31st May 1817: Letter from Manchester

Manchester 31st May 1817

For the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Sidmouth

I Beg leave to inform your Lordship since I wrote last Tuesday the 27 I have been to the various part of the country where there is any meetings held and I find generally that they begin to suspect each other very much in consiquence of which another general meeting of delegates is to take place in Yorkshire on Sunday next.—tomorrow. for to finally determine on another day of raising in a Mass—before I Left Leeds I found Genl. Byng intended to go to London Early next week which induced me to send his letter to his residence at Boroughbridge and informing him I thought I should be able to give him some information before he went up to London on my return from Lancashire

On my arrival at this place I found the races just over and was informed an attempt was made on the downs to instigate the people to some violence which completely failed and all terminated very quickly—the Boroughreeve and the officers at this place seems that the loss to act respecting of Bamford and Baguley [Bradbury written above] who seems to be very active still in associating with their old companions one of them to wish to give some information to the police and their not throwing upon what grounds he was liberated are rather doubtfull of him

The Boroughreeve Mr. Green tells me there is two others returned which Equally surprized him—the agents in this neighbrood are so active that not the least apprehention of danger is Entertained

they have received letters letters from nottinghamshire saying people are very active and intended to riot on Monday last but had deferred it for the present—those reformers whom I have seen seem Ignorant of what is going on in Yorkshire but have been told that a delegate had been here from nottinghamshire But was now returned—this is the same man of the name of Bacon that was at the wakefield meeting of delegates—I am to see you this Evening when I Expect to receive some further information but they are very cautious and doubtfull of each other and they suspect Bamford very much of being in communication with police since his return home

according to your Lordship desire I have Inclosed Mr. Fowlkes publication—Should your Lordship be pleased to send any communication by the return of Post it will find me at Leeds—P. Office on my return there I shall be able to inform your Lordship the particular resulting from the meeting of tomorrow. and any thing Else that might incurr in the mean time and I remain

Your Lordship

very Obedient
faithfull servant

WJ Richards

27th May 1817: Letter from Nottingham

Nottingham Tuesday 27 May 1817

To The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Sidmouth

I beg Leave to inform your Lordship that on my arrival at Birmingham on Saturday last I found a man had been there from the north districts to inform them of the day of General muster was put off to the 9th June which the folks at Birmingham did not seem to like

Mr. Jones whom I suposed to take the lead in that Place I found was gone to Liverpool and on his arrival that Eveing he seem very much disatisfied with the conduct of many in the north and most Particular in the neighbrood of Manchester and he signified he should there drop any further communications, with any of them which seemed to damp the spirits of those at Birmingham very much indeed they all seem doubtfull of Each other integrity and from Jones I Expect some important information on my return from the north as he seems to place very great confidence in me at Present

I went to derby on Sunday and there I found some Alarm was spread that the cavelry were under arms the whole of the Eveing of Sunday = which seemed to surprise the revolutionists very much as the following night was the night intended in the first instance

there I found a man of the name of Tate whose Brother is the present armourer at weedon Barracks who had sent for this Brother to come over this was considered a favourable opportunity for him to make some observation of the place and to go to Birmingham and woolverhampton with the particulars which he agreed to set out on wednesday morning and money would be Supplyd for his Expences—the principal of them at derby I got to accompany me to Nottingham as he said he wished to introduce me to the principal at that place—and where I found a delegate of the name iof Crabtree Printer from Bradford—for Leeds and its neighbrood with their determination not to put the Business off beyond the ninth on any account whatever—they all seemed Confident of the friendship of the Soldiers and says those friends who have been in the army are always in their company and relating the distresses of the country to them telling them they had been abroad a fighting for the Peace and happiness of their Country and are now brought home to witness the distress and support the corruption of the government this seems their general conversation when they meet, but I must Observe to your Lordship—tho Confident as they seem by the directions of divine providence as they say it does not appeer to me that they have adopted any regular sistom to go by but depends Entirely upon Chance and the assistance of the great reformers who will not at present be seen among them untill they make a great stand which is all their dependence

after Begining this letter I have been induced to accompany Mr. Allsop—Clerk to Mr. Hooleys Country Sect where I found—he was in possession of a great deal of information from some of their own Party which corresponded with what I told him but not to the Extent Mr. H does [obscured text] conceive them so well Organised but has frequent information of what is going forward but it is all by Chance I think the man I have with me at Present will render me infinite Service and will Accompany me to some of the neighbouring places in the morning—Should your Lordship please to Communicate Any thing to me by return of post it will meet me at wakefield or the next post at Leeds—P. O.—where I shall Call for them—notes of all their proceedings shall be regularly kept.

By your Lordships
Most Obedient and faithfull
Servant

W. J. Richards—

23rd May 1817: Back in London, Oliver is debriefed by Sir Nathaniel Conant

Narrative

Thursday, April ye 17th:—

I saw Moore (mitchell) at Mr Clark's 18 Queen Street, Northampton Square; He seemed in very deep Conversation with Pendrill relative to the State the People were in all over the Country. When P. & I left M., He (P.) told me M. was come to London to endeavour to get the Coinsidence of the London Patriots to act with the Country People, who were all ready to strike a blow as the only Effort they had now left to obtain a Reform in Parliament. P. said, if he thought something was likely to be done shortly, he should stop to see the Effects, and as M. was so desirous of getting some Assistance from London, and very much wish’d P. to accompany him into Yorkshire, he should that Evening Consult Mr. Gally. on the Subject.

Friday Evening 18th:

When P. was going away he told me he had seen Mr G. and He had made up his mind to stop in the Country a fortnight at least, and thought I could not do better than accompany, and take a Part with M. as he (M.) wanted some intelligent active Person to go with him from London—I promised P. I should see what M. had to say upon it. He then gave me a Letter of Introduction to M., which I was to take to Mr. Clarke for M’s private Directions, which I found to be at a Public House in Safron Street Hatton Garden, but I did not see him there—

Sunday Morn: 19th:—

M. called upon me, and from P.’s Letter to him he repeated all he had done to P. before, and assured me the Country People were so well organised, and ready to act as a very short notice that He had come to London to see what assistance he could get to act with him, and he assured me that for Huddersfield and it’s neighbourhood it would be much too little to calculate upon thirty thousand staunch Friends. The first Plan intended was to seize the Magistrates and the Military; issue out a favourable Proclamation in favor of the Soldiers to prevent Plunder, invite all Classes to join the patriotic Standard, and be well prepared to meet a Counter Proclamation, make a resolute Stand in the Part of the Country likely to favor them the most, and tell the Soldiers their Allegiance to the King had been violated by himself in joining with the corrupt Ministers, by which he had long since forfeited his Right is right to the Crown of England. to all this M. express’d himself in the strongest Terms of his Confidence that it would be attended with the utmost Success: and he (M) assured me P. had faithfully promised him to stay another fortnight to see the Result,, and was to meet him the following Sunday at the Central Meeting of Delegates at Huddersfield. and he assured me if I would accompany him I might soon be convinced of the formidable State of the Country, and how staunch & firm they were united to each other. I promised him I should consider of it, and give him an Answer in a day or two or before he left London.

