The Sun.
London, England, 1839-11-20 00:00:00

PONTYPOOL.

(From the Monmouthshire Merlin.)
The first intimation that the authorities in Pontypool
had of the intention of the Chartists to rise was the
report about Abersychan, that a " grand blow" was to
be struck on the Monday, and that the Chartists were

to meet in large numbers, at seven o'clock on Sunday
evening, on the race-ground, to be all armed and then to
proceed forward to Newport, to confer with the Mayor
and authorities, and that Roberts, our Superintendent
of Police, had been sent to Abergavenny, with orders
for the Lancers stationed there, to bold themselves in
readiness ; the excitement became great and general.
About six o'clock in the evening. several large parties
of well-known Chartists were observed to proceed in
the direction of the race-around. They did not make
any parade, but went in different directions. Several
parties now came forward, and gave information of the
designs and number of the Chartists, by which it ap-
peared
that the first body were to assemble at the race-
ground, and to proceed thence to Newport ; while those
that were behind were to attack the station-house and
the " Squire's" house, and seize all the arms, and take
the Lord-Lieutenant prisoner. On this information, the
authorities immediately called out the pensioners and
special constables, which call was obeyed with commend-
able alacrity. The pensioners were immediately armed
each with a firelock and bayonet, and the special con-
stables armed chiefly with their own " single and dou-
ble barrels?' The Lord-Lieutenant, whose activity
was great, having returned with a corporal's party of the
gallant 45th, soon called together a large number of his
own servants and dependents, making a force of upwards
of 80 at his mansion, and 50 at the Station-house. Ar-
rangements were then made, so that the two forces might
co-operate if necessary ; and scouts and sentries were so
appointed, that information might be gained, and surprise
prevented. A rumour was then current, that all the fur-
naces were stopped ; and Mr. John Laurence received a
letter from some party unknown, that if he did not quit
his house, his life would be in danger, as the Chartists had
threatened to visit him on their march. Many parties came
running down from Abersychan in the utmost terror,
bringing dire reports, some having had the most providen-
tial escapes. Among many others, were Mr. Wood, the
manager of the British iron works, Mr. Richard Wood,
Mr. Harrison, and Jordan, the policeman. Notwithstand-
ding this terrorism, many of the scouts sent out from
the station-house, ventured in amongst them. Mr. John
Hair and Mr. D. Jones went, in the middle of the night,
up as far as Abersychan, and came back through the
midst of a large party of Chartists, who were then
breaking into houses, and forcing the inmates to join
their ranks. Mr. Hair and Mr. Jones fortunately re-
turned unobserved. The Chartists continued to pass
through Pontypool, during the whole of the night,
sometimes in straggling parties, and then in large num-
bers. About three o'clock, Roberts, with the assistance
of four others, went into the middle of a large party,
and succeeded in capturing a ruffianly fellow, who car-
ried a formidable pike, measuring more than seven feet
in the handle.

About five o'clock on Monday morning, the rain
ceased, and at daylight a very large number of Chartists
came by the station-house, and hesitated for ten minutes
whether or not to attack it, to release the prisoners ; but
fortunately for them, they passed on, or they would have
repented their temerity. The guard continued the whole
of the day, and nothing was heard of the result of the
affray at• Newport until about two o'clock in the after-
noon. This caused the specials and pensioners to be
more than ever on the alert, as it was thought that hav-
ing failed at Newport, the rioters might be tempted to
try their hand at Pontypool. About four o'clock the
road was full of discomfited Chartists, returning from
Newport ; and during the whole of Monday night, the
retreat was unceasing. There is not the least doubt
that upwards of three thousand persons went from
this neighbourhood, to fight under the banner of John
Frost!

About nine o'clock on Monday morning, a scoundrel,
who is a tradesman in Pontypool, and who wishes to be
considered respectable, spread the report here that
Newport was then in possession of Chartists, and that
the soldiers were all killed. When this " news" be-
came known, many Chartist women began their march
for Newport, in hopes of gaining plunder ; indeed, in
many cases, they appeared more eager than the men.
The volunteers continued to perform duty at the Station-
house, until they were relieved on Tuesday the 12th, by a
company of the brave 45th. Among so many merito-
rious individuals who volunteered their services, it
would be invidious to particularize ; suffice it to say,
that each and every one of them did the utmost, and if
any excelled, it was in ability, but not in desire, to serve
his country.

