27th June 1815.
I was with Sampson Walker yesterday morning about the [Corporation] having a list of the Ludd's names. He began to chastise me as soon as he saw me & advised me to have nothing to do with it. I told him I had nothing to do to do with it, & the Connection I had with these men was only just formed & they could not have my name. He said Lomax the Grocer told him the Corporation had had the names a month since & that there was no doubt they had gone up to Government & they might suspend the Habeas Corpus Act & put anyone into Prison without shewing why.―He told me by all means to drop the Connection as Revolution was not to be brought about by the means they proposed & he had told Burton to call again, but he should have nothing to do with it.—When I left Walker about 9 oClock I went to Stevens the Needlemaker in King Street, Woolpack Lane.―He began to talk to me about a Revolution & Gravenor Henson came in — Gravenor began to talk about getting money & he asked me if old Newton of Bullwell had not got a good bit of Gold.—I told him I understood he had but I did not know where it was.—He said ‘Oh damn that, we’ll soon find it when we get there, I asked him how we were to find it. He said ‘Oh damn that we would soon make him tell, by putting him in bodily fear by getting some hot water & pouring on his legs, hanging him up, or giving him a good hiding or some such way.—We talked about the Revolution. He said he could raise 25,000 men in 2 hours.—As for such fellows as Dr. Wylde & all those black gowned [Gentleman] he would send them to New South Wales where many a brave fellow had been sent — He said there were three men in Nottm. shd. die & nothing should save them.―I asked him who they were — He said one was Coldham the Town Clerk,—Stevens of Mansfield & Beecher of Southwell. These he said should have no mercy.—We had a deal of talk about a Revolution―Burton came & heard part of this Conversation.—He talked of the same method as before proposed by Slater of finding where the arms are by getting hold of some of the heads of the Town & making them tell where they are. — Remained with till about noon — Was with Burton, John Mann, Badder, Holmes, and John Slater to night at the Leather Bottle.—They called me out into the Street & told me they thought it would be better to lay aside the Yorkshire Journey a few days — The reasons they assigned were — their suspicion of John Greaves who was Secretary to the Committee of the late Petitioning.—They said he has a Cousin at Coldham's Office & he has been in the habit of going there sometimes. They did not say that he had told of anything that he had discovered anything on there but that Mr. Coldham had once said to him he had too much of Sir Francis Burdett in him, & they said that Mr. Coldham would not have said so to him unless he had been saying something to Mr. Coldham — Holmes swore if he found out, that any man was hunting his blood he would hunt his.—They agreed that John Greaves is to be told it had all dropped on account of this news & then they should get rid of him.―They agreed we were to meet next Sunday or Monday and if I had anything to communicate I might come to John Mann at the Leather Bottle & he would let them know, & I told them they might find me at Hollingworth's.
Dann is 5 f. 6 or 7 inches high.. has redish hair and wiskers largish palish complexion.―thin face rather long – a tooth out in front, think on the top jaw – is franfreckled – generally wears blue Framework Pantaloons, walks upright & quick off the Ground - has a fullish eye, color, blue.―Teeth rather yellow – longish nose aquiline or roman, mostly wears a Jacket, a kind of Fustian without laps, – looks cleanish mostly. —
When Gravenor Henson was talking about the means to be used to effect a Revolution he said the first thing to be done was to set fire to Lombard Street where all the Banks were & then when the Mail brought that intelligence it, must be the signal to begin every where else. The next thing London must be shoved out & we could go to thro the Country in 9 days.―He mentioned many Towns where there were arms & the People were ripe & what Towns would be of Service — He mentioned so many I cant remember them.—He spoke of many in Yorkshire & Lancashire & a Barracks where there were only 500 Soldiers and many arms. This place must be attacked & the Arms seized & it would strike a dread upon the Country.—He said a great deal that I cannot repeat about the means to be adopted & the measures to be pursued by the Revolutionists.
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Friday, 26 June 2015
26th June 1815: George Coldham reports on plans to send his informer to London
Nottingham June 1815
Private
Dear Sir,
I inclose you a Copy of our last Report by which you will perceive the Statement made by our Informant of the Situation of Leicester. I did not I confess think these Men quite so dangerous as I was Disposed to imagine that but I still conceive their power of doing harm rendered expedient to know as much of them as we can. The Secret Committee have therefore Determined to let our Informant go to London if the Luddites can raise him a Companion & so much Money as to clear him of the Suspicion of being too forward If they can furnish the two Men £6 he will pretend to have got Subscriptions as far as £2 & will go [illegible] care to raise in the meantime some small Subscriptions where it will be reported to them. I have conferred with the Magistrates & if he goes they have Determined to send me Clerk Francis Wright with whom our Informant communicates here with an Introduction to you so that if it really appears that there is any channel of communication in London which it can be important for Government to know you & Lord Sidmouth will be put in possession of it. The Expenses attending this measure I have taken upon myself to be responsible for the Secret do not think it belongs to them & the Magistrates are aware that it may form a questionable Article in the County Rate Accounts & I hope you will think it is an Expense which Government will under the circumstances consider them bound to provide for. Nothing good or important may arise out of it or it may lead to useful Information but if the opportunity occurs I shall not think I Do my Duty without making the experiment. As by probability our Informant’s going may be Delayed somewhat longer I have shall be glad to hear from you on this subject by return of Post if you differ from me in Opinion. We hope we are in a [fair] [Train] of finding as the Person who wrote the private Letter to me respecting the Arms & that more Information may result from it. I think nothing at all of their means of any serious permanent mischief but I believe a few of them are mad & desperate enough for anything. At present they are very slow to believe in the Defeat of Bonaparte. I cannot close this Letter without congratulating Lord Sidmouth & yourself most sincerely & heartily upon the late glorious Victory which has placed Lord Wellington & this Country upon the very Pinnacle of Military Glory I devoutly hope that it may be immediately lead to consequences important & decisive of the best Interests of Britain & of Europe.
I am Dear Sir,
Your’s very truly
Geo. Coldham
[To] J. Beckett Esqr.
PS. Our Informant [returns] to communicate with us to morrow Afternoon where you shall hear if he can be safely permitted to go to London
Private
Dear Sir,
I inclose you a Copy of our last Report by which you will perceive the Statement made by our Informant of the Situation of Leicester. I did not I confess think these Men quite so dangerous as I was Disposed to imagine that but I still conceive their power of doing harm rendered expedient to know as much of them as we can. The Secret Committee have therefore Determined to let our Informant go to London if the Luddites can raise him a Companion & so much Money as to clear him of the Suspicion of being too forward If they can furnish the two Men £6 he will pretend to have got Subscriptions as far as £2 & will go [illegible] care to raise in the meantime some small Subscriptions where it will be reported to them. I have conferred with the Magistrates & if he goes they have Determined to send me Clerk Francis Wright with whom our Informant communicates here with an Introduction to you so that if it really appears that there is any channel of communication in London which it can be important for Government to know you & Lord Sidmouth will be put in possession of it. The Expenses attending this measure I have taken upon myself to be responsible for the Secret do not think it belongs to them & the Magistrates are aware that it may form a questionable Article in the County Rate Accounts & I hope you will think it is an Expense which Government will under the circumstances consider them bound to provide for. Nothing good or important may arise out of it or it may lead to useful Information but if the opportunity occurs I shall not think I Do my Duty without making the experiment. As by probability our Informant’s going may be Delayed somewhat longer I have shall be glad to hear from you on this subject by return of Post if you differ from me in Opinion. We hope we are in a [fair] [Train] of finding as the Person who wrote the private Letter to me respecting the Arms & that more Information may result from it. I think nothing at all of their means of any serious permanent mischief but I believe a few of them are mad & desperate enough for anything. At present they are very slow to believe in the Defeat of Bonaparte. I cannot close this Letter without congratulating Lord Sidmouth & yourself most sincerely & heartily upon the late glorious Victory which has placed Lord Wellington & this Country upon the very Pinnacle of Military Glory I devoutly hope that it may be immediately lead to consequences important & decisive of the best Interests of Britain & of Europe.
I am Dear Sir,
Your’s very truly
Geo. Coldham
[To] J. Beckett Esqr.
PS. Our Informant [returns] to communicate with us to morrow Afternoon where you shall hear if he can be safely permitted to go to London
Thursday, 25 June 2015
25th June 1815: Informer's report on Leicestershire & Nottinghamshire Luddites
25th June 1815.—
I went to Leicester last Wednesday morning.—Had instructions to go to the "Nottingham Arms" Belgrave Gate, where I was told there was a Society of Revolutionists and that the son of the Landlady, Elizth Johnson, was one of them.—Dann told me Johnson was a good one.—He is a retail Hosier and works in the Frame himself.—Went to Johnson's as soon as I got to Leicester and saw him.—Told him what I was come about.—Dann is to go and work with him and I told him that something had happened that had prevented him from being with him until next week.—
I asked him if there had not been some stranger from Nottm & told him to be cautious who he said anything to.—He said he did not know of anybody having been there.—Johnson is very close minded.—He said a few Stocking makers could not bring such a thing as that forward and a parcel of us would get hanged if we did not mind. He speaks little and when in company frequently cautions others when they say anything that may be used to their disadvantage.—Went into the Hay market and there saw, a little black looking Chap.—Dont know his name we got into Conversation.—He asked if I came from Nottingham and if I knew Cooke.—I told him I did and had worked with him & Sherwood also―he told me they were Brothers in Law.—When he found I knew & was acquainted with them, he talked freely with me, & we went to Johnson’s together & on the way there he told me there was to be a Meeting in some Field, the name of which I don't remember.—He advised me not to go―When he had been at Johnson’s some time, about 9 o'Clock he said he should be wanted & he then left me.—I told him I thought the Leicester Chaps were not so forward as the Nottm.—He said they were & that they swore in every man that they engaged.—He did not tell me any of their names nor their number — He said Leicester would be as ready as Nottingham to seize the arms there, but it must be done in the night – He did not say they had adopted any plan to do it. Johnson did not hear of any of this Conversation.—Several men came here that night & I afterwards discovered they were part of the set.—Afterwards had some talk with a man of the name of Brown — who was one of those at Johnson's that night.—He is a Painter & lives he says in Belgrave Gate.—He began to talk about Sherwood, and told me Sherwood had been there lately.—I told him I knew he had, and that it appeared from what he had said that the Leicester Chaps hung back sadly.—Brown said that was not the Case and Sherwood never dived into it.—He said he thought they were more ready than Nottm — he understood they had Meetings twice a week at Nottm.—He told me there were several Societies in Leicester, and one was there (at Johnson's) and he was in it.—He did not tell me how many there were who had joined them.—He told me there was to be a Meeting there next Monday night.—Did not say what for.—The foregoing was Secret discourse — Had no other Secret talks with any, but have been with Brown & the man first mentioned at Johnson’s in company with several others when the chief of their discourse had been about the Revolution.—
