Wednesday 11 April 2012

11th April 1812: Colonel Campbell warns General Grey of a planned attack on Bradley Mills in Huddersfield

Leeds 11th April 1812

Sir

I am sorry to say that the Mills at Horbury S.W of Wakefield were on Thursday night attacked by an armed body of 300 men. Very considerable property and machinery was destroyed & many persons very ill treated.

This is the place to which I referred in a former report made to you as having been menaced.

I have learnt from a respectable quarter that these disturbers of the Peace were met on the road between Wakefield & Horbury in the night of Thursday, marching in regular sections armed, preceded by a mounted party of ten men with their swords drawn & an equal number mounted forming a rear guard. It is believed that by a preconcerted plan they had assembled from Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Guildersome, Morley, Wakefield &c &c

From the great intercourse between this Town & Huddersfield information is conveyed which altho’ not at all times correct frequently proves too true.

I hope I shall be acquitted of presumption if I suggest to give the necessity of the office in command of the troops in Huddersfield being very much on his guard, for the destruction of the Bradley Mills in that neighbourhood it is believed is determined upon at all risks

I have the honor to be
Sir, your most obedient
humble Servant

Char Campbell
Colonel

To General
The Honorable H G Grey
&c &c &c
York

This letter can be found at HO 42/122.

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