Baron Garrow, then addressed Tidd as follows:—“Richard Tidd, do you wish to add any thing to what your counsel has stated for you? If you do, this is the proper time.”
Tidd rose, and said, in a meek and humble voice, “The first thing I have got to say is, that I had the misfortune to get acquainted with Brunt about a month before Christmas, by his frequently going to see Adams, who was living next door to me; our windows joined; by that means I became acquainted with him.
“During the Christmas holidays, we kept them together; after the holidays, I was introduced to Edwards, who does not now appear against me; he was constantly coming to me afterwards; I always was a hard-working man, working sixteen and eighteen hours a day. I never had any time to spare, except on a Sunday. Messrs. Edwards and Brunt together told me that there were certain meetings going on.
“I never attended any meeting after the acts to prevent illegal meetings, till Edwards told me that he had authority to state from persons high in rank, that meetings might take place to procure reform in Parliament. I was then introduced to a room, where I was taken to, in Brunt’s house. I did not see there any thing particular, till the Sunday when I was proposed to take the chair.
“Certain propositions were then made, which made me declare I would never more attend such meetings, and I fully determined that I would not keep company with them afterwards. Prior to this Edwards came up to my house, and said, that he had got certain materials, and Mr. Thistlewood would be obliged to me if I would let them remain in my house. I said, I would allow no such thing. He then went away, but in the evening he came and brought the things, which the officers afterwards seized.
“On Tuesday, Edwards and Brunt came to me, and asked me if I kept to my determination—they added, that all the proceedings that were going on were entirely flustered; they then said there was to be a meeting of the Mary-le-bone Union, and asked me to go.
“Edwards said, every body going there for self-preservation took a weapon of defence. I told him I had none; he said, if I had not, the club would supply me with one; he then pulled out a pistol, and said, you ought to arm yourself now.
“He also had a sword-stick, which he offered me. He afterwards gave me a direction where the meeting was to be held. I have it now in my pocket.”—[Here the prisoner produced a small piece of paper, on which was written these words:—‘Horse and Groom, John-street, Edgeware-road.’]
Tidd then went on. “During Wednesday, while I was at work, Edwards and Brunt came to me, and said there was some people I must bring to the club. I afterwards took Monument, but I do declare before you I never knew any thing about a cabinet-dinner. It was never mentioned to me. I was introduced into the stable, and in ten minutes after the officers came in and apprehended me.