[4th] November 1816: William Sherbrooke responds to General Fane's denial of troops for Nottinghamshire

Oxton November 1816—

Sir,

I have this moment the honor of your letter, which I shall have an opportunity of laying before the Magistrates assembled in Sessions on Monday next. The Magistrates requested that a small Military Guard might be placed in the House of Industry, as they had reason to apprehend that an attack would be made upon it, they had previously sworn in a great number of Special Constables, in the Parishes of Basford and Bulwell; on the confines of which it is placed; but so remote from the Villages, that there was a reason to apprehend that the Building might be demolished before an adequate Civil force could be collected: a Special Constable is always in the House & there are Magistrates within a few Miles who would attend with all possible expedition upon the first alarm—

The Military force was requested as an auxiliary to, not as a substitute for the civil Power.—The Watch and Ward Act will be put in force on Saturday next which I hope will prevent the Nocturnal Meetings of the Depredators & that a Military Guard will no longer be no longer necessary—I must take this opportunity Sir, of requesting your attention to a point of Law in which I have reason to believe that I differ (tho’ with great deference) from your opinion & that of the Secretary of State I apprehend that according to the Constitution of this Country, every Man is enjoyned whatever his profession to be aiding, assisting & abetting in taking any Person in the commission of a felony & that when he is so employed he is protected by law the same as a Constable performing his duty

The Outrages committed in this District are Felonies and Burglaries & the Persons perpetrating them, meeting in the night with faces blacked & fire Arms differ in Crime & every material effect from a Mob assembled some political purpose or to remedy some Fancied grievance. My opinion is that if Soldiers are sent by the Civil Power to defend the Bank of England, a House of Industry, or any other Building, that they are as guiltless of Blood, upon resisting an attack as a Constable would be in firing upon any Person in the Act of destroying a Building, every other means of resistance having been previously & in vain resorted to; & tho’ no man can more highly appreciate the wholesome Laws & regulations which preserve a Constitutional Controul over the Military by the Civil Power yet I am unacquainted with any law that can prevent the Soldier from making every exertion to save the life & protect the property of his fellow Subjects—I cannot conclude Sir, without offering you my personal thanks to not withdrawing the Guard before you had a communication with the Magistrates, although the measure did not meet your approbation.

I have the honor &c
W. Sherbrooke

To
Major Genl Fane &c &c—

29th May 1816: The Home Secretary writes an approving letter to Sir Henry Bunbury

Whitehall
May ye 29th 1816.

My dear Sir,

I am much obliged to you for your Letter of ye 29th instant. The Proceedings of the Suffolk Magistrates, assembled at Bury on that Day, are perfectly satisfactory; & it is but Justice to declare that the Magistracy of that County, in one Quarter excepted, appears to have been exemplary in the highest Degree.

I am particularly glad to hear that you, Mr. Barker are henceforward to act at Brandon, & I am sure you will be both be cautious not to commit for Offences, which may take place there, except to the Gaol of the County to which the Part of Brandon, in which they may have occurr’d, belongs. I am [illegible] at the Apprehension of the five Delegates & I shall be anxious to learn the Particulars of the Evidence, which may be produced against them. It is also very satisfactory to me to know that the ill-advised Capitulation, made at Brandon, has not many Days to live.

The Evidence addressed against the Rioters, & Robbers at Ely is thought sufficient to put a considerable Number of them upon their Trials for capital Offences; if a Special Commission will accordingly be issued with all possible Despatch.

Be so good as to inform M. Genl Sir John Byng that I have been favour’d with his Letter, & that I propose writing to Him tomorrow, after I have receiv’d that which he intended sending to me by the Post of this Day. He may be assured of my entire Confidence in the Propriety of all his Arrangements.

I have the Honor to be
&c
Sidmouth

[To] Major Genl
Sir Henry Bunbury K.C.B.
&c &c &c

5th January 1816: Francis Raynes makes more desperate enquiries about his case

Having now heard nothing from the government about the possibility of a job or remuneration for his services during the Luddite disturbances for over 4 months, Francis Raynes wrote again to both the government and his former commanding officer on the same day:

Three months after [receiving the letter from Lord Sidmouth], hearing of the vacancy of a situation in the customs, and not willing to let my age become an additional difficulty in the way of remuneration, I immediately made application to the Secretary of the Treasury, and then, after waiting a considerable time longer, I once more addressed myself to the Duke of Montrose, and, likewise, to Mr. Arbuthnot. 

