Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1793

Hannah Caldwell (ne Armstrong) - to 1794 - mother of James Caldwell

Margaret Skerrett (ne Caldwell) - 43/44 

Anne Caldwell of Nantwich  -  34/35 

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 26/27  - sisters of James Caldwell

Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 39/40 - Elizabeth Caldwell's sister (1753-1832)

James Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 33/34. 

Elizabeth Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 38/39                 

Hannah Caldwell (later Roscoe) – aged 7/8  

Stamford Caldwell – aged 6 

Mary Caldwell – aged 3/4 

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – aged 1/2 

Margaret Emma Caldwell (later Holland) – aged 1 this year (baptised 15^th June 1792)

James Caldwell letters.

About two months ago Abraham Crompton Junior Esquire who resides at Chorley in the County of Lancaster being in the Coffee Room at Chorley reading the papers with company with John Harrison, Mr James Smith, Mr Thomas Hindle, Mr William Hough and Mr Herbert Edgar, all of whom are his neighbours and acquaintances the subject of politics was started, owing to some mention or other being made of Judge Ashhurst’s Charges; wherein the conversation turning generally upon forms of Government it was observed by somebody present that no moderate person could before a Revolution when Mr Crompton said that he was for a Revolution upon which Mr Harrison observed, ‘That is a very undefined term, you would not mean by that to overset the present Constitution.’

Mr Crompton relied ‘I would have no Lords.’ Mr Harrison then said, ‘What, and would you have no King?’ Mr Crompton replied ‘Yes,I would have no King.’ Mr Hough then said ‘Republicanism (or a Republican Government) would never do for this Country.’ On which Mr Harrison observed that is could not, it had been tried. The conversation was here interrupted by the Mistress of the Coffee Room opening the door, and other gentlemen coming in nothing further was said; but Mr Crompton afterwards declared to Mr Smith that he wished to have explained himself further had he not bee interrupted.

The foregoing is as much as I recollect of what was said, though I cannot speak positively to it.

But I considered, and clearly understood at the time, to be nothing more than mere matter of lose, private conversation, on a general question of politics and Government, and not at all as expressive on the part of Mr Crompton, of any thing personal or disrespectful to his present Majesty, or as conveying, or meant to convey, the idea of any wish or intention to distress or reflect upon the existing Government.

I have know Mr Crompton for many years and have always considered him as a very worthy respectable man and of unimpeachable character and conduct since he has been in the Commission of the Peace, he has uniformly acquitted himself, so far as I ever heard or could judge, as an useful upright Magistrate, particularly vigilant and active, in enforcing the execution of, and a due submission to the Laws. In respect to politics I have always thought him moderate. When I have dined at his house, it was always his custom to give the King as his first Toast; and in case of any Riot or disturbance, I believe that he would be one of the first to step forwards to quell it, in whatever party or form whatever cause it might originate.

Witness

James Smith

James Caldwell

Signed at Chorley by Mr Smith

4^th February 1793

On the first of December last, Abraham Crompton Junior Esquire, who resides at Chorley in the County of Lancaster being in the Coffee room at Chorley reading the papers in company with Mr John Harrison, Mr James Smith, Mr Thomas Hindle, Mr William Hough and Mr Herbert Edgar, all of whom are his neighbours and acquaintances, the subject of politics was started, owing to some mention or other being made of Judge Ashursts Charge when the conversation turning generally upon forms of Government it was observed by somebody that no moderate person could be for a revolution, when Mr Crompton said that he was for a Revolution, upon which Mr Harrison observed that is a very undefined term, you would not mean by that to overset the present constitution.

Mr Crompton replied I would have no Lords. Mr Harrison then asked, what and would you have no King? Mr Crompton replied yes, I would have no King, but if it was to be done it should be gradually and when it appeared to be the general sense of the people to have it so. The conversation was now interrupted by the Mistress of the Coffee Room opening the door and some more Gentlemen coming in. Nothing more was said but Mr Crompton afterwards declared to Mr Harrison that we wished to have explained himself further had he not been interrupted.

