The History of the Last Trial by Jury for Atheism in England / A Fragment of Autobiography Submitted for the Perusal of Her Majesty's Attorney-General and the British Clergy

by George Jacob Holyoake

In the evening of the next day, between 9 and 10 o'clock, I was called up and taken into their presence again. The governor of the gaol, Captain Mason, and the surgeon, Mr. Hicks, were present.

'Take a seat, Mr. Holyoake,' said the speaker of the Board—Dr. Blissett Hawkins, I believe. I did so.

'Now, Mr. Holyoake, what have you to complain of?' said the speaking Commissioner.

'Nothing, sir.'

'Nothing! Why what do you mean?'

'What I say, sir.'

'But did you not say that you had evidence that you wished to give?'

'I did.'

'Has it not been at your request that you have been brought before us for that purpose?'

'It has?'