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2
Criminal Chronology ;
THE NEw
32tugatt Caſtnuar;
BEING
INTERESTING MEMOIRS
- - OF
NOTORIOUS CHARACTERS,
who have been convicted of outrages on
THE LAWS OF ENGLAND,
BURING THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY, AND BROUGHT DOWN TO THE PRESENT
*IME, AND CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED.
COMPR. Is ING
TRAITo Rs, | Highway MEN, PICKPOCKETS,
MURDERERs, FOOT PA DS, FRA U. D. U L E N T B A N K*
1 NCEN DIA RIES, HOUSEBREAKERS, RUPTS,
R A V1 SHERS, |Riot ERs, MONEY-DROPPERS,
PI RATES, | EXToºrºo Neks, 1 MPO STORS, AND
MUT1'N E ERs, SHARPERS, THIEVES OF EVERY
COIN ERS, FORGERERS, * D Esc RIPTION.
* AND -
Containing a number of interesting Cases never before published:
WITH OCCASIONAL
ESSAYS ON CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS,
ORIGINAL AN ECDOTES,
AND OBSERVATIONS ON PARTICULAR CASEs ; EXPLANATIONS OF THE cRiMiNal. LAWS;
THE SPEECHES, CONFESSION3,
AND - -
LAST EXCLAMATIONS OF SUFFERERS.
TO WHICH ISADDED;
4 correct Account of the various Modes of Punishment of Criminals
| \ . in different Parts of the World.
BY ANDREW KNAPP AND WILLIAM BALDWIN,
*ATIORNIES AT LAW.
- IN Four volumes.
- VOL. I.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR NUTTA Elº F is HERE AND DIX9N, LIVERP991.
18 11.









º
DESCRIPTION OF NEWGATE.
(see THE FRONTISPI ace.)
º -mºrrºw-
NEwgate is a name of great antiquity in the history of
London. The exact period of time when this GATE to
the metropolis was first erecter, we are not able, with
precision, to determine ; but we find, as early as the year
1211, the apartments of it were appropriated for the
confinement of felons, as a county gaol for London and
Middlesex. It was also then, the common prison for
nobles, and such great officers of state who happened to
incur the displeasure of their sovereign. We find no ac-
count of Newgate, antecedent to the reign of Henry I.
but as we have shewn it in existence for more than 580
years, it may surely be called an ancient place of terror to
evil-doers.
Before we describe the modern structure still called
Newgate, and adjoining the spot where it stood so many
centuries, it may be gratifying to our readers to give a
short history of this very ancient prison. - -
There was a time, when London appeared fortified
against foreign foes, who could, for want of fleets, invade
the kingdom at any point; as well as against pretenders to
the throne; seven city gates;” and some years after, one
Alder's-Gate, Lud-Gate, and New-Gate,
was added, and called New-gate. The particular struc-
ture of this first building is not on record, but we readily
trace its history to the great fire of London, in the year
1666, which so much damaged Newgate, as to render it
necessary to pull it down. Soon rose up a beautiful struc-
ture, of which we have been able to collect the following
interesting account :
The west side was adorned with three Tuscan pilas-
ters, with their entablatures, and at the intercolumnia-
tions were four nitches, in one of which was a figure re-
presenting Liberty, at whose feet fies a Cat, alluding to
Sir Richard Whittington, Lord Mayor of London, who
* These were Ald-Gate, Bishop's Gate, Moor-Gate, Cripple-Gate, -
--
&#8






W111
was a great benefactor to this gate.” The east side of
the gate was adorned with a range of pilasters also, and
their entablatures: with Justice, Mercy, and Truth, in
the three remaining nitches.
The apartments in, and belonging to, this prison, were
very well adapted to the purposes of such a place ; but
the best of them were very dismal. It was then the
county gaol for Middlesex, both for debtors and male-
factors; and the city prison for criminals only. The
number of miserable wretches which constantly filled
the prison, was so great, and they caused so much nasti-
ness, that old Newgate, as it now may be called, was sel-
dom clear of a dangerous infection, which was called
the gaol distemper; † to remedy which, it was thought
proper to erect a ventilator on the top of the prison, to
expel the foul air, and to make way for such as was fresh
and salutary; which, in a great measure, had its desired
effect.
There was a chapel within the prison, for the use of
those who were confined; to which was appointed a
chaplain, at the election of the aldermen of London;
whose salary, and perquisites in printing dying-speeches,
&c. amounted at least to 200l. per annum. He was then
styled the Ordinary of Newgate; and it was, as indeed it
how is, his duty to read prayers and preach in the said
--- chapel, to visit the sick, and more especially those which
were in the cells under sentence of death, to prepare them
º for a future.state. He was also obliged to attend upon, and
to continue with, such as were to be executed, to the last
moment of their lives; and to pray to those disposed to
hear him, among the spectators, at the place of execution.
Antiquarians regret the demolition of those venerable
piles, the City Gates. Nothing now remains to shew the
- - o -
former strength of London, save Temple-bar; and that,
* In this extract from an old genuine history of London, we find, that
the ancient English ballad of Whittington and his cat, was founded upon
a fact; for he was four times Lord Mayor of London.
We shall hereafter give a particular description of this distemper,
generally called the Gaol Fever, and the havock it made at what was
called “The Black Assize.”
# These are the very words of the ancient historian. Considering the
value of money to have trebled at the present time, 1810, and these per-
quisites still greater, we may conclude, that the ordinary may rank with
the vicar or the rector of a parish. - - - -
!
for












ix.
for many years, has been in agitation in the Corporation, -
to be also pulled down. Temble-bar may also be consi-
dered as a gate, marking the city bounds westward of
the now immense metropolis of the British empire. It
was erected about the time of the New-gate above de-
scribed, soon after the fire of London.* * -
In the year 1776, it was judged necessary to rebuild
the common gaol of London and Middlesex; and to
make room for a more extensive building, the ancient
fabrick, with its gate, were therefore levelled with the
ground. The present building, still called Newgate;
covers only a very small part of the scite of the old build-
ing, extending more to the south, towards the Old Bai-
ley. It was supposed to have been one of the strongest
modern buildings in England, but at the time when it
was barely finished, the mob, first set in motion by lord
George Gordon, under the cloak of religion, the old pre-
text for commotion, broke, as it were, in an instant, into
the keeper's apartments (the late worthy Mr. Akerman)
plundered him of all his portable property, and then threw
his furniture into the street, which they burnt with savage
ferocity. They then set fire to the inside of the prison,
and liberated the whole of the prisoners, before the arri-
val of the militia; by whose spirit and activity, the whole
metropolis was saved from infuriated mobs of plunderers.f.
- \ ------- º
* Previous to that melancholy event, Fleet-street was like those of
Whitechapel, Holborn-bars, &c. defended by posts, and chains occasion-
ally drawn across it. In fact, it was both a civil and military station;
for it is said to have had a watch-house on one side of the way, and a
guard-house on the other. This post cannot be considered in exactly the
same point of view as the brazen gates of the temple of Janus, which used,
according to the noble description of Virgil, always to be kept open in
war, and shut in the time of peace. The gates at Temple bar, on the
contrary, whether in the hour of declaration or proclamation, were always
closed, until the professional harbingers, i. e. the farriers, had made
their pannels resound with repeated strokes of their hatchets; and then,
after due ceremonies, they were thrown open; and amidst military clan-
gor, and plebean shouts, the sound of brazen trumpets, drums, &c. the
heralds and guards met the civic magistrates, who preceded them through
the city. VEs rig Es, by Joseph Moser, Esq. one of the sitting Magistrates
at the Police-Office, Worship-Street, London,
# A particular account of the rise and progress of those most singular
and daring riots, will be given, in due order of time, in the course of these
volumes. i.
- à 2 --- - - The





|-- - ºf
The city having once more enjoyed internal peace,
Newgate was soon repaired ; for the immense walls
braved the flames. It is a noble building, with many more
accommodations, than already described to have been in
the GATE ; clean and airy. The unhappy prisoners can
be taken to their trials without being exposed to public
view, as was before the case, and as many appeared in-
nocent ; to such (and some are ever in the calendar) it
must have been an heart-breaking trial to walk in fetters,
to gain their acquittal, through lines of idle and curious
Spectators. , -
In front of the prison, the condemned malefactors are
now executed, which is certainly preferable to a shocking
procession through the streets, to a distant gallows, and
more humane to the miserable sufferers, as it spares them
the additional mortification of hours exposure to an idle
and unfeeling mob. They are now executed upon a
large moveable scaffold, which is brought out of the
press-yard on the occasion. The malefactors stand upon
what may be called a false stage, and when their devo-
tions are finished, on the signal given, by moving a small
piece of the mechanism, the stage drops, and leaves the
sufferers suspendcq in the air. For the exterior descrip-
tion of this great gaol, we refer the reader to the frontis-
piece, engraved by an eminent artist, from a view taken
purposely for this work.
- -







Xi
- £10CRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF THE LATE -
Mr. JOHN KIRBY,
KEEPER OF NEW GATE-
{See the elegant Engraving, and correct Likeness annexed.)
-º-
THE Keeper, or as in his command he is called, the Go-
vernor of a county Gaol, is a trust of great magnitude;
the public welfare being in no small degree concerned in
his keeping safe custody of men who have broke the
peace, or in a higher degree violated the law of the land.
In this point of view, where felons crowd the prisons,
we may regard the Keeper of Newgate, as a civil officer
of great importance, but whose duty, at all times is un-
| pleasant, and often dangerous. -
Men who fill such offices ought to be resolute, yet not
void of humanity; peremptory, but coercive alone to the
- reprobate and refractory; rather pitying the misfortunes
* of the submissive, than to add to their misery. Alas!
how few gaolers do we find thus disposed? Yet such were
Akerman, the first of the new prison of Newgate; Kirby,
his successor, the particular subject of our present enqui-
ry, and Newman, who with equal wisdom, moderation,
and humanity, now governs the numerous classes of pri-
soners, which are constantly thronging the walls of that
extensive place of confinement. -
We have said that the post of Keeper of Newgate is a
dangerous one. Oft have they risked their lives in quelling
the riotous and outrageous behaviour of criminals: and oft
have plots been laid for their assassination. At one time
Mr. Kirby was surrounded by several desperadoes in their
attempt to break their prisons bounds; and had he not
been a man of intrepidity, he could not have defended
himself, until relived by the turnkeys, who had been in
search of the means of defence.
| Such a life as Mr. Kirby's cannot be supposed to º:
- In 151







xii -
nish much matter for biography, viewing it as a constant
routine of the same duty. Yet might we employ many
pages, should it be deemed consistent to follow the ex-
ample of the writer of the life of Mr. Abraham New-
land. º
That worthy man had passed his whole life, from man-
hood, in the stages between Islington and the Royal Ex-
change, and in his office at the Bank of England; of which
he was the trusty cashire many years; and though thus
honourable, but unchangeable were his days, yet his
biographer spun out a whole pamphlet in memory of
Abraham Newland. º -
Of Mr. Kirby we have mush to say in a small compass.
He was, in nature and principle, an honest man; and to
whom a mean action was never imputed. In executing
the difficult, and in many cases the distressing office of
Keeper of the largest common prison in England, no
man shewed a better disposition towards the unhappy
objects under his care; and so sensible were many of the
highest characters in the kingdom who contributed to the
relief of the unfortunate men on the debtor's side, of
Mr. Kirby's integrity, that they confidentially intrusted
him to dispence their alms to such as he thought proper
objects of their bounty. The Magistrates of London
bore testimony of his upwright conduct; and he was much
respected by the Judges, and all the Officers of the Courts
of Session of Oyer and Terminer.
Whenever he could find a little relaxation from the fa-
tiguing duties of his office, he repaired to some brook, or
river, and diverted himself with angling, in which he was
so expert, that he became the subject of introduction to a
volume on the art; a freedom by no means congenial to
Mr. Kirby's unaffected deportment in life. He was a
practical fisherman for his own recreation, and therefore
could not be gratified in finding his name in front of a
work on theoretical angling. º,
º
numerous and respectable procession of friends. The
following particulars of the funeral appeared the day af-
ter in all the London papers, as a testimony of respect to
-º-º: - his
Mr. Kirby's remains were attended to the grave by a
*
-











xiii.
his memory; with which we conclude our short, but in-
teresting memoir.
“Friday, Sept. 7, 1804, at noon, the last token of re-
spect was paid to the mortal remains of a man, who, hav-
ing passed through life in a situation too apt to attract
odium and popular dislike, had, by the exercise of the
amiable qualities of humanity and benevolence towards
the most unfortunate and wretched class of mankind, en-
deared his memory to all who knew him, and acquired
the enviable eharacter of a pure philanthropist.
About one o'clock, the coffin, containing the body of
the deceased Mr. Kirby, was removed from his house
at Newgate, into a hearse and six, which preceded three
mourning coaches, each drawn by four horses, in which
were, the Ordinary of Newgate, as chief mourner, and
Mr. Edward Kirby, the nephew of the deceased ; Mr.
Wood, the son of his first wife; Mr. Beale, Mr. Dacre,
Mr. Tanner, Mr. Wadd, and several other gentlemen,
who officiated as mourners on the melancholy occasion.
The mournful procession passed down Ludgate-hill,
along Fleet-street, the Strand, the Haymarket, and Pic-
cadilly, to St. James's church, the sacred store-house of
the bones of those relatives who were the most dear to
the deceased. The concourse of people who pressed for
admittance was so great, that the gates were obliged to
be shut. The body was conveyed into the church, and
the funeral service was read by the Rev. Mr. Madden,
one of the officiating curates of the parish of St. James,
and lecturer of the chapel in Berwick-street. It was af.
terwards carried to the burying-ground, the west side of
the church-yard, and their deposited near the remains of
the late Mrs. Kirby. During the whole of the solemnity,
the virtues of the deceased were the theme of every one's
praise; and all put forth a fervent prayer, that his suc-
cessor might imitate so worthy an example.




and judges, through compassion, will rescue one half
jects, it is absolutely necessary that every means of pro-
finger of God pointed at Cain, the first murderer, and,
-- family, he did not doom the guilty man to death ; but we
-- --
-----
---
| PREFACE.
-
--- --- º -
--- -
º
*—
ºn º
- -- - * -º-º-º:
* * * º
º, º ---
THE penal laws of the British empire are, by foreign
writers, charged with being too sanguinary in the cases
of lesser offences. They hold that the punishment of death
ought to be inflicted, only, for crimes of the highest mag-
nitude; and philanthropists of our own nation have ac- -
corded with their opinion. Such persons as have had no
opportunity of inquiring into the subject, will hardly cre-
dit the assertion that there are above one hundred and
sivty offences punished by death, or as it is denominated,
without benefit of clergy. This multiplicity of punish-
ments, it is argued, in many instances defeat their own
ends, for the object alone is the prevention of crimes.
One of these writers says, “ The injured, through com-
passion, will qften forbear to prosecute; juries, through
compassion, will sometimes forget their oaths, and acquit
the guilty, or mitigate the nature of their offence ;
of the convicts, and recommend them to royal mercy;”
yet, from the great population of the British islands,
and the entensive commerce carried on by its sub-
tection of persons and property should be adopted. The
because at the creation of the world, it contained but one
are taught that a mark was set upon him, as a terror to
others in the like case offending. PWhen mortals increased,
lates were enacted to punish the murderer with death ;
and when empires were formed, they eartended to treason
against the state; the introduction of commerce rendered
them necessary to be inflicted on forgerers, and thus, as
luvury increased the catalogue of crimes, they have pro
gressively reached the number already mentioned.
t
-
The
--








1W PR EFA C E.
The Roman empire never flourished so much as dur-
ing the era of the Porsian law, which abrogated the
punishment of death ; and it fell soon after the revival
of the utmost severity of its penal laws. But Rome was
not a nation of commerce, or it never could, under such
abrogation, have so long remained the mistress of Europe.
In the present state of society in the British empire, it
has become indispensably necessary, that offences, which in
their nature are highly injurious to the community, and
where no precept will avail, should be punished with the
forfeiture of life; but those dreadful examples should be
hand, such punishment often proves inadequate to its in-
tended effect, by their not being carried into execution; so
mi
A commentator on our penal laws, Colquhoun, observes,
“Can it be thought a correct system of jurisprudence,
which inflicts the penalty of death, for breaking down the
mound of a fish-pond, whereby the fish may escape; or
cutting down a fruit-tree in a garden or orchard; or
stealing a handkerchief or any trifle from a person's
pocket, above the value of twelvepence, while a number
of other crimes, of much greater enormity, are only pu-
mished with transportation and imprisonment; and while
with circumstances of additional ignominy?”
When we contrast the punishments awaiting these petty
crimes, with that which is inflicted on a public defaulter
of enormous sums, we are led to question the equal distri-
armies, if prosecuted to conviction (which his ill-gotten
wealth generally prevents,) escapes by paying a fine
(out of the nation's money) or a short imprisonment.
A General of our army convicted of sacrificing his troops
was merely, on conviction, dismissed the service; and the
popular clamour against the commander in chief silenced
by his resignation, while his adulferous connection met
with no kind of punishment. The white sheet, in which
evhibited as seldom as possible; for while, on the one
on the other, by being often repeated, they render the
nds ºf the multitude callous to the dreadful evample.
the punishment of murder itself is, and can be, only death,
hution of justice. A corrupt contractor for our fleets and





















PREF ACE.
the church formerly ethibited adulterers, is laid aside,
and they still strut in the scarlet mantle. But these ev-
amples of depravity are not to be attributed to the law–
gold, º: and corruption, screen the great, while petty
offenders are doomed to death.
The end of punishment is no other than to prevent the
criminal from doing further injury to society, and to
deter others from doing the like offence. Such punish-
ments, therefore, and such modes of inflicting them, ought
to be chosen, as will make the strongest and most lasting
impression on the minds of others, with the least forment
to the body of the criminal. .
The more immediately after the conviction of a crime,
& punishment is inflicted, the greater will be the lesson to
*ankind. It will also be more just, because it spares the
criminal the superfluous torment of uncertainty. The
time alone necessary to make his peace with God should
be granted, and respites, unless they eventually prove the
royal mind entirely inclined to mercy, is little better than
torment to the maléfactor. -
“An immediate punishment,” says another commen-
tator, “ is, in this respect, more. useful; because the
smaller the interval of time between the punishment
and the crime, the stronger and more lasting will be the
association of the two ideas of Crime and Punishment :
so as they may be considered, one as the cause, and the
other as the unavoidable and necessary effect. It is de-
monstrated that an association of ideas is the cement
which unites the fabric of the human intellect; without
which pleasure and pain would be simple and ineffectual
sensations. Men who have no general ideas, or univer-
sal principles, act in consequence of the most immediate
and familiar associations ; but the more remote and com-
plew only present themselves to the minds of those who
are passionately attached to a single object, or to those ºf
greater understanding, who have acquired a habit of ra-
pidly comparing together a number of objects, and of
forming a conclusion; and the result, that is, the action,
in consequence, by these means, becomes less dangerous.
and uncertain.” º
It is then, of the greatest importance, that punishment
- - should







vi - PREFACE.
should succeed the crime as immediately as possible, if we
intend that in the rude minds of the multitude the picture
of the crime, shall instantly awake the attendant idea of
punishment. Delaying which serves only to separate
these two ideas; and thus affects the minds ºf the spec-
tators rather as a terrible sight, than the necessary
consequences of a crime; the horror should contribute
to heighten the idea of the punishment.
* Newt to the necessary evample of punishment to of:
fenders, is to record such evamples; in order therefore,
that such as unhappily are moved with the sordid passion
of acquiring wealth by violence, or stimulated by the
heinous sin of revenge, to shed the blood of a fellow crea-
ture, may have before them a picture of the torments of
mind and bodily sufferings of such offenders. In this
fight the following Criminal Chronology must prove
highly acceptable to all ranks and conditions of men ; for
we shall find, in the course of these volumes, that the sa-
cred character of clergymen, and those ennobled and
wealthy, have passions more unworthy because education
ought to have taught them better, than the lowest indivi-
-
-
º
-
-
-




º
NEW LENDAR,
NEWGATE CA DAR,
º - - º - º - º - - º
--
º º ---
- --- --- ---
--- º - º
º - * -- - - - --
--- --- --- - - -- º
* - ----------- --
--- - º -- - - --
- - - - - -
-
-
-
MURDER.
- º -
º º ---- - º º
THE punishment awaiting this most dreadful of all
crimes, from the earliest ages of civilized nations, has
been the same as that inflicted by the laws of the British
empire, varying alone in the mode of putting the sen-
tence into execution. We find the murderer punished
by death in the ancient laws of the Jews, the Romans,
and the Athenians: in nations of heathens and idelaters.
The Persians, worshipping the sun as their deity, press
murderers to death between two stones. Throughout
the Chinese empire, and the vast dominions of the east,
they are beheaded; a death in England esteemed the
least dishonourable, but there considered the most igno-
minious. Mahometans impale them alive, where they
long writhe in agony before death comes to their relief
In Roman Catholic countries the murderer expiated his
crime upon the rack.
Several writers on crimes and punishments deny the
right of man to take away life, given to us by God
alone; but a crime of the dreadful nature of that now
before us, however sanguinary they may find our laws in
regard to lesser offences, unquestionably calls loudly for
death. “Whosoever sheddeth man's blood, by man shall
his blood be shed,” saith holy writ; but with the life of
the murderer should the crime be fully expiated P. The
English law on this head goes still farther—the effects of
º - - - the .
















-
8 NEW NEW &ATE CALEN DAR.
the murderer reverts to the state, thus, as it were, carry-
ing punishment beyond the grave, and involving in its
consequences, the utter ruin of many a virtuous widow
and innocent children who had looked up alone to it for "
support. Yet may we be thankful for laws, the dread of
which affords us such ample security for our lives and
property. Our Saxon ancestors afforded themselves no
such protection. In Britain, one of the last nations of
Europe, emerging from a state of barbarity, this crime
was suffered to be expiated in private revenge, or by such
pecuniary composition as the friends of the murdered
were base enough to accept. Hence resulted the most
pernicious consequences, rather adding blood to blood,
than serving as an example to evil doers. The dreadful
passion of revenge knowing no bounds, of fell upon the
innocent, while the guilty escaped with impunity. On
the other hand, the security of a compromise was, in
those days of brutal ferocity, but a weak barrier against
the passion, hatred, or caprice, of the rich and powerful,
We have much reason to revere those laws which made
no discrimination of rank, wealth, or power, and how-
ever corrupt our parliaments have become, our judges re-
main upright, and in every case of doubt, ever inclining
to mercy. Of this, we have a striking instance in the ex-
ecution of Laurence Earl Ferrers, a peer of the realm,
descended from the royal blood of the Plantagenets, and
who had been convicted of the crime of murder. Inte-
rest, rank, and wealth, could not save him from death,
ignominious as the execution of the meanest criminal;
even his suit to King George II, to receive his death
from the axe instead of the haſter was refused. That up-
right monarch answered by observing that though en-
nobled, he should die according to the strict letter of the
law; and he was accordingly hanged at Tyburn. The
powerful interest made to the present king, to spare the
lives of Doctor Dodd, the Perreaus, Ryland, and many
others, cut off all hopes of mercy in this world on con-
viction of the commission of crimes of an heinous na-
£ºrº.
:











9 -
ALEXANDER BALFOUR,
CON VICTED AT EDINBU R G H OF THE MURDER OF M R. SYME,
The first criminal which particularly calls our attention,
was of a noble family in Scotland, a murderer of the worst 1.
description; yet, in whose fate we have an extraordinary
dispensation of Providence, in permitting his flight from
justice, and granting him a long life after his conviction of
the commission of this horrid crime; to the end, without
doubt, of giving time for repentance to so great a sinner.
This man was born in the year 1687, at the seat of his
father, Lord Burleigh, near Kinross. He was first sent
for education to a village called Orwell, near the place of
his birth, and thence to the university of St. Andrew's,
where he pursued his studies with a diligence and success
that greatly distinguished him. His father, Lord Bur-
leigh, had intended to have sent him into the army in
Flanders, under the command of the Duke of Marlbo-
rough, in which he had rational expectation of his rising
to preferment, as he was related to the Duke of Argyle
and the Earl of Stair, who were majors-general in the
army; but this scheme unhappily did not take place. ,
Mr. Balfour, going to his father's house during the vaca-
tion at the university, became enamoured of Miss Anne
Robertson, who officiated as teacher to his sisters. This -
young lady was possessed of considerable talents, im-
proved by a fine education; but Lord Burleigh being ap-
prized of the connection between her and his son, she was
discharged, and the young gentleman sent to make the
tour of France and Italy. Before he went abroad, he sent,
the young lady a letter, informing her, that if she married
before his return, he would murder her husband. Not-
withstanding this threat, which she might presume had its
origin in ungovernable passion, she married Mr. Syme, a
schoolmaster, at Innerkeithing, in the county of Fife.
When Balfour returned from his travels, his first business
was to inquire for Miss Robertson ; and learning that she
| was married, he proceeded immediately to Innerkeithing,
when he saw Mrs. Syme sitting at her window, nursing
the first child of her marriage. Recollecting his former
threatenings, she now screamed with terror, and called to
NO, I, º her:





- - -
10. NEW NEW GATE CA LIN DAR.
-
her husband to consult his safety, Mr. Syme, uncon-
scious of offence, paid no regard to what she said : but,
- in the interim, Balfour entered the school-room, and find-
ing the husband, shot him through the heart. The con-
fusion consequent on this scene favoured his escape: but
he was taken into custody, within a few days, at a public-
house, in a village four miles from Edinburgh; and, be-
ing brought to trial, was sentenced to die, but ordered
to be beheaded by the maiden,” in respect to the nobi-
lity
* Mr. Pennant gives the following account of the Maiden;–" It seems
to have been confined to the limits of the forest of Hardwicke, or the
eighteen towns and hamlets within its precincts. The time when this cus-
tom took place is unknown; whether Earl Warren, lord of this forest, º
might have established it among the sanguinary laws then in use against:
the invaders of the hunting rights, or whether it might not take place af-
ter the woollen (manufacturers at Halifax began to gain strength, is uncer.
tain. The last is very probable; for the wild country around the town was
inhabited by a lawless set, whose depredations on the cloth-tenters might
soon stifle the efforts of infant industry. For the protection of trade, and
for the greater terror of offenders by speedy execution, this custom seems
to have been established, so as at last to receive the force of law, which
was, “That if a felon be taken within the liberty of the forest of Hard-
wicke, with goods stolen out, or within the said precincts, either hand-ha-
bend, back-berend, or confessioned, to the value of thirteen pence half-
penny, he shall, after three market-days, within the town of Halifax, next
after such his apprehension, and being condemned, be taken to the gibbet,
and there have his head cut from his body.”
The offender had always a fair trial; for as soon as he was taken, he
was brought to the lord’s bailiff at Halifax; he was then exposed on the
three markets, which here were held thrice in a week, placed in a stocks,
with the goods stolen on his back, or, if the theft was of the cattle kind, they
were placed by him ; and this was done both to strike terror into others,
l
and to produce new informations against him. The bailiff then summoned
four freeholders of each town within the forest to form a jury. The fe-
lon and prosecutors were brought ſace to face ; the goods, the cow or
horse, or whatsoever was stolen, produced. If he was found guilty he was
remanded to prison, had a week's time allowed for preparation, and then
was conveyed to the spot, where his head was struck off by this machine.
I should have premised, that if the criminal, either after apprehension, or
in the way to execution, could escape out of the limits of the forest (part
being close to the town), the bailiff had no further power over him; but
if he should be caught within the precincts at any time after, he was imcºe
mediately executed on his former sentence. . -
“ This privilege was very freely used during the reign of Elizabeth:
the records before that time were lost. Twenty-five suffered in her reign,
and at least twelve from 1623 to 1650; after which, I believe, the privi-
Hege, was no more exerted, ºs
ºf
- - -
- -
“ This













ALEXAN DER BAL FOUR. L. t
ſity of his family. The scaffold was actually erected for
the purpose; but on the preceding day, his sister went
to visit him, and being very much like him in face and
stature, they changed clothes, and he made his escape
from the prison. His friends having provided horses for
him, and a servant, at the west gate of Edinburgh, they
rode to a distant village, where he changed his clothes
again, and afterwards left the kingdom. Lord Burleigh,
the father, died in the reign of Queen Anne; but had
first obtained a pardon for his son, who succeeded to the
family title and honours, and who lived nearly fifty years
after his escape, having died, in 1759, a sincere peni-
tent for the murder he had committed. ---
ºx
“ This machine of death is now destroyed; but I saw one of the same
kind in a room under the parliament-house in Edinburgh, where it was in-
troduced by the regent Morton, who took a model of it as he passed
through Halifax, and at length suffered by it himself. It it in form of a
painter's easel, and about ten feet high ; at four feet from the bottom is
a cross bar, on which the felon lays his head, which is kept down by ano-
ther placed above. In the inner edges of the frame are grooves; in these
is placed a sharp axe, with a vast weight of lead, supported at the very
summit by a peg; to that peg is fastened a cord, which the executioner
cutting, the axe falls, and does the affair effectually, without suffering the
unhappy criminal to undergo a repetition of strokes, as has been the case
in the common method, I must add, that if the sufferer is condemned for
stealing a horse or a cow, the string is tied to the beast, which, on being
whipped, pulls out the peg, and becomes the executioner.” º
Thus we find, that the guillotine of France, is not an instrument of
death of the invention of that country. During the anarchy caused by a
corrupt court, and the oppression of the people, this instrument, precisely
on the model of the maiden, was, in mercy, applied to the King and
Queen, their nobles and the clergy, whom it was calculated engrossed
three-fourths of the wealth of their nation, We say in mercy, because it
produces a death more instantaneous, and consequently less painful, than
that inflicted on criminals in Britain. A short period of time has brought
about wonderful revolutions and great changes in all European nations,
save our own islands; and we sincerely hope that a timely reform iii. our -
internal affairs, may render the return of the MAIDEN entirely unneces.
Sary- -- - -


















12 N EW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
MICHAEL VAN BERGHEN, CATHERINE
- VAN BERGHEN, and DRO MELIUS,
their Servant, Publicans,
EXECUTED JULY 1.0, 1700, FoR THE MURDER OF THEIR GUEST,
M. R. OLIVER NORRIS.
yºv - -- - -
These criminals were natives of Holland, who having
settled in England, kept a public house in East Smith-
field, in 1700, and where Geraldius Dromelius, acted
as their servant. Mr. Norris was a country gentleman,
who lodged at an inn near Aldgate, and who went into
the house of Van Berghen, about eight o'clock in the
evening, and continued to drink there till about eleven.
Finding himself rather intoxicated; he desired the maid-
servant to call a coach to carry him home. As she was
going to do so, her mistress whispered her, and bid her
return in a little time, and say that a coach was not to be
procured. These directions being observed, Norris, on
the maid's return, resolved to go without a coach, and
accordingly took his leave of the family; but he had not
gone far before he discovered that he had been robbed
of a purse containing a sum of money; whereupon he
returned and charged Van Berghen and his wife with
having been guilty of the robbery. This they positively
denied, and threatened to turn him out of the house; but
he refused to go, and resolutely went into a room where
the cloth was laid for supper. At this time Dromelius.
entered the room, and treating Mr. Norris in a cavalier
manner, the latter, resented the insult, and at length a
quarrel ensued. At this juncture, Van Berghen seized
a poker, with which he fractured Mr. Norris's skull, and
in the mean time Dromelius stabbed him in different parts
of the body; Mrs. Van Berghen being present during
the perpetration of the horrid act. When Mr. Norris
was dead, they stripped him of his coat, waistcoat, hat,
wig, &c. and then Van Berghen and Dromelius carried
the body, and threw it into a ditch which communicated
with the Thames: and in the mean time Mrs. Van
Berghen washed the blood of the deceased from the
floor of the room. The clothes, which had been stripped
from the deceased, were put up in a hamper, and com-
- 5 mitted



MICHAEL VAN BERGHEN, &c. ! 3
mitted to the care of Dromelius, who took a boat, and
carried them over to Rotherhithe, where he employed the
waterman to carry the hamper to lodgings which he had
taken, and in which he proposod to remain until he could
find a favourable opportunity of embarking for Holland.
The next morning, at low water, the body of a man was
found, and several of the neighbours went to take a view
of it, and endeavoured to try if they could trace any blood
to the place where the murder might have been commit-
ted ; but not succeeding in this, some of them who were
up at a very early hour, recollected that they had seen
Van Berghen and Dromelius coming almost from the spot
where the body was found ; and remarked that a light.
had been carried backwards and forwards in Van Ber-
ghen’s house. Upon this the house was searched; but
no discovery was made, except that a little blood was
found behind the door of a room, which appeared to have
been lately mopped. Inquiry was made after Dromelius,
but Van Berghen and his wife would give no other ac-
count than that he had left their service : on which they
were taken into custody, with the servant-maid, who was
the principal evidence against them. At this time the
waterman who had carried Dromelius to Rotherhithe,
and who knew him very well, appeared, and he was like-
wise taken into custody. The prisoners were tried by a
jury of half Englishmen and half foreigners", to whom
all the circumstances above-mentioned appeared so strik-
ing that they did not hesitate to find the prisoners guilty,
and accordingly they received sentence of death. After
condemnation, and a short time before the day of execu-
* This is an indulgence of the laws of England to accused foreigners,
which no other country affords in such cases. Wherever six men can be
found of the nation of the prisoner, they are impannelled with the same
number of Englishmen. During the American war, in the year 1778,
when the royal Westminster regiment of Middlesex militia were on guard
at Forton prison near Gosport, over French and American prisoners,
some of the latter proving riotous, were fired upon by the guard, and two
or three thereby killed. The Coroner of the county summoned a jury,
and swore in one half countrymen of the deceased, though still priso-
wilful murder. At length, they compromised the affair for manslaugh-
ter; and thus was this lenity suffered to be abused by men, charged with
rebellion 1 Epi Toks. . -
tion,
-
The consequence was, that for near two days a verdict could
º, º.º.º.º. - - - -
not be agreed upon : the Americans persisting in its being brought in






-
- 14 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
- -- -
tion, Drothelius assured the ordinary of Newgate that the
murder was committed by himself, and that it was pre-
ceded and followed by these circumstances, viz. Mr.
Norris being very much in liquor, and desirous of going
to his inn, Mr. Van Berghen directed him to attend him
thither; soon after they left the house, Norris went into
a broken building, where using opprobrious language to
Dromelius, and attempting to draw his sword, he wrested
it from his hand, and stabbed him with it in several places;
that this being done, Norris groaned very much ; and
-
-
-
discovery, drew a knife, cut his throat, and thereby put
an end to his life. In answer to this it was said, that the
- story was altogether improbable : for if Mr. Norris had
been killed in the manner above-mentioned, some blood
º would have been found on the spot, and there would
have been holes in his clothes from the stabbing ; neither
of which was the case. Still, however, Dromelius per-
sisted in his declaration, with a view to save the life of
his misress, with whom he was thought to have an im-
proper connection. Mr. and Mrs. Van Berghen were
attended at the place of execution by some divines of
their own country, as well as an English clergyman ; and
desired the prayers of them all. Mr. Van Berghen un-
able to speak intelligibly in English, conversed in Latin ; a
circumstance from which it may be inferred, that he had
been educated in a style superior to the rank of life which
he had lately held. He said that the murder was not
commited in his house, and that he knew no more of it,
than that Dromelius came to him, while he lay in bed,
informed him that he had wounded the gentleman, and
sons to pursue the murderer; this circumstance, however,
which might have been favourable to hio, was not proved
on his trial. Mrs. Van Berghen also solemnly declared,
petratºd, which was not in their house ; that Dromelius
coming into the chamber, and saying he had murdered
the gentleman, she went for the hamper to hold the
bloody clothes, and assisted Dromelius in his escape, a
Dromelius hearing a watchman coming, and fearing a
that she knew nothing of the murder till after it was per-
circumstance.
begged him to aid his escape; but that when he knew
Mr. Norris was murdered, he offered money to some per-







- -
&E OR GE CAD. D. E.LL. #5
circumstance which would not be deemed criminal in
her country. This, was however, an artful plea ; for, in
Holland, accessaries before or after the fact are accounted
as principals. Dromelius, when at the place of execu-
tion, persisted in his former tale ; but desired the prayers
of the surrounding multitude whom he warned to beware
of the indulgence of violent passions, to which he then
fell an untimely sacrifice. They suffered near the Harts-
horne brewhouse, East Smithfield, being the nearest con-
venient spot to the place where the murder was com- --
mited on the tenth of July, in the year 1700. The º º
bodies of the men were hung in chains between Bow and
Mile-end; but the woman was buried. sº
The denial by this unhappy couple of the crime, at the
very moment their souls must appear before the Al-
mighty, and after such clear proof, on which a jury, com-
posed one haſ of their own countrymen, without hesita-
tion found them guilty, greatly adds to their turpitude.
º - º - ---
sº º
* sº f - -
GEORGE CADDELL,
º
xxecuteº July 21, 17oo, for thr cRUE, MURDER of Miss Price, whost
º º HE HAD SE DUCED AND PROMISED MARRIAGE,
º - º
--- º
ºf . . .
W As a native of th
- º º º gº.
- e town of Broomsgrove, in Worces-
tershire, at which place he was articled to an apothecary,
with whom he served his time, and then repaired to Lon-
don, where he attended several of the hospitals, to give
him an insight into the art of surgery. As soon as he
became tolerably acquainted with the profession, he went
to Worcester, and lived with Mr. Randall, a capital sur:
geon of that city; in this situation he was equally ad-
Hired for the depth of his abilities, and the amiableness
of his temper. Here he married the daughter of Mr.
Randall, who died in the labour of her first child. After
this melancholy event he went to reside at Litchfield, and
continued upwards of two years with Mr. Dean, a sur-
geon of that place. During his residence here, he courted
Mr. Dean's daughter, to whom he would probably have
been married, but for the commission of the foſſowing
crime, which cost him his life. A young lady, named
Elizabeth Price, who had been seduced by an officer in
------ .. -
- - - the









º
, -
ºn
16 New NEwgATE ca LEN DAR. º
the army, lived near Mr. Caddell's place of residence;
and, after her misfortune, supported herself by her skill in
needle-work. Caddell becoming acquainted with her, a
considerable degree of intimacy subsisted between them;
and Miss Price, degraded as she was by the unfortunate
step she had taken, still thought herself an equal match
for one of Mr. Caddell's rank of life. As pregnancy was
shortly the consequence of their intimacy, she repeatedly
urged him to marry her, but Mr. Caddell resisted her
importunities for a considerable time : at last Miss Price
heard of his paying his addresses to Miss Dean ; she then
became more importunate than ever, and threatened, in
case of his non-compliance, to put an end to all-His pro-
spects with that young lady, by discovering every thing
that had passed between them. Hereupon Caddell
formed the horrid resolution of murdering Miss Price;
for he could neither bear the thought of forfeiting the
esteem of a woman that he courted, nor of marrying her
who had been as condescending to another as to himself.
This dreadful scheme having entered his head, he called
on Miss Price on a Saturday evening, and requested that
she would walk in the fields with him on the afternoon of
º
the following day, in order to adjust a plan of their in-
tended marriage. Miss Price, thus deluded, met him at
the time appointed, on the road leading towards Burton |
upon Treut, at a house known by the sign of the Nag's
Head. Having accompanied her supposed lover into
the fields, and walked about till towards evening, they
then sat down under the hedge, where, after a little con-
versation, Caddell suddenly pulled out a knife, cut her
throat, and made his escape, but not before he had waited
till she was dead. However, in the distraction of his
mind, he left behind him the knife with which he had
perpetrated the deed, together with his case of instru-
ments. When he came home it was observed, that he
appeared exceedingly confused ; though the reason of the
perturbation of his mind could not even be guessed at.
But on the following morning Miss Price being found
murdered in the field, great numbers of people went to
take a view of the body, among whom was the woman
of the house where she lodged, who recollected that she
º
had said, she was going to walk with Mr. Caddell; on
* * sº which





• *.
- THQMAS COO K. 17
which the instruments were examined, and known to
have belonged to him : he was accordingly taken into
custody, and committed to the gaol of Stafford ; and
being soon afterwards tried, was found guilty, condemn-
ed, and executed, at Stafford.
THOMAS Cook,
MURDERER AND Riot ER, who w As THE cause of His own AFPRE-
HENSION,
How frequently do we find that the guilty, in the in-
terval of time between the commission and conviction of a
crime, compelled by an infatuation beyond all resistance,
to introduce the subject of their crime into conversation
with strangers? Many years ago a mail robber was
apprehended in a remote part of Cornwall, on suspicion,
from his frequently speaking upon the nature and danger
of plundering the public mail, and executed for that of.
fence. The subject of the present memoir, was taken
into custody, at Chester, for a crime committed in Lon-
don, merely from his constant relation of the riot in
which he had committed the murder. Thus, by a kind
of mental ignis fatuus the murderer was led on to his
own detection, These are the workings of conscience,
that earthy hell which torments those, who, with malice
afore-thought, have spilt the blood of their fellow creatures.
How very strangely did this mental agony appear in the
conduct of Governor Wall whose life shall hereafter be
given. After 20 years had elapsed from the commission
of the murder, and while he lived in personal security in
a foreign country, his conscience afforded him no peace
of mind. He voluntarily returned to London, sought his
own apprehension, was convicted and executed,
Thomas Cook was the son of a butcher, a man of re-
putation, at Gloucester: when he was about fifteen years
of age, his father put him apprentice to a barber-sur-
geon, in London, with whom he lived two years, and
then running away, engaged himself in the service of
——Needham, Esq. who was page of honour to -
King William the Third: but his mother writing tº him,
No, I, § and






18 NEW NEW GATE CA I, E N DA ſº.
and intimating in the vulgar phrase, that “ a gentic-
man's service was no inheritance,” he quitted his place,
and going to Gloucester, engaged in the business of a
butcher, being the profession of several of his ancestors.
He followed this trade for some time, and served master
of the company of butchers in his native city; after
which he abandoned that business, and took an inn;
but it does not appear that he was successful in it, since
he soon afterwards turned grazier. Restless, however,
in every station of life, he repaired to London, where
he commenced prize-fighter, at May-fair. At this time,
May fair was a place greatly frequented by prize-fighters,
thieves, and women of bad character. Here puppet-
shews were exhibited, and it was the favourite resort of
all the profligate and abandoned. At length the nuis-
ance increased to such a degree, that Queen Ann issued
her proclamation for the suppression of vice and immo-
rality, with a particular view to this fair; in consequence
of which, the justices of peace issued their warrant to
the high constable, who summoned all the inferior con-
stables to his assistance. - -
to suppress the fair, Cook, with a mob of about thirty
soldiers and other persons, stood in defiance of the peace
of the latter were wounded. Cooper, the constable,
piration of four days. Hereupon Cook fled to Ireland,
- - - - º º
and (as it was deposed upon his trial) while he was in a
public-house there, he swore in a profane manner, for
custody for it: to which he answered “Are there any
of the informing dogs in Ireland? We in London drive
them ; for at a fair called May-fair, there was a noise
which I went out to see–six soldiers and myself—the
constables played their parts with their stayes, and ºf
played mine; and when the man dropped, I wiped my
sword, put it up, and went away.” Cook having re-
peatedly talked in this boasting and insolent mainer,
was at length taken into custody, and sent to Chester,
- - whence
- º
When the constables came
officers, at whom they threw brickbats, by whom some
being the most active, Cook drew his sword and stabbed
him in the belly, and he died of the wound at the ex-
which the landlord censured him, and told him there
-- --- º º - -
were persons in the house who would take him into












• 3 OHN HOLLI DAY. 19
whence he was removed by writ of Habeas Corpus to
London; and being tried at the Old Bailey, was con-
victed, and received sentence of death. After convic-
tion he solemnly denied the crime for which he had
been condemned, declaring that he had no sword in
his hand on the day the constable was killed, and was
not in the company of those who killed him. Having
received the sacrament on the 21st of July, 1703, he
was taken from Newgate to be carried to Tyburn, but
when he was got to High Holborn, opposite Blooms-
bury, a reprieve arrived for him till the following Friday.
On his return to Newgate, he was visited by numbers of
his acquaintance, who rejoiced on his narrow escape, ex-
cept that of those who would assist him in his devotions.
On Friday he received another respite till the 11th of Au-
gust, when he was executed. -
In our preface, we have commented on that part of
the exercise of the royal prerogative, which allows the
king to reprieve the criminal, and at his pleasure after-
wards, to give the fiat of execution. In the case of
Thomas Cook we have an example of this ill-timed le-
nity. When once the mind of the criminal is fortified
by repentance and resignation to death, and then per-
mitted to enjoy the anticipation of the remainder of a
natural course of life, through a reprieve ; it is cruel to
proceed to the execution of the sentence of the law.
º -- w
-
JOHN HOLLIDAP,
º - º
House BREAKER, convicted UNDER THE Ass UMED NAME of simpson.
This man, whose career of villainy in England was not
long, had committed a variety of depredations in Fland-
ers, where he served as a soldier under king William
the Third. On the peace of Ryswick, he received his
discharge, and with several of his confederates in acts of
villainy, repaired to London, where they formed them-
selves into a gang of robbers, of which Holliday, un-
der the name of Simpson, was appointed their captain.—
C 2 We




















2O NEw NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
We can trace but few particulars of the depredations
they committed in London and its environs, farther,
breakers.
In the year 1700, Holliday, was indicted in the name
of Simpson for a burglary in the house of Elizabeth
Gawden, and stealing thereout two feather beds, and
other articles; to which he pleaded guilty, and was, for
that offence, hanged at Tyburn. -
While under sentence of death he made the followin
confession of the singular and daring robberies he had
committed—his officers—the church—nay the king him-
self were plundered by this daring villain. He said that
he was a soldier in Flanders, where he used to take fre-
quent opportunities of robbing the tents of the officers:
jesty commanded in person, Simpson happened to be
(afterwards duke) of Marlborough, and lord Cutts,
went out to take a view of the situation of the army,
Simpson, with a degree of impudence peculiar to him-
self, went into his Majesty's tent, and stole about a
thousand pounds. It was some days before this money
was missed, and when the robbery was discovered,
Simpson escaped all suspicion. He said, he had com:
mitted more robberies than he could possibly recollect,
breaker.
city of Ghent had been twice shut up within a fortnight
to prevent his escape; and that when he was taken, his
arms, legs, back, and neck, were secured with irons;
in which condition he was carried through the streets,
that he might be seen by the crowd. -
Simpson, and two of his companions, used frequently
to stop and rob the Roman Catholics at five o'clock in
the morning, as they were going to mass; he repeatedly
º broke
º
than that they were alternately highwaymen and house-
his name was not Simpson, but Holliday, and that dur-
ing a great part of the war in the reign of king William,
one of those who were selected to guard the royal tent. ,
On an evening when the king, accompanied by the Earl
having been an highwayman as well as an house-
He committed numerous robberies in Flanders, as
well as in England, and he affirmed that the gates of the
and once, when the army lay before Mons, and his Ma-















GEORGE GRIFFITHS. 2}
broke into the churches of Brussels, Mechlin, and Ant-
werp, and stole the silver plate from the altar.
This offender further acknowledged, that having kill-
ed one of his companions in a quarrel, he was appre-
hended, tried, and condemned for the fact, by a court-
martial of officers, and sentenced to be executed on the
following day, in sight of the army, which was to be
drawn up to see the execution. During the night, how-
ever, he found means to escape, and took refuge in the
church of St. Peter, in Ghent, where the army then lay.
Being thus in a place of sanctuary, he applied to the
priests, who made interest with prince Eugene; and
their joint intercession with king William, who arrived
in the city about four days afterwards, obtained his full
pardon, and was permitted immediately to join the
army.
In a few days after he had obtained his pardon, he
broke into the church, and robbed it of plate to the value
of twelve hundred pounds; which he was the better en-
abled to do, as he was acquainted with the avenues of
the church, and knew where the plate was deposited.
He was apprehended on suspicion of this sacrilege ; for
as a crime of this kind is seldom committed by the na-
tives of the country, it was conjectured that it must have
been perpetrated by some one at least, of the soldiers;
and information being given that two Jews had em-
barked in a boat on the Scheldt, for Middleburgh, on
the day succeeding the robbery, and that Simpson had
been seen in company with these Jews, this occasioned
his being taken into custody; but as no proof arose that
he had sold any plate to these men, it was thought neces-
sary to dismiss him. º
º
º º
ROBBER.
This young man received the education of a gentleman,
was articled as clerk to an attorney of high repute, and en-
joyed the utmost latitude of confidence in his master; but
which
























£2 NEW NEW GATE CALENT A R.
-
which a course of dissipation destroyed, and finally
brought him to an untimely fate. His misfortunes may
prove a lesson to young gentlemen intended for the learn-
ed professions, while the danger, into which a young
lady, his master's daughter, had, through him, nearly
fallen into, will, we trust be a caution to females against
placing their affections, without the sanction of their
parents. -
Mr. Griffiths was born at Thetford, in the county of
Norfolk, and was the son of an eminent apothecary of
that town. On the expiration of the term of his clerk-
ship he was retained by his master, on a handsome sa-
lary, to manage his business, and he discharged his duty
for a considerable time with great regularity; but un-
happily becoming acquainted with some young º:
who possessed more money than discretion, he soon
spent the little fortune which his father had bequeathed
to him, and also became indebted to several of his mas-
, ter's employers. ,
- During great part of Griffiths's servitude, the only ,
daughter of his employer had been at a boarding-school
at Windsor for the advantage of education; and now re- |
turning home, her father, who was uncommonly tender
of her, requested that she would take his domestic af.
fairs under her own management.
This old gentleman being frequently from home, the
business of the office was committed to the care of Mr.
Griffiths; and an intimacy soon ensued between him and
the young lady, in whose company he spent all those |
evenings, in which he had not particular engagements
with his old associates. The consequence was, that their
acquaintance ripened into esteem; their esteem into love.
The reciprocal declaration soon took place, and the young
lady considered Mr. Griffiths as the man who was to be
her future husband. -
Some short time after this attachment, Griffiths was
under the necessity of attending his master on the Nor-
folk circuit, and while he was in the country, he held a
constant correspondence, with the young lady; but the
father was totally unacquainted with all that had passed,
and had not formed the least idea that his daughter had
º --- ańy










º
His master, for a considerable time past, had acted as
soon found that he had been master of sufficient art to
but the determination respecting it had been put off, on
Alarmed at this sudden demand, he knew not what
º to different people, and had not a friend to whom he
GEORGE & RIFFITH5. - 23
any kind of connexion with his clerk; but at length
the circumstance of the affair transpired in the following
in an her . º
The daughter having gone to Windsor for a few days,
on a visit to her former acquaintance, continued to cor-
respond with Mr. Griffiths. On a particular day, when
Griffith was not at home, it happened that a letter was
brought to the office, directed to this unfortunate man;
when one of the clerks, imagining that it might be of
consequence, carried it to the master, at an adjacent
coffee-house. St is impossible that any language should
express the surprise of the old gentleman, when he saw
the name of his daughter subscribed to a letter, in which
she acknowledged herself as the future wife of the
clerk. - º
The father knew that Griffiths had no fortune; but he
y
prevail on the daughter to believe that he was possessed
of considerable property. Hereupon he represented to
his daughter the great impropriety of her conduct; in
answer to which, she said, that Mr. Griffiths was a man
of fortune, though he had hitherto carefully concealed
this circumstance from her father. However, it was not
long before a discovery was made, which represented
Mr. Griffith's situation in a light equally new and con-
temptible.
the solicitor in a capital cause depending in Chancery;
account of Lord Sommers being removed from the office
of chancellor, and the great seal.given in commission to
Sir Nathan Wright. The solicitor had received immense
sums while the cause was depending, which he had
committed to the care of his clerk; but the latter, press-
ed for cash to supply his extravagance, purloined some
of this money. At length the cause was determined, º
and Griffiths was called upon to account to his master for
the money in his hands. º
º
course to take. He was already considerably indebted -
w could









24 New NEwgATE calcNDAR.
could apply for as much money as was deficient in his
accounts; but being driven to the utmost necessity, he
came to the resolution of breaking open his master's bu-
teau, which he did while the family were asleep, and
slole a considerable sum of money; but, as nothing else
but money was stolen, Griffiths would very probably
- have escaped suspicion, had he not been tempted to a
repetition of his crime. -
At this time the old gentleman and his daughter went
to Tunbridge; and during their residence at that place
- of amusement, Griffiths procured a key that would un-
lock his master's bureau, from whence again he took
money to a considerable amount. On the master's re-
turn he missed this sum ; but still he did not suspect
Griffiths, as the drawer was found locked; but hereupon
he deposited his jewels in the bureau, but locked up his
money in another place.
The amour betwixt Griffiths and the young lady still
continued; and they would soon have been married at
the Fleet, but that a fatal circumstance now arose,
which (happily for her) brought their connection to a
period.
Griffiths being (as already observed) possessed of a
key that would open his master's bureau, and disposed
to go out and spend a cheerful evening with his old asso.
º ciates, now, during their absence, opened the drawer,
but was greatly disappointed in not meeting with the
money that was usually left there :-finding, however,
jewels in its stead, he stole a diamond ring, which he
carried to a jeweller, and sold for twelve pounds; and
then went to spend his evening as he had intended. The
old lawyer came home about ten o'clock at might, and,
casually looking into his drawer, found the ring was
gone; and being enraged at this renewed robbery, he had
every person in the house carefully searched; but no
discovery was made. * "
Griffiths did not return till a late hour, and on the fol.
lowing day his employer told him what had happened,
and requested that he would go to the several jewellers'
shops, and make enquiry for the lost ring. Griffiths pre:
tended obedience, and, when he returned, acquainted


















GEO R G E G R I FFITHS, 25
his master that all his enquiries respecting it had been
ineffectual. -
º, However, a discovery of the party who had been guilty
of the robbery was made in the following singular man-
ner: The jeweller who had bought the ring frequented
the same coffee-house with the gentleman who had lost
it, and was intimately acquainted with him, though he
knew nothing of Griffiths. Now the jeweller, having
carefully examined the ring after he had bought it, and
therefore concluded that it had been obtained in an il-
legal manner, being a man who was much above the
idea of having his integrity suspected, he related the
particulars of his purchase at the coffee-house, which
the person who had lost the ring hearing, desired to
have a sight of it; and, on the first inspection, knew it to
be that which he had lost.
The person of Griffiths was now so exactly described
by the jeweller, that there could be little doubt but that
he was the thief; wherefore he was desired to go to the
chambers with a constable; and take him into custody,
if he appeared to be the man who had sold the ring.—-
As this was really the case, he was carried before a
justice of the peace, and accused of the crime, which he
immediately confessed, and likewise that he had rob-
bed his master of money, in the manner we have already
related. - -
Griffiths, in consequence hereof, was committed to
Newgate, and being arraigned at the next sessions at the
Old Bailey, he pleaded guilty to the indictment, and -
sentence of death was passed on him accordingly. º
As in his situation, it was natural to suppose that he
would attempt to correspond with the young lady to
whom he had aspired as a wife, a proper person was
employed by her father to intercept her letters: a ser-
vice that was performed with such care, that not one
reached her hands, though a considerable number were
written. - -
When Mr. Griffiths found that he had nothing to
hope from the intervention of the royal mercy, and con-
sequently that all the views with which he had flattered
himselfin wedlock were vanished, he began seriously to
No. 2. T} Prepare.
º









*26 - NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
-
prepare himself for that state, in which persons “neither
marry, nor are given in marriage.” He very justly at-
tributed his misfortunes to the associating with persons
the making an appearance which he was unable to
support, in order to secure the object of his wishes.
- He died a penitent, at Tyburn, the first of August,
- -
º 1700.
• THE REI. THOMAS HUNTER,
ExECUTED NEAR EDINBURGH, FOR THE MURDER OF THE TWO
CHILDREN OF MIR. G.O R DO N.
º
-
--
HT is with deep regret that the order in which we place
this criminal biography, compels us thus early to enter
upon the following ; wherein we have to bring before
the reader a murderer, in a character which ever should
be held most sacred. A crime more premeditated, and
more fraught with cruelty, never stained the annals of
history, Ambition hath often impelled tyrants to shed
innocent blood ; revenge has stimulated men to kill each
other; jealousy with “jaundiced eye” destroys the ob-
ject of its love; but God forbid! that we should ever
again have to record the fact of a tutor, a minister of the
Gospel, premeditatedly murdering his pupils l—the sons
of his benefactor. When we add, that this most miser-
able sinner expiated his offence in avowing himself an
Atheist, we arrive at once, at the very depth of human
depravity. This detestable culprit was born in the
county of Fife, in Scotland, and was the son of a rich
farmer, who sent him to the University of St. Andrew for
education. When he had acquired a sufficient share of
classical learning, he was admitted to the degree of
Master of Arts, and began to prosecute his studies in
divinity with no small degree of success. Several of the
younger clergymen act as tutors to wealthy, and distin-
guished families, till a proper period arrives for their en-
tering into orders, which they never do till they obtain a
of chaplains; and in this station Hunter lived about two
º - years,
who were his superiors in point of circumstances, and
benefice. While in this rank of life they bear the name














º
-
REV, TFIOMAS HUNTER. 27
- - - -
years, in the house of Mr. Gordon, a very eminent mer-
chant, and one of the bailies of Edinburgh, which is a
rank equal to that of alderman of London. Mr. Gor-
don's family consisted of himself, his lady, two sons and
a daughter, a young woman who attended Mrs. Gordon
and her daughter, the malefactor in question, some
clerks and menial servants. To the care of Hunter was
committed the education of the two sons; and for a con-
siderable time he discharged his duty in a manner highly
satisfactory to the parents, who considered him as a
youth of a superior genius, and great goodness of heart.
Unfortunately a connexion took place between Hunter
and the young woman, which soon increased to a cri-
minal degree, and was maintained for a considerable
time without the knowledge of the family. One day,
however, when Mr. and Mirs, Gordon were on a visit,
Hunter and his girl met in their chamber as usual; but
having been so incautious as not to make their door fast,
the children went into the room, and found them in such
a situation as could not admit of any doubt of the nature
of their intercourse. No suspicion was entertained that
these children would mention to their parents what had
happened, the eldest boy being not quite ten years of
age : but when the children were at supper with their
parents, they disclosed so much as left no room to doubt
of what had passed. Hereupon the female servant was
directed to quit the house on the following day; but
*-
Hunter was continued in the family, after making a pro-
per apology for the crime of which he had been guilty,
attributing it to the thoughtlessness of youth, and pro-
mising never to offend in the same way again. From
this period he entertained the most inveterate hatred to
all the children, on whom he determined in his own
mind to wreak the most diabolical vengeance. Nothing
less than murder was his intention: but it was a con-
he had an opportunity of carrying it into execution.--
Whenever it was a fine day, he was accustomed to walk
in the fields with his pupils for an hour before dinner ;
and in these excursions the young lady generally attend-
ed her brothers. At the period immediately preceding
* * p 2 the
siderable time after he had formed this horrid plan before.






























28 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
- ºthe commission of the fatal act, Mr. Gordon and his
family were at their country retreat very near Edinburgh;
and having received an invitation to dine in that city, he
and his lady proposed to go thither about the time that
Hunter usually took his noon-tide walk with the children.
Mrs. Gordon was very anxious for all the children to ac- |
company them on this visit ; but this was strenuously op-
posed by her husband, who would consent that only the
little girl should attend them. By this circumstance
Hunter's intention of murdering all the three children
was frustrated; but he held the resolution of destroying
the boys while they were yet in his power. With this
view he took them into the fields, and sat down as if to
repose himself on the grass. This event took place soon
after the middle of the month of August, 1700, and
Hunter was preparing his knife, to put a period to the
lives of the children, at the very moment they were bu-
sied in catching butterflies, and gathering wild flowers,
Having sharpened his knife, he called the lads to him,
and when he had reprimanded them for acquainting their
father and mother of the scene to which they had been
witnesses, said that he would immediately put them to
death. Terrified by this threat, the children ran from
him ; but he immediately followed, and brought them
back. He then placed his knee on the body of the one,
while he cut the throat of the other with his penknife ;
and then treated the second in the same inhuman man-
ner that he had done the first. These horrid murders
were committed within half a mile of the castle of Edin.
burgh, and as the deed was perpetrated in the middle
of the day, and in the open fields, it would have been
very wonderful indeed, if the murderer had not been im-
mediately taken into custody. At the very time, a gem-
tleman was walking on the Castle-hill of Edinburgh,
who had a tolerable perfect view of what passed.
*
Alarmed by the incident, he called some people, who
ran with him to the place where the children were lying
dead, Hunter now had advanced towards a river, with
a view to drown himself. Those who pursued, came
up with him just as he reached the brink of the river;
*d his person being immediately known to them, a
- 5.





















REY. THOMAS HUNTER, 29
messenger was instantly dispatched to Mr. and Mrs:
Gordon, who were at that moment going to dinner with
their friend, to inform them of the horrid murder of their
sons. Language is too weak to describe the effects re-
sulting from the communication of this dreadful news:
the astonishment of the afflicted father, the agony of the
frantic mother, may possibly be conceived, though it
cannot be painted. According to an old Scottish law it
was decreed, that “if a murderer should be taken with
the blood of the murdered person on his clothes, he
should be prosecuted in the sheriff's court, and executed
within three days after the commission of the fact.” It
was not common to execute this sentence with rigor;
but this offender's crime was of so aggravated a nature,
that it was not thought proper to remit any thing of the
utmost severity of the law. The prisoner was, therefore,
committed to gaol, and chained down to the floor alk
night; and on the following day the sheriff issued his
precept for the jury to meet; and, in consequence of
their verdict, Hunter was brought to his trial, when he
pleaded guilty; and added to the offence he had already
committed the horrid crime of declaring that he la-
mented only the not having murdered Mr. Gordon's
daughter as well as his sons. The sheriff now passed
sentence on the convict, which was to the following
purpose: that “on the succeeding day he should be ex-
ecuted on a gibbet, erected for that purpose on the spot
where he had committed the murders; but that previous
to his execution, his right hand should be cut off
with a hatchet, near the wrist; that then he should be
drawn up to the gibbet by a rope, and when he was
dead, hung in chains between Edinburgh and Leith,
the knife with which he committed the murders being
stuck through his hand which should be advanced over
his head, and fixed there with to the top of the gibbet.” –
Mr. Hunter was executed in strict conformity to the
above sentence, on the 92d of August, 1700. But Mr.
Gordon soon afterwards petitioned the sheriff, that the
body ſnight be removed to a more distant spot, as its
hanging on the side of the highway, through which he
frequently passed, tended to re-excite his grief for the
occasion


#9 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DER.
occasion that had first given rise to it. This requisition
was immediately complied with, and in a few days the
body was removed to the skirts of a small village near
Edinburgh, named Broughton. It is equally true and
horrid to relate, that, at the place of execution, Hunter
closed his life with the following shocking declaration:-
- “There is no God—I do not believe there is any—or if
there is, I hold him in defiance.” Yet this infidel had
been regarded as a minister of the gospel !
- - - - -
- º º - -
JOHN COWLAND, º:
- - - -
ExecutºD AT TYBukN, FoR THE MURDER of siR ANDREw SLAN.
º tº NING, Dec, zo, 17 oo.
º - º
The crime for which this man suffered, though of the
same degree in the eye of the law, as that immediately
preceding, yet it was by no means attended with such
º diabolical atrocity. It will shew the danger ever to be
apprehended from indiscriminate connexion with fe-
males, and a caution against intemperance.
He was the son of reputable parents, who apprenticed
him to a goldsmith, but of a vicious irascible disposition,
—He and some other bon-vivants had followed Sir An-
drew Slanning, Bart, who had made a temporary ac-
quaintance with an orange woman, while in the pit at
1)rury lane play-house, and retired with her as soon as
the play was ended. They had gone but a few º
before Mr. Cowland put his arm round the woman's
tieck; on which Sir Andrew desired he would desist, as
she was his wife.--Cowland, knowing Sir Andrew
was married to a woman of honour, gave him the lie,
and swords were drawn on both sides; but some gen.
tlemen coming up at this juncture, no immediate ill
consequence happened. They all now agreed to ad-
journ to the Rose Tavern ; and Captain Wagget having
there used his utmost endeavours to reconcile the offend.
ed parties, it appeared that this mediation was attended
with success; but as they were going up stairs to drink
a glass of wine, Mr. Cowland drew his sword, and
stabbed Sir Andrew in the belly, who finding himself
{} wounded,








CAPTAIN JOHN KT DI). - 31
wounded, cried out “ murder.” One of Lord War- º
wick's servants, and two other persons who were in the
house, ran up immediately, and disarmed Cowland of
his sword, which was bloody to the depth of five inches,
and took him into custody. Cowland now desired to
see Sir Andrew ; which being granted, he jumped down
the stairs, and endeavoured to make his escape ; but,
being pursued, he was easily re-taken. Cowland was
instantly conducted before a justice of peace ; who com-
mitted him; and on Dec. the 5th, 1700, he was tried at
the Old Bailey on three indictments—the first at the -
common law, the second on the statute of stabbing, and
the third on the coroner's inquest for the murder.—
Every fact was fully proved, on the trial; and, among
other things, it was deposed, that the deceased had pos-
sessed an estate of 20,000l. a year, and his family be
came extinct by his death ; and that he had been a gen-
tleman of great good nature, and by no means disposed
to animosity. On Cowland's being found guilty, sen-
tence of death was passed on him; and though great in-
terest was made to obtain a pardon, he was executed
on the day abov-mentiond. -
º
f
--
-
captain John KIDD,
*
who SUFFERED For PIRACY AT EXECUTION DOCK, MAY 22, 17or.
Piracy is an offence committed on the high seas, by
villains who man and arm a vessel for the purpose of
robbing fair traders. It is also piracy to rob a vessel ly-
ing in-shore at anchor, or at a wharf. The river Thames,
until the excellent establishment of a marine police, was
infested by gangs of fresh water pirates, who were con-
| tinually rowing about watching the homeward bound
vessels, which, whenever opportunity offered, they board-
ed and stole whatever part of their cargo they could
hoist into their boats. Of late years, however, the ship-
ing there, collected from every part of the habitable
globe, lie in tolerable security against such disgraceful
depredations,
º
-- piracy



















32. X EW N zW GATF, CA LEN DAR.
/
º, Piracy is a capital offence by the civil law, although
by act of parliament it may be heard and determined ac- -
cording to the rules of common law, as if the offence
had been committed on land. The mode of trial is re-
gulated by the 28th of Henry VIII. cap. 15; and fur-
ther by the acts 11 and 12 William III. cap. 7, and 39
George III. cap. 37; which also extend to other offences
committed on the high seas.
Captain John Kidd, was born in the town of Green.
ock, in Scotland, and bred to the sea. Having quitted
his native country, he resided at New York, where he
became owner of a small vessel, with which he traded
among the pirates, obtained a thorough knowledge of
their haunts, and could give a better account of them
than any other person whatever. He was neither re-
markable for the excess of his courage, nor for the want
of it. In a word, his ruling passion appeared to he
avarice, and to this was owing his connexion with the
pirates. While in their company, he used to converse
and act as they did; yet at other times he would make
singular professions of honesty, and intimate how easy a
*matter it would be to extirpate these abandoned people;
and prevent their future depredations. His frequent re-
marks of this kind engaged the notice of several con- ||
siderable planters, who, forming a more favourable idea
ôf him than his true character would warrant, procured
him the patronage with which he was afterwards hor
noured. For a series of years, great complaints had been
made of the piracies committed in the West Indies,
which had been greatly encouraged by some of the in:
habitants of North America, on account of the advantage |
they derived from purchasing effects thus fraudulently
obtained. This coming to the knowledge of king Wi-
Jiam the Third, he, in the year 1695, bestowed the go-
vernment of New England and New York on the earl of
Bellamont, an Irish nobleman of distinguished character
and abilities, who immediately began to consider of the
most effectual method to redress the evils complained of;
and consulted with colonel Levingston, agentleman who
had great property in New York, on the most feasible
steps to obviate the evils so long complained of 9.
- th;5
--







cAPTAIN Joh N KIDD. 33
thisjuncture, captain Kidd was arrived from New York,
in a sloop of his own ; him, therefore the colonel men-
tioned to lord Bellamont, as a bold and daring man, who
was very fit to be employed against the pirates, as he was
perfectly well acquainted with the places which they re-
sorted to. This plan met with the fullest approbation of
his lordship, who mentioned the affair to his majesty,
and recommended it to the notice of the board of ad-
miralty. But such were then the hurry and confusion
of public affairs, that though the design was approved,
no steps were taken towards carrying it into execution.
Accordingly, colonel Levingston made application to
lord Bellamont, that as the affair would not well admit of
delay, it was worthy of being undertaken by some
private persons of rank and distinction, and carried into
execution at their own expence, notwithstanding public
encouragement was denied it. His lordship approved of
this project, but it was attended with considerable diffi-
culty; at length, however, the lord chancellor Somers,
the duke of Shrewsbury, the earl of Romney, the earl of
Oxford, and some other persons, with colonel Leving-
ston and captain Kidd, agreed to raise 6000l. for the ex-
pense of the voyage; and the colonel and captain were
to have a fifth of the profits of the whole undertaking.—
Matters being thus far adjusted, a commission, in the
usual form, was granted to captain Kidd, to take and
seize pirates, and bring them to justice; but there was
no special clause or proviso to restrain his conduct or re-
gulate the mode of his proceeding. Kid was known to
lord Bellamont, and another gentleman presented him
to lord Romney. With regard to the other parties con-
cerned, he was wholly unacquainted with them; and so
ill was this affair conducted, that he had no private in-
structions how to act, but received his sailing orders
from lord Bellamont, the purport of which was, that he
should act agreeable to the letter of his commission.—
Accordingly, a vessel was purchased and manned, and
received the name of the Adventure Galley; and in this
captain Kidd sailed for New York, towards the close of
the year 1695, and in his passage made prize of a French
ship. From New York he sailed to the Madeira Islands,
E. º thence

34 NEW NEw GATE CALEN DAR.
*
-
\ thence to Bonavista and St. Jago, and from this last
\ place to Madagascar. He now began to cruise at the
º entrance of the Red Sea, but not being successful in
those latitudes, he sailed to Calicut, and there took a ship
of one hundred and fifty tons burthen, which he carried
to Madagascar, and disposed of there. Having sold his
prize, he again put to sea, and, at the expiration of five
- weeks, took the Quedah Merchant, a ship of above four
- hundred tons burthen, the master of which was an En-
\ glishman, named Wright, who had two Dutch mates on
board, and a French gunner, but the crew consisted of
Moors, natives of Africa, and were about ninety in num-
ber. He carried the ship to St. Mary's, near Madagas-
car, where he burnt the Adventure Galley, belonging to
his owners, and dividing the lading of the Quedah Mer-
chant with his crew, taking forty shares to himself—
They then went on board the last mentioned ship, and
sailed for the West Indies. It is uncertain whether the
inhabitants of the West India Islands knew that Kidd
was a pirate; but he was refused refreshments at Anguil-
la and St. Thomas's, and therefore sailed to Mona, be-
tween Porto Rico and Hispaniola, where through the
management of an Englishman, named Bolton, he ob-
tained a supply of provisions from Curacoa. He now
bought a sloop of Bolton, in which he stowed great part
of his ill-gotten effects, and left the Quedah Merchant,
with eighteen of the ship's company, in Bolton's care.—
While at St. Mary's, ninety men of Kidd's crew left him,
and went on board the Mocha Merchant, an East India
ship which hadjust then commenced pirate, Kidd now
sailed in the sloop, and touched at several places, where
he disposed of great part of his cargo, and then steered
for Boston, in New England. In the interim, Bolton
sold the Quedah Merchant to the Spaniards, and imme-
diately sailed as a passenegrin a ship for Boston, where
he arrived a considerable time before Kidd, and gave in-
formation of what happened, to lord Beſlamont. Kidd
therefore, on his arrival, was seized by order of his lord-
ship; when all he had to urge in his defence was, that he
thought the Quedah Merchant was a lawful prize, as
slie was manned with Moors, though there was no º
0
º








-
of proof that this vessel had committed any act of piracy.
Upon this, the earl of Bellamont immediately dispatched
an account to England of the circumstances that had
arisen, and requested that a ship might be sent for Kidd,
who had committed several other notorious acts of piracy.
The ship Rochester was accordingly sent to bring him to
England, but this vessel, happening to be disabled, was
obliged to return : a circumstance which greatly increas-
ed a public clamour which had for some time subsisted
respecting this affair, and which, no doubt took its rise
from party prejudice. It was carried to such a height,
that the members of parliament for several places were
instructed to move the house for an enquiry into the af.
fair; and accordingly it was moved in the house of com-
mons, that “ The letters-patent, granted to the earl of
Bellamont and others, respecting the goods taken from
pirates, were dishonourable to the king, against the law
of nations, contrary to the laws and statutes of this
realm, an invasion of property, and destructive to coin-
merce.” Though a negative was put, on this motion,
yet the enemies of lord Somers and the earl of Oxford
continued to charge those noblemen with giving coun-
tenance to pirates; and it was even insinuated, that the
earl of Bellamont was not less culpable than the actual
offenders. Another motion was accordingly made in the
house of commons, to address his majesty, that “. Kidd
might not be tried till the next session of parliament 3–
and that the earl of Bellamont might be directed to send
home all examinations and other papers relative to the
affair.” This motion was carried, and the king complied
with the request which was made. As soon as Kidd ar-
rived in England, he was sent for, and examined at the
bar of the house of commons, with a view to fix part of
his guilt on the parties who had been concerned in send-
ing him on the expedition ; but nothing arose to criſint-
nate any of those distinguished persons. Kidd, who was
in some degree intoxicated, made a very contemptible
appearance at the bar of the house; on which, a mem-
ber, who had been one of the most earnest to have him
examined, violently exclaimed, “ this fellow ; I thought
he had been only a knave, but unfºrtunately he happens
º E £ tº
* - -
|
º
-º-
-
cArtAIN jof N KIDD. 35.
º
º







$6 NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
\ to be a fool likewise.” Kidd was at length tried at the
Old Bailey, and was convicted on the clearest evidence;
but neither at that time nor afterwards charged any of his
employers with being privy to his infamous proceed-
ings. He suffered with one of his companions (Darby
Mullins), at Execution Dock, on the 23d day of May,
1701. After Kidd had been tied up to the gallows, the
rope broke,” and he fell to the ground; but being im-
mediately tied up again, the ordinary, who had before
exhorted him, desired to speak with him once more;—
and, on this second application, entreated him to make
the most careful use of the few farther moments thus
providentially allotted him for the final preparation of his
soul to meet its important change. These exhortations
appeared to have the wished for effect; and he was left,
professing his charity to all the world, and his hopes of
salvation through the merits of his Redeemer. -
- - - - º
º -
HERMAN STRODTMAN,
º
- -
axecutep June 18, 1701, for the Murper of PETER wolter, his
FELLOW APPRENT1 CE,
ºn-
WAs a German, being born of a respectable family at
Revel, in Lisland, who gave him a good education, and
brought him up strictly in the tenets of the Protestant re-
ligion. About the year 1694, young Strodtman, with a .
friend and schoolfellow, named Peter Wolter, were, by
their respective parents, sent in company to London;
where they were both bound apprentices to the then emi-
ment Dutch house of Stein and Dorien.
They served their masters some time with diligence,
and lived together in great harmony, until a sister of Wol.
ter married very advantageously, which so buoyed up the
brother with pride that he assumed a superiority over his
º
º
* In cases of this distressing nature, and which hath often happened to
the miserable sufferer, the sheriff ought to be punished. It is his duty to
carry the sentence of the law into execution, and there can be no plea
for not providing a rope of sufficient strength. In such a case as the last,
it is in fact a double execution, inflicting unnecessary torments both of
body and mind, on the already too wretched culprit.
7
*
fºllow.












MERMAN STRODTMAN, 37.
fellow-apprentice; and which led to the fatal catastrophe.
This arrogance produced quarrelling, and from words
they proceeded to blows, and Wolter beat Strodtman
twice; at one time in the compting house, and at ano-
ther before the servant-girls in the kitchen. Wolter like-
wise traduced Strodtman to his masters, who thereupon
denied him the liberty and other gratifications that were
allowed to his fellow-apprentice. Hereupon Strodtman
conceived an implacable hatred against him, and resolved
to murder him in some way or other. His first inten-
tion was to have poisoned him; and with this view he
mixed some white mercury with a white powder, which
Wolter used to keep in a glass in his bed room, as a re-
medy for the scurvy: but this happening to be done in
the midst of winter, Wolter had declined taking the
powder; so that the other thought of destroying him by
the more expeditious method of stabbing.
This scheme, however, he delayed from time to time,
while Wolter's pride and arrogance increased to such a
degree, that the other thought he should at length be
tempted to murder him in sight of the family. Hereupon
Strodtman desired one of the maids to intimate to his
masters his inclination to be sent to the West Indies; but
no answer being given to this request, Strodtman grew
again uneasy, and his enmity to his fellow-apprentice in-
creased to such a degree, that the Dutch-maid, observing
the agitation of his mind, advised him to a patient sub-
mission to his situation, as the most probable method of
securing his future peace. Unfortunately he paid no re-
gard to this good advice; but determined on the execu-
tion of the fatal plan, which afterwards led to his destruc-
tion.
On the morning of Good Friday, Strodtman was sent
out on business; but instead of transacting it, he went
to Greenwich, with an intention of returning on Satur-
day, to perpetrate the murder; but reflecting that his
fellow-apprentice was to receive the sacrament on Easter
Sunday, he abhorred the thought of taking away his life
before he had partaken of the Lord's supper: wherefore
he sent a letter to his masters on the Saturday, in which
he asserted that he had been impressed, and was to be
º - Sellt
º


28 NEW NEW GATE CAI, EN DAR.
-
sent to Chatham on Easter-Monday, and put on board a
ship in the royal navy; but, while he was at Greenwich,
he was met by a young gentleman who knew him, and
who, returning to London, told Messrs. Stein and Do-
rien, he believed that the story of his being impressed
was all invention. Hereupon Mr. Stein went to Chat-
ham, to enquire into the real state of the case ; when he
discovered that the young gentleman's suspicions were
but too well founded. -
Strodtman went to the church at Greenwich twice on
Easter-Sunday, and on the approach of evening came to
London, and slept at the JDolphin-inn, in Bishopsgate-
street. On the following day he returned to Greenwich,
and continued either at that place or at Woolwich and
the neighbourhood till Tuesday, when he went to Lon-
don, lodged in Lombard-street, and returned to Green-
Coming again to London on the evening of the suc-
ceeding day, he did not return any more to Greenwich;
but going to the house of his masters, he told them that
what he had written was true, for that he had been
pressed. They gave no credit to this tale, but told him.
they had inquired into the affair, and bid him quit their
house. This be did, and took lodgings in Moorfields,
where he lay on that and the following night, and on the
Saturday he took other lodgings at the Sun, in Queen-
street, London.
Before the preceding Christmas, he had procured a key
on the model of that belonging to his master's house, that
he might go in and out at his pleasure. Originally he
intended to have made no worse use of this key; but it
being still in his possession, he let himself into the house
between eight and nine o'clock in the evening of the Sa-
turday last mentioned; but hearing the footsteps of some
person going up stairs, he concealed himself behind a
door in the passage. As soon as the noise arising from this
circumstance was over, he went up one pair of stairs to a
room adjoining the compting-house, where he used to
sleep, and having found a tinder-box, he lighted a candle,
and put it into his master's dark lanthorn, which he carried
up stairs to an empty room, next to that in which Peter
Wolter
wich on the Wednesday. - *





HER MAN STRODTMAN. 39
Wolter used to lay. Here he continned a short time,
when hearing somebody coming up stairs, he put out his
candle, and fell asleep soon afterwards. - t
Awaking about twelve o'clock, he listened for a while,
and hearing no noise, he imagined that the whole family
were fast asleep. Hereupon he descended to the room
on the first floor, where the tinder-box lay ; and having
lighted his candle, he went to the compting-house, and
took a sum of money, and several notes and bills.
This being done, he took a piece of wood with which
they used to beat tobacco, and going up stairs again, he
hastily entered the room where Peter Wolter was asleep,
and advancing to his bedside, struck him violently on the
head; and though his heart in some degree failed him,
yet be continued his strokes. As the wounded youth
groaned much, he took the pillow, and laying it on his
mouth, sat down on the side of the bed, and pressed it
hard with his elbow, till no appearance of life remained. --
Perceiving Woiter to be quite dead, he searched his
chest of drawers and pockets, and took as much money -
as, with what he had taken from his masters, amounted
to above eight pounds. He then packed up some linen
and woollen clothes, and going down one pair of stairs,
he threw his bundle into a house that was uninhabited.
He then went up stairs again, and having cut his candle, ---
lighted both pieces, one of which he placed in a chair
close to the bed curtains, and the other on a chest of
drawers, with a view to have set the house on fire, to con-
ceal the robbery and murder of which he had been guilty.
This being done, he went through a window into the
house, where he had thrown his bundle; and in this place
he staid till five in the morning, when he took the bundle
with him to his lodgings in Queen-street, where he
shifted his apparel, and went to the Swedish church in
Trinity-lane. After the worship of the congregatiºn was
ended, he heard a bill of thanks read which his masters
had sent,in devout acknowledgment of the narrow escape
that themselves and their neighbours had experienced
from the fire. Struck by this circumstance, Strodtman
burst into tears, but he endeavoured as much as possible
to conceal his emotion from a gentleman who sat in the
º - º/ . salue
-
































40 NEW NEw GATE cale NDAr.
*
same pew with him, and who, on their coming out of the
church, informed him that the house of Messrs. Stein and
Dorien narrowly escaped being burnt the preceding
night, by an accident then unknown; but that the de-
struction was providentially prevented by the Dutch maid
smelling the fire, and seeing the smoke, so that, on her
alarming her master, the flames were extinguished by a
pail of water. -
Strodtman made an appointment to meet the gentle-
man who gave him this information, on the outer walks
of the Royal Exchange, in the afternoon, to go to the
Dutch church in the Savoy; but the gentleman not com-
ing to his time, he went alone to Stepney church, and
after service was ended, he walked towards Mile-End,
where he saw the bodies of Michal Van Berghen and
Dromelius, who had been hung in chains, as before-men-
tioned. This sight gave him a shocking idea of the
crime of which he had been guilty, and he reflected, that
he might soon become a like horrid spectacle to man-
kind. Hence he proceeded to Blackwall, where he saw
the captain of a French pirate hanging in chains, which
gave fresh force to the gloomy feelings of his mind, and
again taught him to dread a similar fate. After having
been thus providentially led to the sight of objects which
he would otherwise rather have avoided, he returned to
his lodgings in great dejection of mind, but far from re.
penting, or even being properly sensible of the crime he
had committed ; for as he himself said, “his heart did
* not yet relent for what he had done, and if he had
* failed in murdering his fellow-apprentice in his bed, he
“should have destroyed him some other way.”
On his return to his lodgings he ate his supper, said his
prayers, and went to bed. On the following morning,
he went to the White Horse-inn without Cripplegate, to
receive cash for a bill of twenty pounds, which he had
stolen from his master's house; but the person who was
to have paid it being gone out, he was desired to call
again about twelve o’clock. In the interim he went to
the house of a banker in Lombard-street, who requested
him to carry some money to his (the banker's) sister, who
was at a boarding-school at Greenwich. Strodtman said
- he




























| | -
- HERMAN STRoDTMAN, 4}.
- -- º --
he could not go till the following day, when he would -
execute the commission : but before he left the house,
the banker told him that a young man named Green, * -º-º:
had been to enquire for him; on which Strodtman said,
that if Mr. Green returned, he should be informed that he
would come back at one o'clock. Hence he went again
to the White-Horse Inn, where he found the party, who
told him that he had no orders to pay the money for the
bill. . - ... . . . . . . . . , , ,
Having received this answer, he went to his lodgings
where he dined, and then went to the banker's in Lom-
bard-street, where his master Stein, with Mr. Green and
another gentleman were waiting for him. Mr. Steia
asked him if he would go willingly to his house, or be
carried by porters; and he replied, that he would go of
his own accord. When he came there, he was asked some
questions respecting the atrocious crimes of which he had
been guilty; but persisting that he was innocent, he was
searched, and the 20), bill found in his possession. They
then enquired where he lodged: to which he answered
in Moorfields; whereupon they all went thither toge:
ther, but the people denied his
f
lodging there at that
time. tº
Tr. Stein, finding him unwilling to speak the truth -
told him, that if he would make a full discovery, he should
be sent abroad out of the reach of justice. Hereupon he
mentioned his real lodgings; on which they went thither
in a coach, and finding the bills and other stoleneſ-
fects, Strodtman, was carried before Sir Humphrey Ed-
win, who committed him to Newgate, on his own con-
º
fession.
He was not tried at the first sessions after his commit-
ment, and, in the interval that he lay in prison, some bad
people who were confined there trumped up an idle tale
for him to tell when he came to trial, and prevailed on
him to plead not guilty; a circumstance which he after-
wards sincerely repeated of. On his trial, however, there
were so many corroborative proofs of his guilt, that the
jury could not hesitate to convict him, and he received
the sentence awarded by law. - -
No. 2. º º-



42 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
-
While he was under sentence of death, his behaviour
was remarkably contrite and penitent; and when the or-
dinary of Newgate acquainted him that the warrant for
his execution was come down, and that he would suffer
in a few days, he said, “The Lord's will be done I am
“willing to die, only I beg of God that I may not, (as I
“deserve) die an eternal death; and that though I die
* here, for my most heinous and enormous crimes, yet I
“may, for the love of Christ, live eternally with him in
“heaven:” to which he added, “God bless the king,
“ and all my honourable judges: they have done me no
“wrong? but 'tis I have done great wrong. The Lord
“be merciful to me, a great sinner, else I perish.”
At times he seemed to despair, because he feared that
his repentance was not equal to his guilt; but then again
his mind was occasionally warmed with the hope that -
his penitence was such as would lead to salvation.
When at the place of execution, he acknowledged his
crime for which he professed the sincerest sofrow and re. ,
pentance; he begged pardon of God for having endea.
voured, with presumptuous lies, to conceal those crimes,
which being punished in this world, his eternal punish- |
ment in the next might be avoided. He died full of ...
trition, penitence, and hope; and suffered at Tyburn on
the 11th of June, 1701; and it was remarked that he kept
his hands lifted up for a considerable time after the cart
was drawn away. -
In the case of this unfortunate youth, while we abhot
the foul deed which he committed, there arise circum-
stances which calls for our pity for the infirmities of hu-
man nature. Like Zanga, he had received a blow; and
like Zanga he long, and in secret, meditated revenge. º
“One day (may that returning day he night,
The stain, the curse of each succeeding year !)
For something or for nothing, in his pride
He struck me, while I tell it do I live?
- 2x
º
He smote me on the cheek
º - -
The passion of revenge, stirred up by the devil alone,
makes man a treacherous savage. This poison of the
mind, lurks awhile in sullen-silence, only to make ".
Qſ














MARY A. DAMS. 43
---
of its devoted victim. In the present instance; we find
that the sacred barrier of religion, though it long inter-
posed its benign influence, was at length, broken down.
The approaching administration of the holy sacrament to
the object of vengeance, for the moment shed its pro-
tection; and the murderer's constant attendance at church
evinces the struggle of his conscience, before the infernal
agent could assume his ascendency. The influence of
religion over this determined sinner, previous to the com-
mission of the horrid act, must add a charm to the com-
fort we find in its true exercise. To religion, more than
the terrors of the law, do we owe our safety. The latter
may be evaded, but a man cannot fly from his own con-
science ; which though sometimes tardily, will ever lead
fo its own punishment. -
--->
“O’tis a lovely thing for youth
“To walk in wisdom's way;
º “To fear a lie, to speak the truth,
“That we may trust to all they say.” DR, Watts:
From the whole of this malefactor's case, we may learn,
that the direct road to happiness is through the path of in-
tegrity; and that the indulgence of violent passions, what-
ever the provocation may be, is equally inconsistent with
the laws of reason, and the doctrines of Christianity.
- º -
MARY ADAMS,
EXECUTED AT TYBURN FOR privately stEALing,
Thirs unhappy woman was born at Reading, in Berk-
shire, and when she was old enough to go to service,
went to live with a grocer in that town. Mary being a
girl of vivacity and genteel figure, she unfortunately at-
tracted the regard of the grocer's son, and the conse-
quence of their connection became very conspicuous in a
short time. - -
As soon as it was evident that she was pregnant, she
was dismissed from her master's service, on which she im-
mediately made oath that his son was the father of the
child thereafter to be born ; a circumstance that come
pelled the old gentleman to support her till after she was
brought to bed.
F 2









*
f
44 NEw Newc Are cALEN DAR.
She had not been delivered long, before she went to
London, and entered into the service of a mercer in
Cheapside, where, by prudent conduct, she might have
- *... . - --- - -
, retrieved the character she had forfeited in the country;
but prudence was not among the number of her virtues;
for though she had already suffered for her indiscretion,
an intimacy soon subsisted between her master and her.
self; but, as their associations could not conveniently be
held at home, they contrived to meet on evenings at other
--- places, when the mistress of the house was gone to the
theatre, or out on a visit. -
This connection continued till the girl was far advanced
in her pregnancy; when the master, apprehensive of dis-
agreeable consequences at home, advised the girl to quar-
rel with her mistress, in order that she might be dismissed,
and then took a lodging for her at Hackney, where she
remained till she was delivered; and in the mean time the
connection between her and her master continued as be-,
fore. Being brought to bed of a child that died in a few
hours after its birth, the master thought himself happy,
supposing he could easily free himself from the incum-
brance of the mother, of whom he now began to be hear.
tily tired.
When the girl recovered from her lying-in, he told her
that she must go to service, as it did not suit him to main-
tain her any longer ; but this enraged her to the highest
degree, and she threatened to discover the nature of their
connection to his wife, unless he would make her a present
of twenty guineas; and with this demand he thought it
prudent to comply, happy to get rid of her even on such
terms. nº ºn º
Being now in possession of money, and in no want of
clothes; in which to make a genteel appearance, she re-
moved from Hackney to Wych-street, without Temple-
bar; but was scarcely settled in her new lodgings, before
she sent a letter to the mercer's wife, whom she acquainted
with the nature of the connection that had subsisted be.
tween her late master and herself, but she did not mention
her place of abode in this letter.
The consequence was, that the mercer was obliged to
acknowledge the crime of which he had been guilty, . -
- - solicit
t




















• MARY A. DAMS. 45°
- -
solicit his wife's pardon, in terms of the utmost humilia-
tion. This pardon was promised, but whether it was ever
ratified remains a doubt. - -
Mrs. Adams had the advantage of an engaging figure,
and passing as a young widow in her new lodgings, she
was soon married to a young fellow in the neighbour-
hood; but it was not long before he discovered the impo-
sition that had been put on him, on which he embarked
on board a ship in the royal navy.
By this time Mrs. Adams's money was almost expend-
ed: but as her clothes were yet good, an attorney of Cle-
ment's Inn took her into keeping; and after she had lived
a short time with him, she went to another of the same
profession, with whom she cohabited above two years;
but on his marriage, she was once more abandoned to
seek her fortune. - -
Fertile of invention, and too proud to condescend to
accept of a common service, she became connected with
a notorious bawd of Drury-lane, who was very glad of
her assistance, and promised herself considerable advan-
tage from the association. In this situation Mrs. Adams
displayed her charms to a considerable advantage, and
was as happy as any common prostitute can expect to be:
but, alas ! what is this happiness but a prelude to the ex-
tremity of misery and distress? Such, indeed, it was found
by Mrs. Adams, who having been gratified by a gentle-
man with a considerable sum of money, the bawd quar-
relled with her respecting the dividing of it, and a battle
ensuing, our heroine was turned out of the house, after
she had gºt a black eye in the contest.
After this she used to parade the Park in the day time,
and walk the streets in the evening, in search of casual
lovers, at length she joined the practice of theft to that of
incontinence, and few of her chance acquaintance escaped
being robbed. She was ºften taken into custody for these
practices, but continually escaped through defect of evi-
dence. - º º
But an end was soon put to her depredations; for hav-
ing enticed a gentleman to a bagnio near Covent-garden,
she picked his pocket of alk his money, and a bank-note
º º - £3.
















46 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
long been practised in the walks of infamy, and they too
- -
When the gentleman awaked he sent immediate notice
to the Bank to stop payment ; and as Mrs. Adams came
soon after to receive the money for the note, she was
taken into custody, and lodged into prison ; and being in
a short time tried at the Old Bailey, she was convicted,
received sentence of death, and was executed at Tyburn,
on the 16th of June, 1702.
In contemplating the life of Mary Adams, and viewing
the wretched state of thousands of unhappy females loi-
tering through the streets of London, for the abhorred ,
hire of prostitution, it is impossible to repress the tear of
pity. Many of them, perhaps, originally seduced from
a state of innocence, while they were the joy and com-
fort of their parents—many of them born and educated to
expect a better fate, until deceived by falsehood and vil-
Iainy, they see their error when it is too late to recede. It
this situation, abandoned by their relations and friends,
deserted by their seducers, and at large upon the world,
loathed and avoided by those who formerly held them in
estimation, what are they to do? In the present unhappy
state of things, they seem to have go alternative, but to
become the miserable instruments of promoting and prac-
tising that species of seduction and immorality of which
they themselves were the victims.” And what is the re-
suit *-It is pitiable to relate. They are compelled of ne-
cessity to mingle with the abandoned herd, who have
to a large amount, and left him while he was asleep.
become speedily polluted and depraved. Oaths, impre-
cations, and obscene language, by degrees become fami-
liar to their ears, and necessity compels them to endure,
and at length to imitate, and practise in their turn, upon
the unwary youth, who too easily falls into the snare.
Thus it is, from the multitudes of those unhappy fe-
* It is in the first stage of seduction, before the female mind becomes
vitiated and depraved, that Asylums are most useful. If persons in this
unhappy situation had it in their power to resort to a medium, whereby
they might be reconciled to their relations while uncontaminated by the
vices attached to general prostitution, numbers, wh9 are now lost, might
be saved to society, -
7
º
males










attire, who were seen in the streets of the metropolis, and
MARY A.D. A. M.S. 47
males, that assemble now in all parts of the town, that the
morals of the youth are corrupted; that unnecessary ex-
pences are incurred, and undue, and too often criminal,
means are resorted to, for the purpose of gratifying pas-
sions which, but for those temptations which constantly
assail them in almost every street in the metropolis, would -
not have been thought of. Through this medium appren-
tices, clerks, and other persons in trust, are seduced from 2-
the paths of honesty, masters are plundered, and parents
are afflicted; while many a youth, who might have be-
come the pride of his family, a comfort to the declining º
years of his parents, and an ornament to society, exchanges
a life of virtue and industry for the pursuits of the gam-
bler, the swindler, and the vagabond. Nor is the lot of
these poor deluded females less deplorable. Although
some few of them may obtain settlements, while others
bask for a while in the temporary sunshine of ease and
splendour, the major part end a short life in misery and
wretchedness.
What has become of the multitudes of unfortunate fe-
males, elegant in their persons, and sumptuous in their
at places of public amusement twenty years ago? Alas!
could their progress be developed, and their ultimate si-
tuations or exit from the world disclosed, it would lay
- open a catalogue of sufferings and affliction, beyond what
the most romantic fancy could depict or exhibit to the
feeling mind. - -
Exposed to the rude insults of the inebriated and the
vulgar, the impositions of brutal officers and watchmen,
and to the chilling blasts of the night, during the most
inclement weather, in thin apparel, partly in compliance
with the fashion of the day, but more frequently from the
pawnbroker's shop, rendering their necessary garments º
inaccessible : diseases, where their unhappy vocation does º
not produce them are generated. No pitying hand ap- -
pears to help them in such situations. The feeling pa:
rent or relation is far off. An abandoned monster of the
same sex, inured in the practice of infamy and seduction,
instead of the consolation which sickness requires, threa-
- tº ſhs









£3. NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
tens to turn the unhappy victim out of doors, when the
means of subsistence are cut off, and the premium for
| shelter is no longer forth-coming; or perhaps the unfeeling
--- Jandlord of a miserable half-furnished lodging afflicts the
- poor unhappy female, by declarations equally hostile to
the feelings of humanity, till at length, turned out into
- the streets, she languishes and ends her miserable days in
an hospital or a workhouse, or perhaps perishes in some
inhospitable hovel alone, without a friend to console her,
or a fellow mortal to close her eyes in the pangs of disso:
º --- łution.
If no other argument could be adduced in favour of
some arrangements calculated to stop the progress of fe:
- male prostitution, compassion for the sufferings of the un-
happy, vieţims Would be sufficient; but other reasons gº
cur equally pºwerſºl, why this evil should be cºntrolled.
To preventifs existence, even to a considerable extent,
in so great a metropolis as London, is as impossible as to
resist the torrent of the tides. It is an evil, therefore,
which must be endured while human passions exist; but
it is, at the same time, an evil which may not only be les.
sened, but rendered less noxious and dangerous to the
peace and good order ºf society: it may be stripped of its
indecency, and also of a considerable portion of the dan-
geºttached to it, to the yºuth of both sexes. . -
The lures for the seduction of youth passing along the
streets in the course of their ordinary business, may be
prevented by a police applicable to this object, without
either infringing upon the feelings of humanity, or insult:
- ing distress ; and still more isit practicable to remove the -
noxious irregularities which are occasioned by the indis-
creet conduct, and the shocking behaviour of women
of the town, and their still more blameable paramours, in
openly insulting public morals, and rendering the situa-
tion of modest women at once irksome and unsafe, either
in places of public entertainment, or while passing along
the most public streets in the metropolis, particularly in
the evening. -
This unrestrained licence given to males and females in
the walks of prostitution was not known in former times
" * - * * *
-
-w
-
-- *


























º MARY ADAMS, 49
at places of public resort, where there was at least an af-
fectation of decency. To the disgrace, however, of the
police, the evil has been suffered to increase; and the
boxes of the theatres often exhibit scenes which are cer-
tainly extremely offensive to modesty, and contrary to that
decorum which ought to be maintained, and that protec-
tion to which the respectable part of the community are
entitled against indecency and indecorum, when their fa- -
milies, often composed of young females, visit places of º
public resort. . . . . . . . . .
o In this instance, the enduring such impropriety of con-
duct, so contrary to good morals, marks strongly the
growing depravity of the age. To familiarize the eyes -
and ears of the innocent part of the sex, tº the scenes
which are often exhibited in the theatres, is ſtantamount
to carrying them to a school of vice and debauchery-
- - i. - º º ſº º it tº if ...... : : tº º is º
ſº º vice is a monster of such frightful mien," º º --
º That to be hated needs but to be seen;ºº ºf
fº Yet seen too oft—familiar with her face, -
º * We first endure—then pity---then embrace. .
---
For the purpose of understanding more clearly by what
meansitis possible to lessen the evils arising from female
prostitution in the metropolis, it may be necessary to
view it in all its ramifications. . . . ...º.º.
In point of extent, it certainly exceeds credibility; but
although there are many exceptions,the great mass, what-
ever their exterior may be, are mostly composed of wo:
met who have been iſ a state of ménial servitude, and
of whom not a few, from the love of idleness and dress,
with, in this case, the misfortune of good looks, have,
partly from inclination, not seldom from previous seduc-
tion and loss of character, resorted to prostitution as a
livelihood. º
They are still, however, objects of compassion, although
under the circumstances incident to their situation, they
gannot be supposed to experience those poignant feel-
ings of distress, which are peculiar to women who have
moved in a higher sphere, and who have been better
educated. - º
-- -




















50° New NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
*The whole may be estimated as follows: º ºs
1. Of the class of well-educated women, it is ear-ºº!
nestly hoped the number does not exceed - 2,000
2. Of the class composed of persons above the ºf
* rank of menial servants, perhaps - - - - 3,000
3. Of the class who may have been employed as "º
menial servants, or seduced in very early life, it º'
is conjectured, in all parts of the town, includ- º
*ing Wapping and the streets adjoining, the
river, there may not be less, who live wholly by *
*** ***** *
-
prostitution, than -" - tº 20,000
*** * *** * * tº º –
- **** º º tº º º º £25,000
4. Of those, in different ranks in society, who live tº prº
partly by prostitution, including the multitudes, ºidº
of low females who cohabit with labourersiandºsº of
others without matrimony, there may be in all,
in the metrópolis, about ... --, -}
º
25,000
- • - ---
º º º - t
ºthº º-jºº º, ..
º ºdiºs ºs Total 50,000
- º º º ºf: s º º ºf is . ºf ºf
When ignºisºtºfºliº
great numbers among the higher and middlºšºf
life who live unmarried, ..". fºgliº,
yearly arriving at the age of puberty, the străgº, who
resort to the metropolis, the seatieſ, and Haïtical a-,
------------------------ iáñes, who
--- iáthe
bourers employed in the trade of the fiver T
**** - --------------- --- - * † #3.3
- tº º, .º.º.
amount at east ofty thºusand, and the prºft ---
of society, in vulgar life—the intelligent mid will soon
ić, would
be reconciled to the statement, which at first vi Y would
seem to excite doubts, and require investigatiºn..."
But whether the numbers of these truly unfºrtunate
women are a few thousands less or more, is of no conse-
quence in the present discussion, since it is beyond all -
doubt,that the evil is of a magnitude that is excessive,and
imperiously calls for a remedy. Not, certainly a remedy
against the possibility of female prostitution, for it has
already been stated, that it is a misfortune that must be
endured in large societies. All that can be attempted
- - - - --- - - -
is, to divest it of the faculty of extending its noxious in-
fluence beyond certain bounds, and restrain those ex-
-
cesses










… Thomas ESTRie K.' . 51
º: cesses and indecencies which have already been shewn
to be so extremely noxious to society, and unavoidably
productive of depravity and crimes. º
rº º º º
- º -
º ---
º º-º-º-º:
º º -
----- THOMAS ESTRICK,
---
---
+. - -
ºxecuted for House BREAKING on THE 10th of MARCH, 1769, ºf
ºfº
W.As born in the Borough of Southwark, in the year
1676. His father was a currier, and instructed him in
his own business;–but the boy shewed a very early at-
tachment to pleasures and gratifications above his age,
and incompatible with his situation. * . .
When the time of his apprenticeship was expired, he
was of too unsettled a disposition to follow his business,
and therefore engaged in the service of a gentleman of
fortune at Hackney; but he had not been long in this
new place, before his master was robbed of plate, and
other valuable effects, to the amount of above eighty
pounds. tº ºf
The fact was that Estriak had stolen these effects; but
such was the ascendancy, that he had obtained over his
master, and such the baseness of his own disposition,
that he had art enough to impute the crime to one of the
servant maids, who was turned out of the house, with
every circumstance of unmerited disgrace. .
Estrick, having quitted this service, took a shop in
Cock-Alley, near Cripplegate church, where he carried
on the business to which he was bred; and, while in this
station he courted a girl of reputation, to whom he was
soon afterwards married. It should be remarked, that he
had been instigated to rob his master at Hackney, by
some young fellows of a profligate disposition ; and he
had not been married more than half a year, when these
dissolute companions threatened to give him up to jus-
tice, if he refused to bribe them to keep the secret.
Estrick, terrified at the thoughts of a prosecution,
I gave them his note of hand for the sum they demanded :
he was unable *P*.
but when the note became due,
-
"Tºº TTT - - -vº- - --
ºf atti iº º ºg G 2 º' * Qº
- º º - **
















52 NEW NEWGATE CA LEN DAR.
on which he was arrested, and lay some time in prison;
but at length obtained his liberty in defect of the prose-
cution of the suit. º
As soon as he was at large, he went to lodge with a
person who kept his former house in Cock-Alley; but, on
taking possession of his lodgings, he found that a woman
who lodged and died in the room during his absence,
had left a box containing cash to the amount of about
ninety pounds.
Having possessed himself of this sum, he opened a
shop in Long-Alley, Moorfields; but his old associates
having propagated a report to the prejudice of his cha-
racter, he thought he should not be safe in that situa-
tion; and therefore took shipping for Holland, having
previously disposed of his effects. On his arrival in Hol-
jand he found no opportunity of employing his little mo-
ney to any advantage; and therefore he spent the greater
art of it, and then returned to his native country.
" It was not long after his return, before he found him-
self reduced to great distress, on which he had recourse
to a variety of illegal methods to supply his necessities.
He was guilty of privately stealing, was a house-breaker,
a street robber, and a highwayman. In a short time,
however, the career of his wickedness was at an end.
He was apprehended, tried, and convicted; and in
consequence thereof was executed at Tyburn on the 10th
of March, 1703, before he had attained the age of twenty-
seven years.
º - º --
MURDERER, EXECUTED ON THE 21st OF JULY, 1793,
John PETER DRAMATTE.
-
º º - -
This is a case, though of the most heinous nature, yet
the perpetrator is intitled to some commiseration. He
was a foreigner, but had served the king of England with
bravery as a soldier; and was inveigled by an artful fe-
male imposter into marriage. He did not seriously re-
sent the trick played upon him, but continued his habits
- * * - of















-
John PETER DRAMATT1. & #53
of industry and integrity, until, on being grossly assaulted
by this woman, who had led him a wretched life, he killed
her in the scuffle which ensued. º
This unfortunate man was the son of Protestant parents,
-born at Saverdun in the county of Foix, and province of
Languedoc, in France. He received a religious educa-
ition; and when he arrived at years of maturity, left his
own country on account of the persecution then prevail-
ing there, and went to Geneva. From thence he travelled
into Germany, and served as a horse-grenadier under
the elector of Brandenburgh, who was afterwards king
of Prussia. When he had been in this sphere of life about
a year, he came over to England, and entered into the
service of Lord Haversham, with whom he remained
about twelve months, and then enlisted as a soldier in the
regiment of colonel de la Meloniere. Having made two
campaigns in Flanders, the regiment was ordered into
Ireland, where it was dismissed from farther service ; in
consequence of which Dramatti obtained his liberty. He
now became acquainted with a widow, between fifty and
sixty years of age; who pretending she had a great for-
tune, and allied to the Royal family of France, he soon
married her, not only on account of her supposed wealth
and rank, but also of her understanding English and
Irish, thinking it prudent to have a wife who could speak
the language of the country in which he proposed to
spend the remainder of his life. As soon as he had dis-
covered that his wife had no fortune, he took a small
house and a piece of ground, about ten miles from Cork,
intending to turn farmer; but being altogether ignorant
of husbandry, he found it impossible to subsist by that
profession, on which he went to Cork, and worked as a
skinner, being the trade to which he was brought up. At
the expiration of a twelvemonth from his coming to that
city, he went to London, and offering his service again to
lord Haversham, was admitted as one of his domestics.
His wife, unhappy on account of their separate residence;
wished to live with him at lord Haversham's, which he
would not consent to, saying that his lordship did not
know he was married. Hereupon she entreated him to
quit his service, which he likewise refused, saying, that
- --- he
--
z-




54 NEW = WEW GATE CALEN DAR.
ſhe could not provide for himself so well in any othér situ.
ſation, and that it would be ungenerous to leave so indul.
gent a master. The wife, now began to evince the jea-
lousy of her disposition, and intimated that Dramatti had
ºf xed his affections on some other woman; and the fol.
lowing circumstance aggravated the malignant disorder
that preyed upon her mind: Dramatti being attacked
with a violent fever, about the Christmas preceding the
time the murder was committed, his noblemaster gave
orders that all possible care should be taken of him at
his lordship's expence. At this period Mrs. Dramati
paid a visit to her husband, and again urged him to quit
his service, which he positively refused. A servant girl
came into the room, bringing him some water-gruel; and
the wife suspecting that this was her rival in her hus:
band's affections, once more intreated him to leave his
place; in answer to which, he said he must be out of his
---. senses to abandon a situation in which he was so well
- provided for, and treated with such humanity. º,
Dramatti being recovered from his illness, visited his
wife at her lodgings as often as was consistent with the
duties of his station; but this not being so often as she
wished him to come, she grew more uneasy than before,
At length lord Haversham took lodgings at Kensington,
and Dramatti was so busy in packing up some articles on
the occasion, that he had no opportunity of acquainting
his wife with their removal. At length she learnt this
circumstance from another quarter; on which, inflamed
to the highest degree of rage, she went to Kensington, to
reproach her husband with his unkindness to her, though
he declared he always maintained her as well as he was
able, and as a proof of it had given her three guineas but
a little time before the murder was committed. Frequent
were the disputes between this unhappy man and his
wife, till, on the 9th of June, 1703, Dramatti being sent
to London, and his business lying near Soho, he called on
his wife, who lodged in that neighbourhood, and having
been with her some time, he was about to take his leave,
but she laidhold of him, and wanted to detain him.-
Having got away from her, he went towards Charing:
-
º
- ºf irº.
tº bºº; ºil of ſolº º ºſcross














*JóñN PETER BRAMATTſ, 4 65
cross, to which place she followed him; but at length
she seemed to yield to his persuasions, that she would
go home, as he told her he was going to his lord in Spring .
Gardens; instead, however, of going home, she went
and waited for him at or near Hyde-parkgate, and in the
eyeting he found her there, as he was going to Kensing-
tºn. At the Park-gate she stopped him, and insisted that
he should go no farther, unless he took her with him.—
He left her abruptly, and went towards Chelsea, but she
followed him till they came near Bloody-bridge; where -
the quarrel being vehemently renewed, she seized his -
neck-cloth, and would have strangled him; whereupon
he beat her with his cane and sword, which latter she
broke with her hands, as she was remarkable for her.
strength; and, if he had been unarmed, could have easily.
overpowered him. Having wounded her in so many
places as to conclude that he had killed her, his passion
immediately began to subside, andfalling an his knees,
he devoutly iniplored the pardon of God for the horrid
sin àf which he had been guilty: He then went on to
Kensington, where his fello w-servants observing that his
clothes were bloody, he said he had been attacked by two
men in Hyde-park, who would have robbed him of his
clothes but that he defended himself, and broke the
head of one of them. This story was credited for a short
time, and on the following day Dramatti went to London,
where he heard a paper read in the streets, respecting the
murder that had been committed. Though he dreaded:
being taken into custody every moment, yet he did not.
seek to make his escape, but dispatched his business in
London, and returned to Kensington. On the following:
day the servants heard an accouñt of the murder that had
been committed near Bloody-bridge; they immediately
hinted it to his lordship that they suspected Dramatti had
murdered his wife, as they had been known to quarre! .
before, and as he came home the preceding evening with
his sword broke, the hilt of it bruised; his cane shattered,
and some blood on his clothes. Upon this, lord Haver-
------
sham, with a view to employ him, that he might not.
think he was suspected, bid hiſtº get the coach ready, and
tº: #ſº º ſº ºf ºf ºiń.
- º º -- - -
º -















58 NEW NEWGATE CALENDAR.
in the interim sent for a constable, who, on searching
him, found a woman's cap in his pocket, which after-
wards proved to have belonged to his wife. When he was
examined before a justice of peace, he confessed he had
committed the crime; but, in extenuation of it, said, that
his wife was a worthless woman, who had entrapped him
into marriage, by pretending to be of the blood-royal of
France, and a woman of fortune. On his trial it appeared
- that he went into lord Haversham's chamber late on the
night on which the murder was committed, after that no:
bleman was in bed; and it was supposed the had an inº
tention of robbing his lordship, who called out to know,
what he wanted. But in a solemn declaration Dramatti
made after his conviction, he stedfastly denied all intention
of robbing his master, declaring he only went into the
room to fetch a silver tumbler which he had forgot, that,
he might have it in readiness to take some asses milk in,
in the morning for his lordship. The body of Mrs.
Dramatti was found in a ditch between Hyde-park and
Chelsea, and a track of blood was seen to the distance of
twenty yards, at the end of which a piece of a sword was
found sticking in a bank, which fitted the other part of
--- the sword in the prisoner's possession. The circum-
stances attending the murder being proved to the satisfac.
- tion of the jury, the culprit was found guilty, condemned,
and on the 21st of July, 1703, was executed at Tyburn:
If ever a criminal possessed claim to royal, mercy,
surely this man's case should have been favoured, sº Hè
sought not for blood, but impelled by assaults of the most
foul and aggravated nature, he killed an antagonist, who
ought to have cheered him through life. He was an ill-
treated stranger, too ; and therein he became doubly an
*** compassion. tº
- ſº
WILLIAM ELBY,
- º º . --~~ ºf
º --- º - - ſ: --
- - ** * * * * * * * * * aſ --tº ------- -- arhith
served his time with a block-maker, at Rotherhithe,
º º º
tº bºsº
º, execuriºs the ºth of sºpreuses, 1789,
W.As born in the year 1667, t Deptford in Kent, and
1. during





















N
****
wº
V
º
N
º
| | | | |
-
| -
#
º
| |
};
|
|
|Mºººº.
|
|
III'ſ ſiliº
| |
ºft |
|
|
º M
|
|
| |
|
-- |||
IIIM
s







WIL LIAM E L BY. . - 57
during which he became acquainted with some women
of ill fame. After the term of his apprenticeship was
expired, be kept company with young fellows of such
bad character, that he found it necessary to enter on board
a ship to prevent worse consequences. Having returned
from sea, he enlisted as a soldier; but while in this situ-
ation he committed many small thefts, in order to sup-
port the women with whom he was connected. At
length he deserted from the army, assumed a new name,
and prevailed on some of his companions to engage in
house-breaking. Detection soon terminated his career ;
and he was indicted for robbing the house of Barry,
Esq. of Fulham, and murdering his gardener. Eiby, it
seems, having determined on robbing the house, arrived
at Fulham soon after midnight, and had wrenched open
one of the windows, at which he was getting in, when the
gardener awaking, came down to prevent the intended
robbery. As the gardener had a light in his hand, Elby,
terrified lest he should be known, seized a knife, and
stabbed him to the heart, of which wound the poor man
fell dead at his feet. This done, he broke open a chest
of drawers, and stole about two hundred and fifty pounds,
with which he immediately repaired to his associates in
London. -
Though this man, naturally inclined to gaiety, dressed
in a stile much above people of his profession, yet being
at this juncture in possession of a greater sum of money
than usual, those who knew him suspected that it could --
not have been honestly obtained ; and as every one was
now talking of the horrid murder that had been com-
mitted at Fålham, the idea immediately occurred that it
had been perpetrated by Elby, particularly as he began to
abound in cash at this critical juncture.
Elby now used to frequent a public-house in the stand,
where, being casually in company, the robbery and mur-
C. tº - - - -
der at Fulham became the subject of conversation. Here-
upon Elby turned pale, and seeing one of the company
go out of the room, he was so terrified, that he immedi-
ately ran out of the house, without paying the reckoning.
Soon after he was gone, a person called for him, but as
- H he
--














53 NEw NEwg ATE cale N DAR.
he was not there, he said he would go to his lodgings. -
The landlord, enraged that the reckoning had not been
paid, demanded where he lived, which being told, and re-
marked by the person who called, he was taken into cus-
tody the next day, and committed on suspicion of the rob-
bery and murder. On his trial he steadily denied the
perpetration of the crimes with which he was charged,
and his conviction would have been very doubtful, had
not a woman, with whom he cohabited, become an evi-
dence, and swore that he came from Fulham with the mo-
ney the morning after the commission of the fact. Some
other person likewise deposed, that they saw him come
out of Mr. Barry's house on the morning the murder was
committed; but as they did not know what had hap-
pened, they had entertained no suspicion of him. The
jury deeming this circumstance sufficient conviction, Elby
received sentence of death, and having been executed at
Fulham on the 13th of September, 1704, was hung in
chains near the place where the crime was committed.
--
-
*
Epiſºard JEFFERIES,
- - - w -
Mür DERER, EXECUTEp AT TYBURN, on THE 2}st of MARCH, 1705.
Was agentleman by birth and education; and as such,
until the commission of the crime for which he suffered,
ever deported himself. His crime affords a melancholy
instance of the fatal effects of illicit love and jealousy.
He was born about the year 1666, at the Devizes in
Wiltshire. He served his clerkship to an eminent attor-
ney in London, and afterwards carried on business on his
own account; but his father dying while he was yet
young, and leaving him a considerable fortune, he en-
tered into too profuse a way of living, and embarked in
the debaucheries of the age, which dissipated his sub-
stance. Soon after, he had the good success to marry a
young lady of St. Alban's, with whom he received a de-
gent fortune, and might have lived in prosperity with her,
but that he continued his former course of dissipation,
-: which
-
-









-
EDWARD JEF FERI F.S. - §§ - /
which naturally occasioned a separation. He now asso-
ciated with one Mrs. Elizabeth Torshell, with whom a º
Mr. Woodcock had likewise an illicit connection. Jef-
feries and Woodcock had frequent debates respecting
this woman, but at length appeared to be reconciled, and
dined together at the Blue-posts, near Pall. Mall, on the
day that the former committed the murder. After dinner
they went into the fields near Chelsea, and a quarrel aris-
ing between them, respecting Mrs. Torshell, Jefferies
drew his sword, and before Woodcock, who was left-
handed, could draw his, he received a wound, of which
he almost immediately died. Woodcock had no sooner
fallen, than Jefferies rubbed some of his blood upon his
(the deceased's) sword, took something out of his pocket,
and then went towards Chelsea, where he had appointed
to meet Mrs. Torshell. There were some boys playing in
the fields who saw the body of the deceased, and a part
of the transaction above-mentioned. The body was re-
moved to St. Martin's church-yard to be owned ; and on
the following day Mrs. Torshell came, among a crowd of
other people, to see it; and was taken into custody, on
her saying she knew the murdered party, and expressed
great concern at his fate. Torshell's lodgings being
Searched, a number of articles were found, which she
owned Mr. Jefferies had brought thither, though they
appeared to belong to Woodcock. On this Jefferies was
also taken into custody, and both of them were committed
to Newgate. Jefferies alledged in his defence, that he
was at another place at the time the murder was com-
mitted ; he called several witnesses to prove an alibi; but
as these did not agree in the circumstances, he was con-
victed, and received sentence of death. Mrs. Torshell
was acquitted. All the while he lay under condemnation
he repeatedly denied the having committed the murder,
and exerted his utmost interest to obtain a reprieve, which
he was at length promised, through the medium of the
Duke of Ormond. September the 9th, 1705. .. the
procession towards Tyburn had got as far as St. Giles's, a
respite met him, to defer his execution till the 21st of the
same month; but on that day he was executed, his guilt
- - being


















60 - NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
being too apparent. At the place of execution he again
denied the fact; but said he freely forgave those who had
injured him, and died in charity with all men. He betrayed
no symptoms of fear during the preparation for launching
him into eternity.
John Siriri, º
corvicteD of Rob BERY, on THE 5th of December, 1705.
Though the crimes committed by this man were neither
marked with particular atrocity, nor his life sufficiently
- remarkable for a place in these volumes; yet the circum-
stances attending his fate at the place of execution, are
perhaps more singular than any we may have to record.
s
from the city of York, who bound him apprentice to a
acker in London, with whom he served out his time,
and afterwards worked as a journeyman. He then went
to sea in a merchant-man, after which he entered on board
a man of war, and was at the famous expedition against
Vigo; but on the return from that expedition he was dis-
charged. -
vice, when he enlisted as a soldier in the regiment of guards
commanded by lord Cutts; but in this station he soon
made bad connections, and engaged with some of his dis-
solute companions as a house-breaker.
- On the 5th of December, 1705, he was arraigned on
four different indictments, on two of which he was con-
under sentence, he seemed very little affected with his
- -- - - . -
situation, absolutely depending on a reprieve, through the
interest of his friends. º
However, an order came for his execution on the 24th
was turned off in the usual manner; but when he had
He was the son of a farmer at Malton, about fifteen miles
He had not been long disengaged from the naval ser-
victed, and received sentence of death. While he lay
day of the same month, in consequence of which he was
carried to Tyburn, where he performed his devotions, and
hung near fifteen minutes, the people present cried out,
* Are:



















Jo HN SMITH.
“A reprieve " Hereupon the malefactor was cut down,
and being conveyed to a house in the neighbourhood, he
soon recovered, in consequence of bleeding, and other
proper applications. º
When he perfectly recovered his senses, he was ask-
ed, what were his feelings at the time of execution; tC)
which he repeatedly replied, in substance, as follows:
“That when he was turned off, he, for some time,
“was sensible of very great pain, occasioned by the
“weight of his body, and felt his spirits in a strange.
“ commotion, violently pressing upwards: that having
“forced their way to his head, he as it were, saw a great
“blaze, or glaring light, which seemed to go out at his
“eyes with a flash, and then he lost all sense of pain. That
“after he was cut down, and began to come to himself,
“ the blood and spirits, forcing themselves into their for-
“ mer channels, put him, by a sort of pricking or shoot-
“ing, to such intolerable pain, that he could have wished
“ those hanged who had cut him down.” From this cir-
cumstance he was called “Half-hanged Smith.”
After this narrow escape from the grave, Smith pleaded
to his pardon on the 20th of February ; yet such was his
propensity to evil deeds, that he returned to his former
practices, and being again apprehended, was tried at the
Old Bailey for house-breaking; but some difficulties
arising in the case, the jury brought in a special verdict,
in consequence of which the affair was left to the opinion
of the twelve judges, who determined in favour of the
prisoner. . . -
After this second extraordinary escape, he was a third
time indicted; but the prosecutor happening to die before
the day of trial, he once more obtained that liberty which
his conduct shewed he had not deserved.
We have no account what became of this man after
this third remarkable incident in his favour; but Christian
charity inclines us to hope that he made a proper use of
the singular dispensations of Providence evidenced in his
OWn perSQL. / -
When once the mind has consented to the commission
of sin, it is hard to be reclaimed. The memory of the
Pangs of an ignominious death, could not deter this º:
ſom





62 N E W NEW GATE CA LE NIX A it.
from following the evil course he had begun. Thus, by
giving way to small propensities, we imperceptibly go on .
to enormities; which lead us to a shameful fate. Let us
therefore, at once resolve, never to depart from the path of
rectitude.
ROGER LOVEN,
€CNVICTE D of MURDER, AND EXECUTED AT TURNH AM-GREEN, ox ºr H2.
25th of october, 1706. -
W.As a native of Hanover, where he was born about the
year 1667, and educated in the principles of the Lutheran
religion. His father being huntsman to the duke of Zell,
that prince sent young Lowen into France, to obtain the
qualifications of a gentleman, and, on his return from his
travels, he was one of the pages under the duke's master
of the horse. -- -
Coming over to England when he was between twenty
and thirty years of age, the duke of Shrewsbury patronized
him, and procured him a place. Having thus obtained
something like a settlement, he married a young English
woman, with whom he lived in an affectionate manner
for a considerable time; but in the year 1697, on his going
abroad to attend King William at the treaty of Ryswick,
he left Mrs. Lowen with her cousin, who was married to
Mr. Richard Lloyd, of Turnham Green. - -
When Lowen returned from Holland, he became, with
what justice we cannot say, extremely jealous of his wife,
and he pretended to have received incontestible proof of
her criminal conversation with Mr. Lloyd, for the murder ||
of whom he was indicted at the Old Bailey, on the 30th
of September, 1706, and was tried by a jury composed |
equally of Englishmen and foreigners.
In the course of the evidence it appeared, that on the
evening of the day on which the murder was committed,
Lowen invited Lloyd and his wife to dine with him on
the following day; that Mr. Lloyd being obliged to go to
Acton, did not come very early ; at which Lowen ex-
pressed a considerable lºgº of uneasiness; that when |



ROC E R LOW. E. N. 53
he came, Lowen introduced him into the parlour, with
great apparent civility. That Mr. Lloyd put his sword
in a corner of the room; some time after which Lowen
invited him into the garden, to see his plants; after which
they came together into the house, appearing to be good
friends, and Lowen desired his wife to hasten the dinner;
that while she went to obey his directions, Lowen drew
Mr. Lloyd's swor, a little way out of the scabbard, as if \
admiring it, and asked who was his cutler and that while
the deceased stood with his hands behind him, Lowen,
stamping with his foot, drew the sword quite out of the
scabbard, and stabbed Mr. Lloyd through the back; on
which his wife (who was present at this horrid transac-
tion) said to him, “Speak to me, my dear;” but he was
unable to do so; and having lifted up his eyes, groaned
twice, and then expired.
Mr. Hawley, a justice of peace in the neighbourhood,
passing by at the instant, Mrs. Lloyd acquainted him
with what had happened; on which he examined the
prisoner, who confessed his intention of having committed
the murder sooner, and was only concerned lest he had
not killed Mr. Lloyd.
The particulars respecting the murder being proved to
the satisfaction of the jury, Lowen was convicted, and
received sentence of death ; in consequence of which he
was hanged at Turnham-Green, on the 25th of October,
| 706. - º
While he lay under sentence of death, he was attended º
by Messrs. Idzardi and Ruperti, two divines of his own.
tountry, who were assiduous to convince him of the -
atrociousness of the crime which he had committed; and *
he became a sincere penitent, confessing with his last
breath the crime he had committed in shedding innocent
blood.
Jealousy is the most dangerous passion of the mind.
It generally proceeds from the extravagance of love.
That jealousy which is moved by fond and sincere affec.
tion, may be distinguished from the extravagance result-
ing from meanness and suspicion. When proceeding
from real love, it must be owing to the suspicion of levity
º - In



64 NEw Nºwg ATE ca LEN DAR.
in the object” which instantly conjures up a thousand
frightful phantoms. We fear that the charms which have
subdued us, have made the same impression on the heart
of another. This is generally the foundation of jealousy
in men, and is, by the immortal Shakespeare, called “a
green-eyed monster,” which, once gaining ascendency,
---
º * Farewel the tranquil mind–farewel content.”
º — w
º
JOHN HERMAN BRIAN,
iseasºns, rºcerº october 24, 1707, IN St. JAMEs's street, FoR
- - SETTING FIRE TO THE HöUSE OF MR. PERSUADE.
º ----- - - - -
The crime for which this man suffered, is defined by
the law to be Anson, or ARso NRY ; that is, wilfully set-
ting fire to another person's house, whether by day or by
night.
his own house, without injuring any other, it is only a
misdemeanor, punishable by fine, imprisonment, or the
pillory. -
By the 23d. of Henry the Eighth, cap. 1. the capital
part of the offence is extended to persons (whether princi-
pals or accessaries) burning dwelling-houses; or barns
wherein corn is deposited; and by the 43d of Elizabeth,
cap. 13, burning barns or stacks of corn, in the four nor-
thern counties, is also made felony, without benefit of
clergy. - - -
By the 22d and 23d of Car II, cap. 7, it is made fe.
lony to set fire to any stack of corn, hay, or grain; or
other out-buildings, or kilns, maliciously, in the night
time; punishable with transportation for seven years.
By the 1st George I. cap. 48, it is also made single fe-
lony to set fire to any wood, underwood, or coppice.
Other burnings are made punishable with death, with-
out benefit of clergy, viz, setting fire to any house, barn,
or outhouse, or to any hovel, cock, mow, or stack of corn,
straw, hay, or wood; or the rescuing any such offender:
22–Setting fire to a coal mine : 10
-
It is in this case a capital offence; but if a man burns.
George .









