“We have the general election here on the 12th July. I anticipate a riot….” Henry Reid, Belfast 10 July, 1866
[Written by Henry Reid to his uncle Alphonus in London Henry’s sister was returning after receiving her education in France. Henry refers to July 12, the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. It appears that marching season in Belfast was as big a problem then, as today.]
Belfast 10 July, 1866
Dear Uncle,
I have just heard that my sister is about to return from France. She will probably start today. The object of the present is to ask of you the favour of advancing to her whatever sum she may require for her journey to Belfast and as soon as I know the amount which you so kindly advance I shall at once reimburse you. You will also please send her from London to Belfast via Fleetwood as this is the safest and I think the best way. We have the general election here on the 12th July. I anticipate a riot. We have a liberal candidate in the person of Lord John Keay, son of the Marquis of Tweesdale, brother-in-law of Sir Robert Peel and I think he will be successful.
I think it is very injudicious to fix the election on such a day but the Mayor who fixed it is a thorough rascal. I shall let you know again how the election passed off. Pardon me for writing in a descant on the politics of the immaculate Borough of Belfast and pray excuse the trouble imposed on you by the first part of my letter. I am already to reciprocate and shall feel very glad if you at any time give me an opportunity of showing my gratitude for your kindness to us.
My dear uncle,
Yours most sincerely,
Henry A. Reid
Reid Collection
23 May 1865 | 4 July 1866 | 10 July 1866 | 13 Aug. 1866