16th March 1817: The Duke of Newcastle informs the Home Office he plans to attend the Nottingham Assizes

Clumber
Mar. 16. 1817.

My Lord

I write a few lines to inform your Lordship that I am going to attend the Assizes tomorrow, for the purpose of giving support to the Judge & Sheriff and to be of what use I may be able—

The Sheriff was so good as to transmit to me your Lordship’s letter informing him that you had had  intimation of a body of people from Manchester being about to pass thro’ Nottingham, he mentions that he can gain no news of such persons being expected, and at a meeting held immediately to consider your Lordships information, it was decided that the preparation already made was so ample that nothing further was necessary—However to make every thing secure I have ordered two troops of Yeomanry escort to Nottingham to be under arms and ready to march at a moment’s notice—

I am sorry to observe that the cavalry has all been withdrawn from Nottm except 20 dragoons.—It is expected that all will go off very quietly, if otherwise, we shall be fully prepared to meet any opponents, and I feel sanguine in the hope that every one will do his duty—

I shall write to your Lordship if I have any information to give you.

I have [etc]

Newcastle

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

27th February 1817: The Duke of Newcastle writes to the Home Secretary about the plan to move the Nottinghamshire Assizes to Newark

Clumber
Feby 27, 1817—

My Lord

I have just had the honor of receiving your Lordship’s letter of the 25th informing me that the Assizes will be transferred from Nottingham to Newark.

I must [illegible] I rather reject that it should have been thought proper to adopt this measure, because it will appear that justice is not sufficiently strong, & that the disaffected have carried their point—

I think there could have been no doubt of our being able to afford protection to the execution of justice, if the Assizes has still been held at Nottingham—

I cannot learn that any tumult was apprehended at the period of the Assizes and measures were about to be taken similar to those adopted in 1812, in order to preserve the public peace—

If any disturbance is considered likely to occur your Lordship may rest assured that I will use all means in my power to counteract it—I shall be happy to receive and execute any intentions from your Lordship on this subject or any other connected with it—

I am happy to add that this county is perfectly quiet and that great consternation prevails amongst the Luddites, as they are called: at the apprehension of so many of their comrades—

I have the honor to remain
My Lord
Your Lordships
very obedt
humble Servt

Newcastle

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

16th February 1816: Lancelot Rolleston asks the Duke of Newcastle to pay William Cook's legal costs

My Lord Duke,

I have the honour to acquaint your grace, that the confession made to me, by one John Blackburn, of the Town of Nottingham, Frameworkknitter, who was apprehended in the night of the 2nd of Jany last, in a daring attack upon the house of William Cook, gamekeeper to Lord Middleton, has led to the apprehension of most of those individuals, who have for so many years infested this County, under the name of Luddites. Among the various depredations brought to light by this circumstance, I have come to the knowledge of the persons, who so wantonly attempted the life of George Kerry, of the Parish of Radford, which it may be your Grace’s recollection, took place the Sunday night before Christmas day; the attack was made by four in number, two of whom are in custody, & I have every reason to hope the others shortly will be. I am sure you Grace will agree with me, as to the necessity of prosecuting these men; but Kerry is merely a working stockinger, without the means; under these circumstance, & more particularly as he is a tenant of your Grace’s, I have taken the liberty (and I request you believe it is with infinite respect to your Grace that I venture) to submit, whether it may be agreeable to your Grace, to afford Kerry, the assistance necessary for that purpose. I have satisfaction, at any time it suits your Grace’s convenience, in laying before you the extensive communications made to me, which with some confidence I express as my opinion, will be the means of entirely suppressing that system of outrage, which has hitherto defied the utmost vigilance of the Magistracy.

