Northern Star 19th August 1848
Thomas Powell was the most well known of the SpyCops who infiltrated London Chartism in the summer of 1848. The report below relates to a failed attempt at a rising in central London on 16th August 1848 that Powell and others had done much to provoke
We add the following version of Powell’s cross-examination from the Morning Post :—
Cross-examined by Mr Macnamara.—I went by another name—that of Johnson—in order to prevent
my being known to the Chartists. I am in the employ of a relation. I became a delegate about a month
since. I ENTERED THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF GETTING INFORMATION AND COMM UNICATING IT TO THE POLICE COMMISSIONERS . I ENCOURAGED AND STIMULATED THESE MEN IN ORDER TO INFORM AGAINST THEM. I thought something would turn out injurious to the peace of
the country, and I thought I would give such information to the authorities as would put a stop to it.
I knew that I was mixed up with a class of characters who would do anything and everything. When
the chairman made use of the expression, ‘ The blow must be struck !’ only Kitchie and Gurney were
present. I GAVE THE MEN SOME BULLETS. Martin told me that the society in Hatton- garden would supply muskets to the Chartists and Irish Felons. I ONLY GAVE BALLS TO GURNEY. I GAVE HIM HALF A POUND OF POWDER. I ALSO CAST SOME BULLETS ON PURPOSE FOR HIM, AND GAVE THEM
TO HIM. About forty persons were present at the meeting on Tuesday. I was taken to the police
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