Jackson's Recantation, OR, THE LIFE & DEATH OF THE NOTORIOUS HIGH-WAY-MAN, NOW HANGING in CHAINS AT HAMPSTEAD DELIVERED  
To a Friend, a little before Execution; Wherein is truly discovered the whole Mystery of that Wicked and Fatal Profession Of PADDING on the ROAD.  
LONDON, Printed for T. B. in the Year, 1674.   

jackson's Recantation.  
HOw vain are the thoughts of such, who whilst Youth and strength accompany them, never consider they are a mere Statue of Dust kneaded with Tears, and moved by the hid Engines of restless passions; a Clod of Earth, which the shortest Fever can burn to ashes, and the least shower of Rheums wash away to nothing; instead thereof they bounce so high, and make so great a noise in the World, as if both the Globes (those glorious Twins) had been unwombed from the formless Chaos by the Midwifery of their brain. Such was my disordered Fancy, and my actions being attended still with successes, answerable to my desires, I thought myself (notwithstanding my vicious practices) one of Heavens Favourites, and by the eloquence of my own vanity, persuaded myself that the Machinations of my Brain were able to unhinge the Poles. But Heaven thought fit I should no longer reign in pride and arrogance, and therefore committed me into hands of Justice, to be punished to the demerits of my Crimes. Being here confmed in this Terrestrial Hell, surrounded with horror and despair, my conscience started out of her dead sleep, and demanded a severe account of what I had done; guilt instantly did stop my mouth, and having not a word to say for myself, I withed my production (as my actions) inhuman; such was my deplorable destruction, that I thought I heard the howls and hollow groans of damned Souls, which added weight to one another's perpetual misery; Whilst I was in the greatest Agony imaginable, a Minister, or rather a charitable Physician for my sin sick Soul, came to visit me, who knowing me a notorious Offender, advised me to repent, for as yet it was not too late; hereupon he propounded several questions, endeavouring to disburden my overloaded conscience, by extracting from me an ingenious general Confession of what enormous Crimes I had committed; finding this pious man had no other design then for the benefit of my Soul, and knowing withal, the impossibility of my escape, by reason of so many Indictments alleged against me; I plainly laid open the whole course of my Life, not omitting any circumstance remarkable. Having put a period to my Narrative, he seemed all wonder, I perceived quickly that his amazement proceeded from the strange History of my wicked Life and conversation; this wonder was soon converted into pity and commiseration, that a man so young should be thus weeded out of the Garden of the World, just as he is entered into the blooming Spring time of his Age: After he had throughly made me sensible of the danger that attend these wicked courses (applying his Corrosives before his Cordials) he then acquainted me with the benefit of true repentance; in short, it will take me up too much time to give an account of every thing which was alleged either for information, contrition, or consolation, delivering that divine message with so much power and efficacy, that the obdurateness of my heart was able to hold out no longer, but melting into tears, I was willing to have its flintiness broken by the Hammer of sacred Scripture. Finding me in so good a temper, he left me to God and myself, for the perfecting that great work he had so hopefully and happily begun. I now condemned a saying, which I once applauded, used much by some of my desolute companions; he is more sorrowful than is necessary, that is, sorrowful before there is necessity: for had Sorrow taken place, where Pleasure sat Regent, and justled out all consideration of the dreadful effects that attend our evil facts, doubtless we should not be made a shameful spectacle to mankind, and a heart-breaking to our dearest Relations; that saying of Seneca, I wish I had practised as well as registered in my memory; When I was young, I studied to live well; when aged, how to die well. As I was in the midst of these serious contemplations, my heavenly Physician came again to visit me, to know and inquire into the condition and temperament of my Soul, feeling in what manner did beat the Pulse of its affection. Finding the constitution of my better part indifferent sound, and that there was great hopes of a perfect recovery, he rendered thanks to the Almighty for his infinite mercy in looking down with pity on poor sinful creatures, whom, when the Law hath cast them off, and banished them from this lower world, out of his mere infinite goodness receives them into his own blessed protection. To give this holy man some real testimony of my unfeigned repentance, I showed him the abstract of my Life, drawn up a little before my apprehension, and did intend to have published it, resolving at that time to have abandoned all those destructive desperate courses which I formerly followed by Padding on the Highway, which resolution had I kept, my Country would have received the benefit without any further detriment to me either in Life or Reputation. Now, since I have no other means left to satisfy in part the injuries I have done my Countrymen, let this ensuing Discovery not only extenuate my manifold offences, but more especially be the medium of preventing the like hereafter: in the first place give me leave briefly to acquaint you with some remarks in the series of my short Life, and in the next place, let me lay down some notable instructions for your future caution, and preservation against High-way-men, those devouring & destroying Caterpillars of a corrupt and polluted Nation. I say little of my Parents more than that they were too indulgent to me, supplying my youthful extravagancies with money continually, in such superfluity, that my invention was frequently puzzled to find out ways for quick dispatch. These unnecessary expenses took up so much time, that there was little lest for my Study, so that I became as deficient in acquired learning, as my Parents grew indigent in their Estate by my profuseness and debaucheries: whilst with tears they lamented their poverty, occasioned by their foolish indulgence, and deploring my future sad condition, foreseeing or fearing the dismal catastrophe which inevitably attends such irregular pranks and wild practices. Death in pity came and closed their eyes, that they might not see what otherwise would break hearts. By the loss of their breath, I found the want of their kindness, and having not that supply of money, the sole composure of that Flambeau, which light me to all those several extravagancies my disorderly passions, my disorderly will prompted me to go to, I then did cast about what course to steer. My scandalous deportment made me an exile to civil society, and the frequent disobligations I threw on my nearest relations, made me an absolute stronger to their Families, whereby I was reduced to great extremity, so that necessity the Mother of ingenuity, was constrained to pump every day for some new Stratagem to appease a Stomach in an uproar for the want of sustenance. Which wanting the accustomed pampering even to satiety, made me frequent the eating society so long, till I had eaten quite through my credit, and devoured my clothes to boot. My Breeches were so jaged and tattered (that I may say without offence to the Reader, though jocosely) they looked somewhat like those that are now called a la mode, and seemed as if my Arse, according to the Proverb, was hung with Points: my Hat broad brimmed, broader than the broadest once in fashion, in pure love and kindness would have flapt o'er my shoulders, to have hid the shame and confusion my face was in, that my own eyes (as well as others) should see my Coat becullendred, or like a Well-boat, and though it had as many holes, or more than Argos had eyes, yet wanted one to find out some pitiful Soul that would