Waiting your Grace’s commands,

I have [etc]
Lanct Rolleston

Watnall
Feby 16th, 1817

27th December 1812: The Duke of Newcastle writes to the Home Secretary about recent Luddism in Nottinghamshire

Clumber
Decr 27. 1812

My Lord

Your Lordship has not only been informed that the destruction of frames has lately been renewed in this County. Three or four instances of this nature have lately occurred and certainly under aggravated circumstances, but I have every reason to hope that the evil disposed are very few in number and pretty well known. A very desparate gang of 12 or 14 or at most 20 were known to hang together for some time and were intent upon committing every species of outrage, I am in great hopes that it will be found that the late mischief has been committed by these people and that it is confined to them alone.

The operation of the Watch & Ward bill is only suspended and may be renewed instantly if necessary, the effect of the operation of this Bill must be so productive of benefit that I think it will be found expedient, as a cautionary measure at any rate, again to put it in force; if any further mischief is done there will be no doubt of the propriety of enforcing it immediately—

I am in hopes that the general disposition or temper of the people is continually changed for the better—

I have [etc]
Newcastle

[To] Viscount Sidmouth
&c &c

24th March 1812: Duke of Newcastle writes to the Home Office about a Nottingham Luddite delegate to Manchester

Clumber
March 24
1812

Sir

It really appears as if the rioters are beginning to think that their wisest way will now be to remain quiet, and if what I learn is correct, there certainly is fresh ground for indulging a hope that this business is drawing towards a close.—

What I am at this moment anxious to ascertain is whether you would wish that the arrest of the offenders should still continue, at present it proceeds as usual, and yesterday a man was brought in who has been the prime mover of all the proceedings which have so much disgraced us. We have every reason to believe that this man will be able to give a great deal of information respecting the disturbances at Manchester, as we know that he is just arrived from thence. Every means will be used to extort the information from him and I hope we shall succeed.

I am told that a man belonging to the Berkshire Militia (who is on furlough at Manchester and went from hence where his regt. is stationed) is very busy at Manchester, he has been understood to say – that his regt. would not fire if they were called upon to do so, as they wish well to the framebreakers.

You will perhaps think proper to have this man watched.

I have the honor to remain
Sir
Your very obed.
humble Serv.

Newcastle

The Right Honble
Richard Ryder
&c &c &c

19th March 1812: Duke of Newcastle writes to the Home Office about the Assizes

Clumber
March 19—1812.

Sir

When I left Nottingham yesterday every thing was quiet, with every appearance that it would remain so – But there can be no certainty in appearances, consequently they will not be attended to and the same measures will be continued which have been hitherto adopted.

There was no disposition to disturbance shewn during the Assizes except on one trifling occasion, when the first frame-breaking cause was terminated by sentencing the man to 14 yr. transportation, when the populace attempted to hustle two of the principle evidences for the prosecution as they went out of court—but the activity and energy of the Police quickly crushed any intention which they may have had.

I am most extremely happy to inform you that the misunderstanding between Genl. Hawker and Mr. Becher is now at an end – and I am in great hopes that our internal disagreements have had the good effect of shewing us the folly of them, and that propriety by the lessons which we have received we shall be more united for the good of the Public Service in future —

I have the honor to remain
Sir
Your obedt.
humble Servt

Newcastle


The Right Honble
Richard Ryder
&c &c &c

20th February 1812: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
Febry. 20,1812

Sir,

Since I last had the honor of writing to you a measure has suggested itself which I really think may be so applied as to make it highly beneficial in preventing the breaking of frames.

I would propose that the worker of the frame should be made answerable for the preservation of it and liable to prosecution for the loss to which he has subjected the owner in case of damage being done to the frame without any offer of resistance on his part or in consequence of his connivance at the act.

I would then propose that in whatever Town village or parish a frame should be broke, that such Town etc. should be obliged, without any reference to the circumstances of the case immediately to remunerate the frame owner or Hosier for the damage done to his property by the loss of his frame This Penalty should be most rigidly enforced, and no exception made.

