Policía

'Confidential' Autograph Report Signed by 'D. G. D' to 'Mr. Superintendent B. J. Oswell' on form of the Mendicity Society London regarding a 'Begging Letter' assocation called 'The Seamen and Boatmen's Friend Society Regents Canal Dock E'.

ref. 13508 — On printed form of the Begging Letter Department Mendicity Society 13 Red Lion Square WC London. 29 June 1870. 2pp. foolscap 8vo. Bifolium on blue paper. In fair condition on aged and worn paper with slight fraying and loss to extremities. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Mr. Superintendent B. T. Oswald Police Office Burton on Trent'. Printed in red at the head: 'This Report is CONFIDENTIALLY communicated and intended only for the person to whom it is addressed.' A marvellously Dickensian document marked 'Confidential' in red ink it begins: 'The Case of this Society is unfavorably known at this office having been under the police of the Committee at various dates under different titles - It appears originally to have been got up by a number of unprincipled Schemers one of whom named "Buckingham" is a well known imposter another who styles himself the "Revd. Wm. Smith" and several others. At the present time there is also a man named the Revd H. A. Jallack who officiates as Secetary to the Society whose character has proved very unfavorable and his habits are very intemperate'. Also involved is 'Mrs. De la Porte' who 'professes to take great interest in the matter and also collects Subscriptions'; she is the wife of 'a medical man said to be in India'. Mrs De la Porte is said by some to be 'a mere tool in the hands of others while by others her honesty of purpose is greatly doubted'. The Society's claims to 'issue annual reports of their proceedings and disbursements of the moneys obtained . have all proved so unsatisfactory that no reliance can be placed upon them' and it is considered to be 'thoroughly undeserving of benevolent support. The premises occupied by the Society is a small house in a very dirty and miserable state.' The Society was still active in 1918 when it was described as 'incorporated and registered under the Companies' Acts 1862 to 1890' maintaining 'thirteen mission stations with many registered places of worship in seven districts'. On printed form of the Begging Letter Department, Mendicity Society, 13 Red Lion Square, WC, London. 29 June 1870. unknown