The foregoing is according to the best of my recollection the substance of what passed but I considered and clearly understood it at the time as nothing more than mere matter of loose private conversation, on a general question of politics and Government, and not at all as expressed on the part of Mr Crompton of any thing said or disrespectful to his present Majesty or an conveying or meant to convey the idea of any wish or intention to disturb, weaken or reflect upon the existing Government.

I have known Mr Crompton for many years and have always considered him as a worthy respectable man of unimpeachable character and conduct. Since he has been in the Commission of the peace he has uniformly acquitted himself, so far as I ever heard, or could judge as an useful, upright magistrate particularly vigilant active in the discharge of his office, and in enforcing the execution of and a due submission to the Laws.

The letter a copy of which is subjoined and which was written by me on the Seventeenth December to a Mr Thomas Ainsworth who is a friend of mine and a Member of the Association established at Bolton for the protection of liberty and property, will more fully explain my sentiments and impressions at the time respecting this disagreeable and misrepresented business.

John Harrison

Signed in the presence of James Caldwell

Chorley

4^th February 1792 [1793?]

Mr Ainsworth,

Sir,

I must beg leave to offer you my sentiments respecting the businesss, Mr Hardman was here upon, on Saturday last, for which I hope your excuse. It strikes me that every association might to aim at the preservation of peace, good order and universal good neighbourhood And your association appears to be expressly to this purpose. How far then it is proper to interfere in other towns so as to cause a disagreeable division amongst the inhabitants at present upon the most social agreeable footing; I leave it to your own Judgment to determine, with me it appears in the most disagreeable point of view and to think there may be the least possibility of any individuals being called upon in the character of informers (a name detested by all respectable characters of any party) is what must give the most disagreeable sensations to any man of sensibility. Also instead of conciliation differences in opinion to proceed to any kind of individual prosecutions is, I think, only leading to inflame and in the present instance in my mind wholly unnecessary.

There are few men but have particular political opinions – impossible, nay in measure unjust to deprive them of so long as they do not interfere in any particular manner with the constitution. And for any individual to suffer for a few inconsiderate words spoken without any mischievous or bad intention which (from the general tone of the Gentleman’s actions and known character both public and private) is generally believed would in my mind be very hard.

It would also be a very great loss to the town to be without a Magistrate and I do not believe we have another Gentleman in the town who would accept the office.

Though the Gentleman’s opinion and mine might differ with respect to the form of Government we might fix upon, had we the Formation of one, yet I must do him the justice to say that I firmly believe he would never have the least idea (and I absolutely think him incapable) of doing any thing that he thought might effect the peace and good order of society. In fact upon any occasion of disturbance I am sure he would be one of the first to step forward to quell it by what ever party brought forward.

I sincerely hope all further thoughts upon this business may be dropp’d, as I am well convinced most of the Principal Inhabitants of this place are of the same opinion with me; and it would give me, and I dare say them, much uneasiness to see any further steps taken.

I have only to add, that from the reasons stated, you will particularly oblige me, and I doubt not many of the Gentlemen of this place, if you will use your influence to stop any further procedures.

Mr H begs to unite &c &c &c

Jn Harrison

December 17 1792

On 1st December 1792,

Abraham Crompton Junior Esquire, who resides at Chorley in the County of Lancaster being in the Coffee room at Chorley reading the papers in company with Mr John Harrison, Mr James Smith, Mr Thomas Hindle, Mr William Hough and Mr Herbert Edgar, all of whom are his neighbours and acquaintances, the subject of politics was started, when Mr Edgar observed he was for moderate reform, when Mr Crompton said he was for a Revolution, upon which Mr Harrison observed that is a very undefined term, you would not mean by that to overset the present constitution. Mr Crompton replied I would have no Lords. Mr Harrison then said, what and would have no King? Mr Crompton replied ‘I would have no King.’ Mr Hough waited for some person to reply and then said ‘Englishmen will never – governed by a Republican Government.’ Mr Harrison observed ‘that system has been tried but it would not do.’  The conversation was here interrupted by the Mistress of the Coffee Room opening the door and other Gentlemen coming in, nothing further was said.

