Letter from Henry Travis to Robert Owen

Scope and Content

This manuscript letter opens with discussion respecting the proposed launch of the Social Reformer newspaper, with Travis wondering if Owen has been able to change the minds of [George] Fleming and [Joshua] Hobson who are deeply opposed to the launch (as they believe it will be to the detriment of their other paper the New Moral World).

Discussion follows regarding the proposed lease of land at Tytherley, [Hampshire]. Travis informs Owen he received word from [William] Ashurst (the solicitor dealing with the proceedings) instructing them to have £1000 ready to pay for the execution of the Deeds and reminding them it is important the "[Central] Board should determine upon what trusts the trustees can hold the lease and for what society or association".

Travis alludes to difficulties arising from the purchase of the Tytherley estate writing that the "members seem very jealous of the estate", and Travis is of the belief and seeing that the estate is "being obtained by the society's officers for the Society it will have to peopled by the members of the society - the society and their friends, of course, finding the money and until the money is found it will have to be held in readiness for the society".

Talk of Owen's upcoming tour of the North carrying out his "brave doings" follows, with Travis wondering if Owen will call into Hartlepool and refers to the situation in Newcastle, remarking that friends there "want stirring again" as "Chartism seems to have thrown them into the shade".

Travis closes the letter by telling Owen that a Mrs Newbold has "taken alarm" at their religious and matrimonial opinions; she likes them very much as men and gentlemen but "detests then as Socialists".

The letter closes with Travis relaying information to Owen regarding a discovery made by [William] Pare regarding taxation.

Note

Stamped number: 1142