22nd July 1812: Gravenor Henson writes to Nottingham about the progress of his Bill through Parliament

1812. July 22

London

Sir

I have received yours and am extremely happy to find that you have adjusted all your animosities. The Bill was read a third time last Night and will be read a first time in the Lords on Friday Night You will perceive from the Inclosed Report that we have had a strong opposition I do not expect any in the Lords if we can keep an American Merchant back of the Name of Jaffery who we have recd. some information means to oppose the Bill on the Ground that he can sell Plenty of Single Press and Two course hole in America; But I believe the Lords have determined to hear no Petitions against Bills nor to have any further Debates I paid Mr Harrison this Morning our Counsel 33" 18" 0" I have Mr Ellis to pay yet, Write To Mr Toplis, they have been to me in London about the 52£ Latham will inform you what it means, Mr Coke desired me when I came from the House last Night 1/2 past 12 oClock to stay a few Days to get it through the Lords, He requests I would meet him on Friday Morning at Mr Smiths bank to arrange for the Bill passing through the Lords, Mr Mansfield is very inattentive, he went away from the House last Night before the Bill was read, I have not seen him to Day: Latham, Large, Bowler and Roper left Town by the Manchester Defiance yesterday for Leicester you may expect them by the time you receive this. Take the Reports of the Speeches to the Review, they are pretty long they are in none of the London Papers, Give my Respects to all Friends

I am Sir
Your most Obt Servt
G Henson

PS. If there is any disatisfaction at my staying here send me word immediately I shall come thro Hinkley send me Word how I shall act as it concerns going thro Banbury and forming a Union of the Trade The Reports will be printed to morrow I have been once to Day Sir T Tyrwhit was not at home

The Ministers were for the Bill only 12 in the House when it Passed all the Patriots went away as usual.

[Addressed to:]

Mr Fell
Newtons Head
Nottingham.

17th July 1812: Gravenor Henson writes to Nottingham about the way forward with the Framework-knitters Bill

1812. July 17

London

Dr Sir

I have no doubt but the Trade at Nottingham are in a great State of Agitation at the Resolution of the Committee of the House of Commons to report that the Clauses which relate to the Hosiery should be withdrawn from the Bill; I think you have been too precipitate in calling a general Meeting of the Trade and that they in the temper of disappointment have resolved rather too hastily to withdraw the Bill altogether; Parliament have a number of Maxims that they act upon, which in the main are very erroneous, this is not confined to the Ministry, but is as much the foible and more of the Opposition than them

Sir Francis Burdett told us that Parliament never interfered with Disputes between Masters and Workmen; but the maxim of Parliament was to ratify agreements between them. He told us roundly that if the Masters opposed us that he should us, our Bill; Sir Francis did not attend to support us but left the House and we have every reason to believe he spoke his own opinion Mr Whitbread, Mr Brougham, Mr Tracey and many of the Leading Members gave us to understand the same, it is the ministerial Side of the House that is the advocates of our Bill: We have been to Mr Hume and Mr D Giddy this morning and have succeeded in a great measure to remove to the grand objection not to interfere in Trade

You must be convinced as well as myself how important it is under such Circumstances to have a Precedent, whereon to Act, The Lace Manufacturers are willing to adopt every Clause of the Bill as far as it relates to them that is Prohibition, Schedules, Rack and Search when the Evidence of the Hosiers is printed you will then see that this is indeed a Victory as from the Nature of their Evidence if their testimony and objections are unfounded in the Practice as we all here know it will, they must never face Parliament again We are not beat by the Hosiers, we are beat by time. If there are had been an Opportunity to have given further evidence, we should beyond all doubt have obtained our Bill and shall we miss the glorious Opportunity of having a precedent acted upon in the Trade by the Consent of one Part of the Masters, which will surely enable us to obtain the Bill next Sessions, till when if the Union of the Trade is kept up [we] shall certainly be a Match for them;

Mr Hume and several other Memb[ers] told them positively if they did not adopt some stable Regulations among themselves he should give his Support to any Bill brought forward next Sessions I can assure you they are very humble; The Bill for the Lace will have the Schedules annexed to it; and will be read a third time to night We think of going thro' Banbury Hinkley, Leicester, Loughborough, Sheepshead, Melbourn and Derby, I shall go to Tewkesbury and join them at Derby, from whence we shall all come to gether to Nottingham I am not, none of us are in the least discouraged, altho' they have by a manouvre got a Year of us, Yours

G Henson.

[Addressed to:] Mr T. Roper . . . Nottingham.

15th July 1812: The United Committee of Framework-knitters send instructions to Gravenor Henson in London

1812. July 15

Nottm

Gentn,

On the Receipt of your Letters a General Meeting of the Trade was call'd, respecting what measures where Nessessary to adopt in regard to the present proceedings when a few Resolutions was produced the First of which was "That the Committe be immediatly call'd from London and leave the Bill to its Fate" which was carried by a verry small Majority, this being done the Lace Hands and a great Number of Plain adjourn 'd into another Room and form'd a Committe, when a Ressolution was pass'd that you Gr. Henson and Ths. Large being deputed by the Trade to stay in London and that John Mansfield be appointed to join you in support of the Bill, and whe have no doubt but the Lace Manufacturers will give us the Warmest support, The Lace Trade still continue to rely [on] your exertions whe remain

Your Hble Servents

John Cooper Secy, to the Committe
Saml Peace
Wm Robinson
Jno. Wild
Jno. Corbet.

