Thursday 19 January 2017

19th January 1817: Henry Enfield reports to the Home Office that suspected Luddites have been arrested

Nottingham Sunday Eveng, 19 Jany
1817

Sir

Lord Sidmouth that has been apprized, by a Communication from Mr. Rolleston, of the Hope entertained that material Disclosures relative to the Framebreakers would be made by John Blackburn, a prisoner, under charge of an Attack upon Lord Middleton's Gamekeeper.

J Blackburn’s Examination has occupied principal part of the last week—& his Disclosures have been very satisfactory—so much so that it was determined at Thursday night, by Mr Rolleston & Mr. Mundy that warrants should be issued by the Latter (as a magistrate of Leicestershire) for the apprehension of all Towle’s surviving Co-actors in the outrage at Loughborough—I received from Mr Mundy yesterday Evening thirteen warrants & in the course of last night Seven of the men were taken—the remainder I hope soon, I have no doubt, have a good Account of—Those taken are Joshua Mitchell, Jack Slater, Thos. Savage (these 3 most dreadful fellows you will at once remember) Amos, Crowther, Withers & Burton—They were sent off in Chaises this morning to Mr. Mundy—& I have this moment received a letter from him, saying that they have been before him, & are sent to Leicester—"that his old friend Slater Scowled black at him & that Burton was inclining to confess"—Slater is still open to Indictment for Framebreaking

The greatest Exertions will be made to obtain Confirmatory Evidence—& we are full of hope & expectation of ultimate success—

I have [etc]
H. Enfield

[To] J. Beckett Esqr

This letter can be found at HO 42/158. Enfield reports 7 arrests, whilst Rolleston reported 6 - Rolleston omitted William Burton.

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