31st May 1813: A copy of the Luddite oath is discovered at a Coaching Inn in London

The Castle & Falcon on Aldersgate Street, London

Marlbro’ St
May 31 - 1813

Dear Sir

The inclosed paper was given to me yesterday by a Gentleman, who found it amongst some Papers belonging to a Servant, whom he has lately Discharged for dishonesty — It appears to be a copy of the Oath taken by the Luddites, & the Person named on the Back seems to be referred to, as being in some way connected with them — the Castle & Falcon in Aldersgate St. where he is said to be waiter, is principally frequented I believe by Carriers & Travellers from the North — I have thought it right to communicate the circumstance to you that farther enquiry may be made if it should be thought necessary — I have the Honor to be

Dear Sir
Your very Obed Servant
Bob Baker

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


[The oath is below]

I A B
of my own Voluntary will do Declare and Solemnly swear that I never will reveal to any person or persons in any place or places under the Canopy of Heaven the manner of any of the person composing the secret Committee either by word, Deed, or Action sign or by Address mark, Committee either by word Deed Complextion or any other things leading to the Discovery of the same under the penalty of Being put out of the world by the first Brother whom I may meet and of having my name and Character Blotted out of existence or never remembered But with Contempt and ignominy — and I do further Sware that I will use my utmost Endeavour to punish with Death any traitor or traitors who may rise up against us though he should fly to the verge of existence I will pursue with unceasing Vengeance

[On reverse]

So help me G to keep this Oath inviolate

Clerk
A B 90 Bartholomew close

Mr [Brown] Castle Falken

Waiter Aldersgate St

8th January 1813: The trials of John Eadon & Craven Cookson for administering illegal oaths

Three trials took place immediately after the execution of Mellor, Thorpe & Smith on Friday 8th January 1813.

Commencing at 11.00 a.m., the first was that of a weaver, John Eadon (aged 34), for administering an illegal oath to Richard Howells between 20th & 21st May 1812.

James Alan Park made it clear to the court that the trials that day were concerned with offences for which the maximum sentence was transportation: no doubt the spectacle of the executions that morning were weighing heavily on everyone present. Although the law had changed making administering illegal oaths punishable by death, Eadon’s offence had been committed prior to the change in the law.

Park went on to outline the case: that Richard Howells lived in the same house as Eadon, at Barnsley. The two men had gone for a walk, and Eadon was alleged to have suggested to Howells that he should become a Luddite, and that if he was interested, he knew a man who could make him one. Howells did not object to the idea, and so Eadon revealed that the man who could do so was, in fact, him. Eadon produced the Book of Common Prayer and administered the oath, with Howells kissing the book at the end. Eadon then gave Howells a copy of the oath in writing, with Park alleging this was Eadon’s handwriting. This copy of the oath was then passed on the 12th June to someone who was to appear as a witness at the trial, a man called Thomas Broughton, who then eventually passed it to Sergeant Prettyjohn of the South Devon Militia, who then gave it to Lieutenant-Colonel Lang in September. Park showed the oath to the Court and read it out:

I Richard Howells I of my own free will and A Coard declare and solemnly sware that I will never reveal to aney to aney Person or Persons aney thing that may lead to discovery of the same Either in or by word sign or action as may lead to aney Discovery under the Penalty of being sent out of this World by the first Brother that May Meet me further more I do sware that I will Punish by death aney trater or trators should there aney arise up amongst us I will pursue with unseaceing vengence, should he fly to the verge of Statude. I will be gust true sober and faithful in all my deailings with all my Brothers So help GOD to keep this my Oath Inviolated Amen.

The Court then went on to hear evidence from Richard Howells, who stated that he did not take the oath seriously at the time – and the defence counsel pounced on this point, arguing that it undermined the whole of the Crown’s case.

One of the Judges, Mr. Justice Le Blanc, responded to this by saying that the indictment was concerned with Eadon’s administration of the oath, and not Howell’s considering it a joke. The other Judge, Baron Thomson, agreed. Le Blanc then summed up the case.

Thomas Broughton, Sergeant Prettyjohn & Lieutenant-Colonel Lang all went on to give evidence about the course of events, as did a Sheffield solicitor employed by Government called Brown.

The Jury went on to find Eadon Guilty.

Immediately after the conclusion of the case, Eadon stood trial again, this time with an accomplice called Craven Cookson (aged 31), another weaver, for administering an illegal oath to Thomas Broughton.

Mr. Park opened the case by stating that as Eadon had been already been found guilty of a similar offence, and because the Crown considered Cookson ‘much less guilty’, he did not intend to give any evidence against Cookson.

Mr. Justice Le Blanc directed the Jury to find both Eadon & Cookson Not Guilty, which they duly did.

23rd October 1812: The solicitors Lloyd & Allison visit John Wood's cropping shop, and a new informer emerges

John Wood's cropping shop, in a photorgaph before demolition in 1891.

In the evening of Friday 23rd October 1812, the two solicitors at the heart of the opposition to the Luddites in West Yorkshire took the bold step of visiting the workshop that was fast becoming, at least in their minds, the headquarters of Luddism around Huddersfield.