[Addressed to:] Mr G. Henson . . . London.

14th July 1812: Gravenor Henson informs Nottingham that the Select Committee have butchered the Framework-knitter's Bill

1812. July 14

London 

Dr Sir

It is with extreme regret, I have to inform you that the Committee of the House of Commons, have come to the decision of Reporting that the Clauses of our Bill which relate to Hosiery ought [to] be erased They have reported in Fafour of the Hosiers to their utmost satisfaction notwithstanding every effort we have made The Cause as it respects Hosiery is completely lost, We are very reluctantly I assure you preparing a Bill to extend to Lace, and the Prohibition of Payment in Goods: The Committee have in the most unfeeling manner but not without a Division decided against us, on the foolishest lying evidince that was ever given.

I am Sir Yours

G. Henson.

P.S. They may Dock, Cut up. Square, Make Single Cotton, and Cheat, Rob, Pilfer and Oppress now to their hearts content.

P.S. Write instructions by Return of Post what we are to do, respecting the Pursuing the Bill any further as it applies to Lace &c.

[Addressed to:] Mr Thos Roper . . . Nottingham.

8th July 1812: Incomplete letter from Thomas Large, probably to Thomas Roper, about progress with the Framework-knitters Bill

1812. July 8

London

Sir

You know we came to Town under an impression of coming to an understanding with the Hosiers at London The committee before I arrived had got a petition signed by most of the Respectable Hosiers in London praying our Bill might pass into a Law this Session—The Committee had also proposed a meeting at the Globe coffee house, on Monday morning Consisting [of] D P Coke Mr H Tracy J T Becher, and a Number of Hosiers of London—I attended this Meeting—and told them, the Deputation from Nottm. would meet us for the purpose of Altering those Clauses the most complained off. The Meeting thought we should send for them there, to have it Settled in their presence, I thought so too—so me and Henson went down to fetch them when they arrived what do you think they did—(but mind you Jackey Parker, and Nelson was with them—) Jackey Parker would would [sic] not Sit down till we had Quited the Room—they would not allow Even Mr Toplis to be present So all we know of the meeting is—they abused D P Coke without altering his opinion of our Cause This Meeting taking up so much time, our Bill was put of till Tuesday,—Tuesday in The afternoon we went down to the House—there we saw Nelson, Nixon Hooley and Parker Boning! all the members as they came—and we adopted the same plan—so whenever we saw them talking to a Gentn. we run up Instantly—Perticularly to Lord Newark and Mr Keck our Friend the Member for Leicestershire—My Dear Fellow hear we had a fair sitt to—they stated their Case—and we ours—they objected to the Schedules in toto—we would not give them up, tho Repeatedly urged to it by Newark—and Keck—we was wrangling here above an hour in the Lobby of the House—they had given Lord Newark their Petition—and he staying to hear us so Long he was to Late with his Petition for D P Coke while he was there—got the Blanks of our Bill fill'd up—and committed for the third reading on Fryday night—we thaught the poor Devils would have gone Mad!!! when they heard this—they Blow'd up D P Coke—said he was no better than a Villain—and Lord Newark 

[the rest is missing]

4th July 1812: Gravenor Henson informs Nottingham of the final preparations for the Framework-knitters Bill

1812. July 4

London

Dr Sir

Our Petitioning goes forward we have got a Number of the Retail Hosiers of London to sign, Mr Morris Lombard Street, (alias Mr Smith Hosier London our first Subscriber who in that name sent us a Pound) has undertaken to get it signed by Monday 2 oClock by most of the Retail Hosiers in London we calculate on having a swinging Petition from them; What will the Good Hosiers of Leicester and the Hollow ones of Nottingham think of this; when their Workmen and Customers petition against them; We have been with Thos Hayne Mr Morley and Mr Pritt, they declined signing not refused, Thos Hayne is willing to sign if the Schedules is modyfyed to meet the objection of Strangers entering the Warehouse; We mean to propose the original intention of paying for a Copy; Mr Morley thinks we ought to prohibit Single Worsted and says he will forward the Bill by every means in his Power; Mr Pritt is convinced of the Propriety of the Regulations, but thinks it would be best to have them by a Regulation amongst ourselves—assured us however that he should give them every support, as he was convinced that no Regulation of the Manufacturers would be abided by,—

