AN Exact Account OF THE TRIALS Of the several Persons ARRAIGNED At the Sessions-house in the Old-Bailey For LONDON & MIDDLESEX. Beginning on Wednesday, Decemb. 11. 1678. and ending the 12th of the same Month. Licenced, Decemb. 18th. 1678. Roger L'Estrange. LONDON, Printed by G. Hills, and are to be sold by L. Curtiss in Goat-Court upon Ludgate-hill. 1678. At the General Sessions of the Peace, Sessions of Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol-Delivery of Newgate, holden for the City of London and County of Middlesex, Decemb. 11 th'. Anno Regni Caroli Secundi Regis 30. Annoque Dom. 1678. THe Lord Mayor and three other Justices being sat, two Commissions were read, one of Oyer and Terminer, and the other of Gaol-delivery of Newgate; and after that the usual Proclamation for the attendance of those who had any thing to do there was made: The Jurors for London, that had been Impannell'd and Summoned, were called to appear, and the Defaulters Recorded; and the like for the County of Middlesex. The Clerk Arraigned some of the Prisoners on London-side, whose Names and Offences were as followeth. ARRAIGNMENTS. 1. Susan Banster, alias Green, Indicted for stealing of Goods to the value of 13 l. To the Indictment she pleaded Guilty. She was one that had been Convicted before of Felony, and was to be Transported; but as she was going, committed this Theft. 2. Stephen Arrowsmith Indicted, for that he, the 7th. of July last, did ravish and abuse one Elizabeth Hopkins, an Infant, of the age of eight years, against the form of the Statute in that case. To the Indictment he pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself on the Country. 3. John Baltee Indicted, for that he, the 3. Decem. 1678. at the Parish of St. Bennet Fink, did steal a Silver Tankard of the value of 5 l. from one Thomas Browning. He pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself upon the Country. 4. James Bateman Indicted, for that he, the 25th. of Novem. 1678. did steal a Silver Tankard of 5 l. value, from one Nicholas Jackson. He pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself on the Country. 5. Hanna Henman Indicted, for that she, the 12th. Novemb. 1678. at the Parish of St. Edmund the King in Lumbard-street, did steal from Thomas Rutty seventeen yards of Venetian Silk, of 7 l. value. She pleaded Not Guilty, and put herself upon the Country. 6. William Shakesby Indicted, for that he, the 4th. of Novemb. 1678. at the Parish of St. Sepulchers, did steal and drive away five Bullocks, colour black, of the value each of them 5 l. and one Bullock colour Brindle, of 5 l. value, of the Goods of William Lord Petré. He confessed himself Guilty of that and all other Offences within the benefit of Clergy. Then the Clerk for Middlesex Arraigned some of the Prisoners in that County, viz. 1. Samuel Thompson Indicted, for that he the 4th. Novemb. 1678. did steal a Silver Cup, of the value of 20 s from Thomas Halstead. He pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself upon the Country. 2. Marry Read Indicted, for that she, the 22. Novemb. 1678. did steal a Gold Ring of the value of 7 s. from Stephen Higgins. She pleaded Not Guilty, and put herself upon the Country. 3. Margaret Wood, alias Alexander, Indicted, for that she the 7th. Octob. 1678. did steal from one Robert Lambert a Silver Cup, of the value of 9 s. She pleaded Not Guilty, and put herself upon the Country. 4. Marry Hipkins and Jane Baly Indicted, for stealing some Linen of 30 s. value, from Thomas Burdekin, 21 Nou. 1678. They both pleaded Not Guilty, and put themselves upon the Country. 5. John Leak of White-chappel Indicted, for that he the 16th. Novemb. 1678. did steal two Pieces of Broadcloth from one William Mackham, off the Tenters in Goodman's Fields, etc. He pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself upon the Country. 6. Thomas Napton of Shoreditch Indicted, for that he, the 3 d. Decemb. 1678. 40 yards of Broad-cloath, of the value of 16 s. per yard, did steal from one Ralph Walford; and 20 yards more from one Anthrobus. To which he pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself upon the Country. 7. Anne Moundsel of Holborn Indicted, for that she the 4th. Nou. 1678. a Stuff Gown and Petticoat, and some Linen of small value, did steal from Mary Brasier. To this she pleaded Not Guilty, and put herself upon the Country. 8. Margaret Smith Indicted, for that she, the 17th. Octob. 1678. did steal six yards of Silk of a small value, two Silver Caudle Cups 3 l. 10 s. one Silver Salt cellar 30 s. one Silver Porringer 10 s. four Silver Spoons 1 l. 4 s. a Livery Gown 3 l. a Chamlet Cloak 30 s. and 15 l. in Money, from one Messinger. She pleaded Not Guilty, and put herself on the Country. 9 John Johnson and Thomas Johnson Indicted, for taking away 950 l. weight of Lead from off the Parish Church of Stepney, being thereto fastened. To this Trespass they pleaded Not Guilty, and put themselves upon the Country. Then the Grand Jury for London, coming in to bring in their Bills, were sworn anew, to inquire upon the New Commissions. Which being done, the Clerk for London Arraigned another Prisoner, viz. 10. Joseph Brown, for that he, the 16th. Novem. 1678. at All-Hallows by the Wall, 100 yards of black Worsted Crape, of the value of 8 l. of the Goods of Richard Croke, did steal; which he confessed himself guilty of, and of all other offences within benefit of Clergy. The Prisoners for London were called to the Bar to look to their Challenges, and the Petty-Jury were sworn, whose names follow: Franous Kenton, James Lapley, William Hewel, Samuel Williams, William Salter, Richard Catch, Nicholas Ridley, William Standen, Ralph Cook, William Whitwell, Joash Ba●eman, and Anthony Foster. These 12 being numbered, Proclamation in the usual form was made for Information against the Prisoners at the Bar, and for Prosecution from those, who by Recognizance were obliged to it: And those who were Impanelled for the Jury, but were not sworn, were dismissed. Then the Jury were charged to inquire of John Baltee, upon the Indictment before mentioned, whether Guilty or Not Guilty of stealing the Tankard of Thomas Browning. To prove the Charge, one Elizabeth Web gave this Evidence, That the Prisoner at the Bar brought the Tankard to her house, and told her, he would either Pawn it, or sell it: And being asked whose it was, he said, It was not his own, but a Gentleman's hard by, who had sent him with it to Pawn or Sell. She looking upon the Tankard, saw the Name of the Owner, and the Sign where he lived, engraven upon it, to whom she sent immediately to know whether he had given the Prisoner Order to Sell it or Pawn it: and kept the Prisoner till he came, which when he did, he owned the Tankard, but denied the Prisoner had it with his Consent, and so they carried him before the Justice. Browning the Owner of the Tankard deposed that he was a Cook, living behind the Exchange, that the Prisoner, the third of December last, came in there with some other Persons to drink, and stole the Tankard, and confessed the Matter before Sir William Turner. Sir William Turner's Clerk witnessed his Confession before Sir William, and that he said, he was a poor fellow and in distress, and so took it to relieve his Wants. The Prisoner being asked what he could now say to it, denied that he took it out of the house; but said that a Man, whose name he could not tell, gave it him to pawn: he confessed his being at that House that day; but was innocent of Stealing the Tankard. But not being able to prove his affirmation, it was left to the Jury to give what Credit they would to them. The next that was tried, was Hannah Henman for stealing Silk from Mr. Rutty a Mercer in Lumbard-Street. The Witnesses were Neighbours, who deposed that the Prisoner with another Woman, went into Mr. Rutty's Shop, and there snatched up the Silk and went away. They followed them, and laying hold on the Prisoner, the other slipped from them and ran for it; but they found the Silk about her; upon which they carried her before the Magistrate, who commited her. She being asked what defence she could make, said the other Woman told her she had bought it, and gave it her to carry away; but could not produce the Woman, nor would tell the Name. Whereupon the Judge directed the Jury to find it according to so plain an Evidence; but because the man had his Goods again, left the Value to their Consideration. The Jury then without coming from the Bar, agreed of their Verdict, which they gave in thus. That, John Baltee was guilty of the Felony he was indicted for. And That Hannah Henman was guilty of the Felony she was indicted for; but they found the Value to be but 9 s. After which they were discharged, and to appear at Three aclock 〈…〉 in their Gowns. Then the Prisoners of Middlesex-side, were called to the Bar, and bid to make their Challenges if they pleased. The Jury than were Sworn, whose Names were, John Cane, James Sutton, James Harper, William Rider, William Hardy, Charles Pickering, William Thomson, Thomas Phelps, Stephen Laurence, Thomas Cox, George Calcott, and John Burt. Proclamation for Information, and Prosecution being made as before, they went on to the Trials of the Prisoners. And the first was Samuel Thomson, indicted for stealing a