intend relief to a wretch so miserable. Had not this misfortune befell me, I should have thought it a thing impossible for a man to live so well, and so ill, in that short Registry of time. But now when nothing but despair attended me, being altogether unfit for humane society, and so out of conceit with myself, that I thought myself unworthy of a foreign Plantation, and therefore to that end would not apply myself to some Merchant; nay I could not think Hell's Imp, a Kidnapper, would take of me any cognizance; as I walked very early (for the hardness of my lodging would not suffer me to lie long, and modesty would not permit to be seen lying on or under a Stall, unless the Sun had been up to have warmed my chilly limbs, benumbed by committing incest with my Mother Earth. I say, being thus early up, I timely met with a long Purse lying neglected in the Street, whose entrance was on the middle like a Wallat; and diving into the bowels thereof, I found at one end some yellow dirt or excrement, and the other white, at the sight whereof my body was seized with a general convulsion, so that I feared each member would become a Traitor to each other in the discovery of this prize to the right Owner, and by that means be deprived of that wanted benefit. I first consulted my hands in the concealment of this Treasure, in order thereunto it was conveyed into my Pocket-holes, but I forgetting my Pockets were bottomless, it dropped quite through, which I soon snatched up, and then betaking myself to my trembling legs, I got into the Fields with an inquisitive eye and panting heart, and under an Hedge found in this Purse ten pound in Silver, and fifty Guynies; burying all this money, but fifty shillings, in the Earth, I went and bought an ordinary Suit ready made, and this I did for fear of being suspected how I came by the money, being indifferently accoutred, I removed my hidden Treasure, thinking it not safely trusted any where but about me. Now did I think I might confidently enough take a lodging, remote from those who knew me, and having furnished myself with a Chamber, I pretended to be a Country Gentleman's Son, who came up to London about a Suit in Law, and behaved myself accordingly, not discovering the least symptom of any former debauchery, observing very early hours for bedtime; but not contented with that condition, I was dissatisfied till I was in another habit, more splendid, and that I might do it more boldly and safely, I framed a lie to my Landlord, that I had cast and recovered a considerable sum from one of my Father's Creditors, and doubted not in a very little time to overthrow the rest. This gained me a great reputation in the house, especially seeing my money, and bespeaking a gentile Suit of Clothes, with all necessary appurtenances befitting persons of quality, as silver Sword, etc. I now scorned the thoughts of associating myself with those narrow-soul'd-plebeian-Snippers, whose Parents being neither able or willing to see their Sons go in a garb outshining commonalty in the time of their Apprenticeship, or if there be ability and propensity thereunto, or the morose Master hindering it, to obstruct their Servants pride and vanity, yet are these bondmen's boundless desires such, that though to the ruin of themselves, and the breaking of their Masters) they will have these gaudy outsides to Pimp for their Lechery and other sensualities, having moneys in their Pockets (though none of their own) to pay for it. For their habiliments they purchase by exchange of their Master's goods one with another, and the money they purloin out of the Box, or one of the Snipping Crew shall convert a Piece of Goods for him, into ready money, and go his share. The Mercer deals with the Draper, and a Tailor perhaps, who hath Shipwrecked his conscience, deals with them both; and the Linen-draper, Hosier, Goldsmith, etc. with such like ornamental clothing Trades, are respected as very material instruments among them, nay, they will stoop so low sometimes to chaffer for Belly-Timber of the choicer sort, and will bid fairly to a Drawer for a Flower. I might amply enlarge my discourse concerning the Locusts, as how they insinuate into the Maid's favour, to let them out at unseasonable hours, and stay up for them, till it be early, to the great prejudice of their Master's Business the next day, and at length, the Wench will find for the reward of this notable place of night service, a great Belly, and when she expects to find relief from the Caterwowling Father, the Plot is discovered, and they both turned out of Doors, to their utter ruin and destruction. I shall desist saying more on this subject, but only advise the Master to have a prudent and careful eye over his Servants, checking by times any looseness he discovers, so shall he find his business done, when requisite, and they the benefit of their fidelity, by performing their trust at the expiration of their time.  
Now to return where Heft off: being gallantly equipt, I soon got new acquaintance, the most of which were intimately acquainted with the humours of the Town, were incomparable at the Art of wheedling, which some call Complaisance, neither were they unpractised in any sort of Game, but more especially Cards and Dice, both which pernicious Tools, they have laboured with more, and taken as much pains to understand, as a seven years' Student hath done with Aristotle's Organon. One of these whom I judged had somewhat better principles than the rest, I daily accompanied, and grew in a little time, to be so familiar, that we embosom'd the Arcana's of each others concern, without restriction or suspicion, and having tried each others fidelity, we agreed upon a lasting league of Brotherhood, and knowing that contiguity of bodies is the speediest confirmation of a desired friendship, we resolved to lie together.  
Now were our thoughts and actions like the Air to all, as free to one another, and although in love there should be no competitor, yet such hath our freedom been, that frequently the subject of our amours, hath been one and the same person, whom he first knew and loved (as he said) beyond any of her Sex, and I wish he had still loved her without me, than had not those resistless charms enthroned in every Feature of her Face, so bewitched and infacinated my reason, that I undervalved the greatest danger for her sake, nor did I scruple to undertake any thing for her satisfaction, as I shall hereafter declare more at large, for the Readers satisfaction, but to my great grief, she being the cause of mine, as such loose ambitious women are of thousands of men's ruin and destruction.  
My new acquaintance finding me but raw and ill experienced in the crafts of this subtle world, undertook to be my Tutor, and read his Lectures to me every day: what his mouth did not inform, his actions instructed me in. When I was abroad; I observed his deportment to a hair, and took wonderful delight in imitating his insinuations, whereby I had wriggled myself into what Tavern-credit I pleased, without being great with the Vintner, though much in his Books, but by being inwardly acquainted with his Wife or ingratiating myself into the favour of his Daughter, if Bar-keeper; for than I knew the moneys going all through her hands, she might perform her part well enough in the Art of Conveyance, as well as the most experienced Scrivener about the Town, and with lesser noise and trouble. The Purchase of these favours, though at first they cost a considerable sum, yet I found by computation, the annual income recompensed the cost.  
He made it his business to inquire out impotent men, who had buxom lusty Wives, if Shopkeepers, he commonly bought commodities of them as an introduction for his dealing in one not to be sold, because, the Master keeps it for his own use, and so according to each several Trade or Profession, he squared his designs, so that frequently they took effect, unless the premises were prepossessed by a brother of the same Quill.  
