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OXLADE FAMILY HISTORY

"Dwellers in the Valley of the Oaks"

The London Corresponding Society

Acknowledgement

I was first made aware of John Oxlade and the London Corresponding Society in May 1998 by an Email from Geoffrey Arthur Oxlade now of Scarborough,Queensland, who included some pages from " The Making of the English Working Class" by E.P Thompson, where brief reference was made to the Narrative of John Oxlade in the Place Manuscript.

A search of the Internet turned up quite a bit of information on the Society and the history of the events and people connected to it. However nothing more substancial was found on John Oxlade.

Peter Henry Oxlade of Croydon, Surrey, then quite new to genealogy, decided that he would try to get a readers ticket for the British Library and look up the Place Manuscript and John Oxlades Narrative.

This was the beginning of a massive amount of work, the results of which follow. I am sure that Oxlade readers will feel a debt of gratitude to Peter for revealing a forebear who showed such concern for the civil rights of ordinary people long before they became the reality we enjoy today. We would do well to remember, given the changes taking place in our laws at the present time.

The story doesn't end here however. Not long after Peter embarked on his quest, Robert Allan Oxlade, again living in the U.K., discovered that the Rookery Hotel which had been developed from restored buildings in the Cow Cross Lane area was naming rooms after people who had lived there. We began an Email campaign requesting all Oxlade contacts to lobby the Rookery Hotel to name a room after John Oxlade of L.C.S. fame. John lived at 10 Peter Street, Cow Cross Lane.

After several Email contacts Peter and Robert Oxlade had a meeting with the Rookery Hotel management and eventually a Library, most fitting given his calling, was named after John Oxlade. Perhaps the Rookery Hotel would be a nice place to have lunch when next in London!

Susan Rogers 16 October 2005





..............

The John Oxlade Library



Rookery Hotel

12 Cow Cross Lane

London GB EC1 M6DS


"The only remaining early houses in Peter's Lane have been repaired to create this delightful small hotel. The Rookery is housed in a building with a 250 year history just outside London's Square Mile in fashionable Clerkenwell. With stone flagged floors and open fires, this one-off hotel incorporates English period furnishings and a gentlemen's club atmosphere. Named after people who lived in the building throughout its history and furnished with antiques, the 33 unique guestrooms boast 18th century carved oak beds and luxurious bathrooms with original Victorian fittings, including deep, roll-top bathtubs and televisions. Other amenities include air conditioning, writing desks, high speed Internet connections and minibars. The conservatory with secluded courtyard garden is perfect for social gatherings, breakfast, or quiet drinks and canapes."



Smithfield Market – 300 metres

Dickens’ House – 300 metres

Sadler’s Wells Theater – 600 metres

Holborn Bars – 800 metres

Saint Paul’s Cathedral – 800 metres

Cornhill/Leadenhall Street (City) – 0.5 miles (1 kilometre)

British Museum – 1 mile (2 kilometre)

West End – 2 miles (4 kilometre)




Rookery Hotel

12 Cow Cross Lane, London



I've included the following extract from the Public Record Office as an aide to researchers wanting to look further at this period of history.

Military Intelligence

Records of the efforts by the senior British naval officer at Jersey, Philippe d'Auvergne, Prince de Bouillon, to assist insurrectionists in Normandy and Brittany between 1794 and 1812 can be found in War Office papers, WO 1/921-926 and in the Bouillon papers, HO 69/1-39. They also concern the British funded royalist network for transmitting information about the situation in France to the British government. They represent a complete collection of intelligence reports, deciphered and collated by Bouillon, together with his commentaries on the military, political and economic situation in France.

In-letters, 1793-1815, to the secretary of state for war and to other government departments from Bouillon can be found in FO 95/602-633. Other relevant papers are in FO 95/2/3 and 5, and FO 95/3/2.

There are secret service accounts relating to British cabinet ministers and military and other political figures in AO 1/2121-2130. These records cover the period from 1779 until 1829.

Prisoners of War

WO 28 includes Entry Books concerning British prisoners of war at Lille in 1798, with returns of prisoners and orders. Original letters to, and entry books of letters from, the assistant quartermaster general at Calais respecting the establishment there for communications between the British army of occupation and Great Britain, can also be found in this class. There are a number of records which cover the period 1793-1815 scattered in ADM 103 concerning French prisoners of war, listed according to the ships in which they had been serving. These records include General Entry Books kept by the agent in charge of each depot, prison ship or parole town, recording the names, origins and eventual disposal of prisoners in his charge.

Refugees

In 1793, the government introduced a Regulation of Aliens Act, (33 Geo III, c 4), which aimed to regulate the arrival of all non-nationals into Britain. The Act was however mainly a response to the influx of French refugees. Denization and Naturalization Papers date from 1789 (to March 1871) and can be found among Home Office papers in HO 1. There are lists of names of refugees having received pensions among the records of the Treasury French Refugee Relief Committee, 1792-1828, in T 50 and T 93. There are entry books of the authorities in Guernsey and Jersey charged with the relief of French emigres, registers of refugees in Jersey, and other relevant papers, in PC 1/135, FO 95, HO 28, HO 69 and WO 1, for the period 1777 to 1814. Records of awards of pensions and allowances to French refugees arriving in Jamaica, Portugal, Sicily, Malta and Brazil throughout the period are in AO 1/850-860.

Seditious and Loyalist Activity in Great Britain

Associations in late-eighteenth-century Britain which were sympathetic to the revolution in France, and were in direct contact with the Revolutionary Convention in Paris, alarmed the British government. There are various papers in TS 24/3 and PC 1/121 which concern the activities of radical associations, particularly the London Corresponding Society, the Sheffield Society for Constitutional Information, and other local associations. The address from the National Convention of France by English radicals to British soldiers and sailors can be found in TS 24/3/115. Correspondence of the treasury solicitor concerning the appointment of agents to pursue the prosecution of those involved in sedition are to be found in this class. A letter from the leading radical Christopher Wyvill to Prime Minister William Pitt is in TS 24/3/92. Newspapers, pamphlets and songs printed and circulated by some associations are included in TS 24/3. Responses in lyrics and prose to Edmund Burke's attack on the revolution in France can be found in TS 24/3. The original edition (published in 1792) of the two parts of the controversial but widely circulated Rights of Man by Thomas Paine is in TS 24/3/9 and 10.

There are a number of documents which relate to the conservative reaction in Great Britain of those opposed to events in France. The loyalty to the British constitution, king and country expressed among leaders of religious dissenters such as the Committee of the Dissenting Deputies and the General Body of Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the Three Denominations was discussed among papers in HO 42/16.

Local loyalist associations such as that of the Bull's Head Association in Manchester and the association of Loyal Britons and their activities in 1793 are discussed in HO 42/26 and HO 42/27. Following the outbreak of war with France in 1793, there was apprehension in Britain that the country would be invaded by the French. Loyalist associations turned their attentions to helping the war effort and in helping the authorities to recruit men into the armed services. Bounties were offered by some associations to encourage recruits. Some of the loyalist associations were involved in the collection of funds to assist the dependants of men killed in the war and the purchase of supplies for the army. There are numerous documents of these activities by the loyalist associations between 1793 and 1794 in HO 42/24-25, 27 and 28.

Papers relating to the arming of loyalists and their sympathisers in 1791 and 1792 can be found in HO 42/19 and HO 42/22. Intimidation by loyalists of radicals in their occupations, clubs and friendly societies in 1792 is discussed in HO 42/23.

The activities in 1792 of loyalist associations such as those involving John Reeves, and their collusion with the government against republican and levelling movements in Great Britain are discussed in HO 42/21 and HO 42/22. The aims and activities of the Volunteers and ministerial involvement between 1794 and 1795 are discussed in HO 42/33, 34 and 35. The disquiet felt by ministers on the issue of the Volunteers and the election of their own officers in 1795 and 1798 is discussed in HO 42/34, 42 and 44.

Ireland and the French Revolution

The French revolution found supporters among radicals in Ireland. There was in 1798 a French expeditionary force to Ireland aimed at supporting rebellion against British rule. Issues raised by the activities and views of rebels such as the United Irishmen are discussed in HO 100/51. Other papers relevant to the Irish dimension in Britain's relations with revolutionary France may be found in HO 100/46.

Social Impact in Great Britain of the French Wars

The wars with France at this period had a significant impact upon the social fabric in Great Britain. Farming enjoyed a boom as the population relied heavily during a siege economy upon home-grown foods. Wages for agricultural labourers rose accordingly. However, there was also widespread hardship as prices increased, while industrial slump put thousands out of work and income tax (introduced to help pay for the cost of the wars) increased the strains upon the poorest in the community to provide a reasonable living for themselves.

