11th August 1813: West Riding manufacturers are compensated at York Summer Assizes

On Wednesday 11th August, the York Summer Assizes heard a number of cases for compensation brought by manufacturers affected by Luddism. As the Leeds Mercury later clarified, the compensation took into account the destruction of machinery only if the building had been attacked. The compensation awarded was as follows (£, shilling & pence):

Vickerman - £127.3.6
Dyson - £53.14.0
Hinchliffe - £98.13.4
Hirst - £96.4.4
Garner - £14.9.6
Balderstone - £15.3.8
Hepworth - £6.16.6
Pitchforth - £3.0.0
Foster - £291.4.6
Roberts - £0.5.0

Baron Wood heard the cases. Three cases were nonsuited because the plaintiffs allowed the Luddites entry - Callow, Swallow & S Swallow. Another case was successfully defended by the Sheriff of the Hundred - that of Sykes.

31st July 1813: A Longroyd Bridge cropper, Richard Brook, faces trial at York Summer Assizes

The York Summer Assizes commenced on Saturday 31st July 1813. Amongst the cases was that of Richard Brook, an 18 year-old cropper from Longroyd Bridge. He was accused of riotous assembly, breaking a Tenter and stealing iron pins belonging to John Drake senior on 12th May 1813.

Brook was found Not Guilty.

27th July 1813: Suicide of a Framework-knitter at Pentrich

On Tuesday 27th July 1813, the body of a framework-knitter from Nottingham called W Hall was found in a stable at Pentrich. He had hung himself. The local newspaper reported that he had suffered from depression for some time, and had left home the day before unbeknown to his family. He left a wife and seven children.

17th July 1813: An attempted prosecution for Sedition at Bradford Sessions

On Saturday 17th July 1813 James Chapman, a worker at Bradley Mills in Huddersfield, stood trial at the Quarter Sessions at Bradford for uttering seditious expressions. The main witness against him was the zealous Huddersfield Constable George Whitehead, whom the Luddites had tried to assassinate in April 1812. The Leeds Mercury of 24th July carried a full report of the trial:

BRADFORD SESSIONS, July 17.

SEDITION CAUSE.

Mr. Wailes opened the pleadings by stating that James Chapman, the Defendant, by trade a Dyer, at Bradley Mills, was indicted for having a the 28th day of March last, in a public-house at Royds-Hall, near Huddersfield, used the following seditious words, with an intent to bring the Government of this country into contempt, and to alienate the minds of his Majesty's liege subjects:—"Damn the King, he is superannuated, and has been so for the last six and twenty years. We are governed by nothing but a set of damned whores, rogues and thieves. The Prince of Wales is a damned rogue, and the Princess of Wales a damned whore."

Mr. Maude very briefly stated the case for the prosecution. Some years ago he said offences of this nature were not uncommon, but happily of late charges of this kind very rarely engage the attention of the tribunals of this country. He lamented that a man in any situation should have subjected himself to be indicted for the use of such words as those charged upon the defendant, but more particularly that a person residing in a neighbourhood which had so recently been the scene of so much lawless outrage, should have expressed himself in such indecent and inflammatory language. It might have been supposed that the sacred character of Majesty with which the Prince Regent is at present clothed—that the deplorable malady under which it was the misfortune of our venerable sovereign at present to labour—and that the well established innocence of the Princess of Wales, after one of the most severe investigations that ever female conduct had been submitted to, would have protected those distinguished personages against the shafts of the defendant’s seditious malevolence; but this had not been the case, and he understood that the plea to be set up this day in his favour was drunkenness; but such a defence would not avail him, for it was well known that the effects of liquor were not to suggest seditious thoughts, but merely to remove those restraints under which evil disposed men were held by the terrors of the law while in a state of sobriety. If such a plea as this was to be admitted, Government would soon be brought into contempt and abhorrence, for it would then only be necessary for any man to drench himself with liquor, and he might while in that state be allowed to say or do whatever he thought proper. But such a defence, he was convinced, should not be tolerated by an intelligent Jury; for so far was drunkenness from forming a justification that it did in reality from an aggravation of the offence.

George Whitehead, the first witness called, said that he was the Constable of Huddersfield, and that on Sunday the 28th of March last, between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, he went to the house of Mrs. Haigh, who is a publican at Royds Hall. He found there five persons sitting drinking, Chapman the defendant, Crossley, Hanson, Thornton and Cliff, and when the witness had been in the house about twenty minutes he heard James Chapman use the seditious words stated in the indictment. He did not seem to be drunk, but was in a condition to understand the import of what he said.

On his cross examination by Mr. Hardy, the witness said, that the public-house where they were drinking is better than a mile from Huddersfield, it is out of his jurisdiction, and he got a glass of ale, are perhaps two. He entered into conversation with the company, and something was said about MAJOR CARTWRIGHT and Parliamentary Reform, but he does not recollect what. Something too was said about the Princess of Wales, but he cannot recollect what. He did not hear the defendant say that she had been ill used. Cannot recollect what the conversation was about, that brought all this abuse from Chapman! Witness dare say that he himself says something about the Princess of Wales and Major Cartwright, but does not remember what! He cannot charge his memory with any thing that was said that day but the words stated in the indictment! and these words were all spoken in succession and in connected sentences. All the other persons were present when these words were used, but he cannot remember whether they said any thing or nothing; except Hanson, who spoke highly in praise of Major Cartwright. The seditious conversation took place nearly at the time he was going out, and he thinks, what cannot be certain, that the information was laid the following day. He does not know whether a representation of this conversation has been made to Government or not.

John Cliff, the next witness called for the prosecution, said he was at Haigh Hall on the night of the 28th of March, and was in company with Chapman and Whitehead, some conversation took place about the Princess of Wales, and Chapman in reply to an observation made, he thinks by Whitehead, said, "then I must say that we are governed by a set of damned whores, rogues and thieves;" but he did not, in his hearing, apply any such terms as those mentioned by the former witness to either the King or the Prince of Wales, or the Princess of Wales. Witness had no acquaintance with Chapman, he never saw him before that day. He, the witness, was not "right steady," and he thinks Chapman was not "right steady." Nothing material came out in the man's examination, except that the witness was out of the room about twenty minutes.