The next thing he taught me, was to Game, and made me so great a proficient at it, that I could Nick the Nicker sometimes, by which means I was taken for a Brother at the Ordinary, and, by frequently dining there, and conversing, and practising with the Rooks, I went my share in a Bubbling, and had an interest in several Taverns near the Ordinary, where the poor Cully was inveigled in, and afterward under the pretence of great kindness, then wheedled into Play, and in a thrice the Woodcock deplumed, and not a sauce left to give a Linkboy to light him home.  
In this sort, I as greedily hunted after prey; as the Devil doth after Usurer's Souls on their Deathbeds. Nor was the Ordinary the only Pond I Fished in, for I found a Playhouse sometimes convenient for my purpose, also Cockpits, Bowling-Greens and Ally's, neither must a Brothel be omitted, my Tackling was so good, and my Hooks so well barbed, that after I had struck a Gudgeon, I was sure to hold him, though I suffered him to play a little in the Stream.  
If at any time, I casually fell into the company of any young Country-Gentleman, whom his rich Father had sent up to the City, to learn somewhat more than the ruder Country can afford, I and my companion (that Brother of mine in iniquity) did first study what humour he was of, when that was known, we had an excellent Art in suiting ours to his in every thing, this Artifice so endeared us unto him, that loans of money, engagements, and such easy requests (as we called them) were seldom denied; and least at any time, he should repent him of those excesses, in expense and high debaucheries, we constantly drew him ●to by any serious reflection upon what was past, we kept him by turns, always in a high pitch of drinking, and like a careful Guardian to some wealthy Heiress, we could not endure he should be out of our sight, least falling into other company he might be snatched out of our hands, by some other Craftsby, and so we lose our expected booty.  
Having thus, by much sweat and industry adapted, and wrought him to such a soft and waxen temper, that we could make him wear what impression we pleased to lay on him; we then boldly venture abroad with him, having taught him to wear fine Clothes, and to leap out of one Fashion into another, so often, till he had quite lost the knowledge of himself, and the latest habit, A la mode. Having made our youngster believe himself in Elysium, and thought that he enjoyed more delights than the Turks believe their Paradise affords after death, we then bethink ourselves how to conclude the Play, the Prologue to which, are these, our seeming kindnesses, and you would think them not small, when you shall see us strive who shall first lend him money, upon his least pretence of want thereof; carry him to very handsome lovely women, and then with leaving him alone to the full fruition of his amorous desires: assist him in all quarrels, but most of them of our own making; if challenged, secure him and his honour safe, whilst we pretendedly fight for him, and it may be return from the supposed Field to his Chamber (where he waits till the danger is over) with a hand bound up in a Scarf, where his Rogueship, my beloved Brother, begins a formal and serious speech, telling him, what bloody work there had like to have been, how strenuously and resolvedly his cause was fought, to the loss of some blood on his side, but it was no matter there is more still left at his service, and such like fair deluding pretences; hereupon this Country Cock-brain, transported with the consideration of such great effects of friendship, expresseth how much he is obliged, nor can the obligation be cancelled, however he will study to be grateful, and in the first place promises to pay the Chirurgeon liberally to cure a wound (was never made;) next gives him a Silver Sword to wet for his sake, which the Receiver promiseth shall be worn on no other account, then for the defence and preservation of the Giver; these and the like were but the petty forerunners of greater kindnesses we expected to receive, which must be effected in their proper time and season. As thus, when we prompted him to change of Apparel, the Mercer (who trusted him) knowing his Father to be wealthy, and he Heir to the Estate, gave us Credit also upon his account; and now and then, by a whisper in the Ear, he was advised to remember Mistress B—, or Miftris F— a Petticoat or some such thing she wanted, which was done accordingly, and delivered into our hands, but went not out of them without a consideration. By this you may understand our Gallant also was instructed in the Art of Whoring, and so exact an Observator of his Mistresses, that he was forced to keep a Common-place-book, wherein he writ-the Names of those Bona Robas Alphabetical digested, and that he might presently recall to his memory their several complexions, he affixed to each name a little Lock of Hair which he took from the person, in perpetuam rei memoriam. When all his Money is spent, his Credit gone and destroyed, and his Father hearing of his extravagancies, and what desolute, desperate Company he keeps, than we think it is time to vanish, or disappear, and leave out Cully in his Fool's Paradise, to be handled at the discretion of his Creditors.  
Whatever we got, by these indirect courses, we equally shared, and thus continued a twelve month together, acting many Rogueries not all of a complexion; for we were now through paced in all manner of Villainy; nor could it be expected, that our actions should always meet with success; for we were several times in Goal, and once I had like to have lost my life, for robbing a Coach near Barnet, and without question the Law had then put a period to those evil practices, had I not restored the Major part of the Money and Goods to the right owner, on this condition, at my Trial they should forbear bringing any evidence against me, and so I was then acquitted by Proclamation.  
So fair a warning, one would think should have put a stop to such proceedings, but it signified nothing to me, I rather think it was the cause of my hardening, for I thought with myself, why may not I escape another time in the same manner, and that which much augmented this senseless security, was the frequent Pardons granted to the most notorious Malefactors, not once or twice; so that from thence grew a kind of proverbial saying, amongst the Scout-Masters of the Road, he can't be hanged without Treason or Murder) who hath five hundred pounds at his command. Besides, the impudence of my fellow Prisoners, did much increase my own, and made me boldly look upon my Irons, and presently stare my Friends in the face, who came to see me without a blush.  
Being abroad again, I thought of nothing but my profit and pleasure, but pursued them with two much precipitancy; no villainy lay fairly in my way, which I did not think myself sit for; and was still encouraged to go on, by my Comrade; and was commonly in the Van, upon any desperate exploit, having the knowledge of my Weapon, and could use it as well as the best experienced Master of the Science in the Town.  
Now as ill Luck would have it, my constant Companion died, leaving little behind him, but his Wench, whom he bequeathed to me, enjoining me to have a special care of her he so highly prized in his life time, I accepted of the Legacy, and took possession immediately, without a forcible entry; for she made presently a willing surrender; 'Tis pily she is a Whore, for impartially, I may say it, her Beauty is scarcely to be paralleled, nor her disposition being highly ambitious, sensual and insatiate; to oblige them all in some measure, I performed as much as I could, expending all I had then by me, unlawfully gotten, and fearing I might lose her beloved society, for want of continuing my wont kindnesses to her, by Presents, Treats, and Dalliances, I made the last serve for all, till I had found out some less dangerous, expedient, than Padding, to satisfy her enlarged desires, and that which pricked me forward, was her coldness more than usual to me, which coldness did increase my fire, making me resolve the perpetration of any thing, then to be treated by her with so much indifference.  
