7th March 1813: General Acland writes one of his final letters to General Maitland from Wakefield

Wakefield 7th March 1813.

My dear Sir.

The Reports receiv’d this day are most satisfactory I copy Raynes’s as the most intelligent, & confirming what I wrote to you about the arms on the 1st Inst.

This part of the country remains perfectly tranquil, I have not heard of the least disorder or outrage of any description.

I am inform’d by Mr. Scott from the depositions of persons who have been before him, that it appears as soon as the offenders were found guilty at York, those concern’d in Arms stealing, thought proper to get them out of the way by any means in their power—the Arms taken Clifton &c were thrown into Kirklees Mill Dam—

From every enquiry I have made, I cannot learn that there ever was a Depot of Arms in a greater number than half a dozen or Eight stand in a place —

Brigade Major Bullen return’d this day from a visit to Colonel Fletcher at Bolton — both Col. F. & Mr. Hulton state that part of the Country to be perfectly quiet — the Colonel says no persons have been to him to take the oath of Allegiance, but several from the neighbourhood of Chowbent, Worsley & Bolton have been to the other Magistrates & some few to Dr. Drake at Rochdale—

Mr. Ratcliffe set out on his Tour the beginning of next month, he is quite comfortable without his Guard & tells Bullen he is satisfied it will be a good measure to remove the Troops.

I really think we may do so with perfect safety & prudence, if you meet your approbation—& the sooner the Horse Artillery move to [illegible] & the Suffolk gets a Route the better the more if it is done by the [degrees] the less it will be thought of & every one I talk with is of this opinion.

I am very anxious to hear from you as to my disposal, I wish to be in Town after General Grey comes back, & if it can be so arranged that I do not return, it will not only be gratifying but convenient—as long as any thing was to be done & you remain’d I was perfectly content, but now every thing is quiet, I shall be glad to get nearer to my friends, for with a limited income this campaign has been expensive, which however I never regard as long as I can be [useful] & I repeat I can only be so at home as my health is not equal to active Service abroad.

Wroth: P Acland

[To] Lt General
The Rt Honble
T. Maitland
London

1st March 1813: General Acland updates General Maitland on the state of the West Riding

Wakefield 1 March 1813.

My dear Sir.

The Weekly reports on the state of the Country receiv’d yesterday are most satisfactory, & I find from Lt Colonel Lang that Mr. Radcliffe wishes to have his Guard discontinued from this day—

Mr. Scott has administer’d the oath to about one Hundred in the whole — he writes Raynes that he has thoughts of making a further communication to Government & wishes to see him before he does so—

Thirty one have abjur’d &c before Dr. Colthurst at Halifax, but I have not heard if any more have been before Mr Armytage.

The Inhabitants of Elland have presented Lt Cooper with a Gold Snuff box, with an Inscription expressive of their gratitude for his exertions.

I have communicated with Sir Francis Wood & Hay about the Pontefract detachment, they wish it to remove for the present as there is a considerable Store of ammunition &c. They are much obliged by your having consulted them on the subject—

I have ordered the Troop of the Greys to be withdrawn to-morrow from Bradford & Halifax having a Serjt and twelve men at each station.

The Wiltshire Militia is mov’d to Carlisle, to be replaced by the Aberdeen at Liverpool.

I hope soon to hear from you & remain [illegible]

Wroth: P: Acland

Since I finish’d my letter I have heard from good authority that very few of the Arms that have been stolen about Huddersfield remain in possession of the persons that took them away—such as [any] remain have been render’d useless from different causes but the far greater part have been either thrown into the Mill Dam near Sir George Armytages or a hole in the neighbourhood

I am also confirm’d in my opinion about the depredators committed in Mr. Hagues & Horsfal’s plantations, & Mr. Horsfal has I [understand] express’d himself perfectly satisfied it has nothing to do with Luddism &c

WPA

[To] Lt General
The Rt Honble
T. Maitland
London

24th February 1813: General Acland informs General Maitland of Francis Raynes' desire for a job with Government & an assault on an employee of William Cartwright

Wakefield 24th Febry 1813.

My dear Sir.

Raynes says he is so little perfectly acquainted with the places Government have in their disposal, that he has difficulty in pointing out any situation in particular, he speaks generally of the Excise & Customs, as he is not unacquainted with business having been employ’d under his father, while he carried on a Banking concern, & but if Government will appoint him to any place of Three or Four Hundred a year either in England or Scotland he shall be greatly oblig’d & gratified—

Raynes reports that a Servant of Mr. Cartwrights returning  home on Saturday night last, was met by three men who ask’d him if he still worked for Mr. Cartwright, was replying he did was knocked down & beaten, one of the men endeavour’d to prevent it, & entreated others to desist without affect. However no suspicion attaches of any one in particular having committed this assault—In every other respect the neighbourhood remains perfectly quiet, Mr. Robinson & one or two others tell Raynes they think it may have a very good effect greatly to diminish the number of Troops & at least that the experiment is worth trying, but you are the best judge here for this can be prudently done, as well as whether the attack on Cartwright’s servant may be consider’d a renewal of the late Spirits—we must Expect be prepar’d for some partial instances of irritation & animosity occasionally shewing themselves, but I have no idea they will be carried to any extent.

