text:
Proceedings of the Old Bailey (record texts)
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Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)","Century":20,"Decade":1901,"Year":1907},{"pagename":"1909 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey","Century":20,"Decade":1901,"Year":1909},{"pagename":"1910 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey","Century":20,"Decade":1911,"Year":1910},{"pagename":"1911 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (1)","Century":20,"Decade":1911,"Year":1911},{"pagename":"1911 - Proceedings of the Old Bailey (2)","Century":20,"Decade":1911,"Year":1911},
The Proceedings of the Old Bailey includes a substantial number of case summaries that mention public houses or streets named named Robin Hood or Little John.
Relevant records
The following 192 records are relevant:
[15 Jan. 1692:]
Anne Brodnix was tryed for being accessary to James Philips and Abraham Stacy in the Felony and Robbery they lately committed in the House of William Kent a Brewer, in Liquor-Pond-Street, in the Parish of St. Andrews Holbourn, on the 26th of December, which they confest upon their Arraignment. The chief Evidence was Griffith, who is before mentioned in the single Tryal of Stacy, who was with them at the Robbery which was done by himself: Philips, Stacy and Morris Moore, after they had compleated their Work, they went to the Robin Hood in Shoe-lane and then Griffith went and sold the Plate to Mrs. Brodnix the Prisoner for 34 l. 13 s. 9 d. part of which Money was paid him by the Prisoner's Order, and the Remainder was to be paid him when the Plate was melted down, which he afterwards received, and he said further, that he used to sell stolen Plate to the Prisoner, very frequently: The Prisoner denied the Charge against her, and said, she knew nothing of it; and would have called several Witnesses to prove her Reputation, which was not allowed of, because it was unnecessary in respect to the Law; for Philips and Stacy having confest their Indictment, she could not lie under any penalty, neither be found guilty upon that Indictment, so she was acquitted.[1]
[12 Oct. 1692:]
James Lenon was Indicted for a Robbery in the High-way, Committed upon one Joshua Droaning in the Parish of Pancras near the Pinder of Wakefield, at a place call'd the Court of Guard, on the 17th of September last; There were two of them set upon him, the Prisoner and another who is fled, and took his Hat, his Peruke, his Sword, and his Breeches, and then lead him aside into the Field, and left him bound: The Prisoner denied the Fact, and called several good Evidence who proved he was in his Mother's Chamber from Six a Clock till Ten that Night the Robbery was done: So he was Acquitted.[2]
[27 Feb. 1696:]
John Sharp, of the Parish of Saint Pancrass, Gent. was indicted for the Murther of Richard Champion on the 21st of January last, by giving him one mortal wound with a Rapier, value 2 s. 6 d. on the right Shoulder nigh the Collar-bone, of the breadth of one Inch, and of the depth of two Inches, of which he instantly died. The Evidence declared, That as he was going to work at the Pinder of Wakefield about Eight in the Morning, he did see two men with Swords drawn in the Fields take up their Hats and walk together, and that the Deceased had disarmed the Prisoner, and had both the Swords in his hand, and afterwards he gave the Prisoner his Sword again, and said, Damn him, he would kill him if be would not fight him; and that the Prisoner replied, that he had enough, and would yield him to be the better man; then the Deceased stept back, and to fighting they went, and the Prisoner gave him the aforesaid Wound, and did go backwards above twenty Yards, till he saw the Deceased drop, and then he endeavoured to run away; but being met by one of the Witnesses, he threw down his Sword, and said, that he would surrender himself and go before the next Justice of Peace. The Prisoner did alledge, That when he came out of the George Tavern in Little-Lincolns-Inn-Fields, that the Prisoner followed him into Lambs-Conduit Fields. The Jury found him guilty of Man-slaughter.[3]
[7 Dec. 1709:]
Henry Rout, Thomas Evans and S—, of the Parish of Pancrass, were all 3 Indicted for assaulting Isaac Cook upon the Queens Highway, and taking from him a Silver Watch value 7 l. a steel Snuff Box 10 s. a Raisor 2 s. 2 silver Medals 5 s. and 15 s. in Mony, the Goods and Mony of the said Cook, on the 14th of October last. The Prosecutor depos'd, that Riding to Kentish Town, between Grays-Inn-Lane and Pindar of Wakefield, was met by 3 Men, 2 of them, (viz.) Rout and Evans assaulted him with drawn Swords, and took from him the Goods mention'd in the Indictment: These 2 the Prosecutor swore positively to, having had a perfect view of them. It further appear'd that they were afterwards seen with part of the Goods, some of which were taken upon them, and produc'd in Court. The Evidence being positive against the said Rout and Evans, and they saying nothing for themselves, the jury found them guilty of the Indictment . But nothing more being prov'd against S—, than that he was seen soon after the Robbery, in the Company of the other 2, the Jury acquitted him.[4]
William Colthouse, was indicted for assaulting Robert Hale on the Highway (on Hounslow Health) putting him in fear, and taking from him 3 Guineas and a half, and 3 s. in Money, on the 20th of September, in the 5th Year of the King. He was a 2d time indicted for assaulting Benjamin Burrows on the Highway, putting him in fear, and taking from him a Silver Watch, val. 3 l. 2 Gold Rings, value 30 s. and 4 s. in Money, on the 20th of September, in the 5th Year of the King. Benjamin Burrows depos'd, that riding on Hounslow Heath, between 5 and 6 in the Evening, the prisoner and another came up to him, and bid him stand; the prisoner took his Watch, and the other took the 2 Rings off his Fingers, and 4 s. out of his Pocket. He then saw the prisoner and the other ride up to 3 other Gentlemen, and take away one of their Horses. That coming to London, he apply'd himself to Jonathan Wild, who told him that it was Colthouse and Sinnament that had rob'd him. Upon Wild's Information they soon took Sinnament, who was convicted of, and hang'd for the same Fact. Sometime afterwards he heard the prisoner was committed at Oxford, by the Name of Sanderson, for picking of Pockets; upon which he wrote to Mr. Plater, his Friend in Oxford, giving him a Description of the prisoner, and desiring him to examine and enquire if Sanderson was not the same Person: Of which being satisfied by Mr. Plater, the prisoner was brought to London. Mr. Harle depos'd, that he, Mr. Metcalf, and Mr. Squib, riding out together, he and Mr. Metcalf, on Hounslow Health, outrid Mr. Squib; that near Butchers Grove they saw a Chaise; and on each side a Man on Horseback; and thinking they belong'd to the Chaise, when they met, as he was turning his Horse aside to give 'em way, the prisoner catch'd hold of his Bridle and clapping a Pistol to his Breast, said, D---n ye, I'd rob ye altogether — be expeditious; then taking from him the Money mentioned in the Indictment, and his Bridle, he rob'd the Chaise and Mr. Metcalf. Mr. Squib depos'd, that being left behind Mr. Harle and Mr. Metcalf, the prisoner came up to him, and taking 17 s. from him, bid him dismount, lest he should follow him; Squib told him he would not; the prisoner reply'd,I wont trust ye, exchange is no robbery, and then cut his Bridle, and exchang'd Horses with him. Caeser (Servant to Mr. Metcalf) depos'd that he saw the prisoner follow his Master; that his Master was dismounted, and that he saw the prisoner change Horses with Mr. Squib. They were all positive that the prisoner was the Man. The prisoner in his Defence said, that there were but two Men committed the Robberies he was then indicted for, and two Men (Sinnament and the prisoner's Brother) had already been hang'd for the same: That his Brother and he were so much alike, that they could hardly be distinguish'd when they were seen together; that his Brother and Sinnament were seen together in a House the same Night; and at the time the Robbery was committed, he was lame of the Rheumatism, and could not go abroad. An Evidence for the prisoner depos'd, that she being at a House in Robin Hood's Court in Shoe lane, saw Sinnament and the prisoner's Brother come in together, and bring with 'em a Saddle and 2 Swords, John Coppen depos'd, that 3 Years ago, about the 13th or. 14th of August, the prisoner was taken so ill of the Rheumatism, that he was forc'd to have a Nurse, and kept his Chamber for about 3 Months, in his House. Being askt how he came to remember the Day of the Month so nearly. he said he remember'd it, in that the Day before the prisoner came to his House, Mr. Lewis sent him in ten Chaldron of Coals, for which he paid him 12 l. 17 s. To prove this, he produc'd a blind Receit, which he himself could not read; but it being view'd by the Court, they at last found it bore Date May 7. and he having sworn to about the 13th of August, the Court ordered him to be taken into Custody. He likewife called two other Wirnesses, who testified nothing material. The Jury found him guilty of both Indictments. Death.[5]
James Shaw, alias Smith, alias Thomson, and Richard Norton, alias Watkins, of St. Pancras, were indicted for assaulting Charles Hungate on the Highway, and taking from him a black Gelding. value 10 l. a Bridle and Saddle. 5 s. the Goods of Robert Adams, and 8 s. in Money, the Money of Charles Hungate, on the 27th of December last. It appear'd that Mr. Hungate was rob'd by two Men, between Highgate and Kentish Town, of a Horse, which was Mr. Adams's, and 8 s. in Money: That the Horse was found in a Pound, and the Bridle and Saddle at Norton's Father's House, and that Norton own'd he turn'd the Horse loose in Tothill Fields. That Norton brought the Horse to the Cross Keys Inn in St. Martins Lane, on the Thursday after the Robbery, and carried it on Saturday to the Boar's Head, Kingstreet, Westminster; whence he and Shaw fetch'd it the Monday following, and rode out together. That when Shaw was taken, there was found upon him a Pistol charg'd a Masque, a Flint, and some loose Powder. Norton in his Defence said, he knew nothing of the Robbery, but was hir'd by Shaw to carry the Horse to the Inns. Shaw confest the Fact, and said Norton was innocent. The Jury acquitted Norton, but found Shaw guilty. Death.
Shaw was a 2d time indicted for assaulting Philip Potts on the Highway, putting him in fear, and taking from him a Silver hilted Sword, value 3 l. a Silver Watch, 5 l. on the 24th of June last. He was a 3d time indicted for the Murder of Philip Potts, by giving him one mortal Bruise on the Forehead, near the Left Eye, with a wooden Staff, on the 24th of June last, of which mortal Bruise be languish'd till the 26th of the same Month, and then died. He was a 4th time indicted on the Coroner's Inquest for the said Murder. Isaac Drew depos'd that he, the prisoner, and James Reading, committed that Robbery near the Tile Kilns at Pancras; that the prisoner knock'd the Deceased off his Horse with a Staff; that they soon got him under 'em and rob'd him. Reading took his Sword, and struck at him with it several times, as Shaw likewise did with the Staff; that he saw him bleed at the Head, and went away. Peter Green and John Pritchard depos'd, that hearing a Gentleman was rob'd, they went out and met the Deceased, who told them he was rob'd about a quarter of a Mile off by 3 Men, and that the least of the three knock'd him off his Horse. That they led him along to Battle Bridge, where he said, Lord have mercy upon my Soul, I can go no further, and then fell down. Pritchard then carry'd him on his Back to the Pindar of Wakefield, where he dy'd the Monday following. Mr. Moore the Surgeon depos'd, that being sent for to the Decea'd, he found he had a large Contusion (from a blow) on the Left side of his Forehead, which he believ'd was the cause of his Death. The prisoner at his Trial, confest he had been concern'd in a great many Robberies, not only with Drew and Reading, but others; yet said, he was innocent of what he was now charg'd with, and that he never committed violence on any that he rob'd: That Drew had been prov'd perjur'd in Court before, and that now he swore his Life away, for the sake of 140 l. Reward. The Jury found him guilty of all the Indictments. Death.[6]
[8 Feb. 1722:]
1. JAMES SHAW, otherways Smith, &c. was found Guilty of Assaulting Charles Hungate, on the 27 of December last, between Highgate and Kentish-Town, and taking from him an Horse value ten Pounds, and eight Shillings in Silver. He was also Convicted of Robbing Philip Potts, on the 24 of June last, of a silver Watch, value five Pounds, and a silver Hilted Sword, value three Pounds, near the Tile-Kilns at Pancrass; and likewise found guilty of the Murthering of the said Philip Potts, by knocking him off his Horse, and then striking him with a large Staff over the Head and Body, while one of his Companions struck at him several times with his own Sword; insomuch, that being carryed to the Pindar of Wakefield, as able to go no farther, he there languished from the Saturday till Monday, and then died.
The Malefactor, was about 28 Years old, and born of Parents who he said, would have given him a competant Share of Learning, had not his Temper been too Unfix'd and Unsettled; which Roving Humour appear'd in his being unable to continue in any 'Prentiship, being tryed at a Forgers of Gun-Locks, and other Trades. Yet he would not own that his Inclination was naturally Vicious, but endeavour'd to cast the whole of his Vices and Calamities upon his Wife, asserting, that one while he acquired by his Industry 9 Shillings per Week when first married, but returning weary from his Work, he constantly found his Wife from home, and all things in a melancholly Confusion, which made him (as he said) resolve no longer to labour to so little purpose. And so deep was his inveterate Hatred engrafted in him against his Wife, that no Threats of Hell Fire, no Assurances of being Forgiven, if he heartily forgave Others, could ever abate this settled Eternity; nor could the Sight or Speech of her be supportable; saying also, that the Child which she had, was nothing related to him.
He said, that he perform'd all that was in his power to obtain God's Pardon for the vast Number of Robberies he had committed: That these Assaults were chiefly made between Hamstead and London, upon those who went to, or return'd from the Wells or Bellsize; and that the Soldiers were but little Hindrance to them: He owned that he had sometimes taken 60 or 80 Pounds at a time; adding, that he had often robb'd both on Horseback on Hamstead-Heath, Finchly-Common, &c. and often on Foot, but that the most Cruel and Savage, was the way of Robbing on Foot, Murther being commonly committed, they having no other method on Foot of escaping from a Horseman, but by striking him down from his Horse, and then either Binding or else Disabling his Body. But he was firmly of Opinion, that, as it is more sinful to rob a poor Man or the Church of God, so it was less sinful to rob those who would have spent the Money taken in Gaiety and Luxury, or those who perhaps had unjustly acquired it by Gaming.
He at first denyed very peremptorily, that he had any hand in the Murther of Philip Potts; asserting, that in all his Robberies he never us'd Violence to any Man, except one who lives at Islington, and whom they rob'd by the Men who hang in Chains at Holloway, and that he only gave him a slap on the Head after he had bawl'd out Rogues! Highwaymen! Murther! for a very long time without any one touching him. But afterwards he began to acknowledge that he was acquainted with all the particulars of the Murther, which Circumstances could by no Method have been so precisely known, but by an actual Survey and Cognisance of the Performance.
He said, that he did not know of anything that had ever touch'd his Heart with Concern or Grief, but the Death of one Barton, who was executed a short time ago, for that he himself ought then to have died, that he robb'd the Lord Viscount Lisbon, as he was going from Hamstead, adding, that he found true, what he could not then keep out of his Mind, to wit, that he should quickly follow to an untimely end.
As Jonas Burgess had declar'd, after he had cut his own Throat, that one of the Pistols which were taken from under his Coat, was design'd for this Prisoner, to dispatch himself withal, he was examin'd about it, but would acknowledge nothing, nor own the barbarous Intent he had of killing those who should oppose the Escape of these 4 Malefactors. He said that Burgess had of late declar'd that his Enemies should never see him go to be hang'd, but if he could not escape, he would die; but the Prisoner said (if true I know not) that he advis'd him to beware of Self-Murther; That as he heard the sad Groans he remember'd how he beg'd him not to say that his Enemies had hindered his getting Pardon; for even, if they had destroy'd his Body, it would be no recompence for himself therefore to destroy his Soul.[7]
Ann Mortimer, of the Parish of Pancrass, was indicted for privately stealing five Guineas, from the Person of Richard Richardson, the first of this present October. The Prosecutor depos'd, That he being very much in drink, he went into the Pindar of Wakefield, in Grays-Inn-Lane, and the Prisoner came in, and there he lost his Money. The Landlady's Daughter depos'd, the Prosecutor came in with the Prisoner, and they had three Quarters of Brandy, and were there about an Hour; that he threw his Money about, and afterwards he said he had lost six or seven Guineas; and she found a Guinea in her Hand. The Landlady depos'd, That her Daughter came and told her, The Gentleman was in Liquor, whereupon she went in, and he charg'd the Prisoner with having taken his Money; that she search'd her, and could find none; but her Daughter coming in, said, Mother, look in her Hand; and she said her self did, and found a Guinea in her Hand, which she said the Prosecutor had given her in stead of a Shilling, to buy some Pork. After a full hearing of the Matter the Jury acquitted her.[8]
[5 Jul. 1727:]
Samuel Denison, of St. Pancras, was indicted for assaulting Hamiton Howit March, on the Highway, taking from him 2 s. in Money, and four Knives, on the 4th of April last; it appeared that the Prosecutor had heard a Report that there was some Highwaymen and evil disposed Persons at a Publick House near the Pindar of Wakefield; and to secure them he raised the Country, and proceeding so far in his Suspicions as to bring himself into a Broil, and not to make his Assertions evident, the Consequence was a Quarrel, and some Blows, in which he said he lost the Goods mentioned in the Indictment; but the Fact not appearing plain, the Prisoner was acquitted.[9]
Thomas Rayner and Robert Smith, of St. Andrew's Holborn were indicted for feloniously stealing 4 Brass Dog-Collars, a Bell, some Metal Buckles and Buttons, the Goods of John Moreton, the 1st of this Instant October.
The Prosecutor depos'd, That he keeping a Stall, and selling Cutlery Ware in Holbourn, found his Stall broken open in the Morning, and miss'd his Goods, but knew not who had stolen them, till he saw them, and the Prisoners in the Round-House.
Hugh Farnsworth depos'd, That he seeing the Prisoners (who were two young Boys) about 8 o'Clock in the Morning coming from the Brick-Kiln-Yard, and Robert Smith ringing a Bell, he asked him, If he would sell it? To which he reply'd Yes, Master, and I have other Things to sell, shewing him a Box with some Buttons, &c. in it, that examining how they came by them, they pretended they had bought them for 6 d. at the Pindar of Wakefield, but he suspecting them, went to enquire, and not meeting with any Confirmation, he went into Holbourn, and put them into the Custody of an Officer, Smith at last owned he had broken open the Prosecutor's Stall, but said that Thomas Rayner was not with him at stealing the Goods. The Fact being clearly proved against Robert Smith, the Jury found him Guilty to the Value of 10 d. but there not being sufficient Evidence against Thomas Rayner, he was acquitted.[10]
I went out from Mr. Morris's, I met his Father, and from thence I went to Mrs. Pritchard's, who keeps the House called the Brill (near the Pinder of Wakefield) and there I din'd and staid till after Four, and from thence took a Walk thro' the Park, and so to Mr. Morris's again.[11]
Buck. He was senseless with the Blows and Wounds: This is the Hat, and Plumridge took his Wig to the best of my Remembrance, tho' the Prisoner since told me, that he took it himself. We stript his Coat off, and the Prisoner bid me put it on and wear it, which I did; but first they knock'd him down, and would have murder'd him if I had not begg'd his Life. How can ye serve a Man so villainously? says I, sure you will not be such vile Men as to kill him! For God's Sake spare his Life. And so as they were going I listed him up, and bid him run for his Life; upon which Plumridge and the Prisoner turn'd back to kill me, but I made 'em easy. This is the Coat, and here are the 2 Cuts in the Back. Then we came on foot to Newgate-street, and there we took Coach between 12 and 1 in the Morning, and drove to Mr. Pember's, at the Pindar of Wake-field, where we all three went to bed together. Pember married one of my Sisters. Next Day we went to the Two Brewers by the Church in Old Bedlam, where we spent most of the Money, and at Night I and Plumridge went to Cow-Cross, where we pawn'd the Coat for 7 s. and from thence to Ralph Dobson's in the Old Bailey, where we met the Prisoner, and spent the Night together. I voluntarily surrender'd myself to Justice Robe the same Week (but I forget the Day) and gave Information against the Prisoner, who was taken immediately; then I went, and 3 Men with me, to see for Plumridge in Old Bedlam, but he was gone before we came; and after that I went by myself to New Prison [...]
Buck. One of my Sisters kept a Brandy shop, and t'other kept an Alehouse at the Pindar of Wakefield, but they have both met with Losses, and so have left off Trade.
Ralph Dobson. I live in the Old Baily, I am a Cooper by Trade, and sell Liquors and Earthen-ware, Buck, and Plumridge, and the Prisoner were drinking together at my House last Monday was a Fortnight, between 11 and 12 at Night; they had a Bottle of Dorcheste Beer, and a Bottle of Perry.
William Pomber. I lately kept the B[???] Tree Alehouse at the Pindar of Wakefield, but have since left it. On Monday the 19th of April, about one in the Morning, Buck, and Plumridge, and the Prisoner came in a Coach to my Door, and knock'd me up; I told 'em I had no Fire, nor Candle in the House; they said they were very dry; says I to Buck, You know the way into the Cellar, fetch up some bottle Ale; so he went down, and brought up 3 Bottles. I groped about for a Mug, but not finding it readily, they drank out of the Bottle; then they all 3 went to the Pump to wash themselves; I went up to Bed, and they follow'd me; my Wife was not with me, and so we lay all together, for it was a very large Bed. I got up at 5, and opening the Window-shutter, saw their Cloaths which lay on the Bed, and their Linen were very bloody: Plumridge call'd for some Water, and a Towel, which I fetch'd, and he began to wash one of the Coats, which was more bloody than the rest; says I you'll spoil your Coat, you had better do it with a dry Brush; he desir'd me to help him to one, which I did, and then he began to rub the Blood off his own Coat, for he said the other was Buck's, and when he had done, the Prisoner took the Brush, and clean'd his Coat [...][12]
[2 Oct. 1734:]
He, with some other of his Companions, broke open a Sale Shop in St. John's-street about Christmas was 12 Months last, from whence they took about 30 Suits of Cloaths, old and new, besides other Things; but in going by St. John's Pound, were stop'd by two Watchmen, but they being arm'd with Pistols, oblig'd the Watchmen to light them into the Fields as far as the London Spaw, when they sent the Watchmen back, and made the best of their Way to the Pinder of Wakefield, where they made a Survey of their Booty; and from thence sent for a Woman who used to pawn their stolen Goods for them, who came accordingly, and carry'd them away to some of her Accomplices, and converted them into Money presently, so that they shared about 12 l. each amongst them for that Night's Work.[13]
After her [Edward Joines's first wife] Death I went to work at Bromley, and being likely to continue in Business there, I unfortunately went to the lower End of Poplar, to see for a Lodging nearer my Business, and happened to fix in the House of the Deceased, who was a Widow and had one Daughter. I had not liv'd above a Week in the House, before we grew so well acquainted, that we agreed not to make two Beds, and I was to pay half Charges. In this Manner we liv'd about a Year, and then she began to take too much upon her, and threatened to turn me out of the House. To prevent this, and to appease her, I proposed to marry her, thinking she then could not turn me out of Doors. She consented, and we were married about Twelvemonths ago at the Fleet; but after this she grew more and more uneasy, and whenever People ask'd her for Money she ow'd them, She bid them go to her Husband. I never had any great Inclination to marry her, but I thought the House would then be mine, and she would be more quiet and easy; and after I had once mention'd it, she worried me without Intermission till the Thing was done. Her Daughter was then out at Service; but since the Death of her Mother she has liv'd in the House, and is now in Possession of all our Goods in Robin-Hood Lane, at the lower End of Poplar.[14]
[3 Sep. 1740:]
George Holden, I know nothing of the matter; I keep a House in Robin-Hood's-Court, in Shoe-Lane, and take the Toll in Smithfield for that Gentleman, - Mr. Leigh. [15]
[7 Apr. 1742:]
[...] Tom Easter and I committed another Robbery near Sir George Whitmore's at Hoxton, on a Gentleman, from whom we took a silver Watch, which I pawn'd for 2 Guineas and eight Shillings in Money.
The next Robbery I committed, was with Easter's Assistance, on a Gentleman near the Pindar of Wakefield, whom we robbed of 15 Guineas and 30 s. in Silver.[16]
[17 Jun. 1747:]
The Manner of Committing the Robbery was, that he [William Simms] and William Bullimore, Thomas Casey, and John England, on the 20th of December met together in the Mint, and agreed that Night to break open the House of Mr. Nathan Smith, in the Borough; and between Twelve and One, being provided with a Jacob, i.e. a Ladder of Ropes, artfully contrived and fixed to a long Pole, which opened by a Spring, that by it they could ascend so high as Two Pair of Stairs, Bullimore mounted first, and entred the Chamber where Mrs. Smith lay (Mr. Smith being then out of Town) whom he ordered to get up or he would Murder her; which she did, and put on her Things; he then demanded her Money, and made her unlock her Drawers, which he examined; carried her into another Room; where he obliged her to unlock a Press, which contained some Goods, from behind which he pulled out two Bags of Money, which contained upwards of Four Hundred Pounds, and a Twenty Pound Bank Note: He asked her if that was all the Money in the House, she told him Yes; and he swore Bitterly, if she told him a Lie, and he found any more, he would absolutely Murder her; he all this while, had a large drawn Cutlass in his Hand, after he had taken the Money, he demanded all her Keys, then obliged her to go down Stairs, at the Foot of which was a Door, which he opened, made her immediately go in and bolted it after her; then came up Stairs, and let in his Companions, when we immediately began to rifle the Shop, and cramed [sic] such Goods as we could find into Bags, and carried them to a House in the Mint, where we lodged our first Parcel, and came back a second and third Time for more; we found likewise in the House some Plate, a Pair of Salts, some Silver Spoons and a Pepper Box, the Cash we equally divided at the House in the Mint, but the Goods we carried to a House near the Pinder of Wakefield by Pancras, where they remained some Days; and then my Companions proposed going to Ireland to sell them, promising to remit me my Share, which I consented to, and from that Day have never seen or heard of them.[17]
Thomas Reynolds, was indicted for inlisting and detaining John Carnes for the French king's service as a soldier, without leave or licence before obtained, &c.
John Carnes. I became acquainted with the prisoner about the first of June last, he lived at the Robin Hood and Little John in Broad St. Giles's, and kept what we call in the vulgar tongue, a bawdy house, a night house for all sorts of people whatsoever. The first time I went in tansiently as I passed by to have a pint of beer, I knew nothing of him at that time; I happened (to tell the truth, my lord) to meet with a sweetheart there, so I went there several times after that; sometimes I staid all night, as he furnished me with a bed and female bedfellow. There were ladies of all tastes, both for soldiers and sailors. One time I had but a shilling, and some halfpence about me. I told him I did not want to wrong him, telling him what I had about me; he said, don't mind that, you shall not want liquor; there came in a young gentleman, about 5 feet 11 inches high, dressed well, with velvet breeches, a large hat, with a feather in it, silk stockings turn'd up his knees; he was pleas'd to call me a clever young fellow; I did not think I was, till such time he told me so.
Q. Was this the first time of your going there?
Carnes. No, sir, this was after I had been there several times; about the 4th or 5th of June the prisoner ask'd me how I lik'd the guards; before I belong'd to the guards, I belong'd to the regiment lately commanded by General Ponsonby; said he, I remember when any of the guards get into trouble, they stand a chance to be whip'd by a cat o'ninetails; said I, so they do very often, but I never was whip'd with a cat o'ninetails yet; said he, I can put you into a better way of living; 4 s. 6 d. per week does not go a great way in London, without a man has a trade, or some other way of getting money, besides his pay; said he, you had better take a little of my advice, and go where I desire you to go, it will be to your profit. Said I, I'll go; where is it? said he, if you'll go into the French service, you cannot be liable to any punishment, without you be a thief, or a rogue; but for getting drunk, or a little small fault, he is never punish'd. I went to bed then; the next morning he ask'd me some more questions; said he, I'll tell you how it is, I can get you out of these guards; said I, if you put me into a better way I'll hear it; he shew'd me about 14 or 15 different coats, some marines; some soldiers, of marching regiments ; said he, go down to Dover, to the sign of the city of Calais, and I'll send a guide along with you; there you shall be kindly receiv'd by two persons, Russel, and Purcel, but the principal was this Purcel; Russel kept the house, and Purcel was one that was prosecuted last Assizes; said I, I cannot go out of London with my regimental cloaths on; said he, I'll give you a frock, and a hat; leave your's with me; which I did.
Q. Did you agree with him to go?
Carnes. I did, I was to have 25 crowns paid me at this sign of the city of Calais.
Q. Did you upon this set out?
Carnes. Yes, sir, I did, and a guide which he sent along with me.
Q. Who was this guide?
Carnes. It was a lady; I deliver'd my coat, waistcoat, and hat, to him, and we set out pretty early in the morning, the 13th of June; she had money plenty of the prisoner, to carry me down.
Q. How do you know that?
Carnes. She told me so.
Q. Did you see the prisoner give her any?
Carnes. She shewed me gold, and I saw him give her money for that purpose.
Q. Did he give you any?
Carnes. No, he did not; he gave me victuals and drink in plenty. She went down along with me as far as Sandwich in Kent. The prisoner gave me advice, when I went out of London, not to pass any of the great towns but in the night, for he said he had several times gone down there with the French ambassador's livery upon him, and passed back in the night time with persons to go to serve in lord Ogleby's regiment in the French service. When I got to Sandwich, then I began to think of the evil I had done; I left my female guide there, and went right on to Dover-Castle, where there were two companies of Scotch Fuzileers, and I went to a relation of mine, whose name is Hope, and told him what I had done.
Q. Did you not go into the town of Dover?
Carnes. No, I did not, the Castle is out of the town; I went also to a serjeant-major of the Scotch Fuziliers, and told him I belonged to the third regiment of foot-guards commanded by the earl of Dunmore. I desired him to write back to the regiment.
Q. Consider well; did you agree with the prisoner to go and enter into the French service?
Carnes. I did agree with him so to do.
Q. You say he gave you liquor? did he give you that to encourage you to undertake this?
Carnes. It was for no other intent. The woman bore all my expences, I was not one farthing out of pocket.
Q. How long were you in going to Sandwich?
Carnes. We lay three nights by the way; one place where we lay was about half way betwixt this and Rochester, 15 miles from London.
Q. What is the woman's name?
Carnes. I don't know that, she was one of his ladies that attended the house.
Q. Do you know whether she had the money, she bore your charges withal, of the prisoner?
Carnes. His intent of giving her the money was in case I had been taken up, then I might say I never received a farthing of money from him; this was to keep him free of the law. He told me on our setting out she had plenty, and I should not want either victuals or drink.
Q. Are you sure he told you this?
Carnes. He told me so a great many times, and when we went out of his house in the morning, after we had drank two hot pots together, he opened the door, and wished all good fortune, and said don't be afraid, this woman has money enough, and when you come there you shall have money enough; so we went on together, and passed as man and wife.
Q. Did you agree with him, or was you to agree with Purcel?
Carnes. I agreed with the prisoner.
Cross examined.
Q.' How happen'd it you went first into the prisoner's house?
Carnes. As I might in any other house in London.
Q. Did not you know it was a bawdy house?
Carnes. No, not at first going in.
Q. Did he begin this conversation, at your first going there?
Carnes. No, not till I had been there three or four times.
Q. Was it for the sake of your nymph, or the prisoner's conversation, you went there?
Carnes. It was to lie with the several young women that were there, that made me go three or four times.
Q. At whose expence was you entertain'd there?
Carnes. The first time it was at my own expence; the second and third times, it was at part my own, and part some of the female sex, that were there; and after that by his expence.
Q. Did you never run on tick there?
Carnes. No, I never did in my life.
Q. Had you any letter of recommendation to Purcel?
Carnes. No, none at all; I had no writing, but the woman had.
Q. Had you been conversant with her before you set out?
Carnes. Yes, sir, I had 5 or 6 times before; but I was as free with other women at his house, as with her.
Q. Where is she now?
Carnes. I don't know.
Q. Had you ever your own regimentals again?
Carnes. Yes, sir, the serjeant of the company that I belong to, went to the prisoner's house, and brought this coat I have on; he had my ammunition waistcoat there, out of the bar.
Q. Have you a wife?
Carnes. Yes, sir, I have.
Q. Did not you pawn your hat?
Carnes. No, sir, I never did in my life.
Q. Did not your wife pawn it?
Carnes. That wife was one of the prisoner's own producing; I deliver'd it into the prisoner's hands.
Q. What did you do with your arms and accoutrements?
Carnes. I left them in my quarters; the prisoner said, suppose you should meet any soldiers on the road, you had better cut your hair off. He also desired me to bring my firelock, arms, and accoutrements to him, and he knew a safe way to send them over; said I, that is death without mercy, I'll never dispose of his Majesty's arms; he called me fool, saying, he knew which way to convey them safe over, and that he had conveyed pieces of the Tower arms over before then.
Serjeant John Templestone. I know the last witness, he is a soldier in the company I belong to. I inlisted him myself.
Q. Did you ever miss him from your regiment?
Templestone. He went away for some time. We began to enquire after him; we had intelligence by some people who had seen him at the prisoner's house; I went there and took two or three more people with me, and enquired if he knew John Carnes a soldier; (the prisoner seemed very much confused, he went and talked to his wife) yes, said he, I do know him; pray, said I, do you know any thing of his leaving any cloaths here? said he. I would have sent them to the people they belong to had I known where to send; so he went and brought me Carnes's coat and waistcoat, the hat he denies. Carnes said he left the hat there, and I believe I have an evidence here that knows it was left there; the prisoner said Carnes lodged some nights in his house, and told me he was gone out a hay-making with a woman.
– Riley. I have known John Carnes ever since the 5th of June last; I saw him at the Robin Hood and Little John in Broad St. Giles's; I found a regimental hat in the bed where I lay up one pair of stairs backwards, and delivered it to the prisoner's wife, it was a new one; I was going to crop it for myself. The prisoner was then asleep.
To his Character.
William Johnson. I never saw any thing by the prisoner but what was honest, I lodged in his house about two months before his confinement; I came home in the Eltham man of war between five and six months ago; when I came to London I happened to lodge in his house.
Q. Did he ever endeavour to intice you abroad?
Johnson. No, never.
Q. Did you ever hear him talk in this nature to any others?
Johnson. No, I never did.
Q. What sort of company is there in that house?
Johnson. There were people came in and out, who called for beer.
Q. Were not there women resorted there very frequently?
Johnson. There were, but whether they lay there I cannot tell.
Sarah Barker. I have known the prisoner between seven and eight months; I never was in his house but when his wife lay in; he bore as good a character as any man in the world for what I heard.
Q. Did you ever hear he encouraged people to go abroad?
Barker. No, Sir, I never heard he did.
Q. Do you live near him?
Barker. I live about a quarter of a mile off his house; I nursed his wife.
Q. Had he many people come to his house?
Barker. He had a neighbourly share of customers, but I was very seldom down stairs.
Q. Was you ever at Sandwich?
Barker. No, sir, I never was.
Guilty Death.[18]
14 Sep. 1757:]
Q. from Price. What day was this, or what time of the day ?
Bell. To the best of my knowledge it was between ten and twelve. I do not know the day of the month. We went to a publick house near the edge of the town, I think it was the Robin Hood in Holbourn, just by Little Queen street. We found some half crowns, some shillings, some halfpence, and a silver groat. I can't be positive to the sum, because those that took the money out of the prosecutor's pocket, sunk some of it; we had each of us about half a crown. Then we went to our lodgings. I then lodg'd in Bolton-street, at a coach-maker's.[19]
[17 Sep. 1762:]
Mr. Pierce. I live at the Robin-hood, in Charles-Street, St. James's-square. Mess. Mason and Co. are my brewers; when casks are empty, I put them out into the stable-yard, because we want room in the cellar.
Mr. Mason. There are three partners of us; Wm Mason, Wm Lake, and Hen. Mason.
