Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 26 September 2023), April 1779 (17790404).

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Old Bailey Proceedings, 4th April 1779.

184. MARY BRATTLE was indicted for stealing a silk gown, value 14 s. a linen sheet, value 4 s. and a linen shirt, value 5 s. the property of William Pinchbeck , February 6th .

WILLIAM PINCHBECK sworn.

I am a painter in Oxford Road . The prisoner was my servant ; she lived with me six months. My wife missed some of my shirts, and suspecting the prisoner, while she was out, we searched the kitchen, and found a shirt behind a box, upon which we searched her bed-room, and missed the sheets and pillows off the bed. When she returned, I got a constable, and charged her with stealing the things, and asked what she had done with them. She owned that she had pawned a silk gown, a sheet, and a shirt. I found them, by her direction, at the pawnbroker's.

(The things were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

WILLIAM JORDAN sworn.

I am servant to Mr. Murphy, a pawnbroker, in Oxford-Road. The things produced were pawned with me by the prisoner. At the time she pawned the shirt she took out a pair of breeches of Mr. Pinchbeck's, which he has now got on. She pawned all the things in the name of Mary Hilton .

Are you sure the prisoner is the person who pawned the things at your shop? - Yes; she has pawned things several times, and taken them out again.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

My master owned me money. I could not get any money of him. My mistress gave me leave to pawn them till he paid me; then she said I might redeem them.

To Pinchbeck. Do you know whether your wife ever gave her leave to pawn them? Did you ever hear her say she gave her leave to pawn them? - No; she was very much surprised when she found it out.

GUILTY of stealing to the value of 10 d .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr.DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Whipping. See summary.]

185. 186. HENRY STEED , and JOHN EDMONDS , were indicted, for that they, in the king's highway, in and upon the Honourable Anne Brudenell , widow , did make an assault, putting her in corporal fear and danger of her life, and stealing from her person a gold watch, value 6 l. and 19 s. in monies, numbered, the property of the said Anne , March 13th .

ANNE BRUDENELL sworn.

On the 13th of March, about a quarter before eleven at night, I was stopped in Park-Lane , in my carriage, and robbed of my watch, and about nineteen or twenty shillings in silver. I have no rememberance of the persons, nor do I know whether I was stopped by one or two. The night was exceeding dark. Steed was stopped offering my watch to pawn.

From Steed. What time was it when you was robbed? - At half after ten, or about a quarter before eleven, I believe; I did not take particular notice.

Was it moon-light or dark? - It was excessively dark. I think nobody could swear to a person.

You had your servants with you? - Yes; there was a footman behind the carriage.

THOMAS JEPPS sworn.

I am coachman to Mrs. Brudenell. About a quarter before eleven o'clock at night, going down Park-lane, a man came up to the coach and bid me stop, and said if I did not he would shoot me. I stopped immediately, and he robbed the coach; another man then came up. The footman was getting down from behind, he said, if he did not keep his place he would shoot him. The shortest ( Henry Steed ) as nigh as I can recollect, was the man that stopped me and robbed the coach. I believe the prisoners are the men; I will not swear to either of them. When the shortest had robbed the coach, the other came up and insisted on his taking the watch, or he would have gone away without it.

Do you recollect their faces? - I recollect nothing of them only their speech and size. When they were examined at Sir John Fielding 's, I thought, by their speech, they were the same men.

Had they any thing over their faces? - No; but they were not very near me.

JOHN CHARLTON sworn.

I am footman to Mrs. Brudenell. I was behind the coach when she was robbed. A man came up to the coach, and stopped the coachman; what he said I cannot tell. I saw he had a pistol as he came up, and thought he was going to stop the coach; I was going to get down from behind, when another man made his appearance, and said if I did not keep my place he would shoot me. It was the tallest man that came to me, as near as I can recollect, but I cannot swear positively to either of them.

What did he say to you? - He said if I did not keep my place he would shoot me; he spoke in a broken foreign language so that I could scarce understand him. When he came up I had one foot on the ground. I was present when they were examined at Sir John Fielding 's.

Did either of them confess it? - I believe they did.

Did you hear them confess it? - I thought so by what they said, Edmonds, I believe, was the person.

Jury. What did he say? - I cannot speak to that.

Did you attend at Sir John Fieldings more than once? - Only once.

JOHN EDWARD sworn.

I am a pawnbroker. On Tuesday, the 16th of March, Henry Steed came and offered a watch to pawn. By a hand-bill I had received before, I knew it had been taken from Mrs. Brudenell. I stopped him and the watch, and, with the assistance of a constable, took him to Sir John Fielding 's; he was committed. Mrs. Brudenell came on the next day, Wednesday.

Was Charlton at the examination? - Yes, on the Wednesday.

You attended on the Wednesday? - Yes.

Did you hear either of them make a confession on the Wednesday? - Not that I recollect.

Not Edmonds? - Not that I recollect.

Q. Was you there all the time they were under examination? - I was not. After Mrs. Brudenell had sworn to the watch I signed a paper, and went out immediately.

DAVID PROTHERO sworn.

On the 16th of March the prisoner, Steed, was brought in custody to Sir John Fielding 's by the pawnbroker. When he was examined by the justice he said he had the watch of Charles Edmonds .

Did he mean the prisoner Edmonds? - Yes; the justice sent me with him to find out this Edmonds. When we came to Leicester-fields he got from me, and attempted to run away. I pursued him, took him, and brought him immediately back to Sir John Fielding 's. I then went to his wife, and she told me that this Edmonds was a gentleman's servant in St. Alban's-street. Going back I met the prisoner, Edmonds, in Rupert-street; on seeing him, from the description Steed had given of his clothes, and his being a foreigner, I thought he was the man. I went up to him, and asked him if his name was Edmonds. He said no, it was Gibbons. I asked him if he lived in St. Alban's-Street. He said no. I secured him and took him to Steed's wife. She said that was the man who went out with her husband on Saturday night. I then tied his hands, and took him to Sir John Fielding 's, and went to his master's lodgings in St. Alban's-street, broke open his box, and found a pair of horse-pistols.

Did you hear Edmonds confess the robbery at Sir John Fielding 's? - I did, and so did the Pawnbroker and servant, though they deny it now; and he said he should confess it when he came here.

EDMOND'S DEFENCE.

I live with a Captain Edwards , who is now in the country. I employed the other prisoner some time ago to make me some clothes. I gave him the money beforehand to buy the cloth. He did not make them. I went to his lodging, and because I insisted on seeing the cloth he threatened to be revenged on me. I went after that to America; when I returned I met him in the street, and he asked me to drink, which I consented to, though I knew he had malice in his heart against me. He then asked me to lend him some money; he said he was in distress. I saw no more of him from that time till this happened; then out of revenge he said he had the watch of me. I never had it in my custody. When I was at the Brown-Bear, he said I had better say I gave him the watch. I do not know the laws of this country. I refused to say so. Then he said, as I would not say he had the watch of me he would get clear in spite of my teeth; as he was the first speaker he could say what he pleased.

STEED'S DEFENCE.

All he has said is false, word by word. I never borrowed any money of him. He desired me to pawn the watch; he said it was his master's; that his master wanted to raise some money; accordingly I innocently went to pawn the watch, and was stopped.

For Steed.

PHEBE LLOYD sworn.

I have washed at different times for Steed and his wife. On Saturday, the 13th of March, about ten at night, I carried home some things; I staid supper, and when I went away the watchman was calling past twelve o'clock. The prisoner was at home all the time at work on his board; he was undressing himself to go to bed when I came away.

To the prosecutrix. Was it the 13th of March you was robbed? - I do not remember the day; it was of a Saturday.

To Charlton. Do you remember the day of the month on which the robbery was committed? - I do not; it was on a Saturday night.

Steed called seven other witnesses, who all gave him a good character.

Edmonds called no witnesses.

BOTH NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr.DEPUTY RECORDER.

187. JAMES HACKMAN , Clerk , was indicted for the wilful murther of Martha Ray , spinster , April 7th .

He was charged with the like murther on the coroner's inquisition.

JOHN M'NAMARA , Esq. sworn.

You was coming from the playhouse with Miss Ray on the 7th of April. - I was. On Wednesday the 7th of April, seeing Miss Ray in some difficulties at the playhouse, and, being a little acquainted with her, I was induced to offer my assistance to hand her to her carriage; she took me by the arm.

What time of the night was this? - Past eleven o'clock, I believe; I am not precise to the time. As we came out of the passage that leads into Covent-Garden playhouse, when we were in the piazzas, very near the carriage, I heard the report of a pistol.

You was not with her then; you had only handed her to the piazzas? - I came out of the passage with her. I had not quitted her at the time the fatal accident happened; she had hold of my hand at the time. After I came out of the passage in the piazzas I heard the report of a pistol, and felt an impression on my right arm, the arm she held with her left, and which I conceive to be the ball, after it had passed through her head, that had hit my arm; she instantly dropped.

How far had you proceeded from the playhouse door when this accident happened? - Within two or three yards of the front on the outside, in the street, within two steps of the coach; she had got out of the portico; it was in the piazzas that it happened. I thought the pistol had been fired out of wantonness; I had not an idea that there was a ball though I felt the impression on my arm. I stooped to assist her in a fainting fit, as I conceived it to be, through the fright of the pistol.

Did you at any time observe the prisoner? - No, I did not; I do not know he was the person at all, but from what passed afterwards in the Shakspeare. I threw myself upon my knees to attempt to help her up, and found my hands bloody; I then had an idea of the truth of it, and by the assistance of a link-boy I got her into the Shakspeare tavern. Upon the prisoner being secured, I was induced to ask him what could possess him to be guilty of such a deed? or some question of that sort; and he answered me by saying, that it was not a proper place to ask that question, or something to that effect. I am not precise as to his answer. I asked him his name, and I understood from him that his name was Hackman; I think he pronounced his name with an H. I asked him if he knew anybody. He said, he knew a Mr. Booth, in Craven-street in the Strand, and desired he might be sent for. He desired to see the lady. I did not tell him she was dead; somebody else did. I objected to his seeing her at that time. I had her removed into another room. From the great quantity of blood I had about me I got sick, and was obliged to go home. - I know no more abou t it.

When the prisoner heard the lady was dead did he make any observations in your hearing? - I cannot recollect that he made any observation.

MARY ANDERSON sworn.

On Wednesday, the 7th of April, after the play was over, where were you standing? - Close by the lady's carriage.

What are you? - I sell fruit.

Give an account of all that you observed under the piazzas.

I was standing at the post. Just as the play broke up I saw two ladies and a gentleman coming out of the playhouse; a gentleman in black followed them. Lady Sandwich's coach was called. When the carriage came up, the gentleman handed the other lady into the carriage; the lady that was shot stood behind. Before the gentleman could come back to hand her into the carriage the gentleman in black came up, laid hold of her by the gown, and pulled out of his pocket two pistols; he shot the right hand pistol at her, and the other at himself. She fell with her hand so (describing it as being on her forehead) and died before she could be got to the first lamp; I believe she died immediately, for her head hung directly. At first I was frightened at the report of the pistol, and ran away. He fired another pistol, and dropped immediately. They fell feet to feet. He beat himself violently over the head with his pistols, and desired somebody would kill him.

Whereabouts did he beat himself? - Just about the right temple. (Describing it.)

His own head? - Yes.

Did you see him in Tothilfields Bridewell the next day? - Yes.

Was the person you saw there the person who discharged the pistol? - Yes.

Is he here? - That is the gentleman. (Pointing to the prisoner.)

Cross Examination.

You say Mr. Hackman pulled two pistols out of his pocket - do you mean he pulled them both out of one pocket with one hand? - He pulled them out of different pockets with different hands, and they went off just so. (Describing it by claping her hands twice, one immediately after the other.)

Was one taken out first, and the other afterwards? - No; both together.

Was the pistol cocked? - I saw him cock both the pistols at the same time.

Did you see him do any thing to the pistols? - I saw him let them off.

Do you know the make of a pistol? - No.

Did you see him do any thing to the pistol before he let it off? - No.

RICHARD BLANDY sworn.

I am a constable.

Tell what you observed on the evening of the 7th of April? - Coming from Drury-Lane house, as I came by the piazzas in Covent-Garden I heard two pistols go off, and heard somebody say two people were killed. I went up, and saw the surgeon had Mr. Hackman and a pistol in his hand. Mr. Mahon gave me the pistol, and desired me to take care of the prisoner, and take him to his house.

To Mr. Mahon's house? - Yes; when I came to the corner by the Red-Lion, the door was shut. I found the prisoner very faint; somebody called to me, and desired me to bring him back to the Shakspeare tavern; that Mr. Mahon was there, and I brought him back to the Shakspeare.

Cross Examination.

You are a constable? - Yes.

When you saw this gentleman what situation was he in? - All bloody; he was wounded in the head. I searched his pocket and found two letters, which I delivered, as I was desired, to Mr. Campbell, the master of the Shakspeare tavern.

Do you know who they were addressed to? - No.

Nor the contents of them? - I do not.

JAMES MAHON sworn.

I am an apothecary. I live at the corner of Bow-street. Coming through the piazzas in Covent-Garden, intending to go through the passage home, I had just put my foot on the first step when I heard two pistols go off. It struck me that two gentlemen had quarrelled in the boxes, and taken that method to settle the difference. I went back, and saw the gentleman lie on the ground, reclining in this posture (describing it) he had a pistol in his left hand, and was beating himself violently. I understood that his name was Hackman. The prisoner is the gentleman. I wrenched the pistol immediately out of his hand. He bled very much. I gave the pistol to Blandy, the constable, and desired him to take the prisoner to my house that I might dress the wound, and stop the violent effusion of blood. I was going towards my own house; at the corner of Russel-Street I met Mr. Campbell, who keeps the Shakspeare tavern?

It is no matter what passed between you and Mr. Campbell, did you see any thing of the lady? - At first I did not.

When did you see her? - In the space of two or three minutes I saw her lying at the bar, supported by a person I did not know. I perceived the wound was mortal. I said I could give her no assistance.

DENNIS O'BRYAN sworn.

I am a surgeon. I was called upon to view the body of Miss Ray. I saw the body at the Shakspeare the same night soon after the murther; I examined the wound, and found it to be a mortal one. I felt the vessels of sensation, and tried every other way to see if I could perceive any life, and pronounced the woman dead. The wound was received in the front of the head, in the Centra coronalis, and the ball was discharged under the left ear.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I should not have troubled the court with the examination of witnesses to support the charge against me, had I not thought that the pleading guilty to the indictment gave an indication of contemning death not suitable to my present condition, and was in some measure, being accessary to a second peril of my life; and I likewise thought, that the justice of my country ought to be satisfied by suffering my offence to be proved, and the fact established by evidence.

I stand here this day the most wretched of human beings, and confess myself criminal in a high degree; yet while I acknowledge with shame and repentance, that my determination against my own life was formal and complete, I protest, with that regard to truth which becomes my situation, that the will to destroy her who was ever dearer to me than life, was never mine till a momentary phrensy overcame me, and induced me to commit the deed I now deplore. The letter, which I meant for my brother-in-law after my decease, will have its due weight as to this point with good men.

Before this dreadful act, I trust nothing will be found in the tenor of my life which the common charity of mankind will not excuse. I have no wish to avoid the punishment which the laws of my country appoint for my crime; but being already too unhappy to feel a punishment in death, or a satisfaction in life, I submit myself with penitence and patience to the disposal and judgement of Almighty God, and to the consequences of this enquiry into my conduct and intention.

Examination to support the Prisoner's Defence.

WILLIAM HALLIBURTON sworn.

This letter (producing the letter found in the prisoner's pocket) was delivered to me by Mr. Bond, at Sir John Fielding 's; he said it was delivered to him by Mr. Booth.

Is Mr. Bond here? - No.

Mr. Mabon. This is the letter that was taken from the prisoner; I remember particularly the hundred pound mentioned in it being written in figures; I read it in Mr. Booth's hand; I saw it taken out of the prisoner's pocket sealed up; Mr. Booth opened it and read it in my presence.

The letter was read, directed to Frederick Booth , Esq. Craven street, in the Strand.

"My dear Frederick,

"When this reaches you I shall be no more, but do not let my unhappy fate distress you too much; I have strove against it as long as possible, but it now overpowers me. You well know where my affections were placed; my having by some means or other lost her's (an idea which I could not support) has driven me to madness. The world will condemn me, but your good heart will pity me. God bless you my dear Fred. Would I had a sum to leave you, to convince you of my great regard: you was my only friend. I have hid one circumstance from you, which gives me great pain. I owe Mr. Knight, of Gosport, 100 l. for which he has the writings of my houses; but I hope in God, when they are sold, and all other matters collected, there will be nearly enough to settle our account. May Almighty God bless you and yours with comfort and happiness; and may you ever be a stranger to the pangs I now feel. May heaven protect my beloved woman, and forgive this act, which alone could relieve me from a world of misery I have long endured. Oh! if it should ever be in your power to do her any act of friendship, remember your faithful friend,

J. HACKMAN."

GUILTY Death .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

188. THOMAS HORTON was indicted for stealing a linen gown, value 20 s. the property of Samuel Blizard , March the 15th .

Rebecca Blizard , the wife of the Prosecutor not appearing, there was no evidence to affect the Prisoner.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

189. WILLIAM DAY was indicted for stealing a cloth surtout coat, value 10 s. the property of John Jones , December 5th .

JOHN JONES sworn.

I keep a sale-shop in Bell-court, Gray's-Inn-lane . On the fourth or fifth of December, I had my shop robbed of a great quantity of things. The prisoner was taken up about three months afterwards, by Redgrave the constable. I was sent for, and saw my coat in the possession of Mr. Careless, a pawnbroker. I understood that he had confessed stealing the things, but said the rest were not recoverable.

MARY BERNONVILLE sworn.

I live with Mr. Careless, a pawnbroker, in Fox-court, Gray's-Inn-lane. On the 7th of December I took in a great coat of the prisoner.

(The coat was produced in Court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

A young man brought that coat to my mother's room; he said he was short of money, and asked me to pawn it for him, which I did.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

190, 191, 192. JOHN HARRIS , JOSEPH FOSTER , and MARY the wife of William POTTEN , were indicted for stealing seven yards of carpetting, value 30 s. a mahogany tea-chest, value 2 s. and an inlaid writing box, value 20 s. the property of William Brissenden , in his dwelling-house , January 30th .

WILLIAM BRISSENDEN sworn.

I am an upholsterer , in High Holbourn . On the latter end of January, I cannot tell the day, about six in the evening, a pane of glass was cut out of my shop window, and I lost about seven yards, or seven yards and a half of carpeting, a writing box, and a tea-chest, they are valued in the indictment at less than their real value. I was sent for to the Rotation-office, and saw the tea-chest and writing box; the writing box was in the possession of a pawnbroker, who I understood brought it there. The tea-chest I understood was found in Harris's lodgings.

JOHN CRAWFORD sworn.

I am a pawnbroker in Bishopsgate street. On the fourth of February, a little writing desk was pawned at my shop, by one Henry Barnard . I never saw the prisoners till they were at the Rotation-Office.

(The writing box was produced in Court and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

RACHAEL LYONS sworn.

I was concerned with the three prisoners in this and several other robberies. I have been connected with them four months. We went out of days to see if we could find any places where we were likely to get any thing. We saw this upholsterer's window broke, and Harris said we could get something there; we all went at night. Harris and Foster went, and Harris took the glass out of the window, piece after piece, till he had taken the whole out. Potten and I stood on the opposite side of the way. Harris brought the carpeting to us, and then the writing desk and then the tea-chest. He could not reach any thing else. We took them to my house.

Where do you live? - In Windmill-street, Tottenham-court-road. They fetched all the things away the next morning except the box which was left at my house. I did not think it was safe to have it there. I carried it to a neighbour; when it had been there a little while, I desired him to pawn it which he did for six shillings. Potten and Foster boarded with me at the time. They lodged at a different house in the neighbourhood, to which I recommended them.

What day was this? - I cannot tell; it was some time in January.

Do you know Henry Barnard , who pawned this writing box? - Yes, he is my brother; he had the box from me, I desired him to pawn it, I told him I bought it at a sale. The tea-chest was found at Harris's lodging by the constable.

Cross Examination.

You go by the name of Lyons? - Yes.

Did you ever go by any other name than Lyons? - Yes; when I had another husband I went by his name.

What is his name? - Fillman.

How long has he been dead? - He is not dead.

Yet you go by the name of Lyons? - Yes; I have a right to assume the name.

Is Barnard your brother? - Yes. I gave him the things to pawn for me.

DENNIS M'DONALD sworn.

By the information of Lyons I and another officer went to Harris's longing; we could not find him; as we were coming out of the court we saw him coming home in a coach, and secured him, and took him to his lodging. I searched his lodging, and found a tea-chest. I asked him where he got it; he said he bought it. Lyons carried us to Foster's lodgings; we took Foster and Potten together: they both lodged in the same room. I searched the room, but found nothing in it. Harris took us to a house in Petticoat-lane, under a pretence to show us some other people who were concerned with him, and when he had got us into a room among a number of people, he ran away and left us.

From Harris to Lyons. Whether I did not buy the tea-chest and a coffee-pot of your brother Barnard? - He did not.

M'Donald. Harris wanted to turn evidence at the Rotation-Office, and again before the Lord Mayor; he said he would fill a person's hat full of diamonds if he might turn evidence respecting a robbery in the city.

WILLIAM PAYNE sworn.

Harris, after he had made his escape, came and offered himself to me at the Mansion-House, and said he knew of a number of robberies commited in the city of London, and knew where to find the property, and if they would admit him an evidence he would discover all that he knew. When the magistrates knew that he had made his escape, they would not admit him an evidence.

Did he mention this robbery in particular? No; he mentioned no robbery in particular.

Had you seen Harris before? - Yes; I knew him.

To M'Donald. Foster did not make any resistance when you took him? - No; he behaved very civil.

HARRIS's DEFENCE.

I bought the tea-chest of Barnard the brother of Lyons.

Harris called a witness who deposed that Barnard called upon her the latter end of February, or the beginning of March, and told her that he had sold a tea-chest to Harris the week before, which had lost a foot, but that she never had seen the tea-chest; and six other witnesses, who gave him a good character.

The other two were not not put on their defence.

HARRIS GUILTY of stealing to the value of 10 d .

The other two NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

JOHN HARRIS was indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of William Prior , on the 22d of February , about the hour of seven in the night, and stealing twelve china tea cups, value 6 s. twelve china saucers, value 6 s. a china teapot value 4 s. three china coffee cups, value 3 s. and a china milk pot and cover, value 2 s. the property of the said William Prior , and one William Hussey .

WILLIAM PRIOR sworn.

I live in Coventry-street, St. James's, near the top of the Hay-market ; I deal in china and glass . I lost the things mentioned in the indictment, the latter end of February, I think it was on Monday night. I did not miss them till the next morning.

You cannot recollect the day of the month? - No, I cannot; it was about the 22d or 23d of February. The goods were lost out of the shop window; the shop was open. It appeared to me that by some instrument the pane of glass had been snapped off at the corner, and a hole made big enough to put a person's arm in. I knew the pane of glass was whole. The door was shut, it has a spring latch; and the candles were lighted. I was in the back shop with my partner; the servants were both out.

What time in the evening were they lost? - Between the hours of six and seven.

You cannot tell how long after six it was? - I believe about half after six; I heard some glass rattle; I went and searched, but did not perceive any pane broke at that time, nor any china gone from the window. I did not look so particularly as I should have done. The next morning, the man taking down the shutters, saw the glass lying down under the place; I was by at the time.

Who is the man? - John Bradall ; he is not here.

What kind of hole did you perceive? - A large hole, big enough for a person to put his doubled hand in. When I looked the things over, I found all the things mentioned in the indictment missing. I am certain they were there the day before; I saw them in the morning about ten or eleven o'clock; I had occasion to go to that corner for some glass tumblers.

Who is Mr. Hussey, is he your partner? - Yes.

Did you ever see the things again? - I went in the morning, after I had missed them, to Sir John Fielding 's, and had them advertised with a guinea reward. I saw them afterwards at Litchfield-street.

