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.

14th April 1813: A West Riding magistrate sends earl Fitzwilliam the confession of an absconded Luddite

Halifax 1813 April 14th

My Lord,

I did myself the Honor of writing to your Lordship a week ago, inclosing a full Description of the Forty one who had taken the Oath of Allegiance before me. I now write to you concerning Samuel Hill, an unfortunate Luddite, who yesterday confess’d before me, & took the oath. He is Brother to John Hill executed at York under the Authority of the late Special Commission — & whose Crimes were Burglary, & Stealing of Arms. You will naturally enquire, why have I taken his Oath & Confession as late in the Day. I answer, I was prevailed upon to do so by the strong Recommendation of Mr Dyson a very respectable Gentleman in my Parish. I told Mr D. that I could do nothing at all for the Man, but that I would lay the Case before your Lordship. The subject has occasion’d much Conversation between Mr D & me. The Substance of it, is contained in the enclosed Letter which he wrote to me. I also inclose the original Confession — On perusing it, along with Mr D's Letter, you will act as you think proper. The Cause of the delaying to take the Oath is explained in his Confession.

I have ventured to say thus far – that if your Lordship cou’d be assured of the Man's future good Behaviour, you might not be unwilling to interpose in his behalf. I strongly inculcated upon him the absolute Necessity of good & peaceable Conduct, for that his life was now at Stake. If I shou’d be honored with your Lordship's Answer in any Degree favorable to the poor Man's earnest Intreaties, he wou’d thereby be relieved from great Anxiety — Mr Dyson, if I may so say, will be his Surety.

Mr D. is a Gentleman living upon his Fortune, & has long been a Captain in our Halifax Militia – the Grenadiers.

I have [etc]
Hylom Coulthurst

[To] Rt. Honble Earl Fitzwilliam.

Samuel Hill of Northdean in Elland Farmer and Cotton Spinner was guilty of stealing Arms at Copley Gate in Skircoat in Company with Job Hey, John Hill, and Hartley all of whom were executed for that Offence. He the said Samuel Hill was also guilty of an attack upon Mr. Waterhouses Mill last winter in company with Job Hey, and others who compelled him by Terror to join them having threatened to shoot him, if he did not go with them—

Samuel Hill also says that he was at the Attack upon William Barker's House in Sowerby during the last Winter along with the aforesaid Job Hey, and Crowther and others, and joined them under the like Fear of his Life as before—These are all the Offences which he has committed during the late unhappy Tumults in the West Riding and the County of York—He has taken no unlawful Oath. The said Samuel Hill hath been induced to commit these crimes by reason of his living next Door Neighbour to the aforesaid Job Hey. The Reason of his not making this confession sooner, is this, On the Apprehension of his Brother John Hill who was afterwards executed, the said Samuel Hill fled to Sea and was there in the Merchant service and did not return from till the sixth of April instant, and took an early Opportunity of making this confession before the Reverend Doctor Coulthurst, and of taking the Oath of Allegiance—

Taken before me this thirteenth

Day of April one Thousand

Eight Hundred and thirteen

Samuel Hill

Hylom Coulthurst

At the same time he also took the Oath of Allegiance for me

4th March 1813: Thomas Shillitoe meets Joshua Schofield again, & tries to visit Benjamin Walker

On Thursday 4th March 1813, the Quaker missionary, Thomas Shillitoe, had discontinued his visits for one day, but met with a former Luddite, and attempted to meet another:

Fifth-day, the week-day meeting being discontinued, and feeling drawings in our minds to sit with the few Friends of Halifax, a meeting was concluded to be held this morning, at which, in addition to Friends, we had the company of several not professing with our religious Society; amongst whom was Joshua Schofield, the young man before-mentioned, whose mind was again so reached during what was communicated, that he trembled so much that he could not hide his state from the meeting, although it was evident he endeavoured for it. He afterwards settled in the neighbourhood of a meeting of Friends, became a steady young man, manifesting attachment to our principles, and regularly attended our meetings. In the afternoon we went to Longwood, with a view of visiting Benjamin Walker . He was a single young man, living with his parents; an accomplice with the other two in the murder of the master-manufacturer; and received the reward offered for apprehending the offenders, having his life saved by turning king's evidence. He being from home, we requested he would give us his company next morning, at Joseph Mallinson's, Longroyd-bridge.