John Thornton the third and last witness called for the prosecution, said, he was in the room at the time that Whitehead came in. They were talking about Parliamentary Reform, and Chapman, in answer to some remark made by Whitehead, said, "We are governed then by a set of damned whores, rogues and thieves. What would have become of the poor woman (meaning the Princess of Wales) if they had found her guilty? I suppose they would have hanged her." Witness heard Chapman say this, but he heard him say nothing about the King of the Prince of Wales. The evidence against the Defendant having closed,

Mr. HARDY rose and spoke in substance as follows: "I beg leave to claim the attention of the Court and Jury for a few moments, and only a few moments will be necessary to defeat this attempt to fix upon my client the words imputed to him in this indictment. I regret extremely that this prosecution should ever have been instituted—if it could be supposed that such a proceeding had the connivance of Government, the natural consequence would be, to bring the persons intrusted with the administration of our public affairs into contempt and derision; but I will venture to say, that it has been instituted without any direction from Government, and that though they have no doubt had before them the deposition of this notable Mr. Whitehead, they have very properly refused to take a single step in the business, and I wish it to be distinctly understood, that this is not a Government prosecution, but that it is Mr. Whitehead's prosecution. This party, it appears, were all sitting drinking in a public-house on the Sunday evening, and the conversation turned upon Major Cartwright and Parliamentary Reform; and the defendant, I imagine, spoke in terms of approbation of the Major, but there is, I hope, no sedition in that. Major Cartwright had been called, and deservedly so, the Veteran of Parliamentary Reform, for I believe he acts under the influence of motives the most pure and patriotic; and though for myself I may not coincide in sentiment with the Major, knowing, as I do, that there is no country under heaven where so much liberty and happiness is enjoyed as in this country, and feeling that the reform he contemplates might endanger these inestimable privileges, yet I must say, that whoever see, or imagine they see, any corruption in the State, it is a sacred duty due from them to their country, to endeavour to stem that corruption and to remove that abuse. Passing from these general observations to an examination of the evidence in support of this temporary prosecution, we find that Mr. Whitehead, whose memory is so tenacious as to recollect the worst said in the indictment with marvellous precision, can recollect nothing else; and these persons that are brought to bolster up this prosecution, not only do not confirm Mr. Whitehead’s testimony, but they absolutely contradict it. Mr. Whitehead swears that the observations of Chapman was not in reply to any remarks made by himself, the other witnesses say it was.

Mr. Whitehead says the defendant damned the King, the Prince of Wales, and even the Princess of Wales; but the other witnesses, though Mr. Whitehead has positively sworn that they were all present, declare that they heard no such expressions: and it is perfectly clear that no such words were used; for is it to be imagined that a man supporting the Princess of Wales, commiserating her unfortunate situation, condemning her persecution, should stigmatize the person whose character he was endeavouring to uphold, with the opprobrious epithet sworn to by Whitehead? The defendant too, it is to be observed, was at the time in question, and still is, in the employment of Mr. Atkinson, of Bradley-Mills: and can it be supposed that a man of Mr. Atkinson's well-known loyalty would retain in his employment a wretch so destitute of every loyal and virtuous feeling as to express himself in the way stated by Mr. Whitehead? Certainly not; and Mr. Atkinson is perfectly convinced that Mr. Whitehead, in the blaze of his loyalty, if he has not foisted words into defendant’s mouth, has at least put a construction upon his expressions that they would not fairly bear. What application could such expressions have to the subject of Parliamentary Reform; or how could they be supplied to our Governors? The Government of this country is vested in the three estates of the realm;—and how Mr. Whitehead can make the King, Lords, and Commons into "whores" he can best explain.—(a laugh)—Is this a case for a prosecution for sedition? Sedition implies an intention to bring the Government into hatred and contempt:—this is the essence, the gist of the offence, and where, I should be glad to know, is the proof of such an intent to be found in this pot house conversation? In sedition, as in murder, the attendant circumstances constitute the crime. I may kill a man without committing murder; and I may use expressions in one situation, and under certain circumstances, that would, in other situations, and under different circumstances, be grossly seditious. If the defendant, instead of talking politics in a public-house, (as Englishmen are in a constant habit of doing, and to do which they have an undoubted right) had stood up in the market-place at Huddersfield, and endeavoured to excite the populace to tumult—then malice might have been inferred from his conduct; but where, I should be glad to know, are we to look for malice in this case, or for a design to bring the Government into contempt and abhorrence? Mr. Justice Foster, in his observations on the Act passed in the reign of Anne, inflicting the penalty of praemunire on any person that should, by preaching, &c. deny the competency of Parliament, says—"a rash expression will not render a man criminal: words are transient, easily misunderstood, and often misrepresented; and therefore a wicked intention must be shown to constitute the offence:" and this definition of the law was given after a long life of legal experience. I will put the case. Suppose, while I am engaged in my study, and enter on some subject that I wish to pursue without interruption, my servant should come and say—"The Tax-Gatherer, Sir, has called for the Taxes:"—and I should reply, in the moment of irritation—"The devil take the Tax-Gatherer!"—could it be fairly inferred that I was seditiously inclined, and that I really meant to consign this officer of the public revenue to perdition? All this, you will perceive, I have said on the supposition that the other witnesses have confirmed Whitehead's testimony; tho’, what is the fact, they have not confirmed, but, as I have already stated, they have contradicted him.

But I will not waste more of your time. You cannot, and I am sure you will not, under such circumstances, give a verdict against the defendant. To your hands I commit him, and if you would not be called to account for every hasty word you utter—if you can discriminate between truth and error—if you have a veneration for the laws, and wish to guard them against being perverted to vindictive purposes, you will return a verdict of not guilty, and thereby prove, that you concur with the Government of your country considering this trumpery prosecution as too despicable to occupy the attention of a Court of Justice.—(Loud cheers burst from every part of the Court at the conclusion of Mr. Hardy’s eloquent and argumentative to speech, of which the above is a mere outline.)

