John Smith Eyewitness Account

• Place: Manchester
• Role: Spectator
• Occupation: Cotton Spinner

Saw Yeomanry arrive. Saw no resistance from the crowd. ‘The people near the Yeomanry immediately ran away.

Account

Download account

John Smith examined by Mr. Hunt—Was a cotton spinner at Man­chester; was at Manchester on the 16th of August; was in a house in Mount-street, that overlooked the field. It was in the same row with Mr. Buxton's house; saw the different parties, march on in an orderly manner; saw the Yeomanry arrive. Up to the time of their arrival had seen nothing to excite his fears for the safety of the town. The military formed opposite to the house next but one to that in which he was. Saw no opposition made to the military; saw nothing done to intimidate or threaten them. Heard no hooting, hissing, or groaning, till after the dispersion of the meeting. Saw no stones or sticks thrown at them, or thrown up in the air. Thought he must have seen anything of the kind that had occurred. The military might be a dozen or twenty yards from witness when they formed. The people near the Yeomanry immediately ran away.

Cross-examined by Sergeant Hullock—The people at the outside of the crowd began to run; others cheered the military by the hustings. Did not recollect the crowd closing on the military. Witness was a partner in the house of John Smith and Brother. Had been at two public meetings. Did not approve of Annual Parliaments and Universal Suffrage?

Back to list