Samuel Holberry was a member of the Chartist movement and was imprisoned in York Castle as a result. This collection comprises correspondence he received whilst in prison. Also includes letters received from John Cooper, a family friend, from his relative
Holberry; Samuel (1814-1842)Includes news of his brother’s indisposition and accidental death of William Smith.
Holberry’s wife not coming to stay despite repeated invitations and asks him to persuade her. Wonders why she has not heard from him.
Regrets his long silence but has been in prison and released at request of Lord Normanby. Had an accident and broken his leg in 2 places. William Brook has been ill. Gives details of housing situation in Bradford.
Received news of Holberry through Needham. Unable to understand why letters not received. Country in a deplorable state.
Talks about the joy of real friendship. Cannot say who is to present Petition. Collection made for Mrs Brook in order to safeguard her property.
Have killed a pig and would have liked to send a pork pie but afraid he would be unable to receive it. 12 stamps enclosed. Suggests Holberry does not write to Northern Star.
Regret letter misunderstood. No letter of yours in Star. Help for prisoners wives 6 March 1842, from Needham, Sheffield. Mr O’Connor to present a memorial to the Queen. Court dress costs £200. Trade very bad - 900,000 out of work.
Some confusion about missing letters and stamps. His wife welcome if she comes to Nottingham Fair.
Postal Order sent to his wife for some shirts. William Walker visiting York so you can give him your news for us.
Your wife and parents all well but brother-in-law unwell with his back. Thanks for kind presents. News from India disastrous - army destroyed.
Has been unwell. Mr Barnes will do what he can for you at Town Hall. Received Postal Order for William for shirts for you.
The letter was written for them by their daughter Hannah Rhodes, and states they are looking forward to seeing him again, if they live, and enclosing stamps, books and stockings.
Pressing affairs by wickedness of a few. Will. try to do more in future to remedy situation in Yorkshire. Glad to be rid of Whigs. Despite 18 months of neglect you are not forgotten. Next Convention in London 12 April and shall do what I can in your caus
Regrets apparent neglect. Has been in bad health.
Pleased health improved. Mr Wells writing a Petition on your behalf. Pleased Mr Martin has written to you. Sending a parcel this week. All well at Attercliffe.
Sent Postal Order for 5/ recently.
Distressed to hear of your situation, hopefully improved. Petition being sent off next week to House of Commons by Mr Duncombe MP. Have written also to Mr Campbell, Mr O’Connor and Mr Moir. Keep up your spirits. Mr George White has moved that a Committee
Delay in writing due to wife’s illness, but midelling(sic) at present. Love from parents who hope it will not be long before they see you again. Brother William wishes to be remembered, a bad letter writer. A friend says your Petition has been sent up to
Shocked to see your letter is not in your own handwriting. Sickened to think of all you have suffered at the Castle — and for what was done by others. I have strong hopes that you will soon be released. Regret the pain in your side is no better* I delayed
Memorial taken to Fair, but few signatures. Mr Albert Smith asked how many signatures we had and I told him that we would have had as many as would fit on the memorial sheet if the magistrates had signed. He is to use his influence. Mr Parker will transmi
Memorial taken to magistrates and they will give an answer tomorrow. Your wife in good health. I enclose 5 stamps.
Hope you are better. Have not written before because I thought that if I made no mention of the memorial you would think you had no hope of getting out of Castle. Your wife has been to the magistrate and it is agreed that the surgeon should see you. Mr Hu
Includes news of a meeting and a collection being made.
The letter includes information about a visit to see Holberry's wife in Attercliffe, and other local news.
Acknowledging receipt of money from Mr Cleave; suggests he write to friends at Brighton to get up a Petition for his release; news of Harrison in Bradford, committed for 2 years at Lancaster Castle for stealing, and Robert Peddle taken off hard labour in
Written on their behalf informing him of his mother’s illness, and having asked his wife to help in looking after her. Announces she has taken a shop in Retford.
Petition refused. News of murder of Mary Hall by her husband at Wicker.
Regrets to hear of Holberry’s indisposition. Employment in Sheffield improving 26 December 1841, from his wife, family and local news; good wishes for New Year.
She is worried about a pain in his side, and apologises for not informing him about a letter she had received.
The letter informs him of the latest family news, as well as some local news. Also includes her best wishes for the New Year.