29th June 1817: Back in London again, Oliver is once more debriefed by Sir Nathaniel Conant

Saturday the 24th:—On my arrival at Birmingham I found Mr: Jones was gone to Lancashire, but was expected home that afternoon or next morning.—

Mrs Jones informed me that during his absence she had received a Letter from Yorkshire, wherein my Name was mentioned.

I then called on Mr: Whitworth the School Master at the five ways he accompanied me to Mr. Thomas Clark’s, who seemed very tenacious in saying any thing about Politics, but in way of Conversation he said he saw no good possibly could be done to effect a Reform in Parliament without a Revolution, which he supposed would be the case before long—whit asked Mr. C. what he thought of the Town meeting that was intended to petition against the Continuance of the Suspension of Habeas Corpus Act—he Mr. C. said, if it was for no other purpose, they might as well leave it alone, for that could be useless, for no Petitions would ever be attended to by the present House of Commons.—

In coming away Whit observed it was strange Mr. C. should appear such a staunch Friend to the cause, and yet he was on all public occasions observed to be associating with the other Party meaning the magistrates, but whit supposed it might be a Policy of Mr. C. as well as many others that had accumulated a little Property, and also who and who professed to be Reformers, were now a cringing a little for fear of being taken up under the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus—he mentioned many Names which I did not know, who were under similar Circumstances very much afraid of saying any thing that used before the Suspension to make a great Noise, and were very active for Reform.—

We then went to Mr Wilkes No: 16 St: James’s Square, where we met Hinks, who had brought word of a Delegates having arrived from Nottingham, Leicester &c with some Intelligence.—We then went together to Mr. Moore’s on the Battle Road, where the Delegate was to meet them by Appointment.—By the time we got there Mr. Jones had arrived—and hearing from this Delegate that he was sent over to let them know they were all ready for the ninth in the North, and that  messengers were sent off to various other Places to say the ninth of June was fixed as being much more convenient than the 26th next Monday.—By this time Mr. Jones expressed himself in very severe terms, and said he believed they had been very much deceived by those Delegates,—for he had called at many Places in Lancashire, which had been represented to them in great forwardness—and which he had found to the contrary, and particularly at Manchester, where they declared to him they had given up all Ideas of trying for Reform any more, for they could not depend upon each other two days together—and if any thing was likely to take place at Manchester it must be from some sudden Impulse of the moment, and not from any premeditated Plan.—

I went home with Mr. Jones and the others, when Mrs. Jones admitted receiving a Letter which she thought proper to destroy immediately, and it was considered this man was sent over for fear the Letter which appeared to the same effect had been miscarried. Mrs. Jones said she recollected part of the Letter to say the Goods could not be got ready by the 26th but was now certain of being got ready for the delivery by the morning of the 9th of June without fail. they collected a few Shillings for the messenger and sent him back without any answer—he admitted to be a native of Leicester, who had absconded in consequence of a Warrant being issued against him for hawking some blasphemous Publications.—

Mr. Edmunds and Wilkes seemed very desirous of calling a Meeting of the Town, but Jones, Hinks, and others would not encourage them for they said it would be a Pretext to the magistrates to get some apprehended, and that many of their staunch Friends would not attend a meeting under those Impressions, and the magistrates would be very glad of such an opportunity to have some of them apprehended.—

Whit and Hinks told Jones that the Company they had been in the Night before, had assured them of upwards of two Hundred staunch Friends being already well armed, and fully expected something would be done on Monday or Tuesday, and when the Pitt Club met to celebrate the Anniversary.—they had prepared a number of very scurrilous Hand Bills for the 28th: and some to invite the poor to assemble at the Hotel at a certain Hour to receive the Refuse of the Table after the dinner was over.—Whit produced some of the Bills which he had procured the Night before.—Mr. Jones seemed now to discourage any thing of the Kind, as being he said a cowardly mode of proceeding—Wilks and Whit seemed to rejoice at any thing that would initiate the Peoples minds to any Tumult.—

