THE RIOTS AT BRISTOL.

WHENEVER and however the armed force of the country may be actively employed, it is our special province to record the nature and results of their service. The recent Riots at Bristol, contemptible in their origin, but formidable in their unchecked growth, having been finally put down by military force, it behoves us to describe the proceedings of the troops employed, and the circumstances which called them into action. We shall speak only upon the testimony of eyewitnesses, confining ourselves to facts, and discarding other partizanship, save the advocacy of truth and duty, whether public or professional.

BRISTOL.

The session of gaol delivery having arrived, the Recorder of Bristol, Sir Charles Wetherell, proceeded to that city, with the full concurrence of His Majesty's Government, to discharge his important and imperative duties. We need not describe the political opinions of Sir Charles Wetherell, nor point out to unprejudiced persons, how distinct, under a constitution like the British, are the views of the senator in debate, and the decisions of the judge upon the

U. S. JOURN. No. 37. DEC. 1831.

2 F

judgment-seat. The Recorder of Bristol attempted to fulfil, though, it appears, at the hazard of his life, a public duty, to have shrunk from which, under the peculiar circumstances, would have exposed him, and with justice, to charges which no public functionary or man of spirit would deliberately incur. His advent, however, was made a pretext for outrages of the most wanton and atrocious character. It is a lamentable omen of degenerate feeling in a free people, when a manly independence of opinion and bearing subjects individuals to personal violence, or even martyrdom: while the basest sycophancy and abnegation of principle are recognized as legitimate claims to the honours of a rank popularity.

The arrival of Sir Charles Wetherell at Bristol, on Saturday the 29th October, was the signal for riot and pillage. Scenes ensued, and continued for three days, which will remain infamously memorable as regards the City of Bristol, its magistrates, and inhabitants; while the part performed by the handful of troops employed on this deplorable occasion, gives the army an additional title to the confidence, and gratitude of the country.

The City of Bristol is one of the most defensible in the kingdom, being intersected and in parts almost insulated by a deep and muddy river, crossed by several draw-bridges, while the ground gradually rises from the right, or northern channel, with open spaces on the most central and commanding points. These last named localities, though offering little obstruction to the operations of cavalry, were, by some unaccountable infatuation, suffered to remain for three days the principal scenes of riot and destruction. The troops present in the vicinity of Bristol on the 29th of October, were a squadron of the 14th Light Dragoons, commanded by Capt. Gage, and Capt. Warrington's troop of the 3rd Dragoon Guards. The superior command devolved on Lieut.-Colonel Brereton, Inspecting Field-Officer of the district, as senior officer on the spot. The Force prepared to meet a danger, of which early and sufficient notice had been given by the local authorities, was numerically inadequate to the occasion; yet did the small band in question prove fully equal to the emergency, although paralysed for a time by causes independent of their own efficiency and spirit. From the beginning to the end of these Riots, there was not a single moment at which the dragoons, while suffered to retain their ground, were not both fit and ready to act, if directed to do so, with prompt and decisive effect. It is evident from the result, that a moderate display of vigour and decision in the first instance, might have arrested the progress of these destructive and disgraceful riots-nor is there any inference more clearly established by experience than that the "soothing system" but adds fuel to the course of lawless outrage. The most painful, invidious, and difficult position in which an officer can be placed, is that which involves duties similar to those imposed on the troops at Bristol. Here, however, his path was pointed out by the Law itself, whose sword was put into his hands. The first duty of an officer is certainly the care of the soldiers committed to his charge-a duty which by no means embraces a tender regard for the passions and persons of Rebels and Robbers, seeking to destroy or disable those very soldiers-the former out

How then are we

raging the laws, the latter upholding them. to estimate the judgment, the patriotism, or esprit de corps of an officer, who, justified at all points, even on the score of humanity, in acting with energy, and appealed to by every motive most cogent with a manly mind, yet chooses to decline the coercion of outlaws, whom to attack was to defeat, to spare but to encourage; who turns the tables upon his own men, summoned to protect an assaulted city; and who, by this act and others equally considerate, virtually incapacitates the troops from effecting the sole object of their presence, and renders them the butt of savage triumph and murderous ferocity!

