The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-08-19 00:00:00

Several ski.
e 72nd Hig

a place between the mobs and

by i mob, consisting of at

rmea with bludgeons, staves,
bars of iron, or anything else calculated to knock a man's
brains out, entering the town, flourishing their weapons, and
giving loud huzzas. The mob proceeded up Deansgate,
Market-street, and through the market, to Hargreaves 's and
other mills, which they immediately stopped, and also Hick's
and other foundries ; and, on their return, again passed
through the Market Place, and into Little Bolton, where
they visited theldifferent mills. No devastation during this
time was done. Several members of the mob entered differ-
ent shops and asked for bread, which was given them ; in

some instances they demanded money from persons of re-

nd was

complied with. The mob presenteci'aiiiost formidable ap-
pearance, and the weapons they carried were of a most deadly
description. The language used by them on many occasions
was exceedingly violent, levelled principally against the police,
which body of men they swore they would murder before they
left the town. On their return from the mills, very many of
the mob were drunk, from the effects of liquor which they had
either begged or demanded. On one occasion, one of the mob,
addressing himself to a person who was looking on, said, " My
man, can you tell us where to get a quart of good ale, and we
will pay for it !" The reply was, " Well, there's a beer-
shop near to ; but I think it's closed in." The reply was,
If they'll let us have it, we'll pay them ; but, if they re-
fuse, by we'll take it, and as much as we like ;—that's
what we're come for—meat and drink—for we are all nigh
clammed [hungered]." Up to the present hour, no out-
break has taken place. The Highlanders and cavalry are
under arms, and stationed before the police-office. The ap-
pearance of affairs now assumes a threatening aspect. The
market is completely deserted, and the shops throughout the
town are closed in. Business is at a complete stand still.
The riot act has been again read. The magistrates have very
judiciously made arrangements for the town to be lighted
to-night. Where the matter will end, no idea can be
formed ; but from the menacing bearing of the mob, a riot
which most likely will be attended with bloodshed, will take
place. The rioters are principally from Bury, Heywood,
Tottington, and surrounding neighbourhood. The town as-
sumed a peaceable appearance on Tuesday, the mobs having
decided upon visiting Wigan, and on their way there they
tore up the rails, used as fences, which they shouldered as
bludgeons. About noon a great party made their appear-
ance in Bolton, from Bury and the neighbourhood, but the
police were directed to prevent their entrance into the town,
and fourteen of the ringleaders were taken into custody, and
eleven committed for trial.

The cavalry made a charge at a number of persons, who
immediately took to their heels up the canal banks, hotly
pursued. They threw down their bludgeons ; and a number
of them, who could not escape by any other means, imme-
diately plunged into the canal, and stood in the centre, for
some time, up to the neck in water. One man got into a pit
connected with Springfield paper mill, and, there being an
abundance of mud, he could n

there wa

:t out a

STOCKPORT, &

On Sunday the rioters assembled in various places in the
neighbourhood of Stockport. On Monday and Tuesday also
meetings were held, but all is peaceable, though every trade
is at a stand, an.4,th!re.does not appear much disposition to
-isturbance of any moment has
kt one of the

Jo furt

rn moonlit
John Writ

t was called upon to or
station had stated the result
Ashton-und
tatinr that

.etr

Out had commenced at Stalybridge, in consequence of Messrs.
Bayley attempting to reduce the wages of their work-people,
he said—l am the originator of this move, and Ido not care
what I suffer, so that the point is carried. We began our
meetings at Ashton ; then at Stalybridge and Dukinfield ;
and, if at the end, the cause is gained, I do not care if I
suffer within the walls of a prison. The manufacturers had
offered a reduction of 25 per cent., but all except Mr. Bayley
a corn-law repealer, withdrew the notice ; and the operatives,
swore by th6k,God of Heaven, that they would annihilate him
(Mr. Bayley) and the system, before they would work at the
wages offered. Here be related his proceedings at Ashton,
Oldham, &c., and continued—lf there be even an honour
attached to a man, I claim the honour for this movement.
All labour is ceased ; and it is spreading like wildfire through
Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire. I have
heard a person say, that you turned out for an advance of
wages ; but, I mean to tell you, you did not. You were com-
pelled to leave work by the people of Ashton ; and, if you go
in again, the people of Ashton will visit you, and will again
make you leave off work, and give you a good hiding too. I
have been instrumental in making you all ladies and gentle-
men, and the day I did it was the proudest I ever had. This

