Item 10 - Letter from John Wesson to Richard Monckton Milnes

1 folded sheet.

Bawtry, Yorkshire. - Several 'families of respectability' have asked him to write and express the wishes of many inhabitants as to the proposed burial ground. Knows that various gentlemen are about to wait upon Milnes 'with the view of securing your influence and assistance in providing the new ground', and Wesson's friends are eager for the proposed ground should meet the needs of the parish. No doubt that a new ground is needed as soon as possible, but there are two schools of thought: one that the ground should be 'an extension of the Church yard, and in all respects a Church yard'; the other that a portion should be 'allotted for the use of those who do not belong to the Church of England'. This does not come from any hostility to the Church, but from a wish that their own ministers 'who visit them in trouble and sickness should perform over them the last offices of the Christian Religion'. Does not know why the practice generally adopted in other towns has not been followed in Bawtry; there has been an Independent Minister in the town since 1823, and he has occupied this position for the last twelve years. Thinks 'our Church friends in the instance are disposed to use their influence unfairly against us'. Relates an incidence three years ago in which a young girl whose mother belonged to the Baptist communion died, and 'the Father was refused the ordinary rites of sepulture over his child'; Wesson conducted a service in the house and then 'accompanied the friends of the child to the church yar, and quietly and silently we interred the body'. There are other families in Bawtry who belong to that communion; is 'sure no one could desire to witness a repetition of such a scene'.