What did you see at Litchfield-street? - A pattern of the cups and saucers which the pawnbroker, Crawford, brought with him; he only brought a pattern; they are the large size, and a remarkable pattern; the gilder says that is the only set he ever gilt in that manner.

There are more gilders than one? - Only one principal one; there are none that gild equal to him.

RACHAEL LYONS sworn.

Are you acquainted with Harris? - Yes, I have been acquainted with him from about a week after Christmas. We have been out a great many times together, and got a great many things with other people. We went by this china shop in the day; at night we went again, and he had a knife which he always cut glass with.

Was you with him? - I was.

What time in the night was it when you went out? - About five o'clock.

Did you go immediately to this house? - No; we went to a publick-house, drank something, and staid till after six o'clock, before we went to this shop; when we went from the public-house, we walked about the street to see if we could get an opportunity to cut the glass out.

Was it quite dark then? - Yes. We came to this shop, he had a little knife in his hand, he put it into the putty, and cracked the glass; it made a report, and the gentleman of the shop came out and looked all round the shop-window, but not perceiving a ny thing, he went backwards again, quite to the back part of the shop; then Harris put the knife in again, and loosened the glass.

You concealed yourselves at the time? - We went on the other side of the way till he went in. After this we crossed the way again to the shop. He put his knife in again and loosened the glass, and took it out piece by piece, till he could get his hand in, and then he put his hand in and took out the china mentioned in the indictment (repeating it) and gave them to me, putting them into my apron as he took them out. Then we went home with them to my house in Windmill-street, Tottenham-court-road. He said the china would fetch a guinea, and he gave me half a guinea. As to the three chocolate cups, I said he might keep them himself; he came the next day and took them from my house. I gave information against Harris on Friday night, and he was taken up. I saw the cups and saucers, and chocolate cups at the Rotation-office. Harris told me the next day, that he had taken them to my brother and he had pawned them.

Prisoner. She only wants to hang me to save her brother. Ask her if I did not give her brother eighteen-pence for the three cups? - It is a falsity; I did not desire any thing for the cups.

DENNIS M'DONALD sworn.

I am a constable. I took Mrs. Lyons up for another affair; she said she would tell me where there were a great many things, and took me to Harris's lodging; he was not at home, but as we were coming out of the court, we met him coming home in a coach, and secured him, and took him to his lodging. In his lodging I found these three cups (they were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor); he said he bought them at a sale for eighteen-pence; he told us afterwards that he would take us to some persons that were concerned with him, and when we were in Petticoat-lane, he made his escape from us; he went afterwards to the Mansion-house, and wanted to be made an evidence, but his lordship finding he had escaped from us, would not admit him.

Who did he want to be an evidence against? - He did not say. He would not confess any thing till he was sworn in.

Prisoner. Whether I did not say I bought them of Henry Barnard ? - No; he said he bought them at a sale; we went to Barnard's room; I asked him if Barnard was concerned with him; he said, no.

JOHN CRAWFORD sworn.

I am a pawnbroker, and live at No. 150 in Bishopsgate-street. On the 23d of February I took in twelve cups and saucers, a tea-pot and stand, a milk-pot and cover, of Henry Barnard , a Jew dealer. I lent him twenty-six shillings upon them; he said they were his own, that he bought them among other things. (They were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

To Lyons. Is Barnard your brother. - Yes, he is.

HARRIS's DEFENCE.

Barnard came to me one morning; he said he had bought a set of china at one Mr. Greenwood's sale, in the Haymarket, and offered to sell me three coffee-cups. He said he would sell them me cheap; he asked two shillings for them. I said I thought that too much for a poor person to give for such things. I gave him eighteen-pence for them; he had the tea-chest in his hand that I have been charged with. They have a spite and spleen against me, and want to swear my life away.

GUILTY Death .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. JUSTICE BLACKSTONE.

193. JOHN WILKINS was indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Benjamin Wood , on the 17th of December , about the hour of twelve in the night, and stealing a feather-bed, value 5 l. six woollen blankets, value 3 l. two bed-pillows, value 6 s. a linen quilt, value 10 s. three linen towels, value 3 s. a mahogany tea-chest, with three tin cannisters, value 8 s. an iron roasting Jack, value 10 s. five pewter dishes, value 20 s. ten pewter-plates, value 10 s. a copper stew-pan, value 2 s. a copper tea-kettle, value 8 s. seven tin cannisters, value 10 s. a japanned tin cannister, value 4 s. two pewter wash-hand basons, value 4 s. three looking glasses, in wooden frames, value 40 s. a copper pottage-pot, value 10 s. a copper saucepan, value 2 s. a brass candlestick, value 2 s. three pewter chamber-pots, value 7 s. a pewter pan, value 3 s. four other tin cannisters, value 3 s. a powder-box, value 6 d. a hand-bell, value 1 s. eight china images, value 8 s. a glass-bottle for tea, value 1 s. a silk quilted petticoat, value 8 s. a linen quilted petticoat, value 10 s. a woollen cloth riding habit, value 20 s. a pair of womens cloggs, value 1 s. two hempen bags, value 8 d. and five iron hoops, value 2 s. the property of the said Benjamin Wood , in his dwelling-house .

ELIZABETH WOOD sworn.

I am the wife of Benjamin Wood . We have a country-house at Mill-Hill, Hendon ; our town-house is in Harp-Lane, Tower-Street. On the 18th of December I had word brought me that the house at Hendon was broke open. I went down directly.

When had you been last at the house? - The 5th of November. Mr. Wood had been very ill. I was not down afterwards till I was informed the house was broke open. There was nobody left in the house. I saw the house fast before I left it. On the 18th of December word was brought me that it was broke open.

Who brought you word? - John Groves ; he is not here. When I came down I found the door that goes into the garden broke open, and a great number of things gone. There were eighteen locks broke. When I came to Hampstead I was informed, if I went to the Coach-and-horses, I should hear where my goods were. I went, and was informed they were at the house of one Muddock, a constable. I saw the goods at Muddock's, and knew them to be mine. I went the next day, and took an inventory of them; my niece took the inventory; I was by at the time. I saw all the things mentioned in the indictment at Mr. Muddock's, (repeating them). They were all in the house when I left it. I know nothing of the prisoner.

ELIZABETH LOWE sworn.

I have lived with Mr. Wood six years. I know the things to be my mistress's.

JOHN FULLER sworn.

I am a watchman in the parish of Hampstead. Upon the 18th of December, as I was crying the hour at three in the morning, I met one Mr. Brown with a lamb cart; he told me had seen a little cart coming along the road, and he thought it had some stolen goods in it. He said, he thought there were two men upon the cart, and one by the side. He had told my brother watchman of it before. I walked up the town, crying the hour, and met Osborne, Ball, and Hilsdon, and two others beside.

Who were the two others? - One was Wilkins.

Do you know the prisoner? - I cannot say I do.

Who told you there was one Wilkins? - Ball.

Is Wilkins the prisoner at the bar? - I cannot say that he is.

Was the prisoner one of the five? - I cannot be positive that he was.

Should you know the man that they call Wilkins, if you was to see him. - I cannot say that I should.

Did you stop the cart? - I intended to stop it, but they drove away from me; they drove against a brick-wall, and overturned it, just above the pump, in the town of Hampstead, and I and two other watchmen came up to them; there was household furniture in the cart. When it overturned they endeavoured to make off. I struck at one of them as he turned the corner of the butcher's shop; as I struck at him Ball came up, and I collared him; he immediately struck me in the neck. I took Ball only. I delivered the goods up to Muddock the constable.

SIMON EDWARDS sworn.

I was officer of the night that night at Hampstead. I was alarmed. I got up, and took a board off of the cart that was overturned; it has the name of Wilkins upon it, (producing it; witness reads it.)

John Wilkins , Bethnal-green, common stage cart; one thousand, sixteen hundred, and three.

Cross Examination.

Is it not common to let out carts in the country? - I believe so.

SAMUEL MUDDOCK sworn.

I had the possession of the goods. There was a coat upon the goods in the cart that was overturned; it was picked up by the watchman before I came to the cart. I took the coat to the prisoner's landlord, and he said it was the prisoner's coat. (The coat is produced.)

DENNIS M'DONALD sworn.

I went several times to Wilkins's house, but could not find him at home; that is all I know.

GEORGE SMITH sworn.

I keep a publick-house. The prisoner lived next door to me at Bethnal-Green.

What trade is he? - He keeps a cart in which he carries out things to sell, such as peas and beans.

Look at the coat that is produced. - I cannot swear to the coat.

Grubb. When we went to the house he gave us a description of the coat; he said he picked it up in the dirt once, and knew it to be the prisoner's.

To Smith. Do you know any thing of any person wearing such a coat. - I have seen that gentleman (pointing to the prisoner) wear such a coat, but I cannot swear to the coat upon my word.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I know nothing at all of it.

For the prisoner.

WILLIAM RICHARDSON sworn.

I am a victualler. I live at the bottom of Water-Lane, Fleet-Street. I have known the prisoner six years; he keeps a horse and cart to let out by the day. I never knew any thing of him, but that he had an honest character.

Court. I will not trouble you to go on with calling witnesses to his character.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. JUSTICE BLACKSTONE.

194. CATHARINE MURPHY was indicted for stealing a pair of linen sheets, value 5 s. a linen shirt, value 3 s. and a muslin neck-cloth, value 6 d. the property of Owen Linnihan , February 22d .

OWEN LINNIHAN sworn.

I lived in Whitechapel at the time I lost the things. I found my wife with another man, and turned her away the next day, and she took all I had got in the world, my bed, and every thing else. I went to Rag-Fair the next day, and bought me a pair of sheets; they cost me five shillings and nine-pence. I came home about half after six, and found the prisoner in my room, with a candle; she came out when she heard my trussel coming in.

When was this? - The 21st of January.

Did you know the prisoner before? - Yes.

You had not appointed her to come there, had you? - No; I did not. I have a wooden leg; she heard me coming, and came out of the room; this shirt, and this neckcloth (producing them) were under her arm, and she had the sheets in her apron. I seised her; she laid hold of my wooden leg, threw me on my back, and got away. I took the shirt and neckcloth from her at the time.

How do you know she had the sheets? - I saw a bundle in her apron; she had this in her hand (producing a bit of a poker) which she had opened the door with. I had her taken up, and Justice Clark discharged her. I went to Hicks's-Hall and indicted her. When she found I had indicted her, she got a warrant against me, and Justice Wilmot sent me to Bridewell till my neighbours bailed me out. She swore I beat her.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I have nothing to say to this man; he hurt me greatly. His wife and I were in partnership in selling greens. He robbed my stall because his wife was with me. I supported his wife nine weeks. The sheets he says I stole were hop sacks his wife gave me to put before me. I never was in his house; he has sworn falsely against me, my lord.

For the prisoner.

LAWRENCE NEALE sworn.

I was at Justice Clark's when the prisoner was examined. The prosecutor's wife came and said she gave her the sheets, and the justice discharged her. He swore he would go to some other justice and have revenge; he was taken with a warrant, and sent to prison for abusing this woman.

ALEXANDER BURT sworn.

I was present when she was before Justice Clark on this affair, and was discharged.

ELIZABETH SMITH sworn.

The sheets he speaks of are nothing but hop-sacks. I washed them; he swore them upon her, and would have sworn them upon me afterwards.

HENRY SOAMS sworn.

I keep a publick-house in Whitechapel. I let her the door to sell greens; she is very honest for what I know.

GUILTY of stealing to the value of 10 d .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. JUSTICE BLACKSTONE.

[Whipping. See summary.]

195. JOHN CLOSE was indicted, for that he, in the king's highway, in and upon John Ward , did make an assault, putting him in corporal fear and danger of his life, and stealing from his person a leather pocketbook, value 6 d. ten dollars, one half-dollar, and 8 s. in monies, numbered, the property of the said John , March 26th .

JOHN WARD sworn.

I am a soldier in General Burgoyne 's regiment. I have been lately discharged on coming home from America. We landed at Portsmouth. I came home in the Hallifax. I think I came to London on the 25th of March. I was robbed on the 26th. It was late on Thursday night when we came in; we enquired where we could have quarters; we were directed to a Mr. Kennedy's, the sign of the Angel, in Chapel-street, Westminster. We laid down our knapsacks, and drank pretty heartily.

How many comrades had you with you? - Six or seven. We found the prisoner at Kennedy's; he offered us his bed for that night; he lodged in Kennedy's house. I said we were obliged to him, and three of us slept in his bed that night. The next day we went to the War-Office to get our billets to go to Chelsea, and then returned to Mr. Kennedy's for our package. I took the prisoner to be a friend; he pretended to be a countryman of mine; he is a soldier; he went with me, and some of my comrades, to Chelsea. The day was pretty well on when we left Mr. Kennedy's. When we came to Chelsea, and I had got my billet, he asked me to take a walk to pass away the time; we went to the sign of the Square and Compass, and had four pots of beer; we staid there two hours or more; he had had no dinner. I paid for a dinner for him. I then took my pocket out, and changed a dollar. I had ten dollars and an half, four pisteroons, and four pieces of money they call 7 d 1/2 pieces, and some small money; it was all in my pocket-book in my breast pocket. I changed a dollar with him at that house; then we walked to another house; he asked me to have a bottle of beer, and took me into a house that I thought not good; it was then, I think, between four and five o'clock. I asked him then to go with me to Mr. Kennedy's; I wanted to spend two pots of beer at his house, as he had been kind to me, and to return him thanks, because he had charged nothing for my eating. I desired him to come out of the house where we were; he would not; upon which I left him, and went to Mr. Kennedy's by myself, and he came in afterwards; we drank two pots of beer together, and then Mr. Kennedy desired him to see me home, and he went with me.

What time of night was it? - I cannot say, I was pretty much in liquor; he went out with me, and as we were going along, he took me out of the road, near the Queen's gardens ; he laid hold of my lame arm (I had been wounded, and had no strength in that arm) and took the pocket-book out of my pocket, and went away and left me. I went to the serjeant of the queen's guard, and asked the favour of a man to go home with me.

Did you tell the serjeant of the guard that you had been robbed? - I said not a word of it till I got home.

When did you miss the book? - Immediately as he took it. As he turned away, I desired him to give me the pocket-book; he made me no answer. I knew I was not in a condition to follow him; and thought if I did, he might use me worse. I kept it as still as I could, as I knew him, left he should get away from the place. I went to Mr. Kennedy's, in the morning, and found him there; I told Mr. Kennedy of it, and he charged him with it; he went up into his lodging and brought down the pocket-book.

JAMES MACARTNEY sworn.

I keep a publick-house, the sign of the Gun, at Buckingham-gate. The prisoner came to my house on Friday the 26th of March, between eight and ten at night, and called for a quartern of brandy to treat the sentry who was opposite my house; he opened a pocket-book, and took out a dollar; I saw a good many foreign pieces, and asked him how he came by them, he said he was just come from America; that he had been wounded in the fleshy part of his thigh; he was a good deal in liquor; I took some pains to get it from him; I said he would loose it before he got home; I could not get it from him. I was obliged to shut the door to keep him out (the dollar was produced).

HUGH KENNEDY sworn.

I keep the Sign of the Angel, in Chapel-street. The prisoner was a lodger with me about a week before these people came. He is a soldier in the third regiment of foot guards. John Ward , with several others belonging to the 74th regiment of foot, came from America, and came in late at night on Thursday the 25th of March; they were recommended by some of the sentries to my house; I made shift, as a good many of my lodgers were on duty that night, to give them lodging. They had some beer and victuals after their march. The prisoner was in the house; he got into their company. Ward and he pretended to be countrymen, and were very intimate. The next day Close went to Chelsea with them. In the afternoon the prisoner and Ward came to my house, much in liquor, they went away together about six o'clock. John Close came to my house the next morning, about seven o'clock; he was for duty that day; he went up to clean himself; while he was up stairs, Ward and some of his comrades came in and took me aside and said Ward had been robbed by the prisoner. I went up and told him they were below, and said he had taken some money and a pocketbook from Ward; he said he had not; I bid him come down and speak to them; he did, and while they were in the passage talking together, it was noised among the people in the house, and some of them said they had seen Close with a pocket-book that m orning, and if I searched, I might perhaps find it; I went up and found a pocketbook in the closet; I showed it to Ward, and he said it was his book. There was in it two bad six-pences, eighteen-pence in half-pence and a farthing.

(The pocket-book was produced in Court and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

Ward. There was a square breast buckle in a piece of paper in it.

Kennedy. I did not see the paper, nor buckle. A buckle was produced at the justice's.

JOHN ARCHER sworn.

I keep a publick-house in Petty-France, the Black Horse. The prisoner came to my house, and three more with him, the same night the gentleman was robbed, and called for half a gallon of beer; he pulled out his pocket-book, and wanted change for a dollar; it was such a pocket-book; they had four gallons of beer, and every time wanted a dollar changed; I changed four of them; he had half a dollar besides, and wanted half a gallon of beer to change that; I would not let him have it.

(The dollars were produced in court.)

To Ward. You cannot swear to the dollars? - No, I cannot.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

He gave me the dollars when I was fetching the beer to him.

For the Prisoner.

JOHN PANTON sworn.

I am a serjeant in the guards. The prisoner has been a year in the guards; he has done his duty; I know nothing more of him.

GUILTY of stealing, but NOT GUILTY of the robbery .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Baron EYRE .

[Imprisonment. See summary.]

196. ELIZABETH IRELAND was indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of William Flanagan , on the 15th of March , about the hour of eight in the night, and stealing a pair of silver salts, value 10 s. a silver pepper-box, value 10 s. a silver milk-pot, value 10 s. a pair of silver tea-tongs, value 3 s. two large silver table spoons, value 10 s. four silver tea-spoons, value 4 s. a silver watch, value 40 s. a steel watch chain, value 1 s. a cornelian-stone seal, set in silver, value 2 s. four silk gowns, value 6 l. a bombazeen gown, value 10 s. four linen gowns, value 40 s. five yards of green camblet, value 5 s. six yards of green stuff, value 6 s. two yards of linen, value 2 s. a blue silk quilted petticoat, value 10 s. a cotton petticoat, value 5 s. two silk handkerchiefs, value 4 s. and a linen work bag, value 1 s. the property of the said William Flanagan , in his dwelling-house .

ANNE FLANAGAN sworn.

I am the wife of William Flanagan . We keep a house in Tabernacle-walk, Moorfields . My house was broke open on the 15th of March, between seven and eight at night. I went out at seven and returned at eight. I left nobody in the house; I locked the door; it is a spring-lock; I tried it to see that it was fast. When I returned, I found the door as I left it; I opened it with the key; I went in and got a light, and saw a tea-chest which I left upon the dining table in a chair that was in the lower room; there is but one room on a floor. I said to a lady that was with me, that I was robbed, and immediately missed the gowns, which I had left below stairs; I then went up stairs, and missed the plate out of the closet, and my clothes out of a drawer. I came down again and missed a watch which hung over the mantle piece.

Did you examine how they got in? - I apprehend by opening the door with a key. There were no marks of violence. I was sent for to Sir John Fielding 's on the Wednedsay following, and saw some of my property there.

Cross Examination.

You are sure the door was fast when you went out? - Yes.

Who did you first charge with the robbery? - I first charged a young man, a watchmaker.

How long was he kept in custody? - I believe it might be about eight hours.

Court. What does your family consist of? - My husband and myself.

SARAH HEPWORTH sworn.

I live at Mile-End New Town. On the 16th of March, between ten and eleven o'clock, a young woman brought six or seven gowns to me from Mrs. Ireland. Mrs. Ireland came in after her; there were two silk gowns, and a silk gown not made up. I bought them of her; I was to give her four pounds eight shillings for them; I gave her two guineas in part. In the afternoon Mr. Phillips came and asked for the bundle the young woman brought from Mrs. Ireland.

Who did you pay the money to? - Mrs. Ireland. She keeps a sort of chandler's-shop.

Do you keep a shop? - No; I did keep a chandler's-shop, but I do not now; I work at my needle, and do clear starching; I am a house-keeper. I delivered the gowns to Phillips.

ROBERT MILLS sworn.

I happened to be robbed myself on the 6th of March, and had a suspicion my property was at Mrs. Ireland's. One morning I saw a girl come out of Mrs. Ireland's and go to the house of one Boon, and fetch a bundle, I followed the girl to Mile-End New Town, thinking I might find some of my property; it was carried from a Mr. Boon's, near Mrs. Ireland's.

How far is it from Mrs. Ireland's to Mile-End New Town? - Two or three miles the way I followed her. I went and gave information at Bow-street, and two of Sir John Fielding 's men, Phillips and Barnett, went with me, and searched the house; they found other people's property there, but none of mine.

PERCIVAL PHILLIPS sworn.

I found these gowns (producing them) at Hepworth's.

(They were deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

Flanagan and Mills have combined together. I never sold them. I can prove that the day that Mrs. Flanagan says she was robbed I was ill, and never went over the door, Kepworth deals in all manner of clothes and run tea. I went to buy some tea. She did not buy them of me. Mills deals in stolen goods; he has been tried for it several times.

Mills. This woman is an encourager of thieves?

Prisoner. So is Mr. Mills.

To Mills. How do you know she is an encourager of thieves? - She has been here several times.

Prisoner. So has Mr. Mills.

To Mills. Have you been tried here? - No never.

Prisoner. Have not you at Guildhall or Westminster? - No.

For the prisoner.

- TIBSHAW sworn.

I have known the prisoner three years. I was charring at her house on the 15th of March. I went at three in the afternoon, and was there till ten at night; then I went home. I returned at eleven the next morning, and finished my work. I never saw the woman go out of doors at all.

Are you sure she was not out of the house? - She was not indeed, believe me, Sir, not for the whole day, not the next morning.

ELIZABETH BRIANT sworn.

I have known Mrs. Ireland a week only. I know nothing but that she is very honest.

MARY WESTON sworn.

I have known the prisoner four years; she keeps a chandler's shop . I believe she is an honest woman.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

197. JACOB JONAS was indicted for stealing a silk gown, value 10 s. a linen window curtain, value 3 s. a cotton petticoat, value 2 s. and two muslin aprons, value 2 s. the property of Thomas Holbrook , February 24th .

THOMAS JONES sworn.

I am servant to a cheesemonger in White-hart-court, Bishopsgate-street. On the 24th of February, a little after eight in the evening, I saw the prisoner and another man come out of White-hart-court , where the prosecutor lives; the prisoner had some linen under his arm, loose; as he crossed the way, he told the other man to meet him in Gravel-lane: that raised my suspicion. I went after the prisoner, and asked him where he got that linen. He said, what is that to you? I secured him, and brought him back, till I made an enquiry whether there had been any robbery committed. On enquiry, Mrs. Holbrook came and owned the linen: A constable was sent for, and he was carried to the Compter. When he was examined, he said he found them.

THOMAS HOLBROOK sworn.

I was at a neighbour's house; I was called, and told that a man came out of my bedroom window. I came home and found two drawers quite stripped. I went to the cheesemonger's and saw my things. I have seen the prisoner before, he sold cutlary ware in Bishopsgate Church-Yard.

How long after you lost the things was it before the prisoner was stopped? - Not a minute I suppose; the servant said he heard somebody jump from the window.

What time of the day was it? - Eight o'clock at night; it was quite dark. The window is not above seven feet from the ground; I suppose one got upon the other's shoulders, and put up the sash and got in; there were the mark of footsteps in the room.

(The things were produced in Court by the constable, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

As I was going along, I stopped to make water under an arch-way; I saw something lying there; I thought it was a woman; I went to see, and found these things lying loose; I took them up, and as I was crossing the way this man stopped me.

GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

198. RICHARD JAMES was indicted for stealing half a pound weight of snuff, value 15 d. and half a pound weight of tobacco, value 15 d. the property of Robert Haynes , February 21st .

2d Count. For stealing three pounds twelve ounces of rappee snuff, value 10 s. the property of the said Robert, February 28th .

ROBERT HAYNES sworn.