Thomas Earle. I am cooper to Mess. Mason and Co. I was at Mr. Clark's, in order to search, and found some butt staves with our mark upon them (produced in court); I found some staves, where it plainly appeared the marks had been cut out; I also saw whole butts with the marks cut out: On his cross examination, he said, he had known brewer's butts sold by auction, when a person had left off trade; but then it was not usual to cut the old marks out; that he never knew his masters to sell casks; that he remembered two being missing at the Robin-hood, in Charles-street, and that they had Mr. Mason's mark on them. [20]
Heusch. This was on the 10th of December, the first time that I saw him after his father-in-law's death. Immediately after that, citations were served. It rested for some time, to, I believe, the 22d of last June. Mr. Bellas's clerk sent a person to our house to let us know, two witnesses had been in the commons and examined on the execution of this will. I I went to Mr. Bellas's to know who they were, which I found to be the prisoner Biddle and Hannah Frankland, and that the attorney concerned was Sparry. I found Frankland had been a servant to Sparry, but then resided with one Thomas Morvil in Blackfriars. Then I went to Mr. Bellas's to get his clerk to see Frankland, to know whether she was the same woman, that had been in the commons; he said, she was the very same person. After that, I and Mr. Hamlen went to Greenwich, and took Sparry in an alehouse, and brought him to town; it was very cold weather; we came up by water, and went to a tavern and dined. I do not now recollect whether it was in the boat or in the tavern, but he declared to us that very day, that Farr was taken by Oliver, who was going to carry him to the Marshalsea-prison, at the suit of Mountstephens, that then he should have given us notice that we might have taken him up, and he believed it to be a'bad affair, and if I would admit him a witness, he would give me all the assistance in his power; he said, Farr brought him a draught of an old man's will, (I will not be sure to the time when he said he brought it) and desired him to dictate a will to him for his father-in-law. That Farr told him, that the testator had an utter aversion to a lawyer making a will; and that he, at Farr's request, dictated a will, which Farr wrote; I think he said this was at the King's head in Broad St. Gile's, that after the will had been wrote by Farr at that house, he went with him to the next house, called the Robin-hood, at Farr's request, in Charles-street; that Farr desired him to wait there, while he went in to the testator his father-in-law, and upon Farr's not returning immediately, he went away; nor was he at the execution of the will; and that it was the same will that was produced in the commons. As we were in Guildhall-yard, just before we went before Mr. Alderman Blunt, I said to him, As you say you are innocent of this affair, I should be glad to know who wrote the will? He said, as Mr. Farr wrote the body of the will, you may easily guess who wrote the name; he likewise declared, he did intend to let us into the secret, and did send his brother once or twice to have given information; that he had a letter wrote by Mountstephens, which he said was either two or three sheets of paper, and Mountstephens had no concern in the affair, and desired to know if I had any thing against Mountstephens; I told him, I had not, and that instead of desiring Mountstephens to keep out of the way, I desired him to get him to come to me, that I might know what he had to say on that affair. [...]
Q. Do you remember what conversation you had with him?
Hamlen. I do. After we took him we had him before a magistrate. The magistrate ordered us to take him to London: he was a little obstinate at first, and wanted to go home; but the constable said, he should go before a magistrate. We brought him from the magistrate's by water to London. Coming along, he said, he had no occasion to come to London to throw himself into our hands; that he had kept at Greenwich some time, and if we had sent to him he would have surrendered: and if we had not come down to day he intended to have surrendered himself; that he knew the will to be a forged thing himself, and that he dictated the will at a public house in St. Giles's and Farr wrote the will; he said, Mr. Farr said to him, I should be obliged to you if you will do this thing for me, because my father-in-law always said no lawyer should make his will; and that he dictated it, and Farr wrote it; then they went to the Robin Hood, and there, at Mr. Farr's request, he staid some time, in order for Farr's coming back to let him know whether his father-in-law was ready for him to come to be a witness to the will; finding him not coming immediately, he went away; he said several times, he was concerned for Mr. Farr in such an affair, and that Farr had such an estate left him by his father-in-law, a taylor in Charles's square, and he was going to mortgage an estate which Mr. Farr had at Crookhorn, in order to carry on this affair, and he had no manner of doubt but they should succeed. And coming along, and afterwards at the Queen's Head in Tower street, on Tower-hill, where we dined, he mentioned it; and there he begged we would admit him an evidence, and he would give us all the assistance he possibly could; that he knew it to be a forgery, and had several papers relating to this will, and if we would call at the Counter in a day or two after, he would deliver the papers up to us. While coming by water, he several times said, he knew the thing was forged. We asked him, if he knew who signed the name Jeffery Henvill? Said he, Mr. Farr wrote the body, and who do you think signed the name? He said, he hoped we would be as favourable as we could to him, and he hoped we would not take up Mr. Mountstephens: he said, he had a letter from him as long as my arm, wherein he sets forth the thing; and said, he as well as myself knows it to be a forgery. He said, Mr. Farr had given him a note of 50 l. and he was to make out a bill of cost for the business he had done to that amount.[21]
[...] Thomas Bird was indicted for stealing a sattin cardinal, value 20 s. the property of Mary Kirby, widow, Aug. 6.
Mary Kirby. I live at the Robinhood, Leather-lane; I lost a sattin cardinal out of the parlour; I did not miss it till the 7th of August; the prisoner was in the house on the 6th in the morning, but I did not see him; he was taken up the same day three doors from us, upon suspicion of robbing a room at Dobney's; I missing my cardinal, and knowing the prisoner had been before Justice Girdler, and a cardinal had been brought there, and no body owned it, I went to the pawnbroker, named Careless, in Fox-court; there I found my cardinal in pawn.
William Cullen. I am servant to Mr. Careless in Fox-court; the prisoner pledged a cardinal with me on the 6th of August, in his own name for 7 s. about seven in the morning; (produced and deposed to by prosecutrix.)
John Woolse. I keep the Robinhood in Leather-lane; the prisoner came to my house between six and seven in the morning of the 6th of August, along with two more; they called for some bread and cheese and beer; I heard the prisoner own, before the Justice, the cardinal was taken before the second pot was drawn, but did not say he took it.
Prisoner's defence.
I had been out, and coming back, I met two men, one had a bundle; they wanted to get some beer; I took them in at Mr. Woolfe's; we had some beer: I went home, which is but two doors off; when I came to them again, the beer was almost cut; one of them beckoned me to the door, and asked me if any pawnbroker was up; I told him yes; I took him into Fox-court, Gray's inn-lane; there he asked me to go and pledge either a cardinal or a gown; I took the cardinal, and pledged it for 7 s. and gave him the money; he went back and paid the reckoning, which came to 1 s. and a halfpenny.
Woolfe. The prisoner went out three times, but they did not all depart the house till the reckoning was paid; one of the others went out once.
Martha Pain. He lodged at the Gridiron, Gray's inn-lane, four years and a half, where I am servant; he always behaved himself very well there.
Guilty. T.[22]
[18 May 1768:]
Elizabeth Perkins. I am wife to Thomas Perkins, and live in Robinhood's-court, Shoe-lane. On Saturday the 23d of April in the morning, my husband was gone out to work, he opened the window before he went out; I soon heard the cry, stop thief, it awaked me; the prisoners were brought up to the window to me as I was in bed, and my cloak was brought with them, it was in my room when I went to bed.[23]
Thomas Hibert. I am a brush maker. I live in Boswell-court, Charterhouse-lane. I have known him twenty years. I took him apprentice. He has been out of his time about ten years. I can give no account how he has lived since. I have often seen him at work: it is not above three weeks ago since I saw him at work in Robinhood's-court, Shoe-lane, where he lives. I never heard any ill of him.[24]
3 Jun. 1772:]
Q. Do you know the nature of an oath? what will become of you if you take a false oath, is it a good or a wicked thing.
Ingram. A wicked thing. I was going along in Bow lane, near Bromley, last Saturday about five o'clock; I was walking on one side of the way, and the prisoner on the other side. He said, my dear, I have not seen you a long time; I thought I knew him at first, afterwards I found I did not; then he said again it is a long time since I saw you; I said, sir, I do not come home but once a week, I live at my master's.
Q. Where is your home?
Ingram. My parents live in Robinhood lane. He asked me to come over the hedge into the field, I did not go over; he said he would give me six-pence; I said I did not want any of his money, I wanted to go home to my grand-mother; then he said he would give me a shilling; I said I did not want his shilling, I must go home to my grandmother; he got over the hedge and stooped down, he saw me run away, and ran after me.[25]
JOHN FEAST sworn.
I lost two pint pots on the 21st of January. I saw them taken from the prisoner at the Robin Hood and Black Boy, in Leather-lane.
WILLIAM BAILEY sworn.
I lodge up two pair of stairs in Leather-lane. I had been out last Sunday morning was a month; when I returned, I met the prisoner coming down stairs; when I got up stairs I missed the pots, which I had put on the outside of the door before I went out: I asked my wife if the people had been for the pots? she said, No: I immediately suspected the prisoner; I followed him, and brought him to the Robin Hood; there I found a quart pot, and two pint pots in a bag; and there were two pints in his pockets, and two under his coat.[26]
ISAAC WALTON sworn.
I live in Robinhood-court, Milk-street. On the 8th of October, at a little past seven in the evening, I returned home from Islington; while I stopped at the bottom of the court to make water I perceived a man jump out of the parlour window of my house; immediately after that I perceived another jump out; as he came past me he gave me a wheel round; then I saw a third jump out, which was the prisoner. I catched him by the throat and said, I would hold him if he was the Devil. I seised him by the collar and cried out thieves and murtherers! and I held him till some neighbours came; then my wife, who was behind me, came up and opened the door; there was nobody in the house. I went out about half after one; she came to me about an hour and an half after, and we walked up to Islington; when my wife had opened the door I took him in; when I came into the parlour I saw a table-cloth spread upon the oil-cloth, and the sundry things, mentioned in the indictment, laid upon it; they had been taken out of a drawer in the same room.[27]
JANE SWEATMAN's DEFENCE.
I had been all the afternoon in Robinhood's court, I was going along by this place, and saw this woman, Humphries, I asked her where she was going, she said, to Mrs. Topham's, I am sensible she is acquainted with her, I said, I had not seen her a good while, and I would go and treat her, she went with me; as I was going by this place, I said, I wanted to go and ease myself, we went to the necessary together; I never saw any person in the alley but Mary Stebbings , and no person ever met us in the alley but that woman.[28]
RICHARD MATTHEW sworn.
I am servant to the prosecutor, I saw the prisoner come out of my master's cart in Milk-street, and he went towards the market, instead of going into the market he turned to the left, and went into Milk-street, and then turned up Robinhood-court, and I came back to Milk-street, and there I found him, he had a carcass of mutton on his shoulders, between five and six in the evening, I suspected him, and asked him where he was going with it, he said it was his master's, I asked him where his master lived, he said, it was no business of mine, I took the mutton off his shoulders, and gave it to an acquaintance of mine, and we brought it into the market, that is all the account I can give of it.[29]
HENRY CLARE sworn.
On Sunday in the afternoon, I came home very near four o'clock, I live at No. 7, Robinhood-court, Shoe-lane, and they said there was a thief run in there, and that he was gone into the Eagle and Child; I went in for the paper, I went backwards, and the prisoner was sitting having part of a pint of beer, and according to the description this was the man, I said nothing to him, I went out of the door, I did not take notice whether any thing was besides him; I told the constable and the people that I thought he was within, and said I will stay at the door, I had the paper in my hand the mean time; I went in and said to the mistress of the house, these gentlemen are come in to see if that is the man; the prisoner came to the bar, and said what is the matter, he pushed by me, and ran as fast as he could, and I called to them that were backwards, and they came out directly after, and they followed him home to his own lodgings, where he run in, and I followed him up stairs, I never lost sight of him till he ran into the house, I heard somebody running before me up stairs, and I called to the constable to come up stairs, and he was taken there; the constable burst the door open, he had locked himself in, they knocked several times at the door, but he did not answer; when the constable began to burst open the door, he said what is the matter, I'll open the door, and he opened the door, and the constable said, you have a thief in the house, says he, I have no thief in the room; I looked at him, and said this is the person that was at Mrs. Brown's, take down the pistols from the mantle-piece, there were pistols over the mantle-piece.
NOAH DELFORCE sworn.
I live in Blackhorse-alley, Fleet-market, I was standing at master's door, on Sunday in the afternoon, and two men came running up the court, there was a gentleman in a blue coat and red cape, running after them, that was Mr. Chitty; he said he saw the two men come out of the tallow chandlers, they ran up the court, and they had a bundle under each of their arms, and a stick in their hands, they ran up Fleet-street, we ran after them, there we lost one of them, we ran up King's-head-court, there we met one of them coming by the King's Printing Office, with a bundle under his arm, I am quite sure that is one of them; a man in half mourning cried that is the gentleman, then he ran back through Robinhood-court, and I saw him go into the Eagle and Child in Shoe-lane.[30]
[14 Dec. 1785:]
WILLIIAM HANCOCK sworn. What age are you? - About eighteen, I live in Mint-street, No. 14, with Mr. Millington; this woman brought me up when I was a child; my master is the son-in-law of this woman, he maried her daughter.
Who brought you here to-day? - Mr. Russel.
Who is Mr. Russel? - A coachman in Robinhood yard.
Who applied to you to come here? - He, himself.
What connection has he with the prosecutrix or the prisoner? - He came to me, and told me I was to come here and speak the truth.
Then take care you do? - I know nothing at all about it, she brought down a summons to me at night, on Tuesday night, which Lord Mayor's day was on Wednesday, and told me I must come to her house to breakfast on Wednesday.
What summons did she bring you? - A summons from Justice Blackborough.
Did you go? - Yes, I went, then we had a breakfast; then she sent me out for a quartern of gin, I drank a part of it with her, then she got ready to go away; and going down Saffron-hill we had part of another quartern; and when we had done there, we went to Turnmill-street, to Mr. Chambers, and there we had another quartern; and with that she told me I was to take this false oath, to say that I saw this young man take these clothes, in a sheet under his arm.
Upon your oath, did she tell you to say so? - Yes, your Worship, she did.
What else did she tell you to swear? - To swear that I saw him take them out of a white sheet, and take them up to the stable that was in the corner; she said to take that oath before the Justice, and that would commit him to gaol.
Did she bid you say nothing else? - No, she told me to stand to that.
Was that all? - Yes.
Recollect yourself again as well as you can, whether she told you any thing else? - No, she told me nothing else that I can remember, but I was very much in liquor when I came away from the Justice's; that I could hardly tell what I said, or did.
Who was present when this conversation passed? - Nobody, but herself, and me.
Where was Mr. Chambers? - He was not come into the room at that time.
How came she to pick you out for this particular business? - Because she thought I was one that she reared up, and she thought I would do, or swear any thing in the world for her; and she took it upon that circumstance, she thought I would swear any thing for her.
Had you been at her place the day that she lost her things, at all? - No, I had not.
Upon your oath you had not? - Upon my oath I had not.
You are sure of that? - I am certain sure of that.
Did you never tell her that you had, before this time? - No, Sir, never.
You never told her that you had been there, or had seen any thing about it? - No.
Upon your oath, young man? - Upon my oath.
Court. Is there any body here from Mr. Blackborough's?
(Mr. Blackborough's clerk was sent for.)
Hancock. I really ask the Court's pardon with all my heart for what I have done, and will never do the like again; but it was very wrong in her to take an apprentice, and one that hardly knows a letter in a book.
Mr. Silvester. If there is any doubt about the case, I will call two witnesses.
Court to Hancock. Did your master keep you at home? - He could not spare me.
Court. Is any body here from Mr. Blackborough's, this is a very black business on the one side or on the other, and I am determined to get to the bottom of it.
WILLIAM BRACHNEY sworn.
I belong to Mr. Blackborough's office, I cannot positively say whether I was at the office at the time of the examination; but I know something of the business: this lad came with the prosecutrix, I do not recollect any body else; he had got a good story when he did come, I believe it was the morning of Lord Mayor's day, I am not positive; I believe they were together before they went into the Justice's, and had been drinking at the public-house; the first I knew about the business, Mr. Isaacs and I had a warrant to apprehend the prisoner; we went to look for him the first time, and could not find him; then the man came, Isaacs took him, I was not by; he came before Mr. Blackborough, and they took his master's word to bring him the next day; then they got a summons for this lad, it was either the day that the prisoner came to Mr. Blackborough's, or the day before; when he came before Mr. Blackborough, he seemed to tell a very good story; but to the best of my opinion, I think, he was learned that story first; because, I thought the woman was a very bad woman; I heard no conversation between the woman and the boy, before they went into the Justice's, I was in the office when they came in; I cannot pretend to say particularly, whether any body particular stood by the boy; when the woman went in, the boy seemed to be sober, but she was rather in liquor, for she was full of jaw.
Then the boy was not so drunk, as not to know what he said, or did? - I do not believe he was so drunk.
Who took the examination? - His clerk.
What is his name? - Edward Lavender; I believe the boy went in after this examination, to have his examination taken, but I cannot be positive.
Mr. Silvester. Was Chambers there? - Yes, he was concerned in the business, he was concerned for this, he came with them, and was with them I believe before they came in.
Court. You do not think the boy was drunk? - I do not think he was, he did not seem drunk, I never saw him till he was brought in by Mr. Chambers and the woman, I never saw the woman before I went with her to serve a warrant on the prisoner, my reason for saying he was instructed is, I thought there was some people with them that might give them a little education, you know as well as I do, I do not like to mention people's names, but I thought so I assure you.
You thought this woman had got into bad hands in plain English? - I thought she had got into hands that would give her a good lesson; but this I am sure, the place where Hancock said he saw the man, it is impossible he should see the lock broke off, for it is in a hay loft, and you are obliged to look down, he said he had been in sleep in this hay loft or straw loft, but they are obliged to stand and look as if they were looking underneath this desk, it is a place so dark, in my opinion, that it is impossible to see the door without leaning over.
Could he, in the hay loft, see the door without leaning over? - He could not, I am sure of that, because I was in the hay loft, it is the same as standing at this bench and leaning over to look under it; at the time he was examined I think, to the best of my remembrance, it was said, that it was a thing impossible that a man could see the lock brok open with a knife or any thing of that kind.
Court. Step for Lavender: and in the mean time examine the prisoner's witnesses apart.
MARY WOLFE sworn.
I keep a public-house in Leather-lane, the Robinhood and Black-boy, I have known the prisoner these three years, he lives in the yard adjoining to the house, that is, he works in the yard, Mr. Beach keeps coaches in the yard; on Wednesday, the 2d of November, I very well remember the prisoner coming to my house about ten minutes before two, he was not out till five, the old-clothes woman came in at nine in the evening, and said she had been robbed, she said nothing to him about it, he was in the house at the time.[31]
WILLIAM TILL sworn.
Do you remember being charged with robbing the prisoner? - Yes.
What day did she charge you with robbing her? - On Saturday the 5th of November.
I mean, on what day did she say you robbed her, when she gave her evidence in this Court? - I do not know the day of the month.
Do you remember the day when this woman first came, and said in your hearing that she had been robbed? - She came in about nine o'clock in the evening; she said she had been robbed between the hours of two and four.
Are you sure she fixed that time? - Yes, I am.
Do you know where you were that day, between the hours of two and four, will you tell us upon your oath? - I was in at Mrs. Wolf's, when she came in to complain of this robbery; I had been there from seven till nine, I did not go out till eleven, when I went home to bed.
Then from that were you in Robinhood-yard at any time between nine and eleven that evening? - No, I went home to-bed at eleven. I did not go out of Wolf's house from seven till eleven that evening; I live in Robinhood-yard with Mr. Russel, coach-master.
Do you live over the stables belonging to Robert Beach? - No.
Then in fact, any time between seven and eleven, were you in Robinhood-yard with any bundle of woman's clothes? - No, Sir, I never was out of Mr. Wolf's house.
I need not ask you, if the prisoner called to you between that time in the yard? - No, Sir, she never saw me till she came to Mr. Wolf's.
Court. Did the prisoner know you before? - Yes; she was a lodger of my master's.
Then, she knew your person before? - Yes.
Was she a lodger at this time that she charged you with this offence? - Yes.
Previous to this offence, had you had any quarrel with her? - No, Sir.
Never have had a word with her? - Not a word.
Mr. Keys, Prisoner's Counsel. How long have you been employed in that yard? - Upwards of five years.
Has Dorothy Handland lodged in that yard all the time? - No, Sir, she has not been a lodger to my master so long as that; she left my master's apartment about a year ago, and then she came back again.
How long have you been acquainted with her? - Ever since I have been in the yard, and longer.
That is five years and a half? - Yes.
What business is she? - An old clothes woman.
When she goes out about her business, her room is left locked up? - Certainly; there have been several people after her, and she has told me to take their names, and to deliver messages, and she should be at home at such a time; but I never shewed any goods for her in my life; when I have been in the yard doing my horses, she has come down in the yard, and said she should be at home soon.
You knew her little stock was there? - I cannot tell.
Is this alehouse, the Robinhood, close to the yard? - It joins the yard.
What distance is it between the Robinhood and that stable-door, where she swore she saw you pass? - I suppose, a hundred yards.
When you was in this public house, what time did you go there? - At seven in the evening.
What time did you go there at dinner-time? - Before two.
What time did you leave the house? - About five, my master came home.
What is your master's name? - Beach.
Then you went into the yard? - Yes; I was there about half after six.
You swear, these four hours, from seven till eleven, you was not out of the public house? - I was not.
What part of the house did you sit in? - I went to the chimney, to the box next to the jack-weight, where I always lay down.
How long did you stay there? - Why, I suppose till about eight in that box.
Was you alone in that box? - No, Sir.
Who was with you? - Three or four people; there were two Mr. Goffs, and two Quakers, one of their names is Meredith.
What is the other's name? - Charles Tippy, and one of Mr. Giles's men, his name is Thomas; and there was one Mr. Trott, a watchmaker.
How was you employed at this time from seven till eight? - In drinking two pints of beer; I had one pint of beer alone.
Who did you drink with afterwards? - with Mr. Trott and the other.
How much had you with them? - One pint of beer.
How much had you in all? - I was two pints, and they was a pint a piece.
Had you any liquor besides beer? - No.
And all that time you sat in that box? - At eight o'clock, I went next to the fire, and said there till eleven; Trott and I went away together; two of them that lodge in the house went to-bed at ten, Tipping and Trott were there the whole time.
Mr. Knowlys. Have you any doubt that you was there from seven till a considerable time past ten? - I have no doubt of it.
Have you many more men in the yard? - Yes.
Is there any man like you in the same yard? - There is one about my bulk, he is a gentleman's coachman.
Does he wear his hair round as you do, without powder? - Yes.
Mr. Keys. Pray, does this public house admit disorderly people, all sorts of company? - I never saw any in my life.
Court. Were there any lamps in the yard? - There was not, nor has been these two years.
Is there any lamp near the loft-door? - No, nor any under the gate-way.
Do you recollect, on that evening, whether there was any moon? - I brought the watchman's lanthorn to light my candle; there was no moon, it was very dark, I am positive of it.
Do you think there was light enough that evening at half after eight, to discover the person of any body? - No, Sir.
Do you think you could have discovered any body you had known? - No, Sir.
MARY WOLF sworn.
What house do you keep? - The Robinhood and Black Boy in Leather-lane.[32]
26 Apr. 1786:]
JOHN BEVAN sworn.
I am a tallow-chandler, I live in Red-cross-street, I have known the prisoner about three years: On the 21st of March, I met the prisoner near the end of Aylesbury-street, Clerkenwell-green, he asked me if I did not buy a good deal of stuff, meaning kitchen stuff and dripping; I told him I had, but markets was down; he said he had a friend that had some halfpence, and put his hand in his pocket and pulled out two or three; he said they went undeniable at Wapping, and if I would buy any of him, he would sell me 30 s. for a guinea. I told him I was going to Wapping, and would enquire whether or no they went there, if they did, I would buy some: this I told him, in order that I might bring him to justice, I thought it a duty incumbent on me, if possible, to bring him to justice. I went once or twice to Clerkenwell-green to tell the affair the next day, on the 23d I went again, Justice Girdler was there, and a young gentleman his son; I related the story to them, and young Mr. Girdler directed me to the Solicitor of the Mint, Mr. Vernon, and he directed me to Mr. Clarke at Bow-street; I told Mr. Clarke the story, and the prisoner's name, and he knew him by the name of the Cheap Butcher; Mr. Clarke told me to buy half a guinea's-worth of halfpence; on the 27th I met the prisoner, I did not see him till then, I told him I would take half a guinea's-worth of halfpence, if he would bring them at four o'clock; he appointed the Robinhood in Holborn, as I was going there, I met the prisoner, and he told me he could not possibly come till five, I waited there, and the prisoner made it eight, when he came, there was another person waiting for him, he went out with the other man, and returned in two or three minutes; he then came to me, and said, how many do you want? I said half a guinea's-worth, he brought some halfpence from the other man, and laid them on the table, and received silver for them; the prisoner then came and sat down by me; he gave me a paper that was done up square; this has been open since, which I gave him half a guinea for; there were three five-shilling papers of halfpence; there were three hundred and sixty in the whole, I counted them the next morning.
Did you know they were bad? - No, Sir, I do not know, of my own knowledge; Mr. Clarke has seen them; I carried them to Mr. Clarke directly, when I received the halfpence, he pulled out a shilling out of his pocket, and said he was queered; I likewise asked if he had any silver to sell; I met him again at the Robinhood, in Holborn; Ting and another attended there to apprehend him, but he was taken at the Magpye in Middle-row, with two separate half guinea's worth of half-pence, and some silver, which I was to buy.[33]
JONATHAN BRANE sworn.
I was a workman to Mr. Leader: I was coming out of the shop, and I overtook the prisoner with a piece of timber on his shoulder, about two or three hundred yards on the road: I followed him to the Pindar of Wakefield's, and down a little passage where he went in, and took it up stairs: that was his lodging: it seemed like a piece of timber about four foot long, more or less, and four or five inches thick: he had nothing else but his lanthorn: it was near six in the evening, and dark: it was the 17th of December, on a Friday.
Mr. Garrow, Prisoner's Counsel. I understood you, it was a piece of timber, or something like it? - It was a piece of timber represented: I cannot swear it was: I think it was.
JAMES WINTER sworn.
I am a baker and constable of St. Andrews, Holborn. I went with a warrant, and told him my business, and asked him what he had done with that piece of timber that he lately brought home out of Mr. Leader's premises? he said, oh, here it is, in a very careless unconcerned manner: says I, fetch it out, and he brought it out of his room, at the first door in a narrow passage behind the Pindar of Wakefield's: he acknowledged it to be Mr. Leader's property: I neither threatened nor promised him: it was on the 17th of December, about half past eight the same evening: the man was very sober, and in bed: he is a watchman whom Mr. Leader kept to protect his premises: Mr. Lucas was with me: I could not be certain whether it was the first or second door.[34]
JOHN CURTIS was indicted for not having the fear of God before his eyes on the 28th of March, in and upon Sarah Tipple, spinster, violently did make an assault, and then and there the said Sarah Tipple violently and feloniously did Ravish and carnally know.
(The witnesses examined separate.)
SARAH TIPPLE sworn. I am a single woman, I go to service; at the time of this assault I lived servant with Mr. Curtis; I lived with him three weeks; I am nineteen next August.
Mr. Curtis is a publican, he keeps the Robinhood and Little John in Bishopsgate-street. I came up to London on Saturday; I came from Wyndham in Norfolk; I went to my place to Mr. Curtis's on Monday, this affair happen on tuesday. I was up three pair of stairs making of the beds, and my master came up stairs and bolted the door, he insisted violence upon me immediately.[35]
[16 Jul. 1794:]
[...] CHARLES PRITCHARD and JOSEPH SMITH were indicted for stealing, on the 6th of July, eighteen guineas, a half guinea, two hundred shillings, three hundred and twelve copper halfpence, and ninety-six copper farthings; the goods and monies of Charles Turner, in his dwelling house.
The case opened by Mr. Knowlys.
THOMAS DAVIS sworn.
I was the waiter at the Robin Hood at the time of this happening; Mr. Charles Turner keeps that house; this happened on Sunday the 6th of July, to the best of my knowledge, between eight and nine o'clock; I have no perfect knowledge of the prisoners; I saw them that day, they came up stairs, and ordered a jug of ale, there were three in company, they came into the public tap room up stairs. The Robin Hood is at High Hill Ferry, Clapton, near Hackney.
Mr. Knapp objected to the indictment saying, St. John's, at Hackney.
Witness. They called for a jug of ale; I asked if they chose some biscuits? they said, yes, bring three. In consequence I brought three up. When they first came into the room, Pritchard came down stairs, there was a gentleman and three ladies in the room, but they quitted the room half an hour before Pritchard came down stairs.
Q. Do you know where the gentleman and three ladies went to? — No, I never saw them afterwards. Pritchard met me at the bottom of the stairs, and said, you are wanted up stairs, waiter; they want some more ale; with that I went up; they found fault with the ale, and desired to have some milder if there was any; and I brought them up a jug of milder.
Q. Who was the person who asked for the milder? — I believe it was Mr. Smith, but I don't know exactly recollect.
Q. Who were in the room when you went up in consequence of Pritchard's direction? — There were no others in the room then, then these two; the man who is absent, and Mr. Smith. When I brought up the milder ale, Mr. Smith he did not find it better than the last; but Pritchard he tasted it and thought it was very good. After that I went down stairs and walked about the garden, and I came up again about some things that were to be carried down, and I found that one of them was absent from the room
CHARLES TURNER sworn.
I am sole master of the Robin Hood. On Sunday the 6th of July, I lost thirty pounds sixteen shillings, in gold and silver, and halfpence; eighteen guineas and a half in a silk purse, in gold; the silver was in a canvas bag, and fifteen shillings of halfpence, tied up in five shilling parcels.
JOHN LOCKEWOOD sworn.
Q. How far was this from the Robin Hood? — I cannot say that, three or four fields, better than a quarter of a mile. Hearing the cry of stop thieves from several voices, when I got into the lane I see several people running up this lane, and still crying stop thief! I concluded they might be drinking or joking; I said, are you joking or in earnest in calling out stop thief? the answer was, sir, we are in earnest, they have robbed my master's house. Immediately these two prisoners jumped out of the ditch, went through the fence, and ran into the corn field; one of them, Pritchard, attempted to pass me, and I said, you cannot pass me, I must secure you till the people come up; sir, says he, I am no thief, don't touch me; says I, if you are no thief, why don't you stand? after some little altercation I endeavoured to lay hold of him, I secured him, and in the course of three or four minutes some of the pursuers came up, Davis came up and said, that is one of the men; and I said, there he is for you; and he was taken back to the Robin Hood.
WILLIAM PERRY sworn.
I am a labouring man; I found one key last Monday was a week, in the morning, the Monday after this robbery was committed; it is a double key; this is it; I found it in the horse road, pretty near the Robin Hood , about twenty-eight or twenty-nine yards; directly as I picked it up Mr. Turner's man was rolling a walk in the garden, I gave it him; Mr. Turner had it that morning; I see Mr. Turner have it afterwards.
Q. What is the name of the road? - It is a little bit of a lane that leads from the Robin Hood, into the fields, into Clapton.
Mr. Knapp. Whereabouts in the road did you find it? — Next the hedge by the side of the road.
Q. What is there on the other side of the hedge? — Gardens.
Court to Davis. What do you call this lane? — It is a coach road that leads up to Clapton.
Q. Is there a garden by the side of that road? — Yes, a garden belonging to my master.
Q. Which way did he throw the keys from him? — By the left hand side.
Q. Is there any garden on the left hand side going from the Robin Hood? — Yes, there is.
Q. How is that garden separated from the lane? — By an hedge and ditch.
Q. To Perry. Which side of the road was it you found the key? — The left hand side going from the Robin Hood.
Mr. Knapp to Davis. The pick lock keys were thrown by the man that escaped? — Yes.
Court to Turner. What do you call the parish? — St. John's, Hackney.
[...][36]
[16 Apr. 1795:]
DANIEL CARTWRIGHT sworn.
Q. Was you sent for on this occasion? - No, I was coming down Milk-street between seven and eight o'clock, and hearing the cry of stop thief! I ran as fast as I could, and seeing a concourse of people running in the court, I immediately made round the other way, and catched the prisoner in the court, Robinhood-court.
Q. Was he running? - He was hardly running, when I came up to him there was so many people that he was partly stopped; I brought the prisoner back to Mr. Stevens and Nicholson's, and they gave charge of him, and I took him to the Compter; after that I went to Messrs. Neale's and Wright's, with Mr. Nicholson, and brought the shawls into his house.
Q. Were they dirty or clean? - Two parcels I believe were dirty, the others were not, they are here in court.
Q. What has been done with these shawls? - After that I then sealed them up, and left them at Mr. Nicholson's house.
Q. They were carried I suppose to the magistrate? - Yes.
Q. Did you seal them again there? - Yes, I sealed them at the Mansion House, before the Lord Mayor.
Mr. Knapp. You say the prisoner was running, and you stopped him? - Yes.
Q. He was running towards you? - Yes.
Q. You know Robinhood-court? - Yes.
Q. One end of Robinhood-court leads into Honey-lane-market? - It does.[37]
SARAH WILLIAMSON sworn. I live in Robinhood-yard, Leather-lane, I keep the Robinhood; I have known Brown all his life-time, he is a very honest sober youth, as far as I know; he served his time to a printer.[38]
JOHN HICKSON sworn. - I keep a lodging house, No. 1, Robinhood-Court, Shoe-lane, in the parish of St. Andrew: My wife and I let the lodgings to the prisoner, about the 24th of November, I cannot be positive to the day; she came to me, and asked the rent of the room, I had a bill up; I told her it was three shillings a week, it was a furnished lodging; she went up to look at the room with my wife; she said she liked the room very well, she agreed to take it; she offered a tea-pot, which she pulled from under her long cloak, as earnest; I told her it was usual to have a character from the last place where she lodged; she paused for some time, and appealed to a woman close to her elbow, who came with her; she said, this is my aunt, she will answer for my character; I told her that would not do; I told her I preferred having a character from the last place where she lodged; after some hesitation, she gave me an address to a Mrs. Chevis, in Suffolk-street, behind the Mint, between that and the King's-Bench; it was a very dark night, I went over notwithstanding the darkness of the night, I found the house with much difficulty, Mrs. Chevis opened the door; in consequence of a conversation between Mrs. Chevis and me I let her the lodgings; she called, soon after I came home, to know if her character answered, and I said, yes, and she came in that same night; I let it to her as a married woman, she said, her husband worked on Snowhill, at a watch-maker's, that his name was Johnson; this was one Wednesday, and she told me she would pay me the half week on the Saturday night; she said, Mr. Johnson was out of town, she expected him home on Saturday.[39]
WILLIAM BROADFOOT sworn. - I am a journeyman tailor. On Sunday the 30th of June, I was robbed in a field, near Primerose-hill, about three o'clock in the morning; I was late going home to my lodging; I rapped at the door once, and found I was locked out, and being a fine morning, I thought I would take a walk in the fields, among the hay; I lodged at Mr. Hambler's, No. 7, Charlton-street, Fitzory-sqare; I came home between twelve and one, I did not leave the shop till eight o'clock, and then I went to receive my wages at the Black-horse, in Swallow-street; from there I went to the Robin-hood, in Windmill-street, and staid till twelve o'clock; I then went to my lodgings; I was not perfectly sober, but I knew what I did very well; I then went down Portland-road, by the Queen-and-Artichoke, till I got to the third field; I walked about for some time, I suppose about an hour, and then I laid down upon the hay, but did not sleep; when the prisoner at the bar came up to me, I was as sober as I am now; he and another man came up to me, I had never seen either of them before to my knowledge; they came up in a hurrying manner, and the prisoner speaking like an Irishman, asked me, what I belonged to? I said, I belonged to nothing, but I saw what he belonged to; then he began throwing hay over me; he asked me what countryman I was; I said, suppose I came from Newcastle; he kept throwing hay over me, and cried out to the other man, Tom, bring me some more hay.
Q. What countryman are you? - A. I was born at Limerick; he kept throwing the hay over my head, and was like to smother me; I got up and told him to be quiet, I was not disturbing them, and I did not know what right they had to disturb me; then the prisoner knocked me down with his fist; he struck me on the side of my head; I was a little stunned; he then took the handkerchief from my neck, and said, d-n you Tom, take that; I did not resist, because I was afraid they would kill me; the prisoner threw the handkerchief to the other man; he then told me to take off my coat; he took hold of the cuff of the right sleeve, and tore it across; he got both my coat and waistcoat off; then he went a yard or two from me to the other man; he took the coat and waistcoat with him, and took every thing that was in the coat out of it, except a small button that was left in the corner of the pocket; there was a pocket-handkerchief, a pair of scissars, and a silver watch; I had put my watch in my coat pocket, because I thought it was safer there than any where else; he also took three shillings, two thimbles, and some half-pence out of my right hand waistcoat pocket; they took also a woman's huslif, that had the duplicate of a watch in it, which I had brought of a man of the name of Downer, who worked at the same place with me; it was pawned at Hill's in Brewer-street; one of them, I cannot say which, threw my coat and waistcoat back to me; the prisoner laughed at me, and said, that would learn me not to come out so soon in the morning again, and then they went away with the property. (Produces the coat torn across the sleve.)