Silver Cup from Halstead, and Thomas Halstead the Owner of the Cup gave this Testimony against him. That there came a Boy and the Prisoner together, and were walking up and down the Street, and he sent the Boy into the Shop where no body was; the Boy takes the Cup which was in the Shop, and coming to the Door gives it to the Prisoner. And one that was coming by, seeing the Boy give the Man something, Cried out, upon which the Master of the House came forth, and being told what was done, run after them and took the Prisoner with the Cup, but the Boy was lost in a Crowd or Twenty Boys more. That the distance of the Place where he was taken, from the House whence the Cup was Stolen, was about twice the Length of the Court. That he did not carry the Cup openly, but hide it under his Coat. To this, the Prisoner said, he was coming by there, and the Boy (whose name he could not tell, nor had he ever seen him before,) gave it him, saying he had taken it up by the Dust Cart, and that was all he could say for himself. Being asked what Profession he was of, he answered a Shoemaker. Upon which weak defence the Judge told the Jury, they were to consider of the Fact and the Value, the Party having his Cup again. The next with whom the Jury was charged was Mary Read, for Mr. Higgins' Ring, against whom Stephen Higgins deposed thus. That the Prisoner had been a Customer to the Shop for near a Twelve Month, and used to come with a high Crowned Hat covered with an Oiled Case like a Country Market Woman, and would ask for Rings of Just such a Value, and would have them no more nor no less. She said she lived at Holloway, and came almost every week to the Shop; but yet she never bought above two in all, she only would cheapen, and he lost a great many, which he believed she stole from him. The Saturday before this Ring was gone, she came to buy a hollow Ring, which she had, and paid for, all but nine pence, and then be lost a Ring. Upon Thursday following when she came, having a suspicion of her, he resolved to lay wait for her. She came and asked for a Ring of such a Value: He reached down a Box, in which there were Rings upon every Been, and laid it before her, she pitched upon one, which being weighed, she said was too heavy. He, to give her an Opportunity, turned his Back, and she took hold on it, and put one into her Bosom. When he turned about he presently missed the Ring, and affirming the Box was full, taxed her with it; but she denied it, and offered to be Searched. A Gentlewoman who was by, and had seen her put it in her Bosom, told her so, and she offering to undress herself, they carried her into the Kitchen, and there opening her Bosom the Ring dropped upon the Bricks in the Floor. And he said it was the Fifth Ring she had Stole from him. The Woman testified her seeing the Prisoner put her hand to her Bosom, and that she heard it fall upon the Bricks, but did not see it fall. The Value or the Ring was Sworn to be Seven Shillings. The Prisoner with a great deal of whining denied the thing, and that it was but a Trick of the Goldsmiths to make her pay for Rings he had lost. But the Court told the Jury, the Witnesses Oaths were to outweigh her bare Allegations, and left the Matter to them, for the Value. Then was tried John Leake, for the Cloth of William Mackham, stolen off the Tenters, against whom the Witnesses gave this Evidence. Mackham Swore that he lost two and Twenty Yards of Cloth off his Tenters, part of which was found in the hands of Susan Reynolds, who said she had it from the Prisoner Leake, and other parts of it were found at the Dyers. He knew it to be his Cloth, and it was of a Popinjay Green Colour. Susan Reynolds attested that he brought the Cloth to her, and desired her to lay it up for him till he called for it. That she knew him, because he had been with her Brother six or seven times at her house. That he told her he took up the Cloth to carry to Sea with him, and he found it in Goodman's Fields, he desired her to lay up part, which was found in her house, and to carry part of it for him to the Dyers. The Prisoner, who was a Lusty Fellow and an able Seaman, said ●●●●ing, but that he found it, and being asked why he did not Cry it, he said he did not understand the way of it, but could give no Evidence that he found it. Therefore it was left to the Jury. Thomas Napton was the next Prisoner, who was indicted for stealing Cloth from Walford, and Anthrobus, against whom this was the proof. Ralph Walford testified that the Prisoner was a Polisher of Looking-Glasses, and wrought and lodged in a place adjoining to the Room where their Cloth lay. One morning about five of the Clock he comes to Walfords house, and said that he had been Robbed, that they had bound his feet with a Neckcloth, and his hands behind him with a Linen Stockin, and that after they were gone, he unloosed himself, and unbound his feet, and rising, looked what Cloth was gone, and went to the other man Anthrobus, and brought him to see what was lost; and there were found missing 2 of Walfords worth 8 s. odd Money, and a long Merchant's Cloth of Anthrobus worth 9 s. odd Money; that he let the Thiefs in upon their knocking, thinking they had been the Persons belonging to the Warehouse; that he was not entrusted with the Custody of the Cloth, but permitting him to have a Key to it, and passage through it, they thought their Cloth securer for his lying there. That he would take a thousand Oaths, the Cloth was there that night. That he confessed he made no Outcry when he was before Sir William Turner. Anthrobus swore he made such a like story to him, and said it was his weakness that he did not cry out; that his Wife was gone out that morning by Three a clock to washing, as she was indeed, and that the Thiefs came about Four, and he came to them about Five; That he said, he himself had lost nothing unless 3 or 4 s. of his Wives, and his Kettle, which Kettle he had lent to his own Son in Law, 2 days before. The Son in Law to Walford speaks to the same effect, that he said they nubled him about the Head, and bid him go to bed, you old Dog, and then bound him; that being told by Walfords wife, it was more like to be Evenings Work to take away the Cloth, than Mornings, he replied, for aught he knew it might be so, for he was out in the Evening, but when he came in, he did not miss any of the Cloth, because he knew not what was there. And afterwards said, he blessed be God he got no hurt, but they did beat their Pistols about his head; and before had said, he was almost killed. And the same Evidence the Woman gave. And upon these Circumstances, they suspected the Prisoner. He denied the Felony, and told the story in Court himself; and being asked whether they could not have found Rope, or any more likely thing to bind him with, than the Stock in and Neckcloth, he said there was Rope enough, but it was not in the Room he lay in, but in the Warehouse: he confessed he said it might be the Evenings work, because he had been forth, and did not see what the Thiefs carried away. That it was his weakness he did not pursue them, and for fear he durst not (though he could have done it) unbind himself till they were gone. That he appealed to the very Prosecutors, he had behaved himself honestly, wrought hard for his living, and was never taxed with the wronging any man of the worth of a Farthing. Which was acknowledged by the Witnesses. Hereupon the Court left it to the Jury, whether upon these Circumstances the Prisoner was guilty or not. Jane Baley, and Mary Hipkins, were next tried for stealing linen from Mr. Burdekin. Mr. Burdekin swore that he lost the goods out of his house where his Family is constantly in Seacoal-Lane. That his Maid could tell how. She deposed, That she went out of her Master's house to fetch home a Child from School, and by a hole broken in the Window laid the key there, after she had locked the door; and she supposeth the door was opened by some that took the key out of the window, for she found it open when she returned, and that it was about four or five in the evening: and her Mistress told her, the little Dog barking very much, made some that were abovestairs come down, who found the door open, but no body there; and about half an hour after they miss the things in the Indictment. That the reason of their accusing these Women was, because one of the Shirts was offered to be pawned by Jane Baley at Cow-cross; and she being examined, said, she bought it of Mary Hipkins; whom also they took upon suspicion, but she would confess nothing to them. Jane Baley the Prisoner said, That the other Prisoner Hipkins sold it her at a house called the Two Brewers, for 4 s. and being afterwards in want of money, would have pawned it. She could not produce any person that see her buy it, but she brought one Mary Burket to testify, that Hipkins had said to her in her hearing, If she did not like her bargain, she would give her the money again upon her complaint it was too dear. And upon other discourse, Hipkins also was heard by her to say, That had it not been for a whiffling little Cur, she would have done her work better than she did. All which the other Prisoner Hipkins denied, but had not the good hap to bring Evidence to disprove it, but had offered the Prosecutor a Bond for