9th April 1817: Lord Middleton urges Nottinghamshire Hosiers to 'conciliate their workmen', quoting the Luddite Thomas Savage

COUNTY MEETING, AT MANSFIELD.

A Correspondent has transmitted us some particulars of the Meeting held at Mansfield, which we are requested to publish.

A County Meeting was held at the Moot Hall, Mansfield, on Wednesday the 9th Instant, in pursuance of a Requisition to the High Sheriff, "to consider of a proper congratulatory Address, to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, upon his escape from the late violent and treasonable outrage, against his Royal Person," when—

LORD MIDDLETON, after apologizing for offering himself to the notice of the Meeting, observed, that at the last Assizes, a friend of his, then present, suggested the propriety of having a County Meeting, for the purpose of addressing the Prince Regent, upon his escape from the outrageous attack that had been made upon his person; he should always thank that friend, (he meant Mr. Sutton) for the suggestion: it had been said that it was now too late to address the Regent, but in his opinion, an Address, even now, would be preferable to no Address;—(Applause)—besides, he thought that the detection of the conspiracy at Manchester, and which appeared to extend to other places; and the disturbed state this County had long been in, rendered an Address highly proper. It was the duty of every man to rally round that admirable Constitution, which had stood the test of ages, and which afforded protection to the meanest peasant. "We should," said his Lordship, "congratulate the meanest individual in the streets, upon his escape from assassination; how thankful then ought we to feel, for the providential escape of the person, exercising the highest office in the State. I tremble at the very idea of the consequences, had the attack succeeded;" and he thought no man who had any veneration for the Constitution, could object to an Address of Congratulation to the Prince, upon his escape; he had always admired the British Constitution—in that admiration he should continue to his last moments, and he was ready to die in its defence. His Lordship concluded his Speech with moving the Address.

J.M SUTTON, Esq. (of Langwith) said, that he was unaccustomed to public speaking, and he therefore, hoped, the assembly would favor him with their indulgence for a few moments—he stated that evil person had taken advantage of the times to poison the minds of the people, and to make them believe their sufferings were unheeded—he conceived it to be the duty of every man, to use his utmost efforts, to re-call the unwary to a sense of what they owed their King in their country. Mr. Sutton concluded abruptly, by stating that he felt unable to proceed.

R. HOLDEN, Esq. stated that he had heard it remarked, it was now too late to address the Regent, he should only repeat the old proverb, "better late than never." Gentlemen, said Mr. Holden, we ought to shrw that we cannot and will not bear that the Constitution shall be attacked by any body or set of men; the County of Nottingham, Sir, is I am sure as loyal as any County in the kingdom, and I think we should not discharge the duty we owe to our King, to our Country, and to posterity, were we not to congratulate his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, upon his escape from the daring and atrocious attack upon his person; when almost every town in the kingdom has addressed the Regent, shall it be said, that this was the only County which had not congratulated the Prince. Sir, the County of Nottingham does not deserve such censure, I therefore rejoice in the present Meeting, and beg leave to second the address.

L. ROLLESTON, Esq (of Watnall,) after some very pertinent remarks, observed, that it might appear strange, that what six weeks ago was thought to be improper, should now be thought proper; in his opinion circumstances now imperiously called for an address; however in some particulars men might differ in their political principles, yet all must agree as to the propriety of congratulating the Prince Regent, on his escape from the attack upon his person; he thought the County would be disgraced unless it addressed the Regent—"when faction rears its head, shall the County of Nottingham stand alone; I trust that it never shall be said we did not exert ourselves against the designs of factious demagogues"—he therefore heartily concurred in the address.

Several other gentlemen address the Meeting, and ADMIRAL FRANK (one of the County Members) declared that the County of Nottingham was as loyal as any county in the kingdom—he always had vindicated its loyalty, and he always would; it had been declared in the Secret Committee, that this county was not infected with treason.

The following resolutions were passed unanimously, viz.:—That the Address should be presented by the Members for the County—That the thanks of the Meeting should be given to the mover and seconder of the Address—That the proceedings of the meeting should be published in the Nottingham Journal, the Morning Chronicle, the Courier newspapers. And the High Sheriff having quitted the chair, (which was taken by the Duke of Newcastle,) a vote of thanks was given to the High Sheriff for his ready compliance with the requisition, and for his conduct in the chair.

After the business of the Meeting was over, LORD MIDDLETON spoke at some length of the practices that had so long with the disgrace of this county, and after alluding to his own conduct at the late Assizes, (when he withdrew the prosecutions against Mellors and two others, for shooting at his Lordship's Gamekeeper,) said, that at the time he was afraid his conduct would be imputed to a wrong motive—that of fear; his Lordship denied that fear operated upon him. That if any future disturbances arose in this county, no motive should prevent him from using his utmost endeavours to bring the authors to justice. That he had not spared any pains to learn the real cause of the apparently determined hostility that existed between the employer and the workmen—he had dived into gaols for this purpose. "You may," said his Lordship, "think I possess a hard heart, but I assure you I do not." He said he had been to Leicester, and there he had had an interview with one of the unfortunate men who were about to expiate their crimes by an ignominious death. Yes, he had there seen one of the unfortunate engines, in the hands of other men, and he believed he had ascertained the cause of the unnatural rancour that had so long existed. He had asked this unfortunate man if it was not possible for something to be done to put an end to the system which had so long existed in this county; he would name this unhappy man, it was Savage, and this was the reply he made:—"My Lord," said he, "if the employer would fix a price upon the work, so that the workman might know what he had to receive, Ludding would have ceased long ago; but the workman never knew what price he was to have. My Lord," continued this unfortunate man, "I am prepared to die—I do not grieve for myself, but I grieve for my wife, who is now pregnant, and for my six children; it is for them, my Lord, that I grieve, and not for myself, for I fear not death." If, continued his Lordship, there are any manufacturer present, I would recommend them to endeavour to conciliate their workmen, and to try to allay that malignant spirit which has for so long a period disturbed this county. His Lordship concluded his speech, which appeared to excite considerable interest in the minds of the hearers, by a few other observations relative to the baneful practices that have so long existed in the county, but which, he thought, had now received a death blow.

6th November 1816: Meeting of Trades Deputies in London calls for suppression of machinery or new taxes against it

London, Nov. 12, 1816.

Gentlemen,

AT a meeting of Deputies from different Trades throughout the Metropolis and its environs, held at Hole-in-the-Wall, Fleet Street, November 6, 1816, convened for the purpose of taking into consideration the distress resulting from Machinery; and to adopt proper measures for the relieving those grievances, by petitioning the Prince Regent for redress,

The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to, viz.

I. THAT during the last 25 years, the introduction of Machinery which dispenses with manual labour, has become so alarmingly extensive, that Mechanics have gradually felt the interest declining, and through the unexampled and unnecessary, increase of the same, are now suffering every deprivation possible for nature to sustain.

II. That were Machinery suppressed the demand for manual labour would consequently be increased, and the country in general feel the immediate benefit thereof.

III. That the present system of working goods by machinery is prejudicial to the interests of Great Britain as a Trading Nation, by injuring the character of British manufacture to Foreign market; as goods worked by machines are inferior in quality, and unequal in durability to those worked by hand labour.