Sunday Morning the 25th:—

I proceeded to Derby at the Talbot Inn.—I found Mr. James Robertshaw—after some Conversation about Mitchell having been taken, he said he was a very clever Fellow who had done much good towards Reform—he then unsolicited sent for a Mr. Burkin a Silk Stocking Weaver—another acquaintance of Mitchell and the one who had been to London with the Derby Petition—he did not hesitate to say the People in that Neighbourhood were very ready, and was sorry to find the time was referred—he said there was Arms and Accoutrements for a Troop of Cavalry about four miles off and also the Depôt of the Local Militia which they met and could very easy take possession of to arm the People, and also three Pieces of Artillery very easy to be taken.—

Mr. Robertshaw often joined by saying he wished he was a few years younger—he should be active among them but at his time of life he did not much like to be locked up in a Prison at the Will of the magistrates, but he was convinced nothing less than a Revolution would do the Country any Service whatever—his house he admitted was considered the most political House in that Town.—

Monday 26th:—

Burkin called on me early and introducing a young man who worked with him, and several others who seemed very sanguine in the Course, and seemed well aware of what was in agitation through the Country.—one of the rest was John Tate a Bricklayer, who said his Brother was an Armourer at Whedon Barracks who had sent for him several times to come over—the Party present thought it a desirous thing for him to go over and make a Survey of the Place, which he had proposed to do, provided he was accommodated with the means, which they agreed to provide him with by Wednesday Morning following and desired I would give him a few Lines to be introduced to some Friends at Birmingham, which I did to a Mr. Jones, to keep up their Confidence.—They all agreed to the Loss of some valuable Friends who used to encourage them in consequence of the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus, as they did not like to be taken from their Business and Families, for it was to frighten such People as then the Act was Suspended.—

Burkin seemed so desirous to introduce me to the Nottingham Friends, had he the means to go over he would when I agreed to pay his Fare he immediately set off with me.—

On our Arrival at Nottingham we called on Mr. Stevens Needlemaker Snainton Street, where we found a Delegate of the name of Crabtree, a Printer of Bradford, sent by the Leeds Committee, and on the same errand as the Leicester man at Birmingham—Stevens said they had on the so night before a numerous meeting of very sanguine Friends at the Fox—he then set out, and in less than half an hour he assembled about twenty in Number of very determined Characters who seemed well matured in what was going on.—nothing but a Revolution would do for them, and wished it was to be begun that Night, as they were so well prepared, and when the Blow was once struck they knew they should have plenty of staunch Friends who dare not at present be seen to take an active part but would come forward when wanted.—Burkin now proposed the expences of Tate to Wheedon might be jointly defrayed, which they readily agreed to.—

They wished me very much to visit Leicester and Melbourne where I should fight staunch Friends who I could be introduced to by applying at Leicester for Mr. James Mason at the Red Cow Belgrave Street, to whom I was to make use of the Name of Stevens and Palmer of Nottingham. and at Melbourne Mr. Thomas Pass who was well known there, and a particular Friend of Burkin of Derby. —

Tuesday morning the 27th: at Stevens’ Snainton Street I was introduced to Rhodes Shoemaker, Palmer, Simpson, Walker, Crabtree from Bradford, and several others—their general Conversation was principally their Intimacy and Connection with the Soldiers and particularly at the Barracks, Stevens’ Brother in Law having been in the Army, says the Soldiers are very dissatisfied and they after being abroad so long fighting as they supposed for the Peace and Comfort of Europe, they are now brought home to witness the Distress of their Native Country and keep the People under the Subjection of Tyranny and oppression of the most Corrupt Government that ever existed—through which they all seemed very Sanguine in the Support of the Soldiers as being their Friends who repeatedly told them how easy the Barracks could be taken.—

It did appear the Soldiers had very much encouraged them in this part.—

When I compared the Information Mr. H. had received with my own, it very much corresponded, and their own Friends were betraying them by giving early Information of their Proceedings as far as their knowledge goes—but their greatest Privacy as to the mode they mean to pursue is kept in a very few hands.— they calculated a great deal upon the Arms in Store in various Places, and very particular of those at Lord Middleton's.—