I considered and clearly understood what Mr Crompton said at the time to be nothing more than mere matter of loose private, inadvertent and unguarded conversation on a  general question of politics and Government, and not at all as expressive on the part of Mr Crompton of any thing personal or disrespectful to his present Majesty or as conveying or meant to convey the idea of any wish or intention to disturb, weaken or reflect upon the existing Government.

I have known Mr Crompton for many years and have always considered him as a worthy respectable man of unimpeachable character and conduct, and have had occasion often to go before him in his capacity of a Magistrate when he was vigilant and active in enforcing the execution of and a due submission to the Laws.

In respect to Politics I have always thought him moderate and have often asked Mr Smith his sentiment of Mr Crompton’s principles when Mr Smith uniformly told me he was for no more than for a moderate reform which every good subject could wish for. That at the News Room dinner which was on Thursday following the above conversation he gave the King for his Toast and I am confident in case of any Riot or Disturbance he would be one of the first to step forward and exert himself to quell it, in whatever party or upon whatever cause it might originate.

Chorley 4^th Feb 1793.

William Hough

About two months ago Abraham Crompton Junior Esquire, who resides at Chorley in the County of Lancaster being in the Coffee room at Chorley reading the papers in company with Mr John Harrison, Mr James Smith, Mr Thomas Hindle, Mr William Hough and Mr Herbert Edgar, all of whom are his neighbours and acquaintances, the subject of politics was started and a general conversation took place upon the forms of Government in the course of which a Reform in this Country was mentioned when Mr Crompton said he thought there must be a Revolution or something to that effect, on which Mr Harrison observed ‘Why then Mr Crompton, you would have no King and no Lords,’ to which Mr Crompton replied Yes, but immediately added that he would not have a Revolution take place till every body was agreeable to it, and it could done without rioting and mobbing or used expressions to that effect. The conversation here interrupted by some persons coming into the room.

That is all that I particularly recollect of what passed, but I considered and clearly understood it at the time mere matter of loose private conversation and not at all personal to his present Majesty as conveying or meant to convey the idea of any wish or intention on the part of Mr Crompton to disturb, weaken or cast any reflections upon the existing Government.

I have known Mr Crompton for many years and have always considered him as a worthy and respectable man, and of unimpeachable character and conduct. Since the present questions of Politics have been agitate I have frequently heard his Moderation taken notice of by persons of what is called the opposition party, and during the time he has been in the Commission of the peace he has always acquitted himself, so far as I ever heard, or could judge as an useful, upright magistrate particularly vigilant active in the discharge of his office, and in enforcing the execution of and a due submission to the Laws. In case of any riot or disturbance I am persuaded that he would be one of the most forward in endeavoring to quell it, in whatever party or from whatever case it might originate

Thomas Hindle

Witness, James Caldwell

Signed by Mr Hindle at Chorley

4^th February 1793

About two months ago Abraham Crompton Junior Esquire, who resides at Chorley in the County of Lancaster being in the Coffee room at Chorley reading the papers in company with Mr John Harrison, Mr James Smith, Mr Thomas Hindle, Mr William Hough and Mr Herbert Edgar, all of whom are his neighbours and acquaintances, a conversation on general politics took place arising from some mention or other being made of Judge Ashhurst’s Charge in the course of which something was said of King and Lords, when Mr Crompton observed that if he had a new Government to form he would have no King or Lords. Mr Edgar then observed that he was for reform to which Mr Crompton replied these are my sentiments, or that is my wish but I could have no robbing or rioting and if ever anything is done, it should be with the general consent of the people or the voice of the Nation or that that effect.