There will be a Meeting at the Globe Coffee House on Monday at 11 oClock. when D.P. Coke, J. Smith, C [?] Smith, Mr Babington, Lord Newark, H. Tracey, Mr Mundy and several other Members will be there ; Dr J T. Becher will be there also, Mr. Bignall will attend to defend the Bill and our Cause Mr Morley also will attend to get Single Worsted included in the Bill if Possible—Mr T. Hayne will be there, and most of the truly respectable Hosiers in Town; We hope Mr Waisbell will attend,

We shall run them hard yet even if we lose, It is useless going to the Nottm. Hosiers they are a prevaricating Race of Mortals who do not know their own Interest; Give my best Respects to Roper, and to Mr Fell, likewise my worthy Friend John Wild, Tell Slater I have not forgot him. We received Larges Letter this Morning, What does he mean by a fierce opposition; Surely if the Hosiers is so very fierce we must Chain them; Or if we cant the Devill will, what they want another Row do they

I am Sir
Yours with the greatest Respect
G Henson.

[Addressed to:] Mr Page, Nottingham.

2nd July 1812: Gravenor Henson tells Thomas Large of the opposition to the Framework-knitter's Bill

[1812. July 2]

London Thursday 7 oClock—

Dr Sir

I have to inform you that I have just come from the House, Mr Hume opposed our Bill on Dr A Smiths grounds of letting Trade alone, Genl Tarlton moved the House to adjourn, there not being Forty Members present, they ran out of the House when our business came on like wild fire: A Letter has come from Mr Hooley of Nottm Hosier to D P. Coke protesting against our Bill, G Coldham Town Clerk is employed against us by the Hosiers of Nottm who have addressed a circular Letter to the Members, A Letter has come express, signed by Allen and Phillips and by a Dozen others to D P Coke, J Smith & Lord Newark signifying that they meant to be heard by Counsel against our Bill; It will be moved tomorrow night for Monday

G Henson.

[Addressed to:] Mr T Large . . . Nottingham.

30th June 1812: Gravenor Henson updates Nottingham on progress in London

1812. June 30

London . . .

Dr Sir

Hitherto I have been so extremely busy that I have not been able to give you the result of my Journey to Dublin, nor can I now, I have been incessantly employed in Visits and making the necessary alterations in the Bill, I have not had time this Week nor has any of us to wait on Sir Thos Tyrwhit at Carlton House, to get him to present the Goods to the Prince Regent;—Large and me went to Carlton House on Saturday but Sir Thos was not at home, We have got a number of Circular Letters printed, and we mean to open a Subscription in London, among the Wholesale and Retail Hosiers. D.P. Coke Esqr gave us voluntery £5 " 0s " 0d this Morning : The Bill was read a second time last Night; It was opposed by Mr. D. Giddy and Mr W Smith (Norwich) for the Particulars of which see the Statesman of Wednesday, (at Nottm Thursday,) There seemed from the Cheering a great Majority in the House in favor of our Bill particularly the Ministerial Benches, cheered Mr Coke and Mr Smith in their Speeches; Mr Coke, Mr Smith and Mr Babington of Leicester, and Mr Toplis met this Morning to finally arrange our Bill and make the alterations and fill up the blanks for the third Reading; Mr Babington there informed Mr Coke and Mr Toplis he being called out to present a Petition from the Hosiers of Leicester against our Bill, Praying to be heard by Counsel next Session against it. Mr Toplis and Mr Coke has seen Mr Barbash the Solicitor and he says the Leicester Hosiers object to the Prohibition of Single Cotton and Cut up Goods to the Rack and to our Schedules, and that if we will give them up he will not present his Petition: It is signed by Thirty Hosiers of Leicester and will be presented by D. Giddy Esqr. Member for Bodmin in Cornwall this Night, the Third Reading of our Bill is tomorrow (Wednesday) night. We go to Davies Giddy in the Morning, we will get every Member we can to attend, Large, Latham and Bowler are gone now for that purpose, I am with Mr Toplis finishing the Clauses of the Bill ready for to morrow Night.—The London Committee are gone to the House to hear if D. Giddy says any thing in presenting the Petition: If the third Reading is carried the Incorporation Bill will be presented on Thursday Night. It will be considered a Private Bill for which wc must pay the Printing send up the Money by return of Post Fifty Pound at the least I have every reason to think that the Ministry will support the Bill, The Clause prohibiting the Payment in Goods, which clause it was that D Giddy opposed, was drawn up by Mr Vansittart himself, Lord Castlereagh has signified his approbation of the Bill, and so [has] Lord Sidmouth; We have some Reason to [think] the Prince Regent is also favorable. We have only Dr A Smiths Disciples to contend with, whose principles are execrated all over the Kingdom Mr Ainsworth of Manchester, a Merchant of great Fortune has been with us, and expresses his utmost detestation of his maxims, Mr Harrison the Government Solicitor, and the present Ministry are most of them of the same opinion, Dont fear! the Tewkesbury Hosiers have resolved to defend this Bill to the uttermost against the Leicestershire Hosiers they have wrote to Mr Tracey to that effect. If the business is concluded in time we shall waylay the Mail at Islington, that you may have the result on Thursday

Dont neglect to send us Money as it is the Sinews of War

I am Sir Yours sincerely
Gravener Henson.

