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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13097 ***
+
+[Illustration: HIGHWAY MURDER ON HOUNSLOW HEATH
+
+The assailant is strangling his victim with a whip-thong; nearby is a
+typical roadside gallows with two highwaymen dangling from the
+cross-tree
+
+(_From the Newgate Calendar_)]
+
+
+
+
+LIVES OF THE
+
+MOST REMARKABLE
+
+CRIMINALS
+
+Who have been Condemned and Executed for Murder, the Highway,
+Housebreaking, Street Robberies, Coining or other offences
+
+_Collected from Original Papers and Authentic Memoirs, and
+Published in 1735_
+
+EDITED BY
+
+ARTHUR L. HAYWARD
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+Introduction
+
+Volume One
+
+Preface--Jane Griffin--John Trippuck, Richard Cane and Richard
+Shepherd--William Barton--Robert Perkins--Barbara Spencer--Walter
+Kennedy--Matthew Clark--John Winship--John Meff--John Wigley--William
+Casey--John Dykes--Richard James--James Wright--Nathaniel Hawes--John
+Jones--John Smith--James Shaw, _alias_ Smith--William Colthouse--William
+Burridge--John Thomson--Thomas Reeves--Richard Whittingham--James
+Booty--Thomas Butlock--Nathaniel Jackson--James Carrick--John
+Molony--Thomas Wilson--Robert Wilkinson and James Lincoln--Mathias
+Brinsden--Edmund Neal--Charles Weaver--John Levee--Richard Oakey and
+Matthew Flood--William Burk--Luke Nunney--Richard Trantham--John Tyrrell
+and William Hawksworth--William Duce--James Butler--Captain John
+Massey--Philip Roche--Humphrey Angier--Captain Stanley--Stephen
+Gardiner--Samuel Ogden, John Pugh, William Frost, Richard Woodman and
+William Elisha--Thomas Burden--Frederick Schmidt--Peter Curtis--Lumley
+Davis--James Harman--John Lewis--The Waltham Blacks--Julian, a Black
+Boy--Abraham Deval--Joseph Blake, _alias_ Blueskin--John Shepherd--Lewis
+Houssart--Charles Towers--Thomas Anderson--Joseph Picken--Thomas
+Packer--Thomas Bradely--William Lipsat--John Hewlet--James Cammell and
+William Marshal--John Guy--Vincent Davis--Mary Hanson--Bryan
+Smith--Joseph Ward--James White--Joseph Middleton
+
+
+Volume Two
+
+Preface--William Sperry--Robert Harpham--Jonathan Wild--John
+Little--John Price--Foster Snow--John Whalebone--James Little--John
+Hamp--John Austin, John Foster and Richard Scurrier--Francis
+Bailey--John Barton--William Swift--Edward Burnworth, etc.--John
+Gillingham--John Cotterel--Catherine Hayes--Thomas Billings--Thomas
+Wood--Captain Jaen--William Bourn--John Murrel--William Hollis--Thomas
+Smith--Edward Reynolds--John Claxton--Mary Standford--John
+Cartwright--Frances Blacket--Jane Holmes--Katherine Fitzpatrick--Mary
+Robinson--Jane Martin--Timothy Benson--Joseph Shrewsberry--Anthony
+Drury--William Miller--Robert Haynes--Thomas Timms, Thomas Perry and
+Edward Brown--Alice Green--An Account of the Murder of Mr. Widdington
+Darby--Joshua Cornwall
+
+
+Volume Three
+
+John Turner, _alias_ Civil John--John Johnson--James Sherwood, George
+Weldon and John Hughs--Martin Bellamy--William Russell, Robert Crough and
+William Holden--Christopher Rawlins, etc.--Richard Hughes and Bryan
+MacGuire--James How--Griffith Owen, Samuel Harris and Thomas
+Medline--Peter Levee, etc.--Thomas Neeves--Henry Gahogan and Robert
+Blake--Peter Kelley--William Marple and Timothy Cotton--John
+Upton--Jephthah Bigg--Thomas James Grundy--Joseph Kemp--Benjamin
+Wileman--James Cluff--John Dyer--William Rogers, William Simpson and
+Robert Oliver--James Drummond--William Caustin and Geoffrey
+Younger--Henry Knowland and Thomas Westwood--John Everett--Robert
+Drummond and Ferdinando Shrimpton--William Newcomb--Stephen
+Dowdale--Abraham Israel--Ebenezer Ellison--James Dalton--Hugh
+Houghton--John Doyle--John Young--Thomas Polson--Samuel
+Armstrong--Nicholas Gilburn--James O'Bryan, Hugh Morris and Robert
+Johnson--Captain John Gow
+
+Appendix
+
+Index
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+Murder on Hounslow Heath
+Matthew Clark cutting the throat of Sarah Goldington
+A Prisoner Under Pressure in Newgate
+The Hangman arrested when attending John Meff to Tyburn
+Stephen Gardiner making his dying speech at Tyburn
+Jack Sheppard in the Stone Room in Newgate
+Trial of a Highwayman at the Old Bailey
+Jonathan Wild pelted by the mob on his way to Tyburn
+A Condemned Man drawn on a Sledge to Tyburn
+The Murder of John Hayes:
+  Catherine Hayes, Wood and Billings cutting off the head
+  John Hayes's Head exhibited at St. Margaret's, Westminster
+  Catherine Hayes burnt for the murder of her husband
+Joseph Blake attempting the life of Jonathan Wild
+An Execution in Smithfield Market
+Highway Robbery of His Majesty's Mail
+A Gang of Men and Women Transports being marched from
+  Newgate to Blackfriars
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+    _To close the scene of all his actions he
+    Was brought from Newgate to the fatal tree;
+    And there his life resigned, his race is run,
+    And Tyburn ends what wickedness begun._
+
+If there be a haunted spot in London it must surely be a few square
+yards that lie a little west of the Marble Arch, for in the long course
+of some six centuries over fifty thousand felons, traitors and martyrs
+took there a last farewell of a world they were too bad or too good to
+live in. From remote antiquity, when the seditious were taken _ad furcas
+Tyburnam_, until that November day in 1783 when John Austin closed the
+long list, the gallows were kept ever busy, and during the first half of
+the eighteenth century, with which this book deals, every Newgate
+sessions sent thither its thieves, highwaymen and coiners by the score.
+
+There has been some discussion as to the exact site of Tyburn gallows,
+but there can be little doubt that the great permanent three-beamed
+erection--the Triple Tree--stood where now the Edgware Road joins Oxford
+Street and Bayswater Road. A triangular stone let into the roadway
+indicates the site of one of its uprights. In 1759 the sinister beams
+were pulled down, a moveable gibbet being brought in a cart when there
+was occasion to use it. The moveable gallows was in use until 1783, when
+the place of execution was transferred to Newgate; the beams of the old
+structure being sawn up and converted to a more genial use as stands for
+beer-butts in a neighbouring public-house.
+
+The original gallows probably consisted of two uprights with a
+cross-piece, but when Elizabeth's government felt that more adequate
+means must be provided to strengthen its subjects' faith and enforce the
+penal laws against Catholics, a new type of gibbet was sought. So in
+1571 the triangular one was erected, with accommodation for eight such
+miscreants on each beam, or a grand total of twenty-four at a
+stringing. It was first used for the learned Dr. John Story, who, upon
+June 1st, "was drawn upon a hurdle from the Tower of London unto Tyburn,
+where was prepared for him a new pair of gallows made in triangular
+manner". There is rather a gruesome tale of how, when in pursuance of
+the sentence the executioner had cut him down and was "rifling among his
+bowels", the doctor arose and dealt him a shrewd blow on the head.
+Doctor Story was followed by a long line of priests, monks, laymen and
+others who died for their faith to the number of some three thousand.
+And the Triple Tree, the Three-Legged Mare, or Deadly Never-green, as
+the gallows were called with grim familiarity, flourished for another
+two hundred years.
+
+In the early eighteenth century it appears to have been the usual custom
+to reserving sentencing until the end of the sessions, but as soon as
+the jury's verdict of guilty was known steps were taken to procure a
+pardon by the condemned man's friends. They had, indeed, much more
+likelihood of success in those times when the Law was so severe than in
+later days when capital punishment was reserved for the most heinous
+crimes. On several occasions in the following pages mention is made of
+felons urging their friends to bribe or make interest in the right
+quarters for obtaining a pardon, or commutation of the sentence to one
+of transportation. It was not until the arrival of the death warrant
+that the condemned man felt that the "Tyburn tippet" was really being
+drawn about his neck.
+
+No better description can be given of the ride to Tyburn tree, from
+Newgate and along Holborn, than that furnished by one of the _Familiar
+Letters_ written by Samuel Richardson in 1741:
+
+    I mounted my horse and accompanied the melancholy cavalcade from
+    Newgate to the fatal Tree. The criminals were five in number. I was
+    much disappointed at the unconcern and carelessness that appeared in
+    the faces of three of the unhappy wretches; the countenance of the
+    other two were spread with that horror and despair which is not to
+    be wondered at in men whose period of life is so near, with the
+    terrible aggravation of its being hastened by their own voluntary
+    indiscretion and misdeeds. The exhortation spoken by the Bell-man,
+    from the wall of St. Sepulchre's churchyard is well intended; but
+    the noise of the officers and the mob was so great, and the silly
+    curiosity of people climbing into the cart to take leave of the
+    criminals made such a confused noise that I could not hear the
+    words of the exhortation when spoken, though they are as follows:
+
+      All good people pray heartily to God for these poor sinners, who are
+    now going to their deaths; for whom this great bell doth toll.
+
+      You that are condemned to die, repent with lamentable tears. Ask
+    mercy of the Lord for the salvation of your own souls through the
+    merits, death and passion of Jesus Christ, Who now sits at the right
+    hand of God, to make intercession for as many of you as penitently
+    return unto Him.
+
+      Lord, have mercy upon you! Christ have mercy upon you!
+
+    Which last words the Bell-man repeats three times.
+
+    All the way up to Holborn the crowd was so great as at every twenty
+    or thirty yards to obstruct the passage; and wine, notwithstanding a
+    late good order against this practice, was brought to the
+    malefactors, who drank greedily of it, which I thought did not suit
+    well with their deplorable circumstances. After this the three
+    thoughtless young men, who at first seemed not enough concerned,
+    grew most shamefully wanton and daring, behaving, themselves in a
+    manner that would have been ridiculous in men in any circumstances
+    whatever. They swore, laughed, and talked obscenely, and wished
+    their wicked companions good luck with as much assurance as if their
+    employment had been the most lawful.
+
+    At the place of execution the scene grew still more shocking, and
+    the clergyman who attended was more the subject of ridicule than of
+    their serious attention. The Psalm was sung amidst the curses and
+    quarrelling of hundreds of the most abandoned and profligate of
+    mankind, upon them (so stupid are they to any sense of decency) all
+    the preparation of the unhappy wretches seems to serve only for
+    subject of a barbarous kind of mirth, altogether inconsistent with
+    humanity. And as soon as the poor creatures were half dead, I was
+    much surprised to see the populace fall to hauling and pulling the
+    carcasses with so much earnestness as to occasion several warm
+    rencounters and broken heads. These, I was told, were the friends of
+    the persons executed, or such as, for the sake of to-night, chose to
+    appear so: as well as some persons sent by private surgeons to
+    obtain bodies for dissection. The contests between these were fierce
+    and bloody, and frightful to look at; so I made the best of my way
+    out of the crowd, and with some difficulty rode back among the large
+    number of people who had been upon the same errand as myself. The
+    face of every one spoke a kind of mirth, as if the spectacle they
+    had beheld had afforded pleasure instead of pain, which I am wholly
+    unable to account for....
+
+    One of the bodies was carried to the lodging of his wife, who not
+    being in the way to receive it, they immediately hawked it about to
+    every surgeon they could think of; and when none would buy it they
+    rubbed tar all over it, and left it in a field scarcely covered with
+    earth.
+
+In a few words, too, Swift draws a vivid picture of a rogue on his last
+journey through the London streets:
+
+    His waistcoat, and stockings, and breeches were white;
+    His cap had a new cherry ribbon to tie't.
+    The maids to the doors and the balconies ran,
+    And said, "Lack-a-day, he's a proper young man!"
+    But as from the windows the ladies he spied,
+    Like a beau in a box, he bow'd low on each side.
+
+    Execution day, or Tyburn Fair, as it was jocularly called, was not
+    only a holiday for the ragamuffins and idlers of London; folk of all
+    classes made their way thither to indulge a morbid desire of seeing
+    the dying agonies of a fellow being, criminal or not. There were
+    grand stands and scaffoldings from which the more favoured could
+    view the proceedings in comfort, and every inch of window space and
+    room on the neighbouring roofs was worth a pretty penny to the
+    owners. In his last scene of the career of the Idle Apprentice
+    Hogarth drew a picture of Tyburn Tree which no description can
+    amplify.
+
+    As the procession drew near the hangman clambered to the cross-piece
+    of the gallows and lolled there, pipe in mouth, until the first cart
+    drew up beneath him. Then he would reach down, or one of his
+    assistants would pass up, one after the other, the loose ends of the
+    halters which the condemned men had had placed round their necks
+    before leaving Newgate. When all were made fast Jack Ketch climbed
+    down and kicked his heels until the sheriff, or maybe the felons
+    themselves, gave him the sign to drive away the cart and leave its
+    occupants dangling in mid-air. The dead men's clothes were his
+    perquisite, and now was his time to claim them. There is a graphic
+    description of how, on one occasion, when the murderer "flung down
+    his handkerchief for the signal for the cart to move on, Jack Ketch,
+    instead of instantly whipping on the horse, jumped on the other side
+    of him to snatch up the handkerchief, lest he should lose his
+    rights. He then returned to the head of the cart and jehu'd him out
+    of the world".
+
+    As the cart drew away a few carrier pigeons, which were released
+    from the galleries, flew off City-ward to bear the tidings to
+    Newgate.
+
+Perhaps as good a description of the actual event as can be obtained is
+contained in a letter from Anthony Storer to his friend George Selwyn, a
+morbid cynic whose cruel and tasteless bon-mots were hailed as wit by
+Horace Walpole and his cronies. The execution was that of Dr. Dodd, the
+"macaroni parson", whose unfortunate vanity led him to forgery and
+Tyburn. The date--June 27, 1777--is considerably after the period of our
+book, but the description applies as well as if it had been written
+expressly for it.
+
+    Upon the whole, the piece was not very full of events. The doctor,
+    to all appearances, was rendered perfectly stupid from despair. His
+    hat was flapped all round, and pulled over his eyes, which were
+    never directed to any object around, nor even raised, except now and
+    then lifted up in the course of his prayers. He came in a coach, and
+    a very heavy shower of rain fell just upon his entering the
+    executioner's cart, and another just at his putting on his nightcap.
+    During the shower an umbrella was held over his head, which Gilly
+    Williams, who was present, observed was quite unnecessary, as the
+    doctor was going to a place where he might be dried.
+
+    He was a considerable time in praying, which some people standing
+    about seemed rather tired with; they rather wished for a more
+    interesting part of the tragedy. The wind, which was high, blew off
+    his hat, which rather embarrassed him, and discovered to us his
+    countenance, which we could scarcely see before. His hat, however,
+    was soon restored to him, and he went on with his prayers. There
+    were two clergymen attending on him, one of whom seemed very much
+    affected. The other, I suppose, was the Ordinary of Newgate, as he
+    was perfectly indifferent and unfeeling in everything he did and
+    said.
+
+    The executioner took both the hat and wig off at the same time. Why
+    he put on his wig again I do not know, but he did; and the doctor
+    took off his wig a second time, and then tied on the nightcap which
+    did not fit him; but whether he stretched that or took another, I
+    did not perceive. He then put on his nightcap himself, and upon his
+    taking it he certainly had a smile on his countenance, and very soon
+    afterwards there was an end of all his hopes and fears on this side
+    of the grave. He never moved from the place he first took in the
+    cart; seemed absorbed in despair and utterly dejected; without any
+    other sign of animation but in praying. I stayed until he was cut
+    down and put in the hearse.
+
+But the hangman's work was not always done when he had turned off his
+man. The full sentence for high treason, for example, provided him with
+much more occupation. In the first place, the criminal was drawn to the
+gallows and not carried or allowed to walk. Common humanity had
+mitigated this sentence to being drawn upon a hurdle or sledge, which
+preserved him from the horrors of being dragged over the stones. Having
+been hanged, the traitor was then cut down alive, and Jack Ketch set
+about disembowelling him and burning his entrails before he died. The
+head was then completely severed, the body quartered and the dismembered
+pieces taken away for exhibition at Temple Bar and other prominent
+places.
+
+Here is the account of one such execution. "After the traitor had hung
+six minutes he was cut down, and having life in him, as he lay upon the
+block to be quartered, the executioner gave him several blows on his
+breast, which not having the effect designed, he immediately cut his
+throat; after which he took his head off; then ripped him open and took
+out his bowels and heart, and then threw them into a fire which consumed
+them. Then he slashed his four quarters and put them with the head into
+a coffin.... His head was put on Temple Bar and his body and limbs
+suffered to be buried."
+
+Such proceedings were exceptional, however. In the majority of
+executions the body was taken down when life was considered to be
+extinct, and carried away to Surgeon's Hall for dissection. Sometimes
+the relatives used their influence to have the corpse handed over to
+them (often not even in a coffin) and they then carried it away in a
+coach for decent burial, or to try resuscitation. Occasionally, indeed,
+hanged men came to life again. In 1740 one Duel, or Dewell, was hanged
+for a rape, and his body taken to Surgeons' Hall in the ordinary
+routine. As one of the attendants was washing it he perceived signs of
+life. Steps were taken immediately and Duel was brought to, and
+eventually taken away in triumph by the mob, who had got wind of the
+affair and refused to allow the Law to re-hang their man. A little
+earlier something of the same sort had happened to John Smith, who had
+been hanging for five minutes and a quarter, during which time the
+hangman "pulled him by the legs and used other means to put a speedy
+period to his life", when a reprieve arrived and he was cut down. He was
+hurried away to a neighbouring tavern where restoratives were given,
+blood was let, and after a time he came to himself, "to the great
+admiration of the spectators". According to his own account of the
+affair, he felt a terrible pain when first the cart drew away and left
+him dangling, but that ceased almost at once, his last sensation being
+that of a light glimmering fitfully before his eyes. Yet all his
+previous agony was surpassed when he was being brought to, and the blood
+began to circulate freely again. A last ignominy, and one strangely
+dreaded by some of the most hardened criminals, was hanging in irons.
+When life was extinct the corpse was placed in a sort of iron cage and
+thus suspended from a gibbet, usually by the highway or near the place
+where the crime had been committed. There it hung until it fell to
+pieces from the effects of Time and the weather, and only a few hideous
+bones and scraps of dried flesh remained as evidence of the strong hand
+of the Law.
+
+
+
+
+With the exception of minor alterations in punctuation and spellings
+this book is a complete reprint of three volumes printed and sold by
+John Osborn, at the Golden Ball, in Paternoster Row, 1735.
+
+A. L. H.
+
+
+
+
+LIVES OF THE CRIMINALS
+
+VOLUME ONE
+
+
+
+
+THE PREFACE
+
+
+_The clemency of the Law of England is so great that it does not take
+away the life of any subject whatever, but in order to the preservation
+of the rest both by removing the offender from a possibility of
+multiplying his offences, and by the example of his punishment intending
+to deter others from such crimes as the welfare of society requires
+should be punished with the utmost severity of the Law. My intention in
+communicating to the public the lives of those who, for about a dozen
+years past have been victims to their own crimes, is to continue to
+posterity the good effects of such examples, and by a recital of their
+vices to warn those who become my readers from ever engaging in those
+paths which necessarily have so fatal an end. In the work itself I have,
+as well as I am able, painted in a proper light those vices which induce
+men to fall into those courses which are so justly punished by the
+Legislature._
+
+_I flatter myself that however contemptible the_ Lives of the Criminals,
+_etc., may seem in the eyes of those who affect great wisdom and put on
+the appearance of much learning, yet it will not be without its uses
+amongst the middling sort of people, who are glad to take up with books
+within the circle of their own comprehension. It ought to be the care of
+all authors to treat their several subjects so that while they are read
+for the sake of amusement they may, as it were imperceptibly, convey
+notions both profitable and just. The adventures of those who, for the
+sake of supplying themselves with money for their debaucheries, have
+betaken themselves to the desperate trade of knights of the road, often
+have in them circumstances diverting enough and such as serve to show us
+what sort of amusements they are by which vice betrays us to ruin, and
+how the fatal inclination to gratify our passions hurries us finally to
+destruction._
+
+_I would not have my readers imagine however, because I talk of
+rendering books of this kind useful, that I have thrown out any part of
+what may be styled interesting. On the contrary, I have carefully
+preserved this and as far as the subject would give me leave, improved
+it, but with this caution always, that I have set forth the
+entertainments of vice in their proper colours, lest young people might
+be led to take them for innocent diversions, and from figures not
+uncommon in modern authors, learn to call lewdness gallantry, and the
+effects of unbridled lust the starts of too warm an imagination. These
+are notions which serve to cheat the mind and represent as the road of
+pleasure that which is indeed the highway to the gallows. This, I
+conceived, was the use proper to be made of the lives, or rather the
+deaths of malefactors, and if I have done no other good in writing them,
+I shall have at least this satisfaction, that I have preserved them from
+being presented to the world in such a dress as might render the_
+Academy of Thieving _their proper title, a thing once practised before,
+and if one may guess from the general practice of mankind, might
+probably have been attempted again, with success. How a different method
+will fare in the world, time only can determine, and to that I leave it.
+Yet considering the method in which I treat this subject, I readily
+forsaw one objection which occasioned my writing so long a preface as
+this, in order that it might be fully obviated._
+
+_Though in the body of the work itself I have carefully traced the rise
+of those corrupt inclinations which bring men to the committing of facts
+within the cognizance of the Law, it still remains necessary that my
+readers also become acquainted, at least in general, with what those
+facts are which are so severely punished. In doing this I shall not
+speak of matters in the style of a lawyer, but preserve the same
+plainness of language which, as I thought it the most proper, I have
+endeavoured throughout the whole piece._
+
+_The order of things requires that I should first of all take notice how
+the Law comes to have a right of punishing those who live under it with
+Death or other grievous penalties, and this in a few words arises thus.
+We enter into society for the sake of protection, and as this renders
+certain laws necessary, we are justly concluded by them in other cases
+for the protection of others; but of all the criminal institutions which
+have been settled in any nation, never was any more just, more
+reasonable, or fuller of clemency, than that which is called the Crown
+Law in England. In speaking of this it may not be improper to explain
+the meaning of that term, which seems to take its rise from the
+conclusion of indictments, which run always_ contra pacem dicti domini
+regis, coronam et dignitatem suam _(against the peace of our Sovereign
+Lord the King, his Crown and Dignity) and therefore, as the Crown is
+always the prosecutor against such offenders, the Law which creates the
+offence is with propriety enough styled the Crown Law._
+
+_The first head of Crown Law is that which concerns offences committed
+against God, and anciently there were three which were capital, viz.,
+heresy, witchcraft and sodomy; but the law passed in the reign of King
+Charles the Second for taking away the writ_ de Hæretica comburendo,
+_leaves the first not now punishable with death, even in its highest
+degree. However, by a statute made in the reign of King William, persons
+educated in the Christian religion who are convicted of denying the
+Trinity, the Christian religion, or the authority of the Scriptures, are
+for the first offence to be adjudged incapable of office, for the second
+to be disabled from suing in any action, and over and above other
+incapacities to suffer three years' imprisonment. As to witchcraft, it
+was formerly punished in the same manner as heresy. In the time of
+Edward the Third, one taken with the head and face of a dead man and a
+book of sorcery about him, was brought into the King's Bench, and only
+sworn that he would not thenceforth be a sorcerer, and so dismissed, the
+head, however, being burnt at his charge. There was a law made against
+conjurations, enchantments and witchcraft, in the days of Queen
+Elizabeth, but it stands repealed by a statute of King James's time,
+which is the law whereon all proceedings at this day are founded. By
+this law, any person invoking or conjuring any evil spirit, covenanting
+with, employing, feeding, or rewarding them, or taking up any dead
+person out of their grave, or any part of them, and making use of it in
+any witchcraft, sorcery, etc., shall suffer death as a felon, without
+benefit of clergy, and this whether the spirits appear, or whether the
+charm take effect or no. By the same statute those who take upon them by
+witchcraft, etc., to tell where treasure is hid, or things lost or
+stolen should be found, or to engage unlawful love, shall suffer for the
+first offence a year's imprisonment, and stand in the pillory once every
+quarter in that year six hours, and if guilty a second time, shall
+suffer death; even though such discoveries should prove false, or
+charms, etc., should have no effect. Executions upon this Act were
+heretofore frequent, but of late years, prosecutions on these heads in
+which vulgar opinion often goes a great way have been much discouraged
+and discontinued. As for the last head it remains yet capital, by virtue
+of a statute made in the reign of Henry VIII, which had been repealed in
+the first of Queen Mary, and was revived in the fifth of Queen
+Elizabeth, by which statute, after reciting that the laws then in being
+in this realm were not sufficient for punishing that detestable vice, it
+is enacted that such crimes for the future, whether committed with
+mankind or beasts, should be punished as felonies without benefit of
+clergy._
+
+_It is wide of my purpose to dwell any longer on those crimes which are
+by the laws styled properly against God, seeing none of the persons
+mentioned in the following work were executed for doing anything against
+them. Let us therefore pass on to the second great branch of the Crown
+Law, viz., offences immediately against the King, and these are either
+treasons or felonies. Of treasons there are four kinds, all settled by
+the Statute of the 25th of Edward the Third. The two latter only, viz.,
+offences against the King's great or privy seal, and offences in
+counterfeiting money, have anything to do with our present design, and
+therefore we shall speak particularly of them. Not only the persons who
+actually counterfeit those seals, but even the aiders and consenters to
+such counterfeiting, are within the Act, and by a statute made in the
+reign of Queen Mary, counterfeiting the sign manual or privy signet, is
+also made high treason. By the same statute of Edward the Third, the
+making of false money, or the bringing it into this realm, in deceit of
+our Lord the King and his people, was also declared to be high treason,
+but this Act being found insufficient, clippers being not made guilty
+either of treason or of misprison of treason, it was helped in that
+respect by several other Acts; but the fullest of all was the Act made
+in the reign of the late King William, and rendered perpetual by a
+subsequent Law made in the reign of her late Majesty [Anne], whereby it
+is enacted, that whoever shall make, mend, buy, sell, or have in his
+possession, any mould or press for coining, or shall convey such
+instruments out of the King's Mint, or mark on the edges of any coin
+current or counterfeit, or any round blanks of base metal, or colour or
+gild any coin resembling the coin of this kingdom, shall suffer death as
+in case of high treason. At the time when these laws were made coining
+and clipping were at a prodigious height, and practised not only by mean
+and indigent persons but also by some of tolerable character and rank,
+insomuch that these executions were numerous for some years after
+passing the said Act, which as it created some new species of high
+treason, so it also made felony some other offences against the coin
+which were not so, or at least were not clearly so before, viz., to
+blanch copper for sale; or to mix blanch copper with silver, or
+knowingly or fraudulently to buy any mixture which shall be heavier than
+silver, and look, touch, and wear like gold, but be manifestly worse; or
+receive, or pay any counterfeit money at a lower rate than its
+denomination doth import, shall be guilty of felony._
+
+_A third head under which, in this cursory account of Crown Law, I shall
+range other offences that are punished capitally, are those against our
+fellow subjects, and they are either committed against their lives,
+their goods or their habitations. With respect to those against life, if
+one person kill another without any malice aforethought, then that
+natural tenderness of which the Law of England is full, interposes for
+the first fact, which in such a case is denominated manslaughter. Yet
+there is a particular kind of manslaughter which, by the first of King
+James, is made felony without benefit of clergy, and that is, where a
+person shall stab or thrust any person or persons that have not any
+weapon drawn (or that have not first struck the party which shall so
+stab or thrust), so that the person or persons so stabbed or thrust
+shall die within six months next following, though it cannot be proved
+that the same was done of malice aforethought. This Act it is which is
+commonly called the Statute of Stabbing._
+
+_As to murder properly so called, and taking it as a term in the English
+Law, it signifies the killing of any person whatsoever from malice
+aforethought, whether the person slain be an Englishman or not, and this
+may not only be done directly by a wound or blow, but also by
+deliberately doing a thing which apparently endangers another's life, so
+that if death follow thereon he shall be adjudged to have killed him.
+Such was the case of him who carried his sick father from one town to
+another against his will in a frosty season. It would be too long for
+this Preface, should I endeavour to distinguish the several cases which
+in the eye of the Law come under this denomination; having, therefore, a
+view to the work itself, I shall distinguish two points only from which
+malice prepense is presumed in Law._
+
+_(1) Where an express purpose appears in him who kills, to do some
+personal injury to him who is slain; in which case malice is properly to
+be expressed._
+
+_(2) Where a person in the execution of an unlawful action kills
+another, though his principal intent was not to do any personal injury
+to the person slain; in which case the malice is said to be implied._
+
+_As to duels where the blood has once cooled, there is no doubt but he
+who kills another is guilty of wilful murder; or even in case of a
+sudden quarrel, if the person killing appear by any circumstance to be
+master of his temper at the time he slew the other, then it will be
+murder. Not that the English Law allows nothing to the frailties of
+human nature, but that it always exerts itself where there appears to
+have been a person killed in cool blood. Far this reason the seconds at
+a premeditated duel have been held guilty of murder, nor will the
+justice of the English Law be defeated where a person appears to have
+intended a less hurt than death, if that hurt arose from a desire of
+revenge in cool blood; for if the person dies of the injury it will be
+murder. So, also, where the revenge of a sudden provocation is executed
+in a cruel manner, though without intention of death, yet if it happen,
+it is murder._
+
+_We come now to those kinds of killing in which the Law, from the second
+method of reasoning we have spoken of, implies malice, and into which
+slaying of others, those unfortunate persons of whom we speak in the
+following sheets were mostly led either through the violence of their
+passions, or through the necessity into which they are often drawn by
+the commission of thefts and other crimes. Thus, were a person to kill
+another in doing a felony, though it be by accident, or where a person
+fires at one who resists his robbing him and by such firing kills
+another against whom he had no design, yet from the evil intention of
+the first act, he becomes liable for all its consequences, and the fact,
+by an implication of malice, will be adjudged murder. Nay, though there
+be no design of committing felony, but only of breaking the peace, yet
+if a man be slain in the tumult they will all be guilty of murder,
+because their first act was a deliberate breach of the Law. There is yet
+another manner of killing which the Law punishes with the utmost
+severity, which is resisting an officer, civil or criminal, in the
+execution of his office (arresting a person) so that he be slain, yet
+though he did not produce his warrant, the offence will be adjudged
+murder. And if persons who design no mischief at all, do unadvisedly
+commit any idle wanton act which cannot but be attended with manifest
+danger, such as riding with a horse known to kick amongst a crowd of
+people, merely to divert oneself by putting them in a fright, and by
+such riding a death ensues, there such a person will be judged guilty of
+murder. Yet some offences there are of so transcendent a cruelty that
+the Law hath thought fit to difference them from the other murders, and
+these are of three sorts, viz., where a servant kills his master; where
+a wife kills her husband; where an ecclesiastical man kills his prelate
+to whom he owes obedience. In all these cases the Law makes the crimes
+Petit Treason._
+
+_From crimes committed against the lives of men we descend next to
+offences against their goods, in which, that we may be the more clearly
+understood, we shall begin with the lowest kind of thefts. The Law calls
+it larceny where there is felonious and fraudulent taking and carrying
+away the mere personal goods of another, so long as it be neither from
+his person nor out of his house. If the value of such goods be under
+twelvepence, then it is called petty larceny, and is punishable only by
+whipping or other corporal punishments; but if they exceed that value,
+then it is grand larceny, and is punishable with death, where benefit of
+clergy is not allowed._
+
+_There are a multitude of offences contained under the general title of
+grand larceny, and, therefore, as I intend only to give my readers such
+a general idea of Crown Law as may serve to render the following pages
+more intelligible, so I shall dwell on such particulars as are more
+especially useful in that respect, and leave the perfect knowledge of
+the pleas of the Crown to be attained by the study of the several books
+which treat of them directly and fully. There was until the reign of
+King William, a doubt whether a lodger who stole the furniture of his
+lodgings were indictable as a felon, inasmuch as he had a special
+property in the goods, and was to pay the greater rent in consideration
+of them. To clear this, a Statute was made in the afore-mentioned reign,
+by which it is declared larceny and felony for any person to steal,
+embezzle, or purloin any chattel or furniture which by contract he was
+to have the use of in lodging; and by a Statute made in the reign of
+Henry VIII, it is enacted that all servants being of the age of eighteen
+years, and not apprentices, to whom goods and chattels shall be
+delivered by their masters or mistresses for them to keep, if they shall
+go away with, or shall defraud or embezzle any part of such goods or
+chattels, to the value of forty shillings or upwards, then such false
+and fraudulent act be deemed and adjudged felony._
+
+_But besides simple larceny, which is divided into grand and petty,
+there is a mixed larceny which has a greater degree of guilt in it, as
+being a taking from the person of a man or from his house. Larceny from
+the person of a man either puts him in fear, and then it is a robbery,
+or does not put him in fear, and then it is a larceny from the person,
+and of this we shall speak first. It is either committed without a man's
+knowledge, and in such a case it is excluded from benefit of clergy, or
+it is openly done before the person's face, and then it is within the
+benefit of clergy, unless it be in a dwelling-house and to the value of
+forty shillings, in which case benefit is taken away by an Act made in
+the reign of the late Queen. Larceny from the house is at this day in
+several cases excluded from benefit of clergy, but in others it is
+allowed._
+
+_Robbery is the taking away violently and feloniously the goods or money
+from the person of a man, putting him in fear; and this taking is not
+only with the robber's own hands, but if he compel, by the terror of his
+assault, the person whom he robs to give it himself, or bind him by such
+terrible oaths, that afterwards in conscience he thinks himself obliged
+to give it, is a taking within the Law, and cannot be purged from any
+delivery afterwards. Yea, where there is a gang of several persons, only
+one of which robs, they are all guilty as to the circumstance of putting
+in fear, wherever a person attacks another with circumstances of terror,
+as though fear oblige him to part with his money though it be without
+weapons drawn, and the person taking it pretend to receive it as an
+alms. And in respect of punishment, though judgment of death cannot be
+given in any larceny whatsoever, unless the goods taken exceed twelve
+pence in value, yet in robbery such judgment is given, let the value of
+the goods be ever so small._
+
+_As to crimes committed against the habitations of men, there are two
+kinds, viz., burglary and arson._
+
+_Burglary is a felony at Common Law, and consists in breaking and
+entering the mansion house of another in the night time with an intent
+of committing a felony therein, whether that intention be executed or
+not. Here, from the best opinions, is to be understood such a degree of
+darkness as hinders a man's countenance from being discerned. The
+breaking and entering are points essential to be proved in order to make
+any fact burglary; the place in which it is committed must be a dwelling
+house, and the breaking and entering such a dwelling house must be an
+intent of committing felony, and not a trespass; and this much I think
+is sufficient to define the nature of this crime, which notwithstanding
+the many examples which have been made of it, is still too much
+practised. As to arson, by which the Law understand maliciously and
+voluntarily burning the house of another by night or by day; to make a
+man guilty of this it must appear that he did it voluntarily and of
+malice aforethought._
+
+_Besides these, there are several other felonies which are made so by
+Statute, such as rapes committed on women by force, and against their
+will. This offence was anciently punished by putting out the eyes and
+cutting off the testicles of the offenders; it was afterwards made a
+felony, and by a statute in Queen Elizabeth's reign, excluded from
+benefit of clergy. By an Act made in the reign of King Henry the
+Seventh, taking any woman (whether maid, wife or widow) having any
+substance, or being heir apparent to her ancestors, for the lucre of
+such substance, and either to marry or defile the said woman against her
+will, then such persons and all those procuring or abetting them in the
+said violence, shall be guilty of felony, from which, by another Act in
+Queen Elizabeth's reign, benefit of clergy is taken. Also by an Act in
+the reign of King James the First, any person marrying, their former
+husband or wife being then alive, such persons shall be deemed guilty of
+felony, but benefit of clergy is yet allowed for this offence._
+
+_As it often happens that boisterous and unruly people, either in frays
+or out of revenge, do very great injuries unto others, yet without
+taking away their lives, in such a case the Law adjudges the offender
+who commits a mayhem to the severest penalties. The true definition of a
+mayhem is such a hurt whereby a man is rendered less able in fighting,
+so that cutting off or disabling a man's hand, striking out his eye, or
+foretooth, were mayhems at Common Law. But by the Statute of King
+Charles the Second, if any person or persons, with malice aforethought,
+by lying in wait, unlawfully cut out or disable the tongue, put out an
+eye, slit the nose, or cut off the nose or lip of any subject of his
+Majesty, with an intention of maiming or disfiguring, then the person
+so offending, their counsellors, aiders and abetters, privy to the
+offence, shall suffer death, as in cases of felony, without benefit of
+clergy; which Act is commonly called the Coventry Act, because it was
+occasioned by the slitting of the nose of a gentleman of that name, for
+a speech made by him in Parliament.[1]_
+
+_As nothing is of greater consequence to the commonwealth than public
+credit, so the Legislature hath thought fit, by the highest punishments,
+to deter persons from committing such facts for the lucre of gain, as
+might injure the credit of the nation. For this purpose, an Act was made
+in the reign of the late King William, by which forging or
+counterfeiting the common seal of the Governor and Company of the Bank
+of England, or of any sealed bank-bill given out in the name of the said
+Governor and Company for the payment of any sum of money, or of any
+bank-note whatsoever, signed by the said Governor and Company of the
+Bank of England, or altering or raising any bank-bill, or note of any
+sort, is declared to be felony, without benefit of clergy. Upon this
+Statute there have been several convictions, and it is hoped men are
+pretty well cured of committing this crime, by that care those in the
+direction of the Bank have always taken to bring offenders of this kind
+to justice._
+
+_By an Act also passed in the reign of King William, persons who
+counterfeit any stamp which by its mark relates to the Revenue, shall be
+guilty of felony without benefit of clergy, and upon this also there
+have been some executions._
+
+_But as the public companies established in this kingdom have often
+occasion to borrow money under their common seal, which bonds, so
+sealed, are transferable and pass currently from hand to hand as ready
+money, so for the greater security of the subject the counterfeiting the
+common seal of the South Sea Company, or altering any bond or obligation
+of the said company, is rendered felony without benefit of clergy. Some
+other statutes of the same nature in respect to lottery tickets, etc.,
+have been made to create felonies of the counterfeiting thereof, but of
+these and some other later Statutes, I forbear mentioning here, because
+I have spoken particularly of them in the cases where persons have been
+punished for transgressing them._
+
+_As I have already exceeded the bounds which I at first intended should
+have restrained my Preface, so I forbear lengthening it in speaking of
+lesser crimes, few of which concern the persons whose lives are to be
+found in the following volume. Therefore I shall conclude here, only
+putting my readers once more in mind that by this work the intent of the
+Law, in punishing malefactors, is more perfectly fulfilled, since the
+example of their deaths is transmitted in a proper light to posterity._
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+    [1] Sir John Coventry, M. P. for Weymouth, in the course of a
+        debate on a proposed levy on playhouses, asked "whether did the
+        king's pleasure lie among the men or the women that acted?" This
+        open allusion to Charles's relations with Nell Gwynn and Moll
+        Davies enraged the Court party, and on Dec. 21, 1670, as Sir
+        John was going to his house in Suffolk Street, he was waylaid by
+        a brutal gang under Sir Thomas Sandys, dragged from his
+        carriage, and his nose slit to the bone. This outrage caused
+        great indignation, and the Coventry Act mentioned in the text
+        was passed, 22 & 23 Car. II. The perpetrators of the deed
+        escaped.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JANE GRIFFIN, who was Executed for the Murder of her Maid,
+January 29, 1719-20
+
+
+Passion, when it once gains an ascendant over our minds, is often more
+fatal to us than the most deliberate course of vice could be. On every
+little start it throws us from the paths of reason, and hurries us in
+one moment into acts more wicked and more dangerous than we could at any
+other time suffer to enter our imagination. As anger is justly said to
+be a short madness, so, while the frenzy is upon us, blood is shed as
+easily as water, and the mind is so filled with fury that there is no
+room left for compassion. There cannot be a stronger proof of what I
+have been observing than in the unhappy end of the poor woman who is the
+subject of this chapter.
+
+Jane Griffin was the daughter of honest and substantial parents, who
+educated her with very great tenderness and care, particularly with
+respect to religion, in which she was well and rationally instructed. As
+she grew up her person grew agreeable, and she had a lively wit and a
+very tolerable share of understanding. She lived with a very good
+reputation, and to general satisfaction, in several places, till she
+married Mr. Griffin, who kept the Three Pigeons in Smithfield[2].
+
+She behaved herself so well and was so obliging in her house that she
+drew to it a very great trade, in which she managed so as to leave
+everyone well satisfied. Yet she allowed her temper to fly out into
+sudden gusts of passion, and that folly alone sullied her character to
+those who were witnesses of it, and at last caused a shameful end to an
+honest and industrious life.
+
+One Elizabeth Osborn, coming to live with her as a servant, she proved
+of a disposition as Mrs. Griffin could by no means agree with. They were
+continually differing and having high words, in which, as is usual on
+such occasions, Mrs. Griffin made use of wild expressions, which though
+she might mean nothing by them when she spoke them, yet proved of the
+utmost ill consequence, after the fatal accident of the maid's death.
+For being then given in evidence, they were esteemed proofs of malice
+prepense, which ought to be a warning to all hasty people to endeavour
+at some restraint upon their tongues when in fits of anger, since we are
+not only sure of answering hereafter for every idle word we speak, but
+even here they may, as in this case, become fatal in the last degree.
+
+It was said at the time those things were transacted that jealousy was
+in some degree the source of their debates, but of that I can affirm
+nothing. It no way appeared as to the accident which immediately drew on
+her death, and which happened after this manner.
+
+One evening, having cut some cold fowl for the children's supper, it
+happened the key of the cellar was missing on a sudden, and on Mrs.
+Griffin's first speaking of it they began to look for it. But it not
+being found, Mrs. Griffin went into the room where the maid was, and
+using some very harsh expression, taxed her with having seen it, or laid
+it out of the way. Instead of excusing herself modestly, the maid flew
+out also into ill language at her mistress, and in the midst of the
+fray, the knife with which she had been cutting lying unluckily by her,
+she snatched it up, and stuck it into the maid's bosom; her stays
+happening to be unluckily open, it entered so deep as to give her a
+mortal wound.
+
+After she had struck her Mrs. Griffin went upstairs, not imagining that
+she had killed her, but the alarm was soon raised on her falling down,
+and Mrs. Griffin was carried before a magistrate, and committed to
+Newgate. When she was first confined, she seemed hopeful of getting off
+at her trial, yet though she did not make any confession, she was very
+sorrowful and concerned. As her trial drew nearer, her apprehensions
+grew stronger, till notwithstanding all she could urge in her defence,
+the jury found her guilty, and sentence was pronounced as the Law
+directs.
+
+Hitherto she had hopes of life, and though she did not totally
+relinquish them even upon her conviction, yet she prepared with all due
+care for her departure. She sent for the minister of her own parish, who
+attended her with great charity, and she seemed exceedingly penitent
+and heartily sorry for her crime, praying with great favour and emotion.
+
+And as the struggling of an afflicted heart seeks every means to vent
+its sorrow, in order to gain ease, or at least an alleviation of pain,
+so this unhappy woman, to soothe the gloomy sorrows that oppressed her,
+used to sit down on the dirty floor, saying it was fit she should humble
+herself in dust and ashes, and professing that if she had an hundred
+hearts she would freely yield them all to bleed, so they might blot out
+the stain of her offence. By such expression did she testify those
+inward sufferings which far exceed the punishment human laws inflict,
+even on the greatest crimes.
+
+When the death warrant came down and she utterly despaired of life, her
+sorrow and contrition became greater than before, and here the use and
+comfort of religion manifestly appeared; for had not her faith in Christ
+moderated her afflictions, perhaps grief might have forestalled the
+executioner, but she still comforted herself with thinking on a future
+state, and what in so short an interval she must do to deserve an happy
+immortality.
+
+The time of her death drawing very near, she desired a last interview
+with her husband and daughter, which was accompanied with so much
+tenderness that nobody could have beheld it without the greatest
+emotion. She exhorted her husband with great earnestness to the practice
+of a regular and Christian life, begged him to take due care of his
+temporal concerns, and not omit anything necessary in the education of
+the unhappy child she left behind her. When he had promised a due regard
+should be had to all her requests she seemed more composed and better
+satisfied than she had been. Continuing her discourse, she reminded him
+of what occurred to her with regard to his affairs, adding that it was
+the last advice she should give, and begging therefore it might be
+remembered. She finished what she had to say with the most fervent
+prayers and wishes for his prosperity.
+
+Turning next to her daughter, and pouring over her a flood of tears, _My
+dearest child_, she said, _let the afflictions of thy mother be a
+warning and an example unto thee; and since I am denied life to educate
+and bring thee up, let this dreadful monument of my death suffice to
+warn you against yielding in any degree to your passion, or suffering a
+vehemence of temper to transport you so far even as indecent words,
+which bring on a custom of flying out in a rage on trivial occasions,
+till they fatally terminate in such acts of wrath and cruelty as that
+for which I die. Let your heart, then, be set to obey your Maker and
+yield a ready submission to all His laws. Learn that Charity, Love and
+Meekness which our blessed religion teaches, and let your mother's
+unhappy death excite you to a sober and godly life. The hopes of thus
+are all I have to comfort me in this miserable state, this deplorable
+condition to which my own rash folly has reduced me._
+
+The sorrow expressed both by her husband and by her child was very great
+and lively and scarce inferior to her own, but the ministers who
+attended her fearing their lamentations might make too strong an
+impression on her spirits, they took their last farewell, leaving her to
+take care of her more important concern, the eternal welfare of her
+soul.
+
+Some malicious people (as is too often the custom) spread stories of
+this unfortunate woman, as if she had been privy to the murder of one
+Mr. Hanson, who was killed in the Farthing-Pie House fields[3]; and
+attended this with so many odd circumstances and particulars, which
+tales of this kind acquire by often being repeated, that the then
+Ordinary of Newgate thought it became him to mention it to the prisoner.
+Mrs. Griffin appeared to be much affected at her character being thus
+stained by the fictions of idle suspicions of silly mischievous persons.
+She declared her innocence in the most solemn manner, averred she had
+never lived near the place, nor had heard so much as the common reports
+as to that gentleman's death.
+
+Yet, as if folks were desirous to heap sorrow on sorrow, and to embitter
+even the heavy sentence on this poor woman, they now gave out a new
+fable to calumniate her in respect to her chastity, averring on report
+of which the first author is never to be found, that she had lived with
+Mr. Griffin in a criminal intimacy before their marriage. The Ordinary
+also (though with great reluctance) told her this story. The unhappy
+woman answered it was false, and confirmed what she said by undeniable
+evidence, adding she freely forgave the forgers of so base an
+insinuation.
+
+When the fatal day came on which she was to die, Mrs. Griffin
+endeavoured, as far as she was able, to compose herself easily to submit
+to what was not now to be avoided. She had all along manifested a true
+sense of religion, knowing that nothing could support her under the
+calamities she went through but the hopes of earthly sufferings atoning
+for her faults, and becoming thereby a means of eternal salvation. Yet
+though these thoughts reconciled this ignominious death to her reason,
+her apprehensions were, notwithstanding, strong and terrible when it
+came so near.
+
+At the place of execution she was in terrible agonies, conjuring the
+minister who attended her and the Ordinary of Newgate, to tell her
+whither there was any hopes of her salvation, which she repeated with
+great earnestness, and seeming to part with them reluctantly. The
+Ordinary entreated her to submit cheerfully to this, her last stage of
+sorrow, and in certain assurance of meeting again (if it so pleased God)
+in a better slate.
+
+The following paper having been left in the hands of a friend, and being
+designed for the people, I thought proper to publish it.
+
+    I declare, then, with respect to the deed for which I die, that I
+    did it without any malice or anger aforethought, for the unlucky
+    instrument of my passion lying at hand, when first words arose on
+    the loss of the key, I snatched it up suddenly, and executed that
+    rash act which hath brought her and me to death, without thinking.
+
+    I trust, however, that my most sincere and hearty repentance of this
+    bloody act of cruelty, the sufferings which I have endured since,
+    the ignominious death I am now to die, and above all the merits of
+    my Saviour, who shed His blood for me on the Cross, will atone for
+    this my deep and heavy offence, and procure for me eternal rest.
+
+    But as I am sensible that there is no just hope of forgiveness from
+    the Almighty without a perfect forgiveness of those who have any way
+    injured us, so I do freely and from the bottom of my soul, forgive
+    all who have ever done me any wrong, and particularly those who,
+    since my sorrowful imprisonment, have cruelly aspersed me, earnestly
+    entreating all who in my life-time I may have offended, that they
+    would also in pity to my deplorable state, remit those offences to
+    me with a like freedom.
+
+    And now as the Law hath adjudged, and I freely offer my body to
+    suffer for what I have committed, I hope nobody will be so unjust
+    and so uncharitable as to reflect on those I leave behind me on my
+    account, and for this, I most humbly make my last dying request, as
+    also that ye would pray for my departed soul.
+
+She died with all exterior marks of true penitence, being about forty
+years of age, the 29th of January, 1719-20.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+    [2] This tavern was in Butcher Hall Lane (now King Edward
+        Street, Newgate Street), and was a favourite resort of the
+        Paternoster Row booksellers.
+
+    [3] The Farthing-Pie House was a tavern in Marylebone. It was
+        subsequently re-christened The Green Man.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of JOHN TRIPPUCK, the Golden Tinman, a Highwayman; RICHARD
+CANE, a Footpad; THOMAS CHARNOCK, a thief; and RICHARD SHEPHERD, a
+Housebreaker, who were all executed at Tyburn, the 29th of January,
+1719-20
+
+
+The first of these offenders had been an old sinner, and I suppose had
+acquired the nickname of the Golden Tinman as a former practitioner in
+the same wretched calling did that of the Golden Farmer.[4] Trippuck had
+robbed alone and in company for a considerable space, till his character
+was grown so notorious that some short time before his being taken for
+the last offence, he had, by dint of money and interest, procured a
+pardon. However, venturing on the deed which brought him to his death,
+the person injured soon seized him, and being inexorable in his
+prosecution, Trippuck was cast and received sentence. However, having
+still some money, he did not lose all hope of a reprieve, but kept up
+his spirits by flattering himself with his life being preserved, till
+within a very few days of the execution. If the Ordinary spoke to him of
+the affairs of the soul, Trippuck immediately cut him short with, _D'ye
+believe I can obtain a pardon? I don't know that, indeed_, says the
+doctor. _But you know one Counsellor Such-a-one_, says Trippuck,
+_prithee make use of your interest with him, and see whether you can get
+him to serve me. I'll not be ungrateful, doctor._
+
+The Ordinary was almost at his wits' end with this sort of cross
+purposes; however, he went on to exhort him to think of the great work
+he had to do, and entreated him to consider the nature of that
+repentance which must atone for all his numerous offences. Upon this,
+Trippuck opened his breast and showed him a great number of scars
+amongst which were two very large ones, out of which he said two musket
+bullets had been extracted. _And will not these, good doctor_, quoth he,
+_and the vast pains I have endured in their cure, in some sort lessen
+the heinousness of the facts I may have committed? No_, said the
+Ordinary, _what evils have fallen upon you in such expeditions, you have
+drawn upon yourself, and do not imagine that these will in any degree
+make amends for the multitude of your offences. You had much better
+clear your conscience by a full and ingenious confession of your crimes,
+and prepare in earnest for another world, since I dare assure you, you
+need entertain no hopes of staying in this._
+
+As soon as be found the Ordinary was in the right, and that all
+expectation of a reprieve or pardon were totally in vain, Trippuck
+began, as most of those sort of people do, to lose much of that
+stubbornness they mistake for courage. He now felt all the terrors of an
+awakened conscience, and persisted no longer in denying the crime for
+which he died, though at first he declared it altogether a falsehood,
+and Constable, his companion, had denied it even to death. As is
+customary when persons are under their misfortune, it had been reported
+that this Trippuck was the man who killed Mr. Hall towards the end of
+the summer before on Blackheath, but when the story reached the Golden
+Tinman's ears he declared it was an utter falsity; repeating this
+assertion to the Ordinary a few moments before his being turned off, and
+pointing to the rope about him, he said, _As you see this instrument of
+death about me, what I say is the real truth._ He died with all outward
+signs of penitence.
+
+Richard Cane was a young man of about twenty-two years of age, at the
+time he suffered. Having a tolerable genius when a youth, his friends
+put him apprentice twice, but to no purpose, for having got rambling
+notions in his head, he would needs go to sea. There, but for his
+unhappy temper, he might have done well, for the ship of war in which he
+sailed was so fortunate as to take, after eight hours sharp engagement,
+a Spanish vessel of immense value; but the share he got did him little
+service. As soon as he came home Richard made a quick hand of it, and
+when the usual train of sensual delights which pass for pleasures in low
+life had exhausted him to the last farthing, necessity and the desire of
+still indulging his vices, made him fall into the worst and most
+unlawful methods to obtain the means which they might procure them.
+
+Sometime after this, the unhappy man of whom we are speaking fell in
+love (as the vulgar call it) with an honest, virtuous, young woman, who
+lived with her mother, a poor, well-meaning creature, utterly ignorant
+of Cane's behaviour, or that he had ever committed any crimes punishable
+by Law. The girl, as such silly people are wont, yielded quickly to a
+marriage which was to be consummated privately, because Cane's relations
+were not to be disobliged, who it seems did not think him totally ruined
+so long as he escaped matrimony. But the unhappy youth not having enough
+money to procure a licence, and being ashamed to put the expense on the
+woman and her mother, in a fit of amorous distraction went out from
+them one evening, and meeting a man somewhat fuddled in the street,
+threw him down, and took away his hat and coat. The fellow was not so
+drunk but that he cried out, and people coming to his assistance, Cane
+was immediately apprehended, and so this fact, instead of raising him
+money enough to be married, brought him to death in this ignominious
+way.
+
+While he lay in Newgate, the miserable young creature who was to have
+been his wife came constantly to cry with him and deplore their mutual
+misfortunes, which were increased by the girl's mother falling sick, and
+being confined to her bed through grief for her designed son-in-law's
+fate. When the day of his suffering drew on, this unhappy man composed
+himself to submit to it with great serenity. He professed abundance of
+contrition for the wickedness of his former life and lamented with much
+tenderness those evils he had brought upon the girl and her mother. The
+softness of his temper, and the steady affection he had for the maid,
+contributed to make his exit much pitied; which happened at Tyburn in
+the twenty-second year of his age. He left this paper behind him, which
+he spoke at the tree.
+
+    Good People,
+
+    The Law having justly condemned me for my offence to suffer in this
+    shameful manner, I thought it might be expected that I should say
+    something here of the crime for which I die, the commission of which
+    I do readily acknowledge, though it was attended with that
+    circumstance of knocking down, which was sworn against me. I own I
+    have been guilty of much wickedness, and am exceedingly troubled at
+    the reflection it may bring upon my relations, who are all honest
+    and reputable people. As I die for the offences I have done, and die
+    in charity forgiving all the world, so I hope none will be so cruel
+    as to pursue my memory with disgrace or insult an unhappy young
+    woman on my account, whose character I must vindicate with my last
+    breath, as all the justice I am able to do her, I die in the
+    communion of the Church of England and humbly request your prayers
+    for my departing soul.
+
+Richard Shepherd was born of very honest and reputable parents in the
+city of Oxford, who were careful in giving him a suitable education,
+which he, through the wickedness of his future life, utterly forgot,
+insomuch that he knew scarce the Creed and the Lord's Prayer, at the
+time he had most need of them. When he grew a tolerable big lad his
+friends put him out as apprentice to a butcher, where having served a
+great part of his time, he fell in love, as they call it, with a young
+country lass hard by, and Dick's passion growing outrageous, he attacked
+the poor maid with all the amorous strains of gallantry he was able. The
+hearts of young uneducated wenches, like unfortified towns, make little
+resistance when once beseiged, and therefore Shepherd had no great
+difficulty in making a conquest. However the girl insisted on honourable
+terms, and unfortunately for the poor fellow they were married before
+his time was out; an error in conduct, which in low life is seldom
+retrieved.
+
+It happened so here. Shepherd's master was not long before he discovered
+this wedding. He thereupon gave the poor fellow so much trouble that he
+was at last forced to give him forty shillings down, and a bond for
+twenty-eight pounds more. This having totally ruined him, Dick unhappily
+fell into the way of dishonest company, who soon drew him into their
+ways of gaining money and supplying his necessities at the hazard both
+of his conscience and his neck; in which, though he became an expert
+proficient, yet could he never acquire anything considerable thereby,
+but was continually embroiled in debt. His wife bringing every year a
+child, contributed not a little thereto. However, Dick rubbed on mostly
+by thieving and as little by working as it was possible to avoid.
+
+When he first began his robberies, he went housebreaking, and actually
+committed several facts in the city of Oxford itself. But those things
+not being so easily to be concealed there as at London, report quickly
+began to grow very loud about him, and Dick was forced to make shift
+with pilfering in other places; in which he was (to use the manner of
+speaking of those people) so unlucky that the second or third fact he
+committed in Hertfordshire, he was detected, seized, and at the next
+assizes capitally convicted. Yet out of compassion to his youth, and in
+hopes he might be sufficiently checked by so narrow an escape from the
+gallows, his friends procured him first a reprieve and then a pardon.
+
+But this proximity to death made little impression on his heart, which
+is too often the fault in persons who, like him, receive mercy, and have
+notwithstanding too little grace to make use of it. Partly driven by
+necessity, for few people cared after his release to employ him, partly
+through the instigations of his own wicked heart, Dick went again upon
+the old trade for which he had so lately been like to have suffered,
+but thieving was still an unfortunate profession to him. He soon after
+fell again into the hands of Justice, from whence he escaped by
+impeaching Allen and Chambers, two of his accomplices, and so evaded
+Tyburn a second time. Yet all this signified nothing to him, for as soon
+as he was at home, so soon to work he went in his old way, till
+apprehended and executed for his wickedness.
+
+No unhappy criminal had more warning than Shepherd of his approaching
+miserable fate, if he would have suffered anything to have deterred him;
+but alas! what are advices, terrors, what even the sight of death
+itself, to souls hardened in sin and consciences so seared as his. He
+had, when taken up and carried before Col. Ellis, been committed to New
+Prison for a capital offence. He had not remained there long before he
+wrote the Colonel a letter in which (provided he were admitted an
+evidence) he offered to make large discoveries. His offers were
+accepted, and several convicted capitally at the Old Bailey by him were
+executed at Tyburn, whither for his trade of housebreaking, Shepherd
+quickly followed them.
+
+While in Newgate Shepherd had picked up a thoughtless resolution as to
+dying, not uncommon to those malefactors who, having been often
+condemned, go at last hardened to the gallows. When he was exhorted to
+think seriously of making his peace with God, he replied 'twas done and
+he was sure of going to Heaven.
+
+With these were executed Thomas Charnock, a young man well and
+religiously educated. By his friends he had been placed in the house of
+a very eminent trader, and being seduced by ill-company yielded to the
+desire of making a show in the world. In order to do so, he robbed his
+master's counting-house, which fact made him indeed conspicuous, but in
+a very different manner from what he had flattered himself with. They
+died tolerably submissive and penitent, this last malefactor,
+especially, having rational ideas of religion.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+    [4] William Davis, the Golden Farmer, was a notorious
+        highwayman, who obtained his sobriquet from a habit of always
+        paying in gold. He was hanged in Fleet Street, December 20,
+        1689. His adventures are told at length in Smith's _History of
+        the Highwaymen_, edited by me and published in the same series
+        as this volume.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM BARTON, a Highwayman
+
+
+This William Barton was born in Thames Street, London, and seemed to
+have inherited a sort of hereditary wildness and inconstancy, his father
+having been always of a restless temper and addicted to every species of
+wickedness, except such as are punished by temporal laws. While this son
+William was a child, he left him, without any provision, to the care of
+his mother, and accompanied by a concubine whom he had long convened
+with, shipped himself for the island of Jamaica, carrying with him a
+good quantity of goods proper for that climate, intending to live there
+as pleasantly as the place would give him leave. His head being well
+turned, both for trading and planting, it was, indeed, probable enough
+he should succeed.
+
+Now, no sooner was his father gone on this unaccountable voyage, but
+William was taken home and into favour by his grandfather, who kept a
+great eating-house in Covent Garden. Here Will, if he would, might
+certainly have done well. His grandfather bound him to himself, treated
+him with the utmost tenderness and indulgence, and the gentlemen who
+frequented the house were continually making him little presents, which
+by their number were considerable, and might have contented a youth like
+him.
+
+But William, whose imagination was full of roving as his father's, far
+from sitting down pleased and satisfied with that easy condition into
+which Fortune had thrown him, began to dream of nothing but travels and
+adventures. In short, in spite of all the poor old man, his grandfather,
+could say to prevent it, to sea he went, and to Jamaica in quest of his
+father, who he fancied must have grown extravagantly rich by this time,
+the common sentiments of fools, who think none poor who have the good
+luck to dwell in the West Indies.
+
+On Barton's arrival at Jamaica he found all things in a very different
+condition from what he had flattered himself with. His father was dead
+and the woman who went over with him settled in a good plantation, 'tis
+true, but so settled that Will was unable to remove her; so he betook
+himself to sea again, and rubbed on the best way he was able. But as if
+the vengeance of Heaven had pursued him, or rather as if Providence, by
+punishments, designed to make him lay aside his vices, Barton had no
+sooner scraped a little money together, but the vessel in which he
+sailed was (under the usual pretence of contraband goods) seized by the
+Spaniards, who not long after they were taken, sent the men they made
+prisoners into Spain. The natural moroseness of those people's temper,
+makes them harsh masters. Poor Barton found it so, and with the rest of
+his unfortunate companions, suffered all the inconveniences of hard
+usage and low diet, though as they drew nearer the coast of Spain that
+severity was a little softened.
+
+When they were safely landed, they were hurried to a prison where it was
+difficult to determine which was worst, their treatment or their food.
+Above all the rest Barton was uneasy, and his head ever turned towards
+contriving an escape. When he and some other intriguing heads had
+meditated long in vain, an accident put it in their power to do that
+with ease which all their prudence could not render probable in the
+attempt, a thing common with men under misfortune, who have reason,
+therefore, never to part with hope.
+
+Finding an old wall in the outer court of the prison weak, and ready to
+fall down, the keeper caused the English prisoners, amongst others, to
+be sent to repair it. The work was exceedingly laborious, but Barton and
+one of his companions soon thought of a way to ease it. They had no
+sooner broke up a small part of the foundation which was to be new laid,
+but stealing the Spanish soldiers' pouches, they crowded the powder into
+a small bag, placing it underneath as far as they could reach, and then
+gave it fire. This threw up two yards of the wall, and while the
+Spaniards stood amazed at the report, Barton and his associates marched
+off through the breach, without finding the slightest resistance from
+any of the keeper's people, though he had another party in the street.
+
+But this would have signified very little, if Providence had not also
+directed them to a place of safety by bringing them as soon as they
+broke out of the door to a monastery. Thither they fled for shelter, and
+the religious of the place treated them with much humanity. They
+succoured them with all necessary provision, protected them when
+reclaimed by the gaoler, and taking them into their service, showed them
+in all respects the same care and favour they did to the rest of their
+domestics.
+
+Yet honest labour, however recompensed, was grating to these restless
+people, who longed for nothing but debauchery, and struggled for liberty
+only as a preparative to the indulging of their vices; and so they began
+to contrive how they should free themselves from hence. Barton and his
+fellow engineer were not long before they fell on a method to effect it,
+by wrenching open the outer doors in the night, and getting to an
+English vessel that lay in the harbour ready to sail.
+
+They had not been aboard long ere they found that the charitable friars
+had agreed with the captain for their passage, and so all they gained by
+breaking out was the danger of being reclaimed, or at least going naked
+and without any assistance, which to be sure they would have met with
+from their masters, if they could but have had a little patience. But
+the passion of returning home, or rather a vehement lust after the
+basest pleasures, hurried them to whatever appeared conducive to that
+end, however fatal in its consequence it might be.
+
+When they were got safe into their native country again, each took such
+a course for a livelihood as he liked best. Whether Barton then fell
+into thievery, or whether he learned not that mystery before he had
+served an apprenticeship thereto in the Army I cannot say, but in some
+short space after his being at home 'tis certain that he listed himself
+a soldier, and served several campaigns in Flanders, during the last
+War. Being a very gallant fellow, he gained the love of his officers,
+and there was great probability of his doing well there, having gained
+at least some principle of honour in the service, which would have
+prevented him doing such base things as those for which he afterwards
+died. But, unhappily for him, the War ended just as he was on the point
+of becoming paymaster-sergeant, and his regiment being disbanded, poor
+Will became broke in every acceptation of the word. He retained always a
+strong tincture of his military education, and was peculiarly fond of
+telling such adventures as he gained the knowledge of, while in the
+Army.
+
+Amongst other stories that he told were one or two which may appear
+perhaps not unentertaining to my readers. When Brussels came towards the
+latter end of the War to be pretty well settled under the Imperialists,
+abundance of persons of distinction came to reside there and in the
+neighborhood from the advantage natural to so fine a situation. Amongst
+these was the Baron De Casteja, a nobleman of a Spanish family, who
+except for his being addicted excessively to gaming, was in every way a
+fine gentlemen. He had married a lady of one of the best families in
+Flanders, by whom he had a son of the greatest hopes. The baron's
+passion for play had so far lessened their fortune that they lived but
+obscurely at a village three leagues from Brussels, where having now
+nothing to support his gaming expenses, he grew reformed, and his
+behaviour gained so high and general esteem that the most potent lord in
+the country met not with higher reverence on any occasion. The great
+prudence and economy of the baroness made her the theme of general
+praise, while the young Chevalier de Casteja did not a little add to the
+honours of the family.
+
+It happened the baron had a younger brother in the Emperor's service,
+whose merit having raised him to a considerable rank in his armies, he
+had acquired a very considerable estate, to the amount of upwards of one
+hundred thousand crowns, which on his death he bequeathed him. Upon this
+accession of fortune, the Baron Casteja, as is but too frequent, fell to
+his old habit, and became as fond of gaming as ever. The poor lady saw
+this with the utmost concern, and dreaded the confounding this legacy,
+as all the baron's former fortune had been consumed by his being the
+dupe of gamesters. In deep affliction at the consideration of what
+might in future times become the Chevalier's fortune, she therefore
+entreated the baron to lay out part of the sum in somewhat which might
+be a provision for his son. The baron promised both readily and
+faithfully that he would out of the first remittance. A few weeks later
+he received forty thousand crowns and the baroness and he set out for
+Brussels, under pretence of enquiring for something proper for his
+purpose, carrying with him twenty thousand crowns for the purchase. But
+he forgot the errand upon the road, and no sooner arrived at Brussels,
+but going to a famous marquis's entertainment, in a very few hours lost
+the last penny of his money. Returning home after this misfortune, he
+was a little out of humour for a week, but at the end of that space,
+making up the other twenty thousand privately he intended to set out
+next day.
+
+The poor lady, at her wit's end for fear this large sum should go the
+same way as the other, bethought herself of a method of securing both
+the cash and her son's place. She communicated her design to her major
+domo, who readily came into it, and having taken three of the servants
+and the baroness's page into the secret, he sent for Barton and another
+Englishman quartered near them, and easily prevailed on them for a very
+small sum, to become accomplices in the undertaking. In a word, the lady
+having provided disguises for them, and a man's suit for herself, caused
+the touch-holes of the arms which the baron and two servants carried
+with him to be nailed up, and then towards evening sallying at the head
+of her little troop from a wood, as he passed on the road, the baron
+being rendered incapable of resistance, was robbed of the whole twenty
+thousand crowns. With this she settled her son, and the baron was so far
+touched at the loss of such a provision for his family, that he made a
+real and thorough reformation, and Barton from this exploit fell in love
+with robbing ever after.
+
+Another adventure he related was this. Being taken prisoner by the
+French, and carried to one of their frontier garrisons, a treaty shortly
+being expected to be settled, to relieve the miseries he endured, Barton
+got into the service of a Gascon officer who proved at bottom almost as
+poor as himself. However, after Barton's coming he quickly found a way
+to live as well as anybody in the garrison, which he accomplished thus.
+All play at games of chance was, in the score of some unlucky accidents
+proceeding from quarrels which it had occasioned, absolutely forbidden,
+and the provosts were enjoined to visit all quarters, in order to bring
+the offenders to shameful punishments. The Gascon captain took advantage
+of the severity of this order, and having concerted the matter with a
+countryman and comrade of his, a known gamester, plundered all the rest
+who were addicted to that destructive passion; for gaining intelligence
+of the private places where they met, from his friend, he putting
+himself, Barton and another person into proper habits, attacked these
+houses suddenly almost every night with a crowd of the populace at his
+heels, and raised swinging contributions on those who being less wicked
+than himself never had any suspicion of his actions, but took him and
+his comrades for the proper officer and his attendants.
+
+Barton's greatest unhappiness was his marriage. He was too uxorious, and
+too solicitous for what concerned his wife, how well so ever she
+deserved of him; for not enduring to see her work honestly for her bread
+he would needs support her in an easy state of life, though at the
+hazard of the gallows. There is, however, little question to be made but
+that he had learned much in his travels to enable him to carry on his
+wicked designs with more ease and dexterity, for no thief, perhaps, in
+any age, managed his undertakings with greater prudence and economy. And
+having somewhere picked up the story of the Pirate and Alexander the
+Great, it became one of Will's standing maxims that the only difference
+between a robber and a conqueror was the value of the prize.
+
+Being one day on the road with a comrade of his, who had served also
+with him abroad in the Army, and observing a stage coach at a distance,
+in right of the seniority of his commission as a Knight of the Pad,
+Barton commanded the other to ride forward in order to reconnoitre. The
+young fellow obeyed him as submissively as if he had been an aide de
+camp, and returning, brought him word that the force of the enemy
+consisted of four beau laden with blunderbusses, two ladies and a
+footman. _Then_, quoth Will, _we may e'en venture to attack them. Let us
+make our necessary disposition. I will ride slowly up to them, while you
+gallop round that hill, and as soon as you come behind the coach, be
+sure to fire a pistol over it, and leave the rest to me._
+
+Things thus adjusted, each advanced on his attack. Barton no sooner
+stopped the coach and presented his pistol at one window, than his
+companion, after firing a brace of balls over the coachman's head, did
+the like at the other, which so surprised the fine gentlemen within,
+that without the least resistance they surrendered all they had about
+them, which amounted to about one hundred pounds, which Barton put up.
+_Come, gentlemen_, says he, _let us make bold with your fire-arms too,
+for you see we make more use of them than you._ So, seizing a brace of
+pistols inlaid with silver, and two fine brass blunderbusses, Will and
+his subaltern rode off.
+
+But alas, Will's luck would not last (as his rogueship used to express
+it). For, attempting a robbery in Covent Garden, where he was too well
+known, he was surprised, committed to Newgate and on his conviction
+ordered to be transported for seven years to his Majesty's Plantations,
+whither he was accordingly carried.
+
+When he was landed, a planter bought him after the manner of that
+country, and paid eighteen pounds for him. Barton wanting neither
+understanding nor address, he soon became the darling of his master, who
+far from employing him in those laborious works which are usually talked
+of here, put upon him nothing more than merely supervising his slaves
+and taking care of them, when business obliged him to be absent.
+
+One would have thought that so easy a state of life, after the toil and
+miseries such a man as him of whom we are speaking must have run
+through, would have been pleasing, and that it might have become a means
+of reclaiming him from those vices so heinous in the sight of God, and
+for which he had barely escaped the greatest punishment that can be
+inflicted by man. At first, it indeed made some impressions not very
+different from these; Barton owning that his master's treatment was such
+that if a man had not absolutely bent his mind on such courses as
+necessarily must make him unhappy, he might have enjoyed all he could
+have hoped for there. Of which he became so sensible that for some time
+he remained fully satisfied with his condition.
+
+But alas! Content, when its basis rests not upon virtue, like a house
+founded on a sandy soil is incapable of continuing long. No sooner had
+Barton leisure and opportunity to recollect home, his friends, and above
+all his wife, but it soon shocked his repose, and having awhile
+disturbed and troubled him, it pushed him at last on the unhappy
+resolution or returning to England, before the expiration of his time
+for which he was banished. This project rolled for a very considerable
+space in the fellow's head. Sometimes the desire of seeing his
+companions, and above all things his wife, made him eager to undertake
+it; at others, the fear of running upon inevitable death in case of a
+discovery, and the consideration of the felicity he now had in his power
+made him timorous, at least, if not unwilling to return.
+
+At last, as is ordinary amongst these unhappy people, the worst opinion
+prevailed, and finding a method to free himself from his master, and to
+get aboard a ship, he came back to his dearly beloved London, and to
+those measures which had already occasioned so great a misfortune, and
+at last brought him to an ignominious death. On his return, his first
+care was to seek out his wife, for whom he had a warm and never ceasing
+affection, and having found her, he went to live with her, taking his
+old methods of supporting them, though he constantly denied that she was
+either a partner in the commission, or even so much as in the knowledge
+of his guilt. But this quickly brought him to Newgate again, and to that
+fatal end to which he, like some other flagitious creatures of this
+stamp, seem impatient to arrive; since no warning, no admonition, no
+escape is sufficient to deter them from those crimes, which they are
+sensible the laws of their country with Justice have rendered capital.
+
+Barton's return from transportation was sufficient to have brought him
+to death had he committed nothing besides; but he, whether through
+necessity, as having no way left of living honestly, or from his own
+evil inclinations, ventured upon his old trade, and robbing amongst
+others the Lord Viscount Lisbourn, of the Kingdom of Ireland, and a lady
+who was with him in the coach, of a silver hilted sword, a snuff-box and
+about twelve shillings in money, he was for this fact taken, tried and
+convicted at the Old Bailey.
+
+He immediately laid by all hopes of life as soon as he had received
+sentence, and with great earnestness set himself to secure that peace in
+the world to come, which his own vices had hindered him from in this. He
+got some good books which he read with continual devotion and attention,
+submitted with the utmost patience to the miseries of his sad condition,
+and finding his relations would take care of his daughter and that his
+wife, for whom he never lost the most tender concern, would be in no
+danger of want, he laid aside the thoughts of temporal matters
+altogether expressing a readiness to die, and never showing any weakness
+or impatience of the nearest approach of death.
+
+Much of that firmness with which he behaved in these last moments of his
+life might probably be owing to natural courage, of which certainly
+Barton had a very large share. But the remains of virtue and religion,
+to which the man had always a propensity, notwithstanding that he gave
+way to passions which brought him to all the sorrows he knew, yet the
+return he made, when in the shadow of death, to piety and devotion,
+enabled him to suffer with great calmness, on Friday the 12th of May,
+1721, aged about thirty-one years.
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT PERKINS, Thief
+
+
+I should never have undertaken this work without believing it might in
+some degree be advantageous to the public. Young persons, and especially
+those in a meaner state, are, I presume, those who will make up the
+bulk of my readers, and these, too, are they who are more commonly
+seduced into practices of this ignominious nature. I should therefore
+think myself unpardonable if I did not take care to furnish them with
+such cautions as the examples I am giving of the fatal consequences of
+vice will allow, at the same time that I exhibit those adventures and
+entertaining scenes which disguise the dismal path, and make the road to
+ruin pleasing. They meet here with a true prospect of things, the tinsel
+splendour of sensual pleasure, and that dreadful price men pay for
+it--shameful death. I hope it may be of use in correcting the errors of
+juvenile tempers devoted to their passions, with whom sometimes danger
+passes for a certain road to honour, and the highway seems as tempting
+to them as chivalry did to Don Quixote. Such and some other such like,
+are very unlucky notions in young heads, and too often inspire them with
+courage enough to dare the gallows, which seldom fails meeting with them
+in the end.
+
+As to the particulars of the person's life we are now speaking of, they
+will be sufficient to warn those who are so unhappy as to suffer from
+the ill-usage of their parents not to fall into courses of so base a
+nature, but rather to try every honest method to submit rather than
+commit dishonest acts, thereby justifying all the ill-treatment they
+have received, and by their own follies blot out the remembrance of
+their cruel parents' crimes. For though it sometimes happens that they
+are reduced to necessities which force them, in a manner, on what brings
+them to disgrace, yet the ill-natured world will charge all upon
+themselves, or at most will spare their pity till it comes too late; and
+when the poor wretch is dead will add to their reflections on him, as
+harsh ones as on those from whom he is descended.
+
+Robert Perkins was the son of a very considerable innkeeper, in or near
+Hempsted, in Hertfordshire, who during the life-time of his wife treated
+him with great tenderness and seeming affection, sending him to school
+to a person in a neighbouring village, who was very considerable for his
+art of teaching, and professing his settled resolution to give his son
+Bob a very good education.
+
+But no sooner had death snatched away the poor woman by whom Mr. Perkins
+had our unhappy Robin, then his father began to change his measures.
+First of all the unfortunate lad experienced the miseries that flow from
+the careless management of a widower, who forgetting all obligations to
+his deceased wife, thought of nothing but diverting himself, and getting
+a new helpmate. But Robin continued not long in this state; his
+hardships were quickly increased by the second marriage of his father,
+upon which he was fetched home and treated with some kindness at first.
+But in a little time perceiving how things were going, and perhaps
+expressing his suspicions too freely, his mother-in-law soon prevailed
+to have him turned out, and absolutely forbidden his father's house, the
+ready way to force a naked uninstructed youth on the most sinful
+courses. Whether Robin at that time did anything dishonest is not
+certain, but being grievously pinched with cold one night, and troubled
+also with dismal apprehensions of what might come to his sister, he got
+a ladder and by the help of it climbed in at his mother's window. This
+was immediately exaggerated into a design of cutting her throat, and
+poor Bob was thereupon utterly discarded.
+
+A short time after this, old Mr. Perkins died and left a fortune of
+several thousand pounds behind him, for which the poor young man was
+never a groat the better, being bound out 'prentice to a baker, and
+left, as to everything else, to the wide world. His inclination, joined
+to the rambling life which he had hitherto led, induced him to mind the
+vulgar pleasures of drinking, gaming, and idling about much more than
+his business, which to him appeared very laborious. There are everywhere
+companions enough to be met with who are ready to teach ignorant youths
+the practice of all sorts of debauchery. Perkins fell quickly among such
+a set, and often rambled abroad with them on the usual errands of
+whoring, shuffle-board, or skittle-playing, etc. The thoughts of that
+estate which in justice he ought to have possessed, did not a little
+contribute to make him thus heedless of his business, for as is usual
+with weak minds, he affected living at the rate his father's fortune
+would have afforded him, rather than in the frugal manner which his
+narrow circumstance actually required; methods which necessarily pushed
+him on such expeditions for supply as drew on those misfortunes which
+rendered his life miserable and his death shameful.
+
+One day, having agreed with some young lads in the neighbourhood to go
+out upon the rake, they steered their course to Whitechapel, and going
+into a little alehouse, began to drink stoutly, sing bawdy songs, and
+indulge themselves in the rest of those brutal delights into which such
+wretches are used to plunge under the name of pleasure. In the height,
+however, of all their mirth, the people of the house missing out of the
+till a crown piece with some particular marks, they sent for a constable
+and some persons to assist him, who caused all the young fellows
+instantly to be separated and searched one by one; on which the marked
+crown was found in Robert Perkin's pocket, and he was thereupon
+immediately carried before a Justice, who committed him to Newgate. The
+sessions coming on soon after, and the case being plain, he was cast
+and ordered for transportation, having time enough, however, before he
+was shipped, to consider the melancholy circumstances into which his
+ill-conduct had reduced him, and to think of what was fitting for him to
+do in the present sad state he was in. At first nothing ran in his head
+but the cruelties which he had met with from his family, but as the time
+of his departure drew nearer he meditated how to gain the captain's
+favour, and to escape some hardships in the voyage.
+
+Robin had the good luck to make himself tolerably easy in the ship. His
+natural good nature and obliging temper prevailing so far on the captain
+of the vessel that he gave him all the liberty and afforded him whatever
+indulgence it was in his power to permit with safety. But our young
+traveller had much worse luck when he came on shore at Jamaica, where he
+was immediately sold to a planter for ten pounds, and his trade of baker
+being of little use there, his master put him upon much the same labour
+as he did his negroes, Robin's constitution was really incapable of
+great fatigue; his master, therefore, finding in the end that nothing
+would make him work, sold him to another, who put him upon his own
+employment of baking, building an oven on purpose. But whether this
+master really used him cruelly or whether his idle inclinations made him
+think all labour cruel usage, is hard to say, but however it was, Bob
+ran away from this master and got on board a ship which carried him to
+Carolina, from whence he said he travelled to Maryland and shipped
+himself there, in a vessel for England. After being taken by the
+Spaniards, and enduring many other great hardships, he at last with much
+difficulty got home, as is too frequently the practice of these unhappy
+wretches who are ready to return from tolerable plenty to the gallows.
+
+After his arrival in England, he wrought for near two years together at
+his own business, and had the settled intention to live honestly and
+forsake that disorderly state of life which had involved him in such
+calamities; but the fear he was continually in of being discovered,
+rendered him so uneasy and so unable to do anything, that at last he
+resolved to go over into the East Indies. For this purpose he was come
+down to Gravesend, in order to embark, when he was apprehended; and
+being tried on an indictment for returning from transportation, he was
+convicted thereon, and received sentence of death. During the time he
+lay under conviction, the principles of a good education began again to
+exert themselves, and by leading him to a thorough confidence in the
+mercies of Christ weaned him from that affection which hitherto he had
+for this sinful and miserable world, in which, as he had felt nothing
+but misery and affliction, the change seemed the easier, so that he at
+last began not only to shake off the fear of death, bur even to desire
+it. Nor was this calmness short and transitory, but he continued in it
+till the time he suffered, which was on the 5th of July, 1721, at
+Tyburn. He said he died with less reluctance because his ruin involved
+nobody but himself, he leaving no children behind him, and his wife
+being young enough to get a living honestly.
+
+
+
+
+BARBARA SPENCER, Coiner, etc.
+
+
+Before we proceed to mention the particulars that have come to our hands
+concerning this unhappy criminal, it may not be amiss to take notice of
+the rigour with which all civilised nations have treated offenders in
+this kind, by considering the crime itself as a species of treason. The
+reason of which arises thus. As money is the universal standard or
+measure of the value of any commodity, so the value of money is always
+regulated, in respect of its weight, fineness, etc., by the public
+authority of the State. To counterfeit, therefore, is in some degree to
+assume the supreme authority, inasmuch as it is giving a currency to
+another less valuable piece of metal than that made current by the
+State. The old laws of England were very severe on this head, and
+carried their care of preventing it so far as to damage the public in
+other respects, as by forbidding the importation of bullion, and
+punishing with death attempts made to discover the Philosopher's Stone
+which forced whimsical persons who were enamoured of that experiment to
+go abroad and spend their money in pursuit of that project there. These
+causes, therefore, upon a review of the laws on this head, were
+abrogated; but the edge in other respects was rather sharpened than
+abated. For as the trade of the nation increased, frauds in the coin
+became of worse consequence and not only so, but were more practised.
+
+In the reign of King William and Queen Mary, clipping and coining grew
+so notorious and had so great and fatal influences on the public trade
+of the nation, that Parliament found it necessary to enter upon that
+great work of a recoinage[5] and in order to prevent all future
+inconveniences of a like nature, they at the same time enacted that not
+only counterfeiting, chipping, scaling, lightening, or otherwise
+debasing the current specie of this realm, should be deemed and punished
+as high treason, but they included also under the same charge and
+punishment the having any press, engine, tool, or implement proper for
+coining, the mending, buying, selling, etc., of them; and upon this Act,
+which was rendered perpetual by another made in the seventh year of the
+reign of Queen Anne, all our proceedings on this head are at this day
+grounded. Many executions and many more trials happened on these laws
+being first made, dipping, especially, being an ordinary thing, and some
+persons of tolerable reputation in the world engaged in it; but the
+strict proceedings (in the days of King William, especially) against
+all, without distinction, who offended in that way, so effectually
+crushed them that a coiner nowadays is looked upon as an extraordinary
+criminal, though the Law still continues to take its course, whenever
+they are convicted, the Crown being seldom or never induced to grant a
+pardon.
+
+As to this poor woman, Barbara Spencer, she was the daughter of mean
+parents and was left very young to the care of her mother, who lived in
+the parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate. This old creature, as is common
+enough with ordinary people, indulged her daughter so much in all her
+humours, and suffered her to take so uncontrolled a liberty that all her
+life-time after, she was incapable of bearing restraint, but, on every
+slight contradiction flew out into the wildest excesses of passion and
+fury. When but a child, on a very slight difference at home, she must
+needs go out 'prentice, and was accordingly put to a mantua-maker, who
+having known her throughout her infancy, fatally treated her with the
+same indulgence and tenderness. She continued with her about two years,
+and then, on a few warm words happening, went away from so good a
+mistress, and came home again to her mother, who by that time had set up
+a brandy shop.
+
+On Miss Barbara's return, a maid had to be taken, for she was much too
+good to do the work of the house. The servant had not been there long
+before they quarrelled, the mother taking the wench's part. Away went
+the young woman, but matters being made up and the old mother keeping an
+alehouse in Cripplegate parish, she once more went to live with her.
+This reconciliation lasted longer, but was more fatal to Barbara than
+her late falling out.
+
+One day, it seems, she took into her head to go and see the prisoners
+die at Tyburn, but her mother meeting her at the door, told her that
+there was too much business for her to do at home, and that she should
+not go. Harsh words ensuing on this, her mother at last struck her, and
+said she should be her death. However, Barbara went, and the man who
+attended her to Tyburn, brought her afterwards to a house by St. Giles's
+Pound[6] where after relating the difference between herself and her
+mother, she vowed she would never return any more home. In this
+resolution she was encouraged, and soon after was acquainted with the
+secrets of the house, and appointed to go out with their false money, in
+order to vend, or utter it; which trade, as it freed her from all
+restraint, she was at first mightily pleased with. But being soon
+discovered she was committed to Newgate, convicted and fined.
+
+About this time she first became acquainted with Mrs. Miles, who
+afterwards betrayed her, and upon this occasion was, it seems, so kind
+as to advance some money for her. On the affair for which she died, the
+evidence could have hardly done without Miles's assistance, which so
+enraged poor Barbara that even to the instant of death, she could hardly
+prevail with herself to forgive her, and never spoke of her without a
+kind of heat, very improper and unbecoming in a person in her
+distressful state.
+
+The punishment ordained by our laws for treasons committed by women,
+whether high or petty, is burning alive.[7] This, though pronounced upon
+her by the judge, she could never be brought to believe would be
+executed, but while she lay under sentence, she endeavoured to put off
+the thoughts of the fatal day as much as she could, always asserting
+that she thought the crime no sin, for which she was condemned. It seems
+her mother died at Tyburn before midsummer, and this poor wretch would
+often say that she little thought she should so soon follow her, when
+she attended her to death, averring also that she suffered unjustly. As
+for this poor woman, her temper was exceedingly unhappy, and as it had
+made her uneasy and miserable all her life, so at her death it
+occasioned her to be impatient, and to behave inconsistently. For which,
+sometimes, she would apologise, by saying that though it was not in her
+power to put on grave looks, yet her heart was as truly affected as
+theirs who gave greater outward signs of contrition; a manner of
+speaking usually taken up by those who would be thought to think
+seriously in the midst of outward gaiety, and of whose sincerity in
+cases like these. He only can judge who is acquainted with the secrets
+of all hearts and who, as He is not to be deceived, so His penetration
+is utterly unknown to us, who are confined to appearances and the
+exterior marks of things.
+
+She lost all her boldness at the near approach of death and seemed
+excessively surprised and concerned at the apprehension of the flames.
+When she went out to die, she owned her crime more fully than she had
+ever done. She said she had learnt to coin of a man and woman who had
+now left off and lived very honestly, wherefore she said she would not
+discover them. At the very slake she complained how hard she found it to
+forgive Miles, who had been her accomplice and then betrayed her, adding
+that though she saw faggots and brushes ready to be lighted and to
+consume her, yet she would not receive life at the expense of another's
+blood. She averred there were great numbers of London who followed the
+same trade of coining, and earnestly wished they might take warning by
+her death. At the instant of suffering, she appeared to have reassumed
+all her resolution, for which she had, indeed, sufficient occasion, when
+to the lamentable death by burning was added the usual noise and clamour
+of the mob, who also threw stones and dirt, which beat her down and
+wounded her. However, she forgave them cheerfully, prayed with much
+earnestness and ended her life the same day as the last mentioned
+malefactor, Perkins, aged about twenty-four years.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+    [5] A commission was appointed to consider the debased state of
+        the currency and, not without considerable opposition, a bill
+        was passed in 1696, withdrawing all debased coin from
+        circulation. This incurred an expense of some £1,200,000, which
+        the Government met by imposing a window tax.
+
+    [6] This was at the corner of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford
+        Street. It was an old London landmark, from which distances were
+        measured as from the Standard in Cornhill. It was demolished in
+        1765.
+
+    [7] In practice, criminals were strangled before being burned.
+        The last case in which this penalty was inflicted was in 1789;
+        it was abolished the following year.
+
+
+
+
+WALTER KENNEDY, a Pirate
+
+
+Piracy was anciently in this kingdom considered as a petty treason at
+Common Law; but the multitude of treasons, or to speak more properly of
+offences construed into treason, becoming a very great grievance to the
+subject, this with many others was left out in the famous Statute of the
+25th Edward the Third, for limiting what thenceforth should be deemed
+treason. From that time piracy was regarded in England only as a crime
+against the Civil Law, by which it was always capital; but there being
+some circumstances very troublesome, as to the proofs therein required
+for conviction, by a statute in the latter end of the reign of Henry the
+Eighth it was provided that this offence should be tried by
+commissioners appointed by the king, consisting of the admiral and
+certain of his officers, with such other persons as the reigning prince
+should think fit, after the common course of the laws of this realm for
+felonies and robberies committed on land, in which state it hath
+continued with very small alterations to this day.
+
+Offenders of this kind are now tried at the Sessions-house in the Old
+Bailey, before the judge of the Court of Admiralty, assisted by certain
+other judges of the Common Law by virtue of such a commission as ts
+before mentioned, the silver oar (a peculiar ensign of authority
+belonging to the Court of Admiralty) lying on the table. As pirates are
+not very often apprehended in Britain, so particular notice is always
+given when a Court like this, called an Admiralty Sessions, is to be
+held, the prisoners until that time remaining in the Marshalsea, the
+proper prison of this Court.
+
+On the 26th of Jury, 1721, at such a sessions, Walter Kennedy and John
+Bradshaw were tried for piracies committed on the high seas, and both of
+them convicted. This Walter Kennedy was born at a place called Pelican
+Stairs in Wapping. His father was an anchor-smith, a man of good
+reputation, who gave his son Walter the best education he was able; and
+while a lad he was very tractable, and had no other apparent ill quality
+than that of a too aspiring temper. When he was grown up big enough to
+have gone out to a trade, his father bound him apprentice to himself,
+but died before his son was out of his time. Leaving his father's
+effects in the possession of his mother and brothers, Walter then
+followed his own roving inclinations and went to sea. He served for a
+considerable time on board a man-of-war, in the reign of her late
+Majesty Queen Anne, in the war then carried on against France; during
+which time he often had occasion to hear of the exploits of the pirates,
+both in the East and West Indies, and of their having got several
+islands into their possession, wherein they were settled, and in which
+they exercised a sovereign power.
+
+These tales had wonderful effect on Walter's disposition, and created in
+him a secret ambition of making a figure in the same way. He became more
+than ordinarily attentive whenever stories of that sort were told, and
+sought every opportunity of putting his fellow sailors upon such
+relations. Men of that profession have usually good memories with
+respect, at least, to such matters, and Kennedy, therefore, without much
+difficulty became acquainted with the principal expeditions of these
+maritime desperadoes, from the time of Sir Henry Morgan's commanding the
+Buccaneers in America, to Captain Avery's more modern exploits at
+Madagascar[8]; his fancy insinuating to him continually that he might be
+able to make as great a figure as any of these thievish heroes, whenever
+a proper opportunity offered.
+
+It happened that he was sent with Captain Woodes Rogers,[9] Governor of
+Providence [Bahama Islands], when that gentleman first sent to recover
+that island by reducing the pirates, who then had it in possession. At
+the time of the captain's arrival these people had fortified themselves
+in several places, and with all the care they were able, had provided
+both for their safety and subsistence.
+
+It happened that some time before, they had taken a ship, on board of
+which they found a considerable quantity of the richest brocades, for
+which having no other occasion, they tore them up, and tying them
+between the horns of their goats, made use of them to distinguish herds
+that belonged to one settlement and those that belonged to another, and
+sight of this, notwithstanding the miserable condition which in other
+respects these wretches were in, mightily excited the inclination
+Kennedy had to following their occupation.
+
+Captain Rogers having signified to the chiefs of them the offers he had
+to make of free grace and pardon, the greater number of them came in and
+submitted very readily. Those who were determined to continue the same
+dissolute kind of life, provided with all the secrecy imaginable for
+their safety, and when practicable took their flight out of the island.
+The captain being made Governor, fitted out two sloops for trade, and
+having given proper directions to their commanders, manned them out of
+his own sailors with some of these reformed pirates intermixed. Kennedy
+went out on one of these vessels, in which he had not long been at sea
+before he joined in a conspiracy some of the rest had formed of seizing
+the vessel, putting those to death who refused to come into their
+measures, and then to go, as the sailors phrase it, "upon the account",
+that is in plain English, commence pirates.
+
+This villainous design succeeded according to their wish. They emptied
+the other vessel of whatever they thought might be of use, and then
+turned her adrift, as being a heavy sailer, and consequently unfit for
+their purpose. A few days after their entering on this new course of
+life, they made themselves masters of two pretty large ships, having
+fitted which for their purpose, they now grew strong enough to execute
+any project that in their present circumstances they were capable of
+forming. Thus Kennedy was now got in to that unhappy state of living
+which from a false notion of things he had framed so fair an idea of and
+was so desirous to engage in.
+
+Kennedy took a particular delight in relating what happened to him in
+these expeditions, even after they had brought him to misery and
+confinement. The account he gave of that form of rule which these
+wretches set up, in imitation of the legal government, and of those
+regulations there made to supply the place of moral honesty was in
+substance this.
+
+They chose a captain from amongst themselves, who in effect held little
+more than that title, excepting in an engagement, when he commanded
+absolutely and without control. Most of them having suffered formerly
+from the ill-treatment of their officers, provided carefully against any
+such evil, now they had the choice in themselves. By their orders they
+provided especially against any quarrels which might happen among
+themselves, and appointed certain punishments for anything that tended
+that way; for the due execution thereof they constituted other officers
+besides the captain, so very industrious were they to avoid putting too
+much power into the hands of one man. The rest of their agreement
+consisted chiefly in relation to the manner of dividing the cargo of
+such prizes as they should happen to take, and though they had broken
+through all laws divine and human, yet they imposed an oath to be taken
+for the due observance of these, so inconsistent a thing is vice, and so
+strong the principles imbibed from education.
+
+The life they led at sea was rendered equally unhappy from fear and
+hardship, they never seeing any vessel which reduced them not to the
+necessity of fighting, and often filled them with apprehensions of being
+overcome. Whatever they took in their several prizes could afford them
+no other pleasure but downright drunkenness on board, and except for two
+or three islands there were no other places where they were permitted to
+come on shore, for nowadays it was become exceedingly dangerous to land,
+either at Jamaica, Barbadoes, or on the islands of the Bermudas. In this
+condition they were when they came to a resolution of choosing one
+Davis[10] as captain, and going under his command to the coast of
+Brazil.
+
+This design they put in execution, being chiefly tempted with the hopes
+of surprising some vessel of the homeward bound Portuguese fleet, by
+which they hoped to be made rich at once, and no longer be obliged to
+lead a life so full of danger. Accordingly they fell in with twenty sail
+of those ships and were in the utmost danger of being taken and treated
+as they deserved. However, on this occasion their captain behaved very
+prudently, and taking the advantage of one of those vessels being
+separated from the rest, they boarded her in the night without firing a
+gun. They forced the captain, when they had him in one of their own
+ships, to discover which of the fleet was the most richly laden, which
+he having done through fear, they impudently attacked her, and were very
+near becoming masters of her, though they were surrounded by the
+Portuguese ships, from whence they at last escaped, not so much by the
+swiftness of their own sailing, as by the cowardice of the enemy. In
+this attempt, though they miscarried as to the prize they had proposed,
+yet they accounted themselves very fortunate in having thus escaped from
+so dangerous an adventure.
+
+Being some time after this in great want of water, Davis at the head of
+about fifty of his men, very well armed, made a descent in order to fill
+their casks, though the Portuguese governor of the port near which they
+landed easily discovered them to be pirates; but not thinking himself in
+a condition strong enough to attack them, he thought fit to dissemble
+that knowledge.
+
+Davis and his men were no sooner returned on board than they received a
+message by a boat from shore, that the Governor would think himself
+highly honoured if the captain and as many as he pleased of his ship's
+company would accept of an entertainment the next day at the castle
+where he resided. Their commander, who had hitherto behaved himself like
+a man of conduct, suffered his vanity to overcome him so far as to
+accept of the proposal, and the next morning with ten of his sailors,
+all dressed in their best clothes, went on shore to this collation. But
+before they had reached half way, they were set upon by a party of
+Indians who lay in ambuscade, and with one flight of their poisoned
+arrows laid them all upon the ground, except Kennedy and another, who
+escaped to the top of a mountain, from whence they leaped into the sea,
+and were with much difficulty taken up by a boat which their companions
+sent to relieve them.
+
+After this they grew tired of the coast of Brazil. However, in their
+return to the West Indies they took some very considerable prizes, upon
+which they resolved unanimously to return home, in order, as they
+flattered themselves, to enjoy their riches. The captain who then
+commanded them was an Irishman, who endeavoured to bring the ship into
+Ireland, on the north coast of which a storm arising, the vessel was
+carried into Scotland and there wrecked. At that time Kennedy had a
+considerable quantity of gold, which he either squandered away, or had
+stolen from him in the Highlands. He afterwards went over into Ireland,
+where being in a low and poor condition he shipped himself at length for
+England, and came up to London. He had not been long in town before he
+was observed by some whose vessel had been taken by the crew with whom
+he sailed. They caused him to be apprehended, and after lying a
+considerable time in prison, he was, as I have said before, tried and
+convicted.
+
+After sentence, he showed much less concern for life than is usual for
+persons in that condition. He was so much tired with the miseries and
+misfortune which for some years before he had endured, that death
+appeared to him a thing rather desirable than frightful. When the
+reprieve came for Bradshaw, who was condemned with him, he expressed
+great satisfaction, at the same time saying that he was better pleased
+than if he himself had received mercy. _For_, continued he, _should I be
+banished into America as he is, 'tis highly probable I might be tempted
+to my old way of life, and so instead of reforming, add to the number of
+my sins._
+
+He continued in these sentiments till the time of his death, when, as he
+went through Cheapside to his execution, the silver oar being carried
+before him as is usual, he turned about to a person who sat by him in
+the cart, and said, _Though it is a common thing for us when at sea to
+acquire vast quantities both of that metal which goes before me, and of
+gold, yet such is the justice of Providence that few or none of us
+preserve enough to maintain us; but as you see in me, when we go to
+death, we have not wherewith to purchase a coffin to bury us._ He died
+at Execution Dock, the 21st[11] of July, 1721, being then about
+twenty-six years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+    [8] Avery was one of the best known pirates of his time and
+        told of his wonderful wealth, his capturing and marrying the
+        daughter of the Great Mogul, and his setting up a kingdom in
+        Madagascar. He was even the hero of a popular play--_The
+        Successful Pirate_, produced at Dray Lane in 1712. The true
+        story of his life and how he died in want, is related at length
+        in Captain Charles Johnson's _History of the Pirates_ edited by
+        me, and published in the same edition as the present volume.
+
+    [9] Woodes Rogers (d. 1732) sailed on Dampier's voyages and
+        made a large sum of money which he devoted to buying the Bahama
+        Islands from the proprietors on a twenty-one years' lease. He
+        was made governor, but found himself unable to cope with the
+        pirates and Spaniards who infested the islands, and went back to
+        England in 1721. He returned as governor in 1728, and remained
+        there until his death.
+
+   [10] This was Howel Davis, whose adventures are related at
+        length in Johnson's _History of the Pirates_, chap. ix.
+
+   [11] _The History of the Pirates_ gives the date as 19th of July.
+        This book gives an interesting account of Kennedy, pp. 178-81.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of MATTHEW CLARK, a Footpad and Murderer
+
+
+Perhaps there is nothing to which we may more justly attribute those
+numerous executions which so disgrace our country, than the false
+notions which the meaner sort, especially, imbibe in their youth as to
+love and women. This unhappy person, Matthew Clark, of whom we are now
+to speak, was a most remarkable instance of the truth of this
+observation. He was born at St. Albans, of parents in but mean
+circumstances, who thought they had provided very well for their son
+when they had procured his admission into the family of a neighbouring
+gentleman, equally distinguished by the greatness of his merit and
+fortune.
+
+In this place, certainly, had Matthew been inclined in any degree to
+good, he might have acquired from the favour of his master all the
+advantages, even of a liberal education; but proving an incorrigible,
+lazy and undutiful servant, the gentleman in whose service he was, after
+bearing with him a long time, turned him out of his family. He then went
+to plough and cart, and such other country work, but though he had been
+bred to this and was never in any state from which he could reasonably
+hope better, yet was he so restless and uneasy at those hardships which
+he fancied were put upon him, that he chose rather to rob than to
+labour; and leaving the farmer in whose service he was, used to skulk
+about Bushey Heath, and watch all opportunities to rob passengers.
+
+Matthew was a perfect composition of all the vices that enter into low
+life. He was idle, inclined to drunkenness, cruel and a coward; nor
+would he have had spirit enough to attack anybody on the road had it not
+been to supply him with money for merry meetings and dancing bouts, to
+which he was carried by his prevailing passion for loose women. And
+these expeditions keeping him continually bare, robbing and junketting,
+desire of pleasure and fear of the gallows were the whole round of both
+his actions and his thoughts.
+
+At last the matrimonial maggot bit his brain, and alter a short
+courtship, he prevailed on a young girl in the neighbourhood to go up
+with him to London, in order to their marriage. When they were there,
+finding his stock reduced so low that he had not even money to purchase
+the wedding ring, he pretended that a legacy of fifteen pounds was just
+left him in the country, and with a thousand promises of a quick return,
+set out from London to fetch it. When he left the town, full of uneasy
+thoughts, he travelled towards Neasden and Willesden Green, where
+formerly he had lived. He intended to have lurked there till he had an
+opportunity of robbing as many persons as to make up fifteen pounds from
+their effects. In pursuance of this resolution, he designed in himself
+to attack every passenger he saw, but whenever it came to the push, the
+natural cowardice of his temper prevailed and his heart failed him.
+
+[Illustration: MATTHEW CLARK CUTTING THE THROAT OF SARAH GOLDINGTON
+
+(_From the Annals of Newgate_)]
+
+While he loitered about there, the master of an alehouse hard by took
+notice of him and asked him how he came to idle about in haytime, when
+there was so much work, offering at the same time to hire him for a
+servant. Upon this discourse Clark immediately recollected that all the
+persons belonging to this man's house must be out haymaking, except the
+maid, who served his liquors and waited upon guests. As soon, therefore,
+as he had parted from the master and saw he was gone into the fields, he
+turned back and went into his house, where renewing his former
+acquaintance with the maid, who as he had guessed, was there alone, and
+to whom he formerly had been a sweetheart, he sat near an hour drinking
+and talking in that jocose manner which is usual between people of their
+condition in the country. But in the midst of all his expressions of
+affection, he mediated how to rob the house, his timorous disposition
+supposing a thousand dangers from the knowledge the maid had of him.
+
+He resolved, in order absolutely to secure himself, to murder her out of
+the way; upon which, having secretly drawn his knife out of his sheath,
+and hiding it under his coat, he kissed her, designing at the same time
+to dispatch her; but his heart failed him the first time. However,
+getting up and kissing her a second time, he darted it into her
+windpipe; but its edge being very dull, the poor creature made a shift
+to mutter his name, and endeavoured to scramble after him. Upon which he
+returned, and with the utmost inhumanity cut her neck to the bone quite
+round; after which he robbed the house of some silver, but being
+confounded and astonished did not carry off much.
+
+He went directly into the London Road, and came as far as Tyburn, the
+sight of which filled him with so much terror that he was not able to
+pick up courage enough to go by it. Returning back into the road again,
+he met a waggon, which, in hopes of preventing all suspicion, he
+undertook to drive up to town (the man who drove it having hurt his
+leg). But he had not gone far before the persons who were in pursuit of
+the murderer of Sarah Goldington (the maid before mentioned) came up
+with him, and enquired whether he had seen anybody pass by his waggon
+who looked suspicious, or was likely to have committed the fact. This
+enquiry put him into so much confusion that he was scarce able to make
+an answer, which occasioned their looking at him more narrowly and
+thereby discovering the sleeve of his shirt to be all bloody. At first
+he affirmed with great confidence that a soldier meeting him upon the
+road had insulted him, and that in fighting with him he had made the
+soldier's mouth bleed, which had so stained his shirt. But in a little
+time perceiving this excuse would not prevail, but that they were
+resolved to carry him back, he fell into a violent agony and confessed
+the fact.
+
+At the next sessions at the Old Bailey he was convicted, and after
+receiving sentence of death, endeavoured all he could to comfort and
+compose himself during the time he lay under condemnation. His father,
+who was a very honest industrious man came to see him, and after he was
+gone Matthew spoke with great concern of an expression which his father
+had made use of, viz., That if he had been to die for any other offence,
+he would have made all the interest and friends he could to have served
+for his life, but that the murder he had committed was so cruel, that he
+thought that nothing could atone for it but his blood. The inhumanity
+and cruel circumstances of it did indeed in some degree affect this
+malefactor himself, but he seemed much more disturbed with the
+apprehension of being hanged in chains, a thing which from the weakness
+of vulgar minds terrifies more than death itself, and the use of which I
+confess I do not see, since it serves only to render the poor wretches
+uneasy in their last moments, and instead of making suitable impressions
+on the minds of the spectators, affords a pretence for servants and
+other young persons to idle away their time in going to see the body so
+exposed on a gibbet.
+
+At the place of execution, Clark was extremely careful to inform the
+people that he was so far from having any malice against the woman whom
+he murdered that he really had a love for her. A report, too, of his
+having designed to sell the young girl he had brought out of the country
+into Virginia had weight enough with him to occasion his solemn denying
+of it at the tree, though he acknowledged at the same time that he had
+resolved to leave her. He declared also, to prevent any aspersions on
+some young men who had been his companions, that no person was ever
+present with, or privy to any of the robberies he had committed; and
+having thus far discharged his conscience, he suffered on the 28th of
+July, 1721, in the twenty-fourth year of his age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN WINSHIP, Highwayman and Footpad
+
+
+That idleness in which youths are suffered to live in this kingdom till
+they are grown to that size at which they are usually put apprentice (a
+space of time in which they are much better employed, in many other
+countries of Europe) too often creates an inaptitude to work and allows
+them opportunity of entering into paths which have a fatal termination.
+
+John Winship, of whom we are now to treat, was born of parents in
+tolerable circumstances in the parish of St. Paul's, Covent Garden. They
+gave him an education rather superior to his condition, and treated him
+with an indulgence by which his future life became unhappy. At about
+fourteen, they placed him as an apprentice with a carpenter, to which
+trade he himself had a liking. His master used him as well as he could
+have expected or wished, yet that inclination to idleness and loitering
+which he had contracted while a boy, made him incapable of pursuing his
+business with tolerable application. The particular accident by which he
+was determined to leave it shall be the next point in our relation.
+
+It happened that returning one day from work, he took notice of a young
+woman standing at a door in a street not far distant from that in which
+his master lived. He was then about seventeen, and imagining love to be
+a very fine thing, thought fit, without further enquiry, to make this
+young woman the object of his affection. The next evening he took
+occasion to speak to her, and this acquaintance soon improving into
+frequent appointments, naturally led Winship into much greater expenses
+than he was able to support. This had two consequences equally fatal to
+this unhappy young man, for in the first place he left his master and
+his trade, and took to driving of coaches and like methods, to get his
+bread; but all the ways he could think of, proving unable to supply his
+expenses, he went next upon the road, and raised daily contributions in
+as illegal a manner as they were spent at night, in all the excesses of
+vice.
+
+It is impossible to give either a particular or exact account of the
+robberies he committed, because he was always very reserved, even after
+conviction, in speaking as to these points.
+
+However, he is said to have been concerned in robbing a Frenchman of
+quality in the road to Hampstead, who in a two-horsed chaise, with the
+coachman on his box, was attacked in the dusk of the evening by three
+highwaymen. They exchanged several pistols and continued the fight,
+till, the ammunition on both sides being exhausted, the foreigner
+prepared to defend himself with his sword. The rogues were almost out of
+all hopes of obtaining their booty, when one of them getting behind the
+chaise secretly cut a square hole in its back, and putting in both his
+arms, seized the gentleman so strongly about the shoulders that his
+companions had an opportunity of closing in with him, disarming him of
+his sword, rifling and taking a hundred and twenty pistoles. Not
+content with this they ripped the lace off his clothes, and took from
+the coachmen all the money he had about him.
+
+Winship had been concerned in divers gangs, and being a fellow of
+uncommon agility of body, was mighty well received and much caressed by
+them, as was also another companion of his, whom they called
+Clean-Limbed Tom, whose true name was never known, being killed in a
+duel at Kilkenny in Ireland. This last mentioned person had been bred
+with an apothecary, and sometimes travelled the country in the high
+capacity of a quack doctor, at others, in the more humble station of a
+merry-andrew. Travelling once down into the west, with a little chest of
+medicines which he intended to dispose of in this matter at West
+Chester, at an inn about twenty miles short of that city he overtook a
+London wholesale dealer, who had been that way collecting debts. Tom
+made a shift to get into his company overnight, and diverted him so much
+with his facetious conversation that he invited him to breakfast with
+him the next morning. Tom took occasion to put a strong purge into the
+ale and toast which the Londoner was drinking, he himself pretending
+never to take anything in the morning but a glass of wine and bitters.
+When the stranger got on horseback, Tom offered to accompany him, _For_,
+says he, _I can easily walk as fast as your horse will trot._ They had
+not got above two miles before, at the entrance of a common, the physic
+began to work. The tradesman alighting to untruss a point, Tom leaped at
+once into his saddle, and galloped off both with his horse and
+portmanteau. He baited an hour at a small village three miles beyond
+Chester, having avoided passing through that city, then continued his
+journey to Port Patrick, from whence he crossed to Dublin with about
+four score pounds in ready money, a gold watch, which was put up in a
+corner of a cloak bag, linen, and other things to a considerable value
+besides.
+
+But to return to Winship. His robberies were so numerous that he began
+to be very well known and much sought after by those who make it their
+business to bring men to justice for rewards. There is some reason to
+believe that he had been once condemned and received mercy. However, on
+the 25th of May, 1721, he stopped one Mr. Lowther in his chariot,
+between Pancras Church and the Halfway House, and robbed him of his
+silver watch and a purse of ten guineas; for which robbery being quickly
+after apprehended, he was convicted at the Old Bailey, on the evidence
+of the prosecutor and the voluntary information of one of his
+companions.
+
+While he lay under sentence, he could not help expressing a great
+impatience at the miserable condition to which his follies had reduced
+him, and at the same time to show the most earnest desire of life,
+though it were upon the terms of transportation for the whole
+continuance of it; though he frequently declared it did not arise so
+much from a willingness in himself to continue in this world, as at the
+grief he felt for the misfortunes of his aged mother, who was ready to
+run distracted at her son's unhappy fate.
+
+As he was a very personable young man strangers, especially at chapel,
+took particular notice of him, and were continually inquiring of his
+adventures; but Winship not only constantly refused to give them any
+satisfaction, but declared also to the Ordinary that he did not think
+himself obliged to make any discoveries which might affect the lives of
+others, showing also an extraordinary uneasiness whenever such questions
+were put to him. When he was asked, by the direction of a person of some
+rank, whether he did not rob a person dressed in such a manner in a
+chaise as he was watering his horse before the church door, during the
+time of Divine service, Winship replied, he supposed the crime did not
+consist in the time or place, and as to whether he was guilty of it or
+no, he would tell nothing.
+
+In other respects he appeared penitent and devout, suffering at Tyburn
+at the same time with the afore-mentioned Matthew Clark, in the
+twenty-second year of his age, leaving behind him a wife, who died
+afterwards with grief for his execution.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN MEFF, _alias_ MERTH, a Housebreaker and a Highwayman
+
+
+The rigid execution of felons who return from transportation has been
+found so necessary that few or none who have been tried for such illegal
+returning have escaped, though 'tis very hard to convince those who
+suffer for that offence that there is any real crime in their evading
+their sentence. It was this which brought John Meff, _alias_ Merth, of
+whom we are now to speak, to an ignominious death, after he had once
+before escaped it in a very extraordinary manner, as in the process of
+his story shall be related.
+
+This unhappy man was born in London of French parents, who retired into
+England for the sake of their religion, when Louis XIV began his furious
+persecution against the Protestants in his dominions. This John Meff
+was educated with great care, especially as to the principles of
+religion, by a father who had very just notions of that faith for which
+in banishment he suffered. When his son John grew up, he put him out
+apprentice to a weaver, whom he served with great fidelity, and after he
+came out of his time, married; but finding himself incapable to maintain
+his family by his labour, he unfortunately addicted himself to
+ill-courses. In this he was yet more unlucky, for having almost at his
+first setting out broke open a house, he was discovered, apprehended,
+tried, convicted, and put in the cart, in order to go to execution
+within the fortnight; but the hangman being arrested as he was going to
+Tyburn, he and the rest who were to have suffered with him were
+transported through the clemency of the Government.
+
+On this narrow escape from death, Meff was full of many penitent
+resolutions, and determined with himself to follow for the future an
+honest course of life, however hard and laborious, as persons are
+generally inclined to believe all works in the plantations are. Yet no
+sooner was he at liberty (that is, on board the transport vessel, where
+he found means to make the master his friend) than much of these honest
+intentions were dissolved and laid aside, to which perhaps the behaviour
+of his companions and of the seamen on board the ship, did not a little
+contribute. At first their passage was easy, the wind fair and
+prosperous. They began to comfort one another with the hopes of living
+easily in the Plantations, greedily enquiring of the seamen how persons
+in their unhappy condition were treated by their masters, and whether
+all the terrible relations they had had in England were really facts, or
+invented only to terrify those who were to undergo that punishment.
+
+But while these unhappy persons were thus amusing themselves a new and
+unlooked for misfortune fell upon them, for in the height of Bermuda
+they were surprised by two pirate sloops, who though they found no
+considerable booty on board, were very well satisfied by the great
+addition they made to their force, from most of those felons joining
+with them in their piratical undertakings. Meff, however, and eight
+others, absolutely refused to sign the paper which contained the
+pirate's engagement and articles for better pursuing their designs.
+These nine were, according to the barbarous practice of those kind of
+people, marooned, that is, set on shore on an uninhabited island.
+According to the custom of the people in such distress, they were
+obliged to rub two dry sticks together till they took fire, and with
+great difficulty gathered as many other sticks as made a fire large
+enough to yield them some relief from the inclemency of the weather.
+They caught some fowls with springes made of an old horsehair wig,
+which were very tough and of a fishy taste, but after three or four
+days, they became acquainted with the springes and were never afterwards
+to be taken by that means. Their next resource for food was an animal
+which burrowed in the ground like our rabbits, but the flesh of these
+proving unwholesome, threw them into such dangerous fluxes that five out
+of the nine were scarce able to go. They were then forced to take up
+with such fish as they were able to catch, and even these were not only
+very rank and unpleasant, but very small also, and no great plenty of
+them either.
+
+At last, when they almost despaired of ever getting off that
+inhospitable island, they espied early one morning an Indian canoe come
+on shore with seven persons. They hid themselves behind the rocks as
+carefully as they could, and the Indians being gone up into the heart of
+the island, they went down and finding much salt provisions in the boat,
+they trusted themselves to the mercy of the waves.
+
+By the providence of God they were driven in two days into an English
+settlement, where Meff, instead of betaking himself to any settled
+course, resolved to turn sailor, and in that capacity made several
+voyages, not only to Barbadoes, Jamaica, and the rest of the British
+Islands, but also to New England, Virginia, South Carolina, and other
+plantations. On the main, there is no doubt but he led a life of no
+great satisfaction in this occupation, which probably was the reason he
+resolved to return home to England at all hazards. He did so, and had
+hardly been a month in this kingdom before he fell to his old practices,
+in which he was attended with the same ill-fortune as formerly; that is
+to say, he was apprehended for one of his first acts, and committed to
+Newgate. Out of this prison he escaped by the assistance of a certain
+bricklayer, and went down to Hatfield in Hertfordshire to remain in
+hiding, but as he affirmed and was generally believed, being betrayed by
+the same bricklayer he was retaken, conveyed again to Newgate and
+confined the utmost severity.
+
+At his trial there arose a doubt whether the fact he had committed was
+not pardoned by the Act of Indemnity then lately granted. However, the
+record of his former conviction being produced, the Court ordered he
+should be indicted for returning without lawful cause, on which
+indictment he was convicted upon full proof, condemned and shortly after
+ordered for execution.