John Lloyd from Stockport and John Allison from Huddersfield visited the workshop of John Wood, the step-father and employer of George Mellor, to question all the others who worked there. Before they left one of the croppers, Joseph Sowden, took Allison to one side: it is not known what was said, but Sowden subsequently swore a statement the following day before Joseph Radcliffe at Milnsbridge House.

Sowden deposed that at 5.00 p.m. on the day of William Horsfall's shooting, James Varley had told him that George Mellor, William Thorpe, Thomas Smith & Benjamin Walker had gone to lie in wait for Horsfall in order to shoot him. He went on to say the he learned of the shooting at 7.00 p.m. from a colleague, William Walker, and that 30 minutes later, he saw George Mellor in Wood's kitchen. A couple of mornings afterwards, Sowden said that William Thorpe had come to him in the workshop and made him swear an oath of secrecy on a Bible:

The purport of it was that if I revealed any thing concerning the Murder of Mr Horsfall that I should be put out of existence and should be pursued with unceasing vengeance to the verge of nature or something to that effect

Sowden said George Mellor came in at the end, and that afterwards, Thorpe brought in Thomas Smith, Benjamin Walker, John Walker, William Walker, William Hall and James Varley - Sowden said that Thorpe made him administer the oath to all of the others on pain of death.

Sowden went on to say that all of those accused of shooting Horsfall had 'related to me the circumstances attending it with a degree of exultation'. His statement does not contain any of those details that he said were related - Lloyd and Radcliffe were clearly satisfied that they had another witness and that was enough.

8th July 1812: The Committee of Secrecy give their report to the House of Commons about the Luddite disturbances

On Wednesday 8th July, nine days after it was appointed, the parliamentary committee of secrecy gave their report into the Luddite disturbances. The report was read out in the House of Commons:

REPORT.

The Committee of Secrecy, to whom the copies of the information which has been received, relative to certain violent proceedings which, in defiance of the laws, have taken place, and continue to be carried on, in several counties of England, (sealed up) were referred—have, pursuant to the Order of the House, examined the matters thereof, and have agreed to the following Report:—

“Your Committee having examined the papers and documents referred to them, are concerned to state, that from the several sources of information therein contained, it appears that some months past serious alarming disturbances, destructive to property, and highly dangerous to private safety and the public peace, have prevailed in a very extensive populous manufacturing district, comprising certain parts of Lancashire and of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and certain part of Cheshire bordering upon Lancashire.

“That the outrages in the above district, brought to the notice of your committee, commenced about the end of February last, and continued (though not without occasional variation and temporary abatement) to the latest period (the 23d of June) at which any information has been received. During this period, rioters in large numbers have assembled in the night time; some of them, disguised by blackened faces, some armed with guns and pistols, and others with the implements of their trade, to be used as offensive weapons, have broken into various houses, particularly those of manufacturers who made use of shearing frames, have destroyed machinery, sometimes plundered the inhabitants, and burnt their houses and factories, exciting and keeping a perpetual terror in the country, by threatening letters and other means of intimidation, occasionally executing a threat against proprietors and others, not only by the destruction of the property, but by firing into the houses. It appears also, that in some instances attempts have been made on the lives of those who had been actively employed in endeavouring to suppress the tumults; and the atrocious murder of Mr. Horsfall, a very respectable manufacturer in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield, in the month of April, by four men who fired at him with slugs in the public road, in broad day, together with the other acts of violence, caused a great and general consternation over all the district.

“It may be proper to add, that parties of the rioters assemble, have, in several instances, demanded and obtained money from individuals by threats and terror.

“Your committee do not think it necessary to describe the numerous acts of outrage that have been committed, conceiving it sufficient for the purposes of the report, to inform the house of the general state of the disturbed parts, without any particular detail of specific facts.

“The object of these lawless proceedings, at the commencement of them, appears to have been the destruction of machinery:—but very early in their progress another object, still more formidable to the public security, has been developed; large bodies of men having assembled in the night, breaking open houses, and demanding arms with threats and violence.—This practice has been actively persevered in; and though in some cases the plunder of property has accompanied both the destruction of machinery and the demanding of arms, yet it is material to observe, that in general these two objects seen exclusively to have been aimed at; and when these had been attained, every other species of property, though within their reach, has, in most instances, remained untouched. It is stated, that in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield, all the arms have been taken; and that in other parts the seizure of them has been considerable; and there is reason to apprehend, that the rioters have different sorts of arms concealed. It appears evident to your committee, that these outrages have not been committed from any sudden impulse of unconnected individuals, but have been the result of organized systems of unlawful violence; that language of the most mischievous nature has been used among the rioters, and a sort of military training and discipline has been established.

“In making attacks upon houses, they sometimes appear to have been under the control of their leaders, but have acted upon signals. Rolls have been called over, distinguishing every man, not by his name, but by number; rockets and blue lights have been seen at night, which are stated, by the persons making the communications, to have been signals made use of by the rioters. It is also represented, that there are establishment of committees, under the name of local committees, secret committees, and executive committees; that they use signs and countersigns, to guard them against the intrusion of informers; and that they carry on their proceedings with the greatest secrecy and caution.

