LUDDITES 31st July 1812
Wednesday night last, the 22nd inst about twelve o'clock John Hinchliffe, Holmfield, near Huddersfield; Was roused from his sleep
by a loud Knocking at the door. On enquiring what was the cause of this? a person without asked if Hinchliffe lived there? He dressed himself, and opened the door, when he was desired by two
men to lead them to a certain place;— they then escorted him down a neighbouring lane. He desired to know their motive for conveying him that road? One of the men told him, he heard he
had been giving information respecting the Luddites; this he positively denied. This conversation was interrupted by a horse (which was loose in the lane) galloping near them, which alarmed the
ruffians; and gave Hihchliffe an opportunity of escaping: one of the men fired at him, and lodged a piece of lead in his eye: the eye is entirely lost, and his head much bruised; he how- ever had the
good fortune to reach a friend's houses. About ten weeks ago, Hinchlife had a conversation with a person of the name of Scholefield, who endeavoured to persuade him to be twisted-in as one of
General Ludd's men, threatening that if he made any discovery of the matter, he would be put to death. Suspicion fell on Scholefield as one of the persons, and on enquiry it was found he had
absconded.
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