Composition. Upon which the Court left them both to the Jury. Anne Mounsdel was the next, who was accused for stealing the Goods of Mary Brasier, and thus it was proved. Marry Brasier testified, That the Prisoner was by her permitted to lodge in her Room for 6d. a week; and one day pretending to send her out of a false Errand, with a feigned Letter into the Strand, to a person whom she could never find, and in the mean time robbed her of a Gown and some Linen, and had got them quite away, if the Landlady of the house in which they both lodged had not stopped her, and taken her. Eleanor Hasset, the Landlady, related her part of the Story thus, That the Prisoner got her Daughter to write her a Letter, upon promise of a Reward: That the Child told her, She suspected the Prisoner was a Thief, and that she herself thought so too; and thereupon watched her, and saw her put on the Gown, after she had sent the Woman out, and was going away with the Linen in her Lap. She went after her, and fetched her back, though she ran from her twice, and had her before the Justice, who committed her. The Prisoner denied the Letter, or that she sent her out on her Errand; and said, That the Woman had lent her the Gown, and the Linen she was to have mended. But against the Positive Oaths of two Witnesses, her bare word the Court thought not a sufficient Counter-proof; however they left it to the Jury. The next was Margaret Smith, for robbing one Messenger of some Sarsnet, and Plate, and Goods, to a very great value, and Money. Messenger, the Party rob, deposed, That she lodged in his house, and in the time of Southwark-Fair last desired him, and his Wife and Kinswoman, to go with her to the Fair, where she would make them merry, and left her Maid at home; who when they were all gone, got the Apprentice to go for a Peck of Oysters, and in the mean time stole away the other things, all but the Silk. When they came home again, she asked for her Maid; and being told she was not within, she cried out, I pray God I be not rob; and so going to look, they found they were indeed rob, and so she pretended she was too. The next morning she would have gone out, but the Kinswoman would not let her go alone, because she had some jealousy of her; and so went with her up and down where she pretended to go see for her Maid, and to see among the Broker's Shops for the Goods: At last, when she was in a House at Hounds-ditch, she slipped from her, and was not seen, till a Friend of hers coming to Messengers house, undertook to find her out, and met with her. She led them another dance, by pretending to go and receive money, which she would fain have been permitted to do alone; but the Kinswoman telling her, she would not leave her, she continued with them, and brought them to a Pewterer's shop, where being sat down to drink, the young Woman pulled off her shoe to ease her foot, and the Prisoner took advantage of it, and ran away; but being overtaken, was committed to Prison. And as to the Silk, she had it on now at her Trial, which was left at the time of the Robbery. The Prisoner denied any hand in the Robbery, and said, that she run away, because being not very rich, she was afraid of a Prison, which they threatued her with. That for the Silk, she did think it had been a Piece she had sent by her Maid to be Died, but could not prove it; nay had, after she came from the Fair, acknowledged to the Kinswoman, it was none of hers, but the Maids. The Court examined her about her Quality and Estate. She said, She had a Brother, a Gentleman in the Country, allowed her 20 l. a year, with which, and working to the Exchange, making about her acquaintance with one John Spittle, now in Newgate for Felony, she could give no good account of it, which rendered them suspicious of her. However, not finding any thing sufficient to prove her guilty of the Robbery, except as Accessary, they so directed the Jury, and that as to the Silk, of which there was manifest proof, they should consider the value, being Died Silk. With the Charge of these Prisoners the Jury went out, and had an Officer sworn to keep them. Then the Clerk for London Arraigned another Prisoner. The Clerk for Middlesex Arraigned these following. Edward Preston of Hamwel Indicted, for that he, the 6th. of Octob. 1678. did steal a Mare, colour black, of the price of 3 l. from one Edward Mullet; to which he pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself upon the Country. Anne Harris Indicted, for that she, the 17th. Septemb. 1678, did steal Goods of 10 s. value from John Jones. She pleaded Not Guilty, and put herself upon the Country. Richard Symel and Margaret Hutton Indicted; he, for that, the 2d. of August 1678. he did steal from Elizabeth Horner Goods to the value of 10 l. and she as Accessary. Both pleaded Not Guilty, and put themselves upon the Country. Then the Middlesex Jury returned, and being agreed of their Verdict, the Foreman gave it in thus: That Samuel Thompson was guilty of the Felony, but the Goods were but to the value of 10 d.. That Mary Read was guilty, but the Goods were but of the value of 10 d. That John Leak is guilty of stenling the Cloth off the Tenters. That Thomas Napton is not guilty of stealing the Cloth of Mackham and Anthrobus, nor did sly for it. That Jane Bailey is not guilty, nor did fly for it. That Mary Hipkins is guilty of the Felony, but the Goods were but of the value of 10 d. That Anne Mounsdel is guilty of the Felony whereof she was Indicted. That Margaret Smith is guilty of stealing the piece of Silk, which was but of the value of 10 d. as to the rest not guilty; whereupon the Court ordered an Indictment to be drawn up against her, as Accessary to the other Felony, of which there was strong suspicion. The Verdict being Recorded, the Court Adjourned till 3 a Clock in the Afternoon. Post Merid. eodem Die. After Proclamation for attendance, the London Jury were called, and the Prisoners to their Challenges; which being none, the Jury were sworn as before: And Proclamation for information and Prosecution being made, they were charged to inquire of these Prisoners. First, One White, of the Towre-Ward, was Indicted for Burglary; and acquitted. The next that was tried was James Jackson, for stealing the Tankard from Nicholas Jackson, who deposed thus; That he did believe that to be the man who came into his house, and called for a Tankard of Ale and a Toast, which when he had eaten and drank up, he called for another; which while I went to draw, the Prisoner clapped down a Pewter Tankard instead of the Silver, and goes away. That he was a Victualler, at the Sign of the Cheshire-Cheese in Thames-street. That he went to sell it to a Goldsmith, who upon examination found that it was his. Which the Goldsmith attested. But the Prisoner denied that ever he was in his house; and said, That he had bought the Tankard five years ago, of one whom he did not know by name, nor could find, in the Minories. The Owner swore it was his Tankard, and that he was in his house that day. And the Court left it as a plain case to the Jury. The third they were charged with, was Stephen Arrowsmith for the Rape committed on Elizabeth Hopkins. To prove which, a Girl of between 9 and 10 years of Age, gave this Testimony without being Sworn. That she saw in a Room, the Prisoner lying a top of the little Girl, but what they did she knew not, but the Girls Petticoats were up, nor did she cry out. The Girl that was ravished, being between 8 and 9, testified that he had had to do with her for half a year together every Sunday, that she was hindered from crying the first time, by his stopping her mouth, and that he gave her money afterwards; and she never discovered it, till some of her friends observing her to go as if she were very sore, examined her, and by telling her she would be in danger of hanging in Hell, got her to confess, that the Prisoner was her father's Apprentice. One Mrs. Cowel did testify that upon observing her going, and other Circumstances, she did resolve to examine her, and made her confess, which she did, and being searched, was found shamefully abused, and sent to the Doctors to cure. The like was attested by one Mrs. Sherwin, and by a Midwife, who said, she had got a very foul disease by it. The Prisoner with a great many tears denied the Fact, and desired some Witnesses might be called. Among whom there was a maid that lived at the Doctors where the Girl was for Cure, who testified that the Girl upon Taxing her, why she did conceal it, said, she took Pleasure in it, and that upon Examination there were no Symptoms on the Prisoner, as the Doctor said, of any such disease as the Girl had, which was indeed the Pox; which was also attested by one Mrs. Rawlins: and the Prisoner protesting his Innocence, alleged that they offered a Composition. All which notwithstanding, the Court with great detestation and abhorrence of so Horrid and Vile an Offence, told him the Matter was so plain against him, that he must have as great impudence to deny it, as he had wickedness to Commit it; that her consent would not save him, for the Statute provides, that a Child under 10 years of age, should not be abused with, or without her Consent. That the First Violence whereby he stopped her Crying, made the Rape, had it been a Woman above 10; that if the Parents were so wicked, as to offer a Composition, yet that made not him innocent. The Jury not seeming satisfied with the Evidence, the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs and others were of opinion, that the Girl that was Ravished, might give in her Testimony upon Oath; but it was forborn for the present, and left to the Jury. Who were sent together to consider of their Charge, with an Officer sworn to keep them according to Law. In the mean time, the Clerk for Middlesex arraigned Mary Hutchins of Fulham, indicted for that she, the 3 d. of Octob. 