I Thomas Boot a poor old Collier in the Parish of South Normanton in the 70th year of my age and my poor wife in her 68th year of age who lies on the bed of severe affliction and I myself am not able to support even myself. The Doctor stated that she is sinking for want of support. I have been twice at the Board at Mansfield, the Board did put us on pay 2s6d per week for both. My wife has to have sitters up every night and since her affliction commenced they have taken 1s off leaving the dismal sum of 1s6d or 9d a piece to live on. The Relieving Officer and Overseer values neither the Doctors or many of the hearts of the Parish who blame them very much knowing we ought to have some little further relief. Hoping you will take this case into your session’s consideration. I am Sir Yours Obediently Thomas Boot.
PS I may add that the Doctor ordered her Relief – the following is a copy – Sarah Boot is in a very feeble condition and requires three pounds of meat weekly and an ounce of Gin daily, July 25th/53 Geo Oldham Surgeon – but I have not received anything of the sort. This Order has been before the Officer and Overseer of the Parish.
Questions to consider
- Who else in the community is mentioned? What might this suggest?
- Are there any similarities in the sources you are studying?
- Do we think the comments in this would be typical? How might we be able to tell this?
- What does this suggest about the connections to the wider community for the poor?