In the first place, I went and renewed my acquaintance with an Ordinary, shall be nameless, and there I rooked sometimes at one Table and sometimes at another, but by reason of the scarcity of fair Gamesters, little was to be got, many times I waited an hour or two before I could see one strange face come in, and if there did immediately at his appearance, the Rooks are all alarmed, and though before they were busily pecking at one another for a shilling, they shall now desist their thoughts, being wholly employed, who shall first make prize of him. Now by reason of late sit up there, and in an adjacent Tavern, I frequented, in hope of Booty, I was quite tired out, and resolved to go thither for the time to come upon a double account, the first was to win by play; secondly, if little could be got that way (for I was generally known an expert Nicker) I might then observe who carried off good sums of money, and by following them in the dark, take my advantage in some convenient place, and there dispossess them of it, which I have frequently done, making choice of the darkest nights for my purpose) for Winter is the proper time for a Gaming Ordinary.  
I found it unsafe to take this course any longer, yet now and then got a considerable booty, which when I carried as a Tribute of Love to my fair Mistress, no Frown could sit upon her Brow, all feigned Anger was banished from her Countenance, but she was all complaisance, and but that I loved her in a more than common manner, her over loving and petulant deportment, would have raised in me a humour, rather loathing, than loving.  
So various and villainous were the Pranks I committed daily, that now I was forced, like a Bat, never to flutter or stir abroad till the dusk of the Evening; if I did, it was the greatest caution imaginable, and then too, I never stayed long in a place, for fear some or other had dogged me, in order to my apprehension; thus did I skulk here and there like the Dogs in Egypt, as it is reported, who when by thirst, they go to drink of the River Nile, lap here and there, and dare not stay long in a place, for fear the Crocodiles, that lie lurking within the Banks, should pull them into the Current.  
My Wench, seeing what straits I was put to for her maintenance, which was none of the meanest, for the Whore, if she dined, with me, without something extraordinary and Wine to boot, I had better at night to have lain in a Tumbril, and if my over much kindness had pampered her to high with Meat or Drink, that was provocative (being of herself naturally solacious) with more ease I might have lain between the sheets with red-hot Proserpina, and therefore, when I perceived some symptoms which I used to mark, appear, I disappeared, and sometime after sent her word I should not lie at home: I say, my Miss seeing all my Stratagems would not answer her expectation, she resolved to desert me when I least dreamed thereof; and now I cannot choose but rail at her whole sex, for her sake, rewarding my kindness with so much baseness and ingratitude; for as she carried away all I had left, so she left me something that was none of my own, a swinging Clap, which laid me up in pickle above six weeks before I was cured. At the the expiration of which time, walking in Hatton Garden, I met with three or four of my old acquaintance, Knights of the Road, and all of a Gang, men of such undaunted resolution and irresistible courage, that threats of death, or extreme torture (I am confident) would no ways dull the edges of their stout and matchless spirits.  
After a few ceremonies, at first meeting, it was concluded, we should drink a glass of Wine, and the next Tavern must be our Councel-Chamber, where in private we might consult, what was best to be done. I was demanded, how I had spent my time since my first Gaol-delivery; I told them, who blamed me much for my undertaking such mean things, as pilfering up and down, and making serzures of such petty things, a generous bold Soul would scorn to take notice of; they condemned me not for keeping my Whore, but that I did not keep her more under; the thing is laudable said one to have a Miss, though he hath a very handsome Wife of his own, and is agreeable to the custom and honour of the times, and should we throw any approhium upon it, it would reflect upon ourselves.  
Come said another, we trifle away time, let us fall to business, it is a good while since we shared a Booty, let us lie no longer idle, and if our Brother will accompany us, instead of picking up here and there Crowns and Angels, (a thing beneath us) let us resolve at Have at all; a five hours' Adventure may make us possessors of five hundred pounds.  
I told them I was unprovided of an horse, and other appurtenances necessary for the design; they presently told me I should be supplied, and so I was accordingly, and as well provided for our intended expedition as any of them.  
The first Robbery that I committed, I told you was on a Coach near Barnet; The second was this, we were four in Company, and took our Road towards Maidenhead, more for intelligence sake than for any present Booty; in Maidenhead we dined, and towards four a clock in Summer time we travelled on for Redding, making a little halt by the way at Maidenhead Thicket, expecting there to light upon some prize; having waited an hour or more to no purpose, we proposed to distribute ourselves, and Ride into Redding singly, and that two should lie in one Inn, and two in the other, for the better benefit of observation.  
My other two Comerades lay in an Inn where they were intimately acquainted, and were winked at by the Master of the House, the Servants also being at their Devotion; by whose means they understood that there was a Gentleman in the house who was the next morning with his Man, would set out for Malbrough, and that it was thought by the weight of a small Portmanteau, that it must be money that caused it to be so heavy. We on the other side could make no discovery till after Supper, and then we heard what our hearts desired.  
An Attorney was in the company, and amongst other talk, he said he was bound for London to be there at the Term, and asked the Master of the House (who was acquainted with him) whether he had any service to command him thither, for in the Morning he would set forth: whereupon said I, composing my countenance, I am sorry I have not the happiness then to morrow to have your company, for I must ride a contrary way to Bristol; say you Sir, said he, you seem a civil Gentleman, and I am sorry too; and as a stranger, I wish you so much good will, have a care of Malbrough Downs, there are a parcel of whipper Snappers have been very busy there of late, hereupon I startled, and seemed to be very much concerned, the Attorney perceiving that, called me, and told me if I had a considerable charge, he willed me to secure it some way or other for I should certainly lose it; I thanked him somewhat coldly, as if I suspected him some subtle insinuating spy, he thereupon to free me from any such jealousy, put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a Bag wherein were an hundred and fifty Guinnies, saying, these I will so conceal in the Saddle I ride upon that I will defy all the damned High-way-men in England to find them out, I have passed them several times in this manner, with good sums about me, and for your further belief I will show you in what manner.  
I gave him a thousand thanks and assured him I would follow his advice; now did I not know without suspicion how to get out and inform my Comerades of this discovery; just in the interim a note came from them to meet them at such a place, and so pretending business in the Town I went to them, where we concluded that I and my fellow should rob the Marlebrough Traveller, and they two should rob the Attorney; which the next morning was performed, the Attorney thinking the Devil had given them information where his treasure lay; we came not off so well, for though we gained the booty, which was six score pound in silver, yet I was shot in the arm, and so stiffly opposed by the Gentleman and his man, that had we not shot his Horse in the Head, and so fell instantly dead, they had either killed or taken us Prisoners; this being done we met at the place appointed the last night for our general Rendezvous.  