“It appears also the delegates for various places have been appointed, and meetings of those delegates occasionally held; that there is a frequent communication between the several committees and towns, not through the ordinary conveyance of the post-office, but through the medium of delegates; and that the following Oath has been extensively administered:

“ ‘I A.B. of my own voluntary will, do declare and solemnly swear, that I will never reveal to any person or persons, in any place or places under the canopy of heaven, the names of the persons who compose the secret committee, either by word, deed, or sign; their proceedings, meeting place, abode, dress, features, marks, complexion, connections, or anything else that may lead to discovery of the same; on the penalty of being put out of the world by the first brother that shall meet me, my name and character blotted out of existence, and never be remembered but with contempt and abhorrence. I further swear, that I will use my best endeavours to punish by death any traitor or traitors, should any rise up amongst us, he or them; and though he should fly to the verge of nature, I will pursue him with unceasing vengeance. So help me God, to keep this Oath inviolable.’

“It appears that they who were sworn in, were to pay the weekly sum of twopence; that in the meetings of delegates at Manchester, from the neighbouring towns, discord has occasionally arisen from some of the delegates not bringing from their respective districts the contributions that were due. No evidence or information, that has been laid before your committee, justifies the supposition, that any sums of money have been distributed amongst the rioters.

“It appears also, that attempts have been made to create a persuasion amongst the persons engaged in the disturbances, that their proceedings are likely to be supported by similar combinations in London and in other parts of Great Britain, as well as in Ireland; and that they are countenanced by individuals of a higher class and description, who are to declare themselves at a future time. But no evidence has been laid before your committee sanction any such reports.

“It appears to your committee, that even in the cases in which the outrages have been most clearly ascertained, it has been found extremely difficult, and in some instances impossible, to obtain evidence as to the persons by whom they were committed.

“Of the numbers associated in the different parts of the disturbed district, your committee have not any information that can be satisfactorily relied upon; but that it is considerable, the papers laid before them give sufficient ground to think. Neither can they presume to state, what is the ultimate object the persons thus associated, have in view, nor for what precise purpose it is, that these extensive combinations have been formed. But whatever may be the object, or whoever may be the secret movers, whether these combinations are confined to purposes relating exclusively to trade, or whether advantage has been taken of the distresses of the times to draw together, under that pretence, all discontented persons, with views hereafter to be developed; yet the secrecy and method apparent in the whole arrangement, the system of terror so industriously enforced by threats, assassination, and attempts at assassination, the oath administered, the eagerness and activity in procuring arms, and the training, before mentioned, are all circumstances which have not failed to impress upon the minds of your committee, a strong sense of the danger arising from such combinations, to the peace and security of the country.”

July 8, 1812.

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.

4th May 1812: Two weavers from Failsworth meet the Manchester Secret Committee at the Prince Regent's Arms

Joseph Taylor, a weaver from Failsworth recently moved to Club Row, Newton Lane in Manchester, was a curious type. On the day of the first Manchester Food Riot, he had met a relative, called John Blakeley, in the streets on Manchester. Blakeley had greeted him with a gesture which piqued his interest: he put his finger to his lip and asked Taylor if he could answer it. Taylor could not, but made it clear he wanted to know more.

Blakeley made it clear to Taylor that Manchester would soon be witnessing something akin to the French Revolution, but that he would have to be conversant in signs and signals before he could know more. Blakeley taught him the following:

Question: put the two forefingers of the right-hand to the right eye; Answer: present the forefinger of the left-hand

Question: place the little finger of the right-hand under the lip - at the same time advance the right leg; Answer: stroking or rubbing the chin with the left-hand

Taylor knew a man called Joseph Duxbury was involved in something secretive, and decided to try to the signs he'd learned on him. It worked. Duxbury subsequently got Taylor to swear an oath and gave him hints about how he would find the 'principal persons' involved in what he wanted to know more about.

On the morning of Monday 4th May, Taylor set off with his friend Thomas Whitehead, a weaver from Failsworth to find out more. On Port Street, off Ancoats Lane, they met a young man whom Taylor suspected was involved in the secret business. He tried out the second signal on him, and the man, called Ben, responded with the counter-sign. Ben took them both to a cellar at No. 21 where he worked as a weaver. They talked about being twisted-in and then agreed to go for a drink at the White Lion. Ben went ahead, and Taylor & Whitehead joined him later.

At the White Lion, Taylor asked Ben if anyone could help twist-in Taylor. Ben said he knew someone who could and left, returning later with a man he called 'the Secretary'. The man introduced himself as Yarwood and gave Taylor the signal: Taylor responded with the counter-sign. Yarwood questioned Taylor, and then said they needed to go somewhere safer.

Taylor, Whitehead and Yarwood now headed for the Prince Regent's Arms on Ancoats Lane. In private in a room in the pub, Yarwood asked Taylor to tell him the oath, and although Taylor couldn't remember the oath, Yarwood was satisfied. As the landlord, John Brown, entered the room to bring coal to the fireplace, Yarwood then said he would like to read Taylor some verses from the Bible, and asked the ladlord to fetch a Bible. With the landlord present, Yarwood read to Talyor verses 25, 25 & 27 of the 21st chapter of the book of Ezekiel. The landlord left, and then Yarwood administered the oath to him, whilst he held the Bible in his hand.