Yesterday I went to Sherwood and Cooke.—As soon as Sherwood saw me, he told me he wanted to see me & that he was just going to seek for me — we went out together & he told me they had found out there was another Union in Nottm and from what he said I found it was Badder, Slater and their accomplices.—He proposed we two should join & act togr. upon one plan.—I told him I had been at Leicester & I thought they were more ready there than here.—He said he believed they were but when he was there he had not time to get amongst them as much as he wished.—He took me to a great Shop (Wells’s in Barker Gate) where there were some of his Friends, & there I saw Badder, & two other men not known to me my name.—Sherwood told them I was the Young man he had spoke to them about & that I had been at Leicester — we have some talk there and others came in.—They asked if somebody was not going to London from Leicester.—I told them I understood there was and then we agreed to meet at the Leather Bottle — We went there soon after but there was a deal of mixed company, & we cd. not say what we wished.—Haines came in & stuck up a written Paper in the Parlour "If France is subdued Europe's Liberty ends". We agreed to go to Seymour’s & went there separately – We had a Room to ourselves a Chamber — Thos. Burton dont know where he lives – Sherwood, Badder, Holmes dont know where he lives, John Mann and a Needlemaker who lives in Woolpack Lane, in a yard at the Cottom, either King Street or Wool Alley, & another Chap called Henry, were all there.—They began to say now we are met we must consult about the means to send two to London along with one from Leicester, as this was the very moment to strike the blow, when the Soldiers were all out of the Country, as they should never have a better opportunity.—They then asked me if I should like to be one.—I told them I should have no objn. but I was going into Yorkshire.—They said there should be no time lost in going to London & I had better go there & somebody else to Yorkshire.—They wanted to know how much money I could get amongst my friends towards the expence of the Journey.—They talked of raising 8 Guineas, I told them I thought I could raise £2.—They are to meet a Chap today at Badder’s Garden, who is to tell them on many staunch Jacobins to join them. They propose Holmes & myself to go to London next Tuesday to tell that then than Nottm & Leicester were quite ready to seize arms and begin & that if the blow be first struck in London, it will stop the whole trade at once & create a General forment.—That the night is to be agreed upon when the blow is to be struck & it is to be at all the places at the same time.—The blow to be struck is to seize the arms of the Military & the Militia Arms & they think the military will join them.—Nothing was said what was to be the next measure.—They were in high Spirits & sanguine in their expectations of success.—They are to have a Petition prepared as a Cloak to cover a Subscription — & they talked of going to the Committee at the Colonel Wardle and to confer with Sampson Walker and to make known to him their intentions — I told them I thought he might be trusted — Burton is to go to Walker this morning — We are to meet again tomorrow night at 8 at Seymour’s.—
I went to Leicester last Wednesday morning.—Had instructions to go to the "Nottingham Arms" Belgrave Gate, where I was told there was a Society of Revolutionists and that the son of the Landlady, Elizth Johnson, was one of them.—Dann told me Johnson was a good one.—He is a retail Hosier and works in the Frame himself.—Went to Johnson's as soon as I got to Leicester and saw him.—Told him what I was come about.—Dann is to go and work with him and I told him that something had happened that had prevented him from being with him until next week.—
I asked him if there had not been some stranger from Nottm & told him to be cautious who he said anything to.—He said he did not know of anybody having been there.—Johnson is very close minded.—He said a few Stocking makers could not bring such a thing as that forward and a parcel of us would get hanged if we did not mind. He speaks little and when in company frequently cautions others when they say anything that may be used to their disadvantage.—Went into the Hay market and there saw, a little black looking Chap.—Dont know his name we got into Conversation.—He asked if I came from Nottingham and if I knew Cooke.—I told him I did and had worked with him & Sherwood also―he told me they were Brothers in Law.—When he found I knew & was acquainted with them, he talked freely with me, & we went to Johnson’s together & on the way there he told me there was to be a Meeting in some Field, the name of which I don't remember.—He advised me not to go―When he had been at Johnson’s some time, about 9 o'Clock he said he should be wanted & he then left me.—I told him I thought the Leicester Chaps were not so forward as the Nottm.—He said they were & that they swore in every man that they engaged.—He did not tell me any of their names nor their number — He said Leicester would be as ready as Nottingham to seize the arms there, but it must be done in the night – He did not say they had adopted any plan to do it. Johnson did not hear of any of this Conversation.—Several men came here that night & I afterwards discovered they were part of the set.—Afterwards had some talk with a man of the name of Brown — who was one of those at Johnson's that night.—He is a Painter & lives he says in Belgrave Gate.—He began to talk about Sherwood, and told me Sherwood had been there lately.—I told him I knew he had, and that it appeared from what he had said that the Leicester Chaps hung back sadly.—Brown said that was not the Case and Sherwood never dived into it.—He said he thought they were more ready than Nottm — he understood they had Meetings twice a week at Nottm.—He told me there were several Societies in Leicester, and one was there (at Johnson's) and he was in it.—He did not tell me how many there were who had joined them.—He told me there was to be a Meeting there next Monday night.—Did not say what for.—The foregoing was Secret discourse — Had no other Secret talks with any, but have been with Brown & the man first mentioned at Johnson’s in company with several others when the chief of their discourse had been about the Revolution.—
Yesterday I went to Sherwood and Cooke.—As soon as Sherwood saw me, he told me he wanted to see me & that he was just going to seek for me — we went out together & he told me they had found out there was another Union in Nottm and from what he said I found it was Badder, Slater and their accomplices.—He proposed we two should join & act togr. upon one plan.—I told him I had been at Leicester & I thought they were more ready there than here.—He said he believed they were but when he was there he had not time to get amongst them as much as he wished.—He took me to a great Shop (Wells’s in Barker Gate) where there were some of his Friends, & there I saw Badder, & two other men not known to me my name.—Sherwood told them I was the Young man he had spoke to them about & that I had been at Leicester — we have some talk there and others came in.—They asked if somebody was not going to London from Leicester.—I told them I understood there was and then we agreed to meet at the Leather Bottle — We went there soon after but there was a deal of mixed company, & we cd. not say what we wished.—Haines came in & stuck up a written Paper in the Parlour "If France is subdued Europe's Liberty ends". We agreed to go to Seymour’s & went there separately – We had a Room to ourselves a Chamber — Thos. Burton dont know where he lives – Sherwood, Badder, Holmes dont know where he lives, John Mann and a Needlemaker who lives in Woolpack Lane, in a yard at the Cottom, either King Street or Wool Alley, & another Chap called Henry, were all there.—They began to say now we are met we must consult about the means to send two to London along with one from Leicester, as this was the very moment to strike the blow, when the Soldiers were all out of the Country, as they should never have a better opportunity.—They then asked me if I should like to be one.—I told them I should have no objn. but I was going into Yorkshire.—They said there should be no time lost in going to London & I had better go there & somebody else to Yorkshire.—They wanted to know how much money I could get amongst my friends towards the expence of the Journey.—They talked of raising 8 Guineas, I told them I thought I could raise £2.—They are to meet a Chap today at Badder’s Garden, who is to tell them on many staunch Jacobins to join them. They propose Holmes & myself to go to London next Tuesday to tell that then than Nottm & Leicester were quite ready to seize arms and begin & that if the blow be first struck in London, it will stop the whole trade at once & create a General forment.—That the night is to be agreed upon when the blow is to be struck & it is to be at all the places at the same time.—The blow to be struck is to seize the arms of the Military & the Militia Arms & they think the military will join them.—Nothing was said what was to be the next measure.—They were in high Spirits & sanguine in their expectations of success.—They are to have a Petition prepared as a Cloak to cover a Subscription — & they talked of going to the Committee at the Colonel Wardle and to confer with Sampson Walker and to make known to him their intentions — I told them I thought he might be trusted — Burton is to go to Walker this morning — We are to meet again tomorrow night at 8 at Seymour’s.—
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
24th June 1815: The Duke of Montrose tells Francis Raynes he has misunderstood an offer of employment
On Tuesday the 20th June 1815, the Duke of Montrose had written to Franics Raynes, inviting him to call at his residence in Grosvenor Square on any morning after 11.00 a.m. Raynes duly called on him shortly afterwards, and later recorded his thoughts about the meeting, which he followed with a copy of the Duke's next letter to him of Saturday 24th June:
The purport of the visit thus desired by the Duke, was for his Grace to inform me he had seen Lord Liverpool and Sidmouth, and it was their intention to give me the appointment of a Barrack-master. This, though far different from what, in the first instance, I had been led to expect, nevertheless, from the difficulties which had been thrown in the way of giving me any thing, I thought it best to accept. The propriety of thanking Lord Sidmouth, was suggested by the Duke; which I did, sending a copy of the letter to his Grace.
London, 24th June, 1815.
SIR,
I have received your letter, and a copy of that sent to Lord Sidmouth, which is very proper; but I must observe, that Lord Sidmouth has only applied in your favour, and that I stated to you, the difficulties of obtaining the situation of Barrack-Master, from the just pretensions of old Barrack-Masters, deprived of their appointments by the peace establishment, &c. That you may obtain your reward, I earnestly wish, and so, I believe, does Lord Sidmouth; though there always a great difference, in my opinion, in what is to be done, and what is actually accomplished.
I remain, with esteem, Sir,
Your’s, &c.
MONTROSE.
[To] Captain Raynes.
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
23rd June 1815: The convict, Thomas Holden, writes to his parents from Sydney, Australia
No 13 Letter and only one Answer
Sydney, Port Jackson.
New South Wales,
New Holland 23rd June 1815
My Dear Father & Mother,
I take this Opportunity of [ ]iting to you those few lines hoping it will [ ]ind you in good Health as it leaves me and I should wish to know the reason you dont write to me as there is a Ship sails from Portsmouth every 3 Months there is nothing in this World that would giue me more happiness than hearing from you at euery Opportunity there is never a Ship comes into New South Wales but I always go and ask for one and when there is not one I always think that /you\ quite forgott[ ] me
Mr and Mrs Holding
Dear Father you was a speaking to me about the Men that came in the Ship with me but I neuer associated with any of them so that I dont know any thing about any of them for I have as much as ever I can do to look after myself Dear Father I should like to know the reason my Brothe dont write to me Si[nce] that he can find as much time as I can do So I hear there is Peace made in England and I hope you will let me know how trade is in England since there was Peace and whether I could gett an honest living if I was at Home .... Dear Wife and Child I should wish to know the Reason that she does not write to me for there is some hopes of me getting my Pardon let me know the foundation andd send it by the next Ship
Not to be afraid of putting them in the Post Office for I will pay the postage for them and let me know all the New They can andd not to be afraid to let me know all particulars Dear Mother if it should be our fortune in this Wo/r\ld I hope it will be a happy meeting and if not in this world I hope in [ ]xt so now I think we will can[ ] [ ]ife Child, father Mother Broth[ ] [ ] my Cousin James & my Wifes Sister
Dear Father and Mother I am
your Most Afft and Loving Son
Till Death shall part
Thomas Holding
P:S: [Kiss] my Dear little Wife & Child for me my Dear Mother
T Holding
sydney New South Wales 23[ ]
[To] Mr John Holding
To be left at the sign of the Golden
Lion Church gate, Bolton
Lee Moores
Lancashire
Holding
Sydney, Port Jackson.
New South Wales,
New Holland 23rd June 1815
My Dear Father & Mother,
I take this Opportunity of [ ]iting to you those few lines hoping it will [ ]ind you in good Health as it leaves me and I should wish to know the reason you dont write to me as there is a Ship sails from Portsmouth every 3 Months there is nothing in this World that would giue me more happiness than hearing from you at euery Opportunity there is never a Ship comes into New South Wales but I always go and ask for one and when there is not one I always think that /you\ quite forgott[ ] me
Mr and Mrs Holding
Dear Father you was a speaking to me about the Men that came in the Ship with me but I neuer associated with any of them so that I dont know any thing about any of them for I have as much as ever I can do to look after myself Dear Father I should like to know the reason my Brothe dont write to me Si[nce] that he can find as much time as I can do So I hear there is Peace made in England and I hope you will let me know how trade is in England since there was Peace and whether I could gett an honest living if I was at Home .... Dear Wife and Child I should wish to know the Reason that she does not write to me for there is some hopes of me getting my Pardon let me know the foundation andd send it by the next Ship
Not to be afraid of putting them in the Post Office for I will pay the postage for them and let me know all the New They can andd not to be afraid to let me know all particulars Dear Mother if it should be our fortune in this Wo/r\ld I hope it will be a happy meeting and if not in this world I hope in [ ]xt so now I think we will can[ ] [ ]ife Child, father Mother Broth[ ] [ ] my Cousin James & my Wifes Sister
Dear Father and Mother I am
your Most Afft and Loving Son
Till Death shall part
Thomas Holding
P:S: [Kiss] my Dear little Wife & Child for me my Dear Mother
T Holding
sydney New South Wales 23[ ]
[To] Mr John Holding
To be left at the sign of the Golden
Lion Church gate, Bolton
Lee Moores
Lancashire
Holding
Sunday, 21 June 2015
21st June 1815: George Coldham abandons plans to raid Gravenor Henson's home
Private.