The prisoner was my porter . Upon the 21st of February I concealed myself in the warehouse. In a short time the prisoner came down, and went into the snuff-room, took some paper, laid it on a stand, and dipped his hand two or three times in a stand of snuff, took out about half a pound, twisted it up, and put it in his pocket. He then went into the warehouse, where the tobacco is; I could not see him in that warehouse, but heard him take the lid of a stand up. My apprentice was concealed in another part of the warehouse, and saw him take tobacco. I had watched him, and seen him take snuff three sundays before this. I did not take him up, because I understood that his sister came of a Sunday morning to receive parcels from him. On the Saturday following I desired one Badcock to get a constable ready against the next morning; and if she came, to take her; if not, to take him. I concealed myself again. On Sunday the 28th, the prisoner came again into the snuff-room, and took three pounds and a half of rappee snuff. He then went out; the constable took him, and found the snuff concealed in a pair of breeches under his coat. The constable and I searched his box; there were several suits of clothes and tobacco in almost all the pockets, and a letter directed to his sister, desiring her to come to him the next morning at seven o'clock. When the constable stopped him, he said he was going to take it to a customer of mine, one Mrs. Baker at Charing-Cross.

WILLIAM HARDY sworn.

I am an apprentice to Mr. Haynes. On Sunday, the 21st of February, I concealed myself in the back warehouse, and saw the prisoner come down, and take a quantity of tobacco, about half a pound, put it in a paper, and put it in his pocket; then he took a small parcel off a shelf that was ready made up, and put that in his pocket.

Was the second parcel tobacco or snuff? - I do not know; he put that in his pocket, and went out. I saw nothing on the 28th.

JOHN COUCHMAN sworn.

I am a constable. On Saturday night, the 27th of February, I had an information that the prisoner was mistrusted of stealing things out of his master's house; on the 28th in the morning I apprehended him as he came out, and found almost four pounds of rappee snuff upon him; he asked what I wanted with him. I said he must go back to his master; he had a pair of breeches. I asked him what he had there; he said a pair of breeches he was carrying to mend; the snuff was tied up in the breeches. Before the alderman he said he was going to carry it to a person, who desired him to bring him some real rappee snuff, because they were used to adulterate it.

Did you understand that he meant he was going to carry it to a customer of his master's? - Yes. I went and searched his box, and found some tobacco in his pockets, with a letter directed to his sister.

SAMUEL BADCOCK sworn.

Mr. Haynes told me he suspected his servant robbing him, and desired me to watch his coming out of his house, which I did three Sunday mornings running; he sometimes went into the Cock and Crown, and sometimes went another way. On the 27th the prosecutor desired me to get a constable the next morning, and, if his sister came, to take her; if she did not, to take him. I went and saw the prisoner come out with a parcel under his arm. I went after him, with the constable, and bid him stop. He said, what must I stop for? Couchman came up, pulled out his staff, and told him he was his prisoner. We took him back, and Mr. Haynes said he had some snuff about him; that he saw him take it. The prisoner said, that he was going to carry it to a customer; but I forget the name.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

Samuel Badcock lives at the corner of Westmoreland-buildings; he used to ask me to give him some snuff, and told me I could get more. Is that an honest man to swear against a person that would do that? Mrs. Baker is a customer of my master's; I took some goods to her on the Friday; she desired me to get her some of my snuff; to be sure I that worked in the vineyard would not take the worst of the grapes. My master would not sell snuff retail without adulterating it; she desired me to bring her some of my sort of snuff, I served my master duely and truely as I ought to do; I never wronged him of any thing.

(The prisoner called two witnesses who gave him a good character.)

GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Imprisonment. See summary.]

199. ALEXANDER HILL was indicted for stealing a Mare, value 3 l. the property of Thomas Hunt , December 4th .

THOMAS HUNT sworn.

I am a victualler , I live at Whetstone. I lost a black mare, as near as I can recollect, in the month of January; she had one white heel, and a star in the forehead. I lent her to my son-in-law, and she was lost from Mitcham Common . My son-in-law is not here.

Is there any body here that knew of her being on the common? - No; my son-in-law took his affidavit that he put her on the common.

Court. Gentlemen, there is no evidence of the mare having been lost, you must acquit the prisoner.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

200, 201. ESTHER MARKLIN and ELIZABETH COX were indicted for stealing two silk gowns and coats, value 3 l. the property of Anthony Barnwell , March 9th .

ANTHONY BARNWELL sworn.

I am a silk-dyer , at No. 5, Kingsgate-street, Holbourn . The things mentioned in the indictment were brought me to dye. I was out at the time; they were stolen before I came home.

ELEANOR WATSON sworn.

I am servant to Mr. Barnwell. On the 19th of March, at half past seven in the evening I received two silk gowns and two silk petticoats from the servant of Mr. Jakes, who keeps the George-Inn in Holbourn. I carried them into the parlour to my mistress; she looked over them, and put them on the compter in the shop, till my master came in, because we thought they would not take the colour they were to be dyed. The shop was then shut up. I went into the parlour again, and sat down to my work with my mistress. About half an hour after Mr. Jaques sent a child with some fringe to be dyed of the same colour. I laid it on the silk on the compter, and went again to my work. About five minutes after two women came to the door; one in the name of Mrs. Cox asked for a coat and waistcoat, which had been brought for my master to clean.

Who were those women? - The two prisoners. The other prisoner came with Mrs. Cox. I desired them to walk in; I told them I believed they were cleaned, and went into the shop to look for them; there are two compters in the shop, I looked on one, but could not find them; I moved the the silks to make room for some things on the other compter, to look for the coat and waistcoat. I found they came to eighteen pence; she gave me a bad shilling; the other woman went to the door, and asked Mrs. Cox if she was coming; she said yes. As soon as we had settled, I asked if she would have the things put in her handkerchief. She threw them down on the compter, and knocked the candlestick down; they then went out, and I shut the door after them, and went immediately into the parlour to my mistress. In about five minutes after they were gone, I found the fringe lying at the door.

Cross Examination.

Mr. Barnwell keeps lodgers? - Yes.

How many lodge in the house? - I cannot tell.

Does one Miller lodge in the house? - Yes.

Did not you say the door was open all the time you was in the shop with the prisoners? - I was never asked the question.

Was the door open? - No; it was upon the latch.

Any of the lodgers could open the door if they would? - Yes.

Did not you express a wish that the lodging of Miller might be searched, that you suspected him; and your master said he must not search the apartments of his lodger, because if he did he should lose them? - I said I wished he would search the whole house.

Did you ever declare that you believed these women not to be guilty? - I never did.

Court. Did you see the silks at the time the prisoners were in the shop? - Yes.

MARKLIN's DEFENCE.

I know nothing of the charge.

COX's DEFENCE.

I am quite innocent.

For the Prisoners.

PATRICK M'MANNS sworn.

I am a constable. I had a warrant to take the prisoners. I went to Mrs. Marklin's house and told her I had a warrant against her and her sister, and bid her not be uneasy, that I should not take her out of the house that night, but desired she would come to Sir John Fielding 's in the morning. She desired me to search the house; I told her I had no orders to search the house, only to desire her to come to Sir John Fielding 's. They came to the justice's in the morning. Watson said at the justice's, that she wished her master would search the two pair-of-stairs room particularly.

Did she say whose lodging that was? - No; she told another man that the door was open all the time.

Was that said before the justice? - No; to me at the door. After the examination was over, she said she wanted to go and search the room, for she believed these people were innocent.

EDWARD VAUGH sworn.

I am a glazier and painter in Nottingham-court; I was a constable at the time this happened. Watson came to me to execute a warrant; she said the prisoners came for a coat and waistcoat, and while she went backwards took away the silk. She said that the door was left open at the time the things were lost.

To Watson. Did you tell the last witness the door was open at the time the things were lost? - Never.

Did you ever tell Patrick M'Manns that the prisoners were innocent? - Never; for I always believed they were guilty.

BRIANT MARKLIN sworn.

I am a silversmith, and am servant to a silversmith on Ludgate-hill; I have a house in Oughton-street, Clare-market. Esther Marklin is my sister. Watson declared while my sister was waiting for bail that she did not think she was guilty. I asked her how she came to swear so positively before the justice; she said she did not mean to swear positively, as she only took her up on suspicion.

Where did she say this? - In the office, as we were sitting on the bench. She said she was obliged to do what she did, for if the gowns were not found she must pay for them. I asked if there were any lodgers in the house; she said, yes. I asked why her master did not search the house; she said she advised him to search it, but her master said he was a poor man, and could not afford to lose his lodgers. I offered if any of the lodgers were to go away on the account of the search, to pay half a quarter's rent. Watson said she thought there should be a search warrant, particularly for Miller's room. We went up to the two-pair-of-stairs room; Miller was gone out.

The prisoners called seven other witnesses, who gave them a good character.

BOTH NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

202, 203. CHRISTOPHER FOLEY and PETER WELDON were indicted for feloniously and traiterously making, forging, and counterfeiting a piece of false, feigned, and counterfeit money and coin, to the likeness and similitude of the good and lawful money of this realm, called a sixpence, against the duty of their allegiance, against the king's peace , and against the forms of the statute, February 18th .

THOMAS DAY sworn.

On the 18th of February, about five in the evening, in consequence of an information given to Mr. Clark, I went with Mr. Clarke and another person to No. 2, in Oat-lane ; we went up stairs into the garret, and on a sudden burst open the door; when we came in at the door, just by the right hand of the door, Foley and Weldon, the two prisoners, were at work at a table, one on each side. Foley had his hat off and a pair of spectacles on. With the sudden surprise of our approaching the room he dropped a sixpence, which he had in his left hand (producing it). He was on the opposite side next to the fire-place. Foley was rubbing that sixpence that fell, either with scowering paper or a file, the other was at work. I cannot say in particular what he was doing.

Describe what things were found on the table before them. - The sixpence he let fall, I picked up, and these sixpences were on the table by Foley (producing five). By the fire-place, there were many crucibles, and by the left hand side of the door there were flasks set as moulds. Mr. Clarke will produce them; that is all I saw. Whether Foley was making use of the files or the scowering paper and cork I cannot say.

JOHN CLARKE sworn.

I went, in consequence of an information, to this house, (No. 2) in Oat-Lane; we went up into the three-pair-of-stairs room, bursted open the door, and opposite to the door there was a table, where the two prisoners set at work. Foley was at work on the sixpence; I believe he was scowering it with sand-paper; I am very certain he was. Weldon was at work upon another with a file; he was without his coat; the other without his hat, with spectacles on; but the alarm of bursting open the door so suddenly frightened them; before them was a quantity of counterfeit sixpences cast; (producing a parcel) these lay before Weldon; that is the sixpence he was working upon; that is the file he was at work with. They were both at work, Foley scowering with sandpaper, the other at work with the file.

You are sure he was filing sixpences? - Yes; the file and the sixpence both dropped out of his hands together. Here are three counterfeit sixpences I found in the draw in the room; they are finished. As I was searching Weldon I found five more played tricks with; they are not finished. In the same room was a quantity of wrought arsenick; there was some copper, likewise some sand, and what they call facing. There were two pair of flasks and crucibles; there is one pair moulded ready for pouring; there were about fifty impressions ready fixed. After finding the flasks I thought the patterns must be somewhere; I desired them to produce them, they refused knowing any thing of them. I had instructions to search in the cellar, and there I found as many sixpences as there were impressions in the flasks; there are fifty or fifty-one, I cannot be particular to one; they were the pattern sixpences. (The flasks produced). The impressions are all perfect.

Cross Examination.

When you had your information, did you know who the house, where these people were at work, belonged to? - I do not; I believe Weldon was the owner of the room, but they were both at work in the same room.

That you are positive of? - I should be sorry to say that here if it was not true.

HENRY WILLIAM ATKINSON sworn.

I am one of the moniers of the Mint. These three sixpences are all of them counterfeits; they were made from these patterns.

Foley. When they broke into the room they said to me hold up your hands, that was to see whether I had been at work, and when Clarke came into the room he stood motionless awhile, and, seeing nothing going forward, he said, hold up your hands, let me see if you have been at work. I wish to know the reason of his bidding me open my hands to see if I had been at work.

Court. I will ask it if you choose it? - No, my lord.

Foley's defence.

I had not been in the room four minutes; I sat down by the fire; there was nothing going forward in the room. He desired me to hold up my hands; I did it, and he saw nothing about them; he ordered me to stand charged.

Weldon's defence.

I never did any thing of the kind; this man never had a file in his hand; he never was in the room before in his life; he only came up to see me.

You said one was without his coat; which was that? - Weldon was without his coat, the other with his hat off and spectacles on. I was astonished to be sure to see them both at work when I came into the room.

Foley. There was a pair of spectacles lay on the table; he asked whose they were; I told him I knew nothing of them. - He is one of the blood-suckers.

For the prisoners.

MARY PALMER sworn.

Do you know the prisoner, Foley? - I never saw him till the day that he was taken up to the best of my knowledge.

Did he lodge in your house? - No; he was sent in that day by a woman that Weldon kept. I was told a young girl showed him the way up to Weldon's room.

Cross Examination.

What is the name of the lady Weldon kept? - I heard it was Barker; I cannot tell.

ANDREW STEVENS sworn.

I know Foley; I saw him the day he was taken. I board at Weldon's house. I was looking out of the window; I saw the girl turn the corner, and bring him up to the door; she said to the man this is the house you must go up into the garrett, and there you will find Mr. Weldon.

Cross Examination.

Do you live in the same house with Weldon? - Yes; I have boarded with this lady half a year.

What is her name? - Palmer; she keeps the house. This was a little before two o'clock.

What time did this man go away? - I do not recollect. I am only an apprentice, and stay only from one to two o'clock.

To Mr. Clark. What time was he taken? - About seven o'clock.

To Stevens. Did you ever see him there before? - No.

Cross examination.

What are you? - A silversmith. I work with Mr. White (No. 5) Oat-lane.

JAMES FITZGERALD sworn.

I am a jeweller . I have known Foley about eight years; he was a very honest man till these circumstances happened; he is of the same business.

THOMAS THOMPSON sworn.

I am a jeweller. I have known Foley about nine years; he has a very good character. I never heard a dishonest word of him till this affair.

Cross Examination.

Are you a small worker in gold? - No; in buckles.

What does Foley work at. - Earings, buckles, and such like.

JAMES FOLEY sworn.

I have known Foley fourteen years; he is a very honest, industrious, hard-working man. I am a jeweller by trade.

Court. Are you any relation of the man's? - No.

JOHN ROBERTS sworn.

I have known Foley sixteen or seventeen years. I never heard any thing, till this time, reflecting on his character. I am a goldsmith.

EDMOND CORK sworn.

I have known Foley twelve or thirteen years. I never heard any dishonesty of him before. I am a publican in Butcher Row. He was at my house, I believe, half an hour before this happened. Some woman sent for him, and in half an hour I heard he was taken into custody.

Cross Examination.

What time was he taken into custody? - I forget the time; but the account was that he was taken into custody.

How long had he been in your house before? - I cannot say.

Four or five hours? - I believe he was more.

What time did he quit your house? - I cannot say. I understood that he was there from all the servants in my house.

Are you sure it was four o'clock or ten in the morning? - From the account I had from my family, I believe it was four in the afternoon. He never offered any bad money in my house.

Do you know whether it was within half an hour or an hour after he left your house, that he was taken up? - I was informed so the next day. I did not hear of it before.

BOTH GUILTY Death .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. RECORDER.

204. WILLIAM STENSON was indicted for counterfeiting the copper money of this realm, called a halfpenny , March 8th .

JOHN GOTHIN sworn.

I am a revenue officer belonging to his majesty's customs. I met the prisoner between two and three o'clock in the afternoon, the 8th of March, with something in his hand; he beckoned to a coach; he came from Thames-street, and Mr. M'Culluck, who was with me, said to me, Jack, what do you think they are? I said, I think they are lace. He said, he would go and see what they were. The man rested them on the seat of the coach; we went up to the coach, got in it, and bid the coachman drive to Justice Sherwood's; we opened it at the justice's, and there were ten guineas worth of halfpence; we left them with John Farrell .

JOHN FARRELL sworn.

I am an officer belonging to Justice Sherwood. I was called upon by the last witness to secure the prisoner; he gave the halfpence into my charge.

Did you proceed to search the prisoner? - Yes; I did, and on him I found a letter, directed to Mr. William Stenson , Lower Thames-street (No. 47). I went to that house, there I found a large press, and a cutting-out press, fixed ready for working, in the cellar. Accordingly, I took them to pieces, got a coach and put them in, and drove them down to Justice Sherwood's office. The prisoner was brought in afterwards.

Did you find any die? - Yes; (five dies produced) I found about a guineas worth of these cut out blanks, lying about the cellar, all blanks. I found some left in the garret, among some saw-dust and oil. I found a parcel of copper they were cut out of, and the prisoner acknowledges he has lived there five or six months.

JOHN TAYLOR sworn.

Do you know the prisoner? - Yes.

Are you the landlord of the house (No. 47) Thames-street? - I am not the landlord. I have the letting of it. I let it to Gilbert Smith and this man. Smith was the acting man; they were both to come in partnership. There names are both in the agreement.

Is your house in the city of London, or the Tower Hamlet? - It is within the bar in Thames-street; I believe in the city of London.

To Farrell. By what authority did you go into a house in the city, and take any part of the property? - We had a city officer.

JOHN CLARKE sworn.

Do you know Stenson? - I do.

Did you see him before this time? - Yes; I saw him come out of the copper shop on Snow-hill on Friday week, before he was taken, I believe, with about three quarters of an hundred weight of copper on his back. I then knew he was a coiner. The next time I saw him was before Justice Sherwood, charged with coining; (the fly produced) they are very large; the press and fly, I suppose, are eight hundred weight; they may be used in other trades as well as coining; but there were no other implements of any trade found there but what I brought here; that is a cutting press.

(Shown a dye). What is that? - A die to stamp the head side of a halfpenny with. (Looks at the rest.) They are all dies.

(Looks at the halfpence.) Were these made from the same dye? - I cannot say. These are all counterfeit halfpence. (Looks at some found in the house, and some found on the prisoner.) I here two I believe to be struck from the same dye? I do not know where they were found.

HENRY WILLIAM ATKINSON sworn.

I am one of the moniers of the Mint.

Look at these dyes. - These are dyes for making counterfeit-halfpence; this is a punch for cutting blanks out of copper.

Were these halfpence ever made at the Mint? - No; they are counterfeits every one of them.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I do not know any thing at all of the things found in the house; the halfpence I had I took. I sold stockings for them, and took them in the fair balance. I know nothing of the things in the house. I have some gentlemen here to speak for my character.

For the Prisoner.

JOSEPH PICART sworn.

I am a frame-work knitter. I have known the prisoner between three and four years; he is a frame-work knitter; he worked with me some time. I never heard a bad character of him.

Have you heard of his character? - I never heard any thing about it. From me he went and kept a shop in the Savoy.

JOSEPH STAWKLEY sworn.

I am a frame-work knitter. I have known the prisoner seven or eight years; he bore a very good character while he worked with me; he worked for me six years; he bore a good character in Nottingham; he has left Nottingham about four years.

GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. RECORDER.

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

205. THOMAS FOX was indicted for stealing a mare, value 5 l. the property of Richard Clewin , Sept. 4th .

RICHARD CLEWIN sworn.

I live at Hendon (No. 3). I lost my mare the fourth of September last, from Dow-street . I saw her in the evening of the fourth with a lock and chain on her foot, which I have in my pocket now. I missed her on Saturday morning the fifth.

Were the lock and key gone too? - It was lost; my man found it in the field, as he was hedging, about a month ago. The horse was an iron grey, six years old, marked R. C. on the near nostril; a brown mane and tail. I had her about three years. I found her at a place called Gilded Moreton, in Cambridgeshire, in the possession of Thomas Fox .

When did you find her? - On Sunday se'nnight, the 13th, after I lost her.

Tell us how it happened. - A man came from Hatfield, in Hertfordshire, and gave me intelligence of her. I set out after her, and pursued the prisoner to Gilded Moreton; it was about eleven o'clock at night when we got to the place where he was.

What inn was it? - I do not know the sign. Mr. Pack saw him go out of Hatfield with the mare just before I came there.

Did you know any thing of the prisoner before? - Yes; three or four years before. I tapped him on the shoulder. As soon as he got out of the reach of my arm he said, you be d - ned; he jumped over the stile, and got out of my reach. I went into the house, and said, I believed they had a mare of mine there. I desired them to get a light; they brought a candle; when they came into the yard they blowed the candle out; they went and lighted it again, and then when they were in the yard they blowed it out again; they did so a third time; then the man that was with me took the candle out of the person's hand, and went and lighted it himself. I saw the mare, and knew it was mine. Mr. Pack pursued him, and took him th e next day.

- PACK sworn.

I live at Ashwell, in Hertfordshire. I am a smith; the prisoner brought me an iron-grey mare to shoe on the Sunday.

Are you sure the prisoner is the man? - Yes. I did not shoe her by reason it was Sunday. He went out towards Cambridgeshire. There I found him.

How did you know he went to Cambridgeshire? - Because he used to go that way.

You saw the mare at Gilded Moreton? - Yes.

Was it the same mare? - Yes.

Did you see the man there? - Yes; I drank with him; it was the same man.

WILLIAM LEPER sworn.

I live at Mill-hill. Last September a man, by the name of Shaw, came from Ashwell, and said Fox had got a grey mare. I asked him how long he had had it; he said he saw him with it a week before. I went and told Mr. Clewin. I pursued him with Mr. Clewin, and found him and the mare at Gilded Moreton.

Pack. I went after him the next day, and found him at half past five in the evening at St. Neot's in Huntingdonshire.

- GOODCHILD sworn.

I assisted Mr. Pack in taking the man.

ELIZABETH HINTON sworn.

I live in Sander's-lane, about a mile and a quarter from Hendon. I saw him go by my house, about four o'clock in the afternoon. I saw him go by again about eight o'clock at night with a mare.

Who was the man that went by with the mare. - Mr. Fox; it was on a Friday night, about five weeks before last Michaelmas.

Old or new Michaelmas? - New Michaelmas.

What month was it? - I do not know.

Did you know the prisoner before? - Not before that afternoon; seeing him twice before I knew him again.

Had you heard at that time Mr. Clewin had lost his mare? - Yes; that made me tell Mr. Clewin's people of it.

How soon after it? - The next day.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I harvested at Ashwell. I went down into the fens. I was there a week. I came back along with the same man he mentions now. I came up to Barnet fair. I saw a gentleman there who had a mare sold to him by somebody; he said I was the man that sold the mare to him. I said I was not the man. He threatened to take me into custody. I was frightened, got from him, and went down into Hertfordshire. I saw a man with two horses, a bridle and saddle. This mare was one of the two horses. A young man asked me to ride. I said I was going to Ashwell. He said he did not know Ashwell, but he knew Great Moreton, and took me to the sign of the Swan, and said, if I staid there he would come to me; they call it Gilded Moreton.

Jury to Mrs. Hinton. What colour was the mare you saw him upon? - A grey mare.

Prisoner. I was at Ashwell at the time the mare was lost; Mr. Pack knows it.

Pack. He worked at the harvest at Ashwell; he did not mind his business; his master turned him away before the 4th of September.

GUILTY Death .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. BARON EYRE .

206. THOMAS FOX was indicted for stealing a mare, value 8 l. the property of William Hand , June 29 .

WILLIAM HAND sworn.

I live at Preston Cape, in Northamptonshire . I lost a roan mare, between the sixth and seventh of last June, out of my grounds, and likewise a saddle out of the cowhouse. I found them at Kilbourn-wells, in Mr. Harrington's possession, about six weeks after I lost it.

What sort of a mare was it? - A roan mare about six years old; I bred her. I found the saddle in Hungerford-market, at one Mr. Bryant's, a butcher.

Is he here? - I believe not; I know nothing of the man, I never saw him but twice in my life, and then he was naked, fighting.

WILLIAM CARR sworn.

On the 29th of June, a gentleman riding by Kilbourn-wells, stopped to have some brandy. The prisoner was at the door; Mr. Harrington said if I would buy that mare for him, which the prisoner was offering to sale, he would be obliged to me (for the prisoner was not inclined to sell it to him) if I could get it for seven or eight guineas. I bought it for him of the prisoner; he said his name was Thomas Fox , that he lived at Banbury in Oxfordshire, that his father kept a publick-house there, and that he bred the mare. I am sure the prisoner is the man.

JOSEPH HARRINGTON sworn.

