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Reply to No. MB1/117. Authorises a reward of £50 for the capture of Ingram. Approves of his reply to the deputy sheriff. Is prepared to give favourable consideration to those who shall have surrendered their arms.

Urging them to swear in a number of special constables at Newtown.

Difficulty is experienced in securing evidence against the offenders. Encloses a paper found in John Lewis's house, [No.MB1/2], which gives an insight to what has been done during the last five months, and which, he thinks, should be forwarded to Lord Russell.

Draft letter from Viscount Clive to Lord John Russell. Informing him that the Caersws meeting passed off without the least disturbance.

Acknowledging the receipt of No. 11.

With reference to the Chartist meeting at Newtown, does not consider it advisable to proceed against the parties.

Has heard a rumour that arms have been brought into Newtown for the use of the demonstrators, and entrusts Mr Davies with the task of enquiring into its accuracy. Should it prove true, it should be immediately reported to Lord John Russell.

Printed letter from [Lord] J[ohn] Russell, Secretary of State for the Home Department, from Whitehall, to C. Hanbury Leigh, esq., Lord Lieutenant of Monmouthshire, respecting arming and training. There has been recently, he says, a considerable sale of arms in the country, 'not in the way of trade, but with some mischievous intent'. Both those who sell and those who procure arms are equally liable to prosecution. Furthermore, any persons secretly practising training or drilling to the use of arms are guilty of an offence under the provisions of the Training Act (60 Geo. III, c. 1), and are liable to be transported and imprisoned. Would welcome information as to the state of the county of Monmouth. A similar letter was sent to the Lords Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Cumberland and Westmorland, Wiltshire, Northumberland, Somerset, and Lancashire.

He has with great difficulty secured a specimen of a spear point, 350 of which are kept in store. There are 55 of a more formidable description, and 154 muskets also in store, and a chest of muskets on the road from Birmingham. Sinister preparations are afoot at Llanidloes, where in addition fire shells are being provided.

Desires him to convey to the Lord Lieutenant his information as to the state of affairs in Llanidloes. The Unionists muster 500 strong and are continually supported by respectable tradesmen, partly from fear but mainly from sympathy. They have recently entered upon a course of training under arms, and from two to three hundred of them may be seen marching through the streets every night. The affair is rendered doubly dangerous by the character of the Llanidloes people; 'they are not open fight men, - the mischief they perpetrate is generally in the dark'. Would be pleased if a troop of cavalry could be stationed there.

Suggests that he write to the mayor of Llanidloes for further information, as the vicar may have been misinformed.

It has been reported to him that a considerable number of men are in the habit of drilling and of parading in military order about Llanidloes. He has communicated this information to the Under Secretary of State, and is now directed to request that an inquiry be immediately held into the accuracy of the report.

Has forwarded his letter to the Under Secretary of State, and encloses a copy of No. 19. Persons engaged in drilling to the use of arms without lawful authority may be apprehended and lodged in gaol. Will be obliged if he will communicate to him the results of his inquiry, which he will immediately place before the government. Would also like a full report of all future meetings of Unionists, 'particularly if any foreigners attend'.

Encloses a copy of one Thomas Humphreys's deposition as to a drilling practice held by the Unionists. Has been unable to obtain evidence of a similar meeting conducted on the previous day. Two dozen pikes were brought into town this morning, but he was not prepared to make an effort to seize them. Without outside assistance, he is unable to enforce the law. Thomas Humphreys states in his deposition that 700 people, including women and children, were present at the drilling practice on Penyrallt near the town.

Has submitted his letter to the Under Secretary of State. His evidence concerning the seizure of arms does not seem sufficient to secure a conviction. The evidence concerning training and drilling to arms is sufficient to warrant interference by the magistrates. He therefore suggests that a number of special constables be sworn in. Offenders may be arrested with or without warrants.

Has received authority from the Home Office to obtain the assistance of three policemen.

Has obtained the consent of the Rev. R. J. Davies of Aberhafesp and Mr Evans of Maenol to the course proposed by his Lordship in his letter to Mr Marsh. Hopes that a number of Metropolitan policemen may be sent to their assistance. About two years ago they had the assistance of Charles Blenkhorn, now at Bangor. He is a powerful man and is known to both parties, and his presence would be desirable if only for two or three days. Will communicate with his brother, who is stationed at Newtown.

Has received a letter from the Rev. E. Pugh, vicar of Llanidloes, expressing alarm at the state of affairs in the town. A very efficient military force is needed to restore order. The outbreak is expected to occur within a few days, so that there is no time to be lost. The rioters are in possession of 100 guns and more than 200 pikes, the latter having been brought from Newtown and fitted with handles at Llanidloes.

Encloses an order made at the Montgomery sessions in pursuance of an Order in Council respecting the Montgomeryshire Summer Assizes.