Star. — London, England, 1819-10-11 00:00:00

)!I f ' • • • b ever, prevented it from belbg kestroyed, as it may be of ass ZhAt. Metre vesition. s k .s Corm/nit—Let us now proceed with the Inquest. Mr. Aurvroften next took notice of another par sage in The Times upon which he had already Inn *redeemed, in which the Reporter stated that he (Mr. Ashworth) hactadteitted that he was employed as the advocate of the Magistrates. This statement, be (Mr. A.) declared to be totally false, The first witness examined was Robert Newtry, of UniOn-street, Minchester. Saw the Meeting on 16th, first at the Albion, betwixt eleven and twe Observed many people coming from Stockport, Oa. haps four or 5000, marching like soldiers in reek and file, many of them with very large sticks ;—• thought them rather inconvenient for walking with —some of them were carried on the shoulders, some other ways. Saw a coach with this body of people,, about the middle, some persons on the outside; one of them, Mr. Moorhouse, took off his hat and shouted. Afterwards saw a larger body ae come down Oldham-street ; walked down Moseley -street with them—some had papers in their hats, some had not. Went to York-street ; wanted to see one of the Offi cers of the Yeomanry Cavalry. Afterwards went to St. James's-square where the Constables were assem bled. Went to Mount-street. Observed people still coming in in continuation. Saw Mr. Hunt come, but does not know the street.—CA map was handed to witness, which he examined.j—lt must be in Dickin son-street. Afterwards left that house, and came to the ground again ; supposes SO or 40 yardi from Mr. Buxton's house. Observed Mr. Hunt come on the Hustings, and heard him address the people for a quarter of an hour • then saw some Yeomanry come on the ground, by the cottage wall ; they occupied the ground where he then stood, perhaps text yards from the hustings. Yeomanry Cavalry halted for a few minutes, then came forwards towards the hust ings. People, when the Yeomanry Cavalry came to the round, shouted and waved their hats and sticks. Yeomanry Cavalry, previous to advancing, waved their swords and cheered. Ran with the crowd a little way before the horses, in the direction of the hustings. Left flank of Yeomanry Cavalry then passed him. Had not passed far before stones or brickbats were thrown amongst Yeomanry Cavalry. Then the confusion became very general ; can scarcely answer afterwards. Some part of Yeomanry Cavalry might be at the hustings before stones were thrown. After that the people began to disperse, and the other soldiers came upon the ground. They passed him, some went towards the Chapel, some towards the hustings. Saw Mr. Hunt in the custody of Nadin, i then joined the Constables that were going to Mr. Buxton's house. Saw Mr. Hunt taken from the stage. Yeomanry Cavalry came on in a body towards the hustings, at a canter. Saw nothing but the confusion amongst the people. Yeomanry Cavalry made a temporary pause and waved their swords. Conceived it from the opposition of the people. Appeared rather c )nfused. Thinks he saw Mr. Birley precede them, but did not see the Trumpeter. Constables were around. Saw yo blows struck from the time Yeo manry Cavalry first entered the crowd to the time they passed him. Saw no blows struck by Yeomanry Cavalry till the time they passed the hustings. Did not hear any admonition or warning before Yeomanry Cavalry entered the crowd. Followed the Constables to Mr. Buxton's house, where Mr. Hunt paused as if wishing to address the people; he was, however, forced into the house, when the report of pistols were heard by witness towards Deansgate, at this time be tv:ixt Mount-street and scaffold. Then saw the 15th and Yeomanry Cavalry galloping after the people in different parts of the field. People were running, but. this was before Mr. Hunt was taken from the ground, and whilst he was in the house. In a few minutes tl - .e people were gone off the field.—CMr. Barrow came into Court.)