A Letter From Sheffield

[RichardB]

"On Tuesday last, the Farmers having ask'd a most extravagant Price for Corn, the Mob rose, and went in a large Body up the Church Lane, to one Nettleship's, who is a great Corn Factor, (and is said to send large Quantities out of Town) broke into one of his Storehouses, and gave large Quantities of it to the Populace.

After which, they assembled in the Old Church Yard, and threaten'd much more Mischief of the same Kind. While they were thus menacing forth Vengeance, came up a Party of Men arm'd, with a Constable at the Head of them, and fir'd amongst the Mob, from which a great deal of Mischief ensued, for many were wounded, some 'tis said, dangerously.

This enraged the Rioters so much, that they vow'd Death to every one that had fired; which occasion'd the Party to conceal themselves in a private Corner of the Church. The Mob broke in after them, but could no where find them, though they stay'd all the Night. But some Friends getting together, put out all the Lights, and then gave the Watch-word, for them to make their Escape in the Dark. If this had not been done, 'tis thought none of them had got off with their Lives.

"Wednesday and Thursday they made much Disturbance, pulling off the Top of one of the Mills; and if the Man had not given them Money and fair Promises, they had done further Mischief.

You may imagine our Sheffield Gentlemen (as they call themselves) were much affrighted; for they sent to the Marquis of Rockingham, to request his Presence amongst them : He came Yesterday and expostulated with the Mob in the Market Place; gave them Money, and promis'd them Ten Guineas more at the Cutlers Feast, if, in the mean Time, they behav'd peaceably.

In the Afternoon the Gentlemen went to most of the Cutlers in Town who kept Journeymen; and they promis'd each to head their own Men, in the Evening, if there should be Occasion, to fight against the Mob.

In the Evening the Market Place was full of Mob; the Bells were rung backwards, which was the Signal for the Cutlers and their Men to being the Encounter.

Quickly the Streets were crowded with stout Men, all arm'd with Bludgeons, each Party with a Gentleman for their Captain. The Town Party wore White Cockades, to distinguish themselves from the Mob; such a dismal Sight, I never saw before !

The Mob threaten'd to pull down the Factors Houses, and afterwards ..... However, it pleased God they were soon put to flight, and many of the Ringleaders of them secur'd.

They are gone this Morning, with Thirty-five of them Prisoners, to the Marquis's, to know how they are to proceed. I hope their Punishment will deter others from daring to make Parties and Dissentions in the Town."