I, A.B., of my own voluntary will do declare and solemnly swear that I will never reveal to any person or persons in any place or places under the canopy of heaven the names of the persons who comprise the secret committee, either by word and deed or sign, their proceedings, meetings, place, abode, dress, features, marks, complexions, connections nor anything else that may lead to the discovery of the same on the penalty of being put out of this world by the first brother that shall meet me, my name and character blotted out of existence and never to be remembered but with contempt and abhorrence. I further swear that I will use my best endeavours to punish by death any traitor or traitors should any rise up amongst us he or them and though he should fly to the verge of nature I will pursue him with unceasing vengeance so help me God to keep this oath inviolable

At the end, Yarwood asked him to kiss the Bible, which he did. Yarwood then told him the signs and counter-signs to ensure he could safely introduce himself and/or reply to others twisted-in, and said these were changed every fortnight for security reasons, and also that subscriptions were 2 pence per week. Yarwood agreed that Whitehead should be admitted as a 'friend to the cause', and swore Whitehead in too in a similar manner.

After Yarwood had told Taylor some poetry ridiculing the Prince Regent, he said there was a meeting later today, and if he was interested, he should remain at the pub: the location would be announced within 10 minutes of the meeting, again for security reasons.

Yarwood then proceeded to paint a vivid picture to both men of revolutionary proceedings in the country: that 400,000 men were ready to rise, although London was lagging behind somewhat; that army officers and sergeants were twisted in, and that one half of the army would 'be organised before the blow'; that even the Duke of York may join them and they would 'pluck him from the ungodly'.

By 6.30 p.m., up to 18 people were assembled at the Prince Regent's Arms, waiting for the meeting venue to be announced. A little man came in, who seemed to be looked up to by those present. Whitehead knew him, and shook his hand. This was John Buckley Booth, and Whitehead heard from others that he was a Calvinist preacher and he heard others called him 'Parson'.

The meeting eventually convened in the Prince Regent's Arms itself. Delegates were present from Stockport, Oldham, Middleton, Huddersfield, Bolton, Preston, Ashton-under-Lyne, Stalybridge, Bury, Blackburn, FailsworthYarwood's words to the two men earlier, the content of the meeting proved to be agitation for a 'general reform' and a 'general change'.

Later, Taylor and Whitehead became concerned for their welfare. Accusations flew that they were spies - that they would not be allowed out of the pub until someone who had been sent to check their credentials came back - that if it were proved they were spies, their lives would be at stake. The men perceived that the landlord was refusing admittance to the room, but all the while, the numbers outside the room were increasing. Somehow, the men found a back way out of the room, but discovered that all the doors they tried to escape through were locked to them. They were detained again by one of the weavers from the meeting.

Somehow, Taylor & Whitehead eventually managed to leave the Prince Regent's Arms. Three days later, they had fled to London, and gave dispositions about their experience in Manchester before the Home Secretary, Richard Ryder, in Whitehall. They had been acting undercover all the time - most likely employed by the Stockport Solicitor & Magistrates Clerk, John Lloyd, for the purpose of incriminating the weavers present.

1st May 1812: William Hay informs the Home Office about recent threatening letters & the Luddite oath

Police Office Manchester 1 May 1812

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose a letter received I believe this morning by Mr. Simpson a young gentleman of property, who is the proprietor of considerable Cotton Works, & who has much to his honor taken an active part is a Special Constable in patroling &c that letter is marked A – upon recollection it appeared to be written in the same hand is one received yesterday the day before by Mr. Milne. Mr Milne is a Coroner for part of the Hundred of Salford – is Clerk to some of the Magistrates of Manchester, & of course has much business both at the Assizes & Sessions - that may explain some of the allusions in the letter marked B - but the writer has made a mistake for the Coroner's inquest that met on the men who fell at Middleton was not in the district of Mr. Milne, but of the other Coroner. The Magistrates at Bolton with the Local Militia have been very active and sent many criminals to Lancaster. I think none have been sent from hence since my last; but I have reason to believe that very many will come forward with Information as soon as they feel their houses protected by the Military, which are fast becoming in Detachments of the Buckinghamshire & Berkshire have already arrived.

I last night met a young man here who was brought by his Uncle - I beg to be understood as writing of him when I mention MI – the young man has been wild, but seems disposed to do what is right; & certainly if he acquit himself well in this instance will be entitled to consideration. He states that on the 20th instant a person of the name of Whittingham told him that if he were willing he cd get him twisted in; to which our Informant acceded — in this he, and 5 others (of whom Whittingham was one) went into a field near St. Georges Church — He was there told that it was customary to blindfold the person receiving the Oath, so that he might not be able to swear to the actual person who administered it. He submitted to be blindfolded – the following Oath was then administered to him – he took it standing, and kissed what he understood to be the Bible - after he had been twisted in they unfolded the blind – the next night he asked Whittingham for a copy of the Oath – Whittingham dictated, & informant copied – as follows

I AB do of my own free will and accord declare an solemnly swear that I will not reveal to any person or persons the name or names of the persons who comprise the secret committee, the place of abode, dress, features connections or anything else that may lead to a discovery of the same, under penalty of being sent out of the world by the first brother that may meet me, my name and character blotted out of existence, never more to be remembered but with contempt & abhorrence — I furthermore do swear, that I will do my endeavour to punish by death any traitor or traitors, let them be who they will & what they will, without favor or affection to friend or relation — should any rise up amongst us & attempt to fly even to the verge of nature I will pursue with unceasing vengeance — so help me God to keep my oath inviolable”— as sworn as MI had taken the Oath he was made acquainted with the sign & countersign

The right thumb in the right waistcoat armhole – the Right heel in the Centre of the left foot with the toe turned square — the countersign is the reverse of this — i.e. the left thumb in the left armhole &c.