[Addressed to:] Mr Thos Roper . . . Nottingham.

26th June 1812: Gravenor Henson & Thomas Large obtain an interview with the Home Secretary, Lord Sidmouth

1812. June 26

London

Dr Sir

I have just recd your Letter, and thank you for the Cautions respecting the Items of the Expenditure, I have invariably found that impossible though I have made every effort particularly in travelling. The Expences in the midst of Business and Hurry are frequently forgot: And you are compell'd to reckon the gross Sum expended, Why does every Letter I receive contain complaints of the Murmurs of the Trade every thing goes on as well as can be expected and more than I can expect or ever did expect; The Bill was read a first time last Night, after 12 oClock when we had all left the House conceiving it would not be read from the lateness of the Hour, and the business before the House; Mr Vansittart and Lord Castlereagh are of opinion that Regulations should take place in our Trade The Bill will be read a Second time on Monday, we shall send you a Copy as soon as Printed, The Blanks are always filled up by a Committee of the whole House, and no otherwise on the third reading I mention this least the Bill should be misunderstood, The Members of the Committee will give their reasons for bringing in this Bill on Monday on the Second Reading, it being too late last Night

Large and me, in company with Mr Keck went to the Secy of States Office for the Home Department, and had an Interview with Lord Sidmouth, who assured us that it was the Inclination of the Prince Regent to give our Manufacture every encouragement in in his Power, that he had no Doubt that the Prince Regent, would wear our Stockings, Ornamented and give encouragement to that Fashion; Mind Lord Sidmouth requests that you would make him 6 Pair of Silk Hose for his Daughters the same Shamy as that made first, I mean the figured Shamy, that is the one with all Slit Holes, Mr Pages Shamy the same quality as those for the Prince make them Womens 26 Inches long, they will fit best, I cant explain the reasons why here. We shall go to Sir Thos Tyrwhit the Prince Regents blaster of Ceremonies to present the following Articles to the Prince in the Morning Viz

2 Pair Silk Stockings
One Silk Veil, Pearl Edge, 2- 2- 0
Black Silk Press 5- 10- 0
Black Warp Handkerchief 4- 4- 0
[Total] 11- 16- 0

All of which has been purchased in Town Lord Sidmouth bought a Double Press Cotton Shawl of us for his Daughter he would buy it, though we would have willingly presented it. He said repeatedly Success to your "Manufacture" Therefore my Lads there's no opposition in the Lords

You must send us some Money immediately. My journey to Dublin cost £12- 10s- 0 I have not been able to give you the result It is very important Remember Lord Sidmouth

Yours G Henson
 T Latham W Bowler T Large.

Thus you will discover the manner in which we are employed, while we are busy pushing our Goods, into the first Circles, Latham and Bowler are pushing the Bill through the House.

[Addressed to:] Mr. Thos Roper . . . Nottingham.

20th June 1812: The Framework-knitters of Dublin refuse to back the Midlands framework-knitters Bill to Parliament

1812. June 20

Dublin

Sir

We the Framework knitters of the City of Dublin are happy to have it in our power to Acquaint you that Mr. Gravesnor Henson arived in this City on the 15th Instant P:M: and on the 16th made known the Object of his mision to the Master and Secy, of trade on which a general meeting of Trade was convened where He most abelly Submitted his important business, Sir, While we deplore the numberless Calamitys which has Befallen our trade in the Sister kingdom we cannot Avoid expressing our general astonishment at they people who framed the Bill that is now pending before the Committee of the House of Commons, Sir, they had no Right to incorporate Great Britain and Ireland we never Sought for this incorporation we are already a Corporate Body we do not practice any of those evils which you so loudly and Justly complain of. No Sir, we have no cut up work or fraudulent work made of any description the evil Originated with your Selves We have no Coults nor Women working with us, each Man must Serve his Regular Seven years before he will be Allowed to get Journey work, therefore Sir, we have nothing to petition for as Mr. Henson so Streanously Sought for, we have our full prices as contained in the Book of Rates delivered to Mr. Henson of which you are to get a copy from him Sir, we Request you will Write off to London [with] all possible Speed to have the word Ireland expunged from the Bill if not we must immediately have Resourse to our Representatives in the Imperial Parliament that we have nothing to do in the Business as we do not feel ourselves agrieved by our employers as you are by yours So I Remain

Yr. Humble Servt.
Richd. Gray Secy.