Due to the recruitment of many men into the Royal Navy and army, often resulting from the activities of the press gangs, many families were deprived of their principal breadwinner. Families were forced to apply for public assistance, placing strains upon the poor law rates. The numbers of children of active servicemen applying for poor relief increased significantly during the period. Papers relating to the hardships faced by many people towards the end of the period of the Napoleonic wars are found in HO 42/132. Other records of poor relief may be found in local record offices.

The activities of, and hostility to, the press gangs in 1803 and 1804 are discussed in Home Office papers, HO 42/74, HO 42/78 and HO 42/27. Accounts of the attempts by seamen to avoid the press gangs during these years are given in HO 42/71 and HO 42/72.

Other Sources

Source material relevant to this period other than that held by the Public Record Office may be held in other collections. The private papers of ministers of the Crown and other individuals may be located through the National Register of Archives, Quality House, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1HP.

Last Updated: 31st March 1999| © Crown Copyright 1999



The London Corresponding Society

Narrative of John Oxlade

P202 Seised on either the 20th or 21st May 1798

Written the 12 Feby 1837

Transcribed by Peter H. Oxlade from the Place Manuscript



P203

John Oxlade 10 Peter Street, Cowcross (City of London)

Oxlade was a master Book Binder (different writing could be Francis Place)



Febry 1837

P1 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p205

Sir,

At this distance of time, I cannot so easily comply with your desire that I should write a History or Narrative of my Arrest and Imprisonment in a British Bastile because many circumstances might be material to remember are now totally forgot & the more so – as nothing has made it necessary to keep the narrative in remembrance – for although I did at first suppose some remuneration would be given me for the false imprisonment and deprivation I underwent, yet I saw every month, every week, made it the more improbable I should ever receive any – the more so after Mr Pitt brought in his famous Indemnity Bill – indeed a circumstance happened sometime after which convinced me I had nothing to expect of that nature: I believe it was Mr Crane who I dare say you …

P2 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p206

… remember with some others called upon me to say they were ordered to call at the Prison/Bastile respecting a division of money which was sent there – to be distributed amongst them, but for what reason or account I do not remember – but however I was prevailed upon to accompany them to that place to partake of a share of the good if any – as I had a good share of the bad before – but to my great astonishment Mr Aris the Governor, the moment he saw me, ordered the gate of the Bastile to be shut against me – yet at the time my Father with a competent witness came to demand a copy of my …

Insert in margin – “Was there no warrant of Commitment/ see page 56 you say there was none” – Could be handwriting of Francis Place

Page 3 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p207

… commitment – in order they might be better enabled to get a Writ of Habeas Corpus – He told them the He knew nothing at all about me, that they might do their best & worst. Indeed from the beginning to the end of my Arrest until long after my discharge – my Case appears to me to be nothing but a sort of contradictions & illegality. In the first place I was taken upon a general warrant in the City of London which I believe was declared illegal in Lord Halifax’s case not by name or design – but purely accidental. I merely called at Evans` house to enquire for what cause he had been apprehended a day or two before when I, and several others were taken into custody. Among the others was George Ebsworth who was Bail for Evans on some occasion & had like me called at …

Notes in the margin of the above P3 read as follows

Oxlade –Went to Evans’ home was captured by Thugin the thief taker detained in the home by a Kings messenger. Was taken away in the night in a coach and delivered into the custody of Aris the Governor of the Bastile. Was detained a fortnight without being examined – then taken to the Privy Council in the night time was asked several questions and sent back again to the prison. Was several times taken with others to the Privy Council. Never was examined after the first time, never was regularly committed. No warrant of commitment was ever made out I was detained without one – So were some others. Oxlade

By P.I. Lemaitre

Created by Peter Oxlade Page 3

Among these was Owen Savage a lawyer’s clerk who at the end of 15 months of detention & considerable clearance was made re mine surprised that we were detained and wrote to Mr Hord accordingly to this effect. Mr Hord among the names was that of Savage – Hord said Savage! Savage! we have no account of him. I am glad he has been named and he shall be liberated tomorrow. There could not in his case have been a commitment by a warrant.

The above margin note is either by Lemaitre or Place

Page 4 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p208

Evans house for the same reason that I had. He was likewise detained by the Kings messenger while in his custody that night we were treated with civility & kindness & in the course of the night he told me that on account of the manner in which I conducted myself that evening and my persuasions to many to submit quietly to the officers & so on that he would take me to his house as soon as he could dispose of those in his custody. (I believe upwards of 40) & quietness was restored but in this respect I was miserably disappointed for no sooner had he disposed of his Prisoners by sending them off in coaches to the Bastile – than he prepared to put his promise into execution but was prevented by Fugion, the Bow Street Officer who declared to the messenger that he

(margin notes in Place’s hand? on page 4 of Oxlade holograph)

1.Thomas Evans was a print colourer and kept a house in Broad Court, Fetter Lane (off Fleet St.City of London) Were you taken before the Privy Council at this time or were you taken to the Bastile without being examined or committed.

Page 5 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p209

would not be answerable for the consequences if he took any of us home with him – but most strongly insisted opon serving us ale and like – I was therefore very reluctantly on his part consigned to the Bastile with all those, whose good fortune it was to remain in the custody of the Kings messengers they fared well – they were frequently took out for an airing – often consulted as to what they would have for dinner & in all respects treated with civility & kindnesssagain with those who were sent to Newgate. I believe that about 40 were sent to hat prison – the keeper of which I think a Mr Kirby immediately got up and without fear on his part met the whole of them in one room & made an apology for their bad accommodation that evening – and that early in the

Notes in the margin of Oxlade holograph p5

No not 40. I think the number was 11. Lemaitre thinks there were 9. M.Hodgeson, A. Savage, Ben Binns, A.Gallaway, J.Moore, Haselden, Phelps.

It was John Kirby the nephew I had been in his custody before and I told him I had come back to my old quarters and that we were to be treated as state prisoners. He received us very respectfully. When I was before liberated, I, Smith & Higgins published in the newspaper our thanks for the kindness liberal treatment, so we secured friends at court for Kirby was not insensible to public opinion.

P.T. Lemaitre.

Page 6 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p210

Created by Peter Oxlade Page 4

morning he would visit them – with a view to consult with them for the purpose of making them as comfortable as possible – he did so – & he proposed that they should have the State allowance in money if they chose & should lay it out in what manner they liked & should have their wives and relatives as the case might be to assist them. – or that he would take the money & would find them four meals per day & what they should consist of be named, he left them for a while observing that he knew them fully capable of debating upon such matters – it is here sufficient to say they accepted of his latter proposal & he gave them every liberty consistent with safe custody. I dwell upon this subject all the more because it is such a contrast to the conduct of that renowned character Governor Avis. From the moment… …

Notes in the margin of Oxlade holograph p6

Their food was invariably good and our treatment was respectfully and xxxxxx sometime I was sick and solicitous.

Looks like the handwriting of Paul Lemaitre London watchmaker.

Page 7 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p211

… … the messenger announced to me that I was his Prisoner & until a long time after my arrival at the Bastile my usual gaiety never forsook me a moment. It enabled me to keep up the spirits of George Ebsworth particularly & likewise of those around me but upon our arrival at the Bastile we were conducted to what I considered a sort of arched vault – with one glimmering light – and a man at some distance who appeared as if he was armed – it put me in mind of what I had read of the French Bastile & of the Spanish Inquisition several persons were standing about – with dejected countenances & who were prisoners like me but had arrived before us. I endeavoured to rally them & to raise their spirits in my usual gay & thoughtly manner – but I was soon cautioned not to make a noise by this armed man – I did not at first pay much attention to this man as he expected

Notes in the margin of Oxlade holograph p7

Mr Ebsworth was a Copper Master Printer in a very good way of business a highly respectable man. He retired from business many years since. ( in Francis Place hand?)