Dear Sir
I feel myself very much indebted to Lord Sidmouth and yourself the attention you have been so good to shew by your last letter, and after the result of your consultation, I believe we shall abandon all ideas of searching Henson's House as the Policy of the measure depends upon its success and its illegality is certain.—
Hitherto we have taken our precautions privately by outward watches set upon the house of the Adjutant of the Local Militia, and as there has been a double watch one Military and one civil, and the Guard at the Guard Room belonging to the Cambridge has been encreased, I think we could answer for their security under any common circumstances of attack. If under such circumstances you should deem it wiser to remain in this state of preparation taking still further cautionary measures when we approach nearer the threatened period until that time has elapsed pray be so good as to say so.—But it would certainly be more pleasant to know at once that the arms are secure and to be relieved from all unpleasant responsibility respecting them—
I am, Dear Sir
Your’s faithfully
Geo. Coldham
Nottingham
21st June 1815
[To: John Beckett]
Dear Sir
I feel myself very much indebted to Lord Sidmouth and yourself the attention you have been so good to shew by your last letter, and after the result of your consultation, I believe we shall abandon all ideas of searching Henson's House as the Policy of the measure depends upon its success and its illegality is certain.—
Hitherto we have taken our precautions privately by outward watches set upon the house of the Adjutant of the Local Militia, and as there has been a double watch one Military and one civil, and the Guard at the Guard Room belonging to the Cambridge has been encreased, I think we could answer for their security under any common circumstances of attack. If under such circumstances you should deem it wiser to remain in this state of preparation taking still further cautionary measures when we approach nearer the threatened period until that time has elapsed pray be so good as to say so.—But it would certainly be more pleasant to know at once that the arms are secure and to be relieved from all unpleasant responsibility respecting them—
I am, Dear Sir
Your’s faithfully
Geo. Coldham
Nottingham
21st June 1815
[To: John Beckett]
Saturday, 20 June 2015
20th June 1815: John Lloyd reports information about a Hatters' Union to the Home Office
Stockport 20th June 1815
Sir
At the last Chester assizes I was concerned professionally in a prosecution against a man of the name of Green for stealing Hats from his Master Mr. John Jackson a considerable Hat manufacturer in this Town and one George Pickford was a Witness for the prosecution — This hatter man and one Wm. Acton were the persons that first informed Mr. Jackson of the felony, and at the same time gave him reason to suspect a master-Hatter of the name of Richd Ardern of receiving the stolen Goods & encouraging such offences—William Henshall worked for Ardern as well as Thomas Bell the latter of whom was said to be privy to the Offences.―On the 15th Feby last Mr. Jackson took out a Warrant agt Ardern and Bell—the latter absented himself, &, there not being sufficient Evidence to fix the former, he was released & the next day he (Ardern) appealed to the Justice & obtained a Warrant against the Witnesses Acton & Pickford for threats sworn by sd Wm. Henshall to have been suffered by them agt the Life of Ardern on the monday before which was the day they had given Information of the felony – But this fact they must positively deny — No threats were ever made. This has been carried a little further, & they have since sworn to an actual Assault, & indicted Acton & Pickford at the Sessions which immediately succeeded the Assizes.
Pickford as I observed was examined on the Trial of Green who was convicted — and in the course of the trial it came out that the Journeyman Hatters of this Town had assembled in congress (as it is so called by them) on the 20th Feby a day or two after the commitment of Green and had imposed a fine of five guineas upon Pickford for giving the Information to the master of the robbery; which induced the Court to make a strict Enquiry as to the nature of such Congress and the animadvert uponthe it in the strongest terms
Mr Sergt Marshall who presided for the Atty Genl, and Chief Justice, expressed a hope that some Evidence might be procured & steps taken to suppress such dangerous & illegal proceedings — This day has brought me to the sd Acton & Pickford to the Office, who having to defend themselves from on the Charge of the assault imputed to them by the Indictment, have declared all the circumstances concerning the Congress which has been taken upon oath & is to the Effect following —
That any Journeyman Hatter (Pickford & Acton amongst the rest) were warned or summoned to the Townhouse for 7 oClock on the 20th Feby — where a committee was formed out of the Body consisting of above a dozen Journeymen whereof the said William Henshall was the president and John Knight Wm. Hodgkinson and Joseph Birkett and John Swindells were members — The Copies of Examinations were produced& read by by John Wood and read aloud first by sd Joseph Birkett & afterwards by John Shore and after some deliberation which Pickford & Acton were not allowed to be present at, they were called in and a paper was read to them by Thomas Oldham to the following purport
"George Pickford & Wm Acton must pay five Guineas each before they hat any more all be stood by—" (the meaning of the last Expression was sufficiently understood by them to be that no one was to be suffered to work with them or the masters to employ them). They accordingly raised the money that night & paid it, part of it to Joseph Birkett remainder to the Inn Keeper of a public house the next night for Liquor which all the Journeymen partook of except Pickford & Acton & a scene of the greatest riot drunkenness & confusion ensued on this occasion – Acton is a poor man and was under the necessity of borrowing the money which he had to stop from the maintenance of his family by 10 [shillings] per week The Stewards assembled the congress and ordered the spending of the money. There are 3 stewards who have each a Key of the Turn-house Box, in which the papers are deposited — The acting Steward was sd Joseph Birkett
A Petty Congress was afterwards held at which the Journeyman Hatters were ordered to contribute 6 [pence] per week each Green & his Wife the former had 6 [shillings] a week in Prison & the latter 14 [shillings] per week to hire upon — and this they forced Pickford & Acton to contribute to under threats of fines ― Acton sent his money to the Stewards every Saturday night at the Turn house by one Saml. Parr, a Journeyman, And that they contributed in like manner to the Journeyman Calico Printers lately when they turned out against the masters—
The manner in which Congress is assembled they represent to be by a Note written by a Steward (supposed to be Birkett) which is handed to the 1st Shop and from thence it is taken by a workman of that shop to the next & so on (under a fine for any delay) till it gets to the last shop in the district & this last carries it to the Steward at Congress when assembled ― And this you will please to observe in general throughout the Kingdom — a Journeyman not attending forfeits 5 [shillings]/3 [pence] to be spent in liquor for the first 7 shops—
A Petty Congress is composed of one Journeyman from each Shop who is summoned by name & for non attendance forfeits 2 [shillings]/6 [pence] – If a Journeyman refuses to pay any fine – He is declared foul & no one is to work with him work with him; & if the master shod employ him, after he has been declared so — The whole Shop ‘turn out’ or ‘strike’ & refuse to work for that master—
Thus an Individual Master is intimidated from making his complaint, & there is not unfortunately sufficient of Union amongst them to crush the Evil —and I am therefore induced to trouble you at the instance of Mr Jackson, who is obliged to remain in the back ground in this business, in the hopes that you will allow Mr. Serjeant Marshall to confer with the Attorney and Solr General with a view to making it a public Concern — or at least allow us to have the sanction of the Government in our legal proceedings to suppress the Confederacy either by Indictment for a Conspiracy or otherwise – and particularly be aided with some power, if the 39th & 40th of the King (the Combination Act) does not provide it, in making the seizure of their Books and papers — At all events you will be pleased to excuse me troubling you with so long a Letter upon the Subject
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your very obedient
humble Servant
J Lloyd
[Home Office note: desire Him to collect all the Evidence He can that is likely to lead a Conviction and transmit it to Mr Hobhouse
— It is not legal to seize Papers under the 39 & 40th of the King — but if they can be got at in any other way it might be desirable — Lord S. leaves this however to Himself.]
Sir
At the last Chester assizes I was concerned professionally in a prosecution against a man of the name of Green for stealing Hats from his Master Mr. John Jackson a considerable Hat manufacturer in this Town and one George Pickford was a Witness for the prosecution — This hatter man and one Wm. Acton were the persons that first informed Mr. Jackson of the felony, and at the same time gave him reason to suspect a master-Hatter of the name of Richd Ardern of receiving the stolen Goods & encouraging such offences—William Henshall worked for Ardern as well as Thomas Bell the latter of whom was said to be privy to the Offences.―On the 15th Feby last Mr. Jackson took out a Warrant agt Ardern and Bell—the latter absented himself, &, there not being sufficient Evidence to fix the former, he was released & the next day he (Ardern) appealed to the Justice & obtained a Warrant against the Witnesses Acton & Pickford for threats sworn by sd Wm. Henshall to have been suffered by them agt the Life of Ardern on the monday before which was the day they had given Information of the felony – But this fact they must positively deny — No threats were ever made. This has been carried a little further, & they have since sworn to an actual Assault, & indicted Acton & Pickford at the Sessions which immediately succeeded the Assizes.
Pickford as I observed was examined on the Trial of Green who was convicted — and in the course of the trial it came out that the Journeyman Hatters of this Town had assembled in congress (as it is so called by them) on the 20th Feby a day or two after the commitment of Green and had imposed a fine of five guineas upon Pickford for giving the Information to the master of the robbery; which induced the Court to make a strict Enquiry as to the nature of such Congress and the animadvert upon
Mr Sergt Marshall who presided for the Atty Genl, and Chief Justice, expressed a hope that some Evidence might be procured & steps taken to suppress such dangerous & illegal proceedings — This day has brought me to the sd Acton & Pickford to the Office, who having to defend themselves from on the Charge of the assault imputed to them by the Indictment, have declared all the circumstances concerning the Congress which has been taken upon oath & is to the Effect following —
That any Journeyman Hatter (Pickford & Acton amongst the rest) were warned or summoned to the Townhouse for 7 oClock on the 20th Feby — where a committee was formed out of the Body consisting of above a dozen Journeymen whereof the said William Henshall was the president and John Knight Wm. Hodgkinson and Joseph Birkett and John Swindells were members — The Copies of Examinations were produced
"George Pickford & Wm Acton must pay five Guineas each before they hat any more all be stood by—" (the meaning of the last Expression was sufficiently understood by them to be that no one was to be suffered to work with them or the masters to employ them). They accordingly raised the money that night & paid it, part of it to Joseph Birkett remainder to the Inn Keeper of a public house the next night for Liquor which all the Journeymen partook of except Pickford & Acton & a scene of the greatest riot drunkenness & confusion ensued on this occasion – Acton is a poor man and was under the necessity of borrowing the money which he had to stop from the maintenance of his family by 10 [shillings] per week The Stewards assembled the congress and ordered the spending of the money. There are 3 stewards who have each a Key of the Turn-house Box, in which the papers are deposited — The acting Steward was sd Joseph Birkett
A Petty Congress was afterwards held at which the Journeyman Hatters were ordered to contribute 6 [pence] per week each Green & his Wife the former had 6 [shillings] a week in Prison & the latter 14 [shillings] per week to hire upon — and this they forced Pickford & Acton to contribute to under threats of fines ― Acton sent his money to the Stewards every Saturday night at the Turn house by one Saml. Parr, a Journeyman, And that they contributed in like manner to the Journeyman Calico Printers lately when they turned out against the masters—
The manner in which Congress is assembled they represent to be by a Note written by a Steward (supposed to be Birkett) which is handed to the 1st Shop and from thence it is taken by a workman of that shop to the next & so on (under a fine for any delay) till it gets to the last shop in the district & this last carries it to the Steward at Congress when assembled ― And this you will please to observe in general throughout the Kingdom — a Journeyman not attending forfeits 5 [shillings]/3 [pence] to be spent in liquor for the first 7 shops—
A Petty Congress is composed of one Journeyman from each Shop who is summoned by name & for non attendance forfeits 2 [shillings]/6 [pence] – If a Journeyman refuses to pay any fine – He is declared foul & no one is to work with him work with him; & if the master shod employ him, after he has been declared so — The whole Shop ‘turn out’ or ‘strike’ & refuse to work for that master—
Thus an Individual Master is intimidated from making his complaint, & there is not unfortunately sufficient of Union amongst them to crush the Evil —
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your very obedient
humble Servant
J Lloyd
[Home Office note: desire Him to collect all the Evidence He can that is likely to lead a Conviction and transmit it to Mr Hobhouse
— It is not legal to seize Papers under the 39 & 40th of the King — but if they can be got at in any other way it might be desirable — Lord S. leaves this however to Himself.]
