I write this note in some haste after being released from the clutches of Government agents. I apologise for any ramblings and confusion in advance. I am sore exhausted and will clarify the events after some sleep.
Last Wednesday, some 5 days ago, as I was leaving my lodgings to attend a weekly reading group I was seized in the street by plain clothes policemen, thrown into the back of a van and hauled off to a cell.
(I have since discovered that) I was to be held under The Special Provincial Powers Act 1876introduced to suppress revolt in Kenya. All I know is I was locked in a cell and frequently and regularly taken to be questioned, and questioned and then questioned further.
At all times of the day and night I hardly slept or ate. They asked about the recent raid but quickly moved on to the forthcoming strike; What did I know? Who were the ringleaders? What plans had been laid? For my part I remained silent having been questioned many times by the law before and knowing that silence hurts no one, and their handling of you only hurts if you’re scared.
Luckily when I was taken some folk had raised the alarm and a search went out to locate me. For which I am most grateful. I hear groups came in solidarity to the police station in such numbers that the police fearing a riot would occur decided to release me.
After what was said to me in the station by certain senior officers I fear that I may lose my employment at the depot, but being another’s chattel never agreed with me anyway.
I must to bed.
Jack Ludd