The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-05-06 00:00:00

DISTURBANCES IN LANCASHIRE.

INTELLIGENCE RECEIVED THIS MORNING.
tEXTRACT OF A PRIVATE LETTER.]
BLACKBURN, MAY 3.
Every thing in this town has been perfectly tranquil since my
last, which may be accounted for fn more ways than one. Almost
all the power-lnoms in Blackburn have been destroyed, so that
there is little motive for the populace to linger in this immediate
neighbourhood, as it is one to which but fe a of the insurgents
really belong. The great mass of the rioters seems to have mi-
grated into the southern part of the county, where we hear of their
spoliation* and deeds of destruction. Indeed the authors of the
riots at 31anchet•ter, &c. arc confidently Lid to be complete stran-
gers to that part of the county. Possibly this district will not en-
joy its present calm, when those multitudes shall have been driven
to their respective homes, by the influx of the military into Man-
chester. _

There is nothing here to excite interest but the continual
seizures of individuals concerned in the late outrages. Four of
these were apprehended vesterday at Over Darwen, a village where
there is a great spirit of Insubordination. Five more were brouglat
in this day ; three out of the number have been committed to ban-
caster Castle. The cases of the. remaining six are now undergoing
Investigation before our Magistrate., who merit the greatest praise
for their vtgilatice and activity.
Many of those persons, respecting whose alacrity in the work of
destrnetton they have received sure information, cannot yet be
seized. All attempts to take them have failed ; for they are not
at present In the county. Whether this is to be accounted for on
the supposition that they are as yet employed in tha execution of
their nefarious designs in the southern part of the county, or whe-
ther the terror produced among the guilty by the seizures that have
been made, causes them to skulk about anti conceal themselves so
u to elude the search of the officers, is a matter of conjecture.
Hopes are entertained that ere long the situation of our distressed
weavers will be more favourable. More work was given out yes-
terday than usual, which is attributable to the Manchester market
being somewhat more brisk than usual. The
_prices there do not
improve, but there is a greater demand. lam informed that
26,000 pieces of calico have been disposed of in the course of the
last week; which I cannot but consider as a cheering symptom that
betokens some revival of trade.
The whole county is much indebted to his Majesty's Govern-
ment, for the extraordinary despatch used in sending down rein-
forcements of troops for its protection.

(EXTRACT OF !MOTHER PRIVATE LETTER-)
BLACKBURN, MAY 3.
I perhaps cannot give a more distressing account of the situ-
ation of our poor weavers and the unemployed, in consequence of
the stagnation of trade, than by informing you that this week
13,236 individuals have been relieved with oatmeal. Their whole
receipts, taken a fortnight ago, when work was more plentiful,
amounted to 5321. Ills., including earnings, pensions, and parochial
relief, out of which they have fire and candles, soap, &c. to pro-
vide; they cannot pay rent or get clothing. I suppose the average
will not exceed eight pence per week for subsistence.