/28th:—In visiting the neighbouring Villages from twelve to fourteen miles around Nottingham, I found a general disposition for a Revolution—but they did not seem any way organized or aware of any Systematic Plan, no more that they had learned from different Delegates they were to look up to Nottingham when the time came which they were led to suppose was not far distant.—

Some I found very timid and considerate for their Families and those in midling Circumstances fearful of being taken up under the suspension.—

Crabtree seemed I thought as if he should not mind it—but Burkin and some others dreaded it very much and said they should much rather leave the Country if nothing could be done very soon.—Burkin said he and several Friends from Derby should have left the Country some time back, had it not been for Robertshaw and other staunch Friends who advised to stay and try what could be done to regain them their long lost Freedom, which there was some hopes of if they would be but firm to each other there was no doubt but they should be able to dismantle the whole Fabric and make this a Republican Government yet as well as America, and there was no doubt but they should have the support of France.—

On my Arrival at the Blue Ball Sheffield I met Wolstenholme, Rogers, and several others, who urged me very much to stay with them that Evening, for they were to have a general meeting at some little distance off—and they were to have another meeting at Barnsley on Sunday following—they said how happy they were the time had been put off, as their Numbers were increasing daily, and were very sanguine indeed and a many of their Friends at Sheffield were already well armed, and what they could get at the Barracks and private Depôt they should be able to do very well.—

they said their meeting at Penistone on Sunday last was very numerously attended where it was determined no further delay should take place beyond the Ninth; for it was considered dangerous to delay it any longer, fearful they should be betrayed, as there were many whom they doubted.—

Tuesday 29th: May.

On my arrival at Wakefield Mr. Scholes at the Joiners Arms new Street informed me the People were really mad in consequence of the delay that had taken place; and he did not think it possible they could be kept quiet until the Ninth; and what was to be done he could not tell, for he was very sure before the time arrived one half of the Principals if not all would be taken up—he said Doctor meaning Smalley had been to Leeds, and was that [morning] gone to Barnsley, and from there to Sheffield to see what State the People were in, and to ascertain if the time could possibly be shortened, for he thought before the time came they would all betrayed by some one or other, for it had now become the common Town Talk what was a going forward—but he was glad to find the magistrates considered it nothing more than a Hoax—but the magistrates he thought were watching him very closely, which he was informed of by some Persons in their Confidence, and who had told him his House has lately been very strictly watched, for which reason they had not met there lately.—

On my arrival at Leeds in the Evening at the Golden Cock Kirkgate I met Mitchel Spurr, Mann, Morton, and Several others, all of whom seemed to regret very much the time having been put off, and were told from Sheffield it had been by my Request for which Reasons they wished to know—when I told them the Sheffield Committee’s Reason, and that I had no further hand in it.—then saying I as an Individual could see no objection to it, as they saw the Propriety themselves it could make no odds to me—by such Explanation those men at Leeds seemed satisfied,—and said they were to have another meeting of Delegates on Sunday next, the day should be determined on without any further delay on any account that Delegates had been dispatched to various Places to inform them therewith as they were now so sanguine and well prepared if a further delay did take place they had no hopes of Success for they thought in time they would be betrayed.—I found the delay had already damped their Spirits, for they said that many had arranged their Business for the 26th: and had not been to their work since, nor did they intend it.—they again wished particularly to know from me if it was not possible to get some active men from London to lead them as they would have more Confidence in Strangers than their neighbours.

