The Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette and Merthyr Guardian

ALARMING CHARTIST INSURRECTION AT NEWPORT. in resuuiine cur narrative of this dreadful affair, we shall first retrace our steps, so as to furnish hatHer additional particulars we have gathered since las'Saturday of the events of the past week. Tne ftr, thing which seems to call for remark is as Co the number of persons engaged in this out- break, The estimates have been very various; and probably the highest are exaggerated. Viewing all the difficulties of arriving at anything like an ac- curate result, we think it may be affirmed that not more than 20,000 were actually concerned in this lawless proceeding. We copy the following account of the more mur- derous part of the affair from the Merlin. It does not differ materially from our own accounts given last week; but it supplies some additional particu- lars not mentioned in the graphic description which Mr WATKI-IS so kindly favoured us with. Tho Mayor, from the first moment of serious alarm, adopted every precautionary measure, which firmness, correct judgment, and indefatigable exer- tion could accomplish in the time, and under the circumstances. He swore in a large number of special constables from amongst all classes—was in frequent communication with the detachment of the brave 45th resit, at the temporary barrack poor house, and appointed the Westgate Hotel as the head quarters of the little band collected for the defence of the town. At eight o'clock, Lieut. Gray, of the 45th, with two serjeants, and thirty soldiers, arrived at the Westate Hotel, from the barracks at the poor house, beyond Stow Hill. The gallant Lieut, immediately placed himself and men under the direction of the mayor, and the brave and deter- mined fellows were judiciously posted through the premises. Business was entirely suspended, the shops were all shut, and a solemn stillness pervaded the town. The shutters of the Westgate Hotel windows were closed, but the entrance was open, and the passage occupied by several gentlemen with staves, who acted as special constables, there being no appearance of a military force from the exterior of the house. At about nine o'clock the cheering of many voices was heard in the distance, from the direction of Stow Hill, producing the Utmost alarm, as evidenced by the countenances of those inhabitants who appeared at their windows. In a few minutes after, the front ranks of a nume- rous body of men, armed with guns, swords, pikes, bludgeons, and a variety of rude weapons, made their appearance, and wheeled round the corner of the hotel, from Stow Hill, with more observance of regularity in movement than it is usual for rioters to display;—an observer, who saw the movement down Stow lIill, calculates that this body of Chart- ists must have amounted to five thousand men. When the head of the column arrived at the West- gate, the rear ranks were at the house of Mr Sal- lows, and they appeared to be almost twelve abreast. The leading ranks then formed in the front of the house, and a large body made an attempt to enter the yard leading to the stables, but found the gate strongly secured against them. They then wheeled to the portico of the inn, holding their guns and other weapons in a menacing manner, and calling out,as it was understood," Give us up the prisoners:" (those that had been captured during the previous night, by the special constables) A volley was immediately discharged at the windows of the house, which broke almost every pane of glass, with the frames, in the lower floor, and they made a rush into the passage a dense crowd forcing the special constables to fly from the points of their pikes. At this critical moment the soldiers who were in the large lower room of the eastern wing, fired over the shutters, which was nearly midway up the window, but it ttaq supposed that the balls passed over the heads of the rioters. The shutters were soon re- moved, and Mr Phillips, the undaunted mayor, Lieutenant Gray and Sergeant Daly, of the 45th. appeared at the window the mayor had the Riot Act in his hand, and appeared as if about to address or exhort the insurgents, when he received a slug through the left arm (a rather severe flesh wound) near the wrist. Sergeant Daly was wounded in the forehead (with two slugs, made from lead, ap- parently taken from a window frame); he was hit on the peak of his cap, the stiff leather of which prevented his being killed on the spot. The firing of the troops was steady and murderous, both on the rioters in front of the hotel, and on those who had rushed into the premises. Several unhappy wretches fell in view of the house, five or six mor- tally wounded and five were killed and several wounded inside. During the melee, the mayor was again wounded, and had two providential escapes of life. A Chartist was about piercing his body with a pike, when he was shot dead by a soldier; —and secondly, he was near being shot by one of the military, who, in the smoke produced by the firing, mistaking Mr Phillips for one of the foe, levelled his piece at him (then on half cock), and would have fired, but for a person who happily turned the muzzle of the gun aside, the mayor an- nouncing himself. The heat of the conflict lasted about a quarter of an hour, when the defeated Chartists took to their heels in aU directions- throwing away their arms, and abandoning their dead and dying: and we are credibly informed that the Chartists who were at the rear of the column up Stow Hill, fled across the field*, below the Church, and in all directions, scattering their weapons as they went, and appearing panic-stricken on hearing the roll of the musketry. Many who suffered in the fight, crawled away—some exhi- biting frightful wounds, and glaring eyes, wildly crying for mercy, and seeking a shelter from the charitable others, desperately maimed, were car- ried by the hands of humanity, for medical aid, and a few of the miserable objects that were helplessly and mortally wounded, continued for some minutes to writhe in tortures, presenting, in their gory agonies, a dismal and impressive example to any of the political seducers, or the seduced, vho might have been within view, and a sickening and melancholy spectacle for the eye of the philan- tropist. Amongst the precautionary measures taken by the Mayor on Monday moruing, were the distribution of public notices. The following, with many other bills, issued as soon as possible from the Merlin Office, were circulated through the town aud neigh- bourhood-- "BOROUGH or NEWPORT, COUNTY OF MON- MOU rHo The Justices of the borough strictly charge and require all persons who ha ve been sworn in as special constable for the borough, to attend at the VVestgate Inn, at nine o'clock this morning, in order to perform active duty.—Dited this fourth day of Nov. 1839. By order of the Justices." "Our Sovereign Lady the Queen strictly chargeth and commandeth all persons being assembled, im- mediately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful busi- ness, upon the pains contained in the Act made in tho first year of King George, for preventing tu- mults and riotous assemblies.