Fenton, 5th of January, 1816. 

SIR, 

I had the honor to address you a letter, dated 10th November, on the subject of a remuneration for my past services. I should not have taken such a liberty, had I not considered myself as having been referred to you by His Majesty’s Government. Not being honoured by a reply, I am led to infer that what I have suggested is unsuitable. 

I would not be thought troublesome or obtrusive, but, at the expiration of three years, it is natural I should wish the suspense I have been kept in terminated. 

It would, Sir, be a great relief to me, to be informed what my prospects from the Government are, and when, if ever, I may expect a realisation of them; for is, after such a lapse of time, a remuneration for acknowledged services, rendered, to use my Lord Sidmouth’s own expression, “at a very important period,” cannot be found in a country like this, all reasonable, all rational hope ought to cease. I have been compelled to throw up my commission, from feelings every one must understand, who knows the derision unfulfilled expectations ever excite; and very many other inconveniences I have been subjected to, which might have been avoided, had I not been led to expect, from Sir Thomas Maitland himself, an immediate acknowledgement. 

I am aware, Sir, that letter from individuals to men in exalted situations, are frequently thrown aside, as being too trivial to merit a reply: this I never found to be the case, when my services were required: and I trust my letters will not be classed with this description only when the reward of those services is the subject of them.  I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Respectfully, 

Your most obedient humble Servant, 

FRANCIS RAYNES. 

The Right Hon. Charles Arbuthnot, &c. &c. 

 

Fenton, 5th January, 1816. 

MY LORD DUKE, 

I regret I am again compelled to renew a subject which cannot be as unpleasant to your Grace, as it is painful to me; and I did flatter myself such circumstances might have arisen, as would have precluded me every again troubling your Grace on so worn out a theme. You have, my Lord, informed me, that you are acquainted with the existing difficulty of my remuneration being obtained. My knowledge of it, so far as to enable me to form some idea of its probable duration, would materially conduce to my interest; domestic reasons making it necessary I should not let pass an opportunity of forming a permanent establishment, unless I have a certainty very shortly of obtaining the reward for my services, but which, a much longer delay in the accomplishment, will render it of little importance to me. 

I do not, my Lord, means to fatigue you with a recapitulations of what I have so often urged. Your Grace is well acquainted with all the leading features of my case, as well as with the neglect I have experienced. Neglect I must call it, for, at the end of three years, I find myself but where Sir Thomas Maitland left me, save that I have in my possession many expression of favorable wishes. Can credulity go so far as to believe a country like this, after such a lapse of time, has nothing to bestow on acknowledged services, but favorable intentions? My services, at the time were thought of no ordinary nature, or I should not have been honoured by the marked attention I received from your Grace, in the camp at Manchester, at a period which Lord Sidmouth himself acknowledges was an important one, and which will long be remembered as critical by every inhabitant of that part of the country. 

I cannot, my Lord, help owning that may mind is sore and irritated by the treatment I have received. I do not wish to give up expectations; but the folly of much longer entertaining them, can only be equalled by resigning them, without justifying myself to the world for every having formed them. 

I have the honor to be, 

With the utmost respect, 

Your Grace’s most obedient and humble Serv. 

FRANCIS RAYNES. 

His Grace the Duke of Montrose, K. G. &c.

11th July 1815: Francis Raynes reiterates his desire to resign to the Duke of Montrose

July 11th, 1815.

MY LORD DUKE,

I had the honor to receive your Grace’s letter of the 6th inst. and have to regret that any expressions in mine of the 3d, should have appeared to your Grace, either hasty, or as intended to wound your Grace’s feelings, than which, nothing could be more distant from my wish or intent. In addressing your Grace on the subject of remuneration for my services, I have ever used the freedom of a suitor to his avowed patron; and when I reflect upon the confidence given me by Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Maitland, in the assurance of your Grace’s patronage, I did hope you would so far feel my situation, under the procrastination of hopes long encouraged, that any unguarded expression, or such as might bear an unfavourable construction, would meet your Grace’s most lenient consideration.

I beg leave to assure your Grace, that my sentiments remain unaltered; and that, however futile my hopes may have been, I shall ever gratefully acknowledge your Grace’s kind endeavours on my behalf.---Convinced that your Grace would wish to prevent discussion in the regiment, and anxious on my part, to avoid being accessory thereto, I have again to request your Grace will do me the favour to accept my resignation; nor can I doubt your Grace’s delicacy of feeling will appreciate mine, in wishing to keep aloof from that derision, which has already arisen thence from unrequited services.        I have the honor to be,

Most respectfully,
Your Grace’s obedient humble Servant,

FRANCIS RAYNES.

