THE ELY AND LITTLEPORT RIOTS BYNG (John, 1st Earl of Strafford, 1772-1860, Army Officer and Politician)

Fine Autograph Letter signed as Major General to the Quarter Master General of the Forces, begging "leave to inclose to you the movements I found necessary to make this day in consequence of the representations made to me after I had closed my letter to you. In this County the Duke of Grafton is perfectly satisfied with the disposition made of the troops in it and thinks it desirable for the party of the 1st Dragoon Guards stationed at ... and Stoke to remain. I have not any accounts of other disturbances, but in many places they are under great alarm, and I have many applications for Troops but as my means are small, I can only send to the places where riots actually exist. I do not expect you can conveniently afford me any reinforcement, and therefore do not wish to press the subject but if within your means, a Troop of Cavalry sent to Newmarket, and another to reinforce the one at Bury (which is very weak, and has a detachment at Thetford) would be advisable, and from those places they could easily be sent wherever they were most required - in case of actual necessity. I should take upon myself to send to Ipswich - but without that - I do not wish to move any force from that place or Colchester without a previous communication with you. After I have received my letters at Newmarket tomorrow, I propose going over to Brandon, where an inclination to disturbance still exists, from thence I shall return to Mildon Hall, Suffolk to which place may I request you to direct any orders for me ...", 2 sides 4to., Bury, 27th May

Promoted to colonel on 25 July 1810, Byng went to Spain in September 1811 to become Commander of a brigade serving under General Rowland Hill. He was promoted to Major-general on 4 June 1813, Byng commanded his brigade at the Battle of Vitoria in June 1813 and then at the Battle of Roncesvalles on 25 July 1813.
The home secretary, Lord Sidmouth, had dispatched three troops of cavalry (100 men), two six–pounder cannons and three companies of the 69th (South Lincolnshire) Regiment of Foot under Major General Byng to help capture the leading rioters and restore order.

Item Date:  1816

Stock No:  39473      £375

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