The National Register.
London, England, 1819-10-03 00:00:00

-7.1.-EIt.TATIONAL REGISTER.

saw tf.re,; persons down, and there was whiz, striking backwards
aed forwards. I threw myself down on my face ; I was deter-
mined if they cut, it should be my botmin.—(Much laughter.)
Coroaer.—You act as well as speak.
Witness.—l am real laineadure blunt, sir. When any cried
••Mercy," they said B—.r, what brougiit you here '
By the Coroner.—The soldiers eta at rate, but they missed I
saw persons cut in every street in Manchester that I was af.er.
wards in. Well, Sir, whets.vou speak out of reason I can gi:e you
no ansser ; for you ask whether the pulialet were a toile or a
trarter in a mile from the laistings.—Well, I ask your opinion.
I buprime await fifty yards.—You were then about Sky yards
ott; alien Mr. Ilunt rattle i No, Sir, you contradict yourself;
I was only then eight yards from the hustings ; but alter the
soldites Caine, I was pressed back to the palissades. I ~as a
iiwo,sl herd by the first man who came down, but I did not .ce
his drew. Ile came into the crowd on gallop, Ile wit, luddled
I reckon. • cannot tell where the Man was when the soldiers
were rutting. • I did not keep my eye upon one person ; I could
out. for I looked for my lite. I cannot tell what became of him.
I ammo& tell bow many minutes the other soldiers were getting
up to him ; they were thirty yards or so hehind, and Caille at a
gAlop. Sir, you put many questions which are very trouble-
some, and, 1 think, cutout tie. answered. lam sure 1 speak very
calmly.
• Cortmer.....There may be a difference of opinion,- I never bad
the honour of seeing you before, but 1 thilik you speak bonne-
rourk...
IVitness.—l speak the best I can, according to truth. lam
no schul.a. _ . _

C..riuter.—You say they were its peaceable as in church. Did
you ever hear shouting in church
Witticsa-1 did, when they struck up to the singing. I do not
know how many women were in Mr. Hunt's carnage, there
wus so many women. I saw Mrs. Fly(les.—W hat like a woman
was the ?—The most beautiful WOIMUI that ever I saw in my
life.—What wus her age ?-1 thought her middle-aged.—Where
was she?—Upon the stage.—You call the hustings the stage?
It W:l5 what the Merry Andrews call 4 stage. You would bother
any one.—And Mr. Hunt was the Merry Andrew? No, we
were all merry, in hopes of better times. i heard of no Riot Act
being read on that ground, Sir. if you conic to that mad: (doing.)
1 did nut see John tees upon, that .ail ground. 1 aiw plenty of
comalibles striking.
Coroner.—Jahn Lees?
Witness.-1 u.