[To] His Grace the Duke of Montrose, &c.

3rd July 1815: Francis Raynes offers his resignation with a threat to publicise his case

3d July, 1815.

MY LORD DUKE,

Absence from home prevented my receiving your Grace’s favour of the 24th ult. Till this moment.

Were it possible I could misapprehend your Grace’s expression in respect to the barrack appointment, your letter would excite no surprise; but when I reflect that your Grace stated to me, that my Lord Liverpool had assented me to such appointment in my favour, preferable to some the reduced officers, I am precluded drawing any equivocal inference. I most perfectly accord with your Grace’s opinion, “in what is to be done, and what is eventually accomplished,” as the experience of the last two years and a half has fully taught me. Yet I would be loathe to think so uncharitably of the Earl of Liverpool or Lord Sidmouth, as to suppose they would trifle with the feeling of an individual under such circumstances; and I am to believe they would not presume to make your Grace an instrument in the furtherance of hopes which were not intended to be realised.

Your Grace will have perceived throughout, that emolument alone was not my object; but that an honourable appointment should await my services. If His Majesty’s ministers will admit my being allowed the temporary rank of Captain, and the requirement of such, it might readily relieve them from the difficulty which has so often been suggested.

Should this proposition be rejected, without a suitable remuneration, I must request your Grace will be pleased to accept my resignation; for I should not feel happy to do duty in the Stirlingshire, under existing circumstances.

It is fortunate that I have preserved every document relative to that service; and I cannot entertain a doubt that the General Officers under whom I had the honor to serve, will bear amply testimony thereof; and however reluctant I may be to make my case known to the public, yet, on retiring from the service, I feel it a duty I owe myself and my family.

I have the honor to be,
Most respectfully,
Your Grace’s obedient and humble Servant,

FRANCIS RAYNES

[To] His Grace the Duke of Montrose, &c.

3rd June 1815: Francis Raynes is concerned that he may be called back into military service

Crawford-Street, Montague Square, 3d June, 1815.

MY LORD DUKE,

I have this day received a letter (of which I have the honor to enclose a copy,) from Captain and Adjutant Campbell, the object of which I am at a loss to comprehend, and equally so to give an answer, till I be favoured with your Grace’s sentiments thereon. Were the regiment in course of service, or under actual orders to be embodied, I trust I know my duty to your Grace and the service; and that my actions would ever be in strict conformity with that duty, I am to hope your Grace is convinced by my past conduct, which I have very sufficient reason to believe has been such as to insure me the honor of your Grace’s approval.

On the 18th ultimo, I addressed a letter to my Lord Sidmouth, at the same time, enclosing one from the bench of magistrates, acting for the division of Stockport; copies of both I have the honor to transmit to your Grace. Testimonies from Generals Maitland and Acland would be conclusive. Should your Grace think my letter to Lord Sidmouth, bears a feature of petulance it ought not to wear, I trust the length of time, my present state of illness, and the disappointment of hopes long cherished, will have some weight, as an apology in your Grace’s mind, as well as in that of Lord Sidmouth.

If his Lordship conceives I have over-rated my services, in my humble opinion, it would, at least, be in his Lordship’s power to put an end to suspense, by some definitive answer.

If, my Lord, I am yet to be held in the same state of suspense, I shall still have to endure all the taunts of my brother officers, as well as those of my own relations, and I shall be compelled to join your Grace’s regiment, with all the disadvantages which must naturally result from unrequited services, or resort to the ulterior step of resignation. I have the honor to be,

My Lord Duke, most respectfully,
Your Grace’s obedient humble Servant,

FRANCIS RAYNES,
Capt. Stirlingshire, &c. Militia.

[To] His Grace the Duke of Montrose, &c. &c.

27th September 1814: The Home Secretary tells the Duke of Montrose to not encourage rewards for service

Had Captain Francis Raynes been aware of this letter from the Home Secretary to his commanding officer, his heart would have sunk: the government was already discouraging rewards and recognition for those who had served it faithfully during the Luddite disturbances.

