17th November 1817: Henry Enfield send his bill for supporting Blackburn & Burton to the Home Office

Nottingham Novr. 17. 1817―

My Lord

I beg leave to enclose for to your Lordship the Bill of payments made by me relative to Blackburn & Burton―& to request that your Lordship will direct the Amount to be paid into the Bank of Messrs Smith Payne & Smiths, to my Credit in account with the Nottingham Bank―

I have [etc]

H Enfield

[To] The Rt Hble Lord Sidmouth

[Enfield enclosed a receipt for his payment to the Constable, Benjamin Barnes, who provided the following invoice of the costs he had incurred on Enfield's behalf]

Nottingham 26th September 1817

Mr Enfield

To Benj Barnes

1817
Sepr

Advanced to Burton at different times}
From 17th August to 25th September} £3 “ 0―0

22 Journey to Kettering to fetch Blackburn}
and Wife 3 Days} £3 “ 3―0
Coach Hire for self to Kettering ― £0 “ 17―0
Coachmen and Guard ― £0 “ 3―0

23 Chaise Hire from Kettering to Harboro’ £0 “ 18―0
Post Boy and Toll Bar £0 ― 4 ―0
Coach Hire from Harboro’ to Nottingham}
for self Blackburn Wife and Child} £1 “ 11―6
Coachmen and Guard £0 “ 6―0
Expences for self, Blackburn, Wife and}
Child three Days £1 “ 10 “ 6

25 Paid for Burton’s Wifes clothes our of Pledge £1 “ 4―10
Bonnet for Mrs Burton £0 “ 6―0
Two Petticoats and Skirt for Mrs Burton £0 “ 13  “ 6
Cloak and Bonnet for the Child £0 “ 8―6
Shoes for Mrs Burton £0 “ 6―0
Great Coat for Burton £1―5 “ 0
Shirt for Burton £0 “ 7―0
Hat for Burton £0 “ 7―6
Shoes for Burton £0 “ 9―0
Pelisse for Mrs Blackburn £1 “ 4―0
Bonnet for [ditto] £0 “ 6―0
Shoes for [ditto] £0 “ 6―0
Cloak and Bonnet for the Child £0 “ 8 “ 6
Pair of Breeches for Blackburn £0 “ 15 “ 0
Shoes for Blackburn £0 “ 9―0
Shirt for [ditto] £0 “ 7―0
Board and Lodging for Blackburn}
and Wife at Nottingham} £0 “ 12 “ 6
Attending with Burton and Blackburn in}
Nottingham} £0 “ 10 “ 6

[Total] £21―18 “ 10

26th September 1817: The informers, Blackburn & Burton, leave Nottingham forever, surrounded by an angry crowd

On Friday 26th September 1817, the Luddites turned informers John Blackburn & William Burton left Nottingham for London, their ultimate destination being Canada. The Leicester Chronicle of 4th October 1817 described the scene:

The noted John Blackborne and William Burton, the King's evidences on the trial of the Luddites at Leicester, at the last Lammas Assizes, and the latter of whom was the principal evidence against Daniel Diggle, hanged at Nottingham in April last, were recognised on the Hope coach, in Nottingham on Friday last. A concourse of people collected round the coach to see them, and bestowed some execrations upon them in a liberal manner.―It is understood both they and their wives and families, are gone off for America.

They were escorted by the Nottingham Police Officer, Benjamin Barnes, who carried the letter to the Home Secretary below, written by the Town Clerk, Henry Enfield:

Nottingham Sep. 26. 1817

Mr Lord

The Police Officer, Benjamin Barnes, will deliver this Letter to Your Lordship & inform you of his arrival in Town with Burton & Blackburn, their wives & Children―

I have [etc]

H Enfield

Town Clerk

[To] Rt Hble Lord Sidmouth

25th September 1817: Henry Enfield informs Lord Sidmouth of the arrangements for the informers Blackburn & Burton

Nottingham Sept. 25th 1817.

My Lord,

In consequence of Mr. Lockett’s communication to me of your Lordship’s arrangements relative to Burton and Blackburn and their families (whose several names and ages Mr. Lockett will have stated to you) I have sent for them from their hiding-places; and finding them all in good health and desirous of immediately proceeding to their destination, I shall send them to London by one of the Coaches in the course of to-day or to-morrow under the escort of the Police Officer Benjamin Barnes―

Barnes will attend at your Lordship’s Office to give Information of their arrival, and I will direct him to enquire for Mr. Noble, within whose Department, as I understand from Mr. Lockett, this business falls.―

I have the honor to be
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s hble Servt

H Enfield

P.S.
I take this opportunity of informing you that the Frameworkknitters are said to dropping in again to work―This is the case I believe with some – but he bulk still remain out – however there is no violence―

H.E.