[To Thomas Roper, Nottingham]

17th June 1812: Thomas Large writes to Thomas Latham about the framework-knitters Bill

1812 June 17

Sir

I have just now Red a Letter from Mr. Roper Dated Mansfield, He says they are there, complaining of the Searchers—Its a most wonderfull thing that when theres a probability of getting the Bill there should be so much objection started perticularly on the Part of the workmen 

But my Dear fellow, I tell you a Secret, I will be Damned!!! if your Trade is incorperated this year, I am sorry, you, and I, Left London when we did, or that when we had Left it,—we did not Return sooner, I am sure if we had staid in Town, our bill would have been in the House a week ago, thats all!! they've been trying the old trick, of having it in this Session, and you know What!! I was Resolved not to stand it, and if the Trade could not be incorperated, what could be done was the Question, The whole Committee of the House [of] commons said—the best way would be, to have a prohibitory bill of Single press—2 course Hole Cut up goods single cotton above No 9—peace work, to be made by the Rack, and Stockings by Schedules,—and we are only know thinking Who is to be the Judges!!! Some think the Justices, and one person says 4 of the parties 2 of each theres a precedent for this, and I like [it] the best I am confident, a bill of this sort would have been obtained before now if we had have stuck to it—Keep this Still—I expect the bill, to go into the House on Friday night, oh! that we had staid in Town it would have been through the House by this. Don't be alarmed, at this alteration for I assure you. Its just what we [obscured] up for, at first, John Smith has again hinted his wish to subscribe, after I told the whole committee of my Lord Birons handsome subscription Lord I have a good heart on it yet and can only say again. Dam my Judgement for staying so Long at Nottm. when we knew them so well, Henson has not yet come, the turn [things] have taken Ren[dered ?] his journey unnecessary to Ireland, I visit them every Day—I opened the scene of Mr Sison and Co yesterday—I told a pretty story to Dan Coke, He says He never talked with him above 10 minutes on the subject—he came up to Town to get Mr Coke to ask for him to go the Bay, with his wife, which he Refused—so you see how it is, I told you it was so

I have heard a prettv tale about Sison—Lord what a character the London Committee give him, they have wrote to Henson of Basford about him I have heard My Lord Castlereaghs opinion about our bill, he says Something must be done Imediately

Good by till tomorrow
I shall write again
Yours Thos Large.

How things will here turn out, no man can tell
Tho—I am still in hopes, they'll turn out well
Adieu—

[Addressed to:] Thos Lathom . . . Nottingham.

16th June 1812: Gravenor Henson travels to Ireland to lobby the Framework-knitters there to support the Bill

1812. June 16

Dublin
Dr sir

I arrived here yesterday at 2 oClock from Holyhead by the Express Boat, George I had considerable difficulty during the afternoon in finding the Persons I wanted, owing to the Difference between the Pronouncing the Street I wanted and the Spelling of it, it being wrote Malpas, and pronounced Maypas, I was taken to Marlborough Strt (prod. Maybor) and Mapert Strt, and at last I was forced to be drove to Frances Street, I there found a Person that knew me, There is a general Meeting here to night which I have every Reason to think will be well attended. They labored here under some false impressions as to our object which I hope I have removed, There is a Corporation of Hosiers (Framework-knitters) in Dublin, granted by James the 2nd similar to that in London with this Difference there is a great Number of Persons in the Business who compose the Company about Twenty of whom are operative Framework-knitters, the Concerns of the Company is wholly managed by the Hosiers who are the Master, Warden, and Assistants, though there are Assistants as well as Freemen, who are not in the Trade. The Workmen of Dublin are divided in their opinion respecting the interference of this Company, I think it would be better only for the operative Workmen to Petition; as several of these Hosiers are employed in selling not making fraudulent Work, The Hands of Dublin have not and will not make fraudulent Goods

The Petition will undergo some little alterations to suit the case of Dublin, I have bought Parchment and will get it engrossed while the Sheets are signing that no time may be lost when I arrive in Town, I shall endeavor by every means in my Power to obtain a Copy of this Charter or at least a sight of it. The summonses of the Company to meet speak of an Act of the Irish Parliament, confirming their Charter I will use every effort to obtain it; The Framework-knitters here are not much benefited by this Charter as it is like the English Charter in a dormant state: The Frameworkknitters of Dublin have very good regulations among themselves, but they are most shockingly oppressed by bad English Goods 10 years since there were 700 Hands here now there is not above 200 They very much wish for this Bill, as hose are sold in Dublin, for [obscured] they have for making, the Price here [obscured] much higher than in England, I think I shall be able to leave Dublin tomorrow night if the Wind is fair, your Petition and Sheets as well as our Circular have never been received nor any Letters but those sent to Frances Street They did not know that we had presented our Petitions, they had some confused Reports but nothing for certain. Give my Respects to my Friend Large as I suppose he is in Town

I remain sir as ever
Your most obt servt
Gravener Hcnson.