The Bench conceiving that there could be only one opinion on the subject, sent the cause to the Jury without summing up the evidence; and the Jury, without a moment’s hesitation, returned a verdict of Not Guilty, to the universal satisfaction of a crowded Court.

30th June 1813: A priest from Marsden seeks a reward for the former spy, Joseph Taylor

My Lord

I beg Leave to address you on Account of Mr. Joseph Taylor who has been indefatigable in suppressing and bringing to Justice the Luddites in the west Riding of this County—He was one of the most active of those, who secured the three diabolical Ruffians who murdered my worthy Friend and C:Warden Mr William Horsfall; and he has at different Times exerted himself both in Lancashire and Cheshire (at the Hazard of his Life) upon the same Business—He says, the only Perquisite which he has received from Government was a Suit of Cloaths, and two Pounds five Shillings in Cash: You will see my lord from the inclosed Certificate which my worthy Friend Mr. Radcliffe has given him, that he has taken an active part in order to bring these Vagabonds to condign Punishment and I trust that your Lordship will have the Goodness to procure him a Remuneration for his faithful services. Several Gentlemen in this Vicinity have advised him to Petition the Prince Regent; but I trust from the promises of Reward which were made of him (when he engaged in this perilous undertaking) by the Right Honorable Robert Rider late Secretary of State, that there will be no necessity to have recourse to a Petition—

Your Answer my Lord, will be gratefully
received, by your Lordships most obedient
humble Servant.

Lancelot Bellas Minister
of Marsden,

Marsden near Huddersfield June 30th
1813.

[To Lord Sidmouth]

I Joseph Radcliffe the squire one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace in and for the West Riding of the County of York do here by Certify that Joseph Taylor of Failsworth in the County of Lancaster did apprehend and bring before me in the month of October last George Mellor William Thorp Thos Smith and Benjamin Walker Charged with the wilfull murder of William Horsfall of Marsden Cloath merchant Given under my hand this 15th Day of June 1813

Signed

J.Radcliffe

A Coppy

19th June 1813: General Maitland appointed Governor of Malta

John Hoppner's portrait of Maitland

On Saturday 19th June 1813 Lieutenant General Maitland, the suppressor of Luddism in the North of England, was appointed the Governor & Commander-in-Chief of Malta, being sworn into the role on 15th July.

17th June 1813: James Alan Park cautions the Home Office about cases brought by West Riding Manufacturers

Linc. Inn Fields, June 17th
1813

My dear Sir,

I mentioned to you & the Lord Sidmouth, that I had presented certain cases from being brought on at the last Assizes at York, from a desire not to have the witnesses, who had given evidence, particularly the accomplices upon the Special Commission, again submitted unnecessarily to public inspection. I communicated this to Mr Baron Thomson, who highly approved of my motives. I had another inducement for my conduct, which I considered as highly connected with the public interest, namely, that in the discussion of these civil rights, it would appear, by the decision of the Judge, what cases fell within the riot act, & what did not: & how far rioters might go in the execution of their plans, without incurring the guilt of felony

It did It did not appear to me to be wise to have this too generally known, especially in the County of York. I therefore thought, that it was by no means an unwise proceeding to inform Government of these proceedings causes, before I permitted them to be tried, & as the sum sought to be recovered in all these cases is not large, humbly to suggest to his Majesty’s Secretary of State, whether it would not be wise to pay these monies, rather than have the matters discussed. Every one of the Sufferers has really been injured by the Riots, & all of them are well entitled to the merciful consideration of Government: although perhaps the same reasons, which operated upon my mind not to persevere in the prosecutions, might in strictness prevent them from recovering against the Governments Hundred. No harm can arise, because the precedent can never be drawn into any thing like a determination on the part of Government to relieve in similar cases.

The whole sum sought by all the Complainants is under £530—& if the remaining £170—making up £700. is Scattered amongst all of them to pay the Costs of the Defts which must be done, if the plaintiffs do not proceed, I think every one would be satisfied—& all the dangers I apprehend the discussion would be avoided. Or perhaps the Hundred would agree to let the causes drop without requiring Costs. However, if that is to be attempted it should be so, before Government are known to interfere. At all events, if His Majesty’s Secretary of State do not think proper to adopt my suggestion, I really think the parties ought to be put in status quo, as if I had not interposed: for the plaintiffs, who withdrew their records, on my suggestion, will have to pay Costs to the Dfts for having done so. I beg Lord Sidmouth’s earliest convenient attention to this business, as the Assizes are again approaching, & I remain, with much regard, Dear Sir,

Very faithfully Your’s
J A Park.

11th June 1813: The Convict Ship 'The Fortune' arrives in Sydney, Australia

'The entrance of Port Jackson, and part of the town of Sydney, New South Wales' an aquatint by Havell & Son, after Major James Taylor, c.1821

On Friday 11th June, the ship 'The Fortune' arrived in Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia, after a voyage of 6 months from when it left England.

The exact date of departure is not clear. For whilst the official records state that it left the South Coast on 3rd December 1812, the fact is that one of the prisoners on board - the Bolton Luddite convict, Thomas Holden - sent a letter to his family dated 11th December 1812 from the ship. 'The Fortune' had been beached in a storm after leaving Woolwich and had spent almost 7 weeks moored in Rio de Janeiro between 3rd February and 22nd March 1813.

200 prisoners had left England, but only 196 arrived: 2 had died of illness on the voyage (including the Luddite John Burney), whilst another 2 had drowned. 36 of the prisoners were under 21 years of age.

The prisoners on board were not taken ashore until a further 7 days had passed: 16 of them had been convicted with various offences connected with Luddism, to wit

Lancaster Special Commission (all sentenced to 7 years transportation):

James Brierley
John Burney (died en route)
Samuel Crossley
John Fisher
Joseph Greenhalgh
Thomas Holden
John Hope
Jon Hurst
James Knowles
Christopher Medcalfe
Samuel Radcliffe
Henry Thwaite

Chester Special Commission (all respited death sentences):

James Crosland
Colin Linden
James Wilson aka Roach

Derby Lent Assizes 1812:

John England (death, respited)

Nottingham Lent Assizes 1812:

Gervas Marshall (7 years transportation)

The Sydney Gazette reported that 6 of the prisoners were in irons, having been punished for their behaviour on the trip. Governor McQuarrie reportedly released them from this punishment before they were all sent to various locations to serve their sentences.