could annihilate them if you thought p
came out, eternal
movement shows to the aristocracy orfepthere.co
yunetarynathwaktayeowu
your power ; and if yon go in as ou
starve if yon lose : ah ! yon had better have s
and winter,
d---n is your desert. The masters ywill cut,
taanidd silaa,sha,alaeneds
you gain your object. During the last summer a
You have felt the pangs of hunger? and, if yOu go in before
this time next year, you will be labouring for six shillings per_
week.—He said he had attended meetings, and addressed
300,000 people since the strike. In referring to the attack
and robbery at the workhouse on the previons Thursday, he
said' the people of Ashton would never have gone in if they
had not been led by others, You have deceived them by
telling them, that all who had been apprehended had been
liberate; whilst some were detained an sent to Chester.
They swear by the God of
they will not stand it. Heaven, that, if they come again
We went to Oldham, and there was
no damage done there. If the masters do not give us the
wages we are contending for, we must and will have some-
thing to eat, wherever it comes fram. As a friend said to
me yesterday, if we turn thieves and get taken into custody,
the soldiers would guard us and cook for us, while we were
being tirtieydou; agned
to this i
work,s would a a eda t
the u p
ptheeopsireomf .
will give you a d-----d good thrashing, and won't
separated.
strain he
t 7—(Yesyes.) And by AshtonM in d catch °n e-
yon
a short time longer, in a similar
thing,
l • ' . --you will have it
yAttfiatn,er
meeting afterwards se
Tuesday three men named Mortimer, Kershaw, and
On concluded, and the
were committed for trial on a charge of rioting, and
speaking
Smith,

esday two others were committed for intimidating
parties with a view to compel them to give up work. On
Wednesday evening another public meeting, at which at least
10,000 persons were present, a person in the meeting gave the

chairman a note. which he read to the meeting, and which
went on to say, it was expected that Mr. Scott, iron founder
would give them one thousand loads of potatoes.

WARRINGTON

on Monday and Tuesday last, a report
y current that the Chartists proposed visiting that
wn ; about noon on the latter day, a great concourse of
seen in the Wigan road, " wending their way"
eretofore peaceable town of Warrington ; the
ately spread among the inhabitants, and most
'ere closed, and, in some instances the words
re written in large characters on the shutters ;
,everal hundreds of Chartists, thieves, and pickpockets, (we
,uppose, our readers will think, the three synonymous,) went
in procession to meet and welcome the supposed Chartists ;
their cheers were loud, long, and enthusiastic ; but the con-
sternation and disappointment of the mob may be imagined,
when, upon a near approach to the supposed Chartists,
they found the company was composed of two companies of
the Riflo:l3ritade, who were coming to be stationed at Wat-
rington, to keep the now chop-fallen rioters in check ; the
dress of the brigade being dark green, and being surrounded
with women and children, and much dust flying about, the
mob did not, until a near approach, recognise them as sol-
diers.

At Warrington

BLACKBURN AND ADJACENT TOWNS.
Church, near Blackburn, Monday Night.
We are now in this part reaping the fruits of the late Whig
government, and also of Tory incaution. On Saturday,
Acrington, Church, and all the adjacent places were besieged
by Chartist mobs; and, having no protection, we were all
obliged to comply with their demands--stopping our ma-
chinery and turning out all our hands. The print works of
Messrs. R. and T. Peel, at Church, were crowded, and I
feared we should sustain some serious injury • but, happily,
they passed away without doing mischief. injury
pockets and
pantries had to suffer. Yesterday, it was reported a meeting
would be held on Bull. Hill, the other side of Darwen from
here, and this morning a desperate attack on Blackburn is
expected to take place. The authorities have been 'very
active in preparations to resist the mob, and I do hope they
may be successful.