18th January 1813: Major Bruce reports that the corpses of two Luddites have arrived at Halifax

Halifax 18th January 1813—

Sir

I have the honour to acquaint you that the Bodies of two of the Convicts came here this morning by the carrier and will lodged in a Warehouse about 11 o'Clock they were taken off in Carts by their friends, one to Sowerby and the other to Elland, both parties were accompanied by or five people very much affected

I ordered a person on whom I could depend to follow the party to Sowerby and to be present at the Interment, he inform’d me he saw the Body taken into a house at Sowerby and that he understood the Funeral would not take place to day.—everything went off very quietly—

I did not think it necessary to watch the party going to Elland

I have [etc]
A. Bruce Major
Stirling Militia

[To] M. General Acland
&c &c &c
Wakefield

14th December 1812: James Hey confesses to robberies at Deighton & Fartown, implicates others

On Monday 14th December 1812, Major Hankin of the 2nd Dragoons took the confession of a man recently arrested under suspicion of being involved in the robberies at Deighton & Fartown on 29th November last.

James Hey was a 25 year-old wollen-spinner from Skircoat. Hey admitted to being involved in the robberies with 3 others only: Joseph Holroyd (alias Carter), Joseph Crowther (a 31 year-old cotton-spinner from Sowerby) and Nathan Hoyle (a 45 year-old weaver from Skircoat). He deposed that after the robberies had taken place, they had planned to divide the cash and goods at the house of Holroyd, but decided against when Holroyd said his mother was living with him. Instead, they went to Hey's house. The two watches seized were old for 40 shillings, and this money was divided equally.

Hey went on to discuss how the group of Luddites he said he belonged to was organised: in groups ('classes') of ten men, with one 'head man' over them - that his 'head man' was Job Hey, a man seized five days previously. That although he belonged to a larger division of 200 Luddites, the 'head man' never 'communicated particulars' to the ten men, only when they were needed, and what for, and what role they would play on that occasion. Despite describing himself as a Luddite, James Hey stated that he had never sworn an illegal oath, nor been assigned a number.

A day later, Hey added to his confession, stating that the gunpowder found at the 'head man' Job Hey's house was for use by his class of ten men.

Aspects of Hey's evidence contradicted that given by those robbed on 29th November: in particular, Joshua Thornton was clear that 6 men had entered his home that night, and John Woods had desposed that 9 men had been involved, and that afterwards each of the Luddites had given their number when the roll had been called. We do not know what pressure was brought to bear on Hey, but one of those he implicated, Joseph Holroyd, was later to crack and turn King's Evidence against the other 3.

27th September 1812: General Acland's spy, Knight, reports from Halifax

Halifax 27th Septr 1812

Sir

I think it my immediate duty to acquaint you with my proceedings since I left Huddersfield. I arrived at Halifax on friday Morning and has taken every opportunity of getting into Company with different classes of people but has not been forward in bringing on any discours for fear of any suspicion as I understand from them that there has been some Men on the Service that has hurt it much by being to hasty in bringing forward the subject and then having some taken up for disaffected Language, which in my opinion is not the proper way to act, Undoubtedly the Generality of them are very much disaffected, but they are very cautious before strangers so that time must bring it round, I pass here for a Cloth Dealer and there is no suspicion of me so that I hope in time I shall be able to learn what they chiefly aim at. I intend to go to Rochdale tomorrow I expect to meet Kenworthy there. And if Jones is come from Liverpool I wish he would find me there as I think it would be of great service. Sir—I wish to have a few lines at Rochdale to be left at the Post office till called for. I intend remaining there are a few days. I shall take particular care in Punctually obeying any orders You shall think fit to honor me with

John Knight

[To] General Ackland
&c. &c. &c.
Huddersfield

15th September 1812: The Huddersfield solicitor, John Allison, informs the Home Secretary of arrests in the West Riding

My Lord

By the directions of Mr. Ratcliffe our Magistrate and to save him the trouble of writing, as his hand trembles so much, I have the honor to inform you that he has this Morning committed Batley Fisher & Lumb three more of the Men who were concerned with Swallow in the robbery at Moxon's and who were apprehended on the Information of Earl Parkin whose Examination I had the honor to transmit you yesterday — These Men appear to have kept the neighbourhood where they resided, in a state of continual alarm, and seem to have been nothing but a set of desperate Housebreakers who have taken advantage of the times—. The persons robbed are so terrified as not to be at all inclined to exert themselves or to take any active part in the apprehension or detection of such Villains. I am sorry to inform your Lordship that Norton the Leader of these Banditti is not yet taken, but Green one of his most daring accomplices is taken, and is remanded till Thursday next when he is sure to be committed as we have a very strong case against him—