I keep the Kilbourn-wells. On the 29th of June, about six o'clock in the morning, when I came down, the mare was at my door; the prisoner was drinking with some others; he was offering the mare to sale; he asked twelve guineas for her; I had seen her several days on the common. The mare had a sprain in her leg; the prisoner said he had put a rope round her neck and tied it to her leg, by which means she got the sprain. I said twelve guineas was too much for her; he said he would not sell her to me. I desired Mr. Carr to look at the mare and buy her for me; he agreed for eight guineas; I paid the eight guineas. That is the mare the prosecutor claims.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I was at day-work at Clapham. A man left a mare there, and desired me to take it to Smithfield and sell it for him. A gentleman asked me whose mare it was, I said it was none of mine, but it was to sell. I said the price was twelve guineas, he bid me eight guineas; I turned it away. I asked the young man if he would take the eight guineas; he said he would, and I took the eight guineas directly. He wanted me to turn king's evidence, when they found I did not belong to the mare.

GUILTY Death .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE.

107, 108. JOHN BELL and JOSEPH CAMPBELL were indicted for that they in the king's highway, in and upon Sarah the wife of Joseph Holmes , did make an assault, putting her in corporal fear and danger of her life, and stealing from her person an iron snuff-box, value 1 d. a child's linen jamb, value 12 d. a linen apron, value 6 d. and four shillings in monies, numbered, the property of the said Joseph Holmes , January 24th .

(The witnesses were examined apart at the request of the prisoners.)

SARAH HOLMES sworn.

I was robbed on the 25th of January or February, I cannot say which; it was exactly a month after Christmas-day.

Where was it? - At the Peacock in Islington ; they attacked me and beat me in the house, and dragged me out of the house by main force.

Did they rob you of any thing? - They robbed me after they had knocked me down of a pocket, an apron, four shillings, a child's jamb, and a snuff-box.

Did they produce a pistol? - No; they beat me terribly.

What did they beat you with? - Their hands; they tore off the pocket-apron by force, and left the strings behind; the other things were in my pocket.

Did you know the men before? - I never saw them in my life.

Are you quite sure of their persons? - Yes. As I was turning round to help myself, when I was down, I saw them coming to strike me, and had a full view of their faces.

Did they say any thing at the time they robbed you? - The blows came so fast, I was hardly sensible; I did not cry out while they were beating me, as I knew my life was in their hands. When I was able to get up, I went into the house, and said, gentlemen, you have robbed me; one of the gentlemen standing by the door showing something to another, said, has the old woman missed it; d - n the bitch, and were going to drive me out, on which I made my escape.

Do you live at Islington? - No; I went to see my sister on the Sabbath-day, the 24th of January, and staid supper; my husband was to come for me; he did not; I set out by myself from my sister's to come to London at eleven o'clock at night. I live just by Drury-lane. I asked the watchman if it was safe for me to go across the fields by myself; he said he did not know, as the moon was very cloudy. I asked him where I could have a house to lie at; as I knew I had a trifle about me, all that I had in the world, I was afraid of loosing that; he said the Peacock would be up at one o'clock, and he would take me safe there; he took me there at one o'clock. I treated him for his kindness; he staid about twenty minutes, and then went away; he left me about half after one o'clock.

Did you intend to lie there? - No; I intended to stay till daylight, in order to be safe.

What time was you robbed? - About three o'clock. These people came about half after two.

Were they drunk? - They did not seem to be drunk - they seemed very roguish.

Was nobody up in the house? - Yes, two watchmen.

Did not they take your part? - No.

Did they see this ill-treatment? - Yes, and the landlord too.

Did not they attempt to assist you? - No.

How did you know they were watchmen?

- I was told they were watchmen; they had great coats and caps on.

What did you do after they had robbed you? - I went and sat down on a bench next door to my sister's, till she got up, then I told her what had happened, and she put me to bed as I was very ill.

Did you ever see the the men afterwards?

- No. I went the next day to Justice Blackborough. I was led by two women there. He sent for one of the men out of prison who was already taken up for house robbing.

Did you know him again? - Yes.

Did he acknowledge any thing? - No.

He seemed thunder-struck, and as he was going out called me an old bitch. and said if he could catch me out what he would do to me.

JOHN FLOOD sworn.

I live at the Angel-Inn, Islington.

Do you know any thing of this robbery charged on the prisoners? - About three o'clock on Monday morning, Joseph Campbell came to me for some beasts.

Do you know the prisoners? - Yes;

I have known them seven or eight years.

For some beasts? - Yes, bullocks; he is a drover.

Was it the 25th of January? - Yes I went out with him; just as we were coming to the Peacock, he said he was going to have some purl.

Does Campbell live at Islington? - Yes. We went in and found John Bell there; they sat down for a few minutes, and this woman got up; I did not see her till she got up; she went and sat down at the table where there was some purl, and begged they would let her alone.

Did they do any thing to her? - They hit her with their sticks over her arms and shoulders, and she took a pint pot and threw at John Bell after they hit her; then the landlord of the house took her by the arm and desired her to go out. They followed her out; I thought they were going for the beasts. John Bell and Campbell laid hold on her and threw her on the pavement; then they went off; I went back into the house and sat down.

What became of the prisoners? - They came in again in a few minutes, and one of them had something in his hand. Presently after the woman came in again, and said they had robbed her. And when she could not get the things from them she went to call the watch; they went out, and I went with them, and let them have the beasts: I saw no more of them.

JOHN DINMORE sworn.

I am a constable. I know nothing of the robbery. I apprehended the prisoners by the warrant of Justice Blackborough. I took Bell first, and Campbell afterwards. I went with Campbell to the hospital for the woman to see him; he said nothing, but Bell brought me into it.

Did he explain himself any further? - No; no further.

Campbell. When they took me to the hospital there were three of them; two went up to the woman, who was in bed, and said, that is the man who was with Bell.

THOMAS ISAACS sworn.

I apprehended the parties along with Dinmore, the other constable.

Did you hear either of them say any thing? - They were taken to the hospital to the woman; she swore to them both.

Did you hear them confess before the justice or any where that they committed this fact? - No.

JONATHAN REDGRAVE sworn.

On Saturday the 30th of January, Dinmore, I, and the last witness, apprehended the prisoner Campbell coming to the Angel; he asked what was the information against him; I said he would know when he came before the magistrate; then he said, I know what it is, it is through that rogue Bell, he brought me to this. We took him to Justice Blackborough's; I do not remember his saying any thing these. I was not at the examination of Bell on the Monday following.

Did you understand him that Bell had brought him into a scrape by inviting him to partake of the crime, or brought a false charge against him? - No; I thought he meant Bell had invited him to do it. We were informed on Monday, that the woman was like to die; and had an order to take the men to her to the hospital. When we came into the ward, the curtains being drawn round the bed, Dinmore undrew the curtains, and asked if she knew any person in the house. She opened her eyes, and pointed to Campbell, and said she knew him; he said how could she say that, when she was in such a situation; she said I wish I had never seen you, then I should not have been in this situation, nor you in trouble. Her sister came to her and said, sister, you are in a dreadful situation, what will become of you if you should say a false thing against these men. She said if it was the last word she had to say, he was the man, that was with Bell.

CAMPBELL's DEFENCE.

When we came to the bedside, Redgrave undrew the curtains, and said, that is the young man in the brown coat that was along with Bell; she said I do not know the man; he said again, that is the man that was with Bell; she then said, I believe it is. I never saw the woman in my life till I saw her in the hospital. I never saw her at the Peacock. I came there about half past one o'clock for some beasts; the landlord of the Peacock (Mr. Baldwin) would not come; they kept him out of the way.

BELL's DEFENCE.

Sir John Fielding 's men got her in the hospital when nothing ailed her, and made her say what they liked, and said they would give her money.

BOTH GUILTY of stealing the goods but not of the robbery .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

JOHN BELL was indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Christopher Bartholomew , on the 22d of January , about the hour of one in the night, and stealing seven cheeses, value 20 s. a copper tea-kettle, value 6 s. two copper stew-pans, value 4 s. a pewter plate, value 1 s. 6 d. a pewter bason, value 1 s. 6 d. nine pewter spoons, value 1 s. a copper pot-lid, value 6 d. and a brass ladle, value 1 s. the property of the said Christopher Bartholomew , in his dwelling-house .

CHRISTOPHER BARTHOLOMEW sworn.

I live at the Angel-Inn, Islington .

Do you keep the Angel? - Yes. On the 23d of January my cook came into my bed-chamber before I was up, and told me my house was broke upon and robbed of some cheese and kitchen furniture. I got up and looked, and found they got in at the back-window. I had a suspicion of three persons, John Bell , John Winter , who is not taken, and one Castledine, who is a witness. We recovered all the things; my servant said when they were brought they belonged to me.

In what state was your house when you got up? - There was a window open, a place we call the long larder, it joins to the back kitchen. I was called up between seven and eight o'clock.

Were you windows fast over night? - I cannot speak to that of my own knowledge; the window seemed to have been wrenched open; it was in the yard, therefore we were not so particular as to that fastening; it is a very poor slight fastening, the back kitchen door was open; I missed the cheese; the cook told me there were seven cheeses on the shelf the night before, but I cannot say how many. I missed a very large tea-kettle; I did not see that the night before.

MARY THORN sworn.

I saw the house all fast at twelve o'clock when my master came home; the windows were all fastened at six o'clock at night.

Bartholomew. I spent the evening at my mother's, who keeps the White-conduit-house; she wanted some beef to make broth; I brought home a servant to take her some. My servant, Mary Thorn, -went backwards to give him the beef.

Thorn. When I got up in the morning I found the back-door open, and the tinder-box, and things lying about; it is a very poor fastening, they might have jostled it out with a pin. There was a bit of glass broke. A plate was found in the field which I never missed till it was brought in. I missed all the things mentioned in the indictment (repeating them).

Do you know any thing of the persons who committed this robbery? - No; I know nothing further.

JOHN CASTLEDINE (the Accomplice) sworn.

Do you know any thing of this burglary committed at Mr. Bartholomew's house, at Islington? - Yes. John Bell , John Winter , and I were drinking at the White-lion at Islington, till our money was all gone:

You went to the Angel-Inn? - Yes.

When was that? - The 23d of January.

The day before this happened, or the day after? - The day before this happened.

What time did you go to the Angel-Inn? - About eleven at night we went into the room fronting the bar, and sat there about two hours. I believe from there John Bell and I got in at the window.

I am not come to that. - Winter said he had got no money. Bell said d - n you, have you got no money?

Was this at the Angel? - No; at the White-Lion. John Bell called Winter and me out into the street, and said he knew where he could get plenty of pewter; he went and got a sack, a chissel, and a tinder box; he came to the house. We went from the White-Lion about eleven o'clock, and went to the Angel, and got into a little room fronting the bar, and staid there two hours; we staid till about one, or rather better. We went from thence and got in at the window. John Bell turned the bolt round, and shook the pin out of the window, got the shutter open, broke a pane of glass, opened the window, got in, struck a light, and took a lantern off the shelf; we packed up seven cheeses and a half, some pewter spoons, and a great tea-kettle; I believe that was all we had. We went away about three o'clock; it was rather better than three o'clock.

Was this committed between two and three? - About a little after one, I believe.

What did you do with the goods? - John Winter took the sack on his back; I took some on my arm; we went out of the back door over Mr. Bartholomew's hay-stack, and went to my mother's yard, and left them there for a while. We took some bread out of the Angel, and went over to the White-Lyon, and eat it; we then went to John Green's, a wheelwright, at Islington. Bell called him up to let us in, and asked him to let us put some things in his lost. He let us put them in his lost. Bell went to my mother's, got the sack, and put it in the lost, and Green put some straw over it. When we came the next night to take them out, and Green's son let us have them, Winter took the sack on his back, and I took some under my arm. Winter let the sack fall in the road, and Mr. Burrow's servant, I believe, stood with a lantern in the road; he came up, and Winter ran away. Mr. Burrow's servant took up the property.

RICHARD BOOTH sworn.

They were all three in company at the White-Lyon the night of the robbery. I saw Casteldine with a sack. They asked Mr. Bryant, who keeps the White-Lyon, for a tinder-box.

Did you see them after the robbery? - No.

Did you see any of the goods of Mr. Bartholomew in their possession? - No.

All you saw was their preparation for the robbery? - Yes; that was all I saw. They went out of the White-Lyon about half after nine o'clock, but I do not know where they went to afterwards.

Have you seen the tinder-box that the maid found in Mr. Bartholomew's house? - No; I have not seen the box.

Should you know it? - No; they did not borrow one that night at the White-Lyon, they only asked for one.

JOHN FLOOD sworn.

I live at the Angel-inn. I saw them between nine and ten o'clock the 23d of January; they came from the room across the yard. I saw John Bell and another. I cannot say I know the other. John Bell spoke to me. I turned round, went into the tap-room, and went out into the road. I saw no more of them afterwards. They went out at the front gate.

THOMAS GREEN sworn.

I am a wheeler. I live at Islington. John Green, who is my son, lives with me. I heard he borrowed the sack, before this happened, to carry home a lamb. I know nothing of the affair; but coming home, in Sadler's-wells fields, I heard something thrown away, and saw the light of a lantern; this was seven in the evening, the day after the robbery was committed. Coming along the field I looked by the side of the foot-path and saw a bundle; I went and kicked it; it was coppers and pans, and a tea-kettle, in a woman's apron; my wife took up the tea-kettle, and I took up the other things, and carried them to the Angel. Winter came by me just at the time with a blue apron about him, and there was a man, Casteldine I believe, was just by.

Did some of them come and desire to hide things at your house? - Not to my knowledge. Casteldine is well acquainted with my ground; he has worked for me, and knows the way to every part of my ground.

Did he never desire to hide something at your house? - Not to my knowledge; if he had I should have stopped them.

To Casteldine. Did not you say you asked leave of John Green, the wheeler, to hide some of your things there? - John Bell went, and asked John Green, the son of this witness, to put some things there.

Was the father by at the time? - He was not.

MARY GREEN sworn.

I am the wife of Thomas Green. I do not know any thing of the robbery. The 23d of January, my husband and I coming by Sadler's-wells fields, about five yards from the Wells, we heard something fall. He said there were thieves. I said it was nothing but milk-pails. I thought it was milk-pails. Immediately two men run by us; I do not know who they were; coming further I saw a bundle, and picked it up. I told my husband I had got a tea-kettle; he picked up another bundle with several other things; it was dark; it was seven in the evening. There were two men just by, one of them ran against me, but I do not know who they were.

EDWARD BARRINGTON sworn.

I was going home about seven in the evening on the 23d of January, and having a lantern and a candle in it, I saw somebody stop in a light waistcoat. I held my candle, and saw him move gently into the field. I held up my candle again, made towards him, and he ran away. I did not know who he was. I turned round, saw a sack, and found there was cheese in it. A man coming up, I asked him to help me to carry it to the Angel. There were seven cheeses and a half, a chissel, and a brass ladle in it with Mr. Bartholomew's name on it. I heard something rattle. I thought I had run against a milk-pail myself as I came over the field. (The things were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

Prisoner. I have nothing to say in my defence.

Mr. Bartholomew. This tinder-box was found in the house, it was not mine.

GUILTY Death .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Imprisonment. See summary.]

209. MARGARET RIDGWAY was indicted for stealing a copper tea-kettle, value 3 s. the property of John Dodd , April 7th .

MARY DODD sworn.

Do you know the prisoner? - I do not. I found my kettle at a pawnbroker's, in the name of Ridgway. I was out when it was taken away. I live in Stile-court, North-Audley-street.

Are you married? - Yes; and have a great family, four children; my husband is a coach-joiner . I did not miss the tea-kettle till last Saturday about eleven o'clock.

What is the name of the pawnbroker were you found it? - His name is Glade, in Oxford-road.

When did you find it? - On Monday. Glade is not here.

Samuel Glade was called, but not appearing, the court ordered his recognizance to be estreated.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

210. JOSEPH BROWNE was indicted, for that he, on the 15th of March , about the hour of two in the night, a certain house of Edward Fleet , Clerk , of which said house the said Joseph was tenant, unlawfully, maliciously, wilfully, and feloniously, did set fire to the same house, and by such firing, the same house did burn and consume against the statute , &c.

2d Count. For setting fire to a certain other house of the said Edward Fleet , and by such firing the same house did burn and consume, against the statute , &c.

3d Count. For setting fire to the dwelling-house of him, the said Joseph Browne , and by such firing did burn and consume the said dwelling-house, against the statute, &c.

4th Count. For setting fire to a certain house of the said Edward Fleet , of which said house the said Joseph Browne was tenant, against the statute, &c.

5th Count. For setting fire to a certain other house, of the said Edward Fleet , against the statute, &c.

6th Count. For setting fire to the dwelling-house of him, the said Joseph Browne , against the statute, &c.

JAMES TURNER sworn.

Are you a watchman of the parish of Wapping? - Yes.

Do you remember the 15th of March last, when the fire broke out in Wapping? - Yes.

What time of the night was it when you was near the house kept by Mr. Browne? - I was coming by, I believe, about twenty minutes after twelve, and found the door open.

Where is Browne's house? - Between the cheese-warehouse and the grocer's.

In what street? - In Wapping street .

At this time was there any appearance of fire? - There was no appearance at all of fire. I found his door open, and the key on the outside.

Was the house open, or only the key on the outside. - The door stood a-jar, and the key was on the outside. I saw dirt in the entry.

Did the door stand so much a-jar that you could look into the entry? - Not a great way; only about the space of a foot. I demanded to know who was there; a man answered Browne.

Did you see any body there before you asked who was there? - No; I did not see any body there. I called out before I saw anybody. The door was a-jar. A man answered me his name was Browne. Seeing the house dirty, as if the goods were removing, I said that would not do for me; I must see the master or mistress of the house. With that the man came to the door to me; he told me that he was the master of the house, and his name was Browne. I said, Sir, you will excuse my making myself so busy; but, finding the key on the outside, made me so particular to see the master of the house. He made answer again his name was Browne, and he was master of the house. I said the key was on the outside of the door. He said, is it? and seemed not to know it.

Did you take any notice of the man? - Coming to the door, I observed he was a lusty man; he had a brown coat on loose. I did not take notice of the rest of his clothes, nor his face. I went to my brother watchman, and told him. He said, all as is you must mind there are no goods brought out of the house. I returned to my box again.

How near was your box to his house? - Fifty or sixty yards from his house. - Going past the door, I struck my staff against the door, and it was fast. I looked up at the windows, and saw no light. I returned again in about twenty minutes, and the door was fast then, and I saw no light.

Did you see anybody come out of that house? - Only Mr. Browne; he came out and locked the door, and bid me mind my own business.

When was that? - The first time.

Tell us how that was? when you told him the key was on the outside what did he do? - He came out, locked the door on the outside, and bid me mind my own business.

Did you observe which way he went? - No; seeing he was a gentleman, I took no more notice.

Did you observe his voice? - Yes; he had a course voice, spoke short, and seemed angry with me for making myself so busy.

How soon after this was the alarm of fire? - It was mean half after two o'clock when I first heard the alarm of fire. The alarm was given when I was in my box. I came out and saw the flames above the houses.

Which house did you see first on fire? - I cannot say; it was one of the houses near on the spot where I first spoke to Mr. Browne.

When you first saw the house on fire was there any more than one house on fire? - I cannot say; I believe there was only one house on fire.

How far was the front of this house from the back? - I cannot say; I never was in the house.

How far is the back from the river? - I cannot say.

Was you before the justice when this matter was enquired into? - Yes.

Did you see anybody there charged with this offence? - I saw the man I spoke to, Browne.

Is the prisoner the man? - Yes.

Did you take any notice of his voice? - I took him to be the same man by his size and his voice.

Did you take any other observation of his person to make you think he is the man? - I took no observation of his features.

Cross Examination.

Did you take any notice of his person that night? - No.

Did not you take notice of his features? - No.

Then if two hundred men had assembled you could not have picked this man out? - No further than I thought he was the man by his size and voice.

JOHN BLYTHE sworn.

I am a waterman.

Where was you the night of the fire? - On board a vessel called the Falcon. It lay on Mr. Smith's Quay, close to Mr. Browne's back door.

Do you know Mr. Browne's house? - Yes; vastly well.

What did you observe first of that house? - A fire came out of the back side about ten minutes after two o'clock.

Was you awake? - Yes; I was obliged to be awake to haul the ship too for the caulkers to work her next day. I was obliged to be up on account of the tide. About ten minutes after two o'clock the fire came out of the back premises of Mr. Browne's house.

What do you mean by back premises? - The back warehouses.

It runs a great depth from the street to the river? - Yes; I suppose near fifty feet.

Are the warehouses timber buildings? - Yes.

The fire came out of those warehouses? - Yes; the lower part of the warehouses.

Did you observe any fire any where else? - No; the fire was very small then; I suppose it was a tar-barrel on fire by the blackness of the smoke; there was a cloud of smoke as if it came from a tar-barrel.

Cross Examination.

How many warehouses were there at the river-side, on this spot where the fire happened? - Every premise had warehouses.

Did the warehouses and fronts join together? - Yes.

Were there landing-places at the back of these warehouses? - Some warehouses have; but there is a wharf to the next house but one to this which was on fire.

Who did the wharf belong to at the back of Browne's house? - There was no wharf there.

Was there a communication from Browne's house to the river? - Yes; the back door, where he ships his goods. The water flows up quite to the house.

You think the alarm was about ten minutes after two o'clock, what kind of a morning was it? - A very fine morning.

Was it moonlight? - Yes.

You was in a situation that you could see the progress of the fire? - I was so nigh that it burnt the hat on my head, and the handkerchief on my neck.

Did you stay on board the ship? - Yes, to endeavour to save it.

Which way did it spread? - Next the grocer's took fire, then Smith's wharf, it is a sand wharf, and then the wind turned easterly. There was a squall of wind. It took upwards, towards the Hermitage, and burned both ways at once.

Had you such an opportunity as to mark the course and progress of the fire, that you can speak with certainty to the place where it broke out. - Yes; I was obliged to clear the fire from the ship; it was on fire three times; my hat was burnt on my head, and my handkerchief on my neck.

WILLIAM HAXHALL sworn.

I am clerk to Mr. Hadden, cheesemonger. I was alarmed about twenty-five minutes after two, on the 16th of March. I was up when the alarm was given.

Do you live at the next door to Browne's? - No; at the distance of eighteen or twenty houses. Not being in bed, I went down the street immediately with Mr. Mitchell, and some other gentlemen. I thought the fire was at Mr. Keating's, or Mr. Browne's premises. When I came there I was confirmed in it, for Mr. Keating was running out of his house in his shirt, (he is a grocer next door to Browne's) and there was a person throwing some bedding, or something out of a one-pair-of-stairs window. I observed the fire burning very rapidly backwards. I thought Mr. Hadden's house in danger.

We do not want a history of the fire. Did you make any observation of Browne's House? - I could not tell where the fire began; it was at the back of the houses. I was alarmed for Mr. Browne's family. I recommended the door to be broke open; it was broke open, and I immediately went in, and endeavoured to alarm the family by calling Mr. Brown by name. A person told me I need not trouble myself, for Mr. Brown was removed to Bethnal-Green. Browne's house was very much on fire backwards.

Was his house at last burnt down? - Yes; it was.

Did you observe how it was furnished? - No; I did not.

The fire had not caught the dwelling-house at that time? - No; I think not.

JOHN SUTTON sworn.

I was out in the street at the time the fire broke out. I went down to Mr. Browne's house, and saw the fire at the back part of it. I could not be certain whose house it was that was on fire then. When I had been there a little time, I saw the next door neighbour throw some things out of the house, sheets, and some other things. Thinking Mr. Browne was in danger and asleep. I broke the door open, and found the fire had made a great progress in the house; I suppose halfway into the house from the back part.

Was there any other house on fire at that time? - Not that I could see.

When you broke the door open could you see that the fire was confined to Mr. Browne's house? - I thought the fire began at his house, because it was burning in his house.

You cannot say that it had reached other houses? - I cannot tell that.

Did you see any furniture in the house? - There was none that I saw; I cannot pretend to say whether there was or not; I did not take notice of that. When you first go in, there is a passage, and then a room. I did not go in; the fire had burned I dare say half way into the house.

MARTIN KEATING sworn.