—God save the Queen. Borough of Newport, November 4th, 1838. The Riot Act has been read. By order of the Justices." Before the posting of the latter notice was finished, one of the persons so employed was assaulted, and his implements thrown into the canal. Captain Stack, a fine veteran of the Peninsula, was out with his undaunted few of the 45th, near their barrack, and stood with his son, Ensign Stack, at their head but the immense masses of Chartists, who were within a few hundred yards of them, dared not approach if they had done so, they would have received .s warm a reception as the galiaut Gray and his invincible thirty, gave the Chartists at the Westgate. Mr Brewer, the coroner, had a narrow escape that gentleman and Mr Blewitt were the first magis- trates in attendance for the discharge of their dutv. Mr Blewitt was at Llantarnam Abhev, when the news reached him that the Chartists were marchiri" in imposing numbers, from Pontypool. He instantly went into the main road, and sought by his presence and the influence of his deserved popularity to stem the human torrent that was pressing impetuously on towards Newport. He addressed the misguided men for some time, and was listened to for a while with apparently marked attention. He represented the certain ruin that awaited them, if they put them- selves in array against the authorities of the coun- try,-the destruction of their best hopes—the future deritution of their families, who would, in their misery, curse the hour when those who should have been their supporters, insanely listened to the voice of their demagogue tempters, and permitted them- selves to be made both their dupes and their victims. What are your grievances, men ?" said Mr Blewitt; tell them here to nie, and I solemnly plcdge myself to use my best exertions to have them redressed." A gentleman, who accompanied Mr Blewitt from the Abbey, informs us that he made strong impressions on many of the Chartists; but the active efforts of the leaders prevailed, aud but few returned to Pont- ypool. Mr Blewitt immediately afterwards mounted his horse, to proceed to Newport by Caerleon. On his arriving at the Toll Gate, he was informed of the sad events that had occurred, and that the Chartists had possession of the town, On quitting his horse at the King's Head, he went towards the Westgate Hotel, on arriviugbefore which, he found the wounded and dying surrounding the door. He raised his hands as a signal of peace to the highly-excited soldiery, and was by them assisted through the window. He went at once to the room where the Mayor was lying wounded, who briefly, but with great calmness, in- formed him of all the dispositions he had made, and of the events of the morning, and requested him to take his place, and act as his locum tenens, on the trying occasion. EXAMINATIONS OF THE RINGLEADERS. James A ust a market gardeuer, was placed at the bar on Wednesday. John Richards, sworn and examined by Mr Blewitt.-I am a cordwainer, living at Caerleon. I know James Aust by sight; the prisoner is the man, I knew him in Caerleon. I have known him these three years. I saw him on Monday, between 9 and 10 o'clock. He came to where I was at work, at Parky.pill. He came to the gate. There were a great many with him. I should say 20 or more. The prisoner had a gun in his hand. There were two came into the shop to us and pressed us offour seats. There were three of us in the shop. They came iu and said, Lads come along with U8." We asked for what? They saiil "Come along with us, and you shall see, They were armed with something like butchers1 cleavers. The three of us went out with them. We were afraid, if we did not go, that they would injure us. John Dallyniore was work- ing with me; the other's Christian name is George, but I do not know his surname. When we got out we saw the other men and the prisoner waiting for us. They asked if our master had any arms, and we said we did not know. They then said, "Oh, go and see;" and they went into the house and took a gun out of the bed-room. There was another gun there, which they left, there being no lock upon it. All I saw the prisoner do was his being with them armed with a gun. The one that took the gun told my master he would bring it back that night. I should not know that man again. The two men who had the axes were the leaders. They took us through the common to a hilly field, near Mr Clarke's farm. James Aust was with them. The two with the axes took the lead. We went into the Ponty- pool and Newport road. A great number of people were there, most of them armed with sticks. They took us up a lane, near a large quarry. They took us a great wa) till we came to a farmhouse. There were a great many going up the lane before us Heard the people along the road say there was shooting in Newport. The two men I spoke of con- tinued to be our leaders. When they got to the bottom of Malpas-hill, the men were marching towards Newport, and then it was said by some one that there had been shooting in Newport. The two leaders then said, Follow us," and went up the lane, instead of to Newport. James Aust came with us as far as Mr Cordes's gardener's house. He went in there, and when the men missed him they called out for him (Aust), Where is Ausl:" The leaders then retreated back, aud said, "Where is Aust ?" Some of the crowd said, He is gone to the gar- dener's;" they then went to the turnpike on the Pontypool road, and inquired there for him. They searched the house for him, but could not find him. Just before we got to the farmhouse I got into a field, and tried to escape, but was prevented. When they got to the house, the colliers made a stand. I and my shopmates ultimately escaped, and got home between 12 and 1 in the daytime. The prisoner, upon being aked if he had any questions to put, said, "He had not; all that the witness had stated was perfectly true." John Dallyn)ore.Oii Monday morning, between 9 and 10, 1 and two more were working in the shop. 1 was taken at a nonplus; but I should say, that six or seven armed persons came into the shop, one with a firelock, and another with a stick with a spear in it. Two of the men had long axes—wood-cutters' axes. All the others were armed, but I cannot say with what. James Aust stood outside. The men said, Come with ns, or you may expect what will follow." Aust had a gun in his haud. I saw him load it. Aust must have heard the men tell us to follow them. We went with them. I know Aust. The prisoner is the man. I saw him put a bullet into his gitr. After 1 came out of the house two of the men went back, and one of them brought a Are- lock from all upstairs room. It was not loaded when they took it. We went aeros the fields by Mr Cordes's house. Some one said Follow ns." We lost Aust in the coach-road leading to Newport, by Cordes's house. 