Coroner.—[said striking him.
Witness.-1 beg your purdoo. I dit! not hear that. The con-
stables struck as to a tune. I did not FV2 hint struck. There
were SWIM on the ground when 1 CalllC. and I was about'an hour
there Leto. re Mr. Hunt came. The soldiers begun to cut as soon
!to they got past the constables ; they knew the plot I expect.
They all began together. When the soldiers began cutting and
slaying. the 4>i/wattles begar• to seize at the WII/afa ; the tune
was struck tip. The only notice was cutting with their swords.
They knew the eembinatton. 1 heard of one of the colours being
saved ; but those who held them stuck very fast, fur they were
beautiful things. I did not ore what b..caine of Mr. Hunt.
'There .be twenty or thirty upon the singe. I saw none
with beards that I knew about the hmoings.t 1 saw then. alter,
mixed with the Yeomanry in the town, and all rejoicings as
much as thi could. Do you know Nadin ? No ; and 1 never
wish to know him.
Mr. John. Shuttleworth.-1 am a cotton and twist dealer, in
Manchester. On the morning of the ibtli, about It, I saw se-
of the country parties pass the Exchange, carrying banners.
and marching in the best sort of order in which large bodies could
go when they had to go any distance. They were 2,3, 4, and
up to 7 abreast. They were mostly linked together by the arms:
,teeing this, I went to the ground ; a doable cordon of special
constables were arranged from Buxton's house into the crowd to-
wards the !lusting. : they might read' to the hustings, but I
could not see. I wok a station near the top of Windnoll-street,
which tannniasideti a view of the area. I continued there, per.
hapt, better than an hour. and saw several parties arrive from
the country, wbp were received with bursas and cheers. When
it was underamod that Mr. Hunt was coming, I approached
within 111 or 15 yards of the stage ; I saw a company ut the 88th
march into Diekenson-street. the meeting cheered them.; few
minutes after, the Manchester cavalry marched into the ground
round Cooper's cottage. Mr. Hunt had arrived then. 'I ca-
valry were in very great confusion. but in a moment or two formed
oppo.,ite to and near the house where the Magistrates were, and
facing the hustings. Conceiving that they meant to charge, I
got into the rear ; the cavalry cheered, brandished their swords,
and fruit a raised mount within 10 yards of them I observed con-
siderable bustle, and some speaking. Tile bustle appearetl
among the special constables. The special constables, where
there was no particul it crowding, fell back immediately after the
Yeomanry began to flourish with their swords. I should think
that 5u yards from the hustings. The moment the way was
cleared, suniething was said to the Yeomanry, and they got from
line into the, and *shopped into the crowd. Great disorder ap-
peared evident amongA the special constables. I watched them
until they gut to the hosting., and then turned and went off the
round through Mosley-street. There I met sonic horse troops,
1 understand part of the 1.501, and of the Cheshire Yeomanry.-
1 VW them go itito the field by the cornet of Buxton's house.
They went at a sharp rate, very quickly, I think a gallop.—
1 saw several Alagistrates in Mr. Buxton's house. They were
there about half-past 11, and I saw them at intervals to We
moment the Yeomanry charged. I mognized Mr. Ethelstor.e,
a clergyman ; Mr. Hey, a clergyman ; Mr. Norris, a stipendiary
Magistrate; and Nix. Fletcher, commonly called Colonel
Fletcher; and others whom I did not know particularly, and
therefore don't like to swear. .1 heard them say nothing. I saw
them coming out and speaking to persons about the doors, who
appeared to be special constables. 1 ant sure of all cluing so,
except Mr. Hay, whom 1 did not notice. 1 certainly did net
hear any Riot Act read, and .aw nothing like it. lam sore no
direction was given to diTerse. The last thing I heard or saw
was Mr. Hunt still addressing the people. 1 was about 0 yards
front the hustings, and so from Mr. Buxton's house them—
When the cavalry rushed into the crowd, it was about harpist
one o'clock.
(NI,. Shuttleworth here wrist into particulars of the conduct of
the Yeme:wry, which are eircumsuintially repeated in the evi-
dence given by Mr. Wm. N. Buckley.l
Mr. Harmer butull, that on Saturday he had not been aware
that Mi. Jlasnett had seen the meeting, and wished him now to
be examined to that, as he had seen it frssiii a house near
Mr. Buxton's.
Mr. Barnett.—Were you in court this day ?—Not till this
moment. I was At the niceung on the pith, about one, and saw
Mr. Hunt arrive in an open carriage. I saw the cavalry advance,
and proceed towards the hustings. Great confusion wok place,
and then the cavalry surrounded the busthigs. 1 hard cues of
et Nltirtlei," and " Save us." 1 saw several fall opposite to the
house where I was, in Windmill Street, about yards off.-1
was .0 Halal shocked, that I retired into a back room, and
desired the women who were with me to do so to, afraid that their
ecnximii might bring persons to the dour. 1 remained thereabout
an hour. I went home as scan 35 I could with vaiety. That was
a quarter past two. The house beionged to a woman, I think, of
the name of Croft. The whole of Windmill Street froms the
ground. 1 saw a woman tall about Me come of the field.---She
was struck by a Manchester yeomai, by I,is dress. 1 was never
out oldie. house. 1 saw the speca.l constablai striking several
blows.
By Mr harmer.-1 was there probably 20 minutes before Mr.
Host arrtved. The people appeared perfectly peaceable and
gquiet, till the cavalry charged. The people cheered, and then
hee was a web. I Hard no llwt At:tread, ,a- al no noires given,

OCT. 1.