Monday 21st:

We again met at Westminster by Appointment, when M. went to have an Interview with Sir F: Burdett and to inform him the Preparations that was going on in the Country. On his Return, he told me that he was much surprised to find the Baronet preparing to go to Court, but the Baronet gave him a short [Meeting], and after M. telling the Baronet the Preparations of the People, and Readiness they were in, and were only waiting the Result of his motion in the House, when the [Baronet] told him he should be prepared to bring it forward in about a fortnight, but he despaired of any Success attending it, and it was now depend upon the People themselves, and if they were but firm and staunch to themselves, he was, as he always had been, and always would be, ready to obey their Call, as far as his Abilities would allow him, whenever the Time should come to require it.

M. told me he had seen the Major and Lord C.—who had made him the same assurances as the Baronet had done before; and M. said he had told them how [assemble] the Arms and Ammunition in various Parts of the Country was to be got at, and their were large Orders for Arms &c, as given for South America, which would be soon ready. The major was very much for Individual Petitioning again after the Baronet's motion, and told M. to see Ld. C.—again tomorrow.

Tuesday 22d: While M. was gone to Ld. C.—I call’d on [Moggridge], who seem’d well aware of what was going on, as He said he had been inform’d by [Pendrill]—, and that he was to see Mr. Gally that morning upon the Business; but said He thought no good could be done in London untill an effectual Blow was first struck in the Country.

I met M. at one oclock after his Return from Ld. C.—who, M. said, had promised his Support to the Cause, as far as He Consistently could, as He was now prevented from going, as he intended, to South America, and Concluded by saying He thought it was all for the best.

M. now left me to go and Consult Wooller the Editor of the Blk Dwarf—, relative to the printing of and drawing up the Proclamations necessary for the Country Clk. senr. he said was going with them.

Wednesday 23d:

Clk M:—and myself met at the Hand & Sheers, from there We went to Woollers where first an Explanation was entered into relative to the Introduction of one Stringer, who they all seem’d to doubt very much, and, after M's Explanation, which seem’d to them satisfactory, they entered into general Conversation, and each seem’d to agree that if so general a Rise as M. seem’d to speak of was to take place, they doubted not of the Success of the Cause, and each agreed to render all the Assistance they possibly could in their respective Powers. In the Evening We left London for Birmingham; on our way there our general Conversation consisted of the Practicability of taking the Barracks & Depôt We saw so formidable on the Road, to which M. said they depended a great deal upon the Friendship of the Soldiers, which they had much faith in, and very particular in those at Birmingham and its’ Neighbourhood.

Friday 25th: April

At Mr. Jos: Jones 25 Church Street Birmingham I was introduced by M. to Messrs: Jinks, whitworth Wilkes—and several others.

The first Conversation introduced was respecting a Man of the Name of Flitcroft. From Stockport who had been there among them, since M. had been there and who represented himself as a Delegate sent up from the Neighbourhood of Manchester, to know if any thing were going on in that Neighbourhood to obtain a Reform by Physical Strength as all other Means had failed. Such Circumstances seem’d to have occurr’d to them as for them to suspect he was a Spy, Come among them to learn what he could. But M. seemed to know that man so well as to be able to remove all Suspicions.

They now entered into the general Plan, which M. had already inform’d me of, which they all seem’d to join in, as their firm Belief in the ultimate Success, if it was speedily enter’d into, and which they all seem’d to be well aware of for some time past, and seem’d as nothing were [illegible] but the Day to be fix’d to the general Rise thro’ the Country at one time, and the Delegates from the various Parts were to meet on Monday Week following for that Purpose; the Plan of meeting to be fix’d at the meeting of Sunday next. and which M. was to inform them in time. They all seem’d in this neighbourhood to place great Dependence on the Colliers, and their Success was not doubtful

I found by their Conversation that many Names mention’d, among which were Edmonds _____ who were strongly suspected by the Magistrates were not take any active Part, but they were to be very still, and as often as any active Person were suspected or watch’d they were to lay still, and another immediately appointed in his Stead to act. If they met each other in the Street they were not to be seen to speak to each other, but pass by without noticing each other in the least, and always meet at each other's private House, as often as possible they could, and keep up their Subscription as promptly as possible; and with the greatest Caution.

M. seem’d to be look’d up to as their principal Agent of Communication from all Parts, and no Letters were to be sent to any one by Post, always to be sent in Parcels by a Coach for fear of being detected, and much secret Writing appear’d to have been frequently used by them to each other, tho’ a Letter would appear begun & finish’d in Ink. Nevertheless a Letter were not to be destroy’d, or laid aside before the private writing were ascertain’d by browning the Letter before the Fire. this method was tried, in my Presence, with small Beer, which seem’d to answer the Purpose. M. related to them the Conversation he had with the major and Ld C & the [Baronet] which they all seem’d to take in a favorable light, and said they had every reason to believe the Soldiers most favorable to them; some of whom had told them the most favorable Time to take the Barracks would be between the Hours of six & eight o'clock in the Evening, when most of the men and Officers would be of duty, and generally out at those Hours.