We have had visitors this night to observe if we are pre-
paring for starting our engine. The premises of Foxhill
Bank have attracted the mobs attention, and this morning
there is not one factory at work, and it would be folly for us
to attempt any resistance at the present moment. Meetings
have been held in this neighbourhood on Sundays for many
weeks which ought to have been put down. A gentleman,
with a requisition from the magistrates, went to Manchester
yesterday, but they cannot spare any assistance from that
quarter. A mob of from 10 to 15,000 passed along the
Acrington road to Blackburn this morning, and they were
pouring in from all directions, and Blackburn cannot resist
this multitude. Several parties have been seriously injured.

E MILITARY ORDERED TO FIRE-TWO MEN SHOT

(From a Second Edition of the Manchester Times,
published on Tuesday.)

e have just been favoured with the sight of two letters
_
hich we glean the following particu-

from Blackburn, from w

The first letter is dated last evening, and states there had
been a general turning-out of hands there clueing the day.
On coming before Messrs. Livesey and Hodgetts' mill a stout
defence was made, and the crowd was beaten back by the
military, consisting of two companies of the 72d Highlanders.
In the affray Mr. Livesey, jun. was struck in the eye with a
stone, and received a severe laceration.

Soon afterwards the turn-outs returned in great numbers,
and Mr. Livesey thought it prudent to lock up the mill. The
constabulary present, aided by the military, proceeded to
arrest some of the leaders in the attack, and a number of the
prisoners were sent off to gaol under a strong escort of the
soldiers. Some stones were thrown at the military,
when the officer in command remonstrated, and cautioned
the multitude to abstain from acts of violence or the autho-
rities would be compelled to retort violence in self-defence.

..____ .--- ----
The caution was unhappily unheeded : a great many-
in
the crowd hurled stones at the soldiers, and ultimately the
position of the military was one of such peril that the officer
deemed it necessary to give the command to fire. The dis-
charge took effect, and the letter states that two persons fell
tap
dead on the s one being shot through the body. Several
persons taken away wounded, but the entire num-
ber sho then known. The people instantly dis-
persed, a e soldiers succeeded in carrying off their
prisoners. _ _

The second letter, which is dated this morning (Tuesday),
states that, notwithstanding' the melancholy affair of last
night, the turn-outs had again assembled in great force, and
had attempted to turn Mr. Forrest's hands out. They were
met, however, by the military, and prevented, without any
resort to violent measures.

The following additional particulars are from the Blackburn
Standard of Wednesday :

In the course of Monday evening, about ten o'clock the
garrison was reinforced by the arrival of a half-troop of the
Lancashire Yeomanry Cavalry, under the command of Alex-
mder Halliburton, Esq., lieutenant. This detachment of

the Lancashire Yeomanry is a portion of the Wigan troop.
Shortly after the arrival of the cavalry, the prisoners were
removed from the barrack-yard to the Assembly Room of
Watson's Hotel, under a strong guard of military, with fixed
bayonets, and police armed with cutlasses. The prisoners
were handcuffed in pairs, and seemed grestly crest-fallen.
The prisoners were forty in number, accompanied by six
prisoners arrested on other charges.

Yesterday morning several of the mills—the hands of which
had turned out the previous day—resumed work, at least
with as many hands as could be induced to go in. The shops
throughout the town were again opened, and the shutters
taken off. This state of things, however, did not long con-
tinue, the mob having again approached the town. We should
have said, that early yesterday morning, a riotous mob visited
the mill of Messrs. Lund, at Wensley Fold, about half a
mile from the town. The hands were here compelled to
leave off work.

