2nd September 1812: John Becket of the Home Office writes to the Stockport solicitor John Lloyd

Copy
Private

Whitehall
2. Septr. 1812.

Dear Sir

I have received your several letters (3 in No) dated the 31st Ulto by this mornings post.

I had certainly been a little misled by your Statement respecting the Persons who had come in & taken the Oath of Allegiance at your office at Stockport concluding that they were from the immediate neighbourhood of that Place—this however does not appear to have been the case—I hope nevertheless the Example will be followed there in a short time.—

I hope the Clergyman at Holmfirth is a discreet man otherwise the Discretion you have entrusted him with to hold out the Expectation of a Pardon to any Person who will offer to make an ample disclosure of his Crimes may lead to some Embarrassment—The moment this is known every Scoundrel in the neighbourhood may come & claim the Benefit of this offer—& I don't see how a Pardon could be refused in any such case—Besides you are to recollect that the Legislature has not authorized such a Pardon to be granted. & it ought to depend & must depend upon the circumstances of a particular case Whether the Party should receive the Kings Pardon for any offence to Which it is not Extended by act of Parliament. I wish therefore you would write immediately to the Clergyman at Holmfirth and desire that for the present at least no previous general Engagement to grant a Pardon to Persons coming in & making disclosures be made, or the Expectation of it held out—it is not at all Clear that Persons who have taken an illegal Oath, will not readily take the opportunity afforded them by the Act of getting quit of the Penalties attached to that offence—Although they may be conscious of having been concerned in other outrages—It is also Possible that Persons with this Prospect of obtaining something like a General Pardon may come in & pretend they want Absolution from the Penalties they have incurred by taking an illegal Oath—While in point of fact their object is to procure a Pardon for other offences—they never having taken the Oath at all.—

You ask what you are to do with Yarwood. Upon this Point I will write to you again for the present let him remain in Custody—Bent also should remain unmolested—I have received information about him Which leads me to request you will take no notice of Him Whatever without writing to me first—You had better consult General Maitland about William Cooper Who you say was sent into Shropshire to be out of the way—if there is a Probability of his being made useful—it would be an easy matter to send for Him & employ him, I should doubt Whether [near] him not suspected—would not be the better Agents.—

I quite approve of your having urged a Commitment to York Castle in Scholefield's Case & you will acquaint Mr. Scott that He has adopted your suggestion very properly. Mr. Wood was not aware probably of all that you had passed respecting him—Which may account for his suggesting a previous communication with the Secretary of State—I trust that your Endeavours to procure Evidence against the other Parties Who were accomplices with Scholefield may prove successful—The case is so strong against Him that nothing should be said to Him Which can be construed into a promise of Mercy, by way of inducement to him to confess—if He proposes of Himself to say any thing let it be received—but I beg the Gaoler at York may be cautioned on this point, it is one of much Consequence. You will of course apprize me if you discover any thing from the Parties Whom you mention it is your intention to take to a distance—I see no great objection to this Step—provided you bear in mind the caution above mentioned respecting Scholefield—& apply it if possible to other Parties Who are implicated. It is not impossible that with care a conviction may be obtained against more than one.—

Please to send me back the intercepted letter signed J.B.—keeping a copy if you please—& send a copy to Ralph Fletcher Esqr. Bolton to Whom it may be [usefully] new Information against the 38 from Lancaster should be taken and sent up for consideration.

I am &c

(Sigd) J. Beckett

[To] J. Lloyd Esqr—
Wakefield—

31st August 1812: The Stockport solicitor writes to the Home Office about his spies and informers & suspects John Bent

Wakefield
31st August 1812

Sir

I have to beg your pardon if not sooner answering yours of the 26th –

The people continue to flock to my Office to take the oath of allegiance but at the time I left home I understood from my Clerks that the Inhabitants of Stockport formed no part of what had then been; of course Genl Maitland will explain the mistake which seems to have been made — as to our correspondence — There is no doubt however of its becoming very general — & I will venture to promise that in a few days we set it a going at Huddersfield — for we have obtained abundance of materials to act upon.

Your request of having the Instances of persons returning to their allegiance made public was anticipated, for I wrote paragraphs, for the papers the day before your wishes were known to me and I find Genl Maitland has done the same —

(1) I find from talking with the Clergyman at Holmfirth yesterday that his opinion is that the Luddites are afraid to come forward under the Act of Grace (if I may so term it from the provision it contains) because they are not indemnified in respect to their stealing arms — but I endeavoured to remove the obstacle by desiring him to assure some one Individual of a pardon from Offences even of that nature so that he made an ample disclosure — & told him if the Delinquent informed of two capital felonies he wou’d be intitled to his Pardon — that the promise cou’d not be extended — and he must induce some one to embrace the offer as early as possible

Extract 2 (with respect to the Letter from Ireland it appears to have been written by James or Jno Bent whom Yarwood mentioned as Treasurer of the Disaffected and Knight appears to be a relation to Knight that is one of the 38 at Lancaster (the 38 bundles of Blue) immediately returned — I do not know whether Whitaker did not mention Bent also. They are J.B.is right about Yarwood being still at Middlewich. Pray what must I do with him, he is in prison he is no longer, I conceived, of any use — William Cooper alias Strapper, is a man whom I employed at Newton & he was instrumental in convicting Daniel Garside of being privy to an unlawful oath adminsd to Cooper, and in convicting Joseph Thomas Schofield of inciting a felony, for which the latter was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment — the former of course transported). I sent Cooper into Shropshire after the trials at Chester to be out of the way of their vengeance but I think such men wou’d be very useful here — not that they wou’d again trust a stranger — but still a stranger cou’d observe the motions. I am already making some of them useful —

Wou’d you have any thing done with Bent

Your faithful & obedient St

J Lloyd

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

[Written vertically in the: “there is evidence in my office to fix some of the 38 returned — I suppose it must be done"]

30th June 1812: Colonel Fletcher writes to the Home Office with news of plots here, there & everywhere

Bolton 30th June 1812

Dear Sir

The following is a copy of a Letter which I received several days ago from Mr Higgin the Gaoler of Lancaster Castle — The Information appeared to me important and conceiving that some further disclosure might be made by Samuel Ratcliffe (one of the Convicts now under Sentence of Transportation administering an Unlawful Oath to Serjeant Holland Bowden) I requested Mr Higgin to elicit from him (if he could) all the Information possible. —Mr Higgin has sent me Word that he will take every opportunity of complying with my request – and it has been under an Expectation of such further Intelligence that I have delayed to transmit this Copy.