On Saturday the 26th:, on our arrival at Derby, I was introduced to Mr Shaw [in margin: Robertshaw] and another at the Talbot Inn, and, from their Conversation with M., they seem’d well aware, and equally prepared in every Particular as those at Birmingham, and to the same Effect, a general Understanding between them all. In the Evening at Sheffield I was introduced to a Mr. Rogers Cabinet Maker, High Street, and one Warbuton and others of the Committee, and who seem’d well aware of some Persons coming down with M. to represent London, by which they seem’d pleased, and all equally prepared and aware what was going on, only seem’d anxious for the Ring to arrive, and hoped the Plan would be general, and at the same moment, without Loss of time, as the People were now so ready, and thro’ the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act many of the most responsible Men were afraid to be seen in taking an active Part, at present, but were equally ready to come forward if a Blow was struck—

Tuesday Morng: 27th: arrived at Wakefield, from there We walk’d on to Dewsbury to meet the Committee of the Central Meeting, and found they had adjourn’d to a Mr. Dawson's at Huddersfield; on our Arrival there We found that they had adjourn’d the Meeting to the next Day at Mr. Scholes’  Joinery Arms, new Street, Wakefield, in consequence of M.'s Absence—

On our Arrival back to Dewsbury, I was introduced to William the Printer, Dickenson the Linen Draper and Walker a Portrait Painter from Hull, who all seem’d Advocates in the same Cause, and to whom M. was well known. Walker said he had been Conversing with many opulent Men in that neighbourhood, and some one particular a Quaker, who all agreed in the Propriety of doing a something by physical Strength, and if so they should lend their Assistance, even with half their Property freely, to support such a Cause; if the Blow were once struck, they doubted not of the Success. Walker said he was going to Hull in a few days, and should sound the People's Minds in that Place on the Subject.

Monday 28th: We met a large Party at Mr Scholes’, Mr. Smalley a great Advocate from Horbury, and that neighbourhood, with about twenty other very determined men, who all seem’d the Time was fix’d and determin’d on, as they so much wish’d the Blow was once struck.

They now fix’d on Monday next as the Time for the principal Delegates from all Parts to meet at this House, notice of the same was sent off by M. for that Purpose. Nothing further occurr’d this Day but repetition of all that Past at the former meetings, which they all seem’d well aware of, and seem’d a very determin’d. From this general Conversation I found there were many among them who did not hesitate to say they were well prepared with Despard &c in 1802, and that Job was lost entirely by the Loss of a few who are neglected to keep up a close Communication between them. Eastbourne was an active Agent among them for a number of years; he was now in America.

Tuesday 29th:

We now arrived at Leeds, where M. assembled a great number together at the Sir John Falstaff. [blank space] Square, near Kirkgate, principal names collected present was Spurr, Speight, ward, waddington, mann and about thirty others; likewise walker on his way to Hull and who proposed to sound the People at Hull, obtain all the Information He could, and let M. know the Result prior to the next general Meeting of Monday next, M. proposed that he should write to me, which was agreed to.

All the men at this Meeting seemed equally determined with all the former, and all equally aware of all that was going forward, at this Place they seemed to place the greatest Confidence in M., and where he was to act principally, he took much pains in endeavouring to prevail upon those who had determined to leave for America not to leave for the present, for something he was certain would immediately be done, and most effectually, to which they seem’d to pay but little attention and was very vehement against the King, and Ministers, to a very great degree, and also against many opulent Men, who, before the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, appeared their Advocate, but now deserted them, and seem’d afraid to open their mouths. They had included Mr Baynes the Printer, and many of other respectable Tradesmen's names at Leeds and Neighbourhood. But those men that were not going seem’d to think they should yet have their Assistance when it was needful, and said they should place very great Dependence on them when they were call’d on. They now agreed to collect all the numbers they could depend upon to send the Report to the General Meeting of the Delegates of Monday next.

Wednesday 30th: April. Left Leeds for Manchester. On our way thro’ Halifax M. met two men, who, in the short Interval of changing horses, entered fully into the Subject with M., and who seem’d equally prepared with the former in every respect. They declared their perfect Readiness in that Quarter, and their full Determination as soon as the Signal were given. On the Road we call’d at Dr: Neale, where Knight was Concealed when taken. Dr: was gone to Manchester. Then We call’d at Royston on Fitton a great Advocate, who had made up his mind to go to America, and seem’d very much afraid of being taken up. He informed us of Pilkington's Apprehension, who he had been much engaged with. On our way through Middleton M. call’d on his Friends there, who seem’d very much alarmed for M.’s safety, and advised him to avoid Manchester whatever he did. At this Place He left me to go to Liverpool, and gave me a Letter of Introduction to Mr. Whitworth Mr. Jno Knight, Mr. Givans Mr. Grindrod & Mr. Cannavan at Manchester, who I was to communicate all the Proceedings to. When I saw Mr. Whitworth He gave me ten guineas for M.’s Family, and assured me they were also so frighten’d of being sent to London, that he (Mr. W:) had already been obliged to give an Indemnification for his Appearance at any Time when required, and that none of the old Friends dare look at each other when they meet in the Street, and he was sure all of the names there mention’d in M.'s Letter would be seen by any body from M., but I might call upon them if I chosed. I call’d on Mr. Givans Mr. Grindrod—and Mr. Knight junr, whom I found, as represented by Mr. Whitworth very much alarmed, and avoided me as much as possible. They told me to tell M. all the Books & Papers belonging to their Society, were all safely destroy’d.

Thursday 1st: May. On my Arrival at Liverpool I found M. dare not leave his House, but his Friends visited him often. Mr. Wallace the Stationer, Paradise Street, was the principal who M. introduced me to. I soon found out Pendrill and and W. Clark who introduced me to Mr. Beeston, Hulme, Eyre, & several others whose names I could not collect. I found them all in the same Situation as the People of Manchester, fearful of being seen together publicly, but always met privately at each other House—From Pendrill introducing M's name to them they seem’d much alarmed at his being at home, and is Apprehension might implicate them, thro’s which they wish’d to avoid P’s Company in future, for countenancing M as being too violent a Character; but agreed he was a very clever Fellow, and a very active member for Reform—

P. C. and myself call’d on M., and the more P. conversed with M. the more he seem’d to like him for his Resolution and Spirit: their Conversation was generally very private.