-
nor any thing to kid me to believe that there was any thing. of
the kind. I saw no !Anna thrown, and no sticks used against
the cavalry. If than had hten any, I think I ahuuld have
seen it.

Mr. William Norris Buck am a iVfanchester trarle.-man
I have my Owelling-house 1 saw parties coiling tto
the 16th.

CmorioaellatreaN.Lhait
uisatitheertisitploftileilsauevii4l;c4kmee ?to
the
whole pro-
ceedings of the 16:b.
Curtner.—lle knows nothing of John Lees ?
Mr. ilermer.—No; but it seems scarcely necessary for IDP
to state, that if the attack was made without necessity if
there was no not nor disturbance, ell concerned, whether
magtstretee, sonic:6, or commbles, were guilty as principals, if
prosent.
SO often melanoma. One peaty was
The witness then stated the colours, the inscriptions, and the
:earl: music
at
sprig9l: ye
sina
that
aoh
have4l
tu,dlalaurels. woman64linw: wlsileislott,:ba6,iriedrtivo,ntn.di
oistntittiloisigonebgt‘twictntikimiitaal biTtShcte
re;:ileterie r
ens
saw
chard), and saw them all distinctly. The Quaker's-eliepel was
nearly in a line with the hustiegs. I went anent-meta into the
body of the meeting. I heard many speak of the pcsecableness
ul the meeting, and say they had no fear of the meeting going Of
quiet. 1 heard that the soldiers had been moving it: Pickfortre-
yard, and I went to sue them. I saw the 'ft:unwire Cava!'
load their pistols. I saw them then told oft; right and left. 1
think I saw about 6e: heal their pistols : all that were in Portland
Street. I sent again to 't. Peter's .cloweb. A friend, Mr. John
Moon, wit, with ate. By the time I get there, I saw Mr. Hunt
had arrisel. I went then opposite 16/OWILInrCet. I saw Mr.
Hun; then take off his hat, and commence addressing the meeting
I heard a general cry of the soldiers are coming." Soon ant;
they unfortunately made their appearance. They were the Man-
cheater Yeomanry Cavalry. Two trumpeters appeared tirst.—l
thought them SO, because they rode pie-bald horses. Shortly
utter the rest rushed up, and made great confusion. They meat
at a gallop, pell-mell, with drawn ovoids. I observed they
looked remarkably mile. They passed betwixt myself and
Mount Street. They were about three prole from me. I began
to rua unlade the (niacin.' Meeting. with intention of leaving
the meeting. The thought boucle me that I should be safe in
the Quakers-yard. I went line it. When I got there, a dist.
once of Gu yards, I saw the Yeuinenry brandishing their swords.
There was a hurrah by the mob or meeting. The Yeomanry
brandished their ewonls, and duelled on. 1 remained in that
situation until there was a complete dispersion. That took place
in abouttiee minutes or leas. The people ran in such a body,
that they•could not get past, and in that state they sere over-
taken by the Yeomanry, and struck, I think by the fiat side of
the townie : this was between the school and the Quakers'
ineetine, where some legs of wood lay, and obstructed the way.
I heard the report of a Mend, and looking whence it came, I saw
two or three Yeomanry in the yard,. and cutting as they pawed
those who, like myeelf, took shelter in the yard : I Mould- think
the report had been 30 or 411 yards from inc. towards Deane..
gate : 1 can't say who fired it ; and from the report 1 should
suppose it was not loaded : I heard only one report : I thought
it was time tube off': I ran across the yard, and jtunped over
the wall on the other side: I saw the Ywnieutry cut live or
six: they were lying about them.—Were they laying about
them? They struck, but whether they cut I did not see, for I
was too anxious for my own safety to look.—Were you afraid
they would cut you ? I certainly was.—Why ? because they
were indiecriminute ; and if I had not been alarmed by the pistol,
and leen the Yeomanry, I believe I should have been cut down
bete& I observed the Yeomanry. I knew none of them in the
