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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D3155/WH/2889 |
| Title | Letters to Sir Robert John Wilmot Horton (1784-1841) from Robert Torrens (1780-1864), political economist, primarily concerning the corn laws and emigration |
| Date | Mar 1826-Feb 1831 |
| Description | Eighteen letters and one statement, headed “Memoranda” [sic] dated Mar 1826-Feb 1828, Mar 1830-Feb 1831.
The correspondence was initiated in March 1826 when Torrens offered Wilmot Horton a copy of the newly published third edition of Torrens’ 'Essay on the External Corn Trade'. A month later Torrens wrote supporting Wilmot Horton’s view that an organised scheme of emigration would offer a solution to the problems of poverty and unemployment with the consequent strain upon poor rates. Torrens asserted that objectors to such a scheme were misguided in their understanding of how wage levels are determined, and provided a thirty-page theoretical exposition. Torrens subsequently included this text in several publications, first as an appendix in 'On the Means of Improving the Condition of the Labouring Classes' to the 1829 edition of 'Essay on the External Corn Trade'.
Subsequent letters show the extent of a co-operative relationship between Wilmot Horton and Torrens in their shared enthusiasm to promote the notion of organised emigration through publications and through advocacy within Government debates. The Globe newspaper, part-owned by Torrens, is specified a potential political resource. Torrens mentions “Ipswich interruptions” and the “election affair”-Torrens was elected MP for Ipswich in 1826, but unseated in 1827 following objections to the validity of the election. Later Torrens asks for Wilmot Horton’s assistance in achieving a Parliamentary seat and admission to the Colonial Board, in order that Torrens might be able to participate in debates about emigration.
The following itemised list is taken from the National Library of Australia catalogue, which also contains digital copies of the letter made from microfilm, see https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1643662240- 22 March 1826, Need for emigration to relieve poverty in Britain; his theory on maximum and minimum wages- 25 March 1826, Similarity of their views on emigration- 9 May 1826, Delay in promoting his plan.- 29 August 1826, from Paris, Treatment of their articles in the Globe; work on the corn laws.- 27 October 1826, Comments on the papers sent by Horton of the economics of land.- 20 February 1826, Presents compliments of Lt Col Torrens and requests his acceptance of a new solution of his work on the Corn Trade.- 1 April 1827, Need to remove redundant supply of labour without increasing public expenditure.- 22 May 1827, Emigration needed to aid working classes in England.- 4 July 1827, His need for parliamentary or official employment.- 9 July 1827, Seeks employment; will offer the Globe as a political organ.- 10 July 1827, Believes he is owed a seat in Parliament; his offer of the Globe.- 13 November 1827 Introduces Merle, second editor of the Globe.- re Corn article.- 12 January 1828, Dismayed by alterations to Horton's article in the Globe.- 20 February 1828, His place on Colonial Land Board would make reparations for past treatment by the Treasury.- 8 February 1829 Land board; emigration; seeking appointment on the new Colonial Board.- 29 March 1830, Agrees that emigration would help combat pauperism.- 16 June 1830, Horton's fourth series on pauperism.- 24 February 1831, Publication of his pamphlet on emigration.
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| Extent | 19 items |
| Level | file |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Archive Creator | Sir Robert John Wilmot Horton, baronet (1784-1841), Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies 1821-1828, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Ceylon 1831-1837 |
| Wilmot-Horton family of Osmaston and Catton, Derbyshire |
| Administrative History | At the time of these letters Wilmot Horton was a member of Parliament and holder of Government office. Robert Torrens (1780-1864) was an officer of the Royal Marines, political economist and prolific writer. |
| Format | Document |
| Copies | A digital copy of this item is available on the public computers at the record office. Copies are also available online from the National Library of Australiahttps://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1643662240 |
| Related Material | See also D3155/C/6493, D3155/C/6495, D3155/WH/2882, D3155/WH/2927, D3155/WH/3028 and D3155/WH/3057 for other letters from Robert Torrens to Robert John Wilmot Horton. Other items referring to Col. Torrens are also to be found amongst these papers. |
| Term | Emigration |
| Corn laws |
| Parliamentary debates |
| Parliamentary elections |
| Labour economics |
| Employment |
| Letters (documents) |
| Acknowledgements | With thanks to Roger Jennens, Cataloguing Volunteer for the additional description provided, May 2021. |