7th July 1812: The Stockport solicitor, John Lloyd, informs the Home Office about the apprehension of Joseph Barrowclough

Manchester 7 July 1812

Sir

I have not had an opportunity sooner of reporting to you the proceedings in Yorkshire which no doubt you have already had intimated to you from some other quarter, and I, now detail all the facts

On Wednesday afternoon one of the men I had sent into Yorkshire (Taylor Whitehead) arrived with information that he and his Companion had obtained some important confessions from a man of the name of Joseph Barrowclough at Holmfirth with whom they had got intimately acquainted and to whom they had pretended they were Luddites as well as himself — After taking an information in writing from Whitehead I took him to Manchester the same afternoon to Wm Hay who is a Justice for the West riding and got his Warrant and set off with an Aid de Camp of Genl Maitlands my Clerk and Whitehead to take Barrowclough – We took some military from Marsden to and secured him at an early hour the next morning, Friday — I then sent him by my Clerk & the Officer to Manchester having myself to go up to Mr. Radcliffe & to Huddersfield — but the next morning Saty I attended his Examination & again on Monday (yesterday) and made as good a Case as I cou’d against him such as gave him considerable alarm for his own Life (Copies of the Exams shall be immediately transmitted) and Mr. Allison Solr for the Society for prosecuting the Rioters at Huddersfield arriving he was allowed to see Barrowclough, being who was a Private in his Company of the Local Militia and to this Gentleman he proposed to make a Confession – which I consented to receive – Part of this we have been able to get copied – It has been troublesome to take and is not yet finished. Mr. Hay or myself however will send such Copy as we have been able to get done – and in the course of tomorrow I hope we shall be able to give the names of others that he is enabled to impeach already he has added three to the list of the murderers of Horsfall which of all things I consider most important.

I have [etc]

J Lloyd

[To] J.Beckett Esqr
&c —

7th July 1812: Information given by Joseph Barrowclough

Four days after being arrested in West Yorkshire, Joseph Barrowclough had been interrogated by the Stockport solicitor John Lloyd along with Captain John Allison and the Manchester Magistrate the Reverend William Hay. By the evening of 6th July, he had started to give information, and Lloyd & Allison recorded a long deposition on the morning of Tuesday 7th July 1812.

Barrowclough began by implicating a man named Samuel Haigh as the principal assassin of William Horsfall. He continued to describe the origins of the 'Lud System' in Scotland 22 years ago, and described the oath in use.  Barrowclough then dropped the bombshell that French prisoners of war were involved with the Luddites.

The rest of the deposition describes the system of arms raiding, even the way raiding parties were organised, as well as the signalling system used. Dates, times and locations were given for future Luddite meetings and well as  the location and sizes of arms dumps.

Barrowclough stated there were four principal un-named leaders organising the arms raids, 3 of whom were French, and that they paid out wages to the Luddites in the 24th of each month. He also confirmed that a rising was planned - the "Marriage feast of Mrs Ludd" - which would involve French Prisoners held at Chesterfield, Plymouth and on Dartmoor, but would not take place until the 24th anniversary of the formation of the system - 24th July 1814.

Barrowclough stated there was religious element in West Yorkshire Luddism: "The Luds go by the 21st Ezekiel 25th 6th 7th verses - They call themselves the Godly".

7th July 1812: Patrick Doring of Scholes arrested for intimidating witnesses

On Tuesday 7th July 1812, Patrick Doring of Scholes, aka Dr. Patrick Bell, was arrested. He was accused of intimidating Mary & Joseph Culpin to not give evidence against James Haigh, who was suspected of being involved in the attack on Rawfolds Mill - he was accused of threatening to shoot them both on the 13th June.

The following day, Doring was committed to York Castle to stand trial at the next Assizes.

7th July 1812: Colonel Fletcher & his spy, John Stones, observe the 'Manchester 38' in Gaol

In his account of the arrest and trial of the 'Manchester 38', John Knight recounts a chilling episode that took place at the New Bailey prison in Salford on either Tuesday the 7th or Wednesday 8th July 1812:

On the 7th or 8th July, Higgins, the gaoler, accompanied by a magistrate of Bolton, named Ralph Fletcher, and a notorious character, of the name of Stones, came into each yard, and ordered in every yard the prisoners belonging to the thirty-eight, to separate themselves from the other, and then viewed our persons minutely, for a considerable time, with earnest attention.

