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

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-

strates 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
encounter, and we subjoin it at length, though our space
will only admit of a curtailed report of that of the other wit-
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.

A mechanic, named Samuel Eastwood, stated, that on
Friday a body of persons. about 150 in number, chiefly
composed of lads, went to Messrs. Paley's factory, and in-
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 NV 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 fire 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 Gregson 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 a 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 wounded him. A number of boys were
carrying stones in their caps for the mob, and a woman ba,i
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 they 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 maosistrateS ofPreston on Saturday morning last. 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 time, 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
th.v the peel& should be informed of the riot act having
been read, on which I advanced as near as possioie 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 eere 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 diiision 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 may 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'lsramara
bad 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 tiring 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 bodies of the men shot
by the military at Preston, on Saturday last :
" Verdict giv bthe rin open court, in the i"ounty
Hall, Preston, hey 6th Arcgust , 18
Coroner
on an Inquisition
taken before Richard Palmer, Esq.,
oner, on view of the
body of George Sowerbutts.--The Jurors, on their oaths,
present and say, that, on. Friday the 12th day of August, isn
the year aforesaid, and also on Saturday theYthirotr I,pitle. day
of August, in the same year, at the township tou
aforesaid, in the county aforesaid, the said Sowerbutts,George re*
and divers other persons, to the number of 100 and upwalg
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 is
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, wheys
and where Samuel Horrocks, Esq., Mayor of the borough off
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 tiring 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 lire:
from the said Saturday the said 13th day of August, untill
Sunday the 14th day of August, in the same year, on which,
last mentioned day the said George Sowerbutts there died off
the mortal wound aforesaid, occasioned as aforesaid."
WEDNESDAY.—AII the mills are at work; and though tbs.
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 frqm Bolton, Chorley,.
.
and other places were approaching the town armed withi
bludgeons, spades, pikes, and other formidable weapons.
Preparations were made to receive them• They stopped alit
the mills on the road until they arrived at Estonccles'ere t old mill,.
Pre. H
at Walton-brow, about two miles from
met with some resistance, but eventually they broke down,y
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 or
the mills were stopped at Lancaster on Tuesday by an assern...
binge 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.
_ _ •

blind rage, exclaiming, " D— 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. Nearly all bnsiness 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. Sunday last, we are in-
formed, was his quarterly Sunday. Therefore, he went to
Hyde on Saturday. The news of his arrival 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 and two gentle-
men of the press, who had been indiscreet enough to be in
his company. A party of people found them 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.
ROCHDALE.
The mob that left Rochdale at six o'clock on Friday
morning, returned at dusk in the evening, after having
visited Whitworth, Facit, Bacup, and Todmorden. They
turned the hands out of every factory as they passed along,
many of whom accompanied them in their route. Girls, hot
more than twelve or fourteen years of age, wearing heavy
clogs, went along with this party, a distance of at least 21
miles, without the least refreshment. It was distressing to
see them come down Yorkshire-street, haggard, tired, and
lame, after having walked from Rochdale to Bacup, from
Bacup to Todmorden, and from Todmorden to Rochdale.
They stated, on their return, that they found the magis-
trates of Todmorden offering Mr. Fielden the assistance of
the military to protect his factory; but Mr. Fielden refused
their kindness, and told them, his mills would be quite safe
in the hands of the ,mob. About five o'clock, on Friday
night, some men sent the blue band from Small Bridge into
the streets; but so determined were the turn-outs to keep
the peace, that no disturbance occurred from it. At eight
o'clock, there was another meeting on Cronkeyshaw, when the
usual speakers addressed the meeting, which separated in
peace. On Sunday three camp meetings were held, and
whilst one of the speakers was addressing the multitude a
respectable-lookino• woman, nearly 60 years of age, dressed
as a methodist, or one of the society of friends, was handed
intolhe waggon. She sat down, put on her spectacles, and
began to peruse a small Testament which she held in her
hand. When Wood had concluded, she rose up, pulled off
her bonnet, and read from St. Luke's gospel the parable of
the great supper—" But when thou makest a feast (Luke
xiv. 13), call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and
thou shalt be blessed ; for they cannot recompense thee."
After commenting on this text, she informed the meeting she
was a native of Oldham, and had seen the person, who had
fired the blunderbuss from the factory at Oldham upon the
people, fetch garbage from her swill tub to satisfy the
cravings of hunger. She concluded by strenuously exhort-
ing the multitude to stand firm like the Israelites of
old. and drive Pharaoh and his host into the red sea.
Several other parties then spoke. On Monday morning, the
usual meeting of the turn-outs was held on Cronkeyshaw ;
and they assembled again in great numbers at seven o'clock
in the e‘ening, when, some one calling out " soldiers," a
general rout took place. Hats, bonnets, and clogs were left
upon the ground. Ile speakers, finding themselves deserted,
said the people were unworthy of the charter, and quitted
the ground. Others say, the meeting took the alarm at see-
ing, at a distance, two women, with red handkerchiefs on
their heads, coming up Whitworth-road. At any rate, there
is now an end of meetings ; and it is supposed the mills will
soon resume work. A troop of the 12th Hussars arrived
here at half-past nine o'clock this morning. A number of
people went up to the usual place of meeting this morning ;
but the speakers had deserted them. All is quiet, and likely
to continue so.