Jacki - Thanks for another one. THANK THE LORD FOR THE WIFE > WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, > BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, > AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE. > > FOR THE HUSBAND > WHO IS ON THE SOFA > BEING A COUCH POTATO, > BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME > AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS. > > FOR THE TEENAGER > WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES > BECAUSE THAT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, > NOT ON THE STREETS. > > FOR THE TAXES > THAT I PAY > BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT > I AM EMPLOYED. > > FOR THE MESS > TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY > BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I HAVE > BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS. > > FOR THE CLOTHES > THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG > BECAUSE IT MEANS > I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT. > > FOR MY SHADOW > THAT WATCHES ME WORK > BECAUSE IT MEANS > I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE. > > FOR A LAWN > THAT NEEDS MOWING, > WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, > AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING > BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME. > > FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING > I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT > BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT > WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH. > > FOR THE PARKING SPOT > I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT > BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING > AND THAT I HAVE BEEN > BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION. > > FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL > BECAUSE IT MEANS > I AM WARM. > > FOR THE LADY > BEHIND ME IN CHURCH > THAT SINGS OFF KEY > BECAUSE IT MEANS > THAT I CAN HEAR. > > FOR THE PILE > OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING > BECAUSE IT MEANS > I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR. > > FOR WEARINESS > AND ACHING MUSCLES > AT THE END OF THE DAY > BECAUSE IT MEANS > I HAVE BEEN > CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD. > > FOR THE ALARM > THAT GOES OFF > IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS > BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM ALIVE. > > AND FINALLY... > FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL > BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE > FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

Jacki - Thanks for the Funnies - Spring Housecleaning Hints I never get tired of housework - I don't do any. When guests come to visit I just put down dropcloths and say, "We're painting." I don't do windows because ... I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt. I don't wax floors because ... I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I'll feel terrible I don't mind the dust bunnies because ... They are very good company I don't disturb cobwebs because ... I want every creature to have a home of their own. I don't iron because ... I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press" I don't stress much on anything because ... "A Type" personalities die young and I want to stick around and become a wrinkled-up crusty ol' woman!!!! ============================== - Dusty Funnies A little fellow came home from church and was impressed with the sermon. "Mom, the preacher said God made us from the dust of the earth. so why won't you let me play in the mud?" Washing the dishes, the mother absent-mindedly said, "Well, son, I'll pray about that while you get prepared for bed. "And Mom, he said that when we die, we'll become dust," the boy continued. "Um-hum....Call me when you're ready to say your prayers." A few minutes later, she heard her son yelling from upstairs, "Mom!! Come quick! Hurry!!" She dashed upstairs to her son's bedroom to find him kneeling beside his bed, peering underneath. "Look, Mom," he cried in disbelief. "There's someone under my bed and I don't know whether he's coming or going!!" +++++++++ I think this mom will never forget this particular Sunday sermon... "Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. "Without you, we are but dust." He would have continued, but at that moment my very obedient daughter (who was listening!) leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?" ==========================================

Sorry but I could not get the GEDCOME file------------------ could you try again please ,ANN

YYes please,I would like a copy.I havent had any luck yet connecting my husbands family with the T P's maybe this will be it regards ANN.

Good day all. I have received the updated GEDCOM file for LOVELESS of HERMITAGE from Michael Cromey-Hawke. All those who would like to have a a copy please email me off list. Cheers, Donna

> >From: "Loretta Thomas" <redspamat@bigpond.com> > >Source: SUFFOLK-L@rootsweb.com > >Subject: James Hickling LOVELESS, c1854-1892 > > > > > >Hello all, > > > >James Hickling LOVELESS was a Professor of Music. He's buried at a (the?) > >cemetery in Kirkley next to his mother, Elizabeth LOVELESS. Actually, it's > >his parents I'm interested, particularly his mother. > > > >Elizabeth was born in Hethersett, Norfolk, about 1818. She is not in the > >1851 census for Norfolk so presumably was married and living in Suffolk by > >then. In the 1871 census she was living in Kirkley, a widow aged 53. She was > >a Pork Butcher and the only other person in her household was Phoebe ROUNCE, > >her faithful servant who was with her until at least 1901. James is not at > >home and I can't find him anywhere else in 1871. > > > >In 1881 Elizabeth was in London Road, Kirkley, a Provision Dealer, and > >Phoebe was with her. James was a Professor of Music living in Yorkshire. In > >1891 James H was the head of the household in Woodbridge, with Elizabeth > >(living on her own means) and Phoebe. James died in 1892 aged 38 - he > >doesn't seem to have married. In 1901 Elizabeth and Phoebe were at London > >Road. Elizabeth died in 1902 aged 83. > > > >I need to know who Elizabeth's parents were and who her husband was. I > >haven't found a birth, baptism or marriage yet. Mr LOVELESS died before > >1871. I'm betting Elizabeth's maiden name was HICKLING, because she gave her > >son Hickling as a middle name, and also because 'my' Hicklings all came from > >Hethersett/Hempnall in Norfolk and I'm pretty sure she is ours - somehow! A > >great-aunt knows of a HICKLING-LOVELESS connection but is not sure what it > >is. If Elizabeth can be found in 1851 or even 1841 that would answer a LOT > >of questions. Any help appreciated - very much. > > > >Loretta > >Melbourne, Aus. > > > --- > [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] > >

