Knight, then a manufacturer in Manchester, and thirty-seven others, amongst whom were Messrs. John Haigh, of Lord's gate, and John Newton, of Boundthorn, Oldham, were charged with having administered unlawful oaths in connection with a political association at Manchester, but evidence being adduced proving the accusations to be false, the parties were acquitted. Mr. Knight took part in the St. Peter's field meeting, August 16, 1819, and was imprisoned a short time in consequence, but was not brought up for judgment. In August the same year he was indicted for participating in a seditious meeting at Blackburn, and held to bail. In December, 1819, he, George Dewhurst, and Nathan Broadhurst were committed to Lancaster castle on a charge of high treason, but at the spring assizes, 1820, the charge was altered to misdemeanour, and the defendants sentenced to two years' imprisonment for the offence. Mr. Knight was a frequent speaker at public meetings, and continued during his life firmly attached to the principles of extreme radicalism. He died September 5, 1838, and his funeral, which took place on the 9th of the same month, was attended by 2000 persons. Messrs. Joseph Taylor, of Bent, Oldham, hatter, and John Kay, of Royton, cotton manufacturer, were also prominent radical reformers in those critical times. The former was a most intelligent but difiident individual, and the latter "an imperturbably placid being - a real philosopher in humble 1ife."

The country remained in a disturbed state several months subsequent to the extraordinary meeting at Manchester, and on the 13th December, 1819, the Oldham yeomanry cavalry were not only placed on duty for a month, but a number of special constables commenced night duty, which was Watch and Ward. "For a time a portentous gloom took possession of the public mind, and the spirit of party animosity reigned triumphant; but the revival of trade, and the consequent improvement in the condition of the manufactur-

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