George L’Estrange Eyewitness Account

• Place: Manchester
• Role: Military
• Occupation: Colonel

16/8/1819 8pm Letter from L’Estrange to General John Byng re events of the day. No shots fired by military though some by the Populace against the Troops. Some people have suffered sabre wounds and from the pressure of the crowds.

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HO42/192 f. 339. George L’Estrange, Lt Col. 31^st Regiment, Manchester, to Magor-General John Byng, 16 Aug 1819 8 pm.

 

Manchester Augt. 16^th, 1819; Eight P.M.

 

Sir,

The Magistrates assembled here in consequence of the disturbed state of this District, directed me to have the Troops in readiness to assist the Civil Power in case of Necessity, at the time of the meeting proposed for this day.

In concurrence with their wishes and after consultation with them, the military were prepared, and arrangements made such as then seemed calculated to meet any occasion, in which the aid of the Troops might be required, to assist the Civil Power. The Magistrates were in attention near St Peter’s Church, and Mr [‘Trafford’ rubbed out] Justice of the Peace for the Counties of Chester and Lancaster, was appointed to remain with the Cavalry. Early in the afternoon the Civil Power finding it necessary that the Troops should act in aid of them, it was deemed expedient that the Cavalry should advance, and a warrant was executed, preceeded by the Civil Authority, under which Two Persons, Hunt & Johnson, named wherein were arrested, as were also two other persons, named Saxton & Sykes, who were active as I am told on the Hustings. This Service was performed with the assistance of the Cavalry.

The Infantry was in readiness but I determined not to bring them into contact with the People, unless compelled to do so by urgent necessity; not a shot therefore has been fired by any of the Military, tho’ several have been fired by the Populace against the Troops. I have however, great regret in stating, that some of the unfortunate People who attended the meeting have suffered, some from Sabre Wounds, and others from the Pressure of the Crowd. One of the Manchester Yeomanry, if not dead, lies without hope of recovery, it is understood that he was struck with a stone. One of the Special Constables has been killed. The Manchester Yeomanry under Major [‘Trafford’ rubbed out] and the Cheshire Yeomanry under Lieutenant Colonel [‘Townshend’ rubbed out], who had come on a very short notice from the County Magistrates, (many of them from a great distance) were most active and efficient in discharge of their duty. The Committee now sitting, consider it necessary to keep all the Troops ready, tho’ every means will be adopted to prevent the necessity of their acting.

I have, &c.

George L’Estrange

Lt. Col. 31^st Regt.

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