Perhaps it would also be very expedient to give to the Town, Village or Parish in which the frame has been broken the power of coming upon the frame-worker for payment, on his part, to them of that sum which they have been obliged to pay to the Frame owner — and in the event of his refusal that they should be able to sue him if they think proper.

In this manner as it appears to me we shall be making it the Interest of Towns and Villages to prevent the commission of one of the chief outrages which disgrace our County; and I will beg of you to give it your most favorable consideration as I really have great hopes that this will be the most efficient measure which has yet been adopted for the prevention of frame-breaking.

Is it too late to insert these as clauses in the Bill which you have lately brought in?

I think it right to inform you that it is known that there are orders at Birmingham for arms for the rioters; and it is as far as I can learn certain that delegates are sent from hence into all the great Towns in this Country. The disturbances at Leeds were planned from hence, as I learn, and the people say amongst themselves, that it was a mistake and that they began too soon. I hear it reported that some machines were broken at Huddersfield a few days ago.

Before I send you the account of any reports which I hear I endeavour as much as possible to ascertain the fact. I cannot pretend to vouch for the entire authenticity of all that I have mentioned in the latter part of this letter I can only add that I am strongly induced to believe them.

I have [etc.]

NEWCASTLE

5th February 1812: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
5, February, 1812

Sir,

It was agreed that Mr. Eyre should lay before you the proposed Bill for the better regulating the Police of this County; for this reason l have not troubled you on the subject since I last had the honor of writing to you.

I conceive that this Bill of itself will by no means be adequate to suppressing the outrageous proceedings in this County, it must be some measure of retaliation or punishment which alone can be truly efficient.

You are no doubt informed that the West Riding of Yorkshire is now imitating the bad example of this County and thus that part of Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire are in a state of insurrection, for one can scarcely call it by another name. Sooner or later, I fear, recourse must be had to the severest measures as the only means of checking what may ultimately endanger the State, and I throw it out for your consideration whether it will not be expedient in a short time to declare Martial Law in the Counties above alluded to, unless a better disposition quickly manifests itself.

Mr. Eyre informs me that it is your intention to bring in a Bill to render the breaking of frames capital — it must be very clear that this will be a highly salutary measure and I will hope that this in conjunction with the other means about to be and what already are in our power will be capable of overcoming the insurrection in this and the neighbouring Counties.

It has been notified by letter to the Mayor of Nottm. signed Genl. Ludd — that he has put off his active operations for six weeks — in fact all remains in a tolerable state of quiet at the moment; altho’ more frames were broken on the 23rd. of last month than have ever yet been broken.

Let me most earnestly entreat that the measures which are to be proposed to Parlt. may be brought forward and enacted with the least possible delay, it is of vital importance that an immediate stop should be put to any further proceedings on the part of the rioters.

I have [etc.]

NEWCASTLE

18th January 1812: Duke of Newcastle urges the Home Office to replace the military commander in Nottinghamshire

Private

Clumber
Jany 18 1812

Sir

Until quite lately I was in hopes that every thing was becoming quiet in this County — at present however there appears no prospect of such a fortunate Event, on the contrary affairs are becoming worse every day, and I receive from all quarters the most melancholy accounts the State of the County —

People are now never safe in their houses and robberies and even attempts to murder are constantly taking place — Indeed, without being an alarmist, I am of opinion that the present state of the County is calculated to excite the most serious apprehensions for the consequences which may ensue, and I most earnestly entreat the vigorous assistance of Government in whatever way may be thought the most efficacious —

I will mention some facts which appeared to me of the utmost importance, and which require to be noticed without delay —

The Garrison of Nottingham and the dispersal of all the troops in the County &c is under the command of a very young officer (Ld. Waldegrave) who is only a Major in the 15th Lt Dragoons — it cannot be expected that a young man of this age is equal to the direction and proper application of the troops belonging to so intricate a command — I had understood that Col. Grant was to have commanded the Garrison and I have no doubt that it would be safe in his hands; I should hope therefore that without delay either he or someone of equal experience and ability will be ordered to Nottingham to take the command then — it is a situation of infinite responsibility I assure you, and one which requires very great arrangement, activity and intelligence —