There is another – the right-hand little finger in the mouth with the thumb pointed out, the fingers doubled. The answer is a left-hand rubbing the chin between the from & two first fingers.

When he was blindfolded he was told there were some gentleman in London, who were at the head of this - but no one was to be trusted with the name but the secret committee that was sitting.

MI understood that the Committee would not trust their letters by the post but sent delegates from place to place as business might call them.

He understood that Manchester was a centre for this part of the country – that regular delegates forwarded from other towns thro this place to London – that none but the secret Committee know who these people are in London – and the secret Committee will not let any person know who they are till the time for breaking out comes nearer.

Such is nearly verbatim what he stated — his uncle a respectable man was with him in the room. The Object of the young man is to get pointed of a secret committee for the purpose of knowing their plans - he has volunteered himself for this with his Uncles approbation & of course has been encouraged to do so.

Variety of informations are given as respecting Arms for which we should wish to order a search - some searches have been made at the risque of the parties making them - there is no clause empowering such a step under the watch & ward Act.

We frequently lament from the number of idle strangers resorting here, and infesting the country that some such powers as those contained in Sect. 5. 6. 7 of 35. Geo.3 ch 34 – are not at present in force – we could have disposed, we think, to good purpose of many who are about the town & neighbourhood.

We have the satisfaction to say that we have unreserved communication with and support from Genl Dirom and Col. Clay - An arrangement for the troops has been formed in the South North-West District, which appears to be fully adequate to any purpose we can calculate upon, or be provided against.

This letter having been seen by Mr. Wright, I venture to subscribe his name, because it is dispatched under particular circumstances by a Friday nights Mail – I have the honor to be, Sir

with sincere respect
Your faithful & obed. humble Servant
WR Hay
approved by Mr. Wright

To The Rt. Honble Richd Ryder
One of H. Mjs. principal Secret. of State &c

20th April 1812: A young Mancunian man is 'twisted-in '

On Monday 20th April 1812, a young man - whom we only know by the letters MI - met a man called Whittingham in Manchester. Whittingham told him that if he was interested he would be able to arrange for him to be twisted-in (i.e. be administered an illegal oath) - MI agreed, and later went with 5 others to a field near a church called St George's. We do not know the time of day, but it likely to have taken place at night.

MI was blindfolded, to ensure that he would not be able to tell who it was that had administered the following oath:

I AB do of my own free will and accord declare an solemnly swear that I will not reveal to any person or persons the name or names of the persons who comprise the secret committee, the place of abode, dress, features connections or anything else that may lead to a discovery of the same, under penalty of being sent out of the world by the first brother that may meet me, my name and character blotted out of existence, never more to be remembered but with contempt & abhorrence — I furthermore do swear, that I will do my endeavour to punish by death any traitor or traitors, let them be who they will & what they will, without favor or affection to friend or relation — should any rise up amongst us & attempt to fly even to the verge of nature I will pursue with unceasing vengeance — so help me God to keep my oath inviolable

MI stood as he took the oath, and at the end kissed a book, which he assumed was the Bible, and the blindfold was removed. MI was told that the organisation to which he now belonged stretched across the country, with 'some gentlemen' in London at the head of it, but their names were known only to a Secret Committee. Manchester was said to be a central location for the whole North West region, which delegates from different parts of the country always passed through, and the delegate system was used because the post could not be trusted. MI was then made aware of 2 signs and counter-signs which could be used to ensure that the people he met were also twisted-in:

The right thumb in the right waistcoat armhole – the Right heel in the Centre of the left foot with the toe turned square — the countersign is the reverse of this — i.e. the left thumb in the left armhole

The right-hand little finger in the mouth with the thumb pointed out, the fingers doubled. The answer is a left-hand rubbing the chin between the from & two first fingers

A day later, MI asked Whittingham for a copy of the oath, and he copied down what the man read out to him.

In 9 days time, MI would tell all of this to a local magistrate, the Reverend William Hay.

18th April 1812: Stockport solicitor John Lloyd writes with details of prisoners and a copy of the Luddite oath

Stockport 18 April 1812

Sir

I have the honor to add (besides the Information conveyed in a separate letter about Williams) that since I wrote my Letter of the 16th we have been doing very well in point of disclosures and in keeping the peace — Every attention has been paid The Magistrates of the neighbour.d have been regular in their attendance every day from 10 till 3 or 4 They consist of the rev.d Char. Prescot J Philips Esq. Rev.d H. Delves Broughton, son of Sir Thos Broughton Thos William Tatton & Peter Marsland Esq. — the Information given by the man I took by my piquet has been rendered important by the number he impeaches & the number that are in dread of him, it may have the effect of deterring others from outrage or at least from joining in the Confederacy — Several are in custody but altho’ they may be ultimately sent for Trial we will take care to make a proper selection of Characters for prosecution may be most effectual in point of example, and confine our views to few only and those of desperate cases — We already have