I find Ratcliffe has not been sent off with the other convicts but still remains at Lancaster — and for this I presume will meet his Lordship's Approbation—if it has not already been signified to Mr Higgin—

Copy—

Lancaster - Castle 15 June 1812

Dear Sir

I have had some Conversation with Samuel Ratcliffe one of the Convicts now under Sentence of Transportation from Bolton.

He tells me that the Gentlemen concerned in the late present treasonable practices are extremely cautious in their Conduct. After they have held a meeting it is not known which of them forwards the Intelligence to the next organized place. For Instance, if any new Information is to be sent from Bolton to Preston, the papers go through several Hand in [illegible] before they are given to the real messenger, who is called a Delegate. He finds the papers by going to a Field where there is an appointed Mark. With the papers. With the papers he finds a Counterpart Card, which he takes with him to another Field near Preston where he finds another Mark, and the Counterpart of his Card. Here he leaves the Papers until they are fetched away by a Stranger in the night. Next night he resorts to the same Place and finds the answer. The meetings are held every 3 or 4 Weeks, and if a Delegate is detected or suspected, the Sign, Countersign and Counterpart Card are immediately altered. He says there is a meeting held at Manchester for the District, and a large Fund for the maintenance of active members.—From what he has heard he believes there are many Thousand Pikes already made of a particular Construction. The Pike Part is called the Drill because it is like the Pointril of a Blacksmiths drill. The Crescent with two Edges is called Sniggar. The Whole Pike consists of 3 Parts and can be taken in Pieces. It fits together by a Socket with a Pin & Screw.—It is a general Rule never to keep any Books or Pikes in a House longer than Part of a night for Fear of a Search, therefore every thing is left out of Doors.

He supposes the printed papers are done by what are called the Opposition Printers in every Town—no name is placed in the usual Way. All Information is conveyed from Town to Town by the Delegate messengers. He believes the Union or Combination began in London, goes through Nottingham and from thence to Manchester and Carlisle. Small towns lying between principal places are not yet organized, only some of the Trades in them have taken the first Oath. There is a second Obligation taken by superior Persons. When a list of Names is transmitted there is a mark opposite the Name to denote the Profession or Trade. Ratcliffe has mentioned several Names, that are very familiar to you, apparently respectable Characters in your Town, such as Crook - Taylor - Hartley - Belshaw - Hulme and Cross. Should there be any thing that will be new in this account to Mr Hay, your Chairman, you may forward this Letter to him – you must excuse this Scrawl, for I have been employed all Day in sending Letters to my Friends in the House of Commons in Vindication of my own Character. I intend to send another Party of Convicts by Coopers Coach on Friday next—

I am
Dear Sir
Yours very respectfully
Signed—John Higgin

To Ralph Fletcher Esqr

Some of the Persons named above, as connected with the Seditious I am told are under some degree of alarm — Taylor is a doctor of Physic and during his academic Studies at Edinburgh in the early part of the French Revolution held such violent language against Government and in Favor of an Invitation of the French, as drew upon him the course of the [Superior] and had nearly caused his Expulsion — He (as was also his late Father) is of the Socinian School, and holds [deep], on every occasion when not deterred by prudential Considerations—both the established Religion & Government of the Country to the Hatred of the people—He is connected with the Edinburgh Review—and there is reason to believe corresponds with Brougham. The enclosed Note from R: Needham informs me that Taylor & Crook were collecting Evidence—to form the Subject of a Motion to Parliament I am not surprized at the Intelligence as knowing it to be the System of that desperate Faction to exhibit, as far as within lies—all Magistrates & others in Authority to the odium of the People—both Taylor & Crook (his Brother in Law) attended the last Special Assizes—and through them came the Money for the Expence of the Defence of the Prisoners. Hartley is a Printer for the Party – as described by Ratcliffe — Belshaw I know nothing of — Hulme is the most notorious – having proceeded in Encouragement of his Servants by seditious Language to a Length little short of Treason.—It is supposed that some of these persons are on their Way to Town at the Call of Mr Brougham.

Cross is an attorney of this Town & in considerable Business, In the Employment of the Party he may have gone certain Lengths but was not suspected by me of having engaged in the Business con amore untill Ratcliffe assertions as contained in the letter.

On the 26 instant I sent a Note to General Maitland acquainting him that Six of the militia quartered at Mottram a Village in Cheshire about 4 miles distant from Ashton Under line (in Lancashire) had been twisted in, the Sunday before, on a moor in the Neighbourhood on the Sunday morning before. The information came from B and he assures me it may be depended upon—I have no doubt but the General will cause that Detachment to be watched.

The Manchester Luddites are busied presumably with raising money for the Support of the 37 men lately committed to Lancaster and for the maintenance of their Families. I am not without hopes that the Extent of the Sums necessary for these Purposes will give our People a good opportunity of discovering the Sources from whence the pecuniary aid must flow.—Contributions from the Weavers cannot I think be great—The other Trades are more organized—such as Spinners Taylors &c &c – and probably something considerable may be derived from those Sources;—but I cannot help concluding that there is a Secret Fund—supplied by aid from from Quarters yet undiscovered.

B is confident that in the neighbourhood of Stockport Ashton - Mottram &c the Luddites are possessed of considerable numbers of Stands of Arms—and that many of them are acquainted with military Discipline—many of the Delegates that have visited B. from the Country before mentioned seem eager to make a Start (as they term a Firing) before the Trial of those lately committed from Manchester should take place—and the Intelligence derived from others seems to point out the projected Rising – after the Hay-Harvest.—But unless the disaffected in Ireland shall lead the Way in the Rebellion I trust the Luddites in England will not dare to come forward in the open Field—The Obstacles to Revolution are yet considerable – and the Parliamentary Pioneers of Faction must first level these Obstacles before their Rebellion can be waged with any prospect of Success—It is their Plan & will incessantly be attempted to [prostrate] the Barriers of the Constitution—considering wisely enough though in a bad Cause—that the Capture of the Citadel will be sooner & more easily accomplished by breaking Ground & maintaining Batteries at the shortest distance from it.—

I remain [etc]
Ra: Fletcher

To John Beckett Esqr

23rd June 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher informs the Home Office about links between Huddersfield & Manchester

Bolton 23 June 1812

Dear Sir

The following Extract from B’s weekly report I think it proper to transmit

“Subscriptions are set on foot to relieve the 38 men committed from Manchester last Week — and also for the Relief of their Families. The Citizens say that the ablest Council in the Kingdom are returned to defend them — amongst whom are Scarlett—Williams—Brougham & Halley.

