JRL English MS. 1197. 39. Letter from Henry Hunt, Manchester, 31 August 1819, copied by W. R. Hay
Transcribed by Martin Gittins
Extract of a letter from Mr. Hunt to a friend in town.
Observer 6 Sept 1819
Smedley Cottage, Manchester
Tuesday morning
[i.e. 31 August 1819 WRH]
I really had not a moment’s time to write yesterday till it was too late for the post; but as I wrote from Bolton on Sunday you must, I trust, have been relived from all anxiety about my freedom again, or at least, about my having been released from incarceration. When I wrote from Bolton I was surrounded by vast number pressing to see me + congratulate me. I slept very comfortably at the inn in the Market Place; but when I awakened at 7 o’clock, and looked out of the window, the space was filled by 10,000 persons, all as still as death, they having been informed that I had gone to bed fatigued & everyone fearing to disturb me, they waited in silent anxiety to hear how I was when I should get up. After breakfast we were visited by many respectable gentlemen of the Town. I called for the Bill, and ordered a chaise for Manchester; the waiter informed me that the bill was paid, the chaise already provided.
Multitudes having colours in their hats, mostly white, of ‘Hunt And Liberty’ would not suffer the horses to be put in the carriage, but actually drew us all to Manchester, 12 miles, altho’ it rained in torrents. Nothing could equal the reception I met with as they drew me through the town, accompanied to this door by at least 20,000 people. Sir Charles Wolseley, who had not ceased one moment in his best exertions, together with Mr. Pearson, accompanied by Mr. Johnson, who came five miles to meet us, were also drawn in their gig by the people. I have commenced an action for damages against the cowardly General, and two others, for violent assault on me after I was in custody. Indictment will be preferred likewise against all those who have been prominent in committing murder etc. We either go this afternoon or tomorrow to Lancaster to attend the Assizes. I do not believe even the Lancashire Grand Jury will find a Bill against us for a misdemeanor, but if they do, we shall traverse it to the next Assizes. I suppose we shall not get back here till Monday the 6th or 7th. I am perfectly well, tho’ a little fatigued; but one week’s staying at Middleton Cottage will make me quite fresh again.
Ever Yours
H.Hunt
Transcribed by Martin Gittins
Extract of a letter from Mr. Hunt to a friend in town.
Observer 6 Sept 1819
Smedley Cottage, Manchester
Tuesday morning
[i.e. 31 August 1819 WRH]
I really had not a moment’s time to write yesterday till it was too late for the post; but as I wrote from Bolton on Sunday you must, I trust, have been relived from all anxiety about my freedom again, or at least, about my having been released from incarceration. When I wrote from Bolton I was surrounded by vast number pressing to see me + congratulate me. I slept very comfortably at the inn in the Market Place; but when I awakened at 7 o’clock, and looked out of the window, the space was filled by 10,000 persons, all as still as death, they having been informed that I had gone to bed fatigued & everyone fearing to disturb me, they waited in silent anxiety to hear how I was when I should get up. After breakfast we were visited by many respectable gentlemen of the Town. I called for the Bill, and ordered a chaise for Manchester; the waiter informed me that the bill was paid, the chaise already provided.
Multitudes having colours in their hats, mostly white, of ‘Hunt And Liberty’ would not suffer the horses to be put in the carriage, but actually drew us all to Manchester, 12 miles, altho’ it rained in torrents. Nothing could equal the reception I met with as they drew me through the town, accompanied to this door by at least 20,000 people. Sir Charles Wolseley, who had not ceased one moment in his best exertions, together with Mr. Pearson, accompanied by Mr. Johnson, who came five miles to meet us, were also drawn in their gig by the people. I have commenced an action for damages against the cowardly General, and two others, for violent assault on me after I was in custody. Indictment will be preferred likewise against all those who have been prominent in committing murder etc. We either go this afternoon or tomorrow to Lancaster to attend the Assizes. I do not believe even the Lancashire Grand Jury will find a Bill against us for a misdemeanor, but if they do, we shall traverse it to the next Assizes. I suppose we shall not get back here till Monday the 6th or 7th. I am perfectly well, tho’ a little fatigued; but one week’s staying at Middleton Cottage will make me quite fresh again.
Ever Yours
H.Hunt