The National Register. — London, England, 1817-03-17 00:00:00

COMMOTION AT MANCHESTER. ATTEMPT OF TIIE REFOIINtERS TO COME TO LON DON IN A BODY. We are concerned to state. that numerous arrests have been loom! necessary at Nlnnche•ter. The following arc the cir estinitnuces which ga,e kt• to tlicin Muo•my the atl inst. there was a public Mecin.4 at Manchester, bnt not tin blightest tendency to riot 'Pills t t inced, as our Reader. already know. During the sorceedia4 week, however, the whole neighbourhood was kept in a • tme of anxiety anti alarm, from the ;,pl.lehension of a larger and store formidable Meeting on Monday, the 10th. It was learnt, that the poor deluded people of that town and neighbourhood, who were not at work, had been secretly persuaded to assetn'ole and draw up poitions, and to set off in a holy with them to London, each man carrying hip own petition. So far had their fo:ly proceeded, that many of tin w ealketed a little stork of pro visions, fir their subsistence on the road, and b:aokets to pro teet them from the cold (hiring the nights. At length b;lls were posted np in Manchester, calling them to assemble fur this purpo•r ; the Stockport people, too, were to meet on L:uu•anhire Hill, in order to forma junction w.th the Mali . chester people. Or eoiirse it became again Hectic:try to call together a military force. The Stockpot t troop Lad orders to meet ; Iwo troop from laccle•firltl and tkr4 e ford were also directed to be at Salesmoor (the ',mud spot fur review near Nlaneliester), so as to be in readiness to act in anise of emergency. The Magistrates were all at their posts ; and every precaution was taken that the circumstances ten. tiered necessary. Meaawhile, by dint of secret researches, it was discovered, that there were certain emissaries busily at work on plans to enLrage the populace iu a treasoaable move ment. One of the .e persons had been heard to declare, that there were 25.090 stand of arms at Birmingham which might be secured for their use. Tim Manchester Mercury of Tuesday . , received yesterday. furnishes the following ample details afire subsequent occult.- • recces :—" The lenient moderation at' the Magistracy has at length eked out the fullest could of tbrbearance compatible with the protection which is due to the persons and property of' the peaceable and well-disposed part of the commutritv. lVe find it was among the notifications at the Meeting on the Sd inst. near St. Peters Church, corroborated, in the course of last week, by the declaration, of individuals who have been actaalty engaged in promotiug,the,late Sedif Meetings, that the espous.irs of their doctrines should collect at the same place on the Monday following (yesterday), and proceed to the Metropolis, at nine o'clock, to present a Petition to the Prince Regent, that they might be enabled " to undeceive hint !"—Aware of these intentions, and of the dangers which an immense influx of strangers, irritated by the inflammatory appeals of their factious leaders (who, under tloe pretence of promoting Parliamentary Reform, have been for a length of time past agitating the minds of the labouring class of so ciety), portended, the conservators of the public flanquillity, took every precaution adequate to the occasion. " Yesterday morning. according to the expectations enter• tamed, crowds of people flocked into the town from all direc tions, as early as eigut o'clock, and at about _gators appeared on their temporary stage in a cart, and con tinued to harangue the multitnde till their east lumbers miggested the expediency of patting into practice the w en twined arrangetneuts of the civil and military power. Ac cordingly, a party of the Ist re.zioient of dragoons, under Col. Tees :ale, accompanied by the Magistrates of the district, appeared amongst them, and with an adroitness and decision almost electrical. surrounded the erection, and immediately conveyed tlveciaire group upon it to the New Bayley prison ; their attention was next directed to the concourse of midi -Ors, who were forthwith dispersed, without the infliction of any severity. " Au arrest had taken place eat ly on Sunday morning, of Johnson and Ogden, who had previously rigureil at this place, and they were secured in the New Bayley. Others were seized by the soldiers on their way to deliver their charge in Salford. The following are the names of the prisoners:— Drummond and Bagnely (the two orators), Hawking, Grim