[To: Lord Sidmouth]

22nd September 1817: Jeffery Lockett sends a description of the informers Blackburn & Burton to government

Derby September 22d 1817

Dear Sir

William Burton is 21 years of age, and his wife, Leah, also twenty one. They have but one child,―a daughter named Charlotte, only five months old:

John Blackburn is twenty three years of age,―and his wife, Ann Blackburn, only twenty. Their only child is a daughter named Mary, and one year & two months old.―

Both parents and Children are in very good health―and able to perform the journey.

Burton is in the neighbourhood of Nottm.―About a week ago, an attempt was made to assassinate him. He was walking out with his wife and child,―and was met by three men, who looked at him very attentively,―and afterwards shot at him, but he escaped.―When he got home he found two other men at his door,―and hearing one of them say “that is him”―he retreated―& went by another way into the town.

Blackburn is at his fathers at Kettering in Northamptonshire. A messanger is sent for him and he will be in Nottm. tomorrow or on Wednesday.

Mr. Enfield will do what is necessary to prepare them for their journey―and you will have the goodness to write to him on the [illegible]. It is hoped that they may sail on the first of October.

I am very sorry to inform you that a fever has attacked several prisoners in our County Gaol. The [prison] has been overcrowded of late:―The magistrates are making every possible exertion to stops its progress.―It is to be lamented that the order for the removal of the reprieved convicts at our last assizes has not been yet received here. I saw Mr. Justice Holroyd sign the [certificate] on Friday―and Mr. Hilditch assured me that it [should] be sent immediately to the Treasury & the order be applied for.

I am apprehensive that this [illegible] is not within your department, but under the pressing circumstances which I have mentioned I am sure you will excuse me for troubling you with it.

I am Dear Sir
Your most obed Servt

Wm Jeffery Lockett

[To: ‘Noble Esqr’]

4th August 1817: Charles Mundy sends an update on the Informers Blackburn & Burton to the Home Office

Burton August 4.th 1817
Near Loughborough

My dear Sir

Blackburn & Burton have both decided that they should like to go with their wives & families to America if any mode can be pointed out of their earning a living there. This decision was not finally made until a day or two immediately previous to Leicester assizes. the letter from the Gaoler informing me of it did not reach me so soon as it ought to have done owing to my being it at Derby in attendance to give evidence before the Grand Jury in the Reason Bills. & on my return home I found Mrs Charles Mundy whom I had left ill still so & all my three children in a state of the utmost danger. this prevented my attending the assizes at Leicester I wrote to Mr. Lockett who I knew was there to beg he would see Blackburn & Burton & tell them to remain quietly in Leicester Gaol till I rec.d directions from Lord Sidmouth respecting their wish of going to America.

unfortunately, Caldwell had having pleaded guilty & Lockett having no other business there he was gone home to derby before my servant got to Leicester with my letter.―In consequence of these accidental circumstances Blackburn & Burton heard nothing from me.

The undersheriff, (Mr. Miles) & some others I believe went to the men, and as they describe it told them some one thing & some another” & puzzled them till they did not know what to do―The High Sheriff went to Mr. Justice Bailey & stated that two men were in Gaol without any charge & commitment but justice Bailey conscientiously felt himself justified compelled to ordering them to be discharged the day he left the Town & at ten OClock at night they arrived at my House without money or place of refuge. I determined then after consulting with them what would  be best for them to do till I could hear from Lord Sidmouth respecting their going to America they determined that Blackburn should remain here all night & set out early in the morning for Kettering in Northamptonshire & stay with his father there and that Burton should go on in the dark to his Wives father at New Radford, Nottingham: this subjected to us thinking it a dangerous plan for Burton but he was bent upon it and said he would get there in the night & remain concealed till I send to him.