Page 8 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms P212

and therefore upon my continuing to joke with those around he ordered me to be silent & upon my calling for something to drink he told one messenger that nothing to be had there but water. – Soon after this two men appeared – who had keys & one had a small Lanthorn (Lantern) & after a small pause he held up this light & looked at the faces of two or three of these men who stood around me, & desired two of them to follow him – their disappearance – the gloominess of the place, the dismal looks of my comrades & the repeated cautions I had received from the armed man as to silence all tended to confirm to me in my opinion that at length I had arrived at the Inquisition. This system of taking two at a time was continued till at length the number was reduced to about four & these when the two Turnkeys came to us one said to the other he… …

Page 9 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p213

… … did not know what to do with us I did not much like the expression because it struck me as to what was done with the others. – But knowing I was in London I did not feel so much alarmed – for my personal safety for I had yet to learn it was a possible for a Bastile to exist in London as at Paris At length however we were directed to follow these two men which we did thro two or three passages all of which time one of the men who afterwards appeared to be the head Turnkey & who seem uninterested what to do with us – opened the door of another large room which he ordered us to enter, & then told us it was the only place he could find for us that night. – it appeared to be the room where the Oakum is deposited after it is picked by the convicts the…

Page 10 of the Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p214

… … Turnkey said it was wet & therefore left us the choice to lay upon it or walk about the remainder of the night which we pleased and left us in the dark. I was sincerely desirous of morning coming – for various reasons – I wish to see what sort of a place we were in & to send for my friends not doubting but the forenoon would put an end to imprisonment, but in this I was much deceived – Daylight came, & by clambering up to a window a good height I discovered it looked towards Grays Inn Lane & I saw the Jail Yard & usual places which I knew. Nothing was wanting now but that the morning might advance so that we might get some refreshment at least a good breakfast which I assure you we stood very much in need of & that the forenoon would disclose to us the meaning of all this hurly burly & that a discharge would of course take place – but in this I was likewise… …

Margin notes of Oxlade holograph p10

When did you first go to the Privy Council i.e. after how many days imprisonment. In page 16 it is said about 14 days was this so. (appears to be handwriting of Francis Place)

Page 11 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p215

… … disappointed – for from the beginning to the end of our imprisonment we were treated like convicts – but at first bread and water was all we had given us by Governor Aris & nothing could abate one jot of the regidness towards us but loud & well followed up complaints made to the Privy Council every time we had occasion to go before them.

When therefore the head Turnkey unlocked us in the morning – I fully expected that some of my wishes would be gratified But the Turnkey was quite deaf to all questions put to him. He knew nothing, he could tell nothing – nor had heard anything – nor would he go or send any messages for us – nor would he be bribed to do so – his duty was according to the prison rules to see us washed &c & upon a tin pot being put in my hand advised me to go and fill it with water as I should have no opportunity… …

Page 12 of the Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p216

… … the remainder of the day to do so if I neglected to fill it then & having a small loaf given me – was then immediately locked up in a solitary cell – nor could any entreaties prevail upon him to let me remain with George Ebsworth or with (John) Bone who I found was a near neighbour of mine in a solitary cell & this system was pursued some days. Bread & water, closely locked in solitary cells, refused permission to let our friends know how or where we were situated & the Governor even refused permission for us to attend the Church on Sundays. We offered to pick Oakum for him gratis, but that was likewise refused – In fact everything the Governor could do to mortify or degrade or… … .

Notes in margin of Oxlade holograph p12

Mr John Bone was a Bookseller in Holborn when he was seised in the evening – his house searched, his stock ransacked, a bag was filled with MS and private papers and large quantities were burned in the fire place of an empty room on the second floor in which there was no grate. John Bone was a mildly philosophic – honest man – a very wealthy man. F.P.

How long after being seised was it before your friends knew of your imprisonment and where you were.

Page13 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p217

… … vex the Prisoners was put in practice by him & some of the persons under him. It is true that necessity is the Mother of Invention – for debarred theuse of everything – Pen ink food fork knife & tools of every sort – letters to be sent in or out. In fact nothing was admitted in the cell the whole day but the pot of water & loaf – it drove men to exercise their ingenuity to devise plans for communication with each other – and with their friends out of doors & this secret way of giving & receiving information got to such a pitch at last – as to excite the public curiosity to a great degree at length the Privations of the prisoners in the Bastile suffered – called forth several Members of the House of Commons particularly Sir Fred. Burdett who proved himself their staunch friend and advocate… ...

Notes in margin of Oxlade holograph p13

Describe the mode of communicating. Did Burdett see you in Prison and if he did what happened between you (both comments are in the hand of Francis Place)

Page 14 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p 218

… … & also to me individually both during my confinement & after my liberation We were received in the prison under the denomination of King Killers & therefore the Turnkeys and others there who never had such a Club of men before – they had only been used to Pick Pockets, thieves, Convicts & Gamblers they were therefore alarmed at such a race of men coming among them & took their precautions accordingly – But money had its effect in the Bastile as well as out of it. we all had money or could procure it but it was not the least use at first – a pebble stone was as much value as gold itself – for a few days – but it soon found its value for instance The Head turnkey would not be corrupted to bring in a letter or take one out & I believe he was too… …

Notes in the margin of Oxlade holograph p14

King Killers of these I was the first who was made a prisoner and in reference to the charge found the frustration for the epithet. Aris uniformly called me the Devil and said I worried him out of his life. My braymey of spirits was irrepressible. I communicated with the Privy Council and with the Newspapers in spite of all his vigilance, and kept him during the whole time I was in his custody in a state of constant excitement and terror. P.T. Lemaitre

NB it is probable that Aris cared nothing about what Lemaitre’s conceit seems certain.( this NB is in a different hand, unsigned, and is possibly that of Francis Place)

Page 15 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p219

… … honest to give information of the offer at least he always cautioned me not to speak to him upon that subject.but however we made a friend of him not only by our general conduct to him & the others under him – that he would trust himself to us – had any of the convicts attacked him & he relaxed a deal of his severity towards us & and gave some indulgence now & then – for instance although we were State Prisoners & ought to have had every indulgence the State Prisoners had in Newgate & Tothill Fields – yet being sent to the Bastile, Governor Aris contended we ought to be put on the same System as the Convicts – which he did do to the very letter upon our first arrival there. – among other regulations is that of shaving the Prisoners twice a week & that is done by Prisoners – when told of this we strongly objected to it on account of the rough manner of performing it – we therefore… …

Page 16 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p220

… … .Agreed with the Head Turnkey that he should perform the ceremony & that we would make him a compliment for his trouble – he in consequence took that part of the day most convinced to be that purpose himself – this produced him between 3 & 4 pounds per week – it was a great accommodation to us & gave him an opportunity of unlocking 5 or 6 cells at one time – so that we were the more frequently together than otherwise could have happened It was about 14 days after the arrest took place – that we were taken before the Privy Council – on which & all subsequent occasions – it was a matter of Joy congratulation to us all to us that came from the Bustle, noise & activity where every indulgence was allowed us as every one was introduced… …

Page 17 of Oxlade holograph

Place collection ms p221

… … to the Privy Council separately – I cannot say what each individual did complain of – but I rather think those from the other two Prisons had nothing to complain of respecting ill treatment – but this I know that myself & I believe all who came from the Bastile made loud & incessant complaints to their Lordships whenever before them respecting the conduct of Governor Aris & who was present when the complaints were made – such as solitary confinement, separate cells, bread & water, refusing us the liberty of walking any portion of the day in the Yard – refusing us any books to read – or any communication with our friends & families &c. &c. – and indeed for his general bad conduct to us on all occasions his manner & behaviour being at all times particularly harsh & severe – In my presence he received instructions to act quite the reverse of all this – he was told by the Council – that it was only our safe custody was expected from him – and that he was to… …

Page 18 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p222

… … treat us in a different manner & that he was to give us certain indulgencies but it would fill a volume to show with what strictness & severity he would interpret their Lordships instructions & try to pervert their intentions to us & to profit & advantage & to exercise his cruelty towards us – we therefore had when every subsequent interview – complaint to make against him – for his wilfully disobeying their Lordships commands – to say at this distance of time how each indulgence was (the word wrung has been crossed through and replaced by obtained) obtained from their Lordships and how (the word obtained has been crossed through and replaced by the word wrung) wrung from Aris – would be difficult now – but we always conceived that the liberal manner in which the Council gave their directions to him – in our presence with respect to his future conduct towards us – yet no sooner had he got us back to the prison – than he as constantly as before endeavoured to misinterpret their instructions to our disadvantage… …

Page 19 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p223

… … at first he was told we should have a proper diet every day he therefore began in addition to bread & water – to give us the Soup & Beef in the manner the convicts had it – but as this was intolerably bad it was altered, after I had secretly conveyed a piece of it out to my Father who himself laid it before their Lordships – Aris had instructions to let us take the air this he construed to mean an hour only and therefore when the hour came for this luxury – so rigid were the orders concerning it, that let it, Hail – Rain or shine – into the Yard we must go & out again at the expiration of the hour after the production of Beef before the Council he had instructions to give us a different diet & to vary it. – He as usual in that tried to annoy us, he every day gave us boiled leg of Mutton & cabbage – & this he gave us constantly… …

Notes in margin of Oxlade holograph P19

Query. Did he receive the Government allowance. (This appears to be in the hand of F.Place)