+
+During the space he lay under sentence he expressed much penitence for
+his former ill-spent life, and together with James Reading, who was in
+the same unhappy state with himself, read and prayed with the rest of
+the prisoners. This Reading had been concerned in abundance of
+robberies, and, as he himself owned, in some which were attended with
+murder; he acknowledged he knew of the killing of Mr. Philpot, the
+surveyor of the window-lights, at the perpetration of which fact Reading
+said there were three persons present, two of which he knew, but as to
+the third he could say nothing. This malefactor, though but thirty-five
+years of age, was a very old offender, and had in his life-time been
+concerned with most of the notorious gangs that at that time were in
+England, some of whom he had impeached and hanged for his own
+preservation; but he was at last convicted for robbing (in company with
+two others) George Brownsworth of a watch and other things of a
+considerable value, between Islington and the turnpike, and for it was
+executed at Tyburn, the 11th of September, 1721, together with John Meff
+aforesaid, then in the fortieth year of his age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN WIGLEY, a Highwayman
+
+
+It is an observation which must be obvious to all my readers, that few
+who addict themselves to robbing and stealing ever continue long in the
+practice of those crimes before they are overtaken by Justice, not
+seldom as soon as they set out.
+
+This man had been bred a plasterer, but seems to have fallen very early
+into ill courses and felonious methods of getting money, in which horrid
+practice he spent his years, till taking up with an old woman who sold
+brandy upon Finchley Common, she sometimes persuaded him, of late years,
+to work at his trade.
+
+There has been great suspicions that he murdered the old husband to this
+woman, who was found dead in a barn or outhouse not far from Hornsey;
+but Wigley, though he confessed an unlawful correspondence with the
+woman, yet constantly averred his innocency of that fact, and always
+asserted that though the old man's death was sudden, yet it was natural.
+He used to account for it by saying that the deceased was a great
+brandy-drinker, by which he had worn out his constitution, and that
+being one evening benighted in his return home from London, he crawled
+into that barn where he was found dead next morning, and was currently
+reported to have been murdered.
+
+Though this malefactor had committed a multitude of robberies, yet he
+generally chose to go on such expeditions alone, having always great
+aversion for those confederacies in villainy which we call gangs, in
+which he always affirmed there was little safety, notwithstanding any
+oaths, by which they might bind themselves to secrecy. For
+notwithstanding some instances of their neglecting rewards when they
+were to be obtained by betraying their companions, yet when life came to
+be touched, they hardly ever failed of betraying all they knew. Yet he
+once receded from the resolution he had made of never robbing in
+company, and went out one night with two others of the same occupation
+towards Islington, there they met with one Symbol Conyers, whom they
+robbed of a watch, a pair of silver spurs, and four shillings in money,
+at the same time treating him very ill, and terrifying him with their
+pistols.
+
+For this fact, soon after it was done, Wigley was apprehended, and
+convicted at the ensuing sessions. When all hopes of life were lost, he
+seemed disposed to suffer with cheerfulness and resignation that death
+to which the Law had doomed him. He said, in the midst of his
+afflictions it was some comfort to him that he had no children who might
+be exposed by his death to the wide world, not only in a helpless and
+desolate condition, but also liable to the reflections incident from his
+crimes. He also observed that the immediate hand of Providence seemed to
+dissipate whatever wicked persons got by rapine and plunder, so as not
+only to prevent their acquiring a subsistence which might set them above
+the necessity of continuing in such courses, but that they even wanted
+bread to support them, when overtaken by Justice. He was near forty
+years of age at the time of his death, which happened on the same day as
+the malefactors last mentioned.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM CASEY, a Robber
+
+
+William Casey, whose life is the subject of our present discourse, was a
+son of one of the same name, a soldier who had served his Majesty long,
+and with good reputation. As is usual amongst that sort of people, the
+education he gave his son was such as might fit him for the same course
+of life, though at the same time he took care to provide him with a
+tolerable competency of learning, that is, as to writing and reading
+English. When he was about fifteen years of age, his father caused him
+to be enlisted in the same company in which he served for some small
+time before my Lord Cobham's expedition into Spain,[12] in which he
+accompanied him. That expedition being over, Casey returned into
+England, and did duty as usual in the Guards.
+
+One night he, with some others, crossing the park a fray happened
+between them and one John Stone, which as Casey affirmed at his death,
+was occasioned by the prosecutor Stone offering very great indecencies
+to him, upon which they in a fury beat and abused him, from the
+abhorrence they pretended to have for that beastly and unnatural sin of
+sodomy. Whether this was really the case or no is hard to determine; all
+who were concerned in it with Casey being indicted (though not
+apprehended) with him, and their evidence consequently taken. However
+that matter was, Stone the prosecutor told a dreadful story on Casey's
+trial. He said the four men attacked him crossing the Park, who
+attacked, beat and cruelly trod upon and wounded him, taking from him at
+the same time his hat, wig, neck-cloth and five shillings in money; and
+that upon his arising and endeavouring to follow them, they turned back,
+stamped upon him, broke one of his ribs, and told him that if he
+attempted to stir, they would seize him and swear sodomy upon him. On
+this indictment Casey was convicted and ordered for execution,
+notwithstanding all the intercession his friends could make.
+
+While under sentence he complained heavily of the pains a certain
+corporal had taken in preparing and pressing the evidence against him.
+He said his diligence proceeded not from any desire of doing justice, or
+for his guilt, but from an old grudge he owed their family, from Casey's
+father threatening to prosecute him for a rape committed on his
+daughter, then very young, and attended with very cruel circumstances;
+and which even the corporal himself had in part owned in a letter which
+he had written to the said Casey's father. However, while he lay in
+Newgate, he seemed heartily affected with sorrow for his misspent life,
+which he said was consumed as is too frequent among soldiers, either in
+idleness or vice. He added, that in Spain he had made serious
+resolutions of amendment with himself, but was hindered from performing
+them by his companions, who were continually seducing him into his old
+courses. When he found that all hopes of life were lost, he disposed
+himself to submit with decency to his fate, which disposition he
+preserved to the last.
+
+At the place of execution he behaved with great composure and said that
+as he had heard he was accused in the world of having robbed and
+murdered a woman in Hyde Park, he judged it proper to discharge his
+conscience by declaring that he knew nothing of the murder, but said
+nothing as to the robbery. At the time of his death, which was on the
+11th of September, 1721, he was about twenty years of age, and according
+to the character his officers gave him, a very quiet and orderly young
+man. He left behind him a paper to be published to the world, which as
+he was a dying man he averred to be the truth.
+
+    A copy of a paper left by William Casey.
+
+    Good People, I am now brought to this place to suffer a shameful and
+    ignominious death, and of all such unhappy persons, 'tis expected by
+    the world that they should either say something at their death, or
+    leave some account behind them. And having that which more nearly
+    concerns me, viz., the care of my immortal soul, I choose rather to
+    leave these lines behind me than to waste my few precious moments in
+    talking to the multitude. First, I declare, I die like a member,
+    though a very unworthy one, of the Church of England as by Law
+    established, the principles of which my now unhappy father took an
+    early care to instruct me in. And next for the robbery of Mr. Stone,
+    for which I am now brought to this fatal place. I solemnly do
+    declare to God and the world, that I never had the value of one
+    halfpenny from him, and that the occasion of his being so ill-used
+    was that he offered to me that detestable and crying sin of sodomy.
+
+    I take this opportunity, with almost my last breath, to give my
+    hearty thanks to the honourable Col. Pitts, and Col. Pagitt, for
+    their endeavours to save my life, and indeed I had some small hopes
+    that his Majesty, in consideration of the services of my whole
+    family, having all been faithful soldiers and servants to the Crown
+    of England, would have extended one branch of his mercy to me, and
+    have sent me to have served him in another country. But welcome be
+    the Grace of God, I am resigned to His will, and die in charity with
+    all men, forgiving, hoping to be forgiven myself, through the merits
+    of my blessed Saviour Jesus Christ. I hope, and make it my earnest
+    request that nobody will be so little Christian as to reflect on my
+    aged parents, wife, brother, or sisters, for my untimely end. And I
+    pray God, into whose hands I commend my spirit, that the great
+    number of sodomites in and about this City and suburbs, may not
+    bring down the same judgement from Heaven as fell on Sodom and
+    Gomorrah.
+
+    William Casey.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [12] Sir Richard Temple, 1st Viscount Cobham, was a distinguished
+        general who had served under Marlborough. In 1719 he led an
+        expedition to the north coast of Spain and seized Vigo and the
+        neighbouring towns and harbours.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN DYKES, a Thief and Highwayman
+
+
+It is a reflection almost too common to be repeated that of all the
+vices to which young people are addicted, nothing is so dangerous as a
+habit and inclination to gaming. To explain this would be to swell a
+volume. Instances which are so numerous do it much better. Perhaps this
+unhappy person John Dykes is as strong a one as is anywhere to be met
+with. His parents were persons in middling circumstances, but he being
+their eldest child, they treated him with great indulgence, and to the
+detriment of their own fortune afforded him a necessary education. When
+he grew up and his friends thought of placing him out apprentice, he
+always found some excuse or other to avoid it, which arose only from his
+great indolence of temper, and his continual itching after gaming. When
+he had money, he went to the gaming tables about town, and when reduced
+by losses sustained there, would put on an old ragged coat and get out
+to play at chuck, and span-farthing, amongst the boys in the street, by
+which, sometimes he got money enough to go to his old companions again.
+But this being a very uncertain recourse, he made use more frequently of
+picking pockets; for which being several times apprehended and committed
+to Bridewell, his friends, especially his poor father, would often
+demonstrate to him the ignominious end which such practices would
+necessarily bring on, entreating him while there was yet time, to
+reflect and to leave them off, promising to do their utmost for him,
+notwithstanding all that was past. In the course of this unhappy life
+the youth had acquired an extraordinary share of cunning, and an unusual
+capacity of dissembling; he employed it more than once to deceive his
+family into a belief of his having made a thorough resolution of
+amendment.
+
+Once, after having suffered the usual discipline of the horsepond, Dykes
+was carried before a Justice of Peace, and committed to Tothill Fields
+Bridewell[13]. Here he became acquainted with one Jeddediah West, a
+Quaker's son, who had fallen into the like practices, and for them
+shared the same punishment with himself. They were pretty much of a
+temper, but Jeddediah was the elder and much the more subtle of the two,
+and in this unhappy place they contracted a strict and intimate
+friendship. Out of shame Jeddediah forbore for two or three days to
+acquaint his relations, and during that time for the most part subsisted
+out of what Dykes got from home. But at last West picked up courage
+enough to send to his brother, a very eminent man in business, and by
+telling him a plausible story, procured not only pity and relief, but
+even prevailed on him to believe that he was innocent of the fact for
+which he was committed. He so well tutored his friend Dykes that though
+he could not persuade his parents into the same degree of credulity, yet
+his outward appearance of penitence induced them not only to pardon him
+but to take him home, give him a new suit of clothes, and to promise
+him, if he continued to do well, whatever was in their power to do for
+him.
+
+Dykes and his companion being in favour with their friends, and having
+money in their pockets, continued their correspondence and went often to
+the gaming tables together. At first they had a considerable run of luck
+for about three weeks, but Fortune then forsaking them, they were
+reduced to be downright penniless, without any hopes of relief or
+assistance from their friends sufficient to carry on their expenses.
+West at last proposed an expedient for raising money, which lay
+altogether upon himself, and which he the next day executed in the
+following manner.
+
+About the time that he knew his brother was to come home from the
+Exchange to dinner, he went to his house equipped in a sailor's
+pea-jacket, his hair cropped short to his ears, his eyebrows coloured
+black, and a handkerchief about his neck. As soon as he saw him in the
+counting-house, his brother started back, and cried, _Bless me!
+Jeddediah, how came you in this pickle?_ With all signs of grief and
+confusion, he threw himself at his brother's feet, and told him with a
+flood of tears that two coiners who had accidentally seen him in
+Bridewell had sworn against him and three others on their apprehension,
+in order on the merit thereof to be admitted evidences to get off
+themselves. _So that, dear brother_, he continued, _I have been obliged
+to take a passage in a vessel that does down next tide to Gravesend, for
+I have ran the hazard of my life to come and beg your charitable
+assistance._
+
+The poor honest man was so much amazed and concerned at this melancholy
+tale, that bursting out into tears, and hanging about his brother's
+neck, he begged him to take a coach and begone to Billingsgate, giving
+him ten guineas in hand and telling him that his bills should not be
+protested if he drew within the compass of a hundred pounds from Dieppe,
+whither he said the ship was bound. West was no sooner out of the street
+where his brother lived, but he ordered the coach to drive to a certain
+place where he had appointed Dykes to meet him, and there they expressed
+a great deal of mutual satisfaction at the trick West had played his
+brother. However, the latter was no great gainer in the end, for Mr.
+West, senior, soon finding out the contrivance, forever renounced him,
+and Jeddediah being soon after arrested for twelve pounds due to his
+tailor, was carried to prison and remained there without the least
+assistance from his brother, till after his friend Dykes was hanged.
+
+The last mentioned malefactor, unmoved by all the tender entreaties of
+his friends, and the glaring prospect before him of his own ruin, went
+still on at the old rate, and whenever gaming had brought him low in
+cash, took up with the road, or some such like dishonest method to
+recruit it. At last he had the ill-luck to commit a robbery in Stepney
+parish, in the road between Mile End and Bow, upon one Charles Wright,
+to whose bosom clapping a pistol, he commanded him to deliver
+peacefully, or he would shoot him through the body. The booty he took
+was very inconsiderable, being only a penknife, an ordinary seal, and
+five shillings and eightpence in money. A poor price for life, since two
+days after he was apprehended for this robbery, committed to Newgate and
+condemned the next sessions.
+
+His behaviour under these unhappy circumstances was very mean, and such
+as fully showed what difference there is between courage and that
+resolution which is necessary to support the spirits and calm our
+apprehensions at the certain approach of a violent death. I forbear
+attempting any description of those unutterable torments which the
+exterior marks of a distracted behaviour fully showed that this poor
+wretch endured. And as I have nothing more to add of him, but that he
+confessed his having been guilty of a multitude of ill acts, he
+submitted at last with greater cheerfulness than he had ever shown
+during his confinement to that shameful death which the Law had ordained
+for his crimes, on the 23rd of October, 1721, when he was about
+twenty-three years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [13] This Bridewell occupied the site adjoining the north side
+        of the Green Coat School, on the west: side of Artillery Place.
+        Although originally intended for vagrants, early in the 18th
+        century it was turned into a house of detention for criminals.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of RICHARD JAMES, a Highwayman
+
+
+The misfortune of not having early a virtuous education is often so
+great a one as never to be retrieved, and it happens frequently (as far
+as human capacity will give us leave to judge) that those prove
+remarkably wicked and profligate for want of it who if they had been so
+happy as to have received it, would probably have led an honest and
+industrious life. I am led to this observation at present by the
+materials which lay before me for the composition of this life.
+
+Richard James was the son of a nobleman's cook, but he knew little more
+of his father than that he left him to the wide world while very young;
+and so at about twelve years of age he was sent to sea. There he had the
+misfortune to be taken prisoner by the Spaniards, who he acknowledged
+treated him with great humanity, and a house-painter taking a great
+liking to him, received him into his house, taught him his profession,
+and used him with the same tenderness as if he had been his nearest
+relation.
+
+But fondness for his country exciting in him a continual desire of
+seeing England again, at last he found a means to return before he was
+seventeen; and after this, being in England but a very small time, he
+totally disobliged what few friends he had left, by his silly marriage
+to a poor girl younger than himself. As is common enough in such mad
+adventures, the woman's friends were as much disobliged as his, and so
+not knowing how to subsist together, Richard was obliged to betake him
+to his old profession of the sea.
+
+The first voyage he made was to the West Indies, where he had the
+misfortune to be taken by pirates, and by them being set on shore, he
+was reduced almost to downright starving. However, begging his way to
+Boston in New England, he from thence found a method of returning home
+once again. The first thing he did was to enquire for his wife. But she,
+under a pretence of having received advice of his death from America,
+had gotten another husband; and though poor James was willing to pass
+that by, yet the woman, it seems, knew better when she was well, and
+under pretence of affection for two children which she had by this last
+husband, absolutely refused to leave him and return back to Dick, her
+first spouse. However, he did not seem to have taken this much to heart,
+for in a short time he followed her example and married another wife;
+but finding no method of procuring an honest livelihood, he took a short
+method of living, viz., to thieving after every manner that came in his
+way.
+
+He committed a vast number of robberies in a very short space, chiefly
+upon the waggoners in the Oxford Road, and sometimes, as if there were
+not crime enough in barely robbing them, he added to it by the cruel
+manner in which he treated them. At this rate he went on for a
+considerable space, till being apprehended for a robbery of a man on
+Hanwell Green, from whom he took but ten shillings, he was shortly after
+convicted; and having no friends, from that time he laid aside all hope
+of life.
+
+During the space he had to prepare himself for death, he appeared so
+far from being either terrified, or even unwilling to die, that he
+looked upon it as a very happy relief from a very troublesome and uneasy
+life, and declared, with all outward appearance of sincerity, that he
+would not, even if it were in his power, procure a reprieve, or avoid
+that death which could alone prove a remedy for those evils which had so
+long rendered life a burden. He was very earnest to be instructed in the
+duties of religion, and seemed to desire nothing else than to prepare
+himself, as well as time and his melancholy circumstances would allow
+him, and never from the time of his conviction showed any change in his
+disposition but continued still rather to wish for his death than to
+fear it. He made a very ample confession of all the robberies he had
+ever done, and seemed sorrowful enough, above all, for the inhumanity
+and incivility with which he had sometimes treated people.
+
+Amongst other particulars he said that once, with his companions, having
+robbed a lady in some other company of a whip, and a tortoiseshell
+snuff-box with a silver rim, she earnestly desired to have them
+returned, saying that as to the money they had taken they were heartily
+welcome; the other thieves seemed inclinable to grant her request, but
+James absolutely declared that she should not have them. However, as a
+very extraordinary mark of his generosity, he took the snuff out of the
+box, and putting it into a paper, gave it her back again.
+
+At the place of execution he repeated what he had formerly said as to
+his readiness of dying, adding, that if the people pitied the misfortune
+he fell under of dying so ignominious a death, he no less pitied them in
+the dangers and misfortunes they were sure to run through in this
+miserable world. At the time of his death he was about thirty years of
+age, and suffered on the same day with the criminal last mentioned.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES WRIGHT, a Highwayman
+
+
+James Wright, the malefactor whose life we are going to relate at
+present, was born at Enfield, of very honest and industrious parents,
+who, that he might get a living honestly, put him apprentice to a
+peruke-maker. At this trade, after having served his time, he set up in
+the Old Bailey, and lived there for some time in very good credit. But
+being much given up to women, and an idle habit of life, his expenses
+quickly outwent his profits, and thus in the space of some months
+reduced him to downright want. This put him upon the illegal ways he
+afterwards took to support himself in the enjoyment of those pleasures
+which even the evils he had already felt could not make him wise enough
+to shun.
+
+He was very far from being a hardened criminal, hardly ever robbing a
+passenger without tears in his eyes, and always framing resolutions to
+himself of quitting that infamous manner of life, as soon as ever it
+should be in his power. He fancied that as the rich could better spare
+it than the poor, there was less crime in taking it from them, and
+valued himself not a little that he had never injured any poor man, but
+always singled out those who from their equipage were likeliest to yield
+him a good booty, and at the same time not be much the worse for it
+themselves. He had gone on for a considerable space in the commission of
+villainies with impunity, but at last being apprehended for a robbery
+committed by him in the county of Surrey, he was thereupon indicted and
+tried at the ensuing assizes at Kingston, and by some means or other,
+was so lucky as to be acquitted, no doubt to his very great joy; and on
+this deliverance he again renewed his vows of amendment.
+
+After this acquittal a friend of his was so kind as to take him down to
+his house in the country, in hopes of keeping him out of harm's way; and
+indeed 'tis highly probable that he had totally given over all evil
+intention of that sort, when he was unfortunately impeached by Hawkins,
+one of his old companions, and on his evidence and that of the
+prosecutor whom he found out, Wright was taken up, tried and convicted
+at the Old Bailey. When he perceived there was no hope of life he
+applied himself to the great business of his soul, and behaved with the
+greatest composure imaginable. He declared himself a Roman Catholic, yet
+frequented the chapel all the time he was in Newgate, and seemed only
+studious how to make peace with God.
+
+When the fatal day of execution approached, he was far from seeming
+amazed, notwithstanding that after mature deliberation he refused to
+declare his associates, or how they might be found, saying that perhaps
+they might repent, and he hoped some of them had done so, and he would
+not bring them to the same ignominious death with himself. The fact he
+died for, viz., robbing Mr. Towers, with some ladies in a coach in
+Marlborough Street, he confessed, also that his companion called out to
+him, _What, do they resist? Shoot 'em._ He suffered with all the outward
+signs of penitence, on the 22nd of December, 1721, being about
+thirty-four years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of NATHANIEL HAWES, a Thief and a Robber
+
+
+Amongst many odd notions which are picked up by the common people, there
+is none more dangerous, both to themselves and unto others, than the
+idea they get of courage, which with them consists either in a furious
+madness, or an obstinate perseverence, even in the worst cause.
+
+Nathaniel Hawes was a very extraordinary instance of this, as the
+following part of his life will show. He was, as he said himself, the
+son of a very rich grazier in Norfolk, who dying when he was but a year
+old, he afterwards pretended that he was defrauded of a greater part of
+his father's effects which should have belonged to him. However, those
+who took care of his education put him out apprentice to an upholsterer,
+with whom having served about four years, he then fell into very
+expensive company, which reduced him to such straits as obliged him to
+make bold with his master's cash, by which he injured him for some time
+with impunity. But proceeding, at last, to the commission of a downright
+robbery, he was therein detected, tried and convicted, but being then a
+very young man, the Court had pity on him, and he had the good luck to
+procure a pardon.
+
+Natt made the old use of mercy, when extended to such sort of people,
+that is, when he returned to liberty he returned to his old practices.
+His companions were several young men of the same stamp with himself,
+who placed all their delight in the sensual and brutal pleasures of
+drinking, gaming, whoring and idling about, without betaking themselves
+to any business. Natt, who was a young fellow naturally sprightly and of
+good parts, from thence became very acceptable to these sort of people,
+and committed abundance of robberies in a very small space of time. The
+natural fire of his temper made him behave with great boldness on such
+occasions, and gave him no small reputation amongst the gang. Seeing
+himself extravagantly commended on such occasions, Hawes began to form
+to himself high notions of heroism in that way, and from the warmth of a
+lively imagination, became a downright Don Quixote in all their
+adventures. He particularly affected the company of Richard James, and
+with him robbed very much on the Oxford Road, whereon it was common for
+both these persons not only to take away the money from passengers, but
+also to treat them with great inhumanity, which for all I might know
+might arise in a great measure from Hawes's whimsical notions.
+
+This fellow was so puffed up with the reputation he had got amongst his
+companions in the same miserable occupation, that he fancied no
+expedition impracticable which he thought fit to engage, and indeed the
+boldness of his attempts had so often given him success that there is no
+wonder a fellow of his small parts and education should conceive so
+highly of himself. It was nothing for Hawes singly to rob a coach full
+of gentlemen, to stop two or three persons on the highway at a time, or
+to rob the waggons in a line as they came on the Oxford Road to London,
+nor was there any of the little prisons or Bridewells that could hold
+him.
+
+There was, however, an adventure of Natt's of this kind that deserves a
+particular relation. He had, it seems, been so unlucky as to be taken
+and committed to New Prison,[14] on suspicion of robbing two gentlemen
+in a chaise coming from Hampstead. Hawes viewed well the place of his
+confinement, but found it much too strong for any attempts like those he
+was wont to make. In the same place with himself and another man mere
+was a woman very genteelly dressed, who had been committed for
+shoplifting. This woman seemed even more ready to attempt something
+which might get her out of that confinement than either Hawes or her
+other companion. The latter said it was impracticable, and Natt that
+though he had broken open many a prison, yet he saw no probability of
+putting this in the number.
+
+_Well_, said the woman _have you courage enough to try, if I put you in
+the way? Yes_, quoth Hawes, _there's nothing I won't undertake for
+liberty;_ and said the other fellow, _If I once saw a likelihood of
+performing it, there's nobody has better hands at such work than myself.
+In the first place_, said this politician in petticoats, _we must raise
+as much money amongst us as will keep a very good fire. Why truly_,
+replied Hawes, _a fire would be convenient in this cold weather, but I
+can't, for my heart, see how we should be nearer our liberty for it,
+unless you intend to set the gaol in flames. Tush! Tush!_ answered the
+woman, _follow but my directions, and let's have some faggots and coals,
+and I warrant you by to-morrow morning we shall be safe oat of these
+regions._ The woman spoke this with so much assurance that Hawes and the
+other man complied, and reserving but one shilling, laid out all their
+money in combustibles and liquor. While the runners of the prison were
+going to and fro upon this occasion, the woman seemed so dejected that
+she could scarce speak, and the two men by her directions sat with the
+same air as if the rope already had been about them at Tyburn. At last,
+as they were going to be locked up; _Pray_, says the woman, with a
+faint voice, _Can't you give me something like a poker? Why, yes_, says
+one of the fellows belonging to the gaol, _if you'll give me twopence,
+I'll bring you one of the old bars that was taken out of the window when
+these new ones were put in._ The woman gave him the halfpence, he
+delivered the bar, and the keepers having locked them up, barred and
+bolted the doors, and left them until next morning.
+
+As soon as ever the people of the gaol were gone, up starts madam. _Now,
+my lads_, says she, _to work_; and putting her hands into her pockets
+and shaking her petticoats, down drops two little bags of tools. She
+pointed out to them a large stone at the corner of the roof which was
+morticed into two others, one above and the other below. After they had
+picked all the mortar from between them, she heated the bar red hot in
+the fire, and putting it to the sockets into which the irons that held
+the stones were fastened with lead, it quickly loosened them, and then
+making use of the bars as of a crow, by two o'clock in the morning they
+had got them all three out, and opened a fair passage into the streets,
+only that it was a little too high. Upon this the woman made them fasten
+the iron bar strongly at the angle where the three stones met, and then
+pulling off her stays, she unrolled from the top of her petticoats four
+yards of strong cord, the noose of which being fastened on the iron, the
+other end was thrown out over the wall, and so the descent was rendered
+easy. The men were equally pleased and surprised at their good fortune,
+and in gratitude to the female author of it, helped her to the top of
+the wall, and let her get safe over before they attempted to go out
+themselves.
+
+It was not long after this that Hawes committed a robbery on Finchley
+Common, upon one Richard Hall, from whom he took about four shillings in
+money; and to make up the badness of the booty, he took from him his
+horse, in order to be the better equipped to go in quest of another
+which might make up the deficiency. For this robbery, being shortly
+after detected and apprehended, he was convicted and received sentence
+of death. When first confined, he behaved himself with very great
+levity, and declared he would merit a greater reputation by the boldness
+of his behaviour than any highwayman that had died these seven years.
+Indeed, this was the style he always made use of, and the great
+affectation of intrepidity and resolution which he always put on would
+have moved anybody (had it not been for his melancholy condition) to
+smile at the vanity of the man.
+
+At the time he was taken up, he had, it seems, a good suit of clothes
+taken from him, which put him so much out of humour, because he could
+not appear, as he said, like a gentleman at the sessions-house, that
+when he was arraigned and should have put himself upon his trial, he
+refused to plead unless they were delivered to him again. But to this
+the Court answered that it was not in their power, and on his persisting
+to remain mute, after all the exhortations which were made to him, the
+Court at last ordered that the sentence of the press should be read to
+him, as is customary on such occasions; after which the Judge from the
+Bench spoke to him to this effect
+
+    Nathaniel Hawes,
+
+    The equity of the Law of England, more tender of the lives of its
+    subjects than any other in the world, allows no person to be put to
+    death, either unheard or without the positive proof against him of
+    the fact whereon he stands charged; and that proof, too, must be
+    such as shall satisfy twelve men who are his equals, and by whose
+    verdict he is to be tried. And surely no method can be devised
+    fuller than this is, as well of compassion, as of Justice. But then
+    it is required that the person to be tried shall aver his innocence
+    by pleading Not Guilty to his indictment, which contains the charge.
+    You have heard that which the grand jury have found against you. You
+    see here twelve honest men ready to enquire impartially into the
+    evidence that shall be given against you. The Court, such is the
+    humanity of our constitution, is counsel for you as you are a
+    prisoner. What hinders then, that you should submit to so fair, so
+    equal a trial; and wherefore will you, by a brutish obstinacy, draw
+    upon you that heavy judgement which the Law has appointed for those
+    who seem to have lost the rational faculties of men?
+
+To this Hawes impudently made answer, that the Court was formerly a
+place of Justice, but now it was become a place of injustice; that he
+doubted not but that they would receive a severer sentence than that
+which they had pronounced upon him; and that for his part, he made no
+question of dying with the same resolution with which he had often
+beheld death, and would leave the world with the same courage with which
+he had lived in it.
+
+Natt thought this a most glorious instance of his courage, and when some
+of his companions said jestingly, that he chose pressing because the
+Court would not let him have a good suit of clothes to be hanged in, he
+replied, with a great deal of warmth, that it was no such thing, but
+that as he had lived with the character of the boldest fellow of his
+profession he was resolved to die with it, and leave his memory to be
+admired by all the gentlemen of the road in succeeding ages. This was
+the rant which took up the poor fellow's head, and induced him to bear
+250 pound weight upon his breast for upwards of seven minutes, and was
+much the same kind of bravery as that which induced the French lacquey
+to dance a minuet immediately before he danced his last upon the wheel,
+an action which made so much noise in France as engaged the Duke de
+Rochefoucauld to compare it with the death of Cato.
+
+Hawes, indeed, did not persist quite so long, but submitted to that
+justice which he saw was unavoidable, after he had endured, as I have
+said before, so great a weight in the press. The bruises he received on
+the chest pained him so exceedingly during the short remainder of his
+life that he was hardly able to perform those devotions which the near
+approach of death made him desirous to offer up for so profligate a
+life. He laid aside, then, those wild notions which had been so fatal to
+him through the whole course of his days, and so remarkably unfortunate
+to him in this last age of life. He confessed frankly what crimes he
+could remember and seemed very desirous of acquitting some innocent
+persons who were at that time imprisoned, or suspected, for certain
+villainies which were committed by Hawes and his gang; particularly a
+footman, then in the Poultry Compter, and a man's son at an alehouse,
+who, though Hawes declared he knew no harm of him, yet at the place of
+execution he said that as he desired his death might be a warning to all
+in general, so he wished it might be particularly considered by him.
+Though, as I have said, he was fully convinced of the folly of those
+notions which he had formerly entertained, yet he did not, as most of
+those braves do, go from one degree of extravagance to the other, that
+is, from daring everything to sinking into the meanest cowardice, for
+Hawes went to his death very composedly, as he had received the
+Sacrament the day before, with all the outward marks of devotion. He
+suffered on the 22nd day of September, 1721, at which time he was scarce
+twenty years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [14] This was the Clerkenwell House of Detention, where
+        prisoners were sent after being sentenced, pending their
+        disposal at a House of Correction. It was originally intended
+        for the overflow from Newgate. The prison stood in Clerkenwell
+        Close.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN JONES, a Pickpocket
+
+
+There is not, perhaps, a greater misfortune to young people than that
+too great tenderness and compassion with which they are treated in their
+youth, and those hopes of amendment which their relations flatter
+themselves with as they grow up. If they could suffer themselves to be
+guided by experience, they would quickly find that sagacious minds do
+but increase in wickedness as they increase in years. Timely services,
+therefore, and proper restraints are the only methods with which such
+persons are to be treated, for minds disposed to such gross impurities
+as those which lead to such wickednesses or are rendered capital by Law,
+are seldom to be prevailed on by gentleness, or admonitions unseconded
+by harsher means. I am very far from being an advocate for great
+severities towards young people, but I confess in cases like these, I
+think they are as necessary as amputations, where the distemper has
+spread so far that no cure is to be hoped for by any other means. If the
+relations of John Jones had known and practised these methods, it is
+highly probable he had escaped the suffering and the shame of that
+ignominious death to which, after a long persisting in his crimes, he at
+last came.
+
+[Illustration: A PRISONER UNDER PRESSURE IN NEWGATE
+
+Accused men who refused to plead to their indictment might be pressed to
+death. Edward Burnworth carried 424 lb. on his chest for an hour and
+three minutes before he consented to plead
+
+_(From the Newgate Calendar)_]
+
+This malefactor was born in the parish of St. Andrew's, Holborn, of
+parents in tolerable circumstances, who, while a boy, indulged him in
+all his little humours from a wise expectation of their dropping from
+him all at once when he grew up. But this expectation not succeeding, as
+it must be owned there was no great probability it should, they were
+then for persuading him to settle in business. That he might do this
+with less reluctancy they were so kind as to put him out upon liking to
+three or four trades; but it happening unluckily that there was work to
+be done in all of them, Jones could not be brought to go apprentice to
+any, but idled on amongst his companions, without ever thinking of
+applying himself to any business whatever. His relations sent him to
+sea, another odd academy to learn honesty at, and on his return from
+thence, and refusing to go any more, his relations refused to support
+him any longer.
+
+Jack was very melancholy on this score, and having but eighteenpence in
+the world when he received the comfortable message of his never being to
+expect a farthing more from his friends, he went out to take a walk in
+Hyde Park to divert his melancholy, when he ruminated on what he was to
+do next for a livelihood. In the midst of these reflections he espied an
+old schoolfellow of his, who used to have the same inclinations with
+himself. There had been a great intimacy between them; it was quickly
+renewed, and Jack Jones unburdened to him the whole budget of his
+sorrows. _And is this all?_ says the young fellow. _Why, I will put you
+in a way to ease this in a minute, if you will step along with me to a
+house hard by, where I am to meet with some of my acquaintance._ Jones
+readily consented, and to a little blind alehouse in a dark lane they
+went. The woman of the house received them very kindly, and as soon as
+Jack's companion had informed her that he was a newcomer, she conducted
+him into a little room, where she entertained him with a good dinner and
+a bowl of punch after it. Jack was mightily taken with the courtesy of
+his landlady, who promised him he should never want such usage and his
+friend would teach him in the evening how to earn it.
+
+Evening came, and out walked the two young men. Jack was put upon
+nothing at that time, but to observe how his companion managed. He was a
+very dexterous youth, and at seven o'clock prayers picked up, in half an
+hour's time, three good handkerchiefs, and a silver snuff-box. Having
+this readily shown him the practice, he was no less courteous in
+acquainting Jones with the theory of his profession, and two or three
+night's work made Jones a very complete workman in their way.
+
+He lived at this rate for some months, until going with his instructor
+through King Street, Westminster, and passing by a woman pretty well
+dressed, says the other fellow to Jones, _Now mind, Jack, and while
+jostle her against the wall, do you whip off her pocket._ Jones
+performed tolerably well, though the woman screamed out and people were
+thick in the street. He gave the pocket, as soon as he had plucked it
+off, to his comrade, but having felt it rather weighty, would trust him
+no farther than the first by-alley before they stopped to examine its
+contents.
+
+They had scarce found their prize consisted of no more than a small
+prayer-book, a needle case, and a silver thimble, when the woman with a
+mob at her heels bolted upon them and seized them. Jones had the pocket
+in his hand when they laid hold of him, and his associate no sooner
+perceived the danger, but he clapped hold of him by the collar and cried
+out as loud as any of the mob, _Ay, ay, this is he, good woman, is not
+this your pocket?_ By this strategem he escaped, and Jones was left to
+feel the whole weight of the punishment which was ready to fall upon
+them. He was immediately committed to prison, and the offence being
+capital in its nature, he was condemned at the next sessions, and though
+he always buoyed himself up with hopes to the contrary, was ordered for
+execution. He was dreadfully amazed at death, as being, indeed, very
+unfit to die. However, when he found it was inevitable, he began to
+prepare for it as well as he was able. His relations now afforded him
+some little relief, and after having made as ample a confession as he
+was able, he suffered at Tyburn with the two above-mentioned
+malefactors, Hawes and Wright, being then but a little above nineteen
+years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN SMITH, a Murderer
+
+
+As idleness is fatal to youth, so it and ill-company become not seldom
+so even to persons in years. John Smith, of whose extraction we can say
+nothing, had served with a very good character in a regiment of foot,
+during Queen Anne's wars in Flanders. His captain took a particular
+liking to him, and from his boldness and fierce courage, to which he
+himself was also greatly inclined, they did abundance of odd actions
+during the War, some of which may not be unentertaining to the reader,
+if I mention.
+
+The army lying encamped almost over against that of the French king,
+foraging was become very dangerous, and hardly a party went out without
+a skirmish. John's master, the captain, having been out with a party,
+and being over powered by the French, were obliged to leave their
+trusses behind them. When they returned to the camp, Smith was ordered
+to lead his master's horse out into the field between the two camps,
+that the poor creature might be able to pick up a little pasture. John
+had not attended his horse long before, at the distance of about half a
+mile, he saw a boy leading two others, at the foot of a hill which
+joined to the French fortification. As John's livery was yellow, and he
+spoke Walloon bad enough to be taken for a Frenchman, he ventured to
+stake the Captain's horse down where it was feeding, and without the
+least apprehension of the risk he ran, went across to the fellow who was
+feeding his horses under the French lines. He proceeded with so much
+caution that he was within a stone's throw of the boy, before he
+perceived him. From the colour of his clothes, and the place where they
+were, immediately under the French camp, the lad took him for one of
+their own people, and therefore answered him very civilly when he asked
+what o'clock it was, and whom he belonged to. But John no sooner
+observed from the boy's turning his horses, that the hill lay again
+between them and the French soldiers, than clapping his hand suddenly
+upon the boy's throat and tripping up his heels, he clapped a gag in his
+mouth, which he had cut for that purpose; and leaving him with his hands
+tied behind him upon the ground, he rode clear off with the best of the
+horses, notwithstanding that the boy had alarmed the French camp, and he
+had some hundred shot sent after him.
+
+The captain and Smith were out one day a-foraging, and one of the
+officers of their party who was known to have a hundred pistoles about
+him, was killed in a skirmish, and neither party dared to bring off the
+body for fear of the other, it being just dark, each expected a
+reinforcement from the camp. Smith told his captain that if he'd give
+him one half of the gold for fetching, he would venture; and his offer
+being gladly accepted, he accordingly crept two hundred yards upon his
+belly, and after he had picked the purse out of the dead man's pockets,
+returned without being either seen or suspected.
+
+When the army was disbanded, Smith betook himself to the sea, and served
+under Admiral Byng,[15] in the fight at Messina; but on the return of
+that fleet from the Mediterranean, being discharged he came up to
+London, where having squandered his money, he did some petty thefts to
+get more. To this he was induced chiefly by the company of one Woolford,
+who was executed, and at whose execution Smith was present, and soon
+after cohabited with his wife. But not long after this, Smith meeting
+with one Sarah Thompson, an old acquaintance of his, who had it seems
+left him to live with another fellow, he took it into his head thereupon
+to use her very roughly, and clapping a pistol to her breast, threatened
+with abundance of ill-language to shoot her. This occasioned a great
+fray in the place where it happened, which was near the Hermitage
+towards Wapping, and several persons running to take the woman away, and
+to seize him, in order to prevent murder, Smith fired his pistol, and
+unhappily killed one Matthew Walden, who was amongst the number. The mob
+immediately crowded upon him and seized him, and the fact appearing very
+clear on his trial, he was convicted at the next sessions at the Old
+Bailey.
+
+He behaved himself with great resolution, professed himself extremely
+sorry, as well for the many vices he had been guilty of as for that last
+bloody act which brought him to his shameful end. He especially
+recommended to all who spoke to him, to avoid the snares and delusions
+of lewd women; and at the place of execution delivered the following
+paper. He was about forty years of age when he died, being the 8th day
+of February, 1722, at Tyburn.
+
+    The paper delivered by John Smith at the place of execution
+
+    I was born of honest parents, bred to the sea, and lived honest,
+    'till I was led aside by lewd women. I then robbed on ships, and
+    never robbed on shore. I had no design to kill the woman who jilted
+    me, and left me for another man, but only to terrify her, for I
+    could have shot her when the loaded pistol was at her breast, but I
+    curbed my passion, and only threw a candle-stick at her. I confess
+    my cruelty towards my wife, who is a woman too good for me, but I
+    was at first forced to forsake her for debt, and go to sea. I hope
+    in God none will reflect on her, or my poor innocent children, who
+    could not help my sad passion, and more sad death. Written by me,
+
+    John Smith
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [15] George Byng, later created Viscount Torrington, was sent
+        with a fleet for the protection of Sicily against the Spaniards.
+        He found them besieging Messina, whereupon he gave their fleet
+        battle and gained a smashing victory at Cape Passaro, 31 July,
+        1718.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES SHAW, _alias_ SMITH, a Highwayman and Murderer
+
+
+James Shaw, otherwise Smith (for by both these names he went, nor am I
+able to say which was his true one) was the son of parents both of
+circumstances and inclination to have given him a very good education if
+he would have received it. The unsettledness of his temper was
+heightened by that indulgence with which he was treated by his
+relations, who permitted him to make trial of several trades, though he
+could not be brought to like any. Indeed, he stayed so long with a
+forger of gun-locks, as to learn something of his art, which sometimes
+he practised and thereby got money; but generally speaking he chose
+rather to acquire it by easier means.
+
+I cannot take upon me to say at what time he began to rob upon the road,
+or take to any other villainy of that sort, but 'tis certain that if he
+himself were to be believed, it was in a great measure owing to a bad
+wife; for when he, by his labour, got nine shillings a week, and used to
+return home very weary in the evening, he generally found nobody there
+to receive him, or to get ready his supper, but everything in the
+greatest confusion, without any person to take care of what little he
+had. This, as he would have had it believed, was the source of his
+misfortunes and necessities, as it was also the occasion of his taking
+such fatal methods to relieve them.
+
+The Hampstead Road was that in which he chiefly robbed, and he could not
+be persuaded that there was any great crime in taking away the
+superfluous cash of those who lavish it in vanity and luxury, or from
+those who procure it by cheating and gaming; and under these two classes
+Shaw pretended to rank all who frequented the Wells or Belsize, and it
+is to be much feared that in this respect he was not very far out.
+Amongst the many adventures which befell him in his expeditions on the
+road, there are one or two which it may not be improper to take notice
+of.
+
+One evening, as he was patrolling thereabouts, he came up to a chariot
+in which there was a certain famous justice, who happened to have won
+about four hundred pounds at play, and Count Ui----n, a famous foreign
+gamester, that has made many different figures about this town. No
+sooner was the coach stopped by Shaw and another person on horseback,
+but the Squire slipped the money he had won behind the seat of the
+coach, and the Count having little to lose, seemed not very uneasy at
+the accident. The highwaymen no sooner had demanded their money, but the
+Count gave two or three pieces of foreign gold, and the gentleman, in
+hopes by this means of getting rid of them, presented them with twenty
+guineas.
+
+_Why, really, sir_, said Shaw, on the receipt of the gold, _this were a
+handsome compliment from another person, but methinks you might have
+spared a little more out of the long bag you brought from the gaming
+table. Come, gentlemen, get out, get out, we must examine the nest a
+little, I fancy the goldfinches are not yet flown._ Upon this, they both
+got out of the chariot, and Shaw shaking the cushion that covered the
+seat hastily, the long bag fell out with its mouth open, and all its
+bright contents were scattered on the ground. The two knights of the
+road began to pick them up as fast as they could, and while the justice
+cursed this unlucky accident which had nicked him, after he had nicked
+all the gamesters at the Wells, the Count, who thought swearing an
+unprofitable exercise, began to gather as fast as they. A good deal of
+company coming in sight just as they had finished, and while they were
+calling upon the Count to refund, they were glad to gallop away. But
+returning to London they were taken, and about three hours after
+committing the fact, they, together with the witnesses against them,
+were brought before a Middlesex magistrate, who committed them.
+
+_But, pray, Sir_, says Shaw, before he was taken out of the room; _Why
+should not that French fellow suffer as well as we? He shared the booty,
+and please your Worship, 'tis but reasonable he should share the
+punishment. Well, what say you, Sir?_ quoth the Justice to his brother
+magistrate. _What is this outlandish man they talk of? He is a count,
+Sir_, replied he, _returned from Naples, whither he went on some affairs
+of importance. He makes a very good figure here sometimes, though I do
+not know what his income is. I do not apprehend your Worship has
+anything to do with that, since I do not complain. However_, replied
+this dispenser of justice, _I have had but a very sorry account of you,
+yet as you are in company with my brother here, I shall take no further
+notice of what these men say._[16]
+
+Shaw being after this got out of prison and having no money to purchase
+a horse, he endeavoured to carry on his old profession of a footpad. In
+this shape he robbed also several coaches and single passengers, and
+that with very great inhumanity, which was natural, he said, from that
+method of attacking, for it was impossible for a footpad to get off,
+unless he either maimed the man, or wounded his horse.
+
+Meeting by chance, as he was walking across Hampstead Road, an old
+grave-looking man, he thought there was no danger in making up to him,
+and seizing him, since he himself was well armed. The old gentleman
+immediately begged that he would be civil and told him that if he would
+be so, he would give him an old pair of breeches which were filled with
+money and effects worth money, and, as he said, lay buried by such a
+tree, pointing at the same time to it with his hand. Shaw went thither
+directly, in hopes of gaining the miser's great prize, for the old
+fellow made him believe he had buried it out of covetousness, and came
+there to brood over it. But no sooner were they come to the place, and
+Shaw looping down, began to look for three pieces of tobacco pipe, which
+the old man pretended to have stack where they were buried, but the
+gentleman whipped out his sword, and made two or three passes at Shaw,
+wounding him in the neck, side and breast.
+
+As the number of his robberies were very great, so it is not to be
+expected that we should have a very exact account of them, yet as Shaw
+was not shy in revealing any circumstance that related to them, we may
+not perhaps have been as particular in the relation of his crimes as our
+readers would desire, and therefore it will be necessary to mention some
+other of his expeditions.
+
+At his usual time and place, viz., Hampstead Road, in the evening, he
+overtook a dapper fellow, who was formerly a peruke-maker but now a
+gamester. This man taking Shaw for a bubble, began to talk of play, and
+mentioned All Fours and Cribbage, and asked him whether he would play a
+game for a bottle or so at the Flask. Shaw pretended to be very willing,
+but said he had made a terrible oath against playing for anything in any
+house; but if to avoid it, the gentleman would tie his horse to a tree
+and had any cards in his pocket, he'd sit down on the green bank in
+yonder close, and hazard a shilling or two. The gamester, who always
+carried his implements in his pocket, readily accepted of the offer, and
+tying their horses to a post of a little alehouse on the road, over they
+whipped into the fields. But no sooner were they set down, and the
+sharper began to shuffle the cards, but Shaw starting up, caught him by
+the throat, and after shaking out three guineas and a half from his
+breeches' pocket, broke to pieces two peep boxes, split as many pair of
+false dice, and kicked the cards all about the ground. He left him tied
+hand and foot to consider ways and means to recruit his stock by methods
+just as honest as those by which he lost it.
+
+The soldiers that at that time were placed on the road, passed for a
+great security amongst people in town, but those who had occasion to
+pass that way found no great benefit from their protection, for
+robberies were as frequent as ever, and the ill-usage of persons when
+robbed more so, because the rogues thought themselves in greater danger
+of being taken, and therefore bound or disabled those they plundered,
+for fear of their pursuing them.
+
+For a fact of this kind it was that Shaw came to his death, for one
+Philip Pots, being robbed on horseback by several footpads and knocked
+off his horse near the tile kilns by Pancras, and wounded in several
+places of his body with his own sword, which one of the villains had
+taken from him, some persons who passed by soon after took him up, and
+carried him to the Pinder of Wakefield.[17] There, on the Monday
+following (this accident happening on Saturday night) he in great
+agonies expired. For this murder and another robbery between Highgate
+and Kentish Town, Shaw was taken up and soon after convicted. At first
+he denied all knowledge of the murder, but when his death grew near, he
+did acknowledge being privy to it, though he persisted in saying he had
+no hand in its commission.
+
+At the time he was under condemnation, the afore-mentioned John Smith,
+William Colthouse, and Jonah Burgess were in the same condition. They
+formed a conspiracy for breaking out of the place where they were
+confined and to force an escape against all those who should oppose
+them. For this purpose they had procured pistols, but their plot being
+discovered, Burgess in great rage, cut his own throat and pretended that
+Shaw designed to have dispatched himself with one of the pistols. But
+Shaw, himself, absolutely denied this, and affirmed on the contrary that
+when Burgess said his enemies should never have the satisfaction (as
+they had bragged they would have) of placing themselves upon Holborn
+Bridge, to see him go by Tyburn, he (Shaw) exhorted him never to think
+of self-murder, and by that means give his enemies a double revenge in
+destroying both body and soul.
+
+As Shaw had formerly declared his wife's ill-conduct had been the first
+occasion of his falling into those courses which had proved so fatal to
+him, he still retained so great an antipathy to her on that account, as
+not to be able to pardon her, even in the last moments of his life, in
+which he would neither confess, nor positively deny the murder for which
+he died. He was then about twenty-eight years of age, and died the same
+day with the last-mentioned malefactor, Smith.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [16] This discourse between the magistrates is obscure. I have
+        been unable to clear it.
+
+   [17] This was the public-house at the Battle Bridge (King's
+        Cross) end of Gray's Inn Road.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM COLTHOUSE, a Thief and Highwayman
+
+
+William Colthouse was born in Yorkshire, had a very good education for a
+person of his rank and especially with regard to religious principles,
+of which he retained a knowledge seldom to be met with among the lower
+class of people; but he was so unhappy as to imbibe in his youth strange
+notions in regard to civil government, hereditary rights having been
+much magnified in the latter end of the late Queen's reign. William
+amongst others was violent attached thereto, and fancied it was a very
+meritorious thing to profess his sentiments, notwithstanding they were
+directly opposite to those of persons then in power. Some declarations
+of this sort occasioned his being confined in Newgate, and prosecuted
+for speaking seditious words in the beginning of King George the First's
+reign. His Newgate acquaintances taught him quickly their arts of
+living, and he was no sooner at liberty than he put them into execution,
+he and his brother living like gentlemen on their expeditions on the
+road; till unfortunately committing a robbery on Hounslow Heath
+together, they were both closely pursued, the other taken, and William
+narrowly escaped by creeping into a hollow tree.
+
+After the execution of his brother, Colthouse being terribly affected
+therewith, retired to Oxford, and there worked as a journeyman joiner,
+determining with himself to live honestly for the future, and not by a
+habit of ill-actions go the same way as one so nearly related to him had
+done before. But as his brother's death in time grew out of his
+remembrance, so his evil inclinations again took place, and he came up
+to London with a full purpose of getting money at an easier rate than
+working.
+
+Soon after his arrival his Jacobite principles brought him into a great
+fray at an alehouse in Tothill Fields, Westminster, where some soldiers
+were drinking, and who on some disrespectful words said of the Prince,
+caught up Colthouse and threw him upon a red-hot gridiron, thereby
+making a scar on his cheek and under his left eye. By this he came to be
+taken for a person who murdered a farmer's son in Philpot Lane, in
+Hampshire, when he was charged with which he not only denied, but by
+abundance of circumstances rendered it highly probable that he did not
+commit it, there being, indeed, no other circumstance which occasioned
+that suspicion but the likeness of the scar in his face, which happened
+in the manner I told you.
+
+While he lay under condemnation, a report reached his ear that his two
+brothers in the country were also said to be highwaymen; he complained
+grievously of the common practice that was made by idle people raising
+stories to increase the sorrows of families which were so unhappy as to
+have any who belonged to them come to such a death as his was to be. As
+to his brothers, he declared himself well satisfied that the younger was
+a sober and religious lad, and as for the elder, though he might have
+been guilty of some extravagance, yet he hoped and believed they were
+not of the same kind with those which had brought him to ruin. However,
+that he might do all the good which his present sad circumstance would
+allow, he wrote the following letter to his brethren in the country.
+
+    Dear Brothers,
+
+    Though the nearness of my approaching death ought to shut out from
+    my thoughts all temporal concerns, yet I could not compose my mind
+    into that quietness with which I hope to pass from this sinful world
+    into the presence of the Almighty, before I had thus exorted you to
+    take particular warning from my death, which the intent of the Law
+    to deter others from wickedness hath decreed to be in a public and
+    ignominious manner. Amidst the terrors which the frailty of human
+    nature (shocked with the prospect of so terrible an end) makes my
+    afflicted heart to feel, even these sorrows are increased, and all
+    my woes doubled by a story which is spread, I hope without the least
+    grounds of truth, that ye, as well as I, have lived by taking away
+    by force the property of others.
+
+    Let the said examples of my poor brother, who died by the hand of
+    Justice, and of me, who now follow him in the same unhappy course,
+    deter you not only from those flagrant offences which have been so
+    fatal unto us, but also from those foolish and sinful pleasures in
+    which it is but too frequent for young persons to indulge
+    themselves. Remember that I tell you from a sad experience, that the
+    wages of sin, though in appearance they be sometimes large and what
+    may promise outward pleasure, yet are they attended with such inward
+    disquiet as renders it impossible for those to have received them
+    to enjoy either quiet or ease. Work, then, hard at your employments,
+    and be assured that sixpence got thereby will afford you more solid
+    satisfaction than the largest acquisitions at the expense of your
+    conscience. That God may, by His grace, enable you to follow this my
+    last advice, and that He may bless your honest labour with plenty
+    and prosperity is the earnest prayer of your dying brother
+
+    William Colthouse
+
+Till the day of his execution he had denied his being accessory to the
+intended escape by forcing the prison, but when he came to Tyburn, he
+acknowledged that assertion to be false, and owned that he caused the
+two pistols to be provided for that purpose. He was about thirty-four
+years of age at the time he suffered, which was on the 8th of February,
+1722, with Burgess, Shaw and Smith.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM BURRIDGE, a Highwayman
+
+
+In the course of these lives I have more than once observed that the
+vulgar have false notions of courage, and that applause is given to it
+by those who have as false notions of it as themselves, and this it was
+in a great measure which made William Burridge take to those fatal
+practices which had the usual termination in an ignominious death. He
+was the son of reputable people, who lived at West Haden in
+Northamptonshire, who after affording him a competent education, thought
+proper to bind him to his father's trade of a carpenter. But he, having
+been pretty much indulged before that time, could not by any means be
+brought to relish labour, or working for his bread.
+
+Burridge was a well-made fellow, and of a handsome person, as well as
+great strength and dexterity, which he had often exercised in wrestling
+and cudgel-playing which gained him great praise amongst the country
+fellows at wakes and fairs, where such prizes are usually given.
+Therefore giving himself up almost wholly to such exercises, he used
+frequently to run away from his parents, and lie about the country,
+stealing poultry, and what else he could lay his hands on to support
+himself. His father trying all methods possible to reclaim him and
+finding them fruitless, as his last refuge turned him over to another
+master, in hopes that having there no mother to plead for him, a course
+of continued severities might perhaps reclaim him. But his hopes were
+all disappointed, for instead of mending under his new master, William
+gave himself over to all sorts of vices, and more especially became
+addicted to junketting with servant-wenches in the neighbourhood, who
+especially on Sundays when their masters were out, were but too ready to
+receive and entertain him at their expense.
+
+But these adventures made him very obnoxious to others, as well as his
+master, who no longer able to bear his lying out of night, and other
+disorderly practices, turned him off, and left him to shift for himself.
+He went home to his friends, but going on still in the same way, they
+frankly advised him to ship himself on board a man-of-war in order to
+avoid that ill-fate which they then foresaw, and which afterwards
+overtook him. William, though not very apt to follow good counsel, yet
+approved of this at last when he saw some of his companions had already
+suffered for those profligate courses to which they were addicted.
+
+He shipped himself, therefore, in a squadron then sailing for Spain
+under the command of Commodore Cavendish, on board whose ship he was
+when an engagement happened with the Spaniards in Cadiz Bay. The dispute
+was long and very sharp, and Burridge behaved therein so as to meet with
+extraordinary commendations. These had the worst effect upon him
+imaginable, for they so far puffed him up, that he thought himself
+worthier of command than most of the officers on the ship, and therefore
+was not a little uneasy at being obliged to obey them. This hindered
+them from doing him any kindness, which they would otherwise perhaps
+have done in consideration of his gallant behaviour against the enemy.
+At his return into England he was extremely ambitious of living without
+the toil of business, and therefore went upon the highway with great
+diligence, in order to acquire a fortune by it, which when he had done,
+he designed to have left it off, and to have lived easily and honestly
+upon the fruits of it. But, alas! these were vain hopes and idle
+expectations, for instead of acquiring anything which might keep him
+hereafter, he could scarce procure a present livelihood at the hazard
+both of his neck and his soul, for he was continually obliged to hide
+himself, through apprehension, and not seldom got into Bridewell or some
+such place, for brawls and riots.
+
+This William Burridge was the person who with Nat Hawes made their
+escape out of New Prison, by the assistance of a woman, as the life of
+that malefactor is before related.[18] And as he saved himself then from
+the same ignominious death which afterwards befell him, so he escaped it
+another time by becoming evidence against one Reading, who died for the
+life offences. As to Burridge, he still continued the same trade, till
+being taken for stealing a bay gelding belonging to one Mr. Wragg, he
+was for that offence finally condemned at the Old Bailey. While under
+sentence, as he had been much the greatest and oldest offender of any
+that were under the same fate, so he seemed to be by much the most
+affected and the most penitent of them all; and with great signs and
+sorrow for the many crimes he had committed, he suffered on the 14th of
+March, 1722, with five other persons at Tyburn, being then about
+thirty-four years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [18] See page 59.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN THOMSON, a thief, Highwayman, etc.
+
+
+John Thomson was born at Carlisle, but was brought with his friends to
+London. They, it seems, were persons of no substance, and took little
+care of their son's education, suffering him, while a lad, to go often
+to such houses as were frequented by ill-people, and such as took
+dishonest methods to get money. Such are seldom very dose in their
+discourse when they meet and junket together, and Thomson, then a boy,
+was so much pleased with their jovial manner of life, eating well and
+drinking hard, that he had ever a bias that way, even when he was
+otherways employed, till he was fifteen years old, leading such an idle
+and debauched life that, as he himself expressed it, he had never heard
+of or read a Bible or other good book throughout all that space.
+
+A friend of his was then so kind as to put him out apprentice to a
+weaver, and he might have had some chance of coming into the world in an
+honest and reputable way, but he had not continued with his master any
+long time before he listed himself in the sea service, during the Wars
+in the late Queen's time, and served on board a squadron which was sent
+up the Baltic to join the Danes. This cold country, with other hardships
+he endured, made him so out of humour with a sailor's life that though
+he behaved himself tolerably well when on board, yet he resolved never
+to engage in the same state, if once discharged and safe on shore.
+
+Upon his coming back to England, he went to work at his trade of a
+weaver, and being for a while very sensible of the miseries he had run
+through on board the man-of-war, he became highly pleased with the quiet
+and easy way in which he got his bread by his business, thinking,
+however, that there was no way so proper to settle him as by marrying,
+which accordingly he did. But he was so unfortunate that though his wife
+was a very honest woman, yet the money he got not being sufficient to
+maintain them, he was even obliged to take to the sea again for a
+subsistence, and continued on board several ships in the Straits and
+Mediterranean for a very considerable space, during which he was so
+fortunate as to serve once on board an enterprising captain, who in less
+than a year's space, took nineteen prizes to a very considerable value.
+And as they were returning from their cruise, they took a French East
+India ship on the coast of that kingdom, whose cargo was computed at no
+less than a hundred thousand pounds sterling. Thomson might certainly,
+if he would, have saved money enough to have put himself into a
+creditable method of life as many of his shipmates had done, and so well
+did the captain improve his own good fortune that on his return he
+retired into the country, where he purchased an estate of fifteen
+hundred pounds _per annum._
+
+But Thomson being much altered from the usual bent of his temper by his
+being long accustomed at sea to blood and plunder, so when he returned
+home, instead of returning to an honest way of living, he endeavoured to
+procure money at the same rate by land which he had done at sea, and for
+that purpose associated himself with persons of a like disposition, and
+in their company did abundance of mischief. At last he and one of his
+associates passing over Smithfield between twelve and one in the
+morning, on the second of March, they perceived one George Currey going
+across that place very much in drink. Him they attacked, though at first
+they pretended to lead him safe home, drawing him to a proper place out
+of hearing of the houses, where they took from him a shirt, a wig and a
+hat, in doing which they knocked him down, stamped upon his breast, and
+in other respects used him very cruelly. Being apprehended soon after
+this fact, he was for it tried and convicted.
+
+In the space between that and his death, he behaved himself very
+penitently, and desired with great earnestness that his wife would
+retire into the country to her friends, and learn by his unhappy example
+that nothing but an honest industry could procure the blessing of God.
+This he assiduously begged for her in his prayers, imploring her at the
+same time that he gave her this advice, to be careful of her young son
+she had then at her breast, not only as to his education, but also that
+he might never know his father's unhappy end, for that would but damp
+his spirits, and perhaps force him upon ill-courses when he grew up,
+from an apprehension that people might distrust his honesty and not
+employ him. He professed himself much afflicted at the past follies of
+his life, and with an outward appearance of true penitence, died on the
+fourth of May, 1722, in the thirty-third year of his age, at Tyburn.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS REEVES, a Notorious Highwayman and Footpad
+
+
+As it is not to be denied that it is a singular blessing to a nation
+where no persecution is ever raised against persons for their religion,
+so I am confident that the late Free Thinking principles (as they have
+been called) have by their being spread amongst the vulgar, contributed
+greatly to the many frauds and villainies which have been so much
+complained of within these thirty years, and not a little to encouraging
+men in obtaining a subsistence and the gratification of their pleasures
+by rapines committed upon others rather than live in a laborious state
+of life, in which, perhaps, both their birth and circumstances concurred
+to fix them.
+
+Thomas Reeves was a very remarkable as well as very unfortunate instance
+of that depravity in moral principles of which I have been speaking. By
+his friends he was bred a tinman, his father, who was of that
+profession, taking him as an apprentice but using him with the most
+indulgent fondness and never suffering him to want anything which was in
+his power to procure for him, flattered himself with the hopes of his
+becoming a good and happy man. It happened very unfortunately for Reeves
+that he fell, when young, into the acquaintance of some sceptical
+persons who made a jest of all religion and treated both its precepts
+and its mysteries as inventions subservient to priestcraft. Such notions
+are too easily imbibed by those who are desirous to indulge their
+vicious inclinations, and Reeves being of this stamp, greedily listened
+to all discourses of such a nature.
+
+Amongst some of these companions who had cheated him out of his
+religion, he found some also inclined to practise the same freedom they
+taught, encouraged both by precept and example. Tom soon became the most
+conspicuous of the gang. His boldness and activity preferred him
+generally to be a leader in their adventures, and he had such good luck,
+in several of his first attempts, that he picked up as much as
+maintained him in that extravagant and superfluous manner of life in
+which he most of all delighted. One John Hartly was his constant
+companion in his debauches, and generally speaking an assistant in his
+crimes. Both of them in the evening of the ninth of March, 1722,
+attacked one Roger Worebington, near Shoreditch, as he was going across
+the fields on some business. Hartly gave him a blow on the head with his
+pistol, after which Reeves bid him stand, and whistling, four more of
+the gang came up, seized him, and knocked him down. They stripped him
+stark naked and carried away all his clothes, tying him hand and foot in
+a cruel manner and leaving him in a ditch hard by. However he was
+relieved, and Reeves and Hartly being soon after taken, they were both
+tried and convicted for this fact.
+
+After the passing sentence, Reeves behaved himself with much
+indifference, his own principles stuck by him, and he had so far
+satisfied himself by considering the necessity of dying, and coined a
+new religion of his own, that he never believed the soul in any danger,
+but had very extensive notions of the mercy of God, which he thought was
+too great to punish with eternal misery those souls which He had
+created. This criminal was, indeed, of a very odd temper, for sometimes
+he would both pray and read to the rest of the prisoners, and at other
+times he would talk loosely and divert them from their duty, often
+making enquiries as to curious points, and to be informed whether the
+soul went immediately into bliss or torment, or whether, as some
+Christians taught, they went through an intermediate state? All which he
+spoke of with an unconcernedness scarce to be conceived, and as it were
+rather out of curiosity than that he thought himself in any danger of
+eternal punishment hereafter.
+
+Hartly, on the other hand, was a fellow of a much softer disposition,
+showed very great fear, and looked in great confusion at the approach of
+death. He got six persons dressed in white to go to the Royal Chapel and
+petition for a pardon, he being to marry one of them in case it had been
+procured, but they failed in the attempt, and he appeared less sensible
+than ever when he found that death was not to be evaded.
+
+At the place of execution, Reeves not only preserved that resolution
+with which he had hitherto borne up against his misfortunes, but when
+the mob pushed down one of the horses that drew the cart, and it leaning
+sideways so that Reeves was thereby half hanged, to ease himself of his
+misery he sprung over at once and finished the execution.
+
+Hartly wept and lamented exceedingly his miserable condition, and the
+populace much pitied him, for he was not twenty years of age at the time
+he died; but Reeves was about twenty-eight years of age, when he
+suffered, which was at the same time with John Thomson, before
+mentioned.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of RICHARD WHITTINGHAM, a Footpad and Street robber
+
+
+Though there have been some instances of felons adhering so closely
+together as not to give up one another to Justice, even for the sake of
+saving life, yet are such instances very rare, and examples of the
+contrary very common.
+
+Richard Whittingham was a young man of very good natural inclinations,
+had he not been of too easy a temper, and ready to yield to the
+inducements of bad women. His friends had placed him as an apprentice to
+a hot-presser, with whom he lived very honestly for some time; but at
+last, the idle women with whom he conversed continually pressing him for
+money in return for their lewd favours, he was by that means drawn in to
+run away from his master, and subsist by picking pockets. In the
+prosecution of this trade, he contracted an infamous friendship with
+Jones, Applebee and Lee, three notorious villains of the same stamp,
+with whom he committed abundance of robberies in the streets, especially
+by cutting off women's pockets, and such other exploits. This, he
+pretended, was performed with great address and regularity, for he said
+that after many consultations, 'twas resolved to attack persons only in
+broad streets for the future, from whence they found it much less
+troublesome to escape than when they committed them in alleys and such
+like close places, whereupon a pursuit once begun, they seldom or never
+missed being taken. He added, that when they had determined to go out to
+plunder, each had his different post assigned him, and that while one
+laid his leg before a passenger, another gave him a jolt on the
+shoulders, and as soon as he was down a third came to their assistance,
+whereupon they immediately went to stripping and binding those who were
+so unlucky as thus to fall into their hands. Upon Applebee's being
+apprehended, and himself impeached, Whittingham withdrew to Rochester,
+with an intent to have gone out of the kingdom, but after all he could
+not prevail with himself to quit his native country.
+
+On his return to London, he fled for sanctuary to the house of his
+former master, who treated him with great kindness, supplied him with
+work, sent up his victuals privately, and did all in his power to
+conceal him. But Jones and Lee, his former companions, found means to
+discover him as they had already impeached him, and so, on their
+evidence and that of the prosecutor, he was convicted of robbing William
+Garnet, in the area of Red Lion Square, when Applebee knocked him down,
+and Jones and Lee held their hands upon his eyes, and crammed his own
+neck-cloth down his throat.
+
+When he found he was to die, he was far from behaving himself
+obstinately, but as far as his capacity would give him leave,
+endeavoured to pray, and to fit himself for his approaching dissolution.
+He had married a young wife, for whom he expressed a very tender
+affection, and seemed more cast down with the thoughts of those miseries
+to which she would be exposed by his death, than he was at what he
+himself was to suffer.
+
+During the time he lay in the condemned hold, he complained often of the
+great interruptions those under sentence of death met with from some
+prisoners who were confined underneath, and who, through the crevice,
+endeavoured as usual, by talking to them lewdly and profanely, to
+disturb them even in their last moments. At the place of execution he
+wept bitterly, and seemed to be much affrighted at death and very sorry
+for his having committed those crimes which brought him thither. He was
+but nineteen years old when he suffered, which was on the 21st of May,
+1722.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES BOOTY, a Ravisher
+
+
+Such is the present depravity of human nature that we have sometimes
+instances of infant criminals and children meriting death by their
+crimes, before they know or can be expected to know how to do anything
+to live. Perhaps there was never a stronger instance of this than in
+James Booty, of whom we are now speaking. He was a boy rather without
+capacity than obstinate, whose inclinations, one would have expected,
+could hardly have attained to that pitch of wickedness in thought, which
+it appeared both by evidence and his own confessions, he had actually
+practised. His father was a peruke-maker in Holborn, and not in so bad
+circumstances but that he could have afforded him a tolerable education,
+if he had not been snatched away by death. Thus his son was left to the
+care of his mother, who put him to a cabinet-maker, where he might have
+been bound apprentice if the unhappy accident (for so indeed I think it
+may be called) had not intervened. It seemed his master had taken a
+cousin of his, a girl of about fifteen or somewhat more, for a servant.
+This girl went into the workshop where the boy lay, under pretence of
+mending his coat, which he had torn by falling upon a hook as he
+stumbled over the well of the stairs; but instead of darning the hole,
+she went to bed to the boy, put out the candle, and gave him the foul
+distemper.
+
+Not knowing what was the matter with him, but finding continual pains in
+his body, he made a shift at last to learn the cause from some of the
+workmen. Not daring to trust even his mother with what was the matter
+with him, instead of applying to a proper person to be cured, he
+listened as attentively as he could to all discourses about that
+distemper, which happened frequently enough amongst his master's
+journeymen. There he heard some of the foolish fellows say that lying
+with any person who was sound would cure those who were in such a
+condition. The extreme anguish of body he was in excited him to try the
+experiment, and he injured no less than four or five children, between
+four years old and six, before he committed that act for which he was
+executed.
+
+He one day carried his master's daughter, Anne Milton, a girl of but
+five years and two months old, to the top of the house, and there with
+great violence abused her and gave her the foul disease. The parents
+were not long before they made the discovery of it, and the child
+telling them what Booty had done to her, they sent for a surgeon who
+examined him, and found him in a very sad condition with venereal
+disease. Upon this he was taken up and committed to Newgate, and upon
+very full evidence was convicted at the next sessions, and received
+sentence of death; from which time to the day before he was executed, he
+was afflicted with so violent a fever as to have little or no sense. But
+then coming to himself, he expressed a confused sense of religion and
+penitence, desired to be instructed how to go to Heaven, and showed
+evident marks of his inclination to do anything which might be for the
+good of his soul.
+
+At the place of execution he wept and looked dejected, said his mother
+had sought diligently for the wench who did him the injury, and was the
+cause of his doing it to so many others; but that although the girl was
+known to live in Westminster after she left his master, yet his mother
+was never able to find her. Thus was this young creature removed from
+the world by an ignominious death at Tyburn, on the 21st May, 1722,
+being then somewhat above fifteen years old.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS BUTLOCK, _alias_ BUTLOGE, a Thief
+
+
+The foolish pride of wearing fine clothes and making a figure has
+certainly undone many ordinary people, both by making them live beyond
+what their labour or trade would allow, and by inducing them to take
+illegal methods to procure money for that purpose.
+
+Thomas Butlock, otherwise Butloge, which last was his true name, was
+born in the kingdom of Ireland, about thirty miles east of Dublin,
+whither his parents had gone from Cheshire (which was their native
+country) with a gentleman on whom they had a great dependence, and who
+was settled in Ireland. Though their circumstances were but indifferent,
+yet they found means to raise as much as put their son apprentice to a
+vintner in Dublin, and probably, had he ever set up in that business
+they would have done more. But he had not been long ere what little
+education he had was lost, and his morals corrupted by the sight of such
+lewd scenes as passed often in his master's house. However the man was
+very kind to him, and in return Thomas had so great esteem and affection
+for his master that when he broke and come over to hide himself at
+Chester, Butloge frequently stole over to him with small supplies of
+money and acquainted him with the condition of his family, which he had
+left behind.
+
+In this precarious manner of life, he spent some time, until finding it
+impossible for him to subsist any longer by following his master's
+broken fortunes, he began to lay out for some new employment to get his
+bread. But after various projects had proved unsuccessful when they came
+to be executed, he was forced to return into Ireland again, where not
+long after, he had the good fortune to marry a substantial man's
+daughter which retrieved his circumstances once more.
+
+But Butloge had always, as he expressed it, an aspiring temper, which
+put him upon crossing the seas again upon the invitation of a gentleman
+who, he pretended was a relation, and belonged to the Law, by whose
+interest he was in hopes of getting into a place. Accordingly, when he
+came to London, he took lodgings and lived as if he was already in
+possession of his expectation, which bringing his pocket low, he
+accepted the service of Mr. Claude Langley, a foreign gentleman, who had
+lodged in the same house. It cannot be exactly determined how long he
+had been in his service before he had committed the fact for which he
+died, but as to the manner it happened thus.
+
+Mr. Langley, as well as all the rest of the family, being out at church,
+Butloge was sitting by himself in his master's room, looking at the
+drawers, and knowing that there was a good sum of ready money therein.
+It then came into his head what a figure he might cut if he had all that
+money. It occurred to him, at the same time, that his master was scarce
+able to speak any English, and was obliged to go over to France again in
+a month's time; so that he persuaded himself that if he could keep out
+of the way for that month, all would be well, and he should be able to
+live upon the spoil, without any apprehension of danger. These
+considerations took up his mind for half an hour; then he put his scheme
+into execution, broke open the drawers and took from thence twenty-seven
+guineas, four _louis d'ors_, and some other French pieces. As soon as he
+completed the robbery, and was got safe out of town, he went directly to
+Chester, that he might appear fine (as he himself said) at a place where
+he was known. His precaution being so little, there is no wonder that he
+was taken, or that the fact appearing plain, he should be convicted
+thereon.
+
+After sentence was passed, he laid aside all hopes of life, and without
+flattering himself as too many do, he prepared for his approaching end.
+Whatever follies he might have committed in his life, yet he suffered
+very composedly on the 22nd day of July, 1722, being then about
+twenty-three years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of NATHANIEL JACKSON, a Highwayman
+
+
+The various dispositions of men make frequent differences in their
+progress, either in virtue or vice; some being disposed to cultivate
+this or that branch of their duty with peculiar diligence, and others,
+again, plunging themselves in some immoralities they have no taste for.
+
+But as for this unfortunate criminal, Nathaniel Jackson, he seemed to
+have swept all impurities with a drag net, and to have habituated
+himself to nothing but wickedness from his cradle. He was the son of a
+person of some fortune at Doncaster, in Yorkshire, who died when his son
+Nat was very young, but not, however, till he had given him some
+education. He was bound by a friend, in whose hands his father left his
+fortune, to a silk-weaver at Norwich, with whom he lived about three
+years; but his master restraining his extravagancies, and taking great
+pains to keep him within the bounds of moderation, Jackson at last grew
+so uneasy that he ran away from his master, and absconded for some time.
+But his guardian at last hearing where he was, wrote to him, and advised
+him to purchase some small place with his fortune, whereon he might live
+with economy, since he perceived he would do no good in trade. Jackson
+despised this advice, and instead of thinking of settling, got into the
+Army, and with a regiment of dragoons went over into Ireland.
+
+There he indulged himself in all the vices and lusts to which he was
+prone, living in all those debaucheries to which the meanest and most
+licentious of the common soldiers are addicted; but he more especially
+gave himself up to lewdness and the conversation of women. This, as it
+led him into abundance of inconveniences, so at last it engaged him in a
+quarrel with one of his comrades which ended in a duel. Jackson had the
+advantage of his antagonist and hacked and wounded him in a most cruel
+manner. For this, his officers broke him, and he thereby lost the
+fifteen guineas which he had given to be admitted into the troop; and as
+men are always apt to be angry with punishment, however justly they
+receive it, so Jackson imputed his being cashiered to the officers'
+covetousness, the crime he had committed passing in his own imagination
+for a very trivial action.
+
+Having from this accident a new employment to seek, he came over to his
+guardian and stayed with him a while. But growing very soon weary of
+those restraints which were put upon him there, as he had done at those
+under his Norwich master, he soon fell into his old courses, got into an
+acquaintance with lewd women and drunken fellows, with whom he often
+stayed out all night at the most notorious bawdy houses. This making a
+great noise, his friends remonstrated in the strongest terms, pointing
+out to him the wrong he did himself; but finding all their persuasions
+ineffectual, they told him plainly he must remove. Upon this he came up
+to London, not without receiving considerable presents from his so much
+abused friends.
+
+The town was an ill place to amend a man who came into it with
+dispositions like his. On the contrary, he found still more
+opportunities for gratifying his lustful inclinations than at any time
+before, and these lewd debaucheries having reduced him quickly to the
+last extremity, he was in a fair way to be prevailed on to take any
+method to gain money. He was in these said circumstances when he met
+accidentally with John Morphew, an old companion of his in Ireland, and
+soon after, as they were talking together, they fell upon one O'Brian in
+a footman's garb, also their acquaintance in Ireland.
+
+He invited them both to go with him to the camp in Hyde Park, and at a
+sutler's tent there, treated them with as much as they would drink. When
+he had paid the reckoning, turning about, _d'ye see, boys_, says he,
+_how full my pockets are of money? Come, I'll teach you to fill yours,
+if you are but men of courage._ Upon this out they walked towards
+Hampstead, between which place and St. Pancras they met one Dennet, whom
+they robbed and stripped, taking from him a coat and a waistcoat, two
+shirts, some hair, thirteen pence in money, and other things. This did
+not make O'Brian's promise good, all they got being but of
+inconsiderable value, but it cost poor Jackson his life, though he and
+Morphew had saved Dennet's when O'Brian would have killed him to prevent
+discoveries; for Jackson being not long after apprehended, was convicted
+of the fact, but O'Brian, having timely notice of his commitment, made
+his escape into Ireland.
+
+As soon as sentence was passed, Jackson thought of nothing but how to
+prepare himself for another world, there being no probability that
+interest his friends could make to save him. He made a very ingenious
+confession of all he knew, and seemed perfectly easy and resigned to
+that end which the Law had appointed for those who, like him, had
+injured society. He was about thirty years old at the time of his death,
+which was on the 18th of July, 1722, at Tyburn.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES, _alias_ VALENTINE CARRICK, a Notorious Highwayman and
+Street Robber
+
+
+Though it has become a very common and fashionable opinion that honour
+may supply the place of piety, and thereby preserve a morality more
+beneficial to society than religion, yet if we would allow experience to
+decide, it will be no very difficult matter to prove that when persons
+have once given way to certain vices (which in the polite style pass
+under the denomination of pleasures) rather than forego them they will
+quickly acquire that may put it in their power to enjoy them, though
+obtained at the rate of perpetrating the most ignominious offences. If
+there had not been too much truth in this observation we should hardly
+find in the list of criminals persons who, like James Carrick, have had
+a liberal education, and were not meanly descended, bringing themselves
+to the most miserable of all states and reflecting dishonour upon those
+from whom they were descended.
+
+This unfortunate person was the son of an Irish gentleman, who lived not
+far from Dublin, and whom we must believe to have been a man of
+tolerable fortune, since he provided as well for all his children as to
+make even this, who was his youngest, an ensign. James was a perfect boy
+at the time when his commission required him to quit Ireland to repair
+to Spain, whither, a little before, the regiment wherein he was to serve
+had been commanded. As he had performed his duty towards the rest of his
+children, the father was more than ordinarily fond of this his youngest,
+whom therefore he equipped in a manner rather beyond that capacity in
+which he was to appear upon his arrival at the army. In his person James
+was a very beautiful well-shaped young man, of a middle size, and
+something more than ordinarily genteel in his appearance, as his father
+had taken care to supply him abundantly for his expenses; so when he
+came into Spain he spent his money as freely as any officer of twice his
+pay. His tent was the constant rendezvous of all the beaux who were at
+that time in the camp, and whenever the army were in quarters, nobody
+was handsomer, or made a better figure than Mr. Carrick.
+
+Though we are very often disposed to laugh at those stories for fictions
+which carry in them anything very different from what we see in daily
+experience, yet as the materials I have for this unfortunate man's life
+happen both to be full and very exact, I shall not scruple mentioning
+some of his adventures, which I am persuaded will neither be unpleasant,
+nor incapable of improving my readers.
+
+The regiment in which Carrick served was quartered at Barcelona, after
+the taking of that place by the English troops[19] who supported the
+title of the present Emperor to the crown of Spain. The inhabitants were
+not only civil, but to the last degree courteous to the English, for
+whom they always preserved a greater esteem than for any other nation.
+Carrick, therefore, had frequent opportunities for making himself known
+and getting into an acquaintance with some of the Spanish cavaliers, who
+were in the interest of King Charles. Amongst these was Don Raphael de
+Ponto, a man of fortune and family amongst the Catalans, but, as is
+usual with the Spaniards, very amorous and continually employed in some
+intrigue or other. He was mightily pleased with Carrick's humour, and
+conceived for him a friendship, in which the Spaniards are perhaps more
+constant and at the same time more zealous, than any other nation in
+Europe. As Carrick had been bred a Roman Catholic and always continued
+so, notwithstanding his professing the contrary to those in the Army, so
+he made no scruple of going to Mass with his Spanish friend, which
+passed with the English officers only as a piece of complaisance.
+
+Vespers was generally the time when Don Raphael and his English
+companion used to make their appointments with the ladies, and therefore
+they were very punctual at those devotions, from a spirit which too
+often takes up young minds. It happened one evening, when after the
+Spanish custom they were thus gone forth in quest of adventures, a
+duenna slipped into Don Raphael's hand a note, by which he was appointed
+to come under such a window near the convent, in the street of St.
+Thomas, when the bell of the convent rang in the evening, and was
+desired to bring his friend, if he were not afraid of a Spanish lady.
+Don Raphael immediately acquainted his friend, who you may be sure was
+ready to obey the summons.
+
+When the hour came, and the convent bell rang, our sparks, wrapped up in
+their cloaks, slipped to their posts under a balcony. They did not wait
+long there, before the same woman who delivered the note to Don Raphael
+made her appearance at the window, and throwing down another little
+billet, exhorted them to be patient a little, and they should not lose
+their labour. The lovers waited quiet enough for about a quarter of an
+hour, when the old woman slipped down, and opened a door behind them, at
+which our sparks entered with great alacrity. The old woman conduced
+them into a very handsome apartment above stairs, where they were
+received by two young ladies, as beautiful as they could have wished
+them. Compliments are not much used on such occasions in Spain, and
+these gentlemen, therefore, did not make many before they were for
+coming to the point with the ladies, when of a sudden they heard a great
+noise upon the stairs, and as such adventures make all men cautious in
+Spain, they immediately left the ladies, and retiring towards the
+window, drew their swords. They had hardly clapped their backs against
+it, before the noise on the stairs ceasing, they felt the floor tremble
+under their feet, and at last giving way, they both fell into a dark
+room underneath, where without any other noise than their fall had made,
+they were disarmed, gagged and bound by some persons placed there for
+that purpose. When the rogues had finished their search, and taken away
+everything that was valuable about them, even to ripping the gold lace
+off Carrick's clothes, they let them lie there for a considerable time,
+and at last removed them in two open chests to the middle of the great
+marketplace, where they left them to wait for better fortune. They had
+not remained there above a quarter of an hour, before Carrick's sergeant
+went the rounds with a file of musketeers. Carrick hearing his voice,
+made as much noise as he was able, and that bringing the sergeant and
+his men to the place where they were set, their limbs and mouths were
+immediately released from bondage.
+
+The morning following, as soon as Carrick was up, the Spanish
+gentleman's major domo came to wait upon him, and told him that his
+master being extremely ill, had desired him to make his compliments to
+his English friend in order to supply the defects of the letter he sent
+him, which by reason of his indisposition was very short. Having said
+this, the Spaniard presented him with a letter, and a little parcel,
+and then withdrew. Carrick did not know what to make of all this, but as
+soon as the stranger was withdrawn, opened his packet in order to
+discover what it contained. He found in it a watch, a diamond ring, and
+a note on a merchant for two hundred pieces-of-eight, which was the sum
+Carrick (to make himself look great) said he had lost by the accident.
+The note at the same time informing him that Don Raphael de Ponto
+thought it but just to restore to him what he had lost by accompanying
+him in the former night's adventures.
+
+After Carrick returned into England, though he had no longer his
+commission, or indeed any other way of living, yet he could not lay
+aside those vices in which hitherto he had indulged himself. When he had
+any money he entertained a numerous train of the most abandoned women of
+the town, and had also intrigues at the same time with some of the
+highest rank of those prostitutes. To the latter he applied himself when
+his pocket first began to grow low, and they supplied him as long, and
+as far as they were able. But, alas! their contributions went but a
+little way towards supporting his expenses. Happening about that time to
+fall into an acquaintance with Smith, his countryman, after a serious
+consultation on ways and means to support their manner of living, they
+came at last to a resolution of taking a purse on the road, and joined
+company soon afterwards with Butler, another Irish robber, who was
+executed some time before them on the evidence of this very Carrick.
+When Carrick's elder brother heard of this in Ireland, he wrote to him
+in the most moving terms, beseeching him to consider the sad end to
+which he was running headlong, and the shame and ignominy with which he
+covered his family and friends, exhorting him at the same time not to
+cast away all hopes of doing well, but to think of returning to Dublin,
+where he assured him he would meet him, and provide handsomely for him,
+notwithstanding all that was past.
+
+But Carrick little regarded this good advice, or the kind overtures made
+him by his brother. No sooner had he procured his liberty but he
+returned to his old profession, and committed a multitude of robberies
+on Finchley Common, Hounslow and Bagshot Heaths, spending all the money
+he got on women of the town, at the gaming table, and in fine clothes,
+which last was the thing in which he seemed most to delight. But money
+not coming in very quick by these methods, he with Molony, Carrol and
+some others of his countrymen, began to rob in the streets, and by that
+means got great sums of money. They continued this practice for a long
+space of time with safety, but being one night out in Little Queen
+Street, by Lincoln's Inn Fields, between one and two in the morning they
+stopped a chair in which was the Hon. William Young, Esq., from whom
+they took a gold watch, valued at £50, a sword, and forty guineas in
+money. Carrick thrust his pistol into the chair, Carrol watched at a
+distance, while Molony, perceiving the gentleman hesitate a little in
+delivering, said with a stern voice, _Your money, sir! Do you trifle?_
+It was a very short time after the commission of this robbery that both
+he and his companion Molony were taken, Carrol making a timely escape to
+his native kingdom. While James Carrick remained in Newgate, his
+behaviour was equally singular and indecent, for he affected to pass his
+time with the same gaiety in his last moments as he had spent it in the
+former part of his days.
+
+Throngs of people, as it is but too much the custom, came to see him in
+Newgate, to whom, as if he had intended that they should not lose their
+curiosity, he told all the adventures of his life, with the same air and
+gaiety as if he had been relating them at some gaming ordinaries. This
+being told about town, drew still greater heaps of company upon him,
+which he received with the same pleasantness; by which means he daily
+increased them, and by that means the gain of the keepers at Newgate,
+who took money to show him. Upon this he said to them merrily one day:
+_You pay, good folks, for seeing me now, but if you had suspended your
+curiosity 'till I went to Tyburn, you might have seen me for nothing._
+This was the manner in which he talked and lived even to the last,
+conversing until the time of his death with certain loose women who had
+been his former favourites, and whom no persuasions could engage him to
+banish from his presence while he yet had eyes, and could behold them in
+his sight.
+
+At the place of execution, where it often happens that the most daring
+offenders drop that resolution on which they foolishly value themselves,
+Carrick failed not in the least. He gave himself genteel airs (as Mr.
+Purney, the then Ordinary, phrases it) in placing the rope about his
+neck, smiled and bowed to everybody he knew round him, and continued
+playing a hundred little tricks of the same odd nature, until the very
+instant the cart drove away, declaring himself to be a Roman Catholic,
+and that he was persuaded he had made his peace with God in his own way.
+In this temper he finished his life at Tyburn, on the 18th of July,
+1722, being then about twenty-seven years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [19] This was in 1705, by an expedition commanded by the Earl
+        of Peterborough.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of John MOLONY, a Highwayman and Street Robber
+
+
+John Molony was an Irishman likewise, born at Dublin and sent to sea
+when very young. He served in the fleets which during the late Queen's
+reign sailed into the Mediterranean, and happening to be on board a ship
+which was lost, he with some other sailors, was called to a very strict
+account for that misfortune, upon some presumption that they were
+accessory thereto. Afterwards he sailed in a vessel of war which was
+fitted out against the pirates, and had therein so good luck that if his
+inclinations had been honest, he might certainly have settled very
+handsomely in the world. But that was far from his intention; he liked a
+seaman's pleasures, drinking and gaming, and when on shore, lewd women,
+the certain methods of being brought to such ways of getting money as
+end in a shameful death.
+
+When abroad, his adventures were not many, because he had little
+opportunity of going on shore, yet one happened in Sicily which made a
+very great impression upon him, and which it may not therefore be
+improper to relate. There were two merchants at Palermo, both young men,
+and perfectly skilled in the arts of traffic; they had had a very
+liberal education, and had been constant friends and companions
+together. The intimacy they had so long continued was cemented by their
+marriage with two sisters. They lived very happily for the space of
+about two years, and in all probability might have continued to do so
+much longer, had not the duenna who attended one of their wives, died,
+and a new one been put in her place. Not knowing the young ladies'
+brothers, upon their speaking to them at Church, she gave notice of it
+to the husband of her whom she attended, and he immediately posting to
+his neighbour, the woman told them both that their wives,
+notwithstanding all she could say, were talking to two well-dressed
+cavaliers, which the duenna who waited on the other, notwithstanding the
+duties of her post, saw without taking any notice. This so exasperated
+the jealousy of the Sicilians that without more ado they ran to the
+church, and meeting with their spouses coming out from thence with an
+air of gaiety, seized them, and stabbed them dead with a little dagger,
+which for that purpose each had concealed under his coat. Then flying
+into the church for sanctuary, they discovered their mistake, when one
+of them, seized with fury at the loss of a wife of whom he was so
+extravagantly fond, stabbed the other, though not mortally, and with
+many repeated wounds murdered the duenna, whose rash error had been the
+occasion of spilling so much blood.
+
+Upon Molony's return to England, he was totally out of all business,
+and minded nothing but haunting the gaming tables, living on the
+charity of his fortunate countrymen when his luck was bad, and relieving
+them, in turn, when he had a favourable run at dice. It was at one of
+these houses that he became acquainted with Carrick, and the likeness of
+their tempers creating a great intimacy, after a short knowledge of one
+another they joined with Carrol, a fellow as wicked as themselves, but
+much more cruel, and were all concerned in that robbery for which
+Carrick and Molony died.
+
+When these two criminals came to be tried at the Old Bailey, their
+behaviour was equally ludicrous, silly and indecent; affecting to rally
+the evidence that was produced against them, and to make the people
+smile at their premeditated bulls. Carrick, was a lean, fair man, and
+stood at the left hand corner of the bar; Molony was a larger built man,
+who wore a browner wig. Carrick took occasion to ask Mr. Young, when he
+stood up to give his evidence, which side of the chair it was he stood
+on, when he robbed him. Mr. Young answered him, that he stood on the
+right side. _Why now, what a lie that is_, returned Carrick, _you know
+Molony, I stood on the left._ Before the people recovered themselves
+from laughing at this, Molony asked him what coloured wig he took him to
+have on at the time the robbery was committed; being answered it was
+much the same colour with that he had on then, _There's another story_,
+quoth Molony, _you know, Carrick, I changed wigs with you that morning,
+and wore it all day._
+
+Yet after sentence was passed, Molony laid aside all airs of gaiety, and
+seemed to be thoroughly convinced he had mistaken the true path of
+happiness. He did not care to see company, treated the Ordinary civilly
+when he spoke to him, though he professed himself a Papist, and was
+visited by a clergymen of that Church.
+
+As he was going to the place of execution, he still looked graver and
+mote concerned; though he did not fall into those agonies of sighing and
+tears as some do, but seemed to bear his miserable state with great
+composedness and resignation, saying he had repented as well as he could
+in the short time allowed him, suffering the same day with the two last
+mentioned malefactors.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS WILSON, a Notorious Footpad
+
+
+It happens so commonly in the world, that I am persuaded that none of my
+readers but must have remarked that there is a certain settled and
+stupid obstinacy in some tempers which renders them capable of
+persevering in any act, how wicked and villainous soever, without
+either reluctancy at the time of its commission, or a capacity of
+humbling themselves so far as to acknowledge and ask pardon for their
+offences when detected or discovered. Of this rugged disposition was the
+criminal we are now to speak of.
+
+Thomas Wilson was born of parents not in the worst of circumstances, in
+the neighbourhood of London. They educated him both in respect of
+learning and other things as well as their capacity would give them
+leave; but Thomas, far from making that use of it that they desired,
+addicted himself wholly to ill practices, that is to idleness, and those
+little crimes of spoiling others, and depriving them of their property,
+which an evil custom has made pass for trivial offences in England. But
+it seems the parents of Wilson did not think so, but both reprimanded
+him and corrected him severely whenever he robbed orchards, or any other
+such like feats as passed for instances of a quick spirit and ingenuity
+in children with less honest and religious parents.
+
+But these restraints grew quickly so grievous to Thomas's temper, that
+he, observing that his parents, notwithstanding their correction, were
+really fond of him, bethought himself of a method of conquering their
+dislike to his recreations. Therefore stealing away from his home, he
+rambled for a considerable space in the world, subsisting wholly upon
+such methods as he had before used for his recreation. But this project
+was so far from taking effect, that his parents, finding him
+incorrigible, looked very coldly upon him, and instead of fondling him
+the more for this act of disobedience, treated him as one whom they
+foresaw would be a disgrace to their family and of whom they had now
+very little or no hope.
+
+Wilson perceiving this, out of the natural sourness of his temper
+resolved to abandon them totally, which he did, and went to sea without
+their consent or notice. But men of his cast being very ill-suited to
+that employment, where the strictest obedience is required towards those
+who are in command, Wilson soon brought himself into very unhappy
+circumstances by his moroseness and ill-behaviour; for though he was but
+thirteen when he went to sea, and never made but one voyage to the
+Baltic, yet in that space he was fourteen times whipped and pickled and
+six times hung by the heels and lashed for the villainies he committed
+on the ship.
+
+Upon this return into England, he was so thoroughly mortified by this
+treatment that he went home to his friends, and as far as his surly
+humour would give him leave, made his submission and promised more
+obedience and better behaviour for the future. They then took him in,
+and were in some hopes that they should now reclaim him. Accordingly
+they placed him with a sawyer, by Fleet Ditch, which at his first coming
+to the business seemed to him to be a much lighter work than that he had
+endured in the space of his being at sea. He served four years honestly,
+indeed, and with as much content as a person of his unsettled mind could
+enjoy in any state; but at the end of that space, good usage had so far
+spoiled him that he longed to be at liberty again, though at the expense
+of another sea voyage. Accordingly, leaving his master, he went away
+again on board of a merchantman bound for the Straits. During the time
+which the ship lay in port for her loading, he contracted some distemper
+from the heat of the country, and his immoderate love of its wine and
+the fruits that grow there. These brought him very low, and he falling
+at the same time into company of some bad women, made an addition to his
+former ails by adding one of the worst and most painful of all
+distempers to the miseries he before endured.
+
+In this miserable condition, more like a ghost than a man, he shipped
+himself at last for England in a vessel, the captain of which out of
+charity gave him his passage home. The air of that climate in which he
+was born, recovered him to a miracle. Soon after which being, I suppose,
+cured also of those maladies which had attended the Spanish women's
+favours, he fell in love with a very honest industrious young woman, and
+quickly prevailed with her to marry him. But her friends discovering
+what a profligate life he led, resolved she should not share in the
+misfortunes such a measure would be sure to draw upon him, wherefore
+they took her away from him. How crabbed soever this malefactor might be
+towards others, yet so affectionately fond was he of his wife that the
+taking of her away made him not only uneasy and melancholy, but drove
+him also into distraction. To relieve his grief, at first he betook
+himself to those companies that afterwards led him to the courses which
+brought on his death, and in almost all the villainies he committed
+afterwards he was hardly ever sober, so much did the loss of his wife,
+and the remorse of his course of the life he led affect him, whenever he
+allowed himself coolly to reflect thereon.
+
+The crew he had engaged himself in were the most notorious and the most
+cruel footpads which for many years had infested the road. The robberies
+they committed were numerous and continual, and the manner in which they
+perpetrated them base and inhuman. For, seldom going out with pistols
+(the sight of which serves often to terrify passengers out of their
+money, without offering them any other injury than what arises from
+their own apprehensions) these villains provided themselves with large
+sticks, loaded at the end with lead; with these, from behind a hedge,
+they were able to knock down passengers as they walked along the road,
+and then starting from their covert, easily plunder and bind them if
+they thought proper. They had carried on this detestable practice for a
+long space in almost all those roads which lead to the little villages
+whither people go for pleasure from the hurry and noise of London.
+
+Amongst many other robberies which they committed, it happened that in
+the road to Bow they met a footman, whom without speaking to, they
+knocked down as soon as they had passed him. The fellow was so stunned
+with the fall, and so frighted with their approach, that be made not the
+least resistance while they took away his money and his watch, stripped
+him of his hat and wig, his waistcoat and a pair of silver buckles; but
+when one of them perceiving a ring of some value upon his finger, went
+to tear it off, he begged him in the most moving terms to leave it,
+because it had been given to him by his lady, who would never forgive
+the loss of it. However it happened, he who first went to take it off,
+seemed to relent at the fellow's repeated entreaties, but Wilson
+catching hold of the fellow's hand, dragged it off at once, saying at
+the same time, _Sirrah, I suppose you are your lady's stallion, and the
+ring comes as honestly to us as it did to you._
+
+A few days after this adventure, Wilson being got very drunk, thought he
+would go out on the road himself, in hopes of acquiring a considerable
+booty without being obliged to share it with his companions. He had not
+walked above half an hour, before he overtook a man laden with several
+little glazed pots and other things, which being tied up in a cloth, he
+had hung upon the end of a stick and carried on his shoulder. Wilson
+coming behind him with one of those loaded sticks that I have mentioned,
+knocked him down by the side of the ditch, and immediately secured his
+bundle. But attempting to rifle him farther, his foot slipped, he being
+very full of liquor, and he tumbled backwards into the ditch. The poor
+man took that opportunity to get up and run away, and so soon as he
+could recover himself, Wilson retreated to one of those evil houses that
+entertain such people, in order to see what great purchase he had got;
+but upon opening the cloth, he was not a little out of humour at finding
+four pots, each filled with a pound of rappee snuff, and as many galley
+pots of scented pomatum.
+
+Some nights after this expedition, he and one of his companions went out
+on the like errand, and had not been long in the fields before they
+perceived one Mr. Cowell, near Islington. Wilson's companion immediately
+resolved to attack him, but Wilson himself was struck with such a
+terror that he begged him to desist, from an apprehension that the man
+knew him; but that not prevailing with his associate, they robbed him of
+a hat and wig, and about a shilling in money. Wilson was quickly
+apprehended, but his companion having notice thereof, saved himself by a
+flight into Holland. At the ensuing sessions Wilson was indicted, not
+only for this fact, but for many others of a like nature, to all of
+which he immediately pleaded guilty, declaring that as he had done few
+favours to mankind, so he would never expect any.
+
+After sentence of death was pronounced upon him, he laid aside much of
+his stubbornness, and not only applied himself to the duties of religion
+which are recommended to persons in his unhappy condition to practice,
+but also offered to make any discoveries he was able which might tend to
+satisfying the Justice of his country or the benefit of society. In
+pursuance of which he wrote a paper, which he delivered with much
+ceremony at the place of execution, and which though penned in none of
+the best styles, I have yet thought convenient to annex in his own
+words.
+
+Being questioned with respect of several of his companions who are very
+well known, but whom, notwithstanding all the search had been made after
+them, no discovery could be made so as they might be apprehended and
+brought to justice, Wilson declared that as for three of the most
+notorious, they had made their escape into Holland some time before he
+was apprehended; two others were in Newgate for trivial offences, and
+another (whom he would not name) was retired into Warwickshire, had
+married there, and led a very honest and industrious life.
+
+At the place of execution he seemed less daunted than any of the
+malefactors who suffered with him, showed himself several times by
+standing up to the spectators, before the rope was fastened about his
+neck, and told them that he hoped they would give no credit to any
+spurious accounts which might be published of him; because whatever he
+thought might be necessary for them to know, he had digested in a paper
+which he had delivered the Sunday before he died, in order to be
+communicated to the public. He added, that since he had been in the
+cart, he had been informed that one Phelps had been committed to Newgate
+for a robbery mentioned by him in his paper. He said, as he was a dying
+man, he knew nothing of Phelps, and that he was not in any manner
+whatsoever concerned in that robbery for which he had been apprehended.
+He then put the rope about his neck, and submitted to his death with
+great resolution, being then about twenty years of age, and the day he
+suffered the 26th of July, 1722.
+
+The Paper delivered by the above mentioned criminal the day before his
+execution.
+
+    I, Thomas Wilson, desire it may be known that I was in a horse-way
+    that lies between Highgate and Hornsey, where meeting a man and a
+    woman, they enquired the way to Upper Holloway. We directed them
+    across the fields; meantime we drank two pints of ale to hearten us,
+    then followed them, and robbed them of two shillings and some half
+    pence, the woman's apron, her hat and coloured handkerchief. We left
+    them without misusing them, though there were thoughts of doing it.
+    My companion that robbed with me is gone to Holland upon hearing I
+    was taken up, though I should not have impeached him, but his
+    friends lived in Holland. Another robbery we committed was by a barn
+    in the footpath near Pancras Church of a hat and tie-wig, and cane,
+    and some goods he was carrying, but we heard he had a considerable
+    sum of money about him; but he ran away and I ran after him, but I
+    being drunk he escaped, and I was glad to get off safe. We robbed
+    two other men near Copenhagen House of a coat and waistcoat. I
+    committed many street robberies about Lincoln's Inn. For these and
+    for all other sins, I pray God and Man to pardon me, especially for
+    shooting the pistol off before Justice Perry, at my friend's
+    adversary, and am very glad I did not kill him.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of ROBERT WILKINSON and JAMES LINCOLN, Murderers and Footpads
+
+
+Robert Wilkinson, like abundance of other unhappy young men, contracted
+in his youth a liking to idleness, and an aversion to all sorts of work
+and labour, and applied himself for a livelihood hardly to anything that
+was honest. The only employment he ever pretended to was that of a prize
+fighter or boxer at Hockley-in-the-Hole,[20] where, as a fellow of
+prodigious dexterity, though low in stature, and very small limbed, he
+was much taken notice of. And as is usual for persons who have long
+addicted themselves to such a way of living, he had contracted an
+inhumanity of temper which made him little concerned at the greatest
+miseries be saw others suffer, and even regardless of what might happen
+to himself. The set of villains into whose society he had joined
+himself, viz., Carrick who was executed, Carrol who made his escape into
+Ireland, Lincoln of whom we shall speak afterwards, Shaw and Burridge
+before mentioned, and William Lock, perpetrated together a prodigious
+number of villainies often attended with cruel and bloody acts.
+
+Some of these fellows, it seems, valued themselves much on the ferocity
+they exerted in the war they carried on against the rest of mankind,
+amongst which Wilkinson might be justly reckoned, being ever ready to
+second any bloody proposal, and as unwilling to comply with any
+good-natured one. An instance of this happened in the case of two
+gentlemen whom Shaw, he and Burridge attacked near Highgate. Not
+contented with robbing them of about forty shillings, their watches and
+whatever else about 'em was valuable, Wilkinson, after they were
+dismounted, knocked one of them into a ditch, where he would have
+strangled him with his hand if one of his comrades had not hindered him.
+The man pleaded all the while the other held him, that he was without
+arms, incapable of making any resistance, and that it was equally base
+and barbarous to injure him, who neither could, nor would attempt to
+pursue him. Though this fact was very fully proved, yet Wilkinson
+strongly denied it, as indeed he did almost everything, though nothing
+was more notorious than that he had lived by these wicked courses for a
+very considerable time.
+
+Having had occasion to mention this gang with whom Wilkinson was
+concerned, it may not be improper to acquaint my readers with an
+adventure of one Calhagan and Disney, two Irish robbers of the same
+crew. One of them had persuaded a gentleman's housekeeper, of about
+thirty-five, that he was extremely in love with her, passing at the same
+time for a gentleman of fortune in the kingdom of Ireland, the brogue
+being too strong upon his tongue for him to deny his country. He met her
+frequently, and made her not a few visits, even at her master's house,
+taking care all the while to keep up the greatest form of ceremony, as
+though to a person whom he designed to make his wife. His companion
+attended on him with great respect as his tutor or gentleman, appearing
+at first very much dissatisfied with his making his addresses to a woman
+so much beneath him, but as the affair went on pretending to be so much
+taken with her wit, prudence and genteel behaviour, that he said his
+master had made an excellent choice, and advised him to delay his
+marriage no longer than till he had settled his affairs with his
+guardian, naming as such a certain noble lord of unquestioned character
+and honour. These pretences prevailing on the credulity of an old maid,
+who like most of her species was fond of the company of young fellows,
+and in raptures at the thoughts of a lover, she thought it a prodigious
+long while till these accounts were made up, enquiring wherever she
+went, when such a lord would come to town. She heard, at last, with
+great satisfaction, that he would certainly come over from Ireland that
+summer.
+
+The family in which she lived, going out of town as usual, left her in
+charge of the house; as there was nobody but herself and an under maid,
+her lover often visited her, and at last told her that on such a day my
+Lord had appointed to settle his affairs and to deliver up all his
+trust. The evening of this day, the gentleman and his tutor came and
+brought with them a bundle of papers and parchments, which they
+pretended were the instruments which had been signed on this occasion.
+After making merry with the housekeeper and the maid on a supper which
+they had sent from the tavern, the elder of them at last pulls out his
+watch, and said, _Come, 'tis time to do business, 'tis almost one
+o'clock._ Upon which the other arose, seized the housekeeper, to whom he
+had so long paid his addresses, and clapped an ivory gag into her mouth,
+while his companion did the same thing by the other. Then putting out
+all the candles, having first put one into a dark lanthorn they had
+brought on purpose, they next led the poor creatures up and down the
+house, till they had shown them the several places where the plate,
+linen, jewels and other valuable things belonging to the family were
+laid. After having bundled up these they threw them down upon the floor,
+tied their ankles to one another, and left them hanging, one on one
+side, and the other on the other side of the parlour door; in which
+posture they were found the next day at noon, at the very point of
+expiring, their blood having stagnated about their necks, which put them
+into the greatest danger.
+
+But to return to Wilkinson. One night, he with his companions Lincoln
+and William Lock came up with one Peter Martin, a poor pensioner of
+Chelsea College, whom they stopped. Wilkinson held him down and Lincoln
+knocked him down on his crying out for help; afterwards taking him up,
+he would have led him along, and Wilkinson pricked him with his sword in
+the shoulders and buttocks for some time, to make him advance, till
+William Lock cried out to them, _How should ye expect the man to go
+forward when he is dead._
+
+For this murder and for a robbery committed by them with Carrick and
+Carrol they were both capitally convicted. Wilkinson behaved himself to
+the time of his execution very morosely, and when pressed, at the place
+of execution, to unburden his conscience as to the crime for which he
+died, he answered peremptorily that he knew nothing of the murder, nor
+of Lincoln who died with him, until they were apprehended; adding, that
+as to hanging in chains he did not value it, but he had no business to
+tell lies, to make himself guilty of things he never did. Three days and
+three nights before the time of his death, he abstained totally from
+meat and drink, which rendered him so faint that he had scarce strength
+enough to speak at the tree.
+
+James Lincoln, who died with him for the aforesaid cruel murder, was a
+fellow of a more docile and gentle temper than Wilkinson, owned
+abundance of the offences he had been guilty of, and had designed, as he
+himself owned, to have robbed the Duke of Newcastle of his gaiter
+ornaments, as he returned from the instalment. Notwithstanding these
+confessions, he persisted, as well as Wilkinson, in utterly denying that
+he knew anything of the murder of the pensioner, and saying that he
+forgave William Lock who had sworn himself and them into it. Wilkinson
+was at the time of his execution about thirty-five years old, and James
+Lincoln somewhat under. They died at the same time with the
+afore-mentioned malefactor, Wilson, at Tyburn.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [20] This was near Clerkenwell Green. It was a famous Bear
+        Garden and the scene of various prize-fights to which public
+        challenges were issued. Cunningham quotes a curious one for the
+        year 1722:--"I, Elizabeth Wilkinson, of Clerkenwell, having had
+        some words with Hannah Hyfield, and requiring satisfaction, do
+        invite her to meet me on the stage and box with me for three
+        guineas, each woman holding half-a-crown in each hand, and the
+        first woman that drops her money to lose the battle" (this was
+        to prevent scratching). The acceptance ran, "I, Hannah Hyfield,
+        of Newgate Market, hearing of the resoluteness of Elizabeth
+        Wilkinson, will not fail, God willing, to give her more blows
+        than words, desiring home blows and from her no favour."
+
+
+
+
+The Life of MATTHIAS BRINSDEN, a Murderer
+
+
+Though all offences against the laws of God and the land are highly
+criminal in themselves, as well as fatal in their consequences, yet
+there is certainly some degree in guilt; and petty thieveries and crimes
+of a like nature seem to fall very short in comparison of the atrocious
+guilt of murder and the imbrueing one's hands in blood, more especially
+when a crime of so deep a dye in itself is heightened by aggravating
+circumstances.
+
+Matthias Brinsden, who is to be the subject of our present narration,
+was a man in tolerable circumstances at the time the misfortune happened
+to him for which he died. He had several children by his wife whom he
+murdered, and with whom he had lived in great uneasiness for a long
+time. The deceased Mrs. Brinsden was a woman of a great spirit, much
+addicted to company and not a little to drinking. This had occasioned
+many quarrels between her and her husband on the score of those
+extravagancies she was guilty of, Mr. Brinsden thinking it hard that she
+should squander away his money when he had a large family, and scarce
+knew how to maintain it.
+
+Their quarrels frequently rose to such a height as to alarm the
+neighbourhood, the man being of a cruel, and the woman of an obstinate
+temper, and it seemed rather a wonder that the murder had not ensued
+before than that it happened when it did, they seldom falling out and
+fighting without drawing blood, or having some grievous accident or
+other happening therefrom. Once he burnt her arms with a red-hot iron,
+and but a week before her death he ran a great pair of scissors into her
+skull, which covered her with blood, and made him and all who saw her
+think he had murdered her then. But after bleeding prodigiously she came
+a little to herself, and on the application of proper remedies
+recovered. Brinsden, in the meanwhile fled, and was hardly prevailed
+with to return, upon repeated assurances that she was in no danger,
+promising himself that if she escaped with life then, he would never
+suffer himself to be so far transported with passion as to do her an
+injury again.
+
+The fatal occasion of that quarrel which produced the immediate death of
+the woman, warm with liquor, and in the midst of passion, and which soon
+after brought on a shameful and ignominious end to the man himself,
+happened by Mrs. Brinsden's drinking cheerfully with some company at
+home, and after their going away, demanding of her husband what she
+should have for supper? He answered, bread and cheese; to which the
+deceased replied that she thought bread and cheese once a day was
+enough, and as she had eaten it for dinner, she would not eat it for
+supper. Brinsden said, she should have no better than the rest of his
+family, who were like to be contented with the same, except his eldest
+daughter for whom he had provided a pie, and towards whom on all
+occasions he showed a peculiar affection, occasioned as he said, from
+the care she took of his other children and of his affairs, though
+malicious and ill-natured people gave out that it sprang from a much
+worse and, indeed, the basest of reasons.
+
+On the discourse I have mentioned between him and his wife, Mrs.
+Brinsden in a violent passion declared she would go to the general shop
+and sup with her friends, who were gone from her but a little before.
+He, therefore, having got between her and the door, having the knife in
+his hand with which he cut the bread and cheese, and she still
+persisting with great violence in endeavouring to go out, he threw her
+down with one hand and stabbed her with the other. This is the account
+of this bloody action as it was sworn against him at his trial by his
+own daughter, though he persisted in it that what she called throwing
+down was only gently laying her on the bed after she received the blow,
+which as he averred happened only by chance, and her own pressing
+against him as the knife was in his hand. However that was, he sent for
+basilicon and sugar to dress the wound, in hopes she might at least
+recover so far as to declare there was no malice between them, but those
+endeavours were in vain, for she never spoke after.
+
+In the meanwhile, Brinsden took occasion during the bustle that this sad
+accident occasioned, and fled to one Mr. Kegg's at Shadwell Dock, where,
+though for some small space he continued safe, yet the terrors and
+apprehensions he was under were more choking and uneasy than all the
+miseries he experienced after his being taken up. Such is the weight of
+blood, and such the dreadful condition of the wicked.
+
+At his trial he put on an air of boldness and intrepidity, saying that
+though the clamour of the town was very strong against him, yet he hoped
+it would not make an impression to his disadvantage on the jury, since
+the death of his wife happened with no premeditated design. The surgeon
+who examined the wound, having deposed that it was six inches deep, he
+objected to his evidence by observing that the knife, when produced in
+Court, was not quite so long. He pleaded also, very strongly, the
+insupportable temper of his wife, and said she was of such a disposition
+that nothing would do with her but blows. But all this signifying
+little, the evidence of this daughter appearing also full and direct
+against him, the jury showed very small regard to his excuses, and after
+a short reflection on the evidence, they found him guilty.
+
+Under sentence he behaved himself indolently and sottishly, doing
+nothing but eat his victuals and doze in his bed; thinking it at the
+same time a very great indignity that he should be obliged to take up
+with those thieves and robbers who were in the same state of
+condemnation with himself, always behaving himself towards then very
+distantly, and as if it would have been a great debasement to him if he
+had joined with them in devotion.
+
+His daughter who had borne witness against him at his trial, came to him
+at chapel and begged his forgiveness, even for having testified the
+truth. At first he turned away from her with much indignation; the
+second day she came, after great entreaty and persuasion of his friends,
+he at last muttered out, _I forgive you._ But the girl coming the third
+day and earnestly desiring he would kiss her, which at first he refused,
+and at last turning to her and weeping lamentably, he took her in his
+arms, and said: _For Christ's sake, my child, forgive me. I have robbed
+you of your own mother. Be a good child, rather die than steal, never be
+in a passion, but curb your anger. Honour your mistress, for she will be
+both a father and a mother to you. Pray for your father and think of him
+as well as you can._
+
+At the place of execution he composed himself to suffer with as much
+patience as he could, and while the rest threw books and handkerchiefs
+to their friends, he seemed wrapped up in a profound meditation, out of
+which he drew himself as soon as prayers began and assisted with much
+cheerfulness and attention. When they were ended he stood up and
+desiring the Ordinary to repeat after him the following speech, which he
+dictated word for word as I have transcribed it, seeming most
+passionately affected with the reflection the world had cast on himself
+and daughter, as my readers will perceive from the speech itself. After
+the making of which, he was immediately turned off, on the sixteenth of
+July, 1722.
+
+    The last speech of Matthias Brinsden
+
+    I was born of kind parents, who gave me learning, and went
+    apprentice to a fine-drawer. I had often jars which might increase a
+    natural waspishness in my temper. I fell in love with Hannah, my
+    late wife, and after much difficulty won her, she having five
+    sisters at the same time. We had ten children (half of them dead)
+    and I believe we loved each other dearly, but often quarrelled and
+    fought. Pray good people mind, I had no malice against her, nor
+    thought to kill her, two minutes before the deed, but I designed
+    only to make her obey me thoroughly, which the Scripture says all
+    wives should do. This I thought I had done, when I cut her skull on
+    Monday, but she was the same again by Tuesday.
+
+    Good people, I request you to observe that though the world has
+    spitefully given out that I carnally and incestuously lay with my
+    eldest daughter, I here solemnly declare, as I am entering into the
+    presence of God, I never knew whether she was man or woman, since
+    she was a babe. I have often taken her in my arms, often kissed her,
+    sometimes given her a cake or a pie, when she did any particular
+    service beyond what came to her share, but never lay with her, or
+    carnally knew her, much less had a child by her. But when a man is
+    in calamities and is hated like me, the women will make surmises
+    into certainties. Good Christians pray for me, I deserve death, I am
+    willing to die, for though my sins are great, God's mercies are
+    greater.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of EDMUND NEAL, a Footpad
+
+
+Of all the unhappy wretches whose ends I have recorded that their
+examples may be of the more use to mankind, there is none perhaps which
+be more useful, if well considered, than this of Edmund Neal Though
+there be nothing in it very extraordinary, yet it contains a perfect
+picture of low pleasures for which men sacrifice reputation and
+happiness, and go on in a voluptuous dream till they awake to temporal
+and, but for the mercy of God, to eternal death.
+
+This Edmund Neal was the son of a father of the same name, a blacksmith
+in a market town in Warwickshire. He was one of those mechanics who,
+from a particular observance of the foibles of human nature, insinuate
+themselves into the good graces of those who employ them, and from being
+created as something even beneath a servant, grow up at last into a
+confidence to which it would not be improper to affix the name of a
+friend. This Edmund Neal senior had by this method climbed (by a little
+skill he had in horses) from paring off their hoofs, to directing of
+their riders, until in short there was scarce a sporting squire in the
+neighbourhood but old Edmund was of his privy council. Yet though he got
+a vast deal of money, he took very little care of the education of his
+son, whom he scarce allowed as much learning as would enable him to read
+a chapter; but notwithstanding this, he carried him about with him
+wherever he went, as if the company of gentlemen, though he was unable
+to converse with them, would have been sufficient to improve him.
+
+The scenes young Neal saw at the houses whither his father carried him,
+filled him with such a liking to debauchery and such an irreclaimable
+passion for sensual pleasures, as was the source from whence his
+following misfortunes flowed. For what, as he himself complained, first
+gave him occasion to repine at his condition, and filled him with
+wandering inclinations of pursuing an idle and extravagant life, was the
+forcing of him to go apprentice to a tailor, a trade for which he had
+always the greatest aversion, and contempt. No sooner, therefore, was he
+placed out apprentice, but the young fellows of that occupation whom he
+had before derided and despised, now ridiculed him in their turns, and
+laughed at the uneasiness which they saw his new employment caused him.