I gave them a pound note each for their present support but I own I feel nervous about them especially Burton. as soon as Lord Sidmouth determines in the mode of conveying & providing for them I shall be glad to be inform’d.―

Would Lord Sidmouth now think it worth while to set John Blackburn to work to find his Brother Christopher and try to persuade him to surrender & to give evidence against Frank Ward as an accessary before the fact of the Loughborough Job? Frank Ward is now in custody under Lord Sidmouths Warrant on suspicion of Treasonable practices but we have nothing to support any charge. he is such a rascal & so mischievous a fellow it would be a good thing to transport him.―

I remain dear Sir
Ever yours faithfully
C.G. Mundy

If the Sheriff & Mr. Justice Bailey would have been quiet the two men would have remained quietly in Gaol they had both signd their consent to remain there.

[To] H. Hobhouse Esq

25th April 1817: Informer's report on a meeting with the notorious Nottingham Luddite, Benjamin Badder

25th April 1817.

I was with B. Badder last night and the night before—We were talking about the Ludds that were hung, when he said (after expressing his sorrow for them.) "But never mind and as to that damned Blackburn there is something preparing to strike level with them"—I told him I should like to have the pleasure of shooting him myself—He said "Oh! never mind you'll know when it is to be done and they thought they hanged them all because they had hanged Six but there were some left yet as good as those they had hung"–He said they died like men and would not be forgot, and that their persecutors would be struck level with yet as the Revolution was going on only in a different way not quite so public and he desired me to tell them at Bulwell to keep themselves in readiness to be called on at any hour as Nottm was riper than ever— I mentioned that I had heard [Christopher] Blackburn was taken he said he thought if he were he would not bring any body into a premunire about the money.—

11th April 1817: The Luddite-turned-informer, John Blackburn, writes to his fellow Luddite-turned-informer, William Burton

April 11

Dear frends.

I have the liberty of wrighting to you oping this will find you well in health. wich it leave us at this present time thank God for it Nancy is very well & the child & she desires to be remembered to you all you Must exused me getting into sutch a scrape as this for I had no more thoughts than flying In the hair last year but I thought It would do me good But thank God I have got over it—as I have my Master is settled with me for the frames but where we shall goto after whe get out of here I cant tell they tell I am quite at liberty so where I shall go to I can't tell

I have no more at present

John C. Blackburn

[To: William Burton, Lambley]

27th January 1817: Henry Enfield sends the latest informer's report to the Home Office

Nottingham Jany 27. 1817.

Sir

Enclosed I  have the honor to transmit to you, for the Information of Lord Sidmouth, a Copy of the last Report of our Secret Agent—That part of its Contents which relates to a meditated attempt to rescue the prisoners at Leicester, I communicated yesterday to Mr. Mundy, with whom I spent the day. He informed me that they have a military Guard in the Gaol—We are proceeding well in the Corroboration of the Impeachment of Towle Savage &c—I don't know whether Mr. Mundy has apprized Lord Sidmouth that Wm. Burton has also impeached. It will, I am sure, be highly satisfactory to his Lordship to know this & to learn that Burton is extremely particular in his narration & altogether confirmatory of Blackburn

I submitted, without delay, your letter relative to the Gaol of this County to two of the leading County magistrates (Mr. Sherbrooke & Doctor Wylde) & communicated its contents to the Under-Sheriff of the County—The magistrates visited the Gaol to-day—

I have [etc]
H Enfield

[To] Rt Honble J.H. Addington

23rd January 1817: Informer's report on Nottinghamshire Luddites

23d January 1817.—

On Sunday last 2 men whose names I dont came to my House and asked me if I had heard Nottingham that morning—This was just before dinner—I went out with them at their request and they told me that Jack Blackner (Blackburn) was telling all he knew and that 7 were taken that morning and conveyed off to Leicester in Chaises and he also, with the Constables—They desired me to let all know of this who had been with him on any Job or that he could tell of and they desired me to go to Hucknall—They told me the Committee had sent to Arnold—I met Barker of Bulwell on Monday and he told me they had made a damned smash at Nottingham and had taken 7 and Slater, that Burton of Basford and Badder were amongst them—He said Blackburn had been telling and had caused their apprehension but he thought he did not know him for he only saw him in the night and that he had only been with those Chaps at two Jobs viz at Loughbro’ and New Radford and that Blackburn was not at New Radford but that his brother Christopher was.—He stands his ground but is on the alert ready for a start in case he should see any one appear he may not like the sight of—I went to Hucknal on Sunday and told Benjamin Butler what I heard that he did not give me any information of any one who was concerned either in the Loughbro’ or any other affair—He undertook to let them Chaps know—I was with Badder last night and the night before at Parr’s and Scattergoods—He told me they had taken Rodney (viz Wm Towle) who was one concerned in the Felony at Chapman’s Tent on the Forest ([query] should not Towle be brought to Nottingham for this offence) Badder told me it was Blackburn (he called him Blackner) who had been telling that had caused the apprehension of them—He lamented very much the affair and said they were going to try to get the three Counties of Leicester, Derby and Nottm to join and rescue them from Prison and also Blackburn and put him to death and he said there was a man not at all connected with them who would give £200 to have him dispatched for his Treachery—I have heard many people exclaim very much against Blackner’s Treachery and declare he ought to die for it—Badder also told me they had got Watson of Basford away who was going to tell before about the Loughbro’ Job but he was dissuaded from it by Jesse Towle—Watson was there, as Badder, Barker and Lomas have told me—Barker told me there were 5 from Lambley but he did not tell me their names—Badder laments much about Slater and Mitchell being in custody and that he should like to die to rescue them.