I am directed by Mr. Ratcliffe further to acquaint your Lordship that John Baines Senior John Baines Junr. Zachariah Baines George Duckworth Charles Milnes alias Gledhill & William Blakebrough all of Halifax were also this Morning committed by Mr. Ratcliffe — Old Baines for administering, & the others for being present at and aiding in the administering an illegal Oath to John McDonald (a person sent there by General Maitland or General Acland) and the two last named Prisoners were also charged with stealing Lead to make Bullets—

I have the honor to transmit to your Lordship herewith, copies of Examinations taken on those occasions and back to say that Mr. Lloyd from Stockport is with me; and we are and have been for some time past doing all in our power to detect the disturbers of the peace in this neighbourhood and hope to succeed—. I fear there are many nests of Thieves yet to be broke into as well some secret Institutions amongst the Croppers dangerous to the peace of the County, if not to the kingdom

I have [etc]
Jno. Allison
Huddersfield 14. September 1812

N.B. Since writing the above last night after post time, Mr. Ratcliffe has taken the inclosed Examination against John Crosland for abusing the Royal family & declaring he was twisted in — I attended his Examination both yesterday & to day in hopes I should be able to get some thing out of him, but have not succeeded — Mr. Ratcliffe as therefore taken Recognizances for his Appearance at York in case His Majesty's government should deem the matter worthy of further notice from any salutary motives, and for examples sake—

JA.

15th Sep. ‘12

[To] The Rt. Honble Lord Sidmouth &c. &c.—

14th September 1812: The Stockport solicitor, John Lloyd, reports a breakthrough in arrests in the West Riding

Huddersfield
14 Sepr. 1812

Sir

Your two Letters of the 2d & 3d Inst I got Stockport yesterday only — they shall now be in every respect punctually attended to.

Altho’ I have not duly reported the progress we are making here to have no doubt you are not without authentic Information as to every thing that occurs of consequence—Indeed that has been the reason for my silence.

Some days ago a man was taken up by patrol at Flockton for merely being found out of his House at an unreasonable hour — but as it was known he had been in the Company of a person of bad character Capt. Thornhill & myself went over to examine him – the result of which fixed some suspicion on this Companion & we examined him to good effect also — for he gave such Information as was sufficient to obtain a Warrant against two men the one for Burglary (in pursuit of the Ludding system) and the other for inciting the Informant to join in Burglary These men were taken before the Justice and the one of them *Earl Parkin guilty of the lesser offence impeached many others of capital offences 3 of whom had been taken and are this day committed to York and others are in custody here for further Examination.

On Friday night Capt. Thornhill & myself set off to Halifax with 6 or 7 warrants agt persons charged with administering & aiding and assisting in administering an unlawful oath and with having stolen lead to make bullets for their use as Luddites—The warrants were agt 6 persons all of whom we succeeded in taking during the night, and sent them to Huddersfield from which they have been this day committed (all six) to York. The Exams are not by any means complete but as soon as taken shall be transmitted. It was my wish to have this done prior to commits taking place, but I was absent, and the Justice was satisfied of their guilt—and therefore committed them. I do hope we have been making a series impression, such as may induce a material change in the disposition of the people—Several have been taken up for words—I wish we could get at the knowledge of their deeds—A man of the name of James Starkie has been committed to York for endeavoring to incite two persons to felonious outrages & not being able to get bail was committed to York—

I shall collect all the Evidence in the different offences to send up for you or rather Mr. Litchfield or Mr. Hobhouse to lay before the Law Officers of the Crown

I have inclosed the Paper from Ireland you desired to have returned and have sent a Copy to Mr Fletcher and shall write to Mr. Hobhouse by this mail

I have [etc]

J Lloyd

[To] J. Beckett Esq
Under Secy of State &c
&c—

*christian name

11th September 1812: John Baines senior, his sons and friends are arrested at Halifax

On Friday night, 11th September 1812, the Stockport solicitor John Lloyd, and General Maitland's aide-de-camp, Captain Thornhill arrived in Halifax. They had obtained warrants for the arrest of several suspects, whom the authorities had known about for 2 months, and arguably set them up.

