The Sun.
London, England, 1832-01-11 00:00:00

The prosecutor then proceeded to re-examine the witness.

.....
When directions were first given by the civil authorities to
Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton to quell the riots, was there ally
restriction as to the use of firearms or the edge of the sword ?
—Those which I gave or heard were altogether without any
distinction.

Did any Magistrate, on the evening of the 30th of October,
accompany Colonel Brereton or the troops to direct them in the
suppression of the tumult P—l have no personal knowledge of
that fact. The scene of action was close to the Mansion.house,
where all the Magistrates were.

Had the Riot Act been read when Colonel Brereton requested
authority from the Magistrates to use force ?—lt seems to me
that the question implies that I have stated that Colonel Brere-
ton applied for authority to the Magistrates to use force. lam
not aware of his having made such application. I have no per-
sonal knowledge of the Riot Act having been read. I believe
that it was read in the afternoon.
PRESIDENT—BeIief is no use.
Witness—l saw some of the Magistrates go down stairs for
the purpose of reading it some time before the military arrived.
That part of the question which relates to Lieutenant-Colonel
Brereton's application to the Magistrates for permission to use
force I do not understand.

Mr. Serjeant Ludlow requested that any evidence he night
be wished by the Court to give should be called for this week_
PRESIDENT—I have no hesitation in answering that no
pledge can be given by the Court upon the subject.
Sir CHARLES DALBIAC said, that he would move that
the second, third, and fourth charges should be taken together,
and that the evidence of Mr. Serjeant Ludlow upon these charges
should be first taken.

PRESIDENT—I do not think that the position of the Court
respecting the attendance of the witness is altered. Does the
prisoner wish Mr. Serjeant Ludlow to withdraw ?
Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton intimated a wish to that effect,
and the Learned Serjeant withdrew.

Charles Pinney, Esq. (Mayor of Bristol) examined—Was
there not great riot and disturbance in the city of Bristol on ,
Saturday, the 29th of October, 18:31, and if so in what part of
it ?—ln my opinion there was a great riot and disturbance in
Queen-square.
Was the Riot Act read ; if so, at what time, and by whom
was it read ?—I cannot speak accurately as to time ; but I believe •
it was read about five o'clock in the afternoon : it was read
about that hour by me. I read it three or four times.
Did you make any application to Colonel Brereton, as com-
mander of the troops in the city, for the use of the military in
aid of the civil power ?—I did.
At what time did the troops arrive in Queen-square ?—About
half an hour after the Riot Act was read.
What were the temper and conduct of the rioters at the time
of the arrival of the troops ?—ln consequence of the arrival of
the troops, the rioters retired a little from the door of the Man-
sion.house. When the troops arrived the doors and windows
'of the Mansion-house had been broken in, the pannela of the
door had been broken, and the people had entered into the
dining room through the windows. The hall had been raked
with stones and sticks. This was shortly preceding the arrival
of the troops.
When the troops arrived, or very soon after, did you give,
or did other civil authorities in your presence give, to Lieute-
nant-Colonel Brereton any directions for the dispersion of the
rioters ? If so, be pleased to state, as distinctly as you can,
what those orders were.—Orders were given soon after the trri-
val of Colonel Brereton, by Alderman Fripp, which orders I
confirmed, to clear or disperse the rioters, or clear the square,
I cannot recollect the precise word. And on Colonel Brereton
asking whether the troops should fire, he was told if it was
necessary to fire, he must do so; or words to that effect, which
I confirmed.
Upon that particular occasion, or at any other period through
the night of the '29th of October, was Lieutenant-Colonel Brere-
ton in any way restricted by you or any other of the civil autho-
rities, from the application of the edge of the sword ?—On that
particular occasion there was no restriction that I am aware of.
He was not restricted by me, and I am not aware that he was
restricted by any one.
Did Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton at any time on that evening
or night, protest against using actual force ; and if so what plea
did he urge for abstaining from it ?—He did not protest at one
period against using force. I don't recollect the exact expres-
sions of the Colonel, but the general plea that he made use of
was, that they were a good-humoured mob,—that the troops
could either ride or walk them down, or something to that
effect,—and that they were lessening in numbers. I recollect
the Colonel coming in at one period, and to show the good
temper of the mob, he said that his arm was tired shaking hands
with the people. He said, in my presence, " Mind, the re-
sponsibility is with you ; I protest against using force, for it is
unnecessary, and contrary to my opinion ;" or words to that
effect.