+However, he lived about four years with his master, being especially
+induced thereto by the company of a young man who worked there, and who
+used to amuse him with stories of intrigues in London, to which Neal
+listened with a very attentive ear.
+
+This London companion more and more inclined him to vice, and the
+history he gave of his living with a woman--who cheated her other
+cullies to maintain him, and at last for the sake of a new sweetheart,
+stripped him of all he had one night while he slept, and left him so
+much in debt that he was obliged to fly into the country--the relation,
+I say, of these adventures made such an impression on young Neal that he
+was never at rest until he fell into a method of copying them. And as
+ill-design seldom waits long for an opportunity, so the death of his
+first master, and his being turned over to a second, much less careful
+and diligent to his business, furnished Neal with the occasion he
+wanted. This master he both cheated of his money and defrauded of his
+goods, letting in loose and disorderly persons in the night, and finding
+a way for their going out again in the morning before his master was
+awake, and consequently without the least suspicion.
+
+These practices quickly broke the man with whom he lived, and his
+breaking turned Edmund upon the wide world, equally destitute of money,
+friends and capacity, not knowing what to do, and having but two
+shillings in his pocket. He took a solitary walk to that end of the town
+which went out upon the London Road, and there by chance he met a woman
+who asked him to go with her to London. He not knowing what to do with
+himself accepted her offer, and without any more words to the bargain
+they set out together. The woman was very kind to him on the road, and
+poor Edmund flattered himself that money was so plentiful in London as
+to render it impossible for him to remain without it. But he was
+miserably mistaken when he arrived there. He went to certain
+public-houses of persons whom he had known in the country, who instead
+of using him civilly, in a day or two's time were thrusting him out of
+doors. Some common whores, also, finding him to be a poor country
+fellow, easily seduced him and kept him amongst them for a stallion,
+until, between their lust and their diseases, they had put him in a fair
+road to the grave.
+
+Tired out with their vices, which were even too gross for a mind so
+corrupted as his was, he chose rather to go and live with a brewer and
+carry out drink. But after living for some time with two masters of that
+occupation, his mind still roving after an easier and pleasanter life,
+he endeavoured to get it at some public-house; which at last he with
+much ado effected at Sadlers Wells.[21] This appeared so great a
+happiness that he thought he should never be tired of a life where there
+was so much music and dancing, to which he had been always addicted;
+and, as he phrased it himself, he thought he was in another world when
+he got with a set of men and maids in a barn with a fiddle among them.
+
+However, he at last grew tired of that also; and resolving to betake
+himself to some more settled and honest employment, he hired himself to
+a man who kept swine, and there behaved himself both with honesty and
+diligence. But his master breaking a little time after he had been with
+him, though as he affirmed without his wronging him in the least, he was
+reduced to look for some new way of maintaining himself. This being
+about the time of the late Rebellion,[22] and great encouragement being
+then offered for those who would enter themselves in the late king's
+service at sea, Neal accepted thereof, and shipped himself on board the
+_Gosport_ man-of-war, which sailed to the Western Islands of Scotland.
+What between the cold and the hard fare he suffered deeply, and never,
+as be said, tasted any degree of comfort till he returned to the West of
+England The Rebellion being then over, Neal with very great joy accepted
+his discharge from the service, and once more in search of business came
+up to London.
+
+The reputation of an honest servant he had acquired from the hog
+merchant he had formerly lived with, quickly procured him a place with
+another of the same trade, with him he lived too (as was said) very
+honestly; and having been trusted with twenty or thirty pounds at a
+time, was always found very trusty and faithful. But happening,
+unluckily, to work here with one Pincher, who in the course of his life
+had been as unhappy as himself, they thereupon grew very intimate
+together, and being a couple of fellows of very odd tempers, after
+having got half drunk at the Hampshire Hog, they took it into their
+heads that there was not in the world two fellows so unhappy as
+themselves. The subject began when they were maudlin, and as they grew
+quite drunk, they came to a resolution to go out and beat everybody they
+met, for being happier than themselves.
+
+The first persons they met in this expedition were a poor old man whose
+name was Dormer and his wife. The woman they abused grossly, and Pincher
+knocked the man down, though very much in years, Neal afterwards
+rolling him about, and either took or shook out of his pocket all the
+money he had, which was but three pence farthing. For this unaccountable
+action they were both apprehended, tried and convicted, with three other
+persons, in the November sessions, 1722. But their inhuman behaviour to
+the old man made such an impression on the Court to their disadvantage,
+that when the death warrant came down, they two only were appointed for
+execution.
+
+At the near approach of death, Neal appeared excessively astonished, and
+what between fear and concern, his senses grew disordered. However, at
+the place of execution he seemed more composed than he had been before,
+and said that it was very fit he should die, but added he suffered
+rather for being drunk than any design he had either to rob or use the
+man cruelly. As for William Pincher, his companion both in the robbery
+and its punishment, he seemed to be the counterpart of Neal, a downright
+Norfolk clown, born within six miles of Lynn and by the kindness of a
+master of good fortune, taken into his house with an intent to breed him
+up, on his father's going for a soldier. At first he behaved himself
+diligently and thereby got much into the favour of his master, but
+falling into loose company and addicting himself to sotting in
+alehouses, his once kind and indulgent master, finding him incorrigible,
+dismissed him from his service, and having given him some small matter
+by way of encouragement, he set out for London. Here he got into the
+business before mentioned, and said himself, that he might have lived
+very comfortably thereon, if he had been industrious and frugal; but
+that addicting himself to his old custom of sitting continually in an
+alehouse had drawn him into very great inconveniences. In order to draw
+himself out of these he thought of following certain courses, by which,
+as he had heard some company where he used say, a young man might get as
+much money as he could spend, let him live as extravagantly as he would.
+This occasioned his persuading Neal into that fatal undertaking which
+cost them their lives. His behaviour under sentence was irreproachable,
+being always taken up either in reading, praying or singing of Psalms,
+performing all things that so short a space would give him leave to do,
+and showing as evident marks of true repentance as perhaps any unhappy
+person ever did in his condition.
+
+Thus these two companions in misfortune suffered together on die last
+day of the year 1722, Edmund Neal being then about thirty years of age,
+and Pincher about twenty-six.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [21] This was opened, about 1680, by a certain Sadler, as a
+        public music-room and house of entertainment. The discovery of a
+        spring of mineral water in the garden attracted general
+        attention and the place soon became a place of popular resort.
+
+   [22] The Jacobite rising of 1715.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of CHARLES WEAVER, a Murderer
+
+
+Hastiness of temper and yielding to all the rash dictates of anger, as
+it is an offence the most unworthy a rational creature, so it is
+attended also with consequences as fatal as any other crime whatever. A
+wild expression thrown out in the heat of passion has often cost men
+dearer than even a real injury would have done, had it been offered to
+the same person. A blow intended for the slightest has often taken away
+life, and the sudden anger of a moment produced the sorrow of years, and
+has been, after all, irreparable in its effect.
+
+Charles Weaver, of whom we are now speaking, was the son of parents in
+very good circumstances in the city of Gloucester, who put him
+apprentice to a goldsmith. He served about four years of his time with
+his master, and having in that space run out into so much lewdness and
+extravagance that his friends refused any longer to supply or to support
+him, he then thought fit to go into the service of the Queen, as a
+soldier, and in that capacity went over with those who were sent into
+America to quell the Indians. These people were at that time instigated
+by the French to attack our plantations on the main near which they lay.
+The greater part of these poor creatures were without European arms, yet
+several amongst them had fusees, powder and ball from the French, with
+which, being very good marksmen, they did abundance of mischief from
+their ambuscades in the woods.
+
+At the time Weaver served against them, they were commanded by one
+Ouranaquoy, a man of a bloody disposition, great courage and greater
+cunning. He had commanded his nation in war against another Indian
+nation, from whom he took about forty prisoners, who according to the
+Indian custom were immediately destined to death; but being prevailed
+upon, by the presence of the French, to turn his arms against the
+English, on the confines of whose plantations he had gained his last
+victory, Ouranaquoy having sent for the prisoners he had taken before
+him, told them that if they would fall upon a village about three miles
+distant, he would not only give them their liberty, but also such a
+reward for the scalp of every Englishman, woman or child, they brought.
+They readily agreed on these terms and immediately went and plundered
+the village.
+
+The English army lay about seven miles off, and no sooner heard of such
+an outrage committed by such a nation, but they immediately attacked the
+people to whom the prisoners belonged, marching their whole army for
+that purpose against the village, which if we may call it so, was the
+capital of their country. By this policy Ouranaquoy gained two
+advantages, for first he involved the English in a war with the people
+with whom they had entertained a friendship for twenty years, and in the
+next place gained time, while the English army were so employed, to
+enter twenty-five miles within their country, destroying fourscore
+whites and three hundred Indians and negroes. But this insult did not
+remain long unrevenged, for the troops in which Weaver served arriving
+immediately after from Europe, the army (who before they had done any
+considerable mischief to the people against whom they marched, had
+learnt the stratagem by which they had been deceived by Ouranaquoy)
+returned suddenly into his country, and exercised such severities upon
+the people thereof that to appease and make peace with the English the
+chiefs sent them the scalps of Ouranaquoy, his three brothers and nine
+sons.
+
+On Weaver's return into England from this expedition, he shipped himself
+again as a recruit for that army which was then commanded by the Earl of
+Peterborough in Spain. He served also under the Duke of Ormond when his
+grace took Vigo, and Weaver had the good luck to get some hundred pounds
+for his share in the booty, but that money which he, in his thoughts,
+had designed for setting himself up in England, being insensibly
+squandered and decayed, he was obliged to list himself again, and so
+became a second time spectator of the taking of Vigo under the Lord
+Cobham.[23]
+
+While he served in the second regiment of Foot-guards, he behaved
+himself so well as to engage his officer to take him into his own house,
+where he lived for a considerable space; and he had been twice actually
+reviewed in order to his going into the Life-guards, when he committed
+the act for which he died, which according to the evidence given at his
+trial happened thus. He was going into a boat in company with Eleanor
+Clark, widow, and Edward Morris. After they were in the boat, some words
+arising, the woman bid Weaver pay Morris what he owed him, upon which
+Weaver in a great passion got up, and endeavoured to overturn the boat
+with them all. But Thomas Watkins, the waterman, preventing that, Weaver
+immediately drew his sword, and swore he would murder them all, making
+several passes at them as if he had firmly intended to be as good as his
+word. The men defended themselves so well as to escape hurt, and
+endeavoured all they could to have preserved the woman, but Weaver
+making a pass, the sword entered underneath her left shoulder, and
+thereby gave her a wound seven inches deep, after which she gave but one
+groan and immediately expired. For this bloody fact Weaver was tried and
+convicted, and thereupon received sentence of death.
+
+During the space between the passing of sentence and its execution an
+accident happened which added grievously to all his misfortunes. His
+wife, big with child, coming about a fortnight before his death to see
+him in Newgate, was run over by a dray and killed upon the spot. Weaver
+himself, though in the course of the life he had led he had totally
+forgot both reading and writing, yet came duly to prayers, and gave all
+possible marks of sorrow and repentance for his misspent life, though he
+all along pretended that the woman's death happened by accident, and
+that he had had no intent to murder her. He suffered the 8th day of
+February, 1722-3, being at that time about thirty years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [23] See page 49.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN LEVEE, a Highwayman, Footpad, etc.
+
+
+There is a certain busy sprightliness in some young people which from I
+know not what views, parents are apt to encourage in hopes of its one
+day producing great effects. I will not say that they are always
+disappointed in their expectations, but I will venture to pronounce that
+where one bold spirit has succeeded in the world, five have been ruined,
+by a busy turbulent temper.
+
+This was the case with this criminal, John Levee, who, to cover the
+disgrace his family suffered in him, called himself Junks. His father
+was a French gentleman, who came over with King Charles II at the
+Restoration, taught French to persons of distinction in court, and
+particularly to some of that prince's natural children. For the
+convenience of his scholars, he kept a large boarding-school in Pall
+Mall, whereby he acquired such a fortune as enabled him to set up for a
+wine merchant. In this capacity he dealt with France for many years to
+the amount of thousands _per annum._ His children received the best
+education that could be given them and never stirred out of doors but
+with a footman to attend them.
+
+But Mr. Levee, the merchant, falling into misfortunes by some of his
+correspondents' failures, withdrew from his family into Holland; and
+this son John being taken by the French Society, in order to be put out
+apprentice and provided for, being induced thereto by the boy's natural
+vivacity and warmth of temper in which he had been foolishly encouraged,
+they sent him to sea with a captain of a man-of-war. He was on board the
+_Essex_ when Sir George Byng, now Viscount Torrington, engaged the
+Spaniards at Messina.[24] He served afterwards on board the squadron
+commanded by Sir John Norris in the Baltic, and when he returned home,
+public affairs being in a more quiet state, his friends thought it
+better for him to learn merchants' accounts than to go any more voyages,
+where there was now little prospect of advantage.
+
+But book-keeping was too quiet an employment for one of Levee's warm
+disposition, who far from being discouraged at the hardships of sea,
+only complained of his ill-luck in not being in an engagement. And so,
+to amuse this martial disposition, he with some companions went upon the
+road, which they practised for a very considerable time, robbing in a
+very genteel manner, by putting a hat into the coach and desiring the
+passengers to contribute as they thought proper, being always contented
+with what they gave them, though sometimes part of it was farthings.
+Nay, they were so civil that Blueskin and this Levee, once robbing a
+single gentlewoman in a coach, she happening to have a basket full of
+buns and cakes, Levee took some of them, but Blueskin proceeded to
+search her for money, but found none. The woman in the meanwhile
+scratched him and called him a thousand hard names, giving him two or
+three sound slaps in the face, at which they only laughed, as it was a
+woman, and went away without further ill-usage, a civility she would
+hardly have met with from any other gentlemen of their profession.
+
+In October, he and his great companion Blueskin,[25] met a coach with
+two ladies and a little miss riding between their knees, coming from the
+Gravel Pits at Kensington.[26] Levee stopped the coach and without more
+ado, ordered both the coachmen and footman to jump the ditch, or he'd
+shoot them. They then stripped the ladies of their necklaces, cut a gold
+girdle buckle from the side of the child, and took away about ten
+shillings in money, with a little white metal image of a man, which they
+thought had been solid silver, but proved a mere trifle.
+
+At a grand consultation of the whole gang, and a report of great booties
+that were to be made (and that, too, with much safety) on Blackheath,
+they agreed to make some attempts there. Accordingly they set out,
+being six horsemen well armed and mounted; but after having continued
+about six hours upon the Heath, and not meeting so much as one person,
+and the same ill luck being three or four times repeated, they left off
+going on that road for the future. In December following, he and another
+person robbed a butcher on horseback, on the road coming from Hampstead.
+He told them he had sold two lambs there. Levee's companion said
+immediately, _Then you have eight-and-twenty shillings about you, for
+lambs sold to-day at fourteen shillings apiece._ After some grumbling
+and hard words they made him deliver and by way of punishment for his
+sauciness, as they phrased it, they took away his great coat into the
+bargain, and had probably used him worse had not Levee seen a Jew's
+coach coming that way, and been conscious to himself that those within
+it knew him; whereupon he persuaded his associates to go off without
+robbing it.
+
+Levee never used anybody cruelly in any of his adventures, excepting
+only one Betts, who foolishly struck him three or four blows on the
+head, whereupon Levee with one blow of his pistol struck his eye out.
+One night, upon the same road, Blake and Matthew Flood being in company
+with this unhappy youth, they stopped the chariot of Mr. Young, the same
+person who hanged Molony and Carrick.[27] Blake calling out to lay hold,
+and Flood stopping the horses, Levee went into the coach and took from
+Mr. Young a gold watch and chain, one Richard Oakey also assisting, who
+died likewise for this fact. They robbed also Col. Cope, who was in the
+same chariot, of his gold watch, chain and ring, and twenty-two
+shillings in money. Levee said it would have been a very easy matter for
+the gentleman to have taken him, he going into the coach without arms,
+and his companions being on the other side of the hedge; but they gave
+him the things very readily, and it was hard to say who behaved
+themselves most civilly one towards the other, the gentlemen or he. One
+of them desired to have a cornelian ring returned, which Levee inclined
+to do, but that his companions would not permit him.
+
+As they were going home after taking this booty, they met a poor man on
+horseback. Notwithstanding the considerable sum they had taken just
+before, they turned out of the road, carried him behind two haycocks
+because the moon shone light, and there finding that he had but two
+shillings in the world, the rest of his companions were for binding and
+beating him, but upon the man's saying that he was very sick and
+begging earnestly that they would not abuse him, Levee prevailed with
+them not only to set him on his horse again, but to restore him his two
+shillings, and lead him into the road where they left him.
+
+Levee, Flood and Oakey were soon apprehended and Blake turning evidence,
+they were convicted the next sessions at the Old Bailey, and ordered for
+execution. Levee behaved himself while under condemnation very seriously
+and modestly, though before that time, he had acted too much the bravo,
+from the mistaken opinion that people are apt to entertain of courage
+and resolution. But when death approached near, he laid aside all this,
+and applied himself with great seriousness and attention to prayers and
+other duties becoming a person in his condition.
+
+At the place of execution he fell into a strange passion at his hands
+being to be tied, and his cap pulled over his face. Passion signifying
+nothing there, he was obliged to submit as the others did, being at the
+time of his execution, aged about twenty-seven.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [24] See page 66.
+
+   [25] His real name was Joseph Blake, see page 177.
+
+   [26] This was a portion of what is now the Bayswater Road,
+        roughly between Petersburgh Place and the Notting Hill Tube
+        Station. Swift had lodgings there and it was a fairly
+        fashionable residential spot.
+
+   [27] See page 89.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of RICHARD OAKEY and MATTHEW FLOOD, Street-Robbers and
+Footpads
+
+
+The first of these criminals, Richard Oakey, had been by his friends put
+apprentice to a tailor. In about two years his master failed, and from
+thence to the day of his unhappy death, Oakey continually followed
+thieving in one way or other. At first he wholly practised picking of
+women's pockets, which he said he did in a manner peculiar to himself;
+for being dressed pretty genteelly, he passed by the person he intended
+to rob, took up their upper petticoat and cut off the pocket at once,
+tripping them down at the same time. Then he stepped softly on the other
+side of the way, walked on and was never suspected. He said that while a
+lad, he had committed several hundred robberies in this way. As he grew
+older he made use of a woman to assist him, by pushing the people
+against the wall, while he took the opportunity of cutting their
+pockets; or at other times this woman came behind folks as they were
+crossing the way, and catching them by the arm, cried out, _There's a
+coach will run over ye_; while Oakey, in the moment of their surprise,
+whipped off their pocket.
+
+This woman, who had followed the trade for a considerable time, happened
+one night at a bawdy-house to incense her bully so far as to make him
+beat her; she thereupon gave him still more provoking language, till
+at last he used her so cruelly, that she roared out _Murder_; and not
+without occasion, for she died of the bruises, though the people of the
+house concealed it for fear of trouble, and buried her privately. Upon
+this Oakey was obliged to go on his old way by himself.
+
+[Illustration: THE HANGMAN ARRESTED WHEN ATTENDING JOHN MEFF TO TYBURN
+
+(_From the Annals of Newgate_)]
+
+The robberies he committed being numerous and successful, he bethought
+himself of doing something, as he called it, in a higher way; upon
+which, scraping acquaintance with two as abandoned fellows as himself,
+they took to housebreaking. In this they were so unlucky as to be
+detected in their second adventure, which was upon a house in Southwark
+near the Mint, where they stole calicoes to the value of twenty pounds
+and upwards. For this his two associates were convicted at Kingston
+assizes, he himself being the witness against them, by which method he
+at that time escaped. And being cured of any desire to go
+a-housebreaking again, he fell upon his old trade of picking pockets,
+till he got into the acquaintance of another as bad as himself, whom
+they called Will the Sailor. This fellow's practice was to wear a long
+sword, and then by jostling the gentleman whom they designed to rob,
+first created a quarrel, and while the fray lasted, gave his companion
+the opportunity of rubbing off with the booty. But whether Will grew
+tired of his companion, or of the dangerous trade which he was engaged
+in, certain it is that he left it off, and got again out of England on
+ship-board.
+
+Oakey then got acquainted with Hawes, Milksop, Lincoln, Reading,
+Wilkinson, and half a dozen others, with whom one way or other he was
+continually concerned while they reigned in their villainies. And as
+they were in a short space all executed, he became acquainted with
+Levee, Flood, Blake and the rest of that gang, in whose association he
+continued until his crimes and theirs brought them together to the
+gallows. After condemnation his behaviour was such as became his
+condition, getting up in the night to pray so often and manifesting all
+the signs of a sincere repentance.
+
+Matthew Flood was the son of a man who kept the Clink Prison[28] in the
+parish of St. Mary Overys, who had given him as good an education as was
+in his power, and bound him apprentice to one Mr. Williams, a
+lighterman. In this occupation he might certainly have done well, if he
+had not fallen into the company of those lewd persons who brought him to
+his fate. He had been about three months concerned with Blake, Levee,
+etc., and had committed many facts.
+
+His behaviour under sentence was very penitent and modest, nor did he
+suffer the continual hopes his friends gave him of a reprieve ever to
+make him neglect his devotions. At the place of execution he said he was
+more particularly concerned for a robbery he had committed on a woman in
+Cornhill, not only because he took from her a good many guineas which
+were in her pocket, but that at the same time also he had taken a will
+which he burnt, and which he feared would be more to her prejudice than
+the loss of her money.
+
+Oakey was about twenty-five years old at the time of his death, and
+Matthew Flood somewhat younger. They suffered on the same day with
+Weaver and the last-mentioned malefactor Levee, at Tyburn.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [28] The Clink Prison was, until 1745, at the corner of Maid
+        Lane, Southwark. It was originally used as a house of detention
+        for heretics and offenders against the bishop of Winchester,
+        whose palace stood nearby.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM BURK, a Footpad and Highwayman
+
+
+As indulgence is a very common parent of wickedness and disobedience, so
+immoderate correction and treating children as if they were Stocks is as
+likely a method as the other to make them stubborn and obstinate, and
+perhaps even force upon them taking ill methods to avoid usage which
+they cannot bear.
+
+William Burk, the unfortunate criminal whose enterprises are to be the
+subject of our present narration, was born towards Wapping of parents
+honest and willing to give him education, though their condition in the
+world rendered them not able. He was thereupon put to the charity
+school, the master of which being of a morose temper and he a boy of
+very indifferent disposition, the discipline with which he was treated
+was so severe that it created in him an aversion towards all learning;
+and one day, after a more severe whipping than ordinary, he determined
+(though but eleven years of age) to run away.
+
+He sought out, therefore, for a captain who might want a boy, and that
+being no difficult matter to find in their neighbourhood, he went on
+board the _Salisbury_, Captain Hosier, then lying at the Buoy in the
+Nore, bound for Jamaica. His poor mother followed him in great
+affliction, and endeavoured all she could to persuade him to return, but
+her arguments were all in vain, for he had contracted so great an
+antipathy to school, from his master's treatment, that instead of being
+glad to go back, he earnestly intreated the captain to interpose his
+authority and keep him on board. His request was complied with, and the
+poor woman was forced to depart without her son.
+
+It was the latter end of Queen Anne's War when they sailed to Jamaica,
+and during the time they were out, took two Spanish galleons very richly
+laden. Their first engagement was obstinate and bloody, and he, though a
+boy, was dangerously hurt as he bustled about one way or another as the
+captain commanded him. The second prize carried 74 guns and 650 men, yet
+the _Salisbury_ (but a 60-gun ship) took her without the loss of a
+single man; only a woman, who was the only one on board, going to peep
+at the engagement, had her head and shoulders shot off. Burk said the
+prize money of each sailor came but to £15, but some of the officers
+shared so handsomely as never to be obliged to go to sea again, being
+enabled to live easily on shore.
+
+Three years he continued in the West Indies, and there (especially in
+Jamaica) he learned so much wickedness that when he came home, hardly
+any of the gangs into which he entered were half so bad, though inured
+to plunder, as he when he came amongst them a fresh man. From this
+voyage he went another in the slave trade to the coast of Guinea. Here
+he endured very great hardships, especially when he had the misfortune
+to be on board where the negroes rose upon the English, and had like to
+have overcome them; but at last having been vanquished, and tied down in
+a convenient place, they were used with severity enough. Upon his return
+into England from this voyage, he went into the Baltic in the
+_Worcester_ man-of-war, in which he suffered prodigious hardships from
+the coldness of the climate and other difficulties he went through.
+
+The many miseries he had experienced in a life at sea might possibly
+have induced him to the resolution he made of never going on ship-board
+any more. How he came to take to robbing does not very clearly appear,
+further than that he was induced thereto by bad women; but he behaved
+himself with very great cruelty, for going over the first field from
+Stepney, armed with a hedging-bill, he attacked one William Fitzer, and
+robbed him of his jacket, tobacco-box, a knife and fork, etc. He robbed,
+also, one James Westwood, of a coat and ten shillings in money; last of
+all, attacking John Andrews and Robert his son, coming over the fields,
+he dove the old man down. His son taking up the stick boldly attacked
+Burk, and a neighbour, one Perkinson, coming in at the noise, he was
+overpowered and apprehended. As the fact was very plainly proved, he was
+on a short trial convicted, and the barbarity of the fact being so
+great, left no room for his being omitted in the warrant for execution.
+
+As he lay a long time under condemnation, and had no hopes of life, from
+the moment of his confinement he applied himself to make his peace with
+that Being whom he had so much offended by his profligate course of
+life. On all occasions he expressed his readiness to confess anything
+which might be for the promoting of justice or public good, in all
+respects manifesting a thorough sorrow and penitence for that cruelty
+with which he had treated poor old Andrews. At the tree he stood up in
+the car, beckoned for silence, and then spoke to the multitude in these
+terms.
+
+    Good People,
+
+    I never was concerned but in four robberies in my life. I desire all
+    men who see my fatal end to let my death teach them to lead a sober
+    and regular life, and above all to shun the company of ill-women,
+    which has brought me to this shameful end and place. I desire that
+    nobody may reflect upon my wife after my decease, since she was so
+    far from having any knowledge of the ills I committed, that she was
+    continually exciting me to live a sober and honest life. Wherefore I
+    hope God will bless her, as I also pray He may do all of you.
+
+This malefactor, William Burk, was in the twenty-second year of his age
+when executed at Tyburn, April the 8th, 1723.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of LUKE NUNNEY, a murderer
+
+
+Though drunkenness in itself is a shocking and beastly crime, yet in its
+consequences it is also often so bloody and inhuman that one would
+wonder persons of understanding should indulge themselves in a sin at
+once so odious and so fatal both to body and soul. The instances of
+persons who have committed murders when drunk, and those accompanied
+with circumstances of such barbarity as even those persons themselves
+could not have heard without trembling, are so many and so well known to
+all of any reading, or who have made any reflection, that I need not
+dwell longer than the bare narration of this malefactor's misfortunes
+will detain me, to warn against a vice which makes them always monsters
+and often murderers.
+
+Luke Nunney, of whom we are to speak, was a young fellow of some parts,
+and of a tolerable education, his father, at the time of his death,
+being a shoemaker in tolerable circumstances, and very careful in the
+bringing up of his children. He was more particularly zealous in
+affording them due notions of religion, and took abundance of pains
+himself to inculcate them in their tender years, which at first had so
+good an effect upon this Luke that his whole thoughts ran upon finding
+out that method of worship in which he was most likely to please God.
+Sometimes, though his parents were at the Church of England, he slipped
+to a Presbyterian Meeting-house, where he was so much affected with the
+preacher's vehemency in prayer and his plain and pious method of
+preaching that he often regretted not being bred up in that way, and the
+loss his parents sustained by their not having a relish for religion
+ungraced with exterior ornaments. These were his thoughts, and his
+practice was suitable to them, until the misfortunes of his father
+obliged him to break up the house, and put Luke out to work at another
+place.
+
+The men where Nunney went to work were lewd and profligate fellows,
+always talking idly or lewdly, relating stories of what had passed in
+the country before they came up to work in London, the intrigues they
+had had with vicious women, and such loose and unprofitable discourses.
+This quickly destroyed the former good inclinations of Luke, who first
+began to waver in religion, and as he had quitted the Church of England
+to turn to the Dissenters, so now he had some thoughts of leaving them
+for the Quakers; but after going often to their meetings he professed he
+thought their behaviour so ridiculous and absurd as not to deserve the
+name either of religion or Divine worship.
+
+His instability of mind pressed him also to go out into the world, for
+it appeared to him a great evil that while all the rest of his
+companions were continually discoursing of their adventures, he should
+have none to mention of his own. Some of them, also, having slightingly
+called him Cockney and reproaching him with never having been seven
+miles from London, he remembered that his father had some near relations
+in the west of England, so he took a sudden resolution of going down
+thither to work at his trade. Full of these notions he went over one
+evening pretty late with his brother to Southwark, and meeting there
+with an acquaintance who would needs make him drink, they stayed pretty
+long at the house, insomuch that Luke got very drunk, and being always
+quarrelsome when he had liquor, insulted and abused everybody in the
+room. As he was quarrelling particularly with one James Young, William
+Bramston who stood by, came up and desired him to be quiet, advised him
+to go home with his company, and not stay and make a disturbance where
+nobody had a mind to quarrel but himself. Without making any reply Luke
+struck him a blow on the face. Bramston thereupon held up his fist as if
+he would have struck him, but did not. However Nunney struck him again
+and pushed him forwards, upon which Bramston reeled, cried out he was
+stabbed and a dead man, that Nunney was the person who gave him the
+wound, and Luke thereupon (drunk as he was) attempted to run away.
+
+Upon this he was apprehended, committed prisoner to Newgate, and the
+next sessions, on the evidence of such of his companions as were
+present, he was convicted and received sentence of death. He behaved
+himself from that time as a person who had as little desire as hopes of
+continuing in the world, enquired diligently both of the Ordinary and of
+the man who was under sentence with him, how he should prepare himself
+for his latter end, coming constantly to chapel, and praying regularly
+at all times. Yet at the place of execution he declared himself a
+Papist. He added, that at the time the murder was committed he had no
+knife nor could he imagine how it was done, being so drunk that he knew
+nothing that had happened until the morning, when he found himself in
+custody. He was about twenty years of age at the time of his suffering
+on the 25th of May, 1723.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of RICHARD TRANTHAM, a Housebreaker
+
+
+Though vices and extravagancies are the common causes which induce men
+to fall into those illegal practices which lead to a shameful death, yet
+now and then it happens we find men of outward gravity and serious
+deportment as wicked as those whose open licenciousness renders their
+committing crimes of this sort the less amazing.
+
+Of the number of these was Richard Trantham, a married man, having a
+wife and child living at the time of his death, keeping also a tolerable
+house at Mitcham in Surrey. He had been apprehended on the sale of some
+stolen silk, and the next sessions following was convicted of having
+broken the house of John Follwell, in the night-time, two years before,
+and taking thence a silver tankard, a silver salver, and fifty-four
+pounds of Bologna silk, valued at £74 and upwards. During the time which
+passed between the sentence and execution he behaved in a manner the
+most penitent and devout, not only making use of a considerable number
+of books which the charity of his friends had furnished him with, but
+also reading to all those who were in the condemned hold with them.
+
+The morning he was to die, after having received the Sacrament, he was
+exhorted to make a confession of those crimes which he had committed,
+particularly as to housebreaking, in which he was thought to have been
+long concerned; thereupon he recollected himself a little, and told of
+six or seven houses which he had broken open, particularly General
+Groves's near St. James's; a stone-cutter in Chiswell Street; and Mr.
+Follwell's in Spitalfields, for which he died. At the place of
+execution, whither he was conveyed in a mourning coach, he appeared
+perfectly composed and submissive to that sentence which his own
+misdeeds and the justice of the Law had brought upon him. Before the
+halter was put about his neck, he spoke to those who were assembled at
+the gallows to see his death, in the following terms:
+
+    Good People,
+
+    Those wicked and unlawful methods by which, for a considerable time,
+    I have supported myself, have justly drawn upon me the anger of God,
+    and the sentence of the Law. As I have injured many and the
+    substance I have is very small, I fear a restitution would be hard
+    to make, even if it should be divided. I therefore leave it all to
+    my wife for the maintenance of her and my child. I entreat you
+    neither to reflect on her nor on my parents, and pray the blessing
+    of God upon you all.
+
+He was thirty years old when he died and was executed the same day with
+the malefactor afore-mentioned.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of JOHN TYRRELL, a Horse-dealer, and WILLIAM HAWKSWORTH, a
+Murderer
+
+
+John Tyrrell, the first of these malefactors, was convicted for stealing
+two horses in Yorkshire, but selling them in Smithfield he was tried at
+the Old Bailey. It seem she had been an old horse-stealer as most people
+conjecture, though he himself denied it, and as he pretended at his
+trial to have bought those two for which he died at Northampton Fair, so
+he continually endeavoured to infuse the same notions into all persons
+who spoke to him at the time of his death. He had practised carrying
+horses over into Flanders and Germany, and there selling them to persons
+of the highest rank, with whom he always dealt so justly and honourably
+that, as it was said, his word would have gone there for any sum
+whatsoever that was to be laid out in horse-flesh.
+
+He had been bred up a Dissenter, and above all things affected the
+character of a religious and sober man, which excepting the instances
+for which he died, he never seemed to have forfeited; for whatever else
+was said against him after he was condemned, arose merely from
+conjectures occasioned by the number of horses he had sold in foreign
+parts. He himself professed that he had always led a most regular and
+devout life, and in the frequent voyages he made by sea, exhorted the
+sailors to leave that dissolute manner of life which too generally they
+led. During the whole time he lay under sentence, he talked of nothing
+else but his own great piety and devotion, which though, as he
+confessed, it had often been rewarded by many singular deliverances
+through the hand of Providence, yet since he was suffered to die this
+ignominious death and thereby disgrace his family and altogether
+overturn that reputation of sanctity with which so much pains himself
+had been setting up, he inclined to atheistic notions, and a wavering
+belief as to the being of a God at all.
+
+As for the other malefactor, William Hawksworth, he was a Yorkshireman
+by birth. His parents, reputable people who took a great care in his
+reputation, intended to breed him to some good trade, but a regiment of
+soldiers happening to come into the town, Hawksworth imagining great
+things might be attained to in the army, would needs go with them, and
+accordingly listed himself. But having run through many difficulties and
+much hardships, finding also that he was like to meet with little else
+while he wore a red coat, he took a great deal of pains and made much
+interest to be discharged. At last he effected it, and a gentleman
+kindly taking him to live with him as a footman, he there recovered part
+of that education which he had lost while in the army. There, also, he
+addicted himself for some time to a sober and quiet life, but soon after
+giving way to his old roving disposition, he went away from his master,
+and listed himself again in the army in one of the regiments of Guards.
+
+His behaviour the last time of his being in the service was honest and
+regular, his officers giving him a very good character, and nobody else
+a bad one; but happening to be one day commanded on a party to mount
+guard at the Admiralty Office, by Charing Cross, they met a man and
+woman. The man's name was John Ransom, and this Hawksworth stepping up
+to the woman and going to kiss her, Ransom interposed and pushed him
+off, upon which Hawksworth knocked him down with the butt end of his
+piece, by which blow about nine o'clock that evening he died.
+
+The prisoner insisted continually that as he had no design to kill the
+man it was not wilful murder. He and Tyrrell died with less confusion
+and seeming concern than most malefactors do. Tyrrell was about thirty
+and Hawksworth in the twenty-eighth year of his age, on the 17th of
+June, 1723.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM DUCE, a Notorious Highwayman and Footpad
+
+
+However hardened some men may appear during the time they are acting
+their crimes and while hopes of safety of life remains, yet when these
+are totally lost and death, attended with ignominy and reproach, stares
+them in the face, they seldom fail to lay aside their obstinacy; or, if
+they do not, it is through a stupid want of consideration, either of
+themselves or of their condition.
+
+William Duce, of whom we are now to speak, was one of the most cruel and
+abandoned wretches that ever went on the road. He was born at
+Wolverhampton, but of what parents, or in what manner he lived until his
+coming up to London, I am not able to say. He had not been long here
+before he got in debt with one Allom, who arrested him and threw him
+into Newgate, where he remained a prisoner upwards of fifteen months;
+here it was that he learnt those principles of villainy which he
+afterwards put in practice.
+
+His companions were Dyer, Butler, Rice and some others whom I shall have
+occasion to mention. The first of December, 1722, he and one of his
+associates crossing Chelsea Fields, overtook a well-dressed gentleman, a
+tall strong-limbed man, who having a sword by his side and a good cane
+in his hand they were at first in some doubt whether they should attack
+him. At last one went on one side and the other on the other, and
+clapping at once fast hold of each arm, they thereby totally disabled
+him from making a resistance. They took from him four guineas, and tying
+his wrists and ankles together, left him bound behind the hedge.
+
+Not long after he, with two others, planned to rob in St. James's Park.
+Accordingly they seized a woman who was walking on the grass near the
+wall towards Petty France, and after they had robbed her got over the
+wall and made their escape. About this time his first acquaintance began
+with Dyer, who was the great occasion of this poor fellow's ruin, whom
+he continually plagued to go out a-robbing, and sometimes threatened him
+if he did not. In Tottenham Court Road, they attacked a gentleman, who
+being intoxicated with wine, either fell from his horse, or was thrown
+off by them, from whom they took only a gold watch. Then Butler and Dyer
+being in his company, they robbed Mr. Holmes of Chelsea, of a guinea and
+twopence, the fact for which he and Butler died.
+
+Thinking the town dangerous after all these robberies, and finding the
+country round about too hot to hold them, they went into Hampshire and
+there committed several robberies, attended with such cruelties as have
+not for many years been heard of in England; and though these actions
+made a great noise, yet it was some weeks before any of them were
+apprehended.
+
+On the Portsmouth Road it happened they fell upon one Mr. Bunch, near a
+wood side, where they robbed and stripped him naked; yet not thinking
+themselves secure, Duce turned and fired at his head. He took his aim so
+true that the bullet entered the man's cheek, upon which he fell with
+the agony of pain, turning his head downwards that the bullet might drop
+out of his mouth. Seeing that, Butler turned back and began to charge
+his pistol. The man fell down on his knees and humbly besought his life.
+Perceiving the villain was implacable, he took the advantage before the
+pistol was charged to take to his heels, and being better acquainted
+with the way than they, escaped to a neighbouring village which he
+raised, and soon after it the whole country; upon which they were
+apprehended. Mead, Wade and Barking, were condemned at Winchester
+assizes, but this malefactor and Butler were removed by an _Habeas
+Corpus_ to Newgate.
+
+While under sentence of death, Duce laid aside all that barbarity and
+stubbornness with which he had formerly behaved, with great frankness
+confessed all the villainies he had been guilty of, and at the place of
+execution delivered the following letter for the evidence Dyer, who as
+he said, had often cheated them of their shares of the money they took
+from passengers, and had now sworn away their lives.
+
+    The Letter of William Duce to John Dyer
+
+    It is unnecessary for me to remind you of the many wicked and
+    barbarous actions which in your company and mostly by your advice,
+    have been practised upon innocent persons. Before you receive this,
+    I shall have suffered all that the law of man can inflict for my
+    offences. You will do well to reflect thereon, and make use of that
+    mercy which you have purchased at the expense of our blood, to
+    procure by a sincere repentance the pardon also of God; without
+    which, the lengthening of your days will be but a misfortune, and
+    however late, your crimes if you pursue them, will certainly bring
+    you after us to this ignominious place.
+
+    You ought especially to think of the death of poor Rice, who fell in
+    the midst of his sins, without having so much as time to say, _Lord
+    have mercy on me._ God who has been so gracious as to permit it to
+    you, will expect a severe account of it, and even this warning, if
+    neglected, shall be remembered against you. Do not however think
+    that I die in any wrath or anger with you, for what you swore at my
+    trial. I own myself guilty of that for which I suffer, and I as
+    heartily and freely forgive you, as I hope forgiveness for myself,
+    from that infinitely merciful Being, to whose goodness and
+    providence I recommend you.
+
+    WILLIAM DUCE
+
+He also wrote another letter to one Mr. R. W., who had been guilty of
+some offences of the like nature in his company, but who for some time
+had retired and lived honestly and privately, was no longer addicted to
+such courses, nor as he hoped would relapse into them again. At the time
+of his execution he was about twenty-five years of age, and suffered at
+Tyburn on the 5th of August, 1723.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES BUTLER, a Most notorious Highwayman, Footpad, etc.
+
+
+James Butler was the son of a very honest man in the parish of St.
+Ann's, Soho, who gave him what education it was in his power to bestow,
+and strained his circumstances to the utmost to put him apprentice to a
+silversmith. James had hardly lived with him six months when his roving
+inclination pushed him upon running away and going to sea, which he did,
+with one Captain Douglass in a man-of-war.
+
+Here he was better used than most young people are at the first setting
+out in a sailor's life. The captain being a person of great humanity and
+consideration, treated James with much tenderness, taking him to wait on
+himself, and never omitting any opportunity to either encourage or
+reward him. But even then Butler could not avoid doing some little
+thieving tricks, which very much grieved and provoked his kind
+benefactor, who tried by all means, fair and foul, to make him leave
+them off. One day, particularly, when he had been caught opening one of
+the men's chests and a complaint was thereupon made to the captain, he
+was called into the great cabin, and everybody being withdrawn except
+the captain, calling him to him, he spoke in these terms.
+
+_Butler, I have always treated you with more kindness and indulgence
+than perhaps anybody in your station has been used with on board any
+ship. You do, therefore, very wrong by playing such tricks as make the
+men uneasy, to put it out of my power to do you any good. We are now
+going home, where I must discharge you, for as I had never any
+difference with the crew since I commanded the_ Arundel, _I am
+determined not to let you become the occasion of it now. There is two
+guineas for you, I will take care to have you sent safe to your mother._
+
+The captain performed all his promises, but Butler continued still in
+the same disposition, and though he made several voyages in other ships,
+yet still continued light-fingered, and made many quarrels and
+disturbances on board, until at last he could find nobody who knew him
+that would hire him. The last ship he served in was the _Mary_, Capt.
+Vernon commander, from which ship he was discharged and paid off at
+Portsmouth, in August, 1721.
+
+Having got, after this, into the gang with Dyer, Duce, Rice and others,
+they robbed almost always on the King's Road, between Buckingham House
+and Chelsea. On the 27th of April, 1723, after having plundered two or
+three persons on the aforesaid road, they observed a coach coming
+towards them, and a footman on horseback riding behind it. As soon as
+they came in sight Dyer determined with himself to attack them, and
+forced his companions into the same measures by calling out to the
+coachman to stop, and presenting his pistols. The fellow persisted a
+little, and Dyer was cocking his pistol to discharge it at him, when the
+ladies' footman from behind the coach, fired amongst them, and killed
+Joseph Rice upon the spot.
+
+This accident made such an impression upon Butler that though he
+continued to rob with them a day or two longer, yet as soon as he had an
+opportunity he withdrew and went to hard labour with one Cladins, a very
+honest man, at the village called Wandsworth, in Surrey. He had not
+wrought there long, before some of his gang had been discovered. His
+wife was seized and sent to Bridewell in order to make her discover
+where her husband was, who had been impeached with the rest. This
+obliged him to leave his place, and betake himself again to robbing.
+
+Going with his companions, Wade, Meads, Garns and Spigget, they went
+into the Gravesend Road, and there attacking four gentlemen, Meads
+thought it would contribute to their safety to disable the servant who
+rode behind, upon which he fired at him directly, and shot him through
+the breast. Not long after, they set upon another man, whom Meads
+wounded likewise in the same place, and then setting him on his horse,
+bid him ride to Gravesend. But the man turning the beast's head the
+other way, Meads went back again, and shot him in the face, of which
+wound he died.
+
+When Butler lay under sentence of death he readily confessed whatever
+crimes he had committed, but he, as well as the before-mentioned
+criminal, charged much of his guilt upon the persuasions of the evidence
+Dyer. He particularly owned the fact of shooting the man at Farnham.
+Having always professed himself a Papist, he died in that religion, at
+the same time with the afore-mentioned criminal, at Tyburn.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of CAPTAIN JOHN MASSEY, who died for Piracy
+
+
+The gentleman of whom we are now to speak, though he suffered for
+piracy, was a man of another turn of mind than any of whom we have
+hitherto had occasion to mention. Captain John Massey was of a family I
+need not dwell on, since he hath at present two brothers living who make
+a considerable figure in their respective professions.
+
+This unhappy person had a natural vivacity in his temper, which
+sometimes rose to such a height that his relations took it for a degree
+of madness. They, therefore, hoping by a compliance with his humours to
+bring him to a better sense of things, sent him into the army then in
+Flanders, under the command of the Duke of Marlborough; and there he
+assisted at the several sieges which were undertaken by the Confederate
+army after his arrival, viz., Mons, Douai, Bouchain, and several others.
+Yet though he was bold there, even to temerity, he never received so
+much as one wound through the whole course of the war, in which, after
+the siege of Lille, he commanded as a lieutenant, and that with great
+reputation.
+
+On his return into England he at first wholly addicted himself to a
+religious sober life, the several accidents of the war having disposed
+him to a more serious temper by making him plainly perceive the hand of
+Providence in protecting and destroying, according as its wisdom seeth
+fit. But after a short stay in London, he unhappily fell into the
+acquaintance of a lewd woman, who so besotted him that he really
+intended to marry her, if the regiment's going to Ireland had not
+prevented it. But there the case was not much mended, since Captain
+Massey gave too much way to the debaucheries generally practised in that
+nation.
+
+On his coming back from thence, by the recommendation of the Duke of
+Chandois, he was made by the Royal African Company a lieutenant colonel
+in their service, and an engineer for erecting a fort on the Coast of
+Africa. He promised himself great advantage and a very honourable
+support from this employment, but he and the soldiers under his command
+being very ill used by the person who commanded the ship in which he
+went over (being denied their proportion of provisions and in all other
+respects treated with much indignity) it made a great impression on
+Captain Massey's mind, who could not bear to see numbers of those poor
+creatures perish, not only without temporal necessities, but wanting
+also the assistance of a divine in their last moments. For the chaplain
+of the ship remained behind in the Maderas, on a foresight perhaps, of
+the miseries he should have suffered in the voyage.
+
+In this miserable condition were things when the Captain and his
+soldiers came into the River Gambia, where the designed fort was to be
+built. Here the water was so bad that the poor wretches, already in the
+most dreadful condition, were many of them deprived of life a few days
+after they were on shore. The Captain was excessively troubled at the
+sight of their misfortunes and too easily in hopes of relieving them
+gave way to the persuasion of a captain[29] of a lighter vessel than his
+own, who arrived in that port, and persuaded him to turn pirate rather
+than let his men starve.
+
+After repeated solicitations, Captain Massey and his men went on board
+this ship, and having there tolerable good provisions, soon picked up
+their strength and took some very considerable prizes. At the plundering
+of these Massey was confused and amazed, not knowing well what to do,
+for though he was glad to see his men have meat, yet it gave him great
+trouble when he reflected on the methods by which they acquired it. In
+this disconsolate state his night was often so troublesome to him as his
+days, for, as he himself said, he seldom shut his eyes but he dreamt
+that he was sailing in a ship to the gallows, with several others round
+him.
+
+After a considerable space, the ship putting into the island of Jamaica
+for necessary supply of water and provision, he made his escape to the
+Governor, and gave him such information that he took several vessels
+thereby; but not being easy there, he desired leave of Sir Nicholas Laws
+to return home. Sir Nicholas gave him letters of recommendation, but
+notwithstanding those, he no sooner returned in England but he was
+apprehended and committed for piracy. Soon after which he was bailed;
+but the persons who became security growing uneasy, he surrendered in
+their discharge, soon after which he was tried, convicted and
+condemned.
+
+During the space he remained in prison under condemnation he behaved
+with so much gravity, piety and composedness, as surprised all who saw
+him, many of whom were inclined to think his case hard. No mercy was to
+be had and as he did not expect it, so false hopes never troubled his
+repose; but as death was to cut him off from the world, so he beforehand
+retired all his affections from thence and thought of nothing but that
+state whither he was going.
+
+In his passage to execution he pointed to the African House,[30] said,
+_They have used me severely, but I pray God prosper and bless them in
+all their undertakings._
+
+Mr. Nicholson, of St. Sepulchre's, attended him in his last moments.
+Just before he died he read the following speech to the people.
+
+    Good People,
+
+    I beg of you to pray for my departing soul. I likewise pray God to
+    forgive all the evidences that swore against me, as I do from my
+    heart. I challenge all the world to say I ever did a dishonourable
+    act or anything unlike a gentleman, but what might be common to all
+    young fellows in this age. This was surely a rash action, but I did
+    not designedly turn pirate. I am sorry for it, and I wish it were in
+    my power to make amends to the Honourable African Company for what
+    they have lost by my means. I likewise declare upon the word of a
+    dying man that I never once thought of molesting his Grace the Duke
+    of Chandois, although it has been maliciously reported that I always
+    went with two loaded pistols to dispatch his Grace. As for the Duke,
+    I was always, while living, devoted to his service, for his good
+    offices done unto me, and I humbly beg Almighty God, that He would
+    be pleased to pour down His blessings upon his good family. Good
+    people, once more I beg of you to pray for my departing soul. I
+    desire my dying words to be printed, as for the truth and sincerity
+    of it, I sign them as a man departing this world.
+
+    John Massey
+
+After he had pronounced these words, he signified it as his last request
+that neither his wife, nor any of his relations might see his body after
+it was in the coffin. Then praying a few moments to himself he submitted
+to his fate, being at the time of his death twenty-eight years old. He
+suffered at high-water mark, Execution Dock, on the 26th of July, 1723,
+his unhappy death being universally pitied.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [29] This was Captain George Lowther, a redoubtable pirate. A
+        more complete Story of Massey's adventures is given in Johnson's
+        _History of the Pirates._
+
+   [30] In Leadenhall Street, along which he would pass on the way
+        to Wapping.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of PHILIP ROCHE, a Pirate, etc.
+
+
+As in the life of Captain Massey, my readers cannot but take notice of
+those great evils into which men are brought by over-forwardness and
+inconsideration, so in the life of the malefactor we are now to speak
+of, they will discern what a prodigious pitch of wickedness, rapine and
+cruelty, human nature is capable of reaching unto, when people abandon
+themselves to a desire of living after their own wicked inclinations,
+without considering the injuries they do others while they gratify their
+own lusts and sensual pleasures.
+
+Philip Roche[31] was the son of a person of the same name in Ireland.
+His father gave him all the education his narrow circumstances would
+permit which extended however to reading and writing a tolerable good
+hand, after which he sent him to sea. Philip was a lad of ingenious
+parts, and instead of forgetting, as many do, all they have learnt, he
+on the contrary took all imaginable care to perfect himself in
+whatsoever he had but a slight notion of before he went to sea. He made
+abundance of coasting voyages about his native island, went once or
+twice to Barbadoes, and being a saving and industrious young fellow,
+picked up money enough to become first mate in a trading vessel to
+Nantes in France, by which being suffered to buy goods himself, he got
+considerably, and was in a fair way to attaining as great a fortune as
+he could reasonably expect. But this slow method of getting money did by
+no means satisfy Roche; he was resolved to grow rich at once, and not
+wait till much labour and many voyages had made him so.
+
+When men once form to themselves such designs, it is not long before
+they find companions fit for their purpose. Roche soon met with one
+Neal, a fisherman of no education, barbarous but very daring, a fellow
+who had all the qualities that could conspire to make a dangerous
+villain, and who had already inured himself to the commission of
+whatever was black or bloody, not only without remorse but without
+reluctance. Neal recommended him to one Pierce Cullen, as a proper
+associate in those designs they were contriving; for this Cullen, as
+Neal informed him, was a fellow of principles and qualifications much
+like himself, but had somewhat a better capacity for executing them, and
+with Neal had been concerned in sinking a ship, after insuring her both
+in London and Amsterdam. But Providence had disappointed them in the
+success of their wicked design for Cullen having been known, or at
+least suspected of doing such a thing before, those with whom they had
+insured at London, instead of their paying the money, caused him to be
+seized and brought to a trial, which demolished all their schemes for
+cheating insurance offices.
+
+Cullen brought in his brother to their confederacy, and after abundance
+of solicitation induced Wise to come in likewise. The project they had
+formed was to seize some light ship, and turn pirates in her, conceiving
+it no difficult matter afterwards to obtain a stronger vessel, and one
+better fitted for their purpose.
+
+The ship they pitched on to execute this their villainous purpose was
+that of Peter Tartoue, a Frenchman of a very generous disposition, who
+on Roche and his companions telling him a melancholy story, readily
+entertained them; and perceiving Roche was an experienced sailor, he
+entrusted him upon any occasion with the care and command of the ship.
+Having done so one night, himself and the chief mate with the rest of
+the French who were on board went to rest, except a man and a boy, whom
+Roche commanded to go up and furl the sails. He then called the rest of
+his Irish associates to him upon the quarter-deck. There Roche,
+perceiving that Francis Wise began to relent, and fearing he should
+persuade others in the same measures, he told them that if every
+Irishman on board did not assist in destroying the French, and put him
+and Cullen in a capacity of retrieving the losses they had had at sea,
+they would treat whoever hesitated in obeying them with as little mercy
+as they did the Frenchmen; but if they would all assist, they should all
+fare alike, and have a share in the booty.
+
+Upon this the action began, and two of them running up after the
+Frenchman and boy, one tossed the lad by the arm into the water, and the
+other driving the man down upon the deck he there had his brains dashed
+out by Roche and his companions. They fell next upon those who were
+retired to their rest, some of whom, upon the shrieks of the man and boy
+who were murdered, rising hastily out of their beds and running up upon
+deck to see what occasioned those dismal noises, were murdered
+themselves before they well knew where they were. The mate and the
+captain were next brought up, and Roche went immediately to binding them
+together, in order to toss them overboard, as had been consulted. 'Twas
+in vain for poor Tartoue to plead the kindness he had done them all and
+particularly Roche. They were deaf to all sentiments, either of
+gratitude or pity, and though the poor men entreated only so much time
+as to say their prayers, and recommend themselves to God, yet the
+villains (though they could be under no apprehensions, having already
+murdered all the rest of the men) would not even yield to this, but
+Cullen hastened Roche in binding them back to back, to toss them at once
+into the sea. Then hurrying down into the cabin, they tapped a little
+barrel of rum to make themselves good cheer, and laughed at the cries of
+the two poor drowned men, whom they distinctly heard calling upon God,
+until their voices and their breaths were lost in the waves.
+
+After having drunk and eaten their fill, with as much mirth and jollity
+as if they had been at a feast, they began to plunder the vessel,
+breaking open the chests, and taking out of them what they thought
+proper. Then to drinking they went again, pleasing themselves with the
+barbarous expedition which they resolved to undertake as soon as they
+could get a ship proper to carry them into the West Indies, intending
+there to follow the example the buccaneers had set them, and rob and
+plunder all who fell into their hands. From these villainies in
+intention, the present state of their affairs called upon them to make
+some provision for their immediate safety. They turned therefore into
+the Channel, and putting the ship into Portsmouth, there got her new
+painted and then sailed for Amsterdam, Roche being unanimously
+recognised their captain, and all of them promising faithfully to submit
+to him through the course of their future expeditions.
+
+On their arrival in Holland, they had the ship a second time new
+painted, and thinking themselves now safe from all discovery began to
+sell off Captain Tartoue's cargo as fast as they could. No sooner had
+they completed this, but getting one Mr. Annesley to freight them with
+goods to England (himself also going as a passenger) they resolved with
+themselves to make prise of him and his effects, as they had also done
+with the French captain. Mr. Annesley, poor man, little dreaming of
+their design, came on board as soon as the wind served; and the next
+night a brisk gale blowing, they tore him suddenly out of his bed and
+tossed him over. Roche and Cullen being with others in the great cabin,
+he swam round and round the ship, called out to them, and told them they
+should freely have all his goods if they would take him in and save his
+life, for he had friends and fortunes enough in England to make up that
+loss. But his entreaties were all vain to a set of wretches who had long
+ago abandoned all sentiments of humour and mercy. They therefore
+caroused as usual, and after sharing the booty, steered the vessel for
+England.
+
+Some information of their villainies had by that time reached thither,
+so that upon a letter being stopped at the post office, which Roche, as
+soon as they had landed, had written to his wife, a messenger was
+immediately sent down, who brought Philip up in custody. Being brought
+to the Council table, and there examined, he absolutely denied either
+that himself was Philip Roche, or that he knew of any one of that name.
+But his letters under his own hand to his wife being produced, he was
+not able any longer to stand in that falsehood.
+
+Yet those in authority knowing that there was not legal proof sufficient
+to bring these abominable men to justice, offered Roche his life,
+provided he gave such information that they might be able to apprehend
+and convict any three of his companions more wicked than himself; but he
+was so far from complying therewith that he suffered those of his crew
+who were taken to perish in custody rather than become an evidence
+against them. This was the fate of Neal, who perished of want in the
+Marshalsea, having in vain petitioned for a trunk in which was a large
+quantity of money, clothes and other things to a considerable value,
+which had been seized in Ireland by virtue of a warrant from the Lord
+Justice of that Kingdom, on the account of the detention of which, while
+he perished for want of necessaries and clothes, Neal most heavily
+complained, forgetting that these very things were the plunder of those
+unhappy persons whom they had so barbarously murdered, after having
+received so much kindness and civility from them.
+
+In the meanwhile Roche, being confined in Newgate, went constantly to
+the chapel and appeared of so obliging a temper that many persuaded
+themselves he could not be guilty of the bloody crimes laid to his
+charge; and taking advantage of these kind thoughts of theirs, he framed
+a new story in defence of himself. He said that there happened a quarrel
+on board the ship between an Irishman and a Frenchman, and that Tartoue
+taking part with his own nation, threatened to lash the Irishman
+severely, though he was not in any way in the wrong. This, he pretended,
+begat a general quarrel between the two nations, and the Irish being the
+stronger, they overpowered and threw the French overboard in the heat of
+their anger, without considering what they did.
+
+Throughout the whole time he lay in Newgate, he very much delighted
+himself with the exercise of his pen, continually writing upon one
+subject or other, and often assisting his fellow prisoners in writing
+letters or whatever else they wanted in that kind. When he was told that
+Neal, who died in the Marshalsea, gushed out at all parts of his body
+with Wood, so that before he expired he was as if he had been dipped in
+gore, Roche replied, it was a just judgment that he who had always
+lived in blood, should die covered with it.
+
+Sometime afterwards, being told that one of his companions had poisoned
+himself he said, Alas! that so evil an end should follow so evil a life;
+for his part he would suffer Providence to take its course with him, and
+rather die the most ignominious death than to his other crimes add that
+of self-murder. The rest who had been apprehended dying one by one in
+the same dreadful condition with Neal, that is, with the blood gushing
+from every part of their body, which looked so much like a judgment that
+all who saw it were amazed, he (Roche) began to think himself perfectly
+safe after the death of his companions, supposing that now there was
+nobody to bear any testimony against him; and therefore, instead of
+appearing in any way dismayed, he most earnestly desired the speedy
+approach of an Admiralty sessions. It was not long before it happened
+and when he found what evidence would be produced against him, he
+appeared much less solicitous about his trial than anybody in his
+condition would have been expected to be, for he very well knew it was
+impossible for them to prove him guilty of the murders and as impossible
+for him to be acquitted of the piracy.
+
+After receiving sentence of death, he declared himself a Papist, and
+said that he could no longer comply with the service of the Church of
+England, and come to the chapel. He did not, however, think that he was
+in any danger of death, but supposed that the promises which had been
+made him on this first examination would now take place and prevent the
+execution of his sentence. When, therefore, the messenger returned from
+Hanover[32], and brought an express order that he should die, he
+appeared exceedingly moved thereat, and without reflecting at all on the
+horrid and barbarous treatment with Which he had used others, he could
+not forbear complaining of the great hardship he suffered in being put
+into the death warrant, after a promise had been made him of life,
+though nothing is more certain than that he never performed any part of
+those conditions upon which it was to have taken place.
+
+At the place of execution he was so faint, confused, and in such a
+consternation that he could not speak either to the people, or to those
+who were nearer at hand, dying with the greatest marks of dejection and
+confusion that could possibly be seen in any criminal whatever. He was
+about thirty years old at the time of his execution, which was at
+high-water mark, Execution Dock, on the 14th of August, 1723.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [31] A detailed account of this villain is given in Johnson's
+        _History of the Pirates._
+
+   [32] Where the warrant had evidently been taken for the
+        signature of the king or a minister.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of HUMPHRY ANGIER, a Highwayman and Footpad
+
+
+From the life of Roche, the course of those papers from which I extract
+these accounts leads me to mention this criminal, that the deaths of
+malefactors may not only terrify those who behold them dying, but also
+posterity, who, by hearing their crimes and the event which they brought
+on, may avoid falling into the one, for fear of feeling the other.
+
+Humphry Angier was by birth of the Kingdom of Ireland, his father being
+a man in very ordinary circumstances in a little town a few miles
+distant from Dublin. As soon as this son was able to do anything, he
+sent him to the city of Cork, and there bound him apprentice to a
+cooper. His behaviour while an apprentice was so bad that his master
+utterly despaired to do any good with him, and therefore was not sorry
+that he ran away from him. However, he found a way to vex him
+sufficiently, for he got into a crew of loose fellows, which so far
+frightened the old cooper that he was at a considerable expense to hire
+persons to watch his house for the four years that Angier loitered about
+that city. At last his father even took him from thence, and brought him
+over into England where he left him at full liberty to do what he
+thought fit; resolving with himself that if his son would take to
+ill-courses, it should be where the fame of his villainies might not
+reflect upon him and his family.
+
+He was now near eighteen years of age and being in some fear that some
+persons whom he had wronged might bring him into danger, he listed
+himself in the king's service, and went down with a new raised regiment
+into Scotland, where he hoped to make something by plundering the
+inhabitants, it being in the time of the Rebellion[33]. But he did not
+succeed very well there, and on his return fell into the company of
+William Duce, whom we have mentioned before. His conversation soon
+seduced him to follow the same course of life, and that their intimacy
+might be the more strongly knit, he married Duce's sister. Then engaging
+himself with all that gang, he committed abundance of robberies in their
+company, but was far from falling into that barbarous manner of beating
+the passengers which was grown customary and habitual to Mead, Butler,
+and some others of his and Duce's companions.
+
+Angier told a particular story of them, which made a very great
+impression upon him, and cannot but give my readers of an idea of that
+horrible spirit which inspired those wretches. Mead and Butler came one
+evening to him very full of their exploits, and the good luck they had
+had. Mead particularly, having related every circumstance which had
+happened since their last parting, said that amongst others whom they
+had robbed they met a smooth-faced shoemaker, who said he was just
+married and going home to his friends. They persuaded him to turn out of
+the road to look in the hedge for a bird's nest, whither he was no
+sooner got, but they bound, gagged and robbed him, and afterwards
+turning back, barbarously clapped a pistol to his head and shot out his
+brains. After this Angier declared he would never drink in the company
+of Mead, and when Butler sometimes talked after the same manner, he used
+to reprove him by telling him that cruelty was no courage, at which
+Butler and some of his companions sometimes laughed, and told him he had
+singular notions of courage.
+
+After this, he and his wife (Duce's sister) set up a little alehouse by
+Charing Cross, which soon against his will, though not without his
+consent, became a bawdy-house, a receptacle for thieves, etc. This sort
+of company rendered his house so suspicious and so obnoxious to the
+magistrates for the City of Westminster, that he quickly found the
+necessity of moving from thence. He then went and set up a brandy-shop,
+where the same people came, though as he pretended much to his
+dissatisfaction. While he kept the alehouse, there were two odd
+accidents befell him, which brought him for the first time to Newgate.
+It happened that while he was out one day, a Dutch woman picked up a
+gentleman and brought him to Angier's house, where, while he was asleep,
+she picked his pocket and left him. For this Angier and his maid were
+taken up, and tried at the Old Bailey. He was also at the same time
+tried for another offence, viz., an Irishwoman coming to his house and
+drinking pretty hard there, he at last carried her upstairs, and
+throwing her upon a bed pretended a great affection for her person; but
+his wife coming in and pretending to be jealous of the woman, pulled her
+off the bed and in so doing picked her pocket of four guineas. But of
+this there being no direct evidence against him, he was also acquitted.
+However, it ruined his house and credit, and drove him upon what was too
+much his inclination, the taking money by force upon the road.
+
+He now got into an acquaintance with Carrick, Carrol, Lock, Kelly, and
+many others of that stamp, with whom he committed several villainies,
+but always pretending to be above picking pockets, which he said was
+practised by none of their crew but Hugh Kelly, who was a very dextrous
+fellow in his way. However, when Angier was in custody, abundance of
+people applied to him to help them to their gold watches, snuff-boxes,
+etc.; but as he told them, so he persisted in it always, that he knew
+nothing of the matter; and Kelly being gone over into America and there
+settled, there was no hopes of getting any of them again.
+
+One evening he and Milksop, one of his companions, being upon the road
+to St. Albans, a little on this side of it, met a gentleman's coach, and
+in it a young man and two ladies. They immediately called to the
+coachman to stop, but he neglecting to obey their summons, they knocked
+him off from the box, having first prevented him from whipping off, by
+shooting one of his horses. They then dragged him under the coach, which
+running over him hurt him exceedingly and even endangered his life. Then
+they robbed the young gentleman and the ladies of whatever they had
+about them valuable, using them very rudely and stripping things off
+them in a very harsh and cruel way. Angier excused this by saying at the
+time he did it he was much in liquor.
+
+In the beginning of the year '20, Angier, who had so long escaped
+punishment for the offences which he had committed, was very near
+suffering for one in which he had not the least hand; for a person of
+quality's coachman being robbed of a watch and some money, a woman of
+the town, whom Angier and one of his companions had much abused, was
+thereupon taken up, having attempted to pawn the fellow's watch after he
+had advertised it. She played the hypocrite very dexterously upon her
+apprehension, and said that the robbery was not committed by her, but
+that Angier, Armstrong and another young man were the persons who took
+it, and by her help they were seized and committed to Newgate. At the
+ensuing sessions the woman swore roundly against them, but the fellow
+being more tender, and some circumstances of their innocence plainly
+appearing, they were acquitted by the jury and that very justly in this
+case in which they had no hand.
+
+During the time he lay under sentence, he behaved himself with much
+penitence for another offence, always calling earnestly to God for His
+assistance and grace to comfort him under those heavy sorrows which his
+follies and crimes had so justly brought upon him.
+
+At the place of execution he did not appear at all terrified at death,
+but submitted to it with the same resignation which for a long space he
+had professed since his being under confinement. Immediately before he
+suffered he recollected his spirits and spoke in the following terms to
+that crowd which always attends on such melancholy occasions.
+
+    Good People,
+
+    I see many of you here assembled to behold my wretched end. I hope
+    it will induce you to avoid those evils which have brought me
+    hither. Sometime before my being last taken up, I had formed within
+    myself most steady purposes of amendment, which it is a great
+    comfort to me, even here that I never broke them, having lived at
+    Henley upon Thames, both with a good reputation, and in a manner
+    which deserved it. I heartily forgive and I hope God would do the
+    same to Dyer, whose evidence hath taken away my life. I hope he will
+    make a good use of that time which the price of my blood and that of
+    others has procured him. I heartily desire pardon of all whom I have
+    injured and declare that in the several robberies I have committed,
+    I have been always careful to avoid committing any murder.
+
+After this he adjusted the rope about his own neck, and submitted to
+that sentence which the Law directed, being at that time about
+twenty-nine years of age. He suffered on the 9th of September, 1723.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [33] The Jacobite rising of 1715.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of CAPTAIN STANLEY, a Murderer
+
+
+There cannot be a greater misfortune than to want education, except it
+be the having a bad one. The minds of young persons are generally
+compared to paper on which we may write whatever we think fit, but if it
+be once blurred and blotted with improper characters, it becomes much
+harder to impress proper sentiments thereon, because those which were
+first there must be totally erased. This seems to have been too much the
+case with the unhappy person of whom the thread of these narrations
+requires that I should speak, viz., Captain Stanley.
+
+This unhappy young gentleman was the son of an officer in the army who
+married the sister of Mr. Palmer, of Duce Hill, in Essex, where she was
+brought to bed of this unfortunate son John, in the year 1698. The first
+rudiments he received were those of cruelty and blood, his father at
+five years old often parrying and thrusting him with a sword, pricking
+him himself and encouraging other officers to play with him in the same
+manner, so that his boy, as old Stanley phrased it, might never be
+afraid of a point--a wretched method of bringing up a child and which
+was highly likely to produce the sad end he came to.
+
+He served afterwards in the army with his father in Spain and Portugal,
+where he suffered hardships enough, but they did not very much affect
+him, who acquired by his hopeful education so savage a temper as to
+delight in nothing so much as trampling on the dead carcasses in the
+fields after an engagement.
+
+Returning into England with his father, old Stanley had the misfortune
+to slab a near relation of my Lord Newbury's, in the Tilt Yard,[34] for
+which he was committed prisoner to Newgate. Afterwards being released
+and commanded into Ireland, he carried over with him this son John and
+procured for him an ensign's commission in a regiment there. Poor young
+Stanley's sprightly temper gained him abundance of acquaintance and (if
+it be not to profane the name) of friends amongst the young rakes in
+Ireland, some of whom were persons of very great quality, and had such
+an affection for him as to continue their visits and relieve his
+necessities when under his last misfortunes in Newgate. But such company
+involving him at that time in expenses he was no way able to support, he
+was obliged shortly to part for ready money with his ensign's
+commission, which gave his father great pain and uneasiness.
+
+Not long after, he came again into England and to London, where he
+pursued the same methods, though his father importuned him to apply to
+General Stanhope, as a person he was sure would assist him, having been
+always a friend to their family, and particularly to old Stanley
+himself. But Jack was become a favourite with the ladies, and had taken
+an easier road to what he accounted happiness, living either upon the
+benevolence of friends, the fortune of the dice, or the favours of the
+sex. A continual round of sensual delights employed his time, and he was
+so far from endeavouring to attain any other commission or employment in
+order to support him, that there was nothing he so much feared as his
+being obliged to quit that life he loved; for old Stanley was
+continually soliciting for him, and as he had very good interest,
+nothing but his son's notorious misbehaviour made him not prevail. In
+the current of his extravagancies Jack fixed himself often upon young
+men coming into the world, and under pretence of being their tutor in
+the fashionable vices of the town, shared in their pleasures and helped
+them squander their estates.
+
+Of this stamp was a gay young Yorkshire squire, who by the death of an
+uncle and by the loss of his father while a boy, had had so little
+education as not to know how to use it. Him Stanley got hold of, and
+persuaded him that nothing was so advantageous to a young gentleman as
+travel, and drew him to make a tour of Flanders and Holland in his
+company. Though a very wild young fellow, Stanley gave a very tolerable
+account of the places, especially the fortifications which he had seen,
+and sufficiently demonstrated how capable he might have been of making
+an exalted figure in the world, if due care had been taken to furnish
+him with any principles in his youth. But the neglect of that undid him,
+and every opportunity which he afterwards had of acquiring anything,
+instead of making him an accomplished gentleman, did him mischief. Thus
+his journey to Paris in company with the afore-mentioned gentleman
+helped him to an opportunity of learning to fence to the greatest
+perfection, so that the skill he was sensible he had in the sword made
+him ever ready to quarrel and seek occasions to use it.
+
+Amongst the multitude of his amours he became acquainted and
+passionately fond of one Mrs. Maycock, whose husband was once an eminent
+tradesman upon Ludgate Hill. By her he had a child of which also he was
+very fond. This woman was the source of the far greater part of his
+misfortunes, for when his father had procured him a handsome commission
+in the service of the African Company, and he had received a
+considerable sum of money for his voyage, appearing perfectly satisfied
+himself, and behaving in so grave and decent a manner as filled his
+family and relations with very agreeable hopes, they were all blasted by
+Mrs. Maycock's coming with her child to Portsmouth, where he was to
+embark. She so far prevailed upon his inclinations as to get him to give
+her one half of the Company's money and to return to town with the other
+half himself. On his coming up to London he avoided going to his
+father's, who no sooner heard how dishonourably his son had behaved, but
+laying it more to heart than all the rest of his misfortunes, grief in a
+short time put an end to them all by his death.
+
+When the news of it came to young Stanley, he fell into transports of
+grief and passion, which as many of his intimate companions said, so
+disturbed his brain that he never afterwards was in a right temper.
+This, indeed, appeared by several accidents, some of which were sworn at
+his trial, particularly that while he lodged in the house of Mr.
+Underhill, somebody having quoted a sentence of Latin in his company, he
+was so disturbed at the thoughts of his having had such opportunities of
+acquiring the knowledge of that language and yet continuing ignorant
+thereof, through his negligence and debauchery, that it made at that
+time so strong an impression on his spirits, that starting up, he drew
+a penknife and attempted to stab himself, without any other cause of
+passion. At other times he would fall into sudden and grievous rages,
+either at trifles, or at nothing at all, abuse his best friends, and
+endeavour to injure himself, and then coming to a better temper, begged
+them to forgive him, for he did not know what he did.
+
+During the latter part of his life, his circumstances were so bad that
+he was reduced to doing many dirty actions which I am persuaded
+otherwise would not have happened, such as going into gentlemen's select
+companies at taverns, without any other ceremony than telling them that
+his impudence must make him welcome to a dinner with them, after which,
+instead of thanking them for their kindness, he would often pick a
+quarrel with them, though strangers, drawing his sword and fighting
+before he left the room. Such behaviour made him obnoxious to all who
+were not downright debauchees like himself, and hindered persons of rank
+conversing with him as they were wont.
+
+In the meantime his favourite Mrs. Maycock, whom he had some time lived
+with as a wife and even prevailed with his mother to visit her as such,
+being no longer able to live at his rate, or bear with his temper,
+frequented a house in the Old Bailey, where it was supposed, and perhaps
+with truth, that she received other company. This made Stanley very
+uneasy, who like most young rakes thought himself at liberty to pursue
+as many women as he pleased, but could not forgive any liberties taken
+by a woman whom he, forsooth, had honoured with his affections.
+
+One night therefore, seeing her in Fleet Street with a man and a woman,
+he came up to her and gently tapped her on the shoulder. She turning,
+cried, _What! My dear Captain!_ And so on they went walking to his house
+in the Old Bailey. There some words happened about the mutual
+misfortunes they had brought upon one another. Mrs. Maycock reproached
+him with seducing her, and bringing on all the miseries she had ever
+felt; Stanley reflected on her hindering his voyage to Cape Coast, the
+extravagant sums he had spent upon her, and her now conversing with
+other men, though she had had three or four children by him. At last
+they grew very high, and Mrs. Maycock, who was naturally a very
+sweet-tempered woman, was so far provoked, as Stanley said, that she
+threw a cup of beer at him; upon which some ill-names passing between
+them, Stanley drew his sword and stabbed her between the breasts eight
+inches deep; immediately upon which he stopped his handkerchief into the
+wound.
+
+He was quickly secured and committed to Wood Street Compter,[35] where
+he expressed very little concern at what had happened, laughing and
+giving himself abundance of airs, such as by no means became a man in
+his condition. On his commitment to Newgate, he seemed not to abate the
+least of that vivacity which was natural to his temper, and as he had
+too much mistaken vice for the characteristic of a fine gentleman, so
+nothing appeared to him so great a testimony of gallantry and courage as
+behaving intrepidly while death was so near its approach. He therefore
+entertained all who conversed with him in the prison, and all who
+visited him from without, with the history of his amours and the favours
+that had been bestowed on him by a multitude of fine ladies. Nay, his
+vanity and impudence was so great as to mention some of their names, and
+especially to asperse two ladies who lived near Cheapside Conduit.[36]
+But there is great reason to believe that part of this was put on to
+make his madness more probable at his trial, where he behaved very
+oddly, and when he received sentence of death, took snuff at the bar,
+and put on abundance of airs that were even ridiculous anywhere, and
+shocking and scandalous upon so melancholy an occasion.
+
+After sentence, his carriage under his confinement altered not so much
+as one would have expected; he offering to lay wagers that he should
+never be hanged, notwithstanding his sentence, for he was resolved not
+to die like a dog on a string, when he had it in his power always to go
+out of the world a nobler way, by which he meant either a knife or
+opium, which were the two methods by one of which he resolved to prevent
+his fate. But when he found that all his pretences of madness were like
+to produce nothing, and that he was in danger of dying in every respect
+like a brute, he laid aside much of his ill-timed gaiety, and began to
+think of preparing for death after another manner.
+
+These gentlemen who assisted him while in Newgate, were so kind as to
+offer to make up a considerable sum of money, if it could have been of
+any use; but finding that neither that nor their interest could do
+anything to save him, they frankly acquainted him therewith and begged
+him not to delude himself with false hopes. All the while he was in
+Newgate, a little boy whom he had by Mrs. Maycock, continued with him,
+and lay constantly in his bosom. He manifested the utmost tenderness
+and concern for that poor child, who by his rashness had been deprived
+of his mother, and whom the Law would, by its just sentence, now
+likewise deprive of its father. Being told that Mr. Bryan, Mrs.
+Maycock's brother on Tower Hill was dead, merely through concern at his
+sister's misfortunes and the deplorable end that followed them, Stanley
+clapped his hands together and cried, _What, more death still? Sure I am
+the most unfortunate wretch that was ever born._
+
+Some few days before his execution, talking to one of his friends, he
+said, _I am perfectly convinced that it is false courage to avoid the
+just sentence of the Law, by executing the rash dictates of one's rage
+by one's own head. I am heartily sorry for the rash expression I have
+been guilty of, of that sort, and am determined to let the world see my
+courage fails me no more in my death than it has done in my life; and,
+my dear friend_, added he, _I never felt so much ease, quiet and
+satisfaction in all my life, as I have experienced, since my coming to
+this resolution._
+
+But though he sometimes expressed himself in a serious and religious
+manner yet passion would sometimes break in upon him to the last and
+make him burst out into frightful and horrid speeches. Then again he
+would grow calm and cool, and speak with great seeming sense of God's
+providence in his afflictions.
+
+He was particularly affected with two accidents which happened to him
+not long before his death, and which struck him with great concern at
+the time they happened. The first of these was a fall from his horse
+under Tyburn, in which he was stunned so that he could not recover
+strength enough to remount, but was helped on his horse again by the
+assistance of two friends. Not long after which, he had as bad an
+accident of the same kind under Newgate, which he said, made such an
+impression on him, that he did not go abroad for many mornings
+afterwards, without recommending himself in the most serious manner to
+the Divine protection.
+
+Another story he also told, with many marks of real thankfulness for the
+narrow escape he then made from death, which happened thus. At a
+cider-cellar in Covent Garden he fell out with one Captain Chickley, and
+challenging him to fight in a dark room, they were then shut up together
+for some space. But a constable being sent for by the people of the
+house, and breaking the door open, delivered him from being sent
+altogether unprepared out of the world, Chickley being much too hard for
+him, and having given him a wound quite through the body, himself
+escaping with only a slight cut or two.
+
+As the day of execution drew near, Mr. Stanley appeared more serious
+and much more attentive to his devotions than hitherto he had been. Yet
+could he not wholly contain himself even then, for the Sunday before he
+died, after sermon, at which he had behaved himself decently and
+modestly, he broke out into this wild expression, that he was only sorry
+he had not fired the whole house where he killed Mrs. Maycock. When he
+was reproved for these things he would look ashamed, and say, 'twas
+true, they were very unbecoming, but they were what he could not help,
+arising from certain starts in his imagination that hurried him into a
+short madness, for which he was very sorry as soon as he came to
+himself.
+
+At the place of execution, to which he was conveyed in a mourning coach,
+he turned pale, seemed uneasy, and complained that he was very sick,
+entreating a gentleman by him to support him with his hand. He desired
+to be unbound that he might be at liberty to pray kneeling, which with
+some difficulty was granted. He then applied himself to his devotions
+with much fervency, and then submitted to his fate, but when the cap was
+drawn over his eyes he seemed to shed tears abundantly. Immediately
+before he was turned off he said his friends had provided a hearse to
+carry away his body and he hoped nobody would be so cruel as to deny his
+relations his dead limbs to be interred, adding, that unless he were
+assured of this, he could not die in peace.
+
+Such was the end of a young man in person and capacity every way fitted
+to have made a reputable figure in the world, if either his natural
+principles, or his education had laid any restraint upon his vices; but
+as his passions hurried him beyond all bounds, so they brought a just
+end upon themselves, by finishing a life spent in sensual pleasures with
+an ignominious death, which happened at Tyburn in the twenty-fifth year
+of his age, on the 23rd of December, 1722.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [34] This was an open space, facing the banquetting-house of
+        old Whitehall, and included part of what is now Horse Guards'
+        Parade.
+
+   [35] This was one of the sheriff's compters--the other was in
+        the Poultry--and served for debtors as well as criminals. It
+        stood about half-way up Wood Street, on the east side.
+
+   [36] There were two conduits in Cheapside; the Great, which
+        stood in the middle of the street, near its junction with the
+        Poultry, and the Little, which was at the other end, facing
+        Foster Lane and Old Change.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of STEPHEN GARDINER, a Highwayman and Housebreaker
+
+
+Stephen Gardiner was the son of parents of middling circumstances,
+living at the time of his birth in Moorfields. This, perhaps, was the
+immediate cause of his ruin, since he learnt there, while a boy, to idle
+away his time, and to look on nothing as so great a pleasure as gaming
+and cudgel playing. This took up equally his time and his thoughts, till
+he grew up to about fourteen years old, when his friends placed him out
+as an apprentice to a weaver.
+
+While he was with his master he did so many unlucky tricks as
+occasioned not only severe usage at home, but incurred also the dislike
+and hatred of all the neighbours; so that instead of interposing to
+preserve him from his master's correction, they were continually
+complaining and getting him beaten; nay, sometimes when his master was
+not ready enough to do it, would beat him themselves. Stephen was so
+wearied out with this kind of treatment, notwithstanding it arose solely
+from his own fault, that he determined to run away for good and all,
+thinking it would be no difficult matter for him to maintain himself,
+considering that dexterity with which he played at ninepins, skittles,
+etc. But experience quickly convinced him of the contrary, so in one
+month being much reduced after betaking himself to this life, by those
+misfortunes which were evident enough (though his passion for liberty
+and idleness hindered him from foreseeing them) that he had not so much
+as bread to eat.
+
+In this distressed condition he was glad to return home again to his
+friends, imploring their charity, and that, forgetting what was passed,
+they would be so kind as to relieve him and put him in some method of
+providing for himself. Natural affection pleading for him,
+notwithstanding all his failings they took him home again, and soon
+after put him as a boy on board a corn vessel which traded to Holland
+and France; but the swearing, quarrelling and fighting of the sailors so
+frightened him, being then very young and unable to cope with them, that
+on his return he again implored the tenderness of his relations to
+permit his staying in England upon any terms, promising to live in a
+most sober and regular manner, provided that he might get his bread by
+hard labour at home, and not be exposed to the injuries of wind and
+weather and the abuses of seamen more boisterous than both. They again
+complied and put him to another trade, but work, it seems, was a thing
+no shape could reconcile to him, and so he ran away from thence, too,
+and once more put himself for a livelihood upon the contrivance of his
+own brain.
+
+He went immediately to his old employment and old haunt, Moorfields,
+where as long as he had any money he played at cards, skittles, etc.,
+with the chiefs of those villainous gangs that haunt the place; and when
+reduced to the want both of money and clothes, he attempted to pick
+pockets, or by playing with the lads for farthings to recruit himself.
+But pocket-picking was a trade in which he had very ill-luck, for taking
+a wig out of a gentleman's pocket at the drawing of the state
+lottery,[37] the man suffered him totally to take it out, then seized
+him and cried out _Pickpocket._ The boy immediately dropped it, and
+giving it a little kick with his foot protected his innocence which
+induced a good-natured person there present to stand so far his friend
+that he suffered no deeper that bout. But a month after, being taken in
+the same manner, and delivered over to the mob, they handled him with
+such cruelty as scarce to leave him life, though he often upon his knees
+begged them to carry him before a Justice and let him be committed to
+Newgate. But the mob were not so to be prevailed on, and this severity,
+as he said, cured him effectually of that method of thieving.
+
+But in the course of his rambling life, becoming acquainted with two
+young fellows, whose names were Garraway and Sly, they invited him to go
+with them upon some of their expeditions in the night. He absolutely
+refused to do anything of that kind for a long time, but one evening,
+having been so unlucky as to lose not only his money but all his clothes
+off his back, he went in search of Sly and Garraway, who received him
+with open arms, and immediately carried him with them upon those
+exploits by which they got their living. Garraway proposed robbing of
+his brother for their first attempt, which succeeded so far as to their
+getting into the house; but they found nothing there but a few clothes
+of his brother and sister, which they took away. But Garraway bid them
+not be discouraged at the smallness of the booty, for his father's house
+was as well furnished as most men's, and their next attack should be
+upon that. To this they agreed, and plundered it also, taking away some
+spoons, tankards, salts and several other pieces of plate of
+considerable value; but a quick search being made, they were all three
+apprehended, and Gardiner being the youngest was admitted an evidence
+against the other two, who were convicted.
+
+Some weeks after, Gardiner got his liberty, but being unwarned, he went
+on still at the same rate. The first robbery he committed afterwards was
+in the house of the father of one of his acquaintances on Addle Hill,
+where Gardiner stole softly upstairs into the garret, and stole from
+thence some men's apparel to a very considerable value. A while after
+this, he became acquainted with Mr. Richard Jones, and with him went
+(mounted upon a strong horse) into Wales upon what in the canting
+dialect is called "the Passing Lay," which in plain English is thus:
+They get countrymen into an alehouse, under pretence of talking about
+the sale of cattle, then a pack of cards is found as if by accident, and
+the two sharpers fall to playing with one another until one offering to
+lay a great wager on the game, staking the money down, the other shows
+his hand to the countryman, and convinces him that it is impossible but
+he must win, offering to let him go halves in the wager. As soon as the
+countryman lays down the money, these sharpers manage so as to pass off
+with it, which is the meaning of their cant, and this practice he was
+very successful in; the country people in Wales, where they travelled,
+having not had opportunity to become acquainted with such bites as those
+who live in the counties nearer London have, where the country fellows
+are often as adroit as any of the sharpers themselves.
+
+It happened that the person with whom Stephen travelled had parted with
+his wife and at Bristol had received a gold watch and chain, laced
+clothes and several other things of value. This immediately put it into
+Gardiner's head that he might make his fortune at once, by murdering him
+and possessing himself of his goods; knowing also that besides these
+valuable things, he had near a hundred guineas about him. In order to
+effect this, he stole a large brass pestle out of a mortar, at the next
+inn, and carried it unperceived in his boots, intending as he and his
+companion rode through the woods to dash his brains out with it. Twice
+for this purpose he drew it, but his heart relenting just when he was
+going to give the stroke he put it up again. At last it fell out of his
+boot and he had much ado to get it pulled up unperceived by his
+companion. The next day it dropped again, and Gardiner was so much
+afraid of Jones's perceiving it, and himself being thereupon killed from
+a suspicion of his design, that he laid aside all further thoughts of
+that matter.
+
+But he took occasion a day or two after to part with him, whereupon the
+other as Stephen was going away, called out to him, _Hark ye, you
+Gardiner! I'll tell you somewhat._ Gardiner therefore turning back. _You
+are going up to London?_ said Jones. _Yes_, replied Gardiner. _Then
+trust me_, said the other, _you're going up to be hanged._
+
+Between Abergavenny and Monmouth, Gardiner took notice of a little
+house, the windows of which were shut up, but the hens and cocks in the
+back yard showed that it was inhabited. Gardiner thereupon knocked at
+the door several times, to see if anybody was at home, but perceiving
+none, he ventured to break open some wooden bars that lay across the
+window, and getting in thereat found two boxes full of clothes, and
+writings relating to an estate. He took only one gown, as not daring to
+load himself with clothes, for fear of being discovered on the road,
+being then coming up to London.
+
+A very short space after his return he committed that fact for which he
+died, which was by breaking open the house of Dorcas Roberts, widow, and
+stealing thence a great quantity of linen; and he was soon after
+apprehended in bed with one of the fine shirts upon his back and the
+rest of the linen stowed under the bed. When carried before the Justice,
+he said that one Martin brought the linen to him, and gave him two fine
+shirts to conceal it in his brandy-shop; but this pretence being thought
+impossible both by the magistrate who committed him, and by the jury who
+tried him, he was convicted for that offence, and being an old offender
+he had no hopes of mercy.
+
+He applied himself, therefore, with all the earnestness he was able, to
+prepare himself sufficiently for that change he was about to make. He
+said that an accident which happened about a year before gave him great
+apprehension, and for some time prevented his continuing in that wicked
+course of life. The accident he mentioned was this: being taken up for
+some trivial thing or other, and carried to St. Sepulchre's Watch-House,
+the constable was so kind as to dismiss him, but the bellman[38] of the
+parish happening to come in before he went out, the constable said,
+_Young man, be careful, I am much afraid this bellman will say his
+verses over you_; at which Gardiner was so much struck, he could scarce
+speak.
+
+Stephen had a very great notion of mortifying his body, as some
+atonement for the crimes he had committed. He therefore fasted some time
+while under sentence, and though the weather was very cold, yet he went
+to execution with no other covering on him but his shroud. At Tyburn he
+addressed himself to the people and begged they would not reflect upon
+his parents, who knew nothing of his crimes. Seeing several of his old
+companions in the crowd, he called out to them and desired them to take
+notice of his death and by amending their lives avoid following him
+thither. He died the 3rd of February, 1723-4.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [37] In 1720 a State Lottery was launched, with 100,000 tickets
+        of £10 each. The prizes were converted into 3 per cent. stock.
+        The issue was a failure and a loss of some £7,000 was incurred.
+
+   [38] A parishioner of St. Sepulchre's bequeathed a sum of money
+        for paying a bellman to visit condemned criminals in Newgate, on
+        the night before their execution, and having rung his bell, to
+        recite an admonitory verse and prayer. He was likewise to accost
+        the cart on its way to the gallows, the following day, and give
+        its inmates a similar admonition. The bell is still to be seen
+        in the church.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of SAMUEL OGDEN, JOHN PUGH, WILLIAM FROST, RICHARD WOODMAN,
+and WILLIAM ELISHA, Highwaymen, Footpads, Housebreakers, etc.
+
+
+Samuel Ogden was the son of a sailor in Southwark, who bred him to his
+own employment, in which he wrought honestly for many years until he
+fell very ill of dropsy, for the cure of which, being carried to St.
+Thomas's Hospital, he after his recovery applied himself to selling
+fish, instead of going again to sea. How he came to be engaged in the
+crimes he afterwards perpetrated we cannot well learn, and therefore
+shall not pretend to relate. However, he associated himself with a very
+numerous gang, such as Mills, Pugh, Blunt, Bishop, Gutteridge, and
+Matthews, who became the evidence against him. He positively averred
+that one of the robberies for which he was convicted, was the first he
+ever committed. He expressed the greatest horror and detestation for
+murder imaginable, protesting he was no ways guilty of that committed on
+Brixton Causeway.
+
+[Illustration: STEPHEN GARDINER MAKING HIS DYING SPEECH AT TYBURN
+
+This plate gives an excellent representation of an execution. The
+condemned man is in his shroud; the hangman is adjusting the knot, and
+at a signal the cart will drive away; nearby is the sheriff in his state
+carriage; and gazing on is a curious, morbid crowd of spectators.
+
+(_From the Newgate Calendar_)]
+
+At the time of his trial at Kingston he behaved himself very insolently
+and audaciously; but when sentence had been passed upon him, most of
+that unruly temper was lost, and he began to think seriously of
+preparing for another world. He confessed that his sins were many, and
+that judgment against him was just, meekly accepting his death as the
+due rewards of his deeds. He was the example of seriousness and
+penitence to the other twelve malefactors who suffered with him, being
+about thirty-seven years of age at the time of his decease.
+
+John Pugh, otherwise Blueskin, was born at Morpeth near
+Newcastle-upon-Tyne. His father was a carrier in tolerable business and
+circumstance, who put him to be a servant in a silver-spinner's in
+Moorfields, where he soon learnt all sorts of wickedness, beginning with
+defrauding his master and doing any other little tricks of that kind, as
+opportunity would give him leave. We are told of him what perhaps can be
+hardly said of any other criminal who hath died in the same way for many
+years past, that though he was but twenty-two years of age, he had spent
+twelve of them in cheating, pilfering, and robbing. At last he fell into
+the gang that brought him to his death, for a robbery committed by
+several of them in the county of Surrey. Pugh, though so young a fellow,
+was so unaccountably stupid and wicked that though he made a large and
+particular confession of his guilt, yet it was done in such a manner as
+plainly showed his crimes made no just impression upon his heart; all he
+said, being in the language of the Kingston Ordinary, the sleepy
+apprehensions of unawakened ignorance, in which condition he continued
+to the last.
+
+William Frost, a cripple, was the son of a pin-maker in Christ Church
+parish, Southwark, and as to his education, my account says it was in
+hereditary ignorance. He had wrought, it seems, while a boy at his
+father's trade of pin-making, but since he was thirteen or fourteen had
+addicted himself to that preparative trade to the gallows,
+shoeblacking. While he continued in this most honourable profession,
+abundance of opportunities offered for robbing in the night season, and
+we must do him the justice to say that they were not offered in vain.
+Thus by degrees he came on to robbing on the road and in the streets
+until he was apprehended, and upon the evidence of his companion was
+convicted.
+
+The Sunday after this, he with the rest of the malefactors was brought
+to the parish church, which was the first time, as he declared, he had
+ever entered one, at least with an intention to hear and observe what
+was said. There he made a blundering sort of confession, and would
+perhaps have been more penitent if he had known well what penitence was;
+but he was a poor stupid, doltish wretch, scarce sensible even of the
+misfortune of being hanged. He was, however, very attentive in the cart
+to the prayer of those who were a little better instructed than himself,
+and finished a wretched life with an ignominious death at twenty-one
+years of age.
+
+Richard Woodman was born at Newington, in Surrey. He got his bread some
+years by selling milk about, but thinking labour too great a price for
+victuals, he addicted himself to getting an easier livelihood by
+thieving. In this course he soon got in with a gang who let him want no
+instructions that were necessary to bring him to the gallows. Amongst
+them the above-mentioned lame man was his principal tutor. The last
+robbery but one that they ever committed was upon a poor man who had
+laid out his money in the purchase of a shoulder of mutton to feast his
+family, but they disappointed him by taking it away, and with it a
+bundle of clothes and other necessaries, by which the unfortunate person
+who lost them, though their value was not much in themselves, lost all
+he had.
+
+His behaviour was pretty much of a piece with the rest of his
+companions, that is, he was so unaffected either with the shamefulness
+of his death or the danger of his soul that perhaps never any creatures
+went to death in a more odd manner than these did, whose behaviour
+cannot for all that be charged with any rudeness or want of decency. But
+religion and repentance were things so wholly new to them, and so
+unsuited to their comprehension, that there needed a much greater length
+of time than they had to have given them any true sense of their duty,
+to which it cannot be said they were so averse, as they were ignorant
+and incapable.
+
+William Elisha was another of these wretches, but he seemed to have had
+a better education than most of them, though he made as ill use of it as
+any. He was once an evidence at Croydon assizes, where he convicted two
+of his companions, but the sight of their execution, and the
+consciousness of having preserved his own life merely by taking theirs,
+did not in the least contribute to his amendment, for he was no sooner
+at liberty but he was engaged in new crimes, until at last with those
+malefactors before mentioned, and with eight others, he was executed at
+Kingston, in the twenty-fourth year of his age, April 4th, 1724.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS BURDEN, a Robber
+
+
+Thomas Burden was born in Dorsetshire, of parents in tolerable
+circumstances, who being persons getting their living by seamen, they
+bred up their son to that profession, and sent him very young to sea. It
+does not appear that he ever liked that employment, but rather that he
+was hurried into it when he was very young by the choice of his parents,
+and therefore in no condition to choose better for himself. He was up in
+the Straits several years, and while there in abundance of fights, at
+which time he had so much religion as to apply himself diligently to God
+in prayer for his protection, and made abundance of vows and resolutions
+of amendment, if it pleased the providence of God to preserve his life.
+But no sooner was the danger over, but all these promises were forgotten
+until the next time he was in jeopardy.
+
+At this rate he went on until the war was over, and notwithstanding the
+aversion he always had to a military kind of life, yet such was his
+unconquerable aversion to labour, that he rather enlisted himself in the
+land service than submit thereto. Going, however, one day to Hounslow to
+the house of one of the staff officers of his regiment, and not finding
+him at home, but only a corporal who had been left at the house to give
+answers, with this corporal he sat chatting and talking until night; so
+that being obliged to stay there until the next morning, a discourse
+somehow or other happened between him and the person who entertained
+him, about William Zouch, an old man who lived alone on the common. And
+Burden having been drinking, it came into his head, how easily he might
+rob such an old man. Upon which, he immediately went to his house, and
+finding him sitting on the bench at his door, he began to talk with and
+ask him questions. The old man answered him with great mildness, until
+at last Burden drew an iron instrument out of his cane, threatening him
+with death if he did not reveal where his money was. Zouch thereupon
+brought it him in a pint pot, being but one-and-thirty shillings. Then
+tying the old man in his chair, Burden left him. But it seems he did not
+tie him so fast but that he easily got loose, and alarming the town,
+Burden was quickly taken, having fled along the Common, which was open
+to the eye for a long way, instead of taking into the town or the woods,
+which if he had, in all probability he might have escaped. When
+Whittington and Greenbury apprehended him, he did not deny the fact, but
+on the contrary offered them money to let him go.
+
+After his conviction he manifested vast uneasiness at the thoughts of
+death, appearing wonderfully moved that he who had lived so long in the
+world with the reputation of an honest man, should now die with that of
+a thief, and in the manner of a dog. But as death grew nearer, and he
+saw there was no remedy, he began to be a little more penitent and
+resigned, especially when he was comforting himself with the hopes that
+his temporal punishment here might preserve him from feeling everlasting
+misery. With these thoughts having somewhat composed himself, he
+approached the place where he was to suffer, with tolerable temper and
+constancy, entreating the people who were there in very great numbers to
+pray for him, and begging that all by his example would learn to stifle
+the first motions of wickedness and sin, since such was the depravity of
+human nature that no man knew how soon he might fall. At the same place
+he delivered a paper in which he much extenuated the crime for which he
+suffered, and from whence he would feign have insinuated that it was a
+rash action committed when in drink, and which he should certainly have
+set right again when he was sober. In this frame of mind he suffered, on
+the 29th of April, 1724, being then about fifty years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of FREDERICK SCHMIDT, Alterer of Bank-Notes
+
+
+When persons sin out of ignorance there is great room for pity, and when
+persons suddenly become guilty of evil through a precipitate yielding to
+the violence of their passions there is still room for extenuation. But
+when people sin, not only against knowledge but deliberately, and
+without the incitement of any violent passion such as anger or lust,
+even as nothing can be said in alleviation, so there is little or no
+room left for compassion.
+
+Frederick Schmidt was a person born of a very honourable and wealthy
+family at Breslau, the capital of the Duchy of Silesia in the north-east
+of Germany. They educated this their son not only in such a manner as
+might qualify him for the occupation they designed him, of a merchant,
+but also gave him a most learned and liberal knowledge, such as suited a
+person of the highest rank. He lived, however, at Breslau as a merchant
+for many years, and at the request of his friends, when very young, he
+married a lady of considerable fortune, but upon some disgust at her
+behaviour they parted, and had not lived together for many years before
+his death.
+
+He carried on a very considerable correspondence to Hamburg, Amsterdam
+and other places, and above a year before had been over in England to
+transact some affairs, and thought it, it seems, so easy a matter to
+live here by his wits, that he returned hither with the Baron Vanloden
+and the Countess Vanloden. It is very hard to say what these people
+really were, some people taking Schmidt for the baron's servant, but he
+himself affirmed, and indeed it seems most likely, that they were
+companions, and that both of them exerted their utmost skill in
+defrauding others to maintain her.
+
+The method they took here for that purpose was by altering bank-notes,
+which they did so dexterously as absolutely to prevent all suspicion.
+They succeeded in paying away two of them, but the fraud being
+discovered by the cheque-book at the bank, Schmidt was apprehended and
+brought to a trial. There it was sworn that being in possession of a
+bank-note of £25 he had turned it into one of £85, and with the Baron
+Vanloden tendered it to one Monsieur Mallorey, who gave him goods for
+it, and another note of £20. It was deposed by the Baron Vanloden and
+Eleanora Sophia, Countess Vanloden, that Schmidt took the last mentioned
+note of £20 upstairs, and soon after brought it down again, the word
+"twenty" being taken out; upon which they drew it through a plate of
+gummed water, and then smoothing it between several papers with a box
+iron, the words "one hundred" were written in its place. Then he gave it
+to the Baron and the interpreter to go out with it and buy plate, which
+they did to the amount of £40. It appeared also, by the same witnesses,
+that Schmidt had owned to the Baron that he could write twenty hands,
+and that if he had but three or four hundred pounds, he could swell them
+to fifty thousand. It was proved also by his own confession that he had
+written over to his correspondent in Holland, to know whether English
+bank-notes went currently there or not. Upon which he was found guilty
+by a party-jury, that singular favour permitted to foreigners by the
+equitable leniency of the Law of England. Yet after this he could hardly
+be persuaded that his life was in any danger; nay, when he came into the
+condemned hold, he told the unhappy persons there, in as good English as
+he could speak, that he should not be hanged with them.
+
+For the first two or three days, therefore, that he was under sentence,
+he refused to look so much as on a book, or to say a prayer, employing
+that time with unwearied diligence in writing a multitude of letters to
+merchants, foreign ministers, and German men of quality and such like,
+still holding fast his old opinion that his life was not in the least
+danger; and when a Lutheran minister was so kind as to visit him, he
+would hardly condescend to speak with him. But when he had received a
+letter from him who had all along buoyed him up with hopes of safety, in
+which he informed him that all those hopes were vain, he then began to
+apply himself with a real concern to the Lutheran minister whom he had
+before almost rejected, but did not appear terrified or much affrighted
+thereat. However, quickly after, he fell into a fit of sickness and
+became so very weak as not to be able to stand. He confessed, however,
+to the foreign divine who attended him that he was really guilty of that
+crime for which he was to die, though it did not appear that he
+conceived it to be capital at the time he did it, nor, indeed, was he
+easily convinced it was so, until within a few days of his execution.
+
+There had prevailed a report about the town that he had done something
+of the like nature at Paris, for which he had been obliged to fly, but
+he absolutely denied that, and seemed to think the story derived its
+birth from the Baron, who, he said, was an apothecary's son, and from
+his acquaintance with his father's trade, knew the secret of expunging
+waters. He added, that his airs of innocence were very unjust, he having
+been guilty of abundance of such tricks, and the Countess of many more
+than he. Thus, as is very common in such cases, these unhappy people
+blackened one another. But the Baron and the Countess had the advantage,
+since by their testimony poor Schmidt was despatched out of the way, and
+'tis probable their credit at the time of his execution, was not in any
+great danger of being hurt by his character of them.
+
+When he came to Tyburn, being attended in the cart by the Lutheran
+minister whom I have so often mentioned, he was forced to be held up,
+being so weak as not to be able to stand alone. He joined with the
+prayers at first, but could not carry on his attention to the end,
+looking about him, and staring at the other prisoners, with a curiosity
+that perhaps was never observed in any other prisoner in his condition
+what-so ever; neither his looks not his behaviour seemed to express so
+much terror as was struck into others by the sight of his condition. So
+after recommending to the minister by letter, to inform his aged mother
+in Germany of his unhappy fate, he requested the executioner to put him
+to death as easily as he could. He then submitted to his fate on the 4th
+of April, 1724, being in the forty-fifth year of his age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of PETER CURTIS, a Housebreaker, etc.
+
+
+Peter Curtis, _alias_ Friend, was born of honest but industrious parents
+in the country, at a very great distance from London. Finding a method
+to get him put apprentice to a ship's carpenter, they were very much
+pleased therewith, hoping that they had settled him in a trade in which
+he might live well, and much beyond anything they could have expected to
+have done for him.
+
+But Peter himself was of a very different opinion, for from the hour he
+came to it he greatly disliked his profession, and though he went to sea
+with his master once or twice, yet he failed not to take hold of the
+first opportunity to set himself at liberty by running away from him.
+From that time he devoted himself to live a life of pleasure, having
+contracted an obstinate aversion to business and to everything which
+looked like labour; though, as be acknowledged, the hand of Providence
+hindered him from accomplishing his wish, making this life that he chose
+a greater burden and hardship to him than that which he had
+relinquished.
+
+He found means to get into gentlemen's service, and lived in them with
+tolerable reputation and credit for the space of several years. At last
+he was resolved to go to sea again, but he had so unconquerable an
+aversion to his own trade that he chose rather going in the capacity of
+a trumpeter, having learnt how to play on that instrument at one of his
+services. He sailed on board the _Salisbury_, in that expedition Sir
+George Byng made to the Straits of Messina, when he attacked and
+destroyed the Spanish Fleet.[39] There Peter had the good luck to escape
+without any hurt, though there were many killed and wounded on board
+that ship. He afterwards served in a regiment of dragoons, where by
+prudent management he saved no less than fourscore pounds. With this he
+certainly had it in his power to have put himself in some way of doing
+well, but he omitted it, and falling into the company of a lewd woman,
+she persuaded him to take lodgings with her, and they lived together for
+some space as man and wife.
+
+During this time he made a shift to be bound for one of his companions,
+for a very considerable sum, which the other had the honesty to leave
+him to pay. The creditor, upon information that Curtis was packing up
+his awls[40] to go to sea, resolved to secure him for his debt. But not
+being able to catch him upon a writ, he made up a felonious charge
+against him, and having thereupon got him committed to the Poultry
+Compter, as soon as the Justice had discharged him, he got him taken for
+the debt, and recommitted to the same place. Here he was soon reduced to
+a very melancholy condition, having neither necessaries of life not any
+prospect of a release. The wretched company with which such prisons are
+always full, corrupted him as to his honesty, and taught him first to
+think of making himself rich by taking away the properties of others.
+
+When he came out of prison, upon an agreement with his creditor, he soon
+got into service with Mr. Fluellen Aspley, a very eminent chinaman by
+Stocks Market.[41] When he was there, the bad woman with whom he still
+conversed, was continually dunning his ears with how easy a matter it
+was for him to make himself and her rich and easy by pilfering from his
+master, telling him that she and her friends in the country would help
+him off with a thousand pounds worth of china, if need were, and baiting
+him continually, not to lose such an opportunity of enriching them. The
+fellow himself was averse to such practices, and nothing but her
+continual teasing could have induced him ever to have entertained a
+design of so base a nature.
+
+At last he condescended so far as to enquire how it might be done with
+safety. _For that_, replied the woman, _trust to my management. I'll put
+you in a way to bring off the most valuable things in the house, and yet
+get a good character, and be trusted and valued by the family for having
+robbed them._ At that Curtis stared, and said, if she'd but put him to
+such a road he did not know but he might comply with her request. She
+thereupon opened her scheme to him this: _Here's my son, you shall lift
+him into the house, and after you have given him plate and what you
+think proper and my boy, who is a very dexterous lad, is got off with
+them, you have nothing to do but to put an end of a candle under the
+Indian cabinet in the counting-house, and leave things to themselves.
+The neighbourhood will soon be alarmed by the fire, and if you are
+apparently honest in what you take away publicly, there will be no
+suspicion upon you for what went before, which will be either thought to
+be destroyed in the fire, or to be taken away by some other means._
+
+This appeared so shocking a project to Curtis that he absolutely refused
+to comply with the burning, though with much ado he was brought to
+stealing a large quantity of plate, which he brought to this woman, but
+in attempting to sell it she was stopped, and the robbery discovered.
+However, there being no direct evidence at first against Curtis, he was
+released from his confinement on suspicion, even by the intercession of
+Mr. Aspley himself. But a little time discovering the mistake, and that
+he was really the principal in the robbery, he was thereupon again
+apprehended, and at the next sessions tried and convicted.
+
+While he lay under sentence of death, he behaved himself as if he had
+totally resigned all thoughts of the world, or of continuing in it,
+praying with great fervency and devotion, making full and large
+confession, and doing every other act which might induce men to believe
+that he was a real penitent, and sincerely sorry and affected for the
+crime he had committed.
+
+But it seems that this was all put on, for the true source of his
+easiness and resignation was the assurance he had in himself of escaping
+death either by pardon, or by an escape; for which purpose, he and those
+who were under sentence with him had provided all necessaries, loosened
+their irons and intended to have effected it at the expense of the lives
+of their keepers. But their design being discovered the Saturday before
+their deaths, and Curtis perceiving that his hopes of pardon were
+ill-founded, began to apply himself to repenting in earnest. Yet there
+was very little time left for so great a work, especially considering
+that nothing but the necessity of the thing inclined him thereto, and
+that he had spent that respite allowed him by the clemency of the Law to
+prepare for death in contriving to fly from justice at the expense of
+the blood of others. How he performed this it is impossible for us to
+know, and must be left to be decided by the Great Judge to whom the
+secrets of all hearts are open. However, at his death he appeared
+tolerably composed and cheerful, and turning to the people said, _You
+see, they who contrived to burn the house and the people in it escaped,
+but I, who never consented to any such thing, die as you see._ Some
+discourse there was of his having buried a portmanteau and about
+fourteen hundred pounds; he was spoke to about it, and did not deny he
+had it. He said he hid it upon Finchley Common and that by the arms,
+which was the Spread Eagle, he took to be an ambassador's. As to the
+diamond ring he had been seen to wear, he did not affirm he came very
+honestly by it, but would not give any direct answer concerning it, and
+seemed uneasy that he should have such questions put to him at the very
+point of death. He suffered the 15th of June, 1724, about thirty years
+of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [39] See note, page 49.
+
+   [40] An old-fashioned play on the words "awl" and "all," and
+        means, of course, packing up all his possessions.
+
+   [41] A busy market for fish and vegetables, which occupied the
+        site on which the present Mansion House stands. The market was
+        moved, in 1737, to Farringdon Street.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of LUMLEY DAVIS, a Highwayman
+
+
+Such is the frailty of human nature that neither the best examples nor
+the most liberal education can warrant an honest life, or secure to the
+most careful parents the certainty of their children not becoming a
+disgrace to them, either in their lives or by their deaths.
+
+This malefactor, of whom the course of our memoirs now obliges us to
+make mention, was the son of a man of the same name, viz., Lumley Davis,
+who was, it seems, in circumstances good enough to procure his sons
+being brought up in one of the greatest and best schools in England.
+There his proficiency procured him an election upon the establishment,
+and he became respected as a person whose parts would do honour even to
+that remarkable seminary of learning where he had been bred. But
+unaccountably growing fond, all on a sudden, of going to some trade or
+employment and absolutely refusing to continue any longer at his
+studies, his friends were obliged to comply with the ardency of his
+request and accordingly put him apprentice to an eminent vintner at the
+One Tun Tavern, in the Strand.
+
+He continued there but a little while before he was as much dissatisfied
+with that as he had been with learning, so that leaving his master, and
+leading an unsettled kind of life, he fell into great debts, being
+unable to satisfy which, when demanded, he was arrested and thrown into
+the Marshalsea. There for some time he continued in a very deplorable
+condition, till by the charitable assistance of a friend, his debt was
+paid and the fees of the prison discharged. After this he went into the
+Mint,[42] where drinking accidentally at one of the tap-houses in that
+infamous place, and being very much out of humour with the low and
+profligate company he was obliged to converse with there, he took notice
+of a very genteel man, who sat at the table by himself. He inquired of
+some persons with whom he was drinking, who that man was. They answered
+that they could not tell themselves; he was lately come over for shelter
+amongst them; he was a gentleman, as folks said, of much learning, and
+though he never conversed with anybody, yet was kind enough to afford
+them his assistance, either with his pen, or by his advice when they
+asked it. On this character Davis was very industrious to become his
+acquaintance, and Harman, which was the other man's name, not having
+been able to meet with anybody there with whom he could converse, he
+very readily embraced the society of Davis; with whom comparing notes,
+and finding their case to be pretty much the same, they often condoled
+one another's misfortunes and as often projected between themselves how
+to gain some supply without depending continually upon the charity of
+their friends.
+
+In the meantime, Davis was so unfortunate as to fall ill of a
+languishing distemper, which brought him so low as to oblige him to
+apply for relief to that friend who had discharged him out of the
+Marshalsea. He was so good as to get him into St. Thomas's Hospital, and
+to supply him while there with whatever was necessary for his support.
+When he was so far recovered as to be able to go abroad, this kind and
+good friend provided for him a country habitation, where he might be
+able to live in privacy and comfort and indulge himself in those
+inclinations which he began again to show towards learning.
+
+Some time after he had been there, not being able to support longer that
+quiet kind of life which before he did so earnestly desire,
+notwithstanding the entreaties of his friends, he came up to London
+again, where falling into idle company, he became addicted to the vices
+of drinking and following bad women, things which before he had both
+detested and avoided. Not long after this, he again found out Mr.
+Harman, and renewed his acquaintance with him. He enquired into his past
+adventures and how he had supported himself since they last had been
+together, and on perceiving that they were far from being on the mending
+hand with him, the fatal proposal was at last made of going upon the
+road, and there robbing such persons as might seem best able to spare
+it, and at the same time furnish them with the largest booty.
+
+The first person they attacked was one John Nichols, Esq., from whom
+they took a guinea and seventeen shillings, with which they determined
+to make themselves easy a little, and not go that week again upon any
+such hazardous exploits. But alas, their resolutions had little success,
+for that very evening they were both apprehended and on full evidence at
+the next sessions were convicted and received sentence of death, within
+a very short time after they had committed the crime.
+
+Davis all along flattered himself with the hopes of a pardon or a
+reprieve and therefore was not perhaps so serious as he ought, and as he
+otherwise would have been. Not that those hopes made him either
+licentious or turbulent, but rather disturbed his meditations and
+hindered his getting over the terrors which death always brings to the
+unprepared. But when, on his name being in the death warrant, he found
+there was no longer any hopes, he then, indeed, applied himself without
+losing a moment to the great concern of saving his soul, now there was
+no hopes of preserving his body.
+
+However, neither his education nor all the assistance he could receive
+from those divines that visited him, could bring him to bear the
+approach of death with any tolerable patience. Even at the place of
+execution, he endeavoured as much as he could to linger away the time,
+spoke to the Ordinary to spin out the prayers, and to the executioner to
+forbear doing his office as long as it was possible. However, he spoke
+with great kindness and affection to his companion, Mr. Harman, shook
+hands with those who were his companions in death, and at last submitted
+to his fate, being then about twenty-three years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [42] The Southwark Mint was a sanctuary for insolvent debtors
+        and a nest of infamy in general. It stood over against St.
+        George's church.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES HARMAN, Highwayman
+
+
+James Harman was the son of a merchant in the City of London, who took
+care to furnish his son with such an education as enabled him, when
+about fourteen years of age, to be removed to the University. His
+behaviour there was like that of too many others, spent in diversities
+instead of study, and in a progression of vice, instead of improving in
+learning. After having been there about three years, and having run into
+such debts as he saw no probability of discharging, he was forced to
+leave it abruptly; and his father, much grieved at this behaviour,
+bought him an ensign's commission in the army, where he continued in
+Jones's Regiment till it was disbanded. Then, indeed, being forced to
+live as he could, and the assistance of friends, though large, yet no
+ways suited to his expenses, he became so plunged in debt and other
+misfortunes that he was in necessity of going over to the Mint, where
+reflecting on his own follies, he became very reserved and melancholy.
+He would probably have quite altered his course of life if opportunity
+had offered, or if he had not fallen in that company which by a
+similarity of manner induced him to fall into the commission of such
+crimes as would not probably have otherwise entered his head.
+
+The fact which he and the before-mentioned Davis committed, was their
+first and last attempt, but Mr. Harman, all the time he lay under
+sentence (without suffering himself to be amused by expectations of
+success from those endeavours which he knew his friends used to save his
+life,) accustomed himself to the thoughts of death, performing all the
+duties requisite from a person of his condition for atoning the evils
+of a misspent life, and making his peace with that Being from whom he
+had received so great a capacity of doing well, and which he had so much
+abused.
+
+Having spent the whole time of his confinement after this manner, he did
+not appear in any degree shocked or confounded when his name being to
+the death warrant left him no room to doubt of what must be his fate. At
+the place of execution he appeared not only perfectly easy and serene,
+but with an air of satisfaction that could arise only from the peace he
+enjoyed within. Being asked if he had anything to say to the people, he
+rose up, and turning towards them said, _I hope you will all make that
+use of my being exposed to you as a spectacle which the Law intends, and
+by the sight of my death avoid such acts as may bring you hither, with
+the same Justice that they do me._
+
+He suffered about the twenty-fifth year of his age, the 28th of August,
+1724, at Tyburn.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN LEWIS, _alias_ LAURENCE, a Thief, Highwayman, etc.
+
+
+One great cause of that degeneracy we observe amongst the lower part of
+the human species arises from a mistake which has generally prevailed in
+the education of young people throughout all ages. Parents are sometimes
+exceedingly assiduous that their children should read well and write a
+good hand, but they are seldom solicitous about their making a due use
+of their reason, and hardly ever enquire into the opinions which, while
+children, they entertain of happiness or misery, and the paths which
+lead to either of them. This is the true and natural intent of all
+education whatsoever, which can never tend to anything but teaching
+persons how to live easily and seducing their affections to the bounds
+prescribed them by the law of God and their country.
+
+John Lewis, _alias_ Laurence, had doubtless parents who bred him
+somewhere, though the papers I have do not afford me light enough to say
+where. This indeed, I find, that he was bred apprentice to a butcher,
+took up his freedom in the City, and worked for a considerable space as
+a journeyman. For his honesty we have no vouchers for any part of that
+time, for in his apprenticeship he fell into the use of profligate
+company, who taught him all those vices which were destructive to his
+future life. He grew fond of everything which looked like lewdness and
+debauchery, drank hard, was continually idling about; above all,
+strumpets the most abandoned, both in their manner and discourse, were
+the very ultimate end of his wishes, insomuch that he would often say he
+had nothing to answer for in debauching modest women, for they were a
+set of creatures he could never so much as endure to converse with.