M General Dirom has written for leave of absence till the 10th of March for Colonel Clay, who has gone away on account of the illness of his Mother.

I forward under cover to [illegible] a letter with enclosures from Lt Colonel Trafford relative to Capt Mitchell in answer to your last.

Wroth P Acland

Young is a Lieutenant & not an Ensign in the West Suffolk as I mention’d.

[To] Lt General
The Rt Honorable
T. Maitland
London

23rd February 1813: General Acland writes a summary of recent events for General Maitland

Wakefield 23rd Febry 1813.

My dear Sir.

I went this morning to Huddersfield & fortunately met Mr. Radcliffe, Scott & Armytage the magistrates also Lloyd & Alison, they all agree the temper & feeling of the country is totally changed, & that there is every [reported] prospect & expectation of all continuing quiet — Radcliffe & Mr Armytage without any allusion I me to the subject, stated that in their opinions the troops might be withdrawn leaving only one Regt of Cavalry & that the trial should be made to enable us to form a fair opinion as to its real state, as well as the true disposition of the people—Mr. Scott was not altogether in this mind, but thought a Regt of Infantry should be left also, so as to give a company or small detachment in each Town.

Radcliffe gave no hint about his guard being withdrawn but said soon after the troops were remov’d if the country was quiet he should go away for a month or two which I know he intended doing way before the commission at York took place – others whom I have conversed with since we (quartered at York) think also a Regt of Cavalry will be sufficient for this Riding.

Allison tells me the sentiments of all classes are changed, those who were known to be implicated in the late disturbances & when not proceeded against are truly sensible of the Lenity shewn them by our Government & many of those who were active promoters of the depredations & were entirely unknown or only partially so are much [gratified] & feel happy that no measures have been taken to detect or punish them.

About 60 have taken the oath of Allegiance before Mr. Scott about 5 or 6 of them appear to have taken the illegal oath, but they state it only bound them to promote petitions for peace & parliamentary reform & as far as Mr. Scott can ascertain these do not seem to have join’d in any of the depredations or plundering — Dean who was executed is stated by most of them to have been as active in all the disturbances as either Mellor or Thorpe

Mr. Armytage has administered the oath of Allegiance to about 20 - 15 of which have come in within the last three days.

Sir John Kaye has here been most active in gaining every information from his Tenantry about Dalton many of the Lower classes of these have have been implicated than he was before aware of but are here thoroughly sensible of their error and there is every appearance they will return to orderly & peaceable habits of Life.

In short all that I have conversed with seem to be of opinion that we have now such a Key to the character of most of the people in general that any thing that may occur again must be speedily broken into, but the recurrence of disturbance is not likely to happen again at least for some time.

I went to see the Plantations of Mr. Hague & Mr. Horsfall that was stated to have been destroy’d the former has about 250 or 300 young trees broken or cut down the latter about [80] though it appears to me to have proceeded from a very mischievous principle I have my doubts if it is connected with the system of Luddism & [illegible] do not believe it is—

I did not find Mr. Horsfall at home & could only find a Servant who knew little or nothing.

Mr Hague does not suspect any one he has always been to a certain degree popular with the Lower classes, & [attributes] the spirit that has now shewn itself to his having been very active recently in getting subscriptions for Mr. Cartwright, but many [illegible] think it proceeds from offence given in his being over tenacious in preserving his [illegible] & having been somewhat severe in doing it—

The Tenter that was destroy’d (& which may cost about 20£ to repair) belonged to one Drake who was a principal Evidence against the persons let out on bail.

Mr. Hague has offered a reward of 50£ for the detection of any one concerned & tells me he has spoken to Ratcliffe to write up to the Secretary of State to grant a pardon to any one who will impeach—

Allow me to [report] you my thanks for the kind manner in which you have supported me about Major Hawker I can only say it shall ever be as if always [illegible] my [study] & not as I think will give you satisfaction & to anticipate your wishes.

Will you consider about sending the Horse artillery & [illegible] they actively can be [well] spared. I believe Foy would be gratified in taking them back there previous to giving up the Command.

I am anxious to save the post & have therefore hurried myself in writing.