A Delegate from Glasgow past through Manchester on Tuesday 17th instant he is for London and says that the People think the time long & some of them are impatient for a Start whilst others relax in their Efforts as believing the Business cannot be done this Season—They have (taken in 40 miles round Glasgow) 56,000 men who can be depended on. He lamented the Blow given to the Cause by the Manchester Apprehensions & Commitments, as the then intended Petitioning might have united the Whole of the Country. He declined giving his address—but his Name is Robinson. He is about 5 feet 4 Inches high—dark complexion His nose rather sharp, about 40 years of age—dressed in Blue, with short Boots. He expects to return in Twelve days intending to pass through Leeds and to stop a day or two there if possible, and should cause Information to be sent to our Town such as is necessary to be known.”

B acquaints me that the Huddersfield Luddites—according to their Delegates report – have 300 Stand of arms in one depot and 225 Stand in another – also 9 Blunderbusses – and a vast (or abundance) of Pistols, which last they keep by them for an Emergency. When a General meeting takes place among them, he said, it consists of Captains of Hundred – and Commanders of Thousands—and these when sent on any Delegacy are sworn to Secrecy & to do their duty to the best of their power—There men are regularly classed in a thousand each—and Seven of such Classes to constitute a Legion—They (viz the Huddersfield Luds) will pay their Subscriptions towards defraying the Expenses of defending the Prisoners at Lancaster. B is directing his endeavours to discover the Depots before alluded to—and untill I receive his particular Communication in this respect – I think it will be unnecessary to mention it to General Maitland, but as soon as any probable Situation where these arms are collected can be ascertained I will lose not a moment in making the Information known to him according to your directions as contained in your last—I conveyed Job Fletchers declaration to the General on Saturday last—

My principal motive for troubling yourself this Communication – was to describe Robinson the Glasgow delegates person that if he could be recognized & watched to his hiding place in London it might be possible to grasp at the persons who compose the superior Committee there & their place of meeting

I have [etc]
Ra: Fletcher

To John Beckett Esqr

22nd June 1812: The weaver, Humphrey Yarwood, writes a statement for John Lloyd

As the Stockport Solicitor John Lloyd had informed the Home Office on Sunday 21st June 1812, the weaver and former Secretary of the Manchester Secret Committee, Humphrey Yarwood, had been left with paper, pen and ink to expand upon the information Lloyd had managed to extract from him previously.

He had been in custody for 5 days, and had been visited by figures such as Holland Watson, a Lancashire Magistrate and General Maitland. We do not know exactly what Lloyd did with Yarwood, but on the 22nd June, he wrote out a thorough confession of activities he had been involved in for the past few months.

The 'statement' itself is broadly similar to Lloyd's 'memorandum' of his conversation with Yarwood 3 days earlier. Once again, Yarwood makes John Buckley Booth the main protagonist of the whole affair, even going to far as to imply that he, the Secretary of the Secret Committee, did not play an active part it at the behest of Booth. The 'statement' then proceeds to go through the meetings and events of the past two months in much detail - indeed, this document forms a great deal of what we know about the transactions of the Committees in Manchester.

Yarwood mentions John Bent, Colonel Fletcher's spy 'B' on more than one occasion, corroborating what 'B' wrote in his reports to Fletcher. Yarwood makes it clear that Bent had stopped visiting him recently, and consequently he was not clear how involved he was in the petitioning in Manchester - Yarwood said that Bent had implied to him that he believed petitioning was a way to involve many more people than was previously possible, even if the objectives remained the same.

Yarwood had seemingly exhausted his recollections with this lengthy and literary statement, and no other desposition from him appears in the Home Office records. His fate was confirmed a few days later by John Lloyd.

11th June 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher writes to the Home Office about supporters of the Luddites

Bolton le moors - 11 June 1812

Dear Sir/

Since my return from the Special Assizes at Lancaster—the Training of such of the Companies of the Bolton Local under my Command as had not completed their Duty before in consequence of the Call of the Magistrates & Deputy Lieutenantcy – hath so much occupied my Time & attention in addition to magistrates Duties—as to have hitherto prevented me from writing.

The results of the Trials Government will have received from other Hands—it appeared to me and to all those I conversed with at Lancaster that the Evidence as given in Court – both in the Capital Charges & those not Capital would have fully justified a Jury in finding many others guilty, even in relation to those committed from this place—but in relation to those men committed from Manchester charged with setting fire to Mr Burtons House at Middleton – then acquitted excited almost universal Indignation and the Foreman (Mr Ewart a Merchant of Liverpool and Roscowite) who persuaded the other eleven of the Jury to join him in such acquittal – was himself (as I am credibly informed,) so stung with regret at the Verdict – that he decamped from Lancaster the Morning after without asking Leave—The Consequences of this Verdict might have been of the most fatal Kind – had not the Grand Jury found another Bill for a misdemeanor for the same offence which will have the Effect to detain them unless they find Sureties to buy the Traverse.

Four for Capital offences & Ten for simple Felony committed from Bolton received the appropriate Sentences – Several that we had strong Evidence against were never taken — and a person of the Name of Lyon against whom a Bill of Indictment had been found for attending an unlawful meeting on the 8 April – & who had found Bail, traversed and will be tried at some future assizes—He, it is, who spoke to General Lud, in relation to finding mercy “that on application to him by 3 of the Committee he would take them to an independent Gentleman who would furnish money for so noble a Cause.”—I observed that there is a considerable anxiety in some of the disaffected respecting this Lyon—& I suspect that they entertain Fears of his Babbling. It is of Importance in my opinion that his Prosecution should be carried on at the proper time—The Witnesses for the Crown–both these employed by us previously and those who only came forwards after being apprehended – exceeded my Expectations—and one Hulme (a Partner in the Bleaching House of Cooke & Hume) seems strongly implicated in the Guilt of formenting these seditious movements—He has discharged from his Employ all that have given Evidence for the Crown—and this will I trust lead to further discoveries of his Transactions—He once (as formerly commented) sat as Chairman of a seditious meeting at Manchester—and about 2 years ago on occasion of some discontent amongst the Working Bleachers employed by him – he told them that he would raise their Wages 3 [pence] a week if they would stand by him and they would together could put an end to all Taxation

On the subject of General Lud – which was much talked of by his Workmen in his presence – he told them they might go to Arthur Holden who would take them to him (General Lud) – and several went accordingly to Holden who took them to nocturnal meeting at which several were sworn – or twisted.