—Saw no wound given upon the fizld ; saw wounded people after. Saw no woman lying in Cooper's yard. Saw Constables striking with their staves in different parts of the field, apparently to disperse the people. Saw'them strike or lay hold of people on the hustings. By Mr. Astiwolarst—Saw a body coming from Stockport, keeping step like soldiers. Never saw such a number of people at church, market, or fair. Did not hear any word of command in passing the Albion Hotel. The people on the coach seemed to head one party, though, from flags in different parts of the line, they must be in divisions. (The heat was intolerable, the room was so small ; several other rooms were suggested to the Coroner, which were not at that time attended to.) Never saw a body of people come into Manchester in a similar order ; from the appearance of their countenances, and every thing, 1 was soYry for them. I said I was afraid there would be blood spilled before night. I said there was a young lad, an acquaintance of mine, I wished to speak to him ; thought he could do no good. Gentlemen with me were of the same opi nion with myself, with respect to the alarm. Mr. Barrett said, as soon as they get past I will go home and protect my property from these people. Saw several flags, or.e inscribed—" No Corn Laws:— ThirJAs one had the figure of Justice with the scales in her hand. Went from thence to the Infirmary gardens, where I saw people coming from the Old ham-road. Stockport people had music with them playing. Those from Oldham were more numerous than those from Stockport, but they went in the same order. I think they could not have marched so without previous training. I noticed persons passing along each division giving directions. 1- think they had two sets of flags and Caps of Li berty. Many of them had large sucks, some walking with them, some bad them over their shoulders.— The Oldham party had four or five flags, and per haps two Caps of Liberty. Cannot recollect any par ticular expressions of alarm, but learnt as much from other people. Thinks many of the shops were shut up in Piccadilly. Was doing no business myself, and thinks no business was doing in town. Saw another body of people come up Peter-street with Mr. Hunt. Have lived in Manchester about six years. The bodies were not Manchester people,— They came towards the hustings,. and gradually formed round. There was a great deal of shouting and waving of hats and sticks from the people who 'were coming on and those already assembled. Saw no Manchester people come on the ground in large bodies. They had hats on when they were round - the hustings. The hustings were surrounded by strangers. Saw Mr. Hunt arrive on the ground, but cannot *peak to hisidetity. 'lam Was alusie play *gond four or Ave Bags waving ; thought there were Caps of Jirres ty on the top of the flog pohis.—.: Saw Mr. Hurt o near the hustings, but tax situ*. tion Intac my view. Saw a black lag near the Lusting*-; white was the prevailing colour of the others. eisinet recollect seeiag_any _shins green. Think I saw a dagger on the - 'p% or slineeo thing of,the kind; do not recollect the Thous* all the Rags were attached to the huttlip, q Hes- rd Mr. Hunt address the people, but does recollect what he said. The Yeomanry Cavalry wwe deceived by the people -with shouts and waving of hats and sticks, which appeiired to be in ridicule of them. The Yeomanry Cavalry were led noisy an individual ; 'constables went before them to the hustings. I think Nadin was amongst them. Saw stones thrown when the Yeomanry Cavalry charged. Some of the Yeomanry Cavaly might be up to the hustings. Ining up to the hustings did not sae any individu al of the Manchester Yeomant7 Ca valry use either the flat or sharp side of his sword..:-.. I think the bases must have trodden upon some psi* sons. At the time I saw them I thought myself la as much danger as others. After the stones were thrown, I was irdiindthein. I think I heard the re rat of pistols shOrtly after Mr.. Hunt was taken from the hustings. I saw the Cheshire Yeomanry Cavalry come when they were removing Mr. Hunt. I think they went quicker than the hianchester Yeo manry Cavalry. Don't recollect them brandishing their swords. The 15th Hussars came as very, ra pidly. Did not observe any greater violence on -the part of the Manchester Yeomanry than 'on the part of the others. Examined by Mr. Hanstaa—The parties who came past the Albion were composed of men and women. I never saw such a body:tome in such regular order. They came in step, which was more imposing on my mind than the appearance of a snob. I never saw the different trades in London go out to their bean-. feasts. I never saw the firemen in procession in Lon don. Do not recollect the processido in Manchester at the time of the restoration of Louis XVIIL--1 thought these bodies formed a large mass of dange rous people, yet went within ten or fifteen yards c 4, the hustings. I admit the women had no Inns, nei ther had the children any. There was