5th May 1812: Joseph Radcliffe asks the Home Office for powers to seize arms in the West Riding

Sir

It not having been in my power to find any legal power to search for arms, & knowing the demands for arms are nightly made by the disaffected to a considerable amount, on Saturday night last not less than twenty stand were obtained, undoubtedly, with intent are long to make a vigourous resistance for some purpose best known to the evil disposed, was the cause of my having twice mentioned that if some power to search could be had it might be well, & in all probability prevent much bloodshed & future mischief, perhaps administration, or a Bill in Parliament, might give the power, if neither of these may by you be thought necessary, we must not wait the event, & I trust that under the disagreeable situation

I am under no any active Magistrate on the spot, & so threatened as to have a Guard of ten soldiers quartered on my premises & for personal protection, being a Marked man along with Messrs Atkinson of Bradley Mills, & Harrop of Dobcross. You will deem my observations, & the trouble I give, excusable.—

I feel obliged, & highly honored by the attentions shewn in sending me the last & yesterday's Gazette, on certain conditions obtained from the Prince Regent, & have the honor to be Sir

Your [etc]
Joseph Radcliffe

Milnsbridge House
May 5th 1812—

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This letter can be found at HO 40/1/1.