6th December 1816: Informer's report about Nottinghamshire Luddites

6th December 1816.

I was at Basford on Sunday & when I got home about nine I learnt that Badder & Adam had been to see me—I saw Badder at Scattergoods on Tuesday night & he told me he had been to my house to get me to assist them to do Braley’s Factory because he is paying weekly wages instead of paying by the piece & making them do as much for about 18 [shillings] as they should have 3 or 4 £ for, but he said the time had gone by that the Job was intended to be done—They intended to have done the Job about 6 in the morning of Monday or Tuesday but were prevented from attempting it on finding they were better guarded than was supposed—He said the Watch at the Factory continued on longer than they thought viz. till 6 in the morning & they thought of doing it after the Watch & Ward went off—He said the Rules of the Watch & Ward were to go on at 6 at night & continue till six in the morning but he said they went off at 4—He said they meant to shhot Brayley as he was the cause of hiring for wages he advised me to get rid of the Watch which I had of Young Jas Taylor about 12 months since for he was committed & was telling—He said Brayley’s Job must be done but there would be a Revolution before next Spring or before & then many in the Town would be struck level with—He mentioned the Magistrates & Constables as amongst the proscribed.—There is such strict order kept in Bulwell Basford & Arnold by the Watch & Ward nothing can be done there at present—They go on duty at 6 at night & stay till 6 in the morning & shut up the public houses at 10—Two have been convicted the suffering tipling after 10—Reed of Bulwell one of them about a fortnight ago & Robertson of Bulwell the other last Wednesday—Two were convicted on Wednesday for abusing the Watch & Ward—The Watch go to the public houses about 9 to see who are there & if any stranger be there one of the watch stop till he goes away.—When Badder & Adam were at the 3 Crowns, Gent’s, on Sunday night, they were watched till they went.

23rd November 1816: Henry Enfield suggests apprehending the men named in James Towle's confession to the Home Office

Nottingham Novr. 23d. 1816.

Sir

Herewith I transmit, for the Information of Lord Sidmouth, a Copy of the last Report of our Secret Agent—Its contents, as relating to Lawson & Barnes are very shocking—the name of Barnes here was yesterday chalked up on the Walls of the Streets here, with "Kill him" added—Last Monday night at 10 a person called upon Lawson & in most Secret Confidence told him that there was a determination to kill him & Barnes before Towle’s execution—Lawson & Barnes passed that night at the Police Office—& the next day the magistrates thought it right to send them out of Town—& they will remain away for some days longer. I think of advising the Sureties of the Peace being required from Badder & Slater by Barnes & Lawson, & having warrants out against them—they would not be able to find Sureties & must consequently go to Gaol—This would dispose of them for the winter—If Barnes & Lawson can safely do this upon Information not derived from our Source, it appears to me to be an adviseable Step—I should be greatly obliged by Lord Sidmouth’s Sentiments—

Mr. Lockett has written to me, stating that Towle made full confessions—& I am to meet Mr Lockett to-morrow—The particulars of the Confessions had been laid, I understand from Mr Lockett, before Lord Sidmouth—The Secret Committee wish me to request the immediate Consideration & Opinion of his Lordship, as to the expediency & propriety of apprehending at one time all the persons whom Towle has named mentioned to be implicated in the Loughbro’ outrage, or in any other, in order to [illegible] the Chance or from another of those miscreants impeaching – asking to be admitted Evidence &c—The Information upon which to assure the warrants might be made without difficulty by Heathcote & Boden—& if any would impeach, for instance against Josa. Mitchell, the (for the Loughbro’ affair) the Butcher & Shepherd might identify him at Aram’s Boat—& so, the Accomplice be corroborated—If the measure should not be thus successful, it would, at any Event, be the means of withdrawing during the winter the most notorious of the Set from the field of Action—The Secret Committee suggest this as the thought of the instant—& they submit the subject, without further reserve, to the Judgement of Lord Sidmouth & those whose high opinions his Lordship will probably take—