Page 20 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p224

… … without Salt Knife & fork or bread & no request of ours could ever induce him to give us that necessary ingredient. Salt. – If in our cells when dinner time came the door was merely opened by a Turnkey who shoved the plate of meat in. either upon the stone floor or the stump bedstead for no chair or Table was ever allowed & immediately the door was closed upon you. & those sitting upon a stump bedstead without Salt &c. you was obliged to pull it to pieces in the best manner you could & let your appetite be what it might there was no opportunity to procure moreif at dinner time we were in the Yard which was frequently the case, then the Turnkey merely opened the Door & shoved the plate anywhere, the pavement for instance, & left us to get rid of the contents in such way as we could …

Page 21 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p225

… … On one occasion I could not help taking notice of the careless & yet strict manner of giving the plate of Meat & cabbage in the Cold yard to my unfortunate friend Col.Despard who stood by me in the Yard with his plate in his hand & without Salt or Knife or Fork. I could not help feeling for him knowing the Rank he had formerly held – but he mildly & meekly replied he did not care about it if they thought by such means to insult him they were much mistaken I have more than once remonstrated with Aris upon the manner in which he fed us & his behaviour in not changing the diet – in all cases he regretted we had anything beyond the Prison allowance – as it gave him & the Turnkeys a deal of extra Trouble which I dare say it did – but still in everything which he did for us & which he was forced into – he did it with reluctance & with a deal of ill nature – if I asked him for… … Notes in margin of Oxlade holograph p21 Place collection ms p225 Colonel Despard, he also was a singularly mild, gentlemanly person – a singularly good hearted man as I well know. FP Lord Nelson in his evidence on the Trial of Colonel Despard swore that “he was a Lion in the Field and a Lamb in private life. (handwriting of Francis Place)

Page 22 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p226

… … Knives & Forks he answered we were King Killers – I and others several times offered him 2 guineas per week if he would permit us to dine together in an empty room which we pointed out to him – but this he always refused saying he would not Trust so many of us with Knives and Forks Being tired of the same uniform system of dining upon Leg of Mutton & Cabbage every day & served up in the manner it was sometimes half cold & almost always sodden. I remonstrated with the Governor upon his conduct towards us in general & this case in particular & requested him to change the method of dining us & to change the diet & now Peas were now in season – it was expected of him he would let us have them. nay that we expected it as a right. – peremptorily refused as attended with so much trouble – we offered most gladly to shell them… …

Page 23 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p227

… … But this offer he most indignantly refused to comply with & as well to supply us with a pint of Porter – but this was a great indulgence – that Porter should be given to Prisoners that he would not entertain the idea for one moment & therefore neither request was complied with until he was ordered to apply the Articles required – to the great mortification of our callous Governor Aris – and one day rather a ludicrous circumstance took place which occasioned some merriment – the delivery of plates of Meat & Peas had just taken place in the Yard when a violent storm took place with great probity be called a pityless storm for it knocked the Peas completely out of the Plates & happy were those who could get into the Privy – there being no other place to shelter & it would be too… …

Notes in the margin of P23 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p227

What were the articles required – please to enumerate them. (hand of Place?)

Page 24 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p228

… … much to expect Governor Aris would abate one atom of his rigid rules either by letting us in for a short time or by letting us out again that day – A circumstance occurred about this time – which tends to show the Governor Arbitrary & tyrannical conduct – There were several persons out of doors refused to pay my Father my account although they knew that he carried on Business on my account. – I had occasion to arrest one man for 70£ & I was obliged to obtain an order in the usual way that I might execute a Power of Attorney to my Father. – Mr Palmer was employed on this occasion – but when he called with the instrument for me to execute he was refused a sight of me & therefore it was left in the office for me to execute when Aris thought proper to call me down …

Notes in the margin of P24 of Oxlade holograph Place collection msp228

1.“About this time”. If you can pray to designate this more particularly.

2. In the usual way – What was the usual way?

3. Perigrine Palmer an Attorney being living in Barnards Inn.

(1,2,3 above in the hand of Place)

P25 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p229

… … for the purpose so he no doubt thought it was too great indulgence to speak to my own Attorney – particularly as he came from outdoors. – Governor Aris wisely continuing the Order in its most strict since did not hear the Attorney named – of course he was excluded the privilege of seeing one – the letter to enable me to swear to the sum make up the amount of money owing make up the amount of money owing in my account book & which was not procured from him until after my liberation & then I understood it had been produced to the Privy Council by him & was marked by him as produced.

Another favour we procured from the council at the different interviews was the privilege of seeing our friends – but this as usual was interpreted by Aris according to his idea of things – accordingly the days – hours appropriated by him for the casuistry to … …

P26 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p230

… … see their friends – was the time fixed to see ours –and it was conducted in this manner – My Father was placed outside an Iron Gate – next to the Prison Wall – I was sat astride another Iron Gate next to the Prison – an interval was between the two Gates. – Men were placed between the two gates to see that nothing passed between the various parties & one of the men was to report any thing passed in conversation between the political parties – judge what an interview this must be. Several were at the Gates at the same. time each anxious to see & hear their friends – asking questions with rapidity some crying bitterly. amidst this confusion was things of importance to the Political Prisoners obliged to be conveyed to their friends & Vice Versa – it was owing to their circumstance that the Privy Council obtained a knowledge of my intention to take out a writ of Habeas Corpus & this I was prevented from (by being liberated) addressing … …

Notes in the margin of p26 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p230

Liberated. After how many weeks confinement. (Place hand?)

P27 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p231

… … the Court of the Kings Bench on behalf of myself & my fellow sufferers & showing to the Court in the faceof open day, the manner we were confined & treated in a British Bastile a day we all most anxiously looked for & we expected it every hour – not a Key turned or a door grated on its hinges but the long looked for writ was expected. At length we heard the keys rattling & the doors opening at a distance & presently the noise appeared to xxxxxx– footsteps approached closer & stopped at length at my door. The Turnkey opening the door I eagerly asked of him if the Writ of habeas was come – All he knew was that a Kings messenger called & he understood that I was to be taken to the Privy Council

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& so it turned out & after a sort of business & asking me a few questions & so on – I was told that on account… …

P28 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms 232

… … of the many inconveniences I had suffered & so on & that if I would remain quiet & not a word about the Habeas the following Saturday evening that Sir Richard Ford had instructions to discharge me upon Bail & thus was frustrated my firm hopes that I should have been enabled in the Court of Kings Bench publicly to coercive open view the tricks & Art & indeed acts of tyranny exercised by Governor Aris – ... ...against all those in his custody – whether for Political offences Criminals, or Gamblers in this place it may not be amiss to mention that in all cases where the Kings Messengers us – we invariably rode– they behaved with Politeness – offered to give us an airing if we chose – by going so and about with us & to for us any thing we could see & when delivering us up at the gate… …

P29 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms 233

… … would leave messages purporting that we were to be better used & c – but no sooner were the Gates closed upon us than the same gloom in Prison & its Keepers appeared – all silence & a speeding conveyance to the solitary Cell closed the scene. Sometimes they were extremely fast on account of the cheerfulness with which their prisoners returned & sometimes angry when told they must use us better– nothing gave me so much pleasure when I returned & while the Messenger was present to tell Aris he was to use us different & gave what was in season to eat – but I really have to mention a circumstance which happened at this my last time of going to the Bastile – or the time before I forget which – when we went up to the Council with any of the servants to the prison we invariably walked & on this occasion Nicholson who went with me to Whitehall, boasted to the Gamblers… …

P30 of Oxlade holograph Place collection ms p234

.… ..that he carried a loaded pistol in his Pocket & that he gave me an opportunity of running awayso that he might have shot me. I do not vouch for the truth of it but the report gained growth every day & was firmly believed by the inmates of the Prison –it was very possible to be so as he owed me agrudge or spite for as you must suppose we were in continual hot water – we always put ourselves on a different footing – with the inmates of that Prison – who by their crimes or misdeeds had gained a sort of settlement there & werepunished by Laws already made to meet their case ours was Political offence & we felt perfectly independent of such characters either the confiners or the confined. Had Governor Aris behaved to us in a proper & becoming manner he would have been more comfortable in his situation as Governor – as we should felt more comfortable as Prisoners – His… …

P31 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p235

… … tyrannical & oppressive Government he never relaxed for a single moment – not withstanding all the enquiries visitations & investigations that took place – notwithstanding the enquiries & motions in the House of Commons – or the dissatisfaction expressed by the Public – or the loud complaints made by those within the Walls yet still he pursued his tyrannical course – which conduct I should think will establish the fact – that he received his instructions from some other quarter to persevere in that conduct. – I believe he was not very scrupulous about the oaths he took or those concerned with him.He was in time indicted for Perjury respecting a Soldier confined in a dark cell. I don’t know upon what occasion it was that Aris was examined as to hat point but I suppose it was upon one of the investigations then going on – but however he denied upon Oath that he even had a Soldier confined in a dark cell &c and I believe.… ..