Be pleased to relate to the Court any further information
you may possess, arising from your personal knowledge or
observation, touching the conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel
Brereton on that night, with reference to the charge under con-
sideration.—Colonel Brereton repeatedly came in, to re-
port the conduct of the mob or people, and we had re-
peatedly given directions to clear the square. I cannot call
to mind exactly the expressions or the answers, but I recollect
the conduct of Colonel Brereton occasioned the town.clerk to
ask him if he had any instructions from Government not to
act, or something to that effect. He replied that his orders
were to obey the Magistrates. The town-clerk then told him,
" the Magistrates direct you to clear the square, or keep the
streets quiet. It was on this occasion he made the protest
I reeollect some soldiers being brought in wounded; and the
town-clerk making use of the expression, " Is this a proof of
the good temper or quietness of the mob ?" I recollect Alder-
man savage, who had been looking out of the window, telling
me—

The DEPUTY JUDGE ADVOCATE objected to going
into parole evidence.
The PRESIDENT thought it would be better for the witness
to confine himself to what he had personally observed.
Witness proceeded—l recollect an officer came in, and he
said that the mob took refuge in the trading vessels, and as-
sailed the soldiers from thence, and that they could not follow
them. He applied generally for orders to tire into the vessels.
I suppose he meant to apply to the Magistrates, I think it was
an officer of the 14th, but I cannot recollect his name. I think
an Alderman observed, that there were many people on board
the vessels, who, in the event of the soldiers firing, would be
sacrificed without having to do with the mob. A gentleman
present (a constable I think) came forward, and offered, with 25
men (not soldiers), to go on board the vessels and clear them, if
he could be supported by the troops.
PRESIDENT—It is a pity that so active a person's name
should not be recorded.
Witness—This was not done, in consequence of Colonel
Brereton stating that the mob was dispersing, and that he would
patrol the street, and would be answerable for the peace of the
streets. The mob did actually go away towards morning. I
cannot state the fact on personal knowledge, but the Mansion_
house was not again attacked that night.
Were the rioters promptly and effectually dispersed by Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Brereton in conformity with the directions
which were delivered to him for that purpose 7—ln my opinion
they were not. I think that what was ultimately effected
might have been done at an earlier period.
Did the outrage or the violence of the rioters increase at any
period during the night of Saturday, the .29th of October, after
you first gave orders to Colonel Brereton to put down the
rioters P—ln my opinion the riot did increase. I was in the
room, and, therefore, had not so good a judgment as those
outside.

When the officer, whom you have stated to have been at the
Nfansion-house (Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton being present),
asked for authority to fire at some of the rioters who were an-
noying and pelting the soldiers from the boats in which they

