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a letter written in black ink on a piece of paper
Ader

87 - Francis PLACE (1771–1854), an English reformist politician.
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Estimate €800 - €1,000
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Description
Francis PLACE (1771–1854), an English reformist politician. L.A.S., London, 4 January 1834; 4 pages, in-4 (traces of a tab); in English. An interesting and lengthy letter. He has read his correspondent’s articles and believes that he is mistaken on all the essential points, the consequences and the remedies for the evils endured by the working class: ‘The consequences and remedies to the terrible evils that the working people endure’. He believes that their well-being is of such importance that it is everyone’s duty to help them progress intellectually as much as possible. He asserts that he will never slacken his efforts to promote the well-being of the working class and is prepared to work towards this until the end of his days. He spent 20 years campaigning for the repeal of the laws against workers’ ‘combination acts’ in 1824. He sent nearly 200 letters to various clubs and societies, and received six replies. The most important point is an understanding of the principles governing profits and wages; without this understanding, they can do nothing to improve their condition. There are, of course, a few setbacks, and whilst he has made mistakes, he is prepared to rectify them. Certainly, they are ‘teachable, and make greater progress than any other class above them’. He himself has taught them for 40 years and has evidence of this progress which will one day be published; they are ‘more moral, more sober, more cleanly, more thrifty and more sincere than they were, and they are consequently more independent’... It is true that they have no understanding of public affairs, for they have long been regarded as slaves and treated as such. As for reducing working hours, they cannot attempt this whilst on low wages. He requests a copy of the Tables of Revenue, Population, etc., presented to the House of Commons… Finally, he refers to the government’s actions: ‘The government will do next to nothing, unless it be to propose measures to suppress trade unions and industrial rights societies, and I have reason to believe they are contemplating such proceedings. I do not, however, believe that anything will be done in this way; the obstacles will be greater and more numerous than some of our rulers appear to anticipate, and as the workers’ current attempt will have failed before anything can be done, I dare say that ways will be found to prevent any harm’… Enclosed is a handwritten letter, 13 October 1829 (1 page in-8, English), addressed to Joseph Hume, concerning his pamphlets, of which he already has a fine collection ‘from 1740 to 1786 in 22 volumes and a further 30 volumes’…
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About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part I
Auction location
Auction time 10/13/2026 at 2:00 PM
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