Wroth: P: Acland
M General

I shall be most anxious to learn from you what is to become of me, if it is possible to arrange it I shall be happy in return to Chelmsford

WPA

[To] Lt General
The Rt. Honble
T. Maitland
London

10th February 1813: General Acland updates General Maitland about the siutation in the West Riding

Wakefield 10th Feby 1813

My dear Sir

Having daily expected your return, I discontinued writing, having heard from Hamilton, that you had directed your letters not to be forwarded after Friday, however, had any thing occurred worthy of notice, I shd have risked a letter reaching you at Dunbar

It will be satisfactory for you to know that the Country remains perfectly quiet, & there is every appearance of its continuing so — About ten or twelve persons have come in to take the Oath of Allegiance before Mr Scott, but none have appeared before any other magistrate

Lt Cooper informs me six or seven persons have run away from Sowerby near Halifax who were concerned in the late disturbances, some of whom have left the Country thro’ fear, & I have a letter forwarded by Cooper from a man he endeavoured to persuade to go before a magistrate to take the Oath of Allegiance that “he was going to leave the Country, as soon as possible, an attorney whom he consulted, having told him, the pardon only reached such as had been charged with any Offence.”

A meeting of magistrates was held on the 4th Inst., herewith I send you the resolutions they passed.

I did not see Lord Fitzwilliam, being out with the Troops at the time—

Mr Atkinson Bradley Mill near Huddersfield has sent to request the Guard at his mill may be withdrawn (which I have directed to be done

If you meets your approbation, I think it a good time to discontinue the Infantry party at Marsden & also to reduce Lt Coopers detachment to twenty men: by [Sizing] down the parties; in this manner the people will not miss them & their confidence will remain — The small party of Cavalry at Holmfirth may likewise be very well dispensed with — & I should hope by the time you return, you may think of reducing or taking away some of the others altogether

A letter has been forwarded to M. General Dirom, with an application in favor of Coll Maxwell of the 7th Dragoon guards who has been superseded which I have left for your decision on — a ridiculous application has been forwarded, thro’ the same Channel from Colonel Clay asking Leave of Absence for Lord Cawdor for a friend during which he was returned Absent without Leave. Do the regular way was to ask for his pay which was respited being allowed. I have sent an answer as M General Dirom is my Senior, this also remains for your return — All the papers (excepting) about the Inn at Warrington which I acquainted you of, & an application from Coll Seele to try a man of the South Hants by the General Courtmartial assembled at Lancaster, have been attended to & brought up.

I will write whenever anything occurs, worth mentioning, but should you not hear from me, you will conclude everything remains quiet. I sincerely regret the melancholy occasion that detains you at Dunbar & remain

(Signed) W.P. Acland

PS. The 33rd have marched from Hull to Windsor

[To] Lt General
The Right Honl
T. Maitland
Dunbar house

4th February 1813: West Riding Magistrates formally thank the military

WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE.

AT a Special GENERAL MEETING of MAGISTRATES, held at the COURT HOUSE in WAKEFIELD, in the said Riding, on Thursday the 4th of February, 1813:—

The Right Hon. the LORD-LIEUTENANT,
in the Chair;
Sir John Ingilby, Bart.
Sir Francis Lindley Wood, Bart.
Francis Edmunds, Esq.
Rev. William Wood, Clerk;
Benjamin Brooksbank, Esq.
Joseph Radcliffe, Esq.
Godfrey Wentworth Wentworth, Esq.
William Dawson, Esq.
Rev. John Lowe, Clerk;
Matthew Wilson, Esq.
William Weightson, Esq.
Rev. John Taylor, Clerk;
Edward Ferrand Esq.
Benjamin Dealtry, Esq.
Michael Stocks, Esq
John Pemberton Heywood, Esq.
Joseph Scott, Esq.
Watson Scatcherd, Esq.
Rev. Alexander Cook, Clerk;
William Twiss, Esq.

Resolved,

That the most grateful Thanks of this Meeting be returned to the Right Hon. Lieut-Gen. Maitland, the Hon. Lieut-Gen. Grey, Major-Gen. Ackland, and Major-Gen. Stevenson, for their active, zealous, and unremitted Attention to the Suppression of Riot and Disturbance, and the Restoration and Maintenance of the Public Peace and Tranquillity of the West-Riding, and for their Support of the Civil Power upon every Occasion.

That the Right Hon. Lieut-Gen. Maitland be requested to give the Thanks of this Meeting to such Officers and Men under his Command as have been personally engaged in the Protection of Persons and Property, in the Suppression of Riot and Disorder, and in the Preservation of Tranquillity in this Riding, and for the uniform Zeal and Humanity displayed on all Occasions.

That the entire Approbation of this Meeting be conveyed to the Associations and Special Constables, for having adopted the Recommendations of the several Meetings of Lieutenancy, whereby, during the late disturbed State of the Riding, they have so meritoriously and effectually exerted themselves in the Preservation of the Public Peace.

That this meeting also recommends a Continuance of such Exertions, so long as the Magistrates of the several District shall think them necessary.