New info from the Times Digital Archive today: 1. 1882 Sep 05: Naval and Military Intelligence, reports: The under-named men have been awarded the medal for long service and good conduct :-- William Henry Kressinger, plumber, of the Asia; William Henry Loveless, captain of quarterdeck men, of the Excellent; ... He was a Capt. Qtr Deck in the 1881 census aboard Terror. This medal means he joined the Navy at least ten years before, in 1872 or earlier. He was my greatuncle by marriage to my paternal grandmother's older sister. He would have been 18 in 1872, which leads me to suppose that was the most likely date for him to have signed up. With two ships and a medal, he ought to be easier to trace. There are several other entries for various LOVELESS names but not many associated with Hampshire 2. 1884 Aug 15 Marriages: On the 12th Aug., 1884, at St. Nicholas' Church, Brighton, by the Rev. H. L. Beardmore, BRIAN RIGDEN, M.R.C.S.Eng., of Canterbury, to Kate, younger daughter of the late W. KERR LOVELESS, M.R.C.S.Eng., of Stockbridge, Hants, and Holly Bank, Southsea. 3. 1899 Jul 05 Army Medical Reserve of Officers: Surg.-Capt. W. K. Loveless, having resigned his Volunteer appointment, ceases to belong to the Army Medical Reserve of Officers. Other names include Charles Dilkes LOVELESS, who died age 78 on 5 Jul 1904 at Barton Mills, Suffolk. He is described as late Superintendent, Greenwich Hospital Branch Admiralty. There are a few other references to him and his daughter's marriage etc. Don't know if this helps anyone but, a very temporary free resource may be useful in looking up your Loveless relatives! Try searching on the Times Digital Archive: http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/itsbtrial Password: graphics Regards Martin Willcocks Taylorsville, UT, USA.

G'day All, I don't believe so Sally. I think Gracie came from Lancashire, and as far as I know the Tolpuddle Standfields have not been connected to any family in the Midlands/North of England. Regards, Lorraine Standfield. ----- Original Message ----- From: "kevin mcmahon" <kevin@emmcmahon.fsnet.co.uk> To: <TOLPUDDLE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 1:24 AM Subject: [TOL] Standfield > Hi All > > In April 2005 Practical Family History mag, page 68, someone states Gracie Fields mother was Sarah Jane Standfield. Any relation to the Tolpuddle ones? > It was listed under info wanted, an Isabella Margaret Grierson gave birth to Frederick Grierson on 20.05.1921 at 25 Middleton Sq, London, he was later adopted, the birth was witnessed by this Sarah Jane Standfield (Gracie Field's mother). This baby was the enquirer's father. > > Regards > Sally > > > > ==== TOLPUDDLE Mailing List ==== > LOVELESS/LOVELACE GENEALOGY PAGE - > UNITED KINGDOM/CANADA/AUSTRALIA > http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~martyrs > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 266.9.1 - Release Date: 1/04/2005 > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 266.9.1 - Release Date: 1/04/2005

Hi All In April 2005 Practical Family History mag, page 68, someone states Gracie Fields mother was Sarah Jane Standfield. Any relation to the Tolpuddle ones? It was listed under info wanted, an Isabella Margaret Grierson gave birth to Frederick Grierson on 20.05.1921 at 25 Middleton Sq, London, he was later adopted, the birth was witnessed by this Sarah Jane Standfield (Gracie Field's mother). This baby was the enquirer's father. Regards Sally