1678, did steal some Plate and Linen, from one, to which she pleaded not guilty, and putteth herself upon the Country. Elisabeth Gates for stealing a Cup of 14. s. Value from one Dennis King, the 14 of Novem. 1678. She pleads not guilty, and put herself upon the Country. After a considerable space of time the Jury returned, and having answered to their Names as called, agreed that the Foreman should speak for them, and gave in this Verdict. That James Jackson was guilty of stealing Nicholas Jackson's Tankard. And they offered this further. That Stephen Arrowsmith was not guilty of the Rape: which Verdict Mr. Recorder, not conceiving it to be according to their Evidence, would not take from them without further deliberation, and laboured to satisfy them of the Manifestness of the Proof. One of the Jury being an Apothecary, said it was his opinion, that a Child of those years could not be Ravished. Which the Court told him was to Elude the Statute, that having provided a Punishment, had done it in vain, if there were no offence, and so he did tax the Wisdom of a whole Parliament; Which ought not to be. Others of the Jury, because the Girls were not sworn, doubted of the sufficiency of their Testimony, and they had nothing but hearsay from the other Witnesses. But the Court told them, in regard such Offenders never call others to be by while they commit such actions, they could expect no other Testimony than from the Party injured, which they had, and with it of an eye Witness, both whom they forbore to Swear, because of the tenderness of their Age; but if they insisted upon it, they should be Sworn. Upon this the Jury went out again, and while they were deliberating, information was given to the Court, that they had the two Children with them, which was against the Law. Whereupon the Officer appointed to keep them, was sent for, and it being sworn against him, that he had admitted them in, he was sent to Newgate, though he alleged another Officer brought them to him as from the Court, but that Officer swore the contrary, and therefore the other was detained in Custody. The Jury being sent for about this matter, when they came, said, they sent not for the Children, nor desired to have them: and the Court to give further satisfaction, swore the Children, having examined them, whether they understood the nature of an Oath, and the danger of Perjury, which they gave a Rational account of. And the Jury went away again. That Stephen Arrowsmith was guilty of the Rape, and they were discharged till the next morning at Ten of the clock: it being late, the Court was Adjourned till Seven. Wednesday the 12. of Dec. 1678. Nine of the Clock. Proclamation was first made for Attendance. Then the Clerk of Middlesex called for John Worsley, who was indicted for seducing the King's Subjects from their Obedience, and from the Protestant Religion. But when he was brought up, the Court thought fit to defer his Arraignment and Trial till the next week. He then Arraigned Nathaniel Russell and John Watson, indicted, for that he the said Russell, 18. Nou. 1678. did voluntarily, and of malice forethought, with a Rapier give to William Midley a mortal wound on his Breast, of which he died, and that the said Watson was by, aiding, abetting, comforting, and maintaining. To which indictment both pleaded not Guilty, and put themselves upon the Country. Then the Prisoners were called to their challenges, and the Middlesex Jury sworn; the usual Proclamation made, and the Prisoners thus charged upon them in Order. Marry Hutchins indicted for stealing a Siuler Cup and Linen, against whom the Evidence was, That she was a Servant in the Persons house about a week, from whom the Cup was stolen. That she being gone one morning out of the house, they miss several things. She being suspected for them, and that she was run away, Pursuit was made after her by a young man, who overtook her, and found the things about her; that he charged a Constable with her, and had all the things again. The Prisoner could not deny her taking the Particulars, but the Owner having them again, the Value was left to the Jury. Edward Preston, indicted for stealing a Mare from Edward Mullet. Mullet himself deposed, that the Prisoner was his Servant, and took the Mare out of his Ground, and carried her to Tame, and there sold her for 30 s. and about 3 Weeks since he was taken. The Person that took him, deposed, that he confessed the taking of the Mare out of the Ground, and selling her. The Prisoner said he took the Mare, to go for a Dragooner, that when he came to Tame, the Troop he thought to go in, was gone; and he being ashamed to carry the Mare back again, and in his distress for money, sold her, but the man had the Mare again. Upon which confession the Court left it to the Jury. Elisabeth Gates was tried for stealing a Silver Cup, of 14 s Value, from one Dennise King. Who deposed, that she had confessed the Stealing to her, and that a little Girl had seen her in the house that day, but she went away, and on Thursday after was seen, and known by the Girl, Apprehended upon Suspicion, and before the Justice confessed it. The Prisoner did not deny being at the Woman's house, but now denied the taking of the Cup from thence, and that ever she confessed it. Upon which the Jury were directed to consider of the Evidence, and the Value. Then Richard Symell Indicted for stealing the goods of Elisabeth Horner, and Margaret Husen, as accessary, after were tried. Broccas a Constable, deposed, that he took him, and before the Justice he confessed he took the things out of a Trunk and Box, and sold them to the Prisoner Hutton, in whose house we found them. Symel the Prisoner, for himself said, He indeed did take them, but he thought they had been his Wives, for they were in her Lodging, who was then newly come from Service; and he thought he might make bold with them, being hers, and sold them to the other Prisoners. Hutton confessed she bought them of the other man, but denied that she knew them to be stolen Goods, or used to be such; that he told her they were his own, and not his Wives. Anne Harris was the next, who was Indicted for stealing the Goods of John Jones. Against whom Jane Harris, the Wife of John Harris, swore, that she lost Goods of a considerable value, and that the Prisoner was taken in Southwark selling part of them. The Woman to whom she offered them to sale attested it, and that she told her she had bought them. The Prisoner herself saith, she bought them of a man, but his name she could not tell, nor where he lived. So the Court left her to the Jury. One Wood was Indicted for stealing a Silver Cup of 9 s. value, of Robert Lambert, and was acquitted. Thomas and John Johnson Indicted for the unlawful taking the Led off from Stepney-Church; the Evidence was this: Knight, a Head-borough, was with his Watch going the round, saw a Ladder standing on the side of the Church, and enquiring of the Clerk and the Sexton whether it were there by their Order, found it was not; and therefore taking away the Ladder, got up another way to the top of the Leads. But at the side of the wall, they found three parcels of Lead rolled up, and which was thrown down. When they came up, they found these two men there; being asked what they did there at that time, all they would answer, was, It was their fortune to be there. But going onward, they found some more parcels of Lead, which they acknowledged they had cut up with a knife; the whole was about 950 l. weight, but none was removed away. They said the Ladder was theirs, which was afterwards found to be another man's, and not lent by him neither. The Prisoners said; They heard a noise on the top of the Church, and went up to see what was the matter; but before they could get down, the Watch had taken away the Ladder: and they denied the taking away of the Lead. The Court loft it to the Jury upon the Evidence. Nathaniel Russel and John Watson Indicted, for the murder of William Midgley, against whom it was thus proved: Dorothy Midgley, Sister to the Person slain, deposed, that Watson, who was a Bailiff, came with Russel to arrest her for a debt of 3 l. which she owed an Aunt of hers. And coming into the room, her Brother stood before, and was stabbed by one of them immediately; that she thinks it was Russel stabbed him: That he lived till Thursday, and then died; and that he gave them no ill language. Elizabeth symmond's, who was then in the Room, testified, That the Boy did not give them any provocation; That he had a piece of a Curtain Rod, which she did not see him lift up against them. Rebeccah Niccols, who also was by, swore, That Watson, when he came in, run him down into a Chair, and the other run