Charles Hulme a person seen to come from Mr. Goodair’s House whilst on flames, & this person is one of the men I took up 4 years ago in an unlawful assembly of Weavers and was put under bail for his good behaviour

James Roach one of the assembly that obtained the money from J W. Parker under circumstances which constitute Robbery is identified as one of the mob that broke the windows of Mr. Goodair & destroyed his Looms, and that made the attack upon Mr. Garside (& by the bye you will excuse me as I now mention his name; if I request you in some Letter to notice him for his gallantry by way of example to others)

Joseph Thomson alias Tonge alias Tipping alias Obediah Bellamy = whom we have been fortunate to meet with having the possession of the plate of Mr. Goodair taken from the house during the fire — I & Mr. Nadin and the police Constable of Manchester who had him in custody there searched his House near Stockport last night & I have this day been able to fix him most positively as to being there at the time & the plate in his poss.n being Mr. Goodair’s –

John Parnell as to the unlawful oath which I shall here set forth having by great good luck obtained it to examine upon & got it admitted by Parnell — & yet I would rather have him a Witness ag.t others if he may be competent* (if so I can get him corroborated) against others — I intend to take those I suspect during the night –

I should be obliged to conclude for the present I only have to beg that you will not send any magistrate from London as suggested by Mr. Goodair — & I do hope that if we are able to meet with most of the ringleaders and instigators a Special Commission may be granted & Summary Justice executed upon the delinquents for the sake of early example — I subjoin the Oath & have the honor to be

Sir. Yr very Obt St
J Lloyd

*what I mean by this is that he did not disclose within 4 days which the act of [obscured] C123 made criminal

Oath of Engagement of the Weavers

"I A.B. of my own voluntary will do declare and solemnly swear that I will never reveal to any person or persons in any place or places under the Canopy of Heaven the names of the persons who compose the Secret Committee either by word Deed or sign their proceedings meetings place of abode Dress features marks complexions connexions nor any thing else that may lead to the discovery of the same on the penalty of being put out of the World by the first Brother who shall meet me — my name & character blotted out of existence and never to be remembered but with contempt and abhorrence I further swear that I will use my best endeavors to punish by death any Traitor or Traitors sho.d any arise up amongst us he or them and though he sho.d fly to the verge of Nature I will pursue him with increasing Vengeance — so help me God to keep this oath inviolate."

14th April 1812: Secret weavers meeting at the Rope Walk, near Bolton

Joseph Lomax, a crofter from Darcy Lever near Bolton, had heard talk at his workplace (Thomas Hulme & Co, a bleachworks) of secret meetings taking place on the moors at night. It was a subject the men often talked about - how General Ludd was gathering 200 to 300 of his men, all of them equipped with swords. Lomax was so curious that he had been out at night several times with his friend John Fisher to see if he could find the General. On Sunday 12th April 1812, they had gone out on to Deane Moor, but had not found a soul. On their way back, they had met Arthur Holden from Hag End who told he knew where they met - at the Rope Walk - and if they wanted to see the General, they should go there in two nights time and bring as many others as they thought would be interested.

Lomax and his discussed it the following day, and almost all of them - 20 to 30 men - were interested in going along. On Tuesday 14th, between 8 and 9 p.m., Lomax set out with Fisher, heading for the Rope Walk. At Damside, they met Richard Taylor, who asked if he could join them. Together, they called on Arthur Holden at Hag End. Along the way, Lomax began to express doubts, but Fisher encouraged him to continue. Passing Sweet Green, they met James Knowles who was drunk, but agreed to join them.

Not long afterwards, Holden said it would be better if they approached the meeting in pairs rather than one group. Lomax proceeded with Fisher as far as just opposite the Rope Walk. He started to get cold feet again, but Fisher and Knowles - who had caught up with them by them - urged him not to turn back. About a dozen gathered there by now, and Holden and Taylor appeared: Taylor asked them to stay whilst Holden went to enquire about admitting them to the meeting. Holden shortly returned, telling the group they were admitted.

As he walked into the field, he could see 2 or 3 groups of men at a distance - he estimated there were about 60 men there all in all. He and others joined with them. He noticed a straggler behind, who was hailed by one of the group and said in return "Church Steeple", which allowed him to join them.

The apparent leader of the group then said that those who new tonight had to come forward, and as the dozen or so walked towards him, he motioned that they should form a circle around him. Lomax looked at the man closely. In the dim light, he could make out he was wearing what looked like a blue coat and his hat was rather shabby. Lomax thought he recognised him, and before long he'd remembered someone like that hawking books at his workplace. Just then, the man began to speak.

The man said they all needed to take care who they talked to and what they said about the meetings, and that some they met would have ulterior motives, whilst others would be 'babblers', and they were the most dangerous. For £2 or £3, such characters might tell Colonel Fletcher all. He said he hoped that many of those new to the meeting - who he knew were from Hag End and Lever Lane - would not 'babble' and tell, like others from such places had done in the past, for if they did, the meetings would be jeopardised and they'd up being transported.

The man with the shabby hat made it clear that the meetings intended the 'destroy the present wickedness that reigns in this Country' and began to walk away from them. He urged the to contemplate what he had said, and that he wanted them to make a 'solemn obligation'. Richard Taylor piped up that he agreed, and one or two others chimed their support.

