Gentlemen
Having seen in the Chelmsford Chronicle of the 9th instant, Sir William Smyth’s resignation of the Verderership of the Forest of Waltham, I have been encouraged by several of my friends to offer myself a Candidate to succeed him in that honourable position. My property being in the immediate neighbourhood of the Forest and my late Uncle, Mr Lockwood, having had the honour of being many years Verderer of the same Forest. I trust I shall not be thought too presumptuous in soliciting your Votes and Interest on the present vacancy. Should I be so fortunate as to be the object of your choice, my earnest endeavours shall be constantly exerted to fulfil the duties of the situation.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen
Your obedient and very humble Servant
William Joseph Lockwood
Dews Hall, August 14th 1811.