The same mob then proceeded in.the direction of the Dar-
wens.; and, having turned out all the hands in that place,
again returned to Blackburn. On their return, they pro-
ceeded to attack again the mill of Messrs. Hopwood and
Son, in Nova Scotia, from which they were repulsed, after a
vigorous resistance, by some of the hands, under the direc-
tion of one of the proprietors. Several shots were fired out
of the windows, and we understand that one woman was
slightly wounded ; and we feel certain that others of the
crowd must have also sustained injury. The mob were suc-
cessfully kept back by the courage of the inmates of the mill,
until a strong detatchment of military arrived, when they
were dispersed, and a number of prisoners taken, who were
soon after removed, under a formidable escort of military, to
the barrack-yard.
A report now (about one o'clock) reached town, that a
large body of rioters was advancing upon the town by the
Burnley road. A party of military was despatched to meet
them, and keep them from entering Blackburn. This, how-
ever, proved to be a false alarm, and probably was given out
by design ; for the detachment sent out to meet the Burnley
men were met by a troop of the 11th Hussars, who had been
ordered to march to Blackburn with all expedition to rein-
force the garrison. They reported, that the road between
Burnley and Blackburn was entirely clear.
The troops, however, had scarcely reached the town, when
intelligence arrived that a formidable force of the rioters,
armed with bludgeons, was marching in by the road from
Accrington and Enfield. The cavalry, infantry, and police,
immediately proceeded to prevent this body from coming
into the town ; and, having met them at Further Gate, com-
pletely routed them, making a great many prisoners. On
the soldiers making their appearance, the mob fled in all
directions, taking to the fields. They were hotly pursued by
the cavalry, and many of them ridden down, and knocked
over with the backs of the sabres. We are informed that a
few were slightly cut. A number of prisoners were here
taken by the cavalry, and the infantry having formed a
hollow square, they were safely lodged inside, and afterwards
escorted into the town, where they are now in safe keeping.
The prisoners apprehended on Monday were brought up
before the magistrates yesterday, and remanded for further
examination till the conclusion of the riots. They were sent
for greater security to Preston yesterday, under a strong
escort of cavalry and infantry, and conveyed in carriages.
The escort bad a most imposing appearance on leaving the

We have just received information, that the number of
prisoners taken yesterday was 80.

The persons composing the turn-out mob were principally
from the neighbouring towns of Bury, Padiham, Accrington,
Burnley, liaslingden, and_that district.

While we write,Tuesday evening, the town is tranquil ;
but still an ominous gloom broods over the place. With the
exception of a few mills, work has been completely arrested,
the hands being unwilling or afraid to .return to their em-
ployment.

The following particulars of the affair at the mill of Messrs.
Robert Hopwood and Son will be found interesting. Before
the arrival of the mob, thd "hien inside had armed themselves
with nine guns and six pistols, and stationed themselves be-
hind the factory gate; together with a body of special con-
stables, armed with " picking-sticks" (a wooden lever in
the power-loom, to pass the shuttle from one side to the
other,—about half a ytird or three-quarters in length, and
not unlike a constable's truncheon). This force in all did
not number 40 men. When the mob came up, most of the
hands had been turned out ; hpt the rioters, seeing some four
or five women in the upper windows, who were too frightened
to go away, and yet not discreet enough to keep out of sight,
insisted that they should all be turned out. This was done;
but the demand of the rioters to have the gates opened., that
they might come and see if any more remained inside, and
also to pull the plugs out of the boilers, was of course refused.
The mob then began throwing stones at the windows, and
three of them biought a cart and dashed it against the gates,
as a battering ram, but did not succeed in forcing them
open. The force within the gates then made a sortie, and
fired ; the shot wounding numbers of the rioters in the legs
and thighs. This caused the mob to disperse for the mo
- -d gave time to the hands to reload their vie(
resum"

the attack ; taking care to throw
Nies from behind shelter. Again the hands rushed out,
and succeeded,-with the aid of the special constables, in
driving the rioters from their hiding places, and forcing
them to retreat from the neighbourhood. So quiet was the
place immediately afterwards, that, when the military (who
had been sent for) arrived, they were about to turn back,
supposing there had been no disturbance there: As the
pieces were loaded with small shot only, the great bulk of
the rioters, after the first discharge, appeared to rally a little,
believing it to be only powder; but, shortly afterwards, peo-
ple were seen running, or rather limping, away in various
directions, and then the mob soon dispersed. The hands,
in one of their sorties, took one man prisoner. None of the
hands or special constables were so seriously hurt as to be
disabled.

