The Carmarthenshire Antiquary

This article has been extracted by Gareth Hicks (July 2004) with the permission of the Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society from original material provided by Deric John.

A FILE OF " REBECCA " PAPERS.

BY EVAN D. JONES, B.A.

This is Page 4 of 4 (contains pages 52- 63 of the journal)

54. THE VOLUNTARY EXAMINATION and statement of David Davies, otherwise Dai'r Cantwr, a prisoner in Carmarthen Gaol, before William Chambers, the younger, and John M. Tierney, Inspector of the London Police, 17 January, 1844.

There were present at Mr. Luckraft's ---Tom Morris who fetched Johnny of Yscybborfawr, William Davies of Pontyberem, the two boys of Gellyhir, William Richards, a pilot, another pilot who wore a southwester with a fresh complexion, about five foot six and about 30 years of age, and deponent.

Private Notes.

Roberts who kept the Trafalgar at the Sea Side knew the man with whom Shoni of Yscyborfawr was quarrelling, and who was a relation of the second pilot.

Davy of Cilverry ucha went for more money for Becca and he got a sovereign from his Uncle, who is a pilot, and he put it in his pocket but Shoni made him give up ten shillings of it.

55. NOTES by W. Chambers, junior. Undated.

1. Bill Williams who was working with Shoni in Mr. Newman's pit was in the row at Goring Thomas's keeper.

2. Griffith of Penlan attended all meetings, night and day. He gave deponent (? Shoni) money which was subscribed to pay Hugh Williams for the meeting at Mynydd Mawr. It was 2/10. He told deponent to come in Becca's dress and demand the money.

3. The stout young butcher at Llanelly put some money in his own pocket.

4. The letter sent to Mr. Chambers and Mr. Rees was sent by " Davy," who had a sore leg, living somewhere near the 5 roads. Had something to say to Margaret of the Stag and Pheasant, perhaps Stephens of Gellyfawr.

5. The worst men in the Beccas: Evan Gellyhir, Tom Morris, John the shoemaker, Morgan Saunders, and Davy of Kilverryucha.

6. Mr. Newman's attack. Tom Morris --- willing agent. Leader --- Morgan Saunders took the gun, Stag & Pheasant, and compelled every man to go with him. Morgan Lewis was working at Trimsaran.

7. Dai of Cilwnwguchaf wanted Cantwr to go to Mr. Edwards of Gellywernen.

8. Jack a guiadi brought Shoni the threatening letter to go to Spudders Bridge, and Tom Morris came to him after and was not pleased as he did not attend to the letter.

9. Stephen of the Mill and Josey of the old Mill were at Tynywern.

10. Evan of Gellyhir and his two servants. Shoni wore Evan's hat of Gellyhir to go home to Pontyberem. This was the Harbour master's job.

11. Hendy, murder, Jack y Crees, shoemaker of Llangennech. Joseph who stole the Ducks.

56. THE VOLUNTARY EXAMINATION and statement of David Davies, otherwise Dai'r Cantwr, a prisoner at Carmarthen Gaol, before Wm. Chambers, junior, and John M. Tierney of the Metropolitan Police, 17 January, 1844, relative to a proposal of sending a threatening letter to Mr. McDongal of Trimsaran.

Dai Hugh of the Star near Trimsaran sent for deponent to make a hedge round a piece of common. As he had not bought the ground deponent could not agree with him. John Williams shop asked him to stay as he might have something for him to do. Davy Hughes asked them (deponent and Shoni Yscyborfawr) down to the Star to breakfast. As they were going out Williams gave a shilling into deponent's hand, privately, and told him to call again which he did after breakfast. Williams then told him that Mr. McDougall wanted to build a company's shop there at the prompting of "Blything " the agent. Davy Hughes said that it would be no loss to Williams as he would be the head man. Davy Hughes went afterwards, and Williams sent his servant girl to the back kitchen. Williams then told deponent that he was very well taken with all the farmers about the neighbourhood, and that he was very useful in advancing money to the farmers, and they, in return, always dealt at his shop, that he sold very cheap, and that he thought a letter might stop the building of the shop, but it would have to be very sharp and severe as Blything had said that he did not care for the Rebeccas. Another letter should be written to McDougall telling him that they knew that he did not want the shop. Williams asked deponent whether he wanted anything in particular and he replied in the negative. He then said " I am not giving you anything for what you are going to do but I don't mind giving you Five pounds or more and call here at any time for a Sovereign or two, but I should like to hear that you sent this letter." Williams said the letter could be put under the office door or sent to Llanelly Post. They then went to Will Hopkins' the Bird in hand to dinner. The letter was never sent.