Greetings All, Many thanks for guiding us towards this book Sally, it certainly sounds well worth a read. It is interesting to see how many names the author has used who are actual old established Tolpuddle families; also that the story re John Hammett's pregnant wife has surfaced again. It crops up so often there must be some explanation for it somewhere. Anyone have any bright ideas? Cheers Dawn ----- Original Message ----- From: "kevin mcmahon" <kevin@emmcmahon.fsnet.co.uk> To: <TOLPUDDLE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2005 7:27 PM Subject: [TOL] Tolpuddle Woman book > Hi All > > There are familar names in this book, believe the author did some research > probably from court case etc or the 1934 book. Only factual error I could > see from a quick scan through was the fact that James Hammett's brother's > wife was heavy with child. I have come across this statement before, his > brother John was not married at the time of the Martyrs arrest, this > happened some years later (1837) and his first born was 1838. This is in > the parish records. > > So far story centres around Wesley Gilliam whose father Eli is the > Methodist preacher. His mother is Rachel and he has a brother Saul, they > live in Tolpuddle. He is keen on Saranna Vye who lives at Southover (must > have done research, this was a small hamlet 1mile from Tolpuddle, now > holiday homes and farms, 1795 thre were 56 inhabitants there). He works > for widow Cake in Tolpuddle, Amelia who was wed to Henry. He has a pal > Arnold Cooper who is keen on Mary Riggs. There is a Joseph Pearce, a > farmer at Southover (in 1804 there was a Joseph Pearse farmer of > Southover, along with my ancestors James Pearse and William Hammett. This > Joseph was a yeoman and left a will proved 1814). There is a mention of > Magistrate Frampton and Charles Hammer is the village constable, later it > is James Brine (from a quick scan through). > > The chapters are small, I am only up to no. 10. Think as long as you take > it tongue in cheek, it gives an insight to what the times were like in > those days in the Tolpuddle area. Clearly some sort of factual research > was done, with some of the original names etc appearing. The author has > also done another 17 books, and he has had over 200 of his stories > published in what was then Rhodesia (he was chief security officer of > their dept of Civil Aviation). Having spent my childhood out there, this > was of interest to me. He now lives (1994) Mevagissey in Cornwall, which > we have visited many times, a lovely Cornish fishing village. > > For those of you who like to collect anything to do with or mention > Tolpuddle, I would certainly think you would be able to obtain this book > or through the library system. > > Happy reading.... > Sally > p.s. weather has picked up in this part of London, I even managed to get > some gardening done. > > > Not bad for 10p from our local library's sale. > > > ==== TOLPUDDLE Mailing List ==== > LOVELESS/LOVELACE GENEALOGY PAGE - > UNITED KINGDOM/CANADA/AUSTRALIA > http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~martyrs >

I'm only getting one message from the list.

Hello all. Is anyone else receiving double messages from the Tolpuddle List. Please let me know if you are Cheers, Donna

Hi All There are familar names in this book, believe the author did some research probably from court case etc or the 1934 book. Only factual error I could see from a quick scan through was the fact that James Hammett's brother's wife was heavy with child. I have come across this statement before, his brother John was not married at the time of the Martyrs arrest, this happened some years later (1837) and his first born was 1838. This is in the parish records. So far story centres around Wesley Gilliam whose father Eli is the Methodist preacher. His mother is Rachel and he has a brother Saul, they live in Tolpuddle. He is keen on Saranna Vye who lives at Southover (must have done research, this was a small hamlet 1mile from Tolpuddle, now holiday homes and farms, 1795 thre were 56 inhabitants there). He works for widow Cake in Tolpuddle, Amelia who was wed to Henry. He has a pal Arnold Cooper who is keen on Mary Riggs. There is a Joseph Pearce, a farmer at Southover (in 1804 there was a Joseph Pearse farmer of Southover, along with my ancestors James Pearse and William Hammett. This Joseph was a yeoman and left a will proved 1814). There is a mention of Magistrate Frampton and Charles Hammer is the village constable, later it is James Brine (from a quick scan through). The chapters are small, I am only up to no. 10. Think as long as you take it tongue in cheek, it gives an insight to what the times were like in those days in the Tolpuddle area. Clearly some sort of factual research was done, with some of the original names etc appearing. The author has also done another 17 books, and he has had over 200 of his stories published in what was then Rhodesia (he was chief security officer of their dept of Civil Aviation). Having spent my childhood out there, this was of interest to me. He now lives (1994) Mevagissey in Cornwall, which we have visited many times, a lovely Cornish fishing village. For those of you who like to collect anything to do with or mention Tolpuddle, I would certainly think you would be able to obtain this book or through the library system. Happy reading.... Sally p.s. weather has picked up in this part of London, I even managed to get some gardening done. Not bad for 10p from our local library's sale.