[Addressed to:]
Mr R Toplis
Globe Coffee House
Fleet Street
London

16th June 1812: Thomas Roper writes to Thomas Large about the situation in Nottinghamshire

1812. June 16

mansfield

Dear sir you will perhaps be surprised to hear from me hear but the subject is of that importance as silance on my part whould be crimanal a report is got in curcuiation and I suppose from our bitterist enymyes the men of no principels but the most sordid that the searchers is to search all houses at any time with out the consent or knowlidge of the Majerstrates which hath caused vearey grate allarme in the minds of the more respectable manufactvirers for one of them and a princeple one Declared to a frend of ours as I saw just before I mounted the Coach if it was so he would go up and enter his protest at the bar of of the house, I asured him it was not so in the bill but he prest me to write my sentyments uppon it which is that the serchers on information of goods being improperly manufactured or contrarey to the true meaning of this act should go and lay the information before a civil majerstrate and he grant a serch warrant to be executid in the presence of one or more peace officers for if iver that bullwark is broke down of every english mans hous being his Castil then that strong barrer is for iver broke that so many of our ancestors have bled for and in vain send a Coppy of the bill as soon as it is printed we receved a letter from Greensmith this morning from Sheffield he has Collected 15 "0 "0 sum od money pres the buisnes forwar as much as you can for delayes are Daingourus 1 am goin to start on an experdishion to morrow morning the collections last night was a bout £12 0s 0d Clear of expence remember to mention the 2 Needil work in your Letters

PS be vearey careful a bout the searching Clause in the act

I remain your frend
and humble servant Thos Roper

the mansfield Committee are surprised Mr Toplis has not Rote to them acording to promis.

[Addressed to] Mr Thos Large . . . London.

15th June 1812: The Mayor of Leicester writes an alarmist letter to General Dyott

Leicester, June 15th 1812

Sir,

I take the liberty of requesting that you will, if it be possible, increase the force of this Garrison. I understand there are only about 158 Soldiers in the place.

It is not possible, in the compass of a letter, to explain to you all the reasons which induce me to apprehend for the safety of the Town—. I will state a few – but beg you to give me credit for more— Letters threatening assassination have been sent here to several persons— It is pretty clear that these have been sent by the Committee of Frameworkknitters who have as complete an organization of the whole Body as you could have of a Regiment. The Leicester Chronicle has been for some time employed in familiarizing and justifying assassination. It has advertised a Subscription for Bellingham's Widow. The system of terror is here almost as complete as at Nottingham; and do not forget that the Press is here more devoted to Revolutionists than in any other part of the Kingdom. I received by the Post lately the following letter—

“Sir, excues the libberty of the poor woman but I am very sorry to inform you that their is moast dreadful work carring on wich they say things is quite in their favour they did not think you would have let the Sussix gon but Sir if it is in your power you had much better get them to return on some more boath your sake and some Hundreds wich is in great danger Sir rewards is of no youse I should like to say a great deal but durst not as I overheard last night but I beg you will be as caushas as possable you can for they are a great hopes to have it done in avery short time they say — know. so I concluded with wishing all may be well for their is too many Luds — Lester 11th June.”

The letter wears all the appearance of being the genuine effusion of an honest person of low condition—Since the receipt of this the keeper of the very house in which the Committee of Frameworkknitters meet called privately on the Chief Constable and told him he is very miserable—That there will certainly be dreadful work and soon— that he has overheard some of the Frameworkknitters talk of such things as make him shudder &c, the Chief Constable bid him keep his ears open and inform him from time to time. Now, Sir, with a Committee organized by Nottingham men, holding constant communication with them and having very great correspondence in other places, headed by a clever man who has threatened assassination, and assisted by a Press which justifies it, and which is conducted by a man who has confessed privately that he should like a Revolution, can you suppose that if there be a general rising there is any place where more vigourous measures will take place on the part of the Insurgents than this?

I beg you to consider, Sir, that I can not state to you all that leads me to this apprehension— much is derived from the general character of affairs — but if there be ground for fear any where there is at Leicester. If a blow is struck any where it will be here struck with the relentless fury by the heads of the organization. It is a part of Nottingham in its system. They are jointly soliciting a Bill — delegates from both places are together in London and others conferring here — continually — There is a perfect identity between them, and here the press is more in their favor than at Nottingham or any where.

You may depend upon it that this Town would be the head quarters of the Insurgents for a considerable district, and it ought, therefore, as I am persuaded you will think, to have a force equal to the importance of it. It spreads over a space larger than Nottingham. Many inhabitants have expressed their surprize to me that we have so few Troops in the Town—. I know your readiness to listen to my requests and I beg to assure you that I am,

Sir [etc]
Jno Stevenson, Mayor
[To] Major Genl Dyott &c

13th June 1812: Soldiers from The Royal South Lincoln Militia offer to raise money for the Framework-knitters

1812. June 13

Great Yarmouth

Sir/

As I perceive your name attatched to the Committe for raising monies to Defray the expences of the Framework-knitter's Bill about to be introduced into Parliament. I make bold to address you as one of their Agents. As there are many of our Trade in this Regiment I make no doubt but a Sum of money might be raised by proceeding in a proper manner to assist in so excellent an undertaking, I have mention'd the matter to Several & found none unwilling, but I conceive you would much conduce to the success of my endeavours, if you would send a kind of Epitome of your proceedings accompanied with an appeal to all Brethren of our Branch of Trade, for their United Support, not only calculating on what you actualy get from us, but it may act as an example to other Regiments when known. I shall not give any false expectations but I do believe that 40 persons may be found that will give 6d each at the Least.—at these Distressed times I conceive that we Soldiers can as well afford to Lend a helping hand, as some others that are not in the Army. If the Idea meets your approbation I shall expect to hear from the Committe before long, by Directing to Grenadier Company Royal South Lincoln Militia Great Yarmouth You will much obleige Yours &c

Samuel Baker.

