Samuel March Phillipps to Thomas Christopher Maynard   7 October 1844

Whitehall 7th October 1844

Sir

I am directed by Secy. Sir James Graham to inform you that he has requested Mr. Lyell and Mr. Faraday, two Gentlemen of the highest eminence for their scientific attainments to attend at the Coroners Inquest now being holden before you for inquiring into the deaths occasioned by the recent Colliery explosion at Haswell.

Sir James Graham has thought it advisable to request the attendance of the Gentlemen in consequence of a suggestion made by a Committee of the House of Commons (appointed in the year 1835 for inquiring into accidents in Mines)¹ on the expediency of directing the attendance of fit and proper persons to be appointed by the Secretary of State, on future occasions of fatal accidents in Mines for the purpose of being present at the inquiry and to assist the Coroner and Jury in their investigations.

From such a proceeding (the Committee state in their Report) results the most valuable to humanity and science might be obtained, the aim of Justice would be still better secured; and to the Public (particularly to the Relations of the Deceased) the verdict would be delivered under the best possible recommendation and with the highest sanction.

It appeared to Sir J. Graham that some valuable suggestions might be made by the distinguished Gentlemen above named, which would be useful to you and the Jury with reference to the Inquiry now proceeding as to the causes of the late disastrous event important information also may be obtained by them which possibly may contribute in some measure to the prevention of such fatal accidents.

I am &c | (Signed) S.M. Phillipps

The Coroner for the County | of Durham | Halswell [sic]