1 heard some of them say, Where is Aust, the Igaugei- ?"' meaning" leader," It w as one of the men with the axe who said it; and one of the men went back to look for him; but I did not see him after that. I heard some of them say that the party were beat, and it was no good to go on to Newport. We then went up the lane; when we got to the Newport and Pontypool road I saw a great number of people armed with guns, pikes, pitchforks, sticks, &c. We went to the back of the quarry, from which we could see the entrance into Newport, and we saw large bodies of men retreating from Newport. I heard them say they must remain there for a time. They were consulting, and I stole away, and I went straight home. Aust was gene- rally behind us. We were retreating. He stopped behind, I think, to see that no one escaped from that part. I do not know the men who had the cleavers. I only knew Aust, and a carpenter who lives in Three Horseshoes-lane. He is a journeyman. The carpenter's name is Henry Nicholas. He was keep- ing us together. The carpenter is the man who car- ried the armed stick. When Aust was loading his gun, a man stood by with a bag full of bullets. I should think there must have been 100 bullets in the bag. Saw the man give a bullet to Aust, and to another man, who was also loading. The powder was contained in a bag, and was carried by another man. I dare say there was a pound of powder in the bag. Aust asked witness if it was his own gun. John Mattiew-I am a gardener in the employ of Mr T. Prothero. Have known Aust these eight months. In the summer-time had a conversation with Aust on the subject of the Chartists. He and his man were going to Newport. We were talking about a revolution. I said, if a revolution were to take place, the B-ussians would come in, and we should be under the Russian government. He re- plied that it would be better to be under the Rus- sians than the Biitish government as they are constituted at present. He has told me, that he believed he should lose his life iu the cause of the Chartists. Early on the morning of Monday last, between seven and eight o'clock, I went down to my master's house. 1 saw Aust and Davies, the fitter-up, standing in the ,road near Mr Prothero's lodge. While I was at breakfast 1 heard a terrible row in the stable-yard, and I got up to see what was the matter. I went out and saw the yard nearly full of people. They were about having my master's coachman to go away, but I am not certain whether they then had hold of him or not. He resisted them. They then caught hold of me, and told me I must come along. I resisted a little, but I saw it was no good, as the party were armed—one near the stable had a hatchet, there was the blade of a knife at the other end-there were other weapons. 1 was so much alarmed that I was in- duced to go with them. When I got into the road I saw the prisoner Aust; he had his gun in his hand. I went along with them. Aust said to me, 011, you are here;" and I replied, "Yes." He did not tell me he had been pressed, nor did he ap- pear to be acting under any constraint; he con- tinued of the same party until we came to the roads, one leading to the Three Horseshoes, and the other to Newport. The party there divided; there was no one who seemed to take the direction more than another. I took the road to Newport, and did not again see Aust until about six o'clock. I continued with the party until about 11 o'clock, when I made my escape into Newport, whence I returned home I was afterwards sent to Newport by my master.— I saw the prisoner (Aust), at Pentonville, near Newport. He told me that he was pressed to go with the rioters. Christopher Kidner was then sworn.—He stated that on Monday morning he was taken from his house by a body of armed men, who compelled him to accompany them. The prisoner was with them, and had his gun with him. Jones, the watchmaker, of Pontypool, was also with them. Jones and the prisoner seemed to be the leaders. They ordered them all to follow tiieln. They marched towards Newport, and as they were going met a collier re- turning. They asked him to go back to Newport, but he refused to do so, and said, If they had seen what he had seen they would not go." fhe pri- soner said, "Then we are done." He said this to all. John Phillips sworn.—He stated that he also was forced to join the rioters. Jones, the watchmaker, of Pontypool, was with them. He said to the others, Does he (meaning witness) refuse to come?" They said not. He then said, "Bring him along." When we came near to the prisoner's house, Jones went into it, and after a short time he and the prisoner came out. The prisoner had a great coat on, and Jones loaded a pistol which he had in his hand. The witness then described the conversation with the collier as deposed to by the last witness, and added, soon afterwards Jones and Aust went away, and we saw no more of them. All the party were armed with guns, pikes, and other implements; several of them bore axes, so constructed that they would cut both ways. Henry Chappel, a polioe-officer, produced a loaded gun found by him in the prisoner's house. This having closed the evidence, the prisoner was asked if he had anything to say ? He replied that hs was pressed by the rioters, and compelled to join their ranks, as were many others. He further asked permission to call a wit. ness, which having been granted, William Simpson was sworn.—This witness de- posed that he was gardener to Mr Corde and that about 11 o'clock on Monday the prisoner came and hid himself in his cottage. He remained there till between one and two o'clock. In reply to questions by Mr Blewitt the witness admitted that he was a Chartist. Had been en- rolled as a member, and had attended their meet- ings. Had heard firing, and knew that some Chart- ists had been shot in Newport by the soldiers. They must have been routed before he saw the pri- soner at his house. Believed Aust came to his house to conceal himself and gun, as there were a great number of persons passing to and from New- port. When he left the house, at half-past one, he said he would go and see in what state things were in Newport. He returned at half-past five, and took his gun away. The prisoner here declared his innocence in the most positive terms, and entered into a statement of his proceedings during the day. He said he was called up in the morning by a neighbour of the name of Davis. After he had been out and had some conversation with Davis, he returned home to breakfast. The Chartists then came. His wife said he was oot, but they said, No, he is not, for there he is." They then went into his house, and wanted to take his gun. He said they should not do so, for he would rather take it himself; and he then went out with it under his arm. He went because he thought he was in danger of his life. They took him with them, and told him they had pres-ied many others. Mary Sampson, wife of Wm. Simpsou, was then examined.—She proved that the prisoner came to her husband's cottage, and said he had made his escape from the Chartists. Upon her examination by Mr Protheroc she said she did not hear him say that the Chartists had been defeated in Newport. He left her husband's cottage at about half pat the o'clock. Was not a Chartist herself, and did not know her husband was. When the prisoner came at half past II he told her that he had gone no further than from his house to her cottage. No other witness was called, and the magistrates, after a short consultation, committed the prisoner for trial for high treason and sedition. John Partridge a Radical printer, residing in Pen tonville, Newport, in whose house the leaders Frost and Waters were apprehended, was placed at the bar, charged with harbouring traitors, well knowiug them to be such. Mr Thomas Jones Phillips, clerk to the magis- trates, sworn.