It has been a great satisfaction to the magistracy that Towles Execution & Funeral passed over without commotion—The strong measures proposed, operated very probably to prevent Tumult—

I have the honour to be
Sir
Your most Obt Servt.
H Enfield

[To] Rt Hble JH Addington

I request you to send me a copy of this letter—I should lose the mail—

22nd November 1816: Informer's report about James Towle's funeral

22d Novr 1816

I was at Towle’s Funeral yesterday—A Schoolmaster I was told gave out the Hymns that were sung from his house to and at the Grave by Six young women.—Peter Green was there and joined in the singing—Many other men also sung—Badder was there with me—He said he felt uneasy because Barnes & Lawson were not come at before the body was put into the Grave—I and Badder went to Torr’s, The Shoulder of Mutton accompanied by Adam the Scotchman, Jos. Mitchell Chris and his Brother the man at whose house the Frames were last broke at Lambley, Glover who was tried at the last Assizes and Peter Green and many others who were at the supper at Scattergoods on the occasion of Badder and Slater’s acquittal whose names I dont know—Some of their wives were with them—I believe they were all Ludds or friends to them—There was a deal of muttering amongst them saying they would not give a penny for Barnes and Lawson's lives and that they must be done—Adam and Badder said they had slept at the Police Office for several nights and that they would be seen here no more and were going to London to be Police Officers where that damned Rogue Garton was but there would be a reckoning day there and they might be let on there—They said a deal about Garton being there for safety—Nothing was proposed to be done—Jos: Mitchell was chosen for a Bearer of Towle but he did not help to carry—I could only see two Bearers that I knew; Mellors of Dob Park Lane who keeps a Shop of Frames and Robinson who lives at this end of Basford—It was dusk when the Funeral was over—There was a great many men and women but most men, and a Soldier estimated them all together at 3000—Many men from Nottm, many of them I knew to be Ludds—I saw several from Arnold, Hucknall and many from Bulwell—There was a Star or Cross upon the Coffin lid which excited much conjecture what it could be for—Some said it was because he had died game, others because he had been hung, and some damned Dr. Wylde for not allowing the Funeral service to be read—Badder said the Parish Parson would have read the Service had not Dr. Wylde threatened to strip off his gown if he did it, but he said it did not signify to Jem for he wanted no Parson about him—We all came out of Torr’s together but Mitchell and Chris went to Towle’s mother’s and promised to overtake us before we got to Nottingham but they did not—On the way Badder said he wished we could meet Barnes and Lawson—Adam told him not to mind they would be met with tho’ they might go to London; as there had been meetings there of 40 or 50,000 and things were coming to a head and he should not mind being hung for shooting one of them but he should like to see a Revolution first and then he should die easy. I, Badder, Adam and the man of Lambley whose Frames were last broke, went by the Bowling Alley (Peter and the others left us on the Road and went by Radford) to Seymour’s and there we met Sam Slater—He said Jem had been damned ill used as he had sent a letter out of Prison to shoot Barnes that he might not give evidence against him and it would be a pity if he were not done now before he got to London and that Barnes would get £140 by the Job—Badder said they must lye still abit to which they acquiesced by silence.—

31st October 1816: Henry Enfield sends the latest informer's report to the Home Office

Nottingham October 31. 1816.

