11th April 1817: A Nottingham Hosier, Thomas Hayne, confirms the arrested Gravenor Henson's companion is ready to talk to the Home Secretary

No 8 Wood St 11th Apl 1817
8 oClock

My Lord

The Person who came from Nottingham with G Henson (who was this Morning taken into Custody by Mr Day on your Lordships Warrant) is William Robinson he called this Evening upon me—and states that he is ready to attend your Lordship if required.—and will be at my House tomorrow at One oClock

I therefore communicate this to your Lordship and wait any further instructions that you may think proper to give

I have [etc]
Thomas Hayne

To the Rt Honble
Lord Sidmouth
&c &c &c

10th April 1817: Gravenor Henson writes of his meeting with John Smith MP

London Apl 10th 1817.

Sir

Me & Mr Atkinson waited on Mr John Smith pursuant to appointment, and had the mortification to learn that he had seen my Lord Sidmouth, & that his Lordship had told Mr Smith that to the Communications he had to make "he had no Answer to give" in fact Ld. S has not deigned to give any Answer to the Communication which Mr Smith has thought proper prudent to disclose, Mr Smith's manner was particularly reserved, and latterly [repelling], though polite; in the Conversation that I had with him at his Seat at Blendon Hall, he declined presenting the Petition to the Regent, as an useless & unavailing measure. Notwithstanding this, Mr Robinson is determined to carry the Petition along with me to the Home Department Office & present his letter of Recommendation to Ld. S from Lord Rancliff to obtain an Interview which will be done tomorrow.

I am Dear Sir

Yours
G. Henson

To Mr Woodhouse
Lion & Unicorn
Newcastle Street
Nottingham

14th November 1816: The Home Secretary informs the Sheriff of Leicestershire about James Towle's appeal

Whitehall
Novr 14th: 1816.

Sir,

I think it right to acquaint you that the Judges have unanimously decided, that the Objections taken against to the Indictment against William Towle [sic], upon his Trial, at the last Assizes for Leicester, cannot be supported, and that his Conviction upon that Indictment is good.

It is accordingly determined, after a full Consideration of all the Circumstances of this Case that the Sentence of the Law shall be carried into Effect on the Day, to which the Execution of this unhappy Man was respited by Mr. Baron Graham: viz. the 20th Day of this instant November.

I have the Honor to be,
Yr
Sidmouth.

[To] C. W. Pochin Esqr.
&c &c &c

29th May 1816: The Home Secretary writes an approving letter to Sir Henry Bunbury

Whitehall
May ye 29th 1816.

My dear Sir,

I am much obliged to you for your Letter of ye 29th instant. The Proceedings of the Suffolk Magistrates, assembled at Bury on that Day, are perfectly satisfactory; & it is but Justice to declare that the Magistracy of that County, in one Quarter excepted, appears to have been exemplary in the highest Degree.

I am particularly glad to hear that you, Mr. Barker are henceforward to act at Brandon, & I am sure you will be both be cautious not to commit for Offences, which may take place there, except to the Gaol of the County to which the Part of Brandon, in which they may have occurr’d, belongs. I am [illegible] at the Apprehension of the five Delegates & I shall be anxious to learn the Particulars of the Evidence, which may be produced against them. It is also very satisfactory to me to know that the ill-advised Capitulation, made at Brandon, has not many Days to live.

The Evidence addressed against the Rioters, & Robbers at Ely is thought sufficient to put a considerable Number of them upon their Trials for capital Offences; if a Special Commission will accordingly be issued with all possible Despatch.

Be so good as to inform M. Genl Sir John Byng that I have been favour’d with his Letter, & that I propose writing to Him tomorrow, after I have receiv’d that which he intended sending to me by the Post of this Day. He may be assured of my entire Confidence in the Propriety of all his Arrangements.

I have the Honor to be
&c
Sidmouth

[To] Major Genl
Sir Henry Bunbury K.C.B.
&c &c &c

28th February 1816: The Home Office replies to John Allison about the recent Luddite attack

28th Feby 1816

Jos: Allison Esqr
Huddersfield

I am directed by Lord Sidmouth to acknowledge the Rect of your letter of the 26 last stating by [direction] of Sir Jos: Radcliffe the particulars of an Act of outrage which has lately been committed near Huddersfield – similar to what happened several years ago in that neighbourhood—His Lordship is much concerned to find Symptoms of the same mischievous Spirit which prevailed [previously] should having again manifested itself and there does not seem to be [given] your Letter [sufficient] reason for supposing that a new System of disturbance