57. THE VOLUNTARY EXAMINATION and statement of David Davies, on the same day, relative to a proposal to shoot William Chambers, the younger.

Deponent and David, Cilferryucha, Tom Morris, William Walters' apprentice, William James, Tom Phillips of the Topsails workman who slept in his house, and Thomas Phillips himself, who went to bed in his clothes to wait for deponent that he might give him victuals, were going to Pembrey Mountain Meeting. They all met at the Stag and Pheasant. Two or three persons came up from the neighbourhood to see if all was right. They then brought on 20 or 25 people. When they were gone Tom Phillips asked what business was to be done. Deponent said he knew of nothing. Phillips then said it was a shocking thing that those men of Pontardulais had been used as they had been. " Suppose," said he" if we were to offer a sum of money for shooting Chambers." Deponent probably said he would join. When the other party came up there were several proposals, --- (1) that the hedges of the enclosure should be all thrown down, and (2) that the Pinged Marsh enclosure should be taken among the poor. They were sitting on a bank settling the pass word. " Cyfiawnder " or righteousness was fixed on. Phillips said that deponent had something else to propose and he then said that there would be £5 for whoever would shoot Mr. Chambers of Llanelly. Then the little mason, who stopped Mr. Rees in his speech at a meeting on Pembrey Mountain, asked where the money was to come from. Deponent replied that Phillips would find £2-10-0 himself and would get people to find the rest. Phillips then pointed to Davy of Kilverryucha who acknowledged by nodding his head. Phillips added that when Mr. Chambers was shot the money would be paid on the side of Llanelly Bridge.

58. THE VOLUNTARY EXAMINATION and statement of David Davies, on the same day, relative to the fire at the farm of Gellygylwnog, parish of Llanelly, 9 Sept., 1843.

There were present on the farm that night Evan Kiferissa, Will James, Evan Gellyhir, Charles of Crossant (watched with Evan on the road), Davy servant at Pantygwenyth, John Shoemaker near the Drover's Arms near the old tram road a master singer at Horeb. The latter was the man who set fire to the hay at Gellygylwnog. He had the matches at Llanelly. Davy Pantygwenith also had matches and set fire to the hay. Tom Morris said, " Davy, make haste or else the fire will be out," as they had set fire to the wrong side of the rick. Robert Rolf the keeper was at the Farmers' Arms and was alone leaving the house. He had a pony and was going towards Pontyberem. He said to Evan of Gellyhir that he expected his place would be on fire before he came home. Deponent and John Roberts (or the shoemaker) and Davy of Pantygwenith were the three who went to the rick and set fire to it. Deponent told Will James, Tom Morris, and Evan Hughes, in Welsh, not to shoot as it was Sunday morning. When deponent got to the field two guns snapped and as he turned to the gap Tom Morris's gun went off. Tom Morris told him that he had shot the horse in the flank. Deponent then ran to the oatfield and saw Davy of Pantygwenith and John the shoemaker trying to set fire to one of the field mows. He said " for God's sake do not burn the Corn as it is food for man." John the shoemaker who stuttered much said " I will try the next again," but failed to fire the mow. Dai asked Tom Morris if he killed the horse. He said " No, but I knocked him down."