7th June 1813: "May the manufacturers and the machinery of Yorkshire ever be uninterrupted"

On Monday 7th June 1813, the respective Address of Thanks for William Cartwright & Joseph Radcliffe drawn up by West the Yorkshire bourgeoisie were presented to both men by a party that processed between their respective residences. The Leeds Mercury of 12th June carried a full account, which is below:

THE LATE DISTURBANCES.

On Monday the 7th instant, the Gentleman of the West-Riding assembled at Robertown, previous to the presentation of the Addresses of Thanks to JOSEPH RADCLIFFE, Esq. and to Mr. WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT, unanimously voted at the late public Meeting at the Yew Tree Inn, on the 17th May. The addresses were produced most numerously and respectably signed by the Gentleman of Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Bradford and intermediate District; and the Chairman of the Meeting of the 17th ult. William Rawson, Esq. was requested to present them, accompanied by the Gentleman of the West-Riding. When the mode of presentation was settled, a Resolution was unanimously adopted, to request Mr. Radcliffe to sit for a full-length portrait, by one of the first artists, and that the picture should be placed in one of the Courts of Justice of the West-Riding. A place will be engraved, and proofs and copies given to the subscribers, according to the amount and order of their subscriptions.

The Gentleman then proceeded on horseback, two and two, to Rawfolds, which is in the immediate neighbourhood of Robertown, and alighted at Mr. W. Cartwright's.

Mr. Rawson then addressed that Gentleman as follows:—

"Mr. William Cartwright—In the name of the Gentleman of the West-Riding of the County of York, I present to you an Address of Thanks, for your conduct during the late disturbances, which Address Mr. Battye will read to you."

To Mr William Cartwright, of Rawfolds.

"We the undersigned Inhabitants of the West-Riding of the County of York, most heartily approve of your Conduct in defence of your property and person, against the unprincipled attack made upon Rawfolds Mill, in the dead of night of the eleventh of April, 1812.

"We offer you our sincere thanks upon this express ground, that we are persuaded your firm and courageous conduct on that occasion, greatly contributed to checked and disconcert the destructive objects of an armed and lawless combination, to secure property, ultimately to preserve many valuable lives, and to restore the peace and tranquillity of this district,"—May 17, 1813.

To this address Mr. W. Cartwright replied:

"GENTLEMEN,—It would be most consistent with my feelings, to receive in respectful silence this most highly flattering testimony of the approbation of the Gentleman of the West-Riding of the County of York; but I cannot omit to say, that in the defence of my private property, (which is a duty every man owes to society, and from which no heart can shrink without the absolute loss of character,) I could not flattered myself with a hope, that my exertions would have been thought to merit so distinguishing a mark of the public favour.

"Believe me, Gentlemen, I feel sensible, as I ought to do, of the honour which you confer upon me."

Mr. Knight then addressed Mr. Cartwright—"A Constable of Halifax, I have to present to you an Address of Thanks, agreed upon at a public meeting of the town and parish of Halifax, on the 12th day of May last, which Address Dr. Thomson will read to you."

"To Mr. William Cartwright, of Rawfolds.

"SIR,—We the undersigned inhabitants of the town and parish of Halifax, beg leave to express our high sense of your Services, when your Property and Life and the Lives of your Men were assailed at Rawfolds Mill, on the Night of Eleventh of April, 1812. Of your conduct on that occasion, there is but one opinion throughout the Empire. In that opinion your Neighbours and late fellow Townsmen most cordially concur. We join our regret with yours, that in the discharge of that arduous duty, events occurred most painfully to your human feelings. But you stood in self defence.

"The Town and Parish of Halifax highly appreciate your Services. They claim also to share with you in some degree the Sacrifices which you have made, and cannot consent that by the discharge of your Duty, the Comforts of your Family should be at all curtailed. May your future pursuits be uninterrupted and successful, and in the general Tranquillity, and in the Bosom of your Family, may you and they long enjoy that Health and Happiness, which during the recent Disturbances, were so greatly endangered and impaired."—Halifax, 12th May, 1813.

To which Mr. W. Cartwright replied:—

"GENTLEMEN,—"in accepting this highly flattering and delicate Address, permit me to offer you my warmest sentiments of Gratitude.

"During nearly twelve months of watchfulness, anxiety, and domestic privations, through every danger, and through the awful and much to be deplored scenes which present themselves in time to time, (under Divine Providence) a consciousness that I was performing an imperative duty, could alone have supported me.

"It will ever be the proudest feeling of my heart, my exertions have been thought to meet the notice of the Gentleman, whose Names are found in this highly valued Address.

"To you, individually, gentleman, permit me to offer my most sincere acknowledgements for this condescending mark of your attention to me. Believe me, it will be remembered with feelings of the most lively gratitude to the latest hour of my existence."

Colonel Thomas Ramsden, of the Halifax Local Militia, in which Mr. Cartwright commands a company, took him by the hand, and addressed him as follows:

"Captain Cartwright—In the name of the Officers and Men of the Halifax Local Militia, I thank you for the manner in which you have upheld the honour and character of the regiment."

Mr. Cartwright replied,

"I can only thank you, Colonel Ramsden, for the readiness with which you acceded to my application for arms and ammunition to defend my property, and for the confidence which you then expressed, that I would not shed blood unnecessarily."

After having partaken of some refreshment, and having shaken hands with Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, the Gentleman proceeded through Robertown to Huddersfield. At the George Inn, a considerable number of Gentleman joined the cavalcade, which proceeded two and two, and made a very fine and interesting appearance, in winding down the valley to Milnes-bridge. On approaching the residence of Mr. Radcliffe, the gentlemen dismounted, and preceded by the Band of the South Devon Militia, under the kind and judicious direction of Colonel Lang, proceeded in order to the house. The band took its station on the lawn. Mr. Radcliffe met the Gentleman of the West Riding on the area, and invited them into the house. The large dining-room was filled.