The next time that we went upon the same account we met with a pleasant adventure, for after we had robbed several to the making up of a sum above one hundred and eighty pound, we were all strangely robbed of it by one.  
Hearing some Seamen were to be paid off at Chattham such a day, and knowing that London is the Centre that attracts and invites them to spend their hard got money, we went down to Shooters-hill and hovered thereabouts till evening, but got little booty; the next day towards the afternoon we picked up a great many stragglers and robbed them of their money, some more and some less, but when there was four or five in a body, nay, if but three, we shunned them as much as they would have done us, had they known what we were. At length a Parson coming from London fell in amongst us, whom we robbed without any respect to his Coat, neither could we have judged by the meanness of his habit and the poorness of his horse with the shortness of his journey, that he could have had above an Attorneys retaining Fee about him; but thinking to make some speedy sport with him (and so dismiss him) by searching his Pockets, the attempt was no sooner slightly made (and had never been prosecuted) but that he roared like a Town Bull, he was utterly undone, then did I search him throughly, and from that time afterwards in all my Robberies I learned to search so strictly, that sooner might the Pope turn Quaker, then for any of them to conceal a penny from me; and seeing what severities my unconscionable and cruel companions used to those Seamen, who had ventured their lives for their King and Country, and at last to be deprived of their long looked for reward, taught me to be as deaf too when the poor Traveller cried I am undone, and my heart in process of time grew flinty and not to be moved with sighs and tears.  
This Parson had fifteen pound about him, all which we took from him, but returned him twenty shillings, if he would engage on his word, nay swear that he would inform none he met with what had happened, or following us by Hue and Cry, or by general raising of the Towns about us near adjacent.  
The Parson minding more the loss of his money then the breach of his Oath meeting with a Seaman (as we were informed afterwards) advised him to turn back if he had any money, for but a little before there were a parcel of Rogues that just now robbed him of 15 l. and will infallibly do the like to him if he proceeded farther. The resolute Seaman would not believe the Parson, thinking it some idle Chimaera of his own invention, and so went on his way, and the Parson on his: coming up to the Seaman we bid him stand; who asked us what we meant, we told him that we wanted money; alas Gentlemen, said he, it is true I have some, which I received for my pay in his Majesty's service, and therefore it is pity to take that from me which I am carrying home for the maintenance of my poor Wife and Children. If he had persuaded an Angel to have been his Orator and pleaded in his behalf, it would have been all one, for no other sound pleased us but that of his money; when he saw that there was no remedy, he delivered all that he had, which which was sixty five pound. Now Gentlemen said he, let me beg one request of you, and that is, since I dare not go home to my Wife, and at present know not what course of life to steer, admit me into your company, you see I am limbed well enough and I have courage and strength enough to qualify me for your occupation. We asked him whether he was in earnest, he swore a hundred Oaths he was in earnest, and was ready to be tried at that instant; insisting farther, that he was greatly in love with a Trade that could get as much money in six minutes, as he could do in three years.  
I was then Purse-bearer; and finding we had done enough for that day, we appointed a place to meet at, and so distributed ourselves for the present; only I had the charge of the Seaman, who was wretchedly mounted, and therefore I needed not to fear him: Besides, as we rid along, I bound him over and over again, by Oaths, to stand to what promise he had made us. At length, riding in a Lane, suspecting nothing in the least, he turns his little Hobby upon me, and siezing my Bridle before I was aware, claps to my Breast a little ugly Brass-barreled Pistol, and swore as bloodily, as if he had been one of the Trade above twenty years, if I would not instantly dismount, he would send a Bullet to my Heart. I saw by his frightful countenance that there was no dallying, so I dismounted and gave him my Horse; and he in kindness bid me take his: such a Beast I never saw on a Common, so poor, so weak, that I was thinking to commit my safety to my own, and not to his legs.  
You may imagine what a sweat I was in being thus dismounted, for having committed so many Robberies that day, should I be met by any of the Country, they would conclude me one of the Robbers, seeing a man so splendidly accoutred, riding on a Beast hardly fit to feed Crows and Ravens.  
The night coming on favoured me, and I got among my Associat●●; and now I shall give you leave to guests, whether their laughter or sorrow was greatest? First, that a stout Thief (for so I was accounted) should be robbed by a Hobby-horse and a Potgun. And secondly, so much Money lost, when secured beyond the probability of retaking.  
We heard the Seaman, after he had paid himself, summoned in such Brethren as had been robbed by us, and none else (but the Parson) and returned them their Money.  
Should I enumerate all the Rogueries and Robberies I committed, either singly, or with others, relating in what manner they were done, I shall waste too much time, and miss of that design which I purposed to myself, which is the general good of my Countrymen: wherefore I shall pass them all by, not so much as mentioning the last Robbery I was guilty of near Colebrook, when pursued by the Country, opposed and apprehended by them, to the loss of our own, and the Blood of some of them; the manner whereof is too generally known to be again repeated, and therefore leaving this, and the like stories, I shall insist on as is more profitable; and therein discover, first, what a High-way-man is; how bound by Oath; what Order is prescribed; in what manner they Assault; and how they behave themselves in and after the Action. In the next place my best endeavour shall be, to dissuade these Desperadoes to desist Robbing on the Highway, by showing them the certainty of their Apprehension one time or other; and though they may a long time prosper in that vile course of life, spending high, and faring deliciously, yet every bit is attended with fear; neither is their sleep less unquiet, starting ever and anon by some horrid Dream; so that I cannot say, when they go to bed, they go to take their rest; but only to slumber out the tedious minutes of the gloomy night in horror and affrightment. I shall insist on other dissuasions, by showing them the misery of a Prison; by putting them in mind of their wretched and cursed Ends, which they vainly jest at, by presuming on some Examples of Grace; and the Reward of their Wickedness in the World to come. Lastly, Instructions, not only for the honest Traveller that he may pass in safety, but for the Innkeeper to distinguish High-way-men from Guests that are honest. All these I shall with sincerity run over particularly.  
High-way-men for the most part are such, who never were acquainted with an honest Trade, whom either want of Money or Employment prompt them to undertake these dangerous Designs; and to make their Persons appear more formidable, and to gain respect, they dub one another Colonel, Major, or at least a Captain, who never arrived to a greater height than a Trooper disbanded, or at the utmost a Life-guard-man cashiered for misdemeanour.  
Having made up a Party, ere they proceed to act their Villainies, they make a solemn Vow to each other, that if by misfortune any one should be Apprehended, he shall not discover his Complices; and that if he be pressed hard to particularise his Companions, he must then device names for men that never were, describing their persons, features, and discovering their habitations, but so remote one from another, that the danger of the Trial may be over e'er sufficient enquiry can be made.  