If we combine the excesses on the one side and the deficiencies on the other, which marked this audacious tumult, it will be difficult to find its parallel in history. It furnishes, however, a pregnant lesson at the present crisis. It has developed the actual views and dispositions of the populace, whom liberal sycophants style "The People." It has displayed in their natural colours the debasing selfishness, the sheer poltroonery of those who, affecting the language of the patriot, but shrinking from the duties of the citizen, coolly contemplate the progress of pillage and conflagration, till the destroyer knocks at their own doors-who spurn the contamination of a judge, recusant of their political creed, but crouch with a servile fear beneath the brand and the bludgeon of excarcerated felons-who cry aloud and lament them at the decay of independence and the growth of slavery-yet prostrate themselves, their families, and their possessions, at the first summons, before the Fiend of Anarchy! Finally, it has taught, in legible characters, the value of the army, by which the peace of the country is actually preserved; and has dissolved by the practical test of experience, that most mischievous of bugbears, the physical-force delusion; teaching, by facts, the utter futility of the demagogue's doctrine, and proving to demonstration the immeasurable superiority and devoted spirit of the troops. Woe to the traitors who would still doubt their loyalty and brave their power!

In

The immediate origin of these Riots is well known the military details which follow are derived from unquestionable sources. stating facts, we are compelled, in justice to the troops, to draw inferences, which, whether favourable or not to the commander, are clear and not to be evaded. It is far, however, from our purpose to prejudice the case of Colonel Brereton-now submitted to a Court of Enquiry; while, on the other hand, our information, and it is accurate, allows us no grounds for acquitting him of the mismanagement of the troops placed under his orders. With his private motives or opinions we have no concern. In order, however, to deal even-handed justice as far as our present means permit, as well as to embrace the whole subject, we shall give the Narrative of Major Mackworth, which in some points is favourable to Colonel Brereton, together with the statement addressed by the Mayor of Bristol to Lord Hill, which is throughout criminatory of that officer.

On Saturday the 29th, when the riots were considered serious, a squadron of the 14th had been the greater part of the day in the New Market, where Colonel Brereton, at five o'clock in the evening, came

2 F 2

to them, and having desired one troop to go to their quarters to feed, he directed the other, commanded by Capt. Gage, and a troop of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, to follow him to Queen-square, where on their arrival they found a large mob assembled and attacking the Mansionhouse, the whole of the windows of which they had broken. Some of the rabble addressed the Colonel, but what they said was not heard; the Colonel then took off his hat and cheered, as also, from a sense of military etiquette, did the officer in command of the 3rd and some of the men; but which condescending example was not followed by the 14th. Upon Capt. Gage applying to Colonel Brereton for orders, he was told to move his men about, and by kind words endeavour to disperse the Rioters, but without drawing swords! This recommendation had reference to an unlawful assemblage, actually engaged in the destruction of property and an attempt on the lives of the public authorities. During this manoeuvre the Colonel frequently talked to the mob and cheered with them! The outrages and violence of the Rioters encreasing from impunity, about eleven o'clock the Colonel ordered Capt. Gage to clear the streets, but not to hurt the people!

From that time, until ten o'clock on Sunday morning, the streets were patrolled by only a few detached parties, which were then called in, and the whole troop was ordered to Queen-square. On their arrival the mob commenced hooting and pelting the 14th, calling out to Colonel Brereton to send away the Bloody Blues, as they termed the 14th. The Colonel, with the same deference to the desires of the sovereign people which he had so strongly evinced from the commencement, desired the officer of the 14th to retire to their billets, but the attempt to obey only encouraged the insolence of the mob, who attacked and pressed on with such audacity that the troop were obliged to charge in their own defence, and ultimately to use their pistols to prevent being torn from their horses. Upon arriving at their billets, Colonel Brereton ordered Capt. Gage to march the whole squadron out of the city, as the mob had sworn to come down and murder every man:-(Did it follow that they could ?)—but as the officer did not hurry himself in going, the order was repeated with great impatience, and upon being asked by the officer where he was to go, the answer was where you please-only get away as fast as you can. The squadron then marched to Keynsham, five miles distant, leaving the town and the lives and property of the inhabitants at the mercy of an infuriate mob.