+
+His usual method of living with his mistresses was this: as soon as the
+impudence and lewdness of a woman had made her infamous, even amongst
+the hackney coachmen, pickpockets, footpads and such others of his
+polite acquaintance, then Lewis thought her a fit person for his turn,
+and used to live with her for the space of perhaps a month; then growing
+tired of her, he went to look for another.
+
+This practice of his grew at last so well known that he found it a
+little difficult to get women who would take up with him upon his terms;
+but there was one Moll Davis, who for her dexterity in picking of
+pockets amongst those of her own tribe went by the name of Diver, who
+was so great a scandal to her sex that the most abandoned of that low
+crew with whom he conversed, hated and despised her. With her Lewis went
+to live after his usual manner, and was very fond of her after his way,
+for about a fortnight; at the end of which he grew fractious, and in
+about nine weeks' time more he beat her. Moll wept and took on at a sad
+rate for his unkindness and told him that if would but promise
+faithfully never to live with any other woman, she should fairly present
+him with a brace of hundred pounds, which she had lodged in the hands of
+an uncle who knew nothing of her way of life, but lived reputably at
+such a place.
+
+This was the right way of touching Lewis's temper. He began to put on as
+many good looks as his face was capable of wearing, and made use of as
+many kind expressions as he could remember out of the _Academy of
+Compliments_, until the day came that she was to meet her uncle at
+Smithfield Market. They then went very lovingly together to an inn upon
+the paven stones, where Moll asked very readily at the bar if Mr.
+Tompkins (which was the name of her uncle) was there. The woman of the
+house made her a low curtsy and said he was only stepped over the way to
+be shaved, and she would call him. She went accordingly and brought the
+grave old man, who as soon as he came into the room said, _Well, Mary,
+is this thy husband? Yes, sir_, answered she, _this is the person I have
+promised to bring you._ Upon which the old man thrust out his hand and
+said, _Come, friend, as you have married my niece, you and I must be
+better acquainted._ Lewis scraped him a good bow as he could, and giving
+his hand in return, the old fellow laid hold on him somewhat above the
+wrist, stamped with his right foot, and then closing with him got him
+down.
+
+In the meanwhile, half a dozen fellows broke into the room and one of
+them seizing him by the arms another pulled out a small twine, and bound
+him; then shoving him downstairs, they had no sooner got into
+Smithfield, then the mob cried out, _Here's the rogue! Here's the dog
+that held a penknife to the old grazier's throat, while a woman and
+another man robbed him._ It seems the story was true of Moll, who by
+thus taking and then swearing it upon Lewis, who had never so much as
+heard of it, escaped with impunity, and besides that got five guineas
+for her pains from the brother of the old man, who upon this occasion
+played the part of her uncle. If the grazier had been a hasty, rash man,
+Lewis had certainly hanged for the fact, but looking hard upon him at
+his trial, he told the Court he was sure that Lewis was not the man, for
+though his eyes were not very good, he could easily distinguish his
+voice, and added that the man who robbed him was taller than himself,
+whereas Lewis was much shorter. By which means he had the good luck to
+come off, though not without lying two sessions in Newgate.
+
+As soon as be came abroad be threatened Moll Davis hard for what she had
+done, and swore as soon as he could find her to cut her ears off; but
+she made light of that, and dared him to come and look for her at the
+brandy-shop where she frequented. Lewis hearing that resolved to go
+thither and beat her, and knowing the usual time of her coming thither
+to be about eleven o'clock at night, he chose that time to come also.
+But Moll, the day before, had made one of her crew who had turned
+evidence, put him into his information, and the constables and their
+assistants being ready planted, they seized him directly and carried him
+to his old lodgings in Newgate.
+
+He was acquitted upon this next sessions, there being no evidence
+against him but the informer, but the Court ordered him to find security
+for his good behaviour. That proved two months' work, so that in all it
+was a quarter of a year before he got out of Newgate for the second
+time. Then, hearing Davis had picked a gentleman's pockets of a
+considerable sum, and kept out of the way upon it, he resolved to be
+even with her for the trouble she had cost him, and for that purpose
+hunted through all her old places of resort, in order to find out how to
+have her apprehended. Moll hearing of it, got her sister, who followed
+the same trade with herself, to waylay him at the brandy-shop in Fleet
+Street. There Susan was very sweet upon him, and being as impudent as
+her sister, Lewis resolved to take up with her, at least for a night;
+but she pretended reasons why he could not go home with her, and he
+complaining that he did not know where to get a lodging, she gave him
+half a crown and a large silver medal, which she said would pawn for
+five shillings, and appointed to meet him the next night at the same
+place. In the morning Lewis goes with the silver piece to a pawnbroker
+at Houndsditch; the broker said he would take it into the next room and
+weigh it, and about ten minutes after returned with a constable and two
+assistants, the medal having been advertised in the papers as taken with
+eleven guineas in a green purse out of a gentleman's pocket, and was the
+very robbery for which Moll Davis kept out of the way.
+
+When he got over this, he went down into the country, and having been so
+often in prison for naught, he resolved to merit it now for something.
+So on the Gravesend Road he went upon the highway, and having been, as I
+told you, bred up a butcher, the weapon he made use of to rob with was
+his knife. The first robbery he attempted was upon an old officer who
+was retired into that part of the country to live quiet. Lewis bolted
+out upon him from behind the corner of a hedge, and clapping a sharp
+pointed knife to his breast, with a volley of oaths commanded him to
+deliver. This was new language to the gentleman to whom it was offered,
+yet seeing how great an advantage the villain had of him, he thought it
+the most prudent method to comply, and gave him therefore a few
+shillings which were in his coat-pocket. Lewis very highly resented
+this, and told him he did not use him like a gentleman; that he would
+search him himself. In order to do this, clapping his knife into his
+mouth as he used to do when preparing a sheep for the shambles, he fell
+to ransacking the gentleman's pockets. He had hardly got his hand into
+one of them, but the gentleman snatched the knife out of his mouth and
+in the wrench almost broke his jaw. Lewis hereupon took to his heels,
+but the country being raised upon him, he was apprehended just as he was
+going to take water at Gravesend. But his pride in refusing the
+gentleman's silver happened very luckily for him here, for on his trial
+at the next assizes, the indictment being laid for a robbery, the jury
+acquitted him and he was once more put into a road of doing well, which
+according to his usual method he made lead towards the gallows.
+
+The first week he was out, he broke open a house in Ratcliff Highway,
+from whence he took but a small quantity of things, and those of small
+value, because there happened to be nothing better in the way. In a few
+days after this, he snatched off a woman's pocket in the open street,
+for which fact being immediately apprehended, he was at the next
+sessions at the Old Bailey, tried and convicted, but by the favour of
+the Court ordered for transportation.
+
+A woman whom at this time he called his wife, happened to be under the
+like sentence at the same time. They went therefore together, and were
+each of them such turbulent dispositions that the captain of the
+transport thought fit to promise them their liberty in a most solemn
+manner, as soon as they came on shore in Carolina, provided they would
+be but quiet. To this they agreed, and they kept their words so well,
+that the captain performed his promise and released them at their
+arrival in South Carolina, upon which they made no long stay there, but
+found a method to come back in the same ship. Upon arrival in England
+they were actually married, but they did not live long together, Lewis
+finding that she conversed with other men, and being in fear, lest in
+hopes of favour, she should discover his return from transportation, and
+by convicting him save herself.
+
+Upon these apprehensions, he thought fit to go again to sea, in a ship
+bound for the Straits; but falling violently sick at Genoa, they left
+him there. And though he might afterwards have gone to his vessel, his
+old thought and wishes returned and he took the advantage of the first
+ship to return to England. Here he found many of his old acquaintances,
+carrying on the business of plunder in every shape. He joined with them,
+and in their company broke open with much difficulty an alehouse in Fore
+Street, at the sign of the King of Hearts, where they took a dozen of
+tankards, which they apprehended to be of silver; but finding upon
+examination they were no better than pewter well scoured, they judged
+there would be more danger in selling them than they were worth.
+Therefore having first melted them, they threw them away; but being a
+little fearful of robbing in company, he took to his old method of
+robbing by himself in the streets. But the first attempt he made to do
+this was in the old Artillery Ground,[43] where he snatched a woman's
+pocket; and she crying out raised the neighbourhood. They pursued him,
+and after wounding two or three persons desperately, he was taken and
+committed to his old mansions in Newgate, and being tried at the next
+sessions was found guilty and from that time could not enjoy the least
+hopes of life. But he continued still very obdurate, being so hardened
+by a continual series of villainous actions that he seemed to have no
+idea whatsoever of religion, penitence or atoning by prayers, for the
+numerous villainies he had committed.
+
+At the place of execution he said nothing to the people, only that he
+was sorry he had not stayed in Carolina, because if he had, he should
+never have come to be hanged, and so finished his life in the same
+stupid manner in which he had lived. He was near forty years of age at
+the time he suffered, which was on the 27th of June, 1720.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [43] This was the exercising ground of the Train Bands and the
+        Honourable Artillery Company. It was on the west side of
+        Finsbury Square.
+
+
+
+
+The History of the WALTHAM BLACKS and their transactions to the death of
+RICHARD PARVIN, EDWARD ELLIOT, ROBERT KINGSHELL, HENRY MARSHALL, JOHN
+PINK and EDWARD PINK, and JAMES ANSELL _alias_ PHILLIPS, at Tyburn,
+whose lives are also included
+
+
+Such is the unaccountable folly which reigns in too great a part of the
+human species, that by their own ill-deeds, they make such laws
+necessary for the security of men's persons and properties, as by their
+severity, unless necessity compelled them, would appear cruel and
+inhuman, and doubtless those laws which we esteem barbarous in other
+nations, and even some which appear so though anciently practised in our
+own, had their rise from the same cause.
+
+I am led to this observation from the folly which certain persons were
+guilty of in making small insurrections for the sake only of getting a
+few deer, and going on, because they found the leniency of the laws
+could not punish them at present, until they grew to that height as to
+ride in armed troops, blacked and disguised, in order the more to
+terrify those whom they assaulted, and wherever they were denied what
+they thought proper to demand, whether venison, wine, money, or other
+necessaries for their debauched feasts, would by letter threaten plunder
+and destroying with fire and sword, whomever they thought proper.
+
+These villainies being carried on with a high hand for some time in the
+years 1722 and 1723, their insolence grew at last so intolerable as to
+oblige the Legislature to make a new law against all who thus went armed
+and disguised, and associated themselves together by the name of Blacks,
+or entered into any other confederacies to support and assist one
+another in doing injuries and violences to the persons and properties of
+the king's subjects.
+
+By this law it was enacted that after the first day of June, 1723,
+whatever persons armed with offensive weapons, and having their faces
+blacked, or otherwise disguised, should appear in any forest, park or
+grounds enclosed with any wall or fence, wherein deer were kept, or any
+warren where hares or conies are kept, or in any highway, heath or down,
+or unlawfully hunt, kill or steal any red or fallow deer, or rob any
+warren, or steal fish of any pond, or kill or wound cattle, or set fire
+to any house or outhouses, stack, etc., or cut down or any otherway
+destroy trees planted for shelter or profit, or shall maliciously shoot
+at any person, or send a letter demanding money or other valuable
+things, shall rescue any person in custody of any officer for any such
+offences, or by gifts or promise, procure any one to join with them,
+shall be deemed guilty of felony without benefit of clergy, and shall
+suffer pains of death as felons so convicted.
+
+Nor was even this thought sufficient to remedy those evils, which the
+idle follies of some rash persons had brought about, but a retrospect
+was also by the same Act had to offences heretofore committed, and all
+persons who had committed any crimes punishable by this Act, after the
+second of February, 1722, were commanded to render themselves before the
+24th of July, 1723, to some Justice of his Majesty's Court of King's
+Bench, or to some Justice of the Peace for the county where they lived,
+and there make a full and exact confession of the crimes of such a
+nature which they had committed, the times when, and the places where,
+and persons with whom, together with an account of such persons' places
+of abode as had with them been guilty as aforesaid, in order to their
+being thereupon apprehended, and brought to judgment according to Law,
+on pain of being deemed felons, without benefit of clergy, and suffering
+accordingly; but were entitled to a free pardon and forgiveness in case
+that before the 24th of July they surrendered and made such discovery.
+
+Justices of Peace by the said Act were required on any information being
+made before them by one or more credible persons, against any person
+charged with any of the offences aforesaid, to transmit it under their
+hands and seals to one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State,
+who by the same Act is required to lay such information and return
+before his Majesty in Council; whereupon an order is to issue for the
+person so charged to surrender within forty days. And in case he refuse
+or neglect to surrender within that time, then from the day in which the
+forty days elapsed, he is to be deemed as a felon convict, and execution
+may be awarded as attainted of felony by a verdict.
+
+Every person who, after the time appointed for the surrender of the
+person, shall conceal, aid or succour him, knowing the circumstances in
+which he then stands, shall suffer death as a felon, without benefit of
+clergy, and that people might the more readily hazard their persons for
+the apprehending such offenders, it is likewise enacted that if any
+person shall be wounded so as to lose an eye, or the use of any limb in
+endeavouring to take persons charged with the commission of crimes
+within this law, then on a certificate from the Justices of the Peace
+of his being so wounded, the sheriff of the county, if commanded within
+thirty days after the sight of such certificate, to pay the said wounded
+persons £50 under pain of forfeiting £10 on failure thereof, and in case
+any person should be killed in seizing such persons as aforesaid, then
+the said £50 is to be paid to the executors of the person to be killed.
+
+It cannot seem strange that in consequence of so extraordinary an act of
+legislature, many of these presumptious and silly people should be
+apprehended, and a considerable number of them having upon their
+apprehension been committed to Winchester gaol, seven of them were by
+_Habeas Corpus_, removed for the greater solemnity of their trial to
+Newgate, and for their offence brought up and arraigned at the King's
+Bench Bar, Westminster. There being convicted on full evidence, all of
+them of felony, and three of murder, I shall inform ye, one by one, of
+what has come to my hand in relation to their crimes, and the manner and
+circumstances with which they were committed.
+
+Richard Parvin was master of a public-house at Portsmouth, a man of dull
+and dogmatic disposition, who continually denied his having been in any
+manner concerned with these people, though the evidence against him at
+his trial was as full and as direct as possibly could have been
+expected, and he himself evidently proved to have been on the spot where
+the violences committed by the other prisoners were transacted. In
+answer to this, he said that he was not with them, though indeed he was
+upon the forest, for which he gave this reason. He had, he said, a very
+handsome young wench who lived with him, and for that reason being
+admired by many of his customers, she took it in her head one day to run
+away. He hearing that she had fled across the forest, pursued her, and
+in that pursuit calling at the house of Mr. Parford, who keeps an
+alehouse in the forest, this man being an evidence against the other
+Blacks, took him it seems into the number, though as he said, he could
+fully have cleared himself if he had had any money to have sent for some
+witnesses out of Berkshire. But the mayor of Portsmouth seizing, as soon
+as he was apprehended, all his goods, put his family into great distress
+and whether he could have found them or not, hindered his being able to
+produce any witnesses at his trial.
+
+He persevered in these professions of his innocency to the very last,
+still hoping for a reprieve, and not only feeding himself with such
+expectations while in prison, but also gazed earnestly when at the tree,
+in hopes that pardon would be brought him, until the cart drew away and
+extinguished life and the desire of life together.
+
+Edward Elliot, a boy of about seventeen years of age, whose father was a
+tailor at a village between Petworth and Guildford, was the next who
+received sentence of death with Parvin. The account he gave of his
+coming into this society has something very odd in it, and which gives a
+fuller idea of the strange whims which possessed these people. The boy
+said that about a year before his being apprehended, thirty or forty men
+met him in the county of Surrey and hurried him away. He who appeared to
+be the chief of them told him that he enlisted him in the service of the
+King of the Blacks, in pursuance of which he was to disguise his face,
+obey orders of whatsoever kind they were, such as breaking down fish
+ponds, burning woods, shooting deer, taking also an oath to be true to
+them, or they by their art magic would turn him into a beast, and as
+such make him carry their burdens, and live like a horse upon grass and
+water.
+
+He said, also, that in the space of time he continued with them, he saw
+several experiments of their witchcraft, for that once when two men had
+offended them by refusing to comply in taking their oath and obeying
+their orders, they caused them immediately to be blindfolded and
+stopping them in holes of the earth up to their chin, ran at them as if
+they had been dogs, bellowing and barking as it were in their ears; and
+when they had plagued them awhile in this ridiculous manner they took
+them out, and bid them remember how they offended any of the Black
+Nation again, for if they did, they should not escape so well as they
+had at present. He had seen them also, he said, oblige carters to drive
+a good way out of the road, and carry whatsoever venison or other thing
+they had plundered to the places where they would have them; that the
+men were generally so frightened with their usage and so terrified with
+the oaths they were obliged to swear, that they seldom complained, or
+even spoke of their bondage.
+
+As to the fact for which they died, Elliot gave this account: that in
+the morning when that fact was committed for which he died, Marshall,
+Kingshell and four others came to him and persuaded him to go to Farnham
+Holt, and that he need not fear disobliging any gentlemen in the
+country, some of whom were very kind to this Elliot. They persuaded him
+that certain persons of fortune were concerned with them and would bear
+him harmless if he would go. He owned that at last he consented to go
+with them, but trembled all the way, insomuch that he could hardly reach
+the Holt. While they were engaged in the business for which they came,
+viz., killing the deer, the keepers came upon them. Elliot was wandered
+a considerable way from his companions after a fawn which he intended
+to send as a present to a young woman at Guildford; him therefore they
+quickly seized and bound, and leaving him in that condition, went in
+search of the rest of his associates. It was not long before they came
+up with them. The keepers were six, the Blacks were seven in number, so
+they fell to it warmly with quarter-staffs. The keepers unwilling to
+have lives taken, advised them to retire, but upon their refusing, and
+Marshall's firing a gun, by which one of the keepers belonging to the
+Lady How was slain, they discharged a blunderbuss and shattered the
+thigh of one Barber, amongst the Blacks. Upon this three of his
+associates ran away, and the two others, Marshall and Kingshell were
+likewise taken, and so the fray for the present ended.
+
+Elliot lay bound all the while within hearing, and in the greatest
+agonies imaginable, at the consideration that whatever blood was spilt
+he should be as much answerable for it as these who shed it; in which he
+was not mistaken, for the keepers returning after the fight was over,
+carried him away bound and he never had his fetters off after, till the
+morning of his execution. He behaved himself very soberly, quietly and
+with much seeming penitence and contrition. He owned the justice of the
+Law in punishing him, and said he more especially deserved to suffer,
+since at the time of the committing this fact, he was servant to a widow
+lady, where he wanted nothing to make him happy or easy.
+
+Robert Kingshell was twenty-six years old, and lived in the same house
+with his parents, being apprentice to his brother a shoemaker. His
+parents were very watchful over his behaviour and sought by every method
+to prevent his taking to ill courses, or being guilty of any debauchery
+whatever. The night before this unhappy accident fell out, as he and the
+rest of the family were sleeping in their beds, Barber made a signal at
+his chamber window, it being then about eleven o'clock. Upon this
+Kingshell arose and got softly out of the window; Barber took him upon
+his horse, and away they went to the Holt, twelve miles distant, calling
+in their way upon Henry Marshall, Elliot and the rest of their
+accomplices. He said it was eight o'clock in the morning before the
+keepers attacked them, he owned they bid them retire, and that he
+himself told them they would, provided the bound man (Elliot) was
+released and delivered into their hands, but that proposition being
+refused, the fight at once grew warm. Barber's thigh was broken, and
+Marshall killed the keeper with a shot; being thereupon very hard
+pressed, three of their companions ran away, leaving him and Marshall to
+fight it out. Elliot being already taken, and Barber disabled, it was
+not long before they were in the same unhappy condition with their
+companions. From the time of their being apprehended, Kingshell laid
+aside all hopes of life, and applied himself with great fervency and
+devotion to enable him in what alone remained for him to do, viz., dying
+decently.
+
+Henry Marshall, about thirty-six years of age, the unfortunate person by
+whose hand the murder was committed, seemed to be the least sensible of
+any of the evils he had done, although such was the pleasure of Almighty
+God that till the day before his execution, he neither had his senses,
+nor the use of his speech. When he recovered it, and a clergyman
+represented to him the horrid crime of which he had been guilty, he was
+so far from showing any deep sense of that crime of shedding innocent
+blood, that he made light of it, said he might stand upon his own
+defence, and was not bound to run away and leave his companions in
+danger. This was the language he talked for the space of twenty-four
+hours before his death, in which he enjoyed the use of speech; and so
+far was he from thanking those who charitably offered him their
+admonitions, that he said he had not forgot himself, but had already
+taken care of what he thought necessary for his soul. However, he did
+not attempt in the least to prevaricate, but fairly acknowledged that he
+committed the fact for which he died, though nothing could oblige him to
+speak of it in any manner as if he was sorry for or repented of it,
+farther than for having occasioned his own misfortunes; so strong is the
+prejudice which vulgar minds acquire by often repeating to themselves
+and in company certain positions, however ridiculous and false. And
+sure, nothing could be more so than for a man to fancy he had a right to
+imbrue his hands in the blood of another, who was in the execution of
+his office, and endeavouring to hinder the commission of an illegal act.
+
+These of whom I have last spoken were all concerned together in the
+before-mentioned fact, which was attended with murder; but we are now to
+speak of the rest who were concerned in the felony only, for which they
+with the above-mentioned Parvin suffered. Of these were two brothers,
+whose names were John and Edward Pink, carters in Portsmouth, and always
+accounted honest and industrious fellows before this accident happened.
+They did not, however, deny their being guilty, but on the contrary
+ingenuously confessed the truth of what was sworn, and mentioned some
+other circumstances that had been produced at the trial which attended
+their committing it. They said they met Parvin's housekeeper upon that
+road, that they forced her to cut the throat of a deer which they had
+just taken upon Bear Forest, gave her a dagger which they forced her to
+wear, and to ride cross-legged with pistols before her.
+
+In this dress they brought her to Parvin's house upon the forest, where
+they dined upon a haunch of venison, feasted merrily and after dinner
+sent out two of their companions to kill more deer, not in the King's
+Forest, but in Waltham Chase, belonging to the Bishop of Winchester. One
+of these two persons they called their king, and the other they called
+Lyon. Neither of these brothers objected anything, either to the truth
+of the evidence given against them, or the justice of that sentence
+which had passed upon them, only one insinuating that the evidence would
+not have been so strong against him and Ansell, if it had not been for
+running away with the witness's wife, which so provoked him that they
+were sure they should not escape when he was admitted a witness.
+
+These like the rest were hard to be persuaded that the things they had
+committed were any crimes in the eyes of God. They said deer were wild
+beasts, and they did not see why the poor had not as good a right to
+them as the rich. However, as the Law condemned them to suffer, they
+were bound to submit, and in consequence of that notion, behaved
+themselves very orderly, decently and quietly, while under sentence.
+
+James Ansell, _alias_ Stephen Philips, the seventh and last of these
+unhappy persons, was a man addicted to a worse and more profligate life
+than any of the rest had ever been; for he had held no settled
+employment, but had been a loose disorderly person, concerned in all
+sorts of wickedness for many years, both at Portsmouth, Guildford, and
+other country towns, as well as at London. Deer were not the only things
+that he had dealt in; stealing and robbing on the highway had been
+formerly his employment, and in becoming a Black, he did not as the
+others ascend in wickedness, but came down on the contrary, a step
+lower. Yet this criminal as his offences were greater, so his sense of
+them was much stronger than in any of the rest, excepting Kingshell, for
+he gave over all manner of hopes of life and all concerns about it as
+soon as he was taken.
+
+Yet even he had no notion of making discoveries, unless they might be
+beneficial to himself, and though he owned the knowledge of twenty
+persons who were notorious offenders in the same kind, he absolutely
+refused to name them, since such naming would not procure himself a
+pardon; talking to him of the duty of doing justice was beating the air.
+He said, he thought there was no justice in taking away other people's
+lives, unless it was to save his own, yet no sooner was he taxed about
+his own going on the highway than he confessed it, said he knew very
+well bills would have been preferred against him at Guildford assizes,
+in case he had got off at the King's Bench, but that he did not greatly
+value them. Though formerly he had been guilty of some facts in that
+way, yet they could not all now be proved, and he should have found it
+no difficult matter to have demonstrated his innocence of those then
+charged upon him, of which he was not really guilty, but owed his being
+thought so to the profligate course of life he had for some time led,
+and his aversion to all honest employments.
+
+Bold as the whole gang of these fellows appeared, yet with what
+sickness, what with the apprehension of death, they were so terrified
+that not one of them but Ansell, _alias_ Philips, was able to stand up,
+or speak at the place of execution, many who saw them affirming that
+some of them were dead even before they were turned off.
+
+As an appendix to the melancholy history of these seven miserable and
+unhappy persons, I will add a letter written at that time by a gentleman
+of the county of Essex, to his friend in London, containing a more
+particular account of the transactions of these people, than I have seen
+anywhere else. Wherefore, without any further preface, I shall leave it
+to speak for itself.
+
+    A letter to Mr. C. D. in London.
+
+    Dear Sir,
+
+    Amongst the odd accidents which you know have happened to me in the
+    course of a very unsettled life, I don't know any which hath been
+    more extraordinary or surprising than one I met with in going down
+    to my own house when I left you last in town. You cannot but have
+    heard of the Waltham Blacks, as they are called, a set of whimsical
+    merry fellows, that are so mad to run the greatest hazards for the
+    sake of a haunch of venison, and passing a jolly evening together.
+
+    For my part, though the stories told of these people had reached my
+    ears, yet I confess I took most of them for fables, and I thought
+    that if there was truth in any of them it was much exaggerated. But
+    experience (the mistress of fools) has taught me the contrary, by
+    the adventure I am going to relate to you, which though it ended
+    well enough at last, I confess at first put me a good deal out of
+    humour. To begin, then; my horse got a stone in his foot, and
+    therewith went so lame just as I entered the forest, that I really
+    thought his shoulder slipped. Finding it however impossible to get
+    him along, I was even glad to take up at a little blind alehouse
+    which I perceived had a yard and a stable behind it.
+
+    The man of the house received me very civilly, but when he
+    perceived my horse was so lame as scarce to be able to stir a step,
+    I observed he grew uneasy. I asked him whether I could lodge there
+    that night, he told me no, he had no room, I desired him, then, to
+    put something to my horse's foot, and let me sit up all night; for I
+    was resolved not to spoil a horse which cost me twenty guineas by
+    riding him in such a condition in which he was at present. The man
+    made me no answer, and I proposed the same questions to the wife.
+    She dealt more roughly and freely with me, and told me that truly I
+    neither could, nor should stay there, and was for hurrying her
+    husband to get my horse out. However, on putting a crown into her
+    hand and promising another for my lodging, she began to consider a
+    little; and at last told me that there was indeed a little bed above
+    stairs, on which she should order a clean pair of sheets to be put,
+    for she was persuaded I was more of a gentleman than to take any
+    notice of what I saw passed there.
+
+    This made me more uneasy than I was before. I concluded now I was
+    got amongst a den of highwaymen, and expected nothing less than to
+    be robbed and my throat cut. However, finding there was no remedy, I
+    even set myself down and endeavoured to be as easy as I could. By
+    this time it was very dark, and I heard three or four horsemen
+    alight and lead their horses into the yard. As the men returned and
+    were coming into the room where I was, I overheard my landlord say,
+    _Indeed, brother, you need not be uneasy, I am positive the
+    gentleman's a man of honour_, to which I heard another voice reply,
+    _What could our death do to any stranger? Faith, I don't apprehend
+    half the danger you do. I dare say the gentleman would be glad of
+    our company, and we should be pleased with his. Come, hang fear,
+    I'll lead the way._ So said, so done, in they came, five of them,
+    all disguised so effectually that I declare, unless it were in the
+    same disguise, I should not be able to distinguish any one of them.
+
+    Down they sat, and he who I suppose was constituted their captain
+    _pro hac vice_, accosted me with great civility, and asked me if I
+    would honour them with my company to supper. I acknowledge I did not
+    yet guess the profession of my new acquaintances, but supposing my
+    landlord would be cautious of suffering either a robbery or a murder
+    in his own house, I know not how, but by degrees my mind grew
+    perfectly easy. About ten o'clock I heard a very great noise of
+    horses, and soon after men's feet tramping in a room over my head.
+    Then my landlord came down and informed us supper was just ready to
+    go upon the table.
+
+    Upon this we were all desired to walk up, and he whom I before
+    called the captain, presented me, with a humorous kind of ceremony,
+    to a man more dignified than the rest who sat at the end of the
+    table, telling me at the same time, he hoped I would not refuse to
+    pay my respects to Prince Oroonoko, King of the Blacks. It then
+    immediately struck into my head who those worthy persons were, into
+    whose company I was thus accidentally fallen. I called myself a
+    thousand blockheads for not finding out before, but the hurry of
+    things, or to speak the truth, the fear I was in, prevented my
+    judging even from the most evident signs.
+
+    As soon as our awkward ceremony was over, supper was brought in; it
+    consisted of eighteen dishes of venison in every shape, roasted,
+    boiled with broth, hashed collops, pasties, umble pies, and a large
+    haunch in the middle, larded. I easily saw that of three ordinary
+    rooms of which the first floor of the house consisted, ours (by
+    taking down the partitions) was very large, and the company in all
+    twenty-one persons. At each of our elbows there was set a bottle of
+    claret, and the man and woman of the house sat down at the lower
+    end. Two or three of the fellows had good natural voices, and so the
+    evening was spent as merrily as the rakes pass theirs in the King's
+    Arms, or the City apprentices with their master's maids at Sadler's
+    Wells. About two the company seemed inclined to break up, having
+    first assured me that they should take my company as a favour any
+    Thursday evening, if I came that way.
+
+    I confess I did not sleep all night with reflecting on what had
+    passed, and could not resolve with myself whether these humorous
+    gentlemen in masquerade were to be ranked under the denomination of
+    knight-errants, or plain robbers. This I must tell you, by the by,
+    that with respect both to honesty and hardship, their life resembles
+    much that of the hussars, since drinking is all their delight, and
+    plundering their employment.
+
+    Before I conclude my epistle, it is fit I should inform you that
+    they did me the honour (with a design perhaps to have received me
+    into their order) of acquainting me with those rules by which their
+    society was governed.
+
+    In the first place their Black Prince assured me that their
+    government was perfectly monarchial, and that when upon expeditions
+    he had an absolute command; _but in the time of peace_, continued
+    he, _and at the table, government being no longer necessary, I
+    condescend to eat and drink familiarly with my subjects as friends.
+    We admit no man_, continued he, _into our society until he has been
+    twice drunk with us, that we may be perfectly acquainted with his
+    temper, in compliance with the old proverb--women, children and
+    drunken folks speak truth. But if the person who sues to be
+    admitted, declares solemnly he was never drunk in his life, and it
+    plainly appears to the society in such case, this rule is dispensed
+    with, and the person before admission is only bound to converse with
+    us a month. As soon as we have determined to admit him, he is then
+    to equip himself with a good mare or gelding, a brace of pistols,
+    and a gun of the size of this, to lie on the saddle bow. Then he is
+    sworn upon the horns over the chimney, and having a new name
+    conferred by the society, is thereby entered upon the roll, and from
+    that day forward, considered as a lawful member._
+
+    He went on with abundance more of their wise institutions, which I
+    think are not of consequence enough to tell you, and shall only
+    remark one thing more, which is the phrase they make use of in
+    speaking of one another, viz., _He is a very honest fellow and one
+    of us._ For you must know it is the first article in their creed
+    that there's no sin in deer-stealing.
+
+    In the morning, having given my landlady the other crown piece, I
+    found her temper so much altered for the better, that in my
+    conscience I believe she was not in the humour to have refused me
+    anything, no, not even the last favour; and so walking down the yard
+    and finding my horse in pretty tolerable order, I speeded directly
+    home, much in amaze at the new people I had discovered. You see I
+    have taken a great deal of pains in my letter; pray, in return, let
+    me have as long a one from you, and let me see if all your London
+    rambles can produce such another adventure.
+
+    I am, yours, etc.
+
+Before I leave these people, I think it proper to acquaint my readers
+that their folly was not to be extinguished by a single execution. There
+were a great many young fellows of the same stamp, who were fools enough
+to forfeit their lives upon the same occasion. However, the humour did
+not run very long, though some of them were impudent enough to murder a
+keeper or two afterwards. Yet in the space of a twelvemonth, the whole
+nation of Blacks was extinguished, and these country rakes were
+contented to play the fool upon easier terms. The last blood that was
+shed on either side was that of a keeper's son at Old Windsor, whom some
+of these wise people fired at as he looked out of the window, by which
+means they drew on their own ruin and that of several numerous families
+by which the country was put in such terror that we have heard nothing
+of them since, though this Act of Parliament[44] as I shall tell you,
+has been by construction extended to some other criminals, who were not
+strictly speaking of the same kind as the Waltham Blacks.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [44] The Black Act (9 Geo. I, cap. 2) was repealed so late as 1827.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JULIAN, a Black Boy and Incendiary
+
+
+From speaking of artificial blacks, I come now to relate the unhappy
+death of one who was naturally of that colour. This poor creature's
+Julian. At the time of his execution he seemed to be about sixteen years
+of age, he had been stolen while young from his parents at Madras. He
+still retained his pagan ignorance both in respect to religion and our
+language.
+
+He was brought over by one Captain Dawes, who presented him to Mrs.
+Elizabeth Turner, where he was used with the greatest tenderness and
+kindness, she often calling him to dance and sing after his manner
+before company; and he himself acknowledged that he had never been so
+happy in his life as he was there. Yet, on a sudden, he stole about
+twenty or thirty guineas, and then placing a candle under the sheets
+left it burning to fire the house, and consume the inhabitants in it. Of
+this, upon proof and his own confession made before Sir Francis Forbes
+and Mr. Turner, he was convicted.
+
+While he remained under sentence, he was often heard to mumble in
+reproach and revengeful terms to himself. However, before his death he
+learned the Lord's Prayer, and when it was demanded whether he would be
+a Christian, he assented with great joy, which arose, it seems, from his
+having heard the common foolish opinion that when christened Blacks are
+to be set free. However, christened he was, and received at his baptism
+the name of John.
+
+The place in which he was confined being very damp, the boy having
+nothing to lie on but a coat, caught so great a cold in his limbs that
+he almost lost the use of them before his death, and continued in a
+state of great pain and weakness; insomuch that when he was told he
+must prepare for his execution, he determined with himself to forestall
+it, and for that purpose desired one of the prisoners to lend him a
+penknife, but the man, it seems, had more grace than to grant his
+request, and he ended his life at Tyburn, according to his sentence.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of ABRAHAM DEVAL, a Lottery Ticket Forger
+
+
+Abraham Deval, who had been a clerk to the Lottery Office, at last took
+it into his head to coin tickets for himself, and had such good luck
+therein that he at one time counterfeited a certificate for £52 12s.
+0d., for seven blank lottery tickets, in the year 1723. Two or three
+other facts of the same nature he perpetrated with the like success, but
+happening to counterfeit two blank tickets of the lottery in the year in
+which he died, they were discovered, and he thereupon apprehended and
+tried at the Old Bailey. On the first indictment, for want of evidence
+he was acquitted, upon which he behaved himself with great insolence,
+lolled out his tongue at the Court, and told them he did not value the
+second indictment. But herein he happened to be mistaken, for the jury
+found him guilty of that indictment and thereupon he received sentence
+of death accordingly.
+
+Notwithstanding that impudence with which he had treated the Court at
+his trial, he complained very loudly of their not showing him favour;
+nay, he even pretended that he had not justice done him. This he
+grounded upon the score that the ticket he was indicted for was No. 39,
+in the 651st course of payment. Now it seems that in searching of his
+brother-in-law Parson's room, the original ticket was found, though very
+much torn, from whence Deval would have had it taken to be no more than
+a duplicate, and much blamed his counsel for not insisting long enough
+upon this point, which if he had done, Deval entertained a strong
+opinion that he could not have been convicted.
+
+The apprehension of this and the uneasiness he was under with his irons
+made him pass his last moments with great unquietness and discontent. He
+said it was against the law to put men in irons, that fettering English
+subjects (except they attempted to break prisons) was altogether
+illegal. But after having raved at this rate for a small space, when he
+found it did him no good, and that there were no hopes of a reprieve, he
+even began to settle himself to the performance of those duties which
+became a man in his sad condition and when he did apply himself
+thereto, nobody could appear to have a juster sense than he of that
+miserable and sad condition into which the folly and wickedness of his
+life had brought him.
+
+It is certain the man did not want parts, though sometimes he applied
+them to the worst of purposes, and was cursed with an insolent and
+overbearing temper which hindered him from being loved or respected
+anywhere, and which never did him any service but in the last moments of
+his life, where if it had not been for the severity of his behaviour,
+Julian, the black boy, would have been very troublesome, both to him and
+to the other person who was under sentence at the same time.
+
+At the place of execution Deval owned the fact, but wished the
+spectators to consider whether for all that he was legally convicted,
+and so suffered in the thirtieth year of his age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOSEPH BLAKE, _alias_ BLUESKIN, a Footpad and Highwayman
+
+
+As there is impudence and wickedness enough in the lives of most
+malefactors to make persons of a sober education and behaviour wonder at
+the depravity of human nature, so there are sometimes superlative rogues
+who, in the infamous boldness of their behaviour, as far exceed the
+ordinary class of rogues as they do honest people; and whenever such a
+monster as this appears in the world, there are enough fools to gape at
+him, and to make such a noise and outcry about his conduct as is sure to
+invite others of the gang to imitate the obstinacy of his deportment,
+through that false love of fame, which seems inherent to human nature.
+Amongst the number of these, Joseph Blake, better known by his nickname
+of Blueskin, always deserves to be remembered as one who thought
+wickedness the greatest achievement, and studiously took the paths of
+infamy in order to become famous.
+
+By birth he was a native of this City of London. His parents being
+persons in tolerable circumstances kept him six years at school, where
+he did not learn half as much good from his master as he did evil from
+his schoolfellow, William Blewitt, from whose lessons he copied so well
+that all his education signified nothing. When he came from school he
+absolutely refused to go to any employment, but on the contrary set up
+for a robber when he was scarce seventeen, but from that time to the day
+of his death was unsuccessful in all his undertakings, hardly ever
+committing the most trivial fact but he experienced for it, either the
+humanity of the mob, or of the keepers of Bridewell, out of which or
+some other prison, he could hardly keep his feet for a month together.
+
+He fell into the gang of Lock, Wilkinson, Carrick[45] Lincoln and Daniel
+Carroll, which last having so often been mentioned, perhaps my readers
+may be desirous to know what became of him. I shall therefore inform
+them that after Carrick and Molony were executed for robbing Mr. Young,
+as has been before related, he fled home to his own native country of
+Ireland, where for a while making a great figure till he had exhausted
+what little wealth he had brought over with him from England, he was
+obliged to go again upon the old method to supply him. But
+street-robbing being a very new thing at Dublin, it so alarmed that city
+that they never ceased pursuing him, and one or two more who joined with
+him, till catching them one night at their employment, they pursued
+Carrol so closely that he was obliged to come to a close engagement with
+a thief-taker, so he was killed upon the spot.
+
+But to return to Blake, _alias_ Blueskin. Being one night out with his
+gang, they robbed one Mr. Clark of eight shillings and a silver hilted
+sword, just as candles were going to be lighted, and a woman looking
+accidentally out of a window, perceived it, and cried out, _Thieves._
+Wilkinson fired a pistol at her which, very luckily, upon her drawing in
+her head, grazed upon the stone of the window, and did no other
+mischief. Blake was also in the company of the same gang when they
+attacked Captain Langley, at the corner of Hyde Park Road, as he was
+going to the Camp[46]; but the Captain behaved himself so well that
+notwithstanding they shot several times through and through his coat,
+yet they were not able to rob him.
+
+Not long after this Wilkinson being apprehended impeached a large number
+of persons, and with them Joseph Blake and William Lock. Blake hereupon
+made a fuller discovery than the other before Justice Blackerby; in
+which information there was contained no less than seventy robberies,
+upon which he also was admitted a witness. And having named Wilkinson,
+Lincoln, Carrick, Carrol, and himself to have been the five persons who
+murdered Peter Martin the Chelsea pensioner, by the Park wall, Wilkinson
+was apprehended, tried and convicted, notwithstanding the information he
+had before given (which was thereby totally set aside); so that Blake
+himself became now an evidence against the rest of his companions, and
+discovered about a dozen robberies which they had committed.
+
+Amongst these there was one very remarkable one. Two gentlemen in
+hunting caps were together in a chariot on the Hampstead Road, and they
+took from them two gold watches, rings, seals and other things to a
+considerable value. Junks, _alias_ Levee, laid his pistol down by the
+gentleman all the while he searched him, yet he wanted either the
+courage or the presence of mind to seize and prevent their losing things
+of so great value. Not long after this, Oakey, Junks and this Blake,
+stopped a single man with a link before him in Fig Lane; and he not
+surrendering so easily as they expected, Junks and Oakey beat him over
+the head with their pistols, and then left him wounded in a terrible
+condition, taking from him one guinea and one penny. A very short time
+after this, Junks, Oakey and Flood were apprehended and executed for
+robbing Colonel Cope and Mr. Young of that very watch for which Carrick
+and Molony had been before executed, Joseph Blake being the evidence
+against them.
+
+After this hanging work of his companions, he thought himself not only
+entitled to liberty but reward. Herein, however, he was mightily
+mistaken, for not having surrendered willingly and quietly, but being
+taken after long resistance and when he was much wounded, there did not
+seem to be the least foundation for this confident demand, he still
+remaining a prisoner in the Wood Street Compter, obstinately refusing to
+be transported for seven years, but insisting that as he had given
+evidence he ought to have his liberty. However, the magistrates were of
+another opinion, until at last by procuring two men to be bound for his
+good behaviour, he was carried before a wealthy alderman of the City and
+there discharged. At which time, somebody there present asking how long
+time might be given him before they should see him again at the Old
+Bailey, a gentleman made answer in about three sessions, in which time
+it seems he guessed very right, for the third session from thence, Blake
+was indeed brought to the Bar.
+
+For no sooner were his feet at liberty but his hands were employed in
+robbing, and having picked up Jack Shepherd for a companion, they went
+out together to search for prey in the fields. Near the half-way house
+to Hampstead they met with one Pargiter, a man pretty much in liquor,
+whom immediately Blake knocked down into the ditch, where he must have
+inevitably perished if John Shepherd had not kept his head above the mud
+with great difficulty. For this fact, the next sessions after it
+happened the two brothers Brightwell in the Guards were tried, and if a
+number of men had not sworn them to have been upon duty at the time the
+robbery was committed, they had certainly been convicted, the evidence
+of the prosecutor being direct and full. Through the grief of this the
+elder Brightwell died a week after he was released from his confinement,
+and so did not live to see his innocence fully cleared by the confession
+of Blake.
+
+A very short space after this, Blake and his companion Shepherd
+committed the burglary together in the house of Mr. Kneebone, where
+Shepherd getting into the house, let in Blake at the back door and
+stripped the house of a considerable value. For this, both Shepherd and
+he were apprehended, and the sessions before Blake was convicted his
+companion received sentence of death; but at the time Blake was taken
+up, he had made his escape out of the condemned hold.
+
+He behaved with great impudence at his trial, and when he found nothing
+would save him, he took the advantage of Jonathan Wild coming to speak
+with him, to cut the said Wild's throat, making a large gash from the
+ear beyond the windpipe.[47] Of this wound Wild languished a long time,
+and happy had it been for him if Blake's wound had proved fatal, for
+then Jonathan had escaped death by a more dishonourable wound in the
+throat than that of a penknife; but the number of his crimes and the
+spleen of his enemies procured him a worse fate. Whatever Wild might
+deserve of others, he seems to have merited better usage from this
+Blake, for while he continued a prisoner in the Compter, Jonathan was at
+the expense of curing his wound, allowing him three shillings and
+sixpence a week, and after his last misfortune promised him a good
+coffin, actually furnishing him with money to support him in Newgate,
+and several good books, if he would have made any use of them; but
+because he freely declared to Blueskin that there was no hopes of
+getting him transported, the bloody villain determined to take away his
+life, and was so far from showing any signs of remorse when he was
+brought up again to Newgate, that he declared if he had thought of it
+before, he would have provided such a knife as should have cut his head
+off.
+
+At the time that he received sentence there was a woman also condemned,
+and they being placed as usual in what is called the Bail Dock at the
+Old Bailey, Blake offered such rudeness to the woman that she cried out
+and alarmed the whole Bench. All the time he lay under condemnation he
+appeared utterly thoughtless and insensible of his approaching fate.
+Though from the cutting of Wild's throat, and some other barbarities of
+the same nature, he acquired amongst the mob the character of a brave
+fellow, yet he was in himself but a mean-spirited timorous wretch, and
+never exerted himself but either through fury and despair. His cowardice
+appealed manifestly in his behaviour at his death; he wept much at the
+chapel in the morning he was to die, and though he drank deeply to drive
+away fear, yet at the place of execution he wept again, trembled and
+showed all the signs of a timorous confusion, as well he might, who had
+lived wickedly and trifled with his repentance to the grave.
+
+There was nothing in his person extraordinary. A dapper, well-set fellow
+of great strength, and great cruelty, equally detested by the sober part
+of the world for his audacious wickedness of his behaviour, and despised
+by his companions for the villainies he committed even against them. He
+was executed in the twenty-eighth year of his age, on the 11th of
+November, 1724.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [45] See page 85.
+
+   [46] An encampment was formed in Hyde Park, about 1714. Writing
+        to Martha Blount, Pope says "The tents are carried there this
+        morning, new regiments with new clothes and furniture, far
+        exceeding the late cloth and linen designed by his Grace (the
+        Duke of Marlborough) for the soldiery."
+
+   [47] See also the Life of Jonathan Wild, subsequently related.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of the Famous JOHN SHEPHERD, Footpad, Housebreaker and
+Prison-breaker
+
+
+Amongst the prodigies of ingenious wickedness and artful mischief which
+have surprised the world in our time, perhaps none has made so great a
+noise as John Shepherd, the malefactor of whom we are now to speak. His
+father's name was Thomas Shepherd, who was by trade a carpenter, and
+lived in Spitalfields, a man of an extraordinary good character, and who
+took all the care his narrow circumstances would allow, that his family
+might be brought up in the fear of God, and in just notions of their
+duty towards their neighbour. Yet he was so unhappy in his children that
+both his son John and another took to evil courses, and both in their
+turns have been convicted at the bar at the Old Bailey.
+
+After the father's death, his widow did all she could to get this
+unfortunate son of hers admitted into Christ's Hospital, but failing of
+that, she got him bred up at a school in Bishopsgate Street, where he
+learned to read. He might in all probability have got a good education
+if he had not been too soon removed, being put out to a trade, viz.,
+that of a cane-chair-maker, who used him very well, and with whom
+probably he might have lived honestly. But his mother dying a short time
+afterwards, he was put to another, a much younger man, who used him so
+harshly that in a little time he ran away from him, and was put to
+another master, one Mr. Wood in Wych Street. From his kindness and that
+of Mr. Kneebone (whom he robbed) he was taught to write and had many
+other favours done by that gentleman whom he so ungratefully treated.
+But good usage or bad, it was grown all alike to him now; he had given
+himself up to all the sensual pleasures of low life. Drinking all day,
+and getting to some impudent and notorious strumpet at night, was the
+whole course of his life for a considerable space, without the least
+reflection on what a miserable fate it might bring upon him here, much
+less the judgment that might be passed upon him hereafter.
+
+Amongst the chief of his mistresses there was one Elizabeth Lion,
+commonly called Edgeworth Bess, the impudence of whose behaviour was
+shocking even to the greatest part of Shepherd's companions, but it
+charmed him so much that he suffered her for a while to direct him in
+every thing, and she was the first who engaged him in taking base
+methods to obtain money wherewith to purchase baser pleasures. This Lion
+was a large masculine woman, and Shepherd a very little slight-limbed
+lad, so that whenever he had been drinking and came to her quarrelsome,
+Bess often beat him into better temper, though Shepherd upon other
+occasions manifested his wanting neither courage nor strength. Repeated
+quarrels, however, between Shepherd and his mistress, as it does often
+with people of better rank, created such coldness that they spoke not
+together sometimes for a month. But our robber could not be so long
+without some fair one to take up his time, and drive his thoughts from
+the consideration of his crimes and the punishment which might one day
+befall them.
+
+The creature he picked out to supply the place of Betty Lion was one
+Mrs. Maggott, a woman somewhat less boisterous in her temper, but full
+as wicked. She had a very great contempt for Shepherd, and only made use
+of him to go and steal money, or what might yield money, for her to
+spend in company that she liked better. One night when Shepherd came to
+her and told her he had pawned the last thing he had for half a crown,
+_Prithee_, says she, _don't tell me such melancholy stories but think
+how you may get more money. I have been in Whitehorse Yard this
+afternoon. There's a piece-broker there worth a great deal of money; he
+keeps his cash in a drawer under the counter, and there's abundance of
+good things in his shop that would be fit for me to wear. A word, you
+know, to the wise is enough, let me see now how soon you'll put me in
+possession of them._ This had the effect she desired; Shepherd left her
+about one o'clock in the morning, went to the house she talked of, took
+up the cellar window bars, and from thence entered the shop, which he
+plundered of money and goods, to the amount of £22. He brought it to his
+doxy the same day before she was stirring, who thereupon appeared very
+satisfied with his diligence, and helped him in a short time to squander
+what he had so dearly earned.
+
+However, he still retained some affection for his old favourite, Bess
+Lion, who being taken up for some of her tricks, was committed to St.
+Giles's Round-house. Shepherd going to see her there, broke the doors
+open, beat the keeper, and like a true knight-errant, set his distressed
+paramour at liberty. This heroic act got him so much reputation amongst
+the fair ladies in Drury Lane that there was nobody of his profession so
+much esteemed by them as John Shepherd, with his brother Thomas, who had
+taken to the same trade. Observing and being in himself in tolerable
+estimation with that debauched part of the sex, he importuned some of
+them to speak to his brother John to lend him a little money, and for
+the future to allow him to go out robbing with him. To both these
+propositions Jack (being a kind brother as he himself said) consented at
+the first word, and from thence forward the two brothers were always of
+one party: Jack having, as he impudently phrased it, lent him forty
+shillings to put himself in a proper plight, and soon after their being
+together having broke open an alehouse, where they got a tolerable
+booty, in a high fit of generosity, John presented it all to his
+brother, as, soon after, he did clothes to a very considerable extent,
+so that the young man might not appear among the damsels of Drury
+unbecoming Mr. Shepherd's brother.
+
+About three weeks after their coming together, they broke open a
+linen-draper's shop, near Clare Market, where the brothers made good use
+of their time; for they were not in the house above a quarter of an hour
+before they made a shift to strip it of £50. But the younger brother
+acting imprudently in disposing of some of the goods, he was detected
+and apprehended, upon which the first thing he did was to make a full
+discovery to impeach his brother and as many of his confederates as he
+could. Jack was very quickly apprehended upon his brother's information,
+and was committed by Justice Parry to the Round-house, for further
+examination. But instead of waiting for that, Jack began to examine as
+well as he could the strength of the place of his confinement, which
+being much too weak for a fellow of his capacity, he marched off before
+night, and committed a robbery into the bargain, but vowed to be
+revenged on Tom who had so basely behaved himself (as Jack phrased it)
+towards so good a brother. However, that information going off, Jack
+went on in his old way as usual.
+
+One day in May he and F. Benson being in Leicester Fields, Benson
+attempted to get a gentleman's watch, but missing his pull, the
+gentleman perceived it and raised a mob. Shepherd passing briskly to
+save his companion, was apprehended in his stead, and being carried
+before Justice Walters, was committed to New Prison, where the first
+sight he saw was his old companion, Bess Lion, who had found her way
+thither upon a like errand. Jack, who now saw himself beset with danger,
+began to exert all his little cunning, which was indeed his masterpiece.
+For this purpose he applied first to Benson's friends, who were in good
+circumstances, hoping by their mediation to make the matter up, but in
+this he miscarried. Then he attempted a slight information, but the
+Justice to whom he sent it, perceiving how trivial a thing it was, and
+guessing well at the drift thereof, refused it. Whereupon Shepherd, when
+driven to his last shift, communicated his resolution to Bess Lion. They
+laid their heads together the fore part of the night, and then went to
+work to break out, which they effected by force, and got safe off to one
+of Bess Lion's old lodgings, where she kept him secret for some time,
+frightening him with stories of great searches being made after him, in
+order to detain him from conversing with any other woman.
+
+But Jack being not naturally timorous, and having a strong inclination
+to be out again in his old way with his companions, it was not long
+before he gave her the slip, and lodged himself with another of his
+female acquaintances, in a little by-court near the Strand. Here one
+Charles Grace desired to become an associate with him. Jack was very
+ready to take any young fellow in as a partner of his villainies, and
+Grace told him that his reason for doing such things was to keep a
+beautiful woman without the knowledge of his relations. Shepherd and he
+therefore getting into the acquaintance of one Anthony Lamb, an
+apprentice of Mr. Carter, near St. Clement's Church, they inveigled the
+young man to consent to let them in to rob his master's house. He
+accordingly performed it, and they took from Mr. Barton, who lodged
+there, to a very considerable value. But Grace and Shepherd quarrelling
+about the division, Shepherd wounded Grace in a violent manner, and on
+this quarrel betraying one another, they were all taken, Shepherd only
+escaping. But the misfortune of poor Lamb who had been drawn in, being
+so very young, so far prevailed upon several gentlemen who knew him,
+that they not only prevailed to have his sentence mitigated to
+transportation, but also furnished him with all necessaries, and
+procured an order that on his arrival there he should not be sold as the
+other felons were, but that he should be left at liberty to provide for
+himself as well as he could.
+
+It seems that Shepherd's gang (which consisted of himself, his brother
+Tom, Joseph Blake, _alias_ Blueskin, Charles Grace, James Sikes, to
+whose name his companions tacked their two favourite syllables, Hell and
+Fury) not knowing how to dispose of the goods they had taken, made use
+of one William Field for that purpose, who Shepherd in his ludicrous
+style, used to characterise thus: that he was a fellow wicked enough to
+do anything, but his want of courage permitted him to do nothing but
+carry on the trade he did, which was that of selling stolen goods when
+put into his hands.
+
+But Blake and Shepherd finding Field somewhat dilatory, not thinking it
+always safe to trust him, they resolved to hire a warehouse and lodge
+their goods there, which accordingly they did, near the Horseferry in
+Westminster. There they placed what they had taken out of Mr. Kneebones'
+house, and the goods made a great show there, whence the people in the
+neighbourhood really took them for honest persons, who had so great a
+wholesale business on their hands as occasioned their taking a place
+where they by convenient for the water.
+
+Field, however, importuned them (having got scent they had such a
+warehouse) that he might go and see the goods, pretending that he had it
+just now in his power to sell them at a very great price. They
+accordingly carried him thither and showed him the things. Two or three
+days afterwards, though he had not courage enough to rob anybody else,
+Field ventured to break open the warehouse, and took every rag that had
+been lodged there; and not long after, Shepherd was apprehended for the
+fact and tried at the next sessions of the Old Bailey.
+
+His appearance there was very mean, and all the defence he offered to
+make was that Jonathan Wild had helped to dispose of part of the goods
+and he thought it was very hard that he should not share in the
+punishment. The Court took little notice of so insignificant a plea and
+sentence being passed upon him, he hardly made a sensible petition for
+the favour of the Court in the report, but behaved throughout as a
+person either stupid or foolish, so far was he from appearing in any
+degree likely to make the noise he afterwards did.
+
+When put into the condemned hold, he prevailed upon one Fowls, who was
+also under sentence, to lift him up to the iron spikes placed over the
+door which looks into the lodge. A woman of large make attending
+without, and two others standing behind her in riding hoods, Jack no
+sooner got his head and shoulders through between the iron spikes, than
+by a sudden spring his body followed with ease, and the women taking him
+down gently, he was without suspicion of the keepers (although some of
+them were drinking at the upper end of the lodge) conveyed safely out of
+the lodge door, and getting a hackney coach went clear off before there
+was the least notice of his escape, which, when it was known, very much
+surprised the keepers, who never dreamt of an attempt of that kind
+before.
+
+As soon as John breathed the fresh air, he went again briskly to his old
+employment, and the first thing he did was to find out one Page, a
+butcher of his acquaintance in Clare Market, who dressed him up in one
+of his frocks, and then went with him upon the business of raising
+money. No sooner had they set out, but Shepherd remembering one Mr.
+Martin, a watchmaker near the Castle Tavern in Fleet Street, he
+prevailed upon his companion to go thither, and screwing a gimlet fast
+into the post of the door, they then tied the knocker thereto with a
+spring, and then boldly breaking the windows, they snatched three
+watches before a boy that was in the shop could open the door, and so
+marched clear off, Shepherd having the impudence, upon this occasion, to
+pass underneath Newgate.
+
+However, he did not long enjoy his liberty, for strolling about Finchley
+Common, he was apprehended and committed to Newgate, and was put
+immediately in the Stone Room, where they put him on a heavy pair of
+irons, and then stapled him fast down to the floor. Being left there
+alone in the sessions time (most of the people in the gaol then
+attending at the Old Bailey) with a crooked nail he opened the lock, and
+by that means got rid of his chain, and went directly to the chimney in
+the room, where with incessant working he got out a couple of stones and
+by that means climbed up into a room called the Red Room, where nobody
+had been lodged for a considerable time. Here he threw down a door,
+which one would have thought impossible to have been done by the
+strength of man (though with ever so much noise); from hence with a
+great deal to do, he forced his passage into the chapel. There he broke
+a spike off the door, forcing open by its help four other doors. Getting
+at last upon the leads, he from thence descended gently (by the help of
+the blanket on which he lay, for which he went back through the whole
+prison) upon the leads of Mr. Bird, a turner who lives next door to
+Newgate; and looking in at the garret window, he saw the maid going to
+bed. As soon as he thought she was asleep, he stepped downstairs, went
+through the shop, opened the door, then into the street, leaving the
+door open behind him.
+
+In the morning, when the keepers were in search after him, hearing of
+this circumstance by the watchman, they were then perfectly satisfied of
+the method by which he went off. However, they were obliged to publish
+a reward and make the strictest enquiry after him, some foolish people
+having propagated a report that he had not got out without connivance.
+In the meanwhile, Shepherd found it a very difficult thing to get rid of
+his irons, being obliged to lurk about and lie hid near a village not
+far from town, until with much ado he fell upon a method of procuring a
+hammer and taking his irons off.
+
+[Illustration: JACK SHEPPARD IN THE STONE ROOM IN NEWGATE
+
+_(From the Annals of Newgate)_]
+
+He was no sooner freed from the encumbrance that remained upon him, than
+he came secretly into the town that night, and robbed Mr. Rawlin's
+house, a pawnbroker in Drury Lane. Here he got a very large booty, and
+amongst other things a very handsome black suit of clothes and a gold
+watch. Being dressed in this manner he carried the rest of the goods and
+valuable effects to two women, one of whom was a poor young creature
+whom Shepherd had seduced, and who was imprisoned on this account. No
+sooner had she taken care of the booty but he went among his old
+companions, pickpockets and whores in Drury Lane and Clare Market. There
+being accidentally espied fuddling at a little brandy-shop, by a boy
+belonging to an alehouse, who knew him very well, the lad immediately
+gave information upon which he was apprehended, and reconducted, with a
+vast mob, to his old mansion house of Newgate, being so much intoxicated
+with liquor that he was hardly sensible of his miserable fate. However,
+they took effectual care to prevent a third escape, never suffering him
+to be alone a moment, which, as it put the keepers to a great expense,
+they took care to pay themselves with the money they took of all who
+came to see him.
+
+In this last confinement it was that Mr. Shepherd and his adventures
+became the sole topic of conversation about town. Numbers flocked daily
+to behold him, and far from being displeased at being made a spectacle
+of, he entertained all who came with the greatest gaiety that could be.
+He acquainted them with all his adventures, related each of his
+robberies in the most ludicrous manner, and endeavoured to set off every
+circumstance of his flagitious life as well as his capacity would give
+him leave, which, to say truth, was excellent at cunning, and
+buffoonery, and nothing else.
+
+Nor were the crowds that thronged to Newgate on this occasion made up of
+the dregs of the people only, for then there would have been no wonder;
+but instead of that they were persons of the first distinction, and not
+a few even dignified with titles.[48] 'Tis certain that the noise made
+about him, and this curiosity of persons of so high a rank, was a very
+great misfortune to the poor wretch himself, who from these
+circumstances began to conceive grand ideas of himself, as well as
+strong hopes of pardon, which encouraged him to play over all his airs
+and divert as many as thought it worth their while by their presence to
+prevent a dying man from considering his latter end, who instead of
+repenting of his crimes, gloried in rehearsing them.
+
+Yet when Shepherd came up to chapel, it was observed that all his gaiety
+was laid aside, and he both heard and assisted with great attention at
+Divine Service, though upon other occasions he avoided religious
+discourse as much as he could; and depending upon the petitions he had
+made to several noblemen to intercede with the king for mercy, he seemed
+rather to aim at diverting his time until he received a pardon, than to
+improve the few days he had to prepare himself for his last.
+
+On the 10th of November, 1724, he was by _Certiorari_ removed to the bar
+of the Court of King's Bench, at Westminster. An affidavit being made
+that he was the same John Shepherd mentioned in the record of conviction
+before him, Mr. Justice Powis awarded judgment against him, and a rule
+was made for his execution on the 16th.
+
+Such was the unaccountable fondness this criminal had for life, and so
+unwilling was he to lose all hopes of preserving it, that he framed in
+his mind resolutions of cutting the rope when he should be bound in the
+cart, thinking thereby to get amongst the crowd, and so into Lincoln's
+Inn Fields, and from thence to the Thames. For this purpose he had
+provided a knife, which was with great difficulty taken from him by Mr.
+Watson, who was to attend him to death. Nay, his hopes were carried even
+beyond hanging, for when he spoke to a person to whom he gave what money
+he had remaining out of the large presents he had received from those
+who came to divert themselves at Shepherd's Show, or Newgate Fair, he
+most earnestly entreated him that as soon as possible his body might be
+taken out of the hearse which was provided for him, put into a warm bed,
+and if it were possible, some blood taken from him, for he was in great
+hopes that he might be brought to life again; but if he was not, he
+desired him to defray the expenses of his funeral, and return the
+overplus to his poor mother. Then he resumed his usual discourse about
+his robberies and in the last moments of his life endeavoured to divert
+himself from the thoughts of death. Yet so uncertain and various was he
+in his behaviour that he told one whom he had a great desire to see on
+the morning that he died, that he had then a satisfaction at his heart,
+as if he were going to enjoy two hundred pounds _per annum_.
+
+At the place of execution, to which he was conveyed in a cart, with iron
+handcuffs on, he behaved himself very gravely, confessing his robbery of
+Mr. Philips and Mrs. Cook, but denied that he and Joseph Blake had
+William Field in their company when they broke open the house of Mr.
+Kneebone. After this he submitted to his fate on the 16th of November,
+1724, much pitied by the mob.[49]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [48] While in Newgate he sat for his portrait to Sir James Thornhill.
+
+   [49] Over 200,000 persons witnessed his execution at Tyburn,
+        and a riot which broke out concerning the disposal of his corpse
+        was quelled by soldiers with fixed bayonets.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of LEWIS HOUSSART, the French Barber, a Murderer
+
+
+As there is not any crime more shocking to human nature or more contrary
+to all laws human and divine than murder, so perhaps there has been few
+committed in these last years accompanied with more odd circumstances
+than that for which this criminal suffered.
+
+Lewis Houssart was born at Sedan, a town in Champaigne in the kingdom of
+France. His own paper says that he was bred a surgeon and qualified for
+that business. However that were, he was here no better than a penny
+barber, only that he let blood, and thereby got a little and not much
+money. As to the other circumstances of his life, my memoirs are not
+full enough to assist me in speaking thereto. All I can say of him is
+that while his wife, Anne Rondeau, was living, he married another woman,
+and the night of the marriage before sitting down to supper, he went out
+a little space. During the interval between that and his coming in, it
+was judged from the circumstances that I shall mention hereafter, that
+he cut the throat of the poor woman who was his first wife, with a
+razor. For this being apprehended he was tried at the Old Bailey, but
+for want of proof sufficient was acquitted.
+
+Not long after he was indicted for bigamy, i.e., for marrying his second
+wife, his first having been yet alive. Scarce making any defence upon
+this indictment he was found guilty. He said thereupon, it was no more
+than he expected, and that he did not trouble himself to preserve so
+much as his reputation in this respect; for in the first place he knew
+they were resolved to convict him, and in the next, he said, where there
+was no fault, there was no shame; that his first wife was a Socinian, an
+irrational creature, and was entitled to the advantages of no nation nor
+people because she was no Christian, and accordingly the Scripture says,
+with such a one have no conversation, no, not so much as to eat with
+them. But an appeal was lodged against him by Solomon Rondeau, brother
+and heir to Anne his wife, yet that appearing to be defective, it was
+quashed, and he charged upon another, whereunto joining issue upon six
+points they came to be tried at the Old Bailey, where the following
+circumstances appeared upon the trial.
+
+First, that at the time he was at supper at his new wife's house, he
+started on a sudden, looked aghast and seemed to be very much
+frightened. A little boy deposed that the prisoner gave him money to go
+to his own house in a little court, and fetch the mother of the deceased
+Anne Rondeau to a gentleman who would be at such a place and wait for
+her. When the mother returned from that place and found nobody wanting
+her, or that had wanted her, she was very much out of humour at the
+boy's calling her; but that quickly gave way to the surprise of finding
+her daughter murdered as soon as she entered the room. This boy who
+called her was very young, yet out of the number of persons who were in
+Newgate he singled out Lewis Houssart, and declared that he was the only
+man among them who gave him money to go on the errant for old Mistress
+Rondeau.
+
+Upon this and several other corroborating proofs, the jury found him
+guilty, upon which he arraigned the justice of a Court which hitherto
+had been preserved without a taint, declaring that he was innocent, and
+that they might punish if they would, but they could not make him
+guilty, and much more to the like effect; but the Court were not
+troubled with that, so he scarce endeavoured to make any other defence.
+
+While in the condemned hold amongst the rest of the criminals, he
+behaved himself in a very odd manner, insisted upon it that he was
+innocent of the fact laid to his charge, threw out most opprobious
+language against the Court that condemned him, and when he was advised
+to lay aside such heats of passionate expressions, he said he was sorry
+he did not more fully expose British justice upon the spot at the Old
+Bailey, and that now since they had tied up his hands from acting, he
+would at least have satisfaction in saying what he pleased.
+
+When this Houssart was first apprehended he appeared to be very much
+affected with his condition, was continually reading good books, praying
+and meditating, and showing the utmost signs of a heart full of concern,
+and under the greatest emotions, but after he had once been convicted,
+it made a thorough change in his temper. He quite laid aside all the
+former gravity of his temper and gave way, in the contrary, to a very
+extraordinary spirit of obstinacy and unbelief. He puzzled himself
+continually, and if Mr. Deval, who was then under sentence, would have
+given leave, attempted to puzzle him too, as to the doctrines of a
+future state, and an identical resurrection of the body. He said he
+could not be persuaded of the truth thereof in a literal sense; that
+when the individual frame of flesh which he bore about him was once
+dead, and from being flesh became again clay, he did not either conceive
+or believe that it, after lying in the earth, or disposed of otherwise
+perhaps for the space of a thousand years, should at the last day be
+reanimated by the soul which possessed it now, and become answerable
+even to eternal punishment for crimes committed so long ago. It was, he
+said, also little agreeable to the notions he entertained of the
+infinite mercy of God, and therefore he chose rather to look upon such
+doctrines as errors received from education, than torment and afflict
+himself with the terrors which must arise from such a belief. But after
+he had once answered as well as he could these objections, Mr. Deval
+refused to harken a second time to any such discourses and was obliged
+to have recourse to harsh language to oblige him to desist.
+
+In the meanwhile his brother came over from Holland, on the news of this
+dreadful misfortune, and went to make him a visit in the place of his
+confinement while under condemnation, going to condole with him on the
+heavy weight of his misfortunes. Upon which, instead of receiving the
+kindness of his brother in the manner it deserved, Houssart began to
+make light of the affair, and treated the death of his wife and his own
+confinement in such a manner that his brother leaving him abruptly, went
+back to Holland more shocked at the brutality of his behaviour than
+grieved for the misfortune which had befallen him.
+
+It being a considerable space of time that Houssart lay in confinement
+in Newgate and even in the condemned hold, he had there, of course,
+abundance of companions. But of them all he affected none so much as
+John Shepherd, with whom he had abundance of merry and even loose
+discourse. Once particularly, when the sparks flew very quickly out of
+the charcoal fire, he said to Shepherd, _See, see! I wish these were so
+many bullets that might beat the prison down about our ears, and then I
+might die like Sampson._
+
+It was near a month before he was called up to receive sentence, after
+which he made no scruple of saying that since they had found him guilty
+of throat-cutting, they should not lie, he would verify their judgment
+by cutting his own throat. Upon which, when some who were in the same
+sad state with himself, pointed out to him how great a crime self-murder
+was, he immediately made answer that he was satisfied it was no crime at
+all; and upon this he fell to arguing in favour of the mortality of the
+soul, as if certain that it died with the body, endeavouring to cover
+his opinions with false glosses on that text in Genesis where it is
+said, that God breathed into man a living soul. From hence he would have
+inferred that when a man ceased to live, he totally lost that soul, and
+when it was asked of him where then it went, he said, he did not know,
+nor did it concern him much.
+
+The standers-by, who notwithstanding their profligate course of life had
+a natural abhorrence of this theoretical impiety, reproved him in very
+sharp terms for making use of such expression, upon which he replied,
+_Ay! would you have me believe all the strange notions that are taught
+by the parsons? That the devil is a real thing? That our good God
+punishes souls for ever and ever? That Hell is full of flames from
+material fire, and that this body of mine shall feel it? Well, you may
+believe it if you please, but it is so with me that I cannot._
+
+Sometimes, however, he would lay aside these sceptical opinions for a
+time, talk in another strain, and appear mightily concerned at the
+misfortunes he had drawn upon his second wife and child. He would then
+speak of Providence, and the decrees of God with much seeming
+submission, would own that he had been guilty of many and grievous
+offences, say that the punishment of God was just, and desire the
+prayers of the minister of the place, and those that were about him.
+
+When he reflected on the grief it would give his father, near ninety
+years old, to hear of his misfortunes and that his son should be
+shamefully executed for the murder of his wife, he was seen to shed
+tears and to appear very much affected; but as soon as these thoughts
+were a little out of his head, he resumed his former temper and was
+continually asking questions in relation to the truth of the Gospel
+dispensation, and the doctrines therein taught of rewards and
+punishments after this life.
+
+Being a Frenchman and not perfectly versed in our language, a minister
+of the Reformed Church of that nation was prevailed upon to attend him.
+Houssart received him with tolerable civility, seemed pleased that he
+should pray by him, but industriously waved aside all discourses of his
+guilt, and even fell out into violent passions if confession was pressed
+upon him as a duty. In this strange way he consumed the time allowed him
+to prepare for another world.
+
+The day before his execution he appeared more than ordinarily attentive
+at the public devotions in the chapel. A sermon was then made with
+particular regard to that fact for which he was to die; he heard that
+also seemingly with much care, but when he was asked immediately after
+to unburden his conscience in respect of the death of his wife, he not
+only refused it, but also expressed a great indignation that he should
+be tormented as he called it, to confess a thing of which he was not
+guilty.
+
+In the evening of that day the foreign minister and he whose duty it was
+to attend him, both waited upon him at night in order to discourse with
+him on those strange notions he had of the mortality of the soul, and a
+total cessation of being after this life. But when they came to speak to
+him to this purpose, he said they might spare themselves any arguments
+upon that head, for he believed a God and a resurrection as firmly as
+they did. They then discoursed to him of the nature of a sufficient
+repentance, and of the duty incumbent upon him to confess that great
+crime for which he was condemned, and thereby give glory unto God. He
+fell at this into his old temper, and said with some passion, _If you
+will pray with me, I'll thank you, and pray with you as long as you
+please; but if you come only to torture me with my guilt, I desire you
+would let me alone altogether._
+
+His lawyers having pretty well instructed him in the nature of an
+appeal, and he coming thereby to know that he was now under sentence of
+death, at the suit of the subject and not of the King, he was very
+assiduous to learn where it was he was to apply for a reprieve; but
+finding it was the relations of his deceased wife from whom he was to
+expect it, he laid aside all those hopes, as conceiving it rightly a
+thing impossible to prevail upon people to spare his life, who had
+almost undone themselves in prosecuting him.
+
+In the morning of the day of execution he was very much disturbed at
+being refused the Sacrament, which as the minister told him, could not
+be given him by the canon without his confession. Yet this did not
+prevail; he said he would die without receiving it, as he had before
+answered a French minister, who said, _Lewis Houssart, since you are
+condemned on full evidence, and I see no reason but to believe you
+guilty, I must, as a just pastor, inform you that if you persist in this
+denial, and die without confession, you can look for nothing but to be
+d----;_ to which Houssart replied, _You must look for damnation to
+yourself for judging me guilty, when you know nothing of the matter._
+
+This confused frame of mind he continued in until he entered the cart
+for his execution, persisting in a like declaration of innocence all the
+way he went, though sometimes intermixed with short prayers to God to
+forgive his manifold sins and offences.
+
+At the place of execution he turned very pale and grew very sick. The
+ministers told him they would not pray by him unless he would confess
+the murder for which he died. He said he was very sorry for that, but
+if they would not pray by him he could not help it, he would not confess
+what he was totally ignorant of. Even at the moment of being tied up he
+persisted and when such exhortations were again repeated, he said: _Pray
+do not torment me, pray cease troubling me. I tell you I will not make
+myself worse than I am._ And so saying, he gave up the ghost without any
+private prayer when left alone or calling upon God or Christ to receive
+his spirit. He delivered to the minister of Newgate, however, a paper,
+the copy which follows, from whence my readers will receive a more exact
+idea of the man from this, his draught of himself, than from any picture
+I can draw.
+
+    The Paper delivered by Lewis Houssart at his death.
+
+    I, Lewis Houssart, am forty years old, and was born in Sedan, a town
+    in Champaigne, near Boullonois. I have left France above fourteen
+    years. I was apprentice to a surgeon at Amsterdam, and after
+    examination was allowed by the college to be qualified for that
+    business, so that I intended to go on board a ship as surgeon, but I
+    could never have my health at sea. I dwelt sometime at Mæstricht, in
+    the Dutch Brabant, where my aged father and brother now dwell. I
+    travelled through Holland and was in almost every town. My two
+    sisters are in France and also many of my relations, for the earth
+    has scarce any family more numerous than ours. Seven or eight years
+    have I been in London, and here I met with Anne Rondeau, who was
+    born at the same village with me, and therefore I loved her. After I
+    had left her, she wrote to me, and said she would reveal a secret. I
+    promised her to be secret, and she told me she had not been chaste,
+    and the consequence of it was upon her, upon which I gave her my
+    best help and assistance. Since she is dead I hope her soul is
+    happy.
+
+    Lewis Houssart
+
+
+
+
+The Life of CHARLES TOWERS, a Minter in Wapping
+
+
+Notwithstanding it must be apparent, even to a very ordinary
+understanding, that the Law must be executed both in civil and criminal
+cases, and that without such execution those who live under its
+protection would be very unsafe, yet it happens so that those who feel
+the smart of its judgment (though drawn upon them by their own misdeeds,
+follies or misfortunes which the Law of man cannot remedy or prevent)
+are always clamouring against its supposed severity, and making dreadful
+complaints of the hardships they from thence sustain. This disposition
+hath engaged numbers under these unhappy circumstances to attempt
+screening themselves from the rigour of the laws by sheltering in
+certain places, where by virtue of their own authority, or rather
+necessities, they set up a right of exemption and endeavour to establish
+a power of preserving those who live within certain limits from being
+prosecuted according to the usual course of the Law.
+
+Anciently, indeed, there were several sanctuaries which depended on the
+Roman Catholic religion, and which were, of course, destroyed when
+popery was done away by Law. However, those who had sheltered themselves
+in them kept up such exemption, and by force withstood whatever civil
+officers attempted to execute process for debt, and that so vigorously
+that at length they seemed to have established by prescription what was
+directly against Law. These pretended privileged places increased at
+last to such an extent that in the ninth year of King William, the
+legislature was obliged to make provision by a clause in an Act of
+Parliament, requiring the sheriffs of London, Middlesex, and Surrey, the
+head bailiff of the Dutchy Liberty, or the bailiff of Surrey, under the
+penalty of one hundred pounds, to execute with the assistance of the
+_posse comitatus_ any writ or warrant directed to them for seizing any
+person within any pretended privilege place such as Whitefriars, the
+Savoy, Salisbury Court, Ram Alley, Mitre Court, Fuller's Rents,
+Baldwin's Gardens, Montague Close or the Minories, Mint, Clink, or Dead
+Man's Place.[50] At the same time they ordered the assistance for
+executing the Law, of any who obey the sheriff or other person or
+persons in such places as aforesaid, with very great penalties upon
+persons who attempt to rescue persons from the hands of justice in such
+place.
+
+This law had a very good effect with respect to all places excepting
+those within the jurisdiction of the Mint, though not without some
+struggle. There, however, they still continued to keep up those
+privileges they had assumed, and accordingly did maintain them by so far
+misusing persons who attempted to execute processes amongst them, by
+ducking them in ditches, dragging them through privies or "lay stalls,"
+accompanied by a number of people dressed up in frightful habits, who
+were summoned upon blowing a horn. All which at last became so very
+great a grievance that the legislature was again forced to interpose,
+and by an act of the 9th of the late King, the Mint, as it was commonly
+called, situated in the parish of St. George's, Southwark, in the county
+of Surrey, was taken away, and the punishment of transportation, and
+even death, inflicted upon such who should persist in maintaining there
+pretended privileges.
+
+Yet so far did the Government extend its mercy, as to suffer all those
+who at the time of passing the Act were actually shelterers in the Mint
+(provided that they made a just discovery of their effects) to be
+discharged from any imprisonment of their persons for any debts
+contracted before that time. By this Act of Parliament, the privilege of
+the Mint was totally taken away and destroyed.
+
+The persons who had so many years supported themselves therein were
+dissipated and dispersed. But many of them got again into debt, and
+associating themselves with other persons in the same condition, with
+unparalleled impudence they attempted to set up (towards Wapping) a new
+privileged jurisdiction under the title of the Seven Cities of Refuge.
+In this attempt they were much furthered and directed by one Major
+Santloe, formerly a Justice of Peace, but being turned out of
+commission, he came first a shelterer here, and afterwards a prisoner in
+the Fleet. These people made an addition to these laws which had
+formerly been established in such illegal sanctuaries, for they provided
+large books in which they entered the names of persons who entered into
+their association, swearing to defend one another against all bailiffs
+and such like. In consequence of which, they very often rescued
+prisoners out of custody, or even entered the houses of officers for
+that purposes. Amongst the number of these unhappy people, who by
+protecting themselves against the lesser judgments of the Law involved
+themselves in greater difficulties, and at last drew on the greatest and
+most heavy sentence which it could pronounce, was him we now speak of.
+
+Charles Towers was a person whose circumstances had been bad for many
+years, and in order to retrieve them he had turned gamester. For a
+guinea or two, it seems, he engaged for the payment of a very
+considerable debt for a friend, who not paying it at his time, Towers
+was obliged to fly for shelter into the Old Mint, then in being. He went
+into the New, which was just then setting up, and where the Shelterers
+took upon them to act more licentiously and with greater outrages
+towards officers of Justice than the people in any other places had
+done. Particularly they erected a tribunal on which a person chosen for
+that purpose sat as a judge with great state and solemnity. When any
+bailiff had attempted to arrest persons within the limits which they
+assumed for their jurisdiction, he was seized immediately by a mob of
+their own people, and hurried before the judge of their own choosing.
+There a sort of charge or indictment was preferred against him, for
+attempting to disturb the peace of the Shelterers within the
+jurisdiction of the Seven Cities of Refuge. Then they examined certain
+witnesses to prove this, and thereupon pretending to convict such
+bailiff as a criminal, he was sentenced by their judge aforesaid to be
+whipped or otherwise punished as he thought fit, which was executed
+frequently in the most cruel and barbarous manner, by dragging him
+through ditches and other nasty places, tearing his clothes off his
+back, and even endangering his life.
+
+One West, who had got amongst them, being arrested by John Errington,
+who carried him to his house by Wapping Wall, the Shelterers in the New
+Mint no sooner heard thereof, but assembling on a Sunday morning in a
+great number, with guns, swords, staves, and other offensive weapons,
+they went to the house of the said John Errington, and there terrifying
+and affrighting the persons in the house rescued John West, pursuant, as
+they said, to their oaths, he being registered as a protected person in
+their books of the Seven Cities of Refuge. In this expedition Charles
+Towers was very forward, being dressed with only a blue pea-jacket,
+without hat, wig or shirt, with a large stick like a quarter-staff in
+his hand, his face and breast being so blackened that it appeared to be
+done with soot and grease, contrary to the Statute made against those
+called The Waltham Blacks, and done after the first day of June, 1723,
+when that Statute took place.
+
+Upon an indictment for this, the fact being very fully and dearly
+proved, notwithstanding his defence, which was that he was no more
+disguised than his necessity obliged him to be, not having wherewith to
+provide himself clothes, and his face perhaps dirty and daubed with mud,
+the jury found him guilty, and he thereupon received sentence of death.
+
+Before the execution of that sentence, he insisted strenuously on his
+innocence as to the point on which he was found guilty and condemned,
+viz., having his face blacked and disguised within the intent and
+meaning of the Statute, but he readily acknowledged that he had been
+often present and assisted at such mock courts of justice as were held
+in the New Mint, though he absolutely denied sitting as judge when one
+Mr. Westwood, a bailiff, was most abominably abused by an order of that
+pretended court. He seemed fully sensible of the ills and injuries he
+had committed by being concerned amongst such people, but often said
+that he thought the bailiffs had sufficiently revenged themselves by the
+cruel treatment they had used the riotous persons with, when they fell
+within their power, particularly since they hacked and chopped a
+carpenter's right arm in such a manner that it was obliged to be cut
+off; had abused others in so terrible a degree that they were not able
+to work, or do anything for their living. He himself had received
+several large cuts over the head, which though received six weeks
+before, yet were in a very bad condition at the time of his death.
+
+As to disguises, he constantly averred they were never practised in the
+New Mint. He owned they had had some masquerades amongst them, to which
+himself amongst others had gone in the dress of a miller, and his face
+all covered with white, but as to any blacking or other means to prevent
+his face being known when he rescued West he had none, but on the
+contrary was in his usual habit as all the rest were that accompanied
+him. He framed as well as he could a petition for mercy, setting forth
+the circumstances of the thing, and the hardship he conceived it to be
+to suffer upon the bare construction of an Act of Parliament. He set
+forth likewise, the miserable condition of his wife and two children
+already, she being also big of a third. This petition she presented to
+his Majesty at the Council Chamber door, but the necessity there was of
+preventing such combinations for obstructing justice, rendered it of no
+effect. Upon her return, and Towers being acquainted with the result, he
+said he was contented, that he went willingly into a land of quiet from
+a world so troublesome and so tormenting as this had been to him. Then
+he kneeled down and prayed with great fervency and devotion, after which
+he appeared very composed and showed no rage against the prosecutor and
+witnesses who had brought on his death, as is too often the case with
+men in his miserable condition.
+
+On the day appointed for his execution, he was carried in a cart to a
+gallows whereon he was to suffer in Wapping, the crowd, as is not common
+on such occasions, lamenting him, and pouring down showers of tears, he
+himself behaving with great calmness and intrepidity. After prayers had
+been said, he stood up in the cart, and turning towards the people,
+professed his innocence in being in a disguise at the time of rescuing
+Mr. West, and with the strongest asserverations said that it was Captain
+Buckland and not himself who sat as judge upon Mr. Jones the bailiff,
+though, as he complained, he had been ill-used while he remained a
+prisoner upon that score. To this he added that for the robberies and
+thefts with which he was charged, they were falsities, as he was a dying
+man. Money indeed, be said, might be shaken out of the breeches pocket
+of the bailiff when he was ditched, but that whether it was or was not
+so, he was no judge, for he never saw any of it. That as to any design
+of breaking open Sir Isaac Tilliard's house, he was innocent of that
+also. In fine, he owned that the judgment of God was exceeding just for
+the many offences he committed, but that the sentence of the Law was too
+severe, because, as he understood it, he had done nothing culpable
+within the intent of the Statute on which he died. After this, he
+inveighed for some time against bailiffs, and then crying with vehemency
+to God to receive his spirit, he gave up the ghost on the 4th of
+January, 1724-5.
+
+However the death of Towers might prevent people committing such acts as
+breaking open the houses of bailiffs, and setting prisoners at liberty,
+yet it did not quite stifle or destroy those attempts which necessitous
+people made for screening themselves from public justice, insomuch that
+the Government were obliged at last to cause a Bill to be brought into
+Parliament for the preventing such attempts for the future, whereupon in
+the 11th year of the late King, it passed into a law to this effect:
+
+That if any number of persons not less than three, associate themselves
+together in the hamlet of Wapping, Stepney, or in any other place within
+the bills of mortality, in order to shelter themselves from their debts,
+after complaint made thereof by presentment of a grand jury, and should
+obstruct any officer legally empowered and authorised in the execution
+of any writ or warrant against any person whatsoever, and in such
+obstructing or hindering should hurt, wound or injure any person; then
+any offender convicted of such offence, should suffer as a felon and be
+transported for seven years in like manner as other persons are so
+convicted. And it is further enacted by the same law that upon
+application made to the judge of any Court, out of which the writs
+therein mentioned are issued, the aforesaid judge, if he see proper, may
+grant a warrant directly to the sheriff, or other person proper to raise
+the _posse comitatus_, where there is any probability of resistance. And
+if in the execution of such warrant any disturbance should happen, and a
+rescue be made, then the persons assisting in such rescue, or who
+harbour or conceal the persons so rescued, shall be transported for
+seven years in like manner as if convicted of felony, but all
+indictments upon this statute are to be commenced within six months
+after the fact committed.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [50] Ram Alley was on the south side of Fleet Street, between
+        Sergeants' Inn and Mitre Court; Fuller's Rents is now Fulwood
+        Place, Holborn; Baldwin's Gardens runs from Gray's Inn Road to
+        Leather Lane; Montague Close was on the Southwark side, near
+        London Bridge; Dead Man's Place was a crooked street at the east
+        end of Bankside.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS ANDERSON, a Scotch Thief
+
+
+Amongst a multitude of tragical adventures it is with some satisfaction
+that I mention the life of a person who was of the number of those few
+which take warning in time, and having once felt the rod of affliction,
+fear it ever afterwards.
+
+Thomas Anderson was the son of reputable parents in the city of
+Aberdeen, in Scotland. His father was of the number of those unhappy
+people who went over to Darien when the Scots made their settlement
+there in the reign of the late King William, his son Thomas being left
+under the care of his mother then a widow. By this his education
+suffered, and he was put apprentice to a glazier, although his father
+had been a man of some fashion, and the boy always educated with hopes
+of living genteelly. However, he is not the first that has been so
+deceived, though he took it so to heart that at first going to his
+master his grief was so great as had very nigh killed him. He continued,
+however, with his master two years, and then making bold with about nine
+guineas of his, and thirteen of his mother's, he procured a horse and
+made the greatest speed he could to Edinburgh.
+
+Tom was sensible enough that he should be pursued, and hearing of a ship
+ready to sail from Leith for London, he went on board it, and in five
+days' time having a fair wind they arrived in the river of Thames. As
+soon as he got on shore Tom had the precaution to take lodging in a
+little street near Bur Street in Wapping, there he put his things; and
+his stock now being dwindled to twelve guineas, he put two of them in
+his fob, with his mother's old gold watch, which he had likewise brought
+along with him, and then went out to see the town. He had not walked far
+in Fleet Street, whither he had conveyed himself by boat, but he was
+saluted by a well-dressed woman, in a tone almost as broad as his own.
+Conscious of what he had committed he thought it was somebody that knew
+him and would have taken him up. He turned thereupon pale, and started.
+The woman observing his surprise, said, _Sir, I beg your pardon I took
+you for one Mr. Johnson, of Hull, my near relation; but I see you are
+not the same gentleman, though you are very like him._
+
+Anderson thereupon taking heart, walked a little way with her, and the
+woman inviting him to drink tea at her lodgings, he accepted it readily,
+and away they went together to the bottom of Salisbury Court, where the
+woman lived. After tea was over, so many overtures were made that our
+new-come spark was easily drawn into an amour, and after a considerable
+time spent in parley, it was at last agreed that he should pass for her
+husband newly come from sea; and this being agreed upon, the landlady
+was called up, and the story told in form. The name the woman assumed
+was that of Johnson, and Tom consequently was obliged to go by the same.
+So after compliments expressed on all sides for his safe return, a
+supper was provided, and about ten o'clock they went to bed together.
+
+Whether anything had been put in the drink, or whether it was only owing
+to the quantity he had drunk, he slept very soundly until 11 o'clock in
+the morning, when he was awakened by a knocking at the door; upon
+getting up to open it, he was a little surprised at finding the woman
+gone and more so at seeing the key thrown under the door. However, he
+took it up and opened it: his landlady then delivered him a letter,
+which as soon as she was gone he opened, and found it to run in these
+terms:
+
+    Dear Sir,
+
+    You must know that for about three years I have been an unfortunate
+    woman, that is, have conversed with many of your sex, as I have done
+    with you. I need not tell you that you made me a present of what
+    money you had about you last night, after the reckoning over the way
+    at The George was paid. I told my landlady when I went out this
+    morning that I was going to bring home some linen for shirts; you
+    had best say so too, and so you may go away without noise, for as I
+    owe her above three pound for lodging, 'tis odds but that as you
+    said last night you were my husband, she will put you in trouble,
+    and that I think would be hard, for to be sure you have paid dear
+    enough for your frolic. I hope you will forgive this presumption,
+    and I am yours next time you meet me.
+
+    Jane Johnson
+
+Tom was not a little chagrined at this accident, especially when he
+found that not only the remainder of the two guineas, but also his
+mother's gold watch, and a gold chain and ring was gone into the
+bargain. However, he thought it best to take the woman's word, and so
+coming down and putting on the best air he could, he told his landlady
+he hoped his wife would bring the linen home time enough to go to
+breakfast, and that in the meanwhile he would go to the coffee-house,
+and read the news. The woman said it was very well, and Tom getting to
+the waterside, directed them to row to the stairs nearest to his lodging
+by Bur Street, ruminating all the way he went on the accident which had
+befallen him.
+
+The rumours of Jonathan Wild, then in the zenith of his glory, had
+somehow or other reached the ears of our North Briton. He thereupon
+mentioned him to the watermen, who perceiving that he was a stranger,
+and hoping to get a pot of drink for the relation, obliged him with the
+best account they were able of Mr. Wild and his proceedings. As soon,
+therefore, as Anderson came home, he put the other two guineas in his
+pocket, and over he came in a coach to the Old Bailey, where Mr. Wild
+had just then set up in his office, Mr. Anderson being introduced in
+form, acquainted him in good blunt Scotch how he had lost his money and
+his watch. Jonathan used him very civilly, and promised his utmost
+diligence in recovering it. Tom being willing to save money, enquired of
+him his way home by land on foot, and having received instructions he
+set out accordingly. About the middle of Cheapside a well-dressed
+gentleman came up to him. _Friend_, says he, _I have heard you ask five
+or six people, as I followed you, your way to Bur Street. I am going
+thither and so if you'll walk along with me, 'twill save you the labour
+of asking further questions._
+
+Tom readily accepted the gentleman's civility, and so on they trudged,
+until they came within twenty yards of the place, and into Tom's
+knowledge. _Young man_, then says the stranger, _since I have shown you
+the way home you must not refuse drinking a pint with me at a tavern
+hard by, of my acquaintance._ No sooner were they entered and sat down,
+but a third person was introduced into their company, as an acquaintance
+of the former. A good supper was provided, and when they had drunk about
+a pint of wine apiece, says the gentleman who brought him thither to
+Anderson, _You seem an understanding young fellow. I fancy your
+circumstances are not of the best. Come, if you have a tolerable head
+and any courage, I'll put you in a way to live as easy as you can wish._
+
+Tom pricked up his ears upon this motion, and told him that truly, as to
+his circumstances, he had guessed very right, but that he wished he
+would be so good as to put him into any road of living like a gentleman.
+_For to say the truth, sir_, says he, _it was with that view I left my
+own country to come up to London._
+
+_Well spoken, my lad_, says the other, _and like a gentleman thou shalt
+live. But hark ye, are you well acquainted with the men of quality's
+families about Aberdeen? Yes, sir_, says he. _Well then_, replied the
+stranger, _do you know none of them who has a son about your age? Yes,
+yes_, replied Tom, _My Lord J---- sent his eldest son to our college at
+Aberdeen to be bred, and he and I an much alike, and not above ten days
+difference in our ages. Why then_, replied the spark, _it will do, and
+here's to your honour's health. Come, from this time forward, you are
+the Honourable Mr. ----, son and heir apparent to the Right Honourable,
+the Lord ----._
+
+To make the story short, these sharpers equipped him like the person
+they put him upon the town to be, and lodging him at the house of a
+Scotch merchant who was in the secret, with no less than three footmen
+all in proper livery to attend him. In the space of ten days' time, they
+took up effect upon his credit to the amount of a thousand pounds. Tom
+was cunning enough to lay his hands on a good diamond ring, two suits of
+clothes, and a handsome watch, and improved mightily from a fortnight's
+conversation with these gentlemen. He foresaw the storm would quickly
+begin, the news of his arrival under the name he had assumed, having
+been in the papers a week; so to prevent what might happen to himself,
+he sends his three footmen on different errands, and making up his
+clothes and some holland shirts into a bundle, called a coach and drove
+off to Bur Street, where having taken the remainder of his things that
+had been there ever since his coming to town, he bid the fellow drive
+him to the house of a person near St. Catherine's, to whom he had known
+his mother direct letters when in Scotland.
+
+Yet recollecting in the coach that by this means he might be discovered
+by his relations, he called to the coachman before he reached there, and
+remembering an inn in Holborn, which he had heard spoken of by the
+Scotch merchant, where he had lodged in his last adventure, bid the
+fellow drive thither, saying he was afraid to be out late, and if he
+made haste he would give him a shilling. When he came thither and had
+had his two portmanteaus carried into the inn, pretending to be very
+sick he went immediately upstairs to bed, having first ordered a pint of
+wine to be burnt and brought upstairs.
+
+Reflecting in the night on the condition he was in and the consequence
+of the measures he was taking, he resolved with himself to abandon his
+ill-courses at once and try to live honestly in some plantation of the
+West Indies. These meditations kept him pretty much awake, so that it
+was late in the morning before he arose. Having ordered coffee for his
+breakfast, he gave the chamberlain a shilling to go and fetch the
+newspapers, where the first thing he saw was an account of his own cheat
+in the body of the paper, and at the end of it an advertisement with a
+reward for apprehending him. This made him very uneasy, and the rather
+because he had no clothes but those which he had taken up as aforesaid;
+so he ordered the chamberlain to send for a tailor, and pretended to be
+so much indisposed that he could not get out. When the tailor came, he
+directed him to make him a riding suit with all the expedition he could.
+The tailor promised it in two days' time. The next day, pretending to be
+still worse, he sent the chamberlain to take a place for him in the
+Bristol coach, which being done, he removed himself and his things early
+in the morning to the inn where it lay, and set out the next day
+undiscovered for Bristol.
+
+Three days after his arrival he met with a captain bound for the West
+Indies, with whom having agreed for a passage, he set sail for Jamaica.
+But a fresh gale at sea accidentally damaging their rudder, they were
+obliged to come to an anchor in Cork, where the captain himself and
+several other passengers went on shore. Anderson accompanied him to the
+coffee-house, where calling for the papers that last came in, he had
+like to have swooned at the table on finding himself to have been
+discovered at Bristol, and to have sailed in such a ship the day before
+the persons came down to apprehend him in order to his being carried
+back to London.
+
+As soon as he came a little to himself, he stepped up to the man of the
+house and asked him for the vault [privy], which being shown him, he
+immediately threw the paper down; and as soon as he came out, finding
+the captain ready to go, he accompanied him with great satisfaction on
+board again, where things being set to rights, by the next day at ten
+o'clock they sailed with a fair wind, and without any further cross
+accident arrived safe at Jamaica. There Tom had the good luck to pick up
+a woman with a tolerable fortune, and about three years later remitted
+£300 home to the jeweller who had been defrauded of the watch and the
+ring, and directed him to pay what was over, after deducting his own
+debt, to the people who had trusted him with other things, and who upon
+his going off had recovered most of them, and were by this means made a
+tolerable satisfaction.
+
+He resided in the West Indies for about five years in all, and in that
+time, by his own industry acquired a very handsome fortune of his own,
+and therewith returned to Scotland.
+
+I should be very glad if this story would incline some people who have
+got money in not such honest ways (though perhaps less dangerous) to
+endeavour at extenuating the crimes they have been guilty of, by making
+such reparation as in their power, by which at once they atone for their
+fault, and regain their lost reputation; but I am afraid this advice may
+prove both unsuccessful and unseasonable and therefore shall proceed in
+my narrations as the course of these memoirs directs me.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOSEPH PICKEN, a Highwayman
+
+
+There cannot, perhaps, be a greater misfortune to a man than his having
+a woman of ill-principles about him, whether as a wife or otherwise.
+When they once lay aside principles either of modesty or honesty, women
+become commonly the most abandoned; and as their sex renders them
+capable of seducing, so their vices tempt them not often to persuade men
+to such crimes as otherwise, perhaps, they would never have thought of.
+This was the case of the malefactor, the story of whose misfortunes we
+are now to relate.
+
+Joseph Picken was the son of a tailor in Clerkenwell, who worked hard at
+his employment and took pleasure in nothing but providing for, and
+bringing up his family. This unhappy son, Joseph, was his darling, and
+nothing grieved him so much upon his death-bed, as the fears of what
+might befall the boy, being then an infant of five years old. However,
+his mother, though a widow, took so much care of his education, that he
+was well enough instructed for the business she designed him, viz., that
+of a vintner, to which profession he was bound at a noted tavern near
+Billingsgate.
+
+He served his time very faithfully and with great approbation, but
+falling in love, or to speak more properly, taking a whim of marriage in
+his head, he accepted of a young woman in the neighbourhood as his
+partner for life. Soon after this, he removed to Windsor, where he took
+the tap at a well-accustomed inn, and began the world in a very probable
+way of doing well. However, partly through his own misfortunes, and
+partly through the extravagance of his wife, in a little more than a
+twelve months' time he found himself thirty pound in debt, and in no
+likelihood from his trade of getting money to pay it. This made him very
+melancholy, and nothing added so great a weight to his load of
+affliction as the uneasiness he was under at the misfortunes which might
+befall his wife, to whom as yet this fall in his circumstances was not
+known.
+
+However, fearing it would be soon discovered in another way, at last he
+mentioned it to her, at the same time telling her that she must retrench
+her expenses, for he was now so far from being able to support them that
+he could hardly get him family bread. Her mother and she thereupon
+removed to a lodging, where by the side of the bed, poor Picken used to
+slumber upon the boards, heavily disconsolate with the weight of his
+misfortunes. One day after talking of them to his wife, he said: _I am
+now quite at my wits' end. I have no way left to get anything to support
+us; what shall I do? Do_, answered she, _why, what should a man do that
+wants money and has any courage, but go upon the highway._
+
+The poor man, not knowing how else to gain anything, even took her
+advice, and recollecting a certain companion of his who had once upon a
+time offered the same expedient for relieving their joint misfortunes,
+Picken thereupon found him out, and without saying it was his wife's
+proposal, pretended that his sorrows had at last so prevailed upon him
+that he was resolved to repair the injuries of Fortune by taking away
+something from those she had used better than him. His comrade unhappily
+addicted himself still to his old way of thinking, and instead of
+dissuading him from his purpose, seemed pleased that he had taken such a
+resolution. He told him that for his part he always thought danger
+rather to be chosen than want, and that while soldiers hazarded their
+lives in war for sixpence a day, he thought it was cowardice to make a
+man starve, where he had a chance of getting so much more than those who
+hazarded as much as they did.
+
+Accordingly Picken and his companion provided themselves that week with
+all necessaries for their expedition, and going upon it in the beginning
+of the next, set out and had success, as they called it, in two or three
+enterprises. But returning to London in the end of the week, they were
+apprehended for a robbery committed on one Charles Cooper, on Finchley
+Common, for which they were tried the next sessions, and both capitally
+convicted.
+
+Through fear of death and want of necessaries, Joseph Picken fell into a
+low and languishing state of health, under which, however, he gave all
+the signs of penitence and sorrow that could be expected for the crimes
+he had committed. Yet though he loaded his wife with the weight of all
+his crimes, he forebore any harsh or shocking reproaches against her,
+saying only that as she had brought him into all the miseries he now
+felt, so she had left him to bear the weight of them alone, without
+either ever coming near him, or affording him any assistance. However,
+he said he was so well satisfied of the multitude of his own sins, and
+the need he had of forgiveness from God, that he thought it a small
+condition to forgive her, which he did freely from his heart.
+
+In these sentiments he took the Holy Sacrament, and continued with great
+calmness to wait the execution of his sentence. In the passage to
+execution and even at the fatal tree, he behaved himself with amazing
+circumstances of quietness and resignation, and though he appeared much
+less fearful than any of those who died with him, yet he parted with
+life almost as soon as the cart was drawn away. He was about twenty-two
+years of age, or somewhat more, at the time he suffered, which was on
+the 24th of February, 1724-5, much pitied by the spectators, and much
+lamented by those that knew him.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS PACKER, a Highwayman
+
+
+Thomas Packer, the companion of the last-named criminal both in his
+crimes and in his punishment, was the son of very honest and reputable
+parents, not far from Newgate Street. His father gave him a competent
+education, designing always to put him in a trade, and as soon as he was
+fit for it placed him accordingly with a vintner at Greenwich. There he
+served for some years, but growing out of humour with the place, be made
+continual instances to his friends to be removed. They, willing and
+desirous to comply with the young man's honours, at length after
+repeated solicitation prevailed with his master to consent, and then he
+was removed to another tavern in town. There he completed his time, but
+ever after being of a rambling disposition, was continually changing
+places and never settled.
+
+Amongst those in which he had lived, there was a tavern where he resided
+as a drawer for about six weeks. Here he got into acquaintance of a
+woman, handsome, indeed, but of no fortune, and little reputation. His
+affection for this woman and the money he spent on her, was the chief
+occasion of those wants which prevailed upon him to join with Picken in
+those attempts which were fatal to them both. It cannot, indeed, be said
+that the woman in any degree excited him to such practices. On the
+contrary, the poor creature really endeavoured by every method she could
+to procure money for their support, and did all that in her lay (while
+Packer was under his misfortunes) to prevent the necessities of life
+from hindering him in that just care which was necessary to secure his
+interest in that which was to come.
+
+Packer was in himself a lad of very great good nature, and not without
+just principles if he had been well improved, but the rambling life he
+had led, and his too tender affection for the before-mentioned woman,
+led him into great crimes rather than he would see her sustain great
+wants. The reflection which he conceived his death would bring upon his
+parents, and the miseries which he dreaded it would draw upon his wife
+and child, seemed to press him heavier than any apprehension for
+himself to his own sufferings, which from the time of his commitment he
+bore with the greatest patience, and improved to the utmost of his
+power. As he was sensible there was no hopes of remaining in this world,
+so he immediately removed his thought, his wishes and his hopes from
+thence, applied himself seriously to his devotions, and never suffered
+even the woman whom he so much loved to interfere or hinder them in any
+degree.
+
+As it had been his first week of robbing, and his last too, he had
+little confession to make in that respect. He acknowledged, however, the
+fact which they had done in that space, and seemed to be heartily
+penitent, ashamed and sorry for his offences. At the place of execution
+he behaved with the same decency which accompanied him through all the
+sorrowful stations of his sad condition. He was asked whether he would
+say anything to the people, but he declined it, though he had a paper in
+his hand which he had designed to read, which for the satisfaction of
+the public, I have thought fit to annex.
+
+    The paper left by Thomas Packer.
+
+    Good People,
+
+    I see a large number of you assembled here, to behold a miserable
+    end of us whom the Law condemns to death for our offence, and for
+    the sake of giving you warning, makes us in our last moments, public
+    spectacles. I submit with the utmost resignation to the stroke of
+    the Law, and I heartily pray Almighty God that the sight of my
+    shameful death, may inspire every one of you with lasting
+    resolutions of leading an honest life. The facts for which both
+    Picken and I die were really committed by us, and consequently the
+    sentence under which we suffer, is very just. Let me then press ye
+    again that the warnings of our deaths may not be in vain, but that
+    you will remember our fate, and by urging that against your depraved
+    wishes, prevent following our steps; which is all I have to say.
+
+    Thomas Packer
+
+He was about twenty years of age at the time he suffered, which was with
+the afore-mentioned malefactor at Tyburn, much pitied by all the
+spectators.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS BRADLEY, a Street-Robber
+
+
+One must want humanity and be totally void of that tenderness which
+denominates both a man and a Christian if we feel not some pity for
+those who are brought to a violent and shameful death from a sudden and
+rash act, excited either by necessity or through the frailty of human
+nature sinking under misfortune or hurried into mischief by a sudden
+transport of passion. I am persuaded, therefore, that the greater part,
+if not all of my readers will feel the same emotions of tenderness and
+compassion for the miserable youth of whom I am now going to speak.
+
+Thomas Bradley was the son of an officer in the Custom-House at
+Liverpool. The father took care of his education, and having qualified
+him for a seafaring business in reading and writing, placed him therein.
+He came up accordingly with the master of a vessel to London, where some
+misfortunes befalling the said master, Thomas was turned out of his
+employment and left to shift for himself. Want pinched him. He had no
+friends, nor anybody to whom be might apply for relief, and in the
+anguish with which his sufferings oppressed him, he unfortunately
+resolved to steal rather than submit to starving or to begging. One fact
+he committed, but could never be prevailed on to mention the time, the
+person or the place.
+
+The robbery for which he was condemned was upon a woman carrying home
+another woman's riding-hood which she had borrowed; and he assaulting
+her on the highway took it from her, which was valued at 25s. Upon this
+he was capitally convicted at the next sessions at the Old Bailey, nor
+could never be prevailed on by a person to apply for a pardon. On the
+contrary, he said it was his greatest grief that notwithstanding all he
+could do to stifle it, the news would reach his father, and break his
+heart. He was told that such thoughts were better omitted than suffered
+to disturb him, when he was on the point of going to another (and if he
+repented thoroughly) to a better life; at which he sighed and said their
+reasoning was very right, and he would comply with it if he could. From
+that time he appeared more composed and cheerful, and resigned to his
+fate. This temper he preserved to the time of his execution, and died
+with as much courage and penitence as is ever seen in any of those
+unhappy persons who suffer at the same place.
+
+At the time of his death he was not quite nineteen years of age. He died
+between the last mentioned malefactor and him whose life we are next to
+relate.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM LIPSAT, a Thief
+
+
+William Lipsat was the son of a person at Dublin, in very tolerable
+circumstances, which he strained to the utmost to give this lad a
+tolerable education. When he had acquired this he sent him over to an
+uncle of his at Stockden, in Worcestershire, where he lived with more
+indulgence than even when at home, his uncle having no children, and
+behaving to him with all the tenderness of a parent. However, on some
+little difference (the boy having long had an inclination to see this
+great City of London) he took that occasion to go away from his uncle,
+and accordingly came up to town, and was employed in the service of one
+Mr. Kelway. He had not been long there before he received a letter from
+his father, entreating him to return to Dublin with all the speed he was
+able. This letter was soon followed by another, which not only desired,
+but commanded him to come back to Ireland. He was not troubled at
+thinking of the voyage and going home to his friends, but he was very
+desirous of carrying money over with him to make a figure amongst his
+relations, which not knowing how to get, he at last bethought himself of
+stealing it from a place in which he knew it lay. After several
+struggles with himself, vanity prevailed, and he accordingly went and
+took away the things, viz., 57 guineas and a half, 25 Caroluses,[51] 5
+Jacobuses, 3 Moidores, six piece of silver, two purses valued at twelve
+pence. These, as he said, would have made his journey pleasant and his
+reception welcome, which was the reason he took them. The evidence was
+very dear and direct against him, so that the jury found him guilty
+without hesitation.
+
+From the time of his condemnation to the day he died, he neither
+affected to extenuate his crime, nor reflect, as some are apt to do, on
+the cruelty of the prosecutors, witnesses, or the Court that condemned
+him. So far from it, that he always acknowledged the justice of his
+sentence, seemed grieved only for the greatness of his sin and the
+affliction of the punishment of it would bring upon his relations, who
+had hitherto always born the best of characters, though by his failing
+they were now like to be stigmatised with the most infamous crimes.
+However, since his grief came now too late, he resolved as much as he
+was able to keep such thoughts out of his head, and apply himself to
+what more nearly concerned him, and for which all the little time he had
+was rather too short. In a word, in his condition, none behaved with
+more gravity, or to outward appearance with more penitence than this
+criminal did.
+
+He suffered with the same resignation which had appeared in everything
+he did from the time of his condemnation, on the 1st of February,
+1724-5, with the before-mentioned malefactors, being then scarce
+eighteen years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [51] Carolus was a gold coin of Charles I, worth 20s.-23s.; a
+        Jacobus, coined by James I, was of the same value; the moidore
+        was worth about 27s.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN HEWLET, a Murderer
+
+
+There are several facts which have happened in the world, the
+circumstances attending which, if we compare them as they are related by
+one or other, we can hardly fix in our own mind any certainty of belief
+concerning them, such an equality is there in the weight of evidence of
+one side and of the other. Such, at the time it happened, was the case
+of the malefactor before us.
+
+John Hewlet was born in Warwickshire, the son of Richard Hewlet, a
+butcher, and though not bred up with his father, he was yet bred to the
+same employment at Leicester, from which, malicious people said he
+acquired a bloody and barbarous disposition. However, he did not serve
+his time out with his master, but being a strong, sturdy young fellow,
+and hoping some extraordinary preferment in the army, with that view he
+engaged himself in the First Regiment of the Guards, during the reign of
+the late King William.
+
+In the war he gained the reputation of a very brave, but a very cruel
+and very rough fellow, and therefore was relied on by his officers, yet
+never liked by them. Persons of a similar disposition generally live on
+good terms with one another. Hewlet found out a corporal, one Blunt,
+much of the same humour with himself, never pleased when in safety, nor
+afraid though in the midst of danger.
+
+At the siege of Namur, in Flanders, these fellows happened to be both in
+the trenches when the French made a desperate sally and were beaten off
+at last with much loss and in such confusion that their pursuers lodged
+themselves in one of the outworks, and had like to have gained another,
+in the attack on which a young cadet of the regiment in which Blunt
+served was killed. Blunt observing it, went to the commanding officer
+and told him that the cadet had nineteen pistoles in his pocket, and it
+was a shame the French should have them. _Why, that's true, corporal_,
+said the Colonel, _but I don't see at present how we can help it. No_,
+replied Blunt, _give me but leave to go and search his pockets, and I'll
+answer for bringing the money back. Why, fool_, said the Colonel, _dost
+thou not see the place covered with French? Should a man stir from hence
+they would pour a whole shower of small shot upon him. I'll venture
+that_, says Blunt. _But how will you know the body?_ added the Colonel.
+_I am afraid we have left a score besides him behind us. Why, look ye,
+sir_, said the Corporal, _let me have no more objections, and I'll
+answer that, he was clapped, good Colonel, do you see, and that to some
+purpose; so that if I can't know him by his face, I may know him by
+somewhat else. Well_, said the Colonel, _if you have a mind to be
+knocked on the head, and take it ill to be denied, you must go, I
+think._
+
+On which Blunt, waiting for no further orders, marched directly in the
+midst of the enemy's fire to the dead bodies, which law within ten yards
+of the muzzle of their pieces, and turning over several of the dead
+bodies, he distinguished that of the cadet, and brought away the prize
+for which he had so fairly ventured.
+
+This action put Hewlet on his mettle. He resolved to do something that
+might equal it, and an opportunity offered some time after, of
+performing such a service as no man in the army would have undertaken.
+It happened thus: the engineer who was to set fire to the train of a
+mine which had been made under a bastion of the enemy's, happened to
+have drank very hard over night, and mistaking the hour, laid the match
+an hour sooner than he ought. A sentinel immediately came out, called
+out aloud, _What, have you clapped fire to the train? There's twenty
+people in the mine who will be all blown up; it should not have been
+fired till 12 o'clock._
+
+On hearing this Hewlet ran in with his sword drawn, and therewith cut
+off the train the moment before it would have given fire to all the
+barrels of powder that were within, by which he saved the lives of all
+the pioneers who were carrying the mines still forward at the time the
+wild fire was unseasonably lighted by the engineer.
+
+At the battle of Landau he had his skull broken open by a blow from the
+butt end of a musket. This occasioned his going through the operation
+called trepanning, which is performed by an engine like a coffee-mill,
+which being fixed on the bruised part of the bone, is turned round, and
+cuts out all the black till the edges appear white and sound. After this
+cure had been performed upon him, he never had his senses in the same
+manner as he had before, but upon the least drinking fell into a passion
+which was but very little removed from madness.
+
+He returned into England after the Peace of Ryswick, and being taken
+into a gentleman's service, he there married a wife, by whom he had nine
+children. Happy was it for them that they were all dead before his
+disastrous end.
+
+How Hewlet came to be employed as a watchman a little before his death,
+the papers I have give me no account of, only that he was in that
+station at the time of the death of Joseph Candy, for whose murder he
+was indicted for giving him a mortal bruise on the head with his staff.
+
+On the 26th of December, 1724, upon full evidences of eye-witnesses, the
+jury found him guilty, he making no other defence than great
+asservations of his innocence, and an obstinate denial of the fact.
+After his conviction, being visited in the condemned hold, instead of
+showing any marks of penitence or contrition, he raved against the
+witnesses who had been produced to destroy him, called them all
+perjured, and prayed God to inflict some dreadful judgment on them. Nay,
+he went so far as to desire that he ought himself have the executing
+thereof, wishing that after his death his apparition might come and
+terrify them to their graves. When it was represented to him how odd
+this behaviour was, and how far distant from that calmness and
+tranquillity of mind with which it became him to clothe himself before
+he went into the presence of his Maker, these representations had no
+effect; he still continued to rave against his accusers, and against the
+witnesses who had sworn at his trial. As death grew nearer he appeared
+not a bit terrified, nor seemed uneasy at all at leaving this life, only
+at leaving his wife, and as he phrased it, some old acquaintance in
+Warwickshire. However, he desired to receive the Sacrament, and said he
+would prepare himself for it as well as he could.
+
+He went to the place of execution in the same manner in which he had
+passed the days of his confinement till that time. At Tyburn he was not
+satisfied with protesting his innocence to the people, but designing to
+have one of the Prayer Books which was made use of in the cart, he
+kissed it as people do when they take oath, and then again turning to
+the mob, declared as he was a dying man, he never gave Candy a blow in
+his life. Thus with many ejaculations he gave way to fate in an advanced
+age at Tyburn, at the same time with the malefactors last mentioned.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of JAMES CAMMEL and WILLIAM MARSHAL, Thieves and Footpads
+
+
+James Cammel was born of parents in very low circumstances, and the
+misfortunes arising therefrom were much increased by his father dying
+while he was an infant, and leaving him to the care of a widow in the
+lowest circumstances of life. The consequence was what might be easily
+foreseen, for he forgot what little he had learned in his youngest days,
+loitering away his time about Islington, Hoxton, Moorfield, and such
+places, being continually drinking there, and playing at cudgels,
+skittles, and such like. He never applied himself to labour or honest
+working for his bread, but either got it from his mother or a few other
+friends, or by methods of a more scandalous nature--I mean pilfering and
+stealing from others, for which after he had long practised it, he came
+at last to an untimely death.
+
+He was a fellow of a froward disposition, hasty and yet revengeful, and
+made up of almost all the vices that go to forming a debauchee in low
+life. He had had a long acquaintance with the person that suffered with
+him for their offences, but what made him appear in the worst light was
+that he had endeavoured to commit acts of cruelty at the time he did the
+robbery. Notwithstanding he insisted not only that he was innocent of
+the latter part of the offence but that he never committed the robbery
+at all, though Marshal his associate did not deny it.
+
+They had been together in these exploits for some time, and once
+particularly coming from Sadlers Wells, they took from a gentlewoman a
+basket full of bed-child linen to a very great value, which offering to
+sell to a woman in Monmouth Street, she privately sent for a constable
+to apprehend them. One of their companions who went with them observing
+this, he tipped them the wink to be gone, which the old woman of the
+house perceiving, caught hold of Marshal by the coat; and while they
+struggled, the third man whipped off a gold watch, a silver collar and
+bells, and a silver plate for holding snuffers, and pretending to
+interpose in the quarrel slipped through them, and out at the door, as
+Cammel and Marshal did immediately after him.
+
+Once upon a time it happened that Marshal had no money, and his credit
+being at a par, and a warrant out to take him for a great debt, and
+another to take him for picking of pockets, he was in a great quandary
+how to escape both. He strolled into St. James's Park, and walking there
+pretty late behind the trees, a woman came up to the seat directly
+before him, when she fell to roaring and crying. Marshal being unseen,
+clapped himself down behind the seat, and listened with great attention.