CHURCH NEAR BLACKBURN.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT.---We have sworn in 1,000 special
constables, and the inhabitants are now relieved from the
terror into which they were plunged by the appearance of
such a lawless mob. We are upon the whole quiet to-day.
Messrs. R. and T. Peel have begun work again, and to-mor-
row I expect they will commence in right earnest. The
Broad Oak Print Works (Messrs. Hargreaves) are at work,
and they expect to start their factory on Friday. The town
of Blackburn is still quiet, and we now don't expect to be
visited by these wanderers for some time to come. About
three o'clock on Tuesday the mob arrived from Burnley at
Further Gate, (about a mile and a quarter from Black-
burn,) to the number of several thousands, and the military
were stationed there to prevent their entering the town. The
mob would not disperse, on being required to do so ; and at
length the troops (dragoons and hussars) were ordered to
charge,hreecrae
and in five minutes the mob was scattered in all
and eighty of the rioters were captured, forty of
directions, and
sent off to Preston House of Correction the same
evening, and the other forty would be sent to-day. The mill
of Messrs.
Fieldens and Townley was not stopped except
whom
during the short time that it was surrounded by themob.

PRESTON.
Our account from this town was brought down to a late
period on Monday night, and we now resume our narrative
of the occurrences, as communicated in the various letters
of our correspondents:—

INQUEST ON THE BODIES OF TWO RIOTERS SHOT By

THE MILITARY

PRESTON, WEDNESDAY.—An inquest was held yesterday
forenoon, at eleven o'clock, in the house of Correction, be-
fore R. Palmer, Esq., coroner, and a jury of fifteen respec.
table individuals, to inquire into the circumstances by Which
two of the rioters, named Bernard M`Namara and George
Sowerbutts, met with their death. The examinations lasted
several hours, and much interest seemed to be taken in the
inquiry, for on the bench we observed several of the magi-

of the borough of Preston, and county magistrates
resident in the neighbourhood. The evidence of Captain
Woodford, of the county constabulary, related mostly to the
and we subjoin it at length, though our space
led report of that of the other wit-

will only admit of

nesses

The jury viewed the bodies of the deceased at the House
of Recovery, to which place they had been removed since
death.. On their return the examination of witnesses was

proceeded with

muel Eastwood, stated, that on
about 150 in number, chiefly
_
composed of lads, went to Messrs. Paley's factory, and in-

A mechanic, nam
Friday

person,

sisted on the hands being 'turned out. They shouted, and
made a great noise. In the evening a much larger body en-
tered the dandy-shop of the factory, bursting their way by
force through the watchhouse, having overpowered the
watchman. They then searched the mill, to see if there
were any hands at work. After this some of them seized
the watchman, and were attempting violence on him, when
he was rescued by the bookkeeper. On Saturday morning,
Sowerbutts the deceased headed a mob of 500 or 600 persons,
who forced their way into the factory-yard about 8 o'clock.
Some of them began pulling out the -fires from under the
boilers, whilst others rang the bell, and kicked two of the
watchmen severely. The deceased Sowerbutts was in the
yard, armed with a cricket-bat in one hand, and a large
clinker in the other. Soon after this, witness heard some
firing in the street, and saw Sowerbutts coming from towards
the Corn Exchange, leaning on the arm of a boy. He was
bleeding from the side a little above the right pocket. A
few minutes before this, witness had seen the mob pelting
the military with stones. The deceased was a weaver, and
is 19 years old.

John W almsley an overlooker at Messrs. Paley's corrobo-
rated the evidence of the last witness, adding that he saw
Sowerbutts engaged in pulling out the Are from under one of
the boilers.

John Wilkinson, a lad 17 years of age was next examined.
He merely deposed to finding the deceased in the street, and
at his request conducting him home.
Elias Gregion a warper at Messrs. Paley's, gave similar
testimony to that of the two first Witnesses. He also added
that he should think 40 persons were engaged throwing stones
at the military and police. The stones thrown, were large
paving stones. Sowerbutts was one of those who threw
stones. He was about throwing & second stone when the
military fired the ball.
__