'Stool the Leeds Inielligenter of Wednesday.)
STATE OF LEEDS.
We have unfeigned pleasure in paying, that notwithstanding the
proximity of this town to the disturbed districts, and the strong
sympathy which is always felt by the operative manufacturers of
one part of the country, in all that relates to those of other parts.
we continue in a state of comparative tranquillity. The number of
our unemployed poor is certainly considerable, but every disposi-
tion exists to relieve those who have been thrown idle by the seve-
rity of tlte times, or are otherwise sulfeting. There certainly have
not been wanting one or two incendiaries to try the temper of the
lower classes, but their attempts have happily failed. Though a
small number of persons assembled on Monday evening on Hunalet
Moor, no one ventured to inflame their passions to any bad pur.
pose, and they shortly dispersed of their own accord,
On Tuesday evening a still less number assembled at the same
place, and separated in the same peaceable manner. We are sorry,
however, to be obliged to add, that, on the latter evening, about
300 of the operative manufacturers met in Briggate, and marched
in broad tiles, and their arms locked, as far as Messrs. Stanfelds'
factory, on the Kirkstall road, where some power-looms have been
erected. On the way thither a set of mischievous boys, who ac.
companied them, on passing Messrs. Sheepshanks' mill, were in-
stigated to break a few panes of glass In the windows, but the
injury effected was not of much amount. When the party arrived
at Messrs. Stanfelda' factory, they perceived it to be in a state of
complete defence, several soldiers having been stationed there for
some days, and every means in readiness to successfully resist any
attack which might be made. The mob, indeed, were totally des-
titute of arms or weapons of any sort, and probably contemplated
no criminal object in acting as they did. After a short pause,
therefore, they gave a cheer or two, and, returning to Leeds as they
went, dispersed quietly to their houses.
In the course of Tuesday a written bill, without date, was posted
upon a wall in Briggate, stating that a meeting would take place
at three o'clock in the morning, on Woodhouse Moor, but nothing
of the sort occurred. Other alarms have from time to time been
circulated during the past week, many of which were ridiculous and
none of them well-founded. In the meanwhile a steady vigilant
eye is kept, by our local authorities, upon the proceedings of the
lower orders; the Leeds troop of Yorkshire Hussars have been
mustered occasionally; a detachment of the ,sth Dragoon Guards
occupy our barracks ; and, should a-y unfortunate necessity arise,
ample force is at hand for the protection of life and property.
Intelligencer Office, Thursday Morning. One o'Clock.
The news of the unfortunate occurrences at Bradford, to-day,
has excited much agitation in Leeds. Thousands of people col-
lected this evening in Briggate, and by shouting, &c. kept up an
incessant noise, for some hours. The Magistrates, in consequence,
issued an order to the constables and police-officers to clear the
streets, which. they effectually accomplished, much against the in.
elination of the crowd. Too great praise cannot be given to Mr.
Read, the chief constable, and his subordinates, for the manner in
which they performed this arduous duty. We are only sorry that
two or three of the latter have received serious injnries from stones
thrown at them by the more stubborn of the mob, several of whom
are now in custody in our Court-house. The town is perfectly
quiet at present.
We stop the press to mention, that two prisoners from Bradford
have passed through this town, under an escort of the Yorkshire
Hussars, on their way to York Castle, fully committed for trial.
DISTURBANCES AT BRADFORD.
All has remained quiet till Wednesday, when a meeting was
held upon Fairweather Green, in pursuance of the following
notice:—

" mtrimic MEETING ON FA/RWEATIIEG GREEN.
" At the suggestion of some of our employers, we, the wool.
combers and stuff:weavers of Bradford and its vicinity, hereby
convene a meeting on Fairweather Green, on Wednesday, the 3d
of May, 1826, at one o'clock, to take into consideration the present
unparalleled distress and famishing state of the operatives, and,
if possible, to devise some prompt and effectual means to afford
them relief.

" A numerous attendance Is particularly requested."
(No signatures.)
DREADFUL AFFRAY.
At One o'clock not more than a dozen people were on the ground,
but they continued to increase till near three, when there was, per-
haps, a thousand. They seemed quite at a loss what to do. There
were no hustings erected, or other previous preparations made;
and being without a leader or 'spokesman of any description,
they appeared quite at sea as to the object of their meeting,
except what was contained in the general terms expressed in
the hand-bills. Nor could It be ascertained, although inquiry
was made on the spot, who it was that called them together.
There seemed, however, to be an understanding amongst them,
that they were going to march to the mill of Messrs. Horsfall, as
they did on Monday. Some of them proposed, not by way of
resolution for general adoption, but merely suggested in the
muse of a desultory conversation, that the most proper step would
be to pass a resolution to the effect, that a petition be forthwith
presented to the Legislature, requesting that the present state of
the Corn Laws be immediately taken into consideration. Another
proposed that they should petition for Parliamentary Reform. But
nothing was passed in an official way. After forming in several
groups till about twenty minutes past three, they again moved an
a body to Messrs. llonfall's mill, where they arrived a little before
four o'clock. They began throwing stories at the windows as be.
fore. IWe should kere remark, that the squares which were broken
on Monday, about 240 in number, had been since glazed. They
continued at this work tor about half an hour, when they had com-
pletely drove in three of the windows, stauncheons, frames, and
every thing connected with them. On Tuesday workmen had been
employed in fixing iron bars in front of the low window'', and as
the doors were secured lty strong three.inch deals, it was almost
impossible to force au entrance. At half-past four o'clock, Colo-
nrl PluinSe Tempest, accompanied by a number of special consta-
bles, stood on the ground adjoining the mill, and read the Riot
Act. The mob still showed no disposition to disperse, but conti-
nued throwing stones at the windows for some time afterwards. All
other efihrts hitherto adopted proving unavailing, the persons who
were in care of the mill, amounting we believe to 100, fired about
20 shots upon the mob, which wounded several, and made the
others leave that part of the ground, and go to the other side of the
mill. Several persona were now engaged in carrying the wounded
to the Dispenaary, which was not far from the spot. One of the
guards in the mill then appeared at the opening of a window in the
upper story, on the south side, when there was a tremendous rush
along the opening from the mill to the street, in which several
females and others were thrown down, but without any serious
accident.
The civil power being now found insufficient to restore order,
two troops of :the York hire Human were immediately ordered out,
and proceeded, with Lord Grantham and Colonel Yorke at their
head, to the scene of action, when part of the mob dispersed.
Others remained on a piece of ground eastward of the mill, about a
yard higher than that which the Yeomanry occupied. Taking ad.
vantage of their situation, they threw some stones at the officers,
when a few of the hussars leaped the walls and drove them off in
all directions. The neighbourhood of the mill now became clear,
but the streets adjoining continued to be crowded ; the mob offered
no violence, but often manifested symptoms of disapprobation by
hissing and shouting.
The following is a list of such of the wounded as were retained in
Bradford :