Another thing which I have to mention is that I have heard that the troops are without cartridges, which if it is really so, does appear to me most extraordinary — let me entreat that this may be enquired into and rectified with the utmost dispatch —

I will have the honor of writing to you again on Monday or Tuesday after having been at Nottingham, when I will hope to be able to give you pleasanter information —

I have [etc]

Newcastle

The Right Honble Richard Ryder &c

29th December 1811: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
Decr. 29 1811

Sir,

As nothing material has occurred relative to the disturbances in this County since I last had the honor of addressing you, I have not thought it necessary to trouble you on the subject.

It is very much hoped that the public tranquillity will now be very soon restored, every thing is certainly more quiet and but few frames have lately been broken altho’ I understood that on the Thursday in last week two or three frames were broken in Nottingham Appearances are undoubtedly in favor of the near conclusion of the very disgraceful proceedings which have for too long a period been carried on in this County.

Opinions differ from each other so widely in every thing which concerns these disturbances, that it is almost impossible to form a just idea of the real state of the case; that however which now appears to me to be the most rational and best founded on fact is that the original cause is the distress of the workmen who have unquestionably been most hardly treated by their employers; urged by absolute necessity to require a better treatment from their Masters they endeavoured to obtain better terms for themselves; on such occasion, as you too well know, there are always mischievous people who are ever ready to foment discord, the suggestions of such people were unfortunately too much attended to and thence the disorders which followed.

In the neighbourhood of Mansfield every thing has been arranged in the best manner between the masters and workmen and at Nottingham only and immediately around it do any appearances of discontent now prevail, it is said by some that in this quarter things remain in as bad a state as ever, from what I learn from others, and this I hope to be the real state of the case, an adjustment of the differences appears fast approaching and that already every thing is much quieter.

It will indeed be a cause of most sincere gratification to me to be able to inform you of the entire restoration of order in the County.

I have [etc.]

NEWCASTLE

21st December 1811: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
Dec. 21 1811

Sir,

The day before yesterday I had the honor of receiving a letter from you enclosing copies of a Proclamation offering rewards for the conviction of any of the rioters. I instantly gave orders for the general and immediate distribution of the Proclamation and by this time it is universally known.

As you probably already know, the Hosier’s are coming into the terms required by the workmen and it is very probable that this may be the cause of concluding the business, added to this the rioters certainly begin to be very much alarmed, and what is very desirable their fear arises from distrust.

It has happened that frequently of late the Special Constables, whose active services I have often mentioned to you, have entered the houses of the offenders and taken them away out of their beds in the middle of the night, and have several times been fortunate in securing some of them in their own homes on the first night of their return there, after having slept at different houses since the first commission of their offences in order to elude the search of the constables. This had a very great effect upon them, as I am informed, not only because they begin to find that they cannot commit their accustomed outrages with impunity but because they suspect from the fortunate combination of circumstances, that they have been informed against by their own friends whom they now begin to distrust; if this can be kept up amongst them we may expect much good to result from such a dissention.

According to what I can learn, affairs appear to have taken a better turn and it is hoped that in the course of another fortnight the public peace may be restored. Of course in these cases much must depend upon appearances as no just conclusion can be formed from a knowledge of facts, which cannot be obtained.

In a few days I hope I shall be able to give you an account of our success in the apprehension of some of the most leading people who compose the committees etc.

You may rely upon it that money shall be used with the utmost delicacy, I am told by those who are employed on this service in question that instances will be very rare in which they will require it.

I have [etc.]