I live next door to Mr. Browne. I was alarmed about half after two o'clock, as near as I can recollect, and got up in my shirt and looked out at the back window, and saw a reflection of fire on the opposite ships. My warehouse was lower than Mr. Browne's, I could see over it. I ran forward; I saw no fire in the street; I went into the street and took an observation of the fire over Mr. Brown's house. I went back to my warehouse, which was not then on fire, but in three or four minutes after the fire burst through the side of it, next to Mr. Browne's; the blaze rose from Mr. Brown's warehouse, and over-topped mine; I saw there was danger. In about three minutes it struck into mine.

Did the fire communicate to your warehouse from Mr. Brown's? - It did.

How far is Mr. Browne's warehouse from his dwelling-house? - There is a communication between the dwelling-house and warehouse; the dwelling-house is brick, and the warehouse wood. I saw then I had no remedy left, not being insured. I stood some time amazed; I ran up stairs and called for assistance, and threw what I could out of the window.

You cannot tell that the fire had not began beyond Mr. Browne's? - From the observation I made, I could not see that there was any fire beyond Mr. Browne's warehouse.

WILLIAM SADLER sworn.

I am a porter.

Do you know Mr. Browne? - Yes.

Where does he live? - At Wapping.

Has he any other house? - Yes; at Bethnal-green.

Did you remove any goods from Wapping to Bethnal-green? - Yes; I carried the last about a fortnight before the fire.

Did you carry most of the goods? - Yes.

Do you remember what you left in the house? - A bed and bedstead, a chest with some clothes in it, about two or three tons of potatoes, two puncheons of four-crout, about four or five empty puncheons, and a parcel of old lumber; there was part of a barrel of pitch and tar, of about half a hundred weight, tub and all together; there were likewise some old mats.

Where was the piece of the barrel of tar left? - In the shop next the street.

Were these all the things that were left? - All that I know of.

You went over the house? - Yes, from the top to the bottom.

What did you carry to Bethnal-green? - All the household goods.

What else? - Some coals in the cart.

Did you carry any clothes? - No.

Did you see any clothes at Bethnal-green? - No.

Cross Examination.

Are you a porter employed? - Yes.

These goods were removed publickly and openly? - Yes.

Prisoner. Whether you was in the two-pair-of-stairs forward? did you observe the bed and bedstead there? - The bed was left in the back room two-pair-of-stairs; I saw none in the two-pair-of-stairs forwards.

Did you go into the two-pair-of-stairs forwards? - Yes.

Did you remove any thing out of that room? - I only saw the bed and bedstead in the back room.

Were there any curtains? - Yes, linen.

THOMAS BESWICK sworn.

I am a merchant.

Are you acquainted with the prisoner? - I have known him several years.

Did you see him at any time in the night the fire happened, or the morning after the fire? - About half-past seven in the morning, as near as I can recollect, I met Mr. Browne in Globe-yard, just by the fire; he said Mr. Beswick, I first lost my ship last year, and now I have lost my all; that is all that passed, as near as I can recollect.

Mrs. BARBARA BELL sworn.

Do you know the prisoner? - Yes.

Did you see him the morning of the fire? - Yes.

What o'clock? - I cannot be certain to the hour; he came in after I had breakfasted; the boys were at breakfast.

Was it ten or eight o'clock? - It must be after eight. He said he had lost his all, he had nothing more than what he stood in, and his wife had only the gown on her back.

Cross Examination.

Did you know he had been removing some time before? - I did see the porter remove some things.

WILLIAM EASTON sworn.

I am engineer to the Sun Fire-office.

When did you see this Browne? - I saw Browne at the Globe in Globe-yard, about nine o'clock in the morning. As I was heaving my barge ashore, Mr. Bowing said Browne wanted to see the fireman of the Sun Fire-office; I asked where he was to be seen; he said at the Globe in Globe-yard; I went to Mr. Browne; he said he wanted the fireman of the Sun Fire-office, he had insured 400 l. and had lost his all, that he had saved no more than he stood in.

Was he insured? - Yes; on household goods, furniture and stock. We have got the books here. I told him he must apply to the surveyor of the Sun Fire-office.

What is the amount of his insurance? - The surveyor has the book.

EDWARD ROWLEY sworn.

I am surveyor of the insurance-office. (The book produced). He was insured 60 l. on household goods; 40 l. on wearing apparel; and 300 l. on utensils and stock in trade.

What was his trade? - He is described here a shopkeeper.

Cross Examination.

Are you an officer in the Sun Fire-office? - A surveyor.

Inform the court what demand he made on the office. - He made no demand that I know of.

Court. Was it long after the fire before this suspicion fell upon him? - Ten days after.

Counsel for the Prisoner.

GEORGE BRADDOCK sworn.

I am a ship-wright.

Are you acquainted with the prisoner? - I have known him personally ever since he came into Wapping.

Was you in his company any part of the evening preceeding the fire? - Yes; I saw him at the King Harry's Head, Red-Lion-street, Whitechapel, about seven o'clock; Browne was sitting in a chair before the fire. He continued at that house till about nine o'clock, or after.

Was he there all the time? - I saw him about seven o'clock.

Did you leave him there? - I believe I did at nine o'clock.

WILLIAM EDERIDGE sworn.

I keep a publick-house, the sign of the Globe.

Do you know Mr. Browne? - Yes.

Whose house does he live in? - The house of the Reverend Mr. Fleet: I collect rents for Mr. Fleet.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I never was from the Friday before till the morning that gentleman saw me near the house, that was after the fire was over, to see it. I hope I have people to prove where I was, I would not tell a lye for my heart, my life, nor my soul neither. That gentleman knows I always paid my rent.

For the Prisoner.

MARY WOODWARD sworn.

I live at No. 20, High-street, Wapping, the third house on the opposite side from Mr. Browne's.

What time in the morning did you first see any thing of the fire? - When I was first alarmed, it was about two o'clock.

Can you say whether the clock struck two or not? - No.

What observation did you make? - I looked out of my two-pair-of-stairs window, and saw it at the back of Mr. Keating's house.

Did you observe whether there was any fire in Mr. Brown's house? - No; I saw none at that time any where else, but at the back of Mr. Keating's house.

Court. Are you three houses higher up or lower down? - Higher up.

Then you are four houses higher than Keating's? - Yes.

JANE COATES sworn.

On the 15th of March I lived in the opposite house to the fire; I was not gone to bed when the alarm was given.

Where did it make its first appearance? - At Mr. Keating's house. I was in the back parlour. As soon as the alarm was given I went up stairs and looked out of the two-pair-of-stairs window; I saw a reflection and sparks from the back of Mr. Keating's house.

Was Browne's house at this time, in your judgement, on fire? - There was not the least appearance of it.

ANNE AKIN sworn.

I live in Orange-court, opposite Mr. Browne's house.

What time in the morning was it that you first observed the fire? - I believe about two o'clock; I was in the street; the fire appeared to me to break out next door to Mr. Browne's.

The next door above it or below it? - Below it.

Was there any appearance of fire in Browne's house at that time? - Not that I saw.

ISABELLA ARCHIBALD sworn.

I lived at the time of the fire at the Ship and Pilot, about three doors below the fire, on the other side of the way.

Nearer to Browne's or Keating's? - Nearer to Keating's. I had just been giving some clothes to the washerwoman to wash. Keating cried out three times, fire, fire, fire! I got up and ran to the window and asked where it was; Mr. Keating said it was at his house; his house was all on fire.

JOHN BULLEN sworn.

I live at the Camden's-Head, Bethnal-green.

How far is that from Wapping? - About a mile and a half or two miles. Mr. Brown has a house in the gardens, where I live. On the night of the fire he was in my house between eight and nine o'clock; he ordered a pot of beer home for him and his old woman to drink before they went to bed, he said.

Did you see him any more that night? - No.

How long might he be in your house? - About half an hour; I believe he went away between eight and nine; the beer was sent.

WILLIAM COOPER sworn.

I know Mr. Brown; I saw him on the evening the fire happened, at his own house, in Camden's Gardens, a little after nine o'clock; he said he had been at Bullen's and ordered a tankard of beer; I told him I intended to call him up early in the morning to do his garden. I locked the garden-gates. and went to bed. I waked him the next morning early; he looked out of the window in his shirt and night-cap, that was about six in the morning; there is a strong fence with spikes upon it.

Cross Examination.

Is there no gap in the fence? - There was a gap but not big enough for a man to get through; a child might. Since he has been in custody the gap has been made bigger.

How high are the pails? - About seven feet, with iron spikes on the top.

How had the gap been made bigger? - By shoving some of the pales down.

FRANCIS BRADLEY sworn.

I believe you may know what inventory was delivered in by Mr. Brown of his by this fire to charge the Sun Fire-office? - About four or five days after the fire Mr. Brown talked with me about his loss; he said the demand he had on the insurance-office was very trivial; that he had ware-houses that were not insured; he said he should be a greater loser than the insurance; his servant should draw up an inventory of his loss and deliver it in, accordingly it was drawn out and delivered to me by his servant Sarah Stonehouse . This was before he was taken up. He had called and told Mr. Gray, before that, he had very little demand upon them.

(The inventory was produced in court.)

SARAH STONEHOUSE sworn.

(The inventory shown) Is that your hand writing? - Yes, it is.

You lived with Mr. Brown at Wapping? - Yes.

You left him some time before the fire? - Yes; two months.

Was he possessed of the things mentioned in the inventory when you lived with him? Yes, and many more.

Have you been at his house in Camden's-gardens? - Yes, I live there now.

Are any of those things in the house at Camden's-gardens, or are they missing? - They are missing; my master and mistress sat down to recollect what they had lost; and I put them down.

Counsel. They are appraised at 65 l. the man is not here that appraised them.

Do you remember how many days after the fire it was before your master was taken up? - I came on the Saturday, the inventory was taken on the Tuesday, and carried to Mr. Bradley on the Wednesday morning, he was taken into custody after four o'clock.

Court to Keating. The women has said that you cried out fire three times; that she put her head out at window, and asked where. You said at Keating's, my house is all on fire? - It was begun to break into my premises; it broke into the warehouse, and communicated to the dwelling-house in less than five or six minutes.

To Turner. When did you mention to any of the gentlemen of the parish that you had seen this door open? - As soon as I returned from fetching the engines from the workhouse.

Brown called seven other witnesses, who gave him a very good character.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Third Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE.

211, 212. ELIZABETH LAMBERT and MARY NEW were indicted for that they in the king's highway in and upon Mary the wife of William Beachman , did make an assault, putting her in corporal fear and danger of her life, and stealing from her person a linen shirt value 1 s. a flannel petticoat, value 3 s. a cloth coat, value 3 s. a cloth waistcoat, value 1 s. a pair of cloth breeches, value 1 s. a cloth apron, value 1 s. a cambrick handkerchief, value 1 s. a linen handkerchief, value 6 d. a pair of worsted stockings, value 6 d. a pair of stuff shoes, value 2 d. and two leather shoes, value 2 d. the property of the said William , April 5th .

MARY BEACHMAN sworn.

I am the wife of William Beachman . I am servant to Mr. Davidson, a school-master at Islington. I had not taken all my things to my place. On Easter-Monday I had leave to come to London for the rest of my things. I came to town and called upon a gentlewoman who gave me a suit of clothes for my boy. I had all the things mentioned in the indictment in a bundle (repeating them). As I was going home about a quarter after nine at night, just as I came to the top of the road, by the Red-Lyon, the corner of Islington , I was attacked by the two prisoners.

Did you know them before? - I never set my eyes on them before. I am very sure they are the same; one of them came up to me and said, d - n your eyes give me your bundle! I asked her what she wanted with my bundle; she said d - n your eyes, let go the bundle! and took hold of my hand, and the other took the bundle from me; with the force of taking the bundle, I fell down, then she said to the other, come along, blast her eyes! we have got the bundle from her at last.

Was there any watchman near? - No; there was no watchman on the stand. I pursued them, but they got off. I went in the morning to Justice Blackborough's, and described the women, and the watchmen found them. They were both brought to the bar, and I knew them immediately. I saw the things at the justice's; they were found at a pawnbroker's the next day.

When you saw them at the justice's was you sure that they were the same who robbed you? - I was.

Was it light or dark? - It was light. I knew them by their clothes and their features.

Was there any lamp near? - Yes; there was, just at the corner.

JONATHAN REDGRAVE sworn.

I am a constable. On the Tuesday a person came to me and informed me, that Mary New was one of the persons who had robbed this woman. I went to a publick-house in Portpool-lane, and found the two prisoners with two other girls. New asked me if I wanted her; I said, yes. Mary New called me aside, and said, don't let me go alone, make a prisoner of Lambert. New then said to Lambert, you know we did rob the woman. Lambert absolutely denied it; New said, how can you deny it, when you have got the woman's stockings on your legs; she then flew in a great passion. The stockings were taken off by Dinmore. New told me to go to their lodgings, and she would show me some more of the property.

Did they lodge in one room? - No. I went with New to her lodgings first, and she pulled a handkerchief from between the bed and the sacking.

(The handkerchief was produced in court and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

Redgrave. From thence she took me to Lambert's lodging, and in her room I found these clothes (producing them) I asked her if that was all; she said no; that the night they committed the robbery, they pawned an apron, at Mr. Low's on Clerkenwell-green.

Who acknowledged this? - New. I asked her if there were any more things; she said yes, a shift and a flannel petticoat, pawned in Portpool-lane, about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour before I took them, that Lambert had the woman's shift on, and pulled it off that morning to pawn it. I found these things at the pawnbroker's.

(They were produced and sworn to by the prosecutrix.)

JOHN DINMORE sworn.

Upon Tuesday morning the prisoner Lambert wanted to go to the necessary; a woman went with her; the woman came out to me and said she wanted to throw a pair of stockings down the necessary. When I came in with her, I heard she had the woman's stockings on; she pulled them off. These are the stockings.

(They were produced in court and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

ROBERT EWIN sworn.

I went with Redgrave and Dinmore to take the prisoners. I took the prosecutrix's shoes off New's feet.

(They were produced in court and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

WILLIAM MATTIN sworn.

I am a pawnbroker in Portpool-lane, on Tuesday the 6th of April, both the prisoners pawned this flannel petticoat; about an hour after Mary New brought the shift.

(They were produced in court and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

JAMES LOW sworn.

I am a pawnbroker at Clerkenwell-green. I took in a white apron of Mary New , on Monday the 5th of April after ten o'clock.

(It was produced in court and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

LAMBERT's DEFENCE.

New asked me to go with her to see her mother at Islington. Mary New picked up the bundle as she came home.

MARY NEW'S DEFENCE.

I went to see my mother at Islington; as I was coming home, I kicked this bundle before me. I brought it home and opened it, and found these things in it.

BOTH GUILTY Death .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

213. MARY TAUNTON was indicted for stealing six pair of cotton stockings, value 30 s. and an odd stocking, value 1 s. the property of Edward Lovibond , privately in his shop , March 8th .

EDWARD LOVIBOND sworn.

I am a hosier in Holbourn . On the 8th of March I made up a parcel of stockings for a customer, one Mr. Thornton, in Cheapside, which I left on the compter; it contained six pair and an odd stocking belonging to the lady which I had for a pattern stocking; the prisoner came in to look at some stockings; when she was gone, my wife missed this parcel; I immediately pursued the prisoner, but did not find the stockings upon her; another man had stopped her and taken them from her. She was brought back; she begged for mercy, but made no excuse for the fact.

PRISCILLA LOVIBOND sworn.

The prisoner came into our shop and asked the lowest price of a pair of black stockings; I said eighteen pence; she said that was too much, and immediately went out of the ship. As soon as she was gone out, I looked for the parcel of stockings, and missed them. I suspected the prisoner had taken them, and called to my husband to know where he had laid them; he said on the compter; upon which I immediately pursued the prisoner, crying out stop thief! and the prisoner was stopped and brought back with the stockings.

(The stockings were produced in court and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

JOHN PETERS sworn.

On hearing Mrs. Lovibond cry out stop thief! I pursued the prisoner and took her with the stockings upon her; she pulled them out of her pocket. I took her back to Mrs. Lovibond's; she begged for mercy.

SAMUEL BOLTON sworn.

I am a constable. I was sent for to take charge of the prisoner. I heard her beg for mercy.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

As I was coming out of the shop I found the stockings on the ceil of the door.

GUILTY of stealing to the value of 4 s. 10 d .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

214. VINCENT BOMMERSBACK was indicted for stealing a striped bed-tick, value 4 s. a pair of linen sheets, value 8 s. a linen pillow-case, value 1 s. a pillow, value 1 s. a brass pot, value 18 d. a brass pot cover, value 6 d. three copper saucepans, value 3 s. three wooden drawers, value 1 s. two brass candlesticks, value 1 s. and two flat irons, value 1 s. the property of Jonathan Bradley , in a lodging-room let by contract by the said Jonathan to the said Vincent , against the statute, &c. March 4th .

JONATHAN BRADLEY sworn.

I live in Cross-street, Carnaby-market . The prisoner took a lodging of me at three shillings a week, and lodged with me near a twelvemonth. I had given her warning to quit the lodging; when the time was up, she told me she was not provided, and I permitted her to stay a few days longer. On the fourth of March she left the lodging without saying any thing, and took the key with her. I waited a week to see if she would return; finding she did not return, I took a young man that works with me, and tried some keys I had in the house, and got the door open. When I got in, I found the bed cut to pieces, and the tick gone, and missed all the other things mentioned in the indictment (repeating them). On the Wednesday following I saw her in a stall near Gerard-street. I took her before a justice. She denied knowing any thing of the things, or pawning them; the justice ordered her to be searched, and duplicates were found upon her which led to the discovery of the things.

ELIZABETH PARKER sworn.

I have a bed-tick that was brought to me by Mary White , I lent her four shillings and sixpence upon it; she said it belonged to the French woman; the French woman came, and said she had a piece of work to do, and I should have the money again on Saturday night, that she should be in trouble if she had not the money that day. She did not come on Saturday. I told Mrs. White I was very angry, and she told the prisoner, upon which the prisoner came and told me she would send me the money on the morrow.

(The bed-tick was produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PETER PEELE sworn.

I am a pawnbroker. The prisoner pawned a sheet with me in May, a saucepan in June, and a copper pot and cover in January.

(They were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

JOHN EDWARDS sworn.

I am a pawnbroker. I took in some things of Mary White . I know nothing of the prisoner.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

A woman that lodged with me five weeks, pawned them in my absence. I know nothing of it.

GUILTY .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

215. JOHN BARRETT was indicted for stealing a cloth coat, value 30 s. a cloth waistcoat, value 10 s. and a pair of corderoy breeches, value 5 s. the property of Richard Garfield in the dwelling-house of John Clare , March 4th .

RICHARD GARFIELD sworn.

I was servant at Mr. Clare's, the Greenman and Still, in Oxford-road . I left that service on the third of March, and went to the Saracen's-head, Snow-hill. I left the clothes mentioned in the indictment, at the Green-man. I went the next day, and Mr. Clare told me my clothes were gone. He said he believed the thief was in the house, and advised me to go to Sir John Fielding 's; I went, and Baugh, one of Sir John's men, came with me. The prisoner lodged in the house; he was not in the way; we waited till he came in, then Baugh took him up stairs and searched him and the premises, but could find nothing; he then said if we would not hurt him he would tell us where the things were; I said I did not desire to hurt him. Baugh and he went to the pawnbroker's, and got the things; I saw them at Sir John Fielding 's.

- BAUGH sworn.

I took the prisoner and went with him to the pawnbroker's and found the clothes.

(The clothes were produced in court by the pawnbroker, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I met a man in Oxford-street, with a bundle of clothes, the day before I was taken up; he asked me to drink with him; we went and had a tankard of beer; he said he wanted to raise some money on the clothes, and asked me to pawn them for him, which I did. His name is Williams, he has kept out of the way ever since I have been in trouble.

GUILTY of stealing to the value of 20 s .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

216, 217. CHARLOTTE REYNOLDS and MARY NICHOLS were indicted for stealing a Bank note, value 10 l. the property of Robert Spinks , February 23d .

ROBERT SPINKS sworn.

I am servant to Lord Milsington. On the 23d of February I went to see my brother, who is servant to Mr. Boon, in Soho-square, and received two Bank notes of him of ten pounds each, for money owing to me. After I left my brother I went into Leicester-fields, and met with the prisoner Nichols. I went with her to Lisle-street ; there was another girl in company, about the size of the other prisoner. I am not positive that it was her; she came up to us at the end of Lisle-street; they were very free with me and I with them; we were at the end of Lisle-street, where there is no thoroughfare.

What time was it? - Between nine and ten at night; a man was coming up, upon which they both ran away. I then met a woman who said she hoped I was robbed; I asked her for what; she said for bringing girls to such a place. I felt, and immediately missed one of the notes; it was loose in my breeches pocker.

Do you know the number of the note? - No.

WILLIAM SMITH sworn.

I am clerk to Messrs. Drummond, at Charing-cross. On the 4th of February the prosecutor's brother came with a draught of his master's, for 52 l. 11 s. for which he received three ten pound Bank notes and the rest in money. The numbers of the notes were 1129, K29, and K466.

What was the letter to the first? - There was no letter to the first.

JOHN SPINKS sworn.

I received three ten pound notes at Mess. Drummond's, two of them I paid to my brother the 23d of February. I received them on the 4th, according to the date of the notes.

ISAAC PADMAN sworn.

I am a clerk at the Bank. About five or six weeks ago a person came to me, gave me a Bank note, and said he came from the office in Bow-street, and only wanted to know if it was a good note. I went and showed it to the second cashier, the first was not there; he said it was a good one. The man said he did not want the money, but that there were two girls in custody on suspicion of stealing it. That officer came afterwards, and had the money, his name is Godfrey. I have the note (producing it).

JOHN GODFREY sworn.

I am a constable belonging to the Rotation-office. On the 24th of February, I was at the publick-house; the two prisoners came and told me they had found a piece of paper which they had delivered into the hands of Mr. Forster, a publican, in Cockspur-street, to read; that a man who stood by the fire, said it was a good Bank note, and bid them not take less than the value for it; that the landlord offered them five pounds for it, and then eight pounds, but they would not take it; and they asked me to go with them to the landlord. I went and bid him bring the note to the office, he did, and it was delivered to me; I kept it a fortnight and advertised it, but nobody came to own it. The magistrates then asked me what I had done with it; I said nobody had owned it; they said I might go and get the money for it, and give it to the girls; I went and got the money, but before I delivered it, I advertised it twice more, and then the prosecutor's brother came and owned it.

ROBERT FORSTER sworn.

I am a publican, and keep the sign of the Crown in Cockspur-street. On the 24th or 25th of February the two prisoners produced a ten pound Bank note to me. Nichols had the note; she offered it me for eight pounds. I asked her where she got it; she said a gentleman gave it her going down the Haymarket. Somebody present said it was either a bad note or a stolen one, upon which she demanded the note, and said she would put it in the fire before my face; I said I would not give it her till I had shown it to some proper person; she came again with Godfrey and took it to the Rotation-office.

(The note was produced in court, and deposed to by Drummond's clerk.)

To the Prosecutor. You cannot swear to the note? - No; I had it in my possession but half an hour.

REYNOLD's DEFENCE.

The gentleman was very much in liquor, and dropped it; some people were coming up and he ran away.

NICHOLS's DEFENCE.

The man picked us up; he was very much in liquor; he dropped the note.

BOTH NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

218, 219. THOMAS THORPE and JAMES MANTZ were indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of William Gibbs , on the 26th of February , about the hour of two in the night and stealing 20 pounds weight of veal, value 9 s. six pounds weight of pork, value 2 s. and one linen cloth, value 6 d. the property of the said William, in his dwelling-house .

WILLIAM GIBBS sworn.

I am a butcher , in Butcher-Row, Temple-bar . On the 26th of February at night, my house and shop were fastened up; the next morning about five o'clock, my servant came up and told me the shop was broke open, and the meat gone. I got up and found my shop window had been burst open, and four joints of meat gone, with a linen cloth, which was marked; the meat was in a cloth in a tray, near the window; soon after the beadle of the parish came and told me that a boy had been stopped with a parcel of meat, which they thought had been stolen. I went and saw the boy, who is the prisoner Thorpe, and the meat, and knew the meat and cloth both to be mine.

