Folios 302-303: Terence O'Neill, Poole. Acknowledges receipt of their Lordships'...

Folios 302-303: Terence O'Neill, Poole. Acknowledges receipt of their Lordships' instructions regarding the matter between himself and Captain Neville and assures them he will 'regulate his conduct' accordingly. Encloses a letter from Neville received the day before, which led him to immediately proceed to Corfe Castle and by standing Bail for Neville he was liberated. He says Neville will write himself but he (O'Neill) feels happy to assure them it is 'by no means so bad as first reported'. Adds that he had assured the magistrates that 'as the people's minds were much irritated' he would withdraw everyone from the place temporarily provided they would call a meeting to plan the setting up of a Rendezvous according to government instructions. This would be in their interests, as he also promised not to press any inhabitants of the town, but only 'stragglers, passengers etc' - but if they did not comply with this proposal within 3 days he intended, with the support of the military, to press in the town four times a week. They have promised to comply so he has for the present withdrawn.

Folio 304: enclosed with folios 302-303. Letter by Captain Neville at Wareham, to O'Neill, 11 April 1803, describing his abortive efforts to recruit men in Swanage, due to local resistance - his brother had been arrested 'to appease the people' and he had felt he might have to fire on the crowd in self-defence. Suggests they meet at Corfe Castle where he can explain all.