Q. Do you mean to swear positively that it was the prisoner who tore that coat? - A. I do. On the 12th of August, I made an affidaved at Marlborough-street, and took out the watch, that the duplicate related to, which I lost. On the Wednesday morning after I had been robbed, I met with the prisoner upon the parade at St. James's, they were both soldiers, and were dressed in the uniform of the light company, the first regiment of Guards; I had been in the Park that same Sunday and Monday morning; on the Wednesday morning, the soldiers passed me once, and when they came up again, I saw the prisoner and knew him immediately; I had two officers with me, Treadway and Mumford; he was taken to Bow-street and searched, but nothing found upon him belonging to me; I first applied to Bow-street, on the Sunday morning, and from there I went to the Park; I am perfectly sure the prisoner is the man.
Q. Who was with you at the Robin-hood? - A. Mr. Johnson, he is here, and the foreman of the shop is here.
Cross-examined by Mr. Alley. Q. Who do you work for? - A. Messrs. Sitlers and Mathews, in Little Vine-street.
Q. Where is your pay-table? - A. The Blackhorse, in Swallow-street; I was there about an hour before I got paid.
Q. How came you to go to the other public-house, and leave your comrades? - A. I did not leave them, they went when I did; I drink at the other public-house every night; I left the Robinhood about twelve o'clock, and I did not leave the Black-horse till night eleven.
Q. Are there any other lodged in this house? - A. No.
Q. Were you ever locked out before? - A. No.
Q. How came you not to rap at the door a second time? - A. I had lodged there but a week, and it was a very fine morning.
Q. You were robbed of three shillings; what money did you receive at the pay-table? - A. One pound five shillings: I had a one pound note, but I cannot swear that I was robbed of it, because I did not see it; and I only speak to that I am certain they did take.
Q. Had you no stile, or ditch to get over, in the fields? - A. Yes.
Q. And you thought your watch safer in your coat-pocket than any where else? - A. Yes; I had often done so before.
Q. The watch you lost was a silver watch with two cases? - A. Yes.
Q. What sort of watch was it you got out of pawn? - A. A silver watch with two cases.
Q. Upon your oath, did you not swear before the Magistrate that watch was your own? - A. I swore that I had lost the duplicate.
Q. Is Downer here? - A. No; he was an apprentice at the shop I worked at, but he is gone away; he lives at No. 44, Cross-street.
Q. You did not think it necessary to bring him here to-day? - A. I did not know whether it was or not; and I could not afford to see Council to know what was right.
Q. These men came up to you when you were upon the ground, and began to throw hay over you? - A. Yes; and they felt all over me to see whether I had any thing in my breeches.
Q. Why did not you run away? - A. They could run after than me; and I had no thought that they meant to rob me.
Q. Not when they felt about your breeches? - A. No.
Q. Upon your oath, what did you think they meant? - A. I did not take much thought about it till they took my handkerchief.
Q. Was it day-light? - A. Yes; and they were both dressed in their uniforms.
Q. I take it, was only from the clothes that you knew the man again? - A. Yes, by his face and his speech.
Q. Then you did not know him till you heard him speak? - A. Yes, I did; but that made me the more certain; I went to the Orderly-room on the Sunday, and they told me to come on Wednesday, for the men would be all out that morning, and if I could see him I was to take him; I went on the Wednesday, and they were marching up to the Queen's guard, at Buckingham-house; he was apprehended in the ranks.
Q. How many shillings did you receive at the pay-table? - A. Five shillings and four-pence, and I paid my beer score for the week; I had about two shillings in my pocket before I received my pay.
Court. Q. Perhaps you have heard of such a thing as a reward of forty pounds? - A. Yes.
Q. Had you heard of it before you were robbed? - A. Yes.
Q. When they took away your coat and waistcoat, did you see the things that they took out? A. No; I know I had the watch in my coat-pocket when I came past the Queen and Artichoke to go into the fields.
JOHN JOHNSON sworn - I am a tailor: I was at the Robin-hood on Saturday night, with Broadfoot, he did not appear to me to be intoxicated; I went away between eleven and twelve, and saw no more of him that night.[40]
THOMAS DUNCAN sworn. - I lodge at the Robin-hood and Little John, Charles-street, St. James's-square; Robert Winter keeps the house; on the 17th of February, about dusk, I was in my own room, up one pair of stairs; I heard a noise at my room door, I heard a second noise, and then I went and opened the door, I perceived the two prisoners, each of them with a bundle upon their backs, one was lower down the stairs than the other; I saw the colour of their clothes, one said to the other, this is the way; I followed them down stairs, and called Mr. Winter, they were then going out at the door; Winter and I went in pursuit; I went up Charles-court, which is almost directly opposite our house, but I saw nothing of the prisoners there; I saw them both turn the corner of Charles-street, into St. Alban's-street; I went round, with an intention to interrupt them; I heard that the prisoner Yeomans was then taken; I cannot swear positively that he was one of the men that I saw upon the stairs; Yeomans had a brown coat, and the other a blue coat; about half an hour after that, I saw Smith; they were both drest the same as the two men that I saw coming down stairs; I saw the colour of their clothes very distinctly, when I opened my room door, and likewise when they got across the street.[41]
JOHN POPE sworn. - I am a constable under the Marshal's direction: On the 11th of March, between seven and eight in the evening, I was coming from my own house, in Robinhood-court, Shoe-lane, through Eagle and Child-alley, and I was obliged to come back, by a person coming through the narrow part of the passage, into Shoe-lane, and then I observed four or five men coming with a box; they crossed the way, and turned to the right-hand, towards Holborn; I then went on towards Smithfield, and in Smithfield I met with a parcel of people round a dray; I was told that a box was lost; I asked what sort of a one, I was told it was a large black trunk; we went back into Shoe-lane, and got intelligence of it; we found it in Plumbtree-court, Shoe-lane, No. 20, up two pair of stairs; Mr. Thrale opened the door, and saw the box, and the three prisoners in the room; Mr. Thrale said, gentlemen, we are come for this box; they desired us to come in, they behaved very quietly, and made no resistance; we sent the box away by a porter to Mr. Thrale's house, and we took the prisoners to the Compter.[42]
MARY DUFFEY sworn. - I live at No. 27, Leicester-square, I am a single woman; I was a servant there: On the 29th of August, the prisoner came to see a fellow-servant of mine; my watch was in my box, in a room in the kitchen; I was at my box, when my mistress called me up stairs; I went up stairs, and left my box open; when I came down, my watch was gone; I left Scott in the kitchen alone; when I missed my watch, I went in search of the prisoner, and found him at the Robin Hood, St. James's; I asked him what he had done with my watch, and he said, I was a fool; I told him, if he did not give it me, I would charge the watch with him; then, he said, he had only meant to frighten me; afterwards, he said, he had pawned it, that he did not think I would have followed him for two or three days; that I should know it was him that took it, and he meant to bring it back; he gave me the duplicate; I went to the pawnbroker's, and found the watch, but the seal was taken off; I immediately went back to his lodgings, and he said, he sent another man to pawn it for him, and it must be that man that took it off. [43]
CUTHBERT KITCHEN sworn. - I am a farmer, near Bishop's Castle, in Shropshire; I came to town this day fortnight, and it will be a fortnight tomorrow since I lost my property; I was sitting in the parlour of my nephew, who is a cheesemonger, in Whitcomb-street, and a man came in and fetched him to decide a wager of a foot-race that was run at York some years back; he asked me to go with him, and I did; we went first to a public-house in the Haymarket that my nephew used, and there we had a pot of beer between us two and the man that fetched him; one man came, and said, if it was not decided by such a time, he would lose his wager; and my nephew went, and came back again to me, and then I went with him to the Robin-Hood, in Charles-street, St. James's-square. [...] JOHN BOLDERSON sworn. - I am a cheesemonger, No. 7. Whitcomb-street, Haymarket; Parker called upon me.
Q. How long have you known him? - A. I did not know any thing of him further than coming to my shop for cheese and butter: On Tuesday, the 6th of January, he called upon me, about eight o'clock at night, and asked me if I was busy; I told him I was; he said, he had betted a wager of a bowl of punch about a foot-race at York; and I told him I knew the man won his wager that he run for, but I could not tell what time it was to be done in; I told him I had an uncle from the country, if he would take him with me, I would go; we went first to the tap under the Opera, and there they said he was gone to the Talbot; then we went to the Talbot, and then a man came in with a note from the Robin-Hood, saying, that his bowl of punch would be forfeited, unless I came directly; I left my uncle, and went there; there was only one person in the back parlour, and he asked me what I knew about the wager, and I told him; he said, he was satisfied that he had lost, and called for a bowl of punch; I had a glass of punch, and a man came in, and said, Mr. Bolderon, how do you do? I was astonished at his knowing me, and he asked me to have some brandy and water; he said, he should like to smoke a pipe with me, and persuaded me to fetch my uncle; Parker went with me, and my uncle came; after we had sat down some time, a pack of cards was produced, and my uncle was asked to play; he said, he never did; we played for a bowl of liquor; I had a capital good hand, and they proposed to bet wagers as far as forty pounds; my uncle put down a thirty-pound note and two five-guinea notes; Parker took them up; and then my uncle, dreading something, said, John, you have brought me here to be robbed; I said, G - d bless you, no, we are all countrymen together; then there was a proposal to go to the tap under the Opera. [...]
Prisoner Parker. I wish to have the landlord of the Robin-Hood called.[44]
DAVID KINGSTON was indicted for feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Charles Gearing, no person being therein, about the hour of six, on the day of the 17th of July, and feloniously stealing, two shirts, value 10s. the property of John Little.
JOHN LITTLE sworn. - I am a sailor, and lodge at No. 15, Robinhood-court; I gave the shirts to my sister-in-law to wash, and she had liberty of Charles Gearing's wife to hang them up in her room: on Saturday, the 17th of July, about six o'clock in the evening, they were missed; I saw them again when they were taken from the prisoner's pocket; I heard an alarm given, and followed him to the counter, where I saw them taken out of his pocket; they are not finished at the arms; the landlord's name is Bennett, but he does not live in the house; it is let out in tenements; the prisoner appeared to be sober.
JAMES WADE sworn. - I left off work at six o'clock on the evening of the 17th of July, and had just turned into the house, No. 18, Robinhood-court, where I live, and heard the cry of stop thief; I saw the prisoner run into the workhouse passage, Shoe-lane, and another man took him; I followed them back to the house he had taken the shirts from, and he attempted to take one out of his right-hand pocket, and drop it, which I stopped him doing; he said he would give me back my property, and did not mean to hurt me, thinking I belonged to them; I took them, and shewed them to Mr. Little; he said he hoped I would shew him lenity, and admitted it was a very bad thing he had done; I had made him no promise of favour.
ALICE HOTHRAM sworn. - I am sister-in-law to John Little, and lodge at No. 15, Robinhood-court; the shirts were in Charles Gearing's room; I had the washing of them, and put them there to dry; I was in the two pair, and heard a noise in Gearing's room; I came down stairs, and saw a man come out of the room with the shirts in his pocket; he went down stairs; I followed him, and gave the alarm; my brother's shirts were brought back; Gearing's wife rented the room at the time; I don't know whether Gearing ever lived in it.
ELIZABETH HILSTON sworn. - I live at No. 11; I was helping to wash the shirts, which were hung up in Mrs. Gearing's room; he is on board ship, and has been these seven years; I was not present when they were stolen.
WILLIAM RATCLIFF sworn. - I took the prisoner, and found the two shirts on him; I delivered them to the keeper of the Compter.(The shirts produced and identified.)
Prisoner's defence. I was in a state of intoxication if I did do it; when I was a boy, I fell out of a three pair of stairs window, and have a plate in my head; if I drink any thing, I don't know what I do; therefore I leave myself to the mercy of the Court.
The prisoner called two witnesses, who gave him a good character.
GUILTY, aged 37.
Of stealing, but not of the breaking and entering the dwelling-house.
Six months in Newgate, and publicly whipped.
London Jury, before Mr. Recorder.[45]
ROGER DEVEY sworn. I am a brass founder, I live at No. 8, Shoe-lane. This day week, the prisoner at the bar came into my shop between one and two o'clock in the day, he had two parcels of metal tied up in a handkerchief; he emptied one in the scale, I asked him who the metal belonged to, he said his sister, she kept an old rag shop at the further end of Shoe-lane; I knew there was no such shop there; I asked him to tell the truth, for I knew the metal must be stolen; he then said that she lived in Shoe-lane but her shop was in Holborn; he said he could not tell me but he could shew me the house; I told him he must tell me, because I was very certain it came from some founder's shop. I went with him along Shoe-lane, till he came to Robin Hood court, he went up the steps into Dean-street; and then made a push to run away, I then seized hold of him and brought him back and repeatedly requested him to tell me whose metal it was, and I would send for his master to take him away, and the metal together. I sent for a constable, he searched him, and then he said he worked for Mr. Warner; he then said after his master came, that he took one part on the night before, and the other part on Saturday night.[46]
[14 Jan 1807:]
Q. By what name and description was the prisoner introduced to you. - A. By the name of captain Smith of the army.
Q. After he was introduced to you, did you and him become intimate. - A. Yes, I lodged at the Robin Hood, Leather lane, Holborn, and there the prisoner was brought to me by Mr. Benjamin Davis. I slept in one room in the house and he in another.[47]
[1 Jun. 1808:]
JEREMIAH SHRUBSOLE. - Mr. Knapp. You are a constable of the city of London. - A. Yes. On the 19th of April I went to Mrs. Horwood's house, No. 3, Fleur de Luce-court, Black Friers, about three o'clock; I had a search warrant against that house; Mrs. Horwood, the prisoner's sister; was not at home; I asked if Mrs. Horwood was at home; her husband said she was not. After I had been there some time there was a knock at the door; I desired Mrs. Jones to open the door; the prisoner at the bar came in; Mrs. Jones said the prisoner at the bar was the man that she had the warrant against; I told him him I wanted him; he asked me what it was for; I told him did not he know that Mrs. Jones had been robbed; he answered what of that, I know nothing of it; he set his fist and put himself in a position as if in a Posture of defence; I told him it was of no use; I took hold of him and tied his hands with a handkerchief; I found nothing on the premises that led to the robbery that I was in search of; I searched the prisoner when I had secured him; in his waistcoat pocket I found a canvas purse; in it there were four good shillings and four sixpences; there were some halfpence and some keys; I took him to where the robbery was committed, and I desired Mrs. Jones to fetch the little boy down; I took him from there to No. 15, Robin Hood-court, Shoe-lane, where I learned that he lodged; I went up two pair of stairs, the prisoner went up with me; I sat him down in the window; I looked at a large chest that was there; I asked him if it was his chest; he said, yes; I told him I meaned to open it; he told me there was a key in his pocket; I took it out and the key did open it; I could not open it immediately; he told me to weigh heavy down upon it, and it did then open it; the first thing I took up was a drab coloured great coat; in the side pocket I found a crape hat band; in shaking the coat out I perceived a paper drop; I took the paper up; there were nine sixpences in it, and I thought they were of the same sort that I saw in his purse; I asked him if they were his; he said they were his; I took up a waistcoat; I opened it and shook it, another small paper dropped out; I took it up; in it I found some sixpences with a kind of stamp on them; they answered to what I had seen before, but they were brassy, not coloured.[48]
THOMAS SAUNDERS. I am a plaisterer, I live at the Robin Hood, Church lane, St. Giles's. [49]
SIMON WELLINGTON. I keep two lodgings; I live at No. 16, New street square. My wife was put to bed lately, I took lodgings at No. 8, Robin Hood court, Shoe lane. On Saturday the 1st of April, in the morning, I left a bundle there, and on Saturday evening my landlord came to me and asked me if I had not left a bundle in the room; I told him yes; he informed me that a man had been in the house and took the bundle out; he took me to the White Swan in Shoe lane; when I came there the landlord asked me the contents of the bundle; I told him. We took the man to the Poultry compter.
Q. Who is that man - A. The prisoner.
PETER JONES. I am a cordwainer, I live at No. 15, Flower de Luce court, Fleet street. On the 1st of April, between six and seven o'clock in the evening, I was coming down Robin Hood court, I saw the prisoner come out of Wellington's house with a bag in his hand; instantaneously a woman ran out of the house and called stop thief; I run after the man, in company with two more, for about twenty yards, and there we took the man; he threw the bag away the moment he was laid hold of; I laid hold of the bag and my friend secured the prisoner.
JOSEPH LINGARD. On Saturday the 1st of April I heard my wife cry out stop thief, as I was at tea; I immediately ran out of doors, I saw the prisoner with the bag, I ran after him and laid hold of him, we both fell down together. The two constables came by at the same time; one got hold of the bag and the other got hold of the prisoner.
SARAH LINGARD. I am the wife of the last witness, my husband is a coppersmith; I live at No. 18, Robin Hood court. Wellington lodged there. On Saturday the 1st of April, between six and seven o'clock, I heard the prisoner go through the passage; he made towards the door, I ran after him and called out stop thief; my husband followed him; I never saw him before to my knowledge.[50]
Q. Did you know him before - A. I saw him the day before at the Robin Hood in Skinner-street. I had lost a silk handkerchief the day before, he told me he could inform me where my handkerchief was; that is the reason he was along with me.
Q. When he went away how soon afterwards did you find the notes were gone - A. In about twenty minutes. Nobody sat along side of me but him; I had shewed them to nobody else but him.
JOHN EASTFIELD. I was in the house with Mr. Edwards on the 22nd of June; I saw Mr. Edwards give Chappel a twenty pound note, a five pound note, and half a guinea, he wrapped the notes up in a bit of brown paper, and put them in his inside breeches pocket; he asked me to accompany him to the Robin Hood, in Skinner-street, in search of a silk handkerchief he had lost the night before; we went into the tap-room, called for a pot of porter; the prisoner was in the taproom; he came to Chappel and said, I can inform you how you can find your handkerchief; Chappel and I went out, we went to Merchant Taylors Hall; the prisoner followed us. I left Chappel and the prisoner together.
EDWARD HOLDITCH. I am a soldier. On Wednesday afternoon I was passing through Bishopgate-street, I saw Chappel; a person came up and persuaded him to go to the Robin Hood; we went there; he took out a paper containing notes, the notes fell out of the paper, he picked up the notes; I said you had better leave the notes in the landlord's hands; the landlord read them, he said there was a twenty pound, and a five pound note. We had two pots of porter; Chappel's hat fell off his head, I picked it up; I said you have lost your handkerchief, he said no, it is in my hat; I said it is not, he turned his pockets inside out; I said you are in a house that is not safe, quit the house and let that be the first loss; with that he got up and drank a glass of gin, and gave me one. At the time I was telling the landlord of his losing the handkerchief, this lad came in and went out again; I persuaded Chappel to go to the sign of the Buffalo. I told his wife where he had left his money; this lad abused me for saying that his handkerchief had been lost; he said he should see me another time, he would close my eyes. This man's wife, and Chappel, returned to the Robin Hood, and received the notes; the prisoner saw them receive the notes; they were left in the hands of Mr. Edwards, at the Buffalo, till the next morning.
Q. to prosecutor. At what public house did you lose the notes - A. The Prince of Wales, in Wentworh-street, Spitalfields.
Prisoner's Defence. I had been helping my father to move till four o'clock in the afternoon; I went down to the Robin Hood, Skinner-street, that gentleman and that one were standing at the bar drinking; that gentleman was very much intoxicated, he challenged a soldier with taking his silk handkerchief; I said, if I were you, I would go and clear myself; he said he would. I went out of doors; that gentleman in Skinner-street, said, what are you following of me for; he said, you rascally villain, if you follow me, I will charge a constable with you. When he had abused me, I went down Skinner-street, into the Buffalo, and had a pint of beer; from there I went into the Robin Hood. Mr. Chappel and that gentleman and his wife came in and received the money. The next morning I went to the Robin Hood, in came Mr. Chappel and that gentleman; I asked Mr. Chappel if he had heard any thing of his handkerchief, he said no; I said if I could get any thing out of the girl that was in the house, I would tell him. I went down Threadneedle-street; he went into Merchant Taylor's Hall; me and this gentleman went into a public house; when Mr. Chappel came, he asked him to lend him five shillings; he said he had lost twenty pounds, he would not lend any more; they parted. I went with Mr. Chappel into the Prince of Wales, Wentworth-street , we had two pots of beer there; I said I cannot drink any more, you do not drink any thing yourself; he drank that pot of beer before he took it away from his mouth; he said he could drink as much again. They all came round and shoved me away; he said, let me see if my money is safe; he could not find it, I said, let me feel; I put my hand into his fob, took out the notes, and put them into his hand; he told me to put it into the fob, I did. I said if you do not come out of this place, I shall bid you good bye. I immediately came out, and the servant of the house is witness that he saw me put it into his fob.[51]
ABIGAIL PEARL. I am the wife of Wm. Pearl, my husband is a publican, we live at the Robin-hood, Church lane, St. Giles's, Catherine Conner was my servant , I sent a basket of linen by Catherine Conner to be mangled on the 12th of August, she staid in my service and remained at work till Friday the 18th.[52]
[...] ROBERT LOFTS was indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 12th of February, a great coat, value 14 s. the property of James Crooks.
JAMES CROOKS. I am a hackney coachman; on the 12th of February I had a fare to Clapton, on my coming home near one o'clock in the morning, I had the misfortune to overturn my coach, it was dark, I got out of the road into a ditch by the side of a brick field, I got the prisoner to assist me, he could not help me himself, he went and got another man, he came with another watchman and helped me with the horses; I was obliged to leave the coach till day light, I left the great coat on the coach, it was a bye road, I thought it would be safe till morning, the prisoner went with me, and helped put the horses into the stable. I went to the coach again as it was day light in the morning, and the coat was gone, I did not see the coat again untill I saw it at Worship street on the Wednesday.
Q. What is your coat worth.—A. Fourteen shillings.
Q. Was the prisoner a watchman.—A. Yes; he was the first watchman that I called to my assistance.
JAMES GRIFFITH. I am a constable of Hackney; the prisoner was a labouring man and a watchman occasionally, he was on duty that night; I was informed by the other watchman, that the man had lost his coat, he was suspicious that the prisoner had got it, I apprehended him about two o'clock on the Monday, he told me, he had got the coat at home in the closet, I sent the other watchman for the coat.
JOHN SMITH. I am a watchman; I went to the prisoner's house, the wife took the coat out of the closet, and gave it to me.
Prisoner's Defence. On the night mentioned in the indictment, John Crook my prosecutor came along with the coach very much intoxicated; he asked me the way to Balls-pond, I directed him, instead of which he drove towards Robin-Hood Ferry, his coach was plunged into a pit, and from my feeble strength and old age, I could not relieve or ease the horses, therefore I went for another watchman for assistance; we extricated the horses who was lodged for the night at an adjoining house, the coach was obliged to be left till the next morning. The great coat I did not find for two hours afterwards, and I did not imagine that it belonged to the prosecutor, as he never mentioned its loss, the coat was wet and dirty, I found it a great way off the coach, I took it home, and to prevent the wet and dirt from communicating any damp or dirt to me, I wrapped it up in some hay, when I came home I thrust it into a hole under the stairs, in which place it remained till it was fetched away, when I was in custody, I instantly told I had it, I meaned to return it when I found an owner for it, I have lived all my life by my industry, I am very comfortable in my family, I never stole any thing for myself or them: I hope to be acquitted by the court.
The prisoner called three witnesses, who gave him a good character.
NOT GUILTY.
First Middlesex jury, before Mr. Common Serjeant.[53]
Prisoner's Defence. On Friday the 6th of April, at the corner of Robinhood-lane, I was accosted by a well-dressed man, he asked me whether I would drive the said pigs to Smithfield-market, he would give me five shillings; on our way he was desirous of knowing my residence, and when he got to Shoreditch church he desired me to go off, and if he did not see me till I got to Smithfield, to go into the Brown Bear-yard; I might ask nine pounds, but not to take less than eight pound eight shillings for the pigs; I did not see my employer at nine o'clock, I sold them for eight pounds seven shillings and six-pence; I, wishing to get home, would rather lose sixpence than stay any longer. As my employer did not come I supposed he would call on me for the money. In the evening I was taken in custody. I am sorry I did not tell the truth to the magistrate. I resign myself to your lordship.[54]
Butler's Defence. I was in the Turk's head when this man came in, I saw him with two more girls; when the prosecutor was there me and two more girls went to the Robin Hood to have some more drink. Uxbridge Bet bade me good night; she had a room and took him up stairs.[55]
HENRY WILLIAMS. I am a sailor. Last Thursday night I went to a public-house in Skinner-street, I had this property with me, I called for a glass of grog, I fell in with this woman, she was sitting singing there, I asked her to drink a glass of grog, and then I called for a pot of ale; I gave her part of that; I called for at her pot of ale, she and I after that went to the Robin Hood in the same street; I had a pint of ale in the tap-room; I clapped the bundle alongside of me; as soon as ever I had the pint of ale she took the bundle away from me, and in the course of ten minutes I missed her and the bundle.
Q. What were you about that ten minutes - A. I was talking to a man in the same box; as soon as I missed her and the bundle I went to the landlord, I asked him if he saw a woman with a bundle, he said he did, he knew the woman; the landlord sent for Mr. Sheppard, I gave him the description of the bundle, and in the course of an hour the constable returned with the bundle, he took me to the watchhouse, and there was the woman; I knew the woman, I am sure that is the woman.
Prisoner. There were a great many people in the tap-room, and a young woman was with me, and whether I took the bundle or the young woman I cannot say.
Q. to prosecutor. Was she tipsey - A. No. There was another young woman went out, I believe she had nothing to do with the bundle.
RICHARD GREEN. I am the landlord of the Robin Hood in Skinner-street. On this night week, about ten o'clock, I heard a scuffle at the bar. I saw the prisoner with a bundle under her arm, she went out of the house.[56]
CHARLES WRIGHT. Q. On the Tuesday night that this happened, where were you. - A. In the public-house, the Robin Hood, in Skinner-street. I am a wine-porter. I work for Mr. Keep, Halfmoon-street, Bishopsgate. I was there about half past eleven.[57]
WILLIAM HEWITT. I am a carman. I only know that I lost the lead from off my stable in Robin Hood-yard, Leather-lane on the 12th of June.[58]
CHARLES HOLLOWAY. I am a clerk to Messrs. Davison and Company, they are bankers.
Q. The names of the partners are Alexander Davison, William Middleton Newell, and George Sinclair. - A. I was introduced to the prisoner at the Robin-hood public house, on a check having been presented by another person, I was then introduced to the prisoner at the Robin-hood public-house, Charles Street, St. James's Square; I asked him from whom he received that check, which was forged; at that time having reference to the first check, he denied the forgery. I told him he must accompany me to the banking-house, he made some hesitation, and said, he must go up stairs and put on his things; he then accompanied me to the banking house, I introduced him to the chief cashier as the person from whom I had the check, he was then told it was a forgery by Mr. Allen, he declared it was a good check, that he received it from his brother-in-law Mr. Jackson.[59]
JOHN HUTT. I am an officer, on the 20th of February I went with the last witness to Berner's mews by the Foundling-hospital, we traced the pigs to Woburn-mews, Little Guildford-street, after making two hours enquiry I went to the stable window and forced a pane, we undid the door and got in, the two pigs laid under the manger, I suppose the weight was thirty stone a-piece, they were very much fatigued, I could not get them to stir at all; I fastened the door up again and took my station at the top of the mews to see who came to the stable, presently Stone and Connolly came to the stable, Connolly with a sack under his arm, I let them go towards the stable door, Stone put the key into the door, as soon as I saw the key put in the door I came up and seized them both, Stone asked me what was the matter? I said you keep this stable for other purposes besides horses, you keep pigs in it, he said the two pigs were brought there by a man, he gave him leave to put them in the stable; I observed that they were stolen pigs, and that there were three more wanting, he said that he knew nothing about them; I saw his waistcoat was bloody, I asked Stone where he lived? he said he should have no objection telling me if I would not touch any thing at his house, I told him I knew partly what it was by what I had found in the stable, molasses and sugar, and draining of a distillery, a great quantity was in the stable, a great quantity we took to the Excise office with a still that we found at his house; I got my brother officer to mind the pigs, I found out where Stone lived, it was then about eight o'clock in the evening, I sent my brother officer to Stone's house to enquire if he was at home, I desired him to put his foot in the door to keep the door open until I came up, the door was opened by Mrs. Stone, I knew Stone, his real name is Peppitt, I told her I come about some pigs, we found a still and about five hundred gallons of wash fermentation, we did not find any pigs there, we stopped these all night, a little before six in the morning a person throwed some dirt at the window and smacked a whip at the door, presently a man knocked at the door, I opened the door directly, and Limbrick rushed out and seized Hughes, this was Friday morning, we told him what we apprehended him for, he said he drove the pigs for a German butcher from the ry, he had left him down by Bagnigge-wells, I told him that we had two of the big ones, and that they were stolen pigs; I asked him where he lived, he would not tell; I told him I understood he used the Bell down at Battle-bridge, I should take him down there and make some enquiry, we were going along, and by the Pindar of Wakefield he took me of one side and said he did not want to be exposed, he said he would tell me where he lived, and that the pigs were dead at his house, I went to his house in Smith's-place, Battle bridge, there I found the three pigs hanging up dead there, they would weigh about eleven or twelve stone a piece, they were quite warm all the offal laid upon a table in a large pan, the copper was hot, and hair all lying about, they could not have been killed above four or five hours; I shewed the pigs to Keefe.
Keefe. The pigs Hutt shewed me are my master's property.[60]
Q. Did you know at that time, that Newport-street was the lodging of the advertising clerk - A. No. We went to a public-house, and concluded that the business was done away with, and all failed. It entered into our minds that the money might still be obtained. I thought it was a neglect in the man that was sent, for this purpose, that they had kept good look out, and at the Robin Hood, Robin Hood-court, Shoe-lane, at a public-house, it was agreed that a letter should be written. The prisoner wrote that letter, I think, (I am not confident,) for the purpose of giving it to a porter to carry to Francis-street.
Q. Did you or Birdett write a letter which was sent by a porter to Francis-street - A. There was no other than one letter written or sent.
Q. Did you see Kennet writing a letter to be sent to Francis-street - A. I did. I delivered the letter to the porter.
Q. Could any other letter go out without your knowledge - A. It was possible. I might be out of the way.
Q. Were you out of the way - A. I was not. I can have no doubt but that is the letter; I believe it to be Kennet's writing firmly. (The letter read, marked B.) It is a disguised hand writing.
Q. When you dispatched the porter, you, Richardson, Birdett, and Kennet, were at the Robin Hood - A. Yes, when this porter was dispatched, and the prisoner and myself waited at the end of Chancery-lane, and I believe Richardson was likewise there He got out of the coach, and returned, and said, he saw the clerk coming down.
Q. How long had you been in the coach, before Richardson returned, saying, he saw the young man come - A. About a quarter of an hour; when Richardson came to us, and said, he saw the young man go into the tap.
Q. How long had he been absent from you - A. Not ten minutes. We went from the Robin Hood together. I beg pardon, I believe the dress was changed by Kennet.
Q. Where did he change his dress - A. At Birdett's house, not of despoiling the money, he changed his dress.
COURT. Was he at the end of Chancery-lane, disguised - A. Yes, disguised; he put on this disguise again at Birdett's. He went from the Robin Hood to Ship-yard, and put on this disguise again. We took a coach in Fleet-street, from there we waited at the top of Chancery-lane. Richardson went out of the coach; he saw this clerk coming down Holborn. He was at a loss to find out this tavern.
Q. How long had Richardson been absent when he returned, and said he had found the young man. - A. Not ten minutes.
Q. When he reported the young man was just gone into the tavern, what was done then - A. When Richardson came back he took the prisoner, Kennet, from the coach.
Q. Did you actually see Kennet go into the tavern - A. I did. I saw Kennet and the young man come out together, and go up Warwick-court.
Mr. Solicitor General. How far did he go into the tavern - A. I don't know; I did not see.
Q. Did you there see Mr. Kennet go into the tavern - A. No, I did not.
Q. Did you lose sight of Kennet when you saw him go from the coach - A. I saw him go into the tavern, and some little time after I saw him come out of the tavern and go up the court. I beg your pardon, that was Richardson. Richardson got out of the coach; he was absent I suppose half an hour.
Mr. Solicitor General. I suppose upon your account the disguised figure has been put on, then you go into Chancery-lane. I want you to take up the transaction there; now the coach is stopped in Chancery-lane, who gets out there - A. Richardson gets out there.
Q. How long is he absent - A. Half an hour; and when he came back, he said, he had found the clerk, and that he seemed at a loss to know where he was going to. Richardson accosted him, and shewed him over to the tavern. Then after the young man had got into the tavern, he came to the coach.
Q. Who then got out of the coach - A. Kennet got out of the coach. I saw him go into the tavern. A little time after, I saw him come out of the tavern and go up Warwick-court.
Q. Had it been settled between you, where you were to meet again - A. I expected to meet them at the Robin Hood. I went there first, and did not meet them, and went from there to Birdett's. I saw them at Birdett's an hour after. I there saw the money divided in four shares. Three of us had six hundred pounds each; and Birdett had two hundred and ninety pounds. [61]
JANE GREENWOOD. I am the wife of Joseph Greenwood; my husband keeps the Robin Hood in Skinner-street, Bishopsgate-street.[62]
JOSEPH WILSON. I remember seeing Yan Van Dorlo on the Saturday night, a little after nine o'clock, with his face very much smeared with blood, and the frill of his shirt was bloody. He told me he had been knocked down, and robbed. I went immediately, and fetched William Barnes, an officer. After searching in a good many places, at last we found the prisoner sitting up in his lodgings in Robin Hood Lane, with two or three others in the house. Yan Van Dorlo charged him with robbing him; but he made no answer, for I don't think he heard the charge. I told him he must come along with me; I called the watchman, who took him, and I followed after him. Somebody told me he had the watch in his hand; I immediately told the watchman to stop, and when I came up, I heard something like a watch fall; I could not find the watch, and told the watchman to go on with him; but he hesitated, and under his feet we found the watch. He was taken to the watchhouse. Here is the watch.[63]
[...] ELIZABETH TAYLOR was indicted for stealing, on the 3d of February, four three-shilling Bank tokens, an eighteen-penny Bank token, five shillings, ten penny pieces, and eight halfpence, the property of William Garrand.
WILLIAM GARRAND. I keep the Robin Hood, at Upper Clapton. The prisoner used to be about our house to assist my wife. I had missed a great deal of money out of my till. The prisoner slept three or four nights in my house, and the rest she used to sleep with her parents. In consequence of missing so much money, I marked some with G's and some with W's. We can't keep our till locked always. I left my bar in about an hour and a half, and left my wife at home. I had locked my bar. When I returned, I asked her for the key. When I opened the bar, I missed a three-shilling token and some halfpence. I then fetched an officer, and when he came, I charged the prisoner with having the money, and she said she had none. She did not serve in the bar. She was searched in my presence, and a three-shilling Bank token, a shilling, and a sixpence, all marked were found on her. She also had some half-pence which were marked. The shilling and the six-pence were both marked with a W. The three-shilling token was marked with a G.
GUILTY.
Fined 1s. and delivered to her friends.