John Baines senior, and his sons John junior and Zachariah, along with George Duckworth, Charles Milnes (alias Gledhill) and William Blakeborough were all arrested, charged with administering and/or being present at and aiding in the administering of an illegal oath. Milnes and Blakeborough were also charged with stealing lead in order to make bullets.

The authorities in the West Riding had now started to close the net on suspects connected with Luddism.

11th September 1812: Song by Charles Milnes "You Heroes of England", Halifax

Charles Milnes, "You Heroes of England", Halifax

You Heroes of England who wish to have a trade

Be true to each other and be not afraid

Tho' the Bayonet is fixed they can do no good

As long as we keep up the Rules of General Ludd

As we have begun we are like to proceed

Till from all those Tvrants we do get freed

For this heavy yoke no longer can we bear

And those who have not felt it ought to have a share.

And then they can feel for anothers woe

For he that never knew sorrow, sorrow doth not know

But there is Cartwright and Atkinson also

And to shew them justice sorrow they shall know.

Though he does boast of the deeds he has done

Yet out of our presence like a Thief he Does run

It is the Laws of England to stand in our defence

If he comes in our presence him we’ll recompence.

On Friday 11th September 1812, a West Riding Special Constable, Joseph Taylor, was working undercover as a spy in Halifax, and was handed the lyrics to a song written by a man called Charles Milnes. Taylor was trying to gain the confidence of Milnes and another man, William Blakeborough, who he knew had stolen lead around the town, for use in casting bullets.

8th September 1812: An informer from Liverpool warns Lord Fitzwilliam about an arms raid in Halifax

My Lord

On the 19th Ulto I took the liberty of addressing a Letter from Leeds to Mr. Litchfield (Solicitor to the Treasury) on the subject of the disturbances in part of Yorkshire and Lancashire and the depredations committed by the Luddites there, and on the 21st I was favored by a letter from Mr. Hobhouse acquainting me that he had laid my Letter before your Lordship.—First I must beg leave to refer your Lordship to that Letter, and to acquaint you that from information I have received, I am certain the Luddites intend (when the Nights get a little more dark) attempting to take the Depot at Halifax by surprise in order to get possession of the Arms and Ammunition—For the better information of your Lordship I have endeavoured on the other side to give your Lordship a sketch of the depot—your Lordship will observe that there is a cottage described the occupied by an old woman (which cottage forms part of the square upon which stands the Depot)—with a large window opening into the Depot yard, this window has not a single bar or any thing else to prevent any person going into the Depot.—The plan of the Luddites is to get this old woman sent out of her cottage under some trifling pretext and when she is out to detain her and then for a party of the Luddites to take possession of the Cottage armed and enter the Depot by the cottage window and take the Guard (which never consists of more than five or six Soldiers constantly sitting over a good Fire in the Store Room) by surprise and secure them, and to carry of such of the Arms and Ball cartridges as they can and destroy the remainder—this plan of those Fellows can very easily be prevented by the Depot taking possession of the Cottage (which can be had at any time) and converted it into a Guard Room—the Rent is only 3£ a year and it would be no inconvenience to the old woman who would only want to be provided with another Tenement—would it not also be better my Lord if the Stoor-keeper had a Bell at the top of his House, in case of attack it would immediately bring to his assistance the Soldiers in the Town.—As your Lordship has not done me the honor to notice my first Letter I will not trouble your Lordship with further particulars, conceiving your Lordship may probably consider it officious in one, but if I may be permitted I would strongly recommend making some alteration as to the security of this Depot, for though those Fellows appear pretty peaceable at the present moment, be assured my Lord they are far very far from being tranquilly disposed—I much fear they'll waiting only to be favored by dark nights—

I am also acquainted with two or three Houses in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield to which these Fellows constantly resort and hold their meetings, and I conceive if the information I already possess and could acquire (with the aid of a confidential person) was properly managed, it might reasonably be expected to lead to the detection and apprehension of some of the most notorious of these Depredators—for the reason I have already assigned I shall forbear entering into further particulars and can only assure your Lordship that I should feel great satisfaction in being at all instrumental and lending my aid towards putting a stop to these wicked and disgraceful transactions—If your Lordship should feel at all inclined to know who I am, I beg leave to acquaint you that I reside in Renshaw Street Liverpool and also to refer your Lordship to Mr. Hanson in Chancery Lane (Solicitor to the Stamp-offices) a Gentleman of great respectability and well known to Mr Litchfield—

& I have [etc]

J. Johnston

Renshaw St.
Liverpool—8th Sept. 1812

[To: Lord Fitzwilliam]

4th September 1812: Lieutenant-Colonel Wollaston reports the Luddite attack at Southowram

Halifax Sepm. 4th 1812.

