Monday 3 September 2012

3rd September 1812: General Maitland updates the Home Office about the situation in the North

Wakefield
3rd September
1812

My dear Sir

I yesterday received Your’s, of the 31st, and when I originally got Mr. Park's Opinion, it accorded so perfectly with the Fact, of what the Magistrates had done, I did not send it to them, but now having the Attorney and Solicitor Generals Opinion, I will transmit it to them this day, as it must prove satisfactory to their Feelings.—

In addition to what I have heretofore stated, I have only to say, that I believe they are still coming in, where they started, and shall send you the Return when made up to the end of the Week.

In one instance too, 32 Men being Colliers of the Duke of Bridgewaters, and not connected with the Mottram District have come in, but this is the solitary instance, as not a Man in Manchester, and all that immense Neighbourhood have stired.

I went to Sheffield as I stated, and yesterday Morning four Men composing a Secret Committee at Barnsley, were seized by Warrant from the Magistrates of Sheffield, they were examined by Stuart Wortley, and committed to Sheffield, for further examination on Friday. He believes the truth of the original information which will attach capitally to two of them, I think it is the strongest I have seen, but what I want to see, is the effect it has in bringing in others, on this I shall be able to inform you in a day or two.—

I am sorry to say at Huddersfield and in its Neighbourhood, there are still some instances of Nocturnal Plunder, particularly in the Arm Ways and that we get on very slow indeed for want of Information, a short time I hope will however let us into it, as we have got a good number of People now at Work.—

I am [etc]
T Maitland

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

This letter can be found at HO 42/127.

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