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al taken rtfuge,did _he not. also report that the Sohlien.were
eatly annoyed 7 • ' -
The PRESIDENT suggested that it would be better to mo.
f& this question. The following addition was then made.
ht allude at the same time to other of the rioters from
tom the soldiers were receiving similar annoyance in other
arters 7—l do not recollect whether he did or not. I recol-
ft that being said in the course of the evening, but whether it
Nat that time, I cannot say. Ido not recollect whether the
leer made such a report or not, but I recollect it having been
ited as an annoyance, when or by whom I do not remember.
might have made such a report.
130 You know that a charge was made by a part of the troops
the square against the rioters at a late period of Saturday
ht 7.1 understood there was. I did not see it made, but
s told that the charge was made.
PRESIDENT—Had you any official knowledge of it 12—It
is reported by Alderman Savage, who was looking out of the
ndow. I think it was about half-past ten o'clock when the
derman told me this. I recollect from a particular circum. ince that he told me this.
Was it reported or made known to you after the charge was
d to have been made that certain of the rioters had taken re.
;e in some of the adjoining alleys, whence they were offering
n°Yance to the troops ?—lt was.
10 the course of the evidence you have stated that the Riot
Bt was read on the evening of the 29th. Was Colonel Brere-
' 1 informed of this ?—I believe he was. My impression is
at I told him it was read. It was impossible that he should
t have known that it was read, from the circumstance of my
viag been hit with a stone on my hat, and another Alderman
log struck while it was read, which formed the subject of con.rsation in the room.
DO You, as chief magistrate of Bristol, deem that the increase
the riot on the evening of the 29th was owing to the want of
'ergY and vigour on the part of Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton,
td his disobedience of the orders of yourself and other Magis.
ates to use the force under his command as you had em.
livered him to do 7—l should say rather the non-compliance
an the positive disobedience of the order. I think Colonel
rereton's conduct gave confidence to the mob. I cannot tell
hat increased the riot. Colonel Brereton's familiarity with the
'ter, Must have given confidence to them. His conduct was
?re a non-Compliance than disobedience of the orders of the
,agistracy. When he came into the Court, lie constantly said
tat the rioters were lessening, and were good-humoured.
Did the Mayor and Magistrates at the time deem that the
induct of Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton was more feeble and
temporising„
than it should have been, or did he or they con-
der that the Lieutenant-Colonel " declined or neglected" the
'charge of his duty ?—I should answer that we certainly con.
lered that the conduct of Colonel Brereton was feeble and
mporising, and it was on that ground that the Town-clerk
ade use of the question on the subject, as to instructions alluded
in the former part of my evidence. The impression on my
ind is, that we could not account in any other way for his
.nduct.
The question being put a second time,
Witness said he certainly was told to clear the square, and
e ',Ware was not cleared. He certainly neglected to clear
'e square which he was directed to do, stating as a reason that
le mob were good-humoured and dispersing.
Was there any civil authority in the streets with instructions
act in concert with the troops, after Licutenant.Colonel
rereton had reported their arrival at the Mansion-house to
,sist the civil authority on the 29th of October ?—I do not
rite understand the question. Do you mean was any Ma.
.strate with the troops ?
PRESIDENT—Yes.
Witness—l know of none in the streets. They were in the
,Eansion-house, from which all orders were given. I believe
x. Alderman Savage came up with the troops.
Wlclauy Magistrate leave the Mansion-house with the troops,
th Lieutenant-Colonel Brercton when he was ordered to
ear the streets for the purpose of proceeding with the troops ?
an,
not aware of any. I wouid add, that if they had they
ulst have charged with the troops on foot, which was impos-
e' IVY conviction is, that it was the duty of the Magis-
Ales notto go.
e
hen You gave Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton orders to clear
streets did you, or did you not, imply that he was both to
:e and to
use the edge of the sword, if necessary, and did
ieutenant.Colonel Brereton understand such to be your
caning 7-1 certainly did imply that whaler force was neces-
Y was to be used, and I believe Colonel Brereton understood
ch to be m-
y meaning.
The witness was permitted to withdraw.
The PRESIDENT stated, that he had learned the name of
e gentleman who had offered to lead twenty-five men and clear
e boats. It was Captain Harford of the 34th Regiment.
Mr. Alderman Hilhouse examined—Are you an Alderman of
e city of Bristol ?—Yes.
Were you in the Mansion-house on Saturday evening, the
:h of October, when the military were called to Queen-square
aid of the civil power ?—I went for the military, and returned
the Mansion-houe with them.
\V" the Riot Act read upon that occasion 2-1 did not hear
read, but understood it had been read before I returned.
What were the temper and the conduct of the rioters at the
riod of your arriving with the troops ?—The rioters were ex.
'dinglY violent, but not so much as they had been previous to
return, judging from the havoc they had made in the lower
tt of the Mansion house. The mob fled before the troops
ten they cline, and for some little time were not so violent.
Did you, or any of the civil authorities in your presence, give
eutenant-Colonel Brereton any directions for putting down
e tumult ? If so, what was the nature of those directions ?
I did not personally give him directions. I heard directions
ten him by the Mayor and by the Town-clerk. The nature of
ese directions was, to disperse the mob and clear the square.
Were those directions ipromptly and effectually obeyed by
eut..Colonel Brereton 7—They were not.
Did the outrage or violence of the rioters increase at any pe-
al during the night of Saturday, the 29th of October, after
ters were first given to Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton, to put
‘vn the rioters 7—lt did very much increase.
At what time on Saturday night, the 29th of October, or on
ndaY Morning, the 30th of October, did the mob begin to be
violent and to disperse ?—About eleven o'clock on Saturday
;ht.