+He perceived the woman had her pocket in her hand, and heard her
+distinctly say that a rogue not to be contented with cutting one pocket
+and taking it away, but he must cut the other and let it drop at her
+foot. Then she wiped her eyes and laying down her pocket by her, began
+to shake her petticoats to see if the other pocket had not lodged
+between them as the former had done. So Marshal took the opportunity and
+secretly conveyed that away, thinking one lamentation might serve for
+both. Upon turning the pocket out, he found only a thread paper, a
+housewife and a crown piece. Upon this crown piece he lived a fortnight
+at a milk-house, coming twice a day for milk, and hiding himself at
+nights in some of the grass plots, it being summer.
+
+But his creditor dying, and the person whose pocket he had picked going
+to Denmark, he came abroad again, and soon after engaged with Cammel in
+the fact for which they were both hanged. It was committed upon a man
+and a woman coming through the fields from Islington, and the things
+they took did not amount to above 30 shillings. After they were
+convicted and had received sentence of death, Cammel sent for _The
+Practice of Piety, The Whole Duty of Man_, and such other good books as
+he thought might assist him in the performance of their duty. Yet
+notwithstanding all the outward appearance of resignation to the Divine
+Will, the Sunday before his execution, upon the coming in to the chapel
+of a person whom he took to be his prosecutor, he flew into a very great
+passion, and expressed his uneasiness that he had no instrument there to
+murder him with; and notwithstanding all that could be said to him to
+abate his passion, he continued restless and uneasy until the person was
+obliged to withdraw, and then with great attention applied himself to
+hear the prayers, and discourse that was made proper for that occasion.
+
+Marshal in the meanwhile continued very sick, but though he could not
+attend the chapel, did all that could be expected from a true penitent.
+In this condition they both continued until the time of their death,
+when Marshal truly acknowledged the fact, but Cammel prevaricated about
+it, and at last peremptorily denied it. They suffered on the 30th of
+April, 1725, Cammel appearing with an extraordinary carelessness and
+unconcern, desired them to put him out of the world quickly, and was
+very angry that they did not do it in less time.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN GUY, a Deer-stealer
+
+
+One would have thought that the numerous executions which had happened
+upon the appearance of those called the Waltham Blacks,[52] and the
+severity of that Act of Parliament which their folly had occasioned,
+would effectually have prevented any outrages for the future upon either
+the forests belonging to the Crown, or the parks of private gentlemen;
+but it seems there were still fools capable of undertaking such mad
+exploits.
+
+It is said that Guy being at a public house with a young woman whom, as
+the country people phrase it, was his sweetheart, a discourse arose at
+supper concerning the expeditions of the deer-stealers, which Guy's
+mistress took occasion to express great admiration of, and to regard
+them as so many heroes, who had behaved with courage enough to win the
+most obdurate heart, adding that she was very fond of venison, and she
+wished she had known some of them. This silly accident proved fatal to
+the poor fellow, who engaging with one Biddisford, an old deer-stealer,
+they broke into such forests and parks and carried off abundance of deer
+with impunity. But the keepers at last getting a number of stout young
+fellows to their assistance, waylaid them one night, when they were
+informed by the keeper of an alehouse that Guy and Biddisford intended
+to come for deer.
+
+I must inform my reader that the method these young men took in
+deer-stealing was this. They went into the park on foot, sometimes with
+a crossbow, and sometimes with a couple of dogs, being armed always,
+however, with pistols for their own defence. When they had killed a
+buck, they trussed him up and put him upon their backs and so walked
+off, neither of them being able to procure horses for such service.
+
+On the night that the keepers were acquainted with their coming, they
+sent to a neighbouring gentleman for the assistance of two of his
+grooms; the fellows came about 11 o'clock at night, and tying their
+horses in a little copse went to the place where the keepers had
+appointed to keep guard. This was on a little rising ground, planted
+with a star grove, through the avenues of which they could see all round
+them without being discerned themselves. No sooner, therefore, had Guy
+and his companion passed into the forest, but suffering them to pass by
+one of the entries of the grove where they were, they immediately issued
+out upon them, and pursued them so closely that they were within a few
+yards of them when they entered the coppice, where the two grooms had
+left their horses. They did not stay so much as to untie them, but
+cutting the bridles, mounted them and rode off as hard as they could,
+turning them loose as soon as they were in safety, and got home secure,
+because the keepers could not say they had done anything but walk across
+the forest.
+
+This escape of theirs and some others of the same nature, made them so
+bold that not contented with the deer in chases and such places, they
+broke into the paddock of Anthony Duncombe, Esq., and there killed
+certain fallow deer. One Charles George who was the keeper, and some of
+his assistants hearing the noise they made, issued out, and a sharp
+fight beginning, the deer-stealers at last began to fly. But a
+blunderbuss being fired after them, two of the balls ripped the belly of
+Biddisford, who died on the spot; and soon after the keepers coming up,
+John Guy was taken. And being tried for this offence at the ensuing
+sessions of the Old Bailey, he was convicted and received sentence of
+death, though it was some days after before he could be persuaded that
+he should really suffer.
+
+When he found himself included in the death warrant, he applied himself
+heartily to prayer and other religious duties, seeming to be thoroughly
+penitent for the crimes he had committed, and with great earnestness
+endeavoured to make amends for his follies, by sending the most tender
+letters to his companions who had been guilty of the same faults, to
+induce them to forsake such undertakings, which would surely bring them
+to the same fate which he suffered, for so inconsiderable a thing
+perhaps as a haunch of venison. Whether these epistles had the effect
+for which they were designed, I am not able to say, but the papers I
+have by me inform me that the prisoner Guy died with very cheerful
+resolution, not above twenty-five years of age, the same day with the
+malefactors before mentioned.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [52] See page 164.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of VINCENT DAVIS, a Murderer
+
+
+It is an observation made by some foreigners (and I am sorry to say
+there's too much truth in it) that though the English are perhaps less
+jealous than any nation under the heavens, yet more men murder their
+wives amongst us than in any other nation in Europe.
+
+Vincent Davis was a man of no substance and who for several years
+together had lived in a very ill correspondence with his wife, often
+beating and abusing her, until the neighbours cried out shame. But
+instead of amending he addicted himself still more and more to such
+villainous acts, conversing also with other women. And at last buying a
+knife, he had the impudence to say that that knife should end her, in
+which he was as good as his word; for on a sudden quarrel he slabbed her
+to the heart. For this murder he was indicted, and also on the Statute
+of Stabbing,[53] of both of which on the fullest proof he was found
+guilty.
+
+When Davis was first committed, he thought fit to appear very melancholy
+and dejected. But when he found there was no hopes of life, he threw off
+all decency in his behaviour and, to pass for a man of courage, showed
+as much vehemence of temper as a madman would have done, rattling and
+raving to everyone that came in, saying it was no crime to kill a wife;
+and in all other expressions he made use of, behaved himself more like a
+fool or a man who had lost his wits than a man who had lived so long and
+creditably in a neighbourhood as he had done, excepting in relation to
+his wife. But he was induced, with the hopes of passing for a bold and
+daring fellow, to carry on this scene as long as he could, but when the
+death warrant arrived, all this intrepidity left him, he trembled and
+shook, and never afterwards recovered his spirits to the time of his
+death.
+
+The account he gave of the reason of his killing his wife in so
+barbarous a manner was this; that a tailor's servant having kept him out
+pretty late one night, and he coming home elevated with liquor abused
+her, upon which she got a warrant for him and sent him to New Prison.
+After this, the prisoner said, he could never endure her; she was poison
+to his sight, and the abhorrence he had for her was so great and so
+strong that he could not treat her with the civility which is due to
+every indifferent person, much less with that regard which Christianity
+requires of us towards all who are of the same religion. So that upon
+every occasion he was ready to fly out into the greatest passions, which
+he vented by throwing everything at her that came in his way, by which
+means the knife was darted into her bosom with which she was slain.
+
+Notwithstanding the barbarity which seemed natural to this unhappy man,
+the cruelty with which he treated his wife in her last moments, the
+spleen and malice with which he always spoke of her, and the little
+regret he showed for having imbrued his hands in her blood, he yet had
+an unaccountable tenderness for his own person, and employed the last
+days of his confinement in writing many letters to his friends,
+entreating them to be present at his execution in order to preserve his
+body from the hands of the surgeons, which of all things he dreaded. And
+in order to avoid being anatomised, he affronted the court at the Old
+Bailey, at the time he received sentence of death, intending as he said
+to provoke them to hang him in chains, by which means he should escape
+the mangling of the surgeon's knives, which to him seemed ten thousand
+times worse than death itself. Thus confused he passed the last moments
+of his life, and with much ado recollected himself so as to suffer with
+some kind of decency, which he did on the 30th of April, at the same
+time with the last-mentioned malefactor.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [53] 1 Jac. I, cap. 8, "When one thrusts or stabs another, not
+        then having a weapon drawn, or who hath not then first stricken
+        the party stabbing, so that he dies thereof within six months
+        after, the offender shall not have the benefit of clergy, though
+        he did it not of malice aforethought." Blackstone.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of MARY HANSON, a Murderer
+
+
+Amongst the many frailties to which our nature is subject, there is not
+perhaps a more dangerous one than the indulging ourselves in ridiculous
+and provoking discourses, merely to try the tempers of other people. I
+speak not this with regard to the criminal of whom we are next to treat,
+but of the person who in the midst of his sins drew upon himself a
+sudden and violent death by using such silly kind of speeches towards a
+woman weak in her nature, and deprived of what little reason she had by
+drink.
+
+This poor creature, flying into an excess of passion with Francis
+Peters, who was some distant relation to her by marriage, she wounded
+him suddenly under the right pap with a knife, before she could be
+prevented by any of the company; of which wound he died. The warm
+expressions she had been guilty of before the blow, prevailed with the
+jury to think she had a premeditated malice, and thereupon they found
+her guilty.
+
+Fear of death, want of necessaries, and a natural tenderness of body,
+brought on her soon after conviction so great a sickness that she could
+not attend the duties of public devotion, and reduced her to the
+necessity of catching the little intervals of ease which her distemper
+allowed her, to beg pardon of God for that terrible crime for which she
+had been guilty.
+
+There was at the same time, one Mary Stevens in the condemned hold
+(though she afterwards received a reprieve) who was very instrumental in
+bringing this poor creature to a true sense of herself and of her sins;
+she then confessed the murder with all its circumstances, reproached
+herself with having been guilty of such a crime as to murder the person
+who had so carefully took her under his roof, allowed her a subsistence
+and been so peculiarly civil to her, for which he expected no return but
+what was easily in her power to make. This Mary Stevens was a
+weak-brained woman, full of scruples and difficulties, and almost
+distracted at the thoughts of having committed several robberies. After
+receiving the Sacrament, she not only persuaded this Mary Hanson to
+behave herself as became a woman under her unhappy condition, but also
+persuaded two or three other female criminals in that place to make the
+best use of that mercy which the leniency of the Government has extended
+them.
+
+There was a man suffered to go twice a day to read to them, and probably
+it was he who drew up the paper for Mary Hanson which she left behind
+her, for though it be very agreeable to the nature of her case, yet it
+is penned in the manner not likely to come from the hands of a poor
+ignorant woman. Certain it is, however, that she behaved herself with
+great calmness and resolution at the time of her death, and did not
+appear at all disturbed at that hurry which, as I shall mention in the
+next life, happened at the place of execution. The paper she left ran in
+these words, viz.:
+
+    Though the poverty of my parents hindered me from having any great
+    education, yet I resolve to do as I know others in my unhappy
+    circumstances have done, and by informing the world of the causes
+    which led me to that crime for which I so justly suffer, that by
+    shunning it they may avoid such a shameful end; and I particularly
+    desire all women to take heed how they give way to drunkenness,
+    which is a vice but too common in this age. It was that disorder in
+    which my spirits were, occasioned by the liquor I had drunk, which
+    hurried me to the committing a crime, at the thoughts of which on
+    any other time my blood would have curdled. I hope you will afford
+    me your prayers for my departing soul, as I offer up mine to God
+    that none of you may follow me to this fatal place.
+
+Having delivered this paper, she suffered at about thirty years old.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of BRYAN SMITH, a Threatening Letter Writer
+
+
+I have already observed how the Black Act was extended for punishing
+Charles Towers,[54] concerned in setting up the New Mint, who as he
+affirmed died only for having his face accidentally dirty at the time he
+assaulted the bailiff's house. I must now put you in mind of another
+clause in the same act, viz., that for punishing with death those who
+sent any threatening letters in order to affright persons into a
+compliance with their demands, for fear of being murdered themselves, or
+having their houses fired about their ears. This clause of the Act is
+general, and therefore did not extend only to offences of this kind when
+committed by deer-stealers and those gangs against whom it was
+particularly levelled at that time, but included also whoever should be
+guilty of writing such letters to any person or persons whatsoever;
+which was a just and necessary construction of the Act, and not only
+made use of in the case of this criminal, but of many more since,
+becoming particularly useful of late years, when this practice became
+frequent.
+
+Bryan Smith, who occasions this observation, was an Irishman, of parts
+so very mean as perhaps were never met with in one who passed for a
+rational creature; yet this fellow, forsooth, took it into his head that
+he might be able to frighten Baron Swaffo, a very rich Jew in the City,
+out of a considerable sum of money, by terrifying him with a letter. For
+this purpose he wrote one indeed in a style I daresay was never seen
+before, or since. Its spelling was _à la mode de brogue_, and the whole
+substance of the thing was filled with oaths, curses, execrations and
+threatenings of murder and burning if such a sum of money was not sent
+as he, in his great wisdom, thought it fit to demand.
+
+The man's management in sending this and directing how he would have an
+answer was of a piece with his style, and altogether made the discovery
+no difficult matter. So that Bryan being apprehended, was at the next
+sessions at the Old Bailey tried and convicted on the evidence of some
+of his countrymen, and when, after receiving sentence, there remained no
+hopes for him of favour, to make up a consistent character he declared
+himself a Papist, and as is usual with persons of that profession, was
+forbidden by his priest to go any more to the public chapel.
+
+However, to do him justice as far as outward circumstances will give us
+leave to judge, he appeared very sorry for the crime he had committed,
+and having had the priest with him a considerable time the day before
+his death, he would needs go to the place of execution in a shroud.
+
+As he went along he repeated the Hail Mary and Paternoster.
+
+But there being many persons to suffer, and the executioner thereby
+being put into a confusion, Smith observing the hurry slipped the rope
+over his head, and jumped at once over the corpses in the cart amongst
+the mob. Had he been wise enough to have come in his clothes, and not in
+a shroud, it is highly probable he had made his escape; but his white
+dress rendering him conspicuous even at a distance, the sheriffs
+officers were not long before they retook him and placed him in his
+former situation again.
+
+Hope and fear, desire of life, and dread of immediate execution, had
+occasioned so great an emotion of his spirits that he appeared in his
+last moments in a confusion not to be described, and departed the world
+in such an agony that he was a long time before he died, which was at
+the same time with the malefactor before-mentioned, viz., on the 30th of
+April, 1725.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [54] See page 198.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOSEPH WARD, a Footpad
+
+
+There are some persons who are unhappy, even from their cradles, and
+though every man is said to be born to a mixture of good and evil
+fortune, yet these seem to reap nothing from their birth but an entry
+into woe, and a passage to misery.
+
+This unhappy man we are now speaking of, Joseph Ward, is a strong
+instance of this, for being the son of travelling people, he scarce knew
+either the persons to whom he owed his birth, or the place where he was
+born. However, they found a way to instruct him well enough to read, and
+that so well that it was afterwards of great use to him, in the most
+miserable state of his life.
+
+He rambled about with his father and mother until the age of fourteen,
+when they dying, he was left to the wide world, with nothing to provide
+for himself but his wits; so that he was almost under necessity of going
+into a gang of gipsies that passed by that part of the country where he
+was. These gipsies taught him all their arts of living, and it happened
+that the crew he got into were not of the worst sort either, for they
+maintained themselves rather by the credulity of the country folks, than
+by the ordinary practices of those sort of people, stealing of poultry
+and robbing hedges of what linen people are careless enough to leave
+there. I shall have another and more proper occasion to give my readers
+the history of this sort of people, who were anciently formidable enough
+to deserve an especial Act of Parliament[55] altered and amended in
+several reigns for banishing them from the Kingdom.
+
+But to go on with the story of Ward; disliking this employment, he took
+occasion, when they came into Buckinghamshire, to leave them at a common
+by Gerrard's Cross, and come up to London. When he came here, he was
+still in the same state, not knowing what to do to get bread. At last he
+bethought himself of the sea, and prevailed on a captain to take with
+him a pretty long voyage. He behaved himself so well in his passage,
+that his master took him with him again, and used him very kindly; but
+he dying, Ward was again put to his shifts, though on his arrival in
+England he brought with him near 30 guineas to London.
+
+He look up lodgings near the Iron Gate at St. Catherine's, and taking a
+walk one evening on Tower Wharf, he there met with a young woman, who
+after much shyness suffered him to talk to her. They met there a second
+and a third time. She said she was niece to a pewterer of considerable
+circumstances, not far from Tower Hill, who had promised, and was able
+to give her five hundred pounds; but the fear of disobliging him by
+marriage, hindered her from thinking of becoming a wife without his
+approbation of her spouse.
+
+These difficulties made poor Ward imagine that if he could once persuade
+the woman to marriage, he should soon mollify the heart of her relation,
+and so become happy at once. With a great deal to do, Madam was
+prevailed upon to consent, and going to the Fleet they were there
+married, and soon returned to St. Catherine's, to new lodgings which
+Ward had taken, where he had proposed to continue a day or two and then
+wait upon the uncle.
+
+Never man was in his own opinion more happy than Joseph Ward in his new
+wife, but alas! all human happiness is fleeting and uncertain,
+especially when it depends in any degree upon a woman. The very next
+morning after their wedding, Madam prevailed on him to slip on an old
+coat and take a walk by the house which she had shown him for her
+uncle's. He was no sooner out of doors, but she gave the sign to some of
+her accomplices, who in a quarter of an hour's time helped her to strip
+the lodging not only of all which belonged to Ward, but of some things
+of value that belonged to the people of the house. They were scarce out
+of doors before Ward returned, who finding his wife gone and the room
+stripped, set up such an outcry as alarmed all the people in the house.
+
+Instead of being concerned at Joseph's loss they clamoured at their own,
+and told him in so many words that if he did not find the woman, or make
+them reparation for their goods, they would send him to Newgate. But
+alas! it was neither in Ward's power to do one, nor the other. Upon
+which the people were as good as their word, for they sent for a
+constable and had him before a Justice. There the whole act appearing,
+the justice discharged him and told them they must take their remedy
+against him at the Common Law. Upon this Ward took the advantage and
+made off, but taking to drinking to drive away the sorrows that
+encompassed him, he at last fell into ill-company, and by them was
+prevailed on to join in doing evil actions to get money. He had been but
+a short time at this trade, before he committed the fact for which he
+died.
+
+Islington was the road where he generally took a purse, and therefore
+endeavoured to make himself perfectly acquainted with many ways that
+lead to that little town, which he effected so well, that he escaped
+several times from the strictest pursuits. At last it came into his head
+that the safest way would be to rob women, which accordingly he put into
+practice, and committed abundance of thefts that way for the space of
+six weeks, particularly on one Mrs. Jane Vickary, of a gold ring value
+twenty shillings, and soon after of Mrs. Elizabeth Barker, of a gold
+ring set with garnets. Being apprehended for these two facts, he was
+committed to New Prison, where either refusing or not being able to make
+discoveries, he remained in custody till the sessions at the Old Bailey.
+There the persons swearing positively to his face, he was after a
+trivial defence convicted, and received sentence of death accordingly.
+
+As he had no relations that he knew of, nor so much as one friend in the
+world, the thoughts of a pardon never distracted his mind a moment. He
+applied himself from the day of his sentence to a new preparation for
+death, and having in the midst of all his troubles accustomed himself to
+reading, he was of great use to his unhappy companions in reading the
+Scripture, and assisting them in their private devotions. He made a just
+use of that space which the mercy of the English Law allows to persons
+who are to suffer death for their crimes to make their peace with their
+Creator.
+
+[Illustration: TRIAL OF A HIGHWAYMAN AT THE OLD BAILEY
+
+The manacled rogue is seen in the foreground, his head bowed in despair,
+as the witness by his side unfolds his damning evidence. Through one
+window is shown the robbery for which he is being tried; the other
+affords a prophetical glimpse of the villain's end at Tyburn Tree.
+
+(_From the Newgate Calendar_)]
+
+There was but one person who visited this offender while under the
+sentence of the Law, and he, thinking that the only method by which he
+could do him service was to save his life, proposed to him a very
+probable method of escaping, which for reasons not hard to be guessed
+at, I shall forbear describing. He pressed him so often and made the
+practicability of the thing so plain that the criminal at last
+condescended to make the experiment, and his friend promised the next
+day to bring him the materials for his escape.
+
+That night Ward, who began then to be weak in his limbs with the
+sickness which had lain upon him ever since he had been in the prison,
+fell into a deep sleep, a comfort he had not felt since the coming on of
+his misfortunes. In this space he dreamed that he was in a very barren,
+sandy place, which was bounded before him by a large deep river, which
+in the middle of the plain parted itself into two streams that, after
+having run a considerable space, united again, having formed an island
+within the branches. On the other side of the main river, there appeared
+one of the most beautiful countries that could be thought of, covered
+with trees, full of ripe fruit, and adorned with flowers. On the other
+side, in the island which was enclosed, having a large arm of water
+running behind it and another smaller before, the soil appeared sandy
+and barren, like that whereon he stood.
+
+While he was musing at this sight, he beheld a person of a grave and
+venerable aspect, in garb and appearance like a shepherd, who asked him
+twice or thrice, if he knew the meaning of what he there saw, to which
+he answered, _No. Well, then_, says the stranger, _I will inform you.
+This sight which you see is just your present case. You have nothing to
+resolve with yourself but whether you will prepare by swimming across
+this river immediately, forever to possess that beautiful country that
+lies before you; or by attempting the passage over the narrow board
+which crosses the first arm of the river and leads into the island,
+where you will be again amidst briars and thorns, and must at last pass
+that deep water, before you can enter the pleasant country you behold on
+the other side._
+
+This vision made so strong an impression on the poor man's spirits that
+when his friend came he refused absolutely to make his escape, but
+suffered with great marks of calmness and true repentance, at Tyburn, in
+the twenty-seventh year of his age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [55] This was the statute of 1530 (22 Hen. VIII, c, 10)
+        directed against "outlandish people calling themselves
+        Egyptians." It was amended 1 & 2 Ph. & Mary, c. 4 and 5 Eliz.,
+        c. 10 and sundry other legislation was of a similar tenour.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES WHITE, a Thief
+
+
+Stupidity, however it may arise, whether from a natural imperfection of
+the rational faculties, or from want of education, or from drowning it
+wholly in bestial and sensual pleasures, is doubtless one of the highest
+misfortunes which can befall any man whatsoever; for it not only leaves
+him little better than the beasts which perish, exposed to a thousand
+inconveniences against which there is no guard but that of a clear and
+unbiased reason, but it renders him also base and abject when under
+misfortunes, the sport and contempt of that wicked and debauched part of
+the human species who are apt to scoff at despairing misery, and to add
+by their insults to the miseries of those who sink under their load
+already.
+
+James White, who is to be the subject of the following narration, was
+the son of very honest and reputable parents, though their circumstances
+were so mean as not to afford wherewith to put their son to school, and
+they themselves were so careless as not to procure his admission into
+the Charity School. By all which it happened that the poor fellow knew
+hardly anything better than the beasts of the field, and addicted
+himself like them, to filling his belly and satisfying his lust.
+Whenever, therefore, either of those brutish appetites called, he never
+scrupled plundering to obtain what might supply the first, or using
+force that might oblige women to submit against their wills unto the
+other.
+
+While he was a mere boy, and worked about as he could with anybody who
+would employ him, he found a way to steal and carry off thirty pounds
+weight of tobacco, the property of Mr. Perry, an eminent Virginian
+merchant; for which he was at the ensuing assizes at the Old Bailey,
+tried and convicted, and thereupon ordered for transportation, and in
+pursuance of that sentence sent on board the transport vessel
+accordingly. Their allowance there was very poor, such as the miserable
+wretches could hardly subsist on, viz., a pint and a half of fresh
+water, and a very small piece of salt meat _per diem_ each; but that
+wherein their greatest misery consisted was the hole in which they were
+locked underneath the deck, where they were tied two and two, in order
+to prevent those dangers which the ship's crew often runs by the
+attempts made by felons to escape. In this disconsolate condition he
+passed his time until the arrival of the ship in America, where he met
+with a piece of good luck (if attaining liberty may be called good luck)
+without acquiring at the same time a means to preserve life in any
+comfort. It happened thus.
+
+The super-cargo falling sick, under the usual distemper which visits
+strangers at first coming if they keep not to the exact rules of
+temperance and forbearance of strong liquors, ran quickly so much in
+debt with his physician that he was obliged immediately to go off, by
+doing which six felons became their own masters, of whom James White was
+one. He retired into the woods and lived there in a very wretched manner
+for some time, till he met with some Indian families in that retreat,
+who according to the natural uncultivated humanity of that people
+cherished and relieved him to the utmost of their power.
+
+Soon after this, he went to work amongst some English servants, in order
+to ease them, telling them how things stood with him, viz., that he had
+been transported, and that for fear of being seized he fled into the
+woods, where he had endured the greatest hardships. The servants pitying
+his desperate condition relieved him often, without the knowledge of
+their mistress until they got him into a planter's service, where though
+he worked hard he was sure to fare tolerably well. But at length being
+ordered to carry water in large vessels over the rocks to the ship that
+rode in the bay underneath it, his feet were thereby so intolerably cut
+that he was soon rendered lame and incapable of doing it any longer. The
+family thereupon grew weary of keeping him in that decrepit state he was
+in, and so for what servile scullion-like labour he was able to do, a
+master of a ship took him on board and carried him to England.
+
+On his return hither, he went directly to his friends in Cripplegate
+parish and told them what had befallen him, and how he was driven home
+again almost as much by force as he was hurried abroad. They were too
+poor to be able to conceal him, and he was therefore obliged to go and
+cry fruit about the streets publicly, that he might not want bread. He
+went on in this mean but honest way, without committing any new acts
+that I am able to learn, for the space of some months. Then being seen
+and known by some who were at that employed (or at least employed
+themselves) in detecting and taking up all such persons as returned from
+transportation, White amongst the rest was seized, and the ensuing
+sessions at the Old Bailey convicted on the Statute. He pleaded that he
+was only a very young man, and if the Court would have so much pity on
+him as to send him over again, he would be satisfied to stay all his
+life-time in America; but the resolution which had been taken to spare
+none who returned back into England, because such persons were more
+bloody and dangerous rogues than any other, and when prompted by
+despair, apt to resist the officers of justice, took place, and he was
+put into the death warrant.
+
+Both before and after receiving sentence, he not only abandoned himself
+to stupid, heedless indolence, but behaved in so rude and troublesome a
+manner as occasioned his being complained of by those miserable wretches
+who were under the same condemnation, as a greater grievance to them
+than all their other misfortunes put together. He would sometimes
+threaten women who came into the hold to visit modestly, tease them with
+obscene discourse, and after his being prisoner there committed acts of
+lewdness to the amazement and horror of the most wicked and abandoned
+wretches in that dreadful place. Being however severely reprimanded for
+continuing so beastly a course of life, when life itself was so near
+being extinguished, he laid the crime to his own ignorance, and said
+that if he were better instructed he would behave better, but he could
+not bear being abused, threatened and even maltreated by those who were
+in the same state with himself. From this time he addicted himself to
+attend more carefully to religious discourses than most of the rest, and
+as far as the amazing dullness of his intellects would give him leave,
+applied to the duties of his sad state.
+
+Before his death he gave many testimonies of a sincere and unaffected
+sorrow for his crimes, but as he had not the least notion of the nature,
+efficacy or preparation necessary for the Sacrament, it was not given
+him as is usually done to malefactors the day of their death. At the
+place of execution he seemed surprised and astonished, looked wildly
+round upon the people, and then asking the minister who attended him
+what he must do now, the person spoke to instructed him; so shutting his
+hands close, he cried out with great vehemence, _Lord receive my soul._
+
+His age was about twenty-five at the time he suffered, which was on the
+6th day of November, 1723.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOSEPH MIDDLETON, Housebreaker and Thief
+
+
+Amongst the numbers of unhappy wretches who perish at the gallows, most
+pity seems due to those who, pressed by want and necessity, commit in
+the bitter exigence of starving, some illegal act purely to support
+life. But this is a very scarce case, and such a one as I cannot in
+strictness presume to say that I have hitherto met with in all the loads
+of papers I have turned over to this purpose, though as the best motive
+to excite compassion, and consequently to obtain mercy, it is made very
+often a pretence.
+
+Joseph Middleton was the son of a very poor, though honest, labouring
+man in the county of Kent, near Deptford, who did all that was in his
+power to bring up his children. This unfortunate son was taken off his
+hand by an uncle, a gardener, who brought up the boy to his own
+business, and consequently to labour hard enough, which would, to an
+understanding person, appear no such very great hardship where a man had
+continually been inured to it even from his cradle, and had neither
+capacity nor the least probability of attaining anything better. Yet
+such an intolerable thing did it seem to Middleton that he resolved at
+any cost to be rid of it, and to purchase an easier way of spending his
+days.
+
+In order to this, he very wisely chose to go aboard a man-of-war then
+bound for the Baltic. He was in himself a stupid, clumsy fellow, and the
+officers and seamen in the ship treated him so harshly, the fatigue he
+went through was so great, and the coldness of the climate so pinching
+to him, that he who so impatiently wished to be rid of the country work,
+now wished as earnestly to return thereto. Therefore, when on the return
+of Sir John Norris, the ship he was in was paid off and discharged, he
+was in an ecstacy of joy thereat, and immediately went down again to
+settle hard to labour as he had done before, experience having convinced
+him that there were many more hardships sustained in one short ramble
+than in a staid though laborious life.
+
+In order, as is the common phrase, to settle in the world, he married a
+poor woman, by whom he had two children, and thereby made her as unhappy
+as himself; what he was able to earn by his hands falling much short of
+what was necessary to keep house in the way he lived, this reduced him
+to such narrowness of circumstances that he was obliged (as he would
+have it believed) to take illegal methods for support.
+
+His own blockish and dastardly temper, as it had prevented his ever
+doing good in any honest way, so it as effectually put it out of his
+power to acquire anything considerable by the rapine he committed; for
+as he wanted spirit to go into a place where there was immediate danger,
+so his companions, who did the act while he scouted about to see if
+anybody was coming, and to give them notice, when they divided the booty
+gave him just what they thought fit, and keep the rest to themselves. He
+had gone on in this miserable way for a considerable space, and yet was
+able to acquire very little, his wants being very near as great while he
+robbed every night, as they were when he laboured every day, so that in
+the exchange he got nothing but danger into the bargain.
+
+At last, he was apprehended for breaking into the house of John de Pais
+and Joseph Gomeroon, and taking there jewels and other things to a
+great value, though his innocence in not entering the place would
+sufficiently excuse him, for he pleaded at his trial that he was so far
+from breaking the house that he was not so much as on the ground of the
+prosecutor when it was broke, but on the contrary, as appeared by their
+own evidence, on the other side of the way. But it being very fully
+proved by the evidence that Joseph Middleton belonged to the gang, that
+he waited there only to give them an intelligence, and shared in the
+money they took, the jury found him guilty.
+
+While he lay under conviction, he did his utmost to understand what was
+necessary for him to do in order to salvation. He applied himself with
+the utmost diligence to praying God to instruct him and enlighten his
+understanding, that he might be able to improve by his sufferings and
+reap a benefit from the chastisements of his Maker. In this frame of
+mind he continued with great steadiness and calmness till the time of
+his execution, at which he showed some fear and confusion, as the sight
+of such a death is apt to create even in the stoutest and best prepared
+breast. This Joseph Middleton, at the time of his exit, was in about the
+fortieth year of his age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN PRICE,[56] a Housebreaker
+
+
+A profligate life naturally terminates in misery, and according unto the
+vices which it has most pursued, so are its punishments suited unto it.
+Drunkenness besots the understanding, ruins the constitution, and leaves
+those addicted to it in the last stages of life, in want and misery,
+equally destitute of all necessaries, and incapable to procure them.
+Lewdness and lust after loose women enervate both the vigour of the
+brain and strength of the body, induce weaknesses that anticipate old
+age, and afflict the declining sinner with so many evils, as makes him a
+burden to himself and a spectacle to others. But if, for the support of
+all these, men fall into rapacious and wicked courses, plundering others
+who have frugally provided for the supply of life, in order to indulge
+their own wicked inclinations, then indeed the Law of society interposes
+generally before the Law of Nature, and cuts off with a sudden and
+ignominious death those who would otherwise probably have fallen by the
+fruits of their own sins.
+
+This malefactor, John Price, was one of these wretched people who act as
+if they thought life was given them only to commit wickedness and
+satiate their several appetites with gross impurities, without
+considering how far they offend either against the institutions of God
+or the laws of the land. It does not appear that this fellow ever
+followed any employment that looked like honesty, except when he was at
+sea. The terrors of a sick-bed alarmed even a conscience so hardened as
+Price's, and the effects of an ill-spent life appeared so plainly in the
+weak condition he found himself in, that he made, as he afterwards
+owned, the most solemn vows of amendment, if through the favour of
+Providence he recovered his former health. To this he was by the
+goodness of God restored, but the resolutions he made on that condition
+were totally forgotten. As soon as he returned home, he sought afresh
+the company of those loose women and those abandoned wretches who by the
+inconveniences into which they had formerly led him, had obliged him to
+seek for shelter by a long voyage at sea.
+
+What little money he had received when the ship was paid off, was
+quickly lavished away, so that on the 11th of August, 1725, he with two
+others named Cliffe and Sparks, undertook, after having well weighed the
+attempt, to enter the house of the Duke of Leeds by moving the sash, and
+so plunder it of what was to be got. By their assistance Cliffe got in
+at the window, and afterwards handed out a cloak, hat, and other things
+to his companions Sparks and Price, but they were all immediately
+apprehended. Cliffe made an information by which he discovered the whole
+fact, and it was fully proved by Mr. Bealin that Price, when first
+apprehended, owned that he had been with Cliffe and Sparks. Upon the
+whole the jury found him guilty, upon which he freely acknowledged the
+justice of their verdict at the bar.
+
+All the time he lay under conviction he behaved himself as a person
+convinced of his own unworthiness of life, and therefore repined not at
+the justice of that sentence which condemned him to death, though in his
+behaviour before his trial there had appeared much of that rough and
+boisterous disposition usual in fellows of no education, who have long
+practised such ways of living. Yet long before his death he laid aside
+all that ferocity of mind, appearing calm and easy under the weight of
+his sufferings, and so much dissatisfied with the trouble he had met
+with in the world that he appeared scarce desirous of remaining in it.
+He was not able himself to give any account of his age, but as far as
+could be guessed from his looks, he might be about thirty when executed,
+which was at the same time with the malefactor last mentioned; Cliffe,
+whose information had hanged him, being reprieved.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [56] A fuller account of this rogue will be found on page 276.
+
+
+
+
+LIVES OF THE CRIMINALS
+
+VOLUME TWO
+
+
+
+
+THE PREFACE
+
+
+_In the Preface to my former volume I endeavoured to give my readers
+some idea of the English Crown Law, in order to shew how consistent it
+was with right reason, how perfectly just, and at the same time how full
+of mercy. In this, I intend to pursue the thread of that discourse, and
+explain the methods by which Justice in criminal cases is to be sought,
+and the means afforded by our Law to accuse the guilty and to prevent
+punishment from falling on the innocent. In order to do this the more
+regularly, it is fit we begin with the apprehension of offenders, and
+shew the care of the Legislature in that respect._
+
+_In sudden injuries, such as assaults on the highway, attempts to murder
+or to commit any felony whatsoever, there is no necessity for any legal
+officer to secure the person who is guilty, for every private man hath
+sufficient authority to seize and bring such criminal, either to a
+constable or to a Justice of the Peace, in order to have the fact
+clearly examined and such course taken therein as may conduce to the
+impartial distribution of Justice. And because men are apt to be
+scrupulous of interesting themselves in matters which do not immediately
+concern either their persons or their properties, so the Law hath
+provided punishments for those who, for fear of risking their private
+safety or advantage, suffer those who offend against the public to
+escape unpunished; hence hundreds are liable to be sued for suffering a
+robber to escape, and that method of pursuit which is called hue and cry
+is permitted, if no probable way may be left for felons to escape. Now a
+hue and cry is raised thus: the person robbed, for example, goes to the
+constable of the next town, tells him the case, described the felon, and
+the way he went. Whereupon the constable, be it day or night, is to take
+the assistance of those in his own town, and pursue him according to
+those directions immediately, at the same time sending with the utmost
+expedition to the neighbouring towns, who are to make like pursuit, and
+to send like notice until the felon be found._
+
+_So desirous is our Law of bringing offenders to Justice, and of
+preserving the roads free from being infested with these vermin. For the
+better effecting of this, besides those means prescribed by the customs
+of our ancestors, of later times rewards have been given to such as
+hazarded their own persons in bringing offenders to justice, and of
+these, as far as they are settled by Acts of Parliament and thereby
+rendered certain and perpetual, I shall speak here; though not of those
+given by proclamation, because they being only for a stated time, people
+must hereafter have been misled by our account, when that time is
+expired._
+
+_Highwaymen becoming, some time after the Revolution, exceedingly bold
+and troublesome, by an Act made in the reign of William and Mary, a
+reward of forty pounds is given for apprehending any one in England or
+Wales, and prosecuting him so as he be convicted; which forty pounds is
+to be paid by the sheriff on a certificate of the judge or justices
+before whom such a felon was convicted. And in case a person shall be
+killed in endeavouring to apprehend or making pursuit after such
+robbers, the said forty pounds shall be paid to the executors or
+administrators of such persons upon the like certificate. Moreover,
+every person who shall take, apprehend, or convict such a person, shall
+have as a reward the horse, furniture, arms, money or other goods of
+such robber as shall be taken with him, the right or title of his
+Majesty's bodies politic or corporate, lords of manors, or persons
+lending or letting the same to such robber notwithstanding; excepting
+only the right of those from whom such horses, furniture, arms, money,
+or goods were before feloniously taken._
+
+_A like reward of forty pounds was, by another Act in the same reign,
+given to such as shall apprehend any person convicted of any capital
+crime relating to the coin of this land._
+
+_By an Act also made in the reign of the late King William, persons who
+apprehend and prosecute to conviction any who feloniously steal goods to
+the value of five shillings, out of any house, shop, warehouse,
+coach-house or stable, or shall assist, hire or command any person to
+commit such offence; then such person so taking as aforesaid, shall have
+a certificate gratis from the Judge or Justices, expressing the parish
+or place where such felony was committed; which certificate shall be
+capable of being once assigned over, and shall exempt its proprietor or
+assignee from all parish and ward offices, in the parish or ward wherein
+the felony was committed._
+
+_By an Act made in the fifth year of the late Queen, persons
+apprehending one guilty of burglary, or of feloniously breaking into a
+house in the day-time, and prosecuting to conviction, shall receive over
+and above the certificate before mentioned, the sum of forty pounds, as
+in the case of apprehending an Highwayman._
+
+_By an Act passed in the sixth year of the late King, whoever shall
+discover, apprehend, or prosecute to conviction without benefit of
+clergy, any person for taking money or other reward, directly or
+indirectly, to help persons to their stolen goods (such persons not
+having apprehended the felon who stole the same, and brought him to
+trial, and given evidence against him) shall be entitled to a reward of
+forty pounds for every offender so convicted, and shall have the like
+certificate, and like payment without fee, as persons may be entitled to
+for apprehending highwaymen._
+
+_The next point after offenders are once apprehended, is to carry them
+before a proper magistrate, viz., a Justice of the Peace, and this leads
+us to say something of the nature and authority of that office. My Lord
+Chancellor, or Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, the Lord High Steward of
+England, the Lord Marshal, and the Lord High Constable, each of the
+Justices of the King's Bench, and as some say, the Lord High Treasurer
+of England, have, as incidental to their offices, a general authority to
+keep the peace throughout the realm, and to award process for their
+surety thereof, and to take recognizances for it. The Master of the
+Rolls has also a like power, either incident to his office, or at least
+by prescription. As to the ordinary constructors or Justices of the
+Peace, they are constituted by the King's Commission, which is at
+present granted on the same form as was settled by the Judges in the
+33rd Year of Queen Elizabeth, by which they are appointed and assigned
+every one of then jointly and separately to keep the King's peace in
+such a county, and cause to be kept all statutes made for the good of
+the peace and the quiet government of the Kingdom, as well within
+liberties, as without, and to punish all those who shall offend against
+the said statutes, and to cause all those to come before them, or any of
+them, who threaten any people as to the burning their houses, in order
+to compel them to be kept in prison until they shall find it. As to the
+other powers committed to these justices, it would be too long for me to
+explain them, and therefore after this general Act, I shall go on to
+take notice of the manner in which the person accused is treated, when
+brought before them._
+
+_First the Justice of Peace examines as carefully as he can into the
+nature of the offence, and the weight there is of evidence to persuade
+him of the just ground there is for accusing the person before him; and
+after he has thoroughly considered this, if the thing appear frivolous
+or ill-grounded, he may discharge the person, or if he think the
+circumstances strong enough to require it, he may take the bail of the
+party accused, or if the nature of the crime be more heinous, and the
+proof direct and clear, he is bound by an instrument under his hand and
+seal called a_ Mittimus, _to commit the offender to safe custody until
+he is discharged according to Law. In carrying to prison for any crime
+whatsoever, if the party so carried escape himself, or if he be rescued
+by others, he and they are guilty of a very high misdemeanor, and in
+some cases, those who assist in making the rescue may be guilty of
+felony or high treason. But if a prisoner be once committed to gaol for
+felony, and afterwards break that prison and escape, such breach of
+prison is felony, by the Statute_ De Frangentibus Prisonam, _and shall
+be tried for the same as in other cases of felony, and suffer on
+conviction. My readers will find mention made of a case of this nature
+in respect to one Roger Johnson, who some years ago was tried for
+breaking the prison of Newgate, while he remained a prisoner there under
+a charge of felony, and making his escape; but so tender is the English
+law that when there appeared a probability that one Fisher (not then
+taken) broke down the wall of the prison and that Johnson took advantage
+of that hole and made his escape, he was found not guilty, for want of
+due proof that he actually did break that hole through which he
+escaped._
+
+_The prisoner being in safe custody, a bill is next to be preferred to
+the grand jury of the county, in which the nature of the crime is
+properly set forth, and after hearing the evidence brought by the
+prosecutor to support the charge, they return the bill to the Court,
+marked_ Billa Vera _or_ Ignoramus. _In the first case the prisoner is
+required to be tried by the petit jury of twelve, and to abide their
+verdict; in case of the latter, he is to be discharged and freed from
+that prosecution. But the grand jury must find or not find the bill
+entire, for a_ Billa Vera _to one part and an_ Ignoramus _to another
+renders the whole proceeding void and is of the same use to the prisoner
+as if they had returned an_ Ignoramus _upon the whole._
+
+_Many without knowing the Law have taken occasion to be very free with
+its precedents, and to treat them as things written in barbarous Latin,
+in which an unreasonable, if not ridiculous nicety is sometimes
+required. But when this comes to be thoroughly examined, we shall find
+that their proceedings are exactly conformable to reason, for if care
+and circumspection be necessary in deeds and writings relating to civil
+affairs, ought it not a fortiori to be more so where the life, liberty,
+reputation and everything that is dear and valuable to the subject is at
+stake? Therefore, since there are technical words in all sciences,
+surely the Law is not to be blamed for preserving certain words to which
+they have affixed particular and determined meanings for the expressing
+of such crimes as are made more or less culpable by the Legislature.
+Thus_ Murdravit _is absolutely necessary in an indictment charging the
+prisoner with a murder;_ Caepit _is the term made use of in indictments
+of larceny._ Mayhemaivit _expresses the fact charged in an indictment of
+maim;_ Felonice _is absolutely necessary in all indictments of felony of
+what kind soever;_ Burglariter _is the Latin word made use of to express
+that breaking which from particular circumstances our Law has called
+burglary, and appointed certain punishment for those who are guilty
+thereof._ Proditorie _expresses the Act in indictments of treason, and
+even if these are not Latin words, justified by the usage of Roman
+authors, the certainty which they give to those charges in which they
+are used, and which could not be so well expressed by circumlocutions,
+is a full answer to that objection, since the proceedings before a Court
+aim not at elegancy, but at Justice. But let us now go on to the next
+step taken to bring the offenders to Judgment._
+
+_The bill having been found by the grand jury, the prisoner is brought
+into the Court where he is to be tried, and set to the bar in the
+presence of the judges who are to try him. Then he is usually commanded
+to hold up his hand, but this being only a ceremony to make the person
+known to the court it may be omitted, or the person indicted saying_ I
+am here, _will answer the same end. Then the proper officer reads the
+indictment which has been found against him, in English, and when he
+hath so done, he demands of the prisoner whether he be guilty or not
+guilty of the fact alleged against him, to which the prisoner answers as
+he thinks fit, and this answer is styled his plea. That tenderness which
+the English Law on all occasions expresses towards those who are to be
+brought to answer for crimes alleged against them, requires that at his
+arraignment, the prisoner be totally free from any pain or duress which
+may disturb his thought and hinder his liberty of pleading as he thinks
+fit, and for this reason, even in cases of high treason, irons are taken
+off during the time the prisoner is at the bar, where he stands without
+any marks of contumely whatsoever._
+
+_But in case the prisoner absolutely refuses to answer, or in an
+impertinent manner delay or trifle with the court, then he is deemed a
+mute; but if he speaks not at all, nor gives any sign by which the Court
+shall be satisfied that he is able to speak, then an inquest of
+officers, that is of twelve persons who happen to be by, are to enquire
+whether his standing mute arises from his contempt of the Court, or be
+really an infirmity under which he labours from the hands of God. If it
+be found the latter, then the Court, as counsel for the prisoner, shall
+hear the evidence with relation to the fact, and proceed therein as if
+the prisoner had pleaded not guilty; but if, on the contrary, the Court
+or the inquest shall be satisfied that the prisoner remains a mute only
+from obstinacy, then in some cases judgment shall be awarded against him
+as if he had pleaded or were found guilty, and in others he shall be
+remitted to his penance, that is to suffer what the Law calls_ Peine
+forte et dure, _which is pressing, of which the readers will find an
+account in the subsequent life of Burnworth_, alias _Frazier; and
+therefore I shall not treat further of it here._
+
+_If, from conviction of his own guilt and a consciousness that it may be
+fully proved against him, the prisoner plead guilty to the indictment,
+it is considered as the highest species of conviction, and as soon as it
+is entered on record the Court proceeds to judgment without further
+proceedings on the indictments. But if the prisoner plead not guilty,
+and put himself for trial upon his country, then a jury of twelve men
+are to pass upon the defendant, and upon their verdict he is either to
+be acquitted or convicted._
+
+_And with respect to this jury, the English Law appears again more
+equitable than perhaps any other in the world, for in this case as the
+jury comes severally to the Book to be sworn, to try impartially between
+the King and the prisoner of the bar, according to the evidence that is
+given upon the indictment, the prisoner is even then at liberty to
+except against, or as the law term it, to challenge, twenty of the jury
+peremptorily, and as many more as he thinks fit on showing just cause.
+So also, if the prisoner be an alien, the jury are to be half aliens and
+half English. So tender is our constitution, not only of the lives of
+its natural born subjects, but, also of those who put themselves under
+its protection, that it has taken every precaution which the wit of man
+could devise to prevent prejudice, partiality, or corruption from
+mingling in any degree with the sentences pronounced upon offenders, or
+in the proceedings upon which they are founded._
+
+_Last of all we are to speak of the evidence or testimony which is to be
+given for or against the prisoner at the time of his trial. And first
+with respect to the evidence offered for the Crown; if it shall appear
+that the person swearing shall gain any great and evident advantage by
+the event of the trial in which he swears, he shall not be admitted as a
+good witness against the prisoner. Thus in the case of Rhodes, tried
+some years ago for forging letters of attorney for transferring South
+Sea Stock belonging to one Mr. Heysham, the prosecutor, Mr. Heysham, was
+not admitted to swear himself against the prisoner because in case of
+conviction six thousand pounds stock must have replaced to his account.
+But to this, though a general rule, there are some exceptions on which
+the compass of this discourse will not permit us to dwell. It is also a
+rule that a husband or wife cannot be admitted to testify against the
+prisoner, but to this also there are some exceptions, as in the Lord
+Audley's case,[57] where he was charged with holding his lady until his
+servant committed a rape upon her by his command. Also in marriages
+contracted by force against the form of the Statute; in that case it is
+provided that the woman, though a wife, may be admitted as evidence, as
+also in some other cases which we have not room to mention._
+
+_Persons convicted of perjury, forgery, etc., are not to be admitted as
+legal witnesses, but that the record of their contrition must be
+produced at the time the objection is made, for the Court mil take no
+notice of hearsay and common fame in such respect. An infidel, also,
+that is one who believes neither the Old nor New Testament, cannot be a
+witness, and some other disabilities there are which being uncommon, we
+shall not dwell upon here Yet it is necessary to take notice that
+whatever is offered as proof against the defendant, shall be heard
+openly before him, that he may have an opportunity of falsifying it, if
+he be able; and as in all cases, except high treason, no council is
+permitted to the prisoner except in matters of law, because every man is
+supposed to be capable of defending himself as to matters of fact, yet
+the Court is always council for the prisoner and never fails of
+instructing and informing him of whatever may conduce to his benefit or
+advantage; and if any difficult points of Law arise, council are
+assigned him, and are permitted to argue in his behalf with the same
+freedom that those do who are appointed by the Crown._
+
+_From this succinct account of the method in use in England, of doing
+justice in criminal cases, I flatter myself my readers will very clearly
+see how valuable those privileges are which we enjoy as Englishmen; how
+equitable the proceedings of our Courts of Justice; and how well
+constructed every part of our constitution is for the preservation of
+the lives and liberties of its subjects. If there remained room for us
+to compare the judicious proceedings in use here with those slight,
+rigorous and summary methods which are practised in other countries, the
+value of these blessings which we enjoy would be considerably enhanced.
+But as this Preface already exceeds its intended length, we must refer
+this to a more proper opportunity, and conclude with putting our readers
+in mind that by the careful perusal of this and the Preface to the First
+Volume, they will have competent notion of the Crown Law, the reasons on
+which it is founded, the method in which it is prosecuted, and the
+judgments on criminals which are inflicted thereby; matters highly
+useful in themselves, as well as absolutely necessary to be known, in
+order to a proper understanding of the following pages._
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [57] This was Mervyn, Lord Audley, 2nd Earl of Castlehaven, a
+        man of loathsome profligacy, who was tried by his peers on
+        charges of unnatural offences, and executed, in 1631.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM SPERRY, Footpad and Highwayman
+
+
+There is not anything more extraordinary in the circumstances of those
+who from a life of rapine and plunder come to its natural catastrophe, a
+violent and ignominious death, than that some of them from a life of
+piety and religion, have on a sudden fallen into so opposite a
+behaviour, and without any stumbles in the road of virtue take, as it
+were, a leap from the precipice at once.
+
+This malefactor, William Sperry, was born of parents in very low
+circumstances, who afforded him and his brother scarce any education,
+until having reached the age of fourteen years, he and his younger
+brother before mentioned, were both decoyed by one of the agents for the
+plantations, to consent to their being transported to America, where
+they were sold for about seven years.[58] After the expiration of the
+term, William Sperry went to live at Philadelphia, the capital of
+Pennsylvania, one of the best plantations the English have in America,
+which receives its name from William Penn, the famous Quaker who first
+planted it. Here, being chiefly instigated thereto by the great piety
+and unaffected purity of morals in which the inhabitants of that colony
+excel the greater part of the world, Sperry began with the utmost
+industry to endeavour at retrieving his reading; and the master with
+whom he lived favouring his inclinations, was at great pains and some
+expense to have him taught writing. Yet he did not swerve in his
+religion, nor fall into Quakerism, the predominant sect here, but went
+constantly to the Church belonging to the religion by Law established in
+England, read several good books, and addicted himself with much zeal to
+the service of God. Removing from the house of his kind master to that
+of another planter, he abated nothing in his zeal for devotion, but went
+constantly from his master's house to church at West Chester, which was
+near five miles from his home.
+
+Happening, not long after, to have the advantage of going in a trading
+vessel to several ports in America, he addicted himself with great
+pleasure to this new life. But his happiness therein, like all other
+species of human bliss, very shortly faded, for one morning just as the
+day began to dawn, the vessel in which he sailed was clapped on board,
+and after a very short struggle taken by Low, the famous pirate.[59]
+Sperry, being a brisk young lad, Low would very fain have taken him into
+his crew, but the lad having still virtuous principles remaining,
+earnestly entreated that he might be excused. On the score of his having
+discovered to Low a mutinous conspiracy of his crew, the generosity of
+that pirate was so great that, finding no offer he could make made any
+impression, he caused him to be set safe on shore in the night, on one
+of the Leeward Islands.
+
+Notwithstanding that Sperry did not at that time comply with the
+instigations of the pirate, yet his mind was so much poisoned by the
+sight of what passed on board, that from that time he had an itching
+towards plunder and the desire of getting money at an easier rate than
+by the sweat of his brow. While these thoughts were floating in his
+head, he was entertained on board one of his Majesty's men-of-war, and
+while he continued in the Service, saw a pirate vessel taken; and the
+men being tried before a Court of Admiralty in New England, every one of
+them was executed except five, who manifestly appeared to have been
+forced into the pirates' service. One would have thought this would have
+totally eradicated all liking for that sort of practice, but it seems it
+did not. For as soon as Sperry came home into England and had married a
+wife, by which his inclinations were chained, though he had no ability
+to support her, and falling into very great necessities, he either
+tempted others or associated himself with certain loose and abandoned
+young men, for as he himself constantly declared, he was not led into
+evil practices by the persuasions of any. However it were, the deeds he
+committed were many, and he became the pest of most of the roads out to
+the little villages about London, particularly towards Hampstead,
+Islington and Marylebone, of some of which as our papers serve we shall
+inform you.
+
+Sperry and four more of his associates hearing that gaming was very
+public at Hampstead,[60] and that considerable sums were won and lost
+there every night, resolved to share part of the winnings, let them
+light where they would. In order to this, they planted themselves in a
+dry ditch on one side of the foot-road just as evening came on,
+intending when it was darker to venture into the coach road. They had
+hardly been at their posts a quarter of an hour before two officers came
+by. Some were for attacking them, but Sperry was of a contrary opinion.
+In the meanwhile they heard one of the gentlemen say to the other,
+_There's D---- M----, the Gamester, behind us, he has won at least sixty
+guineas to-night._ Sperry and his crew had no further dispute whether
+they should rob the gentlemen in red or no, but resolved to wait the
+coming of so rich a prize.
+
+It was but a few minutes before M---- appeared in sight. They
+immediately stepped into the path, two before him, and two behind, and
+watching him to the corner of a hedge, the two who were behind him
+caught him by the shoulders, turned him round, and hurrying him about
+ten yards, pushed him into a dry ditch. This they had no sooner done,
+but they all four leaped down upon him and began to examine his pockets,
+M---- thought to have talked them out of a stricter search by pretending
+he had lost a great deal of money at play, and had but fifty shillings
+about him, which with a silver watch and a crystal ring he deemed very
+ready to deliver; and it very probably would have been accepted if they
+had not had better intelligence, but one of the oldest of the gang,
+perceiving after turning out all his pockets that they could discover
+nothing of value, began to exert the style of a highwayman upon an
+examination, and addressed the gamester in these terms.
+
+_Nobody but such a rogue as you would have given gentlemen of our
+faculty so much trouble. Sir, we have received advice by good hands from
+Belsize that you won sixty guineas to-day at play. Produce them
+immediately, or we shall take it for granted you have swallowed them;
+and in such a case, Sir, I have an instrument ready to give us an
+immediate account of the contents of your stomach._
+
+M----, in a dreadful fright, put his hand under his arm, and from thence
+produced a green purse with a fifty pound bank-note and eighteen
+guineas. This they had no sooner taken than, tying him fast to a hedge
+stake, they ran across the fields in search of another booty. They spun
+out the time, being a moonlight night, until past eleven, there being so
+much company on the road that they found it impossible to attack without
+danger.
+
+As they were returning home, they heard the noise of a coach driving
+very hard, and upon turning about saw it was that of Sir W---- B----,
+himself on the box, two ladies of pleasure in the coach, and his
+servants a great way behind. One of them seized the horse on one side,
+and another on the other, but Sir W---- drove so very hard that the pull
+of the horses brought them both to the ground, and he at the same time
+encouraging them with his voice and the smack of his whip. So he drove
+safe off without any hurt, though they fired two pistols after him.
+
+About three weeks after this they were passing down Drury Lane, and
+observing a gentleman going with one of the fine ladies of the Hundreds
+into a tavern thereabouts, one of the gang who knew him, and that he had
+married a lady with a great fortune to whom his father was guardian, and
+that they lived altogether in a great house near Lincoln's Inn Fields,
+immediately thought on a project. They slipped into an alehouse, where
+he wrote an epistle to the old gentleman, informing him that they had a
+warrant to apprehend a lewd woman who was with child by his son, but
+that she had made her escape, and was now actually with him at a certain
+tavern in Drury Lane, wherefore being apprehensive of disturbance, and
+being unwilling to disgrace his family, rather than take rougher
+methods, they had informed him, in order that by his interposition the
+affair might be made up.
+
+As soon as they had written this letter, they dispatched one of their
+number to carry it and deliver it, as if by mistake, to the young
+gentleman's wife. This had the desired effect, for in less than half an
+hour came the father, the wife, and another of her trustees, who
+happened to be paying a visit there when the letter came. They no sooner
+entered the tavern but hearing the voice of the gentleman they asked
+for, without ceremony they opened the door, and finding a woman there,
+all was believed, and there followed a mighty uproar. Two of the rogues
+who were best dressed, had slipped into the next room and called for
+half a pint. As if by accident they came out at the noise, and under
+pretence of enquiring the occasion, took the opportunity of picking the
+gentleman's pockets of twenty-five guineas, one gold watch, and two
+silver snuff-boxes, which it is to be presumed were never missed until
+the hurry of the affair was over.
+
+The last robbery Sperry committed was upon one Thomas Golding, not far
+from Bromley, who not having any money about him, Sperry endeavoured to
+make it up by taking all his clothes. Being apprehended for this, at the
+next sessions at the Old Bailey he was convicted for this offence, and
+having no friends, could not entertain the least hopes of pardon. From
+the time that he was convicted, and, indeed, from that of his
+commitment, he behaved like a person on the brink of another world,
+ingenuously confessing all his guilt, and acknowledging readily the
+justice of that sentence by which he was doomed to death. His behaviour
+was perfectly uniform, and as he never put on an air of contempt towards
+death, so, at its nearest approach he did not seem exceedingly terrified
+therewith, but with great calmness of mind prepared for his dissolution.
+
+On the day of his execution his countenance seemed rather more cheerful
+than ordinarily, and he left this world with all exterior signs of true
+penitence and contrition, on Monday, the 24th of May, 1725, at Tyburn,
+being then about twenty-three years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [58] There was great competition to secure white labour in the
+        American plantations. Infamous touts circulated amongst the
+        poor, and any who were starving or wished for personal reasons
+        to emigrate engaged themselves with a ship-master or an
+        office-keeper to allow themselves to be sold for a term of years
+        in return for their passage money. On arrival at their
+        destination these poor wretches were sent to the plantations and
+        lived as slaves until the term for which they had contracted had
+        expired. In Virginia and Maryland, where most of them went, they
+        were driven to work on the tobacco fields with the negroes, and
+        were worse treated than the blacks, as being only leasehold
+        property whereas the negroes were freehold.
+
+   [59] Captain Edward Low was one of the bloodied of the pirates.
+        He served under Lowther until 1722, when he smarted on his own
+        account. After many atrocities he was taken by the French and
+        hanged, some time in 1724. A full account of him is given in my
+        edition of Johnson's _History of the Pirates_, issued in the
+        same series as the present volume.
+
+   [60] Belsize House was opened as a place of amusement, about
+        1720, by a certain Howell, who called himself the Welsh
+        Ambassador. At first it was a fashionable resort, but it soon
+        became the haunt of gamblers and harpies of both sexes.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of ROBERT HARPHAM, a Coiner
+
+
+In my former volume I have taken occasion, in the life of Barbara
+Spencer, to mention the laws against coining as they stand at present in
+this kingdom. I shall not, therefore, detain my readers here with the
+unnecessary introduction, but proceed to inform them that a multitude of
+false guineas being talked of--the natural consequence of a few being
+detected--great pains were taken by the officers belonging to the Mint
+for detecting those by whom such frauds had been committed.
+
+It was not long before information was had of one Robert Harpham and
+Thomas Broom, who were suspected of being the persons by whom such false
+guineas had been made. Upon these suspicions search warrants were
+granted, and a large engine of iron was discovered at Harpham's house,
+with other tools supposed to be made use of for that purpose. On this,
+the mob immediately gave out that a cart-load of guineas had been
+carried from thence, because those instruments were so cumberous as to
+be fetched in that manner; though the truth, indeed, was that no great
+number of false guineas had been coined, though the instruments
+undoubtedly were fitted and made use of for that purpose. Harpham, who
+well knew what evidence might be produced against him, never flattered
+himself with hopes after he came to Newgate, but as he believed he
+should die, so he prepared himself for it as well as he could.
+
+At his trial the evidence against him was very full and direct. Mr.
+Pinket deposed flatly that the instruments produced in Court, and which
+were sworn to be taken from the prisoner's house, could not serve for
+any other purpose than that of coining. These instruments were an iron
+press of very great weight, a cutting instrument for forming blanks, an
+edging tool for indenting, with two dies for guineas and two dies for
+half-guineas. To strengthen this, William Fornham deposed in relation to
+the prisoners' possession, and Mr. Gornbey swore directly to his
+striking a half-guinea in his presence. Mr. Oakley and Mr. Tardley
+deposing further, that they flatted very considerable quantities of a
+mixed metal for the prisoner, made up of brass, copper, etc., sometimes
+to the quantity of 30 or 40 pound weight at a time.
+
+The defence he made was very weak and trifling, and after a very short
+consideration the jury brought him in guilty of the indictment, and he,
+never entertaining any hopes of pardon, bent all his endeavours in
+making his peace with God. Some persons in the prison had been very
+civil to him, and one of them presuming thereon, asked him wherein the
+great secret of his art of coining lay? Mr. Harpham thanked him for the
+kindnesses he had received of him, but said that he should make a very
+bad return for the time afforded him by the law of repentance, if he
+should leave behind him anything of that kind which might farther
+detriment his country. Some instances were also made to him that he
+should discover certain persons of that same profession with himself,
+who were likely to carry on the same frauds long after his decease. Mr.
+Harpham, notwithstanding the answer he had made to the other gentleman,
+refused to comply with this request; for he said that the instruments
+seized would effectually prevent that, and he would not take away their
+lives and ruin their families, when he was sure they were incapacitated
+from coining anything for the future. However, that he might discharge
+his conscience as far as he could, he wrote several pathetic letters to
+the persons concerned; earnestly exhorting them for the sake of
+themselves and their families to leave off this wicked employment, and
+not hazard their lives and their salvation in any further attempt of
+that sort.
+
+Having thus disengaged himself from all worldly concerns, he dedicated
+the last moments of his life entirely to the service of God; and having,
+received the Sacrament the day before his execution, he was conveyed
+the next noon to Tyburn in a sledge, where he was not a little
+disturbed, even in the agonies of death, by the tumult and insults the
+mob offered to Jonathan Wild, which he complained much of and seemed
+very uneasy at. He suffered on the same day with the last mentioned
+malefactor, appealing to be about two- or three-and-forty years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of the famous JONATHAN WILD, Thief-Taker
+
+
+As no person in this collection ever made so much noise as the person we
+are now speaking of, so never any man, perhaps, in any condition of life
+whatever had so many romantic stories fathered upon him in his life, or
+so many fictitious legendary accounts published of him after his death.
+It may seem a low kind of affectation to say that the memoirs we are now
+giving of Jonathan Wild are founded on certainty and fact; and that
+though they are so founded, they are yet more extraordinary than any of
+those fabulous relations pushed into the world to get a penny, at the
+time of his death, when it was a proper season for vending such
+forgeries, the public looking with so much attention on his catastrophe,
+and greedily catching up whatever pretended to the giving an account of
+his actions. But to go on with the history in its proper order.
+
+Jonathan Wild[61] was the son of persons in a mean and low state of
+life, yet for all that I have ever heard of them, both honest and
+industrious. Their family consisted of three sons and two daughters,
+whom their father and mother maintained and educated in the best manner
+they could from their joint labours, he as carpenter, and she by selling
+fruit in Wolverhampton market, in Staffordshire, which in future ages
+may perhaps become famous as the birth place of the celebrated Mr.
+Jonathan Wild. He was the eldest of the sons, and received as good an
+education as his father's circumstances would allow him, being bred at
+the free-school to read and write, to both of which having attained to a
+tolerable degree, he was put out an apprentice to a buckle-maker in
+Birmingham.
+
+He served his time with much fidelity, and came up to town in the
+service of a gentleman of the long robe, about the year 1704, or perhaps
+a little later. But not liking his service, or his master being not
+altogether so well pleased with him, he quitted it and retired to his
+old employment in the country, where he continued to work diligently for
+some time. But at last growing sick of labour, and still entertaining a
+desire to taste the pleasures of London, up hither he came a second
+time, and worked journey-work at the trade to which he was bred. But
+this not producing money enough to support those expenses Jonathan's
+love of pleasure threw him into, he got pretty deeply in debt; and some
+of his creditors not being endued with altogether as much patience as
+his circumstances required, he was suddenly arrested, and thrown into
+Wood-street Compter.
+
+Having no friends to do anything for him, and having very little money
+in his pocket when this misfortune happened, he lived very hardly there,
+scarce getting bread enough to support him from the charity allowed to
+prisoners, and from what little services he could render to prisoners of
+the better sort in the gaol. However, as no man wanted address less than
+Jonathan, so nobody could have employed it more properly than he did
+upon this occasion; he thereby got so much into the favour of the
+keepers, that they quickly permitted him the liberty of the gate, as
+they call it, and he thereby got some little matter for going on
+errands. This set him above the very pinch of want, and that was all;
+but his fidelity and industry in these mean employments procured him
+such esteem amongst those in power there, that they soon took him into
+their ministry, and appointed him an under-keeper to those disorderly
+persons who were brought in every night and are called, in their cant,
+"rats."
+
+Jonathan now came into a comfortable subsistence, having learnt how to
+get money of such people by putting them into the road of getting
+liberty for themselves. But there, says my author, he met with a lady
+who was confined on the score of such practices very often, and who went
+by the name of Mary Milliner; and who soon taught him how to gain much
+greater sums than in this way of life, by methods which he until then
+never heard of, and will I am confident, to this day carry the charms of
+novelty to most of my readers. Of these the first she put upon him was
+going on what they call the "twang," which is thus managed: the man who
+is the confederate goes out with some noted woman of the town, and if
+she fall into any broil, he is to be at a proper distance, ready to come
+into her assistance, and by making a sham quarrel, give her an
+opportunity of getting off, perhaps after she has dived for a watch or a
+purse of guineas, and was in danger of being caught in the very act.
+This proved a very successful employment to Mr. Wild for a time. Moll
+and he, therefore, resolved to set up together, and for that purpose
+took lodgings and lived as man and wife, notwithstanding Jonathan then
+had a wife and a son at Wolverhampton and the fair lady was married to a
+waterman in town.
+
+By the help of this woman Jonathan grew acquainted with all the
+notorious gangs of loose persons within the bills of mortality, and was
+also perfectly versed in the manner by which they carried on their
+schemes. He knew where and how their enterprises were to be gone upon,
+and after what manner they disposed of their ill-got goods, when they
+came into their possession. Having always an intriguing head Wild set up
+for a director amongst them, and soon became so useful to them that
+though he never went out upon any of their lays, yet he got as much or
+more by their crimes as if he had been a partner with them, which upon
+one pretence or other he always declined.
+
+He had long ago got rid of that debt for which he had been imprisoned in
+the Compter, and having by his own thought projected a new manner of
+life, he began in a very little time to grow weary of Mrs. Milliner, who
+had been his first instructor. What probably contributed thereto was the
+danger to which he saw himself exposed by continuing a bully in her
+service; however, they parted without falling out, and as he had
+occasion to make use of her pretty often in his new way of business, so
+she proved very faithful and industrious to him in it, though she still
+went on in her old way.
+
+'Tis now time, that both this and the remaining part of the discourse
+may be intelligible, to explain the methods by which thieves became the
+better for thieving where they did not steal ready money; and of this we
+will speak in the clearest and most concise manner that we can.
+
+It must be observed that anciently when a thief had got his booty he had
+done all that a man in his profession could do, and there were
+multitudes of people ready to help them off with whatever effects he had
+got, without any more to do. But this method being totally destroyed by
+an Act passed in the reign of King William, by which it was made felony
+for any person to buy goods stolen, knowing them to be so, and some
+examples having been made on this Act, there were few or no receivers to
+be met with. Those that still carried on the trade took exorbitant sums
+for their own profit, leaving those who had run the hazard of their
+necks in obtaining them, the least share of the plunder. This (as an
+ingenious author says) had like to have brought the thieving trade to
+naught; but Jonathan quickly thought of a method to put things again in
+order, and give new life to the practices of the several branches of the
+ancient art and mystery called stealing. The method he took was this.
+
+As soon as any considerable robbery was committed, and Jonathan received
+intelligence by whom, he immediately went to the thieves, and instead of
+offering to buy the whole or any part of the plunder, he only enquired
+how the thing was done, where the persons lived who were injured, and
+what the booty consisted in that was taken away. Then pretending to
+chide them for their wickedness in doing such actions, and exhorting
+them to live honestly for the future, he gave it them as his advice to
+lodge what they had taken in a proper place which he appointed them, and
+then promised he would take some measures for their security by getting
+the people to give them somewhat to have them restored them again.
+Having thus wheedled those who had committed a robbery into a compliance
+with his measures, his next business was to divide the goods into
+several parcels, and cause them to be sent to different places, always
+avoiding taking them into his own hands.
+
+Things being in this position, Jonathan, or Mrs. Milliner went to the
+persons who were robbed, and after condoling the misfortune, observed
+that they had an acquaintance with a broker to whom certain goods were
+brought, some of which they suspected to be stolen, and hearing that the
+person to whom they thus applied had been robbed they said they thought
+it the duty of one honest body to another to inform them thereof, and to
+enquire what goods they were they lost, in order to discover whether
+those they spoke of were the same or no. People who had such losses are
+always ready, after the first fit of passion is over, to hearken to
+anything that has a tendency towards recovering their goods. Jonathan or
+his mistress therefore, who could either of them play the hypocrite
+nicely, had no great difficulty in making people listen to such terms;
+in a day or two, therefore, they were sure to come again with
+intelligence that having called upon their friend and looked over the
+goods, they had found part of the goods there; and provided nobody was
+brought into trouble, and the broker had something in consideration of
+his care, they might be had again. He generally told the people, when
+they came on this errand, that he had heard of another parcel at such a
+place, and that if they would stay a little, he would go and see
+whether they were such as they described theirs to be which they had
+lost.
+
+This practice of Jonathan's, if well considered, carries in it a great
+deal of policy; for first it seemed to be an honest and good-natured act
+to prevail on evil persons to restore the goods which they had stole;
+and it must be acknowledged to be a great benefit to those who were
+robbed thus to have their goods again upon a reasonable premium,
+Jonathan or his mistress all the while taking apparently nothing, their
+advantages arising from what they took out of the gratuity left with the
+broker, and out of what they had bargained with the thief to be allowed
+of the money which they had procured him. Such people finding this
+advantage in it, the rewards were very near as large as the price now
+given by receivers (since receiving became too dangerous), and they
+reaped a certain security also by the bargain.
+
+With respect to Jonathan, the contrivance placed him in safety, not only
+from all the laws then in being, but perhaps would have secured him as
+securely from those that are made now, if covetousness had not prevailed
+with him to take bolder steps than these; for in a short time he began
+to give himself out for a person who made it his business to procure
+stolen goods to their right owners. When he first did this he acted with
+so much art and cunning that he acquired a very great reputation as an
+honest man, not only from those who dealt with him to procure what they
+had lost, but even from those people of higher station, who observing
+the industry with which he prosecuted certain malefactors, took him for
+a friend of Justice, and as such afforded him countenance and
+encouragement.
+
+Certain it is that he brought more villains to the gallows than perhaps
+any man ever did, and consequently by diminishing their number, made it
+much more safe for persons to travel or even to reside with security in
+their own houses. And so sensible was Jonathan of the necessity there
+was for him to act in this manner, that he constantly hung up two or
+three of his clients at least in a twelvemonth, that he might keep up
+that character to which he had attained; and so indefatigable was he in
+the pursuit of those he endeavoured to apprehend, that it never happened
+in all his course of acting, that so much as one single person escaped
+him. Nor need this appear so great a wonder, if we consider that the
+exact acquaintance he had with their gangs and the haunts they used put
+it out of their power almost to hide themselves so as to avoid his
+searches.
+
+When this practice of Jonathan's became noted, and the people resorted
+continually to his house in order to hear of the goods which they had
+lost, it produced not only much discourse, but some enquiries into his
+behaviour. Jonathan foresaw this, and in order to evade any ill
+consequence that might follow upon it, upon such occasions put on an air
+of gravity, and complained of the evil disposition of the times, which
+would not permit a man to serve his neighbours and his country without
+censure. _For do I not_, quoth Jonathan, _do the greatest good, when I
+persuade these wicked people who have deprived them of their properties,
+to restore them again for a reasonable consideration. And are not the
+villains whom I have so industriously brought to suffer that punishment
+which the Law, for the sake of its honest subjects, thinks fit to
+inflict upon them--in this respect, I say, does not their death show how
+much use I am to the country? Why, then_, added Jonathan, _should people
+asperse me, or endeavour to take away my bread?_
+
+This kind of discourse served, as my readers must know, to keep Wild
+safe in his employment for many years, while not a step he took, but
+trod on felony, nor a farthing did he obtain but what deserved the
+gallows. Two great things there were which contributed to his
+preservation, and they were these. The great readiness the Government
+always shows in detecting persons guilty of capital offences; in which
+case we know 'tis common to offer not only pardon, but rewards to
+persons guilty, provided they make discoveries; and this Jonathan was so
+sensible of that he did not only screen himself behind the lenity of the
+Supreme Power, but made use of it also as a sort of authority, and
+behaved himself with a very presuming air. And taking upon him the
+character of a sort of minister of Justice, this assumed character of
+his, however ill-founded, proved of great advantage to him in the course
+of his life. The other point, which, as I have said, contributed to keep
+him from any prosecutions on the score of these illegal and
+unwarrantable actions, was the great willingness of people who had been
+robbed to recover their goods, and who, provided for a small matter they
+could regain things for a considerable worth, were so far from taking
+pains to bring the offenders to justice that they thought the premium a
+cheap price to get off.
+
+Thus by the rigour of the magistrate, and the lenity of the subject,
+Jonathan claimed constant employment, and according as wicked persons
+behaved, they were either trussed up to satisfy the just vengeance of
+the one, or protected and encouraged, that by bringing the goods they
+stole he might be enabled to satisfy the demands of the other. And thus
+we see the policy of a mean and scandalous thief-taker, conducted with
+as much prudence, caution, and necessary courage, as the measures taken
+by even the greatest persons upon earth; nor perhaps is there, in all
+history, an instance of a man who thus openly dallied with the laws, and
+played with capital punishment.
+
+As I am persuaded my readers will take a pleasure in the relation of
+Jonathan's maxims of policy, I shall be a little more particular in
+relation to them than otherwise I should have been, considering that in
+this work I do not propose to treat of the actions of a single person,
+but to consider the villainies committed throughout the space of a dozen
+years, such especially as have reached to public notice by bringing the
+authors of them to the gallows. But Mr. Wild being a man of such
+eminence as to value himself in his life-time on his superiority to
+meaner rogues; so I am willing to distinguish him now he is dead, by
+showing a greater complaisance in recording his history than that of any
+other hero in this way whatsoever.
+
+Nor, to speak properly, was Jonathan ever an operator, as they call it,
+that is a practicer in any one branch of thieving. No, his method was to
+acquire money at an easier rate, and if any title can be devised
+suitable to his great performance, it must be that of Director General
+of the united forces of highwaymen, housebreakers, footpads,
+pickpockets, and private thieves. Now, according to my promise, for the
+maxims by which he supported himself in this dangerous capacity.
+
+In the first place, he continually exhorted the plunderers that belonged
+to his several gangs, to let him know punctually what goods they at any
+time took, by which means he had it in his power to give, for the most
+part, a direct answer to those who came to make their enquiries after
+they had lost their effects, either by their own carelessness, or the
+dexterity of the thief. If they complied faithfully with his
+instructions, he was a certain protector on all occasions, and sometimes
+had interest enough to procure them liberty when apprehended, either in
+the committing a robbery, or upon the information of one of the gang. In
+such a case Jonathan's usual pretence was that such a person (who was
+the man he intended to save) was capable of making a larger and more
+effectual information, for which purpose Jonathan would sometimes supply
+him with memorandums of his own, and thereby establish so well the
+credit of his discovery, as scarce to fail of producing its effect.
+
+But if his thieves threatened to become independent, and despise his
+rules, or endeavour for the sake of profit to vend the goods they got
+some other way without making application to Jonathan; or if they threw
+out any threatening speeches against their companions; or grumbled at
+the compositions he made for them, in such cases as these Wild took the
+first opportunity of talking to them in a new style, telling them that
+he was well assured they did very ill acts and plundered poor honest
+people, to indulge themselves in their debaucheries; that they would do
+well to think of amending before the Justice of their country fell upon
+them; and that after such warning they must not expect any assistance
+from him, in case they should fall under any misfortune. The next thing
+that followed after this fine harangue was that they were put into the
+information of some of Jonathan's creatures; or the first fresh fact
+they committed and Jonathan was applied to for the recovery of the
+goods, he immediately set out to apprehend them, and laboured so
+indefatigably therein that they never escaped him. Thus he not only
+procured the reward for himself, but also gained an opportunity of
+pretending that he not only restored goods to the right owners, but also
+apprehended the thief as often as it was in his power. As to instances,
+I shall mention them in a proper place.
+
+I shall now go on to another observation, viz., that in those steps of
+his business which was most hazardous, Jonathan made the people
+themselves take the first steps by publishing advertisements of things
+lost, directing them to be brought to Mr. Wild, who was empowered to
+receive them and pay such a reward as the person that lost them thought
+fit to offer; and in this capacity Jonathan appeared no otherwise than
+as a person on whose honour these sort of people could rely; by which,
+his assistance became necessary for retrieving whatever had been
+pilfered.
+
+After he had gone on in this trade for about ten years with success, he
+began to lay aside much of his former caution, and gave way to the
+natural vanity of his temper; taking a larger house in Old Bailey than
+that in which he formerly lived; giving the woman who he called his
+wife, abundance of fine things; keeping open office for restoring stolen
+goods; appointing abundance of under-officers to receive goods, carry
+messages to those who stole them, bring him exact intelligence of the
+several gangs and the places of their resort, and in fine, for such
+other purposes as this, their supreme governor, directed. His fame at
+last came to that height that persons of the highest quality would
+condescend to make use of his abilities, when at an installation, public
+entry, or some other great solemnity they had the misfortune of losing
+watches, jewels, or other things, whether of great real or imaginary
+value.
+
+But as his methods of treating those who applied to him for his
+assistance has been much misrepresented, I shall next give an exact and
+impartial account thereof, that the fabulous history of Jonathan Wild
+may not be imposed upon posterity.
+
+In the first place, then, when a person was introduced to Mr. Wild's
+office, it was first hinted to him that a crown must be deposited by
+way of fee for his advice; when this was complied with a large book was
+brought out; then the loser was examined with much formality, as to the
+time, place, and manner that the goods became missing; and then the
+person was dismissed with a promise of careful enquiries being made, and
+of hearing more concerning them in a day or two. When this was adjusted,
+the person took his leave, with great hopes of being acquainted shortly
+with the fruits of Mr. Wild's industry, and highly satisfied with the
+methodical treatment he had met with.
+
+But at the bottom this was all grimace. Wild had not the least occasion
+for these queries, except to amuse the persons he asked, for he knew
+beforehand all the circumstances of the robbery much better than they
+did. Nay, perhaps, he had the very goods in the house when the folks
+came first to enquire for them; though for reasons not hard to guess he
+made use of all this formality before he proceeded to return them. When,
+therefore, according to his appointment, the enquirer came the second
+time, Jonathan took care to amuse him by a new scene. He was told that
+Mr. Wild had indeed made enquiries, but was very sorry to communicate
+the result of them; the thief, truly, who was a bold impudent fellow,
+rejected with scorn the offer which pursuant to the loser's instructions
+had been made him, insisted that he could sell the goods at a double
+price, and in short would not hear a word of restitution unless upon
+better terms. _But notwithstanding all this_, says Jonathan, _if I can
+but come to the speech of him, I don't doubt bringing him to reason._
+
+At length, after one or two more attendances, Mr. Wild gave the definite
+answer, that provided no questions were asked and so much money was
+given to the porter who brought them, the loser might have his things
+returned at such an hour precisely. This was transacted with all outward
+appearances of friendship and honest intention on his side, and with
+great seeming frankness and generosity; but when the client came to the
+last article, viz., what Mr. Wild expected for his trouble, then an air
+of coldness was put on, and he answered with equal pride and
+indifference, that what he did was purely from a principle of doing
+good. As to a gratuity for the trouble he had taken, he left it totally
+to yourself; you might do it in what you thought fit. Even when money
+was presented to him he received it with the same negligent grace,
+always putting you in mind that it was your own act, that you did it
+merely out of your generosity, and that it was no way the result of his
+request, that he took it as a favour, not as a reward.
+
+By this dexterity in his management he fenced himself against the rigour
+of the law, in the midst of these notorious transgressions of it, for
+what could be imputed to Mr. Wild? He neither saw the thief who took
+away your goods, nor received them after they were taken; the method he
+pursued in order to procure you your things again was neither dishonest
+or illegal, if you will believe his account on it, and no other than his
+account could be gotten. According to him it was performed after this
+manner: after having enquired amongst such loose people as he
+acknowledged he had acquaintance with, and hearing that such a robbery
+was committed at such a time, and such and such goods were taken, he
+thereupon had caused it to be intimated to the thief that if he had any
+regard for his own safety he would cause such and such goods to be
+carried to such a place; in consideration of which, he might reasonably
+hope such a reward, naming a certain sum. If it excited the thief to
+return the goods, it did not thereby fix any guilt or blame upon
+Jonathan; and by this description, I fancy my readers will have a pretty
+clear idea of the man's capacity, as well as of his villainy.
+
+Had Mr. Wild continued satisfied with this way of dealing in all human
+probability he might have gone to his grave in peace, without any
+apprehensions of punishment but what he was to meet within a world to
+come. But he was greedy, and instead of keeping constant to this safe
+method, came at last to take the goods into his own custody, giving
+those that stole them what he thought proper, and then making such a
+bargain with the loser as he was able to bring him up to, sending the
+porter himself, and taking without ceremony whatever money had been
+given him. But as this happened only in the two last years of his life,
+it is fit I should give you some instances of his behaviour before, and
+these not from the hearsay of the town, but within the compass of my own
+knowledge.
+
+A gentleman near Covent Garden who dealt in silks had bespoke a piece of
+extraordinary rich damask, on purpose for the birthday suit of a certain
+duke; and the lace-man having brought such trimming as was proper for
+it, the mercer had made the whole up in a parcel, tied it at each end
+with blue ribbon, sealed with great exactness, and placed on one end of
+the counter, in expectation of his Grace's servant, who he knew was
+directed to call for it in the afternoon. Accordingly the fellow came,
+but when the mercer went to deliver him the goods, the piece had gone,
+and no account could possibly he had of it. As the master had been all
+day in the shop, so there was no possibility of charging anything either
+upon the carelessness or dishonesty of servants. After an hour's
+fretting, therefore, seeing no other remedy, he even determined to go
+and communicate his loss to Mr. Wild, in hopes of receiving some benefit
+by his assistance, the loss consisting not so much in the value of the
+things as in the disappointment it would be to the nobleman not to have
+them on the birthday.
+
+Upon this consideration a hackney-coach was immediately called, and away
+he was ordered to drive directly to Jonathan's house in the Old Bailey.
+As soon as he came into the room, and had acquainted Mr. Wild with his
+business, the usual deposit of a crown being made, and the common
+questions of the how, when, and where, having been asked, the mercer
+being very impatient, said with some kind of heat, _Mr. Wild, the loss I
+have sustained, though the intrinsic value of the goods be very little,
+lies more in disobliging my customer. Tell me, therefore, in a few
+words, if it be in your power to serve me. If it is, I have thirty
+guineas here ready to lay down, but if you expect that I should dance
+attendance for a week or two, I assure you I shall not be willing to
+part with above half the money. Good sir_, replied Mr. Wild, _have a
+little more consideration. I am no thief, sir, nor no receiver of stolen
+goods, so that if you don't think fit to give me time to enquire, you
+must e'en take what measures you please._
+
+When the mercer found he was like to be left without any hopes, he began
+to talk in a milder strain, and with abundance of intreaties fell to
+persuading Jonathan to think of some method to serve him, and that
+immediately. Wild stepped out a minute or two, as if to the necessary
+house; as soon as he came back he told the gentleman, it was not in his
+power to serve him in such a hurry, if at all; however, in a day or two
+he might be able to give him some answer. The mercer insisted that a day
+or two would lessen the value of the goods one half to him, and Jonathan
+insisted, as peremptorily, that it was not in his power to do anything
+sooner.
+
+At last a servant came in a hurry, and told Mr. Wild there was a
+gentleman below desired to speak with him. Jonathan bowed and begged the
+gentleman's pardon, told him he would wait on him in one minute, and
+without staying for a reply withdrew, and clapped the door after him. In
+about five minutes he returned with a very smiling countenance, and
+turning to the gentleman, said, _I protest sir, you are the luckiest man
+I ever knew. I spoke to one of my people just now, to go to a house
+where I know some lifters resort, and directed him to talk of the
+robbery that had been committed in your house, and to say that the
+gentleman had been with me and offered thirty guineas, provided the
+things might be had again, but declared, if he did not receive them in a
+very short space, he would give as great a reward for the discovery of
+the thief, whom he would prosecute with the utmost severity. This story
+has had its effect, and if you go directly home, I fancy you'll hear
+more news of it yourself than I am able to tell you. But pray, sir,
+remember one thing; that the thirty guineas was your own offer. You are
+at free liberty to give them, or let them alone; do which you please,
+'tis nothing to me; but take notice, sir, that I have done all for you
+in my power, without the least expectation of gratuity._
+
+Away went the mercer, confounded in his mind, and wondering where this
+affair would end. But as he walked up Southampton Street a fellow
+overtook him, patted him on the shoulder, and delivered him the bundle
+unopened, telling him the price was twenty guineas. The mercer paid it
+him directly, and returning to Jonathan in half an hour's time, readily
+expressed abundance of thanks to Mr. Wild for his assistance, and begged
+him to accept of the ten guineas he had saved him, for his pains.
+Jonathan told him that he had saved him nothing, but supposed that the
+people thought twenty demand enough, considering that they were now
+pretty safe from prosecution. The mercer still pressed the ten guineas
+upon Jonathan, who after taking them out of his hand returned him five
+of them, and assured him that was more than enough, adding: _'Tis
+satisfaction enough, sir, to an honest man that he is able to procure
+people their goods again._
+
+This, you will say, was a remarkable instance of his moderation. I will
+join to it as extraordinary an account of his justice, equity, or what
+else you will please to call it. It happened thus.
+
+A lady whose husband was out of the kingdom, and had sent over to her
+draughts for her assistance to the amount of between fifteen hundred and
+two thousand pounds, lost the pocket-book in which they were contained,
+between Bucklersbury and Magpie alehouse in Leadenhall Street, where the
+merchant lived upon whom they were drawn. She however, went to the
+gentleman, and he advised her to go directly to Mr. Jonathan Wild.
+Accordingly to Jonathan she came, deposited the crown, and answered the
+questions she asked him. Jonathan then told her that in an hour or two's
+time, possibly, some of his people might hear who it was that had picked
+her pocket. The lady was vehement in her desires to have it again, and
+for that purpose went so far at last as to offer an hundred guineas.
+Upon that Wild made answer, _Though they are of much greater value to
+you, madam, yet they cannot be worth anything like it to them; therefore
+keep your own counsel, say nothing in the hearing of my people, and I'll
+give you the best, directions I am able for the recovery of your notes.
+In the meanwhile, if you will go to any tavern near, and endeavour to
+eat a bit of dinner, I will bring you an answer before the cloth is
+taken away._ She said she was unacquainted with any house thereabouts,
+upon which Mr. Wild named the Baptist Head.[62] The lady would not be
+satisfied unless Mr. Wild promised to eat with her; he at last complied,
+and she ordered a fowl and sausages at the house he had appointed.
+
+She waited there about three quarters of an hour, when Mr. Wild came
+over and told her he had heard news of her book, desiring her to tell
+out ten guineas upon the table in case she should have an occasion for
+them. As the cook came up to acquaint her that the fowl was ready,
+Jonathan begged she would see whether there was any woman waiting at his
+door.
+
+The lady, without minding the mystery, did as he desired her, and
+perceiving a woman in a scarlet riding-hood walk twice or thrice by Mr.
+Wild's house, her curiosity prompted her to go near her. But
+recollecting she had left the gold upon the table upstairs, she went and
+snatched it up without saying a word to Jonathan, and then running down
+again went towards the woman in the red hood, who was still walking
+before his door. It seems she had guessed right, for no sooner did she
+approach towards her but the woman came directly up to her, and
+presenting her pocket book, desired she would open it and see that all
+was safe. The lady did so, and answering it was alright, the woman in
+the red riding-hood said, _Here's another little note for you, madam_;
+upon which she gave her a little billet, on the outside of which was
+written ten guineas. The lady delivered her the money immediately,
+adding also a piece for herself, and returning with a great deal of joy
+to Mr. Wild, told him she had got her book, and would now eat her dinner
+heartily. When the things were taken away, she thought it was time to go
+to the merchant.
+
+Thinking it would be necessary to make Mr. Wild a handsome present, she
+put her hand in her pocket, and with great surprise found her green
+purse gone, in which was the remainder of fifty guineas she had borrowed
+of the merchant in the morning. Upon this she looked very much confused,
+but did not speak a word. Jonathan perceived it, asked if she was not
+well. _I am tolerably in health, sir_, answered she, _but I am amazed
+that the woman took but ten guineas for the book, and at the same time
+picked my pocket of thirty-nine._
+
+Mr. Wild hereupon appeared in as great a confusion as the lady, and said
+he hoped she was not in earnest, but if it were so, begged her not to
+disturb herself, she should not lose one farthing. Upon which Jonathan
+begging her to sit still, stepped over to his own house and gave, as
+may be supposed, necessary directions, for in less than half an hour a
+little Jew (called Abraham) that Wild kept, bolted into the room, and
+told him the woman was taken, and on the point of going to the Compter.
+_You shall see, Madam_, said Jonathan, turning to the lady, _what
+exemplary punishment I'll make of this infamous woman._ Then turning
+himself to the Jew, _Abraham_, says he, _was the green purse of money
+taken on her? Yes sir_, replied his agent. _O la!_ then said the lady,
+_I'll take the purse with all my heart; I would not prosecute the poor
+wretch for the world. Would not you so, Madam_, replied Wild. _Well,
+then, we'll see what's to be done._ Upon which he first whispered his
+emissary, and then dispatched him.
+
+He was no sooner gone than Jonathan told the lady that she would be too
+late at the merchant's unless they took coach; which thereupon they did,
+and stopped over against the Compter gate by the Stocks Market.[63] She
+wondered at all this, but by the time they have been in a tavern a very
+little space, back comes Jonathan's emissary with the green purse and
+the gold in it. _She says, sir_, said the fellow to Wild _she has only
+broke a guinea of the money for garnish and wine, and here's all the
+rest of it. Very well_, says Jonathan, _give it to the lady. Will you
+please to tell it, madam?_ The lady accordingly did, and found there
+were forty-nine. _Bless me!_ says she. _I think the woman's bewitched,
+she has sent me ten guineas more than I should have had. No, Madam_,
+replied Wild, _she has sent you back again the ten guineas which she
+received for the book; I never suffer any such practices in my way. I
+obliged her, therefore, to give up the money she had taken as well as
+that she had stole. And therefore I hope, whatever you may think of her,
+that you will not have a worse opinion of your humble servant for this
+accident._
+
+The lady was so much confounded and confuted at these unaccountable
+incidents, that she scarce knew what she did; at last recollecting
+herself, _Well, Mr. Wild_, says she; _I think the least I can do is to
+oblige you to accept of these ten guineas. No_, replied he, _nor of ten
+farthings. I scorn all actions of such a sort as much as any man of
+quality in the kingdom. All the reward I desire, Madam, is that you will
+acknowledge I have acted like an honest man, and a man of honour._ He
+had scarce pronounced these words, before he rose up, made her a bow,
+and went immediately down stairs.
+
+The reader may be assured there is not the least mixture of fiction in
+this story, and yet perhaps there was not a more remarkable one which
+happened in the whole course of Jonathan's life. I shall add but one
+more relation of this sort, and then go on with the series of my
+history. This which I am now going to relate happened within a few doors
+of the place where I lived, and was transacted in this manner.
+
+There came a little boy with vials in a basket to sell to a surgeon who
+was my very intimate acquaintance. It was in the winter, and the weather
+cold, when one day after he had sold the bottles that were wanted, the
+boy complained he was almost chilled to death with cold, and almost
+starved for want of victuals. The surgeon's maid, in compassion to the
+child, who was not above nine or ten years old, took him into the
+kitchen, and gave him a porringer of milk and bread, with a lump or two
+of sugar in it. The boy ate a little of it, then said he had enough,
+gave her a thousand blessings and thanks, and marched off with a silver
+spoon, and a pair of forceps of the same mettle, which lay in the shop
+as he passed through. The instrument was first missed, and the search
+after it occasioned their missing the spoon; and yet nobody suspected
+anything of the boy, though they had all seen him in the kitchen.
+
+The gentleman of the house, however, having some knowledge of Jonathan
+Wild, and not living far from the Old Bailey, went immediately to him
+for his advice. Jonathan called for a bottle of white wine and ordered
+it to be mulled; the gentleman knowing the custom of his house, laid
+down the crown, and was going on to tell him the manner in which the
+things were missed, but Mr. Wild soon cut him short by saying, _Sir,
+step into the next room a moment; here's a lady coming hither. You may
+depend upon my doing anything that is in my power, and presently we'll
+talk the thing over at leisure._ The gentleman went into the room where
+he was directed, and saw, with no little wonder, his forceps and silver
+spoon lying upon the table. He had hardly taken them up to look at them
+before Jonathan entered. _So, sir_, said he, _I suppose you have no
+further occasion for my assistance. Yes, indeed, I have_, said the
+surgeon, _there are a great many servants in our family, and some of
+them will certainly be blamed for this transaction; so that I am under a
+necessity of begging another favour, which is, that you will let me know
+how they were stolen? I believe the thief is not far off_, quoth
+Jonathan, _and if you'll give me your word he shall come to no harm,
+I'll produce him immediately._
+
+The gentleman readily condescended to this proposition, and Mr. Wild
+stepping out for a minute or two, brought in the young vial merchant in
+his hand. _Here, sir_, says Wild, _do you know this hopeful youth? Yes_,
+answered the surgeon, _but I could never have dreamt that a creature so
+little as he, could have had so much wickedness in him. However, as I
+have given you my word, and as I have my things again, I will not only
+pass by his robbing me, but if he will bring me bottles again, shall
+make use of him as I used to do. I believe you may_, added Jonathan,
+_when he ventures into your house again._
+
+But it seems he was therein mistaken, for in less than a week afterwards
+the boy had the impudence to come and offer his vials again, upon which
+the gentleman not only bought of him as usual, but ordered two quarts of
+milk to be set on the fire, put into it two ounces of glister sugar,
+crumbled it with a couple of penny loaves, and obliged this
+nimble-fingered youth to eat it every drop up before he went out of the
+kitchen door, and then without farther correction hurried him about his
+business.
+
+This was the channel in which Jonathan's business usually ran, but to
+support his credit with the magistrates, he was forced to add
+thief-catching to it, and every sessions or two, strung up some of the
+youths of his own bringing-up to the gallows. But this, however, did not
+serve his turn; an honourable person on the Bench took notice of his
+manner of acting, which being become at last very notorious, an Act of
+Parliament was passed, levelled directly against such practices, whereby
+persons who took money for the recovery of stolen goods, and did
+actually recover such goods without apprehending the felon, should be
+deemed guilty in the same degree of felony with those who committed the
+fact in taking such goods as were returned. And after this became law,
+the same honourable person sent to him to warn him of going on any
+longer at his old rate, for that it was now become a capital crime, and
+if he was apprehended for it, he could expect no mercy.
+
+Jonathan received the reproof with abundance of thankfulness and
+submission, but what was strange, never altered the manner of his
+behaviour in the least; but on the contrary, did it more openly and
+publicly than ever. Indeed, to compensate for this, he seemed to double
+his diligence in apprehending thieves, and brought a vast number of the
+most notorious amongst them to the gallows, even though he himself had
+bred them up in the art of thieving, and given them both instructions
+and encouragement to take that road which was ruinous enough in itself,
+and by him made fatal.
+
+Of these none were so open and apparent a case as that of Blake, _alias_
+Blueskin. This fellow had from a child been under the tuition of
+Jonathan, who paid for the curing his wounds, whilst he was in the
+Compter, allowed him three and sixpence a week for his subsistence, and
+afforded his help to get him out of there at last. Yet as soon after
+this he abandoned him to his own conduct in such matters, and in a short
+space caused him to be apprehended for breaking open the house of Mr.
+Kneebone, which brought him to the gallows. When the fellow came to be
+tried Jonathan, indeed, vouchsafed to speak to him, and assured him that
+his body should be handsomely interred in a good coffin at his own
+expense. This was strange comfort, and such as by no means suited
+Blueskin: he insisted peremptorily upon a transportation pardon, which
+be said he was sure Jonathan had interest enough to procure him. But
+Wild assured him that he had not, and that it was in vain for him to
+flatter himself with such hopes, but that he had better dispose himself
+to thinking of another life; in order to which, good books and such like
+helps should not be wanting.
+
+All this put Blueskin at last into such a passion that though this
+discourse happened upon the leads at the Old Bailey; in the presence of
+the Court then sitting, Blake could not forbear taking a revenge for
+what he took to be an insult on him. And therefore, without ado, he
+clapped one hand under Jonathan's chin, and with the other, taking a
+sharp knife out of his pocket, cut him a large gash across the throat,
+which everybody at the time it was done judged mortal. Jonathan was
+carried off, all covered with blood, and though at that time he
+professed the greatest resentment for such usage, affirming that he had
+done all that lay in his power for the man who had so cruelly designed
+against his life; yet when he afterwards came to be under sentence of
+death, he regretted prodigiously the escape he had made then from death,
+often wishing that the knife of Blake had put an end to his life, rather
+than left him to linger out his days till so ignominious a fate befell
+him.
+
+But it was not only Blake who had entertained notions of putting him to
+death. He had disobliged almost the whole group of villains with whom he
+had concern, and there were numbers of them who had taken it into their
+heads to deprive him of life. His escapes in the apprehending such
+persons were sometimes very narrow; he received wounds in almost every
+part of his body, his skull was twice fractured, and his whole
+constitution so broken by these accidents and the great fatigue he went
+through, that when he fell under the misfortunes which brought him to
+his death, he was scarce able to stand upright, and was never in a
+condition to go to chapel.
+
+But we have broke a little into the thread of our history, and must
+therefore go back in order to trace the causes which brought on
+Jonathan's last adventures, and finally his violent death. This we shall
+now relate in the clearest and concisest manner that the thing will
+allow; being well furnished for that purpose, having to personal
+experience added the best intelligence that could be procured, and
+that, too, from persons the most deserving of credit.
+
+The practices of this criminal in the manner we have before mentioned
+continued long after the Act of Parliament; and in so notorious a
+manner, at last, that the magistrates in London and Middlesex thought
+themselves obliged by the duty of their office to take notice of him.
+This occasioned a warrant to be granted against him by a worshipful
+alderman of the City, upon which Mr. Wild being apprehended somewhere
+near Wood Street, he was carried into the Rose Sponging-house. There I
+myself saw him sitting in the kitchen at the fire, waiting the leisure
+of the magistrate who was to examine him.
+
+In the meantime the crowd was very great, and, with his usual hypocrisy,
+Jonathan harangued them to this purpose. _I wonder, good people, what it
+is you would see? I am a poor honest man, who have done all I could do
+to serve people when they have had the misfortune to lose their goods by
+the villainy of thieves. I have contributed more than any man living to
+bringing the most daring and notorious malefactors to justice. Yet now
+by the malice of my enemies, you see I am in custody, and am going
+before a magistrate who I hope will do me justice. Why should you insult
+me, therefore? I don't know that I ever injured any of you? Let me
+intreat you, therefore, as you see me lame in body, and afflicted in
+mind, not to make me more uneasy than I can bear. If I have offended
+against the law it will punish me, but it gives you no right to use me
+ill, unheard, and unconvicted._
+
+By this time the people of the house and the Compter officers had pretty
+well cleared the place, upon which he began to compose himself, and
+desired them to get a coach to the door, for he was unable to walk.
+About an hour after, he was carried before a Justice and examined, and I
+think was thereupon immediately committed to Newgate. He lay there a
+considerable time before he was tried; at last he was convicted
+capitally upon the following fact, which appeared on the evidence,
+exactly in the same light in which I shall state it.
+
+He was indicted on the afore-mentioned Statute, for receiving money for
+the restoring stolen goods, without apprehending the persons by whom
+they were stolen. In order to support this charge, the prosecutrix,
+Catherine Stephens,[64] deposed as follows:
+
+    On the 22nd of January, I had two persons come in to my shop under
+    pretence of buying some lace. They were so difficult that I had
+    none below would please them, so leaving my daughter in the shop, I
+    stepped upstairs and brought down another box. We could not agree
+    about the price, and so they went away together. In about half an
+    hour I missed a tin box of lace that I valued at £50. The same night
+    and the next I went to Jonathan Wild's house; but meeting with him
+    at home, I advertised the lace that I had lost with a reward of
+    fifteen guineas, and no questions asked. But hearing nothing of it,
+    I went to Jonathan's house again, and then met with him at home. He
+    desired me to give him a description of the persons that I
+    suspected, which I did, as near as I could; and then he told me,
+    that he would make enquiry, and bid me call again in two or three
+    days. I did so, and then he said that he had heard something of my
+    lace, and expected to know more of the matter in a very little time.
+
+    I came to him again on that day he was apprehended (I think it was
+    the 15th of February). I told him that though I had advertised but
+    fifteen guineas reward, yet I would give twenty or twenty-five
+    guineas, rather than not have my goods. _Don't be in such a hurry_,
+    says Jonathan, _I don't know but I may help you to it for less, and
+    if I can I will; the persons that have it are gone out of town. I
+    shall set them to quarrelling about it, and then I shall get it the
+    cheaper._ On the 10th of March he sent me word that if I could come
+    to him in Newgate, and bring ten guineas in my pocket, he would help
+    me to the lace. I went, he desired me to call a porter, but I not
+    knowing where to find one, he sent a person who brought one that
+    appeared to be a ticket-porter. The prisoner gave me a letter which
+    he said was sent him as a direction where to go for the lace; but I
+    could not read, and so I delivered it to the porter. Then he desired
+    me to give the porter the ten guineas, or else (he said) the persons
+    who had the lace would not deliver it. I gave the porter the money;
+    he returned, and brought me a box that was sealed up, but not the
+    same that was lost. I opened it and found all my lace but one piece.
+
+    _Now, Mr. Wild_, says I, _what must you have for your trouble? Not a
+    farthing_, says he, _not a farthing for me. I don't do these things
+    for worldly interest, but only for the good of poor people that have
+    met with misfortunes. As for the piece of lace that is missing, I
+    hope to get it for you ere long, and I don't know but that I may
+    help you not only to your money again, but to the thief too. And if
+    I can, much good may it do you; and as you are a good woman and a
+    widow, and a Christian, I desire nothing of you but your prayers,
+    and for these I shall be thankful. I have a great many enemies, and
+    God knows what may be the consequence of this imprisonment._
+
+The fact suggested in the indictment was undoubtedly fully proved by
+this disposition, and though that fact happened in Newgate, and after
+his confinement, yet it still continued as much and as great a crime as
+if it had been done before; the Law therefore condemned him upon it. But
+even if he had escaped this, there were other facts of a like nature,
+which inevitably would have destroyed him; for the last years of his
+life, instead of growing more prudent, he undoubtedly became less so,
+for the blunders committed in this fact, were very little like the
+behaviour of Jonathan in the first years in which he carried on this
+practice, when nobody behaved with greater caution, as nobody ever had
+so much reason to be cautious. And though he had all along great
+enemies, yet he had conducted his affairs so that the Law could not
+possibly lay hold of him, nor his excuses be easily detected, even in
+respect of honesty.
+
+When he was brought up to the bar to receive sentence, he appeared to be
+very much dejected, and when the usual question was proposed to him:
+_What have you to say why judgment of death should not pass upon you?_
+he spoke with a very feeble voice in the following terms.
+
+_My Lord, I hope even in the sad condition in which I stand, I may
+pretend to some little merit in respect to the service I have done my
+country, in delivering it from some of the greatest pests with which it
+was ever troubled. My Lord, I have brought many bold and daring
+malefactors to just punishment, even at the hazard of my own life, my
+body being covered with scars I received in these undertakings. I
+presume, my Lord, to say I have done merit, because at the time the
+things were done, they were esteemed meritorious by the government; and
+therefore I hope, my Lord, some compassion may be shown on the score of
+those services. I submit myself wholly to his Majesty's mercy, and
+humbly beg a favourable report of my case._
+
+When Sir William Thomson[65] (now one of the barons of his Majesty's
+Court of Exchequer), as Recorder of London, pronounced sentence of
+death, he spoke particularly to Wild, put him in mind of those cautions
+he had had against going on in those practices rendered capital by Law,
+made on purpose for preventing that infamous trade of becoming broker
+for felony, and standing in the middle between the felon and the person
+injured, in order to receive a premium for redress. And when he had
+properly stated the nature and aggravations of his crime, he exhorted
+him to make a better use of that small portion of time, which the
+tenderness of the law of England allowed sinners for repentance, and
+desired he would remember this admonition though he had slighted others.
+As to the report he told him, he might depend on Justice, and ought not
+to hope for any more.
+
+Under conviction, no man who appeared upon other occasions to have so
+much courage, ever showed so little. He had constantly declined ever
+coming to chapel, under pretence of lameness and indisposition; when
+clergymen took the pains to visit him and instruct him in those duties
+which it became a dying man to practice, though he heard them without
+interruption, yet he heard them coldly. Instead of desiring to be
+instructed on that head, he was continually suggesting scruples and
+doubts about a future state, asking impertinent questions as to the
+state of souls departed, and putting frequent cases of the
+reasonableness and lawfulness of suicide, where an ignominious death was
+inevitable, and the thing was perpetrated only to avoid shame. He was
+more especially swayed to such notions he pretended, from the examples
+of the famous heroes of antiquity, who to avoid dishonourable treatment,
+had given themselves a speedy death. As such discourses were what took
+up most of the time between his sentence and death, so that occasioned
+some very useful lectures upon this head from the charitable divines who
+visited him; but though they would have been of great use in all such
+cases for the future, yet being pronounced by word of mouth only, they
+are now totally lost. One letter indeed was written to him by a learned
+person on this head, of which a copy has been preserved, and it is with
+great pleasure that I give it to my readers, it runs thus:
+
+    A letter from the Reverend Dr. ---- to Mr. Wild in Newgate.
+
+    I am very sorry that after a life so spent as yours is notoriously
+    known to have been, you should yet, instead of repenting of your
+    former offences, continue to swell their number even with greater. I
+    pray God that it be not the greatest of all sins, affecting doubts
+    as to a future state, and whether you shall ever be brought to
+    answer for your actions in this life, before a tribunal in that
+    which is to come.
+
+    The heathens, it must be owned, could have no certainty as to the
+    immortality of the soul, because they had no immediate revelation;
+    for though the reasons which incline us to the belief of those two
+    points of future existence and future tribulation be as strong as
+    any of the motives are to other points in natural religion, yet as
+    none return from that land of darkness, or escape from the shadow of
+    death to bring news of what passeth in those regions whither all men
+    go, so without a direct revelation from the Almighty no positive
+    knowledge could be had of life in the world to come, which is
+    therefore properly said to be derived to us through Christ Jesus,
+    who in plain terms, and with that authority which confounded his
+    enemies, the Scribes and Pharisees, taught the doctrine of a final
+    judgment, and by affording us the means of grace, raised in us at
+    the same time the hopes of glory.
+
+    The arguments, therefore, which might appear sufficient unto the
+    heathens, to justify killing themselves to avoid what they thought
+    greater evils, if they had any force then must have totally lost it
+    now. Indeed, the far greater number of instances which history has
+    transmitted us, show that self-murder, even then, proceeded from the
+    same causes as at present, viz., rage, despair, and disappointment.
+    Wise men in all ages despised it as a mean and despicable flight
+    from evils the soul wanted courage and strength to bear. This has
+    not only been said by philosophers, but even by poets, too; which
+    shows that it appeared a notion, not only rational, but heroic.
+    There are none so timorous, says Martial, but extremity of want may
+    force upon a voluntary death; those few alone are to be accounted
+    brave who can support a life of evil and the pressing load of
+    misery, without having recount to a dagger.
+
+    But if there were no more in it than the dispute of which was the
+    most gallant act of the two, to suffer, or die, it would not deserve
+    so much consideration. The matter with you is of far greater
+    importance, it is not how, or in what manner you ought to die in
+    this world, but how you are to expect mercy and happiness in that
+    which is to come. This is your last stake, and all that now can
+    deserve your regard. Even hope is lost as to present life, and if
+    you make use of your reason, it must direct you to turn all your
+    wishes and endeavours towards attaining happiness in a future state.
+    What, then, remains to be examined in respect of this question is
+    whether persons who slay themselves can hope for pardon or happiness
+    in the sentence of that Judge from whom there is no appeal, and
+    whose sentence, as it surpasses all understanding, so is it executed
+    immediately.
+
+    If we judge only from reason, it seems that we have no right over a
+    life which we receive not from ourselves, or from our parents, but
+    from the immediate gift of Him who is the Lord thereof, and the
+    Fountain of Being.
+
+    To take away our own life, then, is contradicting as far as we are
+    able the Laws of Providence, and that disposition which His wisdom
+    has been pleased to direct. It is as though we pretended to have
+    more knowledge or more power than he; and as to that pretence which
+    is usually made use of, that Life is meant as a blessing, and that
+    therefore when it becomes an evil, we may if we think fit resign it,
+    it is indeed but a mere sophistry. We acknowledge God to be infinite
+    in all perfections, and consequently in wisdom and power; from the
+    latter we receive our existence in this Life, and as to the measure
+    it depends wholly on the former; so that if we from the shallow
+    dictates of our reason contemptuously shorten that term which is
+    appointed us by the Almighty, we thereby contradict all His laws,
+    throw up all right to His promises, and by the very last act we are
+    capable of, put ourselves out of His protection.
+
+    This I say is the prospect of the fruits of suicide, looked on with
+    the eye only of natural religion; and the opinion of Christians is
+    unanimous in this respect, that persons who wilfully deprive
+    themselves of life here, involve themselves also in death
+    everlasting. As to your particular case, in which you say 'tis only
+    making choice of one death rather than another, there are also the
+    strongest reasons against it, The Law intends your death, not only
+    for the punishment of your crimes, but as an example to deter
+    others. The Law of God which hath commanded that the magistrates
+    should not bear the sword in vain, hath given power to denounce this
+    sentence against you; but that authority which you would assume,
+    defeats both the law of the land in its intention, and is opposite
+    also unto the Law of God. Add unto all this, the example of our
+    blessed Saviour, who submitted to be hung upon a tree, tho' He had
+    only need of praying to His Father to have sent Him thousands of
+    Angels; yet chose He the death of a thief, that the Will of God, and
+    the sentence even of an unrighteous judge might be satisfied.
+
+    Let, then, the testimony of your own reason, your reverence towards
+    God, and the hopes which you ought to have in Jesus Christ,
+    determine you to await with patience the hour of your dissolution,
+    dispose you to fill up the short interval which yet remains with
+    sincere repentance, and enable you to support your sufferings with
+    such a Christian spirit of resignation, as may purchase for you an
+    eternal weight of glory. In the which you shall always be assisted
+    with my Prayers to God.
+
+    Who am, etc.
+
+Jonathan at last pretended to be overcome with the reasons which had
+been offered to him on the subject of self-murder. But it plainly
+appeared that in this he was a hypocrite; for the day before his
+execution, notwithstanding the keepers had the strictest eye on him
+imaginable, somebody conveyed to him a bottle of liquid laudanum, of
+which having taken a very large quantity, he hoped it would forestall
+his dying at the gallows. But as he had not been sparing in the dose, so
+the largeness of it made a speedy effect, which was perceived by his
+fellow-prisoners seeing he could not open his eyes at the time that
+prayers were said to them as usual in the condemned hold. Whereupon they
+walked him about, which first made him sweat exceedingly, and he was
+then very sick. At last he vomited, and they continuing still to lead
+him, he threw the greatest part of the laudanum off from his stomach.
+Notwithstanding that, he continued very drowsy, stupid and unable to do
+anything but gasp out his breath until it was stopped by the halter.
+
+He went to execution in a cart, and instead of expressing any kind of
+pity or compassion for him, the people continued to throw stones and
+dirt all the way along, reviling and cursing him to die last, and
+plainly showed by their behaviour how much the blackness and notoriety
+of his crimes had made him abhorred, and how little tenderness the
+enemies of mankind meet with, when overtaken by the hand of Justice.
+
+When he arrived at Tyburn, having by that gathered a little strength
+(nature recovering from the convulsions in which the laudanum had thrown
+him), the executioner told him he might take what time he pleased to
+prepare his death. He therefore sat down in the cart for some small
+time, during which the people were so uneasy that they called out
+incessantly to the executioner to dispatch him, and at last threatened
+to tear him to pieces if he did not tie him up immediately. Such a
+furious spirit was hardly ever discovered in the populace upon such an
+occasion. They generally look on blood with tenderness, and behold even
+the stroke of Justice with tears; but so far were they from it in this
+case that had a reprieve really come, 'tis highly questionable whether
+the prisoner could ever have been brought back with safety, it being far
+more likely that as they wounded him dangerously in the head in his
+passage to Tyburn, they would have knocked him on the head outright, if
+any had attempted to have brought mm back.
+
+Before I part with Mr. Wild, 'tis requisite that I inform you in regard
+to his wives, or those who were called his wives, concerning whom so
+much noise has been made. His first was a poor honest woman who
+contented herself to live at Wolverhampton, with the son she had by him,
+without ever putting him to any trouble, or endeavouring to come up to
+Town to take upon her the style and title of Madam Wild, which the last
+wife he lived with did with the greatest affection. The next whom he
+thought fit to dignify with the name of his consort, was the
+afore-mentioned Mrs. Milliner, with whom he continued in very great
+intimacy after they lived separately, and by her means carried on the
+first of his trade in detecting stolen goods. The third one was Betty
+Man, a woman of the town in her younger days, but so suddenly struck
+with horror by a Romish priest that she turned Papist; and as she
+appeared in her heart exceedingly devout and thoroughly penitent for all
+her sins, it is to be hoped such penitence might merit forgiveness,
+however erroneous the principle might be of that Church in the communion
+of which she died. Wild ever retained such an impression of the sanctity
+of this woman after her decease, and so great veneration for her, that
+he ordered his body to be buried next hers in Pancras Churchyard, which
+his friends saw accordingly performed, about two o'clock in the morning
+after his execution.[66]
+
+The next of Mr. Wild's sultana's was Sarah Perrin, _alias_ Graystone,
+who survived him; then there was Judith Nunn, by whom he had a daughter,
+who at the time of his decease might be about ten years old, both mother
+and daughter being then living. The sixth and last was no less
+celebrated as Mrs. or Madam Wild, than he was remarkable by the style of
+Wild the Thief-catcher, or, by way of irony, of Benefit Jonathan. Before
+her first marriage this remarkable damsel was known by the name of Mary
+Brown, afterwards by that of Mrs. Dean, being wife to Skull Dean who was
+executed about the year 1716 or 1717 for housebreaking. Some malicious
+people have reported that Jonathan was accessory to hanging him merely
+for the sake of the reward, and the opportunity of taking his relict,
+who, whatever regard she might have for her first husband, is currently
+reported to have been so much affected with the misfortunes that
+happened to the latter, that she twice attempted to make away with
+herself, after she had the news of his being under sentence of death.
+However, by this his last lady, he left no children, and but two by his
+three other wives were living at the time of his decease.
+
+As to the person of the man, it was homely to the greatest degree. There
+was something remarkably villainous in his face, which nature had
+imprinted in stronger terms than perhaps she ever did upon any other;
+however, he was strong and active, a fellow of prodigious boldness and
+resolution, which made the pusillanimity shown at his death more
+remarkable. In his life-time he was not at all shy in owning his
+profession, but on the contrary bragged of it upon all occasions; into
+which perhaps he was led by that ridiculous respect which was paid him,
+and the meanness of spirit some persons of distinction were guilty of in
+talking to him freely.