After they had been to Jerry Griffiths the Guardian's house, deponent and Evan of Gellyhir were in the parlour of the Royal Exchange at Llanelly where Griffiths was telling about the attack on his house to turn the soldiers out of the Workhouse. Jeremiah said there were some first rate Beccas in his house who threatened him to get the soldiers out. He said there was a man who spoke better English than ever he had heard. Mr. Moodie of Penyvai and John Hughes of Tycanol, who were present, kept looking at deponent and laughing as if they knew all about it.

When they went to Jeremiah's house deponent stood before him with a gun on each shoulder and a gun on each side pointing towards Griffiths. His companions were Evan of Gellyhir, who formed the thing, Tom Morris, Will James, Davy of Cilferryucha, Evan of Kilferryissa, Davy of Pantygwenith, Dai Tom, mason, who worked with John Thomas old soldier works at Trimsaran.

59. THE VOLUNTARY EXAMINATION and statement of David Davies, on the same date, relative to the proposal to burn Banning's house, the farm of Tynywern, and to burn Banning therein

Deponent was one night drinking at the Stag and Pheasant. There were eight or ten present when he happened to go out to a young girl. During his absence most of the company had got off. Evan of Gellyhir told him to go to the Farmers Arms and that he would bring him some victuals. Deponent went but could not go in as the door was shut. He was afterwards called to a cross road about twenty or thirty yards away. There he found Johnny of Yscybborfawr, Will Davies, Pontyberem, Evan of Gellyhir, John the shoemaker, and another fellow named John, who was courting a young woman at Cilferryissa. Shoni and Will Davies had guns. Evan of Gellyhir gave deponent a cake and some cheese and said that he appointed them to go to Ty yn y wern and burn Banning's house and to stand at the door and not let Banning out. Deponent said he would not like to do that ---to kill the poor man and his family. Evan said Banning must be burnt and that deponent must destroy that old Chambers. Deponent asked them all round what they had against Banning. They had nothing except the shoemaker who said Banning owed him sixteen shillings. Deponent said it would be cruel to destroy a man for sixteen shillings. They all parted on a quarrel as deponent would not agree to do that.

  60. A STATEMENT by William Francis on the arrest of Dai Cantwr and Shoni Sguborfawr. Undated.

On 24 Sept. 1843, R. J. Nevill delivered deponent two warrants against John Jones, alias Shoni Yscuborfawr, and David Davies, alias Dai Cantwr. On the morning afterwards when he proceeded to execute them, deponent went to a shooting lodge belonging to Mr. Chambers called Tynywern, in the vale of Gwendraeth. He sent Jonah Davies, an under keeper of Mr. Chambers, William Edmunds, a collier, tenant of Mr. Chambers, and Walter Bowen in different directions to public houses in the neighbourhood to find out whether Shoni and Dai were there. About 7 or 8 o'clock Davies brought report that Dai was at the Stag & Pheasant and Edmund with him. The latter had orders to treat the one he found so as to keep him until deponent had information. Deponent sent Davies back and told him to report at a plantation near Cynhydrefawr after dark. Inspector Tierney joined deponent with his men and went to the plantation. Davies reported that Edmund and Dai had gone to the Plough and Harrow. He also reported that Shoni had not been seen. It was decided to arrest Dai at once. Two or three officers were placed at the back door and deponent seized Dai who was sitting near the corner by the fire, handcuffed him, and handed him to the officer. They procured a horse and cart from the man of the house and took Dai along the Llanelly road as far as the road leading from Trimsaran to the top of Pembrey mountain. There they left him under the care of 3 or 4 officers and searched for Shoni. Not finding him they returned and took Dai to Llanelly Workhouse. Next day he was taken to Carmarthen Gaol.

Shoni was arrested the next day by the London Police on the 4 follow-days deponent was engaged with Mr. Tierney in getting evidence against them, upon which evidence they were both committed and afterwards pleaded quilty and were sentenced to transportation.

Signed Wm. Francis.

61. A STATEMENT by John Jones (" Shoni Sgubor Fawr ") taken by William Francis and transmitted to F. Brown, Llanelly. Undated.