The foregoing is all that I particularly recollect of what passed, but I considered and clearly understood it at the time mere matter of loose inadvertent conversation and not at all expressive on the part of Mr Crompton of anything personal or disrespectful to the King or as conveying or meant to convey the idea of any wish or intention disturb reflect upon the present Government.

I have known Mr Crompton for many years and have always considered him as a worthy and respectable man of unimpeachable character and conduct since he has been in the Commission of the peace he has uniformly acquitted himself, so far as I ever heard, or could judge as an useful, upright magistrate particularly vigilant active in enforcing the execution of and a due submission to the Laws. I have in some cases thought him rather too exact and in a matter of Revenue, leaning too much to the side of the King. I think no other Magistrate in this neighbourhood has taken the same pains in the discharge of his duty. I am confident that in case of any riot or disturbance Mr Crompton would be one of the foremost to quell it, in whatever party, or from whatever case it might originate.

Chorley 4^th of February 1793

Herbert Edgar

In  confirmation of what is said by all the Gentlemen respecting Mr Crompton’s General character and conduct, the following copy of and letter from R Andrews Esq a Magistrate for the County of Lancaster with whom Mr Crompton has been in the habit of acting ever since he has himself been in the Commission of the Peace is added.

Rivington near Chorley.1793

Lancashire.

Mr Crompton of Chorley is a Gentleman of established good character in this neighbourhood and a firm friend to peace and good order. I have acted with him as a Magistrate some years and have ever found that he paid due attention and fidelity in executing the Laws of this Country to the best of his knowledge. He is a steady friend to the present form of Government and convinced I am that he would at this time be as ready as any person to put a stop to any Tumult or Insurrection that might arise.

R. Andrews.

February 21^st

Observation

From a desire to do away with effects of that misrepresentation to which Mr Crompton finds himself expressed, as well as to present his being injured without cause in the esteem of those, whose good opinion it is his anxious wish to preserve, he has been induced to procure the foregoing Statements in order that the whole of this affair in which they relate, may be clearly and thoroughly understood. This he persuades himself is all that is requisite to his compleat vindication. But although satisfied of having committed no intentional offence and trusting therefore that he might with confidence look forwards to the determination of a Jury, Mr Crompton is still desirous to avoid be every honorable means, the being involved in a contention with Government.

It is unfortunate that the Gentlemen do not so fully and accurately recollect the general scope of the conversation as to convey more clearly the true import of Mr Crompton’s words, all that in point of substance he [affies?] did, or meant to say, amounted to nothing more than the expression of a bare opinion, resting wholly upon an Hypothesis namely, that if a Government was to be made anew then that it might be constructed in a better form than the present.

Had not Mr Crompton been interrupted at the critical part of the conversation, by other persons coming into the room, there can be little doubt from the wish which he afterwards expressed to have had an opportunity of explaining himself further, and that he would have done it in such a manner as to have precluded the possibility of misconstruction or mistakes.

So far indeed from entertaining any wish or intention to disturb the peace and order of Society Mr Crompton has no hesitation in declaring in the most explicit manner that he deprecates any attempt of the kind, and that if any such was made he should feel it to be his inclination no less than it would become his Duty, to use his utmost endeavours to resist and defeat it; being fully aware that what may in many cases appear to be abstractedly and theoretically right may in practice be highly inexpedient and unwise.

Any further or more particular observations may perhaps be deemed unnecessary, and take up too much time. It is only therefore submitted that from the – general tenor of the evidence it appears.

First, that the words spoken, were matter of private undesigning conversation only, in the course of a genuine argument between persons living in the same place, long known to each other, and amongst whom guarded and cautious language was deemed wholly unnecessary.

2^nd. That these words were not used by Mr Crompton as part of any speech or declaration deliberately made or introduced by him with a view to excite or enflame the minds of the persons to whom he was speaking; but merely in hasty reply, to strong and leading questions, pointedly put, and were extorted therefore in some measure by the course of argument.