His Lordship is inclined to hope though that this Statement does not warrant the Conclusion that a new System of disturbance & outrage again exists — at the Same time He is much concerned to find that any Symptom and His [Lordship] thinks it of the utmost Consequence that it should be understood not only that the public attention is drawn to this Individual act of outrage — but that the Persons whose property is likely to Suffer in the Event of a renewal of the Framebreaking System – are determined to defend their property agt any Attack that may be made upon it – and to render material Assistance to each other for this important object of it should be necessary—

—Lord S. relies with the greatest Confidence in the Active [Exertions] of Sir Jos: Radcliffe in the Services of a local Magistrate [should] again become requisite - and He has no doubt that both Mr. Cartwright of Rawfolds & yourself will be zealously employed at all times in rendering Him Support

21st August 1815: Francis Raynes receives a letter from the Home Secretary

Three days after his meeting with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Francis Raynes received a disappointing letter from the Home Secretary:

Whitehall, 21st Aug. 1815.

SIR,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th August, with several enclosures, which I herewith return to you, according to your request, together with the letter of 8th March last, addressed to you by the magistrates acting for the division of Stockport. These documents contain strong proof of your meritorious services at a very important period. They had, however, been previously rendered unquestionable, by the opinion expressed of them by Sir Thomas Maitland. The mode of remuneration which you have suggested, by granting you the allowance of a Major or a Captain on retirement, would, as I understand, be irregular and impracticable. It has been, and continues to be my earnest wish, that Sir Thomas Maitland’s recommendation of you to the favor of Government, should be rendered effectual, and I sincerely regret that no suitable means have yet been found for the accomplishment of this object.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient humble Servant,

SIDMOUTH

[To] Francis, Raynes, Esq.

24th June 1815: The Duke of Montrose tells Francis Raynes he has misunderstood an offer of employment

On Tuesday the 20th June 1815, the Duke of Montrose had written to Franics Raynes, inviting him to call at his residence in Grosvenor Square on any morning after 11.00 a.m. Raynes duly called on him shortly afterwards, and later recorded his thoughts about the meeting, which he followed with a copy of the Duke's next letter to him of Saturday 24th June:

The purport of the visit thus desired by the Duke, was for his Grace to inform me he had seen Lord Liverpool and Sidmouth, and it was their intention to give me the appointment of a Barrack-master. This, though far different from what, in the first instance, I had been led to expect, nevertheless, from the difficulties which had been thrown in the way of giving me any thing, I thought it best to accept. The propriety of thanking Lord Sidmouth, was suggested by the Duke; which I did, sending a copy of the letter to his Grace.

London, 24th June, 1815.

SIR,

I have received your letter, and a copy of that sent to Lord Sidmouth, which is very proper; but I must observe, that Lord Sidmouth has only applied in your favour, and that I stated to you, the difficulties of obtaining the situation of Barrack-Master, from the just pretensions of old Barrack-Masters, deprived of their appointments by the peace establishment, &c. That you may obtain your reward, I earnestly wish, and so, I believe, does Lord Sidmouth; though there always a great difference, in my opinion, in what is to be done, and what is actually accomplished.

I remain, with esteem, Sir,
Your’s, &c.
MONTROSE.

[To] Captain Raynes.

27th October 1814: The Home Secretary tells the Earl of Lonsdale of plans to break the Calico Printers Union

Copy.

Confidential.

Richmond Park,
Octr. yr. 27th 1814.

My dear Lord,

I am much obliged to your Lordship for your letter of ye 25th – Of the Combination you mention I have long been apprized. Three active members of it were apprehended at Glasgow, about a month ago, thro’ the Vigilance and Activity of the Sheriff of Renfrew; and no doubt is entertained of their being convicted. Copies of the Papers found upon them were sent to me; &, by means of the Information thus afforded, very important Information has been obtained.

The immediate Object of the Combination, is to dictate the Rate of Wages; and it comprehends the Calico Printers, and Weavers, of Glasgow, Manchester, Blackburn, &c. & of Dublin. Persons of that Description at Carlisle are deeply engaged in it; & it is material that Great Caution should be observed in seeking for Information there, as the Excitement of Alarm would destroy the means, which we now possess of obtaining Intelligence from that quarter.―Nothing can be better arranged, than that the Information, procured by the Gentleman to whom your Lordship has adverted, should be transmitted to Sir James Graham, & by him forwarded to me.—

The Attorney General is out of Town; but the Solicitor General is to be at the Home Office tomorrow, as I wish to consult Him as to the Course to be pursued. I incline to think, but more Rope must be given: but I am satisfied, that, in the ensuing Session, the Interference of Parliament will be indispensably necessary.—

Believe me
Sidmouth

[To] The Earl of Lonsdale
&c &c &c

19th October 1814: The Home Secretary requests a legal opinion about the prosecution of Charles Sutton

Richmond Park
Octr 19th 1814

Dear Sir,

I herewith inclose a Letter from a very intelligent, and most well disposed Gentleman in Nottingham, and the Newspaper to which he refers.—"The melancholy Business" to which Mr. A alludes, as having taken Place immediately after the Publication of this Paper, was a most [flagrant] Outrage, which had murder for it’s Object; and which occasioned the Death of a very respectable man (not the obnoxious Person) who was shot.—A principal leader of the Assailants was shot by one of the Constables, who behaved with great Spirit.