That the most sincere Thanks of the Meeting be given to Lord Lieutenant, for his distinguished and unremitted Attention to the Duties of his high Situation; and particularly for the useful Suggestions he had communicated to the different Meetings of Lieutenancy, to the Adoption of which the disturbed Districts have been so much indebted.

That these Resolutions be printed, and sent to his Majesty’s Secretary of State for the Home Department, to the General Officers above mentioned, to all the Deputy Lieutenants and Acting Magistrates of the West-Riding; to the Commandants of Corps, Subdivision Clerks, and to the Associations; and that the same be published Once in all the West-Riding Papers.—By Order of the Meeting,

J. FOLJAMBE,
Deputy Clerk of the Peace.

26th January 1813: General Acland asks Major Bruce to investigate the fire at Sutcliffe's Mill at Todmorden

Wakefield 26th January 1813.

Sir.

It has just been reported to me that a large Cotton Mill belonging to Mr. Sutcliffe of Todmorden was last night burnt to the ground. I request you will send over a Dragoon & make every enquiry in your power & ascertain the truth. in the way I have it, it is stated that it is suppos’d to have been done maliciously, this is material to ascertain, most properly if it happen’d at all it has been accidental. The report comes from a Mr. Jenkinson the Landlord of the White Lion of Halifax — let me hear from you as soon you can – make every thing out — Todmorden is ten or twelve miles from Halifax on the Barnsley road

Wroth: P Acland
M General

[To] Major Bruce
Stirling Militia
Halifax.

16th January 1813: General Acland gives Francis Raynes orders to observe the funerals of the yet to be executed Luddites

Wakefield, 16th January, 1812.

SIR,             

(Confidential.)

As the bodies of the culprits who are to be executed this morning at York, are to be delivered over to their friends after execution, it is adviseable that their burial should be observed, and that proper persons should be sent to watch their proceedings. The object of this, is not to prohibit their fair and decent burial; but to ascertain, as far as may be, the temper of the country upon the subject. No military exertion can be made use of upon the occasion: but it is of eminent necessity, that the people should understand we have a watchful eye over their proceedings; and, if any un-common or unexpected number may be collected, on any of these occasions, it is fitting that they should not only know we are watching their motions, but that such undue ceremony will be attended by a patrole of cavalry, to see that they immediately go quietly to their homes. It becomes, therefore, important, that every exertion on your part, should be made, that any attempt to riot of disturbance, may be instantly checked, and that, till the funerals are over, you remain constantly on the alert and take such measures, that the men under your command, may be ready to turn out without, if possible, letting the people suppose you are more than usually active, or taking any particular precautions.

You will, moreover, endeavour to get some person on whom you can rely, to be quietly present at the funerals of those person, if in your neighbourhood, in order to ascertain, as much as possible, their feeling and disposition on the occasion.

I have [etc]

WROTH P. ACLAND, M.-Gen.

[To] Captain Raynes, &c. &c.

P. S. Desire the orderly man to report to you, whether he saw any unusual number of people on the road, and let me know on his return.

28th December 1812: General Maitland reports more Nottinghamshire Luddite attacks to the Home Office

Wakefield
28th Decr 1812

My dear Sir

I this morning received your very satisfactory letter, and am sorry to inform you, what will have probably reached you ‘ere now, that there have been four other Frame breaking Scenes at and near Nottingham

If this continues, I shall certainly go there myself, but I am not without hopes, that having found out four of the Parties concerned, it will put a stop to it, for if they make a proper use of these Gentlemen, I have no doubt, at least one of them will give Information of the whole Set, which is the only mode of stopping and getting to the bottom of all this.—

I hope your Brother means when the Commission is over to renew for a time limited, the Pardon for Illegal Oaths—

I am [etc]
T Maitland

[To] Rt: Honble
Hiley Addington
&c &c &c

24th December 1812: General Maitland writes to the Home Office about the resurgence of Luddism in Nottinghamshire

Wakefield
24th Decr 1812

My dear Sir

I am sorry to inform you that I last night received a Report from Major General Hawker, stating that two Frames had been broke, one on the 19th and one on the 21st Inst: and that in both instances the People themselves and their Neighbours have shewn the greatest Apathy upon the occasion.

The one broke on the 19th was broke in the House next to a Constable in Nottingham, the one on the 21st at Beeston where Troops are quartered was broke and the Men off upwards of half an hour before Information was given.

These Outrages of themselves are of little moment unless as they may be considered as a commencement of another Scene like what passed last Year.

