Testimonies - A Forest of Flags

Wood, John - Walmer | Day 21

Received £3 from Mr Henry David Axon for 12 nights watching poles at a rate of 5s per night.

Witness Type: Bribee

20807.
(Mr. Turner) What are you ? — A boatman.
20808.
Where do you live ? — No. 9, York Street.
20809.
What did you receive ? — I received nothing for my vote.
20810.
What did you receive for anything else ? — I received for pole watching of a night £3 from Mr. Axon.
20811.
How many nights ? — 12 nights.
20812.
Were you paid like the other men, 5s a night ? — Yes.
20813.
How long each night did you watch ? — Sometimes it was after 11 o’clock, and sometimes 12 o’clock, and sometimes I went of a morning to have a look.
20814.
Sometimes at night you were not there at all ? — There were plenty of times I was not there at all. I would be having a pint of beer now and then during the time. I could not be there always.
20815.
Some nights you were not watching at all ? — Yes, every night.
20816.
How long on an average ? — I cannot average it at all. I should rather lump it.
20817.
About an hour ? — Perhaps more, perhaps two, and perhaps three hours.
20818.
And perhaps a little less ? — Yes, perhaps a little less, and perhaps a little more.
20819.
Were you paid each night ? — No, in two or three different instalments.