The Sun.
London, England, 1832-10-27 00:00:00

THE BRISTOL RIOTS

KING'S BENCH.-(THIS DAY.)

THE► KING V. PINIIEY, ESQ.
This morning the proceedings in this case were resumed.
Thomas Hayman, examined by Mr. SHEPHERD—
Was a Chelsea pensioner, and resided in Bristol. On
Sunday, October 30, attended at the Council-house in con-
sequence of a notice he had received. He got there about
half-past 10 o'clock, but could not get in, the doors and
window-shutters being closed. There were five or six
other pensioners there ; waited there about three-quarters
of an hour, and they all went then to the Guildhall, but
that was also closed, and they could not get in. There
was no person at either place to give any directions. At
three in the afternoon he went again to the Council.house,
and he found it still closed ; he remained there a quarter
of an hour ; there were several other persons there, and
lie knew four of them to be pensioners. They went thence
to the Guildhall, and it was closed ; they then went hack
to the Council-house, rang the bell, and asked where any
Magistrate was to be found, as they had received •rders
to attend. The person who answered the bell said some
Magistrates were to be found at the Guildhall Chambers,
attached to the Guildhall. They went there and found
some Magistrates ; did not see the Mayor there; Alderman
George Hillhouse ordered them (five in number) to go to
the Commercial Arms and meet a body of gentlemen there ;
witness and the four others asked tke Magistrates for arms,
and they said they had none to give them. They then went to
the Commercial-rooms, where they learnt that the gentle.
men had gone to the gaol, and that the witness and the
other four were to follow. On going down Princes-street,
they met the late Mayor, Mr. Alderman Savage, who
told them they were of no use, but they might be wanted
on the following day. They then went home. On the
following day, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, in con-
sequence of a general notice, he attended again.
Cross-examined by Sir JAMES ScanLETE—Mr. Law-
rence, of the Excise, called on the pensioners to attend at
the Council house on the Sunday morning. In the after-
noon he found a great many gentlemen at the Commercial-
roome, reading the nets-spat-sus, but the gentlemen that
witness had to attend had gone to the gaol. When he
met Alderman Savage, the Alderman had a gentleman
with him, who was all over mud and bleeding very much.
There were 300 or 400 persons making a noise, and some
dragoons parading over the bridge to the island
where the gaol was, and back again. Witness staid
there until about five o'clock. The dragoons came
back, and went away before witness did. The time
that the dragoons staid was about half an hour. The mob
was shouting very loud while the dragoons were there.—
Besides shouting, there was knocking and hammering.
The noise continued for some time after the dragoons
went away.
James Wolf was a Chelsea pensioner.—This witness
corroborated the evidence of the preceding witness. Wit-
ness could not tell how many pensioners of the army, navy,
and marines, but of Chelsea pensioners alone he believed
there were between 200 and 300. On one occasion, some
time ago, when the Chelsea pensioners were called out in
anticipation of a riot, about that number assembled. On
Monday, the 31st of October, about 100 of them were
embodied, in consequence of a public notice. On the Sa-
turday and Sunday there had been no such notice issued.
Cross-examined by Sir JAMES SCARLETT—On the for-
mer occasion, when they were called out, it was before a
riot occurred, and it was by the orders of Government.—
On the present occasion the order came from Mr. Law-
rence, of the Excise Office.
By Mr. Justice J. PARKE—On the Sunday morning
he only saw 20 or 30 pensioners together. They were all
scattered through the streets, having no one to direct them.
John Norris Reagan, was in the employ of the Messrs.
Hares, of Bristol, floor-cloth manufacturers. At twenty
minutes to five o'clock on the Sunday afternoon went to
the Guildhall, and saw 20 or 30 persons waiting there,
hut saw neither Mayor nor Magistrate at first; in five mi-
nutes afterwards Mr. Pinney the Mayor entered the Hall,
and several persons called out, " The Mayor, the Mayor."
The Mayor then addressed them, saying, " Gentlemen, we
have come to no decision; I will do any thing you can de-
vise, with the exception of calling in the military; they
have rendered themselves obnoxious by firing upon the
populace, contrary to orders; and confident I am that if
they were again called in every one would be sacrificed
before the morning. I will do any thing you wish except
calling in the 14th, for I am sure that if they were called
in every man would be killed before the morning, and I do
not wish to endanger the life of any person. I will do any
thing or go any where with you." The Mayor then left
the Guildhall ; witness also went away.
Mr. Robert Morris, sub-agent to the branch bank of
England, at Bristol—Their bank was at the top of Bridge-
street. On Sunday morning went to St. Itlaryport
church, and notices were handed round to the different
pews to attend the Magistrates at the Guildhall. Wit-
ness did not go there, but went home to the bank to take
measures for its defence, as there was a very large sum of
money in it. After taking measures for its defence, he
went to the Gui (Dian, where he arrived about one o'clock.
He saw the Mayor coming out. Witness inquired for a
Magistrate, and Mr. George Hillhouse was pointed out to
him as one. Witness told him the object of his corning
there, viz.—that be was alone in charge of considerable
property, which might be endangered by an attack
of the mob, and that he wished for the protection of the
Magistrates. Mr. Hillhouse introduced witness, after
some conversation, into the Magistrates' room, where there
were several of them. Mr. Sheriff Bengough, Alder-
men Daniel and Goldney, and one or two others, were
there. He applied for assistance in case of an attack,
which he apprehended. Sheriff Bengough replied, " We
have no means : you must organize some means yourself,"
or words to that effect. Witness got no assistance. Al-
derman Daniel came round to witness, who again stated
how he was situated, and expressed his apprehension that
the large property be was in charge of was in danger.
Alderman Daniel said witness was entitled to pro-
tection, but the Magistrates had no means, the
two troops of the 14th Dragoons had been ordered