IV. That it is injurious to home consumption. Before the use of machinery, our markets were supplied by manual labour; as, according to the then low prices of provisions, Men were enabled to work for less wages than it is possible at the present time, when every article of consumption is rising to such an exorbitant amount. Commodities were then sold at a lower rate to the public, than even now with the use of Machinery.

V. That it is in a great degree prejudicial to the revenue, as the immense number of individuals thus thrown out of employ, are unable to purchase the different commodities on which the several duties are imposed. The Machine produces every thing while it consumes nothing; and the profits arising from the same, are thrown into the pockets of a few Machine Proprietors, instead of being distributed among thousands.

VI. That the present system is injurious to the nation at large, by the increase of the Poor Rates. That intelligent magistrate, P. COLQUHOUN, Esq, in his evidence before the Honourable the Committee of the Commons House of Parliament, very justly observes, "That from the introduction of Machinery the supply of labour has been for a length of time greater in almost all branches of industry than the demand, and hence the vast number of individuals on parish funds in the middle station of life."

VII. That since the introduction of Machinery, the commission of crime has increased to an alarming and deplorable extent. Individuals by being reduced to extreme distress, are often urged to commit crimes, for which the laws of the country condemn them; who, could they have obtained employ, might have continued industrious and beneficial members of society.

VIII. That the present system is unjust to those men who have been brought up in, and served their apprenticeships, to their several trades; their whole prospects being at once blasted by the introduction of a Machine, which reduces them to beggary and want, and entails upon their offspring every evil.

IX. That it is also unreasonable and unjust to those men who have been fighting the battles and maintaining the honour of their country. Through the introduction of Machinery, they were obliged to leave their families, their homes, and all that were dear to them; and now, when their country no longer requires their services, they return, but it is to find those Machines, which before had usurped their stations, still flourishing is all their destructive influence! while they, as a reward for their valuable services, are left to starve in silence, or die in obscurity.

X. That Machinery is thus altogether injurious to our foreign trade as well as home consumption. It diminishes the revenue and increases the burthen of the people, fills our poor-houses with paupers, and our prisons with malefactors; and to the discarded mechanic and discharged veteran, it is alike unreasonable and unjust.

XI. That the mechanics, artisans, and labourers of this realm, are no longer blind to their own interests, but do here unite to petition His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, for redress and deliverance from these accumulated evils. We are bold in asserting, that we are the principal support of our Government; but at the same time are proud of indulging the hope, that the Government will not turn a deaf ear to our complaints, but will protect us from this cruel and unjust system, by which we are deprived of the only means of continuing honest and industrious subjects.

XII. That a Petition be drawn up embodying these resolutions, to be presented to the Prince Regent, praying His Royal Highness to make known to Parliament when assembled, the distressed state of his suffering but loyal subjects, the mechanics, artisans, and labourers of this realm; recommending them to take into their early consideration, the most advisable measures for the suppression or suspension of all Machinery, which dispenses with, or injures manual labour.

XIII. That this meeting be adjourned till Wednesday, November 20, 1816, to be then and there holden. [6 o clock eveng]

IN pursuance of the powers vested in the Committee to procure the best information the Committee have to request, that you will collect as much information as you possibly can, under the following heads; and transmit the same as early as possible to this Committee.—[By Letter or by Delegates]— as the source to which they may apply, to establish the case when required.

FIRST—To collect cases of the different Machine; the quantity of work done by each Machine within a given period; how many persons are employed to work each Machines, distinguishing adults from children; and what wages they receive.

SECONDLY—How many persons used to be employed to do the same quantity as of the Machine within a given period, distinguishing adults from children; and the wages they receive; thus showing how many persons are thrown out of employ by each Machine, distinguishing adults from children; consequently, proving how many more persons would be now employed if Machinery was not in use.

THIRDLY—The original costs of each Machine; how long each Machine will last in constant use; how many persons are employed in keeping each Machine in repair, and at what expence.

FOURTHLY—What the various articles sold for before Machines were introduced, and what these articles now sell for, thereby, describing what benefit the public derives by the use of such Machines.

FIFTHLY—What Machines are taxed; what articles are taxed that are made by machinery; how long they have been taxed; the amount of the tax; and whether the said articles were taxed before the use of Machinery.

By order of the Committee [Joseph Wright Secy]

P.S. It is requested that all communications to the Committee will be sent post paid, Direct to J.W. Hollingworth’s, Black Swan, Bermondsey Street, Southwark, London.

3rd August 1816: Details of a Luddite-like plot to destroy press-nail machinery in Birmingham is sent to the Home Office

August 3rd. 1816

May it Please your Lordship

in Consequence of the Nail Ironmongers again reducing their Workmen's Wages, and so many being Wholly out of Employ. A Plot is forming among them of A Dangerous tendency to Disturb the Peace in this Country. as the Nailors look upon the newly invented Machinery to Press Nails to be the Principal Cause of the Trade being so Bad. one of the Principal of these Manufactorys is in the out Skirts of Birmingham and known by the Name of the Britania Brewery and Another about A Mile out of Birmingham Called Bromford Mill. as these are the most Extensive Works. their Plan is for about 50 from each Parish that are Stout, and able to keep the Secret, about the next Change of the Moon to Set out in Small Bodys from their homes after Dark. half of them to one Manufactory and half to the other. and meet there at One O Clock in the Morning. and What fire Arms, they are Able to Collect to be in the hands of those that are Disciplined to lie in Ambush. While the other either Demolish the Machinery or if that Cannot be Done, to Set the Buildings on Fire, and if the Soldiers from the Barracks Should Come on them before they have Compleated their Work for the Ambush to Fire on them which at least Would throw the Soldiers in Such Confusion as to Allow the rest time to Escape and if they can Compleat it before the Soldiers Come to Disperse and return home in the Same Manner as they Went. this I thought it proper to inform your Lordship of. and When the Night is fixed or any further Proceedings take Place if you Wish it. if you please to Give me A Line I Will Wait on all their Proceedings. I remain with the Greatest Deference your most Obedient humble Servant &c &c

William Matthews Rowley near Dudley Worcestershire

P.S.

before I took this Letter to the Post I heard that there was to be A Meeting on Sunday Afternoon at A Wood near Dudley. I went with 2 more Neighbours about 2 O Clock where we found about 20 met who soon increased to about 50. from all the Different Parishes. Nothing afresh from what I have Named before was brought forward, Except the return of the Number of Fire Arms that they are ar Present informed of which amounts to 79. and another Meeting was to be held in the Same Place on Wednesday next. When one from each parish is to be Selected to Choose the fittest men in his Parish as are Disciplined. and to Consult whether it Would be Proper to have any of the Colliers with them

[To: Lord Sidmouth]

[Home Office note “Send a copy of this privately—to the Birmingham Police Magistrate.”]

22nd July 1816: Public Meeting in Ely expresses alarm about the fate of transported prisoners

AT a MEETING of the INHABITANTS of the TOWN of ELY, held at the Club Inn, in Ely, on Monday the 22d day of July, 1816, (the Magistrates having refused the use of the Shire-hall upon the occasion)

JONATHAN PAGE, Esq. in the Chair:

The following Resolutions were unanimously entered into:

That this meeting cannot but observe the sincerest emotions of sympathy and regret, that Nine Persons who were capitally convicted at the Special Assizes lately held here, and who were reprieved under an expectation regularly notified to them, that their Punishment would be limited to Twelve Months Imprisonment, have suddenly been removed from Ely, to the Hulks at the Nore, and that the terms of their Reprieve, contrary to general usage, have been extended to Seven Years’ Transportation.