QUESTIONS BY THE COURT.
To what cause do you attribute the decrease of the mob
on
night of Saturday, the :nth of October P—l think more vi-
rous Measures had been adopted to disperse them, in cons, ence of strong remonstrances from the Magistrates.
Do You recollect that a charge was made by a part of the
01)s at that time?-1 did not see the charge; but understood
there was a charge in which the soldiers had struck with
• flat of their swords.
By the PRESIDENT—You have stated that you went for the
°PS, and came with them to the Mansion-house. Did you
on horseback or on foot ?-0n foot.
itr Charles Dalbiac, in reference to the decrease of the riot
eleven o'clock on Saturday night, stated that there was
dher reason, not yet given in evidence, because, though the
Authorities were aware of the fact, they were not eye_
tresses of it. He did not wish to press the question to the
it Authorities, as there would be military evidence upon the
tier.

By the PRESIDENT—Were more vigorous measures used
Colonel Brereton, or by any other officer I—The order was
en to Lieut.-Colonel Brereton, and the mob went to another
t of the city, in consequence of his charge. I did not see
order executed. I do not know by whom those vigorous
"Ores were used.
When you speak of more vigorous measures, to what mea.
es do you allude ?—I had heard that the troops had moved
,ut more actively.
Captain John William Gage examined—Did you command a
adron of the 14th Light Dragoons in Bristol on the of
tober, 1801 I did.
Was that squadron ordered out under the command of Lieut..
lonel Brereton on the evening of that day ?—Yes.
When did the squadron first form on parade P—Saturday
ming, in College-green.
Did either of the troops receive an order from Lieutenant-
onel Brereton to load, and did it load accordingly /—One
op received an order to load, and it did load.
ro what part of the city did the troops proceed from thelace
assembling ?—To Queen-square. p
Was there a riotous assembly of persons in the vicinity of
Mansion-house when the troops arrived ?—Yes.
Did you receive any orders from Lieut.-Colonel Brereton on
t occasion for repelling the tumult, and if so, what was the
ure of those orders P—l was ordered by Lieut.-Colonel Bre-
m to disperse the snob without drawing a sword or employ-
fire-arms.
Did the outrages or the violence of the rioters increase in
een-square at any period of that night, after the troop first
eiyed orders from Lieut.. Colonel Brereton ?—Yes, at eleven
lock I was ordered to clear the streets by force.
'ai
Were any of the soldiers of the 14th seriously injured by
led from the mob, in Queen's-square, on Saturday night ?
:Isere were three or four badly cut.
Be pleased . .eased to relate to the Court any other information,
ung from
your personal knowledge or observation, touching
conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton on that night,
h reference to the charge now under consideration, eonfin-
aoUr statement, at present, to what occurred in Queen's-
e, or
the adjoining streets ?—Finding the men much
tea by stones and pieces of iron, and by men in boats and
g", and that they were thrown from situations beyond our
chi 1 Went to the Mansion-house and asked leave of the
.yor to take a few of the mess to use their carbines, to dir-
ge he
assumPeople who were pelting them. He hesitated for
e, but I think was about to grant it, when I met Lieu-
hould
Colonel Brereton on the stairs, who recommended that
,oct not be done. I then went down the square again
partleaveured to dislodge them on horseback, without firing;
boatY succeeded, with the exception of those who got into
ire, s and barges ; we had by this time cleared Queen-
feed and all the adjacent streets, and I was about going home
IrnY troop and horses, and to be relieved by the other,
dsatas ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton to
go ins-
.,..„;oeY to the Council-house.—(The witness was requested
1 the 1-1 statements to what occurred in Queen's-square
You haNhbourhood.)
aatioNve 'aid that certain of the rioters had taken refuge in
,ere rhe,hence they pelted and annoyed the dragoons, and
ns. Ngragoons could make no effectual return but by fire-
-1 oceo,_):°n mean that at that period certain of the rioters
'are LT the alleys and narrow streets adjoining Queen.
intain or)heY had occupied the alleys and barges, but could
Did yc,t,
e:ituation where a horse could get at them.
proceed rroceive orders between eleven and twelve that night
ase Queen-square with your troop to the Council-
Darn
lure of then ?ad d -- YOU reeeive t, what was the
?-4 received thehose orde
order frors andm
Colonel Brereton