In the Course of Thursday We saw the Account in the Paper of the Apprehension of Thistlewood, and three of his Companions, when P. immediately blamed [Moggridge] for the very public Manner He was providing for him—He then enter’d into the Particulars of young Watson’s Concealment, and how his Escape was effected by him, which he undertook at the Request of some old Friends; and how he had been made acquainted afterwards of the Plot of the 2d: December, and said that C. [blank space] and Keans were the most deeply implicated untill the Time of acting came on, when C.— declined, tho’ one of the first Promoters of the Plot, he had often entreated P. to take an active Part, but P. did not like him from former Transactions he had with him. He (P.) said he always consider’d him a very Contemptible fellow with many others that wish’d to set others on to do what they dare not do themselves; He said he had proved that in many that he could mention—he then entered fully into the intended Plot of 1802, and when the Hour arrived he found the principal Promoters were the first desert the Cause. He admitted the Soldiers were very deeply implicated, and very staunch, and how much those men were to be admired for their Firmness, when, before the Privy Council, those who actually knew him, declared they had never seen him to their knowledge before—He seem’d confident the Tower might have been very easily taken at that Time, and given up by the Soldiers, have they mentioned any thing like the Intention; but the numbers that appeared were too contemptible—

Wallis, Doyle, & P. and about 200 more mustered well armed; Serjeant Fraser was a very clever [illegible], they assembled 20 in number in different Houses in the neighbourhood of the Tower. Eastbourne was an active member at this Time in promoting it, but was one who at the moment deserted them, He P. after this was determined not to have any thing more to do with any of them while he lived. But when Sir F. B. was to be sent to the Tower he was again solicited by some who he consider’d his old staunch Friends to take an active Part in endeavouring to organize the old Patriots to rescue the [Baronet]: and He said the Plan was so laid that no Doubt could be entertained; had they appear’d, as agreed upon, they would amount to 12 or 15 hundred, out of which their only appeared from 150 to 200 friends, and the first Promoters were not to be found. He admitted being very deeply implicated with Col. Despard, and had a very fortunate Escape at that Time.

He then told me the many staunch Patriots, and respectable People he had been introduced to at Birmingham, who seemed very much to wish him not to leave the Country at present, but there were among their among them some religious Bigots, who ask’d him if it was not possible to procure some desperate enough to act as Bellingham, if they were well paid for it, as no Doubt money could soon be procured for such a Purpose. which P. thought ridiculous, & very Contemptible of them for so doing, and told them he should be ashamed of himself was He to desire another to do for him what he dare not do himself; and He said he found from the People at Liverpool the same Disposition as those at Birmingham,—tho’ apparently very moral discreet men, having made up their minds that nothing but the Assassination of a few Individuals at the Head of the State Could bring about a Reform. Their principal Antipathy seem’d fix’d against my Ld. [illegible] and Mr. [illegible]:, as the bitterest Enemies of the Country. When P. used to make known to M. these Remarks of the People it seem’d to affect M. very much, as it seem’d to operate against P. going into Yorkshire with him. And on Saturday 3d: May P. declined, as he said he had made up his mind to leave the Country, and in future endeavour to forget all that is past.

From this time I observed a material Alteration in M's Countenance, and he said he was afraid it would have the same Effect upon me, but He hoped not. The Ship Andes having left the Dock, We saw no more of P. & Clk.

Saturday Evening 3d: of May M. and I left Liverpool: two miles beyond Manchester M. left the Coach and said he should meet me on the Road to Huddersfield the following Afternoon; he also left his Parcel with me. When I arrived at Manchester I saw Mrs: Knight who requested I would convey a Letter to her Husband at Reading Gaol, which She said must go thro’ The Secretary of State's Office. I was then introduced to Mr: Knight Jnr & Mr: Whitworth, Mr: Cannavan & Mr Givans and several others of M.s Friends: all of whom seemed very much afraid of being seen together, and seem’d very wishfull for M.’s Safety, which they doubted very much from the Enquiries made daily after him. They particular requested I would avoid molyneux and another, who, they were afraid, would betray any one of M.’s Friends, from their seeming Antipathy to him. They told one of Mr: Bamford's and Bradbury's Return and who, since their Return, had spoke very highly of the Privy Council, particular of my Ld. Sidmouth. They all seem surprised at their Release; as being much more severe than ever Mr. Knight had been in Politicks, & now hoped Mr: Knight would soon be sent home to his Family again. They now gave me to understand that they could not depend upon each other at Manchester, being generally so treacherous, and gave up all hopes of any good being done by the People.

Sunday One o'clock 4th: May. Proceeded on to Huddersfield, saw nothing of M., so I went on to Wakefield where the Meeting was to be held.

Monday Morng 5th: May. The Meeting according to Appointment, took place, at Mr: Scholes’ the Joiner’s Arms, new Street; where a messenger arrived from Huddersfield saying M. was taken into Custody 2 or 3 miles the other Side of Huddersfield on Sunday Evening on Suspicion. He said he was coming on from Middleton with M. to take back the Report of the Meeting, and when M. was taken, he told him to proceed on to the End, not stating any more, fearful that Officers should know.

By this time Mr: Scholes seem’d very desirous the Meeting should be adjourned to some other Place, and he recommended the [illegible] Bull on the Leeds Road; where they entered into the Purport of the Meeting, and each Delegate had come prepared with a Report from their respective Districts as follows

for

Birmingham,
Wolverhampton,
Dudley & Tipton
Walsall, Coventry,
& Wetsbury} Mr Whitworth Schoolmaster Birmingham {reported 150,000,

Sheffield & its Environs} Mr Woolstenholme at the Blue Bell High Street {reported 10,500,

Huddersfield &c.} Mr: Geo: Dawson Mr: Sykes folly Hall {reported 8,000,

Barnsley &c.} Thos. Ferrymont or Ferrystone enquire at the Union Inn {reported 5,000,

Leeds &c} Danl Morton Fox & Grapes, Kirkgate, or for Sykes Row, {reported 10,000,

Wakefield, Dewsbury,
Ossett &
Horbury &c} Smalley Shoemaker Horbury {reported 2,500,

Derby
Nottingham
& Leicester} Thos Bacon for Chas Hall Fleece, Nottingham or William Stevens needle Sutton St. {reported 30,000,

[Total] 216,000,

After making the Report of the aggregate Strength that could be mustered in each Division as above, they agreed the Time should be fixed for as early as possible after Sir F. B's motion in the House, which they agreed to fix for the monday following the motion, which would be the 26th: of May, and nothing further seem’d to be wanted at present but to prepare the minds of all their Friends as soon as possible for that Day, and their Success was doubtless. After securing all the Arms, Ammunition, and divesting all the magistrates of their Power, a Stand was to be made along the River Trent, to muster all their Strength, and proceed gradually along the Country to London. And their Plans seemed to have been long since determin’d on, and by such men of apparent moral and sober habits, whose minds seemed to be made up that a Change in the Government was highly necessary, and which could not be done without the Force of Arms, and the Destruction of the present Government; which they now thought could never be obtained in any other way and all other Hopes seem’d to be given up. The Political Pamphlets of Cobbett & others were very much distributed among them, and there seem’d a Fund establish’d in various Parts to obtain them regular for the Use of those that could not obtain them themselves. [Scholes] seem’d their Agent at Wakefield for that Purpose, and since Cobbett’s Departure the Blk Dwarf is a favorite of all others: it is estimated that 30,000 is distributed weekly in the West Riding of York—Birmingham alone 20,000.