This was no doubt aimed at fixing any of the '38' that John Stones had come across during his infiltration of the underground workers' organisations during the last few months.

7th July 1812: General Maitland shares his doubts about Joseph Barrowclough with the Home Secretary

Manchester 12 OCl
PM
July 7th

My dear Lord

The man that was Seized as I wrote Mr. Beckett in my last communication has at last began to speak out

This has produced in various Quarters that Species of little Jealousy which over anxiety on the one Hand – for the near good of public Service generates, and on the other the Situation of Magistrates naturally authorises. Upon this Part of the Subject I shall have occasion to trouble your Lordship hereafter. It may occasion as it does me much uneasiness at the moment, but it must be very immaterial indeed to the public Cause.

The information of this man extremely imperfect in itself as far as it goes, is still of some importance, I neither admire the Hands in whom it is now placed, nor do I for my own part, at present See much real Information: further than in regard to the Depots of arms and with respect to the Murder of Mr Horsfall.

I shall however tomorrow be at the bottom of all this, and Substantiate the truth of the Information that is given, by a general Search for all Depots of arms &c in executing which, I shall be extremely assisted by Mr. Hay who will issue the necessary Warrants.

The most important part of this communication hangs upon this being the first instance of the Ringleaders of Yorkshire being got at, which makes it in itself extremely Valuable and is the Source of a considerable part of what I have mentioned in the second paragraph of this letter, and into which I shall enter fully tomorrow.

They are still getting Information from the man, but I cannot delay sending this off without detaining the mail, which I don't like.

I have other Reasons the thinking the Conduct of the French prisoners is extremely incorrect.

I am [etc]
T Maitland

Lord Viscount Sidmouth
&c &c &c

5th July 1812: Captain Francis Raynes almost triggers a riot near Mottram in Cheshire

Captain Francis Raynes and his Special Forces detachment were busy suppressing the local population of the area surrounding Mottram, in Cheshire. In his memoirs, he gives an account of how on Sunday 5th July 1812 his unit enforced the licensing restrictions brought in across the North and Midlands because of the disturbances:

Part of our duty was, to enforce the shutting up of the public houses at nine o’clock, and to see that no person remained there after that time. Too often were these houses made the place of resort of the Luddites, for the purpose of conducting their illegal plans; consequently, our appearance was not very agreeable to the landlords, and we frequently received much abusive language from them, which obliged me to make formal complaint to the magistrates, who generally punished them by suspending their licenses.

On one occasion, I believe, but for the steadiness of my men, much mischief might have ensued. We were quartered in a house where upwards of three hundred persons were assembled (as they said) for charitable purposes. At this alarming crisis, danger was to be apprehended. I, therefore, endeavoured to prevail on the landlady, a widow, to dismiss them quietly, desiring her not to draw any liquor, and to plead to the company, the magistrates’ order for so doing: instead of which, she encouraged their continuance. The consequence was, we were obliged to use coercive measures, to get them out, and, at length, succeeded, but with some difficulty. They assembled on the outside of the house, forced the sentinels, and endeavoured to break open the street door. When I found matters were likely to become serious, I ordered the soldiers out, and threatened to fire upon them, if they did not disperse: for they began to be very tumultuous, and were closing in upon us. We primed and loaded, and absolutely presented, before they would disperse; and many, even then, did not move. We, however, secured several of them, which intimidated the rest: but it was not till past twelve o’clock, that all was quiet.--The parties taken up, were sent before the magistrates at Stockport, to answer for the offence of rioting and breaking the peace.

The mistress of the house did not escape the notice of the magistrates on this occasion. Having accurate information of a man of the name of Soloman Low, who had been conspicuously active in the riots at Ashton, immediately on the above commotion being settled, we went in pursuit of, and apprehended him.