- .
%% intern Walker, Bandon, shot through the right arm, in a
slanting direction, from one of the upper stories, and the ball en.
tered his right side. It is thought this young man's arm will be
amputated.
James Barstow, of Queen's Head. He received a ball under the
shoulder blade, which pulsed through bis longs, and came out at
his right hretutt. When our Reporter left Bradford, at half.put
six o'clock this evening, Barstow, it wu expected, would not live
many minutes.

Charles IVilson, of Halifax, was shot just above the left breast,
the ball lodging in his body.
Wm. Briggs, of Bingley, thromth the arm.
John Barker. Clayton, weaver, shot through the wrist.
The above were all young men, from 18 to 25 years of age.
Edward Fearnley, son of Mr. Henry Fearnl y, joiner, Church
Bank, Bradford, a boy 13 years of age, received a ball just below
the navel.
John Taylor, son of a woman in the workhouse, was shot in the
groin. This boy is only seven years of age, and was attracted to
the spot on his return from school.
In addition to these, three others were wounded in different parts
of their bodies ; but we could not learn their names, as they were
immediately removed out of the town.
It is worth remark, for the credit of the inhabitants of Brad-
ford, that not a townsman is among the list of the wounded ; and
the mob was composed chiefly of the inhabitants of the surrounding
A reinforcement of the Recruiting Staff left this place last night
for Iltatiford, to join their comrades, who had defended the North
Wing Mill.

APPREHENDED RIOT AT DUDLEY—THE MILI-
TARY ORDERED OUT.
[ Front the Birnthighant Chronicle:l
DVIMEYI Three o'Clock, Wednesday, May 3.
It is with much pain that we lay the following extract of a letter
from our correspondent before our readers. We shall make no
comment, but merely express our most anxious desire that his
fears may have been prematurely excited:—" In consequence of
the nail-masters having lowered the wages of their workmen, with-
out giving them what they conceived they were entitled to--a re-
gular notice, symptoms of discontent have for some days been ma-
nifested in the neighbourhood of Cradley and the Lye Waste. On
Monday. a waggon belonging to Messrs. Badger, of this town,
loaded with nails, from their receiving house, was detained by the
operatives ; and, notwithstanding Major Hawker, our intelligent
resident Magistrate, has used his best endeavours to dissuade them
from their illegal conduct, they still obstinately hold possession of
the waggon and Its contents. They have this morning proceeded
to acts of violence, having prevented the workmen of Alr. Coley,
situate at Cradle►, from continuing their employment, &c. &e.
We ere 'at this moment all in a bustle; the Ilimley Troop of
Yeomanry Cavalry are ordered out ; and this said waggon will. I
fear, produce a serious contention. Should anything of moment
occur, I will send over by the latest coach."
- - - -