nothing mili tary in the shout of Mr. Moorhouse. The field was cleared in five or six minutes after the Yeomanry Cavalry charged. I had been under the Magi strates' e window, but heard no Riot Act read. Yeo manry Cavalry came perhaps at sharp trot, in an orderly manner. I think they entered the crowd at a canter. I saw a gentleman speak to one of the of ficers at the time, but do notnow recollect whom he was. I heard no orders given from the windows, or any notice of their advance. I was a Special Con stable on that day. The number of Constables in the body to which I was attached might be 70 or 80. They were furnished with sticks, and went in procession to the field. I did not know that the mi litary were to attack the people—had not heard so. I did not know that the Yeomanry Cavalry were to come in on the people. Yeomanry Cavalry had swords drawn when they charged. I run with the crowd when they were charged. I think the people might have got out by Peter-street. I think there were 50,000 people on the field at the time they were charged. I did not see any body struck by the sword at the time of the Yeomanry Cavalry going to the hustings, I believe many were thrown down in the charge towards the hustings. I cannot swear there were none cut in the progress to the hustings.--. I was cut at myself, at the time Mr. Hunt was in custody, but did not recollect by whom. Do not re- Follect having said, "d--n you, do you see me, Mr. " Do you knaw Mr. Fox ? I know some of the !Yeomanry Cavalry. I think stones were thrown be fore Mr. Hunt was taken into custody. I will swear that they had not kir. Hunt in custody at the tithe the stones were thrown The people began to disperse when the Yeomanry Cavalry appeared upon the ground. I think they - were struck with terror. They ran from the Yeomanry Cavalry. I did not see the soldiers overtake them and strikethem. There might have been soldiers in the direction of the firing, but did not see any. Mr. HA RMER asked witness the names of such gen tlemen of his acquaintance as were in the corps of Manchester Yeomanry Cavalry ? which question was objected to by Mr. Ashworth. The CORONER said he would allow Mr. Harmer to e.sk whom he saw cut. Mr. HARMER said he charged the whole of the Manchester Yeomanry Cavalry as principals, but the Coroner did not believe his evidence to have estab lished that charge. Witness resumed—l do not think a twentieth of the crd‘vd were women and children—perhaps about a hundredth. I think the people might have dispersed before the Yeomanry Cavalry got round the hustings. Examined by Mr. HARMER—I think the people might have cleared round the hustings before the Yeomanry Cavalry had charged. Costonen desired dne half of the people at the bot-, tom end of the room to withdraw, the heat was &a . very oppressive. Edward Owen, Attorney—l do not belong to the Manchester Yeomanry Cavalry. I was a Special Constable on August 16th. I did not observe stones or sticks on the ground previous to the people coming. I went up Moselerstreet towards Piccadilly, about York-street, I observed many people running towards Piccadilly. I saw large bodies of people apparently coming from towards Oldham and Stockport. I heard many of them repeat the word " left,' as they stepped on. There was great difference in the man ner of walking; some walked better than others.— There were women and children amongst them, and. some few girls. The proportion of women and children was but a small one, perhaps it might be a tenth ; but I speak doubtfully. There were two or three Caps of Liberty. I did not observe music. I noticed the inscriptions, but do not recollect them now. I did not observe any thing particularly vio= lent in the inscriptions. When this body passed, I thought it looked rather formidable, b u t I did not speak to any body. I heard the 1e shout as th e y passed a coa c h o pp os i te the peop le Bear, on the dickey of which s t oo d M r . Moorhouse. T he crowd huzzaed and shouted. I do not say Moorhouse shouted. This was all I observed in respect to that body. I afterwards went to Shudo•hill, and saw a patty come from Royton. When they had reached the. 1 middle of Old Mill-Bate there came a shout from , b&W ntore'llise a running fire then arrigshelltet.