Joseph Dearden, beadle, was then examined at great
length. He described the proceeding of the mob on Friday
and Saturday, in effect, the same as has already appeared.
He saw a stone deliberately aimed at Mr. Bannister, super-
intendent of the Borough police, which passed him and
struck one of the county constabulary. A stone was also
thrown at Mr. S. Horrocks, the mayor, which struch him
on the leg and wuunded him. A number of boys were
carrying stones in their caps for the mob, and a woman had
an apron full which she supplied to the mob. The witness
said, he considered the military quite justified in firing in
their own defence. Had not done so, they would in his
opinion, have been greatly injured.
Inspector Rigby, of the Borough police, gave similar
.•

testimony.
John Woodford, chief constable of the county constabulary
force, sworn, says—l saw the mayor and magistrates of
Preston on Saturday morninglast. I accompanied them and
the military, (a detachment of the 72d Highlanders) together
with a body of the borough police, to the mob. The mili-
tary were commanded by Captain Davis, who is a brevet-
major in the army. There were about thirty-two soldiers
at that time, but they were afterwards joined by others. We
went down Fishergate, towards Lime-street. When oppo-
site the Shelley Arms, we perceived the mob issuing out of
Lime-street. They endeavoured to excite the military by
shouting, and divided into two bodies, each body taking a
side of the street. The military were marching in the centre
of the street, and presented a narrow front, marching in
fours. As it appeared the object of the mob to enclose the_
military, a momentary halt was made, and orders given by
the officer in command for a new formation, by which the
whole breadth of the street was occupied, and the people
prevented from passing. Our body advanced until opposite
Winckley-street and Chapel-walks, which face each other.
A considerable number of the mob had fallen into both these
streets, which are right and left of Fishergate. A halt was
made, and the constables cleared the two streets. The order
was then given to advance again, and the party wheeled
down Lime-street, the mob retiring before them. Previous
to that time stones were thrown. I advanced, when the
halt was made in Fishergate, among the crowd, recommend-
ing them to retire, and pointing out the impropriety
of their conduct. I saw a young man raise his hand
high above his head, signalising to those who were
behind him, and went up to him, telling him he could
not be permitted to make signals under such circumstances.
He persevered, and I put out my hand to take him by the
collar, but missed him. I was instantly struck down, and
whilst down I was kicked on the side. I soon recovered
myself, and retired to my party. It was at that time the ad-
vance was made to Lime-street. On reaching the Corn Ex-
change some of the mob turned off towards the canal, and
others towards Friargate. There were many stones thrown
at this rime, and several of my men and the soldiers were
hit. The constables repeatedly turned on the mob and
drove them to a distance, but they always returned with
fresh supplies of stones. The whole party, military and
police, at length returned into Lime-street, and on arriving
opposite the Saving's Bank, halted and faced the mob. They
remained in that position not less than a quarter of an hour,
during which time they were furiously pelted. The Mayor
expressed his determination to read the Riot Act, about
which time it was discovered that a number of the mob had
got into Fishergate, and in the rear of the troops—hemming
them in. Before reading the Riot Act it was suggested by
the Mayor that his intention should be made known to the
mob. I then advanced towards the mob, within a distance
thet I could be distinctly heard, and called out to them that
the Riot Act was about to be read, on which I heard a voice
exclaim, " Read, and ,be d—d !" During this, I was
pelted with stones. The Riot Act was then read. Whilst
the Mayor was reading it, I observed a small stone coming
in a direction which appeared likely to hit the mayor.
At that instant a card, on which the riot act was printed,
fell from the mayor's hand, and our impression was, that it
was struck from his hand by the stone. He picked it up,
and continued reading. 1 have seen the mayor's hand since.
and there is a small wound on it. It was again suggested
that the people should be informed of the riot act having
been read,,on which I advanced as near as possible to them,
and in a voice as loud as I could speak, told them the riot
act had been read. At this time I was pelted more fiercely
than before, and was struck in three places by stones, one of
which hit me on the right groin, producing much pain.
Stones were flying about in all directions, and several of the
soldiers were hit : one was struck on the arm, and com-
pletely paralyzed by the blow. Several minutes elapsed,
during which all our party were under showers of stones.
The troops were also assailed in the rear in the same man-
ner, on which one sub-division faced about. The mayor now
directed the military to fire, and the officer in command
*in giving orders, directed only the front division which faced
the mob to fire. About 24 shots in all were fired—not all of
which were fired in a volley—as the soldiers were shoot-
ing in files. I saw several people fall, but particu-
larly remarked towards the end of the firing, one man;
apparently of very powerful make, who was throwing the hea-
viest stones he could get at the military and the magistrates.
He was at length hit down, and only two or three shots more
were fired. When the firing had ceased, the magistrates,