4th July 1812: Gravenor Henson informs Nottingham of the final preparations for the Framework-knitters Bill

1812. July 4

London

Dr Sir

Our Petitioning goes forward we have got a Number of the Retail Hosiers of London to sign, Mr Morris Lombard Street, (alias Mr Smith Hosier London our first Subscriber who in that name sent us a Pound) has undertaken to get it signed by Monday 2 oClock by most of the Retail Hosiers in London we calculate on having a swinging Petition from them; What will the Good Hosiers of Leicester and the Hollow ones of Nottingham think of this; when their Workmen and Customers petition against them; We have been with Thos Hayne Mr Morley and Mr Pritt, they declined signing not refused, Thos Hayne is willing to sign if the Schedules is modyfyed to meet the objection of Strangers entering the Warehouse; We mean to propose the original intention of paying for a Copy; Mr Morley thinks we ought to prohibit Single Worsted and says he will forward the Bill by every means in his Power; Mr Pritt is convinced of the Propriety of the Regulations, but thinks it would be best to have them by a Regulation amongst ourselves—assured us however that he should give them every support, as he was convinced that no Regulation of the Manufacturers would be abided by,—

There will be a Meeting at the Globe Coffee House on Monday at 11 oClock. when D.P. Coke, J. Smith, C [?] Smith, Mr Babington, Lord Newark, H. Tracey, Mr Mundy and several other Members will be there ; Dr J T. Becher will be there also, Mr. Bignall will attend to defend the Bill and our Cause Mr Morley also will attend to get Single Worsted included in the Bill if Possible—Mr T. Hayne will be there, and most of the truly respectable Hosiers in Town; We hope Mr Waisbell will attend,

We shall run them hard yet even if we lose, It is useless going to the Nottm. Hosiers they are a prevaricating Race of Mortals who do not know their own Interest; Give my best Respects to Roper, and to Mr Fell, likewise my worthy Friend John Wild, Tell Slater I have not forgot him. We received Larges Letter this Morning, What does he mean by a fierce opposition; Surely if the Hosiers is so very fierce we must Chain them; Or if we cant the Devill will, what they want another Row do they

I am Sir
Yours with the greatest Respect
G Henson.

[Addressed to:] Mr Page, Nottingham.

4th July 1812: General Maitland writes to the Home Office about Joseph Barrowclough

Buxton
4th July 1812

My dear Sir

In my last letter to Lord Sidmouth, I informed him, that I thought some thing important, might be derived, if we succeeded in getting, hold of a Man, that we had sent out a Party to seize. We have taken him, but I can give no satisfactory Report to his Lordship on the results.

He is now under examination, but nothing has transpired of any Moment.—

It would have been my Wish, to have tried him quite in a different Way, than by Examination, but I could not interfere upon such a Subject, & I have no doubt, that on Monday Mr. Hay will do what is right.

That he knows much, is my Belief, & if the original Information, upon which I sent my own Aid de Camp to seize him, with Lloyd, whose Character you well know, is correct, he must know who other Murderers of Mr Horsfall, & is a Ring leader in all the Proceedings about Huddersfield.

I have stated my Opinion to Mr. Hay distinctly, & have pressed him, as far as I can, to get the Information the Prisoner may possess, & send it forthwith to Government. But with every respect, which I really entertain for Hay, & others, there is a sad feeling, that if we can commit a man that is implicated himself, that it is the Extent of their Duty, whereas by letting him easily down, we might implicate twenty others, all of them of greater Importance, & if it be necessary for the good of the Country, lead them all to trial and condemnation.

I write this certainly without Pique or Prejudice, for to do Mr. Hay the Justice he merits, he is extremely ready, and Active, but I must regret, there are not Modes of trying these men, previous to, & in a different manner from any Judicial Proceeding.