(The cloth was produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

JOHN SCOTT sworn.

As I was going by St. Clement's church about half after two of a Saturday morning, about six or seven weeks ago, I saw James Mantz , drinking with the watchman in a publick-house; I went into the publick-house, and staid a minute or two, and then came out, and met Thorpe and another man with a parcel of meat. I suspected they had stolen it; I went up to them and secured Thorpe with the meat, the other got off; I took him to the watch-house, he acknowledged he took the meat out of Mr. Gibbs's shop; he said, as he was passing by Mr. Gibbs's shop, his foot slipped, and endeavouring to save himself, his hand pressed against the window shutter, and burst it open, and pulled the meat out. He said Mantz was concerned with him.

MATTHEW SWIFT sworn.

I was constable of the night; I saw Scott conducting Thorpe to the watch-house, with the meat and cloth; I took notice, and know it to be the samethat has been produced.

THORPE's DEFENCE.

I found the meat in a bundle as I was coming along.

Mantz was not put upon his defence.

Thorpe called two Witnesses, who gave him a good character.

THORPE NOT GUILTY of the burglary, but guilty of stealing the meat .

MANTZ NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

220. ELEANOR RILEY was indicted for stealing a pair of plush breeches, value 7 s. an iron key value 8 d. a penknife, value 4 d. three guineas and ten shillings and sixpence, in monies, numbered , the property of Lawrence Farrel , April 8th .

LAWRENCE FARRELL sworn.

I was put in care of a lodging house of one Barnard M'Carty , in Dyot-street, St. Giles's . The prisoner came and wanted a lodging; I asked her two-pence, the usual price; she had but five farthings; I agreed to let her lie in the room with me in another bed; I went to bed first, about two in the morning; I waked about seven, and missed my breeches, and the other things mentioned in the indictment (repeating them). When I missed them the prisoner was in bed. I never found any of the things again, only I heard that the prisoner had lodged three guineas in the hands of a publican the next morning.

MAURICE O'DONALD sworn.

I am a publican. The prisoner drank some gin at my bar in the morning; she pulled a black silk handkerchief out of her bosom, and put it in again; presently after she pulled the handkerchief out again loose and cried out, murther, I am robbed! I asked her what she had been robbed of; she said three guineas which she had in her bosom; my maid put her hand down her bosom and found the three guineas, and gave it me to keep for her, as the woman was very drunk; the next day she came for half a guinea, and gave the maid five shillings and sixpence, and five shillings to a man who she said stood by or she should have lost it all; that morning the prisoner came in, and said he had lost some money, but did not know who to suspect, as it was in a lodging house; I told him of the money the prisoner had.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I know nothing of it. That man keeps a disorderly house; it is a twopenny lodging-house.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

221. ELISABETH RYLAND was indicted for stealing a silver tablespoon, value 10 s. three silver tea spoons, value 5 s. two muslin aprons, value 5 s. two linen handkerchiefs, value 2 s. a table cloth, value 2 s. and a stay-hook, value 1 s. the property of Sarah Walker , spinster ; three linen aprons, value 3 s. and three muslin caps, value 3 s. the property of Sarah Spriggs , spinster , April 5th .

SARAH WALKER sworn.

I live in York-street, Covent-garden . The prisoner was my servant ; Spriggs is my lodger's servant . On the 7th of this month I sent the prisoner to Westminster with some things; she never returned to my service. On her not returning, I looked after the things she had in her care, and missed the things mentioned in the indictment (repeating them). I waited till the Friday following to see if she would return, but not returning, I then got a warrant, and she was taken in Channel-row, Westminster, and a muslin apron, and pocket handkerchief of mine were found upon her.

NICHOLAS HAYNES sworn.

I am a constable. I took the prisoner on this day week; she had a bundle with a handkerchief and apron in it.

(They were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

SAMUEL RENSHAW sworn.

I am servant to Mr. Rochford, pawnbroker, the corner of Russel-court, Bridges-street. On the 5th of April the prisoner pledged with me a table cloth, an apron, two tea spoons, a table spoon, and a stay-hook.

(They were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I took the things to wash, to my mistress's mother; I got in company with an acquaintance, and staid till it was so late that I was afraid to go home.

The prisoner called two witnesses who gave her a good character.

GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

222. STEPHEN HEDGES was indicted for stealing a pair of mens leather shoes, value 5 s. two pair of womens callimanco shoes, value 5 s. the property of John Greaves , March 17th .

JOHN GREAVES sworn.

I am a shoemaker in Cranbourn-street, Leicester-fields . The prisoner was servant to me for eight days. On the Saturday night my wife was informed that he went away with his pockets full. I looked to see if any thing was gone, and missed a pair of gentleman's dressed shoes, which stood before him. On the Wednesday following, the 17th of March, as he was going to breakfast I saw one of his pockets stick out; I laid hold of him, and asked him what he had in his pocket; I found this pair of shoes (producing them).

Was he willing to be searched? - No; he said he had nothing; I insisted on his pulling it out, whatever it was; they are a pair of womans callimanco shoes which were made for a customer. I charged him with robbing me the Saturday night before; but he denied it. I sent for a constable and then he said he had taken another pair, and if I would let him go, he would fetch them; I said it was too late then, and took him to the Rotation-Office; and the constable and I went and searched his room, and found the men's dressed shoes; he had blacked the heels where they wer e stitched, and worn them a day, I suppose; and we found likewise two pair of women's callimanco shoes.

(They were produced in court by the constable, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I was going to carry the shoes to a customer; they were ordered before my master was up; the men's shoes were not his property.

GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Justice BLACKSTONE.

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

223. JAMES THORNTON was indicted for stealing a woman's saddle, value 30 s. the property of William Rogers , April 2d .

WILLIAM ROGERS sworn.

I lost my saddle about the 2d of April. The next morning I heard that a saddle had been seen at the palace-gate, and that the prisoner was sentry that night at the gate. I went and got further intelligence, and went to the lodging of the prisoner, and found the saddle on his bed.

THOMAS HAWKINS sworn.

I was at my door between eight and nine o'clock at Kensington; I saw a soldier come with a saddle across the street, from the side of the way Mr. Rogers lives on, and went up towards the palace-gate; the sentry was then at the gate; when he came within a yard of the gate, he made a stop, and then went through the gate.

THOMAS STIKEMAN sworn.

I was coming by the palace-gate; I found a saddle within a yard of the sentry; I was going to take it up, but the prisoner, who was the sentry, came and took it from me; there was a soldier ran away at the time.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I was the sentry that night; a butcher's boy came and told me there was a saddle in the road; I went to pick it up, and the last witness was going to take it also; I thought I might as well have it, and get the reward, if there was any, as he. I took it up and carried it home.

(The prisoner called his serjeant, who gave him a good character.)

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

224, 225, 226. WILLIAM WALKER , JOHN CANTON , and JOSEPH PENTICROSS were indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of James Penticross , on the 3d of March , about the hour of three in the night, and stealing thirty-six pound weight of copper, called shruff copper, value 20 s. six pound weight of old brass, value 3 s. three brass weights, value 7 s. a quarter of an hundred of copper filings and turnings, value 9 s. six pewter patterns, value 20 s. twenty-four lead patterns, value 40 s. sixty copper patterns, value 7 l. and six brass patterns, value 20 s. the property of the said James Penticross and Job Cox , in the dwelling-house of the said James .

JAMES PENTICROSS sworn.

I live at No. 13, Eyre-street, Leather-Lane ; I am a founder and brasier , in partnership with Job Cox; the house is mine; the prisoner Joseph Penticross is my nephew ; I know nothing of the other two. On the 3d of March my house was broke open; a window at the corner of Summer-street was broke open; I saw all fast about eleven o'clock the night before. About three in the morning my wife waked me; I heard a noise; I thought it was rats or mice, or some vermin; I made a noise with a chair by the bed-side, and the noise ceased; I struck a light, and smoaked some tobacco, and then laid down again, and went to sleep. I was waked a second time by the same noise; it was a small trifling noise; I could not distinguish any thing in particular; I got up about seven o'clock in the morning; and when I went to open the window, at the corner of Summer-street, I found it broke open; the bolt was wrenched out of the main beam of solid timber; the ground lies high, and the window almost close to it; it is the window of the cellar or shop. I missed all the things mentioned in the indictment (repeating them): I went to look at the situation of the window on the outside, and found the brickwork broke opposite the bolt, and there was wrote in chalk, Penty. I thought the writing was like what I had seen Joseph Penticross write; my wife told me, she heard somebody come up to that window the night before, while I was gone out, with a wooden-leg; Joseph Penticross having a wooden-leg, that, and the writing, gave me a suspicion of him; I went to his mother's to see for him; his father lay dead in the house at the time; he was out; she sent for him; he came in, and sat down, and asked what I wanted with him at that time; the undertaker came in with his father's coffin, and he burst out a crying, and said, uncle, have you got a warrant? I said, I had not; he said, then I will tell you where you may find your things; I can show you where the persons are who robbed you. I went with him to several places, but could not find them; at last, between seven and eight o'clock in the evening, we found Walker and Canton in Walker's lodging, at a house on Saffron-hill, in the same room were two girls; one was in bed, and the other getting into bed; we made them get up; I asked them if they knew any thing of breaking my house open; they said, no; I desired the constable to search, and see if he could find any thing; he found three of my patterns in Walker's pocket, and two in the closet; he found also in Walker's lodgings, a saw, and some tools; among which was an iron-crow; there was nothing found on Canton. We took them to the Punch-Bowl, with the two women; and the officer left me with them, and went and searched the lodging of Canton.

JOB COX sworn.

I am partner with Penticross; about five o'clock of the night in which the house was broke open, I made this window fast belonging to the cellar, and saw all the things safe which are mentioned in the indictment. The patterns that Dinmore, the constable found, I know to be my property.

[ Edward Jelley , who keeps the house where the prisoner Penticross's mother lived, went with him and his uncle, and the constable, to Walker's lodgings, and confirmed Penticross's evidence as to finding the things.]

JOHN DINMORE sworn.

I went with the prisoner Penticross and his uncle to Walker's lodgings, and took him and the other prisoner. I searched the lodging, and found two patterns in the closet, and three in Walker's pocket. I then went and searched the lodging of Canton, but found nothing there. The next day I took them before a magistrate, and Penticross wanted to be an evidence; but would not say any thing till the other two were brought up. Then the magistrate said, he understood he was come voluntarily to offer himself as an evidence, and asked him what he had to say; he said, nothing at all, and refused to say any thing. Then they were all three ordered to the bar, and began to accuse one another. Penticross charged Walker with softening the iron crow, and bending it up with a hammer to break the house open. I went and tried the crow, and it fitted the mark where they had wrenched the window open.

WALKER's DEFENCE.

I went into this room in the morning; these things were lying on the table; Penticross said they were his father's; that he put on his father's coat, and found them in the pocket.

CANTON's DEFENCE.

I know nothing of it.

PENTICROSS's DEFENCE.

I know nothing of it.

WALKER, GUILTY Death .

The other Two, NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. JUSTICE BLACKSTONE.

227. FRANCES HAMILTON was indicted for stealing a guinea, a half-crown, and 12 d. in monies, numbered, the property of William Ashton , privately from his person , February 21st .

WILLIAM ASHTON sworn.

On Sunday the 21st of February, happening to spend the evening late with some friends, it was my misfortune to be locked out of my lodging. Being a stranger in London, I know not where to spend the rest of the night. Seeing a light in a public-house by Temple-bar , I went in; the prisoner came up to me, and gave me an invitation to go home with her, which I agreed to. There was a coach, we got in, and she ordered the man to drive to Covent Garden ; but when we came there, she ordered him to drive back to Temple-bar; upon which I thought there was something wrong, and felt, and missed my money. I charged her with having it; she denied it. When we got out, I charged the watchman with her; he took her to the watch-house, and the constable searched her, and found exactly the money upon her that I had lost; she confessed it was my money, and asked my pardon.

What time of the night was this transaction? - About one or two in the morning.

PATRICK M'MANNS sworn.

I am a constable. On the 21st of February, in the morning, the prisoner was brought to the watch-house by the prosecutor and two watchmen. The prosecutor said, she had robbed him. I desired her to return the man his money. She said, she had none of his money. I threatened to search her, and said, I knew I should find it. She then pulled out half a crown, and some halfpence. I asked where the guinea was; she said, she had none; I said, you know you have it in your shoe. I made her pull her shoe off, but found no guinea. I stroked my hand along her foot, and found it between her foot and her stocking. She begged his pardon, and hoped he would not prosecute her. She did not say any thing about the money she rather denied it all along.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I know nothing of the matter; I have no witnesses to call.

Prosecutor. I went into the publick-house; it was she that picked me up, not I that picked her up.

Jury. How long have you been in London? - Near a twelvemonth?

You was rather in liquor? - Yes.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

228. JOHN VINCENT was indicted for the wilful murder of Mary Dollard , March 23d .

He was charged with the like murder on the coroner's inquest.

JOHN BEVENS sworn.

I am a gardener, at North-End, Fulham. John Vincent is a gardener , he lived close by me; the deceased Mary Dollard and he lived together in his house. One Davis came running to my house on the 23d of March, about one or two o'clock, as near as I can guess, and said to me, Bevens, old Vincent, has shot Mother Dollard. I said, I hoped not; he said, he has. On that I ran over to Mrs. Simpson's house, where the woman went in; there I saw Dollard sitting in a chair, and Mary Mattinan holding her up behind, in a deplorable condition, not able to speak to any body. Somebody said, it is a pity but she had something to drink; with that I went away and fetched a little drop of gin, and they put it into a drop of water; and they put it into her mouth, and she made a kind of goggle, but could not drink it. I took up her cloak, and saw some holes in it, on the left side in the lower part the cloak. I went to Vincent's house, and said to Vincent, what have you been doing? he said, that she had been breaking his windows; and he told her, if she did not keep away he would shoot her in the arse, that was his word directly; he said, she stood aggravating him, and he shot her; but he did not think of doing her any harm; and he said, that if he had killed her he would suffer for it; I told him, I must take him into custody as I am an officer; I hope you will not be angry with me about it; he said he could not help it; he was not angry with me. I took him into custody.

Did you see any thing of the weapon? - This gun was in the house; it was standing between the fire place and the clock.

Did you examine it? - No, I did not; this is all I know of it.

Did not you hear the report of the gun? - I did not. Here is a nail that was extracted from her.

MARTHA DAVIS sworn.

I live at North-End , about one hundred yards from the prisoner; I do not know any thing of the death of Mrs. Dollard; I was at the publick-house, the Crown, when it was done. About four yards from Vincent's, somebody said, a woman was shot; I went out; Mrs. Simpson was calling for assistance; I saw the deceased in Mrs. Simpson's house.

How near is that to Vincent's? - Only the next door; she spoke to me first, and begged me to let her lay down some where; I helped to undress her; she bled very fast; it came from the hind part just under the shoulder; it was most on the left side.

Did she lie down? - No; she never spoke after; Vincent came in almost as soon as me; he asked what he had done; I told him he had taken her off in the midst of her wickedness; he said, if he had, he was sorry for it it was an accident; I told him, she ought to have something to drink; he desired we would give her any thing we thought would do her good; she lived two or three hours; the prisoner was there most of the time; Bevens was in his own house at that time; it was a good bit before he came.

Where was the prisoner when Bevens came? - In Mrs. Simpson's house I believe; I am not sure.

When he said it was an accident, did you ask him what kind of an accident it was? - He said, he did shoot her, but was sorry for it; he begged to send somebody for a doctor, he would pay for any thing; he kissed her several times, and bid her speak to him.

Cross Examination.

How long did he stay? - During the time she was alive; he said he would pay any expense, if any body would go and fetch a doctor.

SARAH MALTMAN sworn.

I live at Mrs. Mills's, opposite Mrs. Simpson's, I heard a gun go off, and ran out of doors; and Mrs. Simpson said, Vincent had shot Mary Dollard ; I went over into Simpson's house; I held her up about half an hour or better; she was sitting in a chair in the kitchen; I asked her to speak to me, but she did not. Vincent came in, and took hold of her, and asked her several times to speak, but she could not; that is all I know about it.

Was any question asked him in your hearing, how she came hurt in that manner? - No.

Was you there before Mr. Bevens, or did Mr. Bevens come after? - Mr. Bevens came after.

MARY SIMPSON sworn.

I live next door to Vincent's; I had been out on a little business, and was just come in doors.

What time of the day? - As nigh as I can guess, it was after one o'clock; I heard the report of a gun; I went out of the house; I saw Mary Dollard come from her gate with her hand to her side.

Is there a yard before the house? - A little bit of a yard and a gate to it.

How wide is that yard; how far from the wall of the house? - I cannot justly say how wide it is.

Is it five or six yards? - I fansy it is, or rather better; I went out and asked her what was the matter; has he shot you? she said, he has, and came into my house. I immediately stepped into the road, and asked somebody to come to my assistance, for I said Vincent had shot Dollard; Mrs. Davis came, and I went in presently after, and found her speechless; Vincent came in, and Mrs. Davis asked him what he had done; he said, what he had done he could not help; he had done it accidentally.

Did he describe by what accident? - No, he did not in my hearing; I went out with my child in my arms.

You say you was just come in; did you see any thing of him or her as you came in? - Yes, I saw her coming from her own gate towards me; she turned, and went back and I went in.

Did you see any thing of him at that time? - No, I did not; I cannot tell where he was at that time.

How long after was it that you heard the report of the gun? - About a quarter of an hour.

How near do you live to their gate? - My door faces the back of their house; the gate is before the house; when you come out of their gate, you turn down to the right to my house. When she was coming towards me she had a china cup in her hand; she said it was given her, and she would give it me; she turned back, and went in again.

Do you know any thing about that china cup? - No; I never saw it before.

Did any body object to her giving it you? - No; I went into my gate, and she turned back.

Was she sober? - No, she had been drinking before, at the Three Tuns, Walham-Green, and at the Crown; I saw her at the Green; I met him coming from the Green.

Upon what footing did these people live together; did they live in a friendly way, or were they accustomed to quarrel? - They used often to quarrel.

Was she apt to drink? - Yes.

Did he drink? - I believe he did.

Did their quarrels use to proceed to any degree of violence, to blows? - Yes, they have fought.

Had you heard any words between them that morning? - I do not know that I heard her speak a word to him, or he to, her, I was out almost all the morning.

Do you know any thing of the gun? - I saw her with the gun before.

Had you ever heard the gun let off before? - Yes, that morning between eight and nine o'clock; I never heard it before.

Where was you at that time? - In my house.

Did you know how he came to fire the gun then? - No; I went out; I was in my house.

How came you to be alarmed the second time? - I ran out.

JOHN COGHLAN sworn.

I am a surgeon. I was on Tuesday the 23d sent for to a person I was told was shot at North-End; I was not at home when they first sent; I went as soon as I came home. When I came into the room, I saw her lying on her back on the bed just expiring; I enquired whether any thing had been done; they said, they attempted to give her some liquor, but she could not swallow it; she died soon after.

Did you examine the body? - I did; I asked where the wound was; they showed it me, and turned her on her side; the wound was near the back, on the left side; I found two wounds between the loins and the ribs; first I examined it with a probe; then I passed my finger into the wounds; there were two deep penetrating wounds; they penetrated into the cavity of the body. I told them there could be nothing done for her, she was dying. The man came in and asked me if it was in my power to do any thing for her; I told him, no; he asked to kiss her; and the constable followed him and took him away.

Did you afterwards examine the body? - No; I was before the coroner; I showed them the wounds.

There was no thorough wound, as if a ball had passed? - No. After having my finger some time in the wound, I brought out the point part of a nail. The woman was then in the agonies of death. (The nail was produced in the court.) That was the occasion of her death.

GEORGE DAVIS sworn.

I am the husband of Martha Davis

Do you know any thing of the affair? - No; I was drinking at the Crown; hearing the prisoner had shot Dollard, I went out to see.

Did you hear the report of the gun? - I might, but did not take any notice of it. When I came by his gate, the prisoner stood at the gate, or in the foot-path, I cannot say which. This gate comes out on the foot-path; I went by him, and went and saw the woman. I came back to him, and said, why, Vincent, have you shot her? he said, I have, and am sorry for it; I did not think the shot to be so fatal as it was. I said, why don't you get the doctor or surgeon? He said to me, get some body to go, I will pay them for their trouble.

Had you ever seen the gun before? - No.

Do you live near him? - About two hundred yards off.

Did you ever use to be in the hou se? - No, I never was in the house in my life that I know of.

WILLIAM LAYTON sworn.

As I was riding through North-end, I saw a great many people. Lord Seston was there; he came and met me, and said, a man had shot a woman, and begged I would bleed her. I said she was as bad as dead. I opened a vein, and she bled; but there was no circulation. Mary Simpson observed, when she heard the gun go off; she ran out and met the woman with her hand on her side; she said she was a dead woman; he had shot her.

EDWARD BYRON sworn.

I live at North-End. On the 23d of March, about three o'clock or thereabouts, I cannot say precisely, I had an information brought me, that Vincent had shot Mrs. Dollard. I went immediately to Vincent's, and saw him in the garden, talking with one Mills. I went up to him, and said, Good God, Vincent! how could you do so? He made answer, he had shot her; but had no more intention to kill her than he had me that moment. He told me she had broke his windows, and aggravated him a good deal; that he did not know what to do with himself. I heard him say afterwards, that he had done it; and if he was to be hanged for it, he must be hanged for it.

Did he say to you he had done it accidentally? - No.

MARY PAGE sworn.

On last Tuesday was three weeks, about two o'clock, I was going by Vincent's house; when I was opposite the gate, I saw Vincent with the gun in his right hand; he held it out, pointed to the woman, who stood on the outside of the gate; I heard the report of the gun immediately, and the woman went to the next gate; and Mary Simpson said, O Lord! O Lord! this woman is a dead woman! I was in the road right opposite when I heard the report; I might as well have had it as she; but she received it all.

Did you hear her or Vincent say any thing before the gun went off? - No

What was she doing at the gate? - I did not see her doing any thing; I did not mind her till I came to her.

Jury. Did you see any birds fly about at the time the gun went off? - No, I did not.

JAMES BELLOWS sworn.

I was coming up North-End, about two o'clock; I saw this woman and three boys standing at the gate; the boys came over to me, and said Vincent was going to shoot Dollard. While I was talking with the boys, I heard the report of the gun; I did not see Vincent; I saw the woman come from the gate, and go into the next gate.

Did you see the gun? - No.

Did you see where the report came from? - No; I heard the report, but did not know where it came from.

Did you see any smoke or flash? - No; I saw him just after at his gate.

Did you hear him say any thing? - No.

The Right Honourable the Earl of SEFTON sworn.

Coming on horseback by North-End, I saw a crowd of people; I enquired what it was; some children told me, that an old man had shot a woman; he came out, and said to me (I cannot repeat the exact words) he said, if he was to suffer for it he could not help it; but, if he had not shot her, she would have done him a mischief. I asked what she had done? He said, she had thrown brickbats at him, and broke his windows, and threw water at him. The people said they had lived together upon exceeding bad terms; that is the whole, as near as I can recollect. I was coming to town; as they did not seem very willing to take him; I hurried the constable away with him.

When he said she had been throwing brickbats at him, did your lordship propose any question to him? - I did not; he seemed so very hardened. He said afterwards, he had no more intention of killing her than he had of killing me. Then he said he was only shooting at the gate.

The Hon. JOHN ST . JOHN sworn.

I was riding with Lord Seston and another gentleman on the North-End road, and observing a crowd at the door of a gardener, we rode up and enquired what was the matter; they informed us an old man had just shot a woman. My curiosity prompted me to get off my horse; I went into the house and saw the woman, I believe, nearly expiring. I got on my horse again. The prisoner came to the door; the crowd informed me that was the man that had done it. I asked him what could induce him to commit so horrid an action. As far as I can recollect, that was the purport of my question; he did not make any immediate answer, but began a detail of circumstances, that she had thrown water upon him in the night. I do not know that he alluded to the preceding night; that she had been breaking his windows that morning and throwing brickbats at him, and pointed to the wall where there were some brickbats; after that, he said he had no intention of killing her; and concluded by saying he was only shooting at the gate. That is the general purport of what he said. We staid till the woman was dead, and charged a constable with him.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

My lord, I own that I was that morning shooting sparrows off the gooseberries; I fired twice; she came in the way; some how it hit to be sure, I cannot tell how; that is all I have to say.