him through. That Russel came in with his Sword drawn, and they were heard from without to swear, they would kill any one that opposed them. Stephens, a Chirurgeon, proved, that he died of the wound. Russel the Prisoner, in his defence, said, That the Plaintiff in the Action calling them up stairs, told them, they must look to themselves, for there was a Young man intended to kill them. That upon their coming in, the Young man made at them with a bright thing, like a Spit or a Sword; and in his own defence, be retreating back, doth not know how the Boy was wounded. Watson for himself said, That being ordered by the Plaintiff to Arrest Dorothy Midgley, when he came to the door, he heard the Boy say, I will run my Spit in some of your guts; but putting him aside, he Arrested his Prisoner, and heard some body cry out, I am killed; upon which he run to him, and opening his breast, there he found a great wound, and gave him some Brandy to drink, and covered him with a warm Napkin. That the Defendant Midgley came to him, and cut him over the face with a Pot, and asked him what he stayed there for, he had been the death of her Mother and her Brother. That about five years ago he had arrested her Mother, and she died in Execution; but he denied any hand in this Murder. The Plaintiff in the Action said, She did employ Watson to Arrest Dorothy Midgley, and that he went straight forward to her, her Brother being by; and that a Fellow came in and wounded the Boy, and run out again before he could cry out he was wounded: but who he was she knew not; but she did not see nor hear the Boy make resistance, or give any provocation. That it was only a piece of a Curtain Rod the Boy had in his hand, but neither struck stroke with it, nor run at them. Then the Writ and Warrant to justify the Arrest were read, whereby upon the Return it was found, that they had returned a Rescous by the Party that was killed, which the Court told Watson was a great Evidence against him. Whereupon directing the Jury, they were told, that there being no provocation, the Law implied the malice to make it murder. But how far the persons accused were guilty, was left to them to consider upon the Evidence. Then the Jury withdrew to consider of their Charge. The Clerk for London Arraigned these Prisoners. William Lucas Indicted, for that he, Decem. 2. last, did steal a Tankard of 6 l. value; confessed the Indictment, and himself to be guilty of that offence, and all within Clergy. John Macarty, for stealing the same Tankard, pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself upon the Country. George Cletheroe Indicted, for stealing some Linen from one John Delavier, he pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself upon the Country. Ralph Leech Indicted, for that he, the 9th. of Octob. 1678. did steal from Henry Wood nine pair of Silk Stockings. He pleaded Not Guilty, and put himself upon the Country. A Lieutenant and some Soldiers were Indicted for misdemeanour committed by them, in endeavouring in a riotous manner to take away a Prisoner, the 16th. of November last, out of the Custody of one Newton, a Sergeant in London. They all confessed themselves guilty of the offence, and submitted to the Mercy of the Court. Whereupon Mr. Lane, controller of the Chamber of London, being of Counsel for the King, opened the Cause, to give the Court satisfaction in the matter: That one Sparks being Arrested by Newton, told the Officer, he ought not to be Arrested, because he was a Soldier. The Officer told him, he had some reason to doubt it, because he had not on the King's Clothing; but he should have the liberty to send to such of his Officers as he thought sit. Upon which he sent a Porter to the Sergeant of the Company of Granadiers, who not being met with, the Note was delivered to the Lieutenant; which when he had read, with great Passion and Swearing he demands to know the Officers name, and cursing himself, said, If he could meet with him, he would cut off his ears. He than gets his Company together, acquaints them with the business, leaves the main body of the Company in Cheapside, over against Woodstreet, selects a dozen out of them, and coming down Woodstreet with Muskets, and Daggers in them, and with Oaths and Arms would have stormed the Counter, demanding the Prisoner. It was with great difficulty that they persuaded him he was not in the Counter, but in a House near by. Thither he goes cursing and swearing he would pull the House down, fire the House; and make that Rogue the Officer an Example for daring to Arrest a Soldier. The Sergeant told him, Sir, I am not throughly satisfied he is a Soldier, and desired to see the Muster-Roll: But he would not vouchsafe to let him have that favour; take him away he would, and did, in triumph to the Offenders, and to the terror of all Civil Justice. The Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen being acquainted with the matter, order Mr. Recorder and the two Sheriffs to wait on the Lord General the Duke of Monmouth, to let him know the whole business, and to desire him to deliver up the Offenders to be punished. His Grace did immediately concur to it; and having Cashiered them from the King's Service, hath sent them hither, where, said he, we hope they will be satisfied now, as we are all well assured that, by the blessing of God, and the care and courage of our Magistrates, Soldiers, though they may and aught to assist, yet they shall never be permitted to be Arbiters and Comptrollers of Public Justice. The Lieutenant would have excused and palliated the matter; but the Council having Affidavits, and Viva voce to prove his Accusation, and it having been examined before the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, they were committed to the Gaol in order to their Judgement. Then the Jury for Middlesex returned with their Verdict, which the Foreman gave in thus: That Mary Hutchins is guilty, but the Goods were but to the value of 10 d. That Edward Preston is guilty of stealing the Mare. That Elizabeth Gates is not guilty. That Richard Symel is guilty, but the Goods were but to the value of 10 d. Whereupon Margaret Hutton, Indicted as Accessary, was discharged. That Anne Harris is Guilty, but the goods were but to the Value of 10 d. That Margaret Wood is not guilty of the Felony, etc. And That Thomas and John Johnson, are guilty of the Trespass, in taking away the Lead from Stepney Church. That Nathaniel Russel, is guilty of Murder, in killing William Midgley. And That John Watson is not guilty of that Felony, and Murder. An Officer of the Court, gave information upon Oath, that a Soldier leaning over the Bail Dock was spoke to come down, but refusing, was pulled by him, whereupon he laid his hand to his Sword, and swore if he had him out, he would kill him: upon which information, the Court committed him to the Goal. The Clerk for London called the Prisoners to their Challenges, Swore the Jury, and made Proclamation for Information and Prosecution, in usual Form. The first Prisoner tried was, Ralph Leech, Indicted for stealing the Silk Stockings to the Value of 4 l. 10 s. Against whom, one Summer deposed, that he knew the Prisoner very well, and that the first of Octo. last, he saw him steal from Mr. Woods Shop 9 Pair of Silk Stockings. That he is a Workman to the Shop, as he is to other Hosiers Shops; where coming in a morning betimes, he had Opportunity to look over the Silk Stockings, and sometimes would buy. That this day looking over two Board's of Hose, he would now and then put a pair in his Breeches, till he had put in 9 Pair. Another Person being by, he desired him to go for a Constable. Then the Prisoner offering to go away, he stayed him, and asked him how many Pair he had bought, he answered, None. But, said he, I must speak with you Mr. Leech, and having him up stairs, told him he had something more than was his own, he was in such haste to be gone, and urging him with it, he did desire him to be merciful to him, or his Wife and Children were ruined, and pulled out the Stockings 9 Pair in all, which when he was carried before Sir John Frederick, were produced against him, and he confessed it, saying, The Devil owed him a Shame. The other Witness affirmed the same, and had seen something before, which he did not like, but durst not venture upon him, because he was a great man in the Trade; and would have ruined him. The Prisoner who was an old Man, with a very grey head, by Trade a Silk Stockin Trimmer, and of a plentiful Fortune, had nothing to say for himself, but that he took them for money they owed him, which poor excuse was not accepted by the Court, but they directed the Jury to find him Guilty, upon so plain an Evidence. Then Richard Bradshaw was Indicted for High Treason, in clipping the King's Coyn. To prove which, one Brauthwayt, a Linen Draper in Newgate Street, gave Evidence, that the Prisoner was his Apprentice, and that he heard he had given a neighbour's boy, one John Jolliffe, some pieces of Silver, which being brought to me, he did acknowledge he had clipped them with a pair of Scissors, that were in Court. That he did use to trust him, with receiving, and paying Money for him, but never knew any ill of him, nor found much clipped money among his Cash. That he had taken him Apprentice