NEWCASTLE

16th December 1811: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
Decr. 16 1811

Sir,

By intelligence which I have received this day I learn that the party of the dissafected daily gains ground; this l have from authority on which I have every reason to rely. Nothing will do but the apprehension and punishment of some of the ringleaders and if possible to obtain possession of their papers should they have any, as in all probability they must have - Some clue might then be had by which to trace out the real designs of these people; at present we are working entirely in the dark Before long I anxiously hope that we may succeed in our endeavours, but as yet nothing has been done in the way of gaining secret intelligence as there have been no funds at the disposal of those you could obtain it. I have however authorized a person at my own expense to do this; no time should be lost in endeavouring to get to the bottom of this business, for conducting which the plans I am now convinced are laid much deeper than persons in general imagine.

Foreign agency is strongly suspected to be the support and mover of the whole, and it must be confessed that every thing on their part is conducted with very great ability. God grant that we may frustrate their intentions; whatever I can do I shall perform to the utmost of my power; as I have before mentioned, if I only knew what to do I should have no hesitation in carrying it into effect let it be what it would.

If you have any instructions to give or any suggestions to make I shall receive them with great pleasure.

I think I can do more good with a very intelligent, active and determined set of men in the middle class of life than with those who are in a higher situation, these people have already rendered essential service and I sanguinely hope will yet do something still more essential.

I have [etc.]

NEWCASTLE

P.S. Major Cartwright is lately come down here, his relations and connections are in this County but we much fear that his object is not to see them.

N.

2nd December 1811: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
Dec. 2 1811

Sir,

As I in my letter of yesterday informed you I should do, I have attended the meeting of the Magistrates held this day at Nottingham. I have there learnt that the disorders and tendency to tumult which exist are certainly of a very serious nature. The rioters have adopted a system by which they levy contributions on the villagers, and actually subsist themselves on the produce of their plunder. They contrive in such manner to overawe the inhabitants of the villages, that they are afraid of giving intelligence of the proceedings of the rioters, by which means it is certainly very difficult to act against them.

The rioters sometimes collect in great numbers in the villages about Nottingham and march to a considerable distance where they commit what depredations they please and levy contributions.

When I became yesterday acquainted with the extent of the mischief and dangerous length to which these disorders have been allowed to attain; I could not help seriously reflecting on the apparent remissness or want of activity on the part of the Magistrates in the neighbourhood of Nottingham; however such arrangements appear to have been made this day as will be likely to ensure in a greater degree the public tranquillity. Constables have been sworn in for every village, these will form a night patrole and troops are to be placed in every village ready to assist the civil power when called upon. No one is to be found out of his house after 10 o’clock under pain of arrest and any meeting of persons to be instantly dispersed by the civil or military power.

If energy and activity are used in putting these orders in execution, I trust that we shall soon feel the beneficial effects of such measures.

The Magistrates seem perfectly aware of the danger which may arise from delaying any longer to act with vigour, and to endeavour by force or otherwise to put down the present commotions as promptly as possible.

I have [etc.]

NEWCASTLE

30th November 1811: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
November, 30 1811

Sir,

I think it proper to enclose you copies of two letters which I have just received by express from Nottingham.

By them you will perceive that the riots in this county become more serious as they appear to be more systematic.

As you will perceive I am now called upon to assemble the whole of the Volunteer Cavalry of this County. I have in consequence, (in the first instance) complied with it only in part, and I have ordered out the Bunny and Holme Pierepont Troops of Yeo. Cavalry only and these I have selected as being the nearest to Nottingham, whereby they may be less inconvenienced than if they were brought from a distance.

I shall go to Nottingham tomorrow and gain every information I can on the spot respecting this most unfortunate business: if I then find it necessary I shall order out all the Volunteer Cavalry to endeavour at once to put a stop to further proceedings - which I most earnestly hope may be effected.

I have [etc.]

