The Manchester Chronicle was one
of the four Tory newspapers in Manchester
during the early part of the 19th Century. Founded by Charles Wheeler
in the 1781 the Manchester Chronicle was the most popular Tory
papers in the city, selling over 3,000 copies a week. Over half of
the paper was taken up with advertisement. Although it was considered
a dull newspaper, the Manchester Chronicle
had a loyal following with those who opposed social reform.
Charles employed his son John and Jeremiah Garnett as reporters. The
two men also had to help with the printing of the newspaper. Jeremiah
Garnett had been their reporter at the Peterloo
Massacre. Although Garnett had his reporter's notebook confiscated
by a special constable, he was still able to write a full description
of what happened. Charles Wheeler, disapproved of Garnett's account
and refused to print his article. The article that appeared was written
by Wheeler and strongly defended the action of the magistrates and
soldiers. Garnett resigned in protest and later John
Edward Taylor employed Garnett on the Manchester
Guardian. Charles Wheeler died in 1827 aged seventy-one. The
Manchester Chronicle ceased publication
in 1842.
(1)
The
Manchester Chronicle (21st August, 1819)
The Magistrates, the Boroughreeves and Constables of Manchester
and Salford, an immense body of Special Constables, and the various
force of military and artillery were in motion for their appointed
duties. The latter consisted of our own Yeomanry Cavalry, under Major
Trafford; the Prince Regent's Cheshire Yeomanry were under Lieutenant-Colonel
Townsend; the 15th Hussars from the Barracks, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Dalrymple; a detachment of the 88th Foot, now stationed in the King
Street Barracks, under Colonel McGregor; the Royal Horse Artillery,
under Major Dyneley; and a detachment of the 31st Foot, under Lieutenant-Colonel
L'Estrange, the able, intelligent, and active officer who commanded
the whole and made all the necessary arrangements for the occasion.
The Radical Reformers began to make their formidable appearance. They
marched in regiments under regular leaders, and all the appalling
insignia, Caps of Liberty, etc. which had been long preparing for
what they considered to be a most glorious day. As they progressively
advanced to the hustings they were received with the loudest acclamations
with huzzas and the clapping of hands.
(2)
The
Manchester Chronicle (21st August, 1819)
A scene of confusion and terror now existed
which defies description. The multitude pressed one another down;
and in many parts they lay in masses, piled body upon body. The cries
and mingled shouts, with the galloping of the horses, were shocking.
Lt.-Col. L'Estrange, the commander of the troops received a tremendous
blow on the forehead with a brick, which for a moment deprived him
of sense, and he had nearly fallen from his horse. Many of the most
respectable Gentlemen of the town were thrown down, ridden over, and
trampled upon. One special constable, Mr. Ashworth, of the Bull's
Head, in Market Place, was killed on the spot.
Under the circumstances, these actions were unavoidable: not the smallest
blame is attached to the Military. It was scarcely to be anticipated
that great numbers of the Reformers would come to the meeting prepared
with offensive weapons; but it was the case. A class of them were
dressed as brewers' servants usually are, with long brats that contain
pocket. These pockets were filled with stones.
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