14th May 1816: Major Marrie writes of arson attacks in Suffolk

My Lord

I had hoped that the disturbance would have subsided ‘ere now, but I am sorry to find that on Saturday night and on Sunday at 3 oClock in the afternoon, other Fires more dreadful have taken place, that at Lawshall was during the time of eveng service I yesterday sent a Servant over there and I enclose the answer of the Farmer for your Lordships perusal which I only received last night at ½ past 10 oClock

I have been informed this morning that the Clergyman of the Parish (who is a magistrate) has left his house with his Family in consequence of the threat mentioned in the note enclosed. I am happy to remark that the Man who had written the Papers one of which I enclosed to your Lordship has been fully committed (with two others) to Bury Gaol, but that I'm afraid will throw no light upon the Firing system.

I was rather surprized that the magistrates meeting on saturday, when Mr. Wilson informed me of my having written to your Lordship on this subject; with submission to your Lordships better judgment, perhaps  it would be as well upon any partial communication that the name might be kept secret, as should it become known, generally, some other mischief might arise from it – as revenge seems to have actuated the present convulsion. I have seen this morning the person who dispersed the mob, at Rattlesden, he is worthy the [illegible] of at least the Country Gentleman; and I have suggested to Mr. Grisby of Drinkstone, the necessity of making him a Compliment for his spirited exertions, he certainly risqued his life alone, when they assembled nearly 200 to destroy his premises I hope your Lordship will strike out some plan to relieve this County from the calamity & fatigue which we labour under, in watching day & night, some clever persons disguised as labourers, might be the means of discovering the incendiaries—

I have [etc]
Faithful Hbl Servt
[Major] Marrie

Brittenham Park
near Bildeston
14th May 1816

[Enclosed letter]

Sir

According to your Request I have Sent you an Answer there has been a Letter found by a boy but not now in my possession but a very threatening one, it were, it Specified there where three Farm houses in this parish to be Burnt and the parson to be Burnt in his bed, I have Insured, my Loss 4 Horses 6 Calves about 50 Combs of Wheat Barley and Oats about 12 [illegible] the house with great Difficulty was Saved

Yrs Humb Servt

[Thos] Bradley

Lawshall
May 12 1816

7th May 1816: Government reward notice for arson at Drinkstone, Suffolk

200£.—PARDON.

WHITEHALL, 7th May, 1816.

WHEREAS it hath been humbly represented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that on the Night of the 3d instant A BARN, belonging to Mr. GRIGBY, of Drinkston, near Woolpit. In the county of Suffolk, was WILFULLY SET ON FIRE by some evil-disposed person or persons:—His Royal Highness, for the better apprehending and bringing to justice the persons concerned in the said Felony, is hereby pleased, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, to promise his Majesty’s most gracious Pardon to nay one of them (except the Person who actually set Fire to the said Barn) who shall discover his, her, or their accomplice or accomplices therein, so that he, she, or they, may be apprehended and convicted thereof.

SIDMOUTH

And, as a further encouragement, a Reward of TWO HUNDRED POUNDS is hereby offered by the said Mr. Grigby to any person (expect as is before excepted who shall discover his, her and their accomplice or accomplices therein, so that he, she, or they, may be apprehended and convicted thereof; or to any person or persons who shall apprehend and bring the said offenders, or any of them, to conviction, or cause them, or any of them, so to be apprehended and convicted as aforesaid.

[From the London Gazette of May 7, 1816.]

SPRING GUNS are set on the Premises of Mr. Grigby, in Drinkston and Hesset.

3rd May 1816: Arson at Drinkstone, Suffolk

The Bury & Norwich Post of 8th May 1816 carried a report and a reward advert about a case of arson that occurred on Friday 3rd May 1816:

On Friday night a barn at Drinkstone, the property of Joshua Grigby, Esq. was wilfully set on fire, and consumed.—A reward of 200l. is offered for the discovery of the incendiaries. See advt.

The advert read as follows:

TWO HUNDRED POUNDS REWARD. 

A BARN at DRINKSTONE, the Property of Mr. GRIGBY, was WILFULLY SET ON FIRE about Nine o'clock in the Night of the 3d of this Month. 

Mr. Grigby thinks he cannot so well perform his duty to the Public; or express his Thanks to his Neighbours for their kind assistance; as by using his utmost endeavours to detect the Incendiaries. 

He also promises a Reward of TWO HUNDRED POUNDS to the Person through whose means they shall be convicted.—May 4, 1816.