NEWCASTLE

30th November 1811: W Sherbrooke to Duke of Newcastle

Nottingham
30th Nov., 1811

My Lord,

As the nightly destruction of Frames by an armed mob, conducted with much system, is continued and extends in every direction, and contributions are levied round the county under the influence of menaces to the lives and property of individuals; and the military force in this District is completely inadequate to the Suppression of the mischief, and the Secretary of State (notwithstanding repeated applications from the Magistrates for an adequate Military Force to be established here during the Winter) has not hitherto complied with the application, I am desired by the Magistrates, assembled at the County Hall in Nottingham this day, to request that your Grace will give immediate directions, that the whole of the Volunteer Yeomanry Cavalry of the County shall be immediately called into actual service under the command of your Grace, and to be stationed in such places as the Magistrates direct, during the continuance of the present tumultous state of the county.

The Magistrates will sit at the County Hall in Nottingham on Monday Wednesday and Saturday next.

I have [etc.]

W. Sherbrooke
Chairman of the Special Session

30th November 1811: W Sherbrooke to Duke of Newcastle

30 November, 1811

My Lord,

The mob is now so organized that nothing but military placed in every parish will be adequate to suppress it.

The rioters appeared in the last night in the Parishes of Beeston and Blidworth, placed men in the avenues to the Villages and declared they would shoot any man who attempted to go out to call the civil or Military power.

They then broke a great many frames and levied contributions on which they support themselves and by which they rapidly increase their numbers.

Your Grace will see the necessity of calling out such a formidable force as will at once overawe this Lawless mob — no half measure will be efficient, the mischief to be apprehended is much more formidable than persons not intimately acquainted with their intentions and proceedings can have any notion of and the Military cannot act efficiently unless stationed in every village.

I have [etc.]

Signed W. Sherbrooke

28th November 1811: George Coldham, Town Clerk to Duke of Newcastle

Nottingham November 28 1811

My Lord Duke,

I stated in my Letter of yesterday to Your Lordship sent by an Orderly Dragoon of the 15th Regiment of Light Horse that I should have the honor by the first post of addressing myself to Your Grace – upon the Topick’s in Your Grace’s letter to me, to which the urgency of the business would not permit me to which give immediate attention.

The only enquiry distinctly made by Your Graces is as to the force at present in Nottingham and the Neighbourhood which consists of 2 Squadrons or 4 Troops of the 15th Dragoons, to this intelligence I ought in candour to add that the Magistrates have received advice from the General of the District that another Squadron of the same Regiment is to be immediately marched to the assistance of this District, this additional force was fairly in the contemplation of the Town and County Magistrates at the time they concurred in the proprietary of forwarding your Grace’s Letter to Colonel Sherbrooke.

As however the terms in which your Grace’s Letter are conceived seem to imply some doubt in your own mind as to the necessity of further aid and a desire to obtain Information as to the state in which this Town and Neighbourhood is placed, I am desirous of detailing to your Lordship our proceedings in the Town from the first period of which the Tendency to disorder in our Neighbourhood began again to manifest itself.

Since I have been resident at Nottingham we have had many dangerous and alarming Riots, some of which are of very short period, have assumed a more dangerous Character in the present state of the surrounding country exhibits, but I regard them all as having afforded infiniteless cause of serious alarm and permanant danger than the present – The state of the Manufacturers who are spread in every direction thro’ a wide extent of Country, and united by one common feeling of distress and one common desire of forcing upon the Hosiers, or the public some decisive measures for their relief; gives the present disturbances a most serious aspect.

On the 12th of the present month, the Magistrates of the Town in consequence of intelligence that one man at Bulwell well had been killed in the act of attacking a House with Frames in it, and that the very next day a great number of Frames were destroyed in the same village and that large assemblages of the people threatened to come to Nottingham for the same purpose and thought it their duty to meet together to take measures to securing the public tranquility.

They immediately called upon the Constables of the Town, and put them into a state of organization to keep a Watch at night, and appointed a place where every one might know where to resort for assistance, and in order that the Constables might be stimulated to a more vigilant discharge of their duty they called out 3 or 400 of the most respectable of the Inhabitants, and appointed them Special Constables, and again arranged them in classes and put a small number of them upon watch during the whole of every night.

