Chap. 1.] 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



The following is a copy of a Doctor's bill dated 1796 



Roger Fleming, Overseer of Alston, 

 To Benjn Abbatt, Dr. 



37 



The followirig letters from an eld Longridge resident are pathetic in 

 the extreme. They are addressed from Chester to the Overseer of the 

 Poor at Alston : — 



8 April, 1799.— This is to signify that old Mary Thrope is still living, and it 

 cannot be expected that her condition is any bettered by the severe season she has 

 weathered through, but, on the contrary, much worse, for she is almost starved 

 and hungered to death. It seems strange that her poor pittance, when it becomes 

 due, can never be sent without so much trouble in writing : pray send it her by the 

 first conveyance, and be assured if anything shall happen to her you shall be 

 informed. W. Richardson. 



July 20, ISOO.— I have once more taken the liberty of repeating in a brief manner 

 my necessity and extreme want which to a heart possessed of humanity needs not 

 the least apology — and may be easier imagined than described. You are not insen- 

 sible of the great scarcity and dearness of every necessary of life, which every one 

 in a greater or lesser degree must feel. Judge then my situation at this time, being 

 almost naked for clothes, and destitute of money or friends, or any other means to 

 help myself in this distress. Therefore I humbly hope you will be kind enough to 

 let me have what has been usually allowed, and so long withheld from me ; and 

 let me have some little clothing, which I am in absolute want of ; and 1 humbly 

 hope and pray you wiU not defer any longer to contribute what is so necessary for 

 me as speedy as you conveniently can. Mary Throup. 



Let us hope poor Mary's letter was answered as she desired ! 



It is, I believe, clearly proved by the returns of the Registrar 

 General that illegitimacy is more rife in Lancashire than in almost 

 any other county. 