Second Middlesex jury, before Mr. Common Serjeant.[64]
ABRAHAM COLEY. I am a watchman of Holborn, between twelve and one o'clock, I heard a bustle, near the top of Shoe-lane; the prosecutor came towards me, saying, he had been robbed of his watch, and the woman had escaped, leaving her cap and bonnet in his hand; I knew the bonnet to belong to the prisoner; I went in search of her but could not find her; I placed myself so as to see all over my beat, and about half-past one o'clock, I heard somebody coming down Robinhood-court, I concealed myself in a door-way, the prisoner advanced to the end of the court, she looked both right and left and went into Shoe-lane; I ran to lay hold of her and as I came up I saw her pull a watch from her pocket, and heard the seal and key rattle against the case; I seized her, and told her to give me what she had in her hand, she screamed out,"Murder," and made a great resistance - She broke my lanthorn - I caught at the watch, she shifted it from one hand to the other, put her two hands behind her, sat down on the ground and dropped it - I caught it as it fell, by the step of a door - She did not know that I had got it - I took her to the watchhouse, she had neither cap or bonnet on, I gave them to her at the watchhouse, she said they were her's - She put them on, and appeared before the alderman on the next day in them. The prosecutor was sober.[65]
ELIZA FLETCHER. I keep a mangle, and live in Robin Hood-court, Shoe-lane. On the 24th of October, between three and four o'clock in the afternoon, I received this money from Mrs. Clarke, at the Star and Garter, public-house, Old Bailey, which I took home and locked up. About seven o'clock I called at the Star and Garter, and saw the prisoner there. Mrs. Clarke asked me, in her presence, if I had taken care of my money? I said I had locked it up in my box. I told the prisoner I had drawn a guinea in gold. I left, returned in about an hour, and found her still there. She asked me to let her go home, and sleep with me, as she was tired, and had a long way to go - she went home with me about half-past ten o'clock - I took 2 s. 6 d. out of my box, and gave it to her to fetch some supper; I showed her the guinea. She said, "The sight of gold was good for sore eyes," and returned it to me again. She got some beef, and I then gave her 1 s. to get three half pints of beer; she stopped a long time, and then returned; I told her that I thought she was lost: she said she had met a friend. I asked her for the change two or three times, and she said she would give it to me by-and-by - we went to bed. I locked the door myself, and asked her to put the candle out; she wanted it to be kept alight - I agreed to it. She only pulled off her gown, and took one bone out of her stays, nothing else. About half-past four o'clock I awoke, missed her, and found the candle gone. At daylight I found the key of my box in a different place to where I left it - the box was shut, but not locked, and the money all gone. I got an officer, but could not find her at her lodgings - she was taken on the 30th of December.[66]
JAMES ILES. I am a porter at the George and Blue Boar - I deliver the parcels. On the 6th of April I assisted in unloading the coach. The guard directed my attention to a basket, directed to Mrs. Ward, No. 41, Compton-street, St. John-street, Clerkenwell - it was fastened with strings. In consequence of what Mayo said to me, I was induced to undo one corner of it. I got one hand in, and felt something like a fowl with feathers on - on putting my hand a little further, I felt a paper parcel; I then undid it a little more, pulled the parcel out, and opened it - it was folded up. It contained bank notes. One bundle contained five notes not tied up; what the other contained I do not know - this was at the Robin Hood, public-house, in Holborn. I immediately told the landlord, and showed it to him - I then took it to Mr. C. Ibbertson, who was my master, gave him the basket we had undone there, and found six rolls of notes tied up in one parcel. Mr. Ibberson, another gentleman, and myself, then went to the Bank, and left the basket locked up in Mr. Ibbertson's private office. Sometime after, Mr. Ibbertson called me, and told me to pack the basket up as before, which I did in his presence, and put the notes in again. I went with my cart as usual - Foy and Mr. Milton followed me to Compton-street. I stopped short of the door, and was pulling the basket out of the cart - I had not time to knock at the door, before the female prisoner came out, putting a smile on her countenance. I went up to her with the basket under my arm, and said, "Mrs. Ward, is this right?" and looking at the direction - "Yes," she said, "my name is Ward." I said, "I have a basket for you, which comes to 2 s. 2 d." She gave me 2 s. 6 d., and said, "Give me 4 d." I had given her the basket. I said I had no halfpence - she said, "Never mind the halfpence, keep them." I said, "Good woman, I don't want them," and gave her the 6 d. back, upon which she turned her head towards the door, and said, "William, have you any halfpence?" a man's voice said, "No, I have not." She put her hand into her own pocket, and gave me 2 1/2 d. I took it, and went away. Before I left the door, Foy came up and went in. It is a private house.
Cross-examined. by MR. ALLEY. Q. Were you authorized to open parcels - A. No. I did not tell my master or the book-keeper that I meant to open it. I told the landlord of the Robin Hood. I have been four years in my place.
Q. I suppose you did not put the paper parcel there yourself - A. No. The Robin Hood is about ten doors from our inn.
MR. REYNOLDS. Q. Had the guard told you of any suspicious he had - A. Yes, and I told the landlord of the public-house before I opened it. I had delivered a parcel at that house on the 27th of March, addressed to William Taverner, in his own name - I delivered it to him. When I found this parcel directed to the same place it created my suspicion.
WILLIAM SELL. I keep the Robin Hood, public-house, in Holborn. On the 6th of April Iles came to my house with a basket - I knew he was porter at the George and Blue Boar. He communicated his suspicions about the basket, and said he should like to satisfy his curiosity, for the guard had told him there was something wrong in it. He went into the back-room - I was busy at the time. In five or six minutes he called me. There were five or six parcels of bank notes, and one loose parcel, which contained 5 l. notes - the others were tied up. I said, "Put them into the basket, and go and tell your master," which he immediately did.[67]
JOHN GREENAWAY. I keep the Robin Hood, public-house, in Leather-lane - the prisoner lodged nearly opposite me for two months before he was taken. On Tuesday morning, the 4th of January, I had my horse and chaise at the door, and was going to Redbourn fair, which was held on Wednesday - he came over to me and asked where I was going, and I told him. This was about a quarter past ten o'clock.[68]
JAMES SHANNON. I lodged in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar. The prisoner slept in the same bed. In January I went out at seven o'clock, leaving him in bed. I returned in about an hour, and missed him and my coat. About three weeks after, a man brought him to the house – he said he sold all but the coat, and that he pawned, and shewed us where.[69]
MARY CASH. I am the daughter of Isaac Cash, who keeps the Union, public-house, Union-street, Shoreditch. On the 3d of May, I was looking at the chimney sweeps in Crabtree-row; the prisoner came behind me, and snatched the necklace from my neck. I had said to Purvis who was with me, let us go away for they want to rob us, and then he snatched it, and ran down Robin Hood-lane – he was brought back in about ten minutes. I am sure of him.[70]
WILLIAM ADAMS. I am a patrol. I saw the prisoner in Lawrence-lane, with two others, one about twelve years old; they ran down the lane by me, and in about ten minutes I went with Keys to the Robin Hood, public-house, Church-lane, and took him; it is a resort for thieves.[71]
JOHN GODFREY. I am a labourer. On the 9th of July, about twenty minutes past ten o'clock in the morning, I went into the Robin Hood, public-house, in St. Giles's, and had half a pint of beer - I had nothing else all day. While I was there five of this party were drinking. One of them told me to sit down and take my beer. The prisoners were two of them; one of them who is not here shoved against me, and I gave way; they had seen me take out my purse to pay for the beer about two minutes before, I returned it to my right hand breeches pocket. When they shoved me, Flynn put his arm round the one who was pushing, and drew out my purse; they all five them went off, and a woman followed them out; there was a sovereign, eighteen shillings, and three-halfpence in my purse, which I have not recovered. I went to get up, and Herring said, "If I followed them, he would rip my ***** out;" and seeing a knife in his hand I was afraid, and did not follow immediately. I saw a beadle of St. Giles's come in, and told him; and I then followed them - and saw them turn the corner and share my money. After that one of the party came up; it was neither of the prisoners; he said something - they then got away. I saw Flynn in the afternoon in St. Giles's; he was secured. Herring was taken some time afterwards. I had seen Flynn several times before, and am sure of them both.
Cross-examined by MR. PLATT. Q. You knew Flynn before - A. Yes, by sight. I did not know where to find him. I was as sober as I am now; I had drank nothing but a tea spoon full of beer; I only wetted my lips. I was with no girls - there was a woman at the public-house window with eggs, who said, come in; I spoke to her, but did not go in; two women followed me into the house, but were not with me. I did not speak to them, nor they to me, except to thank me for paying for a quartern of gin, which they asked me to give them. I was not a minute with them; they drank it, and away they went. Flynn followed me in and stood behind me. I had my money in my hand after the girls went out. I did not drink a drop of gin.
GEORGE BASEY. I apprehended Flynn on the 9th of July, and found nothing on him.
WILLIAM PRICE. I apprehended Herring in Church-lane, on the 11th of July. I found nothing on him.
FLYNN'S Defence. I went in to have a pint of beer, and saw the prosecutor sitting with two girls, and a pot of beer before him. My little sister fetched me to breakfast - I was not in the house five minutes. There was only a parcel of women there. I went home to breakfast, and coming down Ivy-street some boys were there pulling the prosecutor about. A boy came up and said the prosecutor was robbed - I said I could not help it; he said if they had left him enough to get some tobacco, he would not have cared, and asked me for money for some.
HERRING'S Defence. I did not go there till half past nine o'clock. I was taken into the office four or five days after. He said he did not think I was the lad. The patrol said, "Yes, that is the lad - he had a cut in his face."
JAMES MURPHY. I am a boot-closer, and live in Church-street. On the day Flynn was taken, I saw the prosecutor come up to the corner of George-street with two girls of the town - he appeared intoxicated. I went into the Robin Hood, after that, to see the time, and saw him with a measure of gin in his hand; he helped it out to the girls. I went home to dress to go to Chelsea. I went in again, and Flynn's sister came and asked him to go to breakfast - he was sitting outside the house on the cellar flap; he went away with her, and during his absence the prosecutor came out and said he was robbed, and supposed it was either the women in his company, or some boys, and if he could have some tobacco he should not concern himself about it. He said "I have been robbed by two d - d w - s or some of the boys." I believe the women were inside the house at this time.[72]
1431. JOHN MARSHALL and HENRY CORKER were indicted for stealing, on the 28th of July, 6 lbs. of veal, value 2s.6d, the goods of William Rennett.
MARY ANN RENNETT. I am the wife of William Rennett, who keeps an eating-house in Joseph-street, Brunswick-square. On Sunday the 28th of July, my area was broken open, and this meat which hung in it stolen. I found it at the office on Monday.
SAMUEL CAYGER. I am a private watchman of Battlebridge. On Sunday the 28th of August, a little after five o'clock, the prisoners passed my box. I saw them turn up Joseph-street, and having suspicious, I called Colton, who took them half an hour after in Gray's Inn-lane, together with a third man. Marshall had something in a parcel under his arm; we stopped them both in a passage, and found the veal in the parcel - he said they found it - the prosecutor claimed it.
WILLIAM COULTON. Cayger's account is correct.
MARSHALL'S Defence. I picked it up in Pindar of Wakefield alley, in a cloth — I saw a man run down there.
CORKER'S Defence. I saw him find it.
MARSHALL — GUILTY. Aged 15.
CORKER — GUILTY. Aged 17.
Publicly Whipped and Discharged.
First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Recorder.[73]
Q. When did he first tell you not to go to the India-House to make enquiries - A. In June, 1819; he told me so repeatedly, it never occurred to me that the letters were fabricated; but after the deception was discovered I compared one with the other, and find they are his writing. I took out a warrant to apprehend him, on the 27th of September, 1819, but could never find him. The letter dated the 21st of August obtained the 14 l. from me. I found the prisoner in Robinhood-court, Shoe-lane, on the 20th of September, 1822; I took an officer with me and he was apprehended. I am not to pay the expense of the prosecution. [74]
HARRIET BROWN. I am nearly eleven years old, and live near Matthews's. I have known the prisoner two months; he lived by the Rosemary Branch; I knew him very well by sight. On a Friday night, two or three weeks before I went to Worship-street, which was two or three weeks ago, about seven o'clock, I saw him with a clock - he was going away from Matthews's; three more boys were with him; he was going towards the Robin Hood, which is near Matthews's; I am sure it was him. I did not speak to him - he had nothing over the clock - it was Matthews's, for I had seen it before a good many times. It was dark, but there is a gas-light by the Robin Hood. Jane Ruddle and I were playing by the Robin Hood - I used to play with Matthews's little girl often, and have often seen the clock. I nursed his child.
Q. Did you go and tell Matthews of it - A. Two boys, Findley and Gray, who were playing with us, went and told him directly. Matthews never told me what to say. I did not see where the prisoner came from.
WILLIAM MATTHEWS. It may be thirty or forty yards from my house to the Robin Hood. My house is in the centre, between two gas-lights. My palings are near five feet high.
JAMES FINDLEY. I am eleven years old. I was at play with Brown, on a Friday night, not long ago, (five or six weeks ago, I think.) I know it was on a Friday, because I carry pots about on Fridays. I know the prisoner by having seen him several times before. I saw him between six and seven o'clock, with three more boys - it was nearer seven than six. I saw him hang a clock on Matthews's gate, while he got over the gate out of the garden, and then ran away towards the Whitmore's Head, public-house, with it under his arm, and went by the Robin Hood. I know it was Matthews's clock, because I have often seen it before.
THOMAS GRAY. I am thirteen years old.* I have known the prisoner about twelve months. He lodged up at the Rosemary Branch. I saw him with a clock, on one Friday night, about seven o'clock. Three more young men were with him. I saw him inside Matthews's fence. I saw James Reynolds and John Tover jump over Matthews's railing. He hung the clock on the rails before he jumped over, then took it off, and ran by the Robin Hood. We hallooed Stop thief! I do not know whether anybody went to Matthews; I did not. I am sure he was the person. Matthews has not told me what to say. I saw Matthews that night, and went with him to the Rosemary Branch, about eight o'clock. He asked for the prisoner there. I did not see Reynolds afterwards till he was apprehended.
Prisoner. Q. Did you not see me by the Canal one rainy afternoon - A. That was the day Matthews took him. He was by Kingsland-road bridge. I told Matthews, and he went after him.
JANE RUDDLE. I am nearly eleven years old.* I have known the prisoner a good while. I went before the Justice last Thursday fortnight. I saw him on the Friday fortnight before that. I was by the Robin Hood, with Brown and saw him run by the Robin Hood with Matthews's clock under his arm. I did not see him get over the rails. I knew it to be Matthews's, because I had often seen it before. Three more young chaps were with him. They said. "Mind you do not drop it." We hallooed out, Stop thief! but could see nobody to take him. There was not time to go and tell Matthews. They got away. Findley and Grey went to tell him directly. I do not know the other boys. Matthews has not persuaded me what to say. He told us what to say, for I did not know.
* These witnesses, upon being questioned, appeared perfectly to understand the obligation of an oath.
Q. What did he tell you - A. He told me to say, that I saw James Reynolds run by with Mr. Matthews's clock. He did not tell me anything else. He only told me once or twice. He gave me nothing. All I have said is true.
Q. Be sure you tell nothing but the truth. Did you see him that night with the clock or not - A. Yes. I did not see him get over the rails.
Q. When did Matthews tell you this - A. As we went to Worship-street. He told me nothing else.
JAMES FINDLEY re-examined. Matthews never said a word to me. When I saw the prisoner go by with the clock, I hallooed Stop thief! and ran after him as far as the Robin Hood. I live behind the Robin Hood. I saw him down by Matthews's rails; he ran towards the Whitmore's Head. I then ran back, and told Matthews that some boys had been taking his clock away. He asked if I should know them. I said, Yes. I did not mention who it was; I only knew his name by what the other boys used to call him - Chummy. I told him what he was called. Gray went to him with me.[75]
RICHARD FITSIMMONS was indicted for stealing, on the 27th of December, a pair of gloves, value 1 s., and a coat value 25 s., the goods of William Mitchell.
WILLIAM VICKEY. I keep the Robin Hood, public-house, Windmill-street. On the 27th of December, Mitchell was at my house; he took his coat off to dance to the fiddle. I sent my servant for his coat, and as I held it over to him, the prisoner said "Give it me and I will put it on his back." Mitchell was tipsy; he took it out of his hand and held it up to put it on Mitchell, but went out with it across his arm. This was five o'clock; he returned about eight, and I detained him.
Cross-examined by MR. PRENDERGAST. Q. Was Mitchell the only drunken man there - A. Yes. My house is frequented by tailors.
WILLIAM MITCHELL. I am a tailor. I was drunk, and might have sent the prisoner to pawn the coat, but I do not think that I did.
NOT GUILTY.[76]
Q. On recovering yourself, what did you do - A. I asked him for mercy - he told me to sit on the block, and if I moved, it would be worse for me. He ran away - I followed him, out, and sprung my rattle, and kept him in sight till he turned the corner of Stonecutter-street. Four or five more watchmen came to my assistance, and in four or five minutes he was brought to me - I knew him again - I caught sight of him as soon as I turned the corner of Stonecutter-street - nobody but him was running before me - he was stopped just by Robin-hood-court, Shoe-lane, by a watchman of St. Andrew's. I examined the fishmonger's shop, and found the crow-bar there. I felt the effects of my wound in about an hour, and went to the hospital about six o'clock that morning. I was ordered to bed, and my head dressed - I felt great inconvenience from it.
Cross-examined by Mr. ANDREWS. Q. At what time did it happen - A. At a quarter or twenty minutes before five o'clock - he shut the door upon me - they were both in the shop when the door was shut - I was alarmed very much, but did not lose my recollection - there was no light there - it was daylight; the back door was open, and I had plenty of light; I saw him take the crow-bar off the floor.
Q. Do you mean to state that you were possessed of your senses sufficiently to know the manner in which he struck you - A. Yes; he struck me with one hand, and the sharp end of the crow-bar turned towards my head - the dresser of the hospital saw me about five minutes after I got there; I attended before the Alderman the second day after it happened.
COURT. Q. We understood you to say that you saw two men, one ran away and the other stopped in - A. Yes, my Lord - he went away directly after the door was shut; I and the prisoner were then left alone; I saw no marks of violence on the door; the lock had been sprung; the crow-bar did not appear to me to have been used to get in with.
CHARLES SILVESTER. I am watchman of St. Bride's; I was on duty on Sunday morning, the 11th of April; about five o'clock I heard Fishburn's rattle spring; my box faces the centre of the market near Harp-alley - I can see this shop by moving a yard or two - I saw Fishburn pursuing the prisoner, who ran straightup the market towards me; I pursued him into Shoe-lane, where he was stopped by a watchman - I lost sight of him as he turned the corner of Stonecutter-street, and on turning the corner myself, I saw the watchman trying to stop him; he was still running, but the watchman struck at him, and he got away; but he struck him again and was taken - nobody but him and the prosecutor were running in a direction from the shop; I have no doubt of his person; there is a linendrapers shop next door to the fishmongers.
JOHN CLARK. I am a watchman of St. Andrew's. I was upon duty in Shoe-lane at five o'clock, and heard a rattle spring - I saw the prisoner running, and two or three watchmen after him, calling Stop him! - he came directly towards me, out of Stonecutter-street, nearly out of breath. I called out "Stop, or else down you go;" he used some bad language, and tried to brush by me - I struck him on the shoulder with my staff - he got about twenty yards further, when I gave him another blow and secured him, at the corner of Robin-hood-court - I did not lose sight of him from the time I first saw him - Fishburn's face was covered with blood - he said "That is the man who tried to take my life."[77]
[...] GEORGE TURNER was indicted for stealing, on the 14th of March, three garden hand-glasses, value 1s. 6d., the goods of Edward Inkersley.
EDWARD INKERSLEY. I lost three garden hand-glasses about the 13th or 14th of March, from my garden, which is about a quarter of a mile from my house. This man had been employed in a garden at the end of mine, which was divided from it by a fence. I afterwards found them at Clapton, and knew them by a mark upon them — they were in the possession of George Garret. The prisoner was taken in Spa-fields.
GEORGE GARRET. I am a victualler, and live at the Robinhood, public-house, High-hill-ferry, Clapton. I believe the prisoner brought me the glasses — I had seen him once before; I cannot be positive as to his person. There were four glasses brought to me.
WILLIAM WAINWRIGHT. I took the prisoner into custody on the 24th of April — I did not then know of this charge. As I was taking him to Clerkenwell he said he had a letter written to him, and he took the glasses with the letter.
Prisoner's Defence. A man came to me in Ray-street, Clerkenwell, and asked me to go with him and sell the glasses.
THOMAS BOYLE. I keep the Robinhood, public-house, St. Giles's . I saw the boy with two glasses - the prisoner was with him; he ran out with the glasses, and I followed him. I looked round for a minute or two, and a boy told me where he was: I took him, and he said, "What a fool the boy is, to make such a noise about it."[79]
[...] MATTHEW WILSON was indicted for stealing, on the 7th of February, twenty-eight brass cocks, value 50s., thirty brass rods, value 70s.; 5 lbs. of nails, value 2s., and eighteen sheets of sand paper, value 1s., the goods of David Evans.
MR. PHILLIPS conducted the prosecution.
MR. DAVID EVANS. I am a stove-grate manufacturer, and live in Crutched-friars. The prisoner was in my service about three years, in the capacity of steel-burnisher—he had access to my premises—I have missed the articles stated in the indictment.
ROBERT ADAMS. I am a carpenter, and live in Charles-street, Westminster. I know the prisoner—he produced some brass cocks, and other articles to sell, on the 7th of February.
Cross-examined by MR. LAW. Q. Did you not say that it would be better for him to give you some information? A. No, I did not.
MR. PHILLIPS. Q. Did you buy any of them? A. Yes, I bought eight cocks of him, at the sign of the Robin Hood public-house—I took them home and Mr. Evans came about a month or five weeks afterwards and I delivered them to him—I gave him 11s. for the cocks and some nails; he paid me 4s. which he owed me—I asked how he got them—he said he worked for different employers, and they sometimes paid him in goods—his father-in-law had worked for me five years—I had no suspicion—I also bought of him some stair carpet rods for 18s. which I delivered to the officer, and the cock likewise.
ELIZABETH ADAMS. I saw the prisoner at my husband's house some time after the 7th of February—he brought a bundle of rods and a bundle of cocks.
JOHN WHEEL. I am an officer of Queen's-square. I received this property from Mr. Adams, which I have kept ever since.
(Property produced and sworn to.)
JOHN JORDAN. I am apprentice to Mr. Adams. These marks on the paper are my writing—I tied the cocks up in it—there are twenty-eight, which are worth 2l. 16s.
Prisoner's Defence. There are a great many cocks on the premises, and Mr. Evans can swear to no marks on them—he promised me a free pardon if I would tell him of them.
GUILTY. Aged 22.
Transported for Seven Years.[80]
ALEXANDER MITCHEL. I am a Thames-police officer. I went on board the barge Wellington on the 1st of June, with Mr. Gally's foreman and another man; she was shifted to the outside of the barges, ready to go away — I saw Hammerton on board, and asked if he was the master of the barge — he said he was; I had not then told him what I came about. I asked what he had got in the barge — he said empty sacks; I asked if all the malt was delivered — he said it was: I then proceeded to turn over a number of empty sacks, which laid in a bulk in the barge; while I was doing that, he said "There are eight sacks of malt under that tarpauling;" I said "You just now told me all your malt was delivered — how came you to tell me that?" he said he did not know; I asked him who it belonged to — he said he did not know. I then turned the tarpauling on one side, and under seven or eight other tarpaulings, I found eight sacks of malt, most of them marked Richard Gally, Kingston. I think one of them was different, but they were all in the name of Gally. I then took him and the malt, on board the police ship. I asked his name, his employer's name, and the barge's name; he said it was enough for him to be answerable for what he had done himself — that there were only four sacks of this malt that belonged to him, and for them he had paid the man who carried it out of the barge to the cart, to go to the brew-house, and the other four sacks were brought on board by Dick Missen, out of Downe's barge, that morning, and they had shifted them out of Downe's sacks into Gally's; Missen has absconded, and the other two men who assisted to carry the malt out of the barge. I then went to Battle-bridge, and found Gibbons in the Pindar of Wakefield, public-house. I told him he was wanted to go to the brewhouse about some malt being short: I put him in a chaise, and took him to the ship, where Hammerton was, and I heard Green, my brother officer, ask Hammerton, if that was the man he had given the sovereign to for the malt, and he said it was - Gibbons denied it, and Hammerton said "It is useless denying it, the boy has told all about it, and you may as well tell the truth." Gibbons then said he had received a sovereign, but he did not know what Hammerton gave it him for.
CHARLES GREEN. I am an officer. I went with Mitchel to the Pindar of Wakefield — I got Gibbons out; I asked if he had been drawing malt for Coombe and Co. — he said he had; we went down to where Hammerton was, and there I heard the conversation which has been related: Gibbons said he had received the sovereign, but did not know what it was for — he said "It is a bad job but we must make the best of it."[81]
FRANCIS MURPHY. I am a labourer. Last Monday morning, I went to Blackwall to get work, and the morning being wet I was sent home to get my breakfast – as I was going up Robinhood-lane, I met the two prisoners, and they called me and said, if I would sell the rope for them, they would pay me for it, or give me some beer. I took this rope to Mr. Hart's, and asked him to buy it - he asked what was the price of it - I said I did not know - he said he would give me 7s. a cwt. - it was put into the scale and weighed 1 cwt. 1 quarter and 7lbs. - while I was there the prosecutor came in, collared me, and asked where I got it. I said of these two young men - he took me to the constable's - and as we were going along I met Monnagan and said that was one of the young men I had it from.[82]
WILLIAM JUST, JUN. I am fifteen years old. My father lives at Hoxton. On the night of the 5th of February I was in my father's yard and heard something like the smash of a window, which I mentioned to my mother. My father went out, for half an hour, in the evening – my mother then said the place had been stripped - upon which I went to fetch my father - as I was going along I saw the prisoner and another man - this was about half-past eight o'clock in the evening, and only a few minutes' walk from my father's house - the prisoner walked before me and the other man over the way - as soon as the prisoner saw me he went on the other side of the road with a dark bundle; the man on the other side had a white bundle; I believe the prisoner noticed that I saw him cross over to his companion. I got before them and they looked at me very hard; I kept my eye upon them; when I got a little further towards the Whitmore's Head public-house, I saw my father and a boy coming, and I said "Father, here they are?" I saw the dark bundle pitched over the wall, where it was afterwards found - he ran away - my father laid hold of the prisoner, and gave him to a gentleman, and then ran after the other towards the Robin Hood, public-house. When my father returned back, he was about to let the prisoner go - he said he was a hard-working lad; my father looked at his shoes, which were not like a tradesman. My father said "Where do you work?" but he could not tell; he then gave him in charge. [83]
THOMAS BOYLE. I keep the Robin Hood public-house. On the 13th of June I saw Donovan in the street, dressed in a waistcoat with sleeves; he is very similar in appearance to the prisoner.[84]
JAMES TOMKINS. I am a patrol of Cripplegate. - About ten minutes before six o'clock on the evening of the 25th of November, I was in Milk-street, and saw the prisoner come into Robinhood-court; he pitched a load down, which I took up, and Henman secured him; we asked whose property he had got - he said it was his own - Henman took him to Mr. Hayter's, the beadle, in Milk-street; we afterwards went to Mr. Davidson, in Bread-street; we showed him the wrappers, at Hayter's house, and he claimed them.[85]
BENJAMIN CREW. I am nearly ten years old, and live in Robinhood-court, Shoe-lane - I am in the service of Mr. Smith, a cow-keeper, whose premises join Mr. Brooks' out-house. About a quarter to eight o'clock, on the night before the prisoners were apprehended, I saw them both come in at our gate with the horse and cart; they work for Mr. Dupree, whose horse and cart stood on our premises - they went to the shed, and unharnessed the horse; I heard Hoare say to Read, "If anybody comes, whistle;" he was then up the cow-house ladder, by the shed - Read stood by the ladder, watching him; my mistress came out, and then he whistled to Hoare, who was up in the loft - my mistress went in-doors, and fastened the door; Hoare then called Read up into the loft, and when he had been up there about five minutes, he came down, and then Hoare threw down some lead; he then came down, took the lead, and covered it with some straw, a little higher up the shed than where I was (they could not see me; I was laying in the cow's manger, and could see what they did) - they fetched a pail of water for the horse, then put out the light, and went away - before they went away they stopped up in the shed a little while: I got out of the manger, and went and told my master, who went for the officers; this was after they put out the light - they were gone when the officers came. I saw Hoare again about six o'clock in the morning, in the shed, and he went up into the loft, and I saw lead thrown down, but cannot say that he threw it down - he got a great stone and beat the lead, and then covered it up in the same place: he was taken on the premises, about nine o'clock that morning - Read was taken that day at his master's.
Cross-examined by MR. PHILLIPS. Q. Did they leave the premises that night? A. Yes; they could have carried the lead away then, if they chose; I cannot say that they carried any away - there was a penny candle lighted at the end of the shed; there were ten cows there; I looked under two cows' bellies, through their legs, and saw them - the manger is a trough on the ground; I knelt down - part of the shed and loft belongs to Dupree; he keeps his hay there; but they were on Mr. Brooks' premises: the shed is rather longer than this Court - I saw them throw the lead down, and after they were gone, I went and showed it to master. I said nothing to my mistress when she came out. I could see them plainly, but they did not see me - nobody but their master and his men have access to the shed.
COURT. Q. Who had the care of the cart and horse? A. Hoare; Read was not often employed about the horse. Dupree's other men are employed at plumbing; he is a plumber.
GEORGE SMITH. Crew is my servant; the prisoners were in Mr. Dupree's employ. On the evening of the 8th of December, as the wet came through the ceiling of a room in my house, I went on the roof, and I went on Brooks' premises to get to my roof; this was on the Wednesday before the Saturday on which the prisoners were examined - I saw the lead was cut from Brooks' gutters. Crew gave me information on Friday night, between six and seven o'clock; it was after dark - I had not seen the prisoners come in - I went with two constables that evening, and found a roll of lead in the horse-stall, covered with straw; it was in Mr. Dupree's part of the shed - it was fresh cut; the edges were bright - the officers stood outside the door with me that night, and we saw the prisoners come out of the cow-house door; they were suffered to go away, as I had not found the lead then: I was in the shed next morning when Hoare came; the officer took him; I was not near enough to hear what he said - he had the care of the horse.
Cross-examined. Q. On what day was Hoare taken? A. On the Saturday. The lead was not too heavy for one man to carry away - there is no division in the shed - both the prisoners had velveteen jackets on; there did not appear to be any thing about them; Hoare came to his business as usual the next morning; we had not spoken to him at night - I do not think that he saw the constable.
THOMAS WEAVELL. I am an officer, and live in Dean-street, Fetter-lane. On Friday evening, the 8th of December, I happened to be in Smith's dairy, which is near this cow-shed - Crew ran into the dairy, and informed me that something was going on wrong; I waited in Robinhood-court, and saw the prisoner come out of the premises; Read came out four or five minutes before Hoare - I afterwards went into the shed, and Crew, in my presence, discovered the lead in Mr. Dupree's horse-stall - my brother-officer put his mark on it, and put it in the same place: next morning I was waiting outside, and Crew came and said that another roll was thrown down - I went into the shed and took Hoare; he asked what I took him for - my brother-officer told him he knew what it was for; I found another roll added to the lead which was there the night before - I went on Mr. Brooks' premises, and about sixty feet of lead had been taken from there - I found a knife on Hoare with marks of lead on it; only 75 lbs. were found - the largest quantity was thrown down on the Saturday morning - I took Read in Mr. Dupree's shop; he said he was innocent.[86]
THOMAS BOYLE. I keep the Robin Hood public house, Church-street, St. Giles. This coat was in my bed-room drawer; the prisoner came in to drink about ten o'clock at night; I was called by a young man, who caught him in my bed-room. I went up, and met him on the stairs; he knocked me down, and rushed out, leaving his hat and handkerchief behind. Mason took the coat from him; he was taken a fortnight afterwards.[87]
CHARLOTTE VERNON. I am the wife of William Vernon - he keeps the Robin Hood and Little John public-house, at Hoxton. The prisoner was our pot-boy: I gave him this bill to deliver to Miss Brockwill; he never brought the money to me.[88]
JAMES BEECHEY. I am an officer. I stopped the prisoner near Robin Hood-lane, Poplar, on the 28th of November, with these seven sheets, which he said he found in a field between the East and West India Dock-road; he at first told me they were rags.(Property produced and sworn to.)[89]
CHARLES TRUE was indicted for stealing, on the 5th of December, 2 handkerchiefs, value 15s., the goods of Mary Thacker, from the person of Hannah Thacker.
HANNAH THACKER. I am the daughter of Mary Thacker - she is a widow, and lives in Hoxton. On the 5th of December, I was carrying a bundle of my mother's, containing silk handkerchiefs, night-caps, and other things - the prisoner met me, and snatched them from me; the things fell out of the bundle - he carried away two silk handkerchiefs, and an apron, and made his escape - I had seen him several times before, but had never spoken to him, nor he to me: I am sure he is the person.
WILLIAM THACKER. I am the witness's brother: she told me, when I went home, that these things had been taken - I knew the prisoner before, and had spoken to him, but he was no friend of mine; I met him in Shoreditch, and accused him of the robbery - he denied it; I asked him to come to my mother's - he came to the door, and then ran away; he is a butcher.
WILLIAM WELLS. I live at Hoxton. On the 5th of December, I saw this young woman with a bundle, coming along; I saw the prisoner go and take it - most of the things dropped, but some remained in his hands, and he ran away with them; I had seen him before about the town.
Prisoner's Defence. It was in a dark place, and this witness owes me a grudge; he gets his living by stealing dogs, and selling them at the Exchange.
WILLIAM WELLS. No, I do not - I can get a good character from the Robinhood public-house, and from the master I last lived with.
Transported for Fourteen Years.[90]
JAMES MASON. On the 22d of April, about eight o'clock in the evening, I missed a pair of shoes, a pair of stockings, and other things from my sleeping-room, on the third floor at the Robin Hood public-house, in Church-street, St. Giles'; the prisoner was pot-boy there - some of my articles were hanging up, and some were on the table; I saw them safe about six o'clock in the morning: I think the prisoner has one of my shirts on now.
OWEN CONNELL. I slept in the same room; I missed a coat, a waistcoat, and a handkerchief, which I had seen safe about half-past four o'clock that morning; he said he sold my coat in Rose-lane, for 3s., and the other things in Mommouth-street.
THOMAS BOYLE. I keep the Robin Hood. The prisoner was in my service; he had a linen tick to throw over his bed, which was taken the same day - he left me without notice: I took him myself on the 9th of May; he had Mason's shirt on - he said he would pay for the articles at 2s. per week, but the Magistrate would not permit it; he had been with me two or three months.[91]
JOHN REYNOLDS. I am a smith, and live at No. 5, Hare-street, Hoxton. In December Bennett introduced me to Tomkins, as I had asked him for work, about eight o'clock in the morning; it was on a Saturday - Bennet told me Tomkins was the foreman of the works; I went and asked him if he could give me work - Tomkins told me he should like to see me at the Gun in Shoreditch; I went there between twelve and one o'clock, and Tomkins said he had got a job in hand, and where could he meet me on the Monday - I appointed the Robin Hood and Little John, and met him there between six and seven o'clock; he came in while I was there taking a pint of beer with a man named Balls - Tomkins asked me to walk out with him, and we went as far as the new church, Haggerstone; I asked him what the job was - he said, it was to break open the iron chest of the Imperial Gas-house, which must be done on a Wednesday night, as there was most money in it then; I said I did not understand it myself, and he might apply to other persons who would do it much better- he said he had applied to others, who had disappointed him; I said I did not wish to have any thing to do with it- I went home and spoke to Balls of what had passed; I went to Tomkins two days after the robbery, and said,"You have done the job you wanted me to do" - he said,"No, I have not done it, I can prove I was in bed and asleep at the time; I had a man at my place with the tools and keys to do it with, but I had put it so far in his hands, that he went out at the beginning of the evening and did it" - I then went home; Bennett came after that, and said Tomkins, the foreman, had sent me 30s., and we had a drop of hot together - two days after Christmas, I met Tomkins, who gave me 30s. more, and said, "I hope you won't say any thing about the robbery, as you were seen with Bennett, you are very likely to be taken up;" I told him where I lived, and said, "You may send Mr. Vickers, or any one to me, and I will clear myself, and pay the 30s. when I get work" - I went down to Balls, and told him what had passed; on the Saturday morning, Balls went and gave information; I was sent for - I went before the gentlemen of the Company, I think about a week after I saw Tomkins.
Cross-examined by MR. CLARKSON. Q. You have been a smith? A. Yes, and in the bedstead line, and can turn my hand to any thing in the labouring line; I was intimate with Balls - I have done hay-work for Mr. Rhodes; I was not taking up dead bodies on the 6th of March, no one can say that; I do not know whether I was charged with stealing dead bodies on the 6th of March - I might be taken up for getting the worse for a drop of liquor; you cannot bring any one to swear that I was taken up for breaking into a church-yard and stealing dead bodies- that might be a charge against me or it might not; I have taken goods to Camberwell, but never was in Camberwell new church-yard, and do not know where it is -I never was charged with stealing dead bodies from there; I do not know whether I was in custody at all on the 6th of March - if I was ever charged with stealing dead bodies it was unknown to me; I do not know a man of the name of William Burt, who lives in Mill-row, Kingsland - I never went by the name of Read; I know Phillips, who lives in Bridgewater-gardens, by sight and by drinking with him - I do not know that I was with Phillips in Camberwell new church-yard on the 6th of February, or in any church-yard; I was never charged with stealing dead bodies from St. Thomas', Hospital, which were afterwards returned from the London University - I do not know a man of the name of Sherrin, or Sherrill: I never borrowed a sack of him, and took it back the following morning - I do not know such a person as William Burt, and I did not meet him against the Hand and Sheers, in Cloth-fair.
