Joseph Havelock Wilson to Michael Davitt, 1st January 1905. IE TCD MS 9421/2203

IE TCD MS 9421/2203: Typescript letter from Joseph Havelock Wilson, Central Committee Roos, 1 Cleveland Terrace, Linthorpe Road, Middlesborough, England to Michael Davitt dated 1st January 1905 [that is, 1906?] asking Davitt if he will come to Middlesbrough to speak on behalf of his candidature for the Borough of Middlesborough in the 1906 General Election. The headed notepaper records Mr. Joseph Abbott as the election agent, and Jordison & Co., Ltd., Middlesborough as the printer and publisher of it. The letter reads: "I see by the papers you are coming to Stockton and Darlington to speak for Rose and Mitchell. I should have written you asking you to come to Middlesborough, but unfortunately I did not have your address. Will you come and say a word in my support at Middlesbro. I have been adopted candidate here since my defeat in 1900 and I refuse to sign the pledge of the Labour Representation Committee because I do not believe in going to Parliament fettered. I think you can testify to the fact that whilst a member of the House I was as independent as any member could wish to be. Right at the last moment the I.L.P. have brought to this constituency Mr. George Lansbury with a view to spoiling my chance of success and again letting in Sadler. But in spite of their opposition I am confident of success. I want to do two things - to wipe out the stain of my defeat and to get my revenge by a substantial majority. I will take it as a great facour if you will come on to Middlesborough and say a word in my support. We have considerable difficulty in getting Halls here owing to three candidates being in the field. I shall be obliged if you will kindly send me a wire, and state the date you will be able to come..."