They next proposed the Proclamations to be drawn up for to be printed out distributed to the number of ten thousand Copies; the Principle of it had long since been determin’d, and had been supposed to be in Forwardness by Wooler in London, which they requested I would attend to on my arrival in London as they had now lost M., and divide them into separate Parcels for the different Places mention’d. They further agreed to have Central Meetings of Communication as often as possible in the mean Time, for the Convenience of all Parties, for the Purpose of making the Business generally known to each other. This Meeting consisted of about 30 Persons, of sober & moral Habits, but of very determined minds.

On Tuesday 6th: May I visited Horbury, Ossett & Dewsbury, to observe what Impression the Apprehension of M. had on their minds in the neighbourhood; but I could observe none; but found M. was at Huddersfield in the Custody of an Officer on Suspicion.

I then went on to Huddersfield, and, by the Permission of Mr: Haigh the Magistrate, I was introduced to M. In the mean Time an Officer had arrived from Manchester for Him. While in Conversation with him He desired I would write to his Wife & Mr. Willan, the Printer, Liverpool. He said He had pencill’d out a few Lines, and had sent it by a Female to his Friend Dawson requesting he would write. He then desired I would call upon some Friends at Huddersfield, and tell them his Situation, and his Wife & Family also vizt: Mr: Liddell Shoemaker, Mr: [illegible] Wadsworth &c &c and I was to direct for Dawson as follows Mr: Sykes Folly Hall by and for [illegible] 3. Sykes now near St. James's Church leads, Mr: Rogers of manner High Street Sheffield, Mr George [illegible] & Benjamin Whiteley Bradford

When I saw Mr Dawson He gave me the pencill’d Letter which he had receiv’d from M. and requested I would write for Him, which I did, and kept the originall, and the Answer received since—

I left Huddersfield in the Evening by way of Leeds.

On Wednesday Morng 7th: I call’d on Daniel Morton who immediately assembled about a dozen Friends vizt: himself, Spurr, mann, mitchell and several others. All of them seem’d to regret very much the Loss of M., but were very sanguine in their Success and said they were making every Preparation possible, and hoped I would endeavour to send them some clever, active Person from London, to take an active Part with them, and send them in M.’s Place, on whom they had placed very great Dependence, and if I would send some Person down they would take Care, and provide well for him, and every Expence He might incur in coming down. I told them I should endeavour, and let them know.

I left Leeds for Wakefield in the Evening, where I found Mr: L.

In walking on to Wakefield I was accompanied by Mitchell the Schoolmaster, late of the national School, who related to me all the grievance, and the Cause of his being turned out of the N. School reading Cobbett’s Register only, and he had been ill used by the magistrates, and tho’ the Vicar was his Friend, and believed he was so still. He had told mitchell he dare not shew it. He was now very vehement against the Government, and generality of the County Magistrates, and all he seem’d afraid of was that the People would put the Time off too long: as they were so well prepared no Time was to be lost, for the sooner it was done the better, for never was a Time so calculated as the present, for the men were so determined, and their Distresses very great. As for himself if nothing was done immediately he was determined to leave this Family in the Charge the Parish, for the Inquiry he had sustain’d had render’d him incapable of providing for them.

Thursday Morng: 8th: May.

Leftt Wakefield with Mr L.—for Huddersfield, to see Mr. Haigh, prior to going on to Manchester for M.

On my return thro’ Horbury I saw Smalley and several others, whom I had not seen before, who won & all seem’d of the same determined Class as I generally found. Convinced in their minds the Time was near at hand, that their Duty called them to assist in overturning the present Government: and nothing now was left but physical Force. I found these men very intelligent, sober, and of moral Habits from all Appearance. and when M.’s Apprehension was mention’d they remarked they would soon have him again, and had they but known where he was, they would, at the Risk of their Lives, liberate him; and I found they had been consulting together respecting it the night before, but they could not learn where he was taken to.

Friday 9th: I visited Barnsley & the neighbourhood, where I found the People generally of the same Disposition, and talk’d of being so well prepared, but seem’d very poor.

Saturday 10th: visited Ossett near Wakefield, with Smalley and some others, where I found the People more desperate than any other Place I had been to. I found when those People were applied to for signing the Petitions for a Reform, they generally refused, as they observed was of no Use whatever. When Smalley asked them what they thought of physical Force; Aye, said they, that was the only way of reforming the Fellows, nothing else, they were persuaded, would do: and that they were always ready for at any time, and well prepar’d. Some of those men would quote various Passages in the Scriptures, as appertaining to the present Times, with great Adroitness.

Sunday 11th: I proceeded to the Central Meeting at Mill Bridge, nine miles from Wakefield: present Smalley from Horbury, Buckley from Huddersfield,—from Almondbury, mann from Leeds, Ramsden from Allenthorp, and several others, who all reported the Readiness they were all getting into every where, and their numbers encreasing daily. There were two other Meetings that Day; one near Sheffield, and another near Nottingham. Smalley, & mann went on to Birstal to meet some of the Bradford People, who was supposed to have missed the Place of meeting.

I return’d thro’ Dewsbury with David Ramsden of the Wellington Inn, and another young man from that Place. At Dewsbury I found Mr: Dickinson had been to Hull: he enquired of Willan the Printer if I had not receiv’d a Letter from Walker as he had sent one to Wakefield.

When I arrived at Allenthorp Mr: Ramsden introduced me to several, whom he call’d staunch Friends to the Cause, and who had been very deeply implicated in the Plot of 1802, with Coll. Despard: but by some means or other their Communications were broke off, they could not tell how, but they now were as ready as ever, and they and very determined men; and if I would come over on the morrow he would introduce me to many of them. This I found a very populous Place for so small a Place.

Monday Morg: 12th: May.