Q. Did you not ask him how he got on for work? and did not you tell him you could put him into a plan, by which he could get some money - he asked you how, and you said, the foreman at the gas manufactory had a good situation, and he might go to him and say, if he did not send you money, you would go and tell his master he had done the robbery; and if Burt did not know him, you would go and show him the person? A. I do not know the man.
Q. Do you know this man (a witness)? A. I have seen him about with a man of the name of Tom Sheels, who went breaking open Shoreditch dead-house, but I did not know his name; the reason I said I never saw this man was, because I did not know his name - I did see him in a public-house; I do not know whether it was near Cloth-fair - I do not know such a place; what you have stated as passing between him and me respecting the Gas Company is not true, so help me God - he did not say "I do not like the job;" nor I did not say I would go and try it on, but I hoped he would say nothing about it - Balls is here to-night, he came with me, and he was here last night - he is no relation of mine; he lives at No. 6, Canal-road; no person was present when the conversation took place between Tomkins and I - I did not then know Tomkins' name; I knew him by having seen him once before, but he asked me to break open the iron chest, there is no mistake about that - I stated before the Magistrate that he said there was a man in his house with the tools - that he had put it in his power, and he had done it unknown to him; I heard of a reward of 50l. after I got the last 30s. - I saw it on the wall near the factory; I did not hear it from Balls.
MR. BRODRICK. Q. You were never accused of stealing dead bodies? A. No; I was the worse for liquor. and was sent to Guildford as a vagrant - that was some time last year.
THOMAS BALLS. I am a smith and farrier. I went to get a pint of beer at the Robin Hood and Little John, in Hoxton with Reynolds - I saw Tomkins there; he stopped a few minutes, and went out with Reynolds - I do not know what day it was - I never paid any regard to it; I went to Tomkins' house, in Margaret-street, near the Gas Company's works, on Saturday week - I tapped him on the shoulder, and said this business must be settled on better terms between Reynolds and him; he said, "Reynolds! I do not know such a man;" I said,"Do not you know the young man to whom you proposed to do that job for you at the counting-house?" he said,"I don't know him;" I said, "You must know the young man you gave 3l. to, to say nothing about it" - he went in, and staid about ten minutes, when he came out and said, "I can't see the other parties to-day;" I said, "It must be settled to-day between one and two o'clock, there is 50l. reward, and you must do the best you can, or things will go forward in the job" - he said,"Will you have any thing to drink?" I said, "I do not mind," and we went into a public-house, I believe the Antelope - I said I did not like gin, and we had a quartern of rum; we came out, and he said, "I will meet you to-morrow at the Robin Hood and Little John, between four and five o'clock" - I said that would do, but I did not go.[92]
RICHARD LEE was indicted for stealing, on the 27th of May, 1 sovereign, 9 shillings, and 4 sixpences, the monies of James Barker.
JAMES BARKER. I live in Robinhood-lane, Poplar. On the 23rd of April I put 31s. into a jug, in a cupboard in a room which we do not make use of, when I got up in the morning, and missed it the next day. I am a bricklayer. The prisoner lodged with me – my wife said, "I think Lee has the money, he has spent a great deal;" I went to a public-house, and brought him home – he denied it, but said, "If you think I have robbed you, charge an officer with me."[93]
THOMAS SAPWELL. On the 3rd of May, about nine o'clock at night, I was sent for to the Robinhood, in Skinner-street, to look at some butter which two young men had brought there; there were fourteen lumps tied in this cloth, and tied in a blue apron, which I believe the prisoner has now got on; while I was sitting in the bar the prisoner came up, and asked for the apron - I had not time to examine the butter well; another person, named Bathe, was with him - they said they were going to Leadenhall-market; the prisoner took the apron with him - I followed them up the street, and lost them; as they said they would come back in an hour, I went back, and waited till between eleven and twelve o'clock, but they did not come; on the Wednesday morning, between ten and eleven I was sent for - I went there, and found the prisoner and the other; the butter was there - I suspected it was stolen, as it was not wrapped up as it should have been; I asked where they got it from - they seemed very much confused at the moment, but afterwards said they bought it; it was then in this turbot basket, not in a flat - I asked Carter who he bought it of; he at first said he bought it at a shop in Newgate-market - I asked who kept the shop; he made no answer, then said he had bought it outside the shop, but gave no name - I asked where he lived; he said any where - the other said he lived in a court on Old Fish-street-hill; the prisoner afterwards said, before the Magistrate, that he bought it of a countryman in Newgate-market - it weighed 28lbs.; I made inquiry, and found Mr. Knight, who claimed the cloth - he said, "If the butter belongs to me it is two creams (meaning dairys), and it was so. The bill against Bathe was not found.[94]
HENRY JAMES CONWAY. I am a solicitor , and live at my father-in-law's, in Farringdon-street. About three weeks before the 25th of April, I was removing from my residence, and I delivered to the prisoner, who was a porter, a variety of articles - he was to keep them at his house in Robinhood-court for me, till I authorised him to remove them; I delivered to him a portrait in oil, a print of the death of Nelson, three pictures in frames, one of which is needle-work, two boxes of law papers, a caddy, a draft-board, a trunk, a china bowl, and a panagram to teach the blind music, which cost ten guineas; the things were found in Union-street, Middlesex-hospital - the prisoner was taken at Hoxton; I only charge him with stealing these things, because he had removed them from his residence; but whether he did it with the intention of stealing I am sure I do not know.[95]
PASCHO FAIRCHILD. I am a watchman of St. Andrew's. On the 8th of June, about half-past nine o'clock at night, I saw the prisoners together in Shoe-lane; the man had a child in his arms - they were both so intoxicated as not to be able to take care of it; I asked the man to deliver it to me, and I would take him to the watch-house, to protect him and the child, which he objected to, at first, but at last gave the child into my arms; a number of people collected - a woman took the child from me, to take care of it; the man resisted - I took him by the collar, and he dropped a half-crown and a shilling, which I produce; he was very near the Robin Hood - the female prisoner was about half-a-dozen paces from him; they were apart when he dropped the money - I am sure it dropped from him; he put his foot on the half-crown, but could not reach the shilling - I did not know it was bad, and wished to put it into my pocket to take care of for him, but he resisted my taking it up; I got assistance - Rentmore took charge of the woman; I saw some coin taken from the woman, but did not count it.[96]
John Quin. Q. What took you to Brownlow-street first? A. I had not been there lately; I first saw you walking down George-street - Donovan was with me; I had got acquainted with him during the time I went backwards and forwards to St. Giles - he did not say, "There he is;" you came out of your house and went over to the Robin Hood - then you came out, and Donovan went and spoke to you; that was on the 22nd - you then turned to me, and said you had none by you, that you never sold less than a score; but you told me to wait - you went and fetched me six shillings, and gave me them under a lamp - we went, and had something to drink; Donovan stepped on one side, but I had not been in conversation with him - you then said if I could get you a customer you would give me a shilling's worth in, and appointed to meet me the next night at a quarter-past seven o'clock; I was against the pump at the time you appointed - you came, and asked me to go up; I went, and made a second purchase of you.[97]
REBECCA CHRISTY. I am the wife of James Christy - we keep the Robin Hood, in Shoe-lane. On Saturday, the 14th of April, between five and six o'clock in the evening, the prisoner and another man came for a quartern of gin, which came to 4d.; I received a crown-piece from one of them, for which I gave change, and in about ten minutes discovered it to be counterfeit; I had no other in the house- the prisoner came again on Monday, alone, between five and six o'clock, and had half a pint of beer - I was at tea in the parlour; he gave 6d. to Fletcher, who called to me for change - he gave me the 6d.; I took it to my husband in the parlour - he sent for a constable, who took the prisoner; I gave the officer the same sixpence and crown, after marking them.[98]
ELLEN REED was indicted for stealing, on the 20th of April, 1 gown, value 1s. 6d.; 6 spoons, value 20s., and 1 pair of trousers, value 2s., the goods of Robert Cussen.
ROBERT CUSSEN. I keep a chandler's shop in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar. The prisoner lodged at my house by the name of Mrs. Fisher, with a person who either was or passed as her husband – she left us on the 20th of March, and left some goods there; on the 10th of April she came again, and asked to be allowed to go to the room which she had occupied, and I went with her – it was then about half-past five o'clock; I had six silver tea-spoons laying on a table in that room – I saw them distinctly; I left her in the room about ten minutes; she then came down and went out; in about an hour I went to the room again, and missed the spoons – there was nobody in the house but me; my wife afterwards told me her gown was gone, and on the same day I missed a pair of trousers.[99]
WILLIAM ANDERSON was indicted for stealing, on the 14th of January, 2 shirts, value 14s.; 1 gown, value 10s., and 1 petticoat, value 2s., the goods of Elizabeth Campbell.
ELIZABETH CAMPBELL. I live in Whitmore-street; I am a laundress. I lost a shirt from my copper on the 14th of January, and the officer brought it to me in the course of three days; this is it – I have had it constantly to wash ever since it was made; the mark has been cut out, and a piece put in the place – the prisoner lodged next door to me.
JOSEPH MELLISH (Police-constable N 5). I apprehended the prisoner at the Robin Hood public-house; I found this shirt on him – he said he bought it in Chiswell-street, and then in Chick-lane.
Prisoner's Defence. I said I bought it in Chick-lane.
GUILTY. Aged 20. – Confined Fourteen Days.[100]
MARTHA TAYLOR. I live in Robin Hood-court, Shoe-lane. I was working at the Robin Hood public-house - the prisoner came and asked me to take care of this rabbit for him - I said, if he would sell it, I would buy it of him- he said, no, it was to be raffled for - I let it run about the public-house for two days, and then took it home.[101]
JOHN MAY. I apprehended the prisoner on the 3rd of April, at the Robin Hood, Windmill-street, and found six duplicates on him - the prosecutor identified the clothes he was wearing - three of the duplicates led me to Chaffer's - and one to Bartram, for a pair of sugar-tongs and two tea-spoons.[102]
WILLIAM FROST. I lodge at the Robin Hood public-house: the prisoner slept in the same bed with me. On the morning of the 7th of May, I saw him out of bed between three and four o'clock - I remarked that it was rather early - he said, yes; but he was going to Newgate-market - I sat up and looked for my clothes, which I had left on the bed, and which were not there then - I found them by the bed side - I took up my trousers, and felt in them for a crown-piece, two shillings, and some half-pence, which I knew I had left in the pocket - they were all safe - I put them down again, and the prisoner went out of the room - I laid down, and in a few minutes he came into the room again - I suppose he thought I was asleep - I saw him take my trousers, and he was pushing up the pocket to get the money out - he went down - I jumped up and ran after him - I said, "Halloo" - he said, "Halloo," and came up into the bed-room again - I came up with him - I shut the door, and challenged him with having my crown-piece - he said he had not - I said he had - I got my clothes on, and locked the door of the room while I went out for a policeman - I saw a bricklayer's labourer, and sent him for a policeman - in about two minutes the policeman came; and, as we went up stairs, I heard the prisoner jump out of the window, which is on the first-floor - I opened the door, and he was not in the room - the window looked into some stable yards.[103]
THOMAS BATTON. On Friday morning, 30th of January, about twenty minutes to three o'clock, I was calling the time up Robin Hood-court, and observed the prisoner coming down the steps with something on his shoulder—I am a watchman—he saw my lantern, and shyed from me, and turned back—I followed, and took him—he had got a dead pig covered with a coat.[104]
JOSEPH WEBB. I live in Pinder's-place, Gray's-inn-road. On the evening of the 14th of May, I was in Gray's-inn-road; I saw the cart, with the horse hanging up; there was a hogshead of sugar and two boxes in it—I went up to give assistance—Allen said there was a man behind, that the hogshead was upon him; and he was sure he was killed—we cut the tarpaulin to get the hogshead out, and Chapman, who was under it, was taken to the doctor's, insensible—I saw the hogshead taken out of the cart, and placed in the road—I was there the whole time the cart was in the road—no sugar came out into the road there was no tin over the hole then—when Mr. Dadds came up, Allen said he had got some sugar in the bag, which he had picked up out of the street, and then he said he picked it up out of the cart.[105]
ALLEN CAMERON. I am a policeman. On sunday the 4th of October, between two and three o'clock in the morning, I was on duty near Hoxton — I passed by the Robin Hood and Little John, and saw a person answering the description of Chantry, going towards the New North-road — he came out of Constable-alley — and soon after Bond came — I am quite certain of him — a very few seconds passed between the first and second man passing me — Bond had a bundle with him — I asked him what he had got there — he said a goose — I asked him how he came possessed of it — it was loose on his shoulder — in his hand, naked — not covered with any thing — I asked him who that chap was that had passed before him — he said he did not know — I asked how his father became possessed of the goose — he said he did not know, but he believed he had bought it — I asked him how he came possessed of the bundle — he said his father gave it him to take home — I asked him what it contained — he said a coat, waistcoat, and a pair of trousers — I asked him how his father became possessed of it, or whether his father bought it — he could not tell — I asked if he remembered seeing his father wear any of the clothes — he said he did not recollect — I said I was not satisfied with his statement, and took him into custody — I took possession of the bundle, which contains the same things as it did then.[106]
MARY ANN SMITH. I am servant to Mr. Hiscock, of Robin Hood-lane Polpar, a green-grocer—on Saturday evening the 16th of January, at about a quarter past ten o'clock Brown came for a penny worth of onions—I served her—she gave me a shilling—I took it to my mistress in the back parlour—she gave me 11d. I gave it to the prisoner—I saw nothing more of her—on the same evening Sullivan came for a pennyworth of turnips—he offered me a shilling—I took it to my mistress, she gave me the change and I gave it to Sullivan,—it was about a quarter past ten—I saw nothing more of Brown and Sullivan till I saw them at the station-house.
Cross-examined. Q. At what hour did you see them at the station-house? A. I think about half-past eleven o'clock the same evening.
LOUISA HISCOCK. I keep a green-grocer's shop in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar. On the night of the 16th of January Smith my little—girl, brought me two shilling at two several times—I put them into my pocket, where I had anothe r shilling which was a new one with a lion on it, and two half crows—the two shilling I received from smith were very dirty—I did not notice them at the time but I was able to distinguish then from the new one which I had received from my brother—it was about half-past ten o'clock—I heard of the prisoners being in custody a little before eleven o'clock or a few minutes after—the door was never opened from the time I received the two shilling till she policeman came—my husband marked them—I am sure they are the same Smith brought me.
BROWN. I was never in the shop, nor in house till I was taken to the station-house. MARY ANN SMITH. I am certain she is the woman—I saw her in custody an hour afterwards.
WILLIAM GRIFFIN (police-sergeant 11 K.) I was at the station-house when the prisoner were brought in—I received 2s. from Mrs. Hiscock—the produced two half-crowns, three shilling and one sixpence from her pocket—I took two of the shilling and bent them—the other was a new one with a lion on it—I took Smith to the station house—she saw the prisoner and recognised Brown as being the person who passed one shilting, and Sullivan as passing the other; but he and Young have changed their names—Sullivan gave the name of Young at the station-house, and was examined as Young before the Magistrate.
HENRY MUMFORD. (police-constable H 92.) I was on duty in High-street, Poplar on Saturday evening the 16th of January—I was watching the prisoner—Sullivan and Road passed me in High-street lane—Poplar, coming from Mr. Scott's way and going towards Robin Hood-lane—upon reaching Mr. Scott's I discovered that a bad shilling had been passed there—I next saw all the four prisoner together at the end of Robin Hood-lane, conversing together about one hundred yards from where I first saw the two—I after went to Well-street and saw Sullivan on one side of the street, and Roach on the other—Well-street is near Mr. Hiscock's—I got another constable and followed the prisoners up the East India-road—I took the four into custody, with other officers—we found these onions, turnips tobacco, and one pennyworth of bread on Roach—I saw him searched and five goods sixpences, and three shilling and 5d. in copper money were found on him—Brown was searched by a female—a good shilling, one halfpenny, and a key, were found on her—she said she knew nothing of the other prisoners—she told me so from the first—I am certain I saw her talking with the others.[107]
(George Palliser, Finsbury-place; Mr. Myers, Peter's-alley Cornhill; George T. Davis, Colt-street, Limehouse; H. P. Edghill, book-keeper at Nelson's coach office; S. Douglas, Robin-hood-lane, Poplar; and Thomas Cooling, coach proprietor, Chester-street, Kennington; deposed to Alexander's good character: and Arthur Macnamara and Henry Milner of Sidney-street, Mile-end, to that of Johnson.[108]
THOMAS COBURN. I am in the employ of the East India Dock Company. On the Sunday morning early, in consequence of a noise, I went to where I found the watchman and the prisoner truggling—I left them, while I ran for Mr. Guy—I then went to assist in taking the prisoner to the top of Robin Hood-lane—he tried to get away, and we called the policeman—he said, "I will not go, you shall carry me," and we were obliged to carry him.
WILLIAM PANTLING (police-constable K 264.) On Sunday, the 12th of March, I was on duty in the East India-road—I saw three men scuffling, at the top of Robin Hood-lane—I inquired what was amiss—it was said the prisoner had stolen some load—I took him by the collar, and told him to come to the station-house—he refused to come—we were obliged to carry him—a buck-horn was found upon him with some marks on it, as if the lead had been wrenched up by it—the lead was brought by the watchman—I went to the mast-house, and a great quantity of lead had been taken off the roof.[109]
WILLIAM BECK THORPE. I am a butcher, and live at No. 102, Cromer-street. On the night of the 19th of February I was opposite the shop of Richard Cook, at the corner of Pindar-place, about four yards from the door—I saw both the prisoners go into the shop together—Whiting shifted a piece of ham along the window-board till he got it close to the door—he then came out of the shop with it—Wood stood before him, and could see what he was doing—when Whiting came out of the shop I caught hold of him, and he dropped the ham at my feet—I took him inside the shop, and asked Mr. Cook if he had lost any thing—he said a piece of ham—I said, "Here it is, and here is the chap that took it"—Wood was just coming out of the shop—I stopped him—a policeman was sent for, and they were both taken into custody—I had been watching them for some time.
Wood. I went into the shop for an egg—I had not been with him above half an hour—I came down the street with him, but I did not know he had stolen any thing.
RICHARD COOK. I am a cheesemonger, and live in Pindar-place, Gray's, Inn-lane. I remember the prisoners being at my shop about ten o'clock on the night in question—Thorpe seized hold of Whiting just outside the shop, and brought him in—I was very busy at the time, and had not seen Wood—I missed the ham when my attention was called to it, and knew it to be mine when it was produced.[110]
DAVID MAGSON. I live at No. 60, Leather-lane, and am an engineer. I employed the prisoner as a carpenter, to remove my goods from fleet-street to Leather-lane on the 8th of March—he was going out—in consequence of some suspicion, I asked him to go and drink with me, and when he went from the public-house, I thought he looked very bulky and I followed him—I gave him into custody—the property was found in the privy—he gave me the hammer head in the street—I saw the brass in the shop that day—it was safe about breakfast time—it was found about one o'clock at the Robin Hood, in Leather-lane—the next door to where I have a factory—there was no occasion for him to take it—these things are mine—(looking at them.)[111]
THOMAS MORGAN. I keep the Robin Hood, Shoe-lane. The prisoner was at my house that Saturday evening about six o'clock—he had a small parcel in his hand—I always understood him to be a light porter—he had cap on his head, which he generally wears—I should say this, was the same sort of cap—(looking at one.)[112]
THOMAS HARRIS. I am a fancy pearl-cutter, and live in Church-lane, Bloomsbury. On the evening of Friday, the 13th of April, my brother-in-law came to sup with me—we had some beer brought from Mr. Mason's, the Robin Hood public-house—it came in a can, and an empty quart pot with it—I believe Mr. Mason's name was on the pot, but I did not look—my brother left me about ten o'clock at night—I missed the quart pot about twelve o'clock the next morning—I had reason to believe my brother-in-law took it away—I sent for him—he told me something about it, and in consequence of that, he took me to the prisoner's, which is in Church-street, I believe—when I went to the prisoner's place, I knocked at the door—I had my brother-in-law alongside of me—the prisoner said, "Come in"—I went in, and he was sitting by the fire—I asked him whether he had bought a quart pot of this boy, showing him my brother-in-law—he denied it—I asked him again, and the boy spoke up, and said, "You did buy it"—I offered the prisoner the 4d. which the boy said he gave him, and then he said he had bought it, but he had taken it home to the landlord's, and put it into the passage—I requested him to go with me to Mr. Mason's, and we all three went together; and I asked Mr. Mason whether the prisoner had brought a quart pot home to him—he said he had not—the prisoner then said he left it in the passage, and then he said he did not, but if Mr. Mason would let him go home, he would get it—Mr. Mason said be would give him the 4d. out of his pocket if he would give him his pot, and he would go with him and get it—the prisoner said he could not get it without he went by himself—he was then given into custody.
FRANCIS BANKS. I was supping with my brother-in-law that night—I saw this quart pot and took it to the prisoner—I had not known him till he had come and spoke to me for two or three days, and then I took this pot to him—he gave me fourpence for it—I told my brother-in-law of it.
Prisoner. You asked if I wanted to buy it, and I said, "No," and you said you had not enough to pay for your lodging, and I gave you ten half-pence for it. Witness. No—you only gave me fourpence.
JAMES MASON. I am landlord of the Robin Hood. I remember the can of beer and the quart pot going to Harris's house—I believe the pot had the name of Boyle on it—I have never seen it since—the two witnesses and the prisoner came to me on the Monday morning—the prisoner requested me to let him go alone, and I would not—I offered to send any man in the room with him, or to go myself, and he would not—I then gave charge of him.[113]
GEORGE CHRISTOPHER HYMNS. I live in Harp-alley, Long-alley, Moorfields. I know Robert Marsh and the two prisoners—I was at the Robin Hood and Little John public-house, in Skinner-street, Bishopsgate, about twenty minutes past nine o'clock, on the night of the 27th of April, when Marsh and the two prisoners were there—I know Mr. Brown's premises—I and my father used to work there—his warehouse is fifty or sixty yards from the Robin Hood and Little John—Marsh staid there till about twenty minutes to ten o'clock—he then went out, and the two prisoners went out about ten minutes after Marsh did—the prisoners came back in about five minutes, or rather better, and then Dixon changed his hat for a cap with a young man in the tap-room, and then Hands changed his hat for a cap with a man of the name of Herbert—Dixon then said to the man he changed with, that he was going after some whalebone in Foster-street—Hands was close to him—Marsh was not there then—the prisoners then went away, amd in about a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes I went out to go home—in my way home I saw the two prisoners at the corner of Long-alley, which is about sixty yards from the public-house, and twenty or thirty yards from Mr. Brown's premises—there is a way from the corner of Long-alley to Mr. Brown's premises, up Peter—street—the prisoners had the caps on their heads, and I observed under the side of Dixon's coat a dark cloth—it seemed a kind of towel cloth, or wrapper—I heard Hands say to Dixon, "Come, on, Charley; we shall be too late"—they then went on, towards Peter-street, in the line to where Mr. Brown lived.
Cross-examined by MR. PAYNE. Q. Whose employ are you in? A. My father-in-law's—he is a bricklayer—I have been employed by him about eleven months—before that I was in the employ of Mr. Self, of Watling-street—before that I was out of a situation for a long time—I was in Bridewell for three months, as I was enticed away by a young man to pick pockets—that is the only time I was in custody—I was not in Mr. Brown's employ, only doing bits of jobs with my father—I know his premises well—I had been on them once or twice—I knew Marsh some time—I know nothing of Moneghan.
COURT. Q. Did you give information immediately when you found they were going to Foster-street? A. No—Mr. Brown came to me—there was a man of the name of John Groom in the public-house when this robbery was talked of—I spoke to him, and he said, "Never mind, let them get their living in the best way they can"—Groom was a kind of pot-boy in a house in Long-alley, but he did something, and is gone away—there was Herbert and Atterbury, and others in the public-house—I do not know what has become of Marsh—I have not seen him since the night the robbery was done—I do not know what the prisoners were waiting for from the time they went out of the public-house till I saw them—I am quite sure I did not get nearer to the prosecutor's premises than within thirty yards—I went straight home, and told my father-in-law of it.
Hands. I never was at the Robin Hood that night—I never met this witness at the corner of Long-alley—I never changed my hat with any one—Herbert is now in the Compter for stealing lead.[114]
WILLIAM LENEY. I am barman to James Vivian, at the Anchor, in Farringdon-street. On the 4th of December I saw the prisoner with another man, who called himself Leman, between four and five o'clock in the afternoon—the prisoner asked for a pint of beer, which was 1½d.—he gave me a bad shilling—I saw it was bad—I asked him whether he knew what he gave me—he said, "Yes," and he had taken it of me half an hour before—I knew him before, but I had not seen him for the last three or four months—I kept the shilling—he told me not to keep it—that he had taken it at the Robin Hood—his companion offered to pay for the beer—I sent for a policeman, and then the prisoner paid me in copper—I gave the shilling to the policeman.
Prisoner. Q. Did you state at Guildhall that I told you I took it at the Robin Hood? A. I do not think I did—I was asked but very few questions there—I asked you if you knew the shilling was bad—you told me, "Yes"—I asked you to pay for the beer—you said you would not, but you did afterwards.
JOHN VIVIAN. I am the father of James Vivian. I was sent for to the Anchor public-house when this happened, and went—the constable asked me if I meant to press the charge—I said, he ought to know best, it was my son's business, not mine—the prisoner said I ought not to press the charge, as I knew him to be an old customer—he then said, "I suppose you to be a man of intellect, I know it is a bad shilling, I have other bad money about me, you ought not to do it"—I then told the officer to do his duty, and search him—the officer said, "You must go with me, to my Inspector"—he said, "I shall not go, till I think proper"—the officer sent for more assistance, and they took him away.
Prisoner. I never spoke a word to him.
SAMUEL ALLEN (City police-constable No. 51.) I was called into the Anchor public-house, and the prisoner was standing at the bar, with another man—I told the prisoner, he had much better pay for the beer—he said he would not pay for it—I asked him again—he said he would not—the other offered 1½d. to pay for it—the prisoner took the 1½d. out of his hand, and said he should not pay for it—the prisoner paid for the beer himself, with that 1½d.—I received this shilling from Leney—(producing it)—when Vivian was sent for, I heard the conversation between him and the prisoner—I heard him tell Mr. Vivian, "You are a man of intellect, you ought not to do it"—he said, "Do what?"—the prisoner said, "To press the charge—I know it is a bad shilling, and I have other bad money about me"—he was not searched, there being two together, I detained them till the arrival of my sergeant—he went very quietly half-way up Skinner-street, and then made use of very bad language, tried to force himself out of my hand, and threw himself on his back—I held him by the collar with my right hand, and with my left held his left hand—he struggled very much to get his left hand at liberty—I was present when he was searched at the watch-house, and something went down his trowsers—I picked a purse up, and gave it into the hand of my sergeant—I saw a good half-crown and a bad one, and two good sixpences taken from it.
CHARLES WALLER (City police-sergeant No. 8.) I was sent for, and helped to take the prisoner—I assisted in carrying him to the station-house in Giltspur-street—he tried to release himself, and laid himself down in the street—with great force we took him to the station-house—in searching him I heard something jingle—I could not see any thing—in the course of a minute, something went down the thigh of his trowsers—I had felt in his waistcoat-pocket before, and found 4½d. in copper, and nothing in his trowsers' pocket—something dropped—I cast my eye on it, and saw it was a purse—I told Allen to give it to me, which he did—I searched the prisoner, and in his coat-pocket found three pairs of tips for shoes—I asked the prisoner what he was—he said, "A miller"—I asked where he lived—he hesitated, and said, "No. 2, East Harding-street"—I sent Allen there—he came back, and said it was no such thing—the prisoner then said, "No. 2, Leather-lane"—I went there, and found he did not live there—I have kept the bad half-crown ever since—(producing it.)
Prisoner. Q. Did you state that you picked up the purse? A. No—I said it fell from your trowsers.
SAMUEL ALLEN, re-examined. I went to No. 2, East Harding-street, and found no person of the prisoner's name lived there.
Prisoner. Q. What was the name of the landlord? A. Neither the landlord nor landlady were within—I asked one of the lodgers—they did not know him by name nor by description.
MR. JOHN FIELD. This shilling and half-crown are both counterfeit.
Prisoner's Defence. At the request of the pot-boy of the Robin Hood, I went to Tower-hill to get a ship—we went into the Queen's Head, and made inquiry there whether they wanted recruits for the navy—the landlady said no, they were full—after having two or three pints of beer we returned home—I changed half-a-sovereign at a house near the Minories, and received a half-crown, four shillings, and five sixpences—we then went home—Leney, the boy, said we would have half-a-pint of beer—we went to Vivian's—I tendered a shilling, and he said it was bad—I did not state it was taken from him—he said he should send for a policeman, and I was taken—this half-crown I had received in Leather-lane a fortnight before, and had it knocking about, and on the day stated I put it into my purse—I live at No. 2, Hole-in-the-wall-court, Leather-lane—if I had been disposed to escape I should have paid for the beer and got away—it is evident no person could attempt to pass it as it is now.[115]
JOHN HABGOOD (police-constable K 109.) I was in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar, on the 2nd of January, at half-past seven o'clock in the evening. I observed the two prisoners enter a marine store-dealer's with something very heavy on their backs—I went in, and Trew had just put down a bundle on the counter—I asked him what he had got—he said he did not know—Taylor then said that he had employed him to carry some iron belonging to his master, and was to give him 6d. for his trouble—I sent for assistance, and took them.[116]
[...] HODGES HYDER was indicted for stealing, on the 13th of March, 2 sixpences; and 1 knife, value 9d.; the goods of George Courtney, from his person.
GEORGE COURTNEY. I have enlisted in the 94th regiment of foot, and lodge at the Robin Hood public-house, in Duke-street, Westminster. On the 13th of March I fell asleep in the parlour of that house—when I awoke I saw the prisoner lying on a stool, pretending to be asleep—I felt in my pocket, and missed two sixpences and a knife, which had been there when I went to sleep—I told the prisoner, if he gave me what he had of mine I would not trouble him about it—he said he would give me a rap on the head if I asked him for it again—I got a policeman, who searched him, and found sixpence in his trowsers' pocket, and my knife—I had given him 9d. for that knife that very morning.
FRANCES WILLIAMS. I live in Gardener's-lane, Duke-street, and work at the Robin Hood. On the 13th of March I saw the prosecutor in the parlour, and the prisoner down on his knees, picking the prosecutor's pocket—I went up, took him by the neck, and asked what he was doing there—he said he would knock me down—I made an alarm, and the people came up stairs—he ran from the man, laid down on the settle, add pretended to be asleep—we forced him out of the house, and gave him in charge.
JOHN MASSEY TIERNEY. I am a policeman. The prosecutor came to the station-house, and I went with him to the Robin Hood—I afterwards found the prisoner in Charles-street—I searched him at the station-house, and found half a crown and sixpence concealed in the waistband of his trowsers, and in his pocket 6d., some coppers, and two knives, one of which the prosecutor claimed.
Prisoner. When I was first taken, the prosecutor said he had lost a shilling; but when no shilling was found on me, be said it was sixpences—he said nothing about the knife till it was found. Witness. He said nothing about the knife till it was found—the moment he saw it he said, "That is my knife, I bought it of him this morning for 9d."—he at first said he had lost shilling, but directly said, "No, it was two sixpences"—I cannot remember whether that was before I found them—he was sober, but appeared to have been drinking—the prisoner appeared tipsy, but whether that was affectation I cannot say.
Prisoner's Defence. I went with Courtney, and another young man, to the Robin Hood—he bought the knife of me for 9d. and a pot of beer—we tossed for four or five quarterns of rum, and, in stooping for a halfpenny I broke my thumb nail—I asked him to lend me the knife to cut it—he did, and I put it into my pocket—we tossed for more rum—he put his hand into his pocket, and said, "That is the last shilling I have," and paid for it—we laid down to get sober—I fell asleep, and pitched, head foremost, down—the witness came up, hearing me fall, and said, "Oh, you rogue, you want to pick Courtney's pocket"—I said I did not, but I had stumbled over the stool—she brought up two or three men, and charged me with robbing Courtney—I asked him if he had lost any thing—he felt, and said he had not lost any thing—the witness said, "Feel again, for this young man was trying to pick your pocket"—he felt again, and said, "Yes, I had a shilling, which is gone," and said, "Give me the shilling"—I said I had no shilling belonging to him—he said I had, and was going to strip to fight me for it—when I came down stairs, three or four of them pushed me out of the house—the officer said, I had better go, and sit down at the cook's shop, and get sober—I came out of there in a few mintues, and saw Courtney and two policemen at the corner—I went up to speak to them, and he gave me in charge.
JOHN MASSEY TIERNEY re-examined. I took the prisoner in Charles-street—he was apparently coming from the coffee-shop towards me—nothing was said about having lent the prisoner a knife.
GEORGE COURTNEY re-examined. He did not break his finger nail that I know of—I never lent him the knife, I am certain.
FRANCES WILLIAMS re-examined. I was in the tap-room, and heard a noise up stairs—it was not like a man tumbling off a stool—it was like a scuffle—I swear I saw the prisoner's hands in the prosecutor's pocket.
GUILTY. Aged 21.—Recommended to mercy.—Confined Three Months.[117]
SARAH ELIZABETH SMITH. I live in Robin Hood-lane, This frock was brought to my shop by Thomas Watts, between eight and nine o'clock at night—he said, "Mrs. Smith, will you buy this frock?"—I said, "Where did you get it?"—he said, "My mother got it from where she was at work, and sent me to sell it"—I said, "You rascal, you stole it; if you don't fetch your mother I will give you in charge"—he went away, and in a quarter of an hour his mother (the female prisoner) came, and said it was all right—that she had had it given her where she was at work, and if I would let her have a few halfpence on it she would thank me—I did so, and on the Monday a man and his wife came to buy some things, and the woman said the frock belonged to a neighbour of hers.[118]
JOHANNAH MATTHEWS. I am the wife of Joel Matthews, and live in Robin Hood-court, Shoe-lane. On this Saturday, I went to Mr. Halbert's pawn-shop—I saw the prisoner talking to Ireland, and a little boy that she had with her—they went out, and shortly after I saw them in Harp-alley—I heard the prisoner say to Ireland, "Give me the money, and I will give the things to your aunt"—I saw the child reach her hand to the prisoner, who took some money, but what I cannot say—I heard nothing of the robbery till the Thursday after, when I met Mrs. Turner—I am sure the prisoner is the person—I never saw her before—I after-wards saw her in Plumtree-court—I pointed her out to Mrs. Turner, and she ran away into a house—I sent for the policeman) who got her out.[119]
[23 Aug. 1841:]
208. THOMAS PEARCE was indicted for unlawfully, maliciously, and feloniously assaulting Henry Deal, on the 4th of August, and stabbing and wounding him in and upon the left side of his body, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm.