MANCHESTER. Wednesday evening, six o'clock.
With the exception of a trifling assemblage of persons in Ox-
ford-road this morning, every thing has been perfectly quiet during
the day. Soldiers are arriving in every direction, and it has been
consequentlyintlmated to the special constables that the Magistrates
hope to be able to dispense with their services. Harris, the man
who was wounded last night, still continues in a dangerous state,
though he was said to be something better this morning. He is a
spinner, not a weaver, and therefore could have no pretence for
breaking power-looms.
I have just returned from a ride of about twenty-five miles
among the villages north of Manchester. I found the power-loom
factories all fortified, and the workmen employed in them were, for
the moat part, furnished with arms. There had been nn riot, how-
ever, during the night, nor was there any anticipated for the pre-
sent.

MANCHESTER, MAT 3.
Accounts this morning from Liverpool, announcing the subscrip-
tion of a meeting held in that town yesterday, and the notification
from the Lord Mayor of the intended subscription from the metro-
polis, have had a beneficial effect in this neighbourhood; and there
is every reason to believe that the mere dregs of the manufac-
turing population only have been aciively engaged in violating the
public peace.
The demonstration of military power has also had its effect in
preventing the congregation, even of the idle crowds previously
seen, almost hourly, in various parts of the neighbourhood. Some
idea can be formed of the rapidity with which the arrangements of
the Horse Guards were executed. when it is known that a brigade
a guns arrived here from ‘Woolwich within forty-six hours after
they had received orders to march, and including four hours spent
in some necessary refitting at Weedon depot on their road.—
Post-horses were used in their conveyance through the greater part
of the stages. General Byng arrived late on Sunday night, having
travelled with extraordinary rapidity; and on Monday night he
proceeded to Blackburn, to point out the military positions which
he intended to have occupied by the Guards and Light Cavalry,
which are daily entering the county. after forced marches. The
Cheshire Yeomanry, which entered Manchester after last week's
disturbances, were ordered home yesterday, and upwards of 300
special constables have been sworn to assist on the present oc-
casion.

You were apprised yesterday of a meeting, composed of the
mixed groups which are always available to form a crowd in a
populous district, at which two individuals—evidently of the hum.
bler walks of life—harangued in the most inflammatory manner.
This meeting was held in St. George's Fields, at half-past three
o'clock, and small groups loitered about in that place, and the
neighbourhood, until seven o'clock, when a whisper went round
that an attack was meditated upon the power-looms of Messrs. John.
son and Brooks, at New Islington, a part of the town near which
several factories stand. At that hour, a body of rioters moved from
the neighbourhood of St. George's Fields, and as they passed
through the little districts inhabited by the humbler classes, col-
lected a reinforcement of the idle, the dissolute, and thoughtless,
until their numbers amounted to 200 or 300, and separating into
two detachments, for greater convenience in the very narrow streets
on the spot, they came, one of the parties into a small alley facing
the broader front of Messrs. Johnson and Brookes's mill, and the
other acting sideways in the narrow street which runs parallel with
it. They made a great noise as they came up, and immediately
pelted the window; with stones, till, in five minutes, they broke,
perhaps, sixty squares of glass. Within the building, half a dozen
of the workmen had been provided by their employers with as
many muskets, as a measure of precaution ; but these persons were
at the moment taking refreshment, and the actual defence of the
place was left to two other men, who were only armed with a single
pistol, which was at the moment unloaded. The man who had it
called out to the rioters to desist, and asked what they wanted. He
was answered by a confused jargon of defiance, and then struck in
the face with a stone; he then charged the pistol merely with pow-
der, and fired over the heads of the assailants ; but the pelting of
stones still continuing, he loaded it with small shot, but it missed
fire on the attempt to discharge it. He, however, reprimed it. and
levelling it among the crowd, the shot took effect on the head,
breast, and shoulder, of a young man, named Thomas Ilarrison, a
spinner now out of employ, who fell to all appearance dead, and
was immediately removed into a public house near the spot. This
spirited resistance had the effect, in five minutes more, of dis-
persing the assailants, who continued during that interval to
fling stones through the windows of the factory, and to bulge a
side door with their shoulders, and knock down the top brick.
work next the door-frame. A woman seems to have beeu sufficient
for the defence of this door, by having the presence of mind to
bolt it, when she heard the attack on the premises. The clock
had struck seven before this building was assailed ; at &quarter
past seven the mob had been entirely dispersed by one man (for
the second man only loaded the pistol), and one pistol shot ; the
mob at the same time bearing away the dead man (as they called
him) to the hospital, the publican into whose lie was carried when
he tell not desiring to retain such a lodger. In the adjoining
street, they laid him down for a moment, in front of another manu.
factory, which they threatened ; some of them insisting upon an at-
tempt to destroy the power-looms within, while others were more
rationally bent upon obtaining assistance at the hospital for the
wounded man, who had revived a little during this uproar. After
a short pause they pursued their route to the hospital, where they
left the man in a state of insensibility ; but during the whole of
this proceeding, which was undoubtedly short, the mob encountered
no molestation, except from the man and pistol already'mentioned.
Two other n.en in the crowd participated very slightly in the
effects of the pistol-shot, which chiefly struck Harrison, and they
shrugged their shoulders a little, and ran away at the instant.
Harrison's situation is not considered at the hospital dangerous this
day ; and he disclaims all connexion with the rioters, ascribing
merely to accident his presence on the occasion. If this be true,
his position was a very unlucky one, as to its locality, for it was at
the top and in the centre of the opening of the narrow alley,
from which the windows were chiefly demolished by a small group
that appeared to act in concert ; while a mere casual passenger might
have easily seen:what was occurring from a aide.way view, by turning
into any of the adjoining streets.
- -