without money. Another Witness swore that he confessed it before Sir William Turner. And a Goldsmith's Boy showed some Ingots, which he had from that Jolliffe, who said he had them from the Prisoner, but he was not to be found. The Prisoner now had nothing to say for himself, but that he had the Silver from that Jolliffe. Upon which he was left to the Jury. The next was John Macarty, for stealing a Silver Tankard, out of a house behind the Exchange. The Boy of the House testified that he, with William Lucas, who confessed the Felony, came to his Master's house, who is a Cook; and while the Boy went down for a Pot of drink they called for, they streped into the Kitchen where the Tankard was, and taking it thence, away they went, before he came up again. That the Tankard was there before he went down to draw the drink. That they came in friendly together, and went both away. That they had the Tankard again by means of a Woman, with whom Lucas left it to keep till he came out of Prison, where he was, being taken that night by the Watch. The Woman testified the delivery of it by Lucas, but she saw not the other Man. The Prisoner, for himself, said he was pushed and jossed by the other man Lucas, whom he had never seen before in his life, and that upon their Fight, the other invited him to drink, and when the Boy was gone down to draw the drink, Lucas went into the Kitchen, and came out again, and called him out to go away with him, which he did, having no business there. The credit of which story, upon the Boys positive Testimony, was left to the Jury. Then Hannah Downes was tried, for stealing 4 l. in money, from Thomas Goddard in the Vintry. The Evidence was, That she being a poor Girl, was by them taken up, and upon recommendation, by a Letter from a Quaker, entertained in the house where she lived about two Months, and then was bound Apprentice to the Woman: that the man leaving of his Breeches, in which was the Key of the Warehouse, where the money was, she had taken it, and taken away about 4 l. at several times; as she confessed that she run away to Rochester, and there was taken, and before the Justice confessed the thing. The Prisoner said, she run away because they abused her, and beat her, and pinched her in her Victuals, but denied she stole any Money, or that she did confess it. Which was submitted to the Jury. The next was George Hunt, for stealing Brass Buckles, and some small things. But it appeared upon the Evidence, a Prosecution out of Malice, because of an Action of slander, by the Prisoner commenced against the Prosecutor. And there being no colour for the Accusation, the Court directed the Jury to find the Prisoner not Guilty. The last for London was George Clethoroe, Indicted for stealing the goods of John Delavier. One Burbeck deposed, that about six of the clock in the Evening, the Prisoner came into the house, and going out, he saw him; and asked him what he did there; but received no answer. That he cried stop Thief, and upon that Outcry he ran, but was overtaken. That the Linen which he is Indicted for, was taken out of the house, and dropped 4 or 5 houses from that house. Another man Witnessed, that upon the cry of Stop Thief, he made towards the Prisoner, who to save himself, cried Stop Thief too, and when the Witness came up to him, Struck him; but he was Apprehended, notwithstanding his resistance. And one that saw the Linen in that place, and took it up, attested it. The Prisoner denied being in the house, and said, that he was pursuing one that came out thence: but the first man affirmed positively that he was there, and that his Wife three days after his Commitment came to entreat him not to prosecute him. The Jury, after a short recess, did give in this Verdict of the Prisoners under their charge. That Ralph Leech was guilty of the Felony he was Indicted for. That Nicholas Bradshaw was guilty of High-Treason. That John Mackarty was guilty of stealing the Tankard. That Hannah Downs was guilty of the Felony to the value of 9 s. That George Hunt was not guilty of the Felony he stands Indicted for: And the Court taking notice of the malicious prosecution, gave him leave to take a Copy of the Indictment. That George Clethero was guilty, but the Goods were but to the value of 10 d. Then the Court Adjourned till 3 of the Clock in the afternoon. Post Meridiem eodem die. Proclamation of Attendance being made, the Lord Chief Baron called for the Granadiers, who were in custody, and told Mr. Recorder, That he being, by the custom of the Court,, to give Sentence upon Offenders there, the Judges did give him their advice, That the Peace of the Kingdom was so nearly concerned in this Cause, that it deserved an exemplary Punishment; and the lowest Fine they would counsel him to set, was 200 l. upon the Lieutenant, 50 l. upon the Sergeant, and 20 l. a piece upon the Common Soldiers. Which was by Mr. Recorder Sentenced accordingly, with this Reproof. YOu that are the Prisoners at the Bar, the Court and the Government are sensible of the great affront by you put upon the Authority of the Nation in general, and this City in particular, and what danger you might have brought yourselves into: For you gave such a Provocation, at such a time, within the very heart of the City of London, that might have proved the occasion not only of bloodshed to others, but utter ruin to yourselves. The Court, I say, and the Government, and your own General being sensible of this, and satisfied of your Gild, have brought you hither, where being under the Power of Justice, you ought to receive the Sentence of Justice for your great Offence; and because your Crime is great, such must be your Judgement. For though you are Soldiers, Gentlemen, and aught to have all due encouragement, yet you must not think, by the Authority of your Arms, to control the Authority of the Civil Magistrate. And because the Lieutenant should have known better his duty, and taught it to them under his care, his Fine must be the greatest, because his Knowledge was, or should have been so, and deserves the highest resentment. The Sergeant, who should have also known better, must receive a Punishment according to his Degree. And the Common Soldiers, though under their Command, yet being great Offenders, must receive an exemplary Punishment. And I do in the name of the Court, and the Court doth Order, That the Lieutenant pay for a Fine 200 l. the Sergeant for his Fine 50 l. and each Common Soldier 20 l. to the King; and that they be Committed till they pay these several Fines. Then the Clerk for Middlesex Arraigned Thomazine Davies, alias Sparks, alias Bailey, Indicted, for that she, the 8th. of Decemb. 1678. an Indian Gown, and other things, to the value of 4 l. and 18 s. of money, did steal from Lewis Gastring. To which she pleaded Not guilty, and put herself upon the Country. William Baker Indicted, for having two Wives, against the form of the Statute. Pleaded Guilty. Judith Smith Indicted, for that she, the 29th. of Octob. did steal some Linen of a small value from John Smith. She pleaded Not guilty, and put herself upon the Country. James Furner of White-chappel Indicted, for that he, the 12th. of Novemb. 1678. did steal a Mare, colour brown, from one _____ He pleaded Not guilty, and put himself upon the Country. James Smith Indicted, for that he, the last of Octob. 1678. did steal three Hogs, colour white, of the value of, every one of them 35 s. from Leonard Sanders. He pleaded Not guilty, and put himself upon the Country. William Brayn Indicted, for that he, the 6th. of Septemb. 1678. did steal one Gelding, colour brown, from Ambros Galloway. He pleaded Not guilty, and put himself upon the Country. Matthew Momford Indicted, for that he, the 23 d. of Novemb. 1678. being a Soldier in the Company of John Drew Esq. a Captain in the Service of the King, there was a certain discourse had between him and one Thomas Topping, and one James Sanders, concerning our Sovereign Lord the King, and the Religion in the Kingdom established; he the said Matthew Momford said he was a Papist: Upon which the said Topping and Sanders told him, he was not fit to be a Soldier then in the King's Service. He replied, I hope to see you all burned, and to be at the burning of you. To this Indictment for a Contempt and Misdemeanour he pleaded Not guilty, and put himself upon the Country. Then the Prisoners were called to look to their Challenges, the Jury sworn, and Proclamation being made for Information and Prosecution, as before, they were charged to inquire, First, of William Brayn, for stealing a Gelding from Ambros Galloway; against whom One testified his knowledge, that it was Ambros Galloways Horse; and another, that he bought it of the Prisoner. But Ambros himself, being a Quaker, would not, for Conscience-sake, as he said, swear, and so could give no testimony about his losing him. Upon which the Court directed the Jury to find the Prisoner Not guilty for want of Evidence, and committed the Quaker, as a concealer of Felony, for refusing an Oath to Witness for the King. Thomazine Davies, for stealing an Indian Gown and other goods, to the value of 4 l. and 18 s. in Money, from Lewis Gastring. Marry Gastring, the Wife of Lewis, swore, That going out to a Neighbour's house, she then lost those goods, and found them with the Prisoner at the Bar; that the things were in several Boxes and Trunks, but none broken open. Walter Turner deposed, That on Sunday 8th. Decemb. 