[3] On 17 July of that year, the first instance is recorded of a group of rioters being led by a male ring leader dressed in women's clothing,[4] widely accepted to be Thomas Rees.
[5] At some point during the riots, until their end in late 1843, Davies became heavily involved, and like fellow rioter Shoni Sguborfawr, was paid to take a prominent role in the toll-gate attacks.
The riots were initially supported by the public, and very few rioters were arrested and convicted, but some of those taking part used the guise of 'Rebecca' to exact revenge on individuals and extort money; and Davies and 'Shoni' both undertook these actions.
Although some claimed he returned to Wales, he seems to have remained in Tasmania, and died there in an outhouse of the Ross Hotel in August 1874, from smoke inhalation after his pipe accidentally set fire to grass, whilst Davies was asleep and intoxicated.
[1] Though wounding were the wicked blows The cruel world hath struck at me I have a strength they cannot break My human pride my dignity They bound my hands with prison chains And yet my soul they could not bind Now far across the sundering sea I drag my solely troubled mind My father's home, its tender care I know I shall not see again I'll rot for twenty searing years Among corrupt unfeeling men Farewell to you a hundredfold Fair county, sweet untroubled Wales Still I remember in my pain Your streams, your hills, your gentle vales You are the garden of the world The Eden where all beauty lies My heart breaks as with flaming sword They drive me now from paradise