This handbill reprints copies of letters to the editor of The Manchester Mercury written by Drs Edward Carbutt and Henry Hardie. The handbill was issued by Carbutt to refute the charges that he has been denigrating Hardie's abilities with a voter in the election for Manchester Infirmary physician This is a good example of how the open elections to the honorary posts of physician or surgeon to a hospital were subject to ruthless competition and canvassing for votes by candidates The Manchester Infirmary election of 1815 was for a physician to replace Dr John Ferriar, who had died. Hardie was the successful candidate polling 311 votes to Carbutt's 131; he served as physician until 1826. Carbutt was again unsuccessful at his second attempt in April 1817, but he succeeded at the next election of July 1817, serving until his death in 1836 The handbill has 'Dr Carbutt' written on the back. It is not clear why it is in The Retreat archive, but it may have been sent there by Carbut, who was a Quaker, originally from Leeds