Smaller brought me some names at Bradford, who were very staunch Friends, as follows. Saml: Bowen [illegible] Street, Gerry Crabtree Printer, Westgate, Street Wm: Whitaker Skinner, Chapel Lane, and Wm: Crabtree Hustlers Gate, all which were very active in organizing the People in that neighbourhood.

Smalley accompanied me to Allenthorp, where We found a many determin’d Characters: but the most respectable among them were very timid, and very much afraid of saying much, and who, I found, had been very turbulent before the Suspension of Habeas Corpus Act: and that I found to be generally the Case in every Place I visited: that those who was a little respectable, and call’d themselves Reformers, and made themselves Conspicuously, were now afraid to say any thing upon the Subject, but would privately urge other poor Fellows on to any Extent.

Tuesday 13th: I went to Leeds, where I met Spurr, mann, mitchell and several others of the Committees, who inform’d me their numbers were so fast increasing that they were obliged daily to extend their Divisions, and add to the number of their Committee: and that they were very much encouraged by some opulent manufacturers within the last few Days; and they hoped I would not fail sending them some Person as soon as possible. They wish’d me very much to meet some of the Committee at Bradford the next Day. In the Evening I return’d to Wakefield.

Wednesday 14th: on my way to London, at Sheffield I call’d on Wolstenholme, Rogers and others at the Blue Bell High Street, who inform’d me the Time appointed was consider’d to be very unfavourable in Consequence of the full moon, and they had an Idea of putting it off another Fortnight longer on that Account, and they were getting much more formidable than ever they had before, and would make the Postponement of the Time generally known, as soon as possible, to all the Central Meetings: it had been suggested the meeting of Sunday, which was numerously attended.

When I arrived at Nottingham on Thursday I could not find Bacon the Delegate, whom I knew, while the Coach stopp’d.

Arrived in London twelve o'clock Friday 16th: May.

This narrative is made from notes taken daily, and oftener occasionally, as it, the whole of this occurr’d.—

William _____

Middlesex

The within named William _____ otherwise call’d W. J. Richards this day sworn to the Truth of the above Statement before me this 23d: day of May 1817.

N. Conant.

22nd May 1817: Letter of introduction about Oliver from the Home Office to various local officials

Private

Whitehall 22nd: May 1817.

Sir

A Person well acquainted with the Designs of the disaffected, at [left blank] and other Places in the Midland and Northern Counties, will leave London Tomorrow Evening, and will visit [left blank] previous to his Return.—It is possible that he may obtain some Information while at that Place, the early Communication of which to a magistrate on the Spot may be of material importance.

He will accordingly be entrusted with this Letter which he will make use of as his Introduction to you, in case such a Communication should become necessary during his Stay at [left blank]

He is an intelligent man, and deserving of your Confidence.—

I am &c

J. H. Addington

To

W Hamper Esqr:
Birmingham

The Mayor
Leicester.

The Mayor or J. Lockett Esqr:
Derby.—

Sir J. Byng
Wakefield

The Revd. W. R. Hay.
Ackworth
Pontefract.—

12th May 1817: Letter from Wakefield

Wakefield Monday 12 May 1817

Honoured Sir/

I beg leave to inform that I attended the Central meeting of delegates of information as they call themselves at mill Bridge 9 miles from this place and the accounts dilivered from one to the other was they Were in active preparation every where and that a Similar meeting took place near Sheffield there was present about a dozen.

among them were a publican of the name of Ramsden Allenthorp a short distance from here who came for the purpose of intelligence for his neighbours and who were very anxtious to take an active part. he said he was desired to attend by Mr Scholes—who I before Observed is a Second Evans and an Old pupil of Eastbourne—Several of them did not hesitate to say they had prepared some Balls and should now be very active—Smally who I Observed in my last is the most active agent he said he had Several pounds weight ready cast and they were getting powder wherever they can in Small quantities as they can I consider him a very dangerous man among them—I thought the taking of M. would have some impression on their minds but I do not see the least alteration—if it was Possible to get M. to disclose any thing I think he can do it to a very great Extent as to who supplyed him with money—tho he appeared to have but little about him at a time he was always prepared with Plenty when I seemd to be Short he readily advance me some on the road—thro the distress of his family I Should be inclined to think he for their sake would disclose all he Knew—Smalley Brought me some names that he was introduced to yesterday after I left him and wished me very much to go over to them at Bradford—but shall now wait your further Instructions

and remain Honoured Sir
your faithfull
and Obedient Humble Servt

WJ Richards

[To] J. Beckett Esqr

10th May 1817: Letter from Wakefield

Wakefield Saturday Evg 10th May 1817

Honoured Sir/

this will most likely reach you nearly as soon as one sent by the Coach in a parcell last night but consider it nessesary to forward Every information as often as possible—I have been this day round to vissit the neighbouring Villages giving information of what has befell M. in hopes of Observing an alteration in their spirits but I am sorry to say it at present appears to Create it then otherwise and the Spirit of Discontent seems to have got deeply rooted in them.

I have had some Serious Conversation with Mr. Benj. Scholes of the Joiners Arms who seems to be very much looked up to by the inferior he being an Old pupil of Eastbournes I Consider a Second Evans Equally artfull in setting others to do what he dare not do himself and in those Kind of people the greatest Evil lays I find he has for years delighted himself in being as Obnoxious as can be to the majestrates have the neighbrood, whereever he can I am afraid there is many of the same disposition in this part and all the way up to nottingham Birmingham &c—he S. proposed to accompany me to the meeting that takes place tomorrow near mill Bridge they are first to Assemble at the Globe at that place and if nessesary to adjourn by degrees to Some more remote place—I have apprized both Mr. Haigh and Mr. Beckett of the meeting should they think proper to make some private observations of the individuals of their respective neighbrood—they are very still and quiet in all their proceedings and preparations—which Mr. Haigh has Observed himself of Late which he says he does not like—he has wrote a Genl. Byng for Some troops who has sent him for Answer. he will attend to in a fortnight of three weeks I am much afraid that will be to late—they are in possession of all the depots round the Country and about Leeds they regret very much the removal of the present troops which they speak highly of I am much afraid there is to good an understanding Existing between them Every where in this neighbrood Even down to liverpool. I trust I shall hear from you by return of post which further steps you should wish me to take—I remain Honoured Sir/

Your most faithfull Servant

WJ Richards

Mr Latchford letter was redirected this morng.