He was not sent for any particular purpose. He came to work and he worked for Mr. Neville and others. The first meeting he attended was Mynydscerrig. They had a meeting at Dyffrynbach the night they went to Evan the Weaver's. Stephen Evans was Becca that night. At his request the deponent and Griffith the tailor went to meet the Pontyeats party whose Becca was John Philip of the Mill. They all met and dressed in a field. Stephen Evans told a few of them to go and do their work tidy. Deponent, Dai, Daniel Bowen, Jack of the Star, and William the Clerk to Colebrook Works, formed a party. They were all disguised. Stephen Evans used to attend their night meetings. He never wished them to leave off. The next meeting was at the Sea Side. They were paid for coming to Llanelly by William Jenkins, Farmers' Arms. Uncle to Dai of Kilverry collected the money. The letters sent from Spudders Bridge Gate were given to deponent by Tom of the Top. Deponent did not know who wrote them. John Hugh, Tycanol, Thomas Pantygynneth, Farmer Stone, Jones Bryngorse and all the people about there used to attend the meetings at the Stag and Pheasant.

On the night of the fire at Tynywern deponent was courting at Pantrefach. Evan Treharne and John Meredith came and said deponent was a bloody sh-t unless he attended the meeting at Dyffrynbach. He went with them to Dyffrynbach where there had been a large meeting. Deponent met Dd. Morris, collier, Pontyberem, Griffith Daniel who lived in Company's Row, Daniel Bow, John Bowen. William, the Clerk of the Works, was there and (John of the Mill John Phillip) he was the Becca of the Pontyeats Party at Dyffrynbach. They called at a farm supposed to be Caepompren and David Morris asked him for a gun which he gave. To their question he replied that there were no soldiers at Tynywern. Morgan or Thomas a moulder at Pontyberem was there at the fire with them. Deponent went to the house, the others to the ricks and stable. No one went to the loft to pull the boy or to the stable for the horse. They did not know of either until they heard the horse cry out. Daniel Bowen brought a handful of fire to set fire to the house, but deponent stopped him. The pigs jumped out of the straw. Daniel Bowen tried to kill them, William the Clerk was the last person away from the fire. All deponent knew of the Mansant fire was that William Davies told him that he and another man were drinking at the Square and Compass. When the people came in they said they were going to watch Mansant. Deponent went out with a Pontyeats man. They set fire to the farm. The conversation at the Stag and Pheasant was respecting tithes, taxes, rent, and rates. It was no one in particular who first proposed shooting Mr. Wm. [Chambers].

62. A MEMORANDUM concerning the apprehension of John Jones and David Davies. Undated.

On 25 September Mr. Nevill requested Mr. Brown (magistrates' clerk) to attend at his office with William Francis. They had a long consultation as to the outrage committed the preceding Saturday at Mr. Newman's. The following day, on the deposition of one David Lewis, Mr. Nevill granted warrants against John Jones and David Davies, which were placed in the hands of William Francis to take to Pontyberem where the London police were stationed. Mr. Nevill instructed Francis to see Mr. McDougal of Trimsaran and use his best endeavours to obtain further evidence. Francis prevailed upon Thomas Philipps of Topsail (not to be disclosed) after a long conversation to disclose the names of a great many persons who were implicated in outrages committed in the neighbourhood. Francis and John Brown, constable, were employed in seeking evidence on the 26th, 27th, and 28th. On the night of the last day Francis accompanied the London police in searching houses in the Gwendraeth Vale and succeeded in capturing David Davies. The next day and night he was engaged in summoning witnesses to appear at Carmarthen on Saturday the 30th. On that day Francis paid 17 witnesses five shillings each (£4-5-0). They attended again on Monday and Francis paid for refreshments for them. On Thursday, the 5th, 19 witnesses were summoned to give evidence respecting Spudders Bridge Tollhouse and paid them 5s. each besides their refreshments.

63. A LETTER from James Brown of Cwm Celyn and Blaina Iron [works], Abergavenny, to William Chambers, junior,    [January, 1844]. Mutilated.

