Ann Hamilton Eyewitness Account

Testified at Lees Inquest. Witnessed the alarm of the crowd and suffered personal injury.

Account

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ANN HAMILTON called in by. Mr. HARMER, sworn, and examined by the CORONER.

Q. Where do you live?
A. With my mother.
Q. Well, what do you know of this business?
A. As I was coming from the meeting I was struck by a man, I believe of the name of…
Q. Stop; do you know any thing concerning the death of John Lees?
A. No, I do not
Q. At what part of the ground were you situated?
A. Near the hustings.
Q. At what distance from them?
A. About a yard.
Q. What time was it?
A. About half-past one.
Q. Did you see Mr. Hunt?
A. Yes; he was then on the stage.
Q. How long did you remain after Mr. Hunt's arrival?
A. I was there about half an hour from that time.
Q. When did you go away?
A. Not till it was ended.
Q. Did you see the wounds of any one?
A. None, but my own.
Q. Where were you, when you were wounded?
A. I got mine close to the Quakers' chapel.
Q. Did you see any one wounded near the hustings?
A. No, I did not.
Q. How far is the Quakers' chapel from the hustings?
A. About one hundred yards.

The WITNESS examined by Mr. HARMER.

Q. Were you very much alarmed?

A. I was.
Q Were the people generally running away in great terror and alarm?
The Coroner—I refuse to take any more of this evidence.
Mr. Harmer—Then, Sir, I presume you will not allow me to prove the great anxiety of the people to get away, and the terror they were in, by calling the keeper of a turnpike-gate, near a mile distant from the ground. This man can, I understand, give evidence, that so great was the affright of many of these poor people, that although they had only to pay a penny each, numbers gave shillings and half-crowns, and ran off without waiting for the change.
The Coroner—Certainly not. What, call a witness who was a mile distant?
Mr. Harmer—I think it legitimate evidence. But as you say you will not receive it, I shall not summon the man to attend here uselessly.

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