At the same time however I say this, I am not without Expectation, that even, according to their Forms, real Information will be got out of this Gentleman—

My Anxiety was, if he had any to send it up, pending the Proceedings in Parliament, if there be any Opposition given to the Measures of Government—

I am [etc]
T Maitland
[To] John Beckett Esqr.
Under Secretary of State
&c &c &c

4th July 1812: Nottinghamshire solicitor William Woodcock asks the Home Office for instructions on the prosecution of Luddites

Mansfield July 4th 1812

My Lord

I beg leave to inform your Lordship that at the last Nottinghamshire Assizes Bills of Indictment were found against two persons of the names of William Fell and John Clarke for Misdemeanours in being riotously assembled with others for the purpose of Framebreaking at Sutton in Ashfield in this County to which Bills the Defendants pleaded not guilty. Their prosecutions with others in which I was employed as Solicitor were considered at the Expence of Government – In the month of March last George Spray was apprehended for framebreaking but in consideration of his having suffered much from a shot fired at him on his attempting to escape he was admitted to bail to appear at the ensuing Nottinghamshire Assizes and answer to a prosecution for a Misdemeanour only In the same month of March Joseph Falconbridge (a notorious Character) was committed to Nottingham Gaol for framebreaking.

I now request of your Lordship that I may be instructed whether his Majesty's Government will further proceed against Fell and Clarke and also if any proceedings are to be taken against Spray and Falconbridge at the approaching Nottinghamshire Assizes.

For your Lordship’s better Information I send here with Copies of Examinations of Witnesses against the persons above named besides which there is other corroborative Evidence – but I must remark your Lordship I have received undoubted Information that Robert Caunt the Witness against Falconbridge has lately been seduced away by the Associates of Falconbridge and intends not to appear to give Evidence although himself and two Sureties are under Recognizance for his appearance &c

I have [etc]
Wm Woodcock

[To] The Right Honble
Viscount Sidmouth

4th July 1812: The Gaoler of Lancaster Castle informs the Home Office that one of the 'Manchester 38' may be an Irish Rebel

Lancaster Castle 4 July 1812

Sir,

One of the thirty eight Persons committed to this Prison for being present at the Administration of an Oath in a Public House in Manchester, by the name of Daniel Gibbons, has I am informed connexions in London and Dublin, which, on account of the present state of the Country, you may find necessary to make some Inquiry.—I understand, from a person who knows Gibbons, that his real name is Jevans and that he has a Brother in London who is a Gunsmith—Also, that this Jevans married the Daughter of Mr. Watson, Tin plate worker and Founder, Cox’s Court, Michael’s Lane, Dublin, who was concerned with McIntosh and a Mr Costigan of Pimlico in making Gunpowder for the Rebels previous to the Insurrection in July 1803. I understand McIntosh was executed for the offence. From Connexions of this discription there is a probability that Jevans may be deeply concerned in the disturbances now on Foot in this County, especially as he is by Trade a Machine Maker, closely connected with his Brother in London and his Relations in Ireland. It may be proper further to add that Jevans joined the Rotunda Corps of Yeomanry, with a view to avoid suspicion. I am Sir, with great Deference

Your most obedient Servant

John Higgin,

John Beckett, Esqr,
Under Secretary of State &c.—

A man has been found named Isaac Javens working at the Shop of Mr Farnley in Castle Court Whitechapel who says he was form Birmingham but served his apprenticeship, to a Gunsmith in Dublin, that he has a Brother named Daniel Javens in custody at Manchester, that his said Brother was [born] in Phenix Street Dublin and served his apprenticeship to a Mr Smith a Coach-smith in Strand Street Dublin, that he married the Daughter of Mr Watson of Michaels Lane Dublin Tin plate worker and came to England about seven years ago, Isaac Javens says he had been in England about ten years that he married his wife Margaret Rossiter in Saint Patrick Street Dublin says that his Brother Daniel and himself were volunteers some years ago with the Ritundife Division in Capt Johnson’s Company that their Father Job Jevans lives at No 16 Michaels Lane Dublin & is by trade a Silversmith Isaac Jevans says he has received two Letters from his Brother Daniel since his confinement at Manchester which Letters and now at his House and he has no objection to shew them

J. Read

10th July 1812.*

*Although Higgin's letter alludes to the information contained in the note by J Read, Read's note appears to post-date Higgin's letter. I can't find an explanation for this!