Friday the 30th: at Bradford I called as I was desired on Bower, Whitiker, a Robshaw, who seemed very indifferent and seemed to know very little about what was going forward I found them very different to the Representation of their Delegate Crabtree.—

At Halifax I saw a man of the day the Hurst, from whom I found the same Account as I had at Bradford, tho’ of a Revolutionist disposition, very far short of the Representations made of them—this man gave me a very different Account of Crabtree and his Associates as being very idle indolent Fellows—and he assured me nothing had been done at that Place since the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, for the Reformers at that Place seemed struck dumb by it’s Operations—and as Business seemed to revive, he thought the Idea of a Reform would die away, for he was Sure if any one there attempted to speak about such a thing, they would be taken up immediately.—

At this Place alike other Places I found Mitchel, Johnson and Knight were thought very much of as Public Speakers in the Cause of Reform—but now they were in custody the Distresses of their Families were not considered by any Body—but he could not do any thing for them or he certainly would, and if he spoke to others on the subject he considered it dangerous, for nobody was to be trusted now a days.—In going through middleton i called on Booth, and Bamford, when I found they were gone to the Races.—

Saturday 31st: May—

At manchester called on Mr: Whitworth and Givens, Grindrod, and Cannavan, from whom I found there were two Delegates there from Nottingham and Leicester, and an attempt were made at the Races to irritate the Minds of the People to tumult, but it had not the desired Effect.—but the said Delegates were not encouraged by many, for their first Application were for money to defray their Expencses, and they were considered by many as Imposters—I soon found old Bacon the original Nottingham Delegate were one of them and they were suposed to be gone to Stockport, Bolton, and various other Places.—All those people that I had on the former occasion been introduced to, very much afraid of being seen to speak to any Reformers they said what a thing it would be if they should be taken from their Business and Families, but still I found Whitworth a taken in some of the Black Dwarfs for himself and Friends in a very private manner—he said to me that he thought the ministers would very soon bring about a Revolution themselves, for things could never last as they were much longer—he said that Bamford and Bradbury were still very active among them, but they were very much doubted by many of their Friends as not being sincere—they say they were cleared  by insisting that they were illegally arrested as they had not at any time taken an active part since the Suspension of the Laws, and in their firmness in that they were liberated, but were very particular desired not to take any active part again which they would not promise to do.—

Sunday 1st: June.

At Liverpool I soon found by Mr Willan that the two Delegates had also been there and a Mr. Davis had so far frightened them when they applied to him for money that they were Suposed to be gone—as they said to Bolton,—but the Reports which were made by them of the prepared State of the Country were not countenanced in the least, I followed them to Bolton and also to Stockport, where I found they had been, and gone back on back to Manchester—myself being a Stranger in those Places I could not get an Introduction among them.—

Monday 2nd: June.—

On my Return to manchester I found they were actively watched by the Magistrates, and Mr. Whitworth said he was sure they had no chance in that Place of ever attempting at Reform any more, for he now considered them all in fetters at present.—

On my way through middleton I saw Booth and several other of Mitchel's old acquaintances who inquired of me if the People in the upper Parts were in so forward a State of Preparation as it had been represented to them by those two Delegates, when I told them i could not tell them in reality their State.—they then seem satisfied they had been imposed on and seemed determined to pay no more Attention to the Reports but admitted Bamford to be very active among them still.—

In the Evening at Leeds I went to the Golden Cock where I saw Mitchel and several others, who informed me they had sent up to Birmingham to request Mr. Whitworth the Schoolmaster to come to their Assistance, and hoped i would not leave them till he did come—Daniel Morton was sent off to Hull to ascertain the State of the People's minds in that Place, and if possible what Arms and Ammunition they could get from their.—and a meeting was appointed for Friday to determine on the Line they were to pursue on the day of the Ninth.—

Tuesday 3rd:—

From Wakefield I visited Horbury, Ossett, Dewsbury, and Huddersfield and found the People apparently mad in consequence of the delay that took place, and I had been blamed for it—they said there were many among them had left their Work, and were determined not to return to it until the Blow were struck. here i found some People were taken up at Sheffield, but it was considered nothing more than a Strike among the Grinders that their Delegates Kept the People in the dark of the real state of the Case.—

In the Evening I went among them at Leeds, where I found them in very great Spirits, and were particularly active.—

