8th March 1816: General Wroth Palmer Acland, Luddite baiter, dies from fever, age 46

Acland's memorial stone at Bath Abbey (photo copyright Robert at Flickr)

On Friday 8th March 1816, General Wroth Palmer Acland died from a recurrence of the fever he contracted during the peninsula campaign years before.

He had been one of the principal commanders of the military forces stationed in the North of England during the Luddite disturbances in 1812-1813. Most biographies - including this one at Wikipedia - fail to mention this fact.

Posts on this blog mentioning Acland can be found at this link.

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

Wakefield 7th March 1813.

My dear Sir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wroth: P Acland

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

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

Wakefield 1 March 1813.

My dear Sir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wroth: P: Acland

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

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

WPA

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

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

Wakefield 24th Febry 1813.

My dear Sir.

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

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

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

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

Wroth P Acland

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

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

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

Wakefield 23rd Febry 1813.

My dear Sir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wroth: P: Acland
M General

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

WPA

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

20th February 1813: Francis Raynes meets General Maitland to discuss a possible reward for his efforts

In his memoirs Captain Francis Raynes gives a description of a meeting he says took place between himself and General Maitland on Saturday 20th February 1813 at York, after being invited there by General Acland:

General Maitland required to see me at York, for the purpose of asking what were my views and wishes in the subject of a remuneration for my services. I mentioned the Duke of Montrose having obtained for one of his officers, formerly a Captain in his regiment, the appointment of Collector of the Customs. A military appointment for me, was quite out of the question. I had long before quitted the army, and the idea of re-entering it did not occur to my imagination.

When I gained the notice of the Generals, I was a Captain of militia; they employed me in that rank, till it was found I could be more extensively useful in a larger command, and I had the country given into my care, which had previously been under the command of a Colonel in the army. This weight and responsibility was thrown upon me, without any advantage to myself. I had not had the smallest increase of pay: but, on the contrary, was always very considerably in advance for the public, and, from the divided and scattered state of my company, I was losing money every day by it. Added to this, my private expenditure was, from necessity, extremely heavy, so that I had a right, having fulfilled all that was required of me, to expect my remuneration would be commensurate to the situation I was placed in, and the responsibility thrown upon me, for the direct purpose of serving the Government. This, in a military line, could not be: but surely there was no impediment in the civil; especially after the precedent above mentioned, in an officer of the very corps to which I belonged.

As it was not in my power to mention any particular office, I merely stated to General Maitland I should be happy to obtain any situation under the Government, which would produce from three to four hundred pounds per annum, either in England or Scotland. The value of what I should ask, had been previously mentioned by General Acland; and General Maitland did me the honor to say, he was anxious something should be done for me immediately, adding “now is the time;—if you do not get it now, you never may.” Words truly prophetic of the event.

From other documents, it would appear that Raynes may have embroidered his memoirs: a letter exists from General Acland to Maitland, which was written on 24th February 1813, where Acland informs his superior about Raynes' desire for a post at Excise & Customs on a salary of £300-400 a year. Had Raynes met Maitland with Acland 4 days earlier, there would have been no need for Acland to write this part of his letter.

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

Wakefield 10th Feby 1813

My dear Sir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Signed) W.P. Acland

PS. The 33rd have marched from Hull to Windsor

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

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

Wakefield 26th January 1813.

Sir.

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

Wroth: P Acland
M General

[To] Major Bruce
Stirling Militia
Halifax.

22nd January 1813: General Acland rebukes Lt Colonel Lang for providing a guard for Joseph Mellor

York 22nd January 1813.

Sir—

Your communication respecting Joseph Mellor dated yesterday has been forwarded to me here—It does not appear that the circumstances you have detail’d are of sufficient importance to authorize a Guard being placed in this man's house & I therefore desire you will withdraw it & that in future you will not furnish any additional Guards on such applications without a previous communication to Head Quarters & receiving permission for granting them.