Friday, 19 June 2015
19th June 1815: Derby Magistrates are concerned about a military depot following anonymous threats
Derby County Hall 19th June 1815
My Lord.
Frequent intimation have been given of late, to the Mayor, and others, of an inintended attack upon the Military Depot, near the town of Derby. Little credit may be done to anonymous communications of this nature; but, however peaceably disposed, the labouring manufacturers in this, and the neighbouring counties, at present appear to be, there is too much reason to apprehend, that they are actively employed in concerting: and organizing plans of future outrage, and disturbance. Under this conviction, we consider it to be our duty, as acting Magistrates of the County, and Borough, to represent to your Lordship our unanimous opinion, that the Depot is by no means sufficiently guarded, or, in point of construction, a place of sufficient security, for the arms, and ammunition, deposited in it. In this opinion we are fully confirmed by gentlemen of military experience. The place, in itself, does not afford the means of an effectual temporary defence;—and, even with the advantage of not much augmented, and more efficient guard, would be carried, and the stores taken, or destroyed, by a mob, insignificant in point of numbers, before a party could arrive from the town, to protect it. It is unnecessary to advert to the consequences of such an event. The possibility of its happening, we [moot] will excuse us, for thus intruding upon your Lordship, and most earnestly soliciting the immediate attention of His Majesty's Government to our representation. To us it appears highly requisite for public security, and the preservation of the peace, not only that the regular guard of the Depot, should be increased, but that the building should be better secured, and in some degree fortified.
We have [etc]
F R C Mundy
W Whitwell
Francis Mundy
B. Heathcote
Richard Bateman
J: Radford
Edwd Miller Mundy
Henry Fitzherbert High Sheriff
Danl Parker Coke } County Magistrates acting the for the Districts round Derby
John Drewry } Mayor of the Borough of Derby
J Balguy } Recorder of the 1st Borough & acting magistrate for the County
John Hope
Thos Lowe
Richd Draper } Magistrates acting for the Borough of Derby
To the Rt Honble Lord
Viscount Sidmouth
My Lord.
Frequent intimation have been given of late, to the Mayor, and others, of an inintended attack upon the Military Depot, near the town of Derby. Little credit may be done to anonymous communications of this nature; but, however peaceably disposed, the labouring manufacturers in this, and the neighbouring counties, at present appear to be, there is too much reason to apprehend, that they are actively employed in concerting: and organizing plans of future outrage, and disturbance. Under this conviction, we consider it to be our duty, as acting Magistrates of the County, and Borough, to represent to your Lordship our unanimous opinion, that the Depot is by no means sufficiently guarded, or, in point of construction, a place of sufficient security, for the arms, and ammunition, deposited in it. In this opinion we are fully confirmed by gentlemen of military experience. The place, in itself, does not afford the means of an effectual temporary defence;—and, even with the advantage of not much augmented, and more efficient guard, would be carried, and the stores taken, or destroyed, by a mob, insignificant in point of numbers, before a party could arrive from the town, to protect it. It is unnecessary to advert to the consequences of such an event. The possibility of its happening, we [moot] will excuse us, for thus intruding upon your Lordship, and most earnestly soliciting the immediate attention of His Majesty's Government to our representation. To us it appears highly requisite for public security, and the preservation of the peace, not only that the regular guard of the Depot, should be increased, but that the building should be better secured, and in some degree fortified.
We have [etc]
F R C Mundy
W Whitwell
Francis Mundy
B. Heathcote
Richard Bateman
J: Radford
Edwd Miller Mundy
Henry Fitzherbert High Sheriff
Danl Parker Coke } County Magistrates acting the for the Districts round Derby
John Drewry } Mayor of the Borough of Derby
J Balguy } Recorder of the 1st Borough & acting magistrate for the County
John Hope
Thos Lowe
Richd Draper } Magistrates acting for the Borough of Derby
To the Rt Honble Lord
Viscount Sidmouth
19th June 1815: John Beckett cautions George Coldham about raiding the home of Gravenor Henson
Copy
Private
Whitehall
June 19, 1815.
Dear Sir,
I received yours of [the] 17[th] by this mornings Post together with the Enclosure which I return according to your desire.—
— As far as one can judge from the Paper itself Lord Sidmouth, to whom I have shewn it and your letter – is of opinion with me that the Communication is much to be a friendly one.—You seem however to have taken all the Precautions possible respecting the Arms of the militias that are alluded to and having done so, I hope no very vicious mischief is to be apprehended — Your future operations will depend probably upon what takes place at Leicester of which you will I take for granted be accurately informed.
Upon the material question in your Letter, viz. as to searching Houses—I have as you desired held a Consultation — and it is clearly Opinion here that unless you can lay before a magistrate such Information of a Treasonable nature as will indeed induce him to grant a Search Warrant — it would be unwise to take such a Step — whether your Information will enable you to go that length of course the Secret Committee will be the best judges―
I shall be glad to hear from you if any thing material takes place in the Course of this week or the next.—I own however that I think your precautionary Steps will shew that you are prepared — and that therefore nothing will happen nothing will happen of consequence.—
I am &c
J Beckett
[To] Geo: Coldham Esqr
Private
Whitehall
June 19, 1815.
Dear Sir,
I received yours of [the] 17[th] by this mornings Post together with the Enclosure which I return according to your desire.—
— As far as one can judge from the Paper itself Lord Sidmouth, to whom I have shewn it and your letter – is of opinion with me that the Communication is much to be a friendly one.—You seem however to have taken all the Precautions possible respecting the Arms of the militias that are alluded to and having done so, I hope no very vicious mischief is to be apprehended — Your future operations will depend probably upon what takes place at Leicester of which you will I take for granted be accurately informed.
Upon the material question in your Letter, viz. as to searching Houses—I have as you desired held a Consultation — and it is clearly Opinion here that unless you can lay before a magistrate such Information of a Treasonable nature as will indeed induce him to grant a Search Warrant — it would be unwise to take such a Step — whether your Information will enable you to go that length of course the Secret Committee will be the best judges―
I shall be glad to hear from you if any thing material takes place in the Course of this week or the next.—I own however that I think your precautionary Steps will shew that you are prepared — and that therefore nothing will happen nothing will happen of consequence.—
I am &c
J Beckett
[To] Geo: Coldham Esqr
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
17th June 1815: 2 wide glove frames broken in Leicester
Some time on Saturday the 17th June 1815, in a workshop belonging to a Mr. Mason of Leicester, 2 wide glove frames were destroyed by Luddites.
17th June 1815: George Coldham informs the Home Office of his plan to raid Gravenor Henson's house
Dear Sir
I inclose you a Note I received this morning by the Nottingm Penny Post regarding which on my account I shall be glad to have your and Lord Sidmouth’s Judgement.―It is most clear that it is the letter of one who by some means or other is acquainted with the leading Agitators here, as the list given in the letter is such an one, as, with very little exception I might have given to you or Lord Sidmouth if you had asked me for such an Account.―The Statement about myself and Mr. Ashwell does not alarm so much as it would if the threats had been disconnected with the grand Plot of of seizing the arms &c.―It appears to me we must receive all such communications with doubt, and use them not without at the same time recollecting that altho’ they may be false they may also by possibility be true.―It may be written, as it appears to be with an intention honestly to save us from the danger to which the Writer apprehends we are exposed or it may be composed by one of these men to alarm and harass us, but the names I can hardly conceive they would think we know and the disclosure of them is scarcely reconcileable to any Statement which is not designed to be friendly unless indeed it be meant as a trap to judge whether I am active in opposing this nefarious conspiracy, and then I could imagine it to be the work of Gravenor Henson, who I think might write it with a view to incite us to take measures which might lead them to know who were the most active against them by observing whether the hints were followed.―In this Case they would take care that nothing should be found and nothing would arise out of the precaution we might adopt for the Security of their arms.—Be this as it may I have taken measures to secure the arms which I take to be the arms of the Notts Supplementary Militia which were before threatened and which we ordered to be rendered ineffective, I shall have a Guard fixed upon these arms tomorrow, and I have given Colonel Maitland a caution respecting the arms of the Cambridge Militia, and shall give the Commanding Officer at the Barracks the same precaution tomorrow morning respecting the Arms at the Barracks altho’ I do not regard them as being in the least danger.―
In the mean time I have taken care to direct the special attention of our Informant to the subject and have stationed a Constable here and have sent a Confidential Constable to Leicester to observe the Characters who may appear to proceed from hence to Leicester between this on Monday evening.—
The Organization alluded to in this Communication is perfectly and precisely what we have ever understood to be that of the Luddites here.—
I have consulted the Secret Committee and Magistrates hereupon and have taken the measures already adopted with their concurrence—Pray let me hear from you or Lord Sidmouth herein, and have the goodness to return turn the inclosed
I am, Dear Sir,
Yours very truly
Geo Coldham
Nottm 17 June
1815
P.S. Pray let me have your Opinion what it would be wise to do regarding the Searching Henson's House for Papers We can wait your reply because it is to be presumed if he is the Leader & Consultations are held at Leicester on Monday [illegible] not be in possession of the Results of the Mission to Leicester untill Tuesday & between then & Saturday seems the point of time at which we must Search if we Do it at all―It must then be Done upon an Information if one of our Police Constables that he has been informed & [believes] that Papers are there lodged which would Disclose Circumstances dangerous to the State—but on this subject we wish the best Advice & Opinion you can procure us—& shall not hesitate to act upon it.
[To: John Beckett]
I inclose you a Note I received this morning by the Nottingm Penny Post regarding which on my account I shall be glad to have your and Lord Sidmouth’s Judgement.―It is most clear that it is the letter of one who by some means or other is acquainted with the leading Agitators here, as the list given in the letter is such an one, as, with very little exception I might have given to you or Lord Sidmouth if you had asked me for such an Account.―The Statement about myself and Mr. Ashwell does not alarm so much as it would if the threats had been disconnected with the grand Plot of of seizing the arms &c.―It appears to me we must receive all such communications with doubt, and use them not without at the same time recollecting that altho’ they may be false they may also by possibility be true.―It may be written, as it appears to be with an intention honestly to save us from the danger to which the Writer apprehends we are exposed or it may be composed by one of these men to alarm and harass us, but the names I can hardly conceive they would think we know and the disclosure of them is scarcely reconcileable to any Statement which is not designed to be friendly unless indeed it be meant as a trap to judge whether I am active in opposing this nefarious conspiracy, and then I could imagine it to be the work of Gravenor Henson, who I think might write it with a view to incite us to take measures which might lead them to know who were the most active against them by observing whether the hints were followed.―In this Case they would take care that nothing should be found and nothing would arise out of the precaution we might adopt for the Security of their arms.—Be this as it may I have taken measures to secure the arms which I take to be the arms of the Notts Supplementary Militia which were before threatened and which we ordered to be rendered ineffective, I shall have a Guard fixed upon these arms tomorrow, and I have given Colonel Maitland a caution respecting the arms of the Cambridge Militia, and shall give the Commanding Officer at the Barracks the same precaution tomorrow morning respecting the Arms at the Barracks altho’ I do not regard them as being in the least danger.―
In the mean time I have taken care to direct the special attention of our Informant to the subject and have stationed a Constable here and have sent a Confidential Constable to Leicester to observe the Characters who may appear to proceed from hence to Leicester between this on Monday evening.—
The Organization alluded to in this Communication is perfectly and precisely what we have ever understood to be that of the Luddites here.—
I have consulted the Secret Committee and Magistrates hereupon and have taken the measures already adopted with their concurrence—Pray let me hear from you or Lord Sidmouth herein, and have the goodness to return turn the inclosed
I am, Dear Sir,
Yours very truly
Geo Coldham
Nottm 17 June
1815
P.S. Pray let me have your Opinion what it would be wise to do regarding the Searching Henson's House for Papers We can wait your reply because it is to be presumed if he is the Leader & Consultations are held at Leicester on Monday [illegible] not be in possession of the Results of the Mission to Leicester untill Tuesday & between then & Saturday seems the point of time at which we must Search if we Do it at all―It must then be Done upon an Information if one of our Police Constables that he has been informed & [believes] that Papers are there lodged which would Disclose Circumstances dangerous to the State—but on this subject we wish the best Advice & Opinion you can procure us—& shall not hesitate to act upon it.