I enclose you Bs last report—I believe he is now at Liverpool on a Visit to the Liverpool delegate—probably something important may be learnt from that Quarter

I also inclose an address to Cotton Weavers delivered to Stones by one Beckett (a person who has escaped) previous to his administering to him the oath. I am not quite certain that I may not have transmitted a Copy before.

I also enclose you Adjutant James Warrs Account of Expenses incurred by him, which although they may appear considerable, I trust you will think well laid out.

I return, as you requested, Mr Chippendales Letter. We have corresponded on the occasion, and I apprehend the person he alludes to should he come forward, may carry useful Information; at present he is on a journey and nothing decisive can be arranged untill his return and then I will communicate what may seem deserving of Notice

In respect to the effect of which the late Prosecutions may have on the minds of the disaffected, I apprehend they will be to a very considerable degree salutary, if followed up in the adjoining West Riding of Yorkshire. All accounts concur in stating the dangerous Nature of the Proceedings in & about Huddersfield—Mr Radcliffe, a magistrate residing in the Neighbourhood, and who was Foreman of the Lancaster Grand Jury, informs me that the Seditious have succeeded to that Degree to intimidate the Loyal Part of that Neighbourhood - that no Witness chose to come forward with Testimony

This is a dreadful State of Society and whose remedy to apply does not appear easy to discover; but should the Seizure of Arms by the Rebels proceed I fear that nothing short of martial Law will avail in that neighbourhood to put a stop to such daring Outrages.

In this Town of Bolton the Jacobins mutter Revenge against the Witnesses and some anonymous Papers and been placarded to the same Effect, but I trust they will be prevented from putting their Threats in Execution; and if we discover the authors of them we shall certainly require good Bail or otherwise commit them.

I have taken the Liberty to draw for the Balance of the [illegible] account—in a Bill at Seven days Sight payable to Mr Abraham Winterbottom. And I have the Honor to be

[etc]Ra: Fletcher

To John Beckett Esqr

7th June 1812: The Manchester spy 'B' meets a Liverpool delegate and hears of soldiers taking the Luddite oath in Mottram

Colonel Fletcher's spy in Manchester, 'B' aka John Bent, submitted another report ending on Sunday 7th June 1812.

On 2nd June, Bent had been present at a meeting of committee of trades at the Elephant public house on Tib Street. The resolutions that had been published in a handbill were to be published in the Statesman newspaper, and the group had sent money to facilitate this. The next meeting would be due the following Thursday at 8 p.m.

On 4th June, Bent had met a delegate from Liverpool and they spent 2 hours discussing activity in Manchester. The Liverpool delegate thought that petitioning for peace and parliamentary reform was not bold enough. He revealed that the Liverpool committee had links with Ireland and could call on 4,000 men in the area should they be needed. The delegate was called John Bates and worked at the Salthouse Dock - Bent invited him to the next committee meeting, his intention being to become involved with the Liverpool Committee.

Although the Manchester Committee met that night, little business was conducted as they were still awaiting the resolutions being printed in the Statesman. The following day, Committee members tried to get a local printer to put them into a handbill - both Cowdroy & Wheeler refused, but a printer called Plant agreed to print 1000 copies.

At 1.00 p.m. on Sunday 7th, Bent attended a meeting at the Gate pub on Ashton Road, which was attended by 37 other delegates from towns and villages around Manchester. There was talk of a general strike by weavers for the 10th, but Bent played his part of a true reactionary in denying any plans existed and called for sticking to the program of petitioning and peaceable behaviour. Bent's call was met with some resistance - some delegates pointed out the people could not bear the oppression that existed and would not do so whilst they were able to take action. A delegate from Mottram said that they had gone as far as succeeding to twist-in members of the Scotch Greys, with one delegate going to their barracks for this purpose, and that members of the local Watch & Ward Committee had openly chastised the Greys for drinking with local people.

Bent related that the general feeling was that local committees would continue to meet and further their own plans whatever was resolved in Manchester.

The next meeting of the Committee of trades was scheduled for 8.00 p.m. on Thursday 11th June at the Elephant on Tib Street.

18th May 1812: The Manchester spy, John Bent, files his latest report for Colonel Fletcher

On Monday 18th May 1812, Colonel Fletcher's spy 'B' (aka John Bent), finished another report for his master.

On 12th May, Bent had met a delegate called Taylor from Newcastle-under-Lyme from Staffordshire. Taylor brought the usual tale of high numbers of those 'twisted-in' and weapons ready to be used: he told Bent that 7000 men were sworn-in and they had 2380 guns, pistols and swords. Others were ready with Pikes. Irish delegates were passing through the town, bringing the usual news about hundreds of thousands being ready, that had been a feature of Bent's reports for months. Bent described Taylor as being 5'7" tall with a dark complexion, of slender build with dark eyes, a bold speaker, 'hath a good utterance' and dressed 'genteel' in black, wearing boots.

Bent had met another man from Huddersfield. He told Bent that all the local Croppers were twisted-in to an oath along similar lines they already knew about, but with the following difference:

they are to helpe haid & asist to the best of their power & ability in destroying all Mechenery who May be determental to them or deemed so and Bound to keep the secerit at the forfit of their life

Bent went on to say of the Huddersfield Croppers that "it is impossable to stop them at present".

Bent then related how the Committees in Manchester had now done all that they could to move away from machine-breaking and assassination. He related how the weavers had even stopped twisting-in, mainly because there had been a dispute between them and the spinners, tailors and shoemakers committees. Things were so bad that the spinners had stopped paying subscriptions.  The head of the weavers secret committee, John Buckley Booth, had sent his wife to the head of the spinners to demand payment, threatening to hand himself in to the authorities and to tell all if subscriptions were not paid up. The reply sent back was that Booth should 'do his worst'. In the meantime, the weavers' secret committee had destroyed their papers, fearing they were compromised. Bent gave a description of Buckley Booth: 5'4" tall, thin, 'tallow complexion' and an ex-dissenting preacher.