Thirdly. That from the concurrent Testimony of all the witnesses it is manifest that nothing of an inflammatory or seditious nature appeared to be intended on the one side, nor was understood on the other, and that so far from any contempt or disrespect to the present King and Government appearing to have been expressed nothing of the kind was even thought of by any of the parties at the time.

Letter to James Caldwell from Abraham Crompton junior. 1793

Chorley Feb 17, 1793

Dear Sir,

I thank you very sincerely for your kind and friendly letter and for all your wishes and endeavours to serve me. With respect to the accusation against me for tearing down Judge Ashhurst’s Charge I have only to answer that it is totally unfounded laying my hand upon my heart and calling God to witness I solemnly declare that it was not my act and deed and that it was done without my knowledge, direction or consent on the contrary I was sorry to find it pulled down and expressed myself strongly to that purpose. A more unjust calumny could not possibly have been circulated.

How wicked men can be when their hearts are bent on mischief. As to the other political outrages you mention I have not the most distant conception to what you refer and should be obliged to you to explain yourself more particularly. I have no doubt they will be found to have existed no where but in the black hearts of my malicious enemies, the number of whom I am sorry to find is greater than I had supposed. Do good Sir be kind enough to let me know what these outrages are.

I mentioned your kind letter to Mr Harrison, one of the witnesses summoned against me who will take the liberty of troubling you with a line of explanation of the whole business as I wish to conceal nothing from you conscious to myself as I before said of no evil or seditious intention.

With great respect I remain,

Your much obliged friend,

And humble servant

Abraham Crompton Junior. 

 Letter

Sir Henry Houghton Bart, M.P.

London

Chorley 18^th February 1793

Sir, Mr Crompton having communicated to me a letter he received from you on Saturday last, I felt myself impelled to endeavour to clear him from some of these injurious charges laid against him. They, I trust from your known character, will be a sufficient apology for this intrusion. Judge Ashurst’s  most excellent charge had been put up in our Coffee Room, but that it was taken down by Mr Crompton, I may safely say, is absolutely false; which from the authority I have I am fully justified in doing; neither have I heard of any other instance of Political Outrage though I believe many injurious reports have been circulated, and very unjust aspersions cast upon him, in consequence of the very unfortunate (and as his friend I must say inconsiderate declaration of his Sentiments upon the different forms of Government.) and notwithstanding we may suppose a degree of impropriety looking upon him as a Magistrate; yet, if we consider him only as a private individual conversing upon any topic whatever in a mixed company, his arguments certainly ought not to be regarded further than any others of that Company so as to be censured particularly on account of him Magisterial capacity. And consequently in this point of view we may infer, the impropriety in a great measure as done away.

That Mr Crompton has regarded himself in this light I have no doubt, as he has more than once declared to me, that when not absolutely acting as a Magistrate, he only considered himself as one of the Company he happened to be with, and consequently looked upon himself as having the same right to argue upon any subject and give his ideas at the moment with the same freedom as the rest. Yet in no other instance can I recollect the least impropriety or any circumstance tending to shew the least violence of Political Disposition.

As I think it necessary for Mr Crompton’s interest that you should be fully informed of the present unhappy circumstance exactly as it happened and as I am convinced it is Mr Crompton’s wish that I should give you this information.

I will take the liberty to inclose a copy of a Declaration given and signed by me to Mr Caldwell (Mr Crompton’s Attorney) And also a copy of a letter written by me to a Gentleman at Bolton upon the occasion of an Attorney’s coming here with a view to obtain Affidavits upon the business. These will convey the best account, as also my impressions at the time, in as full a manner as I can give them.

I most sincerely hope your good and friendly Offices, (which I have no doubt will be executed in his favour) added to your interest with Lord Hawksbury, and a proper representation from you of the facts, may be attended with every success I wish, and that you will shortly be able to convey to Mr Crompton the [good?] news that this affair is entirely settled [hole in page] restore happiness to his family [hole in paper] Particularly Mr Crompton [hole]  in such an anxious uncertain moment as just given Mr Crompton, ad addition to his family the [hole] have felt severely, as well as Mr Crompton who notwithstanding every exertion to keep his spirits up, I am well convinced has suffered as much as from that uneasiness of mind naturally attended [hole] uncertainty, and the reflection of the pain [hole] his nearest and dearest relatives, through [hole] unthinking,  unfortunate moment.