The man ordered them to go to the corner of the field, and they met there another man with a brown coat, with a white handkerchief covering his face, save for his mouth and eyes. He held out a large book and said "well, men, take hold of the book" - they all reached out to touch it and he asked them to repeat after him the oath:

I [name] on my own voluntary Will and accord, do declare an solemnly swear, that I will never reveal to any Person or Persons, in any Place or Places, under the Canopy of Heaven, the Name or Names of any Persons who compose this secret Committee, their Secret Proceedings, Meeting Place, Abode, Dress, Features, Connections, or any thing else, that may lead to a discovery of the same, either by Word Deed or Sign, under the Penalty of being sent out of the World, by the first Brother who shall meet me, my Name & Character blotted out of Existence, and never to be remembered but with Contempt and Abhorrence. And I furthermore do swear, that I will use my best Endeavours to punish by Death, any Traitor or Traitors should any rise up amongst us, wherever I can find him or them, and though he should fly to the Verge of Nature, I will pursue him with unceasing Vengeance, — So help me God, — and assist me to keep this my Oath, inviolable.

 When they had finished, the man in the mask said they could all now join the rest of the group.

Later, Lomax noticed that about six people were apart from the main group when one of them called out "representatives of town" and several broke away from the main group to join them. After a few minutes, they all came back and it was announced the next meeting would be on Thursday 16th April.

On the way home, many thoughts went through Lomax's head, and he was more than a little frightened, but a vague feeling of excitement at such a strange happening made him feel he might go back.

28th March 1812: The Manchester spy 'B' meets a contact from Leeds and Irish rebels in Stockport

Colonel Fletcher's spy 'B' filed another report for his master on 28th March 1812.

On 25th March, after a meeting with another agent L.F., he was visited at home by a man called Welch from Leeds. B tried to get as much information as he could from Welch, establishing that there were 3 grand committees or 'heads' in the British Isles: London, Glasgow and Ireland, who communicated by delegates and had the final say on any plans. They were secretive and cautious - new recruits could only join if 2 existing members proposed them, with one of those members being prominent. They also had an oath which was sworn on the Bible:

I do most solemnly promise and swear that I will be faithful and keep all things entrusted to me on the business now carrying on and I furthermore do swear that I will do all in my power to forward the same and that neither hope fear or reward shall induce me to declare the same directly or indirectly but rather have my head cut off with both my hands and all my family served the same if I have so help me God

Welch told B that Jacobins ('old jacks') were not permitted to be involved, as they had been 'suspected' of late, and also favoured rash action.

B then asked Welch about Leeds and the surrounding area. Welch estimated that about 700 people could be counted on to act in the event of any uprising, but admitted they were very careful about recruitment. Meetings were not convened in public houses, as private houses and even fields were preferred if the weather was clement. Leeds was waiting for orders from London.

On the afternoon of Friday 27th, B went to Stockport to meet with his contact Wilson. At 8 p.m. they went to nearby Edgeley and met a dozen Irishmen, and proceeded from there to a field in Cheadle. Five of the men kept watch while the others held a discussion. B was expecting the men to all be part of the Stockport Committee, when in fact only 4 of them were. They had concerns that 'the business' was being conducted too openly, which they found alarming. Their meetings were announced at short notice, no more than five days. Wilson revealed that their delegate who had been to Ireland had been in touch, and he planned to visit more towns than had been the plan. He had managed to recruit 50 'converts'.

B also learned that the Stockport men also had an oath and did his best to make it plain than he could be of use to them. They told him that 700 were sworn in the area and they had links with London, and a regular correspondence with the 'Knights of the thimble' (i.e. Tailors) there. B gave his impression of the Stockport men for Fletcher:

"I find these men most of them dengers dering fellows and no Les than fore of them had be[en] in the Rebellion in Ireland and no doubt but the[y] wish to be at the same game again"

On the 28th, B had gone to Hollinwood to see his contact Taylor, but he was not at home, having gone to Oldham. B couldn't find him there, but spoke to other contacts he knew about 'the business' there.

B had missed the meeting of the Manchester Committee of Trades, which had supposed to have taken place on Tuesday 24th March as 'the Masons' had their usual room on that night. B heard the meeting had been adjourned to another venue, but did not know where or what had been discussed.

23rd March 1812: Colonel Ralph Fletcher writes to the Home Office about the findings of his spy, and encloses an oath

Lancaster 23d March 1812

Sir

On my return from Town (where I had the Honor of a Conversation with the Right Honorable Secretary and yourself) I found that disaffection had made further progress than I had expected, and had assumed a more alarming aspect.

Delegates from the Neighbourhood of Nottingham have been in Bolton and succeeded to make some Converts to whom they have administered Oaths (Copy of which I enclose). The Adjutant of the Local. under my Command has procured a confidential Person to join, apparently, in the Schemes of these People, and from him has been derived the Information contained in the Letter herewith inclosed, which has been sent to me at this Place where I am attending the Assizes.