Wednesday 4th: June

I Went to Camp mount where I compared Information with Sir John Byng, which very much corresponded as a Proof that a County agent were active among them.—

returned to Wakefield in the Evening, but did not see any of them there, Scholes being from home.—

Thursday 5th: June—

At Leeds I compared Information with Mr. B. which I found very correct as far as it went, but not to the extent of their intended Operations—and I was particularly requested to attend the Meeting of Friday before i returned to London.—

In the Evening I went to the Committee, part of which retired to the Golden Cock—Spurr declined attending them which surprized them very much—when he was sent for a found he was gone to bed—by this time Morton had returned from Hull saying the People there were not taking any Steps whatever, nor did they seem to know what was going forward Elsewhere but there were plenty of Arms that could be very Easily taken by about one Hundred good men.—

Some Person said Dawson of Huddersfield were gone on the same Errand, and was expected back in the morning they now seem to press me more than ever as to what extent I thought London intended to go—which I considered myself not authorized to say, for my Commission went no further than to ascertain for their Information the actual State of the Country, and how far they were prepared to go—they said that nothing less than a Republican Government would do any good, and if the Londoners meant nothing beyond a radical Reform, it would be of no use. Mr: Mann seemed the most pressing for my opinion as to the State of London.—

Friday morning 6t. June.

Mr Mann called me to accompany him and another to the Meeting for help.—on the way much Conversation took place relative to the mode of operations, and they both seemed to differ very widely as to the Confidence they had each others Abilities, and that alone would frustrate their Plans—but Mann seemed so confident of Success as it was, but would be much more to if they could get such as Colonel Wilson and Cochrane to command them.—The recent News from the Brazils seemed to cheer them with greater hopes than ever, and Mann seemed to think it could as easy be done in this Country within a few miles of Dewsbury Mann turned into some Factory as he said to see some old staunch Friends, and we saw no more of him.—

When we got near Thornhill we both were surrounded by the Cavalry and taken to the House, where I found Smalley and several others had been taken in custody—from where I retired through a back window into a meadow, and returned to Leeds, after seeing Sir John Byng.—

I came away by the Mail for Nottingham.—

Saturday morning 7th: June.

At Nottingham I found Stevens were gone to Sheffield to see what was going forward.—I was soon attended by a tall thin meagre looking man whose name I could not learn—he took me to Rhodes the Shoemaker, where I found a Delegate who said he had sent from Manchester to see what was going forward: After I had told them what happened the day before at Thornhill, they immediately sent a Messenger after Stevens to bring him back if possible.—the man from Manchester mentioned to me a many names that I did not know, but he seemed to know all that I mentioned to him, and I told him I thought the Manchester People would not act—he said I was much mistaken, and he conceived I had not seen any of their staunch Friends that were now active.—

Soon after this tall man said Burkin from Derby was in Town if I wished to see him—he then fetched him to me in the Street,—when I first saw him he seemed to tremble, and appeared very much frightened as I supposed from the News I had brought from Thornhill. I told him I was going by the way of Derby, and as he said he was going we might as well go together—he then said was not certain he could go till the morrow, and as there would be a meeting in the Evening he thought I had much better stop, which would give them much greater Confidence.—I told him I had taken my Place in the Coach and could not stop.—

Some time after this I observed Burkin and this tall man walking about in very deep and Sullen Conversation backwards and forwards by the Inn that I were at—I thought they wished to see me—and as soon as Mr. H. and Mr Alsop left me, I went to them, when the tall man and Burkin pressed me very much to stay, and B. said he must go to get some goods to make money of by Monday, when he had a Bill to pay, and perhaps he should be obliged to go to London to sell his Goods for money—and the tall man assure me if I did stop my Fare should be reimbursed in the Evening.—After consulting Mr: Alsop and Mr. H. I agreed to stop, and Burkin set off to Derby, where he said he should see Crabtree the delegate from Leeds, who he said had been to Birmingham, and had met with a very poor Reception by those who were considered staunch Friends of Mitchell.—

