HO 42/192 f. 224-5. Revd C. W. Ethelston JP to Sidmouth, Manchester, 16 August 1819.
Transcribed by PETER CASTREE
My Lord
I have the honor to inform your Lordship that Hunt is at this moment a Prisoner in the New Bailey with Saxton Moorhouse & the rest of the Reformists who harangu’d from the Hustings to an immense Multitude assembled in St Peter’s Field at 12 o’Clock this day. Nothing, I think, could be more complete than the manner in which the business has been accomplished. The special Constables aided by the Manchester & Salford Yeomanry Corps made the first dash at the Hustings. The Military then came up and completed the rout of the rebel Crew.
There were not less upon the most moderate Computation than 30,000 people on the Field. Some accounts state the numbers much higher. I am sorry to inform your Lordship this Victory has not been obtained without bloodshed - several lives have been lost and numbers severely wounded. But your Lordship will of course have most circumstantial accounts from authentic Sources. Two rioters have just been shot by the 15th Hussars. The Town is in great confusion and alarm.
I have the honor to be
My Lord
Your Lordship’s
Most devoted Servant
C W Ethelston
Longsight, August 16th
10 o'clock PM
Transcribed by PETER CASTREE
My Lord
I have the honor to inform your Lordship that Hunt is at this moment a Prisoner in the New Bailey with Saxton Moorhouse & the rest of the Reformists who harangu’d from the Hustings to an immense Multitude assembled in St Peter’s Field at 12 o’Clock this day. Nothing, I think, could be more complete than the manner in which the business has been accomplished. The special Constables aided by the Manchester & Salford Yeomanry Corps made the first dash at the Hustings. The Military then came up and completed the rout of the rebel Crew.
There were not less upon the most moderate Computation than 30,000 people on the Field. Some accounts state the numbers much higher. I am sorry to inform your Lordship this Victory has not been obtained without bloodshed - several lives have been lost and numbers severely wounded. But your Lordship will of course have most circumstantial accounts from authentic Sources. Two rioters have just been shot by the 15th Hussars. The Town is in great confusion and alarm.
I have the honor to be
My Lord
Your Lordship’s
Most devoted Servant
C W Ethelston
Longsight, August 16th
10 o'clock PM