to go down to the Couneil-house and protect it, as the mob
were breaking in.

Were you restricted upon that occasion from using any of
the weapons with which a dragoon is armed, in case a necessity
should arise for employing force ?—No, not on that occasion.
Was the body of the rioters considerable, and did their
attack upon the Council-house appear to be of a violent cha-
racter, when you arrived there with your troop ?—The body of
rioters at the Council-house when I arrived was very cocci.
derable, and the attack was very violent.
Were the rioters dispersed from the front of the Council-
house by the troop of the 14th dragoons under your command ?
—They were immediately dispersed, with the exception of the
alleys where we could not go.

Be pleased to relate to the Court what occurred in the ad-
joining streets while you were patrolling to preserve the public
peace after the rioters had been dispersed from the Council-
house ?—The party with which I patrolled Wine-street was
very much annoyed by the mob pelting us with the stones from
the alleys. One alley in particular I passed and repassed re-
peatedly, and was annoyed there more than at any other. A
man in a light-coloured dress stepped a few paces frequently on
the pavement before he threw the missiles. The third or fourth
time he did it I drew a pistol and levelled it at him, but it
snapped. A soldier immediately on my left fired and the man
fell. After this the mob left that passage and we were no more
pelted by them. This occupied us till half-past twelve, and that
part of the town being quiet I took that party home, leaving
Lieutenant Dawson and a Serjeant-major with the remainder to
patrol the streets, with an understanding that they were to be
relieved every two hours.

At what period of the night of Saturday, the 29th of October,
or of the morning of Sunday, the 50th, did the whole or part of
Captain Nlusgrave's troop return to its quarters ?—Part of
Captain Musgrave's troop went to their quarters on Saturday
night about twelve o'clock, I think. Part remained near the
Mansion house, and were relieved in the same manner as my
own troop at the Council house, every two hours.
By the prisoner—After Lieut.-Colonel Brereton had ordered
the troops to load, did you not proceed to Queen-square at a
quick trot ?—Yes, we did.
Did you see Alderman Hilhouse accompany the troops to
Queen-square ?—I did not see him. Ido not know his person.

Did not the rioters cease for a time from violence on the ar-
rival of the troops in Queen-square?—Yes.
Was there any renewal of violence by any large body of
rioters after the arrival of the troops in Queen-square till just
before eleven o'clock, when orders were given to clear the
streets by force ?—I did not see any.
By the COURT—You stated that you were ordered to clear
the streets by force about eleven o'clock; who gave you that
order ?—Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton.

Was Lieutenant-Colonel Brereton frequently in commun
cation with you after the arrival of the troops at the Mansion-
house 7—He was.

The Court adjourned at four o'slock,