I am sir, with greatest respect,

Your most – [hole

Jn.

Caldwell [copy of summons in two different handwritings.]

St.Hilary Term, 33^rd George 1793

Lancashire, to wit Be it Remembered that Sir Archibald MacDonald, Knight Attorney General of Law present Sovereign Lord the King who for our present Sovereign Lord the King in this behalf prosecuteth in his own proper person comes here into the Court of our said Lord the King before the King himself at Westminster on Wednesday next after the Octavo of Saint Hilary in this same Term and for our said Lord and King giveth the Court here to understand and be informed

that Abraham Crompton, late of Chorley in the County of Lancashire Esquire being a wicked seditious and ill disposed person and having no regard for the Laws of this Realm and most unlawfully, wickedly, maliciously and seditiously devising, contriving and intending to disturb the Peace and tranquility of our land, the King and of this Kingdom and to bring our Sovereign Lord the King and the Peers of this Realm and the Constitution and Government of this Kingdom as by Law established into hatred and contempt with the subjects of this Realm,

and to asperse and vilify our said Lord and King and the Peers of this Realm and to alienate and withdraw the affections and fidelity of his said Majesty’s subjects from his said Majesty’s person and government on ye 1^st day of December in ye 33^rd year of the Reign of our present Sovereign Lord the King

at Chorley aforesaid in the in the County of Lancashire in order to compleat perfect and bring to effect his most wicked and seditious contrivance and intentions aforesaid in the presence and hearing of diverse subjects of our Sovereign Lord the King [ 3 words]

wickedly, maliciously and seditiously did say, utter and publish of and concerning the Constitution and government of this Kingdom the scandalous and seditious words following, to wit,

meaning himself the said Abraham, and for a Revolution meaning a Revolution in the Constitution and Government of this Kingdom and meaning himself the said Abraham would have no King or Lords meaning thereby that he would have no King or Lords meaning thereby that he would have no King or Peers of this Realm in the Constitution and Government thereof.

In contempt of our Sovereign Lord the King and the Laws of this Kingdom to the great danger of our present happy constitution to the evil and pernicious example of all they in the like case affording and against the peace of our said present Sovereign Lord and King, his Crown and dignity.

And aforesaid Attorney General of our said Lord and King for our said Lord the King with the Court here [furn?] to understand and be informed that the said Abraham Crompton being such a person as aforesaid and again unlawfully, wickedly, maliciously and seditiously devising, contriving and intending as aforesaid afterwards, to wit,

on aforesaid 1^st day of December in the aforesaid 33^rd year of the reign of our said Sovereign Lord and King with force and arms at Chorley aforesaid in the County aforesaid in order to compleat, perfect and bring to affect his most wicked and seditious contrivances and intentions aforesaid

in the presence and hearing of [diverse?] subjects of our Sovereign Lord and King unlawfully, wickedly, maliciously and seditiously did say, utter and publish of and concerning the constitution and Government of this Kingdom the scandalous and seditious words following, to wit,

[Imeaning?] himself the aforesaid Abraham for a revolution, no King, no Lords meaning a revolution in the aforesaid constitution and government of this Kingdom and that there should be no King, or Peers of this Realm in the Constitution and Government thereof in contempt of our Sovereign Lord the King and the Laws of this Kingdom to the great danger of our happy constitution, to the evil and pernicious example of all those in the like case affording and against the peace of our said Lord the King, his Crown and dignity where upon the said Attorney General of our said Lord the King who for our said Lord the King in the behalf prosecuteth for our said Lord the King prayeth this consideration of the court here in the premises and that due process of Law may be accorded against him the aforesaid Abraham Crompton in this behalf to make him answer to our said Lord and King touching and concerning these [Premds?] aforesaid?