That this Meeting being apprehensive that His Majesty's Government may have been induced to suppose that the disturbed state of this Neighbourhood required such an additional example of Severity to be made, entertain confident hopes, that upon a faithful Representation being made to them of the present tranquil State of the Country, and of the orderly and peaceable demeanour of the lower Classes of Society, the commuted Punishment recommended by the learned Judges may be adhered to.

That a Letter be immediately addressed the Secretary of State for the Home Department, and signed by the Persons present at this Meeting, earnestly imploring his Intercession with the Prince Regent in Behalf of the said Convicts.

That a similar Application be made to the learned Judges who presided at the Assizes, and who have thrown such distinguished lustre upon their characters by their judicious conduct upon that occasion.

That these Resolutions be signed by the Chairman, and advertised in The Times, Courier, Cambridge, and Bury papers.

JONATHAN PAGE.

Resolved,—That the Thanks of this Meeting be given to the Chairman for his conduct in the Chair, and for his constant readiness to support the Privileges, and promote the Interests and Welfare of the Inhabitants of the Town.

4th July 1816: The Leicestershire MP, George Legh Keck, is concerned about nocturnal meetings

Stoughton Grange

My Lord,

I had yesterday the honor of receiving your Letter in which the early establishment of a Cavalry force at Leicester is considered; and I feel it my duty to communicate to your Lordship that nocturnal meetings held between Leicester & Hinckley by very considerable numbers now out of employment have, since I had the honor of last addressing you, led to an application from Magistrates in that quarter for such assistance as our Yeomanry Corps can afford.

I need not assure your Lordship that no portion of this will be wanting: but it is impossible that such assemblages under the present Circumstances of the Hosiery Trade can long continue without some serious mischief as in the Case at Loughborough, & my firm Conviction is that a regular force will tend much to the prevention of those Outrages which, experience has shewn [are] committed are scarcely open to [discovery] according to the Luddite system—

As yet no actual Outrage has occurred, & I do believe that the probability of even those distressed persons who may have been brought to these nightly meetings are not mischievously disposed but rest assured, my Lord, that the Appearance of a Military force is necessary to support the Publick Tranquillity which at this moment is open & [Interruption] at the very suggestion of any daring individual amongst them—

& I need not point out to your Lordship that it is now more easy to deter these folks from Riot, than it will afterwards be to dissolve their systematick cause or to check their practices once seriously engaged in—

We know from past Proceedings what these people are capable of; & I am confident that not a moment should be lost in the most effectual measures for either prevention or counteracting the prevention of their Plans—

I feel this strongly that I should ill discharge my duty if I did not communicate the State of this district to Your lordship & remain

My Lord
your Obt Hble Servt

[Legh Keck]

July 4th

To
The Visct. Sidmouth

27th May 1816: Resolutions of a meeting of the Lord Lieutenant & Magistrates of Suffolk at Bury St Edmunds

SUFFOLK. 

AT a Meeting of the LORD LIEUTENANT and the MAGISTRATES of the said County, held at the Shire-Hall, in Bury St. Edmund's, on Monday the 27th day of May, 1816, for the purpose of taking into Consideration the late Outrages and Disturbances which have taken place within this County,

PRESENT
His Grace the DUKE of GRAFTON, Lord Lieutenant, in the Chair;
The Hon. and Rev. HENRY I.ESLIE
Sir WILLIAM PARKER, Bart.
Sir H. EDWARD BUNBURY, K. B.
Rev. Dr. ORD
JOHN GODBOLD, Esq.
JOHN GIBSON, Esq.
MILESON EDGAR, Esq.
JOHN TIMMS HERVEY ELWES, Esq.
JOHN BENJAFIELD, Esq.
JAMES SINGLETON, Esq.
ROBERT MAPLETOFT, Esq,
JOHN EDGAR RUST, Esq.
JOHN MEADOWS THEOBALD, Esq.
ROBERT EAGLE. Esq.
JOSEPH RANDYLL BURCH, Esq.
RICHARD CARTWRIGHT, Esq,
ROGER KEDDINGTON, Esq.
Rev. GEORGE. STONE
Rev. HENRY PATTESON
Rev. HENRY HILL
Rev. ROBERT DAVERS
Rev. EDWARD WILSON
Rev. JOHN PLAMPIN
Rev. JAMES THOMAS HAND
Rev. JAMES BUCKE
Rev. PETER. LATHBURY

IT WAS RESOLVED,

That this Meeting have observed with the greatest concern the tumultuous proceedings which have taken place in some parts of this and the adjoining Counties. 

That it is the opinion of the Meeting that the most patient and careful attention should be given, with a view of tracing the causes of these disorders, and of relieving, as far as circumstances will permit, the present distresses of the Labouring Poor;—but that it is the decided opinion of this Meeting, that no Concessions should be made, nor any Agreement entered into with bodies of people assembled in a riotous or threatening manner; and that the utmost exertions will he used to put down all tumults, and to bring to punishment all persons who may be concerned in such riotous proceedings. 

That the above Resolutions be inserted in the County Papers. 

GRAFTON.

Resolved.—That the Thanks of this Meeting he given to the Lord Lieutenant, for his uniform attention to the interests of the County, and for his presence at this Meeting, 

By Order,
JAS. HORTON, Clerk of the Peace.

13th May 1816: An informer reports a meeting of framework-knitters in Leicester

13th May 1816

I had been at the Prince Blucher ever since before two o'Clock. There was a man from Leicester and another from Derby. I bought of the Leicester man the copy of "Resolutions of Meeting of the Frameworkknitters at Leicester of 15th April last – a man named Smith of Mansfield was first chosen Chairman between 2 and 3. There was a numerous Meeting 100 or more. The Chairman, called Silence and the Derby man stated that they had solicited the Hosiers of Derby and they had agreed to sign a Petition to Government to put a stop to the cut-up work – He said he had been at Leicester and the Employers and the employed there had petitioned, and it was thought it would not avail much unless the Trade at Derby and Nottingham would do the same and that this Meeting was called to get that done. There were 5 men chosen as a Committee to consult what was to be done. They withdrew into another room and were away about an hour, they then returned and stated that 5 or 6 able men should be chosen to go to the Hosiers tomorrow and next day, and solicit them to do as they had done at Leicester & Derby—and if they did not come to, another meeting was to be called to consult how to proceed. It appeared to be the general opinion of the Meeting that the Nottingham Hosiers would not comply, as they had done at Leicester and Derby, and that the Mayor and Magistrates would not allow them to meet publicly. There was a Meeting at Arnold at Jonathan Stirtevants as I was told yesterday by Robert Mitchell, commonly called Scotch Bob; and he said they were nearly fast at Arnold – as many had nothing to do, and those that had work were so badly paid for it they could not live; and that they had tried in vain to get an honest living by labour, and they must now be under the necessity of breaking the laws of their Country – he said they would kill their own meat – some Frames, & Somebodies carcases beside would be broke. Some said at the Meeting to day that if Government did not redress their grievances violent means must be had recourse to – & they pointed out Mansfield and Sutton where most of the obnoxious work was made.—

4th May 1816: A meeting of nearly 1000 framework-knitters is dispersed by Cavalry in Derby

The Leicester Chronicle of Saturday 4th May 1816 carried a story about a meeting of framework-knitters in Derby that had occurred at some point over the last week (the local newspaper, the Derby Mercury, had chosen to not give any report whatsoever about the meeting):

Last week, nearly one thousand Framework knitters assembled in a field near Derby, to consult upon the propriety of petitioning the Legislature on the distressed state of their trade; but before they had time to come to any determination on the subject, they were assailed by two troops of cavalry, and compelled to separate immediately; in consequence of this singular proceeding a deputation waited upon the Mayor and explained the object of the meeting, upon which he expressed himself perfectly satisfied, and regretted that the Military had been called in on the occasion; another meeting was then agreed upon, and the Mayor offered the use of the Town hall for that purpose.