So far I have given a circumstantial account. As to
the cause of this alarming attempt to establish the despo-
tism of demagogues, I can only say, that a population
so depraved as to giye a willing ear to delusions so gross,
ought not to be without a strong military force within a
day's march.

Much has been said, and much exaggerated, by some
of the London Papers, especially the Times and Herald
about the agitation ; and that this revolt ought to be
laid to the charge of a Whig Ministry. A charge more
absurd and untenable, could not be made.

The Earl and Countess of Kinnoul are expected
from Paris early in the next month.

AD E LPH ITH EAT R E.-A new, as gorgeous, and
well represented a spectacle as we remember to have
witnessed recently, was brought out here on Monday night
,•
under the title of the Knight of the Dragon ; cr the
Queen of Beauty. It well deserves, and eminently ob-
tained signal success. The plot appears to be eon-
nected with the history of the admirable Crighton.
It formed a good vehicle for the scenery, machinery,
and dresses, among the latter was said in the bills to be
6,0001. worth of " identical armour, dresses, arms, and
worn at Eglinton Castle during the late
paraphernalia,"
tournament. All the principal scenery was good,
especially the Royal gardens and palace by moonlight,
the Court of Henry, the ball at the Louvre, the Hotel
de Soissons, and the lists of the quadrangle of the
Louvre. The last contains one of the most striking and
brilliant processions ever witnessed, the stage being
enlarged over the nrciteatra, in order to increase the
space for the principal characters and supernumeraries.

After a consultation, the Magistrates granted the ap-
plication, and the prisoner was discharged.
The first prisoner placed at the bar was Edward Ed-
mund►, of Pontlanfraith, charged with high treason.
The prisoner was the landlord of the Greyhound, one
of the beer-houses where Chartist lodges were held.
Israel Furman, aged 92, sworn and examined by Mr.
Phelps.--I have followed the profession of doctoring for
years past. I live at Gilly Grecs. I was at home on
Sunday, 3d November. I left my house that evening,
and went to the Welsh Oak. I arrived there about 12
o'clock at night. There were some hundreds assembled
there, from Tredegar, Blackwood, Blencain, and other
places. They were all armed with weapons of different
descriptions. I know the prisoner Edward Edmunds. I
saw him there. He had either a sword or a musket, I
don't know which. He was walking in front with Mr.
Frost. I heard him say, " Come, my men, come on."
When he said this, the men marched on. I went with
them as far as Sir Charles Morgan's park, and then I
went across the footpath to Mr. Williams's, at the Park
Machine-house. I have no doubt the prisoner is the man
I saw. On the question being repeated by Mr. Phelps,
the witness said he had no doubt whatever of it, and ex-
clAimed, " Oh ! I must never show my face up in that
country again." I saw him at Tredegar-park, walking
alongside of Mr. Frost, in front of the men. He car-
ried some weapon in his hand, but 1 do not know what.
When they came by the Waterloo turnpike gate Mr.
Frost halted there. At this time I was coming towards
Newport, in front of the road. I saw prisoner with the
others at the turnpike gate. I heard Mr. Frost give the
mob the word of command, and another gentleman, I
don't recollect his name, also gave the word. Mr. Ed-
munds, the prisoner, called out, " All you with the mus-
kets come forward, the pikemen come next, and you
who have clubs and bludgeons stay in the rear." I then
asked them to let me pass. The mob did so, and I
went into the Waterloo and called for a pint of beer.
The mob then marched on towards Newport ; this was,
I think, about nine or ten o'clock.
Cross-examined by the prisoner—I saw you first
when I came up to the Welsh Oak ; the second time
was at the Three Horse-shoes. I did not notice what
you had in your hand, but I noticed what clothes you
bad on.