military, and police, retreated towards Fishergate—the sub-
division, which faced the mob, retreating backwards, and
took up a position in Fishergate, commanding Lime-street.
I then left them and went to make my report of the circum-
stance. Having done. so, I re-joined the party at the Bull
Inn. The mob threw no more stones after the firing. I
thought the firing was quite necessary when it took place.
All the warning that possibly could be given, was given to
the mob before the order was given to fire.
Mr. Dixon, surgeon, attended the deceased. He died on
Sunday evening at nine o'clock, from a wound in the chest,
a ball having passed through his body.
There was no evidence to show that Barnard M'Namara
had taken any part in the riot. He was a shipper in the em-
ploy. of Messrs. Oxendale, and 17 years old. He died on
Monday about half-past one, from a wound in the belly.
The deceased said he was standing looking at the mob, near
the Corn Exchange, when he received the wound.
The coroner then explained to the jury, the law applying
to the case under consideration, telling them, it was quite
evident that the act of firing was one of necessity, and their
verdict, therefore, ought to be justifiable homicide.
The jury without hesitation returned a verdict of " Justi-
fiable homicide" in both cases.
The town is at present tranquil, but the military were still
in readiness, in case of need. Part of the Yeomanry, yes-
terday, left this town for Blackburn.
As a verdict of " justifiable homicide" is not a very com-
mon occurrence, we subjoin the terms of the verdict returned
by the coroner's jury who sat on the irdips or the men shot
by the military at Preston, on Saturdnfeast
Verdict given by the jury in op, urt, in the County
Hall, Preston, the 16th August, L...., on an Inquisition
taken before Richard Palmer, Esq., Coroner, on view of the
body of George Sowerbutts.—The jurors, on their oaths,
present and say, that, on Friday the 12th tday of August, in
the year aforesaid, and also on Saturday the thirteenth day
of August, in the same year, at the township of Preston
aforesaid, in the county aforesaid, the said George Sowerbutts,
and divers other persons, to the number of 100 and upwards,
unlawfully, tumultuously, and riotously did assemble and
gather together in disturbance of the Queen's peace, for the
purpose of preventing, by force, the persons employed in
divers cotton mills, from working in the said mills ; and that
the said persons were so assembled and gathered together on
the morning of Saturday the 13th day of August, in the year
aforesaid, at Lune-street, within Preston aforesaid, when
and where Samuel Horrocks, Esq., Mayor of the borough of
Preston, in the said county, and one of her Majesty's justices
of the peace in and for the said borough of Preston, came, in
the execution of his duty, with certain policemen and
soldiers to disperse the said unlawful assembly, and required
the said offenders to disperse themselves, which they refused
to do, but proceeded with great violence to assault the per-
sons who had so come to disperse them, and knocked down
John Woodford, chief constable of the county of Lancaster,
being one of such policemen, and in the execution of his duty;
and bruised and beat others of such policemen and soldiers ; '
whereupon the said Samuel Horrocks began to make the
proclamation directed by the statute in such case made and
provided, commanding the said offenders to disperse them-
selves; during the making of which proclamation, the said
offenders threw stones or other missiles at the said mayor,
and wounded him in the discharge of his duty ; notwith-
standing which, the said mayor twice over made and repeated
the said proclamation, but the said offenders disregarding the
same, and continuing their violence, and throwing stones at
the said mayor, policemen, and soldiers, the said soldiers, in
defence of themselves and of the said mayor and policemen,
justifiably and necessarily fired upon the said offenders with
musketry, and by such firing then and there gave to the said
George Sowerbutts, being one of such offenders, one mortal
wound, inflicted by a musket bullet in and upon the right
side, opposite the seventh rib of him the said George Sower-
butts; of which mortal wound the said George Sowerbutts,
at Preston aforesaid, languished, and languishingly did live
from the said Saturday the said 13th day of August, until
Sunday the 14th day of August, in the same year, on which
last mentioned day the said George Sowerbutts there, died of
the mortal wound aforesaid, occasioned as aforesaid. '
WEDNESDAY.—AII the mills are at work; and though the
streets have been crowded with idlers and strangers, no at-
tempt has been made to interfere with the workmen. It was
rumoured that a large body of men from Bolton, Chorley,
and other places were approaching the town armed with
bludgeons, spades, pikes, and other formidable weapons.
Preparations were made to receive them. They stopped all
the mills on the road until they arrived at Eccles' old mill,
at Walton-brow, about two miles from Preston. Here they
met with some resistance, but eventually they broke down
the gates, forced their way into the mill, and not only turned
out the men, but committed great depredation in the mill.
They then proceeded towards Preston, and in Walton met
the force sent to resist them, when the rioters fled in all
directions as fast as their legs could carry them. Some of
the mills were stopped at Lancaster on Tuesday by an assem-
blage composed principally of the hands of one of the mills,
and from the temper of the hands it was expected they would
all be standing to-day.

