Letter – Martin Morrison to Thomas Wentworth Beaumont – 24 Oct 1818

Mr Beaumont Esqr M.P. Hexham			Newcastle 24 Octo 1818



Sir 

I am this morning honoured with your l[ette]re of Thursday night, and at same time rec[eive]d the detail of proceedings of the Weardale Mines at <Allenh[eads] & at Coalcl[eugh]>. The most direct Method would have been for Mr Crawhall to have laid an information against Geo. Robinson & <Jhn> Stephenson before Mr Richmond who is a Magistrate & who was with him at Hexham on Thursday in this omission I have tho[ugh]t it best, and Mr Williamson coincides in the opinion, to issue at the Mines the enclosed Hand Bill, and if it does not produce the effect of making the Men desist from obstructing those who are inclined to work, the information then can be laid against Robinson & Stephenson; which as it would place Mr Crawhall, were he alone to inform, in a situation hazardous to his safety. I would recommend a Magistrate (if he could be prevailed upon) to receive at Allenheads the depositions of other persons who witnessed the illegal proceedings. Mr Faber the Revd W Wilson & Doctor Fenwick all Durham Magistrates have been acquainted with the occurrences in Weardale, but I am unacquainted with any, active & firm who  will move without an actual information being laid and I fear procuring a sufficient number of special Constables to act with effect in Weardale Is impracticable. – I trust the Hand Bill may produce the desired effect & render unnecessary more rigorous measures; at all events the trial, if it fails, will not produce much delay I have the Honor to be etc		MM