Catherine Charles sworn and examined—l live at the
Welsh Oak public-house. I am the daughter of • Henry
Charles, who keeps it. I remember Sunday, the 3d
November. I returned home from chapel at about half-
past nine o'clock. There were three persons came to
our house after I had been there about three-quarters
of an hour. I think they remained till the following
morning. They were strangers to me. I did not see
them do anything while they were there. Soon after
they were in the house I heard some person say there
were lights coming down the tramroad. Ido not know
who said it, but it was one of the three who came into
the house. He was out by the door. Soon after a
lot of people came in, 300 or 400 ; the house was
full with them, and many outside. They were all
armed with various weapons. It was then about t•n
minutes to twelve o'clock. I know Edward Edmunds,
the son of Edmunds at the Greyhound. He was
there. I have known him seven or eight years.—
(The witness here pointed out the prisoner as that
person.) Edmunds ordered the people out of the room,f
and they went out when ordered by him to do so. I was
there about two minutes. I did not see Edmunds till
the morning ;it was then he ordered the men out. He
went with them himself. 1 did not hear any of them
say where they were going to. Some of them, after
they had left the house, went down the turnpike-road,
and some down the tram-road, towards Newport. The
prisoner went along with the rest, and I- saw no more of
him. I was called to the cellar that night. My mother
and Israel Furman were there also. I tapped some beer.
Furman called for a pint of beer while I was there. It
was then about two o'clock.

• Cross-examined by the prisoner—I cannot say how
many men it was you ordered out of the house. When
you went out I should think four or five went with you.
Mary Charles, sister of the last witness, confirmed
generally that witness's testimony, and stated in addi-
tion that she heard some of the men say they were
going to Newport to pull the poorhouse down, and that
Newport should not be worth anything in a day, and
that there were but sixty soldiers in the town. She did
not know the prisoner sufficiently well to identify him
as one of those at her father's house on the night in
question.

Henry Charles, jun., son of the landlord of the Welsh
Oak, and brother of the two last witnesses, was then
sworn, and examined by Mr. Phelps, and confirmed
the testimony of his sisters as to the occurrences at his
father's house on the night of the 3d of November, but
he persisted in stating that he did not know the prisoner,
nor had he seen him there.

Thomas Hopkins, son of the superintendent of police,
was then sworn, and deposed to the attack on the West-
gate Hotel on the morning of the 4th of November, by
a mob of 3,000 or 4,000 armed men.
This closed the case for the prosecution.
The prisoner, having been duly cautioned by the
Chairman, made the following statement :
" On Sunday, the 3d of November, a great mob of
people came into my house, and ordered me out. I
asked them where they were going to. They answered
it was no odds to me, but I should find it out ; and they
said if I would not come with them I should be a dead
man. I then went along with them as far as Cross-
penman, and I then asked them if they were going
any further. They said they were going to New-
bridge, and then I should hear. I said I would
not go any further unless I could hear something
from them at Newbridge. After I got there they
said I must come down with them to Risca. I told them I could not walk any fUrther, as I had just before
fractured my rib. They said if I could not walk they
would get me a horse. I said no, not in that way. I
then went on as far as Risca.bridge, and sat down under
it. Then I heard firing. I should think in the direc-
tion of the Welsh Oak. A man then said I was bound
to go along with them, and I went on to the Welsh
Oak, where I saw two or three hundred people. I
asked what was going on there. They said Frost was
there, and they were all going to Newport. They then
started down as far as Pie Corner, and I made a stay
there till all the crowd went by me. There I first saw
Furman, with a pistol in his hand, and I did not see
him afterwards. I and another young man walked on
after them , as far as the Waterloo, and I believe we
were the two last, except three or four. We then
called for a glass of beer a piece at the Waterloo, and
saw
t he Mr.e Robinsthere
a tfu
andoro
tpeelek.
landlord
Theg m
standingynnn there.a
nand \ln%
were
walked after them up Stow-hill, and that was the fur-
thesti we went to. This
that lh'ahsisbiesetnhsetawtehdolae
gtor.:uarlsint,
naaen.d„
place
it s a great fa
The prisoner was then committed for high treason and
sedition.
Israel Furman was then recalled, and asked if he
saw Henry Charles among the riotc,..s ?—The witness
could not say. Charles was orderPjl to be detained in
custody.
the Royal Oak, was then
with allowing seditious meet-
ings in his house ; but there being no material evidence
against the prisoner, he was discharged with an admoni-
tion from the Chairman.
The Court rose at hali-past six.