In the Evening according to appointment at Nine o'Clock I went to Stevens, where a Person was to meet me, to conduct me to the Meeting and to my Surprize found Stevens had returned, who expressed great Sorrow at returning, for he was sure had he gone on to Sheffield he would be able to rouse them yet.—After a great many Interrogatories respecting London, and who were the active men there which I evaded as much as possible by saying I was not justifiable in disclosing to them the  Particular Secrets in London, for I had been invited as a Friend to Come among them to be convinced of the Strength and the disposition of the Country, that London might ascertain what they had to depend upon, which I was personally requested to Communicate to them—some of them now became very warm and requested if I was a Friend to stop with them and take an active part, as the time was so near—when I told that if I did so I should forfeit all Confidence in not returning with a true Statement the tall man then attacked me by putting very distinct questions to me, as, how my Expences were to be paid, and what line of life I had been in, and who I was connected with in London, and various other questions which I endeavoured to explain the best way I could, which appeared satisfactory to a few of them.—the tall man asked me if I had not represented London to be Seventy thousand strong, which I avoided by saying, that were the Number assembled at Spa Fields, as Mitchell had repeatedly mentioned to them before as to the real effective Strength it could never be ascertained, for the Business in London was kept in so few hands that it was always considered dangerous to be Known to many.—

they expressed their Surprize I did not know Senior, and the rest of their Friends at the John o Groats’ St. George’s Fields.—I told them I had been once with Mitchel when he had some money of them.—

The tall man then said I might be assured they were not so fond of being hung for nothing at Nottingham as they were in Lancashire, and if I did not stop he did not know what to think of me—At this I found a general Approbation when I immediately consented to their Request, provided they would procure a Confidential Person to proceed to London in my stead—this seemed to have the desired effect, and produced me many friends to the mortification of the tall man. the Majority seemed to think it most prudent I should proceed on my mission without delay—as it might be of consequence – – the tall man then proposed if I was not stop with them it was not necessary for me to be made acquainted with the Positions they intended to take up and act upon–which I readily agreed to be very prudent and cautious, and after a few Compliments for his prudence I found still greater Friends by my Indifference in not wish to know the extent of their Intentions.—

After which, Stevens immediately declared his mind was made up to Kill or be Killed, and was joined by several others with the same Expressions.—When I wished to withdraw the tall man said that it was currently reported that no Dependence could be placed in the Nottingham People—and he asked me to tell him candidly if I had not heard the same where I had been—which I candidly admitted to have heard mentioned—then with a most bitter Oath he expressed that they should soon see that Nottingham would yet have to set the example for them, when I found it a most favourable Opportunity to retire, and Stevens accompanied me to the Inn, and assured me he would be with me in the morning and bring me the Coach Fare, which I had forfeited to oblige them, but I saw nothing more of him or any of them in the morning.—

On my arrival at Birmingham Mr. Jones seemed very glad to see me, as he said he fully expected something had befell me—When I inquired of his Reasons he told me Crabtree had been there, and had made some strange Enquiry about me, and if they thought me staunch to the Cause and how they considered my Expences would defrayed, and many other questions which gave them umbrage, so that they doubted him, and most particularly when he told them he had but three pence left to take him back to Yorkshire.—then Jones furnished him with 27 Shillings and requested him to make the best of his way back—that the Birmingham People should take Care of themselves Mr: Hinks then called on Mr. Jones, and joined cordially in his disapprobation of Crabtree and some others which had been sent up to Birmingham at various times—and they had at all times to pay their Expences.—

When I told them what had happened in Yorkshire Jones and Hinks both declared they would never more have any thing to do with any of them, for they had not the least Confidence in each other, or they would not be so betrayed—and the magistrates in that Place were so well aware of what was going forward, that no Person was admitted to their Presence without a Constable to examine their them first. —I then proceeded on to London.—

This Narrative is made from Notes taken daily as it occurred from Place to Place, and from time to time.—

W. Oliver.

Sworn before me—
this 29th day of June 1817
N. Conant.—

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.