Henry Haines (fl. 1726–1738)

HAINES (HENRY), printer in London, (1) Russell Street, Covent Garden, (see R. Francklin); (2) Hart Street, Covent Garden; (3) upper end of Bow Street, Covent Garden. 1726–38. Journeyman to R. Francklin, and associated with The Craftsman from its first issue in December 1726. When in July 1731 Francklin was thrown into the King's Bench prison for publishing what was known as the "Hague letter", he obtained Haines's consent to his [i.e. Haines] name being placed in the imprint, assuring him that there were several gentlemen of great fortunes supporting the paper and defending all prosecutions, who would make him a suitable present, in case any corporal punishment should be inflicted on him. The second part of An argument against Excise by "Caleb D'Anvers" [i.e. Nicholas Amhurst] is said to have been printed by Haines "at Mr. Francklins, in Russell St., Covent Garden" [London Evening Post, January 18th, 1733], as is also a pamphlet entitled The Politics on both sides, published in 1734. Things went on satisfactorily for a few years more, though Haines was by no means comfortable in his position, and at last became so nervous that he determined to have his name removed from the paper; but Francklin agreed that Haines should take a house in his own name and take over al the printing material belonging to Francklin and that he should keep these as security against all future damages. Haines then moved the printing-office to premises in Hart Street, Covent Garden, and all went well until the unlucky issue of July 2nd, 1737. On being arrested he endeavoured in every way to shield his employers and was remanded on bail in £600. Being unable to find such an amount, he appealed to Francklin to go bail for him; but Francklin coolly told Haines's wife that "He knew nothing of her husband, and desired he might not be troubled any more with her impertinences". Mrs. Haines died six months afterwards, and Haines was only released by the bail of two friends of his own. Further trouble befell him by the publication of The Craftsman of December 10th, 1737. He applied again to both Mr. Francklin and Mr. Amhurst, and avers that they did nothing, but "cuff'd him about from one to the other, for about six weeks". Haines told Francklin that he was prepared to stand the consequences if Francklin would pay him his wages, one guinea a week, whilst he was in prison: but, so he says, Francklin proposed as an alternative that he should run away, as it would be cheaper to him to pay three hundred pounds, the amount of his bail, than probably a guinea a week for his life. Haines refused this. Then Francklin removed the printing materials from the house in Hart Street, and for the next two years Haines remained in close confinement in the King's Bench prison, his employers having left him to starve. In a satirical poem written in 1738 entitled A Supplement to One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Eight, there is a reference to "Poor Haines's ears in pain for Caleb's wit."