The care of the Magistrates extended still further they enquired with the greatest anxiety into the Military force which they could command, and found that owing to the detachment from the 2nd Regiment of Horse Guards and the Demands made upon it by the County Magistrates, they could not mount above 10 or 12 men to come into the Market place, in case of danger from the Barracks, and that in case of any particular House or Factory or Deposit of Frames being threatened, we had not a single Infantry Soldier whom we could send to protect it from Outrage – They therefore wrote to the Secretary of State, the Secty at War and the Commanding Officer of the District, with the expressed concurrence of the County Magistrates stating that “they could not consider themselves in a Situation effectually to secure the public peace and tranquility in conjunction with the Magistrates for the County with whom they were in the habit of acting with the utmost cordiality without the Magistrates – could depend upon a least 3 efficient Troops of Mounted Cavalry. – They also thought that it was important to the efficiency of that force that a Regiment of English Infantry should be stationed at hand to prevent the Cavalry being broken in upon by detachments which are necessarily applied for from the Military to keep the peace of particular Villages in the Neighbourhood”

This was the opinion of the whole of the Magistrates of this District at the very commencement of their being compelled to act in putting down the present perturbed state of the District, and under the impression the Magistrates for the Town were for a year few days kept in a state of dreadful suspense as to the safety of the Town, – this was dissipated by the appearance of the 1st Regiment of Local Militia who amply supplied our then deficiency of Cavalry and placed the Town in a state of perfect Security.

I believe I can safely assure your Lordship that the experience of their utility has established in the minds of the Magistrates a Conviction that they were originally correct in stating that a force of Infantry was essential to the complete protection of the Town, and altho’ less than a Regiment might suffice for that purpose the County Magistrates seem still to think that the District surrounding us if it continue disturbed can scarcely be secure without a whole Regiment being stationed here for the Winter.

Since the commencement of these disturbances the state of the surrounding Country has hitherto been progressively growing more serious – Great numbers of the people are armed, they act by Signals giving by the firing of Guns from Village to Village and collect considerable sums of money in the Country. – Anonymous threats and incendiary Letters have been addressed to numbers in the Town, and I am sorry to say not without effects having a Tendancy to encourage the efforts of the misguided populace.

Six or 8 Frames have also in the Town been lately destroyed, notwithstanding the utmost exertions of the Magistrates who have always been upon the alert, and who have in Custody 2 persons resident in the Country who appear to have been concerned in these outrages. With a very short Interval occasioned by a temporary appearance of tranquility the Mayor and Aldermen have kept up their nocturnal watches and have every night seen a Military Guard posted so as to be at any moment ready to move for the protection of the public peace.

They have reason to fear that the spirit of disorder is not yet subsiding. – This conviction induced them to apply to your grace on the 26th Inst. for a further Reinforcement of Infantry and they felt themselves under the necessity from the same Conviction of publishing the hand Bill a copy of which I enclose for your Grace’s Information.

Their communications with the County Magistrates which are of the most confidential nature give them reason to know that those Gentm consider the state of the County more alarming than ever, and that they still continue decided in their opinion of the necessity of a Stationary force of infantry and are taking other measures for the more complete protection of the District.

I have [etc]

Geo. Coldham, Town Clerk

P.S. in order that your Grace may have some Idea of the extent of the mischief done since the first commencement of the system of Frame-breaking I understand that it is computed that about 600 have been broken of the value of £6,000 depreciated as this species of property is by the present dreadful state of the Manufactory, but of more than double that value if the Trade was in a prosperous state. –

26th November 1811: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
Nov. 26, 1811

Sir,

It is with my great satisfaction that l can now write to inform you that the late disagreeable disturbances in the County are entirely got under.