JoHN HERMAN BRIAN. 65
George II. cap. 32. Burning, or setting fire to any wind-
mill, water-mill, or other mill; (as also pulling down the
same:) 9 George III. cap. 29; but the offender must be
prosecuted within eighteen months. Burning any ship,
to the prejudice of the owners, freighters, or underwriters:
92 and 23 Charles II. cap. 11 ; 1 Anne, stat. 2. cap. 9 ;
4 George I. cap. 12. Burning the king's ships of war
afloat, or building ; or the dock-yards, or any of the build-
ings, arsenals, or stores therein; 12 George III. cap. 24.
And finally, threatening by anonymous or fictitious letters
to burn houses, barns, &c. is by the act 27, George II.
cap. 15, also made felony, without benefit of clergy.
John Herman Brian was a native of Dully, a village in
the bailiwick of Morge, in the Canton of Berne, in Swif-
zerland, where he was born about the year 1683. He
left Switzerland while very young, and went to Geneva,
where he lived in the service of a gentleman above four
years, and then made the tour of Italy with a person of
fortune. On his arrival in England, he lived in several
reputable families for the space of about three years, and
last of all, for about two months, in that of Mr. Persuade,
when being discharged, in about two days after he broke
open, plundered, and burned his dwelling-house, for which
he was brought to trial, on the 16th of October, 1707. It
appeared in evidence, that the house was made fast about
ten at night, when the family went to bed; that Mrs. Per-
suade had locked up her gold watch, etwee case, chain,
Seventeen guineas, &c. that waking about three in the
morning she smelt a fire, on which she jeft her chamber,
and found a lighted flambeaux in the passage, which had
burnt the boards; then opening a parlour door the
flames spread with such rapidity, that the family had only
time to preserve their lives. A poor woman going by at
the time, and seeing the smoke, knocked at the door to
alarm the family, and at that instant saw a man come over
the wall, (supposed to be Brian) who said to her, “D–n
you, are you drunk P What do you do here, knocking at
people's doors at this time * and immediately he went
away. It likewise came out in evidence, that the prisoner
had offered to sell the etwee case to Messrs. Stevenson
N 0, 3, , , I - and














w
66 NEW NEw GATE CALENTAR.
-
º
and Acton, goldsmiths, for eight pounds; but they stop-
ped it on suspicion that it was stolen, and on enquiry,
found to whom it belonged. The prisoner afterwards
returning to demand it, they took him into custody, and
being carried before a magistrate, and searched, a dag-
ger and two pistols were found on him. It appeared
from the testimony of other evidence, that when the pri-
soner quitted the service of Mr. Persuade, he took a lodg-
ing in Soho, but was not at home on the night that the
facts were committed; and at noon on the following day,
he left this lodging, and took another in Spitalfields, to
which he conveyed a trunk, a box, and a bundle, which
were found to contain part of Mr. Persuade's effects. It
likewise appeared, that he had sold a fowling-piece and
two pistols, which were stolen from Mr. Persuade. On
his trial he denied every thing that was alledged against
him ; asserting, that he bought all the goods of a stranger;
but as he adduced nothing like proof in support of this
assertion, the jury found him guilty, without the least he-
sitation. While under sentence of death, he steadily de-
nied being guilty of the offences of which he had been
convicted, and reflected on the prosecutor, magistrates,
witnesses, and jury; persisting in a declaration of his in-
nocence to the last moment of his life; however, the cir-
cumstances against him were so unusually strong, that not
the least credit could be given to his declaration. He
made repeated attempts to escape out of Newgate, by
unscrewing and filing off his irons ; but being detected,
he was properly secured till the time of his execution;
and when asked by the ordinary of Newgate, how he could
waste his precious time in such fruitless attempts, he an-
swered, that “Life was sweet, and that any other man as
well as himself, would endeavour to save it if he could.”
He suffered in St. James's street, before Mr. Persuade's
house, on the 24th of October, 1707, and was hung in
chains near the Gravel-pits, at Acton.
- * -





JOHN HALL,
-
House BREAKER, EXECUTED AT TYBURN on THE 17th of DEcEMBER, 1707.
- - -
From the humble avocation of a chimney-sweeper, this
fellow became a notorious and daring thief. -
He was remarkably distinguished in his time, on ac-
count of the number and variety of robberies in which he
was concerned; and few thieves have been more the sub-
ject of public conversation.
Hall's parents were very poor people, living in Bishop's-
Head Court, Gray's-Inn Lane, who put him out to a
chimney-sweeper; but he had not been long in this em-
ployment, before he quitted it, and commenced pick-
pocket, and was accounted very dexterous in that profes-
sion; but notwithstanding this dexterity, he was frequent-
ly detected, and treated in the usual manner, by ducking
in the horse-pond: he was likewise often sent to Bride-
well, as a punishment for these offences. -
Notwithstanding frequent punishments of this nature,
he commenced shop-lifter, and, in the month of January,
1628, he was convicted at the Old-Bailey of stealing a
pair of shoes; for which he was whipped at the cart's
tail; but he had no sooner obtained his liberty, than he
commenced house-breaker; and being convicted of break-
ing open the house of Jonathan Bretail, he was sentenced
to be hanged, in the year 1700, but was afterwards par-
doned, on condition of transporting himself, within six
months, to some of the American plantations.
In consequence hereof he entered on board a ship,
from which, however, he soon deserted, and engaged with
his old accomplices; and they now took up the trade of
robbing country waggons, and stealing portmanteaus
from behind coaches. For an offence of this latter kind,
Hall was tried and convicted, in the year 1702, and being
first burnt on the cheek, was committed close prisoner to
Bridewell for two years.
Hall had no sooner obtained his liberty, than he joined
with Stephen Bunce, Dick Low, and others of his disso-
lute companions, in breaking open the house of a baker,
: 1 2 at





68 NEW NEW GATE CAL ENDAR.
at Hackney; which burglary was attended with the fol-
lowing circumstances:
the journeyman and apprentice being at work, the robbers
tied them neck and heels, and threw them into the kneed-
ing-trough, and one of the villains stood over them with a
drawn sword, while the others went up stairs to rob the
house; but the baker being unwilling to tell them where
the money was, Hall seized a young child, a grand-daugh-
to the old people, and swore he would thrust her into the
oven, if they did not make the discovery. Terrified at
this circumstance, the old man told him where they might
find his money, in consequence of which they robbed him
of about seventy pounds.
Notwithstanding this singular robbery was the subject
of much conversation, yet the perpetrators of it were not
taken into custody. Soon afterwards the house of Francis
Saunders, a chairman, near St. James's, was broke open;
and Saunders being informed that this robbery was com-
mitted by Hall and his companions, he observed these
very men, as he was attending at St. James's gate, about
three in the morning; and informing the watchmen, they
pursued them; on which Hall and one of his accomplices
fired at a watchman, who was wounded in the thigh.
Hall escaped; his companions were apprehended and
tried, but acquitted for want of evidence.
Hall was in custody in 1705, for breaking open the
house of Richard Bartholomew ; but he had been so fre-
quently at the Old Bailey, that he was afraid of being tried
by his name, and therefore changed it to that of Price ;
but the evidence not being sufficient to convict him, he
was again acquitted. Having obtained his liberty, he
returned to his former practices, and in October, 1706,
Arthur Chambers, but once more discharged in defect of
evidence. º:
pression on the mind of Hall, who was soon afterwards
taken into custody, for a fact which he had reason to think
would have put an end to his wicked career, wherefore he
- became
Having broke into the house soon after midnight, and
was indicted for stealing a handkerchief, in company with
Repeated as these excesses were, they made no im-






JOHN MOR GRIDGE. - 69
became an evidence against Chambers, Bell, and Fitch,
three of his accomplices, and thus once more preserved
his life.
After this he was concerned in breaking open the house
of Captain Guyon, near Stepney, in company with Richard
Low and Stephen Bunce, and stealing a considerable
quantity of plate and other effects. º
Of this offence the parties were found guilty, and were
executed at Tyburn, on the 17th of December, 1797.
- - - º
MURDERER, Execute D AT TYBURN, on THE 28th of APRIL, 1708.
We now present a dreadful instance of the effects of in-
toxication. This unfortunate man, who, through the in-
dulgence in this vice, met an untimely fate, was a native
of Canterbury, whose ancestors had served the crown for
upwards of two hundred years. He had been kettle-drum-
mer to the first troop of horse-guards for a considerable
time, and would have been promoted, had it not been for
the following unfortunate quarrel. A Mr. Cope having
obtained the rank of lieutenant in the army, invited several
officers to dine with him at the Dolphin tavern, in Tower-
street; and one of the parties invited Morgridge likewise
to go, assuring him that he would be made welcome on
the part of Mr. Cope. When dinner was over, Cope
paid the reckoning, and then each man depositing half-a-
crown, Morgridge and others adjourned to the guard-
room, to which place more liquor was sent. They had
not been long there before a woman of the town came in
a coach, and asked for Captain Cope. Being introduced,
to the guard-room, she remained a short time, and then
said, “Who will pay for my coach ** Morgridge said, “I
will;" and having done so, he advanced to salute her; but
she pushed him from her in a disdainful manner, and
spoke to him in very abusive terms, which induced him to
treat her with the same kind of language. Morgridge's
- rudeness
--~
---
º
-






76 New NewcATE cALENDAR.
rudeness was resented by Cope, who took the woman's
part, and a violent quarrel ensued between Cope and
Morgridge, both of whom were intoxicated. This con-
test increased to such a degree, that they threw the bottles
at each other; till at length Morgridge, inflamed with
passion, drew his sword, and stabbed Cope, who instant.
ly expired. Morgridge being taken into custody, was
tried at the Old Bailey, July 5, 1706; but a doubt arising
in the breast of the jury, whether he was guilty of murder
or manslaughter, they brought in a special verdict, and
the affair was left to be determined by the twelve judges,
The judges having consequently met at Serjeant's-inn, the
case was argued before them by counsel; when they gave
a unanimous opinion that he was guilty of wilful murder;
because he did not kill Cope with the weapons he was
originally using, but arose from his seat and drew his
* - sword, which was deemed to imply a malicious intention.
Morgridge, in the interim, made his escape from the Mar.
shalsea prison, and went into Flanders, where he remained
about two years; but being uneasy to revisit his native
country, he imprudently came back to England, and be:
- º ing apprehended, received sentence of death, and suffered
along with William Gregg, at Tyburn, on the 28th of
- April, 1708. When convicted he was truly sensible of
-
-
º
the crime of which he had been guilty, acknowledged the
justice of his sentence, and submitted to his fate with be.
coming resignation. -
-- H/ILLIAM GREGG, .
º traitor, Executed AT ryBURN, on THE 28th of APRIL, 1708.
º -
High Treason is by the law accounted the highest civil
crime which can be committed by any member of the
community. After various alterations and amendments
made and repealed in subsequent reigns, the definition of
this offence was settled as it originally stood, by the act
of the 25th of Edward III. stat. 5, cap, 2, and may be
divided into seven different heads:











tº 6. Counterfeiting the king's great seal, or privy seal.
º
º
lºw I LLIAM G REGG. ºr 7 I-
1. Compassing, or imagining the death of the king,
queen, or heir apparent.
2. Levying war against the king in his realm. -
3. Adhering to the king's enemies, and giving them
aid, in the realm, or elsewhere.” º -
4. Slaying the king's chancellor or judge in the execu- ºf
tion of their offices. - - - -
5. Violating the queen, the eldest daughter of the . .
king, or the wife of the heir apparent, or eldest son.
7. Counterfeiting the king's money, or bringing false
money into the kingdom. "
This detail shews how much the dignity and security
of the king's person is confounded with that of his officers,
and even with his effigies impressed on his coin. To as-
sassinate the servant, or to counterfeit the type, is held as -
criminal as to destroy the sovereign.
This indiscriminate blending of crimes, so different and
disproportionate in their nature, under one common head,
is certainly liable to great objections, seeing that the judg-
ment in this offence is so extremely severe and terrible,
viz. “That the offender be drawn to the gallows on the
ground or pavement; that he be hanged by the neck, and
then cut down alive ; that his entrails be taken out and
-- º-
-- -
* It has been thought necessary by the legislature to explain and enlarge
these clauses of the act 25 Edward III. as not extending, with sufficient
explicitness, to modern treasonable attempts. It is therefore provided by
the act 36 George III. cap. 7. “That if any person (during the life of
his present Majesty, and until the end of the session of parliament next af.
ter a demise of the crown) shall, within the realm, or without, compass,
imagine, invent, devise, or intend, death, or destruction, or any bodily
harm, tending to death or destruction, maim or wounding, imprisonment.
or restraint, of the person of the king, his heirs and successors, or to de-
prive or depose him or them from his stile, honour, or kingly name, or to
levy war against the king within this realm, in order by force to compel
him to change his measures; or in order to put any force or constraint up-
on, or to intimidate or over-awe, both houses, or either house, of parlia:
ment; or to incite any foreigner to invade the dominions of the crown;
and such compassings, &c. shall express; utter, or declare, by publishing
any printing or writing, or by any other overt act or deed,”---the offender
shall be deemed a traitor, and punished accordingly. º


























72 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR. |
burnt, while yet alive; that his head be cut off; that his
º body be divided into four parts; and that his head and
º quarters be at the king's disposal.
William Gregg was born at Montrose, in Scotland,
and having received the common instructions in the
- - grammar-school of that town, finished his education in
the university of Aberdeen, and was intended by his
- º friends for the study of divinity; but his inclination lead.
ing him to seek for advancement in the state, he came to
--- London, and soon afterwards went abroad as secretary to
the ambassador to the court of Sweden.
Gregg, during his residence abroad, debauched a Swedish
lady, and was guilty of some other irregularities; in con-
sequence of which, the ambassador dismissed him from
his service, and he was glad to embark for London in the
first ship that sailed.
As soon as he arrived in London, he was engaged by
Mr. Secretary Harley, to write dispatches; and letters of
great importance were left unsealed, and perused by
Gregg. As the account of this malefactor, which was
given by the ordinary of Newgate, is very superficial and
unsatisfactory, we shall give the following extracts re-
* . specting him, from Bishop Burnet's history:
“At this time two discoveries were made very unlucky.
“ for Mr. Harley: Tallard wrote often to Chamilard,
*- “ but he sent the letters open to the secretary's office, to
“ be perused and sealed up, and so to be conveyed by
--- “ the way of Holland. These were opened upon some
“ suspicion in Holland, and it appeared, that one in the
“ secretary's office put letters in them, in which, as he
“ offered his service to the courts of France and St. Ger-
“ main's, so he gave an account of all transactions here.
* In one of these he sent a copy of the letter that the
“ queen was to write in her own hand to the ºf
.. - “ and he marked what parts were drawn by the secretary,
“ and what additions were made to it by the lord trea: |
“ surer. This was the letter by which the queen pressed
* the sending prince Eugene into Spain; and this, if
“ not intercepted, would have been at Versailles many
“ days before it could reach Vienna.
# , - -








WILLIAM G RE6; G : 73
“He, who sent this, wrote, that by this they might
“see what service he could do them, if well encouraged.
“All this was sent over to the duke of Marlborough :
“ and upon search it was found to be written by one
“Gregg, a clerk, whom Harley had not only enter-
“tained, but had taken into a particular confidence,
“ without inquiring into the former parts of his life; for
“ he was a vicious and a necessitous person, who had
“ been secretary to the queen's envoy in Denmark, but
“ was dismissed by him for his ill qualities. Harley had
“made use of him to get him intelligence, and he came
“to trust him with the perusal and sealing up of the let-
“ters, which the French prisoners, here in England,
“sent over to France, and by that means he got into the
“ method of sending intelligence thither. He, when
“seized on, either upon remorse or hopes of pardon,
“confessed all, and signed his confession ; upon that he
“ was tried, and, pleading guilty, was condemned as a
“traitor, for corresponding with the queen's enemies.
“At the same time Valiere and Bara, whom Harley
“ had employed as his spies to go often over to Calais,
“ under the pretence of bringing him intelligence were
“informed against, as spies employed by France to get
“intelligence from England, who carried over many let-
“ters to Calais and Boulogne, and, as was believed,
“gave such information of our trade and convoys, that
“ by their means we had made our great losses at sea,
“They were often complained of upon suspicion, but
“ they were always protected by Harley; yet the presump-
“tions against them were so violent, that they were at
“ last seized on, and brought up prisoners.”
The whigs took such advantage of this circumstance,
that Mr. Harley was obliged to resign, and his enemies
were inclined to carry matters still further, and were re-
solved, if possible, to find out evidence enough to affect
his life. With this view, the house of lords ordered a
committee to examine Gregg, and the other prisoners,
who were very assiduous in the discharge of their com-
mission, as will appear from the following account writ-
ten by the same author: º
No. 3. * The








- - -
-
74 NEW NEW GATE C A LE N DAR.
“The lords, who were appointed to examine Gregg,
“ could not find out much by him : he had but newly
“ begun his designs of betraying secrets, and he had no
“ associates with him in it. He told them, that all the
“ papers of state lay so carelessly about the office, that
“ every one belonging to it, even the door-keepers,
“ might have read them all. Harley's custom was to
come to the office late on post-nights, and after he had
given his orders, and wrote his letters, he usually went
away, and left all to be copied out when he was gone.
By that means he came to see every thing, in particular
“ the queen's letter to the emperor. He said, he knew
“ the design on Toulon in May last, but he did not dis-
* cover it; for he had not entered on his ill practices till
“October. This was all he could say.
“By the examination of Valiere and Bara, and of
“ many others who lived about Dover, and were em-
“ ployed by them, a discovery was made of a constant in-
tercourse they were in with Calais, under Harley's pro-
“ tection. They often went over with boats full of wool,
“ and brought back brandy, though both the import and
export were severely prohibited. They, and those
who belonged to the boats carried over by them, were
well treated on the French side at the governor's house,
º
º
< .
* .
º
º
&g
* *
“The order that was constantly given them was, that if
“ an English or Dutch ship came up with them, they
“should cast their letters into the sea, but that they
** should not do it when French ships came up with them:
“so they were looked on by all on that coast as the
“spies of France. They used to get what information
“ they could, both of merchant-ships, and of the ships of
“war that lay in the Downs, and upon that they usually
“ went over; and it happened that soon after some of
“ those ships were taken. These men, as they were
“ papists, so they behaved themselves insolently, and
* boasted much of their power and credit.
“Complaints had been often made of them, but they
66 Weſe
9
or at the commissary's: they were kept there till their
letters were sent to Paris, and till returns could be
“ brought back, and were all the while upon free cost.
|
|
|
|

w ILLIAM G REGG. 75
“were always protected ; nor did it appear that they ever
“brought any information of importance to Harley but
“ once, when, according to what they swore, they told
“ him that Fourbin was gone from Dunkirk, to lie in
“ wait for the Russian fleet; which proved to be true : ,
“he both went to watch for them, and he took a great
“ part of the fleet. Yet though this was the single piece
“ of intelligence that they ever brought, Harley took so
‘ little notice of it, that he gave no advertisement to the
“admiralty concerning it. This particular excepted,
they only brought over common news, and the Paris
“gazetteer. These examinations lasted for some weeks:
“when they were ended, a full report was made of them
“ to the house of lords, and they ordered the whole re-
“ port, with all the examination, to be laid before the
“ queen.” - -
Gregg was convicted on the statute of Edward the
third, which declares it high-treason “ to adhere to the -
“king's enemies, or to give them aid either within or
“ without the realm.”
Immediately after this conviction, both houses of par-
liament petitioned the queen that he might be executed;
and he was accordingly hanged at Tyburn, with Mort-
gridge, on the 28th April, 1708. - --
Gregg, at the place of execution, delivered a paper to
the sheriffs of London and Middlesex, in which he ac- º
knowledged the justice of his sentence, declared his sin-
cere repentance of all his sins, particularly that lately
committed against the queen, whose forgiveness he de-
voutly implored. ----- º
He likewise expressed his wish to make all possible
reparation for the injuries he had done ; begged pardon,
in a particular manner, of Mr. Secretary Harley, and
testified the perfect innocence of that gentleman, declar-
ing that he was no way privy, directly or indirectly, to
his writing to France. He professed that he died an un-
worthy member of the Protestant church ; and that the
want of money to supply his extravagancies had tempted
him to commit the fatal crime which cost him his life.
º
ºc













º “ 76 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
DEBORAII CHURCHILL,
ExECUTED AT TYBURN, DEc. 17, 1708, FoR MURDER.
in this case we shall disclose one of the most consum-
mate tricks ever played by woman, to defraud her cre-
ditors; and a more effectual method cannot be resorted
to. It is a satisfaction, however, that during the perusal
of the fate of Deborah Churchill, we know that Fleet
marriages have long been declared illegal; and there-
fore the artifice cannot now be so easily accomplished.
Formerly, within the liberties of the Fleet, the clergy
could perform the marriage rites, with as little ceremony
as at Gretna Green, where to the disgrace of the British
empire, an ignorant blacksmith, or a fellow equally
mean and unfit, assumes this sacred duty of the church.
Though this woman's sins were great (yet we must
admit some hardship, in her suffering the utmost rigour
of the law for the crime, for which she was found guilty),
but, which, at the same time, is, in the eye of the law,
great as in the immediate perpetrator of a murder. Here
we deem it well to observe, that any person present while
murder is committing, and though he may take no part
in the commission of the crime, yet unless he does his
utmost to prevent, he is considered guilty, equal with
him who might have given the fatal blow.
Deborah Churchill was born about the year 1678, in
a village near Norwich. She had several children by
her husband, Mr. Churchill; but her temper not being
calculated to afford him domestic happiness, he repined
at his situation, and destroyed himself by intoxication.
Deborah, after this event, came to London; and be.
ing much too idle and too proud to think of earning a
subsistence by her industry, she ran considerably in debt;
and, in order to extricate herself from her incumbrances,
had recourse to a method which was formerly as com-
mon as it is unjust. Going to a public-house in Hol-
born, she saw a soldier, and asked if he would marry
her. The man immediately answered in the affirmative,














IDEB OR A H C H U R CHI L II. 77
*
on which they went in a coach to the Fleet, where the
nuptial knot was instantly tied.
Mrs. Churchill, whose maiden-name is unknown hav-
ing obtained a certificate of her marriage, enticed her
husband to drink till he was quite inebriated, and then
gave him the slip, happy in this contrivance to screen
herself from an arrest.
A little after this, she cohabited with a young fellow
named Hunt, with whom she lived more than six years.
Hunt appears to have been a youth of a rakish disposi-
tion. He behaved very ill to this unhappy woman, who,
however, loved him to distraction; and, at length, for-
feited her life in consequence of the regard that she had
for him.
One night, as Mr. Hunt and one of his associates
were returning from the Theatre, in company with Mrs.
Churchill, a quarrel arose between the men, who im-
mediately drew their swords;* while Mrs. Churchill,
anxious for the safety of Hunt, interposed, and kept his
antagonist at a distance; in consequence of which, be-
ing off his guard, he received a wound, of which he
died almost immediately.
No sooner was the murder committed, than, Hunt ef.
fected his escape, and, eluding his pursuers, arrived
safely in Holland; but Mrs. Churchill was apprehended
on the spot, and being taken before a magistrate, was
committed to Newgate. -
November, 1708, at the sessions held at the Old-
Bailey, Mrs. Churchill was indicted as an accomplice on
the act of the first year of king James the First, called the
statute of stabbing, by which it is enacted, that “If any
one stabs another, who hath not at that time a weapon
drawn, or hath not first stricken the party who stabs, is
deemed guilty of murder, if the person stabbed dies
within six months afterwards.” -
Mrs. Churchill, being convicted, pleaded a state of
pregnancy, in bar to her execution; and a jury of ma-
trons being impannelled, declared that they were ig-
* In those days every well-dressed man wore his sword. A fashion
productive of infinite mischief -
- -- norant



78 NEW NEWGATE cAL ENDAR.
norant whether she was with child or not. Hereupon
the court, willing to allow all reasonable time in a case
of this nature, respited judgment for six months; at the
end of which time she received sentence of death, as there
was no appearance of her being pregnant.
This woman's behaviour was extremely penitent; but
she denied her guilt to the last moment of her life, having
no conception that she had committed murder, because
she did not herself stab the deceased. She suffered at
Tyburn, 17th of Dec. 1708.
CHRISTOPHER SLAUGHTER FORD,
EXECUTEDAT GUILD FoED, JULY 9, 1709, FoR THE MURDER OF JANE YOUNG...
This is a very singular case, and will excite different
opinions respecting this unhappy man's commission of
the deed for which he was executed.
He was the son of a miller at Westbury-Green, in
Surry, who apprenticed him at Godalming. When his
time was expired, he lived in several situations, and
afterwards took a malthouse at Shalford, when his aunt
became his housekeeper, and he acquired a moderate
sum of money by his industry. - -
He now paid his addresses to Jane Young, and it was
generally supposed he intended to marry her. The last
time he was seen in her company was on the evening of
the 5th of October, 1708; from which day she was not
heard of for a considerable time, on which, suspicions
arose that Slaughterford had murdered her.
About a month afterwards, the body of the unfortu-
nate girl was found in a pond, with several marks of vi.
olence on it; and the public suspicion being still fixed
on Slaughterford, he voluntarily surrendered himself to
two justices of the peace, who directed that he should be
discharged; but as he was still accused by his neigh-
bours, he went to a third magistrate, who, agreeable to
his own solicitations, committed him to the Marshalsea
Prison; and he was tried at the next assizes at Kingston,
and acquitted. The
.
-|




cHRISTOPHER SLAUGHTERFORD. 79
The majority of his neighbours, however, still insisted
that he was guilty, and prevailed on the relations of the
deceased to bring an appeal for a new trial; towards the
expence of which many persons subscribed, as the father
of Jane Young was in indigent circumstances. -
During the next term, he was tried, by a Surry jury, in
the court of Queen's-Bench, before lord chief justice
Holt, the appeal being lodged in the name of Henry
Young, brother and heir to the deceased.
The evidence given on this second trial was the same
in substance as on the first ; yet so different were the sen-
timents of the two juries, that Slaughterford was now
found guilty, and received sentence of death. It may be
proper to mention the heads of some of the depositions,
that the reader may judge of the propriety of the verdict.
Elizabeth Chapman, the mistress of Jane Young, de-
posed, that when the young woman left her service, she
said she was going to be married to the prisoner, that she
had purchased new clothes on the occasion, and declared
she was to meet him on the Sunday following. That the
deponent sometime afterwards inquired after Jane Young,
and, asking if she was married, was informed that she had
been seen in the company of Slaughterford, but no one
could tell what was become of her since, and that he him-
self pretended he knew nothing of her, but thought she
had been at home with Mrs. Chapman; which had in-
duced this witness to believe that some mischief had be-
fallen her.
Other witnesses proved that Jane Young was in com-
pany with the prisoner on the night that the murder was
committed ; and one man swore that, at three in the
morning, he met a man and a woman on a common, about
a quarter of a mile from the place where the body was º
found; that the man wore light-coloured clothes, as it
was proved the prisoner had done the preceding day; and
the voice of a woman. - º
It was sworn by a woman, that, after the deceased was
missing, she asked Slaughterford what was become of his
lady: to which he replied, “I have put her off; do you
know
that soon after he passed them he heard a shrieking, like










80 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DA.R.,
know of any girl that has any money : I have got the way
of putting them off now.”
It was deposed by another woman, that, before the dis.
covery of the murder, she said to Mr. Slaughterford,
“What if Jane Young should lay such a child to you as
mine is here !” at which he sighed, and said, “It is now
impossible;” and cried till the tears ran down his cheeks.
In contradiction to this, the aunt of Mr. Slaughterford
and a young lad who lived in the house deposed that the
prisoner lay at home on the night that the murder was
committed. - -
Slaughterford, from the time of conviction to the very
hour of his death, solemnly declared his innocence; and,
though visited by several divines, who urged him, by all
possible arguments, to confess the fact, yet he still per-
sisted that he was not guilty. He was respited from the
Wednesday till Saturday, in which interim he desired to
see Mr. Woodroof, a minister of Guildford: from which
it was thought he would make a confession; but what he
said to him tended only to confirm his former declara-
tions. -
As soon as the executioner had tied him up, he threw
himself off, having previously delivered to the sheriff a
paper, containing the following solemn declaration :
---. “Guildford, July 9, 1709.
“Being brought here to die, according to the sentence
| passed upon me at the Queen's-Bench bar, for a crime of
which I am wholly innocent, I thought myself obliged to
let the world know, that they may not reflect on my friends
and relations, whom I have left behind me much troubled
for my fatal end, that I know nothing of the death of
Mrs. Jane Young, nor how she came by her death, di-
rectly or indirectly, though some have been pleased to
cast reflections on my aunt. However, I freely forgive
all my enemies, and pray to God to give them a due sense
of their errors, and in his due time to bring the truth to
light In the mean time, I beg every one to forbear re- ||
flecting on my dear mother or any of my relations for my
unjust and unhappy fall, since what I have here set down
º º - º 15. |























cHRISTop Her slaught ER for D. 31
is truth, and nothing but the truth, as I expect salvation
at the hands of almighty God; but I am heartily sorry
that I should be the cause of persuading her to leave her
dame, which is all that troubles me. As witness my hand
this 9th day of July.” --- -
We have already observed, that the case of Slaughter-
ford is very extraordinary. We see that he surrendered º
himself to the justices when he might have ran away; and
common sense tells us that a murderer would endeavour
- ºf- - - - *** * > *-*
to make his escape; and we find him a second time sur-
rendering himself, as if anxious to wipe away the stain:
on his character. We find him tried by a jury of his coup-
trymen, and acquitted; then again tried, on an appeal,’
by another jury of his neighbours, found guilty, con-
demned, and executed. Here it should be observed, that
after conviction on an appeal, which rarely happens, the
king has no power to pardon ; probably, had Slaughter-
ford been found guilty by the first jury, as his case was
dubious, he would have received royal mercy. Some of
the depositions against him seem very striking; yet the
testimony in his favour is equally clear . There appears
nothing in the former part of his life to impeach his cha-
racter; there is no proof of any animosity between him
and the party murdered ; and there is an apparent cor-
tradiction in part of the evidence against him. He is re-
presented by one female witness as sneering at and highly
gratified with the murder; while another proves him ex-
tremely affected and shedding tears on the loss of Jane
Young. The charitable reader must therefore be inclined
to think this man was innocent, and that he fell a sacrifice
to the prejudices, laudable, perhaps, of his incensed neigh-
bours. He was visited while under sentence of death,
by a number of divines; yet he dies with the most sacred
averment of his innocence. -











32 º'NEW NEWGATE CAL ENDAR, a
º
---
Z.
at the age of nineteen years.
--- - - - - - -
º-º-º-º- - º, - * --
º tº ºil tº ºn tº
- º l -
ºf GRACE TRIPP, is ºn
In the perpetration of this horrid murder, we are greatly
shocked to find, base perfidy added to great cruelty in th
breast of a female. Hi order to support the extrava.
gance of a villain with whom this wretched woman had
º
ºf ººl º -** + r. º
EXECUTED AT TYBURN, MARCH 27, 1710, FoR MURDER. º
º º º ºil ºil ºf -º
|
secret amours, she betrayed her trust, and in hopes of con-
-** *** ***, ºw. ------ - ------ ºr - - - º
cealing the crime, murdered her fellow servant."
* Grace Tripp was a native of Barton in Lincolnshire,
and after living as a servant at agentleman's house in the
------- --- --- - - -- - - - ºut. -
country, she came to London, was sometimes in a reput:
able family, and then procured a place in the house of
- - ºf - -
Lord Torrington. Fº º
* During her stay in this last service, she became con:
nected with a man named Peters, who persuaded her to
be concerned in robbing her master's house, promising
to marry her as soon as the fact should be perpetrated.
Hereupon it was concerted between them, that she should
let Peters into the house in the night, and that they should
join in stealing and carrying off the plate.
* Peters was accordingly admitted at the appointed time,
when all of the family, except the housekeeper, were
out of town; but this housekeeper hearing a noise, came
into the room just as they had packed up the plate; on
which, Peters seized her, and cut her throat, while Tripp
held the candle. This being done, they searchéd the
pockets of the deceased, in which they found about thirty
guineas; with which, and the plate, they hastily de-
camped, leaving the street door open. º
This shocking murder and robbery became the general
subject of conversation, and no steps were left unat:
tempted in order to apprehend the offenders, who were
taken in a few days, when Peters having been admitted
-
an evidence for the crown, Grace Tripp was convicted,


















- - -
-
º 83 tº . . e. -
ingresigned their places, the tory ministry succeeded them, -
and encouraged a young divine, named Henry Sache- zº
verell, to inflame the passions of the public, by preaching
against the settlement made at the revolution, and incul-
oating all those doctrines which were then held as the fa-
vourite tenets of what was called the high church party. -
Sacheverell was a man of abilities, and eminently pos-
sessed of those kind of talents which are calculated to
inspire such sentiments as the preacher wished to impress
his auditors with. The doctor's discourses accordingly
tended to instigate the people against the house of Han-
over, and to insinuate the right of the pretender to the
throne of these realms. This caused such a general com-
motion, that it became necessary to bring him to a trial in
some way; and, contrary to all former practice respecting
a man of his rank, he was tried before the house of peers,
and was silenced for three years, upon conviction. But
so excited were the passions of the populace in conse-
quence of his insinuations, that they almost adored him
as a prophet; and some of them were led to commit out-
rages which gave rise to several trials, particularly that of
Daniel Demaree, who, on the 19th of April, 1710, was
indicted for being concerned, with a multitude of men to
the number of five hundred, armed with swords and clubs,
to levy war against the queen. A gentleman deposed,
that going through the temple, he saw some thousands of
people, who had attended Dr. Sacheverell from West-
minster hall; that some of them said they would pull
down Dr. Burgess's meeting house that night; others
differed as to the time of doing it; but all agreed on the
act, and the meeting-house was demolished on the follow-
ing night. º Here it should be observed, that Dr. Bur-
gess and Mr. Bradbury were two dissenting ministers, º
who had made themselves conspicuous by preaching in
ºpposition to Sacheverell's doctrine. Captain Orril
º I, - SWQſés
tº tº a , , , , , , , , , , ºº
- DANIEL DEMAREE,
- sº
ºz ºn Execured June 15, 1710, FoR TREAsos.º. º º
- - º º º
W - - - ----- - - º
As waterman to Queen Anne, whose whig ministry
having been turned out of, or, in the modern phrase, have




- --- --. º
- - - - - -
- - -- - - - -
. - -
|-- - - -
-- -
84 NEw NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
swore, that, on the 1st of March, hearing that the mob
had pulled down Dr. Burgess's meeting-house, he re-
solved to go among them, to do what service he could to
government by making discoveries. This witness going
to Mr. Bradbury’s meeting, found the people plundering
it, who obliged him to pull off his hat. After this he
went to Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields, where he saw a bonfire
made of some of the materials of Dr. Burgess's meeting- |
house, and saw the prisoner, who twirled his hat, and
said, “D–n it, I will lead you on—we will have all the
meeting houses down—high church and Sacheverell,
- huzza!” It was proved by another evidence, that the
prisoner having headed part of the mob, some of them
proposed to go to the meeting house in Wild-street; but
this was objected to by others, who recommended going
to Drury-lane, saying, “ that meeting house was worth ten
of that in Wild-street.” Joseph Collier swore, that he
saw the prisoner carry a brass sconce from Dr. Burgess's
meeting-house, and throw it into the fire in Lincoln’s-
Inn-Fields, huzzaing, and crying, “ High Church and
-- Sacheverell.” There was another evidence to prove the |
concern that the prisoner had in these illegal acts: and
several persons appeared in his behalf, but as in their tes-
timony they contradicted each other, the jury could not
credit their evidence, but brought in a special verdict.— .
Another of the rioters (George Purchase, who was also
waterman to the Queen), was indicted for the same of
fence; the witnesses were chiefly the same, and their
evidence almost similar: Captain Orril swore, that this
prisoner ran resolutely with his sword in his hand, and
made a full pass at the officer who commanded the guards,
and if one of the guards had not given a spring and beat
down the sword, he would have run the officer through the
left flank; that the prisoner, however, retired a little lower,
- and the guards had by this time dispersed the mob, having
- knocked down forty or fifty of them in the action. This
prisoner also produced some witnesses, but as what they
said did not contradict the testimony of the evidence
against him, their depositions had no weight. The jury
were satisfied with the proofs, but having a doubt respect:
ing the points of law, they brought in a special *:::






RICHARD THORN HILL, ESQ. 85
- -
* The verdicts respecting Demaree and Purchase being left
special, their cases were argued in the court of Queen's
Bench, in Westminster-hall the following term, before the
Lord Chief Justice Parker, and the other judges, when,
though every artifice in the law was made use of in their
behalf, they were adjudged to be guilty; in consequence
of which they received sentence of death.
Towards the close of the reign of Queen Anne, poli-
tical disputes were carried to an unusual height in this
kingdom. The body of the people were divided into two
great factions, known by the name of High Church and
Low Church ; but though the church was the word, reli-
gion was almost out of the question, and the principal
object of dispute was of a political kind. The question
was, whether the house of Hanover, or the family of Stu-
art, should sway the sceptre of these kingdoms ; and so
prevalent was the cacoethes disputandi, that tradesmen
left their counters, and mechanics their tools, to enforce
their opinions on this important question.*
* “I saw a blacksmith with his anvil, thus
“Swallowing a tailor's news.” - -
Shakespear E.
---
------
Richard THoRNHILL, Esq.
CoN VICTED of MANSLAUGHTER, IN. KILLING.SIR CHOLMONDELEY
DEERING, IN A DUEL.
- -
The abhorred and sanguinary practice of duelling, offers
to the understanding, in the influence it is found to have
over strong and enlightened minds, a paradox most be-
wildering and humiliating. While reason and common
sense exclaim against the folly of duelling—while reli-
gion, in its loudest voice, condemns its iniquity—while
the laws of a nation load it with penalties, and rank it as
a foul crime—while the popular cry is loud against its
mischiefs, and when no one is hardy enough to defend
it; we daily hear that men of the first rank in society
make this appeal to violence, fearless of legal preven-
tion and legal penalties. Husbands and fathers leave
their







$6 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR. /
a quarrel arose,
their wives and children in their morning's slumber, steal
from their pillows, to obey the false dictates of honour,
and too often, as their families rise from their beds, are
they presented with the bleeding bodies of their protec-
tors. We see too, seconds in this scene of blood, with
daring effrontery, retailing in the public prints, the parti-
culars of the cruel encounter. In some of the republican
states of America, these outrages to all the parties, are
punished with confiscation of their lands, and banish:
ment, even on proof of sending or accepting of a chal-
lenge.” In many other parts of the world, duelling meets
with severer punishment, than that inflicted by the laws
of England. The lands of the murderer, at least, should
be divided between the injured country and the misera-
ble family of the fallen. The English laws prepare an
adequate punishment for every offence except duelling,
for which the murderer too often escapes with impunity.
In addition to the horrors which this practice, un-
worthily stiled “fashionable satisfaction” creates, it ge-
nerally generates among friends of long standing. Such
were, previous to this fatal quarrel, Sir Cholmondeley
Deering and Mr. Thornhill, who had dined together
on the 7th of April, 1711, in company with several
other gentlemen at the Toy, at Hampton Court, where
--
which occasioned the unhappy catastro-
y ºf-º. * : - º º
phe that afterwards happened, º
sº º º
* Owing to this severe but wholesome law, Americans appear more
eager than otherwise, to settle their quarrels by duel. To accomplish
their inhuman and unlawful purpose, they generally journey into another
state, where, as each enact their own laws, the murderers generally escape
punishment, and save their lands, which cannot be confiscated for an of
fence committed out of their own state's jurisdiction. Sometimes they tra-
rel to Canada, that they may indulge their malice in violation of the Bri.
tish aws. An instance of this kind .. lately in the London news:
papers, copied from an American print:
* Messrs. Blake and Dix, residents at Boston, recently determined to
settle an affair of honour by duel. They repaired to Canada. The dist.
ance was to be ten paces the first fire, and to approximate two paces ti!
one or the other fell. They both fired together, and Blake's ball entered
the lungs of Dix. Dix's ball grazed the cheek of Blake. Before Dix
£11, he said to his second, “Give me the other pistol, that I may hit him,
for ſº find he has winged me.” The second, finding he was wounded,
stepped up to support him, but he fell, and immediately expire's
º uring
--
-

















Rich ARD THQ RNHILL, Esq. 37.
During the quarrel Sir Cholmondeley struck Mr.
Thornhill, and a scuffle ensuing, the wainscot of the room
broke down, and Thornhill falling, the other stamped on
him, and beat out some of his teeth. The company now
interposing, Sir Cholmondeley, convinced that he had
acted improperly, declared that he was willing to ask
pardon; but Mr. Thornhill said, that asking pardon was
not a proper retaliation for the injury that he had re-
ceived; adding, “Sir Cholmondeley, you know where to
find me.” Soon after this the company broke up, and the
prisoners went home in different coaches, without any
farther steps being taken tºwards their reconciliation. .
On the 9th of April, Sir Cholmøndeley went to the
- - º --> --- ſº 1 * i. º rººrrº. -º-
coffee-house, at Kensington, and asked for Mr. Thorn-
hill, who on not being there, he went to his lodgings,
- --- ºn ºf . , tºº ; : . Tº - †† : -
he ascended with a brace of pistols in his hands, and
ºts: •º.º. 1 ºf 1*; ºf º: - ------
and the servant shewed him to the dining-roºm ; to which
º -- º - * * ºf ºr º: º-...- - º: -- •º º ºf , is
sºon afterwards Mr. Thornhillcoming to him, asked him
if he would drink tea, which he declined, but drank a
glass of small beer." . . . . . . .
- After this the entlemen ordered a hackney-coach, in
which they went to Tothill-fields, and there advanced to-
is ſºlº tº tº ſº. º º -
wards each other, in a resolute manner, and fired their
.º.º. º.º.º. º. º - ºf sºiº º
pistols almost in the same moment. º : *
- - Si rº º 1 * : * -- • *-*. º.º. | º d if ſº --- -
| Sir Cholmondeley, being mortally wounded, fell to the
* “SIR, April 8th, 1711.
ground; and Mr. Thornhill, after lamenting the unhappy
gatastrophe, was going away, when a person stopped
him, told him he had been guilty of murder, and took
him before a justice of the peace, who committed him to
prison. º º
On the 18th of May, 1711, Richard Thornhill, Esq.
was indicted at the Old Bailey sessions, for this murder.
In the course of the trial, the above recited facts were
proved, and a letter was produced, of which the follow-
“I shall be able to go abroad to-morrow morning, and
“ desire you will give me a meeting, with your sword and
“ pistols, which I insist on. The worthy gentleman who
“brings you this, will concert with you the time and
“ place.








38 NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
-
/
“ place. I think Tothill-fields will do well; Hyde-park
“ will not, at this time of year, being full of company.
-
* I am,
º “Your humble Servant,
e. “Rich ARD THoRNHILL.”
Mr. Thornhill's servant swore, that he believed this
letter to be his master's hand-writing; but Mr. Thorn-
hill hoped the jury would not pay any regard to this tes-
timony, as the boy had acknowledged in court, that he
never saw him write.
Mr. Thornhill called several witnesses to prove how ill
he had been used by Sir Cholmondeley; that he had lan.
guished some time of the wounds he had received, dur.
ing which he could take no other sustenance than liquids,
and that his life was in imminent danger.
Several persons of distinction testified that Mr. Thorn:
hill was of a peaceable disposition, and that, on the con-
---
trary, the deceased was of a remarkable quarrelsome tem:
per. On behalf of Mr. Thornhill, it was farther deposed,
that Sir Cholmondeley being asked if he came by his
º
hurt through unfair usage, he replied, “ No: poor
“Thornhillſ. I am sorry for him; this misfortune was my
sº - - º - * ... • --------
own fault, and of my own seeking: I heartily forgive
“ him, and desire you all to take notice of it, that it may
“ be of some service to him ; and that one misfortune
“may not occasion another.”
The jury acquitted Mr. Thornton of the murder, but
found him guilty of manslaughter; in consequence of
which he was burnt in the hand.
ELIZABETH MASON,
EXECUTED JUNE 18, 1712, FoR THE Mupper OF HER GO DMOTHER.
º º
It is with additional regret that we are obliged to record
the commission of this abhorred crime, by females. From
the present case, let servants be deterred from the aggra-
vation to this sin in the murder of their employers; and
may its disclosure put a total stop to the vending of de-
-- leterious








E LIZABETH MASON. 89
leterious drugs to ignorant and wicked people. Deathly
poison, will be found in the perusal of these volumes, to
be a common resort for murderers; and in fact a fine at
least, ought to be imposed on every vender of medicines,
who sells arsenic, opium, and similar articles of their trade
to strangers. - -
This wretched woman was born at Melton-Mowbray
in Leicestershire, and, while very young, was conveyed
by her friends to Sutton, near Peterborough, in Northamp-
tonshire; from whence, at the age of seven years, she was
brought to London by Mrs. Scoles; who told her she was
her godmother; and with this lady and her sister, Mrs.
Choſwell, she lived, and was employed in household
work; but having conceived an idea that she should pos-
sess the fortune of her mistresses, on their death, she came
to the horrid resolution of removing them by poison. On
Thursday in Easter-week; 1712, being sent of an errand,
she went to a druggist's shop, where she bought a quan-
tity of yellow arsenic, on the pretence that it was to kill
rats. On the following morning she mixed this poison
with some coffee, of which Mrs. Scholes drank, and soon
afterwards finding herself extremely ill, said her end was
approaching, and expired the next day in great agonies.
Mrs. Cholwell receiving no injury from what little coffee
she drank, the girl determined to renew her attempt to
poison her; in consequence of which she went again to
the same shop about a fortnight afterwards, and bought
a second quantity of arsenic, which she put into some
water-gruel prepared for Mrs. Cholwell's breakfast, on
the following morning. It happening, providentially, that
the gruel was too hot, the lady put it aside some time to
cool, during which time, most of the arsenic sunk to the
bottom. She then drank some of it, found herself very
ill, and observing the sediment at the bottom of the ba-.
son sent for her apothecary, who gave her a large quan-
tity of oil to drink, by the help of which the poison was
expelled. Unfavourable suspicions now arising against
Elizabeth Mason, she was taken into custody, and, being
carried before two justices of the peace, on the 3 th of
April, she confessed the whole of her guilt, in conse-
quence of which she was committed to Newgate. On
No. 4. M the
--


90 N E W NEW GATE CA. L. E. N. D. A. R.
ceived sentence of death.
the child which she afterwards murdered.
the 6th of June, in the same year, she was indicted for
the murder of Mrs. Scoles; and, pleading guilty to the
indictment, received sentence of death. While she lay
under sentence of death, the ordinary of Newgate asked
her if she had any lover or other person who had tempted
her to the commission of the crime : to which she an-
swered in the negative, but owned that she had frequently
defrauded her mistresses of money, and then told lies to
conceal the depredations of which she had been guilty.
At the time of her execution, she warned young people
to beware of crimes similar to those which had brought
her to that fatal end, and confessed the justice of the sens
tence which made her a public example, -
-
-
ELIZABETH CHIVERS,
º
ExEcoTED AUGUST 1, 1712, FoR THE MURDER OF HER BASTARD CHILD.
At the sessions held at the Old Bailey, in the month |
of July, 1712, Elizabeth Chivers was indicted for the wil: ,
ful murder of her female bastard-child, Elizabeth Ward,
by drowning it in a pond; and pleading guilty, she re.
--- º
This unnatural woman was a native of Spitalfields, but
lived at Stepney at the time of the commission of the murder.
The account she gave of herself after she was under sen"
tence of death was as follows:–She said that her father
dying while she was very young, left her in indigent cir.
cumstances, which obliged her to go to service when she
was only fourteen years of age ; that she lived in several
reputable families, in which her conduct was deemed irre.
proachable. -
When she arrived almost at the age of thirty years, she
lived with one Mr. Ward, an attorney, who prevailed on
her to lie with him; in consequence of which she bore
Finding herself pregnant, she removed from Mr.
Ward's to another family, where she remained about six
weeks, and then took private lodgings, in which she was
delivered of a girl, who was baptized by the name of
º - - Elizabeth


















colon EL jof N HAMILTo N. 91
Elizabeth Ward. The father, agreeable to his promise,
provided for the mother and child for about three months,
when Mrs. Ward, discovering her habitation, exposed
her in the neighbourhood, so that she was ashamed to
make her appearance. - -
Enraged by this circumstance, she was tempted to de-
stroy her child : on which she took it into the fields, and
threw it into a pond not far from Hackney; but some
people near the spot happening to see what passed, took
her into custody, and carried her before a magistrate, who
committed her to Newgate. º -
All the time that she remained in this gloomy prison,
her mind seemed to be tortured with the most agonizing
pains, on account of the horrid crime of which she had
been guilty: and she expressed a sense of her torments
in the following striking words, which she spoke to a cler-
gyman who attended her: “Oh, sir! I am lost I can-
“ not pray, I cannot repent ; my sin is too great to be
“pardoned I did commit it with deliberation and choice,
“ and in cold blood: I was not driven to it by necessity.
“The father had all the while provided for me, and for
* the child, and would have done so still, had not I de-
“ stroyed the child, and thereby sought my own destruc-
“tion.” - -
-
COLONE, JOHN HAMILTON,
A- - - -
CONVICTED OF MAN SLAUGHTER, AS SECOND IN A DUEL BETWEEN THE
- DUKE OF HAMILTON AND LORD MAHON,
--- º º
No occurrence, short of a national misfortune, at this
time, engaged the public equal to the memorable duel
between the Duke of Hamilton and Lord Mahon ; and
no crime of this nature was ever committed with more
sanguinary dispositions. The principals, murdered each
other, and Mr. Hamilton was one of the seconds. Pre-
vious to reading the shocking particulars of this transac-
tion, the reader will do well again to turn to our com-
ments on this crime in the case of Mr. Thornhill.
John Hamilton, Esq. of St. Martin's in the Fields, was
indicted at the sessions held at the Old Bailey on the 11th
- ºr
º
of










92 N EW NEW GATE CALENIDAR,
of September, 1712, for the murder of Charles Lord Ma-
hon, Baron of Oakhampton, on the 15th of November
preceding; and at the same time he was indicted for
abetting Charles Lord Mahon, and George Macartney,
Esq. in the murder of James Duke of Hamilton and
Brandon: and having pleaded “not guilty” to these in-
dictments, the evidence proceeded to give their testi-
mony, in substance as follows:–
- Rice Williams, footman to Lord Mahon, proved that
his master having met the Duke of Hamilton at the
chambers of a master in chancery, on Thursday the 13th
of November, a misunderstanding arose between them
respecting the testimony of an evidence. That when his
lord came home at night, he ordered that no person should
be admitted to speak with him the next morning except
Mr. Macartney. That on the Saturday morning, about
seven o'clock, this evidence, having some suspicion that
mischief would ensue, went towards Hyde-Park, and
seeing the Duke of Hamilton's coach going that way, he
got over the Park-wall; but just as he arrived at the place
where the duellists were engaged, he saw both the no-
blemen fall, and two gentlemen near them, whom he
took to be the seconds. One of whom he knew to be
Mr. Macartney, and the other (but he could not swear it
was the prisoner) said, “We have made a fine piece of
work of it.”
deceased noblemen and their seconds had been at those
taverns; and, from what could be collected from their
behaviour, it appeared that a quarrel had taken place,
and that a duel was in agitation; and some of the duke's
servants and other witnesses deposed to a variety of par-
ticulars, all which tended to the same conclusion. -
, But the evidence who saw most of the transaction was
William Morris, a groom, who deposed, that, “ as he
“ was walking his horses towards Hyde-Park, he followed
“ a hackney-coach with two gentlemen in it, whom he
“saw alight by the lodge, and walk together towards the
“left part of the ring, where they were about a quarter
“ of an hour, when he saw two other gentlemen come to
-
º - - - - ** who
The waiters at two different taverns proved that the
“them; that after having saluted each other, one of them,








COLONEL J OHN HAMILTON. 93
“ who he was since told was the Duke of Hamilton, threw
“off his cloak, and one of the other two, who he now
“understands was Lord Mahon, his surtout coat, and all
“immediately drew : that the duke and lord pushed at
‘; each other but a very little while, when the duke closed,
“ and took the lord by the collar, who fell down and
“groaned, and the duke fell upon him; that just as Lord
* Mahon was dropping, he saw him lay hold of the duke's
“sword, but could not tell whether the sword was at that
“ time in his body; nor did he see any wound given af-
“ter the closing, and was sure Lord Mohun did not
“shorten his sword. He declared he did not see the se-
“conds fight, but they had their swords in their hands,
“ assisting the lords.”
Paul Boussier, a surgeon, swore, that on opening the
body of the Duke of Hamilton, he found a wound be-
tween the second and third ribs, which entered into the
body, inclining to the right side, which could not be
given but by some push from above. -
Henry Amie, a surgeon, swore, that he found the Duke
of Hamilton had received a wound by a push, which had
cut the artery and small tendon of his right arm; another
very large one in his right leg, a small one in his left leg,
near the instep; and a fourth in his left side, between the
second and third ribs, which ran down into his body most
forward, having pierced the skirt of his midriff, and gone
through his caul; but that the wound in his arm caused
his so speedy death; and that he might have lived two or
three days with the wound in his breast, which wound
could not be given but by an arm that reached over, or
was above him. -
He further deposed, that he also viewed the Lord Mo-
hun's body, and found that he had a wound between the
short ribs, quite through his belly, and another about three
inches deep in the upper part of his thigh; a large wound,
about four inches wide, in his groin, a little higher, which
wound on his left side; and that the fingers of his left
hand were cut. -
The defence made by the prisoner was, that “the duke
- “ called
was the cause of his immediate death; and another small
-
º
ºº
-






























94 * NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR,
-
“called him to go abroad with him, but he knew not any
“ thing of the matter till he came into the field.”
Some Scottish noblemen, and other gentlemen of rank,
gave Mr. Hamilton a very advantageous character, as:
serting that he was brave, honest, and inoffensive : and
the jury having considered of the affair, gave a verdict of
3 *
“manslaughter;” in consequence of which the prisoner
prayed the benefit of the statute, which was allowed
him.
At the time the lives of the above-mentioned noble.
men were thus unfortunately sacrificed, many persons
thought they fell by the hands of the seconds; and some
late writers on the subject have affected to be of the same
opinion : but nothing appears in the written or printed
accounts of the transaction, nor did any thing arise on
the trial, to warrant so ungenerous a suspicion; it is
therefore but justice to the memory of all the parties t
discredit such insinuations. -
º
--
WILLIAM JOHNSON and JANE HOUSDEN,
- - º -
EXECUTED OPPOSITE THE OLD BAILEY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1712, FoR THE
MURDER OF MR. SPURLING,
THRoughout the whole annals of our Criminal Chro-
nology, though the denial of culprits condemned on the
clearest evidence of their guilt is by far too frequently re.
corded, shall we adduce such an instance as the following
dying declarations of innocence: º
William Johnson, one of these unrelenting sinners, was
a native of Northamptonshire, where he served his time
to a butcher, and removing to London, opened a shop in
Newport Market; but business not succeeding to his ex-
pectation, he took a house in Long Acre, and commenced
corn-chandler; in this business he was likewise unsuc-
cessful, on which he sold his stock in trade, and took a
public house near Christ Church in Surry. Being equally
unsuccessful as a victualler, he sailed to Gibraltar, where
he was appointed a mate to one of the surgeons of the
garrison;" |































--
WILLIAM JOHNSON AND JANE Hous DEN. 95
garrison;" in short, he appears to have possessed a genius
turned to a variety of employments. Having saved
some money at Gibraltar, he came back to his native
country, where he soon spent it, and then had recourse to
the highway for a supply. Being apprehended in conse-
quence of one of his robberies, he was convicted, but re-
ceived a pardon. Previous to this he had been acquainted
with one Jane Housden, the other hardened wretch, who
had been tried and convicted of coining, but also ob-
tained a pardon. It was not long after this pardon
(which was procured by great interest), before Housden
was again in custody for a similar offence. On the day
that she was to be tried, and just as she was brought
down to the bar of the Old Bailey, Johnson called to see
her; but Mr. Spurling, the head turnkey, telling him that
he could not speak to her till her trial was ended, he in-
stantly drew a pistol, and shot Spurling dead on the spot,
in the presence of the court, and all the persons attend- -
ing to hear the trials; Mrs. Housden at the same time -
encouraging him in the perpetration of this singular mur-
der. The event had no sooner happened, than the judges, -
thinking it unnecessary to proceed on the trial of the wo-
man for coining, ordered both the parties to be tried for
the murder ; and their being such a number of witnesses
to the deed, they were almost immediately convicted,
and received sentence of death. From this time to that
of their execution, and even at the place of their death,
they behaved as if they were wholly insensible of the
enormity of the crime which they had committed ; and
notwithstanding the publicity of their offence, to which
there were so many witnesses, they had the confidence to
deny it to the last moment of their lives; nor did they
shew any signs of compunction for their former sins.—
After hanging the usual time, Johnson was hung in
chains near Holloway, between Islington and Highgate.
* This, though very true, by some may be deemed a singular promo-
tion—from a Butcher to a Surgeon?
--- º -





















- º
| RICHARD TOWN,
*-
Executed AT TYBURN, DECEMBER 23, 1712, FoR FRAUDULENT
BANKRUPTCY.
-
NotwitHst ANDING the law makes it death to any
bankrupt, who shall be convicted of fraudulently con-
cealing, embezzling, or making away with any goods or
money to the value of twenty pounds, yet offences of
this nature are constantly committed in the most clan-
destine manner; and too often escape detection.
On the trial of Richard Town, who was the first that
suffered under this act of parliament, which passed only
five years before his execution, a number of witnesses
were called to prove his being a regular trader, and to
make it appear that he had committed an act of bank-
ruptcy; but the principal of these was Mr. Hodgson,
who deposed, that being sent after the prisoner by the
commissioners of bankrupts, he apprehended him at Sand-
wich; and searching him, by virtue of his warrant, found
in his pocket twenty guineas in gold, and about five
pounds, seven shillings, and sixpence in silver; and that
he had three gold rings on his fingers; that he took from
him the gold, and five pounds in silver, and left him the
odd silver.
Town had intended to sail in a ship which was boun
to Amsterdam; but being too late, he went on board a
packet-boat bound to Ostend, and being taken sea-sick,
he went to the side of the vessel, and stooping down,
dropped eight hundred guineas, which were in two bags,
between his coat and waistcoat, into the sea. . .
A storm arising at sea, the packet-boat was driven
back, and obliged to put into Sandwich; in consequence
of which, Town was apprehended by Hodgson, as above
mentioned. - -
When Town was examined before the commissioners,
he acknowledged that he had ordered Thomas Norris to
carry off his books and accounts, plate, and papers of
value, and likewise to convey a large quantity of tallow,
which he supposed was then arrived in Holland.
Now the counsel for Town insisted, that, as Norris
Waş




RICHARD TOWN. 97
was a joint agent with him, the act of one was the act of
both ; and that he could not legally be convicted till the
other (who was then abroad) could be apprehended, and
tried with him. But, in order to frustrate this argument,
it was proved that Town had shipped off large quantities
of goods on his own account: besides, the circumstance
of his being taken at Sandwich, by Mr. Hodgson, with
more than twenty pounds of his creditors' money in his
possession, was a sufficient proof of his guilt ; wherefore
the jury did not hesitate on his case, and he received sen-
tence of death. º º
This unhappy man was a native of the county of Ox-
ford, and for some time had carried on a considerable bu-
siness as a tallow-chandler, with great reputation; but it
appears too evident that he had formed a design of de-
frauding his creditors, because at the time of his abscond-
ing, he had considerable property in the funds, and was
otherwise in good circumstances.
Before his conviction, he was indulged with a chamber
to himself in the press-yard; but after sentence was
passed on him, he was put into the condemned hole, with
the other prisoners: but here he catched a violent cold,
which brought on a deafness, a disorder to which he had
been subject; wherefore, on complaining of this circum-
stance, he was removed to his former apartments.
While under sentence of death, he refused to acknow-
ledge the justice of his sentence, declaring that a person
whom he had relieved, and preserved from ruin, had oc-
casioned his destruction. He attended the devotions of
the place, declared that he forgave his enemies, and
begged that God would likewise forgive them. He was
exactly forty-one years of age the day of his execution; a
circumstance which, with great composure, he mentioned
to the ordinary of Newgate, on his way to the place of
€XéCutloſ).







sº 98. º -
º tº
RICHARD NOBLE, hº
º - º º º - º - º
- EXECUTED AT KINGSTON, MARCH 28, 1713, FoR THE MURDER OF
º MR. SAYER." - -
º º º tº º
- WE forbear to comment upon that part of this shocking
transaction, which relates to the female sex; and happy
should we be, if our duty permitted us to consign to ob.
livion imputations upon those who were by nature formed,
to be the friend and comforter of man.º.
Richard Noble, we are sorry to say, was an attorney at
law, and the pāramour of Mrs. Šayer, wife of John
Sayer, Esq. who was possessed of about one thousand
pounds a year, and lord of the manor of Biddlesden, in
Buckinghamshire. Mr. Sayer does not appear to have
been a man of any great abilities; but was remarkable
for his good nature and inoffensive disposition. Mrs.
Sayer, to whom he was married in 1699, was the daugh: |
ter of Admiral Nevil, a woman of an agreeable person
and brilliant wit: but of such an abandoned disposition
as to be a disgrace to her sex. Soon after Mr. Sayer's
wedding, Colonel Salisbury married the Admiral's wi.
dow; but there was such a vicious similarity in the con-
duct of the mother and daughter, that the two husbands
had early occasion to be disgusted with the choice they
had made. Mr. Sayer's nuptials had not been celebrated
many days before the bride took the liberty of kicking
him, and hinted that she would procure a lover more
agreeable to her mind. Sayer, who was distractedly fond
of her, bore this treatment with patience; and at the end
of a twelvemonth she presented him a daughter, which
soon died: but he became still more fond of her after
she had made him a father, and was continually loading
her with presents. Mr. Sayer now took a house in Lisle-
street, Leicester-fields, kept a coach, and did everything
which he thought might gratify his wife; but her unhappy
disposition was the occasion of temporary separations.--
At times, however, she behaved with more complaisance
to her husband, who had, after a while, the honour of be-
ing deemed father of another child of which she was de;
livered; and after this circumstance she indulged herseſ: -
5 in
*










ºr RICHARD NOBLE: ºf
in still greater liberties than before; her mother, who
was almost constantly with her, encouraging her in this
shameful conduct. At length a scheme was concerted,
which would probably have ended in the destruction of
Mr. Sayer and Colonel Salisbury, if it had not been hap-
pily prevented by the prudence of the latter. The Co-
lonel taking an opportunity to represent to Mrs. Sayer the
ill consequences that must attend her infidelity to her hus:
band, she immediately attacked him with the most out-
rageous language, and insulted him to that degree that
he threw the remainder of a cup of tea at her. The
mother and daughter immediately laid hold of this cir-
cumstance to inflame the passions of Mr. Sayer, whom
they at length prevailed on to demand satisfaction of the
colonel. The challenge is said to have been written by
Mrs. Sayer, and when the colonel received it, he cons
jectured that it was a planſ concerted between the ladies
to get rid of their husbands. However, the obeyed the
summons, and going in a coach with Mr. Sayer towards
Montagu-House, he addressed him as follows:– “Son
Sayer, letus come to a right understanding of this busi-
ness. 'Tis very well known that I am a swordsman, and
I should be very far from getting any honour by killing
you. But to come nearer to the point in hand. Thou
shouldst know, Jack, for all the world knows, that thy
wife and mine are both what they should not be. They
want to get rid of us at once. If thou shouldst drop,
they'll have me hanged for it after.” There was so much
of obvious truth in this remark, that Mr. Sayer imme-
diately felt its force, and the gentlemen drove home toge-
ther, to the mortification of the ladies. Soon after this
* , - º --- - - -
affair Mrs. Sayer, went to her house in Buckinghamshire,
- Tº Tº . - +T Tº º - -
Where an intimacy took place between her and the curate
of the parish,” and their amour was conducted with so little
reserve, that all the servants saw that the parson had more
influence in the house than their master. Mrs. Sayer com-
-- - - - º : - º --- - - - -
º º - - º º - - -
- º - - FT. -
- º,
* How disgraceful are the repeated instances which we are obliged t
- - - - - - - i. - --- º --- -
record, of the flagitious conduct of clergymen to their sacred avocations!
Nº? Editors,
-
























º - -
º
, 100 NEW NEW GA. T E CAL EN DAR.
ing to London, was soon followed by the young clergy-
man, who was seized with the small-pox, which cost him
his life. When he found there was no hope of his reco-
very, he sent to Mr. Sayer, earnestly requesting to see him:
but Mrs. Sayer, who judged what he wanted, said that
her husband had not had the small-pox, and such a
visit might cost him his life; she therefore insisted that
her husband should not go; and the passive man tamely
submitted to this injunction, though his wife daily sent a
footman to inquire after the clergyman, who died with-
out being visited by Mr. Sayer. This gentleman had
&
not been long dead before his place was supplied by an
with some valuable china, which she pretended was won
at Astrop Wells. About this time Mr. Sayer found his
affairs considerably deranged by his wife's extravagance;
on which a gentleman recommended him to Mr. Richard
Noble (the subject of our present consideration), as a
man capable of being very serviceable to him. His fa-
ther kept a very reputable coffee-house at Bath, and his
mother was so virtuous a woman, that when Noble after-
wards went to her house with Mrs. Sayer, in a coach and
six, she shut the door against him. He had been well
officer of the guards; but he was soon dismissed in fa-
vour of a man of great distinction, who presented her
t
educated, and articled to an attorney of eminence in New
Inn, in which he afterwards took chambers for himself; |
but he had not been in any considerable degree of prac-
tice when he was introduced to Mr. Sayer. Soon after
his introduction to Mr. Sayer's family he became too in-
timate with Mrs. Sayer, and, if report said true, with
they concerted a scheme to deprive Mr. Sayer of a con-
siderable part of his estate. The unhappy gentleman,
being perpetually teazed by the women, at length con-
sented to execute a deed of separation, in which he as:
signed some lands in Buckinghamshire, to the amount of
one hundred and fifty pounds a year, to his wife, exclu-
sive of fifty pounds a year for pin money; and by this
-
-- fith
- - º - W
her mother likewise. However, these abandoned woº
men had other prospects besides mere gallantry, and con-
sidering Noble as a man of the world as well as a lover,
deed he likewise covenanted that Mrs. Sayer might live
- - º

















-
.
- - -
RICHARD NOBLE. 101 x
/
with whom she pleased, and that he would never molest
any person on account of harbouring her. Mr. Sayer
was even so weak as to sign this deed, without having
counsel of his own to examine it. Not long after this
Mrs. Sayer was delivered of a child at Bath: but that the
husband might not take alarm at this circumstance, Noble
sent him a letter, acquainting him that he was to be
pricked down for high sheriff of Buckinghamshire; and
Mrs. Salisbury urged him to go to Holland to be out of
the way, and supplied him with some money on the occa-
sion. It does not seem probable that Sayer had any sus-
picion of Noble's criminal intercourse with his wife, for,
the night before he set out, he presented him with a pair -
of saddle-pistols and furniture worth above forty pounds.
Soon after he was gone, Mrs. Sayer's maid speaking of
the danger her master might be in at sea, Mrs. Sayer said,
“She should be sorry his man James, a poor iºnocent
fellow, should come to any harm; but she should be -
glad, and earnestly wished that Mr. Sayer might sink to
the bottom of the sea, and that the bottom of the ship
might come out.” Not long after the husband was gone
abroad, Noble began to give himself airs of greater con-
sequence than he had hitherto done. He was solicitor -
in a cause in the court of chancery, in which Mr Sayer
was plaintiff, and having obtained a decree, he obliged
the trustees nominated in the marriage articles to relin-
quish, and assumed the authority of a sole trustee. Mr.
Sayer remained in Holland near a year, during which time
Noble publicly cohabited with his wife; and when her
husband returned she refused to live with him ; but have
ing first robbed him of above two thousand pounds, in
exchequer bills and other effects, she went to private
lodgings with Noble, and was shortly after delivered of
another child. After Mrs. Sayer had thus eloped from her
husband, he caused an advertisement to be inserted in the .
newspapers of which the following is a copy :-
“Whereas Mary, the wife of John Sayer, Esq., late of
Lisle-street, St. Anne's, went away from her dwelling-
house, on or about the 23d of May last, in company with
Elizabeth Nevil, sister to the said Mary, and hath carried
- - aWAY.
---
-















#02 NEW NEwe ATE CALEN DAR.
not to give her any credit, for that he will not pay the
same.” - -- ---
º º º
While Mrs. Sayer cohabited with Noble he was con-
stantly supplied with money; but he was not her only as-
sociate at that time, for, during his occasional absence,
she received the visits of other lovers. Noble now pro-
cured an order from the court of chancery, to take Mr.
Sayer in execution for four hundred pounds, at the suit
of Mrs. Salisbury, the consequence of a judgment con:
fessed by him, for form's sake, to protect his goods from
his creditors while he was in Holland. Mr. Sayer de-
clared that the real debt was not more than Seventy
pounds, though artful management and legal expences
had swelled it to the above-mentioned sum. Hereupon
Sayer took refuge within the rules of the Fleet Prison, and
and the deed of separation, which he obtained. In the
mean time, Mrs. Sayer finding herself liable to be ex-
posed by the advertisement her husband had caused to be
at that time a place of refuge for great numbers of per-
sons of desperate circumstances and abandoned charac:
ters. Mr. Sayer having been informed of this, wrote se.
veral letters to her, promising that he would forgiveal
- - * - - - T
treated his letters with as much contempt as she had done
fects if he could get her into his custody. He therefore
obtained a warrant of a justice of the peace, and taking
with him two constables, and six assistants, went to the
intimating that they had a warrant to search for a sus:
pected person; for if it had been thought that they were
bailiffs, their lives would have been in danger. Having en-
tered the house, they went to a back room, where Nºble,
Mrs.
away near one thousand pounds in money, besides other
things of a considerable value, and is supposed to go by
some other name: he desires all tradesmen and others
her crimes, if she would return to her duty; but she
house of George Twyford in the Mint; the constables
exhibited his bill in chancery for relief against these suits,
his person. Hereupon he determined to seize on her by
force, presuming that he should recover some of his ef.
inserted in the newspapers, she, with her mother, and
Noble, took lodgings in the Mint, Southwark, which was


























* RICHARD Nob Le. º 1 ()3
Mrs. Sayer, and Mrs. Salisbury were at dinner; the door
was no sooner open than Noble drew his sword, and stab-
bing Sayer in the left breast, he died on the spot. The
constables immediately apprehended the murderer and
the two women; but the latter were so abandoned, that
while the peace officers were conveying them to the house
of a magistrate, they did little else than lament the fate of
Noble. Apprehensive that the mob would rise, from a
supposition that the prisoners were debtors, a constable
was directed to carry the bloody sword before them, in
testimony that murder had been committed, which pro-
duced the wished-for effect by keeping perfect peace.—
The prisoners begged to send for counsel; which being
granted, Noble was committed for trial, after an exami-
nation of two hours; but the counsel urged so many ar-
guments in favour of the women, that it was ten o'clock
at night before they were committed. Soon afterwards
this worthless mother and daughter applied to the Court
of King's Bench, to be admitted to bail, which was refused
them. The coroner's inquest having viewed Mr. Sayer's
...} it was removed to his lodgings within the rules of
the Fleet, in order for interment; and three days after-
wards they gave a verdict, finding Noble guilty of wilful
murder, and the women of having aided and assisted him
in that murder. On the evening of the 12th of March,
1713, they were put to the bar at Kingston, in Surry, and
having been arraigned on the several indictments, to which
they pleaded not guilty, they were told to prepare for
their trials by six o'clock on the following morning. Being
brought down for trial at the appointed time, they moved
the court that their trials might be deferred till the after-
noon, on the plea that some material witnesses were ab-
sent: but the court not believing their allegations, refused
to comply with their request. It was imagined that this
motion to put off their trials was founded in the expecta-
tion that when the business at the nisi prius bar was dis-
patched, many of the jurymen might go home, so that
when the prisoners had made their challenges, there might
not be a number left sufficient to try them, by which they
might escape till the next assizes, by which time they
hoped some circutſistances would happen in their favour.
It





104. NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
It being ordered that the trials should commence, Mr.
Noble and Mrs. Salisbury each challenged twenty of the
jury, and Mrs. Sayer challenged thirty-five. Here it
should be observed, that all persons indicted for felony
have a right to challenge twenty jurors, and those indicted
for petit-treason thirty five , which may be done with-
out alleging any cause. Happily, however, the sheriff
had summoned so great a number of jurors, that the ends
of public justice were not, for the present, defeated.--
Noble's counsel urged that some of the persons who broke
into the house might have murdered Mr. Sayer, or, if
they had not, the provocation he had received might be
such as would warrant the jury in bringing him in guilty
of manslaughter only. As the court had sat from six
o'clock in the morning, till one o'clock the next morning,
the jury were indulged with some refreshment before
they left the bar; and after being out nine hours, they
gave their verdict that Mr. Noble was “ Guilty,” and
Mrs. Salisbury and Mrs. Sayer were “Not guilty.” When
Mr. Noble was brought to the bar to receive sentence,
he addressed the court in the following words:—
- - º º
“My Lord,
“I am soon to appear and render an account of my
sins to God Almighty. If your lordship should think me
guilty of those crimes I have been accused, and con-
victed of by my jury, I am then sure your lordship will
think that I stand in need of such a reparation, such a hu:
miliation for my great offences, such an abhorrence of my |
past life, to give me hopes of a future one, that I am not
without hopes that it will be a motive to your lordship's
goodness, that after you have judged and sentenced my
body to execution, you will charitably assist me with a
little time for the preservation of my soul. If I had no:
thing to answer for but killing Mr. Sayer with precedent
malice, I should have no need to address myself to yout
lordship in this manner. It is now too late to take advant
tage by denying it to your lordship, and too near my end |
to dissemble it before God. I know, my lord, the dair
ger, the hell that I should plunge myself headlong into:
I know I shall soon answer for the truth I am about . .
* * , -- €iO16







RICHARD NO BLE - 105'
before a higher tribunal, and a more discerning judge
than your lordship, which is only in heaven: I did not
take the advantage to kill Mr. Sayer, by the thought or
apprehension that I could do it under the umbrage of the
laws, or with impunity ; nothing was more distant from
my thoughts, than to remove him out of the world to enjoy
his wife (as was suggested) without molestation. Nor
could any one have greater reluctance or remorse, from
the time of the fact to the hour of my trial, than I have
had, though the prosecutors reported to the contrary, for
which I heartily forgive them. My counsel obliged me
to say on my trial, that I heard Mr. Sayer's voice before
he broke open the door ; I told them as I now tell your
lordship, that I did not know it was him, till he was
breaking in at the door, and then, and not before, was
my sword drawn, and the wound given, which wound,
as Dr. Garth informed me, was so very slight, that it was
a thousand to one that he died of it. When I gave the
wound, I insensibly quitted the sword, by which means I
left myself open for him to have done what was proved
he attempted, and was so likely for him to have effected,
viz. to have stabbed me ; and his failure in the attempt
has not a little excited my surprise. When I heard the
company run up stairs, I was alarmed, and in fear; the
landlord telling me instantly thereupon, that the house
was beset, either for me or himself, added to my confusion.
I then never thought or intended to do mischief, but first
bolted the fore door, and then bolted and padlocked the
backdoor, which was glazed, and began to fasten the shut-
ters belonging to it, designing only to screen myself from
the violence of the tumult. When he broke open the
door, and not till then, I perceived and knew he was
present: and his former threats and attempts, which I so
fully proved on my trial, and could have proved much
fuller, had not Mrs. Salisbury's evidence been taken from
me, made my fear so great, and the apprehension of my
danger so near, that what I did was the natural motion of
self-defence, and was too sudden to be the result of pre-
cedent malice; and I solemly declare, that I did not hear
or know from Twyford the landlord, or otherwise, that
any constabie attended the deceased, till after the misfor-
YOL. I.--NO. 4. Q tune
-
---





106 NEW NEW G AT F. C.A. L E N DAR.
w
tune happened. It was my misfortune, that what I said
as to hearing the deceased's voice was turned to my dis-
advantage by the counsel against me, and that I was not
entitled to any assistance of counsel, to enforce the evi.
dence given for me, or to remark upon the evidence given
against me ; which I don't doubt would have fully satis-
fied your lordship and the jury, that what happened was
more my misfortune, than my design or intention. If I
had been able, under the concern, to remark upon the evi.
dence against me, that Mr. Sayer was but the tenth part
of a minute in breaking open the door, it could not then
well be supposed by the jury, that I was preparing my-
self, or putting myself in order to do mischief, which are
racts of fore-thought and consideration ; which require
much more time than is pretended I could have had
from the time I discovered Mr. Sayer ; for even from his
entry into the house, to the time of the accident, did not
amount, as I am informed, to more than the spase of
three minutes. But I did not discover him before the
door gave way. I wish it had been my good fortune, that
the jury had applied that to me which your lordship re-
marked in favour of the ladies, that the matter was so
very sudden, so very accidental and unexpected, that it
was impossible to be a contrivauce and confederacy, and
unlikely that they could come to a resolution in so short
a time. I don't remember your lordship distinguished
my case, as to that particular, to be different from theirs,
nor was there room for it ; for it is impossible for your
lordship to believe that I dreamt of Mr. Sayer's coming ||
there at that time, but on the contrary I fully proved to
your lordship, that I went there upon another occasion,
that was lawful and beneficial to the deceased ; and I had
no more time to think or contrive, than the ladies had to
agree or consent. If any thing could be construed fa.
vourably on the behalf of such an unfortunate wretch as
myself, I think the design I had sometime before begun,
and was about finishing that day, might have taken away
all suspicion of malice against Mr. Sayer.—Must it be
thought, my lord, that I only am such a sinner that I can.
not repent and make reparation to the persons I have
injured It was denied ; but I strongly solicited a re-
- - - conciliation





RICHARD NO B L F. 107
conciliation between Mr. Sayer and his lady, and if this
had tended to procure me an easier access to Mrs. Sayer,
it would have been such a matter of aggravation to me,
that it could not have escaped the remark of the counsel
against me, nor the sharpness of the prosecutors present
in court ; with both I transacted, and to both I appealed,
particularly to Mr. Nott, to whom, but the day before this
accident, I manifested my desire of having them live to-
gether again, and therefore, my lord, it should be pre-
sumed I laboured to be reconciled to, and not to revenge
myself on, Mr. Sayer. Your lordship, I hope, will ob-
serve thus much in my favour, that it was so far from be-
ing a clear fact, in the opinion of the jury, that they sat
up all night, and believing there was no malice at that
time, told your lordship they intended, and were inclined,
to find it man-slaughter, and, doubting the legality of the
warrant, to find it special. I hope this will touch your
lordship's heart so far, as not to think me so ill a man as
to deserve (what the best of Christians are taught to pray
against) a sudden death !—I confess, I am unprepared ;
the hopes of my being able to make a legal defence, and
my endeavours therein having taken up my time, which
I wish I had better employed: I beg leave to assure your
lordship, upon the words of a dying man, that as none
of the indirect practices to get or suppress evidence were
proved upon me, so they never sprang from me: and I
can safely say, that my blood, in a great measure, will
lie at their door that did, because it drew me under an ill
imputation of defending myself by subornation of per-
jury. I would be willing to do my duty towards my neigh-
bour, as well as God, before I die; I have many papers
and concerns (by reason of my profession) of my clients
in my hands, and who will suffer, if they are not put into
some order; and nothing but these two considerations
could make life desirable, under this heavy load of irons,
and restless remorse of conscience for my sins. A short
reprieve for these purposes, I hope will be agreeable to
your lordship's humanity and Christian virtue, whereupon
your lordship's name shall be blest with my last breath,
for giving me an opportunity of making peace with my
conscience and God Almighty.” - .
- O2 The



















| O3 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
A lº
The last request that Noble made was granted: he
- was allowed some time to settle his spiritual and tempo-
- ral concerns, and at length suffered at Kingston, on the
28th of March, 1713, exhibiting marks of genuine re-
pentance. As to the women, they were no sooner ac-
quitted, than they set out for London, taking one of the
turnkeys with them, to protect them from the assaults of
the populace, who were incensed in the highest degree
at the singular enormity of their crimes.
-
-
WILLIAM LOWTHER and RICHARD KEELE,
ExECUTED For THE MURDER of will.I.AM PERRy, A TURN KEY of
* CLERKENWELL BRIDEWELL.
WILLIAM Low THER was a native of Cumberland, and
being bound to the master of a Newcastle ship, which
traded to London, became acquainted with some of that
low and abandoned company which is always to be
found in the metropolis. - -
Richard Keele was a native of Hampshire, and served
his time to a barber at Winchester; and on coming to
London, he married and settled in his own business in
Rotherhithe: but not living happily with his wife, he
parted from her, cohabited with another woman, and as:
sociated with a number of disorderly people, till the
commission of the crime for which his life paid the for
feit.
On the 10th of December, 1713, they were indicted
at the Old Bailey, for assisting Charles Houghton in the
murder of Edward Perry.
The case was as follows: The prisoners, together with
two other desperate offenders, of the names of Houghton
and Cullum, having been convicted of felony at the Old
Bailey, were sentenced to be kept to hard labour in Clerk.
enwell-bridewell for two years. On their being carried
thither, Mr. Boreman, the keeper, thought it necessary
to put them in irons, to prevent their escape. This they
all refused to submit to ; and Boreman having ordered
the irons, they broke into the room where the arms were
deposited













WILLIAM Low THER, &c. 109
deposited, which they seized, and then attacked the keeper
and his assistants, whom they cruelly beat. Lowther bit
off part of a man's nose. At this time Perry, one of the
turnkeys, was without the gate, and desired the prisoners
to be peaceable ; but advancing towards them, he was
stabbed by Houghton; and during the fray, Houghton
was shot dead.
The prisoners being at length victorious, many of
them made their escape ; but the neighbours giving their
assistance, Keele and Lowther, and several others, were
taken, and convicted on the clearest evidence. Before the
passing sentence, Keele endeavoured to extenuate his
crime, but he was informed by the court, that he must be
deemed equally guilty with the rest of his companions,
as he had opposed the keepers in the execution of their
duty. -
Some time after conviction, a smith went to the pri-
son to take measure of them for chains, in which they
were to be hung, pursuant to an order from the secretary
of state's office ; but they for some time resisted him in
this duty. - - ,
On the morning of execution, being the 13th of De-
cember, 1713, they were carried from Newgate to Cler-
kenwell-green, and there hanged on a gallows erected on
the occasion ; after which, their bodies were put in a
cart, drawn by four horses, decorated with plumes of
black feathers, and were hung in chains on the day after
their execution. t- º
While these unhappy men lay under sentence of death,
they appeared to have a due sense of the enormity of the
crime of which they had been guilty, and made serious
preparation for the important change they were to under-
go; but, at the place of execution, Keele asked the un-
der sheriff if they were to be hung in chains? when the
answer given was, “Don’t concern yourself about your
-
body, but take care of your poor soul.” -
º
-- -




} | {} NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
HENRY PLUNKET,
MURDERER, ExEcuTer AT TYBURN, on THE 22D of SEPTEMBER, 1714.
IN the case of this gentleman, we have a shocking in-
stance of the danger into which our passions lead us. A
more unprovoked murder we cannot record. Mr. Plunket
was a foreigner, born at Saar-Lewis, in the dutchy of
Lorrain, and was the son of an Irish gentleman, who
held the rank of colonel in the French service, and was
related to father Plunket, a priest, who was called the
primate of Ireland, and came to a fatal end in the year
1679. Young Plunket was made a lieutenant when he
was only ten years of age, and served under his father in
Flanders, Germany, and Italy. He was remarkably dis-
tinguished for his courage, having never exhibited the
least sign of fear in all the engagements in which he was
concerned.
Having been a while at Ostend, he came over to Eng-
land with a gentleman named Reynard, having fled from
that place on account of having murdered a man.
He was indicted at the Old Bailey, for the murder of
Thomas Brown, by cutting his throat with a razor, on the
30th of August, 1714. - .
It appeared in the course of the evidence, that the pri.
soner lodged in the parish of St. Anne, Soho, in the same
house with the deceased, who being a peruke-maker by
trade, Plunket bespoke a wig of him, which Brown
finished, and asked seven pounds for it,” but at length
lowered his demand to six : Plunket bid him four pounds
for it; but was so enraged at what he thought an exhorbit-
|
º
º
ant price, that he took up a razor, cut his throat, and then
made his escape ; but was apprehended on the following
day. - -
As soon as the horrid deed was perpetrated, Brown
came down stairs in a bloody condition, holding his hands
to his throat, on which a surgeon was sent for, who dress-
* It must be remembered, that at the commencement of the last century,
when this foul deed was committed, young gentlemen wore enormous
wigs. A hundred years reconciled them to their own hair, and the ladies
alone now appear in wigs. -

























-
THOMAS DOUGLASS. 1 11
ed his wounds, and gave him some cordia's ; by which
he was so far recovered as to be able to describe the pri-
soner, who, he said, stood behind him, pulled back his
head, and cut him twice on the throat.
It was proved that a sword and a pair of gloves be-
longing to the prisoner were found on a bed in the room
where Brown was murdered ; and Plunket having no- -
thing material to urge in his defence, was found guilty,
received sentence of death, and was executed at Tyburn,
on the 22d of September, 1714. -
He professed to die a Roman Catholic; and it was
with the utmost difficulty he was brought to confess the
justice of the sentence in consequence of which he suf-
fered.
º
---
THOMAS DOUGLASS,
Aiur DERER, ExEcu're D AT TYBURN on THE 27th of octop ER, 1714.
This conviction presents another instance of the mis-
chief ensuing from drunkenness, which the law, so far
from admitting it as a palliation, as this unhappy man
conceived, considers it an aggravation of the crime.
* Thomas Douglass was indicted at the Old Bailey, for
the murder of William Sparks, a seaman, at a public-
house in Wapping. º
He was born in the county of Berwick, in Scotland,
and having been educated by his parents according to
the strictly religious plan prevailing in that country, he
was bound apprentice to a sea-faring person at Berwick,
and when he was out of his time he entered on board a
ship in the royal navy; and in this station acquired the
character of an expert and valiant seaman. -- -
Having served queen Anne during several engage-
ments in the Mediterranean and other seas, he returned
to England with Sparks, who was his shipmate, on whom
he committed the murder we have mentioned.
It appeared in the course of the evidence, that the
parties had been drinking together, till they were inflam-











# 12 NEW NEw GATE CALEN DAR.
ed with liquor, when the prisoner took up a knife, and
stabbed the other in such a manner, that he died on the
spot. The atrociousness of the offence was such, that
Douglass was immediately taken into custody ; and be:
ing convicted on the clearest evidence, received sentence
of death.
After conviction, it was a difficult matter to make
Douglass sensible of the enormity of the crime that he
had committed ; for he supposed that, as he was drunk
when he perpetrated the fact, he ought to be considered
in the same light as a man who is a lunatic. He suffered
at Tyburn, on the 27th of October, 1714, and died a
penitent. -
IATHANIEL PARKHURST, ESQ.
MURDERER, EXECUTED AT TYBURN, ON THE 20th of MAY, 1715.
---
º º
It is somewhat singular, that in our search of the ancient
records of crimes and punishments, we should find, in
chronological order, tow murders, stimulated by the
fumes of intoxication. Of this disgraceful practice, of
itself a sin, we could give a long lecture;—but let these
dreadful consequences operate as a caution to drunk-
ards: -
Mr. Parkhurst was indicted at the Old Bailey, for the
murder of Lewis Pleura, on the 3d of March, 1715; and
a second time indicted on the statute of stabbing: when
the substance of the evidence given against him, was as
follows: -
He was a native of the village of Catesby, near Da-
ventry, in Northamptonshire, and was the son of very re-
spectable parents, who having given him the education
common in a country academy, sent him to finish his
studies at Wadham college, in Oxford; but associating
himself with men of an atheistical turn of mind, they
employed themselves in ridiculing religion, and making a
jest of the scriptures, and everything that was held sacred,
Lewis Pleura, who was born in Italy, had taken upon
º: himself








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NATHANIEL PARKHURST, ESQ. 1 13
himself the title of count, and subsisted by the practice of
gaming, till being greatly reduced in circumstances, he
was obliged to take refuge in the Fleet prison, where he
became acquainted with Mr. Parkhurst. - -
Parkhurst and the deceased, Lewis Pleura, having been
fellow prisoners in the Fleet for debt, the former, who had
sat up drinking till three o'clock in the morning, went
into a room adjoining to that of Mr. Pleura, and said,
“D—n you, Sir Lewis, where are you?” but finding that
he had mistaken the room, he went into the right cham-
ber, and said, “D–n you, Sir Lewis, pay me four gui-
neas you owe me.” Soon after this the cry of murder
was heard; when a number of people repairing to the
place, found Pleura weltering in his blood on the floor.
and Parkhurst over him with his sword, who had stabbed
him in near twenty places.
-
A surgeon was immediately sent for, who dressed the
vered the use of his speech, he declared that Parkhurst
had assassinated him. Parkhurst being taken out of the
room, went back again to it and said, “D-n you, Pleura,
deceased, and put him to bed, and as soon as he reco-
-- - --------
are you not dead yet?” --------
*
In answer to this evidence against him, he said, that
he was ignorant of having committed the crime, and for
two years and a half past, had been in a very unhappy
state of mind; and several witnesses were called to prove
that he had done many things which seemed to intimate
that he was a lunatic; but, on the contrary, other evi-
dences deposed, that not long before the murder hap-
pened, he had taken such steps towards obtaining his
liberty, as proved, that he was in the full use of his in-
tellectual faculties. Upon the whole, therefore, the jury
found him guilty. -
Soon after this offender had received sentence of death,
he began to see the error of those opinions he had im-
bibed, acknowledged the truth of that religion he had ri-
diculed, and felt the force of its divine precepts. He
confessed that the dissolute course of life which he had
led had wasted his substance, weakened his intellectual
faculties, and disturbed his mind to such a degree, that
before he committed the murder for which he suffered,
vol. 1.- No. 5. P * he




1 14 N E W NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
he had resolved to kill some person or other, and make
his escape from the Fleet prison; or, if he should be un-
able to effect this, he intended to have been guilty of
suicide. -
It is very remarkable of this malefactor, that, on the
morning of execution he ordered a fowl to be prepared
for his breakfast, of which he seemed to eat with a good
appetite, and drank a pint of liquor with it. º
How men can even indulge the idea of feasting, a mo-
ment as it were, before they know a disgraceful death
must happen, is truly astonishing! Lord Lovat, as we
shall hereafter shew, ordered his favourite dish to be
cooked, and thereof eat greedily, just before his head was
severed from his body.
At the place of execution he addressed himself to the
populace, intimating, that since he had been ill of the
small-pox, about twenty years before, his head had been
affected to such a degree, that he was never able to speak
long at a time : wherefore he said no more, only earnestly
requested their prayers for his departing soul. -
He was executed at Tyburn on the 20th of May,
1715, in the thirty-ninth year of his age.
--- - -*.
Highway MAN, Executed AT TYBURN, on THE 23d of December, 1715,
Air the age of nine years he was placed at Merchant
Taylors' School, whence he was removed to the care of
Dr. Shorter, under whom he obtained a tolerable pro: |
ficiency in the Latin and Green languages. -
Having made choice of the profession of a surgeon, he
was bound at Surgeon's Hall, to a gentleman equally
eminent for his skill and piety; but giving early proof;
of the wildness of his disposition, his master predicted the
fatal consequefice that would ensue. F.
Powel's father and mother dying soon after be was
bound, and his master, when he had served six years of
his time, he was wholly at his own disposal: a circum.
stance that led to his ruin. He was at this time only
- eighteeſ














ºf HENRY PoW ET. -- 1 15
eighteen years of age, and hitherto had not kept any
company that was notoriously wicked. Going now to
see a young woman who was related to him, she fancied
a ring which he had on his finger, and wished he would
exchange it for hers, which he did ; but it appearing to be
of less value than she had imagined, she was base
enough, on the following morning, to have him seized in
his bed, as a person proper to serve the king; and without
being permitted to send for any friend, he was sent into
Flanders as a foot-soldier. -
He twice deserted from the regiment in which he
served ; but the intercession of some of his officers saved
him from the customary punishment. When he had
been a soldier about three years, the regiment was quar.
tered at Nieuport, between Dunkirk and Ostend, whence
he again deserted, in company with seven other men, who
travelled into Holland, where they embarked on board a
ship bound to England, and being landed at Burlington,
in Yorkshire, Powel came up to London. - -
Being arrived in the metropolis, he found that he had
not one acquaintance left who was able and willing to
assist him ; so that he repented having deserted from the
army, being reduced to such a situation that he saw no
prospect before him but either to beg or steal. The first
he despised as a mean occupation, and the latter he
dreaded as equally destructive to his soul and body.
Hereupon he applied for employment as a porter, and
worked at the water-side, till a fellow induced him to
be concerned in stealing some goods, for which the other
was hanged. - - - º
About this time Powel married a young woman of
strict virtue, who finding some irregularity in his beha-
viour, warned him to avoid all evil courses, as they must
--
infallibly end in his destruction. º
On the 15th of October, 1715, he went as far as South
Mims, in Hertfordshire, where he stopped Sarah Mad-
docks on the highway, and robbed her of two shillings.
and sixpence; for which offence he was apprehended,
and being tried at the Old Bailey in the following month,
he was convicted, received sentence of death, and was
executed at Tyburn on the 23d of December, 1715.
- - Just



















1 16 New NEwg ATE c AL EN DAR.
Just before his going to the place of execution, he deli-
wered a paper to the ordinary of Newgate, in which were
the following passages: “I account this ignominious
death as a just judgment for my sins against the Divine
Majesty and my neighbour; and therefore patiently re-
sign myself to his blessed will, and hope (with true re-
pentance, and a stedfast faith in Christ Jesus, he will seal
my pardon in heaven, before I go hence, and be no more
seen; and I bless God I have had more consolation un-
der my condemnation, than ever I had these many years;
and I hope that those who survive me will take warning
- by my fatal end.
“I have this comfort, that no man can accuse me of
enticing him to the commission of such facts; especially
one person, who had accused me of it since my condem-
nation; but for the value I have for him, I’ll omit his
name, and desire him to take warning by me; being re-
solved within myself, that if God had prolonged my days,
I would relinquish all such courses.” - -
--
Ağcount of THE RISE AND PRogRESS º
º
-- -
| GF
º -
With full Accounts of the principal Traitors who were executed.
history of England. Neither the abdication of the throne
by king James II, nor his defeat by king William III. at
the battle of the Boyne, in Ireland, were admitted by the
adherents to the family of Stuart, to bar their right to the
crown. On the accession of George l, this question was
Mar, a Scotch nobleman of great popularity, and secretly
a friend to the royal stock of his own country, determined
upon tº attempt to dethrone the king, and to overthrow
the cu itution. This nobleman was farther stimulated
- iſ,
THE FIRST REBELLION IN Scott.AND, 1713;
WE are now arrived at a very memorable period of the
in secret agitated with much warmth; when the earl
















REBELLION IN Sco'ſ LAND, 1715. 117
to attempt this dangerous measure, from being, on the ac-
cession of the king, deprived of some offices which he
held under the tory ministry of Queen Anne ; which, had
he been permitted to retain after the change of measures
which then took place, this rebellion might not have broke
out. When the earl found he was deprived of all share
in the new government, in revenge be retired to Scot-
land, where he immediately began to tamper with such
lords as possessed influence among the people, and found
they wanted only a leader to set up the standard of the
grandson of king James, who by the Scotch was hailed
as the heir to the English throne, but by the government
denominated the Pretender.
An invitation was now sent to the Pretender, who had
taken refuge in France, to come to Scotland, while the
friends to his cause were seducing and inlisting men for
his service. This was done with all possible secrecy, yet
their proceedings were soon known by ministry, as on
the 20th of July, 1715, when the king had not then reigned
a year, he went to the House of Lords, where having sent
for the Commons, he told them from the throne, that a
plan was on foot to invade the country by the Pretender;
and that he suspected there were too many abettors of
rebellion in this country.
e quelled,
He required, that until the rebellion should
the act of habeas corpus should be suspended, and prepa-
rations should, to that end, be immediately made.
Orders were issued for the embodying of the militia,
the guards were encamped in Hyde-Park, and several
men of war ordered to guard the coasts, and intercept
the army of the Pretender on his voyage from France to
Scotland; and many were apprehended on suspicion of
secretly aiding the rebels, and committed to prison.
Meanwhile the earl of Mar was in open rebellion at
the head of an army of 3000 men, which was rapidly in-
creasing, marching from town to town in Scotland, pro-
claiming the Pretender as king of England and Scotland,
by the title of James III. An attempt was made by
stratagem to surprise the castle of Edinburgh. To this
end some of the king's soldiers were base enough to re-
ceive a bribe to admit those of the earl of Mar, who were,
by



I 18. NEW NEWGA TE cat. EN DAR.
by means of ladders of rope, to scale the walls, and sur.
prise the guard ; but the lord justice Clerk having some
suspicion of the treachery, seized the guilty, some of
whom were executed. - º
The rebels were greatly chagrined at the failure of their
attempt upon Edinburgh castle; and the French king,
Louis XIV. from whom they hoped for assistance, dy-
ing about this time, the leaders became disheartened, and
contemplated the abandonment of their project, until their
king could shew himself among them.
Discontent, however, shewed itselfin another quarter. In
Northumberland the spirit of rebellion was fermented by
Thomas Forster, then one of the members of parliament for
that county; and, being joined by several noblemen and
gentlemen, they attempted to seize the large and commer-
- cial town of Newcastle, but were driven back by the friends
of the government. Forster set up the standard of the
Pretender, and proclaimed him the lawful king of Britain
wherever he went. He next joined a body of Scotch
troops in rebellion, and marched with them as far as
Preston, in Lancashire, before his career could be stopped
by the king's army. -
At this town generals Carpenter and Wills attacked the
rebels, who defended themselves a while, by firing upon
the royal army from windows, and from the tops of
houses, but the latter proved victorious, but not without
the loss of 150 men. They made prisoners about 1500,
among whom were
º
The Earl of Derwentwater,
The Lord Widdrington,
The Earl of Nithesdale,
The Earl of Winton,
The Earl of Carnworth,
Viscount Kenmure,
The Lord Nairn,
-- ---
These noblemen, with about 300 more rebels, were
conveyed to London ; the remainder, taken at the bat-
tle of Preston, were sent to Liverpool and its adjacent
towns. At Highgate, the party intended for trial in
º - % London,
-














REBELLION IN SCOT LAND, 1715. 119
London, were met by a strong detachment of foot-guards,
who tied them back to back, and placed two on each
horse, and in this ignominious manner were they held to
the derision of the populace, until the lords were con- ~ *
veyed to the Tower, and the others to Newgate and other
prisons. - -
On the day after the victory of the English, the earl of
Mar, with his followers, attempted to cross the Forth,
with a view of joining the rebels, collected together in
England ; but a squadron of the British fleet having an-
chored off Edinburgh, they abandoned that design.
Sir John M*Kenzie, on the part of the Pretender, forti-
fied the town of Inverness; but lord Lovatº armed his te-
nants, and drove him from his fortifications. This was a
service of much import to the royal cause, as the posses-
sion of Inverness opened a communication between the
high and the fow lands of Scotland. The earl of Seath-
forth and the marquis of Huntley, appeared in favour of
the Pretender; but on the earl of Sunderland threatening
to fall upon them at the head of his tenants, they laid
down their arms. Thus we find that the interest of Scot-
land was divided in the question of the right to the British
throne. In England there was a vast majority in favour
of the house of Hanover. º
| The Pretender, evading the British ships sent to watch
his motions, landed from a small lºrench vessel, with only
six followers. This happened on the 23d of December, .
while the royal army, under the duke of Argyle, were in
winter quarters at Stirling, and that of the rebels, at
Perth. On the 9th of January, 1716, having collected a
few hundred half-armed highlanders, the Pretender made
a public entry into the palace of Scone, the place of co-
romation of the kings of Scotland, while that country was
a separate monarchy; assumed the functions of a king, and
issued a proclamation for his coronation, and another for
the convocation of the states.
-
* This Scotch nobleman, at this time active in the cause of king George,
by a strange infatuation during a subsequent rebellion, on the very same
cause, took the other side, and fought for the Pretender, was taken, con-
demned, and beheaded on Tower-hill? A particular account of that re-
bellion we shall also give, with the trials and execution of the rebels.
These




H2O NEW NEw GATE CALEN DAR.
-
These daring proceedings determined the duke of Ar-
gyle, who had been joined by general Cadogan, at the
head of 6000 Dutch troops, notwithstanding the incle-
mency of the season, to march in pursuit of the rebels.
He proceeded to their head-quarters at Perth, but they
fled on his approach. It appeared that the Pretender
was encouraged by France to rebel, hoping thereby to
throw the nation into confusion, of which that deceitful
government would have taken the advantage. To meet
the expected succours, the Pretender and his adherents
went to Dundee, and thence to Montrose, where, soon
rendered hopeless by no news arriving of the approach of
the foreigners, they began to disperse. The king's troops
pursued and put several to death; but the Pretender, ac-
companied by the earl of Mar, and some of the leaders
of the rebellion, had the good fortune to get on board a
ship lying before Montrose, and in a dark night put to
sea, escaped the English fleet, and landed in France.
It is now time to return to the captive lords, and the
other prisoners, taken at the battle of Preston. The House
of Commons unanimously agreed to impeach the lords,
and expel Forster from his seat as one of their members;
while the courts of common law proceeded with the
trials of those of less note. The articles of impeachment
being sent by the Commons, the Lords sat in judgment,
Earl Cooper, the Lord High Chancellor of England, being
constituted Lord High Steward. - º
The unfortunate noblemen, except the earl of Winton,
pleaded guilty to the indictment, but offered pleas of
extenuation for their guilt, in hopes of obtaining mercy,
In that of the earl of Derwentwater, he suggested that the
proceedings of the House of Commons, in impeaching
him, was illegal. - --- * ,
Proclamation was immediately made for silence, and
the Lord High Steward proceeding to pass the sentence
of the Law, on those who had pleaded guilty, in the fol.
fowing words:
“James earl of Derwentwater, William lord Widdring-
ton, William earl of Nithisdale, Robert earl of Carnwarth,
William viscount Kenmure, William lord Nairn:
“You stand impeached by the Commons of Great-
Britain, in parliament assembled, of high treason, in trai-
- torously






R & B E L L ION IN SCOT LAN ID. 19 1
torously imagining and compassing the death of his most
sacred majesty, and in conspiring for that end to levy a
bloody and destructive war against his majesty, in order
to depose and murder him ; and in levying war accord-
ingly, and proclaiming a pretender to his crown to be
king of these realms. -
“ Which impeachment, though one of your lordships,
in the introduction to this plea, supposes to be out of the
ordinary and common course of the law and justice, is
yet as much a course of proceeding according to the coun-
mon law, as any other whatsoever.
“ If you had been indicted, the indictment must have
been removed, and brought before the House of Lords,
(the parliament sitting.) In that case you had ('tis true)
been accused only by the grand-jury of one county ; in
the present, the whole body of the commons of Great-
Britain, by their representatives, are your accusers.
“And this circumstance is very observable, (to exclude
all possible supposition of hardship, as to the method of
proceeding against you) that however all great assem-
blies are apt to differ on other points, you were impeach-
ed by the unanimous opinion of the House of Commons,
not one contradicting. -
“They found themselves, it seems, so much concerned
in the preservation of his most truly sacred majesty, and
the Protestant succession (the very life and soul of these
kingdoms) that they could not omit the first opportunity
of taking their proper part, in order to so signal and ne-
cessary an act of his majesty's justice.
“And thus the whole body politic of this free king-
dom has in a manner, rose up in its own defence, for the
punishment of those crimes, which, it was rightly appre-
hended, had a direct tendency to the everlasting dissolu-
ºtion of it. º
“ To this impeachment you have severally pleaded
and acknowledged yourselves guilty of the high treason
therein contained. ' -
“ Your pleas are accompanied with some variety of
matter to mitigate your offences, and to obtain mercy.
“ Part of which, as some of the circumstances said to
have attended your surrender, (seeining to be offered ra-
vo L. I.-No. 5. Q: - ther



-- -- º
-
º -
- -
| 22 New Nºwg ATE callen DAR.
ther as arguments only for mercy, than any thing in miti-
gation of your preceding guilt) is not proper for me to
take notice of º
“ But as to the other part, which is meant to extenu-
ate the crimes of which you are convicted, it is fit I
should take this occasion to make some observations to
your lordships upon it, to the end that the judgment to
be given against you may clearly appear to be just and
righteous, as well as legal ; and that you may not remain
under any fatal error in respect of a greater judicature,
by reflecting with less horror and remorse on the guilt
you have contracted than it really deserves. -
“ It is alledged, by some of your lordships, that you
engaged in this rebellion without previous concert or
deliberation, and without suitable preparations of men,
horses, and arms.
“ If this should be supposed true, on some of your
lordships averring it, I desire you to consider, that it
exempts you from the circumstance of contriving this
treason, so it very much aggravates your guilt in that
part you have undoubtedly borne in the execution of it.
“ For it shews, that your inclinations to rebel were so
well known, (which could only be from a continued series
of your words and actions) that the contrivers of that hor.
rid design depended upon you, and therein judged right-
ly that your zeal to engage in this treason was so strong,
as to carry you into it on the least warning, and the very
first invitation: that you would not excuse yourselves by
- want of preparation, as you might have done; and that ||
rather than not have share in the rebellion, you would
plunge yourselves into it, almost naked and unprovided
for such an enterprize ; in short that your men, horses,
and arms, were not so well prepared as they might, and
would have been, on longer warning ; but your minds
Wettº,
‘‘ It is alledged also, as an extenuation of your erimes,
that no cruel or harsh action (I suppose is meant no ra.
pine or plunder, or worse) has been committed by you.
* This may, in part only, be true : but then your lord:
ships will at the same time consider, that the laying waste
a tract of and bears but a little proportion, in point of
* . º guilt,
**-
*










at Preston been less sudden (and consequently the rebelsbet.
“No, my lords, these, and such like, are artful colour-
ings, proceeding from minds filled with expectation of
more justified the prudence and fitness of those orders,
1
C)
3
REBEL I, ION IN SCOTI, A N 1).
- *.
guilt, compared with that crime of which you stand con-
victed; an open attempt to destroy the best of kings, to
ruin the whole fabric, and rase the very foundations of a
government, the best suited of any in the world, to perfect
the happiness and support the dignity of human nature. -
The former offence causes but a mischief that is soon re- >
covered, and is usually pretty much confined; the latter,
had it succeeded, must have brought a lasting and univer- --
sal destruction on the whole kingdom.
“Besides, much of this was owing to accident; your march
was so hasty, partly to avoid the king's troops, and partly
from a vain hope to stir up insurrections in all the counties
you passed through, that you had not time to spread de-
vastation, without deviating from your main, and, as I
have observed, much worse design.
* Farther: 'Tis very surprising that any concerned in
this rebellion, should lay their engaging in it on the go-
vernment's doing a necessary and usual act in like cases,
for its preservation ; the giving orders to confine such as
were most likely to join in that treason : 'tis hard to be-
lieve that any one should rebel, merely to avoid being re-
strained from rebelling; or that a gentle confinement
would not much better have suited a crazy state of
health, than the fatigues and inconveniences of such
long and hasty marches in the depth of winter.
* * Your lordships rising in arms therefore, has much
than those orders will in any wise serve to mitigate your
treason. Alas! happy had it been for all your lordships,
had you fallen under so indulgent a restraint
“When your lordships shall in good earnest apply
yourselves to think impartially on your case, surely you
will not yourselves believe that it is possible, in the na-. ---
ture of the thing, to be engaged, and continue so long en- -
gaged, in such a difficult and laborious enterprize, through
rashness, surprize, or inadvertency; or that had the attack
terprepared to receive it), your lordships had been reduced
the sooner, and with less, if not without any bloodshed.
Q 2 continuing -













124 NEW NEW GATE C A LEN DA. R.
continuing in this world, and not from such as are prepar-
ing for their defence before a tribunal, where the thoughts
of the heart, and the true springs and causes of action
must be laid open. -
“And now, my lords, having thus removed some false
colours you have used ; to assist you yet farther in that
necessary work of thinking on your great offence as you
ought, I proceed to touch upon several circumstances that
seem greatly to aggravate your crime, and which will de-
serve your most serious consideration.
“The divine virtues ('tis one of your lordships' own
epithets) which all the world, as well as your lordships,
acknowledge to be in his majesty, and which you now lay
claim to, ought certainly to have with-held your hands
from endeavouring to depose, to destroy, to murder, that
- most excellent prince ; so the impeachment speaks, and
* - so the law construes your actions: and this is not only
- true in the notion of law, but almost always so in deed
and reason. 'Tis a trite, but a very true remark, that
there are but few hours between kings being reduced
under the power of pretenders to their crown and their
graves. Had you succeeded, his majesty's case would,
-- I fear, have hardly been an exception to that general rule,
since 'tis highly improbable that flight should have saved
any of that illustrious and valiant family. .
“'Tis a further aggravation of your crime, that his ma-
jesty, whom your lordships would have dethroned, af.
fected not the crown by force, or by the arts of ambition,
but succeeded peaceably and legally to it; and on the
decease of her late majesty without issue, became un:
doubtedly the next in course of descent capable of suc-
ceeding to the crown, by the law and constitution of this
kingdom, as it stood declared some years before the crown
was expressly limited to the house of Hanover. This
right was acknowledged, and the descent of the crown
limited or confirmed accordingly, by the whole legislature
in two successive reigns, and more than once in the lat-
ter; which your lordships' accomplices are very far from
allowing would bias the nation to that side.
“How could it then enter into the heart of man, to think
that private persons might with a good conscience endea.
º: - your
































RE BE L L ION IN SCOTI, A NT). 195
vour to subvert such a settlement, by running to tumul-
tuary arms, and by intoxicating the dregs of the people
with contradictory opinions and groundless slanders; or
that God’s providence would ever prosper such wicked,
such ruinous attempts; especially if, in the next place,
it be considered, that the most fertile inventions, on the
side of the rebellion, have not been able to assign the
least shadow of a grievance as the cause of it: to such
poor shifts have they been reduced on this head, that, for
want of better colours, it has been objected, in a solemn
manner, by your lordships' associates, to his majesty's go-
vernment, that his people do not enjoy the fruits of peace,
as our neighbours have done since the last war; thus they
first rob us of our peace, and then upbraid us that we
have it not. It is a monstrous rebellion, that can find no
fault with the government it invades, but what is the ef-
fect of the rebellion itself?
“Your lordships will likewise do well to consider what
an additional burden your treason has made it necessary
on the people of this kingdom, who wanted and were
about to enjoy some respite : to this end, 'tis well known,
that all new, or increase of taxes, were the last year care-
fully avoided, and his majesty was contented to have no
more forces than were just sufficient to attend his person,
and shut the gates of a few garrisons.
“But what his majesty thus did for the ease and quiet
of his people, you most ungratefully turned to his disad-
vantage, by taking encouragement from thence, to en-
danger his and his kingdom's safety, and to bring oppres-
sion on your fellow-subjects. -
“Your Lordships observe, I avoid expatiating on the
miseries of a civil war, a very large and copious subject ;
I shall but barely suggest to you on that head, that what-
ever those calamities may happen to be, in the present
case, all who are, at any time, or in any place, partakers
in the rebellion (especially persons of figure and distinc-
tion), are in some degree responsible for them: and there-
fore your lordships must not hold yourselves quite clear
from the guilt of those barbarities which have been lately
committed, by such as are engaged in the same treason
- --- with


#26 N F. W NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
with yoh, and not yet perfectly reduced, in burning the
habitations of their countrymen, and thereby exposing
many thousands to cold and hunger in this rigorous
season. . -
“I must be so just, to such of your lordships as pro-
ſess the religion of the church of Rome, that you had one
temptation, and that a great one, to engage you in this
treason, which the others had not; in that, it was evi-
dent, success on your part must for ever have established
Popery in this kingdom, and that probably you could me.
ver have again so fair an opportunity.
“But then, good God! how must those Protestants be
covered with confusion, who entered into the same mea.
sures, without so much as capitulating for their religion
(that ever I could find from any examination I have seen
or heard), or so much as requiring, much less obtaining a
frail promise, that it should be preserved, or even tole-
rated. º
“It is my duty to exhort your lordships thus to think of
the aggravations, as well as the mitigations (if there be
any) of your offences: and if I could have the feast hopes,
that the prejudices of habit and education would not be
too strong for the most earnest and charitable entreaties,
I would beg you not to rely any longer on those directors
of your consciences, by whose conduct you have, very
probably, been led into this miserable condition; but that
your lordships would be assisted by some of those pious
º
universal charity.
“And now, my lords, nothing remains, but that I pro-
nounce upon you (and sorry I am that it falls to my lot to
do it) that terrible sentence of the law, which must be
der in the like kind. º
“The most ignominious and painful parts of it are
usually remitted, by the grace of the crown, to persons of
your quality; but the law, in this case, being deaf to all
distinctions of persons, requires I should pronounce, and
ascordingly it is adjudged by this court,
- * That
and learned divines of the church of England, who have
constantly borne that infallible mark of sincere Christians,
the same that is usually given against the meanest offen-
--







REBELLION IN sco TLAND. 127
“That you, James Earl of Derwentwater, William
Lord Widdrington, William. Earl of Nithisdale, Robert
Earl of Carnwarth, William Viscount Kenmure, and Wil-
liam Lord Nairn, and every of you, return to the prison of
the Tower, from whence you came ; from thence you
must be drawn to the place of execution ; when you come -
there, you must be hanged by the neck, but not till you º
be dead; for you must be cut down alive; then your
bowels must be taken out, and burnt before your faces;
then your heads must be severed from your bodies, and
your bodies divided each into four quarters; and these
must be at the King's disposal. And God Almighty be
merciful to your souls.” - :
After sentence thus passed, the lords were remanded
back to the Tower, and on the 18th of February orders
were sent to the lieutenant of the Tower and sheriffs for
their execution; and great solicitations were made in fa-
vour of them, which did not only reach the court, but
came down to the two houses of parliament, and petitions
were delivered in both, which being backed by some, oc-
casioned debates: that in the house of commons arose no
higher than to occasion a motion for adjournment, thereby
to prevent any further interposition there; but the mat-
ter in the house of peers was carried on with more suc-
cess, where their petitions were delivered and spoke to,
and it was carried by nine or ten voices, that the same
should be received and read. And the question was put,
whether the King had power to reprieve, in case of im-
peachment? which being carried in the affirmative, a mo-
tion was made to address his Majesty to desire him to
grant a reprieve to the lords under sentence; but the
movers thereof only obtained this clause, viz. “ To re-
“prieve such of the condemned lords as deserved his
“ mercy ; and that the time of the respite should be left
“to his Majesty's discretion.”
To which address his Majesty replied, º
“That on this, and other occasions, he would do what
“he thought most consistent with the dignity of his crown,
“ and the safety of his people.” -
The great parties they had made, as was said, by the
means of money, and also the rash expressions too com-
ſºon,
-









K28 NEW NEW"GATE CAL EN DAR.
-
--
mon in the mouths of many of their friends, as if the go-
vernment did not dare to execute them, did not a
little contribute to the hastening their execution ; for on
the same day the address was presented, the 23d of Fe-
bruary, it was resolved in council, that the earl of Der-
wentwater and the lord Kenmure, should be beheaded;
and the earl of Nithisdale, apprehending he should be
included in the warrant, made his escape the evening be-
fore, in a woman’s riding-hood, supposed to have been
conveyed to him by his mother on a visit.
In the morning of the 24th of February, three detach-
ments of the life-guards went from Whitehall to Tower-
hill, and having taken their stations round the scaffold, the
two lords were brought from the Tower at ten o'clock,
and being received by the sheriffs at the bar, were con-
ducted to the transport office on Tower-hill; and, at the
expiration of about an hour, the earl of Derwentwater
sent word that he was ready ; on which Sir John Fryer,
one of the sheriffs, walked before him to the scaffold, and
when there, told him he might have what time he pleased
to prepare himself for death.
His lordship desired to read a paper which he had
written, the substance of which was, that he was sorry
for having pleaded guilty; that he acknowledged no king
but James the Third, for whom he had an inviolable af.
fection, and that these kingdoms would never be happy
till the ancient constitution was restored ; and he wished
his death might contribute to that desirable end. His
lordship professed to die a Roman Catholic, and in the
postscript to his speech, said, “If that prince, who now
“ governs, had given me life, I should have thought my-
“self obliged myself never more to have taken up arms
“ against him.” -
Sir John Fryer desiring to have the paper, he said he
had sent a copy of it to his friends, and then delivered it.
He then read some prayers out of two small books, and
kneeled to try how the block would fit his neck. This
being done, he had again recourse to his devotions, and
having told the executioner that he forgave him, and like-
wise forgave all his enemies, he directed him to strike
when







- -
-
- - - -
REBEL L ION IN SCOT LAN ID. 12
when he should repeat the words “sweet Jesus,” the
third time. -
He then kneeled down, and said, “ sweet Jesus I re-
“ ceive my spirit ! sweet Jesus be merciful to me; sweet
“Jesus'—and appeared to be proceeding in his prayer,
when his head was struck off at one blow ; and the exe-
cutioner taking it up, exhibited it at the four corners of -
the scaffold, saying, “ Behold the head of a traitor:- º
“God save king George.”
The body was now wrapped up in black baize, and
being carried to a coach, was delivered to the friends of
the deceased ; and the scaffold having been cleared, ---
fresh baize put on the block, and saw-dust strewed, that
none of the blood might appear, lord Kenmure was con-
ducted to the scaffold. - º
His lordship, who was a Protestant, was attended by
two clergymen ; but he declined saying much, telling one
of them that he had prudential reasons for not delivering
his sentiments; which were supposed to arise from his
regard to lord Carnwarth, who was his brother-in-law,
and was then interceding for the royal mercy; as his talk-
ing in the way that lord Derwentwater had done, might
be supposed to injure his lordship with those most likely
to serve him. . -
Lord Kenmure having finished his devotions, declared
that he forgave the executioner, to whom he made a pre-
sent of eight guineas. He was attended by a surgeon,
who drew his finger over that part of the neck where -
the blow was to be struck; and being executed as lord
Derwentwater had been, his body was delivered to the
care of an undertaker.
George earl of Winton, not having pleaded guilty with
the other lords, was brought to his trial on the 15th of
March, when the principal matter urged in his favour
was, that he had surrendered at Preston in consequence
of a promise from General Wills to grant him his life: in
answer to which it was sworn, that no promise of mercy
was made, but that the rebels surrendered at discretion.
The earl of Winton having left his house, with fourteen
or fifteen of his servants, well mounted and armed;—his
vol. 1.-No. 5. R joining
-
-
º - -
- - - -
-
-
-















135 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
joining the earl Carnwarth and lord Kenmure; his pro-
ceeding with the rebels through the various stages of their
march, and his surrendering with the rest were circum-
stances fully proved: notwithstanding which his council
moved an arrest of judgment: but the plea on which this
motion was founded being thought insufficient, his peers
unanimously found him guilty: and then the lord high
steward pronounced sentence on him, after having ad-
dressed him in the following forcible terms:–
“George Earl of Winton, I have acquainted you, that
“ your peers have found you guilty; that is, in the terms of
“ the law, convicted you of the high-treason whereof you
“stand impeached; after your lordship has moved an ar-
“rest of judgment, and their lordships have disallowed
--- “ that motion, their next step is to proceed to judg-
& 4 ment. -
“The melancholy part I am to bear, in pronouncing
“that judgment upon you, since it is his majesty's plea-
“sure to appoint me to that office, I dutifully submit to
“it ; far, very far, from taking any satisfaction in it.
“Till conviction, your lordship has been spoke to with-
“out the least prejudice, or supposition of your guilt;
“but now it must be taken for granted, that your lordship
“is guilty of the high-treason whereof you stand im-
** peached. -
“My lord, this your crime is the greatest known to the
“law of this kingdom, or of any other country whatso-
“ever, and it is of the blackest and most odious species
“ of that crime; a conspiracy and attempt, manifested by
“an open rebellion, to depose and murder that sacred
“ person, who sustains, and is the majesty of the whole;
“and from whom, as from a fountain of warmth and
“glory, are dispersed all the honours, all the dignity of
“ the state; indeed the lasting and operative life and vi-
“gour of the laws, which plainly subsist by a due admi- ||
“nistration of the executive power. -
“So that attempting this precious life, is really striking ||
“at the most noble part, the seat of life, and spring of .
* all motion in this government; and may therefore pro- ||
“perly be called a design to murder not only the king,
“but also the body politick of this kingdom. ||
- “And
---
-






















REBELLION IN SCOTLAND. 131
“And this is most evidently true in your lordship's
* case, considering that successin your treason must in-
“fallibly have established Popery, and that never fails to
“bring with it a civil as well as ecclesiastical tyranny :
“ which is quite another sort of constitution than that of
“ this kingdom, and cannot take place till the present is
“ annihilated. º - º
“This your crime (so I must call it), is the more ag-
“gravated, in that where it proceeds so far as to take
“ arms openly, and to make an offensive war against law-
“ful authority; it is generally (as in your case) compli-
“ cated with the horrid and crying sin of murdering
“many, who are not only innocent but meritorious; and,
“if pity be due (as I admit it is in some degree) to such
“ as suffer for their own crimes, it must be admitted a
“much greater share of compassion is owing to them
“who have lost their lives merely by the crimes of other
** men. . ... "
“As many have so done in the late rebellion, so many
“murders have they to answer for who promoted it ; and
“your lordship in examining your conscience, will be
“under a great delusion, if you look on those who fell at
“Preston, Dumlain, or elsewhere, on the side of the laws,
“ and defence of settled order and government, as slain
“in open lawful even judging of this matter by the law of
‘‘ nations. - º
“Alas! my lord, your crime of high-treason is yet made
* redder, by shedding a great deal of the best blood in
“ the kingdom; I include in this expression the brave -
“ common soldiers, as well as those gallant and heroic
* officers, who continued faithful to death, in defence of
“the laws: for sure but little blood can be better than
“that, which is shed while it is warm, in the cause of the
“true religion, and the liberties of its native country,”
-- -º-
- -
After continuing for some length, much in the same
strain as the foregoing address, his lordship pronounced
the usual sentence. . -
Soon after the passing this sentence, the earls of Win-
ton and Nithis dale found means to escape out of the
Tower; and Messrs. Foster and M'Intosh escaped from
2 Newgate:
- - - - º º





























I 32 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
Newgate; but it was supposed that motives of mercy
and tenderness in the prince of Wales, afterwards George
the Second, favoured the escape of all these gentlemen.
This rebellion occasioned the untimely death of many
other persons. Five were executed at Manchester, six
at Wigan, and eleven at Preston; but a considerable
number were brought to London, and being arraigned in
the court of Exchequer, most of them pleaded guilty, and
suffered the utmost rigour of the law. ---
It will now be proper that we mention the cases of
such other remarkable persons who suffered on account
remarks on the nature and heinousness of that offence,
--- - º
º º
---
º -
ExEcoTED AT TYBURN MAY 14, 1716, FoR HIGH TREASON
--
able property in Lancashire, having been educated in
the most rigid principles of the Roman Catholic religion,
was sent abroad while a youth into the service of France,
in which he acquired the character of a brave and gal-
At the close of the war he returned to England to se
his friends, and finding that the rebels were advancing
southwards, he raised a regiment with which he joined
the main army before it reached Preston. Colonel Ox-
burgh was the man who ordered the rebels to fire on the
royal troops, and, if his opinion had been taken, the town
would not have surrendered as soon as it did.
On his trial he pleaded guilty; but after sentence was
passed on him, and he found that every application for
mercy was unsuccessful, he talked in a strain very diffe-
rent from that of a man conscious of any crime. He said
he considered the Pretender as his lawful sovereign, and
He even asserted that he would have been equally loyal
to the Pretender if he had been a Protestant.
the prejudices of education, RICHARD
of the rebellion; and then we will make some general
colon EL HENRY oxBURGH,
- - º
HENRY Ox Burgh, Esq. the son of a man of consider.
lant officer.
This unhappy man, seems to have fallen a victim to
never deemed himself the subject of any other prince.— .