Sir

I am sorry to have it in my power to report to you the total destruction of all the machinery part of a Gig-Mill within less than a mile of this place last night—

They must have watched the passing of our Patroles, as one party went very near the Mill — All our Patroles were accompanied by a Constable—

I have [etc]

George Wollaston
Lt Col: West Sufflk.

[To] M. Genl. Acland
&c &c &c

12th July 1812: John Baines warns the spies McDonald & Gossling about undercover Bow Street officers

On Sunday 12th July 1812, the two police spies from Manchester, Gossling and McDonald, were wandering about Halifax when they again met John Baines the elder, the republican hatter who had 'twisted-in' McDonald 4 nights before.

Baines looked worried and asked Mcdonald how he was - he then came closer and told the two men in a quiet voice that they must take care, as he had been informed that two Bow Street police officers were in the town.

The spies must have smiled inwardly at the irony of the  real truth of what the unwitting Baines had said.

10th July 1812: The spies McDonald & Gossling meet the old man John Baines in Halifax again

The spies John McDonald & John Gossling were milling around Halifax after McDonald had been 'twisted-in' by the old hatter John Baines the elder two nights before. They decided to pay him another visit and see what further conversation could reveal.

They went to Baines' shop and asked him if he would join them for a pot or two of ale at a local Inn. Baines agreed, and the three men went to the George Inn, where they were joined once again by Charles Milnes and William Blakeborough, as well as another hatter who worked in Baines' shop whom Baines said they could trust. They had a room to themselves and before long, McDonald pointed to Baines and announced to Gossling, "this is the old man that twisted me in": Baines was alarmed and put up his hands, warning McDonald to be cautious where and to whom he said this. He told the two men that he generally had nothing to do with people who were not acquainted with the words 'aristocracy' and 'democracy' and asked them if they knew what this meant? They gave their explanation, and Baines must have been satisfied, as the conversation continued.

A long conversation ensued over a few drinks, during which Baines unwittingly revealed his radical pedigree to the spies, commenting that "(his) eyes had been opened a great while, a matter of three and twenty years".

8th July 1812: A spy sent from Manchester is 'twisted-in' by an old man at Halifax

John McDonald and John Gossling were two assistant constables in Manchester. They had both been sent into West Yorkshire by the Manchester Deputy Constable, Joseph Nadin, with a view to infiltrate clandestine workers' organisations.

The spies arrived in Halifax at noon on Wednesday 8th July 1812 and headed straight for the first public house they could find, the Crispin Inn. After ordering and eating a meal, they left to find somewhere to stay, and having done so, returned in an hour or two. Before long, they were talking to locals, and were soon in conversation with a man called Charles Milnes. They talked generally about the state of the country, and Milnes began to open up about who he knew and what he had been up to; that he had stolen 60 rounds of ball cartridges from a soldier in the Cumberland Militia, but had been found out and had fled when the military searched him and tried to take him before an official. He subsequently hid out on Dean Moor for 3 weeks. He also told them he knew the two men killed at Rawfolds very well, and also another Luddite who had acted as an officer in the attack on the mill. Having gained Milnes confidence, McDonald tried to engage him in talk about how to become involved with the Luddites. Milnes made it clear that before conversation on that subject could go further, he would have to be twisted-in.

After a further discussion, McDonald agreed to the proposal. McDonald later swore that Milnes said "I will take you to a man who has been in the business nearly twenty years, and he will do it for you tonight".

Leaving Gosling behind, the two men made their way to the home of an elderly hatter called John Baines.  Milnes said to Baines "I have brought a friend here; he is a stranger, but he is a very good fellow, and he wishes to be a brother." McDonald noticed that Milnes had raised his voice slightly, and Baines had cupped his ear - the old man was hard of hearing.

"Then we must be handy," said Baines "for we shall have the watch and ward here soon; some of my neighbours have laid an information, and they are often searching my house."

McDonald looked around - 4 others were present, including a young boy, evidently the old man's son. They all sat down together and began to talk. Baines repeated his concerns about the Watch and Ward - McDonald said "I will go as soon as I have done."

