Edmund Newton Eyewitness Account

• Place: Middleton,Rochdale
• Role: Spectator
• Occupation: Weaver

Attended SPF but did not join procession.

Account

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Edmund Newton, examined by Bamford—Resided at Mills Hill. Was a cotton weaver. Left his stick behind (having first taken it out with him), on the morning of the 16th, because it had been desired on the preceding day that none of those going to the meeting should take sticks, or any description of weapon with them. Did not know of any being taken, or of any intention to take any weapon. He had set out with his stick, in the first instance, to assist him on the way.

Cross-examined by Sergeant Hullock. — Had heard from his brother that sticks were not to be taken, but witness and three persons had set out with sticks which they left behind at the first neighbour's house. Could not say who had desired that sticks should not be taken. He never attended any drill meetings. Had seen people together, but did not know what they were doing. Had seen them marching at Tong. Could not say within a week or a fortnight. There were not a hundred men present. There were twenty. Did not see whether or not they were in companies. Could nor swear who commanded them. He was never in a marching division. Had heard of the meeting called for the 16th from its being advertised in the Observer. Had been at a former Meeting at Manchester and heard Mr. Hunt speak, Heard Bamford on the 16^th, advise the people, to go peaceably and quietly. Had no apprehension of danger. Women and children were up and down where he was.

By Mr. Bamford. The sticks left behind on the way were common walking sticks.

By the Judge. —Did not walk in the procession; went to hear what there was to say; did not expect that any of the people who went from Middleton would behave in riotous manner; could form no idea of the number of women and children; saw nothing in the advance at all calculated to create alarm.

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