[From Home Office File HO 98/67]

Capt James Thomson to Maj John Gardiner 14 Aug 1811

It is with much concern I have to report a very unpleasant occurance that took place last night in this town in which some of the soldiers of the detachment under my command are unfortuneately involved and I feel more particularly in this occasion as it has been uniformly my wish and endeavour to conciliate the good will of the inhabitants and to remove by every means in my power the strong prejudice and dislike they have evinced on every occasion to the Military since the 6th Regiment came to the Island.

I trust however that upon an investigation of the circumstances you will find the conduct of the detachment not so very reprehensible as the various and unfounded reports that have gone abroad would lead you to suppose.

I beg leave to state that Lieut Hawkes commanding His Majesty's Hir'd armed Brig the Maria of Belfast after laying close to the Quay in Douglas harbour for some days came to me about seven o'clock yesterday evening and informed me that he had orders from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Impress men for His Majesty's fleet, which he intended to put in execution that night previous to his going to sea, for the purpose of impressing among others a man of the name of Kelly, by whom his life had been attempted the night before, and requested as tho he did not then think any military assistance would be necessary, that I would afford him five or six men for the protection of His Majesty's Tender should he be under the necessity of employing all his own men on shore - which I promised him provided he was in danger of being attacked.

With that view and at the same time to preserve the tranquility of the Town I augmented the patrol with six men, which I had frequently before done when under any apprehension of a riot.

I visited the Guard at nine o'clock and retired to my lodgings, where I remained till Ten half after Ten Sergeant Hornby came and reported, that the Picket under Sergt Moss while patroling had been call'd upon by the Officer Commg of the Press Gang, to assist in conveying some impress'd men, who were making great resistance to the Tender, and that Four soldiers had been left on board at the request of Lieut Hawkes.

In consequence of this information, and as the Lieutentant had made no further application to me for assistance which I expected he would have done had there been occasion, I immediately went on board, but not finding the Lieutenant there, went in search of him and met him about the middle of the quay returning with his party.

I then went on board the Tender accompanied by Captain [Tere?], and told Lieut Hawke that it not my wish or intention the Soldiers should be employed or interfere in any way with the Impress Service, as it would tend to iritate the inhabitants still more against us, and under our situation in Quarters if possible more uncomfortable - The Lieutentant seeing the force of and propriety of what I stated, said he would not have any futher occasion for them, and the Four men of the Picket who were at that time on board were ordered back to their Regimental Duty.

From the Brig I proceeded to the Guard house, (about Eleven o'clock) and gave positive orders to the noncommn'd Officer, to collect immediately the men who were out standing, or otherwise absent, and not to allow any of them to leave their guard again unless on Duty, without my permission.

Having given these directions I immediately returned home and conceiving every thing quiet, went to bed about Twelve o'clock.

At day break the Sergt of the Guard came to me and reported that the Fishermen were assembling every where and in very great numbers, and fearing his Guard and Sentries would be attacked requested to have ammunition which I refused, and ordered him to return immediately to his guard, and if attacked to defend himself the best way he could.

No other report was made to me during the night nor was I acquainted with the circumstances, that afterwards took place, till seven o'clock when Segt Hornby came to me after the disturbance was over, and informed me that the five o'clock relief (consisting of eight men, five of whom were taken by the Corporal as an escort in case of attack), had been requested by Lieut Hawkes to draw up across the narrow end of the Pier for the purpose of preventing the mob from attacking the Tender, which lay a very short distance in rear of the Soldiers - The Fishermen having shown a determination not only to rescue the Impressed men but to destroy the vessel. The Soldiers were driven from their station with sticks and stones, and forced to retreat along side the Brig when Lieut Hawkes gave them Ball Cartridge, which they unfortuneately made use of, but not untill two of their comrades were disarm'd, one of them stabbed twice in the belly with his own Bayonet, and thrown over the Quay, and the other about to share the same fate, in short not till the danger was imminent both to themselves? and His Majesty Tender.

I am sorry to state that two of the Fishermen were wounded but not dangerously, and happily no lives were lost.

As it has been stated amongst a variety of illnatur'd and unfounded reports that I was personally present and actively employed with the Press Gang - I think it proper to declare to you upon my word of honor that I never was present with or saw any man impressed by the Gang that night, neither was I out of my lodgings at all except at the time and for the purpose I have already stated.

I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant

James Thomson
Capt 2nd Battn 6th foot

[to] Majr Gardiner
Cmmg 2nd Battn
6th Regt
Castletown

Notes