153
-
* --
RICHARD GASCOIGN,
EXECUTED AT TYBURN, MAY 25, 1716, FoR. HIGH TREASON.
This unfortunate man was singularly active in foment-
ing the rebellion. So zealous was he in the cause, that
he mortgaged his whole estate to supply him with money
to purchase arms from foreign countries.
When the rebels marched towards the south of Eng-
land, he engaged all the forces he could, and went and
joined them, proclaiming the Pretender king at every
stage of his march. He was made prisoner by the king's
troops at Preston, at the same time as Colonel Oxburgh;
and being arraigned before Lord Chief Justice King, in
Westminster-Hall, he pleaded “not guilty.”
On his trial it was proved, that some casks of arms which
he had purchased abroad, were found on board a ship,
directed to him; and being found guilty, on the clearest
evidence, sentence of death was passed on him.
While he lay under sentence of death, his sentiments
appeared to be nearly the same as those of Colonel Ox-
burgh: and at the place of execution he declared that
he did not take up arms with a view to restore the Ro-
man Catholic religion, but solely in behalf of James the
Third, whom he deemed his lawful sovereign.
/ -
-
REV, JWILLIAM PAUL,
-
EXECUTED AT TYBURN juix 18, 1716, FoR HIGH TREAson.
MR. Paul was born of reputable parents, near Lutter-
worth, in Leicestershire, and having been educated for
the pulpit, took the degree of Bachelor of Arts at St.
John's College, Cambridge. After officiating as a chap:
lain for two clergymen, the bishop of Oxford presented
him to the vicarage of Orton, in his native county, to
which he was instituted in the year 1709.
The







134 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
º
The rebels having reached Preston, Mr. Paul began a
journey to meet them; but was apprehended on suspi-
cion, and carried before Colonel Noel, a justice of the
peace, who, finding no just cause of detention, dismissed
him; on which he continued his journey to Preston,
where he read prayers to the rebels three days successively,
and prayed for the Pretender, by the name of King James,
in the parish church. º
A short time before the national forces reached Pres-
ton, Mr. Paul quitted that place, and coming to London,
disguised himself by wearing coloured cloaths, a sword,
a laced hat, and a full-bottomed wig.
But he had not been long in this disguise before he was
met by Mr. Bird, a justice of the peace for Leicester-
shire, who caused him to be taken into custody, and car-
ried to the house of the duke of Devonshire, who sent
him to the secretary of state for examination ; but as he
refused to make any confession, he was delivered to the
custody of one of the king's messengers, with whom he
remained about a fortnight, and was then committed to
Newgate. º
-
He was arraigned at Westminster on the 31st of May,
and pleaded “not guilty;” on which he was remanded to
Newgate, and had time allowed him to prepare his de-
defence. On his return to prison, he sent for a friend;
to whom he said, “What must I do? I have been this
- “ day arraigned, and pleaded not guilty; but that will
“not avail, for too much will be proved against me.”—
To this his friend, replied, “I will persuade you to no
- “ thing; but, in my opinion, the best way is to confess
“your fault, ask pardon, and throw yourself on the King's
“mercy.” Mr. Paul said his council advised the same,
and he was resolved to do so; and when he was again
brought to the bar, he retracted his former plea, and
pleaded guilty; in consequence of which sentence of
death was passed on him. -
Being sent back to prison, he made every possible in-
terest for the preservation of his life; for he seemed to
have a most singular dread of death, particularly when
attended with such disgraceful circumstances as he had
reason to apprehend. He wrote a petition to the king,
- another







-
-
john HAL1. -- 135
another to the lord chief justice, and letters to the arch-
bishop of Canterbury, with other letters to clergymen;
in all of which he acknowledged his crime, and his
change of sentiments; and intercedes for mercy, in terms
of the most abject humiliation. * ,
In a letter to a female relation, he says, “I am among
“ the number of those that are to suffer next Friday.—
“I cannot think of dying the death of a dog, by the
“hands of a common executioner, with any manner of
“patience. Transportation, perpetual imprisonment, or
“any other condition of life, will be infinitely preferable,
“to so barbarous and insupportable a way of ending it;.
“ and means must be found for preventing, or I shall an-
“ticipate the ignominy of the halter, by laying violent
“hands on myself. Give Mr. C r to understand,
“that he may promise any thing that he shall think fit in
“my name ; and that his royal highness the prince, and
“his council, shall have no cause to repent of their mercy
“to me.”
All Mr. Paul's petitions, however, proved fruitless: he
was ordered for execution, and was attended by a non-
juring clergyman, who endeavoured to inspire him with
an idea of the justice of the cause for which he was to
yield his life; he was, however, dreadfully affected till
within a few days of his death; when he began to as-
sume a greater degree of courage. º
º
John Hatz, Esq.
EXECUTED AT TYBURN, JULY 18, 1716, FOR HIGH TREAsox.
is º º
John Hall, Esq. was a justice of the peace for the
county of Northumberland, and having been taken pri-
soner with the other rebels at Preston, was brought to
London, and indicted for having joined, aided, and abet-
ted the rebels. ---
Two evidences deposed that he was seen at different: - -
places with the rebels; but in his defence he said, that
- having
















136 t
NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
having been to a meeting of the justices at Plainfield, he
had lodged at a friend's house, and that on the following
day, while he was stooping on his horse's neck, to screen
himself from the tempestuous weather, himself and his
servant were surrounded by the rebels, who forced them
away; and that he was unarmed, and had only seven
shillings and sixpence in his possession.
Though this circumstance was sworn to by Mr. Hall's
servant, yet the court, in the chargé to the jury, observed,
that, “if a man was seen with rebels, if it appeared that
“ he had frequent opportunities of escaping, and did not
“do it, but continued by his presence to abet and com-
“fort them, it was treason within the meaning of the
“ law.” - , ,
Now as it appeared in evidence that Mr. Hall had li-
berty to ride out when he pleased, and did not seem to be
restrained, the jury found him guilty; and when the court
passed sentence on him, he said “God’s will be done.”
After conviction, he was attended by a nonjuring cler-
gyman; and behaved with manly fortitude under his mis-
fortunes: however, he made such interest that he ob-
tained five short reprieves, and might possibly have been
pardoned; but that having written the following speech
some weeks before his death, the knowledge thereof is
supposed to have reached the court; for when a noble-
man made application for a pardon, he was answered,
“By no means, my good lord: it were a pity Mr. Hall
“should lose the opportunity of leaving such a speech be-
“ hind him, as he gives out will raise the spirits of the
* whole nation to be of the same mind with him, and will
“ be instrumental in bringing in the person whom he calls
“his lawful sovereign king James the Third.”
Mr. Hall was executed at the same time and place
with Mr. Paul ; and a few minutes before he was turned
off, he delivered a paper to the sheriff which is as
follows:
“Friends, Brethren, and Countrymen,
“I am come here to die, for the sake of God, my king,
and my country; and I heartily rejoice that I am counted
worthy of so great an honour: for let not any of you think
º - - that








JOHN HAL L., ESQ. 1.37
that I am come to a shameful and ignominious end :
the truth and justice of the cause for which I suffer, makes
my death a duty, a virtue, and an honour. Remember
that I lay down my life for asserting the right of my only
lawful sovereign king James the Third ; that I offer my-
self a victim for the liberties and happiness of my dear
country, and my beloved fellow-subjects; that I fall a sa-
crifice to tyranny, oppression, and usurpation. In short,
consider that I suffer in defence of the command of God,
and the laws, and hereditary constitution of the land; and
then know, and be assured, that I am not a traitor, but a
martyr. -
“I declare that I die a true and sincere member of the
church of England, but not of the revolution schismati-
cal church, whose bishops have so rebelliously abandoned
the king, and so shamefully given up the rights of the
church, by submitting to the unlawful invalid lay-depri-
vations of the prince of Orange. The communion I die
in, is that of the true catholic nonjuring church of Eng-
land, and I pray God to prosper and increase it, and to
grant (if it be his good pleasure) that it may rise again
and flourish.
“I heartily beg pardon of all whom I have in any man-
ner, and at any time, injured and offended. I do particu-
larly implore forgiveness of God and my king, for having
so far swerved from my duty, as to comply with the usur-
pation, in swearing allegiance to it, and acting in public
posts by the usurper's commissions, which were void of all
power and authority. God knows my heart, I did this at
first through ignorance and error, but after I had recol-
lected myself, and informed my judgment better, I re-
pented and drew my sword for the king, and now submit
myself to this violent death for his sake. I heartily pray
God my patience and my sufferings may atone for my for-
mer crime; and this I beg through the merits, mediation,
and sufferings, of my dearest Saviour Jesus Christ.
“I do sincerely forgive all my enemies, especially those
who have either caused or increased the destruction in
church or state; I pray God have mercy upon them, and
spare them, because they are the works of his own hands,
and because they are redeemed with his Son's most pre-
vol. i. No. 6, § - cious



138 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
cious blood. I do, particularly, forgive from the bottom
of my heart, the elector of Brunswick, who murders me;
my unjust pretended judges and jury, who convicted and
condemned me; Mr. Patten and Carnaby, evidences who
- swore against me at my trial. And I do here declare,
upon the words of a dying man (and all my Northumber-
land fellow prisoners can testify the same) that the evi-
dence they gave was so far from being the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth, that, in relation
to my indictment, they swore not one true thing against
me, but many absolute falsehoods. I pray God forgive
) them, for I am sure I do.
\º “Lastly, I forgive all who had a hand in the surrender
--- at Preston, for they have surrendered away my life; and I
- would to God that were the only bad consequence of it.
But, alas! it is too plain that the surrenderers not only
*uined many of his majesty's brave and faithful subjects,
but gave up their king and country into the bargain: for
it was then in their power to have restored the king with
triumph to his throne, and thereby to have made us a
-- happy people. We had repulsed our enemies at every
attack, and were ready, willing, and able, to have at:
tacked them. - - º
“On our side, even our common men were brave, cou-
rageous, and resolute: on the other hand, theirs were di-
rectly the contrary, insomuch, that after they had run away
from our first fire, they could never be brought so much
as to endeavour to stand a second. This I think myself
obliged in justice to mention, that Mr. Wills may not im:
pose upon the world, as if he and his troops had con.
quered us, and gained the victory ; for the truth is, after
we had conquered them, our superiors thought fit to ca.
pitulate and ruin us; I wish them God's and the king's
pardon for it. -
“May it please God to bless, preserve, and restore out
only rightful and lawful sovereign king James the Third;
may he direct his counsels, and prosper his arms; may he
bring him to his kingdom, and set the crown upon his head.
“ May he protect him from the malice of his enemies,
and defend him from those who for a reward would slay
him innocent 1 may he grant him in health and wealth
- 2. - long





































JOHN HAL L., ESQ. 139
long to live; may he strengthen him, that he may van-
quish and overcome all his enemies; and, finally, when
it pleases his infinite wisdom to take him out of this
world, may he take him to himself, and reward him with
an everlasting crown of glory in the next.
“These my beloved countrymen are the sincere prayers,
, these the last words of me who am now a dying person;
and if you have any regard to the last breath of one, who
is just going out of the world, let me beg of you to be du-
tiful, obedient, and loyal, to your only sovereign liege lord
king James the Third ; be ever rendy to serve him, and
be sure you never fail to use all your endeavour to restore
him; and whatever the consequence be, remember that
you have a good cause, and a gracious God, and expect a
recompence from him. º
º “To that God, the God of truth and holiness, the re-
warder of all who suffer for righteousness sake, I com-
mend my soul, beseeching him to have mercy upon it, for
the sake of my dear Redeemer, and merciful Saviour, Je-
sus Christ our Lord, Amen, Amen, Amen.
July 13, 1716. “John HALL.”
ºr ºf tº º -
- Postscript. º
* “I might reasonably have expected my life would have
been saved, since I had obtained five reprieves; but I
find that the Duke of Hanover, and his evil counsellors
who guide him, have so little virtue and honour them-
selves, that they are resolved not to spare my life, because
I would not purchase it upon base and dishonourable
terms. I have reason to think, that at first I could have
secured my life and fortune, if I would have pleaded
#. ; and I doubt not but I might since have obtained
avour, if I would have petitioned in a vile, scandalous
manner; but I was resolved to do nothing whereby I
should have disowned my king, and denied my prin-
ciples; and I thank my good God, both for inspiring me
with this holy resolution, and for giving me the grace to
perform it. º - - - .
July 13, 1716, “Joh N HALL.”
- º -
º were the follow-
Among the sufferers in the rebellio
S 2 ing,




















1 40 a NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
ing, who were apprehended in London, enlisting men for
the Pretender: —Robert Whitty, Felix O'Hara, and Jo-
seph Sullivan; and though the business in which they
were engaged was of the most dangerous nature, yet they
continued it for some time: but were at length appre-
hended, brought to trial, and being convicted, were exe-
cuted at Tyburn on the 28th of May, 1715.
Robert Whitty was born in Ireland, and having enlisted
for a soldier when young, served in an English regiment
in Spain, where being wounded, he was brought to Eng-
land, and received the bounty of Chelsea-college as an
out-pensioner. tº tº
Felix O'Hara, who was about 29 years of age, was like-
wise an Irishman, and having lived some time in Dublin
as a waiter at a tavern, he saved some money, and en-
tered into business for himself; but that not answering as
he could have wished, he came to London.
Joseph Sullivan was a native of Munster in Ireland,
and about the same age as O'Hara. He had for some
time served in the Irish brigades, but obtaining his dis-
charge, he came to England, and was thought a fit agent
to engage in the business which cost him and his com-
panions their lives. * --
These men denied, at the time of their trial, that they
had been guilty of any crime; and even at the place of
execution they attempted to defend their conduct. They
all died professing the Roman Catholic religion.
* We have already fully stated the law against treason,
in the case of William Gregg, the first traitor whose case
came before us in the order we have placed these singular
series of biography. Any comments upon the cause which
stirred up this rebellion in Scotland is needless—it being
well known that, like the contending parties of York and
Lancaster, it was a struggle for the crown between the
houses of Hanover and of the Stuarts. The latter becom-
ing entirely extinct in the death of a Cardinal at Rome,
the only remaining relative of the family, we are not likely
on that score, to be again embroiled in civil wars; though
unhappily, we have no prospect of ending them with our
foreign enemy—the abhorred tyrant of Europe.
-- JAMES
º









141
JAMES GOODMAN,
Executed MARCH 12, 1716, for horse stealing, &c. .
W. As a native of Little Harwood, in Buckinghamshire,
and served his time to a carpenter at Aylesbury. After
he was out of his time, he and two other young men
agreed to have a venison pasty, and make merry ; in con-
sequence of which they stole a deer ; but being taken
into custody, one of them turned evidence, whereupon
Goodman and the other were imprisoned a year in Ayles-
bury gaol. - º
After his enlargement, he married and entered into
business, which he carried on with success for about nine
years; but becoming fond of idle company, he was soon
so reduced in circumstances that brought himself and fa-
mily to ruin. º
Coming to London, he got into company with one
Stephens, with whom he agreed to commit robberies on
the highway. Pursuant to this plan they stopped Philip
White, between Stratford and Ilford in Essex, and robbed
him of his horse, one shilling, and his spurs.
Four days after this robbery, Mr. White saw Goodman tº
on his horse at Bow, in the company of Stephens, who -
was likewise on horseback. Hereupon Mr. White sent
his servant to demand the horse ; on which the robbers º
gallopped off, but were immediately pursued by Mr.
White and his man. Finding themselves hard pressed,
they quitted their horses, and ran into the field; on which
Mr. White gave his servant a gun, and bid him follow
them. He did so ; on which one of them fired twice,
and said, “d—n it, we'll kill or be killed; we won't be
“taken alive; our lives are as good as theirs.” On this
Mr. White's servant fired his gun, which was loaded with
pebble-stones, and striking Goodman on the head, he was
so stunned that he was easily taken; and some other per-
sons now coming up, one of them drew a hanger, and
ursued Stevens, who submitting after a short resistance,
. the prisoners were conveyed to Newgate.
-
Stephens having been admitted an evidence against
º, - - Goodman,
- -



















142 NEw NEwgATE, cALEN DAR.
-
Goodman, the latter was brought to his trial, when he
endeavoured to prove that he was in another place when
the robbery was committed, and that he had purchased
Mr. White's horse; but the jury found him guilty, as they
did not believe the testimony of his witnesses.
After conviction he was put into the bail-dock, in or-
der to receive sentence : but the night being dark, and
being assisted by some other prisoners, he got over the
spikes, and, though he was loaded with irons, effected
his escape. * : -
But it was not long before he was re-taken, owing to a
very singular circumstance. While in custody, he deli-
vered some money to a carrier to take into the country to
a 'woman with whom he had cohabited; but the carrier,
considering his situation, kept the money for his own
*Se. - -
Wherefore, about a month after his escape, Goodman
went to an alehouse in Holborn, and sent for a lawyer, to
concert with him how to recover the money of the car-
rier; but some persons in the house happening to know
him, went to Newgate, and informed the keepers where
he was ; on which he was taken into custody after a des-
perate resistance; and at the end of the next sessions at
the Old Bailey, he received sentence of death.
While he lay in this deplorable situation, he acknow-
ledged his guilt, confessed he had committed many rob-
beries, lamented the iniquities of his past life, and wished
he could make reparation to those whom he had in-
s
JožN HAMILTON, ES2.
peñº pep is episburgh, just 30, 1716, For MURDER.
- - -- - º - 1.
The Philosopher Plato, says, that gaming was invented |
by a certain devil called Theuth, who afterwards in-
structed Thamus, king of Egypt, in the tricks of play. |
Cards were invented to amuse a puny Dauphin of France;
but are now become a common medium of robbery in














JOHN HAMILTON, ESQ.-- 143.
the bands of sharpers, Cyrus and Alexander admired
hunting; Cicero played with a kitten; Socrates found re-
creation in galloping about on a hobby-horse with chil-
dren ; Plato turned pedlar; Posidonius, the stoic philo-
sopher, under the most violent paroxysms of the gout,
would only smile and say, “Pain all thy obliging ser-
vices are to no purpose; thou may’st be a little trouble-
some ; but I will never own thee for an evil.” Shake-
speare says, “ All mankind to some loved ills incline,”
but woe to him whose propensities lead him to drinking
and gaming, Aristotle treats gamesters as thieves, pick-
pockets, and robbers; and these annals of crimes suf-
ficiently corroborate the opinions of the philosophers
of old, ºr º º
Mr. Hamilton was born in the county of Clydesdale,
and was related to the ducal family of Hamilton. His
parents, to whom he was an only son, sent him to Glas-
gow to study the law; but the young gentleman’s dispo-
sition leading him to the profession of arms, his friends
exerted their interest to procure a commission, but the
intervention of the crime of which we are about to relate
the particuculars, prevented their generous intention from
taking effect. - -
Young Hamilton soon becoming connected with some º
abandoned young gentlemen at Edinburgh, he lost con-
siderable sums at gaming; and going to his parents for
more, they supplied him for the present, but said they
would not advance him any farther sums while he conti-
nued his dissipated course of life.
Being possessed of this money, Hamilton went to a
village near Glasgow, to meet his companions at a public
house kept by Thomas Arkle. Having drank and gamed
for several successive days and nights, Hamilton's compa-
nions left him while he was asleep, leaving him to dis-
charge the bill, which exceeding his ability, a quarrel en- º
sued between him and Arkle, and while they contended, ”
Arkle stripped Hamilton's sword from the scabbard–
The latter immediately ran away, but finding he had no
scabbard to his sword, he instantly went back to the
house, when Arkle calling him several scandalous names,
he stabbed him so that he instantly expired. Th
- - i hē



144 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
- - - -
The daughter of Arkle being present, attempted to
seize Hamilton; in doing which she tore off the skirt
of his coat, which was left on the floor, together with his
- - sword, on his effecting a second escape. This daughter
of Arkle was almost blind ; but her keeping the sword
t and the skirt of the coat, proved the means of bringing
Hamilton to justice.
The murderer having gone to Leith, embarked on
board a ship, and landed in Holland, where he continued
two years; but his parents dying in the interval, he re-
turned to Scotland, when he was taken into custody on
account of the murder.
On his trial, he pleaded that he was intoxicated at the
time the fact was committed; to which he was instigated
by the extreme ill usage he had received from Arkle.—
The jury, not allowing the force of these arguments,
found him guilty, and he was beheaded by the maiden,
an instrument of death, from which the guillotine in
France was constructed, and which, in the case of Alex-
ander Balfour, we have already described.
JOSEPH STILL,
---
--
ExECUTED AT STAMFORD-BILL, MARCH 22, 1717, FoR MURDER.
- - º
º º - -
This man came to London in search of a livelihood, and
for some time maintained himself by selling poultry in the
streets; but growing weary of that employment, he en-
listed into the army, in which he continued nine years;
but having obtained his discharge, he became acquainted
with a set of thieves, who committed depredations in the
neighbourhood of London; and being apprehended, he
was tried at the Old Bailey, and whipped.
Soon after he obtained his liberty, he returned to his
former way of life; and being taken into custody in
Hertfordshire,























Jo HN STILL. I 45
- . . . . .
Hertfordshire, he was tried, convicted, and punished by
burning in the hand. After this he began the practice of
robbing higlers on the highway, and he obtained the ap-
pellation of Chicken Joe, from his singular dexterity in
that employment. º
After continuing in this way of life a considerable time,
he commenced footpad, and committed a great number
of robberies on the roads near town, escaping detection
for a long while, on account of his wearing a mask over
his face. - *
At length almost all his companions were hanged,
and he was reduced to such distress, that he went once
more on the road to supply himself with the means of
procuring himself the necessaries of life. Having drank -
at an ale-house in Kingsland Road till his spirits were
somewhat elevated, he proceeded to Stoke-Newington, - - -
and after sauntering a while in the fields, without meet-
ing with any person whom he durst venture to attack, he
Went into Queen Elizabeth's Walk, behind the church, .
where he saw a gentleman's servant, whose money he
demanded. The servant being determined not to be
robbed, contested the matter with Still, and a battle en-
suing, the villain drew a knife, and stabbed the footman
* through the body.
He immediately ran away ; but some people coming
by while the footman was sensible enough to tell them
what had happened, Still was pursued, taken, and -
brought to the spot where the other was expiring; and
-
º
being searched, the bloody knife with which he had
committed the deed was found in his pocket. The man
died after declaring that Still was the murderer; and the
latter was committed to Newgate; and being indicted
at the Old Bailey, the jury did not scruple to find him
guilty, in consequence of which he received sentence of
death. -







-
#46. NEW NEWGATE cale NDAR.
-
THE MARQUIS DE PALEOTTI,
Execut ED AT Tyburn on THE 17th of MARCH, 1718, FoR THE MURDER
OF HIS SERVANT. ,
This rash man was the head of a noble family in Italy,
and like colonel Hamilton, was brought to a disgraceful
death, through the vice of gaming, with all the aggra-
vated horrors of suffering in a strange country; thus
doubly disgracing the honours of his house.
Ferdinando Marquis de Paleotti was born at Bologna
in Italy, and in the reign of Queen Anne was a colonel in
the Imperial army. - -
The cause of his coming to England arose from the fol-
lowing circumstance:--The duke of Shrewsbury being
at Rome in the latter end of King William's reign, fell in
love with and paid his addresses to, the sister of Paleotti;
and the lady following the duke to Augsburgh in Ger-
many, they were there married, after she had first renoun-
ced the Roman catholic religion. The duchess residing
with her husband in England, and the marquis having
quitted the imperial army, on the peace of Utrecht, he
came to this country to see his sister. 'º'
Being fond of an extravagant course of life, and *
attached to gaming, he soon ran in debt for considerable
sums. His sister paid his debts for some time, till she
found it would be a burthensome, and endless task.
Though she declined to assist him as usual, he continued
his former course of life till he was imprisoned for debt;
but his sister privately procured his liberty, and he was
discharged without knowing who had conferred the fa-
- - - |
- &º
- - -
vour on him.
After his enlargement, he adopted his old plan of extra-
vagance; and being one day walking in the street, he
directed his servant, an Italian, to go and borrow some
rº - - º, - - - |
money. The servant having met with frequent denials,
declined going ; on which the marquis drew his sword,
and killed him on the spot, ---
Being instantly apprehended, he was committed to pri-
son, tried at the next sessions, and being convicted on
full evidence, he received sentence of death. The duke
- º º - - - - - of



---
- MAT&Q UIS DE PA I. EOTTI. 14.7
of Shrewsbury being dead, and his duchess having little
interest or acquaintance in England, it appears as if no
endeavours were used to save the marquis, who suffered
at Tyburn on the 17th of March, 17 18. -
Italian pride had taken deep root in the mind of this
man. He declared it to be disgraceful to this country to
put a nobleman to death, like a common malefactor, for
killing his servant, and lamented that our churches, as in
Italy, did not afford a sanctuary for murderers. English-
men, however, are thankful that neither of this marquis's
desires prevail in their country, where the law makes no
distinction in offenders. To his last moment this pride of
aristocracy was predominant in his mind. He petitioned
the sheriffs, lest his body be defiled by touching the un-
happy Englishmen, doomed to suffer with him for dif-
ferent offences, that he might die before them, and alone. -
The sheriffs, in courtesy to a stranger, granted this request,
and thus, in his last struggle, he maintained the superio-
rity of his rank.-Vain man! of what avail were his titles
in the presence of the Almighty
JAMEs shºp PARD,
TRAITOR, EXECUTED AT TYBURN on THE 17th of MARCH, 1718.
This trial is a very singular case of treason, and may be
considered as an apendix to our history of the rebellion.
Though the crime for which he was executed was com-
mitted three years after it was quelled, yet the same mis-
judged opinion urged this youth to enthusiasm, in the
cause of the Pretender. It is still more singular, that he,
neither being a Scotchman born, or in any way interested
in the mischiefs which he contemplated, should, unsoli-
cited, volunteer in so dangerous a cause. Hence, when
first apprehended, many were of an opinion, that he was
disordered in the brain; but the firmness of his demea-
nour, during his imprisonment and trial, removed these
doubts.
James Sheppard was the son of Thomas Sheppard, glo-
T 2 - ºf










I
-
º - 148 NEW NEW GATE CA LEN DAR. |
--- w * - … - º
ver in Southwark; but his father dying when he was
about five years of age, he was sent to school in Hert-
fordshire, whence his uncle, Dr. Hinchcliffe, removed
him to Mitcham in Surry, and afterwards to Salisbury,
where he remained at school three years. Being at Sa-
- lisbury at the time of the rebellion, he imbibed the
principles of his school-fellows, many of whom were fa-
vourers of the Pretender; and he was confirmed in his
sentiments by reading some pamphlets which were then
put into his hands. -
When he quitted Salisbury, Dr. Hinchcliffe put him
apprentice to Mr. Scott, a coach- painter, in Devonshire-
street, near Bishopsgate ; and he continued in this situa-
tion about fourteen months, when he was apprehended
for the fact whicſ.co. him his life.
Sheppard having conceived the idea, that it would be a
praise-worthy action to kill the king, wrote a letter,
which he intended for a nonjuring minister of the name
of Leake; but mistaking the spelling, he directed it “ to
“ the Reverend Mr. Heath.” This letter, a copy of which
follows, he carried to Mr. Leake's house.
“ Sir, -
“ From the many discontents visible throughout this
kingdom, I infer, that if the prince now reigning could
be by death removed, dur king being here he might be
settled on his throne, without much loss of blood. For
the more ready effecting of this, I propose that if any gen-
fleman wiłł pay for my passage into Italy, º if our
friends will intrust one so young with letters of invitation
to his majesty, I will, on his arrival, smite the usurper
in his palace. In this confusion, if sufficient forces may
be raised, his majesty may appear ; if not, he may re.
treat of conceal himself till a fitter opportunity. Neither
is it presumptuous to hope that this may succeed, if we
consider how easy it is to cut the thread of human life ;
how great confusion the death of a prince occasions in
the mºst peaceful nation, and how mutinous the people
are, how desirous of a change. But we will suppose the
worst, that I am séized, and by torture examined. Now
that this may endanger none but myself, it will be ne- |
cessary that the gentleman who defrays my charges to
* - Italy |
- -





























JAMES SHEPPARD. * 149
-
Italy leave England before my departure ; that I be ig-
norant of his majesty's abode ; that I lodge with some
whig ; that you abscond, and that this be communicated
to none. But be the event as it will, I can expect no-
thing less than a most cruel death; which that I may the
better support, it will be requisite that, from my arrival till
the attempt, I every day receive the holy sacrament from
one who shall be ignorant of the design. -
JAMEs SHEPPAR.D.”
Mr. Leake was absent when this letter arrived, but on
his return he read it; on which he said to his daughter
and maid-servant, that it was a most villainous letter, and
not fit to be kept; and, in the height of his resentment,
he threw it into the fire, and went up into his study; but
coming down soon afterwards, his daughter told him that
she had recollected that the boy who had brought the let- -
ter, said he would call for an answer on the following
Monday. --" - --- --
Hereupon Mr. Leake determined to make the affair
known to Sir John Fryer, a neighbouring magistrate,
which he did the following morning ; when Sir John'ad-
vised him to take the party into custody when he should º
return for the answer. Sheppard came at the time that he
had promised; when Mr. Leake sent for a constable, and
had him apprehended. - . --
Being carried before Sir John Fryer, he was asked if he
had delivered a letter at Mr. Leake's on the preceding
Friday, directed to the Rev. Mr. Heath. He answered
in the affirmative; and being asked if he had a copy of
that letter, he said he had no copy about him, but he be-
Heved he could remember it, so as to write a copy. This
being done, and he having deliberately read and signed
what he had written, was committed to the Compter.
Three gentlemen were now sent to the house of the
prisoner's master, and being shewn his trunk, they found,
among some other papers, a copy of the letter he had left
at Mr. Leake's, which differed very little from that writ-
ten at Sir John Fryer's, only that these words were added:
“How meritorious an act will it be to free these nations
“from an usurpation that they have lain under these nine
º and
--



#50 --
º
New NEws ATE cALENDAR.
r
“ and twenty years;” and it was insinuated that he
thought it requisite, that while his majesty (the Preten-
der) should be absent from Avingnon, “ some person
f “should be found resembling him, that should personate
- “ him there, lest the rumour of his departure from Avig-
- “non should awaken this inquisitive and suspicious
- --- ** court.” -
Soon after Sheppard's commitment he was twice exa-
mined at the office of lord Sunderland, then secretary of
state; when he attempted to justify his conduct, and rea-
dily signed what he had before written.
When he was brought to his trial, he behaved in the
most firm and composed manner; and after the evidence
against him was given, and the jury had brought him in
guilty of high-treason, he was asked why sentence should
not be passed on him according to law, when he said,
“He could not hope for mercy from a prince whom he
“would not own.” Then the recorder proceeded to pass
sentence on him, which he prefaced with the following
most pathetic speech; º -
“James Sheppard, you are convicted according to law
* of the greatest offence against human authority, high-
“treason, in compassing and imagining the death of the
“king. Your intent was to kill, to murder, and basely
“assassinate his Majesty King George, in order to place
“a Popish Pretender on his throne.
“ It is very surprising that one so young in years
“should attempt so wicked an enterprise; and it is more
“amazing that you should still thus defend and justify
“ it, and not only think that there is no harm in it, but
“ that the action, if committed, would have been meri-
** torious. .
“It was reasonable to think that you had received those
º “impressions which incited you to this undertaking from
“ some of those false and malicious libels which have been ||
“industriously dispersed, to delude unwary readers, and
* to alienate the minds of his majesty's subjects; and it
“appears to be so from your own confession, that you had
“imbibed your principles from sermons and pamphlets,
“ which make you think King George an usurper, and
“ the Pretender your lawful king,
- - * Consider
t
-







J AM ES SHLPPAR p, 15?
“ Consider, unhappy young man, whether you may
“not be in an error: and what I now suggest to you is
“not to reproach you, or to aggravate your crime, but pro-
“ceeds from compassion, and with a regard to your fur-
“ther consideration before you go out of the world; that
“you may be convinced of your error, and retract it.
“. The notions you entertain are contrary to the sense
“of the nation; who found by experience that their re-
“ligion, their laws, and liberties, were in imminent dan-
“ger from a Popish prince, and therefore they rescued
“ themselves from that danger, and excluded Papists for
“the future from the crown ; and settled it on his majes-
“ty and his heirs, being Protestants; which has been
“confirmed by many parliaments, and the nation feels the
“good effects of so happy an establishment. -
“ It seems strange, that you should hint at a passage
n St. Paul for your justification. If he exhorted the
* Christians to submit to the Roman emperors, even
“ though they should be tyrants, how comes it that you, a
“private youth, should not only judge of the title of kings,
“in opposition to the sense of so many parliaments; but
“ that you should think yourself authorized to murder a
“prince in peaceable possession of the throne, and by
“ whom his subjects are protected in the enjoyment of
“all their rights and privileges, and of every thing that is
“dear and valuable to mankind.
“You mention in your papers as if you must expect
“ the most cruel tortures. No, unfortunate youth, the
“king you will not own uses no cruel tortures to his
(; , , , is : . . . . ----- - -
subjects. He is king according to the laws of the land,
“and by them he governs. And as you have trans-
“gressed those laws in the highest degree, the public
“justice requires that you should submit to the sentence
“ordained for such an offender, which is, -
“That you be led from hence to the place from whence
“;
- º -
“you came ; from thence you are to be drawſ upon a
“hurdle to the place of execution, and there you are to
“be hanged by the neck, and being alive to be cut
“down, your bowels to be taken out of your belly, and
“there burnt, you being alive : your head is to be cut off,
“and your body to be divided into four quarters, and your
- , - º 4 * head,





I j2 - NEW NEW G A T E CAL EN DAR.
|
“head and quarters to be disposed of as his majesty shall
“think fit. And God Almighty have mercy on your soul.”
After sentence was passed, Sheppard confessed that
the reading some sermons, and other pamphlets, had in-
duced him to think that it would be a meritorious act to
kill the king; and that he was convinced he was the
agent destined by Providence to accomplish the deed.— .
The ordinary of Newgate told him, that he should have
prayed that such wicked sentiments might be removed
from his mind. His reply was, that “he had prayed;
“ and that in proportion as he prayed, he was so much
“ the more encouraged and confirmed in the lawfulness
“ of his design.” º .
The unhappy youth was now visited by a nonjuring
clergyman, between whom and the ordinary there were
repeated quarrels, which continued almost to the last
moments of Sheppard's life; for they wrangled even at
the place of execution ; nor did the debate cease till the
ordinary quitted the cart, and left the other to instruct and ||
pray with the malefactor as he thought proper.
Sheppard was executed a few hours after the marquis
of Paleotti. .
Short is the day in which iſ acts prevail,
But honesty's a rock will never fail.
---
- --
JOHN PRICE,
- COMMONLY CALLED JACK KETCH,
Execured in Bushmi-preins, May 17, 1718, for the MURDER of
º ELIZABETH WHITE.
WHEN we commenced our labours among the musty
records of criminal convictions, little did we imagine that
we should find the public executioner, vulgarly called
Jack Ketch, to have been himself suspended on that fatal
tree to which he had tied up such a number of sinners,
Here have we the fullest proof of the hardness of heart
created by repeatedly witnessing executions. The dread-
fulfate attending those who had died by his hands, their
sufferings of mind, confessions, and exhortations to the
- - º - - - Spec-
- - -








-
º - ... º
JOHN PRICE. } 33.
spectators, to be warned by their example, against the vio-
lation of the law, it seems, had no effect on Jack Ketch.
The callous wretch, who, in the year 1718, filled this
office, was named John Price. He was born in the pa-
rish of St. Martin's in the Fields, London, of reputable
parents; his father being in the service of his country,
and unfortunately blown up at the demolishing of Tan-
- - - - -- - - -
gier. From her loss, the widow was reduced to poverty,
which rendered her unable of giving an education to her
orphan children; but she succeeded in putting John apº
prentice to a dealer in rags; a business by which he
might have earned an honest livelihood. When he had
served two years of his apprenticeship his master died,
and soon after, he ran away from his mistress, and got
employment in the loading of waggons with rags for other.
dealers. He then went to sea, and served with credit,
on board different ships in the royal navy, for the space of
eighteen years, but at length was paid off and discharged
from farther Service. . ºº::
r -, *. -- - - ... tº
The office of public executioner becoming vacant, it was
given to Price, who, but for his extravagance, might have
long continued it, and subsisted on its dreadful-earned
wages. On returning from execution, in the cart which
had delivered some criminals into his hands, he was ar-
- - tºº, - --- ºº: ºº
rested in Holborn for debt, which he discharged in part,
with the wages he had that day earned, and the remainder.
from the produce of three suits of etoaths, which he had.
- - - - ºº: º
taken from the bodies of the executed men, Not long
- - - - ºf -- º º *-
afterwards he was lodged in the Marshalsea prison for
other debts, and there remained for want of bail; in con-
sequence whereof, being unable to attend his business,
at the next sessions of the Old Bailey, one William Mār-
vel was appointed in his stead.
-
- John Price was indicted at the Old Bailey on the g4th
of April, 1718, for the murder of Elizabeth, the wife of
William White, on the 13th of the preceding month.
In the course of the evidence it appeared, that Price
met the deceased near ten at night in Moorfields, and
attempted to ravish her; but the poor woman, (who was
the wife of a watchman, and sold gingerbread in the
- - > - * - - -
streets) doing all in her power to resist his villainous at-
WQI. I.-No. 6. t; . . . tacks,
º




154 K. EW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
tacks, he beat her so cruelly that streams of blood issued
from her eyes and mouth, broke one of her arms, beat
out some of her teeth, bruised her head in a most dread-
ful manner, forced one of her eyes from the socket, and
otherwise so ill ſeaſed her, that the language of decency
cannot describe it. - - -
Some persons hearing the cries of the unhappy crea-
ture, repaired to the spot, took Price into custody, and
lodged him in the watch-house; then conveyed the wo-
man to a house, where a surgeon and nurse were sent for
to attend her. Being unable to speak, she answered the
nurse's questions by signs, and in that manner described
what had happened to her. She died, after having lan-
guished four days. - º -
The prisoner, on his trial, denied being guilty of the
fact; and said, that as he was crossing Moorfields, he
found something lying in his way; that he kicked at it,
but discovered that it was a woman, he lifted her up, but
she could not stand on her legs; and he said that he was
taken into custody while he was thus employed. This
defence, however, could not be credited, from what some
former evidences had sworn ; and the jury did not hesi-
tate to find him guilty. º
After sentence of death was passed on him, he aban-
doned himself to the drinking of spirituous liquors, to
such a degree as rendered him totally incapable of all the
exercises of devotion. He obstimately denied the fact till
the day of his execution, when he confessed that he had
been guilty of it; but said, that the crime was perpetrated
when he was in a state of intoxication. He was executed
in Bünhill-fields, on the 31st of May, 1718, and in his last
moments, begged the prayers of the multitude, and hoped
they would take warning by his untimely end. He was
afterwards hang in chains near Holloway.




153 . .
LIEUTENANT EDIFAR D BIRD, t
MURDERER, EXECUTED AT TYBURN ON THE 23d of FEBRUARY, 1719.
WHEN young men mount the cockade, suspend the epau-
let to the shoulder, and gird themselves with a sword,
they too often neglect the duty they owe to private life. Ac-
customed to command, they forget that private indivi-
duals, with whom they may chuse to associate, are sub- -
ject alone to the Cry II, jaw, which hath the power of |
chastising military outrages. - -- -
Mr. Bird was born at Windsor, in Berkshire, and de-
scended of respectable parents, who having first sent him
to Westminster School, then removed him to Eton Col- ,
lege. When he had finished his studies, he was sent to
make the tour of France and Italy, and on his return to
England was honoured with the commission of a lieute-
nant in a regiment of horse.
Before he had been long in the army, he began to asso-
ciate with abandoned company of both sexes, which final-
ly led to the commission of the crime which cost him his
life. º -
On the 10th of January, 1719, he was indicted at the
Old Bailey, for the murder of Samuel Loxton. It ap-
peared on his trial, that he had taken a woman of the
town to a house of ill fame, in Silver-street, where Lox-
ton was a waiter. Early in the morning he ordered a
bath to be got ready;” but Loxton being busy, sent
another waiter, at whom Bird, in a fit of passign, made
several passes with his sword, which he avoided by
holding the door in his hand ; but the prisoner ran after
him, threw him down stairs, and broke some of his ribs.
On this, the master and mistress of the house, and Lox-
ton, went into the room, and attempted to appease him ;
but Bird, enraged that the bath not been prepared the
moment he ordered it, seized his sword, which lay by the
bed-side, and stabbing Loxton, he fell backwards, and
--
- --
g- - *
* In these days this description of houses were generally provided with
hot baths, a very necessary stew after such debauches; and hence called
Baghios. In modern times uncleanliness of this nature takes its due course.
--- -












- *
º -
156 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
* \º - l
|
died immediately; on which the offender was taken into
custody, and committed to Newgate. -
His case stood for trial in October, but pleading that
he was not ready with his defence, it was put off to De-
cember, and then again to January, on his physicians mak-
ing affidavit that he was too ill to be removed from his
chamber, -
Being convicted on the clearest evidence, he received
sentence of death; but great interest being made in his
behalf, he was reprieved, and it was thought he would º
have been pardoned, on condition of transportation, but h
for the intervention of the following circumstance:
- The friends of Loxton, hearing that a reprief was
* granted, advised his widow to lodge an appeal at the bar ||
of the court of King's-Bench; and she went thither with |
some friends, to give security for that purpose, but the
relations of Bird hearing what was intended, were ready
in court, with witnesses, to depose that this was the se-
-
cond wife of Loxton, his first being still living. This
being the fact, the court refused to admit the appeal, as
the second could not be a lawful wife.
This affair occasioned so much clamour, that Bird was
ordered for execution on Monday the 23d of February;
on the night preceding which he took a dose of poison,
but that not operating as he had expected, he stabbed
himself in several places. Yet, however, he lived till the
morning, when he was taken to Tyburn in a mourning
coach, attended by his mother and the ordinary of New:
As he had paid little attention to the instructions
of the ordinary, while under confinement, so he seemed
equally indifferent to his advice in the last moments of his
ife. Being indulged to stay an hour in the coach with
his mother, he was put into the eart, where he asked for
a glass of wine ; but being told it could not be had, he
begged a pinch of snuff, which he took with apparent un-
concern, wishing health to those who stood near him. He
then rehearsed the apostle's creed, and, being tied up, was
launched into eternity, on the above-mentioned 23d of ,
February, 1719, in the 27th year of his age.
ſº the fate of this young man, we have demonstrated
|
º
*
|



THOMAS BUTLER, ESQ. 157
the misapplication of a military education, when exercised. -
among private individuals; but it also shews the effects
of fallen pride, which, rather than survive, he twice at-
tempted suicide; a crime, in a strict religious and moral \
point of view, more heinous than the act for which he
suffered. Passion might plead in extenuation for the
latter, but self-murder is a premeditated offence both to
God and man. When resorted to from a sense of shame,
arising from private wrongs, it discovers an imbecility not
to be found in the minds of biºave men. Where do we º
find in ancient history) of a Greek or a Roman soldier -
becoming his own executioner, to avoid the punishment
due to a private crime * º ^ -
England is justly reproached by foreign writers, with
º
the multiplicity of crimes of this description. When we -
estimate the mischief arising to the friends and relations -
of the suicide, we must hold it in abhorrence ; may, the
very welfare of society is concerned. Men, regardless of
their fate in the next world alone, can coolly contemplate
thair departure from this life, by their own hands. They
are lost to religion—to a sense of their maker. Hence
they are hardened against punishment; and murder
and robbery have to them no terrors. In addition to the
baneful influence of bad actions upon the multitude,
mark the increased agonies of mind, of the wretched fe-
male who gave birth to this malefactor, when she attended
his still flowing blood, shed by his own hands, to the
place where the remainder must be sacrificed to the of:
fended laws of his country. In what detestation, then,
ought we to regard a crime leading to such aggravated
enormities!
-
-
-
--- -
-
* * *
-
THOMAS BUTLER, Esq.
º * --- - -
#133; WAYMAN, EXECUTED AT TYBURN ON THE 8th of FEBRUARY, 1723.
I plexess, the step-mother of dissipation, hath driven
many, gentlemen by education, to commit depredations
- - - - º - - - --- - -
on the public. This observation is fully verified in the
life of Mr. Butler. He was a native of Ireland, his fa-
--- --- - - --- -- º, ther
-----
---
º -













158 NEW NEW G AT E CAL EN IDA. R.
ther being an officer in the army of king James II, but
king William having defeated that prince at the battle of
the Boyne, young Butler and his father went with James
to France ; but, when the rebellion, broke out in Scot-
land, the young gentleman was employed as a spy in the
family of the duke of Ormond, for which he was allowed
201, a year; but he hereby lost the favour of his friends
and relations, who espoused a different interest. From
Paris he went to Holland, where he soon spent most of
the money in his possession, and then embarked for Eng- |
land. - ---
On his arrival in this country, being idle and extrava-
gant, he commenced highwayman, and went outfrequent-
ly in company with a man whom he called Jack, and who
occasionally acted as his servant; and they jointly com-
mitted a great number of robberies near London, parti- |
cularly in Kent and Essex. - - º
AWhen they were in London, and sometimes in a coun-
try town, they had the genteelest lodging, and then Jack
wore a livery, while the 'squire was dressed in a most ele-
gant manner, and had all the appearance of a man of for-
£Liſle. º - -
By this style of living they continued their depreda-
tions on the highway for many years; but Butler being
at length apprehended, was brought to his trial at the
Old Bailey, in January, 1720, when he was indicted for
robbing Sir Justinian Isham and another gentleman on the
highway, of a gold watch, a silk night-gown, six Holland
shirts, and other valuable articles; and was convicted on
the clearest evidence. “
* ||
The circumstance that led to his detection was, that
offering some of the effects for sale to a jeweller, he re- |
fused to purchase them unless he knew Butler's place of
residence, which the latter readily told him ; and, when
his lodgings were searched, Sir Justinian's gown was
found, and was produced in court. Butler's companion,
or servant, was in Ireland, at the time of his detection, by
which he escaped the fate he deserved.
While Mr. Butler lay under sentence of death, he be-
haved in a very penitent manner. Being a Roman Catho-
lic, he received the sacrament from a priest of his own
º - persuasion,
-





BARBARA SPENCER. º. 159
persuasion. It had been reported that he had eight wives;
but this he solemnly denied; declaring that he was legally
married to only one woman. º,
This malefactor was executed at Tyburn, on the 8th of
February, 1720, at the age of forty-two years, gº
---
º - º
--- ---
--- - - -
-º-º-º-º-º-º-º: --- - sº-
- --
BARBARA SPENCER,
º
º
-
- º - º
TRAITORESS, STRANGLED AND THEN BURNT, AT TYBURN, on THE 5th of
--- -- JULY, 1721. - º
º
This woman being the first sufferer for this offence,
which we find among the criminal records of the last cen-
tury, we shall, agreeably to the order of our work, give I
our general comments on the crime itself, and the law
provided for the offence, previous to entering upon her
particular case. º
The mischief arising from the counterfeiting the current,
coin of the realm, reaches to every door. A poor man,
cheated by a single base shilling, often finds a loss, great,
as a forgery upon paper, to the wealthy merchant.
Coining, or uttering base money, is high-treason in the
second degree. To rob all the people is to be a traitor
to the state. But it is asked, whether a merchant, who
imports ingots of gold from America, and privately con-
verts them into good money, be guilty of high-treason, -
and merits death, which is the punishment annexed to
this crime, in almost all countries Nevertheless, he has
robbed nobody; on the contrary, he has done service to
the state, by increasing the currency. But he had de-
frauded the king of the small profit upon the coin. He
hath indeed coined money, but he hath led others into the
temptation of coining bad. Yet deathis a severe punish-
ment. A lawyer was of opinion that such a criminal
should be condemned, as a useful hand, to work in the
royal mint, with irons to his legs. º
The vast increase, and extensive circulation of coun- , ,
terfeit money, particularly of late years, is too obvious .
not to have attracted the notice of all ranks. It has be-
come an enormous evil in the melancholy catalogue of -
2 - critnes





- - L- -
-
\ - -
160 NEW NEW GATE CAL END AR.
crimes which the laws of the country are called upon to
assist the police in suppressing. Its extent almost ex-
ceeds credibility ; and the dexterity and ingenuity of
these counterfeits have (after considerable practice) en-
abled them to finish the different kinds of base money, in
so masterly a manner, that it has become extremely diffi-
cult for a common observer to distinguish their spurious
manufacture from the worn-out silver of the mint. So
- systematic, indeed, has this nefarious traffic become of
late, that the great dealers, who in most instances, are the
- employers of the coiners, execute orders for the town
and country, with the same regularity as manufacturers in
fair branches of trade. - -
Scarcely a waggon or coach departs from the metropo-
lis, which does not carry boxes and parcels of base coin
to the camps, sea-ports, and manufacturing towns. In
London, regular markets, in various public and private
houses, are held by the principal dealers; where hawkers,
pedlars, fraudulent horse-dealers, unlicensed lottery-office
keepers, gamblers at fairs, itinerant Jews, Irish labourers,
silver, with the advantage of nearly 100l. per cent, in their
favour; and thus it happens, that through these various
channels, the country is deluged with immense quantities
of base money, which get into circulation; while an evi-
dent diminution of the mint coinage is apparent to every
common observer. º:
- It is impossible to reflect on the necessity to which all
persons are thus reduced, of receiving, and again utter-
- ing, money which is known to be false and counterfeit,
without lamenting, that by thus familiarizing the mind to
fraud and deception, the same laxity of conduct may be
introduced into other transactions of life: the barrier be:
ing broken down in one part, the principle of common
honesty is infringed upon, and infinite mischief to the ver
ry best interests of society, is the result, in cases at first
unthought of
º - - and
servants of toll-gatherers, and hackney-coach owners,
fraudulent publicans, market-women, rabbit-sellers, fish:
cryers, barrow-women, and many who would not be sus-
pected, are regularly supplied with counterfeit copper and,
. To permit, therefore, the existence of an adulterated
-









*
-
BARBARA spexcER. 1ö1
- º ---
and ill-regulated silver and copper coinage, is in fact to to-
lerate general fraud and deception, to the ultimate loss of
many individuals; for the evil must terminate at some pe-
riod, and then thousands must suffer; with this aggrava-
tion, that the longer it continues, the greater will be the
loss of property. -
Nor has the mischief been confined to the counterfeit-
ing the coin of the realm. The avarice and ingenuity of
man is constantly finding out new sources of fraud; inso-
much, that in London, and in Birmingham and its neigh-
bourhood, Louis d'Ors, Half Johannas, French half-crowns
and shillings, as well as several coins of Flanders and Ger-
many, and dollars of excellent workmanship, in exact
imitation of the Spanish dollars issued from the Bank, in
1797, have been from time to time counterfeited; appa-
rently without suspicion, that under the act of the 14th
Elizabeth, (cap. 3,) the offenders were guilty of mispri-
sion of high-treason.
These ingenious miscreants have also extended their
iniquitous manufacture to the coins of India? and a coin-
age of the star pagoda of Arcot was established in Lon-
don for years, by one person. These counterfeits, be-
ing made wholly of blanched copper, tempered in such
a manner, as to exhibit, when stamped, the cracks in the
edges, which are always to be found on the real pagoda,
cost the maker only three-halfpence each, after being
double gilt. When finished, they were generally sold to
Jews at five shillings a dozen, who disposed of them after-
wards at 2s. 35. and even 5s. each; and through this
medium, they have been introduced by a variety of chan-
nels into India, where they were mixed with the real Pa-
godas of the country, and passed at their full denomi-
nated value of 8s. Sterling. -
The sequins of Turkey, another gold coin, worth about
five or six shillings, have in like manner been counter-
feited in London. Thus the national character is wound-
ed, and the disgrace of the British name proclaimed in
Asia, and even in the most distant regions of India. Nor
can it be sufficiently lamented, that persons who consider
themselves as ranking in superior stations of life, with
some pretensions to honour and integrity, have suffered
vol. 1,–No. 7. X. - their
-




162 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
their avariceso far to get the better of their honesty, as to
- be concerned in this iniquitous traffic. -
It has been recently discovered that there are at least
- 120 persons in the metropolis and the country, employed
principally in coining and selling base money and this,
independent of the numerous horde of utterers, who
chiefly support themselves by passing it at its full value. -
. It will scarcely be credited, that of criminals of this lat-
ter class, who have either been detected, prosecuted, or
convicted, within the last seven years, there stand upon
the register of the Solicitor to the mint, more than 650
names?—And yet the mischief is not diminished. When
the reader is informed, that two persons can finish from
2001: to 3001. (nominal value) in base silver, in six days;
and that three people, within the same period, will stamp
the like amount in copper, and takes into the calculation
the number of known coiners, the aggregate amount in
the course of a year will be found to be immense.
On the circulation of Spanish dollars in 1804, a Jew
was apprehended for uttering base ones, and also sus- ,
pected of being the coiner thereof; but there being no
provision in the act against counterfeiting this coin, tho'
it had been called in before (1797) on that account the
offender escaped with impunity.
--
So dexterous and skilful have coiners now become,
that by mixing a certain proportion of pure gold with a
compound of base metal, they can fabricate guineas that
shall be full weight, and of such perfect workmanship, as
to elude a discovery, except by persons of skill ; while the
intrinsic value does not exceed thirteen or fourteen shil-
lings, and in some instances is not more than eight or nine.
Of this coinage considerable quantities were circulated
some years since, bearing the impression of Geórge II.
and another coinage of counterfeit guineas of the year
1793, bearing the impression of his present Majesty, has
been for some years in circulation, finishcq in a masterly
manner, and nearly full weight, although the intrinsic va-
lue is not above eight shillings: half guineas are also in
circulation, of the same coinage and lately a good imi-
tation of the seven-shilling pieces. But as the fabrication of
such coin requires a greater degree of skill and ingenuity
. . . that












* - BARBARA spence R. - 163
than generally prevails, and also a greater capital than
most coiners are able to command ; it is to be hoped it
has gone to no great extent; for amidst all the abuses
which have prevailed of late years, it is unquestionably
true, that the guineas and half-guineas which have been
counterfeited in a style to elude detection, have borne no
proportion in point of extent, to the coinage of base sil-
ver. Of this latter there are five different kinds at pre-
sent counterfeited, and which we shall proceed to emu-
merate. - º
The first of these are denominated flats, from the cir-
cumstance of this species ef money being cut out of flatted
plates, composed of a mixture of silver and blanched cop-
per. The proportion of silver runs from one-fourth to
one-third, and in some instances' to even one-half: the
metals are mixed by a chemical preparation, and after-
wards rolled by flatting mills, into the thickness of shil-
lings, half-crowns, or crowns, according to the desire of
the parties who bring the copper and silver, which last is
generally stolen plate. It is not known, that there are at
present above one or two rolling mills in London, although
there are several in the country, where all the dealers and
coiners of this species of base money resort, for the pur-
pose of having these plates prepared; from which, when
finished, blanks, or round pieces, are cut out, of the sizes
of the money meant to be counterfeited.
The artisans who stamp or coin these blanks into base
money, are seldom interested themselves. They generally
work as mechanics for the large dealers, who employ a -
capital in the trade; and who furnish the plates, and pay
is about eight per cent, for the coinage, being at the rate of
- - - tº *> -
one penny for each shilling, and twopence-halfpenny for ,
º
each half-crown. -
This operation consists first in turning the blanks in a
lathe, then stamping them by means of a press, with dies
with the exact impression of the coin intended to be imi-
tated; they are afterwards rubbed with sand paper and ---
cork; then put in aquafortis, to bring the silver to the
surface; then rubbed with common salt; then with cream
ºf tartar; then warmed in a shovel, or similar machine,
before the fire; and last of all rubbed with blacking, to
X 2 give
º













164: NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
tion, - -
All these operations are so quickly performed, that
two persons, (a man and his wife for instance) can com-
pletely finish to the nominal amount of fifty pounds in
shillings and half crowns in two days, by which they will
earn each two guineas a day. - -
A shilling of this species, which exhibits nearly the ap-
pearance of what has been usually called a Birmingham
shilling, is intrinsically worth from twopence to four-
pence; and crowns and half-crowns are in the same pro-
portion. The quantity made of this sort of counterfeit
coinage is very considerable; it requires less ingenuity
than any of the other methods of coining, though at the
same time it is the most expensive, and of course the least
-- profitable to the dealer; who for the most part disposes
of it to the utterers, vulgarly called smashers, at from
--- 28S. to 40s. for a guinea, according to the quality; while
these smashers generally manage to utter it again to the
full import value. --
The second species of counterfeit silver money passes
among the dealers by the denomination of plated goods;
from the circumstance of the shillings and half-crown;
being made of copper of a reduced size, and afterwards
plated with silver, so extended as to form a rim round
the edge. This coin is afterwards stamped with dies, so
as to resemble the real coin ; and, from the circumstance
of the surface being pure silver, is not easily discovered,
except by ringing the money on a table; but as this spe-
cies of base money requires a knowledge of plating, as
well as a great deal of ingenuity, it is of course confined
to few hands. It is, however, extremely profitable to those
who carry it on, as it can generally be uttered, without
detection, at its full import value. º
The third species of base silver money is called plain
goods, and is totally confined to shillings. These are
made of copper blanks turned in a lathe, of the exact size
of a Birmingham shilling, afterwards silvered over by a
particular operation used in colouring metal, buttons;
-
- - - 9 These
give the money the appearance of having been in circular
they are then rubbed over with cream of fartar and black-














BARBARA SPENCER, 1.65
These shillings do not cost the makers above one half-
penny each ; they are sold very low to the smashers or
utterers, who pass them where they can, at the full nomi-
mal value; and when the silver wears off, which is ver
soon the case, they are sold to the Jews, as bad shillings,
who generally resell them at a small profit to customers,
by whom they are recoloured, and thus soon brought again
into circulation. The profit is immense, owing to the
trifling value of the materials; but the circulation, on ac-
count of the danger of discovery, is to be hoped is not yet
very extensive. It is, however, to be remarked, that it is
a species of coinage not of a long standing.
The fourth class of counterfeit silver money is known by
the name of castings, or cast goods. This species of work
requires great skill and ingenuity, and is therefore con-
fined to few hands; for none but excellent artists can at-
tempt it, with any prospect of great success. -
The process is to melt blanched copper, and to cast it
in moulds, having the impression, and being of the size
, of a crown, a half-crown, a shilling, or a sixpence, as the
case may be ; after being removed from the moulds, the
money thus formed is cleaned off, and afterwards neatly
silvered over by an operation similar to that which takes
place in the manufacture of buttons.
The counterfeit money made in imitation of shillings
by this process, is generally cast so as to have a crooked
appearance; and the deception is so admirable, that al-
though intrinsically not worth one halfpenny, by exhibit-
ing the appearance of a thick crooked shilling, they enter
into circulation without suspicion, and are seldom re-
fused while the surface exhibits no part of the copper;
and even after this the itinerant Jews will purchase them
at threepence each, though six times their intrinsic value,
well knowing that they can again be regoloured at the
expence of half a farthing, so as to pass without difficulty
for their nominal value of twelve penge. A vast number
of the sixpences now in circulation is of this species of
-Colbagº. - --- -
The profit in every view, whether to the original mat
ker, or to the subsequent purchasers, after having lost
their colour, is immense. ---
-
In











º - - º
- - - -
-
v- - -
166 NEw Newgate cAtes DAR.
In fabricating cast money, the workmen are always
more secure than where presses and dies are used ; be-
cause upon the least alarm, and before any officer of Jus-
tice can have admission, the conterfeits are thrown into the
crucible ; the moulds are destroyed; and nothing is to be
found that can convict, or even criminate, the offender:
on this account the present makers of cast money have
reigned long, and were they careful and frugal, they might
have become extremely rich; but prudence rarely fails
to the lot of men who live by acts of criminality. -
. . The fifth and last species of base coin made in imita-
tion of silver money of the realm is called figs, or fig things.
It is a very inferior sort of counterfeit money, of which
composition, however, a great part of the sixpences now
in circulation are made. The proportion of silver is not,
generally speaking of the value of one farthing in half a
crown; although there are certainly some exceptions, as
counterfeit sixpences have been lately discovered, some
with a mixture, and some wholly silver : but even these
did not yield the maker less than from 50 to 80 per cent,
while the profit on the former is not less than from five
hundred to one thousand per cent. and sometimes more.
It is impossible to estimate the amount of this base mo-
ney which has entered into the circulation of the country
during the last twenty years ; but it must be very great,
since one of the principal coiners of stamped money, who
some time since left off business, and made some impor-
tant discoveries, acknowledged to the author, that he had
coined to the extent of two hundred thousand pounds
sterling in counterfeit half-crowns, and other base silver
money, in a period of seven years. This is the less sur-
prising, as two persons can stamp and finish to the amount
of from 2001 to 300, a week.
Of the copper money made in imitation of the current
coin of the realin, there are many different sorts sold at
various prices, according to the size and weight ; but in
general they may be divided into two kinds, namely, the
stamped and the plain halfpence, of both which kind im-
mense quantities have been made in London; and also in
Birmingham, Wedgbury, Bilston, and Wolverhampton,
ÇC. º
s
º
---
The







ºf BARBARA SPENCER. 167
The plain halfpence are generally made at Birming-
ham ; and from their thickness afford a wonderful de-
ception. They are sold, however, by the coiners, to the
large dealers, at about a farthing each, or 100 per cent.
profit in the tale or aggregate number. These dealers
are not the utterers, but sell them again by retail in
pieces, or five-shilling papers, at the rate of from 28s, to
31s, for a guinea ; not only to the smashers, but also to
persons in different trades, as well in the metropolis as
in the country towns, who pass them in the course of
their business at the full import value.
Farthings are also made in considerable quantities,
chiefly in London, but so very thin, that the profit upon
this specie of coinage is much greater than on the half-
pence, though these counterfeits are not now, as formerly,
made of base metal. The copper of which they are made
is generally pure. The advantage lies in the weight
alone, where the coiners, sellers, and utterers, do not ob-
tain less than 200 per cent. A well known coiner has
been said to finish from sixty to eighty pounds sterling a
week. Of halfpence, two or three persons can stamp and
finish to the nominal amount of at least two hundred
pounds in six days.
When it is considered that there are seldom less than
between forty and fifty coinages or private mints, almost
constantly employed in London and in different country
towns, in stamping and fabricating base silver and copper
money, the evil may justly be said to have arrived at an
enormous height. It is indeed true, that these people
have been a good deal interrupted and embarrassed, from
time to time, by detections and convictions; but while
the laws are so inapplicable to the new tricks and devices
they have resorted to, these convictions are only a drop
in the bucket: while such encouragements are held out,
the execution of one rogue only makes room for another
to take up his customers; and indeed as the offence of
selling is only a misdemeanor, it is no unusual thing for the
wife and family of a culprit, or convicted seller of base
money, to carry on the business, and to support him lux-
uriously in Newgate, until the expiration of the year and
* day's
-
-





#63 NEw in Ew8ATE CAEEN BAR.
supplied with counterfeit halfpence, which they dispose
of in the course of the day in different streets and lanes
supplied by them, at the rate of four shillings a dozen;
and are generally resold to smashers, at a profit of two
that it is for the purpose of being returned upon him
to the purchasers and utterers.
excellent workmanship, were intrºduced with a view to
to foreign coin.
day's imprisonment, which is generally the punishment
inflicted for this species of offence.
It has not been an unusual thing for several of these
dealers to hold a kind of market, every morning, where |
from forty to fifty of the German Jew boys are regularly
of the metropolis, for bad shillings, at about threepence
each. Care is always taken that the person who cries bad
shillings shall have a companion near him, who carries
the halfpence, and takes charge of the purchased shillings
(which are not cut:) so as to elude the detection of the
officers of the police, in the event of being searched.
The bad shillings thus purchased, are received in pay-
ment by the employers of the boys, for the bad halfpence
shillings a dozen ; who speedily recolour them, and in-
troduce then again into circulation, at their full nominal
value. - º - -
The boys will generally clear from five to seven shil.
lings a day, by this fraudulent business; which they al-
most uniformly spend, during the evening, in riot and
debauchery; returning pennyless in the morning to their
old trade. - -
Thus it is that the frauds upon the public multiply
beyond all possible conception, while the tradesman, who,
unwarily at least if not improperly, sells his counterfeit
shillings to Jew boys at threepence each, little suspects
again at the rate of twelvepence ; or 300 per cent profit
But these are not the only criminal devices to which |
the coiners and dealers, as well as the utterers of base
ſhoney, have had recourse, for answering their iniãui-
totis purposes. &
Previous to the act of the 37th Geo. 3, cap. 126,
eóunterfeit French crowns, half-crowns, and shillings, of
º
elude the punishment of the then deficient laws relative
Fraudulent





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Fraudulent die sinkers are to be found both in the me-
tropolis and in Birmingham, who are excellent artists;
able and willing to copy the extract similitude of any
coin, from the British gminea to the sequin of Turkey, or
to the star pagoda of Arcot. The delinquents have
therefore every opportunity and assistance they can wish
for ; while their accurate knowledge of the deficiency of
the laws, (particularly relative to British coin) and where
the point of danger lies, joined to the extreme difficulty
of detection, operates as a great encouragement to this
species of treason, felony, and fraud; and affords the -
most forcible reason why these pests of society still con-
tinue to afflict the honest part of the community.
An opinion prevails, founded on information obtained
through the medium of the most intelligent of these coin-
ers and dealers, that of the counterfeit money now in
circulation, not above one third part is of the species of
-
-
---
flats or composition money, which has been mentioned as
the most intrinsically valuable of counterfeit silver; and
contains from one-fourth to one third silver : the remain-
der being blanched copper.—The other two-thirds of the
counterfeit money being cast or washed, and intrinsically
worth little or nothing, the imposition upon the public is
obvious. Taking the whole upon an average, the
amount of the injury my be fairly calculated at within 10
per cent of a total loss upon the mass of the base silver
now in circulation ; which, if a conclusion may be drawn
from what passes under the review of any person who
has occasion to receive silver in exchange, must consi-
derably exceed one million sterling ! To this we have
the miserable prospect of an accession every year, until
some effectual steps shall be taken to remedy the evil.
Of the copper coinage, the quantity of counterfeits at
one time in circulation might be truly said to equal three-
fourth parts of the whole, and nothing is more certain
than that a very great proportion of the actual counter-
feits passed as mint halfpence, from their size and ap-
pearance, although they yielded the coiners a vast profit.
Even at present the state both of the silver and copper
- - - º
coinage of this kingdom (the copper pence only excepted)
W. O. L. I.-NO, 7. Y
- -
BARBARA SPE N C E Re 169
deserves,
--








170 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR. -
deserves very particular attention, for at no time can any
person minutely examine either the one coin or the other,
which may come into his possession, without finding a
considerable portion counterfeit. - º
These dealers are also assisted by fruit women, who
are always ready to give change to ladies (particularly
when no gentleman is in company,) when perhaps motº
one shilling in the change is good; and should the pur-
chaser of the fruit object to any, abusive words ensue.--
An instance of this happened not long ago in Cranbourn
Alley. Rabbit and fowl hawkers are likewise very dex;
terous in passing bad money : they call in at shops, and
propose bargains of fowls, apparently fine looking, but
generally old; when they receive payment, they have a
mode of changing the silver, and telling the purchaser
that he has given a bad shilling, or half-a-crown, pro-
ducing accordingly a most notorious basº one: by their
peremptory, and afterwards abusive manner, they force
the master or mistress of the house (for who would have
a mob about their door *) to give them good money for
their counterfeit. A person of this description has im-
posed lately upon some very respectable people in Chel-,
Sea, but was fortunately stopped in his career.
A species of counterfeit halfpence made wholly of lead,
has been circulated in considerable quantities, coloured.
in such a manner, as even to deceive the best judges. They
are generally of the reign of George II. and have the ex-
act appearance of old mint half-pence. "-
The same kind of counterfeit penny-pieces are also in
circulation; and as six or twelve penny-pieces are often
taken in a lump, the leaden ones, on account of their ex-
act size and similitude, are seldom or never noticed.
The colouring, however, is very apt to wear off at the
edges. º - - - -
Barbara Spencer was born in the parish of St. Giles
without Cripplegate, and when young, proved to be of a
violent temper. At length, her mother, finding her quite
unmanageable at home, put her apprentice to a mantua-
maker, who, having known her from a child, treated her
with great kindness.
f
-
Barbara




























BARBARA spp. Neeſt. - 171
Barbara had served about two years, when on a dis-
pute with her mistress she went home to her mother, with
whom she had not long resided before she insisted on
having a maid kept, to which the old woman consented.
A quarrel soon happening between Barbara and the maid,
the mother interposed; on which the daughter left her
for a time, but soon returned again. -
Not long after this, it happened that some malefactors
were to be executed at Tyburn, and Barbara insisted on
going to see the execution. This was prudently opposed
by her mother, who, struggling to keep her at home,
struck her; but the daughter, getting out of the house,
went to a female acquaintance, who accompanied her to
Tyburn, and thence to a house near St. Giles's Pound,
where Barbara made a vow that she would never again
return to her mother. -
In this fatal resolution she was encouraged by the com-
pany present, who persuaded her to believe that she might
live in an easy manner, if she would but follow their way
of life. To this she readily agreed; and, as they were
coiners, they employed her in uttering counterfeit money,
for which she was detected, tried, fined, and imprisoned.
Not taking warning by what had happened, she re-
turned to her old connections, commenced coiner her-
self, and was at length apprehended for the crime for
which she suffered. - º
While under sentence of death, she behaved in the
most indecent and turbulent manner; nor could she be
convinced that she had been guilty of any crime in mak-
ing a few shillings. She was for some time very impa-
tient under the idea of her approaching dissolution, and
was particularly shocked at the thought of being burnt;
but at the place of execution, she seemed willing to ex-
ercise herself in devotion; but was much interrupted by
the mob throwing stones and dirt at her.
She was strangled and burned.”
* This, as well as the torture to such as would not plead, is now dis-
pensed with. It is surprising that this punishment should so long have dis-
graced the country. In the case of Catherine Hayes, hereafter given, we
shall have occasion to adduce a shocking instance of her being, from this-
iñanagement, agtúally burnt alive. º
º --
X 2 MA Trººp.
-













172 NEw NEwcATE CAL ENDAR.
MATTHEW CLARKE,
A most abhorred murderer, who, Judas like, betrayed an
unfortunate young woman by a kiss, and in the act of *
pretended embrace cut her throat.
Executep, AT TYBURN, July 28, 1721, for MURDER.
This offender was the son of poor persons at St. Al-
ban's, and brought up as a plough boy; but, being too. |
º idle to follow his business, he sauntered about the coun-
try, and committed frequent robberies, spending among
women the money he obtained in this illegal manner.
Clarke had art enough to engage the affections of a
number of young women, to some of whom he promised
- marriage ; and he seems to have intended to have kept
his word with one of them, and went with her to London
to tie the nuptial knot; but, going into a goldsmith's shop
--- to buy the ring, he said he had forgot to supply himself
with money, but would go into the country and fetch it.
The young woman staid in town while he went to
Wilsden-Green, with a view to commit a robbery, that
he might replenish the pocket. As it was now the season
of hay-making, he met a man, who, wondering that he
should be idle, gave him employment. Besides the bu-
siness of farming, his employer kept a public-house, and
had a servant maid, whom Clarke had formerly courted.
The villain, leaving his fellow-labourers in the field,
went to the house, and finding only the girl at home, con-
versed with her some time; but, having determined to
rob his employer, he thought he could not do it securely |
without murdering her; and, while she was gone to draw
him some beer, he pulled out his knife for this horrid
purpose ; and, when she entered the room, he got up to
kiss her, thinking to have then perpetrated the deed, but
his conscience prevented him: on this he sat down,
and talked with her some time longer; when he got up,
and, again kissing her, cut her throat in the same
instant. - -
Hereupon she fell down, and attempted to crawl to the
door, while the blood streamed from her throat, on which
* * * - the
2.









joh N MEFF. 173 -
the villain cut her neck to the bone, and, robbing the
house of a small sum, ran off towards London, under all
the agonizing tortures of a wounded conscience.
Tyburn being in his way to town, he was so terrified at
the sight of the gallows, that he went back a conside-
rable distance, till meeting a waggon, he offered his ser-
vice in driving, thinking that his being in employment - -
might prevent his being suspected in case of a pursuit.— . .
But he had not gone far before some persons rode up,
and asked him if he had seen a man who might be sus-
pected for a murder. He seemed so terrified by the ques-
tion, that the parties could not help noticing his agita-
tion; and, on a close inspection, they found some con-
gealed blood on his cloaths, to account for which he
said he had quarreled and fought with a soldier on the
road. º
Being taken into custody, he soon acknowledged his
crime, and, being carried before a magistrate, he was
committed to Newgate : and when brought to trial he
pleaded guilty, in consequence of which he was hung in
chains near the spot where he committed the murder.
º
JoãN MEFF, .
ExEcuTED AN TYBURN, SEPTEMBER 11, 1721.
- º
- ---
--- Cº-
This offender had been taken into custody for commit.
ting a robbery near London: but as it happened at a time
within the limits of an Act of Grace passed in the reign
of king George the First, it was not thought necessary to
indict him, and he would have been discharged without
farther ceremony, but it appeared that he had been trans-
ported for another crime, and returned before the expira-
tion of his time; wherefore he was indicted for this of.
fence, on an act then lately made, “For the effectual
“transportation of felons,” and his person being iden-
tified, he was found guilty, and received sentence of
death. -
º

























-- - - -
- -- - -
-- -> - - - -
174 NEw NEwgATE cALEN DAR.
The following is an account which he wrote between
his condemnation, and the day of his execution :-
“I was born in London of French parents, who fled
“ hither for protection, when the French Protestants were
“driven out of France by Lewis XIV. º
º “I was put apprentice to a weaver: my father, having :
* continued about twelve years in England, went with
“ the rest of his family to Holland. I served my time
“faithfully, and with the approbation of my master.—
“Soon after I came to work for myself, I married; but
“my business not being sufficient to maintain myself, my
“ wife, and children, I was willing to try what I could ał
“thieving. -
“I followed this practice till I was apprehended, tried,
“and condemned, for house breaking; but, as I was go-
“ing to the place of execution, the hangman was ar.
“rested, and I was brought back to Newgate. It was
“ thought this was my contrivance, to put a stop to public
“justice; but I was so far from being anyways concerned
“in it, that I knew nothing of it till it was done. This
- “ might have been a happy turn for me, if I had made a
“right use of it; for my sentence of death was changed
“ for that of transportation. And indeed I took up a so-
“letnn resolution to lead an honest and regular course of
“life, and to resist all the persuasions of my comrades to
“ the contrary. But this resolution continued but a short
* time after the fear of death vanished.
- * I believe, however, that if I had been safe landed in
“America, my ruin might have been prevented; but the
“ ship, which carried me and the other convicts, was
“ taken by the pirates. They would have persuaded me
“ and some others to sign a paper, in order to become
“ pirates; but we refusing, they put me and eight more
“ ashore, on a desert uninhabited island, where we must
“ have perished with hunger, if by good fortune an Indian
“canoe had not arrived there. We waited till the Indians
“ were gone up the island, and then, getting into the ves”
“sel, we sailed from one small island to another, till we
* reached the coast of America.
---
“ Not choosing to settle in any of the plantations there,
º - * * but




f
MATTHEW CLARKE, º 175
“but preferring the life of a sailor, I shipped myself on
“board a vessel that carried merchandise from Virginia
“ and South Carolina to Barbadoes, Jamaica, and other of
“ his majesty's islands. And thus I lived a considerable
“ time; but at last being over desirous to see how my
“ wife and children fared in England, I was resolved to
“ return at all adventures. - - -
“Upon my arrival here, I quickly fell into my former
“wicked practices, and it was not long before I was com-
“mitted to Newgate on suspicion of robbing a person
º - - - - -
“near London; but, by the assistance of a certain brick- .
“layer, I broke out of prison and went to Hatfield, where
“I lay concealed for some time; but was at last dis-
“covered, and taken again by the same bricklayer who
“had procured my escape. Some evil genius attended
“me. I was certainly infatuated, or I had never conti-
“nued in a place where I was so likely to be discovered.
“My father is now a gardener at Amsterdam, 'Tis
“an addition to my misfortune, that I cannot see him and
“my mother before ºf die; but I hope, when he hears of
“my unhappy end, he will keep my children by my first
“wife from starving. My present wife is able, by her
“industry, to bring up her own offspring; for she has
“been an honest careful woman, during the nine months
“I have been married to her, and has often pressed me
“to go over to Ireland, and lead a regular, and sober
“life. It had been well for me if I had taken her ad-
** vice. º:
“I have had enough of this restless and tumultuous
“world, and hope I am now going to a better. I am very
“easy and resigned to the will of Providence, not doubt-
*ing but I have made my peace with Heaven. , I thank
* God that I have not been molested by my fellow pri-
“somers, with the least cursing or swearing in the con-
“demned hold; but having had an opportunity of em-
“ploying every moment of my time in preparing for a fu-
“ture state.” - - -
º
-




176 NEW NEWGATE CAL ENDARs
tering upon the case of Hawes, offer some observations on
**
NATHANIEL HAWES,
º
Executep AT TYBURN, bec.21, 1721, wiło UNDERw ENT THE roRTURE,
* |
At the time of the sufferings of this man, the year 1721,
such prisoners as contumaciously refused to plead to their
indictments, underwent torture until they complied with
the law as it then regarded their case. This punishment
is however no longer deemed compatible with freedom; and
it was therefore abrogated in the year 1772. Yet as the in-
human practice still prevails in some of the English settle-
ments abroad, and as many nations continue to torture cri- )
minals, we shall, agreeably to our custom of giving our
essays on crimes and punishments at the head of our ac-
count of the first sufferers for the crime, previous to en-
t
torture. - -
In order to extort confession, torture is not peculiar to
Roman Catholic countries, but is even a custom in China.
The instrument of barbarity called the rack is composed
of a thick strong plank, having a contrivance at one end
to secure the hands, and at the other a sort of double
wooden vice. The vice is formed of three stout uprights,
two of which are moveable, but steadied by a block that
is fastened on each side. The ankles of the culprit be-
ing placed in the machine, a cord is passed round the up-
rights, and held fast by two men. The chief tormentor
then gradually introduces a wedge into the intervals, al-
ternately changing sides. The method of forcing an ex-
pansion at the upper part causes the lower ends to draw
towards the central upright, which is fixed unto the
plank, and thereby compresses the ankles of the wretched
sufferer; who, provided he be fortified by innocence or
resolution, endures the advances of the wedge, until his
bones are reduced to a jelly. Punishments of China.
“There was a negro whose name was Neptune, no
slave, but his own master, and a carpenter by trade : he
was young and handsome, but having killed the overseer ||
of the estate of Altona, in the Para Creek, in *".
O

















TORT URE; - 177
of some dispute, he justly forfeited his life. The particu-
lars, however, are worth relating: - º
“This man having stolen a sheep to entertain a favou-
rite young woman, the overseer, who burned with jea-
lousy, had determined to see him hanged ; to prevent
which, the negro shot him dead among the sugar canes.
For these offences, of course, he was sentenced to be
broken alive upon the rack, without the benefit of the
coup de grace, or mercy-stroke. Informed of the dread-
ful sentence, he composedly laid himself down upon his,
back on a strong cross, on which, with his arms and legs
extended, he was fastened by ropes. The executioner,
also a black man, having now with a hatchet chopped off
his left hand, next took up a heavy iron bar, with which,
by repeated blows, he broke his bones to shivers, till the
marrow, blood, and splinters, flew about the field; but
the prisoner never uttered a groan nor a sigh! The ropes
being next unlashed, I imagined him dead and felt happy;
till the magistrates stirring to depart, he writhed himself
from the cross, when he fell on the grass, and damned
them all as a set of barbarous rascals. At the same time,
removing his right hand by the help of his teeth, he
rested his head on part of the timber, and asked the bye-
standers for a pipe of tobacco, which was infamously an-
swered by kicking and spitting on him, till I, with some
American seamen, thought proper to prevent it. He then
begged his head might be chopped off; but to no pur-
pose. At last, seeing no end to his misery, he declared,
“that though he had deserved death, he had not expected
to die so many deaths; however (said he), you Christianis
have missed your aim at last, and I now care not, were I
to remain thus one month longeſ.” After which he sung
two extempore songs, with a clear voice ; the subject of
which were to bid adieu to his living friends, and to ac-
quaint his deceased relations that in a very little time he
should be with them, to enjoy their company for ever in
a better place. This done, he calmly entered into con-
versation with some gentlemen concerning his trial, relat-
ing every particular with uncommon tranquility. “But,
(said he, abruptly), by the slin it must be eight o'clock,
v QL. I.-No. 7. 2. and































178 NEw NEw GATE CALEN DAR.
and by any longer discourse I should be sorry to be the
cause of your losing your breakfast.” Then casting his
eyes on a Jew, whose name was De Veries, “ Apropos,
Sir (said he); won't you please to pay me the ten shil-
lings you owe me?” “For what to do *" “To buy meat
- and drink, to be sure—don't you perceive I'm to be kept
alive º’ Which speech, on seeing the Jew stare like a fool,
this mangled wretch accompanied with a loud and hearty
- laugh. Next observing the soldier that stood centinel
over him biting occasionally a piece of dry bread, he asked
him how it came to pass that he, a white man, should have
no meat to eat along with it “Because I am not so rich,”
answered the soldier. “Then I will make you a present,
Sir (said the negro). First pick my hand that was chopped
off, clean to the bones; next begin to devour my body
till you are glutted ; when you will have both bread and
meat as best becomes you :” which piece of humour was
followed by a second laugh. And thus he continued un-
til I left him, which was about three hours after the dread-
ful execution. - -
“Wonderful it is, indeed, that human nature should be
able to endure so much torture! which assuredly could
only be supported by a mixture of rage, contempt, pride, i.
and the glory of braving histormentors, from whom he
Was SO Soon to escape. - -
“I never recal to my remembrance without the most
painful sensation this horrid scene, which must revolt the
feelings of all who have one spark of humanity. If the
reader, however, should be offended with my dwelling so
long on this unpleasant subject, let it be some relief to
his reflection to consider this punishment not inflicted as
a wanton and unprovoked act of cruelty, but as the ex-
treme severity of the Surinam laws on a desperate wretch,
suffering, as an example to others, for complicated crimes;
while, at the same time, it cannot but give me, and I hope
many others, some consolation to reflect that the above
barbarons mode of punishment was hitherto never put
in practice in the British colonies. I must now relate an
incident which, as it had a momentary effect on my ima:
gination, might have had a lasting one on some who had
- not
- tº
-
























TORTURE. . . . 179
-
not investigated the real cause of it, and which it gave
me no small satisfaction to discover.
“About three in the afternoon, walking towards the
place of execution, with my thoughts full of the affecting
scene, and the image of the sufferer fresh in my mind, the
first object I saw was his head, at some distance, placed on
a stake, nodding to me backwards and forwards, as if he
had been really alive. I instantly stopt short, and seeing
no person in the Savannah, nor a breath of wind sufficient
to move a leaf or a feather, I acknowledged that I was ri-
vetted to the ground where I stood, without having the
resolution of advancing one step for some time ; till re-
flecting that I must be weak indeed not to approach this
dead skull and find out the wonderful phenomenon if pos-
sible, I boldly walked up, and instantly discovered the
natural cause, by the return of a vulture to the gallows,
who perched upon it as if he meant to dispute with me
this feast of carrion; which bird, having already picked
out one of the eyes, had fled at my first approach, and
striking the skull with his talons, as he took his sudden
flight, occasioned the motion already described. I shall
now only add, that this poor wretch, after living more than
six hours, had been knocked on the head by the commis-
serating sentinel, the marks of whose musket were per-
fectly visible by a large open fracture in the skull.”-Stęd-
'man's Account of Surinam. -
The torture of a criminal during the course of his trial
is a cruelty consecrated by custom in most nations. It
is used with an intent, either to make him confess his
crime, or explain some contradictions into which he had
been led during his examination, or discover his accom-
plices, or for some kind of metaphysical and incompre-
hensible purgation of infamy, or, finally, in order to dis-
cover other crimes, of which he is not accused, but of
which he may be guilty. - --"
No man can be judged a criminal until he be found
guilty ; nor can Society take from him the public protec-
tion until it have been proved that he has violated the
conditions on which it was granted. What right, then,
but that of power, can authorize the punishment of a ci-
tizen, so long as there remains any doubt of his guilt?
sº - Z 2 This







º - -
180. NEW NEW GATE CA LEN DAR.
This dilemma is frequent. Either he is guilty or not
guilty. If guilty he should only suffer the punishment
ordained by the laws, and torture becomes useless, as his
confession is unnecessary. If he be not guilty, you tor-
ture the innocent; for, in the eye of the law, every man
is innocent, whose crime has not been proved. Besides,
it is confounding all relations to expect that a man should
be both the accuser and the accused; and that pain should
be the test of truth, as if truth resided in the muscles and
fibres of a wretch in torture. By this method, the robust
will escape and the feeble be condemned. These are
the inconveniences of this pretended test of truth, wor-
thy only of a cannibal, and which the Romans, in many
º respects barbarous, and whose savage virtue has been too
much admired, reserved for the slaves alone.
What is the political intention of punishments?--To
terrify, and be an example to others. Is this intention
answered by thus privately torturing the guilty and the
innocent It is doubtless of importance that no crime
should remain unpunished ; but it is useless to make a
public example of the author of a crime hid in darkness.
A crime already committed, and for which there can be
- no remedy, can only be punished by a political society
with an intention that no hopes of impunity should in-
duce others to commit the same. If it be true that the
is greater than of those by whom they are violated, the
risk of torturing an innocent person is greater, as there is
hath observed than that he hath infringed the laws.
to purge a man from infamy. Ought such an abuse to be
tolerated in the eighteenth century Can pain, which is
a sensation, have any connection with a moral sentiment.
a matter of opinion? Perhaps the rack may be consi
as the refiner's furnace. - - ºf
for an absurdity adopted by a whole nation must have
some affinity with other ideas established and respected by
the same nation. This custom seems to be the offspring
º
number of those who from fear or virtue respect the laws'
a greater probability that, catteris paribus, an individual
There is another ridiculous motive for torture, namely,
dered
It is not difficult to trace this senseless law to it's origin;
of religion, by which mankind, in all nations, and in all
º - - 9 ages,
|









-
To RTURE. HS1
ages, are so generally influenced. We are taught by our
infallible church that those stains of sin contracted through -
human frailty, and which have not deserved the eternal
anger of the Almighty, are to be purged away in another
life by an incomprehensible fire. Now infamy is a
stain, and if the punishments and fire of purgatory can
take away all spiritual stains, why should not the pain of
torture take away those of a civil nature ? I imagine that
the confession of a criminal, which in some tribunals is
required as being essential to his condemnation, has a
similar origin, and has been taken from the mysterious tri-
bunal of penitence, where the confession of sins is a ne-
cessary part of the sacrament. Thus have men abused
the unerring light of revelation; and, in the times of
tractable ignorance, having no other, they naturally had
recourse to it on every occasion, making the most remote
and absurd applications. Moreover, infamy is a senti-
ment regulated neither by the laws nor by reason, but en-
tirely by opinion; but torture renders the victim infa-
mous, and therefore cannot take infamy away. -
Another intention of torture is to oblige the supposed -
criminal to reconcile the contradictions into which he may
have fallen during his examination; as if the dread of pu-
nishment, the uncertainty of his fate, the solemnity of the
court, the majesty of the judge, and the ignorance of the -
accused, were not abundantly sufficient to account for
contradictions, which are so common to men even in a
state of tranquility, and which must necessarily be mul-
tiplied by the perturbation of the mind of a man entirely
engaged in the thoughts of saving himself from imminent
danger. - - º -
This infamous test of truth is a remaining monument
of that ancient and savage legislation in which trials by
fire, by boiling water, or the uncertainty of combats,
were called judgments of God; as if the links of that
eternal chain whose beginning is in the breast of the First
Cause of all things could ever be disunited by the insti-
tutions of men. The only difference between torture and
trials by fire and boiling water is, that the event of the
first depends on the will of the accused, and of the se-
cond on a fact entirely physical and external; but this
-- . - difference














! 83 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN TY A. R.
difference is apparent only, not real. A man on the rack,
in the convulsions of torture, has it as little in his power
to declare the truth as, in former times, to prevent with-
out fraud, the effects of fire or boiling water. º
Every act of the will is invariably in proportion to the
force of the impression on our senses. The impression of
pain, then, may increase to such a degree, that, occupy-
ing the mind entirely, it will compel the sufferer to use
the shortest method of freeing himself from torment.—
His answer, therefore, will be an effect as necessary as
that of fire or boiling water, and he will accuse himself of
crimes of which he is innocent ; so that the very means
employed to distinguish the innocent from the guilty will
most effectually destroy all difference between them.
It would be superfluous to confirm these reflections by
examples of innocent persons who, from the agony of
torture, have confessed themselves guilty; innumerable
instances may be found in all nations and in every age.
How amazing that mankind have always neglected to
draw the natural conclusion | Lives there a man who, if
he has carried his thoughts ever so little beyond the neces-
sities of life, when he reflects on such cruelty, is not
tempted to fly from society, and return to his natural state
of independence
The result of torture, then, is a matter of calculation,
and depends on the constitution, which differs in every
individual, and is in proportion to his strength and sen-
sibility; so that to discover truth by this method is a prob-
lem which may be better resolved by a mathematician than
a judge, and may be thus stated.—The force of the muscles
and the sensibility of the nerves of an innocent person be-
º
ing given, it is required to find the degree of pain neces-
sary to make him confess himself guilty of a given
Cººl ſ{}º, - -
* -/ º -- . ------- - * º
The examination of the accused is intended to find out
the truth; but if this be discovered with so much dif-
ficulty in the air, gesture, and countenance of a man at
ease, how can it appear in a countenance distorted by the
convulsions of torture? Every violent action destroys those
small alterations in the features which sometimes disclose
the sentiments of the heart,
---
These
-








-
roºter E. - 183
These truths were known to the Roman legislators,
amongst whom slaves only, who were not considered as
citizens, were tortured. They are known to the English,
a nation in which the progress of science, superiority in
commerce, riches, and power, it's natural consequences,
together with the numerous examples of virtue and cou-
rage, leave no doubt of the excellence of it's laws. They
have been acknowledged in Sweden; where torture has
been abolished. They are known to one of the wisest
monarchs in Europe, who, having seated philosophy on
the throne, by his beneficent legislation has made his
subjects free, though dependent on the laws; the only
freedom that reasonable then can desire in the present
state of things. In short, torture has not been thought
necessary in the laws of armies, composed chiefly of the
dregs of mankind, where it's use should seem most ne-
cessary. Strange phenomenon that a set of men, har-
dened by slaughter and familiar with biood, should teach
humanity to the sons of peace. -- - -
A very strange but necessary consequence of the use of
torture is, that the case of the innocent is worse than that
of the guilty. With regard to the first, either he con-
fesses the crime which he has not committed, and is con-
demned, or he is acquitted, and has suffered a punish-
ment he did not deserve. On the contrary, the person
who is really guilty has the most favourable side of the
question; for if he supports the torture with firmness and
resolution, he is acquitted, and has gained, having ex-
changed a greater punishment for a less.
The law by which torture is authorized says—“Men,
be insensible to pain. Nature has indeed given you an
irresistible self-love, and an unalienable right of self-pre-
servation; but I create in you a contrary sentiment, an
heroical hatred of yourselves. I command you to accuse
yourselves, and to declare the truth, amidst the tearing of
your flesh and the dislocation of your bones.”
Torture is used to discover whether the criminal be
guilty of other crimes besides those of which he is ac-
cused, which is equivalent to the following reasoning :-
* Thou art guilty of one crime, therefore it is possible that
thou mayest have committed a thousand others; but the
- affair



184. W. EW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
ºf
affair being doubtful, I must try it by my criterion of
truth. The laws order thee to be tormented because thou
art guilty, because thou mayest be guilty, and because I
choose thou shouldest be guilty.” -
Torture is used to make the criminal discover his ac
complices ; but if it has demonstrated that it is not a pro-
per means of discovering truth, how can it serve to dis-
cover the accomplices, which is one of the truths required?
Will not the man who accuses himself yet more readily
accuse others ? Besides, is it just to torment one man for
the crime of another? May not the accomplices be found
out by the examination of the witnesses, or of the crimi-
mal? from the evidence, or from the nature of the crime
itself? In short, by all the means that have been used to
prove the guilt of the prisoner? The accomplices com-
monly fly when their comrade is taken. Beccaria.
All mankind being exposed to the attempts of violence
or perfidy, detest the crimes of which they may possibly
be the victims; all desire that the principal offender and
his accomplices may be punished; nevertheless there is
a natural compassion in the human heart, which makes all
men detest the cruelty of torturing the accused, in order
to extort confession. The law has not condemned them,
and yet, though uncertain of their crime, you inflict a pu-
nishment more horrible than that which they are to suffer
when their guilt is confirmed. “Possibly thou mayest be
innocent ; but 1 will torture thee that I may be satisfied:
not that I intend to make thee aſy recompence for the
thousand deaths which I have made thee suffer, in lieu of
that which is preparing for thee.” Who does not shud-
der at the idea St. Augustin opposed such cruelty; the
Romans tortured their slaves only; and Quintilian, recol-
lecting that they were men, reproved the Romans for such
want of humanity.
If there were but one nation in the world which had
abolished the use of torture—if in that nation crimes were
no more frequent than in others—and if that nation be
thore enlightened and more flourishing since the aboli-
tion—it’s example surely were sufficient for the rest of the
world. England alone might instruct all other nations in
this particular; but England is not the only nation. Tor-
tºire - -
-
-
| ||
º
n
º
{





º
º
and many effects belonging to Hawes's master were found
M AT HANIEL HAWES. 135
ture hath been abolished in other countries, and with suc-
cess: the question, therefore, is decided. Shall not a peo-
ple who pique themselves on their politeness pride them-
selves also on their humanity? Shall they obstinately persist
in their inhumanity, merely because it is an ancient cus-
tom P Reserve, at least, such cruelty for the punishment
of those hardened wretches who shall have assassinated
the father of a family or the father of his country; but
that a young person who commits a fault which leaves no
traces behind it should suffer equally with a parricide, is
not this a useless piece of barbarity? Poltaire.
Nathaniel Hawes was a native of Norfolk, in which
county he was born in the year 1701. His father was a
grazier in ample circumstances, but dying while the son
was an infant, a relation in Hertfordshire took care of
his education. At a proper age he was apprenticed to an
upholsterer in London; but becoming connected with
people of bad character, and thus acquiring an early ha-
bit of vice, he robbed his master when he had served only
two years of his time, for which he was tried at the Old
Bailey, and being convicted of stealing to the amount of
thirty-nine shillings, was sentenced to seven years trans-
portation. This sentence, however was not carried into
execution, owing to the following circumstance:–A man
named Phillips had encouraged the unhappy youth in his
depredations, by purchasing, at a very low rate, such
goods as he stole from his master: but when Hawes was
taken into custody, he gave information of this affair, in
consequence of which a search-warrant was procured,
in Phillips's possession. Hereupon application was made
to the king, and a free pardon was granted to Hawes,
whereby he was rendered a competent evidence against
Phillips, who was tried for receiving stolen goods, and
transported for fourteen years. Hawes, during his con-
finement in Newgate, had made such bad connections as
greatly contributed to the contamination of his morals;
and soon after his release, he connected himself with a
set of bad fellows who acted under the direction of Jona-
VOL. I.- No. 7, 2 A than






186 NEW NEWGATE c ALEN DAR. --
-
than Wild ; and having made a particular acquaintance
with one John James, they joined in the commission of a
number of robberies. After an uncommon share of suc-
sess for some days, they quarrelled on the division of the
booty, in consequence each acted on his own account.—
Some little time after they had thus separated, Hawes,
being apprehensive that James would impeach him, ap-
plied to Jonathan Wild, and informed against his old ac-
quaintance, on which James was taken into custody,
º tried, convicted, and executed. Notwithstanding this
conviction, the court sentenced Hawes to be imprisoned
in the New Prison, and that gaol was preferred to New-
gate, because the prisoners in the latter threatened to mur-
der Hawes, for being an evidence against James. Here
it should be observed, that by an act of the 4th and 5th of
William and Mary, for the more effectual conviction of
|- highwaymen, the evidence of accomplices is allowed; but
the evidence cannot claim his liberty unless two or more
of his accomplices are convicted; but may be imprisoned
during the pleasure of the court. Soon after his commit-
ment, Hawes and another fellow made their escape, and
entering into partnership, committed a variety of robbe-
ries, particularly on the road between Hackney and Shore-
ditch. This connection, like the former, lasted but a
- short time: a dispute on dividing their ill-gotten gains
occasioned a separation: soon after which Hawes went
alone to Finchley Common, where meeting with a gen-
tleman riding to town, he presented a pistol to his breast,
and commanded him instantly to dismount, that he
might search him for his money. The gentleman of-
fered him four shillings, on which Hawes swore the most
horrid oaths, and threatened instant death, if he did not
immediately submit. The gentleman quitted his horse,
and in the same moment seized the pistol, which he
snatched from the hand of the robber, and presenting it
to him, told him to expect death if he did not surrender
himself. Hawes, who was now as terrified as he had been
insolent, made no opposition; and the driver of a cart com-
ing up just at that juncture, he was easily made prisoner,
eonveyed to London, and committed to Newgate. When
the sessions came on, and he was brought to the bar, he
- refused
!º







NATH AN IEL H.A.W. E.S. 187
refused to plead to his indictment, alledging the following
reasons for so doing; that he would die, as he had lived,
like a gentleman, ; “The people (said he], who appre-
hended me, seized a suit of fine clothes, which I intended º
to have gone to the gallows in; and unless they are re- \
turned I will not plead ; for no one shall say that I was -
hanged in a dirty shirt and ragged coat.” On this he was
told what would be the consequence of his contempt of
legal authority; but this making no impression on him,
sentence was pronounced that he should be pressed to -
death, whereupon he was taken from the court, and being
laid on his back, sustained a load of two hundred and
fifty pounds weight about seven minutes; but unable any
longer to bear the pain, he entreated he might be con-
ducted back to the court, which being complied with, -
he pleaded, “Not guilty;” but the evidence against
him being complete, he was convicted, and sentenced to
die. After conviction his behaviour was very improper.
He told the other capital convicts he would die like a
hero; and behaved in the same thoughtless way till the
arrival of the warrant for his execution: after which his
conduct was not altogether so imprudent. He owned to
the ordinary of Newgate, that he was induced to refuse to
plead to his indictment, that the other prisoners might
deem him a man ºf honour, and not from the idle vanity
of being hanged in fine clothes. He acknowledged many .
robberies which he had committed; but charged Jona- -
than Wild as being the principal author of his ruin, by
purchasing the stolen goods. He likewise owned that he
had been base enough to inform against persons who were
innocent, particularly agentleman's servant who was then
in custody; but he did not discover many signs of con-
trition for this or any other of his offences.
a
-
-
iyizztañf



















188 NEW NEwgATE cALEN DAR.
Iriſ LLAM BURRIDGE,
Executed AT TYBURN, MARCH 22, 1722, for HoRSE stEALING.
WA's born in Northamptonshire, and served his appren-
ticeship with a carpenter; but being of a wild disposition,
coast of Spain; but soon quitting the naval service, he
returned to England, and commencing highwayman,
committed many robberies on the road to Hampstead, on
Finchley Common, and in the neighbourhood of Ham-
mersmith. When he first began the practice of robbing,
he formed a resolution to retire when he had acquired as
much money as would support him : but this time never
arrived; for finding his success by no means proportioned
to his expectations, he became one of the gang under Jo-
nathan Wild,” of infamous memory; and was for a con-
siderable time screened from justice by that celebrated
master of thieves. Burridge being confined in New Pri-
son for a capital offence, broke out of that gaol; and he
was repeatedly an evidence at the Old Bailey, by which
means his associates suffered the rigour of the law. At
as one doomed to suffer at the next execution after the
ensuing sessions at the Old Bailey; which was a common
practice with Wild when he grew tired of his dependants,
or thought they could be no longer serviceable to him.–
Alarmed by this circumstance, Burridge fled into Lin-
colnshire, where he stole a horse, and brought it to Lon-
don, intending to sell it at Smithfield for present support :
description of it to London, Burridge was seen riding on
it through the street, and watched to a livery stable. Some
persons going to take him, he produced a brace of pis-
tols, threatening destruction to any one who came near
him; by which he got off; but being immediately pur-
* The particulars of the life and execution of this most notorious thief
and thief-taker will be found in the * Page5, --
sued,
his friends determined on sending him to sea; accordingly,
they got him rated as a midshipman, and he sailed to the
length, having offended Wild, the latter marked him down.
but the gentleman who lost the horse, having sent a full











-
A RUNDEL COOKE, ESQ. 189
sued, he was apprehended in May-fair, and lodged in
- Newgate. On his trial, a man and a woman swore, that
they saw him purchase the horse; but as there was a ma-
terial difference in their stories, the court was of opinion
that they had been hired to swear, and the judge gave di-
rections for their being taken into custody for the perjury.
The jury did not hesitate to find Burridge guilty; and
after sentence was passed, his behaviour was extremely
devout, and he encouraged the devotion of others in like
unhappy circumstances. He suffered in the 34th year of
his age; having first warned the spectators to be obedient
to their parents and masters, and to beware of the crime
of debauching young women, which had first led him
from the path of duty, and finally terminated in his ruin.
º
ARUNDEL COOKE, ES2.
And his accomplice JOHN WOOD BURNE, the first criminals
- who suffered death under the Coventry Act.
Executfo AT BURY ST. EDMUND’s, APRIL 5, 1722.
PREvious to the passing of this act of Parliament, it was
customary for revengeful men to way-lay another, and cut
and maim him so that though he did not die of such
wounds, he might remain a cripple during the remainder
of life, and such case was not then a capital offence. It
was also a dangerous practice resorted to by thieves, who
would often cut the sinews of mens' legs, called ham-
stringing, in order to prevent their escape from being
robbed. ---.
Sir John Coventry, who in the reign of Charles the Se-
cond, having opposed the measures of the court in the
House of Commons, in revenge some armed villains at-
tacked him one night in Covent-garden, slit his nose, and
cut off his lips. Shocked by so barbarous a deed, the
members of both houses of parliament passed an act in a
few days, by which it was ordained, that “ Unlawfully
cutting out, or disabling the tongue, of malice afore-
- - - thought,


190 NEW NEWGATE cale NDAR.
**
thought, or by lying in wait, putting out an eye, slitting
the nºse or lip, or cutting off or disabling any limb of
member of any person, with intent to maim or disfigure,
shall be felony without benefit of clergy.” By this law
it is likewise enacted, that “accessaries shall likewise be
deemed principals.”—Mr. Cooke was born at Bury St.
Edmund's, in the county of Suffolk. His father was a
man of fortune, and when he had given him an university
education, he sent him to the Temple to study the law,
after which he was called to the bar, and acted as a coun-
sellor. After some time he married a young lady, the
sister of Mr. Crisp, who lived in the neighbourhood of his
native place. Mr. Crisp being a gentleman of large pro-
perty, but of a bad state of health, made his will in fa-
vour of Cooke, subject only to a jointure for his sister's
use, which was likewise to become the property of the
counsellor, in case the lady died before her husband.
It was not long after Mr. Crisp had made his will, before
he recovered his health in some degree; but he continued
an infirm man, though he lived a number of years. This
partial recovery gave great uneasiness to Cooke, who
wishing to possess the estate, was anxious for the death
of his brother-in-law, though, as he had art enough to
conceal his sentiments, they appeared to live on tolerable
terms. However, he at length grew so impatient, that
he could not come into possession by the death of Mr.
Crisp, that he resolved to remove him by murder; and
for that purpose he engaged John Woodburne, a labour-
ing man, who had six children, to assist him in the exe-
cution of his diabolical plan ; for which piece of service
he promised to give him a hundred pounds. The man
was unwilling to be concerned in this execrable business;
but reflections on his poverty, and the largeness of his fa-
mily, tempted him to comply. On this it was agreed the
murder should be perpetrated on Christmas evening; and
as Mr. Crisp was to dine with Cooke on that day, and
the church-yard lay between one house and the other,
Woodburne was to wait, concealed behind one of the
- * There is a similar act in Ireland, called “The Chalking Act,” on
which one Lamb, a butcher, was the first who suffered. Epſtok.
* º - tomb-




ARUN DEL COO KE, ESQ.. . 191
tomb-stones, till Cooke gave him the signal of attack,
which was to be a loud whistle. Crisp came to his ap-
pointment, and dined and drank tea with his brother-in-
law; but declining to stay supper, he left the house about
nine o'clock, and was almost immediately followed into
the church yard by Cooke, who giving the agreed signal,
Woodburne quitted his place of retreat, knocked down
the unhappy man, and cut and maimed him in a terrible
manner, in which he was abetted by the counsellor.—
Imagining they had dispatched him, Mr. Cooke re-
warded Woodburne with a few shillings, and instantly
went home ; but he had not arrived more than a quarter
of an hour, before Mr. Crisp knocked at the door, and -
entered covered with wounds, and almost dead through
loss of blood. He was unable to speak, but by his looks -
seemed to accuse Cooke with the intended murder, and
was then put to bed, and his wounds dressed by a sur-
geon. At the end of about a week he was so much
mended, as to be removed to his own house. He had no
doubt but Cooke was of the persons who had assaulted
him ; but had resolved not to speak of the affair till fu-
ture circumstances made it necessary for him to inform a
court of justice of what had happened. The intended
assassination having greatly engaged the attention of the
neighbours, Woodburne was apprehended on suspicion;
when making a discovery of the whole truth, Cooke was
also taken into custody. They were brought to their trials
at the next assizes, and both convicted. When they were
called upon to receive sentence of death, Cooke desired
to be heard ; and the court complying with his request, he
urged that “Judgment could not pass on the verdict, be-
cause the act of parliament simply mentions an intention
to maim or deface, whereas he was firmly resolved to have
committed murder.” He quoted several law cases in fa-
vour of the arguments he had advanced, and hoped that
judgment might be respited till the opinion of the twelve
judges could be taken on the cause. The counsel for the
crown opposed the arguments of Cooke—insisted that the
crime came within the meaning of the law, and hoped
that judgment would pass against the prisoners. Lord
Chief Justice King, who presided on this occasion, de-
- 7 -
clared








192 - New NEwg ATE car. Espar.
º
-
-- -
clared he could not admit the force of Mr. Cooke's plea,
consistent with his own oath as a judge—“for (said he) it
would establish a principle in the law, inconsistent with
the first dictates of natural reason, as the greatest villain
might, when convicted of a smaller offence, plead that
the judgment must be arrested, because he intended to
commit a greater. In the present instance (said he)
judgment cannot be arrested, as the intention is naturally
implied when the crime is actually committed.” His
lordship said that “Crisp was assassinated in the manner
laid in the indictment—it is therefore to be taken for
granted, that the intention was to maim and deface;
wherefore the court will proceed to give judgment;"—
and accordingly sentence of death was passed on Cooke
and his accomplice. After condemnation, the former
employed his time principally in endeavours to procure a
pardon, and when he found his expectations fail him, he
grew reserved, and would not admit even the visits of his
- #iends. On the contrary, Woodburne was all penitence
and contrition—sincerely lamenting the crime he had been
guilty of, and the miserable situation in which he left his
poor children. A short time before the day of execution,
Cooke wrote to the sheriff, requesting that he might be
hanged in the night, to prevent his being exposed to the
country people, who were expected from all the adjacent
towns and villages; and in Consequence hereof, he was
hanged at four o'clock in the morning, and Woodburne
- was executed in the afternoon of the same day. The lat-
ter behaved with every sign of penitence; but Cooke's
º conduct was very unfeeling, and he absolutely refused to
confess his crime. º -









193
JOHN HARTLEP AND THOMAS REEVES,
Footpads, the most dangerous description of Robbers,
Executed AT TYBURN, MAY 4, 1722,
WERE tried for stopping a journeyman tailor, in the
fields near Harrow, and robbing him of two pence and
his clothes; and because he had no more money, they
beat him most inhumanly, stripped, and bound him to
a tree.
While he was in this wretched situation, some persons
coming by unbound him, and took him to an alehouse,
where he told the particulars of the robbery, mentioned
the colour of his clothes, and described the persons of the
robbers to the best of his power.
These circumstances were heard by a fidler, who going -
next day into a public house in Fore-street, saw the fel- -
lows offering to sell the tailor's coat. The fidler imme-
diately proposed to be the purchaser, gave earnest for it,
and pretending he had not money enough, said he would
fetch the difference; instead of which he brought the
party robbed, who knowing the footpads, they were taken
into custody.
The evidence on their trial was so plain, that the jury
could not hesitate to find them guilty; in consequence of
which they received sentence of death. -
After conviction, their behaviour was unbecoming per-
sons in their unhappy circumstances. That of Reeves was
particularly hardened ; he would sing and swear while the
other convicts were at prayers, yet he told the Ordinary
that he was certain of going to heaven. - -
The most curious circumstance arising from the detec- -
tion of these offenders, was the singular method that
Hartley took to save his life. He procured six young
women, dressed in white, to go to St. James's, and pre-
sent a petition in his behalf. The singularity of their ap-
pearance gained them admission, when they delivered
their petition, and told the king, that if he extended the
VoI. I.-No. 8. 2 B royal
-
-



194 NEW NEW GATE CAL E N DAR |
-
royal mercy to the offender, they would cast lots which
should be his wife; but his Majesty said that he was
more deserving of the gallows than a wife, and accord-
ingly refused their request.
As they were going to execution, the Ordinary asked
Reeves, if his wife had been concerned with him in any
robberies. “No (said he), she is a worthy woman, whose
“first husband happening to be hanged, I married her,
“ that she might not reproach me by a repetition of his
“ virtues.” - - -
At the fatal tree, Reeves behaved in the most hardened
manner, affected to despise death, and said, he believed he
might go to heaven from the gallows as safely as from
his bed. - -
-
-
-
John H.Mirkins and JAMEs simpsov,
HIGHWAYMEN AND MAIL-RoßBERs, Execured AT TYBURN, ON THE 21st
OF MAY, 1722, -
- º
John HAwkſ NS was born of poor but honest parents, at
Staines, in Middlesex, and for some time lived as waiter
at the Red-Lion at Brentford ; but leaving this place, he
again engaged as a gentleman's servant. Having been at
length in different families, he became butler to Sir Den-
nis Drury, and was distinguished as a servant of very
creditable appearance. His person was uncommonly
graceful, and he was remarkably vain of it. He used to
frequent gaming tables, two or three nights in a week, a
practice which led to that ruin which finally befel him.
About this time Sir Dennis had been robbed of a consi-
derable quantity of plate; and as Hawkins's mode of life
was very expensive, it was suspected that he was the thief,
for which reason he was discharged, without the advan-
tage of a good character. Being thus destitute of the
means of subsistence, he had recourse to the highway,
and his first expedition was to Hounslow Heath, where he
took eleven pounds from the passengers in a coach; but
such was his attachment to gaming, that he repaired di-
rectly to London, and lost it all. He continued to rob
- --- % - alone
r




















*AWKINS ANI, SIMPsox, 195
alone for some time, and then engaged with other high-
waymen ; but the same fate still attended him; he lost by
gaming what he acquired at so much risque, and was fre-
quently so reduced as to dine at an eating-house, and
sneak off without paying his reckoning. Several of his
old companions having met their deserts at the gallows,
he became acquainted with one Wilson, a youth of good
education, who had been articled to a solicitor in chan-
cery, but had neglected his business through an attach-
ment to the gaming table. These associates having com-
mitted several robberies in conjunction, were tried for
one of them, but acquitted for want of evidence. After
which Wilson went down to his mother, who lived at
Whitby, in Yorkshire, and continued with her for about a
year, aud then coming to London, lived with a gentleman
of the law ; but having lost his money in gaming, renewed
his acquaintance with Hawkins, who was now concerned
with a new gang of villains ; one of whom, however, be-
ing apprehended, impeached the rest, which soon de-
pressed the gang, but not until some of them had made
their exit at Tyburn ; on which Hawkins was obliged to
conceal himself for a considerable time; but at length he
ventured to rob a gentleman on Finchley-common, and
shot one of his servants too, who died on the spot. His
next attack was on the earl of Burlington and lord Bruce,
in Richmond-lane, from whom he took about twenty
pounds, two gold watches, and a sapphire ring. For this
- ring, a reward of one hundred pounds was offered to Jo-
nathan Wild; but Hawkins sailed to Holland with it, and
there sold it for forty pounds. On his return to England
- he joined his companions, of whom Wilson was one, and
robbed Sir David Dalrymple of about three pounds, a
snuff-box and a pocket book, for which last Sir Đavid of-
fered sixty pounds reward to Wild but Hawkins's gang
having no contection with that villain, who did not even
know their persons, they sent the book by a porter to Sir
David, without expence. They next stopped Mr. Hyde,
of Hackney, in his coach, and robbed him of ten pounds
and his watch, but missed three hundred pounds which
the gentleman then had in his possession. After this they
stopped the earl of Westmoreland's coach, in Lincoln’s-
2 B 2 Ind-




196 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
-- - `...
Inn-Fields, and robbed him of a sum of money, though
there were three footmen behind the carriage.The footmen º
- called the watch, but the robbers firing a pistol over their
heads, the guardians of the night decamped. Hawkins
had now resolved to carry the booty obtained in several late
robberies to Holland; but Jonathan Wild having heard ||
of the connection, caused some of the gang to be appre-
hended; on which the rest went into the country to hide
themselves. On this occasion Hawkins and Wilson went
to Oxford, and paying a visit to the Bodleian library, the
former wantonly defaced some pictures in the gallery; |
and one hundred pounds reward was offered to discover
the offender, when a poor tailor having been taken up on
suspicion, narrowly escaped being whipped, merely be:
cause he was of whiggish principles. Hawkins and his
friend returning to London, the latter coming of age at ||
that time, succeeded to a little estate his father had left
him, which he sold for three hundred and fifty pounds, a
small part of which he lent to his companions to buy
horses, and soon dissipated the rest at the gaming-table.
The associates now stopped two gentlemen it, a chariot on |
the Hampstead road, who both fired at once, by which
three slugs were lodged in Hawkins's shoulder, and the
highwaymen got to London with some difficulty. On
Hawkins's recovery, they attempted to stop a gentleman's
coach in Hyde-Park; but the coachman driving bastily,
Wilson fired, and wounding himself in the hand, found ||
it difficult to scale the park wall, to effect his escape.
This circumstance occasioned some serious thoughts in
his mind, in consequence of which he set out for his mo-
ther's house in Yorkshire, where he was kindly received,
and fully determined never to recur to his former prac- ||
tices. While he was engaged in his mother's business,
and planning schemes for domestic happiness, he was \
sent for to a public house, where he found his old ac-
quaintance, Hawkins, in company with one George
Simpson, another associate, who was a native of Putney,
in Surry. His father was a wine-merchant, but being re-
duced in circumstances, removed into Lincolnshire.
Young Simpson kept a public-house at Lincoln, and acted
as a sheriff's officer, but quitting the country, he came to
London,

















up with them, and commanded the post-boy and the coun-
-
d
-.
ſ
\
H.A.W. KINS AND SIM PSON. 1.
2
London, and was butler to lord Castlemain ; after which
he lived in several other creditable places, till he became
acquainted with Hawkins. Wilson was shocked at see-
ing them, and asked what could induce them to take such
a journey : Hereupon Hawkins swore violently, said Wil-
son was impeached, and would be taken into custody in
a few days. This induced him to go to London with
them ; but, on his arrival, he found that the story of the
impeachment was false. When in London, they formed
connections with other thieves, and committed several
robberies, for which some of the gang were executed.
They frequented a public-house at London-wall, the
master of which kept a livery-stable, so that they rode out
at all hours, and robbed the stages as they were coming
into town. They took not only money, but portmanteaus,
&c. and divided the booty with Carter, the master of the
livery-stable. Thus they continued their depredations
on the public, till one of their associates, named Child,
was executed at Aylesbury, and hung in chains, for rob-
bing the mail. This incensed them to such a degree,
that they determined to avenge the supposed insult by
committing a similar crime. Having mentioned their
design in the presence of Carter, the stable-keeper, he
advised them to stop the mail from Harwich; but this
they declined, because the changing of the wind must ren-
der the time of its arrival uncertain. At length it was
determined to rob the Bristol mail; and they set out on
an expedition for that purpose. It appeared on the trial,
that the boy who carried the mail was overtaken at Slough,
by a countryman, who travelled with him to Langley
Broom, where a person rode up to them, and turned back
again. When passing through Colnbrook, they saw the
same man again, with two others, who followed them at a
small distance, and then pulled their wigs over their fore-
heads, and holding handkerchiefs in their mouths, came
tryman to come down a lane, when they ordered them
to quit their horses; and then Hawkins, Simpson, and
Wilson, tied them back to back, and fastened then to a
tree in a wet ditch, so that they were obliged to stand in
the water. This being done, they took such papers as
- -- they
º
º



#33 N E V N EWGATE CAL E N º A. R.
they liked ont of the Bath and Bristol bags, and hid the
rest in a hedge. They now crossed the Thames, and rid-
ing a little way into Surry, put up their horses at an Inn
in Bermondsey-street. It was now about six in the morn-
ing, when they parted, and went different ways to a pub-
lic-house in the Minories, where they proposed to divide
their ill-gotten treasure. The landlord being well ac-
quainted with their persons, and knowing the profusion
of his guests, shewed them a private room, and supplied
them with pen and ink. Having equally divided the bank-
notes, they threw the letters in the fire, and then went to
their lodgings, in Green-Arbour-Court, in the Old-Bai-
ley. A few days after this, information was given at the
Post-office, that suspicious people frequented the house
of Carter, the stable-keeper, at London-wall; according-
ly some persons were sent thither to make the necessary
discoveries. Wilson happening to be there at the time,
suspected their business, on which he abruptly retired,
slipped through some bye-alleys, and got into the Moor-
gate coffee-house, which he had occasionally used for
two years before, on account of its being frequented by
reputable company, and therefore less liable to be
searched for suspicious people. He had not been long
in the house before a quaker mentioned the search that
paid his reckoning, and going out at the back-door, went
to Bedlam, where the melancholy sight of the objects
around him, induced him to draw a comparison between
their situation and his own ; and he concluded that he
was far more unhappy, through the weight of his guilt,
than those poor wretches whom it had pleased God to
deprive of the use of their intellects. Having reflected
that it would not be safe for him to stay longer in Lon-
don, he resolved to go to Newcastle by sea, and he was
confirmed in this resolution, upon being told by a person
who wished his safety, that he and his companions were
the parties suspected of having robbed the mail. This
friend likewise advised him to go to the Post-office, sur-
render, and turn evidence; hinting, that if he did not, it
was probable Simpson would ; as he had asked some
- - questions,
º
--- - -
was making in the neighbourhood for the men who had
robbed the mail. This shocked him so that he instantly















*
H A W. K. J N S A. N. P. SIM PSG N. 1953
questions which seemed to intimate such a design. Wii-
son neglected this advice, but held his resolution of going
to Newcastle, and with that intention quitted Bedlam ;
but by Moorgate coffee-house he met the men he had
seen at Carter's. They turned and followed him; yet,
unperceived by them, he entered the coffee-house, while
they went under the arch of the gate, and if he had re-
turned by the door he entered, he would have again es- --
caped them; but going out of the fore-door of the house, -
they took him into custody, and conducted him to the
Post-Office. On his first examination, he refused to
make any confession; and on the following day he seemed
equally determined to conceal the truth, till two circum- * *
stances induced him to reveal it. In the first place the -
Post-Master-General promised that he should be admit-
ted an evidence if he would discover his accomplices;
and one of the clerks calling him aside, shewed him a let-
ter, without any name to it, of which the following is a
copy : - º
“Sir,
“I am one of those persons who robbed the mail, which
* I am sorry for; and to make amends, I will secure my
“ two companions as soon as may be. He whose hand
“ this shall appear to be, will, I hope, be entitled to the
“reward and his pardom.” -
---
º -
As Wilson knew this letter to be of Simpson's hand-wri-
ting, he thought himself justified in making a full discovery,
which he accordingly did, in consequence of which his
associates were apprehended at their lodgings in the Old
Bailey, two days afterwards. At first they made an ap-
pearance of resistance, and threatened to shoot the
peace-officers; but the latter saying they were provided
with arms, the offenders yielded, and were committed to
Newgate. On the trial, Hawkins endeavoured to prove
that he was in London at the time that the mail was rob-
bed ; and one Fuller, of Bedfordbury, swore that he
lodged at his house on that night.
To ascertain this, Fuller, produced a receipt for thirty
shillings, which he said Hawkins then paid him for horse
hire. The judge desiring to look at that receipt, observed
- that
º - - -






£36; NEW NEWGATE CA. I. EN DAR.
º
that the body of it was written with an ink of a different
colour from that of the name at the bottom ; on which he
ordered the rote to be handed to the jury, and remarked
that Fuller's testimony deserved no kind of credit. Af.
ter examining some other witnesses, the judge proceeded
to sum up the evidence, in which he was interrupted by
the following singular occurrence, as stated by the short-
hand writer : -
“My ink, as it happened, was very bad being thick at
bottom, and thin and waterish at top ; so that according
as I dipped my pen, the writing appeared very pale or
pretty black. Now, just as the court was remarking on
the difference of the ink in Fuller's receipt, a gentleman
who stood by me, perceiving something of the same kind
in my writing, desired to look upon my notes for a minute.
As I was not aware of any ill consequences, I let him
take the book out of my hand ; when presently shewing
it to his friend, “See here, (said he) what difference there
is in the colour of the same ink!" His friend took it, and
shewed it to another. Uneasy at this, I spoke to them
to return me my book. They begged my pardon, and
said I should have it in a minute ; but this answer was no
sooner given, than a curiosity suddenly entered one of
the jurymen who sat just by, and he too begged a sight
of the book ; which, notwithstanding my importunity,
was immediately handed to him. He viewed it, and gave
it to the next, and so it passed from one to the other, till
the judge perceiving them very busy, called to them,
* Gentlemen, what are you doing 2 What book is that?'
They told him it was the writer's book, and they were ob-
serving how the same ink appeared pale in one place,
and black in another. “You ought not, gentlemen, says
he, to take notice of any thing but what is produced in
evidence ; and then turning to me, demanded what I
meant by shewing that to the jury. I answered, that I
could not fix upon the persons, for the gentlemen near
me were all strangers to me, and I was far from imagining
I should have any such occasion for taking particular no-
tice of them.—His lordship then re-assumed his charge
to the jury, which, being ended, they withdrew to consi.
der of their verdict.”
-
After

















N AT HANIE L J A C KSON. 201
After staying out about an hour, the jury returned into
court without agreeing on a verdict, saying they could
not be convinced that Fuller's receipt was not genuine,
merely on account of the different colours of the ink.
Hereupon the court intimated how many witnesses had
sworn that Hawkins was absent from London, to con-
tradict all of whom there was only the evidence of Fuller
which was at least rendered doubtful by the ink appears
ing of two colours; and it was submitted whether Fuller's
testimony ought to be held of equal validity with that of
all the opposing parties. Hereupon the jury went out of,
court, and, on their return, gave a verdict of Guilty”
against both the prisoners. At the place of execution,
Hawkins addressed the surrounding multitude, acknow-
ledging his sins, professing to die in charity with all man-
kind, and begging the prayers of those who were wit-
messes of his melancholy exit. He died with great diffi-
culty; but Simpson was out of his pain almost without a
struggle. They suffered at Tyburn, on the 21st of May,
1792, and were hung in chains on Hounslow-heath.
º
NATHANIEL JACKSON,
Highway MAN, ExECUTED AT TYBURN, on THE 18th of JULY, 1722,
W As a native of Doncaster, in Yorkshire, whose fa- -
ther dying while he was very young left a sum of
"ºney for his use in the hands of a relation, who
º
apprenticed him to a silk-weaver in Norwich. He had
frequent disputes with his master, with whom he lived
three years, and then run away. At length his guardian
found out his retreat, and sent to inform him, that, as he
might be purchased for him, with the money left by his
father. But Jackson being of an unsettled disposition,
enlisted in the army, and was sent to Ireland.-After a
while, being disgusted with his low condition, he soli-
cited his discharge, which having obtained, he prºcured -
some money of his friends, and gave fifteen guineas to
be admitted into a troop of dragoons; but soon quarrel-
Yºº 1.-No. 8. 2c Ing
- - --- - - - º
was averse to business, his friends wished that a place





















202 NEw NewcATE ca LEN DAR.
\ .
ing with one of his comrades a duel ensued, in which
Jackson wounded the other in such a horrid manner, that
he was turned out of the regiment. He then returned to
England, and lived some time with his guardian in York-
shire; being averse to a life of sobriety, he afterwards went
to London, where he spent, in the most extravagant
manner, the little money he brought with him. Reduced
to the utmost distress he casually met John Murphy, and
Neal O’Brian, whom he had known in Ireland. After
they had drunk together, O'Brian produced a considera-
ºte sum of money, saying, “You see how I live: I never
*want money, and if you have but courage, and dare walk
with me towards Hampstead to-night, I'll shew you how
easy it is to get it.” As Jackson and Murphy were both
- - * . - *- - . -
of dissolute manners, and very poor, they were easily per-
sºaded to be concerned in this dangerous enterprize.
Between Tottenham-Court-Road and Hampstead, they ||
stopped a poor man named Dennis, from whom they took
his coat, wai.ºcoat, two shirts, thirteen pence in money,
and some other ºffiing articles; and then bound him to a
tree. No sooner were they gone, than he struggled hard,
got loose, and meeting a person whom he knew, they pur-
sued them to a night-house, in the Haymarket, where
Murphy and Jackson were taken into custody, but O'Brien
made his escape. On their trial, as soon as Dennis had
given his testimony, they owned the fact they had com:
mitted, in consequence of which they received sentence
of death ; but Murphy obtained a reprieve. Jackson's
º
|º
brother exerted all his influence to save his life; but his
endeavours proving ineffectual, he sent him a letter to:
inform him of it, which was written in such an affecting
manner as to overwhelm his mind with the most poignant
affliction. While under sentence of death, Jackson be:
haved in the most penitent manner; confessed the sins
of his past life with the deepest signs of contrition ; was
earnest in his devotions, and made every preparation for
his approaching end. He was executed at Tyburn, on
the 18th of July, 1722, having suffered for the first rob:
bery he ever committed. -- ---
-














203
ºv-
he could not bring his mind to think of the regular pur-
THOMAS BUTIOGE,
roºk, HANGED at TYBURN, FoR BASEty perRAYING His TRUST, IN -
- RoBBING His MASTER, on THE 18th of JULY, 1722, º
-
W. As a native of Ireland, where he received a good
education, and was then apprenticed to a vintner in Dub-
lin ; but the house in which he lived not being of the
most reputable kind, he became witness to such scenes
as had a natural tendency to debauch his morals.
Butloge's master having got considerably in debt, came
to England, and resided some time at Chester, whither
the apprentice was frequently sent with such remittances
as the wife could spare. - º
At length Butloge quitted his service, and came to Eng-
land with a view to settle there; but being unsuccess-
ful in his endeavours to procure an establishment, he
returned to Dublin, where he engaged in the service of
a shopkeeper, whose daughter he soon afterwards mar- --
ried.
He had now a fair prospect of success before him, a
his wife's father proposed to have resigned business in
his favour; but being of an unsettled disposition, and ha-
ving conceived an idea of making his fortune in England,
suit of trade. ----- º
ºr-º- - - - a , º - - - --
Unhappily for him, while he was amusing himself with -
the imagination of his future greatuess, he received a let-
ter from a relation in England, inviting him thither, and
promising his interest to obtain him a place, on which
he might live in a genteel manner. Butloge readily ac-
cepted this invitation, and immediately embarking for
England, soon arrived in London, - -
He now took lodgings at the court end of the town, and
living in a gay style, soon spent all the money he had
brought with him from Ireland ; and his relation not be-
ing able to obtain the place for him which he had ex-
pected, he was reduced to the necessity of going to service,
on which he entered into that of Mr. Langlie, a French
gentleman. - --- --
He had not been long in his new place, when Mr. Lang-
2 C. 2 - lie,






















204 NEW NEW GATE C A L EN DAR. --
lie, going to church on a Sunday, recollected that he had
forgot to lock his bureau, in which he had deposited a
sum of money ; whereupon he went home, and found
Butloge in the room where the money was left. When
Mr. Langlie had counted his cash, the other asked him if
he missed any thing, and the master answered, one gui-
nea, which Butloge said he had found by the side of the
bureau ; whereupon his master gave him two shillings,
in approbation of this instance of his honesty.
Mr. Langlie went to Chelsea in the afternoon; and
during his absence Butloge broke open his bureau, rob-
bed it of all the money, and several other valuable effects,
and then took a horse, which he had hired for a gentle-
man to go to Chester, and set off on his way to Ireland.
When Mr. Langlie returned in the evening, he disco-
vered the loss he had sustained ; on which he applied to
Lord Gage, who wrote to the postmaster of Chester to
stop the delinquent; in consequence of which he was ap-
prehended with the stolen goods in his possession, and
sent to London to take his trial, which happened soon
afterwards at the Old Bailey, when he was capitally con-
victed. -- - º
After he had received sentence of death, he acknow-
ledged that he was not tempted by want to the commis-
sion of the crime which had brought him into such de-
plorable circumstances; but that the vanity of appearing
as a gentleman had been one principal instigation ; and
he was encouraged by the consideration that Mr. Lang-
lie would soon return to France, so that there would be
no person to prosecute him. He submitted to his tin-
happy lot with resignation, declaring that the thoughts of
death did not so much terrify him, as the reflection on
the disgrace that he had brought on his family.
He was executed at Tyburn, on the 18th of July, 1722,
along with Nathaniel Jackson. ------







him what she should have for supper ? to which he an-
- -
swered, “Bread and cheese ; can't you eat that as well as
daughters snatched the infant ſrom the mother's breast,
mortal, and the poor woman died soon after he came, and
- -
-- -
205
-
MATTHLas BRINSDEN,
--
--
Executed AT TYBURN, on the 24th of sept EMBER, 1722, Pop
INHUMANLY KILLING HIS WIFE. º
This offender served his time to a cloth-drawer, in
Blackfriars, named Beech, who dying, was succeeded by
Mr. Byfield, who left the business to Brinsden, who mar-
ried Byfield's widow; but how long she lived with him
is uncertain. -
After the death of this wife, he married a second, by 2
whom he had ten children, some of the older of whom
were brought up to work at his business. At length he
was seized with a fever so violent that it distracted him, ---
so that he was tied down to his bed. This misfortune
occasioned such a decay in his trade, that on, his recovery -
he carried news-papers, and did any other business he
could, to support his family.
Going home about nine o'clock one evening, his wife,
who was sitting on a bed, suckling a young child, asked
the children º' She replied, “No, I want a bit of meat.”
“But (said he] I have no money to buy you any.” In
answer to which she said, “You know I have had but
little to-day;” and some farther words arising between
them, he stabbed her under the left breast with a knife.
The deed was no sooner perpetrated than one of the
and another cried out, O Lord! father, you have killed
my mother.” The prisoner now sent for some basilicon
and sugar, which he applied to the wound, and then
made his escape. - -
A surgeon being sent for found that the wound was
within half an hour of the time the wound was given. -
In the interim the murderer had retreated to the house
of Mr. King, a barber, at Shadwell, whence, on the fol.
lowing day, he sent a letter to one of his daughters, and,
another to a woman of his acquaintance ; and in conse-
quence of these letters he was discovered, taken into cus:
-









º º º º,
- 206 NEW NEW GA. T E CA I, R, NIDA R.
- ºdy, carried before a magistrate, and committed to take
is trial for the murder. -
When on trial, he urged in his defence, that his wife
º was in some degree intoxicated, that she wanted to go
out and drink with her companions, and that while he
endeavoured to hinder her, she threw herself against the
knife, and received an accidental wound. -
However, the evidence against him was so clear, that
his allegations had no weight, and he received sen-
tence of death. After conviction he became serious and
resigned, and being visited by one of his daughters, who
had given evidence against him, he took her in his arms,
and said, “God forgive me, I have robbed you of your mo-
“ ther : be a good child, and rather die than steal: never
* be in a passion : but curb your anger, and honor your
“mistress: she will be as a father and mother to you.
“Farewell, my dear child : pray for your father, and
“think of him as favourably as you can.”
-
On his way to the place of execution, the daughter
above mentioned was permitted to go into the cart to take
her last farewell of him, a scene that was greatly affecting
to the spectators. -
had been propagated during his confinement, he desired
before he was launched into eternity:
* I was born of kind parents, who gave me learning:
I went apprentice to a fine-drawer. I had often jars,
which might increase a natural waspishness in my tem-
per. I fell in love with Hannah, my last wife, and after
much difficulty won her, she having five suitors courting
her at the same time. We had ten children (half of them
dead) and I believe we loved each other dearly ; but of.
ten quarrelled and fought. -
* Pray, good people, mind, I had no malice against her,
nor thought to kill her two minutes before the deed; but I
designed only to make her obey me thoroughly, which
I had done, when I cut her scull on Monday, but she
was the same again by Tuesday.
world
As some reports very unfavourable to this malefactor
the ordinary of Newgate to read the following speech just
the scripture says, all wives should do. This I thought
* Good people, I request you to observe, that the
-











MARGARET FISHER. / 2O7
world has spitefully given out, that I carnally and in-
cestuously lay with my eldest daughter. I here solemnly
declare, as I am entering into the presence of God, I
never knew whether she was man or woman since she
was a babe. I have often taken her in my arms, often
kissed her, sometimes given her a cake or a pye, when she
did any particular service, beyond what came to her
share; but never lay with her, or carnally know her, much
less have a child by her. But when a man is in calami-
ties, and is hated like me, the women will make surmises
be certainties * ºf tº
“ Good christians, pray for me ! I deserve death: I
am willing to die; for, though my sins are great, God's
mercies are greater.” º
He was executed at Tyburn, on the 24th of September,
1729. -
MARCARET FISHER,
PICKPogºſ, wºo RECEIVED SENTENCE OF DEATH, BUT WAS AE2ERWARDS
PARDO.N.E.D. - º
---
--
This trial contains nothing in the case itself of import
sufficient to be allotted a place in these volumes; but as
it presents an extraordinary specimen of the Scotch dialect,
which those far removed from the Northern extremity of
Britain, will deem a curiosity: we have not only inserted
it, but added a genuine Scotch bellman's oration, with a
faithful translation of it into the English language.
At the sessions of the Old Bailey, in September, 1792,
Margaret Fisher was tried for privately stealing thirteen
- guineas from the person of Daniel MacDonald, who gave
the following evidence, with true Scotch pronunciation
-
and gesticulation. - º -
“And leek yet loaf.jship, I had just taken my wages,
thirteen guineasin goud, and was gawn alang King-strate
in Wastmanster, when I mat wi' this fow quean at the
bare, and she speird where I was gawn ; Itaúd her game.
She said gen I wad ga wi' hur tuli Joanny Davis's boose,
she wad gi me a drame, sir, for, in troth, she tuck me for
º - - - - - a poor






























203 NEW NEW GA. T E CA. L E NIDA R,
--
poor gawkey, boss-headed chiel, and leek yer loardship,
Sa she tuck haud o' my haind, and lad me a gat I kenna’
reet weel. And when we came tull Joanny Davis's
hoose, she caud for muckle beer and braindy, and gerd me
as bung as a swobe, and leek yer hoanour. I staid there
o
wi' her a pratty while ; and thane, sir, I put my haind in-
tull my bricks, to feel for money to pay the rack oning;
but the dee! a bawbie could I find, for it was aw tint.
And when I speird about it, they glowred, and taud me,
gen I wanna tack myself awaw, they wad gar me ga, wi'
a deel to me; and sa, sir, they dang me su' sair, and
turned me oot at the back door, intull the strate, and I
rambled aboot, and cou” na' find the hoose agen: and the
watchmen met wi' me, and carried me intull the roond
house. And there I taud 'em hoo I had been roabed.
The neist moarning Igade and food got Joanny Davis's
hoose, but she was rin awaw and the prasoner too. But
at neet, about saven a cloke, I mat wi' this ampudent
betch at the bare, and tuck her up. I ken weel enuh
that she must ha my goud, for na Saul alse was wi' me but
Joanny Davis, wha brote what we cawd for. Let her
denee it an she can. Somebody (but I kenna' whaw it
was) offered me sax guineas in my faind to make the mat-
fer up, but I wanna tack it.’”
-
-
In
* In addition to this genuine specimen of the Scotch dialect, we present
the reader with the oration of a common crier, or bellman, of a town in
North Britain ; and which, without the smallest variation, is used, in simi-
lar language, to the present day:
- O yes! and that’s e'e tithe.
O yes! and that's twaa times. - º
O yes! and that’s the theerd an last time.
This is to let ye to wat, that theere is streayed fra this muckle toon of
Langholm, a twa yere aſild caliant. He had on a leetheern jerkin, with
twa muckle pooches, t'ane filled we chuckles steans, and toother we’ his
wather's jackalegs. His cawarms awe barkened wee bubble. Theere is a
inackie scab in the how of his neck, with a callakeal bleade on’t. Wha sa
breengs the caliant unto his breethreen, shall ha' the bleesing o' th' Kirk,
and the preerers o' his pareents, Malcolm and Janny Mac Dooned. And I
wad that he was spied, that I jemmy Fargusson may get a groat for caw-
ing. So God bless the king, and the muckle lord of Relton; and noo I'll
haam to my dinner. --- -
As, iowever, some of our southern readers may be nearly as much puz.
zled, as though we laid a Latin quotation before them, without a transla-
tion, which the pedant will not deign to give, we shall endeavour to put
sº Jemmy