[To] J. Beckett Esqr

9th May 1817: Letter from Wakefield

Wakefield Fryday 9 May 1817

Honoured Sir/

in addition to what I have already informd you of I was in great hopes I Should be able to Observe some alteration in the Conduct of the People by the Loss of M. but I find none any where except at Leeds where they depend and very much upon his assistance and as they were given to understand from him. I could not be with them being previously Engaged Elsewhere—they have now pressed me very much to recommend them Some Cleaver fellow that has a good deal to say for himself and take an active part with them in takeing the Lead I have partly promised them I should write up to make the nessesery enquiries and which they Seemed very Pressing I should do. I must therefore Honoured Sir/ Submit the propriety of it to you wether it would not be adviseable to select some active person in your Confidence to take that upon himself for the purpose of assertaining the Extent they possibly have in their view to go. I have hinted it to Mr. Latchford—also to Mr. Beckett at Leeds and also Mr. Haigh the magistrate at Huddersfield who thinks it would be very politic so to do and from their quiet behaviour of Late and the hints I have gave them of their proceedings they find it highly necessary to watched Closely in all their movements as the party meets in so Small Bodys of late and so very private the majestrates finds a dificulty in Observing them

the man whose name is John Booth—Silk weaver of Stonielenghbrough near middleton who accompanied M. when he was taken is a poor Simple Kind of a man—to whom M. had disclosed the whole of the intended meeting and Came for the purpose of takeing back the result to his neighbrood—I think would be a very proper subject for Examination and I think would not under such Circumstances hesitate to disclose the whole of the proceedings and the directions given to him to take back to be made generaly Known and by whom given—which might remove any suspicion from me—Should you think proper to have him taken up.—the most active man in this and adjoining neighbrood is one Smalley Shoemaker at Aubry [i.e. Horbury]—who is very much looked up to by the midling class and they depend much upon him for their guidance and information and is a proper Subject to be particularly noticed by you—the meeting that is to take place in some remote part 8 or 10 miles from this on Sunday where I intend being I think will aford me much greater information than ever

I have this morning been introduced to several in the neighbrood of Sheffield and have had Several names and introductions to the principals in nottingham and its neighbrood where it is considered the greatest dependence lies of their Success it will depend upon your directions wether I Should proceed there or not and what future course I shall pursue—I can only assure you that I have spared no trouble hitherto or incurred unessesery Expence and trust I Shall be able to give you and my Lord S. ample satisfaction I take dayly minutes of Every thing that passes without any Comments from the time I left London with Every ones observations as far as I can collect by memory from one opportunity to the other—Mr Latchford will be able to inform you of Some

much Credit is due to Both Mr L. and Bishop from their very reserved and prudent conduct on their Arrival at this place particularly from the distance they Observe me to the last moment my remarks in my last relative to the Soldiers and Stores I hope as well as the majestrates will be noticed by you as Soon and as private as possible the disafection I think is far beyond your conception or any one not Immediately connected with them and great mischief is likely to Occur if not frustrated in time and Effectually I consider it providentially in the introduction I had to M. he is a very disappontd man and I believe been the dupe of many thro his disappointments I find he has been for this two years past dependent upon the reformers and have been their active agent thro the country for them

Mr L. informed me that Molineaux of manchester is wanted. I found no difficulty in being introduced to him at manchester but M cautioned me so much against him that I avoided him Should you think Proper I will go down and getting taken immediately with Bishop or any one you may please to send the Conduct of the officers at manchester is very much Complained of by well disposed men who I have fallen in with as to their violence and indiscretion tho admitted to be Extremely active otherwise—I write this to late for the Post so I Send it in a packet to Mrs. C. which I trust will not be much later—I Expect by this She becomes rather uneasy about me—I shall dayly Expect your further directions and remain

Honoured Sir/ your faithfull
and mosst Humble Servt

WJ Richards

[To: J. Beckett Esqr]

8th May 1817: Letter from Wakefield

Wakefield Thursday 8 May 1817

Honoured Sir

Yours dated the 3rd came safe to hand wednesday Eveng—I presume you have reced my letter of Sunday and monday from this place as well as one from Liverpool of fryday acknowledging the receipt of Both your letters—the one of Monday last stated the aprehention of M. neer Huddersfield on Sunday on Suspicion having answerd Both [illegible] on Tuesday morng after the Centrel meeting—which I Shall Send a full Account of—I went over to Huddersfield Saw Mr. Haigh the majestrate and regretting so much the Loss of M. Mr. H informd me he had nothing against him but he had sent to manchester to inform them at that Place he had a man of such description in Custody And while I was with him a messenger had come over take him to Manchester and by my request Mr. H. sent his officer over requesting he Should be Kept untill they Should hear further from him which was complied with. this morng I accompanied Mr. Latchford and Bishop over to Mr. Haigh and they proceeded Immediately to Manchester and I doubt not but they may be in London by this time—on Monday morning the Central meeting of delegates took place by appointment at the Joiners Arms new Street and they found it requisite thro the policy of the Landlord Mr. Benj Scholes an Old pupil of Eastborne well known in London to adjourn to some distance a remote house privately situated on the Leeds road where many attended and resolved that monday following the [illegible] motion of the 20th, the General rise throughout is to take place and they seem in very great Confidence of Success I am Sorry to Say they Seem to be very much Encouraged by men of property whom I Should in a few days have been introduced to By M if he had not here been taken so soon but I am still in hopes of fathoming a great deal more and if not well watched much mischief is to be apprehended Leeds and nottingham appear to be the worse—

I have names for Several places to be introduced to Should you think proper—tomorrow I Shall go to Sheffield to assertain the fact of their preparation with arms as have been stated—I have been very much on the alert Every day furnishes me with Something new and Am very Seldom without being with some of the party—this place is a very centrical Situation for communication—I have very much Surprized Mr. Haigh as well as Both Mr Becketts at Leeds by the information I have given them already Since Tuesday Mr. Haigh and his officers have been very active and find my information Correct and is convinced of the necessity of Col. Byng Complying with his request as Soon as possible the removal of all Stores should be Immediately removed and that as privately as possible for the disafection Spreads dayly the Black dwarf has done much mischief all over the Country the post is nearly going out I Shall Send more particulars by the Coach—I am

Honoured Sir/ your faithfull Servant

WJ Richards

Delegates Names who met on Monday
another meeting takes place next Sunday—

Birmingham woolverhampton}
Dudly. Tifton worsell and}
wetnesbury & Environs—} Whitworth. Birmingham

Sheffield and Environs.—woolestonholme

Huddersfield &c. Geo Dawson & two others

Derby Nottingham}
and Leister &c}—thos Bacon

Barnsley &c—thos Ferrystone

Leeds &c—Danl morton—

Wakefield & Environs—Smalley of Aubry [i.e. Horbury] and Scholes—

[To] J. Beckett Esqr

5th May 1817: Letter from Wakefield - reporting the arrest of Joseph Mitchell

Wakefield Monday 5 May 1817.

