A letter from a soldier in barracks with references to the passing of the Great Reform Bill, and to an outbreak
of cholera. Addressed to the writer’s uncle Robert Newall of Hare Hill
(probably Hare Hill House), Littleborough, Rochdale, a member of a long-established
local family. No details of the sender discovered.
*
Transcription
Addressed to: Mr Robert
Newall Hare Hill Littleboro’
Rochdale
Datelined: Woolwich 23rd
March 1832; despatch postmarks of 26 March; docketing note Ans 7 April
Counter signed on front, probably
to secure reduced postage rate of one penny rather than as censorship: John
T Jones Colonel Comr. R Sappers & Miners
Dear Uncle
It is now some time since I had
the pleasure of addressing you but in consequence of having nothing particular
to communicate I considered I might have been thought troublesome, and as I am
aware of the stagnation of Trade which has existed throughout the Country of
late I could not expect that you would hear of anything which might have
benefitted me. Last night however the Reform Bill eventually passed the House
of Commons, by a majority of 116, and it is to be hoped that it will soon pass
the Lords also [it didn’t until June] Then in the course of
time we may presume that we may derive some benefit from the result, and the
people satisfied in the end.
Yesterday I wrote to my Sister
Margaret, in reply to a Letter from her, received 10 days ago, wherein is
stated that they were all well at Sutton [Yorkshire not Surrey] –
my Father & mother having been paying a visit (with Mr & Mrs Grayburn)
at Eppleworth and in return Macklin [?] & Margaret spending a few
days at Sutton. My Father invited me to go into Yorkshire last Winter, but I
consider that it would be muich pleasanter in Summer than in the winter Season.
I therefore purpose availing myself of the offer of once seeing my friends at
Sutton &c again early in the Summer, when I trust my journey may not be
altogether unsuccessful.
You have been very fortunate in
escaping the Cholera in your neighbourhood so far, you will observe the number
of cases in London and its’ vicinity but owing to the numerous contradictory
reports, pro and con, it is difficult to come to a conclusion of its being of
so malignant a nature as is represented.
Four cases have been reported
from Woolwich, and a Cholera Hospital is already fitted up for public
reception. When it first made its’ appearance in London, all the Troops in
Garrison here were confined to their Barracks or Quarters after Six o’clock at
night, but when it was thought not to be infectious by the Military Doctors,
that restriction was taken off, & we are now obliged to be in by 8 an hour
sooner than the usual time.
How does the Lawsuit Sutcliffe
versus Ormerod proceed? Margaret informed me some time ago that they were going
to Law respecting the case. It is a foolish thing to put it into the hands of
the Lawyers.
I trust my aunt and all friends in Lancashire are well and that you may still continue to enjoy good health. How
does my Uncle Leech wear since the Death of poor Sarah? I am sure he must feel
greatly at a Loss by himself, but I presume Mrs Ormerod will not keep his
house.
With kind regards to my aunt and
all Friends, I remain, Dear Uncle, Your affectionate Nephew
Benjamin Holland
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