HENRY DEAL. I am a shoemaker, and live at Limehouse. On Wednesday afternoon, the 4th of August, between three and four o'clock, I went to the Robin Hood and Little John beer-shop, the prisoner was there when I went in—I remained there till between ten and eleven o'clock at night—between seven and eight we were in the parlour, the prisoner, my father-in-law, one Dixon, and Jewell and myself—the prisoner had some words with Thomas Dixon, and said he would punch his b—head in pieces —I replied, "No you won't, because he is not able to stand before you;" as Dixon was a cripple—I said if he hit him, I would hit him again, as he was not able to stand against him—he said he did not care for any man in Poplar who was 9 stone 3lb. weight—after this a wrangle took place between him and me, but it was dropped for some little time, and we afterwards went from the parlour into the tap-room—we still kept wrangling for some time afterwards, and all in an instant he jumped up, and swore d—his eyes if he would not have revenge on me—he got up, and made an attempt to hit me with his hand—I did not notice whether it was shut or open, but I kept it off with my left hand—I then struck him with my right hand, and hit him on the nose, which bled—I afterwards hit at him with my right hand, and I received a pain in my side—the prisoner struck at my side before I felt the pain—at the time I thought it was with his fist—I felt a little pain in my side—after that my father-in-law got up and said, "Don't strike him any more"—I said I would not—we were still quarrelling—I afterwards went out backwards to ease myself, and felt myself very sick—I then returned into the tap-room—he began still rather to wrangle—I drank out of the pot with my father-in-law—he and I went out the front way, and we had a few words out in the street—I went directly to my father-in-law's house, and when we came home I told him I felt rather queer in my side—I remained in an arm-chair, resting, until the morning (I did not live with him) between four and five o'clock I felt myself a great deal worse—I had no waistcoat on, and I looked down, and saw the blood on my shirt—I asked my father-in-law to look, and there was a wound in my side—I looked at it myself, and saw a hole in my side, and a hole in my shirt, and in the waistband of my trowsers—my father-in-law dressed, and went for a policeman—the parish doctor came down and looked at me—they took me to the hospital directly—I remained there until now—no body else had struck me a blow in the course of the day—when the prisoner struck me I felt the pain in the same part as the wound is—I had not got the wound when I went into the Robin Hood and Little John—I had not seen any thing in the prisoner's hand—I had seen him once or twice before.
Cross-examined by MR. BALLANTINE. Q. How many of you were there in the public-house? A. Five of us—my father-in-law was there—the other persons were not my friends—I had been drinking with Dixon before—Jewell was the fourth person, but I believe he was out the greatest part of the time—I found the prisoner in the house when I went in—he appeared then to have been drinking a great deal, he was not very sober then—he drank beer several times with my father-in-law—Dixon did not use gross language to him in my presence—at first, I had no idea I was wounded, and did not inform the prisoner of it—a bread-and-cheese knife has been found, which is supposed to have inflicted the wound—I do not know if he used it for bread and cheese—(produced)—this is the knife that was produced afterwards—I did not notice any eating going on during the time—there might have been, but I did not see any.
JURY. Q. What time did you leave the public-house? A. I suppose it was between ten and eleven o'clock—I did not discover the wound until after four o'clock the next morning—I was not very sober at night—I was in the morning when I looked at it.
ROBERT AYLIFFE. I am a City policeman. I saw the last witness on the morning of the 5th of August, and saw his wound—his shirt was all over blood with the cutting, and also the waistband of his drawers—I afterwards went to Robin Hood-lane, and there found the prisoner in a house—I took him into custody, and told him he was charged on suspicion of stabbing a man—I did not say what man—he said it was a bad job, he could not help it—I took him to the station, and took the prosecutor to the hospital.[120]
JAMES MASON. I keep the Robin Hood, in Church-lane, St. Giles's I have known Conroy four years—he frequented my public-house—he showed me the watch, laid it on the table, and said he had bought it—there were plenty of people there.
EDWARD CALL. I am a wine-cooper, in George-street, Bloomsbury, Conroy showed me this watch openly in the Robin Hood.[121]
WOLFE HYAMS was indicted for stealing, on the 26th of Nov., 1 coat, value 125., the goods of Benjamin Clark. BENJAMIN CLARK. I live in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar. On the 26th of Nov. about half-past eight o'clock at night, I left my coat in my cart in Church-street, Spitalfields—in about ten minutes it was missing—this now produced is it.[122]
WILLIAM WEAVER. I am a coal and lime-merchant, and live in King's-road, Camden-town. On the 13th of Jan. I saw two carts belonging to Mr. Pratt in Gray's-inn-lane, opposite Fifteen-foot-lane, between ten and eleven o'clock—they were before me, going in the same direction as I was—the two prisoners were with them—I passed them—when I was at Britannia-street, which is some distance from Fifteen-foot-lane, I was about taking a cab—on turning round I saw the two prisoners in conversation together—after a short time I saw Barnard go round the cart, and take two nose-bags—they appeared full—he went down Fifteen-foot-lane, along Paradise-street, and into Britannia-street where I was at that time—I saw Mr. Griffiths coming along Britannia-street—I saw Barnard go into a shop in Britannia-street—I pointed that shop out to Mr. Griffiths—when he went in he had two nose-bags, and when he came out he appeared to have but one, and that was empty—he crossed Britannia-street, and went further along at the back of Chad's-row, and into Pindar-passage—I did not see him come out of Pindar-passage—Kennett was with the carts while Barnard went with the nose-bags—he drove the carts along the Gray's-inn-road till he came to Pindar-passage—the two front horses were brown, and one of the others was grey.
Cross-examined by Mr. PAYNE. Q. Which cart was it that something appeared to be taken out of? A. I think the hind cart, which had the grey horse in it.
JOHN GRIFFITHS. I was in Britannia-street on the 13th of Jan. last, about twenty minutes to eleven o'clock—Weaver pointed out a house to me—I saw no person go into that house, but I saw Barnard come out with the nose-bag on his back—it appeared empty, but the mouth of it was stuffed with straw—the house he came out of was 62, or 63, Britannia-street, which is one door beyond Paradise-street—he crossed Britannia-street, and went up George-street—I followed him—he ran away from me up Pindar-passage, which leads into Gray's-inn-road—I followed him, and he joined the team in the road, at the top of Pindar-passage, opposite Cromer-street—Kennett was with the team—I cannot say whether he spoke to Kennett when he joined him—I afterwards went with Archer to the house out of which I had seen Barnard come, and behind some coke sacks we found some corn, chaff, and grains—it was given to Archer, who took it away with him.[123]
GEORGE KENT. I am a blind-maker, living in Kensington-row, Gray's Inn-road. I went to the Pinder of Wakefield, in Gray's Inn-road for change—the landlady said she could not give it me—I got change from a man there—I cannot say exactly what it consisted of, but a great deal of it was fourpenny-pieces—the man who gave me change was in company with another—I should know the other man—I believe the prisoner is the man who gave me the change.
Cross-examined. Q. Will you undertake to swear to him? A. I will not.
WILLIAM STOWTON. I keep the Globe, in Darby-street, King's-cross. I remember, on Wednesday, the 28th of Dec., Thorogood coming from a cart with a man—he had some communication with the prisoner there, who had been there before—Barker was with him—they came between two and three o'clock—the prisoner was not sober—the prisoner asked me to change 2l. or 3l. worth of silver—I only took 1l.—there were 12s. or 14s. worth of four-penny-pieces among it—I said, "I have so many joes already, I won't take any more"—I gave one sovereign for 1l. of silver.
Cross-examined. Q. Did you take any fourpenny pieces? A. Not one—I saw them.
THOMAS BARKER. On the 28th of Dec. I went with the prisoner to the Pinder of Wakefield—he had 1l. worth of silver—I gave change for a sovereign, because the landlady would not take it—I gave that 1l. worth of silver for the sovereign—the prisoner put the silver there—it consisted of shillings and 10s. or 11s. worth of fourpenny-pieces—we had been to the Globe before—we took them there because they would not take them at the Globe.[124]
JOHN DAVIS (police-constable K 94.) I was on duty at half-past five o'clock this evening—I saw the prisoner coming up Robin Hood-lane—he looked hard at me, and passed me—I heard some one opposite give a sort of whistle—I turned round, and saw the prisoner turn from the door of a marine store shop, to which he had got—I followed, and asked what he had got; he said, nothing—I took him into the marine store shop, and was about to search him—he pulled this out of his right-hand trowsers pocket, and said, this is all I have got—he said he found it—I asked where he worked; he said at Mr. Pitching's—I went, and found it was not true—I afterwards found that he worked for the prosecutors.[125]
[8 May 1843:]
WILLIAM REEVE. I keep the Pindar of Wakefield public-house in Gray's-inn-road—the prisoner was in my employ—between nine and ten in the morning of the 22nd of April, I sent him with eleven sovereigns to my son, in Gray's-inn-lane—he was to ask my son to send me 11l. in silver, and to make haste—I saw no more of him till the policeman brought him on the Tuesday—I asked him what he had done with the money—he said he had spent it—this is the bag the money was in.[126]
[1 Jan. 1844:]
[...] JAMES WICKENDEN. I live at the Robin Hood, High Hill Ferry. On Sunday evening, the 10th of Dec, I saw the prisoners together in my master's tap-room, for about an hour and a half—I did not see any bundle—they had a dog—the prosecutor's field is about two hundred yards from our house.[127]
SAMUEL SPECK (City police-constable No. 119.) On the 5th of January I was on duty in plain clothes—I saw two boys in Milton-street—they went to a public-house in Old-street to the tap-room window, and put their hands up to the window—the prisoner came out, and they all three went together to Shoe-lane—the prisoner went into a public-house at the corner of Fetter-court, in Shoe-lane—he was in about an hour—the other boys were outside—they then went back to the same place in Old-street—they spoke to a man at the door, and returned to Shoe-lane and whistled—the prisoner came out—they all three went in company to Pontifex's in Shoe-lane—I followed them—the prisoner went up Robin Hood-court—I caught hold of him when he came down again, and I asked what he had got—he then began dropping money—he dropped a sixpence—I picked it up—I left it at the station, and he had his breakfast out of it—Ellis then came up and took a counterfeit half-crown from his hand—I took him to the station, and found four counterfeit shillings in his pocket, wrapped up in a piece of cotton stocking—the prisoner said he knew nothing about it.[128]
RICHARD REEVE. I am living at the Pindar of Wakefield. In Nov. I was in the service of a pawnbroker. I produce a piece of crimson velvet pawned by a man on the 20th of Nov.—I gave him this duplicate—I produce three yards of black woollen cloth, pawned on the 11th of Nov. by a man, and a coat pawned on the 18th of Dec. by a man.[129]
JOHN FIELD. I am in the service of Richard Cook, who has two shops, one in Constitution-row, and the other at Pindar-place—I am servant at the Pindar-place shop, which is a fishmonger's—the other shop is a cheesemonger's—Rackham was my master's errandboy, and was employed ployed at both shops—my master's stable is at the back of the Pindar-place shop. On Wednesday, the 30th of Oct., I hung up in the stable a basket which had nothing in it—the next morning I found the basket hanging there still, and it had six herrings, and some bacon and lard in it—on the Friday morning I showed the articles to my master—the basket was hanging still in the stable—I looked over my stock, and missed several herrings—the bacon and lard were not under my care—about a quarter past ten o'clock at night on the 4th of Nov. I saw Smith standing at the corner of the gateway, and he and Rackham went down to the stable to feed the horse—my master was then on the opposite side of the way, and I was at the corner of the shop—in about twenty minutes I saw the prisoners come out of the stable, and Smith had the basket with him—each of them bid one another good night, and Rackham went into the shop, and Smith went away—I called him back and asked him what he had got in the basket—he said he had got nothing—I took it from him, and found these things—I asked him where he got them—he said he bought them in the street—I brought him back to the shop and my master came in—Rackham owned to his guilt, and Smith said he had received things on two different occasions before from Rackham.[130]
GEORGE SMITH. I am a cow-keeper, and live in Robin Hood-court, Shoe-lane. On the 9th of May, a little before eight o'clock in the morning, I saw Mr. Powell's van in New-street-square—I saw a man take a sack from the van, and place it in a cart, but I could not swear it was either of the prisoners—the cart went into Dean-street, and into Fetter-lane.[131]
GEORGE BELL. I live with my mother at No. 21, Hamilton-street, Manchester-square. At the time this matter happened I was errand-boy, in the employment of Mr. Davis, of Bull Head-court, Newgate-street—on the afternoon of the 27th of Nov. I was walking up Russia-row and saw the prisoner running up Russia-row towards me—the policeman was after him, calling out, "Stop thief!"—he turned down Robin Hood-court—I followed him, and in the middle of the court I saw him drop the pocket-book—I picked it up, and by the time I got to the bottom of the court the policeman had apprehended the prisoner—he asked for the pocket-book, and I gave it to him—this is it. [132]
JEREMIAH HOLLAND. I live in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar. I was at the Harrow, standing by Maguire, and saw the prisoner rush into the tap-room, and stab Maguire in the arm—he ran away directly—I saw no quarrel—I just saw the blade of the knife—it might be four or five inches long.[133]
ROBERT THOMPSON. I am a stoker, and live at No. 2, White Hart-place, Robin Hood-lane. I saw the prisoner in Dellar's custody—I saw him go to a watering-place, and put a small case over the gate—I picked it up and gave it to the policeman—this is it—(produced.) [134]
Q. Do not you know that the prisoner drew that bill contrary to the ordinary practice of the society, because they knew at that time that you were spending the society's money? A. I never spent the society's money—I do not know that anything of that kind was alleged—it was not alleged that Wadsworth drew the bill to take the drawing of it out of my hands—it was two or three months after I had drawn the bill that Ballard came and took possession of the documents—I was formerly treasurer to the Tailors' Society—I was not discharged—I am not treasurer now—I do not know a man named Dallas (a person named Dallas was here called in)—I have no knowledge of him—I cannot say that I ever saw him—he may know me—the house at which the Tailors' Society was held was the Robin Hood, in Great Windmill-street, and after that at the White Horse, in Carnaby-market—I dare say I might have had 150l. of the society's in my possession at one time—I placed that money you allude to in the bank of Marsh, Fontleroy, and Co., which failed—I was asked to refund it—the Society did not ask me for my vouchers for the deposits, only for my own book—I did not say that I had put it under my bed, and that the rats had eaten it—I produced the book—I have paid the society 12s. 6d. in the pound—I was a member as well—when I went with Barrett to Mr. Pritchard's office this bill was shown to me—I did not, in Mr. Pritchard's presence, say, "Beyond all question that acceptance is Barrett's writing"—all I said was, "Why, friend Barrett, you owe the money, and of course you will pay it," but as to that bill I do not know it—I never said it was Barrett's writing, not anything of the kind, I was never asked the question—I did not turn round to Barrett and say, "You do not mean to be such a rascal as to deny your own handwriting?"—I have been several times applied to by the society for the use of my name to conduct actions against parties that owed money to the society, advanced while I was treasurer—I refused to give such authority—I knew this bill to be a forgery as soon as I saw it—I did not go before a Magistrate; I went before the Grand Jury—I was subpœnaed to go—I came here by myself—Mr. Stones went, I believe, and Mr. Burnell—it was never intimated by Burnell to me, or to Barrett, in my hearing, to trump up this charge of forgery—I do not know who proposed going before the Grand Jury—I was only a witness—these figures, 637, on this bill, are not my writing—I swear that—I cannot swear to Barrett's writing—I have seen him write—I will not swear that this acceptance is his writing—I could not from a belief upon a man's writing—I do not feel myself qualified to do so—I have not seen Barrett write often—he gave me two, or three, or four bills, while I was treasurer—he superintended the building of the house, and furnished me with weekly accounts as he went on, but they had nothing to do with his writing—they were vouchers given by other persons—he was paid every week—he is a journeyman carpenter—he did not give receipts for the money the received—if he did not draw the money it was placed to his account—if he did, he would have no occasion to write—it would be put down as paid to him on account in the book I have here—he sometimes signed it—I cannot say that this acceptance is Barrett's writing—I cannot tell anything about any person's writing—I would not say a word about any person's writing—I could not do it.[135]
GEORGE. RICHMAN. I am a son of Isaac Richman, of Robin Hood-lane. The prisoner was sitting in the shop, waiting for his wife—she came, went round the counter, and sat down by his side—he spoke to her, and kissed her; then put his left arm round her neck, pulled her head back with his face on hers, and drew something across her throat—she hallooed out, "He has got a knife!"—I saw blood come from her throat—she ran away—he had been in the shop five or ten minutes before it happened—they were talking as if they were friends.[136]
JOHN HABOOD. I am a dealer in marine-stores; I live in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar. On Wednesday, 31st Jan., I was stopped at the gate of the Docks—I had been on board the Betsy—I saw the prisoner, and no one else—I asked him if he was the person that bad some rope to sell—he said he was—I went to the forecastle with him, and he showed me this lot of rope–he wanted 10s. for it—I gave him 5s. 6d.—I asked him for the Captain's pass to take it out, and he gave me this pass—I was stopped—I went back to the prisoner and said I was stopped at the gate—he went and told the gate-keeper it was all right—he would not allow it to pass—this is the rope—a shipkeeper from another ship had come to me, by the prisoner's orders, and told me there was some rope to sell.[137]
HENRY WOOD (police-sergeant, K 23). On 10th Feb., at half-past ten at night, I saw Ashton at the door of a marine-store shop in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar, with a piece of lead in his hand; Collins was with him—he ran away—Ashton tried to run, but I caught him—Collins cried out namnus, which I believe means to run—I took Ashton and this lead—I found lead had been cut from a gutter of the Eastern Counties Railway—I measured the lead that I found with Ashton, and it fitted exactly—Ashton said he knew nothing about it—he would not give any address—I had seen them with the lead near where it was missed from, and followed them.[138]
20 Aug. 1849:]
HENRY GOLDSWORTH AYLING. I am shopman to Mr. Prosser, a fishmonger of Great Turnstile. On 1st Aug., the prisoner came and bought a crab, it came to 4d., she gave me a half-crown—I said I thought it was bad—I took it to the Robin Hood, and found it was bad—she said she had only 1d., and offered to leave that and the crab and fetch the difference—I let her go—I marked it, and gave it to the policeman next day—this is it (produced).[139]
THOMAS SAUNDERS. I am a cabinet-maker. I have known William Barton nearly four months, and Hanbury eight or nine weeks—about the middle of Aug. I was engaged with them in making up these parcels—about six or seven weeks before 27th Sept., Barton and I met in the morning by appointment—he pointed out to me a man who carried parcels, who had left a van at the corner of Brownlow-street, and took the parcels to Gregory and Faulkner's—he left them there while he went elsewhere—Barton said, "Do you think you can make up anything like that, Tom?"—I said, "I don't know, I will try"—he said, "If you can, there will be at least 50l. or 100l. a piece for us"—I went with him to see that, fourteen or fifteen times, to see whether he would continue to leave them there or at any fresh place—he did not explain what it was for until the last time—I afterwards met him by appointment at Lee-street, Burton-crescent, and went to Hanbury's lodging in Hart. street, Covent-garden, to make up some parcels—he gave me 3d. to buy some cartridge-paper, I bought two damaged sheets, which came to 21l. 2d.—they had plenty of brown paper—(the day before that Barton gave me 1d. to purchase a piece of lawyer's narrow tape, I got it at Howitt's in Holborn, and gave it to Barton, we then separated, and made the appointment for the next day)—I had never been to Hanbury's before—he lodges in the first-floor front room—directly we saw Hanbury, "William Barton pulled out a book, like this produced, and said, "I think this will do, Harry, will it not?"—Hanbury said, "Yes, this is something like it"—he had given it to me to write on, and I wrote on it, "Great Western Railway-office, 1849, packet-book"—we then proceeded to make up parcels—Hanbury cut a piece of wood shorter, which was rather too long, and Barton pulled some list out of his pocket to make it look larger; this is it with the list on it (opening it)—they were folded over and made into parcels by each of us; these are the dummies I made—five or six parcels were fastened together by string, three with the red tape, and one was sealed with this seal, which Hanbury produced, and at Barton's suggestion I directed it to Evelyn and Louth, civil engineers, Guild-ford-street—these two dark seals were put on it, in my presence—Barton melted the wax—here are two seals on it which I know nothing about—this is the piece of wax which was used (produced)—it was joined together by Hanbury, in my presence—Barton produced a strap like this (produced), and gave it to Hanbury, who strapped eight parcels together, and one was kept loose—they were then put away, and Hanbury was to meet me and Barton at the Robin Hood in Holborn on the following morning, when Hanbury was to bring them to me to be changed for the parcels which would be left at Gregory and Faulkner's—after we had made up the parcels, we three went to a public-house in Long Acre, next to King-street, I do not know the sign, and had a pint of porter and half-a-quartern of gin—on the morning the tape was purchased, and on the next morning also, we called at the Hand-in-Hand public-house, at the corner of Hand-court, a very little way from Gregory and Faulkner's—on the first morning the man did not leave the parcels; Barton looked out, and said he had seen three or four policemen about, and he thought it would not do—the parcels were brought in a basket, which Hanbury brought, with a saw and a hammer peeping out at each end, to make it look like a tool-basket—I was taken to the workhouse that day, having no means of providing for my wife and family, and I wanted to carry on this thing as far as I could, and then go to the workhouse—I have seen Barton twice since; once in the workhouse, about a fortnight afterwards, and once in the street—I was afterwards taken in the workhouse by a policeman, on suspicion of stealing some things from my furnished lodgings—about a month afterwards I heard that this robbery was discovered, I saw it in the newspaper, I got over the workhouse-wall, went to the Great Western Rail-way, and communicated with Mr. Collard's clerk—Mr. Collard did not know where to find me before that.[140]
29 Oct. 1849:]
WILLIAM DAVY. I live in Robin Hood-lane. On Monday, 1st Oct, I was in Commercial-street, Whitechapel, about a quarter before nine o'clock in the evening—the prosecutor pointed out the prisoners to me, as the persons he had seen before—I ran after Morriss, and succeeded in taking him—the other ran away—Morriss said, "Who wants me?"—I said, "A friend of mine"—I took him back to Mr. George, and he looked at him, and said that he and the other were two of the five that knocked him down—Morriss said" That has nothing to do with me now."[141]
WILLIAM BISHOP. I am clerk at the Marylebone police-court. I was present when the charge was made against Mr. Tasburgh—the prisoners were examined in support of it, and also a person who gave his name White—the charge was then dismissed—I took down what they stated—(reads—"Joseph Braznell says, 'I am a lithographic printer, and live at 7, Robin Hood-court, Shoe-lane: last night, at a quarter to nine o'clock, I stopped with two young friends at the shop-window of a turner, in Hemming's-row, and looked in; the prisoner was standing there when I went up; I was there about a minute, when the defendant put his hand behind him as I was standing behind, and caught hold of me by my privates, at the same time saying, "What are they doing in the shop?"—I told him they were turning, and then told one of my friends what the defendant was doing, and to watch his proceedings; when the defendant asked me to go for a walk; I walked with him as far as the Haymarket, till I met a constable; then I gave him in charge, and my friend followed close behind us' ")—Some questions were put by Mr. Hardwick after Wren had been examined, and then Braznell was recalled, and further questions put.[142]
JOSEPH BAKER. I am a potman and waiter, and live at Pickett's-place, Strand. Last Saturday night, about twenty minutes-past eleven o'clock, I was standing at a post in Victoria-street—I saw Moram go across the road towards a man and woman who were standing by the rails—he put his left arm round the prosecutor's waist, struck him with his right fist at the side of the head, and ran off—there was a cry of "Police"—I went after the pri-soner, and when I got to the corner of Field-lane I was tripped up by some males and females—I then ran back, and saw Williams in custody—when I first saw Moram I was walking towards him, and was about a yard and a half, or two yards from him, and I had a good look at him, and gave Fisher a description of him—we went to several places, and at last found him standing at the corner of a narrow dark court in Fox-court, Gray's-inn-lane—the in-stant I saw him I said he was the man—Fisher arrested him, and told him the charge—he said it was a d—d lie, he had not been in Victoria-street all that day—he resisted very much—Fisher was obliged to call two more police-men before he could secure him.
Cross-examined. Q. How long have you been out of employ? A. Three weeks—I was last at Mr. Edwards's, in Stanhope-street, Clare-market—I was there thirteen weeks—before that I was out of employ ten weeks, and before that I was in Clare-street—I do not know the meaning of the word trap—I never heard it in connection with policemen—I never heard what a police-man's trap is, and never acted the part of a trap—this is the second time I have appeared in a court, to give evidence—I gave evidence before on behalf of the police—I did not get any expenses—I have not been leading a strange life about the streets for two years—I was never potman in Bear-street—I live with my father and mother-in-law, at 7, Pickett's-place—I do not live at 7, Robin Hood-court—on this night I saw Moram for about a minute before the transaction happened—I had no reason for taking particular notice of him—when he was first brought to the station, I did not hear Roberts say, "That is not the man:" I do not know what he said, I was not near him—I was talking to one of the City-police, who took the charge; he is not here—I will not swear Roberts did not say so—I did not go up to him, and say, "That is the man I saw strike the blow"—I did not nudge Roberts—I did not speak to him at all when the charge was entered—I left my last place through illness—I was obliged to go into the country—I came back, and in a fort-night was again taken ill—I am not always dodging about Gray's-inn-lane—I go round Holborn, Fleet-street, and the Strand, looking for a situation.[143]
ROBERT BACKHOUSE (policeman, K 151). On the night of 30th Nov. I was attracted to a house in Robin-Hood-lane, Poplar, by cries of "Murder!" and "Police!"—I and serjeant Timpson went to the house—I saw a woman's head out of the window—she said, "For God's sake, policeman, don't go away; there will be murder done"—I said, "What is the matter?"—she said, "That man of mine," or words to that effect—directly the prisoner opened the door and rushed out with this short poker in his hand, and struck me three or four blows on my head, cheek, and temple—he said, "You are the b——r that had me before"(I had had him about two years and a half ago)—I became insensible—I did not draw my staff, or speak to him at all.
Cross-examined by MR. PLATT. Q. What sort of a neighbourhood is this? A. Very low—there are a good many Irish there and a good many rows—we did not go with our staves out—there was scarcely a soul in the lane—the woman is the prisoner's wife—she did not say, "Go away; it is only a row"—she was in her night-dress; her upper part was naked— we heard the cries three or four times—I had a staff—the sergeant had his cutlass and truncheon—on my oath neither cutlass nor staves were drawn previous to my being struck; I cannot say what was done afterwards—there was no other policeman with us—I did not hear the prisoner inside, before the door was opened, saying it was only a drunken frolic—I heard a mingling of voices—it is a sort of lodging-house—I never demanded the door to be opened—I had only asked the woman what was the matter, and then the prisoner burst open the door—I think he must have heard what was said—it was about a quarter before twelve o'clock.
JOHN TIMPSON (police-sergeant, K 25). On the night of 13th Nov. I went with Backhouse to 28, Robin-Hood-lane—we heard a woman calling, "For God's sake do not go away, there will be murder"—the prisoner and his brother came to the door—the prisoner said, "You b——r, you had me before"—the brother held my arms while the prisoner struck Back-house—I saw the prisoner take the iron out of his pocket and strike him—I got to him as soon as I could, and found him on the pavement bleeding very fast—I saw only one blow given, as I was grappled by the brother—nothing had been said to the prisoner before the blows were given.[144]
GEORGE CLAPP. I keep a greengrocer's shop in Pindar-place, Gray's-inn-road. On Tuesday morning 28th Jan. I went out to market about six o'clock or a quarter past—I left my shop-door quite safe—I pulled it to by the knocker, pushed it with my hand, and then with my knee—it had a spring lock inside—I left the gas burning in the shop—a person going by could only see it through the key-hole; there was no glassdoor—I had seen a dressing-case that morning on the drawers in the backparlour before I went out; there were no clothes on the parlour floor then—there were when, I came back.[145]
GEORGE GIBSON. I am an engineer; I live at Woollaston, near Newcastle, On 22nd Aug. I was lodging at the Captain of a Man-of-War, in High-street, Poplar—I had in my possession ten 10l.-notes and fifty-three sovereigns—while I was there I saw the prisoner generally every evening in the public coffee-room, where I used to take my meals—he used to come in to smoke a cheroot and read the paper—I got into conversation with him—on 1st Sept. I told him I wanted to find a Mr. Miller, who lived in St. John's-wood—he directed me, and told me he was going to the Yorkshire Stingo, and to meet him there at 2 o'clock—I went, and found Mr. Miller's, but he was not at home—I went to the Yorkshire Stingo, and met the prisoner soon after 2 o'clock—we had something there, and walked arm-in-arm to Oxford-street—when we got there, I said, "Now I know my way home"—the prisoner said, "I don't feel very well after taking that ale at the Yorkshire Stingo; will you go and have something to drink?"—we went to a house, and had something, and came out again—he then said, "You wait here about five minutes; I have a little business to settle over the way; if I am not back in five minutes, you go away"—he left me to go across the road, and he could not have more than crossed the road when a second man came up and accosted me by name—I had seen that second man that morning at the public-house where I was lodging—he was standing at the bar—when he came to me he asked me if I would go and take something to drink—I told him I was waiting for a friend who was gone across the road, and I should not like to lose him—he said, "Come in here, and we can see when he comes across," and he pointed to the same public-house that I had been in with the prisoner—we went in, and went to a front window in the billiard-room, in order that I might see my friend—I stood there from ten minutes to a quarter of an hour, and did not see him—the second man then said, "Mr. Gibson, you had better sit down; it appears your friend is not coming back"—I sat down, and just as I was sitting down, in came a third man, whom I had not seen before—he said he hoped he did not intrude into our company—I told him, no, we had no private conversation; the room was as free to him as it was to us, and he had a right to sit in it if be thought proper—he sat down, and called for a glass of brandy and water, cold—in about five minutes the second man said to me, "Mr. Gibson, were you ever in America?"—I told him, no, I never was—the third man then said, "I have just arrived from there"—the second man said, "I have an idea of going there myself, and I should like to know what would be the best business for a person to embark in"—the third man said he did not understand anything about trade or business, for he had been living servant with a batchelor gentleman, who was dead; he had lived eleven yean with him; and as he had spent the best part of his time with him, he had left him 22,000l., and in his will he had left directions that he was to distribute 400l. to the poor in different parishes in England, not naming what parishes—he asked me what parish I belonged to—I said, "To Woolaston"—he asked if there were many poor there—I said, "Yes"—he then asked the second man what parish he belonged to—he said, "To Bath"—he asked if there were many poor there—he said, "Yet, a great many"—he said, well, as we appeared to be respectable persons, he would give each of us 20l. for the poor of those parishes, on condition that we could prove that we were respectable persons, and persons not likely to keep this money ourselves, and he said he would give us a new hat a piece for distributing the money—he said he had brought his lawyer over from America with him, and he had left his lawyer that day, not long since—he said he had just come from the Bank, and he pulled out a lot of what I took to be 5l.-notes, and he pulled out a paper, about three or four inches long, with a double row of sovereigns in it, but those he held in his hand; I could only see the end of them—he said the advice his lawyer gave him was that he should be particular who he gave this money to; that he had to distribute, and not to give it to the officers of the parish, as it sometimes was the case that they did not give it to the poor, but put it into their own pockets, and the poor did not get it; but that he should give it to respectable persons, who would give a few shillings to one, and a few shillings to another—the second man then said, "I can show you as much as 50l., to show you that I am a person of sufficient respectability to receive this money;" and he said, "I dare say Mr. Gibson, my friend, can show you as much"—I said, "Yes, I can show you 150l. for that matter, to convince you that I am a person of sufficient respectability"—we all three left the house, and took an omnibus, and came to the Bull's Head, in Leadenhall-street, and we went in, and it was arranged that we should meet there and show our money—I then went to the public-house where I was lodging, to get my money—the second man went with me—he left me at the corner of Robin Hood-lane, and we were to return to the Bull's Head, in Leadenhall-street—I went to the public-house where I lodged, to get my money—I got there about 20 minutes or half-past six—I might be twenty minutes op-stairs gatting the money—I then returned to the Bull's Head, in Leadenhall-street, with the second man—we had gone to Black wall together, and went back together—we went into the Bull's Head, and the third man followed us into the room where we had been sitting previously—when we got in, the second man showed him a lot of notes, and I showed him ten 10l.-notes and fiftythree sovereigns—the third man said he was perfectly satisfied that we had the money—I had counted my money on the table, and put it back again into my purse—the third man then got up to leave the room for some purpose—I supposed he was going to the back-door—as he was leaving, the second man said, "You will not leave us now?"—he said, "No," and he took out those sovereigns that he had in his pocket, and put them into the second man's hat—he came in again in a few minutes, and took the money again—the second man then said to me, "Now we will go and get each a 20s.-stamp to receive this money"—the third man then went to the window, and lifted up the little red curtain—that window looks into the street—he held the curtain up for a moment, and did not stop to look any time—he then came and sat down, and the second man and I got up to go and get the two stamps—the third man said, "But you will not leave me, you will not run away now?"—I said, "No, certainly not"—the second man said, "Of course, Mr. Gibson, you will leave a deposit with him, the same as he has done with us"—I said, "Certainly," and I put my hand into my pocket, and took out my purse, containing the 153l., and put it into his hat, as a guarantee for my returning, leaving the hat on the table—I and the second man then left the room, to get the two 20l.-stamps; and as we got to the door, I happened to meet the prisoner—I stopped, and said, "Halloo, Mr. Smith, what are you doing here?"—he laid hold of me by my left arm—I took it to be in a friendly manner—then the second man, who was a little in front, returned, and held me by my right-arm, and the prisoner by my left—I just turned myself, and I saw the person with the money, the third man, coming walking along the passage—I tried to extricate myself from the other two, but I could not—I said, "Let me go—let me go!"—but they still held me, and I could not get away—I was so petrified and astonished that I had not power to call anybody, or make any alarm—I tried to extricate myself from them—they still held me fast, and by-and-bye they gave me a pull, and pulled me bang off the door-step into the middle of the footpath, and the third man passed me, and crossed the street—I did not see that he had anything with him—he had his hat on, and he ran across the street—I did not know that there was a passage opposite the public-house; I thought he would run up the street—I was then more resolute than I had been, and broke from those men—I ran across the street in a slanting direction, to get before him; but I could not find him—then the thought struck me that I had heard of such passages in London; I came back and found the passage—I went through it, but I could not find him—I came into the other street which, I suppose, is Fenchurch-street—I stood about, wondering which way the man was gone; and the prisoner came to me and said, "What is the matter?"—I said, "I have had a heavy loss"—he said, "What?"—I said, "Ten 10l.-notes, and some sovereigns"—I do not know whether I told him how many sovereigns, but I said I knew the numbers of the notes—he said, "Don't make a noise, come along with me; and he took me to a house and gave me a small glass of brandy—we came out, and he said, "Don't make any noise, but go directly home, and go to bed; and to-morrow morning go to the Bank and tell the numbers"—I took his advice, and went home to my lodging—I went up-stairs and laid down a little while on the bed—I then got up, and went into the street, and told a policeman, and asked him what I had better do; that was about 9 o'clock in the evening—I have not seen the two men since, nor the money, nor any part of it.[146]
THOMAS WILLIAM FAWKE (City-policeman, 836). On 18th Oct., about half-past 10 o'clock, I was on duty in Plumtree-court, and heard cries of "Murder!" coming from where No. 21 is—I went in that direction, and saw the two prisoners running towards Shoe-lane away from No. 21—Clark stopped Condon and I stopped Morley—he said it was not him that did it—I believe he was sober.
Cross-examined. Q. Does Morley live in Robinhood-court, Shoe-lane? A. Yes; he was running in that direction—Plumtree-court leads from Holborn into Shoe-lane—that would be his way home from Holborn.
DANIEL DRISCOLL. I live in Plumtree-court. On Sunday morning I was out early, and found a hammer in the trap of a cellar about a yard from the door of No. 21—I gave it to the police about an hour after.
ADOLPHUS CLARK re-examined. Driscoll gave me this hammer—the prosecutor gave me the stick, it had been picked up by a girl who followed us to the station—I have endeavoured to find her since.
FLORENCE M'COULIFFE re-examined. I saw a girl pick this stick up in Shoe-lane, at the end of Robinhood-court—I gave it to Clark (the stick was about two feet long, and loaded with lead).[147]
GEORGE CRASKE. I am one of the foremen at the Eastern Counties Railway; on 6th Dec., I asked Pike if he had taken any sweepings from the "D" floor, he said, "No"—I then asked if he had taken from "M" or "N," which are the next to "D," and the floor from which these sacks were missed—he said, "No," he had not been in there since last Friday—I did not give him any authority on Friday to take any sack out—I then asked if he was certain he had not put a sack of grain on a hand cart—he said, "Certainly not"—I told him to be sure about it—he said he had no business to put anything on a truck without my sanction, and he had not done it—this conversation was between 10 and 11 o'clock, and when he went to his dinner I watched him to Robin Hood-lane, which is a quarter of a mile, or more, from the Company's premises; I saw him go into a yard there where the prisoner Samuel's premises are—I left him there—I cannot say how long he remained there, he came back to his work at the usual time—he was taken into custody on the same day, a short time afterwards.
Cross-examined. Q. When did you see him go to Samuels'? A. On the Tuesday, the robbery was on the Friday; no one gives orders for the removal of goods, but me or Dyson—I cannot swear what this sack contained.
Pike. Q. Have you not known that we take sacks on our shoulders when it is wet? A. I have known it, but you never asked me for a sack.