- - º
ROBERT WILKINsos, &c., 209
In her defence the prisoner alledged, that meeting with
a coachman and the prosecutor, the former asked her to
drink; on which they went to the house of Mrs. Davies;
but that she sat on the opposite side of the room that the
prosecutor did, and had not robbed him ; and that nothing
was found upon her, when she was searched. The jury,
not believing her allegations, and the prisoner having no
person to appear in behalf of her character, she was found
guilty, and received sentence of death. Having, how-
ever, pleaded pregnancy, which was confirmed by a jury
- -- - º -
of matrons, she was afterwards pardoned.
º -
º º º - º º º º º - -
... ....… .º.º. º -
ROBERT WILKINSON, JAMES LINCOLN, and
THOMAS MILI&SOP, º tº sº.
º º º - - º º º -
- MURDERER, Executep AT TYBURN, sept. 24, 1722.
º º ºliº º º: - - - -
THESE offenders were tried for a murder, which arose º
- - -- -- -* -
from the following circumstance;— tº º
Having agreed to commit a robbery together, they
- - º - -
stopped a gentleman's coach on the road to Kensington,
- - ºr tº o
and, having robbed him of a sum of money, ran off; and
soon afterwards meeting a Chelsea pensioner, who had a
---------- - - - - -
gun in his hand, they ordered him to deliver it; but the
man refusing to do it, Wilkinson stabbed him repeatedly
- -- - -
through the back with a hanger; and when they saw the
man was dead, they hastily decamped, committed some
- º
Jemmy Ferguson's speech into English, which might puzzle some of the
sage men of our universities.
O yes! this is the first time,
O yes! this tº the second time,
* Oyes! this is the third and last time." - -
This is to give notice, that a boy of two years old has strayed from this
great town of Långholm. He wore a leather jacket, with two large pockets,
one of them filled with pebbles, and in the other was his father's pocket
knife. His left arm is besmeared with snot. There is a great scab in the
ºpit of his neck, with a cabbage leaf upon it. Whoever will bring the boy to
his brother's, shall have the blessing of the church, and the prayers of his
parents, Malcolm and Jenny Mac Donald; and I wish he was found, that
I, James Ferguson, light get fourpence for calling. So God bless the king,
º
and the great lord of Relton; and now I will go home to my dinner. - .
- º - - - º
vol. 1.-No. 8. 2 pºz robberies,
- - - -
tº º









210 Nºw N Ewe ATE car. EN DAR.
robberies on coaches on the road, and then went to
London. º: º
On the following day they were apprehended, and com-
mitted to prison; and being soon afterwards brought to
their trial at the Old Bailey, they were convicted, and
received sentence of death. - tº
It will be now proper to give such an account of these
offenders as we have been able to collect:—Robert Wil-
kinson was the son of poor parents in St. Giles's, and,
having missed the advantages of education, became an
associate of coachmen, carmen, and others the lowest of
the people. At length he grew to be a dexterous boxer,
and frequented Hoxley-in-the-Hole, and other blackguard
places in the neighbourhood of London. . .
After this he commenc
great variety of robberies, attended with many circum-
stances of cruelty. Frequently did he knock men down
with bludgeons ; and when he had robbed women, it was
a common practice with him to strip them naked, bind
------ º - - - -
them to trees, and leave them in that calamitous situa-
tion. ... .
He continued this way of life alone for some years,
and then connected himself with the other villains whose
names are mentioned in this narrative,
James Lincoln was likewise born of mean parents, nor
was any more care taken of his education than of Wil:
kinson's. For s - ---
men and carmen, and afterwards committed an immense
number of footpad robberies on the roads near London;
and so frequent were his depredations of this kind, that
honest men were afraid to pass alone about their lawful
- --
- º
- º
business. - º
- - - - - º º
He had been so successful in his adventures, and had
so often escaped detection, that he grew so hardened, as
to watch four nights at the end of Queen-street, Lincoln's
inn fields, to rob the Duke of Newcastle of his George,
º: - - - º .º. º --- - --- ------ - -
though he knew that his grace had always a number of
servants in his train.
Being disappºinted of this booty, he went on foot tº
- º' tº º jºiº.º.º.º.
Hyde-park, where h grobbed à gentleman in his garriage,
--- º, , ººº-ººººººººººººººººººººº...º iſ .-
and eluded all pursuit. I he money he acquired by his
tº * * robberies,
d footpad, and committed a
- - º is
For some time he served the hackney coach:











RICHARD OAKEY, &c. . . 214
--
robberies was spent in the most extravagant manner;
and, at length, he became acquainted with the other sub- -
jects of this narrative, and was concerned in the crime
which ended in their mutual ruin.
* Thomas Milksop was a native of London, and was
bound apprentice to a vintner, in which station be be-
came familiar to some scenes of irregularity that had a
natural tendency to corrupt his morals. When the term
of his apprenticeship was expired, he attached himself
to some abandoned women, and got connected with an
* infamous gang of housebreakers and other thieves, who
committed numberless depredations on the public.
- Milksop having, by one of his night-robberies, ac-
quired a considerable sum of money, bought a horse, and
rode out in the character of a highwayman; but not
meeting any success in this way, he returned to his for-
mer practices, and then engaged with a gang, of which
Wilkinson and Lincoln were two, and was concerned in
a great number of other facts, besides that which brought
him to a fatal end.
The behaviour of these malefactors under sentence of
death was rather hardened. They had been guilty of a
great number of offences, for which they did not appear
to have a proper concern. Such was the conduct of Wil-
kinson, that the Ordinary of Newgate refused to admi-
nister the sacrament to him; on which he said, if he was
not allowed to go to heaven with others, he would find
the way alone. Lincoln professed himself a Roman Ca-
tholic; and Milksop among his other offences, particularly
lamented the committing a rape on a poor woman whom,
he robbed near Caen-wood.
RICHARD OAKEY, JOHN LEPEE, AND
MATTHEPW FLOOD, º º
EXECUTE AT TYBURN, FEBRUARY 23, 1723, for Robbery. -
º - - º, º
At this time London and its environs were infested with
desperate gangs of villains, of which a felon of the name of
Blake, was the Macheath; and in which character he was
º 2 p 2 known
-












º w
- -
212 NEW NEwg ATE cALEN DAR.
known as Captain Blueskin. In a few pages, we shall
give the particulars of this depredator; who, on the pre-
sent occasion, owed his escape alone to his baseness in
- impeaching his associates in villainy.
ºn Oakey, Levey, and Flood, three of this gang, were of
the meanest origin, the first being apprenticed to a tailor,
from whom he soon ran away. The other two were mi-
serable, ignorant, yet dangerous wretches, and from child.
hood were pickpockets. With such as these Okey asso-
ciated himself and for some time procured a miserable
subsistence by picking of pockets; and who afterwards
proceeded to the practice of cutting off the pockets of |
women. In order to do this effectually, one of them
Rised to trip up the woman's heels, while the other cut off
- - the pocket: and they generally got out of the reach of
detection before the party robbed could recover her legs.
- - Many of Oakey's associates belonged to Jonathan Wild's
gang, who caused several of them to be hanged, when he
could make no further advantage of them. Having thus
lost his old acquaintance, he became connected with a
woman of the town, who taught him the following singu-
lar method of robbery. In their excursions through the
streets, the woman went a little before Oakey, and when
she observed a lady walking near where a coach was turn-
ing, she used to catch her in her arms, crying, “Take
º --- care, madam, you will be run over;” and in the interim,
Oakey was certain to cut off her pocket. But this way
of life did not last long, for this abandoned woman soon
after died, in consequence of some bruises she received
from a fellow she had ill-treated; and, on her death, Oakey
followed the practice of snatching off pockets without a
partner, and became one of the most dexterous in his
profession. Not long after this, he became acquainted
with several housebreakers, who persuaded him to follow
their course of life, as more profitable than stealing of
pockets. In the first attempt, they were successful; but
the second, in which two others were concerned with him,
was the breaking open a shop in the Borough, from
whence they stole a quantity of callimancoes; for which
. offence, Oakey was apprehended; on which he impeached
his accomplices, one of whom was hanged and the other
tº f transported,








-- -- -
- - -
Rich ARD oak Ey, &c. 213
transported, on his evidence. Deterred from the thoughts
of house-breaking by this adventure, he returned for a
while to his old employment, and then became acquainted
with a man called Will the Sailor, when their plan of rob- \
bery was this: Will, who wore a sword, used to affront
persons in the streets, and provoke them till they stripped
to fight with him; and then Oakey used to decamp with
their clothes. However these associates in iniquity
soon quarrelled and parted; and Oakey, who by this
time was an accomplished thief, entered into Jona-
than Wild's gang; among whom were John Levee, Mat-
thew Flood, and Blueskin. These men were for some
time the terror of travellers near London. Among other
atrocious robberies, they stopped a coach between Cam-
berwell and London, in which were five men and a wo-
man. The men said they would deliver their money, but
begged they would not search, as the lady was with
child. Blueskin, holding a hat, received the money the
passengers put into it, which appeared to be a consider-
able sum, but, on examination, it was found to be chiefly
halfpence. The gang suspected that Blueskin had de- -
frauded them, as it was not the first time he had cheated i
his fellow-thieves; but they were greatly mortified that
they had neglected to search the coach, when they after-
wards learned there were three hundred pounds in it.—
Some time after this, Oakey, Levee, Flood, and Blueskin,
stopped colonel Cope and Mr. Young, in a carriage, on
their return from Hampstead, and robbed them of their
watches, rings, and money. Information of this robbery
was sent to Jonathan Wild, who caused the parties to be
apprehended; and Blueskin being admitted an evidence,
they were tried, convicted, sentenced, and ordered for ex-
ecution. After conviction, their behaviour was exceed-
ingly proper for persons in their calamitous, situation.--
Oakey said that what gave him more concern than all his
other offences was the burning a will that he found with
some money and rings in a pocket which he had cut from
a lady's side ; a circumstance which proved highly detri-
mental to the owner.
º
--
- -



214 New Newgate calenpas.
WILLIAM SPIGGOT and THOMAS PHILLIPS,
Who suffered the torture for refusing to plead. º
Execured at ryegºn, February 8, 1723, for Roeptºr.
WILLIAM! Spiggor and Thomas Phillips were in-
dicted at the Old Bailey, for committing several robberies
on the highway; but they refused to plead, unless the ef.
fects taken from them when they were apprehended were
returned: but this being directly contrary to an act of the
4th and 5th of king William and Queen Mary, entitled
“An act for encouraging the apprehending of highway.
“ then,” the court informed them, that their demand
could not be complied with. º
Still, however, they refused to plead, and no arguments
could convince them of the absurdity of such an obsti.
mate procedure : on which the court ordered, that the
judgment ordained by law in such cases should be read;
which is to the following purpose :-
“That the prisoner should be sent to the prison from
“whence he came, and put into a mean room, stopped
“from the light, and shall there be laid on the bare
“ground, without any litter, straw, or other covering,
“ or without any garment about him, except something
“to hide his privy members.-He shall lie upon his back,
“his head shall be covered, and his feet shall be bare.
* One of his arms shall be drawn with a cord to one side
“ of the room, and the other arm to the other side; and
“his legs shall be served in the like manner. Then
“ there shall be laid upon his body as much iron or stone
“shall have three morsels of barley bread, without any
* drink; and the second day he shall be allowed to drink
* as much as he can at three times, of the water that is
* next the prison-door, except running water; without
tº any bread; and this shall be his diet till he dies; and
“he, against whom this judgment shall be given, forfeits
“his goods to the king.” -
... . . . . - -
* This act becoming barbarous to Englishmen, in 1772, it was deter:
mined that persons refusing to plead shall be deemed guilty, as if convicted
by a jury: an alteration that does honour to modern times.
-
“ as he can bear, and more. And the first day after he

















WILLIAM SPIGGOT AND THOMAS P HILL.I.P.S. 215
- * * - - -
The reading of this sentence producing no effect, they
were ordered back to Newgate, there to be pressed to
death; but when they came into the press room, Phillips
begged to be taken back to plead, a favour that was
granted, though it might have been denied to him ; but
Spiggot was put under the press, where he continued half
an hour with three hundred and fifty pounds weight on
his body; but, on the addition of fifty pounds more, he
likewise begged to plead. º
In consequence hereof they were again brought back
and again indicted, when the evidence being clear and
positive against them, they were convicted, received sen-
tence of death, and were executed along with Oakey,
Levee, and Flood. -
William Spiggot, who was about twenty-seven years
of age when he suffered, was a native of Hereford, but com-
ing to London, he apprenticed himself to a cabinet-maker.
He was a married man, and had three children living
at the time of his fatal exit. He and Phillips were hanged
for robbing Charles Sybbald on Finchley Common, and
were convicted principally on the evidence of Joseph
Linsey, a clergyman of abandoned character, who had
been of their party. One Burroughs, a lunatic, who had
escaped from Bedlam, was likewise concerned with them,
but afterwards publicly spoke of the affair, which occa-
sioned their being taken into custody; and when it was
known that Burroughs was disordered in his mind, he
was sent back to Bedlam. -
Thomas Phillips, aged thirty-three years, was a native
of Bristol, totally uneducated, and being sent to sea when
very young, he served under Lord Torrington,” when he
attacked and took the Spanish fleet in the Mediterranean
Sea, near the harbour of Cadiz.
Phillips returning to England, became acquainted with
Spiggot and Linsey, in company with whom he commit-
ted a great number of robberies on the highway. Phillips
Once $oasted that he and Spiggot robbed above an hun-
dred passengers one night, whº they obliged to come
º
* The unfortunate Admiral Byng, whose case will be given in due order
of time in this work, was the son of this gºilant noblemán,
- º - º








216 NEW NEWGATE CAL ENDAR. . .
out of different waggons, and having bound them, placed
them by each other on the side of the road: but this story
is too absurd to be believed.
While under sentence of death, Phillips behaved in
the most hardened and abandoned manner: he paid no
regard to any thing that the minister said to him, and
swore or sung songs while the other prisoners were en-
gaged in acts of devotion; and, towards the close of his
life, when his companions became more serious, he grew
still more wicked ; and yet, when at the place of execu-
tion, he said, “ he did not fear to die, for he was in no
- º
“ doubt of going to heaven.”
--
d
- -
CHRISTOPHER LAYER, ESQ.
EXECUTED AT TYBURN, MARCH 15, 1723, For HIGH TREASON,
HERE we again find a hidden spark in the hot bed of
rebellion, shooting out of its expiring embers. This man,
like all rebels, was a mere enthusiast, plotting deep mis-
chief, but like Colonel Despard, hereafter named, with-
out a shadow of possibility to carry his wickedness into
effect. ºr -
--
- * . .
Mr. Layer was born of very respectable parents, and
received a very liberal education, which being completed
at the university, he was entered a student of the honour.
able society of the Inner Temple. After the customary
time, he was called to the bar, entered on the profession :
of a counsellor at law, and had so much practice, that he
seemed to be in the high road of making a large fortune.
Francis Atterbury, bishop of Rochester, had been dis-
abled from holding his preferments in the church, by an
act of parliament passed in the year 1722, and was ba- |
nished from England for life, for his treasonable practices;
and about this period several other persons were concern-
ed in similar designs, among whom counsellor Layer was
one of the most distinguished. -
- - - º
This infatuated man made a journey to Rome, where
he held several conferences with the Pretender, to whom
- he
-
* |








cHRISTop HER LAYER, Esq. 217
he promised that he would effect so secret a resolution in
England, that no person in authority should be apprised
of the scheme till it had actually taken place.
Impressed with the idea that it was possible to carry
his scheme into execution, he came to England with a
determination to effect it. His plan was to hire an as-
sassin to murder the king, on his return from Kensington;
and this being done, the other parties, engaged in the plot,
were to seize the guards; and the Prince of Wales and
his children, and the great officers of state, were to be
seized and confined during the confusion that such an
event would naturally produce. --- ºf
Among others concerned in this strange scheme was
lord Grey, an ancient nobleman of the Roman Catholic
religion, who died a prisoner in the Tower, before the
necessary legal proceedings against him could take place.
- Mr. Layer having settled a correspondence with seve-
ral Roman Catholics, nonjurors, and other persons disaf-
fected to the government, he engaged a small number of
disbanded soldiers, who were to be the principal actors in
the intended tragedy. The counsellor met these soldiers
at a public house at Stratford, in Essex, where he gave
them the necessary instructions for seizing the king on his
return from the palace, and even fixed on the day when
the plan was to be carried into execution.
Some of the people of the public house having over-
heard the conversation, spoke of it publicly in the neigh-
bourhood; and some other circumstances of suspicion
arising, Mr. Layer was taken into custody by one of the
king's messengers, in consequence of a warrant from the
Secretary of state. - - -
At this time Mr. Layer had two women in keeping, one
in Southampton Buildings, and the otherin Queen-street,
to both of whom he had given intimations of the scheme
he had in hand. The lodgings of these women were
... searched, such a number of treasonable papers being
found, that the intentions of the counsellor appeared evi-
dent. When he was apprised that his papers were seized,
and the women bound to give evidence against him, he
dispatched a messenger to the secretary of state, inform-
ing him that he would make a discovery of all he knew.
a vol. J.-No. 8. 2 E if


218 NEW NEW GATE CAL ENDAR.
-
--
if he might be permitted the use of pen, ink, and paper.
This requisition was instantly complied with, and it was
the prevailing opinion that he would have been admitted
an evidence against his accomplices, if he had made the
promised discovery: but it will appear that he had no
such intention. -
Behind the house of the messenger in which he was
confined, there was a yard, which communicated with
the yard of a public-house adjoining, and Mr. Layer
thought, if he could get from his confinement, it would
be no difficult matter to escape through the tap-room of
the ale-house, where it was not probable that he should
be known. º
Having digested his plan, he cut the blankets of his
bed into pieces, and tied them together, and in the dusk
of the evening dropped from his window ; but falling on
a bottle-rack in the yard, he overset it; and the noise oc-
casioned by the breaking of the bottles was such that the
family was alarmed; but Layer escaped during the con-
fusion occasioned by this incident.
Almost distracted by the loss of his prisoner, the mes-
senger went in search of him, and finding that he had
taken a boat at the Horse-ferry, Westminster, he crossed
the water after him, pursued him through St. George's
Fields, and catched him at Newington-Butts. Having
brought him back to his house, and guarded him properly
for that night, he was examined by the secretary of state
on the following day, and committed to Newgate.
The king and council now determined that no time
should be lost in bringing Layerto a trial; wherefore a writ
was issued from the Crown Office, directed to the sheriff
of Essex, commanding him to impannel a grand jury, to
inquire into such bills as should be presented against the
prisoner: in consequence of which the jury met at Rum-
ford, and found a bill against him for high treason, and
this bill was returnable into the Court of King's Bench.
Sºon after the bill was found, the trial came on before
Sir John Pratt, lord chief justice and the other judges of
that court. Mr. Layer had two counsellors to plead for
him, and they urged every possible argument that could
be thought of in his behalf;
-
---
cumstance
contesting every minute cir-































CHRISTOPHER LAYER, ESQ. £291
circumstance with the council for the crown, during a
trial that lasted sixteen hours; but at length the jury
found the prisoner guilty, after having been out of court
about an hour. º
When the prisoner was brought up to receive sen-
tence, his council made another effort in his behalf, by
urging the informality of some of the legal proceedings
against him ; but their arguments being thought in-
sufficient, the sentence ordained by the law was passed
on him. .. º -
As he had some important affairs to settle, from the
nature of his profession, the court did not order his exe-
cution till more than two months after he had been con-
demned; and the king repeatedly reprieved him, to pre-
vent his clients being sufferers by his affairs being left in
a state of confusion.
After conviction, Mr. Layer was committed to the
Tower, and at length the sheriffs of London and Mid-
“dlesex received a warrant to execute the sentence of the
law; in consequence of which he was drawn on a sledge
to Tyburn, dressed in a suit of black full trimmed, and a
tye-wig. -
At the place of execution, he was assisted in his devo-
tions by a nonjuring clergyman; and when these were
ended, he spoke to the surrounding multitude, declar-
ing that he deemed king James (so he called the preten- --
der) his lawful sovereign. He said that king George
was an usurper, and damnation would be the fate of º
those who supported his government. He insisted that --
the nation would never be in a state of peace till the º
Pretender was restored ; and therefore advised the peo-
ple to take up arms in his behalf: he professed himself
willing to die for the cause ; and expressed great hopes
that Providence would effectually support the right
heir to the throne on some future occasion, though him-
self had failed of being the happy instrument of placing
him thereon. - -
After he was hanged, his body being quartered, his
head was placed over Temple-bar.
º







- 220. NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
IVILLIAM BURK,
º Robber, Executed AT TYBURN, on THE 8th of Arr1L, 1723. -
- THE subject of this biography, though born of parents so
poor, that they were glad to get him into a charity school,
yet he had a fair chance of becoming an useful member
of society. Little doubt can be entertained but that the
fault of mothers, by a too great and too long indulgence
to their children, which they call kindness, was the pri.
mary cause which led this man to his wretched fate.
Some unreflecting women, by mistimed fondness, would
have their children, while they should be in search of an
honest livelihood, still at home: or, to use the vulgar,ex-
pression, “still within the length of their apron strings."
It is rare, indeed, to find a great boy, pampered by the
mother, possessing the rare qualities of a good boy. In-
dulgence to a youth at home, unnerves him when abroad,
and subject to no controul, he becomes insolent, weak,
and contemptible to strangers.
-
| William Burk was born in the parish of St. Catharine's,
and near the Tower of London. His temper, it was al-
ledged, was bad when a boy; but which of us are not
-- early wayward until precept and correction teach us bet-
ter; but it was also admitted, that the mother, by ill-
judged fondness and indulgence, made it much worse.
Having reached the eleventh year of his age, he was
guilty of some faults that required severe chastisement,
which having received, he ran away from school, and
went to the water-side, enquiring for a station on board a
ship. A man observing his inclination, took him down
to the Nore, and put him on board the Salisbury man of
W3f. - . .
The mother learning where her darling boy was gone,
followed him on board the ship, and endeavoured to pre-
vaiſ on him to return, but in vain; for the youth was obsti-
nately bent on a sea-faring life.
In about a fortnight, the ship sailed for Jamaica, and
during the voyage had an engagement with a Spanish gal.
leon, which she took after a bloody and obstinate fight,
in which young Burk was wounded. After this they met
º, º
-














ºw ILLIAM BURK. º.º. 224
with another galleon, which they took without the loss.
of a man ; but a woman the only one on board, having
the curiosity to look on the deck, lost her life by a chain-
shot, which severed her head from her body. The com- - -
mon men shared each fifteen pounds prize-money on
these captures; but some of the principal officers got
sufficient to make them easy for life. º
The ship was stationed for three years in the West-In-
dies, during which Burk learnt the art of stealing every
thing that he could secrete without detection. At Ja-
maica, there was a woman who had been transported
from Newgate some years before, but having married a
planter who soon died, she was left in affluent circumstan-
ces, and took a tavern. Wanting a white servant, she
prevailed on the captain to let Will attend her customers.
The boy was pleased with his new situation, and might
have continued in it, as long as he was on the island, but
he could not refrain from defrauding his mistress; but she,
who had been herself a thief, soon detected him. Here-
upon he fell on his knees, and begged pardon, which was
granted; but he was ordered to depart the house imme-
diately. - º * * * -
Alarmed at the danger from which he had escaped, he *
seems to have formed a temporary resolution to live ho-
nestly in future, and, with that view, shipped himself for
Maryland, where a merchant would have employed him,
but the captain he sailed with would not permit him to
accept the offer. Hence he made a voyage to the coast
of Guinea, where he had a very narrow escape of being
--- - - o
murdered by the natives, who killed several of his ship-
ºnates. - º --
On the return of the ship from Guinea to England, the
weather was so bad, that they were five months on their
voyage to the port of Bristol, during which they suffered
innumerable hardships. Their provisions were so reduced,
that they were almost famished, the allowance of each
man for a whole day, being not so much as he could eat
at two mouthfuls ; and at length they were obliged to fast
five days successively. - -
- However, they reached the port in safety; and not-
4, withstanding the miseries they had endured, the captain
7 résolved
---
º







222 NEW New GATE CALEN DAR.
resolved on another voyage to Guinea, in which Burk ac-
companied him. Having purchased a number of slaves,
they set sail for the West-India islands; but during the
voyage, the negroes concerted a scheme to make them-
selves masters of the ship; and would have probably car-
ried it into execution, but that one of their associates be-
trayed them ; in consequence of which, they were more
strictly confined than they had hitherto been. -
Burk sailed from the West-Indies to England, where he
entered on bºard a man of war, and sailed up the Baltic,
and afterwards to Archangel, to the north of Russia, where
his sufferings from the extremity of the cold, and other
circumstances, were so severe, that on his return to Eng-
land, he determined to abandon the life of a sailor. -
Being now quite out of all honest methods of getting
his bread, he took to robbing passengers in and near Step-
ºney; but he continued his depredations on the public
only for a short time, being apprehended for committing
the fourth robbery. tº º
He was indicted at the sessions held at the Old Bailey,
in February, 1723, for robbing William Fitzer, on the
highway; and again, on the same day, for robbing James
Westwood; and being found guilty on both indictments,
he received sentence of death. º
There was something remarkably cruel in the conduct ||
of this malefactor; for he carried a hedge-bill with him,
to terrify the persons he stopped; and one old man hesi-
tating to comply with his demands, he cut him so that he
fell to the ground. º - -
After conviction he became sensible of the enormity of
his crimes ; received the sacrament with great devotion;
and declared, that if he obtained mercy from God, it must
be through the merits of Jesus Christ.
He was executed at Tyburn, on the 8th of April, 1723,
in the 22d year of his age.
Happy the child whose younger years
Receive instruction well ; -
Who hates the sinner's path, and fears
The road that leads to hell.












- ALEXA.N.D.E.R. PAY- -º-º: - 123 -
- - - -->
º * When we devote our youth to God,
-. 'Tis pleasing in his eyes:
A flow'r, when offer'd in the bud, * * *
is no vain sacrifice. -
*Tis easier work, if we begin
To fear the Lord betimes; -
While sinners that grow old in sin,
Are harden'd in their critnes.
------
A LE.X.A.N.D.E &
(Alias Marmaduke Davenport, Esq.)
shARPE.R. - º
THE mode of plunder practised by this villain at the time
of committing his depredations was not common; but
now-a-days, alas! the great metropolis of our, country
abounds with such insidious robbers. This kind of thiev-
ing, in modern times, is y'clep'd swin DLING,” and the
latter part of our pages will adduce instances of the tricks
of sharpers, passing almost credibility. The fellow now be-,
fore us was, however, circumstances considered, an adept,
and, like our modern swindlers, had a fictitious name, all -
accomplice, sometimes actingas his footman, a hired house,
and borrowed carriage. -
The great qualifications, or leading and indispensible
attributes, of a sharper or swindler, are, to possess agen
teel exterior, a demeanour apparently artless, and a good
address. º - --
Among the various classes of sharpers, may be reckoned
those who obtain licences to become pawn-brokers, and
bring disgrace upon the reputable part of the trade, by
every species of fraud which can add to the distresses of
those who are compelled to raise money in this way; for
which purpose there are abundance of opportunities.
Swindling pawn brokers of this class are uniformly re-
ceivers of stolen goods; and, under the cover of their li-
cence, do much mischief to the public. The evil arising
from them might, in a great measure, be prevented by
placing the power of granting licences in a general board
of police; and rendering it necessary for all persons to
* This word is derived from the German, in which language it most for-
cibly conveys the idea of a man practising every species of deceit, to plun:
der the unwary. - - -
-
º
produce
-

















224 NEw New&ATE car. EN DAR. --
n
produce a certificate of character, before they can obtain
such licence, and also to enter into recognizance for good
behaviour. -
Also sharpers who obtain licences to be hawkers and
pedlars; under the cover of which every species of vil-
lainy is practised upon the country people, as well as
upon the unwary in the metropolis, and all the great towns
in the kingdom. The artifices by which they succeed are
various ; as for example—by fraudulent raffles, where
plated goods are exhibited as silver, and where the chances
are exceedingly against the adventurers; by selling and
uttering base money, and frequently forged bank notes,
which make one of the most profitable branches of their
trade; by dealing in smuggled goods, thereby promoting
the sale of articles injurious to the revenue, besides cheat-
ing the ignorant with regard to their value; by receiving
stolen goods, to be disposed of in the country, by which
discoveries are prevented, and assistance afforded to com-
mon thieves and stationary receivers; by purchasing
stolen horses in one part of the country, and disposing of
them in another, in the course of their journies; in ac- |
complishing which, so as to elude detection, they have
- great opportunities; by gambling with E. O. tables at fairs
and horse-races, -
A number of other devices might be pointed out, which
render this class of men great nuisances in society; and
shew the necessity of either suppressing them totally, for
in fact they are of little use to the public, or of limiting
the licences only to men of good character; to be granted
by a general board of police, under whose controul they
should be placed, while they enter at the same time into
a recognizance in a certain sum, with one surety for good |
behaviour; by which the honest part would be retained,
to the exclusion of the fraudulent. º
Also sharpers, known by the name of duffers, who go
about from house to house, and attend public houses,
inns, and fairs, pretending to sell smuggled goods, such as
India handkerchiefs, waistcoat patterns, muslims, &c. By
offering their goods for sale, they are enabled to discover
the proper objects, who may be successfully practised up-
on in various ways; and if they do not succeed in pro-
- - - - - moting

















|H||
|
（
NEW PRISON CLIERTKIENTWELL,
zºzzº cººr amazºnº
ToTHIºbs BRTNEWELL.
Zºzzºzz ºzºº. 42 ºz/Z, Zºer & Zhaozº, Zºerzoo/.



















-
-
º
A+ExANDER DAY. £25
moting some gambling scheme, by which the party is
plundered of his money, they seldom fail passing forged
country bank notes, or base silver and copper, in the course
of their dealings. º º
In London a number of female sharpers also infest
public places. They dress elegantly, personate women
of fashion, attend masquerades, and even go to St.
James's. These, from their effrontery, actually get into
the circle; where their wits and hands are employed in
obtaining diamonds, and whatever other articles of value
capable of being concealed, are found to be most acces-
The wife of a well-known sharper, lately upon the -
town, is said to have appeared at court, dressed in a style
of peculiar elegatice ; while the sharper himself is sup- -
posed to have gone in the dress of a clergyman. Accord-
ing to the information of a noted receiver, they pilfered
to the value of 1700l. on the King's birth-day, 1795, with-
out discovery or suspicion.
Houses are kept where female cheats dress and un-
dress for public places. Thirty or forty of these sharpers
generally attend all masquerades, in different characters,
where they seldom fail to get clear off with a considerable
booty, -
The first deception which we find played off by Alexan-
* der Day, was to take an elegant house in Queen-square,
and then to send his pretended footman to a livery stable,
to enquire the price of a pair of horses, which he himself
afterwards agreed to purchase, and then desired the stable-
keeper to recommend him a coachman, a man rather lus-
ty, as he had a suit of livery clothes of a large size by
him. - - - -
º-
The man was accordingly recommended; but when
the livery was tried on, Day observed, that, as they did
not fit him, he would send into the country for his own
coachman; but this objection was obviated by the foot-
man, who saying that the clothes would fit with a small
alteration, the 'squire consented to hire the man.
When the stable-keeper saw the coachman he had re-
commended, he enquired to what places he had driven
his new master; and being informed, to the duke of Mon-
VOL. I.--No. 9. Ø F * tague's,
--
-
--~~~~








- 226 NEW NEW GATE CA LEN DAR.
tague's, and other persons of rank, he seemed satisfied,
though he had begun to form ideas unfavourable to his
IlêW CUIStormer. - -
Mr. Day having kept his coach and horses something |
more than a week, gave orders to be driven to a coffee- ||
house, in Red-Lion Square. where he drank half a pint of
wine at the bar, and asked if some gentlemen were come,
whom he expected to supper. Being answered in the
negative, he went out at the back-door, without paying
for his wine, and said he would return in a few minutes.
The coachman waited a long time; but his master not
coming back, he drove to the stable-keeper's, who seemed
glad to have recovered his property out of such danger-
ous hands. - -
It seems that Day made no small use of this coach
while it was in his possession. He drove to the shop of
a lace-merchant, named Gravestock, and asked for some
Spanish point : but the dealer having none of that kind
by him, the 'squire ordered fifty-five pounds worth of
gold lace to be sent to his house in Queen's Square. When
Gravestock's servant carried the lace, Day desired him
to tell his master to call, as he was in want of lace for
º some rich liveries, but he must speak with his taylor be-
fore he could ascertain the quantity wanted. Mr. Grave-
stock attended his new customer, who gave him so large !
an order for lace, that if he had executed it, he must have
been a very considerable loser, and the 'squire's liveries
would have been gayer than those of any nobleman in
London : however, on the following day, he carried
some lace of the sort he had left before ; nor did he for
get to take his bill with him; but the person who should
have paid it was decamped. º -
The next trick practised by our adventurer was as
follows: he went to the house of Mr. Markham, a gold-
Smith, and ordered a gold equipage, worth 50l. Mark-
ham carried home the equipage, and had the honour to
drink tea with the supposed Mr. Davenport, who ordered
other curious articles, and among the rest a chain of gold
for his squirrel. º
fº
Mr. Markham observing that the squirrel wore a silver
chain; which he had sold to a lady not long before, be-
º º gan
--









ALEXANDER DAY. 227
gan to suspect his new customer ; and waiting on the la-
dy, enquired if she knew Marmaduke Davenport, Esq.
—She answered in the negative ; on which Markham
mentioned the circumstance that had arisen, and descri-
bed the person of the defrauder. The lady now recol-
lected him, and said, that his name was Alexander Day,
and that he had cheated her of property to a considerable
amount. In consequence of this information, Markham
arrested the sharper, and recovered his property.
On another occasion, Day went in his carriage to the
shop of a linen-draper, named Schrimshaw, agreed for
linen to the amount of 48l. and ordered a large quantity
to be sent to his house on the following day, when he
would pay for the whole. The first parcel was delivered,
but the purchaser was decamped when the linen-draper
went with the second. º
After this he went to the shop of a tea-dealer, named
Kendrick,ando rolered tea to the amount of 26. The
tea was sent in, and the proprietor called for payment,
when Day gave him orders for a farther quantity, which
he pretended to have forgot before ; and told him to call
the next morning, when he should be paid for it by the
steward. The honest tea-dealer called the next day, but
neither the 'squire nor steward were to be found.
His next adventure was contrived to defraud Mr.
Hinchcliffe, a silk-mercer. Day, going to his shop in his
absence, left word for him to call at his house to receive a
large order. The mercer went, and saw a carriage at the
door; and being told that the 'squire had company, he
waited a short time, during which the servants took care
to inform him, that Mr. Davenport was the son of a ba- - - -
ronet of Yorkshire, and possessed a large fortune in that
When he saw the supposed Mr. Davenport, he was
told that he wanted some valuable silks, and wished that
a quantity might be sent, for him to select such as he ap-
proved. Mr. Hinchcliffe said that the choice would be
much better made by fixing on the patterns at his shop.
Hereupon Day took the mercer in his coach, and on
their way he talked of his father sir Marmaduke, and of
other people of rank; and said he was on the point of
- 2 F 2 marriage



223 NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR. º
- º l
- marriage with the daughter of counsellor Ward, and as
he should be under the necessity of furnishing a house in
London, he should want mercery goods to a large ameunt.
When they came to the mercer's shop, Day selected as
many damasks, &c. for bed furniture and hangings, as were
worth a thousand pounds. It looks as if Hinchcliffe had
now some suspicion; for he told him that the ladies were
the best judges of such articles, and asked if he had not
a lady of his acquaintance, whom he could consult. He
readily answered that he had, and mentioned a lady Da-
venport as his relation, saying, “send the silks to my house,
- and I will take her opinion of them.”
Mr. Hinchcliffe said he would send them, and permitted
him to take with him two pieces of brocade, worth about
thirty pounds; but desirous to know more of his customer
before he trusted him with the whole property, he went to
counsellor Ward, and found that his daughter was already
married to a gentleman of the name of Davenport. Here-
upon the mercer went to the house of the supposed squire,
but he was gone off with what property he had obtained,
It was likewise discovered, that our adventurer having
casually met, at a coffee-house, the Mr. Davenport who
had married the daughter of counsellor Ward, had pre-
vailed on him to call him cousin, on the pretence that
º -
they must be related, because, as he alledged, their coats
of arms were the same.
After a course of fraud, Day was taken into custody in
the month of May, 1723, on suspicion of his having robbed
the mail; but it proved that he was not the man ; how-
ever, there were six indictments brought against him for
the defrauds. - ---
In his defence he pleaded that his intention was to have
paid for the goods he had purchased on credit; and he
asserted that he possessed an estate in the county of Dur-
- ham, which he had mortgaged for 1200I, but no credit º
could be given to his allegations; nor, even if he had pos-
- sessed such an estate, would it have appeared that he
acted on an honest principle. -
After a long trial he was convicted, and sentenced to
suffer two years imprisonment in Newgate, to stand twice
in the pillory, to pay a fine of 200l. and to give security
- - for
º










SARAH PRIDino N, ºr . 229
for his good behaviour for two years after the term of his
imprisonment should be expired.
SARAH PRIDDON,
-
łº,
CON VICTED OF AN ASSAULT IN WHICH MURDER WAS comMitrº. -
THERE is no state in human nature so wretched as that
of the prostitute. Seduced, abandoned to fate, the un-
happy female falls a prey to want; or, she must purchase
existence at a price, degrading, in the last degree, to the
mind of sensibility. Subject to the Just and debauchery
of every thoughtless blockhead, she becomes hardened in
shame. Hence modesty is put to the blush, by the obsce-
nity of those, once pure as our own darling daughters.
| Every public place swarms with this miserable set of be-
ings, so that parents dread to indulge their children with
even the sight of a moral stage performance. The un-
happy prostitute, heated by drink, acquires false spirits, in
order to inveigle men to her purpose ; and in so doing,
she too often takes apparent satisfaction in annoying, by
looks and gestures, often by indecent words, the virtuous
part of the audience. The law, while it assumes the
guardianship of youth by suppressing immorality, still per-
inits these wantons to rove uncontrouled, among the wir-
tuous, as well as the profligate. There ought, in public
at least, some bounds to be set--some check to the per-
nicious example. They may surely be restrained, at least,
to the outward shew of decency, when in mixed com-
pany. º º --
Yet, says the philantrophist, they demand our pity.
They do indeed. The cause, while nature progresses,
cannot be removed, but the legislature might do more to
egulate the evil, than is done in this country. It is by
one held a necessary evil, tending in its utmost extent,
even to the benefit of the yet virtuous female; but a mind
once formed by precept and good example, will ever re-
pei a liberty attempted by a profligate man ; they are
cowards when reproved by virtuous indignation.
We can only accord our tribute of pity to them, ".
- - - a 30 lit.
º º



- 230. NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR. º
- about to give the effects of prostitution in its greatest ex-
\ , tent, by quoting the words of the poet, as applied to the
- - miseries of the unhappy Jane Shore,
- * When she was mine, no harm came ever near her, º
º tº I thought the gentlest breath of heaven, - º
. ..." Too rough to blow upon her.
- º: Now, sad and shelterless perhaps she wanders, --
*** And the rain drops from some penthouse,
-- * On her wretched head, drenches her locks,
* And kills her with the cold.” -
On the 24th of April, 1723, Sarah Priddon was indict.
ed at the Old Bailey, for making a violent assault on the
honourable J– F , Esq. and stabbing him with a
knife, in his left breast, and giving him a wound of which
'he long languished, with an intent to kill and murder him.
Mrs. Priddon, or rather Salisbury (for that was the
name by which she was best known), was a woman of
the town, who was well acquainted with the gentleman
whom she wounded. It appeared on the trial, that Mr.
F– having gone to the Three Tuns Tavern in Chandos,
street, Covent garden, about midnight, Sally followed him
thither soon afterwards. The drawer, after he had waited
on Mr. F-, went to bed; but at two in the morning he
was called up, to draw a pint of Fontiniac for Mrs. Salis.
bury. This he did, and carried it to her with a French
roll, and a knife. The prisoner was now in company
and conversation with Mr. F-, and the drawer heard
them disputing about an Opera-ticket, which he had pre:
sented to her sister; and while they were talking she staº
bed him; on which he put his hand to his breast, and,
said, “ Madam, you have wounded me.” -
No sooner had she committed the fact, than she ap-
peared sincerely to regret what she had done : she set
for a surgeon, who finding it necessary to extend the
wound, that the blood might flow outwardly, she seemed
terrified, and calling out, “ O Lord ' what are you.
doing " fainted away. -
On her recovery, she asked Mr. F- how he did ; td
which he answered, “ Very bad, and worse than you
imagine.” She endeavoured to console him in the best
manner she could, and, after some time, the parties
- - went
--
º


























|
ºz ºf SARAH PRIDDON. 23i
went away in separate chairs; but not till the wounded
gentleman had forgiven her, and saluted her, as a token
of that forgiveness. º -
The counsel for the prisoner endeavoured to prove that
she had no intention of wounding him with malice pre-
pense; and that what she did arose from a sudden start -
of passion, the consequence of his giving an Opera-ticket
to her sister, with a view to ingratiate her affections, and
debauch her. -
The counsel for the crown ridiculed this idea, and in-
sinuated, that a woman of Mrs. Salisbury's character could * .
not be supposed to have any very tender regard to her
sister's reputation. They allowed that Mr. F- had rea-
dily forgiven her at the time ; but insisted that this was a
proof of the placability of his temper, and no argument
—in her favour. - º º
They said, that if the gentleman had died of the wound,
she would have been deemed guilty of murder, as she
had not received the least provocation to commit the
crime ; and that the event made no difference with res-
pect to the malignity of her intentions.
The jury, having considered the circumstances of the
ease, found her guilty of assaulting and wounding Mr.
F—; but acquitted her of doing it with an intent to kill
and murder him. In consequence hereof she was sen-
tenced to pay a fine of one hundred pounds, to be impri-
soned for a year, and then to find security for her good
behaviour for two years; but when she had suffered
about nine months imprisonment she died in Newgate,
and was buried in the church-yard of St. Andrew, Hol.
born. -
WILLIAM HAWKSWORTH,
- --- MURDERER. -
º Hard names at first, and threatºning words,
º “That are but noisy breath, º
“ May grow to clubs and naked swords,
** To murder and to death.”
. . . -
THIs criminal was born of reputable parents, who gave
him such an education as was proper to qualify him for a
º creditable
º -
º






















- 23: NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR. º
-- creditable trade ; but being of a disposition too unsettled
- to think of business, he enlisted for a soldier, in the hope
of being promoted in the army. . -
After he had served some time, and found himself dis-
appointed in his expectation of preferment, he made in-
terest to obtain his discharge, and then entered into the
service of a gentleman, with whom he behaved in a pro-
per manner for a considerable time; but, not being con-
tent with his situation, he repaired to London, and again
enlisted as a soldier in the foot-guards.
In this station he remained four years, during two of
which he was servant to the colonel, who entertained a
very good opinion of him; till an incident, which unex-
pectedly arose, occasioned the crime for which he suſ.
fered. Before we relate the particulars, it will be proper
to remark, that, at the period of which we are writing,
party disputes ran very high, and the soldiers were fre-
quently the subjects of the contempt and derision of the
populace. º -
While Hawksworth was marching, with other soldiers,
to relieve the guard in St. James's Park, a man named
Ransom, who had a woman in his company, jostled him,
and cried, “What a stir is here about king George's solº
diers ſ” Hawksworth, imagining the woman had incited
him to this behaviour, quitted his rank, and gave her a
blow on the face. Irritated hereby, Ransom called him
a puppy, and demanded the reason of his behaviour to
the woman. * -
The term of reproach enraged Hawksworth to such a
degree, that be knocked the other down with his musket,
and then the soldiers marched on to relieve the guard. In
the mean time the crowd of people gathered round Ran-
som, and finding he was much wounded, put him in a
chair, and sent him to a surgeon, who examined him, and
found his skull fractured to such a degree, that there were
no hopes of his recovery; and he died in a few hours.
Hereupon a person who had been witness to what
passed in the Park, went to the Savoy, and having learnt
the name of the offender, caused Hawksworth to be taken
into custody, and he was committed to Newgate. Being
brought to his trial at the following sessions, the colonel
- 1 º Whom
--






WILLIAM HAWKSWORTH, 233
whom he had served gave him an excellent character;
but the facts were so clearly proved, that the jury could
not do otherwise than convict him, and judgment of death
passed accordingly
For some after sentence he flattered himself with the
hope of a reprieve ; but when the warrant for his execu-
tion arrived, he seemed to give up all hopes of life, and
seriously prepared himself to meet his fate. He solemnly
averred, that Ransom struck him first, and said he did
not recollect the circumstance of leaving his rank to strike
the blow that occasioned the death of the other. He de-
clared that he had no malice against the deceased, and
therefore thought himself acquitted, in his own mind, of
the crime of murder. -
However, he behaved in a very contrife manner, and
-
received the sacrament with signs of the sincerest devo-
tion. A few minutes before he was executed, he made a
speech to the surrounding multitude, advising them to
keep a strict guard over their passions; he lamented the
situation of the common soldiers, who are considered as
cowards if they do not resent an injury, and if they do, are
liable to endure legal punishment for the consequences
that may arise from such resentment. However, he ad-
vised his brethren of the army, to submit with patience
to the indignities that might be offered, and trust to the
goodness of God, to recompense their sufferings.
Though nothing can justify the crime of which this man
was guilty, yet an useful lesson may be learned from his
fate. The situation of our common soldiers is sufficiently
lamentable, and no person should seek to make their lives
more calamitous by insult. The poor fellow who does
duty by night and by day, who is subject to all the strict-
ness of military discipline, and liable at any time to be
called forth, the mark of a bullet, and all this for less than
is sufficient for his support, even on the coarsest food, is
certainly an object of our commiseration. We should
therefore pity the distressed, and not seek to add misfor-
tune to the miserable. -
Although the crime for which Hawksworth suffered is
such as ought not to be pardoned; yet the eye of huma-
mily will drop a tear for the fate of a man who thought
tº
VoI. I.--No. 9, 2 G - * himself









- º
-
234 - NEW NEWG ATF CAL EN DAR.
himself instigated to strike the fatal blow, little consider
ing, at that moment, that it would have proved fatal.
*Hence let us learn to guard against the first impulse of
passion; to reflect that reason was given us for the mode-
ration of our passions; and that the higher considerations
of religion ought to be a perpetual restraint on those vio-
lent emotions of the mind; which, in numerous instances
beside the present, have led to destruction. That man is
guilty of an egregious folly, as well as an enormous crime,
who will permit the taunting words or aggravating ac-
tions of another to tempt him to the commission of mur-
der. -
º º - -
ºf
THOMAS A THOE, the Elder, and THOMAS
- 4THOE, the Younger, º
(rath ER AND SON.)
º- -
MURDERERs, Execu'ſ ED IN SURREY, on THE 5th of JULY, 1723.
This murder was attended with shocking barbarity; and
when we have to relate that it was committed by father
and son, the relation becomes additionally painful. A
solitary murder is sufficiently detestable; but when it is
proved, that a parent advises, aids, and abets his child, in
--- the horrid purpose, we are shocked at the extent of human
--- depravity.
The elder Athoe was a native of Carew, in Pembroke-
shire, where he rented above a hundred pounds per an-
num, and had lived in such a respectable way, that in the
year 1721, he was chosen mayor of Tenby, and his son
a bailiff of the same corporation; though they did not
live in this place, but at Mannerbeer, two miles distant
from it. George Merchant, (of whose murder they were
convicted,) and his brother Thomas, were nephews, by
the mother's side to the elder Athoe their father having
married his sister. On the 23d of November, 1792, a
fair was held at Tenby, where the Athoes went to sell
cattle,
--
|






















THoMAS A THOE, &c. 235
cattle, and there met with George Merchant and his bro-
ther Thomas. A quarrel arose between the younger Athoe
and George Merchant on an old grudge respecting their
right to part of an estate : when a battle ensued, in which
George had the advantage, and beat young Athoe. The
elder Athoe taking the advice of an attorney on what had
passed, would have persuaded him to bring an action ;
to which he replied, “No, no, we won't take the law, but
“we’ll pay them in their own coin.” Late in the evening,
after the fair was ended, the Merchants left the town;
but the Athoes going to the inn, enquired of the ostler
which way they went. He gave them the best informa-
tion in his power, on which they, immediately mounted
and followed them. The brothers stopped on the road,
at a place called Holloway's Water, to ſet their horses
drink. In the mean time they heard the footsteps of
other horses behind them, and turning about, saw two
men riding at a small distance. It was too dark for them
to know the parties, but they presently heard the voice of
old Athoe. Knowing that he had sworn revenge, and
dreading the consequence that would probably ensue, ---
they endeavoured to conceal themselves behind a bridge,
but they were discovered by the splashing their horses
feet made in the water. The Athogs riding up with large
sticks, the younger said to George Merchant, “ I owe thee
a pass, and now thou shalf have it;” and immediately
knocked him off his horse. In the interim, old Aſhoe
attacked Thomas Merchant, and beat him likewise from
his horse, calling out, at the same time, “Kill the dogs!
kill the dogs!” The brothers begged hard for their lives,
but they pleaded to those who had no idea of pity. The
elder Athoe seized Thomas Merchant in the tenderest
part, and Squeezed him in so violent a manner, that hu-
man nature could not long have sustained the pain;
while the younger Athoe treated George Merchant in a
similar way, and carried his revenge to such a length,
that it is not possible to relate the horrid deed with de-
gency. When he had completed his execrable purpose,
he called out to his father, saying, “ Now I have done
George Merchant's business.” A great effusion of blood
was the consequence of this barbarity : but his savage
2 & 2 revenge



















- - º
236 - NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
revenge was not yet glutted; seizing G. Merchant by the
nose with his teeth, he bit it off, and then strangled him,
by tying a handkerchief tight round his neck. This done,
the murderers quitted the spot ; but some persons
coming by, took the Merchants to an adjacent house,
and sent for a surgeon, who dressed the wounds of Tho-
mas, but found that George was dead: the surgeon declar.
ed that the blows he had received were sufficient to have
killed six or seven men ; for he had two bruizes on his
breast, three large ones on his head, and twenty-two on
his back. The elder Athoe was taken into custody on
the following day, but the son had fled to Ireland; how-
ever, those who had been concerned in favouring his es:
cape, were glad to use their endeavours to get him back
again. The murder was committed in Pembrokeshire,
but the prisoners were removed by a writ of Habeas Cor-
pus to Hereford, and on the 19th of March, 1723, they
were indicted for the murder. On the trial, the princi.
pal evidence against them was the surviving brother, who
was even then so weak as to be indulged to sit down
while he gave his evidence: but the jury, though satisfied
of the commission of the murder, entertained a doubt
whether the prisoners could be legally tried in any coun-
ty but that in which the crime was committed; on which
they brought in a special verdict; whereupon the case
was referred to the determination of the twelve judges;
and the prisoners being brought up to London, were com:
mitted to the King's Bench prison, where they remained
till the 22d of June, 1723, and were then taken to the
court of King's Bench, in Westminster-hall; when a mo.
tion being made by counsel in arrest “..."." the
court directed that an act of the 33d of Henry VIII.
should be read, in which is a clause, ordaining that
“All murders and robberies committed in, on, or about
the borders of Wales, shali be triable in any county of
England, where the criminal shall be taken; and that
the court of King's Bench shall have power to remove by
writ of Habeas Corpus, any prisoner confined in Wales,
to the next county of England to be tried.” In conse-
quence hereof, the Court proceeded to give judgment,
and the prisoners were remanded to the King's Bench priº
º -- º . - - SQūs
























-
thoy. As ATHoF, &c. 23?
son. Between this and the time of their execution they
were visited by My. Dyche, the chaplain of the prison,
and by several other divines. They continued to flatter
themselves with the hope of life, till the warrant came
down for their execution ; and endeavoured to extenuate -
their crime by a variety of frivolous pretences, respecting
disputes between them and the deceased, On the 28th
of June they received the sacrament with great devotion,
and did the same again on the morning of their execution. -
Their behaviour at the place of death is thus recorded by
the minister who attended them. “ On Friday the 5th of
July, 1723, about eleven o'clock in the morning, they
were conveyed in a cart to the place of execution, When
they came to the fatal tree, they behaved themselves in a
very decent manner, embracing each other with the ut-
most tenderness and affection; and indeed the son’s hid-
ing his face bedeved with tears in his father's bosom, ------
was, notwithstanding the barbarous action they had com-
mitted, a very moving spectacle. They begged of all
good peope to take warning by their ignominious death;
and were turned off, crying, Lord have mercy upon us
Christ have mercy upon us! The bodies were brought
from the place of execution in two hearses, to the Falcon -
inn, in Southwark, in order to be buried in St. George's
church-yard.” They suffered at a place called St. Tho-
mas's Watering, a little below Kent-street, in Surry, the
father being fifty-eighty years old, and the son within
one day of twenty-four, at the time of their deaths,
CAPTAIN JOHN MASSEY.
EXECUTEP At Execution-Dock, jūry 26, 1723, FoR PIRAcy.
- (A very HARD CASE)
IN transcribing the record and particulars of this truly
unfortunate man, we had no conception that he would
have appeared among those who suffered the extreme
sentence of the law. Indeed, we rather thought his con- ".
º duct, making allowance for the critical way in which
he was situated, meritorious, rather than really sº -
7 º Włłęſa















23S NEW NEW GATE C A LEN DAR.
when we found that he actually pleaded guilty to the
charge laid against him in the indictment, we are left in
wonder at the mysterious ways of Providence.
we find no flagicious conduct imputed to him. He grew
weary of home and thirsted to taste the pleasures of a
father procured him a commission in the army; he served
the duke of Marlborough, during the wars in Flanders, in
the reign of Queen Anne. On his return to England, he
conducted himself with great decency; but became ac-
was so much attached, that he would undoubtedly have
married her, if his father, who got intelligence of the af.
fair, had not happily broke off the connection. After
this he went with his regiment to Ireland, where he lived
for some time in a dissolute manner ; but at length got
appointed to the rank of lieutenant and engineer to the
Royal African Company, and sailed in one of their ships
to direct the building of a fort. The ship being ill sup-
plied with provisions, and those of the worst kind, the
sufferings of the crew were inexpressibly great. Every
officer on board died except Massey, and many of the
soldiers likewise fell a sacrifice to the scandalous neglect.
Those who lived to get on shore drank so greedily of the
fresh water, that they were thrown into fluxes, which des-
troyed them in such a rapid manner, that only captain
Massey and a very few of his people were left alive.
These, being totally unable to build a fort, and seeing
-- no prospect of relief, began to abandon themselves to des:
pair; but at this time a vessel happening to come near
º the shore, they made signals of distress, on which a boat
was sent off to their relief. They were no sooner on
board, than they found the vessel was a pirate; and, dis.
their lawless plan, or appeared so to do, rather than run
the hazard of perishing on shore. Sailing from hence
they took several prizes; and though the persons made
-- º prisoners
Captain Massey was the son of a gentleman of fortune,
who gave him an excellent education. When young
though somewhat wild and wavering in his mind, yet
world in which he was doomed to act an unhappy part. His
with great credit as lieutenant, under the command of
quainted with a woman of bad character, to whom he
tressed as they had been, perhaps too hastily engaged in





-
C APTAIN MASSEY. 239
prisoners were not used with cruelty, Mr. Massey had
so true a sense of the illegality of the preceedings in
which he was concerned, that his mind was perpetually
tormented with the idea of the fatal consequences that
might ensue. At length the ship reached Jamaica,
when Mr. Massey seized the first opportunity of deserting;
and, repairing to the governor, he gave such information,
that the crew of the pirate vessel were taken into custody,
convicted, and hanged. Massey might have been pro-
vided for by the governor, who treated him with singular
respect, on account of his services to the public, but he
declined his generous offers, through an anxiety to visit
his native country. On his sailing for England, the go-
vernor gave him recommendatory letters to the lords of
the admiralty; but, astonishing as it may seem, instead of
being caressed, he was taken into custody, and committed
till a sessions of admiralty was held for his trial, when he
pleaded guilty, and received sentence of death. As his
case was remarkable, the public entertained no doubt
but that he would have been pardoned; however, a
warrant was sent for his execution, and he made the most
solemn preparation for his approaching fate. Two clergy-
men attended him at the place of execution, where he
freely acknowledged his sins in general, was remarkably
fervent in his devotions, and seemed perfectly resigned
to his fatal destiny. Though the captain pleaded guil-
ty at his trial, for guilty in some measure he was, yet
his joining the pirates was evidently an act of necessity,
not of choice; add to which, his subsequeut conduct at
Jamaica, proved that he took the earliest opportunity to
abandon his late companions, and bring them to justice;
a conduct by which he surely merited the thanks of his -
country, and not the vengeance of the law. We sincerely
hope, that no future king will, under such circumstances,
---e. - - - sº - -
sign a warrant for execution.
- º -
- -
--- -






, 240 NEW NEWGATE CA LEN DAR.
PHILIP ROCHE,
* Execurrep AT execution-pock, August 5, 1723, FoR PIRAcy Aſºº
º MURDER.
WE have already commented upon the foul crime of pi-
racy. The account now to be given of this atrocious of:
fender, will shew to what a horrid pitch it has been car.
- ried; and happy should we feel ourselves if we could
add, that this was a singular case. In later years, we find
that murder, foul as that committed by Roche, was prac-
tised on board one of our men of war in which captain Pi.
got, her commander, was barbarously killed ; and the mu-
tinous crew seized the frigate, and delivered her to the
enemy. --- tº
This detested monster, Philip Roche, was a native of
Ireland, and being brought up to a sea-faring life, served
for a considerable time on board some coasting vessels,
and then sailed to Barbadoes on board a West-Indiaman.
Here he endeavoured to procure the place of clerk to a
factor; but failing in this he went again to sea, and was
advanced to the station of a first mate.
He now became acquainted with a fisherman named
Neale, who hinted to him that large sums of money might
be acquired for insuring ships, and then causing them to
be sunk, to defraud the insurers.
Roche was wicked enough to listen to this horrid tale,
and becoming acquainted with a gentleman who had a
ship bound to Cape Breton, he got a station on board,
next in command to the captain, who having an high opi-
nion of him, trusted the ship to his management, directing
the seamen to obey his commands. -
If Roche had entertained any idea of sinking the ship,
he seemed now to have abandoned it; but he had brought
on board with him five Irishmen, who were concerned in
the shocking tragedy that ensued.
When they had been only a few days at sea, the plan
was executed as follows: One night, when the captain
- and most of the crew were asleep, Roche gave orders to
two of the seamen to furl the sails, which being immedi-
ately done, the poor fellows no sooner descended on the
deck, than Roche and his hellish associates, murdered
them and threw them overboard. At this instant a man.
- - º and







PHILIP ROCHE. 24!
and a boy at the yard-arm, observing what passed, and
dreading a similar fate, hurried toward the topmast-head,
when one of the Irishmen, named Cullen, followed them,
and seizing the boy, threw him into the sea. The man,
thinking to effect at least a present escape, descended to
the main-deck, where Roche instantly seized, murdered,
and then threw him overboard. -
The noise occasioned by these transactions alarming
the sailors below, they hurried up with all possible expe- -
dition ; but they were severally seized and murdered, as
fast as they came on deck, and being first knocked on the
head, were thrown into the sea. At length the master
and mate came on the quarter-deck, when Roche and his
villainous companions seized them, and tying them back
to back, committed them to the merciless waves.
These execrable murders being perpetrated, the mur-
derers ransacked the chests of the deceased, then sat
down to regale themselves with liquor; and while the
profligate crew were carousing, they determined to com-
mence pirates, and that Roche should be the captain, as
the reward of his superior villainy. -
They had intended to have sailed up the Gulf of St.
Lawrence ; but as they were within a few days' sail of
the British channel when the bloody tragedy was acted,
and finding themselves short of provisions, they put into
Portsmouth, and giving the vessel a fictitious name, they
painted her afresh, and then sailed for Rotterdam. At
this city they disposed of their cargo, and took in a fresh
one. Here they were unknown; and an English gentle-
man, named Annesley, shipped considerable property on
board, and took his passage with them for the port of
London: but the villains threw this unfortunate gentle-
man overboard, after they had been only one day at sea.
When the ship arrived in the river Thames, Mr. An-
nesley's friends made enquiry after him, in conse-
quence of his having sent letters to England, describing
the ship in which he proposed to embark : but Roche de-
nied any knowledge of the gentleman; and even dis-
claimed his own name. - -
-
Notwithstanding his confident assertions, it was rightly
presumed who he was, and a letter which he sent to his
vol. 1,–No. 9. 2 H wife -
-



242 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
wife being stopped, he was taken into custody. Being
carried before the secretary of state for examination,
he averred that he was not Philip Roche ; and said that
he knew no person of that name. Hereupon the inter-
cepted letter was shewn him, on which he instantly con-
fessed his crimes, and was immediately committed to
take his trial at the next Admiralty sessions. -
It was intimated to Roche, that he might expect a
pardon, if he would impeach any three persons who were
more culpable than himself, so that they might be pro-
secuted to conviction: but not being able to do this, he
was brought to his trial, and found guilty : judgment of
death was awarded against him. -
After conviction, he professed to be of the Roman Ca-
tholic faith, but was certainly no bigot to that religion,
since he attended the devotions according to the Protes-
tant form. He was hanged at Execution Dock, on the
5th of August, 1723, but was so ill at the time, that he
could not make any public declaration of the abhorrence
of the crime for which he suffered.
-*-ºs-
milliam DUCE, JAMEs BUTLER, - WADE, and – MEAD},
(A desperate and cruel gang of murderers and footpads.)
Executed AT TYBURN, AUGUST 14, 1723.
The reader has doubtless observed that this work shews
that there are different grades of thieves. The boy, when
abandoned to profligacy, commences his career by pick-
ing pockets, and a single handkerchief is then the extent
of his hopes. Hardening with his years, he advances a
step in villainy, and becomes a footpad; the most cruel
description of robbers. If success should, for a while,
attend his enormities, he proceeds to steal a horse, and
throwing away the footpad's bludgeon or knife, he'ap-
pears mounted on the highway, armed with a brace of
pistols. Arrived now at the highest rank of thievery, he
despises the lower posts, and stiles himself a gentleman
highwayman. To do honour to his post, he scorns to
use that violence, where there is no shew of resistance,
which, as a footpad, he exercised, often through mere
--- wanton-




















wilest purposes.
WILLIAM DUCE, &c. 243
wantonness. His fame, if industrious, however, sooner
reaches the knowledge of the myrmidons of justice, than
if he had grovelled as a foot-robber: and his career hap-
pily thus sooner at an end. -
Duce was a native of Wolverhampton, and by trade a
buckle-maker, which he followed some time in London;
but being imprisoned in Newgate for debt, he there made
connections which greatly tended to the corruptions of
his manners.” -
He was no sooner at large than he commenced foot-
pad, and, in company with another man, robbed a gen-
tleman in Chelsea-fields, of four guineas; after this he
connected himself with John Dyer and James Butler, in
concert with whom he committed a variety of robberies.
Their plan was to go out together, but one only to attack
the party intended to be robbed ; but to give a signal for
his accomplices to come up, if any resistance should be
made.
After committing a variety of robberies in the neigh-
bourhood of London, they joined in a scheme, with four
other villains, to rob lady Chudleigh, between Hyde-l'ark
Corner and Kensington; but her ladyship's footman shot
one of the gang, named Rice, through the head, which
prevented the intended depredation. -
Their robberies had now been so numerous, that the
neighbourhood of London became unsafe for them;
wherefore they went on the Portsmouth road, where they
committed a variety of robberies, and even proceeded
-
to the perpetration of murder, with a view to prevent
detection. -
Meeting Mr. Bunch, a farmer, near a wood on the
road side, they robbed him of his money, and then
dragging him into the wood, they stripped him.
Darker, Wade, and Meads, three of the gang, were
hanged at Winchester; but Butler was sent to take his
trial at the Old Bailey, for robberies committed in the
county of Middlesex. º
-
* A greater misfortune cannot happen to a youth, than to be thrown
into such a prison as Newgate; where, among thieves of every description,
if uncontaminated by vice, his morals will generally be corrupted to the
James





244. NEW NEW GATE CA L E & DAR.
James. Butler was the son of reputable parents, of the
parish of St. Ann, Soho, and apprenticed to a silver-
smith; but being of an ungovernable disposition, his pa.
rents were obliged to send him to sea. After making Se-
veral voyages, as an apprentice to the captain, he ran
from the ship at Boston in New-England, and went to
New-York, where he entered on board another ship,
from which he likewise ran away, and embarked in a third
vessel bound to Martinique. This he also quitted, on
a dispute with the captain, and then sailed to Jamaica,
where he was impressed into the royal navy, and served
under the celebrated admiral Vernon.
On his return to England, he married a girl of Wap-
ping, and having soon spent the little money he brought
home with him, he engaged with the gang we have men-
7 tioned, with whom he was likewise concerned in several
other robberies. - - - -
These appear to have been very desperate villains.
On the road to Gravesend, they stopped four gentlemen,
who refusing to be robbed, Meads, one of those hanged
at Winchester, shot a servant who attended them, in the
breast, so that he died in a few days. Disappointed of
their booty in this attempt, their passions were so irri-
tated, that, meeting agentleman on horseback, they fired,
and wounded him in the head and breast, and the next
day he expired.
They committed other robberies attended with circum-
stances of cruelty; but it will be now proper to mention
those for which they suffered. Butler having been ac-
quitted at the Old Bailey of the crime for which he was
transmitted from Winchester, he, Duce and Dyer, im-
ºmediately renewed their depredations on the road. Meet-
ing Mr. Holmes near Buckingham-house, they robbed
him of his money, hat, and handkerchief, which laid the
foundation of one of the indictments against them.
On the following evening they stopped a hackney-
coachman near Hampstead, and robbed him of nine
shillings, after the coachman had told them that the words
“stand and deliver,” were sufficient to hang a man. Jo:
nathan Wild being informed of these robberies, caused
-- - - the





Hity MPHRY ANGIER, 245
the 'offenders to be apprehended, at a house kept by
Duce's sister.
Dyer being admitted an evidence, Duce and Butler
werebrought to their trial, when the latter pleaded guilty,
to both the indictments; and the former, after spending
some time in denying the robberies, and arraigning the
conduct of Jonathan Wild, was found guilty, and both
of them received sentence of death.
After conviction their behaviour was more resigned
and devout than could have been expected from men,
whose repeated crimes might be supposed to have har-
dened their hearts, and death appeared to them in all its
horrors. Butler was a Roman Catholic, and Duce a
Protestant. The latter was urged by the ordinary to dis-
cover the names of some of his old accomplices; but this
he refused to do, because they had left their practices,
and lived honest lives.
A few moments before they were launched into eter-
nity, Butler declared that the circumstances of cruelty
with which their crimes had been attended, gave him more
pains than the thoughts of death; and Duce acknowledg-
ed the enormity of his offences, and begged the forgive-
ness of all whom he had injured.
º
HUMPHRY ANGIER.
ExECUTED At TYBURN, SEPTEMBER 9, 1723, FOR Roggery,
Was a native of Ireland, born near Dublin; but his
parents removing to Cork, put him apprentice to a coo-
per in that city. He had not been long in this station be-
fore his master desired to get rid of him, on account of
his untoward disposition. Thus discharged, he lived the
life of a vagabond for two years, and his father appre-
hending that he would come to a fatal end, brought him
to England in the eighteenth year of his age. Still, how-
ever, he continued his dissipated course of life, till hav-
ing got considerably in debt, he inlisted for a soldier, to
avoid being lodged in prison. As this happened in the
year 1715, he was sent into Scotland to oppose the rebels;
but robbing a farmer in that country, he was punished
by
-




£46 N EW NEW: GATE C A L E N DAR.
|
by receiving five hundred lashes, in consequence of the
sentence of a court-martial. The rebellion ended, An-
gier came to London, and obtained his discharge. Here
he became acqainted with William Duce, (see Duc E)
whose sister he married at an alehouse in the verge of the
Fleet. After this he enlisted a second time, and the re-
giment being ordered to Vigo, he took his wife with him.
The greater part of the Spaniards having abandoned the
place, Angier obtained a considerable sum by plunder. On
his return to England he became acquainted with But-
!er's associates, and was concerned with them in several
of their lawless depredations, but refused to have any
share in acts of barbarity. Angier now kept a house of
ill fame, which was resorted to by the other thieves ; and
one might after they had been out on one of their ex-
ploits, Meads told the following horrid tale: We have
“been out, and the best fun of all was, an engagement
with a smock-faced shoemaker, whom we met on the
Kentish road. We asked him how far he was going, and
he said, he was just married, and going home to see his
relations. After a little more discourse, we persuaded
him to turn rather out of the road to look for a bird's nest,
which as soon as he had done, we bound and gagged him,
after which we robbed him, and were going away; but I
being in a merry humour, and wanting to have a little di-
version, turned about with my pistol, and shot him
through the head.” Bad as Angier was in other respects,
he was shocked at this story, told his companions that
there was no courage in cruelty, and from that time re- |
fused to drink with any of them. After this he kept a
house of ill fame near Charing Cross, letting lodgings to
thieves, and receiving stolen goods. While in this way
of life he went to see an execution at Tyburn, and did
not return till four o'clock the next morning ; when, du-
ring his absence, an affair happened, which was attended
with troublesome consequences. A Dutch woman meet-
ing with a gentleman in the street, conducted him to
Angier's house, where he drank so freely that he fell ||
asleep, and the woman robbing him of his watch and m0-
ney, made her escape. The gentleman awaking when
Angier returned, charged him with the robbery, in conse-
--- quence






He-MPH R Y ANGIER. - 247
quence of which he was committed to prison, but was af-
terwards discharged, the grand jury not finding the bill
against him. Soon after his wife was indicted for rob-
bing a gentleman of his watch and a guinea, but was for-
tunate enough to be acquitted for want of evidence. The
following accident happened about the same time: A wo-
man named Turner had drunk so much at Angier's
house that he conducted her up to bed; but while he was
in the room with her, his wife entered in a rage, and de-
manding of her how she could presume to keep company
with her husband, attacked and beat the woman. Wil-
liam Duce being in the house, went up to interfere; but
the disturbance was by this time so great, that it was ne-
cessary to send for a constable. The officer no sooner
arrived, than Mrs. Turner charged Angier and his wife
with robbing her; on which they were taken into custody
and committed; bnt when they were brought to trial,
they were acquitted, as there was no proof of any robbé-
ry, to the satisfaction of the jury. Dyer, who was evi- -
dence against Duce and Butler, lived at this time with
Angier, as a waiter; and the master and the man used
occasionally to commit footpad robberies together; for
which they were several times apprehended, and tried at
the Old Bailey; but acquitted, as the prosecutors could
not swear to their persons. Angier's character now grew
so notorious, that no person of any reputation would be
seen in his house ; and the expences attending his repeat-
ed prosecutions were so great, that he was compelled to
decline business. After this, he kept a gin-shop in Shorts-
gardens, Drury-lane; and this house was frequented by
company of the same kind as those he had formerly en-
tertained, particularly parson Lindsey. Lindsey having
prevailed on a gentleman to go to this house, made him
drunk, and then robbed him of several valuable articles;
but procuring himself to be admitted an evidence, charged
Angier and his wife with the robbery : they had again
the good fortune to escape, the character of Lindsey be-
ing at this time so infamous, that the court and jury paid
to regard to any thing he said. Soon after, however,
Mrs. Angier was transported for picking a gentleman's
pocket, and her husband was convicted on two capital
} - indict-
-
-
º
º
:
.
i
2-
º
i
:
---
\
--















£48 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
y
indictments; the one for robbing Mr. Lewin, the city
marshal, near Hornsey, of ten guineas, and some silver,
and the other for robbing a waggoner, near Knightsbridge.
On both these trials, Dyer, who was concerned in the
robberies, was admitted an evidence against Angier.
After conviction, he was visited by numbers of persons,
whose pockets had been picked of valuable articles, in
the hope of getting some intelligence of the property they
had lost; but he said, “he was never guilty of such mean
practices as picking of pockets, and all his associates
were above it, except one Hugh Kelly, who was trans-
ported for robbing a woman of a shroud, which she was
carrying home to cover her deceased husband.”
-º-
RICHARD PARPIN, EDWARD ELLIOT, ROBERT KINGSHELL,
HENRY MARSHALL, EDWARD PINK, JOHN PINK, and
- JAMES ANSELL. -
Execured AT TYBURN, DECEMBER 4, 1723, FoR MURDER AND DEER-
STEALING. -
This was another gang of daring plunderers, who car.
ried on their depredations with such effrontery, that it |
was found necessary to enact the law hereafter recited, in
order to bring them to condign punishment; and it was
not long after it was in force, before it took due effect .
upon them. ºzº
Having blacked their faces, they went in the daytime
to the parks of the nobility and gentry, whence they
repeatedly stole deer, and at length murdered the bishop
of Winchester's keeper on Waltham-Chace; and from
the name of the place, and their blacking their faces, they
obtained the name of the Pſaltham Blacks. -
The following is the substance of the act of parliament.
on which they were convicted : “Any person appearing
“in any forest, chace, park, &c. or in any high road,
“open heath, common, or down, with offensive weapons,
“ and having his face blacked, or otherwise disguised, or
“ unlawfully and wilfully hunting, wounding, killing or
“stealing, any red or fallow deer, or unlawfully robbing
“any warren, &c. or stealing any fish out of any river of
* g . ... -------- ºr ººz -
pond, or (whether armed or disguised or not) break-
º ºg
- - 103
















RICHARD PARVIN, &c. 249
“ing down the head or mound of any fish-pond, where-
“ by the fish may be lost or destroyed; or unlawfully and
“maliciously killing, maiming, or wounding, any cattle,
“ or cutting down or otherwise destroying any trees plan-
“ted in any avenue, or growing in any garden, orchard,
“ or plantation, for ornament, shelter, or profit ; or let-
“ting fire to any house, barn, or out house, hovel, cock,
“ mow, or stack of corn, straw, hay, or wood; or malici-
“ously shooting at any person, in any dwelling-house or
“ other place ; or knowingly sending any letter without
“any name, or signed with a fictitious name, demanding
“ money, venison, or other valuable thing, or forcibly
“rescuing any person being in custody for any of the
“ offences before mentioned, or procuring any person
“ by gift, or promise of money or other reward, to join
“in any such unlawful act, or concealing or succouring
“such offenders, when, by order of council, &c. required
“ to surrender–shall suffer death,”
The offence of deer-stealing was formerly only a mis-
demeanor at common law ; but the act of parliament
above-mentioned has been rendered perpetual by a sub-
sequent statute : it therefore behoves people to be cauti-
tious that they do not endanger their lives, while they
think they are committing what they may deem an infe-
rior offence. We will now give such particulars as we
have been able to obtain respecting the malefactors in
question. -
RICHARD PAR v IN was heretofore the master of a
public-house in Portsmouth, which he had kept with re-
putation for a considerable time, till he was imprudent
enough to engage with the gang of ruffians who practis-
ed the robbing noblemen's and gentlemen's parks through
the country. The reader is already apprised that it
was the custom of these fellows to go disguised. Now
a servant-maid of Parvin's having left his house during
his absence, had repaired to an alehouse in the country;
and Parvin calling there on his return from one of his
dishonest expeditions, the girl discovered him ; in conse-
quence of which he was committed to Winchester Gao!,
by the mayor of Portsmouth, till his removal to London
for trial,
vo L. I.-No. 10. 2 I - Edward
















250 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR. -
EDWARD ELLIoT was an apprentice to a taylor at
Guildford, and was very young when he engaged with
the gang, whose orders he implicitly obeyed, till the fol-
lowing circumstance occasioned his leaving them. Ha-
ving met with two countrymen who refused to enter into
the society, they dug holes in the ground, and placed
the unhappy men in them, up to their chins, and had they
not been relieved by persons who accidentally saw them,
they must have perished. Shocked by this deed, Elliot
left them, and for some time served a lady as a footman;
but on the day the keeper was murdered, he casually met
them in the fields, and on their promise that no harm
should attend him, he unhappily consented to bear them
Company. -
Having provided themselves with pistols, and blacked
their faces with gunpowder, they proceeded to their
lawless depredations; and while the rest of the gang were
killing of deer, Elliot went in search of a fawn; but
while he was looking for it, the keeper and his assistants
came up, and took him into custody. His associates
were near enough to see what happened ; and immedi-
ately coming to his assistance, a violent affray ensued, in
which the keeper was shot by Henry, Marshall, so that
he died on the spot, and Elliot made his escape ; but he
was soon afterwards taken into custody, and lodged in the
gaol of Guildford. º
Robert Kingshell, who was a native of Farnham in
Surry, was placed by his parents with a shoemaker; but
being too idle to follow his profession, he was guilty of
many acts of irregularity before he associated himself
with the Waltham Blacks, with whom he afterwards
suffered. While he was in bed on the night preceding
the fatal murder, one of the gang awaked him, by knock-
ing at his window, on which he arose, and went with him
to join the rest of the deer-stealers. -
Henry Marshall was a man distinguished for his
strength and agility: we have no account of the place of
his birth, or the manner of his education ; but it is reason-
able to think that the latter was of the inferior kind,
since he appears to have been chiefly distinguished by his
skill in the vulgar science of bruising. He was once the
occasion


































RICHARD PARVIN, &c. 251
occasion of apprehending a highwayman, who had robbed
a coach by giving him a single blow which broke his -
arm. He seems to have been one of the most daring of
the Waltham Blacks, and was the man who shot the
chace-keeper, as above mentioned.
Edward Pink and John Pink were brothers, who spent
the former part of their lives as carters, at Portsmouth, and
had maintained the character of honest men, till they -
became weak enough to join the desperate gang of deer-
stealers.
It now remains to speak only of James Ansell, who
likewise lived at Portsmouth. We are not informed
in what way he had originally supported himself; but
for some years before he joined the desperate gang
above-mentioned, he was a highwayman; and had been -
concerned with the Waltham Blacks about two years be-
fore the commission of the murder which cost them their ---
lives. -
By a vigilant exertion of the civil power, all the above-
mentioned offenders were taken into custody, and it be-
ing thought prudent to bring them to trial in London,
they were removed thither under a strong guard, and
lodged in Newgate. On the 13th of November, 1723,
they were brought to their trial in the Court of King's
Bench, and being convicted on the clearest evidence,
were found guilty, and sentenced to die; and it was im-
mediately ordered that they should suffer on the fourth of
the next month. One circumstance was very remarka-
ble on this occasion ; the judge had no sooner pronoun-
ced the sentence, than Henry Marshall, the man who
had shot the keeper, was immediately deprived of the
use of his tongue; nor did he recover his speech till the
day before his death. ---
- After passing the solemn sentence, the convicts beha-
ved in a manner equally devout and resigned, were re-
gular in their devotions, and prepared themselves for
eternity with every mark of unfeigned contrition. They
received the sacrament before they left Newgate, ac-
knowledged the justice of the sentence against them, and
said they had been guilty of many crimes besides that for
which they were to suffer. -
- 2 I 2











252 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
At the place of execution they were so dejected as to
be unable to address the populace ; but they again con-
fessed their sins, and recommended their souls to God,
beseeching his mercy, through the merits of Christ, with
the utmost fervency of devotion.
These malefactors were hanged at Tyburn, on the
4th of December, 1723. - --
-
JOHN STANLEY,
EXECUTED AT TYBURN, DECEMBER 23, 1723, FoR MURDER.
In our account of the primary cause of the misfortunes
and unhappy fate of William Burke, we have attempted
to advise mothers against a too long unrestrained indul-
gence to their sons; and we now come to the case, of a
father by the same kind of ill-judged fondness, laying
the foundation of ruin and disgrace to his son.
Mr. Stanley was the son of an officer in the army, and
born in the year 1690, at Duce Hall, in Essex, a seat that
belonged to Mr. Palmer, who was his uncle by his mo-
ther's side. Young Stanley being the favourite of his fa-
ther began to teach him the art of fencing when he was
- no more than five years of age; and other officers like-
wise practising the same art with him, he became a kind
of master of the sword when he was but a mere boy: for
to stimulate his courage, it was common for those who
fenced with him to give him wine or other strong
--
liquors. -
In consequence of this treatment, the boy grew dar-
ing and insolent beyond expression, and at length be-
haved with so upcommon a degree of audacity, that his
father deemed him a singular character of bravery.
While he was very young, Mr. Stanley being ordered
to join his regiment in Spain, took his son with him ; and
in that country he was a spectator of several engage-
ments; but his principal delight was in trampling on
the bodies of the deceased, after the battles were
ended.
From Spain the elder Stanley was ordered to Ireland,
! -------. whither
--








-
JOHN ST ANT.E.Y. 25.3
whither he took his son, and there procured for him an
ensign's commission : but the young gentleman, habi-
tuating himself to extravagant company, spent much
more money than the produce of his commission, which
he soon sold, and then returned to England. -
The father was greatly mortified at this proceeding,
and advised him to make application to General Stan-
hope, who had been a warm friend to the family: but this
advice was lost on the young fellow, who abandoned
himself to the most dissolute course of life; borrowed -
money of all his acquaintance, which he soon squandered
at the gaming tables, and procured farther supplies from
women with whom he made illicit connections.
He was so vain of his acquaintance with the ladies, -
that he boasted of their favours as an argument in proof
of his own accomplishments; though what he might ob- -
tain from the weakness of one woman, he commonly
squandered on others, of more abandoned character.
One mode which he took to supply his extravagance,
was to introduce himself into the company of young gen-
tlemen who were but little acquainted with the vices of
the age, whom he assisted in wasting their fortunes in
every species of scandalous dissipation.
At length, after a scene of riot in London, he went with
one of his associates to Flanders, and thence to Paris;
and Stanley boasted not a little of the favours he received
among the French ladies, and of the improvements he
had made in the science of fencing. -
On his return to England, the opinion he conceived of
his skill in the use of the sword made him insufferably
vain and presuming. He would frequently intrude him-
self into company at a tavern, and saying he was come -
to make himself welcome, would sit down at the table
without farther ceremony. The company would some-
times bear with his insolence for the sake of peace ; but
when this was the case, it was a chance if he did not
pretend to have received some affront, and, drawing his
sword, walk off while the company was in confusion. It
was not always, however, that matters thus ended; for
sometimes a gentleman of spirit would take the liberty
of kicking our hero out of the house. -
-















254 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
|
It will now be proper to mention something of his con-
nection with Mrs. Maycock, the murder of whom cost
him his life. As he was returning from a gaming-house
which he frequented in Covent Garden, he met a Mr.
Bryan, of Newgate-street, and his sister, Mrs. Maycock,
- the wife of a mercer on Ludgate Hill. Stanley rudely
ran against the man, and embraced the woman; on which
- a quarrel arose; but this subsiding, Stanley insisted on
seeing the parties home: this he did, and spent the even-
ing with them; and from this circumstance a fatal con-
nection arose as will appear in the sequel.
Stanley having made an acquaintance with the family,
soon afterwards met Mrs. Maycock at the house of a re-
lation in Redlion-street, Holborn. In a short time Mr.
Maycock removing into Southwark, the visits of our cap-
tain were admitted on a footing of intimacy. .
The husband dying soon after this connection, Stanley
became more at liberty to pay his addresses to the widow:
and it appears that some considerable intimacy subsisted
- between them, from the following letter, which is not
more a proof of the absurd vanity of the man that could
- write it, than of the woman that could keep him com-
pany after receiving it. The egregious coxcomb, and
supercilious flatterer, is visible in every line:
“I am to-morrow to be at the opera: O that I could
“add, with her I love. The opera, where beauties less
“ beauteous than thou, sit panting, admired, and taste
“ the sweet barbarian sounds. On Friday I shall be at
“ the masquerade at Somerset House, where modest
“ pleasure hides itself, before it can be touched : but
“ though it is uncertain in the shape, ’tis real in the
“sense; for masks scorn to steal, and not repay: there-
“fore, as they conceal the face, they oft make the body
“ better known. At this end of the town, many faded
* beauties bid the oleos and the brush kiss their cheeks
“ and lips, till their charms only glimmer with a borrowed
“ grace; so that a city beauty, rich in her native spring
“ of simplicity and loveliness, will doubly shine with us:
“shine like the innocent morning blush of light, that glit-
“ters untainted on the gardens,”
ºº
-
-
-
º
º























JOHN STANLEY. 255
This exquisite piece of nonsense flattered the vanity of
the lady, so that he was admitted to repeat his visits at
his own convenience. At this time a young fellow who
had served his apprenticeship with the late Mr. Maycock,
and who was possessed of a decent fortune to begin the
world, paid his addresses to the young widow; but she
preferred a licentious life with Stanley, to a more virtuous
connection. .
Soon after this she quitted her house in Southwark,
and the lovers spent their time at balls, plays, and assem.
blies, till her money was dissipated, when he did not
scruple to insinuate that she had been too liberal of her
favours to other persons. In the mean time she bore him
three children, one of whom was living at the time of the
father's execution.
Stanley continuing his dissolute course of life, his par
rents became very uneasy, in fear of the fatal conse-
quences that might ensue; and his father, who saw too
late the wrong bias he had given to his education, pro-
cured him the commission of a lieutenant, to go to
Cape Coast Castle, in the service of the African Com-
pany. º, - º
The young fellow seemed so pleased with this appoint-
ment, that his friends conceived great hopes that he
would reform. Preparations being made for his voyage,
and the company having advanced a considerable sum,
he went to Portsmouth, in order to embark; but he had
been only a few days in that town, when he was followed
by Mrs. Maycock, with her infant child. She reproached
him with baseness, in first debauching, and then leaving
her to starve; and employing all the arts she was mistress
of to divert him from his resolution, he gave her half the
money which belonged to the company, and followed her
to London with the rest. º
--
Shocked with the news of this dishonourable action,
the father took to his bed, and died of grief. Young
Stanley appeared greatly grieved at this event, and to di-
vert his chagrin, he went to Flanders, where he staid a
considerable time, when he returned to England, and
lived in as abandoned a manner as before, - -
A - - Soon



£56 NEW NEws ATE cALEN DAR.
Soon after his return, having drank freely with two
tradesmen, they all walked together towards Hampstead;
and meeting a Mr. Dawson, with five other gentlemen, a
quarrel ensued. One of the gentlemen fired a pistol, the
ball from which grazed Stanley's skin. Enraged hereby,
the latter drew his sword, and making a pass at him, the
sword ran into the body of Mr. Dawson, through the
lower part of his belly, and to his backbone. The wound-
ed man was conveyed to a neighbouring house, where he
lay six weeks before he was perfectly recovered.
However, as Dawson happened to know Stanley, he
took out a writ against him for damages, to recover his
expence of the cure; but the writ was never executed,
as Stanley was so celebrated for his skill in the use of the
sword, and his daring dispostion, that the bailiffs were
afraid to arrest him.
Not long after this, quarrelling with Captain Chickley,
at a cyder-cellar in Covent-garden, Stanley challenged
the captain to fight in a dark room. They shut them-
selves in ; but a constable being sent for, broke open
the door, and probably saved Stanley's life; for Chickley
had then ran his sword through his body, while he him.
self had received only two slight wounds.
It appears that Stanley still paid occasional visits to
Mrs. Maycock; and he had the insolence to pretend an-
ger at her receiving the visits of other persons, though
he was not able to support her; for he had the vanity to
think that a woman whom he had debauched ought for
ever to pay true allegiance to him, as a wife to her hus-
b alſº d. -
Mrs. Maycock having been to visit a gentleman, was
returning one night through Chancery-lane, in company
with another woman, and Mr. Hammond, of the Old
Bailey. Stanley, in company with another man, met the
parties, and he and his companions insisted on going with
the women. Hammond hereupon said, the ladies belonged
to him; but Mrs. Maycock, now recognizing Stanley,
said, “What, captain, is it you ?” He asked her where
she was going : she said to Mr. Hammond's, in the Old
Bailey. He replied that he was glad to meet her, and
would go with her. -










-
JOHN STANLEY. Q57
As they walked down Fleet-street, Stanley desired his
companion to go back, and wait for him at an appointed
place; and as the company was going forward, Stanley
struck a man who happened to be in his way, and kicked
a woman on the same account. - º
Being arrived at Hammond's house, the company de-
sired Stanley to go home; but this he refused, and Mrs.
Maycock going into the kitchen, he pushed in after her,
and some words having passed between them, he stabbed
her so that she died in about an hour and a half
Other company going into the kitchen, saw Stanley
flourishing his sword while the deceased was fainting
with loss of blood, and crying out, “I am stabbed I
am murdered " Stanley's sword being taken from him,
he threw himself down by Mrs. Maycock, and said,
“My dear Hannah, will you not speak to me?” -
The offender being taken into custody, was brought to
his trial at the Old Bailey, where some witnesses endea- -----
voured to prove that he was a lunatic ; but the jury con- -
sidering his extravagant conduct as the effect of his vices
only, and the evidence against him being positive, he was
found guilty, and received sentence of death.
Before his conviction he had behaved in a very incon-
siderate manner, nor was his conduct much altered after-
wards, only that when he heard the name of Mrs. May-
cock mentioned, he was seized with violent tremblings,
and drops of cold sweat fell from his face.
He was carried to the place of execution, in a mourning
coach ; but on being put into the cart under the gallows,
he turned pale, and was so weak that he could not stand
without support. He made no speech to the people, but
only said that as a hearse was provided to take away his
body, he hoped no one would prevent its receiving Chris-
tian burial. It was observed that he wept bitterly after
the cap was drawn over his eyes.
He was executed at the age of twenty-five ye
vo I. I. --No. 10, 2 &














º
5
8
NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
STEPHEN GARDENER,
Execured AT TYBURN, FEBRUARY 3, 1724, FoR House BREAKING-
(With the Bellman's Notice to criminals.)
THIs malefactor was born in Moorfields, of poor pa.
- rents, who put him apprentice to a weaver; but his be-
haviour soon became so bad, that his master was obliged
sociated with blackguard boys in the streets, and then
was driven home through mere hunger.
His friends were determined to send him to sea, and
put him on board a corn vessel, the master of which
traded to France and Holland. Being an idle and use-
less hand on board, he was treated so roughly by his ship-
at home.
engaged with dissolute fellows in the neighbourhood of
Moorfields, with whom he played at cards, dice, &c. till
he was stripped of what little money he had, and then
commenced pick-pocket.
- -
His first attempt of this kind was at Guildhall, during
the drawing of the lottery, when he took a wig out of a
man's pocket; but though he was detected in the offence,
his practice, and about a month afterwards he was de-
of the horse-pond. -
- He was now determined to give over a business which
was necessarily attended with so much hazard, and af.
forded so little prospect of advantage; but soon afterwards
he became acquainted with two notorious house-breakers,
named Garraway and Sly, who offered to take him as a
partner; but he rejected their proposals, till one night,
- mates, that he grew heartily tired of a sea-faring life ; and
on his return from the first voyage, he promised the ut-
, most obedience, if his friends would permit him to remain
This was readily complied with, in the hope of his re- ||
formation, and he was now put to a waterman ; but be-
ing impatient of restraint, he soon quitted his service, and
tected in picking another pocket, and notwithstanding
his protestations of innocence, underwent the discipline, |
-
-
º - when
the humanity of the surrounding multitude permitted his
escape. This circumstance encouraged him to continue
º
to correct him severely; on which he ran away, and as
















f
-
STEPHEN GAR DENER. 259
when he had lost all his money and most of his clothes at
cards; then he went to his new acquaintance, and agreed
to be concerned in their illicit practices.
Garraway proposed that they should rob his own bro-
ther, which being immediately agreed to, they broke open
his house, and stole most of his and his wife's wearing ap-
parel, which they sold, and spent the money in extrava-
gance. They, in the next place, robbed Garraway's
uncle of a considerable quantity of plate, which they sold
to a woman named Gill, who disposed of the plate, and
never accounted to them for the produce. Gardener,
provoked at being thus defrauded of his share of the ill-
got booty, informed Jonathan Wild of the robbery, who
got him admitted an evidence against the other men, *
who were convicted, but respised on condition of being -
transported.
Gardener having now been some time acquainted with
a woman who kept a public-house in Fleet-lane, and who
was possessed of some money, he proposed to marry her,
with a view of obtaining her property; and the woman
listening to his offer, they were married by one of the
Fleet parsons. . * -- -
The money Gardener obtained with his spouse was
soon spent in extravagance; and not long afterwards they
were apprehended on suspicion of felony, and conducted
to St. Sepulchre's watch-house; however, the charge
against them not being validated, it was necessary to
dismiss them ; but before they were sct at liberty, the
constable said to Gardener, “Beware how you come here
again, or this bellman will certainly say his verses over
you:” for the bellman happened to be at that time in the
watch-house. ---
It has been a very ancient practice, on the night pre-
ceding the execution of condemned criminals, for the bell-
man of the parish of St. Sepulchre to go under Newgate,
and ringing his bell, to repeat the following verses, as a
piece of friendly advice, to the unhappy wretches under
sentence of death:
All you that in the condemn’d hold do lie,
Prepare you, for to-morrow you shall die.
Watch all, and pray, the hour is drawing near,
That you before th' Almighty must appear.
2 K 2 × . -
*-














260 NEW NEWGATE CAſ, EN DAR.
-
Examine well yourselves, in time repent,
That you may not tº eternal flames be sent.
And when St. Sepulchre's bell to-morrow tolls,
The Lord above have mercy on your souls
page 125, of the quarto edition, printed in 1618, will
prove that the above verses ought to be repeated by a
clergyman, instead of a bellman: -
“ Robert Doue, Citizen and Merchant Taylor, of Lon-
“ don, gaue to the parish church of St. Sepulchres, the
“ somme of 50l. That after the seueral sessions of Lon-
‘‘ don, when the prisoners remain in the gaole, as con-
“ demned men to death, expecting execution on the mor-
“row following; the clarke (that is, the parson) of the
“ church shoold come in the night time, and likewise
* early in the morning, to the window of the prison
“ where they lye, and there ringing certain toles with a
{
“ band-bell, appointed for the purpose, he doth after-
“ wards (in most Christian manner) put them in mind of
“ their present condition, and ensuing execution, desiring
“ them to be prepared therefore as they ought to be.
“When they are in the cart, and brought before the wall
º - “ of the church, there he standeth ready with the same
“ praier, desiring all the people there present to pray
“for them. The beadie also of Merchant Taylors Hall
“ hath an honest stipend allowed to see that this is duely
** done.” º -
Gardener was greatly affected when the constable told
him that the bell-man would Say his verses over him : but
the impression it made on his mind soon wore off, and he
quickly returned to his vicious practices.
company with one Rice Jones, and they agreed to go to-
gether on the passing lay, which is an artifice frequently
practised in modern times, and though the sharpers are
and their tricks exposed in the
y
often taken into custody
news-papers, yet there are repeatedly found people weak
enough to submit to the imposition. .
The following is a description of this trick from a book
formerly
5
º Past twelve o'clock!
ºf The following extract from Stowe's Survey of London,
- -
“ bell, and after certain toles rehearseth an appointed
In a short time after this adventure, Gardener fell into
-















-
STEPHEN GARDEN F. R. 26'ſ
formerly printed: “ The rogues having concerted their
“ plan, one of them takes a countryman into a public-
“ house, under pretence of any business they can think
“ of ; then the other comes in as a stranger, and in a lit-
“ the time finds a pack of cards, which his companion
“ had designedly laid on some shelf in the room : on
“which the two sharpers begin to play. At length one
“ Öf them offers a wager on the game, and puts down his
“money. The other shows his cards to the countryman
“ to convince him that he must certainly win, and offers
“ to let him go halves in the wager ; but soon after the
“ countryman has laid down his money, the sharpers ma-
“nage the matter so as to pass off with it.”
This was evidently the mode of tricking formerly: but
it seems to have been improved on of late years ; for the
sharpers generally game with the countryman, till he has
lost all his money; and then he has only to execrate his
own folly, for suffering himself to be duped by a couple
of rascals. -
In this practice our adventurers were very successful
at different places, particularly at Bristol; but in this last
place Jones bilked Gardener in such a manner as to prove
that there is no truth in the observation of “ honour a-
mong thieves ;” for Jones having defrauded a country
gentleman of a gold watch and chain, a suit of laced
clothes, and about a hundred guineas, gave no share of
the booty to Gardener. . - - º
This induced the latter to think of revenge ; but he dis-
guised his sentiments, and they went together to Bath,
where they remained some time, and then proceeded on
their journey ; but in the mºrning on which they set out,
Gardener stole an iron pestle from the inn where they lay,
and concealed it in his boot, with an intention of murder-
ing his companion when they should come into an un-
frequented place.
On their journey, Gardener generally kept behind
Jones, and twice took out the pestle, with an intention to
perpetrate the murder: but his resolution failing him he
at length dropped it in the road, upperceived by his com-
panion, - --> -
| In a few days afterwards these companions in iniquity
parted:








262 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
parted; and on this occasion Jones said, “Hark-ye, Gar-
“ dener, whither are you going?” “–To London,” said
he. “Why then (replied Jones) you are going to be
hanged.” º
We find that this was not the first intimation that Gar-
dener received of the fatal consequences that must attend
his illicit practices: but it appeared to have no good
effect on him; for soon after he quitted Jones, he broke
open a house between Abergavenny and Monmouth ;
but finding no money, he took only a gown, with which
he rode off. -
Soon after his arrival in London, he robbed a house in
Addle-hill, but was not apprehended for it : but in a
short time he broke open the house of Mrs. Roberts, and
carried off linen to the amount of twenty-five pounds.
In this robbery he was assisted by John Martin, and
both the offenders being soon afterwards taken into cus:
tody, were brought to trial, capitally convicted, and re-
ceived sentence of death ; but Martin was afterwards re-
prieved, on condition of transportation for fourteen years.
After sentence of death Gardener became as sincere a
penitent as he had been a notorious offender. He re-
signed himself to his fate with the utmost submission; and
before he quitted Newgate on the day of execution, he
dressed himself in a shroud, in which he was executed,
refusing to wear any other clothes, though the weather
was intensely cold. . º
At the fatal tree he saw some of his old companions,
whom he desired to take warning by his calamitous fate ;
to avoid bad company, and embrace a life of sobriety, as
the most certain road to happiness in this, world and the
next. --










- - -
265 - *
JOSEPH BLAKE, alias, BLUESKIN. -
ºxECUTED AT TYBURN, NOVEMBER 11, 1724, FoR House BREAKING.
TIIIs was one of the most notorious and daring thieves
on the days on which he committed his depredations. -
He had offended in all the steps of villainy, beginning, in
his boyish years, as a pick-pocket; but he confined him-
self to none, appearing in the streets, in houses, and on
the highway, as booty presented. His enormities were
the subject of public conversation, and the dread of the
traveller. - ---,
He was a native of London, was sent to school by his
parents, for the space of six years; but he made little
progress in learning, having a very early propensity to
acts of dishonesty. While at school he made an ac-
quaintance with William Blewit, who afterwards entered
into Jonathan Wild's gang, became one of the most no-
torious villains of the age, and then he acquired the nick-
name of Blueskin, from his dark countenance.
No sooner had Blake left school, than he commenced
pick-pocket, and had been in all the prisons for felons be-
fore he was fifteen years of age. From this practice he
turned street-robber, and joined with Oaky, Levee, and
many other villains, who acted under the directions of
Jonathan Wild. For some of the robberies they com-
mitted, they were taken into custody, and Blake was ad-
mitted an evidence against his companions, who were
convicted. \ . "
In consequence of these convictions, Blake claimed
his liberty, and part of the reward allowed by govern-
ment; but he was informed by the Court, that he had no
right to either, because he was not a voluntary evidence,
since, so far from having surrendered, he made an obsti-
mate resistance, and was much wounded before he was
taken; and therefore he must find security for his good
behaviour, or be transported.
Not being able to give the requisite security, he was
lodged in Wood-street Compter, where he remained a
considerable time, during which time Jonathan Wild al-
lowed him three shillings and sixpence a week. At length
he prevailed on two gardeners to be his bail : ": º: -
- Qū I
































- - -
264. NEW NEW GATE CAL EN IS A R.
Court at the Old Bailey hesitating to take their security,
they went before Sir John Fryer, who took their recogni-
zance for Blake's good behaviour for seven years. A gen-
tleman, who happened to be present at Sir John's, asked
how long it might be before Blake would appear again
at the Old Bailey to which another gentleman answer.
ed, “ three sessions;” and he happened to be perfectly
right in his conjecture.
Blake had no sooner obtained his liberty, than he was
concerned in several robberies with Jack Sheppard, and
particularly that for which the two brothers, Brightwell,
were tried. The footpad robberies and burglaries they
committed were very numerous ; but the fact for which
Blake suffered was the robbery of Mr. Kneebone, as
will appear by the following account:
At the Old Bailey sessions, in October, 1724, Joseph
Blake, otherwise Blueskin, was indicted for breaking and
entering the dwelling-house of William Kneebone, and
stealing 108 yards of woollen cloth, value 36l. and other
goods. The prosecutor having sworn that the bars of
his cellar-window were cut, and that the cellar-door
which had been bolted and padlocked was broke open, -
he acquainted Jonathan Wild with what had happened,
who went to Blake's lodgings, with two other persons;
but Blake refusing to open the door, it was broke open
&-y
by Quilt Arnold, one of Wild's men.
On this Blake drew a penknife, and swore he would
kill the first man that entered; in answer to which Arnold
said, “ Then I am the first man, and Mr. Wild is not far
“behind, and if you don't deliver your penknife immedi-
“ately, I will chop your arm off.” . Hereupon the priso-
her dropped the knife; and Wild entering, he was taken
into custody. º
As the parties were conveying Blake to Newgate, they
came by the house of the prosecutor; on which Wild said
27
to the prisoner, “There's the ken;” and the latter repli-
ed, “Say no more of that, Mr. Wild, for I know I am
** a dead man; but what I fear is, that I shall after-
“wards be carried to Surgeon's-hall, and anatomized:”
to which Wild replied, “No, I'll take care to prevent
“ that, for I'll give you a coffin.”
º
---
-
Willian
- º

























- - º - --- - -
JOSEP II BLAKE...º. 265
William Field, who was evidence on the trial, swore
that the robbery was committed by Blake, Sheppard, and
himself; and the jury brought in a verdict of guilty.
As soon as the verdict was given, Blake addressed the
court in the following terms:—‘‘ On Wednesday mor-
“ing last, Jonathan Wild said to Simon Jacobs,” “I be-
“lieve you will not bring 401, this time: Iwish Joe (mean-
“ning me) was in your case; but I’ll do my endeavour
“to bring you off as a single felon.’ And then turning
“to me, he said, ‘I believe you must die—I’ll send
“you a good book or two, and provide you a coffin, and
“you shall not be anatomized.” º
Wild was to have been an evidence against this male-
factor; but going to visit him in the Baildock, previous
to his trial, Blake suddenly drew a clasped penknife, with
which he cut Jonathan's throat, which prevented his giv-
ing evidence; but as the knife was blunt, the wound,
though dangerous, did not prove mortal ; and we shall
see that Jonathan was preserved for a different fate.
While under sentence of death, Blake did not shew
a concern proportioned to his calamitous situation.
When asked if he was advised to commit the violence on
Wild, he said, No ; but that a sudden thought entered
his mind; or he would have provided a knife, which
ºf º
would have cut off his head at once. º
On the nearer approach of death, he appeared still less - -
concerned, and it was thought that his mind was chiefly bent
on meditating means of escaping ; but seeing no pros-
pect of getting away, he took to drinking, which he con-
tinued, even to the day of his death! for he was observed
to be intoxicated, even while he was under the gallows.
--
º
* Jacobs was then a prisoner, but afterwards transported.
º
VOL. I.-NO.
º

























266 . NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
- -
- - º - -
º JOHN SHEPPARD,
- ºt - -
* -
EXECUTED AT TYBURN, November 23, 1724, FoR HIGH way Robb ERY,
- - -
No public robber ever obtained more notoriety than the
man whose life and adventures are now presented. No
violator of the law had more “hair-breadth escapes” than
Jack Sheppard. He found employment for the bar, the
pulpit, and the stage. The arts, too, were busied in
handing to posterity, a memoranda for us never to follow
the example of Jack Sheppard.
Sir John Thornhill, the first painter of the day, painted
His portrait, from which engravings in mezzotinto were
made ; and the few still in preservation are objects of cu-
riosity. On this, the poet began to wield his grey-goose
. - º -- - -
quill, and which produced the following lines:
--- --- - º º -
* Thornhill, 'tis thine to gild with fame, -
Th’obstºire, and raise the humble name;
To make the form elude the grave; -
And Sheppard from oblivion save.
Tho' life in vain the wretch implores,
An exile on the farthest shores,
Thy pencil brings a kind reprieve,
And bids the dying robber live.
This piece to latest time shall stand,
And shew the wonders of thy hand. -
Thus former masters grac'd their name,
And gave egregious robbers fame.
º
Apelles, Alexander drew, -
Caesar is to Aurelius due, -
* Cromwell in Lily's works doth shine,
And Sheppard, Thornhill, lives in thine.”
He was, for a considerable time, the principal subject
of conversation in all ranks of society. Histories of his
life issued from the press, thick as the adulterous amours
of the Duke of York and Mrs. Clarke, the stone-mason's
wife. A pantomime entertainment was brought forward
at the royal theatre of Drury-lane, called “ Harlequin
Sheppard,” wherein his adventures, prison-breakings, and
other extraordinary escapes, were represented. Another
- - - dramatic
i








































-
Exclusive of Edgworth Bess, he was acquainted with
-
- JOHN SHE PPARE). 267
dramatic work was published, as a farce of three acts,
called “The Prison Breaker; or, The Adventures of
John Sheppard ;” and a part of it, with songs, catches,
and glees added, was performed at Bartholomew Fair,
under the title of “The Quaker's Opera.”
The clergy preached the adventures of Jack Sheppard;
and a part of a sermon on the occasion we shall give, by
way of a finale to the account of this surprising charac-
ter; whose history alone has been sold for the price of
half a dozen numbers of our Criminal Chronology.
John Sheppard was born in Spital-fields, in the year
1702. His father, who was a carpenter, bore the cha-
racter of an honest man ; yet he had another son named
Thomas, who, as well as Jack, turned out a thief.
The father dying while the boys were very young, they
were left to the care of the mother, who placed Jack at
a school in Bishopsgate-street, where he remained two
years, and was then put apprentice to a carpenter. He
behaved with decency in this place for about four years,
when frequenting the Black-lion alehouse in Drury-lane,
he became acquainted with some abandoned women,
among whom the principal was Elizabeth Lyon, other-
wise called Edgworth Bess, from the town of Edgworth,
where she was born. º -
While he continued to work as a carpenter, he often
committed robberies in the houses where he was em-
ployed, stealing tankards, spoons, and other articles,
which he carried to Edgworth Bess; but not being sus-
pected of having committed these robberies, he at length
resolved to commence house-breaker.
a woman named Maggot, who persuaded him to rob the
house of Mr. Bain's, a piece-broker in White Horse Yard;
and Jack having brought away a piece of fustian from
thence, (which he deposited in his trunk) went after-
wards at midnight, and taking the bars out of the cellar-
window, entered, and stole goods and money to the
amount of 221, which he carried to Maggot.
As Sheppard did not go home that night, nor the fol-
lowing day, his master suspected that he had made bad
connections, and searching his trunk, found the piece of
2 L 2 - fustian




- a
268 -
-
º - . NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR * --
fustian that had been stolen; but Sheppard, hearing of
this, broke open his master's house in the night, and car- -
ried off the fustian, lest it should be brought in evidence
against him. - -
Sheppard's master sending intelligence to Mr. Bains of
what had happened, the latter looked over his goods, and
missing such a piece of fustian as had been described to
him, suspected that Sheppard must have been the robber,
and determined to have him taken into custody; but
Jack, hearing of the affair, went to him, and threatened a
prosecution for scandal, alledging that he had received
the piece of fustian from his mother, who bought it for
him in Spitalfields. The mother, with a view to screen
her son, declared that what he had asserted was true, tho'
she could not point out the place where she had made the
purchase. Though this story was not credited, Mr. Bains
did not take any farther steps in the affair. -
Sheppard's master seemed willing to think well of him,
and he remained some time longer in the family; but af.
ter associating himself with the worst of company, and
frequently staying out the whole night, his master and he
quarrelled, and the head-strong youth totally absconded
ºn the last year of his apprenticeship, and became COſ)-
nected with a set of villains of Jonathan Wild's gang.
Jack now worked as a journeymanºcarpenter, with a
view to the easier commission of robbery ; and being em-
ployed to assist in repairing the house of a gentleman in
May-Fair, he took an opportunity of carrying off a sum of
money, a quantity of plate, some gold rings, and four suits
ºf clothes. -> -
Not long after this, Edgworth Bess was apprehended,
and lodged in the round-house of the parish of St. Giles's,
where Sheppard went to visit her, and the beadle refusing
to admit him, he knocked him down, broke open the
door, and carried her off in triumph; an exploit which
acquired him a high degree of credit with the women of º
abandoned character. º - º
in the month of August, 1723, Thomas Sheppard, the
brother of Jagk, was indicted at the Old Bailey, for two
petty offences, and being convicted, was burnt in the
hand. Soon after his dis harge, he prevailed on Jack to
2 y lend
































Joh Nish EPPARP, 263
lend him forty shillings, and take him as a partner in his
robberies. The first fact they committed in concert was
the robbing of a public-house in Southwark, whence they
carried off some money, and wearing apparel; but Jack
permitted his brother to reap the whole advantage of this,
booty. ---
Not long after this, the brothers, in conjunction with
Edgworth Bess, broke open the shop of Mrs. Cook, a
linen draper in Clare-market, and carried off goods to
the value of fifty-five pounds; and in less than a fortnight
afterwards stole some articles from the house of Mr. Phil-
lips in Drury-lane, -
Tom Sheppard going to sell some of the goods stolen
at Mrs Cook's, was apprehended and committed to New-
gate, when, in the hope of being admitted an evidence,
he impeached his brother and Edgworth Bess; but they
were sought for in vain.
At length James Sykes, otherwise called Hell and Fury,
one of Sheppard's companions, meeting with him in St.
Giles's, enticed him into a public-house, in the hope of
receiving a reward for apprehending him; and while they
were drinking, Sykes sent for a constable, who took Jack
into custody, and carried him before a magistrate, who,
after a short examination, sent him to St. Giles's Round-
house; but he broke through the roof of that place, and
made his escape in the night. - *
Within a short time after this, as Sheppard and an asso-
ciate, named Benson, were crossing Leicester-fields, the
latter endeavoured to pick a gentleman's pocket of his
watch, but failing in the attempt, the gentleman called
out “A pick-pocket,” on which Sheppard was taken and
lodged in St Anne's Round-house, where he was visited
by Édgworth Bess, who was detained on suspicion of be-
ing one of his accomplices. -
On the following day they were carried before a magis-
trate, and some persons appearing who charged them with
felonies, they were committed to New-Prison ; and as
they passed for husband and wife, they were permitted
to lodge together in a room known by the name of New-
gate Ward.
- -
---
--
Sheppard being visited by several of his acquaintance,
- - º SQIT) 3

.
£70 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR. º
some of them furnished him with implements to make his
escape, and early in the morning, a few days after his
commitment, he filed off his fetters, and having made a
hole in the wall, he took an iron bar and a wooden *
out of the window ; but as the height from which he was
to descend was twenty-five feet, he tied a blanket and
sheet together, and making one of them fast to a bar in
the window, Edgworth Bess first descended, and Jack
-- followed her. -
Having reached the yard, they had still a wall of twen-
ty-two feet high to scale ; but climbing up by the locks
and bolts of the great gate, they got quite out of the pri.
son, and effected a perfect escape. º
Sheppard's fame was greatly celebrated among the low.
er order of people by this exploit; and the thieves of St.
Giles's courted his company. Among the rest, one Charles
Grace, a cooper, begged that he would take him as an
associate in his robberies, alledging as a reason for this
request, that the girl he kept was so extravagant, that he
could not support her on the profits of his own thefts,
Sheppard did not hesitate to make this new connection;
but at the same time said that he did not admit of the
partnership with a view to any advantage to himself, but
that Grace might reap the profits of their depredations.
Sheppard and Grace making an acquaintance with An.
thony Lamb, an apprentice to a mathematical instru-
ment maker, near St. Clement's church, it was agreed
to rob agentleman who lodged with Lamb's master, and
at two o'clock in the morning Lamb let in the other vil-
Jains, who stole money and effects to a large amount,
They put the door open, and Lamb went to bed, to pre-
vent suspicion: but notwithstanding this, his master did
suspect him, and having him taken into custody, he con-
fessed the whole affair before a magistrate, and being com-º.
mitted to Newgate, he was tried, convicted, and received
sentence to be transported.
On the same day Thomas Sheppard (the brother of Jack
was indicted for breaking open the dwelling-house of
Mary Cook, and stealing her goods, and being convicted,
-
was sentenced to transportation. º
Jack Sheppard not being in custody, he and Blueskin
- committed































*
JOHN SHE PPAR.D. 27
committed a number of daring robberies, and sometimes
disposed of the stolen goods to William Field. Jack used
to say that Field wanted courage to commit a robbery,
though he was as great a villain as ever existed.
Sheppard seems to have thought that courage consisted.
in villainy ; and if this were the case Field had an un-
doubted claim to the character of a man of courage;
for in October, 1721, he was tried upon four indict-
ments for felony and burglary, and he was an accom-
plice in a variety of robberies. He was likewise an evi-
dence against one of his associates on another occasion,
Sheppard and Blueskin hired a stable near the Horse-
Ferry, Westminster, in which they deposited their stolen
goods, till they could dispose of them to the best advan- w
tage ; and in this place they put the woollen cloth which
was stolen from Mr. Kneebone ; for Sheppard was con-
cerned in this robbery, and at the sessions held at the
Old-Bailey, in August, 1794, he was indicted for several
offences, and among the rest, for breaking and entering
the house of William Kneebone, and stealing 108 yards
of woollen cloth, and other articles, and being capitally
convicted, received sentence of death.
We must now go back to observe, that Sheppard and
Blueskin having applied to Field to look at these goods,
and procure a customer for them, he promised to do so;
nor was he worse than his word; for in the night he
broke open their warehouse, and stole the ill-gotten pro-
perty, and then gave information against them to Jonathan
Wild, in consequence of which they were apprehended tº
On Monday the 30th of August, 1724, a warrant was
sent to Newgate for the execution of Sheppard, with
other convicts under sentence of death. º
It is proper to observe that in the old gaol. of New-
gate there was within the lodge, a hatch, with large iron
spikes, which hatch opened into a dark passage, whence
there were a few steps into the condemned hold. The
prisoners being permitted to come down to the hatch to
speak with their friends, Sheppard, having been supplied
with instruments, took an opportunity of cutting one of
the spikes in such a manner that it might be easily bro-
ken off.




