Ffeil C408. - Sir Charles Kemeys to his cousin Button. Refers to the original book of records of the town of Cardiff which ...,

Sir Charles Kemeys to his cousin Button. Refers to the original book of records of the town of Cardiff which was kept under three locks and keys; disputes the validity of the recent election of a bailiff, firstly because it was signed by only one bailiff, and, secondly, because it was conducted in a manner quite contrary to the ancient usage of the Corporation, as the bailiff and the rest of the Aldermen could attest on oath, as he himself intended to do at the next town Quarter Sessions, where there would be a further examination as to whether our burgesses ever appeared at the election of bailiffs; but whether they did so or not, he considered it unreasonable if it should be so, as such an election would be as tumultuous as that of a Parliament man; it also seemed pretty odd to him that three JPs of the country should concern themselves in the town hall in the election of bailiffs; he would write to Bailiff Stephens and John Archer to relate to him other aspects of the matter; they were determined to try the validity of this election by law, and until that was done everything must stand as they were; there were several precedents for the continuance in office of bailiffs for two years or more. Subscribed is a note in another hand stating that they were positive that County Justices were expressly prohibited in the Charter from acting or intermeddling in the town.