MR. ROBINSON. Q. Supposing they ever put a sack over their shoulders, would it be their duty to bring it back again? A. Yes; a full sack would not be likely to keep the rain off their shoulders.
WILLIAM GAVIN. I am an inspector on the Eastern Counties Railway. On 8th Dec., after the examination at the police court, I went with Puddiford to a room I was told was occupied by Pike's wife—I have not heard Pike say where he lived—I had the address from the charge sheet.
GEORGE CRASKE re-examined. I know where Pike lived, but I forget the name of the street—it is No. 81, not far from Gravel-lane—I have only lived six months in London—the street is not far from the Tower, and runs parallel with the dead wall of the docks, which is on one side—Gravel-lane runs into the street, it was the address he had given at the police court—I heard him give it, and saw it taken down.
WILLIAM GAVIN continued. The house I went to was No. 81, Pennington-street, which has houses only on one side, and a dead wall on the other—Gravel-lane runs into Pennington-street at one end, and Ratcliffe Highway at the other—when I opened the door I was followed by Puddiford, and I called his attention to the state of the floor which was covered over with sacks lald edge to edge, and in some places secured to the floor, to form a carpet—I found this sack among them (produced), it is marked, "T. and W. E. Coote, St. Ives"—I went to the top of the house, and found this new plain sack (produced) laid down by the side of the bed—the room was occupied by a lone woman—in the back yard I found a quantity of sacking cut up, and in the back kitchen I found a large box containing two or three bushels of oats.
JOSEPH PUDDIFORD (policeman, K 276). I went with Gavin to Pennington-street, in a little back room I found this sack (produced) doubled up, it is marked, "Eastern Counties Railway Company." On 7th Dec., about 7 or half past 7 o'clock in the evening, I apprehended Samuels at a beer shop in Robin Hood-lane—I told him, I took him for receiving a sack containing grain from the Eastern Counties Railway warehouses—he said, "I do not know where they are"—I said, I meant the old pepper warehouses that used to belong to the East India Dock Company—he said, "I do not know where they are"—I said he must go to the station, he said, "I am your humble servant"—he is a corn dealer—I searched his premises, and found oats, beans, and I think a few peas—I received a description of a truck from Mr. Craske; I searched for it, but it was gone then.[148]
EMIMA ANN WINCH. My father is a greengrocer, and lives in Robin Hood-lane, Poplar. On Wednesday evening, 6th April, the prisoner came between 8 and 9 o'clock for 2 lbs. of potatoes; she gave me a half crown; I tried it, and sounded it in a money-detector; it was bad; I showed it to my mother and to the policeman—it was not out of my sight—I put it into the hand of James Bousfield, and left him with the prisoner while I went for the policeman—I got the half-crown back from Bousfield—I had marked it before I gave it him—I know it was the same I gave him.
JAMES BOUSFIELD. On 6th April I got a bad half-crown from the last witness—I kept it till she returned, and gave it her again.
CHARLES HUNNISSETT (policeman, K 315). I took the prisoner on 6th April, in Robin Hood-lane—I produce a piece of a shilling given me by Mr. Watkinson, and a half-crown which I received from Jemima Wingh—I asked the prisoner where she got the half-crown; she said she took that and a sixpence for a pledge, at the corner of White-street, Commercial-road—I have made every inquiry, and there is no such place—she said she lived in White-street.[149]
HOMER MORRIS. I am a seaman, and live in Grundy Ann-street, Poplar. On 19th Dec. I was coming down Ratcliff-highway, in company with a ship-mate named Johnston—we got into conversation with the prisoner—he said he was the owner of a ship—we all went to a public house in Wapping—the prisoner called for a pint of ale, and paid for it—there were three other persons in the room when we went in—shortly after we went in two of them went out, leaving the prisoner and another man there—another man came in after awhile, and he got in conversation about a dog that he had—there were then five of us in company—the last man came in soon after we got there—he said he had come up from the country to receive some money; that he went to an hotel, and had left a favourite dog of his there; that the dog was stolen, and that they had left a little lock and a string—he showed us the lock, and said there was no man in London who could open it—he said he gave a guinea for it—the prisoner was then in our company, sitting alongside of me—the man showed us the lock, and handed it to the prisoner, and then went out of the room—the prisoner then said that we would bet him a glass of brandy and water round that we would open it, and the prisoner and I opened it together—he said to me, "Take hold of it, and see if you can't open it," and between us we opened it—I opened it three or four times after that, and then the prisoner said, "We will bet him a glass of brandy and water round, if it is agreeable to the company"—the man that the lock belonged to then came in, and said, "I will bet you any amount of money that no man in the room will open the lock"—the prisoner took out a sovereign, and said, "There is a sovereign, I will stake this"—he asked me if I would bet anything—I said, "I have only half a sovereign about me, but I will bet that that I will open it"—I took out the half sovereign, and gave it to the prisoner—he handed it, with the sovereign that he had, to the man that the lock belonged to—that was after I attempted to open the lock—I attempted to open it and could not—it was to be opened while the man it belonged to was to count ten—he counted ten, and I could not open it, and the prisoner handed the money to him, and the prisoner then said to me, "Have you any more money? will you bet any more?"—I said, "I have no more money about me"—he said, "Can you get any more?"—I said, "I have a little more money at home, but I am living down at Poplar New Town, which is away from here"—he said that he would go and get some money from a friend of his, it was all in his way—we all five went out together—we went to Blackwall, and I went home and got a 20l. note—I got it cashed at Mr. Luff's, and afterwards joined the prisoner and the others in the East India-road—we went to a public house in Robin Hood lane—the man to whom the lock belonged then said, "Now we will commence"—one of the party that was to open the lock took out a note—there was a bet made—the man that was to open the lock said, "Give me the money, and I will keep it"—I betted 15l. with the man that the lock belonged to—I handed my money in, but the others did not put their money down—the prisoner betted—I do not know how much, he did not produce any money then—I handed my 15l. to the man that was to open the lock, and he gave it to the prisoner, who was to hold the stakes—the man who was to open it said, "Bet any amount of money that you think fit, I will forfeit my head but I will open the lock"—that was the stranger that I had found sitting there when I first went into the public house—I at first offered to bet 10l., but the man that was to open the lock said, "Now bet any amount of money that you have got"—I said, "Well, I will bet 5l. more, that is all I will bet"—he tried to persuade me to bet more, but I would not—he was to open it while the man it belonged to counted ten—he commenced trying to open it, but could not, and when about five had been counted he handed it to me, and said, "Try if you can open it"—I could not—the man that tried to open it then said to me, "We will see you again in a few minutes," and they all three went out—I had paid my 15l.—the prisoner held the stakes—they all three went out together and never returned—I did not see anything more of the prisoner until a Friday in the early part of June—I then saw him in company with one of the other men—the other got away—I gave the prisoner into custody—when we were all in the room, one of the parties put down a note and took it up again—that was the man that was to open the lock—the prisoner was in the room at the time—I did not see what the note was, I do not know whether it was good or bad.[150]
GEORGE TAYLOR SWAN (City policeman. 267). On Saturday, 7th April, I was in Robin Hood-court, and saw Caddick carrying this tea chest (produced)—I asked him what he had got in it; he said, "Tea"—I said, "Where are you going to take it?" he said, "To No. 16, Gray's Inn-lane"—I asked him what made him go that way to Gray's Inn-lane—he said, "To save Holborn-hill"—he was going in that direction, but it was the furthest way—I asked him if he had a bill; he said, "No"—I asked him to put it down, and then asked where he brought it from—he said that two men had given it to him at the corner of Shoe-lane—I took him to the station, the chest was opened, and found to contain envelopes, and not tea—the address had been torn off.
HENRY CREW. I am a coal porter, at the City Gas Works. On Saturday, 7th April, I saw the tallest of the prisoners carrying this tea chest; there were two others following him, about ten yards off—one was in a velvet coat—I spoke to a policeman—I then heard one of them say some-thing which I could not understand, to the little one, and then they went down the court.
JOHN WALKER. I am foreman to Charles Morgan and Co., of Cannon-street. I saw this box packed up on 7th April, with 20,000 of one kind of envelopes, and 1,000 of another kind—it was sent by the carman, Holt, to No. 69, Old Bailey—they are the property of my masters, Charles Morgan and F. B. Adams.
JOHN HOLT. I carried this box in my van, and delivered it at No. 69, Old Bailey—it had an address on it—I saw it next on 8th April, and the address was then off.
THOMAS WILKS. I am porter to Hugh Lavington, who keeps a booking office, at No. 69, Old Bailey—I saw a chest like this there, and think it is the same—it was safe at 10 minutes or a quarter past 7 o'clock in the evening, and I missed it five or ten minutes afterwards.
WILLIAM CLARK (City-policeman. 237). On the evening of 7th April, I was on duty in the Old Bailey, and saw Caddick about 7 o'clock, standing within a few yards of No. 69, and King on the opposite side of the way—I afterwards saw Caddick at the station at 10 o'clock.
Caddick. I was not there.
COURT. Q. Had you known him previously by sight? A. No; there was nothing to direct my attention to him more than to anybody else; and there was nothing in his conduct which made me observe him.
JOHN MOSS (policeman.) On 8th April, it was my duty to visit prisoners in the cell, at Smithfield police station—when I visited Caddick, he asked me where Smith was; I said, "I do not know"—he said that he had made a statement to Smith, and said, "I am locked up for stealing a chest; it was not me that stole it, I received it from Apples. Pickford, and Grimes—Esqulent goes by the name of Apples. King by the name of Pickford, and Grimes by the name of Singer.
WILLIAM SMITH (City policeman. 244). I had Caddick in charge—I saw him in the cell at the station, on Sunday the 8th; that was before Moss saw him—I recognised him and knew him; he said, "Smith, I am locked up innocently, I am not guilty of stealing this chest which I am locked up for, you know who the men are who stole it"—I said, "No; I do not, unless you choose to tell me"—he said, "It was Apples. and Pickford, and Singer"—I knew the other three prisoners by those nick names—he described how they were dressed, and said, that Apples was the one who took it, and he had nothing to do with it until he got into Shoe-lane, by the oyster shop, when he took it, and carried it to Robin Hood-court, where he was stopped by the constable; and when he was stopped Apples was just in front of him, and Pickford and Singer close behind him—he said that he told the constable at the time, that the other two men gave it to him, and pointed to them.[151]
BENJAMIN SAMUELS. I live in Robinhood-lane, Poplar, and am a corn dealer. On 22nd Dec. Baker came to my house between 11 and 12 o'clock—he said, "I have a sack of old beans to sell"—I said, "What is about the price, Mr. Baker?—he said they were 15s. or 16s., I do not know which—I said, "Do you think my pigs would eat them?"[152]
MR. DOYLE. Q. Did your club meet at a public house? A. Yes, it is a good bit past the Church, but I am a stranger there—it is the Robin Hood, at Hoxton—it was 12 o'clock when we left.
MR. SLEIGH. to OLIVER TOMLINS. Q. What are you? A. I am in the employ of Mr. Spiers, of Bridge Street, Blackfriars — I was here yesterday — I remember speaking to two women outside the Court about this case — I did not go up to them, and say, "I will not appear against Merrick if you will pay me to stop away; I will not go before the Grand Jury" — (Two women were brought into Court) — those are the women I spoke to — on my solemn oath I did not say to them that I would not go before the Grand Jury if they would pay me to stay away, nor to anybody else.
MR. DOYLE. Q. Did you address them? A. No, they addressed me; they had been watching me — the young one spoke first; she said, "Is the case come on?" — I said, "I do not know; I expect we had better wait here all the morning" — she said, "Are you going to have something to drink?" — I said, "No," and would not stop with her — the father and mother came down to my place; they did not ask me not to go before the Grand Jury, and I said nothing about it to them.
GEORGE MATTOCK. (Policeman, G 162). On the night of 2nd May, about half past 1 o'clock, Tomlins and his friend met me by Bell Alley, Goswell Street—Tomlins said that he had been knocked down—(he was then about a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half from Hoxton Church, about half an hour's walk—I do not know the Robin Hood)—I took them into Little Arthur Street, and was listening by the door of No. 2, and the prisoners came up from Golden Lane, and were going into No. 1 — they were inside the passage, and I said, "I want you," and called them back, and turned my lamp on, and Laney said, "They are the parties;" Tomlins also identified them — I told Merrick the charge; he said that he knew nothing about it — I did not hear what the female said.[153]
CHARLES SWANN. I am a shipwright, of Regent Street, Blackwall. On 4th Jan., about 6 o'clock in the evening, I was in High Street, Poplar, and saw the prisoners and another man and woman opposite the Coopers' Arms, at the corner of Robin Hood Lane—James took something in a paper out of his pocket, gave something out of it to the men, and the two men went across the road into the Coopers' Arms, and called for some gin—I just looked inside the door, and told the barman something—I saw the two men at the bar; they paid with a 2s. piece—I cannot say which laid it down—I did not see it tried or returned to them—they went out, and went across the road to a little beer shop, Taylor's, and the women stood in the road—I went in directly they came out—I found a policeman towards Poplar, and he followed them with me to Shore and Brill's clothes shop—one of the men went in there, and the prisoners were over the road—the man came out, kept on the same side, and walked a little further up—Vernon went towards Commodore Court, and the other man walked towards High Street—I lost sight of the women—Iafterwards saw James coming down to Vernon, but she did not join him, as a constable seized hold of her.[154]
PATRICK MARA. I keep the Robin Hood public-house, Church-lane. On the Monday before 4th November, the prisoner came with another person, who called for a pint of porter, and threw down half-a-crown—I took it up, bent it in a detector, found it was bad, and returned it to him, saying that I would forgive him that time, and he had better keep away for the future, as I was rather too good a judge for him—on Thursday, 4th November, he came alone, called for a pint of porter, and gave me a bad shilling; I bent it in two places, told him I had forgiven him once, but would not forgive him a second time; sent for a constable, and gave him in custody—he then offered me another shilling, but I would not take it.
Prisoner. Q. Am not I a customer at your house? A. No, you are quite a stranger—I do not rent the house you live in next door—I am the landlord under the ground landlord, and the house is sub-let by two persons under me—it is a registered lodging-house, and I understand you lodge there occasionally by what I hear—I did not try to knock the shilling you offered me out of your hand—I did not put a hand to you—you were rather the worse for liquor.
DAVID HARRIS (Policeman, E 32). I was sent for to the Robin Hood, and took the prisoner—both his hands were clenched—I opened hit right hand, and found a good half-crown and a sixpence—I tried to open his left hand, but could not—I kept hold of that hand till we got to the station, where I got a sergeant and a constable to assist me, and opened his left hand, and found in it this counterfeit shilling, a good shilling, and four good sixpences, and in his pocket a penny.[155]
ALEXANDER BENNETT (City policeman, 248). On Saturday night, 4th June, I was in Robin Hood-court, which leads from New-street into Shoe-lane, about 100 yards from Holborn-hill—I saw the prisoners there about a quarter past 12 o'clock—I had known them by sight these 3 years, and have been in the habit of seeing them repeatedly—they were swearing and making use of most abusive language, and I said, "You had better move on; I cannot allow that swearing here at this time of the morning"—Dennis struck me a violent blow on the left ear, and David struck me on the back of the head at the same time, from the effects of which I fell to the ground, and my head came in contact with the kerb—I was rendered insensible, and recollect nothing further—the prisoners were dressed as they are now—David has a very hoarse voice—I was taken to the hospital the same night insensible, and remained there till 18th June—I am not able to attend to my duty yet.
Cross-examined by Mr. BARRY. Q. Was David drunk? A. No; they were both quite sober, and were swearing at each other—I did not see or hear a woman there—there were no people about; they had all gone; the prisoners were the only two there—I had been about the neighbourhood all the evening—I did not touch him before he struck me—Walthrop was with me—if you wish to know, I have seen Dennis at a police-court, accused of assaulting a civilian in Hatton-garden—he was not convicted; the prosecutor never appeared—that was on 18th December, 1858—I helped to take him in custody—I wished a woman good night as she passed me—I had been in no house since I left the station-house—I said nothing to the prisoners but "Move on"—it was dark, but there were plenty of lamps—I stated the prisoners' names at once as soon as I recovered, but did not describe them—I knew where they lived—they were taken on the Sunday morning—my brother officers also knew where they lived very well—when I was first asked about them, Dennis was in custody—David was taken on Tuesday, but I was not there.
Mr. POLAND. Q. What are they? A. Costermongers; they live at 3, Union-court—they are known to my brother officers—Union-court is on the right hand side going up Holborn, and Robin Hood-court is on the left.
ELLEN WIDMORE. I am the wife of Charles Widmore, of 12, Robin Hood-court, Long-lane—on 4th June the policeman passed me in the court, and I saw two men and women by the milk-shop, using bad language—I had never seen them before, but one had a white jacket, something similar to that (Dennis's)—the other one spoke coarsely—the policeman told them to move on—I saw the policeman struck to the ground by a blow from one of them, I cannot say which, and when he was on the ground they kicked him—I said, "Do you intend to do for the man; do you intend to murder him right Out"—they ran away, and said that I knew them.[156]
DANIEL SPALDIND CANNON. I am a tobacco manufacturer, of 98, Mint-street, Whitechapel—I trade under the name of Cannon and Co.—at the commencement of July the prisoner was in my service; I was to pay him 51. per cent, on all orders he obtained—it was his duty to get orders for me, to take the goods out, receive the money when the goods were delivered, and account for the money to me when he came home—on 4th August, he brought me a verbal order from Mr. Arnold, of the Robin Hood tavern, for 6 boxes of cigars—I directed my foreman to give him the cigars, and on the following day, or the day after, he gave me this receipt—(Read: "98, Royal Mint Street, August 4, 1859. To Mr. Arnold, Robin Hood Tavern, High Holborn. Please receive, per favour of Mr. Broughton, 6 boxes Havannahs, from O. E. Cannon and Co. Received by J. Arnold")—I made that out, except the signature—the amount would be about 3l. 15s.—the prisoner never accounted to me for any money—on the 6th, he said he had got an order from Mr. Bennett, of Parrock-street, Gravesend, for four boxes of cigars—I gave them to him with this note, which was then unsigned—(Read: "98, Royal Mint Street. To Mr. Bennett, Parrock Street, Gravesend. Please receive by favour of Mr. Broughton, 4 boxes of cigars. Received, W. Bennett")—the amount is 2l. 2s.—he paid me nothing—on 13th August, he said that Mr. Bokes, of the White Hart, Strand, wanted six pounds of cigars—I gave them to him with this delivery note unsigned—he brought it back next day or the day after; the amount was 3l. 8s.—Read: "13th August, 1859. Mr. Bokes, White Hart, Strand. Received per favour of Mr. Broughton, 6 lbs. of cigars in box. Received, M. Bokes").
Cross-examined by MR. COOPER. Q. When did the prisoner first come to you? A. He was introduced to me only a few days before this transaction by a party named Wilson, but I had met him occasionally when he was travelling for a house about a month previous—he came to me; I did not send for him—our agreement was not that he was to have 51. per cent., to be answerable for all bad debts, and that everything was to be placed to his credit—I recollect his taking a box of cigars to Mr. Howard—I do not know that cigars were sold to Mr. Swan, of Thanet-place; it was a box of foreign cigars; they were to be charged 21. 2s.—they were not to be submitted to the Hon. Mr. Howard for 1l. 15s.—the prisoner did not say to me, "Oh, these cigars were for Mr. Howard, but I sold them to Mr. Swan," nor did I say, "It is all right"—he paid me two guineas, and did not say who they were sold to—the invoice went with them—I have got my books here—I credited the cigars on 5th August to Mr. Howard—I have an entry on 25th July to Mr. Howard—the entry of six pounds of Havannahs, 2l. 16s. is to Mr. Arnold—this is a book which I supplied the prisoner with; I was in the habit of looking at it—I made these entries, and gave them to the prisoner in the book—he was answerable for all the goods put in it, unless it was a bad debt; I should have been answerable for that—if Mr. Arnold had not paid him, I should not have looked to the prisoner for payment—he was to be paid his 51. per cent, when the account was settled—I have advanced him nearly 8l.—he has not increased my business at all since he has been with me—before he introduced Mr. Bennett and Mr. Arnold, and Mr. Bokes, I knew their houses by name to be respectable houses—it was within a day or two of my charging him with obtaining goods by false pretences that he brought me back the receipts—I told him in the beginning of September, that I wished the accounts to be settled, as they were considerably over due; I accused him at the commencement of October, and he said that times were very bad, and he never was so unfortunate in getting money in before; that people were continually putting him off—towards the end of the month, I spoke to him again, and he told me some story about having come into some property, and I need not be at all alarmed, as he would give me a cheque for the whole amount—he was with me three months—he did not employ deputies to get commissions for me—I never heard that he employed a person named Lawrence; I never heard the name—I never heard him mention the name of Van Tovey—he had no conveyance supplied by me, nor did he, to my knowledge, go out in a carriage to get customers.
MR. METCALFE. Q. You say he introduced these people; was there any other transaction with Arnold or Bokes except this? A. No; they were new customers to me.
JAMES ARNOLD. I keep the Robin Hood public-house in High Holborn—I never gave any order to the prisoner for cigars or tobacco—this is not my signature—I never authorised any one to sign it for me—I never received any cigars.[157]
MATTHEW WAKEFIELD. I keep the Robin Hood and Little John in Skinner-street—on the afternoon of 17th May, the prisoner came and called for half a quartern of gin and some hot water—I served him and be put down a bad shilling—I tried it and bent it double—I told him it was bad, and asked him if he had got any more—he then seemed to be very drunk, and I went round to him and said to him "Have you got any more?—he gave me another shilling; I gave it to my wife, she tried it and it was bad—I asked the prisoner if he had any more and he pulled out a good sixpence—my wife gave him 4d. change—I gave him both the shillings back—I went out and got a policeman—the prisoner was then outside the door going away—I followed him to the station, and at the station two bad shillings were produced—I could not swear that they were the same that he had offered to me; they were very much like them.[158]
WILLIAM OSBORN. I am a baker of 114, High-street, Poplar—on Saturday evening, 28th September, about half-past 8 o'clock, the prisoner came into my shop, asked for a half-quartern loaf, and tendered me a shilling—I gave him 6d. and 2 1/2 d. change—as soon as he was gone I found it was bad, and went in search of him—I found him about ten doors off, entering Mr. Hogmire's, a butcher's shop—he bought a piece of meat—I was then in the middle of the road—he came out and joined another man, who was standing outside holding the loaf, while the prisoner went into the butcher's—the prisoner then placed the meat with the loaf in the handkerchief—the other man gave the prisoner something out of his waistcoat pocket—the prisoner then went to the corner of Robin Hood-lane, where I met a policeman and gave him in charge for passing bad money—he said, "I know nothing about it"—he was taken to the station—I went with him, and said to the inspector in his presence, "This is the man who passed one to me on the night of the 14th"—the prisoner then shammed deaf, and never answered—he was silent—I remember the prisoner being in my shop on the night of the 14th—he gave me a bad shilling for a half-quartern loaf—I kept the bad shilling in my waistcoat pocket, and gave them both to the policeman on the 28th—I marked them.[159]
HENRY WYHES. I live with my father, in High-street, Poplar—on 7th, November, about five minutes past 12 o'clock, I was coming from Brunswick-pier down Bruns-wick-street, and saw the prisoners talking together opposite Mrs. Cox's—Dixon said to Palmer, "Go on, they are busy now," no nodded towards Mrs. Cox's eating-house—Palmer pulled a shilling from his waistcoat pocket, rubbed it with his thumb and finger, went across the road, and got a pennyworth of plum pudding at Cox's—Dijon walked towards Robin Hood-lane where he stopped, and Palmer came out of the shop and they walked on together—I went into the eating-house and said something to Miss Gee, she pulled the till open and pulled out a shilling—I then left and went after the prisoners—I found them still going on together, and followed them to the East India-road and pointed them out to a constable—we followed them and saw them stand talking about three minutes—Palmer then went into Kennedy's, the tobacconists—Dixon walked up and down outside, and was taken in custody.[160]
JAMES CHILD (Policeman, 93 E). On the morning of 15th February, about half-past 1 o'clock, I was on duty in Gray's-inn-road, near Mr. Samuels' shop, 8, Pindar's-place, a watchmaker and jeweller—I saw Farrow, and two others not in custody, standing within six or seven yards of the door—on seeing me, Farrow pretended to be drunk, and asked me if I would have something to drink—I told him I did not require anything; and they walked about fifty yards, and returned to the same place—I waited about for some time for farther assistance, and at last I took Farrow and one of the others in custody—(while I was waiting there I discovered that a door had been broken open next to Mr. Samuels'—it is a little shop where they mend china)—they were discharged at the police-court next day for want of evidence—after I got to the station, I went back and found that Mr. Samuels' had been broken open at the back—I got to it from the mews, by passing over several walls with a ladder, which I found placed against a wall—I went to Mr. Samuels' shop, and found it very much deranged—it was then about a quarter to 2.
JOHN SAMUELS. I am a jeweller and watchmaker, of 5, Pindar's-place—on 14th February I closed my shop at 9 o'clock at night, and went round at 11 and saw it safe—I was called up by the police at a quarter to 2, and found the house had been broken open by the back kitchen door—I missed a quantity of pint, rings, pencil-cases, and watches, to the amount of 30l.—this brooch, pin, and ring (produced) are mine.[161]
JAMES BARRATT. I am a grocer and cheesemonger, at 42, Robin Hood-lane, Poplar—I gave an order to the prosecutor on 26th August—I went and bought the goods there—goods amounting to 4l. 15s. 8d. were delivered by the prisoner to me on the 28th, about 7 in the evening—I paid him that sum—this (produced) is the receipt—it was signed by the prisoner in my presence—he was sober.[162]
[...] SARAH AMELIA POWER. I am ten years old, and live with my parents, who keep the Robin Hood public-house, High-hill Ferry—on a Wednesday in August, between half-past 12 and 1 o'clock, the prisoner came in, and asked for half a quartern of gin, which came to 2 1/2d.—he gave me a half-crown—I took it to my mother, who bit it, and put it on the counter—my father took it up, and spoke to the prisoner—the gin was in a bottle, and I took it off the counter.
THOMAS POWER. I am the father of the last witness, and keep the Robin Hood public-house—on 10th August, about half-past 1, I saw my daughter serve the prisoner—he put down a half-crown—she looked at it, and took it to her mother, who bit it, and brought it to me—I took the bottle of gin from the prisoner, and asked him where he got the half-crown—he said that he earned it at shoe-blacking, and got a young chap to give him half a crown for two and sixpence [...][163]
Witnesses for the Defence, JANE CONELLY. I live at 8, Robin Hood-court, Shoe-lane—on Sunday, 18th September, I was with the prisoner—we went to a christening all together it Little Pearl-street, Shoreditch—me and her sister and a young man—we had some drink there—the prisoner was very drunk, and my sister took her home and put her to bed, at 28, Little Popham-street—I then went to look for her young man, and afterwards found him in Elder-walk, fighting with the prosecutrix's sweetheart, Bill Fieldy—her brother then came up, stripped himself to his trousers, and fought the prisoner's young man—I said to Margaret Dunn, "You ought to be ashamed of yourself for letting your brother fight like that"—she called me a frightful name and hit me, and I hit her in return, and she and I had a fight—after it was all over, we went back to the prisoner's house—that was about ten minutes to 12—she was then asleep in bed with her baby—I left her a little after 10, and got back about ten minutes to 12, and she was in bed all that time.[164]
ANN EVANS. I am the wife of John Evans, who keeps the Lord Nelson, Robin Hood Lane—on 11th March, about eleven o'clock in the day, the prisoner came in and tendered me a bad shilling for a glass of ale—I gave it back to her and told her it was bad—she gave me a good one and I gave her the change—she came again next day for a pennyworth of gin—I served her—she gave me a sixpence and I gave her fivepence—I put the sixpence in an empty till—she went out of sight for a few minutes, and presently I went away—I went to get change for the only sixpence I had, and it was bad—next night, March 13th, she came again for a quartern of gin, and gave me a bad shilling—I said this is the third bad coin you have given me—she said—"Oh is it, if it is I will give you another one"—I told her about the sixpence, and she said that she would give me a sixpence, too, but she did not—I gave the bad coins to the constable—her companion ran away directly I said that I would send for a constable.[165]
COURT. Q. Yes; you are asked who it was? A. Mr. Hamilton—he keeps the Robin Hood public-house, in Windmill Street.[166]
[1 Mar. 1869:]
THOMAS BARKER. (City Policeman 419). On the evening of 4th February, and a little before 7, the last witness spoke to me—I turned round and saw Wilbutt running from the corner of New Street Hill—I chased him, and caught him in Shoe Lane, opposite Robin Hood Court—I took him back to the corner of New Street Hill, and there I saw the two forms against the wall—I sent for Messrs. Spottiswoode's foreman, Mr. Paul, and showed him the forms, and he identified them as their property—Wilbutt said he knew nothing of the robbery—I asked him what he ran for, and he said, "Because you ran."[167]
ELLEN KNIGHT. I am barmaid at the Robin Hood, Holborn—Mr. Arnold is the landlord—the prisoner came there with a woman, in the middle of October, about 10 a.m., for two glasses of porter, and gave me a half-crown—I gave him 2s. 4d. change, and put the half-crown in the till, where there was no other—the landlord spoke to me ten minutes afterwards—I looked at the half-crown, and it was counterfeit—no other half-crown had been put into the till.
Prisoner. Q. How came you to take it? A. I did not observe it much, as it was a very foggy morning—a policeman spoke to me about it, it might be a fortnight afterwards—the policeman did not describe you to me—no bad money has been offered me since you have been here.
JAMES ARNOLD. I am landlord of the Robin Hood—I went to my till on this morning, and found a bad half-crown, two sixpences, and a shilling—I gave the half-crown to the constable.[168]
ALFRED FAYER. I am landlord of the Pindar of Wakefield, in Gray's Ion Road—I know the prisoner—I saw him on 25th May, between 10 and 11 o'clock at night, in my bar—he came in and called for some ale, and he then asked to have a 5l. note changed—he handed it to my barmaid, and she brought it in to me—this (produced) is the note—I took it, and went with it to the bar—there was another person with the prisoner—I asked if they wanted change for it—the prisoner said "Yes"—I then asked him to endorse it—pen and ink was handed to him, and he wrote a name and address on the back—it has been partly stamped out at the back—it was "James" something; but what the name was I can't remember, "No. 4, Bird Street"—I saw the prisoner write it—knowing Bird Street I asked him about a man named Russell, who lived there; but he did not know him—I expressed my surprise at his not knowing him—he made some excuse that satisfied me—I gave him the change in gold—there might have been 10s. in silver, and they went away, after drinking what they had called for—no it morning I paid away the note to Mr. Clayton, the gas collector.
SUSAN COULSON. I am barmaid at the Pindar of Wakefield public-house—on Wednesday, 25th May, between 10 and 11 o'clock at night, the prisoner came to our house with another young man—he asked for some ale, and gave me a 5l. note, which I took into the parlour to Mr. Fayer, and he came out and gave him change, and the prisoner wrote a name and address on the back—I saw him write it—the address was "4, Bird Street"—he received the change and went away.
JOHN MULVANT. I am an inspector of the detective police—I was instructed to watch at the Midland Station, St. Pancras—on Monday, 30th May, I saw the prisoner come on to the platform, about 10.10, and try the mail-room door—he did not open it, it was locked—I had seen Folkard and the prisoner's brother, Richard, on the platform, some short time before that—Folkard had collected the bags in the usual course, taken them to the mail-room, locked them up, and gone away—after the prisoner tried the door he left the station—Folkard afterwards came to the station again, a few minutes before 11 o'clock, with the bags from the Great Northern Railway—he collected the bags from the up mail train at 11 o'clock, gave them to the mail driver, and then went out of the station, along the Euston Road, to the Victoria public-house, at the corner of York Road, where he joined the prisoner, his brother, and another man—that is about five minutes' walk from the Midland Station—I left them there—on the night of 2nd June I took Richard Bowman into custody—Folkard was taken by Sergeant Moon, on the morning of the 3rd, on another charge—on the morning of the 3rd I went to the prisoner's lodging, Julia Cottage, Marlborough Road, Dalston—he was in bed—his sister brought him down to me—I asked if he knew a person named Folkard—he said he did—I asked when he saw him last—he said "Last Monday," that he was at the railway station with him, and also at the Victoria public-house—that was Monday, the 30th, the day to which I have been referring—I asked him to allow me to look in his room—he did so—I found nothing—on Thursday, 9th June, I again went to his lodging—he was in bed—he was called down, and I said "You know me, I am an officer; I am going to ask you some questions; you need not answer them unless you please; were you in a public-house in the Gray's Inn Road on last night fortnight?—he said "What public-house? '—I said "The Pindar of Wakefield"—he said "I don't know such a house"—I said it was a house not far from the coffee-house in which you and your brother very often slept, in the Gray's Inn Road—he said "I don't know anything about it"—I said "A 5l. note was changed in that house, on that evening"—he said "I know nothing about it"—I said "Were you in any public-house in the Gray's Inn Road on that evening?—he said "No"—I said "Where were you on that evening?"—he said "I can't remember"—I then said "Have you any objection to go with me to the <keyword>Pindar of Wakefield<keyword>?"—he said "No, I have not, I will go with you"—we went in a cab to the corner of Swinton Street; we got out, and when about thirty yards distant, I said, pointing to the house, "That is the house I mean"—he said "Oh, I know that house very well, I have often been there with Folkard"—on going in Mr. Payer and the barmaid were both at the bar—I said to Mr. Fayer "You remember that affair I was speaking to you about the other night? '—he said "Yes"—I said "Do you know this young man?"—he said "Yes, that is the man; do you remember my asking you a question about Bird Street?—the prisoner said "No, I don't"—Mr. Fayer said "Why, you endorsed the note"—he said "No, I know nothing about it"—Mr. Fayer then said to his barmaid "Do you know him?"—she said "Yes, that is the man that gave me the note"—I said to the prisoner "You hear what they say now?"—he said "Yes, I do; but it is a mistake"—I then said to Miss Coulson "You are positive this is the man?"—she said "Yes, I knew him the moment he came into the house"—I then told him he would have to go with me to Bow Street, and I took him into custody—on searching him I found two duplicates, one for a gold Albert, pledged on 17th May, for 15s., and another for a silver watch, on 18th May, for 12s.[169]
THOMAS BERRY. I am a detective officer of the P division—I went to the Castle public-house on the 31st August—I saw deceased on the table, dead—I went in search of the prisoner, and found him next morning about 9.30 in a stable in Robin Hood Yard, washing himself—I said "John, I am going to take you into custody for causing his death"—he said "Very well, I am quite willing to go with you, I done no more than any other man would have done; last night I went home a little earlier than usual, found my wife out, and went in search of her; I saw her with the old gentleman, they were laughing and talking, I crossed over the road and allowed them to go past, and when I came back I saw them again, all at once I missed him, and went into the Castle to have a half-pint of beer, and saw them at the bar having a half-quartern of gin; I went round into their compart-ment, I could not stand it any longer; I went towards my wife and hit her in the face. The old gentleman got up and said 'Don't hit the woman,' that was the first thing he said, I then hit him two or three times, he dropped down on to the side of his head, fell on to the table, and his nose bled, but I did not think I had killed him; I then got hold of my wife and dragged her out"—on the road to the station he said "I used to five with that old gentleman in Islington, I removed from there; one day I was at home with a stiff neck, a little girl came to the door to see my missis, I put my head out of the window and saw the old gentleman beckoning her round the corner with his finger, I then went out and caught the two talking together; I cautioned him then that if I ever caught him along with her again it would be the wont for him.
Cross-examined. Q. He said he had only given the gentleman a thrashing? A. Yes.
