Reports by a Birmingham Police Spy on Meetings of the Local Chartists

Abstract

Went to the meeting at 1/2 past 8 in Allison Street, where I found 13 members present — two members came in afterwards, they were about commencing the business of the evening when a stranger came in, it was the same person who came on Thursday, and I was told he was there on Friday. As soon as the stranger came in the members sat down and talked about religion and began to sing.* Kircupp of Dale End was appointed to mind the door and keep watch — the stranger got in while he (Kircupp) was attending to the candles — I (Tongue) and Kircupp was walking up and down the room when he shewed me a brace of pistols which he had bought — he ordered them during the week — Kircupp said. Hill would not allow any member to belong to his class that had not a brace of pistols, and if they had not got them they were to by a certain time, and a dagger; — he had one with him about 8 inches long, 3 square.