[To: John Beckett]
Sunday, 7 June 2015
7th June 1815: Informer's report about the activities of Nottingham Luddites
7th June 1815.
I went with Badder last night to the Leather Bottle.―There were many there that I knew to be Ludds and well wishers to them.—They don't go to the Goat so much as they used to, because there is so much rabble and noise there by the Company gambling &c.—Sherwood was amongst them at the Leather Bottle and asked me when I should be ready to go into Yorkshire.―He said there was a man to go this morning who has some connections there.—I proposed to go with him and asked who he was.―He said he did not know his name, and you might not like any one to go with him, and he thought I had better stop till he came back which would be next Friday or Saturday and he said they would not take so much notice of one man as they would of 2 or 3, in a Company―I told him it would require about a fortnight to be to do any good and it would be a considerable expence and that I should like to have some money raised for me—He said I must get some goods and sell there, as money was very scarce and he told me there had been a man there but he came back sooner than was intended for want of money and that those he got amongst on learning he was a Nottingham Ludd were very fond of him.—He gave me the address of “John Holden Junr Bottom of Broad Lane Sheffield” which he wrote in my presence (and told me to mind and not get the old man) who would, introduce me to the persons I was to confer with & that he would not say much to me himself.―Some of the Company heard this discourse I joined in it and approved of the plan.—I was there from 7 till about ½ past 9. I then went with Badder to the Fox the bottom of Wood Street, stopped there about ½ an hour but as nothing was doing there we went to the Cricket players and there saw 4 or 5 I know by sight and to be Ludds or Friends to them.—One of them began to talk to Badder about the Revolution and said he hoped it would be while he lived and not long first.—He said he thought it would be very soon and said Hill (who used to be employed by Mr. Nunn as a Mechanic) told him it would be in a fortnight—Badder told him he must not mind what he said before he was a rogue and a madman and not to be trusted.—They don't mention any plan of operations to be acted upon to effect the Revolution and say there is somebody concerting a plan and will make it known in proper time but I cannot learn who these persons are and I think they don't know.
What they do know appears to come to them through Delegates.―There was a great deal of talk about the Revolution and they said there were somebody at work who we did not know of that they would not be known until the minds of the people were shown.—Badder says Hill talks too much and will be getting himself hanged and advised me not to trust him He asked me if I were at Heald’s last Monday where he said there was a Meeting and I think from what he said the man who is going into Yorkshire, is sent from there—He said Hill was there―He lives somewhere, in or about the Meadow Platts and works in Barker Gate between the Punch Bowl and Cricket Players on the same side.—Jack Dann (proper name Rand) was at my house last Sunday—A woman named Lomas at Bulwell, has been talking publicly about my being a Ludd and a man of Arnold has been doing the same as to Dann.―Dan told me he had been talking to Jack Slater about it,—He said they both agreed that it was necessary either to shoot them or do them some injury to deter them and others from the like practice―He swore he would take care Lomas’s Frames should be broke when I should be in Yorkshire and he asked me for a Pistol—I told him he should have one, in the course of a week.—He said Slater urged the shooting the woman (Lomas) I endeavoured to prevail upon him not to do anything on my account and told I thought I could settle Lomas a different way.—He said he always liked to be revenged and he should not have felt easy if he had not revenged Bamford's death at Garton before he came off the ground (He shot Kilby)—Badder told me they had sent Lincoln (a Ludd in the Gaol, for assaulting 2 Constables) a pound last Monday and that Peter Green had been sending for some money.—He said he had been rather neglected the last week and had been complaining—I think Peter was not at Bulwell when the man was shot at Hollingsworth's if he had I think he would have boasted of it as he always tells of his exploits—Peter's wife has been blowing up Badder and told him if she were Peter she would have somebody else there where he is—Badder said he damned her for a Fool and told her to get home.—I think Badder would tell if he knew there was any thing could be brought home to him. Peter's wife is a very industrious woman and wants the Ludds to see why he is detained and their not having done any thing to obtain his release has provoked her—Badder told me Peter was such a fool he had told her every thing and from what she had said he knew Peter had told her that he, Badder, was at Garton's.―
I went with Badder last night to the Leather Bottle.―There were many there that I knew to be Ludds and well wishers to them.—They don't go to the Goat so much as they used to, because there is so much rabble and noise there by the Company gambling &c.—Sherwood was amongst them at the Leather Bottle and asked me when I should be ready to go into Yorkshire.―He said there was a man to go this morning who has some connections there.—I proposed to go with him and asked who he was.―He said he did not know his name, and you might not like any one to go with him, and he thought I had better stop till he came back which would be next Friday or Saturday and he said they would not take so much notice of one man as they would of 2 or 3, in a Company―I told him it would require about a fortnight to be to do any good and it would be a considerable expence and that I should like to have some money raised for me—He said I must get some goods and sell there, as money was very scarce and he told me there had been a man there but he came back sooner than was intended for want of money and that those he got amongst on learning he was a Nottingham Ludd were very fond of him.—He gave me the address of “John Holden Junr Bottom of Broad Lane Sheffield” which he wrote in my presence (and told me to mind and not get the old man) who would, introduce me to the persons I was to confer with & that he would not say much to me himself.―Some of the Company heard this discourse I joined in it and approved of the plan.—I was there from 7 till about ½ past 9. I then went with Badder to the Fox the bottom of Wood Street, stopped there about ½ an hour but as nothing was doing there we went to the Cricket players and there saw 4 or 5 I know by sight and to be Ludds or Friends to them.—One of them began to talk to Badder about the Revolution and said he hoped it would be while he lived and not long first.—He said he thought it would be very soon and said Hill (who used to be employed by Mr. Nunn as a Mechanic) told him it would be in a fortnight—Badder told him he must not mind what he said before he was a rogue and a madman and not to be trusted.—They don't mention any plan of operations to be acted upon to effect the Revolution and say there is somebody concerting a plan and will make it known in proper time but I cannot learn who these persons are and I think they don't know.
What they do know appears to come to them through Delegates.―There was a great deal of talk about the Revolution and they said there were somebody at work who we did not know of that they would not be known until the minds of the people were shown.—Badder says Hill talks too much and will be getting himself hanged and advised me not to trust him He asked me if I were at Heald’s last Monday where he said there was a Meeting and I think from what he said the man who is going into Yorkshire, is sent from there—He said Hill was there―He lives somewhere, in or about the Meadow Platts and works in Barker Gate between the Punch Bowl and Cricket Players on the same side.—Jack Dann (proper name Rand) was at my house last Sunday—A woman named Lomas at Bulwell, has been talking publicly about my being a Ludd and a man of Arnold has been doing the same as to Dann.―Dan told me he had been talking to Jack Slater about it,—He said they both agreed that it was necessary either to shoot them or do them some injury to deter them and others from the like practice―He swore he would take care Lomas’s Frames should be broke when I should be in Yorkshire and he asked me for a Pistol—I told him he should have one, in the course of a week.—He said Slater urged the shooting the woman (Lomas) I endeavoured to prevail upon him not to do anything on my account and told I thought I could settle Lomas a different way.—He said he always liked to be revenged and he should not have felt easy if he had not revenged Bamford's death at Garton before he came off the ground (He shot Kilby)—Badder told me they had sent Lincoln (a Ludd in the Gaol, for assaulting 2 Constables) a pound last Monday and that Peter Green had been sending for some money.—He said he had been rather neglected the last week and had been complaining—I think Peter was not at Bulwell when the man was shot at Hollingsworth's if he had I think he would have boasted of it as he always tells of his exploits—Peter's wife has been blowing up Badder and told him if she were Peter she would have somebody else there where he is—Badder said he damned her for a Fool and told her to get home.—I think Badder would tell if he knew there was any thing could be brought home to him. Peter's wife is a very industrious woman and wants the Ludds to see why he is detained and their not having done any thing to obtain his release has provoked her—Badder told me Peter was such a fool he had told her every thing and from what she had said he knew Peter had told her that he, Badder, was at Garton's.―
Friday, 5 June 2015
5th June 1815: The Duke of Montrose replies to Francis Raynes
Grosvenor-Square, 5th June, 1815.
SIR,
I have received your letter, and regret very much that some method has not been contrived to remunerate your acknowledged services; though I knew the difficulty, and I thought I knew the intention and desire of Lord Sidmouth to find the opportunity. I shall again mention the subject to Lord Sidmouth; but will not make myself responsible for its producing any effect. The letter you allude to, from Captain Campbell, originates in the intimation I have received, that the militia will be again called out, which makes it the duty of the officers having charge of the militia, to inform themselves what officers propose again to join the regiment, on its being ordered to assemble, and to endeavour to fill the places properly, if possible, of those whose convenience it does not suit to again join the regiment, which is my own case. Feeling that my health would not allow me to take the field, should the services of the militia be called for in Ireland or elsewhere, in that manner, I have , therefore, appointed Colonel Russel to succeed me in the command.
I remain, with esteem, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
MONTROSE.
[To] Capt. Raynes.
The Duke of Montrose will be glad to see Captain Raynes, any morning about eleven o’clock, in Grosvenor Square.
Wednesday, 3 June 2015
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.
