Strike at Gilmerton
Petition against Francis Gordon and others

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Precognition relating to an 'illegal combination' and strike at Gilmerton Coalworks in 1823 and an assault on George Pride.

Edinburgh at 14th january 1824
Unto the Honourable the Sheriff of Edinburghshire, the petition of Archibald Scott Procurator Fiscal of Court for the public interest.

Humbly sheweth
That during the last six months an illegal combination and conspiracy has existed among the colliers at Gilmerton who were engaged to work to Mr John Marshall tacksman of North Green Coaliery , who have not only refused to work themselves but also by threats and violence intimidated and prevented others from doing so, and a number of Colliers at other Coallieries have aided and assisted them by collecting money to them and otherwise and the matter has come to such an alarming crisis that houses where Colliers that are willing to work [ ] are attacked and the inhabitants thereof put in fear and danger of their lives and the Colliers meet in bodies with fire arms and leathal weapons under night.

That among others the following Persons have been guilty actors or art and part in the aforesaid crimes vizt. Francis Gordon collier Edmonston, David Craig colliers there, John Robertson coallier there, and [blank] Blyth coallier there and [blank] Blyth and [blank] Blyth his sons, and John Richmond, William Reid, George Kerr, William Irvine, William Crombie, and William Sharp all colliers at Gilmerton and more particularly the said persons did along with about one hundred more assemble at Gilmerton last night with fire arms and bludgeons in a riotous and tumultuous manner and assault and abuse a number of well disposed persons, discharge firearms at them and their dwelling houses and enter the houses of the inhabitants of the said village whom they threatened if they did not agree to comply with their measures, in consequence of which the most of the inhabitants were much alarmed and a gross breach of the peace was committed and with a view to prevent detection they were disguised in their dresses - in these circumstances the present application to your Lordship is made to the effect aftermentioned.

May it therefore please your Lordship to grant warrant to two officers of court to search for and apprehend the said Francis Gordon, David Craig, John Robertson [blank] Blyth, [blank] Blyth,[blank] Blyth, John Richmond, William Reid, George Kerr, William Irvine, William Crombie, and William Sharp and bring them before you for examination respecting the premises and thereafter to incarcerate them in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh therein to remain until liberated in due course of law and also grant warrant to cite the said John Marshall and all others that can give information to appear to be precognosed or do otherwise as may seem ___
According to Justice
Signed Archd Scott P.F.

Edinr 14th Jany 1824
The Sheriff having considered this petition grants warrant to officers of court to cite the therein designed Francis Gordon, David Craig, John Robertson [blank] Blyth, [blank] Blyth,[blank] Blyth, John Richmond, William Reid, George Kerr, William Irvine, William Crombie, and William Sharp for examination, also grants warrant to cite for precognition as craved
Signed Ad: Duff

Edinr. 15th Jany 1824
The Sheriff having resumed consideration of this petition with the declarations of the therein designed, John Richmond, William Reid and George Kerr. Grants warrant to officers of court to apprehend and incarcerate them in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh. The keepers hereby ordered to receive and detain them for further examination.
Signed Ad: Duff

Edinr. 20 December 1823
The Sheriff having resumed consideration of this petition with the declarations of the therein designed John Richmond, William Reid and George Kerr grants warrant to officers of court to apprehend and incarcerate them in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh. The keepers hereby ordered to receive and detain them until liberated in due course of Law
Signed Ad: Duff

Petition against David Pentland
Petition against George Kerr and others

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