The old man then produced a small book, which McDonald assumed was a bible, and bade them all to stand up. Baines' youngest son, the boy who was present & called Zachariah, stood with his back to the door of the house.

The old man Baines said "take the book" and held it out to McDonald, who complied. Baines asked him his name - McDonald lied and said "John Smith", and Baines said "John Smith, say after me;" and Baines administered the oath. Afterwards, Baines urged McDonald to kiss the book, and he complied.

McDonald offered to buy everyone a drink, but the old man Baines declined, owing to the Watch & Ward. Leaving Zachariah with his father, McDonald went out with the others present, they being the old man's other son, John Baines junior, William Blakeborough, George Duckworth, and Milnes. They headed back to the Crispin Inn, with Duckworth deciding to go home before they went in.

In the pub and in the presence of his three new contacts, the spy McDonald boasted openly to the other spy Gossling that he had got himself twisted-in, and Milnes told Gossling he had introduced him. The five men drank and talked more, before they all left the Crispin Inn between 12.00 - 1.00 a.m., with the three Halifax locals walking the spies to their lodgings, none the wiser about their new friend's real identities and intentions.

6th June 1812: 'Justus' responds to 'Vindex' in the Leeds Mercury

MR. EDITOR,—Sir, like your Correspondent VINDEX, of the 23d ult. I too am a votary of peace; and, like him too, entertain a hope that something may be done towards its restoration by a fair discussion of the unhappy differences which at present exist in this part of the country respecting the use of Machinery.

He begins by admitting the advantages of Machinery, in general, as a substitute for manual labour, and admitting this, I hope to make it appear that he must either confess himself guilty of inconsistency and an unfair attempt to pervert the course of argument from its straight road into the bye-path of his particular interest, or allow that it is equally desirable and equally advantageous to carry Machinery to the greatest possible perfection. Cropping by hand is universally allowed to be a most laborious employment; to crop by Machinery is done at a comparatively trifling expence of bodily exertion.—So far, therefore, it is productive of an effect which Mr. Vindex himself allows to be desirable; and at no time whatever can new Machinery at any time be introduced, but it must follow as matter of necessity, that those persons formerly employed in that particular labour now destined to be performed by Machinery, must be thrown out of their usual occupation, and for a time feel that inconvenience which we should or any of his feel on being compelled to a change of our early habits. But because general good is unavoidably attended with partial evil, shall we refuse to promote the general welfare? Shall we murmur at purchasing a lasting advantage at the expence of a temporary inconvenience? It is within the recollection of us all that the Cotton Trade has superseded the manufacture of Worsted Goods, and that in consequence the Makers and Buyers of the latter goods were subjected to great loss and inconveniece; yet they never rose up and said to this man, “You shall wear a pair of draw-boy breeches, or I’ll shoot you;” or to that woman, “You shall wear a callimanco petticoat, or I’ll break your windows.” Their sufferings were the unavoidable effect of the progressive improvement of society in general, which who would wish to put a stop to? and they gradually surmounted them by turning their exertions into other channels, and yet I believe they have been subjected to greater inconvenience than the Croppers have experienced. Their branch of business was really extirpated; but the Cropper might have secured a continuance of employment to themselves if they had chosen; for I am informed that the Owners of Cropping Mills were willing, and even desirous to employ old Croppers in preference to men who had not been brought up to the business, and also to have employed their wives and children as burlers, &c. Their obstinacy, however, has compelled the Mill-Owners to employ men who were entire strangers to the business, and who are now learning from a guinea to 25s. weekly in their service—wages which are surely no plea for riot and insurrection.

Your correspondent further observes, that we have nothing to fear from the competition of foreign manufactures, as advantages of price, quality, industry and skill, are decidedly on our side. So far as related to quality and skill, I beg leave to call his assertion in question. It is well known that in France and Italy are manufactured cloths which in England cannot be equalled, and that all over the Continent they are rapidly improving in their Woollen Manufacture. Besides this, that unfortunate system which shuts us out of their markets, urges them on in the path of improvement; it will not do for us to defer the adoption of improvements until the return of peace—our rivals are employing the interval of warfare in the pursuit of every species of improvement, and we must do likewise, or we shall eventually find ourselves sadly behind hand. It is, therefore, only on the ground of being able to afford our goods at a lower price than they are manufactured for abroad, that we can hope to maintain our superiority in the foreign markets. Nor is it matter of indifference to the Merchant whether his cloth be dressed by Hand or Machinery, in as much as the dressing by Machinery is in itself greatly superior to the dressing by Hand. He, therefore, who opposes the improvement of machinery, aims a fatal blow at the commercial interests of his country, since it is our Machinery alone which enables us to manufacture at a cheaper rate than our continental rivals.