- All a m opplesettesa men side sto le . I and observed eE*PPa als°9 with sticks in their in h an d s , who appeared to be director, of the people. this, said, "We ate not come to harm you; we n up e thei indan r sh l u t trrs, b w ai ll I t h l:e inbaim men lants in frot i t g o a llfte t o t will do you no harm." The shopkeepers continued to shut up their shops. There then came a shout from behind—" Go on ; and they went on. There were probably three or four flags with this body. There was snore then onejlip of Liberty; but cannot say whether more that:lila. In point of step, this bo frOwaras mare regularity of their the s t other.step , that I a t they y h convinc ed be e n practising. They stepped in the common time of soldiers when walking. I saw a bugle-inan about the centre of the body. He sounded it the greater part of the way through the market-place. I thought that when that body returned through the town there erigfit be some putrid violence committed ; but sup posed the leaders would endeavour to keep them quiet on their "own account. Every thing was very still, and that made it more awful. When the black flag came, with " Equal Representation or Death," some person uttered an exclamation of sur prise—" What will this come to?" I do not recollect any thing upon the flags except twohands clasped to gether. Isaw women and children with this body; but the proportion was not so great as with the others.- -I stationed myself near the Chapel, but nearer to Deensgate. I did not see any other bodies. The greater proportion appeared to be strangaes. The townspeople stood on the outside of Meeting as much as they could. I waited an hour be fore Mr. Hunt came. Before r f rhad *observed bills and placards stuck up in different parts of the town, 'warning the people from coming. The purport of the Placard was this The Boroughreeve and Constables warn the people from attending the Meet. ing this day, and to keep their servants and children within doors." I saw a green flag about the stage, bin it was subsequently removed. The Royton body had a number of sticks,. stout sticks, though they would do for walking with. I saw Mr. Hunt come to the ground, and a great body of people, and two boards, with the words, " Order, order!" I saw Mr. Hunt's own cap of liberty. Heard a very great shout and clapping of hands. I saw Mr. Hunt on the stage, and heard him say the word " Gentlemen."— I recollect one inscription—" Let us die like men, and not be sold like slaves!" On the pole of cue of the flags I saw the representation of a pike; It was red colour. Several . people round me said it was a pike. Mfapprehensions were increased by these ap pearances ; but, on communicating them to several people, they said, " The people will be quiet if they let them alone." I went nearer the hustings after- Mr..klunt came on. A imp was now handed over, and witness descri bed his situation in the field. I ran from the spot where I was up Peter-sfieet, and saw fifty or sixty of the Manchester Yeomanry Cavalry ; the people around were hissing and groaning at them. I did not no tice whether it was universal or not ; I had my eyes upon the Yeomanry Cavalry all the time, until they surrounded the hustings ; for I was surprised to see them ; did not observe any thing done by the people when the Yeomanry Cavalry advanced to the hus tings, there did appear a momentary resistance, but whether occasioned by the density of the crowd. I can't say. I observed a pause when they were ad vancing, but thought it occasioned by the density of the crowd ; I observed nothing but the density of the crowd which could cause the check. Ido not recol- 1 lea that the Cavalry were striking any body ; but the facts I have heard since make me doubt on the subject. I did not observe the purpose for which they were striking. • [The crowd was now very great, and Mr. Asa worm desired a number of Manchester Constables might be sent for.] Witness resume —I did not see any body cut; had the blows which I sato been given with the sharp side, they certainly must have killed some persons. The pressure of the crowd bore me away towards the Quakers' Meeting-house ; many stones and bricks were thrown then from the yard, supposed either for the Constables or Yeomanry. EA man brought in Thomas Smithers for unruly conduct, and he was obliged to withdraw.] I did not observe any of the 15th Hussars there at that time. The stones were about the size of my hand, and some pieces of brick. I did Dot hear any pistols fired at that time, but recollect some firing at the time they were taking Mr. Hunt to the New' Bailey, which I thought in the direction of Lad-lane. I saw the Cheshire Yeomanry on the ground; at the time the bustle was over, I saw the 15th