Local people in Tranent, Scotland, had drawn…
August 1797 CE
The proclamation comprises four clauses:-
We declare that we unanimously disapprove of the late Act of Parliament for raising 6000 militiamen in Scotland.
We declare that we will assist each other in endeavouring to repeal the said Act.
We declare that we are peaceably disposed; and should you, in endeavouring to execute the said Act, urge us to adopt coercive measures, we must look upon you to be the aggressors, and as responsible to the nation for all the consequences that may follow.
Although we may be overpowered in effecting the said resolution, and dragged from our parents, friends, and employment, to be made soldiers of, you can infer from this what trust can be reposed in us if ever we are called upon to disperse our fellow-countrymen, or to oppose a foreign foe.
This measure may have been encouraged or incited by the United Scotsmen, a secret society spread throughout Scotland who are believed to be intent on insurgence and the setting up of a Scottish government under Muir of Huntershill.
It is believed they had been involved in similar protests elsewhere over the 1797 Militia Act.
The following day, 29 August, the proclamation is handed to Major Wight, the commanding officer of the recruitment squad; it is initially ignored.
Later, when a contingent from the local colliery communities, led by 'Jackie' (Joan) Crookston confronted the troops, their response is swift and bloody.
Several of the protesters, including Crookston, are shot dead out of hand.
The protesters flee from the center of the small town into the countryside, pursued by the Cinque Port Light Dragoons, who are reported to have cut down people indiscriminately, caring little whether they were involved in the protest or not.
Casualty estimates range from around a dozen to twenty or more men, women and children dead, with more injured.
After the slaughter the troopers are alleged to have carried out rapes and pillage in the small town.
The Light Dragoons' overall commanding officer is Colonel Viscount Hawkesbury, (later 2nd Earl of Liverpool, a future British Prime Minister) who is not present.