3rd June 1815: George Coldham updates the Home Office about recent reports from informers
Dear Sir
Since writing to you on the 24th May, I have received three Reports from my Informant, the first dated the 31st May in which there is no material matter, unless that, by that Report it appears that the Confederates are very anxious about Samuel Towle’s liberation.—They said they should not have troubled themselves about him, but Samuel Towle, had been entrusted.—That Report also contained an account of three Frames having been broken at Hucknal, upon which the Secret Committee directed me to make enquiries about it and his Report of second of June stated all the circumstances connected with the breaking of the Frames.—It appeared that they were broken in consequence of a private quarrell, but not materially injured and that in consequence of the general situation and Character of the Inhabitants of that Village there would be great difficulty in getting the persons injured by the Framebreakers to bring any charge against them.—
I inclose you the third Report because I am anxious that you should be fully acquainted with whatever hath reference to any circumstance in the least degree connected with the remotest prospect of public Connection or any arrangement or connection for the purpose.—I took the liberty of hinting to you the propriety of your endeavouring, in such as you may deem most adviseable to enquire whether there is any Correspondence between these persons and any persons with similar views in Yorkshire.—These Reports however bear evident marks that the hopes of these Gentlemen to be enabled to treat us with the happy event of a Revolution, are very much lowered and seem to imply that they have in reality no Yorkshire Connections but such as are founded upon their own Representations for the purpose of keeping up the hopes of the Gang here, and their sanguine anticipations, for it appears that Gravenor Henson could find no Committee in Yorkshire and could accomplish nothing by his mission there.—The Secret Committee here however are so anxious to probe this matter to the bottom that they would send their Informant into Yorkshire, if any of the Confederates here would volunteer to go with him, and if he could be so far apparently supported here as to take from the Suspicion of being forward so as to endanger his Credit or raise suspicions against him that he must be supplied with money from other quarters.—I learnt from a man in the Gaol that they had written Peter Green that they had an intention to take some of the arms from the Soldiers on Saturday and altho’ I could not believe the reality of such a scheme being in Agitation I felt myself compelled to give Notice of it to the Commanding Officer of the Cambridgeshire Militia who promised to take some precautions in as private manner as he could.—
I have received a letter from Colonel Gould thanking me for my Communication on the part of the Magistrates respecting Saml Towle and promising that he would take care he should not be set at liberty to return to Nottingham.—
I am [etc]
Geo Coldham
Nottingham
3d June 1815
[To: Home Office]
Since writing to you on the 24th May, I have received three Reports from my Informant, the first dated the 31st May in which there is no material matter, unless that, by that Report it appears that the Confederates are very anxious about Samuel Towle’s liberation.—They said they should not have troubled themselves about him, but Samuel Towle, had been entrusted.—That Report also contained an account of three Frames having been broken at Hucknal, upon which the Secret Committee directed me to make enquiries about it and his Report of second of June stated all the circumstances connected with the breaking of the Frames.—It appeared that they were broken in consequence of a private quarrell, but not materially injured and that in consequence of the general situation and Character of the Inhabitants of that Village there would be great difficulty in getting the persons injured by the Framebreakers to bring any charge against them.—
I inclose you the third Report because I am anxious that you should be fully acquainted with whatever hath reference to any circumstance in the least degree connected with the remotest prospect of public Connection or any arrangement or connection for the purpose.—I took the liberty of hinting to you the propriety of your endeavouring, in such as you may deem most adviseable to enquire whether there is any Correspondence between these persons and any persons with similar views in Yorkshire.—These Reports however bear evident marks that the hopes of these Gentlemen to be enabled to treat us with the happy event of a Revolution, are very much lowered and seem to imply that they have in reality no Yorkshire Connections but such as are founded upon their own Representations for the purpose of keeping up the hopes of the Gang here, and their sanguine anticipations, for it appears that Gravenor Henson could find no Committee in Yorkshire and could accomplish nothing by his mission there.—The Secret Committee here however are so anxious to probe this matter to the bottom that they would send their Informant into Yorkshire, if any of the Confederates here would volunteer to go with him, and if he could be so far apparently supported here as to take from the Suspicion of being forward so as to endanger his Credit or raise suspicions against him that he must be supplied with money from other quarters.—I learnt from a man in the Gaol that they had written Peter Green that they had an intention to take some of the arms from the Soldiers on Saturday and altho’ I could not believe the reality of such a scheme being in Agitation I felt myself compelled to give Notice of it to the Commanding Officer of the Cambridgeshire Militia who promised to take some precautions in as private manner as he could.—
I have received a letter from Colonel Gould thanking me for my Communication on the part of the Magistrates respecting Saml Towle and promising that he would take care he should not be set at liberty to return to Nottingham.—
I am [etc]
Geo Coldham
Nottingham
3d June 1815
[To: Home Office]
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
2nd June 1815: Informer's report about Nottinghamshire Luddites
2d June 1815.
I was with Rand yesterday morning at the top of Sandy Lane, He then told he should like to seek revenge upon any one that should interrupt us, and he had done more for Nottingham than any Chap in Nottm.—He said they had all turned their backs on doing that Job at Broad Lane Paddock at Harvey’s and he went the first in.—He works with Gilbert at the top of Sandy Lane, and that he was backward at paying his Journeymen but he always paid him regularly because he was with him at the Job at Harvey’s.—I don't know Gilbert.—He told me if I wanted him for any thing particular I must enquire for John Simpson nearly the Old Spot Red Hill.—He said the man he had worked with at Arnold had had a Warrant against him about the Frame he worked in.—He said the man told him the Frame was stopped when he only wanted to put another hand in it,—and then he, Rand required a fortnight’s rent on notice, and the master paid him a fortnights rent but had a Warrant against him for threatening his master's life but it was made up without going before the Magistrates.—This was about 3 weeks ago.—For this he should like to be revenged – not to have his Frames broke but to have his Furniture all destroyed.—Yesterday in the afternoon I went to Cook’s house and talked with him about the Revolution.—He said he should like me to go, to see how they were going on in Yorkshire, and that Gravenor Henson had been but he did not know any body there and could not get to do anything.—Cook said he had paid [3 shillings] towards the expence of Henson's journey — Sherwood was present in the Shop when this discourse was had and said if I went he could get me Information where to find somebody as could tell me where to meet with the Committee.—Sherwood has been in Leicestershire and he says they are not right enough there, they want Nottm to turn out first and he would have me decline going till there was a fresh Committee chose in Nottingham as there was something in Agitation and when I went he would have me take a bit of Lace or something of that kind for a blind.—I went with Cooke to the Dog and Drake in Chandler's Lane, where he said there was a party met sometimes.—He said there was a Militia Serjeant there the night before who declared he would be pulled to the top of the House by a Rope round is next to join Sir Francis Burdett sooner that he would miss joining him if he were at their head and he knew many more would do the same Cook said chief of the Dissenters would join but there was one thing which kept them from opposing the Government & that was the hush money paid by the Government to the Preachers but many did not know of that.—He said he knew one man who was not fit to get into a Pulpit who received £4 not long since of this hush money.—He said Robinson of Cambridge gave it the name of hush money.—He talked a great deal about the Revolution and that if Lancashire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire would turn out they would stop all the trade of the nation.—A man who stands at the door of the Theatre and take’s cheques was present at part of this conversation and expressed himself very warmly in favor of the Revolution, but that it would not happen this 2 or 3 years.—I said I wished it to be between now and Nottingham Races Cooke said he thought it would not be so soon.—Cooke did not say any thing to me about any communications from any other place.—I [tried] Rand if he knew Greaves in Gaol for Burglary but he did not appear to know him.—
I was with Rand yesterday morning at the top of Sandy Lane, He then told he should like to seek revenge upon any one that should interrupt us, and he had done more for Nottingham than any Chap in Nottm.—He said they had all turned their backs on doing that Job at Broad Lane Paddock at Harvey’s and he went the first in.—He works with Gilbert at the top of Sandy Lane, and that he was backward at paying his Journeymen but he always paid him regularly because he was with him at the Job at Harvey’s.—I don't know Gilbert.—He told me if I wanted him for any thing particular I must enquire for John Simpson nearly the Old Spot Red Hill.—He said the man he had worked with at Arnold had had a Warrant against him about the Frame he worked in.—He said the man told him the Frame was stopped when he only wanted to put another hand in it,—and then he, Rand required a fortnight’s rent on notice, and the master paid him a fortnights rent but had a Warrant against him for threatening his master's life but it was made up without going before the Magistrates.—This was about 3 weeks ago.—For this he should like to be revenged – not to have his Frames broke but to have his Furniture all destroyed.—Yesterday in the afternoon I went to Cook’s house and talked with him about the Revolution.—He said he should like me to go, to see how they were going on in Yorkshire, and that Gravenor Henson had been but he did not know any body there and could not get to do anything.—Cook said he had paid [3 shillings] towards the expence of Henson's journey — Sherwood was present in the Shop when this discourse was had and said if I went he could get me Information where to find somebody as could tell me where to meet with the Committee.—Sherwood has been in Leicestershire and he says they are not right enough there, they want Nottm to turn out first and he would have me decline going till there was a fresh Committee chose in Nottingham as there was something in Agitation and when I went he would have me take a bit of Lace or something of that kind for a blind.—I went with Cooke to the Dog and Drake in Chandler's Lane, where he said there was a party met sometimes.—He said there was a Militia Serjeant there the night before who declared he would be pulled to the top of the House by a Rope round is next to join Sir Francis Burdett sooner that he would miss joining him if he were at their head and he knew many more would do the same Cook said chief of the Dissenters would join but there was one thing which kept them from opposing the Government & that was the hush money paid by the Government to the Preachers but many did not know of that.—He said he knew one man who was not fit to get into a Pulpit who received £4 not long since of this hush money.—He said Robinson of Cambridge gave it the name of hush money.—He talked a great deal about the Revolution and that if Lancashire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire would turn out they would stop all the trade of the nation.—A man who stands at the door of the Theatre and take’s cheques was present at part of this conversation and expressed himself very warmly in favor of the Revolution, but that it would not happen this 2 or 3 years.—I said I wished it to be between now and Nottingham Races Cooke said he thought it would not be so soon.—Cooke did not say any thing to me about any communications from any other place.—I [tried] Rand if he knew Greaves in Gaol for Burglary but he did not appear to know him.—
Saturday, 30 May 2015
30th May 1816: George Coldham outlines the case against the alleged Luddite, Peter Green
My Lord
The Mayor and Aldermen of this Town have directed me to transmit to your Lordship the accompanying Copies of Informations against Peter Green now in the Town Gaol under the circumstances therein stated.—
The Magistrates are in possession of Information upon which they can confidently rely, which they cannot give in evidence against him, without destroying the Source from which the obtain the same, that fully and satisfactorily shows him to have been long and most actively engaged with many other men, in this Town and Neighbourhood in the practice of Framebreaking and Robbing Hen Roots and Orchards to a very considerable extent, and that he was when taken into custody, as far as he could be rendered useful concerned in organizing a plan for open rebellion.—
Under these circumstances the Magistrates considered it their duty as Conservators of the public peace to have this man apprehended for being concerned with others unknown to the Magistrates in exciting the populace to acts of tumult, order the specious pretexts as stated in the Copies of Informations but with an ulterior view to open rebellion should circumstances transpire to favor in their opinion such an attempt.
The nature of the Information in the possession of the Magistrates shews most distinctly that these deluded men have it in contemplation and entertain Sanguine expectations that they shall succeed, under the existing circumstances of the times, if they can but collect together in a considerable body in overturning the existing Government of the Country; and although the Magistrates do not seriously apprehend the present power of these men to accomplish their intentions (destitute as they must be of adequate means for such a purpose), yet they cannot dismiss from their minds the consideration that, unless measures be adopted by the Civil power to check and keep under this spirit of insubordination, there is a great number in this Neighbourhood and some of the other populous parts of the Country are ready to join in seconding these extravagant and mischievous views and projects.—
The Magistrates have been using their utmost diligence to obtain such further Information against this man as could be available in bringing him to Justice for some of the many offences he has been guilty of but they have not been able to procure any such till this day.—A man named Richard Chappell, in the same prison (for embezzling money received by him on his master’s account) communicate confidentially to the Presiding Magistrates at the Guildhall, That Peter Green has told him since he's been in the Gaol, that when the Rioting first begun at Arnold, where many Frames were broken, he, Peter Green, and two of 3 others broke into a House at Arnold there where an Old man and woman lived and there broke 2 Frames, and that a night or two after he and some others broke another Frame at the same House, and that he was at Bulwell when the man was killed there breaking Frames and that he has been at the breaking of a great number of Frames—
Under these circumstances the Magistrates do not conceive themselves authorized to dispose of this man without receiving the directions of your Lordship, and they desire me to request that your Lordship will be pleased to send me instructions what you would wish to be done herein.—
I am [etc]
Geo Coldham
Nottingham
30th May 1815
[To: Lord Sidmouth]
The Mayor and Aldermen of this Town have directed me to transmit to your Lordship the accompanying Copies of Informations against Peter Green now in the Town Gaol under the circumstances therein stated.—
The Magistrates are in possession of Information upon which they can confidently rely, which they cannot give in evidence against him, without destroying the Source from which the obtain the same, that fully and satisfactorily shows him to have been long and most actively engaged with many other men, in this Town and Neighbourhood in the practice of Framebreaking and Robbing Hen Roots and Orchards to a very considerable extent, and that he was when taken into custody, as far as he could be rendered useful concerned in organizing a plan for open rebellion.—
Under these circumstances the Magistrates considered it their duty as Conservators of the public peace to have this man apprehended for being concerned with others unknown to the Magistrates in exciting the populace to acts of tumult, order the specious pretexts as stated in the Copies of Informations but with an ulterior view to open rebellion should circumstances transpire to favor in their opinion such an attempt.