15th April 1816: Resolutions of Leicester Framework-knitters meeting

DISTRESS OF TRADE.

At a Meeting of the FRAME-WORK KNITTERS of the Town and County of LEICESTER, held at the Bowling Green, Leicester, on Monday, April 15, 1816.

JOHN WOOD, in the Chair.

The following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to:—

1st. That this Meeting has heard, with the greatest surprise and astonishment, the report made from the Throne at the commencement of the present Session of Parliament, namely, "that Trade and Commerce were in a flourishing state."

2nd. That we as Framework Knitters, feel, that the return of Peace has failed in producing those effects which has been so often held out as a consequence of preserving in the late protracted war, namely, "Commercial prosperity."

3rd. That the Manufacturer and Framework Knitter never experienced such a want of trade, during the last thirty years, as is felt at the present moment, when the former is obliged to discharge his workmen, who are reluctantly compelled to seek parochial relief to prevent them from starving.

4th. That nothing can be more distressing to an honest industrious man, than to know that he cannot, by his trade, procure that sustenance for his family which nature requires.

5th. That we consider ourselves no longer worthy of the British name, if we remain any longer silent on this important occasion.

6th. That it is the opinion of this Meeting, that if a spurious article which has been manufactured for many years past into piece-work, and then cut into hose, half hose, caps, mits, gloves, sleeves, sandals, and socks, be suffered to continue, it will ultimately prove destructive of the remaining part of our Trade.

7th. That a Petition, containing the substance of the foregoing Resolutions, be presented to the Honourable the House of the Commons, praying the Honourable House to take into its most serious consideration the distressed state of our Manufactory.

8th. That a Subscription be immediately entered into, for the purpose of carrying the same into effect.

9th. That Samuel Smith and Thomas Babington, Esqrs. the Members for this Borough, be requested to present the same.

10th. That the Members of both Town and County be solicited to support the same.

11th. That the foregoing Resolutions be inserted into the Leicester Papers.

24th April 1815: Public meeting in Nottingham held in check by Magistrates, Military & Constables

The Sir John Borlase Warren public house (aka the Sir John Warren of 1815) at Canning Circus, Nottingham in 2010 (image copyright David Lally. Creative Commons License) (image has been cropped)

Being forewarned of what was planned for the day, on Monday 24th April 1815 several Nottingham constables had taken up positions around the town to observe and possibly intervene in anything that occurred amongst the unemployed demonstrators that were expected to gather 'on the forest'.

One Constable, James Lawson, was stationed at Nottingham Barracks from 2.30 p.m. At 5.00 p.m., he observed upwards of 100 men arrive at Nottingham Park nearby, near to the Sir John Warren public house, where they remained for 15-20 minutes, before leaving in the same direction they came from.

A Constable called Benjamin Barnes had spent some time on horseback, tracking the movements and assemblies of the men near the Sir John Warren. At one point, a stone was thrown which hit his horse in the hind legs. He considered that many of the men assembled there were not from the Town, but from the country areas around Nottingham.

Other Constables proceeded to the forest, the site of the proposed meeting, on horseback. One of them, Benjamin Hall, was later to depose that an individual by the name of Peter Green was present there, with about 40 men gathered around him. When Green saw the constables, Lawson said he called out "Damn you all, there are many constables on horse back but none of them can ride like you". Other groups of men were around the forest - Hall later estimated about 400 - and he spent his time confronting them and telling them to disperse, and they eventually complied. Benjamin Barnes deposed that he saw many men - 'several thousands' - coming and going from the forest that day.

Another constable, Samuel White, had seen similar large numbers of men 'on the forest'. He had enquired of them why they were gathered, and they had responded 'to petition the Prince Regent against the Corn Bill and against going to war with France'. Some of them had started a cricket match, and by 5.00 p.m. the magistrates ordered the game to be stopped and the men dispersed.

By 5.30 p.m. White observed a man he later identified as Peter Green with 40-50 men gathered about him. White said that Green ordered the men "be peaceable and quiet [and] march on", and when the body of men had progressed 30 yards, Green turned around and started to sing to the tune of La Marseillaise "march on, march on, all hands to Carlton and Gedling workhouse, there is room enough for us all" to shouting and laughter from the other men. Green continued "be peaceable and quiet, Carlton Round House yonder (pointing with his hand towards Carlton) is 2 miles off", adjourning the meeting to the new location. It was at this point that the Mayor of Nottingham ordered Green's arrest, and he was taken into custody.

According to the Constable John Griffin, the men who had been with Green still lingered for another 30 minutes, but dispersed when a heavy shower of rain came down.

The Nottingham Review of 28th April 1815 published an article about the meeting:

We understand another written bill was posted in several parts of the town, on Saturday night, calling upon the persons our of employment, to meet on Monday afternoon, on the race-ground: and it is stated to have held out a desire to the people, not to pay taxes until their grievances were redressed: in consequence of which, the magistrates issued a handbill in the morning, declaring their determination, to use every constitutional means in their power to prevent such proposed meeting from being held. They accordingly ordered the military, both horse and foot, to be under arms, and placed all the constables in a state of requisition, a number of whom were mounted on horseback. At the head of these the magistrates proceeded to the stand on the race-ground, where it was rumoured the meeting would be held, and where a party of the dragoons from the barracks were ready to act, if their services had been called for. About four o’clock persons from the town began to assemble, though not in any considerable number, not one of whom seemed to have any particular object in view, save that of idle curiosity. As many however as got together, several of the magistrates addressed in succession, expressing their sympathies for the suffering artisans and mechanics, and pledging themselves to assist them to the utmost of their power in every possible legal way; at the same time using every persuasive to induce them to retire peaceably to their respective homes, and declaring, however reluctantly they should perform the disagreeable duty, that every one attempting to disturb the public peace, should feel the displeasure of the law. One person, for making a shout, and treating the magistrates and their authority with disrespect, was taken into custody; and, with this exception, the people that came to the race-ground retired peaceably away.—Another person was taken up in the town during the evening, for opposing the constables in the exercise of their duty, and displaying other marks of disorderly conduct. A meeting, however, of at least two hundred persons was held in the park, where a paper was read, purporting to be string of resolutions, expressive of the multiplied suffering endured by the working class, in consequence of a want of trade, and the unexampled weight of taxes, under which the country groans, which evils were there stated to have arisen from a long and an unjust war carried on against the progress of opinion, and from the passing of the late obnoxious Corn Bill. The paper further expressed great abhorrence at the idea of this country’s being plunged into another war, on principles equally unjust and derogatory to the character of Englishmen with those on which the late hapless war was commenced and carried on; and concluded by proposing to remonstrate with the Regent on the subject. After the persons present had expressed their approbation of the contents of this paper, they quietly dispersed. The foot soldiers were continued on duty, and compelled to parade the streets during that night and the next day: notwithstanding which, some evil disposed persons, (bloods of the night, we suppose,) contrived to wrench several knockers from gentlemen’s doors, which was all the mischief we heard of being done.