Bent believed that these three committees would not be allowed to send delegates to the Committee of Trades meetings and the different direction this group was now taking - that of petitioning for peace and parliamentary reform. He reported that despite the occupation of the area by the military and the other measures in place that the spinners, tailors, shoemakers, bricklayers, fustian cutters, joiners and other trades still met at least once a week.

That day, the 18th, Bent had attended a meeting of trades, to take forward the petition for peace and parliamentary reform. Delegates attended from Huddersfield, Saddleworth, Glodwick, Hollinwood, Ashton, Audenshaw, Denton, Stalybridge, Stockport & Manchester. The meeting lasted 6 hours and passed 5 resolutions: all agreed to the wording of the petition, which was read out. The committees from Saddleworth and Stalybridge funded the printing costs, contributing £1, 11 shillings and 6 pence. Bent himself was again elected to the role of treasurer and gave receipts. Bent promised to send Fletcher copies of the petition and resolutions as soon as he could.

Bent ended his report by stating that the drowned militia Sergeant Moore was an informer who had been found out. He had been working undercover for a Colonel Taylor.

23rd April 1812: The Manchester spy John Bent reports on riots, a new role and a delegate from Birmingham

On Thursday 23d April 1812, the spy 'B' aka John Bent filed another report for Colonel Ralph Fletcher.

On the 18th, he had received a letter from someone called Mann in Leeds, who related to him the 'mischief' done in that area by the Luddites, who could not be stopped by the military or civil authorities. On the same day, Bent met with people he knew from Royton, Oldham, Saddleworth & Stockport who reported their 'high glee' about the food riot in Manchester that day, and noting that since the riot at the Manchester Exchange buildings ten days ago, a different cast of political characters were now active.

On Sunday 19th, Bent had attended a meeting with many of the heads of District Committees and discussed organisational matters such as leadership and the payment and collection of subscriptions

On Monday 20th, Bent had been at the Manchester Executive Committee meeting in Ardwick, and had been elected treasurer of that body, promising to let Fletcher know 'all the particulars'. Bent had heard reports that there were 4 men from London who were purporting to be from a committee, but people were wary because they were answering any of the agreed signs that identified committee members to each other.

Bent also said that he had heard that someone who had been arrested at Stockport recently who may have revealed to the authorities who he was in contact with. Bent pointed out to Fletcher that there were many others active in the Stockport area, and the loss of one activist would not spell the end of the Committee there.

On the 23rd April, Bent had met a delegate from Birmingham who was making a short stop in Manchester, ultimately heading to Glasgow via Preston and Carlisle. The delegate said that 3000 were twisted-in in Birmingham, and that they could lay their hands on within 1 or 2 days if summoned. Bent did not know his name but said that his number was 457, and described him as 'stout' with a dark complexion and hessian boots.

Bent ended his report on a note of concern about the 'dangerous' situation he was in, and trusted Fletcher to make arrangements for him so that he would be secure.

22nd April 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher updates the Home Office on the situation in Bolton

Bolton le moors April 22. 1812

Sir

On monday night 20th instant I just gave you an hasty minute of the proceedings of the Seditious (the mail not allowing time for any detailed account.)

On Saturday 18th instant I received Information of intended assembly to take place at 10 o’Clock PM in a Field near my own House, at which were expected to attend from 200 to 300 Persons, who were to march from thence in 3 divisions, one of which was to assail my House, the second to burn Mr. Thos Ainsworths house and Warehouse and the 3d to do the same by Mr Hewitts; and the disaffected from Chowbent, with the aid of a Delegate from hence, were at the same Time to burn down a Weaving Factory in Westhoughton about 5 miles from this Place on the Wigan Road. I apprized the several Persons thus intended to be injured and furnished Guards of our Local, under the direction of our Adjutant James Warr, introduced into the several Places are secretly as possible. I requested Captain Bullen of the Greys & he promptly consented to attend us every assistance.

It was necessary that these Horse, in order to be at Westhoughton, should muster & leave Bolton soon after 10 to enable them to reach at the expected Hour (11). This matter of the Cavalry alarmed the seditious Leaders and deterred them from attempting the Execution of the whole of their plans.—Some 30 or 40 mustered in the said field who were soon however ordered to repair to Dean Moor (another Situation 2 Miles distant) where the General caused them to pass in Review (about 11 o'Clock) by their several Companies of tens (altogether short of 100) he holding a Pistol in one Hand and a Pike in the other, and asking the several persons as they passed, if they had any [such], to shew them (meaning the Pistol). Some had Pistols and shewed them – others who had not said they had none. The General ordered the Captain to muster their several men after the Business should be over to see their Punctuality. They then were moved off the Parade Ground towards Chowbent a Village 5 Miles from hence on the Warrington Road—and as they went – they met with a Serjeant of the Local under my Command, of the Name of Bowden whom they compelled to be twisted or sworn before they would let him go. (This circumstance, notwithstanding the Disguise will probably enable us to bring Conviction home to many of them, as we had several Confidents present, some of whom will I doubt now be able to identify, both the Person who administered the oath & also many of those who were present and aiding therein.)—Only two persons joined before they arrived at Chowbent—though the General had expected 300 who when joined together were to have undertaken the destruction of the Westhoughton Factory aforesaid; but finding themselves disappointed it was proposed by someone of the Company to break the Church Windows – which however was declined – and after giving 3 Cheers and firing off 3 Pistols they were ordered to disperse. Several of them had their Faces blacked.

A Part in returning passed the House of the Revd James Hampson (a magistrate) alarming him & his family by firing off 3 pistols near his door at about 2 oClock A:M of Monday—making use of threatening Words at the same time—but doing no other mischief. In the Interval I had taken a party of 36 Local towards Westhoughton – to intercept any Stragglers – but they having passed along Byeways eluded us.

Cavalry & Infantry returned to Town about 5 AM, or 8 AM. Crowds assembled & intimidated several Farmers to sell their articles at reduced Prices, but this continued but a short time as the military were ordered out & assembled to protect the market—and it being necessary that the Greys should have some respite from duty – it was deemed proper to request the Yeomanry Cavalry under Major Pilkington to assemble, which they immediately did.

About 7 oClock PM – considerable Crowds collected on the sides of the Streets, and it being apprehended that some Violence would be attempted were they suffered to remain—I read the Riot Act, and ordered the Military to disperse the People, and the Civil Officers to clear the Public Houses – both which was done in about 20 Minutes – and the Town appeared to be quiet until Ten PM—when an alarm of Fire was given and the Greys were again mustered.—Some Incendiaries, or persons unknown, and set Fire to an Hay Rick, the property of Mr Joseph Ridgway, Half of which was saved by the Exertions of the military & others.