[Addressed to:] Mr. Thomas Roper . . . Nottingham.

6th June 1812: Gravenor Henson writes to Ann Wood about the reward handbill

Following the publication by the Leicester Hosiery firm, Ann Wood & Sons, of the handbill offering a reward for information about the threatening letter to Henry Wood of that firm, and the direct link drawn between that letter and the Leicester Framework-knitters Committee Secretary, Thomas Allsop, Gravenor Henson wrote to Ann Wood to express his concerns:

1812 June 6

London

Madam

I hope you will excuse my Freedom in writing to nominate unpleasant circumstance that occurred in your Family, but the Interests of the Trade of Framework-knitters (whose Deputy I am) being so strictly concerned in an Hand Bill published by your House in which you state that "a Copy of which is been sent to the Secretary of State and also to every Member of Parliament"; compels me to point out that I think you have acted rather prematurely without reflection. With respect to the threatening Letter I always held such Attempts to disturb the Peace and Tranquility of Families in the utmost Abhorrence, I think that no Individual is or can possibly be justified in such diabolical actions Though at the same time I cannot but observe that this Letter is coupled with a Request signed by Mr Allsop that the Hosiers of Leicester would meet to consider the Framework-knitters Bell, I have examined them both carefully, and I cannot see any Analogy whatever between the Letter signed N.Ludd and that signed T.Allsop Secy, The one is a glaring outrage on Humanity and Social Order, the other is a mere notification of an intended Meeting to discuss a very important measure; I am certain Madam that those Persons who advised you to insert them in one Hand Bill was no Friend either to you, the Trade of Leicester or the Community at large; I am very willing to make any allowance for the agitation into which the diabolical Letter in question might have thrown you, I am also well aware that Persons in that Situation are apt to take rash and violent measures; My correspondent Mr Large states, that the Hand Bills the moment the Meeting had met were handed round the Room I know not by whose Orders that was done, but it certainly had the appearance of Design to throw an Odium on the Persons who are making the present Application; I believe it had in some measure that effect; I am perfectly astonished at your Motives for intending to send a Copy of your Hand Bill to every Member of Parliament, to send it to the Secretary of State for the Home Department was a very proper measure, but to send it to every Member of Parliament, could have no other object than to prejudice the Minds of the Members against the Bill. If you are really a friend to Peace and good Order in Society, you certainly took thewrongest step for that purpose, you could possible devise Nothing is so much calculated to restore the distracted Peace of the three Counties, than the Bill which will be presented to the House in a few Days The Regulations of which will do away altogether those Disputes which have for years existed between the Hosiers and their Workmen, it will tend in a great measure to restore several Branches of the Framework-knitting Trade to their once flourishing state and give employ to Thousands; Twill Benefit all & injure none; There is not an Honest Man or Fair Tradesman in the Business that can come forward and say this Bill will injure one; I feel extremely sorry that any thing of this unpleasant kind should have occurred at Leicester, as the Hosiers at Nottm and Derby are on such good Terms with their Workmen: I felt extremely happy yesterday when I found that your Hand Bills had not been received by the Members and so I can assure you did the Hon Members who compose the Committee; Rely upon it Madam, there is no Person would use his utmost endeavors to discover the Incendiary who sent that Letter than myself  As I conceive him to be an Enemy to me, to you and the whole Framework-knitting Trade

I am positive Madam when you and your Sons properly understand the Bill that you will give it every encouragement in your Power, as its tendency is to destroy the Pretence that any Person can have for these Outrages on Humanity

I am sure it must be far from your Intention to do any thing to obstruct any measure that would in the least tend to allay the dreadfull spirit that at present exists in the Bosoms of too many Men in this Country The Committee of the Framework-knitters have done every thing in their Power to restore the Peace of the Counties of Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester, and you must confess Madam, that their Labor has not been entirely lost, I feel confident that you would not by any Act of yours, cause an Event that might produce those dreadfull Outrages in Leicester that too long existed in Nottingham and its Vicinity

I wish you to endeavor by every means in your Power to discover the Author of the Letter that has thrown the Town of Leicester in such Confusion but I could wish at the same time, that you would not throw any obstruction in the Way of the present Application of Parliament; as your Interest must always be strictly connected with the Interests of the Workmen whatever is for their Benefit must be ultimately for yours I trust that you will have the candour to perceive that this Letter is written without any Acrimony, and with no other View than to explain the true Sentiments of the Frameworkknitters Executive Committee In whose Behalf I beg leave to subscribe myself

Madam Your most humble and Obt Servt

Gravener Henson
10 Leigh Street Red Lyon Square

PS If you should wish any further information, either now or at any future Period, I shall feel myself extremely happy to give it you; on the other Hand if you have any communication to make I shall feel myself much honored by your Correspondence.