Hi Donna, Sally and all, I too will check out this book, I wonder whether there is also a factual account of the effects of the Tolpuddle trial, in Dorset, on other Loveless family members - closely related or otherwise. My Loveless branch in Dorset left for the Kent coast in 1833 which was a fair journey to make in those days and I have often wondered whether that move was connected to the 'scandal' surrounding the Loveless name. Anyway thanks Sally, from a bright, sunny and warm Qld going into Autumn but we haven't had to get the pullovers out yet. Not that they stay on all day here in Winter anyway!! How's it down South Irene? Wishing you a warm and sunny Spring over there. Carol ----- Original Message ----- From: "kevin mcmahon" <kevin@emmcmahon.fsnet.co.uk> To: <TOLPUDDLE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 11:02 PM Subject: [TOL] book > Hi All > > Greetings from a very dreary and overcast West London today, brightened by my find of a book called The Tolpuddle Woman by E V Thompson, ISBN 0747210535 1994. Although fictional, set in the social upheaval time in Tolpuddle of the Martyrs. Haven't read it yet, so cannot pass comment, but just wondered if anyone else had come across it before, as usually only the factual literature gets a mention. > > Regards > Sally > > > > ==== TOLPUDDLE Mailing List ==== > LOVELESS/LOVELACE GENEALOGY PAGE - > UNITED KINGDOM/CANADA/AUSTRALIA > http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~martyrs > >

Jacki - thanks for the URL. I will add it to the website. Donna ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jacki Keck" <jkeck@dia.net> To: <TOLPUDDLE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, April 01, 2005 12:21 AM Subject: [TOL] RE: Tolpuddle Book > Sounded like an interesting read, so I went to <www.amazon.com> > and found a number of copies available for $4.00+ > So, I ordered one. Thanks for the heads-up, Sally!! > > My family were shirt-tail Loveless, the first Dorset-ite (?) coming to > Minnesota in 1873; others followed in 1883 ... but references to > such folk as Hammetts is evident. It's been awhile since reading > the definitive Tolpuddlian book - Joyce Marlow? > > Suppose most people know of the following site: > <http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/mus_pub_story.htm> > > Croci are beginning to venture out into the raw North Dakota spring > winds; > robins are returning -- nice not to have to scrap windshields of > snow/ice > before going to work. 'Good morning, Sunshine!' > Belated Easter Blessings! > > Jacki - plains of ND / USA > > > ==== TOLPUDDLE Mailing List ==== > LOVELESS/LOVELACE GENEALOGY PAGE - > UNITED KINGDOM/CANADA/AUSTRALIA > http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~martyrs > >

Sounded like an interesting read, so I went to <www.amazon.com> and found a number of copies available for $4.00+ So, I ordered one. Thanks for the heads-up, Sally!! My family were shirt-tail Loveless, the first Dorset-ite (?) coming to Minnesota in 1873; others followed in 1883 ... but references to such folk as Hammetts is evident. It's been awhile since reading the definitive Tolpuddlian book - Joyce Marlow? Suppose most people know of the following site: <http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/mus_pub_story.htm> Croci are beginning to venture out into the raw North Dakota spring winds; robins are returning -- nice not to have to scrap windshields of snow/ice before going to work. 'Good morning, Sunshine!' Belated Easter Blessings! Jacki - plains of ND / USA

Sally - Greetings from Barrie, Ontario, Canada where spring is just starting to show its face. No, I hadn't heard of this book but as I'm going to the Library tomorrow I will check it out. Hope everyone had a good Easter. I went to see my new grandchild. I'm biased but she is just beautiful and so well behaved for 7 weeks. I will be sending pictures as soon as get them developed. Thanks, Donna ----- Original Message ----- From: "kevin mcmahon" <kevin@emmcmahon.fsnet.co.uk> To: <TOLPUDDLE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 8:14 AM Subject: [TOL] book > Hi All > > Greetings from a very dreary and overcast West London today, brightened by my find of a book called The Tolpuddle Woman by E V Thompson, ISBN 0747210535 1994. Although fictional, set in the social upheaval time in Tolpuddle of the Martyrs. Haven't read it yet, so cannot pass comment, but just wondered if anyone else had come across it before, as usually only the factual literature gets a mention. > > Regards > Sally > > > > ==== TOLPUDDLE Mailing List ==== > LOVELESS/LOVELACE GENEALOGY PAGE - > UNITED KINGDOM/CANADA/AUSTRALIA > http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~martyrs > > >