JAMES DUNN (Police Inspector P). I read the charge to prisoner at the station—he said "I did not mean to kill him, he has been cautioned often enough before. [170]
JOSEPH WILKS (Policeman G 234). On 27th April, about 10.45, I was called to 9, Wicklow Street, and saw Mrs. Bailey and Dr. Purcell—the prisoner was there; he smelt very strong of drink, and appeared very much excited—I saw the deceased lying on the floor, on her back, with her hands and feet quite straight—while the doctor was examining her neck, the prisoner said to him "I will tell you just how it was, Sir. This was a mutual arrangement between ourselves; last night we were both going to hang ourselves, but Mrs. Bailey came in, so we went to bed and agreed to get up and do it in the morning; about 7.30 I went to the Pindar of Wakefield, to get some rum, because we were going to have something to drink before we did it, and when I came back I found she had forestalled me; and seeing my wife dead, I then tried to make away with myself, but I found I could not do it in the bed room, so I went down in the washhouse and tried to do it there; but Mrs. Bailey came in and prevented me, and I am very sorry for it, because we both meant to die together, because we had been making away with other people's things; and, to avoid an exposure, we made up our minds to hang ourselves"—I took him down stairs, and be tried to force his way up stairs again several times, while the doctor was examining the woman—I asked him what he wanted to go up stairs for, and he said to see what they were doing, because the witness and the doctor might make any tale against him—in the first part of the conversation, he said "If you will follow me, I will tell you how we were going to do it the night before"—I followed him to the washhouse; he got the piece of wood, went up, and placed it crossways on the canopy at the top of the bedstead, and said "I was going to hang at one end, and she at the other" pointing out that he was to hang agin the door, and she agin the fire-place, which was at the side of the bed—I believe the wood was strong enough for them to have done so, but I think the canopy would have toppled over.
Cross-examined by MR. STRAIGHT. Q. The Pindar is about 200 yards from where they lived—he was very much excited, and his breath smelt of rum, or some spirits—I am certain he said that they had arranged to do it the day before, but Mrs. Bailey had interrupted them. [171]
THOMAS SMITH. I am a master mariner—I live at Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire—the name of my vessel is the Helen—this note is not in my handwriting, and it was not written by my authority—I have seen the prisoner before, where, I can hardly say, but I rather think he has sailed with me—I am not certain.[172]
CHARLES HURLEY. I keep the Horse and Groom public-house, Whetstone Park—on 8th September, about 10 o'clock at night the prisoner came and asked for a glass of mild ale and a 2d. cigar, and gave a florin in payment—I gave him change—I put the florin in the till, being engaged in conversation—as he went out I looked at it again, and then noticed that it was counterfeit—I went out into Holborn to see if I could see him, and saw him go into the Robin Hood public-house—I called a constable and gave him into custody—the constable took hold of him and took him outside and asked what he had in his hand—he said "Nothing"—the constable told him to open his hand, he would not—the constable tried to open his hand—he resisted violently three or four times in going to the station—I saw his hand ultimately opened and a counterfeit florin taken from it—I had seen him in my house about 3 o'clock the same afternoon.
Cross-examined. I can't say what coin he paid with then—it was either a shilling or sixpence—I believe that was not counterfeit—I have only one till—I never put money I receive anywhere else, except 2s. pieces or half-crowns, which I place at the back after being put in the till—I put this florin in the till myself, and took it out again before placing it at the back, and I discovered that it was counterfeit—I had not taken any other florins shortly before—the prisoner was perfectly sober—he had not been drinking.
Re-examined. There was no other florin in, the till.
JAMES BADGER (Policeman E 473). I was spoken to by the last witness on the 8th September, in front of the Robin Hood—I went with him into the public-house, and he pointed out the prisoner there—I told him I should take him into custody for passing a bad 2s. piece—he said "Where is the 2s. piece, let me see it?"—I took him outside the door and asked what he had in his hand—I saw that his hand was clasped and he kept it by his side—he said "Nothing"—I said "Let me see"—he refused to do so—he struggled very violently and tried to bite and kick me—we both fell—he got his hand loose from me and made two or three gulping noises and said "It is gone"—but I still believed he had it in his hand—I got the assistance of three other constables—we forced his hand open and found in it this bad florin—I also got the other bad florin from Mr. Hurley—I searched the prisoner and found on him 9l. in gold, a 5l. note, eight shillings, and 15 1/2 d. in copper, a silver watch, a lady's umbrella, and a finger ring.[173]
GEORGE FREDERICK WEAR. I keep the Robin Hood in Shoe Lane—on 19th February, about 5.30, I served the prisoner with half a pint of porter 1d. worth of tobacco—he put down a florin, and I saw that it was had before I served him—I told him so, and he broke it, put the pieces in his pocket, and gave me two pence—the customers in the bar would not lot him go till he gave up the pieces—he was searched by an inspector, who found another bad florin on him, and I gave him in charge with the broken pieces.
FREDERICK CARTER (City Police Inspector). I was called to the Robin Hood, and found the prisoner there—I asked him how he became posseed of the bad florin—he made no reply—I searched him, and found in his pocket another bad florin, three good sixpences, and 1s—the land lorgrab me this broken florin.[174]
220. GEORGE FREDERICK STANHOPE (32), Robbery on Barnabas Riley, and stealing from his person a watch and pocket-book, his property.
MR. DOUGLAS conducted the Prosecution.
BARNABAS RILEY. I am a tobacconist, of 278, High Street, Poplar—on the 26th February, after 10 o'clock at night, I was at the Iron Bridge public-house, Barking Road, with a friend—I saw the prisoner there doing sleight-of-hand work and different kinds of tricks—I have known him by sight many years; he is what they call a sharper—he is not a particular friend of mine, but he made himself an acquaintance—I serve thirty or forty public-houses—I had had more drink than was quite right—I went out of the public-house, leaving him there, but he was very quick after me—he ran after me as hard as he could with a little man about 5 feet high—I ran into Mr. Forsyth's shop, and remained there till I got him to go home with me and bring a little bit of a truncheon—the prisoner had not spoken to me nor I to him—we had to go 600 or 700 yards to my house—we were talking, and I did not see the prisoner—Mr. Forsyth left me at the bottom of Robin Hood Lane, and I went on alone—I opened my side door with my latch-key, and as soon as I had done so the prisoner said "Ain't you going to bid us good-night, old chap?" and he threw me down with one hand and took my watch and pocket-book—my wife and my boy spoke to me at my door, but I did not go in; I ran to the police-station with as much strength as I had left—I could not speak, but I was told something—my pocket-book was returned to me next morning, but I have not seen my watch again.
Cross-examined by the Prisoner. I went to my friend to take me home, I being rather in liquor—I did not stop to see whether you were following us—if you stole my watch and pocket-book I cannot say how my pocket-book came to be found at the public-house.
HENRY DIXON. I am a labourer, of 12, Leicester Street, Poplar—on the night of the 6th January, between 12 and 1 p.m., I was standing with Lovesey outside Mr. Townsend's, High Street, Poplar; that is about a mile and a quarter from the Irion [sic] Bridge tavern—I saw Riley pass me, and saw the prisoner and a man with a black eye—I said something to Lovesey and took notice of them—I saw them cross the road—I followed them; they went to Riley's door, and both got close to the door—Riley went in soon afterwards, and then the two men ran away, and Riley came out and holloaed "Stop thief!" and they both ran towards Bow Lane—they might go that way to the Iron Bridge, but it is a long way—when Riley called out a policeman ran up, and I said "You are just too late"—when they ran away I was so surprised that I had not time to do anything.
Cross-examined. You were 20 yards behind Riley on the same side—I saw Riley's Albert chain hanging on his waistcoat; he was smoking a pipe—I might have got stopped myself if I had stopped you.
HENRY LOVESEY. I live at 6, Surrey Place, Poplar—I was with Dixon standing outside a beer-shop, and saw Riley coming along and the prisoner and another man following him behind—they crossed the road after Riley, who unlocked his door and went inside, and the moment he got inside he made some answer—the prisoner then said "Come on," and they ran up Poplar—I was only following them two or three seconds.
Cross-examined. His coat was open and I saw that he had a watch, and thought you were going to steal it—I did not run after you because the last I stopped in Poplar I got my nose broken, but I got a reward of 10s.
HERBERT KERSEY. On 27th February, at 7.25 a.m., I found this pocket-book just opposite the Aberfeldie Arms, in a field—that is near the Iron Bridge—I gave it to Riley, it was open—nothing was in it, but the bills were strewed about by the side of it; I picked them up and put them inside. B. Riley (re-examined). This is my pocket-book—Kersey gave it to me.
GEORGE QUANTRELL (Policeman). On 26th February, about 11 o'clock or 11.30, I was near the Robinhood, Poplar, and saw Riley and another gentleman—the prisoner and another man were following, 20 yards behind them, in the direction of Riley's house—I did not watch them as I had no suspicion—I have been looking for the other man, but have not been able to find him.[175]
WILLIAM MARTIN. I live at 52, Robin Hood Lane, Poplar, and have carried on business there fifteen months as a corn dealer—I never lived at 137, High Street, Poplar, nor did I ever use that address—this sale note and invoice are not my writing, I know nothing about them—I never had any cards printed in my life—I am the only person in Poplar carrying on business as a dealer in mats, rags, and sweepings.[176]
THOMAS BANNISTER (Police Sergeant G). On the night of 2nd October I was passing the Pindar of Wakefield public-house, and saw the prisoner and his wife—a woman, named Draker, came out and spoke to them, and. They all three went into the house—I sent for assistance and placed two constables in a dark place to assist me—the three then walked to the corner of Swinton Street, and I directed the two constables to seize Draker, I followed the prisoner and his wife—I heard a noise, looked round and saw Darker in custody and another constable picking up something—I said "Don't let go of her hand"—he said "She has thrown something away, but I have got it all right"—I went back and took Wilson, who said that he was going home—I said "You have been in company with coiners and I shall arrest you on suspicion"—I told Dickens to seize her other arm—when they were placed in the dock at the station, Draker used an oath, and said "You have done this for us"—I found in the prisoner's trousers pocket this packet, containing two bad half-crowns, with paper between them, and a halfpenny and a bad half-crown loose—Peckham handed me this handkerchief, containing two packets, in one of which were ten bad half-crowns, and in the other five, with blotting paper between each—on Draker was found 5d. and a purse—the prisoner's wife was discharged by the Magistrate.[177]
Cross-examined by the Prisoner. You and I went to the theatre together on 20th September, I picked up a prostitute, we all three went to a beer-house, and then walked with her to the turning of Robin Hood Lane—I did not want to take her home—I did not say that I had got no money; I had money in my pocket—I did not leave my purse on the window ledge—I did not tell you to meet the prostitute next morning at the top of Robin Hood Lane—I said that I had to go to work at 7 a.m. on a tea ship—I had nothing to do with her, and did not want to see her again—I did not tell you to take your clothes and dispose of them for 10s., so that she could go home with me—I could not take anybody to my place.
SAMUEL CLARK. I live at 2, Brown's Road, Plaistow—I went home with the prosecutor when he missed his clothes—I went to public-house, found the prisoner, and gave him in charge.
Cross-examined. I did not give this evidence at Stratford on the 22nd, because I was not called—I paid a visit to you at the police-court—I did not say in the presence of an officer, that I knew nothing about the case, and was only saying what Baldock told me.
WALTER THOMAS BAKER. I am assistant to Mr. Walker, a pawnbroker, of West Ham—on 21st September, about 8.30 a.m., I took those things in pledge from the prisoner, and advanced 20s. on them—he gave the name of Griffiths, Brooks Read—I gave them to the constable on the 22nd.
WILLIAM MAJOR (Policeman). On 21st September, about 8.40, the prosecutor came to the station, and I went with him, to a public-house at Poplar, and found the prisoner, who said that he had pawned the clothes, and got them from Baldock.
The Prisoner's Statement before the Magistrate. "On Wednesday evening last me and the prisoner went to the Albion Theatre together; he there picked up with a prostitute; we waited there till it was all over and then went into a public-house and had some beer. He. then wanted to know if she would accompany him home for the night, she said she would not, because he had no money. He then said "I can get you some money in the morning, "but she would not go with him. He told her then to meet me at 9 o'clock next morning at the top of Robin Hood Lane, that I should take his things to pawn and take her 10s., so as she and her son could get some things to go and live with him.[178]
ESTHER LEVY. I let the prisoner the house at 14, Upper East Smithfield—this is my handwriting (referring to the agreement)—the prisoner paid me 150l. on the 30th May, I think—he was quite a stranger to me—the bill was in the window that the premises were to let, and he seemed anxious to have it—I did not suggest we should go to a lawyer, but I took him to Mr. Hind, of Cannon Street, estate-agent, whom I knew, for the purpose of having the agreement prepared—the prisoner had two or three interviews with me—he first came in to make a purchase, and he said he had been after a place where he would have to pay 120l. for the goodwill and 100l. a year—I said my house was cheaper, and he was agreeable to take it—that was all that passed—the nest time he came was about the business, and I let him the house and shop for nine years at 45l. a year—he paid me by a note out of his own pocket, and had no one to represent him—I have a brother—the prisoner did not buy my furniture—I sold him the agreement for nine years—I took my furniture away—when he came he said he should not open the house—he had been trying to let it, and bad advertised it at 75l. and 150l. a year; so he could not have thought it a very bad bargain—he said he had a niece who would come to attend to it, but there was some death in the family and she could not come—a carman took the furniture away-my brother did not go there—he is living at the Robin Hood public-house—I know nothing about an appointment being made there with the prisoner—I don't think the prisoner made inquiries—he made no proposal to me of any kind—he would not be such a fool, I should think.[179]
MARIA MANDELL. I am barmaid at the Robin Hood public-house, High Holborn—on 15th January the prisoner came and asked for half a quartern of rum, and tendered a two-shilling piece—I saw it was bad at once—I showed it to Mr. Lindley, the landlord—he examined it in my presence, and gave it back to me—I had my eye on it all the time—I took it back to the prisoner and said, "Do you know if this is a bad one?"—he said "No"—he put it in his pocket and gave me a good shilling, and I gave him change, sixpence, four pennies, and a halfpenny—a constable was sent for, and the prisoner was given into custody—the florin produced is the same—I bit it. [180]
BENJAMIN WARREN. I am a shoemaker at 47, Robin Hood Lane, Poplar—the prisoner's house is at the back of our yard—at 11.30 in the morning of the 16th; I found this knife on our fowl-shed, about 6 yards from the prisoner's yard—there as no knife there on the Saturday.[181]
WILLIAM HENRY BLACKABY. I live at 8, Canal Road, Shoreditch, and am a wheelwright — on 19th July, shortly after midnight, I had been in a public-house near the high road, near Hoxton, and was going home — when near the corner of the high road the prisoner, whom I had not seen before to my knowledge, came behind me, took hold of me, said "Halloa," opened my coat, and took out my pocket-book from a side pocket—I said, "What are you doing of?" and took hold of the end of his coat and collar — he dragged me on to the side of the road — I called out "Police" — he said, "I will give you your pocket-book back if you will let me go" — I said "No," and called out "Police" — they came and took the pocket-book out of his hand — there were a cheque for 2l. 7s. 6d. and a few of my cards in it — I did not notice any people about when this occurred — I cannot say if the prisoner was sober.
Cross-examined. I do not know the name of the public-house — I went in about 11.30 — I had been at the Robin Hood, another public-house, before that for a quarter of an hour — before that I had been on business at another public-house — when I went to the Robin Hood I saw a gentleman with whom I did business, and he asked me to go and have a glass of ale — I was not doing business of that kind before I was at the public-house — I went to the second public-house to have a glass of ale with a gentleman I had purchased goods of — I will take my oath I did not have any spirits — the second house was a beershop; while there I proposed we should all go to a spirit house, and I would treat them to some gin — there might have been a little music there, I gave a comic — we were all together in one compartment — I was quite sober — the persons were strangers to me, except one — they asked me to stand something, and I gave them two pots of ale — there might have been eight or ten — I have not a clear recollection of it — I don't know how much I drank — I did not take out my pocket-book in the public-house and say I have got so much — I went out by myself — I had had sufficient — I was not going to get some gin, that did not come off — the prisoner might have been in the bar with me — I know he came behind, and the sergeant took the pocket-book away from him — he thought I could not hold him, but he said he had never had such a man before tackle him — I did not say that we had been in the public-house together — I did not drop my pocket-book on the floor of the public-house — my friend did not pick it up, and as I was in such a state that I could not take it, hand it to the prisoner — I can recollect all that took place.[182]
EDWARD JOHNSON. I am a licensed victualler, and keep the Robin Hood public-house in Leather Lane, which is about a couple of hundred yards from the Black Bull—the prisoner, whom I have known for some time, came to my house, about 8 o'clock on Boxing night, in company with another man that I did not know and have not seen since—he came to see me for one thing, and he said "Lend me 5s.; I will leave you my watch as security"—I took it at first, but did not intend to keep it—we then went out with him down the Lane, talking to him about his trip; he had been away in the country—I said "Will, you have a glass of wine with me? and I will leave you"—we went into the private bar of the Black Bull—I know Ethel Moore—we had a small glass of port each—we were there about a couple of minutes—we came out and said "Good night"—I said "Here is your watch; the 5s. will be all right when you get it; you can give me that back," and I gave him back his watch—he said "The missis has my money; come and have a drink with me"—I said "I don't care about any more"—he said "Come along, it is Christmas time, and I am going away and may not see you again for some time"—we went into the public bar, where the prisoner asked for three glasses of port—while I was there I noticed a man sitting asleep on the form; his hat was on the floor, and I saw the other man touch it with his foot—I drank my wine and left, leaving the prisoner at this end of the bar away from the people, and then went towards Leather Lane—I stopped and spoke to the officer on the beat, and the prisoner passed me with the other man going home—they went into the public bar of my house—the two men then came out and went down Brook Street, when they passed me they were laughing.
Cross-examined. The prisoner had had quite enough to drink—two or three minutes elapsed between the time I left the Black Bull and their passing me—the prisoner might have been hurrying a little, but not out of the ordinary—he is a fighting man, and had been on a tour with J. L. Sullivan—he did very well on that trip—I have known him as a quiet man—it is a small bar, about 12 feet by 12—other persons were clustering around—I did not notice whether the prisoner and the other man were carrying anything when they passed me.
GEORGE BAKER. I am eight years old, and go to Prince's Street Board School—I live with my mother at 89, Great Saffron Hill—on Boxing night I was out with my brother, close to the Robin Hood public-house—I saw the prisoner and another man come up to the house—the prisoner threw a note and bag away—I picked them up, and showed them to my brother Harry—it was about 8. 45 p.m.—I saw the prisoner afterwards at Guildhall—this is the bag.[183]
EDWARD WOOLLETT. I am night watchman at Pontifex and Wood's in Shoe Lane—on 6th January I saw four men leave the Two Brewers about 11. 45, one by one door and three by another—I saw Clark, and from what he said I kept the men in view; I never lost sight of them—I apprehended Wise, he walked towards Ludgate Circus—the man who came out at one door went up Robin Hood Court—I spoke to a policeman—the prisoners are two of the men—I saw three of them taking money from papers and dropping the paper—I was about 50 yards off—I picked up the paper and handed it to the policeman I handed Wise to—the little one escaped.[184]
MARK BARNETT. I am a stickmaker, of 247, Cable Street East — I have known both the Rudmans since the Saturday before Good Friday — I was with Phelps taking a ramble round Hoxton, and the two Rudmans came along; Phelps spoke to them first, and went into his own house; I waited outside, and the two Rudmans waited some distance from me; I did not speak to them — I had no ferrules in my pocket, but I had received some from Phelps and a man named Bunn — I have none now; I only bought them to sell; I sold them all — I met the two Rudmans a few yards from the Robin Hood, and went in there with them and Phelps — I told Edward I was surprised he could get so many ferrules as he did — he said, "My brother is employed there" — I said I had looked for him on several occasions — he said, "Where?" — I said, "When I was in the neighbourhood of Aldermanbury; I looked outside White and Harrington's firm to see whether I could see you, but not knowing you I did not know who to look for; if I had seen anyone come down with a parcel I should have put it down as you" — he said he saw me outside, and took me for a policeman — I said, "I do not think it is possible for your brother to bring out large parcels like that" — he said, "It is generally done at dinner-time" — I said, "Somebody must have known something about it besides your brother" — he said he would sooner suffer ten years' imprisonment than he would bring Goatly into it; Goatly was a gentleman; he took an oath and said Goatly knew nothing about it — I told him I tried to sell some to Bignolles — he said he had sold them hundreds of gross; they had had more than anybody — they are umbrella manufacturers — he asked if I had sold the goods in my own name — I said yes — he said I was a fool to do so — I said I cannot alter my name, as I had been doing business with the people some years — he asked me if I had a receipt for the ferrules; I said no — he offered to make one out, which I declined — I had not bought any of him; I never made any purchases of him in my life; I never saw him before that night.[185]
ALLEN MORBEY (481 City). On the night of 16th December the prisoner was given into my custody—I took him to the station, where he said, "I did not know I was stealing them; I was called from Robin Hood Court, Shoe Lane, by a man who asked me if I would like to earn a few coppers to give him a shove with the barrow up to the Rose public-house, Hatton Garden"—I went to the Rose public-house, Hatton Garden—I did not see anyone there who expected a barrow—the barrow had been stolen—the weight of these formes was seven or eight cwt.—with a bit of trouble one man could have pushed the barrow.[186]
JAMES MURRAY FLEMING. I am secretary to the Bazaar, Exchange and Mart newspaper, 170, Strand—I produce two instructions for advertisements in that paper (Read): "Lady's Beeston Cycle, 55s. 6d., part exchange, Wilson, 8, Robin Hood Lane, Poplar, E." and "Gentleman's Rover Pneumatic, 25s. 6d., grand order, Burton, 80, Baalam Street, Plaistow, E."—I also produce both those advertisements as they appeared in the Bazaar, Exchange, and Mart on April 4th.
WILLIAM GEORGE WELTON (Warder). I served a copy of this Notice to Produce on Robert Rix on May 20th.
ELLEN ROBINSON (Wardress). I served a copy of this Notice to Produce upon Emily Rix on May 20th.
WILLIAM CRIDLAND (Detective Sergeant K.) I served a copy of this Notice to Produce upon John Morris on May 20th.
NELLIE CARVER. I am single and live at 13, College Street, Swindon, Wilts—I saw the advertisement relating to a lady's cycle in the Bazaar, Exchange and Mart, and I wrote in reply stating that I had a bearskin rug value £5, which I would exchange for that bicycle if it was in good condition—I received this reply (Produced), stating that the bicycle was in first class condition and that my rug should be returned if I was not satisfied with the bicycle—believing the writer to be a lady named Wilson, and that she had a bicycle to sell, I sent this rug (Produced) and received this reply, stating that the writer was very disappointed with it, that it was not worth £1, but that if I would send a sovereign she would send the bicycle or return the rug—I then sent a money order for £1 post dated ten days—I received the money order back with a letter saying the machine would only be sent on receipt of cash—I then wrote and asked for the return of my rug at once, and in the meantime informed the police—I never received my rug back and heard nothing more of it until I heard from the police.
Cross-examined by MR. BURNIE. I sent my rug on April 7th.
ANNIE FIELD HOLDEN. I am wife of Albert Holden, of Blackburn, Lancashire—on April 4th I saw the advertisement (Produced) relating to a lady's bicycle, and I wrote offering £1 in cash and a violin and bow in case in exchange for the bicycle, and I received a reply stating that if I sent £1 and the violin and bow, the machine would be sent off at once—on April 10th I sent £1 and the violin and bow in case to Mrs. Wilson, 8, Robin Hood Lane—those are the violin and bow and case (Produced)—I received this letter (Produced) acknowledging the receipt of the violin and stating that the machine would be sent on the following Monday or Tuesday—not having received the machine I wrote again to Mrs. Wilson, but received no reply, and I then informed the police.
FRANCIS KEAST. I live at 445, Battersea Park Road—on April 4th I saw the advertisement relating to a gentleman's bicycle in the Exchange and Mart newspaper, and I wrote offering an air gun and a watch in exchange—I received this letter stating that if I sent them on, the machine would be sent on at once—these (Produced) are the articles I sent believing I should get the machine in exchange—the watch was marked "Glass, with care"—I received this letter stating that the articles were to hand and that the machine would be sent on the following Saturday evening—not having received the machine I wrote a letter to the address given in the advertisement, and it was returned through the post marked "Gone away."
ISABELLA BIGG. I live at 10, Robin Hood Lane, Poplar, and am the wife of Henry Edgar Bigg—my mother lives at No. 8, Robin Hood Lane, and keeps a tobacco and newspaper shop there, and I help her in the business—the female prisoner came into the shop about the end of February and asked if I would receive letters and parcels for which she would pay 1d. for each letter and 2d. for each parcel, and I agreed to do so—she gave the name of Wilson—I remember a parcel coming between February 8th and 10th, with the ends open, and I saw that it contained something similar to the rug produced—it was addressed to Mrs. Wilson—the female prisoner called for it and I gave it to her—I also remember another parcel coming about the same time containing the violin, bow and case produced also a registered letter, both addressed to Mrs. Wilson, and I handed them to the female prisoner when she called—she paid me 2d. each for the parcels and 1d. for the letter, together with the receipt (Produced) for the registered letter, and took them away—she always came alone except that she carried a baby.[187]
ELLEN LAWRENCE, wife of Joseph Lawrence, 60, Albert Street, Barnsbury Road, printer. I have known the deceased girl eight or 10 years, and that she for some time lived an immoral life as her means of livelihood. She lived in Bidborough Street, 12, Manchester Street, 15 months ago; 30, Liverpool Street, Gower Place, College Street, Judd Street, and then with Shaw at 29, St. Paul's Road. I know prisoner well by sight. I first saw him when Dimmock lived in Manchester Street in the "Pindar of Wakefield" public-house, Gray's Inn Road, in conversation with Dimmock—they seemed very good friends. I have also seen them, both there separately. Frederick Street, in which the prisoner lives, is very near the "Pindar of Wakefield." I have not seen them together since until the Friday before the murder, September 6, in the "Rising Sun." At about 8.30 p.m Dimmock came into the bar where I was having a drink with Mrs. Smith. Prisoner came in and teemed on friendly terms with Dimmock. On Monday Smith and I when there at eight p.m. We were going to the Euston Music Hall for the second house at nine p.m. Prisoner came in. He stood Mrs. Smith and me a drink. We spoke to him, and he asked if we would have something to drink. He asked if we had seen Dimmock he called her "Phyllis." She has been known by that name ever since sue came to London. Mrs. Smith passed a jovial remark to him, "Don't tell Phyllis we have had a drink with you—she might be jealous." Shortly after Dimmock came in. said "Good evening" to us, and passed direct over to prisoner. She put a penny in the gramophone which prisoner gave her. They staved a little while and came out at the same time as we did. She said they were going to the Ho'born Empire; they crossed the road and got into a bus. Dimmock seemed nervous, as if she did not want to go with prisoner—
JOHN WILLIAM CRABTREE. I have no fixed abode at present. I was living at 1, Bidborough Street about May twelvemonth. I purchased the lease of that house. Previous to my going there Phyllis Dimmock stayed there as well as alter. The other people were respectable people. While living there I have seen prisoner there. I once say him coming down from the first floor towards the cellar; in fact, I saw him on several occasions. One night as I opened the door I met Wood in the passage and he passed down into my kitchen, and while I was putting my bicycle away Dimmock followed him down and got hold of his arm and wanted something from him. What the something was I do not know. I said, "What it all this bother about?" Dimmock says, "Give it to me." With that prisoner said, "Oh, she is only a common prostitute, and you know so." With that he went through my door up the area steps. He used to stop there on several occasions. On another occasion I was called up into the bedroom early in the morning, and Phyllis was in a nude condition except for a sheet thrown over her shoulders. This would be before seven in the morning; about half-past six. Dimmock asked me when I wet going out would I take a silver cigarette case and pawn it for her. Wood was there in bed. She gave me the case, and I said to Wood, "Is this yours?" He said, "Yes." They then asked me to hand it back and never mind pawning it, and I gave it to Wood. Wood remained in bed. I afterwards went to Manchester Street, and Dim mock also lived there. That would be about the latter end of June last year. On the Saturday after we moved I saw prisoner there. On a subsequent occasion I saw Wood at the corner of Gray's Inn Road and Manchester Street, and saw him again in the "Pindar of Wakefield." One day prisoner came to Manchester Street while Dimmock was at Portsmouth, and asked for her. I told him she was not in, and he asked me when I expected her. I did not know. When she came back he came to the house again. I was convicted for keeping a brothel at Manchester Street in July last year and sentenced to three months' imprisonment. I came out on May 24, as I had had a ticket to serve. After that I went to 30a, Argyll Square. In May this year I was sentenced again for keyring that house at a brothel, getting four months. The sentence expired about ten days ago.
Prisoner. No. I made her acquaintance in the "Rising Sun" on the Friday mentioned in my statement, which is perfectly true. I have heard the evidence of the man Crabtree. It is utterly false; in fact, it is dastardly. I hope God will destroy me this minute if I ever knew Crabtree or have ever been in his house. I live within a stone's throw of the "Rising Sun." I knew Ruby Young when she was living in Liverpool Street, but I did not know that Phyllis Dimmock lived nearly opposite. On the Friday night deceased asked me fore penny for the gramophone, and I gave her one. I paid for drinks. Later a boy offered some postcards for sale. They were of a very common, inartistic kind. I produced some more artistic cards from my pocket, and Dimmock chose the card which has been produced. She said she collected them, and asked me if I would send it to her, and write something pleasing on it to give it interest. I signed the card with the name "Alice" at her request. She said that was the name of a friend. I saw her again the following night in Great College Street, as I was on my way to the Gas Company's offices in Camden Road. On the Sunday night I did not see her, but on the Monday night I saw her for some tune in the "Rising Sun." The man Roberts was there. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Lawrence were there also. We had drinks and were all very friendly. I did not take Dimmock to the Holbom Music Hail that night. I had a sketch book, and she amused herself looking through it She had some intelligence, and I may say that appealed to me. I did not hear Dimmock say that we bad spent the evening in the "Adam and Eve" public-house. I have never seen Dimmock in the "Pindar of Wakefield." It would be some time after 11 that I left the "Rising Sun" on the Monday night. She called my attention on the Saturday night to the fact that I had not sent the postcard. I posted it on the Sunday night, I think, in the pillar box in Museum Street, alter I had left my brother's place. On the Tuesday night I was not in the "Rising Sun" at all. I was on my way to Red Lion Street to see about some ink for a style pen when I met my brother in Theobald's Road. After we had been to the public library and to the barber's, I accompanied him home and had supper, and he afterwards came back with me to Frederick Street to see father. I did not go out again after that. On the following evening, September 11, I was in the "Eagle" public-house with Dimmock, whom I met in the Camden Road. Lambert came in, and I introduced her to him as a "merry girl friend." I only knew her a a Phyllis, and did not mention her name. I addressed the postcard to "Mrs. B. Shaw" at her dictation.
Cross-examined. Yesterday was the first time I made an admission in public that I was in Dimmock's company on September 11—I have nor spoken in public before. I did not mention it to Ruby Young nor to my brothers Charles and James, nor to Tinkham. I had nothing to fear from publicity being given to my association with her. Naturally it looked very bad that I was so late in her company the night she was killed. The "Rising Sun" postcard is on its face a letter of assignation. It is written by me signed in the name of "Alice" and addressed to the woman in the house in which she lived and where she was killed. It was hardly an appointment; there was no seriousness attached to it. Prior to September 6 I had never seen Phyllis Dimmock in my life. I did not say on Friday, September 6, to Smith, "Have you seen Phyllis?"—that is a mistake. I did not beckon to Dimmock. The postcard was lightly penciled out in the "Rising Sun" on my sketch-book, while sitting by her side, and retained by me. I had no fixed intention of posting it. I intended that I might look in by the way at the "Rising Sun." I was there about an hour on Friday. I went there about 10 p.m. and left about 12; I was in Dimmock's company practically all that time. I did not go to the "Rising Sun" on Saturday, but met Dimmock quite accidentally in Great College Street. I was in the "Eagle" with her that evening. I have been in the "Eagle" about once before. I do not use the "Pindar of Wakefield." The only occasion I recollect being there was before Christmas, 1906, with Tinkham. I have been in the "Adam and Eve," and was there for about an hour with diseased on the Saturday. I did not see her on the Sunday, but late that night I posted the "Rising Sun" postcard. I cannot recall when I actually lined it—completed it—possibly on Sunday. [...][188]
BRIDGET CAREY, 55, Wells Street, Poplar. I have known prisoner all my life and have generally been on good terms with her. On August 13 we had a quarrel about some money she owed me. On August 14, just after five o'clock, as I was walking with Mary Pawling up Robin Hood Lane prisoner came towards me and said, Biddy, I want to speak to you for a minute. I stepped to one side and she took a cup from under her cape and threw it into my face, saying, "Take that." I felt a burning sensation; I screamed out, 'I'm burnt: it's vitriol. I was taken to Poplar Hospital, where I was kept for a fortnight. I am still an out-patient. I gave prisoner no provocation whatever.
MARY PAWLING, who witnessed the assault, corroborated prosecutrix's statement.
Sergeant WILLIAM BRADLEY, K Division. On my charging prisoner, she said, "Thanks; that's good enough. She hurt me, and I hurt her. She has been persecuting me for a long time." At prisoner's house I found the bottle (produced): it had had vitriol in it; it has the label, "Poison—sulphuric acid." In Robin Hood Lane I found broken pieces of the cup.[189]
Sergeant GOODCHILD, Y Division. On May 12 I was with Sergeant Page. I arrested Douglas in the "Pindar of Wakefield," Gray's Inn Road. He was with Sharkey. I said to him, "We are going to arrest you for committing a burglary at Curry and Paxton's, Great Portland Street, on the night of May 2." Douglas said, "You will not find anything on me." I took him to Somers Town Police Station, searched him, and found 2s. silver, 4d. bronze, and Exhibits 1 to 6. They were in different pockets. I said, "Where did you get these from?" He said, "They are mine." Later in the day I told him the property had been identified as part of the proceeds of a burglary committed at Curry and Paxton's. Douglas said, "If you can prove it I will plead 'Guilty,' but I am going to say now that a man gave me the property in Rowton House, King's Cross Road, this morning. I do not know his name or where he lives. I shall call Sharkey as a witness, and he is going to say the same thing. No one saw us on these premises; I am going to plead 'Not guilty'; I shall take my chance. Don't go to my mother's." Prisoner was charged and made no reply.[190]
Statement of Carlyle: "I had been in bed all day ill. I came out about 10 o'clock. I met the others and had a drink in the Pindar of Wakefield.' I had no idea what they were going to do—I do not believe they had either—until they got to Britannia Street. O'Flaherty and I sat on the doorstep opposite. Sometime after some coats were thrown over and I picked them up. So far I am guilty."
Statement of O'Flaherty: "I plead guilty to being concerned but not breaking and entering. I had been drinking all night."
(Defence.)
ARTHUR CARLYLE (prisoner, on oath). I was lodging in Gray's Inn Road, four doors from the "Pindar of Wakefield." On August 6 at 10.15 p.m. I had two or three drinks with the other prisoners and went with them towards the "Angel." I had no idea of what they were going to do, and I do not believe they had until they came to this hoarding, when Cook and McLaren got over. O'Flaherty and Is at on a doorstep. Two strangers came up and told us to be careful, as we were being watched. I did not go away as I wanted to see what Cook and McLaren had gone for. Inabout [sic] half an hour some things were thrown over. I picked up two dressing gowns and a bag: O'Flaherty picked up the other things.[191]
GEORGE STEEL, laborer, Brook Cottage, Robin Hood Farm. About 8.45 p.m. on August 1 I was in a field in Robin Hood Lane when male prisoner came into the field and asked me the way to Wimbledon Common. I went outside and directed him and then I saw the female prisoner. She had something in her arms wrapped up in a white shawl. Prisoners went off together in the direction of the brook.
THOMAS FROST, laborer, 11, Florence Terrace, Kingston. On August 1 about 9 p.m. I was on Beverley Bridge with two friends, when I heard screams coming from the direction of Beverley Brook. I ran to the spot and found a naked baby lying on its back in the centre of the stream screaming. The water was about six inches deep. I called to a Mrs. Blenheim, living close by, and handed the child to her. I afterwards pointed out the spot to a detective. Photographs produced show the place.
Cross-examined by Mr. Rantoul. When I first heard the cries I was about fifty yards away. I think the baby was in danger because in its struggles its head went under the water. The brook is deeper at the sides. This is a favorite walk and on a fine summer night there would be a lot of people passing. Passers-by could not have helped hearing the cries. Where the child was lying the water was not deep enough to cover its body.
Cross-examined by Mr. Shearman. When the baby was found I was there with two friends and Mrs. Brenham's cottage is close by the brook.
Mrs. CAROLINE BLENHEIM, Brook Cottage, Robin Hood Farm. My cottage is about fifty yards from the brook. On August 1 I heard someone calling and ran to the brook and saw a child struggling in the water, screaming. Its head was above water. Last witness handed me the baby and I took it home, wrapped it in blankets, and sent for the police.[192]
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