Mr. Rawson then addressed Mr. Radcliffe as follows:—

"In the name of the Gentleman of the West Riding in the County of York, I have the honour to present to you an Address, expressive of their admiration of your conduct during the recent disturbances. Mr. Battye will read the Address."

"To Joseph Radcliffe, Esq.

"SIR—We the undersigned Inhabitants of the West-Riding of the County of York, most cordially concur in the high in general sense that is entertained of the essential Service which you have rendered to your Country by your public Conduct during the late Disturbances in this District.

"At a time of general doubt and uncertainty as to the nature, tendency, and extent of the Combination, which appeared to be formed against the Peace and Security of Persons and Property, and of considerable Alarm as to the result, you perceived and adopted the Measures best suited to the Crisis, and by your authority, advice, and example, gave efficacy to the Laws.

"We think it our duty to express to you our admiration of your disinterested Conduct, and to offer to you our warmest Thanks for your promptitude, judgement, decision, zeal, courage, and perseverance. We congratulate you upon the present Tranquillity, which your very meritorious Exertions have so greatly contributed to produce."—May 17th, 1813.

Mr. Radcliffe’s Reply.

"GENTLEMEN,—The greatest pleasure of my life having been to fulfil the duties of the public station in which I am placed, I cannot but feel this Mark of your Approbation as the most grateful Reward of my endeavours to preserve and restore the violated Peace of my Country.

"Let me, therefore, beg your acceptance of my best Thanks, the only return in my power for an Address not more gratifying to the proudest sentiments of my heart, than honourable to the public and independent spirit with which it has been dictated, and which, I trust, will ever be the rule of my future Conduct."

Mr. Radcliffe’s Answer was received with a general expression of applause.

Mr. Rawson then came forward and said,

"MR. RADCLIFFE,—I have to request, in the name of the Gentleman of the West-Riding, that you will do the honour to sit for a full-length Portrait, to be placed in one of the public Courts of the West Riding."

To which Mr. Radcliffe replied,

"It is impossible for me to decline the high honour which the Gentlemen of the West-Riding convey by this request."

This acquiescence was received with three times three cheers by the Gentlemen of the West-Riding. The band played God save the King, in which the audience warmly joined.

Mr. Knight then addressed Mr. Radcliffe—

"As Cconstable of Halifax, I have the honour to present an Address, agreed upon at a public Meeting of the Inhabitants of that town and parish, which Dr. Thomson will read."

"To Joseph Ratcliffe, Esq.

"SIR,—We the undersigned Inhabitants of the town and parish of Halifax, beg leave to express our high sense of your public Services during the late Disturbances. At a period of general alarm, and of considerable panic, you executed with unshaken firmness, the powers vested in the Magistracy, for the Preservation of the Peace, for the Prevention of Crimes, and for the Detection of Offenders. Owing in a principal degree to your Exertions as a Magistrate, the extent of the Disturbances was checked, much local suffering was prevented, valuable property was protected, and many lives were ultimately spared. The District was saved from that state of affairs, when the Military force must have superseded the Civil Power, and eventually the deluded men who had disturbed the public peace, were brought to the bar of their country.

"In these circumstances your exertion were as unprecedented as the crisis which called them forth, and you firmly and successfully upheld the dominion of the laws. The Grand Inquest of the County has already expressed the general opinion of your services. In that opinion we cordially concur. Accept our heartfelt Thanks. May your invaluable services still be continued to the public, and may you long in private life enjoy the tranquillity which you have been so instrumental in restoring."

"Halifax, 12th May, 1813."

Mr. Radcliffe's Reply:—

"GENTLEMEN.—Having been already honoured by a general Address from the Inhabitants of the West-Riding, I can only repeat my acknowledgements to the Gentleman of Halifax for concurring in the same favourable opinion of my official Conduct during the late Disturbances in this part of the Country.

"In adding my hopes that public tranquillity will long remain undisturbed by similar causes, I cannot forbear to express the cordial satisfaction I feel, in supposing myself possessed of the confidence and good opinion of so many respectable Neighbours and Friends."

This answer was received with three times three—The band played Rule Britannia.

The Gentleman then partook of a very handsome collection, the band playing several patriotic tunes on the lawn.

The cavalcade returned in the same order to Huddersfield. Opposite the George Inn, the Band played God save the King, the Gentleman being uncovered. This was followed by three times three cheers, when the procession closed.

A large and most respectable party of Gentleman dined at the George inn; Mr. Allen in the Chair. Want of room obliges us to pass over the interesting topics of discussion, and the sentiments of the several Gentleman who addressed the Meeting. But the public spirit and cordiality of the party may be judged of by the following toasts, which amongst many others, we noticed:—

The King and God bless him!

The Prince Regent.—The Queen and Royal Family.

Joseph Radcliffe Esq.—Mr. Wm. Cartwright.

Hon. Henry Lascelles.—Lord Milton.

Earl Fitzwilliam, the Lord Lieutenant of the Riding.

Lord Rolle, and the South Devon, with particular Thanks to Colonel Lang.

The Town and Trade of Huddersfield.

Marquis Wellington, and his brave army.

Sir Francis Lindley Wood, Bart. and the Magistracy in Lieutenancy of the Riding.

William Rawson Esq.—Rev. Hammond Roberson.

Sir George Armytage, Bart. and the Agbrigg Local Militia.

Colonel Ramsden, and the Halifax Local Militia.

Dr. Thomson.

Honour and Prosperity to the West-Riding of the County of York.

Mr. Knight, and the Town and Parish of Halifax.

Mr. Charles Coupland, jun. Mr. George Oates, Mr. John Fisher and the Gentlemen of Leeds.

The Vicar of Wakefield, Mr. Rayner, and their fellow townsmen.

The Emperor of Russia, and the Allies.