P32 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p236

… … he was supported in his Oath – by otherswho were connected with him in the prison. – Peregrine Palmer conducted the indictment against Aris & I & several other persons were examined before the grand Jury in support of the Indictment – Palmer had all along cautioned us to be ready at all times – for some schemewould be resorted to in order to defeat us if possible & that the Grand Jury he suspectedwould be the cause of it. – this attempt was accordingly made for the Grand Jury when this Indictment came before them, suddenly arose to go to dinner – leaving it untouched Palmer suspected the Trick intended to be played & particularly advised us not to leave the place a moment, we took his advice – & sure enough a considerable time before they were expected to arise – they suddenlyappeared in the Grand Jury Room – Palmer and his witnesses were ready, we were allexamined & a clearer case could never be made out to send a Case to another Jury. I swore that Joseph Nauce one of… …

Notes in the margin of P32 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p236

No arguments with these days of Terror and rank offensive aristocracy of everything whilst aped gentility would be at all surprised at the conduct of the Grand Jury.

P33 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p237

… … the Turnkeys had before informed me that a Soldier had been brought from the Country for some political offence & that he was put in a dark cell .and that as soon as possible after Joseph Crane took me that way – in his conducting me to the Yard & ongoing along unlocked the door of a dark cell& showed me the Soldier with whom I spoke & gave him something & that his buttons &uniform were conspicuous when he came to the door from the reflection of the light fromthe opposite side altho my evidence was perfectly clear & so I understand was the evidence of theothers – yet the Grand Jury to the astonishment of all threw out the Bill. – One of the Grand Jury a Man I knew very well of the name of Parker he put some questions to me quite irrelevant to he business – such as what questions the Privy Council put to me – and what were… … .

P34 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p238

… … my answers I told him & the Grand Jury that Business had nothing to do with the case & refused to answer those questions. One thing I may mention in this place to help confirm any one in the unfeeling conduct of Governor Aris towards us – among some of the relaxations from bread & water – he was to allow us to receive Tea & refreshment from out doors – from such who chose to send it – which many did – my family lived for instanceabout two miles distant – yet they sent me Hot Tea in Bottles morning & evening & Hot Roll – to those in our situation it was truly gratifying & cheering to receive such presents from out doors, But Aris on several occasion took care we should be disappointed even in this – for sometimes they were not delivered tous at all – sometimes 2 or 3 Bottles were brought at one time – being the produce of three different journeys or three differentmeals – for this shameful conduct no redress could be procured – at other times& that was frequently the case the tea was not brought at all the only answer we… … .

P35 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p239

… … could get was that the Bottles were broken, this was a severe loss to us – more so than persons out of doors can well imagine – To persons in solitary confinement Tea was not only refreshing as a beverage– but it had its comforts in other respects – it kept alive as it were a sort of business connection with the busy world without the idea of receiving such a luxury at stated hours kept the imagination alive & assisted very much in passing many weary hours But much importance depended upon our receipt of the Breakfast & Tea at the regular times than the mere Breakfast & Tea of itself altho so very desirable. It frequently happened that our correspondence was carried on thro the medium of the Cork in the Bottle & the Crust of the Roll – various were the schemes made use of to convey information to our friends out of doors & to receive intelligence in answer from without these schemes… …

Notes in the margin of Oxlade narrative P35 Place ms p239

NB. Bone had a quil well stopped filled with ink sent in in some butter – pens and paper in other.( Note written in the hand of either Lemaitre or Place).

P36 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p240

… … were frequently discovered & of course defeated – from my father I often received information thro the means of a crust of half a Roll & I in return sent him an answer – by inserting it in the hollow of the cork guess therefore the serious loss any interruption of our correspondence occasioned. I understood sometimes they permitted the correspondence to be carried on as it gave them an opportunity of knowing what was going on But independent of Governor Aris’s cruel & tyrannical conduct towards us – it still appears that was his normal disposition. I have mentioned before the system of filling the Tin Pot of water in the morning – which if any neglected to do – or met with any accident he most probably went without till the following morning – I have heard many call out for water – the whole day & imagine… … .

P37 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p241

… … what went on in the dark cells – they would frequently night & day call out for water particularly in warm weather it was shocking to hear them, & likewise sometimes to hear the brutal answer of the Turnkeys – It was against regulations that tobacco should be smoked – I as well as others had pipe& tobacco sent in – but how men closely locked up – were to get the light never entered the heads of the Magistrates but ingenuity very soon obviated that difficulty.

Many of the Prisoner convicts were kept very short – one small loaf & water once a day – quite insufficient for a man with any appetite at all many of this description would eat salt – in order to provoke thirst so by that means they filled the purifying belly with water… …

P38 of Oxlade holograph

Placems p242

……At the same period, about 40 of the Mutineers of the Gove were confined in the Bastile. These poor fellows also were kept upon very short allowances and were starving –we made it part of our duty to assist them as soon as it was in our power to do so on our visiting days such of us as had to go thro the passages where those men were confined made a safe to relieve them and others on the other hand relieved some of the poor fellow by oakum lines let down from window to window but the relief we gave them occasioned the poor fellowsto be ill treated and occasioned a man Aris sent to be stationed outside the Prison – but within the wall to watch the motionsof them& us & no sooner was the lines observed then an immediate search took place & everything wass eised from the poorfellows –probably ill used in the bargain. – many of them were so strictly… …

P39 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p243

……Watched and denied every thing necessary they frequently pricked their Arms to supply them with blood to write with , as a substitute for Ink – I believe that some of these poor fellows were at times loaded with heavy logs to their feet as a punishment & if that was not sufficient their logs were increased but I have a faint recollection of this encounter & cannot say much about it I know that these poor fellows & us were alwaysreckoned byAris – as daring impudent Rascals. A greanoise having been raised outof doorby ourconfinement & public curiosity excited by it –occasioned many visitsto the place both officially & otherwise &the reports generally made or given seemed to imply that the prison was well conducted and quiet –let me explain thiscircumstance asclearly asI can –each Gallery that I have seen or had occasion to go thro –had…

P40 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p244

……a row of cells in some cases I believe two rows the row of cells faced outwardson the outside of the Door was chalked the prisonersname at first entering ove rthe door wa sa grating with door to it. This was expected to be closed excepton particular occasions –on the otherside of the cell was another window which looked outwards towards the garden –some of the Windows were boarded in such amanner that the prisoner could only seethe sky –some cells had the boards broken away by former prisoners so that those in the uppercells could seeover the Prison Walls –such was my case –I could distinctly see –Merlins cave –poor Bone could seeBagniggesWells & so on –the side of the opening overthe doorwasI imagine nearly or quite seven foot I believe the Windows the same. –it was our practice therefore upon many occasionsto clamberupthe window for amusement & see what was going on –and sometime to see our friends to whom we made signals by waving handkerchiefs & frequently when any thing was… …

P41 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p245

……going in the passage –we could by standing on the lock of the door satisfy &perhaps have a conversations with some of our companions &c but let me say that all this was unlawful & against the prison regulations. no person wasallowed to look thro either –nor washe allowed to talk loud orwhistle orsing –normake any noise yet it must be understood as before observed that we had in general obtained the confidence of the Head Turnkey Oliver& of another Turnkey Joseph Dance – so that in the case of us for political offences –the Turnkeys & they only relaxed a great deal of their severity towards us & that will account I hope forsome seeming inconsistencies or contradictions take this one as a particular instance of about what I wish to impress upon the readers mind Oliver would on some occasions leave my door unlocked –at the same time he would leave Bones door unlocked –this implied without any bidding –that we……

P42 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p246

……was to embrace that opportunity to converse with each other.& this he would allow to last an hour or two. Till chance or business brought him that way. –honourof course bound us to save this man from being exposed to Aris & we considered it be our duty had anything unpleasant occurred to screen such a man from Aris’s observation or any other person in the prison.–therefore upon hearing the keys beginning to stir or the doors moving about we betook ourselves to the cess & became as quiet as before – Now having promised before the stillness & quietness required by Arisof all his Prisoners–Let us suppose a Party are now entering one of the Galleries upon a general inspection of the Prison & it does not matter for the present whether the party is friendly –unfriendly –or merely visitors the prisoners hearing the usual sound of Keys & doors –remain quiet upon the bedstead – the wicket over the doorbeing c losed –t he party advance Aris most frequently with them–strange voices are… …

