| Content Description | Is glad he came here with the 'expedition' as he believes that his 'Presence has had already some effect'; reports that the parishes around Bicton have 'conducted themselves very perfectly', except the parish of Budleigh; there, he explains, the mob 'committed depredations' on 2 farmers who had supplies of wheat and barley; mentions the poverty of one of these farmers and the unjustness of the mob's actions; has taken the precaution of appointing more constables; has been to the market at Great Torrington today, which was very peaceful, except for one 'restless' person; mentions that the farmers have been selling their wheat for 12 shillings and barley for 7 shillings per bushel; intends to sell American flour to the poor next Wednesday.
Comments on the lack of troops in the area; reports that there was a large mob in Bideford last Tuesday and adds that the military enabled the Magistrates there to come to the enclosed capitulation [Pl C 52/144]; hopes to have enough evidence to arrest the ringleader of the mob tomorrow; has discovered that some of the tradesmen of Torrington are 'ill affected' and suspects a political motive behind their assembling; writes that General Simcoe has placed the troops at Barnstaple at his disposal; explains that forty troops will be with him tomorrow while he is investigating the riot; will keep the duke informed.
For duke's reply see Pl C 52/31. |