To the working classes of Aberdeen

This broadside addresses the working class of Aberdeen and attacks the Parliamentary record of Alexander Bannerman (1788-1864). It refers to Whig MP for Lanarkshire John Maxwell's (1791-1865) bill on handloom weavers (textile workers) and appears to date from the run-up to the 1837 general election.

The above-mentioned bill was intended on relieving the distress of such workers, and was supported by the Tory MP for Aberdeenshire, William Gordon (1784-1858), amongst others.

The broadside criticises Bannerman, Whig MP for Aberdeen since 1832, for the absence of his support for the bill. The broadside implores the working class not to take up invitations of the masses to join a procession for Bannerman.

Bannerman was a colonial governor as well as an MP. The wider Bannerman family were mill owners. These mills were comparatively well equipped and had higher standards than most others in the 1830s. (Aberdeen 1800-2000: A New History, ed. by W. Fraser and Clive Lee (2000), pp. 155-156.)

The broadside also claims that Bannerman showed disregard for sailors who were stuck in ice the previous winter. It argues that he put saving money above sending government help to those in danger.

The squib refers to Mr. Ross standing as an opposing candidate for the Aberdeen City constituency, comparing him favourably to Bannerman. This would be Horatio Ross of Rossie (1801-1886), a noted sportsman and later photographer. Ross initially stood against Bannerman in the 1837 election before withdrawing before the vote. Bannerman won the election unopposed.

Ross, also formerly a captain in the army, had previously been elected as MP for the pre-reform Aberdeen Burghs constituency in 1831. Additionally, he served as the MP for the Montrose Burghs between 1832 and 1835.

The broadside was printed by J. Davidson & Co. of Aberdeen.