Database of Poems
A Familiar Epistle from Dudley to Edinburgh
1832: Representation of the People Acts
Author: Anon
Publication: Reform Songs and Squibs
Publisher: Printed by Peter Brown
Place of publication: Edinburgh, Scotland
Publication type: Book
Featured individuals:
Henry Brougham (1778-1868)
John Campbell (1779-1861)
Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (1764-1845)
John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (1782-1845)
A full copy of this poem is available.
Further information:
http://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/broadside.cfm/id/15534/criteria/%22a%20familiar%20epistle%22
Archive/Library: Aberdeen University Library
Classmark(s): 82 (41) 17 Ref
Pages(s): 134-135
This poem mocks John Campbell, who was forced to leave his Dudley seat in 1834 and he went to Scotland to stand in Edinburgh at the by election. He is portrayed as a 'dangerous man', trying to convert the people of Edinburgh to his views. This critique of Campbell was is in keeping with the spirit of Reform Songs and Squibs; the publisher of the collection, Peter Brown was a 'ten pounder' (newly enfranchised by the 1832 Reform Bill) but he loathed the Whigs.