The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

74. (M.)   Joseph Wilford was indicted for stealing a bay gelding, value 10 l. the property of   John Wright , December 31 . ||

  John Wright . I live at  Lubenham, near Market Harborough . I lost a bay gelding the last day of the old year, from out of my stable.

Q. Describe him.

Wright. He had a few white hairs on his forehead, by trying to make a star, but it was not a proper one.

Q. Did you ever see him again?

Wright. I saw him since I came to town. I advertised him, by which means I had information. He was at the Sun, in Gray's-inn-lane, a livery stable; there I saw him this day se'nnight.

  Gilbert Andrews . I live at Leicester. I was at Mr. Wright's house the last day of the old year. I saw this bay gelding then, and he was gone the next morning. I came up with Mr. Wright, and saw the gelding at the Sun, in Gray's-inn-lane, and know him to be the property of Mr. Wright.

  Christopher Clark . I am ostler at the Sun; in Gray's-inn-lane. I took the bay gelding in of I believe, the prisoner at the bar, a fortnight yesterday, the same which the prosecutor and has evidence came and owned. I know it was the prisoner at the bar that came and owned him the next morning; he wanted to sell him to my master, and they talked about it: I believe they had made a bargain, but am not certain. I heard the prisoner say, he had rode him 90 miles that day. I asked him where he came from, he said from Market-Harborough.

  Joseph Chauler . I keep the Sun in Gray's-inn-lane. The horse was in my stable. I was not at home when he was brought in. The next morning I saw him. The prisoner came and ordered him to be fed: he said the horse was to be sold, and that he would take him to Smithfield market. On the Friday he came about noon, and said he had changed his mind; he would not take him to market, he would go first, and see how the market went, and if it would not do, he would send him into the country. On the Saturday morning we agreed for the horse. I was to have given 7 guineas and a half for him; then he said he would take him away, but I believe he had not money to pay for his standing. I went to fetch the money, and the ostler brought me the Advertiser, where I saw such a horse described. I took the paper to the stable, and examined the marks of the horse, and found it to be a proper description of that horse; then I sent for a constable, and had the prisoner secured: after that he persisted in it that he had bought the horse.

Prisoner's defence.

I lay at Oakham, at the Magpye, the last day of the old year. I set out for London by times in the morning, and a gentleman overtook me on this horse 2 or 3 miles on this side Oakham. I walked by the side of him about a mile; he asked me if I had a mind to buy a horse, and said he was short of money. I asked him what he asked for him: he asked 8 guineas. I bid him six. He went about a quarter of a mile farther, and said I should have him. I paid him 6 guineas for him.

To his character.

  James Young . I am clerk to Mess. Hope and Co. brewers, in Spital-fields. I have known the prisoner about 4 years; he lived servant with us 12 months, in the capacity of a spareman, and after

that he lived with us another brewing season; in which time he behaved himself very well. I always had a great opinion of his honesty. He has been in the country for 5 or 6 months; had he came up in time, I should have had him again.

  John Marshall . I have lived several years clerk at Mess. Hope and Stubbs's brewhouse. The prisoner was there a year when I was there. I never heard any thing ill of him the time he was there. I have trusted him to go into many cellars, where was value. He was always well respected with us, and others in the neighbourhood that knew him. I have left the brewhouse, and am now in business for myself.

Job Forrest. I keep the tap-house belonging to the brewhouse, where the prisoner lived. I have known him 3 or 4 years; he lived next door to me. I always looked upon him to be a very honest young fellow. He comes from Leicestershire.

  William Scott . The prisoner lodged at my house two winters. I am horse-keeper at the brewhouse. I never knew any thing but what was honest by him. He paid his way very honestly.

  William Jackson . I live at  Walthamstow, in Essex. I have known the prisoner ever since he was a child. We were both born at Lubenham, in Leicestershire. He bore a very good character. When I came up, he lived in a farmer's service.

Q. How long have you been come from that country ?

Jackson. I have been come from thence 6 or 7 years. I am in business for myself. He lived with me 6 weeks last summer. His brother and I keep the stage at  Walthamstow.

  John French . I have known the prisoner from a child. I never knew any ill of him before this.

Prosecutor. His friends are very honest people. I would be glad to recommend him to mercy.

Guilty . Death . Recommended.