-I am a solicitor residing at Newport. I was not present at the attack, but arrived shortly after from Tredegar Iron Works, at about half past ten o'clock. I saw there had been an attack on the Westgate by the bullet marks, &e. I saw also a dead body on the mayor's step, and several dead bodies lying in front of the Westgate Ion. I also came into the Westgate, where were several other dead bodies. I went up stairs and saw Mr Phillips the mayor. I saw that he was wounded. I assisted the magistrates, and I was present and took down the evidence of parties who Inculpated John Frost as the leader of the riot. The propriety of searching Frost's house for treasonable papers was suggested, and a warrant was issued. I volunteered my services to execute the warrant authorising the search of his premises. I went to his house attended by the superintendent of police and some constables. This was at about five o'clock in the erening. Frost was not there. I searched the house, having told Mrs Frost my object, and took all the papers which I considered myself authorised to seize. I know the prisoner Partridge, who has been intimately connected with Frost for years, and has printed a number of his publications. Frost has been convicted and im- prisoned for libels contained in some of the papers printed by Partridge. Afiersearebing Frost's house 1 went to the prisoner's. [The witness here stated the particulars of his seizure of the papers and appre- hension of Frost and Waters in nearly the same terms as upon the examination ofthose prisoners.] lie added that Frost appeared fatigued, and his shoes were very wet. Frost told him that he had taken off his trousers to dry, and that he had on a pair of Par- tridge's. Witness had no doubt that Frost and Waters were in the prisoner's house for the purpose of concealing themselves from justice, and that Partridge knew they were there for that purpose. Cross-examined by the prioner.-Wheii I entered the house, Partridge's coat and stockings were off. Two witnesses, named Wood and Daly, proved the publicaiion of a handbill offering one hundred pounds reward for the apprehension of Frost, on a charge of high treason. They were posted about the town before dusk on Monday evening, and D'ty posted one on a wall at about 100 yards from the prisoner's house. Did not see the prisoner that day, nor leave a bill at his house. This having closed the evidence, the prisoner en- tered upon his defence. He said—On Monday morning I was going by Mr Hawkins's with a parcel. Mr Hawkins stood at his door. 1 took the parcel to Mr Hillman, who asked me when he should have some more. I told him he should have them down in a short time but as I was coming up 1 met Wm. Lugg, and, while we were standing, the crowd came down from Suow-hill. I said to Leg, "We had better go out of the way." He asked me where should we go to? I answered to have some beer to get out of the way. Legg said the houses in Lla. narth Street were all closed, so we had better go to Fryer's Fields. We went into a Seershop kept by Isaac Williams, and had some beer. We stopped some considerable time drinking because we were afraid to go out. We then went along the canal. I went up Mill Street home to avoid the town. I stopped at home for some time, and then went round Cross Keys Lane and up Corn Street, and went into the Ship and Pilot-boat,and stopped there till nearly four o'clock in the afternoon. I then went home. In my way I called at William Merrick's, a beershop, and had another pint of beer. I had not been there long before Chas. Waters came out of the back-room into the kitchen. He came up and asked me how I was. I replied, "Very well, thank you; how are yon ?" Waters then said, I am very tired; are you going home ?" I said I should go home directly. Waters said he was very tired, and wanted to lie down. I said, as my wife was gone to Abersychan for a fortnight he could go and lie down at my house if he thought proper. After he reached my house' we sat down a few miuutes. I said, "Waters, as you are'tired, you had better go to bed. He did so, and in a very few minutes I followed him, and got into the same bed. It was before six o'clock in the evening. I lert my daughter dowu stairs sewing. After 1 was abed I soon went to sleep. Some time after my daughter came and woke me, and said, Father, Mr Frost Is down stairs." Waters and I both got up and went down stairs. Frost said, I am very wet and tired, and want something to'eat. Have you got anything in the house?" I said Indeed. Mr Frost, I have nothing in the house but bread." He asked me to get him something to drink and some cheese. I sent my daughter out for half a pound of cheese and a quart of beer. Whilst Mr Frost was eating the bread and cheese, Mr Phillips came in upon us. This is aliI know and have to say. The prisoner was remanded till Thursday when Thomas Jones Phillips, ElIq, was again examined. Frost's house is about 400 or 500 yards from Partridge's, end there is a communication between Frost's garden and the back of Pentonville, where Frost's house is. Frost might as easily have gone to his own house as to Partridge's. The paper containing the libels referred to in Mr Phillips's evidence against the prisoner, was put in and read. Isaac Evaus was merely recalled to prove that Partridge must have seen the Chartists come into the town and attack the hotel, as the witness had seen him in the neighbourhood at the time the attack took place. Jeremiah James, of Commercial-strlet, Newport, sworn-I saw the prisoner at seven o'clock on the morning of the riot at the Ship and Pilot. lie began cursing and swearing, and said, "There would be such work at Newport that day as had never been seen before." At that time the liots had not broken out in Newport. Mr Blewitt, interrupting the examination, and addressing the prisoner, said—Partridge, your case has now assumed a different feature' C,¡n you say why you should not be committed on the charge of high treason and sedition ? The prisoner then called his daughter, Amelia Partridge.— Amelia Partridge being sworn, said I am daugh- ter of the prisoner John Partridge [Mr Blewitt then solemnly cautioned the witness to tell truly, what should be asked of her as to the conversation which occurred on Monday in her father's house.] She then proceeded I thiuk my father came with Waters home abont 7 o'clock they had supper and went to bed, I cannot say how long after. While they were in be d, john Frost came in; my brother and I were sitting by the 6re, when I heard a footstep at the door, which went away to the window, and came from the window to the door, which was locked; immediately a knock came, I asked who was there a voice said "open the door;" I did not know the voice; I then opened the door and Frost came ill he asked me where my father was; it was about half an hour after father went to bed; he went, I think, to bed about 7 o'clock; he asked for father, and I told him he was in bed with Waters, when he told me to call him up J X then went UD and told him Air Fiost was down stairs, aud w^aleq to eee bim> I think my father had all his clothes off when in bed; father then got up nnd came down stairs; Waters came down afterwards, and he spoke to Frost; father appeared surprised to see Frost, as he did not expect to see him. I did not hear what Waters and Frost said together, as they whispered did not hear what Waters and father said when they were at supper. Waters was not