Manuscript headed 'Coldbath Fields Case', concerning the notorious Keeper of Coldbath Fields Prison, Thomas Aris, docketed '1 Charge of peculation & Cruelty, by his Majesty's Commissioners, against Aris, in 1801. 2. Misconduct of the Magistrates.'

Folio, 3 pp. Bifolium. On paper watermarked 'C ANSELL | 1807'. Seventy-two lines. Text clear and complete. On aged and worn paper, with one short closed tear at spine. Apparently a lawyer's brief or similar legal document. Divided into parts I and II. Both parts subdivided into four parts. It begins: '1. This is 3d. Presentiment against Governor Aris, viz. two by Grand Juries, & one by a Traverse Jury. | 2. Mr. Nares a reputable Magistrate brought forward five accusations against him, in 1799, supported by five affidavits, charging him with corruption, & peculation, [...]'. Part II begins 'II. | As to the conduct of certain Magistrates. | 1 The treatment of a grand & Jury, on two former occasions; hearing only one out of five accusations produced by Mr. Nares, & supported by filed affidavits: these tend to exhibit evidence of a most extraordinary partiality.' Part II, section 4, begins '4. As to Debtors, one of them is ready to depose - that during his imprisonment, he was obliged to associate with persons guilty of unnatural crimes, who having plenty of money slept on good beds, while he lay on the boards.' Aris had been removed from his position by 1813.