From Col. Edward Mustard’s Correspondence File
11: To the Berkshire Coroner
Headingham Hall
Friday 24th June 1768
Dear Mr Cholmondely-Walker
I am writing with great sadness to report to you the Death of Mr. Bartholomew Sandiman of Headingham House.
Mr Sandiman had been long absent from his Family and I was asked by a family Friend to look into the Matter. After making Enquiries I tracked him down to some privately constructed Delvings close to Headingham House where there had previously been some kind of banqueting House, now derelict and collapsed. I understand that last year Sandiman had sunk a considerable Fortune into installing there a philosophical Engine. I believe that he had become quite obsessed by this Device, which it seems never performed to his Satisfaction.
After navigating a Maze of Tunnels, many of which showed Signs of imminent and actual collapse, I found him in a large Chamber which contained the philosophical Engine. There was also a very large Store of Black Powder. Sandiman seem quite deranged, poor Fellow, brandishing arms and shrieking “Get the Assassin”. I thought it best to withdraw, and as well I did, for as I backed into the Passage there was a mighty rumble, the Earth shook and the great Chamber collapsed, Sandiman within. I effected my escape through Passages crumbling around me. The Ground continued to tremble for a while afterwards and it was clear there was no return possible.
I am afraid there is no Body to present, but I am absolutely certain that Bartholomew Sandiman is deceased. I am sure you will make your own investigations. I believe the whole Area to be perilous and I would recommend caution in approaching. Perhaps employing the services of a professional Sapper and paying a Team of Miners might produce results, but you know your own Business.
Unfortunately, I cannot stay in the vicinity at this Time to speak to you in Person. As you will be aware, there is some great Mischief afoot in London, and it is my Duty to go there post haste to see what Aid I can render. I have a fast Boat chartered for this Evening. In Truth I have let this Matter detain me longer than I anticipated.
If you need further Information, I hope I will be able to return to the County in due course, and speak to you in Person. In normal Times I am a frequent Visitor to the Berkshire Hunt as the guest of Mr Barnaby Butterfield of Oakley Court – I am sure you must know him – and hope to return in quieter Times should I be spared. Otherwise Correspondence may find me at my Rooms in London (see my enclosed Card), Horseguards or Kents Coffee House (assuming any of these still stand). Unfortunately, I anticipate much Confusion in the Capital at present.
Yours most sincerely
Edward Mustard, Colonel (Mustard’s Dragoons)