Whitehall [illegible]
Septemr 27: 1814—

My Lord,

Upon my Return from Devonshire, I was honored with your Grace’s Letter of the 7th of Septr, with two Enclosures, consisting of a Letter, & memorial from Captain Peter Macdougal, of the Stirlingshire Regiment of Militia – And I am extremely sorry to be under the Necessity of stating to your Grace my opinion that it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to give effect to Capt. Macdougal Representation.—The Account for the Service in question has been very long since closed, and to open it again would be to afford Encouragement to others to prefer similar Applications, which could not fail to lead to Inconvenience, and Embarrassment, and which, if made at all, ought to have been brought forward at a much earlier Period after the Services had been performed.—

S. [i.e. Lord Sidmouth]

[To] His G.
The D of Montrose

2nd June 1814: The Earl of Lauderdale reassures Francis Raynes that his case will be neither 'forgot nor neglected'

Captain Francis Raynes was still doggedly pursuing a reward for his services in the West Riding & Lancashire. On Thursday 2nd June, The Earl of Lauderdale (the brother of General Maitland) sent him a letter from London:

London, June 2. [1814]

SIR,               

I lost no time on receiving your letter of the 30th, of speaking to Lord Sidmouth, on the subject of your situation and reasonable expectations, and I must do him the justice to say, that he expressed to me the greatest anxiety to have an opportunity of appointing you to some office, such as he conceived your services merited.—It is impossible to say when such an opportunity may occur; but you may rely upon the case neither being forgot nor neglected.       

I am, Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant,

LAUDERDALE.

[To] Capt. Raynes.

22nd March 1814: The Town Clerk of Nottingham complains to the Home Office about the disposal of weapons by the military

Nottingham 22d. March 1814

Private.

Dear Sir,

I should have been glad to have heard from you again on the subject of your last Letter to me unless I could infer that Lord Sidmouth’s View of the question was changed by the Information which I afforded him. There is certainly many Symptoms of, of an Increase of Plan System & Organization amongst all the labouring Mechanics throughout the Kingdom. I have endeavoured to obtain more Information on the Subject & when I do I will communicate with you. In the mean time a Circumstance has occurred which I am directed by the Mayor to communicate to you for Lord Sidmouth’s Information. It is by no means the wish of the Mayor to interfere or to censure the Conduct of the Military here but they can not behold with Indifference the Sale of a very considerable quantity of Swords cast off from the Military disposed of here in Nottm at the rate of about 2 or 3 to any Person indifferently who might apply to purchase them. Mr. Alderman Swann as Deputy Mayor called at my Office this Morning & we having heard a Report that 500 old cast off Swords had been disposed of in the Town within these two Weeks last past sent for the Broker (Mr John Blackwell) who was stated to have sold them. Mr Blackwell is a very respectable man but he seemed anxious to decrease as much as might the Extent of his Sale but he admitted he has sold abt 80 on Account of the Officers or Government as we understood of the 9th Regimt of Dragoons. I am sure that in a population like ours it cannot be adviseable for them to be enabled to purchase Swords at such a Price as 2 [shillings] a Sword which was about the Average Price for Blackwell stated that he sold them without Scabbards for 1 [shilling] or one [shilling sixpence] or with Scabbards for 2 [shillings] or 2 [shillings sixpence]. Without our appearing to meddle with this Business Mr Alderman Swann trusts that Lord Sidmouth will make some communication to the War Office or we shall be ready to do it if he wishes it to come thro’ that Channel which may have a tendency to prevent the placing Arms in the Hands of the commonest of the People here In case of any popular Inflammation or if Struggles between the Masters & the Workmen they might become the Parent of infinite mischief.

I am Dear Sir.
Your obliged & [abl] Servt
Geo Coldham
Town Clerk

28th December 1813: The Duke of Montrose writes to Francis Raynes about remuneration

In late December 1813, Captain Francis Raynes was still corresponding with the hope of obtaining some kind of remuneration from government. His commander-in-chief took over a month to respond to this letter of November:

I was answered through the Lieutenant-Colonel, that £200. would be allowed me; and, in the course of a post, received a receipt to sign, which I fancied might be construed into this sum having been given as a final remuneration, instead of an allowance for the expenses I had been at.—I accordingly wrote to the Duke of Montrose, asking if it might not be so interpreted: the answer I had the honor to receive is annexed.

London, 28th Dec. 1813.

SIR,               

I was nearly answering your letter, that the £200. Could not be considered as a final remuneration; but I thought it better to write to Lord Sidmouth, who answers that he is sorry that such a supposition should have been excited. He regrets the difficultly in finding the means of further remuneration; but will endeavour to surmount it with  as little delay as possible. I return the receipt, that you may obtain the money without delay. Lord Sidmouth’s answer to me was missent, which has occasioned delay, as I have but just received his letter, which is dated the 24th instant. I remain, with esteem, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

MONTROSE.