to leave the town by Colonel Brereton. Witness
expressed his surprise at that, and Alderman Da-
niel replied it was thought the irritation would subside if the
troops were withdrawn. Witness expressed a hope that
the troops would not be sent far, and Alderman Daniel
said one troop was sent to Brislington, two miles off, and
the other to Keynsham, five or six miles distant. 'The
Alderman asked what arms witness had, and he replied
two blunderbusses and two pair of pistols. The Alderman
replied " You are better provided than we were at the
Mansion-house yesterday," hut recommended witness to
make ne show of arms so as to attract mischief. Wit-
ness then left and went to the Commercial-rooms,
to see what assistance he could get among his own
friends. He did get some friends to assist him ; one of
those friends sent him his workmen, who came to the bank,
and remained all night. During a❑ that night no com-
munication was made to witness from the magistrates.
Several times that night witness went out, and saw
numbers of people, some of whom told him the bank was
threatened.

Crosi.ex•imined by Sir JAMES SCARLETT—Had six
or seven gvntlernen, and six or seven workmen
stationed in the bank.

The Rev. Dr. Lant Carpenter examined by the AT-
TORNEY -GENERA 1,-Was a Unitarian Minister at Bristol.
Had resith d there since 1817. Was well acquainted with
the Mis,es Vigers, who occupied the house next to the
Mansion- house ; they were orphans, and one of them had
been long confined to her couch. On the Saturday night
witness slept at their house for protection, in case of
danger. On the Sunday morning he did duty at his chapel.
Before the sermon commenced, he received a notice from
the Magistrates to attend at Guildhall. He shortened his

iermon, and then read the notice to the congregation,
and recommended those who might not be on duty
to keep in their houses, and to keep their families within.
He also gave notice that there would be no service in the

evening, in consequence of the disturbed state of
the city. About two o'clock, on his way to the
Misses Vigers, he saw a mob in Clare-street,

coming from the Bridewell, and they then entered
Alarsh-street, in the direction of the gaol ; he hastened to
the Mansion-house to communicate what he had seen to
the Magistrates. He was there toll a Magistrate was in
the house, but although he went into various rooms in the
house, accompanied by a gentleman on duty, be could
find none. A small number of special constables was on
duty there. He learned that Magistrates might be
found either at the Guildhall or at the Council-house,
and the constables ordered him to tell the Magistrates that
they (the constables) were in great difficulty, and did not
know what to do if attacked. On going to the Council-
house he found it closed, and then he went to the Guild-
hall, Which was also closed. However, he found some Ma-
gistrates at the Guildhall-chambers. In the room
`I-

there was a number of gentlemen, one of whom be knew
was a magistrate. He told Mr. Serjeant Ludlow, the
Town Clerk, who was there, that he had seen a mob going
towards the gaol. Mr. Serjeant Ludlow said they knew
the gaol
hoped witness would do what he could to promote the
was going to be attacked. A gentleman said he
peace of the city. Witness told him what he had done
at his chapel to persuade persons to keep their children
and families at home. Witness then stated to Ser-
jeant Ludlow the message from the constables, and
the aerjeant repeated to the gentlemen present what witness