If there are any more instances of it, it will be necessary to make the Magistrates more active by writing to them on the Subject; but I shall say nothing more at present as expect to hear further this day.—

I am [etc]
T Maitland

P: S: I have not yet heard any thing further—

10 PM
T Maitland

[To]
John Beckett Esqr
Under Secretary of State
&c &c &c

23rd December 1812: General Maitland reacts strongly to news that Joseph Radcliffe may be made a Baronet

Wakefield
23rd December
1812

My dear Sir

I find Lord Fitzwilliam has written a letter to Radcliffe, asking him if he would like to be made a Baronet, to which, he has said “Yes”, and in consequence of which I suppose Application will be forthwith made to Lord Sidmouth. This I am extremely sorry for, particularly as the whole of the Story is circulated all over the Country, and it appears to me susceptable of interpretations, that must be extremely inconvenient to Government, for whether we look at it in the View of its bribing Magistrates to do their Duty, or with a view to the numerous Applications that will fall upon you from other Quarters, I am convinced you will agree with me, that at all events, it would have been more judicious not to have done it at the present time.

I gave the Money to Cartwright yesterday, and have got a Note from him saying he has received it.

I am more and more convinced, we will find, that the Gang we have lately attacked, has perpetrated all the Robberies had taken place; but I shall be able to state this more fully in the Course of a few days.—

I am [etc]
T Maitland
[To] J. Beckett Esqr.
Under Secretary of State
&c &c &c

20th December 1812: General Maitland infoms the Home Office about the success of apprehending suspects for the burglaries

Wakefield
20th December
1812

My dear Sir

I have seen Lloyd, and he persists that the New Cases stated to you by Acland, are the best we have hitherto had. I hope it may turn out so, and I am inclined to think them strong, as far as I am able to judge at present; but if they had gone more slowly and quietly to work, it would have been much better.

Let these Cases however turn out as they may, the having broke into this Set, is in itself an immense Object, and I think we will find in the long run, that it is the last of these nefarious Gangs.—

There is an Idea, that there is another at Elland and that Neighbourhood; but I own I doubt it, and I think it will turn out that all Robberies have emanated from this Set.

One comfortable part of it, and which shews how much their System is broken into, is the ease with which it has been traced out, indeed from the perpetuation of the last Robberies it was not more than two days before we got our original information.

As far then as this System of Plunder goes, we are certainly [improving]; but what will give us more Aid than any thing, is the very great change that has already taken place in consequence of the Russian News, every thing is up, and I understand that in some of the Cotton Parts of the Country they are even working long Days.

Here the People from having nothing to do are full of business, if this continues all will go well, notwithstanding the high Price of Provisions.—

I shall write you again tomorrow.—

I am [etc]
T Maitland
[To] John Beckett Esqr
&c &c &c

30th November 1812: General Maitland writes to Acland about his report of new Robberies

Wakefield
30th November 1812

Dear Acland

I have just received yours & am not much surprized at its contents, we

We must expect & naturally some of these things but what is most material to attend to is, the facts which you state, how far this is a New Gang on a principle of Plunder or how far it is the old Set beginning a new System.

I therefore request that you will do your utmost to set every engine at Work “to Wit” Allison & Lloyd to trace this to the utmost extent & forthwith

In regard to yourself I know you will do it [full] as well & better than any of them, but when we are enquiring into the thing it is extreme material too that we should be aware, what system this Deighton is under, & how far the orders of the Lieutenancy for their associating & Patroling has been carried into effect.

Write me upon this Subject as soon as may be, for whatever you & I may think upon the general State of the Country it is impossible to hold out for one moment that we can protect Individuals against Robbery, if these Individuals will not protect themselves.

Ever Your’s
T Maitland

I will write you tomorrow about the change of Cavalry from above

[To] Major Genl Acland
&c &c &c

4th November 1812: General Maitland tells the Home Secretary 'the whole of our Situation has improved'

Wakefield
4th November
1812

My dear Lord

I wrote to you [shortly] yesterday, on the Subject of the State of the Country, and it gives me very great satisfaction to be able now to state my complete conviction that the whole of our Situation has improved up to my most sanguine expectation.—

I have seen and conversed with all the Agents whether Civil or Military, employed in the worst Parts of the Country, and they are perfectly unanimous in their Sentiments that confidence is reestablished on the part of the Loyal and that despondency is the prevailing principle among the Disaffected.

The whole language of the Country is totally changed, and the Seditious have now the same dread of speaking to one another, that the Loyal formerly had of giving any Information.

The great Principle that has operated this change, independent of the Military Force in the Country is, the conviction now entertained that the administration of Illegal Oaths though may for a time screen Offenders from Public Justice, will not in the lang run protect them against the offended Laws of their Country.—

It appears to me if I am correct in my present View of the Subject that this is the time when it would be exactly most fitting to consider whether Government might not by some Act give considerable efficacy and consistency to the present feelings of the People, and whether this would not be a most fortunate moment to renew for the time by Proclamation a Pardon to those who had taken Illegal Oaths.