On Monday morning, fortunately for the devoted city, Major Mackworth, who had exerted himself very zealously upon this occasion, rode with all speed to Keynsham, and ordered back the squadron of the 14th. About eight o'clock they returned, accordingly, to Queen-square, and after remaining there for some time, they were ordered to their billets to feed.

A requisition from the Mayor of Bristol for an additional force of the 14th Dragoons having reached Gloucester at two o'clock on the morning of Monday the 31st October, Capt. Congreve's troop was ordered to march immediately to Bristol, whither Major Beckwith, with the Adjutant, proceeded in a post-chaise without delay, arriving at the Council-house at seven o'clock, A.M. In reply to Major Beck

with's inquiries, the Mayor and Magistrates could only inform him that the squadron of his regiment had been sent out of the town-but they knew not where: that it was ordered to return, but they knew not when-and referred him to Colonel Brereton.

The magistrates farther stated, that the city was under the complete dominion of the mob, and that they retained no authority whatever. Major Beckwith then urged that one or more magistrates should accompany him on horseback, and pledged himself speedily to restore order. This proposition they all repeatedly refused, upon the plea that it would make them unpopular, and expose their property to destruction! Thus left to himself, Major Beckwith demanded and received a written authority to take whatever measures he might judge necessary for the restoration of order. The Magistrates added, that the Riot Act had been repeatedly read. Major Beckwith and the Adjutant then proceeded to inspect the state of the city, and ascertain any obstacles had been prepared to impede the troops. In Queensquare they found a party of the 3rd Dragoon Guards; and shortly after Colonel Brereton came up. Much trifling on the part of the latter followed-the details of which we withhold, as we do many other particulars not necessary to our purpose, and of which cognizance will doubtless be taken elsewhere.

if

On the arrival of the squadron from Keynsham, Major Beckwith assumed the command. It was dismounted and placed in the yard of Fisher's livery-stables; where it had scarcely remained a quarter of an hour, when it was reported to Major Beckwith, that the mob was plundering the Bishop's Palace. The squadron was instantly ordered to mount, and, in its progress towards the remains of the palace, was furiously assailed with bottles, stones, and other missiles. The order to disperse the mob in that part of the town was immediately given, and as promptly executed. Scarcely was this accomplished, when, hearing that the rioters were still plundering in Queen-square, and about to set fire to other houses, Major Beckwith proceeded thither with his squadron at a rapid pace, and finding the mob in the act of pillage, and being again attacked with the same missiles, the order to disperse them was repeated, and as completely effected as upon the previous occasion. The squadron then proceeded along the quays and principal streets, dispersing every lawless assemblage it met with. These vigorous measures quickly restored tranquillity to the city, and saved it from ruin. During these operations the conduct of the 14th was admirable and Major Beckwith, on reporting his proceedings to the Magistrates, received their unanimous approbation,

Earlier on Monday morning the troop of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, directed by Major Mackworth, in the presence of Colonel Brereton, had charged and dispersed the mob in Queen Square. A soldier of this small party, which behaved with great spirit when let loose, was wounded by a gun-shot discharged by the rioters.

The 14th having been again placed in Fisher's Livery-yard, patroles were detached in every direction to scour the vicinity of the city. One of these, having returned about three o'clock, reported that the rabble driven from the town by the cavalry, were robbing the people and plundering the houses on the Bath road. The men were immediately mounted, and Capt. Congreve's troop, which had now arrived, having