The nature of the Information in the possession of the Magistrates shews most distinctly that these deluded men have it in contemplation and entertain Sanguine expectations that they shall succeed, under the existing circumstances of the times, if they can but collect together in a considerable body in overturning the existing Government of the Country; and although the Magistrates do not seriously apprehend the present power of these men to accomplish their intentions (destitute as they must be of adequate means for such a purpose), yet they cannot dismiss from their minds the consideration that, unless measures be adopted by the Civil power to check and keep under this spirit of insubordination, there is a great number in this Neighbourhood and some of the other populous parts of the Country are ready to join in seconding these extravagant and mischievous views and projects.—
The Magistrates have been using their utmost diligence to obtain such further Information against this man as could be available in bringing him to Justice for some of the many offences he has been guilty of but they have not been able to procure any such till this day.—A man named Richard Chappell, in the same prison (for embezzling money received by him on his master’s account) communicate confidentially to the Presiding Magistrates at the Guildhall, That Peter Green has told him since he's been in the Gaol, that when the Rioting first begun at Arnold, where many Frames were broken, he, Peter Green, and two of 3 others broke into a House at Arnold there where an Old man and woman lived and there broke 2 Frames, and that a night or two after he and some others broke another Frame at the same House, and that he was at Bulwell when the man was killed there breaking Frames and that he has been at the breaking of a great number of Frames—
Under these circumstances the Magistrates do not conceive themselves authorized to dispose of this man without receiving the directions of your Lordship, and they desire me to request that your Lordship will be pleased to send me instructions what you would wish to be done herein.—
I am [etc]
Geo Coldham
Nottingham
30th May 1815
[To: Lord Sidmouth]
Monday, 18 May 2015
18th May 1815: Francis Raynes appeals to the Home Secretary for a job with the army
Crawford-Street, 18th May, 1815.
MY LORD,
His Grace the Duke of Montrose informed me by note, dated the 7th of March, that he had done me the honor to present to your Lordship a memorial, wherein I stated an abstract of services rendered by me, during the disturbances in the north of England, in the years 1812 and 13, and in which were blended both civil and military duties.
Were I not sensible of the interest his Grace feels in my behalf, as do other men of high consideration, I should be led to conclude my case hopeless or unworthy of notice, by the silence your Lordship observes, in not doing me the honor to reply to my memorial.
I did confidently hope, my Lord, on witnessing the rewards so justly bestowed on meritorious officers, at the conclusion of war, and from the testimonials of my conduct for services which were considered of much importance at the time, I should not have escaped the notice of His Majesty’s Government.
That the duty was an arduous one, is manifest from the difficulty to obtain officers to engage in it. The Generals and officers commanding regiments, can vouch for this fact.
To assure your Lordship I went further than any other officer would venture, to suppress the spirit of disaffection, I now beg leave to enclose a testimonial from the bench of Magistrates acting for the division of Stockport.
May I be permitted to submit to your Lordship, whether I might be placed in some fencible or other regiment, as a Major with temporary rank only, and thence allowed the retirement; yet buy no means being understood as wishing to stand aloof, whether my services may be required; being aware, my Lord, such modes of rewarding officers, have not been unfrequent. I presume my services in the line and militia, those in the 12th light dragoons in Egypt, as certified by Lieut.-General Sir John Doyle, to the more recent ones as Captain of the Stirlingshire militia, comprising a period of nearly twenty years, will be deemed a sufficient plea for such a proposition. I trust your Lordship will not consider me too pressing, in urging some decision on a subject which has occupied my hopes for more than two years, the more especially when my residence in town, waiting such decision, and the expense of a large family in the country, are submitted to your Lordship’s feeling consideration. I have the honor to be [etc]
FRANCIS RAYNES,
Captain, Stirlingshire, &c. Militia.
[To] The Right Hon. Lord Viscount Sidmouth, &c.
MY LORD,
His Grace the Duke of Montrose informed me by note, dated the 7th of March, that he had done me the honor to present to your Lordship a memorial, wherein I stated an abstract of services rendered by me, during the disturbances in the north of England, in the years 1812 and 13, and in which were blended both civil and military duties.
Were I not sensible of the interest his Grace feels in my behalf, as do other men of high consideration, I should be led to conclude my case hopeless or unworthy of notice, by the silence your Lordship observes, in not doing me the honor to reply to my memorial.
I did confidently hope, my Lord, on witnessing the rewards so justly bestowed on meritorious officers, at the conclusion of war, and from the testimonials of my conduct for services which were considered of much importance at the time, I should not have escaped the notice of His Majesty’s Government.
That the duty was an arduous one, is manifest from the difficulty to obtain officers to engage in it. The Generals and officers commanding regiments, can vouch for this fact.
To assure your Lordship I went further than any other officer would venture, to suppress the spirit of disaffection, I now beg leave to enclose a testimonial from the bench of Magistrates acting for the division of Stockport.
May I be permitted to submit to your Lordship, whether I might be placed in some fencible or other regiment, as a Major with temporary rank only, and thence allowed the retirement; yet buy no means being understood as wishing to stand aloof, whether my services may be required; being aware, my Lord, such modes of rewarding officers, have not been unfrequent. I presume my services in the line and militia, those in the 12th light dragoons in Egypt, as certified by Lieut.-General Sir John Doyle, to the more recent ones as Captain of the Stirlingshire militia, comprising a period of nearly twenty years, will be deemed a sufficient plea for such a proposition. I trust your Lordship will not consider me too pressing, in urging some decision on a subject which has occupied my hopes for more than two years, the more especially when my residence in town, waiting such decision, and the expense of a large family in the country, are submitted to your Lordship’s feeling consideration. I have the honor to be [etc]
FRANCIS RAYNES,
Captain, Stirlingshire, &c. Militia.
[To] The Right Hon. Lord Viscount Sidmouth, &c.
Sunday, 10 May 2015
10th May 1815: George Coldham summarises the report of an informer for the Home Office
Private and Confidential
Dear Sir,
I promised to Write to you soon when I had last the pleasure of seeing you and I determined to wait the next Report of our Informant and to set about acquiring Information as to the Steps taking in the County to prepare a Military Force in Case of Emergency, but I am sorry to be forced to state to you that I very much fear we are upon the Eve of some particular movement.―I am not, I hope, credulous, but I will state to you what Information I have received and I must say, that from two or three other quarters and by my own Eyesight the probability of its being true is rather confirmed that contradicted.—Our informant by a Report delivered this morning says that there were many persons who had seen the curious Proclamation, I read you, and approved of it.—On Sunday night at one of the private and confidential Meetings of the Sett, he was told by one of these Luddites "that there was something else agate that not above one or two in this Town knew of, and it would be plopped out all at once (meaning the Disclosure would be unexpectedly made) – He states that he was with another of these men yesterday (his name he states and residence) and went with him to his Garden, in Sneinton Field and shewed him the Sutton Proclamation. He said he rejoiced very much and was very glad something was going on somewhere else as the Corporation of Nottingham were the damnest set of Rascals in the Country and there was that dammed bull neck Coldham if he got a bit of Information he was off up to the Government with it.—He said he should like to take the lives of some of them—He said what they did was the fear of losing their places,—He stated, when speaking about the Proclamation, there would be something happen in a few weeks they were little aware of as the Soldiers would be then out of the Country—He asserted there had been some men over from Leicester last week and there they were quite ready to join the rest―He said he had seen a man from Birmingham, who told him they were ready there – He said there was somebody, in this Town who knew better than he did what was going on but he did not say who he was — This man is much acquainted with Gravenor Henson, and he thinks it is he is alluded to as knowing better than he did what was going on from his manner of talking – He said they know their friends and they would be all ready to act when called upon".—In stating to you that the substance of this Statement is confirmed by corroborating Accounts and in some degree by my own observation.—I have remarked since my return a more than ordinary knotting and gathering together in small parties of the Common People at night such as always attends and precedes any considerable popular movement.—From three different quarters it has been reported to me from respectable sources of Information that conversations have been overheard which evidently have allusion to some popular commotion.—In opposition to this expectation it is right and proper and consistent with the fact to reflect, that all people whose minds are inflamed, are in the constant habit of overrating their strength and force and the extent of the support which they imagine themselves to possess.—The numbers that will talk and give support by words bear no proportion to the diminished numbers of those who will proceed to Action and these latter must be again increased or diminished in a degree scarcely conceivable by the apparent difficulty or ease of the proposed enterprize.—
From these reflections I been induced to look at our situation as one of no danger or difficulty if we are properly supported not to be trifled with without incurring extreme danger – I believe we are yet safe as we have at present very decent force of Dragoons and a reasonable proportion of Infantry, but Lord Sidmouth taught me to expect we should ere long be compelled to depend upon calling in the County Troops of Yeomanry to our aid.—On this Account I determined to apply myself to learn what steps have been taken on this subject by the County Magistrates, I have accordingly applied to one of these Gentlemen and I learn from him in a manner that leaves not the least doubt of the fact (and I beg of you to state it to Lord Sidmouth for his information confidentially from me relying that neither Lord Sidmouth or yourself will quote me or make me responsible for the accuracy of my intelligence) that the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire or the Lord Lieutenant had already applied to one or two of these Corps stating that their Services would probably be wanted in the County without having had the pleasure of receiving any assurance that they would be forthcoming for that purpose if requested.—My Informant further stated to me that on a former occasion one or more of these Yeomanry Corps had been called out and that they had presented an Account of their expences to the County Magistrates which had amounted to £100 or £200 I doubt whether not £300 consisting of the Tavern Expences of Officers and privates at what these Gentlemen considered a very extravagant Rate.—That the consequence had been that these expences had been refused to be paid and it was believed they would be again refused to be paid by the Magistrates of the County of Nottingham both as they thought the extent of the charges on this account enormous and as the Magistrates considered it illegal altogether to pay a Military Force out of the County Rate Funds.—If indeed the King’s Troops were employed they should not regard giving them any compliment or remuneration for extra Services or refreshment or Provisions & prefer doing so to incurring the risk of encountering the extravagant demands of the Yeomanry – Let me not be mingled in any way in these questions, I have nothing to do with them but wait their results, which may leave us in absolute distress if not attended to.—We have no force but the Cambridge Militia which has been too long here & any Infantry want Barracks here to be effective for otherwise they are mixed up with the Mob, and cannot be kept in a state of regularity and discipline.—I strongly suspect that the People know well the disposition of these people and regard them as persons totally indisposed to be opposed to them.—The officers are well disposed & the Commanding Officer a personal Friend of mine but without Barracks they are unable to maintain Discipline and the constant state of Association with the Town’s People has had a very pernicious effect upon the spirit of the men if attempted to be brought into Action against the People. I would therefore strongly urge upon his Majesty's Government to judge whether it would not be expedient to provide us with Infantry Barracks here to some extent, but if they should do it I beg it may be done from their own Judgement on the subject arising out of the peculiar circumstances of the Town and Neighbourhood. In addition to the presence of a force, in Infantry which is still less essential than a force in Cavalry I beg to suggest to you whether it might not be practicable to make this a Depot of Cavalry by which there would be a constant force or the appearance of a regular force in Cavalry here available for the public Service.—
There is a most violent Petition signing to the Prince Regent against the War which is likely very much to heighten the present Inflammation of the public mind it is lying for signature at a private house the Mayor having his by his decided conduct respecting the public Meeting forced them to abandon all claim upon the public Rooms belonging to the Corporation for this purpose.—
I have written this letter with the full knowledge and approbation of the small private circle with whom I communicate who are the Mayor, my Brother Mr. Alderman Coldham and the Secret Committee.—I do not feel alarmed for myself but I am satisfied that if we have not at our command at all times a considerable effective Military Force, we ought at least to have such a force as would assume a formidable appearance.