The writer had a letter from John Jones alias Scyborfawr, begging his aid in getting a commutation of the sentence of transportation for life. He has known him the last 25 years and as he had exerted himself a few years previously (when he was a private in the 98th Foot stationed there to suppress Scotch Cattle depredators as well as to protect the writer and his family from the summary vengeance of the mob) in procuring private information for the authorities there, the writer felt anxious to assist him. The last two or three years he had been out of his observation. He was of the opinion that he had been made the willing scapegoat of others. Jones, being fond of prize fighting and its concomitant evils was never a sticker to his work but at bottom he was possessed of parts and feelings very different from men who usually follow the course of life he had been leading. Wales had read the great lesson attempted so often in the sister country of " Hereditary Bondsmen know ye not who would be free themselves must strike the Blow . . . " The ends of justice would be fully answered by a very much shorter period of punishment.

64. A LETTER from George Rice Trevor, from Barrington Park, to William Chambers, junior, 27 January, 1844.

He was as desirous as the recipient could be that every possible information should be derived from both Schoni Skibben vawr and Dai Cantwr, but doubted the policy of marking either of them out, or the three men convicted of the Pontardulais business, for anything that might appear like undue lenity. He would go to the Home Office and mention what the recipient said. The difficulty was arriving at legal evidence, though it would be useful to find out who were concerned in the outrages, even if they could not convict them.

65. A LETTER from J. M. Tierney, inspector, from Jones's Printing Office, Priory Street, Carmarthen, to William Chambers, junior, 20 February, 1844.

He was sent for by " Doctor Laurence " the landlord of the man whose house they went to on the previous Sunday night. The man's wife was there to complain about the loss of £15 from a teapot, blaming the two persons who came in at the back window. The matter, although a perfect lie, was very unpleasant. The two persons that went in at the back window were the officer of the 73d. and Mr. W. Gardner, She positively accused the latter. The wretched woman was about to make an accusation against the writer that he put his hands on her daughter. He was in the recipient's presence all the time and hoped he could vouch for the truth or falsehood of the accusation. He certainly took hold of her, and, he believed, the father and mother, to keep them from making such dreadful noise lest they should collect a crowd, but nothing farther. He could see what dreadful characters they were.

66. A LETTER from George Rice Trevor, from Hyde Park Gardens, to [William Chambers, junior], 23 February, 1844.

He could not go to the Home Office to speak about their being removed to the Model Prison until he had the statements made by John Jones and David Davies. He hoped that the rewards were in train. The Committee to decide on the proportions would consist of the committing magistrates with power to add to their numbers

67. A LETTER from Henry Lawrence of Carmarthen to W. Chambers, junior, 24 February, 1844.

His tenant's wife of Kilferry informed him that two window frames and windows had been broken down and the damage had been rated at one pound. She also complained of a robbery of £15 from the dairy. He thought it due to the person or persons who entered the dairy to put that right and that the damage to the windows should be repaired by the persons committing the injury.

6 8-9. TWO LETTERS from " a well wisher " to William Chamber, esqr., Llanneley, 27 February, 1844.

He informs the recipient about the " releshon of the Becca your enemise that you may now them," and about sheep which he had lost.

70. A COPY OF A LETTER sent by William Chambers to Dr. Lawrence in reply to No.67, 28 February, 1844,

Tierney having failed to execute a warrant issued against one of the family of the tenant of Kilferry consulted the writer as to his proceedings. They went together, and the writer told the tenants to open the door, and what their business was. The writer went to the window with a lamp to shew himself to the wife, and she absolutely refused to open the door. He ordered the door to be forced, having used the greatest forbearance, charged her in the Queen's name, and told her he had a warrant for her son. A policeman finding that the window would give way sooner than the door forced it in. The back window of the dairy was forced and entered by the person whom she supposed or rather pretended to say took £15. When the charge was made the writer offered to search the person which they said was no use as he might have handed it to some one outside. With regard to the damage done to the windows who did he expect was to pay for it ? All there acted under the writer's instructions to get into the house as speedily as possible. The people had nobody to thank but themselves. He would not have given this explanation to any but a gentleman from whom he had always met the greatest courtesy in sporting and other matters connected with that very farm.