One of the proprietors (Mr. Brookes) applied immediately for
assistance at the head police-office, as some report was in circulation
that the attack would be renewed in the course of the night; but
it was eight o'clock before the civil power could be assembled near
the place, and later when the military arrived, though picquets
were in motion throughout the earlier part of the evening.

DISTRESSED MANUFACTURERS.—The Committee have
suggested, that in order to render assistance as generally
and extensively as possible, they wish to use the agency of
local committees; and they recommend such parishes and
townships as may not be able to form committees, or raise
subscriptions within themselves, to unite with a district
association in their neighbourhood ; and that, as much as
may be convenient, the relief may he conveyed to the par-
ties, so as to avoid congregating numerous applicants; and
that where local committees have not been formed in towns,
or large and populous villages, measures may be adopted
for that purpose, each district taking as wide a range as
possible, that in the relief to be granted the smaller and
more remote parishes and townships, if equally distressed,
may share the benefit of it. The Committee also request
that the correspondence (as much as conveniently can) may
be narrowed to the Chairmen or Secretaries of Committees;
and that in places where no such association or committee
is formed, the application be signed by the Minister of the
parish, or a neighbouring Magistrate.
Sunday last, a most impudent act of horse-stealing was
accomplished at Culham, near Abingdon. On that day, a reverend
gentleman of Oxford, who came from that University to Cultism,
to officiate for the Rev. Mr. Wintle, left his horse at the Sow and
Pigs, and proceeded to the church. The service being about half
over, a person went to the public-house, then into the stables, and
finally saddled the horse, when he was discovered by the servant
girl, who inquired what he wanted, to whch he replied, " I'm come
after the parson's horse ;" the servant then said, " Oh, I'll ask
my master if 'us right," and the fellow took that opportunity to
decamp.

SMITHFIELD, FRIDAY, MAY 5.
There Is a large supply of Beef in Smithfield to-day, which has had tke
effect of making vales dull, and the prices 2d. per stone lower lIIIS 3101-
day. Mutton and Lamb also being in abundance, Downs rad Pulled
Sheep In the wool are 3d. below the prices of the above named day; sad
Lamb, which, from the cold weather, M in little request, is lower 4d. per
atone. The supply of Veal Is considerable, and the trade le very bear!,
even at a decline, 5s dd. being the current value of good Calves; so that
In fact for everything this day we have a falling market.
To sink the offal, per stone of Bibs.
8eef............ 4s Od to 5s 2d I Veal
Mutton. 4s 8d to 53 6d j Pork 4a Cld to is ad
Lamb 4s IM to 6s 4d
EIZAD OF CATTLI THIS DAT.
Beasts 691 ; Sheep 8,360 ; Calves 206 ; Pigs 130.

