Folios 120-124. A group of letters sent by John B Carter, Petersfield, [Hampshire],...

Folios 120-124. A group of letters sent by John B Carter, Petersfield, [Hampshire], to Mr Phillips. He reports that the parish is generally quiet and that the magistrate [Reverend Coles] has sent three of the worst troublemakers to gaol. He feels that this action has had great effect. He writes that he has been forewarned of further disturbances around Selborne and Headley, and, even though these places were not in their division, they went to assist.

He reports that the 'mob' had attacked workhouses at both towns, destroying the buildings and carrying off the furniture. He states that the previous day he had received news of crowds going to attack a farmer's house three miles away, on the road between Petersfield and Headley/Selborne, and went immediately accompanied by four or five farmers. He adds that, though nothing happened at the farm, a small crowd collected at Liphook with the intent of causing damage and then moving on to Iping [Sussex], where they were to attack a farm known to have machinery. Mr Badd, a magistrate, persuaded them to leave Liphook and abandon their plans. [Mr Coles] went to the farm, with 20 cavalry but nothing occurred.

He also states that he is finding it very difficult to collect information, however some names were obtained the previous day from a concerned party who is with the writer under his protection, and more information has been offered from farmers. He comments that the crowds that collected at Selborne and Headley have committed a felony by beginning to demolish houses and demanding food, and at Headley they even stopped people passing along the high road.

There are two further shorter draft letters included which repeat information included in this complete letter.