Thomas Lewis and Edmund Richards were charged
with similar offences, and also with stopping the furnace
blasts at the British Iron Works. They were both
committed.
The next prisoner, William Shellard, was charged
with high treason.
John Roseberry sworn and examined.—l am an inn-
keeper at Pont-y-pool. Some time ago the prisoner
came to my house, and asked me if I was a Chartist. I
said no. He said lam a Chartist, and a real Chartist.
Richard Thomas Johnson sworn.—l am a school-
master, living at Pont-y-pool. I was at the house of
Mr. Jones, a watchmaker (one of the prisoners com-
mitted for high treason at Newport). On Sunday, Nov.
3, I dined there with Mrs. Jones. During the day I
saw a number of persons come to the house, one of
whom was armed with a gun. There was a number of
persons up stairs. During the day I saw the prisoner
come into Jones's house. I did not sec into what room
he went.
James Emery sworn.—l am a cabinet-maker, residing
at Pont-y-pool. Some time since I joined a Chartist
club in Pont-y-pool. It Was about three weeks since.
It was held at a private house on the Sowe Hill. On
Sunday, the 3d of November, I and John Dyer went
for a horse to Bevan's, the skinner. The horse was
for Jones, the watchmaker, to ride It.. 1,;14._ to
get the Chartists together to accompany him back
to Pont-y-pool. I found Jones at David Richards's
beer house. Dyer and I took the horse there to
him. Jones ordered them to go and collect and force
together as many as they could, and to begin about
two o'clock. He told them to arm themselves, and
to meet at the race-course. About eight o'clock that
evening I came down to Jones's house. It was a
beer-house, called the Bristol Home. I saw a great
many men come in, armed with guns and pikes, and other
weapons. They were in several rooms, up and down
stairs. I saw the prisoner join them. He weot into the
room where the persons were armed. He drank and
smoked in the room with them. I did not bear the pri-
soner say anything. I stopped there about an hour. I
left the prisoner at the house, During the time I was
in the house, men were constantly coming in, armed. I
have seen the prisoner's name on the Chartist Club-
book as a member. I believe the club was held at
Jones's. He was enrolled as a class leader. I mean
by a " class leader" a commander of twelve wen, who
obey whatever orders he gives them. On the Tuesday
before the 3d of November I attended a Chartist meet-
ing at John Llewellin's, at Pont-y-pool. He is a beer-
house-keeper. Between nine and ten in the evening I
saw the prisoner with upwards of a dozen men come in.
They were five or six a-breast up the road. There was
a butcher for chairman that night. When Shellard came in
the chairman addressed him and his party, and repeated
some part of the speech he had been making before. The
speech was to the effect that he (the chairman) was sent
as deputy round the hills, to see how the organizatioe
was proceeding in the association. He said there was
a number organized and armed ; that the deputation
from Merthyr said they were prepared ; great numbers
were already armed' and organized. The Chairman
asked the parties then present if they were prepared for
thu worst. He ordered ail that were prepared to hold
up their right hand. Most that were present held up
their right hand. During the whole of this time Shel-
lard was present, and heard what passed. I became
alarmed at the proceedings. I went a little further,
and saw Jones, the watchmaker, and I attempted to
make my escape. I saw Jones come in ;he ordered the
men to turn out and proceed in a body to Newport,
and the pikemen to go first. This was between eleven
and twelve. He said they were to march to Newport
in three parties. The pikemen first, the men with the
guns next, and the rest to follow after with what they
could get. I again made my escape. I ran away from
the New Inn, but was again stopped by two men, with
pistols, who threatened to shoot me if I offered to rum
back, and did not go on with the rest. I was taken
back to time New Inn, but finally made my escape.
Cross-examined—l have seen the prisoner at Jones's
on other than Chartist nights. I believe it is Mr. Shel-
lard's own house. lam twenty-one years of age.
William Rouse?' sworn and examined—l am a collier,
residing at Ahersychan. I work at the Bristol iron-
works. On Sunday night, November 3, I came from
the works to Pont-y-pool to Jones, the watchmaker's.
Between nine and ten o'clock the house was so crowded
that I was obliged to go up stairs. I there saw a great
number of persons and the prisoner. The prisoner went
down stairs, and we followed after him. When we got
into the street the prisoner called me on one side, and
said, " Now I will tell you of a certain house at the
top of Trosnant where there are both swords, guns, and
pistols." He said, "It is a man belonging to it who
belongs to our class," and he said, " he is a real
Chartist." He told me to go on and heave up the
latch of the door, and I told him that I did not know
where the house was. He said, "Go on, 1 will
send a man after you. He will tell you
where the house is." I went a small way be-
yond the house, and the man called me beck
again. He said, " here is the door, here." I sad, " I
am not going to lift up the latch of the door. I am
not going to rob any man's home to transport m3self ;
then go down, and do it thyself if thee'st want to." I
then went on to William Dainty, to Cross-y-Ceilog ;
when we went in it must be eleven o'clock at night I
should think. I had no watch. Jones was in the
passage, and a body of men were outside, all except
one. It was dark, and the men were going on the
Newport road. Some of them were armed, but I could
not see well. There was a man making some kind of
no:se in the passage, and Jones the watchmaker said to
him " Now, damn your eyes, if you don't be quiet I'll
blow your brains out 1" I then went on towards New-
port with W. Dainty, and when we got about a mile
and a half from Cross-y-Ceilog I met Jones and another
man. Jones was then coming on the road to Cross-y-
Ceilog. There were two men talking to Jones. They
said they could not go through Newport turnpike gate,
and Jones said, "if you cannot get through, say Well
is well and all is well,' and then the man will let you
through." He was to say it to the man who kept the
gate. _

