Letter and petition from Thomas Back, Mayor of Norwich, on behalf of Frederick Spalding,...

Letter and petition from Thomas Back, Mayor of Norwich, on behalf of Frederick Spalding, convicted at the [Summer Norwich Assizes in 1807, for a felony (unspecified) and confined as a lunatic. The letter notes that no further application was to be made on behalf of the prisoner as a bill was about to be passed in parliament, which would 'embrace this prisoner's case'. However, it was conceded that 'it is now more than probable that no such Bill will be passed' and further instructions regarding this prisoner are required. Grounds for clemency: it was thought a parliamentary bill would assist in this case but this was not thought to be so, he is 'well connected' and has some property of his own, will be able to secure good sureties, he is mentally disturbed but may be returned to a 'sound mind' if treated properly in a well regulated 'bethel' [asylum] 'in this city', his friends will give security that should he be discharged from the asylum he will be looked after and will present no danger to the public, one of the aldermen of Norwich is a governor of the asylum and the prisoner will be admitted immediately and with the care of a Bedlam the prisoner may be restored to a sound mind. Folios 311-312.