Thursday 14 June 2012

14th June 1812: William Robert Hay informs the Home Office of the arrest and committal of the 'Manchester 38'

Police Office Manchester 14 June 1812.

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated June 11th and have to state for Lord Sidmouths information that 38 persons are at present here under commitment to Lancaster Castle on a charge of administering an unlawful Oath to a man of the name of Samuel Fleming & of being present at and consenting to the administration of such Oath.

Of these men 37 had met at a public house in this town on Thursday night — there were delegates from different parts of the Country — the proposed purpose of their meeting was to promote a petition and address the peace & parliamentary reform. At this meeting Fleming was twisted in, and, having got away, information was conveyed to the Constable who with the assistance of military at ½ past eleven surrounded the house, and took the whole party into custody. The 38th man was the person who introduced Fleming to be twisted in, but did not remain in the room, but waited down Stairs. The informations I will direct to be forwarded as soon as may be, but they are long, and took the whole of yesterday in preparing. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect,

Your [etc]
William Robert Hay

To
John Beckett Esqr.

This letter can be found at HO 42/124.

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