Electors in Stamford voted for Charles Tennyson D’Eyncourt, uncle of the future Alfred Lord Tennyson, in 1831 when, for the first time ever, a candidate standing against the Burghley interest secured a seat in Parliament. He stood again in the 1832 election but was not successful.
‘To the Independent Electors and People of the BOROUGH of STAMFORD, and Parish of SAINT MARTIN, Stamford Baron.
FRIENDS AND FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN!
It is my painful duty to communicate to you the unsuccessful result of our exertions to to accomplish the partial emancipation of the Elective Franchise of this borough from the Unconstitutional and Corrupt usurption of the National Right of returning Representatives to the Comons House of Parliament; and I should be unworthy of your good opinion if I did not acknowledge of your generous support.
Electors of Stamford! We have been vanquished in this contest, but the disgrace is not on us; it rests on those who in their BROKEN PROMISES shamefully deceived us, – and on those who by every species of Intimidation and Corrupt Influence have prevented their unhappy and servile followers from “doing as they like with their own.”
The persecutions visited upon the Electors of Stamford, since your contests for the return of Mr. TENNYSON, – aided by other and notorious influences, – have now rendered the Representation of Stamford the Private Property of the MARQUIS of EXETER and a self-elected CORPORATION. The BALLOT, can only rescue you from the “House of Bondage.”
Electors of Stamford! Your Bondage will be but temporary. A REFORMED PARLIAMENT will ensure your early Deliverence; and if the struggles for your Freedom advance (as they assuredly will) the Liberties of your country, by securing Purity and Freedom of Election, we shall by amply consoled for our temporary defeat, as a willing sacrifice to the National Interest.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your grateful and devoted Servant,
ARTHUR FRANCIS GREGORY.
Stamford, 12th Dec. 1832.'
The Stamford Mercury, 14th December, 1832.