driving the people off the flags. I cafiaot say the conduct of the 15th Hussars was more violent than that of the Man chester Yeomen. Examined by Mr. HARSIER.I saw several wci men and children in the first body. The first body was marching, and some of them giving the word, it Left, left." I allow there is no High Treason in .learning to march. I was doubtful whether the peo ple would be allowed to return home peaceably; the placard did not intimate that the people would be dispersed by the military. Several persons said the, people would be quiet if they were let alone. I did not see any one struck by the Yeomanry Cavalry until the major part had got to the hustings. • I saw them strike after they had surrounded the hnstingt. The people about the hustings were very much pressed together. In the spot where the Manchester Yeomanry paused, it was very much crowded. A person stationed in a window might have seen as much of these transactions as I did. When the Yeo manry Cavalry went to the hustings, I did not see any person precede them except the trumpeter. In the course of this examination, Mr. HARMER observed, that the evidence of - a Special Constable was not, in justice, admissible on this Inquest, as the Special Constables had been proved by various wit nesses to have acted with great violence towards the people, and consequently every member of that body must be deemed as a party accused. Mr. ASHWORTH referred Ito The Theses, in which Mr. Harmer was distinctly reported to have chal lenged the Special Constables present at the Meet ing to contradict s if they could, the testimony ad duced on his part. Mr. HARMER declared, that he did not recollect to have uttered any such challenge ; but if he bad, he must certainly retract the doctrine which it implied. Jose_p_h Nadin—ls Deputy Co nsta t le of ter. Was on the ground on the 16th. warrant to be executed that day. Had not t. rant. Delivered it to Mr. Rutter. Has aprii him to search for it, but has n ot got it. si'c, Mr. Hulton, Mr. Wright, Mr. Marriott, ar ethers. It was to arrest Henry Hunt, Jolmmo, and Knight. EA copy was now Kadin, and he said it appeared like the , did not recollect the Christian names of any k. Received it at the hands of the Magistrates. it would be out of his power to execute it \sit assistance of the military. Said so from the , Kele and the instruments they had in their were linked together between the Ma t boost and the hustings. Their arms other a great many deep. Some had puny large sticks. One man had a iron, which appeared part of a palisado. self ascertained they were possessed of instruments. Thought it not possible *power to -execute the warrant. Told MI would be impossible to serve the warrant. Andrew brought two letters out of the 3 - the Magistrates were, which I delivered mounted constables, but heard no mesa{ minutes the Manchester Yeomanry ma, pearance. They rode to the side of the house where the Magistrates were sitt Captain Birley receive orders, and asked till the 15th Hussars came up? Somebodl 'them, and they went down immediately gags. I followed them. I think no constab) before them. I followed them to serve Mr. Moore, Mr. Clayton, and Mr. there. I understood the Yeomanry C. assisting me in executing the warrant, not have liked to serve it myself. In hustings I did not observe the Yeoma. strike any person. I executed the warram got to the hustings. I pulled Johnson off the hustings by the legs, and rec( upon my arm. There was not a poss warrant being executed had I had number of olficers. Upon Mr. HARMER'S putting a qui witness, he refused to answer, until th stated by whom he was employed or atu terfere on this occasion. Mr. H. then letter from the father of John Lees—(m, in the Snix Qf Saturday )--adding, that: league, Mr. Denison, had also received to act, signed by nearly 1,000 inhabitant keepers of the Township of Oldham. The CORONER and Mr. Asnwoarn decl selves satisfied upon reading the letter Lees, Nadin was directed to answer ' of Mr. Harmer. Mr. HA AMER.