Printed satirical circular 'To the Ratepayers of this Borough', from 'Wm. Buster, Junr.', concerning his supposed election as a Poor Law Guardian.

Author: 
'Wm. Buster, Junr.', pseudonym [English Poor Law Guardians]
Publication details: 
'Dated, May 1, 1851, Castle Villian.'
£95.00
SKU: 12210

1p., 12mo. In small type. On aged and creased paper. Signed in type: 'Beggar and Flames! | Gentlemen, | If I am not your Bum Bailiffe, [sic] | For any dirty work, | WM. BUSTER, JUNR.' The circumstances surrounding this spoof are unclear. It begins: 'In fact, I feel it a duty devolving upon me, to return you my sincere thanks for the honour you have done me, in electing me one of your Guardians.' The next paragraph concerns 'the slanderous assertion, which certain persons have industriously circulated, detractive of this honour, in fact, that I am the nominee of my own workman'. It continues: 'Gentlemen, although I am averse to giving pledges, yet (blast their limbs), I will give my best attention to such subjects as my experience qualifies me to judge of. For example, those unpleasant matters, which are occasionally brought before the board, domestic quarrels and brawls betwixt man and wife; and, especiall, Churchyard and similar disgraceful scenes; the fruits of which but too often bring heavy burdens on the ratepayers.' A postscript refers to the author's supposed 'studies in Barclay's Dictionary'.