Thomas Allen, Esq.

May the Manufacturers and the Machinery of Yorkshire ever be uninterrupted.

Mr. Cartledge, Constable of Elland.

Mr Tom Atkinson, of Bradley-Mills.

All our absent Friends.

Co-operation and success to the West-Riding.—&c. &c.

The whole of the business of the day was conducted with an order, spirit and unanimity highly gratifying. The day was most delightful; the sun shone on the West-Riding, and the crowded enjoyment of the day can never be forgotten by the gentleman who partook of them. The Agbrigg and West Halifax Regiments of Local Militia, being on permanent duty at York and Harrogate, many gentlemen were unavoidably absent.

5th June 1813: Longroyd Bridge Cropper, Richard Brooke, committed to York Castle

The Leeds Mercury of Saturday 5th June 1813 reported an arrest and committal in the case of the attacks upon the Tenters belonging to John Drake. Richard Brook, a cropper from Longroyd Bridge, who had been named by the Drakes in their statements to Joseph Radcliffe had been arrested. He was charged with riotous assembly with others, for feloniously breaking one tenter, and for the theft of iron pins (part of the Tenter).

He would stand trial at the forthcoming Summer Assizes at York.

1st June 1813: Lord Byron introduces Major Cartwright's petition in the House of Lords

On Tuesday 1st June 1813, Lord Byron made another appearance in the House of Lords, this time on the subject of the way the authorities had treated the radical reformer, Major Cartwright, in particular in Huddersfield the preceding January:

My Lords, — The petition which I now hold for the purpose of presenting to the House, is one which I humbly conceive requires the particular attention of your Lordships, inasmuch as, though signed but by a single individual, it contains statements which (if not disproved) demand most serious investigation. The grievance of which the petitioner complains is neither selfish nor imaginary. It is not his own only, for it has been, and is still felt by numbers. No one without these walls, nor indeed within, but may to-morrow be made liable to the same insult and obstruction, in the discharge of an imperious duty for the restoration of the true constitution of these realms, by petitioning for reform in parliament. The petitioner, my Lords, is a man whose long life has been spent in one unceasing struggle for the liberty of the subject, against that undue influence which has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished; and whatever difference of opinion may exist as to his political tenets, few will be found to question the integrity of his intentions. Even now oppressed with years, and not exempt from the infirmities attendant on his age, but still unimpaired in talent, and unshaken in spirit — "frangas non flectes"  — he has received many a wound in the combat against corruption; and the new grievance, the fresh insult of which he complains, may inflict another scar, but no dishonour. The petition is signed by John Cartwright, and it was in behalf of the people and parliament, in the lawful pursuit of that reform in the representation, which is the best service to be rendered both to parliament and people, that he encountered the wanton outrage which forms the subject-matter of his petition to your Lordships. It is couched in firm, yet respectful language — in the language of a man, not regardless of what is due to himself, but at the same time, I trust, equally mindful of the deference to be paid to this House. The petitioner states, amongst other matter of equal, if not greater importance, to all who are British in their feelings, as well as blood and birth, that on the 21st January, 1813, at Huddersfield, himself and six other persons, who, on hearing of his arrival, had waited on him merely as a testimony of respect, were seized by a military and civil force, and kept in close custody for several hours, subjected to gross and abusive insinuation from the commanding officer, relative to the character of the petitioner; that he (the petitioner) was finally carried before a magistrate, and not released till an examination of his papers proved that there was not only no just, but not even statutable charge against him; and that, notwithstanding the promise and order from the presiding magistrates of a copy of the warrant against your petitioner, it was afterwards withheld on divers pretexts, and has never until this hour been granted. The names and condition of the parties will be found in the petition. To the other topics touched upon in the petition, I shall not now advert, from a wish not to encroach upon the time of the House; but I do most sincerely call the attention of your Lordships to its general contents - it is in the cause of the parliament and people that the rights of this venerable freeman have been violated, and it is, in my opinion, the highest mark of respect that could be paid to the House, that to your justice, rather than by appeal to any inferior court, he now commits, himself. Whatever may be the fate of his remonstrance, it is some satisfaction to me, though mixed with regret for the occasion, that I have this opportunity of publicly stating the obstruction to which the subject is liable, in the prosecution of the most lawful and imperious of his duties, the obtaining by petition reform in parliament. I have shortly stated his complaint; the petitioner has more fully expressed it. Your Lordships will, I hope, adopt some measure fully to protect and redress him, and not him alone, but the whole body of the people, insulted and aggrieved in his person, by the interposition of an abused civil, and unlawful military force between them and their right of petition to their own representatives.

His Lordship then presented the petition from Major Cartwright, which was read, complaining of the circumstances at Huddersfield, and of interruptions given to the right of petitioning in several places in the northern parts of the kingdom, and which his Lordship moved should be laid on the table.

Several lords having spoken on the question,

Lord Byron replied, that he had, from motives of duty, presented this petition to their lordships' consideration. The noble Earl had contended, that it was not a petition, but a speech; and that, as it contained no prayer, it should not be received. What was the necessity of a prayer? If that word were to be used in its proper sense, their Lordships could not expect that any man should pray to others. He had only to say, that the petition, though in some parts expressed strongly perhaps, did not contain any improper mode of address, but was couched in respectful language towards their Lordships; he should therefore trust their Lordships would allow the petition to be received.

31st May 1813: A copy of the Luddite oath is discovered at a Coaching Inn in London

The Castle & Falcon on Aldersgate Street, London

Marlbro’ St
May 31 - 1813

Dear Sir

The inclosed paper was given to me yesterday by a Gentleman, who found it amongst some Papers belonging to a Servant, whom he has lately Discharged for dishonesty — It appears to be a copy of the Oath taken by the Luddites, & the Person named on the Back seems to be referred to, as being in some way connected with them — the Castle & Falcon in Aldersgate St. where he is said to be waiter, is principally frequented I believe by Carriers & Travellers from the North — I have thought it right to communicate the circumstance to you that farther enquiry may be made if it should be thought necessary — I have the Honor to be

Dear Sir
Your very Obed Servant
Bob Baker

[To] John Beckett Esqr. &c &c.


