Thomas Joseph Trafford Eyewitness Account

• Occupation: Commander of the Manchester Yeomanry

Was in command of two troops of about 60 men on 16th August. Acted under instruction of magistrates and accompanied his troops to the Hustings.

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Thomas Joseph Trafford sworn: examined by Mr. Serjeant Cross.

Q. I believe, on the 16th. August, 1819, you commanded the Manchester Yeomanry?

A. I did.

Q. You had a squadron, I believe, under your immediate direction, composed of a party of two troops?

A. Two troops I had with me.

Q. About what number?

A. About sixty or thereabouts.

Q. Did you receive a letter from Mr. Hulton?

A. I did.

Q. Was it put into your hands by Mr. Joseph Birley?

A. It was put into my hands by that gentleman (pointing to Mr. Joseph Birley); I did not know his name at the time.

Q. Did you, in consequence of that, repair to Mr. Buxton's house, where the Magistrates were stationed?

A. Immediately.

Q. Did you accompany your squadron to the hustings?

A. I did.

Q. They were under your command, then, the whole time?

A. They were, the whole of that day.

Mr. Serjeant Hullock.—This is the information taken the 16th. August?

Mr. Blackburne.—I object to reading the information. How does it come to be evidence? Owen is alive.

Mr. Serjeant Hullock.—Owen is dead. It is a proceeding the Magistrates took, under which they were to act, from information on oath made to them.

Mr. Blackburne.—this action has nothing to do with the Magistrates.

Mr. Serjeant Cross. —As to Owen's being alive and ready to give evidence, the man has been in his grave a long time, and we are ready to prove it.

Mr. Justice Holroyd. —I think the fact of his making the information is evidence, to shew the reason the Magistrates took the proceedings they did, and issued the warrant. I don't think it all material to the present action. The Magistrates calling in the aid of the military is quite sufficient. The issue is, whether the military acted in aid of the Magistracy or not. It is matter of fact.

Mr. Serjeant Hullock.—There cannot be a doubt that it is evidence.

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