Letter from Andrew Lowden to the Secretary of State, May 1856 protesting about the compulsory vaccination bill. (Catalogue ref: MH 13/250/188 f430.)
To Sir George Grey Secretary of State for the Home Department
Sir,
I humbly beg to protest against the passing of the Bill on Compulsory Vaccination, which I look upon as a gross infringement on the Medical liberty of the Subject.
I further beg to represent to you, that many professional persons and others are of opinion that Vaccination not only does not prevent small-pox, but it is productive of worse and more dangerous diseases, such being the case, I hope you will present this my protest to the House of Commons,
I am Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Andrew Lowden
Barrhead by Glasgow
Barrhead
May 5th / 56
- Why does the author of the letter object to the compulsory vaccination bill?
- Why do you think he wrote to the Home Secretary, Sir George Grey?
- Why would the author mention that other people shared his opinion?
- Why do you think he would like his protest presented to the House of Commons?
- What do you think the red blotch on the letter might mean?