shaw, Lingard. Quincy, Shaw, Wood, Hargraves, Lever, Shawcross. two Williamses, Tucker, Whitworth, (Miley, Bousfield, Kay, Lefgar, Blackshaw, Sias, Thoma,on, Barlow, Cuthhird, Lees, Hodson, and Iligginouthain (the owner of the cart on which the stage was fixed). " A considerable be: of people set out on their mission to London, taking the route of Stockport ; butt about 40 of them were recondueted to Manchester, and atliltA to their [other unfortunate companions; others were furnished wall secure accommodations in Stockport. Most of them were provided with knapsacks, &c. containing blankets and other articles. Upon the examination of some of these travelling equipages, two innistilly large knives weir discovered. " Johnson, Ogden, &c. will be di patched, without' loss of time, ender escort, to the Secretary of State, in Loudon. " We shall desist from cute, ing further at present into the cases of these characters, as they will probably hereafter be the subject of high judicial enquiry. " The military preparations were under the direction of Sir J. Byng, the Commander of the District, who arrived in Manchester on Sunday. A party of the 51th regiment of foot were present to render their assistance. "i We may fairly presume that at one period there was an assemblage of at least '30,000 at the Meeting; and we believe site do not over-rate the arrivals in flue course of flue day at between 60 and 70,001) individuals.—No particular act of out rage or intemperance has yet reached our ears, and we can not help feeliug highly indebted to the plait-ions and salutary interposition of the respective authorities for the satisfactory result of this day's transaction. " As we are closing this account, we have authority to state, that the apprehensions are nothing short of 200 persons." Late en Wednesday night four of the persons arrested at _ _ . . tancliester arrived in town, in the custody of two King's Messengers, who ionneiliatt ly conveyed tl.ein to the House of Correction, Coldbath Fields. Their names are Druintuond, Ogden, I:agilely, and Jf,IIIISIOIIIC. A broker, clidiged with being connected midi the rioters at Manchester, was on 1i eduesday taken on 'Change, under an arrest. Some information which we received Saturday, affords decisive comma itary upon the 'tacitly and constitutional ob jects of min) . of the Itetiamers and Instigators of public meetings. The Chester piper asurts us that numbers of pike heads have been found in Stockpot t, tote- er with large heavy sticks, ctiiilain.ag dagger-shaped pieces of iron, eight juelies long. Tienty-one of the persons engaged in the Meetiim at Manchester have been apprehended at Heaton Norris, near Otoci.port, and I odiAed in Chester Gaol. " Caester Chronicle office, Thursday, quarter past 1 p.m. " A coach, k ,vorted by a stroag body of that valuable goips, the Lail of asezters caval r y, tia9 jnst passed this . NATIONAL REdISTF.R. office, completely filled with the misguided men engaged in the late seditious Meetings at 31.1uchester, fie. Their 1141141C3 are-- Benjamin "ilellor, George Pirknn, Wm. Wilcock, Win. Neal, John Shaw, Win. Marsh, Wm. Smith, John Garlick, John Senior, James Resnick, Wm. Pimlot, Arthur Irwin, diehard Jones, Robert Evan, Matthew Exley, Win. God dard,Samuel Whitmore, jaws Callighan, Benj. Broadbent, Henry Holding, and George Hyde. " Au immense crowd Winn cd the cavalcade to the Castle, where the ca..alry formed opposite the Lodi .t., and the pri toners di , mounted -we never recollect seeing a more wretched looking set of beings; two of them are mere boys. Tip, are iu the commitment with treasonable and seditious practices.—They were apprehended at Heaton Norris. and nude' the recently passed Act. were committed to our Castle. One hundred and sixty fens• of their associates are now confined in the New Bailey, Manchester. Great praise is due to Mr. Lloyd, of Stockport. for the judicious measures a looted by him to preserve the public peace ; and that active officer, Birch, ileseives the highest commenda tion for the vigilance and activity displayed by him on this, as oil ever• other occasion, where his services are required. "'six of the oratorical members of this confederacy against the thoverunu•ut, are sent to London, under warrants fruits the Secretary of State. "A man has been severely cut in the face, at Heaton Nor ris, by one of the Cavalry. " Since writing the above, we are sot ry to add, that a mot her of pike !leads have been fumed in