Judging from what happened in Cheshire and the Borders of Lancashire and looking at the similar Spirit that now prevails here, as did prevail there when they came in and took the Oath of Allegiance, I cannot help thinking that this might be a measure highly expedient to be adopted, and that it would most probably be attended with very favorable results if adopted without delay.—

The occurrences that have taken place here, and the general View I have the whole of this Subject, leads me strongly to suspect, that I was not mistaken in my original supposition that there is no real bottom in all this Luddite System, as it is now breaking up here exactly as it broke up in Cheshire and Lancashire, when ever the Loyal found they were safe, and the Disaffected found they were in danger.—

Had we been more fortunate in our Harvest, or had the American Ports been now open to us, I should not entertain a doubt that the whole of this unpleasant Scene was near a close, but undoubtedly so long as the Price of Manufacturing Labour is so low, and that of Provisions so high, we must still contemplate with a considerable degree of anxiety, to the result of the present Winter, and that I apprehend any thing serious but the natural effect of such pressure must in prudence demand to be looked at with a cautious and jealous Eye.—

Your Lordship will perceive that Lord Fitzwilliam in the letter I sent to you yesterday states they are still robbing in organized Gangs in some Parts of the Country.

This is particularly the Case in the neighbourhood of Halifax, but I do not conceive this to be at all connected with any general System, and however unpleasant, I cannot look at it in a very serious point of View.

On the whole if we make good our Cases at the ensuing York Assizes and do not attempt too much I think the Spirit of the late combinations will be completely broken.

It will be necessary to be on our Guard all the Winter, but I am sure I do not go too far in stating distinctly to your Lordship that the whole of our Situation here is infinitely ameliorated.

I am
My dear Lord.
Your’s truly
T Maitland

[To] Lord Visct. Sidmouth
&c &c &c

3rd November 1812: General Maitland gives Earl Fitzwilliam his view of the cases for the York Assizes

Wakefield
3rd November
1812

Dear Lord Fitzwilliam

I have returned from Scotland where I was forced to go about some Election business the day before yesterday, and have since been principally occupied in making myself master of the Cases that had occurred during my Absence.—

There can I think be no doubt that there is full Food for a Special Commission and that the sooner it takes place the better.

The number of Persons now committed including the Barnsley People are about 48, but I much fear there are many of these Cases it will be impossible to bring home to a Jury.

There are some however I think most fortunately of a very different nature and of these stands pre eminent the Murderers of Horsfall.

The Case against them is as strong and as well supported as any one I ever had occasion to see or read of, and if we merely succeed in bringing them to Punishment of which I have no doubt we have done the greatest good I hold that can be done to this part of the Country.

In respect to the Case of Schofield, it by no means strikes me to be so fully made out, though it is still the Case that I think ought to go to trial.

There are too, three of the Cases of the Horbury Gang where there is very strong Evidence and such if I am rightly informed as will lead to conviction, and latterly there are 16 Men taken up for Shear breaking &c against at least Six of whom where there is unquestionable Evidence.—

Against the rest generally speaking I own the Evidence appears to me, to be extremely doubtful, though in some Cases it may probably be brought home.

Through then I must perfectly agree, with Your Lordship in the propriety of bringing to early trial the Prisoners now in York Castle, it appears to me to be most important that the gravest consideration should be given by Government to the Point of what Case it will bring forward and what it will allow to drop.

We have I hold quite enough of certain Cases to answer every purpose of Public Justice. We have the Case of Horsfall, in point of Murder, We have the Case of the Horbury Gang in point of Plunder and House breaking. We have the 16 Men lately taken up, in point of Shear breaking and destroying Machinery, and lastly, we have the Barnsley Men and one or two others in point of Illegal Oaths.

With these nearly certain I cannot help thinking it would be highly impudent to press to ultimate trial many other Cases of which we ourselves are doubtful, and what I think of doing upon the whole of the Subject is to recommend to Government in the strongest manner to send down forthwith to Huddersfield, some Government Solicitor in whom they have confidence, to revise and examine minutely into the real nature of each Case and into the Character and discription of the Evidence, and having so done to decide what Cases shall be pushed and what shall be allowed to drop—

Independent of any general reasoning upon the Subject, my Opinion is very much formed from a perfect knowledge of the Parties who have been principally employed in bringing forward those Cases, and though I certainly do not mean to mention them with disrespect, still I much fear their over Zeal unless it be corrected by the calm and considerate Judgement of some disinterested Person may lead to numerous Acquittals which I think Your Lordship will agree with me is a thing extremely to be avoided.

On talking this Subject over I find it would not be possible for any one to go through all this in less than a fortnight, and I understand it will take nearly the same Period to prepare the Cases to be brought forward to ultimate trial and under this impression I apprehend the earliest possible time the Court could meet, would be in the beginning of December, to which time if I am not misinformed, the present Commission is adjourned.