22nd May 1812: Complaints from Nottingham are sent to Gravenor Henson in London

1812. May 22

Nottm.

Dear Friends,

I take this opportunity of informing you how very Clamourous the people are all Round the Country they say nether you nor Mr Smith mention a word about the Plain trade say your all Lace & plain Silk hands that There has been no proper evedence examined for the too Needle Branch I have been out too days and could not get one Peney they look Plesent as a Cows husband at me Swear they will not pay aney More—I have had a great Deal of trouble these too days on that account—3 Men came from Basford yesterday insisting I should imedeately go to London to see what you have done for them I told them there was the Money to colect from the Country I could liot be spared on that acount that I would write to you for they are not satisfied with what Mr Blackner and Mr Allin told them said you Neaver mentioned a word about their branch in your Letters—PS write to me by return of post or youl soon see me in London or else I must Run my Country—pleas Give my Respects to Mr Allsop Mr Large and Mr Latham—tell them I ham well satisfied with wat you have done for us and I will take Care you shall not want for Money think I can collect 20 or 30 pound next week no more at present from your constant Friend

Wm. Bowler.

[Addressed to] Mr. G. Henson . . . London.

21st May 1812: Gravenor Henson updates Nottingham about progress at the Select Committee in London

1812. May 21

London

Sir

I take this Opportunity of informing you that the Committee have closed the Evidence, and will make their Report on Monday; We have hopes that the Trade will be incorporated, the same as the Cutlers at Sheffield, or in other Words, the Charter will be ratify'd by Act of Parliament; You must endeavor by every means in your Power to raise a Sum of Money and send us whatever you can; Mr Toplis thinks we shall have to pay Mr Gurney the Short Hand Writer, You dole us Money out as though you was bestowing Alms, here we are at a great Expence, Paying Coach Hire for Witnesses Return, and  you send us Five Pound; If I had not Money of my Own in my Pocket, we should have been quite fast; I gave Ten Pound to Mr Toplis, 2=12=0 to Mr Green 1=11=6 to Mr Blackner and 1=11=6 to Mr Allen Besides paying 15 Shillings for my Lodging which Blackner and Columbell occupied—Latham and Large, I hope will be with you in the beginning of the Week; They cannot come down for want of Money, they mean to collect the Town and County—

One Person is sufficient to remain here when the Bill is in Parliament at least till the Third Reading—Why the Devil dont you send the Silk Stockings; are you asleep! Mr Keck leaves Town for Leicestershire to morrow and will not be in Town before the Kings Birth Day. Lord how negligent you are, If you cannot send all send some Damn the Trade they seem determined on their own Destruction: They are the most backward dilatory, unwilling to do good race of Men on Earth: Send if you can but I confidently hope they are now on the Road; Send them Blast them either send them or bum them, If they do not arrive instantly they will be of no use. If any Man in the Trade refuses to do his Duty in the making of Articles for the Recovery of his Trade Knock his Teeth down his Throat instantly.

I am Sir
Yours eternally
G. Henson

P.S. I have One Pound Ten Shillings left of my own Money.

[Addressed to] Mr. Thos. Roper . . . Nottingham.

20th May 1812: More witnessess give evidence before the Select Committee on the Framework-knitters Petitions

On Wednesday 20th May, two more witnesses gave evidence before the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Framework-knitters Petitions.

Gravenor Henson resumed giving evidence from the day before. Henson played to the gallery to the extent that he compared the English Trade with the French Trade, saying that the revolution had helped the trade in England because many frames there were destroyed as part of it, and also went on to insert nationalism into his evidence by stating that French knitters were inferior to English ones.

In addition, Henson spoke of the need for the regulation of frame-rents to a fixed percentage of their value, in order to drive out the speculators, and also the prohibition of single-press lace and two-course hole. He laid the blame for the diminution of trade squarely at the feet of the 'fraudulent' quality of work & bad practices.

John Wallbank, a framework-knitter from London was next to give evidence. He stated that he was in full agreement with all that Gravenor Henson had had to say, and noted that the fleecy hosiery trade in London could not compete with the articles being sent from Nottingham, which were being sold for such a low price, but were of totally inferior quality.

19th May 1812: Gravenor Henson gives evidence before the Select Committee into the Framework-knitters Petitions

On Tuesday 19th May, the Secretary of the United Committee of Framework-knitters, Gravenor Henson gave his first day of evidence before the Select Committee into the Framework-knitters Petitions.

Henson spoke first about plain work made from worsted or woollen yarn, and how the introduction of spinning machinery for worsted had meant that the thread was of an inferior quality, having inconsistencies in the thickness, which when used in knitting meant that the goods produced were simply not very strong and inferior in quality. Henson also spoke about plain cotton hosiery, and the profusion of cut-ups affecting quality, and also the use of cut-ups to make silk and cotton gloves.

Henson spoke in great detail about the trade and good and bad practices which he had seen decline and develop respectively.