yard. At Mount Street. I knew Mr. R. Sharp, Mr. Whitloww,
an attorney, Mr. J. Moon, and othets of the Yeomanry. I
believe they were privates. These were among those whom I
WSW look pale. AD. Fax was one of the Yeomanry into were
striking under the wall. After jumping over the wall, I found
myself very awkwardly Situated, for I found some of the Ye°.
manry in Dickenson-greet. I felt apprehensive of my personal
safety.—You might feel fear where no fesr was; did any person
offer you violence ? No, but it was impossible not to be afraid
after what I had seen. Those in Dickenson Street struck clown
a man en a crotch. Ile fell, but whether struck with the flat or
edge of& sword(l can't 'tell. The man was lame, and supported
on a crutch hi one hand, and a waif in the other. I saw no ap-
pearance of a ItiuttAct being read. I was not aware that any
elmeistrates were on the ground : I brut no quarrel with any. of
the Yeomanry ; but I was afraid, -from the manner in which
they came up, shut they meant violently to disperse the Meeting.
1 elm the constables in a line at Buxton's house —I can't follow
you through your windings; but where were you when the
cavalry charged? In the Qoakers'-yetril. I Sow them move
from before Buxton's house to the charge : there was then a
complete convulsion among the people: I saw the cavalry get to
the hustings, and cut down the people who held the flags on the
hustings. Mr. Hunt seemed to twee disappeared at once. as if
he had been that.; I believe there were, perhaps 13 or 16 flap.—
I am not aware that there were any Hussars then ; the first
lIIIRSRT I saw then was under the well, orderings man to throw
down a green flag he held ; but my attention was then drawn
away by the report of the first pistol.
ply ell. H-utate.—L saw no rajas in the hands of the
mem saw nut the smallest dieposition to riot or distill,
balite. I braid mane say among them, that they were
sure their were eau riot if they weer let alone; meaning, I
suppose, by the magistrates and soldiery. They were
coming-hoes II till neatly half past one. 'Flory Were dis-
pei.ed in about 5 whittles. I saw women with children in
their Willa. I SSW many lying on the ground, and others
seemingly assisting them. I did not choose to slop to run
R risk. Thea-arnage seemed to be intlieetiniinate. I saw
the Quakers'-yattl 2 or :3 days afterstaids, And I saw trees
with sable cuts.
Cornner.—You don't meats that they were cat by the
Yeomanry ?
Mr. lisriner.—Yes. indeed. I shall produce evidence
to psove that the Yeomen' y did so when they wese cutting
at the people. I ask him as to whet he saw.
I saw the cuts in the 'ices, and I saw coagulated blood
on the rain.
By tit( Coronrr.—You say the carnage was indiscrimi-
nate. was it also mina:tied? Did you see any amtnded ?
I saw 11140) On the glutted; 1 also saw Penn' afterwards
Cat rltd in earls In the Inlirmary,liern wounds, 1 pi esums.
—Yes, you presume; it is all picestimitien will, on ! Did
you see any blood? Yes, [saw blood in that cart.—Well.
that is something. What iiitereat had you to ascertain the
feeling of the meeting? From the meeting of the 911 t hav-
ing liven prevented. I saw no atones throat' till the peo-
ple were dispensed: Theo I saw some brick-bats throws[
did not ace who int ew them. .lea airy racer seemed
into
;heist r init.: o ;sr'
itileteunion.
;Irliwaatswiaosohisvf;- p I
tsoa wt
htel, e
people soldiers
ate
d
self defence. I raw no sticks used. The officer mimed
hihreictki-nra.ts tiles e.hlotut dpti 111:eunt i6l %ell el nyanse t
v erile"tl3ll 07 4
1 0
iu
his horse and wear away ; I did nut know him. 1 saw no
other stones thrown that day.
'Thee Jury now manifested an evident desire to edict:rut,
and one of them si.ltaticantly expressed a hope that the
Col osier had enough of.lt.
Coroner.-11ave eon int LI isitneisamore, Mr. 11.11 trier,
I on your put?