Robert Dean Eyewitness Account

• Occupation: Soldier

Soldier on Half Pay. Saw 200-300 people drilling in squads at Cockey Moor on 7 August. Testifies to them using the same drill as regular soldiers.

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Robert Dean Sworn: examined by Mr. Starkie

Q. Are you in the army now?

A. l am upon half pay.

Q. You have been for some years in the army?

A. I have.

Q. Did you go to Mr. Whitehead's house?

A. I did.

Q. On what day?

A. It was on the 7th., Saturday week before the 16th

Q. There is a moor adjoining Mr. Whitehead's house?

A. There is.

Q. What time did you see any number of persons assembled?

A. I was there about half past five; they were then mustering.

Q. What number of persons might be assembled?

A. When collected, there might be from 200 to 300.

Q. Were they, at first, in one body, or separate?

A. They were drilling in squads.

Q. What number of squads?

A. From half a dozen to eight.

Q. You say they were drilling in squads —was there a person commanding them?

A. There was.

Q. You have been a military man some time, of course you know the way in which persons are drilled?

A. I do.

Q. Are they usually drilled in squads?

A. Yes.

Q. Regular soldiers?

A. Yes.

Q. Without going through all this, did they appear to you to be drilled in the same way as regular soldiers usually are?

A. The same.

Q. What words were given?

A. “Attention” “stand at ease,” “halt,” “march.”

Q. Such words are usually given in drilling?

A. Yes; and another word I could not make out; but when it was given, they all fell flat on their faces. Q. How long did they remain?

A. A few seconds.

Q. Laying flat?

A. Yes.

Q. Then, after they lay flat a few seconds, what did they do?

A. The word was given again, and they rose; I do not recollect the word.

Q. Did they all rise at this word?

A. They did.

Q. In regular order?

A. They did.

Q. As a military man, will you explain the meaning of that manoeuvre?

A. I cannot explain the meaning of that manoeuvre; it was something new to me.

Q. How long did they remain together?

A. Till dark; till I could see them no longer.

Q. Did you hear them after that time?

A. I could hear them after I could no longer see them.

Q. How long did you continue to hear them?

A. I fancy it might be half-past nine o'clock, or thereabouts.

Juryman.—Are you acquainted with light infantry manoeuvres?

A. I am not.

Mr. Serjeant Hullock.—Was you in the house?

A. I was.

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