had stated. A reply was made by one of the gentlemen
that two of their number were gone to the gaol, and that
there was not a sufficient number present to form a
quorum if they went to the Mansion-house. Did not see the
Mayor there. Witness was desired to take that message to
the constables at the Mansion-house, which he did. Witness
then went to Miss Vigers' house, but found they had re-
moved. At half-past three o'clock he went again to the
Mansion-house, and was again charged by the special con-
stables with a repetition of the message, but more earnestly.
He then went to the Guildhall chambers and delivered his
message to a Magistrate in the room. The Magistrate re-
plied, "then they must come up here." Witness shortly after
went in the Guildhall to the meeting ; there were
from 150 to 200 persons present. The Mayor presided
at the meeting. The only directions witness heard were
that it might be well to defend the Council-house, and
that there were 200 staves, which gentlemen who would
go there might take. Witness believed it was Serjeant
Ludlow who said that. Witness then went home. In
the course of the night he saw the Bishop's palace on are.
About 11 o'clock that night he called at Mr. Sheriff Lax's
to inform him what was taking place.
Cross.examined by Sir J. SCARLETT—On the Satur-
day evening there did not appear to be any leaders of the
mob.

The Rev. Francis Edgeworth, a Catholic priest at Bris-
tol, stated, that on Sund iy, Oct. 30, he received a notice
to attend the Magistrates. He went to the Guildhall
with his colleague the Rev. Mr. O'Farrell, and saw Dr.
Carpenter there, and four or five Magistrates. He
heard Dr. Carpenter deliver the message from the
constables at the Mansion-house, and Mr. Burgess,
the solicitor to the Corporation, replied that the
Magistrates could not be everywhere, that two
were gone to the gaol, and there were not more
there than were sufficient to form a quorum. Dr. Carpen-
ter appeared disconcerted at that reply, and urged that
the communication he had made of the special constables
being young men, and dispirited at not having the pre-
sence of a Magistrate, was important. Mr. Burgess re-
plied, "We thank you." 'Witness had gone there to
make a communication to the Magistrates, but he did not
make it because it appeared to him from what had passed
that he was too early or too late, and he was also
intim-need in part by the reception that Dr. Carpenter had
received, and also by not seeing the Mayor there. Sometime
after he went to the end of B, idewell lane, where a mob
was in the act of removing the gates; the persons, iu his
view, did not exceed 150, they were not so numerous
even in that narrow place as to have deterred the
witness from psssing, if lie had had occasion. They
were of the poorest class, chiefly under twenty years
old, and very ill conducted. If any constable
had been there, witness thought that a ilcz:fa of
them might have coped with the mob. Witness would
not have been afraid of acting with a dozen, and in a few
seconds they might have cleared the whole place. Witness
afterwards went to Queen-square between 3 and 4 o'clock,
but no riot was then going on. There were persons of the
lowest class ready to seize any opportunity which negligence
might give them. Saw no constables there then. There were
6or 7 of the 3d Dragoons, who appeared quite sufficient
to keep the mob off. About 60r7 he went again into
Queen-square, and there was a large number of persons.
From the conduct of some 20 or 30 of them it appeared to
witness that things were getting worse, and that as they
had already destroyed the furniture of the Mansion-house,
their object was to set the building on fire ; he also saw them
preparing balls that would burn, and also tow and pitch.
This was about half-past 4 o'clock. Saw but one man
acting as a constable ; there were also three or four of the
Dr,goon Guards. The Mansion-house might at this
time have been taken with the greatest ease, as there was
none to prevent it except the Dragoon Guards. Went
home, and returned to the Square again before 8 o'clock.
Witness was accompanied by Mr. O'Farrell. At this time
the persons disposed to attack the Mansion-house were
more numerous ; the mob was endeavouring to remove
the doors of the cellar of the Mansion-house. A large
barrel of liquor was brought out by a man or boy. The Dra-
goon Guards were at this time removed fi om theMansion-
house to the square. Between eight and ten o'clock, a very
inconsiderable force would have prevented this taking
place. Not more than twenty of the mob entered the
cellars. At ten o'clock a much larger number of persons
entered the front of the Mansion-house, and ransacked the
cupboards of the rooms on the ground floor. Saw
them break up the floor with axes. After some hesitation,
a boy about 13 urged them to go up stairs; he proceeded
a few steps, but finding that nobody followed him, he said,
" Why don't you come o❑ ; are you afraid ?" This was
received with a sort of cheer, and the mob followed him
up stairs. Not more than 20 or 30 followed him, and
they were chiefly lads about 16. Witness continued there
about twenty minutes; after this the plunder of the upper
rooms seemed to be the work of only a few minutes,
directly after which the building was in flames. I saw no
attempt to prevent plundering at the Mansion-house, but
only at the house adjoining. The mob did not attempt
to annoy those who were endeavouring to remove their
property. The mob did not seem to witness to he at all
formidable in point of force. After the liquor had been

