Manchester City News, 19th July, 1924 SAM BAMFORD Romance of a Man of Action

Then Peterloo occurred, with its cuts and bruises inflicted by the swords of the yeomanry. Bamford was present as leader of the Middleton contingent. That was enough for Nadin. The police banged on Bamford's door, which was opened when they said who they were and what they wanted. They entered the dark room, police and soldiers. The drawers were rummaged, his box was explored, and all his books and papers were tumbled into a shawl, to be carried away. Handcuffs were ordered and put on.

This is how Bamford describes the scene: The order was given to move; my wife burst into tears. I tried to console her: said I should soon be with her again. I ascended into the street, and shouted "Hunt and liberty." "Hunt and liberty" responded my brave little helpmate, whose spirit was now roused. One of the policemen, with a Pistol in his hand, swearing a deep oath, said he would blow out her brains if she shouted again." Blow away was the reply. "Hunt and liberty." "Hunt for ever."

The woman's brains remained in their proper place, the procession moved off, and Bamford the Reformist was on his way to gaol again.

This time he found himself a prisoner in Lincoln Castle, where he became came seriously ill. His wife was allowed to visit him, and a room was set apart for their joint accommodation. At the end of the agreed period she returned to Middleton, but as Bamford's health grew worse she returned to Lincoln Castle to nurse him back to health. Under her wifely treatment he soon recovered his wonted strength. When the term of his twelve months' imprisonment ended he was released, and once more recognisances of rood behaviour were entered into. Then it was the open street of a cathedral city, and after that the open country. They were a long way from home, means of travel were not plentiful; but Bamford and his wife were young and of a cheerful spirit. They started to walk home. From http://gerald-massey.org.uk/bamford/

Lines, Addressed To My Wife From The King's Bench Prison, May 15, 1820 by Samuel Bamford

I never will forget thee, love!
Though in a prison far I be;
I never will forget thee, love!
And thou wilt still remember me!

I never will forget thee, love!
When wakes on me the morning light;
And thou shalt ever present be,
When cometh down the cloud of night!

I never will forget thee, love!
When summer sheds her golden ray;
And thou shall be my comforter
Amid the winter's cheerless day!

Oh! They may bind but cannot break,
This heart, so full of thine and thee;
Which liveth only for YOUR sake,
And the high cause of LIBERTY!