71. A LETTER from G. R. Trevor to [William Chambers, junior], 28 February, 1844.

He thanks him for the papers. He will consult the Secretary of State upon them. The utmost secrecy ought to be observed respecting their contents.

72. A LETTER from H. Westlake, governor of Carmarthen County Gaol to W. Chambers, junior, 14 December, 1844.

Sir,

According to your wish I have been able this Day To obtain this Note I have sent you a copy of it and the person that I have employed in the affair tell me there is no doubt but he will confes every thing concerning your farms if it is put hard to him. I have gave my word to this person that i will give him something for is Trouble the day he is discharged that is on the 21st of Dec. '44 if there is anything else you can mention it should be put to him has quick as possible for it seems by the copy I have sent you that he is afraid of it I was Informed to day that he knows all about the Roberry of old John Evans of Gellyglyd your answer will greatly Oblige I am in hopes of getting more out of him To morrow

P.S. I have Kept the Letter in my possession untill I here from you sir." H. W.

73. A LETTER from John Richards to his brother Thomas Richards, Close isha, Llanarthney, 14 December, 1844, presumably the note referred to in No. 72.

" I have been informed that there is something has told by some person or persons I dont know who they are, but tell you to David Evans Bedw not to tell nothing about any thing that he knows about Mr. Chambers fire, but if he or any one other tells nothing of this concern. I will tell all about everything that has happened. Dr. Brother dont mention this to any one only to D. Evans, and tell him not to tell nothing about the fire nor nothing else, I also beg you and D. Evans to come over next Tuesday or Friday, and to let me know all about it. so no more but hope that you are Quite well as it leaves me ... "

74. A LETTER from H. Westlake to W. Chambers, junior, 17 December, 1844.

" Sir

I have to Inform you that there was a young woman came to see John Richards with an order from Dl. Prytherech Esqr to day but I did not a low her and I informed Dl. Prytherech Esqr of it the Prisoner has been informed by some one that there was some Person came to see him but would not be alowed to see him but is statement is to day that he intend to write to you and split on them that is talking about him in the country I am informed that he wishes to send you the Letter un known to mee if he can if he sends for you sir the sooner you can come the better for fear he should get a hint of it for I have several Deep customers in this Place he has been making great inquiry to know who are the worst of the parties that is talking a bout him in the country so that he should be able to impeach th most on if you should know any more of is companions it would be well to furnish me with there Names ... "

7 5. A CIRCULAR from the Secretary of the Public Works Loan Commissioners to William Chambers, junior, 27 February, 1845.

The Public Works Commissioners have appointed 15 March 1845 for the payment of sums of money fixed by the Award of the South Wales Turnpike Trusts Commissioners in respect of the Kidwelly (Loughor Bridge) Trust No. 53. £150 with interest of 18s. would be paid to the recipient..

76. A LETTER from J. Love to [William Chambers, junior], 1 April, 1845

He encloses a copy of information which he has received and which showed that a very hostile feeling existed against the recipient in his neighbourhood.

77. A CONFIDENTIAL STATEMENT enclosed with No. 76.

A farmer told a Kidwelly seedswoman at the house of John Jones, mason, Llanddarog, that John Skiborfawr had proved himself a good prophet and that his prophecy would soon be accomplished inasmuch as Shoni had said that Mr. Chambers would be a dead man. " They are not to suppose that Becca is dead --- Oh, No, far from that, she is as alive as ever, and you may depend she will make them know that, as preparation are being made amongst the colliers about Cwm Mawr and Mynydd Mawr." They had great animosity against the family at Cwm Mawr. The daughter of John Jones said Becca went to Cwm Mawr to pull the house down but someone persuaded the others, out of pity for the old gentleman, not to do it. The farmer replied " Well, you shall see how it will be done next time."