November 1813: Francis Raynes writes to his Commander-in-Chief about remuneration

Leeds, November, 1813.

MY LORD,        

I should be reluctant at any time to intrude upon your Grace, but feel most particularly so at the present, when, I apprehend, indisposition may render my application doubly inconvenient; but as it is probably very material changes will shortly be made in the regiment, the necessity of addressing your Grace, I trust, will be accepted as may apology.

Near three months ago, I wrote to Lieutenant-Colonel Russell, stating to him the difficulties under which I laboured, in consequence of my last year’s expenditure greatly exceeding my income. In the first instance, on account of the public, and from an unfortunate engagement I am under for Major _____, which, from his absence and subsequent death, has fallen entirely upon me. Since writing the letter alluded to, to Colonel Russell, I have reason to think, by balances already transferred to my private accompt, that I shall have much loss to sustain from my company, incurred during the eleven months I was absent.—This, my Lord, is easily accounted for, from the divided state of it, my total inability to attend myself to the disbursements, and the many hands the payments went through. I should not have presumed to trouble your Grace with these statement, had you not done me the honor to express an interest in my obtaining what General Maitland was pleased to think my services deserved; not do I, my Lord, wish now to be urgent on that subject; but merely to gain temporary assistance, to release me from involvements principally caused by the public service. Again entreating your Grace’s pardon for the liberty I have taken,

I have [etc]
FRANCIS RAYNES,

Capt. Stirlingshire, &c. Militia.

[To] His Grace the Duke of Montrose, &c.

14th March 1813: Captain Francis Raynes informs General Acland that William Cartwright wants to reduce the guard at Rawfolds Mill

Mill bridge 14th March
1813

Sir

Since I had last the Honor to report to you I have heard a good deal dissatisfaction express’d by those persons who have had their Arms stolen that the Oath of Allegiance should have been administer’d without the depredator declaring what had become of the Arms, or giving such information as might lead to a satisfactory account of the disposal of them — some have gone so far as to say, they will prosecute notwithstanding His Majesty's Pardon —

Would it be adviseable Sir, to ask Sir George Armytages permission to search the Kirklees Mill Dam? as it appears to be the general opinion some are there.

Mr Cartwright feels so much confidence in the alter’d disposition of the People, as to have desired me if I thought proper to reduce his Mill Guard to a Corporal and five Privates—

I have [etc]
Francis Raynes Captain
Stirlingshire &c militia

To,
Major General Acland.
&c — &c — &c

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

Wakefield 7th March 1813.

My dear Sir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wroth: P Acland

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

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

Wakefield 24th Febry 1813.

My dear Sir.

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

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

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

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

Wroth P Acland

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

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

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

Wakefield 23rd Febry 1813.

My dear Sir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wroth: P: Acland
M General

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

WPA

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

21st February 1813: Lieutenant Cooper reports an attack on the property of a relative of William Horsfall

Elland 21st February 1813—

Sir

I have the Honor to inform you that nothing of importance has occurred to me to report this week. To morrow morning one Serjeant and ten Privates of my Detachment will march for Wakefield agreeable to an order, received by me, through Major Garnham.

The destruction of some young Plantations belonging to Mr. Hague and Mr. Horsfall of Huddersfield, has of course been reported to you, I understand that the damage done them was to a large amount, the same Gentleman have had anonymous threatening letters sent them.

I am happy to inform you Sir, that many people of Elland have been before Mr. Scott the Magistrate to take the Oath of allegiance, I have not yet learnt the names of them, accepting one (William Harvey) who I had before Mr Radcliffe Several times but my evidence was not sufficient to convict him.

Allow me, Sir, to return you my thanks to the leave of absence that you have granted me

I have [etc]
Alf. Cooper Lt.
West Suffolk Militia.

[To] Major General Ackland,
&c. &c. &c.

20th February 1813: William Hay lauds informers and spies to General Acland

Ackworth 20th Feby 1813.