Yesterday the 21st instant a few Hundred assembled about 8 AM—who disturbed the Town by their Shouts but did not however venture on any further mischief at this time—at midnight another Alarm of Fire was given and the civil officers (a Part of whom have constantly been on duty for several days past) proceeded to the Spot, which proved to be a Shed on Rope Walk.—Our Confidential Men have assured me that it was set on Fire by the Seditious—and that their settled Plan is – by Firing in Secret to distract the Peace of the Country.

A person of the Name of Clarke was seen to carry Implements of the Rope Manufactory & throw them into the Fire and as his account of himself before the Magistrates is so inconsistent & contradictory—and we entertaining no doubt of his being concerned in the Firing of said Shed – we have committed him to Lancaster & bound over the Witnesses to appear against him.

From all these threatening appearances in this [diversion] and the actual Bloodshed in Middleton near Manchester (of which you will doubtless have received an account from other magistrates)—and from the plundering in various places within 6 or 8 miles, it has been deemed proper by the 3 magistrates here assembled this day to strengthen the military Force, (without calling upon Government for more regulars) by ordering out 132 men of the Local Regiment under my Command (which 132 are now actually assembled on duty) being 10 Private & one Corporal per Company), which added to the permanent Staff of said Regiment about 20, and to 50 men of the different recruiting parties in this Town who have been furnished with spare Local arms – will make our Infantry Force about 200, & which together with Captain Bullens Greys (60) & Major Pilkingtons Yeomanry (40) – will, I trust, under providence be sufficient to resist any attempt of the Revolutionists in respect to open Force.

The Local having assembled on several occasions previously to the legal order of this day, I presume, if their Services cannot be charged, in the regular pay of the Regiment, yet then I may be permitted to remunerate them from some other Source.

Our Quarter wishes me to request to know how he must draw for the subsistence of the men ordered out for the by the magistrates as aforesaid.

The Execution of the Watch & Ward Act, (as you will have been informed), has been determined upon within the Hundred of Salford, containing nearly one Half of the Population of this County. It meets the general approbation of all loyal persons of Property, and although the Tumults that have occasioned its Enactment have much to be lamented, yet by exciting the Indolent to Exertion, Good may eventually result to the Country from it.

B: is got into a Confidential Situation. He acquaints me that Intimidation is the principal Trust of the Revolutionisis anonymous threatening Letters &c &c and he is induced to think that there are some so desperate as to undertake private assassination &c

You will excuse this long Epistle—I have missed the Mail – & this will be a day later than its date imports. I have the Honor to be

Sir
Your most Obed Servant

Ra: Fletcher

[To] John Beckett Esq

21st April 1812: Attack on Burton's Mill at Middleton - Day 2

After the disorder and resulting slaughter that had taken place at Middleton in the daytime on Monday, in the evening the crowd had not just gone home quietly. The Leeds Mercury reported that "Monday night was occupied with rallying ... scattered forces and obtaining an accession of strength".

Samuel Bamford proceeded early to his job in Manchester, thereby missing what was to come.

Early on Tuesday 21st, the crowds had gathered again, only this time they were out in greater numbers. They had been augmented by a large number of Colliers from Hollinwood and Saddleworth, some of whom were carrying shotguns, and most of whom had brought their pickaxes. At 10.00 a.m. that morning, these men had called at the arms depot of the Oldham Local Militia, with the Adjutant William Chippindale had again anticipated an assault on the building, and although the crowd collected there had looked like they would mount an assault, they again changed their minds and instead looted gun powder from nearby shops, before proceeding to Middleton. Others with them carried all kinds of weapons, even scythes mounted on poles.

Scouting parties had detected the presence of the military at Burton's mill and whilst a presence was kept up outside it, other tactics were employed. The houses of some of those workers who had decided to side with Burton and against their class the previous day, and were not at home now, had their houses plundered of furniture, which was then piled up in the streets and set alight. Bamford said that "In this manner the furniture of one cottage at Back-o'th'-brow, and that of two others at the Club houses was destroyed." The Colliers from Oldham and Hollinwood used their tools to destroy the end wall of one such house, and we know the names of three of Burton's assassins whose homes were attacked: Benjamin Cooke, James Kay and Edward Taylor. The Colliers were next called away to nearby Rhodes to help out with another plan about to be implemented.

Emanuel Burton's house, a mansion called Park House at Parkfield, had been abandoned by the family after the happenings of the previous day. At 1.00 p.m, a crowd of 200 people proceeded to comprehensively loot it, as Bamford describes:

"the mob immediately ransacked the cellars and larder, the younger ones crunching lumps of loaf sugar or licking out preserve jars, whilst the older hands tapped the beer barrels and the spirit bottles, or devoured the choice but substantial morsels of the pantry or store-room. This part of the business having been accomplished, the work of destruction commenced, and nearly every article of furniture was irretrievably broken."

Bamford goes on to describe how, inside the house, two "dark-haired and handsomely formed" "Amazonian damsels" called Clem and Nan, apparently the daughters of an old weaver who lived on the outskirts, then escalated the matter:

"Come," said one to the other, “let's put a finish to this job,” and taking up a shred which lay on the floor, she lighted it at the fire which had been left burning in the grate. In a moment the sofa was on fire; the sofa set the curtains in a blaze, and sofa and curtains communicated the flames to the floor and window, and at the expiration of probably half an hour not a beam nor a board remained unconsumed in the whole building.

The Lancaster Gazette later stated the damage to be around £2000, which included the barn and stables (a week later, the Hereford Journal raised this to £3000). The crowd waited until the roof had fallen in and then proceeded another quarter of a mile. They had the same fate in mind for the home of Daniel Burton, at nearby Rhodes, and demanded meat and drink from those in the house. Apparently, they spent 90 minutes eating and drinking, and managed to consume 2 barrels of ale kept in the house.The crowd gathered around it was eventually dispersed by the returned Scots Greys, who Colonel Clay at Manchester had dispatched at about 2.00 p.m., and no damage was done.

It seemed that in certain parts of Manchester, word had got out about Middleton, and some were prepared to lend a hand. Colonel Fletcher's spy John Bent, reported that he had heard that the same afternoon, up to 427 mainly Irish workers in the Boardman Square district, many armed with pistols and swords, were prepared to head to Middleton, but were held back by their 'leaders'.