78. ROUGH MEMORANDA of complaints before Grievance Commissioners at Carmarthen. Undated.

Rough pencil notes by William Chambers, junior, with a fair copy of the substance of the statement on Turnpike Tolls and County Bridges printed in the Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry for South Wales (p. 362-3). The pencil notes are very scrappy.

" General causes: Want of confidence in honesty & capabilities of Magistrates & Trustees & Clergy; this letter has caused dissent. Land let higher in consequence of so much more competition than in England. Farmers' sons must mostly all be farmers --- difference in language preventing them from migrating.

Magistrates were not consulted generally on appointment of new commissions.

Country affected by depreciation of cattle . . . have very little knowledge of agriculture; few resident gentry to set example in farming. Can't get Welsh tenants to agree to any alternation of crops. Existence of different language prevents them receiving new impressions or ideas thro' medium of Welsh publications, & they may shape information according to their own bias. Strong nationality makes them also look with suspicions on any thing Saxon. Difference of religion tends to keep up a feeling of distrust, seeing that the main body of inhabitants are dissenters.

The working of the poor law they do not well understand, & the country guardians have not the ability to understand explanations of an English chairman or assistant poor law commissioners. I suspect their opposition is not quite honest; 'tis to have again the payment of the paupers which was often done by the overseer (an office seldom objected to be taken) in kind instead of money, bad in quality & short in quantity. The rate per head of the keep of each pauper in Llanelly Union is gradually reducing & the master confidently expects by the work of the inmates to be able to pay for the food of the establishment.

Saunders. No complaints in writing taken down. Blank warrants. Surveyor being a tenant of a trustee cannot do his duty. Men of parish were agreed to be employed. He will not do it.

Surveyor incompetent, kept because S: tenant (& his wife useful) who wont discharge him; incompetency proved, salary reduced.

Cast iron gate posts, relation ironmonger in Bristol, plenty of casthouses at Welsh ironworks. Hills cut down in his neighbourhood. S. paid work people because he admitted surveyor not to be trusted. Footpath & posts by his house. Phyle. Supported by magistrates and trustees who . . . vote with him. Takes fees, no magistrates clerks, & decides in favour of complainant, & race always who shall get to magistrate first. Threatened a man in his accts. as overseer when he was going to poll contrary side to his wishes. Surcharged a man & told him so for having ridden canvassing when year before he excused him ... Get out damned rascal on bench.

Magistrates.

Foreman of grand jury went out otter hunting with bills in his pocket. The coarseness, violence, & vulgarity of the aboriginal justices disgust any man of gentlemanly feeling from acting with them.

Clergy.

Evans Pembrey. Drunk doing duty. Fell into grave. Drowned a man. Broke a man's head with a pot for mentioning it to him. Conduct at wrecks ... Bacchus. N.B. A magistrate's waggon at a previous wreck.

Morris Llanelly. Thomas' Arms affair. Conduct to my father, wild beast show. Bought piece of land. Croslon. Living now sequestered to pay debts. Tithe agent induced farmers to sign consents, false representation.

Powel Lanon. Call on gauge & take a quart. Steal tobacco. no old tricks. formerly dissenting minister. Burgess ordained all popular ones as a stopper.

Gwynn St. Ishmael.  Forged man's name to a bill. N.B. a magistrate by the last commission.

Tithes.
In Llanelly parish a local act; now paying between 3s. 6d. & 5s. 6d. in the pound of rent. Farmers were induced to sign being told w'd not exceed 1s. 6d. to 1s. 9d. in the pound. average of country 1s. 6d. (this is a local grievance). no rectory --- All tithes in hands of laymen. vicars receive small stipends, are uneducated men. In a family, eldest farmer --- second carpenter, &c, sharpest lawyer --- weakest parson."

79. A COPY of a Riot Act proclamation.

80. A LETTER from R. R. W. Lingen from Swansea to W. Chambers, junior. Undated.

He returns the Rebecca documents with many thanks.

81-3. PAPERS relating to education in Llanelly, Carmarthenshire, and West Glamorgan (1846-7) and to a literary club at Cwmystwyth, Cardiganshire (after 1853).

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