ELECTION COMMITTEES: ASHBURTON: The committee nominated to report upon the late return for the borough of Ashburton met yesterday for the first time, and consisted of Mr. E. P. Bouverie (chairman), Mr. Knightley, Mr. R. B. Sheridan, Mr. R. M. Bellew, and Mr. Greenall. Counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Phinn, Q.C., Mr. Clarke, and Mr. Wray. For the sitting member, Mr. Slade, Q.C., Mr. W. H. Cooke, and Mr. Bentinck. _ The petitioners were Brooking Soady, of Woodland, in the county of Devon, gentleman; and Thomas Pinsent, of Kingsteignton, in the said county of Devon, gentleman. The allegations set forth that at the last election of a member for the borough of Ashburton, in the county of Devon, the petitioners were registered electors of the said borough and had a right to vote at the said election and did vote there at. That, at the said election, John Harvey Astell, Esq., and George Moffatt, Esq., were the candidates. That the nominations took place on the 29th of April last, and the polling on the following day, and at the close of the poll the said John Harvey Astell, Esq., was declared to be duly elected, and was accordingly returned as member for the said borough. The petition further alleged bribery, treating, and undue influence on the part of the sitting member, by himself and his agents. … (discussion of evidence) …
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Referenced
GRO1036 Devonport: Thomas Pinsent: 1782 – 1872