Both William Chippindale and the Lieutenant Colonel John Lees of the Oldham Local Militia went on to recount to the Home Office other activities apparently being conducted in Middleton that day. They described how a number of "revolutionary Jacobins" were about town wherever there were large numbers of people as well as in all the public houses. They were equipped with large ruled sheets of paper, at the top of which was an illegal oath, and they were collecting names of those who wished to take part in a rising against government on the 4th May. However it is hard to find these accounts convincing, especially as they seem motivated to procure military aid fearing similar occurences in Oldham as had taken place in Middleton and other towns.

Colonel Clay later reported to the Home Office that the crowd outside Burton's mill
quickly dispersed upon the appearance of the Scots Greys, but many took up positions on higher ground as well as in the Church Yard, and those with firearms proceeded to fire on the military. After apparently having three vollies of shots directed at them in this way the Cumberland Militia set about returning fire, killing several people. The Greys then proceeded to "clear every point they occupied", killing and wounding even more. Samuel Bamford again described some of the victims and how they died:

"A man named John Nield, from Oldham, was shot through the body by one of the Greys whilst attempting to escape near Alkrington Hall; another man was shot by one of the Greys, and left for dead, near Tonge Lane; a woman, also, who was looking through her own window, was fired at by another of the same party, and a bullet went through her arm. But a Serjeant of the Militia earned deathless execration by shooting an old man, named Johnson, from Oldham. Johnson had never been nearer to the mob or the factory than the Church public house, where he had sat in the kitchen with the family, and had smoked his pipe and drunk a glass or two of ale. Towards evening, when it was supposed that all the disturbance was over, he strolled into the churchyard, and was standing with his hands in his coat pockets, reading the inscription on a grave-stone at the steeple end, when a Serjeant and private of the Militia, having ascended the Warren, caught sight of him from mongst the trees; the Serjeant went down on one knee, levelled, fired, and killed the old man dead, the ball passing through his neck."

The Leeds Mercury said that in addition to these deaths, "a great number" were wounded. William Chippindale attested that "the country about Middleton is strewed with killed and wounded." 17 people were arrested.

By 6.00 p.m. the crowds had dispersed.

Heading home from Manchester, Samuel Bamford described what he saw "individuals on the road who were returning to Manchester with fragments of picture frames and mahogany goods in their hands."

It is hard to establish the true number of dead. A week later, the Times said that the toll was 12 dead and between 60-100 wounded. This is unsurprising given another statistic quoted in the same paper - that between 2000-3000 rounds of ammunition had been fired by the military.

But is possible to piece together other names of the dead and statistics about them which seem to have been missed from the most regularly referred to works. The Morning Chronicle of 28th April adds Thomas Jackson, 20 year-old a hatter from Oldham and John Johnson, a joiner.

The Chronicle also adds a weaver called John Sudwell of Ratcliff (i.e. Radcliffe), but this may be the same man named by Bamford, if spelled slightly differently (Bamford has John Siddall of Radcliffe Bridge). The same publicaton also has a Daniel Knott from Oldham, rather than Bamford's David Knott, a 21 year-old glazier. Again, it could be a different man. The Chronicle also informs us that the George Albison mentioned by Bamford was called Albinson, a 19 year-old weaver.

Regarding the wounded, the Chronicle reported that a week later, the only person who could be "ascertained with certainty" was a weaver called James Taylor, son of an Abraham Taylor of Oldham, and that he was believed to be mortally wounded at that time. But this contrasts with the Times dramatic figures, likely to be true given the number of rounds of ammunition fired. The Derby Mercury of 30th April had 27 wounded, 9 of them 'very severely'.

On the 29th April, the Hereford Journal reported that "a number of dead bodies had been found in the adjoining woods" (Prentice says that 2 were found there), and gave a new death toll of between 25 and 30 people. All of this was after the Coroner's inquest, which took place only a day after the second attack of the Mill, on Wednesday 22nd April and found that the slaughter was 'justifiable homicide'.

Writing at 11.00 p.m. on the 21st, Colonel Clay reported to the Home Office that "none of the military were hurt". Given the toll exacted on the people of Middleton, one can only add more's the pity.

The next day, the Burton's issued a notice: "D. Burton and Sons have determined not to work their looms any more."

And so the objective of the weavers at Middleton was achieved, but not without further cost. Burton dismissed 400 workers, many of whom subsequently left the town within a few days.

It is ironic that when we think of Luddism, the tragedy of the 2 dead men (and possibly a further 3) at Rawfolds in West Yorkshire always springs to mind. But what occurred at Middleton over those 2 days was of an order of magnitude that is, by contrast, almost quietly forgotten.

The Leeds Mercury of 25th April engaged in classic Liberal hand-wringing, despairing:

"For many years the military of this country have been solely employed against our foreign enemies; but now, unfortunately, they are under the necessity of acting against their own misled countrymen, and the tranquility of the country is only imperfectly preserved even at the point of a bayonet!"

But the lesson for the authorities would be that they had to tighten their grip on the North. Contrasted with his scaremongering tales of Jacobins on the street corners making big lists of names, William Chippindale did make one salient point:

"If more military be not sent into the country, they will not be called upon to prevent it, but will be required to reconquer it."

20th April 1812: Delegate meeting of Manchester Executive Committee at Ardwick Green

The next General delegate meeting of the towns around Manchester took place on Monday 20th April. The disarray that was displayed in the convening of the meeting was reflected in what occurred later at the meeting itself, and against the backdrop of widespread & escalating disorder in the North West. It would also herald the beginning of the end of the system that had been maintained up until that point by the committees of trades. We know about the meeting because of two sources: the weaver, Humphrey Yarwood, and Colonel Fletcher's spy, 'B' alias John Bent.

John Buckley Booth, of the Manchester Secret Committee, felt that it was not safe for him to attend at the original intended Venue, the King's Arms at Oldfield Lane, Salford. He suggested to another Secret Committee member, George Royles, that delegates should be directed to the Shakespeare at Ardwick Green and deputised him to go to the King's Arms and direct people there. Yarwood said that Royles did not stay long enough to direct all the delegates, and several who had arrived at the public house a 3.00 p.m. did not know where the meeting was. One of them, the treasurer of the Spinners committee called Burslem, took some delegates with him to Yarwood's house to make enquiries, who directed them to assemble at the Plough in New Islington for 4.00 p.m. where he would meet them and inform them where to finally go.