The Conviction, and Punishment of the Printer, or Publisher of the most obnoxious Paper would, I have no doubt produce the best Effect: how far that is likely to be accomplish’d by a Prosecution for the Letter in Question, you will judge, and I shall of course be govern’d by your Opinion.

I am, &c
Sidmouth

P.S. The Promptitude, with which you were so good as to prepare your Report upon the papers, realting to Gloster Jail, enabled me to send them to Bathurst on Saturday. He is perfectly satisfied with your Report—The Gloster Sessions commenced Yesterday

[To] The Solicitor General

12th April 1814: Government notice requesting information on frame-breaking in Gilt Hill, Nottinghamshire

Whitehall, April 12, 1814.

Whereas it hath been humbly represented unto His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that about two o'clock on the morning of the 4th instant, five or six persons or more, disguised in slops or flannel shirts, broke and entered into the shop of Mr. Thomas Morley, of Gilt-Hill, in the parish of Greasley, in the county of Nottingham, and destroyed five stocking frames, with the work that was on them;

His Royal Highness, for the better apprehending and bringing to justice the persons concerned in the said felony, is hereby pleased, in the name and on behalf of His Majesty, to promise His Majesty's most gracious pardon to any one of them (except the person or persons who actually broke the said frames) who shall discover his or her accomplice or accomplices therein, so that he, she, or they may be apprehended and convicted thereof.

SIDMOUTH.

16th September 1812: The Home Secretary rebukes Judge Dallas for continually respiting prisoners sentenced to death at Chester Special Commission

Whitehall 16. Sept: 1812

My dear Sir,

Every recommendation contained in your Letter of 29th of August respecting the Convicts are Chester, has been carried into effect, excepting that which relates to Greenhough, Lowndes, and Heywood; concerning whose cases I feel a considerable degree of difficulty.—They were capitally convicted, but their sentences have been commuted for that Species of Punishment, namely Transportation, which was inflicted upon Persons found guilty of Offences of the same description & Character, tho’ attended with Circumstances of less Aggravation.—Against these Persons the Sentence of the Law has been actually carried into execution, and towards them I think it could not be said that strict justice had been done if others who have been convicted of a higher Crime should now be placed in a more advantageous situation than themselves, without any other Circumstance having been stated in their favour than that of having conducted themselves in Prison with Decency & Propriety. I cannot therefore see any ground upon which a further mitigation of the Punishment of these unfortunate men can be justified.

Your Letter arrived whilst I was enjoying a very short recess, and was not put into my hands till this morning.

Believe me to be
&c &c &c
Sidmouth

[To] Robert Dallas Esqr.
&c &c &c
Brighton

Despite Sidmouth's letter, Greenhough Lowndes & Heywood's death sentences were respited and they were transported to Australia.

20th July 1812: The Home Secretary confirms that General Maitland will be given military command of the West Riding

Private

Richmond Park
20 July 1812

My dear Sir,

I avail myself of a short interval of Leisure, afforded me this evening, to acknowledge your private Letters of the 14th & 18th of July.—Your suggestion respecting a Pardon to be proposed by Proclamation to those who have merely taken the illegal Oath (upon their coming in and confessing it) appears to me well worthy of consideration.—I am indeed inclined to think that a Proclamation (of which this offer would form a part) addressed to the Inhabitants of the disturbed Districts, and issued immediately after the Bill now before Parliament shall have passed, would have a good effect.

It is a great satisfaction to me, whilst I concur in all the sentiments you have expressed respecting the inconvenience, arising from the want of unity of Military Command in those Districts, to inform you that your suggestion has been anticipated, and that Yorkshire will very soon be comprehended under your Military Superintendance & Authority.—General Grey, who is on the point of being married, has requested leave of absence for three months, and it is agreed that his Command is to be transferred to you, and be consolidated with yours.—In the enlarged, as has been the case in the more limited, sphere of your Authority, you may be assured of the entire confidence, and decided support of Government, to which you have well entitled yourself by the whole of your Conduct, under circumstances the most delicate and difficult.

Believe me &c &c &c
Sidmouth

[To] The Rt Honble
Lt. Genl Maitland
&c &c &c
Buxton