Stockport, and large heavy sticks, containing a dagger-shaped sharp piece of iron, about eight inches long. This speaks in language too plain to be nii-notieritena, th,• pacific Mid constitutional objects of those to whom they belonged !" EXECUTION OF JOHN CASHMAN. The Recorder on his return from the Privy Council, on Sa turday, lust no time in communicating to the Rev. Mr. Cotton, the Ordinal y of Newgate, the order fur execution, and that gentleman as quickly proceeded to Cashman's cell, stated to him the short time he had to remain in this world, and ex horted him to devote that period to making his peace with God ! The unhappy Min reveived the information with much calmness, Well, it' it must be so, I am ready to die." Among others who called to otTer the unhappy man conso lation, was an Irish gentleman, named UpLOll, who had been on a former occasion the laildlord of his father. To this gen mall Cashman spoke unreservedly Of his affairs—he said lie was entitled to 2001. wages and prize money, about the dis position of which he was very anxious. Mr. Upton, in order to gratify his feelings, prepared, under his directions, a will, by which he disposed of his property in various ways ; he mainly left it, however, to purchase a boat for a brother of his who had been a fisherman on the coast of Ireland ; to his mo ther, and tilt- the payment of his debts, about which lie ap peared particularly solicitous. This will be signed, and Mr. Upton promised to do all ii. his power to see it executed. In his cell his companions were, an Lishonan, named Quin land, emivirted of a burglary, but respited ; and a person named Dowding, sentenced totwo imprisonment boils of the Roman Catholic persuasion). To these persons he spoke freely alibi situation; hot se oiled to regard death with perfect inditierence. With respect to the offence imputed to him, lie admitted that he had been in Mr. Beck witles shop, and in alluding to the attack on that occasion, remarked, that Mrs. Iteekwitri or some lady on the stairs, called on the tool) to spare their live,. He denied that he was at all privy to the tiring of the pistol at Mr. Platt, or was 41W411; of that circum stance; but admitti d dint lie asai-ted in rescuing vomit:. Wat son from the constable. He said he had been (loon to the Admit - airs on the morning of the riots with a letter, and in his way back was met by a brother sailor, a Warrant Officer, a hose name he declined mentioning; but who had been often after him before on the subject, and by whom he was per suaded to go to Spa-fields. la their way there, he pattook of a considerable quantity of rum, „in, and beer, and having had but little food for twa days before, it had a great 01111 upon him. He saw the colours pulled down lay the °direr,. at the top of Coppice-row, and went to resist the attempt. but in vain. He also repeated his story of having struck a fellow who was doing some wanton mischief in the Poultry. Mr. Deck with naturally felt desitous to remove the acetic of death from his own door, and twice went to the Secretary of State's office for the purpose of soliciting Lord Sidmotith • on the snbject. His allAWar was, however, that the orders already is•tied would not be altered. Mr. Sheri* IlrUlges, who went on it similar errand, received the like answer. The Lend Mayor and Sir Nathaniel Conant took the requi site precautions to prevent disturbance. At eight o'clock on Tuesday evening Cashman was brought from his cell up stairs to one, adjoining the Presslard, in which lie was to pass the night. He seemed perfectly com posed, but exhibited a good deal of levity. In alluding to his approaching death, lie said, " he had often laced the enemy amidst a shower of halls, without shrinking, and dill not now tear to face his God !"---As he passed through the Press_ yard. he exelaimed, with an oath, " I wish a pounder would now come and cut the iu two, rather than I alimila go into the hands of Jack Ketch!" In his cell he was joined lay the Rev. Mr. ItcviaTux, Who endeavoured to south his :pirits and prepare his mind for eternity. Occasionally. he was at , but he t'requent4 launched find, into continents on the nature of his past life, and talked of his fears of being drag ged like a vagrant through the streets. On being exhorted to abandon (Iwo! noimplortant thoughts, and to resign holly to futurity, he raid, " He had-no fear of he wished the moment was then conic, for lie was ready to drop, but lie did not like to be exposed like a common robber."