24th April 1815: George Coldham informs the Home Office that the Luddites are behind the recent public meetings in Nottingham

Nottingham 24th April 1815

Dear Sir,

You will I am sure be sorry to learn that our old Enemies the Luddites are at Work again & upon a new System. On Saturday we learnt that they were endeavouring to collect a Meeting for very illegal Purposes upon the Nottingham Forest & Placards of which I Inclose you a Copy sent me by the Mayor in a very legible Hand were stuck up in the Night on Friday, & early on Saturday Morning. A Meeting of the magistrates was In consequence of the Proceedings on Wednesday last I was directed to give directions for the Infantry Guard at the Guard Room to be Doubled after a Picquet of 12 or 15 men to hold themselves constantly in readiness to act both at the Barracks & in the Town. Yesterday the Magistrates met & called upon the whole of the Horse to be in readiness appointed a Meeting with the County Magistrates this day at 12 & ordered the Hand Bill & posting Bill of which I inclose you Copies to be posted & distributed every where in the Neighbourhood & it is this their Determination to prevent any Meeting being held which they consider themselves fully justified in doing when the [illegible] to be to Direct People to resist Government by peaceably & orderly refusing to pay the Taxes.

I will write to you by tomorrow's Post. I have heard [satisfactorily] from Sir Nathaniel Conant & I therefore presume Lord Sidmouth has been so good as to attend to my [letter] respecting Thomas Garton

Yours very truly

Geo Coldham

[To: John Beckett]

19th April 1815: Meeting of the unemployed in Nottingham turns into a riot

By Wednesday 19th April 1815, discontent was stirring in Nottingham, but unlike Luddism, it was far from covert and seemed to be percolating more generally among the unemployed.

A number of Constables were later to depose what they observed taking place that day in the town.

At noon, John Rainbow had spotted the following handbill or notice posted on the wall of the Leather Bottle Inn, in an area facing the Meadow Platts:

That is particularly requested that all persons out of Employment will meet on a vacant piece of Ground called Burton Lease in order that it may be ascertained what numbers are out of employ and to consult on the best means to relieve their distresses to meet this Evening Wednesday at six oClock

April 19th 1815       God save the People

Rainbow also deposed that he had seen a similar notice posted at the west end of Narrow Marsh at 1.00 p.m.

Estimates varied amongst the constables as to how many attended the meeting that evening. Rainbow merely stated that 'a great number of people' were assembled. Another Constable, Benjamin Hall, estimated '200 or 300', whilst another, Benjamin Barnes saw the number swell from 100 to an eventual 1000. All agreed the crowd was being addressed by a speaker, although Barnes stated that the mass present were gathered in a circular fashion around 6 central characters, who were conversing with each other.

Barnes' highly detailed account of the meeting continued with the meeting breaking up when a crowd of men and boys appeared at the top of nearby Charlotte Street and gave out a shout. Most of those present then left to join them, making off in the direction of St Mary's workhouse, before 3 more shouts were given, and most of the crowd made for the marketplace. He went on to say that some of the crowd lingered at Burton Leys, formed a circle and quickly agreed to meet the following Monday 'upon the forest'.

By this time, most of the crowd had ventured up Pelham Street. The crowd then set about breaking the windows of numerous bakers around the town, and that two boys were taken into custody following this.

It is interesting to contrast the accounts in the depositions with how the events were reported in the press on the following Friday.

The Nottingham Review of 21st April 1815 gave a highly partial account of a meeting and the riot that followed in Nottingham on Wednesday 19th April 1815:

On Wednesday morning, it was discovered that several written papers had been stuck on the walls, in the most populous parts of this town, which called upon all persons out of employment to meet on a plot of waste ground, called Burton Leys, near Milton-street, at six o'clock that evening, for the pretended purpose of consulting on the best means to be adopted for the obtainment of relief under their disagreeable circumstances. It was clear to the more reflecting part of the inhabitants, that the writer of these papers is either a blockhead, or one of those designing knaves who wish to make use of the indiscretion of the thoughtless to furnish a pretence for letting loose military vengeance upon the inhabitants at large, because the greater part of them steadily and peacefully pursue a course of opposition to those measures of state policy, which they think inimical to the general interests of the country. Whatever might be the motive of the writer (and it could not be a good one) it was evident that that principle of curiosity, which is so natural to man, would draw a considerable number of persons together, notwithstanding efforts had been made by several discrete persons, in the course of the day, to prevent such a measure from taking place; the Magistrates had therefore directed the Constables to be on duty, and the soldiers were also ordered to be in readiness, if their aid should unhappily be wanted. We attended in the course of the evening to see what was going forward, and, was glad to find, with the exception of spectators like ourselves, that the company consisted chiefly of boys, and a few men half-intoxicated; and, when night set in, there was good reason to hope, that it would be passed without trouble or commotion; because the good sense of several workmen was exercised with apparent effect to prevail on the group thus assembled to disperse. The hopes, however, of the peaceful, were in some degree, disappointed, and those of the foolish, or malignant contrivers of the meeting, partly gratified: for, during the course of the evening, parties of mischievous boys got together, and broke the windows of several bakers and floursellers in various parts of the town. The civil and military power was called into action, and the public peace was shortly restored. What infatuation could induce even these thoughtless boys to break the baker’s windows, we are at a loss to guess, except that when once assembled they could not disperse without doing mischief of some kind; for most assuredly it is not to that class of tradesmen that the country owes her misfortunes. Before closing this article we will most sincerely express our hopes, that the good sense of the people will not suffer themselves to be led astray by anyone, either blockhead or knave again, to disturb the public peace. Two boys were taken up during the confusion, and are now in custody.

Even less partial was the Tory Nottingham Gazette of the same date:

RIOT IN NOTTINGHAM.