1678. in the afternoon, walking in the Alley where this house was, he did that Mrs. Gastring coming out, and complaining of her loss, he told her what he had seen, and overtaking the Prisoner, upon pursuit these things were found with her. The Prisoner said that another woman, with whom she was drinking a pot of drink, gave them her, and desired her to carry them for her to such a place; which she was going to do with the things in her Apron, but not telling the woman's name, nor producing any Witness to prove it, the Court left it to the Jury. Then Judith Smith was tried, for stealing the Goods of John Smith. Against whom, John Smith, deposed that he had lost the Goods, in the Indictment, that she confessed the selling of some part to the Brokers, and named many particulars, that he could not say, they were taken all at one time, but being his Servant, she had opportunity to convey them away as she pleased, and that he did not miss them, till a fortnight after the time she confessed of taking them. The Prisoner for herself only said, that her Master charged her with more than she had. Upon which confession of part, and the things being taken at several times, and not all, the day laid in the Indictment, The Court left the value to the Jury. James Turner for a Mare, colour Brown. Upon whose trial, it appearing that he had been Auterfoits acquit, the Jury were discharged of him. James Smith was next, for stealing three white Hogs from Leonard Sanders, who deposed, That he, the last of October, i. e. Allholland Eve, lost two great Hogs, and a little one, worth 5 l. that he pursued them by the Track, but at last lost his intelligence. Another Witness swore, that he met the Prisoner Smith in the morning of that day, when he said, he was going to buy Calves, and after, met him driving three Hogs, a little one, and two great ones, which he said he drove for another, not for himself. Sanders not seeing the Hogs in Smith's possession, nor the other Witness not minding them, could tell the marks, and therefore the Court asked the Prisoner, whose Hogs they were that he drove that day, he denied he ever had any, or saw any. Which Evidence being uncertain as to the particulars charged, the Court left to the discretion of the Jury. Matthew Momford, for his contempt and misdemeanour, in speaking the Words. One of the Witnesses swore, that the Prisoner being at his house to drink, upon some discourse said, he had been a Papist seven years: then said he, you are not fit to stand Sentinel where the King passeth, for you may kill him as he goes by you. Then in a fume he replied, I hope to see you burned, and be at the Burning of you. The other said, that Momford said he was a Staffordshire man: then said the other, you must be a Papist, for all the Momfords in Staffordshire are Papists, he replied so was he. Then you are not fit to be a Soldier; he in a passion cried out, he hoped to see us all burnt, and be at the burnig of us. They both said he was in drink, with which the Prisoner would have excused the matter, but the Court told him it was no excuse, but an aggravation. And left him to the Jury. The last was John Spittle, for stealing the goods of Humphrey Wych. Against whom Wych gave Evidence that he lost such goods as are charged in the Indictment, and found them in the Custody of the Prisoner, and that the value was 7 s. And one Bayley deposed, that being a neighbour of Mr. Wych, and sitting in his Shop, he saw two Women and a Man, standing at Wych his door, first one woman went in, then both, and went away, and the man went in, and coming out with something under his Coat, he went and followed him, telling him what he had was not his own, and called to the man of the house, who coming out owned the things. The Prisoner said he found them at the door, but the Constable upon his Oath testified that he confessed at his taking, that he had them out of the Drawer. The Court left it to the Jury, who after a little recess being agreed of their Verdict concerning these Prisoners, brought it in thus. That Thomazine Davies, is guilty to the value of 10 d. That Judith Smith, is guilty to the value of 10 d. That William Brain, is not guilty. That James Smith, is not guilty. That Matthew Momford, is guilty. That John Spittle, is guilty to the value of 8 s. The Petit Juries for London and Middlesex were discharged. Then the Court proceeded to Judgement upon the Prisoners, according their Convictions. Those to whom the benefit of Clergy, as Men; and the punishment of Branding, as Women, was allowed, were. In all 8. in London. Joseph Brown, William Shakesby, John Baltee, Thomas Jackson, William Lucas, John Macarty, Hannah Kinman, & Hannah Downes, In Middlesex. William Baker, and Anne Mounsdell. Ralph Leech for respect to his age, the Court took time to consider after a very severe check, and having craved the benefit of his Clergy. John Spittle, who desired transportation, was set aside for it. John Pain, who had confessed himself guilty of Felony upon his Arraignment, for marrying a second Wife, the first being alive, did desire the benefit of his Majesties late Gracious Act of Pardon. Which the Court upon perusal of the Act thought fit to grant 1 him, but told him that he ought to make a recompense to the parties injured, which were both his Wives, for Poena potest dirimi, culpa perennis erit. The Persons tied up by the Executioner for judgement of Death, were these Six. Susan Banster, for stealing goods of 13 l. value, and who had been sentenced to be transported before. Stephen Arrowsmith, for a Rape committed upon Elisabeth Hopkins, an Infant of 8 years of Age. Nicholas Bradshaw, for high Treason, in clipping the Coin of this Kingdom. John Leak, for stealing Cloth off of the Tenters, contrary to the Statute in that case provided. Edward Preston, for stealing of a Mare. Which by Statute also is deprived of benefit of Clergy. And, Nathaniel Russell, for the Murder of William Midgley. These Persons being severally called to the Bar, and told of their Convictions, were demanded of, what they could say to arrest the judgement of Death: they could allege nothing, and therefore Proclamation being made for Silence, while judgement was in giving, the Recorder spoke to them thus. YOu that are the Prisoners at the Bar have been severally Indicted of several Offences, and upon your Trials, you have had the benefit of the best of Laws, because you have had the liberty of making your defence to the several Accusations whereof you have been accused. You have been fully heard, and by Persons of known integrity, who have been Triers of the Fact, and Countrymen of your own, sworn to do you Right; you have been Convicted of the several Offences wherewith you stand Charged, and nothing remains, save only for the Court to do that Duty which the Law requires of them, to give Judgement upon those Verdicts by which you stand Convicted. This is a Duty incumbent on the Court, though a sad one; and I must confess, I cannot but be much troubled to see Youth arrived to that height of Debauchery, notwithstanding the frequent Examples that are found in this Place. So that I must say, and I tremble to think I am obliged to say, That the frequent Examples of this Place seem rather to be Examples to some to outdo the Villainies that are punished here, than to deter them from the commission of them. When I see some among you there, that now seem mighty full of grief, and sense of the deplorable condition you have brought yourselves into; who have had Mercy shown them here, and yet continue to offend so gracious a King; when nothing will work upon you, but you will persist in so vile an habit of wickedness; it seems to me, that absolutely necessary Judgement be speedily executed upon you, there being so small hopes of Reformation. I speak this to let the World know, Mercy is not to be shown to such, as after forgiuness sin yet worse. And in as much as you have received fair and full Trials, upon which you have been Convicted, you have by your own vile carriages forfeited that Life, which you might else have happily enjoyed; and shortened that, which by your own industry you might have preserved and lengthened, to the comfort of yourselves and Friends, and the good of your Generation. And now it remains only for you to take care of that little, very little time that is left you, to improve it to the utmost, for the advantage of your immortal Souls. For having by your great wickedness and public affronts to the Justice of the Nation forfeited your lives, it will be needful for you to employ the minute of breathing time to prepare for Eternity. For though the Law do inflict the punishment of death on you here, you have God in Heaven, and a blessed Saviour and Redeemer, to whom, upon Confession and Repentance, you may with hopes apply yourselves for mercy in the World to come. And it will be the duty of every good Christian, not only to take care, that being warned by your Examples, they avoid the mischiefs you have run into, but also to join their Prayers, and all the assistance they can contribute, to the saving of your Souls, who by your Crimes have