P43 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p247

……heard –footstepsadvancethey pass & all of us return to the same stillnessasbeforenow this party let thembe who they may –admire the quietnes of the place –now clean –no neat everything & what is more wonderful yet –They heard of no complaints no how the Devil should try I dare say the French Bastille was as quiet within the wall –as the English Bastile The noise of that infamous fortress was within the walls had any Gentleman or Committee come to the prison & asked for any prisoner by name –these probably some of the truths uttered out of doors –might be proved within the Walls. –I took every pains to give the information to any friends out of doors of everything transacted within –but I am apprehensive that frequently when it was said the Bottles with the Tea were broken – it was done with aview of keeping back information they contained & there… …

P44 of Oxladeholograph Place ms p248

……is little doubtt hat t hey frequently suffered notes to pass after copying them & then by that means they could obtain the answers we have been told at times that our notes had been sent to the Privy Council & that I have butlittle doubtof BonesCell wassituated in the angle of one Gallery & mine in another, & it was a practise with him & me to open the Wickets, stand upon the locks& hold aconversation together –or play the game of 31 –altho we could not see each other. on two or three of these occasions –he or I fancied we could perceive the shadow of aman in the passage no doubt placed there on purpose to hear our

Created by Peter Oxlade Page 16

conversations – other prisoners carried on conversations in the same manner & were watched in the same manner this will in some measure account for some of our information miscarrying – for by some means or other they could soon learn when we found out a new mode of conveying information… …

P45 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p249

… … out of doors & the kitchen for instance was often I believe inspected – but that turned out like all the rest – it was viewed with Jaundiced eyes by the party who wished to fawn Aris for instance it was said the Copper had partitions in it & that different sort of meats were cooked in it – this I believe to be true – but I suppose many out of doors know more of this than I did but at the time so much was said about the Kitchen &c – there were – 3 or 5 Gentlemen confined there who were Gamblers – these men had full liberty to walk about the Garden &c – Newspapers &c Joints of Meat cooked for them, but for this they paid very dear It was therefore in this department as well as the Galleries – great deception could be practised upon the unsuspecting Visitors There would be made a great display of the Governors providing for the Prisoners – Joints Boiled in the same Divisions of the Copper – Joints roasting &c – all… …

P46 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p250

… … tending to show the Governors liberality in providing for his prisoners – when at the very same time in another division – he was stewing down beef into tags & with a short allowance of this he was feeding his half famished prisoners It must be recollected that at the time of my imprisonment all the vagrants were committed here, as well as the court of Request debtors – so that with his Soup &c he was carrying on a fine game – These sort of customers were thankful for the Soup he gave them & were happy to see the Yard gate open & Pails full of Soup served out… …

P47 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p251

With respect to the Arrest, Imprisonment &c – as for regards the Privy Council & the Government – no doubt can be entertained that it bore the Character of being illegal arbitrary & unjust. – The Warrants were general or nearly so – very few names were in the Warrant – one person in the Warrant under which I was detained came in the room while I was there & was of course arrested – I forget who it was – it gave me an opportunity of ascertaining form the Messenger that it was general with respect to me & several others in the room and certainly it was Arbitrary & unjust to send persons to a House of Correction & also keep them on Prison allowance it was unjust & could keep about 42 men there after

Notes in the margin of Oxlade narrative P47 Place ms p251

Did you ever see a warrant? (hand of F Place ?)

P48 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p252

… … the men had been examined & the Council were told of the hardships they suffered under Aris all books reading of any sort & writing was prohibited, was this done under the sanction of the Council – was this done with any view to blind the public – the better to show the necessity of the Suspension Bill. Was it not arbitrary & unjust to keep so many men in prison after all this & for so long a period without any idea of the Men having committed any crime. nothing was imputed to any of them – or but very few. To justify their detention under the suspension Bill it was necessary one of the principal Secretary’s of State should commit under his Warrant – and therefore the most Vague & indefinite… .

Notes in margin P48 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p252

Bail for what? (Francis Place hand?)

P49 of Oxlade narrative Place ms p253

… … Terms was made use of namely “Treasonable practices” – among so many men taken in this general way – no doubt there were many & different shades some for their opinions expressed on some former occasion & some or all for having belonged to some – political society. – for instance Mr Ebsworth – what had he done – he merely went to Evans house to enquire of his Wife – for what reason Evans had been taken up – as he was there Bail for him and again what had I done – I went to Evans house to ask the same question & shared the same fate as him & many others by being detained. I therefore with the rest suffered Arbitrarily & unjustly and most probably – the real reason of all this bother – was to alarm the timid & better to justify or allow Mr Pitt & the Aristocrats of both Houses… …

P50 of Oxlade narrative Place ms p254

… … to carry on their wild schemes.

It is impossible to remember now the purport of my examination before the Council & even more than two or three questions – nor do I now remember the purport of the examinations of the others but I believe in general the questions were all of a trivial nature & in general related to bye gone times. – and far beyond any prosecution for high Treason perhaps with two or three exceptions – the Government could have had us at any time had we committed ourselves by any Treasonable Practices Mr Pitt examined me himself & he referred constantly to that Post paper which he held in his hand they consisted chiefly of questions relating to the corresponding Society &c – I could only say that I had left the Society for nearly two years – at least I believe so now & I referred to the Divisions books which I thought lay before their Lordships – I believe they did so – but why did I leave was a question which soon followed – I could… …

Notes in margin of P50 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p254

When was this examination?

Was it on the day you were seised?

Was it after the day?

All in the hand of Francis Place?)

P51 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p255

… … I could only say that it was not for any political cause whatever, that my beliefs made it necessary I should bestow more time on it but that the cause of reform of Parliament I never would forsake or forget. I have no doubt that the fortnight we were kept in custody previous to examination was to give time – to make enquiries into our former acts & deeds – so that when that event took place – the questions were really cut and dried I believe in most instances the accused are immediately taken before the Council although perfect strangers – merely to ascertain names & motives &c – but in this case it created noise & gave such an Air of Mystery to the transaction to Arrest upwards of 120 people in one night & to keep them close for a fortnight & it enabled the Minister better to carry on his plan. & under the sanction of the suspension Bill – prevent the men from proving their innocence. – it also gave time for their… …

Notes in margin of Oxlade holograph p51 Place ms p255

Not examined or not reexamined for 14 days

Not 120 persons I understood bout 35 United Englishmen at a house near Clerkenwll and about 40 London Corresponding Society taken at the committee – P.J. Lemaitre

P52 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p256

… … Spys to collect & give what information they could – respecting their prisoners – done or committed on any former occasion. Mr Pitt asked me what I did with a Pike in my house – that I could not want in my business &c this question of Pike – instantly struck me that it had been given me – by some acquaintance for a base purpose & that the same person gave the information which Pitt was then reading from. – I immediately informed their Lordships that it was now broke – was an Old Halberd & rusty that it was now broke – that it been give me by an acquaintance – on account of my being a Military Man I am not sure whether I recollected who it was if I did I told them. – but I cannot recollect now for my life & I have often endeavoured to recollect as I might avoid such a man & informed their Lordships that I had held a commission in the London Militia & had been a Member of the Artillery Company… …

P53 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p257

… … & that I then had a Musket at home which I used as a member of that company. Finding from the general tendency of the questions there was nothing to affect me & I therefore offered the Council good & sufficient bail – 6 or 8 I believe –good substantial housekeepers But I scarcely need say the offer was not accepted It suited Pitts purpose best – to keep the Habeas suspension Bill in operation – for by discharging us the public would see – he had been keeping innocent men in custody merely to save his necessary purposes – Well at length the then true – cause – when this farce of carrying so many men backwards, forwards – Bastile to Whitehall, Whitehall to Bastile – drew to a conclusion. it must be remembered that these journeys were usually performed at night – sometimes approaching midnight – and therefore one night – while attending their Lordships – some Messengers… …

P54 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p258

they immediately jumped up & set off in great haste & I heard one or two voices exclaim loudly – commit them all – commit them all I may safely say generally speaking I may say, all of us offered Bail, all of us – at every opportunity demanded our trials. – The Bastile Prisoners always demanded to be sent to other prisoner I was always incessant & loud upon these subjects – at times I have when asked why I so objected to the Bastile as I called it – my answer was plain – in Newgate they had liberty to see their friends – if they would send me there I should be enabled to see papers respecting any business – which was fast dropping off – that I had 8 apprentices besides men & women at work & that at that place – I could give directions concerning the work &c… .