in the habit of coming to our house he had never slept there before. Father so,netimes goes to bed early, and sometimes he went late; he has gone to bed at 6 and at 7 o'clock when he was sober, as well as when he was tipsy; father got up that morning" about 8 o'clock-he was called I am sure it was quite light when he went out it was more than half an hour light when he was called I do not know who it was that called him, but it was a person who came to the door and called out Par- tridge;" I know Henry Frost, he is a son of John Frost I am quite sure I did not know who called him—I did not know the voice—I did not see Henry Frost that dayi, he was not there the night nor the day before—he was not there on Saturday either; Henry Frost had been in the habit of taking papers from Mr Frost to father, and from father to Mr Frost -tie has not done so lately-it is a month since. When Mr Frost came io, I went out for some cheese and beer Mr Frost gave me Is. to out and get it I did not hear Frost say that he was wet and hungry, for I went up stairs to put my younger brother to bed; I then came down immediately, and as soon as I came down stairs, Mr Frost gave me the Is. to get some cheese and bread I did not see a pair of father's trowsers on Frost, nor I did not observe that Frost's shoes and clothes were wet and dirty I did not see him dry anything by the fire; I am sure I did not hear anything said between Mr Frost and father; I was again told to go for cheese and beer; when I went out for cheese and beer, I had to unbolt the door; I had not bolted it after Frost came in; I did not see Frost do it; when I came back with the cheese and beer, my father came out to meet me, he said nothing to me; when I came in Frost and Waters were tip stairs; after I left the cheese and beer, I went out to a neighbour's house I did not like to stay in the house Fro"t was not in the habit of often coming to father's house he never came there be- fore to have cheese and beer; I have been in Frost's shop—Frost's house is a better and more comfortable house than father's. I was surprised to see Frost come to ask for bread and cheese. When I went out father did not caution me not to say anything of Frost being in the house; father and I were much surprised at seeing Frost there; father told me he was surprised I did not tell any one that Frost was in the house I heard of the work that had taken place at the Westgate in the morning I did not hear father say that Frost was one of the parties who made the attack on the Westgate, nor did I know that Frost had been doing wrong. The neighbour to whose house I went was Ann Lewis; I went down town with her; I did not see any paper up offering a re- ward fur the apprehension of John Frost, nor did I know that there was such paper. Father, [ think, went out a little after eight, and returned about ten o'clock in the day; he went out shortly afterwards, and I did not see him again till he came back with Waters. I saw Mrs Chiswell after I saw John Frost; I do not know that she is a friend of Mrs Frost; I did not tell her that Frost was in father's house Mr Chiswell did not mention John Frost's name to me. When father came home, he came by Penfon- ville, and not by the fields; he was sober. The prisoner then called William Legg, who, being sworn, said I saw Partridge on Monday morning last. 1 am a boot and shoemaker, and work for Mr Lewis; I live in Wedlake's Court; I saw armed people coming down Stow Hill I was at the time at the bottom of Charles Street; I did not see Partridge at that time, it was then nearly nine o'clock; about 20 minutes after, I saw him standing by Mr Williams's auctioneer, corner of Friars' Fields he was coming towards the Westgate, and asked me where we could have a pint of beer; I said I did not know as the shops were all shut, except, perhaps, at Isaac Mills's, Friars' Fields. When we met at Williams's corner, it was ten minutes or a quarter of an hour after the firing at the Westgate; the people were retreating down the street; I should suppose 100 had run down before I saw Partridge. Mr Blewitt here cautioned the prisoner how he proceeded in examining witnes", in the absence of legal advice. Legal advisers would be assigned him, who would recommend to him the best course to adopt; and he thought it would he wiser for him to deer his defence till another opportunity. From motives of humanity he gave him this advice. Mr Blewitt added that while lie give this advice to the prisoner to wait until he should require the supe- rior advantages he would have on his trial, yet he (the prisoner) was at perfect liberty to take any course he thought proper, with respect to any wit- ness he might wish to call. Prisoner declined to put any further questions to the witness. Mr Coles then asked the witness Legg, who h. was. He said, in reply, he was a boot and shoe- maker, and worked for Mr Lewis; that he was not a Chartist, and never had been one. —Mr T. J. Phillips, here stated to Mr Co'es that he knew the witness was not a Chartist. Mr Coles said he merely put the question to ascertain who the wit- ness was; for it was quite necessary that people should be known in these times. ,.an John Morgan being sworn, said: I am a grocer, living in Newport, 1 kno* the prisoner John Partridge well; I have known him a number of years. On Monday morning last. about eight o'clock, I saw him opposite Mr Harrhy's, at the end of the Cross Keys lane; j heard him address a person who was with him; I Was near enough to hear distinctly what he said to that person; the name of the man is Charles Evans. Partridge told Evans he would meet him in 25 minutes from that time, at the Waterloo, a place within a quarter of a mile of the Court-y-Bella Weighing Machine it is within twenty yards of the tram road which leads into this town front the Collieries and Iron Works this is. in fact, the direct road from the Collieries and the Hills lo Newport. [Partridge here posi- tively denied the truth of this evidence ] Witness then proceeded I am positive that what I stated, I heard Partridge say, Mr Blewitt asked Partridge if he had anything to add to the statement made by him last night, why he should not be committed for high treason. The prisoner called God to witness that he was innocent of the crime with which he was charged. Mr Blewitt, addressing the prisoner, said John Partridge, the Magistrates who have heard the evidence in this case, are unanimously of opinion that it is quite sufficient to warrant them in com- mitting you on the charge of high treason; and you, consequently, do stand committed to Mon- mouth Gaol, to take your trial on a charge of high treason, at the next gaol delivery. Mr Blewitt added that he deeply sympathised with his wife and large family, who must be suffering by his con- duct. Mr Coles added, that a man of the prisoner's pe- rioj of life, should have well considered, before he adopted the course he had. He ought to have thought of his family, of whom he did not appear to have taken much care; for one ot them, appa- rently a very smart girl, who had been examined here, truly was found not to be able to read or write. The prisoner was then taken out in custody, and placed with the other prisoners, preparatory to be- ing transmitted to the County Gaol. Thomas Davies, one of the prisoners who were brought before the mayor during the course of Sunday night and Monday morning, was placed at the bar charged with High Treason. John O'Dwyer having been sworn, said, I am a special constable, and was on duty on Suuday.