thus destroyed your Bodies. Some of your Offences are of a more vile, more black, and more dangerous nature than others; one of you stands Convicted of that most horrid Crime, Murder, blood which cries out to Almighty God for vengeance; Murder, I cannot but say, without any provocation; which is not only an offence against the Law of God, but even against Nature, for one man to destroy another without a provocation. If there were no such thing as a God in Heaven, or Justice upon Earth, Nature itself teacheth a man not to be barbarous to his own likeness. Therefore it will become thee to use all the tears thou canst shed, to wash away the blood thou hast spilt, and that will not be enough to take off thy guilt; for nothing but the precious blood of our dear and blessed Lord and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, can save a man that is guilty of so great and horrible a wickedness as shedding innocent blood. And for the rest, their offences have been such, as by the Law are to be punished with death. It will become you to betake yourselves to Repentance; and I expect it from him whose proper business it is, that he give you all the assistance he can to promote so good a work, by helping you to spend your little time well, in order to a happy Eternity. This I have spoken in charity to your Souls. I do therefore in the name of the Court pronounce this Judgement upon you all, save only the Youth that is convicted for clipping the King's Coin, That you shall go from hence to the place from whence you came, and from thence to the place of Execution, where you shall severally be hanged by your necks till you be dead; and Jehovah the Lord of Heaven and Earth have mercy upon your Souls. Then he applied himself to the Young Man for Treason, thus: YOu the Prisoner at the Bar, have likewise been Arraigned and Tried for an Offence, that by the Law is made High Treason, the Clipping of the Kings Coin. I am sorry, hearty sorry, and very much lament to see a Youth, in whom there seems to be so much modesty, far from persuading any one to believe, that any manner of Villainy should lurk underneath so promising and so good a Face, come under the guilt of so great an Offence. But the truth of it is, the Apprentices of London have got such a Trade of abusing their Masters by Clipping, and such tricks, which they are encouraged to by a pack of Goldsmith's Men, who are fit for their purpose, that if some of them be not made Examples, it will be the ruin of many. It is a disease that will run through the whole Flock. And I am sorry to see you the first sad lamentable instance of that Justice, which must pass against Offenders of that kind, whose modesty should have prevailed upon you, not only to look like a virtuous Boy, but so to have acted. But in as much as thou hast offended the Law, it will become thee also, if thou hast offended thy Master or any body else, to make them what reparation thou canst, by making confession of the offence, and discovering the Parties that were concerned with thee, whoever they are. For there can be no better means for Salvation in the next World, nor hopes of Mercy in this World, than by confessing thy Crimes, and telling the Accomplices, and 'tis my advice, Tell all thou knowest. But I must declare the Judgement of the Law, which is this, and the Court doth award it, That you are to go from hence to the place from whence you came, and from thence be drawn on a Hurdle to the place of Execution, where you shall be hanged by the neck till you be dead, and the Lord have mercy upon your Soul. Then Susan Banster being asked what she could say in delay of Execution, she desired to be Transported. Then the Prisoners Convict for Petty Larceny, who were these, George Cletheroe, Samuel Thompson, Mary Read, Mary Hipkins, Margaret Smith, Mary Hutchins, Richard Symell, Thomazine Davies, Judith Smith, and Anne Harris, in all, Ten: whose Sentence was delivered thus: YOu the Prisoners at the Bar, I have observed in the time that I have attended here, that your Pickpockets, Shop-lifters, and you other Artists, which I am not so well acquainted with, which fill up this place, throng it most with Women, and generally such as she there, Marry Hipkins, with whom no admonitions will prevail. They are such, whose happiness is placed in being thought able to teach others to be cunning in their wickedness, and their Pride is to be thought more sly than the rest: A parcel of Sluts, who make it their continual study to know how far they may steal, and yet save their necks from the Halter, and are as perfect in that, as if they had never been doing any thing else. But take notice of it, you that will take no warning, I pass my word for it, if e'er I catch you here again, I will take care you shall not easily escape. And the rest of those Women, that have the impudence to smoke Tobacco, and gussle in Alehouses; pretend to buy Hoods and Scarves, only to have an opportunity to steal them, turning Thiefs to maintain your luxury and pride: So far shall you be from any hope of mercy, if we meet with you here for the future, that you shall be sure to have the very rigour of the Law inflicted on you. And I charge him that puts the Sentence in Execution, to do it effectually, and particularly to take care of Mrs. Hipkins, scourge her sound; and the other Woman that used to steal Gold Rings in a Country Dress; and since they may have a mind to it this cold weather, let them be well heated. Your Sentence is this, That you be carried from hence to the place from whence you came, and from thence be dragged tied to a Carts-tail through the streets, your Bodies being stripped from the Girdle upwards, and be Whipped till your Bodies bleed. John Leak, who was found guilty of stealing Cloth▪ off the Tenters, and received Sentence of death for it, according to the Act in that case, which also gives the Court power to Transport the Party, if they see fit, was by the Court Reprieved in order to Transportation, being an able Seaman, and one that had done the King good service at Sea. The Prisoners Fined for Trespass and Misdemeanour, were Matthew Momford, Thomas Johnson, and John Johnson. To Matthew Momford, who was the Soldier that had spoken such bad words, Mr. Recorder gave this Admonition: YOu the Prisoner at the Bar, see now the great Inconvenience that comes upon the debauchery of some People; you that seem to have no Religion in the World but when you are drunk. But you must not think, drunk or sober, to revile the Protestant Religion, and go unpunished for it. Let the times be thought never so dangerous, yet I hope it will be always seen, that the Magistrates of this City and Kingdom dare tell all Mankind, They do and will own the Protestant Religion, and dare curb the proudest He, who shall presume to transgress our Laws, or offer to reproach our Religion. And all the Priests and Jesuits they have shall never blow up any man to that height of Impudence, as to dare do any thing in contempt of the Government, or affront to our Religion, but we will be sure to take down his pride, and make him know that he shall be subject to Justice. And so shall you find, who when you were drunk, could brag you were a Papist, and hoped to see Protestants burnt. You are an excellent man no doubt at a Faggot. Your contempt is very great, and the Court is very sensible of it; and that all the World may take notice how sensible they are, and of their resolution, that such Offenders shall not go unpunished; and that you may see, it shall not be a sufficient excuse to say, You were drunk when you did it, and pretend to repent of it now you are sober, and to turn Protestant again, We do think fit to lay a Fine of 100 l. upon you, and commit you in Execution till such time as you pay it; and upon your Enlargement, you are to find Sureties for the Good Behaviour for seven years. To Thomas and John Johnson, who stole the Lead off the top of Stepney-Church, he spoke thus: YOu are Brethren in iniquity, Simeon and Levi. I find you are not Churchmen the right way. But you are mightily beholding to the Constable, so much, that I think you aught to own it to him as long as you live; for if he had given you but half an hours time longer, you had been in a fair way to have been hanged. Your zeal for Religion is so great, as to carry you to the top of the Church. It is but a Trespass, it is true, but I assure you one of the rankest that ever I heard of, it is Cousin-german to Felony. If that be your way of going to Church, it is fit you should be taken notice of. Are you not ashamed to have offered at the commission of such an offence, in a Place whereto, if you were men that had any regard to a future state, you would pay a great reverence, because good men meet there to pray against such offences, not to commit them, as you did. The offence being so great, and the Trespass so rank, the Punishment must bear some proportion to it, which is this, The Court doth set a Fine upon you of 20 l. apiece, and commit you till you pay it to the Common Gaol of Newgate; and you are to find Sureties for the Good Behaviour before you be discharged. The Calling over the Gaol was left till the end of the Sessions. Then the Court was adjourned till Tuesday morning next, being Decemb. 17. at seven of the clock. FINIS.