[The oath is below]

I A B
of my own Voluntary will do Declare and Solemnly swear that I never will reveal to any person or persons in any place or places under the Canopy of Heaven the manner of any of the person composing the secret Committee either by word, Deed, or Action sign or by Address mark, Committee either by word Deed Complextion or any other things leading to the Discovery of the same under the penalty of Being put out of the world by the first Brother whom I may meet and of having my name and Character Blotted out of existence or never remembered But with Contempt and ignominy — and I do further Sware that I will use my utmost Endeavour to punish with Death any traitor or traitors who may rise up against us though he should fly to the verge of existence I will pursue with unceasing Vengeance

[On reverse]

So help me G to keep this Oath inviolate

Clerk
A B 90 Bartholomew close

Mr [Brown] Castle Falken

Waiter Aldersgate St

22nd May 1813: The Leeds newspapers report on a massive petition for parliamentary reform

On Saturday 22nd May 1813, the Leeds Mercury carried a letter about a local petition for parliamentary reform:

PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.

MR. Editor,—The Committee for conducting the Petition from Leeds, and its neighbourhood, praying for a reform in the Commons House of Parliament, request that you will oblige them by inserting in your next paper the following

REPORT.

The Committee have the pleasure to report, that by active perseverance in this best of public causes, they have been enabled to overcome difficulties that at first appeared insurmountable.—In the discharge of this patriotic duty, they have had to encounter the frowns, the insults, and even the threats, of the enemies of Reform; the most violent of whom they found amongst persons who, by various means, contrive to live upon other men's industry. Such characters can easily comprehend how a great deal of money should be received very little labour; but that much labour should be performed for no reward whatever, either in hand or in prospect, is to them a thing quite incomprehensible. From this cause, your Committee have frequently been stiled mischievous agitators; they have been told that their services were paid for by some "factious Reformer," and that their motives were selfish and abominable. To all the slander they had only to reply, and they challenged any man living to contradict them, that their Motives were Pure—their Services Voluntary, and their Labours Free and Unbought, and to express their fervent wish that all the Members of that Assembly, which it is the object of this Petition to reform, in rendering an account of their stewardship, should be able to lay their hand upon their heart and make the same honest declaration.

Your Committee have the pleasure further to state, that a number of their countrymen, amounting to 17,472, have placed their signatures to this Petition, which has for its object the overthrow of the Borough Faction, by whose pernicious influence the commerce of the country is paralized—its taxation increased—the price of all the necessaries of life advanced—and war and bloodshed continued.

It remains only for them to add, that the Petition which they this day transmit to the House of Commons, originated with the labouring classes, and by then it has been carried through, unaided by any persons above their own rank, with the exception of one individual, by whose patriotic kindness they were furnished with sheets for signatures, and to whom they beg to express their sincere obligations. To this service they have applied the labour of 120 days! and they trust that persons in other places, influenced by their example, and encouraged by their success, will promote similar Petitions—that the names of thousands, and tens of thousands of Parliamentary Reformers, will soon cover the Table of the Chapel of St. Stephen’s, and that, in the nervous language of the Apostle of Reform, "the Borough Faction will be made to bend like a broken reed," before the thunder of the public voice.

Leeds, May 14, 1813.

Two days later, the Tory Leeds Intelligencer responded in acerbic fashion, linking reform with Luddism:

"WHAT! are You not contented YET?"

See page 48, proceedings at York, Jan. 1813.

Can any man in his senses be still ignorant of the nature of that political reform which is likely to be brought about by seventeen thousand labourers? Can any man in this Riding "above the rank" of a labourer, in the teeth of recent transactions, countenance the iniquitous practice of incessantly repeating to the ignorant and unthinking, the declarations that "bad trade, taxation, the high price of the necessaries of life, and war," are all the effects of Borough influence, and other corruptions of Government, which some theoretical reform is to cure—and yet hold up his head in the presence of men of reflection and principle?

Did not one individual above the rank of a labourer appear publicly in Lancashire immediately after certain trials at Lancaster? Did not the same individual appear at Huddersfield immediately after certain trials at York, expressly to repeat these notions, and to rally the spirits of baffled reformers? ‘Tis readily enough granted that this conduct cannot be encouraged by any but the most grovelling minds, yet the countenance of these low and wicked proceedings is not confined to Labourers.

I ask again, what is the direct, natural tendency of that unqualified censure which is daily poured forth upon the measures of our country’s rulers?—If we think it no sin to "despise dominion," are we still blind to our own private and personal interest?—Do we still imagine that " ‘tis only the obnoxious shearing-frames?" only the rotten Boroughs?—Are we absolutely stupefied by [pettiso], party prejudices, and narrow calculations? where is the cool deliberation, the enlarged views, the foresight and prudence, the manly spirit, the generous candour, the religious firmness of Britons?

The gasconading strut of so many thousand names to a popular petition, is of itself contemptible enough, more especially when it is considered that dozens and scores of these names have been affixed without moving a yard, and that not one of the persons in a score, has any conception what the petitions mean. But the infamous use that is made of such petitions, to inflame the worst passions of the unguarded multitude, should be openly discountenanced by every friend to society and government.

Our whining peaceable philanthropists will soon teach these 17,000 united labourers, the vast proportion they bear to the population of the neighbourhood in which they live; the multitude of their affiliated brethren in other places; the aggregate importance in the State; their wisdom; their strength; and, of course their right to insist upon attention to their humble voice. Are we so dull as not to see the consequences?

E.

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

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

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

The Late Disturbances.

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

WILLIAM RAWSON, Esq; in the Chair,

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

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

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

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

The following Resolutions were passed unanimously:

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

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

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

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

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

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

W.M. RAWSON, Chairman.

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

12th May 1813: Third attack on a Tenter belonging to John Drake

At 10 p.m. on Wednesday 12th May 1813, John Drake senior heard a loud crashing noise coming from outside his house at Longroyd Bridge.  He and his son, also called John, and his daughter-in-law Sarah went outside to surprise three men who were in the process of attacking and breaking his Tenter. The raiders being surprised, they turned and ran.