ASHTON, STALYBRIDGE, 'MIDDLETON, &c.
On Wednesday week the workmen at Middleton were
visited by the mobs, and strongly urged to desist working,
but they were very unwilling to do so, and on Thursday
morning, as early as seven o'clock in the morning, a man
named Hilton, known in Middleton as " the chartist bell-
man," went round the town springing a watchman's rattle,
after which he made a vociferous announcement to the fol-
lowing effect :—" This is to give notice, that all the weavers
must give over working : and those that don't must have
their pieces cut across." A woman, too, the wife of a trans-
ported thief, rushed about the streets, in a complete fury of

blind rage, exclaiming, " them ; pull them out ; make
them stop work." These proceedings, together with the
fact of Ward and a number of the less steady of the Middle-
ton weavers setting out on Thursday for White Moss, served
to overawe the silk weavers generally. However, we believe
a number of them continued at their work till the afternoon,
when a mob entered the town from Oldham and other places,
and compelled the workmen of all descriptions in Middleton
to cease working. Several meetings were held on Saturday
and Sunday, but the people were totally indifferent to the
subject, and there is no doubt if they had a civil force ade-
quate to protect them they would at once resume work.
Several meetings have been held at Ashton for the pur-
pose of sending delegates to Manchester. The distress at
Ashton is very great. At the time of the turn-out, many
employers, in the hope that a better state of things was dawn-
ing upon the mercantile world, had given up working short
time, and placed their hands upon nearly full time. They
had only worked one week when they were turned out of the
mills. They are now without any visible means of subsist-
ence, and are compelled to beg from door to door. But here
relief is denied them ; for it would be quite out of the power
of the shopkeepers and inhabitants to relieve one tithe of the
applicants. Some few persons have made soup for gratuitous
distribution. As is usual when alms are indiscriminately
given, the soup was given to unworthy objects, who threw it
away, and abused their benefactors. Nearlyall business is
suspended. The dealers in - provisions have small or no
stocks on hand, rightly judging that they will be the first
sufferers in case of plunder being resorted to. Peace and
order cannot last long under such a state of things. The Rev.
J.R. Stephens visited Hyde on Saturday. This personage has
a meeting room—some people call it a chapel—at Hyde,
which he attends with greatest punctuality, every quarterly
Sunday, when there is a collection. Snnday last, we are in-
formed, was his 'quarter • —ly. Therefore, he went to
Hyde on Saturday. The of hirival was soon
buzzed about the place, and the rev. gentleman soon found
out that he had got into bad odour amongst the Hyde folks.
Dinner had been provided at an inn for him .d two gentle-
men of the press, who had been iadiscre trough to be in
his company. A party of people foun out, and gave
such undoubted proofs of their inclination to cudgel the rev.
gentleman, that the whole party thought it best to make a
rapid retreat, without dinner. We presume Mr. Stephens
did not preach at Hyde on Sunday. The towns of Hyde and
Ashton are quiet, though thronged with people.