+
+Common report has swelled the number of malefactors executed through his
+means to no less than one hundred and twenty; certain it is that they
+were very numerous in reality as in his own reckoning. The most
+remarkable of them were these: White, Thurland, and Dunn, executed for
+the murder of Mrs. Knap, and robbing Thomas Mickletwait, Esq.; James
+Lincoln and Robert Wilkinson, for robbing and murdering Peter Martin,
+the Chelsea Pensioner (but it must be noted that they denied the murder
+even with their last breath); James Shaw, convicted by Jonathan, for the
+murder of Mr. Pots, though he had been apprehended by others; Humphrey
+Angier, who died for robbing Mr. Lewin, the City Marshal; John Levee and
+Matthew Flood, for robbing the Honourable Mr. Young and Colonel Cope, of
+a watch and other things of value; Richard Oakey, for robbing of Mr.
+Betts, in Fig Lane; John Shepherd and Joseph Blake, for breaking the
+house of Mr. Kneebone; with many others, some of which, such as John
+Malony and Val Carrick, were of an older date.
+
+It has been said that there was a considerable sum of money due to him
+for his share in the apprehension of several felonies at the very time
+of his death, which happened, as I have told you, at Tyburn, on Monday,
+the 24th day of May, 1725; he being then about forty-two years of age.
+
+[Illustration: JONATHAN WILD PELTED BY THE MOB ON HIS WAY TO TYBURN
+
+(_From the Newgate Calendar_)]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [61] A few additional particulars concerning Wild may be of
+        interest. Soon after he came to London he opened a brothel in
+        the infamous Lewkenor's Lane, in partnership with Mary Milliner;
+        after a time they quitted it to take an alehouse in Cock Alley,
+        Cripplegate. He then drifted into business as a receiver and
+        instigator of thefts, organizing regular gangs which operated in
+        every branch of the thieving trade. On account of the number of
+        criminals he brought to justice (as a result of their disloyalty
+        to himself) the authorities winked at and tolerated his
+        proceedings; and in January, 1724, he had the impudence to
+        petition for the freedom of the City, as some recognition for
+        the good services he had rendered in this direction. A few
+        months later, however, his reputation became sadly blown upon,
+        and in January, 1725, he was implicated in an affair with one of
+        his minions, a sailor named Johnson, who had been arrested and
+        had appealed to Wild for help. A riot was engineered, in which
+        Johnson made his escape, but information was laid against the
+        thief-taker, himself, who, after lying in hiding for three
+        weeks, was arrested and committed to Newgate, which he only left
+        to attend his trial and to take his last ride to Tyburn.
+
+   [62] A well-known tavern in Old Bailey.
+
+   [63] This was the Poultry Compter.
+
+   [64] Her name was really Statham.
+
+   [65] See page 418.
+
+   [66] Soon after burial his body was disinterred and the head
+        and body separated. Wild's skull and the skeleton of his trunk
+        were exhibited publicly as late as 1860.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN LITTLE, a Housebreaker and Thief
+
+
+The papers which I have in relation to this malefactor speak nothing
+with regard to his parents and education. The first thing that I with
+concerning him is his being at sea, where he was at the time my Lord
+Torrington, then Sir George Byng, went up the Mediterranean, as also in
+my Lord Cobham's expedition to Vigo; and in these expeditions he got
+such a knack of plundering that he could never bring himself afterwards
+to thinking it was a sin to plunder anybody. This wicked principle he
+did not fail to put in practice by stealing everything he could lay his
+hands on, when he afterwards went into Sweden in a merchant-ship.
+Indeed, there is too common a case for men who have been inured to
+robbing and maltreating an enemy, now and then to receive the same
+talents at home, and make free with the subjects of their own Sovereign
+as they did with those of the enemy. Weak minds sometimes do not really
+so well apprehend the difference, but thieve under little apprehension
+of sin, provided they can escape the gallows; others of better
+understanding acquire such an appetite to rapine that they are not
+afterwards able to lay it aside; so that I cannot help observing that it
+would be more prudent for officers to encourage their men to do their
+duty against the enemy from generous motives of serving their country
+and vindicating its rights, rather than proposing the hopes of gain, and
+the reward arising from destroying those unhappy wretches who fall under
+their power. But enough of this, and perhaps too much here; let us
+return again to him of whom we are now speaking.
+
+When he came home into England, he fell into bad company, particularly
+of John Bewle, _alias_ Hanley, and one Belcher, who it is to be supposed
+inclined him by idle discourse first to look upon robbing as a very
+entertaining employment, in which they met with abundance of pleasure,
+and might, with a little care, avoid all the danger. This was language
+very likely to work upon Little's disposition, who had a great
+inclination to all sorts of debauchery, and no sort of religious
+principles to check him. Over above all this he was unhappily married to
+a woman of the same ways of living, one who got her bread by walking the
+streets and picking of pockets. Therefore, instead of persuading her
+husband to quit such company as she saw him inclined to follow, on the
+contrary she encouraged, prompted and offered her assistance in the
+expedition she knew they were going about.
+
+Thus Little's road to destruction lay open for him to rush into without
+any let or the least check upon his vicious inclinations.
+
+He and his wicked companions became very busy in the practice of their
+employment. They disturbed most of the roads near London, and were
+particularly good customers to Sadler's Wells, Belsize,[67] and the rest
+of the little places of junketting and entertainment which are most
+frequented in the neighbourhood of this Metropolis. Their method upon
+such occasions was to observe who was drunkest, and to watch such
+persons when they came out, suffering them to walk a little before them
+till they came to a proper place; then jostling them and picking a
+quarrel with them, they fell to fighting, and in conclusion picked their
+pockets, snatched their hats and wigs, or took any other methods that
+were the most likely to obtain something wherewith to support their
+riots in which they spent every night.
+
+At last, finding their incomings not so large as they expected, they
+took next to housebreaking, in which they had found somewhat better
+luck. But their expenses continuing still too large for even their
+numerous booties to supply them, they were continually pushed upon
+hazarding their lives, and hardly had any respite from the crimes they
+committed, which, as they grew numerous, made them the more known and
+consequently increased their danger, those who make it their business to
+apprehend such people having had intelligence of most of them, which is
+generally the first step in the road to Hyde Park Corner.[68]
+
+It is remarkable that the observation which most of all shocks thieves,
+and convinces them at once both of the certainty and justice of a
+Providence is this, that the money which they amass by such unrighteous
+dealings never thrives with them; that though they thieve continually,
+they are, notwithstanding that, always in want, pressed on every side
+with fears and dangers, and never at liberty from the uneasy
+apprehensions of having incurred the displeasure of God, as well as run
+themselves into the punishments inflicted by the law. To these general
+terrors there was added, to Little, the distracting fears of a discovery
+from the rash and impetuous tempers of his associates, who were
+continually defrauding one another in their shares of the booty, and
+then quarrelling, fighting, threatening, and what not, till Little
+sometimes at the expense of his own allotment, reconciled and put them
+in humour.
+
+Nor were his fatal conjectures on this head without cause; for Bewle,
+though as Little always declared he had drawn him into such practices,
+put him into an information he made for the sake of procuring a pardon.
+A few days after, Little was taken into custody, and at the next
+sessions indicted for breaking open the house of one Mr. Deer, and
+taking from thence several parcels of goods expressed in the indictment.
+Upon this trial the prosecutor swore to the loss of his goods and Bewle,
+who had been a confederate in the robbery, gave testimony as to the
+manner in which they were taken. As he was conscious of his guilt,
+Little made a very poor defence, pretending that he was utterly
+unacquainted with this Bewle, hoping that if he could persuade the jury
+to that, the prosecutor's evidence (as it did not affect him personally)
+might not convict him. But his hope was vain, for Bewle confirmed what
+he said by so many circumstances that the jury gave credit to his
+testimony, and thereupon found the prisoners guilty. Little, though he
+entertained scarce any hopes of success, moved the Court earnestly to
+grant transportation; but as they gave him no encouragement upon the
+motion, so it must be acknowledged that he did not amuse himself with
+any vain expectations.
+
+During the time he remained under conviction, he behaved with great
+marks of penitence, assisted constantly at the public devotions in the
+chapel, and often prayed fervently in the place where he was confined;
+he made no scruple of owning the falsehood of what he had asserted upon
+his trial, and acknowledging the justice of that sentence which doomed
+him to death. He seemed to be under a very great concern lest his wife,
+who was addicted to such practices, should follow him to the same place;
+in order to prevent which, as far as it lay in his power, he wrote to
+her in the most pressing terms he was able, intreating her to take
+notice of that melancholy condition in which he then lay, miserable
+through the wants under which he suffered, and still more miserable from
+the apprehensions of a shameful death, and the fear of being plunged
+also into everlasting torment. Having finished this letter, he began to
+withdraw his thoughts as much as possible from this world, and to fix
+them wholly where they ought to have been placed throughout his life;
+praying to God for His assistance, and endeavouring to render himself
+worthy of it by a sincere repentance. In fine, as he had been enormously
+wicked through the course of his life, so he was extraordinarily
+penitent throughout the course of his misfortunes, deeply affected from
+the apprehensions of temporal punishment, but apparently more afflicted
+with the sense of his sins, and the fear of that punishment which the
+justice of Almighty God might inflict upon him. Therefore, to the day of
+his execution, he employed every moment in crying for mercy, and with
+wonderful piety and resignation submitted to that death which the law
+had appointed for his offences; on the 13th of September, 1725, at
+Tyburn. As to his own age, that I am not able to say anything of, it not
+being mentioned in the papers before me.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [67] See note, page 243.
+
+   [68] That is, Tyburn tree.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN PRICE, a Housebreaker and Thief[69]
+
+
+Amongst the ordinary kind of people in England, debauchery is so common,
+and the true principles of honesty and a just life so little understood,
+that we need not be surprised at the numerous sessions we see so often
+held in a year at the Old Bailey, and the multitudes which in
+consequence of them are yearly executed at Tyburn. Fraud, which is only
+robbery within the limits of the Law, is at this time of day (especially
+amongst the common people) thought a sign of wit, and esteemed as fair a
+branch of their calling as their labours. Mechanics of all sorts
+practise it without showing any great concern to hide it, especially
+from their own family, in which, on the contrary, they encourage and
+admire it. Instead of being reproved for their first essays in
+dishonesty, their children are called smart boys, and their tricks
+related to neighbours and visitors as proofs of their genius and spirit.
+Yet when the lads proceed in the same way, after being grown up a
+little, nothing too harsh, or too severe can be inflicted upon them in
+the opinion of these parents, as if cheating at chuck, and filching of
+marbles were not as real crimes in children of eight years old, as
+stealing of handkerchiefs and picking of pockets, in boys of thirteen or
+fourteen. But with the vulgar, 'tis the punishment annexed to it, and
+not the crime, that is dreaded; and the commandments against stealing
+and murder would be as readily broke as those against swearing and
+Sabbath-breaking, if the civil power had not set up a gallows at the end
+of them.
+
+John Price, of whom we are now to speak, has very little preserved
+concerning him in the memoirs that lie before me; all that I am able to
+say of him is that by employment he was a sailor. In the course of his
+voyages he had addicted himself to gratifying such inclinations as he
+had towards drink or women, without the least concern as to the
+consequences, here or hereafter; he said, indeed, that falling sick at
+Oporto, in Portugal, and becoming very weak and almost incapable of
+moving himself, the fear of death gave him apprehensions of what the
+Justice of God might inflict on him through the number and heinousness
+of his sins. This at last made so great an impression on his mind that
+he put up a solemn vow to God of thorough repentance and amendment, if
+it should please Him to raise him once more from the bed of sickness,
+and restore him again to his former health. But when he had recovered,
+his late good intentions were forgotten, and the evil examples he had
+before his eyes of his companions, who, according to the custom of
+Portugal, addicted themselves to all sorts of lewdness and debauchery,
+prevailed. He returned like the dog to the vomit, and his last state was
+worse than his first.
+
+On his return into England he had still a desire towards the same
+sensual enjoyments, was ever coveting debauches of drink, accompanied
+with the conversation of lewd women; but caring little for labour, and
+finding no honest employment to support these expenses into which his
+lusts obliged him to run, he therefore abandoned all thoughts of
+honesty, and took to thieving as the proper method of supporting him in
+his pleasures. When this resolution was once taken, it was no difficult
+thing to find companions to engage with him, houses to receive him, and
+women to caress him. On the contrary, it seemed difficult for him to
+choose out of the number offered, and as soon as he had made the choice,
+he and his associates fell immediately into the practice of that
+miserable trade they had chosen.
+
+How long they continued to practice it before they fell into the hands
+of Justice, I am not able to say, but from several circumstances it
+seems probable that there was no long time intervening; for Price, in
+company with Sparks and James Cliff, attempted the house of the Duke of
+Leeds, and thrusting up the sash-window James Cliff was put into the
+parlour and handed out some things to Price and Sparks. But it seems
+they were seen by Mr. Best, and upon their being apprehended, Cliff
+confessed the whole affair, owned that it was concerted between them,
+and that himself handed out the things to his companions, Price and
+Sparks.
+
+At the ensuing sessions, Price was tried for that offence, and upon the
+evidence of Mr. Best, the confession of James Cliff, and Benjamin Bealin
+deposing that he himself, at the time of his being apprehended,
+acknowledged that he had been in company with Cliff and Sparks, the jury
+found him guilty, as they did Cliff also, upon his own confession. Under
+sentence he seemed to have a just sense of his preceding wicked life,
+and was under no small apprehensions concerning his repentance, since it
+was forced and not voluntary. However, the Ordinary having satisfied his
+scruples of this sort, as far as he was able, recommended it to him
+without oppressing his conscience with curious fears and unnecessary
+scruples, to apply himself to prayer and other duties of a dying man. To
+this he seemed inclinable enough, but complained that James Cliff, who
+was in the condemned hold, prevented both him and the rest of the
+criminals from their duty, by extravagant speeches, wild and profane
+expressions, raving after the woman he had conversed with, and abusing
+everybody who came near him, which partly arose from the temper of that
+unhappy person, and was also owing to indisposition of body, as all the
+while he lay in the hole he was labouring under a high fever. Another
+great misfortune to Price, in the condition in which he was, consisted
+in his incapacity to supply the want of ministers through his incapacity
+of reading; however, he endeavoured to make up for it as well as he
+could by attending constantly at chapel, and not only behaving gravely
+at prayers, but listening attentively at sermon, by which means he
+constantly brought away a great part, and sometimes lost very little out
+of his memory of what he heard there.
+
+In a word, all the criminals who were at this time under sentence
+(excepting Cliff) seemed perfectly disposed to make a just use of that
+time which the peculiar clemency of the English Law affords to
+malefactors, that they may make their peace with God, and by their
+sufferings under the hands of men, prevent eternal condemnation. They
+expressed, also, a great satisfaction that their crimes were of an
+ordinary kind and occasioned no staring and whispering when they came to
+chapel, a thing they were very much afraid of, inasmuch as it would have
+hindered their devotions, and discomposed the frame of their minds.
+
+At the same time with Price, there lay under condemnation one Woolridge,
+who was convicted for entering the house of Elizabeth Fell, in the night
+time, with a felonious intent to take away the goods of Daniel Brooks;
+but it seems he was apprehended before he could so much as open the
+chest he had designed to rob. The thieves in Newgate usually take upon
+them to be very learned in the Law, especially in respect to what
+relates to evidence, and they had persuaded this unhappy man that no
+evidence which could be produced against him would affect his life.
+There is no doubt, but his conviction came therefore upon him with
+greater surprise, and certain it is that such practices are of the
+utmost ill consequence to those unhappy malefactors. However, when he
+found that death was inevitable, by degrees he began to reconcile
+himself thereto; and as he happened to be the only one amongst the
+criminals who could read, so with great diligence he applied himself to
+supply that deficiency in his fellow-prisoners. Even after he was seized
+with sickness, which brought him exceedingly low, he ceased not to
+strive against the weakness of the body, that he might do good to his
+fellow-convicts.
+
+In a word, no temptation to drink, nor the desire of pleasing those who
+vend it[70], circumstances which too often induce others in that
+condition to be guilty of strange enormities, ever had force enough to
+obtrude on them more than was necessary to support life, and to keep up
+such a supply of spirits as enabled them to perform their duties; from
+whence it happened that the approach of death did not affect them with
+any extraordinary fear, but both suffered with resignation on the same
+day with the former criminals at Tyburn.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [69] See page 230.
+
+   [70] The gaolers and others in prisons had an interest in
+        furnishing prisoners with liquor and not only looked askance at
+        those who refused but made it highly uncomfortable for all who
+        avoided debauchery.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of FOSTER SNOW, a Murderer
+
+
+There cannot be anything more dangerous in our conduct through human
+life, than a too ready compliance with any inclination of the mind,
+whether it be lustful or of an irascible nature. Either transports us on
+the least check into wicked extravagancies, which are fatal in their
+consequences, and suddenly overwhelm us with both shame and ruin. There
+is hardly a page in any of these volumes, but carries in it examples
+which are so many strong proofs of the veracity of this observation. But
+with respect to the criminal we are now speaking of, he is a yet more
+extraordinary case than any of the rest; and therefore I shall in the
+course of my relation, make such remarks as to me seem more likely to
+render his misfortunes, and my account of them, useful to my readers.
+
+Foster Snow was the son of very honest and reputable parents, who gave
+him an education suitable to their station in life, and which was also
+the same they intended to breed him up to, viz., that of a gardener, in
+which capacity, or as a butler, he served abundance of persons of
+quality, with an untainted reputation. About fourteen years before the
+time of his death, he married and set up an alehouse, wherein his
+conduct was such that he gained the esteem and respect of his
+neighbours, being a man who was without any great vices, except only
+passions, in which he too much indulged himself. Whenever he was in
+drink, he would launch out into unaccountable extravagancies both in
+words and actions. However, it is likely that this proceeded in a great
+measure from family uneasiness, which undoubtedly had for a long time
+discomposed him before committing that murder for which he died. Though,
+when sober, he might have wisdom enough to conceal his resentment, yet
+when the fumes of wine had clouded his reason, he (as it is no uncommon
+case) gave vent to his passion, and treated with undistinguished
+surliness all who came in his way.
+
+Now, as to the source of these domestic discontents, it is apparent from
+the papers I have that they were partly occasioned by family
+mismanagement, and partly from the haughty and impudent carriage of the
+unfortunate person who fell by his hands; for it seems the woman who
+Snow married had a daughter by a former husband This daughter she
+brought home to live with the deceased Mr. Snow, who was so far from
+being angry therewith, or treating her with the coldness which is usual
+to fathers-in-law, that, on the contrary, he gave her the sole direction
+of his house, put everything into her hands, and was so fond of the
+young daughter she had, that greater tenderness could not have been
+shown to the child if she had been his own.
+
+It seems the deceased Mr. Rawlins had found a way to ingratiate himself
+with both the mother and the daughter, but especially the latter, so
+that although his circumstances were not extraordinary, they gave him
+very extensive credit; and as he had a family of children, they
+sometimes suffered them to get little matters about their house; and
+thereby so effectually entailed them upon them, that at last they were
+never out of it.
+
+Mr. Snow, it seems, took umbrage at this, and spared not to tell Mr.
+Rawlins flatly, that he did not desire he should come thither, which was
+frequently answered by the other in opprobrious and under-valuing terms,
+which gave Mr. Snow uneasiness enough, considering that the man at the
+same time owed him money; and this carriage on both sides having
+continued for a pretty while, and broken out in several instances, it at
+last made Mr. Snow so uneasy that he could not forbear expressing his
+resentment to his wife and family. But it had little effect, they went
+on still at the same rate; Mr. Rawlins was frequently at the house, his
+children received no less assistance there than before, and in short,
+everything went on in such a manner that poor Mr. Snow had enough to
+aggravate the suspicions which he entertained.
+
+At last it unfortunately happened that he, having got a little more
+liquor in his head than ordinary, when Mr. Rawlins came into the house,
+he asked him for money, and upbraided him with his treatment in very
+harsh terms, to which the other making no less gross replies, it kindled
+such a resentment in this unfortunate man that, after several threats
+which sufficiently expressed the rancour of his disposition, he snatched
+up a case knife, and pursuing the unfortunate Mr. Rawlins, gave him
+therewith a mortal wound, of which he instantly died. For this fact he
+was apprehended and committed to Newgate.
+
+At the next sessions he was indicted, first for the murder of Thomas
+Rawlins, by giving him with a knife a mortal wound of the breadth of an
+inch, and of the depth of seven inches, whereby he immediately expired;
+he was a second time indicted on the Statute of Stabbing[71]; and a
+third time also on the coroner's inquest, for the same offence. Upon
+each of the which indictments the evidence was so dear that the jury,
+notwithstanding some witnesses which he called to his reputation, and
+which indeed deposed that he was a very civil and honest, and peaceable
+neighbour, found him guilty on them all, and he thereupon received
+sentence of death.
+
+In passing this sentence, the then deputy-recorder, Mr. Faby, took
+particular notice of the heinousness of the crime of murder, and
+expatiated on the equity of the Divine Law, whereby it was required that
+he who had shed man's blood, by man should his blood be shed; and from
+thence took occasion to warn the prisoner from being misled into any
+delusive hopes of pardon, since the nature of his offence was such as he
+could not reasonably expect it from the Royal breast, which had ever
+been cautious of extending mercy to those who had denied it unto their
+fellow-subjects.
+
+Under sentence of death this unhappy man behaved himself very devoutly,
+and with many signs of true penitence. He was, from the first, very
+desirous to acquaint himself with the true nature of that crime which he
+had committed, and finding it at once repugnant to religion, and
+contrary to even the dictates of human nature, he began to loath himself
+and his own cruelty, crying out frequently when alone. _Oh! Murder!
+Murder! it is the guilt of that great sin which distracts my soul._ When
+at chapel he attended with great devotion to the duties of prayer and
+service there; but whenever the Commandments came to be repeated, at the
+words, _Thou shalt do no murder_, he would tremble, turn pale, shed
+tears, and with a violent agitation of spirit pray to God to pardon him
+that great offence.
+
+To say truth never any man seemed to have a truer sense or a more quick
+feeling of his crimes, than this unhappy man testified during his
+confinement. His heart was so far from being hardened, as is too
+commonly the case with those wretches who fall into the same condition,
+that he, on the contrary, afflicted himself continually and without
+ceasing, as fearing that all his penitence would be but too little in
+the sight of God, for destroying His creature and taking away a life
+which he could not restore. Amidst these apprehensions, covered with
+terrors and sinking under the weight of his afflictions, he received
+spiritual assistance of the Ordinary and other ministers, with much
+meekness, and it is to be hoped with great benefit; since they
+encouraged him to rely on the Mercy of God, and not by an unseasonable
+diffidence to add the throwing away his own soul by despair, to the
+taking away the life of another in his wrath.
+
+What added to the heavy load of his sorrows, was the unkindness of his
+wife, who neither visited him in his misfortunes, and administered but
+indifferently to his wants. It seems the quarrels they had, had so
+embittered them towards one another that very little of that friendship
+was to be seen in either, which makes the marriage bond easy and the
+yoke of matrimony light. His complaints with respect to her occasioned
+some enquiries as to whether he were not jealous of her person; such
+suspicions being generally the cause of married people's greatest
+dislikes. What he spoke on this head was exceedingly modest, far from
+that rancour which might have been expected from a man whom the world
+insinuated had brought himself to death by a too violent resentment of
+what related to her conduit; though no such thing appeared from what he
+declared to those who attended him. He said he was indeed uneasy at the
+too large credit she gave to the deceased, but that it was her purse
+only that he entertained suspicions of, and that as he was a dying man,
+he had no ill thought of her in any other way. But with regard to his
+daughter, he expressed a very great dislike to her behaviour, and said
+her conduct had been such as forced her husband to leave her; and that
+though he had treated her with the greatest kindness and affection, yet
+such was the untowardness of her disposition that he had received but
+very sorry returns. However, to the last he expressed great uneasiness
+lest after his decease his little grand-daughter-in-law might suffer in
+her education, of which he had intended to take the greatest care; his
+dislike to the mother being far enough from giving him any aversion to
+the child. It seems from the time he had taken it home he had placed his
+affections strongly upon it, and did not withdraw them even to the hour
+of his departure.
+
+As death grew near, he was afflicted with a violent disease, which
+reduced him so low that he was incapable of coming to the chapel; and
+when it abated a little it yet left his head so weak that he seemed to
+be somewhat distracted, crying out in chapel the Sunday before he died,
+like one grievously disturbed in mind, and expressing the greatest
+agonies under the apprehension of his own guilt, and the strict justice
+of Him to whom he was shortly to answer. However, he forgave with all
+outward appearance of sincerity, all who had been in any degree
+accessory to his death.
+
+Being carried in a mourning coach to the place of execution, he appeared
+somewhat more composed than he had been for some time before. He told
+the people that, except the crime for which he died, he had never been
+guilty of anything which might bring him within the fear of meeting with
+such a death. And in this disposition of mind he suffered at Tyburn, on
+the 3rd day of November, 1725, being about fifty-five years of age.
+Immediately after his death a paper was published under the title of his
+case, full of circumstances tending to extenuate his guilt but such as
+in no way appeared upon his trial.
+
+The Court of Old Bailey at the next sessions taking this paper into
+their consideration, were of opinion that it reflected highly on the
+justice of those who tried him, and therefore ordered the printer to
+attend them to answer for this offence. Accordingly he attended the next
+day, and being told that the Court was highly displeased with his
+publishing a thing of that nature, in order to misrepresent the justice
+of their proceedings, and that they were ready to punish him for his
+contempt in the aforesaid publication of such a libel; Mr. Leech thought
+fit to prevent it by making his most humble submission, and asking
+pardon of the Court for his offence, assuring them that it proceeded
+only from inadvertency, and promising never to print anything of the
+like sort again. Whereupon the Court were graciously pleased to dismiss
+him only with a reprimand, and to admonish others of the same
+profession, that they should be cautious for the future of doing
+anything which might reflect in any degree upon the proceedings had
+before them.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [71] See note, page 218.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN WHALEBONE, _alias_ WELBONE, a Thief, etc.
+
+
+This malefactor was born in the midst of the City of London, in the
+Parish of St. Dionis Back Church. His parents were persons in but mean
+circumstances, who however strained them to the uttermost to give this
+their son a tolerable education. They were especially careful to
+instruct him in the principles of religion, and were therefore under an
+excessive concern when they found that neglecting all other business, he
+endeavoured only to qualify himself for the sea. However, finding this
+inclinations so strong that way, they got him on board a man-of-war, and
+procured such a recommendation to the captain that he was treated with
+great civility during the voyage, and if he had had any inclinations to
+have done well, he might in all probability have been much encouraged.
+But after several voyages to sea, he took it as strongly in his head to
+go no more as he had before to go, whether his parents would or no.
+
+He then cried old clothes about the streets; but not finding any great
+encouragement in that employment, he was easily drawn in by some wicked
+people of his acquaintance, to take what they called the shortest method
+of getting money, which was in plain English to go a-thieving. He had
+very ill-luck in his new occupation, for in six weeks' time, after his
+first setting out on the information of one of his companions, he was
+apprehended, tried, convicted, and ordered for transportation.
+
+It was his fortune to be delivered to a planter in South Carolina, who
+employed him to labour in his plantations, afforded him good meat and
+drink, and treated him rather better than our farmers treat their
+servants here. Which leads me to say something concerning the usage such
+people met with, when carried as the Law directs to our plantations, in
+order to rectify certain gross mistakes; as if Englishmen abroad had
+totally lost all humanity, and treated their fellow-creatures and
+fellow-countrymen as slaves, or as brutes.
+
+The Colonies on the Continent of America are those which now take off
+the greatest part of those who are transported for felony from Britain,
+most of the Island Colonies having long ago refused to receive them. The
+countries into which they now go, trading chiefly in such kind of
+commodities as are produced in England (unless it be tobacco), the
+employment, therefore, of persons thus sent over, is either in attending
+husbandry, or in the culture of the plant which we have before
+mentioned. They are thereby exposed to no more hardships than they would
+have been obliged to have undergone at home, in order to have got an
+honest livelihood, so that unless their being obliged to work for their
+living is to pass for great hardship, I do not conceive where else it
+can lie, since the Law, rather than shed the blood of persons for small
+offences, or where they appear not to have gone on for a length of time
+in them, by its lenity changes the punishment of death into sending them
+amongst their own countrymen at a distance from their ill-disposed
+companions, who might probably seduce them to commit the same offences
+again. It directs also, that this banishment shall be for such a length
+of time as may be suitable to the guilt of the crime, and render it
+impracticable for them on their return to meet with their old gangs and
+acquaintance, making by this means a happy mixture both of justice and
+clemency, dealing mildly with them for the offence already committed and
+endeavouring to put it ever out of their own power by fresh offences, to
+draw a heavier judgment upon themselves.
+
+But to return to this Whalebone. The kind usage of his master, the
+easiness of the life which he lived, and the certainty of death if he
+attempted to return home, could not all of them prevail upon him to lay
+aside the thoughts of coming back again to London, and there giving
+himself up to those sensual delights which he had formerly enjoyed.
+Opportunities are seldom wanting where men incline to make use of diem;
+especially to one who had been bred as he was to the sea. So that in a
+year and a half after ms being settled there, he took such ways of
+recommending himself to a certain captain as induced him to bring him
+home, and set him safe on shore near Harwich. He travelled on foot up to
+London, and was in town but a very few days before being accidentally
+taken notice of by a person who knew him, he caused him to be
+apprehended, and at the next sessions at the Old Bailey, he was
+convicted of such illegal return, and ordered for execution.
+
+At first he pretended that he thought it no crime for a man to return to
+his own country, and therefore did not think himself bound to repent of
+that. Whatever arguments the Ordinary made use of to persuade him to
+sense of his guilt I know not. But because this is an error into which
+such people are very apt to fall; and as there want not some of the
+vulgar who take it for a great hardship, also making it one of those
+topics upon which they take occasion to harangue against the severity of
+a Law that they do not understand, I think it will not, therefore, be
+improper to explain it.
+
+Transportation is a punishment whereby the British law commutes for
+offences which would otherways be capital, and therefore a contract is
+plainly presumed between every felon transported and the Court by whose
+authority he is ordered for transportation, that the said felon shall
+remain for such term of years as the Law directs, without returning into
+any of the King's European dominions; and the Court plainly acquaints
+the felon that if, in breach of his agreement, he shall so return, that
+in such case the contract shall be deemed void, and the capital
+punishment shall again take place. To say, then, that a person who
+enters into an agreement like this, and is perfectly acquainted with its
+conditions, knowing that no less than his life must be forfeited by the
+breach of them, and yet wilfully breaks them, to say that such a person
+as this is guilty of no offence, must in the opinion of every person of
+common understanding be the greatest absurdity that can be asserted; and
+to call that severity which only is the Law's taking its forfeit, is a
+very great impropriety, and proceeds from a foolish and unreasonable
+compassion. This I think so plain that nothing but prepossession or
+stupidity can hinder people from comprehending it.
+
+As to Whalebone, when death approached, he laid aside all these excuses
+and applied himself to what was much more material, the making a proper
+use of that little time which yet remained for repentance. He
+acknowledged all the crimes which he had committed in the former part of
+his life, and the justice of his sentence by which he had been condemned
+to transportation; and having warned the people at his execution to
+avoid of all things being led into ill company, he suffered with much
+seeming penitence, together with the afore-mentioned malefactors, at
+Tyburn, being then about thirty-eight years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES LITTLE, a Footpad and Highwayman
+
+
+James Little was a person descended from parents very honest and
+industrious, though of small fortune. They bred him up with all the care
+they were able, and when he came to a fit age put him out to an honest
+employment. But in his youth having taken peculiar fancy to his father's
+profession of a painter, he thereto attained in so great a degree as to
+be able to earn twelve or fifteen shillings in a week, when he thought
+fit to work hard. But that was very seldom, and he soon contracted such
+a hatred to working at all that associating with some wild young
+fellows, he kept himself continually drunk and mad, not caring what he
+did for money, so long as he supplied himself with enough to procure
+himself liquor.
+
+Amongst the rest of those debauched persons with whom he conversed there
+was especially one Sandford, with whom he was peculiarly intimate. This
+fellow was a soldier, of a rude, loose disposition, who took a
+particular delight in making persons whom he conversed with as bad as
+himself. Having one Sunday, therefore, got Little into his company and
+drank him to such a pitch that he had scarce any sense, he next began to
+open to him a new method of living, as he called it, which was neither
+more than less than going on the highway. Little was so far gone in his
+cups that be did not so much as know what he was saying; at last
+Sandford rose up, and told him it was a good time now to go out upon
+their attempts. Upon this Little got up, too, and went out with him.
+They had not gone far before the soldier drew out a pair of pistols, and
+robbed two or three persons, while Little stood by, so very drunk that
+he was both unable to have hurt the persons, or to have defended
+himself, he said.
+
+He robbed no more with the soldier, who was soon after taken up and
+hanged at the same time with Jonathan Wild, yet the sad fate of his
+companion had very little effect upon this unhappy lad. He fell
+afterwards into an acquaintance with some of John Shepherd's mistresses,
+and they continually dinning in his ears what great exploits that famous
+robber had committed, they unfortunately prevailed upon him to go again
+into the same way. But it was just as fatal to him as it had been to his
+companion; for Little having robbed one Lionel Mills in the open fields,
+put him in fear, and taken from him a handkerchief, three keys and
+sixteen shillings in money, not contented with this he pulled the
+turnover off from his neck hastily, and thereby nearly strangled him.
+For this offence the man pursued him with unwearied diligence, and he
+being taken up thereupon was quickly after charged with another robbery
+committed on one Mr. Evans, in the same month, who lost a cane, three
+keys, and twenty pounds in money. On these two offences he was severally
+convicted at the next sessions at the Old Bailey; and having no friends,
+could therefore entertain little expectation of pardon; especially
+considering how short a time it was since he received mercy before;
+being under sentence at the same time with the soldier before-mentioned
+and Jonathan Wild, and discharged then upon his making certain
+discoveries.
+
+He pretended to much penitence and sorrow, but it did not appear in his
+behaviour, having been guilty of many levities when brought up to
+chapel, to which perhaps the crowds of strangers, who from an
+unaccountable humour desire to be present on these melancholy occasions,
+did not a little contribute; for at other times, it must be owned, he
+did not behave himself in any such manner, but seemed rather grave and
+willing to be instructed, of which he had indeed sufficient want,
+knowing very little, but of debauchery and vice. How ever, he reconciled
+himself by degrees to the thoughts of death, and behaved with
+tranquility enough during that small space that was left him to prepare
+for it. At the place of execution, he looked less astonished though he
+spoke much less to the people than the rest, and died seemingly
+composed, at the same time with the other malefactors Snow, and
+Whalebone, being at the time of his execution in his seventeenth year.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN HAMP, Footpad and Highwayman
+
+
+This unhappy person, John Hamp, was born of both honest and reputable
+parents in the parish of St. Giles-without-Cripplegate. They took
+abundance of pains in his education, and the lad seemed in his juvenile
+years to deserve it; he was a boy of abundance of spirit, and his
+friends at his own request put him out apprentice to a man whose trade
+it was to lath houses. He did not stay out his time with him, but being
+one evening with some drunken companions at an alehouse near the Iron
+Gate by the Tower, three of them sailors on board a man-of-war (there
+being at that time a great want of men, a squadron being fitted out for
+the Baltic), these sailors, therefore, observing all the company very
+drunk, put into their heard to make an agreement for their going
+altogether this voyage to the North. Drink wrought powerfully in their
+favour, and in less than two hours time, Hamp and two other of his
+companions fell in with the sailors' motion, and talked of nothing but
+braving the Czar, and seeing the rarities of Copenhagen. The fourth man
+of Hamp's company stood out a little, but half an hour's rhodomantade
+and another bowl of punch brought him to a sailor, upon which one of the
+seamen stepped out, and gave notice to his lieutenant, who was drinking
+not far off, of the great service he had performed, the lieutenant was
+mightily pleased with Jack Tar's diligence, promised to pay the
+reckoning, and give each of them a guinea besides. A quarter of an hour
+after, the Lieutenant came in. The fellows were all so very drunk that
+he was forced to send for more hands belonging to the ship, who carried
+them to the long-boat, and there laying them down and covering them with
+men's coats, carried them on board that night.
+
+There is no doubt that Hamp was very surprised when he found the
+situation he was in next morning, but as there was no remedy, he
+acquiesced without making any words, and so began the voyage cheerfully.
+Everybody knows that there was no fighting in these Baltic expeditions,
+so that all the hardships they had to combat with were those of the sea
+and the weather, which was indeed bad enough to people of an English
+constitution, who were very unfit to bear the extremity of cold.
+
+While they by before Copenhagen, an accident happened to one of Hamp's
+great acquaintance, which much affected him at that time, and it would
+have certainly have been happy for him if he had retained a just sense
+of it always. There was one Scrimgeour, a very merry debonair fellow,
+who used to make not only the men, but sometimes the officers merry on
+board the ship. He was particularly remarkable for being always full of
+money, of which he was no niggard, but ready to do anybody a service,
+and consequently was very far from being ill-beloved. This man being one
+day on shore and going to purchase some fresh provisions to make merry
+with amongst his companions, somebody took notice of a dollar that was
+in his hand, and Scrimgeour wanting change, the man readily offered to
+give smaller money. Scrimgeour thereupon gave him the dollar, and having
+afterwards bargained for what he wanted, was just going on board when a
+Danish officer with a file of men, came to apprehend him for a coiner.
+The fellow, conscious of his guilt, and suspicious of their intent,
+seeing the man amongst them who had changed the dollar, took to his
+heels, and springing into the boat, the men rowed him on board
+immediately, where as soon as he was got, Scrimgeour fancied himself out
+of all danger.
+
+But in this he was terribly mistaken, for early the next morning three
+Danish commissaries came on board the admiral, and acquainted him that a
+seaman on board his fleet had counterfeited their coin to a very
+considerable value, and was yesterday detected in putting off a dollar;
+that thereupon an officer had been ordered to seize him, but that he had
+made his escape by jumping into the long-boat of such a ship, on board
+of which they were informed he was; they therefore desired he might be
+given up in order to be punished. The admiral declined that, but assured
+them that, upon due proof, he would punish him with the greatest
+severity on board; and having in the meanwhile dispatched a lieutenant
+and twenty men on board Scrimgeour's ship, with the Dane who detected
+him in putting off false money, he was secured immediately. Upon
+searching his trunk they found there near a hundred false dollars, so
+excellently made that none of the ship's crew could have distinguished
+them from the true.
+
+He was immediately carried on board the admiral, who ordered him to be
+confined. Soon after a court-martial condemned him to be whipped from
+ship to ship, which was performed in the view of the Danish
+commissaries, with so much rigour that instead of expressing any notion
+of the Englishmen showing favour to their countryman upon any such
+occasion, they interposed to mitigate the fellow's sufferings, and
+humbly besought the admiral to omit lashing him on board three of the
+last ships. But in this request they were civilly refused, and the
+sentence which had been pronounced against him was executed upon him
+with the utmost severity; and it happening that Hamp was one of the
+persons who rowed him from ship to ship, it filled him with so much
+terror that he was scarce able to perform his duty; the wretch, himself,
+being made such a terrible spectacle of misery that not only Hamp, but
+all the rest who saw him after his last lashing, were shocked at the
+sight. And though it was shrewdly suspected that some others had been
+concerned with him, yet this example had such an effect that there were
+no more instances of any false money uttered from that time.
+
+It was near five years after Hamp went first to sea that he began to
+think of returning home and working at his trade again; and after this
+thought had once got into his head, as is usual with such fellows, he
+was never easy until he had accomplished it. An opportunity offered soon
+after, the ship he belonged to being recalled and paid off. John had,
+however, very little to receive, the great delight he took in drinking
+made him so constant a customer to a certain officer in the ship that
+all was near spent by the time he came home. That, however, would have
+been no great misfortune had he stuck close to his employment and
+avoided those excesses of which he been formerly guilty. But alas! this
+was by no means in his power; he drank rather harder after his return
+than he had done before, and if he might be credited at that time when
+the Law allows what is said to pass for evidence, viz., in the agony of
+death, it was this love of drink that brought him, without any other
+crime, to his shameful end. The manner of which, I shall next fully
+relate.
+
+Hamp, passing one night very drunk through the street, a woman, as is
+usual enough for common street-walkers to do, took him by the sleeve,
+and after some immodest discourse, asked him if he would not go into her
+mother's and take a pot with her. To this motion Hamp readily agreed,
+and had not been long in the house before he fell fast asleep in the
+company of James Bird (who was hanged with him), the woman who brought
+him into the house, and an old woman, whom she called her mother. By and
+by certain persons came who apprehended him and James Bird for being in
+a disorderly house; and having carried them to the watch house, they
+were there both charged with robbing and beating, in a most cruel and
+barbarous manner, a poor old woman near Rag Fair.[72]
+
+At the next Old Bailey sessions they were both tried for the fact, and
+the woman's evidence being positive against them, they were likewise
+convicted. Hamp behaved himself with great serenity while under
+sentence, declaring always that he had not the least knowledge of Bird
+until the time they were taken up; that in all his life time he had
+never acquired a halfpenny in a dishonest manner, and that although he
+had so much abandoned himself to drinking and other debaucheries, yet he
+constantly worked hard at his employment, in order to get money to
+support them. As to the robbery, he knew no more of it than the child
+unborn, that he readily believed all that the woman swore to be true,
+except her mistake in the persons; and that as to Bird, he could not
+take upon himself to say that he was concerned in it.
+
+A divine of eminency in the Church, being so charitable as to visit him,
+spoke to him very particularly on this head; he told him that a jury of
+his countrymen on their oaths had unanimously found him guilty; that the
+Law upon such a conviction had appointed him to death, and that there
+appeared not the least hopes of his being anyways able to prevent it;
+that the denying of his guilt therefore, could not possibly be of any
+use to him here, but might probably ruin him for ever hereafter; that he
+would act wisely in this unfortunate situation into which his vices had
+brought him, if he would make an ample acknowledgment of the crime he
+had committed, and own the justice of Providence in bringing him to
+condemnation, instead of leaving the world in the assertion of a
+falsehood, and rushing into the presence of Almighty God with a lie in
+his mouth.
+
+This exhortation was made publicly, and Hamp after having heard it with
+great attention, answered it in the following terms. _I am very
+sensible, sir, of your goodness in affording me this visit and am no
+less obliged to you for your pressing instances to induce me confession.
+But as I know the matter of fact, so I am sure, you would not press me
+to own it if it be not true; I aver that the charge against me is
+utterly false in every particular. I freely acknowledge that I have led
+a most dissolute life, and abandoned myself in working all kind of
+wickedness; but should I so satisfy some persons' importunities as to
+own also the justice of my present sentence, as arising from the truth
+of the fact, I should thereby become guilty of the very crime you warn
+me of, and go out of the world, indeed, in the very act of telling an
+untruth. Besides, of what use would it be to me, who have not the least
+hopes of pardon, to persist in a lie, merely for the sake of deceiving
+others, who may take my miserable death as a piece of news, and at the
+same time cheat myself in what is my last and greatest concern? I beg,
+therefore, to be troubled no more on this head, but to be left to make
+my peace with God for those sins which I have really committed, without
+being pressed to offend Him yet more, by taking upon me that which I
+really know nothing of._
+
+The Ordinary of Newgate hereupon went into the hold to examine Bird, who
+lay there in a sick and lamentable condition. He confirmed all that Hamp
+had said, declared he never saw him in his life before the night in
+which they were taken up, acknowledged himself to be a great sinner, and
+an old offender, that he had been often taken up before for thefts; but
+as to the present case, he peremptorily insisted on his innocence, and
+that he knew nothing of it.
+
+At the place of execution, Hamp appeared very composed and with a
+cheerfulness that is seldom seen in the countenances of persons when
+they come to the tree, and are on the very verge of death. He spoke for
+a few moments to the people saying that he been a grievous sinner, much
+addicted to women, and much more to drinking; that for these crimes, he
+thought the Justice of God righteous in bringing him to a shameful
+death; but as to assaulting the woman in Rag Fair, he again protested
+his innocence, and declared he never committed any robbery whatsoever,
+desired the prayers of the people in his last moments, and then applied
+himself to some short private devotions. He resigned himself with much
+calmness to his fate, on Wednesday, the 22nd of December, 1725, at
+Tyburn, being then in the twenty-fifth year of his age. Bird confirmed,
+as well as the craziness of his distempered head would give him leave,
+the truth of what Hamp had said.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [72] This was in Rosemary Lane, Wellclose Square,
+        Whitechapel--"a place near the Tower of London where old clothes
+        and frippery are sold"--according to Pope.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of JOHN AUSTIN, a Footpad, JOHN FOSTER, a Housebreaker, and
+RICHARD SCURRIER, a Shoplifter
+
+
+Amongst the number of those extraordinary events which may be remarked
+in the course of these melancholy memoirs of those who have fallen
+martyrs to sin, and victims to justice, there is scarce anything more
+remarkable than the finding a man who hath led an honest and reputable
+life, till he hath attained the summit of life, and then, without
+abandoning himself to any notorious vices that may be supposed to lead
+him into rapine and stealth in order to support him, to take himself on
+a sudden to robbing on the highway, and to finish a painful and
+industrious life by a violent and shameful death. Yet this is exactly
+the case before us.
+
+The criminal of whom we are first to speak, viz., John Austin, was the
+son of very honest people, having not only been bred up in good
+principles, but seeming also to retain them. He was put out young to a
+gardener, in which employment being brought up, he became afterwards a
+master for himself, and lived, as all his neighbours report it, with as
+fair character as any man thereabout. On a sudden he was taken up for
+assaulting and knocking down a man in Stepney Fields, with a short,
+round, heavy club, and taking from him his coat, in the beginning of
+November, 1725, about seven o'clock in the morning. The evidence being
+very clear and direct, the jury, notwithstanding the persons he called
+to his character, found him guilty. He received sentence of death
+accordingly, and after a report had been made to his Majesty he was
+ordered for execution.
+
+During the space he lay under conviction, he at first denied, then
+endeavoured to extenuate his crime, by saying he did indeed knock the
+man down, but that the man struck him first with an iron rod he had in
+his hand; and in this story for some time he firmly persisted. But when
+death made a nearer approach he acknowledged the falsity of these
+pretences, and owned the robbery in the manner in which he had been
+charged therewith. Being asked how a man in his circumstances, being
+under no necessities, but on the contrary, in a way very likely to do
+well, came to be guilty of so unaccountable an act as the knocking down
+a poor man and taking away his coat, he said that though he was in a
+fair way of living, and had a very careful and industrious wife, yet for
+some time past, he had been disturbed in his mind, and that the morning
+he committed the robbery he took the club out of his own house, being an
+instrument made use of by his wife in the trade of a silk-throwster, and
+from a sudden impulse of mind attacked the man in the manner which had
+been sworn against him.
+
+He appeared to be a person of no vicious principles, had been guilty of
+very few enormous crimes, except drinking to excess sometimes, and that
+but seldom. The sin which most troubled him was (his ordinary practice)
+as a gardener, in spending the Lord's day mostly in hard work, viz., in
+packing up things for Monday's market. He was very penitent for the
+offence which he had committed; he attended the service of chapel daily,
+prayed constantly and fervently in the place of his confinement, and
+suffered death with much serenity and resolution; averring with his last
+breath, that it was the first and last act which he had ever committed,
+being at the time of death about thirty-seven years old.
+
+The second of these malefactors, John Foster, was the son of a very poor
+man, who yet did his utmost to give his son all the education that was
+in his power; and finding he was resolved to do nothing else, sent him
+with a very honest gentleman to sea. He continued there about seven
+years, and as he met with no remarkable accidents in the voyages he made
+himself, my readers may perhaps not be displeased if I mention a very
+singular one which befell his master. His ship having the misfortune to
+fall into the hands of the French, they plundered it of everything that
+was in the least degree valuable, and then left him, with thirty-five
+men, to the mercy of the waves. In this distressed condition, he with
+much difficulty made the shore of Newfoundland, and had nothing to
+subsist on but biscuit and a little water. Knowing it was no purpose to
+ask those who were settled there for provisions without money or
+effects, he landed himself and eighteen men, and carried off a dozen
+sheep and eight pigs. They were scarce returned on board, before it
+sprung up a brisk gale, which driving them from their anchors, obliged
+them to be put to sea. It blew hard all that day and the next night; the
+morning following the wind abated and they discovered a little vessel
+before them which, by crowding all the sails she was able, endeavoured
+to bear away. The captain thereupon gave her chase, and coming at last
+up with her, perceived she was French, upon which he gave her a
+broadside, and the master knowing it was impossible to defend her,
+immediately struck. They found in her a large quantity of provisions and
+in the master's cabin a bag with seven hundred pistoles. No sooner had
+the English taken out the booty, but they gave the captain and his crew
+liberty to sail where they pleased, leaving them sufficient provisions
+for a subsistance, themselves standing in again for Newfoundland, where
+the captain paid the person who was owner of the sheep and hogs he had
+taken as much as he demanded, making him also a handsome present
+besides; thereby giving Foster a remarkable example of integrity and
+justice, if he had had grace enough to have followed it.
+
+When the ship came home, and its crew were paid off, Foster betook
+himself to loose company, loved drinking and idling about, especially
+with ill women. At last he was drawn in by some of his companions to
+assist in breaking open the house of Captain Tolson, and stealing thence
+linen and other things to a very great value. For this offence being
+apprehended, some promises were made him in case of discoveries, which,
+as he said, he made accordingly, and therefore thought it a great
+hardship that they were not performed. But the gentleman, whoever he
+was, that made him those promises, took no further notice of him, so
+that Foster being tried thereupon, the evidence was very dear against
+him, and the jury, after a very short consideration, found him guilty.
+
+Under sentence he behaved with very great sorrow for his offence; he
+wept whenever any exhortations were made to him, confessed himself one
+of the greatest of sinners, and with many heavy expressions of grief,
+seemed to doubt whether even from the mercy of God he could expect
+forgiveness. Those whose duty it was to instruct him how to prepare
+himself for death, did all they could to convince him that the greatest
+danger of not being forgiven arose from such doubtings, and persuaded
+him to allay the fears of death by a settled faith and hope in Jesus
+Christ. When he had a while reflected on the promises made in Scripture
+on the nature of repentance itself, and the relation there is between
+creatures and their Creator, he became at last better satisfied, and
+bore the approach of death with tolerable cheerfulness.
+
+When the day of execution came, he received the Sacrament, as is usual
+for persons in his condition. He declared, then, that he heartily
+forgave him who had injured him, and particularly the person who, by
+giving him hopes of life, had endangered his eternal safety. He
+submitted cheerfully to the decrees of Providence and the Law of the
+land; being at the time he suffered about thirty-seven years of age.
+
+Richard Scurrier was the son of a blacksmith of the same name, at
+Kingston-upon-Thames. He followed for a time his father's business, but
+growing totally weary of working honestly for his bread, he left his
+relations, and without any just motive or expectation came up to London.
+He here betook himself to driving a hackney-coach, which, as he himself
+acknowledged, was the first inlet into all his misfortunes, for thereby
+he got into loose and extravagant company, living in a continued series
+of vice, unenlightened by the grace of God, or any intervals of a
+virtuous practice.
+
+Such a road of wickedness soon induced him to take illegal methods for
+money to support it. The papers which I have in my hands concerning him,
+do not say whether the fact he committed was done at the persuasion of
+others, or merely out of his own wicked inclinations; nay, I cannot be
+so much as positive whether he had any associates or no; but in the
+beginning of his thievish practices, he committed _petit_ larceny, which
+was immediately discovered. He thereupon was apprehended and committed
+to Newgate. At the next sessions he was tried, and the fact being plain,
+he was convicted; but being very young, the Court, through its usual
+tenderness, determined to soften his punishment into a private
+whipping. But before that was done, he joined with some other desperate
+fellows, forced the outward door of the prison as the keeper was going
+in and escaped.
+
+He was no sooner at liberty but he fell to his old trade, and was just
+as unlucky as he was before; for taking it into his head to rub off with
+a firkin of butter, which he saw standing in a cheesemonger's shop, he
+was again taken in the fact, and in the space of a few weeks recommitted
+to his old lodging. At first he apprehended the crime to be so trivial
+that he was not in the least afraid of death, and therefore his
+amazement was the greater when he was capitally convicted. During the
+first day after sentence had been pronounced, the extremity of grief and
+fear made him behave like one distracted; as he came a little to
+himself, and was instructed by those who charitably visited him, he
+owned the justice of his sentence, which had been passed upon him, and
+the notorious wickedness of his misspent life. He behaved with great
+decency at chapel, and as well as a mean capacity and a small education
+would give him leave, prayed in the place of his confinement.
+
+As there is little remarkable in this malefactor's life, permit me to
+add an observation or two concerning the nature of crimes punished with
+death in England, and the reasonableness of any project which would
+answer the same end as death, viz., securing the public from any of
+their future rapines, without sending the poor wretches to the gallows,
+and pushing them headlong into the other world for every little offence.
+The galleys in other nations serve for this purpose and the punishment
+seems very well suited to the crime; for his life is preserved, and he,
+notwithstanding, effectually deprived of all means of doing further
+mischief. We have no galleys, it is true, in the service of the crown of
+Britain, but there are many other laborious works to which they might be
+put so as to be useful to their country. As to transportation, though it
+may at first sight seem intended for their purpose, yet if we look into
+it with ever so little attention, we shall see that it does not at all
+answer the end; for we find by experience that in a year's time, many of
+them are here again, and are ten times more dangerous rogues than they
+were before; and in the plantations they generally behave themselves so
+ill that many of them have refused to receive them, and have even laid
+penalties on the captains who shall land them within the bounds of their
+jurisdiction. It were certainly therefore, more advantageous to the
+public that they worked hard here, than either forced upon the planters
+abroad, or left in a capacity to return to their villainies at home,
+where the punishment being capital, serves only to make them less
+merciful and more resolute. This I propose only, and pretend not to
+dictate.
+
+But it is now time we return to the last mentioned criminal, Richard
+Scurrier, and inform ye that at the time he suffered, he was scarce
+eighteen years of age, dying with the malefactors Hamp, Bird, Austin and
+Foster, before-mentioned, on the 22nd of December, 1725, at Tyburn.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of FRANCIS BAILEY, a notorious Highwayman
+
+
+That bad company and an habitual course of indulging vicious
+inclinations, though of a nature not punishable by human laws, should at
+last lead men to the commission of such crimes as from the injury done
+to society require capital sufferings to be inflicted, is a thing we so
+often meet with, that its frequency alone is sufficient to instruct men
+of the danger there is in becoming acquainted, much more of conversing
+familiarly, with wicked and debauched persons.
+
+This criminal, Francis Bailey, was one of the number of those examples
+from whence this observation arises. He was born of parents of the
+lowest degree, in Worcestershire, who were either incapable of giving
+him any education, or took so little care about it that at the time he
+went out into the world he could neither read or write. However, they
+bound him apprentice to a baker, and his master took so much care of him
+that he was in a fair way of doing well if he would have been
+industrious; but instead of that he quitted his employment to fall into
+that sink of vice and laziness, the entering into a regiment as a common
+soldier. However, it were, he behaved himself in this state so well that
+he became a corporal and serjeant, which last, though a preferment of
+small value, is seldom given to persons of no education. But it seems
+Bailey had address enough to get that passed by, and lived with a good
+reputation in the army near twenty years. During this space, with
+whatever cover of honesty he appeared abroad, yet he failed not to make
+up whatever deficiencies the irregular course of life might occasion, by
+robbing upon the highway, though he had the good luck never to be
+apprehended, or indeed suspected till the fact which brought him to his
+end.
+
+His first attempt in this kind happened thus. The regiment in which he
+served was quartered at a great road town; Bailey having no employment
+for the greatest part of his time, and being incapable of diverting
+himself by reading or innocent conversation, knew not therefore how to
+employ his hours. It happened one evening, that among his idle
+companions there was one who had been formerly intimate with a famous
+highwayman. This fellow entertained the company with the relation of
+abundance of adventures which had befallen the robber on the road, till
+he had saved about seven hundred pounds, wherewith he retired (as this
+man said) to Jamaica, and lived there in great splendour, having set up
+a tavern, and by his facetious conversation, acquired more custom
+thereto than any other public house had in the Island.
+
+As Bailey listened with great attention to this story, so it ran in his
+head that night that this was the easiest method of obtaining money, and
+that with prudence there was no great danger of being detected. Money at
+that time ran low, and he resolved the next day to make the experiment.
+Accordingly he procured a horse and arms in the evening and at dusk
+sallied out, with an intent of stopping the first passenger he should
+meet. A country clergyman happened to be the man. No sooner had Bailey
+approached him with the usual salutation of _Stand and Deliver_, but
+putting his hand in his pocket, and taking out some silver, he, in a
+great fright, and as it were trembling, put it into Bailey's hat, who
+thereupon carelessly let go the reins of his horse, and went to put the
+money up in his own pocket. The parson upon seeing that, clapped spurs
+to his horse, and thrust his right elbow with all his force under
+Bailey's left breast, and gave him such a blow as made him tumble
+backwards off his horse, the parson riding off as hard as he could with
+a good watch and near forty pounds in gold in his purse.
+
+So ill a setting out might have marred a highwayman of less courage than
+him of whom we are speaking; but Frank was not to be frightened either
+from danger or wickedness, when he once got it into his head. So that as
+soon as he came a little to himself, and had caught his horse, he
+resolved, by looking more carefully after the next prize, to make up
+what he fancied he had lost by the parson. With this intent he rode on
+about a mile, when he met with a waggon, in which were three or four
+young wenches, who had been at service in London and were going to
+several places in the country to see their relations. Bailey,
+notwithstanding there were three men belonging to the waggon, stopped
+it, and rifled it of seven pounds, and then very contentedly retired to
+his quarters.
+
+Flushed with this success, he never wanted money but he took this method
+of supplying himself, managing, after the affair of the parson, with so
+much caution that though he robbed on the greatest road, he was never
+so much as once in danger of a pursuit. Perhaps he owed his security to
+the newer taking any partner in the commission of his villainies to
+which he was once inclined, though diverted from it by an accident which
+to a less obstinate person might have proved a sufficient warning to
+have quitted such exploits for good and all.
+
+Bailey being one day at an alehouse, not far from Moorfields, fell into
+the conversation of an Irishman, of a very gay alert temper perfectly
+suited to the humour of our knight of the road. They talked together
+with mutual satisfaction for about two hours, and then the Stranger
+whispered Bailey that if he would step to such a tavern, he would give
+part of a bottle and fowl. Thither, accordingly, he walked; his
+companion came in soon after; to supper they went and parted about
+twelve in high good humour, appointing to meet the next evening but one.
+Bailey, the day after, was upon the Barnet Road, following his usual
+occupation, when looking by chance over the hedge, he perceived the
+person he parted with the night before, slop a chariot with two ladies
+in it, and as soon as he had robbed them, ride down a cross lane.
+Bailey, hereupon, after taking nine guineas from a nobleman's steward,
+whom he met about a quarter of an hour after, returned to his lodgings
+at a little blind brandy-shop in Piccadilly, resolving the next day to
+make a proposal to his new acquaintance of joining their forces. With
+this view he staid at home all day, and went very punctually in the
+evening to the place of their appointment; but to his great
+mortification the other never came, and Bailey, after waiting some
+hours, went away.
+
+As he was going home, he happened to step into an alehouse in Fore
+Street, where recollecting that the house in which he had first seen
+this person, was not far off, it came into his head that if he went
+thither, he might possibly hear some news of him. Accordingly he goes to
+the place, where he had hardly called for a mug of drink and a pipe of
+tobacco, but the woman saluted him with, _O lack, sir! Don't you
+remember a gentleman in red you spoke to here the other day? Yes_,
+replied Bailey, _does he live hereabouts? I don't know, says the woman,
+where he lives, but he was brought to a surgeon's hard by, about three
+hours ago, terribly wounded. My husband is just going to see him._
+
+Though Bailey could not but perceive that there might be danger in his
+going thither, yet his curiosity was so strong that he could not
+forbear. As soon as he entered the room the wounded man, who was just
+dressed, beckoned to him, and desired to speak with him. He went near
+enough not to have anything overheard, when the man in a low voice, told
+him that he was mortally wounded in riding off after robbing a
+gentleman's coach, and advised him to be cautious of himself, _For_,
+says the dying man, _I knew you to be a brother of the road as soon as I
+saw you; and if ever you trust any man with that secret, you may even
+prepare yourself for the hands of justice._ In half an hour he fell into
+fainting fits, and then became speechless, and died in the evening, to
+the no little concern of his new acquaintance Bailey.
+
+Some months after this, Frank was apprehended for breaking open a house
+in Piccadilly and stealing pewter, table-linen, and other household
+stuff to a very considerable value. He was convicted at the ensuing
+sessions at the Old Bailey for this crime, upon the oath of a woman who
+had no very good character; though he acknowledged abundance of crimes
+of which there was no proof against him, yet he absolutely denied that
+for which he was condemned, and persisted in that denial to his death,
+notwithstanding that the Ordinary and other ministers represented to him
+how great a folly, as well as sin, it was for him to go out of the world
+with a lie in his mouth. He said, indeed, he had been guilty of a
+multitude of heinous sins and offences for which God did with great
+justice bring him unto that ignominious end. Yet he persisted in his
+declaration of innocence as to housebreaking, in which he affirmed he
+had never been at all concerned; and with the strongest asservations to
+this purpose, he suffered death at Tyburn, the fourteenth of March,
+1725, being then about thirty-nine years old, in company with Jones,
+Barton, Gates and Swift, of whose behaviour under sentence we shall have
+occasion to speak by and by.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN BARTON, a Robber, Highwayman and Housebreaker
+
+
+Education is often thought a trouble by persons in their junior years,
+who heartily repent of their neglect of it in the more advanced seasons
+of their lives. This person, John Barton, who is to be the subject of
+our discourse, was born at London, of parents capable enough of
+affording him tolerable education, which they were also willing to
+bestow upon him, if he had been just enough to have applied himself
+while at school. But he, instead of that, raked about with boys of his
+own age, without the least consideration of the expense his parents were
+at, idled away his time, and forgot what little he learned almost as
+soon as he had acquired it.
+
+It is a long time before parents perceive that in their children which
+is evident to everyone else; however, Barton's father soon saw no good
+was to be done with him at school; upon which he took him away, and
+placed him apprentice with a butcher. There he continued for some time,
+behaving to the well-liking of his master; yet even then he was so much
+out of humour with work that he associated himself with some idle young
+fellows who afterwards drew him into those illegal acts which proved
+fatal to his reputation and his life. However, he did make a shift to
+pass through the time of his apprenticeship with a tolerable character,
+and was afterwards, through the kindness of his friends, set up as a
+butcher; in which business he succeeded so well as to acquire money
+enough thereby to have kept his family very well, if he could have been
+contented with the fruits of his honest labour. But his old companions,
+who by this time were become perfectly versed in those felonious arts by
+which money is seemingly so easy to be attained, were continually
+soliciting him to take their method of life, assuring him that there was
+not half so much danger as was generally apprehended, and that if he had
+but resolution enough to behave gallantly, he need not fear any
+adventure whatsoever.
+
+Barton was a fellow rather of too much than too little courage. He
+wanted no encouragements of this sort to egg him to such proceedings;
+the hopes of living idly and in the enjoyment of such lewd pleasures as
+he had addicted himself to, were sufficient to carry him into an affair
+of this sort. He therefore soon yielded to their suggestions, and went
+into such measures as they had before followed, especially
+housebreaking, which was the particular branch of villainy to which he
+had addicted himself. At this he became a very dextrous fellow, and
+thereby much in favour with his wicked associates, amongst whom to be
+impious argues a great spirit, and to be ingenious in mischief is the
+highest character to which persons in their miserable state can ever
+attain.
+
+Amongst the rest of Barton's acquaintance there was one Yorkshire Bob,
+who was reckoned the most adroit housebreaker in town. This fellow one
+day invited Barton to his house, which at that time was not far from Red
+Lion Fields, and proposed to him two or three schemes by which some
+houses in the neighbourhood might be broke open. Barton thought all the
+attempts too hazardous to be made, but Bob, to convince him of the
+possibility with which such things might be done, undertook to rob
+without assistance a widow lady's house of some plate, which stood in
+the butler's room at noon-day.
+
+Accordingly thither he went dressed in the habit of a footman belonging
+to a family which were well acquainted there; the servants conversed
+with him very freely, as my Lady Such-a-one's new man, while he
+entertained them with abundance of merry stories, until dinner was upon
+the table. Then taking advantage of that clutter in which they were, he
+slily lighted a fire-ball at the fire-side, clapped it into a closet on
+the side of the stairs in which the foul clothes were kept, and then
+perceiving the smoke, cried out with the utmost vehemence, _Fire, fire._
+This naturally drew everybody downstairs, and created such a confusion
+that he found little or no difficulty in laying hold of the silver plate
+which he aimed at. He carried it away publicly, while the smoke
+confounded all the spectators, and until the next morning nobody had the
+least suspicion of him; but upon sending to the lady for the plate which
+her new servant carried away the night before, and she denying that she
+had any servant in the house that had not lived with her a twelvemonth,
+they then discovered the cheat, though at a time too late to mend it.
+
+Barton, however, did not like his master's method entirely, choosing
+rather to strike out a new one of his own, which he fancied might as
+little mischief him as that audacious impudence of the other did in his
+several adventures. For which reason, he was very cautious of
+associating with this fellow who was very dextrous in his art, but was
+more ready in undertaking dangerous exploits than any of the crew at
+that time about town. John's way was by a certain nack of shifting the
+shutters, whereby he opened a speedy entrance for himself; and as he
+knew in how great danger his life was from each of these attempts, so he
+never made them but upon shops or houses where so large a booty might be
+expected as might prevent his being under necessity of thieving again in
+a week or two's time. Yet when he had in this manner got money, he was
+so ready to throw it away on women and at play, that in a short space
+his pocket was at as low an ebb as ever. When his cash was quite gone,
+he associated himself sometimes with a crew of footpads, and in that
+method got sufficient plunder to subsist until something offered in his
+own way, to which he would willingly have kept.
+
+At last, hearing of a goldsmith's not far from where he lodged, who had
+a very considerable stock of fine snuff-boxes, gold chains, rings, etc.,
+he fancied he had now an opportunity of getting provision for his
+extravagancies for at least a twelvemonth. The thoughts of this
+encouraged him so far that he immediately went about it, and succeeded
+to his wish, obtaining two gold chains, five gold necklaces, seventy-two
+silver spoons, and a numberless cargo of little things of value.
+
+Yet this did not satisfy him. He ventured a few days afterwards having a
+proper opportunity, on the house and shop of one Mrs. Higgs, from whence
+he took an hundred pair of stockings, and other things to a large value.
+But as is common with such persons, his imprudence betrayed him in the
+disposing of them, and by the diligence of a constable employed for that
+purpose, he was caught and committed to Newgate. At the next sessions he
+was convicted for these facts, and as he had no friends, so it was not
+in any degree probable that he should escape execution; and therefore it
+is highly possible he might be the projector of that resistance which he
+and the rest under sentence with him made in the condemned hold, and
+which we shall give an exact account under the next life.
+
+The peculiar humour of Barton was to appear equally gay and cheerful,
+though in these sad circumstances, as he had ever done in the most
+dissolute part of his foregoing life. In consequence of which foolish
+notion he smiled on a person's telling him his name was included in the
+death-warrant, and at chapel behaved in a manner very unbecoming one who
+was so soon to answer at the Bar of the Almighty for a life led in open
+defiance both of the laws of God and man. Yet that surprise which people
+naturally express at behaviour of such a kind on such an occasion seemed
+in the eyes of this poor wretch so high a testimony in favour of his
+gallantry, that he could not be prevailed on, either by the advice of
+the ministers, or the entreaties of his relations, to abate anything of
+that levity which he put on when he attended at Divine Service. Though
+he saw it disturbed some of his fellow sufferers at first, who were
+inclined to apply themselves strictly to their duties, so fatal is evil
+communication, even in the latest moments of our life, that his
+ludicrous carriage corrupted the rest, and instead of reproving him as
+they had formerly done, they now seemed careful only of imitating his
+example; and in this disposition he continued, even to the last minute
+of his life, which ended at Tyburn, on the 14th of March, 1725, he being
+then hardly twenty-three years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM SWIFT, a Thief, etc.
+
+
+Amongst the multitude of other reasons which ought to incline men to an
+honest life, there is one very strong motive which hitherto has not, I
+think, been touched upon at all, and that is the danger a man runs from
+being known to be of ill-life and fame, of having himself accused from
+his character, only of crimes which he, though guiltless of, in such a
+case might find it difficult to get his innocence either proved or
+credited if any unlucky circumstance should give the least weight to the
+accusation.
+
+The criminal whose life exercises our present care was a fellow of this
+case. He was born of but mean parents, had little or no education, and
+when he grew strong enough to labour, would apply himself to no way of
+getting his bread but by driving a wheelbarrow with fruit about the
+streets. This led him to the knowledge of abundance of wicked,
+disorderly people, whose manners agreeing best with his own, he spent
+most of his time in sotting with them at their haunts, when by bawling
+about the streets, he had got just as much as would suffice to sot with.
+There is no doubt, but that he now and then shared with them in what
+amongst such folks, at least, pass for trivial offences, but that he
+engaged in the great exploits of the road did not appear to any other
+case than that for which he died, viz., taking four table cloths, eight
+napkins, two shirts and other things, from Mary Cassell. The woman swore
+positively to him upon his trial, and his course of life being such as I
+have represented it, nobody appeared to his reputation so as to bring
+the thing in to the least suspense with the jury; whereupon he was
+convicted and received sentence of death.
+
+The concern Swift was under when he found not the least hopes of life
+remaining, he having no friends who were capable (had they been willing)
+to have solicited a pardon or reprieve, shocked him so much that he
+scarce appeared to have his senses; however, he persisted obstinately in
+denying that he had the least hand in the robbery which was sworn
+against him. And as he made no scruple of acknowledging a multitude of
+other crimes, his denial of this gained some belief, more especially
+when Barton confessed that himself with two or three others were the
+persons who committed the robbery on the woman who swore against this
+criminal. It must be acknowledged that there was no appearance of any
+sinister motive, at least in Barton, to take upon himself a crime of
+which otherwise he would never have been accused; and the behaviour of
+Swift was at first of such a nature that it is not easy to conceive why,
+when all hopes of safety were lost, and he was full of acknowledgment as
+to the justice of his sentence for the many other evil deeds he had
+done, he should yet obdurately persist in denying this, if there had
+been no truth at all in his allegations.
+
+As this fellow had neither natural courage, nor had acquired any
+religious principles from his education, there is no wonder to be made
+that he behaved himself so poorly in the last moments of his life; in
+which terror, confusion, and self-condemnation wrought so strongly as to
+make the ignominy of the halter the least dreadful part of his
+execution.
+
+[Illustration: A CONDEMNED MAN DRAWN ON A SLEDGE TO TYBURN
+
+(_From the Newgate Calendar_)]
+
+The day on which the three last-mentioned persons, together with Yates
+or Gates, _alias_ Vulcan, a deer-stealer, and Benjamin Jones (for house
+breaking) were to have been executed, these miserable persons framed to
+themselves the most absurd project of preserving their lives that could
+possibly have entered into the heads of men; for getting, by some means
+or other, an iron crow into the hold, they therewith dug out a
+prodigious quantity of rubbish and some stones, which it is hardly
+credible could have been removed with so small assistance as they had.
+With these they blocked up the door of the condemned hold so effectually
+that there was no possibility of getting it open by any force whatsoever
+on the outside. The keepers endeavoured to make them sensible of the
+folly of their undertaking, in hopes they would thereby be induced to
+prevent any firing upon them; which was all that those who had the
+custody of them were now capable of doing, to bring them to submission.
+The Ordinary also joined in dissuading them from thus misspending the
+last moments of their lives, which were through the mercy of the Law
+extended to them for a better purpose. But they were inexorable, and as
+they knew their surrender would bring them immediately to a shameful
+death, so they declared positively they were determined to kill or to be
+killed in the position in which they were.
+
+Sir Jeremiah Murden, one of the sheriffs for the time being, was so good
+as to go down upon this occasion to Newgate. The keepers had opened a
+sort of trap-door in the room over the hold, and from thence discharged
+several pistols loaded with small shot, but to no purpose, the criminals
+retiring to the farther end of the room, continuing there safe and out
+of reach; though Barton and Yates received each of them a slight wound
+in crowding backwards. Sir Jeremy went himself to this place, and talked
+to them for a considerable space, and one of the fellows insisting to
+see his gold chain, that they might be sure they were treating with the
+sheriffs themselves, his condescension was so great as to put down part
+of it through the hole, upon which they consulted together, and at last
+agreed to surrender. Whereupon they began immediately to remove the
+stones, and as soon as the door was at liberty, one of the keepers
+entered. Just as he was within it, Barton snapped a steel tobacco-box in
+his face, the noise of which resembling a pistol, made him start back,
+upon which Barton said, _D----n you, you was afraid._
+
+When they were brought out, Sir Jeremy ordered the Ordinary to be sent
+for, and prayers to be said in the chapel, where he attended himself.
+But whether the hurry of this affair, or that stench which is natural to
+so filthy a place as the condemned hold, affected the sheriff's
+constitution, is hard to say, but upon his return home, he was seized
+with a violent fever, which in a very short space took away his life.
+
+But to return to Swift. When they came to Tyburn, and the minister had
+performed his last office towards them, this criminal made a shift in a
+faint tone to cry out, _Good People, I die as innocent of the crime for
+which I suffer, as the child unborn_; which Barton, with a loud voice,
+confirmed saying, _I am the man who robbed the person for which this man
+dies; he was not concerned with me, but one Capell and another were
+companions with me therein._ Swift, at the time of his execution, was
+about twenty-seven years of age, or a little over.
+
+
+
+
+The lives of EDWARD BURNWORTH, _alias_ FRAZIER, WILLIAM BLEWIT, THOMAS
+BERRY, EMANUEL DICKENSON, WILLIAM MARJORAM, JOHN HIGGS, etc., Robbers,
+Footpads, Housebreakers and Murderers
+
+
+As society intends the preservation of every man's person and property
+from the injuries which might be offered unto him from others, so those
+who in contempt of its laws go on to injure the one, and either by force
+or fraud to take away the other are, in the greatest proprieties of
+speech, enemies of mankind; and as such are reasonably rooted out, and
+destroyed by every government under heaven. In some parts of Europe,
+certain outlaws, _Banditti_, or whatever other appellation you'll please
+to bestow on them, have endeavoured to preserve themselves by force from
+the punishments which should have been executed upon them by justice,
+and finding mankind, from a spirit of self preservation, were become
+their enemies, they exerted themselves the utmost they were capable of
+in order to render their bodies so formidable as still to carry on their
+ravages with impunity, and in open defiance of the laws made against
+them. But an attempt of this sort was scarce ever heard of in Britain,
+even in the most early times, when, as in all other governments the
+hands of the Law wanted strength most; so that from the days of Robin
+Hood and Little John to those of the criminals of whom we are now
+writing, there was never any scheme formed for an open resistance of
+Justice, and carrying on a direct war against the lives and properties
+of mankind.
+
+Edward Burnworth, _alias_ Frazier, was the extraordinary person who
+framed this project for bringing rapine into method, and bounding even
+the practice of licentiousness with some kind of order. It may seem
+reasonable therefore, to begin his life preferable to the rest, and in
+so doing we must inform our readers that his father was by trade a
+painter, though so low in his circumstances as to be able to afford his
+son but a very mean education. However, he gave him as much as would
+have been sufficient for him in that trade to which he bound him
+apprentice, viz., to a buckle-maker in Grub Street, where for some time
+Edward lived honestly and much in favour with his master. But his father
+dying and his unhappy mother being reduced thereby into very narrow
+circumstances, restraint grew uneasy to him, and the weight of a
+parent's authority being now lost with him, he began to associate
+himself with those loose incorrigible vagrants, who frequent the ring at
+Moorfields, and from idleness and debauchery, go on in a very swift
+progression to robbery and picking of pockets.
+
+Edward was a young fellow, active in his person and enterprising in his
+genius; he soon distinguished himself in cudgel playing, and such other
+Moorfields exercises as qualify a man first for the road and then for
+the gallows. The mob who frequented this place, where one Frazier kept
+the ring, were so highly pleased with Burnworth's performances that they
+thought nothing could express their applause so much as conferring on
+him the title of Young Frazier. This agreeing with the ferocity of his
+disposition, made him so vain thereof, that, quitting his own name, he
+chose to go by this, and accordingly was so called by all his
+companions.
+
+Burnworth's grand associates were these, William Blewit, Emanuel
+Dickenson, Thomas Berry, John Levee, William Marjoram, John Higgs, John
+Wilson, John Mason, Thomas Mekins, William Gillingham, John Barton,
+William Swift, and some others that it is not material here to mention.
+At first he and his associates contented themselves with picking
+pockets, and such other exercises in the lowest class of thieving, in
+which however they went on very assiduously for a considerable space,
+and did more mischief that way than any gang which had been before them
+for twenty years. They rose afterwards to exploits of a more hazardous
+nature, viz., snatching women's pockets, swords, hats, etc.
+
+The usual places for their carrying on such infamous practices were
+about the Royal Exchange, Cheapside, St. Paul's Churchyard, Fleet
+Street, the Strand and Charing Cross. Here they stuck a good while, nor
+is it probable they would ever have risen higher if Burnworth, their
+captain, had not been detected in an affair of this kind, and committed
+thereupon to Bridewell, from whence, on some apprehension of the
+keepers, he was removed to New Prison, where he had not continued long
+before he projected an escape, which he afterwards put into execution.
+
+During this imprisonment, instead of reflecting on the sorrows which his
+evil course of life had brought upon him, he meditated only how to
+engage his companions in attempts of a higher nature than they had
+hitherto been concerned in; and remembering how large a circle he had of
+wicked associates, he began to entertain notions of putting them in such
+a posture as might prevent their falling easily into the hands of
+justice, which many of them within a month or two last past had
+done--though as they were sent thither on trivial offences, they quickly
+got discharged again.
+
+Full of such projects, and having once more regained his freedom, he
+took much pains to find out Barton, Marjoram, Berry, Blewit and
+Dickenson, in whose company he remained continually, never venturing
+abroad in the day-time unless with his associates in the fields, where
+they walked with strange boldness, considering warrants were out against
+the greatest part of the gang. In the night time Burnworth strolled
+about in such little bawdy-houses as he had formerly frequented, and
+where he yet fancied he might be safe.
+
+One evening having wandered from the rest, he was so bold as to go to a
+house in the Old Bailey, where he heard the servants and successors of
+the famous Jonathan Wild were in close pursuit of him, and that one of
+them was in the inner room by himself. Burnworth loaded his pistol under
+the table, and having primed it, goes with it ready cocked into the room
+where Jonathan's foreman was, with a quartern of brandy and a glass
+before him. _Hark ye_, says Edward, _you fellow, who have served your
+time to a thief-taker; what business might you have with me or my
+company? Do you think to gain a hundred or two by swearing our lives
+away? If you do you are much mistaken; but that I may be some judge of
+your talent that way, I must hear you curse a little, on a very
+particular occasion._ Upon which, filling a large glass of brandy, and
+putting a little gunpowder into it, he clapped it into the fellow's
+hands, and then presenting his pistol to his breast, obliged him to wish
+most horrid mischiefs upon himself, if ever he attempted to follow him
+or his companions any more. No sooner had he done this, but Frazier
+knocking him down, quitted the room, and went to acquaint his companions
+with his notable adventure, which, as it undoubtedly frightened the new
+thief-taker, so it highly exalted his reputation for undaunted bravery
+amongst the rest of the gang, a thing not only agreeable to Burnworth's
+vanity, but useful also to his design, which was to advance himself to a
+sort of absolute authority amongst them from whence he might be capable
+of making them subservient to him in such enterprises as he designed.
+His associates were not cunning enough to penetrate his views, but
+without knowing it suffered them to take effect; so that instead of
+robbing as they used to do (as accident directed them, or they received
+intelligence of any booty) they now submitted themselves to his
+guidance, and did nothing but as he directed or commanded them.
+
+The morning before the murder of Thomas Ball, Burnworth, and Barton,
+whom we have before mentioned, pitched upon the house of an old Justice
+of the Peace of Clerkenwell, to whom they had a particular pique for
+having formerly committed Burnworth, and proposed it to their companions
+to break it open that night, or rather the next morning (for it was
+about one of the clock). They put their design in execution and executed
+it successfully, carrying off some things of real value, and a
+considerable parcel of what they took to be silver plate. With this they
+went into the fields above Islington, and from thence to Copenhagen
+House, where they spent the greatest part of the day. On parting the
+booty Burnworth perceived what they had taken for silver was nothing
+more than a gilt metal, at which he in a rage would have thrown it away;
+Barton opposed it, and said they should be able to sell it for
+something, to which Burnworth replied that it was good for nothing but
+to discover them, and therefore it should not be preserved at any rate.
+Upon this they differed, and while they were debating, came Blewit,
+Berry, Dickenson, Higgs, Wilson, Levee, and Marjoram, who joined the
+company. Burnworth and Barton agreed to toss up at whose disposal the
+silver ware should be, they did so, and it fell to Burnworth to dispose
+of it as he thought fit, upon which he carried it immediately to the New
+River side, and threw it in there, adding that he was sorry he had not
+the old Justice himself there, to share the same fate, being really as
+much out of humour at the thing as if the Justice had imposed upon them
+in a fair sale of the commodity, so easy a thing is it for men to impose
+upon themselves.
+
+As it happened they were all present pretty full of money, and so under
+no necessity of going upon any enterprise directly, wherefore they
+loitered up and down the fields until towards evening, when they thought
+they might venture unto town, and pass the time in their usual pleasures
+of drinking, gaming, and whoring. While they were thus (as the French
+say) murdering of time, a comrade of theirs came up puffing and blowing
+as if ready to break his heart. As soon as he reached them, _Lads_,
+says he, _beware of one thing; the constables have been all about Chick
+Lane in search of folk of our profession, and if ye venture to the house
+where we were to have met to-night, 'tis ten to one but we are all
+taken._
+
+This intelligence occasioned a deep consultation amongst them, what
+method they had best take, in order to avoid the danger which threatened
+them so nearly. Burnworth took this occasion to exhort them to keep
+together, telling them that as they were armed with three or four
+pistols apiece, and short daggers under their clothes, a small force
+would not venture to attack them. This was approved by all the rest, and
+when they had passed the afternoon in this manner, and had made a solemn
+oath to stand by one another in case of danger, they resolved, as night
+grew on, to draw towards town, Barton having at the beginning of these
+consultations, quitted them and gone home.
+
+As they came through Turnmill Street, they accidentally met the keeper
+of New Prison, from whom Burnworth had escaped about six weeks before.
+He desired Edward to step across the way with him, adding that he saw he
+had no arms, and that he did not intend to do him any prejudice.
+Burnworth replied that he was no way in fear of him, nor apprehensive of
+any injury he was able to do him, and so concealing a pistol in his
+hand, he stepped over to him, his companions waiting for him in the
+street. But the neighbours having some suspicion of them, and of the
+methods they followed to get money, began to gather about them; upon
+which they called to their companion to come away, which he, after
+making a low bow to the captain of New Prison, did. Finding the people
+increase they thought it their most advisable method to retire back in a
+body into the fields. This they did keeping very close together; and in
+order to deter the people from making any attempts, turned several times
+and presented their pistols in their faces, swearing they would murder
+the first man who came near enough for them to touch him. And the people
+being terrified to see such a gang of obdurate villains, dispersed as
+they drew near the fields, and left them at liberty to go whither they
+would.
+
+As soon as they had dispersed their pursuers, they entered into a fresh
+consultation as to what manner they would dispose of themselves.
+Burnworth heard what every one proposed, and said at last, that he
+thought the best thing they could do was to enter with as much privacy
+as they could, the other quarter of the town, and so go directly to the
+waterside. They approved his proposal, and accordingly getting down to
+Blackfriars, crossed directly into Southwark; and retired at last into
+St. George's Fields, where their last counsel was held to settle the
+operation of the night. There Burnworth exerted himself in his proper
+colours, informing them that there was no less danger of their being
+apprehended there, than about Chick Lane; for that one Thomas Ball (who
+kept a gin-shop in the Mint, and who was very well acquainted with most
+of their persons) had taken it into his head to venture upon Jonathan
+Wild's employment, and was for all that purpose indefatigable in
+searching out all their haunts, that he might get a good penny to
+himself apprehending them. He added that but a few nights ago, he
+narrowly missed being caught by him, being obliged to clap a pistol to
+his face, and threatened to shoot him dead if he offered to lay his
+hands on him. _Therefore_, continued Burnworth, _the surest way for us
+to procure safety, is to go to this rogue's house, and shoot him dead
+upon the spot. His death will not only secure us from all fears of his
+treachery, but it will likewise so terrify others that nobody will take
+up the trade of thief-catching in haste; and if it were not for such
+people who are acquainted with us and our houses of resort there would
+hardly one of our profession in a hundred see the inside of Newgate._
+
+Burnworth had scarce made an end of his bloody proposal, before they all
+testified their assent to it with great alacrity, Higgs only excepted;
+who seeming to disapprove thereof, it put the rest into such a passion
+that they upbraided him in the most opprobious terms with being a coward
+and a scoundrel, unworthy of being any longer the companion of such
+brave fellows as themselves. When Frazier had sworn them all to stick
+fast by one another, he put himself at their head, and away they went
+directly to put their designed assassination into execution. Higgs
+retreated under favour of the night, being apprehensive of himself when
+their hands were in, since he, not being quite so wicked as the rest,
+might share the fate of Ball upon the first dislike to him that took
+them.
+
+As for Burnworth and his party, when they came to Ball's house and
+enquired of his wife for him, they were informed that he was gone to the
+next door, a public house, and that she would step and call him, and
+went accordingly. Burnworth immediately followed her and meeting Ball at
+the door, took him fast by the collar, and dragged him into his own
+house, and began to expostulate with him as to the reason why he had
+attempted to take him, and how ungenerous it was for him to seek to
+betray his old friends and acquaintances. Ball, apprehending their
+mischievous intentions, addressed himself to Blewit, and begged of him
+to be an intercessor for him, and that they would not murder him; but
+Burnworth with an oath replied, he would put it out of the power of Ball
+ever to do him any further injury, that he should never get a penny by
+betraying him, and thereupon immediately shot him.
+
+Having thus done, they all went out of doors again, and that the
+neighbourhood might suppose the firing of the pistol to have been done
+without any ill-intention, and only to discharge the same, Blewitt fired
+another in the street over the tops of the houses, saying aloud, they
+were got safe into town and there was no danger of meeting any rogues
+there. Ball attempted to get as far as the door, but in vain, for he
+dropped immediately, and died in a few minutes afterwards.
+
+Having this executed their barbarous design, they went down from Ball's
+house directly towards the Falcon,[73] intending to cross the water back
+again. By the way they accidentally met with Higgs, who was making to
+the waterside likewise. Him they fell upon and rated for a pusilanimous
+cowardly dog (as Burnworth called him) that would desert them in an
+affair of such consequence, and then questioned whether Higgs himself
+would not betray them. Burnworth proposed it to the company to shoot
+their old comrade Higgs, because he had deserted them in their late
+expedition; which it is believed, in the humour Burnworth was then in,
+he would have done, had not Marjoram interposed and pleaded for sparing
+his life. From the Falcon stairs they crossed the water to Trig
+Stairs[74]; and then consulting how to spend the evening, they resolved
+to go to the Boar's Head Tavern, in Smithfield, as not being at a
+distance from the waterside, in case any pursuit should be made after
+them, on account of the murder by them committed. At which place they
+continued until near ten of the clock, when they separated themselves
+into parties for that night, viz., one party towards the Royal Exchange,
+the second to St. Paul's Churchyard, the third to Temple Bar, in pursuit
+of their old trade of diving.
+
+This murder made them more cautious of appearing in public, and Blewit,
+Berry and Dickenson soon after set out for Harwich, and went over in a
+packet boat from thence for Helveot-Sluys. Higgs also being daily in
+fear of a discovery, shipped himself on board the _Monmouth_ man-of-war,
+at Spithead, where he thought himself safe, and began to be a little at
+ease; but Justice quickly overtook him, when he thought himself safest
+from its blow; for his brother who lived in town, having wrote a letter
+to him, and given it to a ship's mate of his to carry to him at
+Spithead, this man accidentally fell into company with one Arthur, a
+watchman belonging to St. Sepulchre's Parish, and pulling the letters by
+chance out of his pocket, the watchman saw the direction, and
+recollected that Higgs was a companion of Frazier's. Upon this he sent
+word to Mr. Delasay, Under-Secretary of State, and being examined as to
+the circumstances of the thing, proper persons were immediately
+dispatched to Spithead, who seized and brought him up in custody.
+Wilson, another of the confederates, withdrew about the same time, and
+had so much cunning as to preserve himself from being heard of for a
+considerable time.
+
+Burnworth, in the meanwhile, with some companions of his, continued to
+carry on their rapacious plunderings in almost all parts of the town;
+and as they kept pretty well united, and were resolute fellows, they did
+a vast deal of mischief, and yet were too strong to be apprehended.
+Amongst the rest of their pranks they were so audacious as to stop the
+Earl of Scarborough, in Piccadilly, but the chairmen having courage
+enough to draw their poles and knock one of the robbers down, the earl
+at the same time coming out of the chair, and putting himself upon his
+defence, after a smart dispute in which Burnworth shot one of the
+chairmen in the shoulder and thereby prevented any pursuit, they raised
+their wounded companion and withdrew in great confusion.
+
+About this time their robberies and villainies having made so much noise
+as to deserve the notice of the Government, a proclamation was published
+for the apprehending Burnworth, Blewit, etc., it being justly supposed
+that none but those who were guilty of these outrages could be the
+persons concerned in the cruel murder of Ball. A gentleman who by
+accident had brought one of these papers, came into the alehouse at
+Whitecross Street, and read it publicly. The discourse of the company
+turning thereupon, and the impossibility of the persons concerned making
+their escape, and the likelihood there was that they would immediately
+impeach one another. Marjoram, one of the gang, was there, though known
+to nobody in the room; weighing the thing with himself, he retired
+immediately from the house into the fields, where loitering about till
+evening came on, he then stole with the utmost caution into Smithfield,
+and going to a constable there, surrendered himself in a way of
+obtaining a pardon, and the reward promised by the proclamation.
+
+That night he was confined in the Wood Street Compter, his Lordship not
+being at leisure to examine him. The next day, as he was going to his
+examination, the noise of his surrender being already spread all over
+the town, many of his companions changed their lodgings and provided for
+their safety; but Barton thought of another method of securing himself
+from Marjoram's impeachment, and therefore planting himself in the way
+as Marjoram was carrying to Goldsmiths' Hall, he popped out upon him at
+once, though the constable had him by the arm, and presenting a pistol
+to him, said, _D----n ye, I'll kill you._ Marjoram, at the sound of his
+voice, ducked his head, and he immediately firing, the ball grazed only
+on his back, without doing him any hurt. The surprise with which all who
+were assisting the constable in the execution of his office were all
+struck upon this occasion gave an opportunity for Barton to retire,
+after his committing such an insult on public justice, as perhaps was
+never heard of. However, Marjoram proceeded to his examination, and made
+a very full discovery of all the transactions in which he had been
+concerned. Levee being taken that night by his directions in White Cross
+Street, and after examination committed to Newgate.
+
+Burnworth was now perfectly deprived of his old associates, yet he went
+on at his old rate, even by himself; for a few nights after, he broke
+open the shop and house of Mr. Beezely, a great distiller near Clare
+Market, and took away from thence notes to a great value, with a
+quantity of plate, which mistaking for white metal he threw away. One
+Benjamin Jones picked it up and was thereupon hanged, being one of the
+number under sentence when the Condemned Hold was shut up, and the
+criminals refused to submit to the keepers. Burnworth was particularly
+described in the proclamation, and three hundred pounds offered to any
+who would apprehend him; yet so audacious was he as to come directly to
+a house in Holborn, where he was known, and laying a loaded pistol down
+on the table, called for a pint of beer, which he drank and paid for,
+defying anybody to touch him, though they knew him to be the person
+mentioned in the proclamation. It would be needless to particularise any
+other bravadoes of his, which were so numerous that it gave no little
+uneasiness to the magistrates, who perceived the evil consequences that
+would show if such things should become frequent; they therefore doubled
+their diligence in endeavouring to apprehend him, yet all their attempts
+were to little purpose, and it is possible he might have gone on much
+longer if he had not betrayed the natural consequence of one rogue's
+trusting another.
+
+It happened at this time, that one Christopher Leonard was in prison for
+some such feats as Burnworth had been guilty of, who lodged at the same
+time with the wife and sister of the fellow. Kit Leonard, knowing in
+what state he himself was, and supposing nothing could so effectually
+recommend to him the mercy and favour of the Government as the procuring
+Frazier to be apprehended, who had so long defied all the measures they
+had taken for that purpose, he accordingly made the proposal by his
+wife to persons in authority. And the project being approved they
+appointed a sufficient force to assist in seizing him, who were placed
+at an adjoining alehouse, where Kate, the wife of Kit Leonard, was to
+give them the signal.
+
+About six of the clock in the evening of Shrove Tuesday, Kate Leonard
+and her sister and Burnworth being all together (it not being late
+enough for him to go out upon his nightly enterprises) Kate Leonard
+proposed they should fry some pancakes for supper, which the other two
+approved of, accordingly her sister set about them. Burnworth took off
+his surtout coat, in the pocket of the lining whereof he had several
+pistols. There was a little back door to the house, which Burnworth
+usually kept upon the latch, in order to make his escape if he should be
+surprised or discovered to be in that house. Unperceived by Burnworth,
+and whilst her sister was frying the pancakes, Kate went to the alehouse
+for a pot of drink, when having given the men who were there waiting for
+him the signal, she returned, and closed the door after her, but
+designedly missed the staple. The door being thus upon the jar only, as
+she gave the drink to Burnworth, the six persons rushed into the room.
+Burnworth hearing the noise and fearing the surprise, jumped up,
+thinking to have made his escape at the back door, not knowing it to be
+bolted; but they were upon him before he could get it open, and holding
+his hands behind him, one of them tied them, whilst another, to
+intimidate him, fired a pistol over his head. Having thus secured him,
+they immediately carried him before a Justice of the Peace, who after a
+long examination committed him to Newgate.
+
+Notwithstanding his confinement in that place, he was still director of
+such of his companions as remained at liberty, and communicating to them
+the suspicions he had of Kate Leonard's betraying him, and the dangers
+there were of her detecting some of the rest, they were easily induced
+to treat her as they had done Ball. One of them fired a pistol at her,
+just as she was entering her own house, but that missing, they made two
+or three other attempts of the same nature, until the Justice of the
+Peace placed a guard thereabouts, in order to secure her from being
+killed, and if possible to seize those who should attempt it, after
+which they heard no more of these sorts of attacks. In Newgate they
+confined Burnworth to the Condemned Hold, and took what other necessary
+precautions they thought proper in order to secure so dangerous a
+person, and who they were well enough aware meditated nothing but how to
+escape.
+
+He was in this condition when the malefactors before-mentioned, viz.,
+Barton, Swift, etc., were under sentence, and it was shrewdly suspected
+that he put them upon that attempt of breaking out, of which we have
+given an account before. There were two things which more immediately
+contributed to the defeating their design; the one was, that though five
+of them were to die the next day, yet four of them were so drunk that
+they were not able to work; the other was that they were so negligent in
+providing candles that two hours after they were locked up they were
+forced to lie-by for want of light.
+
+As we have already related the particulars of this story, we shall not
+take up our reader's time in mentioning them again, but go on with the
+story of Burnworth. Upon suspicion of his being the projector of that
+enterprise the keepers removed him into the Bilbow Room, and there
+loaded him with irons, leaving him by himself to lament the miseries of
+his misspent life in the solitude of his wretched confinement; yet
+nothing could break the wicked stubbornness of his temper, which, as it
+had led him to those practices justly punished with so strait a
+confinement, so it now urged him continually to force his way through
+all opposition, and thereby regain his liberty, in order to practice
+more villainies of the same sort, with those in which he had hitherto
+spent his time.
+
+It is impossible to say how, but by some method or other he had procured
+saws, files, and other instruments for this purpose; with these he first
+released himself from his irons, then broke through the wall of the room
+in which he was lodged, and thereby got into the women's apartment, the
+window of which was fortified with three tier of iron bars. Upon these
+he went immediately to work, and in a little time forced one of them;
+while he was filing the next, one of the women, to ingratiate herself
+with the keepers, gave notice, whereupon they came immediately and
+dragged him back to the Condemned Hold and there stapled him down to the
+ground.
+
+The course of our memoirs leads us now to say something of the rest of
+his companions, who in a very short space came most of them to be
+collected to share that punishment which the Law had so justly appointed
+for their crimes. We will begin, then, with William Blewit, who, next to
+Frazier, was the chief person in the gang. He was one of St. Giles's
+breed, his father a porter, and his mother, at the time of his execution
+selling greens in the same parish. They were both of them unable to give
+their son education or otherwise provide for him, which occasioned his
+being put out by the parish to a perfumer of gloves; but his temper from
+his childhood inclining him to wicked practices, he soon got himself
+into a gang of young pickpockets, with whom he practised several years
+with impunity. But being at last apprehended in the very act, he was
+committed to Newgate, and on plain proof convicted the next sessions,
+and ordered for transportation. Being shipped on board the vessel with
+other wretches in the same condition, he was quickly let into the secret
+of their having provided for an escape by procuring saws, files, and
+other implements, put up in a little barrel, which they pretended
+contained gingerbread, and such other little presents which were given
+them by relations. Blewitt immediately foresaw abundance of difficulties
+in their design, and therefore resolved to make a sure use of it for his
+own advantage. This he did by communicating all he knew to the captain,
+who thereupon immediately seized their tools, and thereby prevented the
+loss of his ship, which otherwise in all probability would have been
+effected by the conspirators.
+
+In return for this service, Blewit obtained his freedom, which did not
+serve him for any better purpose than his return to London as soon as be
+was able. Whether he went again upon his old practices before he was
+apprehended, we cannot determine, but before he had continued two months
+in town, somebody seized him, and committed him to Newgate. At the next
+sessions he was tried and convicted for returning from transportation,
+but pleading, when he received sentence of death, the service he had
+done in preventing the attempt of the other malefactors, execution was
+respited until the return of the captain, and on his report the sentence
+was changed into a new transportation, and leave given him also to go to
+what foreign port he would. But he no sooner regained his liberty than
+he put it to the same use as before, and took up the trade of snatching
+hats, wigs, etc., until he got into acquaintance with Burnworth and his
+gang, who taught him other methods of robbing than he had hitherto
+practised. Like most of the unhappy people of his sort, he had to his
+other crimes added the marriage of several wives, of which the first was
+reputed a very honest and modest woman, and it seems had so great a love
+for him, notwithstanding the wickedness of his behaviour, that upon her
+visiting him at Newgate, the day before they set out for Kingston, she
+was oppressed with so violent a grief as to fall down dead in the lodge.
+Another of his wives married Emanuel Dickenson and survived them both.
+
+His meeting Burnworth that afternoon before Ball's murder was
+accidental, but the savageness of his temper led him to a quick
+compliance with that wicked proposition; but after the commission of
+that fact, he with his companions before mentioned went over in the
+packet boat to Holland. Guilt is a companion which never suffers rest
+to enter any bosom where it inhabits; they were so uneasy after their
+arrival there, lest an application should be made from the Government at
+home, that they were constantly perusing the English newspapers as they
+came over to the coffee houses in Rotterdam, that they might gain
+intelligence of what advertisements, rewards, or other methods had been
+taken to apprehend the persons concerned in Ball's murder; resolving on
+the first news of a proclamation, or other interposition of the State on
+that occasion, immediately to quit the Dominions of the Republic. But as
+Burnworth had been betrayed by the only persons from whom he could
+reasonably hope assistance; Higgs seized on board a ship where he
+fancied himself secure from all searches; so Blewit and his associates,
+though they daily endeavoured to acquaint themselves with the
+transactions at London relating to them, fell also into the hands of
+Justice, when they least expected it. So equal are the decrees of
+providence, and so inevitable the strokes of Divine vengeance.
+
+The proclamation for apprehending them came no sooner to the hands of
+Mr. Finch, the British resident at the Hague, but he immediately caused
+an enquiry to be made, whether any such persons as were therein
+described had been seen at Rotterdam. Being assured that there had, and
+that they were lodged at the Hamburgh's Arms on the Boom Keys in that
+City, he sent away a special messenger to enquire the truth thereof; of
+which he was no sooner satisfied, than he procured an order from the
+States General for apprehending them anywhere within the Province. By
+virtue of this order the messenger, with the assistance of the proper
+officers for that purpose in Holland, apprehended Blewit at the house
+whither they had been directed; his two companions Dickenson and Berry,
+had left him and were gone aboard a ship, not caring to remain any
+longer in Holland. They conducted their prisoner to the Stadt House
+Prison in Rotterdam, and then went to the Brill, where the ship on board
+which his companions were, not being cleared out, they surprised them
+also, and having handcuffed them, sent them under a strong guard to
+Rotterdam, where they put them in the same place with their old
+associate Blewit. We shall now therefore take an opportunity of speaking
+of each of them, and acquainting the reader with those steps by which
+they arose to that unparalleled pitch of wickedness which rendered them
+alike the wonder and detestation of all the sober part of mankind.
+
+Emanuel Dickenson was the son of a very worthy person, whose memory I
+shall be very careful not to stain upon this occasion. The lad was ever
+wild and ungovernable in his temper, and being left a child at his
+father's death, himself, his brother, and several sisters were thrown
+all upon the hands of their mother, who was utterly unable to support
+them in those extravagancies to which they were inclined. Whereupon they
+unfortunately addicted themselves to such evil courses as to them seemed
+likely to provide such a supply of money as might enable them to take
+such licentious pleasures as were suitable to their vicious
+inclinations. The natural consequence of which was that they all fell
+under misfortunes, especially Emanuel of whom we are speaking, who
+addicted himself to picking of pockets, and such kind of facts for a
+considerable space. At last, attempting to snatch a gentleman's hat off
+in the Strand, he was seized with it in his hand, and committed to
+Newgate, and at the next sessions convicted and ordered for
+transportation. But his mother applying at Court for a pardon, and
+setting forth the merit of his father, procured his discharge. The only
+use he made of this was to associate himself with his old companions,
+who by degrees led him into greater villainies than any he had till that
+time been concerned in; and at last falling under the direction of
+Burnworth, he was with the rest drawn into the murder of Ball. After
+this he followed Blewit's advice, and not thinking himself safe even in
+Holland, he and Berry (as has been said) were actually on ship board, in
+order to their departure.
+
+Thomas Berry was a beggar, if not a thief, from his cradle, descended
+from parents in the most wretched circumstances, who being incapable of
+giving him an honest education suffered him on the contrary to idle
+about the streets, and to get into such gangs of thieves and pickpockets
+as taught him from his infancy the arts of _diving_ (as they in their
+cant call it). And as he grew in years they still brought him on to a
+greater proficiency in such evil practices, in which however he did not
+always meet with impunity; for besides getting into the little prisons
+about town, and being whipped several times at the houses of correction,
+he had also been thrice in Newgate, and for the last fact convicted and
+ordered for transportation. However, by some means or other, he got away
+from the ship, and returned quickly to his old employment; in which he
+had not continued long, before falling into the acquaintance of
+Burnworth, it brought him first to the commission of a cruel murder, and
+after that with great justice to suffer an ignominious death. Having
+been thus particular on the circumstances of each malefactor distinctly,
+let us return to the thread of our story, and observe to what period
+their wicked designs and lawless courses brought them at the last.
+
+After they were all three secured, and safe confined in Rotterdam, the
+resident dispatched an account thereof to England; whereupon he received
+directions for applying to the States-General for leave to send them
+back. This was readily granted, and six soldiers were ordered to attend
+them on board, besides the messengers who were sent to fetch them.
+Captain Samuel Taylor, in the _Delight_ sloop, brought them safe to the
+Nore, where they were met by two other messengers, who assisted in
+taking charge of them up the river. In the midst of all the miseries
+they suffered, and the certainty they had of being doomed to suffer much
+more as soon as they came on shore, yet they behaved themselves with the
+greatest gaiety imaginable, were full of their jests and showed as much
+pleasantness as if their circumstances had been the most happy.
+Observing a press-gang very busy on the water, and that the people in
+the boat shunned them with great care, they treated them with the most
+opprobrious language, and impudently dared the lieutenant to come and
+press them for the service. On their arrival at the Tower, they were put
+into a boat with the messengers, with three other boats to guard them,
+each of which was filled with a corporal and a file of musqueteers; and
+in this order they were brought to Westminster. After being examined
+before Justice Chalk and Justice Blackerby they were all three put into
+a coach, and conducted by a party of Foot-guards to Newgate through a
+continued line of spectators, who by their loud huzzas proclaimed their
+joy at seeing these egregious villains in the hands of justice; for
+they, like Jonathan Wild, were so wicked as to lose the compassion of
+the mob.
+
+On their arrival at Newgate, the keepers expressed a very great
+satisfaction, and having put on each a pair of the heaviest irons in the
+gaol, and taken such other precautions as they thought necessary for
+securing them, they next did them the honour of conducting them upstairs
+to their old friend Edward Burnworth. Having congratulated them on their
+safe arrival and they condoled with him on his confinement, they took
+their places near him, and had the convenience of the same apartment and
+were shackled in the like manner. They did not appear to show the least
+sign of contrition or remorse for what they had done; on the contrary
+they spent their time with all the indifference imaginable. Great
+numbers of people had the curiosity to come to Newgate to see them, and
+Blewit upon all occasions made use of every opportunity to excite their
+charity, alleging they had been robbed of everything when they were
+seized. Burnworth, with an air of indifference replied, _D----n this
+Blewit, because he had got a long wig and ruffled shirt he takes the
+liberty to talk more than any of us._ Being exhorted to apply the little
+time they had to live in preparing themselves for another world,
+Burnworth replied that if they had any inclination to think of a future
+state, it was impossible in their condition, so many persons as were
+admitted to come to view them in their present circumstances must needs
+divert any good thoughts. But their minds were totally taken up with
+consulting the most likely means to make their escape and extricate
+themselves from the bolts and shackles with which they were clogged and
+encumbered; and indeed all their actions showed their thoughts were bent
+only on enlargement, and that they were altogether unmindful of death,
+or at least careless of the future consequence thereof.
+
+On Wednesday, the 30th of March, 1726, Burnworth, Blewit, Berry
+Dickenson, Levee, and Higgs, were all put into a waggon, handcuffed and
+chained, and carried to Kingston under a guard of the Duke of Bolton's
+horse. At their coming out of Newgate they were very merry, charging the
+guard to take care that no misfortune happened to them, and called upon
+the numerous crowd of spectators, both at their getting into the waggon,
+and afterwards as they passed along the road, to show their respect they
+bore them by halloaing, and to pay them the compliments due to gentlemen
+of their profession, and called for several bottles of wine that they
+might drink to their good journey. As they passed along the road they
+endeavoured to show themselves very merry and pleasant by their
+facetious discourse to the spectators, and frequently threw money
+amongst the people who followed them, diverting themselves with seeing
+the others strive for it. And particularly Blewit, having thrown out
+some halfpence amongst the mob, a little boy who was present picked up
+one of them, and calling out to Blewit, told him, that as sure as he
+(the said Blewit) would be condemned at Kingston, so sure would he have
+his name engraved thereon; whereupon Blewit took a shilling out of his
+pocket and gave it to the boy, telling him there was something towards
+defraying the charge of engraving and bid him be as good as his word,
+which he promised he would.
+
+On the 31st of March, the assizes were opened, together with the
+commission of Oyer and Terminer and Gaol Delivery for the county of
+Surrey, before the Right Hon. the Lord Chief Justice Raymond, and Mr.
+Justice Denton; and the grand jury having found indictments against the
+prisoners, they were severally arraigned thereupon, when five of them
+pleaded not guilty. Burnworth absolutely refused to plead at all; upon
+which, after being advised by the judge not to force the Court upon that
+rigour which they were unwilling at any time to practice, and he still
+continuing obstinate, his thumbs (as is usual in such cases) were tied
+and strained with pack thread. This having no effect upon him, the
+sentence of the press, or as it is sailed in Law, of the _Peine Fort et
+Dure_, was read to him in these words: _You shall go to the place from
+whence you came, and there being stripped naked and laid flat upon your
+back on the floor, with a napkin about your middle to hide your privy
+members, and a cloth on your face, then the press is to be laid upon
+you, with as much weight as, or rather more than you can bear. You are
+to have three morsels of barley-bread in twenty-four hours; a draught of
+water from the next puddle near the gaol, but not running water. The
+second day two morsels and the same water, with an increase of weight,
+and so to the third day until you expire._
+
+This sentence thus passed upon him, and he still continuing
+contumacious, he was carried down to the stock-house, and the press laid
+upon him, which he bore for the space of one hour and three minutes,
+under the weight of three hundred, three quarters, and two pounds [424
+lb.]. Whilst he continued under the press, he endeavoured to beat out
+his brains against the floor, during which time the High Sheriff himself
+was present, and frequently exhorted him to plead to the indictment.
+This at last he consented to do; and being brought up to the Court,
+after a trial which lasted from eight in the morning until one in the
+afternoon, on the first day of April, they were all six found guilty of
+the indictment, and being remanded back to the stock-house, were all
+chained and stapled down to the floor.
+
+Whilst they were under conviction, the terrors of death did not make any
+impression upon them; they diverted themselves with repeating jests and
+stories of various natures, particularly of the manner of their escapes
+before out of the hands of justice, and the robberies and offences they
+had committed. And it being proposed, for the satisfaction of the world,
+for them to leave the particulars of the several robberies by them
+committed, Burnworth replied that were he to write all the robberies by
+him committed, a hundred sheets of paper, write as close as could be,
+would not contain them. Notwithstanding what had been alleged by Higgs
+of his forsaking his companions in the field, it appeared by other
+evidence that he followed his companions to Ball's house, and was seen
+hovering about the house during the time the murder was committed, with
+a pistol in his hand.
+
+As for Burnworth, after conviction, his behaviour was as ludicrous as
+ever; and being as I said, a painter's son, he had some little notion of
+designing, and therewith diverted himself in sketching his own picture
+in several forms; particularly as he lay under the press. This being
+engraved in copper, was placed in the frontispiece of a sixpenny book
+which was published of his life, and the rest seemed to fall no way
+short of him in that silly contempt of death, which with the vulgar
+passes for resolution.
+
+On Monday, the 4th day of April, they were brought up again from the
+stock-house to receive sentence of death. Before he passed it upon them
+Mr. Justice Denton made a very pathetic speech, in which he represented
+to them the necessity there was of punishing crimes like theirs with
+death, and exhorted them not to be more cruel to themselves than they
+had obliged the law to be severe towards them, by squandering away the
+small remainder of their time, and thereby adding to an ignominious end,
+an eternal punishment hereafter. When sentence was passed, they
+entreated leave for their friends to visit them in the prison, which was
+granted them by the Court, but with a strict injunction to the keeper to
+be careful over them. After they returned to the prison, they bent their
+thought wholly on making their escape, and to that purpose sent to their
+friends, and procured proper implements for the execution of it:
+Burnworth's mother being surprised with several files, etc., about her,
+and the whole plot discovered by Blewit's mother who was heard to say
+that she had forgot the opium.
+
+It seems the scheme was to murder the two persons who attended them in
+the gaol, together with Mr. Eliot, the turnkey; after they had got out
+they intended to have fired a slack of bavins [firewood] adjoining to
+the prison, and thereby amused the inhabitants while they got clear off.
+Burnworth's mother was confined for this attempt in his favour, and some
+lesser implements that were sewed up in the waistband of their breeches
+being ripped out, all hopes whatsoever of escape were now taken away.
+Yet Burnworth affected to keep up the same spirit with which he had
+hitherto behaved, and talked in a rhodomantade to one of his guard, of
+coming in the night in a dark entry, and pulling him by the nose, if he
+did not see him decently buried.
+
+About ten of the clock, on Wednesday morning, together with one
+Blackburn, who was condemned for robbing on the highway, a fellow
+grossly ignorant and stupid, they were carried out in a cart to their
+execution, being attended by a company of foot to the gallows. In their
+passage thither, that audacious carriage in which they had so long
+persisted totally forsook them, and they all appeared with all that
+seriousness and devotion which might be looked for from persons in their
+condition. Blewit perceiving one Mr. Warwick among the spectators
+desired that he might stop to speak to him; which being granted, he
+threw himself upon his knees, and earnestly intreated his pardon for
+having once attempted his life by presenting a pistol at him, upon
+suspicion that Mr. Warwick knowing what his profession was had given
+information against him.
+
+When at the place of execution and tied up, Blewit and Dickenson,
+especially, prayed with great fervour and with a becoming earnestness,
+exhorted all the young persons they saw near them to take warning by
+them, and not follow such courses as might in time bring them to so
+terrible an end. Blewit acknowledged that for sixteen years last past he
+had lived by stealing and pilfering only. He had given all the clothes
+he had to his mother, but being informed that he was to be hung in
+chains, he desired his mother might return them to prevent his being put
+up in his shirt. He then desired the executioner to tie him up so that
+he might be as soon out of his pain as possible; then he said the
+Penitential Psalm, and repeated the words of it to the other criminals.
+Then they all kissed one another, and after some private devotions the
+cart drew away and they were turned off. Dickenson died very hard,
+kicking off one of his shoes, and loosing the other.
+
+Their bodies were carried back under the same guard which attended them
+to their execution. Burnworth and Blewit were afterwards hung in chains
+over against the sign of the Fighting Cocks, in St. George's Fields,
+Dickenson and Berry were hung up on Kennington Common, but the sheriff
+of Surrey had orders at the same time to suffer his relations to take
+down the body of Dickenson in order to be interred, after its hanging up
+one day, which favour was granted on account of his father's service in
+the army, who was killed at his post in the late war. Levee and Higgs
+were hung up on Putney Common, beyond Wandsworth, which is all we have
+to add concerning these hardened malefactors who so long defied the
+justice of their country, and are now, to the joy of all honest people,
+placed as spectacles for the warning of their companions who frequent
+the places where they are hung in chains.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [73] Falcon Stairs were just east of where Blackfriars Bridge
+        now stands.
+
+   [74] Trig Lane ran from Thames Street to the water's edge, near
+        Lambeth Hill.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN GILLINGHAM, an Highwayman and Footpad, etc.
+
+
+As want of education hath brought many who might otherwise have done
+very well in the world to a miserable end, so the best education and
+instructions are often of no effect to stubborn and corrupt minds. This
+was the case of John Gillingham, of whom we are now to give an account.
+He had been brought up at Westminster School, but all he acquired there
+was only a smattering of learning and a great deal of self-conceit,
+fancying labour was below him, and that he ought to live the life of a
+gentleman. He associated himself with such companions as pretended to
+teach him this art of easily attaining money. He was a person very
+inclinable to follow such advices, and therefore readily came into these
+proposals as soon as they were made. Amongst the rest of his
+acquaintance, he became very intimate with Burnworth, and made one of
+the number in attacking the chair of the Earl of Scarborough, near St.
+James's Church, and was the person who shot the chairman in the
+shoulder.
+
+As he was a young man of a good deal of spirit, so he committed
+abundance of facts in a very short space; but the indefatigable industry
+which the officers of Justice exerted, in apprehending Frazier's
+desperate gang, soon brought him to the miserable end consequent from
+such wicked courses. He was indicted for assaulting Robert Sherly, Esq.,
+upon the highway, and taking from him a watch value £20. He was a second
+time indicted for assaulting John du Cummins, a footman, and taking from
+him a silver watch, a snuff-box, and five guineas in money. Both of
+which facts he steadily denied after his conviction, but there was a
+third crime of which he was convicted, viz., sending a letter to extort
+money from Simon Smith, Esq., and which follows in these words:
+
+    Mr. Smith.
+
+    I desire you to send me twenty guineas by the bearer, without
+    letting him know what it is for, he is innocent of the contents if
+    your offer to speak of this to anybody---- My blood and soul, if you
+    are not dead man before monday morning; and if you don't send the
+    money, the devil dash my brains out, if I don't shoot you the first
+    time you stir out of doors, or if I should be taken there are others
+    that will do your business for you by the first opportunity,
+    therefore pray fail not ----. Strike me to instant D---- if I am not
+    as good as my word.
+
+    To Mr. Smith in Great George Street over against the Church near
+    Hanover Square.
+
+He confessed that he knew of the writing and sending this epistle, but
+denied that he did it himself, and indeed the indictment set forth that
+it was in company with one John Mason, then deceased, that the said
+conspiracy was formed. Under sentence of death, he behaved himself very
+sillily, laughing and scoffing at his approaching end, and saying to one
+of his companions, as the keeper went downstairs before them, _Let us
+knock him down and take his keys from him. If one leads to heaven, and
+the other to hell, we shall at least have a chance to get the right!_
+Yet when death with all its horror stared him in the face, he began to
+relent in his behaviour, and to acknowledge the justness of that
+sentence which had doomed him to death. At the place of execution he
+prayed with great earnestness, confessed he had been a grievous sinner,
+and seemed in great confusion in his last moments. He was about twenty
+years of age when he died, which was on the 9th of May, 1726, at Tyburn.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN COTTERELL, a Thief, etc.
+
+
+The miseries of life are so many, so deep, so sudden, and so
+irretrievable, that when we consider them attentively, they ought to
+inspire us with the greatest submission towards that Providence which
+directs us and fills us with humble sentiments of our own capacities,
+which are so weak and incapable to protect us from any of those evils to
+which from the vicissitudes of life we are continually exposed.
+
+John Cotterell, the subject of this part of our work, was a person
+descended of honest and industrious parents, who were exceedingly
+careful in bringing him up as far as they were able, in such a manner as
+might enable him to get his bread honestly and with some reputation.