NOT GUILTY of the murther, but guilty of manslaughter only .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

[Branding. See summary.] [Imprisonment. See summary.]

229. HANNAH EGERTON was indicted for stealing a yellow sattin gown, value 2 s. a red cloth cloak, value 6 d. and a linen handkerchief, value 1 s. the property of Jonathan George , March 25th .

JONATHAN GEORGE sworn.

I live in Pig lane, near Uxbridge . On the 25th of March I got up and went to work about six o'clock; my wife missed the things mentioned in the indictment.

ELISABETH FRANCE sworn.

I live on Uxbridge Common. On the 26th of March, about eight in the morning, the prisoner came to me with a gown and handkerchief, which she offered to sell me; she had the prosecutor's cloak on at the time. The prosecutor had called that morning and told me his wife had lost those things. I sent for Mrs. George, and she came and owned them.

ELISABETH GEORGE sworn.

I missed the things mentioned in the indictment (repeating them) on the 25th of March, about seven in the morning; I was sent for the next morning by Mrs. France, who had stopped the prisoner; I went and saw the prisoner with my things. I know nothing of the prisoner, I never saw her before.

(The things were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I bought them of my sister; she did live at Watford. I do not know where she is now.

GUILTY of stealing to the value of 10 d .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Whipping. See summary.]

230. THOMAS HILLIARD was indicted for that he on the 16th of March , about the hour of twelve in the night, willfully did set fire to a certain house of Joseph Dickinson and William Turner , of which the said Thomas was tenant .

2d Count. For setting fire to a certain other house of the said Joseph Dickenson and William Turner .

3d Count. For setting fire to another house, the property of George Ribright .

4th Count. For setting fire to another house the property of Elizabeth Swan , spinster , and Martha Swan spinster .

5th Count. For setting fire to the dwelling of him the said Thomas Hilliard .

(The witnesses were examined apart at the request of the prisoner.)

HENRY WASHINGTON sworn.

I am warehouse-man to Mr. William Dickinson , in Bucklersbery, and constable of the ward of Cheap . On the 16th of March, about half after twelve o'clock, the prisoner came to me to the watch-house, I was constable of the night; Hilliard was a brother constable, he seemed frightened and begged assistance to get the engine for he said his house was on fire, or he believed his house was on fire. Mr. Bagwell and I who were together in the watchouse, went immediately out and I went to Hilliard's lodging, and went up stairs. On the stairs there was a deal of smoke, but I saw no fire. Some watchmen followed me. I saw two women; I enquired of them where the fire was; they said they judged it to come from the chimney of the next house, where there had been men at work; I went immediately to the next house, which is Mr. Richards's, a publick house, knocked them up, and went in and examined, but there was no fire in that house. Bagwell did not go with me; he went to see for the engine. I did not see any fire in either of the houses.

REBECCA CURRY sworn.

I lodged in the prisoner's house, in the second floor; he occupied the rest of the house; he lay on the first floor, which is a kitchen and room adjoining to it, and a closet on the landing-place of the stairs. On the 16th of March I went to bed at past twelve o'clock. I saw Hilliard pulling off his boots that night about nine. Before I went to bed I heard the closet door on the stairs open several times. His maid lay on the same floor with us; she came up to bed; she wished me a good night as she went past; I went to bed and fell asleep; I was waked by Hilliard coming up stairs; he called Molly, Molly, the house is on fire, get up directly; it was a voice neither whispering nor very loud. This alarmed me very much; I wakened my husband, and got up and opened the door. Hilliard was just then gone down; when I opened the door the fire poured into the room. Two watchmen came up and went into my room, seeing all safe there, they went down again; I followed them; as I was going past the closet, I felt some heat come to my face; I looked up and saw a flame of fire in this closet; I called the watchmen back, and one of them struck his staff against the door. Mr. Atkins came and searched for the key, but could not find it, the maid said her master had the key; I desired him to break it open; I ran up stairs, and when I returned it was broken open. I had seen some time before a link and a piece in a place, as I came out of the cellar; they had been there I believe three weeks, I think I missed them that night.

(On her cross examination she said he was a fire-porter, had been called out to a fire; that the construction she put upon it was that the links were to light him upon those occasions.)

HENRY ATKINS , Jun. sworn.

I live next door to the prisoner. On the 16th of March, between twelve and one in the night I was alarmed by a knocking at the door and cry of fire. I got up and went into Hilliard's house; I went up stairs, and the cloud of smoke was ready to drive me backwards; the flames were coming out at the lattice over the pantry door on the stairs; I enquired for the key, but it could not be found; I set my shoulder to the door and drove in the top, so that I could put in part of my body. Within the closet there was a cupboard; the door was open I put my hand to the door and pulled it down; the flames were coming out of that cupboard; there was a fort of pitch barrel on fire in that cupboard, it was burnt quite through; I laid hold of it and it fell to pieces. I ran down stairs with the hoops and bottom all on fire; it burnt me very much; I thought there was certainly some bad intent, for it appeared by the smell to have kitchen-stuff in it; it ran over my hands; the door of the cupboard was very much burnt; there was a person there very active, so that it was soon all out.

The flames came through the lattice; I pulled a piece of the lattice down; I believe it had been in a blaze; the lattice was up at the cieling, over the door; the cupboard went up to the cieling near the lattice; the cupboard had no top. There is some timber worked into the wall an inch and an half thick, and appears to have been there ever since the house was built; there is a piece of bead runs up by the ceiling that appears to me to have been on fire; there is a piece of yellow wood nailed to the joist (I have worked in the wood manufactory, and know the nature of yellow wood) that appears to me to have been on a blaze.

What did you do with the bottom of the tub? - Put it into a tub of water; Washington has it here now; that tub was about ten or fourteen inches high.

Cross Examination.

Upon your oath did you see any fire any where but in that cupboard? - I saw the flames come through the lattice; I call the lattice on fire when I see the flames come through it. I saw the door of the cupboard on fire, and I really believe the lattice to have been on fire.

Court. Did the lattice appear black afterwards, as if it was burnt? - Yes, it appeared to be burnt.

Is the plaister about this cupboard finished? - Yes, I think it is.

Do you think the cupboard was put up since the plaister was finished? - No; I apprehend the plaister was finished after the cupboard was put up.

JOHN DINSILOW sworn.

On the 16th of March, about half after twelve, as I was coming home, I met the prisoner coming very fast towards me; he went and opened St. Mildred's church; he seemed very much agitated; he said there was a fire in Bird-and-Hand Court; I went to the prisoner's house and went up stairs; upon the stairs I met Atkins with the bottom of the tub all on fire; I went up to the closet and saw some of the combustible stuff still burning on the shelf; I got some water and extinguished it; I turned and saw the prisoner standing by me; I desired him to assist and wet the ceiling, which was very hot; he was very diligent and did every thing in his power.

WILLIAM PAYNE sworn.

I am a carpenter. On the 23d of last month, I was at Guildhall; the prisoner was under examination for the last time; the alderman desired me to go and take a survey of the building, and give my opinion of it. Here is a plan of the place (producing it) it appeared to me that the closet where the cupboard was fixed was a part of the house, erected before the house was inhabited, as a proof of it I cut off a piece of the rail that goes over the lattice, up to the cieling. I believe that had been on fire (producing it); several persons have seen it; it has been rubbed, it was like a coal when I first had it. Here is a piece of board (producing it) that was nailed up under the joist to fix one part of the cupboard to; it appears to me to have been on fire. Here is a piece of the lattice work that was over the door, it was very black, I could not perceive that it had been burnt. In the side of the cupboard there was a cavity where the flame drew; here is a piece of the jam lining of the window, which appears to have been burnt. The cupboard appears to me plainly to be a fixture; the sides of the cupboard are the walls of the closet, and the top is the cieling. It was never meant, I am persuaded, to be pulled down.

Was the cupboard burnt at all? - Yes; here is the door (producing it); the size of it is two feet four by one foot six.

Cross Examination.

Was any part of the lattice burnt? - No; but here is, what is more material, a piece of the bead of the cieling which is burnt.

Is the cupboard an entire thing, put up at once? - I think it was put up bit by bit, first the bottom, then the door.

Does the bottom consist of two or more pieces? - I do not know, it is painted; there may be twenty pieces glued together for what I know.

Was not the bottom some of it painted and some not painted? - Not that I know of.

Do you believe the cieling to be finished before or after the cupboard and closet were put up? - I believe the cieling was finished after the closet was put up; I cannot say as to the cupboard.

Mr. STREET sworn.

On Friday the 19th of March about twelve o'clock, Mr. Watts and Mr. Burford came to our house, and told us that Hilliard had confessed. We went to the house of one Osbourn, where the prisoner then lived, Deputy Smith went with us. We found the prisoner sitting by the fire. Deputy Smith asked him what could induce him to to be guilty of that horrid action of setting fire to his house; he did not immediately make answer; I believe the question was repeated to him two or three times, I cannot say how often; he then said that the devil had walked up and down with him for a fortnight or three weeks past; that it was to burn the lodgers out; that they should not stay any longer in the house than himself. A constable was then charged with him, and he was taken to the Compter. I went to him in the Compter and enquired what he had done with the key of the closet-door. I told him I had heard that he threw it in the cellar, but had been looking, and could not find it. He then said that he threw it the next day behind a bottle-rack in the cellar of Mr. Wenman, where he had occasionally worked as porter. Mr. Burford, I, and my porter went to Mr. Wenman's and searched and found the key, and went and tried it to the closet door, and it opened the lock.

Cross Examination.

Was there any magistrate attending, or any thing taken down in writing? - No.

Was there any threat or promise made use of to obtain this confession? - No; I was particularly careful of that.

EDWARD ROWLEY sworn.

I am surveyor to the Sun Fire-insurance-office. The prisoner was insured 70 l. on household goods, and 30 l. wearing apparel. The policy was taken out in 1769; it was in force the 16th of March.

JAMES OSBOURN sworn.

The prisoner came to lodge with me two days after the fire; about two days before the fire he brought some good mahogany drawers and two boxes, which he said contained linen and wearing apparel. I have known him two or three years. I always thought him a very honest man.

(The lease of the house from Elizabeth and Martha Swan to Messrs. Dickenson and Turner was produced by William Tong , who was a subscribing witness.)

GEORGE RIBRIGHT sworn.

I have a house of Messrs. Dickenson and Turner; I had it of the ladies named Swan, before Messrs. Dickenson and Turner purchased it, and which is let to Hilliard.

P risoner. I leave my defense to my Counsel.

- CANADINE sworn.

I am a pastry-cook. I believe the pieces of wood that have been produced have not been on fire. I gave that as my opinion before the alderman. I saw all the cupboard before it was taken down; the two sides and bottom were separate pieces; it was supported by a piece of timber let into the wall; the front of the closet was wainscot; the rest was plaister.

WILLIAM HUNTER sworn.

I am a carpenter. I have seen the wall where the cupboard has been; I have never seen the cupboard; I believe the wall and the cieling were finished before the cupboard was put up; the cupboard has been put up close to the wall without interrupting the wall or making any impression in it.

To Payne. You told us the cupboard was fixed into the wall? - There is a piece of timber driven into the wall; it is there now if it has not been pulled out.

Witness. There is a shelf that was the bottom, I believe, that the cupboard stood upon; it was about five feet from the ground, there was not back to it but the wall.

The Rev. Mr. BROMLEY sworn.

I have known the prisoner very sufficiently to say that he was as faithful a man in the office in which I employed him as any man could possibly be; he was the receiver of my tythes, and the clerk of the parish; in the one he had a very considerable trust. If there was a man in his line of life that I would have trusted more than another, or suspected less than another, he was the man.

Court. In the course of your knowledge of the prisoner, did you perceive him to be whimsical in his mind or superstitious to religious sentiments? - I looked upon him to be a very serious man.

Mr. FOOTE sworn.

I am a banker. I have known the prisoner ten years; I thought him a remarkably honest man; I have trusted him; I always heard an honest character of him.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. JUSTICE BLACKSTONE.

231, 232. THOMAS ELLIS and JOHN WILLIAMS were indicted for stealing a cheque apron, value 18 d. and 7 1/2 d. in monies, numbered , the property of John Frakesley , April 9th .

SARAH FRAKESLEY sworn.

I live in Crown-alley, Moorfields. On the 9th of this month, I went into a publick-house, the sign of the Punchbowl . I called for a pennyworth of purl and a halfpenny-worth of gin; the prisoners were there at supper; I had sevenpence halfpenny in my hand and my apron. I put down the money on the table to tie my apron on. Williams took up the halfpence; I desired him to give them me again, and the other prisoner came and took my apron, and they both ran out of the house. I am certain the prisoners are the persons.

RICHARD BEEZELEY sworn.

I am a constable. I went with Negus, another constable, to take the prisoner. I took them both in one house. I took them to my house; they said drunkenness has done this.

WILLIAM's DEFENCE.

This woman came in in liquor, and wanted to join our company; we would have nothing to say to her; she picked a quarrel, and began beating this young man. Before she went away, she said she had lost some money. I desired the constable to search me, but he would not. He said she was a very troublesome woman.

ELLIS's DEFENCE.

I have nothing more to say than that I know nothing of the matter.

BOTH GUILTY of stealing to the value of 10 d .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Military/Naval duty. See summary.]

233, 234. CLEMENTINE DOGGETT and MARY STOKES , were indicted for stealing two china bowls, value 5 s. five paper prints in wooden frames, value 7 s. two china dishes, value 2 s. six china plates, value 5 s. six earthen plates, value 2 s. and two earthen dishes, value 6 d. the property of Dorothy Southey , February 16th .

DOROTHY SOUTHEY , sworn.

On Shrove-Tuesday I missed the things mentioned in the indictment (repeating them) I found them in the hands of some pawnbrokers who are here.

ROBERT NEEDHAM sworn.

I am a pawnbroker; I took in two bowls of Doggett; I know nothing of the other prisoner.

(They were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

JANE RILEY sworn.

The prisoner Doggett brought six china plates, six delf plates, and two dishes to me and desired me to take care of them; she said she was going into the country; I do not know what day it was; they were in my house about ten days, and then the prisoner came and owned them.

(They were produced in court and deposed to by the prosecutrix.)

THOMAS ROYLANCE sworn.

I am a constable. I took both the prisoners and carried them before Justice Blackborough; they confessed before the justice, that they had stolen these things. Doggett said she had left some of the things at Riley's, in Red Bull-yard. Some were pawned at Needham's, and some at Tooley's. They both wanted to turn evidence. I went by their directions and found the things. Mary Stokes confessed she was in company with Doggett when she took the things from Southey's house; that it was about the beginning of March, about seven or eight at night; that Doggett put her backside against the door and broke it open, and they took the things.

SARAH TOOLEY sworn.

I am a pawnbroker. I took in the prints and two dishes of Stokes. She said they were her own, and pretended that Doggett was her servant.

STOKES'S DEFENCE.

I lodged at Mrs. Southey's. I had the things of an old clothes-woman in change for some clothes; Mrs. Southey was at the door at the time; had they been her things, she had time enough to own them. Being in want of money, I took them to pawn. When she first said she was robbed, she said the pictures she had lost were like those I had bought. Doggett is my servant: I have no other witness.

BOTH GUILTY of stealing to the value of 10 d . W .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

235, 236. ELISABETH CHANDLER and ELISABETH WILSON were indicted for stealing a silver watch, value 30 s. a silk watch-string, value 1 d. and a brass watch key, value 2 d. the property of Robert Whitby , March 7th .

ROBERT WHITBY sworn.

I am a watch-finisher in Charles-street, Berkeley-square. On the 7th of March, about nine o'clock at night, as I was walking along the Old-Bailey , Elizabeth Wilson seised me by the arm and asked me where I was going; I said I was going home; she asked me to go home with her; I refused; when Chandler came up and laid hold of me and jostled me about, and said I should give them something to drink; I suspected they had some design upon me; I put my hand to my pocket and felt my watch and money, and buttoned up my pocket; I strove to get from them, but they got me into a door-way; before they let me go I missed my watch, and secured Wilson, but Chandler got away. I took Wilson to the watch-house, and told the constable what had happened; he searched her, but found no watch upon her. I described the other prisoner, and Ashmore, Martin, and I went after her; we could not find her, but got intelligence of her name. While we were gone, she came with another woman to the watch-house, and Roberts the constable, from the description I had given of her, suspected her, and stopped them both. When I came back to the watch-house, I saw her and knew her. She had changed her hat and cloak with the other woman; but when she stood up, and I saw her face, I was positive to her. I never found my watch again. I am positive to the persons of the prisoners, I had seen them several times before in the street, and know them. I was an apprentice on Snow-hill, and often saw them.

- ROBERTS sworn.

I am a constable. On the 7th of March the prosecutor brought Wilson to the watch-house, and charged her with robbing him of his watch, with another woman. About half after ten Elizabeth Chandler came to the watch-house, and asked for Elisabeth Wilson , I bid her come in, which she did; there was another woman came with her, I bid the watchman bring her in, which he did, and I detained them both till the prosecutor returned, who was gone with the watchman in search of her. When he came in I made her stand up; he looked at her, and said that was the other woman; he said he knew nothing of the woman that came with her. I searched her but found nothing upon her; she had the other woman's bonnet and cloak on, and the other had her hat and cloak: I made them change the things, and then he was more positive.

CHANDLER's DEFENCE.

I had been out; when I returned home that night, I heard Wilson was in the watch-house; I went up to the watch-house with the other woman to see what she was there for; the watchman stopped us and bid the young man look at us; he did, and said we were not the women. He was going out, but the watchman said we had changed our cloaks; he made us change them, and then he said he knew us.

(The other prisoner did not say any thing in her defense.)

( Chandler called two witnesses, who gave her a good character.)

BOTH GUILTY B . and Imp. six months .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

238, 239. MARY JUNQUE and MARY SMITH were indicted for stealing a guinea, a half guinea, two half crowns, two shillings, and twopence halfpenny, in monies, numbered , the property of Benjamin Leethorp , March 19th .

BENJAMIN LEETHORP sworn.

I live with Mr. Bucks, an Apothecary in Doctors Commons. On the 19th of March, between eight and nine at night, I was coming down Holbourn, I saw Mary Junque ; I asked her if she knew a person of the name of Anne Baker , near Chick-lane; she said, yes, and if I would go with her, she would show me where she lived. She took me into a house in Blackboy-alley , and asked me what I would make them a present of; I said I had nothing to give them, and that that was not the place I wanted, and desired to go; they said I should not, and called in one, by the name of Bet, and Mary Smith came in; they then threw me upon the bed, and one of them (I think it was Mary Smith ) kneeled on my breast, and with one hand held my throat; Mary Junque felt for my money; by my struggling about, they did not get it at that time; then they called another woman in (who made her escape out of the window when Payne went to take them) when she came in, they said cut him! cut him! and that woman took a knife off the table, and lay across my legs with it in her hand, and Junque, to the best of my knowledge, took the money mentioned in the indictment (repeating it) out of my pocket, the gold and silver was in my breeches pocket, and the halfpence in my waistcoat pocket. When they had robbed me, they went out, and I went home. I went to Payne the constable, and he desired me to come to him at ten the next morning; I did, and we went to the house and saw five or six women sitting; Payne asked me if I knew any of them; I said no, only one, which was the woman who had the knife. Payne locked the door, and went up stairs, where he found the two prisoners, one in bed, and the other standing by the door; I told him the woman that stood by the door was one of them; he made the other get up, and when I saw her, I told him that was the other, and we secured them. When we came down, the other had made her escape out of the window.

[Payne the constable confirmed the evidence of the prosecutor as to the taking of the prisoners, who were searched by him but nothing found upon them except some pawnbroker's duplicates.]

SMITH's DEFENCE.

Payne pulled the clothes off me, and behaved very indecent. I know nothing of it. my witnesses have been waiting all the week; I did not think my tryal would come on tonight.

JUNQUES's DEFENCE.

I never saw the young man till he came with the constable.

BOTH GUILTY B . and IMP. one year .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

240. JAMES MAJOR was indicted the 18th of January , for that he unlawfully, wickedly, knowingly, and feloniously, did send a certain letter in writing without any name thereto subscribed, to William Musgrave , baronet , directed to the said Sir William Musgrave , by the name and description of Sir William Musgrave , baronet, Arlington-street, Piccadilly, threatening to kill and murther the said Sir William Musgrave . - Which said letter is in the words and figures following. (That is to say.)

" Sir,

"The father of a ruined family, and that by you, calls for redress. Here is heat, and heart burns strong; and by the lite of the morning now ensuing, it must be administered between this and next Thursday. You may easily judge where this comes from, for reasons well known, or by G - d may depend nothing but justice being administered by you will be the saving of your life; the thoughts of this honest man will not veer, his life will not be spared to save his family from ruin and destraction. Here he express his duty towards them.

I am, Sir,

Your most humble servant, A TRUE-BORN ENGLISHMAN."

January 18, 1779.

Take heed how you dispose of yourself. Sir William Musgrave , Baronet.

To the great damage of the said Sir William and against the form of the statute, &c.

2d Count. Laying the letter to be signed with a fictitious name (to wit) A True-born Englishman.

3d Count. The same as the first, only omitting to state the letter.

4th Count. The same as the second, only not stating the letter.

JOHN SOLDEN sworn.

I keep a post-office in Haye's Court, Newport Market (looks at the letter.) This letter has my mark upon it; it was put into my office, but I cannot tell at what time, or by whom; the letters go from our office to the office the corner of Coventry Court.

Do you know the prisoner? - Yes, by sight.

Whether he used to put in letters at your office! - He has put letters into my office about twice, I believe.

JAMES SUMMERS sworn.

I belong to the Penny-post-office, the corner of Coventry-street; we receive the letters from Solden's office (looks at the letter) I received this letter at the post-office the corner of Coventry-street; I cannot tell the time I received it from the office, I delivered it according to the direction.

How long is it from the time the letter is taken out of the office to its delivery? - I had it out of the office about one o'clock; I delivered it about three.

What time must it have come to Solden's office? - Before eleven o'clock.

Cross Examination of SOLDEN.

Does any body else take letters at your office besides yourself? - Yes; whoever is in the way.

Court. Who puts the marks on them? - Whoever receives them.

Is it a stamp mark? - Yes; it is my name.

Sir WILLIAM MUSGRAVE sworn.

On the 18th of January, I went out, between ten and eleven o'clock; I returned between three and four o'clock. When I returned, I found three or four letters on my table, which my servants said they received by the penny-post; this was one of the letters. Upon observing this letter, I thought there appeared to be an attempt to disguise the hand; and being satisfied it was the manner of the prisoner's doing his business at the custom-house. I indorsed it, as coming from him, and put the day of the month on it on which I received it.

You are one of the Commissioners of the Custom-house? - Yes; the prisoner was employed in 1775, and in the year 1776.

Cross Examination.

You never saw the prisoner write? - No, I did not.

SAMUEL BROWN sworn.

I have been acquainted with the prisoner ever since the year 1769, I have seen him write frequently.

Look at that letter; from the knowledge you have of his hand-writing, have you any reason to believe that is his hand-writing? - I have every reason in the world to believe it is his hand-writing, every word of it.

Cross Examination.

The hand is not disguised at all? - It is not disguised to me, who know so much of his hand-writing.

Counsel for the Crown.

Explain what you mean by it not being disguised to you. - From being well acquainted with his hand, there may be some strokes disguised; but I have seen so much of his writing, I cannot have the least doubt of its being his. ( Shown two other letters.)

Are those his hand-writing? - Yes; I am satisfied they are both his hand-writing.

Prisoner. How often have you seen me write? - I suppose more than ten times; he has wrote more than ten memorials to the Treasury in my office.

Counsel for the Prisoner.

Whether you have never said the letter was disguised or appeared to you to be disguised? - There are some strokes written with a larger pen.

Have you or not said before a magistrate, that the letter was disguised? - I do not recollect that I have; to the best of my knowledge I never did say so.

Counsel for the Crown.