Sir

Enclosed you will receive, for the Information of Lord Sidmouth, a Copy of last night’s Secret Report—The Account of the Attacks upon Carnell's House &c seems to correspond altogether with Carnell’s own Account—You will find an important Circumstance at the close of the Report, relative to a Soldier, one of the Regiments stationed at Nottingham—

I have [etc]
H. Enfield

[To] The Rt Honble JH Addington

31st October 1816: Henry Enfield reports a 'renewal of framebreaking' to the Home Office

Sir

I inclose, for the information of Lord Sidmouth, a Statement of a renewal of Framebreaking—It furnishes another instance of the Accuracy of our Agent’s Information—for, you will recollect, he told us, in his Report of the 24th Instant of this intended Attack upon the wide Frames at Bulwell—

I write with you in your Sentiments relative to the Watch & Ward Act, expressed in your letter with which I have been honored this Afternoon—& sincerely hope that its Effects will realize the expectations raised—"The Constables", however, alluded to in the Report of the 24th Inst, as having prevented the Excursions of the Nottingham Luddites, were the Police Officers whom the magistrates have for a considerable time past had out upon nightly Patrole. The Watch & Ward went out for the first time on the 26th Inst

I have [etc]
H Enfield

[To] Rt Hble J H Addington
&c

30th October 1816: Informer's report on Nottinghamshire Luddites

30th October 1816.—

I went to the Kingstone's Arms last Saturday according to appointment saw Fell, Joe Gelsthorpe and Peter Green there—Fell said he had asked Holbrook and Beef Smith to go to Bulwell and they both refused.—He had not seen Shaw or Abel Smith.—He meant to see them and let me know the next night, but he did not come and I went to Mansfield on Monday morning and staid there till last night.—I have heard that Shaw went to my house on Monday night but have not learnt for what.—This morning I was with John Lomas Junr, and said to him, why these chaps have not done the job as they should of done (alluding to the Frames broke at Bulwell on Monday night) He said "Oh they were only Basford chaps and only 14 of them"–They broke into a House where there were no Frames and I asked him how that happened.—He said they were told better but made a mistake and got the wrong end of the row.—He said they intended coming again with more strength as there were 5 or 6 Basford Chaps that did not come as was expected.—They shot at Carnall's Window he said—He told me that one of the went into Carnall's bed room and threatened to shoot him and he  begged of them not to hurt him as he had no Frames there and told them where they were and to go and use their pleasure, and one of them said "Damn you give me the Pistol and if you wont shoot him I will" but the man having the Pistol refused to do it saying we’ll only break his Frames—I have not learnt who were there except, Lomas (I believe) was one from what he told me.—Joseph West told me this morning that they meant to come again from Basford last night but were put off but that they would be there again this week—I have heard nothing more about the House of Industry at Basford—This afternoon I saw Badder at the Goat and we had some talk about the Job done a Bulwell.—He said he was glad to hear of its being done as it would take the attention off of Nottm and we should get 2 or 3 of our jobs done.—On Sunday he and Slater and Peter Green came to my house and told me to get my arms out of the house as there was a Police Officer coming down from London to search for and seize all Arms to prevent a Revolution.—

I can give Information to Hollingworth if I should know before hand when the intended Job at the House of Industry is to be done.—

It was stated to night at the Fox that there has been a serious riot at Birmingham that some Soldiers had been shot, when a Soldier with the 73d said they were damned fools for shooting at the Soldiers for they were ready to help them if there was an opportunity and they would soon see which side the soldiers were for if they would all rise together—This was spoken openly in a large Company.—

Badder, Adam & Winrow were there.—

The proceedings of G. Henson are approved of.*

*This alludes to the prosecutions against Hosiers for paying their Workmen otherwise than in money—H.E. [i.e. Henry Enfield - a note added to the report]

26th October 1816: Henry Enfield sends the latest informer's report to the Home Office

Nottingham October 26. 1816

Sir

I beg to enclose for the Information of Lord Sidmouth, a copy of the last report of our Secret Agent—

I have Communicated the particulars relative to the House of Industry to Mr Ichabod Wright (one of our Gentlemen of the County, who takes an active Interest in that Institution), & have given notice of the meditated Attack on the Frames at Bulwell to Doctor Wylde, a magistrates of the County—

I have [etc]
H Enfield

[To] Rt Hble J H Addington.