272, NEw N Ewg ATE call EN DAR.
On the evening of the above-mentioned 30th of Au-
gust, two women of Sheppard’s acquaintance going to vi.
sit him, he broke off the spike, and thrusting his head and
shoulders through the space, the women pulled him down,
and he effected his escape, notwithstanding some of the
keepers were at that time drinking at the other end of
the lodge. -
On the day after his escape he went to a public-house
in Spitalfields, whence he sent for an old acquaintance,
one Page, a butcher in Clare-market, and advised with
him how to render his escape effectual for his future pre:
servation. After deliberating on the matter, they agreed
to go to Warnden in Northamptonshire, where Page had
some relations: and they had no sooner resolved than
they made the journey : but Page's relations treating him
with indifference, they returned to London, after being
absent only about a week. -
On the night after their return, as they were walking
up Fleet-street together, they saw a watchmaker's shop
open, and only a boy attending; having passed the shop,
they turned back, and Sheppard driving his hand through
the window, stole three watches, with which they made
their escape. -
Some of Sheppard's old acquaintance informing him that
strict search was making after him, he and Page retired
to Finchley, in hope of laying there concealed, till the di.
ligence of the gaol-keepers should relax; but the keepers
of Newgate having intelligence of their retreat, took
Sheppard into custody, and conveyed him to his old
lodgings. -
Such steps were now taken as it was thought would be
effectual to prevent his future escape. He was put into a
strong room called the Castie, hand-cuffed, loaded with a
heavy pair of irons, and chained to a staple fixed in the
floor. - - º
The curiosity of the public being greatly excited by his
former escape, he was visited by great numbers of people
of all ranks, and scarce any one left him without making
him a present in money; though he would have more
gladly received a file, a hammer, or a chissel; but the utº
tº . --- º most
ºf -
---









JOHN SHEPPAR.D. 273 /
most care was taken, that none of his visitors should fur-
nish him with such implements.
Notwithstanding this advantageous situation, Sheppard
was continually employing his thoughts on the means of
another escape. On the 14th of October, the sessions
began at the Old Bailey, and the keepers being much en-
gaged in attending the court, he thought they would have
little time to visit him; and therefore the present junc-
ture would be the most favourable to carry his plan into
execution.
About two o'clock in the afternoon of the following
day, one of the keepers carried him his dinner, and have
ing carefully examined his irons, and finding them fast,
he left him for the day. .
Some days before this Jack ºad found a small nail in
the room, with which he could, at pleasure, unlock the
padlock that went from the chain to the staple in the
floor; and in his own account of this transaction, he says,
“ that he was frequently about the room, and had several
“ times slept on the barracks, when the keepers imagined
‘‘ he had not been out of his chair.”
The keeper had not left him more than an hour when
he began his operations. He first took off his hand-cuffs,
and then opened the padlock that fastened the chain to
the staple. He next, by mere strength, twisted asunder
a small link of the chain between his legs, and then draw-
ing up his fetters as high as he could, he made them fast
with his garters,
He then attempted to get up the chimney; but had
not advanced far before he was stopped by an iron bar
that went across it; on which he descended, and with a
piece of his broken chain picked out the mortar, and
moving a small stone or two, about six feet from the floor,
he got out the iron bar, which was three feet long and an
inch square, and proved very serviceable to him in his
future proceedings.
He in a short time made such a breach, as to enable
him to get into the red-room over the castle; and here he
found a large nail, which he made use of in his farther.
operations. It was seven years since the door of this
red-room had been opened : but Sheppard wrenched off
ºvo L. 1.-No. 19. 2 M the
º





27.4 N Ew Newg ATE cale.N.D.A.R.
the lock in less than seven minutes, and got into the pas-
sage leading to the chapel. In this place he found a door
which was bolted on the opposite side; but making a
hole through the wall, he pushed the bolt back, and opened
the door.º. º ºgº º
*Arriving at the door of the chapel, he broke off one of
the iron spikes, which keeping for his farther use, he got
into an entry between the chapel and the lower leads,
tened with a large lock; and night now coming on, Shep-
this disadvantage, he, in half an hour, forced open the
box of the lock, and opened the door; but this led him to
another room still more difficult, for it was barred and
ples came off with it. - -
It was now eight o'clock, and Sheppard found no far.
ther obstruction to his proceedings; for he had only one
upper leads, ºf
with the greatest safety; accordingly he found that the
he went back for the blanket with which he used to co-
wer himself, when he slept in the castle; and endeavoured
and sliding down, dropped on the turner's leads just as
company talking in a room. His irons clinking, a woman
cried, “What noise is that? and a man answered, “Pet-
baps the dog or eat.” --- - -
Sheppard, who was exceedingly fatigued, returned to
º tº dº the
-
º -
bolted as well as locked ; however, he wrenched the fil-
let from the main post of the door, and the box and sta.
the clock was striking nine. It happened that the door
of the garret next the turner's leads was open, on which
he stole softly down two pair of stairs, and heard some
The door of this entry was remarkably strong, and fas-
pard was obliged to work in the dark. Notwithstanding
other door to open, which being bolted on the inside, was |
opened without difficulty, and he got over a wall to the
His next consideration was, how he should descend ||
most convenient place for him to alight on, would be the
turner's house adjoining to Newgate ; but as it would
have been very dangerous to have jumped to such a depth,
to fasten his stocking to the blanket, to ease his descent;
but not being able to do so, he was compelled to use the
blanket alone; wherefore he made it fast to the wall of
Newgate with the spike that he took out of the chapel;
*

















- -
-
John SHEP PARD, ºf 275
the garret, and laid down for more than two hours; after
which he crept down once more, as far as the room where
the company were, when he heard agentleman taking leave
of the family, and saw the maid light him down stairs."
As soon as the maid returned, he resolved to venture ali
hazards; but in stealing down the stairs, he stumbled
against a chamber door; but instantly recovering himself,
he got into the street. º
By this time it was after twelve o'clock, and passing by
the watch-house of St. Sepulchre, he bid the watchman
good morrow, and going up Holborn, he turned down
Gray’s-Inn-Lane, and about two in the morning got into .
the fields near Tottenham-Court, where he took shelter
in a place that had been a cow-house, and slept soundly
about three hours. His fetters being still on, his legs
were greatly bruised and swelled, and he dreaded the
approach of day-light, lest he should be discovered. He
had now above forty shillings in his possession, but
was afraid to send to any person for assistance.
At seven in the morning it began to rain hard, and
continued to do so all day, so that no person appeared
in the fields : and during this melancholy day he would,
to use his own expression, have given his right hand for
“a hammer, a chissel, and a punch.” Night coming on,
and being pressed by hunger, he ventured to a little chan-
dler's shop in Tottenham-court-road where he got a sup-
ply of bread and cheese, small beer, and some other ne-
cessaries, hiding his irons with a long great coat. He
asked the woman of the house for a hammer ; but she had
no such utensil ; on which he retired to the cow-house,
where he slept that night, and remained all the next
day. -
At night he went again to the chandler's shop, supplied
himself with provisions, and returned to his hiding-place.
At six the next morning, which was Sunday, he began
to beat the basils of his fetters with a stone, in order
to bring them to an oval form, to slip his heels through. . º'
In the afternoon the master of the cow-house coming
thither, and seeing his irons, said, “For God's sake who -
“are you ?” Sheppard said he was an unfortunate young
fellow, who having had a bastard-child sworn to him, and
º 2 M 2 not
º





º -
\ -
276, New Newcate cale NDAR.
not being able to give security to the parish for its sup:
port, he had been sent to Bridewell, from whence he had
made his escape. The man said if that was all it did
not much signify, but he did not care how soon he was
gone, for he did not like his looks.
shoemaker, to whom he told the same story of the bastard-
child, and offered him twenty shillings if he would pro-
cure a smith's hammer and a punch. The poor man,
tempted by the reward, procured them accordingly, and
completed by five o'clock in the evening. -
When night came on, our adventurer tied a handker-
chief about his head, tore his woollen cap in several places
and likewise tore his coat and stockings, so as to have the
appearance of a beggar; and in this condition he went
to a cellar near Charing-cross, where he supped on roast-
º all of whom were talking of the escape of Sheppard.
On the Monday he sheltered himself at a public-house
--- of little trade, in Rupert-street, and conversing with the
landlady about Sheppard, he told her it was impossible
man wished that a time migh fall on those who should
betray him. Remaining in this place till evening, he
went into the Haymarket, where a crowd of people were
surrounding two ballad-singers, and listening to a song
made on his adventures and escape.
On the next day he hired a garret in Newport-mar
went to Black-friars, to the house of Mr. Applebee, prin-
he ridiculed the printer, and the Ordinary of Newgate,
and enclosed a letter for one of the keepers of Newgate.
Some nights after this he broke open the shop of Mr.
Rawlins, a pawnbroker in Drury-lane, where he stole
a sword, a suit of wearing apparel, some snuff-boxes,
rings, watches, and other effects to a considerable amount.
Determining to make the appearance of a gentleman
among his old acquaintance in Drury-lane and Clare:
º market,
-
--
assisted him in getting rid of his irons, which work was
Soon after he was gone Sheppard saw a journeyman ||
edveal, and listened to the conversation of the company, i.
ket,
and soon afterwards, dressing himself like a porter, he
ter of the dying speeches, and delivered a letter, in which
for him to get out of the kingdom; and the keepers would
certainly have him again in a few days ; on which the wo:




















ºiſ OHN SHE PPAR. D. 277
--
market, he dressed himself in a suit of black and a tye-
wig, wore a ruffled shirt, a silver hilted sword, a diamond
ring, and a gold watch ; though he knew that diligent
search was making after him at that very time.
On the 31st of October he dimed with two women at
a public-house in Newgate-street, and, about four in the
afternoon they all passed under Newgate in a hackney- º-
*coach, having first drawn up the blinds. Going in the
evening to a public-house in May-pole Alley, Clare-mai-
ket, Sheppard sent for his mother, and treated her with
brandy, when the poor woman dropped on her knees and -
begged he would immediately quit the kingdom, which -
he promised to do, but had no intention of keeping his
- word. - * - -
Being now grown valiant through an excess of liquor,
he wandered from ale-houses to gin-shops in the neigh-
bourhood till near twelve o'clock at night, when he was
apprehended in consequence of the information of an
alehouse-boy who knew him. When taken into custody
he was quite senseless, from the quantity and variety of
liquors he had drank, and was conveyed to Newgate in a
coach, without being capable of making the least resis-
tance, though he had two pistols then in his possession.
His fame was now so much increased by his exploits
that he was visited by great numbers of people, and
some of them of the highest quality. He endeavoured to
divert them by a recital of the particulars of many rob-
beries in which he had been concerned ; and when any
nobleman came to see him, he never failed to beg that -
they would intercede with the king for a pardon, to
which he though that his singular dexterity gave him
some pretensions. -
Having been already convicted, he was carried to
the bar of the court of King's Bench on the 10th
of November, and the record of his conviction being
read, and an affidavit being made that he was the
same John Sheppard mentioned in the record, sen-
tence of death was passed on him by Mr. Justice
Powis, and a rule of court was made for his execution
on the Monday following. -
He regularly attended the prayers in the chapel, but
- though







£75 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR,
though he behaved with decency there, he affected mirth
before he went thither, and endeavoured to prevent any
degree of seriousness among the other prisoners on their
return. - º
Even when the day of execution arrived, Sheppard did
notappear to have given over all expectations of eluding
justice; for having been furnished with a penknife, he put
it in his pocket, with a view, when the melancholy proces-
sion came opposite Little Turnstile, to have cut the cord
that bound his arms, and throwing himself out of the cart
among the crowd, to have run through the narrow pas-
cape by the assistance of the mob.
It is not impossible but this scheme might have suc-
ceeded , but before Sheppard left the press-yard, one
knife, and was cut with it so as to occasion a great effu-
sion of blood.
Sheppard had yet a farther view to his preservation,
down ; and try to open a vein, which he had been told
would restore him to life. º
He behaved with great decency at the place of execu-
tion, and confessed the having committed two robberies,
much pitied by the surrounding multitude. When he
was cut down, his body was delivered to his friends, who
was removed in the evening, and buried in the church.
yard of St. Martin in the Fields,
--
-
-
- of John Sheppard:
“Now, my beloved, what a melancholy consideration
“ most but a few years; and at the same time be so un-
---
sage where the sheriff's officers could not follow on horse-
back; and he had no doubt but he should make his es-
Watson, an officer, searching his pockets, found the
even after execution; for he desired his acquaintance to
put him into a warm bed as soon as he should be cut
for which he had been tried and acquitted. He suffered in |
the 23d year of his age. He died with difficulty, and was
carried him to a public-house in Long acre, whence he
Extract from a Sermon, warning people against following the stºps
“it is, that men should shew so much regard for the pre-
“ servation of a poor perishing body, that can remain at
“accountably

















ºr LEWIS HOUSS ART, ºn 4 273
“ accountably negligent of a precious soul, which must
“continue to the age of eternity! O what care what
“ pains ! what diligence and what contrivances are made
“use of for, and laid out upon, these frail and tottering
“ tabernacles of clay; when, alas ! the nobler part of us º
“is allowed so very small a share of our concern, that we
“scarce will give ourselves the trouble of bestowing a
“ thought upon it. º -
º “We have a remarkable instance of this, in a noto-
“rious malefactor, well known by the name of Jack
“Sheppard what amazing difficulties has he overcome,
, “what astonishing things has he performed, for the sake
“ of a stinking miserable carcass, hardly worth hanging;
“how dexterously did he pick the padlock of his chain
“with a crooked nail; how manfully did he burst his fet-
“ters asunder, climb up the chimney, wrench out an iron
* bar, break his way through a stone wall, and make the
“strong doors of a dark entry fly before him, till he got
“upon the leads of the prison; and then fixing a blanket
“ to the wall, with a spike he stole out of the chapel,
“how intrepidly did he descend to the top of the turner's
“house, and how cautiously pass down the stairs, and
“ Huake his escape at the street door!” ºr º
º
---
LEWIS HOUSSART,
execured AT swas. Alley, shorebirch, bec. 7, 1794, FOR gºss.
--
This malefactor was born at Sedan, in France; but his
parents being Protestants, quitted that kingdom, in con-
sequence of an edict of Lewis the Fourteenth, and set-
tled in Dutch Brabant. º -
Young Houssart's father placed him with a barber-
surgeon at Amsterdain, with whom he lived a conside-
rable time, and then served as a surgeon on board a
Dutch ship, which he quitted through want of health,
and catne to fººd." º tº
He had been a considerable time in this country when
he became acquainted with Ann Rondeau, whom he
f * married


















28O NEW NEWGATE calEN DAR.
married at the French church in Spitalfields. Having
lived about three years with his wife at Hoxton, he left
her with disgust, and going into the city, passed, for
a single man, working as a barber and hair-dresser ; and
getting acquainted with a Mrs. Hern, of Princess-street,
Lothbury, he married her at St. Antholin's-church.
No sooner was the ceremony performed, than the com- |
pany went to drink some wine at an adjacent tavern,
when the parish-clerk observed that Houssart changed
countenance, and some of the company asked him if he
repented his bargain; to which he answered in the me.
gative. - º --
It appears as if, even at this time, he had come to a
resolution of murdering his first wife; for he had not
been long married before his second charging 3 him with a
former matrimonial connection, he desired her to be easy,
for she would be convinced, in a short time, that he had
no other wife but herself. -
During this interval his first wife lived with her mother
in Swan-alley, Shoreditch, and Mrs. Houssart being in an
ill state of health, her husband called upon her about a
fortnight before the perpetration of the murder, and told
her he would bring her something to relieve her; and the
next day he gave her a medicine that had the appearance
of conserve of roses, which threw her into such severe
convulsion fits, that her life was despaired of for some
hours ; but at length she recovered. º
This scheme failing, Houssart determined to murder
her, to effect which, and conceal the crime, he took the
following method:—
Having directed his second wife tº meet him at the
Turk's Head in Bishopsgate-street, she went thither and
waited for him. In the mean time he dressed himself in
a white great coat, and walked out with a cane in his
hand, and a sword by his side. Going to the end of
Swan-alley, Shoreditch, he gave a boy a penny to go into
the lodgings of his first wife, and her mother, Mrs. Ron-
deau, and tell the old woman that a gentleman wanted
to speak with her at the Black Dog in Bishopsgate:
${reet. - -
Mrs. Rondeau saying she would wait on the gentle-
- º Iſlaſ,









ſae
% ///，
№Ē

* - LEwis Houssa RT. º ... 28 lº -
man, Houssart hid himself in the alley, till the boy told
him she was gone out, and then went to his wife's room a
and cut her throat with a razor, and thus murdered, she
was found by her mother on her return from the Black
- --- - - tº- -
Dog, after inquiring in vain for the gentleman who was &
said to be waiting for her. - tº sººn -
In the interim Houssart went to his other wife at the
Turk's Head, where he appeared much dejected, and had
some sudden starts of passion. The landlady of the
house, who was at supper with his wife, expressing someº
surprise at his behaviour, he became more calm, and
said he was only uneasy lest her husband should return,
and find him so meanly dressed; and soon after this Hous- - º
sart and his wife went home. - ſº .
Mrs. Rondeau having found her daughter murdered,
as above-mentioned, went to her son, to whom she com-º.
municated the affair: and he having heard that Houssart :
lodged in Lothbury, took a constable, went thither, and
said he was come to apprehend him on suspicion of have
ing murdered his wife ; on which he laughed loudly, and
asked if anything in his looks indicated that he could be
guilty of such a crime. º
Being committed to Newgate, he was tried at the next
sessions at the Old Bailey, but acquitted, for want of the
evidence of the boy, who was not found till a conside-
rable time afterwards: but the court ordered the prisoner;
to remain in Newgate to take his trial for bigamy.
. In consequence hereof he was indicted at the next ses-
sions, when full proof was brought of both his marriages;
but an objection was made by his counsel, on a point of law,
“Whether he could be guilty of bigamy, as the first mar-
“riage was performed by a French minister, and he was
only once married according to the form of the church,
“of England.” On this the jury brought in a special ver-
dict, subject to the determiuation of the twelve judges.
While Houssart lay in Newgate waiting this solemn
award, the boy whom he had employed to go into the
house of Mrs. Rondeau, and who had hitherto kept secret,
the whole transaction, being in conversation with his mo-
ther, asked her what would become of the boy if he
vol. 1.-No. 11. 2 N. should
º
º
º
---
























2839. NEw NEw GATE CALEN DAR.
should be apprehended. The mother told him he would
be only sworn to tell the truth. “Why (said he). I
“thought they would hang him:” but the mother satis-
fying him; that there was no danger of any such conse-
queñce, and talking farther with him on the subject, he
confessed that he was the boy who went with the mes-
sage, is ºn tº gº º tº º
Hereupon he was taken to Solomon Rondeau, brother
of the deceased, who went with him to a justice of peace,
and the latter ordered a constable to attend him to New-
gate; where he fixed on Houssart as the person who had
employed him in the manner above-mentioned. 9 º'
--Inféonsequence hereof Solomon Rondeau lodged an
appeal against the prisoner ; but it appearing that there
was somé badºſlatin in it, no proceedin gs could be had
thereon; and therefore another appeal was lodged the
next sessions, when the prisoner urging that he was not
- prepared for his trial, he was yet indulged till a subsequent
sessions, º intº tº gº ºf ſº
i
EThe appeal was brought in the name of Solomon Ron-
deau;i as heir to the déceased ; and the names of John
Doe and Richard Roe were entered in the common
form as pledges to prosecute. º.
ºwhen the trial Cañe on, the council for the prisoner
n bar to, and abatement of
ºr ºf ºil sº
- stated the following pleas, i
the proceedings:=
tºº ºf .
I. That besides the appeal, to which he now pleaded,
there was another yet dépending, and undetermińed.º.º.
II. A misnomer, because his fathe was not Lewis, but
Louis. ººzººlºº
*III: That the addition of labourer was wrong, fºr he
was not a labourer, but a barber-surgeon. Tºº.
: IV: That there was fig such persºns as John Doe and’
Richard Roe, who were mentioned as pledges in the
- a peaſº. º º º º º iſ #
*W. That Henry Rondeau was the brother and heir to:
the deceased; that Solomon Rondeau was not her bro.
ther and heir, add therefore was not the proper appelº
- º ſº º
--
º, ºf ººººººººººº.
lant; and º * * º º º
ºf: º



























































º
i.e.V13 Hougs ART. . 283
VI. That the defendant was not guilty of the facts
na, 1 ; * ... º. ºf ºººººº iſ -
charged in the appeal. ºn tº
--- --- º - * * * : *
The council for the appellant replied to these several
pleas in substance as follows:– º,
To the first, that the former appeal was already quash-
ed, and therefore could not be depending and undeter-
Imined.
To the second, that it appeared that the prisoner had
owned to the name of Lewis, by pleading to it on two
indictments, the one for bigamy. and the other for mur-
der; and his hand-writing was produced, in which he
had spelt his name Lewis; and it was likewise proved
that he had usually answered to that name. . . º. -
To the third, it was urged that, on the two former in- s
dictments, he had pleaded to the addition of labourer;
and a person swore that the prisoner worked as a jour-
neyman or servant, and did not carry on his business as a
- - - ----- +- - - -
To the fourth it was urged, that there were two such
- - * , º - *****, +--- -- ---.
persons in Middlesex as John Doe and Richard Roe, the
one a weaver, and the other a soldier; and this fact was
- º - - º º
--- --- - - -
-º-º-º: -º-º-º-º: º
sworn to. - º - º º - - - º
In answer to the fifth, Ann Rondeau, the mother of the
ºn it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
deceased, swore that she had no children except the mur-
- - ºº: º, ºº Rohdea º, i. ºf 'liº.º. i
dered party, and Solomon R deau, the appellant: that
- - - º ºg ºf ºi º ºſ. º" ſº tºº--
Solomon was brother and heir to the deceased, which
-- - - º - ºi. "...º. º º, tº º º: - º º
Henry Rondeau was not, being only the son of herhus-
º ºrmer wifs ºf ºº ºf ºººººººººº-
band by a former wife. , --- º
- - - - --e. º, a º º º º ºf . . - sº º
With regard to the last article, respecting his being not
ºil - º º, - tº 1 º' sº
guilty, that was left to be determined by the opinion of
the i º º * ºf "º lºs ºf
- € Jury. º - - - - - ---
º, ºf . , , , , , , , º,
Hereupon the trial was brought on, and the same wit.
, º --- º, - --- flºº. --- * ------.
nesses being examined as on the former trial, to which
that of the boy was added, the jury determined that the
-- /- - - sº . - º - --- sº
prisoner was guilty, in consequence of which he received
-------- - º” º º
sentence of death.
-
º º, º - - --- --- sº.
His behaviour after convicti was very improper for
O -
- - ------ º- º - - . º
one in his melancholy situatio ; and, as the day of ex-
ecution drew nearer, he became still more thoughtless,
and more hardened, and frequently declared that he would
º - --- º “º º º
2 N 2 . º * cut
-


















284 NEw N Ewg ATE cALEN DAR.
ºzº tº * --- --- -*.
cut his throat, as the jury had found him guilty of cutting
that of his wife. ----
His behaviour at the place of execution was equally
*hardened. He refused to pray with the ordinary of New-
gate, and another clergyman, who kindly attended to as:
sist him in his devotions. ...
- -
--- ſº-
º ºg ºr .
º º
ºn tº º ºn
º - -
- THOMAS PACKER, and JOSEPH PICKEN,
ºf ºn - --- -
º ºxecured AT TYBURN, FEBRUARY 1, 1725, For Highway Roberty.
Thomas PACKER, was a native of London, his father
being a shoemaker in Butcherhall-lane, Newgate-street.
He was bound apprentice to the master of the ShipTa-
ºvern at Greenwich; but not being content in his situa-
"tion, he was turned over to a vintner, who kept the Rum-
mer Tavern, near Red-lion-square ; and having served
the rest of his time, he lived as a waiter in different
º - - - º
º -
- places: º ---
He had not been long out of his time before he mar-
ried; but the expences of his new connection, added to
those arising from the extravagance of his disposition,
soon reduced him to circumstances of distress.
Jöseph Picken was likewise a native of London, being
the son of a tailor in Clerkenwell; but his father dying
who placed him with a vintner near Billingsgate, with
whom he served an apprenticeship, after which he mar-
º fied, and kept the tap of the Mermaid Inn at Windsor:
but his wife being a bad manager, and his business much
neglected, he was soon reduced to the utmost extremity
of poverty.
floor, his wife advised him to go on the highway, to sup-
advice, and repaired to London, where, on the following
- -- - - --- º
º "º ºn - -: * . . . . . . . . . . .
The pººrly of these unhappy men tempted them
while he was an infant, he was educated by his mother,
Being obliged even to sell his bed, and sleep on the
ply their necessities. Fatally for him, he ſistened to her
make
day, he fell into company with Packer, who had been an
- º a - --- - º º




























*Thostas FACKER, &c. ºğ86
make a speedy resolution of committing depredations on
the public; in consequence of which they hired horses
as to go to Windsor; but instead thereof they rode to-
wards Finchley; and in a road between Highgate and
Hornsey, they robbed two farmers, whom they com- -
pelled to dismount, and turned their horses loose. ,
Hastening to London with their ill-gotten booty, they
went to a public house in Monmouth-street, where one
of them taking his handkerchief out of his pocket, acci-
dentally drew out his pistol with it, which being re-
marked by a person in company, he procured a peace .
officer who took them into custody on suspicion.
Having been lodged in the Round House for that
night, they were taken before a magistrate on the follow-
ing day; and being separately examined, disagreed much
in their tale; and the parties who had been robbed at-
tending, and swearing to their persons, they were com-
mitted for trial. º
When they were brought to the bar, they endeavoured
to prove that they were absent from the spot at the time
the robbery was committed; but failing in this, a verdict
of guilty was given against them, and they received sen-
wº- º º
tence of death.
After conviction they behaved with every sign of con-
trition. Picken was in a very bad state of health almost
the whole time he lay under sentence of death; and
complained much of the ingratitude of his wife, who
first advised him to the commission of the crime, yet ne-
vervisited him during his miserable confinement in New-
gate. These unhappy men prepared to meet their fate
with decent resignation, and received the sacrament with
every sign of genuine devotion.
They were so shocked at the idea of their approaching
dissolution, that they trembled with the dreadful appre- .
hension, and were unable to give that advice to the sur-
rounding multitude, which, however, might be easily im-
plied from their pitiable condition. º
This robbery, for anything that appeared to the con-
trary, being their first offence against the law, these un-
fortunate men were, surely, objects of royal clemency.-
In more merciful times, like the present, we are of opiº
* , niaº















- - º
, 286 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
nion that our king, would at least have remitted their plk
nishment; but most likely have granted them a pardon.
* * * *-i- ºr iſ a
ºil rºad tº a tº ſº
ºf .
-
- -------- - tº ; ºº
. . . - º ºf º VINCENT DAVIS, º º
execured at rvauks, April 30, 1725, for the Mukder of His wife,
* : ºr tº tºº.;; ºbºi º º, ºn
-- WHEN Even a rºla Il ill treats a woman, who by every
action of her life shews herself his friend, the partner
• *-*.*.* *-* - --- *** *.*** *-* * * * -i." -
of his foil, and the consoler of his mind under worldly
misfortunes, it is abominable 3. but what punishment
awaits the exegrable wretch who sheds the blood of such
a wife? Such, however, shocking to relate, befel the wife
of this abhorred murderer, who appears to have possessed
qualities, deserving the protection of a good man. We
have already, in the duty we owe the reader, had occa-
sion to present too many instances of the flagitious con-
duct of females—but to the good, we would repeat, after
the excellent Poet Otway, and say, ºr ºf
- - - º * There's in you all that we believe in Heaven, is º -
- Amazing goodness, Pºrity of trutº º º
Eternal joy, and everlasting love.”
- . . .” : * º sº. . . . * . . ºf
This shocking sinner, who followed the trade of a but
-cher in Staithfield, behaved with cruelty to his wife, and,
though he had been married some years, accustomed
himself to keep company with women of ill fame, ſº
* Going out one Sunday morning he staid till noon; and
coming home to dinner went out again. Soon afterwards,
and was directly followed by his wife, who found him
idrinking with some bad women at a house in Pye-corner;
and coming home, mentioned this circumstance to her
ºn
neighbours.
Soon afterwards the husband returned; and using
some threatening expressions, the wife desired a lodger in
the same house to go down stairs with her, lest he should
beat her.s. The woman accordingly attended her, and
WaS witness to Davis's beating her in a barbarous man-
ner, and threatening to murder her because she had inter- ºf
rupted him while in the company of the other women.— .
Hereupon the wife ran away, and secreted herself for a
time; but returning to her lodgings, begged admission
- - into




























****NeºN T Davis, tº 287.
* -- ºr---- . . . . - - - - -
into her landlady's room, who hid her behind the bed.—
In the interim the husband had been out: but return-
ing, went to bed, and when his wife thought he was
asleep, she went into the room' to search his pockets, in
which she found only a few halfpence, and coming down - º
stairs said that her husband had laid a knife by the bed- |
side, from which she concluded that he had an intention
of murdering her. "", "ºº" " '
* Arlº -
º irº.º.º. nº...: sº... . . . *
Irs. Davis being concealed during the night, the land-
- -
lady went into her husband's room in the morning, and,
said, “What do you, mean by threatening to commit
“ milrder in my house?” On this he snatched up his 1
knife, and the landlady taking hold of a small cane, he
took it from her, saying he valued it as his life; as he kept
it to beat his wife ºith. ºº
º ---------- - .º.º.º.º. tº º Gºº º *** - -- º - - - º
In the evening of this day the wife and landlady find-
------ -
• *. --º'------------ --> ºº.”º iº ºf .º. º: - *º-º-
ing him at the before-mentioned house in Pye corner, he
º, gº nº-inº, º "tºº º
beat his wife most severely; on which the ſandlady adº
*º tº § ºf , ºº iſºfº. 1 ºf ; ºr, a tº. ºf ºniº
vised Mrs. Da Sºto ºf the peace against him, and,
º ºsº.º. ºffiliº ºnº is nº gº ºf 21:... * -
have him imprisoned, as she had done on a similar
jº º Aº, ºr iºi ºn . ºº: tº ,
0C&Signº bout an hour after this he went home, and
- tº lººſ ºf ºriº ºff.º.º. º. ºº:
said to his wife, “What business have you here, or any
- - º 3-, ºxy; tº ºt - º - iſ iſ º,
“where in my ..". ?–You shall fºllow me no more,
. . . . º.º. 1 ºff; ºr ſº, it º’
“. fºr I am married Glittle Jenny.” “º ºf
*rriºtº ºil ſº tº iºniº r tº:...
- The wife, who seems to have had more love for him
; : . . . tºº. ººji ºn tº jº, iſ: V.
than such ãºm Søreant déserved, said she could not help.
it, but she would diſk with him and befriends; and on
hiº alºholis, she followed him;
but soon returned with her hands b body, saying he had
uthgººfingers. Tº ‘’’’ ‘’’
cut her II ſlº CIS, . º, ºr ---
ºbº', the di jº, , . ºf light him tº hisº
On his return he directed his wife to light him to his
room, which she did, and earnestiy entreated him to be
reconciled to her; but instead of making any kind of re-
ply, he drew his knife, and following her into the land-
º -ºº: -
lady's room, he there stabbed her in the breast.
Thus wounded, the poor wretch ran down stairs, and
-
º
---
was followed by the º er. She was sheltered in a
neighbºuring house, where sitting down, and pulling off
her stomacher, she b ºd t death iſ about half an hour.
ºwº.º.º. … " ºf in - º º
º:
soon apprehended Davis, and conducted him to the hºuse
- º º ºgº º -
f :





































288 NEW NEW GATE cALEN DAR.
-
where the deadwoman lay; on which he said, “ Betty,
“won't you speak to me?" A woman who was presei
said, “You will find to your sorrow, that she will never
“speak more;’ and to this the murderer replied, “Well,
“I know I shall be hanged; and I would as soon suffer
-- - -- - - ºr "
- “for her as another.” " ºn-ºri ºr
- • ***** *** **** - ----. ºº:: ºn tº -
Being committed to the care of a peace officer, he was
conveyed to prison, in his way to which he said, “I have
“killed the best wife in the worki, and I am certain of
being hanged; but for God's sake don't let me beina.
“tomized.” nigº, . º .
... When he was brought to his trial, the above recited
facts were proved by the testimony of several witnesses;
and on the jury pronouncing the verdict of guilty; he ex-
ecrated the court with the most profane imprecations.
While he lay under sentence of death he affected a
alse bravery, but when orders were given for his execu-
ºn his assumed courage left him, and he appeared greatly
terrified, as well indeed he might, at his approaching
fate. He had such a dread of falling into the hands of
the surgeons, that he sent letters to several of his ac-
quaintance, begging they would rescue his body, if any
attempt should be made to take it away.
He behaved in the most gloomy and reserved manner
at the place of £X tion. It was our intention to have
given comments on the unmanly and inhuman crime, |
º
of a man murdering his wife, in our account of the
Tº Tº º -- - --- - * . º - • *** º
ceding murderer Louis Houssart; but finding the case
**IN...:.. - º - º fººt. no
of Davis still more detestable, having no other connec-
-º-º: - ºº: tº: - - - ------- º tº º, .
tion with another female to compel him to commit the
horrid deed, we reserved it for this case; and have now
º
peat our detestation of such monsters,
---
only to re
* * * º: - º º
- ---
ROBERT HARPHAM,
º º €of NER, executed AT Tyburn, MAY 24, 1725.
º, ºn ... , . . . ... . . . . . .
This offender lived in Westminster, where he carried on
the business of a carpenter for a considerable time with
some success; but at length had the misfortune to be
come a bankrupt, after which he appears to have turned
his thoughts to a very dishonest way of aequiring money.
Having
º - --- º ºxº












































ROR ERT HARP H.A.M. º.º. ºº 239
Having engaged the assistance of one Fordham, he
hired a house near St. Paul's Church-yard, and pretending
to be a button-maker, he put up an iron press, with which
he used to coin money, and Fordham, having aided him
in the coinage, put off the counterfeit money thus made.
From hence they removed to Rosemary-lage, and there
carried on the same dangerous business for some time,
till the neighbours observing that great quantities of char-
coal were brought in, and the utmost precaution taken to
keep the door shut, began to form very unfavourable sus-
picions : on which Harpham took a cellar in Paradise-
row, near Hanover-square, to which the implements
were removed. - -- º -
While in this situation, Harpham invited a gentleman
to dine with him ; and was imprudent enough to take
him into his workshop, and shew him his tools. The gen-
tleman wondering for what purpose they could be in-
tended, Harpham said, “ In this press I can make but-
“ tons; but I will shew you something else that is a
“greater rarity.” Having said this, he struck a piece of
metal, which instantly bore the resemblance of half a
guinea, exeept the milling on the edge; but another in-
strument being applied to it, the half guinea was com-
pleted. - --
Our coiners now removed to Jermyn-street, St. James's,
where Harpham took an empty cellar, and, on the old
pretence of button-making, gave orders to a bricklayer to
put up a grate. The bricklayer remarking what a quaſi-
tity of coals the grafe would consume, the other said it
was so much the better, for it was calculated to dress vic-
tuals either by baking, stewing, roasting, or boiling.—
Harpham kept the key of this céilar, permitting no one to
enter but Fordham ; and once in three weeks he had a
quantity of charcoal and sea coal put in through the
window.
The landlord of the place suspecting some illegal pro
ceeding, desired his neighbours to watch the parties: in
consequence of which Harpham was soon discovered in
the attempt to put off counterfeit money; on which he
and his assistant were apprehended and committed to New-
º -
VoI. I.-No. I f. 2 O. gate;
º
º - º
º -:
-
.
º
-
-



290 NEW NEwe, ATE CALEN DAR.
*
gate; and Fordham being admitted an evidence, the other
was convicted, and received sentence of death.
His behaviour after his commitment was unusually se-
rious; for as he was not weak enough to flatter himself with
unreasonable hopes of life, so he began to make an early
preparation for the important change that awaited him.
He procured religious books, and exercised himself in the
offices of devotion, in a very earnest manner. He like-
wise resolved to eat no more food than should be abso-
Jutely necessary for the support of nature; and in this he
persevered from the time of his conviction to the day of
his death. He desired a person to awake him at three
o'clock in the morning, and continued his devotions till
midnight. -
While he was thus properly employed, a person hinted
to him that he might entertain some hope of a reprieve;
but he said he did not regard a reprieve, on his own ac-
count; for that slavery, in a foreign country, was as much
to be dreaded as death. Some questions being asked him.
respecting any accomplices he might have, he declined
charging any particular person with a crime, but gave
the Ordinary of Newgate a list of the names of some
people whom he desired him to send to, requesting that
they would reform the error of their ways.
The sacrament was administered to him in private on
the day before his execution, at his own request, as he said
he could not attend the duties of religion, while exposed
to the observation of a curious multitude,
At the place of execution he exhorted the persons pre-
sent to beware of covetousness, and be content in the sta-
tion allotted them by Providence.
JONATHAN WILD,
(THE PRINCE of Rob BFRs)
Execured AT TYBURN, MAY 24, 1725.
-
Of all the thieves that ever infested London, this man
was the most notorious. That eminent vagabond Bam:
fylde Moore Carew was recognized as “King of the Beg-
- - 19
- gars
tº 3.



















Jon ATIIAN WILD. 291
gars;”—So may the name and memory of Jonathan
Wild be ever held in abhorrence, as “THE PRIN cR of
Ro BBERs.” -
The single history of the arts, deceptions, cruelty, per-
fidy, and crimes, of this man, filled a volume ; and should
we occupy more room in our epitome, than may be
deemed necessary, we have only to observe, that scarcely
would the whole catalogue of the other crimes exposed in
our Chronology centered in one man, produce a pa-
rallel with this complete thief-taker, and most finished
thief. - - º
Jonathan Wild was born at Wolverhamptom, in Staf-
fordshire, about the year 1682. He was the eldest son -
of his parents, who at a proper age put him to a day-
school, which he continued to attend till he had gained a º
sufficient knowledge in reading, writing, and accounts, to
qualify him for business. His father intended to bring
him up to his own trade ; but changed that design, and at
about the age of fifteen, apprenticed him for seven years
to a buckle-maker in Birmingham. Upon the expiration
of his apprenticeship, he returned to Wolverhampton,
where he married a young woman of good character, and
gained a tolerable livelihood by following his business as
a Journeyman.
He had been married about two years, in which time
his wife had a son, when he formed the resolution of vi-
siting London, and very soon after deserted his wife and
child, and set out for the metropolis, where he got into
employment, and maintained himself by his trade; being
of an extravagant disposition, many months had not elaps:
ped after his arrival in London when he was arrested and
thrown into Wood-street Compter, where he remained a
prisoner for debt upwards of four years. In a pamphlet
which he published, and which we shall more particular.
ly mention hereafter, he says, that during his imprison-
ment, “it was impossible but he must, in some measure,
* be let into the secrets of the criminals there under con-
“finement; and particularly Mr. Hitchin's manage-
“ ment.”
During his residence in the Compter, Wild assid
cultivated the acquaintance of the criminals who were his
º 2 O 2 fellow.
-























292 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
fellow prisoners, and attended to their accounts of the
exploits in which they had been engaged, with singular så-
tisfaction. In this prison was a woman named Mary Mil-
liner, who had long been considered as one of the most
notorious pick-pockets, and abandoned prostitutes, on the
town. After having escaped the pnnishment due to the
variety of felonies of which she had been guilty, she was
put under confinement for debt. An intimacy subsisted
between them while they remained in the Compter. They
had no sooner obtained their freedom, than they lived un-
der the denomination of man and wife. By their ini-
quitous practices they soon obtained a sum of money,
which enabled them to open a little public-house, in
Cock-alley, facing Cripplegate church. º
Milliner being personally acquainted with most of the
notorious characters by whom London and its environs
were infested, and perfectly conversant as to the manner
of their proceedings, she was considered by Wild as a
most useful companion ; and indeed she very materially
contributed towards rendering him one of the most ac-
complished characters in the arts of villainy.
Wild industriously penetrated into the secrets of felons
of every denomination, who resorted in great numbers to
his house, in order to dispose of their booties ; and they
looked upon him with a kind of awe; for being ac-
quainted with their proceedings, they were conscious that
their lives were continually in his power.
Wild was at little difficulty to dispose of the articles
brought to him by thieves, at something less than its real
value; for at this period no law existed for the punish-
ment of the receivers of stolen goods; but the evil in-
creasing to so enormous a degree, it was deemed expe-
dient by the legislature to frame a law for its suppression.
An act therefore was passed, consigning such as should be
convicted of receiving goods, knowing them to have been
stolen, to transportation, for the space of fourteen years.
Wild's practices were considerably interrupted by the
above-mentioned law to obviate the intention of which,
however, be suggested the following plan : he called a
meeting of all the thieves whom he knew, and observed
to them, that if they carried their booties to such of the
- paWIl-
* º:













º
- º º
ºr - JONATHAN WILD. ºs 293
pawn-brokers who were known to be not much troubled
with the scruples of conscience, they would scarcely ad-
vance on the property one-fourth of its real value ; and
that if they were offered to strangers, either for sale, or
by way of deposit, it was a chance of ten to one but the
parties were rendered amenable to the laws. He ob-
served that the most industrious thieves were now
Scarcely able to obtain a livelihood; and that they must
either submit to be half starved, or be in great and con-
tinual danger of Tyburn. He informed them that he
had devised a plan for removing the inconveniences un-
der *. they laboured, recommending them to follow
his advice, and to behave towards him with honour. He
then proposed that when they had gained any booty they
should deliver it to him, instead of carrying it to the
pawn-broker, saying he would restore the goods to the
owners, by which means greater sums would be raised
than by depositing them with the pawn-brokers, while
the thieves would be perfectly secure from detection.
This proposal was received with general approbation,
and it was resolved to carry it into immediate execution.
All the stolen effects were to be given into the posses-
sion of Wild, who soon appointed convenient places,
wherein they were to be deposited, judging that it would
not be prudent to have them left at his own house.
The infamous plan being thus concerted, iſ was the bu-
siness of Wild to apply to persons who had been robbed,
pretending to be greatly concerned at their misfortunes,
saying that some suspected property had been stopped by
a very honest man, a broker, with whom he was ac-
Quainted, and that if their goods happened to be in the
hands of his friend, restitution should be made. But he
failed not to plead that the broker might be rewarded for
his trouble and disinterestedness, and to use every argu-
ment in his power for exacting a promise that no dis-
agreeable consequences should ensue to his friend, who
had imprudently neglected to apprehend the supposed
thieves. -
Happy in the prospect of regaining their property,
without the trouble and expence necessarily attending
prosecutions, people generally approved the * of
------ 'ild,























2.94 NEW N H. W. GATE CAL EN DAR,
Wild, and sometimes rewarded him even with one-half of
the real value of the goods restored. Persons who had
been robbed, however, were not always satisfied with
Wild's declaration; and sometimes they questioned him
particularly as to the manner of their goods being disco.
vered. On these occasions he pretended to be offended
that his honour should be disputed, saying, that his m0-
tive was to afford all the service in his power to the in-
jured party, whose goods he imagined might possibly be
those stopped by his friend; but since his good intentions
r
were received in so ungracious a manner, and himself
interrogated respecting the robbers, he had nothing further
to say on the subject, but must take his leave ; adding,
that his name was Jonathan Wild, and that he was every
day to be found at his house in Cock-alley, Cripplegate.
This affectation of resentment seldom failed to possess
the people who had been robbed, with a more favourable
opinion of his principles; and the suspicion of his cha-
racter being removed, he had an opportunity of advanc-
ing his demands.
Wild received no gratuity from the owners of stolen
goods, but deducted his profit from the money which was
to be paid the broker : thus did he amass considerable
sums without danger of prosecution, for his offences came
under the description of no law then existing. For seve-
ral years he preserved a tolerably fair character, so con-
summate was the art he employed in the management of
all his schemes. -
Wild's business greatly increasing, and his name b6-
coming exceedingly popular, he altered his mode of pro-
ceeding. Instead of applying to persons who had been
robbed, he opened an office, to which great numbers re-
sorted, in hopes of recovering their effects. He made a
great parade in his business, and assumed a consequence
that enabled him more effectually to impose on the public.
When persons came to his office, they were informed that
they must each pay a crown in consideration of receiving
his advice, This ceremony being dispatched, he entered
in his book the names and places of abode of the parties,
with all the particulars which they could communicate,
respecting the robberies, and the rewards that would be
given;

Jo NATHAN WIf, D. 295
given, provided the goods were recovered ; and they
were then desired to call again in a few days, when he -
hoped he should be able to give them some agreeable - º
intelligence.
Upon calling to know the success of his enquiries, he
informed them that he had received some information -
concerning their goods, but that the agent he had em-
ployed to trace them had informed him, that the robbers
pretended they could raise more money by pawning the
property: than by returning it for the proposed reward ;
saying, however, that if he could by any means procure -
an interview with the villains, he doubted not of being
able to settle matters agreeable to the terms already pro-
posed; but, at the same time, artfully insinuating that the
most safe, expeditious, and prudent method, would be
to make some addition to the reward. - -
Wild, at length, became eminent in his profession,
which proved highly lucrative. When he had discovered
the utmost sum that it was likely the people would give
for the recovery of their property, he requested them to
call again, and in the mean time he caused the goods to
be ready for delivery.
He derived considerable advantages from examining
persons who had been robbed; ſor he thence became ac-
quainted with the particulars which the thieves had
omitted to communicate to him, and was enabled to de-
tect them, if they concealed any part of their booties. Be- -
ing in possession of the secrets of all the notorious rob- -
bers, they were under the necessity of complying with ---
whatever terms he thought proper to exact; for they were
| conscious, that by opposing his inclination they should
involve themselves in the most imminent danger of being
sacrificed to the injured laws of their country. º
Through the infamous practices of this man, articles, .
which had been before considered as of no use but to the
owners, now became matters claiming a particular atten-
tion from the thieves by whom the metropolis and its en-
virons were infested. Pocket-books, books of accounts,
watches, rings, trinkets, and a variety of articles of but
small intrinsic worth, were now esteelmed very profitable
booty. Books of accounts, and other writings, being of
º








296. NEW NEWGATE ÖAf, EN DARs
great importance to the owners, produced very handsome |
rewards; and the same may be said of pocket-books, for
they generally contained memorandums, and sometimes
bank-notes, and other articles on which money could be ||
readily procured. -
Wild accumulated money so fast, that he considered
himself as a man of consequcnce, and to support his ima- |
ginary dignity, he dressed in laced clothes, and wore a
sword. He first exercised his martial instrument on the
person of his accomplice and reputed wife, Mary Milliner,
who having on some occasion provoked him, he instantly
struck at her with it, and cut off one of her earsº This
event was the cause of a separation; but in acknowledg- ||
ment of the great services she had rendered him, by in- ||
º troducing him to so lucrative a profession, he allowed her
a weekly stipend till her decease. . .
Before Wild had brought the plan of his office to per-
fection, he for some time acted as an assistant to Charles |
Hitchen, the city-marshal, a man wicked as himself.
These celebrated co-partners in villainy, under the pre- ||
text of reforming the manners of the dissolute part of the
public, paraded the streets from Temple-bar to the Mi- |
mories, searching houses of ill fame, and apprehending
disorderly and suspected persons; but such as compli-
H mented these public reformers with private douceurs were
allowed to practise every species of wickedness with im-
punity. Hitchen and Wild, however, became jealous of
each other, and an open rupture taking place, they parted,
each pursuing the business of thief-taking on his own ac-
count. -
In the year 1715, Wild removed from his house in
Cock-alley, to a Mrs. Seagoe's, in the Old Bailey, where
he pursued his business with the usual success, notwith-
standing the efforts of Hitchen, his rival in iniquity, to
suppress his proceedings. ". - --
In 1718, the marshal attacked Wild in a pamphlet,
called “The Regulator: or, a Discovery of Thieves,
Thief-takers, &c.” which was answered by his antago-
mist; and from each of these curious performances we
shall here introduce some extracts:
-
A bstract
--












JONATHAN WILD, . 297
Abstract of the City Marshal's Account of Jonathan Wild, &c.
“If these should hold their peace, the stones in the
street would cry out” of such abominable practices, as
are committed and carried on in this city and places adja-
cent, by thieves and robbers, and—thief-takers.
The reader's astonishment will increase when we ob-
serve, that these two abandoned miscreants had the dar-
ing effrontery to appeal to the public, and attacked each
other with every scurrility in pamphlets, and in advertise-
ments. Never, surely, was the press so debased, as in
disgorging the filth of their pens. Hinchin published
what he called, “The Regulator; or, a Discovery of
Thieves and Thief-takers.” It is an ignorant and impu-
dent insult to the reader, and replete with scurrility
against Wild, whom he brands in his capacity of thief-
taker, with being worse than the thief. Wild retorts by
calling the marshal the greatest rogue in the universe ;
and they spoke of each other most truly, for such another
brace of villains were, perhaps, not upon the earth.
Hinchin having so greatly debased the respectable post
of City Marshal, the Lord Mayor suspended him from
his office. In order to repair this loss, he determined
upon the affectation of burying his resentment, and con-
federating with Wild. To effect this, he wrote as follows:
“I am very sensible that you are let into the knowledge
“ of the secrets of the Compter, particularly with relation
“to the securing of pocket-books; but your experience
“is inferior to mine : I can put you in a far better me-
“thod than you are acquainted with, and which may be
“ done with safety; for, though I am suspended, I still
“retain the power of acting as constable, and, notwith-
“standing I cannot be heard before my Lord Mayor, as
“formerly, I have interest among the aldermen, upon
“any complaint. - - w;
“But I must first tell you, that you spoil the trade of
“thief-taking, in advancing greater rewards than are ne-
“cessary. I give but half-a-crown a book, and, when
“the thieves and pick-pockets see you and I confede-
“ rate, they'll submit to our terms, and likewise conti-
“nue their thefts, for fear of coming to the gallows by
vo L. I.-No. 1 1, % F “ our






298 N Ew NEwg A TE cALEN DAR.
“our means. You shall take a turn with me, as my ser-
“vant, or assistant, and we'll commence our rambles this
“ night.”
Wild readily accepted the ex-marshal's proposals; to-
wards dark they proceeded to Temple-bar, and called in
at several brandy-shops and ale-houses, between that and
Fleet-ditch ; some of the masters of these houses compli-
mented the marshal with punch, others with brandy, and
some presented him with fine ale, offering their service to
their worthy protector.
The marshal made them little answer; but gave them
to understand, all the service he expected from them was,
to give him information of pocket-books, or any goods
stolen, as a pay back : “For you women of the town,”
(addressing himself to some females in one of the shops)
“make it a common practice to resign things of this na-
“ture to the bullies and rogues of your retinue;—but
“this shall no longer be borne with, I'll give you my
“word both they and you shall be detected, unless you
“deliver all the pocket-books you meet with to me.
“What do you think I bought my place for, but to make
“the most of it? and you are to understand this is my
“man (pointing to the buckle-maker) to assist me. And
“if you at any time for the future refuse to yield up the
“watches and books you take, either to me, or my ser-
“vant, you may be assured of being all sent to Bridewell,
“ and not one of you shall be permitted to walk the streets.
“For notwithstanding I am under suspension, (the chief
“reason of which is, for not suppressing the practices of
“such vermin as you) I have still a power of punishing,
“ and you shall dearly pay for not paying your respects to
“ me.” Then asking them to what part of the town they
were rambling, and whether they did not see him to
which they answered, that they saw him at a distance,
but he caught hold of them so hastily, that they had no
time to address him. “We have been strolling,” con-
tinued the pick-pockets, “ over Moorfields, and from
“ thence to the Blue-Boar, in pursuit of you; but not find-
“ing you as usual, we were under some fears that you
‘were indisposed.” The marshal replied, he should have
given them a meeting there, but had been employed the
whole









JONATHAN WILD, 299
whole day with his new man. “ You are to be very
“careful,” said he, “ not to oblige any person but my-
“self, or servant, with pocket-books : if you presume to
“do otherwise, you shall swing for it, and we are out in
“the city every night to observe your motions.” These
instructions given, the pick-pockets left us, making their
master a low congee, and promising obedience. This
was the progress of the first night with the buckle-maker,
whom he told that his staff of authority terrified the igno-
rant to the extent of his wishes.
Some nights afterwards, walking towards the back part
of St. Paul's, the marshal thus addressed the buckle-maker,
“I’ll now shew you a brandy-shop that entertains no com-
“pany but whores and thieves. This is a house for our pur-
“pose, and I am informed, that a woman of the town, who
“frequents it has lately robbed a gentleman of his watch
“and pocket-book: the advice I received from her compa-
“nion, with whom I have a good understanding. We
“will go into the house, and, if we can find this woman,
“I will assume a more stern countenance, (though at best
“I look like an infernal,) and, by continued threats, ex-
“fort a confession, and by that means get possession of
“the watch and pocket-book; in order to which, do you
“slily accost her companion.”—Here he described her.—
*
“Call to her, and inform her, that your master is in a
“damned ill humour, and swears, if she does not instantly
“make a discovery where the watch and pocket-book
“may be found, at farthest by to-morrow, he will cer-
“tainly send her to the Compter, and thence to the work-
* house.” -
The means being thus concerted to gain the valuable
goods, both master and man entered the shop in pursuit
of the game, and, according to expectation, they found
the person wanted, with several others ; whereupon the
marshal, shewing an enraged countenance, becoming the
design, and Wild being obliged to follow his example, the
company said, that the master and man looked as sour as
two devils. “Devils,” said the marshal, “I’ll make some of
“you devils, if you do not immediately discover the watch
and pocket-book I am employed to procure.”—“We
“do not know your meaning, sir,” answered some, “Who
2 P 2 “ do


300 - NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
-
“do you discourse to *" said others: “we know nothing
“ of it.” The marshal replied, in a more soft tone, “You
“ are ungrateful to the last degree, to deny me this small
“ request, when I was never let into the secret of any
“thing to be taken from a gentleman, but I communica-
“ted it to you, describing the person so exactly, that you
“could not mistake the man ; and there is so little got
“at this rate, that the devil may trade with you for me.”
This speech being over, the marshal gave a nod to his
man, who called one of the women to the door, and, tel-
ling the story above directed, the female answered, “Un-
“conscionable devil when he gets five or ten guineas,
“not to bestow above five or ten shillings upon us unfor-
“tunate wretches but, however, rather than go to the
* Compter, I’ll try what is to be done.”
The woman, returning to the marshal, asked him, what
he would give for the delivery of the watch, being seven
or eight pounds in value, and the pocket-book having in
it several notes and goldsmith's bills: to whom the mar-
shal answered, a guinea; and told her, it was much better
to comply, than to go to Newgate, which she must cer.
tainly expect upon her refusal.
The woman replied, that the watch was in pawn for
forty shillings, and if he did not advance that sum she
should be obliged to strip herself for the redemption,
though, when her furbelowed scarf was laid aside, she
had nothing underneath, but furniture for a paper-mill.
After abundance of words, he allowed her 30s. for the
watch and book which she accepted, and the watch was
never returned to the owner.
Some little time after this, a gentleman in liquor going
into the Blue-Boar, near Moorfields, with a woman of
the town, immediately lost his watch. He applied to the
marshal, desiring his assistance: but the buckle-maker
being well acquainted with the walk between Cripple- |
gate and Moorfields, had the fortune to find the woman.
The masterimmediately seized her, on notice given, and,
by vehement threatenings, obliged her to a confession.
She declared, that she had stolen the watch, and carried
it to a woman that kept a brandy-shop near, desiring her
to assist in the sale of it. The mistress of the brandy-shop
- º readily

J O N A TH AN WIL D. 301 - -
readily answered, she had it from an honest young wo-
man that frequented her house, whose husband was gone
to sea ; whereupon she pawned the watch for its value,
and ordered the sale. º -
This story seeming reasonable, a watch-maker pur-
chased the watch, and gave the money agreed for it,
which was fifty shillings. Thus the sale of the watch be-
ing discovered, the marshal, with his staff and assistants,
immediately repaired to the watch-maker's house, and
seized the watch-maker in the same manner as a person f
would do the greatest criminal: he carried him to a pub-
lic-house, telling him, that, if he did not forth with send
for the watch, he should be committed to Newgate.
The watch-maker, not being any ways accustomed to
unfair dealings, directly answered, that he bought the --
watch, and the person he had it of would produce the
woman that stole it, if it were stolen, the woman being
then present. The marshal replied, he had no business
with the persons that stole the watch, but with him in
whose possession it was found ; and that, if he did not in-
stantly send for the watch, and deliver it without insist- º
ing upon any money, but, on the contrary, return him -
thanks for his civility, which deserved five or ten pieces,
he would, without delay, send him to Newgate.
Hereupon the innocent watch-maker, being much sur-
prised, sent for the watch, and surrendered it to him ; and
since that he has been well satisfied, that the person --
who owned the watch made a present to the marshal of
three guineas for his trouble, and the poor watch-maker
never had a farthing for his fifty shillings. This story and
the following sufficiently demonstrate the honesty of the
- -
--- - - ---
º º
city-marshal :- zº
Some time ago, a biscuit-baker near Wapping, having
lost a pocket-book, wherein was, among other papers, an
exchequer bill for 100l. applied himself to the marshal's
man, the buckle-maker, for the recovery thereof; the
buckle-maker advised him to advertise it, and stop the
payment of the bill, which he did accordingly; but having
no account of his bill, he came to the buckle-maker seve-
ral times about it, and at length he told him, there had
been with him a fall man, with a long peruke and sword,
º calling
º









302 NEW NEW" GATE CAL EN DAR.
calling himself the city-marshal, and asked him, if he had
lost his pocket-book the biscuit-baker answered, Yes,
desiring to know his reasons for asking him such a ques.
tion, and whether he could give him any intelligence,
He replied, no, he could not give him any intelligence of
it as yet, but desired to be informed, whether he had em-
ployed any person to search after it? To which the bis:
cuit-baker answered, he had employed one Wild. Where-
upon the marshal told him, he was under a mistake, for
he should have applied to him, who was the only person
in England that could have served him, being well as-
sured it was entirely out of the power of Wild, or any of
those fellows, to know where it was —This was very cer.
tain, he having it at that time in his custody, and desired
to know the reward that would be given. The biscuit-
baker answered, he would give 101. The marshal replied,
that a greater reward should be offered, for that exchequer
bills, and those things were ready money, and could im- º
mediately be sold, and that, if he had employed him in
the beginning, and offered 40l. or 50l. he would have
served him. - -
The biscuit baker acquainting Wild with this story,
Wild gave it as his opinion that the pocket-book was in
the marshal's possession, and therefore it would be to no
purpose to continue advertising it, he being well assured,
that the marshal would not have taken the pains to find
out the biscuit-baker, unless he knew how to get at it.
Upon the whole, Wild advised the biscuit-baker rather
to advance his bidding, considering what hands the note
was in, and because the marshal had often told his ser-
want, how easily he could dispose of bank-notes and ex-
chequer-bills at gaming-houses, which he very much fre-
quented. -
Pursuant to this advice, the owner at last went a se-
cond time to the marshal, and bid 40l. for his pocket.
book and bill. “ Zounds, sin,” said the marshal, “ you
are too late l" which was all the satisfaction he gave him.
Thus the poor biscuit-baker was tricked out of his exche-
quer-bill; but it happened a short time after, that some
of the young fry of pick-pockets, under the tuition of the
marshal, fell out in sharing the money given them for this
- # º - Very
-
* - -
-------
º
º







Jon AT HAN wild. 303
very pocket-book; whereupon one of them came to the .
person first employed by the biscuit-baker, and discovered
the whole matter, viz. that he had sold the biscuit-baker’s
pocket-book, with the 100l. exchequer-note in it, and
other bills, to the city-marshal, at a tavern in Aldersgate-
street, for four or five guineas. -
The person to whom the boy applied himself, asked
him what sort of a person the gentleman was that he took
it from, who readily answered, that he was a lusty elderly
man, with light hair, which was very apparent to be the
same person. There are several living who will justify
this account of the whole affair, and the exchequer-bill º
was never returned to the owner, but paid to another per- t
son, though it could never be traced back. -
Some time ago, when a person stood in the pillory, -
near Charing-cross, a gentleman in the crowd was de-
prived of a pocket-book, which had in it bills and lottery-
tickets, to the value of several hundred pounds; and a
handsome reward was at first offered for it in a public ad-
vertisement, 30l. at least. - -
The marshal, having a suspicion that a famous pick-
pocket, known by his lame hand, had taken the book, he
applied to him, and, to enforce a confession and delivery,
told him, with a great deal of assurance, that he must be
the person, such a man, with a lame hand, being describ-
ed by the gentleman to be near him, and whom, he was
certain, had stolen his book, “In short,” says he, “ you,
“had the book, and you must bring it to me, and you
“shall share the reward; but if you refuse to comply
“ with such advantageous terms, you must never expect
“to come within the city gates; for, if you do, Bridewell,
“at least, if not Newgate, shall be your residence.”
After several meetings, the marshal's old friend could
not deny that he had the pocket-book: but he said to
the marshal, “I did not expect this rigorous treatment
“from you, after the services I have done you, in con-
“cealing you several times, and by that means keeping
“you out of a gaol. It is not the way to expect any fu-
“ture service, when all my former good offices are for-
“gotten.” --
Notwithstanding these reasons, the marshal still insisted
--- - upoll



º - -
504 NEW NEW GATE C A LEN DAR.
upon what he had at first proposed; and, at length the
pick-pocket, considering that he could not repair to
the Exchange, or elsewhere, to follow his pilfering em-
ployment, without the marshal's consent, and fearing to
be a mark of his revenge, he condescended to part with
the pocket-book, upon terms reasonable between buyer
. and seller. Whereupon, says the marshal, “I lost all my
“money last night at gaming except a gold watch in my
“pocket, which I believe there will be no enquiry after,
“it coming to hand by an intrigue with a woman of the
“ town, whom the gentleman will be ashamed to prose-
“ cute, for fear of exposing himself. I’ll exchange goods
“for goods with you.” So the pick-pocket, rather than he
would risk the consequence of disobliging his master,
concluded the bargain. -
One night, not far from St. Paul's, the marshal, and
the buckle maker his man, met with a detachment of
pick-pocket boys, who instantly, at the sight of their
master, took to their heels and ran away. The buckle-
makerasked the meaning of their surprise. To which
the marshal answered, “I know their meaning, a pack
“ of rogues they were to have met me in the fields, this
“morning, with a book I am informed they have taken
“from a gentleman, and they are afraid of being secured
“for their disobedience. There is Jack Jones among
“ them.—We'll catch the whore's bird.” Jack Jones, run.
ning behind a coach to make his escape, was taken by
the marshal and his man. The master carried him to a
tavern, and threatened him severely, telling him he be-
lieved they were turned house-breakers, and that they
young criminals. This happened to be fact, and the
boy fearing the marshal had been informed of it, he, for
his own security, confessed, and the marshal promised
to save his life, on his becoming evidence. Where-
upon the marshal committed the boy to the Compter till
the next morning, when he carried him before a justice
of the peace, who took his information, and issued a war-
rant for the apprehending his companions. -
Notice being given where the criminals were to be
found, viz. at a house in Beach-lane, the marshal and his
- Iſlaſ).
were concerned in a burglary lately committed by four



J O N AT HAN WILD. 305
man went privately in the night thither, and listening at . -
the door, they overheard the boys, with several others in a º
mixed company. - - º
They entered the house, where they met ten or eleven . º
persons, who were in a great rage, enquiring what busi- º
ness the marshal had there, and saluted him with a few -
oaths, which occasioned the marshal to make a prudent
retreat, pulling the door after him, and leaving his little
man to the mercy of the savage company. -
In a short time the marshal returned with eight or ten
watchmen and a constable; and, at the door, the mar-
shal, out of his dastardly disposition, though his pretence
was a ceremonious respect, obliged the constable to go
in first; but the constable and marshal were both so
long in their compliments, that the man thought neither
of them would enter in ; at last the constable entering
with his long staff extended before him, the marshal
manfully followed, crying out, “Where are the rebel vil-
“lains? Why don't ye secure them * Wild answered,
that they were under the table ; upon which the consta-
ble pulled out the juvenile offenders, neither of whom
were above twelve years of age. The two boys now ta-
ken were committed to Newgate ; but the fact being
committed in the county of Surry, they were afterwards
removed to the Marshalsea Prison. The assizes coming
on at Kingston, and Jones giving his evidence against
his companions, before the grand jury, the bill was found, -
and the marshal indorsed his name on the back of it
to have the honour of being an evidence against these
monstrous house-breakers. On the trial, the nature of the
fact was declared ; but the parents of the offenders ap-
peared, and satisfied the court, that the marshal was the
occasion of the ruin of these boys, by taking them into
the fields, and encouraging them in the stealing of pockets
books; and told him, on his affirming they were thieves,
/
that he had made them such.
The judge observing the marshal's views were more to
- • *º . - º:
get the reward than to do justice, summed up the charge
to the jury in favour of the boys, who were thereupon
acquitted, and the marshal reprimanded. He was so
º
enraged at this, and so angry with himself for not accu-
- º, - -
-
VQ L. 1,–No. 19. 2 Q. sing.
º - - -
















306. N Ew NEW GATE CALEND AR. -
ing the boys of other crimes, that he immediately returned
to London, and left his man to discha ge the whole rec.
koning at Kingston.
A gentleman that had lost his watch when in company
with a woman of the town, applied to a person belong.
ing to the Compter, who recommended him to the buckle.
maker, to procure the same ; and the gentleman applying
accordingly to him, and giving a description of the wo.
man, the buckle-maker, a few days after traversing Fleet.
street with his master in an evening, happened to meet
with the female, (as he apprehended by the description
of the gentleman) who had stolen the watch, and, com:
•---- - •
ing nearer, he was satisfied therein. º
He told his master, that she was the very person de.
scribed : to which the master answered, with an air of
pleasure, “I am glad to find we have a prospect of some.
“thing to-night to defray our expences,” and immediately,
with his man, seized the female, and carried her to a pub.
lic house, where, upon examination, she confessed it was
in her power to serve the marshal in it; telling him, that
- º, º - -
if he would please to go with her home, or send his man,
the watch would be returned, and a suitable reward ||
for the trouble. The man asked his master his opi.
nion, whether he thought he might pursue the woman
with safety To which he replied, Yes, for that he knew
her; and giving hints of his following at a reasonable
distance for his security, which he did with a great deal |
of precaution, as will appear; for the man proceeding
with the female, she informed him that her husband, who
had the watch about him, was at a tavern near White
Friars, and, if he would condescend to go thither, he
might be furnished with it, without giving himself any
further trouble, together with the reward he deserved.—
To which the man consented, and coming to the tavern,
she made inquiry for the company she had been with but
a short space before ; and being informed they were still
in the house, she sent in woºd by the drawer, that the
gentlewoman, who had been with them that evening, de-
sired the favour to speak with them. The drawer going
in, and delivering the message, immediately three or four
gentlemen came from the room to the woman; she gave
. - - º them:
º
.
º
-





-
º
3 O N AT HAN W II, D. 307
them to understand, that the marshal's man had accused
her of stealing a watch, telling them she supposed it must
be some other woman, who had assumed her name, and
desired their protection; upon this the whole company
Sallied out, and attacked the marshal's man in a very vio-
lent manner, to make a rescue of the female, upbraiding
him for degrading a gentlewoman of her reputation. ,
The marshal, observing the ill success of his man, and
fearing the like discipline, made off, hugging himself that
he had escaped the severe treatment he equally deserved
with him. , , -
The man in the struggle shewed his resentment chiefly
against the female; and, after a long contest she was
thrust out at the back door; and ºn mediately the watch. -
being called, he and the rest of the men were seized. -
As they were going to the Compter, the marshal over-
took them near Bow-church, and asked his man the occa-
sion of his long absence, coming up to him in great haste; º
the man said, that he had been at the tavern with the wo—
man, where he thought he saw him : the master answer-
ed, that indeed he was there, but seeing the confusion so
reat, he went off to call the watch and constables.
The marshal used his interest to get his man off, but to
no purpose, he being carried to the Compter with the
rest of the company, in order to make an agreement.
there. -
The next morning the woman sent to her companions
in the Compter, letting them know, that, if they could be
released, the watch should be returned without any consi-
deration, which was accordingly done, and a small pre-
sent made to the marshal's man for smart money. They
were now all discharged, paying their fees.
The watch being now ready to be produced to the
owner, the marshal insisted upon the greatest part of the
reward, as being the greatest person in authority: the
man declared it unreasonable, unless he had partook of
the largest share of the bastinado. “But, however,”
says the marshal, “I have now an opportunity of playing
“my old game ; I'll oblige the gentleman to give me ten
"guineas to save his reputation, which is so nearly con:
2 q 2 . “certed
------








308 N EW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
“cerned with a common prostitute.” But the gentleman
knew too much of his character to be thus imposed upon,
and would give him no more than what he promised,
which was three guineas. The master at first refused,
but his man (who had the most right to make a new con-
tract) advising him to act cautiously, he at last agreed to
accept the reward at first offered, giving his man only one
guinea for his service and the cure of his wounds. This
is a sufficient instance of the marshal's cowardice and in-
humanity.
One night the marshal and Wild being abroad in their
walks, not far from the Temple, they discovered a clergy-
man standing against the wall, in an alley to which he
had retired, as persons frequently do on account of mo-
desty and decency. Immediately a woman of the town
lying in wait for prey, brushed by, the clergyman saying
aloud, “What does the woman want " The marshal
instantly rushed in upon them, and seized the clergyman,
bidding his man secure the woman. The clergyman re-
sisted, protesting his innocence (which his language to the
woman confirmed), but finding it to no purpose, he at
last desired that he might be permitted to go into an iron-
monger's house near; but the marshal refused, and drag-
ged the clergyman to the end of Salisbury-court in Fleet-
street, where he raised a mob about him; and two or three
gentlemen that knew the parson, happening to come by,
asked the mob what they were doing with him, telling
them he was chaplain to a noble lord. The rough gentry
answered, “Damn him, we believe he's chaplain to the
“ devil, for we caught him with a whore.” -
Hereupon the gentlemen desired the marshal to go to a
tavern, that they might talk with him without noise and
tumult, which he consented to. When they came into the
tavern, the clergyman asked the marshal by what autho-
rity he thus abused him : The marshal replied, he was a
city officer (pulling out his staff), and would have him to
the Compter, unless he gave very good security for his ap-
pearance next morning, when he would swear, that h
caught him with a whore.
The clergyman seeing him so bent upon perjury, .
º Wouſ





J 6N AT HAN WILD, 3C9
would very much expose him, sent for other persons to
vindicate his reputation, who, putting a purse of gold into
the marshal's hand (which they found was the only way to
deal with such a monster in iniquity), the clergyman was
permitted to depart.
The marshal, being now ready for another adventure,
going up Ludgate-hill, he observed a well dressed woman
walking before, whom he told Wild was a lewd woman,
for that he saw her talking with a man. This was no
Sooner spoke but he seized her, and asked who she was 2
She made answer, that she was a bailiff's wife. “You
are more like to be a whore,” said the marshal, “ and as
such you shall go to the Compter.” - "
Taking the woman through St. Paul's Church-yard, she
desired liberty to send for some friends; but he would
not comply with her request. He forced her into the
Nag's Head tavern in Cheapside, where he presently or-
dered a hot supper and plenty of wine to be brought in ;
commanding the female to sit at a distance from him, and
telling her, that he did not permit such vermin to sit in
his presence, though he intended to make her pay the
reckoning. - - -
When the supper was brought to the table, he fell to it
lustily, and would not allow the woman to eat any part of
the supper with him, or to come near the fire, though it
was extreme cold weather. When he had supped, he
stared round, and applying himself to her, told her, that
if he had been an informer, or such a fellow, she would
have called for eatables and wine herself, and not have
given him the trouble of direction, or else would have
slipped a piece into his hand. Adding, “You may do
“what you please: but I can assure ye it is in my power,
“if I see a woman in the hands of informers, to discharge
“her, and commit them. You are not so ignorant, but
“you must guess my meaning.” She replied, that she had
money enough to pay for the supper, and about three half
crowns more. This desirable answer being given, he or-
dered his attendant to withdraw, while he compounded
the matter with her. ºr
When Wild returned, the gentlewoman was civilly asked
to sit by the fire, and eat the remainder of the supper, and
lſº











31 O - NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
in all respects treated very kindly, only with a pretended
reprimand to give him better language whenever he should
speak to her for the future. And, after another bottle.
drank at her expence, she was discharged. This is an
excellent method to get a good supper gratis, and to fill
an empty pocket.
The marshal, previous to his suspension, had daily meet-
ings with the pick-pocket boys in Moorfields, and to treat
them there plentifully with cakes and ale; offering them
sufficient encouragement to continue their theft: and at
a certain time it happened, that one of the boys, more
cunning than his companions, having stolen an alderman's
pocket book, and opening it, and finding several bank
bills, he gave the marshal to understand, that it was worth
a great deal beyond the usual price; and the notes being
of considerable value, he insisted upon five pieces. The
marshal told the boy, that five pieces was enough to break
him at once ; that if hegave him two guineas he would
be sufficiently paid, but assured him, that if he had the
good luck to obtain a handsome reward, he would make
it up five pieces. - .
Upon this present encouragement and future expecta-
tion, the boy delivered up the pocket book, and a few
days afterwards, being informed that a very large reward
had been given for the notes, he applied to the marshal
for the remaining three guineas, according to promise;
but all the satisfaction he had was, that he should be sent
to the house of correction if he continued to demand it;
the marshal telling him, that such rascals as he were ig-,
norant how to dispose of their money.
This conniving at the intrigues of the pick-pockets,
taking the stolen pocket books, and sending threatening
letters to the persons that lost them, under pretence that
they had been in company with lewd women; and extort-
ing money from several persons was the cause of the mar-
shal's being suspended. -
The infamous coadjutor of Wild, the most detestable,
villain of the two, having been fined twenty pounds and
pillored for a crime too detestable to be named in these
pages, left the latter once more alone to execute his plans
of depredation on the public. When the thieves with:
--
º - -*. whom


3 ºn NATH A N ºr I LI). - 31 I
whom he was in league faithfully related to him the pār-
ticulars of the robberies they had committed, and entrusted
to him the disposal of their booties, he assured them that
they might safely rely on him for protection against the
vengeance of the law : and, indeed, it must be acknow-
ledged, that in cases of this nature he would persevere in
his endeavours to surmount very great difficulties rather
than wilfully falsify his word. . .
Wild's artful behaviour, and the punctuality with
which he discharged his engagements, obtained him
a great share of confidence among thieves of every de-
nomination; insomuch, that if he caused it to be inti-
mated to them that he was desirous of seeing them, and
that they should not be molested, they would attend him
with the utmost willingness, without entertaining the most
distant apprehension of danger, although conscious that
he had informations against them, and that their lives
were absolutely in his power: but if they presumed to
reject his proposals, or proved otherwise refractory, he
would address them to the following effect: “I have
“given you my word that you should come and go in
“safety, and so you shall: but take care of yourself, for if
“ever you see me again, you see an enemy.”
The great influence that Wild obtained over the thieves
will not be thought a very extraordinary matter, if it is
| considered that when he promised to use his endeavours
for rescuing them from impending fate, he was always de-
sirous, and generally able, to succeed. Such as complied
with his measures, he would never interrupt ; but, on the
contrary, afford them every encouragement for prosecut-
ing their iniquitous practices; and if apprehended by any
other person, he seldom failed of procuring their dis-
charge. His most usual method (in desperate cases, and
when matters could not be managed with more ease and
expedition) was to procure them to be admitted evidences,
under pretext that it was in their power to make discove-
i ries of º importance to the public. When they were
in prison he frequently attended them, and communicated
to them from his own memorandums such particulars as he
judged it would be prudent for them to relate to the court.
When his accomplices were apprehended, and he was not
able


312 NEw NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
able to prevent their being brought to trial, he contrived
stratagems (in which his invention was amazingly fertile):
for keeping the principal witnesses out of court ; so that
the delinquents were generally dismissed in defect of evi.
dence.
Jonathan was ever a most implacable enemy to those
thieves who were hardy enough to reject his terms, and
dispose of their stolen effects for their own separate ad-
vantage. He was industrious to an extreme in his en-
deavours to surrender them into the hands of justice; and
being acquainted with all their usual places of resort,
it was scarcely possible for them to escape his vigi-
lance.
By subjecting those who incurred his displeasure to the
punishment of the law, he obtained the rewards offered for
pursuing them to conviction; greatly extended his ascen-
--
dency over the other thieves, who considered him with
a kind of awe; and, at the same time, established his
character as being a man of great public utility.
It was the practice of Wild to give instructions to the
thieves whom he employed, as to the manner in which
they should conduct themselves ; and, if they followed
his directions, it was seldom that they failed of success.--
But if they neglected a strict observance of his rules, or
were, through inadvertency or ignorance, guilty of any
kind of mismanagement or error in the prosecution of the
schemes he had suggested, it was to be understood almost
as an absolute certainty that he would procure them to be
convicted at the next sessions, deeming them to be un:
qualified for the profession of roguery.
He was frequently asked, how it was possible that he
could carry on the business of restoring stolen effects, and
yet not be in league with the robbers; and his replies were
always to this purpose:– “My acquaintance among
“thieves is very extensive, and when Ireceive information
“ of a robbery, I make inquiry after the suspected par-
“ ties, and leave word at proper places, that if the goods
“ are left where I appoint, the reward shall be paid, and
“ no questions asked. Surely, no imputation of guilt can
“fall upon me; for I hold, no interviews with the rob-
“bers, nor are the goods given into my possession.” W -
- 7 - Wę
---


Jon ATHAN wild. 3.13.
We shall now proceed to a relation of the most remark-
able exploits of the hero of these pages; and our account
must necessarily include many particulars relating to other
notorious characters.
A lady of fortune being on a visit in Piccadilly, her ser-
wants leaving her sedan at the door, went to refresh them-
selves at a neighbouring public house. Upon their re-
turn, the vehicle was not to be found ; in consequence of
which the men immediately went to Wild, and having in-
formed him of their loss, and complimented him with the
usual fee, they were desired to call upon him again in a
few days. Upon their second application, Wild extorted
from them a considerable reward, and then directed
them to attend the chapel in Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields on the
following morning during the time of prayers. The men
went according to the appointment, and under the Piazzas
of the chapel perceived the chair, which upon examina-
tion they found to contain the velvet seat, curtains, and
other furniture, and that it had received no kind of da-
mage. -
A young gentleman, named Knap, accompanied his mo-
ther to Sadler's Wells, on Saturday, March 31. 1716.-
On their return they were attacked, about ten at night,
near the wall of Gray’s-Inn Gardens, by five villains.—
The young gentleman was immediately knocked down,
and his mother, being exceedingly alarmed, called for as-
sistance ; upon which a pistol was discharged at her, and
she instantly fell down dead. A considerable reward
was offered by proclamation in the Gazette for the disco-
very of the perpetrator of this horrid crime; and Wild
was remarkably assidious in his endeavours to apprehend
the offenders. From a description given of some of the
villains, Wild immediately judged the gang to be com-
posed of William White, Thomas Thurland, John Chap-
man, alias Edward Darvel, Timothy Dun, and Isaac
Rag.
In the evening of Sunday, April 8, Wild received in-
telligence that some of the above-named men were drink-
ing with their prostitutes at a house kept by John Wea-
therly, in Newtoner's-lane. He went to Weatherly's, ac-
vol. 1.--No. 12, 2 R
ºut
companied
º º








314 NEW NEW & ATE CALEN DAR.
companied by his man Abraham, and seized White,
whom he brought away about midnight in a hackney.
coach, and lodged him in the Round House.
White being secured, information was given to Wild
that a man named James Aires was thén at the Bell Inn,
Smithfield, in company with a woman of the town. Hav-
ing an information against Aires, Wild, accompanied by
his assistants, repaired to the inn, under the gateway of
which they met Thurland, whose person had been mis-
taken for that of Aires. Thurland was provided with
two brace of pistols, but being suddenly seized, he was
deprived of all opportunity of making use of those wea-
pons, and taken into custody.
They went on the following night to a house in White-
Horse-Alley, Drury-Lane, where they apprehended Chap-
man, alias Darvel. Soon after the murder of Mrs. Knap,
Chapman and others stopped the coach of Thomas Mid-
dlethwaite, Esq. but that gentleman escaped being robbed
by discharging a blunderbuss, and wounding Chapman in
the arm, on which the villains retired. , -
In a short time after this, Wild apprehended Isaac Rag,
at a house which he frequented in St. Giles's, in conse-
quence of an information charging him with a burglary.
Being taken before a magistrate, in the course of his ex-
amination Rag impeached twenty-two accomplices, charge
ing them with being house-breakers, footpads, and re-
ceivers of stolen effects; and, in consequence hereof he
was admitted an evidence for the crown. ſ
Rag was convicted of a misdemeanor in January,
1714-15, and sentenced to stand three times in the pil-
lory. He had concealed himself in the dust hole belong-
ing to the house of Thomas Powell, where, being disco-
vered, he was searched, and a pistol, some matches, and
a number of pick-lock keys were found in his possession.
His intention was evidently to commit a burglary, but as
he did not enter the house, he was indicted for a misde-
meanor in entering the yard with intent to steal. He was
indicted in October 17.5 for a burglary, in the house of
Elizabeth Stanwell, on the 24th of August : but he was
acquitted of this charge. -
White,




-
$ ON AT HAN WILD, 3.13
White, Thurland, and Chapman, were arraigned on the
18th of May, 1716, at the sessions-house in the Old Bai-
ley, on an indictment for assaulting John Knap, gent, put-
ting him in fear, and taking from him a hat and wig, on
the 31st of March, 1716. They were also indicted for
the murder of Mary Knap, widow : White by discharg-
ing a pistol loaded with powder and bullets, and thereby
giving her a wound, of which she immediately died,
March 31, 1716. They were a second time indicted for
assaulting and robbing John Gough. White was a fourth
time indicted with James Russel for a burglary, in the
house of George Barklay. And Chapman was a fourth
time indicted for a burglary, in the house of Henry Cross.
These three offenders were executed at Tyburn on the
8th of June, 1716.
Wild was indefatigable in his endeavours to apprehend
Timothy Dun, who had hitherto escaped the hands of
justice by removing to a new lodging, where he concealed
himself in the most cautious manner. Wild, however,
did not despair of discovering this offender, whom he sup-
posed must either perish through want of the necessaries
of life, or obtain the means of subsistence by returning
to his felonious practices; and so confident was he of
success, that he made a wager of ten guineas that he
would have him in custody before the expiration of an
appointed time. - ---
Dun's confinement, at length, became exceedingly irk-
some to him, and he sent his wife to make enquiries res-
pecting him, of Wild, in order to discover whether he was
still in danger of being apprehended. Upon her depar-
ture from Wild's, he ordered one of his people to follow
her home. She took water at Black-friars, and landed at
the Falcon, but suspecting the mán was employed to
trace her, she again took water, and crossed to White-
friars: observing that she was still followed, she ordered
the waterman to proceed to Lambeth, and having landed
there, it being nearly dark, she imagined she had escaped
the observation of Wild's man, and therefore walked im-
mediately home. The man traced her to Maid-lane, near
the Bank-side, Southwark, and perceiving her enter a
house, he marked the wall with chalk, and then returned
------. 2 R 2 to
º











316 New NEwgATE cALENDAR.
to his employer, with an account of the discovery he had
made. - - º
Wild, accompanied by a fellow named Abraham, a
Jew, who acted the part he had done to the worthless
marshal, one Riddlesden, and another man, went on the
following morning, to the house where the woman had
been seen to enter. Dun hearing a noise, and thence sus-
pecting that he was discovered, got through a back-win-
dow on the second floor upon the roof of the pantry, the
bottom of which was about eight feet from the ground.
Abraham discharged a pistol, and wounded Dun in the
arm; in consequence of which he fell from the pantry into
the yard: after his fall Riddlesden discharged a pistol, and
-- wounded him in the face with small shot. Dun was se-
cured, and carried to Newgate, and being tried at the en-
-
º
suing sessions, he was soon after executed at Tyburn.
Riddlesden was bred to the law, but he entirely neg-
lected that business, and abandoned himself to every spe-
- & ) - -
greatly embarrassed his circumstances, he broke into the
chapel of Whitehall, and stole the communion plate. He
death; but, through the exertion of a powerful interest, a
pardon was obtained, on condition of transporting himself
for the term of seven years. He went to America, but
soon returned no England, and had the address to ingra-
tiate himself into the favour of a young lady, daughter to
an opulent merchant at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Before
he could get his wife's fortune, which was considerable,
into his hands, he was discovered, and committed to New-
gate. His wife followed him, and was brought to bed in
the prison. Her friends, however, being apprised of her
unhappy situation, caused her to return home. He con-
tracted an intimacy with the widow of Richard Revel, one
of the turnkeys of Newgate; and being permitted to
transport himself again, the woman went with him to Phi.
ladelphia, under the character of his wife.
In consequence of a disagreement between them, Mrs.
Revel returned, and took a public-house in Golden-lane,
but what became of Riddlesden, we have not been able to
learn. - - - ---
A thief
cies of wickedness. His irregular course of life having
was convicted of this offence, and received sentence of





















jø NATHAN WILD, . 31?
A thief of most infamous character, named Arnold
Powell, being confined in Newgate, on a charge of hav-
ing robbed a house in the neighbourhood of Golden-
square, of property to a great amount, he was visited by
Jonathan, who informed him, that in consideration of a
sum of money he would save his life; adding, that if the
proposal was rejected, he should inevitably die at Tyburn
for the offence, on account of which he was then impri-
soned. The prisoner, however, not believing that it was
in Wild's power to do him any injury, bid him defiance.
Powell was brought to trial; but through a defect of evi-
dence he was acquitted. Having gained intelligence
that Powell had committed a burglary in the house of Mr.
Eastlick, near Fleet-ditch, he caused that gentleman to -
prosecute the robber. Upon receiving information that º
a bill was found for the burglary, Powell sent for Wild,
and a compromise was effected according to the terms
which Wild himself proposed, in consequence of which
Powell was assured that his life should be preserved.
Upon the approach of the sessions, Wild informed the
prosecutor that the first and second days would be em-
ployed in other trials, and as he was willing Mr. Eastlick
should avoid attending with his witnesses, longer than
was necessary, he would give timely notice when Powell
would be arraigned. But he contrived to have the pri-
soner put to the bar, and no persons appearing to prose-
cute, he was ordered to be taken away; but after some
time he was again set to the bar, then ordered away, and
afterwards put up a third time, proclamation being made
each time for the prosecutor to appear. At length the
jury were charged with the prisoner, and as no accusation
was adduced against him, he was necessarily dismissed;
and the court ordered Mr. Eastlick's recognizances to be
*
streated. -
Powell was ordered to remain in custody till the next
sessions, there being another indictment against him; and
Mr. Eastlick represented the behaviour of Wild to the
court, who justly reprimanded him with great severity.
Powell put himself into a salivation, in order to avoid
being brought to trial the next sessions, but notwith-
º - standing
---
º

















3.18 New New GAt E cALEN DAR.
- º
standing this stratagem, he was arraigned and convicted;
and executed on the 20th of March, 1716-17
At this time Wild had quitted his apartments at Mrs.
Seagoe's, and hired a house adjoining to the Cooper's
Arms, on the opposite side of the Old Bailey. The un-
exampled villainies of this man were now become an obs
ject of so much consequence, as to excite the particular
attention of the legislature. In the year 1718, an act was
passed deeming every person guilty of a capital offence,
who should accept a reward in consequence of restorin
stolen effects without prosecuting the thief. -
It was the general opinion that the above law would
effectually suppress the iniquitous practices of Wild ; but
after some interruptions to his proceedings, he devised
means for evading the law, which were for several years
attended with success.
He now declined the custom of receiving money from
the persons who applied to him; but upon the second or
third time of calling, informed them, that all he had been
able to learn respecting their business was, that if a sum
of money was left at an appointed place, their property
would be restored the same day.
Sometimes, as the person robbed was returning from
Wild's house, he was accosted in the street by a man who
delivered the stolen effects, at the same time producing a
note expressing the sum that was to be paid for them.
In cases wherein he supposed danger was to be appre-
hended, he advised people to advertise, that whoever
would bring the stolen goods to Jonathan Wild should
be rewarded, and no questions asked them. -
In the two first instances it could not be proved that he
either saw the thief, received the goods, or accepted of a
reward; and in the latter case he acted agreeable to the
directions of the injured party, and there appeared no rea:
son to criminate him as being in confederacy with the
felons. -
When he was asked what would satisfy him for his
trouble, he told the persons who had recovered their pro-
perty, that what he had done was without any interested
view, but merely from a principle of doing good ; that
therefore he made no claim ; but if he expected a pre-
- - sent,
0.
sº
---














Jon Athas wrip, 319
sent, he should not consider it as being his due, but as
an instance of generosity, which he should acknowledge
accordingly.
Our adventurer's business increased exceedingly, and
he opened an office in Newtoner's-lane, to the manage-
ment of which he appointed his man Abraham. This is-
raelite proved a remarkable industrious and faithful ser-
want to Jonathan, who intrusted him with matters of the
greatest importance.
By too strict an application to business, Wild much im-
paired his health, so that he judged it prudent to retire in-
to the country, for a short time. He hired a lodging at
Dulwich, leaving both offices under the direction of Abra-
ham.
A lady had her pocket picked of bank notes to the
amount of seven thousand pounds. She related the par-
ticulars of her robbery to Abraham, who in a few days
apprehended three pick-pockets, and conducted them to
Jonathan's lodgings, at Dulwich. Upon their delivering
wp all the notes, Wild dismissed them. When the lady
applied to Abraham, he restored her property, and she
generously made him a present of four hundred pounds,
which he delivered to his employer.
These three pick-pockets were afterwards apprehend-
ed, for some other offences, and transported. One of them
carefully concealed a bank-note for a thousand pounds in
the lining of his coat. On his arrival at Maryland, he
procured cash for the note, and having purchased his free-
dom, went to New York, where he assumed the charac-
ter of a gentleman. - -
Wild's business would not permit him to remain long
at Dulwich; and being under great inconvenience from
the want of Abraham's assistance, he did not keep open
his office in Newtoner's Lane for more than three months.
About a week after the return of Wild from Dulwich,
a mercer in Lombard-street ordered a porter to carry to
a particular inn, a box containing goods to the amount
of two hundred pounds. In his way the porter was ob-
served by three thieves, one of whom, being more gen-
teelly dressed than his companions, accosted the man in
the following manner: “If you are willing to earn six-
6 & pence,





320 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR,
“ pence, my friend, step to the tavern at the end of the
“street, and ask for the roquelaur I left at the bar; but,
“lest the waiter should scruple giving it you, take my
“gold watch as a token. Pitch your burthen upon this
“bulk, and I will take care of it till your return ; but be
* sure you make haste.”
and having delivered his message, was informed that the
thing he enquired for had not been left there ; upon
which the porter said, “Since you scruple to trust me, look
- “ at this gold watch, which the gentleman gave me to
“produce as a token.” What was called a gold watch
being examined, proved to be only pewter lacquered.
In consequence of this discovery, the porter hastened
back to where he had left the box, but neither that nor
the sharpers were to be found. - -
The porter was, with reason, apprehensive that he
should incur his master's displeasure if he related what
had happened; and, in order to excuse his folly, he deter-
in the mud, and then went home, saying he had been
knocked down, and robbed of the goods. -
The proprietor of the goods applied to Wild, and re-
lated to him the story he had been told by his servant,
Wild told him he had been deceived as to the manner in
which the trunk was lost, and that he should be convinced
of it, if he would send for his servant. A messenger was
dispatched for the porter, and, upon his arrival, Abraham
conducted him into a room separated from the office only
by a slight partition. “ Your master (said Abraham)
“municate the particulars of the robbery. What kind
“ of people were the thieves, and in what manner did
“ they take the box away ?” In reply, the man said,
* Why, two or three fellows knocked me down, and then
“carried off the box.” Hereupon Abraham told him,
that “if they knocked him down, there was but little
“ chance of the property being recovered, since that of
“fence rendered them liable to be hanged. But (conti.
“nued he) let me prevail upon you to speak the truth;
“for, if you persist in a refusal, be assured we shall disco-
- *. º “yer
/ #
The man went to the tavern,
mined upon the following stratagem: he rolled himself
“ hast just been here concerning the box you lost ; and
“he desired that you might be sent for, in order to com:












- ---
J ON AT HAN WILD. 321
“ver it by some other means. Pray, do you recollect no-
“thing about a token Were you not to fetch a roque-
“laur from a tavern, and did not you produce a gold
“watch as a token to induce the waiter to deliver it º’—
Astonished at Abraham's words, the porter declared
“he believed he was a witch,” and immediately acknow-
ledged in what manner he had lost the box.
One of the villains concerned in the above transaction,
lived in the house formerly inhabited by Wild, in Cock-
Alley, near Cripplegate. To this place Jonathan and
Abraham repaired, and when they were at the door, they
overheard a dispute between the man and his wife, during
which the former declared that he would set out for
Holland the next day. Upon this they forced open the
door, and Wild saying he was under a necessity of pre-
venting his intended voyage, took him into custody, and
conducted him to the Compter.
On the following day, the goods being returned to the
owner, Wild received a handsome reward ; and he con-
trived to procure the discharge of the thief.
On the 23d or 24th of January, 1718-19, Margaret
Dodwell and Alice Wright went to Wild's house, and
desired to have a private interview with him. Observing
one of the women to be with child, he imagined she
might want a father to her expected issue; for it was a
part of his business to procure persons to stand in the
place of the real fathers of children born in consequence
of illicit commerce. Being shewn into another room,
Dodwell spoke in the following manner: “I do not come,
“Mr. Wild, to inform you that I have met with any Joss,
“but that I wish to find something. If you will follow my
“advice, you may acquire a thousand pounds, or perhaps
“many thousand.” Jonathan here expressed the utmost
Willingness to engage in an enterprise so highly lucra-
tive, and the woman proceeded thus: “ My plan is this:
“you must procure two orthree stout resolute fellows who
“ will undertake to rob a house in Wormwood-street,
“near Bishopsgate. This house is kept by a eane-chair
“ maker, named John Cooke, who has a lodger, an ancient
“ maiden lady, immensely rich; and she keeps her money
“in a box in her apartment; she is now gone in the
VO L. I.-No. 12. 2 S - “ country


322 NEW NEwe ATE cALEN DAR.
* country to fetch more. One of the men must find an
“ opportunity of getting into the shop in the evening, and
“conceal himself in a saw pit there : he may let his com:
“panions in when the family are retired to rest. But it
“will be particularly necessary to secure two stout ap-
“prentices and a boy, who lay in the garret. I wish,
“however, that no murder may be committed.” Upon
- this Wright said, “Phoo! phoo! when people engage
“in matters of this sort, they must manage as well as they
“can, and so as to provide for their own safety.” Dod.
well now resumed her discourse to Jonathan : “The boys
“ now secured, no kind of difficulty will attend getting
“possession of the old lady's money, she being from home
“ and her room under that where the boys sleep. In the
“ room facing that of the old lady, Cooke and his wife
“lay : he is a man of remarkable courage ; great caution
“ therefore, must be observed respecting him; and, in-
|
“ without money. A woman and a child lay under the
“ room belonging to the old lady, but I hope no violence
“ will be offered to them.” - º
Having heard the above proposal, Wild took the wo.
men into custody, and lodged them in Newgate. It is
, ed from a principle of virtue or justice, but that he de-
clined engaging in the iniquitous Scheme, from an appré.
hension that their design was to draw him into a snare,
and though she paid no rent, he was too generous to turn
cuted Dodwell and Wright for a misdemeanor, and being
found guilty, they were sentenced each to suffer six months
imprisonment.
of fire lace, and other property of considerable value.
which John Butler had stolen from a house at Newington.
Green ; but Butler, instead of coming to account as
usual, had declined his felonious practices, and lived on
the produce of his booty. Wild, highly enraged at being
5 excluded
not to be supposed that his conduct in this affair proceed.
Dodwell had lived five months in Mr. Cooke's house,
“deed, I think it would be as well to knock him on the
“ head ; for then his drawers may be rifled, and he is never
her out, or in any manner to oppress her. Wild prose.
Wild had inserted in his book a gold wateh, a quantity

















JON AT HAN WILD. 323
excluded his share, determined to pursue every possible
means for subjecting him to the power of justice.
Being informed that he lodged at a public-house in
Bishopsgate-street, Wild went to the house early one
morning, when Butler, hearing him ascending the stairs,
jumped out of the window of his room, and climbing over
the wall of the yard, got into the street. Wild broke open
the door of the room; but was exceedingly disappointed
and mortified to find that the man in whom he was in pur-
suit had escaped. In the mean time Butler ran into a
house, the door of which stood open, and descending to
the kitchen, where some women were washing, told them
he was pursued by a bailiff, and they advised him to con-
ceal himself in the coal hole. * tº º:
Jonathan coming out of the ale-house, and seeing a
shop on the opposite side of the way open, he enquired
of the master, who was a dyer, whether a man had not
taken refuge in his house. The dyer answered in the ne-
gative, saying, he had not left his shop more than a mi-
nute, since it had been opened. Wild requested to search
the house, and the dyer readily complied. Wild asked
the women, if they knew whether a man had taken shelter
in the house, which they denied; but informing them that
the man he sought was a thief, they said he would find
him in the coal-hole. -
Having procured a candle, Wild and his attendants
scarched the place without effect, and they examined
every part of the house with no better success. He ob-
served that the villain must have escaped into the street ;
on which the dyer said, that could not be the case ; that if
he had entered, he must still be in the house, for he had
not quitted the shop, and it was impossible that a man
could pass to the street without his knowledge ; and he
advised Wild to search the cellar again. They now all went
into the cellar, and after some time spent in searching, the
dyer turned up a large vessel, used in his business, and
Butler appeared. Wild asked him in what manner he -
had disposed of the goods he stole from Newington-
green, upbraided him as being guilty of ingratitude, and
declared that he should certainly be hanged.
Butler, however, knowing the means by which an ac-
2 s 2 commodation
º


































3.24. NEW NEW GATE, CA. L E N D.A.R.
commodation might be effected, directed Wild to go to
his lodging, and look behind the head of the bed, where he
would find what would recompence him for his time and
trouble. Wild went to the place, and found what per-
fectly satisfied him ; but as Butler had been apprehended
º in a public manner, the other was under a necessity of
taking him before a magistrate, who committed him for
trial. He was tried the ensuing sessions at the Old Bai-
ley ; but by the artful management of Wild, instead of
being condemned to die, he was only sentenced to trans-
portation. ---
Being at an inn in Smithfield, Wild observed a large
trunk in the yard, and imagining that it contained pro-
perty of value, he hastened home, and instructed one of
the thieves he employed, to carry it off. The man he em-
ployed in this matter was named Jeremiah Rann, and he
was reckoned one of the most dexterous thieves in Lon-
don. Having dressed himself so as exactly to resemble
a porter, he carried away the trunk without being ob-
served. - ---
Mr. Jarvis, a whip-maker by trade, and the proprietor
of the trunk, had no sooner discovered his loss, than he
applied to Wild, who returned him the goods, in consi-
and condemned to die. The day preceding that on
which Rann was executed, he sent for Mr. Jarvis, and
related to him all the particulars of the trunk, Mr. Jar-
wis threatened Wild with a prosecution, but all apprehen-
sions on that score were soon dissipated by the decease
of Mr. Jarvis. . - -
Wild being much embarrassed in endeavouring to find
out some method by which he might safely dispose of the
property that was not claimed by the respective proprie-
tors, revolved in his mind a variety of schemes: but at
length he adopted that which follows: he purchased a
sloop, in order to transport the goods to Holland and
Flanders, and gave the command of the vessel to a noto:
rious thief named Roger Johnson.
deration of receiving ten guineas. Some time after, a
disagreement took place between Jonathan and Rann,
and the former apprehended the latter, who was tried
Ostend was the port where this vessel principally
- traded;
*
-













JONATHAN WILD. 325
traded; but when the goods were not disposed of there,
Johnson navigated her to Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, and
other places. He brought home lace, wine, brandy, &c.
and these commodities were landed in the night, without
adding any increase in the business of the revenue of.
ficers. This trade was continued about two years, when
five pieces of lace being lost, Johnson deducted the value
of them from the mate's pay. Violently irritated by this
conduct, the mate lodged an information against John-
son, for running a great quantity of various kinds of goods.
In consequence of this the vessel was exchequered,
Johnson cast in damages to the amount of 700l. and the
commercial proceedings were entirely ruined. -
A disagreement had for some time subsisted between
Johnson and Thomas Edwards, who kept a house of re-
sort for thieves in Long-lane, concerning the division of
Some booty. Meeting one day in the Strand, they charged
each other with felony, and were both taken into custody.
Wild bailed Johnson, and Edwards was not prosecuted.
The latter had no sooner recovered his liberty, than he
gave information against Wild, whose private warehouses
being searched, a great quantity of stolen goods was there.
found. Wild arrested Edwards in the name of Johnson,
to whom he pretended the goods belonged, and he was
taken to the Marshalsea, but the next day he procured
bail. Edwards determined to wreak his revenge upon
Johnson, and for some time industriously sought for him in
vain; but meeting him accidentally in Whitechapel-road,
he gave him into the custody of a peace-officer, who con-
ducted him to an adjacent ale-house. Johnson sent for
Wild, who immediately attended, accompanied by his
man Quilt Arnold. Wild promoted a riot, during which
Johnson availed himself of an opportunity of effecting an
escape. * †
Information being made against Wild for the rescue of
Johnson, he judged it prudent to abscond, and he re-
mained concealed for three weeks; at the end of which
time, supposing all danger to be over, he returned to his
house. Learning that Wild had returned, Mr. Jones,
high-constable of Holborg division, went to his house in
the Old Bailey, on the 15th of February, 1725, and appre-
- hended
-
-
º -














326 N EW NEW GATE CAL ENDAR.
hended him and Quilt Arnold, and took them before Sir
John Fryer, who committed them to Newgate, on a chargº.
of having assisted in the escape of Johnson. -
On Wednesday the 24th of the same month, Wild
moved to be either admitted to bail, or discharged, or
brought to trial that sessions, On the following Friday
a warrant of detainer was produced against him in court,
and to it was affixed the following articles of information:
- - - -
- ---
I. That for many years past he had been a confe-
derate with great numbers of highwaymen, pick-pockets,
house-breakers, shop-liſters, and other thieves.
II. That he had formed a kind of corporation of
-- thieves, of which he was the head or director, and that
ºf notwithstanding his pretended services, in detecting and
º prosecuting offenders, he procured such only to be hanged
as concealed their booty, or refused to share it with him.
º III. That he had divided the town and country into so
many districts, and appointed distinct gangs for each, who
regularly accounted with him for their robberies. That
he had also a particular set to steal at churches in time of
divine service : and likewise other moving detachments
to attend at court, on birth-days, balls, &c. and at both
houses of parliament, circuits, and country fairs.
IV. That the persons employed by him were for the
most part felons convict, who had returned from trans-
portation before the time for which they were transpor-
ted was expired; and that he made choice of them to be
his agents because they could not be legal evidences
against him, and because he had it in his power to take
from them what part of the stolen goods he thought fit,
and otherwise use them ill, or hang them, as he pleased.
V. That he had from time to time supplied such con-
victed felons with money and clothes, and lodged them in
his own house, the better to conceal them : particularly
some, against whom there are now informations for
counterfeiting and diminishing broad pieces and guineas.
VI. That he had not only been a receiver of stolen
goods, as well as of writings of all kinds, for near fifteen
years past, but had frequently been a confederate, and
robbed along with the above-mentioned convicted felons.
º VII. That
º -
-



























JONATHAN WILD. 327
*
VII, That in order to carry on these vile practices, and
to gain some credit with the ignorant multitude, he usual-
y carried a short silver staff, as a badge of authority from
the government, which he used to produce, when he him-
self was concerned in robbing. - º -
VIII. That he had, under his care and direction, se-
veral warehouses for receiving and concealing stolen
goods; and also a ship for carrying off jewels, watches,
and other valuable goods, to Holland, where he had a
Superannuated thief for his factor. -
IX. That he kept in pay several artists to make alter-
ations, and transform watches, seals, snuff-boxes, rings,
and other valuable things, that they might not be known,
several of which he used to present to such persons as he
thought might be of service to him.
X. That he seldom or never helped the owners to the
notes and papers they had lost, unless he found them able
exactly to specify and describe them, and then often, in-
sisted on more than half the value.
XI. And lastly, it appears, that he has often sold hu-
man blood, by procuring false evidence to swear persons
into facts they were not guilty of; sometimes to prevent
them from being evidences against himself, and at other
times for the sake of the great reward given by the go-
WCTI) ſnent. º
The information of Mr. Jones was also read in court,
setting forth that two persons would be produced to ac-
cuse the prisoner of capital offences. The men alluded
to in the above affidavit were John Follard and Thomas
Butler, who had been convicted: but it being deemed .
pedient to grant them a pardon on condition of their ap-
pearing in support of a prosecution against Wild, they
pleaded to the same, and were remanded to Newgate till
the next sessions.
Saturday the 12th of April, Wild by counsel moved
that his trial º be postponed till the ensuing sessions,
and an affidavit made by the prisoner was read in court,
purporting, that till the preceding evening he was entirely
ignorant of a bill having been found against him; that he
knew





323 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
knew not what offence was charged against him, and was
unable to procure two material wituesses, one of them
living near Brentford, and the other in Somersetshire.
This was opposed by the counsel for the crown, who urg-
ed, that it would be improper to defer the trial on so fri-
volous a pretext as that made by the prisoner; that the
affidavit expressed an ignorance of what offence he was
charged with, and yet declared that two nameless per-
sons were material witnesses.
The prisoner informed the court that his witnesses were
Hays, at the Pack-horse, on Turnham-green, and
- Wilson, a clothier, at Frome; adding, that he had
heard it slightly intimated that he was indicted for a fe-
lony upon a person named Stretham. Wild's counsel
moved that the names of Hays and Wilson might be in-
serted in the affidavit, and that it should be again sworn
to by the prisoner. The counsel for the prosecution ob-
served, that justice would not be denied the prisoner,
though it could not be reasonably expected that he would
be allowed any extraordinary favours or indulgencies,
Follard and Butler were, at length, bound each in the
penalty of 500i, to appear at the ensuing sessions, when
it was agreed that Wild's fate should be determined.
Saturday, May the 15th, 1725, Jonathan Wild was in-
dicted for privately stealing in the house of Catharine
Stretham, in the parish of St. Andrew, Holborn, fifty yards
of lace, the property of the said Catharine, on the 22d of
January, 1794-5. He was a second time indicted for fe-
loniously receiving of the said Catharine, on the 10th of
March, ten guineas on account, and under pretence of
restoring the said lace, without apprehending and pro-
secuting the felon who stole the property.
Previous to his trial, Wild distributed among the
jurymen, and other persons who were walking on the
leads before the court, a great number of printed papers,
under the title of “A List of Persons discovered, appre-
“hended, and convicted of several Robberies on the
“High-Way: and also for Burglary and House-Brea-
“king; and also for returning from Transportation; by
* Jonathan Wild.” This list contained the names of
- - thirty-





JON AT HAN WILD. 329 -
thirty-five for robbing on the high-way ; twenty-two for -
house-breaking; and ten for returning from transporta- -
tion. To the list was annexed the following Nota Bene.
“Several others have been also convicted for the like -
“crimes, but, remembering not the persons names who
“had been robbed, I omit the criminals names, --
“. Please to observe, that several others have been also -
“convicted for shop-lifting, picking of pockets, &c. by r
“the female sex, which are capital critnes, and which
“are too tedious to be inserted here, and the prosecutors
“not willing of being exposed. - -
“In regard therefore of the numbers above convicted,
“some, that have yet escaped justice, are endeavouring
“to take away the life of the said.
- “Jo NATH AN Wr L.D.”
The prisoner being put to the bar, he requested that
the witnesses might be examined apart, which was com-
plied with. Henry Kelley deposed, that by the priso-
ner's direction he went, in company with Margaret Mur-
phy, to the prosecutor's shop under pretence of buying
some lace ; that he stole a tin box, and gave it to Murphy
in order to deliver to Wild, who waited in the street for
the purpose of receiving their booty, and rescuing them
if they should be taken into custody; that they returned
together to Wild's, house, where the box being opened
was found to contain eleven pieces of lace; that Wild
said he could afford to give no more than five guineas, as
he should not be able to get more than ten guineas for re-
turning the goods to the owner; that he received, as his
share, three guineas and a crown, and that Murphy had
what remained of the five guineas.
Margaret Murphy was next sworn, and her evidence
coresponded in every particular with that of the former
witness”. -
Catherine Stethan, the elder, deposed, that between
three and four in the afternoon of the 22d of January, a
man and woman came to her house pretending that they
wanted to purchase some lace; that she shewed them.
two or three parcels, to the quality and price of which
they objected; and that in about three hours after they
w
* Margaret Murphy was executed March 27, 1728, for stealing-plate.
w
VQ L. I. - No. 10. 2 T had





330 NEW NEwg ATF CALEN DAR. -
had left the shop, she missed a tin box containing a quan- |
- tity of lace, the value of which she estimated at 50l.
The prisoner's council observed, that it was their opi.
nion he could not be legally convicted, because the indic.
ment positively expressed that he stole the lace in the
house, whereas it had been proved in evidence that he
was at a considerable distance when the fact was commit-
ted. They admitted that he might be liable to conviction
as an accessary before the fact, or guilty of receiving the
property knowing it to be stolen, but conceived that he
could not be deemed guilty of a capital felony unless the
indictment declared (as the act directs) that he did assist, |
command, or hire.
Lord Raymond presided when Wild was tried, and in
summing up the evidence his Lordship observed, that
the guilt of the prisoner was a point beyond all dispute;
but that as a similar case was not to be found in the law
books, it became his duty to act with great caution; he
- - - was not perfectly satisfied that the construction urged by
the council for the crown could be put upon the indict-
ment; and as the life of a fellow-creature was at stake, re-
commended the prisoner to the mercy of the jury, who
brought in their verdict NoT GUILTY.
Wild was indicted a second time for an offence com-
mitted during his confinement in Newgate. The indict-
ment being opened by the council for the crown, the fol.
lowing clause in an act passed in the 4th year of Geo. I.
was ordered to be read: -
“And whereas there are divers persons who have sé-
“cret acquaintance with felons, and who make it their
“business to help persons to their stolen goods, and by
“that means gain money from them, which is divided be:
“tween them and the felons, whereby they greatly en-
“courage such offenders. Be it enacted, by the authority
“ aforesaid that wherever any person taketh money or re-
“ ward, directly or indirectly, under pretence, or upon
“ account of helping any person or persons to any stolen
“goods or chattels, every such person so taking money or
“reward as aforesaid (unless such person do apprehend,
or cause to be apprehended, such felon who stole the
same, and give evidence against him) shall be guilty of
- º º º felony, |
---











box of lace being stolen out of my shop, on the 22d of
,
ded, and informed him that though I had advertised a re-
abled to recover the goods on more easy terms. He sent
J O N AT HAN WIL D. 3.31
“felony, according to the nature of the felony committed
“in stealing such goods, and in such and the same man-
“ner, as if such offender had stolen such goods and chat-
“tels, in the manner, and with such circumstances as the
“same were stolen.” - -
Catherine Stetham deposed to the following effect: “A
---
January, I went in the evening of the same day to the -
prisoner's house, in order to employ him in recovering my
goods; but not finding him at home, I advertised them, -
offering a reward of fifteen guineas, and saying no ques-
tions should be asked. The advertisement proved inef-
fectual: I therefore went again to the prisoner's house,
and by his desire gave the best description that I was able
of the persons I suspected to be the robbers; and, pro- - -
mising to make enquiry after my property, he desired me .
to call again in two or three days. I attended him a ser
cond time, when he informed me that he had learnt some-
thing concerning my goods, and expected more particu-
lar information in a short time. During this conversation
we were joined by a man, who said he had reason to sus- --
pect that one Kelley, who had been tried for circulating -
plated shillings, was concerned in stealing the lace. I
went to the prisoner again on the day he was appreheu-,
ward of no more than fifteen, I would give twenty or
twenty-five guineas, rather than not recover my property;
upon which he desired me not to be in too great a hurry,
and said the people who had the lace were gone out of
town, but that he would contrive to foment a disagree- .
ment between them, by which means he should be en-
me word, on the 10th of March, that if I would attendº
him in Newgate, and bring ten guineas with me, the
goods should be returned. I went to the prisoner, who
desired a person to call a porter, and then gave me a let-
ter, saying, it was the direction he had received where to
apply for the lace. I told him I could not read, and gave
the letter to the man he had sent for, who appeared to be
a ticket-porter. The prisoner then told me I must give
the porter ten guineas, that he might pay the people who
2 + 2 had


















332 N Ew N Ewg ATE call EN DAR.
had my goods, otherwise they would not return them. I
gave the money, and the man went out of the prison;
but in a short time he returned with a box sealed up;
though it was not the box I lost, I opened it, and found
all my lace, excepting one piece. I asked the prisoner
what satisfaction he expected; and he answered, not a
farthing; I have no interested views in matters of this
kind, but act from a principle of serving people under
misfortune. I hope I shall be soon able to recover the
other piece of lace, and to return you the ten guineas,
and perhaps cause the thief to be apprehended. For the
service I can render you, I shall only expect your prayers.
I have many enemies, and know not what will be the
consequence of this imprisonment.”
The prisoner's counsel argued, that as Murphy had de-
posed that Wild, Kelly, and herself, were concerned in
the felony, the former could by no means be considered
as coming within the description of the act on which the
indictment was founded; for the act in question was not
meant to operate against the actual perpetrators of felony,
but to subject such persons to punishment as held a cor-
respondence with felons. -
The counsel for the crown observed, that from the
evidence adduced, no doubt could remain of the pri-
soner's coming under the meaning of the act, since it had
been proved that he had engaged in combinations with fe
lons, and had not discovered them.
The judge recapitulated the arguments enforced on
each side, and was of opinion, that the case of the pri.
soner was clearly within the meaning of the act; for it
- was plain that he had maintained a secret correspondence
with felons, and received money for restoring stolen
goods to the owners, which money was divided between
- - - - him and the felons, whom he did not prosecute. The
jury pronounced him guilty, and he was executed at Ty:
burn, on Monday the 24th of May, 1725, along with
Robert Harpham.
Wild, when he was under sentence of death frequently
declared that he thought the service he had rendered
the public in returning the stolen goods to the owners,
and apprehending felons, was so great, as justly to entitle
him to the royal mercy. He said, that had he *
‘’’ - 13
-



























JonATHAN wild. . 333
his case as being desperate, he should have taken timely
measures for inducing some powerful friends, at Wolver-
hampton, to intercede in his favour; and that he thought
it not unreasonable to entertain hopes of obtaining a
pardon through the interest of some of the dukes, earls,
and other persons of high distinction, who had recovered
their property through his means. It was observed to
him, that he had trained up a great number of thieves,
and must be conscious, that he hād not enforced the exe-
cution of the law from any principle of virtue, but had
sacrificed the lives of a great number of his accomplices,
in order to provide for his own safety, and to gratify his
desire of revenge against those who had incurred his dis-
pleasure. - -
He was observed to be in an unsettled state of mind,
and being asked whether he knew the cause thereof, he
said, he attributed his disorder to the many wounds he
had received in apprehending felons, and particularly
mentioned two fractures of his skull, and his throat be-
ing cut by Blueskin. : * .
He declined attending divine service in the chapel, ex-
cusing himself on account of his infirmities, and saying,
that there were many people highly exasperated against
him, and therefore he could not expect, but that his de-
votions would be interrupted by their insulting behaviour.
He said he had fasted four days, which had greatly in-
creased his weakness. He asked the ordinary the mean-
ing of the words, “ Cursed is every one that hangeth on
“a tree,” and what was the state of the soul immediately
after its departure from the body? He was advised to di-
rect his attention to matters of more importance, and sin-
cerely to repent of the crimes he had committed.
By his desire the ordinary administered the Sacrament
to him, and during the ceremony he appeared to be some-
what attentive and devout. The evening preceding the
day on which he suffered, he enquired of the ordinary
whether self-murder could be deemed a crime, since ma-
ºny of the Greeks and Romans, who had put a period to
their own lives, were so honourably mentioned by histo-
fians: He was informed, that the most wise and learned
heathens accounted those guilty of the greatest cowardice,
- - - ºr 'º' who
ſ













334 NEW NEW GATE cALEN DAR.
who had not fortitude sufficient to maintain themselves
in the station to which they had been appointed by the
providence of Heaven ; and that the christian doctrine
condemned the practice of suicide in the most express
terms. - - - -
He pretended to be convinced that self-murder was a
most impious crime ; but about two in the morning he
endeavoured to put an end to his life by drinking lau-
danum; however, on account of the largeness of the dose,
and his having fasted for a considerable time, no other.
effect was produced than drowsiness, or a kind of stupe-
faction. The situation of Wild being observed by two
of his fellow-prisoners, they advised him to rouse his spi-
rits, that he might be able to attend to the devotional
exercises, and taking him by the arms they obliged him
to walk, which he could not have done alone, being
imuch afflicted with the gout. The exercise revived him.
a little, but he presently became exceedingly pale, then
grew very faint; a profuse sweating ensued, and soon af-
terwards his stomach discharged the greatest part of the
laudanum. Though he was somewhat recovered, he was
nearly in a state of insensibility, and in this situation he
- was put into the cart and conveyed to Tyburn,
In his way to the place of execution, the populace.
treated this offender with remarkable severity, incessan-
tly pelting him with stones, dirt, &c. and execrating him
as the must consummate villain that had ever disgraced
human nature. * ,
Upon his arrival at Tyburn, he appeared to be mu
cutioner informed him that a reasonable time would be
allowed him for preparing himself for the important
change that he must soon experience. He continued
sitting some time in the cart; but the populace were at
length so enraged at the indulgence shewn him, that they
outrageously called to the executioner to perform the du-
ties of his office, violently threatening him with instant
death if he presumed any longer to delay. He judged it
prudent to comply with their demands, and when he began
to prepare for the execution, the popular clamour ceased.
About two o'clock on the following morning, the re-
-: Iſlalºg
-
-
- ch
recovered from the effects of the laudanum ; and the exe-





JO NATHAN WILD. 335
mains of Wild were interred in St. Pancras Church yard:
but a few nights afterwards the body was taken up (for
the use of the surgeons, as it was supposed.) At mid- - |
night, a hearse and six was waiting at the end of Fig-lane,
where the coffin was found the next day. -
Wild had, by the woman he married at Wolverhamp-
ton, a son about 19 years old, who came to London a
short time before the execution of his father. He was
a youth of so violent and ungovernable a disposition, that
it was judged prudent to confine him while his father was
conveyed to Tyburn, lest he should create a tumult, and
prove the cause of mischief among the populace. Soon
after the death of his father, he accepted a sum of money
to become a servant in one of our plantations.
Besides the woman to whom he was married at Wol-
verhampton, five others lived with him under the preten-
ded sanction of matrimony; the first was Mary Milliner;
the second Judith Nun, by who he had a daughter; the
third Sarah Grigson, alias Perrin ; the fourth Elizabeth
Man, who cohabited with him above five years; the fifth,
whose real name is uncertain, married some time after
the death of Wild. - -
History cannot furnish an instance of such complica-
ted villany as was shewn in the character of Jonathan .
Wild, who possessed abilities, which, had they been pro-
perly cultivated, and directed into a right course, would
have rendered him a respectable and useful member of
society ; but it is to be lamented, that the profiigate turn
of mind that distinguished him in the early part of his life,
disposed him to adopt the maxims of the abandoned peo-
ºple with whom he became acquainted. º
During his apprenticeship, Wild was observed to be
fond of reading, but as his finances would not admit of
his buying books, his studies were confined to such as
casually fell in his way: and they unfortunately hap-
pened to contain those abominabie doctrines to which
thousands have owed the ruin of both their bodies and
souls. In short, at an early period of life he imbibed the
principles of Deism and Atheism, and the sentiments he
thus early contracted, he strictly adhered to nearly till the
period of his dissolution. - -
Voluminous




















336 a NEW NEWGATE CALENDAR.
*
- Voluminous writings were formerly beyond the pur.
chase of persons in the inferior classes of life, but the great
encouragement that has of late years been given to the
publication of weekly numbers, has so liberally diffused
the streams of knowledge, that but few even of the lower
ranks of mankind, can be sensible of any impediment to
the gratification of the desire of literary acquirements.
Wild trained up and instructed his dependents in the
practice of villany, and when they became the objects of
his displeasure, he laboured with unremitting assiduity to
procure their deaths. Thus his temporal and private
interest sought gratification at the expense of every reli-
gious and moral obligation. We must conceive it to be
impossible for a man acknowledging the existence of an
Almighty Being to implore his atteation upon devising
the means of corruption his fellow-creatures, and cutting
them off “even in the blossom of their sins; ” but the
Atheist, having nothing after this world either to hope or
fear, is only careful to secure himself from detection, and
the success of one iniquitous scheme naturally induces
him to engage in others, and the latter actions are gen-
erally attended with circumstances of more aggravated
guilt than the former.
There is a principle implanted in our nature, that will
exert itself when we are approaching to a state of dissolu.
tion, and impress our minds with a full confidence in the
existence of an eternal God, who will reward or punish
us according to our desert or demerits. Thus it hap-
pened to the miserable subject of these pages, who, when
he had relinquished the hope of surviving the sentence of
the law, anxiously enquired into the meaning of several
texts of scripture, and concerning the intermediate state
of the soul. The horrors of his guilt rushed upon his
conscience with such force that reflection became into-
lerable, and instead of repenting of his enormous crimes,
he employed his last moments that were enlightened by
reason (the distinguished characteristic of humanity) in
meditating the means of self-destruction 1 -
- -- -
- - -
- --
2



















---
|
| |
ſº
ſ
|
-
º
º
º
E- #
=- |
| # º:
| #
|
|
|
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º
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i.
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| º º
Hº== º
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§
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:
º















337
EDWARD BURNIPORTH,
WILLIAM BLEWITT, EMANUEL DICKENSON,
THOMAS BERRY, J () HN LEGEE, JOHN | | IGGS,
and MARJ0ſ&AM, another gang of murderers and
during robbers. -
-
-
-
NorwiTHSTANDING Jonathan Wild, in the early career
of his villainy, had been very active in bringing a number
of thieves to condign punishment, yet London and its en-
Virons were never more infested with common depreda-
tors, than about this time.
Burnworth and his gang secra to have risen to notoriety
on the downfall of Wild, for about the time of his apprehen-
sion, they were committing the most daring robberies;
but they, however, did not survive him quite a single year.
The Captain of this gang was born in Moorfields, Lon-
don. His father was a painter, and placed his son Edward
apprentice to a buckle-maker in Grub-street ; in which
situation he did not remain long, having given himself up
to the company º and disorderly young men. His
initiation into vicious habits took place at an infamous
place of low diversion, called the Ring, near his father's
place of residence, and where, it appears, he excelled in
the vulgar art of cudgel playing. He soon commenced
pick-pocket, and through the gradations in villainy, which
we have already described, became a general thief. As
a pick-pocket, he frequented every public place in and
near the city. He used to steal snuff-boxes, watches,
handkerchiefs, pocket-books, &c. At length he was ap-
prehended, and lodged in New Prison, from which he
found means to escape, and renewed his former occupa-
tion, but with more circumspection, usually lounging
about the fields near London during the day time, and re-
turning to town at night in search of prey. He was a
remarkable daring villain, and constantly carried pistols
about him, to aid him to make a readier escape in case of
detection. Going into a public house in the Old Bailey,
the landlord told him, that Quilt Arnold, one of Jonathan
Wild's men, who had been seeking him some days, was
Yo L, 1: No. 13. 2 U. then
.






338 NEW NEWGATE CAL ENDAR.
then in the house. Hereupon Burnworth went backwards
to a room where Arnold was sitting alone; and presenting
a pistol, upbraided him for endeavouring to injure his old
acquaintance; Arnold having been a brother thief. Buſh:
worth then called for a glass of brandy, and putting some
gunpowder in it, compelled the other to drink it on his
knees, and swear that he would never seek for him in fu-
ture. He was once whipped at the cart's tail for a theft.
William Blewitt, another of this gang, was the son of poor
parents near Cripplegate, who apprenticed him to a glo-
ver; but before he had served above three years of his
time, he associated with ill company, and became a pick-
pocket and house-breaker. Having been apprehended
and lodged in Newgate, he was tried for an offence, of
which he was convicted, and sentenced to be transported
for seven years; in consequence of which he was put on
board a ship in the river, in company with several other
felons. Some of these had procured saws and files to be
concealed in cakes of gingerbread, and by means of these
instruments they hoped to effect their escape before the
ship sailed to any distance. Blewitt having discovered
their intention, disclosed it to the captain of the vessel,
who seized the implements, and gave Blewitt his liberty,
as a reward for the information.” But he was no sooner
at large, than he returned to his old practices, in conse.
quence of which he was apprehended, and committed to
Newgate. At the following sessions he was indicted for
returning from transportation: and being convicted, re-
ceived sentence of death; but he pleaded the service he
had done by preventing the escape of the prisoners in the
river; on which he was reprieved till the return of the
vessel from America; when his allegations being found to
be true, he was pardoned, on the condition of transport-
ing himself. This, however, he neglected to do ; but
got into the company of Burnworth, Berry, Legee, and
Higgs, the three last having been thieves from their in-
fancy. At this time there was a gin-shop kept in the
Mint, Southwark, by a man named Ball, whose cha.
* This was assuming a power which was never given to any captain of 3 ||
- -
* Q ºr -
ºše), - - * , º
ractéſ





under their clothes. On the approach of evening they
him, swore he did not regard the keeper, whom he ad-
ing, one of their associates came and informed them that
Epw ARD BURNwo RTH, &c. 339
racter was similar to that of Jonathan Wild. Ball, who
had been himself a thief, threatened that he would cause
Burnworth to be taken into custody. The latter hearing
of this circumstance, resolved on the murder of Ball, and
engaged his accomplices in the execution of the plan.
Previous to this, while they were drinking at Islington,
Burnworth proposed to break open and rob the house of
a magistrate in Clerkenwell, who had distinguished him-
self by his diligence in causing thieves to be apprehended ; -
and this robbery was proposed more from motives of re-
venge than of gain. They soon executed their design,
and robbed the house of what they thought a large quan-
tity of plate, which they carried to Copenhagen-house,
at that time a public-house of ill fame, but on examining
-
º|º
the supposed treasure, they discovered that it was only
brass covered with silver, on which they threw it into the
New River. The following day, while they were carous-
º
some peace officers were waiting for them in Chick-lane,
a place they greatly frequented. Thus informed, they
kept in a body, and concealed their pistols and cutlasses.
ventured towards London, and having got as far as
Turnmill-street, the keeper of Clerkenwell Bridewell hap-
pening to see them, called to Burnworth, and said he
wanted to speak with him. Burnworth hesitated, but the
other assuring him that he intended no injury, and the
thief being confident that his associates would not desert
vanced to meet with the pistol in his hand, the other
rogues waiting on the opposite side of the street, armed
with cutlasses and pistols. This singular spectacle attract-
ing the attention of the populace, a considerable crowd
soon gathered round them, on which Burnworth joined
his companions, who kept together, and facing the peo-
ple retired in a body, presenting their pistols, and swearing
that they would fire on any one who should offer to molest
them. Thus they retreated as far as Battle-bridge, and
then making a circle round the fields, entered London by
a different avenue, and going to Blackfriars, took a boat
and crossed the Thames. Having lauded at the Bank-
2 U a side,






340 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
side, Southwark, they went to a place called the Music.
house, which was at that time much frequented by people
of dissolute characters. Here they continued drinking
some time, and then went into St. George's-fields, where
Burnworth re-proposed the murder of Ball, on account
of the threat that he had issued. All the company readily
agreed, except Higgs, who said, he would have no con.
cern in murder; however, the others forced him with
them : it was dark when they arrived at Ball's house, and
Higgs waited at the door, while the rest went in. Ball's
wife told them he was at an alehouse in the neighbourhood,
but she would go and call him, which she accordingly
did ; he no sooner got to the door of his own house, than
Burnworth seized him and dragged him in, reproaching
him with treachery, in intending to betray his old ac-
quaintance. As these desperadoes were armed with
pistols, Ball trembled with just apprehension for his life,
and dropping on his knees, earnestly entreated that they
would not murder him ; but Burnworth, swearing that he
should never obtain the reward for betraying him, shot
him dead on the spot, while thus begging for his life. The º
murder was no sooner perpetrated, than they all sallied
forth into the street; when Blewitt, supposing that the
report of the pistol might alarm the neighbours, fired ano-
ther into the air, saying, “We are now safe in town, and
there is no fear of rogues;” thereby intimating that they had
come out of the country, whither they had taken pistols for
their protection. Higgs had left his companions as soon
as the murder was committed, but on their way to the
Falcon Stairs, where they intended to take a boat, they met
with him again, when Burnworth proposed to murder
him, as they had done Ball, but Marjoram, an old acquaint.
ance, whom they had just met, interceded for his life,
which was granted, on condition, that for the future, he
should behave with greater courage. They now crossed
the Thames, and went to the Boar's-head tavern, in Smith-
field, where, not being known, they were under no ap-
prehension of detection. Here they remained till ten at
night, and then parted in different gangs, to commitse-
parate robberies. Some days after this, Dickenson, Ber-
ry, and Blewitt, having obtained a large booty, went to
Harwich,
-








EDw A R D BURN won't H, &c. 34 i
Harwich, and sailed in the packet-boat to Holland. In
the mean time, Higgs went to Portsmouth, and entered
on board the Monmouth man of war; but his brother ,
happening to meet the mate of a ship in London, gave
him a letter to deliver to him. The mate going acciden-
tally into a public-house in Smithfield, heared the name
of Higgs mentioned by some people who were talking of - º
the murder, among whom was a watchman, whom the
mate told that he had a letter to carry to one Higgs. On
this the watchman went to the under secretary of state,
and mentioned what he had heard and suspected. Here-
upon the watchman and two of the king's messengers,
being dispatched to Portsmouth, Higgs was taken into
custody, brought to London, and committed to Newgate.
* Still Burnworth and the rest of his associates, continued
to defy the laws, in the most open manner. Having stop-
ped the earl of Harborough's chair, during broad day-
light, in Piccadilly, one of the chairmen pulled out a pole
of the chair, and knocked down one of the villains, while
the earl came out, drew his sword, and put the rest to
flight; but not before they had raised their wounded coin-
panion, whom they took off with them. The number of
daring robberies which were now daily committed, were
so alarming, that the king issued a proclamation for
apprehending the offenders, and a pardon was offered to
any one who would impeach his accomplices, except
Burnworth, who was justly considered as the principal of
the gang, Marjoram happened to be drinking at a pub-
lic-house in Whitecross-street one night, when a gentle-
man went in and read the royal proclamation. The
company present knew nothing of Marjoram ; but he
apprehending that some of his accomplices would become
an evidence, if he did not, applied to a constable in Smith-
field, and desired him to take him before the Lord Mayor.
By this time the evening was far advanced, on which
Marjoram was lodged in the Compter for that night, and
being taken to Guildhall the next day, he discovered all
the circumstances that he knew; and informing the Lord
Mayor that Legee lodged in Whitecross-street, he was
almost immediately apprehended, and committed to
Newgate the same day. The circumstance of Marjoram
º having




342.
* NEw N EwcATE ca LEN DAR.
having turned evidence being now the public topic,
John Barton, a fellow who had been sometime con-
nected with Burnworth and his gang, provided a loaded |
pistol, and placing himself near Goldsmith's-hall, took
an opportunity, when the officers were conducting
• Marjoram before the Lord Mayor, to fire at him, but
Marjarom observing him advancing, stooped down, so
that the ball grazed his back only. The suddenness of
this action, and the surprize it occasioned, gave Barton
an opportunity of effecting his escape. About this time
one Wilson, who had likewise belonged to the gang,
- quitted London, but being apprehended about two years
afterwards, he was hanged at Kingston in Surry. In the
meat time Burnworth continued at large, committing
- depredations on the public, and appearing openly in the
streets, notwithstanding the proclamation issued to appre-
hend him. He broke open the house of a distiller in
Clare-market, and carried off a great number of bank-
notes; in consequence of which another proclamation
- was issued, and three hundred pounds were offered for
º taking him into custody; notwithstanding he still ap-
peared at large, and gave the following, among other
proofs of his audacity. Sitting down at the door of a
public-house, in Holborn, where he was well known, he
called for a pint of beer and drank it, holding a pistol in
hand, by way of protection, he then paid for his beer,
and went off with the greatest apparent unconcern. At
this time he kept company with two infamous women, |
one of whom was the wife of a man named Leonard,
who having belonged to the gang, thought to recommend
himself to mercy, by the apprehension of Burnworth.
Having told his wife what he intended, she informed |
some magistrates of the proposed plan, and they sent six
º men to assist in carrying it into execution. Shrove Tues-
day being the day appointed, the men waited at a public-
house till they should receive a hint to proceed. About
six in the evening Burnworth went to the lodgings of the
women, to which there was a back-door that opened into
a yard. It was proposed to have pancakes for, supper,
and while one of the women was frying them, the other
went to the public-house for some beer, and on her return.
- - pretended
- --
--
-



EDw ARD BURN wort H, &c. 343
pretended to bolt the door, but designedly missed the sta- -
ple, at that moment six men rushed in, and seized Burn-
worth before he had time to make any resistance, though
he had a pistol in the pocket of his great coat. Being
carried before three magistrates, he was committed to
Newgate ; but his accomplices were so infamously dar-
ing, as to attempt the murder of the woman who had oc-
casioned his apprehension ; a pistol was fired at her as
she was entering the door of her own house, which being
communicated to the magistrates, constables were ap-
pointed to watch nightly for her protection, till the des-
peradoes gave over their attempts. Burnworth, while in
Newgate, projected the following scheme of escape:
having been furnished with an iron crow, he engaged
some of the prisoners, who assisted him in pulling stones
out of the wall, while others sung psalms, that the keepers
might not hear what they were doing. On the day fol-
lowing this transaction, which was carried on during the
night, five condemned criminals were to be executed;
but when the jailors came to take them out, there was
such an immense quantity of stones and rubbish to re- -
move, that it was two o'clock in the afternoon, before the
criminals could be got out of the cells. This scheme of
Burnworth occasioned his closer confinement. He was
removed into a room, known by the name of the bilboes,
and loaded with a pair of the heaviest irons in the prison,
but he intended to have made his escape even from this
place; and being furnished with files and saws from some
of his acquaintance, he worked his way through a wall
into a room in which were some women prisoners, one of
whom acquainting the keeper with what had happened,
Burnworth was chained to the floor of the condemned
hold. Application was made to the secretary of state, to
take measures for the apprehension of Berry, Dickinson.
and Blewitt, who had gone over to Holland; and here-
upon instructions were sent to the English ambassador
at the Hague, impowering him to request of the States
General, that the ºffenders might be delivered up to Jus-
tice, if found any where within their jurisdiction. The
ambassador, on receiving the necessary instructions, made
the application, and orders were issued accordingly, in
# Consequence
º
- - -
- -
ºn
º
º,
º
-
º
- º






























344 rºw NEwe ATE ca LEN p AR
-
of which Blewitt was apprehended at a public-house in
Rotterdam, but Dickenson and Berry had taken refuge
on board a ship at the Brill. Blewitt was lodged in the
state-house prison, and then the officers who took him
went immediately on board the ship, and seized his two
accomplices, whom they brought to the same place of
confinement. They were chained to the floor till the
English ambassador requested permission to send them
home, which being readily obtained, they were guarded
to the packet-boat by a party of soldiers, and were chained
together as soon as they were put on board. When they
reached the Nore, they were met by two of the king's
messengers, who conducted them up the river. On the
Tower, which was guarded by three other boats, in each
of which was a corporal and several soldiers. In this
manner they were conducted to Westminster, where they
- were examined by two magistrates, who committed them
to Newgate, to which they were escorted by a party of
the foot-guards. On sight of Burnworth, they seemed to
pressed his happiness at their safe arrival from Holland.
tº “. ---
Surry, they were hand-cuffed, put into a waggon, and in
this manner a party of dragoons conducted them to King-
ston. Their insolence on leaving Newgate, was unpa-
ralleled,—they told the spectators that it would become
to the dragoons, that they expected to be protected from
injury on the road; and during their journey they be-
haved with great indifference, throwing money among the
bie for it. A boy having picked up a halfpenny, one of
a handful which Blewitt had thrown among the people,
told him that he would keep that halfpenny, and have his
name engraved on it, as sure as he would be hanged at
Kingston, on which Blewitt gave him a shilling to pay the
expence of engraving, and enjoined him to keep his pro-
mise, which, it is affirmed, the boy actually did. On their
arrival at Kingston, they were put in the prison called the
--- - Stockhouse,
arrival of the vessel, they were put into a boat opposite the
On the approach of the ensuing assizes for the county of
them to treat gentlemen of their profession with respect,
especially as they were going a journey; and likewise said
populace, and diverting themselves by seeing them scram:
pity his situation, while he, in a hardened manner, ex-




EDWARD BURNwor TH, &c. 345
Stockhouse, where they were chained to the floor; and
on the following day, bills of indictment were found
against them, they were brought up for trial before Lord
Chief Justice Raymond, and Judge Denton, but some
articles having been taken from Burnworth when he was
apprehended, he refused to plead, unless they were re-
stored to him. The judges made use of every argument
to prevail on him to plead, but in vain; in consequence
of which sentence was passed that he should be pressed to
death. Hereupon he was taken back to the Stockhouse,
where he bore the weight of one hundred, three quarters,
and two pounds, on his breast. The high-sheriff who at-
tended him on this occasion, used every argument to pre-
vail on him to plead, to which he consented, after bear-
ing the weight an hour and three minutes, during great
part of which time he endeavoured to kill himself, by
striking his head against the floor. Being brought into
court, he was tried, and convicted with his companions.
They were no sooner convicted, than orders were given
for their being chained to the floor; but in this deplora-
ble situation they diverted themselves, by recounting some
particulars of their robberies, to such persons whose curi-
osity induced them to visit the gaol. Some people wished
they would leave an account of their robberies, but Burn-
worth said the particulars could not be contained in an
hundred sheets of paper. On passing sentence the learned
judge most earnestly entreated them to prepare for ano-
ther world, as their time in the present must necessarily
be short. They begged that their friends might visit
them; and this being complied with, files and saws were
conveyed to them, to assist them in their escape. Their
plan was to have mixed opium in wine, to have made the
keepers sleep ; and if this had taken place, they then pro-
posed to have set fire to some piles of wood near the pri.
$on, and in other parts of the town, and to get a consider-
able distance during the conflagration; but the keepers
having listened to their discourse, they were more strictly
guarded than before, and their whole scheme rendered
abortive. A short time before their execution Burnworth
told one of the keepers, that, “If he did not see him
buried in a decent manner, he would meet him after
WQL. I.-NO, 13, 2 x death
-


























346 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
changed to that of transportation.
death in a dark entry, and pull off his nose.” When the
day of execution arrived, the prisoners were put into a
cart, and a company of foot soldiers escorted them to the
fatal tree. On their way Blewitt saw a gentleman named
Warwick, and having obtained permission to speak to
him, most earnesly entreated his pardon for having at:
tempted to shoot him, in consequence of an information
which Mr. Warwick had given against him. Dickenson
and Blewitt appeared more penitent than any of the rest.
They wept bitterly at the place of execution, and said,
they hoped their untimely fate would teach young men to
avoid such courses as had brought them to their fatalend.
They suffered April 12, 1726. After execution, their
bodies were brought to the new gaol in Southwark, to be
fitted with chains. The bodies of Burnworth and Blewitt
were suspended on a gibbet in St. George's Fields, near
where the murder was perpetrated. Legee and Higgs
were hanged on Putney Common, and Berry and Dicken-
son on Kennington Common; but representation being
made to the people in power, that Dickenson's father,
when a lieutenant in the army, had died fighting for his
country, in Flanders, permission was given to his friends,
to take down and bury, the body, after he had hung one
day. Marjoram, the evidence, obtained his liberty, of
course, when his accomplices were convicted; but in a
few days afterwards, he cut the string of a butcher's
"--- º - -
apron, and ran away with his steel. º
Being pursued, he was apprehended, committed, and
being indicted for privately stealing, was convicted, and
º - - - - - -
received sentence of death ; but in consideration of his
having been the means of bringing the above-mentioned
atrocious offenders to justice, the sentence of death was
-






















with her parents till she was about fifteen years old, and
a farmer in Warwickshire, the farmer's wife hired her as
a servant. When she had continued a short time in this
and a private marriage took place, which was managed in
o 2 S
been seduced, were at Worcester, and hearing of her mar-
they did not release him, the young fellow immediately
-
º
,
347
CATHARINE HAYES,
BURNT ALIVE AT TYBURN MAY 9, 1726, FoR THE MURDER OF HER . - ;
HUSBAND.
-
WE give the history of the enormous sins and dreadful
sufferings of this abominable woman, just as they came to .
our hands—too shocking for a single comment. * *
Catharine Hayes was the daughter of a poor man of the -
name of Hall, who lived near Birmingham. She remained
then, having a dispute with her mother, she left her home,
and set out with a view of going to London. Her per-
son being rather engaging, and some officers in the army
meeting with her on the road, prevailed on her to accom-
pany them to their quarters, at Great Ombersley in Wor- :
cestershire, where she remained with them a considerable -
time—On being dismissed by these officers, she strolled
about the country, till arriving at the house of Mr. Hayes,
service, Mr. Hayes's son fell violently in love with her,
the following manner : Catharine left the house early in
the morning, and the younger Hayes being a carpenter,
prevailed on his mother to let him have some money to buy
tools; but as soon as he had got it he set out, and meeting
his sweetheart at a place they had agreed on, they went
to Worcester, where the nuptial rites were celebrated. At
this time it happened that the officers, by whom she had
riage, they caused young Hayes to be taken out of bed
from his wife, under pretence that he had enlisted in the
army. Thus situated, he was compelled to send an ac-
count of the whole transaction to his father, who, though
offended with his son for the rash step he had taken, went
to a magistrate, who attended him to Worcester, and de-
manded by what authority the young man was detained:
The officers endeavoured to excuse their conduct: but
the magistrate threatening to commit them to prison if
- gº
2 x 2 - obtained


































* 348 New New GATE cales DAR.
obtained his liberty. The father, irritated at the imprudent
conduct of his son, severely censured his proceedings; but
considering that what was passed could not be recalled,
had good sense enough not to perserve in his opposition
to an unavoidable event.—Mr. Hayes now furnished his
son with money to begin business for himself; and the
young couple were in a thriving way, and appeared to
live in harmony: but Mrs. Hayes, being naturally of a
restless disposition, prevailed on her husband to enlist for
a soldier. The regiment in which he served being of:
--- dered to the Isle of Wight, Catherine followed him thi.
ther. He had not been long there before his father pro-
cured his discharge, which, as it happened in the time of
war, was attended with an expence of 6ol. On the re-
turn of young Hayes and his wife, the father gave them
an estate of 10l. per annum, to which he afterwards
added another of 16]. which, with the profit of their trade,
would have been amply sufficient for their support. The 1.
husband bore the character of an honest, well disposed
man; he treated his wife very indulgently, yet she con-
stantly complained of the covetousness of his disposition:
but he had much more reason to complain of her disposi-
tion, for she was turbulent, quarrelsome, and perpetually
exciting disputes among her neighbours. The elder Mr.
H. observing with concern how unfortunately his son was
matched, advised him to leave her, and settle in some
place where she might not find him. Such, however, was
his attachment to her, that he could not comply with this
advice; and she had the power of persuading him to
come to London, after they had been married about six
years. On their arrival in the metropolis, Mr. Hayes took
- a house, part of which he let into lodgings, and opened
a shop in the chandlery and coal-trade, in which he was
as successful as he could have wished. Exclusive of his
profit by shop-keeping, he acquired a great deal of mo:
ney by lending small sums on pledges, for at this time the
trade of pawnbroking was followed by any one at plea-
sure, it having been then subject to no regulation. Mrs.
Hayes's conduct in London was still more reprehensible
than it had been in the country. The chief pleasure of
her life consisted in creating and encouraging quarrel;
º --- among
- -