If this is allow’d to be done on every application that may be made, & there can be little doubt but such will be very numerous arising out of the plans & apprehensions of the weak minded & timid, it will be impossible either General Maitland or myself can judge of the true spirit & feeling of the country, as the natural disposition of the greatest part of the Inhabitants is never to [fancy] themselves [illegible] without Military protection & as soon as this is granted they cease to exert themselves in organizing any Local Measures for their own security & protection which is the plan that ought generally to be adopted & on which they must ultimately rely for their safety, as the Military can only be at hand to afford General protection & not be [fritter’d] away in small & useless detachments which [harries] the efforts of [every] individual in the country as to any self exertion

I am &c &c
Wroth: P: Acland
M General

[To] Lt Colonel Lang
South Devon Militia
Huddersfield

22nd January 1813: General Acland issues orders for the winding down of troops in the area of Liversedge

York 22d Jany 1813

Sir

You will receive Orders for the withdrawing all the detachments under your Command, excepting the men of the Stirling militia to join their respective regiments on the 25th Inst. It is General Maitlands directions that this detachment of the Stirling should continue under your command & to be stationed at Mills Bridge. One Corporal & six Dragoons, will be attached to this—You will therefore be enabled to give Mr Cartwright the protection he has usually had, & also to check any appearance of disturbance, should any shew itself which however I do not think likely—

It is necessary you should send out patroles less frequently than Hitherto, and relax from your usual activity, leaving the country in a great degree to itself that we may be enabled to judge of the Spirit and temper of the People—You will therefore only adopt such measures and would generally be resorted to in the ordinary times of quiet, for the tranquillity of your immediate neighbourhood, unless circumstances should positively require your acting otherwise; but then the reason should be well founded and perfectly satisfactory and then reported to me.

I am aware the withdrawing the Detachments may excite some fears & alarms in the weak minded & that numerous applications may be made for Guards & Military protection you must resist all such, & impress on the minds of all persons making such applications the necessity of availing themselves of the present circumstances of the Country to organize such Local system has may immediately & eventually ensure their own protection & security, as well as keep order & tranquillity, & inform them that it is my firm determination approved & sanctioned by Lt. General Maitland not to give any further military protection, but on the strongest & most imperious grounds of necessity; & it will be therefore [unavailing] to make any applications for it—

I will tomorrow  send you a Copy of a Circular letter from Lt. General Maitland to the Magistrates

I have [etc]
Wroth P Acland

To
Capt. Raynes
Stirling militia

22nd January 1813: General Aland issues orders for the winding down of troops in the area of Elland

York 22 Jany 1813

Sir.

It is Lt. General Maitland's intention that the Detachment at Elland shall be reduced to three Serjeants & thirty rank & file which is to remain under your Command. Directions have been sent major [Garnham] to call in Ensign Young with the remainder on the 25th Inst., but you will select, such as you think proper to comprize the detachments to be continued with you.

I have received a letter from Mr. Dyson & Mr. Cartledge on the subject of the troops being withdrawn from Elland; you will have the goodness to inform these gentlemen that it never was in contemplation to do so immediately, though eventually it may take place, & certainly will, if however circumstances are sufficiently favorable to admit of it—

It is therefore adviseable the Inhabitants of Elland should organize some system of [illegible] arrangement that may be fully adequate to the preservation order & tranquillity, & give themselves security & protection, & you will lose no opportunity of impressing this upon their minds, while circumstances are so favourable for their carrying such a system fully into effect.

Though it is still necessary you should be vigilant in your enquiries & observations, it is highly advisable you should leave the Country in a great degree to itself, that we may be enabled to judge of the temper & feelings of the people, you will therefore discontinue constant patroling & only send out such as you would do in ordinary times of quiet & tranquillity for the good order of your immediate neighbourhood, unless circumstances authorize greater activity & you have very strong & good reasons for occasioning your exertions which must be reported to me—

I have [etc]
Wroth P Acland

To
Lt Cooper
West Suffolk (militia)
Elland—

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

Wakefield, 16th January, 1812.

SIR,             

(Confidential.)

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

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

I have [etc]

WROTH P. ACLAND, M.-Gen.

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

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

26th December 1812: General Acland gives suggestions for the fate of Mellor, Thorpe & Smith to the Home Office

Huddersfield 26 December 1812.

My dear Sir.

If thought advisable to execute the murderers on the Spot where the offence was committed, I conceive the bodies may be convey’d to the Infirmary at Leeds for dissection, it will be most acceptable to the Medical Practitioners there—

It is also very probable Medical [men] may easily be found who would come over here for that purpose, but I think no resident Surgeon here could be found to undertake it.