24th October 1816: Informer's report on Nottinghamshire Luddites

24th October 1816

I went to Arnold last Thursday and saw Fell and Joe Gelthorpe and told them what Green had said, that the Arnold Chaps were expected to go to Bulwell and break the wife Frames there—Fell said he thought they could not get as many as would be necessary to do it as many of the Arnold Chaps would not go with Ned White, whom he said would go any time, but he said he would mention it to them—Gelsthorpe said he would go, and Fell said he would—I was there again yesterday morning and Fell and Gelsthorpe said they had mentioned it but could only get six to go, but that they had no Fire Arms and requested to be provided with some and they would go on Sunday night if they could have other assistance.—They said they could get plenty to go and smash every thing in the House of Industry, and that it had been agreed upon to be done, but the time not fixed.—I am to see Fell again on Saturday either at Nottingham at the Kingston's Arms, or at Arnold to know what assistance can be given them and what Arms can be furnished to them.—I was with Badder last Tuesday at the Goat—He said I expected a Job at your Town last night, that all the Frames were broke—that the Basford Chaps had fetched all the Tackle (viz. the Arms) to do it on Monday night and he could not think the reason why it was not done but it must between then and next Sunday night and he desired me to call upon Bradley and enquire.—I saw him again last night and then he told me they were [through] making Rattles at Nottingham and were going to Watch and Ward again but he'd be damned if they must not be shot—I told him that the Arnold Chaps had determined to destroy all the Frames and things in the House of Industry at Bulwell—He said it must be done but there was no such thing as giving them any assistance from Nottingham, on account of the Constables who were watching at nights and they (the Ludds) could not get back in the night undiscovered—We were together at the Unicorn last night till about 11 and then Badder went and I staid till 2 or 3 and 4 or 5 others playing at Whist in the parlour—The Constables came and knocked at the door several times, and asked for the door to be opened and said somebody were playing at Cards there—The Landlord denied it and said he had only his own family there and refused to open the door to any body—We went out at the Back door—Those that I played with were not Ludds—Two of them were Bakers—The Constables said the last time they came stopped an hour I think until we left some of them followed me down the Street but I ran and they did not get to speak to me—We should have stopped longer had not the Constables been so clamorous, and the Landlord began to be uneasy—I have not heard of any attempt to break into Churchill’s Warehouse last week nor of it being intended to be done—I dont know of any thing more intended to be done.—

18th October 1816: Henry Hobhouse sends a furious response to Benjamin Walker's supporter

Hadspen
Oct. 18 1816

Dear Sir,

The inclosed Application on behalf of Benjm. Walker is not the first of the kind which has been addressed to the Secretary of State. He was one of the murderers of Mr. Horsfall, & deserved a Halter just as much as his Colleagues, who were executed at York in January 1813. But he had the good fortune to turn King’s Evidence, by which he saved his Neck. Thus the Promise held out to him by the Crown has been fulfilled. The pecuniary Reward was promised not by Government, but by an Anti-Luddite Committee, which then existed at Huddersfield: and if Walker were by the strict Letter of their Promise entitled to the Reward, it is to them, & not the Secretary of State, that he must look for payment; and certainly he has no merit, which calls for the Interference of Government on his behalf. But if I recollect rightly, Walker is not entitled to the Reward, because his Information was not given until after he & his fellow-murderers were apprehended upon other Evidence. I believe too I am correct in stating that Walker after the Trial was supplied with money through Mr. Lloyd of Stockport to enable him to find an Asylum in some distant part of the Kingdom, I believe in Wales.

I have [etc]
H. Hobhouse

15th October 1816: A man from London writes to the Home Secretary in support of the Luddite turned informer, Benjamin Walker

It was over 2 years since the former Luddite turned informer, Benjamin Walker, had himself written to the Prince Regent requesting payment of the reward who thought he was entitled to for turning King's Evidence against his former comrades in Huddersfield. Now, a man from London wrote in support of Walker's claim after having encountered him on the streets of London:

My Lord

I trust the subject upon which I now take the liberty of addressing your Lordship will plead my excuse for thus trespassing on your Lordship’s time

Some week since I will was accosted by miserable looking man who earnestly requested I would recommend him to an Attorney, and upon my desiring to know his motive he made the following statement to me

