James Elmslie Duncan[note 1] (7 March 1822 – 21 May 1854), was an English Chartist poet, editor, writer, and activist for social and moral reform, as well as vegetarianism and temperance.
The Sunbeam, intended as a bi-monthly penny magazine, had only one known issue in 1846 and featured excerpts from Duncan's collection Flowers and Fruits and his novel Edward Noble.
His novel Edward Noble, the Utopian; or the Dawning Glories of the Age of Love, included idealised characters as vegetarians and communists, featuring notable figures like Owen, Etzler, and Cobden.
[3] Duncan's involvement in Chartist activities escalated in March 1848 when he recited "Tocsin against Tyranny" at a celebration of the French Revolution, earning enthusiastic applause.
In late July 1848, he was arrested in Upper East Smithfield on his return from a meeting of Chartists, socialists, repealers and sympathisers, for carrying a pocket pistol, claiming it was for self-protection due to past police violence.
A struggle in the courtroom led the magistrate to conclude he was insane, resulting in a stay in the workhouse as a preliminary step before being admitted to an asylum.
[3] Duncan was admitted to Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum in July 1851; his condition was described as "moral insanity accompanied with epilepsy".