- Early on Monday morning-perhaps between five and six o'clock-I was in the room where the magis- trates were assembled, in this hotel, when the prisoner was brought in custody. While he was being examined, from appearances on his person, I suspected lie had weapons concealed on his person, and having communicated :ny suspicions to the mayor, he desired me to examine him. I then searched him, and found coucealed on his person a cutis,as. which had been recently ground, and was exceedingly sharp. There was also an iron instrument of for- midable appearance, and having the shape of u hammer, one end of the cross on the top having a hammer face, the other end being long and pointed. There was also a pistol in good condition, with per- cussion lock, loaded, and a cap of) the nipple. There was a very good copper flask, with powder; a money bag, with a considerable number of balls, and a tobacco box filled with copper caps. I delivered the whole to Hopkins, the Superintendant of Police. [Here a bench was placed on the table by Hopkins, containing the above articles, which were Idelllified by the witness, as those taken from the person of the prisoner, and delivered to tiopkiiis.1 The witness then proceeded to say, that the time when prisoner was taken, was about three or four hours previously to the attack on the Westgate; and I have not the slightest doubt that he was going out to join the mob, who made the attack. He told the mayor in his examination, that, when taken, he was going out to the Cefii to look for a job of work, aud that he carried the weapons to defend himself. Edward Hopkins, Superinieudcnt of Police, proved that he received the articles above enumerated from Mr O'Dwyer, and that they are now in the same state as that in which he received them. He added, that, at the time he received the pistol, the charge was so wet he could not draw it. Stephen Rogers, sworn, states that he is a special cos*tabl?j and was ou dutyoa Suuday nigh; aud Monday morning. The prisoner was taken into custody by one of the party of special constables, placed under my command. He said, when taken, he was going to the Cefn, to look for a job of work I oberved it was rather early, anll I "lIould send him before the mayor. It was then, I think, about five o'clock on Monday morning. He was delivered to me at the top of Stow Hill, at the turnpike. Riots were expected to take place on Monday. The rioters were expected to come from the direction of Risca and Bassalleg. The road the prisoner was going, was in the direction from which the rioters were expected to come. Barnabas Brough sworn, saidI am a brewer at Pontypool; about half-past nine o'clock on Sunday night last, I went in a gig from Newport to Ponty- pool, with Thomas Watkins, a currier. At Cros y Cylog I left my horse and gig, and proceeded on foot with Watkins towards Pontypool. About half- way between Cros y Cylog and New Inn, we met a body of armed men, who ordered us to stop. Some of the men had pikes, some guns, pistols, swords, staves, Mandrilq, &e. The night was very dark and wet. From the sound of their voices, and the tramp of their feet, I should say there were forty or fifty there there were about ten in front. They or- dered us to stand, and demanded our names. We immediately stood, and told them who we were. I have seen all the dead bodies lying in the stable of this house. Among the crowd I heard a voice, which I thought at the time to be that of a man I knew at Pontypool, named Shell, and whose dead body is one of those now lying in the stable. I did not see his face, but knowing his voice I considered it to be Shell; he appeared to be giving orders to the party. I remonstrated against being deprived of my liberty, when he told me to hold my tongue, and if I did so I should be taken care of. I then approached to him for protection he gave orders for four or five armed men to come and take charge of the prisoners, and immediately two men with pikes came before us, and two behind us, and a man with a pistol, which he told me was loaded, by my side, and they marched as towards Newport. The first halt we made was about 200 yards beyond the Marshes Gate, at the entrance into Newport. I requested permission to cross the hedge, and I tin- derstood it to be accorded to me, and I leapt the hedge, and got into a ditch up to my middle in water. While I was in the ditch, three guns were levelled at my head one I thrust from me with my hand. I requested them not to fire, that I would return as soon as I could get out of the ditch; they threat- ened me with instant death if I did not. The leader jumped over the hedge after me, and waited till I got out of the ditch. We then proceeded to a stable, guarded as before, into which we were ordered, and a guard of p kemen placed over us. There was one man who was unarmed, and who appeared more friendly to me than the rest; and I applied to L him to remove me, as I was so wet and oold, from that plaoe to the toll-house at the turnpike-gate. I was brought to the gate-house, and placed in the bed-room on the ground floor. The house was open and full of men* t requested of the toll-Keeper to lend me a pair of stockings, which he gave me. Permission was then granted to me to go up stairs to change my stockings. About that time I looked at my watch, and it was two o'clock. One of the men, with a drawn sword, went up stairs with me, and stood over me till I had changed my stockings. I was then ordered down again, and remained below for three quarters of an hour; after that we were ordered up stairs again. I lay down on a box in the room, and fell asleep. I slept, I should sup- pose, half or three quarters of an hour, when we were again brought down, and were ordered to inarch, being first previously warned, that if we attempted to escape, we should have our brains blown out. We crossed the road opposite (he toll- house, and went up a lane, and then across the canal, guarded as before we halted several time, but I should suppose we were an hour and a half marching; my feet were swollen, and I could not get my shoes over the heel till we got to the Cefn. I did not know where we were till we came there we went into a beer-house there we got some beer there, and one of the men brought us some pipes and tobacco, and made room at the nre for us to warm and dry ourselves. I shollld say then it was five or half-past five oclock; it was about an hour before we got free ftom them, when It was half- past six o'clock. I think there were 150 persons at the Cefn the rooms were as full as they could hold there could not be less than from 100 to 150. We then marched forward towards Risca, guarded as before; day was just breaking then. In going along I heard Frost's name mentioned. 