A poor labourer writes to the Poor Law Board informing them that a group of them have no work, 27 March 1845, Catalogue ref: MH 12/9808,
Poor Law Union: Uppingham
Union counties: Rutland
Transcript
Sir,
We write to you to know if… this letter, [including statements from other paupers] is despairing as … we have had no work. I, Robert Maydwell for 20 weeks [am] almost [lost] for wants for both myself and my family. I am willing to work but cannot get any to do and I cannot pay my debts without money and I, Thomas Crane have had one day’s work in a week for three weeks. We are almost lost for want of bread and I, William Liquorish have had no work to do and cannot pay until I have work. In fact, we all expect to be put in the Uppingham workhouse and our things sold. Us, and 20 more men in the same distressed state. Please let us know by return post whether the Board at Uppingham [continues to be] so [distressing] as it has been. Please Sir, reply to me William Liquorish, Cottingham, Near Rockingham Northampton.