And further, to procure mercy from the Bench, there must be a plausible account given, how you fell into this course of life; fetching a deep sigh, saying, That you were well born; but by reason of your Family falling to decay, you were exposed to great want, and rather then shamefully beg (for you knew not how to labour) you were constrained to take this course for a subsistence; that it is your first fault, which you are heartily sorry for, and will never attempt the like again.  
Having taken a solemn Oath to be true one to another, their next business is, to acquaint themselves by Tapsters, Ostlers, Chamberlains, or others, what Booties are stirring, how contained, and whether bound. But before they attempt the siezure, if any Novice be in the Company, then are they instructed by the more experienced, as I was at first, after this manner.  
In the first place, you must have variety of Periwigs planted in your Lodgings; and the like you must carry abroad, if occasion require the necessity of changing the colour of the hair: neither must you be without your false Beards of several colours; for want of them, you may only cross your locks athawrt your mouth, which is a good disguise: Patches contribute much thereto. And lest your Voice should be known another time by him that is robbed, put into your mouth a Pibble, or any such like thing, which will alter your tone advantageously to your purpose.  
Being thus provided, a Watchword must be framed, wrapped up in some common question, as, What's a Clock? or Jack, What shall we have for Supper? to avoid putting the Traveller into suspicion; which as soon named, you must instantly fall to your work, siezing with your left hand the Bridle, and with your right presently a Pistol: This so terrifies, that he delivers instantly; for who will trust a Pistol at his Breast loaded with a brace of Bullets, and a mouth discharging at the same time volleys of Oaths, that if he deliver not instantly, he is a dead man? But here in you may choose to believe him, for he will be very cautious of Murder, for fear of provoking the Law to an implacability; unless it be when he is beset, that rather than run the hazard of hanging, he must endeavour his escape by the death of one or more of his Assistants.  
Having o'er mastered them you set upon, then do you carry them into some Covert, where you search so severely, that nothing can be hidden from you; If in the strict enquiry Gold be found privately quilted in a Doublet, or Waistband of his, Breeches, I can hardly forbear smiling, when I think, in, what manner these Rogues will slay the poor man, with Villain, cheating Rascal, for endeavouring to preserve his own; whilst he hath nothing else to say, but that he is undone: which they regard with as little, as the Hangman will do them at the place of Execution. Having changed your Horses for theirs, if better than your own, the next thing you do, is to make them swear, neither to follow you, nor to raise the Country with an Hue and Cry upon you. Thus having the poor Traveller forlorn away, you ride to some strange place, or where you are known and winked at, and there you share what unlawfully you got, not without the cheating one another.  
Now here by the way, give me leave a little to descant on their Prodigality, after an attempt that proves successful. London, the more is the pity, is their best Sanctuary; and therefore after any Robbery, they commonly repair thither; having as many Names as Lodgings, and both as changeable as a Whores dalliances with variety of Persons. Their next care is, to buy variety of splendid Apparel; and having bought his Wench a new Gown, and furnished her Pockets with Guynnies, they then prosecute to the height all manner of Debaucheries, which by a mistaken name they call, The Chief of Pleasures. And as their Whore, so must their Host participate with them in their Gain, else all the fat is in the fire; for the Vintner, Innkeeper, etc. knowing very well what they are, and how easily they get their Money, will be sure to enlarge their Reckoning, and make it swell prodigiously; neither must this be complained of, lest they refuse to keep their Counsel any longer.  
All the time they can spare from robbing and undoing poor harmless men, is spent in Wine and Women; so that the Sunshine of their prosperity lasts but a moment, not so long as to warm their hands by the blazing fire of their Prodigality, before cold Death comes and siezeth them; and how can it be otherwise expected, the Pitcher goes not so often to the Well, but it comes broken home at last.  
But before Death takes them from this to carry them before an higher Tribunal, there to answer for all they have acted here on earth, there is a punishment preceding this, which makes my soul startle at the thoughts thereof; it is a Prison wherein are contained so many tortures, woes and pains, which I do think were enough to punish without death the greatest of offences; now since I cannot describe the horror of this Hell on Earth, I shall admonish all to have a care, that their evil actions compel them not to feel the pain, and let those who have already endured the smart thereof, be deterred by those sufferings from ever again espousing such pernicious practices which may venture them into their former despicable and deplorable condition.  
Having thus endeavoured to fright High-way-men, by showing them the intolerable torments of a Prison, besides the certainty and shamefulness of Hanging, and hazard of Eternal Death hereafter. I shall here take another course to scare them if possible, and therefore in the first place I shall lay down Directions how to know them as they ride on the Road, with rules how to shun them, or if Rob, how to pursue and apprehend them when they think themselves most secure.  
In the first place when at any time you intent to travel, and cannot avoid carrying a sum of money with you, let no person know what charge you have, or when you will set forward. It is a custom I confess (but I can assure you it is dangerous) for men the day before they begin their journey, to take their leave of their Relations and Friends, drinking healths round to the happy return of the Traveller, who suspects not the least harm in all this, whereas it hath been known that a Father this way hath been betrayed by his own Son, a Brother by a Brother, nay one pretendedly dear friend betray another, by discovering to High-way-men, when and which way he rides, bidding them to prepare accordingly, either to meet or overtake, and for the plot so laid he goes his share.  
Another way of setting they have in this manner; the Gang shall ride before out of sight, leaving one lusty fellow of their company behind, who shall ride very softly expecting some person or other who shall overtake him; if three or four, he will single out one he thinks hath the most money, and pretending much kindness, whispers him in the ear, saying, that he likes not those men, and asks him if he knows them? if not, he adviseth him by all means to slacken his pace, for certainly they are dangerous follows; this timorous piece of credulity thanks him for his honest care, and takes his advice, and not long after brings him to the place where his Confederates lie in Ambuscado, who upon sight of them draws, bidding the other to do the like; and now begins a dangerous Fight, as the Traveller imagines, who through fear of bloodshed delivers his money, and persuades his Champion to do the like, who with much ado at length condescends thereunto; having given him a private Item which way they intent to ride, they set Spurs to their Horses, and are out of sight in an instant.  
Hereupon this pretender to honesty will strait persuade you to assist him in making an Hue and Cry, in the carrying on of which to be sure he will be the foremost as seemingly most zealously active in the apprehension of these Robbers, to no other end then to lead you quite another way, till his Brethren be out of all danger. I knew one notorious Rogue (but by his sly and crafty deportment was looked upon to be a very honest Gentleman) suffered himself to be robbed with three more, by four of his own Confederates, the Robbery being committed between Sun and Sun, he with those three honest men sued the Country, and recovered the money they had lost.  