This town appears doomed to be a scene of disgraceful outrage of every description. On Wednesday placards were posted in two or three different parts of the town, inviting all persons who were out of employment to meet that evening at six o'clock, at a piece of open ground, called Burton Leys, at the top of Boot Lane, in order to ascertain their numbers, and devise means for the alleviation of their distresses. The Address ended with the words "GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE!!!" A considerable assemblage of course took place, at first chiefly of young lads and women, who, instead of discussing the subject of their meeting, indulged for two or three hours in tumultuous amusements, till, their number having increased, and favoured by the darkness, they proceeded in a riotous manner through the streets, breaking the windows of several bakers, and demanding bread. The tradesmen who complied with this requisition, by giving up a loaf or two to the mob, had their windows spared; and the bread thus obtained was kicked and knocked about the streets, till it was generally rendered unfit for human consumption. By the timely exertions of the magistrates, who deemed it prudent to call out the military, the infatuated populace were dispersed without any serious mischief having occurred, and we trust a repetition of this disgraceful scene will not be attempted. To say nothing of the impossibility that any good consequence can arise from such proceedings, we conjure these deluded people to reflect on the danger to which they wantonly and uselessly expose themselves. The law is now established, by the trials which ensued on the late riots in London, that every individual is justifiable in firing upon a mob, not only if they attack the property of himself, but if they are found attacking that of others; and it is therefore impossible to foresee the mischief that may in an instant arise from these unlawful practices.

We have a sensible letter from a Correspondent, on the subject, which, however, we beg leave to decline inserting, as we think some of his censures, if not undeserved, least premature. He estimates the number of rioters at two thousand; and supposing that to be double their number, he very judiciously observes, that it is clear an immense majority could not be in want of employment, and that they were too probably called together for other puposes, and acted with other views than those of obtaining work. Certainly an attack on the property of an industrious class of men, the bakers, who cannot be blamed for the scarcity of work, or the dearness of bread, was by no means likely to procure employment any where but in the house of correction. Several of the rioters, we understand, are in custody. Should it be found that they had employment, we hope that aggravation of their offence probably not be forgotten in inflicting on them a due degree of punishment. Those who have been betrayed into excesses by personal privations or difficulties, are entitled to pity for their misfortunes, while they are punished, as punished they must be, for their misconduct. Those who have had no motive but that of wanton wickedness and contempt of the laws deserve neither lenity nor compassion. Another meeting was agreed to be held, but we trust it will be abandoned. For obvious reasons, we consider it prudent to state neither the time nor the place of assembly.

20th December 1814: Lancashire Calico Masters call for the disbanding of the Journeymen's Union

Dog-Tavern, Manchester, 20th Dec. 1814.

TO THE JOURNEYMAN CALICO PRINTERS, CUTTERS, AND DRAWERS.

AN ADDRESS from the MASTER CALICO PRINTERS in Lancashire and the Counties adjacent, approved of at a General Meeting held here this day.

THE Masters sincerely regret, that the conciliatory sentiments which they earnestly submitted to the Journeymen, by the printed Resolutions of the 22d March last, were not embraced; and, that the recent proceedings of the latter evince a determination to carry their unnatural system of controul to every possible extent.

If the blind selfishness of this spirit were not checked, the ruin of those who act upon it, as well as of their employers, must be the certain result — The trade itself would be forced into those countries where combinations do not exist, and where it will be left to the natural and genial influence of freedom.

It is notorious, that foreign competition is daily gaining ground; and if the English Printers remain inactive, or are not permitted the free exercise of their own discretion, they and the articifers they employ, with their numerous families, depending upon this branch of business, will inevitably become martyrs to the unlawful and extravagant claims and restrictions of the Journeyman, whilst others are enjoying the fruits of that ingenuity, and of those exertions, to which the establishment and improvement of the trade are so essentially indebted.

Under the increased and increasing pressure of these evils, the Masters were impelled to associate. They know that the interests of themselves and their servants are completely identified. They seek no reduction in the established rate of wages, and they are perfectly disposed to give employment to such of the Journeymen as are desirous of conducting themselves faithfully, and of submitting to the conditions which are indispensable to the well-being and prosperity of all trade. If any individuals yet obstinately refuse, their object will be decided, and they must sustain the consequence. The services of such men cannot be of any value, and they will not afterwards be accepted.

The CONDITIONS alluded to are these, viz.

They are to withdraw themselves entirely from all combinations to controul or restrict their employers, and engage not to be concerned in them for the future. They are to do all such work as may be offered to them in their several capacities, without attempting to interfere as to the kind or number of hands employed, or the machines used; they are to conform to the rules prescribed for the preservation of order and regularity in the works of their masters. They are to be subject to abatements for spoiled or imperfect work, not exceeding in any case the wages paid for the work done upon goods so damaged, except only in evident instances of malicious or wanton injury. And they are also, before they can be received, to sign a declaration in the form subjoined:

"I, A.B. do hereby declare, that I do not, nor will hereafter, belong to any combination, which has for its object the controul or restriction, in any way whatever, of my employers, in the free exercise or management of their business, nor will I, individually, attempt any such controul or restriction, but will, to the best of my ability, do such work as may be offered to me, in my capacity of <blank> during my service with <blank> and in all other respects conduct myself faithfully therein."

25th April 1814: The William Cartwright Fund agree to disburse the monies raised

THE LATE DISTURBANCES

AT a MEETING of the SUBSCRIBERS to the FUND raised by voluntary Contributions, to mark the Sense entertained by the West Riding, of the Public Services of Mr. WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT, during the late Disturbances, called by the Treasurer, by Advertisement, and held at the Yew Tree Inn, Robert-Town, Monday, April 25, 1814,

WILLIAM RAWSON Esq;

IN THE CHAIR:

It appeared to the Meeting, that the Amount of the Subscription is about £2400, but the Meeting had to regret that the Returns made to the Treasurer were very incomplete. All Gentlemen who intend to subscribe, and all who have delayed to pay the Sums subscribed, are earneslt requested to pay their Subscriptions to any of the Banks in the West Riding.―And all Bankers, and other Gentlemen who have received, or may yet receive Subscriptions, are hereby requested to remit them immediately, with an accurate List of the Names and Sums, to Thomas Allen, Esq; the Treasurer, Green Head, Huddersfield.

The following Resolutions were passed UNANIMOUSLY―

1. That the most respectful Thanks of this Meeting are hereby given to the Nobility, and Gentry of the West Riding, for their liberal Contributions on the present Occasion; and particularly to Sir Francis Lindley Wood. Bart. for the active and efficient Manner in which he recommended this Subject to their Consideration.

2. That the best Thanks for this Meeting are hereby given to Thomas Allen. Esq; the Treasurer; to the Bankers, to the Committees, Collectors, and Contributors, in the several Towns and Parts of the West Riding, and to all those Gentlemen who have exerted themselves to promote the Object of the Fund.

3. That in Addition to the Sum of £400. already presented by this Committee, the further Sum of £1000 be placed at Mr. W. Cartwright’s sole Disposal.

4. That the Residue of the Subscription, (after paying all incidental Expences of Advertising, &c.) be placed in the Hands of Trustees, to be secured by them in such Manner as they shall deem best for the Advantage of Mr. W. Cartwright’s Family.

5. That Sir Francis Lindley Wood. Bart,
Rev. H. Roberson, Heald’s Hall,
John Thomson, M.D. Halifax,
Charles Coupland, jun. Esq; Leeds, and
Benjamin Haigh Allen, Esq; of Huddersfield,

Be requested to act as Trustees for this Purpose: and that Mr. W. Cartwright be desired to act with these Gentlemen as joint Trustees, in Order that his Wishes may be considered as much as possible in the Investment of the Sum in Question.

(Signed) WILLIAM RAWSON.
Chairman.

The cordial and unanimous Thanks of the Meeting were voted to William Rawson, Esq; for this Services as Chairman.

