New Park
Oct 21st
Dear Talbot,
I am much obliged to you for your Pamphlet:<1> which I am truly anxious to read. Perhaps as you say our Notions may not be altogether dissimilar on the subject of Reform. I shall certainly feel an Interest in a Production of yours, whether we agree or not.
Our Friendly Society is in existence: but I am sorry to say, it does not make the Progress which I anticipated and wish. I look forward some day to an Alteration in our present unjust and illegal System of administering the Poor Laws: <2> Until that happy Period, I cannot be sanguine about any Plan for amending the condition of the Poor, for amendment can is impractical whilst encouragement is given indirectly to idleness and thoughtlessness, as is now the case.
I was not aware that your Cousin had been returned fr Glamorganshire. I shall be very glad to see him in the House, and I hope he will not be disinclined to exert himself.
My best compliments to all your Party.
Ever yours most truly
J H M Estcourt
Notes:
1. WHFT, Thoughts on Moderate Reform in the House of Commons (London: James Ridgway, 1830). Two years later, WHFT was to be elected a member of the Reform Parliament.
2. It was not until 1832 that a Royal Commission was set up to investigate the operation of the existing poor laws, prompted by the ‘Captain Swing’ riots of 1830 [see Doc. No: 02083].