NEWGATZ AND LEADENHALL—(By Tax CARCA9E'•
Beef ....... Ss 4d to 4s 4d I Veal ...... Idto Ss ad
Mutton .3584t0 5s W P0rk........... as Bcl to 44
Lamb

COAL MARKET, MAT S.
Ships at hfarket. Ships Sold. Price.
601 Newcastle ...... ...... 26s Od to 36s 6d
WS Sunderland . „ ........ 11.4 . ..... 33s Gd to 37s Gd

[From the London Nem Price Cnrrent.]
FRIDAY, MAT F.
COTCON.—The public sale on Tuesday consisted of 233 bales flared
Cotton in bond, uncleared from public sale 25th May, 1625, sold Maid. a
sd. fair to good fair, which is id. a id. per lb. lower than the last market
price about a week ago ; the price paid for this Cotton last year lid. and
I2d. The only purchase during the week is 900 Boweda at 7d. By pub-
lic sale this forenoon, 503 bags Surat Cotton, 4d, ordinary and foul, 41d.
middling fair.
SUGAR.—There is rather more demand for the good and fine Masco.
vades, and the new Sugars go off freely; there are few left on sale; the
prices are without the slightest variation. The purchases of Crashed
Sugars for the Mediterranean have been considerable, which has Increased
the demand for Lumps ; and as the supply of the latter is Inadequate to
the demand, an advance has taken place. No Lumps offer under 795.
Molasses are heavy at 265. At the public sales of Havaunah Sugars there
appeared few buyers : white 375. a 400. 6d., yellow 265. a 295., brown 2.5 e.
COFFEE.—The Coffee market has rather improved; St. Domingo is
about Is. higher ; the other descriptions can now be sold, which pre-
viously could not be disposed of on any terms ; St. Domingo 45.. 6d.
4.95. damaged 443. By public sale this forenoon, 875 bags East India;
good Cheribon 50a. ; good ordinary Java Ilike Ceylon) 48.. a .130. 6d• rho
Coffee market is without alteration to-day.
SPICES.—In Spices there is nothing doing, the quotations are neralnal.
COCOA.—By public sale this forenoon, 020 bag* tso brls. good Brasil
35*. a 375.
RICE.—By public sale this forenoon, 2,000 bags good white Bengal
Rice 13s. Rd. a 14s. Rd.

GINGER.—By public male this forenoon, 652 bags Ginger 14. 6d. a 15,.
PEPPER.—This forenoon, n 56 bags good light 3td. bought is.
IRISH PROVISIONS.—The quotations are nominal ; no sales of Beef
or Pork. Butters are offered at a great reduction, but no offers are made.
RUM, BRANDY, and HOLLANIJS.—The eontract with Government
Is taken at Is. Ilgd. to Is. I I Id. which is a fraction above Is. 2d. 0141
gallon, as nearly as ponible the market prices it has no effect on the
market, and no purchases are since reported. Brandy and Geneva are
without variation, the heaviness of the market continuing undiminidb;s!.
FRUIT.—On Wednesday by public sale the following goods were
offered, via. 1511 butts and 84 caroteels Currants, Cephalonia, Zanie, and.
Trieste • great part taken in, and some sold from 112 s. to 956.; dammedgla. to 86i.: 14)1 barrels black Smyrna Raisin. 345. to 335. taken In ;
the rest of the sale consisted of damaged Valentla Raisins and Turkey
Pigs, which were all sold ; the demand by private contract has rather im-
proved this week, but owing chiefly to the ruinous prices the merchants
have submitted to.

TALLOW and HEMP.—The market Is lower; Tallow 325. fal. e:13.•
Hemp 411. to 411. 10s.
TOBACCO.—Several parcels of Tobacco are reported sold, and their
appears to be buyers, but only at low prices. The accounts of the con-
tract with the French Government on Saturday were received on Tuesday,
4,800 hhds. were taken at prices from 192 r. 50c. to 213 f. per 100 I,l'l°''
considered favourable rates. About 6to 7,004.1 hbda. were tendered, 4106
principally In France.

HIGH WATER THIS DAY AT LONE
Morning. 28 after I I Afternoon.,

ISP aft► I.

Printed at THE BRITNII PRESS Office, by J. W. CARLTON. No. ISI
Strand, and published by R. CANNON, tame plan.