A warrant signed ('William R'), ordering the removal of one William Honey from gaol in Exeter to the Cornwall County lunatic asylum (dated St James's, 24 March 1837)
Folio, 2 pages (the first two pages of a bifolium) of lithographed facsimile manuscript, with manuscript insertions; third page blank, fourth page docketed.
Creases where folded for filing; a few short splits and creases; narrow strip at the head a little dusty (not affecting the signature); in very good condition.
The first page, with an embossed paper-covered wax seal attached, is signed at the head by the King; the second page is countersigned by the Home Secretary and future Prime Minister Lord John Russell. William Honey was 'indicted for a Rape, and ... found by a Jury, duly taken in that behalf, to be Insane' at the Devon Summer Assizes of 1836. The document is addressed to the High Sherriff of Devon. A further addendum indicates that Honey was admitted as a patient at the Bodmin Asylum (later St Lawrence's Hospital) on 22 July 1837. In the interim William IV had died on 20 June 1837 at the age of 71.
Item #138207
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