CATH ARINE HAYES, 349
among her neighbours; and, indeed, her unhappy dispo-
sition discovered itself on every occasion. Sometimes she
would speak of her husband, to his acquaintance, in terms
of great tenderness and respect ; and at other times she
would represent him to her female associates as a con-
pound of every thing that was contemptible in human na-
ture. On a particular occasion, she told a woman of her
acquaintance, that she should think it no more sin to mur-
der him, than to kill a dog. At length her husband find-
ing she made perpetual disturbances in the neighbour-
hood, thought it prudent to remove to Tottenham-court-
road, where he carried on his former business; but not
being as successful here as he could bave wished, he took
another house in Tyburn-road, since called Oxford-road.
Here he continued his practice of lending small sums of
money on pledges, till having acquired a decent compe- .
tency, he left off housekeeping, and hired lodgings near -
the same spot.—Thomas Billings, a journeyman taylor,
and a supposed son of Mrs. Hayes's, by her former con-
nections, lodged in the house with Mrs. Hayes, and the
husband having gone into the country on business, his -
wife and this man indulged themselves in every species of -
extravagance. On Hayes's return, some of his neigh- -
bours told him how his wife had been wasting his sub-
stance, on which he sincerely censured her conduct, and
a quarrel arising between them, they proceeded from
words to blows. It was commonly thought that she form-
£d the resolution of murdering him at this time, as the
quarrel happened only six weeks before his fatal exit.
She now began to sound the disposition of Billings, to
whom she said it was impossible for her to live longer
with her husband ; and she urged all possible arguments
to prevail on him to aid her in the commission of the
murder, which Billings resisted for some time, but at
length complied—At this period, Thomas Wood, an ac:
quaintance of Mr. Hayes, arrived from the country; and
as he was apprehensive of being impressed, Hayes kindly -
took him into his house, and promised to use his interest
in procuring him some employment. After a few days re-
sidence, Mrs. Hayes proposed to him the murder of her
husband; but the man was shocked at the thought of der
- - $troying
º
--














350 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
stroying his friend and benefactor, and told her he would
have no concern in so atrocious a deed. However, she
artfully urged, that “he was an atheist, and it could be
no crime to destroy a person who had no religion or good-
ness—that he was himself a murderer, having killed a
man in the country, and likewise two of his own children,
one of which he buried under a pear tree, and the other
under an apple tree.” She likewise said, that her hus-
band's death would put her in possession of 1500l. of the
whole of which Wood should have the disposal, if he
would assist her and Billings in the perpetration of the
murder. Wood went out of town a few days after this,
and on his return found Mr. and Mrs. Hayes and Billings
in company together, having drank till they had put
themselves into the utmost apparent good humour. Wood
sitting down at Hayes's request, the latter said they had
drank a guinea's worth of liquor, but notwithstanding
this, he was not drunk. A proposal was now made by
Billings, that if Hayes could drink six bottles of moun-
tain without being drunk, he would pay for it; but that
Hayes should be the paymaster if the liquor made him
drunk, or if he failed of drinking the quantity. This pro-
posal being agreed to, Wood, Billings, and Mrs. Hayes,
went to a wide-vault to buy the wine, and on their way,
this wicked woman reminded the men that the present
would be a good opportunity of committing the murder,
as her husband would be perfectly intoxicated. The
mind of Wood was not yet wrought up to a proper pitch
for the commission of a crime so atrocious as the murder
of a man who had sheltered and protected him; and this
too, at a time when his mind must necessarily be unpre-
pared for his launching into eternity. Mrs. H. had there-
fore recourse to her former arguments, urging, that it
would be no sin to kill him; and Billings seconded all she
said, and declaring he was ready to take a part in the
horrid deed, Wood was at length prevailed on to become
one of the execrable butchers. Thus agreed, they went
to the wine vault, where Mrs. Hayes paid half a guinea
for six bottles of wine, which being sent home by a por:
ter, Mr. Hayes began to drink it, while his intentional
murderers regaled themselves with beer. When he had
º
- - - - taken



, - CAT HARINE HAY Es. 351 s
taken a considerable quantity of the wine, he danced
about the room like a man distracted, and at length fi-
nished the whole quantity; but not being then in an abso-
lute state of stupefaction, his wife sent for another bottle,
which he likewise drank, and then fell senseless on the
floor. Having lain some time in this condition, he got,
with much difficulty, into another room, and threw him-
self on a bed. When he was asleep, his wife told her as-
sociates that now was the time to execute their plan, as
there was no fear of any resistance on his part. Accord-
ingly, Billings went into the room with a hatchet, with
which he struck Hayes so violently, that he fractured his
skull. At this time Hayes's feet hung off the bed, and
the torture arising from the blow, made him stamp re-
peatedly on the floor, which being heard by Wood, he
also went into the room, and taking the hatchet out of
Billings's hand, gave the poor man two more blows, which
effectually dispatched him. A woman, named Springate,
who lodged in the room over that where the murder was
committed, hearing the noise occasioned by Hayes's
stamping, imagined that the parties might have quarrelled
in consequence of their intoxication ; and going down -
stairs, she told Mrs. Hayes that the noise had awakened
her husband, her child, and herself. Catharine had a ready -
answer to this: she said, some company had visited them,
and were grown merry, but they were on the point of
taking their leave; with which answer Mrs. Springate
returned to her room well satisfied. The murderers then
consulted on the best manner of disposing of the body, so -
as most effectually to prevent detection. Mrs. Hayes
proposed to cut off the head, because if the body was
found whole, it would be more likely to be known. The
villains agreeing to this proposition, she fetched a pail,
lighted a candle, and all of them going into the room, the
men drew the body partly off the bed, when Billings sup-
ported the head, while Wood, with his pocket-knife, cut
it off, and the infamous woman held the pail to receive
it, being as careful as possible that the floor might not be
stained with the blood. This being done, they poured
the blood out of the pail into a sink by the window, and
poured several pails of water after it; but notwithstand-
º: Ing














352. NEW NEWGATE CA tº E N E AR.
ing all this care, Mrs. Springate observed some congealed
blood the next morning ; though at that time she did not
in the least suspect what had passed. It was likewise
observed, that the marks of the blood were visible on the
floor for some weeks afterwards, though Mrs. Hayes had
scraped it with a knife, and washed it. When the head
was cut off, this diabolical woman recommended the
boiling it till the flesh should part from the bones; but the
other parties thought this operation would take up too
much time, and therefore advised the throwing it into the
Thames, in expectation that it would be carried off by the
tide, and sink. This agreed to, the head was put into the
pail, and Billings took it under his great coat, being ac-
companied by Wood; but making a noise in going down
stairs, Mrs. Springate called, and asked what was the
matter; to which Mrs. Hayes answered, that her hus-
band was going a journey, and, with incredible dissimu-
lation, she affected to take her leave of him, and, as it
was now past eleven, pretended great concern that he
was under a necessity of going at so late an hour. By
this artifice Wood and Billings passed out of the house
unnoticed, and went to Whitehall, where they intended
to have thrown in the head; but the gates being shut,
they went to a wharf near the horse-ferry, Westminster.
Billings putting down the pail, Wood threw the head into
the dock, expecting it would have been carried away by
the stream ; but at this time the tide was ebbing, and a
lighterman, who was then in his vessel, heard something
fall into the dock, but it was too dark for him to distin-
guish objects. The murderers having thus disposed of
the head, went home, and were let in by Mrs. Hayes,
without the knowledge of the lodgers. On the following
morning, soon after day-break, as a watchman, named
Robinson, was going off his stand, he saw the pail, and
looking into the dock, observed the head of a man. Have
ing procured some witnesses to this spectacle, they took
out the head, and observing the pail, to be bloody, con-
cluded, that it was brought therein from some distant
part. The lighterman now said, that he had heard some.
thing thrown into the dock; and the magistrates and par
rish officers having assembled, gave strict orders that the
- º º most
--













---
CATHARINE HAYES. 353
-
most diligent search should be made after the body, which,
however, was not found till some time afterwards; for,
when the murderers had conversed together, on the dis-
posal of the body, Mrs. Hayes had proposed that it should
be put into a box and buried, and the other parties agree-
ing to this, she purchased a box, which, on being sent
home, was found too little to contain it; on which she
recommended the chopping off the legs and arms, which
was done; but the box being still too small, the thighs
were likewise cut off, and all the parts packed up toge-
ther, and the box put by till night, when Wood and Bil-
lings took out the pieces of the mangled body, and put-
ting them into two blankets, carried them into a pond
hear Marybone; which being done, they returned to their
lodgings, and Mrs. Springate, who had still no suspicion
of what had passed, opened the door for them. In the
interim the magistrates directed that the head should be
washed clean, and the hair combed ; after which it was
put on a pole in the church-yard of St. Margaret, West-
minster, that an opportunity might be afforded for its be-
ing viewed by the public.” Orders were likewise given
that the parish officers should attend this exhibition of the
* It was formerly customary to make persons suspected of murder to
touch the murdered body, for the dicovery of their guilt of innocence.
This way of finding murderers was practised in Denmark by King -
Christianus II, and permitted all over his kingdom ; the occasion whereof
is this ; certain gentlemen being on an evening together in a stove, Or
tavern, fell out among themselves, and from words grew to blows (the can-
dles being out,) insomuch that one of them was stabbed with a pohjard.
Now the murderer was unknown, by reason of the number, although the
person stabbed accused a pursuivant of the king's, who was one of the
Company. - - - . . . . . .
The king, to find out the homicide, caused therfi all to come together in
the stove, and standing round the corpse, he commanded that they should,
one after another, lay their right hand on the slain gentleman's naked
breast, swearing that they had not killed him. The gentlemen did so,
and no sign appeared against them; the pursuivant only remained, who,
condemned before in his own conscience, went first of all, and kissed the
| dead man's feet, but as soon as he had laid his hand upon his breast, the
blood gushed forth in abundance, both out of his wound and his nostrils;
so that, urged by this evident accusation, he confessed the murder, and
was, by the king's own sentence, immediately beheaded. - -
Hence the origin of the practice, which was so coininofi in many of the
countries in Europe, for finding out unknown murderers.
V 9 E, 12–No. 13, 2 Y head

354 New NEwgATE cALEN DAR.
head, to take into custody any suspicious person who
might discover signs of guilt on the sight of it. The high
constable of Westminster, on a presumption that the body
might, on the following night, be thrown where the head
had been, gave private orders to the inferior constables,
to attend, during the night, and stop all coaches, or other
carriages, or persons with burdens, coming near the spot,
and examine if they could find the body, or any of the
limbs. The head being exposed on the pole, so excited
the curiosity of the public, that immense crowds of peo.
ple, of all ranks, went to view it ; and among the rest was
a Mr. Bennet, apprentice to the king's organ-builder, who
having looked at it with great attention, said, he thought
it was the head of Hayes, with whom he had been some
time acquainted; and hereupon he went to Mrs. Hayes,
and telling her his suspicions, desired she would go and
take a viewof the head. In answer hereto she said, that her
husband was in good health, and desired him to be cau-
tious of what he said, as such a declaration might occa- |
sion him a great deal of trouble, on which, for the present,
Bennet, took no farther notice of the affair. A journeyman
taylor, named Patrick, who worked in Monmouth-street,
having likewise taken a view of the head, told his master
on his return, that he was confident it was the head of
Hayes; on which some other journeymen in the same
shop, who had likewise known the deceased, went and
saw it, and returned perfectly assured that it was so. As
Billings worked at this very shop in Monmouth-street,
one of these journeymen observed to him, that he must
know the head, as he lodged in Hayes's house; but Bil.
lings said he had left him well in bed when he came to
work in the morning, and therefore it could not belong to
him. On the following day Mrs. Hayes gave Wood a
suit of clothes which belonged to her husband, and sent
him to Harrow-on-the-Hill. As Wood was going down
stairs with the bundle of clothes, Mrs. Springate asked
him what he had got to which Mrs. Hayes readily re-
plied a suit of clothes he had borrowed of an acquaint-
ance. On the second day after the commission of the
murder, Mrs. Hayes being visited by a Mr. Lºgº
thé
º






































CATH A R IN E HAYES. - 355
- *
the former asked what was the news of the town; when
the latter said, that the public conversation was wholly
engrossed by the head which was fixed in St. Margaret's
church-yard. Hereupon Catharine exclaimed against
the wickedness of the times, and said she had been told
that the body of a murdered woman had been found in
the fields that day. Wood coming from Harrow-on-the-
Hill on the following day, Catharine told him that the
head was found, and giving him some other clothes that
had belonged to her husband, and five shillings, said she
would continue to supply him with money. After the
head had been exhibited four days, and no discovery
made, a surgeon named Westbrook was desired to put it
in a glass of spirits to prevent its putrifying, and keep it
for the farther inspection of all who chose to take a view
of it, which was accordingly done. Soon after this, Mrs.
Hayes quitted her lodgings, and removed to the house
of Mr. Jones, a distiller, paying Mrs. Springate's rent also
at the former lodgings, and taking her with her. Wood
and Billings likewise removed with her, whom she con-
tinued to supply with money, and employed herself prin-
cipally in collecting cash that had been owing to her late
husband. A sister of Mr. Hayes's, who lived in the
country, having married a Mr. Davies, Hayes had lent
Davies some money, for which he had taken his bond;
which bond Catherine finding among Mr. Hayes's pa-
pers, she employed a person to write a letter in the name
of the deceased, demanding ten pounds in part of pay-
ment, and threatening a prosecution in case of refusal.
Mr. Hayes's mother being still living, and Davies unable
to pay the money, he applied to the old gentlewoman for
assistance, who agreed to pay the money on condition
that the bond was sent into the country; and wrote to
London, intimating her consent so to do, having no sus-
picion of the horrid transaction which had taken place.
In the mean time incredible numbers of people resorted
to see the head, and among the rest a poor woman from
Kingsland, whose husband had been absent from the very
time that the murder was perpetrated. After a minute
survey of the head, she believed it was that of her hus-
band, though she could not be absolutely positive. How-
2 y Q ever,



















356 W. EW NEWG.A.T.E CAL ENT).A.R.,
º ever, her suspicions were so strong, that strict search was
* made after the body, on a presumption that the clothes
º might help her to ascertain it. Mr. Hayes not being wi.
sible for a considerable time, his friends could not help
making enquiry after him. A Mr. Ashby in particular,
who had been on the most friendly terms with him, called
on Mrs. Hayes, and demanded what was become of him,
Catharine pretended to account for his absence by com:
municating the following intelligence, as a matter that
must be kept profoundly secret:-" Some time ago, (said
she) he happened to have a dispute with a man, and from
words they came to blows, so that Mr. Hayes killed him.
The wife of the deceased made up the affair, on Mr.
Hayes's promising to pay her a certain annual allowance;
but he, not being able to make it good, she threatened to
inform against him, on which he absconded.”—This me-
thod of accounting for the absence of his friend, was by
no means satisfactory to Mr. Ashby, who asked her, if the
head that had been exposed on the pole was that of the
man who had been killed by her husband. She readily
answered in the negative, adding, that the party had been
buried entire; and that the widow had her husband's bond
for the payment of fifteen pounds a year. Ashby enquir.
ing to what part of the world Mr. Hayes was gone, she
said to Portugal, in company with some gentlemen; but
she had yet received no letter from him. The whole of
this story seemed highly improbable to Mr. Ashby, who
went to a Mr. Longmore, a gentleman nearly related to
Hayes, and it was agreed between them, that Mr. Long-
more should call on Catharifie, and have some conversä-
tion; but not let her know that Ashby had been with him,
for they supposed that by comparing the two accounts to:
gether, they might form a very probable judgment of the
matter of fact. Accordingly, Longmore went to Catha.
rine, and enquired after her husband. In answer to his
questions, she said, she presumed Mr. Ashby had related
the circumstance of his misfortune; but Longmore re.
plied, that he had not seen Ashby for a considerable
time, and expressed his hope that her husband was not
imprisoned for debt, “No, (she replied), it is much
worse than that.” “Why, (said Longmore) has he mur.
- dered









CATHARINE HAYEs. 357
dered any one ** To this she answered in the affirmative;
and desiring him to walk into another room, told him al-
most the same story as she had done to Mr. Ashby, but
instead of saying he was gone to Portugal, said he was re-
tired to Hertfordshire, and, in fear of being attacked, had
taken four pistols to defend himself. It was now remarked
by Mr. Longmore, that it was imprudent for him to travel
thus armed, as he was liable to be taken up on suspicion of
being a highwayman, and if such a circumstance should
happen, he would find it no easy matter to procure a dis-
charge. She allowed the justice of this remark, but said,
that Mr. Hayes commonly travelled in that manner. She
likewise said that he was once taken into custody on sus-
picion of being a highwayman, and conducted to a ma-
gistrate, but a gentleman who was casually present
happening to know him, gave bail for his appearance."
To this Longmore observed, that the justice of peace * ---º
must have exceeded his authority, for that the law re-
quired that two parties should bail a person charged on
suspicion of having robbed on the highway. In the course
of conversation, Mr. Longmore asked her what sum of
money her husband had in his possession. To which
she replied; that he had seventeen shillings in his pocket,
and about twenty-six guineas sowed within the lining of -
his coat. She added, that Mrs. Springate knew the truth
of all these circumstances, which had induced her to pay
that woman's rent at the former lodgings, and bring her
away. Mrs. Springate having been interrogated by Long-
more, averred the truth of all that Catherine had said, and
added, that Mr. Hayes was a very cruel husband, having
behaved with remarkable severity to his wife; but Mr.
Longmore said this must be false, for to his knowledge;
he was remarkably tender and indulgent of her. £ong-
more went immediately to Mr. Ashby, and said, that from
the difference of the stories Catherine had told them, he
had little doubt but that poor Hayes had been murdered:
Hereupon they determined to go to Mr. Eaton, who was
one of the life guards, and nearly related to the deceased,
and to communicate their suspicions to him, but Eaton
happening to be absent from home, they agreed to go
again to Westminster, and survey the head with more care
- - - and
y


358 - NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
and attention than they had hitherto done. On their ar-
rival, the surgeon told them that a poor woman from
Kingsland had, in part, owned the head as that of her
husband, but she was not so absolutely certain as to swear
that it was so, and that they were very welcome to take
another view of it. This they did, and agreed in opinion
that it was actually the head of Hayes. On their return,
therefore, they called at Eaton's house, and took him with
them to dine at Mr. Longmore's, where the subject of
conversation ran naturally on the supposed discovery they
had made. A brother of Mr. Longmore coming in at this
juncture, listened to their conversation, and remarked,
that they proposed that Mr. Eaton should go to Mrs.
Hayes, at the expiration of two or three days, and make
enquiries after her husband, similar to those which had
been made by the other gentlemen. To this Longmore's
brother urged his objections, observing, that as they had
reason to their suspicions so well founded, it would be
very ill policy to lose any time, since the murderers would
certainly effect an escape, if they should hear they were
suspected; and as Wood and Billings were drinking with
Mr. Hayes the last time he was seen, he advised that they
should be immediately taken into custody. This advice
appeared so reasonable, that all the parties agreed to fol-
low it; and going soon afterwards to Justice Lambert,
they told him their suspicions, and the reasons on
which they were founded. The magistrate immedi-
ately granted his warrant for the apprehension of Catha-
rine Hayes, Thomas Wood, Thomas Billings, and Mary
Springate, on suspicion of their having been guilty of the
murder of John Hayes; and Mr. Lambert, anxious that
there should be no failure in the execution of the warrant,
determined to attend in person. Hereupon, having pro-
cured the assistance of two officers of the life-guards, and
taking with him the several gentlemen who had given the
information, they went to Mr. Jones's, the distiller, (Mrs.
Hayes's lodgings) about, nine o'clock at night- As they
were going up stairs, without any ceremony, the distiller
desired to know by what authority they made so free in
his house; but Mr. Lambert informing him who he was,
no further opposition was made to their proceedings.
The



































CATH A R IN E HAYES. . . 359
The magistrate going to the door of Mrs. Hayes's room, ,
rapped with his cane, on which she said, “Who is
there * and he commanded her to open the door imme-
diately, or it should be broke open. To this she replied,
that she would open it as soon as she had put on her
clothes, and she did so in little more than a minute, when
the justice ordered the parties present to take her into cus-
tody. At this time Billings was sitting on the side of the
bed, bare-legged ; on which Mr. Lambert asked, if they
had been sleeping together; to which Catharine replied,
“No," and said, that Billings had been mending his
stockings. On this the justice observed, that “his sight
“must be extremely good, as there was neither fire nor
“candle in the room when they came to the door.” Some
of the parties remaining below, to secure the prisoners,
Mr. Longmore went up stairs with the justice, and took
Mrs. Springate into custody; and they were all con- -
ducted together to the house of Mr. Lambert. This ma-
gistrate having examined the prisoners separately, for a
considerable time, and all of them positively persisting in
their ignorance of any thing respecting the murder, they
were separately committed for re-examination on the
following day, before Mr. Lambert, and other magi-
strates. Mrs. Springate was sent to the Gate-house,
Billings to New-Prison, and Mrs. Hayes to Tothill-fields
Bridewell. When the peace officers, attended by Long-
more, went the next day to fetch up Catherine to her ex-
amination, she earnestly desired to see the head ; and it -
being thought prudent to grant her request, she was car-
ried to the surgeon's, and no sooner was the head shewn
to her, than she exclaimed, “Oh it is my dear husband's
head It is my dear husband's head " She now took the
glass in her arms, and shed many tears while she em-
braced it. Mr. Westbrook told her, that he would take
the head out of the glass, that she might have a more per-
fect view of it, and be certain that it was the same. The
surgeon doing as he had said, she seemed to be greatly
| affected, and having kissed it several times, she begged to
| be indulged with a lock of the hair; and on Mr. West-
brook expressing his apprehension that she had too much
of his blood already, she fell into a fit; and on her reco-
- - --- Very














* - 563 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
very was conducted to Mr. Lambert's, to take her exa.
mination with the other parties. On the morning of this
day, as a gentleman and his servant were crossing the
* fields near Marybone, they observed something lying in
a ditch, and taking a nearer view of it, they found that it
consisted of some of the parts of a human body. Shocked
- at the sight, the gentleman dispatched his servant to get
º assistance to investigate the affair farther; and some la-
bouring men being procured, they dragged the pond, and
found the other parts of the body wrapped in a blanket;
but no head was to be found. A constable brought in-
telligence of this fact while Mrs. Hayes was under exami-
nation before the justices, a circumstance that contributed
to strengthen the idea conceived of her guilt. Not-
withstanding this, she still persisted in her innocence:
but the magistrates paying no regard to her declarations,
committed her to Newgate for trial. Wood being at this
time out of town, it was thought prudent to defer the far-
ther examination of Billings and Springate, till he should
ing Sunday he came on horseback to the house where
Mrs. Hayes had lodged when the murder was committed:
when he was told that she had removed to Mr. Jones's,
Accordingly he rode thither, and enquired for her ; when
the people knowing that he was one of the parties charged
with the murder, were disposed to take him into custody;
however, their fear of his having pistols prevented their
doing so ; but, unwilling that such an atrocious offender
should escape, they told him that Mrs. Hayes was gone to
the Green-Dragon in King street, on a visit, (which house
was kept by Mr. Longmore,) and they sent a person with
him, to direct him to the place. The brother of Long-
more being at the door on his arrival, and knowing him
an accomplice in the murder. He was immediately de-
livered to the custody of some constables, who conducted
him to the house of Justice Lambert, before whom he
underwent an examination; but refusing to make any
confession, he was sent to Tothill-fields Bridewell for far-
ther examination. On his arrival at the prison, he was
informed that the body had been found ; and not doubt:
- º - º ing
be taken into custody. On the morning of the succeed-
well, pulled him from his horse, and accused him of being







CATH AR IN E HAY ES, 361
|
-
ting but that the whole affair would come to light, he
begged that he might be carried back to the justice's house.
This being made known to Mr. Lambert, he sent for
the assistance of two other magistrates, and the prisoner
being brought up, he acknowledged the particulars of the
murder, and signed his confession. It is thought that he
entertained some hope of being admitted an evidence;
but as his surrender was not voluntary, and as his accom-
plices were in custody, the magistrates told him he must
abide the verdict of a jury. This wretched man owned
that since the perpetration of the crime, he had been ter-
rified at the sight of every one he met, that he had not
experienced a moment's peace, and that his mind had º
been distracted with the most violent agitations. His
commitment was made out for Newgate ; but so exceed-
ingly were the passions of the populace agitated on the
occasion, that it was feared he would be torn to pieces by
the mob ; wherefore it was thought prudent to procure a
guard of a serjeant and eight soldiers, who conducted
him to prison with their bayonets fixed. A gentleman,
named Mercer, having visited Mrs. Hayes in Newgate, --
the day before Wood was taken into custody, she desired
he would go to Billings, and urge him to confess the
whole truth, as the proofs of their guilt were such, that
no advantage could be expected from a farther denial of
the fact. Accordingly the gentleman went to Billings,
who, being carried, before Justice Lambert, made a con-
| fession, agreeing in all its circumstances with that of Wood -
and thereupon Mrs. Springate was set at liberty, as her
innocence was evident from their concurrent testimony.
Numbers of people now went to see Mrs. Hayes in New-
gate; and on her being asked what could induce her to
| commit so atrocious a crime, she gave very different an-
swers at different times; but frequently alledged that Mr.
| Hayes had been an unkind husband to her, a circum-
stance which was contradicted by the report of ever
person who knew the deceased. In the history of this
woman there is a strange mystery. She called Billings her
son, and sometimes averred that he was really so, but he
knew nothing of her being his mother, nor did her rela-
tions know any thing of the birth of such a child. To
VoI. I.--No. 14. 2 z SOIIlê
- º
º















362 NEW NEWGA T E CA. f. EN DAR
some people she would affirm he was the son of Mr.
Hayes, born after marriage: but his father having an aver.
sion to him while an infant, he was put to nurse in the
country, and all farther care of him totally neglected on
their coming to London. But this story is altogether in:
credible, because Hayes was not a man likely to have
deserted his child to the frowns of fortune: and his pà.
rents had never heard of the birth of such a son. Billing;
was equally incapable of giving a satisfactory account
of his own origin. All he knew was, that he had lived
with a country shoemaker, who passed for his father, and
had sent him to school, and then put him apprentice to a
tailor. It is probable that she discovered him to be her
son, when she afterwards became acquainted with him in
London ; and as some persons, who came from the same
part of the kingdom, said that Billings was found in a
basket near a farm-house, and supported at the expence
of the parish, it may be presumed that he was dropped in
that manner by his unnatural mother. Thomas Wood
was born near Ludlow, in Shropshire, and brought up to
the business of husbandry. He was so remarkable for
his harmless and sober conduct, when a boy, as to be very
much esteemed by his neighbours. On the death of his
father, his mother took a public-house for the support of
her children, of whom this Thomas was the eldest, and
he behaved so dutifully to his mother, that the loss of her
husband was scarcely felt. He was equally diligent
abroad and at home; for when the business of the house
was insufficient to employ him, he worked for the farmers,
by which he greatly contributed to the support of the
family. On attaining years of maturity he engaged
himself as a waiter at an inn in the country, from thence
he removed to other inns, and in all his places preserved
a fair character. At length he came to London, but be.
ing afraid of being impressed, as already mentioned, ob.
tained the protection of Mr. Hayes, who, behaved in a
very friendly manner to him, till the arts of a vile woman
prevailed on him to imbrue his hands in the blood of his
benefactor. Billings and Wood having already made |
confessions, and being penetrated with the thought of the
heinous nature of their offence, determined to plead guil.
- t
ſ
-,


















CATH A R IN E HAYES. 263
ty to the indictments again them: but Mrs. Hayes having
made no confession, flattered herself there was a chance
of her being acquitted, and therefore resolved to put
herself on her trial, in which she was encouraged by some
people that she met with in Newgate The indictment
being opened, and the witnesses heard, the jury, fully
convinced of the commission of the fact, found her guil-
ty—The prisoners being brought to the bar to receive
sentence, Mrs. Hayes entreated that she might not be
burnt, according to the then law for petty treason, al-
ledging that she was not guilty, as she did not strike the
fatal blow ; but she was informed by the court, that the
sentence awarded by the law could not be dispensed
with Billings and Wood urged, that, having made so
full and free a confession, they hoped they should not be
hung in chains : but to this they received no answer.—
After conviction, the behaviour of Wood was uncom-
monly penitent and devout; but while in the condemned
hole, he was seized with a violent fever, and being at-
tended by a clergyman, to assist him in his devotions, he
confessed he was ready to suffer death, under every mark
of ignominy, as some atonement for the atrocious crime
he had committed; however, he died in prison, and thus
defeated the final execution of the law. At particular times
Billings behaved with sincerity; but at others, prevari-
cated much in his answers to the questions put to him.
On the whole, however, he fully confessed his guilt, ac-
knowledged the justice of his sentence, and said no pu-
nishment could be adequate to the excess of the crime of
which he had been guilty. The behaviour of Mrs. Hayes
was somewhat similar to her former conduct. Having an
intention to destroy herself, she procured a phial of
strong poison, which being casually tasted by a woman
who was confined with her, it burnt her lips; on which
she broke the phial, and thereby frustrated the design,
On the day of her death she received the sacrament, and
was drawn on a sledge to the place of execution. Billings
was executed in the usual manner, and hung in chains,
not far from the pond in which Mr. Hayes's body was
found, in Marybone fields. When the wretched woman
had finished her devotions, an iron chain was put found
- 2 Z 2 her
|--



364 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
her body, with which she was fixed to a stake near the
gallows. On these occasions, when women were burnt
for petit treason, it was customary to strangle them, by
means of a rope passed round the neck, and pulled by the
executioner, so that they were dead before the flames
reached the body. But this woman was literally burnt
alive; for the executioner letting go the rope sooner than
usual, in consequence of the flames reaching his hands,
the fire burnt fiercely round her, and the spectators be:
held her pushing the faggots from her, while she rent the
air with her cries and lamentations. Other faggots were
instantly thrown on her, but she survived amidst the flames
for a considerable time, and her body was not perfectly
reduced to ashes in less than three hours." They suffered
at Tyburn, May 9, 1726. 'º.
---
RICHARD SAVAGE, Esq. (the celebrated Poet, Son.
of the Earl of Rivers and the unnatural Countess of
Macclesfield); JAMES GREGORY, & JWILLIAM
MERCHANT, Esqrs.
MURDERERS.
HARD, indeed, must be the heart which refuses the tſ.
bute of a tear to the memory of the truly unfortunate Ri.
chard Savage, one of the best of poets—one of the most
oppressed of men. His name is, however, rescued from |
shame and oblivion by the celebrated Dr. Johnson, in his
Lives of the British Poets. Thus the learned will ever |
revere the memory of Savage ; and to such as may be
-
-
* Until the thirtieth year of the reign of king George IIſ, this punish-
ment was inflicted on women convicted of murdering their husbands,
which crime is denominated Petty Treason. It has frequently, from some
accident happening in strangling the malefactor, produced the horrid ef.
fects above related. In the reign of Mary (the cruel) this death was
commonly practised upon the objects of her vengeance; and many
bishops, rather than deny their religious opinions, were burnt, without any
previous strangulation. It was high time that this part of the sentence, the |
type of barbarism, should be dispensed with. The punishment now
inflicted for this most unnatural and abhorred crime, is hanging; but once
convicted, a woman need never look for mercy.
- º
debated






RICHARD SAVAGE, ESQ.
5
65 |
debarred a reference to the doctor's works, we shall make
an humble attempt to shew them a man of uncommon
genius, whom fickle fortune never accorded a single smile,
never permitted him the smallest share of the vast world-
ly possessions of his unnatural parents.
The reader, then, will surely credit us, when we ex-
press much concern, that our duty compells us to name
such a man, amidst the most hardened criminals. But,
there is a great difference in the shade of sin, and though
Mr. Savage was implicated in a murder; yet its commis-
sion can scarce be said to reflect turpitude on his charac-
ter. Though no malice propense, which alone constitutes
the crime of wilful murder, was imputed to him or
his inebriated companions; and though his moral con-
duct, had not otherwise been impeached, yet a jury cer-
tainly said, that Savage was guilty of murder; and this
verdict, once pronounced, with other criminals at the bar
of the Old Bailey, was he sentenced to die. It will be
found that the fatal deed was the effects of a debauch,
too frequent with thoughtless young men, and that he
and his companions were hurried into its perpetration,
while the senses were overpowered by intoxication in the
midnight hour. The circumstances attending this shock-
ing transaction, were these :
Mr. Savage, Mr. Gregory, and Mr. Merchant, three
gentlemen of good education, accidentally came at a late
hour, much disguised in liquor, to Robinson's coffee-
house, at Charing-cross, and went into a room where a
a Mr. Sinclair and other company were drinking. Mer-
chant entering first, kicked down the table; and Sa-
vage and Gregory drawing their swords, Mr. Nuttal
desired them to put them up, but they refused to do so.
A scuffle now ensued, in which Mr. Sinclair received a
mortal wound, and was heard to say, “I am a dead
“man;” soon after which the candles were extinguished.
Another witness deposed, that as he and some other
company were on the point of leaving the house, the pri-
soners came in, when Merchant kicked down the table,
and Gregory going up to the deceased, said, “ D– ye,
“you rascal, deliver your sword; on which swords were
º - drawn,
-
-
-







366
NEW NEW GATE CA LEN DAR.
another at London; and having come to town to pay of
taken into custody, and lodged in the round-house; and
** were in possession of the room, if the prisoners were the
“aggressors, by coming into that room, kicking down
“ the table, and immediately thereupon drawing their
‘: Swords, without provocation, &c, it was murder, not
“only in him who gave the wound, but in those who i
drawn, and the deeeased wounded, as above-mentioned;
that the deceased had his sword drawn when the wound
was given by Savage; but that he held it with the point
down towards the ground; but neither this deponent not
the former observed that Merchant had any sword.
There were several other witnesses to prove the fact;
but it may be now proper to mention how it happened
that the parties accused came to the house where it oc.
curred. Mr. Savage had a lodging at Richmond, and
the latter, and casually meeting with Gregory and Me:
chant, two gentlemen with whom he had been acquainted |
for some time past, they went to a coffee-house, where
they drank till late in the evening. Savage would have
engaged a bed at the coffee-house, but there not being ||
accommodations for him, he and his friends went into
the street, proposing to spend the night as they could, and
in the morning to walk to Richmond.
Strolling about, they saw a light in Robinson's coffee.
house, into which they entered, and the fatal consequence
ensued that we have already recited. - -
The perpetrators of this rash action having left the
house, some soldiers were sent for, by whom they were
in the morning were carried before a magistrate, who
committed them to the Gatehouse; but Mr. Sinclair dy.
ing on the following day, they were sent to Newgate.
The deceased was attended by a clergyman, who dé. |
clared that he said he was stabbed before he had time to
draw his sword; and this testimony was confirmed by
that of other witnesses. - t- -
When the evidence was summed up, the court observed
to the jury, that, “As the deceased and his companion;
“aided and abetted him.” - -
Several persons of distinction appeared in behalf of the \
prisoners, and gave them the character of good-natured,
º















R1CHARD SAVAGE, Esq. 367
quiet, and peaceable men; but in answer hereto it was
observed by the court, that, “As to the characters of the
“prisoners, good character is of weight where proof is
“doubtful, but flies up when put in the scale against
“plain and positive evidence; and as to the suddenness
“of the action—where there is a sudden quarrel, and a
“provocation is given by him who is killed, and where
“Suddenly and mutually persons attack each other and
“fight, and one of them is killed in heat of blood, it is
“manslaughter. But where one is the aggressor, pur-
“sues the insult, and kills the person attacked, without
“any provocation, though on a sudden, the law implies
“malice, and it is murder.” - -
After a trial of eight hours, the jury found Savage and
Gregory guilty of murder, and Merchant guilty of man-
slaughter; in consequence of which, the latter was burnt
in the hand and discharged.
On the 11th of December, 1727, Richard Savage and
James Gregory were brought to the bar with other capi-
talconvicts, to receive sentence of death; and beingasked,
in the customary manner, what they had to say why judg-
ment should not be passed on them, Mr. Savage spoke as
follows:
“. It is now, my lord, too late to offer any thing by way
of defence, or vindication; nor can we expect aught
from your lordships, in this court, but the sentence
which the law requires you, as judge, to pronounce
against men of our calamitous condition.—But we are
also persuaded, that as mere men, and out of this seat
of rigorous justice, you are susceptive of the tender
passions, and too humane, not to commisserate the
unhappy situation of those whom the law sometimes
perhaps—exacts from you—to pronounce sentence
upon. º
“No doubt, you distinguish between offences, which
arise out of premeditation, and a disposition habitual
to vice or immorality, and transgressions, which are
the unhappy and unforeseen effects of a casual absence
of reason, and sudden impulse of passion; we, there-
fore, hope you will contribute all you can to an exten-
sion of that mercy, which the gentlemen of the jury
- “ have
&
&g
4.
ſ
º
t






365 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
&
‘ have been pleased to shew Mr. Merchant, who (allow.
ing facts as sworn against us by the evidence) has led
us into this calamity. - -
“I hope this will not be construed as if we meant to
reflect upon that gentleman, or remove any thing from
us, upon him, or, that we repine the more at our fate,
because he has no participation of it : no, my lord!
for my part, I declare nothing could more soften my
grief, than to be without any companion in so great a
misfortune.” -
The queen having been graciously pleased to grant a
pardon to Messrs. Savage and Gregory, they were admit-
ted to bail on the 20th of January, 1798, in order to their
pleading that pardon ; and accordingly, on the 5th of
March following, they pleaded to the said pardon, and
were set at liberty. -
Mr. Savage was at the same time one of the most in-
genious and most unfortunate of the human race. He
was a natural son of the countess of Macclesfield, by
captain Savage, who was afterwards earl of Rivers,
- While his mother was pregnant with him, she told lord
Macclesfield that the child of which she should be deli.
vered was not his, but that captain Savage was the fa-
ther of it. -
Incensed at this declaration, lord Macclesfield prefer.
red a bill in the house of peers, and obtained a divorce,
º in consequence of an act passed for that purpose ; but the
- lady's fortune, which was very considerable, was reserved
to her own use. Soon after the divorce, the countess
married captain Savage ; and the unfortunate subject of
this narrative was born on the 10th of January, 1697.
This extraordinary affair greatly excited the attention
-- of the polite world : but the mother of Mr. Savage be-
- haved in such a manner as will for ever entail infamy on
her memory. She conceived a hatred for her child from
the moment of his birth ; and resolving that the witness
of her shame should not remain in her presence, she put
him out to nurse with a poor woman in the country, with
positive directions that he should be brought up as her
own son, and not be acquainted who were his real parents.
This trust was faithfully discharged by the nurse; *
× - - Wheſ
& 4
4 -






RICHARD SAVAGE, ESQ. 369
when young Savage was eight years of age he was placed
at the grammar-school of St. Alban's ; and though earl
Rivers made repeated inquiries after him, he could not
learn what was become of him : but he had taken care to - -
have his right name registered in the parish books of St. º
Andrew, Holborn. -
When Savage had attained the age of fifteen years, his
nurse died, and on examining her papers, he came to un- -
derstand the mystery of his birth, and the contrivances that
had been carried on to conceal his real origin. -
About this time he was advised, by his mother's pri-
vate directions, to put himself apprentice to a shoe-
maker; but this he absolutely refused to do, though he
was then almost in want of the common necessaries of
life. Reduced to this uncomfortable situation, it was very
natural for him to apply to his mother; but though he
made repeated efforts to be admitted to her presence, she
refused to see him ; nor would she answer any of the let-
ters which he wrote to her. It now became absolutely
necessary that he should do something for his support; on
which he turned his thoughts to poetry, and wrote several
pieces for the newspapers and magazines. -- - º
Savage being now in circumstances of distress, his -
friends advised him to publish his poems by subscription. º º
Preparations were made for this purpose, and he had
treated his mother with great freedom in the preface to
the intended volume. This circumstance being made -
known to the countess, a settlement of 50l., a year was
made on him, and the preface suppressed : but the book
itself was published, and in the dedication to Lady Mary
Wortley Montague, is the following remarkable sen-
tence: “ Nature seems to have formed my mind as in-
consistently as fortune has my conditions. She has given
me a heart that is as protid as my father's, to a rank of
life almost as low as the humanity of my mother ſº
In the year 1724, Mr. Savage wrote his excellent tra-
gedy called “Sir Thomas Overbury,” which was acted
at Drury-lane Theatre, himself performing the principal
~
*
- º-º
º
º
-
* It does not appear that his unnatural mother contributed to this pit-
tance. - - º
Y O L. I.--N Q. 14,
º
character












876 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
character with considerable applause. In a dedication
to this play, the author acknowledges his obligations to
Aaron Hill, Esq. who wrote the prologue and epilogue
to it. - -
Mr. Savage was greatly distressed the latter part of
his life, while his father and mother had lived their un,
natural course of nature in luxury. The poet retired to
Swansea, in Wales, through economy, but pursued by
some unfeeling creditor, he was cast into Bristol gaol,
where he dragged out the remainder of his miserable
days.
Certain that this short outline must have interested the
reader, in the fate of poor Savage, we think a little moſt
-- of his time may be well employed by an attentive perusal
of a poem, which, while it affords a rich specimen of his
poetical abilities, touches the heart of sensibility with al.
lusions to his own wretched state, and the unnatural con-
duct of his mother. The preface to this poem, printed |
in Mr. Savage's life-time, and nine years after the trial
above reported, says, “That though it passed through
“five editions in a very short time, that it must be new
“ to many of our readers. Such of them as have read it,
“ will easily pardon us for repeating so agreeable an en-
* tertainment, especially as it has been revised by the
“author.” º |
If such was the avidity with which the public received
the works of Mr. Savage, we trust, that its re-publication
in this work, after being so many years out of print, will
prove an agreeable present, extraordinary, to our sub.
scribers. - -
THE BASTARD.
º A POEM inscribed with all due reverence to Mrs. BRET, once Countess'ſ
Macclesfield. By Richard Savage, Esq. Son of the late Earl of Rivers,
Decet haccº dare Doria Novercam. Ov. Met.
IN gayer hours, when high my fancy ran,
The muse, exulting, thus her lay began.
Blest be the Bastard's birth thro' wond’rous ways,
- He shines eccentric like a Comet's blaze. - -
No sickly fruit of faint compliance he , -
- iſ ... º. in nº. 7, , , , ; , , ; …t. f
Hs! sººt in nature's mint of *Y* - He
-
- º

















And launch'd me into life without an oar.
RICHARD SAVAGE, ESQ.
He lives to build, not boast, a gen’rous race;
Notenth transmitter of a foolish face.
His daring hope, no sire's example bounds;
His first-born lights, no prejudice confounds,
He, kindling from within, requires no flame;
He glories in a Bastard's glowing name.
Born to himself, by no possession led,
In freedom foster'd, and by fortune fed;
Nor Guides, nor Rules, his sov’reign choice controui,
His body independant, as his soul.
Loos'd to the world's wide range—enjoyn’d no aim ;
Prescrib'd no duty, and assign’d no Name:
Nature's unbounded son, he stands alone,
His heart unbiass'd, and his mind his own.
O Mother, yet no Mother 1–’tis to you,
My thanks for such distinquish’d claims are due.
You, unenslav'd to nature's narrow laws,
Warm championess for freedom's sacred cause,
From all the dry devoirs of blood and line,
From ties maternal, moral and divine,
Discharg’d my grasping soul; push'd me from shore,
What had I lost, if conjugally kind,
By nature hating, yet by vows confin'd,
Untaught the matrimonial bonds to slight,
And coldly conscious of a husband’s right,
You had faint-drawn me with a form alone,
A lawful lump of life, by force your own º
Then, while your backward will retrench’d desire,
And, unconcurring spirits lent no fire,
I had been born your dull, domestic heir;
Load of your life, and motive of your care;
Perhaps been poorly rich, and meanly great;
The slave of pomp, a cypher in the state;
Lordly neglectful of a worth unknown,
And slumbºring in a seat, by chance my own.
Far other blessings wait the Bastard's lot,
Conceiv'd in rapture, and with fire begot!
Strong as necessity, he starts away,
Climbs against wrongs, and brightens into day,
Thus unprophetic, lately misinspir’d,
I sung ; gay, flatt’ring hope my fancy fir’d;
Inly secure, thro’ conscious scorn of ill;
Nor taught by wisdom how to balance will,
Rashly deceiv'd, I saw no pits to shun :
But thought to purpose, and to act were one;
Heedless what pointed cares pervert his way,
Whom caution arms not, and whom woes betray;
But now expos'd and shrinking from distress,
I fly to shelter, while the tempests press;
3 a 2
-












NEW NEW & ATE CA LEN DAR.
My muse to grief resigns the varying tone,
The raptures languish, and the numbers groan.
O memory !--thou soul of joy and pain
Thou actor of our passions o'er again
Why add continuous smart to ev'ry blow :
Few are my joys; alas! how soon forgot! -
While sharp and numberless my sorrows fail, -
Yet thou repeat'st and Bºultiply'st’em all, -
º
"Is chance a guilt that my disastrous heart,
For mischief never meant must ever smart?
Can self-defence be sin – Ah, plead no more
What tho’ no purpos'd malice stain'd thee o'er
Had heav'n befriended thy unhappy side,
Thou had'st not been provok'd—Or thou had'st died,
Far be the guilt of home-shed blood from all, -
On whom unsought, embroiling dangers fall,
Still the pale dead revives and lives in me,
Remembrance veils his rage, but swells his fate;
Griev'd I forgive, and am grown cool too late.
Young and unthoughtful then ; who knows, one day,
What rip'ning virtues might have made their way?
He might have liv'd till folly died in shame,
Till kindling wisdom felt a thirst for fame.
He might perhaps his country's friend have prov’d,
Been gen’rous, happy, candid and belov’d.
He might have sav’d some worth, now doom'd to fall,
And I, perchance, in him have murder'd all.
O fate of late Repentance always vain :
Thy remedies but lull undying pain.
Where shall my hope find rest, no mother's care
Shielded my infant innocence with pray’r:
o father's guardian-hand my youth maintain'd,
Call'd forth my virtues, and from vice restrain'd,
Is it not time to snatch some pow'rful arm,
First to advance, then screen from future harm
Am I return’d from death to live in pain :
-Or would imperial pity save in vain?
Which gives at once a life, and rears a mind
-
Mother, miscall'd, farewell–Of soul severe,
This sad reflection yet may force one tear:
All I was wretched by to You I ow'd,
Alone from strangers ev'ry comfort flow’d.
Lost to the life you gave, your SOh no more,
And now adopted, who was doom'd before,
Why dost thou aggravate the wretch's woe 2 --
On that kind quarter thou invad'st me not,
To me! thro’ Pity's eye condemn’d to see.
Distrust it not!—What blame can mercy find,











































ANT HONY OR U R Y. 373
Newborn I may a nobler mother claim ; :
But dare not whisper her immortal name;
Supremely lovely, and serenely great
Majestic mother of a kneeling state
£ueen of a people's hearts, who ne'er before
Agreed—yet now with one consent adore ?
One contest yet remains in this desire,
Who most shall give applause, when all admire.
- - * -
We shall conclude our sketch of the misfortunes of
Savage, by the following elegant lines on his death:
LAMENTED bard; forgive the weeping muse,
Who points the failings where she can’t accuse;
Like thee, on life's tempestuous ocean tost, -
Oppress'd by sorrows, by misfortunes crost ;
Yet let her pay these honours to thy tomb, * -
There let the laurels smile—the myrtle bloom; -
There let the Graces pleasing vigils keep,
And kindly watch their bard's untroubl’d sleep;
Let one eternal verdure there be seen, -
Hid all thy faults beneath the flow'ry green;
- Each passion lost, thy easy nature sway’d, - º
Each devious step conceal’d—tho’ passion made;
Let kind indulgence every frailty blot,
All but thy merit—and thy lays forgot;
The lays that to enduring fame consign'd,
Shall mark thee as the friend of human kind.
Executed AT TYBURN, November 3, 1726; For HIGHway RoßBERY,
º -
This offender was a native of Norfolk, and the son of
parents in reputable circumstances, who imprudently
neglected to bring him up to any business; so that when
-
he arrived at years of maturity, he wandered about the
country curing smoky chimnies, which procured him the
appellation of the smoky doctor, among those who knew
his profession. .
At length he married a woman, who was said to pos-
sess a very considerable fortune: but whatever this for-
tune was, Drury never received more of it than 500]. He
now lived some years with his wife, at Andover; but
occasionally ranged the country in search of that business
in which he seemed to place his chief delight. His wife
- º used





374 NEW NEW GA 'f E CAL E NIDA R.
-
used every argument to prevail with him to remain at
home ; but her solicitations were without effect.
Sometimes he would strole to London, and bring with
him valuable articles for his support ; and on one of
these occasions he pawned some plate for twenty pounds,
and dissipated the money in company with women of
abandoned character. -
By degrees he stripped his wife of great part of what
should have supported her, so that she was obliged to
the friendship of her relations for a maintenance. By a
continued course of extravagance, he grew daily more
and more vicious, and at length determined to commence
highwayman.
In London he made an acquaintance with Robert
King, the driver of the Bicester waggon. This King
was a fellow of most execrable character, whose practice
was to inform the highwaymen when he had any persons
to travel in his waggon*, who possessed any considera-
ble sum of money, or valuable effects, that they might
be robbed on the road; on which occasions a share was
always given to the driver.
Drury being in company with this King, the latter
told him that a gentleman named Eldridge would travel in
the waggon on the following day, and that it would be
prudent to rob him before he got far from town, as he
would have with him a very considerable booty.
Our adventurer listened eagerly to this tale, and the
next day robbed Mr. Eldridge of two hundred and four-
teen guineas. As he took money only, he had very lit-
tle apprehension of detection : but another traveller in
the waggon happening to know him, repaired to London,
and gave information against him ; whereupon he was ta-
ken into custody, and, being brought to his trial, was
convicted on full evidence. -
After he received sentence of death, his behaviour
was consistent with his unhappy situation. He was a
regular attendant on divine worship, and a constant pe.
ruser of books of religion: but at the same time he did
- - º -
* Formerly people of great property used to travel in waggons; but the
frugal manners of our ancestors are abolished; and post-chaises and flying ſº
machines take place of the other carriages.
t every

















i
-
M A R GARET DIX ON, 375
every thing in his power to procure a respite of the fatal
Sel)tence.
Some people of consequence exerted themselves to ob-
tain the royal mercy for Drury, but in vain: his character
and crime militated too forcibly against him. -
After conviction he repeatedly wrote to his wife, de- - º
siring her to come to London; and, among other motives
to prevail on her, told her that she might redeem the
plate which he had pawned : but all he could say had no
effect; she lent a deaf ear to all his entreaties.
He appeared to be greatly disturbed in mind at this
unfeeling indifference of his wife, which prevented that
calmness of disposition which was requisite for his pro-
per preparation for his approaching exit.
Two days before his death he received the sacrament
with every mark of real contrition. On the evening pre-
ceding his execution, a gentleman sent a woman to en-
quire what declaration he would make respecting the
waggoner, to whom he answered, that he had no idea of
committing the crime till King proposed it to him; and
that his life was sacrificed in consequence of his taking
that advice.
When at the place of execution, he appeared to possess
more courage than he had done some time before, and
again declared that the waggoner had seduced him to
commit the robbery. He earnestly exhorted young peo-
ple to avoid bad company, as what would most infallibly
bring them to destruction. - - º
This malefactor suffered in the twenty-eighth year of
his age. *
MARGARET DIXON, -
MURDERER.
THE following case is more remarkable for resuscitatin
after execution, than even the flagitious life of the con-
demned. Though some doubt may arise of her guilt, of
the crime on which she was convicted, none can be en-
tertained of her being restored to life, after being hanged
the usual time, and enjoying life more than thirty years
afterwards.







376 NEW NEW GATE CAL E N T A R.
This remarkable woman was the daughter of poor pa.
rents, who lived at Musselburgh, about five miles from
Edinburgh, and who brought up their child in the prac-
tice of religious duties, having instructed her in such
household business as was likely to suit her future situa-
- tion in life. The village of Musselburgh is almost en-
tirely inhabited by gardeners, fishermen, and persons em.
- ployed in making salt. The husbands having prepared
the several articles for sale, the wives carry them to
Edinburgh, and procure a subsistence by crying them
through the streets of that city. When Margaret Dixon
had attained years of maturity, she was married to a
fisherman, by whom she had several children. But there
being a want of seamen, her husband was impressed into
the naval service; and during his absence from Scotland,
his wife had an illicit connection with a man at Mussel-
burgh, in consequence of which she became pregnant.
- At this time it was the law in Scotland, that a woman
known to have been unchaste should sit in a distinguished
s place in the church, on three Sundays, to be publicly re-
buked by the minister; and many poor infants have been
- - destroyed, because the mother dreaded this public expo.
sure, particularly as many Scotch ladies went to church to
- there on any other occasion. -
The neighbours of Mrs. Dixon averred that she was
with child ; but this she constantly denied, though there
was every appearance that might warrant the discrediting
what she said. At length, however, she was delivered of a
child : but it is uncertain whether it was born alive or not.
Be this as it may, she was taken into custody, and lodg-
ed in the gaol of Edinburgh. When her trial came on,
several witnesses deposed that she had been frequently
pregnant; others proved that there were signs of her have
ing been delivered, and that a new-born infant had been
found near the place of her residence. - º
-
she was doomed to die.
After her condemnation, she behaved in the most pe.
my
-be witnesses of the frailty of a sister, who were never seen
nitent manner, confessed that she had been guilty of ma-.
The jury giving credit to the evidence against her,
brought in a verdict of guilty : in consequence of which




















ensued, so that it was impossible she should know what
cart to be buried at her native place; but the weather
-
MAR GA. R. ET DIX ON, 377
-
my sins, and even owned that she had departed from the
line of duty to her husband; but she constantly and stea-
dily denied, that she had murdered her child, or even
formed an idea of so horrid a crime. She owned that the - /
fear of being exposed to the ridicule of her neighbours in -
the church, had tempted her to deny that she was preg- º
nant; and she said that, being suddenly seized with the
pains of child-birth, she was unable to procure the assist-
ance of her neighbours; and that a state of insensibility
became of the infant.
At the place of execution her behaviour was consistent
with her former declaration. She avowed her total inno-
cence of the crime of which she was convicted, but con-
fessed the sincerest sorrow for all her other sins.
After execution her body was cut down and delivered
to her friends, who put it into a coffin, and sent it in a
being sultry, the persons who had the body in their care *
stopped to drink at a village called Pepper-Mill, about
two miles from Edinburgh. While they were refreshing
themselves, one of them perceived the lid of the coffin
move, and uncovering it, the woman immediately sat up,
and most of the spectators ran off, with every sign of tre-
pidation. - -
It happened that a person who was then drinking in
the public-house had recollection enough to bleed her,
and in about an hour she was put to bed : and by the fol-
lowing morning she was so far recovered as to be able to
walk to her own house. -
By the Scottish law, which is in part founded on that of
the Romans, a person against whom the judgment of the
court has been executed, can suffer no more in future, but
is thenceforward totally exculpated; and it is likewise
held, that the marriage is dissolved by the execution of the
convicted party; which indeed is consistent with the
ideas that common sense would form on such an occa-
Mrs. Dixon, then, being convicted and executed as
above-mentioned, the king's advocate could prosecute her
no farther; but he filed a bill in the High Court of Justi-
WOL, {, -N 0, 14. - 3 B ciary



















378, - NEW NEW GATE CAL ENDAR.
cia y against the sheriff, for omitting to fulfil the law. The
husband of this revived convict married her publicly a few
days after she was hanged and she constantly denied
that she had been guilty of the alledged crime. She was
living as late as the year 1753. This singular transaction
took place in the year 1728.
EDWIZAR D BELLAMP.
- - - Execute D AT TYBURN, MARCH 27, 1728, FoR Hous E-BREAKING,
- - THIS malefactor was a native of London, and served his
time to a taylor ; but his apprenticeship was no sooner
and became a thief in order to support their extrava.
gance. His commencement in the art of theft was with
a number of young pickpockets, and he soon became an
adept in the profession. From this business they advan-
ced a step further. They used to go, three or four in
company, to the shops of silversmiths in the evening, and
while one of them cheapened some article of small value,
his companions used to secret something of greater.
at night, and forcing up the windows of shops with a
chissel, run off with any property that lay within their
reach. - ºf .
Having followed this infamous business about three
years, he forged (an offence not then capital) a note,
by which he defrauded a linen-draper of money to a con-
siderable amount. Being taken into custody for this for:
gery, he was lodged in Newgate ; but discharged without
being brought to trial, his friends having found means to
accommodate the matter with the injured party.
In a short time after he left Newgate, he made con-
nections with Jonathan Wild, who used frequently to
borrow money of a Mr. Wild goose, who kept an inn in
Smithfield; and Bellamy wishing to become acquainted
with a man whom he thought he could make subservient
to his interest, applied to Jonathan to recommend him to
expired than he associated with some women of ill fame
It was likewise a practice with them to walk the streets
|
Wild *
º
















| .
ETD WAR O BELL A. M. Y. - 379 .
Wildgoose; but this the famous thief-taker absolutely re.
fused. w -
Having often gone with messages and notes from Jo- - -
nathan to Wildgoose, and being well acquainted with the
hand-writing of the former, he forged a draft on the latter
forten guineas, which Wildgoose paid without hesitation;
and as soon as Bellamy had got the money, he omitted
º
º
to pay his usual visits at Wilds office.
A few days after this transaction, Wild went to his ac-
quaintance to borrow some money, when Wildgoose told ,
him he had paid his draft for the above-mentioned sum,
and producing the note, Jonathan could not be certain . .
that it was not his own hand-writing, otherwise than by
recollecting that he had never given such a draft. Wild-
goose was unacquainted with Bellamy's name ; but, by
the description of his person, Jonathan soon found who
had committed the forgery, on which he ordered his myr-
midons to be careful to apprehend the offender. Bella-
my was soon found in a lodging in White-friars, and Jo-
nathan's men sent word to their master that they had him
in custody, and begged he would give orders how they
should dispose of him. In the interim, Bellamy, who
expected no mercy from the old thief-taker, seized the
advantage of the casual absence of his attendants from
the room, fixed a rope to the bar of the window, and let
himself into the street, though the room was three stories
high, - º
He now entertained thoughts of accommodating the
affair with Wild, imagining he should be treated with
the utmost severity if he should be re-apprehended : but -
before he had proceeded in this negociation, Wild's men • *
seized him at a gin-shop in Chancery-lane, and sent to
their master for instructions how to act. To this meS-
sage Jonathan returned an answer, that they might give
him his liberty, on the condition that he should come to
the office, and adjust the business with himself.
Hereupon Bellamy was discharged : but knowing how
dangerous it would be to affront Wild, he went the follow-
ing morning to a public-house in the Old Bailey, where
he sent for Jonathan to breakfast with hiº; and the lat-
ter sending for Wildgoose, Bellamy gave him a note for
3 E 2 - the












- 380 . NEW NEW GATE & ALEN DAR.
the money received, and no farther steps were taken in
the affair.
As soon as this business was adjusted, Bellamy renew-
ed his former plan of making depredations on the public,
and committed an immense number of robberies. He
tº and one of his gang having broken the sash of a silver-
smith's shop in Russel-court, Drury-lane, a person who
lay under the counter fired a blunderbuss at them, which
obliged them to decamp without their booty. This at-
tempt failing, they went to the house of another silver.
- smith, which they broke open, and finding the servant-
* maid sitting up for her master, they terrified her into si-
- lence and carried off effects to a large amount. -
Not long after this robbery, they broke open the shop
cash to a great amount : but the proprietor having previ.
- ously secured it, they got only about ten pounds of tea,
and the loose money in the till. -
ing day. -
From the shop of a silversmith in Bride-lane they
carried off plate to the amount of fifty pounds; and from
the house of a haberdasher in Bishopsgate-street, a load
of various articles, the whole of which they disposed of
to the Jews. -
- -
On another occasion they broke open a tea-shop near
Gray's Inn-lane ; having removed the shutters, by cutting
up the sash, when a person from within hearing them,
cried out thieves' on which they ran off without their
booty. º
Having broke into a tea-warehouse near Aldgate,
they had packed up a valuable parcel of goods, when the
maid-servant came down stairs, undressed, and without
a candle. Having gone into the yard, she returned,
without knowing that they were in the house : but when
she came into the shop, Bellamy seized her, and obliged
her to lay on the floor, while they went off with their
booty: and the same night they broke open the shop
º
of a grocer near Shoreditch, in the expectation of finding
Their next attempt was at the house of a hosier in
Widegate-Alley, from whose shop they carried off some
goods of value, which they sold to the Jews on the follow-
away part of them with chissels, they were going to liſt
of
º








EDWARD 3EI, L.A. M. Y. - 381
of a mercer in Bishopsgate-street, whence they carried off
goods to a large amount. -
Their next robbery was at the house of a grocer in
Thames-street. The watchman passing by as they were
packing up their booty, Bellamy seized him and obliged
him to put out his candle, to prevent any alarm being .
given. Having kept him till they were ready to go off --
with their plunder, they took him to the side of the
Thames, and threatened to throw him in, if he would not
throw in his lanthorn and staff. It need not be said
that the poor man was obliged to comply with their in-
Junctions. - -->
Soon after this they stole a large sum of money, and a
quantity of goods, from the house of a grocer, which they
broke open in Aldersgate-street. A neighbour saw this
robbery from his window, but was too much frightened
to take any measures for the detection of the villains. -
Their next exploit was at an old clothes-shop, kept by -
a woman in Shadwell, whence they carrried off every
valuable article: and after this they robbed the shop of a
hosier in Coleman-street, and took away goods to the
amount of seventy pounds, which the thieves divided into
shares, and sold them to their old acquaintance, the
Jews. ‘ºº - .
They were disappointed in their next attempt, which
was to break open the house of a linen-draper in West-
minster; for some people coming up before they had com-
pleted their operations, they were obliged to decamp
with precipitation. - º
On the evening after this transaction, observing the
door of a shop shut in St. Clement's Church-Yard, they
made it fast with a cord on the outside, and throwing up
the sash, stole a very large number of silk handkerchiefs,
while a woman in the shop made many fruitless attempts
to open the door ; and they stole a variety of plate, wear-
ing apparel, and other effects, the same night, from two
houses in Holborn.
Soon after this they stole goods to the amount of
twenty pounds from a house which they broke open in
Red-Lion-street; and breaking another the same night
in Fullwood's-Rents, obtained about an equal * ſe
While












382 N EW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
While they were thus rendering themselves the mere
pests of society, they became intimate with an old wo-
man who had opened an office near Leicester-fields, for
the reception of stolen goods, something on the plan of
that of Jonathan Wild. To this woman Bellamy and his
companions used to sell much of their ill-gotten effects:
but she having, on one occasion, given a smaller price
than they expected, Bellamy determined on a plan of
revenge ; in pursuance of which he went to her office
with a small quantity of stolen plate ; and while she was
gone with it to a silversmith, he broke open her drawers,
and carried off her cash to a large amount.
His next adventures were the breaking open a house
in Petticoat Lane, and another in Grocer's-Alley in the
Poultry, at both of which places he made large prizes:
and soon afterwards he stopped a man near Hounds-
ditch, and robbed him of his money. º
At length he robbed a shop in Monmouth.street; but
by this time he had rendered himself so conspicuous for
his daring villanies, that a reward of 100l. was offered
for the apprehending him; in consequence of which he
was taken, near the Seven Dials, on the following day,
º
and committed to Newgate. -
For this last fact he was tried, convicted, and received
sentence. From this time till the arrival of the warrant
for his execution, he affected a cheerfulness of behaviouſ,
and said, that he would be hanged in his shroud; but the
certainty that he should suffer, and the sight of his coffin,
excited more serious ideas in his mind ; and he received
the sacrament a few days before his death, with evident
marks of repentance for the many crimes of which he had
been guilty. He was executed at Tyburn, and just be-
º - -
fore he was turned off made a speech to the surrounding
multitude, in which he confessed his numerous offences,
€.
and acknowledged the justice of his sentenc



























383 - -
- -
, JOHN EVERETT,
EXECUTED AT TYBURN, FEBRUARY 20, 1729, FoR HIGHWAY ROBBERY,
- -
WAs a native of Hitchin, in Hertfordshire, and had been
well educated, his father possessing 300l. per annum. ºf
He was apprenticed to a salesman; but running a Way -
from his master, he entered into the army, and served in
Flanders, where he behaved so well that he was promoted -
to the rank of serjeant. On the return of his regiment -
to England, he purchased his discharge, and repairing to
London, bought the place of an officer in Whitechapel
Court, in which he continued about seven years, but hav-
ing given liberty to some persons whom he had arrested,
one Charlesworth, a solicitor of that court, caused him to
be discharged, and then sued him for the amount of the
debts of the parties whom his inconsiderate good-nature
had liberated. To evade imprisonment, Everett enlisted
in lord Albemarle's company of foot guards; soon after
his engaging in the army, he fell into company with Ri-
chard Bird, with whom he had been formerly acquainted.
This Bird hinted, that great advantages might be ac-
quired in a particular way, if Everett could be trusted;
and the latter, anxious to know what the plan was, learnt
that it was to go on the road ; on which an agreement
was immediately concluded. Hereupon they set out on
their expedition, and robbed several stages in the coun-
ties adjacent to London, from which they obtained con- º
siderable booty, in jewels, money, and valuable effects.
Thus successful in their first exploits, they went to Houn-
slow-Heath, where they stopped two military officers,
who were attended by servants armed with blunderbusses;
but they obliged them to submit, and robbed them of
their money and watches; the watches were afterwards
left, according to agreement, at a coffee-house near Char-
ing Cross, and the thieves received twenty guineas for re-
storing them. Soon after they stopped a gentleman in an
open chaise, near Epsom. The gentleman drew his sword,
and made several passes at them; yet they robbed him of
his watch, two guineas, his sword, and some writings; but
they returned the writings at the earnest request of the
º - injured
























384 NEW NEWGATE cALEN DAR. |
--
injured party. They also made a practice of robbing the
butchers and higglers on Epping Forest, on their way to
London. One of these robberies was singular. Meeting
with an old woman, a higgler, they searched the lining of
a high-crowned hat, which she said had been her mo-
ther's, in which they found about three pounds; but re-
turned her hat. Soon after this they stopped a coach
on Hounslow Heath, in which were two quakers, who
calling them sons of violence, jumped out of the coach to
oppose them ; but their fellow-travellers making no re.
sistance, and begging them to submit, all the parties were
robbed of their money. Everett remarking that one of
the quakers wore a remarkable good wig, snatched it from
his head, and gave him in return an old black tye, which
he had purchased for half a crown of a Chelsea pensi-
oner. This sudden metamorphose caused great mirth
among the other company in the coach. About ten days
after this, he and his companion walked to Hillingdom
Common, where, seeing two gentlemen on horse-back,
Everett stopped the foremost, and Bird the other, and
robbed them of upwards of three guineas and their gold
watches; they then cut the girths of the Saddle, and se-
cured the bridle, to prevent a pursuit. They now has:
tened to Brentford, where, understanding that they were
followed, they got into the ferry to cross the Thames;
and when they were three parts over, so that the river was
fordable, they gave the ferrymen ten shillings, and obliged
them to throw their oars into the river. They then jumped
overboard, and got on shore, while the spectators thought
it was only a drunken frolic, and the robbers got safe to
London. Some time after this, Everett was convicted of
an attempt to commit a robbery on the highway, for which
he was sentenced to three years imprisonment in New
Prison, Clerkenwell. After some time, he was employed to
act here as turnkey, and his conduct meeting with approba-
tion, he remained in that station after the term of his im-
prisonment was expired; but the keeper dying, he took
a public-house in Turn mill-street. He had not been long
in this station, when the new keeper who had been ap-
pointed frequently called on him, and made him advan-
tageous offers, on the condition of his re-assuming the
- 5 - office
-
n


JoHN EVERETT. 385
office of turnkey. This he did ; but when Everett had
perfectly instructed him in the management of the prison,
he dismissed him, without assigning any reason for so un-
generous a conduct. Everett being now greatly in debt,
and consequently obliged to remove within the rules of
the Fleet Prison, took a public-house in the Old Bailey.
After which he took the cock ale-house, in the same
street, which he kept three years with reputation, when
the warden of the Fleet persuaded him to keep the tap-
house of the said prison. While in this station, he was
charged with being concerned with the keeper in some
mal practices, for which the House of Commons ordered
him to be confined in Newgate; but he obtained his li-
berty at the end of the sessions, as no bill had been found
against him. During his confinement, his brewer seized
his stock of beer, to the amount of above 3001, which re-
duced him to circumstances of great distress; but he even
now resolved on a life of industry, if he could have got
employment, but his character was such, that no person
would engage him. Thus distressed, he once more equip-
ped himself for the highway, with a view, as he solemnly
declared, after sentence of death, to raise only fifty pounds, \º
as his brewer would have given him credit, if he could
have possessed himself of that sum. Having stopped a
coach on the Hampstead road, in which were a lady, her
daughter, and a child about five years old, the child was so
terrified at his presenting a pistol, that he withdrew it
at the request of the lady, who gave him a guinea and
some silver; and though he observed she had a watch
and some gold rings, &c. he did not demand them. Some
company riding up, he was followed to the end of Lea-
ther-lane, where he evaded the pursuit by turning into
Hatton Garden, and going into the Globe tavern. Here
he called for wine, and while he was drinking he saw his
pursuers pass, on which he paid his reckoning, and slip-
ped into a public-house in Holborn, where he again saw
them pass. Thinking himself safe, he remained here a
considerable time. When he thought the pursuit was
over, he called a coach at the end of Brook-street, and
driving to Honey-lane market, purchased a duck for his
supper, and a turkey for his Christmas dinner; he then
vo L. I.-No. 14. 3 c - went
2 - \ .



































º--
386 NEW NEW: GATE CAL E N DAR.
went to his lodging in Newgate-market. On the follow:
ing day, one Whitaker (called the boxing drover) cir:
culated a report that Everett had committed a highway
robbery; on which the latter loaded a brace of pistols,
and vowed he would be revenged. He went to Isling:
* …º. , ºr v ºr, . -- -
ton in search of Whitaker, and visited several public-
- - - - - -
houses which he used to frequent, but not meeting with
ºf . , is . . . . ---
him, the perpetration of murder was happily prevented.
- - - - º
A woman in the neighbourhood of Newgate-market ha-
ving buried her husband, who had left her enough to sup-
portherself and children with decency; Everett repeated-
ly visited the widow, was received with too great marks
º --- - - - - ---. .." --
of esteem, and assisted her in the dissipation of that money
which should have provided for her family. The wi-
dow's son, jealous of this cºnnectiºn, remonstrated with
--- . - - * > - *** * * - -
his mother on the impropriety of her conduct, and told
her it would end in her ruin. This, made Everett and
her more cautious in their meeting, but the son watched
º - . . . . º.º. ----- - - - - --
them with the utmost degree of vigilance and circumspec-
º º º, fºººººººººººº; -º- iº
tion. Having one evening observed them go into a ta-
- º º, i. ºf pºº tº -
- vern, he provided himself with a large and sharp knife, and
|- - º: -º-º-º: tº sº ºr º, a fºº’iº --- -
entering thººm, Where, they Were sitting, swore he
--- ºiº ºf a tºº ºl --> -
- would stab, Everett to the heart ; but the latter, by su-
jeriority of strength disarmed him. Th
periority of strength, disarmed him. The young fellow
º, ºr tºº ºf - ºº: *
was at length persuaded to sit down, when Everett as:
º tº 1 : "...º.º.º iſ - ºr , , ºf º
sured him that he entertained the utmost respect both for
º-----> - + iºn º º, , tº --
himself and his mother; but the youth answered, that he
was a liar, and the ſnuttial destruction both of mother and
ºr tº: º, irºi; º; ºn ºf Fºº -
children must follow their unlawful connection. As the
ºn tº sº.º.º. º, º sº.
lad grew warm, Everett affected great coolness and good.
* * * * * * Hsid º - -
humour, and Cons ered how he might most readily get
- º º - º, ºr - I -
º rid of so unwelcºme a guests as he was unwilling so
soon to part with the widow. At length he determined to
- --- *ºn. º ºf ºº i ºn . . . . . . tº
make the young fellow drunk, and plied him with such
a quantity of liquor that he fell fast asleep, in which con:
dition he was left, wihile the other parties adjourned to a
distant tºvern, where they remained till morning, when
- ºf ºs ºf , tº . . . . -
Everett borrowed seven guineas of the widow, under
Zº ºf tº:...º.º. ii. -
pretence of paying her in a week. Not long after this
Everett was married to this very widow at Stepney church,
by which he came intº possession of money and plate
º º - º to
*
---
-
º
--
ºr














-
ºf Dºw ARD EV ERETT. * * * 387
to a considerable amount, and might have lived happily
with her if he would have taken her advice; but the ex-
travagance of his disposition led to his ruin. When he was
in very low circumstances he casually met his old accom-
plice Bird, and joined with him in the commission of a
robbery in Essex ; they were both taken and lodged in
Chelmsford gaol, but Everett having turned evidence,
the other was convicted and executed. As soon as he
obtained his liberty, he committed several robberies in
the neighbourhood of London, the last of which was on
- - - tº lºº - -
a lady named Ellis, whom he stopped near Islington ;
but being taken into custody on the following day,
he was tried, and capitally convicted. He had been
married to three wives, who all visited him after sentence
of death. He was likewise visited by the son of the
widow, but recollecting - -
tween them, Everett would have stabbed him with a
pen-knife, but was prevented by one of his wives; for
which interposition he afterwards expressed the greatest
happiness. What gave him most uneasiness was the crime
ºf perjury, of which he had been guilty; with a view to
take away the life of an innocent man.-One Picket, a
º, - - rºº - - ºf . -----
cooper, having affronted him, he swore a robbery against
him, but the jury not being satisfied with the evidence,
the man was fortunately acquitted. Mr. Nicholson, the
then minister of St. Sepulchre's church, attended the pri-
- º, - º º - ºn º h. * . - -
soner while under sentence of death, and kindly exerted
- - - -- - *. * , ºr 1 -
himself to convince him of the atrocious nature of his of:
fences, but the numbers of people who visited him from
motives of curiosity, took off his attention from his more
important duties. However, he was at times serious, and
would then advise his brethren in affliction to prepare for
that death which now appeared unavoidable. * ,
The gaol-distemper having seized him while in New-
gate, a report was propagated that he had taken poison,
but this was totally false. He wrote letters to some of his ac-
quaintance, begging they would take warning by his unhap-
By fate, and avoid those steps which led him to his ruin.
At the place of execution he behaved in such a man-
her as induced the spectators to think that his penitence
for his past crimes was unaffected. -º-º-º:
Johv
g what had formerly passed be-













































NEW NEW &ATE CALEN DAR.
JoHN oweer, Esq.
---
MURDERER.
- (A MILITARY OFFICER.)
This man, to use an applicable, but common observa.
tion, was another pot-valiant officer of the army. He was
the son of an eminent attorney, at Burnwell in Leicester-
shire, who gave him an education which should have
taught him not to violate the laws of his country. His
father intended him for his own honourable profession, and
procured him a marriage with the niece of the celebråted
Sir Nathan Wright, who was appointed Lord Keeper of
the Great Seal of England.
Sir Natham appointed him to be his train-bearer, no
invaluable place; but greatly inferior to what the young
gentleman's ambition had taught him to aspire to. How-
ever, he kept his place some time, in expectation of prefer.
ment ; but failing in his views of promotion in this line,
- he bought a commission in the army.
campaigns in Flanders, and was promoted in the army as
the reward of his military merit. While in winter-quar-
had a quarrel with another officer, which occasioned a
duel, and Oneby, having killed the other, was brought to
his trial before a court martial, which acquitted him of
the murder.
The regiment being soon afterwards ordered to Ja-
maica, Mr. Oneby went with it, and during his residence
at Port Royal, fought another duel with a brother officer,
expired after an illness of several months; but as he did
- The rank of majorin a regiment of dragoons had been
conferred on Mr. Oneby, in Consequence of his services:
but on the peace of Utrecht he returned to England, and
was reduced to half pay.
Repairing to London, he frequented the gaming-
houses, and became so complete a gambler that he com-
- monly
º
-
not instantly die, no farther notice was taken of the affair,
He served under the duke of Marlborough, in several
ters at Bruges, at the close of one of these campaigns, he
whom he wounded in so dangerous a manner, that he








































JOHN ON EBY, ESQ.. 389
monly carried cards and dice in his pockets. Having
fallen into company with some gentlemen at a coffee-
house in Covent-Garden, they all adjourned to the Castle-
Tavèrn, in Drury-Lane, where they went to cards.
Mr. Hawkins, who was of the company, having de-
clined playing, Mr. Rich asked if any one would set him
three half-crowns. The bet was apparently accepted
by William Gower, Esq. who, in ridicule, laid down
three half-pence. -
On this Major Oneby abused Gower, and threw a bot-
tle at him ; and, in return, Gower threw a glass at the
other. Swords were immediately drawn on both sides;
but Mr. Rich interposing, the parties were apparently re
conciled, and sat down to their former diversion.
Gower seemed inclined to compromise the difference,
saying that he was willing to adjust the affair, though
the major had been the aggressor. In answer to this One-
by said, he “would have his blood;” and said to Mr.
Hawkins that the mischief had been occasioned by him.
Hawkins replied, “he was ready to answer, if he had any
“thing to say :" to which Oneby said, “I have another
“chap first.” º º
Mr. Hawkins left the company about three o'clock in
the morning; soon after which Mr. Oneby arose, and
said to Gower, “Hark ye, young gentleman, a word with
you ;” on which they retired to another room, and shut
the door. A clashing of swords being heard by the com-
pany, the waiter broke open the door, and, on their en-
trance, they found Oneby holding Gower with his left
hand, having his sword in the right : and Mr. Gower's
sword laid on the floor. , -
Before the company could part the combatants, Gower
dropped to the ground ; but it was not imagined that he
had been wounded, till blood was observed streaming
through his waiscoat. On this one of the company said to
the major, that he was apprehensive he had killed Mr.
| Gower; but the other replied, “No, I might have done
“it if I would ; but I have only frightened him ; but
“supposing I had killed him, I know what is to be done
“in these affairs; for if I had killed him to-night, in the
“heat of passion, I should have had the law on my side ;
* * “ but
-
-
º



- i. - º º
390 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
- º º ---
* but if I had done it at any other time, it would have
“ looked like a set meeting, and not a rencounter.”
A surgeon of eminence having examined Mr. Gower's
wounds, it was found that the sword of his antagonist had
passed through his intestines, of which wound he died
--- ...: … p. 3 1 - - * . -
the following 'day ; on which Mr. Oneby was apprehen:
ded, and lodged in Newgate. . -". º
The circumstances above mentioned were stated on his
trial; but some doubts arising in the minds of the jury,
they brought in a special verdict, referable to the opinion
6f the twelve judges. --- º -- - º
Mr. Oneby having remained in Newgate two years,
and the judges not having met to give their opinion, he
became impatient of longer confinement, and therefore
moved the court of King's-Bench, that counsel might be
-
heard on his case.
º, º
-
- -
Hereupon the prisoner was carried into court, by Vir.
tue of a writ of habeas corpus; and the record of the spe.
cial verdict being read, the reverend bench, with great |
humanity, assigned him two counsel, a solicitor, and a
clerk in court. --
a Lord Chief Justice Raymond, and three other judges,
presided a few days afterwards, when the major being
again brought up, his counsel, as well as those for the
crown, were heard ; after which the lord chief justice de-
clared, that he would take an opportunity of having the
opinion of the other judges: and then the prisoner should
be informed of the evént. - º
The major, on his return to New gate, gave a handsome
dinner, at the Crown and Anchor Tavèrn in the Strand,
to the persons who had the custody of him ; and seeming
to be in high spirits on account of the ingenious argu.
ments used by his counsel, entertained little doubt of be:
ing discharged, and said he would spend the rest of his
life in a military capacity. -
After a considerable time, the judges assembled at
Serjeant’s-Inn Hall, to bring the matter to a final deci.
sjon. Counsel were heard on both sides, and the pleading:
lasted a whole day, during which the major was carous:
ing with his friends in Newgate, and boasting of the ºr
- * talliſ)
















-
-
---
Joiſ N ON EBY, Esq. 39;
- -- º
fainty of his escape, as he had only acted in conformity
with the character of a man of honour.
In the midst of these delusive expectations, agentleman
called, and told him that eleven of the judges had de-
creed against him ; which greatly alarmed him. How
far this was the fact could not thes be known; for though
the major employed several persons to wait at the Inn, to
bring him information, they could learn nothing more
-- -- - - - Q-
than that the judges had broke up about ten o'clock at
night, without declaring their opinion. . . .
Not many days after this, the keeper of Newgate told
the major he must double iron him, to prevent his ma-
king his escape; and that he must be removed to a safer
place; unless he would pay for a man, to attend him in
his room. Oneby was shocked at this news, and asked
the keeper's authority for such a proceeding; but he could
obtain no satisfactory allSWeſ: º gº
ºr
He was now loaded with irons; and having wrote se-
veralletters to the judges, and other persons of distinc-
tion, to which he received no answer, he began to be ap-
prehensive that the most serious consequences would re-
sult from the crime of which he had been guilty.
The man appointed to attend the major in his room
was one John Hooper (who was afterwards executioner.)
a fellow of remarkable drollery, but of such a forbidding
countenance, that when Oneby first saw him, he exclaim-
ed, “What the devil do you bring this fellow here for
“Whenever I look at him, I shall think of being hanged.”
ºr ºf ------- -
Hooper, however, by a nack of telling stories, soon made
himself a very agreeable companion to the major.
At length the judges assembled again at Serjeant's
Inn Hall, and having declared their opinions to each other,
the counseſ for the prosecution demanded that their lord-
ships would proceed to judgment. Hereupon the sense
of the bench was delivered to Mr. Oneby by Lord Ray-
mond, who said, that it was the unanimous opinion of the
judges that he had been guilty of murder ; and that his
declaring he would “ have the blood” of Gower, had
great weight in his disfavour.
To this the major solemnly declared, that he had never
spoken such words ; and begged the interposition of the
- - - - judges
*





39% NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
f -
- º -- -
judges with his majesty for a pardon. Lord Raymond
told him it was in vain for him to deny the words, as they
were returned in the special verdict ; and that the judges
could not interfere by an application to the king; but
that he must seek another channel through which to soli.
cit the royal mercy. -
A few days after this, judgment of death was passed
against him ; and he was ordered to be executed. His
iº- friends and relations exerted all their influence toprocure
him a pardon; but their intercessions proved in vain.
For awhile he flattered himself that his gambling com.
panions would intercede in his favour, and he made ap-
plication to them accordingly; but none of them interes-
ted themselves in any degree to do him service.
While the major was in confinement, an author waited
on him, and told him that a pamphlet was written in his
disfavour but that he would exert his best endeavours
to put a stop to the publication. It was supposed, that the
author's view was to have learnt something from the ma-
jor that might be inserted in the pamphlet; but failing to
obtain any materials by these means, the book made its
appearance in a few days. º
This circumstance so enflamed the passions of Oneby,
that he said, “I would die willingly, if I could only get
“an opportunity of being revenged on that rascally, rag-
“ged author;” and he actually sent for him several times,
with a view to have given him a drubbing; but the wri-
ter had more sagacity than to do honour to his invitation.
On the Saturday preceding the day that he was ordered
for execution, an undertaker went to Newgate, and deli.
vered him a letter, of which the following is a copy, say:
ing, that he would wait below for an answer:
-
“Honoured Sir,
“This is to inform you that I follow the business of an
- undertaker in Drury-Lane, where I have lived many
years, and am well known to severalof your friends. As
you are to die on Monday, and have not, as I suppose,
about your funeral, if your ho:
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JOHN ONEBY, ESQ. 393
nour shall think fit to give me orders, I will perform it
as cheap, and in as decent a manner, as any man alive.
Your honour's unknown
Humble servant,
G. H.
The major had no sooner read this letter than he flew
into a violent passion; which being made known to the
undertaker, he thought proper to decamp, without wait-
ing for his orders, -
When Hooper came at night to attend Mr. Oneby, he
told him of the letter he had received from the undertaker;
and, in terms very improper for his malancholy situation,
expressed his resentment for the supposed affront.
Every hope of pardon being vanished, this unhappy º
man had recourse to the dreadful method of evading the
ignominy of the gallows. On the night of the Saturday
last mentioned, he went to bed at ten o'clock, and having º
slept till four o'clock on Sunday morning, he asked for a
glass of brandy and water, and pen, ink, and paper; and, º
sitting up in the bed, wrote the following note:
“Cousin Turvill,
“Give Mr. Akerman, the turnkey below stairs, half a
guinea; and Jack, who waits in my room, five shillings.
The poor devils have, had a great deal of trouble with
the since I have been here.”
Having delivered this note to his attendant, he begged
to be left to his repose, that he might be fit for the recep-
tion of some friends who were to call on him. He was
accordingly left, and a gentleman coming into his apart:
ment about seven o'clock, and the major's footman with
him, he called out to the latter, “Who is that, Philip º'
which were the last words he was heard to speak.
The gentleman approaching the bed-side, found he
had cut a deep wound in his wrist with a pen knife,
and was drenched in blood. A surgeon was instantly
sent for, but he was dead before his arrivăţ. - -





























394. NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
JAMES CLUFF,
MURDERER,
Executed AT TYBURN, JULY 25, 1729, ON AN APPEAL, AFTER BEING
- AC QUITTED. -
TH is unhappy young man was born in Clare-market, and
lived as a waiter at several public-houses, in all of which
he maintained an extraordinary character for diligence,
obligingness, and integrity.
hired Cluff as a servant, and during his residence here, he
fell in love with Mary Green, his fellow-servant; but she
being courted by another man, constantly rejected his ad.
dresses; which frequently agitated his mind in the most
violent degree. -
Green's other lover coming to see her, sat in the same
box with her, and was received by her in an affectionate
Cluff, who was then engaged in attending the customers:
but when the lover was gone Mr. Payne perceiving that
something had discomposed Cluff's mind, asked him the
Mrs. Payne heard a noise, as if two persons were strug.
hither, madam.” On this she advanced, and saw the pri.
soner holding the deceased by the shoulders, who was
sitting on the floor, and speechless; while the blood
streamed from her in large quantities. ---
Mrs. Payne called out, “What have you been doing
“James º' he said, “ nothing.” He was asked if he
had seen her hurt herself. He said “No ; but that he had
“had been to draw some beer for her dinner.” Mr.
Payne now entered the tap-room, and then went intº
the cellar, to discover if there was any blood there; but
committed the murder ; and instantly sent for a surgeon
Mr. Payne, master of the Green-Lattice in Holborn,
reason of it ; but could not prevail on him to tell the cause,
, While Mr. Payne and his wife were at dinner in the
parlour, and the girl eating her dinner in one of the boxes,
gling; and going into the tap-room, Cluff said, “Come
“ seen her bring up a knife from the cellar, where she
finding none, he accused Cluff on suspicion of having
When the surgeon arrived, he found that a knife had
º been
manner; but this did not seem to be much regarded by
-






















J AM ES C LU FF. 395
been stabbed into the upper part of the thigh, and en-
tered the body of the girl, in such a manner that she
could not survive the stroke more than a minute.
A bloody knife was found in the room; and Cluff was
committed to Newgate for the murder. On his trial, the
surgeon deposed that the knife fitted the wound that had )
been made, and that he believed the woman had not
killed herself: but the jury acquitted the prisoner, from -
what they deemed insufficiency of evidence. -
A discharge of the accused party would now have
followed of course ; but William Green, the brother
and heir of the deceased, immediately lodged an appeal;
in consequence of which Cluff was brought to trial at the º
next sessions but one, when his case was argued with i
the utmost ingenuity by the counsei for and against him; -
but this second jury found him guilty, and he was sen- -
tenced to die. - - , , ;
After conviction, his behaviour was the most devout
and resigned that could be imagined : he exercised him-
self in every act of devotion ; but solemnly declared his
perfect innocence with respect to the murder.
He was visited by his friends, who earnestly entreated
him to make a sincere confession, especially, as in his
case, it was not in the power of the king himself to grant
him a pardon. In answer hereto, he freely confessed
all his other crimes; but, saying he would not rush into
eternity with a lie in his mouth, again steadily denied the
perpetration of the crime of which he had been con-
victed. - - - -
The clergyman who attended him urged him to the
confession of his guilt, and even refused to administer
the sacrament to him on the morning of his execution,
on any other terms than those of acknowledging his
crime; but nothing could shake his resolution: he still
steadily persisted in his innocence.
On his way to the place of execution, he desired to
stop at the door of his late master ; which being granted,
he called for a pint of wine, and having drank a glass of
it, addressed Mr. Payne in the following terms: -
“ Sir, you are not insensible that I am going to suffer
an ignominious death, for a crime of which I declare I
3 D 2 aſſl
{{





396 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
tº not guilty; as I am to appear before my great judge
st in a few moments to answer for all my past sins. I
--
At the place of execution, he behaved in the most
composed, devout, and resigned manner; and seemed to
possess his mind in the consciousness of innocence.
There was a great concourse of spectators to witness his
fatal end ; to whom he spoke in the following manner:
* Good people, I am going to die for a fact I never com-
“ mitted. I wish all mankind well; and as I have prayed
for my prosecutors, I hope my sins will be forgiven
through the merits of my ever-blessed Redeemer, I
beg you to pray for my departing soul; and as to the
fact I now die for, I wish H was as free from all other
“ sins.” /- -
He was hanged at Tyburn, on the 25th of July, 1729,
exhibiting no signs of fear to his last moment.
The case of this man is very extraordinary. The evi-
dence against him was at best but circumstantial; and
this not supported with such strong corroborative proofs
as have occasioned convictions in many other instances,
No person was witness to his commission of the murder;
nor was there any absolute proof that he did commit it;
and from the steady perseverance with which he denied it,
under the most awful circumstances, and at the very con-
cluding scene of his life, charity would tempt one to be:
lieve that he was innocent. º
º
-
º
REFLECTIONS.
Ought not his case to afford a lesson of caution to ju-
ries, how they convict on circumstantial evidence Is
it not better that the guilty should escape, than the innor
cent be punished All the decrees of mortals are liable
to error; but the time will come when all mists shall
be cleared from our sight, and we shall witness to the
wisdom of those laws of Providence which are now in-
scrutable to mortal eyes. Then shall we see, that what
appeared inexplicable to us, was divinely right; and learn
to admire that wisdom, which at present, so much exceeds
our finitecomprehension. º I
“ hope you and my good mistress will pray for my poor
“ soul. God bless you, and all your family.” º















JoHN Gow. 397
In the mean time, we ought to adore that goodness wº
cannot comprehend, and restsatisfied with those dispen-
sations which are eternally and immutably just.
- *
~ -
--ºm--
JOHN GO/W,
(Captain of a notorious gang of Pirates.)
EXECUTED AT EXECUTION-Dock, AUG, 11, 1729, FoR PIRAcy. w
WAs a native of one of the Orkney Islands, in the north
of Scotland, was instructed in maritiume affairs, in which
he became so expert, that he was appointed mate of a
ship, in which he sailed on a voyage to Santa Cruz.
When the vessel was ready to weigh anchor from the - º
place above mentioned, the merchants who had shipped
goods on board her, came to pay a parting visit to the º
captain, and to give him their final instructions. tº
On this occasion, the captain, agreeable to custom,
entertained his company under an awning on the quarter-
deck; and, while they were regaling, some of the sailors
preferred a complaint of ill-treatment they prétended to
have received, particularly with regard to short allowance.
The captain was irritated at So undeserved a charge,
which seemed calculated to prejudice him in the opinióñº
of his employers : but conscious of the uprightness of his
intentions, he did not reply in anger, but only said, that
there was a steward on board, who had the care of the
provisions, and that all reasonable complaints should be
edressed: on which the seamen retired, with apparent
atisfaction. º
The wind being fair, the captain directed his men
to weigh anchor assoon as the merchants had quitted the
vessel. It was observed that Paterson, one of the com- ---
plainants, was very dilatory in executing his orders; On,
which the captain demanded why he did not exert him-
self to unfurl the sails: to which he made no direct
answer; but was heard to mutter, “As we eat, so
shall we work.” The captain heard this, but took no no.
tice of it, as he was unwilling to proceed to extremities. -
The ship had no sooner sailed, than the captain consis
dered his situation as dangerous, on reflecting that his
- - - conduct
.


































398 NEW NEW GATE CA. LEN DAR.
conduct had been complained of, and his orders dis.
obeyed. Hereupon he consulted the mate, and they
agreed to deposit a number of small arms in the cabin,
in order to defend themselves in case of an attack. This
precaution might have been extremely salutary, but that
they spoke so loud as to be overheard by two of the con-
spirators, who were on the quarter-deck.
The captain likewise directed the mate to order Gow,
who was second-mate and gunner, to clean the arms; a
circumstance that must plainly insinuate to the latter that
the conspiracy was at least suspected. - -
Those who had overheard the conversation between
the captain and mate, communicated the substance of
it to Gow, and the other conspirators, who thereupon re-
solved to carry the plan into immediate execution. Gow,
- who had previously intended to turn pirate, thought the
present an admirable opportunity, as there were several
chests of money on board the ship : wherefore he propo.
sed to his companions that they should immediately em.
bark in the enterprize; and they determined to murder
the captain, and seize the ship. º
Half of the ship's company were regularly called to
prayers in the great cabin at eight o'clock in the evening,
while the other half were doing duty on deck ; and, after
service, those who had been in the cabin went to rest
in their hammocks. The contrivance was to execute the
plot at this juncture. Two of the conspirators only re.
mained on duty: the rest being among those who retired
to their hammocks.
Between nine and ten at night a kind of watchword
was given, which was, “Who fires first "On this some of
the conspirators left their hammocks, and going to the gº
bius of the surgeon, chief mate, and supercargo, they
cut their throats while they were asleep. -
The surgeon finding himself violently wounded, quitted
his bed, and soon afterwards dropped on the floor and
expired. The mate and supercargo held their hands
on their throats, and going on the quarter-deck, S0-
licited a momentary respite, to recommend their souls to
Heaven: but even this favour was denied; for the villains,
who found their knives had failed to destroy them, dis.
* -
- patched them with pistols. -
The captain hearing a noise, demanded the occasion |



*Joh N Gow. - * 399 º
of it. The boatswain replied that he did not know, but
he was apprehensive that some of the men had either
fallen or been thrown overboard. The captain hereupon
went to look over the ship's side, on which two of the mur-
derers followed, and tried to throw him into the sea ; but
he disengaged himself, and turned about to take a view
of them; when one of them cut his throat but not so as -
to kill him ; for he now solicited mercy; but, instead of
granting it, the other stabbed him in the back with a dag-
ger, and would have repeated his blow ; but he had struck
with such force, that he could not draw back the weapon.
At this instant Gow, who had been assisting in the
murders between the decks, came on the quarter-deck,
and fired a brace of balls into the captain's body, which
put a period to his life. -
The execrable villains concerned in this tragical affair
having thrown all the dead bodies overboard, Gow was
unanimously appointed to the command of the ship.
Those of the sailors who had not been engaged in the
conspiracy, secreted themselves, some in the shrouds,
some under the stores, in dreadful apprehension of shar-
ing the fate of the captain and their murdered compa-
I]]|Oil S. º
Gow now assembled his associates on the quarter-deck,
appointed them their different stations on board, and it
was agreed to commence, pirates The new captain now
directed that the men who had concealed themselves,
should be informed that no danger would happen to
them if they did not interfere to oppose the new govern-
ment of the ship, but keep such stations as were assigned
them. º º -
The men, whose terrors had taught them to expectim-
mediately death, were glad to comply with these terms;
but the pirates, to enforce obedience to their orders, ap-
pointed two men to attend with drawn cutlasses, to terrify
the others into submission.
Gow and his companions now divided the most valua-
ble effects in the cabin ; and then ordering liquor to be
brought on the quarter-deck, they consumed the night in -
drinking, while those unconnected in the conspiracy, had
the care of working the ship.
Th; --
- - º





400, NEW NEWGATE CA. LEN DAR.
º
º
º
The ship's crew originally consisted of twenty-four men,
of whom four had been murdered, and eight were conspi-
rators; and before morning four of the other men had ap-
proved of the proceedings of the pirates; so that there
were only eight remaining in opposition to the newly usur-
ped authority.
On the following day, the new captain summoned these
eight men to attend him, and telling them he was deter-
mined to go on a cruizing voyage, said, that they should
be well treated if they were disposed to act in concert
with the rest of the crew. He said, that every man
should fare in the same manner, and that good order and
discipline was all that would be required. He said fur-
ther, that the captain's inhumanity had produced the con-
sequences which had happened : that those who had not
been concerned in the conspiracy had no reason to fear
any ill consequences from it: that they had only to dis.
charge their duty as seamen, andevery man should be re-
warded according to his merit.
, To this address, these unfortunate honest men made
no kind of reply ; and Gow interpreted their silence in-
to an assent of measures, which it was not in their power
to oppose. After this declaration of the will of the new
captain, they were permitted to range the ship at their
pleasure; but as some of them appeared to act very re-
luctantly, a strict eye was kept on their conduct; for, as
guilt is ever suspicious, the pirates were greatly appre-
hensive of being brought to justice by means of some of
these men.
A man named Williams now acted as lieutenant of the
vessel, and, being distinguished by the ferocity of his
nature, he had an opportunity of exerting his cruelty by
beating the unhappy men, a privilege that he did not fail
to exert with a degree of severity that must render his me.
mory detestable. - -
The ship thus seized had been called the George Gal.
ley, but the pirates gave her the name of the Revenge,
and having mounted several guns, they steered towards
Spain and Portugal, in expectation of making a capture
of wine, of which article they were greatly *
hey









joh N Gow. 401
They soon made prize of an English vessel, laden with
fish, bound from Newfoundland to Cadiz ; but having no
use for the cargo, they took out the captain and four men,
who navigated the ship, which they sunk.
One of the seamen whom they took out of the captu-
red vessel was named James Belvin, a man admirably cal-
culated for their purpose, as he was by nature cruel, and
by practice hardened in that cruelty. He said to Gow,
that he was willing to enter into all his schemes, for he
had been accustomed to the practice of acts of barbarity.
This man was thought a valuable acquisition to the crew.
as several of the others appeared to act from motives of
fear, rather than of inclination.
The next vessel taken by the pirates was a Scotch ship
bound to Italy with pickled herrings; but this cargo,
like the former, being of no use to them, they sunk the
vessel, having first taken out the men, arms, ammunition,
and stores. * , - - * * *
After cruizing eight of ten days, they saw a vessel
about the size of their own, to which they gave chace.
She hoisted French colours, and crouded all her sail in or-.
der to get clear of them ; and after a chace of three days
and nights, they lost the French vessel in a fog.
Being distressed for water, they now steered towards
the Madeira islands, of which they came in sight in two
days, but not thinking it prudent to enter the harbour,
they steered off and on for several days, in expectation of
º
vol. 1.-No. 15. 3 E - Cessary
making prize of some Portuguese or Spanish vessel, but
their expectations were frustrated. ºf
Their distress increasing, they stood in for the harbour
and brought the ship to an anchor, but at a considerable
distance from the shore. This being done, they sent se-
ven men, well armed, in a boat, with instructions to
board a ship, cut her cables, and bring her off; but, if
they failed in this, they were to attempt to make prize of
wine and water, conveying it in the boats to the ships.
But both these schemes were frustrated, since it was ea-
sily known, from the distance they lay at, that they were
pirates. , -
When they had cruized off for some days, they found
themselves in such distress, that it became absolutely ne-





40% New NewGATE cALENEAR.
|
- cessary to seek immediate relief; on which they sailed to
Port Santa, a Portuguese settlement, at the distance ºf
about ten leagues.
. On their arrival off this place, they sent their boat on
- shore, with a present of salmon and herrings for the go-
vernor, and the name of a port to which they pretended
to be bound. The persons sent on shore were civily
cº, , , ºr º, tº ºr * * * * * * * * * *** -ºººº.. ºf 1 M.
treated by the governor, who accompanied some of his
friends on board the ship. Gow and his associates re-
ceived the governor very poſitely, and entertained him and
his company in the most hospitable manner; but the
boat belonging to the pirates not coming on board with
some provisions they had expected, and the governor
and his attendants preparing to depart. Gow and his
people threatened to take away their lives, unless they
instantly furnished them with what they required. |
The surprize of the Portuguese governor and his
friends on this occasion is not to be expressed. They
dreaded instant death, and, with every sign of extreme
fear, solicited that their lives might be spared. Gow
being peremptory in his demands, the governor sent a
boat repeatedly on shore, till the pirates were furnished
- with such articles as they wanted. º
s
*
This business being ended, the Portuguese were per-
mitted to depart, and the pirates determined to steer to:
wards the coast of Spain, where they soon arrived. Af.
ter cruising a few days of Cape St. Vincent, they fell
in with an English vessel bound from the coast of Gui-
pea to America, with slaves; but had been obliged to put
into the port of Lisbon: however, it would have been of
no use for them to have made capture of such a vessel:
yet they did take it, and putting on board the captain
and men they had heretofore taken, and taking out all
the provisions, and some of the sails, they left the ship
to proceed on her voyage. .
Falling in with a French ship laden with wine, oil, and
fruit, they took out the lading, and gave the vessel to the
Scotch captain, in return for the ship which they had
sunk. The Scotchman was likewise presented with
some valuable articles, and permitted to take his men tº
-
º
- sail
- º .
































-
J9HN cow. . . . .403
sºil with him; all of whom did so, except one, who con-
tinued with the pirates through choice. -
The day previous to this affair, they observed a French
ship bearing down towards them; on which Gow ordered
his people to lay to; but observing that the vessel
mounted two and thirty guns, and seemed proportionably
full of men, he assembled his people, and observed to
them, that it would be madness in them to think of en-
gaging so superior a force.
The crew in general were of Gow's opinion; but
Williams, the lieutenant, said, that Gow was a coward,
and unworthy to command the vessel. The fact is, that
Gow possessed somewhat of calm courage, while Wil-
liams's impetuosity was of the most brutal kind. The
latter, after behaving in the most abusive manner, de-
manded that the former should give orders for fighting
the vessel; but Gow refusing to comply, the other pre-
sented his pistol to shoot him; but it only flashed in the
Pān; º * º tº
This being observed by two of the pirates, named Win-
ter and Patterson, they both fired at Williams, when one
of them wounded him in the arm, and the other in the
belly. He dropped as soon as the pieces were discharged,
and the other seamen thinking he was dead, were about
to throw him overboard, when he suddenly sprang on
his feet, jumped into the hold, and swore he would set
fire to the powder-room; and as his pistol was yet
loaded, there was every reason to think he would actually
have done so, if he had not been instantly seized, and his
hands chained behind him, in which condition he was
put among the French prisoners, who were terrified at :
the sight of him; for the savage ferocity and barbarity
of his nature is not to be described ; it being a common
practice with him to beat the prisoners in the severest
manner, for his diversion (as he called it) and then threa-
ten to murder them.
No engagement happened with the French ship, which
held on her way; and two days afterwards the pirates
took a ship belonging to Bristol, which was laden with
salt-fish, and bound from Newfoundland to Oporto.
Having taken out the provisions, and many of the stores,
- 3 E 2 they






404 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
they compelled two of the crew to sail with them, an
then put the French prisoners on board the newly-cap:
tured vessel, which was just on the point of sailing, when
they began to reflect in what manner that execrable
villain, Williams, should be disposed of. -
At length it was determined to put him on board the
Bristol ship, the commander of which was desired to turn
him over to the first English man of war he should meet
with, that he should experience the justice due to his
crimes; and in the mean time to keep him in the strictest
confinement. - -
The cruelty of Williams's disposition has been already
mentioned, and the following is the most striking instance
of it. Among the arguments used by Gow against
engaging the French ship, one was, that they had already
more prisoners than they had proper accommodation for,
on which Williams proposed, that those in their posses.
sion might be brought up singly, their throats cut, and
their bodies thrown overboard; but Gow said, there had
been too much blood spilt already : for this was too hor-
rid a proposal for even pirates to consent to. -
ºf The fact is, that Williams would have been hanged at
- the yard-arm, if an opportunity had not offered of putting
him on board the Bristol ship. When he learnt their
intention respecting him, he earnestly besought a recon-
ciliation; but this being refused him, and he being
brought on deck in irons, he begged to be thrown over-
board, as he was certain of an ignominious death on his
arrival in England; but even this poor favour was de-
nied him ; and his companions only wished him “a
good voyage to the gallows."
When the captain of the Bristol ship reached the port
of Lisbon, he delivered his prisoner on board an English
man of war, which conveyed him to England, where he
had afterwards the fate of being hanged with his compa-
nions, as we shall see in the sequel. ... .
As soon as the Bristol ship had left them, Gow and his
crew began to reflect on their situation. They were ap-
prehensive, that as soon as intelligence of their proceed-
ings reached Portugal, some ships would be sent in pur.
suit of them. Hereupon they called a kind of council,
tº 5 & in





















John Gow. tº 465
in which everyone gave his opinion, as dictated by his
hopes of profit, or by his fears. º
Some of them advised going to the coast of Guinea, - -
others to North America, and others again to the West
Indies; but Gow proposed to sail to the Isles of Ork-
ºneys, on the north of Scotland, where, he said, they might -
dispose of their effects, and retire, and live on the pro-
duce. To induce his people to comply with this pro- -
posal, Gow represented that they were much in want of
water, and provisions of every kind; that their danger
would be great, if they continued longer on the high seas;
and above all, that it was highly necessary for them to
repair their ship, which they could not do with any de- --
gree of safety in a southern port. º ºf
He likewise said, that if any ships should be dispatched
in quest of them, they would not think of searching for
them in a northern latitude, so that their voyage that
way would be safe ; and if they would follow his direc-
tions, much booty might be obtained by plundering the
houses of the gentlemen residing near the sea-coast. The
danger of alarming the country was objected to these
proposals; but Gow said, that they should be able to
dispatch all their business, and sail again, before such an
event could happen. º º
Apparently convinced by this reasoning, they steered
northward, and entering a bay of one of the Orkney
Islands, Gow assembled his crew, and instructed them,
what tale they should tell to the country people, to pre-
vent suspicion: and it is probable that they might, for
the present, have escaped detection, if his instructions
had been literally obeyed. ºf
These instructions were, to say they were bound from
Cadiz to Stockholm, but contrary winds driving them
past the Sound, till it was filled with ice, they were under
the necessity of putting in to clean their ship; and that
they would pay ready money for such articles as they
stood in need of -
It happened that a smuggling-vessel lay at this time
in the bay. It belonged to the Isle of Man, and being
laden with brandy and wine from France, had come
north-about, to steer clear of the Custom-House cutters.
ºt







º 406 NEW NEWGATE CAL ENDAR.
. In their present situation Gow thought it prudent to ºx.
change goods with the commander of the vessel ; though
in any other he would hardly have been so ceremonious,
A Swedish vessel entering the bay two days afterwards,
- Gow likewise exchanged some goods with the captain,
- - Now it was that the fate of the pirates seemed to be
approaching; for such of the men as had been forced in-
to the service began to think how they should effect their
escape, and secure themselves, by becoming evidence
against their dissolute companions,
: When the boat went ashore one evening, a young fel-
low, who had been compelled to take part with the pi-
rates, got away from the rest of the boat's crew, and, after
* - laying concealed some time at a farm-house, hired a per-
son to shew him the road to Kirkwall, the principal place
on the islands, about twelve miles distant from the bay
where the ship lay at anchor. Here he applied to a
magistrate, said he had been forced into the service, and
begged that he might be entitled to the protection of
the ſaw, as the fear of death alone had induced him to
be connected with the pirates. º
º Having given information of what he knew of their
irregular proceedings, the sheriff issued his precepts to
of the people, to assistin bringing such villains to justice.
About this juncture, ten of Gow's sailors, who had
likewise taken an involuntary part with the pirates,
Scotland, coasted the country till they arrived at Edin-
burgh, where they were imprisoned on suspicion of being
Pirates. -
Notwithstanding these alarming circumstances, Gow
was so careless of his own safety, that he did not put im-
mediately to sea, but resolved to plunder the houses of
provisions.
In pursuance of this resolation he sent his boatswain
and ten armed men to the house of Mr. Honeyman,
*high-sheriff of the county; and, the master being absent,
the servants opened the door without suspicion. Nine of
the gang went into the house to search for treasure,
--
-
the constables and other peace-officers to call in the aid
seized the long-boat, and having made the main land of
the gentlemen on the coast, to furnish himself with fresh
while














* Joit N cow. 467°
while the tenth was left to guard the door. The sight of
men thus armed occasioned much terror to Mrs. Honey-
man and her daughter, who shrieked with dreadful ap- -
prehensions for their personal safety; but the pirates,
employed in the search of plunder, had no idea of mo-
lesting the ladies. º
Mrs. Honeyman running to the door, saw the mań.
who stood guard there, whom she asked what could be
the meaning of the outrage, to which he calmly replied:
that they were pirates, and had come thither only to
ransack the house. Recollecting that she had a conside-
rable quantity of gold in a bag, she returned and put it
in her lap, and ran by the man at the door, who had no
idea but that the wish to perserve her life occasioned her / --
haste. - -
The boatswain, missing this part of the expected trea-
sure, declared that he would destroy the family writings: s
but this being overheard by Miss Honeyman, she threw, -
the writings out of the window, and, jumping out after
them, escaped unhurt, and carried them off. In the in-
terim the pirates seized the linen, plate, and other valu- *
able articles, and then walked in triumph to their boat,
compelling one of the servants to play before them on the
bagpipes,
On the following day they weighed anchor; but on the
evening of the same day came again to an anchor, near
another island. Here the boatswain and some men
were sent on shore in search of plunder, but did not ob-
-
tain any. However, they met with two women, whom
they conveyed to the ship, where they detained them
three days, and treated them in so shocking a manner,
that one of them expired soon after they had put them
on shore. - - º
This atrocious offence was no sooner committed than
they sailed to an island called Calf-Sound, with an inten-
tion of robbing the house of Mr. Fea, who had been an
old school-fellow with Gow. This house was the rather
pitched upon, as Gow supposed that Mr. Fea could not
have yet heard of the transactions at Mr. Honeyman's ;
but in this he was mistaken: though Fea could not op.
-
-- * - 2 - - pose
-



408 NEW NEWGATE cALEN DAR.
pose the pirates on that occasion, on account of the in-
disposition of his wife. -
Mr. Fea's house was situated near the sea-shore: he
had only six servants at home when the pirates appeared
off the coast ; and these were by no means equal to a
contest with the plunderers. It may not be improper
to remark, that the tide runs so high among these islands,
and beats with such force against the rocks, that the
navigation is frequently attended with great danger.
Gow, who had not boats to assist him in an emergen.
cy, and was unskilled in the navigation of those seas,
made a blunder in turning into the bay of Calf-Sound;
for, standing too near the point of a small island called
º, the Calf, the vessel was in the utmost danger of being
run on shore. This little island was merely a pasture for
sheep belonging to Mr. Fea, who had at that time six
hundred feeding on it. - ,
Gow having cast his anchor too near the shore, so
that the wind could not bring him off, sent a boat with a
letter to Mr. Fea, requesting that he would lend him
another boat, to assist him in heaving off the ship, by
carrying out an anchor; and assuring him that he would
not do the least injury to any individual,
As Gow's messenger did not see Mr. Fea's boat, the
latter gave him an evasive answer, and, on the approach
of night, ordered his servants to sink his own boat, and
hide the sails and rigging. - tº .
While they were obeying this order, five of Gow's men
º came on shore in the boat, and proceeded, doubly armed,
&owards Fea's house. Hereupon the latter advanced to.
wards them with an assurance of friendship, and begged
that they would not enter the house, for that his wife was
exceedingly ill; that the idea of their approach had
greatly alarmed her, and that the sight of them might
probably deprive her of life. The boatswain replied,
that they had no design to terrify Mrs. Fea, or any
other person; but that the most rigorous treatment must
be expected, if the use of the boat was denied them.
Mr. Fea represented how dangerous it would be for
him to assist them, on account of the reports circulated |
to their discredit; but he offered to entertain them at an
adjacent



jo HN GOW. 409
-
adjacent alehouse, and they accepted the invitation, as
they observed that he had no company. While they were
drinking, Mr. Fea ordered his servants to destroy their º
boat, and when they had done so, to call him hastily º
out of the company, and inform him of it. .
These orders were exactly complied with ; and, when
he had left the pirates, he directed six men, well armed,
to station themselves behind a hedge, and if they obser-
yed him to come alone with the boatswain, instantly to
seize him : but if he came with all the five desperadoes,
he would walk forward, so as to give them an opportu-
nity of firing without wounding himself.
After giving these orders, Fea returned to the compa-
ny, whom he invited to his house, on the promise of their
behaving peaceably, and said he would make them hear-
tily welcome. They all expressed a readiness to attend
him, in the hope of getting the boat ; but he told them
he would rather have the boatswain's company only,
and would afterwards send for his companions. º
This being agreed to, the boatswain set forward with
two brace of pistols and walking with Mr. Fea till they -
came to the hedge where his men were concealed, he
then seized him by the collar, while the others took him
into custody before he had time to make any defence.
The boatswain called aloud for his men ; but Mr. Fea,
forcing a hankerchief into his mouth, bound him hand
and foot, and then left one of his own people to guard
him, while himself and the rest went back to the public
house.
There being two doors to the house, they went some
to the one, and some to the other, and rushing in at once,
they made prisoners of the other four men, before they
had time to have recourse to their arms for defence.
The five pirates being thus in custody, were sent to ,
an adjacent village, and separately confined , and in the
interim Mr. Fea sent messengers round the island, to ac-
quaint the inhabitants with what had been done; to de-
sire them to haul their boats on the beach, that the pi-
rates should not swim to, and steal them ; and to request
that no person would venture to row within reach of the
pirates' guns. -
WOL, *"...o. 13, 3 F Qa
-> -->
-
























410 NEw NEw GATE cALEN DAR.
On the following day the wind shifted to the north-
west, and blew hard, on which the pirates conceived
hopes of getting out to sea ; but the person employed to
cut the cable missing some of his strokes, the ship's way
was checked, she turned round, and the cable parting,
the vessel was driven on Calf Island.
Reduced to this dilemma, without even a boat to as-
sist in getting off the ship, Gow hung out a white flag,
as an intimation that he was willing to treat on friendly
terms : but Mr. Fea, having now little doubt of securing
the pirates, wrote to Gow, and told him he had been com-
pelled to make prisoners of his men on account of their
insolent behaviour. He likewise told him, that the whole
country was alarmed, and that the most probable chance
of securing his own life, would be by surrendering, and
becoming an evidence against his accomplices,
Four armed men in an open boat carried this letter to
Gow, who sent for answer that he would give goods to
the value of a thousand pounds to be assisted in his es-
cape : but if this should be refused, he would set fire to
the ship, father than become a prisoner. He even said
that he would trust to the mercy of the waves, if Mr. Fea
would indulge him with a boat.
On reading this letter, Fea determined to persuade him
to submit, and therefore took four men well armed, in a
boat, and rowed towards the ship: but he previously pla:
ced a man with a flag in his hand at the top of his house,
to make such signals as might be proper to prevent his
falling a sacrifice to any artifice of the pirates. -
- The instructions given to the servant were, that he
should wave the flag once, if he saw one of the pirates
swim towards the shore: but if he beheld four or more
of them, he should wave it constantly, till his master got
out of danger, Mr. Fea rowing forwards, spoke through
a trumpet, asking Gow to come on shore, and talk with
him, which the latter said he would. Hereupon Fea
łay to, in waiting for him; but at this juncture he saw a
man swimming from the ship, with a white flag in his hand
on which the man on the house waved his flag : but soon
afterwards he was observed to wave it continually, on
which Mr. Fea's boat retired, and those in her presently
º S&W
º
º




























JOHN Gow. 41 1
saw five more of the pirates swimming towards them ;
but they returned to the ship as soon as they saw the
others were aware of the artifice. ---
The first pirate, who carried the white flag, now re-
tired to a corner of the island, and calling to Mr. Fea,
told him that “the captain had sent him a bottle of bran-
“dy.” Fea replied that he hoped to see Gow hanged,
and that he was inclined to shoot the messenger for his
insolence ; on which the fellow decamped with great
precipitation.
Soon after this Gow wrote a most humble letter to
Mrs. Fea, imploring her interference in his behalf; and
though she had determined not to interest herself in his
favour, yet he resolved to go on shore; and taking a
white flag in his hand, he made signals for a parley; on
which Mr. Fea sent some armed men to seize him living
or dead.
On their meeting, Gow insisted that one of the men
should be left as a hostage ; and this circumstance being
seen by Mr. Fea, from the windows of his house, he
sailed over to the island, where he reprimanded his peo-
ple for delivering the hostage; and likewise told Gow
that he was his prisoner. Gow replied, that could not
be, since a hostage had been delivered for him.
To this Mr. Fea replied, that he had issued no orders
for delivering the hostage, and that the man who had
foolishly engaged himself as such, must submit to the
consequence ; but he advised Gow, for his own sake, to
make signals, that the man might obtain his liberty.
This Gow refused to do ; but Fea made signals which
deceived the pirates, two of whom came on shore with
the man, and were instantly taken into custody. Gow
was now disarmed of his sword, and made prisoner, af.
ter begging to be shot with his sword in his possession.
The leader of the gang being thus secured, Mr. Fea
had recourse to stratagem to get all the rest into his
power. He now compelled Gow to make signals for
some of them to come on shore, which they readily did,
and were apprehended by men concealed to take them
as they arrived. - - -
Fea now insinuated to Gow, that he would let him
3 F 2 have



4, 12 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
--
have a boat to escape, if he would send for his carpenter
to repair it, and to bring with him two or three hands to
assist him : Gow complied; the men came off, and were
severally seized; but as there were other people still on
board, Mr. Fea had recourse to the following contrivances
to get them into his possession. He directed his own
servants to provide hammers, nails, &c. and make a pre-
tence of repairing the boat; and, while this was doing,
told Gow to send for his men, since he must have pos.
session of the ship before he would deliver up the boat.
The pirates, on receiving their late captain's orders to
come on shore, were very doubtful how to act ; but, af.
tër a short debate, and having no officers to command
them, they shared what money they possessed, and, com-
ing on shore, were all taken into custody.
Thus, by an equal exertion of courage, conduct, and
artifice, did Mr. Fea secure these dangerous men twenty
- o - -
eight in number, without a single man being killed or
wounded ; and only with the aid of a few countrymen; a
force apparently very insufficient to the accomplishment
of such a business. -
When all the prisoners were properly secured, Mr.
Fea sent an express to Edinburgh, requesting that pro-
per persons might be sent to conduct them to that city.
in the interim, Mr. Fea took an inventory of all the ef.
fects in the ship, to be appropriated as the government
might direct.
Six articles, of which the following are a copy, were
found on board the ship, in Gow's hand-writing. It is
conjectured, that while they were entangled among the
rocks of the Orkney Islands, these articles were hastily
drawn up, and arose from their distressed situation.
I. That every man shall obey his commander in all
respects as if the ship was his own, and as if he received
monthly wages.
II. That no man shall give, or dispose of the ship's
provisions; but every one shall have an equal share.
III. That no man shall open or declare to any per-
son or persons, who they are, or what designs they are
upon; and any persons so offending shall be punished
ſith immediate death.
-



JOHN GOw. 4, 13
IV. That no man shall go on shore till the ship is off
the ground, and in readiness to put to sea.
V. That every man shall keep his watch night and
day and at the hour of eight in the evening every one
shall retire from gaming and drinking, in order to attend
his respective station. -
VI. Every person who shall offend against any of
these articles, shall be punished with death, or in such
other manner as the ship's company shall think proper.
The express from Mr. Fea being arrived at Edinburgh,
another was forwarded to London, to learn the royal plea-
sure respecting the disposal of the pirates; and the an-
swer brought was, that the Lord Justice Clerk should
immediately send them to London, in order to their being
tried by a court of admiralty, to be held for that purpose.
When these orders reached Edinburgh, a guard of sol-
diers marched to fetch them to that city; and, on their
arrival, they were put on board the Greyhound frigate,
which immediately sailed for the Thames. º,
On their arrival in the river a detachment of the guards
from the Tower attended their landing, and conducted
them to the Marshalsea Prison, where they once more
saw Lieutenant Williams, who had been conveyed to Eng-
land by the man of war which received him from the
Bristol captain, at Lisbon, as above mentioned. This
Williams, though certain of coming to an ignominious
end, took a malignant pleasure in seeing his companions
in like circumstances of calamity. -
A commission was now made out for their trial; and,
Soon after their commitment, they underwent separate
examinations before the judge of the Admiralty Court
in Doctor's Commons, when five of them, who appeared
to be less guilty than the rest, were admitted evidences
against their accomplices. ºf .
Being removed from the Marshalsea to Newgate, their
trials came on at the Old Bailey, when Gow, Williams, and
six others, were convicted, and received sentence of
death, but the rest were acquitted, as it seemed evident
that they had been compelled to take part with the pi-
The behaviour of Gow, from his first commitment,
- was















4 : 4 NEW NEW G A TE CAL EN DAR.
was reserved and morose. He considered himself as an as-
sured victim to the justice of the laws, nor entertained
any hope of being admitted an evedience, as Mr. Fea had
hinted to him that he might be.
When brought to trial he refused to plead, in conse.
quence of which he was sentenced to be pressed to death
in the usual manner. His reason for this refusal was, that
he had an estate which he wished might descend to a re.
lation, and which would have been the case had he died
under the pressure. -
But, when the proper officers were about to inflict this
punishment, he begged to be taken again to the bar to
plead, of which the judge being informed, humanely grant-
ed his request , and the consequence was, that he was
convicted, as above mentioned, on the same evidence as
his accomplices.
While under sentence of death, he was visited by some
Presbyterian ministers, who laboured to convince him of
the atrociousness of his crime ; but he seemed deaf to all
their admonitions and exhortations.
Williams's depravity of mind exceeds all description.
He seemed equally insensible to the hope of happiness,
or the fear of forment it a future state. He boasted, to
those who visited him, of his constantly advising Gow
* to tie the prisoners back to back, and throw them into
the sea,” to prevent their giving evidence against them.
Gow, Williams, and six of their accomplices, were
executed together. -
A remarkable circumstance happened to Gow at the
place of execution. His friends, anxious to put him
out of his pain, pulled his legs so forcibly that the rope
broke, and he dropped down ; on which he was again
taken up to the gibbet, and when he was dead, was hung
in chains on the banks of the Thames.










415
JEPTHAH BIG,
execurº AT TYEURN, SEPT. 19, 1729, FOR SENDING ALETTER. To ExTOR;
- MON E Y.
This malefactor was a native of Spitalfields, and having
a brother who was coachman to a gentleman of fortune,
he conceived an idea of supplying his own extravagancies,
by extorting money from his brother's master.
Calling on one Peter Salter, he took him to an obscure
public-house near the Minories, where he developed his
scheme, saying he might obtain a hundred guineas by
sending a threatening letter ; but was at a loss to think
what house the money should be sent to : but at length
he fixed on a public-house, called the Shoulder of Mut-
top, at Billingsgate, whither he directed Salter to go, and
wait till a porter should bring a letter directed to John
Harrison, which letter Salter was to carry to Big, at an
ale-house on Fish-street Hill. -
Agreeable to this direction, Salter waited at the Shoul-
der of Mutton till a porter brought a letter, and spoke to
the landlord and his son, who seemed surprised at read-
ing the contents. Guilt is ever cowardly ; and one of
them going out, Salter imagined it was to call an officer
to apprehend him ; on which he slipped out of the house,
and went to his companion on Fish-Street-Hill.
These associates in roguery taking a walk to Moorfields,
Big said he was undaunted by this repulse, and that he
would write such a letter as would make the gentleman
tremble; and he did not doubt of success. In conse-
quence of an agreement between the parties, another let-
ter was sent, ordering the gentleman to send a hundred
guineas, enclosed in a parcel, to the Black Boy in Good
man's-fields, directed to John Harrison. - -
Salter went daily, and drank at this house, where
he had hitherto been a stranger, in expectation of an an-
swer, which he was to receive, guarding only against any
artifice that might be used to apprehend him. While he
was thus waiting, he read an advertisement in the news-
paper, offering a reward for the incendiary.
At this juncture a porter brought a letter, which he
gave to the landlord, who having read it, the * º
- -- - - * Ya Vē
- º - - -



4 16 N E W NEWGATE CAL E N DAR.
“I have a parcel for one Mr. Harrison; do you know
“such a gentleman "The landlord inquired if any person
present answered to that name; but Salter was too much
on his guard to do so; and drinking his beer without any
sign of fear, he went to an alehouse, near Aldgate, where
he met his accomplice and told him a scheme was laid to
apprehend him.
After some conference they adjourned to a public-
house near the residence of the gentleman to whom the
threatening letters had been sent. Here Big sent for his
brother who attended ; but said, as he was obliged to go
out with his master, he could not stay with them. Big
now observed that his brother had complained of the
peevish disposition of his master, and asked if he did not
ter had been very fretful for some days past: but added,
“I have now found out the reason; for some vile rogue
“ has sent a threatening letter, and swears he will murder
“ him, if a sum of money is not sent to a public-house in
“Goodman's Fields.” -
When Big's brother was gone, he told Salter he would
send another letter, whatever might be the consequence;
but Salter persuaded him not to run the risk of a proceed-
ing which must be followed by certain ruin.
º A few days after this, the porter who had carried the
letter and seen Salter at both the public-houses, happened
to meet him, and, suspecting that he might be the incen-
diary, delivered him into the custody of a peace-officer,
on which he accused Big as the principal, who was there.
upon apprehended and committed to Newgate, and Sal-
ter admitted evidence for the Crown. -
Big being tried at the Old Bailey, was sentenced to
die ; but, after conviction, he seemed to be of opinion that
he had not been guilty of a capital offence in sending a
letter to extort money. He was thought to be a Roman
Catholic, since he refused the attendance of the Ordinary
while he lay in Newgate.
He was hanged at Tyburn, on the 19th of September,
1729, but was so ill at the place of execution, that he
could not attend the devotions proper for men in his ca:
lamitous situation. -
intend to leave him. The brother replied, that his mas.


