Hi All Greetings from a very dreary and overcast West London today, brightened by my find of a book called The Tolpuddle Woman by E V Thompson, ISBN 0747210535 1994. Although fictional, set in the social upheaval time in Tolpuddle of the Martyrs. Haven't read it yet, so cannot pass comment, but just wondered if anyone else had come across it before, as usually only the factual literature gets a mention. Regards Sally

Hello All, There have been several references recently to John Standfield being a "mayor". If anyone has some primary evidence of this fact, I would appreciate hearing about it. John Standfield was politically active in Canada, having run several times for election in the village of London East. I have only been able to establish him being elected once, in 1877, to the position of deputy reeve. He was defeated in the elections of 1876 and 1878. Before moving to London East around 1875 he was a storekeeper/merchant in Bryanston, where he was also the postmaster for several years. It is believed he was also a Justice of the Peace in Bryanston as well. Bryanston was/is a crossroads community just north of London. London East was a village that abutted the city of London, and the two eventually amalgamated in 1885. (London East boosters avoid the word "annexed") cheers, Geoff Anderson

> Hello all. Here is more on the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Thanks Lorraine. > > > The Tolpuddle Martyrs & Queen of England > > In 1837 Victoria became Queen of England at the tender age of 18. She was a > sprightly young girl who enjoyed a giggle with the best of them, in marked > contrast to many of her dour and sober subjects. One of the first crises of > her reign occurred in 1838 when a deputation from the Lower Bockhampton > Women's Institute presented themselves at Windsor. They brought a petition, > signed by almost every woman in Dorset, requesting the sovereign's > permission to change the names of several East Dorset villages from > Tolpiddle, Alfpiddle and Piddletown to the more salubrious Tolpuddle, > Alfpuddle and Puddletown. The Queen was highly amused by this request, and > refused it just to see what they would do next. > > The response was swift and quite startling. The inhabitants of > the West Country have never been noted for their attachment to the Crown, > and the yeomen of Dorset were soon up in arms, while the Parish Councils of > all the affected villages took the decisive step of changing their names > unilaterally. > > The Dorset War raged for over a decade, absorbing the energies > of almost the entire British Army, and only ended when the Army accepted an > invitation to join in the Crimean War. By this time the Queen had been > forced to give in and approve the name changes. One result of this was that > Victoria vowed to become bad-tempered and never play a prank on her subjects > again. > > > > > > England History. The Luddites and the Combination Acts > The Tolpuddle Martyrs, 1834 > Source: from George Loveless, > > Victims of Whiggery; > In 1834, six agricultural labourers in Dorset tried to resist wage-cutting > by forming themselves into a Friendly Society or trade union. They were > arrested, tried and transported for taking an illegal oath under the > preamble to the 1797 Act intended to prevent mutiny in the Royal Navy. They > were not brought back until 1838. George Loveless became a delegate to the > Chartist Convention in 1839. Loveless, one of the labourers wrote this > account of events. > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- > ---- > > > > In the year 1831-32, there was a general movement of the working classes for > an increase of wages, and the labouring men in the parish where I lived > [Tolpuddle] gathered together, and met their employers, to ask them for an > advance of wages, and they came to a mutual agreement, the masters in > Tolpuddle promising to give the men as much for their labour as the other > masters in the district. The whole of the men then went to work, and the > time that was spent in this affair did not exceed two hours. No language of > intimidation or threatening was used on the occasion. Shortly after we > learnt that, in almost every place around us, the masters were giving their > men money, or money's worth to the amount of ten shillings a week - we > expected to be entitled to as much - but no, nine shillings must be our > portion. After some months we were reduced to eight shillings per week. This > caused great dissatisfaction, and all the labouring men in the village, with > the exception of two or three invalids, made application to a neighbouring > magistrate... > > > > I was one nominated to appear, and when there we were told that we must work > for whatever our employers thought fit to give us, as there was no law to > compel masters to give any fixed sum of money to their servants. In vain we > remonstrated that an agreement was made... From this time we were reduced to > seven shillings per week, and shortly after our employers told us they must > lower us to six shillings per week. We consulted together what had better be > done, knowing it was impossible to live honestly on such scantly means. I > had seen at different times accounts of Trade Societies; I mentioned this, > and it was resolved to form a friendly society among the labourers, having > sufficiently learned that it would be vain to seek the redress either of > employers, magistrates or parsons. I inquired of a brother to get > information how to proceed, and shortly after, two delegates from a Trade > Society paid us a visit, formed a Friendly Society among the labourers, and > gave us directions how to proceed. This was about the latter end of October > 1833. On the 9th December 1833, in the evening, Edward Legg [a labourer], > who was witness against us on our trial, came and desired to be admitted > into the Society... > > > > Nothing particular occurred from this time until the 21st of February, 1834, > when placards were posted up at the most conspicuous places, purporting to > be cautions from the magistrates, threatening to punish with seven years' > transportation any man who should join the Union. This was the first time > that I heard of any law being in existence to forbid such societies. I met > with a copy, read it, and put it into my pocket. February the 24th at day > break, I arose to go to my usual labour, and had just left my house, when > Mr. James Brine, constable of the parish, met me and said, "I have a warrant > for you, from the magistrates." > > > > ...Accordingly I and my companions walked in company with the constable to > Dorchester, about seven miles distant, and were taken into the house of a > Mr. Woolaston, magistrate... Legg was called upon to swear to us, and we > were instantly sent to prison... In this situation the chaplain of the > prison paid us a visit, to pour a volley of instruction in our ears, mixed > up, however, in the cup of abuse. After upbraiding us and taunting us with > being discontented and idle, and wishing to ruin our masters, he proceeded > to tell us that we were better off than our masters, and that government had > made use of every possible means for economy and retrenchment to make all > comfortable. He inquired if I could point out anything that might be done to > increase the comfort of the labourer. I told him I thought I could; and bega > n to assure him that our object was not to ruin the master, but that, for a > long time, we had been looking for the head to begin, and relieve the > various members down to the feet; but finding it was of no avail, we were > thinking of making application to our masters, and for them to make > application to their masters, and so up to the head; and as to their being > worse off than ourselves, I could not believe it, while I saw them keep such > a number of horses for no other purpose than to chase the hare and the fox. > And besides I thought gentlemen wearing the clerical livery, like himself, > might do with a little less salary. "Is that how you mean to do it?" said > he. "That is one way I have been thinking of, Sir." - "I hope the Court will > favour you, but I think they will not; for I believe they mean to make an > example of you." And saying this he left us. On the 15th March we were taken > to the County-hall to await our trial... > > > > As to the trial, I need mention but little; the whole proceedings were > characterised by a shameful disregard of justice and decency; the most > unfair means were resorted to in order to frame an indictment against us; > the Grand Jury appeared to rack heaven and earth to get some clue against > us, but in vain; our characters were investigated from our infancy to the > then present moment; our masters were inquired of to know if we were not > idle, or attended public-houses, or some other fault in us; and much as they > were opposed to us, they had common honesty enough to declare that we were > good labouring servants, and that they never heard of any complaint against > us; and when nothing whatever could be raked together, the unjust and cruel > judge, John Williams, ordered us to be tried for mutiny and conspiracy, > under an Act 37 Geo. III, Cap. 123, for the suppression of mutiny amongst > the marines and seamen, several years ago, at the Nore. The greater part of > the evidence against us, on our trial, was put into the mouths of the > witnesses by the judge... > > > > I shall not soon forget his address to the jury in summing up the evidence: > among other things, he told them, that if such Societies were allowed to > exist, it would ruin masters, cause a stagnation in trade, destroy > property, - and if they should not find us guilty, he was certain they would > forfeit the opinion of the Grand Jury. I thought to myself, there is no > danger but we shall be found guilty, as we have a special jury for the > purpose, selected from among those who are most unfriendly towards us - the > Grand Jury, landowners, the Petty Jury, land-renters. Under such a charge, > from such a quarter, self-interest alone would induce them to say, "Guilty." > ... > > > > ...At the time when so much incendiarism was prevailing in so many parts of > the kingdom, a watch was set in our parish for the protection of property in > the night, and I and my brothers, among others were chosen to watch some > property. Will any reasonable man believe, if we had been rioters that we > should have been so chosen.? But the secret is this: I am from principle, a > Dissenter, and by some in Tolpuddle it is considered as the sin of > witchcraft; nay, there is no forgiveness for it in this world nor that which > is to come; the years 1834-35 are not forgotten, and many a curious tale > might be told of men that were persecuted, banished and not allowed to have > employ if they entered the Wesleyan Chapel at Tolpuddle... > > > > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 266.7.4 - Release Date: 18/03/2005 > >