Robert Carrick writes to a Poor Law Union in Norwich on behalf of an abandoned wife 1839

 

 The new Poor Laws of the 1830s replaced the old system of outdoor relief with the workhouse which provided mostly compulsory indoor relief. Deserted by her husband and apparently with no income of her own Mrs Coman must apply to the local Workhouse Union for relief or admission.

Her husband’s army pension to which the letter refers appears to not add up to a subsistence income ; it equates to five shillings and three pence weekly which is about half a poor agricultural worker’s wage. Mr  Coman or his wife (described as industrious) must have had other sources of income.

John Longe was Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk. The Hipper family name appears in contemporary records in relation to drunkenness and deportation.

 

Transcription

Addressed to: J. Longe Esqr   Chairman of the Committee of the St. Faith’s Union

Datelined: Norwich Octr 1839

Sir,

I am requested to acquaint you that Coman a Pensioner from the Rifle Brigade 3^rd Batt at 9d per day since 1818. Have deserted his Wife, a very Clever, Sober, Steady, and an Industrious Woman, and is gone off with a Prostitute named Hipper not aged 16. His furniture which consists the greatest part of Mahogany and other things equally good, He sold, and left the Woman now before you without a Shilling, and is gone to London for the purpose of gaining admission as an In-Pensioner of Chelsea Hospital.

I have written to the Secretary [of Chelsea Hospital, presumably]on the subject – Mrs Coman will explain the Business to the Gentlemen if required, with a Hope that a part of the Pension may be appropriated to her use, and not to a common Whore.

I am Sir, Your very Obedient Servant, Robert Carrick, late of the Adjutants Generals Department