4th July 1812: More committals to York Castle for arson and food rioting

On Saturday 4th July 1812, the Leeds Mercury reported recent committals to York Castle.

Robert Grimshaw, a labourer lately of Clapham, was charged with having feloniously entered and maliciously and feloniously set fire to the cotton mill of John and Arthur Armistead at Clapham on 20th May 1812.

Mary Ellis was charged with being involved in the food riot at Horbury on 17th June 1812.

Both would take their trials at the forthcoming York Summer Assizes.

3rd July 1812: Arms raids & burglaries across the West Riding

In the evening of 3rd July 1812, arms raids took place in the north and south of the West Riding.

At Stainland, near Halifax, the homes of Benjamin Dyson & William Mellor were raided and a gun and a sword were taken from each house.

At Whitley, near Sheffield, 10 men raided the home of a carpenter called Megson, who lived near to the Porter's Lodge at Whitley Hall. Megson and his family were locked in a back room whilst the house was searched - four Guinea notes and some provisions were taken - though the men did not demand firearms.

3rd July 1812: John Lloyd arrests a Luddite in Yorkshire on the information of his spies

In the afternoon of Wednesday, 1st July 1812, a spy called Thomas Whitehead sent by the Solicitor, John Lloyd, into Yorkshire travelled back to his master at Stockport and informed him that he and his fellow spy, Joseph Taylor, had made contact with a Luddite in Holmfirth.

Lloyd wasted no time in taking a deposition, and then went to Manchester to get a warrant from the Magistrate William Robert Hay before heading into Yorkshire with General Maitland's Aide-de-Camp. They raised troops at Marsden, and after finding the alleged Luddite, a Corporal in the Upper Agbrigg Local Militia called Joseph Barrowclough, they arrested him in the early hours of the morning of Friday 3rd July, bringing him back into Lancashire for questioning at the New Bailey prison in Salford.

The Leeds Mercury and the Lancaster Gazette, both of the 11th July, printed Barrowclough's name. The Gazette  also carried an article from the Sheffield Mercury of the 4th July which, although many of the facts were wrong, suggested that someone was leaking information to the Press at a vry early stage:

On the 3d instant a Luddite of the name of Barrowclough, charged with the atrocious crime of twisting-in, was brought from the edge of Yorkshire to the New Bailey prison, Manchester, in a post-chaise, escorted by a party of dragoons.

The Sheffield Mercury of Saturday last furnishes us with the following information; probably the man in the preceding paragraph is the person alluded to:

“At a late hour last night we received highly important and very gratifying intelligence to every friend of peace and good order. It says that two Bow-street Officers have been in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield for nearly three weeks past, and that they had been Twisted-in, or in other words had taken the oath of the Luddites. By this means they have learned the proceedings and ways of those infatuated persons, and have obtained the knowledge of the depot where their arms were concealed. Warrants were yesterday (Friday) issued the apprehension of fifty of the ringleaders, and in the course of the day great number of them were taken into custody. The actual murderer of Mr. Horsfall was discovered in a house about eight miles from Huddersfield, and is committed to Lancaster Castle* to be tried for the said barbarous deed. He was seized yesterday morning about two o'clock, within the county of Lancaster. The Queen’s Bays were on duty during the whole of Thursday night and yesterday morning; and the Scotch Greys have arrived from Manchester to assist in this business. LET THE GUILTY FEAR AND TREMBLE.”

*This is not correct—Edit

Over the next few days, under the questioning of Lloyd and Hay, Barrowclough would go on to relate much of Luddite activities in Yorkshire.

3rd July 1812: Disturbances in Nottingham after the National Anthem is sung at the Theatre

The Leicester Journal of 3rd July reported that disturbances had been taking place in Nottingham following the traditional loyalist goings-on at the Theatre:

The Theatre this place has been abruptly closed by command of the Town Magistrates, in consequence of the tumultuous proceedings that have taken place on several successive evenings, occasioned by a request made to the Orchestra to play the national air of God save the King.

