Hicks Hall 10th. Sepr. 1781

Sir

Having laid before His Majesty's Justices of the peace for the County
of Middlesex in their Session of the peace now assembled the Letter which
I this day had the honour of receiving from you concerning the notice which
the Secretary at War hath given to you that in conformity to the direction
given to the Secretary at War by the 8th. of Geo: the 2d. Chap 30 with
respect to the absence of Troops from places where Elections are held he
has been under the necessity of issuing Orders for withdrawing the
Parties on duly at the New Prison and Bridewell Clerkenwell one
day at the least previous to the ensuing Election for the City of
London I have it in charge to acquaint you that it is the opinion
that the personsasemployed as assistants by the Keepers to take
care of the said Prisons considering the number of Sheriffs prisoners
for Debt and the Capital convicts now Secured in the said prisons
will not be sufficient to guard the prisons and prevent a General
Escape were it to be attempted when the Soldiers now doing duty
there shall be removed and therefore refer it to your to take such
Steps as to you shall seem necessary and proper

I am
Sir
Your most obedience
humble Servt.
W M

Sheriffs of London & Middlesex