P55 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p259

… … But this was not their plan – to keep a parcel of men in gaol & in ignorance of their future destiny – was more suitable to the plan of Ministers – When therefore we met together next day – we met under circumstances different from the day before – while under examination – these was to be that we should be discharged – nothing appearing of a serious nature against us but now we were prisoners without hope no period being found for our liberation but confined as long as our persecutors wished and without Trial. Therefore after some conversation among ourselves upon our situation – it was determined to apply for a copy of our commitments in general this was complied with – and soon the copies began to fly in (Aris was fond of money)but my copy not coming & Nichols & the other people about the prison appeared rather shy of me – I began to suspect all was not… …

P56 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p260

… … right with them – I therefore began to reason with myself that not being committed by a warrant &c – I could not be subject to the Act for the suspension of the Habeas Corpus but the difficulty was how to let this be known out of doors – so as to be understood my wish was to appear in the court of Kings Bench without the previous knowledge of the Government. but in this I was mistaken – the method adopted of seeing my father with two Gates between us & the man between both & the difficulty I had to make my father acquainted with the fact that I was not committed & therefore when it was understood by my friends – was also known to the Government – so that soon after my father with a witness had been to the gate to demand me, or a copy of my commitment – then I was sent for by the Council as before described… …

P57 of Oxlade holograph Place ms p261

… … After my liberty – it was determined to bring actions against the members of the Council – according to an act of Chas 2nd – which gave a Policy of £500 – to the party grieved against every privy councillor who sent any person to prison without a commitment but this was soon put a stop to by Mr Pitts celebrated Indemnity Bill which protected him & all persons acting under him from any actions &c

Notes in margin P57 of Oxlade holograph

Place ms p261

Not being committed by a warrant – this impelled him to his habeas, but as the Habeas Corpus act was suspended none of the others could sue out as unit of Habeas Corpus





Notes

NEWGATE PRISON

The narrative of John Oxlade in his version of the time he spent in the “English Bastile” raises several questions that need to be further addressed some of which have been reported on elsewhere.

More information about the Prison that held John Oxlade and others together with a broader picture of the era has been obtained. It makes interesting reading and gives a clear indication of the troubled times that John lived in. It is left to the reader to decide the truth of our History.

A visit to the Guildhall library in London provided a differing view when I discovered a pamphlet (no2121 that in today’s parlance would be referred to as a “booklet” of 57 pages) about the same prison that had become more commonly known by the local populace as the English Bastille. The booklet is called: SECRETS OF THE ENGLISH BASTILLE DISCLOSED Written by: Middlesex magistrate, The Reverend Glafoe in 1799 and printed by F & C Rivington of St Paul’s Churchyard.

It was not possible to retain a copy of this document from Guildhall library and therefore what follows is a truncated version produced from the notes made by the writer in Dec.2000.

The Rev. Glafoe was part of an inspection team that were used to visit prisons. He writes: “The author had visited the House of correction for the purpose of taking dimensions of cells and reporting on the miseries of their inhabitants.” He goes on to say “This supported the view that the favourable reports given by philanthropic visitors who left the gates with the most favourable impressions of the whole system” The Reverend then turns his comments to the inmates by writing thus

“ I wish to observe that this favourable opinion of the prison previously to the commitment of certain persons accused of treason or treasonable practices; ten of whom have created more trouble, disorder and confusion in the prison – than a hundred convicted felons.”

He comments “Magistrates who visited found the prison in a state of health as there were so few invalids in the infirmary”… ..“Where therefore shall the ground of accusation be found?” he asks. (Perhaps these were the measures of performance that applied at that time? – how times change) PHO

The pamphlet (booklet) goes on “Thus the name Bastille (note that it is spelt with two ll`s, whereas in the Oxlade narrative only one l was used) given by the Hackney Carriage coachman and his brethren, rooted with the then opinion that a prison without liquor – idleness – promiscuous intercourse of the sexes and felons could not deserve a better name than the Bastille.”

He continues “ In 1794 the House of Correction in Cold Bath Fields (the Hackney coachmen chimney sweeps and Coal heavers, “Bastille”) was declared to be in a proper condition to take prisoners in the old Bridewell, Clerkenwell. The building was erected at great expense to the country under direction of Sir Robert Taylor and had 300 cells.”

The Rev. writes that Inspection Magistrates reported back conditions to the courts at Quarterly Sessions. In 1796 a 20 strong magistrates committee was appointed to inspect prisons and report thereon to the County Court (to date 1799) and 50 meetings have been held.

Prisoners who did complain attended a meeting that included the Governor and Surgeons. He goes on to write that “from 1st January 1796 until 18th December 1798 there were 3609 prisoners committed and only 16 died – despite the life styles these prisoners had prior to being convicted”

The Rev.Glafoe also observes that “two persons brought before the magistrate at the time of discharge after two and one half years confinement”, commented that, “ it would be difficult to find two more healthy countenances than were exhibited on that occasion”

Glafoe says that he believed “Prisoners changed hearts captured –ignorant minds have been instructed – habits of diligence and sobriety established ”… … “ Four days in every week they have well prepared meals of broth with half a pound of coarse but wholesome meat in it with vegetables”.

Rev. Glafoe offers … “a view that the magistrates erred on the opposite side (the conditions and treatment of prisoners) to that presented by the general public”.

It is further offered that “ … it was felt that too much leeway was given to those imprisoned on the suspicion of treason or sedition practices. They proved to be ungovernable and retained the same spirit that brought them to prison”. (Sounds very much like our John Oxlade!)

Glafoe goes on “The prisoners complained that meat was cheap cut. I examined the bills and found them fair”.

Colonel Despard (see John Oxlade Narrative) had complained that whilst he was in the Bastile awaiting trial for treason, was denied any right for his family to visit him.

On this matter the Rev. Glafoe writes “… … Col. Despard had a visit from his wife and they sat and conversed in front of an open fire”. The Reverend Glafoe (minister and magistrate) concludes his narrative thus: “

I hold that the Magistrates with whom I have the honour to act… … … .from personal knowledge declare that the House of Correction is most grossly libelled by the Hackney coachman whenever he reports that he set down his fare at the BASTILLE”

The booklet is completed by the publication of the:

Rules

Order and Regulations

New House of Correction

Here are four examples from the list.

1. To order every prisoner to be stripped and cleaned. To be shorn or shaved and Clothes fumigated, baked or burned.

2. Female prisoners to have no intercourse with each other.

3. . See that the Taskmaster, Turnkeys and servants conduct themselves with prudence.

4. . Prisoners allowance to be one pound of bread each day, with other food at discretion. Water only (exception when sick)





COMMENTS ON THE OXLADE NARRATIVE

by Peter H Oxlade

3. The Oxlade Narrative

Comment on the Oxlade narrative. These notes are taken from information gained in particular from publications of the time. They are The Narrative of John Oxlade, from the Place collection, The Making of the English Working Class, The Life of Francis Place, The recollections of John Binns and the Trial of Col Despard. Susan M Rogers in Australia provided a deal of information and much assistance.

The typing of the Narrative has faithfully copied the spellings and grammar used by John Oxlade and those who wrote comments in the margins. e.g. Bastile not Bastille and the lack of full stops, commas or Capitalisation and the of the use of the ampersand (&) instead of “and”. Etc. is shown as &c.

The narrative of John Oxlade is dated February 1837 1801. The narrative starts; “Sir.” Which indicates that it must have been written at the behest of others, some 35 years after John’s release!

What was the role of The London Corresponding Society? (See later) Who is the person John is writing this epistle to and for what purpose? Could it be that the person concerned is Francis Place M.P; for him to use as a research tool to assist him in his Parliamentary deeds?

Why is it that Lemaitre the watchmaker has made comment on the original narrative document? What was his role in this affair?

Why is Francis Place (born Nov 3 1771 - died Jan 1st 1854) involved at this time? Could the following potted history of his life make him out as a major player?

Differing quotes indicate that the LCS membership was “from 2000” to “scores of thousands”. It is felt that probably nearer the lower figure is correct.

•John Gale Jones favoured largescale agitation. A surgeon by profession.

Both Jones and J.Binns were arrested in March 1796. Binns was imprisoned in 1797 and Jones was freed. Smith, Higgins and Lemaitre held for plotting to assassinate the King. Released without trial.





Recollection of the Life of John Binns vis a` vis John Oxlade

Information obtained from the book written in 1854 by John Binns just prior to his death in America; the book is entitled “Recollections of the Life of John Binns”.

•A Kings messenger (could arrest one in the name of the King) was recognisable as they had a silver greyhound on a chain round their necks – suspended at breast.

•The British Bastile (n.b. only one l) as called by Mr Sheridan MP in the House of Commons and known by those in London as such; was in fact entitled The New Clerkenwell Prison.