417 - .
Sir SIMON CLARICE, Bart. and Lieut. ROBERT
ARVOTT,
- *
CONVICTED AS HIGHWAYMEN, BUT AFTERWARDS REPRIEVED.
Titles, honours, and high-sounding names, have been
debased to such a pitch, that they become interesting sub-
jects for criminal chronology.
The law, regarding the nature of our common title to
society, places men upon a level ; and under this right, we
shew neither favour nor affection, in handing to posteri-
ty, the methods taken by individuals to violate that ex-
cellent code. The meanest member of our country is
free as the titled peer, and, like him, cannot be adjudged
guilty, but by his peers—that is, his equals—Commoners,
by a jury of twelve men; and Lords, by the House of
Lords.
But the fountain of justice, originally pure, is too often
tinged by the foul tide of influence. In court measures,
we may dread a very sink of corruption overwhelming us;
and we may have occasion to witness its minions escape
with impunity.
In the days of Gay, that admirable poet, and close ob-
server of men and manners, from the court to the cottage,
the abuse of this delegated power, though in its infancy,
was more boldly attacked than in its more rapid progress.
Who would now, in the face of a modern Attorney Ge-
neral, whose power increases with a people's forbear-
ance, dare to write like Gay The spirit of the middle
part of the last century has surely nearly evaporated; for
who, in the present times, viewing the result of impeach-
ments of great men, and enquiries into the conduct of
still greater men, would be hardy enough to put into the
mouth of Captain Macheath, the highwayman, a charac-
ter in his inimitable drama of the “ Beggars' Opera, these
lines?
“Since laws were made for every degree,
“To curb vice in others as well as in me,
“I wonder we han’t better company,
“ Upon Tyburn-tree.
“But gold from law will take out the sting;
“If rich rogues, like me, were all to swing,
“”Twou'd thin the land—such numbers wou'd string
“ Upon Tyburn-tree.”
Vox. 1. No. 16. 3 &




4, 18 - NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
Sir Simon Clarke and Lieutenant Robert Arnott, were
tried and convicted of a highway robbery, at an assize
held at Winchester. We shew the reader, that unrestrain-
- ed gusts of passion hath brought some noble men to the
gallows; and others have been led to the block for trea:
son; but more have escaped their merited fate through
influence. No man, however, of title, do we remember
to be brought to ignominy for a robbery, in the course
practised by highwaymen, save Sir Simon Clarke, and no
mercy should be extended towards those favoured by for-
tune, for the commission of so despicable a crime.
The influence exerted in behalf of this criminal, and
his coadjutor in iniquity, almost smothered the promulga-
tion of the trial. We, however, in our researches into the
crimes of individuals, found it named in one of the best
publications of that day, and which, with equal celebrity,
an unparalleled circumstance is still continued, through
above sixty-eight years monthly publications.
The Gentleman's Magazine, to which we refer, for the
month of March, 1731, contains the following informa-
tion ; and, as we have met with it in no other periodical
work of that time, for in fact, few such are now in preser-
vation, we give it without farther comment. -
“Came on at Winchester, the trials of Sir Simon Clarke,
“ Bart, and Lieutenant Robert Arnott, who were con-
“ victed of a robbery on the highway. A numerous con-
“ course of gentry were present. Sir Simon made a
“ most pathetic and moving speech, which had such an
“ effect, that there was scarce a dry eye in the court.
“ The High Sheriff and Grand Jury, considering the an-
“ tiquity, worth, and dignity, of Sir Simon's ancestors,
“ the services they had done their king and country, to-
“gether with the youth and melancholy circumstances
* of that unhappy gentleman, agreed to address his
“ Majesty in their behalf; upon which a reprieve sing
“ die, which implies for ever, was granted them.”
º º
f























419
ROBERT IRIVIN,
2.
Execure D AT TYBURN, IN THE YEAR 1731, FOR MURDER.
TN the fate of this man we have another instance of the
tormenting impulse that impels murderers, who have es-
caped the punishment which awaits such as shed innocent
blood, to return, as it were involuntarily, to make atone-
ment for the horrid crime.
This hoary sinner, was, at the time af his committing
the murder in question, a soldier in the second regiment
of foot guards, and the evening of the fatal deed, he had
been drinking Geneva with a comrade of the name of John
Briggins. After which they went together to a gaming-
house, called the Phoenix, in the Hay-market, and where
Irwin had sometime held the office of door-keeper." Ring-
ing the bell, one Piercy, who had succeeded Irwin as door-
keeper, opened a wicket, but seeing who it was, said, he
had orders not to let him in, as he had already been turn-
ed out for breeding quarrels and disturbances. Enraged
at this language from the man who had supplanted him,
he drew his bayonet, pushed it through the wicket, into
the very heart of Piercy, and then made his escape. Hear-
ing the next morning that the door-keeper of the Phoenix
had been murdered, he determined to desert his regi-
ment, which he immediately put in practice, and fled to
Ireland, where he remained long undiscovered among his
relations, and might, for the remainder of his wretched
life, have remained thus concealed, had his mind been
undisturbed; but his situation grew irksome, and nobody
could dissuade him from returning to London. As a rea-
son for so doing, he pretended, that from his long ser-
vices in the army, he would, on application, be made an
out-pensioner of Chelsea hospital, and fancied the murder
would be forgotten. He had not, however, been many
days in London, before he was met by one John Roberts,
* Soldiers in the guards, for long and faithful services, are often in-
dulged with leave of absence from duty, in order to allow them to earn
*little addition to their pay, which alone, but ill supplies the comforts
to old age.
- who
3 G 2










42O TNEW NEW GATE CAF, TEN DAR.
who caused him to be apprehended. He was tried at the
Old Bailey, for the murder of Piercy, near five years after
the commission of the crime, when his old comrade Brig-
gins, appeared, and swore that he saw Irwin give the fatal
blow. He was found guilty, and executed at Tyburn, where
he confessed the fact.
WILLIAM SMITH,
A sororious Hof.5E-STEALER, Execured AT chelºtsfor D, AFRIL 13, 1731.
IN the former part of the last century, horse-stealing was
a very common theft. Thieves could then dispose of
their stolen booty with much more facility than at pre-
sent ; the laws being better maintained and carried into
execution than formerly.
The subject of the present enquiry was not only a horse,
but a cattle-stealer of every description. Smith was born
in Cambridge, bred a clothier, had been a soldier, then de-
graded to the post of footman to a private family; and
from that lazy, saucy kind of life, became connected with
horse-stealers. Owing to his person, not yet known in the
scenes of their depredations, he for some time acted
as the receiver of the gang. He returned some of the
stolen property for the reward offered, cut out or altered
the marks of others, and drove the remainder to a dis.
tance for sale. From a rich farmer in Essex, he stole four
fine large colts, and gave them to a colonel in the French
service, hoping to be rewarded by a commission in his re-
giment; but Monsieur, though he liked the young horses,
despised the thief; and Smith found that he had been
outwitted. In revenge, he defrauded a farmer of six
horses, pretending to purchase them.
Becoming now known in Essex, he changed his depre:
dations to Surry, and soon cheated a farmer's widow of
two cows. Having next stolen a horse and a mare, he
was about to drive the whole off for sale, when, on the
27th of May, 1731, he was apprehended. The cows
were found yoked together, and tied to the horses tails!
* -- - former,





ROBERT HAL LAMſ. 421
and he was in the very act of cutting off the ears of the
former, in order to deface them, having already altered
the marks of the horses. -
He was tried for the offences committed in Essex, at
Chelmsförd, and found guilty of felony, in horse-steal-
ing. In the interim between his condemnation and exe-
cution, he gave out that he could inform persons how to
recover their property of which he had robbed them, and
cheated many out of sums of money by false tales, and
other deceitful acts; and the produce of this shocking de-
pravity, he wasted in drinking and gaming, which shame-
ful practice he continued to the day of his execution. He
suffered at Chelmsford, alo g with Thomas Willer, ano-
ther horse-stealer, on the 13th of August, 1731. -
At the next assize for the same county, another horse-
stealer was convicted and executed. This man's name
was John Doe, against whom thirty-nine bills of indict-
ment were found by the grand jury | He belonged to a
numerous gang of depredators, who stole cattle of every
description, and drove them to Smithfield market, in Lon-
don, where he had the effrontery to sell them,
ROBERT HALLAM,
- º
ExEcuTED AT TYBURN, FEE, 14, 1732, FOR MURDER,
WA8 a native of London, and intended by his parents
for a maritime life, in preparation for which they had him
instructed in navigation, and then apprenticed him to the
captain of a trading vessel. He served his time with fide-
lity, acquired the character of an able seaman, and after-
wards served on board several vessels as a mate, and was
held in great reputation.
On his return to London, he married a young woman,
who being averse to his going again to sea, he purchased
two of the Gravesend wherries, and continued to get his
living on the Thames nine years. *
His family being increased by several children, he took
a public-house, which was chiefly attended by his wife,
- º - while
º





42% NEW NEW G A TE CAL E N DAR.
while he still pursued his business as proprietor of the
* Gravesend boats. -
The taking an alehouse was an unfortunate circum.
stance for Hallam : for the house being frequented by
the lowest of the people, and his wife being addicted to
confusion. -
Hallam returning from his business one evening, found
his wife intoxicated; and being irritated by this circum:
stance, he expressed his sentiments with great freedom;
and she replying with some warmth, he beat her so as 10
leave evident marks of resentment on her face.
Hallam's son now fold his father, that a water-man
who lodged in the house frequently slept with his mother;
probable, from some familiarities they had observed be.
tween the woman and the waterman, Hallam charged
his wife with being unfaithful to his bed; and she con:
fessed that she had been so; on which he beat her in a
more severe manner than before. -
Not long after this he came home late at night, and
knocked at the door; but no one coming to let him in,
to her husband.
The infidelity of Hallam's wife tempted him to equal
indulgence of his irregular passions; he had Îllicit con:
nections with several women ; and, in particular, sedu:
ced the wife of a waterman, who broke his heart and
died in consequence of the affair.
On a particular night Hallam came home very much
in liquor, and went to bed, desiring his wife to undress
herself, and come to bed likewise. She sat, partly un:
dressed on the side of the bed, as if afraid to go in ; while
he became quite enraged at her paying no regard to what
he said. At length she ran down stairs, and he followed
her, and locked the street-door to prevent her going %.
- |
-
drinking, the place was a perpetual scene of riot and
and some person present likewise hinting that this was
he procured a ladder to get in at the window ; when his
wife appeared, and admitted him. On his asking the
reason why she did not sooner open the door, she said
she had been asleep, and did not hear him ; but she aſ
terwards confessed that she had a man with her, and had
let him out at a back window before she opened the door

















JOHN HEWIT. . . 43.3
| On this she ran up into the dining-room, whither he like-
wise followed her, and struck her several times. He
then went into another room for his cane, and she lock-
ed him in: -
Enraged at this, he broke open the door, and seizing
her in his arms, therw her out of the window, with her
head foremost, and her back to the ground, so that, on
her falling, her back was broken, her skull fractured, and
she instantly expired. A person passing just before she
fell, heard her cry out “ Murder for God's sake 1 for
“ Christ's sake 1 for our family's sake! for our children’s
“sake, don't murder me, don't throw me out of the win-
“dow ! -
We give the above circumstances as what were sworn
on the trial, in consequence of which the jury found Hal-
lam guilty, and he received sentence of death : but the
prisoner denied the fact, insisting that she threw herself
out of the window before he got into the room: and he
persisted in avowing his innocence to the last hour of his
life, as we shall see in the sequel. º
After sentence of death, he was visited by his father,
to whom he solemnly declared that he had not thrown
his wife out of the window, though in other respects he
confessed that he had treated her with great severity. He
made the same solemn declaration to the ordinary of New-
gate, at Tyburn. -
º -
(Now first reported. 9
CASE OF
JOHN HEWIT& ROSAMOND ODERENSHAW,
º, - mu RDERERs, Execured MARCH 29, 1732. -
Though adultery is, by holy writ, denounced a crime
heinous to God; and though we have daily instances of
the shocking enormities to which it leads the unguarded;
Yet is virtue and modesty constantly outraged by the com-
ision of this sin, with impunity. No wonder, then, at
the
º
º


















#24 NEW NEW C A T E CA. LEN DAR.
the mischief arising from this vice, when our very princes
who are bound by every tie to hand down to the meanest
members of society examples alone worthy of emulation,
seem regardless of that commandment of God, which
says, “ Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
The murder perpetrated in the present case, was the
result of an adulterous connection.
John Hewit was a butcher and a married man, at
Derby, and Rosamond Oderenshaw, a servant to the land.
lady of the Crown public-house, at Nun's-green, a wi.
dow, to whose inordinate desires she fell a victim, being
made the instrument of murdering the wife of Hewit,
From the confessions of these malefactors, it appeared
that Hewit had criminal knowledge of both the landlady
and her servant woman. The former of these abandoned
women, in order to secure her paramour to herself, by |
marrying him, determined on the murder of Mrs. Hewit.
To this horrid end, the landlady procured some poison,
and mixed it in a pancake, which, through promises of
reward, she prevailed upon the servant to give to Hannah
Hewit, who, little suspicious, eat heartily thereof, until
she was seized with a pain in her stomach, and vomiting
a part of the contents in the yard, a pig that eat of it, soon
died, and the unfortunate woman expired in excruciat.
ing torments, at the end of three hours. While the de.
voted victim eat the poisoned food, the hardened land.
lady appeared to be composedly ironing some clothes in
the parlour, yet the instigator of the foul deed escaped;
while the husband, who was proved to have been acces:
sary to the crime, and the servant alone, met their just
punishment. The condemned wicked woman a short time
previous to her execution, confessed that, through the
persuasion of her mistress, she had, some weeks before,
put poison into the broth of Mrs. Hewit, but not in a suf
ficient quantity to produce the intended effect; and that
she had borne a bastard child, which she murdered, and
buried the body in a certain spot, which she described;
digging the ground, the bones of a child, apparently sº
ven months old, were accordingly found. -
--
This miserable man and woman provided themselveſ
with a shroud each, in which they walked to the gallows
where
|


º
-
JOHN WALLER. 425
where they died penitent, and confessed their guilt, on
the 29th of March, 1732, -
About this period, Faulkner's Journal,the best periodical
publication Ireland ever produced, contained a note of a
murder committed under the most unnatural and cruel
circumstances, but we do not find it in any criminal ca-
talogue whatever. Too short for a narrative of itself, and
unwilling to avoid handing it with others of a similar shape
ofdarkness, as a warning to society against the commission
of sins, we have here inserted it, as being near a similar
case, in chronological order. º
“The assizes at Ennis, in Ireland, for the year 1731,
brought to light a still more shocking murder, if one can
be more heinous than another. A cruel and unnatural
woman, named Mary Meddun, was convicted of the wil-
ful murder of her husband and her son, by blows on their
temples, when asleep, with a batchet, of which they both
immediately expired. What rendered this wretch more
odious to the people attending her execution, was a firm
belief that she had murdered a former husband.”
- - - - º - º --
-- -
John Wall ER, alia, TREPOR,
- PILLORED FOR PERJURY, IN GIVING FALSE Evid ENCE AGAINST INNocent
MEN, IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE REWARD GIVEN ON CONVICTION OF
HIGHWAYMEN. - - -
The Pillory is an engine made of wood, to punish of.
fenders, by exposing them to public view, and ren-
dering them infamous. There is a statute of the pillory
51 Henry III.; and by statute it is appointed for ba-.
kers, forestallers, and those who use false weights, per-
jury, forgery, &c. Lords of leets are to have a pillory
and tumbrel, or it will be the cause of forfeiture of the
leet; and a village may be bound by prescription to pro-
wide a pillory, &c. - º
The name is derived from two Greek words, signifying
“to look through a door,” because one standing on the
pillory, puts his head, as it were, through a door. --
This profligate wretch, Waller, to robbery added the
abominable sin of accusing the innocent, in order to re-
ceive the reward in certain cases attending conviction.
vol. 1,–No. 16, 3 a This
-



426 NEw New GATE cALEN DAR.
This dealer in human blood was tried at the Old Bailey,
for robbing on the highway, one John Edglin, and after-
wards, under the name of John Trevor, giving a false
evidence against the said John Edglin, whereby his life
might have become forfeit to the abused laws of the
country. On the latter charge he was found guilty.
It appared on this memorable trial, that this monster,
Waller, made it a practice, to go the circuits as regularly
as the judges and counsel, and to swear robberies against
such as he deemed objects for his purpose, for no other
purpose than to obtain the reward given by each coun-
ty for the apprehension and conviction of criminals for
highway robberies and other offences committed in each
respective county. ,
The sentence of the court was, that he should pay a
- fine of twenty marks, and be imprisoned for the term of
two years, and at the expiration thereof to find good and
- sufficient security for his good behaviour during the re-
mainder of his life: that he do stand twice in and upon
the pillory bare-headed, with his crime written in large
characters; and that he do also stand twice before the
Pillory, likewise bare-headed, one hour each time.
()n Tuesday the 13th of June, 1732, this wicked man
was put in the pillory pursuant to his sentence, at the
- seven dials, in London ; when so great was the indigna-
tion of the populace, that they pelted him unto death ;
and the day after, the Coroner's inquest gave a verdict
“Wilful murder, by persons unknown.” -
-->
- - - -
ELY HATTON,
MURDERER.
In the account given of the case of this man, which has
not been republished, or commented upon, since the time
of his conviction, we find no interested cause for perpetrat-
ing the horrid crime.
Ely Hatton was indicted at the assizes held at Glouces-
ter, in August, 1732, for the wilful murder of Thomas Tur-
berville, a carpenter. It was given in evidence, that on
the 29th of April preceding, the deceased was found in
his work-shop, with his brains dashed out, and his skull
7 --- chopped
ºv :
º

















ELY HATTon. ºf
chopped in pieces with a broad axe, which lay near his
body, covered with blood. Suspicion falling upon Hat-
ton, he was apprehended, having made no effort to evade
justice. The proof against him was little more than cir-
cumstantial. It appeared in evidence, that when the
prisoner was apprehended, he wore a shirt and pair of
stockings, the property of the deceased. His coat was -
stained with blood, and many other circumstances were
adduced, which left no doubt in the minds of the jury.
The accused acknowledged that he had been in company
with the deceased, on the evening of his death, that he
went with him to a certain eminence near the town, to
view some deer, and there they parted ; that the shirt he
had on, when apprehended, was his brother's, but this was
a falsehood, and alone sufficient to fix guilt upon him. He
called one witness in his behalf, who served only to tend
to his conviction, for this witness declared, that he verily
believed him guilty of the murder. The prisoner's de-
fence also varied from his account on his examination
before a justice of peace, when he declared that the shirt
inquestión belonged to his father. -
As no farther light was thrown upon the circumstances
attending the murder of Turberville, it may be fairly
presumed, notwithstanding the proof was not positive,
that Hatton justly underwent the sentence of the law.
The editor, however, recollects a story, but he cannot
state the names of the parties, where an innocent man
suffered in France, on a charge of murder, and which
will, at all events, caution jurymen, when sitting on the
life or death of a fellow-creature, to be extremely guarded
in giving their verdict of guilty upon circumstantial evi-
dence alone. A gentleman was found murdered in his
own house, and by his own sword. Some persons com-
ing to the house just after the barbarous deed had been
committed, were shocked at seeing his servant man, in
great consternation running out, with a bloody sword in
his hand. So great was his agitation, that he gave an inco-
herent account of the transaction, he was secured. A
surgeon was sent for, who found the masſer dead, and
comparing the wound with the sword, declared that the
weapon, or one exactly similar, caused his death. This,
3 H 2 with
427
-






































#23 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR
with the proof that there had been quarrels between the
deceased and the prisoner, was the evidence given on
the trial, he was found guilty, and executed. Some
years afterwards, a late neighbour of the murdered man,
lay on his death-bed, and when his confessor came to ad-
minister, what Catholics call, the eartreme unction,” he
confessed that having had a dispute with him, he entered
his house privately, and in revenge, killed him, as already
has been described. w -
ELEANOR BEARE,
\
(A very cuRIOUS AND wick ED CASE.)
HN our dreadful catalogue of crimes, committed by man
upon his fellow-creature, none is attended with more
pernicious consequences to society, than that which we
now, and with much reluctance, are about to describe,
The hope that its relation will cause every female to re-
flect, with detestation, on a wretch who could make such
murderous practices a kind of business, alone determines
us to give a place to the case of this abandoned woman
On the 15th of August, 1732, Eleanor Beare, wife of
Ebenezer Beare, ofthe town of Derby, labourer, was tried
‘ before a most crouded court, for procuring abortion in
- º --
- - - WOmen. º
We forbear following the reporter of this trial through
the evidence adduced against the prisoner; let it therefore
suffice to quote the speech of the counsel for the prosecu.
tion on opening the case, which was as follows:
* This ceremony of the Catholic faith is thus performed. A priest,
when summoned for that purpose, forms a procession, consisting of an ob.
long canopy of cloth, borne by four of the inferior clergy, under which he
walks, preceded by a boy, bare headed, tinkling a little bell ; at the sound
of which, passengers prepare to pay it due respect. They kneel down
as it passes them, cross their foreheads, and touch their breasts, repeating
a prayer. Arrived at the dying person's abode, the priest receives their
confessions, and then, for a small gratuity, absolves them of their sins, and
declares, that their souls will be received in heaven. A happy religion, for
ºf
those who can have faith in such superstition,
* Gentlemen
||
|








-
-
º
-
-
E LEA N OR BEA R.E. 429
“ Gentlemen of the Jury, .
“You have heard the indictment read, and mav ob- . -
‘serve, that this misdemeanor for which the prisoner
‘stands indicted, is of a most shocking nature. To de-
“stroy the fruit in the womb, carries something in it so
º
º
“ contrary to the natural tenderness of the female SeX,
that I am amazed however any woman should arrive at
such a degree of impiety and cruelty, as to attempt it
in such a manner as the prisoner has done. It has
really something so shocking in it, that I cannot well
display the nature of the crime to you, but must leave l -
‘ it to the evidence. It is cruel and barbarous to the -
“last degree, and attended with the greatest danger to ,
‘ whoever it is practised upon.”
It was proved that this dangerous woman had not only
procured abortion in different women, but even persuad-
ed a man named Nicholas Wilson, upon having a quarrel
with his wife, to poison her ; and for this purpose gave
him a deadly powder, which the man, more humane, in-
stead of administering, dug a hole in the earth, and bu-
ried it. -
The learned judge before whom she was tried, was
greatly moved in summing up the evidence, and giving
charge to the jury. He declared that he never met with
a case so barbarous and unnatural. She was sentenced
to close imprisonment for the term of three years, and to
stand in and upon the pillory, on the two next market
days of the town of Derby.
Pursuant to this sentence, she was exposed in the pil.
lory three days afterwards, being the next market-day,
when the populace expressed their indignation, by pelt- º
ing her with rotten eggs, and any filth they could collect,
that she might with her life have expiated her crimes, had
she not in struggling, disengaged herself, and jumped --
among the crowd, from whose fury the Sheriff's officers,
with great difficulty, rescued her.
The next week she was again brought out of prison,
and again pillored. As soon as she mounted the plat-
form, she kneeled down and begged mercy of the still
outrageous mob. The executioner finding, from her
struggling, some difficulty in getting her head ".
- - - ( & - - e
ſº
ºº
&
.
(
º
(
º
4.
º






















430 NEw N Ew CATE cAL ENDAR. ,
* = =- - - in
-- - - - i-
- T
- f -
the hole of the pillory, pulled off her head-dress, and
therein found a large pewter plate, beat out so as to fit her,
head, which he threw among the spectators. As soon as
she was fixed, a shower of eggs, potatoes, turnips, &c.
assailed her from every direction ; and it was thought she
would not be taken down alive. Having expended all
the ammunition of the above description, stones were
thrown, which wounded her to such a degree, that her
blood streamed down the pillory. This somewhat ap-
peased the resentment shewn against her, and she was
returned to gaol a shocking spectacle to behold
This remarkable case, with those immediately preced-
ing, viz. Hatton's, Waller's, Hewit’s, Smith's, Irwin's
and Clarke's, were never before regularly reported. ”
* -
º tº º º -
º ºil ºn
--
FRANCIS CHARTERIS, ºr
- º - º
- a MEAN, PROFLIGATE, AND DEBAUche ; RICH, PITIFUL, AND DESPICABLE:
CON VICTED OF USING WIOLENCE TO THE PERSON OF ANN BOND,
º º
The name of Charteris, during life, was a terror to fe.
male innocence; let, therefore, his fate, and the exposure
of his villainy, act as their shield against the destructive
evils of profigate men, especially such as upon whom
the blind and fickle goddess, Fortune, may have, unwor-
thily, heaped riches. The wealthy profligate, in order to
gratify an inordinate passion, will promise, perjure, and
pay to any length, or to any amount—then “like a loath-
some weed, cast you away.” -
Bethus advis'd, ye young and fair,
Let virtuous men engage your care.
The rake and libertine despise;
Their breath is poison–O be wise!"
Their arts and wiles turn quick away,
And from fair Virtue’s path ne'er stray.
1. -
--
º
y the law of Egypt, rapes were punished by cutting off
the offending parts. The Athenian laws compelled the
ravisher of a virgin to marry her. It was long before this
offence was punished capitally by the Roman law ; but at
length the Lex Julia inflicted the pains of death on the
- ravisher.
B


















\
- -
FRANCIS CHARTER IS. 431–
º
- -
ravisher. The Jewish law also punished this crime with
death; but if a virgin was deflowered without force, the
offender was obliged to pay a fine and marry the woman.
By the 18th of Elizabeth, cap. 7, this offence was made
felony without benefit of clergy. º º
It is certainly of a very heinous nature, and if tolerated,
would be subversive of all order and morality; yet it may
still be questioned how far it is either useful or politic to
punish it with death ; and is worth considering, whether,
well knowing that it originates in the irregular and inor-
dinate gratification of unruly appetite, the injury to so-
ciety may not be repaired without destroying the of:
fender. - - -
In most cases, this injury might be repaired by com-
pelling, where it could be done with propriety, the crimi-
mal to marry the injured party ; and it would be well for
society if the same rule extended not only to all forcible
violations of chastity, but even to instances of premedi-
tated and systematic seduction. - -
In cases, however, where marriage could not take
place, on account of legal disability or refusal on the
part of the woman, the criminal ought to be severely
punished, by pecuniary damages to the party injured,
and by hard labour and confinement, or transportation
-
| The execrable subject of this narrative was born at
Amsfield, in Scotland, where he was heir to an estate,
which his ancestors had possessed above four hundred
years ; and he was related to some of the first families
in the North, by intermarriages with the nobility.
Young Charteris having received a liberal education,
made choice of the profession of arms, and served first
under the Duke of Marlborough, as an ensign of foot;
but was soon advanced to the rank of cornet of dragoons;
but he appears to have had other views than fighting
when he embraced the life of a soldier.
Being a most expert gamester, and of a disposition un-
commonly avaricious, he made his knowledge of gam-
bling subservient to his love of money; and while the
army was in winter-quarters, he stripped many of the
officers of all their, property by his skill at cards and dice.
- But
~ -
for life. º º







4.32 NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
But he was as knavish as he was dexterous; and, when
he had defrauded a brother officer of all his money, he
would lend him a sum at the moderate interest of an hun-
dred per cent, and take an assignment of his commis.
sion as a security for the payment of the debt.
John, Duke of Argyle, and the Earl of Stair, were at
this time young men in the army; and being determined
that the inconsiderate officers should not be ruined by the
artifices of Charteris, they applied to the Earl of Orkney,
who was also in the army, then quarterred at Brussels,
representing the destruction that must ensue to the young
gentlemen in the military line, if Charteris was not stop.
ped in his proceedings.
The Earl of Orkney, anxious for the credit of the ar-
my in general, and his countrymen in particular, repre-
sented the state of the case to the Duke of Marlborough,
who gave orders that Charteris should be put under ar.
rest, and tried by a court-martial. This court was com:
posed of an equal number of English and Scotch officers,
that Charteris might have no reason to say, that he was
- -
-
treated with partiality.
After a candid hearing of the case, the proofs of Chat
teris's villainly were so strong, that he was sentenced to
return the money he had obtained by usurious interest, to
be deprived of his commission, and to be drummed out
of the reignent, his sword being first broken: which
sentence was executed in its fullest extent.
Thus disgraced, Charteris quitted Brussels, and in the
road between that place and Mecklin, he threw his
breeches into a ditch, and then, buttoning his scarlet
cloak below his knees, he went into an inn to take up
his lodgings for the night.
It is usual in places where armies are quartered, for
military officers to be treated with all possible respect;
and this was the case with Charteris, who had every
distinction shewn him that the house could afford, and
after an elegant supper, was left to his repose.
Early in the morning, he rang the bell violently, and
the landlord coming terrified into his room, he swore
furiously that he had been robbed of his breeches, con:
taining a diamond ring, a gold watch, and money to a
considerable





º
-
FRANCIS C. H.A.R.T. E. RIS, 433
considerable amount; and, having previously broken the -º
window, he intimated that some person must have en-
tered that way, and carried off his property; and he even
insinuated that the landlord himself might have been the
robber.
It was in vain that the inn-keeper solicited mercy in º
the most humiliating posture. Charteris threatened that º
he should be sent to Brussels, and suffer death, as an ac-
cessary to the felony. -
Terrified at the thought of approaching disgrace and
danger, the landlord of the house sent for some friars of -
an adjacent convent, to whom he represented his calami- -
tous situation, and they generously supplied him with a - -
sum sufficient to reimburse Charteris for the loss he pre-
tended to have sustained.
Our unprincipled adventurer now proceeded to Hol-
land, whence he embarked for Scotland; and had not
been long in that kingdom before his servile submission,
and his money, procured him another commission in a
regiment of horse ; and he was afterwards advanced to
the rank of colonel.
* Amidst all his other avocations, the love of money was
his ruling passion ; for the acquirement whereof, there
was no crime of which he would not have been guilty.
The Duke of Queensbury was at this time commis-
sioner to the parliament of Scotland, which was assem-
bled at Edinburgh, to deliberate on the proposed union
with England. Charteris having been invited to a party
at cards with the Duchess of Queensbury, he contrived
that her Grace should be placed in such a manner near a
large glass, that he could see all her cards; and he won
three thousand pounds of her in consequence of this
stratagem. One good consequence, however, arose
from this circumstance : the Duke of Queensbury, in-
censed at the imposition, brought a bill into the house,
to prohibit gaming for above a certain sum ; and this bill
passed into a law. -
Our adventurer continued his depredations on the º
thoughtless, till he had acquired considerable sums.
When he had stripped young gentlemen of their ready
cash at the gaming-tables, it was his practice to lendº
VoI. I.-No. 16. 3 I them




434 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
them money at an extravagant interest, for which he
took their bonds to confess judgment, and the moment
the bonds became due, he failed not to take every legal
advantage.
By a continued rapacity of this kind, he acquired se-
veral considerable estates in Scotland, and then removed
to London, which, as it was the seat of greater dissipa-
tion, was a place better adapted to the exertion of his
abilities. - -
He now became a great lender of money on mort.
gages, always receiving a large premium, by which at
length he became so rich as to purchase sevaral estates
in England, particularly in the county of Lancaster.
Colonel Charteris was as infamous on account of his
amours, as for the unfeeling avarice of his disposition:
his house was no better than a brothel, and no woman
of modesty would live within his walls. He kept in pay
some women of abandoned character, who, going to inns
where the country-waggons put up, used to prevail on
harmless young girls to go to the colonel's house as ser:
vants ; the consequence of which was, that their ruin
soon followed, and they were turned out of doors, ex-
posed to all the miseries consequent on poverty and a
loss of reputation.
His agents did not confine their operations to inns, but
wherever they found a handsome girl, they endeavoured
to decoy her to the colonel's house; and, among the
rest, Ann Bond fell a prey to his artifices. This young
woman had lived in London ; but having quitted her
service on account of illness, took lodgings at a private
house, where she recovered her health, and was sitting
at the door, when a woman addressed her, saying, she
could help her to a place in the family of Colonel Har-
vey : for the character of Charteris was now become so
notorious, that his agents did not venture to make use of
his name. -
Bond being hired, the woman conducted her to the co-
lonel's house, where she was three days before she was
acquainted with his real name. Her master gave her
money to redeem some clothes, which she had pledged
- - ºf £0
º-º-º-º:












FRA N C IS CHARTER IS. %35
to support her in her illness, and would have brought
other clothes for her, but she refused to accept them.
He now offered her a purse of gold, an annuity for life
and a house, if she would lay with him ; but the virtuous
girl resisted the temptation, declared she would not be
guilty of so base an act; that she would discharge her
duty as a servant, and that her master might dismiss her,
if her conduct did not please him.
On the day following this circumstance, she heard a
gentleman asking for her master by the name of Char-
teris, which alarmed her fears still more, as she was not
unapprised of his general character ; wherefore she told
the housekeeper, that she must quit her service, as she
was very ill. - -
The housekeeper informing the colonel of this cir-
cumstance, he sent for the poor girl, and threatened that
he would shoot her if she left his service. He likewise
ordered the servants to keep the door fast, to prevent
her making her escape ; and when he spoke of her, it
was in the most contemptuous terms.
On the following day, he directed his clerk of the kit-
chen to send her into the parlour, and, on her attending
him, he bid her stir the fire; while she was thus em-
ployed, he violently seized, and committed violence on
her, first stopping her mouth with his night-cap ; and af.
terwards, on her saying that she would prosecute him, he
beat her with a horse-whip, and called her by the most
opprobrious names. -
On his opening the door, the clerk of the kitchen
appeared, to whom the colonel pretended that she had
robbed him of thirty guineas, and directed him to turn
her out of the house, which was accordingly done.
Hereupon she went to a gentlewoman named Parsons,
and informing her of what had happened, asked her ad-
vice how to proceed. Mrs. Parsons recommended her
to exhibit articles against him for the assault ; but when
the matter came afterwards to be heard by the grand
jury, they found it was not an attempt, but an actual com-
mission of the fact ; and a bill was found accordingly.
When the colonel was committed to Newgate, he was
loaded with heavy fetters; but he soon purchased a
3 I 2 lighter

436 NEW NEW G AT E CA I, EN DAR.
lighter pair, and paid for the use of a room in the prison,
and for the man to attend him. -
Colonel Charteris had been married to the daughter
of Sir Alexander Swinton, of Scotland, who bore him one
daughter, who was married to the Earl of Wemys; and
the earl happening to be in London at the time of the
above-mentioned transaction, procured a writ of habeas
corpus, in consequence of which the colonel was admitted
to bail. -
When the trial came on, every art was used to tra.
duce the character of the prosecutrix, with a view to
destroy the force of her evidence ; but, happily, her
character was so fair, and there was so little reason to
think that she had any sinister view in the prosecution,
that every artifice failed ; and after a long trial, in which
the facts were proved to the satisfaction of the jury, a
verdict of guilty was given against the colonel, who re-
ceived sentence to be executed in the accustomed mail-
ner.” -
his son-in-law, Lord Wemys, who caused the Lord Pre-
sident Forbes to come from Scotland, to plead the causº
before the privy-council ; and an estate of 300l. per an-
num for life was assigned to the president for this ser:
W1CC,
At length the king consented to grant the colonel a
pardon, on his settling a handsome annuity on the prose-
Cutrix. º º
Colonel Charteris was tried at the Old Bailey, on the
25th of February, 1730. -
After his narrow escape from a fate which he had so
well deserved, he retired to Edinburgh, where he lived
about two years, and then died in a miserable manner, a
victim to his own irregular course of life.
He was buried in the family-vault, in the church-yard
of the Grey Friars of Edinburgh; but his vices had ren-
dered him so detestable, that it was with some difficulty
---
* At Exeter, on the 5th of October, 1753, an unworthy minister of the
holy gospel, the revereid Peter Wine, was hanged for committing a crime
ºf this nature.
foré
On this occasion, Charteris was not a little obliged to
that he was committed to the grave; for the mob almost




















FRA NCIS CHARTER IS. 437
tore the coffin in pieces, and committed a variety of irre-
gularities, in honest contempt of such an abandoned cha-
Tacter, -
Soon after Charteris was convicted, a fine mezzotinto
print of him was published, representing him standing at
the bar of the Old Bailey, with his thumbs tied ; and
under the print was the following inscription:
Blood l –must a colonel, with a lord’s estate,
Be thus obnoxious to a scoundrel's fate *
Brought to the bar, and sentenc'd from the bench,
Only for ravishing a country wench
Shall men of honour meet no more respect 2
Shall their diversions thus by laws be check'd 2
Shall they be accountable to saucy juries
For this or t'other pleasure ?—hell and furies 1
What man through villany would run a course,
• And ruin families without remorse, ---
To heap up riches.—If, when all is done, -
An ignominious death he cannot shun ? º
But the most severe, yet just, character of Charteris,
was written by the celebrated Dr. Arbuthnot, and is com-
prised in the following Epitaph : ,
HERE lieth the body of Colonel
DON FRANCISCO;%
Who, with an inflexible constancy,
And inimitable uniformity of life, -
a Persisted, in spite of age and infirmity,
In the practice of every human vice,
Excepting prodigality and hypocrisy;
His insatiable avarice
Exempting him from the first,
- And his matchless impudence
- From the latter.
- Nor was he more singular
--- In that undeviating viciousness of life,
- Than successful in accumulating wealth :
Having,
Without trust of public money, bribe, -
Worth, service, trade, or profession,
Acquired, or rather created,
- A minister estate.
Among the singularities of his life and fortune
Beit likewise commemorated,
That he was the only person in his time
Who would cheat without the mask of honesty;
Who would retain his primeval meanness
After being possessed of io, ooo pounds a year:
And who, having done, every day of his life,
- º
--
º
º
-
º:
º a. Francis Charteris, º -
- - - Something



























































4.38 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
- Something worthy of a gibbet,
- Was once condemned to one
- - * For what he had not done.
Think not, indignant reader,
His life useless to mankind :
PROVIDENCE
Favoured, or rather commived at,
His execrable designs,
That he might remain
To this and future ages,
A conspicuous proof and example
Of how small estimation
xorbitant wealth is held in the sight
Of the ALMIGHTY,
By his bestowing it on
The most unworthy
Of all the descendants
Of Adam.
It is impossible to contemplate the character of this
wretch, without the highest degree of indignation.
A gambler, an usurer, an oppressor, a ravisher! who
sought to make equally the follies of men, and the per-
sons of women subservient to his passions; to the basest
of passions; avarice and lust -
It would be an affront to our readers even to caution
them against following so execrable an example; for,
surely the world will never produce two such character;"|
as that of Colonel Charteris : but, in this case, honest
detestation may be allowed to take place : and it is
some proof of virtue to despise the wicked.
JAMES QUIN, ESQ.,
(The celebrated Tragedian,)
TRIED For MURDER AT THE old BAILEy, AND convicted of MAN-
º SLAUGHTER, --
We lay hold of an unfortunate incident in this cele.
brated character's life, in order to present our readers with
a short sketch of one of the first tragedians which have
adorned the British stage. Without this, we could not,
in conformity with the principle of our work, have intro-
duced these matters of anecdote, which must prove
highly acceptable to the major part of our readers.
º
James







JAMES QUIN, ESQ. 439
James Quin was born in the parish of St. Paul, Co-
vent Garden, in the year 1693.” His father was a gen-
tleman of some estate, which he greatly embarrassed
from a neglect of prudence; but he gave his son, out
of the wreck of his fortune, an excellent education, which
he finished at the University of Dublin, one of the strict-
| est endowments of education in these kingdoms.
| From college young Quin was sent to London, in
order to study law, and for that purpose, a set of cham-
bers in the Temple, and a library, were provided for
him. Here he fell into that decay which has ever been
fatal to many young men on their arrival into the great
metropolis—dissipated company. Legal authorities were
thrown aside, and the belles lettres substituted—he was
oftener seen at the theatres than in Westminster Hall.
Thus did this thoughtless young man dissipate his time
until the death of his father, which indeed happened not
long after his arrival in London. He found his patri-
mony very small, and that he himself had greatly assisted
in reducing it.
He had made an acquaintance with Booth, Wilkes,
and Ryan, the first performers of those days; and he de-
termined on turning player. In the year 1717, when just
twenty-four years of age, he was accepted by the mana-
gers of the Theatre Royal, Drury-Lane; but before he
could prepare himself for the arduous task of an appear-
ance before a British audience, he was obliged to fly from
England. º
It appears that he formed an acquaintance with a
woollen-draper in the Strand, whose wife giving him en-
couragement, a criminal correspondence took place; and
the guilty pair, being, by the ill-treated husband, traced
to a house of ill fame, Quin drew his sword, and wounded
him in the thigh. The husband recovered, and com-
menced an action of crim. con, and another for an as-
sault against Quin; who, to avoid the consequences of
such serious proceedings, privately decamped, and went
- - - - - - - - -
*The Irish claim Quin for their countryman. It will be seen that he
was carried to Ireland at a tender age; but, that he was born in the parish
in Westminster, where he acquired and displayed his great dramatic
POWers, -

















440 NEw NEw GATE CALEN DAR.
back to Ireland; where he remained until the natural
death of the woollen-draper. -
We are not, however, about to give a long dra.
matic memoir, by following this celebrated tragedian
through the difficulties of the drama ; but shall concisely
state the outlines of his life, and the unfortunate event
which renders his name liable to a place in our Crimi.
nal Chronology.
We find, great as were his abilities, that he long re.
- mained at Drury-lane, to use the words of his biographer,
“a mere scene-drudge, a faggot of the Drama.” In
time he was entrusted with the part of Banquo, in
the Tower in King Richard the Third. In the absence
of a principal performer, Mr. Rich, manager of the Thé.
atre-Royal, Lincoln's Inn Fields, with great reluctance,
substituted Quin in the arduous character of Sir John
Falstaff, in the comedy of The Merry Wives of Windsor,
The audience proved better judges than the manager,
who received his whole performance with uncommon
applause. -
on Booth's infirmities obliging him to quit the stage,
Quin succeeded to many of his parts, and among the
rest, to that of Cato, a character which had been
alone acted by his predecessor, in which he was most
popular, from the first representation of that admirable
tragedy. There, perhaps, never was a dramatic work
that engaged the public interest more than Cato. The
contending parties in politics, on several nights of the
first season of its appearance, ranged themselves, as in the
nately applauding the patriotic and loyal speeches with
which it abounds. º
Though Booth was gone, Cato was soon called fºr
and Quin prepared for this, his greatest ordeal. He re-
“ the part of Cato would be attempted by Mr. Quin,"
and with which the manager complied. The audience,
pleased with his diffidence, received him with great ap:
exertions, When the body of Cato's dead son, who was
-
*
House of Commons, on each side of the theatre, alter.
quested that the bills of the performance might say that
Shakespear's tragedy of Macbeth, and the Lieutenant of
His fame as an actor now rapidly increased ; and up.
plause, which encouraged him to call forth his utmost
slain












































JAMES QUIN, ESQ. 44 I.
slain in battle, was brought upon the stage, upon Quin's
repeating the line, -
“Thanks to the gods, my boy has done his duty.”
The audience were so struck with surprise at his energy,
feeling, and manner, that, as it were with one accord,
they exclaimed, “Booth out-done | Booth out-done!” In
delivering the celebrated soliloquy in the last act, the au-
dience (very unusual in tragedy) cried, “Encore en-
core " without ceasing, until he repeated it, and the cur-
tain fell under the greatest burst of applause. -
Though Quin had received these honours by his re-
presentation of the rigidly virtuous Cato, yet, at a future
time, it was that very performance which was the cause
ofhis being arraigned at the bar of justice.
He now quickly arrived at the head of his profession,
and the old stock of excellent actors being dead or re-
tired, he remained long unrivalled, and until Garrick,
who justly acquired the appellation of the English Ros-
cius, at once rose up his most formidable rival and antago-
hist. While Quin remained an underling, he was modest
and assiduous; but, iike greater men on the stage of po-
litics, no sooner had he secured the public favour, and
been appointed stage-manager, than he became negligent
and insolent, as the following anecdote will prove :
An author of a most refined education had, by great
labour, written a tragedy (one of the greatest mental
works of man) and put it into Quin's hands, behind the
scenes, when dressed in character, and ready to go on
the stage. The mimic hero carelessly put it in his pocket,
and there left it when he changed his dress ; went to the
layern and thought no more of the circumstance. The
anxious author's patience at receiving no answer, being
exhausted, he applied to Quin, who with much sang froid,
answered, that it would no do.” The writer therefore re-
quested that his manuscript might be returned, and to
this, in the same easy and Iaconic style, was told, that it
laid in the window. The mortified bard hastened to the
* We are fed to believe that Quin, like the managers of theatricals of
the present day, did not look into this unknown, unfriended, author's
Work. -
vo L, 1.-No. 16.
-º-º:
-
-º





















442 N Ew NEW GATE CA LEN DAR.
spot pointed out by the dramatic tyrant, but instead of is
tragedy found a comedy. He told Quin of the mistake,
who in return said, ‘If that is not it, I have certainly lost
“it.” “Lost my tragedy, " said the distressed author! “I
“ certainly have,” said Quin, “but here is a drawer full
‘‘ of tragedies and comedies, never acted, and you may
“take any two of them in the room of it.”
This is a correct picture of the treatment which authors
receive from our London dramatic managers, unless
backed by gold or interest; and we firmly believe, that
either one or the other can readily insure, not only the
performance, but generally, the success of such wretched
patch-work plagiarisms, and translations as are called
modern plays.” . º
Quin was a great epicure, and in the summer, when
his theatre was shut, he retired to such parts of the coun:
try as produced good living. He travelled to the wes.
tern coast, to eat the fish found there, in the greatest per-
fection, called the John Dory, and he found turtle in
higher perfection in Bath and Bristol than in London.
He was received into the best classes of society, possessed
a great share of gentleman-like humour; whenever he
- -- - -
* The writer of these observations was present at Drury-lane theatre
three years ago, to witness the first performance of a new Comedy. It
was called “The Choleric Man,” and the avowed production of Holcroſſ,
a good translator, and no mean writer. Never could an audience, with:
out actual tumult, pronounce a more general and deserved damnation;
for the utmost efforts of his applauding friends, were instantly silenced.
Yet, amidst hissings, hootings, and cursings, it was given out for a second
representation; and the manager's bilis for the next day announced the
new comedy to have been received with the most unbounded applause;—
in fine, they would have persuaded the pubjie, that the Choleric Man had
wheeded the audience into a good Humour. Yet, it did not rest Here;
it was acted a second time; and a third, in this kind of forced pleasure, of
course succeeded, being by ancient custom, the author's reward, Poor
Holcroft, who, by the bye, must have sanctioned the second and third ex: {
posure of his declining faculties, had literally empty benches;-there was
not cash enough taken to pay for the night's consumptión of wax and oil.
Mrs. Lee, who about the same time had a comedy consigned to the
same fate, though a little, and but a little, better than Holcroft's, desired
it might be withdrawn, before its representation was three parts over, the
audience appearing equally unwilling to hear it to an end. Thus it may
be said of Mrs. Lee's dramatic writings, that though her “ Chapter ºf
Accidents” brought her credit and cash, her “ Day in London.” produced:
woeful fight. - - - -
pleased




























- -
--
JAMIES QUIN, ESQ. 443,
pleased, was an excellent companion, and, notwithstand-
ing his assumed manegerical pomposity and affected care-
lessness, had a heart susceptible to the cries of distress.
He was in two rencom/res, or duels; one of which
proved fatal to his adversary, and the other had nearly
proved his own destruction. The first was the murder
for which he was tried, and which happened from the
following circumstance.
After Quin had become the favourite of the town, in
º Cato, one Williams, an inferior actor, came toº
in on the stage, in the character of a Roman messen-
ger, saying, “ Caesar sends health to Cato," but he un-
fortunately pronounced Cato, Keeto , which so affronted
Quin, that instead of giving the reply of the author, he
said, “Would he had sent a better messenger.” This so
greatly incensed Williams, that when the scene was con-
cluded, he followed Quin into the green-room, and com-
plained to him of the injury he had sustained in being
made contemptible to the audience, and thereby hurt in
his profession; concluding by demanding satisfaction.
Quin, instead of either apologizing for the affront, or ac-
cepting the challenge, made himself merry with his pas-
sion; a treatment that increased it to a degree of frenzy,
so that watching under the piazza of Covent Garden, as
Quin was returning to his lodgings, he drew upon him,
when the assailed, in defending himself, ran the unfortu-
nate Williams through the body, which killed him upon
the spot. -
Quin immediately surrendered himself to the laws of ,
his country, and under the circumstances here described,
which was proved on his trial, we must agree with the
jury, which found him guilty of manslaughter only. The
punishment for this offence we have already fully de-
scribed. - - -
The second disagreeable quarrel in which he was in-
volved, was with Theophilus Cibber, another brother ac-
toº, but of more merit than poor Williams. Cibber had
taken offence at Quin's haughty demeanor, and had long
secretly meditated revenge, which, however, he deferred
executing until after the latter had quitted the stage. On
the very evening previous to the day on which Quin had
3 K 2 announced

















444 NEW NEW GATE CAL E N p A. R.
announced his departure to retirement at Bath, being at
the Bedford Coffee-house, taking leave of some friends,
Cibber came into the room, and strutting up to the fire-
place, exclaimed, that he was come to call that “capon.
fed rascal,” (meaning Quin) to an account for some li-
- berties he had taken with his character. Quin calmly
invited him to walk into the piazza; when there, they
drew their swords,” and, most likely, one or both of these
dramatic heroes would have been killed, had not Quin, in
making a desperate lunge, tumbled over a stone. Cibber,
unbandsomely took the advantage, and made a thrust,
which wounded Quin in the forehead. Cibber ran off,
and the other, getting his wound dressed, took no farther
iotice of the affair, but set off the next morning, accord.
ing to his determination for Bath.
We are unwilling to dismiss this subject, though some
*may think it already spun to too great a length, without
noticing the progression of the rivaiship between Quin
and Garrick. Like counsel at the bar, they were, pro-
fessionally, great enemies, but like barristers, the cause
once decided, they were friends. After opposing each
other many seasons, at different houses, they were engag-
ed at the same theatre, and the tragedy of the “Fair Pe-
nitent,” announced for representation ; the part of Ho-
ratio by Mr. Quin, and Lothario by Mr. Garrick. To
see these great rival candidates for public fame on the
boards together, drew that night, an overflowing house,
The play began, and the audience, big with expectation,
when the heroes met, neither could utter a syllable. The
house resounded with applause, while the opponents
could only view each other with inward dread. After a
long pause, occupied in plaudits from the spectators,
they tremblingly began ; soon the contest rose to a pitch
which perhaps has never since been witnessed, or gave
greater satisfaction.
We reluctantly find, that little more of our pages can
be devoted to this subject ; but the anecdotes of Quin,
which we have come across, would nearly fill a volume.
* In those days, affronts were decided upon the spot, by the sword,
which every well dressed man carried by his side. -
We




wº
JAMES QUIN, Esq. 445
-
We must therefore curb our earnest desire to proceed, by
saying, that our hero ended his days, far from the scene
of his dramatic broils, as a good christian at Bath.
During his last illness, he took bark in such large quan-
tities, that it occasioned perpetual and intolerable thirst ;
and conscious that he should soon die, after having en-
deavoured to make his peace with the Almighty, he de-
termined to pass his few short days in as much ease as pos-
sible. He left off all medicine, and for a little time, reco-º-
wered something of his wonted spirits. The day before
he died, he drank a bottle of claret, but finding his end
now very near, he said, “I wish the last tragic scene was
“over, and I hope I shall go through it with becoming
“dignity.” He lingered two days more, and died with re-
signation to the divine will, greatly regretted, on the 21st -
of January, 1766, in the 73d year of his age. - º
As Quin declined the stage, the friendship between
him and Garrick increased. Whenever the former, after
his retirement to Bath, paid a short visit in London, Gar-
rick's house was his home. When death had deprived.
the world of that fund of amusement and delight which
they had experienced in Quin's performances, the Eng-
lish Roscius, to commemorate his memory, to hand to
posterity a tribute of his friendship, and a record of his
worth, wrote the following
º
That tongue which set the table in a roar,
And charm'd the public ear, is heard no more -
Clos'd are those eyes, the harbinger of wit,
Which spoke before the town, what Shakespeare writ.
Cold are those hands, which, living were stretch'd forth,
At friendship's call, to succour modest worth. -
Here lies James Quin deign, reader, to be taught,
(Whate'er thy strength of body, force of thought, -
in nature's happiest mould, however cast,)
To his complexion thou must come at last.
ſyſ LLIAM













- I
-
- - w
446 NEW NEW GATE CAL ENDAR,
WILLIAM SHELTON,
- \,
Executºr AT ºvºs, octopæR 9, 1732, FoR HIGHway Rob BERY,
W.As born of respectable parents near Cheshunt in
Hertfordshire, and received a liberal education in the
learned languages. At a proper age he was appreh-
ticed to an apothecary at Enfield ; but his master ap-
- ºplied to his father to take him back at the end of two
years, as his conduct was so irregular that he did not
choose any further connection with him.
- In consequence hereof he was placed with an apoſht-
cary at Stoke Newington; and, though he still kept
gay company, he served six years with a fair character.
About this time he became violently enamoured of
- his mistress's sister, who was by no means insensible tº
* his addresses. She lived in the family; but no person
- suspected their intimacy, till the mistress accidentally
heard her sister freely represent to Shelton the disagree:
able consequence that must arise from keeping bad com:
pany and late hours. -
Shelton's master and his wife both disapproved of the
intended match, on account of his keeping too much gay
*company; and his own parents objected to it from the
same reason, wishing him to acquire greater steadiness ºf
mind before he married. \ . -
When his seven years were complete, he took leave of
the young lady with professions of lasting love : and his
father having supplied him with money, he engaged in
business, and was for some time greatly succeessful;
but his immoderate attachment to pleasure lost him much
of his busines and many of his friends. -
He had not been long in trade before he became end.
moured of a young lady, daughter of a widow in his
neighbourhood, and having made an acquaintance with
her unknown to her mother, he conveyed her out of 4
back window of the house, and married her at the Fleet
So soon had he forgot his vows to the former lady
The father of the bride having been a citizen of Lon.
don, her fortune had been deposited in the hands of the
chamberlain, who readily paid it to the husband,
º Shelton
sº tº









-
Sº
* WHLLIAM SHEttox. /* 447
Shelton was still in considerable business; but his at-
tachment to company was such, that his expences exceed- ---
ed his income; so that he grew daily poorer; and his
father dying about this time, left all his fortune to his
widow, for her life , so that Shelton had nothing to ex-
pect till after the death of his mother. º
He now made acquaintance with some people of
abandoned character, and took to a habit of gaming, by
which his circumstances became still more embarrassed;
and he was obliged to decline business after he had fol-
lowed it only two years. - - º
Thus distressed, he entered as surgeon on board a
ship bound to Antigua, and was received with such sin-
gular tokens of respect by the inhabitants of the island, --
that he resolved to settle there as a surgeon, and write
to England for his wife to come over to him ; but an un- -
fortunate circumstance prevented the carrying this scheme
into execution. -
In the island of Antigua it is customary to exercise
the militia weekly, when the officers on duty treat their
brethren in rotation, and invite what company they
please. Mr. Shelton being invited by Colonel Ker, the
latter gave a generous treat, and urged his friends to
drink freely. On the approach of night, some of them
would have gone home, but the colonel prevailed on
them to stay till the next day, hinting that it might be
dangerous to meet some negroes who had quitted the
plantation. -
Shelton agreed, among others, to stay; but he had
not been long in bed, when the liquor he had drank oc-
casioned the most excruciating pain in his bowels. The
next morning he took some medicines to abate the pain,
and the end was answered for the present; but he de-
termined to embark for England, as he thought he felt
the symptoms of an approaching consumption. .
Hereupon he sailed for his native country, and arrived
to the surprise of his friends, who had been taught to
expect that he would continue in Antigua. They, how-
ever, advised him to settle at Buntingford, in Hertford-
shire, where there was a vacancy occasioned by the
death of an apothecary. - ---
Shelton


- - - - - - -
º -
448 º NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
Shelton having inquired into the affair, and finding nº
prospect worth his notice, his wife's mother persuaded
him to take a house at Brassin, a village near Bunting:
ford, intimating that she would live with him, and be at
the expence of house-keeping. This proposal was ac-
cepted ; but when the leases were drawn, the old lady
refused to execute them, so that Shelton was obliged to
abandon his agreeable prospect, in a way that appeared
not very reputable to himself.
Distressed in mind, and not knowing how to support
himself, he determined to commence highwayman; and
having hired a horse, and furnished himself with pistols,
he rode to Finchley Common; but after looking out some
hours, and meeting with no booty there, he returned to:
wards London, in his way to which he took about
thirty shillings from four ladies, whom he stopped in a
coach ; and he obtained three shillings and sixpence
from a gentleman whom he met on the road.
He now put on a mask ; and thus disguised, robbed
the passengers in three stage-coaches on Epping Forest
of their watches and money. Some persons on horse-
back immediately pursued him, and were very near him
at Waltham Abbey, but taking a different road, he went
round by Cheshunt, and escaped to London, where he,
the next day, heard that his pursuers had galloped after
him to Enfield. º
The watches he sold to a Jew, and having spent the
money, he rode out to Hounslow Heath, where he de-
on the part of the latter, robbed him of thirty-two gui-
neas and some silver. This done, he crossed the Thames
to Richmond, where he dined, and afterwards stopped
two ladies, in a coach, on Putney Common, but got no
booty from them, as they had just before been robbed by
another highwayman. - -
On the same evening he robbed a quaker of nine
pounds; and early on the following morning, he stop-
ped the Northampton stage, and robbed the passengers
of twenty-seven pounds. The reason for these rapid
robberies was, that he had a debt to discharge wº .
- - ld
º
manded a gentleman's money, and, after some hesitation
|
















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WILLIAM SHE LTO Nº. 449
had contracted at the gaming table; which being done,
he appeared among his former companions as before.
Soon after this he rode towards Chiswick, in the hope
of meeting a colonel in the army: but as the gendeman
knew him, he was apprehensive of being recollected by
his voice, though he wore a mask. The colonel seeing
a man masked coming forward, produced a pistol, and, on.
the other coming up, fired at him, and grazed the skin
of his horse's shoulder. Shelton now fired, and wounded
the colonel's horse, on which the colonel discharged his
other pistol, but without effect. Hereupon the highway-
man demanded his money, which having received, to the
amount of about 501, he took a circuit round the country,
and came into London at night.
On the week following this robbery, he obtained a
booty of ten guineas, some silver, and two gold watches,
on Finchley Common; but being pursued by some
gentlemen on horseback, he concealed himself on Enfield
Chace, and having eluded his pursuers, he rode to Lon-
don, but in his way robbed a gentleman and lady
of between thirty and forty shillings, on Muswell Hill.
On the following evening he took a ride, but did not
rob any person; but on his return through Islington, he
heard somebody cry out, “Stop the highwayman ſ" on
which he rode hastily up a lane, where his horseh ad
nearly stuck fast in a slough, but getting through it, he
stopped in a field, and saw his pursuers waiting in expec-
tation of him. He, therefore, made a circle, and got
down Goswell-street, to the end of Old street, where he
again heard the cry of “ A highwayman " on which he
rode to Dog-House-Bar, and escaped by the way of
Moorfields, - º
Soon after this he rode to Enfield Chace, and putting
on a mask, robbed one of the northern stages, while the
driver was watering his horses at a pond. Some men
who were playing at skittles seeing this robbery, surroun-
ded his horse, but, on his firing a pistol, they ran away,
and he pursued his journey to London.
Having one day committed a robbery on the Hertford
road, he was returning to town, when he overtook two
vol. 1.-No. 17, 3 L farmers


































450 NEW NEwgATE CALEN DAR.
farmers, who had been drinking at an alehouse till they
were valiant, and were wishing to meet Dr. Shelton,
whom they would certainly take ; and they wondered
how people could permit him to proceed unmolested.
On this Shelton presented his pistol, and they delivered
their money with every sign of fear: the money was but
trifling, which he returned, laughing at them for their
assumed courage.
His next robbery was on Finchley Common, where he
took several watches, and sixteen pounds, from the com:
pany in the Northampton stage ; and the name of Shel-
ton was now become so eminent, that many other rob-
bers courted his acquaintance ; among whom were two
men who had formed a design of robbing the turnpike:
man on Stamford Hill, but had not resolution to carry
their plan into execution. º
This design was no sooner mentioned to Shelton, than
he agreed to be concerned : whereupon they went on
foot from London atten o'clock at night; but before they
reached the spot, Shelton's companions relented, and
would go no farther; on which they came to town, in
their way to which they robbed a gentleman of a few
shillings; but Shelton determined to have no farther con-
nection with these people.
His next robbery was on two gentlemen in a chaise, both
of them armed with pistols, in the road from Hounslow,
from whom he took 161, and soon after this, being desti-
tute of cash, and determined to make a bold attempt, he
robbed several coaches one evening, and acquired a booty
of 901, exclusive of rings and watches. ſº
In consequence of these repeated robberies, a procla-
mation was issued for taking Shelton into custody, in
which a minute description was given of his person; on
which he concealed himself some time in Hertfordshire;
but he had not been there long, before a person who re-
collected him, informed a neighbouring magistrate, on
which he was taken into custody, and conveyed to Lon.
don. -
He was tried at the next sessions at the Old Bailey,
for several robberies in Middlesex; and being convicted |
he was sentenced to die. |









-
JOSEPH POWIS. 451
While in prison he affected great gaiety of disposition,
and was fond of entertaining his visitors with the history
of his exploits. At times, indeed, he would be more
serious ; but he soon recurred to his former volitility.
On the arrival of the warrant for his execution, he
seemed greatly agitated, and it was remarked that he shed
some tears; but having recourse to the bottle, he dissi-
pated those ideas that had given him uneasiness.
At the place of execution he refused to perform the cus-
tomary devotions.
Joseph POWIs,
, A STROLLING PLAYER', EXECUTED FOR HOUSEBREAKING,
WE now come to another desperado, the catalogue of
whose crimes, thanks to the vigilance of the police, will
hardly be found in the depredations of a score of modern
thieves. Had the bent of this man's mind been encou-
raged in its course, he might have proved a credit to so-
ciety. The stage, which was his choice, is fascinating to
youth, but its pursuit generally leads to a dissolute life.
How seldom do we find, that those who excel in the mi-
mic art, are eminent in the practice of morality in private
life. Yet, from this observation would we rescue Ban-
nister, the Kembles, Lewis, Young, Wroughton, Dowton,
Murray, Fawcet, Munden, Johnstone, and Matthews,
eminent on the London boards, and respected in private
society. Country theatres, too, are not without men of
merit, in their public capacity, and who are also orna-
ments to society ; but the stage, like the pulpit, in disse-
minating morality, is too often disgraced by the private
vices of their professors. -
Joseph Powis was a native of St. Martin in the Fields,
and his father dying while he was an infant, his mother
married a smith in St. Martin's-lane, who was remarka-
ble for his ingenuity. º
The father-in-law going to Harfleur, in Normandy,’
with many other skilful artists, to be concerned in an
3 p. 2. iron
º



































452 NEw NEwgATE cale NDAR.
-
-
-
- -
iron manufactory, took Powis with him when he was only
eight years of age. - - -
They had not been long here before the father-in-law
received a letter, advising him of the death of his wife;
on which he left the boy to the care of an Englishman,
and coming to London, in order to settle his affairs, soon
returned to Normandy. . . -
But the scheme in which they had embarked failing,
they soon came back to England, and the man marrying a
second wife, took a shop in Chancery-lane, London, and
sent young Powis to school, where he made such pro-
gress, that a little time gave hope of his becoming a good
Latin scholar. -
But he had not been long at school before his father-in-
law took him home, to instruct him in his own business;
and hence his misfortunes appear to have arisen; for
stich was his attachment to literature, that when he was
sent of an errand, he constantly loitered away his time
reading at the stall of some bookseller.
When he had been about four years with his father,
wo lads of his acquaintance persuaded him to take a
troll into the country ; and they wandered through the
villages adjacent to London, for about a week, in a con-
dition almost starving ; and sometimes begging food to
relieve the extremities of hunger: but distress compelled
them to return to town.
2
The father-in-law of Powis received him kindly, for-
gave his fault, and he continued about a year longer
with him ; but having read a number of plays, he imbibed
suchromantic notions as disqualified him for business.
Inspired with an idea of going on the stage, he offered
- - - * * - º
his service to Mr. Rich, late manager of Covent-Gar-
den Theatre; but having repeated some parts of the tra.
gedy of Julius Caesar, Mr. Rich told him he was disquali-
fied for the stage, and advised him to attend his trade.
Soon after this Powis again quitted his father-in-law,
and rambled through the country some days; but return-
sing on a Sunday, in the absence of the family, he broke
open a chest, and taking out his best clothes, again de-
camped. . . . . . -
Powis's father, finding that nothing had been taken
- - except







-
Joseph Powis. 453
except the boy’s clothes, easily judged who must be the
thief; wherefore he went with a constable in search of
the youth, whom he took before a migistrate, in the hope
of making him sensible of his folly. º
The justice threatening to commit him unless he made
a proper submission, he promised to go home and do so;
but dropping his father-in-law in the street, he went to
an acquaintance, to whom he communicated his situation,
and asked his advice how to act. His friend advised him
to go home, and discharge his duty: but this not suiting
his inclination, and it being now the time of Bartholo-
mew-Fair, he engaged with one Milier, to act a part in
a farce exhibited at Smithfield. -
His next adventure was the going to Dorking in Sur-
ry, with one Dutton, a strolling player, by whom he was
taught to expect great things: but Dutton, having pre-
viously affronted the inhabitants, met with no encourage-
ment: on which they proceeded to Horsham in Sussex,
where they were equally unsuccessful.
Powis now slept in a hay-loft, near the kitchen of an
inn, and being almost starved, he used to get in at the
window and steal victuals, while the family were in bed.
He likewise stole a new pair of shoes belonging to the
landlord: but the latter soon discovering the thief, took
the shoes from him, and gave him an old pair in the
stead.
About this time Dutton took Powis's clothes from him,
and gave him others that were little better than rags.
Having left this town, they put up at an inn, where
the landlord obliged the company to sleep in the hay-loſt
admitting none but the manager to come within the
house. At night Powis crept into the kitchen, and de-
youred the remains of a cold pye and stole a pair of
boots, and a pair of stockings, with which he retreated
to the hay-loſt. He continued to steal provisions several
nights, till the landlord and Dutton watched, with loaded
guns, in expectation of the thief, who, however, came
not that night. - .
Powis having obtained a few halfpence by one of his
petty thefts, stole out from the hay-loft to drink at a pub-
lic-house, but the landlord happening to be there, knºw
- - the
















454. NEW NEwgATE cALEN DAR.
w
the boots to be his ; on which our unfortunate adventurer
hastily retreated to his hay-loft, where he expected to
lie secure : but the landlord, Dutton, and others following
him, seized him, and took him into the kitchen for exa-
mination. He readily confessed that he had stolen the
victuals ; on which he was delivered into the custody of
two countrymen, to guard him till the next day, when it
was proposed to take him before a magistrate.
The family having retired to bed, Powis pretended to
fall fast asleep ; on which one of his guard said, “How
the poor fellow sleeps, notwithstanding his misfortunes;”
to which the other said, “Let me sleep an hour and then
I will watch while you sleep.”
In a few minutes both the men were asleep : on
which Powis, thinking to escape, attemped to put on the
boots 2 but making some noise, the landlord heard him,
and coming down stairs Powis affected to sleep as before.
The landlord awakened the guardians, and bid them take
more care of their prisoner; which they promised to do,
but soon fell asleep again, -
Powis now took the boots in his hand, and getting out
of the inn-yard, ran with the utmost expedition till he
had got out of the town, and then drawing on the boots
& -
he proceeded on his journey to London. However, he
missed his way, and getting on a common, knew not
how to proceed ; but going into a cow-house, in which
was a quantity of flax, he laid down to rest. In the
morning the owner of the flax found him, and enquiring
what business he had there Powis said that being intoxi-
cated, he had lost his way : on which the other directed
- him into the right road, in which he hastened forward,
in the apprehension of being pursued. -
Towards evening he arrived near Dorking, but did
not enter the town till it was dark; and as he was going
through the street, he heard a door open; and turning
round, a woman, who had a candle in her hand, called
him; and on his demanding what she wanted, she said
to another woman, “Sure enough it is he.” º
that two men had been in pursuit of him; and that his
---
. Zºº.
This woman, who had washed the players' linen, said

















JOSEPH PO WIS, , 455.
bestway would be to avoid the high-road, and get to Lon-
don some other way, with all possible expedition.
Powis immediately took this advice, and quitting the
turnpike-road, got to a farm-house, where he stole three
books, and some other trifles, eat some provisions, and
then proceeded towards London, stopping at Stockwell
at a house kept by the mother of his father-in-law's wife.
All this happened in the night: but knowing the place,
he went into the back-yard, and laid down to sleep on
Some Straw. - º
Observing some thrashers come to work in the morn-
ing, he concealed himself under the straw till night,
when he crept out, went to a public-house, drank some
beer, and returned to his former lodging.
Inspired by the liquor he had dränk, he began to sing,
which drawing some people round him, they conducted
him into the house. His mother-in-law happening to be
there on a visit, spoke with great kindness to him, and
advised him to remain there till she had communicated
the affair to her husband. *
In a few days the father-in-law came to him, and ex-
pressed his readiness to take him home, if he would but
attend his business, and decline his present vagrant
course of life. This he readily agreed to, and continued -
steady during the winter: but, on the approach of sum-
mer, he again left his friends, and rambled about near
a month, subsisting on the casual bounty of his acquaint-
ance. ,
Falling into company with Joseph Paterson, whom he
had known among the strolling players, Paterson engaged
him to perform a part in the tragedy of the Earl of Essex,
at Windmill-Hill, near Moorfields, which was then the
place of resort for the lower class of spouters in and near
London. º º
The part of Lord Burleigh being assigned to Powis,
and it being intimated in the printed bills that this part
was to be performed by a young gentleman, being his
first appearance on the stage, the curiosity of the pub-
lic was somewhat excited, so that there was a full house.
Unfortunately, Lord Burleigh was dressed in the shab-
biest manner; and being little better than a *P* --
-- , * Q
º































-
-
455 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR,
of rags and dirt, it was with some difficulty the minister
of state went through his part, amidst the laughter and
ridicule of the spectators. - -
Returning home through Ludgate-street, after the
play, he saw a gentleman, who said he had dropped three
guineas, but had picked up one of them. Powis happen:
ing to find the other two, kept one for himself, and gave
the other to the owner, who not knowing that he had re-
tained one, insisted on his drinking a glass of wine, and
thanked him for his civility. - º
Soon afterwards, Powis being stopped one night in
Chancery-lane, by a violent shower of rain, climbed over
a gate, and got under the shelter of a pent house belong-
ing to the Six Clerks’ Office, where he remained till
morning, when the clerks came to their business; and he
was then afraid to appear, lest be should be taken for a
thief from the shabbiness of his dress. ºf ſº
Leaning against a plaistered wali, part of it broke; but
as the place he stood in was very dark, no one observed
it, on which he resolved to profit by the accident: in con-
sequence of which he, at night, made the breach wider,
and got into the office, whence he stole six guineas, and
about fifty shillings in silver. º,
Having spent this money, he determined to join his
old companions on Windmill-Hill, and in his way thither,
he observed a fellow pick a countryman's pocket of a bag
of money, in Smithfield; and a cry of “Stop thief”, being
immediately circulated, the pickpocket dropped the bag,
which Powis picked up unobserved, and retiring to a
public-house; examined the contents of the bag, which
he found to amount to above fifty pounds. -
Having put the money in his pocket, he threw away
the bag, and retired to his lodgings. This money, a
greater sum than he had ever before possessed, was soon
spent in extravagance, and he was again reduced to great
extremities,
Thus distressed, he got into the area of a coffee-house
in Chancery-lane, and attempted to force the kitchen-win-
dow, but not succeeding, he secreted himself in the coal-
cellar till the following evening, when he got into the
house, and hid himself in a hole behind the chimney.
7 When















*y
JOSEPH POW IS. - 457
When the family were gone to rest, he stole some sil-
wer spoons, and about three shillings worth of halfpence
from the bar, and having now fasted thirty hours, he
ate and drank heartily; but hearing a person come down
stairs, he pulled off his shoes, and retiring hastily, got into
a hole where broken glass was kept; by which his feet!
were cut in a shocking manner. ºf
It happened to be only the maid-servant, who came
down stairs; and going into the kitchen, Powis put on his
shoes, and ran through the coffee-room into the street.
Being again reduced, he broke into the Chancery-Of-
fice, where he stole about four pounds ten shillings, which
being spent, he looked out for a fresh supply. Going to
St. Dunstan's Church, at the time of morning prayers,
he hid himself in the gallery till night, and then stole
some of the prayer-books, which he proposed to have
carried off the next morning, when the appearance of the
sexton, more terrified than the thief, ran to procure the
assistance of another man: but in the mean time Powis
had so secreted himself that they could not find him after
a search of two hours; which they at length gave up,
concluding that he had got out through one of the win-
dows. However, he remained in the church all that
day, and at the hour of prayer the next morning, went off
with as many books as produced him a guinea. -
On the following night he visited an acquaintance in
Ram-alley, Fleet-street, where he observed a woman
deposit some goods in a room, the door of which she fas-
tened with a padlock. On this he concealed himself in
the cellar till towards morning, when he opened the pad-
lock with a crooked nail, and stole two gold rings and a
guinea, being baulked in his expectation of a much more
Valuable prize. -º
One of the prayer-books which he had stolen from St.
Dunstan's Church, he sold to a bookseller in the Strand ; :
and while the lady who had lost it was enquiring at the
bookseller's if such a book had fallen into his hands.
Powis happened to stop to speak with a gentleman at the
door; on which the bookseller said, “There is the man
who sold it me;” and the lady replied, “ He is a thief,
“and has stolen it.” ºf º
WOL, 1,–No. 17,
-
|




























458 NEW NEW G A T E CAL EN DAR.
Finding that he had only been disturbed by a dream,
The bookseller calling Powis into his shop, asked if he
had sold him that book, which he acknowledged ; and
being desired to recollect how he had obtained it, he said
he could not ; on which the bookseller threatened to have
him committed to prison ; but the lady now earnestly
looking at him, asked if his name was Powis. He said
it was ; on which she burst into tears, and said, “I am ||
sorry for you, and for your poor father: you are the
cause of all his unhappiness.” The bookseller happen.
ing likewise to know Powis's father, delivered the book
to the lady, and permitted the young thief to depart, on
promise to pay for it on the following day; but the day
of payment never came. - -
A few nights after this he climbed up the sign post be-
longing to a pastry-cook in Fleet-street, and got in at a
chamber-window, whence he descended into the shop;
but not finding any money in the till, he stole only two or
three old books, and filled his pockets with tarts, with
which he decamped. -
Calling some days afterwards at the same shop to buy
a tart, he foundſ the people of the house entertaining
themselves with the idea of the disappointment the thief
had met with : and a lady who lodged in the house pro-
duced her gold watch, saying she supposed that had been
the object of his search.
This circumstance encouraged him to make another
attempt ; wherefore, on the following night, he again as:
cended the sign-post, and got in at the window; but hear.
ing a person coming down stairs without shoes, he got
back to the sign-post, descended, and ran off. He was
instantly pursued, but escaped through the darkness of the
night. º - .
Chagrined at this disappointment, he sauntered into
the fields, and lay down under a hay-rick. He slumber.
ed awhile ; but being distressed in mind, he imagined he
heard a voice crying, “Run, run, fly for your life; for
“you are pursued, and if you are taken, you will be hang:
“ed.” He started with wild affright, and large drops of
sweat ran down his face, occasioned by the agitation of
his mind. - -
5. - - tº he
-
-
- º
-













º 459
he again lay down, but the stings of his consciences
again haunting him, he dreamt that a person came to him,
saying, “Young man, you must go away from hence;
“for were I to suffer you to remain here, I should expect
“a judgment to fall on me; so go away, or I will fetch
“a constable, who shall oblige you to go.” Being again
terrified, he walked round the hay-rick, calling out,
“Who is there * but receiving no answer, he laid down
again, and dreamt that his father-in-law stood by him, and
spoke as follows; “O son will you never take warm-
“ing till justice overtakes you ? The time will come
“when you will wish, but too late, that you had been
“ warned by me.” -
Unable now to sleep, through the agonies of his mind,
he wandered about till morning, and had formed a reso-
lution of returning to his father-in-law ; but, as he was
going to him, he met an old acquaintance, who paid him
a debt of a few shillings; and going to drink with him,
Powis soon forgot the virtuous resolutions he had formed.
On parting from this acquaintance, he went to the
house of another, where he slept five hours, and then,
being extremely hungry, went to a public-house, where
he supped, and spent all his money, except eight-pence.
Thus reduced, he resolved to make a fresh attempt on
the Chancery-office, for which purpose he broke through
the wall, but found no booty. -
In the mean time his father-in-law exerted his utmost
endeavours to find him, to consult his safety; and having
met with him, told him it would be imprudent for him to
stay longer in London, as people began to be suspicious
of him: wherefore he advised him to go to Cambridge,
and work as a journeyman with a smith of his acquain-
tance. - *-
Young Powis consenting, the father bought him new
clothes, furnished him with some good books, and gave
him money to proceed on his journey. He now left the
old gentleman ; but soon afterwards meeting with six
strolling players, one of whom he had formerly known,
they sat down to drinking, at which they continued till all
Powis's money was spent, and then he sold his new clothes:
Our young adventurer now became so hardened in
3 M2 . guilt,
Jose PH POW IS.







460 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
º
-
- º
his escape, and of taking something of value with him,
consequence of which was
Woolwich.
--
--
Quitting the
guilt, that there appeared no prospect of his reformation,
One Sunday morning early, he attemped to break open
the house of a baker in Chancery-lane ; but the family
being alarmed, he was obliged to decamp without his
booty, though not without being known. This affair com:
ing to the knowledge of the father, he commissioned
some friends to tell the boy, if they should meet him,
that he was still ready to receive him with kindness, if he
would mend his conduct.
Powis being now very much distressed, applied to his
still generous relation, who advised him to go to the West
Indies, as the most effectual method of being out of dan:
ger ; and he promised to furnish him with necessaries for
the voyage. -
Powis accepting the offer, was properly fitted out and
sent on board a ship in the river, where he was confined
in the hold to prevent his escaping. In a day or two af.
terwards he was allowed the liberty of the ship ; but most
of the seamen now going on shore to take leave of their
- - - b - - -
friends, he resolved to seize the opportunity of making
Waiting till it was night, he broke open a chest belong:
ing to a passenger, and having stolen a handsome suit of
clothes, he took the opportunity of the people on watch
going to call others to relieve them, and dropping down
the side of the ship, got into a boat; but having only a
single oar, he was unable to steer her ; and after striving
a considerable time, he was obliged to let her drive; the
that she ran on shore below
g the boat he set off towards London; but near
Deptford he met with two men, who asked him to sell
his wig, on which he went into a public-house with them,
where they told him that a friend of theirs had been rob-
|
|
bed of such a wig, and they suspected him to be the robber
Powis saw through the artifice, and calling the landlord,
desired that a constable might be sent for, to take the
villains into custody : but the men immediately threw
down their reckoning, and ran off in the utmost haste.
Our adventurer proceeding to London, changed his
clothes, and took to his former practice of house break-
- º ing,
-













































Joseph Powts. 461
ing, in which, however, he was remarkably unsuccessful.
Strolling one night to the house, where he had formerly
been at Stockwell, he got in at the window, and stole a
bottle of brandy, a great coat, and some other articles;
but the family being alarmed, he was pursued and taken.
As he was known by the people of the house, they
threatened to convey him to the ship ; but he expressed
so much dread at the consequence, that they conducted
him again to his father-in-law, whose humanity once more
induced him to receive the returning prodigal with kind-
16SS. - º
Powis now lived regularly at home about nine weeks,
when, having received about a guinea as Christmas-box
which he renewed his former practices. -
Having concealed himself under some hay in a stable
in Chancery-lane, he broke into a boarding-school adjoin-
ing to it, whence he stole some books, and a quantity of
attorney, and getting into a garret, struck a light : but
some of the family being alarmed, there was an outcry of
“Thieves " A man ascending a ladder, being observed
by Powis, he attempted to break through the tiling ; but
failing in this, the other cried, “There is the thief!" Ter-
rified by these words, he got into a gutter, whence he
dropped down to a carpenter's yard adjoining; but could
get no farther. - -
While he was in this situation, the carpentergoing into
the yard with a candle, took him into custody, and lod-
ged him in the Round-house; but on the following day.
his father-in-law exerted himself so effectually, that the
offence was forgiven ; and he was once more taken
home to the house of his ever-indulgent relation.
After he had been three months at home, the father-in-
law was employed to do some business for Mr. Williams,
a Welch gentleman of large fortune, who having brought
his lady to London to lay in, she died in child-bed, and
it was determined that she should be buried in Wales.
Hereupon Powis's father-in-law was sent for to examine
all the locks, &c. that the effects might be safe in the ab-
sence of Mr. Williams,
º
Powis
money, he got into company, and spent the whole, after
linen; and soon after this he broke into the house of an







462 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
Powis being employed as a journeyman in this business,
found a box of linen that was too full, on which he took
out some articles. In removing the linen, he found a
small box remarkably heavy, which on examination ap:
peared to contain diamonds, jewels, rings, a gold watch,
and other articles, to the amount of more than 200l. all
which he stole, and put the box in its place. This being
done, he called the maid to see that all was safe, and deli-
wered her the key of the larger box.
Powis being possessed of this booty, consulted an ac-
quaintance as to the method of disposing of it ; who ad-
- vised him to melt the gold, and throw the jewels into the
Thames. This being agreed to, the acquaintance kept
the jewels, and the gold being sold for eleven guineas,
x ∈ Powis had seven of them, which he soon squandered
a Way. - -
About a fortnight after the effects were stolen, Powis
was apprehended on suspicion of the robbery, and com-
mitted to Newgate ; and being tried at the next sessions,
was sentenced to be transported for seven years, the jury
having given a verdict that he was guilty of stealing to
the value of thirty-nine shillings.
He lay in Newgate a considerable time ; till at length
his father-in-law, after repeated entreaties, and a promise
of a total reformation of manners, made such interest,
that he was burnt in the hand, and set at large.
Once more did the father-in-law take this ungracious
boy into his house, where he continued about seven
months, when meeting with one of his dissolute compa-
nions, he spent all his money, and was then afraid to re.
turn home. -
He now refrained some time from acts of theft, and
- taking lodgings in an alley in Fleet-street, subsisted by
borrowing money of his acquaintance. Soon afterwards,
- however, he broke open a trunk at his lodgings, and stole
some linen, which he pawned for five shillings and six
penCC.
On the next day the landlord charged him with the
robbery ; but not intending to prosecute him, was con:
tent with recovering his linen from the pawnbrokers, and
took Powis's word for making good the deficient money.
--






JOSEPH. POWI3. 463
In less than a week after adjusting this affair, our
young, but hardened, villain broke open the coffee-house
in Chancery-lane, which we have already mentioned, and
stole a few articles, which produced him about thirty
shillings : and soon afterwards he broke into the Chan-
cery-office, where he stole two books, which he sold for
half a crown. - -
On the following evening, he went again to the office,
and hid himself under the stair-case: but being heard to
cough by a man who had been left to watch, he was taken
into custody, and conveyed to a tavern in the neighbour-
hood; where his father-in-law attended, and pleaded so
forcibly in his behalf, that he was permitted to go home
with him for the night. - *
On the following day some gentlemen came to exa-
minehiº, when he denied the commission of a variety
of crimes of which he had been charged; but the gentle-
men having consented to his escape for this time, ad-
vised him not to appear again in that neighbourhood, as
the masters in chancery had given strict orders for prose-
cuting him. -
After receiving some good advice from his father-in-law
he was recommended to work with a smith in Milford-
lane, in the Strand : but Powis had a brother who called
upon him a few days afterwards, and told him that a war-
rant was issued to apprehend him for robbing the Chan-
cery-office; which obliged him to abscond.
Strolling one evening into the Spa-fields, near Islington,
some constables apprehended him as a vagrant, and lodg-
ed him, with several others, in New Prison ; and on the
following day most of the prisoners were discharged by a
magistrate, and Powis was ordered to be set at liberty;
but not having money to pay his fees, he was taken back
to the prison, where he remained a few days longer, and
was then set at liberty by the charity of a gentleman, who
bid him “Thank God, and take care never to get into
“ trouble again.” º º -
In a short time after his discharge, he broke into the
Earl of Peterborough's house at Chelsea, and stole some
trifling articles from the kitchen, which he sold for four
shillings: and on the following night, he robbed another
- º house
º
º º



464 NEW NEWGATE CALENDAR.
house in the same neighbourhood of some effects, which
he sold for ten shillings.
This trifling sum being soon spent, he broke open a
house in Lincoln’s-Inn Fields, where he got a consider-
able sum of money; and to prevent persons who knew
him suspecting that he was the thief, he forged a letter,
as coming from his grandfather in Yorkshire, purporting
that he had sent him such a sum. - .
one of his companions, to celebrate his birthday, Powis
fell in love with a girl who made one of the company.
The girl paying no attention to his addresses Powis
waited on her mother, and after some conversation with
her, was permitted to pay his personal respects to the
daughter, to whom he pretended that his grandfather in
in proof of what he said he shewed her some counter-
feit letters, appearing to have the post-mark on them.
The girl made no objection to him as a husband; but
said it would be prudent in him to visit his grandfather,
and ask his consent to the match, which would contribute
to her peace of mind. On this he left her, and broke
open a house that evening, whence he stole a few things,
which he sold for fifteen shillings, and calling on her the
might obtain a considerable sum, and then, concealing
himself for some time, return to his mistress, and pretend
that his grandfather had given him the money.
Going to see the Beggar's Opera he was greatly shock-
ed at the appearance of Macheath on the stage in his
fetters, and could not forbear reflecting what might be
his own future fate ; yet, about a week afterwards, he
broke open a cook's shop, and stole some articles, the
sale of which produced him a guinea.
--- º
ed the prisoners to the amount of seven shillings, and on
his quitting the prison, met two girls whom he knew,
and with them he went to Hampstead, where he treated
them to the amount of twelve shillings and *P*
- - - - - that
-
In a short time afterwards, at a kind of ball given y
Yorkshire would leave him a large sum of money; and
next day, took his leave, as if preparing for his journey.
His plan was to commit some robbery, by which he
On the following day he called at Newgate, and treat.







JoSEPH Pow IS. 465
that only eighteen pence remained of his last ill-gotten
guinea. -->
Oñ the following day Powis went to the Black Raven,
in Fetter lane, where he observed the landlord put some
gold into a drawer, of which he determined, if possible,
to possess himself. About midnight he went away,
having first stolen the pin that fastened the cellar-win-
dow. - -
Returning at two in the morning, he got into the cellar,
and attemped to open the door of the tap-room; but fail-
ing in this, he was about to return by the way he had en-
tered, when a watchman coming by, and seeing the win-
dow open, alarmed the family. Powis now escaped in-
to acarpenter's yard, and hid himself: but the landlord
coming down, and several persons attending, he was ap-
prehended; but not till one person had run a sword
through his leg, and another had struck him a blow on
the head that almost deprived him of his senses; circum-
stances of severity that could not be justified, as he made
no resistance.
The offender was lodged in the Compter for the pre-
sent, and being removed to Newgate, was brought to
his trial at the Old Bailey, convicted of the burglary, and
received sentence of death : but the jury considering the
cruelty with which he had been treated, recommended
him to mercy: however, the royal favour was not extend-
ed to him, as he had before been sentenced to transpor.
tation. -
When brought up to receive sentence, he begged to
be represented as an object worthy of the royal favour:
but he was told not to expect such indulgence. He
likewise wrote to his sweetheart, to exert her influence,
which she promised ; but could do nothing to serve him.
He was hanged at Tyburn, on the 9th of October,
1732, along with William Shelton, at the age of 22 years,
After admonishing the spectators to take warning by his
fatal end, and expressing the utmost detestation of the
irregularities of his life.
-
-
ºf
-










-
466 - W. E. W. N. E.W.G.A.T.E. C. A. LEN DAR.
º
º
ISAAC AND THOMAS HALLAM,
MYIRAY ERERS AND HIGHWAYMEN, HANGED, IN LIN COLNSHIRE, UPON THE
spor wFIERE THEY comm ITTED THEIR CRIME.
Though this case, with that of Eleanor Beare, are ex-
tremely interesting, yet we could find no collected ac-
counts of any particulars of their extraordinary lives.
Professing to render our work more copious than any on
the same subject, which may have gone forth before us,
we have carefully put together every mention made in the
old periodical publications of many notorious offenders,
hitherto passed over, and form them into regular reports,
some of which will be found equally interesting with any in
our Calendar. In order that the reader may be apprised
of his coming to cases, collected and written purposely
for this work, we shall place a £3 at the head of each.
Isaac and Thomas Hallam were brothers, and they
had long, with too much success, carried on a scene of
daring robberies, and perpetrated cruel murders, inso:
much that government offered a reward for their appre:
w hension. --
They were at length taken and charged with the mur-
der of William Wright, a youth of only eighteen years of
age, who was found, in a post-chaise at Faldingworth-
Gate, near Market Raisin, in Lincolnshire, with his head
almost severed from his body, covered over with the seat.
cloth, and his pockets rifled,
In consequence of the proclamation, extraordinary
search was made after these desperate depredators, but
they baffled their pursuers nearly a month. At length
they were taken into custody, and committed to the gaol
of the city of Lincoln.
Among their various outrages, they, in mere wanton-
ness, forced a post-boy to blow his horn, then told him
he had sounded his own death-peal, and immediately cut
his throat, as well as that of his horse, and the bodies of
the man and the beast were next morning found close to:
gether. From this detestable barbarity, the post-boys of
Lincoln mustered with horns on their entrance into Lin:
coln, and greeted them with their loudest blasts; where:
º upon


























WILLIAM ALCOC K. 467
º
upon, now stung with remorse, one of them was observed
to weep.
They were convicted of the murders of William Wright ||
rº- t º - - | º
and Thomas Gardner; and afterwards confessed that
they committed, in company with each other, sixty-three
robberies and one murder, exclusive of that for which
they were condemned to die. Yet, did these shocking
offenders attempt to evade their punishment. They pro-
cured a case knife, which they notched like a saw, in or-
der to cut off their irons; and then, with a spike-nail,
they began digging through the wall of their prison, but
were detected. In passing to the place of execution of
Isaac, which was the spot where they had murdered the
post-boy; this unfortunate brother fell into violent ago-
nies, and perturbation of mind. At the gallows, there . . .
being no clergyman to attend them, he called to one of - -
the spectators, to assist him in his devotions, which the
good man readily complied with, and he prayed with
much fervency. Thomas was ordered to be carried far-
ther, to the place where they had murdered Mr. Wright,
| but on his seeing his brother turned off, and struggling
with life, he shrieked out in a dreadful manner. He then
was drawn to Falingworth-gate, where he died in dread-
ful agonies of mind; and both acknowledged the justice
of their sentence, calling upon the Almighty to forgive
their sins. This execution took place on the 20th day of
February, 1735. - - --
º
-
º tº -esº-
- - - -
- - - º -
º - -- º -
ºr ſºilſ.I.A.M Aſcock, .
---
--- - -
FIRST ABANDoNED AND THEN MURDERED HIs wife. Executed AT
NORTHAMPTON, MARCH 9, 1733. ---
THIS unnatural and cruel man, was an inhabitant of the
town of Bourn, in Lincolnshire. He had been married
only two years, when he left his wife, who was afflicted
with the palsy, giving out that the cause of absence was
in consequence of having found her in bed with another
man. He travelled to Colchester, married again, and
set up his business, that of a miller, in which he was suc-
3 N 2 . - cessfüí.































\ \
468. NEW NEW GATE CAL ENE) AR.
-
cessful. He employed a man of the name of Peck, as his
assistant, but upon some words arising between them,
Alcock discharged him, without suffering him to com:
plete the job he had in hand. Peck replied, “I’ll do as
“good a job for you : for I have heard you have a wife
“ in Lincolnshire, and I'll travel the kingdom over, till I
“find her, and send her to you.” Upon this he instantly
set out, and bent his course in order to fulfil his threat,
He enquired at every town he came to in Lincolnshire,
until he actually found Mrs. Alcock. In effecting this,
he spent nearly two years; and to defray his expences, he
occasionally stopped for a few days to work; and when his
wages were expended in his travels, he worked again;
thus persevering until he had accomplished his deter.
mined purpose. The parish officers of Bourn, who had
the maintenance of the deserted woman to provide, re-
ceived Peck's information, and dispatched two of the pa-
rishioners to Colchester, with whom Alcock entered into
a compromise, on the following conditions: to pay down
twenty pounds, and within a month thirty pounds more,
and to fetch away his wife from Bourn. He accordingly
arrived, there on the 22d of August, 1732, on a good
horse, and a new pillion for his wife to ride on behind
him. He, however, tried every means to induce the
officers to keep her, offering a yearly sum sufficient for
that purpose, and observed that, “she was so disagree-
“ able to him, that he would rather be hanged, than take
“ her again.” . - -
Finding his offers all rejected, he set off with her on
the 24th, and on the next day the body of the unfortu-
nate woman was discovered in a ditch under a willow-
tree, near Pilsgate, in the parish of Barnack, in Northamp-
tonshire, and about eight miles from Bourn. It ap-
peared that she had been strangled with a small cord,
which but just met about her neck; and the pilion was
found a little distance from the body. The murderer
immediately proceeded to Colchester; and on the 28th
was apprehended by officers from Bourn, and the next
day fully committed to gaol.
Though convicted on the clearest evidence, yet this
obdurate man, even to the last moment of his *.
- - denied









-
|
SARAH MALCOLM. 469
denied the justice of his sentence; and his behaviour,
during the short interval allowed prisoners to make their
peace with God, evinced the most shocking depravity.
He constantly refused the consolation of devotion, and
º no attention to the warnings of a clergyman, who at
ength desisted from farther exhortations. On the morn-
ing of his execution, he drank to intoxication,” yet, on
coming out of the prison, he sent for a pint of wine,
which being refused him by the sheriff, he would not get
into the cart which waited to convey him to execution,
until the money given for that purpose was returned to
him. On the road to the gallows he sung part of the old
song of Robin Hood, adding to each verse, the chorus of
derry down, & . At intervals he swore, kicked, and
spurned, at any person who touched the cart. When tied
up to the fatal tree, he kicked off his shoes, to avoid a
well-known proverb ; and being told by a person in the
cart with him, and who wished, thus late, to reclaim him,
that he had much better read and repent, than thus to
so vilely swear and sing, he struck the book out of this
humane man's hands, damned the spectators, and called
for wine. During the singing of psalms and reading of
prayers, this monster was employed in talking and nod-
ding to his acquaintance; telling some to remember him,
others to drink to his good journey; and with his last
Words, he inveighed against the injustice of his cause !!!
He was hanged at Northampton, amid the groans and
detestation of many thousand spectators,
SARAH MALCOLM, -
- (Temple Laundress,) º , º
EXECUTED IN FLEET-STREET, MARCH 7, 1733, FoR THE MURDER of
HER EMPLOYER, AND ROBBING A SET OF CHAMBERS.
THE Temple, and the other Inns of Court, were built for
the accommodation alone of lawyers. They contain two,
three, and some of them four rooms each, fitted up for single
gentlemen; there being no kind of accommodation for a
- º -
*The gaoler deserved whipping, who suffered this wretch to be supplied
With liquor to such an extent. w º
- family




470 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
family in any of them. Yet, from the fashion of the men of
law taking private houses, where they could also transact
their business, and bring up their families, chambers were
neglected, and the owners, preferring tenants of no legal
skill, to no tenants at all, let them out to any that offered;
and consequently many private people creep about the
Inns of Court; and women too, reconciling each incon-
venience, often presided at the dinner table, where of late
lay client's papers, musty parchments, and the dry vo-
lumes of the law, tumbled together in dust and disorder.
Upon each set of chambers is a kind of entailment,
under the name of A. L. A UN DRESS, who now and then
sweeps the rooms, and daily makes the supposed stu-
dents' bed, for the remuneration of a yearly servant. Thus
one of these laundresses, with single men, will attend six,
eight, and even ten sets of chambers: and calculating
the average hire of female servants in London, at ten
pounds, the place of a laundress, including the variety of
little pilferings which the heedless owner does not miss,
with the comfortable profits of washing, mending, &c. &c.
may be, in several instances, valued at 100l. a year.
One of these laundresses was Sarah Malcolm, who
basely betrayed her trust, and murdered her employer."
Her father was a man of some property in the county of
Durham, where she was born in the year 1711. -
Being a man much addicted to pleasure and extrava-
gance, the estate became soon mortgaged, excepthis wife's
jointure. He then, in company with his wife and daugh-
ter, set out for Dublin, the place of his wife's nativity;
where he purchased a place in one of the public offices
belonging to that city, the profits of which enabled him
to live in credit, and to give his daughter an education
superior to that of the common class of people.
** Our unfortunate heroine, being naturally of a sprightly
disposition, wholly engaged the affections of her parents,
with whom she lived on terms of reciprocal esteem.
Some years after, her father having some business of
- * Laundresses have always a key of the chambers they attend. To abuse
- this conſidence in a midnight murder and robbery, is most horrible tº -
º - being
consequence to settle, they came to London; where his
wife dying, in a short time, he married another; who not
-
--






































SARAH MA. L. C. O L M. 4.7 1
being agreeable to the daughter's disposition occasioned
a separation between them. - ſº
| In consequence of the above, Sarah, who was now arriv- |
| ed' at woman's estate, was obliged to have recourse to
servitude for a subsistence. In this station she lived in º
many reputable families, with great credit, being much
commended for her diligence and sobriety. At last, un- º
fortunately for her, she became a servant at the Black |
Horse, a public-house near Temple-Bar: where she con- -
tracted an acquaintance with one Mary Tracy, a woman
lº
named Thomas and James Alexander. -- º
* From this house she was recommended as a laundress,
* and to take care of gentlemen's chambers in the Temple; º
and amongst her employers was a Mr. Kerril, a young º
-
º
of light character, and two young men who were brothers,
gentleman from Ireland. She officiated also as a chair-
woman to Mrs. Lydia Duncomb, a lady of about eighty
years of age, who had chambers also in the Temple,
where she kept two servants, Elizabeth Harrison, aged
sixty, and Ann Price, about seventeen. -
This lady being reputed very rich, a scheme was form-
ed by Sarah of robbing her chambers, in order, as it was
supposed, by dint of money, to gain one of the Alexan-
ders as a husband. - -
On Saturday, the third of February, 1733, Sarah called
at Mrs. Duncomb's chambers, where she staid till about
eight o'clock in the evening, under a pretence of visiting
| Mrs. Harrison, who was just recovered from a fit of sick-,
ness. Mrs. Love, a lady who had engaged to dine with
Mrs. Duncomb the next day, being present at the time.
It was generally imagined the true meaning of her visit, º
was either to secret the key of the door, or to spoil the
lock so as to gain an easier admittance to put her diabo-
lical design into execution ; as the horrid murders were -
either committed that night, or early the next morning.
On Sunday, the following day, about nine in the mor-
ning, a Mr. Gahagan, who had chambers on the same
floor breakfasted with Mr. Kerril, after which they went
to the Commons together: during which time, Mrs.
Love (already mentioned) coming to Mrs. Duncomb's
chambers could not gain admittance: after waiting a con-
. siderable




















472 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
siderable time she went down stairs, when, meeting with
Mrs. Oliphant, she enquired whether she had seen any of
Mrs. Duncomb's family; who replying she had not, it
º made her conclude, that the old maid, Elizabeth Harrison,
was dead, and that Ann Price was gone to acquaint her
sister with the news.
- Mrs. Oliphant then went to Mrs. Rhymer (executrix
--- - to Mrs. Duncomb,) who returned with her to the cham-
bers, but could make no one hear; when seeing Sarah
Malcolm at the Bishop of Bangor's door, they called to |
her, and begged she would fetch a smith to force open
º - the door, to which she immediately consented, but return-
ed without one : when Mrs. Love expressing her fears
that they were all dead, Mrs. Oliphant proposed getting
- out of her master's window into the gutter, where, by
/ breaking a pane of glass, she could easily open Mrs. Dun-
º - comb's casement ; which was accordingly effected. Mrs.
Love, Mrs. Rhymer, and herself, then went in, and the
first object that presented itself in the passage, was the
body of Ann Price, laying on her bed, wallowing in blood,
with her throat cut from ear to ear.
In the next room lay Elizabeth Harrison, strangled;
and in an adjoining room, the poor old lady lay, also
strangled on her bed: the box where she kept her money
being broke open, and stripped of its contents, excepting
a few papers only. . . -
The neighbourhood became soon alarmed with the
news of these shocking murders. Mr. Gahagan and
Mr. Kerril happening to pass at the time, and seeing
a crowd of people about the chambers, enquired what
was the matter. And they were informed of the shock-
ing murders committed on Mrs. Duncomb and her ser:
Want S. -
As they walked on, Mr. Gahagan said to Mr. Kerril,
“Mrs. Duncomb was your Sarah's acquaintance,” which
the latter passed unnoticed. On their arrival at a coffee-
house in Covent Garden, these horrid murders engrossed
the conversation of the whole company, who seemed to
be unanimous in the opinion, that they must have been
committed by some laundress, who was well acquainted.
with the chambers. º -
From



-
sARAH MALco I.M. º. 473 -
From the coffee house, these gentleman adjourned to
the Horse-shoe and Magpye, in Essex-street; where they
continued till about one in the morning; when they both
returned to Mr. Kerril's chambers. On their entrance
they found Sarah Malcolm, with the door open, lighting -
a fire. “So, Sarah, (says Mr. Kerril) are you here at this
“time of the morning? you knew Mrs. Duncomb; have
“you heard of any body that is taken up for the murder?” "
—“No,” said she, “but a gentleman who had chambers -
“under her, has been absent two or three days, and he -
“is suspected.” He replied thus: “Nobody who was º
“acquainted with Mrs. Duncomb shall be in my cham- - - º
“bers, till the murderer is discovered ; and therefore º:
- º,
In the interim two watchmen were called, who found
her turning over some linen in a box. On being asked
who it belonged to, she replied it was her own. Mr.
Kerril then missing two waistcoats, enquired what she had
done with them. She then called him aside, and told
him she had pawned them for two guineas, at Mr. Wil-
liams's in Drury-lane ; praying his forgiveness, and as-
Suring him that he might depend upon her redeeming
them. * -
Mr. Kerril then informed her that he was not so much
displeased with her on account of the waistcoats, but
suspected her to be concerned in the murders. He then
observed a bundle lying on the floor, which she informed ºr
him was her gown, with some linen tied up in it, which
she hoped decency would forbid him opening : which
he accordingly declined. -----
On a stricter search he missed several things belonging
to himself, and finding others, not his property, he imms-
diately ordered the watchman to secure her, giving them - -
a strict charge not to let her escape.
When she was gone, he requested Mr. Gahagan to as
sist him in a thorough search; and looking into the close-
stool, they discovered more linen, and a silver pint tan:
kard, the bandle of which was bloody. On calling up
the watchmen again, they informed the gentlemen that
they had set her at liberty, on her promising to surren- -º-º:
der at ten o'clock the next morning. They were ordered
vol. 1.--No. 18, 3 o imme-
“look up your things, and be gone.” --
































474 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
immediately to find her again at all events: and, calling
to their brother watchmen at the gate, they luckily found
she had not left the Temple ; and in a few minutes she
was brought back to the chambers. Upon being shewn
the bloody tankard and linen, and asked, who they be-
longed to, she asserted that they had been left her by her
mother; that the blood was in consequence of having
cut her finger ; and making some other frivolous excuses,
she was again ordered into custody of the watchmen till
morning. - - -
On searching her in the watch-house, a green silk
purse, containing twenty-one counters, was found in
her bosom. The next morning, after a full examination,
she was committed to Newgate. -
On her entering Newgate, she saw a room belonging
to the debtors, and enquired whether she could not have
that room. She was answered by Roger Johnson, a
turnkey, that it would cost a guinea ; she replied that she
could send for a friend that would raise two or three gui-
neas if necessary. She then went into the tap-room, and
talked very freely with the felons. Johnson then took
her into a room where there was no other prisoner; and
on searching her he found a bag concealed under her
hair, containing 20 moidores, 18 guineas, 5 broad pieces,
(one of which was of twenty five shillings value, the
others twenty-three shillings each,) a half broad piece,
five crowns, and two or three shillings. On being asked
by Johnson where she had the money, she replied, it was
some of Mrs. Duncomb's ; “ but, Mr. Johnson,” says,
she, “I’ll make you a present of it, if you will but keep
“ it to yourself, and let nobody know any thing of the
“ matter; for the other things against me are nothing
“but circumstances, and I shall come off well enough ;
“ and therefore I only desire you to let me have three-
“pence or six-pence a day till the sessions are over, and
“ then I shall be at liberty to shift for myself.” He at:
cordingly took the money, which he sealed up in the bag,
and which was produced in Court on her trial.
She also informed Johnson that she had engaged - three
men, for a trifling sum of money, to swear, that the tan-
kard belonged to her grandmother, adding that was a!
Nº. - vº - -
- - slº






SARAH MALCOL M. 475
| she wanted, for as to the rest she could do well enough;
| she said the names of two of the men were Denny and
Smith, the other she had forgot; but that she feared they
were not to be depended on. She then, (confiding in
Johnson,) put a piece of mattrass in her hair to make it
appear in bulk as before, and by that means prevent a
discovery. -
She afterwards told Johnson, that she was the contri-
wer of the robbery, but two men and a woman were con-
cerned with her; that she watched on the stairs, while
they committed the fact ; but that she was no way coll-
cerned in the murder.
She also said that one William Gibbs had been with her,
by whom she had sent ten guineas to the two Alexanders -
before mentioned, who she said were the men that were
concerned with her; and she continued to charge them
with the guilt even after her condemnation.
| Soon after her commitment to Newgate, she declared
| herself a dead woman ; and it being the general opinion . .
that she would destroy herself, she was ordered to be put
into one of the cells, and a proper person was appointed
as a guard on her º
| Being seized with violent fits, a surgeon, was sent for,
as it was imagined she had taken poison; but he gave it -
as his opinion, that they arose from the consciousness of -
her guilt, and that the terror of her approaching fate had
caused the preternatural hurry of her spirits. -
When questions were asked her, she prevaricated so
much in her answers, and appeared withal so extremely
hardened, that little regard was paid to what she said.
She would by no means suffer any of her acquaintance to
see her; but the two Alexanders and Mrs. Tracy being
taken, she desired to be confronted with them, saying,
she should die with pleasure now they were taken.
They were accordingly ordered to be conducted into
her presence; when she charged them in the boldest
manner with the murder, crying out, “Aye, these are the
"persons that committed the murder.” Then, turning to
Mary Tracy, she said, “You know this to be true; see -
“what you have brought me to ; it is through you, and the
- º - 3 Q 2 * {{ tWO -
º º
---
Fº








































476 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
º
“two Alexanders, that I am brought to this shame, and
“ death must follow ; you all declared you would do no
º
murder; but, to my great surprise, I found the con-
“ trary.”
When she was requested one day by some gentlemen
in the press-yard, to make a full discovery of this bloody
transaction, she replied with great warmth, “After I am
“laid in my grave, it will be found out.” They then en-
quired if she was satisfied in her mind, and was resolved
not to make any further confession : she answered,
“ that as she was not concerned in the murder, she hoped
“ God would accept her life as an atonement for her
“ manifold sins.” -
When brought to her trial, the strongest circumstantial
proof appeared against her, from the evidence of Mr.
Kerril, Mr. Gabagan, Mrs. Love, Mrs. Oliphant, with
the two watchmen, and many other witnesses; so that
not a person in the whole Court entertained a doubt of
her guilt. When called on for her defence, she spoke to
the following purport: -
That she freely acknowledged her crimes were deser-
ving of death, but that she was entirely innocent of the
murder ; that the robbery was contrived by Mary Tracy
and herself; that they met at Mr. Kerril's Chambers on
the Sunday before the robbery was committed, he being.
from home when the robbing Mrs. Duncomb was pro-
posed. That she told Tracy she could not do it by her-
self. “No,” says Tracy, “there are the two Alexanders
* will help us.” That the next day she had seventeen
pounds sent her from the country, which she deposited in
Mr. Kerril's drawers, That they all met the Friday
following in Cheapside, when it was agreed to put their
scheme in execution on the following night. ---
That the next evening, between seven and eight, she
Went to See Elizabeth Harrison, who was ill ; with whom
she staid a short time, and then went to meet Mary Tracy
and the two Alexanders, who proposed going about the
robbery immediately, to which she objected, as being too
soon. Mary Tracy persisting, she told her she would
go and see, and accordingly £ent up stairs, and they fol:
lowed her ; that she met the maid on the stairs, ".
- - -- -
*
º






































|
blue mug, going for milk to make a sack-posset, who en-
quired who those people were that followed. She told
her they were going to Mr. Knight's, When gone, she
said to Tracy, “Now do you and Tom Alexander go
“ down ; I know the door is left a-jar, because the old
“ maid is ill, and can't get up to let the young maid in -
“when she comes back.” That James Alexander then
went in, and hid himself under the bed; that she going
/ -
SARAH MALCO LM. . . . 477 -
down again, met the maid coming up, who enquired if º
she had spoke to Mrs. Betty: she answered no, and
going down, spoke with Tracy and Alexander then
went to her master's chambers, where staying about a
quarter of an hour, she went back, and found Tom Alex-
ander and Tracy sitting on Mrs. Duncomb's stairs. At -
twelve o'clock they heard Mr. Knight come in and shut
his door. It being a very stormy night, there was nobody
stirring except the watchmen when they cried the hour.
About two, another gentleman came to light his can-
dle with the watchman, upon which she removed farther ... "
up stairs. Soon after she heard Mrs. Duncomb's door
open ; and James Alexander came out, and said “ now
is the time.” Tracy and Tom Alexander then went in,
she waiting upon the stairs to watch. Between four and
five they returned, one of them called to her softly,
“Hip ! how shall I shut the door " She replied, “it is -
a spring lock ; pull it to, and it will be fast,” which they
accordingly did. - -
That they then proposed sharing the money upon the
stairs, to which she objected ; they then went under
the arch by Fig-tree-court; and she enquired how much
they had got ; when they informed her, that in the maid's
purse they found fifty guineas and some silver, in the
drawers about one hunded pounds, exclusive of the tan-
kard, money in the box, and other valuable things, amount-
ing in the whole to about three hundred pounds. ºf
That they then informed her that they had gagged the -
old lady and her maids. That she received the tankard,
a sum of money, and some linen for her share, they re- -
Serving a silver spoon, ring, and the remainder of the mo-
ney to themselves. That they next advised her to be -
very cautious to conceal the money under ground, and
ilot






















478 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
sº next day; exhorting him to take comfort, and offering
not to appear to possess any : and that they then appoint.
ed a meeting at Greenwich, which was afterwards forgot,
Her defence being ended, the jury withdrew for about
a quarter of an hour, when they returned with a verdict
of guilty.
While under sentence of death she seemed to feel all
the horrors of guilt, and would frequently fall into violent
fits, which appeared to be attended with agonies, expres-
sive of the utmost perturbation of mind. In one of
these fits the keeper enquiring what was the matter, she
replied that she was affected by being informed that she
was to be executed amongst all her acquaintance in
Fleet-street, the thoughts of which were insupportable.
In answer to this the keeper told her, “that could not
“ be the truth ; as he made her acquainted with the
“ place where she was to die, on the dead warrant's com-
“ing down ; therefore it was not probable that it
“ could have such an effect on her at this time.” He
then, by the most forcible arguments, recommended her
to make a full confession of her guilt, as the only means
of quieting her conscience; but to this advice she made
no reply.
About ten o'clock the same evening, she called to a
fellow-prisoner in the opposite cell, who was to die the
for him her prayers, which he begged her to do, and
which she accordingly did for a considerable time. After
which, calling to him again, she said, “Your time is
“ short as well as mine, and I wish I was to go with
“ you : as to the ignominy of your fate, let not that trou-
“ ble you; none but the vulgar will reflect either on
“ your friends or relations; good parents may have un-
“ happy children, and pious children may have unhappy
“ parents; neither are answerable for the other. As to
“ the suddenness of our death, consider, we have had
“ time to prepare for it, whereas many die so suddenly,
that they have not time to call for mercy.”
The bell-man coming at the usual time, he exhorted
her to attend to what he said, which she accordingly did;
and then throwing him a shilling, bid him call for a pinſ
º
of wine.
Not.










she suffered ; though it is certain, from the last actions of
Temple, crying out, “Oh my master | my master I
wish I could see him;” and then, casting her eyes to-
wards heaven, called upon Christ to receive her soul,
WILLIAM GoRDoN. 479
Notwithstanding this unhappy woman attended pray- -
eſs very constantly, during the time of her being in New-
gate, there is great reason to imagine, from many circum- º
stances, that she was brought up in the Roman Catholic
religion; which suspicion is confirmed by a letter she re-
ceived from a priest of that persuasion a few days before -
her life, that she adhered to no principles of religion
whatever. -
Her behaviour was far from sincere, and she gene- * -
rally contradicted herself, in whatever questions were H.
asked her; so that, instead of preparing for that awful
state on which she was then entering, she daily added to
her other crimes the sin of hypocrisy. -
On the morning of execution, she appeared more com-
posed than she had been for some time past, and seemed
to join in prayers with the ordinary, and another gentle-
man who attended, with much sincerity.
When in the cart she wrung her hands, and wept
most bitterly. The accumulated guilt of the very enor-
mous crimes she had committed, seemed now to press --
heavily on her, and she appeared almost ready to sink --
under a load of affliction. - tº
At the place of execution she behaved with the utmost , -
devoutness and resignation to the Divine will; but when - tº
the ordinary, in his prayers, recommended her soul to
God, she fainted, and with much difficulty recovered her
senses. On the cart's driving off, she turned towards the
- - --- º |
--
WILLIAM GoRDON,
HIGH WAY MAN,
º
* - º º
9N WHOSE BODY, AFTER EXECUTION, AN EXPERIMENT WAS MADR. Tº
- BRING HIM TO LIFE.
-, . . .
This malefactor was brought up to the business of a
butcher; but for twenty years previous to his execution,











480 N EW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
had been a reputed highwayman. He was tried at Chelms.
ford for a desperate attack and robbery on Epping Forest,
but escaped conviction by proving an alibi.” He brought
* This is a common and dangerous defence, yet seldom succeeds, from the
facility with which the accused can suborn men, hardened like themselves, in
scenes of iniquity, to swear that the prisoner, at the time when the robbery had
been stated to have been committed, was elsewhere. Too often, however, have
prosecutors erred in the identity of the persons by whom they had been plum-
dered ; in which case, nothing short of a well-substantiated alibi, can impeach
the evidence against them. ---
The writer of the notes, comments, and essays on crimes and punishments,
in various parts of these volumes, excited by the case of two unfortunate young
men, paid his half crown (a most disgraceful practice, in the sheriffs permit-
ting their saucy footmen, covered with laced clothes, to demand payment
for admission into a court of justice, and which calls aloud for redress) for a
seat in the gallery of the Old Bailey, in order to witness their trial, and to view
the effects of an alibi, which he heard would be set up against the evidence of
a gentlemen of title, and filling a high situation in the law.
The prosecutor, in this case, was Sir Thomas Davenport; and the accused,
— Smith, who kept the Assembly Rooms, at Kentish Town, near London,
at the time of his apprehension ; and Brown, the son of a widow, the land-
lady of a reputable public-house, in Chapel-Street, Bedford. Row.
In the year 1785, these innocent young men were brought to the bar of that
awful tribunal, in heavy irons, charged with robbing on the highway, Sir
Thomas and Lady Davenport. Sir Thomas, his head covered with his legal
wig, on the top of which was the black patch of the King’s Serjeants of the
Court of Common Pleas, swore, that on a certain evening, a few weeks before,
and about twilight, on the Uxbridge road, the prisoners at the bar, one of
them mounted on a brown and the other on a grey horse, stopped his carriage,
in which were his lady and himself, and putting them in fear of their lives, pre-
sented pistols, and demanded his money, which he immediately gave them.
Mr. Garrow, then a young counsel, acting in behalf of the prisoners, with
much diffidence to the learned Serjeant, cross examined Sir Thomas, observing,
that human nature was liable to mistake objects injuring them, especially at the
time he was robbed, and wished him to be positive as to the identity of the pri.
soners. The witness, upon this, turned round, and fully viewed them, say:
ing, “As far as a man can swear to another, the prisoners at the bar robbed
me, as I have described.” -
Lady Davenport was next called, and she also swore to the prisoners. Then
came forward the coachman and footman of Sir Thomas, who corroborated
the evidence of their master and mistress. º º
Two horses, of the colour described to have been rode by the highwaymen,
were brought to the court-yard of the Old Bailey, and sworn to be the same,
according to the best of the belief of the witnesses, on which the prisoners were
mounted. - * -
This was the whole evidence on the part of the crown, a case so strong, that
every casual spectator supposed would justly warrant the jury in finding the ac-
cused guilty. Being called upon for their defence, they handed up a written state:
ment of their case, the import of which was, that on the evening of the supposed
robbey, they were at their respective homes. To substantiate this plea, a num-
ber of respectable inhabitants of Kentish-town, deposed,that the day of the rob.
bery sworn to, was the anniversary dinner of a club, of which they were mem-
bers, held at the house of the prisoner Smith; that he was attending upon them
from the time of dinner until midnight, and never out of their club-room a
single half-hour at a time. Four or five had already sworn to this, adducing
- - a num-
-



WILLIAM GORIDO.N. 481.
a number of evidences to prove that he was in Ireland - -
when this robbery was committed. a
William Gordon was convicted at the Old Bailey, of a
highway robbery on Mr. Peters, under treasurer of the
Temple, between Knightsbridge and Hyde-park Corner, -
whom he robbed of his hat, wig, watch, and a gold ſ
ring; and being at the time in a state of intoxication, he
was soon apprehended, and had no other plea to offer,
but that he was drunk. -
What rendered this criminal's case sufficiently remark- - 5
able to find a place in these volumes, was a report circu- . .
lated that he had cut his throat, just before he was car-
tied out to execution, and that a surgeon sewed it up. • *
The cause of this report was as follows: -
Mr. Chovot, a surgeon, having by frequent experi- ---
ments on dogs, discovered, that opening the windpipe -
would prevent the fatal consequences of being hanged
by the neck, communicated it to Gordon, who consented -
to the experiment being made on him. Accordingly, pre-
tending to take his last leave of him, the surgeon secretly
made an incision in his windpipe; and the effect this pro-
duced on the malefector was, that when he stopt his mouth,
the strongest circumstances to corroborate their testimony, and many more
were behind, ready to do the same ; when the court interposed, by observing, --
that the alibi, respecting Smith, was clearly substantiated. In behalf of º -
Brown proof was also adduced, that he was, on the same evening, serving in * * *
his mother’s bar room.
Judge Heath, in summing up the case, observed, that had Sir Thomas º:
remained in court, he would himself, have been convinced, that he was mis- ---
taken in the identity of the prisoners. No imputation, however, could be sº
thrown upon the evidence farther, than that all of them were too positive. -
Sir Thomas, doubtless convinced they were the men who robbed him, was
followed by his lady and their servants; and when we are told that Smith and
Brown were intimate friends, being both publicans, and that they had some- .
times rode out together on horses similar to those sworn to, and which were -
actually their own property, there is some reason to excuse the mistake ; but it
should be a most serious caution to prosecutors of men, charged with a crime º
which affects life, in giving their evidence of the identity of the persons of the -
accused. º º - -
These young men had borne irreproachable characters, and the miseries
intailed upon them in this world, arising from their being thus innocently
arraigned, is the most melancholy part of this note. Smith sunk into dispon--
dency, and soon died. Brown, also, stung with shame, left his aged mother,
and went abroad. Had they borne up against their misfertune, a very few :
years, their minds might have been fully set at ease ; for the robbers of Sir
Thomas Davenport, were convicted of another offence, and in the cells of
Newgate, confessed that they, mounted on the same coloured horses, were the
-
men who robbed him . . . . - ºf . -
YQL, I.-NO, 18. 3 P nostrils,


















482 NEW NEWGATE CA. LEN DAR.
nostrils, and ears, air sufficient to prolong life, issued
from the cavity. When he was hanged, he was observed
to retain life, after the others executed with him, were
dead. His body, after hanging three quarters of an hour,
was cut down, and carried to a house in Edgware-road,
- where Chovot was in attendance, who immediately
- opened a vein, which bred freely, and soon after the cul-
prit opened his mouth and groaned. He however died,
but it was the opinion of those present at the experiment,
* * - that had he been cut down only five minutes sooner, life
would have returned. He suffered along with James
Ward and William Keys, for a highway, and with Wil.
liam Norman, for a street robbery, on the 27th of April,
1733. -
A month after the execution of Gordon, John Davis,
who had frequently robbed in company with him, was
brought to execution on the same tree from which Gor.
don was hanged. Davis feigned himself sick, and in-
treated the sheriff that he might not be tied in the cart
on his road to Tyburn, and which was humanely grant.
ed. When the executioner was fastening the rope round
the neck of John Jones, another malefactor to be then
executed, Davis jumped out of the cart, made his way
through the astonished spectators, and ran over two
fields; but being knocked down by a countryman, he
was brought back, tied up, and hanged. He confessed
having committed various daring robberies, along with
the notorious old offender, Gordon. -
º
º
ºr John Collins,
- cA murderer singularly cruel,J
º - º
º:
7
Execured Ar ExETER, IN THE YEAR 1737.
º -
To enter into the particulars of the unprecedented bar-
barity of this monster, would almost be an outrage on
the feeling mind; yet do we deem it a duty, not to pass
over murderers, without handing down their names, as a
dreadful warning to posterity. - º
man of blood lived in a village called Harledown,
º º near
- - - º
º
-
-























strument near the decollated body, left the horrid spec-
clamation was issued, wherein a large reward was offered
with whom, after the expiration of his apprenticeship,
he worked as a journeyman.
-- º
lemen, as a young man of good address and fine accom-
JOHN PORTEO U.S. 483
near Exeter, and was by trade a thatcher. He had kept
company with a young woman named Jane Upcot, and
who received his addresses, which appeared to be ho-
nourably offered. The account of the circumstances
which led to the shocking catastrophe which we have re-
ference to, does not disclose the manner in which the
devil worked him up, to put to death the object of his
love. It was proved, that on the 16th of May, 1737, the
villain murdered this Jane Upcot. He then, not glutted
with shedding her blood, actually cut off the head from
the body, tore out the heart, and stuck them on a spar- -
hook, with which he killed her; and then, fixing the in-
Nature sickens at the recital—let us therefore pass to
Some less inhuman malefactor—he deserved a severer
death than the gallows.
tacle to the view of the passing traveller ||
ſ -
-º- \
- - - -
* - º -
-- - -
CAPTAIN JOHN PORTEOUS.
CON VICTED OF MURDER, BUT MURDERED BY THE MOB.
THE fate of Captain Porteous engaged a nation's atten-
tion. Though by the law condemned to die, yet was he
most foully murdered by a lawless mob. The royal pro-
for the apprehension of the murderers; and the magi-
strates of Edinburgh, the scene of the murder, were sum-
moned to answer for their neglect, in not quelling the -
riot; fined, and rendered incapable of acting again in
any judicial capacity. In such a mob as that which seized ---
Porteous, it was difficult to fix upon an individual, and
the deceased having rendered himself obnoxious to the
people, the affair there rested. º
John Porteous was born of indigent parents, near the
city of Edinburgh, who bound him apprentice to a taylor,
Porteous was soon noticed by several reputable gen-
3 P 2 plishments
*
-



















484 NEW NEW G. A.T. E. C. A. LEN DAR.
--
º
*
plishments, and one whom they entertained a desire to
Serve.
It happened at this time that a gentleman who had
been lord provost of Edinburgh, growing tired of his mis.
tress, wished to disengage himself from her in a genteel
manner: and knowing Porteous to be very poor, he pro-
posed his taking her off his hands, by making her his
wife.
When the proposition was first made to the lady she
rejected it with much disdain, thinking it a great degra-
dation to match with a journeyman taylor : but on the
gentleman's promising her a fortune of five hundred
pounds, she consented, and they were married accord-
ingly. - -
Forteous now commenced master, and met with good
success for some time, but being much addicted to com-
pany, he neglected his business; by which means he
lost many of his customers. His wife in consequence, was
obliged to apply to her old friend the provost, to make
some other provision for them. -
In Edinburgh there are three companies of men, of
twenty-five each, who are employed to keep the peace,
and take up all offenders, whom they keep in custody till
examined by a magistrate. An officer is appointed to each
of these companies, whom they stile captain, with a sa-
lary of eighty pounds a year and a suit of scarlet uniform,
which in that part of the world is reckoned very honoura-
ble. -
A vacancy happening by the death of one of these cap.
tains, the provost immediately appointed his friend Pot.
teous to fill up the place ; and the latter being now advan.
ced to honour, forgot all his former politeness, for which
he was so much esteemed when a tradesman; and as:
sumed all the consequence of a man in authority. . . .
If a riot happened in the city, Porteous was generally
made choice of by the magistrates to suppress it, he being
a man of resolute spirit, and unacquainted with fear. On
these occasions he would generally exceed the bounds of
his commission, and would treat the delinquents with
the utmost cruelty, by knocking them down with his
musquet, and frequently breaking legs and arms. I
- º -
º
º
--


























Joh N Po RTEous. 485
If sent to quell a disturbance in a house of ill fame,
notwithstanding, he was a most abandoned debauchee
himself, he would take pleasure in exposing the characters
of all those he found there, thereby destroying the peace
of many families: he would treat the unhappy prostitutes
with the greatest inhumanity, and even drag them to a
prison, though many of them had been seduced by him-
self. -
Amongst the many instances of cruelty he commit-
ted, we shall mention the following, because it procur-
ed him the universal hatred of the people in that city :
A vacancy happening in the lectureship of a neigh-
bouring church, two young gentlemen were candidates ;
and having each an equal number of votes, the dispute
was referred to the presbytery; who declared in favour
of Mr. Dawson. The other candidate, Mr. Wother-
spoon, appealed to the synod, who reversed the order of
the presbytery. As the parishoners were much exaspera-
ted, and a tumult being apprehended at the church on
the day Mr. Wotherspoon was to preach his first sermon,
Porteous was ordered there to keep the peace, but finding,
on his arrival, Mr. Dawson had got possession of the
pulpit, he went up the steps without the least ceremony,
seized him by the collar, and dragged him down like a
thief. In consequence of the wounds he received at this
time, Mr. Dawson died a few weeks after.
Mr. Wotherspoon coming in at the time of the affray,
Mr. Dawson's friends were so enraged, that they in-
mediately fell on him, whom they beat in such a terrible
manner, that he also died about the same time as Mr.
Dawson. - º
Thus the lives of two amiable young gentlemen were
sacrificed to the brutality of this inhuman monster. Many
men, women, and children, were also much wounded in
the affray; yet this wretch escaped unpunished : no no-
tice being taken of the many instances of his barbarity.
Nothing gave more pleasure to this fellow than his be-
ing employed to quell riots, which, to the disgrace of the
magistrates, he was too much encouraged in. On these
occasions he never wanted an opportunity of exercising
his savage disposition.
-
º























486 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DA. It.
in the following most extraordinary manner:
Smuggling was so much practised in Scotland at that
time, that no laws could restrain it. The smugglers as:
sembled in large bodies, so that the revenue-officers could
not attack them without endangering their lives.
The most active person in striving to suppress these un-
lawful practices was Mr. Stark, collector for the county of
Fife, who being informed that one Andrew Wilson had
a large quantity of contraband goods at his house, per-
suaded a number of men to accompany him ; and they
seized the goods, and safely lodged them (as they thought)
in the Custom-House: but Wilson being a man of an en-
terprizing spirit, and conceiving himself injured, went in
company with one Robertson, and some more of his gang,
to the Custom-House, when breaking open the doors,
they recovered their goods, which they brought off in
carts, in defiance of all opposition.
Mr. Stark hearing that such a daring insult had been
committed, dispatched an account thereof to the Barons
of the Exchequer, who immediately applying to the Lord
riff of Fife, commanding him to assemble all the people
the goods. - - -
In consequence of the above order, many were ap-
- b c º
except Wilson and Robertson, who were both found
guilty and sentenced to die,
A custom prevailed in Scotland at that time, of taking
the care of three or four of the city guards. The above
two criminals were accordingly taken to one of the
churches on the Sunday before they were to suffer; when
just getting within the door, Wilson (though handcuffed)
assisted in his companion's escape, by seizing hold of one
ing upon him, while he cried out to Robertson to run.
Robertson accordingly took to his heels, and the streets
being crotided with people going to church, he passed
uninterrupted, and got out aſ one of the city gates just
º - tº 3S
The condemnation and death of Porteous happened -
Justice Clark, his lordship issued his warrant to the she-
in his jurisdiction to seize the delinquents, and replace
- º - -
prehended, but all discharged again for want of evidence,
the condemned criminals to church every Sunday, under
soldier with his teeth, and keeping the others from turn-



















jo HN poRTÉous. 487
as they were going to shut it: a custom constantly obser-
ved during divine service.
The city being now alarmed, Porteous was immediately
dispatched in search of him, but all in vain, Robertson
meeting with a friend who knocked off his handcuffs, and
procured him a horse; and the same evening he got on
board a vessel at Dunbar, which landed him safe in Hol-
land. - º
We are informed that, in the year 1756, he was living,
and kept a public-house with great credit, near the bridge
at Rotterdam. - -
On the following Wednesday a temporary gallows
was erected in the grass-market, for the execution of Wil-
son, who was ordered to be conducted there by fifty men,
under the command of Porteous.
Porteous being apprenhensive an attempt would be
made to rescue the prisoner, represented to the provost
the necessity there was for soldiers to be drawn up ready
to preserve the peace. On which five companies of the
Welch fuzileers, commanded by a major, were ordered
to be in readiness in the lawn-market, near the place of
execution. -
No disturbance arising, the prisoner finished his devo-
tions, ascended the ladder, was turned off, and continued
hanging the usual time; at the expiration of which, the
hangman going up the ladder to cut him down, a stone
Struck him on the nose, and caused it to bleed. This
stone was immediately followed by many others, at which
Porteous was so much exasperated, that he instantly cal-
led out to his men “ Fire and be damned ;" discharging
his own piece at the same time, and shooting a young
man, who was apprentice to a confectioner, dead on the
Spot. º
Some of the soldiers more humanely fired over the heads
of the people; but unfortunately killed two or three who
were looking out at the windows. Others of the sol-
diers wantonly fired amongst the feet of the mob, by
which many were so disabled as to be afterwards obliged
to suffer amputation. º, -
Porteous now endeavoured to draw off his men, as the
mob grew exceedingly outrageous, throwing stones, with
l every
|
ſ


















| 488 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
- every thing else they could lay their hands on, and conti-
- nuing to press on the soldiers ; on which Porteous, with
two of his men turned about and fired, killing three more
of the people, which amounted to nine in the whole that
were left dead upon the spot; and many wounded.
A serjeant was sent by the major of the Welch fuzi-
leers to enquire into the cause of the disturbance, but the
mob was so outrageous that he could gain no intelligence.
Porteous, being assisted by the Welch fuzileers, at last
conducted his men to the guard, when being sent for by
the provost, he passed a long examination, and was
committed to prison in order to take his trial for murder.
º On the 6th of July, 1736, the trial came on before the
Jords of justiciary, previous to which Porteous made a
judicial confession that the people were killed as men-
tioned in the indictments; but pleaded self-defence. His
council then stated the following point of law to be deter-
mined by the judges, previous to the jury being charged
with the prisoner: -
“Whether a military officer with soldiers under his
“command, being assaulted by the populace, should fire,
“ or order his men to fire, was not acting consistent with
“ the nature of self-defence, according to the laws of ci-
“vilized nations º' - - -
The council being ordered to plead to the question by
the court, they pronounced, as their opinion, “That if it
“was proved that captain Porteous either fired a gun, or
“caused one or more to be fired, by which any person
“ or persons was or were killed, and if the said firing bap-
“pened without orders from a magistrate properly au-
“ thorized, then it would be murder in the eye of the
“Jaw.” *
Thus the question being decided against him, and the
jury impanelled, forty-four witnesses were examined for
and against the prosecution.
The prisoner being now called on for his defence, his
council insisted that the magistrates had ordered him to
support the execution of Wilson, and repel force by force,
being apprehensive of a rescue; that powder and ball
had been given them for the said purpose, with orders
They
to load their pieces.