19th April 1814: Further Leicester Hosiers meeting delays decision on wages

At a Meeting of the Hosiers held this day at the Exchange, Mr. SAMUEL COLTMAN, in the Chair, it is resolved unanimously.

1st. That although an advance of wages is highly desirable, the Manufacturers present are not sufficiently numerous to decide upon it.

2d. That a General Meeting of the Hosiers be held on Tuesday, the 21st June, at the Exchange, at three o’clock, when it is hoped that the situation of the Manufactory will be more favourable to an advance in wages than the present time.

3d. That the thanks of the Meeting be given to the Chairman.

Leicester, April 19th, 1814.

7th April 1814: Leicester Hosiers meeting takes stockingers' demands for higher wages seriously

AT a Meeting of the Hosiers convened by public advertisement this day, at the Exchange, Mr. Carr, in the chair, it was unanimously resolved.

 

1st. That the petition of the framework-knitters is entitled to the mature deliberation of the manufacturers.

 

2d. That it is highly necessary that an advance should take place in the price of labour.

 

3d. That this meeting be adjourned until Tuesday the 19th instant, when a full attendance of the manufacturers both in town and county, is particularly requested, at the Exchange, at 3 o’clock precisely.

 

4th. That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Chairman.

G. Carr,
Joseph Hames,
Smith and Brookhouse,
Harby Barber,
John Moore and Son,
James Sergeant,
J. B. Robinson,
J. and S. Coltman,
Thomas Davie,
William Rawson,
George Hurst,
Richard Mitchell,
J. Worthington & Son,
Thomas Stokes,
Richard Rawson.

Leicester, April 7, 1814.

28th March 1814: Leciestershire Framework-knitters hold meeting demanding action on wages

At a General Meeting of the Framework-Knitters of the Town and County of Leicester, held at the [Old] King’s Arms, Sanvy Gate―The following Resolutions were proposed and unanimously agreed to:―

JAMES DIGBY, in the Chair.

Resolved,

That under the present existing circumstances, it is a moral impossibility for the industrious framework-knitter to maintain his family.

Resolved,

That the present prices allowed for labour in the art of framework-knitting is most distressing to the profession, and that we should consider it an act of the greatest neglect to our families, was we to remain silent on this important occasion.

Resolved,

That when we see our brother mechanics which are dependent on the art of framework-knitters advancing the price of their labour, to meet the exigency of the times, we cannot but consider ourselves in the most degraded situation of society.

Resolved,

That the Hosiers be earnestly entreated to attend a Meeting, to be held at the Exchange, on Thursday the 7th day of April, at three o’clock in the afternoon, to take into their most serious consideration the distressed state of the trade.

Resolved,

That these Resolutions be printed in the Leicester papers.

Resolved,

That the thanks of this Meeting be given to Mr. Digby, for the able manner in which he conducted the business in the Chair.

By order of the Committee,

JOHN BLOUNT, Secretary.

21st March 1814: Meeting of Hosiers in Nottingham agrees to raise prices

Nottingham, March 21, 1814.

AT A MEETING OF HOSIERS, convened by public advertisement, held this day, at the Police Office.

IT WAS RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, that an advance in the prices of workmanship, in Cotton Hosiery, is absolutely necessary; a committee was appointed to carry the same into effect. The undersigned Committee appointed by this meeting, Resolved unanimously,

That the workmanship of cotton hose, of all qualities under 38 gage be advanced 2d. a pair in maids, and all larger sizes; and 3d. a pair on 38 gages and upwards; childrens’ and half hose in proportion.

This Advance to be made on the list of prices published by the Hosiers, December 13, 1811, with this exception, that 1d. a pair be taken off from narrowed one plain to bound in, that this advance shall take place on all Work made after March 26th, 1814.

Resolved, that altered and finer qualities of RIBBED HOSE, be also advanced 2d. a pair.

Resolved, that the above resolutions be inserted in the Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, and Gloucester Newspapers.

The Committee appointed by this Meeting signed for:―

Morley, Wilson & Morley
Samuel Fox and Son
Ward, Brettle and Ward
James Pritt and Co.
William Chamberlain
Pagets and Byng
Beardsmores and Parker
Oliver and Boden
Samuel Clark
N. Hurst and Co.
Turner and Ward

The undersigned Committee appointed to take into consideration the state of the Silk Trade, feels itself incompetent to decide upon the application of the Plain and Knotted Silk Framework-knitters, on account of the absence of most of the Manufacturers, who are the chief Employers of Three Needle Frames.

Samuel Fox
Joshua Beardsmore
John Byng
John Ward

17th May 1813: Meeting at the Yew Tree Inn, Roberttown, in support of William Cartwright & Joseph Radcliffe

The Leeds Intelligencer of 24th May 1813 carried an article about a meeting in Roberttown held to organise a reward and recognition for William Cartwright & Joseph Radcliffe, as well as the minutes of the meeting, which are reproduced below:

On Monday the 17th inst. a number of respectable Gentleman from Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield and the intermediate district, met at the Yew Tree Inn, Robert-Town, to co-operate in expressing the high sense entertained by the West-Riding, of the services of Joseph Radcliffe, Esq; and Mr. Wm. Cartwright, of Rawfolds, during the late disturbances. Wm. Rawson, Esq; of Halifax, was called to the Chair.—A letter was read from Bradford, stating, that it seemed to be the general sense of the inhabitants of that town, to limit their co-operation to the object expressed in the Resolutions, (see advertisement in our first page.) The Members of the Huddersfield Committee laid before the meeting the proceedings of their town’s meetings on the 6th inst. the Halifax Committee the proceedings of a public meeting of their town and parish on the 12th inst. and the Wakefield Committee the proceedings of their town’s meeting of the 13th inst. The Gentleman from Leeds stated, that no town’s meeting had been held there, but expressed their cordial concurrence as individuals, in their own names and that of many others, in the objects of the meeting. The Gentleman of the intermediate district did the same. A Committee of five was formed to prepare the Addresses, and consisted of a Gentleman from Huddersfield, from Wakefield, from Halifax, from Leeds, and one from the intermediate country. The Addresses and Resolutions were all passed unanimously; and there were one heart and mind to promote the objects of the meeting.

The Late Disturbances.

AT a MEETING of GENTLEMEN, Inhabitants of the West Riding of the County of York, held at the Yew Tree Inn, Robert-Town, on Monday, May 17, 1813, for the Purpose of co-operating in carrying into Effect such Measures as may best express the high State entertained by the Riding, of the meritorious Services of JOSEPH RADCLIFFE, Esq; and of Mr. WM. CARTWRIGHT, during the recent Disturbances.

WILLIAM RAWSON, Esq; in the Chair,

An Address of Thanks to Joseph Radcliffe, Esq; was proposed and unanimously adopted.

An Address of Thanks to Mr. W. Cartwright, was unanimously adopted.

These Addresses remain for the Signatures of such Gentlemen as were not at the Meeting, in the Hands of

Rev. Samuel Sharpe, Vicar, Wakefield,
Rev. Hammond Roberson, Heald’s Hall,
Mr. James Knight, Halifax.
Mr. George Oates, Leeds,
Mr. Battye, Huddersfield.