1 ap- pealed to the man to whom I before appealed to find Frost for mc; he said he would try; I told him I was an old acquaintance and friend of Mr Frost's, and that if I could see him I thought I should be released. We continued in the same direction till we reached the place where the turnpike-road crosses the tram-road, where there is a beer-house; the whole of the party that I was with stopped at this house; I asked permis- sion to go in, and ordered some beer, which I offered them; this must have been past six o'clock; day was just dawning. I heard Frost say, "Mr Brough," or "Where is Mr Brough;" I am not sure which, "Here I am," I said. I got up im- iiiediately,and fie approaci)ed i-ne. I complained to him. He asked me first, what brought me there? or how I came there ? I told him I was glad to see him there, and requested he would endeavour to get us released; 1 referred him to the parties who took me in custody for the cause of my being there. He said I was an old friend and a good fellow, and he would endeavour to do so. He said, although he hated or detested my politics, or some such word, he respected me personally. He said I was dis- charged, or dismissed I don't recollect which word he used. I immediately left them. I knew none of the men that were with me when they passed me they kept their faces from ins- It struck me that Mr Frost had on a rough dark coat, and a black hat, but I did not pay particular attention to i While I was with them, I heard frequent conversa- tions about their success j that now they should have their liberty or death. I heard nothing de- finite, or with reference to any particular object, or as to where they were going; don t think they knew themselves, for they frequently went back. wards and forwards, as if they expected information. There was a lighted candle in the toll-house while I was changing my stockings. (Identified the man that was standing over me; I never saw him be- fore, but should'certainly know him again, l heard frequent common names mentioned, such as Morgan and Jones, but none that struck me. I heard nothing said while Frost was there. 1 had conversation with one of the men about Chartism on the road and in the public-honse, and very well he argued it too. tie fli-st told me lie understood I was an anti-Chartist; 1 told him I was. He called me by my name I think they all knew me. He asked me in what I differed from them he began with universal suffrage, and asked if I differed with them on that. I said that was one of the grand points on which I differed with them; I told him I thought it was impossible and impracticable. He said they were not seeking it; but that every man of twenty-one years of age, of sound mind, and un- tainted with crime, should enjoy the same rights as a nobleman. I have been since told, that they took me for messenger from Newport, and therefore it is not likely that any particular conversation would take place. I certainly was led to believe, from what I heard and saw, that they took those means to obtain what they sought; that was the impres- sion on my mind, from their continually using the words" liberty or death." While we were halting on one occasion, I heard one man say, I fear we shall not get to Newport to-night;" this was at a place between the lane and the Cefn. We had several marches and counter-marches, towards Risca and towards Newport; but eventually went towards Risca. The first thing I heard about Frost was, an enquiry for Frost's men;" this was some- where after we left the toll-house. It was under- stood, nnd constantly said, that we were going to meet a main body; but I am quite certain that there was nothing said when Frost was present, about going to Newport. I understood, from being dis- missed after seeing Frost, that he was in authority. There was no shouting when Frost appeared; there was much shouting outside, which I suppose was intended to had the arrival of new bodies; for when we arrived there was much shouting. I hiive scarcely a doubt that Frost was the leader of these men; when he came into the room it was full of people, and they made way for him to come to me. The beer-house I have been speaking of, where we met Frost, was at this side of the tram-road, with some steps going up to it. When I was discharged I had about thirteen miles to go. I did not know the country well, and I made the best of my way to the point I knew best, that tumulus on the end of the verge of hills, I wym Bar] win. I was so ex- hausted that I spread my Mackintosh on the furze bushes, and lay down. 1 was frequently obliged to do so before 1 got home; 1 was dreadfully fatigued Iwaswalking. With the exceptIon of the intervals of which I have spoken, as having been in houses, I was with them from half past tenon Sunday night to half past six on Monday morning I was in durance all that time. The direct highway from the Cefn to Newport would be through Stow gate; though there is a way along the tram road by Court y Bella. Mr W. M. Townsend here interrupted the pro- ceedings, by making an application to the bench to see one of the prisoners professionally. Mr Coles What profession are you 1-Townsend: An attorney. Sir B. Hall; Are you a certificated aUornell Townsend: No; but I have seen the prisoner, and he desires my assistance. Sir Benjamin Hall: Where did you see the prig oner?-,ro%viisend in the room in this house where the prisoners are confined. Sir Benjamin Hall and Mr Coles then interrogated Townsend as to the means by which he gained access to the prisoner; but he would give no explanation aud conducted himself in a highly indecorous fnanner. He was then ordered into custody, and the special constable in charge of the prisoners was called. Having been sworn and examined by Sir B. Hall, he said, I am a special constable, in charge of the room where the the prisoners are, one of whom is a man named Ebenezar Williams. Townsend came into the room were the prisoners are; it was about two o'clock. On coming into the room he said to Ebenezar Williams, "I want to speak to you lie said the mayor was ill, and that he had his orders to come into the room to speak to Ebenezar Williams, lie told me to mind my own business he had orders to come into the room. I thought by that I had no right to say any more to him. I had my sword and my staff in my hand. I did not hear the conversation bel ween him and the prisoner. [Towiisetid fre. quently inlerupted the magistrates, and was several times threatened with commitment. Mr Coles said that he hoped no person who knew him, would countenance the smile with which be appeared to look around him.] Examination continued During the time he was speaking to the prisoner, I went up to him, and said he had no right there, as I had orders from Mr Hopkins to allow no one in there. He said he won. dered that I should insult him iu that way. I then told him he should not stop in the room, whatever he wanted to get out of Ebenezar Williams. I had no answer from him, as I would not let him. Vruss-examiued by Towllsend, -You did not say the mayor was ill, and I could not get his order, and that was the reason I came there. I did not under- stand what you said to the man. You did not st,.te you would go and get an order from the magistrates in future. I heard you ask him if you should get bail for him and he said he could get bail him- self. Townsend then went on to address the magistrates, but was interrupted by Sir Benjamin Hall, who said that he wondered that he, who pretended to be a professional man, should presume to force himself into the room as he Ila(] done. He wished it to be understood that any prisouer who desired professional advice, should have it. Air