Some letters from Jane Steel

When William Brocklesby, keeper of Lincoln Castle, died in 1840, he was very much in debt.

The creditors of CAPTN. WILLIAM BROCKLESBY, deceased, late Keeper of Lincoln Castle, are requested to meet at the ADAM AND EVE INN, in the City of Lincoln, on TUESDAY next the 32st day of March instant, at Seven o'clock in the Evening, to take into consideration the embarrassed sate of his affairs, and to determine on he best steps to be pursued for ensuring an early division of his effects amongst all his creditors according to an equal pound rate. Lincolnshire Chronicle, Friday 27 March 1840

The late CAPTAIN BROCKLESBY'S excellent Household FURNITURE, Plate, Linen China, Glass, Books, &c, a collection of valuable Paintings by some of the old Masters, horizontal Piano, 6 octave FF, circular ends, by Broadwood; also a Grey and a Green Parrot. Removed to NEWLAND, a Sale not being allowed by the Sheriff of the County to place at the castle,) To be SOLD by AUCTION.... Stamford Mercury, Friday 17 April 1840

His daughter Jane, second wife of George Steel, wrote the following letters {LAO CoC 4/1/13/10,25,26}, probably to William Forbes, clerk of the Gaol sessions. She was trying to have her brother (also named William Brocklesby) appointed as her Father's successor. He was a bank clerk for the Lincoln bank, and Mr Ellison and Mr Melville were his employers. Mr Corbett was the County Sheriff, in whose gift the appointment was, and Mellson was the head turnkey. The Steel family were acquainted with Lord Brownlow who lived near Edenham, and appear to have solicited his help. It was all in vain; the post was taken by Captain John Nicholson, surveyor of taxes at Brigg.

Lincoln Castle 14 January 1840
Dear Sir,
My father still continues in a most precarious state, and as I think Dr Charlesworth does not expect him to recover. I feel it my duty to address you on behalf of my brother. It is his wish to succeed to the situation in case it should become vacant and although this application may be considered premature still I hope you as one of my poor fathers kind friends will not deem it so, nor construe it for want of proper feelings, as believe me, nothing but the feelings that my brother and sister will be entirely dependent upon my brother's exertions could have indulged me to apply this early.
May I beg the favour of asking your valuable opinion in this melancholy affair Shall we write to Lord Brownlow
If you can suggest any place for us to peruse we shall feel extremely obliged. Mr Ellison and Mr Melville have given my brother very kind letters of recommendation to Mr Heneage, which he presented yesterday and met with a favourable reception. He referred him to Mr Corbett who did not promise but said he would make enquiries for.
Immediate answer will greatly oblige
Yours very respectfully
Jane Steel

Lincoln Castle 18th March 1840
Dear sir
After very great suffering my dear father departed this life at 2 o'clock this morning.
I now write to ask what you think we must do, my brother, sister and I are writing letters to different gentlemen, the general among the rest. If you can suggest anything I shall be most grateful as we seem to be awfully stupefied.
Mr Steel has gone of to the sheriff to solicit on behalf of my brother. Do you think we ought to write to Lord Brownlow again.
Believe me yours truly obliged,
Jane Steel

Dear sir
I am sorry to say Mr Steels journey to Edenham proved fruitless as Mr Corbett told him he was sorry for the family but the situation was promised. He has behaved in anything but a handsome manner and indeed I think he has been very unkind.
Mr Williams came in yesterday morning and in a very uncordial manner as to when I thought we could leave the house. I told him that had not been thought about but of course we were to be turned into the street.
He appeared quite cheerful and told my brother Mellson had applied and he was only sorry the sheriff had not approved him. I thought his speech most unfeeling and impertinent, but it only agrees with the things which took place at the assizes.
My poor father has died much in debt and there will not be a penny for the family. Do you think the magistrates will do anything for them at the next gaol sessions?
I ask you this in confidence as I should not like to fail there again. Poor man. He expended a great deal of money in the gardens, planting shrubs etc and I think they ought to allow us something indeed I hope they will as every penny will have a great consideration to them, poor things. It is indeed a most heavy affliction and almost more than we can bear, but I hope we shall be supported under it.
I am quite ashamed to pester you as much but trust knowing how we are situated you will excuse me.
Believe me your obliged servant
Jane Steel
Mr Nicholson of the Bail, is now the keeper he is single.