This was the third occasion on recent months that Drake's Tenters had been attacked, all on account of his son, Joseph (a former Luddite who took part in the attack on Rawfolds) turning informer and giving evidence at the York Special Commission.

Eight days later, the three Drakes had decided that one of those who had taken part in the attack was Richard Brook, from Longroyd Bridge, and went to give a statement to Joseph Radcliffe.

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

HALIFAX.

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

JAMES KNIGHT, Esq; Constable of Halifax,

in the Chair;

It was unanimously Resolved,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMITTEE.

HALIFAX.

James Knight

John Rawson, Jun.

Constables of Halifax.

William Rawson

John Rhodes

John Waterhouse

Roland Ramsden

Robert Foley, M.D.

Colonel Ramsden

George Pollard

Christopher Saltmarshe

William Norris

Christopher Rawson,

James Thompson

William Bates

John Haigh, Causeway

Samuel Hodgson Jun.

William Wilcock

Stansfeld Rawson

John Thomson, M.D.

ST. ANN’S.

Samuel Freeman

W. Barber

J. Walker, Jun.

RAISTRICK.

John Armytage

John Fryer

John Clay

ELLAND.

Joseph Rushforth

James Cartledge

John Dyson

John Hirst

RIPPONDEN.

Richard Howarth

Rev. Robert Webster

Fenton Lambert

John Richardson

SOWERBY.

Colonel Moore

W.H. Rawson

George Priestley

John Priestley

HEPTONSTALL.

Hamlet Bent

Gaml. Sutcliffe

Richard Sutcliffe, Stanshaw Gates

LUDDENDEN.

Thomas Milne

Henry Currier

Mr. Tillotson

Jos. Farrer

SOWERBY-BRIDGE.

Thomas Preston

William Greenup

John Dyson

Henry Edwards

Robert Wainhouse

Charles Hudson

John Sutcliffe

ILLINGWORTH.

James Greenwood

R. Ramsbotham

Mr. Ackroyd, Junior, Brook-house

COLEY.

John Edwards

William Mitchell

Thomas Greenwood

Mr. Hughlings

Thomas Holmes

LIGHTCLIFFE.

Wm. Priestley

John Holland

George Armytage

CROSSTONE.

James Rawdon

John Sutcliffe

Mr. Ingham, Shaws

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

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

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

SIGNED,

JAMES KNIGHT, Chairman.

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

It was Resolved Unanimously,

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

ROLAND RAMSDEN.

29th April 1813: Robbery of Joseph Harding at Henbury, near Macclesfield

Joseph Harding was a shopkeeper at Henbury, near Macclesfield. On Wednesday 28th April 1813, he had gone to bed early at 9.00 p.m. He awoke at 2.00 a.m. to find two men standing over him - both had blackened faces and pointed pistols at him, warning him that they would shoot if he stirred or made a sound. Other men downstairs were going through the house for valuables. This continued for some time, but Harding was at some point left unguarded, and used the opportunity to climb through a window and make an escape.

He ran to his neighbours and raised the alarm. Four of them - Peter Gaskell, a farmer, Thomas Atkinson, a labourer, John Ellam, a bricklayer and John Oldham, another bricklayer - accompanied Harding back to his house, to find that the burglars had left. The group of five then set off to try to track the robbers down, using footsteps left in the early morning dew. By 6.00 a.m., at Butley Ash, five miles from Henbury, they came across three men in the turnpike road: Joseph Wood, a hay-dealer, Isaac Woodford, another hay-dealer and Isaac Woodhall a joiner. Woodhall said he had seen two men sitting under a hedge in a field, with a bundle.

The group went to the spot and confronted the two men - the men responded by pulling out pistols, which misfired. A struggle ensued and the two men were overpowered by the group. One of the group went to fetch a Constable from Butley Ash and the prisoners were then conducted to the home of a magistrate, Mr Downes of Shrigley. Downes decided to commit the two men - James Renshaw, a weaver from Meg Lane, Sutton, and Simeon Beeston, another weaver, from Ringway - to Chester Castle to stand trial at the next Assizes.

28th April 1813: Tenter belonging to an employer of Benjamin Walker destroyed at Milnsbridge

Around this date, a Tenter belonging to an employer of the former Luddite turned informer, Benjamin Walker, was destroyed at Milnsbridge.

26th April 1813: The Leeds Intelligencer publishes a last word on 'Attentive Hearer' row

On Monday 26th April 1813, the Leeds Intelligencer published a final editorial on the row that had taken up column inches over the past 3 months, ever since the execution of George Mellor. The Leeds Mercury never published a response, and the pseudonymous 'Attentive Hearer' never wrote to the Intelligencer again.

If the "Printer" will be at the trouble to read the "Attentive Hearer's" last letter, he will perceive that his last week’s challenge, is by no means declined. The Attentive Hearer is most willing to go into the proposed investigation when it is rendered necessary;  i.e. so soon as the Printer shall prove what he has twice asserted: "that the "Attentive Hearer" has published a false report of evidence."—If the report he has published be correct, there can be no doubt of the confession of Mellor. If false, let it be proved so; and the "Attentive Hearer" will, with the greatest readiness, immediately accept the Challenge of his Opponent.

24th April 1813: The Leeds Mercury publishes a final editorial on the row with 'An Attentive Hearer'

An Attentive Hearer has declined the challenge we last week gave him to close the dispute, by submitting the evidence on both sides, fairly and candidly collected by impartial persons, without note or comment, to the tribunal of public opinion. The inference is irresistible. He was conscious that such an appeal would admit of no sophistry or false colouring, and that the preponderance of evidence against him would have been overwhelming. But we shall indulge in no exultation, much less repeat the coarse and virulent language that disgraces his last letter; it is the language of an irritated mind writhing under the pangs of defeat. We have no such feeling to gratify; Truth alone was our object, and having secured its triumph, to the satisfaction of every impartial mind, we quit the ungracious subject for ever.