Charles James Phillips examined—l am a confeo-

tioner, residing at Pont.y-pool. I have known the
prisoner five years. He is a shoemaker at Pont-y-pool ;
a master shoemakers On the morning of the 4th of
November, at about nine o'clock, I had a conversation
with the prisoner. I went to his shop to make a pur.
chase. There were a great many men going down the
road. lie asked me what I thought of the Chartists
now. I said I thought there vrere a great many of
them going down the road that would never return.
He said, " Oh, the soldiers are all disarmed this hour
ago, and Newport is in possession: of the Chartists." I
, then spoke of other things, not wishing to enter into
them, made my purchase, and left..
. Joseph Kirby sworn and examined—l am a, watch_
[ maker of Ponty-y-pool. I was coming down George-
. street, Pont-y-pool, between ten and eleven o'clock
on Monday morning, the 4th of November ; the
I prisoner was in the street. I remarked that things
were brought to a pretty pass. The prisoner said
t a
diexpected.noende
by quiet
co
confusion
f ut
shi
andoenn
i t was noimf
et nnaonotrshe, i
nothingn tgh acnoulmdc i
ogubhletd
,obtained
apsnacidadedetaelsblatlrteuction of property and lives. Tile prisoner
said they had no intention for the destructiones of either.
gHrieevsaanicleetshebyyhgandiettrnaiedeatnosioabntdai
gpetrboegrrewsistihveourteddersetsrsuc-odf
to force a congregation of men to
grievances
they
tiosntoefolliefenaFndlepterhoepreretyx.arn
examined—l am a general were; resolve
the prisoner carne
shop-
keeper at Pont-Yl)
otool. omyin the
lonse Novemberb4etthwoeofn
nine
in the morning. I took him into an inner room. adsltaiaesdut
" S'aellard, tell me about what is this row now--I k now
you are in the secret : let me know." He said, " I sup-
pose we arc dstermined to have it now. We have tried
long enough by peaceable means." I said, .. What is
really your ostensible object ?—what is it
" W "we intend to take
Why, I will tell you," said he ; yo,a want ?"
tha great men of the country first, and to con;Fine them
in a pit." I said, 4, And what then ?" He said., " Then
Mr. Frost will give us directions whether it is not best
to p 0 to Monmouth, and release Vincent and others."
I said, " What do you intend to do with the gi eat men
eer vcu have got them in the pit ?" He sad, "We
intend to keep them there as hostages until the Chartist
3 ou don't in-
hoLpeei
Leigh, the Lord-
tolwsaaridis 11"IIr.
t lendersz
n i anayrteb i
ni liberated." curl:, tkeidn.d"
Lieutenant, as I thought he was a real benef actor to the
place, and I hoped nothing unkind would be done to
him." Prisoner said, " Mr. Leigh should have one of
of the driest stalls that could be found for him in the
pit." I asked him if they intended to do anything