| Title | Michaelmas Sessions Depositions: George Ladds, Thomas Cooke, John Austin, Samuel Austin, Henry Adams, John Burton, of Cherry Orton, accused of assaulting William Preston, Fletton, Superintendent Constable, Joseph Cook, Cherry Orton, constable, York Holdich, Cherry Orton, constable, John Newton, Long Orton, constable, in the execution of their duty i.e. a resting Thomas Monk the younger, William Allen, Jackson Allen, George Ladds and William Austin, on a charge of driving the Irish. John Burton, a farmer, said he could not spare (from cutting oats) the arrested men (his labourers). Thereupon they stacked the Police with scythes and sticks. Preston, armed with a pistol, threatened If you cut me with that (a scythe) or touch me with the cold steel, I'll blow a hole through you. John Austin, an old man, egged on the rest. A crowd of 50 to 60 men were hostile to the constables. Preston was in fear of my life and unable to execute my warrant. Another constable said With our force (4) we could not have taken them, nor could any force have attempted it without here being a deal of bloodshed as they had made up their minds not to be took. The trouble arose out of the labourers Assembling (the previous day) to drive out the Irish. I had seen more than a score Irishmen in the village before Monday - many of whomwere at my shop - and a great number, I think 19, left their work and have not returned to it. All Mr. Harris' Irishmen left and some of Mr. Lumb's. |