The Infirmary at Leeds strikes me as the most Eligible way of disposing of them — if it is not thought too distant.

I remain Yrs &c
Wroth: P Acland

H. Hobhouse Esqr
Lincoln’s Inn

19th December 1812: General Acland informs the Home Office about the suspects committed for the recent robberies

Huddersfield 19th December 1812.

My dear Sir.

I had in part anticipated your wishes previous to the receipt of your note to the 15th Inst—

But the cases were thought so good against

William Hill

Joseph Crowther

Job Hay

William Hartley

Nathan Hoyle

that they were committed yesterday and are gone this morning to York Castle.

Mr. Lloyd told me previous to commitment the cases were so strong, he should have no difficulty in going to trial at any time. The most doubtful case I apprehend to be Hoyle’s. The others acknowledge generally or in fact.

James Hay & [Carter] are committed to Wakefield, [Carter] is admitted on Evidence—Hay seems not only willing to speak out, but certainly can give much information, however whether it may be advisable to allow it now or after conviction Mr. Hobhouse will be the judge, to whom Mr. Lloyd rights by this Post & sends up the examinations — from whom you will therefore get particulars now fully detail’d, [till] I am enabled to do—

Three others are recommitted for further examination on Monday, but as far as any opinion can be form’d at present, it is most probable they will then be discharg’d—

I wrote to General Maitland on Thursday, but as I find he was to leave London yesterday, I take the liberty of sending you for Lord Sidmouth’s information a copy of my letter with an enclosure—

But as General Maitland during his stay in London is in daily communication with you, I consider’d it more regular to correspond with him, than to intrude myself unnecessarily on Lord Sidmouth or Yourself.

believe me My dear Sir
Yrs most faithfully

Wroth: P: Ackland

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

16th December 1812: General Acland updates General Maitland on a search for a Luddite arms cache

Huddersfield 16th December 1812.

My dear Sir,

By the enclos’d from M. General Hawker (which came this morning) you will see the system of Frame breaking has recommenced at Nottingham—

Lt Cooper in apprehending the men mention’d in my letter of the 14th Inst got information of some arms in a Wood, & on searching found—

Eight barrells of Guns & Pistols.

Four Guns cut Short —

One Pistol

One Bullet Mould —

In consequence other Warrants were granted by Mr. Ratcliffe, & Thirteen persons have been apprehended & are now under examination—

Having slept a Grange last night I have not been able to see Lloyd or Allison who are at Mr. Ratcliffe's & will be detained there till late—

Brigade Major Bullen is just come in, & tells me Lloyd thinks from what has already transpir’d the cases are better than any that have hitherto come before us— These people form part of a very large Gang that had been concern’d in all the robberies that have been committed in the neighbourhood of this place, Halifax, Sowerby & at Deighton—

I shall see Lloyd & Alison as soon as I can & will send you all the information I can obtain by to-morrow's post—

Wroth: P: Acland

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

14th December 1812: General Acland tells General Maitland of a breakthrough in information about Luddite burglars

Huddersfield 14th December 1812.

My dear Sir,

Lt Cooper has some information which if correct may lead to discovery of most of the robberies that have been committed in the neighbourhood of Elland & Halifax, particularly Mr. [Lindsays], Hughes, [Buchen] & those about Deighton — Mr. Ratcliffe late last night issued warrants against five or six Persons who will probably be apprehended this day—

Lt Cooper’s information has been obtained from a man who states he was one of the gang, his statement as far as it goes is circumstantial, but we have been so often deceiv’d that it is impossible to say how it may turn out—

You shall hear further from me about it on Wednesday,

A Route is come for the march of the six troops of the 15. on [Oxford] from the Qr. Mr. General varying a little from the one issued here

The 10th do not come to Sheffield but march direct on York & arrive on the 29th Inst. All is quiet here—

Wroth P Acland

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

9th December 1812: General Acland expresses doubts about the arrests of the Burglars to General Maitland

Huddersfield 9th December 1812.

