Monday 3 September 2012

3rd September 1812: The authorities in Nottinghamshire inform the Home Secretary of stockpiled arms

Mansfield Sep 3d 1812

My lord

Agreeable to your Lordships instructions I have seen Hewitt the Deserter, who has given me some usefull information

—He states that the quantity of arms collected in this County at five hundred Stand, but from other information which I can rely upon I am convinced he has greatly over stated them

—I gave him instructions to get into the imployment of a Manufacturer of the name of [Flinders] who has not only assisted the Luddites with money but is frequently join’d them in their depredations—and from his situation in life I am very anxious to bring him to justice

I am sorry that owing to the secret as to the place where the Arms are deposited being known to so few even of their own party—has hitherto prevented me from gathering possession of them—but allow me to assure your Lordship that no exertion shall be wanting to accomplish that point—I have the Honor to be

Your Lordships
very humb Servant.

James A Stevens

To
The Rt Honl Lord Sidmouth
Secretary of State
London

This letter can be found at HO 42/127.

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