Whensoever the Traveller designs his journey, let him consider the Sabbath day is a time not only unlawful, but more dangerous for Robbing than any other. I need not expatiate myself on the illegality of the act, since there is a special command forbidding the breach of that holy day of rest, the violation whereof hath been frequently punished by being robbed; for to speak the truth, that day hath been, and is still chosen by High-way-men for the best and fittest time to commit their Robberies; first because they are sensible that few Travel then, but such who ride about some eminent concern, and do suppose to that end carry a considerable sum about them. In the next place, on that day the Roads are most quiet, being undisturbed with great quantities of People, and therefore rob with more ease and greater security. Lastly, they know the Country will not be so forward to pursue them with an Hue and Cry, whereas they cannot but be sensible that a judge will hardly be induced to make the Country pay the reparation of a loss sustained by him, who ought to have stayed at home and perform those duties required from him proper to the day, and not wander abroad and leave his Creator's business undone, that he may do his own. If you needs must travel, you have days enough in the week to follow your urgent and important affairs, with more security, the Roads being then full of good company, if you will make choice of a convenient time, and be cautious whom you entertain into your Society.  
The first caution is this, be shy of those who are over prone in prossing into your company; it is more safe to entertain such who are unwilling to associate themselves with you, or if they do it is with such indifferency, that there need the urging of persuasions to effect it. Now to the intent you may distinguish an honest man from a Thief or Robber, take these informations and directions; first if you suspect your company, halt a little, and in your stay observe whether they still hold on their course, or slack their pace, or it may be alight and walk with their Horses in their hands, if you observe any of these, you may conclude them the justly suspected marks of an High-way-man; but these following are infallible, the putting on a Cypress hood or a Vizard Mask upon your near approach, are signs they presently will bid you stand and deliver, or if before they shroud their hellish looks with those disguises, stare any of them in the face boldly, and if he turns his head aside, be thence forewarned to stand a loof and provide for your preservation, neither is there any more certain Indicium of a Robber, than the incongruity of his bushy Beard and Face, his whispering or his more incivil paying and inquiry whether you are travelling, or about what business.  
Beware of joining company with one single on the Road, although you have a friend with you; his pretence will be to insinuate himself into your good opinion, that having a charge about him, he is over joyed to meet with two whose face and actions discover nothing but what is honest, and in a little riding will presume to call you honest fellow Traveller, in a short time it may be three of his Companions will over take you, at the sight of whom he shakes and seems to be in the greatest agony imaginable; at length he says with trembling, in troth Gentlemen, I doubt me we are waylaid, therefore stand to't if you have any Pistols, otherwise if you have any store of money, the best way will be to fly for it.  
It may be you have those grim handfuls, Death's speedy Executioners, and minding well the number of those you fear will be so bold to assault you, and finding no inequality, your courage probably may prompt you to an opposition if cause require; but you will then find quickly you supposed friend turn Cat in Pan, and be on the other side, and being thus over matched, must either yield your moneys quietly or do worse.  
Sometimes there will be one or more of these Trapanning Rascals, who having attired himself every way like a Countryman, with rolls of Hay about his legs, an old hat flapping over his eyes, with a broad Leathern Girdle about his middle with great Buckles, riding aside on his Horse with a Goad instead of a riding rod; I say this fellow shall ride in company with you, ask very silly questions, and singing a Country Song to some horrible tune, all to raise laughter, when by this means he hath lulled you into a senseless security, and not suspecting in the least any harm from him, he instantly assaults you and his complices come instantly into his succour, who surprising you thus unawares are without difficulty made a prey to their unlawful desires.  
You see how dangerous a thing it is to Travel with a charge about you in the day time, unless you have a very circumspect care not only in your Inn, but on the Road, if therefore you cannot avoid Travelling, and that with store of money, the immergency of your business requiring it, undertake your journey in the night, for Highway men think that none will be so mad to ride at that unseasonable time, unless they are miserable poor, besides, it is dangerous for them to be abroad for fear of suspicion, and that is not all neither, for how can they see to take their best advantage in the dark, not knowing how many, what men, and how armed, they assault; besides, should they gain the better of it, the obscurity of the night gives them the advantage of dropping their Money into a Ditch, or other place convenient.  
Now to advise you for the best, at what time soever you ride, take notice that your High-Pads do always keep their station upon your greatest and most beaten Roads, whereby they have the advantage of picking and choosing; now if you would be safe, make choice of such Roads which are less frequented.  
If you ride several in company, eat that idle custom of bustling up all together, when you come near any place noted for robbing, for by this means you are all catcht, like a Covey in a Net, at once; for these Rogues divide themselves, and make several stands, and by this means they may set upon you before and behind; but if you ride about an hundred paces distant one from the other, I'll warrant your safety; for they date not set upon a scattered Company, for fear that some escaping the Country should be alaimed, and so endanger their immediate taking.  
Now should you perceive them divide as well as you, and each drawing near him he intends to set upon, you have then fair warning, and running will hardly avail any thing; but fight like men, you have two to one the odds, though not in numbers, yet in a good conscience; which they wanting, their own guilt and fear fights against them, and disarms them: whilst thus you contend with them, there is hopes some may come in to your rescue.  
By the way let me tell you, I have known when we have been thus engaged, that some have come up to us, whom we have persuaded to keep on their way, and not meddle with what they were unconcerned with; at which these base Coxcombs (nay, now I must call them unworthy Rascals) have quietly rid away, and lest those men to our mercies, or rather to exercise our cruelties upon; whereas had they sided with them, we must have fled before them; for though we had courage (it may be enough) yet we durst not fight it out, when we meet with those that are bold and stout; for in so doing we not only fight them, but the whole Country,  
By the way let me discover an egregious fault in some men, who will not only yield patiently to be robbed, but are content to let the Thiefs go clearly off, nay wish they may escape, so that the Country may lie liable to make good the Robbery, if they take them not by an Hue and Cry; nay, such is the baseness of their principles, that they commonly double the sum, knowing that the Hundred will be willing to compound, and thus abuse the Thief and Country too.  
But notwithstanding all these cautions, should it happen so that you are surprised by these High-way-men, overmastered, and that you must yield, give them fair words, and without a compulsive search, deliver freely some part of your Money, with a wish that you had more at their service, and it may be they will trouble themselves no farther with you; however, if they offer, show no dislike, for if you do, it will but provoke them to the severity of a more rigorous search, to the discovery of what you had most cunningly concealed.  
Have a special care that you let them not perceive you eye them too much, it being of a dangerous consequence, for by this means they either think you know some of them, or are taking some remarkable signs and tokens how you may know them another time, which may endanger your life.  