The disposition to riot in the neighbourhood of Nottingham was very speedily quelled, but a bad spirit was longer kept up in the villages near Mansfield where they are populous and the inhabitants in much distress at this moment from not being able to get work at their business — which consist principally of making stocking articles — as I mentioned also in a former letter the high price of every thing necessary for their subsistance presses now still heavier upon these poor people as they are out of employ. They certainly are very much to be pitied and when every thing is perfectly tranquil and that they find themselves subdued by being obliged to submit to the Laws I hope we may be able by some means to relieve them.

The Local Militia and Yeomanry of this County were a great deal more than necessary to keep the peace of the County.

As the whole four regiments of Local Militia have been called out on this occasion — I have written to the respective Colonels desiring them to send me returns of the number of day’s service which they have had, and which, when I obtain I will transmit to you.

I imagine the regular form on this occasion will be to request H.R.H. the Prince Regent’s approbation of the different regts. having been assembled for such a number of days. Should any other mode be necessary in order to make it more regular I shall be happy to receive your instructions on that head — as it will be a consideration with the Colonels to be able to draw for the pay and allowances for their men.

I have [etc.]

NEWCASTLE

16th November 1811: Duke of Newcastle to Home Office

Clumber
Nov. 16, 1811

Sir,

Had there been any post from hence yesterday l should have written to inform you that within these few days some disturbances have unfortunately arisen in that part of the County which lies between Nottingham and Mansfield.

The rioters are chiefly stockingers, and the causes of discontent, in the first instance, that a new machine had been invented which enabled the manufacturers to employ women in many instances in which men had hitherto been employed; also that the malcontents were looking to exacting greater wages than the manufacturers were able or inclined to pay them, and this because trade is very flat and that there are many industrious men (sufficient in number to supply the trade) who will work at more moderate terms.

Those who were then thrown out of employ by reason of the new invention and of their not choosing to work for decreased wages thought to realise their demands by force, and imagined that their ends would be gained by proceeding to destroy the frames of those who would work for the manufacturers and for this purpose broke into the houses of those who possessed them destroyed their frames and committed many outrages.

The rioters proceeded in considerable parties armed with firearms and the Householders were determined on their side to protect their property; in doing this a life was lost and some men hurt — this made the affair serious and exasperated the mob. It was then found absolutely necessary to call out the armed force to the assistance of the Magistrates and in consequence the whole of the Local Militia and Yeomanry Cavalry were called out and are now under arms.

The promptitude with which the armed force was assembled intimidated the rioters and on their (the military) marching against them they every where dispersed. I am informed that the rioters are compleatly overawed by the force which has been brought against them and it is expected that order will be very soon entirely restored.

It should be observed that these disturbances are entirely of a local and partial nature, totally unmixed as yet with any political notions, tho’ I should add that in addition to the reasons which I have above given in a former part of my letter the high price of corn very much tends to aggravate their grievances.

I anxiously hope that l may in the course of a few days be able to write you word of the total extinction of all riot and that the accustomed order of things is returned.

It will however be a matter of great satisfaction to you to learn as well as it is to me to inform you that the Yeomanry cavalry and Local Militia are well disposed; the former has been most employed and the alacrity with which they came forward, and their conduct when ordered to act is I am informed entitled to the greatest praise, they have been of great use in bringing about the present state of things and may on all occasions be thoroughly depended upon.

The Local Militia from the nature of their service cannot have been so much employed, but I learn that they most of them quickly repaired to Head Quarters when required to do so, and many as they collected where marched against the rioters. I will endeavour to obtain more accurate information of the spirit which animates the Local Militia regts. as it is an highly essential and most interesting point to ascertain. From all I can at present learn I have every reason to believe that the Local Militia regiments may be trusted, and in that case the county armed force is most ample to protect the county against the most extended riots.

I am to receive accurate reports from all parts of the County tomorrow and I will not fail to inform you of the result.

I have [etc]

NEWCASTLE