Whether they ought to be tried under the old Commission or under a Special one, is a Subject upon which I can form no Opinion, and I have only to add though no Man is more thoroughly convinced than I am of the propriety and necessity of bringing the Prisoners to speedy Justice, still I would be sorry indeed to see that Measure carried into effect, till all the Cases were maturely weighed and considered in all their Points and Bearings.

From all the Accounts I have the State of the Country is daily improving, but upon this Subject I shall write more fully to Your Lordship in a day or two, and am

Dear Lord Fitzwilliam
Your’s most truly
T Maitland

[To] Earl Fitzwilliam
&c &c &c

3rd November 1812: General Maitland gives the Home Secretary his view of the situation in the West Riding

Wakefield
3rd November
1812

My dear Lord

I arrived here the day before yesterday, and yesterday received your Lordship’s letter communicating to me what I own I was most happy to hear that all confidence in Lawson was perfectly at an End.—

I had a letter yesterday from Scotland stating he wanted to proceed to Carlisle, was detained by not being able to procure a Place in the Hayes, which makes me hope they may be able to get hold of him there, should he turn up in this Quarter I shall send him to Chelmsford under a similar letter to that sent to Scotland from General Acland.

Since my arrival here I have been making myself thoroughly master of the Cases that have occurred during my Absence, and of the present State of the Country.

In regard to the first I have read with much attention, all informations taken in the Case of Horsfall’s Murder, and I own if it be permitted to make use of the term on such an occasion, the satisfaction I felt upon their perusal was infinite, as I have not the smallest doubt the Evidence must go home to the feelings and Verdict of any fair and impartial Jury.—

In the numerous Cases of Shear Breaking &c, the Evidence too in many, is very strong and such as must I think lend to conviction.—

In respect to the second, the Situation of the Country, I have great satisfaction in saying, I think a great change has been produced by confidence being regenerated, and People been no longer afraid to speak out.

The supposed Magic Charm of the Illegal Oaths is completely done away, and that general system of Terror which prevailed is I trust fast subsiding.

Under the circumstances a most material point for consideration is the expediency of bringing the Prisoners in York Castle to an early trial, and upon this I received a letter this morning from Lord Fitzwilliam a Copy of which I have now the honor to enclose together with my Answer.

Your Lordship will perceive if you will do me the honor to peruse that Answer, that I have expressed to Lord Fitzwilliam my sentiments pretty fully, which will save me the trouble of intruding further upon Your Lordship than to express my extreme solicitude that a Person be sent down for the purposes I have mentioned in that letter without any delay.—

It may be said that sending up the Cases would have a similar effect, but I hope I may be permitted to say that no written Informations can be thoroughly relied on without the whole circumstances of the Case being investigated on the Spot, and due enquiry being made upon what grounds these informations were given.

I own I feel deeply anxious upon this Subject, because convinced as I am we have enough of good Cases to bring forward, I should be sorry indeed to see the General Cause suffer from over Zeal and mistaken anxiety of our own People.

Neither can there be the smallest objection I apprehend to this course of Proceeding, it can excite no Jealousy, and in its results I am convinced will be attended with an infinity of good.

It seems to me to be the natural course of proceeding on such an occasion.

I shall write you more fully in a day or two relative to the general State of these Districts, and am

My dear Lord
Your’s most truly
T Maitland

[To] Lord Visct: Sidmouth
&c &c &c

9th October 1812: General Maitland leaves the West Riding to stand at the General Election

Wakefield
9th October
1812

My dear Lord

Since I came down here, I have been rather placed in a very unpleasant Situation, but upon which I could not think of troubling Your Lordship, till we knew what had become of Lawson. The truth is I find from Letters from Scotland, that it is indispensibly necessary, I should be there, for at least four or five days, with a View to secure my Election, and my not having been there, has left that doubtful which otherwise I would have insured.

So long as I thought Lawson was in question here, I found that I should be Guilty of a gross direliction of Duty, if from any circumstances whatsoever I stirred, and I accordingly with much satisfaction have run the risk I have mentioned, but seeing that he is now in London, I think this is exactly the most favorable opportunity for doing that, which I shall be obliged to do at all events before the Election, and have accordingly come to the determination of setting off instantly for Scotland.

My absence will not exceed ten days at the outside, but should your Lordship judge it adviseable, not to lay hold of the Parties if in London, but to postpone it till a more favorable opportunity occurs, by writing a note to me directed Dunbar, I shall be back at my Post within two days of the time it reaches me, and this not only applies to Lawson's Case, but to the smallest wish of Your Lordship relative to the general state of the Country.

Mr. Dealtry has been here now for eight days, has consulted me about the necessity of his staying, and seems to be extremely anxious to get up. I really do not find in the present State of Lawson's business, that his remaining here is likely to be of any great use, and therefore have told him, that I think he may proceed to Town after Saturday

I have been perfectly unreserved wit him in all my feelings of every thing going on, and he has promised me to communicate to Your Lordship the general Ideas I have upon the Subject, he appears to be a most valuable man.