After the Robbery committed, their usual Charge is, Not stir from the place they put you in, till they have time enough to be gone a considerable distance; and that if they find you offer to pursue them, they will swear a thousand Oaths to be your death; and being desperate, for aught I know, they may be as good as their words: therefore be not too hasty in the pursuit, lest it being discovered, the foremost dropping into a by-Lane, starts out upon you, siezeth you again, and if you escape cutting, you shall not binding, and so may be bound in a Ditch till some commiserating Passenger release you. Wherefore follow after at a distance, till you can procure a Hue and Cry, which you must direct not strait on, but cross the Country, which is a subtle practice, and their constant custom; by this means they have the benefit of resting themselves, and refreshing their Horses before the lazy Hue and Cry can overtake them. If closely pursued by it, they will freequently squat like a Hare, and let the Hue and Cry pass them, and then ride back again to the place where the Robbery was committed.  
Be sure in your pursuit to scour the next great right and left hand Road, and if you cannot unkennel them that night, set Spies, and a thousand to one you shall see them come riding by the next morning.  
If the purchase be great they siezed upon, you may be then confident they will that night repair to their General Rendezvouz here in the City, which is their great Azylum, and chiefest place of Refuge and Security. The largeness of the City, and the little cognizance one takes of another therein, is the main reason why so many Robberies are committed nigh London, and so few remotely distant from it. Now since twenty or thirty miles about London is the Stage on which these High-way-men act their parts, I shall discover when robbed how to pursue them with Hue and Cry.  
If you are set upon and robbed in the Eastern quarter, take not that Road in which you were to London, nor raise the Country thereabout, for it is to no purpose; but ride with all speed to Holbourn, Strand, St. James', or Westminster, and there search with all diligence. If you are robbed towards the North, never search any place in the City, but make all convenient speed to the Bankside, Southwark, Lambeth, or Fox-hall; by thus planting themselves, they know, or think at least, they are sufficiently secure, having the City between them and you.  
And now, ere I proceed, let me take notice of a great folly and abuse of the Country men: When report is brought to a Justice of a Robbery done in such a place, presently a Watch is ordered to stand at that place, at the charge of the Country; is any one so senseless, to think those High-way-men will voluntarily ride into the mouths of those who are appointed to apprehend them? however, admit they should continue scouring that Road, the Watchmen are constantly fixed at one place, so that but a little way out of their sight, the High-way-man may do what he list, and meet with more Booties than if the Road lay unwarded; for all Travellers will cover to ride that way in which is placed a Watch; for who can imagine Thiefs will be so bold as to rob near them? which they do to choose; for well they know, that those Watchmen are silly old decrepit men, and though a dozen of them, I have seen stand with Halberds in their hands, yet have we robbed before their very faces, and they stood still the while, not daring to oppose us in the least; it may be when we were gone out of sight, they would make an Outcry, and pretend to pursue, though to no purpose.  
Once we resolved to set upon the Watch, which was done so effectually, that we disarmed them; and having taken them aside out of the way, bound them; after this we personated them in their places, and standing with our Brown bills, as with authority, we stopped whom we pleased, and having Robbed them, bid them to be guarded by the Country-watch, and to secure them, bound them in like manner.  
It is now high time to inform the Innkeeper how he shall distinguish High-way-men from honest Travellers; in the first place observe their curiosity about their horses, in dressing and feeding them, next you will find them ask of questions, as who owns that horse, and who the other, what their Masters are, whither Travelling, and when will they set out; these are infallible signs of a Highwayman; nor must I omit this remark, let the Ostler poise their Cloak-bags, and he shall find them empty, which they carry only for show, and not to burden their Horses.  
Next, let the Chamberlain take notice, when he shows them to a Room, that they will soon dismiss him, and after that, let him listen a while, and he shall hear the gingling of money, and if he can but get a peephole for his eyes, he shall see them sharing their booty.  
It will be very requisite to inquire severally each ones particular name, and let your Servants do the like, by this means you find them tripping, for they may easily forget a name they borrowed that very day.  
At Supper time, let some one knock furiously and hastily at the Gate, then mark them well, and you shall see them start, their countenances change, and nothing but fear and amazement appearing in each face, by which you may positively conclude them what you before did but imagine and suspect.  
If in the day time they come into your Inn, you may guests what they are by trifling away their time, and staying somewhat longer than is requisite for baiting; you shall observe them sometimes looking out of the Window, sometimes standing at the Gate, for no other end but to mark what Passengers Ride by; if they perceive any person of Quality to Ride that way, or the Garb discovers any thing of a Booty, you shall have them presently in all haste, as alarmed to Horse, mount presently, as it some dear Friend or near Relation was just Rid by, whom they must endeavour to overtake.  
At Night they will come dropping into an Inn severally, in divided companies, thereby to cross the number in the Hue and Cry, and will, when met subtly, take no notice of one another, nay, to blind the eyes of suspicion, they will inquire of the Host, what Country Gentlemen their own Companions are, whether he knows them or not, and if it be convenient to join in Company with them; if you find they have no jealousy of them, they will as stranger's compliment one another whilst any eyes are on them, but withdraw and watch them well, and you shall find them fall into their usual familiarity, and will not only rejoice at the success of their designs, but laugh at the credulity of their Landlord.  
Much more might be written on this subject, but since it is impossible to discover the whole Art and Mystery of the Highway trade, let this suffice, for according to the Proverb, new Lords, new Laws; so all new Gangs have new Orders, Plots and Designs, to Rob and Purloin from the honest Traveller.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
REader, let me assure thee this is no fiction, but a true relation of Mr. jackson's life and conversation, Penned by his own hand, and delivered into mine to be made public for his Countrymens' good, in compensation of the many injuries he hath done them. The Introduction he writ whilst in Newgate, after sentence of Condemnation, and desired me to Apologise for it, seaning he had neither writ large enough of his true penitence, nor had laid down sufficient dehortations from the commission of the like offences; the disorder he was in, lying under the horror of a speedy and more than common Execution, may plead his excuse: the plainness of his Style may admit of this Plea, that he aimed at (as he confessed to me) nothing but the good of his Countrymen, and that as he had picked their Pockets, he thought it needless to tickle their ears with the gilded straws of Rhetorical expressions. God I hope hath forgiven him his sins, and may we all amend by his Errors, for which he now hangs in Chains at Hampstead, a sad and dreadful Spectacle to all Beholders, and hoping you will pass by the faults of his Writing and the Press, I subscribe myself a well-willer to all,  
Samuel Swiftnicks.