•Fugion – one of the Bow St. officers

•Lord Paget – authorised mattresses to be provided to certain prisoners.

•Mr Justice Ford who was later to become Sir Richard Ford a Bow St. magistrate and secretary to Duke of Portland (who was Secretary of State for Home Dept).

•J.Binns was first charged at Bow St for “attempting to leave the country without a passport”. It was later that he was “ upon a charge of high treason” Signed by Portland. The change in the charge is seen to have been because of a document (not written by Binns) headed “Address to the Executive Directory of France” The charge was delivered by a Kings Messenger called Mason. At a later date Mason “housed JB when he was awaiting interview with the Privy Council.

•John Binns was taken to the Tower of London as was his friend Arthur O’Connor. On arrival both were interviewed by Col.Smith and imprisoned separately in the West Tower. Binns was kept in solitary confinement, allowed no paper other than that to communicate to the Privy Council.

•In May 1798 both Binns and O’Connor were moved to Maidstone Jail for trial. Binns was acquitted and returned to London (O’Connor was hanged as a traitor). Binns was advised that if he behaved he would not be rearrested.

•The Duke of Portland under a charge of Treasonable Practices again arrested JB on 16.3.1799 on a warrant. The Privy Council including Mr Pitt the Prime Minister questioned him at length.

•At this time John Binns was held in the New Clerkenwell Prison (was it at this time the path of Binns and Oxlade crossed?) The Binns, Oxlade refers to in his narrative is probably brother Benj Binns?). The Privy Council decided that John Binns should be retained in custody and transferred him from Clerkenwell to Gloucester Prison – to be held in solitary confinement from May 1799 March 1801.

•It was in March 1801 that all the state prisoners in England in confinement under the suspension of the act of Habeas Corpus were liberated.

•On 1.7.1801 John Binns embarked Liverpool for Baltimore. John Binns was Editor of a paper named “Democratic Press” and pursued his republican arguments via that paper. He became a Judge and a Senator in the State of Pennsylvania.

Items to be aware of.

•1795 Crop failure and population unrest as hunger led to food riots. Popularity within the working class for a move from a Monarchy to a Republic (a la Francais?) was growing. Violent and nonviolent voices were being raised at Public meetings clamouring for a reform of government.

•Cost of war in America having effect. Revolution a distinct possibility.

•Pitt the PM repealed the Act of Habeas Corpus twice, enabling those in power to arrest and imprison without trial whoever they chose and for whatever reason. This at a time of much unrest in the population.

•Habeas Corpus was  suspended i n  1794,  enabling  the  government to detain prisoners without trial.  The  Seditious  Meetings Act made the organisation of parliamentary  reformgatherings extremely difficult. Finally, in 1799,  the government pers uaded  Parliament to  pass  a  Corresponding  Societies  Act.  It was now illegal for the London Corresponding Society to meet and the organisation came to an end.

(1) Resolutions passed by the London Corresponding  Society in January 1793

(2) The secretary of the Tewksbury Corresponding  Society sent a letter to Thomas Hardy in July,1794

The burning of Thomas Paine's effigy, together with  the  effects of the present war, has done more good to the cause than the most substantial arguments for universal suffrage.

Lord Braxfield explained why he had to sentence Thomas Muir and the other leaders of the Convention in Edinburgh to be transported to Australia for fourteen years.

The British constitution is the best that ever was since the creation of the world, and it is not possible to make it better. Yet Mr. Muir has gone among the ignorant country people and told them Parliamentary Reform was absolutely necessary for preserving their liberty.

SEARCH THROUGH EVERY BRITISH BOOK IN PRINT





About the

LONDON CORRESPONDING SOCIETY

In January 1792 a group of four men, including Thomas Hardy, a London shoemaker, began meeting to discuss the possibility of forming a group of working men in order to campaign for the vote. On the 25th January 1792 they held a public meeting on Parliamentary reform. Only eight people attended but the men decided to form a group called the London Corresponding Society. Early members included John Thelwall, John Horne Tooke. Joseph Gerrald and Maurice Margarot.

As well as campaigning for the vote, the strategy was to create links with other reforming groups in Britain. Thomas Hardy was appointed as treasurer and secretary of the organisation. The society passed a series of resolutions and after being printed on handbills, they were distributed to the public. These resolutions also included statements attacking the government's foreign policy. A petition was started and by May 1793, 6,000 members of the public had signed saying they supported the resolutions of

The London Corresponding Society.

By the summer of 1793 the London Corresponding Society had made contact with Parliamentary reform groups in Manchester Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby, Stockport and Tewksbury. At the end of 1793 Thomas Muir and the supporters of parliamentary reform in Scotland began to organise a convention in Edinburgh. The Society sent two delegates Joseph Gerrald and Maurice Maragot, but the men and other leaders of the convention were arrested and tried for sedition. Several of the men, including Gerrald and Maragot, were sentenced to fourteen years transportation.

The reformers were determined not to be beaten and Thomas Hardy, John HorneTooke and John Thelwall began to organise another convention. When the authorities heard what was happening, Hardy and the other two men were arrested and committed to the Tower of London and charged with high treason. The men's trial began at the Old Bailey on 28th October 1794. The prosecution, led by Lord Eldon, argued that the Leaders of the London Corresponding Society were guilty of treason as they organised meetings where people were encouraged to disobey King and Parliament. However, the prosecution was unable to provide any evidence that Hardy and his co- defendants had attempted to do this and the 'jury returned a verdict of "Not Guilty".

The government continued to persecute supporters of parliamentary reform.

For information contact Michael Turner, The Bodlian Library , Oxford





Notes on Col Despard

(the ex officer imprisoned with John Oxlade and referred to on p21 of the Oxlade narrative)

Despard was imprisoned at the same time and in the same place as John Oxlade in 1798 - 1801. John refers to him as my unfortunate friend (see p21 of Oxlade holograph)

As part of the connection with John Oxlade a wider examination reveals the man as a kind gentle man but also a man of great belief that eventually led to his execution. It also confirms the narrative of JO in exposing the cruelty and political unrest of the times.

On the 7 February 1803 Edward Marcus Despard Esq was tried (along with six others) on a charge of High Treason at the Session House, Newington, Surrey. Mr.Sergeant

Best and Mr Gurney were assigned as Despards Council. Mr White was the Solicitor for the Treasury. The prosecution case revolved around Col Despard seducing others including serving soldiers to treasonable offences. For example part of the case brought by the government indicated that meetings were held at which Despard spoke in treasonable terms. Meetings at the “Flying Horse” at the “Oakley Arms” (in Lambeth London) with Broughton and others. It was alleged that Despard had said amongst other things

“Windsor, His Majesty must be put to death and the people will have liberty” Sir Richard Ford (see JO narrative for comment on Sir Richard) when examined by the Solicitor General commented, … … “Despard was imprisoned in 1798 for 3 years. He was discharged without the Crown finding enough to lay before the Grand Jury – much less convict”. It was in the company of JO that Despard spent this time in the Bastile.

Several highranking officials and officers spoke highly of Despard including Generals giving a good account of him and an officer and Knights of the Realm spoke in his favour. Probably the highest ranking of them all was Lord Nelson who commented “ I formed the highest opinion of him as a man and an officer.”

Summing up the case Lord Ellenborough commented amongst many other things the words “depose the King “etc. The Jury withdrew to consider its verdict and returned 25 minutes later and announced a Guilty verdict on all prisoners at the bar.

The Judge in sentencing went on to say… It only remains for me to pronounce the sad and painful sentence of the law upon the crime of which you are convicted; and that sentence is, and this court doth adjudge, That you, the several Prisoners at the bar, be severally taken from hence to the place from whence you came and from thence to be severally drawn on an hurdle to the place of execution and there be severally hanged by the neck, but not until you are dead, but that you are yet alive, your bowels be taken out and burnt before your faces; and afterwards your heads be severed from your bodies, and your bodies be divided each into four quarters to be at the King’s disposal. And may God Almighty have mercy on your souls”. (Hung, drawn and quartered) On Monday 21 February 1803, Edward Marcus Despard, John Wood, Thomas Broughton, John Francis, James Sedgwick Wratten, Arthur Graham and John Macnamara, were each drawn on an hurdle to a  platform erected in the front of the County Gaol at Newington,  where they were hanged;  after having  been suspended for near half and hour, they were  cut down, when their  heads were severed from their bodies  (the King having graciously remitted the  execution of the  remainder of their sentence) and their  bodies were  delivered to  their respective friends.

Peter Oxlade Croydon UK







Last changed: 27/11/2006, 15:45:00