I cannot, therefore, Mr. Editor, consider such improvements as furnishing the shadow of an apology for our present disturbances; nor do I think the plea of want of work, in general, offered with more truth. In that part of the country which I inhabit, there is, at least, no lack of employment; and if people chused to turn their hand to such as offers itself, I really think they need not be idle—but they must accommodate themselves to the changing circumstances of the times. If two men go to ask work at the same place and both persisting being gardeners, it is very probable they may not both find employment; but if one takes the gardener’s place and the other the groom’s, they may both be employed. Or if by any accident, a weaver were to lose one of his legs, would it not be thought strange perverseness if, because he could no longer use his feet for earning his bread, he were obstinately to persist in refusing to learn to use his hands for that purpose? All this I know cannot be done without inconvenience; but any being capable of feeling and reflection, would rather, O surely! much rather, suffer inconvenience than incur guilt.

I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,

JUSTUS.

Halifax, May 26, 1812.

1st May 1812: Troop movements

On Friday 1st May 1812, one troop each of the 2nd Dragoon Guards marched from Leeds to Bradord and Halifax.

19th April 1812: Memorial service for Samuel Hartley at Halifax Methodist Chapel

Jonathan Saville later in life

On Sunday 19th April 1812, a memorial service was held at the Methodist Chapel in Halifax for Samuel Hartley. It was another occasion of high emotion, with the minister Jabez Bunting once again refusing the officiate. He asked the young disabled preacher, Jonathan Saville to officiate, and Saville later recorded the occasion in his memoirs (1844, pp.24-26):

"I preached one Sunday to the largest congregation that ever assembled in Halifax Chapel. A young man had been shot while assisting to make an entry into a Mill near Cleckheaton, for the purpose of breaking machinery; and he was brought to Halifax Chapel to be buried. On the Sunday after the funeral, the people came from far and wide to show their sorrow for the deceased, [or rather, to make a political demonstration]. They filled the Chapel to overflowing; hundreds stood on the outside, unable to get in, and constables walked before the doors to keep the peace. The preacher who was planned for that afternoon had gone to Huddersfield, probably to get out of the way. Mr. Jabez Bunting sent for me. When I got into the pulpit and looked round, I felt faint. It was the first time that ever I felt my right thigh weaker than the other: it trembled as if I had an ague. My tongue for a long time clave to the roof of my mouth. Mr. Bunting was in the chapel. After the singing, I felt loosed in spirit, and took for my text, my favourite, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, &c." Towards the end, I had occasion to speak of the Christian's confidence in a dying hour, and I contrasted the death of the believer with that of the infidel. At the time, perhaps more than ever, infidelity was busy among the lower classes. I said, "When the tired Christian has been toiling on the ocean of life, he comes at last to the harbour's mouth, and angels are standing on the shore to welcome him home.—But the infidel, as he comes in, sees devils waiting for him, and he cries, 'tack about, tack about!' but no! in he must go," and so on. Then I exclaimed,"Infidel, die hard! never strike the black flag when Death confronts you!" It seemed to have a great effect. A few days afterwards, as I was going up King-Cross Lane to my Class, some persons threw stones at me, but I was not hurt."

15th April 1812: The funeral of Samuel Hartley in Halifax

Jabez Bunting in the 1840s

On Wednesday 15th April, two days after his death, the body of Samuel Hartley was transported to his native Halifax for burial.

The funeral drew hundreds of mourners, many of them wearing silk aprons edged with black. Like many of the West Riding Luddites, Hartley was a Methodist, but the local minister, Jabez Bunting, refused to officiate. Bunting was from then on the subject of much hostility to those who sympathised with the Luddites. He apparently had death threats made against him and had to accompanied on his country appointments for some time.

At the funeral, there were angry scenes, but a deputy was eventually found, apparently at the insistence of local Luddites. The crowd gathered were still evidently unhappy at the end of the service, and the preacher had to make "an abrupt exit" at the end of service.

A memorial service was to be held for Hartley at Halifax Methodist Chapel the following Sunday.