Should any Local circumstance render it necessary to my absence to write here, by addressing the letter to me at Wakefield, it will be delivered to General Acland, who is most perfectly aware of all my Sentiments in regard to the State of the Country, and in which I can most perfect reliance, but no letter will be delivered to him from Your Office till after this communication reaches Town—

I am [etc]
T Maitland
[To] Lord Visct. Sidmouth
&c &c &c

29th September 1812: James Haigh arrested for the second time

Time had run out for James Haigh. After being freed following the abandonment of his prosecution at York Summer Assizes in July, the magistrate Joseph Radcliffe clearly felt there was cause enough to commit him for being involved in the Luddite attack on Rawfolds Mill on 11th April. Over the past few days, spies operating locally had gained information from those either concerned in or close to Luddism which confirmed his involvement at Rawfolds.

Haigh was sent to Wakefield House of Correction (i.e. Workhouse) on Tuesday 29th September 1812, pending his standing trial at a future Assizes.

13th September 1812: General Maitland updates the Home Office about arrests made in the West Riding

Wakefield
13th September
1812

My dear Sir

Since I wrote you yesterday I have seen all the People connected with the Men taken up in this Neighbourhood, and I have no hesitation in stating, that my Opinion is, we have got completely into a Set, consisting of about 18 of Vagabonds, who will pay heavily for their Conduct, before any Tribunal to which they may be sent, and I have little doubt indeed, that under the Evidence as I understand it, every Man will be capitally convicted, though at present there is only four seized, to whom this fatal penalty will probably attach.

The Number seized altogether is Seven, of these the List is as follows, with my Opinion relative to each—

Swallow, Committed to York Gaol for Burglary.

Lumb Fisher Batley: Against whom I have no doubt, there is that Species of Evidence, that left no option to a Magistrate to commit them, for any thing but a Capital Offence, and I have as little doubt of their Conviction

Rushworth will probably stand in the same Situation.—

Naylor, & Clegg, I think it doubtful.

In addition to those who are already in Custody, Norton, that we are now searching for, and a Principle in the whole Thing, is to be added.—

We are also looking after a man of the Name of Green, and another of the Name of Sedgwick, but these two last may be also doubtful.

I flatter myself however, if any Management is observed, we will get at all the rest, and should we fortunately so do, it will be a great relief to this part of the Country.

In regard to the Halifax People, I am not able to give you any decided Opinion. I have long known of them, before I came into this Part of the Country, but I have reason to believe too, from what I have heard to day, that the probability is out of this, a fatal result will follow to some of them.—

I cannot state what the effect of all this may be upon the Riding, but I am sure it must be salutary, though the Degree can only be judged of by the Experience of its Effects.—

I shall not intrude at present with any observations, as I hope to see Lord Sidmouth, and yourself so soon, but I can assure you, all this is not done, without a considerable responsibility.

Happily that responsibility, has not hitherto been called in question, from no act of Violence having occurred. But there is no doubt, much of it is not of the strict letter of the Law, though I believe perfectly, in the Spirit both of the Law, and of the Constitution, when fairly understood—

It does not appear, that the Gang here have ever taken the Oath regularly, and I rather think it will turn out, what I heard for the first time three days ago, that an accumulation of Villains, had come into this part of the Country, finding that the Terror, and the Timidity was such, that by knocking at a Door, and stating themselves to be Luddites, they could obtain the same Evils, in a much more quiet manner, than they had heretofore done, by House breaking or any such Practice.

I am [etc]
T Maitland
[To] John Beckett Esqr.
&c &c &c

12th September 1812: General Maitland reports arrests in the West Riding to the Home Office

Wakefield
12 Sept. 1812
1 oClock PM.

My dear Sir

Since I wrote you this Morning, I have received the enclosed, which I send in the original. It is from Lawson. The Date must be [illegible] & you will be able to find out in fact if the Post Mark is Dublin.

I shall send to Liverpool tomorrow to watch him.

I have the satisfaction too, to inform you, that in the course of last night, in consequence of Information given at Huddersfield, we seized in this Neighbourhood three men, but a fourth escaped.

This seems to me to be a fair opening to get into the Nest of Villains, and presents by much the best chance I have hitherto seen of getting into the Thing here.

They do not appear however to be Luddites, but a mere Gang of Plunderers.

I have further the satisfaction of stating, that we last night seized 6 Men at Halifax against whom I have had information for a length of time, I think this too, will end in much good, for you may rely upon it that nothing but this kind of Work will clear the Augean Stable.

Ever
Yours
T Maitland

Enclosed is the summary of the Proceedings upon which the men in this neighbourhood have been taken up.

J: Becket Esqr
&c &c &c