taken from the Mansion-house the mob increased. The
most formidable proceeding in witness' view was the
breaking up the floor. Went the next morning to the
Guildhall, but could not get admission, but !earned from
the servants that no Magistrates were there ; went to the
Council-house, but there were no Magistrates there.
Shortly afterwards the Mayor and Mr. George
Hillhouse came. Mr. Luneil was also there. Witness
addressed himself to Mr. Lunell, who stated to the Ma-
gistrates that witness had come to make an offer, which
he thought ought to be accepted. The Mayor did not
make any reply. Witness told them he was able to
find 200 steady men who would do all they could to quell
the riots and preserve the peace of the city. Mr. Hill-
house said that witness knew they would drink, adding
they will be almost all Irishmen. Witness then addressed
the Mayor, stating that the persons he would procure
were able and steady men. The Mayor thanked witness,
observing they were going now to organise the Wards.
With that witness left.

Cross-examined by Sir JAMES SCARLETT—The men
were making pitch-balls in a street in Queen-square, in
the presence of about 30 or 40 persons. Thought many
persons would not understand what they were about.--
Witness did not consider it his duty to take them
into custody on his own responsibility, but would
have dune it at the request of the Magistrates. There
were hut few persons at the Mansion-house. About
half-past four there might be 2,000 in Queen-square.
When the Mansion-house was in flames there was a tre-

niendous mob, but witness did not bear shouts of approba.

Con from the persons i❑ the square, but expressions of
detestation and honor at the scecc that was prevented.
Witness then went to the Custom-house, and told
the Governor he expected it would soon be atticked,

and tendered his services to prevent all the mischief that

might ensue. Saw Colonel Brereton come into the square
about 10 o'clock, with about 18 or 20 of the 3d Dragoon
Guards ; he drew thorn up in front of the Mansion-house,
and inquired of the soldiers that had been on duty, how
the Mansion had been set in 'limes. The soldier answered
" how could they help it." The Colonel said, "My lads, don't
are," and riding forward among a large numher of people,
importuned them to leave. Was not in the Cwtoni-house

while it was on fire, and when the mob t ntered.
By the ATTORNEY GENERAL-•-.BefOre Colonel Brereton
came the number of soldiers at the Mansion-house was

not above six or seven.

Henry Bulden examined by the SOLICITOR GENERAL—
I@ a bookseller, residing at Bristol. On Sunday, the 30th
October, attended Bridge-street Chapel, where he beard

a notice read of a meeting of the Magistrates. About
half-past two received a notice similar to that read from

the churchwardens of St. Michaels, to attend a vestry
which was adjourned to the Guildhall. Arrived there about

half-past three in the afternoon. Found some Mavistrates
there, among whom were the 11layor and Alderman Daniel.
When witness first entered, about 100 individuals were

present, which increased afterwards to about 150. Wit-

ness remained there about three-quarters of an hour. No
directions whatever were given in witness's presence
about the disposal of the civil force; n9ither was there

any plan proposed by the Mayor, though repeated appli-

cations were made to him for that purpose. The
Mayor and Magistrates seemed desirous to hear any
plan, hut nothing was determined on. There was
great dissatisfaction expressed by the persons present
at the conduct of the Mayor and Magistrates. There was
no indisposition on the part of the persons present to as-
sist the Magistrates. The greater proportion of the per-
sons present had staves. Witness was a special con-
stable, and attended with his staff. The meeting lasted
yearly three quarters of an hour, and then adjourned to
the Council-house, where several hundreds were present.
None of the Magistrates arrived for half an hour ; nor was
there any communication from them during that period.
Two or three gentlemen then proposed that we should be
divided in the several parishes, in order to organise our-
selves in cas•s of being called upon. Witness did not go
to the Magistrates, but saw some of them some time

witness
afterwards -in the Magistrates' room, where

saw Alderman Abraham Hillhouse and Alderman

Fripps, but did nit see the 111:Yor: No orders
were given. Witness left the Council House and went
into the city; returned there about eight o'clock. A

considerable number of persons were present, but no ma.

gistrates. Left the Council House about nine, in corn•

pally with several other persons. Went to the Bishop's