He say’d his name was Benjn Walker, that he served his apprenticeship to and afterwards worked at the shearing of woollen cloth near Huddersfield in yorkshire, previous and up to 1812. That he was one of the misguided men who suffered themselves about that period to be sworn in as a Luddite and mixed much in the dreadful occurrences that took place there at that time That during the disturbances a Gentlemen of the name of Horsfall was shot and great exertions were used to discover the murderers—That the Government and the magistrates and Gentlemen of Huddersfield and its neighbourhood joined in such exertions—the former by offering the Prince Regent’s pardon to any accomplice (except the actual murderer) who should be the means of convicting the others concerned &c., and the latter by forming themselves into a Society and individually subscribing certain sums (and particularly a part of the Family of Mr Horsfall the Gentleman who was shot subscribing £500) and constituted Mr Peace an Attorney of Huddersfield their Secretary and treasurer and annexed to the proclamation in the London Gazette of 1st May 1812 wherein the pardon before mentioned was inserted the following memorandum "And as a further encouragement a Reward of £2,000 will be paid to any person (except as excepted in the Gazette) who shall give such information as shall lead to the conviction of the murderers to be paid by Mr John Peace of Huddersfield" That he, Walker, together with a great many other persons were taken up on suspicion of being concerned in the many Outrages that time and were repeatedly examined by Mr. Ratcliff Mr. Lloyd and several other magistrates and Gentleman relative to such disturbances. That the reward of £2,000 as also the pardon were repeatedly mentioned and promised to him, Walker, and others if they would discover what they knew respecting the murder and other transactions it was suspected they were engaged in, but-that-no-discovery were then made and he, Walker, and many others were after such examinations liberated—That he was afterwards again taken up with a number of other persons and after repeated examinations as to his knowledge of the said murder and other crimes he was induced from the promised pardon and reward made to him, Walker, by the magistrates on such examinations to confess that he was one of the four persons present when Mr Horsfall was shot but was not the person who shot him. That immediately upon such confession and his naming his accomplices all other persons then in confinement on suspicion of the said murder was liberated and his three accomplices fully committed to York for trial and were afterwards upon his Walkers evidence corroborated by others whom he Walker produced tried convicted and executed—That from his having been the means of discovering and convicting his accomplices he has since then been unable to get any employment in his own trade or to remain with personal safety in that part of the Country—That he has made many applications to Mr Peace and those who promised him the reward to pay it him or to get him some employment but they refuse saying he was not the first informer—Altho they do not say who was nor have they yet pay’d the money, which he, Walker, understands is in the Treasurers hands as before mentioned, to any one—That he Walker can prove that he alone is entitled to their Reward and is only prevented from asserting his right to it by his present poverty.

The above therefore my Lord is the substance of Walkers statement and upon hearing which I caused an application to be made by a professional Gentleman to Mr peace of Huddersfield and the answer returned by that Gentleman was to the same effect as stated by Walker—Viz. that he Walker was not entitled not being the first informer this however my Lord from Walker’s evidence on the trial of his accomplices as also from the statement of several other persons referred to by Walker does not appear correct—and my Lord, from the enquiries I have made I am satisfied that his claim is just. Walker therefore requests that I will humbly implore of your Lordship that as he was induced through the faith of the promises of the before named Gentlemen backed by the proclamation and Reward offered in the London Gazette to give the required information whereby the discovery and conviction of his accomplices was affected, that, your Lordship will be pleased to refer him to some Gentleman who shall see that the Reward (if his due) shall be paid to him, or that some employment is provided for him to rescue him from the dreadful state of poverty and wretchedness he is now in arising from the before mentioned circumstances

I am my Lord
your Lordships most
humble Servant

T Broughton

No 3 Philip Lane
London Wall
15th Octr. 1816

my Lord
Walker also stated that Mr. Justice park—whom at the trial of his accomplices was leading Counsel for the Crown as also Mr Baron Thompson who tried them would if applied to say he Walker was entitled to the Reward

10th August 1816: Henry Enfield informs the Home Office of the Luddites plan to assassinate the Nottingham Assize Judge

Nottingham August 10th 1816—

Sir

The Secret Report, of which I now enclose you a Copy for the Information of Lord Sidmouth, was made too late yesterday to enable me to send it by yesterday's post, which I should otherwise have certainly done.—It contained a confirmation of a most dreadful rumour, which has been current during the present week, of a plan having been matured in the Crowd attending the late Trial of Glover and Chettle for Framebreaking, to attack the person of the Judge (Mr. Baron Graham) in case the prisoners had been convicted.—The Trial took place last Saturday at the Assizes for this County, and was protracted, by the multitude of witnesses called on the part of the Prisoners in their defence (the defence being in each case an Alibi) until the late hour of 2 in the morning.—

I sent to Leicester yesterday a confidential communication to Mr. Clarke (the leading Counsel for the Crown) of this confirmation of the rumour—leaving it to his discretion whether to impart it to the Judge.—

The Trial of Towle, Slater and Badder was to come on this morning at Leicester—we are anxiously waiting to know the result.—

I remain
Sir
your hble Sservant

H Enfield

[To] Jas. Beckett Esqr