+When he was grown big enough to be put out apprentice, they agreed with
+a friend of theirs, a master of a vessel, to take him with him two or
+three voyages for a trial. John behaved himself so well that he gained
+the esteem of his master and the love of all his fellow-sailors. When he
+had been five years at sea, his credit was so good, both as to his being
+an able sailor and an honest man, that his friends found it no great
+difficulty to get him a ship, and after that another. The last he
+commanded was of the burthen of 200 tons, but he sustained great losses
+himself, and greater still, in supporting his eldest son, who dealt in
+the same way, and with a vessel of his own carried on a trade between
+England and Holland. Through these misfortunes he fell into
+circumstances so narrow that he lay two years and a half in Newgate, for
+debt. Being discharged by the Act of Insolvency, and having not
+wherewith to sustain himself, he broke one night into a little
+chandler's shop, where he used now and then to get a halfpenny-worth of
+that destructive liquor gin; and there took a tub with two pounds of
+butter, and a pound of pepper in it. But before he got out of the shop
+he was apprehended, and at the next sessions was found guilty of the
+fact.
+
+While under sentence of death he behaved with the greatest gravity,
+averred that it was the first thing of that kind he had ever done;
+indeed, his character appeared to be very good, for though his
+acquaintance in town had done little for him hitherto, yet when they saw
+that they should not be long troubled with him, they sent him good
+books, and provided everything that was necessary for him; so that with
+much resignation he finished his days, with the other malefactors, at
+Tyburn, in the fifty-second year of his age, on the 9th day of May,
+1726.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of CATHERINE HAYES, a bloody and inhuman Murderess, etc.
+
+
+Though all crimes are in this nature foul, yet some are apparently more
+heinous, and of a blacker die than others. Murder has in all ages and in
+all climates been amongst the number of those offences held to be most
+enormous and the most shocking to human nature of any other; yet even
+this admits sometimes of aggravation, and the laws of England have made
+a distinction between the murder of a stranger, and of him or her to
+whom we owe a civil, or natural obedience. Hence it is that killing a
+husband, or a master is distinguished under the name of _petit_ treason.
+Yet even this, in the story we are about to relate, had several
+heightening circumstances, the poor man having both a son and a wife
+imbrueing their hands in his blood.
+
+Catherine Hall, afterwards by her marriage, Catherine Hayes, was born in
+the year 1690, at a village in the borders of Warwickshire, within four
+miles of Birmingham. Her parents were so poor as to receive the
+assistance of the parish and so careless of their daughter that they
+never gave her the least education. While a girl she discovered marks of
+so violent and turbulent a temper that she totally threw off all respect
+and obedience to her parents, giving a loose to her passions and
+gratifying herself in all her vicious inclinations.
+
+About the year 1705, some officers coming into the neighbourhood to
+recruit, Kate was so much taken with the fellows in red that she
+strolled away with them, until they came to a village called Great
+Ombersley in Warwickshire, where they very ungenerously left her behind
+them. This elopement of her sparks drove her almost mad, so that she
+went like a distracted creature about the country, until coming to Mr.
+Hayes's door, his wife in compassion took her in out of charity. The
+eldest child of the family was John Hayes, the deceased; who being then
+about twenty-one years of age, found so many charms in this Catherine
+Hall that soon after he coming into the house he made proposals to her
+of marriage. There is no doubt of their being readily enough received,
+and as they both were sensible how disagreeable a thing it would be to
+his parents, they agreed to keep it secret. They quickly adjusted the
+measures that were to be taken in order to their being married at
+Worcester; for which purpose Mr. John Hayes pretended to his mother that
+he wanted some tools in the way of his trade, viz., that of a carpenter,
+for which it was necessary he should go to Worcester; and under this
+colour he procured also as much money as, with what he had already had,
+was sufficient to defray the expense of the intended wedding.
+
+Catherine having quitted the house without the formality of bidding them
+adieu, and meeting at the appointed place, they accompanied each other
+to Worcester, where the wedding was soon celebrated. The same day Mrs.
+Catherine Hayes had the fortune to meet with some of her quondam
+acquaintance at Worcester. They understanding that she was that day
+married, and where the nuptials were to be solemnized, consulted among
+themselves how to make a penny of the bridegroom. Accordingly deferring
+the execution of their intentions until the evening, just as Mr. Hayes
+was got into bed to his wife, coming to the house where he lodged, they
+forcibly entered the room, and dragged the bridegroom away, pretending
+to impress him for her Majesty's service.
+
+This proceeding broke the measures Mr. John Hayes had concerted with his
+bride, to keep their wedding secret; for finding no redemption from
+their hands, without the expense of a larger sum of money than he was
+master of, he was necessitated to let his father know of his misfortune.
+Mr. Hayes hearing of his son's adventures, as well of his marriage and
+his being pressed at the same time, his resentment for the one did not
+extinguish his affection for him as a father, but that he resolved to
+deliver him from his troubles; and accordingly, taking a gentleman in
+the neighbourhood along with him, he went for Worcester. At their
+arrival there, they found Mr. John Hayes in the hands of the officers,
+who insisted upon detaining him for her Majesty's service; but his
+father and the gentleman he brought with him by his authority, soon made
+them sensible of their errors, and instead of making a benefit of him,
+as they proposed, they were glad to discharge him, which they did
+immediately. Mr. Hayes having acted thus far in favour of his son, then
+expressed his resentment for his having married without his consent; but
+it being too late to prevent it, there was no other remedy but to bear
+with the same. For sometime afterwards Mr. Hayes and his bride lived in
+the neighbourhood, and as he followed his business as a carpenter, his
+father and mother grew more reconciled. But Mrs. Catherine Hayes, who
+better approved of a travelling than a settled life, persuaded her
+husband to enter himself a volunteer in a regiment then at Worcester,
+which he did, and went away with them, where he continued for some time.
+
+Mr. John Hayes being in garrison in the Isle of Wight, Mrs. Hayes took
+an opportunity of going over thither and continued with him for some
+time; until Mr. Hayes, not content with such a lazy indolent life
+(wherein he could find no advantage, unless it were the gratifying his
+wife) solicited his father to procure his discharge, which at length he
+was prevailed upon to consent to. But he found much difficulty in
+perfecting the same, for the several journeys he was necessitated to
+undertake before it could be done, and the expenses of procuring such
+discharge, amounted to sixty pound. But having at last, at this great
+expense and trouble, procured his son's release, Mr. John Hayes and his
+wife returned to Worcestershire; and his father the better to induce him
+to settle himself in business in the country, put him into an estate of
+ten pound _per annum_, hoping that, with the benefit of his trade, would
+enable them to live handsomely and creditably, and change her roving
+inclinations, he being sensible that his son's ramble had been
+occasioned through his wife's persuasions. But Mr. John Hayes
+representing to his father that it was not possible for him and his wife
+to live on that estate only, persuaded his father to let him have
+another also, a leasehold of sixteen pound _per annum;_ upon which he
+lived during the continuance of the lease, his father paying the annual
+rent thereof until it expired.
+
+The characters of Mr. John Hayes and his wife were vastly different. He
+had the repute of a sober, sedate, honest, quiet, peaceable man, and a
+very good husband, the only objection his friends would admit of against
+him was that he was of too parsimonious and frugal temper, and that he
+was rather too indulgent of his wife, who repaid his kindness with ill
+usage, and frequently very opprobious language. As to his wife, she was
+on all hands allowed to be a very turbulent, vexatious person, always
+setting people together by the ears, and never free from quarrels and
+controversies in the neighbourhood, giving ill advice, and fomenting
+disputes to the disturbance of all her friends and acquaintance.
+
+This unhappiness in her temper induced Mr. John Hayes's relations to
+persuade him to settle in some remote place, at a distance from and
+unknown to her for some time, to see if that would have any effect upon
+her turbulent disposition; but Mr. Hayes would not approve of that
+advice, nor consent to a separation. In this manner they lived for the
+space of about six years, until the lease of the last-mentioned farm
+expired; about which time Mrs. Hayes persuaded Mr. John Hayes to leave
+the country and come to London, which about twelve months afterwards,
+through her persuasions he did, in the year 1719. Upon their arrival in
+town they took a house, part of which they let out in lodging, and sold
+sea coal, chandlery-ware, etc., whereby they lived in a creditable
+manner. And though Mr. Hayes was of a very indulgent temper, yet she was
+so unhappy as to be frequently jarring, and a change of climate having
+made no alteration in her temper, she continued her same passionate
+nature, and frequent bickerings and disputes with her neighbours, as
+well as before in the country.
+
+In this business they picked up money, and Mr. Hayes received the yearly
+rent of the first-mentioned estate, though in town; and by lending out
+money in small sums, amongst his country people improved the same
+considerably. In speaking of Mr. Hayes to his friends and acquaintance
+she would frequently give him the best of characters, and commend him
+for an indulgent husband; notwithstanding which, to some of her
+particular cronies who knew not Mr. Hayes's temper, she would exclaim
+against him, and told them particularly (above a year before the murder
+was committed) that it was no more sin to kill him (meaning her husband)
+than to kill a mad dog, and that one time or other she might give him a
+jolt.
+
+Afterwards they removed into Tottenham Court Road, where they lived for
+some time, following the same business as formerly; from whence about
+two years afterwards, they removed into Tyburn Road,[75] a few doors
+above where the murder was committed. There they lived about twelve
+months, Mr. Hayes supporting himself chiefly in lending out money upon
+pledges, and sometimes working at his profession, and in husbandry, till
+it was computed he had picked up a pretty handsome sum of money. About
+ten months before the murder they removed a little lower to the house of
+Mr. Whinyard, where the murder was committed, taking lodgings up two
+pairs of stairs. There it was that Thomas Billings, by trade a tailor,
+who wrought journey-work in and about Monmouth Street; under pretence
+of being Mrs. Hayes's countryman came to see them. He did so, and
+continued in the house about six weeks before the death of Mr. Hayes.
+
+He (Mr. Hayes) had occasion to go a little way out of town, of which his
+wife gave her associates immediate notice, and they thereupon flocked
+thither to junket with her until the time they expected his return. Some
+of the neighbours out of ill-will which they bore the woman, gave him
+intelligence of it as soon as he came back, upon which they had
+abundance of high words, and at last Mr. Hayes gave her a blow or two.
+Maybe this difference was in some degree the source of that malice which
+she afterwards vented upon him.
+
+About this time Thomas Wood, who was a neighbour's son in the country,
+and an intimate acquaintance both of Mr. Hayes and his wife, came to
+town, and pressing being at that time very hot he was obliged to quit
+his lodgings; and thereupon Mr. Hayes very kindly invited him to accept
+of the convenience of theirs, promising him moreover, that as he was out
+of business, he would recommend him to his friends, and acquaintances.
+Wood accepted the offer, and lay with Billings. In three or four days'
+time, Mrs. Hayes having taken every opportunity to caress him, opened to
+him a desire of being rid of her husband, at which Wood, as he very well
+might, was exceedingly surprised, and demonstrated the business as well
+as cruelty there would be in such an action, if committed by him, who
+besides the general ties of humanity, stood particularly obliged to him
+as his neighbour and his friend. Mrs. Hayes did not desist upon this,
+but in order to hush his scruples would fain have persuaded him that
+there was no more sin in killing Hayes than in killing a brute-beast for
+that he was void of all religion and goodness, an enemy to God, and
+therefore unworthy of his protection; that he had killed a man in the
+country, and destroyed two of his and her children, one of which was
+buried under an apple tree, the other under a pear tree, in the country.
+To these fictitious tales she added another, which perhaps had the
+greatest weight, viz., that if he were dead, she should be the mistress
+of fifteen hundred pounds. _And then_, says she, _you may be master
+thereof, if you will help to get him out of the way. Billings has agreed
+too, if you'll make a third, and so all may be finished without danger._
+
+A few days after this, Wood's occasions called him out of town. On his
+return, which was the first day of March, he found Mr. Hayes and his
+wife and Billings very merry together. Amongst other things which passed
+in conversation, Mr. Hayes happened to say that he and another person
+once drank as much wine between them as came to a guinea, without
+either of them being fuddled. Upon this Billings proposed a wager on
+these terms, that half a dozen bottles of the best mountain wine should
+be fetched, which if Mr. Hayes could drink without being disordered,
+then Billings should pay for it; but if not, then it should be at the
+cost of Mr. Hayes. He accepting of this proposal, Mrs. Hayes and the two
+men went together to the Brawn's Head, in New Bond Street, to fetch the
+wine. As they were going thither, she put them in mind of the
+proposition she had made them to murder Mr. Hayes, and said they could
+not have a better opportunity than at present, when he should be
+intoxicated with liquor. Whereupon Wood made answer that it would be the
+most inhuman act in the world to murder a man in cool blood, and that,
+too, when he was in liquor. Mrs. Hayes had recourse to her old
+arguments, and Billings joining with her, Wood suffered himself to be
+overpowered.
+
+When they came to the tavern they called for a pint of the best
+mountain, and after they had drank it ordered a gallon and a half to be
+sent home to their lodgings, and Mrs. Hayes paid ten shillings and
+sixpence for it, which was what it came to. Then they all came back and
+sat down together to see Mr. Hayes drink the wager, and while he
+swallowed the wine, they called for two or three full pots of beer, in
+order to entertain themselves. Mr. Hayes, when he had almost finished
+the wine, began to grow very merry, singing and dancing about the room
+with all the gaiety which is natural to having taken a little too much
+wine. But Mrs. Hayes was so fearful of his not having his dose, that she
+sent away privately for another bottle, of which having drunk some also,
+it quite finished the work, by depriving him totally of his
+understanding; however, reeling into the other room, he there threw
+himself across the bed and fell fast asleep. No sooner did his wife
+perceive it than she came and excited the two men to go in and do the
+work; whereupon Billings taking a coal-hatchet in his hand, going into
+the other room, struck Mr. Hayes therewith on the back of the head. This
+blow fractured the skull, and made him, through the agony of the pain,
+stamp violently upon the ground, in so much that it alarmed the people
+who lay in the garret; and Wood fearing the consequence, went in and
+repeated the blows, though that was needless since the first was mortal
+in itself, and he already lay still and quiet. By this time Mrs.
+Springate, whose husband lodged over Mr. Hayes's head, on hearing the
+noise came down to enquire the reason of it, complaining at the same
+time that it so disturbed her family that they could not rest. Mrs.
+Hayes thereupon told her that her husband had had some company with him,
+who growing merry with their liquor were a little noisy, but that they
+were going immediately, and desired she would be easy. Upon this she
+went up again for the present, and the three murderers began immediately
+to consult how to get rid of the body.
+
+The men were in so much terror and confusion that they knew not what to
+do; but Mrs. Hayes quickly thought of an expedient in which they all
+agreed. She said that if the head was cut off, there would not be near
+so much difficulty in carrying off the body, which could not be known.
+In order to put this design in execution, they got a pail and she
+herself carrying the candle, they all entered the room where the
+deceased lay. Then the woman holding the pail, Billings drew the body by
+the head over the bedside, that the blood might bleed the more freely
+into it; and Wood with his pocket penknife cut it off. As soon as it was
+severed from the body, and the bleeding was over, they poured the blood
+down a wooden sink at the window, and after it several pails of water,
+in order to wash it quite away that it might not be perceived in the
+morning. However, their precautions were not altogether effectual, for
+the next morning Springate found several clots of blood, but not
+suspecting anything of the matter, threw them away. Neither had they
+escaped letting some tokens of their cruelty fall upon the floor, stain
+the wall of the room, and even spin up against the ceiling, which it may
+be supposed happened at the giving the first blow.
+
+When they had finished the decollation, they again consulted what was
+next to be done. Mrs. Hayes was for boiling it in a pot till nothing but
+the skull remained, which would effectually prevent anybody's knowing to
+whom it belonged; but the two men thinking this too dilatory a method,
+they resolved to put it in a pail, and go together and throw it in the
+Thames. Springate, hearing a bustling in Mr. Hayes's room for some time,
+and then somebody going down stairs, called again to know who it was and
+what was the occasion of it (it being then about eleven o'clock). Mrs.
+Hayes answered that it was her husband, who was going a journey into the
+country, and pretended to take a formal leave of him, expressing her
+sorrow that he was obliged to go out of town at that time of night, and
+her fear least any accident should attend him in his journey.
+
+Billings and Wood being thus gone to dispose of the head, went towards
+Whitehall, intending to have thrown the same into the river there, but
+the gates being shut, they were obliged to go forward as far as Mr.
+Macreth's wharf, near the Horseferry at Westminster, where Billings
+setting down the pail from under his great coat, Wood took up the same
+with the head therein, and threw it into the dock before the Wharf. It
+was expected the same would have been carried away by the tide, but the
+water being then ebbing, it was left behind. There were also some
+lighters lying over against the dock, and one of the lightermen walking
+then on board, saw them throw the pail into the dark; but by the
+obscurity of the night, the distance, and having no suspicion, they did
+not apprehend anything of the matter. Having thus done, they returned
+home again to Mrs. Hayes's where they arrived about twelve o'clock and
+being let in, found Mrs. Hayes had been very busily employed in washing
+the floor, and scraping the blood off from it, and from the walls, etc.
+After which, they all three went into the fore room, Billings and Wood
+went to bed there, and Mrs. Hayes sat by them till morning.
+
+On the morning of the second of March, about the dawning of the day, one
+Robinson a watchman saw a man's head lying in the dock, and the pail
+near it. His surprise occasioned his calling some persons to assist in
+taking up the head, and finding the pail bloody, they conjectured the
+head had been brought thither in it. Their suspicions were fully
+confirmed therein by the lighterman who saw Billings and Wood throw the
+same into the dock, as before mentioned.
+
+It was now time for Mrs. Hayes, Billings, and Wood to consider how they
+should dispose of the body. Mrs. Hayes and Wood proposed to put it in a
+box, where it might lie concealed till a convenient opportunity offered
+for removing it. This being approved of, Mrs. Hayes brought a box; but
+upon their endeavouring to put it in, the box was not big enough to hold
+it. They had before wrapped it up in a blanket, out of which they took
+it; Mrs. Hayes proposed to cut off the arms and legs, and they again
+attempted to put it in, but the box would not hold it. Then they cut off
+the thighs, and laying it piecemeal in the box, concealed them until
+night.
+
+In the meantime Mr. Hayes's head, which had been found as before, had
+sufficiently alarmed the town, and information was given to the
+neighbouring justices of the peace. The parish officers did all that was
+possible towards the discovery of the persons guilty of perpetrating so
+horrid an action. They caused the head to be cleaned, the face to be
+washed from the dirt and blood, and the hair to be combed, and then the
+head to be set upon a post in public view in St. Margaret's churchyard,
+Westminster, so that everybody might have free access to see the same,
+with some of the parish officers to attend, hoping by that means a
+discovery of the same might be attained. The high constable of
+Westminster liberty also issued private orders to all the petty
+constables, watchmen, and other officers of that district, to keep a
+strict eye on all coaches, carts, etc., passing in the night through
+their liberty, imagining that the perpetrators of such a horrid fact
+would endeavour to free themselves of the body in the same manner as
+they had done the head.
+
+These orders were executed for some time, with all the secrecy
+imaginable, under various pretences, but unsuccessfully; the head also
+continued to be exposed for some days in the manner described, which
+drew a prodigious number of people to see it, but without attaining any
+discovery of the murderers. It would be impertinent to mention the
+various opinions of the town upon this occasion, for they being founded
+upon conjecture only, were far wide of the truth. Many people either
+remembered or fancied they had seen that face before, but none could
+tell where or who it belonged to.
+
+On the second of March, in the evening, Catherine Hayes, Thomas Wood,
+and Thomas Billings took the body and disjointed members out of the box,
+and wrapped them up in two blankets, viz., the body in one, and the
+limbs in the other. Then Billings and Wood first took up the body, and
+about nine o'clock in the evening carried it by turns into Marylebone
+Fields, and threw the same into a pond (which Wood in the day time had
+been hunting for) and returning back again about eleven o'clock the same
+night, took up the limbs in the other old blanket, and carried them by
+turns to the same place, throwing them in also. About twelve o'clock the
+same night, they returned back again, and knocking at the door were let
+in by Mary Springate. They went up to bed in Mrs. Hayes's fore-room, and
+Mrs. Hayes stayed with them all night, sometimes sitting up, and
+sometimes lay down upon the bed by them.
+
+The same day one Bennet, the king's organ-maker's apprentice, going to
+Westminster to see the head, believed it to be Mr. Hayes's, he being
+intimately acquainted with him; and thereupon went and informed Mrs.
+Hayes, that the head exposed to view in St. Margaret's churchyard, was
+so very like Mr. Hayes's that he believed it to be his. Upon which Mrs.
+Hayes assured him that Mr. Hayes was very well and reproved him very
+sharply for forming such an opinion, telling him he must be very
+cautious how he raised such false and scandalous reports, for that he
+might thereby bring himself into a great deal of trouble. This reprimand
+put a stop to the youth's saying anything about it, and having no other
+reason than the similitude of faces, he said no more about it. The same
+day also Mr. Samuel Patrick, having been at Westminster to see the head,
+went from thence to Mr. Grainger's at the Dog and Dial in Monmouth
+Street, where Mr. Hayes and his wife were intimately acquainted, they
+and most of their journeymen servants being Worcestershire people. Mr.
+Patrick told them that he had been to see the head, and that in his
+opinion it was the most like to their countryman Hayes of any he ever
+saw.
+
+Billings being there then at work, some of the servants replied it could
+not be his, because there being one of Mrs. Hayes's lodgers (meaning
+Billings) then at work, they should have heard of it by him if Mr. Hayes
+had been missing, or any accident had happened to him; to which Billings
+made answer, that Mr. Hayes was then alive and well, and that he left him
+in bed, when he came to work in the morning. The third day of March, Mrs.
+Hayes gave Wood a white coat and a pair of leathern breeches of Mr.
+Hayes's, which he carried with him to Greenford, near Harrow-on-the-Hill.
+Mrs. Springate observed Wood carrying these things downstairs, bundled up
+in a white cloth, whereupon she told Mrs. Hayes that Wood was gone down
+with a bundle. Mrs. Hayes replied it was a suit of clothes he had
+borrowed of a neighbour, and was going to carry them home again.
+
+On the fourth of March, one Mrs. Longmore coming to visit Mrs. Hayes,
+enquired how Mr. Hayes did, and where he was. Mrs. Hayes answered, that
+he was gone to take a walk, and then enquired what news there was about
+town. Her visitor told her that most people's discourse run upon the
+man's head that had been found at Westminster; Mrs. Hayes seemed to
+wonder very much at the wickedness of the age, and exclaimed vehemently
+against such barbarous murderers, adding, _Here is a discourse, too, in
+our neighbourhood, of a woman who has been found in the fields, mangled
+and cut to pieces. It may be so_, replied Mrs. Longmore, _but I have
+heard nothing of it._
+
+The next day Wood came again to town, and applied himself to his
+landlady, Mrs. Hayes, who gave him a pair of shoes, a pair of stockings
+and a waistcoat of the deceased, and five shillings in money, telling
+him she would continue to supply him whenever he wanted. She informed
+him also of her husband's head being found, and though it had been for
+some time exposed, yet nobody had owned it.
+
+On the sixth of March, the parish officers considering that it might
+putrify if it continued longer in the air, agreed with one Mr.
+Westbrook, a surgeon, to have it preserved in spirits. He having
+accordingly provided a proper glass, put it therein, and showed it to
+all persons who were desirous of seeing it. Yet the murder remained
+still undiscovered; and notwithstanding the multitude which had seen it,
+yet none pretended to be directly positive of the face, though many
+agreed in their having seen it before.
+
+[Illustration: THE MURDER OF JOHN HAYES
+
+Catherine Hayes assisting Wood and Billings to cut off the head from her
+husband's corpse
+
+(_From the Annals of Newgate_)]
+
+In the meantime Mrs. Hayes quitted her lodgings, and removed from
+where the murder was committed to Mr. Jones's, a distiller in the
+neighbourhood, with Billings, Wood, and Springate, for whom she paid one
+quarter's rent at her old lodgings. During this time she employed
+herself in getting as much of her husband's effects as possibly she
+could, and amongst other papers and securities, finding a bond due to
+Mr. Hayes from John Davis, who had married Mr. Hayes's sister, she
+consulted how to get the money. To which purpose she sent for one Mr.
+Leonard Myring, a barber, and told him that she, knowing him to be her
+husband's particular friend and acquaintance, and he then being under
+some misfortunes, through which she feared he would not presently
+return, she knew not how to recover several sums of money that were due
+to her husband, unless by sending fictitious letters in his name, to the
+several persons from whom the same were due. Mr. Myring considering the
+consequences of such a proceeding declined it. But she prevailed upon
+some other person to write letters in Mr. Hayes's name, particularly one
+to his mother, on the 14th of March, to demand ten pounds of the
+above-mentioned Mr. Davis, threatening if he refused, to sue him for it.
+This letter Mr. Hayes's mother received, and acquainting her son-in-law
+Davis with the contents thereof, he offered to pay the money on sending
+down the bond, of which she by a letter acquainted Mrs. Hayes on the
+twenty-second of the same month.
+
+During these transactions, several persons came daily to Mr. Westbrook's
+to see the head. A poor woman at Kingsland, whose husband had been
+missing the day before it was found, was one amongst them. At first
+sight she fancied it bore some resemblance to that of her husband, but
+was not positive enough to swear to it; yet her suspicion at first was
+sufficient to ground a report, which flew about the town, in the
+evening, and some enquiries were made after the body of the person to
+whom it was supposed to belong but to no purpose.
+
+Mrs. Hayes, in the meanwhile, took all the pains imaginable to propagate
+a story of Mr. Hayes's withdrawing on account of an unlucky blow he had
+given to a person in a quarrel, and which made him apprehensive of a
+prosecution, though he was then in treaty with the widow in order to
+make it up. This story she at first told with many injunctions of
+secrecy, to persons who she had good reason to believe would,
+notwithstanding her injunctions, tell it again. It happened, in the
+interim, that one Mr. Joseph Ashby, who had been an intimate
+acquaintance of Mr. Hayes, came to see her. She, with a great deal of
+pretended concern, communicated the tale she had framed to him. Mr.
+Ashby asked whether the person he had killed was him to whom the head
+belonged; she said, No, the man who died by Mr. Hayes's blow was buried
+entire, and Mr. Hayes had given or was about to give, a security to pay
+the widow fifteen pounds _per annum_ to hush it up. Mr. Ashby next
+enquired where Mr. Hayes was gone; she said to Portugal, with three or
+four foreign gentlemen.
+
+He thereupon took his leave; but going from thence to Mr. Henry
+Longmore's, cousin of Mr. Hayes, he related to him the story Mrs. Hayes
+had told him and expressed a good deal of dissatisfaction thereat,
+desiring Mr. Longmore to go to her and make the same enquiry as he had
+done, but without saying they had seen one another. Mr. Longmore went
+thereupon directly to Mrs. Hayes's, and enquired in a peremptory tone
+for her husband. In answer she said that she had supposed Mr. Ashby had
+acquainted him with the misfortune which had befallen him. Mr. Longmore
+replied he had not seen Mr. Ashby for a considerable time and knew
+nothing of his cousin's misfortune, not judging of any that could attend
+him, for he believed he was not indebted to anybody. He then asked if he
+was in prison for debt. She answered him, No, 'twas worse than that. Mr.
+Longmore demanded what worse could befall him. As to any debts, he
+believed he had not contracted any. At which she blessed God and said
+that neither Mr. Hayes nor herself owed a farthing to any person in the
+world. Mr. Longmore again importuning her to know what he had done to
+occasion his absconding so, said _I suppose he has not murdered
+anybody?_ To this she replied, he had, and beckoning him to come
+upstairs, related to him the story as before mentioned.
+
+Mr. Longmore being inquisitive which way he was gone, she told him into
+Herefordshire, that Mr. Hayes had taken four pocket pistols with him for
+his security, viz., one under each arm, and two in his pockets. Mr.
+Longmore answered, 'twould be dangerous for him to travel in that
+manner; that any person seeing him so armed with pistols, would cause
+him to be apprehended on suspicion of being a highwayman. To which she
+assured him that it was his usual manner; the reason of it was that he
+had like to have been robbed coming out of the country, and that once he
+was apprehended on suspicion of being an highwayman, but that a
+gentleman who knew him, accidentally came in, and seeing him in custody,
+passed his word for his appearance, by which he was discharged. To that
+Mr. Longmore made answer that it was very improbable of his ever being
+stopped on suspicion of being an highwayman, and discharged upon a man's
+only passing his word for his appearance; he farther persisted which way
+he was supplied with money for his journey. She told him she had sewn
+twenty-six guineas into his clothes, and that he had about him seventeen
+shillings in new silver. She added that Springate, who lodged there, was
+privy to the whole transaction, for which reason she paid a quarter's
+rent for her at her old lodgings, and the better to maintain what she
+had averred, called Springate to justify the truth of it. In concluding
+the discourse, she reflected on the unkind usage of Mr. Hayes towards
+her, which surprised Mr. Longmore more than anything else she had said
+yet, and strengthened his suspicion, because he had often been a witness
+to her giving Mr. Hayes the best of characters, viz., of a most
+indulgent, tender husband.
+
+Mr. Longmore then took leave of her and returned back to his friend Mr.
+Ashby; when, after comparing their several notes together, they judged
+by very apparent reasons that Mr. Hayes must have had very ill play
+shown him. Upon which they agreed to go to Mr. Eaton, a Life Guardman
+who was also an acquaintance of Mr. Hayes's, which accordingly they did,
+intending him to have gone to Mrs. Hayes also, to have heard what
+relation she would give him concerning her husband. They went and
+enquired at several places for him, but he was not then to be found;
+upon which Mr. Longmore and Mr. Ashby went down to Westminster to see
+the head at Mr. Westbrook's. When they came there, Mr. Westbrook told
+them that the head had been owned by a woman from Kingsland, who thought
+it to be her husband, but was not certain enough to swear it, though the
+circumstances were strong, because he had been missing from the day
+before the head was found. They desired to see it and Mr. Ashby first
+went upstairs to look on it, and coming down, told Mr. Longmore he
+really thought it to be Mr. Hayes's head, upon which Mr. Longmore went
+up to see it, and after examining it more particularly than Mr. Ashby,
+confirmed him in his suspicion. Then they returned to seek out Mr.
+Eaton, and finding him at home, informed him of their proceedings, with
+the sufficient reasons upon which their suspicions were founded, and
+compelled him to go with them to enquire into the affair.
+
+Mr. Eaton pressed them to stay to dinner with him, which at first they
+agreed to, but afterwards altering their minds, went all down to Mr.
+Longmore's house and there renewed the reasons of their suspicions, not
+only of Mr. Hayes's being murdered (being satisfied with seeing the
+head) but also that his wife was privy to the same. But in order to be
+more fully satisfied they agreed that Mr. Eaton should in a day or two's
+time go and enquire for Mr. Hayes, but withal taking no notice of his
+having seen Mr. Longmore and Mr. Ashby. In the meantime Mr. Longmore's
+brother interfered, saying, that it seemed apparent to him that his
+cousin (Mr. Hayes) had been murdered, and that Mrs. Hayes appeared very
+suspicious to him of being guilty with some other persons, viz., Wood
+and Billings (who she told him, had drunk with him the night before his
+journey). He added, moreover, that he thought time was not to be
+delayed, because they might remove from their lodgings upon the least
+apprehensions of a discovery.
+
+His opinion prevailed as the most reasonable, and Mr. Longmore said they
+would go about it immediately. Accordingly he immediately applied to Mr.
+Justice Lambert and acquainted him with the grounds of their suspicions
+and their desire of his granting a warrant for the apprehension of the
+parties. On hearing the story the justice not only readily agreed with
+them in their suspicions, and complied with their demand, but said also
+he would get proper officers to execute it in the evening, about nine
+o'clock, putting Mrs. Hayes, Thomas Wood, Thomas Billings, and Mary
+Springate into a special warrant for that purpose.
+
+At the hour appointed they met, and Mr. Eaton bringing two officers of
+the Guards along with them, they went altogether to the house where Mrs.
+Hayes lodged. They went directly in and upstairs, at which Mr. Jones,
+who kept the house, demanded who and what they were. He was answered
+that they were sufficiently authorised in all they did, desiring him at
+the same time to bring candles and he should see on what occasion they
+came. Light being thereupon brought they went all upstairs together.
+Justice Lambert rapped at Mrs. Hayes's door with his cane; she demanded
+who was there, for that she was in bed, on which she was bid to get up
+and open it, or they would break it open.
+
+After some time taken to put on her clothes, she came and opened it. As
+soon as they were in the room they seized her and Billings, who was
+sitting upon her bedside, without either shoes or stockings on. The
+justice asked whether he had been in bed with her. She said no, but that
+he sat there to mend his stockings. _Why, then_, replied Mr. Lambert,
+_he has very good eyes to see to do it without fire or candle_,
+whereupon they seized him too. And leaving persons below to guard them,
+they went up and apprehended Springate. After an examination in which
+they would confess nothing, they committed Billings to New Prison,
+Springate to the Gate House, and Mrs. Hayes to Tothill Fields Bridewell.
+
+The consciousness of her own guilt made Mrs. Hayes very assiduous in
+contriving such a method of behaviour as might carry the greatest
+appearance of innocence. In the first place, therefore, she entreated
+Mr. Longmore that she might be admitted to see the head, in which
+request she was indulged by Mr. Lambert, who ordered her to have a sight
+of it as she came from Tothill Fields Bridewell to her examination.
+Accordingly Mr. Longmore attending the officers to bring Mrs. Hayes from
+thence the next day to Mr. Lambert's, ordered the coach to stop at Mr.
+Westbrook's door. And as soon as he entered the house, being admitted
+into the room, she threw herself down upon her knees, crying out in
+great agonies, _Oh, it is my dear husband's head! It is my dear
+husband's head!_ and embracing the glass in her arms kissed the outside
+of it several times. In the meantime Mr. Westbrook coming in, told her
+that if it was his head she should have a plainer view of it, that he
+would take it out of the glass for her to have a full sight of it, which
+he did, by lifting it up by the hair and brought it to her. Taking it in
+her arms, she kissed it, and seemed in great confusion, withal begging
+to have a lock of his hair; but Mr. Westbrook replied that he was afraid
+she had had too much of his blood already. At which she fainted away,
+and after recovering, was carried to Mr. Lambert's, to be examined
+before him and some other Justices of the Peace. While these things were
+in agitation, one Mr. Huddle and his servant walking in Marylebone
+Fields in the evening, espied something lying in one of the ponds in the
+fields, which after they had examined it they found to be the legs,
+thighs, and arms of a man. They, being very much surprised at this,
+determined to search farther, and the next morning getting assistance
+drained the pond, where to their great astonishment they pulled out the
+body of a man wrapped up in a blanket; with the news of which, while
+Mrs. Hayes was under examination, Mr. Crosby, a constable, came down to
+the justices, not doubting but this was the body of Mr. Hayes which he
+had found thus mangled and dismembered.
+
+Yet, though she was somewhat confounded at the new discovery made hereby
+of the cruelty with which her late husband had been treated, she could
+not, however, be prevailed on to make any discovery or acknowledgment of
+her knowing anything of the fact; whereupon the justices who examined
+her, committed her that afternoon to Newgate, the mob attending her
+thither with loud acclamations of joy at her commitment, and ardent
+wishes of her coming to a just punishment, as if they were already
+convinced of her guilt.
+
+Sunday morning following, Thomas Wood came to town from Greenford, near
+Harrow, having heard nothing further of the affair, or of the taking up
+of Mrs. Hayes, Billings, or Springate. The first place he went to was
+Mrs. Hayes's old lodging; there he was answered that she had moved to
+Mr. Jones's, a distiller, a little farther in the street. Thither he
+went, where the people suspected of the murder said Mrs. Hayes was gone
+to the Green Dragon in King Street, which is Mrs. Longmore's house; and
+a man who was there told him, moreover, that he was going thither and
+would show him the way; Wood being on horseback followed him, and he led
+him the way to Mr. Longmore's house. At this time Mr. Longmore's brother
+coming to the door, and seeing Wood, immediately seized him, and
+unhorseing him, dragged him indoors, sent for officers and charged them
+with him on suspicion of the murder. From thence he was carried before
+Mr. Justice Lambert, who asked him many questions in relation to the
+murder; but he would confess nothing, whereupon he was committed to
+Tothill Fields Bridewell. While he was there he heard the various
+reports of persons concerning the murder, and from those, judging it
+impossible to prevent a full discovery or evade the proofs that were
+against him, he resolved to name an ample confession of the whole
+affair. Mr. Lambert being acquainted with this, he with John Madun and
+Thomas Salt, Esqs., two other justices of the peace, went to Tothill
+Fields Bridewell, to take his examination, in which he seemed very
+ingenuous and ample declaring all the particulars before mentioned, with
+this addition that Catherine Hayes was the first promoter of, and a
+great assistance in several parts of this horrid affair; that he had
+been drawn into the commission thereof partly through poverty, and
+partly through her crafty insinuations, who by feeding them with
+liquors, had spirited them up to the commission of such a piece of
+barbarity. He farther acknowledged that ever since the commission of the
+fact he had had no peace, but a continual torment of mind; that the very
+day before he came from Greenford he was fully persuaded within himself
+that he should be seized for the murder when he came to town, and should
+never see Greenford more; notwithstanding which he could not refrain
+coming, though under an unexpected certainty of being taken, and dying
+for the fact. Having thus made a full and ample confession, and signed
+the same on the 27th March, his _mittimus_ was made by Justice Lambert,
+and he was committed to Newgate, whither he was carried under a guard of
+a serjeant and eight soldiers with muskets and bayonets to keep off the
+mob, who were so exasperated against the actors of such a piece of
+barbarity that without that caution it would have been very difficult to
+have carried him thither alive.
+
+On Monday, the 28th of March, after Mrs. Hayes was committed to Newgate,
+being the day after Wood's apprehension, Joseph Mercer going to see
+Mrs. Hayes, she told him that as he was Thomas Billings's friend as well
+as hers; she desired he would go to him and tell him 'twas in vain to
+deny any longer the murder of her husband, for they were equally guilty,
+and both must die for it. Billings hearing this and that Wood was
+apprehended and had fully confessed the whole affair, thought it
+needless to persist any longer in a denial, and therefore the next day,
+being the 29th of March, he made a full and plain discovery of the whole
+fact, agreeing with Wood in all the particulars; which confession was
+made and signed in the presence of Gideon Harvey and Oliver Lambert,
+Esqs., two of his Majesty's justices of peace, whereupon he was removed
+to Newgate the same day that Wood was.
+
+Wood and Billings, by their several confessions, acquitting Springate of
+having any concern in the aforesaid murder, she was soon discharged from
+her confinement.
+
+This discovery making a great noise in the town, divers of Mrs. Hayes's
+went to visit her in Newgate and examine her as to the and motives that
+induced her to commit the said fact. Her acknowledgment in general was:
+that Mr. Hayes had proved but an indifferent husband to her; that one
+night he came home drunk and struck her; that upon complaining to
+Billings and Wood they, or one of them, said such a fellow (meaning Mr.
+Hayes) ought not to live, and that they would murder him for a
+halfpenny. She took that opportunity to propose her bloody intentions to
+them, and her willingness that they should do so; she was acquainted
+with their design, heard the blow given to Mr. Hayes by Billings, and
+then went with Wood into the room; she held the candle while the head
+was cut off, and in excuse for this bloody fact, said the devil was got
+into them all that made them do it. When she was made sensible that her
+crime in law was not only murder, but petty treason, she began to show
+great concern indeed, making very strict enquiries into the nature of
+the proof which was necessary to convict, and having possessed herself
+with a notion that it appeared she murdered him with her own hands, she
+was very angry that either Billings or Wood should, by their confession,
+acknowledge her guilty of the murder, and thereby subject her to that
+punishment which of all others she most feared, often repeating that it
+was hard they would not suffer her to be hanged with them! When she was
+told of the common report that Billings was her son, she affected, at
+first, to make a great mystery of it; said he was her own flesh and
+blood, indeed, but that he did not know how nearly he was related to her
+himself; at other times she said she would never disown him while she
+lived, and showed a greater tenderness for him than for herself, and
+sent every day to the condemned hold where he lay, to enquire after his
+health. But two or three days before her death, she became as the
+ordinary tells us a little more sincere in this respect, affirming that
+he was not only her child, but Mr. Hayes's also, though put out to
+another person, with whom he was bred up in the country and called him
+father.
+
+There are generally a set of people about most prisons, and especially
+about Newgate, who get their living by imposing on unhappy criminals,
+and persuading them that guilt may be covered, and Justice evaded by
+certain artful contrivances in which they profess themselves masters.
+Some of these had got access to this unhappy woman, and had instilled
+into her a notion that the confession of Wood and Billings could no way
+affect her life. This made her vainly imagine that there was no positive
+proof against her, and that circumstantials only would not convict her.
+For this reason she resolved to put herself upon her trial (contrary to
+her first intentions; for having been asked what she would do, she had
+replied she would hold up her hand at the bar and plead guilty, for the
+whole world could not save her). Accordingly, being arraigned, she
+pleaded not guilty, and put herself upon her trial. Wood and Billings
+both pleaded guilty, and desired to make atonement for the same by the
+loss of their blood, only praying the Court would be graciously pleased
+to favour them so much (as they had made an ingenuous confession) as to
+dispense with their being hanged in chains. Mrs. Hayes having thus put
+herself upon her trial, the King's Counsel opened the indictment,
+setting forth the heinousness of the fact, the premeditated intentions,
+and inhuman method of acting it; that his Majesty for the more effectual
+prosecution of such vile offenders, and out of a tender regard to the
+peace and welfare of all his subjects, and that the actors and
+perpetrators of such unheard of barbarities might be brought to condign
+punishment, had given them directions to prosecute the prisoners. Then
+Richard Bromage, Robert Wilkins, Leonard Myring, Joseph Mercer, John
+Blakesby, Mary Springate, and Richard Bows, were called into Court; the
+substance of whose evidence against the prisoner was that the prisoner
+being interrogated about the murder, when in Newgate, said, the devil
+put it into her head, but, however, John Hayes was none of the best of
+husbands, for she had been half starved ever since she was married to
+him; that she did not in the least repent of anything she had done, but
+only in drawing those two poor men into this misfortune; that she was
+six weeks importuning them to do it; that they denied it two or three
+times, but at last agreed; her husband was so drunk that he fell out of
+his chair, then Billings and Wood, carried him into the next room, and
+laid him upon the bed; that she was not in that room but in the fore
+room on the same floor when he was killed, but they told her that
+Billings struck him twice on the head with a pole-axe, and that then
+Wood cut his throat; that when he was quite dead she went in and held
+the candle whilst Wood cut his head quite off, and afterwards they
+chopped off his legs and arms; that they wanted to get him into an old
+chest, but were forced to cut off his thighs and arms, and then the
+chest would not hold them all; the body and limbs were put into blankets
+at several times the next night, and thrown into a pond, that the devil
+was in them all, and they were all drunk; that it would signify nothing
+to make a long preamble, she could hold up her hand and say she was
+guilty, for nothing could save her, nobody could forgive her; that the
+men who did the murder were taken and confessed it; that she was not
+with them when they did it; that she was sitting by the fire in the shop
+upon a stool; that she heard the blow given and somebody stamp; that she
+did not cry out, for fear they should kill her; that after the head was
+cut off, it was put into a pail, and Wood carried it out; that Billings
+sat down by her and cried, and would lie all the rest of the night in
+the room with the dead body; that the first occasion of this design to
+murder him was because he came home one night and beat her, upon which
+Billings said this fellow deserved to be killed, and Wood said he would
+be his butcher for a penny; that she told them they might do as they
+would do it that night it was done; that she did not tell her husband of
+the design to murder him, for fear he should beat her; that she sent to
+Billings to let him know it was in vain to deny the murder of her
+husband any longer, for they were both guilty, and must both die for it.
+
+Many other circumstances equally strong with those before mentioned
+appeared, and a cloud of witnesses, many of whom (the thing appearing so
+plain) were sent away unexamined. She herself confessed at the bar her
+previous knowledge of their intent several days before the fact was
+committed; yet foolishly insisted on her innocence, because the fact was
+not committed by her own hands. The jury, without staying long to
+consider of it, found her guilty, and she was taken from the bar in a
+very weak and faint condition. On her return to Newgate, she was visited
+by several persons of her acquaintance, who yet were so far from doing
+her any good that they rather interrupted her in those preparations
+which it became a woman in her sad condition to make.
+
+When they were brought up to receive sentence, Wood and Billings renewed
+their former requests to the Court, that they might not be hung in
+chains. Mrs. Hayes also made use of her former assertion, that she was
+not guilty of actually committing the fact, and therefore begged of the
+Court that she might at least have so much mercy shown her as not to be
+burnt alive. The judges then proceeded in the manner prescribed by Law,
+that is, they sentenced the two men, with the other malefactors, to be
+hanged, and Mrs. Hayes, as in all cases of petty treason, to die by fire
+at a stake; at which she screamed, and being carried back to Newgate,
+fell into violent agonies. When the other criminals were brought thither
+after sentence passed, the men were confined in the same place with the
+rest in their condition, but Mrs. Hayes was put into a place by herself,
+which was at that time the apartment allotted to women under
+condemnation.
+
+Perhaps nobody ever kept their thoughts so long and so closely united to
+the world, as appeared by the frequent messages she sent to Wood and
+Billings in the place where they were confined, and that tenderness
+which she expressed for both of them seemed preferable to any concern
+she showed for her own misfortunes, lamenting in the softest terms of
+having involved those two poor men in the commission of a fact for which
+they were now to lose their lives. In which, indeed, they deserved pity,
+since, as I shall show hereafter, they were persons of unblemished
+characters, and of virtuous inclinations, until misled by her.
+
+As to the sense she had of her own circumstances, there has been scarce
+any in her state known to behave with so much indifference. She said
+often that death was neither grievous nor terrible to her in itself, but
+was in some degree shocking from the manner in which she was to die. Her
+fondness for Billings hurried her into indecencies of a very
+extraordinary nature, such as sitting with her hand in his at chapel,
+leaning upon his shoulder, and refusing upon being reprimanded (for
+giving offence to the congregation) to make any amendment in respect of
+these shocking passages between her and the murderers of her husband,
+but on the contrary, she persisted in them to the very minute of her
+death. One of her last expressions was to enquire of the executioner
+whether he had hanged her dear child, and this, as she was going from
+the sledge to the stake, so strong and lasting were the passions of this
+woman.
+
+[Illustration: THE MURDER OF JOHN HAYES
+
+The murdered man's head is exhibited in the churchyard of St.
+Margaret's, Westminster]
+
+The Friday night before her execution (being assured she should die on
+the Monday following) she attempted to make away with herself; to which
+purpose she had procured a bottle of strong poison, designing to have
+taken the same. But a woman who was in the place with her, touching it
+with her lips, found that it burnt them to an extraordinary degree, and
+spilling a little on her handkerchief, perceived it burnt that also;
+upon which suspecting her intentions, she broke the phial, whereby her
+design was frustrated.
+
+On the day of her execution she was at prayers, and received the
+Sacrament in the chapel, where she still showed her tenderness to
+Billings. About twelve, the prisoners were severally carried away for
+execution; Billings with eight others for various crimes were put into
+three carts, and Catherine Hayes was drawn upon a sledge to the place of
+execution; where being arrived, Billings with eight others, after having
+had some time for their private devotions, were turned off.
+
+After which Catherine Hayes being brought to the stake, was chained
+thereto with an iron chain running round her waist and under her arms
+and a rope about her neck, which was drawn through a hole in the post;
+then the faggots, intermixed with light brush wood and straw, being
+piled all round her, the executioner put fire thereto in several places,
+which immediately blazing out, as soon as the same reached her, with her
+arms she pushed down those which were before her. When she appeared in
+the middle of the flames as low as her waist, the executioner got hold
+of the end of the cord which was round her neck, and pulled tight, in
+order to strangle her, but the fire soon reached his hand and burnt it,
+so that he was obliged to let it go again. More faggots were immediately
+thrown upon her, and in about three or four hours she was reduced to
+ashes.
+
+In the meantime, Billings's irons were put upon him as he was hanging on
+the gallows; after which being cut down, he was carried to the gibbet,
+about one hundred yards distance, and there hung up in chains.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [75] The old name for Oxford Street.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS BILLINGS, a Murderer.
+
+
+We have said so much of this malefactor in the foregoing life, yet it
+was necessary, in order to preserve the connection of that barbarous
+story, to leave the particular consideration of these two assistants in
+the murder of Mr. Hayes to particular chapters, and therefore we will
+begin with Billings. Mrs. Hayes, some time before her execution,
+confidently averred that he was the son both of Mr. Hayes and of
+herself, that his father not liking him, he was put out to relations of
+hers and took the name of Billings from his godfather. But Mr. Hayes's
+relations confidently denying all this, and he himself saying he knew
+nothing more than that he called his father a shoemaker in the country,
+who some time since was dead. He was put apprentice to a tailor with
+whom he served his time, and then came up to London to work
+journey-work, which he did in Monmouth Street, lodging at Mr. Hayes's
+and believed himself nearly related to his wife, who from the influence
+she always maintained over him, drew him to the commission of that
+horrid fact.
+
+But the most certain opinion is that he was found in a basket upon the
+common, near the place where Mrs. Hayes lived before she married Mr.
+Hayes, that he was at that time of his death about twenty-two or
+twenty-three years old; whereas it evidently appeared by her own
+confession, that she had been married to Mr. Hayes but twenty years and
+eight months. He was put out to nurse by the charge of the parish, to
+people whose names were Billings, and when he was big enough to go
+apprentice, was bound to one Mr. Wetherland, a tailor, to whom the
+parish gave forty shillings with him. It is very probable he might be a
+natural son of Mrs. Hayes's, born in her rambles (of which we have
+hinted) before her marriage, and dropped by her in the place where he
+was found.
+
+As to the character of Billings in the country he was always reputed a
+sober, honest, industrious young man. During the time he had worked in
+town, he had done nothing to impeach that reputation which he brought up
+with him, and might possibly have lived very happily, if he had not
+fallen into the temptation of this unfortunate woman, who seems to have
+been born for her own undoing and for the destruction of others.
+Whatever knowledge he might have of that relation in which he stood to
+Mrs. Hayes, certain it is that she always preserved such an authority
+over him that in her presence he would never answer any questions but
+constantly referred himself to her, or kept an obstinate silence; he
+affected, also, a strange fondness for her, kissing her cheek when she
+fainted in the chapel at Newgate, and behaving himself when near her, in
+such a manner as gave great offence to the spectators. As to the remorse
+he had for the horrid crime he had committed, those who had occasion to
+know him while under confinement thought him sincere therein; but the
+Ordinary, whose place it is to be supreme judge in these matters, told
+the world in his account of the behaviour and confession of the
+malefactors, that he was a confused, hard-hearted fellow, and had few
+external signs of penitence; and a little farther, when possibly he was
+in a better humour, he says that in all appearance he was very penitent
+for his sins, and died in the Communion of the Church of England, of
+which he owned himself an unworthy member.
+
+
+
+
+Life of THOMAS WOOD, a Murderer
+
+
+This malefactor, Thomas Wood, was born at a place called Ombersley,
+between Ludlow and Worcester, of parents in very indifferent
+circumstances, who were therefore able to give him but little education.
+He was bred up to no settled business, but laboured in all such country
+employments as require only a robust body for their performance. When
+the summer's work was over, he used to assist as a tapster at inns and
+alehouses in the neighbourhood of the village where he was born, and by
+the industry, care, and regularity which he observed in all things,
+gained a very great reputation as an honest and faithful servant with
+all that knew him.
+
+His mother having been left in a needy condition, with several small
+children, she set up a little alehouse in order to get bread for them.
+Thomas was very dutiful, and as his diligence enabled him to save a
+little money, so he was by no means backwards in giving her all the
+assistance that was in his power. Some few months before his death, he
+grew desirous of coming to London, which he did accordingly, and worked
+at whatsoever employment he could get both with fidelity and diligence;
+but a fleet being then setting out for the Mediterranean, press-warrants
+were granted for the manning thereof, and the diligence that was used in
+putting them in execution gave great uneasiness to Wood, who, having no
+settled business, was afraid of falling into their hands. Whereupon he
+bethought himself of his countryman, Mr. Hayes, to whom he applied for
+his advice and assistance. Mr. Hayes kindly invited him to live with
+them in order to avoid that danger, and he accordingly lay with Mr.
+Billings, as has been before related. Mr. Hayes was moreover so desirous
+of doing him service that he applied himself to finding out such persons
+as wanted labourers in order to get him into business, while Mrs. Hayes,
+in the meantime, made use of every blandishment to seduce the fellow
+into following her wicked inclinations. Perceiving that both Billings
+and he had religious principles then in common with ordinary persons,
+she artfully made even those persons' dispositions subservient to her
+brutal and inhuman purpose.
+
+It seems that Mr. Hayes had fallen, within a few years of his death,
+into the company of some who called themselves Free-thinkers and fancy
+an excellency in their own understandings because they are able to
+ridicule those things which the rest of the world think sacred. Though
+it is no great conquest to obtrude the belief of anything whatsoever on
+persons of small parts and little education, yet they triumph greatly
+therein and communicate the same honour of boasting in their pupils. Mr.
+Hayes now and then let fall some rather rash expression, as to his
+disbelief of the immortality of the soul, and talked in such a manner on
+religious topics that Mrs. Hayes persuaded Billings and Wood that he was
+an Atheist, and as he believed his own soul of no greater value than
+that of a brute beast, there could be no difference between killing him
+and them. It must be indeed acknowledged that there was no less oddity
+in such propositions than in those of her husband; however, it
+prevailed, it seems, with these unfortunate men; and as she had already
+persuaded them it was no sin, so when they were intoxicated with liquor
+she found it less difficult than at any other time, to deprive them also
+of the humanity, and engage them in perpetrating a fact so opposite not
+only to religion but to the natural tenderness of the human species.
+Wood, as he yielded to her persuasions with reluctance, so he was the
+first who showed any true remorse of conscience for that cruel act of
+which he had been guilty; his confession of it being free and voluntary,
+and at the same time full and ingenious. Two days after receiving
+sentence, his constitution began to give way to the violence of a
+feverish distemper, which by a natural death prevented his execution, he
+dying in Newgate, in the twenty-eighth year of his age, much more pitied
+than either Billings or Mrs. Hayes who suffered at Tyburn. And thus with
+Wood we put a period to the relation of a tragedy which surprised the
+world exceedingly at the same time it happened, and will doubtless be
+read with horror in succeeding generations.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of CAPTAIN JAEN, a Murderer
+
+
+Though there is not perhaps any sin so opposite to our nature as cruelty
+towards our fellow creatures, yet we see it so thoroughly established in
+some tempers, that neither education nor a sense of religion are strong
+enough to abate it, much less to wear it out. The person of whom we are
+speaking, John Jaen, was the son of parents in very good circumstances
+at Bristol, who they bred him up to the knowledge of everything
+requisite to a person who was to be bred up in trade, and he grew a very
+tolerable proficient as well in the knowledge of the Latin tongue, as in
+writing and accounts, for his improvement in all which he was put under
+the best masters. When he had finished that course of learning which
+his friends thought would qualify him for what they designed him, he was
+immediately put apprentice to a cooper in Bristol, where he served his
+time with both fidelity and industry. When it was expired, he applied
+himself to trade with the same diligence, and sometimes went to sea,
+till in the year '24 he became master of a ship called the _Burnett_,
+fitted out by some merchants at Bristol, for South Carolina. In his
+return from this voyage he committed the murder for which he died.
+
+On the 25th April, 1726, an Admiralty Sessions was held at the Old
+Bailey, before the Hon. Sir Henry Penrice, Judge of the High Court of
+Admiralty, assisted by the Honourable Mr. Baron Hale, at which Captain
+Greagh was indicated for feloniously sinking the good ship called the
+_Friendship_, of which he was commander; but as there appeared no
+grounds for such a charge, he was acquitted. Afterwards Captain John
+Jaen, of Bristol, was set to the bar, and arraigned on an indictment for
+wilfully and inhumanly murdering one Richard Pye, who had been
+cabin-boy, in the month of March, in the year 1724. It appeared by the
+evidence produced against him that he either whipped the boy himself or
+caused him to be whipped every day during the voyage; that he caused him
+to be tied to the mainmast with ropes for nine days together, extending
+his arms and legs to the utmost, whipping him with a cat (as it is
+called) of five small cords till he was all bloody, then causing his
+wounds to be several times washed with brine and pickle. Under this
+terrible usage the poor wretch grew soon after speechless. The Captain,
+notwithstanding, continued his cruel usage, stamping, beating and
+abusing him, and even obliging him to eat his own excrements, which
+forcing its way upwards again, the boy in his agony of pain made signs
+for a dram, whereupon the captain in derision took a glass, carried it
+into the cabin, and made water therein, and then brought it to the boy
+to drink, who rejected the same. The lamentable condition in which he
+was made no impression on the captain, who continued to treat him with
+the same severity, by whipping, pickling, kicking, beating, and bruising
+him while he lingered out his miserable life. On the last day of this he
+gave him eighteen lashes with the aforesaid cat of five tails, in a
+little time after which the boy died. The evidence farther deposed that
+when the boy's body was sewn up in a hammock to be thrown overboard it
+had in it as many colours as there are in a rainbow, that his flesh in
+many places was as soft as jelly, and his head swelled as big as two.
+Upon the whole it very fully appeared that a more bloody premeditated
+and wilful murder was never committed, and Sir Henry Penrice declared,
+that in all the time he had had the honour of sitting on the Bench he
+never heard anything like it, and hoped that no person who should sit
+there after him should hear of such an offence.
+
+Under sentence of death he behaved with a great deal of piety and
+resignation though he did not frequent the public chapel for two
+reasons, the first because the number of strangers who were admitted
+thither to stare at such unhappy persons as are to die are always
+numerous and sometimes very indiscreet; the second was, that he had many
+enemies who took a pleasure in coming to insult him, and as he was sure
+either of these would totally interrupt his devotions, he thought it
+excusable to receive the assistance of the minister in his own chamber.
+As to the general offences of his life, he was very open in his
+confession, but as to the particular fact for which he suffered, he
+endeavoured to excuse it by saying he never intended to murder the boy,
+but only to correct him as he deserved, he being exceedingly wicked and
+unruly; he charged him with thieving in their voyage out, being yet
+worse as they came home, and that particularly one evening when he was
+asleep in the cabin, the lad broke open his lockers, and took out a
+bottle of rum, of which he drank near a pint, making himself therefor so
+drunk that his excrements fell involuntarily from him, which stunk so
+abominably that it awakened him (the Captain), whereupon he called in
+several of his men, who found the boy in a sad condition, and were
+obliged to sit down and smoke tobacco in order to overcome the stench he
+had raised. This produced the terrible punishment of tying him to the
+mast for several days and the offering him his excrements which he
+rejected.
+
+Notwithstanding the captain owned all this, yet he could not forbear
+reflections on those who gave testimony against him at his trial,
+charging them with perjury and conspiracy to ruin him, though nothing
+like it appeared from the manner in which they delivered their
+testimony. As the time of his death approached nearer, the fear thereof,
+and remorse of conscience, brought the captain into so weak and low a
+state that he could scarce speak or attend to any discourses of others,
+but lay in a languishing condition, often fainting, and in fine
+appearing not unlike a person who had taken something to produce a
+sudden death, in order to prevent an ignominious one. Yet when such
+suspicions were mentioned to him, he declared that they were without
+ground, that he had never suffered such a thought once to enter into his
+head. His wife, who attended him constantly while in prison, said she
+loved him too well to become his executioner, and that she was positive
+since his commitment, he had had nothing unwholesome administered to
+him.
+
+[Illustration: CATHERINE HAYES BURNT FOR THE MURDER OF HER HUSBAND
+
+(_From the Annals of Newgate_)]
+
+As he was carried to execution, he was so very much spent, that it was
+thought he would hardly have lived to have reached it. There he had the
+assistance of a minister of distinction, who prayed with him till the
+instant he was thrown off, which was on the 13th day of May, 1726, being
+then about twenty-nine years of age. As soon as he was cut down, he was
+put in chains, in order to be hung up.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM BOURN, a Notorious Thief
+
+
+As the want of education, from a multitude of instances, seems to be the
+chief cause of many of those misfortunes which befall persons in the
+ordinary course of life, so there are some born with such a natural
+inaptitude thereto, that no care, no pains, is able to conquer the
+stubborn stupidity of their nature, but like a knotty piece of wood,
+they defy the ingenuity of others to frame anything useful out of such
+cross-grained materials. This, as he acknowledged himself upon all
+occasions, was the case of the malefactor we are now speaking of, who
+was descended of honest and reputable parents, who were willing in his
+younger years to have furnished him with a tolerable share of learning;
+but he was utterly incorrigible, and though put to a good school, would
+never be brought to read or write at all, which was no small
+dissatisfaction to his parents, with whom in other respects he agreed
+tolerably well.
+
+When of age to be put out apprentice, he was placed with a hatter in the
+city of Dublin, to whom he served his time honestly and faithfully; as
+soon as he was out of his time, he came up to London in order to become
+acquainted with his business. He had the good luck, though a stranger,
+to get into good business here, but was so unfortunate as to fall into
+the acquaintance of two lewd women, who fatally persuaded him that
+thieving was an easier way of getting money to supply their extravagant
+expenses than working. He being a raw young lad, unacquainted with the
+world, was so mad as to follow their advice, and in consequence thereof
+snatched a show-glass out of the shop of Mr. Lovell, a goldsmith in
+Bishopsgate Street, in which there was four snuff-boxes, eight silver
+medals, six pairs of gold buttons, five diamond rings, twenty pairs of
+ear-rings, sixty-four gold rings, several gold chains, and other rich
+goods, to the amount of near £300, with all of which he got safe off,
+though discovered soon afterwards by his folly in endeavouring to
+dispose of them.
+
+He threw aside all hopes of life as soon as he was apprehended, as
+having no friends to make intercession likely to procure a pardon. He
+was, indeed, a poor young creature, rather stupid than wicked and his
+vices more owing to his folly than to the malignity of his inclinations.
+He seemed to have a just notion both of the heinousness of that crime
+which he had committed and of the shame and ignominy he had brought upon
+himself and his relations. He was particularly affected with the
+miseries which were likely to fall upon his poor wife for his folly, and
+when the day of his death came, he seemed very easy and contented under
+it, declaring, however, at last that he died in the communion of the
+Church of Rome. This was on the 27th of June, 1726, being then not much
+above eighteen years old.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN MURREL, a Horse-Stealer
+
+
+This malefactor was descended of very honest and reputable parents in
+the county of York, who took care not only that he should read and write
+tolerably well, but also that he should be instructed in the principles
+of religion. They brought him up in their own way of business, which was
+grazing of cattle (both black cattle and horses), and afterwards selling
+them at market. As he grew up a man, he settled in the same occupation,
+farming what is called in Yorkshire a grazing room, for which he paid
+near a hundred pounds a year rent, and dealt very considerably himself
+in the same way which had been followed by his parents. He married also
+a young woman with a tolerable fortune, who bore him several children,
+five of which were alive at the time of his execution, and lived with
+their mother upon some little estate she had of her own.
+
+For some years after his marriage he lived with tolerable reputation in
+the country, but being lavish in his expenses, he quickly consumed both
+his own little fortune and what he had with his wife, and then failing
+in his business, a whim took him in the head to come to London, whither
+also he brought his son. Here he soon fell into bad company, and getting
+acquaintance with a woman whom he thought was capable of maintaining
+him, he married her, or at least lived with her as if they had been
+married, for a considerable space; the news of which reaching his wife
+in the country, affected her so much that she had very nigh fallen into
+a fit of sickness. Thereupon her friends demonstrated to her, in vain,
+how unreasonable a thing it was for her to give herself so much pain
+about a man who treated her at once with unkindness and injustice; in
+spite of their remonstrances she came up to London, in hopes that her
+presence might reclaim him. But herein she was utterly mistaken, for he
+absolutely denied her to be his wife, and even persuaded his son to deny
+her also for his mother, which the boy with much fear and confusion did;
+and the poor woman was forced to go down into the country again,
+overwhelmed with sorrow at the ingratitude of the one and the
+undutifulness of the other. However, Murrel still went on in the same
+way with the woman he had chosen for his companion.
+
+There is all the reason imaginable to suppose that he did not take the
+most honest ways of supporting himself and his mistress. However, he
+fell into no trouble nor is there any direct evidence of his having been
+guilty of any dishonesty within the reach of the Law, until he ran away
+with a mare from a man in town, as to which he excused himself by saying
+that she had formerly been his own, and that there having nothing more
+than a verbal contract between them, he thought fit to carry her off and
+sell her again. Sometime afterwards, going down to Newcastle Fair (for
+he still continued to carry on some dealing in horse-flesh) he fell
+there into the company of some merchants in the same way, who found
+means to get gains and sell very cheap, by paying nothing at the first
+hand. Among these, there was a country man of his who went by the name
+of Brown, with whom Murrel had formerly had an acquaintance. This fellow
+knowing the company in general to be persons of the same profession,
+began to talk very freely of his practices in that way (viz., of horse
+stealing), and amongst other stories related this. He said he once rode
+away with an officer's horse, who had just bought it with an intent to
+ride him up to London; he carried the creature into the West, and having
+made such alterations in his mane and tail as he thought proper, sold
+him there to a parson for thirteen guineas, which was about seven less
+than the horse was worth. But knowing the doctor had another church
+about eight miles from the parish in which he lived, and that there was
+a little stable at one angle of the churchyard, where the horse was put
+up during service, he resolved to make bold with it again. Accordingly,
+when the people were all at church, having provided himself with a red
+coat and a horse-soldier's accoutrements, he picked the stable door,
+clapped them on the priest's beast, and rode him without the least
+suspicion as hard as conveniently he could to Worcester. There he laid
+aside the habit of a cavalier, and transforming himself into the natural
+appearance of a horse-courser, he sold the horse to a physician,
+telling him at the time he bought it, that it would be greatly the
+better for being suffered to run at grass a fortnight or so. _No doubt
+on it_, said he; _but I had some design of so doing._
+
+Yet they were much sooner executed than at first they were intended to
+have been, by an accident which happened the very day after the beast
+came into the hands of the physician; for one evening as Brown was
+taking a walk in the skirts of the city, who should he perceive but his
+old Cornish parson and his footman, jogging into town. Guilt struck him
+immediately with apprehensions at their errand relating to him, so that
+walking up and down, nor daring to go into the town for fear of being
+taken up and at last supposing it the only way to rid him of danger, he
+caught the horse once more in the doctor's close, and having stolen a
+saddle and bridle out of the inn where he lodged, he rode on him as far
+as Essex.
+
+There he remained until Northampton Fair, where he sold the horse for
+the third time, for twenty-seven guineas, to an officer in the same
+regiment with him from whom it had been first stolen, on whose return
+from Flanders it was owned and the captain who bought it (though he
+refused to lose his money) yet gave as good description as he could of
+the person who sold it. Upon this the other officer put out an
+advertisement, describing both the man and the horse, and offering a
+reward of five guineas for whoever should apprehend him. This
+advertisement roused both the parson and the doctor, and the former took
+so much pains to discover him that he was at length apprehended in
+Cornwall, where at the assizes he was tried and convicted for the fact.
+But the captain who was the original possessor of the horse was so much
+pleased with his ingenuity that he procured a reprieve for him, and
+carried him abroad with him where he continued until the peace of
+Utrecht, when he returned home and fell to his old way of living, by
+which he had submitted himself unto the time in which he fell into
+company with Murrel, and had then bought five or six horses which had
+been stolen from the South, to be disposed of at the fair.
+
+Murrel liked the precedent, and put it in practice immediately by
+stealing a brown mare which belonged to Jonathan Wood, for which he was
+shortly after apprehended and committed to Newgate. At the next sessions
+at the Old Bailey he was tried and convicted on very clear evidence, and
+during the space in which he lay under condemnation, testified a true
+sorrow for his sins, though not so just a sense of that for which he
+died as he ought to have had, and which might have been reasonably
+expected. For as horse-stealing did not appear any very great sin to
+him at the time of his committing it, so now, when he was to die for it,
+such an obstinate partiality towards ourselves is there naturally
+grafted in human nature that he could not forbear complaining of the
+severity of the Law, and find fault with its rigour which might have
+been avoided. What seemed most of all to afflict him under his
+misfortune was that be saw his son and nearest relations forsake him,
+and as much as they could shun having anything to do with his affairs.
+Of this he complained heavily to the minister of the place, during his
+confinement in Newgate, who represented to him how justly this had
+befallen him for first slighting his family, and leaving them without
+the least tenderness of respect, either to the ties of a husband, or the
+duty of a parent; so he began to read his sin in his punishment, and to
+frame himself to a due submission to what he had so much merited by his
+follies and his crimes.
+
+When he was first brought up to receive sentence, he counterfeited being
+dead so exactly that he was brought back again to Newgate, but this
+cheat served only to gain a little time; for at the next sessions he was
+condemned and ordered for execution, which he suffered on the 27th of
+June, 1726, being then between forty and fifty years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM HOLLIS, a Thief and an Housebreaker
+
+
+This unhappy lad was born in Portugal, while the English army served
+there in the late war. His father was drum-major of a regiment, but had
+not wherewith to give his child anything but food, for intending to
+bring him up a soldier, he perhaps thought learning an unnecessary thing
+to one of that profession. During the first years of his life the poor
+boy was a constant campaigner, being transported wherever the regiment
+removed, with the same care and conveniency as the kettle [drum] and
+knapsack, the only thing besides himself which make up the drum-major's
+equipage. When he grew big, he got, it seems, on board a man-of-war in
+the squadron that sailed up the Mediterranean. This was a proper
+university for one who had been bred in such a school; so that there is
+no wonder he became so great a proficient in all sorts of wickedness,
+gaming, drinking, and whoring, which appear not to such poor creatures
+as sins, but as the pleasures of life, about which they ought to spend
+their whole care; and, indeed, how should it be otherwise, where they
+know nothing that better deserves it.
+
+When he came home to England his father dying, he was totally
+destitute, except what care his mother-in-law was pleased to take of
+him, which was, indeed, a great deal, if he would have been in any
+degree obedient to her instructions. But instead of that he looked upon
+all restraints on his liberty as the greatest evil that could befall
+him. Wherefore, leaving his mother's house, he abandoned himself to
+procuring money at any rate to support those lewd pleasures to which he
+had addicted himself.
+
+It happened that he lodged near one John Mattison, a working
+silversmith, into whose house he got, and stole from thence no less than
+one hundred and forty silver buckles, the goods of one Samuel Ashmelly.
+For this offence he was apprehended, and committed to Newgate; at the
+next sessions he was tried, and on the evidence of the prosecutor, which
+was very full and direct, he was convicted, and having no friends, he
+laid aside all hopes of life, and endeavoured as far as poor capacity
+would give him leave to improve himself in the knowledge of the
+Christian Faith, and in preparing for that death to which his follies
+and his crimes had brought him. The Ordinary, in the account he gives of
+his death, says that he was extremely stupid, a thing no ways improbable
+considering the wretched manner in which he had spent the years of his
+childhood and his youth. However, at last either his insensibility or
+having satisfied himself with the little evil there is in death compared
+with living in misery and want, furnished him with so much calmness that
+he suffered with greater appearance of courage than could have been
+expected from him. Just before he died he stood up in the cart, and
+turning himself to the spectators, said, _Good people, I am very young,
+but have been very wicked. It is true I have had no education, but I
+might have laboured hard and lived well for all that; but gaming and
+ill-company were my ruin. The Law hath justly brought me where I am, and
+I hope such young men as see my untimely fate will avoid the paths which
+lead unto it. Good people, pray for our departing souls, as we do, that
+God may give you all more grace than to follow us thither._ He suffered
+with the malefactors before-mentioned, being at the time of his
+execution between seventeen and eighteen years old.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS SMITH, a Highwayman
+
+
+There is a certain commendable tenderness in human nature towards all
+who are under misfortunes, and this tenderness is in proportion to the
+magnitude of those evils which we suppose the pitied person to labour
+under. If we extend our compassion to relieving their necessities, and
+feeling a regret for those miseries which they undergo, we undoubtedly
+discharge the duties of humanity according to the scheme both of natural
+religion and the laws laid down in the Gospel. Perhaps no object ever
+merited it from juster motives than this poor man, who is the subject of
+the following pages. His parents were people in tolerable circumstances
+in Southwark; his father was snatched from him by death, while he was
+yet a child, but his mother, as far as she was able, was very careful
+that he should not pass his younger days without instruction, and an
+uncle he then had, being pleased with the docile temper of the youth,
+was at some expense also about his education. By this means he came to
+read and write tolerably well, and gained some little knowledge of the
+Latin tongue; and having a peculiar sweetness in his behaviour, it won
+very much upon his relations, and encouraged them to treat him with
+great indulgence.
+
+But unfortunately for him, by the time he grew big enough to go out
+apprentice, or to enter upon any other method of living, his friends
+suddenly dropped off, and, by their death becoming in great want of
+money, he was forced to resign all the golden hopes he had formed and
+for the sake of present subsistance submit to becoming footman to a
+gentleman, who was, however, a very good and kind master to him, till in
+about a year's time he died also, and poor Smith was again left at his
+wits' end. However, out of this trouble he was relieved by an Irish
+gentleman, who took him into his service, and carried him over with him
+to Dublin. There he met with abundance of temptations to fall into that
+loose and lascivious course of life which prevails more in that city,
+perhaps, than in any other in Europe. But he had so much grace at that
+time as to resist it, and after a stay there of twenty months, returned
+into England again, where he came into the service of a third master, no
+less indulgent to him than the two former had been. In this last service
+an odd accident befell him, in which, though I neither believe myself,
+nor incline to impose on my readers that there was anything supernatural
+in the case of it, yet I fancy the oddness of the thing may, under the
+story I am going to tell, prove not disagreeable.
+
+In a journey which Thomas had made into Herefordshire, with his first
+master, he had contracted there an acquaintance with a young woman,
+daughter to a farmer, in tolerable circumstances. This girl without
+saying anything to the man, fell it seems desperately in love with him,
+and about three months after he left the country, died. One night after
+his coming to live with this last master, he fancied he saw her in a
+dream, that she stood for some time by his bedside, and at last said,
+_Thomas, a month or two hence you will be in danger of a fever, and when
+that is over of a greater misfortune. Have a care, you have hitherto
+always behaved as an honest man; do not let either poverty or
+misfortunes tempt you to become otherwise;_ and having so said, she
+withdrew. In the morning the fellow was prodigiously confounded, yet
+made no discovery of what had happened to any but the person who lay
+with him, though the thing made a very strong impression on his spirits,
+and might perhaps contribute not a little to his falling ill about the
+time predicted by the phantom he had seen.
+
+This fever soon brought him very low, and obliged him to make away with
+most of his things in order to support himself. Upon recovery he found
+himself in lamentable circumstances, being without friends, without
+money, and out of business. Unfortunately for him, coming along the
+Haymarket one evening, he happened to follow a gentleman somewhat in
+liquor, who knowing him, desired that he would carry him home to his
+house in St. Martin's Lane, to which Thomas readily agreed. But as they
+were going along thither, a crowd gathered about the gentleman, who
+became as quarrelsome as they, and took it into his head to box one of
+the mob, in order to do which more conveniently, he gave Smith his hat
+and cane, and his wig. Smith held them for some time, the mob forcing
+them along like a torrent, till the gentleman, whose name was Brown,
+made up a court near Northumberland House, and Smith thereupon marched
+off with the things, the necessity he was under so far blinding him that
+he made no scruple of attempting to sell them the next day; by which
+means Mr. Brown hearing of them, he caused Smith to be apprehended as a
+street-robber, and to be committed to Newgate, though he had the good
+luck, notwithstanding, to get all his things again. It seems he visited
+the poor man in prison, and if he did not prevaricate at his death, made
+him some promises of softening at least, if not of dropping the
+prosecution, which, as Smith asserted, prevented his making such a
+preparation for his defence as otherwise he might have done; which
+proved of very fatal consequence to him, since on the evidence of the
+prosecutor he was convicted of the robbery and condemned.
+
+Never poor creature suffered more or severer hardships in the road of
+death than this poor man did, for by the time sentence was passed, all
+that he had was gone, and he had scarce a blanket to cover him from
+downright nakedness, during the space he lay in the hold under sentence.
+As he was better principled in religion than any of the other
+malefactors, he had retained his reading so well as to assist them in
+their devotions, and to supply in some measure the want of somebody
+constantly to attend them in their preparation for another world. So he
+picked up thereby such little assistances from amongst them as prevented
+his being starved before the time appointed for their execution came.
+
+As this man did not want good sense, and was far from having lost what
+learning he had acquired in his youth, so the terrors of an ignominious
+death were quickly over with him, and instead of being affrighted with
+his approaching fate, he considered it only as a relief from miseries
+the most piercing that a man could feel, under which he had laboured so
+long that life was become a burden, and the prospect of death the only
+comfort that was left. He died with the greatest appearance of
+resolution and tranquillity on the 3rd August, 1726, being then about
+twenty-three years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of EDWARD REYNOLDS, a Thief, etc.
+
+
+Notwithstanding the present age is so much celebrated for its excellency
+in knowledge and politeness, yet I am persuaded both these qualities, if
+they are really greater, are yet more restrained than they have been any
+time herefore whatsoever. The common people are totally ignorant, almost
+even of the first principles of religion. They give themselves up to
+debauchery without restraint, and what is yet more extraordinary, they
+fancy their vices are great qualifications, and look on all sorts of
+wickedness as merit.
+
+This poor wretch who is the subject of our present page was put to
+school by his parents, who were in circumstances mean enough; but from a
+natural aversion to all goodness he absolutely declined making any
+proficiency therein. Whether he was educated to any business I cannot
+take upon me to say, but he worked at mop-making and carried them about
+to the country fairs for sale, by which he got a competency at least,
+and therefore had not by any means that ordinary excuse to plead that
+necessity had forced him upon thieving. On the contrary, he was drawn to
+the greatest part of those evils which he committed, and which
+consequently brought of those which he suffered, by frequenting the ring
+at Moorfields--a place which since it occurs so often in these memoirs,
+put me under a kind of necessity to describe it, and the customs of
+those who frequent it.
+
+It lies between Upper and Middle Moorfields, and as people of rank, when
+they turn vicious, frequent some places where, under pretence of seeing
+one diversion in which perhaps there is no moral evil, they either make
+assignations for lewdness, or parties for gaming or drinking, and so by
+degrees ruin their estates, and leave the character of debauchees behind
+them, so those of meaner rank come thither to partake of the diversions
+of cudgel-playing, wrestlings, quoits, and other robust exercises which
+are now softened by a game of toss-up, hustle-cap, or nine-holes, which
+quickly brings on want; and the desire continuing, naturally inclines
+them to look for some means to recruit. And so, when the evening is
+spent in gaming, the night induces them to thieve under its cover, that
+they may have wherewith to supply the expenses of the ensuing day. Hence
+it comes to pass that this place and these practices hath ruined more
+young people, such as apprentices, journeymen, errand-boys, etc., than
+any other seminary of vice in town. But it is time that we should now
+return to the affairs of him who hath occasioned this digression.
+
+In the neighbourhood of this place Reynolds found out a little alehouse
+to which he every night resorted. There were abundance of wicked persons
+who used to meet there, in order to go upon their several villainous
+ways of getting money; Reynolds (whose head was always full of
+discovering a method by which he might live more at ease than he did by
+working) listened very attentively to what passed amongst them. One
+Barnham, who had formerly been a waterman, was highly distinguished at
+these meetings for his consummate knowledge in every branch of the art
+and mystery of cheating. He had followed such practices for near twenty
+years, and commonly when they came there at night they formed a ring
+about the place where he sat and listened with the greatest delight to
+those relations of evil deeds, which his memory recorded.
+
+It happened one evening, when these worthy persons were assembled
+together, that their orator took it in his head to harangue them on the
+several alterations which the science of stealing had gone through from
+the time of his becoming acquainted with its professors. In former days,
+said he, knights of the road were a kind of military order into which
+none but decayed gentlemen presumed to intrude themselves. If a younger
+brother ran out of his allowance, or if a young heir spent his estate
+before he had bought a tolerable understanding, if an under-courtier
+lived above his income, or a subaltern officer laid out twice his pay in
+rich suits and fine laces, this was the way they took to recruit; and if
+they had but money enough left to procure a good horse and a case of
+pistols, there was no fear of their keeping up their figure a year or
+two, till their faces were known. And then, upon a discovery, they
+generally had friends good enough to prevent their swinging, and who,
+ten to one, provided handsomely for them afterwards, for fear of their
+meeting with a second mischance, and thereby bringing a stain upon their
+family. But nowadays a petty alehouse-keeper, if he gives too much
+credit, a cheesemonger whose credit grows rotten, or a mechanic that is
+weary of living by his fingers-ends, makes no more ado, when he finds
+his circumstances uneasy, but whips into a saddle and thinks to get all
+things retrieved by the magic of those two formidable words, _Stand and
+Deliver._ Hence the profession is grown scandalous, since all the world
+knows that the same methods now makes an highwayman, that some years ago
+would have got a commission.
+
+_But hark ye_, says one of the company, _in the days of those gentlemen
+highwaymen, was there no way left for a poor man to get his living out
+of the road of honesty? Puh! Ay_, replied Barnham, _a hundred men were
+more ingenious then than they are now, and the fellows were so dexterous
+that it was dangerous for a man to laugh who had a good set of teeth,
+for fear of having them stole. They made nothing of whipping hats and
+wigs off at noon-day; whipping swords from folks' sides when it grew
+dusk; or making a midnight visit, in spite of locks, bolts, bars, and
+such like other little impediments to old misers, who kept their gold
+molding in chests till such honest fellows, at the hazard of their
+lives, came to set at liberty. For my part_, continued he, _I believe
+Queen Anne's war swept away the last remains of these brave spirits; for
+since the Peace of Utrac (as I think they call it) we have had a
+wondrous growth of blockheads, even in our business. And if it were not
+for Shephard and Frazier, a hundred years hence, they would not think
+that in our times there were fellows bold enough to get sixpence out of
+a legal road, or dare to do anything without a quirk of the law to
+screen them._
+
+All his auditors were wonderfully pleased with such discourses as these,
+and when the liquor had a little warmed them, would each in their turn
+tell a multitude of stories they had heard of the boldness, cunning, and
+dexterity of the thieves who lived before them. In all cases whatever,
+evil is much sooner learnt than good, and a night debauch makes a ten
+times greater impression on the spirits than the most eloquent sermon.
+Between the liquor and the tales people begin to form new ideas to
+themselves of things, and instead of looking on robbery as rapine and
+stealing as a villainous method of defrauding another, they, on the
+contrary, take the first for a gallant action, and the latter for a
+dexterous piece of cunning; by either of which they acquire the means of
+indulging themselves in what best suits their inclinations, without the
+fatigue of business or the drudgery of hard labour.
+
+Reynolds, though a very stupid fellow, soon became a convert to these
+notions, and lost no time in putting them in execution, for the next
+night he took from a person (who it seems knew him and his haunts well
+enough) a coat and a shilling, which when he came to be indicted for the
+fact, he pretended they were given him to prevent his charging the
+prosecutor with an attempt to commit sodomy--an excuse which of late
+years is grown as common with the men, as it has long been with the
+women to pretend money was given them for flogging folks, when they have
+been brought to the bar for picking it out of their pockets; hoping by
+this reverberation of ignominy to blacken each other so that the jury
+may believe neither. However, in this case, it must be acknowledged that
+Reynolds went to death with the assertion that he received the coat and
+the shilling on the before-mentioned account, and that he did not take
+it by violence, which was the crime whereof he was convicted.
+
+He had married a poor woman, who lived in very good reputation both
+before and after; by her he had three children, and though he had long
+associated himself with other women, and left her to provide for the
+poor infants, yet he was extremely offended because she did not send him
+as much money as he wanted under his confinement, and he could not
+forbear treating her with very ill language when she came to see him
+under his misfortunes. As he was a fellow of little parts and no
+education, so his behaviour under condemnation was confused and unequal,
+as it is reasonable to suppose it should be, since he had nothing to
+support his hopes or to comfort him against those fears of death which
+are inseparable from human nature. However, he sometimes showed an
+inclination to learn somewhat of religion, would listen attentively
+while Smith was reading, and as well as his gross capacity would give
+him leave, would pray for mercy and forgiveness. At chapel he behaved
+himself decently, if not devoutly, and being by his misfortunes removed
+from the company of those who first seduced him into his vices, he began
+to have some ideas of the use of life when he was going to leave it; and
+his thoughts had received certain ideas (though very imperfect ones) of
+death and a future state, when the punishment appointed by Law sent him
+to experience them. He died on the 23rd of August, 1726, being then
+upwards of twenty-six years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN CLAXTON, _alias_ JOHNSTON, a Thief, etc.
+
+
+This unhappy malefactor was amongst the number of those who, through
+want of education, was the more easily drawn into the prosecution of
+such practices as became fatal to him. His father was a common sailor
+belonging to the town of Sunderland, who had it not in his power to
+breed him in a very extraordinary manner; and what little he was able to
+do was frustrated by the evil inclinations of his son, who instead of
+applying himself closely while he remained at school, loitered away his
+time, and made little or no proficiency there. His head, as those of
+most seamen's children do, ran continually on voyages and seeing foreign
+countries, with which roving temper the father too readily complied, and
+while yet a boy, unacquainted with any kind of learning and unsettled in
+the principles of religion, he was sent forth into the world to pick up
+either as he could.
+
+The first voyage he made was up the Straits, where he touched at
+Gibraltar, and went soon after to Leghorn, the port to which they were
+bound. Being a young sprightly lad the mate carried him on shore with
+him, and being a man of intrigue, made use of him to go between him and
+an Irish woman, who was married to an Italian captain of a ship. The
+lady's husband was in Sicily, and they therefore apprehended themselves
+to be secure; she proposed to the mate the carrying off of jewels and
+other things, to the amount of some thousand crowns, and then flying
+with him from Italy. The project had certainly succeeded if it had not
+been for their imprudence; for the mate, who passed for her cousin,
+being continually in the house for three days before the ship went away,
+a suspicion entered into some of the neighbours (as they often do
+amongst Italians) that there was something more than ordinary concealed
+under the frequency of his visits. They therefore dispatched a messenger
+to Signor Stefano di Calvo, the captain's brother, with the account of
+their surmises. He came immediately to Leghorn, and going directly to
+his brother's house, found his sister had packed up all his valuable
+effects, and having loaded the boy with as much as he could carry, was
+on the point of setting out with him for the vessel. Stefano dragged her
+back into an inner apartment, where he locked her in, and afterwards
+fastened the doors of the outward apartment, through which they passed
+thither. But Jack, seeing how things went, laid down his burden and fled
+as hard as he could drive to the port, where he gave notice to the
+master of their disappointment, and caused the vessel immediately to
+weigh anchor and stand to sea, as fearing the consequences of the
+affair, which he knew would make a great noise, and might possibly turn
+to the detriment of his owners.
+
+Claxton had hitherto done nothing that was criminal within the eye of
+the Law, though while at sea he was continually employed in some
+mischievous trick or other. When he came into England the ship happened
+to go to Yarmouth, and as all places were alike to him, so short a stay
+there engaged him to marry a young woman who had some little matter of
+money, with which he proposed to do for himself some little matter at
+sea, and taking the greatest part of it with him, came up to London in
+order to see after a good voyage.
+
+But this was the most fatal journey he ever made, for falling
+unfortunately into the hands of bad women and their companions, they
+quickly drew him to be as bad as themselves; so that forgetting the poor
+woman he had married, and regardless of the business which brought him
+up to town, he gave himself up entirely to the pursuit of such
+villainies as they taught him, and in a short space became as expert a
+proficient as any in the gang.
+
+Some of them had consulted together to rob a woodmonger's house of a
+considerable quantity of plate, but there was one difficulty to be
+encountered, without overcoming which there was no hopes of success. The
+woodmonger's maid carried up the keys every night to her master (the
+outer court having a gate to it), and unless they could call upon some
+stratagem either to prevent the gate being shut, or to gain the means of
+unlocking it, their attempt was certainly in vain. In order to bring
+this to pass, they put Jack, who was a neat little fellow, into a very
+good habit, and found means to introduce him to the acquaintance of the
+wench at a neighbouring chandler's shop, where he took lodgings. In a
+fortnight's time he prevailed upon Mrs. Anne to come out at twelve of
+the clock to meet him, which she could not do without leaving the great
+gate ajar, having first carried up the key to her master, though for her
+own conveniency she had thus left it upon a single lock. While she and
+her sweetheart were drinking punch and making merry together, the rest
+of the confederates got into the house and carried away silver plate to
+the value of £80, leaving everything behind them in so good order that
+the maid, who was a little tipsy into the bargain, discovered nothing
+that night. Going to acquaint her lover with the accident as soon as it
+was found out, to her great surprise she was informed that he was
+removed, having carried away all the things before his landlord and
+landlady were up. The girl carefully concealed the passage, knowing how
+fatal it would be to her if it should reach her master's ears; but for
+her spark, she heard no more of him until his commitment to Newgate for
+another fact, for which he was ordered for transportation.
+
+Being on board the vessel with the rest of the convicts, he soon
+procured the favour of the master to be let to go out upon deck, and
+being a strong able sailor, he ingratiated himself so far as to meet no
+worse usage than any other sailor in the ship. On their arrival at the
+Canaries, where by stress of weather they were obliged to put in, a
+quarrel happened between the master of their vessel and the captain of a
+Jamaicaman homeward bound. It ended in a duel with sword and pistol, and
+the captain of the transport having carried John with him, he behaved so
+well upon this occasion that he promised him his liberty as soon as they
+arrived in America, which he honorably performed; and Jack was so
+indefatigable in his endeavours to get home that he arrived at London
+six weeks before the captain came back.
+
+He herded again with his old crew, though before he was able to do much
+mischief amongst them he was apprehended for returning from
+transportation, and was at the next sessions tried and convicted. By
+this time the captain who had carried him was arrived, and hearing of
+John's misfortune, he made such interest as procured the sentence of
+death to be changed into a second transportation.
+
+Such narrow escapes, one would have imagined, might have taught him how
+dangerous a thing it was to dally with the laws of the nation in any
+respect whatsoever; and yet, when he was on shore in New England, where
+the master took care to provide him with as easy a service as a man
+could have wished, as soon as the captain's back was turned, he found
+means to give the planter the slip, and in nine months' time revisited
+London a second time. Whether he intended to have gone on in the old
+trade or no is impossible for us to determine, but this we are certain,
+that he had not been in England many weeks ere a person who made it his
+business to detect such as returned from transportation clapped him up
+in his old lodging at Newgate, brought him to his trial, and convicted
+him the third time. As soon as he had received sentence, he relinquished
+all hopes of life, and as in all this time he had never made any enquiry
+after his wife at Yarmouth, so he would not now bring an odium upon her
+and her family by sending to them, and making his misfortune public in
+the place where they lived.
+
+The man seemed to be of an easy, tractable disposition, readily yielding
+to whatever those who conversed with them desired to bring him to,
+whether it were good or evil. He attended with great seeming piety and
+devotion to the books which Thomas Smith read to his fellow prisoners,
+and gained thereby a tolerable notion of the duty of repentance, and
+that faith which men ought to have in Jesus Christ. Thus by degrees he
+brought himself to a perfect indifference as to life or death, and at
+the place of execution showed neither by change of colour, or any other
+symptom any extraordinary fear of his approaching dissolution; and
+having conformed very devoutly to the prayers said by the Ordinary,
+after a short private devotion, he submitted to his fate with the
+afore-mentioned malefactors Smith and Reynolds, being then about
+twenty-eight years old or thereabouts.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of MARY STANDFORD, a Pickpocket and Thief
+
+
+This unfortunate woman was born of very good parents, who sent her to
+school, and caused her to be bred up in every other respect so as to be
+capable of performing well in her station of the world, and doing her
+duty towards God, from a just notion of religion. But it happening,
+unluckily, that she set her mind on nothing so much as the company of
+young men and running about with them to fairs and such other country
+diversions, her friends were put under the necessity of sending her to
+London, a thing which they saw could not be avoided.
+
+When she came to town, she got in one or two good places, which she soon
+lost from her forward behaviour; and having been seduced by a footman,
+she soon became a common street walker, and practised all the vile arts
+of those women who were a scandal to their sex. When she was young, she
+was tolerably handsome, and associated herself with one Black Mary,
+whose true name was Mary Rawlins, a woman of notorious ill-fame, and
+who, from being kept by a man of substance in the City, by her own
+ill-management was turned upon the town, and reduced to getting her
+bread after the infamous manner of the inmates of Drury. These two Marys
+used to walk together between Temple Bar and Ludgate Hill, where
+sometimes they met with foolish young fellows out of whom they got
+considerable sums, though at other times their adventures produced so
+little that they were obliged to part with almost every rag of clothes
+they had; nay, they were now and then reduced so low that one was
+obliged to stay at home while the other went out.
+
+Mary Rawlins, contrary to the rules established amongst the sisterhood,
+married a man who had been a Life-Guardsman, and so was obliged to
+remove her lodgings to go with him into a little court near King
+Street, Westminster. Some of my readers may perhaps imagine that either
+her love for her husband, or the fear of his authority, might work a
+reformation, but therein they would be highly mistaken for he proposed
+no other end to himself than plundering her of those presents she
+received from gallants, so that whenever evening drew on, he was very
+assiduous for her to turn out (as they phrase it), that is to go upon
+the street-walking account picking pockets. She had not followed this
+trade long before she became so uneasy under it that one night meeting
+with her old companion Standford, she persuaded her to remove into a new
+quarter of the town, whither she fled to her from her husband. They
+there carried on their intrigues together, and lived much more at their
+ease then they had done before; for being now got towards Wapping, they
+drew in the sailors when they had any money to part with for their
+favours, and getting into acquaintance with some navy solicitors, they
+found means to raise them cash, at the rate of 60 per cent. to the
+broker, and as much to the whore.
+
+Thus they lived till Standford took it in her head to serve her partner
+as she had done her before, for finding a man mad enough to marry her,
+she was fool enough to consent to the marriage. But after living with
+the man for about a year, she repented her bargain, and left him, as
+Rawlins had done hers. Some time after this she contracted an
+acquaintance with another man, at that time servant to a person in the
+City. By him she had a child, which as it increased her necessary
+expense, so it plunged her into the greater difficulty of knowing how to
+supply it. However, fancying her gains would be larger if she plied by
+herself, she totally left the company of her former associates, and
+applied herself with an infamous industry to her shameful trade of
+prostitution.
+
+Not long after she had entered upon this single method of
+street-walking, she fell into the company of a gentleman who was more
+than ordinary amorous of her, and who after treating her with a supper,
+lay with her, and (as she said) gave her four guineas; but he on the
+contrary charged her with picking his pocket of a shagreen book, a silk
+handkerchief, and the money before mentioned. For this fact she was
+committed to Newgate, and soon after tried and convicted,
+notwithstanding her excuse of the man bestowing it on her as a present.
+
+After she had received sentence, some of her friends gave her hopes of
+having it changed into a transportation pardon, but this she rejected
+utterly, declaring that she had rather die not only the most
+ignominious, but the most cruel death that could be invented at home,
+rather than be sent abroad to slave for her living. Such strange
+apprehensions enter into the head of these unhappy creatures, and
+hinder them from taking the advantage of the only possibility they have
+left of tasting happiness on this side of the grave; and as this
+aversion to the plantations has so bad effects, especially in making the
+convicts desirous of escaping from the vessel, or of flying out of the
+country whither they were sent, almost before they have seen it, I am
+surprised that no care has been taken to print a particular and
+authentic account of the manner in which they are treated in those
+places. I know it may be suggested that the terror of such usage as they
+are represented to meet with there has often a good effect in diverting
+them from such acts as they know must bring them to transportation; yet
+though I confess I have heard this more than once repeated, yet I am far
+from being convinced, and I am thoroughly satisfied that instead of
+magnifying the miseries of their pretended slavery, or rather of
+inventing stories that make a very easy service pass on these unhappy
+creatures for the severest bondage, the convicts should be told the true
+state of the case, and be put in mind that instead of suffering death,
+the lenity of our Constitution permitted them to be removed into another
+climate no way inferior to that in which they were born, where they were
+to perform no harder tasks than those who work honestly for their bread
+in England do. And this, not under persons of another nation, who might
+treat them with less humanity, but with those who are no less English
+for their living in the New, than if they dwelt in Old England, people
+famous for their humanity, justice, and, piety,[76] and amongst whom
+they are sure of meeting with no variation of manners, customs, etc.,
+unless in respect of the progress of their vices which are at present
+more numerous there than in their motherland. I say if pains were taken
+to instil into these unhappy persons such notions, at the same time
+demonstrating to them that from being exposed either to want and
+necessity from the loss they had sustained of this reputation, and being
+thereby under a kind of force in following their old courses, and as
+soon as discharged from the fears of death (supposing a free pardon
+could be procured) obliged to run a like hazard immediately after, they
+might probably conceive justly of that clemency which is extended
+towards them, and instead of shunning transportation, flying from the
+country where they are landed as soon as they have set their foot in
+them, or neglecting opportunities they might have on their first coming
+there, and be brought to serve their masters faithfully, to endure the
+time of their service cheerfully, and settle afterwards in the best
+manner they are able, so as to pass the close of their life in an
+honest, easy and reputable manner. Now it too often happens that their
+last end is worse than their first, because those who return from
+transportation being sure of death if apprehended, are led thereby to
+behave themselves worse and more cruelly than any malefactors,
+whatsoever.
+
+But to return to Mary Standford, who led us into this digression. She
+showed little or no regard for anything; no, not even for her own child,
+who, she said, she hoped would be well taken care of by the parish, and
+added that she had been a great sinner, for which she hoped God would
+forgive her, praying as well as she could, both while under sentence and
+at the place of execution. She declared that she bore no malice either
+against her prosecutor, or any other person, and in this disposition she
+finished her life at Tyburn, the same day with the afore-mentioned
+malefactors, being at that time near thirty-six years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [76] A New Hampshire law regulating the behaviour of masters
+        towards their white servants enacts, "if any man smite out the
+        eye or tooth of his manservant or maid-servant or otherwise maim
+        or disfigure them much, unless it be mere casualty, he shall let
+        him or her go free from his service and shall allow such further
+        recompense as the Court of Quarter Sessions shall adjudge them."
+        A good example of New England humanity and justice.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN CARTWRIGHT, a Thief
+
+
+This unhappy young man was born in Yorkshire, of a tolerable family, who
+had been sufficiently careful in having him instructed in whatever was
+necessary for a person of his condition, breeding him up to all works of
+husbandry in general, and also qualifying him in every respect for a
+gentleman's service; in one of which capacities they were in hopes he
+would not find it difficult to get his bread. He lived with several
+persons in the country with unspotted reputation, until at last a whim
+came into his head of coming up to London. An uncle of his procured him
+a very good service with one Mr. Charvin, a mercer in Paternoster Row,
+with whom he Stayed for some time with great satisfaction on both sides;
+for his master was highly pleased with the careful industry of the young
+man's temper, and Cartwright on the other side had not the least reason
+to complain, considering the great kindness and indulgence with which he
+was used. But some young fellows of loose principles taking notice of
+Cartwright's easy and tractable temper, quickly drew him into becoming
+fond of their company and conversation.
+
+Every other Sunday he was permitted to go out where he would, until nine
+o'clock at night, and these young fellows meeting at a fine alehouse
+not far from his master's house, whither they began to bring Yorkshire
+John (as they called him), there they usually ran over the description
+of the diversions of the town, and of those places round it which are
+most remarkable for the resort of company. These were new scenes to poor
+John, who was unacquainted with any representation better than a puppet
+show, or recreation of a superior nature to bullbaitings at a country
+fair; and therefore his thoughts were extremely taken up with all he
+heard, and his companions were so obliging that they took abundance of
+pains to satisfy such questions as he asked them, and were often
+soliciting him to go and partake with them at plays, dancing-bouts, and
+all the various divertisements to which young unthinking youths are
+addicted. He wanted not many intreaties to comply with their request,
+but money, the main ingredient in such delights, was wanting, and of
+this he at last acknowledged the deficiency to one of the young men his
+companions. This fellow took no notice of it at that time, farther than
+to wish he had more, and to tell him that a young man of his spirit
+ought never to be without and that there were ways and means enough to
+get it, if a man had not as much cash as courage.
+
+He repeated these insinuations often, without explaining them at all,
+until frequent stories of the fine sights at the theatres and elsewhere
+had so far raised poor John's curiosity that one evening he entreated
+his companion to let him into the bottom of what he meant. The cunning
+villain turned it at first into a jest and continued to banter him about
+his being a country put, and so forth, until he perceived it was past
+twelve o'clock, and knew that it was too late for him to get in at home;
+then he told him that if he promised never to reveal it, he would tell
+him what he meant. John being full of liquor swore he would not, and the
+other replied, _Why, here you stand complaining of the want of money,
+while I warrant you, there's a hundred or two pounds in your master's
+drawer under the counter. Maybe there may_, said Cartwright, _but what's
+that to me? Nay_, replied the other, _nothing, if you have not the
+courage to go and fetch it; why now, you can get in I'm sure. Come, I'll
+put you in a way of never being taken._
+
+Cartwright, who was half drunk, remembered that there was a parcel of
+gold in the drawer, and that it was in his power to get at a silver
+watch and some plate, so that he fatally yielded to the temptations of
+his companion, and thereupon the next morning, conveyed to him the
+watch, fourscore pounds in money, and three silver spoons. They shared
+the greatest part of the booty, of which Cartwright was quickly cheated,
+and though he fled with the remainder as far as Monmouthshire, in Wales,
+yet some way or other he was there detected, committed prisoner to the
+county gaol and then sent up to London, where a few days after his
+arrival he was tried and convicted.
+
+Never poor wretch suffered deeper affliction than he did, in the
+reflection of his follies, for giving up all hopes of life, he spent the
+whole interval of time between sentence and execution in grieving for
+the sorrows he had brought upon himself and the stain his ignominious
+death would leave upon his family. His companion, in the meantime, was
+fled far enough out of the reach of Justice, so that Cartwright had
+nothing to expect but death to which he patiently submitted,
+acknowledging upon all occasions the justice of that sentence which had
+befallen him, and wishing that his death might be sufficient to warn
+other young men in such circumstances, as his once were, from falling
+into faults of that kind, which had brought him to ruin and shame. Yet
+though he laid aside all desires relating to worldly things, he yet
+expressed a little peevishness from the neglect shown towards him by his
+friends in the country, who though they knew well enough of his
+misfortunes, yet they absolutely declined doing anything for him, from a
+notion perhaps that it might reflect upon themselves. Above all things
+Cartwright manifested a due sense of the ingratitude he had been guilty
+of towards so good a master as the gentleman whom he robbed had been to
+him, he therefore prayed for his prosperity, even with his last breath,
+and declared he died without malice or ill-will against any person
+whatsoever.
+
+At the place of his execution he attended very devoutly to the prayers,
+but did not say anything to the people more than to beg of them to take
+warning by him, after the rope was fixed about his neck. He was executed
+at Tyburn, on Monday, the 21st of September, 1726, being then about
+twenty-three years of age, a remarkable instance of how far youth, even
+of the best principles, is liable to be corrupted, if they are not
+carefully watched over and may justify those restraints which parents
+and masters, from a just apprehension of things, put upon their children
+or servants.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of FRANCES, _alias_ MARY BLACKET, a Highwaywoman
+
+
+Nothing deserves observation more than the resolution, or rather
+obstinacy, with which some criminals deny the facts they have committed,
+though ever so evidently proved against them. There are two evils which
+follow from a hasty judgment formed from this consideration; the first
+is, that people either instigated through malice, or rashly and by
+mistake, swear against innocent persons from a presumption that nobody
+would be so wicked as to die with a lie in their mouths; the other fault
+consists in imagining that the prosecutor is never in the wrong, but
+believing that covetousness or revenge can never bring people to such a
+pitch as to take away the life of another to gain money, or glut their
+passions. Our experience convinces us that either of these notions taken
+generally is wrong in itself, and that even as many have died in the
+profession of falsehoods, so some have suffered though innocent of the
+crime for which they died. The true use, therefore, of this reflection
+is that where life is concerned, too much care cannot be taken to sift
+the truth, since appearances often deceive us and circumstances are
+sometimes strong where the evidence, if the whole affair were known,
+would be but weak.
+
+Mary Blacket, which was the real name of this unfortunate woman, was the
+daughter of very mean parents, who yet were so careful of her education
+that they brought her up to read and write tolerably well, and to do
+everything which could be expected from a household servant, which was
+the best station they ever expected she would arrive at. When she grew
+big enough to go out, they procured for her a service in which as well
+as in several others, while a single woman, she lived with very good
+reputation. After this she married a sailor, and for all her neighbours
+knew, lived by hard working while he was abroad. Then on a sudden she
+was taken up and committed to Newgate, for assaulting William Whittle,
+in the highway, and taking from him a watch value £4, and sixpence in
+money, on the 6th of August, 1726.
+
+When sessions came on, the prosecutor appeared and swore the fact
+positively upon her, whereupon the jury found her guilty, though at the
+bar she declared with abundance of asseverations that she never was
+guilty of anything of that sort in her life, and insisted on it that the
+man was mistaken in her face. While under sentence of death, she behaved
+herself with great devotion, and seemed to express no concern at leaving
+the world, excepting her only apprehensions that her child would neither
+be taken care of nor educated so well after her decease, at the charge
+of the parish, as hitherto it had been. Yet with respect to the crime
+for which she was to die, she still continued to profess her innocency
+thereof, averring that she had never been concerned in injuring anybody
+by theft, and charging the oath of the prosecutor wholly upon his
+mistake, and not upon wilful design to do her prejudice. At chapel, as
+well as in the place of her confinement, she declared she absolutely
+forgave him who had brought her to that ignominious end, as freely as
+she hoped forgiveness from her Creator; and with these professions she
+left the world at Tyburn, on the same day with the before-mentioned
+malefactor, being then about thirty-four years of age, persisting even
+at the place of execution in the denial of the fact.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JANE HOLMES, _alias_ BARRET, _alias_ FRAZER, a Shoplifter
+
+
+In the summer of the year 1726, shoplifting became so common a practice,
+and so detrimental to the shopkeepers, that they made an application to
+the Government for assistance in apprehending the offenders; and in
+order thereto, offered a reward and a pardon for any who would discover
+their associates in such practices. It was not long before by their
+vigilance and warmth in carrying on the prosecution, they seized and
+committed several of the most notorious shoplifters about town, and at
+the next several ensuing sessions convicted six or seven of them, which
+seems to have pretty well broke the neck of this branch of thieving ever
+since.
+
+The malefactor of whom we are now speaking pretended to have been the
+daughter of a gentleman of some rank in a northern county. Certain it is
+that the woman had had a tolerable education, and neither in her person,
+nor in her behaviour betrayed anything of vulgar birth. Yet those whom
+she called her nearest relations absolutely disowned her on her
+application to them, and would not be prevailed on to take any steps
+whatsoever in order to procure her a reprieve.
+
+When between fifteen and sixteen years old, she came up to London to her
+aunt, as she asserted, much against the will of her relations. At that
+time she was not ugly, and therefore a young man in the neighbourhood
+began to be very assiduous in his courtship to her, hoping also that the
+persons she talked of, as her father and brothers in the country, would
+give him a sum of money to set up his trade. Miss Jenny was a forward
+lass, and the fellow being a spruce young spark, soon prevailed over her
+affections, and they were accordingly privately married, though it
+proved not much to her advantage. For her husband finding no money come,
+began to use her indifferently, upon which she fell into that sort of
+business which goes under the name of a Holland's Trader, and gave the
+best opportunities of vending goods that are ill come by, at a
+tolerable price, and with little danger.
+
+Whether in the life-time of this husband or afterwards, I cannot say,
+but she fell into the acquaintance of the famous Jonathan Wild, and
+possibly received some of his instructions in managing her affairs in
+the disposal of stolen goods; but as Jonathan's friendships were mostly
+fatal, so in about a year's time afterwards she was apprehended upon
+that score, and shortly after was tried and convicted, and thereupon
+ordered for transportation. She continued abroad for two years or
+somewhat more; and then, under pretence of love to her children,
+ventured over to England again, where it was not long before she got
+acquainted with her old crew, who, if they were to be believed upon
+their oaths, were inferior to her in the art or mystery of shoplifting.
+However it were, whether by selling stolen goods, or by stealing them,
+certain it is that she ran into so much money that an Irish sharper
+thought fit, about Christmas before her death, to marry her in order to
+possess himself of her effects; which without ceremony he did upon her
+being last apprehended, disposing of every thing she had, and taking
+away particularly a large purse of old gold, which by her industry she
+had collected against a rainy day.
+
+The woman who became an evidence against her swore so positively on the
+several indictments, and what she said was corroborated with so many
+circumstances, that the jury found her guilty on the four following
+indictments, viz.: for stealing 20 yards of straw-ground brocaded silk,
+value £10, the goods of John Moon and Richard Stone, on the 1st of June,
+1726; of stealing, in the shop of Mr. Mathew Herbert, 40 yards of
+pink-coloured mantua silk, value £10, on the 1st of May, in the same
+year; of stealing, in company with Mary Robinson, a silver cup of the
+value of £5, the goods of Elizabeth Dobbinson, on the 7th January; of
+stealing, in the company of Mary Robinson aforesaid, 80 yards of
+cherry-coloured mantua silk value £5, the goods of Joseph Bourn and Mary
+Harper, on the 24th December.
+
+Notwithstanding the clearness of the evidence given against her, while
+under sentence of death she absolutely denied not only the several facts
+of which she was convicted, but of her having been ever guilty of any
+theft during the whole life. Yet she confessed her acquaintance with
+Jonathan Wild, nay, she went so far as to own having bought stolen
+goods, and disposing of them, by which she had got great sums of money.
+She was exceedingly uneasy at the thoughts of dying, and left no method
+untried to procure a reprieve, venting herself in most opprobrious terms
+against some whom she would have put upon procuring it for her, by
+pretending to be their near relation, though the people knew very well
+that she had nothing to do with them or their family; and she herself
+had been reproved for nuking such pretensions by the ministers who
+assist condemned persons; yet she still persisted therein, and on the
+Ordinary of Newgate's acquainting her that the gentleman she called her
+father died the week before, suddenly, she fell into a great agony of
+crying, and as soon as she came a little to herself, reproached, though
+in very modest terms, the unnatural conduct of those she still averred
+to be so nearly related to her.
+
+Nothing could be more fond than she was of her children, who were
+brought to Newgate to see her, and over whom she wept bitterly, and
+expressed great concern at her not having saved wherewith to support
+them in their tender years. At last, when she lost all hopes of life,
+instead of growing calmer and better reconciled to death, as is frequent
+enough with persons in that sad condition, on the contrary, she became
+more impatient than ever, flew out into excessive passions and behaved
+herself with such vehemency and flights of railing, that she did not a
+little disturb those who lay under sentence in the same place with her.
+For this she was reprimanded by the keepers, and exhorted to alter her
+behaviour by the minister of the place, which had at last so good an
+effect upon her that she became more quiet for the two or three last
+days of her life; in which she professed herself exceedingly grieved for
+the many offences of her misspent life, declaring she heartily forgave
+the woman who was an evidence against her, and who she believed was much
+wickeder than herself, because as this criminal pretended, she had
+varied not a little from the truth. At the place of execution she was
+more composed than could have been expected, and with many prayers that
+her life might prove a warning to others, she yielded up her last
+breath, at Tyburn, on the same day with the before-mentioned
+malefactors, being then about thirty-four years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of KATHERINE FITZPATRICK, _alias_ GREEN, _alias_ BOSWELL, a
+notorious Shoplift
+
+
+After once the mercers had got Burton, who was the evidence, into their
+hands, she quickly detected numbers of her confederates, several of whom
+were apprehended, and chiefly on her evidence, convicted. Amongst the
+rest was this Katherine Fitzpatrick, who was born in Lincolnshire, of
+parents far from being in low circumstances, and who were careful in
+bestowing on her a very tolerable education. In the country she
+discovered a little too much forwardness, and though London was a very
+improper place in which to hope for her amendment, yet hither her
+friends sent her, where she quickly fell into such company as deprived
+her of all sentiments, either of virtue or honesty. What practices she
+might pursue before she fell into shoplifting I have not been able to
+learn, and will not therefore impose upon my readers at the expense of a
+poor creature, who is so long ago gone to answer for her offences,
+which, as they were doubtless many of themselves, so they shall never be
+increased by me.
+
+Being a woman of a tolerable person, notwithstanding her not having the
+best of characters, she got a man in the mind to marry her, to whom she
+made an indifferent good wife; and though he was not altogether clear
+from knowing of her being concerned with shoplifters, yet he was so far
+from giving her the least encouragement therein that they were on the
+contrary continually quarrelling upon this subject; and whenever, from
+any circumstances, he guessed she had been thieving, he beat her
+severely. Yet all this was to no purpose, she still continued to treat
+in the old path and associated herself with a large number of women, who
+were at this time busy in stealing silks out of the shops, either in the
+absence of the master, or under the pretence of seeing others. It is
+observable not only of Katherine Fitzpatrick, of whom we are now
+speaking, but also of all the persons who died for this offence, that
+they were extremely shy of making detailed confessions, though ready
+enough to confess in general that they had been grievous sinners, and
+that the punishment they were to undergo was very just from the hand of
+God. Fitzpatrick, as well as the former criminal Holmes, charged Burton
+the evidence with disingenuity in what she delivered on her oath against
+them, and yet Fitzpatrick could not absolutely deny having been guilty
+of a multitude of offences as to shoplifting, so that it is highly
+probable, even if the evidence erred a little in immaterial
+circumstances, that in the main she swore truth.
+
+The particular facts on which Fitzpatrick was convicted, were: (1)
+stealing 19 yards of green damask valued at £9, the goods of Joseph
+Giffard and John Ravenal, on July the 29th, 1724; (2) Taking 10 yards of
+green satin out of the shop of John Moon and Richard Stone, value £3, on
+the 10th February, 1724/25; (3) Stealing, in company with another
+person, 50 yards of green mantua, value £10, the goods of John Autt, May
+the 5th, 1725; (4) Stealing 63 yards of modena and pink italian mantua,
+the goods of Joshua Fairy, February 24, 1724/25. These dates were all of
+them somewhat more than a twelvemonth before the time of her
+apprehension, and she insisted on it that she had left off committing
+any such thing for a considerable space, which made the evidence envy
+her, and so brought on the prosecution.
+
+As she was a woman of good natural parts, and had not utterly lost that
+education which had been bestowed upon her, she was not near so much
+confuted at the apprehensions of death as people in her circumstances
+usually are. She said she was glad she had some reformation in her life
+before this great evil came upon her, because she hoped her repentance
+was the more sincere as it had not proceeded from force; yet she was
+very desirous of life when first condemned, and, like Mrs. Holmes,
+pleaded her belly, in hopes her pregnancy might have prevented her
+execution. But a jury of matrons found neither of them to be quick with
+child; yet both to the time of their death averred they were so, and
+seemed exceedingly uneasy that their children should die violent deaths
+within them.
+
+When the time of her execution drew very near, she called her thoughts
+totally off from worldly affairs, and seemed to apply herself to the
+great business which lay before her, with an earnestness and assiduity
+seldom to be seen in such people. The assistance she had from her
+friends abroad were not large, but she contented herself with a very
+spare diet, being unwilling that anything should call her off from
+penitence and religious duties. She seemed to have entirely weaned her
+affections from the desire of life, and never showed any extraordinary
+emotions, except on the visit of her youngest child, in the nurse's
+arms, at the first sight of which she fell into strong convulsion fits,
+from which she was not brought to herself without great difficulty. She
+sometimes expressed a little uneasiness at the misfortunes which had
+befallen her after she had left off that way of living, but upon her
+being spoken to by several reverend persons, who explained and
+vindicated the wisdom and justice of Providence, she acquiesced under
+its decrees, and without murmuring submitted to her fate.
+
+A little before she died, she, with the rest of the shoplifters, was
+asked some questions concerning one Mrs. Susanna, who was suspected of
+having been in some degree concerned with her. Mrs. Fitzpatrick and Mrs.
+Holmes each of them declared that they knew nothing evil about her. Mrs.
+Fitzpatrick did indeed say that she had some little acquaintance with
+the woman, and knew that she got her living by selling coffee, tea, and
+some other little things, yet never was concerned in any ill practices
+in relation to them, or anybody else she knew of. After having done
+this public justice, she, with great meekness, yielded up her breath at
+Tyburn, the 6th of September, 1726, being then about thirty-eight years
+of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of MARY ROBINSON, a Shoplift
+
+
+The indiscretions of youth are always pitied, and often excused even by
+those who suffer most by them; but when persons grown up to years of
+discretion continue to pursue with eagerness the most flagitious
+courses, and grow in wickedness as they grow in age, pity naturally
+forsakes us, and they appear in so execrable a light that instead of
+having compassion for their misfortunes we congratulate our country on
+being rid of such monsters, whom nothing could tame, nor the approach
+even of death in a natural way hinder them from anticipating it by
+drawing on a violent one through their crimes.
+
+I am drawn to this observation from the fate of the miserable woman of
+whom we are now speaking. What her parents were, or what her education
+it is impossible to say, since she was shy of relating them herself; and
+being seventy years old at the time of her execution, there was nobody
+then living who could give an account about her. She was indicted for
+stealing a silver cup, in company with Jane Holmes, and also stealing
+eighty yards of cherry-coloured mantua silk, value five pounds, in
+company with the aforesaid Jane Holmes, the property of Joseph Brown and
+Mary Harper, on the 24th of December. On these facts she was convicted
+as the rest were, in the evidence of Burton, whom, as is usual in such
+cases, they represented as a woman worse than themselves, and who had
+drawn many of them into the commission of what she now deposed against
+them.
+
+As to this old woman Mary Robinson, she said she had been a widow
+fourteen years, and had both children and grandchildren living at the
+time of her execution; she said she had worked as hard for her living as
+any woman in London. Yet when pressed thereupon to speak the truth and
+not wrong her conscience in her last moments, she did then declare she
+had been guilty of thieving tricks; but persisted in it that the
+evidence Burton had not been exactly right in what she had sworn against
+her. It was a melancholy thing to see a woman of her years, and who
+really wanted not capacity, brought into those lamentable circumstances,
+and going to a violent and ignominious death, when at a time when she
+could not expect it would be any long term before she submitted to a
+natural one.
