The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

  Henry St. Johns Esq; and   Edmund Webb , Indicted for Murdering Sir   William Hescot Knight , on the 14th October last, at the  Globe Tavern in Fleet-street , as likewise upon the statute of stabbing , it appeared upon Evidence, that Esq; St. John together with Edward Webb, Sir William Hescot, and divers other persons coming to the Globe Tavern, somewhat late in the Evening, after the Drinking several Bottles of Claret, a discourse arose in the Company about leaping horses, being first started between Esq; St. Johns and one Mr. Stonehouse, but long it lasted not, e're upon that occasion St. William Hescot urged that it was unfair since Esq; St John had Twenty Horse in his Stable, and

Mr. Stonehouse's but a few, which causing further Argument, Esq; St. John's him, that all that he had above six were Asses &c. Whereupon the word Fool being returned, a Bottle was thrown by Esquire St. Johns, and he pursuing the throw drew his sword, which Sir William observing made his retreat, but soon after being Wounded, he fell upon which Esq; St. Johns struck him several blows, and in o[Text unreadable in original.] Language, bid him beg his pardon, or ask his Life, it was likewise sworn, that upon Esq; St Johns rising, Mr. Webb followed him, having his sword likewise drawn, the which, as also his cravat was afterwards found Bloody and that notwithstanding, the endeavour of the other Persons present, so sudden was the mischief, that Sir William having received a mortal Wound in his Belly; as likewise, three others in his Groin, and his hand much cut, he instantly dyed, so that it not appearing his Sword was drawn, but that it lay in the Window in the Scabboard, although the Prisoners endeavoured to prove their Innocence, or at least strong provocations, yet the contrary being evident by many Witnesses present, before, at, and after the unhappy misfortune, as likewise the Chirurgeon that searched the body, declaring, that the Wounds were given with different Swords, according to the best of his Skill, and that those in the Groin as well as that in the Belly were Mortal, they were found Guilty of Murther at Common Law, as Likewise upon the Statute of stabbing, after which the other Persons, that were in the Company were discharged upon Proclamation.

[Death. See summary.]