JOHN PORTEO U.S. 489
º -*.
They insisted also, that he only meant to intimidate
the people by threats, and actually knocked down one of
his own men for presenting his piece; that finding the
men would not obey orders, he drew off as, many as he
could ; that he afterwards heard a firing in the rear, con-
tiary to his orders. That in order to know who had fired
he would not suffer their pieces to be cleaned till proper-
ly inspected, and that he never attempted to escape,
though he had the greatest opportunity, and might have
effected it with the utmost ease. - -
They farther insisted, that admitting some excesses had
been committed, it could not amount to murder, as he
was in the lawful discharge of his duty, and that it could
not be supposed to be done with premeditated malice.
" In answer to this the council for the crown argued, that
the trust reposed in the prisoner ceased when the execu-
tion was over; that he was then no longer an officer em-
ployed for that purpose for which the fire-arms had been
lºaded, and that the reading the riot-act only could justify
their firing, in case a rescue had been actually attempted.
-- The prisoner's council replied, that the magistrates,
- * . . . . . . . . - -
whose duty it was to have read the act, had deserted the
soldiery, and took refuge in a house for their own secu-
ſity, and that it was hard for men to suffer themselves to
be knocked on the head when they had lawful weapons
put into their hands to defend themselves.
The charge being delivered to the jury, they retired for
a considerable time, when they brought him in guilty,
and he received sentence of death. -
The king being then at Hanover, and much interest
being made to save the prisoner, the queen, by the ad-
| Vice of her council, granted a respite till his majesty's re-
-
- º -- - - - --- -
turn to England. The respite was only procured one
week before his sentence was to be put in execution, of
which, when the populace were informed, such a
cheme of revenge was meditated as is perhaps unprece-
in dented. º
On the seventh of September, between nine and ten in
the evening, a large body of men entered the city of
Edinburgh, and seized the arms belonging to the guard;
You. 1.—No. 18. 3 g : they
|



º, - -
-
º - -
490 NEW NEW GATE CA L'EN DAR.
• they then patrolled the streets, crying out, “All those
“who dare avenge innocent blood, let them come here."
They then shut the gates, and placed guards at each.
The main body of the mob, all disguised, marched in
the mean time to the prison; when finding some difficul-
ty in breaking open the door with hammers, they imme-
diately set fire to it; taking great care that the flames
should not spread beyond their proper bounds. The
- outer door was hardly consumed before they rushed in,
and ordering the keeper to open the door of the cap-
tain's apartment, cried out, “Where is the villain ; Por.
“teous " He replied, “Here I am : What do you
- - “want with me ** To which they answered, that they
meant to hang him in the Grass-Market, the place where
he had shed so much innocent blood. -
His expostulations were all in vain, they seized him
by the legs and arms, and dragged him instantly to the
place of execution. .
- On their arrival, they broke open a shop to find a rope
suitable to their purpose, which they immediately fixed
round his neck, then throwing the other end over a dyer's
pole, hoisted him up ; when he, endeavouring to save him.
self fixed, his hands between the halter and his neck, which
being observed by some of the mob, one of them struck
him with an axe, which obliging him to quit his hold,
they soon put an end to his life. -
When they were satisfied he was dead, they immedi.
ately dispersed to their several habitations, unmolested
themselves, and without molesting any one else.
Thus ended the life of Captain John Porteous, a man
possessed of such great qualifications that, had they been
properly applied, would have rendered him an ornament
to his country, and made him exceedingly useful in a
military capacity. His uncommon spirit and invincible
eourage, would have done honour to the greatest hero of
antiquity. But when advanced to power, he became intox-
icated with pride, and instead of being the admiration
of, he became despised and hated by, his fellow-citizens,
The fate of this unhappy man, it is hoped, will be a cau.
tion to those in power not to abuse it; but, by an impaſ.
º * . tial
-













J OHN TO TTERIDA I, E. 491
- -- .
tial distribution of iustice, render themselves worthy mem-
bers of society. , -
He was murdered at Edinburgh, September 7th, 1736.
- -
- - - ---
- --- º
-
--- - - -
JOHN TOTTERDALE,
- f
EXECUTED AT TYBURN october 5, 1738, FoR THE MURDER OF HIS
WIFE.
In the history of this man's crime, again have we to pre-
sent a cruel and premeditated murder of a good wife. On
this strangely unnatural deed we have already expatiated ; ;
and therefore can now only repeat our wonder and ab-
horrance of men taking away that life which was a com-
fort to their own. : , ;
This malefacter, who was a native of North Currey, in
Somersetshire, after having been employed in the business
of agriculture, came to London about the time that he
had arrived at the years of maturity, and lived in several,
families as a servant, maintaining always a respectable.
character. ſº º
Having saved some money in service, he married, and
took a public-house in the parish of St. John, Westmin-
ster, where he perpetrated the crime which cost him his
life. - º º
Coming home one evening, somewhat intoxicated, he
sat down to drink with two women who were in a room
with his wife. Mrs. Totterdale quitting the room, her
husband soon followed her, with a knife and fork in his
hand ; soon after which the cry of murder was heard ;
when Daniel Brown, who lodged in the house, running
up stairs, saw Totterdale stamp on his wife two or three
times, as she lay on the floor. *-*. - -
On this Brown seized the knife and fork which Totter-
dale still held in his hand, and having got the woman
into another room, she locked it, and he persuaded the
husband to go down stairs. -
Soon afterwards, Totterdale's passion encreasing, he
procured a key, with which he opened the door, when his
wife was setting at the foot of a bed, with the curtains
--- 3 Q 2 drawn
-








49%. NEw NEwgATE cALEN DAR.
*
After conviction he declared that he had no fear of
- - - * º,
º,
drawn to hide her; so that he did not at first observe'
where she was ; on which Brown waved his hand, inti-
mating that she should retire ; but she did not, being
either afraid, or unable to move ; and the husband disco-
vering her, a few words passed between them, when he
kicked her, catched hold of her feet, dragged her off the
bed, and threw her down about seven of the stairs, where
she lay senseless.
Terrified at this sight, Brown ran into his own room,
where he staid three or four minutes, and then going down
the stairs, found that Totterdale had dragged his wife,
into a room, and fastened the door; but Brown heard
her say, “For Christ's sake Johnny Johnny, for Christ's
“sake don't kill me !” Mr. Brown then went out, but
found the woman dead when he returned, at the end
of about an hour and a half.
* The husband was now taken into custody, and the
body of the deceased being examined by a surgeon, he
found that nine of her ribs were broke and that her right.
arm was stabbed in the joint to the depth of four inches,
Totterdale being committed to the Gatehouse, was vi-
sited by his wife's sister, who said to him, “O John
“John how could you be so barbarous as to murder your
“poor wife P. In answer to which he said, “The devil
& 4 overpowered me; I was pushed on by the devil, both to
“begin and finish the deed—I cannot recall or undo
“what I have done ; but I wish I could bring back my
“poor, unhappy, unprepared wife from the grave
* again.” . -
Some of his acquaintance asking him why he did not
attempt to make his escape after he had committed the
murder, he replied that he had an intention of so doing,
but as he was going out of the room; he imagined he
heard a voice saying, “John, John, stay—What have
“you done P You cannot go off:” which supposed words
deprived him of all possibility of effecting his escape.
Being brought to his trial at the Old Bailey, the evi.
dence against him was so clear, that the Jury did not
hesitate to find him guilty, in consequence of which he
was sentenced to die. -
the



THOMAS CARR AND ELIZABETH ADAMS. 493.
* -
the disgraceful death that awaited him, and that he would-
willingly suffer any degree of torture, as an atonement,
for the crime of which he had been guilty.
On being told that his name was included in the war-
rant for execution, he replied, “The Lord's will be
“ done; I am ready to die, I am willing to die; only
“I beg of God that I may not (though I deserve it) die
“an eternal death: and though I am cut off from this
“world for my heinous offences, yet I hope it is not im-
“possible that I should live for ever in a better state. I
“have been guilty of the unnatural murder of my poor
“wife: the Lord be more merciful to me than I was
“to her, or else I perish.” He added, that he hoped
those who had received injuries from him would for-
give him; as he freely forgave those by whom he had
been injured.
Totterdale found a generous friend in Mr. Paul, a
brewer, who had served him with beer while in trade:
for when in prison he supplied him with the necessaries
of life. He likewise provided for his two children, and
took care to see the unhappy man buried by the side
of his wife, agreeable to an earnest request he made in a
letter written the day before his execution.
The behaviour of this wretched man after conviction,
and at the place of his death, was decent, devout, and
resigned, in a high degree. He appeared to be a sincere
penitent; and admonished others not to indulge that
violence of passion which had ended in his destruction.
-*-
tr THOMAS CARR and ELIZABETH ADAMS,
Executed at TYBURN, JANUARY 18, 1738.
WHEN we hear of men of education pursuing a flagi-
tious life, and bringing themselves to a disgraceful death,
we feel the fallibility of human nature, yet can accord
little pity for such malefactors. ,
Thomas Carr, when he committed the robbery for which
he sufferred, was an attorney at law, of eminence, in the
Temple; and Elizabeth Adams, a woman with whom he
º º cohabited.








494 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
eohabited. He had been many years vestry-clerk of the
parish of St. Paul, Covent Garden, a very respectable
office. - -
On the 15th of October, 1737, they were indicted at
the Old Bailey, for robbing William Quarrington, of
ninety-three guineas and a diamond ring, at the Angelº
and Crown Tavern, near Temple-bar, upon which they
were found guilty, and sentence of death passed on them.
Carr endeavoured to obtain the royal mercy, but the
Privy Council replied, “That a flagrant breach of the
“ law was greatly aggravated in being committed by a
“man professing the law.”
On the 18th of January, 1738, thirteen miserable be-
ings were carried from Newgate to Tyburn, there to
suffer death for different offences; and among them were
Carr and Adams, each in a mourning coach. They both
received the sacrament on the Sunday preceding ; and
then, and at the place of execution, denied the fact for
which they suffered. They were both remarkably com-
posed for people in their dreadful situation, and just as
the cart began to draw away, they kissed each other, joined
hands, and thus were launched into eternity.
The fate of Carr considerably engaged the public at-
tention, and many different opinions were formed on the
extent of his guilt. In the times in which he suffered,
it was a poetical fashion to court the muse, upon the exit
of a remarkable, or notorious character; and upon Mr.
Carr we found the following lines, which, at all events,
will prove a novelty, as they have not been published
since the year in which he suffered,
On seeing Mr. Carr, the Attorney, take coach for Tyburn.
Struck with surprise I view'd the daring wight
Intrepidly prepare for partial fight -
With cloudy greatness like some noble slave
He look’d disdain on crouds that term'd him knave
While in my breast indignant passion rose
In sounds like those the short-liv'd madness glows
“How equally injust and hard the fate
“ (From murder free and crimes against the state)
“To die for theft thou know'st not to conceal
“When thy fraternity per legem steal
w
.* **And






.
John RICHARDso N. 495
“And did justice impartial decide (sans reproaches)
“ They all by St. Andrew wou'd ride in their coaches
Clifford's Inn, July 24, -
1758,
N. B. “He Lawyers ne'er make stops.”
y
JOHN RICHARDSON and RICHARD COYLE,
EXECUTED AT Execution-Dock, JAN. 25, 1738, FoR PIRAcy AND MURDER.
The crime of piracy is generally marked by murder. Rich-
ardson, to both these shocking characters, added that of
a swindler, of no mean talents in deception. His memory
willjustly be particularly execrated by our female readers,
for it will be found that through the most consummate
hypocrisy, he too often succeeded in seducing, and then
abandoming several of their sex.
John Richardson was an American, having been born
at the city of New York, where he went to school until he
was fourteen years old ; he was then put under the care
of his brother, who was a cooper; but not liking that
business, he sailed on board a merchant-ship, com-
manded by his name-sake captain Richardson.
After one voyage, he served five years to a carpenter;
but having made an illicit connection with his master's
daughter, who became pregnant, he quitted his service,
and entered on board a ship bound to Jamaica ; but on
t
his arrival there he was impressed, put on board a man
of war, and brought to England. º
The ship's crew being paid at Chatham, he came to
London, took lodging in Horsley-down, and soon spent
all his money. On this he entered as boatswain on board
a vessel bound to the Baltic ; but being weary of his situa-
tion, he soon quitted that station, having first concerted and
executed the following scheme of fraud. -
Knowing that there was a merchant in the country,
with whom the captain had dealings, he went to a tavern
and wrote a letter, as from the captain, desiring that the
merchant would send him a hundred rix dollars. This
etter he carried himself, and received the money from the
merchant,



º
º
==
|
º-
496 NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
merhant, who said he had more at the captain's service
if it was wanted.
Being possessed of this sum, he, the next day, em-
barked on board a Dutch vessel bound to Amsterdam;
and soon after his arrival connected himself with a wo-
man whose husband had sailed as a mate of a Dutch
East-India ship. With this woman he cohabited about
eight months, when she told him that it would be neces-
sary for him to decamp, as she daily expected her husband
to return from his voyage.
Richardson agreed to depart, but first determined to
rob her; and having persuaded her to go to the play, he
took her to a tavern afterwards, where he plied her with
liquor till she was perfectly intoxicated. This being
done, he attended her home, and having got her to bed,
and found her fast asleep, he took the keys out of her
pocket, and unlocking the warehouse, stole India goods
to the amount of two hundred pounds, which he con-
veyed to a lodging he had taken to receive them. He then
replaced the keys, but finding some that were smaller, he
with those opened her drawers, and took out sixty
pounds. Some years after this he saw this woman at
Amsterdam, but she made no complaint of the robbery;
by which it may reasonably be supposed that she was
afraid her husband might suspect her former illicit con:
nection.
Having put his stolen goods on board one of the Rot.
terdam boats, he sailed for that place, where he found the
captain of a vessel bound to New England, with whom
he sailed at the expiration of four days.
On their arrival at Boston, Richardson went to settle
about fifty miles up the country, in expectation that the
property he possessed might procure him a wife of some
deposited his goods in a kind of warehouse.
It being now near the Christmas holidays, many of the
country people solicited that he would keep the festival
with them. His offers were so numerous, that he scarce
knew how to determine ; but at length accepted the invi.
tation of a Mr. Brown, to which he was influenced by
: his
º
fortune. Having taken his lodgings at a farmer's, he





-
-
- -
J. C. H. N. R.I.C H.A.R.D.S.O.N. 407 * -
his having three daughters, and four maid-servants, all of /
them very agreeable young women.
Richardson made presents of India handkerchiefs to all
the girls, and so far ingratiated himself into their favour - ºf
that in a short time all of them were pregnant. But be-
fore this circumstance was discovered, there happened to º
be a wedding, to which the daughter of a justice of the
peace was invited as a bride-maid, and Richardson as a
bride man.
Our adventurer, soon becoming intimate with the young
lady, persuaded her to go and see his lodgings and ware-
house, and offered to make her a present of any piece of
goods which she might deem worth her acceptance. At ,
length she fixed on a piece of chintz, and carried it home ,
with her.
Two days afterwards Richardson wrote to her, and her
answer being such as flattered his wishes, he likewise
wrote to her father, requesting his permission to pay his
addresses to the daughter. The old gentleman readily º
admitted his visits, and, at the end of three months gave
his consent that the young people should be united in
wedlock. . º
There being no licences for marriage in that country,
it is the custom to publish the banns three successive
Sundays in the church. On the first day no objection
was made ; but on the second Sunday all the girls from
the house where he had spent his Christmas, made their
appearance, to forbid the banns, each of them declaring
that she was with child by the intended husband.
Hereupon Richardson slipped out of the church, leav-
ing the people astonished at the singularity of the cir-
cumstance: but he had reason to suppose that it would
not be long before he should hear from the father of the
young lady ; whom he had already seduced. -
In a few days he received a letter from the old gentle-
man, begging that he would decline his visits, as his con-
duct furnished a subject of conversation for the whole
country; and with his request Richardson very cheerfully
complied: but in about four months he was sent for,
when the justice offered him 300l. currency, to take his
| daughter as a wife. He seemed to hesitate at first ; but
VOL. I.-No. 18. 3 R w - af,




















-
-
498 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR. |
º
\
º
to trust him, he was reduced to great distress. It now
at length consenting, the young lady and he went to a vil.
lage at the distance of forty miles, where the banns were
regularly published, and the marriage took place, before
the other parties were apprized of it. -
However, in a little time after the wedding, he was
arrested by the friends of the girls whom he had debauch-
ed, in order to compel him to give security for the main-
tenance of the future children; on which his father-in-
law engaged that he should not abscond, and paid him
his wife's fortune. -
Having thus possessed himself of the money, and be.
ing sick of his new connection, he told his wife and her
relations, that not being fond of a country life, he would
go to New-York, and build him a ship, and would re-
turn at the expiration of three months. The family hav- ||
ing no suspicion of his intentions, took leave of him with
every mark of affection : but he never went near them
any more.
Having previously sent his effects to Boston, he went
to that place, where he soon spent his money amongst
the worst kind of company, and no person being willing
f
became necessary that he should work for his bread; and
being tolerably well skilled in ship-building, he got em.
ployment under a master-builder who was a Quaker,
who treated him with the greatest indulgence.
The Quaker was an elderly man, who had a young
wife with whom Richardson wished to be better acquain-
ted ; on which he one day quitted his work, and went
home to the house ; but he had but just arrived there
when he was followed by the old man who came in search
of him, and found him talking to his wife. The Quaker
asked him what business he had there, and why he did
not keep at his work. Richardson replied that he only |
came home for an augur: to which the Quaker said,
“Ah friend John, I do not much like thee: my wife
“knows nothing of thy tools, and I fear thou hadst some
“evil thoughts in thy head.” --- -
Hereupon Richardson went back to his work, without
making any reply, but soon afterwards demanded his
wages. The Quaker hesitated to pay him, hinting that
5 - he.





































JOHN RIC HARDS O N. 499
he was apprehensive that his wife had paid him already :
on which Richardson said he would sue him for the debt,
and desired him to consider, that if he made such an ex-
cuse in open court, he would be disgraced through the
Country.
On this the Quaker paid his demand, but absolutely
forbad him ever to come within his house again ; and
Richardson promised to obey, and intended to have com-
plied with the injunction.
About eight days afterwards the old gentleman having
Some business up the country to purchase timber, de-
sired his young wife to accompany him, to prevent any
ill consequences that might arise in his absence. To
avoid this journey the lady feigned an indisposition, and
took to her bed. -
The husband had not been long gone before Richard-
son meeting the maid-servant in the street, asked after
the health of her mistress, who, the girl said, wanted to
See him ; and he promised to wait upon her about nine
in the evening.
Punctual to his engagement, he attended the lady, and
renewed his visits to her till the return of her husband ,
was apprehended, when he broke open a chest, and stole
about seventy pounds, and immediately agreed with cap-
tain Jones for his passage to Philadelphia.
When he arrived at the last mentioned place, he took
lodgings at the house of a widow who had two daughters;
and paying his addresses to the mother, he was so suc-
cessful, that for four months, while he continued there,
he acted as if he had been master of the house. º
After his intimacy with the mother had continued
some time, he became attached to one of the daughters;
and on a Sunday, when the rest of the family was absent,
found an opportunity of being alone with her; but the
mother returning at this juncture, interrupted their con-
Versation, and expressed her anger in the most violent
terms. - -
Nor was this all; for when she was alone with the of:
fender she severely reproached him ; but he made his
peace by pretending an uncommon attachment to her;
yet within a month she found him taking equal freedom's
with













5CO NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
with her other daughter. Incensed at this, she became
outrageous, and told him that the consequence of his con-
nection with the other girl, was that she was already preg-
nant. Richardson now quarrelled in his turn, and told her
that if her daughter was breeding she must procure her
a husband, for he would have nothing to do with her.
At length, when the old woman's passions were in
some degree calmed, he represented to her the impossi.
bility of his marrying both her daughters; but said that
if she could procure a husband for one of them, he would
take the other. *
The old lady soon procured a young man to marry one
of her daughters, and then the mother constantly teazed
Richardson to wed the other, which he steadily refused to
do, unless she would advance him a sum of money. She
hesitated for some time ; but at length said she would
give him a hundred pounds, and half her plate ; on which
he consented, and the marriage was solemnized but
he had no sooner possessed himself of this little fortune
than he embarked on board a ship bound for South Ca-
rolina. -
Within a month after his arrival in this colony he be.
came acquainted with one captain Roberts, with whom
he sailed as mate and carpenter to Jamaica, and during
the voyage was treated in the most friendly manner. The
business at Jamaica being dispatched, they returned to
Carolina. º
The owner of the ship living about ten miles up the
country, and the winter advancing, the captain fixed on
Richardson as a proper person to sleep on board, and take
care of the vessel. This he did for some time, till about a
week before Christmas, when he was invited to an enter.
tainment to be given on occasion of the birth-day of his
owner's only daughter, º
A moderate share of skill in singing and dancing re-
commended Richardson to the notice of the company,
and in particular to that of the young lady, by which he
hoped to profit on a future occasion.
*In the following month it happened that a wedding
was to be celebrated at the house of a friend of the owner,
on which occasion Richardson was sent for; and wº
- - 16
-



J. O. H. N. RICHART)5O N. 501
he appeared, the young lady welcomed him, wishing that
he would oblige the company with a dance ; to which
he replied, that he should be happy to oblige the compa-
ny in general, and her in particular. -
Richardson being a partner with the young lady dur-
ing the dancing at the wedding, begged leave to conduct
her home; and when the ceremonies of the wedding
were ended, he had the honour to attend her to her
abode. When they had got into the midst of a thick
wood, he pretended to be ill, and said he must get off his
horse, and sit down on the ground. She likewise dis-
mounted, and they walked together under the shade of a
chesnut-tree, where they remained till the approach of
evening, when he conducted her home, after having re-
ceived very convincing proofs of her kindness.
Going to his ship for that night, he went to her father's
house on the following day, and found an opportunity
of speaking to her, when he entreated her to admit of his
occasional visits ; but she said there were so many negro
servants about the house that it would be impossible. On
this he said he would conduct her to the ship, when the fa-
mily were asleep, and the girl foolishly consenting to this
proposal, the intrigue was carried on for a fortnight,
when she became so apprehensive of a discovery that she
would go no longer. -
But the lovers being uneasy asunder, they bribed an
old female negro, who constantly jet Richardson into the
young lady's chamber when the rest of the family were
retired to rest.
At length the mother discovered that her daughter
was with child, and charged her to declare who was the
father, on which she confessed that it was Richardson. The
mother acquainting her husband with the circumstance,
the old gentleman sent for Richardson to supper, and af.
terrallying him on his prowess, told him that he must
marry and support his daughter. Richardson said it was
out of his power to support her; but the father promising
his assistance, the marriage took place.
Soon afterwards the old gentleman gave his son-in-law
- - - - º º
the ship, and a good cargo, as a marriage-portion, and
Richardson embarked, on a trading voyage, to Barba-
--- - - does :






5O2 - NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
does: but he had not been many days at sea when a violent
and his crew were obliged to take to the boat to save their
| lives. -
a vessel which carried them to St. Kitt's, where Richard-
son soon met with a captain Jones, who told him that the
heart. This circumstance, added to that of the loss of his
ship, drove him distracted ; so that he was confined to his
chamber for four months.
On his recovery, he went mate with the captain who
had carried him to St. Kitt's ; but quitting this station in
* about five months, he sailed to Antigua, where a young
gentleman who happened to be in company with Rich-
ardson, was so delighted with his skill in dancing a horn.
pipe, that he invited him to his father's house, where he
was entertained for a fortnight with the utmost hospita-
lity.
One day as he was rambling with the young gentleman,
to take a view of some of the plantations, Richardson
stopped on a sudden, and putting his hand to his pocket,
pretended to have lost his purse, containing twenty pis.
toles. The young gentleman told him there was more mo:
- ney in Antigua, “True, (said Richardson,) but I am a
“stranger here; I am a Creolian from Meovis."—To this
the other asked, “ Do you belong to the Richardsons
“ at Meovis P. I know their character well.” -
Our adventurer knowing that the governor of Meovis
that he was his son ; on which the other exclaimed,
- “You his son, and want money in Antigua No, no;
“ only draw a bill upon your father, and I will engage
“ that my father shall help you to the money.”
The project of raising money in this manner delighted
Richardson, whom the young gentleman introduced to his
--- father, who was no sooner acquainted with the pretended
loss, than he expressed a willingness to supply him with
- a hundred pistoles, on which he drew a bill on his sup-
posed father for the above-mentioned sum, and received
- the money. - At
out
wife he had married in Pennsylvania had died of a broken
was named Richardson, had the confidence to declare.
storm arose, in which he lost his vessel and cargo, and he
After driving some days at sea, they were taken up by































- -
Joh N RICHARDSON. 503
About a week afterwards he wrote a letter to his impu-
ted father, imforming him how generously he had been
treated by his friends in Antigua, and subscribed himself
his dutiful son. This letter he entrusted to the care of a
person in whom he could confide, with strict orders not
to deliver it; and when as much time had elasped as might
warrant the expectation of an answer, he employed the
mate of a ship to write a letter to the old gentleman, as
from his supposed father, thanking him for his civilities
to his son. -
The gentleman was greatly pleased at the receipt of
this letter, which he said contained more compliments than
his conduct had deserved : and he told Richardson that
he might have any farther sum of money that he wanted.
On this our adventurer, who was determined to take every
advantage of the credulity of his new acquaintance, drew
another bill for a hundred pistoles, and soon afterwards
decamped.
-
He now embarked on board a vessel bound to Jamaica,
and, on his arrival at Port-Royal, purchased a variety
of goods of a Jew merchant, which, with other goods that
the Jew gave him credit, for he shipped on board a ship for
Carthagena, where he disposed of them: but never went
back to discharge his debt to the Jew. ---
From Carthagena he sailed to Vera Cruz, and thence
to England, where he took lodgings with one Thomas Bal-
lard, who kept a public-house at Chatham. Now it hap-
pened that Ballard had a brother, who, having gone
abroad many years before, had never been heard of.
Richardson bearing a great resemblance to this brother,
the publican conceived a strong idea that he was the same,
and asked him if his name was not Ballard. At first he
answered in the negative ; but finding the warm prepos-
- - - - - --- -
session of the other, and expecting to make some advan-
tage of his credulity, he at length acknowledged that he
was his brother. -
Richardson now lived in a sumptuous manner, and
without any expence, and Ballard was never more uneasy
than when any one doubted of the reality of the relation-
ship: at length Ballard told Richardson that their two
sisters were living at Sittingbourne, and persuaded him
to








504 NEW NEWGATE CALEN DAR.
to go with him on a visit to them. Richardson readily
º - agreed; but the two sisters had no recollection of the
| brother; however, Ballard persuaded them that he was
| the real brother who had been so long absent: on which
great rejoicings were made on account of his safe arrival
in his native country. ** -
After a week of festivity it became necessary for Bal-
Hard to return to his business at Chatham : but the sisters
unwilling to part with their newly found brother, persua-
ded him to remain awhile at Sittingbourne, and told him
that their mother, who had been extremely fond of him,
had left him twenty pounds, and the mare on which she
used to ride; and in a short time he received the lega-
£16S. -
During his residence with his presumptive sisters, he
became acquainted with Anne and Sarah Knolding, and
finding that their relations were deceased, and that Anne
was left guardian to her sister, he paid his addresses to
the former, who was weak enough to trust him with her
money, bonds, writings, and the deeds of her estate,
-- Hereupon he immediately went to Chatham, where he
mortgaged the estate for 300l. and thence went to
Gravesend, where he shipped himself on board a vessel
bound to Venice.
On his arrival in that place, he hired a house, and lived
unemployed till he had spent the greater part of his money,
when he sold off his effects, and went to Ancona, where
he became acquained with captain Benjamin Hartley,
who had come thither with a lading of pilchards, and
on board whose ship was Richard Coyle, the accomplice
of this foul murder.
Mr. Hartley being in want of a carpenter, Richardson
agreed to serve him in that capacity ; and the ship sailed
on a voyage to Turkey, where the captain took in a lading
of corn, and sailed for Leghorn. On the first night of this
voyage, Coyle, who was chief mate, came on the deck to
Richardson, and asked him if he would be concerned in a |
secret plot, to murder the captain, and seize the vessel,
Richardson at first hesitated ; but at length agreed to
take his share in the villainy. º
The plan being concerted, they went to the captain's
º cabin,
|
|
-
-
|

























º
º
Mayor sºlº

-
-
- -
JOHN RICHARDSG) N. 505
cabin about midnight, with an intention of murdering
him; but getting from them, he ran up the shrouds,
whither he was followed by Richardson, and a seaman
named Larson. The captain descended too quick for
them, and as soon as he gained the deck, Coyle attempted
to shoot him with a blunderbuss, which missing fire, Mr.
Hartley wrested it from his hands, and threw it into the
SČa. ---
This being done, Coyle and some other of the sailors
threw the captain overboard, but as he hung by the ship's
side, Coyle gave him several blows which rather stunned
him; but as he did not let go his hold, Richardson seized
an axe, with which he struck him so forcibly that he drop-
ped into the sea. -
Coyle now assumed the command of the ship, and
Richardson being appointed mate, they sailed towards
the island of Malta, where they intended to have refitted:
but some of the crew objecting to the putting in there,
they agreed to go to Minorca. When they came oppo-
site Cape Cona on the coast of Barbary, the weather be-
came so foul that they were compelled to lay to for seve-
ral days, after which they determined to sail for Fovinia-
no, an island under the dominion of Spain. ---
When they arrived at this place they sent on shore for
water and fresh provisions; but as they had come from
Turkey, and could not produce letters of health, it was
not possible for them to procure what they wanted.
It had been a practice with the pirates to keep watch
alternately, in company with some boys who were on
board; but during the night while they lay at anchor off
this place, two of the men destined to watch fell asleep:
on which two of the boys hauled up a boat, and went on
shore, where they informed the governor of what had pas-
Sed on board. -
One of the pirates who should have watched being
awaked, he ran and called Richardson whom he inform-
ed that the boys were gone; on which Richardson said
it was time for them to be gone likewise; on which they
hauled up the long-boat without loss of time, and putting
on board her such things as would be immediately neces-
sary, they set sail, in the hope of making their escape.
yo I. I.-No. 19. 3 g In
…













































506 NEW NEW (; A TE CA L E N DAR.
In the interim the governor sent down a party of so.
diers to take care of the ship, and prevent the escape of
the pirates; but it being very dark they could not dis.
cern the vessel, though she lay very near the shore: but
when they heard the motion of the oars, they fired at the
pirates, who all escaped unwounded.
Steering towards Tunis, they stopped at a small island
called Maritime, where they diverted themselves with kil-
ling of rabbits: for though the place is apparently little
more than a barren rock, yet it so abounds with these
animals that a man may easily kill a thousand in a day.
Leaving this place, they stopped twelve miles short of
Tunis, where Richardson was apprehended, and carried
before the governor, who asking whence he came, he
told him that he was master of a vessel which having
been lost off the coast of Sardinia, he was necessitated to
take to his long-boat, and had been driven thither by dis-,
tress of weather. - - -
This story being credited, the governor seemed concern-
ed for the fate of him and his companions, and recom-
mended them to the house of an Italian, where they might
be accommodated; and in the mean time sent to the Eng.
lish consul to inform him that his countrymen were in
dist ess. º - -
When they had been about a fortnight at this place
Richardson sold the long boat, and having divided the
produce among his companions, he went to Tunis, to be
examined by the English consul, to whom he told the
same story that he had previously told to the governor;
on which the consul ordered him to make a formal pro-
test thereof for the benefit of the owners, and their own
security. º . -
Hereupon the consul supplied him with money, which
he shared with his companions, Coyle kept himself con:
tinually drunk with the money he had received, and
during his intoxication spoke so freely oftheir transactions,
that he was taken into custody by order of the consul,
and sent to England : and Richardson would have been
apprehended, but being upon his guard, and learning
what had happened to his companion, he embarked on
board a ship bound for Tripoly, where he arrived in safety.






























J O PIN It ICH A R DSO N 507
-->
At this place he drew a bill on an English merchant at
Leghorn, by which he obtained twenty pounds, and then
embarked for the island of Malta; he sailed from thence
to Saragossa, in the island of Sicily, whence going to Mes- -
sina, he was known by a gentleman who had lived at An-
cona, and remembering his engaging in the service of cap-
tain Hartley, had him apprehended on suspicion of the
murder. - -
He remained in prison at Messina nine months; on
which he wrote a petition to the king of Naples, setting
forth that he had been a servant to his father, and praying
the royal orders for his release. In consequence of this
petition the governor of Messina was commanded to set
him at liberty, on which he travelled to Rome, and thence
to Civita Vecchia where he hoped to get employment on
board the Pope's gallies, in consequence of his having
turned Roman Catholic. -.
While he was at Civita Vecchia he became known to
captain Blomet, who invited him, with other company,
on board his ship ; and when the company were gone, the
captain shewed him a letter, in which he was described
as one of the murderers of captain Hartley. Richardson
denied the charge ; but the captain calling down some
hands, he was put in irons, and sent to Leghorn, whence
he was transmitted to Lisbon, where he remained three
months, and being then put on board the packet-boat, and
brought to Falmouth, he was conveyed to London ; and
being lodged first in the Marshalsea, was removed to
Newgate, and being tried at the Old Bailey, received
sentence of death along with Coyle for the murder of
Captain Hartley. --
Richard Coyle was a native of Devonshire, and born
near Exeter. His parents having given him such an edu-
cation as was proper to qualify him for a maritime life, he
was apprenticed to the master of a trading-vessel, and
served his time with reputation to himself and satisfaction
to his employer. - - -
When his time was expired, he made several voyages
in ships of war, and likewise served on board several
merchantmen; and he had also been master of a ship
for seventeen years, generally sailing from, and returning
º 3 S 2 to

































508 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN ID A E,
to, the port of London. In this command he maintained
duced to serve as mate, in different ships; and at length
sailed with Captain Hartley, bound to the Levant, when
he became acquainted with Richardson as already re-
lated. - -
After conviction Coyle acknowledged the equity of
the sentence against him, and in some letters to his friends
confessed his penitenee for the crime of which he had
been guilty, and his readiness to yield his life as an atone-
ment for his offences. - -
With respect to Richardson, he seemed regardless of
the dreadful fate that awaited him ; and having lived a
life of vice and dissipation, appeared altogether indifferent
to the manner in which that life should end. -
The above-mentioned malefactors were hanged at Ex-
ecution-dock, on the 25th of January, 1738. -
With regard to Coyle we do not hear that he had been
guilty of any notorious crime, but that for which he died;
but the life of Richardson was such a continued scene of
irregularity, deception, fraud, and vice, as is almost une-
qualled. His treachery to the many unhappy women of
whom he pretended to be enamoured was alone deserving
of the fate which finally fell to his lot. --
-
WILLIAM UDALL,
(A profligate Apprentice.) º
- Executed AT TYBURN, MARCH 14, 1738. t
The father of this reprobate, was an eminent distiller, in
Clerkenwell, London. He gave his son a good education,
and bound him apprentice to a watch-maker, in Leaden-
hall-street, where he was idle, but soon learnt from some
abandoned journeymen the trick of scraping gold from
the inside of watch-cases, which he sold, and squandered
away his ill-gotten pelf. His master died before he was
detected, and he was turned over to another, whom he
offended before he had served a quarter of a year. He
then went to five with one Mr. Stanbridge, of º
Wöll;
a good character; but meeting with misfortunes he was re-
|




























W II, T, IAM U D A L. L. " - 509
well, who engaged to procure him his freedom at the
expiration of the term for which he was originally ap-
prenticed. -
He had not been long in the service of Stanbridge be-
fore he connected himself with a number of young pick-
pockets, with whom he used to go out of an evening, and
Steal watches, swords, hats, and any thing they could lay
their hands on, which they deposited with one Williams,
in Hanging-sword Alley, Fleet Street, who disposed of
the effects, and shared the booty with the young thieves.
Udall's father was apprised of his living in an irregular
manner; but had no idea that he had proceeded to such
lengths as to become a robber. However, to reclaim him
from his evil courses, he took a house for him, and put
him into business in a very reputable way. --
One of Udall's companions was a youth named Raby, -
who having served his time to a barber, his friends like-
wise put him into business, and for some months the young
fellows appeared to attend the duties of their respective
professions : but they had not quitted their old connec-
tions; for they used to go almost every night to Drury-
lane, to a house of ill-fame, which was kept by a woman
named Bird. - -
In this place they associated with several young fellows
of abandoned character, who taught them the arts of
gaming: so that in a short time Udall quitted his busi-
ness, though he had a great prospect of success in trade.
Being in possession of a number of watches, belonging to
his customers, he sold them to a Jew, and appropriated
the produce to the purposes of his own extravagance.
Having dissipated all his money, his associates hinted
to him, that as he was acquainted with a number of
watch-makers, he might easily take up work in the name
of his late master, and sell the articles for his own emo-
lument. He followed this pernicious advice, and was for
some time a gainer by the project. º
He had likewise another artifice, by which he frequent-
ly obtained money. He would sell watches which he
declared to be worth five or six guineas each; but take
only half the money, till the purchasers were convinced
of their goodness; and as he knew that these watches
º - - would


























5 : 0 New NewcATE cal ENDAR. -
would not go well, they were always returned to be rec-
tified ; on which he sold them to other people, and the
original purchasers were defrauded.
At length Udall and Raby agreed to commence high-
waymen, and in consequence thereof, committed a num-
ber of robberies in and near Epping-Forest, Finchley-
Common, &c. one of which was attended with a circum-
stance of unusual barbarity. -
These associates in wickedness having stopped the
St. Alban's coach, robbed the passengers of about five
pounds, and immediately put spurs to their horses; but
they had not rode far before Udall said, that a lady in the
coach had a remarkably fine ring on her finger. On this
Raby rode back, and the lady being unwilling to part
with the ring, the remorseless villain drew a knife, and
cut off her finger for the sake of the paltry prize.
This horrid action being perpetrated, they rode to
Hampstead, and having robbed some other people the
same evening, they hastened to Drury-lane, where they
divided the spoil.
These companions in vice had another scheme, which
was frequently successful. When the company was
coming out of the theatres, one of them would accost a
lady or gentleman, pretending to know the party, and in
the interim the other seldom failed of making prize of a
watch. -*.
On one occasion Udall and two of his accomplices,
named Baker and Wager, stopped a coach on the road
to Uxbridge. A guard being behind the coach, with a
blunderbuss, Baker threatened him with instant death if
he did not throw it away, and the man obeyed. Wager
and Udall guarded the coachman and postillion, while
Baker robbed the company; but this was no sooner done,
than the guard produced a horse-pistol, with which he
fired at Udall, and brought him to the ground ; on which
Baker shot the guard, so that he instantly expired.
Udall was conveyed to a farm-house near Uxbridge,
by his accomplices, and lay there six weeks before he
recovered; but soon afterwards they killed the person
who




W II, L I.A.M U D A LIL. 51 I
who guarded another coach, as it was going over Turn-
ham-green. -
In a short time after the commission of this atrocious
crime, Udall knocked down a young woman in Fen-
church-street, whom he robbed of a cloak, a handker-
chief, and her pocket, which contained only a few half-
pence.
Udall's father, distressed at his son's proceeding, and
wishing to save him from an ignominious fate, procured
him to be arrested and lodged in the Compter, hoping
that when his companions were disposed of by the ope-
ration of the law, he might be out of future danger; but
it happened that Ramsey, one of his old associates, was
confined in the same prison, at the same time; which
coming to the knowledge of Udall's father, he got his
son released. --
Ramsey being enlarged soon afterwards, they met at an
*
ale-house, and having resolved to go on the highway,
they went to a livery-stables at London-wall, where they
hired horses, and going on the Stratford road, procured a
considerable booty in money and watches, from the pas-
sengers in several coaches. ºr ---
Udall kept company with a woman named Margaret
Young, who had likewise lived with several other men.
Being one day distressed for cash, he robbed this woman
of five gold rings; in consequence of which she had him
apprehended by a judge's warrant, and he was lodged in
the house of a tipstaff, Mrs. Young swearing that the
rings were the property of another man with whom she
had cohabited. --
During Udall's confinement, the supposed owner of the
rings offered to decline the prosecution, if he would enter
into a bond, never again to live with Mrs. Young; but, as
he rejected this offer, an order was made for his commit-
ment to the King's-Bench ; but he and another prisoner
effected their escape from the house of the tip-staff, by
forcing the keys from the maid-servant.
Not long after this adventure, Udall and some of his
associates robbed a physician in the Strand, for which they
were all of them apprehended ; but Udall became an evi-
- + - dence
|
























5 12 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
dence against his accomplices, by which he escaped the
fate which he had so frequently merited. -
Soon after Udall had thus obtained his liberty, he casu-
ally met with Mārgaret Young, in company with the pre-
sumptive owner of the rings above-mentioned, who
threatened to arºst Udall for the value of them, unless he
when it became due, was arrested, and standing trial,
was cast, and ordered to discharge both debt and costs.
Udall's relations, who had been put to great expence
on his account, refused to pay this debt, so that he became
-
a prisoner in the Marshalsea, but some of his acquaint-
- ance having furnished him with saws and ropes, he made
i his escape, in company with another prisoner, named
Man; and while they were escaping, a neighbour would
have stopped them, but that they threatened his life with
the most dreadful imprecations. - -
After this adventure, Udall went to see his relations,
and promised them that he would go to Holland, if they
would only supply him with money to pay for his passage.
This they readily did, and promised to remit him a sum
once a year, towards his support, on the condition of his
continuing abroad; but he had no sooner possessed him-
self of the present cash, than he went to a house of ill
fame in Charter-house-lane, where he spent the whole
of the money. - ---
- Being thus impoverished, he and his fellow-prisoner,
Man, agreed to go on the highway; and the woman of
the house having furnished them with pistols, they rode
beyond Edmonton, where they robbed four ladies in a
coach, and returning to London, spent their ill-gotten
gains in Charter-house-lane.
On the following day they took three gold watches,
five pounds, and some silver, from the passengers in a
waggon on the Western road, near Brentford ; and soon
afterwards they robbed two gentlemen near Epping-Fo-
rest; on their return from which expedition Udall fell
from his horse, and was so bruised as to be obliged to
keep his bed for several days.
-
-
would give him a note for four pounds. Udall comply-
º - ing with this demand, and being unable to pay the note.
---
º --


















WILLIAM UD A LL. 5.13
---
When his health was somewhat re-established, and his
money expended, they went again on the road; and ha-
ving supped at the castle at Holloway, they robbed three
gentlemen near Islington, and spent their money at their
old place of resort in Charter-House Lane.
About this time information was given to the keeper of
the Marshalsea prison of the place of their resort; on
which he sent a number of men to take them into custody;
but just as they were entering at the door, our adventur-
ers, having notice of their approach, escaped over the
roof of the house, -
- - - - • - - “... ºf , ºf . ºs
The runners of the prison being disappointed in get-
ting possession of the men, took into custody the mistress
of the house and her servant; but these were soon after-
wards dismissed, on their engaging to assist in the appre-
hension of the prison-breakers. --
- ... .ºniº 2.
Some days afterwards, when Man and Udall were strol.
ling in the neighbourhood of Islington, in search of prey,
they met their old landlady, in company with two of the
runners of the Marshalsea ; on which the robbers pro-
duced pistols, and vowed vengeance against the first per-
son who should molest them. The woman said that they
had nothing to fear, for there was no intention of injuring
them, and persuaded them to walk in company as far as
Pancras, to drink at a public-house. º
º
Having continued drinking some time, one of the men
spoke privately to Udall, and made him the offer of his
liberty if he would assistin apprehending his companion,
who had been confined for a large debt.
Udall said he was unwilling that Man should be taken
while in his company, lest he should be deemed trea-
cherous to his trust ; but he would leave him as soon as
they reached London, when the others might take him
into custody. This however, was only a trick of Udall's;
for when he got into the fields he privately communi-
cated what had passed to Man, and both of them turning
*- - - --- º -- - - º
round at the same instant, presented pistols, and ti rea
tened immediate destruction to the other parties unless
thought it prudent to
their own security. º
- º - º: - - - º, , º, -
The accomplices now committed several robberies in
they retired; which they do for
- -- º º: *
º
º º
vol. I.-No. 19. 3 Tº the















- º - º -
ºf 514 , NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
the neighbourhood of Epping-Forest ; and Udall having
one night left his horse at a public-house on the forest,
went to Man's lodgings in an absolute state of intoxica-
tion. While he was in this situation Man went out, and
Jocked the door on the pretence of care that the men from
the Marshalsea should not apprehend his companion:
but he immediately delivered himself into custody, and
gave the key to the runners, who, entering the house,
seized Udall in bed, and conveyed them both to their for.
mer apartments.
Man now seriously reflected on his situation ; and
being apprehensive that he might be seen by some person
who would charge him with a capital offence, he begged
- to be conducted to a magistrate, before whom he was ad-
- mitted an evidence against his companion, on a charge of
-- his having committed several robberies on the highway,
º Hereupon Udall was committed to Newgate, and being
tried at the next sessions at the Old-Bailey, he was con-
- victed, principally on the evidence of Man, and received
-
-
-
. sentence of death. -
- After conviction he seemed at once to give up all hopes
of fife; conscious that his offences were so numerous and
so aggravated, that he had no reason to expect an exten-
sion of the royal mercy in his favour. º
He acknowledged that, fiom the time when he was
º first apprenticed, he had been a total stranger to common
honesty; and that his father had paid and expended
sº above four hundred pounds in fruitless endeavours to save
* * * ~ * -- ºf ſº
him from ruin. ºn
º: --- ºn
ſº ºn ºf it ºf .
JOHN TOON and ED//AR D BLASTOCK,
---
º º * º: º º º º º º º º -
EXECUTED AT TYBURN, MAY 26, 1738, FoR HIGH WAY RoßBERY.
- º º - º º º --- ------- - - º º
º º º ºg
THE parents of John Toon were respectable inhabitants
of Shoreditch, who having bestowed on him a liberal edu:
cation, apprenticed him to a capital ironmonger, who had
married his sister; but not being happy in this situation,
is father sent him to sea at the expiration of three years.
hAſter two voyages to Barbadoes, he grew tired of .
º 8 º - ife
º















º
-
circumstances of distress.
His first expedition was to Epping Forest, where he
- - - - - º
John Too N, &c. * 415 º
life of a seaman, which he quitted to live with his uncle,
who was a carman, and in whose service he behaved so. -
unexceptionably, that on the death of the uncle, which
happened soon afterwards, he took possession of four hun-
dred pounds, which his relation had bequeathed him, as
the reward of his good conduct. -
-
º
Soon after becoming possessed of this money, he mar-,
ried the sister of Edward Blastock, and began to live in a
most extravagant manner. When he had dissipated half
his little fortune, Blastock proposed that they should go,
into Yorkshire, and embark in public business. º
This proposal being accepted, they took an inn at Shef.
field, the place of Blastock's birth ; but both the land-
lords being better calculated to spend than to get money,
Toon soon found his circumstances embarrassed. º
Thus situated, he reflected on Blastock for advising him,
to take the inn; and the other recriminated, by recounting
the faults of Toon. In consequence of this dissention, *
Blastock brought his wife to London, whither Toon and
his wife soon followed, after selling off their effects.
Toon, who was now totally reduced, met his own el-,
der brother one day in Cheapside. This brother, who
was a dyer in Shoreditch, took little notice of the other ;
but as Toon imagined he was going out for the day, he
went to his house, and met with his wife, who entreated
him to stay dinner, to which he consented, and in the
mean time he went to see the men at work, and finding,
one among them of genteel appearance, whom he learnt
was his brother's book keeper, he became extremely en-
raged that his brother should employ a stranger in this,
station in preference to himself, at a time that he was in
- - º
In this agitation of mind he returned into the house, and -
whilst his sister-in-law was gone into another room, he
stole a small quantity of silver plate, and decamped : and
having soon spent the produce of this theft, he determined
on the dangerous and fatal resource of the highway.
waited a long time in expectation of a booty, and at length,
observing a coach come from Lord Castlemain's seat, he
used the most dreaſul imprecatious to compel the coach-
------ 3 T 3 man


























tº -
-º-º-º:
-- tº
- ---
5 16 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
* -
man to stop, and robbed two ladies of near three pounds,
with a girdle-buckle, and an etwee case.
* He now imagined that he had got a valuable prize : but
he at length pawned the buckle and etwee for twelve
shillings, finding that the latter was base metal, though
he had mistaken it for gold, and the former was set with
chrystal stones instead of diamonds, as they had appeared
to his eye. -
He soon spent his ill-gotten treasure, and going again
on the highway, stopped and robbed several persons,
among whom was a gentleman named Currier, who ear-
nestly exhorted him to decline his present course of life,
not only from the immorality, but the danger of it. The
robber thanked the gentleman for his advice ; but said
that he had no occasion for it, as he was sufficiently ap-
prized of his danger, but he must have his money, on
pain of instant death; and having robbed him of three
guineas, he decamped with the utmost expedition.
* One of his next robberies was on Epping Forest, where
he dispossessed a gentleman of his money and a gold
watch, which he left in the hands of a receiver of stolen
goods, to dispose of to the best advantage : but the watch
being of value, and in high estimation with the owner, he
advertised it, with a reward of eight guineas; on which
the receiver delivered it, and took the money, but gave
Toon only seven of them, pretending that was all he could
obtain. ºf ºf .
-
ºf Toon not having read the advertisement, was ignorant
of the trick that had been put upon him ; but being some
days afterwards upon Epping-Forest, and having in vain
waited some time for a booty, he went to the Green Man,
by Lord Castlemain's house, where he heard one of his
lordship's footmen recounting the particulars of the rob-
bery, and saying that the watch had been recovered on
-- -
giving eight guineas for it. ºf
*This circumstance determined Toon never to lodge any
---
of his future booties in the hand of this man. But it will
now be proper to say something of the other malefactor,
whose story makes a part of this narrative.
Edw AR D BLAstock was a native of Sheffield, in
Yorkshire, and was apprenticed in London, to a peruke-
makerer
-
-- -










JoHN Too N, &c. 517
maker in the Temple: and his master dying when he
had served about five years, his mistress declined trade,
and gave the young fellow his indentures, on the repre-
sentation of the gentlemen of the law, that they wished
him, rather than any other, to succeed her late husband.
But the rent of the house being high, Blastock was ,
afraid to enter on business so early in life, as he was at
that time only eighteen years of age : on which he took'.
two rooms in White-Friars, where he began to practise
in his business, and met with great success.
* Coming by this means into the possession of money be-
fore he knew the value of it, he attached himself to the
fashionable pleasures of the town, by which he soon in-
curred more debts than he could discharge ; and conse-
quently was obliged to decline business, and have recourse
to the wretched life of a strolling player ; refusing to ac-
cept of a good situation which was offered him by a gen-
tleman of the Temple. tº º
Soon afterwards Blastock married, had several children,
and being reduced to great distress, went into Yorkshire
with Toon, as hath been already mentioned. -
On his return from Yorkshire, he again engaged him-
self as a strolling player, and after some time, casually meet-
ing with Toon, the latter represented the advantages to
be made by the life of a highwayman, and wished him to
embark in that business; which he declined on the dou-
ble score of its danger and immorality. º º
Not long after this refusal Blastock was seized with an
indisposition, which threatened his life, and confined him
so long that his wife was obliged to pawn almost all her
effects for his support; and being visited by Toon du-
ring his illness, the latter again wished him to commence
highwayman. º -
Blastock had no sooner recovered his health, than, de-
pressed by want, he yielded to the dangerous solicitation,
and went with his accomplice to Epping-Forest where
they stopped the chariot of a gentleman, whom they rob-
bed of a few shillings and a pocket-piece, and then came
to London. º
On the following day they went again towards the fo-
- º: º tº rest;
-
º:












548 - NEW NEW GATE CAL EN1) AR.
-
-
rest; but, in crossing Hackney-Marsh, Toon's horse sunk
in a slough, where he continued for so long a time that
they found it impossible to achieve any profitable adven-
ture for that night.
Thus disappointed, they returned to Londoh, and on
the 27th of February following set out on another expe-
dition, which proved to be their last of the kind. While
Toon was loading his pistols, he was prepossessed with
the idea that his fate was speedily approaching ; never-
theless he resolved to run every hazard: on which they
rode as far as Muswell-Hill, where they stopped a gen-
tleman named Seabroke, and demanded his money.
The gentleman gave them eighteen shillings, saying
it was all he had, and adding, “God bless you gentle-
men, you are welcome to it.” Toon then demanded his
watch, which Mr. Seabroke delivered, expressing himself
again in the same words. º
This robbery being committed, they galloped hard to:
wards Highgate, and their horses being almost tired,
Blastock, stung with the guilt of his conscience, looked
frequently behind him, in apprehension that he was put:
sued; and so stropg was the terror of conscience, “ which
makes cowards of us all,” that both of them agreed to quit
their horses, and make their escape.
They now ran through a farm-yard, and taking the
back road which leads from Highgate to Hampstead,
they got to London on foot; and Blastock now declared
his determination, never to embarkin such another project,
while he congratulated himself on his narrow escape, sº
They now took a selemn oath that, if either of them
should be apprehended, neither would impeach the other;
and the watch obtained in the last robbery being sold for
two guineas, Blastock received his share, and went to joinſ,
a company of strolling players at Chatham. -
The stolen watch. being advertised, the purchaser car.
ried it to Mr. Seabroke, telling him that he knew Toon,
and would assist in taking him into custody; the conse:
quence of which was, that the offender was lodged in
Newgate on the same day. .
Toon, kept his oath in declining to give any informa:
tion against his accomplice; but Blastock having agreed
- t0
*




|
advised to seek his safety by an immediate flight.”
produced in evidence against him. * Hºº
- - - - - - - , * - .
36HN ToeN, &c. ºº 519
to go with the players to a greater distance from London
than Ghatham, returned to town to bid his wife and chil-
dren adieu. º tºº lºº
When he arrived, which was about midnight, his wife
and her sister were in bed : and the former having opened
the door, he was informed that Toon was in custody, and
* …
This advice, however, he did not take ; and in the mor-
ning, Toon's wife desired he would stay while she visited
her husband, declaring that she would not mention his
having returned to London. -- -
On her return from this visit, she wept much, and ex-
pressed her wishes for the approach of night, that he
might retire in safety. In the evening, while supper was
providing, she went out, under pretence of a visit to her
husband, but instead thereof, she went to Toon's brother,
who taking her before a magistrate, some peace-officers
were sent to take Blastock into custody. º
Mrs. Toon directed the officers to the room where
Blastock was, in company with two men of his acquain-
tance, who were advising him on the emergency of his af.
fairs. Blastock, suspecting some foul play, concealed
himselfin a closet; and when the officers came in, they
first seized one, and then the other of the persons present;
but were soon convinced that neither of them was the
party they were in search of . -
On this the officers made a stricter search, and finding
Blastock in the closet, took him into custody. Having
taken leave of his wife and children, they carried him be:
fore a magistrate, who asked him if he had not a worse
- - - - º, º - -
\ goat than that which he then wore. Blastock owned that
he had, and actually sent for. it 3 and it was kept to be
-º-º-º-º: -
to Newgate,
is , , , , -- - -- -- ----- s
While the officers were conducting him to Ne
in a coach, they told him that Mrs. Toon had given the
| information against him; at which he was so shocked,
that it was some time before he could recover his recol-
lection, being absolutely insensible when he was lodge
In priSOn. º - º: º, ſº º º º
These malefactors being tried at the next sessions at
the Oki-Bailey, were capitally convicted, and received
- - sentence
- - º





520 NEW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
sentence of death; and, after conviction, were confined
in the same cell; but being unhappy together, from their
mutual recriminations of each other, the keeper caused
them to be separated. is a - -
Toon behaved more penitently than palefactors usual-
ly do ; and Blastock exhibited an uncommon instance
of unfeigned penitence and contrition. tº
... They embraced each other at the place of their death,
and Blastock delivered the following speech to the sur-
-->
- * - -
+ -
rounding multitude; sº nº ºn
-- - . - - -
ºf a bº
& 4 N.: . . . - -
º Dear Friends, ºn tº sº tº
* I do not come here to excuse myself, although I
have been first lead into the crime for which I suffer, and
- - ---- ºf tº º I ; , ; ; ; ºrº, -
then basely betrayed; no, I am sensible of my guilt, nor
should I have made the world acquainted with this bar.
barous treatment, that I have met with, even from a near
relation, had it not been with a view of preventing the
ruin of many young persons.
“Let my fate be an example to them, and never let any
man in trade think himself above his business, nor despise
the offers of those who would serve him. Let them pur-
chase wisdom at my cost, and never let ship any opportu-
inity that bids fair to be of the least advantage to them;
for experience tells me, that had I done as I now advise
you, I had never come to this end.
“The next thing is, never to trust your life in the hands
ºf a near relation; for money will make those who pre-
tend to be your nearest friends, your most bitter enemies.
Never be persuaded to do any thing you may be sorry for
afterwards, nor believe the most solemn oaths, for there is
no truth in imprecations; rather take a man's word, for
those that will swear will lie. Not but that I believe
there are some in the world, who would suffer the worst
of deaths, rather than betray the trust reposed in them.
“What I have here declared, as I am a dying man, I
protest before God is true; and here, before God and the
world, I freely forgive those who betrayed me, and die
º
º
---



















jos EPH JOHNSON 529
-
º
mised pardon and forgiveness to all those who sincerely
repent; and I hope I have done my best endeavours, while
in prison, to make my peace with a justly offended God:
I hope the moment I leave this troublesome world, my
soul will be received into eternal happiness, through the
merits of Jesus Christ. º *** - º º
“I conclude with my prayers for the welfare of my poor
unhappy wife and children, who are now reduced to mi-
sery; and taking a long farewell of the world, I commit
my spirit into the hands of him who gave me being.”
|
- - --
-
- -
ºf ºilº º
JOSEPH JOHNSON,
Executed AT TYBURN, J U LY 19, 1733, is .
This hoary-headed sinner was permitted to take a longer
course in villainy, than has yet come under our notice.
Long practice had made him an adept ; for to the pick-
pocket, he added the swindler. No species of robbery,
that this vile miscreant had not practised, and his dying
words shewed him to have been perfectly incorrigible.
His parents lived in the Old Jewry, and being very poor
people, his education was totally neglected, he kept bad
company almost from his infancy, and becoming a pick
pocket, while yet a child, he continued that practice till he
was above twenty years of age. - -
He then took to a new mode of defraud. He used to
meet porters and errand-boys in the streets, and, by a
variety of false pretences, get possession of the goods en-
trusted to their care. For one of those offences he was
taken into custody, and tried at the Old Bailey, where he
was acquitted in defect of evidence.
Having thus obtained his liberty, he had recourse to his
former practices, till being apprehended for stealing a
sword, he was tried and convicted at the Old Bailey, and
sentenced to seven years transportation. -
It happened that one of his fellow-convicts was pos-
voi. 1.--No. 19. 3 tº sessed
“I implore the forgiveness of that God, who has pro-







-
-
-
-
-
-
-
522 new NEW GATE ca LEN DAR.
essed of a stolen bank-note, which was changed, as is pre-
sumed, with the captain of the vessel, who had a gratu,
ity for their liberty: for, when they arrived in America,
they were set at large, and took lodgings at New-York,
where they lived some time in an expensive manner; and
the captain, on his return to England, stopped at Rotter.
- dam, where he offered the stolen note to a banker : on
which he was lodged in prison, and did not obtain his li-
º berty without considerable difficulty. -
\. Johnson and his associate having quitted New-York,
\ embarked for Holland, whence they came to England,
where they assumed the dress and appearance of people
of fashion, and frequented all the places of public diver-
* sion. Thus disguised, Johnson used to mix with the
crowd, and steal watches, &c. which his accomplice car-
ried off unsuspected.
The effects thus stolen were constantly sold to Jews,
who sent them to Holland, where they were sold, and the
robbers escaped undetected. -
In the summer time, when London was thin of compa-
ny, Johnson and his companion used to ride through the
country, the former appearing as a gentleman of fortune,
and the latter as his servant. º
On their arrival at an inn, they enquired of the land-
lord into the circumstances of the farmers in the neigh-
bourhood ; and when they had learnt the name and resi.
dence of one who was rich, with such other particulars
as might forward their plan, the servant was dispatched
to tell the farmer that the Esquire would be glad to
speak with him at the inn; and he was commissioned to
hint that his master's property in the public funds was
very considerable. - º
This bait generally succeeded: the farmer hastened to
the inn, where he found the Esquire in an elegant un-
dress; who, after the first compliments, informed him
that he was come down to purchase a valuable estate in
the neighbourhood, which he thought so well worth the
buying, that he had agreed to pay part of the money that
day: but not having sufficient cash in his possession, he
had sent for the farmer to lend him part of the sum ; and
/ assured
---
---
…”























Joseph Jon Nson 523
-
assured him that he should be no loser by granting the fa-
WQur. º
To make sure of his prey, he had always some counter-
feit jewels in his possession, which he used to deposit in
the farmer's hands, to be taken up when the money was
repaid ; and, by artifices of this kind, Johnson and his
associate acquired large sums of money; the former not
only changing his name, but disguising his person, so that
detection was almost impossible,
This practice he continued for a succession of years :
and, in one of his expeditions of this kind, got possession
of a thousand pounds, with which he escaped unsus-
pected. .
In order to avoid detection, he took a small house in
Soſthwark, where he used to live in the most obscure
manner, not even permitting his servant maid to open
the window, lest he should be discovered. -
Thus he continued committing these kinds of frauds,
and living in retirement on the profits arising from them,
till he reached the age of sixty years; when, though he
was poor, he was afraid to 9make fresh excursions to the
country; but thought of exercising his talents in Lon-
| don, ſº
Hereupon he picked the pockets of several persons of
as many watches as produced money enough to furnish
him with an elegant suit of clothes, in which he went to
mistress of a nobleman, who invited him to drink tea with
- --
her on the following day. -
He attended the invitation, when she informed him,
that she had another engagement to a ball, and should
think herself extremely honoured by his company. He
readily agreed to the proposal; but while in company, he
picked the pocket of Mr. Pye, a merchant's clerk, of a
pocket-book, containing bank-notes to the amount of five
hundred pounds.
Pye had no idea of his loss, till the following day,
when he should have accounted with his employer. When
the discovery was made, immediate notice was sent to
the bank to stop payment of the notes : and Johnson was
actually changing one of them to the amount of fifty
3 U 2
º
a public ball, where he walked a minuet with the kept -
pounds,
º º































524 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
pounds, when the messenger came thither. Hereupon
he was taken into custody, and being tried at the next
sessions at the Old Bailey, for privately stealing, was
capitally-convicted, and this offence being without the -
benefit of clergy, he was sentenced to death.
After conviction he behaved in the most improper
manner, reviling God, and appearing to have no adequate
sense of the awful fate that awaited him.
He was hanged without making any confession of his
crimes, and refusing to join in the customary devotions on
such an awful occasion, though a sinner of above sixty
years of age. . . \ - ºf
- --
“ Re far away, inveterate sons of vice,
“That atheist crew who dare deny my God,
“And utter vile reproaches, to affront
Th' Omnipotent Creator. Such hellish deeds
‘My soul abhors. O Lord, behold my frame
“ Myinmost frame, and cleanse my sinful thoughts:
44
º,
-
- “Then ever guide me in thy perfect way, . º
“The way establish'd to eternal bliss.
º . ºf tº º ..º. ------
- - - - *— --
- - - -- --- -
º “Tº º ---
- - -
º BENEFIT OF CLERGY.
This is a legal phrase, or technical term, which is ne-
cessarily often repeated incriminal reports, while numbers
are not apprized of its full meaning, or its origin.
The dark clouds of barl'arism, which succeeded the
downfall of the Roman empire, having deeply effaced li-
terary pursuits, the regular and secular clergy, with few
exceptions, became the sole depositaries of books and
learning. Ignorance is the foot-stool of ambition and
tyranny; and thus the priest ruled the ignorant mass of
the people with a rod of iron; but as learning was slowly
disseminated, the peoples' eyes opened to their sordid de-
lusions. º --------
As it is natural to respect what we do not understand,
the monks turned this advantage to good account, and it
gradually became a principle of common law, that no
clerk, that is to say, no priest, should be tried by the civil
power; a privilege which was enjoyed and abused for
º several
º -
-
º
º





































w
BENEFIT OF C L ER GY, - e. 525
several hundred years, until the council or parliament of
Clarendon, provoked by murder, and other abominable
crimes, set bounds to ecclesiastical enormities, by a salu-
tary regulation of the subject. º º
But a law so necessary, was evaded by the insolence
and artifice of the proud a Becket, Archbishop of Canter-
bury, who, for his turbulence, was assassinated before
his own altar, and the base pusillanimity of king John and
his succession to the English throne, during a long period,
equally disgraceful to monarch as to clergy, º º
A law was about this time made (kings being the
nearly arbitrary) by which any person convicted of felony,
was exempt from punishment, “if he could read and
write as a priest.” . - -
From this finesse, the artful monks, (for priests, from
the time of Aaron down to Dr. Dodd, have ever been
watchful alone of their own interest, derived considerable
riches by teaching prisoners to read and write, which ac-
quirement, however odious and bloody their offences,
rescued them from the penalty of the law, and the con-
trivers of this artful measure, derived another advantage
-
from it. ---
Every desperate adventurer, every bold man, became a
ready and submissive tool to the church. This abomi-
nable imposition upon the people was continued until the
reign of Edward VI. when priestcraft received some check.
But, during the unnatural and bloody wars between
the houses of York and Lancaster, the root of the noxious
weed sprouted up in the ignorance and confusion of those
distracted times. At length it was enacted, that no per-
son convicted of manslaughter, should claim the benefit
of clergy, unless he be a peer of the realm, or actually in
priest's orders; but by the 9th of James I, this partial
and injurious exemption was entirely abolished. º
It is a common opinion with numbers, that the words
“Without benefit of clergy,” mean, that no spiritual as-
sistance shall be given, or a priest suffered to exhort the
dying malefactor to confession of sin. The meaning sim-
ply is, that a criminal, even should he be able to read and
write, it shall not, in any degree, diminish his punishment,
- - º: "º º º - and

526 - NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR.
ſ
and that he shall not now be entitled to any of those pri-
wileges he formerly enjoyed by the clergy.
Thus, in our preface to this volume, we have said,
“Such persons as have had no opporunity of enquiring
into the subject, will hardly credit the assertion, that
there are above one hundred and sixty offences punished
by death, or as it is denominated, Without benefit of
clergy.”—that is, for capital offences, which, by the
priest's art, once taught to the accused, of reading and
writing, would exempt them from.—Farther upon crimes
and punishments—See the preface.
--- * -
------- -
------ º
-
GEORGE MANLEY,
Executed Ar wicklow, in Ireland, in Aucust, 1738, for MURDER,
º
WE have no particulars, either of the life of this crimi.
nal, or the circumstances attending the horrid crime for
which he was executed. We have, indeed, found a note,
briefly naming the case of George Manley, but evidently
inserted for the purpose of introducing a singular speech,
made by him to the spectators, at the place of execution,
which evinces strong natural abilities, and a knowledge
of mankind, seldom found in criminals of his description.
As we have never met with a dying-speech so satirical and
severe upon the general turpitude of mankind, we readily
present it to our readers, Be it said, that this man was
hardened, fearless, or mad; we exclaim with Shakespear,
º
“If this be madness, there is method in it.”
George Manley having arrived at the place of execu.
tion, behaved in a strange and undaunted manner, ad-
dressing the spectators thus: ---
“My Friends,
º --
“You assemble to see—What?—A man take a leap
into the abyss of death. Look, and you shall see me go
with as much courage as Curtius, when he leapt into the
gulph to save his country from destruction. What then
f -- º will










GEoRGE MAN LEy. 597
*** - - --- -
will you see of me!—You say, that no man without vir-
tue can be courageous. You see, I am courageous. You'll
say, I have killed a man.—Marlborough killed his thou-
sands, and Alexander his millions: Marlborough and
Alexander, and many others who have done the like, are
famous in history for Great Men.—But I killed one soli-
tary man.—Ay, that's the case.—One solitary man. I'm'
a little murderer, and must be hanged. Marlborough-aſid
Alexander plundered countries.—They were Great Men,
I ran in debt with the ale-wife, I must be hanged.
“Now, my friends, I have drawn a parallel between
two of the Greatest Men that ever lived, and myself;
but these were men of former days. Now I'll speak a
word of some of the present days: How many men were
lost in Italy and upon the Rhine, during the last war, for
settling a king in Poland' Both sides could not be in the
right; they are Great Men; but I killed a solitary man,
I'm a little fellow. The King of Spain takes our ships,
plunders our merchants, kills and tortures our men ; but
what of all that What he does is good; he's a Great
Man, he is clothed in purple, his instruments of murder
are bright and shining, mine was but a rusty gun ; and
so much for comparison. . .
“ Now I would fain know, what authority there is in
scripture for a rich man to murder, to plunder, to torture,
and ravage whole countries; and what law it is, that con-
demns a poor man to death for killing a solitary man, or
for stealing a solitary sheep to feed his family. But brin
the matter closer to our own country: What is the differ-
ence between running in a poor man's debt, and by the
power of gold, or any other privilege, preventing him from
obtaining his right, and clapping a pistol to a man's breast,
and taking from him his purse 2 Yet the one shall thereby
obtain a coach, and honours, and titles, &c. The other—
What?–A cart and a rope. -
“From what I have said, my brethren, you may per-
haps, imagine I am hardened: but believe ine, I am fully
convinced of my follies, and acknowledge the just judg-
ment of God has overtaken me; I have no hopes, but
from the merits of my Redeemer, who I Hope will have
mercy on me, as he knows that murder was far from my
- heart,























598 N EW NEW GATE CAL EN DAR.
º victed of the offence which cost him his life ; and in the
interval he lived in a gay manner, without having any vi-
tive.
company, bankers, in Fle
heart, and what I did was through rage and passion, be-
ing provoked thereto by the deceased.
Take warning, my dear comrades: Think! O think!
—What would I now give, that I had lived another life.
--- - -
-- -
-----
IIILLIAir NEWINGTON,
* Executed AT rybu RN, AUGUST 26, 1738, for forgery.
-
--
THIS unhappy young man was a native of Chichester in
Sussex, and was the son of reputable parents, who having
given him a good education, placed him with Mr. Cave,
an attorney of that town, with whom he served his clerk-
ship ; and then coming to London, lived as a hackney-
writer with Mr. Studley, in Nicholas-lane, Lombard-
street, for about two years and a half.
But Newington being of a volatile disposition, and
much disposed to the keeping company and irregular
hours, Mr. Studley discharged him from his service ; on
which he went to live with Mr. Leaver, ascrivener, in Fri-
day-street, with whom he continued between two and three
- - --- - -
years, and served him with a degree of fidelity that met
with the highest approbation. - º -
This service he quitted about a year before he was con-
|
|
sible means of support, and paid his addresses to a young
lady of very handsome fortune, to whom he would soon
have been married, if he had not been embarrassed by the
commission of the crime which gives rise to this narra-
It is presumed, that being distressed for money to sup:
port his expensive way of life, and to carry on his amour,
he was tempted to commit forgery, which, by an act of
parliament then recently passed, had been made a capital
offence. - º
He went to Child's coffee house in St. Paul's Church-
yard, where he drew a draft on the house of Child and
et-street, in the following words:
-1.
º








W f : LIAM NEW INGTON. 5g) '
“Sir, Francis Child and Comp.
“Pray pay to Sir Rowland Hill, Bart. or order, the
“sum of one hundred and twenty pounds, and place it to
“the account of -
Your humble servant,
“To Sir Fra. Child and Thomſ. As HILL.
Comp. Temple-bar.” -
The draft he dispatched by a porter, but was so agita-
led by his fears while he wrote it, that he forgot to put
any date to it; otherwise, as Mr. Thomas Hill kept cash
with the bankers, and as the forgery was admirably exe-
cuted, the draft would have been paid: but at the in-
stant that the porter was about to put his indorsement on
it, one of the clerks said he might go about his business,
for that they did not believe the draft was a good one.
The porter returned to the coffee-house without the
draft, which the bankers' clerkshad refused to deliver him :
but on his return he found that the gentleman was gone.
At the expiration of two hours, the banker's clerks
came to Child's coffee-house, and enquired for the person
who had made the draft; but he was not to be found : for,
in the absence of the porter, he had enquired for the Fa-
culty-Office in Doctors-Commons, saying he had some
business at that place, and would return in half an hour.
About two or three hours afterwards, the porter's son
told him that a gentlemán wanted him at the Horn and
Feathers, in Carter-Lane, where he went, and told New -
ington, that the bankers had refused to pay the note:
“Very well (said he) stay here till I go and put on my
“shoes, and I will go with you, and rectify the mistake.”
When the porter had waited near three hours, and his
employer did not return, he began to suspect that the
draft was forged, and some hours afterwards, calling in
at the Fountain Ale-house in Cheapside, he saw Newing-
ton; on which he went and fetched a constable, who
took him into custody, and lodged him in the Compter.
Being tried at the next sessions at the Old-Bailey, he,
was capitally convicted, notwithstanding nine gentleme;
appeared to give him an excellent character: but charge-
Wo L. I.--No. 20. 3 x - / ter.
-


| 536) -->
:
NEW NEW GATE cALEN DAR.
ter has little weight where evidence is positive, and the
crime is capital. -
livered the following address:
º “ May it please your Lordship,
- “This my most melancholy case was occasioned by the
º “ alone inconsiderate rashness of my inexperienced
“ years. The intent of fraud is, without doubt, most
“strongly, and most positively found against me; but I
“assure your lordship, I was not in want ; nor did I ever
“ think of such a thing in the whole course of my life, till
“within a few minutes of the execution of this rash deed.
“I hope your lordship has some regard for the gentle-
men who have so generously appeared in my behalf;
and as this is the first fact, though of so deep a die, my
youth and past conduct may, I hope, in some measure,
“move your lordship's pity, compassion, and generou
º
-
&
- º - Çg
£g
the intercession of his friends; but when the warrant for
execution, in which his name was included, was brought
to Newgate, he appeared to be greatly shocked ; but re-
collecting and composing himself, he said, “God’s will
be done ſ” But immediately bursting into tears, he la-
mented the misery which his mother would naturally en-
dure, when she should be acquainted with the wretched
fate of her unfortunate son.
The dreadful tidings being conveyed to his mother, she
left Chichester with an aching heart; and it was a week
after her arrival in London, before she could acquire a
sufficient degree of spirits to visit the unfortunate cause of
her grief. - -
At length she repaired to the gloomy mansion; but
when she saw her son fettered with chains, it was with
the utmost difficulty that she could be kept from fainting,
She hung round his neck, while he dropped on his knees,
and implored her blessing and forgiveness ; and so truly
- - º mournful
-
-
- - - - - \
When called down to receive sentence of death, he de-
“assistance.”
- After conviction, Newington flattered himself that he
should escape the utmost ignominy of the law, through














|
-- - - - *
in this station seven years, he repaired to London, where
the wife went to lodge at Hampstead, while Price enga-
ged in the service of a gentleman in New Broad-street.
band to buy some medicines to make the children sleep,
which he procured; and the children dying soon after-
GEORGE PRICE. § 3 ; º
mournful was the spectacle, that even the gaolers, accus- -
tomed as they are to scenes of horror, shed tears at the
sight.
GEORGE PRICE, -
CONWICTED of THE MURDER of HIS WIFE, BUT WHO DIED IN NEWGAT5
BEFORE THE TIME APPOINTED FOR H IS EXECUTION.
So premeditated and relentless was this man in the perpe-
tration of the foul deed, that we are almost led to exclaim,
“Pity the gallows was robb'd of its due.”
This malefactor was a native of the Hay, in Brecknock-
shire, where he lived as a servant to a widow lady, who
was so extremely partial to him, that the neighbours cir-
culated reports to their mutual prejudice. Having lived
he got places in two respectable families, and then retur-
ned to his former service in Wales ; when his mistress
treated him with such distinction, that the country people
became more severe in their censures than before.
On his quiting this lady a second time, she made him
a present of a valuable watch, which he brought to Lon-
don; and then engaged in the service of Brown, Esq.
of Golden-square, who used to make frequent excursions
to Hampstead, attended by his servant.
Price now became acquainted with Mary Chambers,
servant to a public-house at Hamstead, whom he married
at the expiration of a fortnight from his first paying his
addresses to her : but Mr. Brown disapproving of the
match, dismissed Price from his service. - t
Soon after this he took his wife into Brecknockshire,
and imposed her on his relations as the daughter of a
military officer, who would become entitled to a large for-
tune. He was treated in the most friendly manner by his
relations; and the young couple returning to London,
Mrs. Price being delivered of twins, desired her hus-
3 x 2 wards


























532 NEW NEW GATE CA LEN DAR.
wards a report was circulated that he had poisoned them;
but this circumstance he denied to the last moment of his
life. -
In a short time, Price's master removed into Kent, whi-
ther he attended him ; and, in the interim, his wife was
again brought to bed, a circumstance that greatly chagrin-
ed him ; as he had now made other connections, and
grew weary of the support of his own family. Shortly af.
terwards Mrs. Price was again pregnant, on which he
told her he could not support any more children, and re-
commended her to take medicines to procure an abortion;
which was accordingly done, and the horrid intention was
answered. - º . .
Price now paid his addresses to a widow in Kent, and
conceiving his wife as an obstacle between him and his
wishes, he formed the infernal resolution of murdering
her. - -
Having been bruised by a fall from his horse; and his
master having business in London, he was left behind, to
take his passage in a Margate hoy, as soon as his health
would permit ; and on his arrival at Billingsgate, his wife
was waiting to receive him, in the hope of obtaining some
money towards her present support. - -
Price no sooner beheld her than he began to concert the
plan of the intended murder; on which he told her that
he had procured the place of a nursery-maid for her in
the neighbourhood of Putney, and that he would attend
her thither that every day. He then directed her to clean
herself, and meet him at the Woolpack, in Monkwell-
street. º - º º
In her way to her lodgings, she called at the house of
her husband's master, where the servants advised her not
to trust herself in her husband's company but she said
she had no fear of him, as he had treated her with unusual
kindness. Accordingly she went home and dressed
herself (having borrowed some clothes of her landlady)
and met her husband, who put her in a chaise, and drove ,
her out of town towards Hounslow.
As they were riding along, she begged he would stop
while she bought some snuff, which he, in a laughing
mºnnºr, refused to do, saying she would never want any
again:



-
-
*
GEORG E PRIC E. | 53.3
again. When he came on Hounslow-Heath it was near
ten o'clock at night, when he suddenly stopped the chaise
and threw the lash of the whip round his wife's neck: but
drawing it too hastily, he made a violent mark on her
chin ; but immediately finding his mistake, he placed it
lower; on which she exclaimed, “My dear ! my dear !
for God's sake “--if this is your love, I will never trust
“you more.” * - - --
immediately on her pronouncing these words, which
were her last, he pulled the ends of the whip with great
force : but the violence of his passion abating, he let go
before she was quite dead : yet resolving to accomplish
the horrid deed, he once more put the thong of the whip
about her neck, and pulled it with such violence that it
broke; but not till the poor woman was dead.
Having stripped the body, he left it almost under a gib-
bet where some malefactors hung in chains, having first
disfigured it to such a degree that he presumed it could
not be known. He brought the clothes to London, some
of which he cut in pieces, and dropped in different streets:
but knowing that the others were borrowed of the land-
lady he sent them to her; a circumstance that materially
conduced to his conviction. -
He reached London about one o'clock in the morning,
and being interrogated why he came at such an unseaso-
nable hour, he said that the Margate Hoy had been de-
tained in the river by contrary winds.
On the following day, the servants, and other people,
made so many enquiries respecting his wife, that, terrified
at the idea of being taken into custody, he immediately
fled to Portsmouth, with a view of entering on board a
ship; but no vessel was then ready to sail. -
While he was drinking at an ale-house in Portsmouth,
he heard the bell-man crying him as a murderer, with
such an exact description of him, that he was apprehen-
sive of being seized; and observing a window which open-
ed to the water, he jumped out, and swam for his life.
Having gained the shore, he travelled all night, till he
reached a farm-house, where he enquired for employment.
The farmer's wife said he did not appear as if he had
- º been
---





























534 - NEW NEW GAT F. C. A 1, EN 13 A R.
been used to country-work; but he might stay till her
husband's arrival. - -
** The farmer regarded him with great attention, and
said he wanted a ploughman, but he was certain that he
--- would not answer his purpose, as he had the appearance
- of a person who had absconded for debt; or possibly
there might be some criminal prosecution against him.
Price expressed his readiness to do any thing for an ho-
| - nest subsistence; but the farmer refused to employ him;
| though he said he would give him a supper and a lodging.
º But when bed-time came, the farmer's men refused to
| sleep with Price, in the fear of his robbing them of their
* - clothes: in consequence of which he was obliged to lay
on some straw in the barn.
On the following day he crossed the country towards
Oxford, where he endeavoured to get into service, and
would have been engaged by a physician, but happening
to read a newspaper, in which he was advertised, he im-
mediately decamped from Oxford, and travelled into
Wales. º -
Having stopped at a village a few miles from Hay, at
the house of a shoe-maker, to whom his brother was ap-
prenticed, the latter obtained his master's permission to
accompany his brother home; and while they were on
their walk, the malefactor recounted the particulars of the
o
him at a small distance from their fathcr's house, went in,
and found the old gentleman reading an advertisement
describing the murderer. The younger son bursting in-
to tears, the father said he hoped his brother was not
-- come ; to which the youth replied, “Yes, he is at the door;
“ but being afraid that some of the neighbours were in
“the house, he would not come in till he had your per
“mission.”
The offender being introduced, fell on his knees,
and earnestly besought his father's blessing; to which
--
-
-
“bless you ; and what I have heard concerning you may
“be false.” The son said, “It is false; but let me have a
- murder, which had obliged him to seek his safety in flight.
--- The brother commiserated his condition ; and, leaving
the aged parent said, “Ah George, I wish God, may
s









GEoRGE PRICE - 535
“private room; make no words: I have done no harm :
“let me have a room to myself.” - -
Being accomodated agreeable to his request, he produ-
ced half a crown, begging that his brother would buy a
lancet, as he was resolved to put a period to his misera-
ble existence: but the brother declined to be any way
aiding to the commission of the crime of suicide ; and the
father, after exerting every argument to prevent his think-
ing of such a violation of the laws of God concealed him
for two days. -
It happened that the neighbours observing a fire in a
room where none had been for a considerable time before,
a report was propagated that Price was secreted in the
house of his father; whereupon he thought it prudent
to abscond in the night: and having reached Gloucester,
he went to an inn, and procured the place of an ostler.
The terrors of his conscience now agitated him to
such a degree that the other servants could not help as-
king what ailed him ; to which he replied, that a girl he
had courted having married another man, he had never
been able to enjoy any peace of mind since.
During his residence at Gloucester, two of the sons of
the lady with whom he had first lived as a servant, hap-
pened to be at a school in that city, and Price behaved to
them with so much civility, that they wrote to their mo-
ther, describing his conduct; in reply to which, she in-
formed them, that he had killed his wife, and desired
them not to hold any correspondence with him.
The young gentleman mentioning this circumstance,
one of Price's fellow-servants said to him, “You are
“the man that murdered your wife on Hounslow-heath.
“I will not betray you; but if you stay longer, you will
--
“ certainly be taken into custody.”
Stung by the reflections of his own conscience, and agi-
tated by the fear of momentary detection, Price knew not
how to act; but at length he resolved to come to Lon-
don, and surrender to justice; and calling on his former
master, and being apprehended, he was committed to
Newgate.
At the following sessions at the Old Bailey, he was
brought to his trial, and convicted on almost the strongest
circumstantial


536 TN EW NEW GATE CA. LEN U AIR.
circumstantial evidence that was ever adduced against
any offender. He had prepared a written defence; but
declined reading it, as he found it was so little likely to
operate with any effect in his favour.
He was sentenced to death, but died of the Gaol Fe-
ver, in Newgate, before the law could be executed on
him, on the 22d of October, 1738.
THE GAOL FEVER.
w -
In our preface we promised an account of this malig-
nant distemper, which was so fatal and frequent in old
Newgate, and other county gaols, in different parts of
England. The death of Price being the first caused by
if, which we have had occasion to mention, reminds us of
this promise, and agreeably thereto we proceed with the
best accounts we have been able to collect, of the fatality,
which, in former times resulted, from a want of cleanli-
ness, and the free admission of air into prisons.
It was always attended with a degree of malignity, in
is, therefore, of the highest importance for gaolers, to keep
clean every part of their prison, the neglect of which has
often proved fatal to every person inhaling the pesti-
ferous air. - º
The assize held at Oxford, in the year 1577, called the
‘‘ Black Assize,” was a dreadful instance of the deadly
effects of the Gaol Fever. The judges, jury, witnesses,
nay, in fact, every person, except the prisoners, women,
and children, in court, were killed by a foul air, which
at first was thought to have arisen out of the bowels of
the earth; but that great philosopher, lord Bacon, proved
it to have come from the prisoners, taken of a noisome
gaol, and brought into court to take their trials; and they
alone, inhaling foul air, were not injured by it.
Baker's Chronicle, a work of the highest authenticity,
thus speaks of the Black Assize: -
“The court were surprised with a pestilent savour,
º - - - whether
º
- - -
--- "--
---
proportion to the closeness and stench of the place. It







another, nor any one woman or child died thereof. This
THE GAOL FEW ER. - 537
whether arising from the noisome smell of the prisoners,
or from the damp of the ground, is uncertain; but all that
were present, within forty hours died, except the prisoners, , ,
and the women and children; and the contagion went
no farther. There died Robert Bell, Lord Chief Baron,
Robert De Oile, Sir William Babington, the High Sheriff
of Oxfordshire, some of the most eminent ſeawyers, the
Jurors, and three hundred others, more or less.”
In the year 1730, the Lord Chief Baron Pengelly, with
several of his officers and servants; Sir James Sheppard,
Serjeant at Law; John Pigot, Esq., High Sheriff for So-
mersetshire, died at Blandford, on the Western circuit of
the Lent assize, from the infected stench brought with the
prisoners from Ilchester gaol, to their trials at Taunton,
in which town the infection afterwards spread, and car-
ried off some hundred persons. * --- º
In 1754 and 1755 this distemper prevailed in Newgate
to a degree which carried off more than one-fifth of the
prisoners. - - -
Others attributed the cause of this sudden mortality
at Oxford, to witchcraft, the people in those times being
very superstitious. In “Webster's Display of Witch-
craft,” a work of some authenticity, as to the relation of
circumstances, as they occurred, we find the following
account of the Black Assize, which we insert as a matter
of curiosity. º --
“ The 4th and 5th days of July, 1559, were holden the
º
assizes at Oxford, where was arraigned and condemned,
one Rowland Jenkes, for his seditious tongue, at which time
there arose such a damp, that almost all were smothered.
Very few escaped that were not taken at that instant. The
jurors died presently—shortly after died Sir Robert Bell,
Lord Chief Baron, Sir Robert De Olie, Sir Wm. Babing-
ton, Mr. Weneman, Mr. De Olie, High Sheriff, Mr. Da-
vers, Mr. Harcourt, Mr. Kirle, Mr. Pheteplace, Mr.
Greenwood, Mr. Foster, Serjeant Baram, Mr. Stevens, &c.
There died in Oxford 300 persons, and sickened there,
but died in other places, 200 and odd, from the 6th
of July to the 12th of August, after which day died
not one of that sickness, for one of them infected not
A VOL. I.-No. 20. º 3 Y - - 1S


533 NEW NEW GATE CA LEN DAR.
is the punctual relation, according to our English annals,
which relate nothing of what should be the cause of the
arising of such a damp. Just at the conjuncture of time
when Jenkes was condemned, there being none before,
and so it could not be a prison infection; for that would
have manifested itself by smell, or operating sooner. But
to take away all scruple, and to assign the true cause, it
was thus: It fortuned that a manuscript fell into my
hands, collected by an ancient gentleman of York, who
was a great observer and gatherer of strange things and
facts, who lived about the time of this accident happening
at Oxford, wherein it is related thus: “That Rowland
Jenkes, being imprisoned for treasonable words, spoken
against the queen, and being a popish recusant, had, not-
withstanding, during the time of his restraint, liberty
some time to walk abroad with a keeper; and that one
day he came to an apothecary, and shewed him a receipt
which he desired him to make up ; but the apothecary,
- upon view of it, told him, that it was a strong and dan-
- gerous receipt, and required some time to prepare it; but
also asked him to what use he would apply it? He an-
swered, to kill the rats, that since his imprisonment
- spoiled his books; so being satisfied, he promised to
make it ready. After a certain time he cometh to know
if it were ready, but the apothecary said, the ingredients
were so hard to procure, that he had not done it, and so
gave him the receipt again, of which he had taken a
copy, which mine author had there precisely written
down, but did seem so horribly poisonous, that I cut it
forth, lest it might fall into the hands of wicked persons.
But after, it seems, he had it prepared, and against the .
day of his trial, had made a wick of it (for so is the word,
that is, so fitted, that like a candle it might be fired)
which, as soon as ever he was condemned, he lighted,
having provided himself a tinder-box, and steel to strike
fire. And whosoever should know the ingredients of
that wick, or candle, and the manner of the composition,
will easily be persuaded of the virulency and venomous
effect of it. ſº -
º
º:
- - -
- -
-
-
David
























DAPID ROBERTS,
-
-
£xecuted For HIGH TRE Ason, 1 N DIMINISHING THE cold cor N of THE
REALM, APRIL 3, 1739.
Few men have experienced vicissitudes in life equal to
the subject of this interesting narrative, in which we find
no crime imputed to him of a heinous nature, save that
for which he suffered. º
This malefactor, who was a native of Chepstow in
Monmouthshire, was apprenticed to a joiner ; but quit-
ting his master's service, he worked some time as a jour-
neyman at the Devizes in Wiltshire, where he married
a wife with a fortune of three hundred pounds.
His wife dying in childbed, he remained at the Devi-
zes a considerable time, during which he dissipated all
his wife's fortune, except about forty pounds, with which
he came to Tondon, and took lodgings with a widow,
who kept a public-house. Roberts soon became so inti-
mate with the widow, that she told him it was necessary
he should marry her. He did not hesitate to embrace
the proposal, imagining that the marriage would procure
him a decent establishment in Hife ; but being frequent-
ly arrested for debts contracted by his wife previous to the
marriage, he determined to abandon her; with which
view he sold the household furniture to a broker, and left
his wife to provide for herself. º
He now engaged in paternership with his brother, who
was a carpenter in Southwark, and having saved a consi-
derable sum of money during this connection, he embar-
ked in business for himself, and obtained a large share of
credit from the timber-merchants; but when his debts
became due, he took lodgings within the rules of the
Kings Bench, of which place he became a prisoner in
order to evade the payment of them. º
Even while in this situation he undertook a piece of
work by which he made three hundred pounds profit;
and might have been a greater gainer, but that he quar-
relied with his employer. At this period one Sarah Bris-
tow, who had been transported for a felony, returned aſ-
ter the expiration of a year, and becoming acquainted with
- " 3 Y 2 Roberts,




540 NEW NEW G A TE CA. L E N DAR.
Roberts, lived with him as his wife for a considerable
would trust him : but one of his London creditors get-
ting notice of the place of his retreat, arrested him ; and
- Roberts standing trial, cast him on account of some infor-
mality in the taking out the writ. -
Roberts, however, thought it imprudent to emain in
his present station; and therefore, shipping his effects for
London, he and Mrs. Bristow came to town, and lodged
again within the rules of the King's Bench, of which
Roberts became again a prisoner. -
Notwithstanding his situation, he took an inn that was
at that time to be let at Coventry ; but while he was giv-
ſing directions for the putting up of a new sign, he was ob.
served by a timber-merchant, named Smith, to whom he
owed fifty-five pounds.
Mr. Smith rode forward to another inn, where he learnt
that Roberts had taken the house where he had seen him;
and, on his return to London, he sent a commission to an
berts found means to compromise this affair; but his other
- creditors learning whither he had retired, it soon became
necessary for him to conceal himself. -,
- Roberts thinking it would be unsafe to remain long in
- Coventry, commissioned Mrs. Bristow to purchase all
such goods as she could get on credit, and send them to
- the inn, with a view to carry them off to some place
where they were not known.
After some goods had been obtained in this manner,
Roberts was necessitated to make a precipitate retreat,
owing to the following circumstance.—An attorney and
bailiff having procured a search-warrant, employed some
dragoons, who were quartered in the town, to search Ho-
* - -
berts's house, on pretence of finding stolen goods: but
the dragoons were no sooner entered than they were fol.
lowed by the bailiffs, on which Roberts dropped from
the window of a room where he had concealed himself,
and escaped through the garden of his next neighbour.
| - - time.
º - - -
\ - He now took his new wife to Bristol, where he rented
º an inn, and furnished it by the help of those people who
attorney to arrest him for the sum above mentioned. Ro-




DAvHD Rob ERTs. 541
As it now became necessary that he should retire from
Coventry, he left Mrs Bristow, and came to London,
directing that she should send the goods she had obtained
by a waggon, and direct them to him in a suppositious
Ilarſ) e. -
Pursuant to her instructions, she loaded a waggon with
these ill-gotten effects; but some of the creditors having .
obtained intelligence of what was intended attached the
goods. -
Hereupon Mrs. Bristow wrote word to Roberts, giving
a short account of what had happened; on which he sent
one Carter to obtain a full information respecting the af.
fair : but Carter staying much longer than he was expect-
ed to do, Roberts set out for Coventry, notwithstanding
the risk to which he knew he exposed himself by appear-
ing in that place. - . - -
On his arrival, he found the house stripped of every
thing but a small quantity of beer, with some benches and
chairs; and observed that Mrs. Bristow and Carter were
in a high degree of intimacy. However, he did not stay
long to examine into the state of affairs; for the woman
told him it would be prudent for him to conceal himself
in some retired place till she came to him. - -
Pursuant to this advice he waited at the extremity of
the town more than three hours, when the other parties
came to him, and advised him to retire to London with
all possible expedition ; but did not give him money to
defray his expences. He was greatly incensed at this
behaviour; but did not express his resentment, as he was
fearful of being arrested if he should provoke the other
partles. - ---
He was soon followed to London by Mrs. Bristow and
Carter; but as they brought no more money with them
than about fifteen pounds, he was exceedingly mortified;
however, as he was still in possession of the leases of the
house, he knew he could not be legally deprived of it, -
while he duly paid the land-tax and ground-rent.
| Roberts now moved the court of King's-Bench for a -
rule against his creditors, to shew cause why they had at-
tached his goods ; and the court recommending to each
- party



































3 #2 NEW NEW GATE CAR, EN DAR. -
, party to settle the matter by arbitration, it was awarded
that Roberts should receive one hundred and thirty pounds
and give his creditors a bill of sale for the lease and ef.
fects: but Roberts not having paid for the fixtures, the
º- - owner of them instituted a suit for recovery ; and on
º the day his other creditors took possession of the house,
an execution was returned from the court of Common
i’leas. º
º Another suit arose from this circumstance : “but a writ
º “ of enquiry being directed to the sheriff of Coventry, a
“yerdict was found for the creditors under the award, be-
º - “cause that order had been made prior to the execu-
“ tion.” - sº
While these matters were depending, Roberts, being
distressed for cash, borrowed five pounds, for the payment
of which Carter was the security; but the debt not being
paid when due, Carter was arrested for the money, while
Roberts secreted himself in a lodging at Hoxton, where
he received the one hundred and thirty pounds decreed
tö him by the award above mentioned. .
Carter soon finding Roberts's place of retreat, a quarrel
arose between them : but at length the former asked Ro-
berts to lend him twenty pounds saying he could acquire
a fortune by the possession of such a sum ; and that he
would repay the money at twenty shillings a month, and
give a good premium for the use of it. -
Roberts asking how this money was to be employed
to such advantage, the other said it was to purchase a li-
quid which would dissolve gold ; whereupon the former
said he would not lend him the money; in revenge for
which Carter caused him to be arrested for the five pounds
above mentioned.
Roberts took refuge within the rules of the King's
Bench, while Carter, who had found means to raise mo-
ney for his purposes, took to the practice of diminishing
the coin, in which he was so successful that he soon
abounded in cash; on which Roberts became very anxious
to know the secret, which the other refused to discover,
saying, he had been ill treated in their former transac-
#10ns, - ---
º * w
Carter
y
-
§































^ - -
DAVID ROBERTS. 543
Carter's method of diminishing the coin was by a che-
mical preparation ; and Roberts imagined he had learned
how to do it, for which purpose he purchased a crucible:
but his experiment failed in the first attempt. Hereupon
he again sought for Carter, whom he found in company
with some other diminishers of the coin, and offered him
money to give him the necessary instructions.
Carter took the money, and desired Roberts to wait till
he fetched some tools; but in fact he went for two she-
riff's officers to arrest him. The transaction had passed
in a public house, and Roberts seeing the bailiffs crossing
the street, made his escape by a back window; but, in his
hurry, went off with Carter's hat, instead of his own.
| Having thus escaped from immediate danger, he be-
came apprehensive that Carter might be base enough to
to indict him for felony; on which he returned the hat,
with a letter, earnestly entreating a reconciliation: Carter
| went to him, and told him that, for twenty guineas, he
would teach him his art : but Roberts offering a much
| inferior price, no argreement took place.
Roberts now again took refuge within the rules of the
King's Bench; and having failed obtaining the desired se-
cret determined on a practice equally dishonest and dan-
gerous, which was that offiling of gold. -
Mrs. Bristow still cohabited with him ; and when he
had filed off as much dust as was worth ten pounds, he
| put it into a tobacco-box, under his bed, which she stole,
and sold the contents; but after this he obtained a consi-
derable sum of money, by employing a person at half a
crown a day, to sell the filings.
After some time, not agreeing with the person whom he
had thus employed, he determined to act for himself, and
having sold a quantity of dust to a refiner, he went to a
public-house near Hicks's Hall, kept by a Mr. Rogers,
whom he asked to give him a bank-note for some gold.
Rogers, on feeling the guineas, found that some of the
dust stuck to his fingers; on which he said, “What have
we gothere? The fellow who filed these guineas ought to
be hanged, for doing his business in so clumsy a ſnap-
“ner.” Without saying more, he stepped out, and pro-
º - cured

544 NEW NEWGATE CAL EN DAR.
º
cured a constable, who took Roberts into custody: but at
length, after detaining him six hours, discharged him on
-
y his own authority. -
Roberts was no sooner at liberty than he prosecuted the
publican and constable in the court of King's Bench for
false imprisonment: but he failed in this suit, and an evi.
dence whom he had subpoened in his behalf was com-
mitted on a charge of perjury, while the publican was
bound to prosecute Roberts, who taking out a writ of er-
ror, to prolong time, lodged privately at the Three Hats,
a public-house at Islington. |
While he was in this retreat, and forming a design to
go to Lisbon, Mrs. Bristow brought him a newspaper,
in which his person was described ; whereupon they went
together to Chatham, where they saw another advertise- |
ment, offering a reward for apprehending them both. On
, this Roberts offered the captain of a ship five guineas to
, carry them to Dunkirk; but this was refused, on account
of the boisterousness of the weather.
Thus disappointed, they repaired to Ramsgate, where
they met Mrs. Bristow's brother, who was likewise in-
cluded in the advertisement, and they all went on board
a vessel bound for Calais; but quarrelling among them- |
selves, the captain gave orders that they should be landed
at Dover. Provoked by this, Roberts threw the captain
into the sea, and if the boat had not been sent to take him
up, he must infallibly have been drowned,
The captain was no sooner on board than Roberts
took the helm, and steered the vessel to her port; but on
their landing, Mrs. Bristow's brother making the Custom-
house officers acquainted with Roberts's character, his
boxes were searched, and the implements for filing mo:
ney found ; but he escaped to Dunkirk while they were
making the search. - - |
At Dunkirk he made an acquaintance with Henry Jus-
tice, who having stolen some books at Cambridge, had
been transported for the offence. To this man he told the
secrets of his trade; but he advised him to decamp, as he
would infallibly be pursued from Calais.
Hereupon Roberts went to Ostend, and sending for
7 - Mrs.
º
s
º
|









I) AV II) ROBERTS. 545
Mrs. Bristow to that place, they embarked for England,
and took lodgings in Fountain-Court in the Strand, which
they quitted after a residence of six weeks. --
Roberts could not detach himself from the idea of pro-
curing a subsistence by filing money, and in pursuit of
this illicit practice, he took a house at Bath, where he
used to work at his occupation during the night. v.
Going to a chemist's shop one morning to purchase a
liquid, he saw a gentleman who knew him, on which he
went home immediately, and told Mrs. Bristow that he
was apprehensive of being taken into custody. His pre-
sages were but too just, for some officers came to his
house almost immediately. and conveyed him before a
3. -
justice of peace, who committed him to prison, and sent
notice to London of his being in custody.
During his confinement at Bath, he was supplied with
instruments for filing off his irons; but discovery of this
affair being made, he was kept in the strictest confine-
ment till he was transmitted to London.
Being brought to his trial at the Old-Bailey, he was
convicted on the fullest evidence, and received sentence
of death ; and after his conviction, till the arrival of the
warrant for his execution, he scarcely mentioned any cir-
cumstances respecting his conduct ; but afterwards his
behaviour was much more explicit. --
On the night before his execution he acknowledged,
to the keeper of Newgate, that he had murdered his first
wife, during her lying-in.
The second wife went to visit him in prison ; but he
declined seeing her, alledging that her company would
only disturb him in his preparations for that awful state
on which he was about to enter. As to the rest of his
* it was highly becoming his melancholy situa-
101l,



































546 NEW NEW GATE CALEN DAR. .
RICHARD TURPIN,
(Highwayman, Horse-Stealer, and Murderer,
ExECUTED AT YORK, APRIL 10, 1739, wº
THIs was another daring depredator, notorious as any
of his day, and long the dread of travellers on the Essex
road; but the finger of Providence we find continually
pointed, in some direction, at sinners. How many mur-
ders have we to shew, where the perpetrators have been
discovered, by the most unexpected incidents; and how
many more murderers shall we find, as it were irresistably
drawn to discover themselves. Turpin was apprehended
in consequence of wantonly shooting a fowl; and his
conviction the consequence of his brother refusing a sin-
gle sixpence, for the postage of his letter º
Turpin was the son of John Turpin, a farmer at Thack-
stead in Essex, and having received a common school
education, was apprenticed to a butcher in Whitechapel;
but was distinguished from his early youth for the impro-
priety of his behaviour, and the brutality of his manners,
On the expiration of his apprenticeship, he married a
young woman of East Ham in Essex, named Palmer:
but he had not been long married before he took to
the practice of stealing his neighbours' cattle, which he
used to kill and cut up for sale.
Having stolen two oxen belonging to Mr. Giles, of
Plaistow, he drove them to his own house ; but two of
Giles's servants suspecting who was the robber, went to
Turpin's, where they saw two beasts of such size as had
been lost; but as the hides were stripped from them, it
was impossible to say that they were the same : but learn-
ing that Turpin used to dispose of his hides at Waltham-
Abbey, they went thither, and saw the hides of the indi: ,
viduai beasts that had been stolen.
No doubt now remaining who was the robber, a war-
rant was procured for the apprehension of Turpin ; but
learning that the peace-officers were in search of him he
made his escape from the back-window of his house, at
º the
-



-
-
gains.
in the house; and the owner hesitating to tell him, he
threatened to set her on the fire if she did not make an
give the desired information; on which the villains ac-
-
R1c HARD TUR PIN. 547
the very moment that the others were entering at the
door. - -
Having retreated to a place of security, he found -
means to inform his wife where he was concealed ; on - - *
which she furnished him with money, with which he tra- -
velled into the hundreds of Essex, where he joined a
gang of smugglers, with whom he was for some time suc-
cessful; till a set of the Custom-house officers, by one
successful stroke, deprived him of all his ill-acquired
Thrown out of this kind of business, he connected him-
self with a gang of deer-stealers, the principal part of
whose depredations were committed on Epping-Forest,
and the parks in its neighbourhood : but this business
not succeeding to the expectation of the robbers, they
determined to commence house-breakers.
Their plan was to fix on houses that they presumed
contained any valuable property; and, while one of them
knocked at the door, the others were to rush in, and
seize whatever they might deem worthy of their notice.
The first attack of this kind was at the house of Mr.
Strype, an old man who kept a chandler's shop at Wat-
ford, whom they robbed of all the money in his possession,
but did not offer him any personal abuse. -
Turpin now acquainted his associates that there was
an old woman at Loughton, who was in possession of
seven or eight hundred pounds; whereupon they agreed
to rob her ; and when they came to the door, one of them
knocked, and the rest forcing their way into the house,
tied handkerchiefs over the eyes of the old woman and
her maid. -
This being done, Turpin demanded what money was
-
immediately discovery. Still, however, she declined to
tually placed her on the fire, where she sat till the tormen-
ting pains compelled her to discover her hidden treasure;
so that the robbers possessed themselves of above four
hundred pounds, and decamped with the booty.
Some little time after this, they agreed to rob the house
3 Z 2 - - oº:








548 NEW NEW GATE CA LEN DAR,
of a farmer near Barking; and knocking at the door, the
people declined to open it; on which they broke it open;
and having bound the farmer, his wife, his son-in-law,
and the servant-maid, they robbed the house of above
seven hundred pounds; which delighted Turpin so much
that he exclaimed, “Aye, this will do, if it would
“ always be so I’’ and the robbers retired with their
them.
This desperate gang, now flushed with success, deter-
mined to attack the house of Mr. Mason, the keeper of
Epping-Forest ; and the time was fixed when the plan
was to be carried into execution ; but Turpin having gone
to London, to spend his share of the former booty, in-
the appointment.
Nevertheless, the rest of the gang resolved, that the
absence of their companion should not frustrate the pro-
posed design; and having taken a solemn oath to break
every article of furniture in Mason's house, they set out
on their expedition. --- -
Having gained admission, they beat and kicked the
unhappy man with great severity. Finding an old man
sitting by the fire-side, they permitted him to remain un-
injured ; and Mr. Mason's daughter escaped their fury,
by running out of the house, and taking shelter in a hog-
Stye. - - -
After ransacking the lower part of the house, and do-
every thing that fell in their way, and among the rest a
china punch-bowl, from which dropped one hundred and
twenty guineas, which they made prey of, and effected
their escape. They now went to London, in search of
---
On the 11th of January, 1733, Turpin and five of his
companions went to the house of Mr. Saunders, a rich
farmer at Charlton in Kent, between seven and eight in
the evening, and having knocked at the door, asked if
Mr. Saunders was at home. Being answesed in the affir-
mative, they rushed into the house, and found Mr. Saun-
-- º - der:
prize, which amounted to above eighty pounds for each of
toxicated himself to such a degree, that he totally forgot
ing much mischief, they went up stairs, where they broke
Turpin, with whom they shared the booty, though he had
not taken an active part in the execution of the villainy.




























Rrch ARD TURPIN. 549
ders, with his wife and friends playing at cards in the par-
lour. They told the company that they should remain
uninjured, if they made no disturbance. Having made
prize of a silver snuff-box which lay on the table, a part
of the gang stood guard over the rest of the company,
while the others attended Mr. Saunders through the
house, and breaking open his escrutoires and closets, stole
above a hundred pounds, exclusive of plate.
During these transactions the servant-maid ran up stairs,
barred the door of her room, and called out, “Thieves!”
with a view of alarming the neighbourhood; but the
robbers broke open the door of her room, secured her,
and then robbed the house of all the valuable property
they had not before taken. Finding some minced-pies,
and some bottles of wine, they sat down to regale them-
selves; and meeting with a bottle of brandy, they com-
pelled each of the company to drink a glass of it.
Mrs. Saunders fainting through terror, they admini-
stered some drops in water to her, and recovered her to
the use of her senses. Having staid in the house a consi-
derable time, they packed up their booty and departed,
having first declared, that if any of the family gave the
least alarm within two hours, or advertised the marks of
the stolen plate, they would return and murder them at
a future time.
Retiring to a public house at Woolwich, where they
had concerted the robbery, they crossed the Thames to
an empty house in Ratcliffe-Highway, where they depo-
sited the stolen effects till they found a purchaser for
them. - º -
The division of the plunder having taken place, they,
on the 18th of the same month, went to the house of Mr.
Sheldon, near Croydon, in Surry, where they arrived
about seven in the evening. Having got into the yard,
they perceiced a light in the stable, and going into it,
found the coachman attending his horses. Having imme-
diately bound him, they quitted the stable, and meeting
Mr. Sheldon in the yard, they seized him, and compelled
him to conduct them into the house, they stole eleven gui-
neas, with the jewels, plate, and other things of value,
to a large amount. Having committed this robbery, they
º * * * returned





550 NEW NEwg ATF CALEN DAR.
returned Mr. Sheldon two guineas, and apologized for
their conduct.
This being done, they hastened to the Black-horse, in
the Broad-way, Westminster, where they concerted the
robbery of Mr. Lawrence, of Edgware, near Stanmore, in
Middlesex, for which place they set out on the 4th of
February, and arrived at a public-house in that village,
about five o'clock in the evening. From this place they
went to Mr. Lawrence's house, where they arrived about
seven o'clock, just as he had discharged some people who
had worked for him. - -
Having quitted their horses at theouter-gate, one of
the robbers going forwards, found a boy who had just
returned from folding his sheep; the rest of the gang fol-
lowing, a pistol was presented, and instant destruction
threatened if he made any noise. They then took off his
garters, and tied his hands, and told him to direct them -
to the door, and when they knocked, to answer, and bid
the servants open it, in which case they would not hurt
him ; but when the boy came to the door he was so terri-
fied that he could not speak ; on which one of the gang
knocked, and a man servant, imagining it was one of the
neighbours, opened the door, whereupon they all rushed
in, armed with pistols. -
Having seized Mr. Lawrence and his servant, they
threw a cloth over their faces, and taking the boy into
, another room, demanded what fire-arms were in the
house ; to which he replied, only an old gun, which they
broke in pieces. They then bound Mr. Lawrence and
his man, and made them sit by the boy; and Turpin
searching the gentleman, took from him a guinea, a Por-
tugal piece, and some silver ; but not being satisfied with
this booty, they forced him to conduct them up stairs,
where they broke open a closet, and stole some money
and plate; but that not being sufficient to satisfy them,
they threatened to murder Mr. Lawrence, each of them
destining him to a different death, as the savageness of
his own nature prompted him. At length one of them
took a kettle of water from the fire, and threw it over
him; but it providentially happened not to be hot enough
to scald him. - º -
- In
º
--



- R IcFIARD TUR PIN. 551
In the interim, the maid-servant, who was churning
butter in the dairy, hearing a noise in the house, appre-
hended some mischief; on which she blew out her candle
to screen herself; but being found in the course of their
search, one of the miscreants compelled her to go up stairs,
where he gratified his brutal passion by force. They
then robbed the house of all the valuable effects they
could find, locked the family into the parlour, threw the
key into the garden, aad took their ill-gotten plunder to
London. - w
The particulars of this atrocious robbery being repre-
sented to the king, a proclamation was issued for the ap-
prehension of the offenders, promising a pardon to any
one of them who would impeach his accomplices; and a
| reward of fifty pounds was offered, to be paid on convic-
tion. This however, had no effect; the robbers continu-
ed their depredations as before ; and, flushed with the
success they had met with, seemed to bid defiance to the
laws. -
On the 7th of February, six of them assembled at the
White-Bear-inn, in Drury-Lane, where they agreed to
rob the house of Mr. Francis, a farmer near Marybone.
Arriving at the place, they found a servant in the cow-
| house, whom they bound fast, and threatened to murder
him if he was not perfectly silent. This being done, they
led him into the stable, where finding another of the ser-
wants, they bound him in the same manner.
In the interim Mr. Francis happening to come home,
they presented their pistols to his breast, and threatened
instant destruction to him, if he made the least noise or
opposition, , , º - -
Having bound the master in the stable with his servants,
they rushed into the house, tied Mrs. Francis, her daugh-
ter, and the maid-servant, and beat them in a most cruel
manner. One of the thieves stood as a sentry while
the rest rifled the house, in which they found a silver
tankard, a medal of Charles the First, a gold watch, several
gold rings, a considerable sum of money, and a variety of
valuable linen and other effects, which they conveyed to
London.
Hereupon a reward of an hundred pounds was offered
- - Ø for
º
-
-



559 NEW NEW GATE CAL E N p A. R.
for the apprehension of the offenders; in consequence of
which two of them were taken into custody, tried, con-
victed on the evidence of an accomplice, and hanged in
chains: and the whole gang being dispersed, Turpin
went into the country, to renew his depredations on the
public.
On a journey towards Cambridge, he met a man gen:
teely dressed, and well mounted ; and expecting a good
booty, he presented a pistol to the supposed gentleman,
and demanded his money. The party thus stopped hap-
pened to be one King, a famous highwayman, who knew
Turpin ; and when the latter threatened instant destruc-
tion if he did not deliver his money, King burst into a fit
of laughter, and said, “What, dog eat dog –Come,
2.
“ come, brother Turpin ; if you don't know me, I know
“ you, and shall be glad of your company.”
These brethren in iniquity soon struck the bargain, and
immediately entering on business, committed a number of
robberies; till at length they were so well known, that no
public-house would receive them as guests. Thus situa-
ted, they fixed on a spot between the King's-Oak and the
Loughton Road, on Epping-Forest, where they made a
cave, which was large enough to receive them and their
horses. :
This cave was inclosed within a sort of thicket of bushes
and brambles, through which they could look and see
passengers on the road, while themselves remained unob-
served. - , -
From this station they used to issue, and robbed such
a number of persons, that at length the very pedlars who
travelled the road carried fire-arms for their defence : and,
while they were in this retreat, Turpin's wife used to sup-
ply them with necessaries, and frequently remained in
the cave during the night.
Having taken a ride as far as Bungay, in Suffolk, they
observed two young women receive fourteen pounds for
corn, on which Turpin resolved to rob them of the mo-
ney. King objected, saying it was a pity to rob such
pretty girls: but Turpin was obstinate, and obtained the
booty. - -
Upon their return home on the following day, they
º - stopped



-
- RICHARD TUR PIN, 5.53
stºpped a Mr. Bradele, of London, who was riding in his
chariot with his children. The gentleman, seeing only
one robber, was preparing to make resistance, when
King called to Turpin to hold the horses. They took
from the gentleman his watch, money, and an old mour-
ning ring ; but returned the latter, as he declared that its Z ºf
intrinsic value was trifling, yet he was very unwilling to |
part from it. -
Finding that they readily parted with the ring, he asked
them what he must give for the watch : on which King
said to Turpin, “What say ye Jack 2–Here seems to
“be a good honest fellow ; shall we let him have the
watch f"—Turpin replied, “ Do as you please :” on
“which King said to the gentleman, “You must pay six
“guineas for it: We never sell for more, though the watch
“should be worth six and thirty.” The gentleman promi-
sed that the money should be left at the Dial, in Birchin-
Lane.
On the 4th of May, 1787, Turpin was guilty of murder, ---
which arose from the following circumstance: A reward
of an hundred pounds having been offered for apprehend-
ing him, one Thomas Morris, a servant of Mr. Thomp-
son, one of the keepers of Epping Forest, accompanied
by a higgler, set offin order to apprehend him. Turpin
seeing them approach near his dwelling, Mr. Thompson's
man having a gun, he mistook them for poachers; on
which he said, there were no hares near that thicket:
“No, (said Morris) but I have found a Turpin ;” and
presenting his gun, required him to surrender.
Hereupon Turpin spoke to him, as in a friendly man-
ner, and gradually retreated at the same time, till having
seized his own gun, he shot him dead on the spot, and
the higgler ran off with the utmost precipitation. .
This murder being represented to the secretary of
state, the following proclamation was issued by govern-
ment, which we give a place to, from its describing the
person of this notorious depredator. - -
“. It having been represented to the King, that Richard
“Turpin did, on Wednesday, the 4th of May last, bar-
“barously murder Thomas Morris, servant to Henry
“Thompson, one of the keepers of Epping Forest, and
YOL. I.-Nº. 20. 4 A “ commit
*
--
-

































554 N E W N E W G A T E CA I, EN DAR.
“ commit other notorious felonies and robberies, h681.
“London, his Majesty is pleased to promise his most
“gracious pardon, to any of his accomplices, and a re-
“ward of two hundred pounds to any person or persons
“ that shall discover him, so that he may be apprehended
“ and convicted. Turpin was born at Thackstead, in
“Essex, is about thirty, by trade a butcher, about five
“feet nine inches high, very much marked with the
“ small-pox, his cheek-bones broad, his face thinner to-
“wards the bottom ; his visage short, pretty upright, and
“broad about the shoulders.” -
Turpin, to avoid the proclamation, went further int
the country in search of his old companion, King : and
in the mean time sent a letter to his wife, to meet him
at a public-house at Hertford. The woman attended
according to this direction; and her husband coming into
the house soon after she arrived, a butcher, to whom he
owed five pounds, happened to see him; on which he
said, “Come, Dick, I know you have money now ; and
“if you will pay me, it will be of great service.”
Turpin told him that his wife was in the next room;
that she had money, and that he should be paid immedi-
ately but while the butcher was hinting to some of his ac-
quaintance, that the person present was Turpin, and that
they might take him into custody after he had received his
debt, the highwayman made his escape through a window,
and rode off with great expedition.
Turpin having found King, and a man named Potter,
who had lately connected himself with them, they set off
towards London in the dusk of the evening ; but when
they came near the Green Man on Epping-Forest, they
overtook a Mr. Major, who riding on a very fine horse,
and Turpin's beast being jaded, he obliged the rider to
dismount, and exchange horses.
The robbers now pursued their journey towards Lon-
don, and Mr. Major going to the Green Man, gave an
account of the affair; on which it was conjectured that
|
Turpin had been the robber, and that the horse which he
exchanged must have been stolen.
It was on a Saturday evening that this robbery was com:
ºmitted; but Mr. Major being advised to print hand-bills
º immediately,

º
R IC HARD T U R PIN. 555 . .
immediately, notice was given to the landlord of the
Green Man, that such a horse as Mr. Major had lost had
been left at the Red-Lion, in Whitechapel. The land-
lord going thither, determined to wait till some person
came for it; and, at about eleven at night, King's brother
came to pay for the horse, and take him away : on which
he was immediately seized, and conducted into the
house. º -
Being asked what right he had to the horse, he said
he had bought it; but the landlord examining a whip
which he had in his hand, found a button at the end of -
the handle half broken off, and the name of Major on the
remaining half. Hereupon he was given into custody of - --
a constable ; but as it was not supposed that he was the
actual robber, he was told, that he should have his liber-
ity, if he would discover his employer.
Hereupon he said, that a stout man, in a white duffi!
coat, was waiting for the horse in Red Lion-Street ; on
which the company going thither, Saw King, who drew
a pistol, and attempted to fire it, but it flashed in the pan;
he then endeavoured to pull out another pistol, but he
could not, as it got entangled in his pocket.
At this time Turpin was watching at a small distance,
and riding towards the spot, King cried out “Shoot him,
or we are taken;" on which Turpin fired, and shot his
companion, who called out, “Dick, you have killed me ;"
which the other hearing, rode offat full speed. -
King lived a week after this affair, and gave informa-
tion that Turpin might be found at a house near Hackney-
marsh ; and, on enquiry, it was discovered that Turpin
had been there on the night that he rode off, lamenting
that he had killed King, who was his most faithful asso-
Clate. º
For a considerable time did Turpin skulk about the
forest, having been, deprived of his retreat in the cave
since he shot the servant of Mr. Thompson. On the
examination of this cave there were found two shirts, two
pair of stockings, a piece of ham, and part of a bottle of
W line. º
Some vain attempts were made to take this notorious
offender into custody; and among the rest, the huntsman
4. A 2 - of
-
-- -
-

































556 NEW NEWGATE cALEN DAR.
-
of a gentleman in the neighbourhood went in search of
him with bloodhounds. Turpin perceiving them, and
recollecting that king Charles II. evaded his pursuers un-
der covert of the friendly branches of the oak, mounted
one of those trees under which the hounds passed, to his |
inexpressible terror, so that he determined to make a re-
treat into Yorkshire.
Going first to Long-Sutton, in Lincolnshire, he stole
some horses, for which he was taken into custody, but he
escaped from the constable as he was conducting him be-
fore a magistrate, and hastened to Welton, in Yorkshire,
where he went by the name of John Palmer, and assumed
the character of a gentleman.
He now frequently went into Lincolnshire, where he
stole horses, which he brought into Yorkshire, and
either sold or exchanged them.
He often accompanied the neighbouring gentlemen on
their parties of hunting and shooting; and one evening
on a return from an expedition of the latter kind, he wan.
tonly shot a cock belonging to his landlord, On this:
Mr. Hall, a neighbour, said, “You have done wrong in
“ shooting your landlord's cock;” to which Turpin re-
plied, that if he would stay while he loaded his gun, he t
would shoot him also. -
Irritated by this insult, Mr. Hall informed the landlord
|
|
of what had passed ; and application being made to some
magistrates, a warrant was granted for the apprehension
of the offender, who being taken into custody, and car-
ried before a bench of justices, then assembled at the
quarter-sessions, at Beverley, they demanded security for
his good behaviour, which he being unable or unwilling
to give, was committed to Bridewell.
On enquiry, it appeared that he made frequent jour-
nies into Lincolnshire, and on his return always abounded
in money, and was likewise in possession of several
horses; so that it was conjectured that he was a horse-
stealer and highwayman.
On this the magistrates went to him on the following
day, and demanded who he was, where he had lived,
and what was his employment: He replied in substance,
“ that about two years ago he had lived at Long-Sutton,
º tº 'º' “ in





































-
RICHARD TUR PIN. 557
“in Lincolnshire, and was by trade a butcher, but that
“having contracted several debts for sheep that proved
“ rotten, he was obliged to abscond, and come to live in
“Yorkshire.” -
The magistrates not being satisfied with this tale, com-
missioned the clerk of the peace to write into Lincolnshire,
to make the necessary inquiries respecting the supposed
John Palmer. The letter was carried by a special mes-
senger, who brought an answer from a magistrate in the
neighbourhood, importing that John Palmer was well
known, though he had never carried on trade there: that
he had been accused of sheep-stealing, for which he had
been in custody, but had made his escape from the peace-
officers: and that there were several informations lodged
against him for horse-stealing.
Héreupon the magistrates thought it prudent to remove
him to York castle, where he had not been more than a
month, when two persons from Lincolnshire came and
claimed a mare and foal, and likewise a horse, which he
had stolen in that county.
After he had been about four months in prison, he wrote
the following letter to his brother in Essex: -
York, Feb. 6, 1739.
“I am sorry to acquaint you that I am now under
“confinement in York Castle, for horse stealing. If I
“could procure an evidence from London to give me a
“character, that would go a great way towards my being
“ acquitted. I had not been long in this country before
“my being apprehended, so that it would pass off the rea-
“dier. For Heaven's sake, dear brother, do not neglect
“me; you will know what I mean, when I say,
“ Dear Brother, r
---
“I am yours,
* JoHN PALMER."
º --
This letter being returned, unopened, to the Post-Of-
fice in Essex, because the brother would not pay the
postage of it, was accidentally seen by Mr. Smith, a
schoolmaster, who having taught Turpin to write, imme-
f - - ºdiately




































!
58 NEW NEW G A TE CA L E N DAR,
diately knew his hand, on which he carried the letter |
to a magistrate, who broke it open; by which it was .
discovered that the supposed John Palmer was the real
-- - Richard Turpin.
Hereupon the magistrates of Essex dispatched Mr. |
Smith to York, who immediately selected him from all the
other prisoners in the castle. This Mr. Smith, and another
gentleman, afterwards proved his indentity on his trial.
On the rumour that the noted Turpin was a prisoner
in York Castle, persons flocked from all parts of the
country to take a view of him, and debates ran very high
whether he was the real person or not. Among others
- who visited him was a young fellow who pretended to
know the famous Turpin, and having regarded him a con-
- siderable time with looks of great attention, he told the
keeper he would bet him half a guinea that he was
not Turpin ; on which the prisoner, whispering the keep.
--- er, said “Lay him the wager, and, I'll go your halves.”
When this notorious malefactor was brought to trial,
he was convicted on two indictments, and received sen-
tence of death. - - -
After conviction he wrote to his father, imploring him to
intercede with a gentleman and lady of rank to make inter-
est that his sentence might be remitted ; and that he
might be transported. The father did what was in his
power: but the notoriety of his character was such, that
no persons would exert themselves in his favour.
This man lived in the most gay and thoughtless man-
ner after conviction, regardless of all considerations of fu-
turity, and affecting to make a jest of the dreadfulfate that
awaited him. - -
Not many days before his execution, he purchased a
new fustian frock and a pair of pumps, in order to wear
them at the time of his death ; and, on the day before, he
hired five poor men, at ten shillings each, to follow the
cart as mourners: and he gave hatbands and gloves,
|
to several other persons: and he also left a ring, and some
other articles, to a married woman in Lincolnshire, with
whom he had been acquainted. º
On the morning of his death he was put into a cart,
and being followed by his mourners, as above-mentioned,
* - º º he |
--

















R [CHA, RTD TU R PIN 4
he was drawn to the place of execution, in his way to
which he bowed to the spectators with an air of the most
astonishing indifference and intrepidity. -
When he came to the fatal tree, he ascended the lad-
der; when his right leg trembling, he stamped it down
with an air of assumed courage, as if he was ashamed to
be observed to discover any signs of fear. Having con-
versed with the executioner about half an hour, he threw
himself off the ladder, and expired in a few minutes.
The spectators of the execution seemed to be much af-
fected at the fate of this man, who was distinguised by the
comeliness of his appearance. The corpse was brought
to the Blue Boar, in Castle-Gate, York, where it remained
till the next morning, when it was interred in the Church-
yard of St. George's parish with an inscription on the
coffin, with the initials of his name, and his age. The
grave was made remarkably deep, and the people who ac-
ted as mourners took such measures as they thought
would secure the body : yet about three o'clock on the
following morning, some people were observed in the
church-yard, who carried it off; and the populace hav-
ing an intimation whither it was conveyed, found it in a
garden belonging to one of the surgeons of the city.
Hereupon they took the body, laid it on a board, and
having carried it through the streets, in a kind of triumpha}
manner, and then filled the coffin with unslackened lime,
buried it in the grave where it had been before depo-
sited. - * - -
---
--
EN D OF W O L. 1.
-



























JoHNSON AND ExLEY’s
NEW QUARTO
IMPERIAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA
©f 3rts amū stitutes;
Recommended by ADAM C1, ARKE, LL. D.
In Weckly Numbers, and in Parts, illustrated by numerous Engravings, executed
- by the most eminent Artists in the respective branches.
-
On the FIRSt Day of Novywsºn, 1809, was published, price Eid at PENct,
- |NO H., -
op T in F, - - -
A M P E # IA I,
*NCYCLOPEDIA;
º OR, A NEW
UNIPERSAL DICTIONARY:
ING IN A compºhensive SYSTEM, AN ACCURATE VIEW OF THE”
Øttº attº ºttentº,
- IN THEIR PRESENT HIGHLY IMPROVED STATE; -
With every object animate and if animate, within the compass of the Human Understanding.
- º - -
--- º - º
By WILLIAM MOORE JOHNSON, A. M.
* And THOMAS EXLEY,
- OF BRIS'rol, ;
ASSISTED BY SEVERAI EMINENT irºkary cHARACTERs.
-
º __
-- RECOMMENDATHON OF ADAM CLARKE, LL.D.
Messrs. Johnsonand Exity have done me the honour to submit to myer.
dºnation a portion ºf the Copy of their IMPERIAL ENcyclopædia,
which they have prepared for the Press; and I feel much satisfaction in
being able to state, that the work, as far as I have had leisure to examine
ºt, appears to be executed with great judgment and accuracy. In the Thé-
ological department, I see with great pleasure, that ample justice is likely
to be done to the cause of Diving Revelation, and the important doctrine;
it contains. In the department of the Sciences and Arts, I perceive much
original and valuable matter. Calculations hastily formed, and incor.
- rectly printed in most publications of this nature, are here réformed, and
accurately produced: by this means the path of Science is rendered more
certain, and consequently more easy. If the work proceeds as it has com:
menced, (of which I have no reason to doubt), I feel no hesitation to say,
that I think it will be one of the most valuable works of the kind ever offered
to the public in so sin&ll a compass. , --- -
-
- º London, September, 1809. ADAM claiºr.
PUBLISHED BY Nurt Ali, Fish ER, A N p pixo N,
No. 18 and 19, Duke -Street, Liverpool :
































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