My dear Sir,

Sir Francis Wood (who is confined to his bed with the gout) yesterday evening sent me over your letter of the 25th instant, wishing that I would consider it. We feel much obliged by Genl Maitland's & your kind offer of continuing a detachment at Pontefract. I understand that there is at present a considerable Store of Ammunition there which it would not be adviseable to leave without guard. Some correspondence is carrying between Sir F. Wood & Lord Fitzwilliam on the subject of applying for a more regular Depôt than we now have: I therefore think, that for the present, it would be adviseable for the Riding to avail itself of the offer you have been so good as to make, assuring you that as soon as any thing is determined in respect of the new Depôt, or any change takes place respecting the deposit of Arms, you shall be informed.

The time of my journey from Manchr was so limited, that I was not able to call at Milnsbridge, as I had fully intended. What I heard at Huddersfield was certainly very encouraging and I should hope may be lasting. I understand that some attempt has been made in respect of Walker the Evidence. Surely he can never be so fool hardy as to continue in his Old neighbourhood! If he is impressed that he is safe, I should think most others will be so. We have a last closed with Fleming, the witness against the 38: he has been paid for his trouble &c and with liberty to settle with his family, wherever he pleases. His wishes were ridiculous – wanted an ensigns commission &c &c – but this being out of the question, a sum was paid him; & the public has done its duty fully. I suspect that he will remain in Manchester—It is quite delightful to those who witnessed the triumphant ground on which McDonald stood at York, to read the report of the case as it is now printed. He certainly rose powerfully in proportion as he found how weak Mr. Brougham was on his Cross Examination – I know that it will give you pleasure to hear that (unless some new cause has arisen) John is free of incarceration. I applied for a pardon as soon as I got to Manchester, and saw our friend in all apparent freedom – seemingly returned to his old Habits. He had no expectation of this – and when Dunstan told him that he had orders to Liberate him [Shan] was quite overcome, & would not believe it. I have only to add my best wishes. I expect to be at Wakefield soon, when I hope to be so fortunate as to meet with you. I am, Dr. Sir,

Your faithful & obedt humble servant
WR Hay

[To] Majr Genl Acland

14th February 1813: Francis Raynes reports a changed mood around Liversedge

Mills Bridge 14 Feby
1813

Sir,

I have the Honor to report the continued tranquillity of this part of the country—

I have much satisfaction in observing that a material alteration is taking place in the sentiments and disposition of the People, from various conversations which have been held in Public Houses, and repeated to me by persons whose information I can rely upon, I find many of those who were known to be most active in the late disturbances have been heard to say, they are sensible of folly of their conduct, and are sorry they ever had any thing to do with such a bad concern—

I am told about twenty have taken the Oath of Allegiance before Mr. Scott, I applied to him for information on the subject, which he has declined giving me, as he conceives himself bound to secrecy. I have the Honor to enclose Mr. Scotts reply to me.

I have [etc]
Francis Raynes Captn
Stirling &c Militia

To
Major General Acland
&c. &c. &c.

14th February 1813: Lt-Colonel Lang reports that Joseph Radcliffe remain unpopular

Huddersfield Feby 14th
1813

Sir

I have the honor to acquaint you nothing [intimidating] has occurred since my report of Sunday last. The Detachment at Bradley Mill discontinued – About forty persons have been with Mr. Scott & [untwisted] themselves of the Prince Regents proclamation, since published. One with Mr. Armitage none with Mr. Ratcliffe—

The town and neighbourhood perfectly quiet

I have [etc]
R Lang Lt Col
South Devon Regt.

[To] Major General Acland
&c &c &c

11th February 1813: John Beckett of the Home Office instructs General Acland to distribute anti-Luddite propaganda in the West Riding

Private

Whitehall
11.—Febry. 1813.

My Dear Sir

We have just published an Account of the late Trials at York—which it is desirable to circulate in the West Riding more particularly in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield from whence some of the worst of the Cases came

With this View the Printer has been ordered to dispatched through the General Post Office – a considerable No of Copies of this Publication to General Maitland at York – I apprehend however that the General may be detained in Scotland longer than He expected – and it is possible that the Pamphlets in question may remain at York till His Return instead of being distributed immediately as Lord Sidmouth wishes they should be

To prevent the possible Delay in the Circulation of them I am induced to trouble you with this Letter to request you would take such steps as may appear to you most adviseable for accomplishing the Object in View – I did intimate to Genl Maitland a short time ago – that Copies of the above md Publication would be sent to Him as soon as they could be finished – and it is not improbable that he may have left some Orders at York with yourself as to the Circulation of them if they should arrive at York in His absence

I have [etc]
J.Beckett

[To] M.G. Ackland
&c &c &c