On the tune being called for, it has generally been accompanied with a cry of “hats off,” which has produced the most violent opposition on the part of those who are anything but loyal. Instead of complying with the request, the oppositionists answer it with a cry of “Millions be free!” and rising with their hats on, place themselves in the most menacing attitude of defiance. This act of indecency has frequently led to blows, and individuals in the boxes have been obliged to seek their personal safety by leaping into the pit, while those in the pit have placed themselves in array against the boxes, and a general contest or tumult has been the result. In several instances tickets have been distributed gratis, to the amount of several pounds, with a view to beat down the loyal party by main force, in consequence of which several Officers have been insulted, and maltreated, particularly on Wednesday evening last, on a number of those desperadoes surrounded Brigade Major Humphreys, on coming out of the Theatre, hooted him along the streets to his quarters, and threw a bottle in his face, which cut him severely. Brigade-Major Humphreys is a most gentlemanly character, who had never taken any part whatever in the disturbances, but that he was a military officer was quite sufficient. On another occasion, a party way-laid an officer of the 2d Somerset Militia, who had been forward in displaying his zeal and loyalty to his King at the Theatre, in the Park, late in the evening, and beat him in a most inhuman manner. Several have been compelled to enter into recognizances for their good behaviour, and two or three are bound over to appear the Quarter Sessions, for the assault committed on the officer in the Park

3rd July 1812: The remaining convicts from the Chester Special Commission leave Chester Castle

On Friday 3rd July 1812, the remaining prisoners convicted at the Chester Special Commission were removed from Chester Castle and sent to the Prison Hulks at Woolwich, viz: Richard Wood, James Tomlinson, William Thompson, James Torkington, John Henshall, Edward Redfern, James Ratcliffe and William Walker.

2nd July 1812: Gravenor Henson tells Thomas Large of the opposition to the Framework-knitter's Bill

[1812. July 2]

London Thursday 7 oClock—

Dr Sir

I have to inform you that I have just come from the House, Mr Hume opposed our Bill on Dr A Smiths grounds of letting Trade alone, Genl Tarlton moved the House to adjourn, there not being Forty Members present, they ran out of the House when our business came on like wild fire: A Letter has come from Mr Hooley of Nottm Hosier to D P. Coke protesting against our Bill, G Coldham Town Clerk is employed against us by the Hosiers of Nottm who have addressed a circular Letter to the Members, A Letter has come express, signed by Allen and Phillips and by a Dozen others to D P Coke, J Smith & Lord Newark signifying that they meant to be heard by Counsel against our Bill; It will be moved tomorrow night for Monday

G Henson.

[Addressed to:] Mr T Large . . . Nottingham.

2nd July 1812: General Maitland informs the Home Secretary of the imminent seizure of a suspected Luddite

Manchester 2nd July 1812

My dear Lord.

I have the pleasure of receiving your Lordship’s letter last night.

I beg leave to assure you the caution you gave me was neither mistaken nor misunderstood, & I have receiv’d in due course all the private letters your Lordship states.

I think it right to mention to you when it is under the eye of government what I have not press’d upon your attention because I really did not think from the general good disposition of the Troops that it was worth mentioning, that a great assiduity has been shewn among the disaffected to tamper with troops, but I really believe without any success.

There is some information of consequence out of Yorkshire which probably will go up to you to night, but upon which I shall say nothing, till the result of a party just sent out to seize one of the permanent Serjeants of Sir George Armitage’s Local Militia is known.

If the information be true such the man is seiz’d, I think it may lead to what would be a most desirable discovery the parties that shot Mr. Horsefall near Huddersfield.

I have receiv’d a letter from [obscured] and shall attend to its contents, I have faced more difficult in Scotland than I expected, but think at present I am more successful here, than I imagined, I would be when I had the Honor of seeing your Lordship.

Should one of the measures of Government be to authorize the seizures of arms under certain circumstances, it would be most important I should know it in time before the bill passes, to concert arrangements for making a general sweep by all the Troops under the civil authority the moment we are authoriz’d so to do, and which can only be done by at least two or three days preparation.

If time be given it will infallibly defeat the seizure.