Lord Sidmouth, I believe, thinks I entertain too strong a leaning against the Yeomanry Corps, but I confess I have no opinion they can be made equally effective in any tolerable degree in comparison with the Regulars.—I know that all the Farmers in this immediate Neighbourhood stand in awe of the Mob for fear of their damaging and setting fire to their Corn Stacks &c, and that this Feeling as materially as Mr. Justice Baile’ys Charge operated to the acquitted of Jas Towle.
Pray let me hear from you on the subject of this letter
Your’s very truly
Geo Coldham
Nottingham
10th May 1815
PS. The Report contains some of the Statements relating to the Operations of these Gentleman relating to the Trade & a Relation of some Threats of murdering or of a Desire to murder one Individual on Account of Circumstances connected therewith.
Dear Sir,
I promised to Write to you soon when I had last the pleasure of seeing you and I determined to wait the next Report of our Informant and to set about acquiring Information as to the Steps taking in the County to prepare a Military Force in Case of Emergency, but I am sorry to be forced to state to you that I very much fear we are upon the Eve of some particular movement.―I am not, I hope, credulous, but I will state to you what Information I have received and I must say, that from two or three other quarters and by my own Eyesight the probability of its being true is rather confirmed that contradicted.—Our informant by a Report delivered this morning says that there were many persons who had seen the curious Proclamation, I read you, and approved of it.—On Sunday night at one of the private and confidential Meetings of the Sett, he was told by one of these Luddites "that there was something else agate that not above one or two in this Town knew of, and it would be plopped out all at once (meaning the Disclosure would be unexpectedly made) – He states that he was with another of these men yesterday (his name he states and residence) and went with him to his Garden, in Sneinton Field and shewed him the Sutton Proclamation. He said he rejoiced very much and was very glad something was going on somewhere else as the Corporation of Nottingham were the damnest set of Rascals in the Country and there was that dammed bull neck Coldham if he got a bit of Information he was off up to the Government with it.—He said he should like to take the lives of some of them—He said what they did was the fear of losing their places,—He stated, when speaking about the Proclamation, there would be something happen in a few weeks they were little aware of as the Soldiers would be then out of the Country—He asserted there had been some men over from Leicester last week and there they were quite ready to join the rest―He said he had seen a man from Birmingham, who told him they were ready there – He said there was somebody, in this Town who knew better than he did what was going on but he did not say who he was — This man is much acquainted with Gravenor Henson, and he thinks it is he is alluded to as knowing better than he did what was going on from his manner of talking – He said they know their friends and they would be all ready to act when called upon".—In stating to you that the substance of this Statement is confirmed by corroborating Accounts and in some degree by my own observation.—I have remarked since my return a more than ordinary knotting and gathering together in small parties of the Common People at night such as always attends and precedes any considerable popular movement.—From three different quarters it has been reported to me from respectable sources of Information that conversations have been overheard which evidently have allusion to some popular commotion.—In opposition to this expectation it is right and proper and consistent with the fact to reflect, that all people whose minds are inflamed, are in the constant habit of overrating their strength and force and the extent of the support which they imagine themselves to possess.—The numbers that will talk and give support by words bear no proportion to the diminished numbers of those who will proceed to Action and these latter must be again increased or diminished in a degree scarcely conceivable by the apparent difficulty or ease of the proposed enterprize.—
From these reflections I been induced to look at our situation as one of no danger or difficulty if we are properly supported not to be trifled with without incurring extreme danger – I believe we are yet safe as we have at present very decent force of Dragoons and a reasonable proportion of Infantry, but Lord Sidmouth taught me to expect we should ere long be compelled to depend upon calling in the County Troops of Yeomanry to our aid.—On this Account I determined to apply myself to learn what steps have been taken on this subject by the County Magistrates, I have accordingly applied to one of these Gentlemen and I learn from him in a manner that leaves not the least doubt of the fact (and I beg of you to state it to Lord Sidmouth for his information confidentially from me relying that neither Lord Sidmouth or yourself will quote me or make me responsible for the accuracy of my intelligence) that the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire or the Lord Lieutenant had already applied to one or two of these Corps stating that their Services would probably be wanted in the County without having had the pleasure of receiving any assurance that they would be forthcoming for that purpose if requested.—My Informant further stated to me that on a former occasion one or more of these Yeomanry Corps had been called out and that they had presented an Account of their expences to the County Magistrates which had amounted to £100 or £200 I doubt whether not £300 consisting of the Tavern Expences of Officers and privates at what these Gentlemen considered a very extravagant Rate.—That the consequence had been that these expences had been refused to be paid and it was believed they would be again refused to be paid by the Magistrates of the County of Nottingham both as they thought the extent of the charges on this account enormous and as the Magistrates considered it illegal altogether to pay a Military Force out of the County Rate Funds.—If indeed the King’s Troops were employed they should not regard giving them any compliment or remuneration for extra Services or refreshment or Provisions & prefer doing so to incurring the risk of encountering the extravagant demands of the Yeomanry – Let me not be mingled in any way in these questions, I have nothing to do with them but wait their results, which may leave us in absolute distress if not attended to.—We have no force but the Cambridge Militia which has been too long here & any Infantry want Barracks here to be effective for otherwise they are mixed up with the Mob, and cannot be kept in a state of regularity and discipline.—I strongly suspect that the People know well the disposition of these people and regard them as persons totally indisposed to be opposed to them.—The officers are well disposed & the Commanding Officer a personal Friend of mine but without Barracks they are unable to maintain Discipline and the constant state of Association with the Town’s People has had a very pernicious effect upon the spirit of the men if attempted to be brought into Action against the People. I would therefore strongly urge upon his Majesty's Government to judge whether it would not be expedient to provide us with Infantry Barracks here to some extent, but if they should do it I beg it may be done from their own Judgement on the subject arising out of the peculiar circumstances of the Town and Neighbourhood. In addition to the presence of a force, in Infantry which is still less essential than a force in Cavalry I beg to suggest to you whether it might not be practicable to make this a Depot of Cavalry by which there would be a constant force or the appearance of a regular force in Cavalry here available for the public Service.—
There is a most violent Petition signing to the Prince Regent against the War which is likely very much to heighten the present Inflammation of the public mind it is lying for signature at a private house the Mayor having his by his decided conduct respecting the public Meeting forced them to abandon all claim upon the public Rooms belonging to the Corporation for this purpose.—
I have written this letter with the full knowledge and approbation of the small private circle with whom I communicate who are the Mayor, my Brother Mr. Alderman Coldham and the Secret Committee.—I do not feel alarmed for myself but I am satisfied that if we have not at our command at all times a considerable effective Military Force, we ought at least to have such a force as would assume a formidable appearance.
Lord Sidmouth, I believe, thinks I entertain too strong a leaning against the Yeomanry Corps, but I confess I have no opinion they can be made equally effective in any tolerable degree in comparison with the Regulars.—I know that all the Farmers in this immediate Neighbourhood stand in awe of the Mob for fear of their damaging and setting fire to their Corn Stacks &c, and that this Feeling as materially as Mr. Justice Baile’ys Charge operated to the acquitted of Jas Towle.
Pray let me hear from you on the subject of this letter
Your’s very truly
Geo Coldham
Nottingham
10th May 1815
PS. The Report contains some of the Statements relating to the Operations of these Gentleman relating to the Trade & a Relation of some Threats of murdering or of a Desire to murder one Individual on Account of Circumstances connected therewith.
Friday, 8 May 2015
8th May 1815: George Coldham writes of sending a spy into Yorkshire
Dear Sir
I am favored with Lord Sidmouth’s letter in reply to my letter to him on the subject of Peter Green and have directed the enquiries therein suggested to be made and shall do myself pleasure of addressing myself again to his Lordship as soon as I learn the result:—
I am honored with his Lordship’s letter of yesterday in reply to the representation made by the Magistrates in favor of Jane Ward and Frances Shannon and am not at all surprized at the opinion expressed by Lord Sidmouth as I may now venture confidentially to inform you that the Representation made was communicated by me not as an act conformable to my own Judgement for I reasoned a good deal with those from whose instructions I acted before I obeyed them — the Mayor and my brother declined giving any personal sanction to the measure from the impression made upon them as well as myself that the nature and Character of the Offence and the circumstances attending scarcely admitted hopes of any further extension of the Royal mercy.—
I now transmit you the last Report of our Informant, received yesterday by which you will perceive that these Gentlemen still entertain hopes of affecting a Revolution altho’ they are not so sanguine as they were.—If there seems a fair and reasonable prospect of our Informant proceeding into Yorkshire as a Delegate from hence without the probability of exciting Suspicion we shall take care to enable him to do so in order to be enabled to communicate to you what information he may acquire.—The person whose address at Sheffield has spoken of his known to have been here and his Character corresponds to what they describe of him, his acquaintance here being amongst the most violent and hot headed.—Hill is well known to us and is precisely the Character he is portrayed by Badder, too bad that even Treatchery to trust.—We have been putting all the most notorious of these persons upon the lists of person summonsed for Nonpayment of Poor Rates and by that means have been enabled to take a pretty observant survey of their persons and countenances, 6 or 8 of them have in this way passed in review before the confidential Magistrates, one of the Secret Committee and myself, to day at the Guildhall
Your’s very truly.―
Geo. Coldham
Nottingham
8th May 1815
[To: John Beckett]
I am favored with Lord Sidmouth’s letter in reply to my letter to him on the subject of Peter Green and have directed the enquiries therein suggested to be made and shall do myself pleasure of addressing myself again to his Lordship as soon as I learn the result:—
I am honored with his Lordship’s letter of yesterday in reply to the representation made by the Magistrates in favor of Jane Ward and Frances Shannon and am not at all surprized at the opinion expressed by Lord Sidmouth as I may now venture confidentially to inform you that the Representation made was communicated by me not as an act conformable to my own Judgement for I reasoned a good deal with those from whose instructions I acted before I obeyed them — the Mayor and my brother declined giving any personal sanction to the measure from the impression made upon them as well as myself that the nature and Character of the Offence and the circumstances attending scarcely admitted hopes of any further extension of the Royal mercy.—
I now transmit you the last Report of our Informant, received yesterday by which you will perceive that these Gentlemen still entertain hopes of affecting a Revolution altho’ they are not so sanguine as they were.—If there seems a fair and reasonable prospect of our Informant proceeding into Yorkshire as a Delegate from hence without the probability of exciting Suspicion we shall take care to enable him to do so in order to be enabled to communicate to you what information he may acquire.—The person whose address at Sheffield has spoken of his known to have been here and his Character corresponds to what they describe of him, his acquaintance here being amongst the most violent and hot headed.—Hill is well known to us and is precisely the Character he is portrayed by Badder, too bad that even Treatchery to trust.—We have been putting all the most notorious of these persons upon the lists of person summonsed for Nonpayment of Poor Rates and by that means have been enabled to take a pretty observant survey of their persons and countenances, 6 or 8 of them have in this way passed in review before the confidential Magistrates, one of the Secret Committee and myself, to day at the Guildhall
Your’s very truly.―
Geo. Coldham
Nottingham
8th May 1815
[To: John Beckett]
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