What will be the best mode of checking the dangerous spirit, will be for the consideration of Government. If I were even to apprehend all the Persons that may be assembled at some future nocturnal meeting, will it be proper in order to bring them to Justice to prove the administering of illegal Oaths – and thereby discover & consequently cut off the Sources of future information?!—Will it not be better to watch a while, in Silence, their further proceedings, until we can discover the yet concealed first movers of this machine breaking System?—Our Confidant will, I trust, get at still more important Information, but there may be Danger from a sudden commencement of the Execution of their Plots.

We have a Troop of the Scotch Greys—and a small Yeomanry Troop of Volunteer Horse—together with from 60 to 70 of the Local—part of which last Force are now and most of them have formally been in the Permanent Establishment & may be depended upon and have had arms delivered to them up their several Residences and the Pretence of Practicing previously to the Assembly of the Regiment.—By means of this Force, I [trust] we can defeat the Intentions of the Incendiaries, should they attempt to carry them into Execution, as far as regards Bolton and its Neighbourhood—and that without discovering the Persons who give us secret Information.

The Instructions of Government are requested on these matters – and in the meantime we shall endeavour to find out the concealed moves, of the Incendiary Plot.—Please to address to me at Bolton as I expect to leave this Place in 3 Days.

I have the Honor to be
Very respectfully
Sir
Your most Obedt Servant
Ra: Fletcher

N.B. The non delivery of the Letter to me at this Place for 2 Posts has so long delayed the Information


[To] John Beckett Esq

I A B — on my own voluntary Will and accord, do declare an solemnly swear, that I will never reveal to any Person or Persons, in any Place or Places, under the Canopy of Heaven, the Name or Names of any Persons who compose this secret Committee, their Secret Proceedings, Meeting Place, Abode, Dress, Features, Connections, or any thing else, that may lead to a discovery of the same, either by Word Deed or Sign, under the Penalty of being sent out of the World, by the first Brother who shall meet me, my Name & Character blotted out of Existence, and never to be remembered but with Contempt and Abhorrence. And I furthermore do swear, that I will use my best Endeavours to punish by Death, any Traitor or Traitors should any rise up amongst us, wherever I can find him or them, and though he should fly to the Verge of Nature, I will pursue him with unceasing Vengeance, — So help me God, — and assist me to keep this my Oath, inviolable

amen, So be it.

23rd February 1812: The Manchester spy 'B' reports on Nottingham & Birmingham contacts and a secret oath

On Sunday 23rd February, Colonel Fletcher's spy in Manchester, 'B', finished another report for his master.

On the 17th, he had come across his contact from Nottingham, Williamson, who he had met previously in November. Williamson said that Nottingham had acted too soon, and that a general rising across counties would be preferable, and were this to occur, Nottinghamshire could contribute 3000 men. He implied that contributions from England, Ireland and Scotland had lessened the hardship of people in Nottingham and also that many of the Special Constables recruited in the county were sympathetic. Williamson told B that an illegal oath was in use by which 40,000 people in Nottinghamshire were sworn in. B wrote out that oath for Fletcher in his report:

I A.B. of my own free will do most Sincerly promies & sware that I will keep the secrets that which I ham about to Receive & that Nither fear hope or Reward Shall in duce me to declair the same and that I will do my Best in helping hading and asisting in forwarding the same Business with persion and property & that if I declair the same to any persion with an intent to inger the Cause or any person their to be Longing under no less a pennalty then Being Exterminated with all my familey so help me God. 

On the 19th, B had attended a meeting on the Manchester Committee of Trades at 8 p.m. 26 delegates attended and elected a secretary called Yarwood. Yarwood was tasked with writing to the various committees in the vicinity to try to coordinate activity. The subject of the requisition to the Borough Reeve was discussed again, but left unresolved - it was felt that as many districts as possible should attend another meeting in 7 days time, and the meeting resolved to 'warn' particular districts to attend - Royton, Oldham, Glodwick, Saddleworth and Eccles. The meeting resolved to print 200 fliers to distribute to others to aid attendance.

On the 21st, B had been to Wilmslow and reported the lack of work, hardship and ill-feelings among the people, saying they felt "they had better die in the field of battle than starve as they are". B reported that seditious, anti-monarchy talk was commonly heard in public.

B broke out of his report to compare and contrast 2 magistrates in Stockport - Charles Prescot and the factory owner, Peter Marsland. B said the former was "in faver" with the people, and more likely to "satisfy" them than Marsland.

On the 22nd, B had met a man called Taylor from Leeds, who he had been in contact with 9 years before. Taylor predicted that something would happen in West Yorkshire in the summer, and that the people there were ready to withstand troops, although there were concerns about the possible use of Welsh Militia.

On the 23rd, B had met a man called Leighton, who was in contact with a Committee in Manchester, evidently not one that B knew about as he passed on the general location of their meetings - Newman Street off Oxford Road. Leighton was in town because he had missed his coach to Birmingham, where he was headed for on his ultimate destination in London. He held disdain for the Manchester Committee of Trade's efforts in petitioning. B tried to find out the details of the London Committee from Leighton so that he could call on them, but Leighton refused to divulge anymore as he had sworn an oath of secrecy. Leighton was evidently well-to-do: a Porter had brought him to B's house.

At the bottom of B's report, and in a different more literate handwriting, is a description of Leighton:

"Leighton is rather slender—about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high a smart looking man dressed in Black, and short Boots His Eyes Dark—and his Hair short and rather dark"