I will write to your Lordship the moment the result of the party is known, which I think will be of considerable importance. I have the Honor to be with great regard

Your [etc]

From
Genl: Maitland

Lord Viscount Sidmouth
&c &c &c

1st July 1812: The County Clerk of Nottingham presents the bill for the prosecution of Luddites to the Home Office

Rex v. Carnell and Maples
Same v Osborne
Same v Marshall
Same v Slaney

My Lord

I take the liberty of inclosing to your Lordship my Bills of Costs in the above prosecutions, which were directed to be carried on by and at the expence of his Majesty's Government; and shall be obliged by your Lordship giving the necessary directions the discharge of the Amount being £423: 17: 7 —

I am also directed by the Magistrates to transmit to your Lordship a Copy of the Depositions against William Godfrey another prisoner Committed for Trial at the next Assizes for framebreaking and to request that your Lordship will be pleased to communicate to and for their information, whether the Crown will think right to direct the prosecution against this prisoner also.

I beg the favor of an early Reply
And have [etc]
Geo. Sculthorpe
Nottm 1st July 1812.

[To] The Rt. Honble
The Secy of State—

[Henry Hobhouse replied 6 days later informing the Home Office that the Government would prosecute William Godfrey]

1st July 1812: William Robert Hay informs the Home Office of a suspected Luddite in Saddleworth

Private/

Police Office Manchester 1 July 1812

Dr. Sir,

I had the honor to receive your letter (private) dated 26th June instant with the accompanying paper, and immediately directed enquiry to be made respecting the person referred to in them. I find that a man of the name of Walter McLean als McLauglin lived at No. 19 Chapel Street, Bank Top – he was a Silk weaver – to cheat his Landlord out of his rent he removed to Mr. Normans Buildings – he then hawked numbers about the country – he lately left his house in Normans Buildings, and it is said that he is gone into Saddleworth – This man has always been suspected of being a Luddite, and seems to have been intimate with a person at Oldham of the name of Travis, who is considered as a very disaffected man; and who is stated to have told McLaughlin sometime back, that three of Ludds men had come from Nottingham, that they rode grey horses; came to give orders, and rode off immediately. Travis is said to have offered McLaughlin to find him work if he would come over to Oldham.

Such is the Information given to me by Nadin the Depy Constable here. Should it the Lord Sidmouths wish that enquiry should be made in Saddleworth, I will endeavour to promote it. I am, Dr. Sir,

Your [etc]
WR Hay

To John Beckett Esqr &c

July 1812: Letter from "a well wisher" at Daypool to "The Secretary of State", London

Daypool near Hull July

Sir,

I have too long been a dupe, to mischiefous men, by being led on, to mischief, in the west Country, and I have been guilty, of a many Crimes there, and have come here, by being deputed, for a very wicked purpose, even that, for which I now repent, & will have no concern, I am sent with others, to different parts of the Country, and especially where French Prisoners are many to some thousands, are already sworn in, to rise on a certain day, appointed in all parts of the Kingdom, on the 5th day of Novr next, the Luddites mean to rid themselves, of all their Enemys. They reckon on 50,000 French Prisoners, as helpers, as out of all that are sworn, amongs the French, not one did refuse. On that morning, several, or many heads in London, are to be laid low, to cause a confusion, all the Mails, are to be stopt’d.

Castererleaah, Liverpool. Gibbs. & several. are to fall, as fix’d on. Men are to go to all the places, where French Prisoners are, to assasinate the Gards, to let the Prisoners out, to join the Luddites, & then Mischief follows.

Tho' they appear quiet now, you are very much rong, if you trust to that. I have sent an account from here, where the arms are, in the Garrison, & what number.

But I repent, & will do no more, with them, but do you not be laid from Suspicion. Beware French Prisoners.

You need not advertize any reward for the writer of this to come forward because I won’t tho’ my conscience tell me to do this I will go no farther because by doing this I dare not return home. I wou’d not turn Kings Evidence for the World.

I will go so far as say that the Watch Word on that Day say 5th Novr next is to be LIBERTY AND LUDD, FOR EVER.

So no more from a well wisher No 1175.