Part of letter re Crompton case. 1793

Lord Hawkesbury present his compliments to Sir Henry Houghton and returns him the inclosed papers. It belongs to His Majesty’s Law Officers to judge, from the information they have received whether Mr Crompton ought to be prosecuted and in what manner; And it will be the duty of the Court and Jury before whom Mr Crompton is tried, to determine whether he is guilty, and to what Punishment he should be made subject; But Lord Houghton thinks it his duty as Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster to say that if the conversation stated in Mr Harrison’s Declaration of the 4^th February to have been held by Mr Crompton, shall be legally proved to have been actually held by him Mr Crompton (whatever his Character in other respects may be) is certainly unfit to exercise any Office of Magistrate under the Government of Great Britain according to the present Constitution.

Hertford Street

March 4 1793

 Draft letter.

[‘Immediately on being informed’ crossed out] In urgency of the Prosecution which has been commenced against me [‘in consequence of’ crossed out] for some expression that I unguardedly made use of at ChorleyI thought it my duty to wait upon Messrs Chamberlayne - of [abtaining?] to them whatever may have been[advanced?] against me and of satisfying them that I intended no offence or disrespect to Government.

Mr White having with equal candour and politeness attended to my representation I am induced to take the liberty of requesting [‘with the greatest deference’ crossed out] the favour of your perusal at the statement I have now the honor to enclose [being according to the best of my recollection a just account of the whole affair] at the same time of expressing my hope that any thing that I may have improperly said will be attributed to its true and inadvertence only what to my best intentions or design whatever.

Under these circumstances should it be thought proper to [‘proceed no further in the present’ and ‘drop any further’ crossed out] drop any further Prosecution. I beg leave to add that [- ] to any thing that may be required on my part, consistent with my Honor and my feelings as a Gentleman. I have the honor to be sir,

Your most Obedient and humble Servant

Abraham Crompton

King Street

Covent Garden

16^th March 1793

 Draft letter re Crompton

Letter to Mr Caldwell

Solicitor

Newcastle under Lyme

Staffordshire.

The King v Crompton

Sir,

Mr Attorney Fould[?] has not yet come to any determination relative to this prosecution, this moment he has been assured I will acquaint you the Rules to [pleed?] are unnecessarily given in order that we may, in case it shall eventually be found expedient, be entitled to proceed to Tryal at this Sessions Assizes or have a Judgment by default. I am sire your most humble servant.

Jos White

No. 6 Lincoln Inn

29 [March?] 1793

 James Caldwell Esq,

[from] Preston, October -^th 1799

Sir,

Agreeable to your favour of the – Inst we this day met our draught at ½ months [fod?] £1800 – to Messrs Vine & Co of the - - of Newcastle- -

Sir

Your most humble servant

Atherton, Greaves & Denison

Crompton Esq., leg ads Rep

An understanding from my Agent Mr. Peake that on the 17^th instant a Rule to plead was given on this matter which will expire on the 5^th May. I take the liberty of enquiring whether the Attorney General has yet taken any notice of Mr Crompton’s Representation of his case which you was so obliging as to deliver, or whether the Presentation[?] is still intended to be carried on - - in which Mr Crompton -- sufficient.

[on back – A.C. 24^th April 1793]

 Letter to James Caldwell from Abraham Crompton Jun. Very find script handwriting.

Chorley 9^th May 1793

Dear Sir,

I was surprised to receive you letter this morning. I was over at Bolton on Sunday and as Miss Noble was writing to H. Stamford I got her to mention that I should let Judgment go by default which is the determination we have come to. I wish you would send me an account of what money you paid in London and likewise a copy of the Memorial and other proceedings which we had when together. I cannot add anything more but Mrs C and my love to you.

AC jun. {Abraham Crompton Junior]

Wedgwood Archive

28-20689

1793

Bill mentioning James Caldwell, E Wood and Sparrow & Caldwell, 1792-1793 £504:19:8