Political
COBBETT
(William, 1762-1835, Soldier, Farmer and Writer, Radical Reformer, from 1832 M.P. for Oldham)
Autograph Letter Signed to Mr Halliwell
telling him that he had duely received the Petition, and I wrote to inform the parties of it, but it has not been as it was last year. I have been in attendance every day, and so has Mr Fielden, with a Petition of his. I have about eighteen Petitions, and never have been able, yet, to present one. I am exceedingly sorry that you should have had any trouble about it, or that the Petitioners should have had any trouble. I am here for a change of air, in the hopes of getting rid of the worst cold and hoarseness that I ever had in all my life. I beseech you, therefore, to excuse me for writing so short..., 1 side 8vo., Normandy Farm, 9th April
Item Date: 1834
£575
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Background
After unsuccessfully standing for Manchester in December 1832, Cobbett realized his ambition and was elected for the new borough of Oldham, along with his friend John FiIELDEN (1784-1849, Industrialist and Radical MP). In Parliament, Cobbett concentrated his energies on attacking corruption in government and the 1834 Poor Law. He believed that the poor had a right to a share in the community's wealth and that the Old Poor Law was the last remaining right that English workers possessed, and which set them apart from other countries which had no such provision. Because the New Poor Law deprived the people of this right to relief, Cobbett believed that the social contract was broken and that therefore the duty of allegiance was dissolved. In the week before his death, he wrote to a friend: [B]efore the passing of the Poor-Law Bill, I wished to avoid [a] convulsive termination. I now do not wish it to be avoided.
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