My dear Sir,

The Men under examination yesterday on Suspicion of being concern’d in the robbery, are recommitted till Fryday, with Two of the witnesses produced in their favor to prove an Alibi, who were themselves sworn to as Principals by some of the persons robb’d—

There is so much swearing & lying backwards & forwards that is difficult to give any opinion about it—

I think it however clear we have got hold of some of the set, the doubt on my mind is there being sufficient proof to bring it quite home to them—

I have written to Hay & sent over Serjeant  Johnstone, who is [directed] to communicate with me every three or four days—

Lt Cooper has been searching some houses between Elland & Sowerby under the authority of Warrants from Mr. Ratcliffe, in one house he found about three pounds of Gun-powder & from that & other suspicious [circumstances] has apprehended the owner & another man—in the other houses nothing particular was discover’d.

I have [directed] on a letter that was enclos’d under cover from Lord Palmerston which I have not open’d conceiving it [extremely] Private—

No [Officials] in particular this morning—

Wroth: P: Acland

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

7th December 1812: General Acland updates General Maitland about Robbery suspects

Huddersfield 7th December 1812

My dear Sir,

The information alluded to by Lloyd yesterday relates to Two men of Elland, who are identified (each on the oath of one person) as having been present when the robberies were committed on the night of the 29th November—

They are recommitted till Tuesday for further examination, when they State they can produce Evidence to prove an Alibi—

Warrants are out against three others on suspicion of being concern’d—

The Two men first taken up, have been this morning discharg’d—

Allison tells me Lloyd & himself are going on collecting information on the cases examin’d by Mr. Hobhouse, but though they they have got somewhat further, it does not amount to what they wish—

Raynes has been with me this morning, all is quiet about him—. He says persons are going about the Country collecting money for the Prisoners in York Castle but they do not state, if, for any in particular.

You may depend on hearing from me as often as any thing occurs to report, & if you have no letter, rely on it, nothing has happen’d that has reach’d me—

Wroth: P: Acland

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

2nd December 1812: General Acland sends another update to General Maitland about the recent Robberies

Huddersfield 2nd December 1812.

My dear Sir,

The three men against whom warrants were issued, were brought before Mr. Ratcliffe this morning, but some of the persons robbed could [not] identify any of them, they will be bound over to appear on Saturday next

We have got a sort of clue, that may lead to something, however I am not very sanguine — A fowling piece & the hatchet were left behind at one of the houses, the former cut short, & is the same that was taken from a Mr. Hague soon after you came into this District.

The Men who committed the robberies on the 29th was seen going towards Elland & Brighouse & I think will be found to belong to the neighbourhood—

Only Sixty six pounds some shillings besides several watches & tea spoons are now stated to have been taken from all the parties on that night – one person saved Seventy pounds by throwing his pocket book behind the bed—

Allison is at work, getting all the information he can, & as any thing transpires you shall know it immediately—

Wroth P Acland

I am going to dine & sleep at Sir George Armytages at Thornley.

[To] Lt General
The Rt Honble
T. Maitland

1st December 1812: General Acland updates General Maitland on the recent Robberies near Huddersfield

Huddersfield 1 December 1812.

My dear Sir,

From the information Allison & myself have receiv’d, Warrants are granted by Mr. Radcliffe against three men from the neighbourhood of Elland, supposed to have been concern’d in the robberies on the night of the 29th Ultimo (Novr)

Lt Cooper & Serjt Clarke of the Suffolk have been active in this business, & I am not without hope that we shall break into it, & apprehend some of those concern’d.

The day has been so wet, I have not been able to go round to the different houses to make any enquiries, & am therefore not prepared to state further as to the facts you wish to have ascertain’d, [illegible] Deighton has had no association being connected with this Township it has depended on it, & the civil Patroles have not extended so far.

From the conversation I have had with two of the persons robb’d I trust they are stimulated to exert themselves & persuade their neighbors to organize some system for their own security, but I find the [witnesses] of the respectable part of the community is greater than I could have believ’d, & my opinion was never favorable on this point—

I was mistaken in my statement of the robberies in my report of Yesterday, it does not now appear more than forty pounds were taken from the Two persons who appear’d before Mr. Ratcliffe — the whole are summon’d for to-morrow, & as soon as I get the result of the examinations it shall be communicated to you—

Unless we can rouse the Spirit of the people to combine to self protection, we must expect nightly depredations, in spite of every assistance the Military can afford — but you may rely on it they will not be brought to any measure of the kind, notwithstanding your utmost exertions till the system of Plunder gets to that extent, that civil associations will be of no [illegible]—

Wroth: P: Acland

[To] Lt General
The Rt Honorable
T. Maitland