Joseph Birley Eyewitness Account

Delivered note from Constable Andrew to Major Trafford with slight (unexplained) delay.

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Joseph Birley sworn: examined by Mr. Serjeant Hullock.

Q. Look at the outside of that, Mr. Birley, (shewing a letter;) from whom did you receive that on the 16th. August?

A. From Mr. Andrew, the constable; a note thus directed, I am certain.

Q. Did you immediately carry it with all practicable dispatch; and deliver it to the commanding officer in Portland-street?

A. I did not go immediately with it.

Q. Did you carry it finally?

A. I did, finally, on horseback, and I went quickly then.

Q. Whom did you find in command when you arrived there?

A. I saw it into the hands of Major Trafford.

Q. The commanding officer of the Cavalry?

A. Yes; and I saw it in his hands. Should I state why I did not go immediately?

Q. You went as soon as you could I suppose?

A. It has been insinuated the Yeomanry were first sent for.

Q. That is the note?

A. A note so directed I received and conveyed.

Mr. Cross.—(Prothonotary.) This note is without date, my Lord, signed "Wm. Hulton," directed to the commanding officer in Portland-street. "Sir, as chairman of the select committee of Magistrates, I request you to proceed immediately to No. 6, Mount-street, where the Magistrates are assembled. They conceive the civil power wholly inadequate to preserve the peace. I have the honor" &c

Mr. Serjeant Hullock. – I propose to read this paper now, which is signed by the gentlemen whose names you see. It is a sort of declaration of their apprehensions. Your Lordship knows what it is—it is the paper which was alluded to by Mr. Hulton.

Some discussion here took place as to the propriety of reading this document, which ended in its not being read.

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