— Again Mr. Deverenx called to his recollection the wilful sa crifice Wade by our Redeemer fur the salvation of mankind, and entreated idin in likemanner to offer himself meekly to his Maker as an atimeniest for his sins—tic exclaimed, " i do die willingly, and would co to the mast head now to reeve a rope for my death, fur I know that my next voyage must be to J.sek Ketch !" He accompanied this last remark with a laneli. In this sort of corserse he remained till 20 minutes afser ten, when air. Heats-ens took his departure. On the departure of Mr. Devereux, Mr. Boyle a Catholic accompanied lay two friends and Quint:and, to whom Cash. man s•eined attached, enteral his cell, and sat up Sahli biro the whole night. Every attempt Was made to ill% i.ken 14,11 to a sense of his s!tuation; but he z.til; scented bent art anis e. talon ofliis supposed wrongs and former adventures. At six o'clock yesterday 111011Oug one of the gentlemen v ho sat up during the bight with hint , quitted Iris cell. This g.•n tletnati stated that .the wretched man, during, the early , :set of the night, indulged himself in a variety of observatioa • on the hardship of his case, and the injustice with which It: had been trcatctl by Ooverautrati bit that latterly be bad be- AtAIWIT come more composed, lour ing obtained two hours sound sleep. Mr. Colton, the Ordinary, soon after entered the cell, and endeavoured to rouse in 111111 a religious sense of his situation. but he appeared incapable of revels ing any impression that nature. his mind continually - wandering to t n . on n ; any,. Nor were the humane arm is of Mr. Devereu x more success. fill. He evinced throughout an insensibility, which appeared to proceed from a weakness of intellect. rather than front any determined &pros ity. He WAS continually ads erting to his exploits while in his Majesty's service, and lamenting that he was not to die at his quarters, instead of being dragged to the place of execution in a cart like a vagrant. lie asked if he might not have a glass of grog. This of coarse was refuge(' but sonic tea and bread and butter were taken Otto the cell, of which lie partook. During the whole of this time he was pacing tip and down his cell in a very agitated manner. Quirt• land seemed seemed to have the most influence over him. They were left together for a few mina's's. On the door be ing opened for the purpose of rtmoy log Quitiland, G a st on : i n shook hands with him, sold said," Good bye, Qttiolatid,l sop. pose I shall not see you again before I kirk the Locket •• Quinlan(' was, however, permitted to remain in the ei Ii until the approach of the fatal moment. Cashman shook hands also with the Turnkey, stud requested that he would " gis e his compliments to the other officers." Clean linen being brought to him, he changed his shirt and drawers, 'tit* on it sailor's blue jacket awl white trowaers, and tied uu rt black silk handkerchief.—He then expressed his readiness to die, and on the door of his cell opening for the tido li ll ion of !Mille one, he stepped forward with great alacrity, saying, " Ant I to go now %" The Sheriff,. and one of the Under Sheriffs, then entered the press yard. Cashman was then brought out, and stood with much unconcern while his fetters were knock-, ed off, looking at and assis;:og in the operation. His hands were tied, and on hi , arms being IMMO behind with a cord, he called out to the Sheriffs Officer in the sea phraseology—, 6 ' Haul it taut ; and again expressed his regret that he could hot die at his quarters like a man. Mr. Cotton and Mr. De vereux once MOM attempted to 'milkier rt ligions consolation to him, Ina in vain. --He evinced the utmost impatience. exclaiming, " dont bother me—it's of no use : I know nothing at all about the matter."