Note 348 — Chapter VIII · AFTER SPEENHAMLAND
Reading edition
A manifesto was published in a Bath paper in reply to this Act; it is quoted by Sydney Smith, Essays, p. 263: ‘Take Notice.—We have lately heard and seen that there is an act passed, and whatever poacher is caught destroying the game is to be transported for seven years.—This is English Liberty!
‘Now we do swear to each other that the first of our company that this law is inflicted on, that there shall not be one gentleman’s seat in our country escape the rage of fire. The first that impeaches shall be shot. We have sworn not to impeach. You may think it a threat, but they will find it a reality. The Game Laws were too severe before. The Lord of all men sent these animals for the peasants as well as for the prince. God will not let his people be oppressed. He will assist us in our undertaking, and we will execute it with caution.’