The following Resolutions were passed unanimously:

1. That Donations, to be offered as some Acknowledgement of Mr. Wm. Cartwright’s Services, be received the following Banks, viz.

Messrs, Beckett, Blayds, and Co. Leeds.
Fields, Greenwood and Co. ditto.
Thompson, Holtby and Co. ditto.
Crowder, Perfect and Co. ditto.
Nicholson, Brown and Co. ditto.
Milnes, Leatham and Co. Wakefield.
Wentworth, Chalenor and Co. ditto.
B &  J. Ingham and Co. Huddersfield.
John Dobson and Sons, ditto.
Hirst and Sykes, ditto.
Wm. Brook and Sons, ditto.
J.W and C. Rawson, Halifax.
Rhodes, Briggs and Co. ditto.
Peckover, Harris and Co. Bradford.
Hagues and Cook, Dewsbury.
Taylors, Gomersal.

2. That Thomas Allen, Esq; of Huddersfield, be appointed Treasurer to the Fund now instituted; and that, after presenting a handsome Sum to Mr. Cartwright the Residue be secured upon his Family—The precise Sum to be so presented, and the Manner of securing such Residue, to be determined by a Meeting of the Contributors, expressly called for that Purpose by the Treasurer, and to be held at the Yew Tree Inn, in Robert Town, on a Day to be advertised in the Leeds, and Wakefield and Halifax Newspapers.

3. That the Names and Sums subscribed be published in the Two Leeds papers, and in the Wakefield and Halifax Newspapers by the Treasurer, in the Order in which they are received by him.

4. That these Resolutions be published in both the Leeds, and the Wakefield and Halifax Newspapers.

Arrangements were made towards establishing a Co-operating Committee London; and the Meeting was adjourned until Monday, June 7, to be held at the Yew Tree Inn, at Nine in the Morning precisely.

W.M. RAWSON, Chairman.

The Cordial Thanks to the Meeting were unanimously given to the Chairman.

12th May 1813: Meeting in Halifax in support of William Cartwright & Joseph Radcliffe

HALIFAX.

At a numerous and highly respectable Public Meeting of Inhabitants of the Town and Parish of Halifax, called by the Constables of Halifax, to take into Consideration the Services of those Gentleman who so meritoriously exerted themselves during the late Disturbances in the West Riding of the County of York, and held on Wednesday, the 12th of May, 1813, at the White Lion Inn.

JAMES KNIGHT, Esq; Constable of Halifax,

in the Chair;

It was unanimously Resolved,

1st. That this Meeting acknowledges with Gratitude the Wisdom of the Legislature, in granting additional Powers to the Magistrates of the Disturbed Districts; and the paternal Care of H.R.H. the Prince Regent’s Government, in appointing an adequate Military Force in Aid of the Civil Power, and in that judicious tempering of Justice with Mercy at the late Special Commission at York, in admitting to Bail so many Persons implicated in the late Disturbances.

2d. That the Cordial Thanks of this Meeting be given to the Right Honourable Lieutenant General Maitland, Major General Ackland, and their Staffs; and to the Officers and Men of the several Regiments and Detachments of his Majesty's Forces, stationed in this Town and Parish, for their zealous Co-operation with the Civil Power, and their orderly and soldier-like Conduct.

3d. That the Cordial Thanks of this Meeting are given to the Right Honourable Earl Fitzwilliam his Majesty's Lieutenant; Sir Francis Wood, Bart. Vice-Lieutenant; and the Deputy Lieutenants and Magistrates of the Riding, for their active and persevering Exertions in preserving and restoring the Public Peace.

4th That the particular Thanks of this Meeting are due to JOSEPH RADCLIFFE Esq; and that the following Address be presented to that Magistrate.

(This address lies at Mr. Edwards’s, Bookseller for the Signature [the] of Gentleman as were prevented attending this Public Meeting)

5th. That the particular Thanks of this Meeting are due to Mr. WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT, of Rawfolds, and that the following Address be presented to him.

(This address lies and Mr. Edwards’s, Bookseller, for Signatures.)

6th. That this Town and Parish will most cordially co-operate with other Towns in the West-Riding, in promoting the Objects of this Meeting, and that the following Gentleman are appointed a Committee for this Purpose, Three of whom shall be a Quorum, with Power to add to their Number, and to form Sub-Committees in different Places of the Parish.

COMMITTEE.

HALIFAX.

James Knight

John Rawson, Jun.

Constables of Halifax.

William Rawson

John Rhodes

John Waterhouse

Roland Ramsden

Robert Foley, M.D.

Colonel Ramsden

George Pollard

Christopher Saltmarshe

William Norris

Christopher Rawson,

James Thompson

William Bates

John Haigh, Causeway

Samuel Hodgson Jun.

William Wilcock

Stansfeld Rawson

John Thomson, M.D.

ST. ANN’S.

Samuel Freeman

W. Barber

J. Walker, Jun.

RAISTRICK.

John Armytage

John Fryer

John Clay

ELLAND.

Joseph Rushforth

James Cartledge

John Dyson

John Hirst

RIPPONDEN.

Richard Howarth

Rev. Robert Webster

Fenton Lambert

John Richardson

SOWERBY.

Colonel Moore

W.H. Rawson

George Priestley

John Priestley

HEPTONSTALL.

Hamlet Bent

Gaml. Sutcliffe

Richard Sutcliffe, Stanshaw Gates

LUDDENDEN.

Thomas Milne

Henry Currier

Mr. Tillotson

Jos. Farrer

SOWERBY-BRIDGE.

Thomas Preston

William Greenup

John Dyson

Henry Edwards

Robert Wainhouse

Charles Hudson

John Sutcliffe

ILLINGWORTH.

James Greenwood

R. Ramsbotham

Mr. Ackroyd, Junior, Brook-house

COLEY.

John Edwards

William Mitchell

Thomas Greenwood

Mr. Hughlings

Thomas Holmes

LIGHTCLIFFE.

Wm. Priestley

John Holland

George Armytage

CROSSTONE.

James Rawdon

John Sutcliffe

Mr. Ingham, Shaws

7th. That it is the Duty of this Town and Parish to share the Expences and Losses incurred by Mr. W. Cartwright, in Consequence of the late Disturbances, and that Donations in Aid of this Object be received by the Committee, and that the Banks of Messrs. J.W. and C.Rawson; and of Messrs. Rhodes, Briggs and Garlick.

8th. That it be an Instruction to the Committee now appointed to propose to the Central Committee about to be formed by the Committees of other Towns, that a handsome Compensation be made to Mr. Wm. Cartwright to cover his Expences and Losses, and that the Funds remaining after this Compensation, be secured upon his Family.

9th. That the Cordial Thanks of this Meeting are hereby given to the Patroles, Constables, and Special Constables of the several Townships of this Parish, for their meritorious Services in coming forward for the Preservation of the Peace.

SIGNED,

JAMES KNIGHT, Chairman.

Mr. Knight having left the Chair, and Mr. Ramsden having been called to it;

It was Resolved Unanimously,

10th. That the Thanks of this Meeting be given to James Knight and John Rawson, Jun. Esquires, Constables of Halifax, for having appointed this Public Meeting of the Town and Parish, for their Exertions in promoting its Object, and for their Conduct this Day.

ROLAND RAMSDEN.