You said it was not disguised to you? - There are particular strokes appear to me to be written with a different pen from what the other letters are written with; and some of the capitals are made in a different manner from his usual writing, but not sufficient to disguise it.

JOHN WILLIAMSON sworn.

I am clerk to the Secretary's Office, in the Custom-house. I have known Mr. Major near ten years.

Have you frequently seen him write? - I have seen him write frequently ( Looks at the letter.) I believe this to be the handwriting of the prisoner; there is an appearance of an attempt to disguise the hand from his usual manner of writing; but it runs in some parts in his usual stile. I verily believe this to be his hand-writing (looks at the other two letters.) This is his usual stile and manner of writing; they appear to me most evidently to be the writing of the prisoner at the bar, both of them.

THOMAS RICHARDSON sworn.

I am a clerk in the Secretary's Office in the Custom-house. I have known the prisoner about ten years; I have seen him write very often.

Look at that letter; see if you can form a judgement if that is his writing? - That is his hand-writing.

Does it appear to you to be disguised at all? - There is a little alteration, an attempt to disguise it (looks at the other two letters.) I am certain they are his hand-writing.

(The letter set out in the indictment was read in court.)

( A letter of the 9th of November, 1778, addressed to Sir William Musgrave , Baronet, Church-Street, St. Anne's, Soho, read.)

"Sir

"From the loss and sufferings my family have felt, and the trouble I am now in, I should think some redress should be given me. I now earnestly intreat you to take my hard case into consideration, settle my accounts, and pay my just balance, according to your promise, as I call God to witness. When you inforced my acceptance of the command of the Charlotte, the very gross behaviour of you to me for doing a just duty, has so alarmed many men where it has undergone the least examination, that, as sollicitor for my children, anxious to procure justice for them, will follow this matter with the uttermost attention. I desire you will immediately get the account settled, that my children and I may obtain the most speedy justice. Sir, you should know, as this is become a family-concern, that address and despath in these matters will be required of you. I hope and trust, by the first convenience, to have your answer. Believe me, Sir,

Your humble servant, JAMES MAJOR ."

Sir William Musgrave, Bart.

(Another letter addressed to Sir William Musgrave , Bart. dated March 16th, 1779, read.)

"Sir,

"This day the report of the Commissioners was read to the Board of Treasury. I have for answer, the report being so pointed against me, the Lords could do nothing for me, was very sorry for it. Now, Sir, if you do not instantly proceed to do justice, depend justice I will have if I can, my children call for redress, my life will not be spared to save them from distraction. Sir William, your immediate answer is required, shall not wait but a short space of time for it; you brought me into this trouble, must bring me out. In the mean time, believe me to be, Sir, your humble servant,

JAMES MAJOR ."

THOMAS BALCOMB sworn.

I have known the prisoner five years? - Have you heard him speak about Sir William Musgrave ? - Yes; on the 20th of March, to the best of my recollection, he asked me what news at the Custom-house? I said, I did not hear any; but his case was to be reconsidered; he said he was very glad of it; he asked me, when I had seen Sir William Musgrave ? and then said, D - n his blood, if his affairs was not settled to his advantage or satisfaction, he would blow Sir William's brains out. I said, sye, don't think of it; he said, Damn him if he did not.

Was there any other conversation at that time? - No.

Any conversation at any other time? - None.

What are you? - A messenger at the Custom-house.

THOMAS SPARE sworn.

I am a clerk at the Secretary's Office in the Custom-house. I know the prisoner.

Did you ever hear him say any thing respecting Sir William Musgrave ? - About eight or nine months ago I saw him in the office; he used to come frequently; he told me he had been deceived by Sir William, and if he had not redress he would have revenge. I met the prisoner, I think, it was in the month of December, coming out from the Piazzas, Covent Garden. I asked him where he was going? He said, he was in pursuit of the command of a privateer. I said I was glad to hear it, and hoped it would turn out to his advantage. He said, D - n Sir William Musgrave , he was a villain and a scoundrel; he had been ruined by his promises; and if he did not do him justice he would be revenged.

HARRY HUTSON sworn.

I know the prisoner; I have heard many expressions from him against Sir William Musgrave ; particularly in September last, the prisoner accosted me, as I was going into the lobby, and asked me if Sir William was gone. I said I did not know. He said, by God I will know it, and said he had a brace of pistols, and threw open his coat, and I saw a large horse pistol, and said, D - n his blood, he would have satisfaction, pointing to the board room. I have heard several times general words against Sir William.

JOSEPH SHERWIN GLAZELEY sworn.

I am a clerk in the Secretary's Office; I have known the prisoner four or five years. About the 12th of August, to the best of my recollection, in the lobby, he told me that he was a ruined man; and unless Sir William did something for him, if he had a drop of blood he would find where it lay. I think in the month of September he told me he was ruined; and if Sir William did not do something for him, nothing but his blood should satisfy for it; he swore revenge.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

My Lords and Gentlemen of the Jury,

The charge now against me I am very innocent of; the letter signed a True-born Englishman is not my letter; I am very innocent of that letters. The other letters where my name is signed, I acknowledge to be mine.

I now declare to your lordship and the jury, that I hear Sir William no malice, no hatred, no one thing to his prejudice. I declare, that upon my conscience, there are not three men in the world I love more than Sir William; all I ask in his interest.

For the Prisoner.

BENJAMIN BOURN sworn.

Do you remember the witness Samuel Brown being before Sir John Fielding ? - I do; he said he believed the letter to be the hand-writing of Captain Major, but that the letters seemed to be disguised.

Did he make any distinction of the letters, or say in general that they were disguised. - I don't recollect that he made any distinction; he said, the letters were disguised.

Mr. IVEY sworn.

I was at Sir John Fielding's when Brown was examined; the letter was shown him; he said he had seen Captain Major write often; that he believed it was his writing in a disguised hand; that many of the letters were disguised.

The prisoner called five other witnesses, who gave him a good character.

GUILTY Death .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Baron EYRE .

He was recommended by the Jury to his Majesty's Mercy.

241, 242. MARY RICHARDSON and ELIZABETH GARRATT were indicted for stealing two stone tea pots, value 6 d. a wash-hand bason, value 6 d. a buckle-brush, value 2 d. a china bowl, value 1 s. and a tea kettle, value 3 s. the property of John Tidmarsh , February 23d .

MARY TIDMARSH sworn.

I am the wife of John Tidmarsh ; we live in Rosemary-Lane ; the prisoner Garratt was my servant ; I missed the things mentioned in the indictment; they were found in the prisoner Richardson's house, at Poplar.

WILLIAM TIDMARSH sworn.

I went to Richardson's, and found the things mentioned in the indictment (repeating them) they are my father's property.

(The things were produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

SARAH TIDMARSH sworn.

On the 19th of February, about six o'clock in the morning, I got up, and looked out of the window, and saw Richardson looking down the kitchen window, Garratt went down, and got out of the kitchen window into the area to speak to her; Richardson put her hand in her pocket, and took out a duplicate and some silver; Garratt looked up and saw me, and went in again; she did not give her any thing at that time.

RICHARDSON's DEFENCE.

The things found in my house were my own, I bought and paid for them.

GARRATT's DEFENCE.

I never wronged my mistress of any thing in my life.

For the prisoner.

ANNE SMITH sworn.

I live at Limehouse; I deal in china and earthen-ware; Richardson has bought earthen-ware of me I suppose forty times; she buys it to sell again; the last time was the 17th of January; I gave her a bill of parcels, it came to one pound fourteen shillings; she paid me a guinea in part (producing the bill of parcels) I was to keep it till she gave me the remaining thirteen shillings. I sell earthen-ware to women who hawk it about.

PHILIP JONES sworn.

I am a sawyer; the prisoner Richardson is my aunt; she lives with me; she deals in earthen-ware; she bought the tea-kettle in Rosemary Lane; I was with her at the time she bought it; it was two months before she was taken up.

ROBERT FOLLIARD sworn.

I saw the prisoner Richardson purchase the things at Mrs. Smith's, I happened to be there at the time; she had a bill of parcels of them; they came to one pound fourteen shillings.

Prosecutor. I don't know how long the tea-kettle had been gone; it was not in use, it stood in the prisoner's room; it might be gone two or five months before for what I know.

BOTH NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

243. SUSANNAH KELLY was indicted for stealing a cotton gown, value 19 s. two pair of linen sleeves, value 2 s. and a linen cap, value 6 d. the property of John Alsop , March 19th .

ANNE ALSOP sworn.

I am the wife of John Alsop ; I live in Nightingale-Lane . On the 19th of March, I went out about nine o'clock in the morning, and came home about eleven; I left two children at home in my room. When I returned, my little boy told me, that Kelly came in and sent him for a pennyworth of purl; and when he came back she was gone. I missed the things mentioned in the indictment; I went and charged her with it; she denied having been there. About a week after, I caught her with a cap of mine on her head.

(The cap was produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

The prosecutor has only done it out of spite; my husband and I have had some words, and she lives with him.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

245. ELISABETH BROWN was indicted for stealing a crape gown, value 10 s. a silk and incle gown, value 20 s. a linen apron, value 6 d. and a copper tea-kettle, value 5 s. the property of Jane Shewsmith , March 1st .

JANE SHEWSMITH sworn.

I live in Church-Street. On the 1st of March, I went down stairs to get some water; when I went up, I found my door open, and I missed the things mentioned in the indictment.

SARAH SEES sworn.

I am a pawnbroker; the prisoner pawned an apron with me on the 18th of February. I believe I have had it from her before.

(It was produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

It is my apron; it was pawned a month before she says she lost her things.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

246. MARY JACKSON was indicted for stealing a linen handkerchief, value 1 s. a farthing, a half-crown, and three shillings, in monies, numbered , the property of Jonathan M'Cartney , February 22d .

JONATHAN M'CARTNEY sworn.

I am clerk to Mr. Peacock. On the 22d of February, about 11 at night, going along Fleet-street , I was accosted by the prisoner in a very familar manner; she pressed upon me to stay with her; in the mean time she picked my pocket; I staid with her about a quarter of an hour. When I was going away, I missed my money; it was wrapped up in my handkerchief, in my coat pocket. I charged the watch with her, and took her to the watch-house, and had her searched; the money and handkerchief was found upon her.

(The constable produced the handkerchief and money which he found upon her in the watchhouse, and the handkerchief was deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I found the handkerchief in the place where he stopped me; I know nothing of his money.

GUILTY of stealing to the value of 10 d .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. Baron EYRE .

247. JOSEPH WRIGHT was indicted for stealing a wooden cask, value 2 s. and five gallons of gin, value 20 s. the property of Thomas Langsdale , February 27th .

JOHN GODFREY sworn.

I am a constable; I found a gin cask in the prisoner's house, it was empty. (It was produced in court.)

JEREMIAH BAILLIS sworn.

I am porter to Mr. Langdale at Holborn-bridge. On the 29th of February I lost a cask of gin out of my cart in Skinners street , I was delivering some goods there; the cask was directed to Mr. Payne in Shoreditch; it was found in the prisoner's room; there is Pay in chalk, part of the name Payne very plain upon it; there is Mr. Langdale's stamp upon it.

- LANGSDALE sworn.

On the 27th of February we sent a cask of gin by the last witness to Mr. Payne in Shoreditch; when he returned he said he had lost the cask; when it was found it had part of the name of Payne upon it, and the gauge mark which answered to the book.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I bought the cask in Sun-street with a washing-tub; there were several persons saw me buy them but they are not here; I did not think my tryal would come on to night.

Langsdale. He made the same defence before the magistrate, and said he would prove it at his tryal.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. BARON EYRE .

248. BENJAMIN FITTER was indicted for stealing a linen handkerchief, value 10 d. the property of Benjamin Roberts , April 13 .

BENJAMIN ROBERTS sworn.

Going up Fleet-street about twenty minutes before eight o'clock last Friday; I felt something at my pocket, I turned about and caught the prisoner's hand by the wrist and charged him with picking my pocket; he snatched himself from me; I immediately collared him and said he had my handkerchief; I looked behind him and saw my handkerchief on the ground, he got from me again; I pursued him and took him and delivered him to a constable; there was no other person by at the time I lost my handkerchief. (The handkerchief was produced in court by the constable, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I was on the other side of the way; I know nothing of it.

GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. BARON EYRE .

[Whipping. See summary.]

249. WILLIAM THOMPSON was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling house of Robert Burge ; on the fifteenth of March , about the hour of eight in the night, with intent the goods of the said Robert, to steal .

MARY BURGE sworn.

I live at No. 32. Cock-lane ; I am the wife of Robert Burge , we keep a private house. On the 15th of March between seven and eight, I shut the door and went up into the two pair of stairs; the door was on the latch; I staid about twenty minutes; when I came down I heard somebody go into the yard; hearing the yard door shut I went and fastened the door and got a constable, and took the prisoner in the yard; when we took him he said he came in for his own pleasure; then he said he came to ease himself.

SAMUEL ROBERTS sworn.

I am a constable; I took the prisoner before the alderman the next day; in the morning one of the lodgers found three pick-lock keys (producing them.) in the yard; he is not here.

[The prisoner was not put on his defence.]

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. JUSTICE BLACKSTONE.

250. DANIEL DRIVER was indicted for that he on the king's highway, in and upon Thomas Field , did make an assault, putting him in corporal fear and danger of his life; and stealing a silver watch, value 40 s. a steel watch chain, value 1 s. a steel seal, set in silver, value 1 s. a steel watch key, value 2 d. a watch hook, value 1 d. and 7 s. in monies, numbered, the property of the said Thomas, from his person , February 28th .

THOMAS FIELD sworn.

I live in King-street, Westminster. On the 28th of February in the morning about six o'clock, I was stopped by two footpads, near Shepherd's Bush in the Acton Road , as I was going to Oxford; one of them was the prisoner Driver; I knew him very well, I was riding gently down the road on horseback; the prisoner came on the near side; the other on the other side; the prisoner laid hold of the bridle and produced a pistol, and said farmer your money; the other swore some words and said if I did not give it him immediately, he would blow my brains out; I said I had nothing worth their acceptance, I had only a little silver; I put my hand in my pocket, took it out and gave it to him; there was about seven shillings and sixpence of it; the prisoner said to the other; d - n him Jack, hold fast; he has more money about him, search his fob; they both of them felt the outside of my breeches and my pockets; the prisoner pulled my watch out; it was a silver one with a steel chain and silver seal, with a stone in it, with the impression of a man's head; there was a silver key, and two keys of a dog's collar, and a hook; the Prisoner when he had got the watch swore some hearty oaths, and said; now go along you dog, or I will blow your brains out; then I went on. I knew the prisoner about a year and half before; I don't know whether he knew me that night or no; he lived with one Gunning and Williamson, who keep a livery stable; I knew him immediately as he stopped, and was going to call him by his name, but did not for fear he should murther me; I returned to town on the Monday se'nnight; I was busy on Tuesday; the next day I applied to Sir John Fielding .

Cross Examination.

What sort of a morning was it when you was robbed ? - It was rather foggy.

Whether you did not say that it was a very foggy morning, and through the dust of some cattle you could not swear to his face? - No; I said it was a foggy morning; if it had not been foggy it would have been clear day-light.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I have witnesses to prove I was in bed at the time of the robbery.

For the Prisoner.

THOMAS STANTON sworn.

I am ostler at the White-Bear inn, Piccadilly. On the evening of the 27th of February I was drinking with the prisoner from ten till almost one in the morning. I keep the key of both the gates: Nobody can go out without my knowing of it. I opened the gates a little before seven in the morning, and found them as I left them. He was very much in liquor. I saw him going up stairs to bed; he could not go without help; that was about a quarter after twelve. His wife and he lodge in the house.

Was there a possibility of his going out that night without your knowledge? - No person can go out without jumping over the house. He did not go out to my knowledge. I took the keys up with me.

What part of the gates had you the keys of? - The fore-gate, and the back-gate. I had not the key of the wicket; the woman of the tap, Jane Evans , had the key of the wicket.

How came you to say nobody could go in and out, without your knowledge, without going over, the houses? - Not with my key.

You forgot the wicket then? - I might forget it. I am sure no person went out at that time.

Any person might go out at the wicket without your knowledge? - Yes; if it was open; the woman keeps the key of that.

Had you no company? - Yes.

Horses? - Yes; we always have horses.

You sat drinking from ten to one; was not you wanted to take care of the horses? - I have men to do that.

You said he went to bed at twelve; did you drink with him after he was in bed? - No.

Then how could you drink with him till one? - I said till between twelve and one.

JANE EVANS sworn.

I keep the tap of the White-Bear inn, Piccadilly. I have the key of the wicket; the ostler has the key of the two gates. The gates are locked at eleven o'clock. If any person is in the place after that time, I let them out at the wicket. I never opened the wicket on the 27th of February at night. I saw the prisoner go up to bed that night; he had two men to help him up to bed; he fell down two or three times in the tap-room before he went out, he was so much in liquor. His wife and he have a room in the gallery. It was within a few minutes of one when he went to bed. I helped to get him up with his wife. He lived in the same gallery with me.

The ostler did not help to get him up? - - No; only me and his wife.

Who had he been drinking with that night? - Two or three friends, Stanton was one of them. I believe they all belonged to the yard.

To Stanton. You said he was so drunk that he was helped up stairs to bed by two of the postillions? - By two or three of the men in the yard.

Nobody else? - No; there was nobody else.

MARY WRIGHT sworn.

I am servant at the White-Bear inn, Piccadilly. I lie in the next room to the prisoner and his wife. On the 27th of February in the night, or 28th in the morning, about three o'clock, I heard his wife very distinctly tell him not to lie on the child. I heard him answer something like that he would not. I go to bed about three o'clock; it was as I was going to bed.

Did you see him before that? - Yes; fshe was going to bed; his wife and another man were getting him up to bed.

Nobody else? - I believe not.

Not two men? - No.

Not two women? - No. I heard him called up about eight in the morning, and heard him answer.

SARAH WHISTON sworn.

I am mistress of the White-Bear. I did not see the prisoner on the 27th of February at night, but I heard from my servants that he was in the tap-room. He was my lodger. He was out of employ, and his wife worked to support him. When he took the lodging he asked to have a key to let himself in. He said he might be kept out late. I told him I would not suffer any body to have a key, but ostler, and the person who keeps the tap. I told him I was generally up till one, and would let him in; if he came after that time, had rung the bell, he should be let in. I did not see him that night; but, when they were getting him up to bed, I heard somebody say to his wife they did not think he would swear in. His wife said he would swear as well as others when he was a little in liquor.

What time was that? - It might be between eleven and twelve, or after twelve; cannot say.

The prisoner called eight other witnesses, who gave him a good character.

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice BLACKSTONE.

251, 252. MARY HUTCHINSON and ELIZABETH CHAPMAN were indicted for stealing a linen shirt, value 8 s. the property of John Bromwell , Feb. 24th .

The prosecutor was called, but did not appear; there was no recognizance returned.

NOT GUILTY .

253. JOHN MINSHIP was indicted for stealing thirty-four copper halfpence, and a copper medal, value 1 d. in monies, numbered , the property of John Evans , March 23d .

JOHN EVANS sworn.

I am a victualler in Charlotte-Street . The prisoner was my servant . I repeatedly missed money out of my till. Once, when I had put in a number of halfpence that covered three silver-spoons, the next morning I found them very bare, which raised my suspicion that I was robbed, and that the robber was in my house. I went to a friend, an optical-instrument maker, and got him to mark twenty-four pennyworth of halfpence with a mark on the head of the Britannia; those halfpence I put into the till, among a great many more. The next morning I missed seventeen pence. I suspected that my boy, the prisoner, was the person who stole them; but, to be certain of it, I sent for William Tanner , and told him my suspicions. We agreed that the boy should be sent to his house that morning with a quartern of gin, and Tanner was to give the boy sixpence to change, in order to discover whether the boy had any of the marked halfpence in his possession. He took the gin, and gave Tanner seven halfpence in change, among which was one of the marked ones. I then sent for a constable, and charged him with robbing me. He said, I rob you! what do you mean! Do you want to take away my character? We asked him for the key of his box; he pulled out another key by mistake, which he endeavoured to conceal. The constable took it from him, tried it, and found it would open my till as well as my key. We went and searched his box, and found a guinea in gold, five pounds nineteen shillings in silver, two shillings worth of halfpence, and a medal which I kept in my till.

WILLIAM TANNER sworn.

On the 23d of March the prisoner brought me a quartern of gin, and I gave him sixpence to change; he gave me among the change a marked halfpenny.

(It was produced in court, and deposed to by the prosecutor.)

William Stowden , the constable, confirmed the prosecutor as to the key, and finding the medal and money in the prisoner's box. They were produced in court. The medal was deposed to by the prosecutor.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I know nothing of the affair my master charges me with.

The prisoner called several witnesses, who gave him a good character.

GUILTY of stealing to the value of 10 d .

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. DEPUTY RECORDER.

[Whipping. See summary.]

254. KENNETT WILLIAM M'KENZIE was indicted for obtaining, by false pretences, a silver hilted sword, value 4 l. 14 s. 6 d. the property of Thomas Daltry , Nov. 19th .

The prosecutor was called, but not appearing, his recognizance was ordered to be estreated.

NOT GUILTY .

The TRYALS being ended, the Court proceeded to give judgement, as follows:

Received Sentence of Death, 9:

Thomas Fox , John Bell , John Harris , James Major , Elizabeth Lambert , Mary New , William Walker , Christopher Foley , and Peter Weldon .

Navigation for 3 years, 3.

John-Close, Joseph Campbell, and Richard James .

Branded and imprisoned 1 year, 2.

William Stenson , and John Vincent .

Branded and imprisoned 6 months, 6.

Jacob Jonas , Vincent Bommersback , John Barratt , Mary Taunton , Elizabeth Ryland , and Stephen Hedges .

Branded and Imprisoned 3 months, 1.

Thomas Thorpe .

Whipped, 5.

Benjamin Fitter , Mary Brattle , Catherine Murphy , John Minship , and Hannah Egerton .

Sent to Sea, 1.

Thomas Ellis .

This Day is published, Price Half a Guinea, (dedicated with Permission to the King) BRACHYGRAPHY; Or, An easy and compendious SYSTEM of SHORT-HAND, ADAPTED (After more than Forty Years Practice) to the various Sciences and Professions, By the late Mr. THOMAS GURNEY .

The NINTH EDITION, considerably improved according to the present Method, By his Son and Successor JOSEPH GURNEY , (WRITER OF THESE PROCEEDINGS) By whom Trials at Law, and Arguments of Counsel are carefully taken in Short-Hand.

Sold by M. GURNEY, No. 34, Bell-Yard, Temple-bar.

*** The Book is a sufficient Instructor of itself, but if any Difficulties occur they shall be removed upon Application to the Author without any additional Expence.

This Day is published, Price Half a Guinea, (dedicated with Permission to the King) BRACHYGRAPHY; Or, An easy and compendious SYSTEM of SHORT-HAND. ADAPTED (After more than Forty Years Practice) to the various Sciences and Professions, By the late Mr. THOMAS GURNEY .

The NINTH EDITION, considerably improved according to the present Method, By his Son and Successor JOSEPH GURNEY , (WRITER OF THESE PROCEEDINGS) By whom Trials at Law, and Arguments of Counsel are carefully taken in Short-Hand.

Sold by M. GURNEY, No. 34, Bell-Yard, Temple-bar.

*** The Book is a sufficient Instructor of itself, but if any Difficulties occur they shall be removed upon Application to the Author without any additional Expence.

This Day is published, Price Half a Guinea, (dedicated with Permission to the King) BRACHYGRAPHY Or, An easy and compendious SYSTEM of SHORT-HAND, ADAPTED (After more than Forty Years Practice) to the various Sciences and Profession By the late Mr. THOMAS GURNEY .

The NINTH EDITION, considerably improved according to the present Method By his Son and Successor JOSEPH GURNEY , (WRITER OF THESE PROCEEDINGS) By whom Trials at Law, and Arguments of Counsel are carefully taken in Short-Hand

Sold by Mr. GURNEY, No. 34, Bell-Yard, Temple-bar.

*** The Book is a sufficient Instructor of itself, but if any Difficulties occur the shall be removed upon Application to the Author without any additional Expence.