[ Election Agent 1885/Coroner's Letters ] Two substantial Letter Books of Charles E. Cox , Solicitor & (Deputy) Coroner (Honiton, Devon).

Two volumes, original hf.lea, worn, one with spine detached, with label "Letter Book" (both volumes) and "CEC | 2" [Charles E. Cox] and "CEC | 4". Vol. 2 has 1006 leaves, tissue paper, recto only used (last leaf numbers filled in by hand) all used, and Vol.4 has 1000 leaves (again recto only used), only 660 leaves used, first page missing, others damaged, tissue paper, indicating a cessation of activity whatever the cause - death?). "Charles Every Cox, Coroner Honiton District, of Tower Farm, Offwell, b.1854" (detail from original vendor's notes).Having read or scanned nearly one volume I can say of the contents that it is a mixed correspondence illustrating an active and productive life. I assume the same subjects recur in the rest of the volumes.The main focus of the first volume (CEC 2) is his role as Election Agent to Sir John Phear, Liberal candidate for the Honiton (Devon) constituency for the historic election of 1885 - the suffrage had been substantially expanded (men only) and boundaries altered (Redistribution of Seats Act). Copy letters driven by this event to all manner of people occupy most of the volume, from p.1r (9 March 1885) to p.560r (Election took place Nov/Dec. 1885)and beyond but less dominantly). Inevitably there are a goodly number of substantial copy letters to the candidate, Sir John Budd Phear, sometime Chief Justice of Ceylon), on many issues.Subjects (election): polling booths; bill posting; voters' lists (parishes listed); presumed allegiances; "Corrupt & Illegal Practices Act" (claim of "undue influence" made by him after election); expenses; fees; putting up Sir John; receipt of security from Sir John; Sir John's future candidature (he lost); etc,etcSubjects (general): legal procedure; legal advice; property; stocks and shares; probate issues; inquests (results of Coroner's Court); fees; payments; burial; problem of entitlement to Jewish funeral; Tennis Club Accounts; certificate to practice; etc,etcCorrespondents include: other solicitors; family members; newspaper editors; Liberal Party activists; policemen; Devon dignitaries; Sir John Budd Phear; Lady Phear; etc, etc.Places: [East Devon]; Axminster; Exmouth, Ilminster; Exeter, Bodmin, etc. etc