New Leader

After Cephas Quested was hung, George Ransley took up the reins as leader of the gang. He seems to have been a methodical and organised leader. The gang began to expand and become more troublesome to the authorities. The Government issued a 500 pound reward for information leading to the smugglers arrest. Over a period of time the clashes with the excise men became more violent and with the deaths of several people, paricularly Richard Morgan, the support of the community began to wain. As a consequence in October 1826 several members of the Gang were arrested in a raid by the Bow Street Runners and the Blockade men and charged with Morgans murder. These were Robert Bailey, Samuel Bailey (second in charge), Thomas Denard, Thomas Gilham, James Hogben, George Ransley, James Smeed, Thomas Wheeler, Richard Wire and William Wire. The prisoners pleaded not guilty. Later, more men were arrested and charged with aiding and assisting in the illegal running and landing of certain prohibited and uncustomed goods. Among these men was 34 year old John Bailey, my ancestor. There is an excellent site were you can read the transcribed court records at Lynne's Site