Meanwhile, according to Bent, Buckley Booth had convened some of the delegates at a public house in John Street, Ancoats before adjourning to the 'Place & Park' in New Islington. They were proceeding to business when the pub was entered by a party of Special Constables & some Scots Greys, who proceeded to clear the room. It's likely that they moved onto the Prince Regent's Arms in Ancoats, as that is where Yarwood caught up with them later in his efforts to find out the final meeting place.

When the meeting was eventually convened at the Shakespeare later that evening, Buckley Booth was surprised at the numbers of delegates present. Bent reported to Colonel Fletcher that delegates came from Saddleworth, Ashton-under-Lyne, Newton, Droylsden, Hollinwood, Stockport, Withington, Northenden, Stretford, Urmston, Eccles, Worsley & Astley Green. Yarwood heard that delegates were also present from Stalybridge and even Huddersfield. It is notable that that there was no delegate from Bolton that night, something that Bent pointed our to Colonel Fletcher in his report. Bent was not to know that the Bolton delegates to the previous meeting, John Stones and Waddington, had been traversing the countryside around Bolton and Atherton in the early hours of that morning.

The meeting set to business, and elected Bent as treasurer. Colonel Fletcher's spy now had a firm foothold in the regional organisation, and presumably access to personal details of the delegates.

But Buckley Booth was dismayed that the town of Manchester itself could not raise enough subscriptions to support it's own Committee, and proposed that the town should drop out of the association altogether. The meeting was to be rescheduled for just over a fortnight's time, 4th May at 11.00 a.m. in the Three Crowns at Failsworth, when subscriptions would be due. The proposal was to use the subscriptions to fund a delegate to travel to London. Following the disorder that had taken place in and around Manchester that day and the days before, there was an agreement to recommend that the people 'be peaceable' and that anyone involved in rioting would not be twisted-in.

A sign and countersign were agreed, and noted later by Bent in his report to Colonel Fletcher:

The sign to be admitted is: to clasp the forefinger of the right-hand into the right eye; the answer by the left in the same manner.

17th April 1812: Colonel Fletcher's Manchester spy, John Bent, meets an Irish Rebel, Patrick Cannovan

On Friday 17th April, Colonel Ralph Fletcher's spy in Manchester, the cotton dealer John Bent or 'B' submitted another report.

Two days earlier, he had met with a man called Smith from Northenden. Smith was an activist who had been travelling as far as Congleton to further 'the business', and his group was receiving help from Stockport and were familiar with the use of arms.

Bent remarked that he felt the country was in a bad state: people openly damned the government, and that discontent was widespread, so much so that no one is surprised when such sentiments are expressed.

On the 16th, he had met a man called Eastwood from Burnley. Eastwood had observed that 'jacks' (i.e. Jacobins) were beginning to take an interest in affairs given the atmosphere. He and Bent discussed the situation at Accrington, noting that many of the 'bad set' of shawl printers in that town had left because business was so bad. They had gone to Scotland, where the trade was less mechanised.

At 7.00 p.m., Bent was passed a note, informing him that the Irish delegate, Patrick Cannovan, had arrived in Stockport, and he made his way there to meet him. They met with some others at an un-named public house on Edward Street, and Cannovan proceeded to relate to them his travels in Scotland and Ireland and dealings with underground Committees in Belfast and Glasgow. He related the numbers enrolled in 'the business' in each town that he learned about and spoke about the Belfast Committee in details and at length. The committee gave Cannovan £6 towards his expenses and pledged their support for anything that might occur in England.

Bent stayed at his sister's overnight, and went to meet Cannovan again the next day, this time alone. They met at the Brown Bull on Hillgate, and talked in detail about Cannovan's dealing with a secret Committee in Dublin, who pledged their support for fellow Committees in England and Scotland. They talked of how the authorities in Ireland had seized arms and how they were hard to come by, which meant that Dublin castle would have to be seized to gain control. The Dublin Committee were so impressed with Cannovan that they gave him a silver medal with the word 'integrity' emblazoned on it. They met in a 'genteel house' on St Stephen's Green in the city where 'no one would suspect' them.

Cannovan told Bent he was due to leave for London on Monday 20th and planned to travel via Birmingham and return via Derby to take in as many towns as he cold before returning to Stockport.

In his report, Bent described Cannovan as "one of the dengerst men I heaver was with in all the that I have Been Concerned with", and revealed he had been an officer under General Holt in the 1798 rebellion in Ireland. He gave a physical description too: he stood 5 feet 10 inches high, with a wound on his left arm above the elbow, which he had shown to Bent. He was aged about 40, had a dark complexion, dark eyes and was slender, with a genteel appearance and a sharp nose, well-dressed in Black with Hessian boots. Bent said he spoke good English and was "free from the Irish Twang as maney of the Irish Make use of in their discors".

7th April 1812: Manchester Secret Committee members borrow money from the spy 'B'

On the evening of 6th April, the Manchester Executive Committee had cancelled the plans of the General Delegate Committee to launch attacks on factories in the surrounding towns over the following week. After the meeting had broken up, two members of the Secret Committee that had been delegated to inform Bolton & Stockport - George Royles & George Haworth - had approached another member, the weaver Humphrey Yarwood, explaining that they could not afford to travel.

Yarwood had reminded Royles and Howarth of someone present at the meeting who had the means to make them a loan. He asked them to call on him the following morning and they would visit the man tomorrow.

The next day, Yarwood took Royles and Howarth to the warehouse of a John Bent, apparently a buyer and seller of cotton waste, and a well-known face at both public and secret meetings of weavers, spinners and those of other trades.

Bent agreed to lend Royles and Howarth sufficient money to fund their trips out to Stockport and Bolton. He had to get change for a £10 note, and when he returned he gave them 19 shillings each. They agreed terms of repayment - Bent was flexible, but wanted regular payments whatever period they chose. The men agreed to repay the money within a month.

The 3 men then went to meet the other member of the Secret Committee, John Buckley Booth, at the Prince Regent's Arms, where he gave them the tickets that would enable them to meet & converse with the Secret Committees at Bolton and Stockport and they made the trips out the same day.

The three men were not to know that the cotton trader John Bent was in fact Colonel Fletcher's spy 'B'. We know this because 'B's' report to Fletcher of the 7th April mentioned their visit:

"three of they Committee Came to me to Borrow one pound I lent them 19 shillings they will pay me in the Cors of a month"