Honoured Sir

I Hasten to inform you that M left me yesterday in the neighbrood of Huddersfield to call and Stop last night with a friend of his Soon after he left me I now find he was taken into Custody by some persons who recognize him—the meeting took place this morning according to appointment the particuler I Shall particulerize and which is of importance to the State—I am tomorrow to be introduced to some of the Heads in consiquence of M Absence which I regret very much for thro him this day I Should be able to get all the particulers, his absence caused some Coolness but I think I Shall yet Obtain the principal Importance in haste I remain

Honoured Sir/
Your faithfull Servant

WJ Richards—

9 OClock Eveg.

[To] ____ Beckett Esqr

4th May 1817: Letter from Wakefield

Wakefield Sunday Evg May 4th—/17

Honoured Sir/

when I wrote to you last from Liverpool on the receipts of Both your letters I had Scarcely any time Prior to the post going out in consiquence of which I hope you will have the Kindness to Excuse all imperfections

M. has been very active every where Since he left London and so much so that I can scarcely get a moment to myself but when I retire to Bed his Circuit have been so very Extensive tho I adopt the most rigid Economy traveling Expincs are so very high and we have walked across the country many miles

at the meeting of last Sunday in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield I was introduced to many of the poor deluded people and among the rest one who calls himself a portrait painter a native of Hull who seems to have taken a very active part in inflameing the lines of the weak we mett him again on Tuesday last at Leeds at a large private meeting—on his way down to Hull his native place from where he was to Collect the State of the peoples mind of that place and send up a report Prior to the meeting that takes place tomorrow—as it seemed doubtfull case who he Should address too I thought it might be as well to address it to me whereby I Should be in possession of it myself—

it having just come to hand and do not consider it prudent to Expose it to any of them here I beg leave to inclose it for your perusal that you may be able to judge what steps might be prudent to watch his conduct at Hull this present time when mens minds seem so much inflamed by the political Pamphlets that is so industerously Circulated throghout the country and Strengthen much by the orratory of such men as those. I Should Observe the letter was to be destroyed as soon as the contents were made Known but as none of the party Knows of the receipt of it they will not now Know it

the interlineation in pencil is the Explanation of the meaning and the method they all adopting in corresponding with each other you will find it corresponds with pendrill letter to M. which was to introduce me first to him

M. residence with his family being a wife and Six Small Children in No. 3 Richmond row liverpool She principally maintains the Children by her own industry straw Bonnett making—P. was very much inclined to join M in his Persuits had I not prevaild on him to resist and seeing the account in the papers of thistlewood apprehention as well as the great neglect he mett with from his old assosiates in London of late he now considers them the mosst Contemptible of man Kind from his account he has been Severely persecuted by them he Entered very seriously into an Explanation and acknowledgement of all his past. conduct. which he now admits he was urged on to it by the adullation and flattery of men who he says was to cowerdly to be Seen to act themselves

I was sorry to hear such men names mentioned that have been guilty of Encouraging Such proceedings—the principles that I was introduced to at Manchester was whitworth young Knight—givens—grindrod—cannavan and two from Stockport whos names I did not learn we have not rested a day in a place Since we left London

if you and my Lord Sidmouth Should wish me to get M Secured after the meeting with any other principal after the Meeting and the result Known—with due Submission to you it would be well to Observe what Effect that might have on the minds of the others they are at present in a desperate state of mind and ready for any mischief they might be Encouraged to do.

the Manchester and Liverpool people Seems very much fireghtened at present even to be Seen in each others company Still they would not mind Encouraging others on to mischief—

I came thro leeds this morning to soon to See Mr. Beckett but I am to See him on Tuesday morng

I remain Honoured Sir/ with respect
Your faithfull Servant

WJ Richards

I See a very great necessity for Changeing the possition of the Army Immediately in this district they are to familiar with the people Birmingham in particular—

[To: J Beckett Esqr]

3rd May 1817: Thomas Walker writes to Oliver from Hull

Hull May 3rd 1817.

Dear Sir

I have been dining with a Gentleman in this Place since I arrived. I told him of the Intention to Petition [By force of Arms] again, he approved of the Plan very much; but said, he thought it would be better to defer it untill Sir Frances had brought the Bill for reform into the Parliament House, and if it was thrown out, he thinks a general petitioning [raising], would just then have a good Effect—much better than at present—I therefore, thought it worth while to recommend the same to your Consideration—at the same time, if you think there are weightier Reasons for beginning to petition sooner—I of course, would advise you to begin.—If you could send over to this Place, 3 or 400 well chosen Pieces [men] I have no Doubt but with them you might procure all the Goods [arms] which I spoke of, and which are in the great Warehouse.

I remain your’s truly

Thos Walker.

No 30
Bond Street

[On reverse: addressed to 'Strafford Arms, Wakefield']

2nd May 1817: Letter from Liverpool

Liverpool 2 May 1817

Honoured Sir

Both your letters came safe to hand this morning with the contents which I shall give you a just account of the I trust you received my letter from Leeds of Saturday last I shall call and discharged the Obligation to your Brother M is closey with me that I can scarcely find a moment but bed time to write I have Obtained nearly all I can at present from him I consider it a fortunate circumstance in my meeting him in London he is now with his family of wife and six fine children the Eldest under twelve, the meeting of Monday in the neighbrood of wakefield will finish Every Essential information I think he can give me I shall then Expect your instruction how to act according to my letter from Leeds I must not loose sight of M and many others who is Equally guilty I trust I shall faithfully discharge my mission to your Satisfaction we leave this place in the morning for Leeds on our way to wakefield and remain

Honored Sir, your mosst faithfull
Servant

WJ Richards

[To] J Beckett Esqr