Coles said that, under present circumstances, and considering the important inquiry they were engaged, in, he thought a person who had come hither, aud distinctly stated falsehoods—first, that he was a professional man, and next, that he had the mayor's permission to see the prisoner, which he had not, should be committed. Townsend was then O'dered into custody, and Hopkins was directed to bring him up in the morn- ing. The business of the court having been interrupted for upwards of twenty minutes, by the foregoing person, the examination of witnesses in the case of Thomas Davies was proceeded with. John Davies, sworn, said, 1 am a special constable. I was on duty at the lop of Stow Hill, on Monday morning last. I had dii-ectioiisto detain suspicions persons. tsawtheprisonerbetween four and five o'clock in the morning; he was coming towards Newport on the road to liisca and Bassalleg. He was past the turnpike-gate when I stopped him I was sitting on the stone near the turnpike-gate. He told me he was going to the Ceiii to look for a job of work. I told him I could not let him pass, when Rogers, another special oonstablc, came up; into whose custody I delivered him. I heard hi", say nothing else. I have known the prisoner these three or four years, and never knew any thing wrong of him. The prisoner said nothing in his defence, and was committed on the charge of high treason, Richard Bcnfield and John lltes were next ex- amined. Isaac Venn sworn: I am a special constable, and was on duty at this house on Monday morning last; I was door-keeper of the front door, and was there when the attack commenced. The attack was made between eight and nine o'clock I am not quite cer- tain as to the time—it might be after nine, at all events, it was between eight and ten o'clock. I stood at the door, when a mob of armed people, with guns, pikes, and other weapons, approached. They marched four abreast, and a man armed with a gun to each four. 1 liey were not attacked or molested by the people ill the house. About eight or nine proceeded up to the door were I stood, four abreast; and one of them came up with a gun in his hand, and spoke to me. [ rose my stick up to him, and said, in here he should not come. He said-You have our prisoners here, and we will have them out. I did not know the man, but I believe he is one of them who now lies dead in the stable. With that, they rushed up, and fired. They rushed ill till the place was full. The instant I spoke they fired right in through the passage; they continued break- ing the glass, and those ou the outside coutiuucd to fiie in, and wounded two of their own party before me. They were proceeding through the hall towards the bar they did not molest me t believe they did Dot think I was a constable. I thought within my- self, I would make my escape, when they ceased the firing. After fi ring, they did not siop to reload, but began to break everything in their reach. They then ceased firing into the passage from outside, and I made nty e-cape into the yard behind the house, and there was a man shot as I was passing the pas- sage; I think he was sh 't by one of the soldiers. I remained in the yard for five or six minutes; I tien returned into the house, "hen the firing ceased, and went up stairs; I then assisted the wounded. The affray coutinued from 10 to 15 minutes, but I was so much agitated, that I cannot exactly say. I was in a very dangerous situation I saw, I believe, five dead bodies when I came into the honse,lour in the passage, and one at the door. I heard nothing said by the (iiol) during the affray. I know the two prisoners. I was ordered to go and shut the door after the firing, aud 1 walked over the dead bodies-I Ihink three or four-to shut the door the arm of one of the dead bodies was between the door and the door post, and I could not shut it till I hall pushed back the arm. I did not see the prisoners come in with the mob, they came in with such a rush; I could not say who came in but afterwards, I shut the door, and I then found them concealed in the house, one by the safe in the passage, and the other in the opposite corner they were endeavouring to conceal themselves; one had a spear in his hand, and the other had one beside him. I believe Rees was the man who had the pike in his hand. Benfield had a spear standing up by hiin, but 1 am not sure that he had a hold of it. I asked them what they did there, and with that, the Captain of the soldiers, Mr Grey, came up with his sword drawn, and I said-Here are two prisoners. I took them into custody, and placed them in the room where the soldiers were. 1 did not keep the spears there were a great number found, and I let these two go with the rest; these men were not in the house before the outbreak occurred; they said nothing, they did not attempt to excuse themselves. I have no doubt they were part of the mob who came iii. Basil Grey, Esq., the Lieut. who commanded the party of the 45th, who were in the house on the day of the attack, having been sworn, said I received orders from Captain Stack, on Monday morning a little after eight o'clock, to proceed to the Westgat(- Hotel, and put myself titidet- the orders of the Mayor. I repaired there immediately with 30 men; I formed in front of the building. The Mayor then desirei! me to enter the court-yard, the gate of which wa> closed after me; he then look me to the room ou the rig-ht flank of this hotel, and asked me if thai was fit for my purposes. It suited my purposes, and 1 im- mediately proceeded to get it cleared of furniture and other articles, with which it was crowded tlii- took me some time, as the room was so filled with smoke aud filth, that it was quite uninhabitable; i had been (ull of constables alluig-hr. r then marched the men in; the Mayor gave me instructions to con- ceal my men as much as possible, to avoid irritating the mob which was thm approaching; to effect which, I closed the under shutters of the room, and latched them. The room had three projecting bow- wiiidowq. (hall only lime to give a few necessary instructions, when I heard cheering, and the Mayor told me they were approaching. They formed in front of the house, and I saw a few of the spear- heads over our half-shutters, and the mob imme (liately let Py a volley of small arms; this demolished all the glas in the room where I was. I immediately gave the word to load; I did not do this beforeAas I hoped that matters would not have turned so seri- ously. While my men were loading-which, took u very short time-the crowd effected an eu.trance j it took about a third of a minute to load, The Q)o rushed through the hall and the back entrance- \i)i a passage which communicated with a d*;or Q £ room. As soon as we were loaded, I; ?UI ward to unlatch one of the window shutter ,0' Mayor handsomely did the same with thL' third 1 know uot how it was opened. T^i&r 'er5 the us, and a quantity of small arms wwedlsr '"ma»ked us, by which the Mayor was twice vmy c'iarged at sergeant by my side, Sergeant Daly- a«d a in the head all in a moment, it ha[.v as. wour,ded I heard each of them say — lam, wow lnstan'1'y- both covered with blood imtue&r tjum Mayor spoke very quietly, so. low after. The by me, and not by my tnen,, tl»a> 0 heard went and sat down: tho serf p„nt n,aa f1 1 (0 met f ..eaQt also only spoke