—The subjects which at that awful instant seemed marest his mind, were the mode of his death, and the disposition of It is little property. On his expressing his uneasiness on this last bead, the Sheriffs very benevoli ly assured him that measures should be tak e n t o carr y into effect his wishes with re!peet to it. This assurance appear e d. to be very satisfactory to him, and he said gratefully,. "'thank you, Crentlemen." Every thing being in readiness., the toll of the prison bell gave the signal fur the procession to . move. Of the individuals present, Cashman was probably the o:!Iy oue unappalled by the melancholy sound. He looked about him with the most obdurate expression of countenance ; cried, "God bids you all !" and marched firmly through the pas sages of the prison to the door, preceded by the Sheriffs, and accompanied by the Ordinary and Mr. Devearnx. It was about ten minutes before eight o'clock when the culprit quitted the prison, and took his seat in the mewls dreaded cart. The Executioner and his assistant sat on each side of him. His firmness was unabated. During the short time which elapsed while the Sheriffs Siete getting into their carriages, a few persons collected about the cart shook hands with him. Looking towards the prison dour, at a hick one of the turnkeys stood, lie said, in a laughing manner, " Good bye Bishop—God bless yon my Heat ty ;" and then adobes. Mg himself to the others, be exclaimed, " this is not for cowardice-1 am not brought to this for any robbery—l an. going to die ; but I shall not shrink. If I was at my qmirters I would not he killed in the smoke, I'd be iu the tire. I hat e done nothing against my King and any Country ; but fought for them." The melancholy procession then moved forward. As he passed along he nodded to the crowd, and continued to in veigh against the injustice of his punishment. As the Sheriffs advanced, the mob expressed strong feel ings of initignetion; groans and hisses burst lions all quarters and attempts were made to rush for ward. The officers, however, stood firm to their posts, and being aides! by the barriers, succeed. 41 iii preventing an encroachment. This conduct was frequently repeated before the cart had reach ed its destinati 4444 and Cashman joined his voice to the shouts, raying ont, " Hurrah! my boys, I'll die like a man!" On his mounting the scaffold, groans were redoubled ; he seemed to enter into the spirit of the spectators, and joined in their exclamation with a tenihe shout, lie repea,.:il his former remarks on the supposed hardship of his ease. I iis far e was placed towards Holborn-hill, but turned his head on all sides, and greeted the moll with cries of " Hurrah, my Hearties in the earise ! success !—cheer up !" The Rev, Mr. Cotton and Mr. Devereitx now emleav to bring the wretched man to a scour of his awful situation. Their exertions, however, Nvere fruitless, lie appealed ear. lons to all religious exhor to !inns, arid pushing them abide , (•\ • " Don't bother me.—it's no use-1 want no no ivy but from God !" The Executioner then put the rope round his neck. This operation excited fresh exclamations of disapprobation from the crowd. On the cap being put °vet his face, he said, —" For God's sake 1.4 me see to the last ; I want no tap !" In thistle was indulged, and the cup was horned up. He now looked towards Mr. Beckwith', !Raise in an angry manner; and shaking his head, said, " be with you—there," mean perhaps, he would hatutt the house alter his ( l ab, Again turning to the people, he cried—" 1 ten the last of seven of them that fenght fur my King and ,country; 1 could nut g"t illy own, and that loss brought me hers." The Evert , - luts lug left the platform, the untintunate wretch ad dressed the crowd nearest him, and exclaimed—" Now, )ou , give me three cheers when I trip, Harrah, you And then calling to the executioner, he cried out —" Come. Jack, yon let go the jib•sheet !'"rhe few irmaining . deeonds ()ibis existruce he employed in similar addresses, and . teas cheering , at the instant the fatal board fell from beneath! its Met. The rap was then drawn fully over hie face, and he died almost without a snuggle. A dead bilellee histatitlu prevailed, which continued for a few moments, At nine o'clock a shell was brought, and the hotly was placed within it by the executioner. The populace oil ACC. tug this done, uttered groans and hisses, and made an attempt to get under the barriers at the western end of Snow-hid, but wore successfully rearmed. The holly was taken to the debtors' side of Neugate. and was afterwards claimed by a nephew of the malefactor, but the Sheriff's refused to let film have it nntil last evening, when it was conveyed to a bons° where, acein iiin; to Irish custom, it is to be waked previous.. ly to internient. The platform was then removed, and part of the crowd broke through the barrier next Ilrilt•pur.street, and betrayed an atixiety to upset it, but they were repulsed by the eon. stables. The majoiity of the populace dispersed, butt nom , y continued rouud Mr. Heekwith's house, uttering intlat.t.o.i