—NOW, Mr. Nadin, perhaps condescend to answet my questions. Nadin resumed—l knew of no arrant that day betwixt civil and military power, dispersion of the Meeting. I did not kr chester Yeomanry were to disperse the the sword. I drew my men behind the Cavalry, that they might have room to the hustings. I should be very sorry te military- in executing such a process as Here the COILONaR insisted that the be cleared, in order to mitigate the heat. Nadin resumed—l did not hear Biel that he had a warrant. I had been do\ constables before the military arrived. the warrant long before it was executed, Mr. Hultion. The Yeomanry Cavalry we was not on the ground. I said I could it without the military. I had walked dot the hustings, but received nu violence, there is no one more obnoxious to the r tnyselE When the Yeomanry Cavalry many ran away. I do , not know whether manry Cavalry trotted or cantered. trodden down, not a sword uplifted, nor cut. There is a bar of iron at the office, Mr. Cooper. I did not hear of any railin sado being broken n down. I did not see knocked I did not see any persoi . Mr. Hunt with a sword. One man struts with a stick, but it fell on my shoulder. body strike at him, and Mr. Hunt know , is true or not. I said I would take the ce custody if he struck again. I cannot manry Cavalry were not cutting at the flags, when I had Mr. Hunt in custod, nothing of the arrangement of the military appeared. I did not say the day before, Reformers did not make a row, there wr made for them. I did not say so. Examined by Mr. AsfivrOßTH—l Jo any thing of the law in the case of serving The civil power could not make way. military had cleared the way, they did • to execute the warrant. Before I receil rant, I went down to see whether I conk myself, and saw one man who had a kind in his hand, which seemed to have come kick. Examined by the Colionast—l think preceded the rest of the Yeomanry Cavalry that the Riot Act had been read, br or heard it read myself. I did not see thrown but one, which bit me when I Jame off the hustings. I heard . kin I took Mr. Hunt. I did not see WIN aid inflicted, either before or after - arrest. Before I took Mr. Hunt to the 1% I saw the Hussars and the Cheshire Yeom 'sky on the ground. I had got a green ' I gave to Mr. Trafford. W. Booth, Beadle—ls a constable attach Police of Manchester ; was on the ground 16th of August. I did see the Yeomanry before they went to the hustings. I did P body struck before they got to the front ton's house. I was on the ground at that . stood opposite the house where the Magistrates were. s kiin g . I was opposite the door. I was knockei tiara at the back of the houses. The people were asswahllad at the place where I was knocked dowN, wi betwixt the houses and Moseley-street. I was strut: : with a stick on the back of the head, and went do • I went on to the corner of Cross-street ; I had 01 hard work to pass along n. Red Cross-street. SeYer'u persons be4°) to bo MI d ps hips. ow WAS I w then hit on the " the as hurt, but ;la 0.) •j i oi bf Ni adeht, th. Received, ad not t h att ; Has applied : it. & net , 1 ion, a n see :, int, M oorh s now b an : Il i : 1 the original, tilt of any either . tgistrates. ite it witbeart e From the btch r i d in their hash the Magistro* is linked in ti c k had sticks, and a large b ar ado. H a d h ies. of these kind ible for the cirri 1 Mr. Andreaii warrant. Nl e the house wher e elivered to t ssage. la ales made their ap. the door of ti• sitting. I saw sited him to 5:4 nebody spoke tely to the huss constables :veil rve the warrare, Andrew Wee r Cavalry to be at, for I shoal& In going to the omanry Cava! warrant rhea I son myself frcta received a stop rossibility cf tat d ten times tie question to the that Gentleraa authorised to ia• en produced th.e .(wiFch (~parr; tatheand his c 4 wed a requisitita habitant hour. declaring the. otter of Robert er the questions perhaps your] arrangements to power, for the t know the Mao- the people ritb the Yeomanry n to go down a y to precede the as that. he room shoe'.] seat. Birley tell Bart down the lined red. I had ret uted, signed by ry were there,S fold not execs! d down towards :e, yet I behest Reformers that 7 came, a yea . hether the leer 1. I saw nom nor any persoo office, found by railing or see any person person strike* is struck at him er. I saw SOW* sows whether it e constable into of say the Teo- the people and tody. I knew litary until they Fore, that if th‘e would be ore do not know ring warrants. ay. After the did not attempt ceived the wAr- !ould execute it kind of dagger come out of a :nk Mr. Bidet awalry. I had , but never saw see any stones I was pulling .d no fire-arms see a singl! er Mr. Hunts to New Sailer, Yeomanry Ca' ten flag, which attached to the r valy l n re r e e t net i g h d t w da : lpi a ; n c of s, people Y wki. snreoteah3r u ► a n. apndit:mtisaCtl Serere see enj ° ss e a do 1,,,er ve t a nd dow n ' y ton the b ic " t, but &la co.'.