The Commonweal/Volume 1/Number 1/The Peterloo Massacre

THE PETERLOO MASSACRE.

On the morning of the 16th August, 1819, the reformers began (illegible text) respective rendezvous in Manchester. In the course of the fore(illegible text) processions enter the town from Oldham, Rochdale, Ashton, Sta(illegible text) districts. The people marched five abreast. There were many (illegible text) years, haggard and careworn; but the majority were young pe(illegible text) many women and children. The females were placed for the (illegible text)cessions. In the front of the Middleton branch were twelve y(illegible text) holding in each hand a branch of laurel “as a sign of unity and peace” (illegible text) were banners with mottoes in gilt letters: “Unity is Strength,” “(illegible text) Fraternity,” “Parliaments Annual, Suffrage Universal,” “No Com L(illegible text)⟨.”⟩

It was an impressive sight to see these toilers, to the number of 60 (illegible text) around the platform in Petersfield. There were (illegible text) banners (illegible text) of the (illegible text) a platform, (illegible text) 100 yards