Adams, John Lemon | Day 8

Received £3 from his son William to vote for Sir Julian Goldsmid and £3 from his other son Thomas to vote for Mr. Crompton Roberts. William did not testify but he has been added for completeness.

He was asked which was the Blue (Liberal) and which was the Yellow (Conservative) son. The trial variously refers to Red and Yellow for the Conservatives.

Witness Type: Both Sides, Bribee

Party: Conservative

Witness Testimony:

  • 8976.

    (Mr. Holl.) What are you ? — An upholsterer.

  • 8977.

    In Deal ? — Yes, Griffin Street.

  • 8978.

    Did you receive any money ? — Yes.

  • 8979.

    Who from ? — My son.

  • 8980.

    How much ? — 3L. from two sons.

  • 8981.

    3L. from each of your sons ? — Yes.

  • 8982.

    How did they come to give it you ? —A day or two before the election one asked me if I was going to vote for Mr. Crompton Roberts ; I said, “Probably I might;” and the next day the other asked me if I would vote for Sir Julian Goldsmid, and I said, “Probably I might.”

  • 8983.

    You told him you would probably vote for Sir Julian Goldsmid ? — I said, “Perhaps I might vote for both.”

  • 8984.

    And did each give you 3L ? — Yes.

  • 8985.

    Before the election ? — No, after.

  • 8986.

    But each gave it ? — Yes.

  • 8987.

    And who did you vote for ? — Mr. Crompton Roberts.

  • 8988.

    And you took the other from your son who asked you to vote for Mr. Crompton Roberts ? — Yes, and glad to get it. I wish it was as much more.

  • 8989.

    It did not signify the dishonesty of the transaction ? — No.

  • 8990.

    Do not talk in that way. I wonder you are not ashamed at the dishonesty of the transaction ? — My sons are in the habit of giving me money sometimes. (Mr. Holl.) You took money from both sides; you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

  • 8991.

    (Mr. Turner.) What are the names of your two sons ? — Thomas and William.

  • 8992.

    Where does Thomas live ? — Farrier Street.

  • 8993.

    And where does William live ? — In Middle Street.

  • 8994.

    What is the number in Farrier Street where Thomas lives ? — 7, I think it is.

  • 8995.

    And what is the number in Middle Street where William lives ? — 85 or 87, I think, somewhere thereabouts ; I do not know exactly.

  • 8996.

    (Mr. Jeune.) Are either of your two sons here ? — No, they are away at sea, I believe.

  • 8997.

    (Mr. Turner.) What are they ? — Channel pilots.

  • 8998.

    (Mr. Holl.) You told each of them you would probably vote for the side he asked you ? — Yes.

  • 8999.

    Which son asked you to vote for Sir Julian ? — William.

  • 9000.

    You say he afterwards gave you 3L. Did you tell him you had voted for the other side ? — No.

  • 9001.

    He thought you had voted for Sir Julian ? — I suppose he did not know any better.

  • 9002.

    (Mr. Turner.) Did you receive anything else ? — No.

  • 9003.

    (Mr. Jeune.) Have your two sons found out since that you promised each of them ? — Not that I am aware of.

  • 9004.

    There will be a row when they do, I should think ? — I must put up with that; they have got too much respect for their father.

  • 9005.

    Which is the Blue son and which is the Yellow son ? — William is the Blue. (Mr. Holl.) If they have more respect for you after this, it is more than you deserve, that is all I can tell you.