+
+Possibly my readers may wonder how such large quantities of silk were
+conveyed away. I thought, therefore, proper to inform them that the
+evidence Burton said they had a contrivance under their petticoats, not
+unlike two large hooks, upon which they laid a whole roll of silk, and
+so conveyed it away at once, while one of their confederates amused the
+people of the shop in some manner or other until they got out of reach;
+and by this means they had for many years together carried on their
+trade with great success and as much safety, until the losses of the
+tradesmen ran so high as to induce them to take the method
+before-mentioned, which quickly produced a discovery, not only of the
+persons of the offenders, but of the place also where they had deposited
+the goods. By this means a good part of them were recovered, and those
+who had so long lived by this infamous practice were either detected or
+destroyed; so that shoplifting has been thereby kept under ever since,
+or at least the offenders have not ventured in so large a way as before.
+
+But to return to the criminal of whom we are to treat. She said she was
+not afraid of death at all, though she confessed herself troubled as to
+the manner in which she was to die, and reflected severely upon Burton,
+who had given evidence against her. By degrees she grew calmer, and on
+the day of her execution appeared more composed and cheerful than she
+had done during all her troubles. She suffered at the same time with the
+malefactors before mentioned, and in her years looked as if she had been
+the mother of those with whom she died.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JANE MARTIN, _alias_ LLOYD, a Cheat and a Thief, etc.
+
+
+This woman was the daughter of parents in very good reputation, about an
+hundred miles off in the country. While they lived they took care to
+breed her to understand everything as became a gentlewoman of a small
+fortune, and in her younger years she was tractable enough; but her
+parents dying while Jane was but a girl, she came into the hand of
+guardians who were not altogether so careful as they ought. Before she
+was of age she married a young gentleman who had a pretty little
+fortune, which he and she quickly confounded; insomuch that he became a
+prisoner in the King's Bench for debt. Being thus destitute, and in
+great want of money, she set her wits to work to consider ways and
+means of cheating people for her support, in which she became as
+dexterous as any who ever followed that infamous trade. Yet her husband
+(as she herself owned) was a man of strict honour, and so much offended
+at these villainies that he used her with great severity thereupon, but
+that had no effect, for she still continued the old trade, putting on
+the saint until people trusted her, and pulling off the mask as soon as
+she found there was no more to be got by keeping it on.
+
+Amongst the rest of her adventures in this way she once took it in her
+head that it was possible for her to set up a great shop, entirely upon
+credit, for except some good clothes she had nothing else to go to
+market with. Accordingly she first took a shop not far from Somerset
+House, and having caused some bales of brick-bats to be made up, sent
+them thither in a cart with one of her confederates, which was safely
+deposited in that which was to pass for the warehouse. A carpenter was
+sent for, who was employed in making shelves, drawers, and other
+utensils for a haberdasher's shop. Then going to the wholesale people in
+that way, she found means to draw them in to six or seven hundred pounds
+worth of goods to the house which she had taken. All of this stuff the
+Saturday night following, she caused to be carried over into the Mint, a
+practice very common with the infamous shelterers there who preserve
+their pretended privileges.
+
+Mrs. Martin having got some acquaintance in a tolerable family, and
+having a very fair tongue, she quickly wheedled them into a belief of
+her being able to do great matters by her interest with some person of
+distinction, whose name she made use of on this occasion, and thereby
+got several presents and small sums of money, and (if she herself were
+to be believed) among the rest a silver cup. Whether her failing in her
+promises really provoked the people to swearing a theft upon her, or
+whether (which is more probable) she took an opportunity of conveying it
+secretly away, certain it is that for this she was prosecuted, and the
+fact appearing clear enough to the jury, was thereupon convicted and
+ordered for transportation. This afflicted her at least as much as if
+she had been condemned to instant death, and therefore she applied
+herself continually to thinking which way it might be eluded, and she
+might escape. Soon after her going abroad, she effected what she so
+earnestly desired, and unhappily for her returned again into England.
+
+The numerous frauds she had committed had exasperated many people
+against her, who as soon as it was rumoured that she was come back
+again, never left searching for her until they found her out, and got
+her committed to Newgate; and on the record of her conviction being
+produced the next sessions, and the prosecutor swearing positively that
+she was the same person, the jury, after a short consultation, brought
+her in guilty, and she received sentence of death, from which, as she
+had no friends, she could not hope to escape. When she found death was
+inevitable, she fell into excessive agonies and well-nigh into despair.
+The reflection on the many people she had injured gave her so great
+grief and anxiety of mind that she could scarce be persuaded to get down
+a sufficient quantity of food to preserve her life until the time of her
+execution. But the minister at Newgate having demonstrated to her the
+wickedness and the folly of such a course, she by degrees came to have a
+better sense of things; her mind grew calmer, and though her repentance
+was accompanied with sighs and tears, yet she did not burst out into
+those lamentable outcries by which she before disturbed both herself and
+those poor creatures who were under sentence with her. In this
+disposition of mind she continued until the day of her death, which was
+on the 12th of September, 1726, being between twenty-seven-and-eight
+years of age, in the company of the before-mentioned malefactors,
+Cartwright, Blacket, Holmes, Fitzpatrick, Robinson, and William Allison,
+a poor country lad of about twenty-five, apparently of an easy gentle
+temper who had been induced into the fact, partly through covetousness,
+and partly through want.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of TIMOTHY BENSON, a Highwayman
+
+
+Amongst the number of those unfortunate persons whose memory we have
+preserved to the world in order that their punishments may become
+lasting warnings unto all who are in any danger of following their
+footsteps, none is more capable of affording useful reflections than the
+incidents that are to be found in the life of this robber are likely to
+create. He was the son of a serjeant's wife, in the regiment of the Earl
+of Derby, but who his father was it would be hard to say. His mother
+having had a long intrigue with one Captain Benson and the serjeant
+dying soon after this child was born, she thought fit to give him the
+captain's name, declaring publicly enough, that if it was in her power
+to distinguish, the captain must be his father. Certain it is that the
+woman acted cunningly, at least, for Benson, who had never had a child,
+was so pleased with the boy's ingenuity that he sent him to a grammar
+school in Yorkshire, where he caused him to be educated as well as if
+he had been his legitimate son.
+
+Nothing could be more dutiful than Tim was, while a child. The captain
+was continually vexed with long letters from the gentlewoman where he
+was boarded, concerning master's fine person, great parts and wonderful
+improvements, which Benson, being a man of sense, took to be such gross
+flattery that he came down to Bellerby, the village where the child was,
+on purpose to take it away. But Mr. Tim, upon his arrival, appeared such
+a prodigy both in beauty and understanding that the old gentleman was
+perfectly ravished with him, and whatever he might believe before,
+vanity now engaged him to think the youth his son. For this reason he
+doubled his care in providing for him, and when he had made a sufficient
+progress at the Grammar School, he caused him to be sent over to Leyden,
+a university of which he had a great opinion.
+
+Timothy lost not any of his reputation in this change of climate, but
+returned in three years time from Holland as accomplished a young fellow
+as had been bred there for a long time. He had but just made his
+compliments to his supposed father, and received thirty guineas from him
+as a welcome to England, before the old gentleman fell ill of a
+pleurisy, which in four days' time deprived him of his life; and as he
+had no will, his estate of £300 a year, and about £700 in money (which
+he had lent out on securities), descended to his sister's son, as arrant
+a booby as ever breathed, and deprived Tim both of his present
+subsistance and future hopes.
+
+In this distressed condition he took lodgings in a little court at the
+farther end of Westminster. He had a great number of good clothes, and
+as he then addicted himself to nothing so much as reading, he lived so
+frugally as to make a very tolerable appearance, and to pay everybody
+justly for about half a year, which so well established his credit in
+the neighbourhood that he was invited to the houses of the best families
+thereabouts, and might undoubtedly, if he had had his wits about him,
+have married some young gentlewoman thereabouts of a tolerable fortune.
+But happening to lodge over against a great mantua-maker's, he took
+notice of a young girl who was her apprentice, and happened to be a
+chandler's daughter, at Hammersmith. The wench, whose name was Jenny,
+was really handsome and agreeable, but as things were circumstanced with
+him, nothing could be more ridiculous than that passion which he
+suffered himself to entertain for her.
+
+It is very probable that he might have had some transient amours before
+this, but Jenny was certainly the mistress to whom he made his first
+addresses, and the real passion of his heart. The girl was quickly
+tempted by the person and appearance of her lover, and without enquiring
+too narrowly into his circumstances, would certainly have yielded to his
+passion, if marriage had been the thing at which he aimed; but he was an
+obstacle hard to get over. Tim looked upon himself to be irretrievably
+undone from the hour he entered into that state. At last he conquered
+that virtue which his mistress had hitherto preserved, and after they
+had fooled away a month or two together, at the expense of all he had,
+Tim found himself at last obliged to confess the truth of his
+circumstances, and by that confession brought a flood of grief upon his
+fair one, who had hitherto been unaccustomed to misfortunes.
+
+When they first came together it was agreed between them to quit that
+part of the town where they were both known, and they afterwards lodged
+in a very pretty little house on the edge of Red Lion Fields. On the
+morning Tim made this discovery, his cash was reduced to a single crown.
+It is true he had abundance of things of value, but when once they began
+to go, he was conscious to himself that starving would be quickly their
+lot, and what added more to his misfortunes was that his mistress,
+amidst all her sighs and afflictions, declared she would rather continue
+with him than go home to her relations, though from the indulgence of a
+mother she did not doubt of meeting with a good reception.
+
+However, they came to this resolution, that Jenny should go and raise
+five guineas upon a diamond ring of his, and while she was gone on this
+errand, poor Benson sat leaning with his head upon his arm in a window
+that looked towards the fields. Casting up his eyes by chance, he saw a
+gentleman walking up and down as if for his diversion, whereupon a
+thought immediately struck him, that it would be an easy matter to rob
+him, and by his appearance it was not unlikely but that he might prove a
+good prize. Without reflecting, he resolved upon the thing, and putting
+on over his nightgown an old great coat which he had in his closet and
+with a case of pistols in his breast, he slipped out at the garden gate
+without being perceived, and was up with him in an instant. Then, taking
+the button of his hat in his teeth, he mumbled out, _Deliver or you're a
+dead man._ The gentleman in great confusion gave him a green purse of
+gold, and was going to pull his ring off from his finger, and his watch
+out of his pocket, but Tim stopped him and said he had enough, only
+commanded him to turn his back towards him, and not to alter his
+position for fifteen minutes by his own watch. This the gentleman
+religiously observed, and Tim made all the haste he could through the
+garden into his own chamber, where having hid the cloak at the back of
+the bed, he began to examine the value of the plunder, and found that
+the purse contained seventy guineas and two diamond rings, one a single
+stone and a very fine one, the other consisting of seven, but small and
+of no great value. These he went down and buried in the garden, having
+first burnt the purse in the fire.
+
+The hurry of the fact being over, he sat down once again in his own
+room, and had leisure to reflect a little on what he had done, which
+threw him into such an agony that he was scarce able to sit upon the
+chair. Shame at the villainy he had committed, the fear of being
+apprehended, and the apprehensions of Tyburn, gave so many wounds to his
+imagination that he thought his former uneasiness a state of quiet to
+the pangs which he now felt, which were much more bitter, as well as of
+a very different nature from anything he had known before.
+
+In the midst of these terrors, he heard the voices of a great deal of
+company in his landlady's parlour. The hopes of being a little easy
+where he had not so much opportunity of affrighting himself with his own
+thoughts, occasioned his going downstairs, and without well knowing what
+he did, he knocked at the parlour door, which when opened, the first
+thing which struck his eyes was the gentleman whom he had robbed,
+drinking a glass of water. This gave him such a shock that he had much
+ado to collect spirits enough to tell the gentlewoman of the house that
+he perceived she had company, and therefore would not intrude. But she,
+laying her hand upon his arm, said, _Pray, Mr. Benson, walk in; here's
+nobody but a gentleman who has had the misfortune to be robbed in the
+field, the fright of which has put him into such a disorder that he
+desired to step in here that he might have leisure to come a little to
+himself._ Tim saw it was impossible for him to retreat, and so putting
+on the best face he was able, he came in and sat down.
+
+The landlady began then to enquire the circumstances of the robbery.
+_Why, madam_, replied he, _I was walking there, as I generally do of a
+fine afternoon, in order to get a little fresh air, when a man came up
+all of a sudden to me, close muffled up in a green or blue great-coat,
+in truth I cannot say which. He clapped a pistol to my breast, and I
+gave him my purse, and my niece's two rings, one of which cost me
+fourscore guineas, but three weeks ago. And as I was afraid he would
+murder me, I was going to give him this off my finger, and my watch out
+of my pocket, but that the fellow said he had enough, and his leaving
+these, surprised me almost as much as taking the rest. But what sort of
+a man was he?_ said she. _Why, I think he was about that gentleman's
+height_, added he; _but I am so short-sighted that I question whether I
+should have known his face, even had it not been covered with his hat.
+Besides I am so much taken with the rogue's generosity that I would not
+prosecute him if I had him in the room._
+
+This set Tim's heart so much at rest that he began to come to himself a
+little, and asked the strange gentleman if he would not be so good as to
+drink a glass of wine. A bottle was sent for, and during the time they
+were drinking it, Jenny came in, and it being quite dark before they had
+finished it, a coach was called, and Mr. Benson offered to see the
+gentleman home, in order to which he was going upstairs to put on his
+clothes. But this the stranger would not permit, begging him to go as he
+was, upon which Jenny said, _Then, my dear, I'll fetch your great-coat._
+He had much ado to desire the gentleman to walk to the coach and he'd go
+as he was, which he did accordingly, and after drinking a glass of
+citron water with the lady whose rings he had stolen, he came home again
+as fast as the coach could carry him.
+
+Jenny was very melancholy at his return, and giving him three guineas,
+told him that it was all the pawnbroker would lend, and she had much ado
+to get that, as she was not known. Tim bid her be of good cheer, and
+said he hoped things would mend, and so they went to bed. Two or three
+days after, he took an opportunity of going out pretty early, and
+returning about dinner time, told her, with much seeming joy, that he
+had met with a gentleman whom he had been acquainted with at Leyden, and
+who hearing of his father's death, had begged him to accept of twenty
+guineas as a mark to his esteem. Jenny was in raptures at their good
+fortune, and went that afternoon and fetched the ring home, returning,
+poor creature, with as much satisfaction as if she had received ever so
+much money; for the hopes of living quietly a month or two with the man
+she loved, dispelled all the apprehensions of poverty which she was
+before under.
+
+Tim considering that this supply would not last always, and resolving
+with himself never to run such a hazard again, he began to beat his
+brains about the best method to be taken of getting money in an honest
+way. As he had been bred to no profession, notwithstanding the excellent
+education he had had, never was a man more at his wits' end. After a
+thousand schemes had offered themselves to his mind, and were rejected,
+it came at last into his head that as he was tolerably versed in physic,
+it might not be impossible for him to get his bread by that. But how to
+get into practice, there was the difficulty. A little recollection
+helped him here. He had seen a quack doctor exhibit his medicines, with
+a panegyric on their good qualities, on his journey to London; he
+resolved, scandalous as the profession was, to venture upon it, rather
+than run the risk he had done before.
+
+This scheme doubtless cost him some trouble before he brought it to bear
+so as to give him any hopes of his putting it into execution, but having
+at last settled it as well as he could, he determined with himself to go
+down into some distant county and undertake it. In order to have his
+thoughts at greater liberty to resolve about it, he took a walk into the
+fields, and being very dry after his perambulation, he stepped into a
+little alehouse, and called for a mug of drink. While he sat there he
+heard two men discoursing upon the vast sums of money that was got by
+one Smith, a practitioner in the very art which he was going to set up,
+and he found by them that the chief scene of Smith's adventures had lain
+in Lincolnshire and thereabouts; so without more ado, as all places were
+alike to him, he settled his intentions to go down to the same place,
+where he understood by the man that his _quondam_ doctor had done some
+great cures and got a tolerable reputation.
+
+When he came home, he could not avoid appearing very thoughtful, and
+Jenny fearful of some new disaster, would not let him rest until he had
+acquainted her fully with his design, which he would not consent to do
+until she promised to comply with a proposal he was to make her, after
+he had revealed the secret she was so desirous to know. When he had told
+her his project, she next demanded what the condition was to which she
+had bound herself to yield. Benson replied that it was to remain at some
+place thirty or forty miles distant from where he intended to go, that
+she might not be exposed to any inconveniences from that unhappy figure
+he saw himself obliged to make. It was with great reluctance that she
+ratified the consent he had given, but at length, after much persuasion,
+she again acknowledged he was in the right, and promised to do as he
+would have her. Things being thus adjusted, nothing remained for him to
+do but to get ready for his journey, and that his mate might be the less
+timorous of the event, he told her he had procured another supply of
+twenty-five guineas.
+
+His cloak-bag was soon stored with such medicines as he thought proper,
+and having packed up a few practical books he thought he might have
+occasion for, he took a place for himself and Jenny, who passed for his
+wife, in the stage coach for Huntingdon, at a village near which, paying
+the people for a month's board, he left his consort, and having hired
+horses to Boston, he took a young fellow from Huntingdon with him
+thither.
+
+As Benson had a very smooth tongue, so he set off the wonderful
+properties of his drugs in so artful a manner that in the space of a
+fortnight he had cleared £10 besides his expenses. As he had left Jenny
+five guineas in her pocket, he wrote to her to pay the people another
+month's board, and assured her that he would return within that space.
+Hiring accordingly visited Sleaford, and some other great towns
+thereabouts, in seven weeks' time he set out for his return into
+Huntingdonshire, with fifty guineas, all clear gain, in his pockets.
+This good luck encouraged him to run through the greatest part of the
+North of England in the same manner, and within the compass of three
+years he cleared upwards of £500. At the time of his making this
+calculation he was set down at Bristol, in order to exercise his talent
+in that great city; but an unexpected accident broke all his measures.
+Just as his stage was set up, and he mounted, and opening his harangue
+which was now become familiar to him, a constable stepped up upon the
+stage, and told him that a gentleman had sworn a robbery directly
+against him, and he must go immediately before the mayor. This put him
+into a lamentable confusion. He knew himself innocent, but the character
+of a mountebank was sufficient to make the thing believed at first, and
+therefore he could not be blamed for his apprehensions, especially
+considering he took it as a just return for that robbery which he had
+committed in town, and for which he made no satisfaction when it was so
+fully in his power.
+
+Upon his prosecutor's appearing before the mayor, and swearing flatly to
+his face as to his robbing him of seven guineas, a silver watch, and a
+snuff box, Tim had his _Mittimus_ made for Newgate; but upon his
+desiring the mayor that his effects might be searched, but not
+plundered, he had leave given him to return with the officer and see
+them looked over at the inn. As many of them were valuable of
+themselves, as the drugs were of the best sorts, and as he had several
+letters from persons of good character, in the several counties through
+which he had passed, and bank notes and bills to the value of £400, they
+thought fit to report all this to the mayor, before they did anything.
+The mayor thereupon resolved to act very cautiously, and having first
+looked over everything himself, he then ordered the effects to be
+delivered up to Mr. Benson, himself, who, however, was obliged to
+undergo a confinement of eight weeks, till the assizes. The prosecutor
+not appearing, and Mr. Benson, by permission of the Court, examining two
+gentlemen of undoubted credit, who proved to his being at the time when
+the robbery was sworn in another place, he was acquitted, and a copy of
+his indictment ordered him. It seems a person under condemnation at
+Hertford acknowledged the fact for which Tim had been committed, and
+produced both the snuff-box and watch; which though the gentleman who
+lost them got again, yet it proved an affair of very ill-consequence to
+him, for he was obliged to give Benson one hundred guineas to obtain a
+general release, and Tim fearing the noise of the thing had undone his
+reputation, resolved to go over to America and settle there.
+
+A gentleman at Bristol who traded largely to the plantations offered him
+his assistance in the affair, and matters being quickly adjusted between
+them, Tim, to show himself grateful, and a man of honour, was married
+privately to Jenny, whom he resolved should be the companion of his
+future fortunes, as she had hitherto been the constant solace of all his
+sorrows. But before they set out, he thought it proper to make a journey
+to London, as well as to provide some necessary articles in the
+profession he intended to follow, as to make an end of a little affair
+which we have before related, and which lay very hard upon his
+conscience. To town then came Jenny and he, and took a lodging near
+Tower Street, where in about a fortnight's time, Mr. Benson had put
+everything in order for his voyage. The day before he sat out on his
+return for Bristol, he wrote the following letter to the old gentleman
+he had robbed, and who as he informed himself, was still living at the
+same place.
+
+    Sir,
+
+    Under the pressure of severe necessity my misfortunes tempted me to
+    commit so great a piece of villainy as the robbing you in Red Lion
+    Fields. You may remember, sir, that I took from you a green purse,
+    in which was seventy guineas, and two diamond rings, the one of a
+    large, the other of a less value. The first comes to you enclosed in
+    this, the latter, the same necessity which urged me so far as to
+    take them, obliged me some months after to dispose of, which I did
+    for fourteen pounds. As a satisfaction for the injury I did you, be
+    so good, sir, as to accept of the enclosed note of one hundred
+    pounds, which I hope will amount to the whole value of those things
+    I took from you, and may I flatter myself, procure your pardon, the
+    only thing wanting to making him easy, who is,
+
+      Sir,
+    Your most obedient
+                 Humble Servant.
+
+This he took care to convey by a ticket-porter of whose fidelity he was
+well assured, and having despatched this affair, he let slip nothing to
+make his intended voyage successful. His skill in his profession was
+such that he soon had as much business in the plantation where he
+settled, as he knew what to do with, and in seven or eight years'
+practice, acquired such an estate as was sufficient to furnish him with
+all the necessaries of life, upon which he lived when he gave this
+account to the gentleman who communicated it to me. And as it is an
+instance of a return of virtue not often to be met with, I thought it
+might be as useful as any other relation which hitherto had a place in
+this confession.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOSEPH SHREWSBERRY, _alias_ SMITH, a Robber, etc.
+
+
+This unhappy criminal of whom we are now to speak was the son of parents
+in so mean circumstances that they were not able to give him any
+education at all; yet they were careful in carrying him constantly to
+church with them, and instructing him as far as they were able in the
+principles of the Christian faith, and did everything that narrow
+capacity would give them leave, in order to enable him to get his bread
+in some honest employment. Then they put him out apprentice to a tanner
+in the neighbourhood, a very honest, considerate man, who treated him
+with all the indulgence and kindness he could have wished throughout the
+time of his apprenticeship. But he was so unfortunate as to fall into
+the company of a set of giddy young people who were totally addicted to
+merry-making and dancing, which when he had once got into the road of,
+he so neglected his business that his master, after abundance of
+reproofs, was obliged to part with him.
+
+He had not at that time any designs of doing anything like the fact for
+which he afterwards suffered, but continuing still to frequent his
+dancing-mates' company, they promised to put him into a road to supply
+him with money enough to live without working, provided he had courage
+to do as they would have him; and he, without considering what he did,
+giving consent to their motions, went out one evening with David
+Anderson, Country Will and Jenny Austin, and after a while they stripped
+one Thomas Collier, and robbed him of his coat and waistcoat, hat, and a
+pair of silver buckles and other things, with a half guinea in gold, and
+twenty-five shillings in silver. For this offence he was quickly after
+committed, apprehended, and sent to Newgate, where, upon a plain proof
+of the fact, he was convicted and ordered for execution.
+
+When the poor man was under sentence of death, he sufficiently repented
+those idle hours he had consumed in dancing, and in the other merriments
+into which he had been led by his companions. He was now sensible how
+easily he might have lived if he had taken the advice of his kind
+master, who with so much pains endeavoured not only to instruct him in
+his profession, but also to reclaim him from those follies in which he
+saw him engaged. The thoughts of death threw him into violent agonies
+from whence his natural sense (of which he had a great deal) at last in
+some measure recovered him; and when upon the coming down of the death
+warrant, he saw there were no hopes left for him in this life, he
+applied himself with very great ardency to secure happiness in the next.
+
+He declared that the fact for which he died was the first he ever
+committed, and that the depositions against him were not exactly
+conformable to truth. A day or two before his death, he appeared to be
+very calm and very cheerful, submitted with a perfect resignation to the
+lot which had befallen him, and at the place of execution exhorted the
+people not to let their curiosity only be satisfied in the sight of his
+wretched death, but he warned them also from the commission of such
+crimes as might bring them to a like fate. He suffered on the 3rd of
+November, 1726, at Tyburn, being then about twenty-two years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of ANTHONY DRURY, a Highwayman
+
+
+This unfortunate man, whose fate made a great noise in the town at the
+time it happened, was born of parents neither mean in family nor
+fortune, in the county of Norfolk, where he received his education, on
+which no little pains and expense were bestowed. As to the particular
+circumstances of his life in his most early years, as no exact accounts
+have come to my hands, so I do not think myself obliged to frame any
+adventures for the entertainment of my readers, a practice very common,
+yet I think unjustifiable in itself. All that I can is that it appears
+he lived at Oxford and Bicester before he came to Wendover, at which
+place he had a house and family at the time of his death.
+
+He was not, as far as I am able to learn, bred up to any particular
+profession whatever, his parents leaving him in circumstances capable of
+supporting himself. However, whether he arrived at it after some
+misfortunes, or had it discovered to him before, certain it is that he
+gained some knowledge in the act of curing smoking chimneys, by which
+he got very considerably, and from whence be derived the name of the
+Smoky Chimney Doctor, by which he was commonly known in the county of
+Bucks.
+
+Some few years before his death, he married a widow gentlewoman at
+Oxford, of a considerable fortune. The world (though something too
+largely) reported that she had fifteen hundred pounds. However it were,
+he still addicted himself to women, and in all probability made her but
+an indifferent husband, since she took so little care about him, when in
+the midst of so great calamities. However it were, he maintained a
+tolerable character in the neighbourhood, and his credit had not been
+impeached in any degree when he committed the fact I am going to relate.
+
+On the twenty-fifth of September, 1726, he attacked the Bicester wagon
+as it was coming from London, and committed the following robberies
+therein, viz., he took from Thomas Eldridge, fifteen moidores, two
+hundred and ten guineas, eighty half-guineas, and the goods and money of
+Mr. Burrows. He was likewise indicted and found guilty for assaulting
+Sarah, the wife of Robert King, on the highway, and robbing her of two
+shillings and sixpence. As likewise on a third indictment, for
+assaulting the aforesaid Thomas Eldridge, and taking from him a calico
+gown and petticoat, value twenty shillings, the goods of Giles Betts.
+There was a fourth indictment against him for assaulting Mary, the wife
+of Joseph Page, and taking from her two shillings and sixpence, but the
+three former being all capital, the court did not think proper to try
+him upon this.
+
+While he lay under sentence of death he did not discover any signs of
+excessive fear, but appeared rather perplexed and confused than
+dispirited or dejected. He entertained at first great hopes of a
+reprieve, at least in order to be transported, and for obtaining it he
+spent a great deal of time writing to several friends who he thought
+might be instrumental in procuring it. However, he was far from
+neglecting the concerns of his soul, but read daily with much seeming
+diligence several little books proper for a man in his condition, and
+whenever he attended at chapel behaved with the utmost gravity, praying,
+if we may guess from exterior signs, with much fervour and devotion. He
+was a man very well acquainted with the principles of the Christian
+religion, and was in all appearance better persuaded of the merit and
+efficacy of his Saviour's passion than people often are in his
+condition.
+
+As to his capacity, it appeared to have been very tolerable in itself,
+and to have received many advantages from education. How he acquired
+the art of curing smoky chimneys is not very well known, he having been
+bred up to no trade whatsoever, but coming into the world with a little
+fortune left him by his parents, he lived thereupon with a tolerable
+reputation, until the time of his marriage.
+
+When he was first under sentence he was very desirous of having his wife
+come to town, and for that purpose wrote her several pressing letters,
+to which he received no answer. This gave him great disturbance. He
+thereupon wrote to a friend in the country, who lived near her, on whom
+also he had a strong dependance, entreating him to go to his wife and
+solicit her not absolutely to desert him in his extreme calamity, but to
+come up to town with him, in order to make their last efforts for his
+preservation. This epistle, however, proved in the main as unsuccessful
+as the rest, though it procured him an answer, wherein the person he
+wrote to informed him that his wife was extremely lame, insomuch that
+she could not put on her own clothes; that her servant was gone; that
+she had no money wherewith to defray the expenses of a journey to town,
+much less to assist him in his distress. As for himself, his friend
+excused his coming by reason of a great cold which he had caught in
+London when he came up before to attend Mr. Drury's affairs.
+
+Hereupon the unfortunate criminal bethought himself of another
+expedient, which he imagined would not fail of engaging Mrs. Drury to
+come to London. He informed her by letter, that in the beginning of his
+troubles he had pawned some silver plate in town for four-and-twenty
+pounds, that it was more than double the value, and might probably be
+lost on his death. To this his friend wrote him back that if anybody
+would take the plate out, and give advice thereof to Mrs. Drury, she
+would repay them, and gratify them also for their trouble. When this
+letter came to the poor man's hand he said he was satisfied that his
+wife did not desire he should live, however he heartily forgave her.
+
+He constantly denied that he had ever been concerned in any act of a
+like kind with that for which he died. He acknowledged that with what
+his wife had, and the business he followed, he might have lived very
+genteelly in the country; that he had not indeed, been very prudent in
+the management of his affairs; however, it was no necessity that forced
+him on the base and wicked act for which he died, the sole cause of his
+committing which was, as he solemnly protested, the repeated
+solicitations of King, the wagoner, who for a considerable time before
+represented the attempt to him as a thing no way dangerous in itself,
+and which would bring him a very large sum of ready money. As soon as
+King perceived that his insinuations begun to make some impression, he
+opened himself more fully as to the facility of robbing the Bicester
+wagon, _Wherein_, says he, _you will find generally a pretty handsome
+sum of money; and as to opposition, depend on it you shall meet with
+none._ At last these speeches prevailed on him, and it was agreed that
+the wagoner should have half the booty for his advice and assistance;
+and the better to conceal it, Drury, was directed to rob King's wife of
+about four pounds, which was all she had about her.
+
+A minister of the Church of England, who was either acquainted with Mr.
+Drury, or out of charitable intention, attended him at the request of
+his friends, took abundance of pains to give him just notions of his
+duty in that unfortunate slate into which his folly had brought him; he
+repeated to him the reasons which render a public confession necessary
+from those who die by judgment of the Law; he exhorted him not to
+equivocate, or even extenuate in his declarations concerning his
+offence. Mr. Drury heard him with great patience, seemed to be much
+affected with the remonstrances which were made to him, and finally
+promised that he would act sincerely in the confessions he made to the
+public; adding that he had none in whom to trust but God alone, and
+therefore he would not offend him. The reverend divine to whom he spoke
+approved his resolution, and promised to afford him all the assistance
+in his power till death.
+
+As soon as the criminal was satisfied that all applications that had
+been made for mercy were ineffectual, and that there was not the least
+probability of a pardon, he immediately sent for the clergyman
+before-mentioned, and desired to receive the Sacrament at his hands, to
+which the gentleman readily assented, uttering only a short previous
+exhortation unto a true repentance, open and genuine confession, and
+full and free forgiveness unto all who had ever injured him, or unto
+whom he bore any ill will. Mr. Drury, therefore, before he received the
+Elements, owned in express terms his being guilty of the fact for which
+he died, affirmed the truth of what he had formerly said concerning the
+wagoner, declared that he forgave both him and his own wife sincerely,
+and that having now in some measure eased his mind, he was no longer
+afraid of death.
+
+Mr. Drury, even after receiving sentence, was indulged by the keepers of
+Newgate in having a room to himself in the Press Yard, which afforded
+him leisure and privacy for his devotions; and he seemed, especially for
+the last days of his life, to make proper use of those conveniences by
+excluding himself from all company and applying earnestly to God in
+prayer for the forgiveness of his sins. During the two or three days
+succeeding that whereon he received sentence, a gentlewoman attended
+pretty constantly upon him. Who she was we can neither say, nor is it
+very material; but Mr. Drury appealing to her in the presence of some
+persons, as to the truth of what he alleged concerning King, the
+wagoner, she desired to relate what she knew as to that point. The
+account she gave was to this purpose. _Mr. Drury carried me out of town
+with him in a chaise to Wendover. On the road we were met by the wagoner
+he speaks on, who desired Mr. Drury to step out, for he wanted to speak
+with him. Thereupon he complying with the wagoner's request, they walked
+together to a considerable distance, and there stopping talked to each
+other very earnestly for some time._ As to the subject of their
+discourse she declared she could say nothing, but as they came back to
+the chaise, the wagoner said, _You need not be afraid, you will be sure
+to get what you want._ To say truth, it was very odd for a single man to
+rob a wagon to which so many people belonged, in company with several
+other wagons, without any opposition, though it be likewise true that he
+did not attempt any of the rest.
+
+Some persons of quality were prevailed on by his earnest solicitations
+and the circumstances we have before mentioned to endeavour the
+procuring him a pardon, but it was in vain; and it would have certainly
+have been much better for the man if he never had any hopes given him,
+for though he did not depend as much on promises as men in his miserable
+condition frequently do, yet the desire of life, sometimes excited the
+hopes of it, and thereby took off his thoughts from more weighty
+concerns, or at least made him more languid and confused than otherways
+he would have been, for the very day before his death he still
+entertained some expectations of mercy.
+
+The evening before he suffered a woman knocked at his chamber door, and
+earnestly desired to speak a few words to him. He accordingly came
+towards the door and asked her what it was she would have to say to him.
+The woman, after expressing much sorrow for his misfortunes, told him
+she was desired by a person to whom she had been servant, if the thing
+were possible, to learn from his own mouth what he had to say against
+the wagoner. Mr. Drury replied that he had never had any thought of
+robbing wagons, or any such thing, if the wagoner had not advised and
+pressed him to it; so that his blood, the loss of his life, and all he
+had in the world lay upon that man. Then shutting the door he returned
+to his devotions, and continued to them all the evening and until the
+night was considerably spent.
+
+As death drew near it seemed not to affect him so much as might be
+expected. On the morning of his execution he appeared not only easy, but
+cheerful, attended at the prayers at chapel with much composure, and
+went out of Newgate without any sign of fright or disturbance of mind.
+On the road to Tyburn he appeared serious but melancholy, spoke a good
+deal concerning the errors of his former life, said he had never bees
+addicted to drinking, but had conversed too much with bad women, which
+had made his wife jealous, and caused home to be very uneasy. He seemed
+truly penitent for these offences, as he confessed them without any
+questions being asked by those about him.
+
+At the place of execution his courage did not forsake him. He still
+preserved a great deal of serenity in his countenance, and when he was
+desired to acquaint the people with anything he had to say concerning
+the crime for which he died, he spoke with a strong voice, and repeated
+what he had formerly alleged about King, the wagoner, adding that he
+advised him also to rob the Banbury wagon; and that notwithstanding he
+talked of his wife's having four pounds about her, yet he took but three
+shillings, whereon the third indictment was founded, on which he was
+convicted. He then complained of his wife's unkindness, and both prayed
+for the spectators, and desired their prayers for him. As he was leaning
+on the side of the cart, the Ordinary told him that a man had charged
+him the day before with having married a man's daughter at Norwich, who
+is still living. Mr. Drury answered, he was reproached by many people,
+and he forgave them all, he then called to a gentleman who was near the
+gallows and spoke to him about his estate, which he had before settled.
+Afterwards he exhorted the people to live virtuously, and be warned by
+his example, and then submitted patiently to his fate, on Thursday, the
+third of November, 1726, being at that time of his decease about
+twenty-eight years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM MILLER, a Highwayman, etc.
+
+
+As necessary correction is often a method by which, when young people
+begin to stray into the paths of vice, they are deterred and brought
+back again into the road of virtue; yet when this is incautiously
+inflicted or done in a violent manner, it frequently excites worse
+thoughts than would otherwise probably have entered the breasts of young
+people thus punished; and instead of hindering them from committing
+trivial offences, puts them on doing the worst things imaginable in
+order to deliver them from a state more hateful to them than death
+itself.
+
+This criminal William Miller, was the son of very honest parents who
+lived at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who took care to give him a good
+education, and what was much more commendable, a good example. They put
+him out apprentice to a tradesman at Alnwick, with whom he might have
+lived tolerably well had it not been for the churlishness of his
+master's temper, who was continually picking quarrels with him, and
+thereupon beating him inhumanly. At last an accident happened which
+supplied a continual fund of anger and resentment and this was on
+account of William's losing a horse, which, though his friends paid for,
+yet every time it came into his masters head there was a battle between
+them; for Miller being now grown pretty big made resistance when he
+struck him, and not seldom got the better of him, and beat him in his
+turn. This occasioned such disturbances and falling out between them
+that at last Miller took a resolution for leaving him for good and all,
+and determined to live as he could, up and down the country.
+
+At first he was so lucky as to meet with a man who employed him readily,
+treated him with kindness, and gave him good advice, without
+accompanying his reproofs with blows; but upon discovering that his man
+William had not served out his time, but had only five years and a half
+with his master, he absolutely refused to suffer him to work any longer.
+It was with great reluctancy that Miller parted with this master, and he
+became every day after more and more uneasy, because he found no other
+master would let him work with them, upon the same account; so that by
+degrees he was reduced to the great necessity in the country, and though
+he was willing to work, yet could not tell which way to turn his hand.
+
+In the midst of these perplexities, he bethought himself of coming up to
+London, which he put in execution. On his arrival there he listed
+himself as a soldier in one of the regiments of Guards, and as it is no
+very hard matter in this town, got abundance of amorous affairs upon his
+hands. With one woman he lived a short time after his coming up to
+London, but her he soon turned off for the sake of another, who was a
+blacksmith's wife, and whom he married, notwithstanding her first
+husband was then to his acknowledge alive. This was, indeed, the source
+of a great part of his misfortunes, since what between the woman's
+drinking and the money which the husband got out of him for permitting
+him to live quietly with her, he was (notwithstanding he had learnt a
+new employment, viz., that of a basket maker) miserably poor; and the
+woman having brought him a child to increase his expenses, he was at
+last forced, whether he would or no, to leave her and it both. After
+this he associated with another woman, and at length married her also,
+with whom he lived quietly enough until the time of his death. These
+numerous intrigues drew him in consequence into a multitude of other
+vices, which both lost him his reputation, and damaged his
+understanding, especially when he came to drink hard, which he at last
+did to such a degree that he was seldom or never sober, or if he were,
+the reflecting on his misfortunes pushed him on getting drunk as fast as
+he could--a case but too common amongst the meaner sort of people, who
+as they have no philosophy of learning to support them, endeavour to
+drown all care by sotting.
+
+Whether Miller really intended to go a-robbing at the time he committed
+the fact for which he died, or whether drunkenness and the sense, even
+in that condition which he retained of his misfortune, on a sudden
+suggested to him the stripping of the old man Nicholas Bourn under the
+favour of the night, certain it is (though from motives we cannot
+determine) that he attacked the man and took from him his coat and hat.
+On the injured person's crying out a watchman ran immediately to his
+assistance, and with his pole, notwithstanding Miller drew his bayonet,
+knocked him down, and so seized him and delivered him up to Justice. At
+the next sessions at the Old Bailey he was indicted for this fact, and
+the same was very fully and clearly proved against him; yet though he
+had no friends capable of procuring him either a reprieve or pardon, he
+had the good luck to remain a considerable space under condemnation,
+viz., from one sessions to another, before the report was made, and so
+had the greater leisure left him for repentance.
+
+During the space he lay in the condemned hold he expressed a very hearty
+sorrow for all his offences and particularly regretted his having
+addicted himself so much to the company of women, which, as it at first
+led him into expenses, naturally brought him into narrow circumstances;
+and his necessities unfortunately put him upon taking the fatal method
+of supplying himself. Yet in the midst of these tokens of penitence and
+contrition several women came still about him, so he resolved to send
+the child he had by the second down to his friends in the country, not
+doubting, as he said, but that they would take care of it. And for the
+last of those who went for his wife, he really looked upon her as such,
+and therefore treated her with more kindness and affection than he did
+any of the rest. However, doubtless they were no great help to him in
+his preparations for death. And amongst the other miseries produced, to
+our view, this is not a small one, that they continue to pursue us even
+to the last, and fasten so strongly about our thoughts and inclinations
+that as at first, they defeated all consideration, so in the end they
+are in danger of preventing a hearty and sincere repentance.
+
+As to the particular fact for which he was to die, he acknowledged
+himself guilty thereof, but for all that objected to the several
+circumstances that were sworn against him at his trial; nor could all
+the arguments that were used towards him persuade him that those
+trifling variations (for as he himself represented them they were no
+more) were not now at all material to him, but that as he justly
+deserved to die according to his own confession, it signified little to
+him whether the particular steps taken in his apprehension were exactly
+stated by the Court or not. As the day of his execution drew near, he
+receded a little from these objections, and began to set himself in
+earnest to acquire that calmness with which every reasonable man would
+desire to meet death. The women he forbid visiting him, refused to eat
+or drink anything but what was absolutely necessary to support Nature,
+plied himself regularly and constantly to his devotions, and seemed to
+have nothing at heart but to reconcile himself to that Divine Being, who
+by the multitude of his crimes he had so much offended. To say truth, it
+was not a little wonderful that a person after continuing for such a
+length of time in the practice of wickedness and debauchery, should at
+last be capable of applying himself with such zeal and attention to the
+duties of a dying man. He yielded up his life the 13th of February,
+1727, at Tyburn, being then twenty-six years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of ROBERT HAYNES, a Murderer, etc.
+
+
+As from a multitude of instances in the course of these memoirs it has
+been shown how great a misfortune it is to be destitute of education, so
+from the following life it will appear that an improper education is as
+dangerous as none at all.
+
+Robert Haynes, the criminal whose history we are to give at present, was
+the son of persons in Ireland, of none of the best circumstances, who
+yet afforded him a very good education, causing him to be instructed not
+only in the Latin, but also in the Greek tongue, in both of which to the
+day of his death he attained a tolerable knowledge. His father, it
+seems, though he had done everything for his son in breeding him a
+scholar, though when he grew up to man's estate he had nothing to give
+him, and was forced to let him come over to England to list himself in
+the Foot Guards. His officers gave him always the character of a quiet,
+inoffensive lad, who injured nobody, nor was himself addicted to those
+vices which are common to the men of his profession. On the contrary, he
+retained yet strong notions of those religious principles in which he
+had been educated. He addicted himself much to reading, and though his
+spirit was not a little broken by the consideration of that low life by
+which he was obliged to stoop, yet he preserved a becoming spirit and a
+very gentleman-like behaviour upon all occasions; so that the officers
+of his regiment very much regretted that misfortune which brought him to
+an untimely end. Of the occasion of this we come next to speak, since
+his youth and the regularity of his life prevented any other of his
+adventures coming to our notice.
+
+It happened one Sunday evening, as he was walking along St. James's
+Park, with two other soldiers, they met two men and two women. Haynes
+unluckily kissed one of the women, upon which one of the men turned and
+broke his head. As was insisted even to the time of the death of this
+unfortunate person, the swords of both were drawn; however that were, he
+gave his antagonist a wound in the breast of which he died. For this he
+was apprehended and committed prisoner to Newgate. At the ensuing
+sessions of the Old Bailey he was indicted for wilfully murdering Edward
+Perry, by giving him a wound on the left part of the right breast near
+the short ribs, of the depth of twelve inches, and of the length of one.
+He was also indicted a second time on the Statute of Stabbing, and a
+third time upon the coroner's inquest for wilful murder. On all three of
+which, notwithstanding his defence, and the witnesses he called, he was
+found guilty; and although some honourable persons took a great deal of
+pains to procure a pardon or reprieve for him, yet it proved of no
+purpose, but he and the afore-mentioned malefactor were put into the
+death warrant and ordered for execution.
+
+For himself he had little hopes from the endeavours of his friends and
+therefore behaved himself as if he had had none, being not only constant
+and devout at the public exercises in the chapel, but also ardent in his
+devotions in private and by himself. As the youth wanted not good sense,
+and had not forgot the education he had received in Ireland, so in every
+respect while under sentence of death he performed what could be
+expected from a man of courage, and a Christian, under his
+circumstances. A minister, out of charity, visited him several times and
+prayed with him, exhorting him always to make a dear and candid
+confession of the fact, and, since there were no hopes, not to go to
+death with a lie between his lips. Yet he persisted still in what he
+had at first declared, and continued to assert the truth of that
+declaration, until the gaol sickness brought him so low, that he was
+scarce able to speak at all. In this low slate of health he continued
+until within two or three days of his death, when he began to pick up
+strength a little; and as soon as he was able to go up the stairs, he
+attended as usual the devotions of the chapel. In this frame and
+disposition of heart he remained until the day of his execution came,
+upon which he appeared not only calm but cheerful, received the
+Sacrament as is usual with malefactors at the day of their death, and
+behaved at it in a very pious and religious manner.
+
+When he came to Tyburn he stood up, and intended to have spoken to the
+people, but finding himself too weak, he referred to a paper which he
+delivered to Mr. Applebee, a printer, and which contained the substance
+of what (if he had been able) he would have there spoken; and then,
+after a few private ejaculations, he easily resigned up his breath at
+the same time with the other malefactor, being then in the
+one-and-twentieth year of his age. I thought proper to insert the copy
+of that letter I have before spoken of, and it follows verbatim.
+
+    Good people,
+
+    I am to suffer by Law an ignominious death (God's will be done)
+    which untimely end I never expected. I am a youth and it's above
+    twelve months since I enlisted into his Majesty's Service. The
+    character of my behaviour in that time I will leave to my
+    acquaintance to declare; my character was sufficiently testified at
+    my trial, by gentlemen of worth and honour. I pray God bless them
+    for their Christian charity. I praise God my resolution to live
+    uprightly was no constraint; as for the cause I suffer, and the
+    horrid imputation I am charged with which is rendered murder (from
+    my soul I abhor) I now declare as I expect salvation, I am unjustly
+    accused, but I freely forgive my persecutors, as I hope to be
+    forgiven; for what I did was accidental, and in my own vindication.
+    The real truth is as follows:
+
+    The two soldiers that were my evidence desired my company to drink
+    with them. As we were returning home through the Park, passing by
+    two women, and being warm with liquor, I presumed to give one of
+    them a kiss; the other was a married woman, and resenting my
+    freedom, called out to her husband, Edward Perry deceased, and to
+    Toms that walked before, both entire strangers to me. They returned,
+    Toms advanced towards me speaking abruptly, and struck me over the
+    head and shoulders with a stick, which stunned me; likewise he urged
+    the deceased to quarrel with me. The deceitful Perry enraged, swore
+    he would see me out, and struck me with his sword in his scabbard
+    over the head. He drew his sword and made several passes at me, I
+    still retreated till provoked to draw my sword to preserve myself.
+    This affair was in the night. I received a wound in my right hand
+    thumb, and a thrust through my coat. This I declare to be the whole
+    truth, as I shall answer before my great God; though my persecutors,
+    Toms and the deceased man's wife, swore quite the reverse, which
+    took place to my ruin. I pray God forgive them their trespasses, as
+    I hope forgiveness for my own. I pray God bless my good colonel for
+    his care and endeavours for my safety; I pray God bless him with
+    length of days and prosperity in all his undertakings. I thank God,
+    I never wronged man, woman, or child, to my knowledge, nor was I
+    ever inclined to quarrel. I heartily beg of God pardon and
+    forgiveness for my sins, and I confide in the merits of my dear
+    Saviour, who died for the World. I was baptized and bred a member of
+    the Church of England (though an unworthy and unfortunate one) in
+    which Communion I hope for salvation through my blessed Redeemer.
+
+    Sunday, February the 12th, 1726.
+
+    Robert Haynes
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of THOMAS TIMMS, THOMAS PERRY, and EDWARD BROWN, Footpads
+
+
+This poor unhappy man, Thomas Timms, was the son of mean parents in the
+country and as indifferently educated as he was born, so that his future
+ill-deeds were capable of some little extenuation. With much to-do his
+friends and parents raised money enough to put him out apprentice to a
+chair-carver, with whom he lived easily and honestly during the space of
+his apprenticeship, coming out of it with the character of an honest
+religious young lad, which he maintained after he was set up and
+married. He had probably continued to maintain it to the end of his life
+if he had not fallen into unhappy circumstances, by being out of work.
+This obliged him to come up to Town, where for a while he lived pretty
+well upon his business; but at last it so far fell off that he was
+obliged to list himself a soldier in the first regiment of Guards.
+Notwithstanding this he worked still at his trade, as much as it was
+possible for him to do, and to perform his duty; but misfortunes still
+crowding upon him, he grew at first melancholy, and at last took to
+drinking in the company of bad women, who soon drew him into thinking of
+taking dishonest methods to obtain money for the support of their
+debaucheries.
+
+Amongst other of his acquaintance there was a woman who had formerly
+lived with a very eminent lawyer in the City. It was said she had a
+greater familiarity with her master than she ought to have had, from
+whence she took the liberty to cheat him most egregiously, especially by
+counterfeiting receipts from most of the tradesmen with whom her master
+had any dealing, by which means she retained in her own hands the money
+which she should have paid him. Some months after, however, the roguery
+was discovered, and her master being newly married, he took this
+opportunity to discharge her suddenly. However, he promised her, if she
+went into any lodgings, and gave him notice, he would take care she
+should not want, until she could get herself into some way of business
+or other.
+
+This gentleman had three clerks, all of good families and good fortunes.
+The wench, after she was out of the house, first went into a
+neighbourhood where the eldest of these clerks and his relations were
+very well known. Here she took upon her to be his wife, and said that
+they were privately married for fear of disobliging his relations. By
+the help of this she got so far into credit that she took up near a
+hundred and twenty pounds worth of things before the least apprehension
+was had of her being a cheat; and then removing her lodgings, she fixed
+herself in a first floor within a few doors of the guardian of her
+master's second clerk. She gave it out there as she had done before,
+that she was secretly married to this young gentleman; and on the credit
+thereof she took up near a hundred pounds in silks and shifts. But just
+as she was on the point of moving off and playing the same game with the
+third, she was detected and committed to Bridewell. From thence she
+found means of escape by wheedling one of the keeper's servants, and
+afterwards took lodgings in the house where this Timms worked.
+
+Whether she had any hand in persuading him to go out robbing or no, I
+cannot take upon me to say, but soon after, he, with his companions,
+Perry and Brown, on the 3rd of May, went out with a design to rob upon
+Hounslow Heath. All that night they lay in the fields; the next morning
+they met a poor old man, who telling them he had no money, they let him
+go without misusing him. Not long after they stopped Samuel Sells
+coming from Windsor, in his chair. He, it seems, kept a public-house
+there. Him they commanded to deliver, whereupon he gave them three
+half-crowns, but they toasting upon it that it was too little, he
+thereupon gave them ten shillings more, which both he and his companions
+averred was all that they took from him, though Sells at their trial,
+swore to a much larger sum, and that one of them held a truncheon over
+him, and threatened him with abundance of oaths in case he made any
+resistance. All of them denied this part of the charge, even to death,
+and said that though they had truncheons, yet they made no use of them,
+but kept them either in their breasts or under their coats.
+
+Thomas Perry, the second of these malefactors, was born of parents in
+such wretched circumstances that when he was grown a good big lad, and
+death suddenly snatched them away, he found himself destitute of money,
+of business and even of clothes to cover him. He thereupon traveled up
+to London, and put himself apprentice to a glass-grinder, with whom he
+served his time very honestly and faithfully. Then he married and lived
+by working very hard in a reputable manner for about a twelve month,
+after which he listed in the first regiment of Foot Guards, in which he
+served till the Peace of Utrecht and Flanders, after the conclusion of
+which he returned to London in the same regiment, in which he continued
+to serve till this misfortune overtook him. For the last year of his
+life, he had, it seems, led a more loose and extravagant course than in
+all his days before, contracting an acquaintance with several women of
+the town, creatures who are the utter ruin of all such unhappy men,
+especially of all unlettered unexperienced persons as fall into their
+snares.
+
+Some little time before he joined with Timms and his other companion in
+this robbery, he had the misfortune of having his leg bit by a dog at
+Windsor, where he was quartered. Having no friends, and but a small
+allowance to subsist on, he fell under great miseries there, and on his
+return to Town, those who had formerly employed him in glass-grinding,
+taking distaste at his rude and wicked behaviour, refused to have
+anything more to do with him. He readily gave way to the solicitations
+of Timms, who, as he declared, first proposed their going upon the
+highway, a crime which hitherto had not entered into Perry's head.
+However, he yielded too readily thereto, and with the persons who had
+shared in his crimes, came to share an ignominious and untimely death.
+
+While under sentence, he applied himself with great seriousness and
+attention both to the public devotions of the chapel and to what was
+privately read to them in the place of their confinement, so that
+though he was very illiterate, he was far from being obstinate, and
+though he wanted the advantages of education, he was not deficient in
+grace, so we may therefore hope he might obtain mercy.
+
+Edward Brown, the last of these unfortunate criminals, drew his first
+breath in the city of Oxford, and by the care of his parents, attained
+to a tolerable degree of knowledge in the Christian faith, as also in
+writing, reading and whatsoever was necessary in that station of life
+which his parents designed for him. Being arrived at an age proper to be
+put out an apprentice, they placed him with a glass-grinder, to whom he
+served an apprenticeship faithfully, and to his good liking when out of
+time. He worked hard as a journeyman, married a wife, and lived in
+reputation and credit for some small space; but falling unluckily into
+loose company, he gave himself up entirely to drinking, and running
+after bad women, which soon ruined him in the country and obliged him to
+come up to London for the sake of subsistance. How long he had been
+there, or of what standing his acquaintance was with the other two
+criminals, I cannot take upon me to say, only he in general was a fellow
+of greater openness in his behaviour than any of the criminals before
+mentioned. He said that they had all taken their cups pretty freely
+together, and had spent every farthing that they had amongst them; it
+was then resolved to go upon the highway for a supply, but he could not
+say who was the proposer of the scheme; that he himself had a sword and
+cane, and the rest truncheons, when they attacked Mr. Sells. He [Sells]
+gave them at two several times, seventeen shillings, and when they
+pressed for still more, said he had but eighteen pence about him, and
+begged they would let him have that to come to town with, which he said
+they agreed to, and did not offer him any ill-usage whatsoever.
+
+At the same time these unhappy men were under sentence of death,
+Alexander Jones, John Platt, Mary Reynolds, Silvia Sherlock and Anne
+Senior were also condemned for several offences, and as is but too
+common with persons in their condition, all of them entertained strong
+notions of reprieves or pardons, so that when the death warrant came
+down, and these three found themselves ordered for execution, they were
+not a little surprised. But as they had much natural courage they made
+even that surprise turn to their advantage, and applied themselves with
+greater earnestness than ever to the duties necessary to be practised by
+people in their sad state.
+
+When the day of their execution came, they were carried in one cart to
+Tyburn, and as they had been companions in that single action which had
+brought all of them to death, so there was nobody to share in that
+unhappy fate with them, nor were they disturbed with the sorrows of
+other criminals, which often distract one another's devotions at Tyburn.
+On the contrary, their behaviour was grave and decent, their public
+devotions were closed with a Psalm, and with many demonstrations of
+repentance they resigned their lives, on the 11th of August, 1727; Timms
+being about twenty-eight years of age, Perry near forty, and Brown
+somewhat less than twenty-four years old, at the time of their
+execution.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of ALICE GREEN, a Cheat, Thief and Housebreaker
+
+
+Amongst these melancholy relations of misery and death, I fancy it is
+some ease to my readers, as well as to myself, when the course of my
+memoirs leads me to mention a story as full of incidents, and followed
+by a less tragic end than the rest. This woman, whose life I am about to
+relate, was the daughter of an under-officer to one of the colleges at
+Oxford. As the doctrine of making up small salaries by taking up large
+perquisites prevails there as well as elsewhere, Alice's father made a
+shift to keep himself, his wife and five children in a handsome manner
+out of £60 a year, and what he made besides of his place.
+
+An affectation of gentility had infected the whole family, the old man
+had a good voice and played tolerably well on the fiddle. This drew
+abundance of the young smart fellows of the university to his house, and
+that of course engaged his three daughters to take all the pains they
+were able to make themselves agreeable. The mother had great hopes that
+fine clothes and a jaunty air might marry her daughters to some
+gentlemen of tolerable fortunes, and that one of them, at least, might
+have a chance of catching a fellow commoner with a thousand or two _per
+annum_, for which reason Miss Molly, Miss Jenny, and Miss Alice were all
+bred to the dancing school, taught to sing prettily, and to touch the
+spinet with an agreeable air. In short, the house was a mansion of
+politeness, and except the two brothers, one of which was put out
+apprentice to a carpenter, and the other to a shoemaker, there was not a
+person to be seen in it who looked, spoke or acted as became them in
+their proper station of life. But it is necessary that we should come to
+a more particular description.
+
+Old Peter, their father, was a man of mean birth, and of a sort of
+accidental education. From his youth up he had lived in Oxford, and from
+the time he was able to know anything, within the purlieus of a college,
+from whence he had gleaned up a few Latin sentences, scraps of poetry,
+and as the masterpiece of his improvements, had acquired a good knack of
+punning. All these mighty qualifications were bent to keep a good house,
+and drinking two or three quarts of strong ale, accompanied with a song,
+and two or three hours' scraping at night. The mother, again, was the
+last remnant of a decayed family, who charged its ruin on the Civil
+Wars. She was exceedingly puffed up with the notions of her birth, and
+the respect that was due to a person not sprung from the vulgar. Her
+education had extended no farther than the knowledge of preserving,
+pickling and making fricasees, a pretty exact knowledge in the several
+kinds of points and a judgment not to be despised in the choice of lace,
+silks and ribbons. She affected extravagance that she might not appear
+mean, and troublesomely ceremonious that she might not seem to want good
+manners. Clothes for herself and her daughters, a good quantity of china
+and some other exuberances of a fancy almost turned mad with the love of
+finery, made up the circle of what took up her thoughts, the daughters
+participating in their parents' tempers. But what was wonderful indeed,
+the sons were honest, sober, industrious young men.
+
+In the midst of all this mirth and splendour, the father died, and left
+them all totally without support other than their own industry could
+procure for them, slender provision indeed! Miss Molly, the eldest, was
+about twenty-two at the time of her father's death, and her sisters were
+each of them younger than her, and Alice a year younger than Jenny, and
+about eighteen. The mother was at her wits' end to know how to procure a
+living for herself and them, but an old gentleman in one of the
+colleges, to whom Peter had been very useful, and who therefore retained
+a grateful sense of his service, was so kind as to give fifty pounds
+towards putting out the daughters, and took care to see the youngest
+Alice placed with a mantua-maker in London. Molly fell into a
+consumption, as was generally said, for the love of a young gentleman
+who used to spend his evenings at her father's, and who marrying a young
+lady of suitable birth and fortune to himself, was retired into
+Shropshire. Jenny ran away with a servitor, and was lost to her mother
+and her friends; so that Alice had it in her power to be tolerably
+provided for, if she had inclined to have lived virtuously, and not to
+have frustrated the offers of a good fortune. But she was wild and silly
+from her cradle, born without capacity to do good to herself, and
+indued only with such cunning as served her to ruin others.
+
+The first intrigue she had after her coming up to London was with a
+young fellow who was clerk to a Justice of the Peace in the
+neighbourhood. Before be saw Alice he had been a careful, industrious
+young man, and through his master's kindness had picked up some money;
+but from the time that his master had a suit of clothes made up with
+Alice's mistress, and which occasioned her first coming about the house,
+poor Mr. Philip became the victim of her charms, and moped up and down
+like a hen that had lost her chickens. It was not long before the
+Justice's daughters found out his passion, and having communicated their
+discovery to the maids, exposed him to be the laughing stock of the
+whole house. Never was a poor young fellow so pestered! One asked him
+whether he liked the wife with three trades? Another was enquiring
+whether he had cast up the amount of remnants of silk, shreds of lace,
+and the savings that might be made out of linings, facings, and robings?
+The Justice took notice that Philip had left off reading the news, and
+the old lady wondered whether he had forgotten playing upon the organ in
+her husband's study. But all this served rather to increase than to
+abate his passion, so that he neglected no opportunity of meeting and
+paying his addresses to his mistress.
+
+Alice was no less careful on her side, and in a short space it was
+agreed that she should run away from her mistress, of whom she was grown
+heartily weary, and that Philip should counterfeit most excessive grief
+at his loss, in order to prevent the least suspicion of his being privy
+thereto. Having adjusted this, it was not long before they put their
+design into execution, and Philip first having provided a lodging for
+her in Brewer Street, she, on a Sunday in the evening, when all the rest
+of the family were out, removed from her mistress's house in a court
+near the Strand, taking all that belonged to her in a hackney-coach,
+leaving the key at an alehouse. Philip had so good a character that the
+grief he affected on this occasion passed for reality upon all the
+house, and the flight of Alice had no other effect than to excite a new
+spring of railery on the loss of his mistress. He laid out the greatest
+part of what he had saved during five years' service in furnishing out
+two rooms for her very neatly, passing himself, where she lodged, for
+the son of a gentleman of fortune in the country, who had married
+against his friends' consent, and was therefore obliged to keep his wife
+in a place of privacy until things at home could be made easy.
+
+For some time the lovers lived mighty happily together, and nothing was
+wanting to complete Philip's wishes than that they were married, for
+Alice never making such a proposal, now and then disturbed his thoughts,
+and put him a little out of humour. Things remained in this state with a
+little alteration for about five months, until an Irish captain coming
+to lodge pretty near where Philip had placed Alice, he found a way to
+see her twice or thrice, and being a fellow of a smooth tongue, a
+handsome person and an immoderate assurance, it was not long before he
+became master of her affections. The temper of Philip having been always
+too grave for her, in about three weeks' time she let the captain into
+the truth of the whole story, and at his persuasion, during the time
+Philip was at Surrey assizes, sold off the furniture of her lodgings,
+and directing a letter to be left for him at his master's house by the
+Penny Post, moved off with her new gallant.
+
+It would be impossible, should I attempt to describe it, to describe the
+agony the poor young fellow was in at the receipt of Alice's epistle, in
+which she told him flatly she was weary of him and had got another
+gallant; and saying that if he tried to look after her or give her any
+other uneasiness, she would send a full account of all things to his
+master. The jilt was sensible this would keep him quiet, for as he
+depended solely upon his favour, so a story of this sort would have
+inevitably deprived him of it for ever. It answered her intent, and the
+force he put upon his passions cost him a severe fit of sickness.
+
+Alice, in the meanwhile, indulged for about a week with her Irish
+captain, at the end of which he beat her and turned her out of doors. It
+was in vain for her to talk of her goods and her clothes; the captain
+had carried her amongst a set of his acquaintance, who on the first
+quarrel called her a thousand foolish English whores, and bid her go
+back to her Justice's clerk again. In the midst of her affliction, with
+nothing on but a linen gown, and about three shillings in her pocket,
+the watchman coming his rounds, found her sitting on the steps at the
+door where the captain lodged. He asked her what she did there, she said
+her husband and she had quarrelled and he had shut her out. The watchman
+was going away, satisfied with the answer, when the captain called out
+at the window, told him she was a street-walker, and bid him take her
+away. The landlady confirmed this, and the fellow laying fast hold of
+her shoulder, compelled her to go with him to the watch-house. However,
+a shilling procured her liberty and a favourable report to the constable
+that she was an honest young woman, who had the misfortune to be married
+to a bad husband, who turned her into the street, and she was afraid
+would not suffer her to come in again that night. Upon hearing this, the
+constable bid her sit down by the fire, gave her a glass of brandy and
+promised her she should be as safe and as easy as the place would allow
+her for that night.
+
+But unluckily for Alice, as she went to take the glass out of the
+constable's hand, he knew her face, and happening to be the baker who
+served the mantua-maker with bread, where she lived, the next morning he
+conducted Mrs. Alice, much against her will, home to her mistress. One
+of her fellow-apprentices ran with the news to the Justice's, and one of
+the daughters whispered it in Philip's ears, as he was writing a
+recognizance in the Justice's book. Philip no sooner heard it but he
+fell down in a swoon, and about half an hour was spent before they could
+bring him again to himself. The young lady who had played him the trick,
+immediately quitted the room, and he opening his eyes, and perceiving
+her gone, pretended it was a sudden fit, and that he had been used to
+them when a child.
+
+Much as he had suffered by this ungrateful woman, he took the first
+opportunity to go to a coffee-house within a door or two of her
+mistress, in order to learn what had become of her. There was but one
+person who had been trusted with his ever having visited her at all, and
+they too, were ignorant that she had ever run away with him. Philip
+therefore sent for his confidant, from whom he received information,
+that after snivelling and crying for a hour or two, she took advantage
+of being left alone in a parlour (although the door was locked), and
+getting out at the window into the backyard, made a shift to scramble
+over the top of the house of office into the court, and so made her
+escape to the waterside, where her mistress found she had taken a pair
+of oars. But though they followed her to Falcon Stairs, yet they were
+not able to retrieve her. Philip at this news was exceedingly grieved,
+and returned home again very disconsolate on this occasion.
+
+Alice, in the meantime, lurked about in St. George's Fields till
+evening, and then crossing the bridge, walked on towards St. James's.
+However dirty and despicable her dress, yet as she had a very pretty
+face and a very engaging manner of speaking at first sight, she drew in
+a merchant's book-keeper, as she walked down Cornhill, to carry her to a
+certain tavern at the corner of Bishopsgate Street; where, after a good
+supper and a bottle or two of wine, she engaged him to take her to a
+lodging, and by degrees to give her a great deal of fine clothes, in
+return for which she flattered him so greatly that he grew as fond of
+her and as much a fool as ever Philip had been.
+
+In the meantime her sister, who was much of her disposition, had been
+turned off by a young fellow she had run away with from Oxford, and in
+a miserable condition had trotted up to town, in order to see whether
+she could have better luck with another gallant. One night, as she was
+strolling through Leadenhall Street in her vocation, she saw her sister
+Alice and the book-keeper who kept her, walking home with a servant, and
+a candle and lanthorn before them. Jenny did not think fit to speak to
+them, but dogging them privately home, called upon her sister the next
+day and was mighty well received. The couple now took every opportunity
+(notwithstanding the allowance of the book-keeper) to enable Alice to
+stroll out with her together, and wandered about nightly in quest of
+adventures, till it began to grow towards ten o'clock, and the fear of a
+visit from her keeper drove Alice to her lodgings.
+
+This trade, without any remarkable accident, was practised for about
+three months, when on a sudden the book-keeper vanished, and for three
+weeks' time Alice heard not a word of him. This threw both the sisters
+into a heavy peck of troubles, and the more because he had always kept
+it a secret in whose family he lived and went to the people where Alice
+lodged by another name than his own. However they got money enough by
+sparks they picked up to live pretty easily together, and that no
+misfortune might go too near their hearts, they fell to drinking a quart
+of brandy a day. It seems the woman at whose house they lodged was
+herself given to drinking, and so by treating her they fell into the
+same vice. The landlady in return was mighty civil to them, and every
+now and then invited them downstairs to drink with her.
+
+One evening when they were below stairs, there happened to be some
+discourse about a trial at the Sessions House, whereupon Alice expressed
+her desire of seeing the trials, and her sister agreeing in the request,
+their landlady agreed to carry them the next morning. Accordingly they
+were at Sessions House by the time the Court was set, and the two young
+sluts were exceedingly merry at the wretched appearances the poor
+creatures made at the bar. In the midst of their mirth, a man was
+brought up to plead to his indictment, who had only a blanket wrapped
+over his shirt to keep him from the weather; they were laughing and
+talking to some of the people behind them, when Jenny patted her sister
+to take notice of what the man was charged with. Alice listened and
+heard the indictment read, which was for breaking open an escritoire and
+taking out of it ninety guineas, two diamond rings and a good tweezer.
+When the clerk had done reading, the criminal answered with a low voice,
+_Not Guilty_, and the keeper thereupon took him from the bar. As he
+turned, his face being towards them, Alice saw that it was the
+book-keeper who had lived with her, and in a low voice whispered her
+sister, _As I hope to live, it is our Tom._ They did not stay much
+longer, but began to consider as soon as they got home what was to be
+done. Alice was sensible that the tweezer-case mentioned in the
+indictment had been given her, and was under a thousand frights and
+fears that it should be discovered and was above all wondrous careful of
+her landlady, that she did not go any more to the trials that Sessions.
+
+The day they heard that sentence was passed, Jenny went to one of the
+runners at Newgate, and giving him a shilling, asked what had become of
+such a person. The fellow answered that he was to be transported. Jenny
+came immediately home with the news to her sister. She shed a few tears
+and said, what if he should want in Newgate? _Nay_, says Jenny, _let him
+want what he will, I'm sure you shall not be fool enough to pawn your
+things to relieve him_; and as her fit of compassion was soon over, so
+they determined to remove their lodgings for fear that if he were under
+necessity, as they could not well doubt he was, considering the figure
+he made at his trial, he might send to her. But they needed not to have
+been under any apprehensions of that sort, for shame and grief had
+brought him so low that the gaol distemper seizing on him, he died the
+same week he had been tried, and the runner to whom Jenny had given the
+shilling, remembering her face, stopped her in the street, and told her
+the news. When Alice heard it, she pretended to fall into fits, and
+express abundance of sorrow and concern. The sorrows were not, however,
+so deep but that brandy and two days' time effaced them so well that she
+dressed in the best manner she was able, in order to go out and look for
+a spark.
+
+Unfortunately for her, her amours produced the usual consequence, a
+loathsome distemper, which seizing about the same both her sister and
+herself, through want of proper care, ruined both their constitutions;
+and the ill consequence being increased by the use of improper food,
+they were soon after in such a condition that their infamous trade of
+prostitution fell off, and they were in danger of starving and rotting.
+In this distress they knew not what to do, till at last advising with an
+old woman whom they had scraped acquaintance with, she readily offered
+them the use of her house, and to engage for them a surgeon, who should
+complete their cure. The sisters were overjoyed at this, and in a hurry
+accepted her offer, removing themselves and what little valuable
+movables they had the next week.
+
+They were received with great courtesy and kindness, and the old woman,
+from an acquaintance of three weeks, assured them that they were no less
+dear to her than if they had been her own daughters. This treatment
+continued until they were in the height of a salivation, and then they
+were acquainted with usage of another sort. This distemper was very
+expensive, their course of physic very troublesome, it required much
+attendance, they were strangers to her, and so by degrees the old woman
+got from them most of the trinkets they brought with them. So that when
+they were come a little to themselves, and nourishing food was proper to
+restore them to perfect soundness, they had no way left to procure it
+but by pawning or selling their clothes, which being quickly done and
+the money spent, nakedness and poverty became their companions.
+
+Thus plunged in misery, they were exposed to the daily insults of the
+bawd, who treated them with great cruelty now she had them absolutely in
+her power. Alice was so very uneasy under it, that having one night got
+a few clean things about her, she resolved to venture out in a thin
+linen gown, to see what might be done to free them from these
+difficulties. She had not got lower than Southampton Street, in the
+Strand, before a gentleman well dressed, though much in liquor, invited
+her to go with him to his chambers. He carried her as far as Essex
+Street, and then turning down to the Temple, brought her into rooms up
+two pair of stairs, richly furnished. She saw nobody that he had to
+attend him, but everything seemed in very exact order, and so without
+further ceremony to bed they went. His weight of liquor soon forced him
+to sleep, but Alice, whose head was full of the miseries she had so long
+gone through, arose, put on her clothes and searching his pockets, found
+a gold watch, nineteen guineas and a large gold medal. She was so much
+surprised with the richness of this booty, and yet this being her first
+fact, so confounded within herself, that she knew not well what to do.
+At last, with great difficulty she forced open the chamber door, which
+he had locked (and laid the key where she could not find it). Next she
+came to the outer doors of the chambers, in which the key was, and so
+there was no difficulty in getting out; but then finding it impossible
+to shut the door after her without locking it, she even did so, and
+carried away the key.
+
+She made all the haste she could home to her landlady, and without
+considering the consequence, paid her six pounds which she demanded, and
+got some clothes out of her hands, which she had retained as a security
+for the money. Then she removed with her sister, as secretly as she
+could, to an inn in Smithfield, and from thence, the next day, they
+removed to a little lodging in narrow lane by St. John's, where
+downright fear made them keep so much within doors that they had almost
+spent all their money in six weeks' time, without thinking of any method
+to get more.
+
+At last, Jenny, as being least in danger, equipped herself as well as
+she could, and ventured about nine o'clock one evening into the streets.
+She walked about half an hour without meeting with any adventure, but at
+last picked up an innocent country lad. They had not gone far towards a
+tavern before the constable and his body-guard of watchmen surprised and
+hurried them away to the Wood Street Compter. There she remained until
+the next day, when it was intimated to her that if she could produce a
+couple of guineas they would be looked upon as good bail. She sent for
+her sister Alice, who not having so much money, foolishly offered the
+gold medal as a security. Some of the limbs of the Law thereabouts, were
+acquainted with the gentleman of the Temple who lost it, and it being
+shown up and down to know its value, they declared it was stolen, and
+Alice, instead of procuring her sister's liberty, was forced into the
+same prison, and confined with her. As it was about three weeks to
+sessions, they were permitted to remain at the Compter during that time.
+
+This was a deeper plunge into misfortune than they had ever yet known,
+and the fear of hanging was so strong that Alice, in order to avoid it,
+resolved upon making an application to a person to whom otherwise she
+would never have made herself known. Who should this be but Philip, who
+was lately married, but still did the business of his old master the
+Justice, and therefore was always to be met with at his house, though he
+had now got a little place upon which he was capable of living pretty
+handsomely. Alice's letter reached him just as he was sitting down to
+dinner. The surprise he was in was so great that it could not be hid
+from the company. However, to cover the cause of it, he pretended that
+it brought him news of a person being gone off for whom he was bail, and
+which obliged him not to lose a minute in going to see what might be
+done. So putting on his hat, and entreating some gentlemen who were at
+the table with him not to disturb themselves, for he should be back in
+half an hour, away he went directly to the Compter. And having influence
+over the people in power there, he prevailed to have her let out to an
+adjacent tavern.
+
+The affliction she had gone through had altered but not impaired her
+beauty. Philip, ill-used as he had been by her, could not forbear
+bursting into tears at the sight of the miserable condition in which she
+was. As soon as his surprise was a little over, she acquainted him with
+the true state of the case, and begged his assistance in prevailing on
+the injured gentleman to soften the prosecution. He promised her all
+that was in his power, but desired to know after what manner she
+intended to live, in case her liberty could ever be regained. She cried
+and promised to work hard for her living rather than fall into that
+miserable plight again, and then told him how unfortunately it happened
+that her sister also was involved in the same calamity. At parting,
+Philip presented her with a guinea, and told her she should have the
+same every week while she remained there, assuring her also that he
+would not fail coming to her the next day at noon, and informing her of
+the temper in which he found her antagonist.
+
+It happened that the Templar was Philip's intimate acquaintance, and had
+a seat near his father's house in the country. Philip told him the truth
+of the story, and how he came to interest himself so far in the affair.
+The gentleman was not hard to be prevailed on, and said he did not
+conceive it would be of any service to the women to let them be set at
+liberty, considering the course of life they would be obliged
+immediately to fall into for bread; that for his part, he inclined
+rather to procure them liberty to transport themselves, and that they
+might not be destitute in a strange country, he was not averse,
+notwithstanding his loss, to give them something towards putting them in
+a condition of getting their livelihood when they got over. Philip
+readily agreed to this, though he was fearful of its proving an
+expedient little agreeable to the women. However, the next day, when he
+went, he sent for them both to the tavern, and proposed it. Alice said
+it was the most agreeable thing that could have befallen her. She was
+sensible of the manner in which she had lived in her native country, and
+of the difficulty there would be of her amending here, and though her
+sister Jenny was at first very averse, yet she quickly brought her to be
+as complying as herself and to wish nothing more than the possibility of
+living honest in any of the plantations.
+
+Philip carried this news at night to the Temple and the gentleman there,
+who was a great humorist, was so much taken with the temper and spirit
+of Alice, that he would needs see her again, and thereupon accompanied
+Philip the next day to the place of her confinement. There everything
+was soon settled, the Templar procured their discharge, put them to
+board at a house which he could command, and bargained with a captain of
+a New England vessel for their passage thither; not as for persons who
+had been guilty of any misdeeds here, but as of young women of good
+families, who were unwilling to go to service here, and had therefore
+got their friends to raise as much money as would send them over there,
+where perhaps they might meet with better fortune.
+
+[Illustration: JOSEPH BLAKE ATTEMPTING THE LIFE OF JONATHAN WILD
+
+(_From the Newgate Calendar_)]
+
+In short, their two benefactors furnished then with things to the amount
+of two hundred pounds, accompanied them themselves on board the
+vessel, and recommended them to the captain with as much earnestness as
+if they had been near relations. Coming in this light into the abroad,
+they were received with great hospitality, and treated with much
+kindness and respect; and in fine, after remaining here about a year,
+Jenny married a gentleman of as good fortune as any in the country, and
+her sister, not long after, had the same luck. Jenny did not indeed
+survive it long, but Alice outlived her first husband, and marrying a
+second, returned into England where she is still living in as much
+respect and esteem as any gentlewoman in the county where she inhabits.
+
+
+
+
+An Account of the horrid murder of MR. WIDDINGTON DARBY, committed in
+his chambers in the Temple, on the 11th of April, 1727, for which one
+HENRY FISHER was apprehended and committed to Newgate, from whence he
+escaped.
+
+
+The deceased Mr. Darby was a young gentleman who made an extraordinary
+good appearance in the world. He generally wore fine rings, rich snuff
+boxes, and an extraordinary gold watch about him. These things possibly
+tempted a needy person of his acquaintance to be guilty of that
+barbarous murder which was committed upon him. He lived in the chambers
+belonging to Sir George Cook's office in the Temple. His servant lived
+in another place, and went home every night. It happened the night
+before, or rather in that wherein he was murdered, that Mr. Darby had a
+good deal of company with him, who supping late, they did not go away
+until eleven o'clock, when Mr. Darby's servant also retired to his
+lodgings. The next morning, being Tuesday, about nine o'clock, Mr. Darby
+was found dead in the said office, his skull penetrated with a pistol
+ball, his ear and hand cut, his rings, watch and other valuables taken
+away, besides his escritoire broken open, and his money and linen taken
+from thence.
+
+The next day the coroner's inquest sat thereon, but being able to make
+no discovery of the murder, they thought fit to adjourn _sine die_, as
+soon as the coroner had made an order for the interment of his corpse
+which was done accordingly in a vault in the church of St. Andrew's,
+Holborn.
+
+Some time passed before any light was got into this affair. At length,
+Mr. Moody, who had been upon the coroner's inquest who had sat on the
+body of Mr. Darby, received information that one Fisher, who had been
+in very bad circumstances, and as an acquaintance had been relieved
+under him by the deceased Mr. Darby, was all on a sudden, since the
+committing of that murder, observed to have a great deal of money. He
+had paid some debts which had been troublesome to him and was observed
+to have some valuable things about him which had never been seen before.
+These circumstances appearing altogether very suspicious, Mr. Moody
+acquainted Mr. York with it, who had been very assiduous in taking all
+measures possible for the discover of this horrid assassination. He
+falling readily into Mr. Moody's opinion, they agreed together that the
+likeliest method to find out the truth was to go to Mr. Willoughby, who
+was Fisher's landlord, and known to be a very honest man. Accordingly
+they went to him in a tavern in Southampton Street, where they
+understood he was, and falling into discourse about Mr. Darby's murder,
+they insinuated to him the suspicions they had of his lodger.
+
+Returning to his house, Fisher being away, Mr. Willoughby went to his
+room and broke open a box, and found in it the top and bottom of a
+snuff-box, a vizard mask, and a pair of laced ruffles. The remains of
+the snuff-box Mr. York knew to have belonged to the deceased, and had
+reason to suspect the ruffles also to have been his, so that it was
+immediately agreed to go before the Honourable Sir William Thompson,[77]
+in order to procure a warrant. There they made an affidavit of the
+several circumstances attending their discovery, and Sir William upon
+the examination also of a lady (who produced a piece of lace before she
+had seen the ruffle, and declared that if it were Mr. Darby's it must
+tally therewith, which on a comparison it did exactly) granted a
+warrant. It appeared also at the same time, upon the oath of Mr.
+Willoughby, that the day Mr. Darby was murdered, Fisher borrowed
+half-a-crown of him to pay his washerwoman, and was in the utmost
+necessity for money.
+
+A woman swore that a person very like Fisher was hovering about Mr.
+Darby's chambers the night the murder was committed, and it was proved
+by the oath of another person that Fisher came not to his lodgings till
+two o'clock on Tuesday morning, on which Mr. Darby was murdered. About
+eight o'clock a porter came and informed Fisher of Mr. Darby's being
+murdered, at which he shewed little concern and locked himself up for
+some hours.
+
+Things being thus over at Sir William Thompson's, Mr. Willoughby, Mr.
+York, and Mr. Moody, returned to Fisher's lodgings. About two o'clock
+in the morning he came in, and they seized him, having a constable and
+proper assistance for that purpose. On Sunday noon, he was carried
+before Sir William Thompson in order to be examined, where he said:
+
+That about the latter end of the week in which Mr. Darby was murdered,
+as he was passing through Lincoln's Inn Fields, about four in the
+afternoon, be took up under the wall of Lincoln's Inn Gardens, a white
+paper parcel in which were contained several things of great value
+belonging to the deceased; some of the diamonds he acknowledged he sold
+to a jeweller in Paternoster Row for ten guineas, the watch he pawned
+for nine guineas to a person at a brazier's in Bond Street, and sold the
+gold chain and swivels to a person in Lombard Street. He absolutely
+denied all knowledge of the murder, and said that at the time it
+happened he was at a billiard table in Duke Street, by St. James's. When
+taken there was found upon him two of Mr. Darby's rings with the stones
+taken out, wrapped up in a paper, with his seal the arms of which were
+taken out, and in these circumstances he was committed to Newgate.
+
+Soon after this the coroner granted his warrant, and an order being
+thereupon obtained from the Commons, Mr. Darby's body was taken up and
+in the presence of several persons, his head opened by an eminent
+surgeon, who found a large lacerated wound near the left ear, the
+temporal bone on that side being very much fractured, several pieces of
+which stuck in the brain on the same side. He found, likewise, the
+temporal bone on the other side, exactly opposite, broken; the pieces
+thereof were not removed from their places, but easily removed upon his
+attempting to take them away. He took out the brain and the bullet
+dropped upon the pillow which lay upon the ground under his head. It
+appeared, upon comparing the said bullet taken out of the head, with
+some other bullets found in custody of Henry Fisher (at that time in
+Newgate on suspicion of the murder) that it seemed to have been cast in
+the same mould; and when weighing it with one of these bullets, it was
+very little lighter, and it fitted the bore of one of the pistols which
+was found in Fisher's custody, even that pistol which by some signs were
+looked on to have been discharged, though afterwards loaded again.
+
+This Fisher was the son of a very eminent clothier in the West of
+England, who had sent him to London, and put him out clerk to an
+attorney, and had done everything in his power which he was able, and
+which was reasonable for him to do. But he being extravagant, lived far
+beyond the rate which was consistent with the supplies he received from
+his father; so that when pressed by his necessities, he had often
+applied to Mr. Darby for relief. When in Newgate he affected a most
+unreasonable gaiety and unconcernedness in his behaviour, although the
+circumstances were so strong against him as occasioned it to prevail as
+the general opinion that he would be convicted. However, he and the
+famous Roger Johnson took the advantage of the workmen labouring on the
+cells which were then building, and by breaking a hole through a place
+done up only with lath and plaster, they got down one of the workmen's
+ladders, and so made their escape. Johnson was afterwards retaken and
+tried for breaking prison, but alleging it was done by Fisher, he was
+acquitted, and this Henry Fisher, the supposed murderer of Mr. Darby,
+was never heard of since.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [77] Sir William Thompson (1678-1739) was Recorder of London in
+        1715, Solicitor General two years later, and in 1729 became
+        baron of the Exchequer.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOSHUA CORNWALL, a Thief and Housebreaker
+
+
+Though vices are undoubtedly the chief instruments that bring unhappy
+persons to that ignominious death which the Law hath appointed for
+enormous offences, yet it very often happens that folly rather than
+wickedness brings them first into the road of ruin; in which, led on by
+delusive hopes, they continue to run until a disastrous fate overtakes
+them, and puts an end at once to their vicious race, and to their lives.
+The criminal whose memoirs at present employ our pen is such an example
+as I hope, while it entertains, may also instruct my readers to avoid
+his errors.
+
+This unfortunate man was the son of reputable and honest parents in the
+town of Brigg in the county of Lincoln. Their circumstances were such as
+enabled them to give him an education; and the desire they had of doing
+everything that was possible for their son inclined them not to be
+wanting in this particular. His mother, was fond of him to a fault, and
+being permitted by her indulgence to run up and down amongst young
+people of his own age, riding across the country to friends and other
+diversions of a like nature, he lost all liking to things of a serious
+nature, and without thinking how to procure the necessaries of life, was
+altogether taken up in enjoying those pleasures to which he had the
+greatest inclination. In the midst of this pleasant situation of things
+(at least as it appeared to him at that time) the prospect was darkened
+by the death of his mother. His friends retained for him a due paternal
+affection, but had no notion of permitting him to go on the life he
+led, and therefore to break him of that as well as to make him
+acquainted with an honest method of getting his living, his father put
+him out apprentice to a baker in Hull.
+
+But as kindness seemed of all things the most fatal to this unhappy man,
+so the acquaintance and friendship which his master had for Cornwall's
+family became a new means of leading him into misfortune, for treating
+the young man rather with a tenderness due to a son than that severity
+which is usually practised towards apprentices and servants, it gave him
+an opportunity of renewing his old course of life. Instead of inclining
+him to behave in a manner which might deserve such lenity, it gave him,
+on the contrary, occasion frequently to abuse it by running from one
+dancing bout and merry-making to another, without the least care of his
+master's business, who out of downright affection forbore to restrain
+his follies with that harshness which they deserved, and which any other
+person would have used.
+
+At length, having acquired so great a habit of laziness and so strong an
+aversion to business that he found it impossible for him to live longer
+in the country, he came up to London, that great receptacle of those who
+are either unable or unwilling to live anywhere else. Here he got into
+service as a footman with several persons of worth, and discharged his
+duty well (as indeed it was a kind of life which of all others suited
+him best), so that he obtained a tolerable reputation whereby he got
+into the service of one Mr. Fenwick, a gentleman of affluent fortune.
+Here it was that through desire of abounding in money he either drew in
+others, or was drawn in himself to commit that crime which cost him his
+life.
+
+It seems that in Mr. Fenwick's family there was a great deal of plate
+used, which stood on a buffet. This tempted Cornwall, and it is highly
+likely gave him the first notion of attempting to rob the house. When he
+had once formed this project he resolved to take in one Rivers, a
+debauched companion of his, as a partner in the designed theft.
+
+This Rivers was certainly easy enough prevailed on to join in the
+commission of this fact, and after several meetings to consult upon
+proper measures, Rivers at last proposed that their scheme should be put
+in execution as soon as possible; and that he might the more perfectly
+conceive how it was to be managed, he went home with Cornwall, and
+looked upon the house. Soon after this they held their last
+consultation, and Cornwall saying to Rivers that he must bring some
+other persons to assist him, Rivers made choice of one Girst, and coming
+with him at the appointed hour, Cornwall in his shirt opened the door
+and let them in. In the buffet there stood a lighted candle in a silver
+candle-stick, by which they were directed to the rest of the plate,
+which as soon as they had taken out, they placed all together upon the
+carpet, and fell next to rifling Mr. Fenwick's bureau, and took out a
+great quantity of linen, a lady's lace, the tea equipage, and two silver
+canisters. Then making it up in a bundle, it was carried to River's
+lodgings in Vinegar Yard, Drury Lane.
+
+All this could not be performed with so little noise as not to disturb
+the family. Mr. Fenwick himself heard the noise, being awakened by his
+wife, who had heard it for some time, but it ceasing they fell asleep
+again until one of the servants came up in the morning, and told his
+master that the house had been robbed, the plate taken away, and a
+window in the back parlour left open, about which, as he could observe
+no marks of violence, he was led to suspect it was opened by somebody in
+the family; upon which Cornwall and a maid in the house were immediately
+thought to have a hand in. However, as there was no sort of proof, Mr.
+Fenwick forbore seizing them at that time, and contented himself with
+advertizing his plate; which advertisement coming into the hands of a
+pawnbroker, to whom a part of it had been pledged, he immediately gave
+notice that it was pawned to him by Rivers. A warrant being upon this
+obtained for the searching of River's lodging, a note was there found,
+directed to Thomas Rivers, Glover, in Guy's Court, Vinegar Yard, Drury
+Lane, in which were these words:
+
+    Dear Tom,
+
+    Let me see you at seven o'clock to-morrow morning, at the Postern
+    Spring, Tower Hill, be sure.
+
+    Joshua Cornwall.
+
+Upon this Cornwall was immediately taken up and Girst readily offered
+himself an evidence. In a few days after, sessions coming on, Joshua
+Cornwall and Thomas Rivers were indicted for burglariously breaking the
+house of Nicholas Fenwick, Esq., and taking thence divers pieces of
+plate, to the value of eighty-five pounds nineteen shillings, holland
+shirts to the value of twenty pounds, and other goods of the said Mr.
+Fenwick, on the 8th day of September, 1730. This indictment being fully
+proved, the jury found Thomas Rivers guilty thereof. But being dubious
+whether Joshua Cornwall, as a servant within the house of Mr. Fenwick,
+could be properly convicted of burglariously breaking into his said
+master's house, they found their verdict as to him special; which the
+judges having considered, they were unanimously of opinion that the
+crime was in its nature a burglary. Whereupon, at the following
+sessions at the Old Bailey, the criminal was brought to the bar, and
+being acquainted with their lordships' opinion, received sentence of
+death.
+
+Under conviction, he behaved himself with great penitence, said he had
+not been guilty of many of those atrocious crimes commonly practised by
+such as come to that fatal end whither his folly had led him. At the
+place of execution he, with great fervency, justified the character of a
+young woman who had lived fellow-servant with him at Mr. Fenwick's. He
+declared, as he was a dying man, that she was not in the least privy to
+the injury done her master, and that he had no other than an
+acquaintance with her, without either having, or attempting any criminal
+conversation with her. Having done this justice, he seemed to die with
+much composure, in the twenty-second year of his age, on the 23rd of
+December, 1730.
+
+
+
+
+LIVES OF THE CRIMINALS
+
+VOLUME THREE
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN TURNER, _alias_ CIVIL JOHN, a Highwayman
+
+
+One of the most dangerous passions which can enter the breasts of young
+people, though at the same time it be one of the most common, is the
+love of finery and a mean and foolish ambition to appear better dressed
+than becomes their station, in hopes of imposing upon the world as
+persons of much higher rank than they really are. This inconsiderate,
+ridiculous pride brings along with it such a numerous train of bad
+consequences that of necessity it makes the person inflamed by it
+unhappy and often miserable for life. In the case now before us a was
+still more fatal by adding a violent and ignominious death.
+
+John Turner was the son of a person in tolerable circumstances, in the
+county of Cornwall, where he received an education proper for that
+condition of life in which he was likely to pass through the world. His
+father was a man of good sense, and of a behaviour much more courteous
+and genteel than is usual among persons of ordinary condition in a
+county so remote from London. He was extremely desirous that his son
+should be like him in this respect, and therefore he continually
+cautioned him against falling into that rough boorish manner of behaving
+which is natural to uneducated clowns, and makes them shocking to
+everybody but themselves. In this respect John was very compliant with
+his father's temper, and being put out apprentice to a peruke-maker, his
+obliging carriage endeared him so much, not only to his master and the
+family but also to the gentlemen on whom, as customers to the shop, he
+sometimes waited, that they took a peculiar liking to the boy and were
+continually giving him money as a reward for his diligence and
+assiduity.
+
+But John's obliging temper took a turn very fatal to himself, as well as
+very little suspected by his friends and relations. For having been made
+use of by some young sparks at Exeter (the place where he served his
+time) to carry messages to their mistresses, he from thence conceived so
+strong an inclination to become a beau and a gallant that, in order to
+it, he broke open his master's escritoire and took away a considerable
+sum of money. With this he came up to London and went to live as a
+journeyman with an eminent peruke-maker at the Court end of the town.
+There his easy and obsequious temper made him very agreeable to
+everybody, and his behaviour was so just and open that nobody in the
+neighbourhood had a better character than himself. Yet he was far from
+giving over those extravagancies the earnest desire of committing which
+had brought him to town; for nobody in his station made so handsome a
+figure as Mr. Turner.
+
+His amours with the wenches in the neighbourhood were very numerous,
+though out of a point of honour he was careful enough in endeavouring to
+conceal them. But as they naturally led him into an expensive way of
+living, which what he got by his trade could in no degree support, he
+quickly found himself obliged to take to new methods, and thought none
+so concise and convenient as going upon the road. This he did for some
+time without arousing the least suspicion, behaving himself towards
+those whom he robbed with such gentleness and good manners, putting his
+hat into the coach and taking what money they thought fit to give him,
+nay, sometimes returning a part of that, if the dress or aspect of the
+person gave him room to suspect that their wants were as great as his.
+From this extraordinary conduct he obtained the name of Civil John, by
+which he was very well known to the stage coachmen, wagoners, and other
+such persons who travelled the Western road.
+
+Common fame, which ordinarily multiplies the adventures of men of his
+profession, circulated a multitude of stories about him which had not
+the least foundation in fact, and served only to make the poor man more
+remarkable, and consequently the more easy to be taken; which was,
+accordingly, the effect of those foolish encomiums which the vulgar
+bestowed upon so genteel a robber. About six weeks after he had taken to
+this unfortunate course of life; and while he yet preserved an unstained
+reputation in the neighbourhood in which he lived, he was apprehended
+for a robbery committed on Mr. Air, from whom he took but an
+inconsiderable sum; yet the fact being clearly proved against him at the
+next session at the Old Bailey, he was convicted, and having no
+relations capable of making interest sufficient to obtain a reprieve, he
+lost all hopes of life. Under sentence he conducted himself with much
+calmness, penitence, and resignation, confessing the truth of that
+charge which had been laid against him, acknowledging the justice of the
+Law in this sentence, and disposing himself to submit to it with much
+cheerfulness and alacrity.
+
+This great change in his circumstance and manner of living, added to
+his own uneasy reflections upon those misfortunes into which vanity and
+ostentation had brought him, soon reduced him by sickness to so weak a
+state that he was incapable, almost, of coming to chapel alone.
+Notwithstanding this, he continued to frequent it, some of the people
+about the prison being so kind as to help him upstairs. As his vices
+arose rather from the imitation of those fine gentlemen on whom he had
+waited while a lad, so he did not carry them to that height which most
+of these unhappy persons are wont to do; on the contrary he was very
+sober, little addicted to gambling, and never followed the common women
+of the town. But dress, dancing bouts, and the necessary entertainments
+for carrying on his amours were the follies which involved him in these
+expenses, for the supply of which he thus hazarded his soul and
+forfeited his life.
+
+When the death warrant came down his sickness had brought him so low
+that Nature seemed inclined to supersede the severity of the Law; but
+too short a time which intervened between it and its execution, and so
+he came to suffer a violent death at Tyburn a day or two before,
+perhaps, he would otherwise have yielded up his breath in his bed.
+Little could be expected of a person in his weak condition, at the place
+of execution, where, when he arrived he was utterly unable to stand up.
+However, with a faint voice he desired the prayers both of the minister
+who attended them and of the spectators of his execution, which happened
+on the 20th of November, 1727, in the twenty-sixth year of his age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN JOHNSON, a Coiner
+
+
+In excuse of taking base measures to procure money there is no plea so
+often urged as necessity, and the desire of providing for a family
+otherwise in danger of want. The reason of this is pretty evident, since
+nothing could be a greater alleviation of such a crime. But the word
+necessity is so equivocal that it is hard to fix its true meaning, and
+unless that can be done, it will be as hard to judge of the
+reasonableness of such an excuse.
+
+John Johnson, the criminal on whose life we are next to cast an eye, was
+born of a very honest and reputable family in the county of Nottingham,
+and received in his youth the best education they were capable of giving
+him. By this he became able to read tolerably and write well enough for
+that business to which he was bred, viz., a tailor. Throughout his
+apprenticeship he behaved himself virtuously and industriously, and left
+his master with the character of a faithful and deserving young man.
+When his time was out, and he had wrought for some time as a journeyman
+in the country, the common whim of coming up to London seized him; and
+after he had spent some time in town in working hard at his trade, he
+married a wife with whom he lived in good correspondence for many years,
+with the esteem and respect of all who knew him. But his family
+increasing and he consequently finding the charge of maintaining them
+rise higher than formerly, and, what was worse, that all he was capable
+of doing could not maintain them, he grew very melancholy.
+
+After considering several projects for making his circumstances more
+easy, he at last pitched upon going into Lincolnshire, as a place where
+the cheapness of provisions might balance the number of mouths he had to
+feed. But he had not been long there before he discovered his mistake,
+for the smallness of wages made everything rather dearer than cheaper,
+which plunged him into new difficulties, and rendered him incapable of
+ease or satisfaction. While his wits were thus on the rack, and his
+invention stretched to the uttermost in order to find out some means or
+other to recoup his pockets, he unfortunately fell into the company of a
+man who, under the pretence of being his most zealous friend, became,
+though perhaps unwittingly, the instrument of his utter ruin. For his
+appearing ever disconsolate and melancholy gave the countryman an
+opportunity of prying into the cause of his concern, which he soon
+discovered to be the narrowness of his circumstances. As we naturally
+find ease in communicating our afflictions to others, so Johnson was
+ready enough to inform him of the truth of his affairs, and the man no
+less assiduous in endeavouring to help him out of these straits into
+which he had fallen.
+
+At last, his Lincolnshire acquaintance told him there was but one way of
+recovering his misfortunes and living like a man without labour, to
+which Johnson began now to have a great aversion, and therefore he
+eagerly desired to be acquainted with this delightful way of getting on.
+With a grave face his associate told him that what he was about to
+propose could not be effected without some risk, but that a man could
+not expect to live without trouble or without hazard. Johnson said it
+was true, and desired only to be informed wherein the hazard consisted,
+as he would make no scruple of running it, for he lacked courage as
+little as any man.
+
+Upon this his companion opened to him his whole scheme, which consisted
+in a method of counterfeiting the silver coin to a tolerable degree of
+likeness. Johnson was easily drawn in, for he thought there could be no
+speedier way of getting money than making it. His country friend helped
+him to the necessary implements, and Johnson applied himself with such
+earnestness to his new occupation that in a very short time he greatly
+outdid his master, giving the false money he had made so perfect a
+similitude to the specie for which he made it that it was impossible to
+distinguish it by the eye. But thinking it much more hazardous to
+attempt putting off in the country than it would be in London, and his
+fellow labourer being of the same opinion, they first went to work and
+coined a considerable sum according to their method, and they came up to
+dispose of it, as Johnson had proposed.
+
+By this time misfortune and remorse had taught the poor man whose life
+we are writing to addict himself too much to drinking, especially to
+strong liquors, so that the first experiment he made of the
+practicability of getting rid of his false money was in putting off two
+sixpences to a distiller for gin, in which he succeeded without being
+suspected. But going to a shoemaker's and buying there a ready-made pair
+of shoes, he was seized for attempting to pay the man with two bad
+half-crowns, which though they looked pretty well to the eye, were
+nevertheless much too light when they came to be weighed against the
+metal that it was intended they should pass for.
+
+When carried before a Justice his heart soon failed him and almost as
+soon as he was asked he revealed the whole truth of the matter,
+impeaching both the countryman who had taught him and a person with whom
+they had trusted the secret here in town. However, his confession was of
+little benefit to him, for at the next sessions he was capitally
+convicted and from thenceforward cast off all hopes of life. As he was a
+man who did not lack good natural parts, during the short time he had to
+live he endeavoured to make his prayer to God for the forgiveness of the
+many errors of his life, attending also constantly at the time of public
+devotion. Yet for all this he could not be persuaded that there was any
+great degree of guilt in what he had done, but imagined on the contrary
+that he was much more innocent than his fellow malefactors, regretting,
+however, the heavy misfortune he had brought upon himself and family,
+two of his children dying during the time of his imprisonment, and his
+wife and third child coming upon the parish. In which sentiments he
+continued until the day of his execution, which was on the same with the
+before-mentioned John Turner, this criminal being then about fifty years
+of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of JAMES SHERWOOD, GEORGE WEEDON and JOHN HUGHS, Street
+Robbers and Footpads
+
+
+Amongst the many artifices by which vice covers itself from our
+apprehension, there is no method which it more commonly takes, and yet
+better succeeds in, than by putting on a mask of virtue and thereby
+imposing the most flagitious actions upon us as things indifferent,
+sometimes as things which may gain applause.
+
+This was exactly the case with the persons whose lives we are now about
+to write, who were all of them young men of tolerable education, but
+giving way to their vicious inclinations, they associated themselves
+together for the better carrying on those evil practices by which they
+supported their extravagances, into which lewd women especially had
+betrayed them.
+
+James Sherwood, who was the eldest of them, and also went by the name of
+Hobbs, was the son of but mean parents, who, however, took all the pains
+that were in their power to educate him in the best manner they were
+able. When he grew up they put him out apprentice to a waterman, with
+whom he served his time, and was afterwards a seaman in a man-of-war.
+When at home he spent his time in the worst company imaginable, viz.,
+idle young men and lewd, infamous women. As he had naturally a good
+understanding and quick apprehension, he quickly became adroit in every
+mystery of wickedness to which he addicted himself. However, Justice
+soon overtook him and his first companions in wickedness; upon which he
+turned evidence and saved his own life by sacrificing theirs. He was
+transported soon afterwards, but upon his finding it difficult to live
+abroad without working (a thing, for which he had an intolerable
+aversion) he took the first opportunity that offered of returning home
+again.
+
+When he returned he fell to his old practices, taking up his lodgings at
+the house of one Sarah Payne, a most infamous woman who was capable of
+seducing unwary youths for the commission of the greatest villainies,
+and then ready to betray them to death, either to benefit or secure
+herself. By hers and Sherwood's means George Weedon was drawn in, a
+young man of very reputable parents, who had been brought up with the
+greatest care in the principles of virtue and true religion. It seems,
+however, that having contracted an acquaintance with a lewd and artful
+woman, who drew him into an excessive fondness for her, he yielded to
+the solicitations of Sherwood and his landlady, and took to such courses
+as they suggested, in order to supply himself with money for the
+entertainment of that strumpet who was his ruin. It was but a few days
+before his apprehension that he had been induced to quit the house of
+his mother, who had ever treated him with the greatest tenderness and
+affection, and instead thereof had taken lodging with the
+before-mentioned Payne, who continually solicited him to commit
+robberies and thefts.
+
+At length John Hughs, _alias_ Hews, another young man, joined them.
+Though bred up carefully to the trade of a shoemaker by his father, who
+was of the same profession, yet for many years he had addicted himself
+to picking pockets and such other low kinds of theft, but had never done
+any great robbery until he fell into the hands of Sherwood and Weedon;
+with whom he readily agreed to associate himself, and to go with them
+out into Moorfields and such other places near Town as they thought most
+convenient in order to waylay and rob passengers, and at other times,
+when such opportunities did not offer, to break open houses, and to
+divide their profits equally amongst them. These designs were hardly
+made before they were put into execution and a very short space elapsed
+before they had committed many robberies and burglaries, always bringing
+the booty home and spending it lewdly and extravagantly in the house of
+that abandoned monster, Sarah Payne.
+
+It may not be amiss to take notice here how common a thing it is for
+such wicked old sinners as this woman was, to set up houses of resort
+for lewd and abandoned women of the town, who, first getting young men
+into their company on amorous pretences, by degrees bring them on from
+one wickedness to another, till at last they end their lives at the
+gallows, and thereby leave these wretches at liberty to bring others to
+the same miserable fate. These agents to the Prince of Darkness are
+usually women who have an artful way of flattering and a pleasing
+deceitfulness in their address. By this means they, without much
+difficulty, draw in young lads at their first giving way to the current
+of their lewd inclinations, and before they are aware, involve them in
+such expenses as necessarily lead to housebreaking or the highway for a
+supply. When once they have made a step of this kind, by which their
+lives are placed in the power of those old practitioners in every kind
+of wickedness, they are from thenceforward treated as slaves and forced
+to continue, whether they will or no, in a repeated course of the like
+villainies until they are arrested by the hand of Justice. Then, none so
+ready to become evidences against them as those abominable wretches by
+whom they were at first seduced.
+
+Such was the fate that befell these three unhappy young men, of whose
+courses information being given, they were all apprehended and committed
+close prisoners to Newgate, and at the next ensuing sessions not a few
+indictments were found against them. The first indictment they were all
+three arraigned upon was for felony and burglary in breaking open the
+house of one William Meak, in the night-time, and taking from thence
+twelve Gloster cheeses. But the evidence appearing clear only against
+Sherwood, _alias_ Hobbs, he alone was convicted and the other two
+acquitted. They were then indicted a second time for breaking open the
+house of Daniel Elvingham, in the night-time, and taking out of it
+several quantities of brandy and tobacco; upon which both Sherwood and
+Weedon were, from very full evidence, convicted. On a third indictment
+for breaking into the house of Elizabeth Cogdal, and taking thence eight
+pewter dishes and twenty pewter plates, they were all found guilty;
+Sherwood and Weedon also being a fourth time convicted for a robbery on
+the highway, which was proved upon them by the testimony of their
+landlady, Sarah Payne.
+
+Under sentence of death they all testified great sorrow for the offences
+of their misspent lives. Weedon was of a better temper than the two
+other, retained a greater sense of the principles of religion upon which
+he had been brought up in his youth and exceeded his companions in
+seriousness and steadiness in his devotions. Sherwood had been a much
+longer proficient in all kinds of wickedness than the other two, having
+practised several kinds of thefts for nearly eighteen years together,
+and this had habituated him so much to sin that he showed much less
+penitence than either of his companions. Hughs had been a thief in a low
+degree for some years before he fell into the confederacy of Sherwood
+and Weedon, to which, as he frankly owned, he was drawn by his own
+previous inclination rather than the persuasions of any of his
+companions.
+
+As the time of their death approached they seemed much more affected
+than formerly they had been; in which frame of mind they continued till
+they suffered, which was on the 12th of February, 1728, Sherwood being
+in his twenty-sixth year, Hughs in the twenty-third, and Weedon in the
+twenty-second year of his age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of MARTIN BELLAMY, a Notorious Thief, Highwayman and
+Housebreaker
+
+
+This criminal was amongst the number of those whom long practice had so
+hardened in his offences that he took up the humour of glorying in them,
+even under his confinement, and persisted in it to the hour of his
+death, drawing up, when under sentence (or at least giving instructions
+by which it was drawn up) an account of the several street-robberies,
+burglaries, and other crimes which he had committed, in a style which
+too plainly showed that nothing in his miserable condition afflicted him
+but the thought of his ignominious death he was to suffer, not even the
+reflection of those crimes which had so deservedly brought him to his
+fate. By trade he was a tailor and a good workman in his business, by
+which he lived in good credit for some time. It seems he married a woman
+whose friends, at least, were very honest people, and highly displeased
+with the villainous course of life he led. Insomuch that upon his being
+apprehended and sent to Bridewell on suspicion, his wife's brother came
+to him there in order to know where the prosecutor lived, that, as he
+said, he might go and make some proposals for making up the affair.
+Bellamy gave him the best account he could, and the man finding out the
+person, advised him to prosecute Martin with the utmost severity, in
+hopes, no doubt, that he should in this way rid his sister of a very bad
+husband. However, Bellamy was so irritated by the attempt that he would
+never cohabit with her afterwards, but with implacable hatred pursued
+her and her family with all the mischiefs he was able.
+
+The methods which he and his gang mostly took in robbing, according to
+the account which, as I have before said, he has left us of himself,
+were chiefly these: the gang having met together in the evening used to
+go, three or four in a company, to visit the shops of those tradesmen
+who deal in the richest sort of toys[78] and other goods that are
+portable and easily conveyed away. Then one of the company cheapens
+something or other, making many words with the shopkeeper about the
+price, thereby giving an opportunity to some of his companions to hand
+things of value from one to another till they were insensibly vanished,
+the honest shopkeeper being left to deplore the misfortune of having
+such light-fingered customers find the way to his shop. Another practice
+of theirs, to the same laudable purpose, was carried on after this
+manner: three or four of them walked up and down several streets, which
+by observation they had found fitted for their purpose, and on
+perceiving things of any value lying in a parlour, they, with an engine
+contrived for that purpose, suddenly threw up the sash; and
+notwithstanding there being persons in the room, they would venture to
+snatch it out and often get clear off before the people who saw them
+could recover themselves from the surprise. But if there was nobody in
+the way, then one of their associates, slipping off his shoes, stole
+softly into the room and handed out whatever was of most value to his
+companions without doors.
+
+But Bellamy was not only adroit in these ordinary practices, but was
+also perfectly acquainted with the art and mystery of counterfeiting
+hands; and as an instance thereof, upon which he much valued himself, he
+used to relate a trick of that sort which he put upon the late Jonathan
+Wild, after this manner: having accustomed himself for some time to
+frequent the levee of that infamous agent of thieves, he became so well
+acquainted with Jonathan's manner of writing and also with the persons
+who gave him credit on particular occasions when money was low.
+Whereupon he took occasion to forge a note from the said Wild to one
+Wildgoose, servant at an inn, who used to be Jonathan's banker upon
+emergencies, who, on receipt of the note, paid Bellamy the contents
+thereof without hesitation. A few days after, Mr. Wild and his
+correspondent met. The forgery was soon detected and Jonathan
+immediately gave directions to that infamous band of villains who were
+always in his pay and under his direction, to leave no means untried for
+the apprehending Bellamy, who from Wildgoose's description he knew to be
+the man who had been guilty of the forgery.
+
+In the search after him they were so assiduous that in a very short
+space they surprised him at a house in Whitefriars, where he was forced
+to fly up to a garret in order to conceal himself. His pursuers thinking
+they had now lodged him pretty securely, sent notice of it to their
+master. But Martin perceiving a long rope lying upon a bed in the room
+where he hid himself, resolved for once to venture his neck; and having
+fastened it as well as he could, he slipped down by it into the street,
+with so great agility that none of his attendants perceived it till he
+was in the street, by which time he got so much the start of them that
+they found it but in vain to pursue him, and therefore laid by all
+thoughts of catching him until another opportunity.
+
+However, the trick he had played them made them so diligent in pursuing
+him that it was but a very short time before they surrounded him in a
+brandy-shop in Chancery Lane, seized him and brought him in a coach to
+the Elephant and Castle alehouse, Fleet Street, from whence they
+dispatched advice to Jonathan of his apprehension. It happened that that
+great man was gone to bed when the message arrived with this news;
+however it was carried up and Jonathan with an air of generosity bid the
+fellow return and inform his people that he would take Mr. Bellamy's
+word, and that he might meet him with safety the next morning at his
+levee. Bellamy, who well knew the temper of the man, failed not to pay
+his court at the time appointed and adjourning to the Baptist Head
+tavern in the Old Bailey, after drinking a refreshing bottle, he
+presented Mr. Wild with five guineas, by way of atonement for the
+offence which he had committed against him. Jonathan was so well
+appeased by the intervention of the golden advocates that he promised
+not only to forgive him, himself, but also to prevail with Mr. Wildgoose
+to do the same, provided he entered into a bond for the repayment of the
+ten guineas. This was a condition easily submitted to by Martin in his
+present circumstances. This danger thus got over, he returned to his old
+profession without running any further hazard of Jonathan's
+interruption.
+
+About this time the gang to which he belonged entered upon a new method
+of housebreaking, which they effected by stealing the keys which
+fastened the pins in shopkeepers' window-shutters and thereby removing
+the greatest difficulty they had of getting in. This trade they carried
+on successfully for a good space; though now and then they miscarried in
+their attempts, particularly at a goldsmith's shop in Russell Court,
+where, having got into the shop and being about to remove a show-glass,
+a man who lay in the shop suddenly started up and presenting a
+blunderbuss with a great presence of mind told the thieves that he was
+tender of shedding their blood and therefore advised them to get off as
+soon as they could. They took his advice and withdrew accordingly, with
+great confusion. But the same night they had, as Mr. Bellamy expresses
+it, much better luck at a toy-shop not far from the same place, where,
+entering the house, they found the maid sitting by the fire. She at
+first screamed, but they soon made her silent, and then proceeded to
+carry off the show-glass, with all the boxes that were contained in it.
+
+Not long after this they broke off the padlock from a toy-shop in
+Swithin's Alley, in Cornhill. Not being able afterwards to enter the
+house they fell to work next upon the thick timber that supports the
+shutters, and after labouring at it about an hour, forced it off,
+whereupon all the shutters dropping down at once into the court, made so
+great a clatter that they doubted not that all the neighbourhood was
+alarmed, and thought it would be no ill night's work if, after such an
+accident, they had the good luck to escape. Upon which they endeavoured
+to shift, everyone for himself. However, seeing nobody alarmed at the
+noise of the falling of the shutters and that during two hours' time the
+watch had never passed that way, they took courage at last: and
+returned, entered the house, and putting up the most valuable goods,
+went off without any molestation.
+
+A multitude of robberies of the same kind he confessed, but as they are
+narrated in the account we have so often mentioned, it would be a kind
+of imposition on our readers to transcribe those accounts there.
+Wherefore, in the following articles concerning him, we shall make no
+use at all of any that is to be found there.
+
+During the space he led this life he cohabited with one Amy Fowles, who
+passed for his wife and bore him several children. At last, though he
+had so often escaped, he was apprehended for a burglary committed on the
+house of Mr. Holliday, in Bishopsgate Street, and upon very full
+evidence was convicted at the ensuing sessions at the Old Bailey. After
+his commitment to Newgate he entered, it seems, into a treaty with a
+certain Justice of the Peace for making a full discovery of all his
+accomplices, which might at that time have contributed very much to the
+public advantage; but in the interim some person had talked thereof too
+openly, it came to the ears of one who collected news for a daily paper.
+This man thereupon went to Bellamy, making the poor fellow believe that
+he came to him by the direction of some persons in power (a thing not at
+all unlikely, considering that a proclamation had been issued but very
+little before for the better encouraging the discovery of and bringing
+first offenders to justice). And having by this means drawn the poor
+fellow into a confession of several robberies and burglaries, he
+digested it, or got somebody to do it for him, into proper paragraphs
+which were inserted the next day in a newspaper and gave thereby an
+opportunity to the persons impeached, of making their escape. This
+rogue, therefore defeated Bellamy of all hopes of pardon and hindered
+the public from receiving any benefit from his confession. All which
+enormous villainies were perhaps perpetrated for the sake of a poor
+crown, the utmost that could be expected by the collector for procuring
+this extraordinary passage big with so much mischief, and which in its
+consequences produced little better than a murder, since it is possible
+that Bellamy's life might have been saved if a right use had been made
+of his confession.
+
+At his trial he behaved with great impudence and during the time he lay
+under sentence continued to affect that gaiety which amongst persons of
+his profession is too often mistaken for bravery and true courage. But
+when the fatal day approached he, as is common with most of them, sank
+much in his spirits and had a great deal to do to recover himself so as
+to be able to read the following paper, which he had written for that
+purpose and brought with him to the tree, which, as the words of a dying
+man, I publish verbatim:
+
+    A Copy of the paper read by Martin Bellamy at the Place of Execution
+
+    Gentlemen, I am brought here to suffer an ignominious death for my
+    having wilfully transgressed against the known laws of God and my
+    country. I fear there are too many here present who come to be
+    witnesses of my untimely end rather out of curiosity than from a
+    sincere intention to take warning by my unhappy fate. You see me
+    here in the very prime of my youth, cut off like an untimely flower
+    in the rigorous season, through my having been too much addicted to
+    a voluptuous and irregular course of life, which has been the
+    occasion of my committing those crimes for which I am now to suffer.
+    As the laws of God as well as of men call upon me to Lay down my
+    life as justly forfeited by my manifold transgressions, I
+    acknowledge the justice of my sentence, patiently submit to the same
+    without any rancour, ill-will or malice to any person whatsoever;
+    hoping through the merits of Christ Jesus (who laid down His life
+    for sinners, and who upon the cross pronounced a pardon for the
+    repenting thief under the agonies of death) to be with Him permitted
+    to partake of that glorious resurrection and immortality He has been
+    so graciously pleased to promise to the sincere penitent. I
+    earnestly exhort and beg of all here present to think seriously of
+    eternity--a long and endless eternity!--in which we are to be
+    rewarded or punished according to our good or evil actions in this
+    world; that you will all take warning by me and refrain from all
+    wilful transgressions and offences. Let a religious disposition
+    prevail upon you, and use your utmost endeavours to forsake and fly
+    from sin. The mercies of God are great, and He can save even at the
+    last moment of life. Yet do not therefore presume too much, lest you
+    provoke Him to cast you off in His anger, and become fearful
+    examples of His wrath and indignation. Let me prevail upon you to
+    forget and forgive me all the offences and injuries I have committed
+    or promoted in action, advice or example; and entreat your prayers
+    for me that the Lord would in mercy look down upon me in the last
+    moment of my life.
+
+    His Prayer
+
+    Look down in mercy, O God, I beseech Thee, upon me a miserable,
+    lost, and undone sinner. Number not my transgressions nor let my
+    iniquities rise up in judgment against me. Wash me and I shall be
+    clean; purge me and I shall be free from offence. Though my sins be
+    as scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow if Thou pleasest but to
+    receive me amongst those whom Thou hast redeemed, that I may sing
+    praises to the Most High and extol Thy Holy Name in the courts of
+    Heaven for ever and ever more. Amen.
+
+He suffered on the 27th of March, 1728, being then about
+eight-and-twenty years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [78] Trinkets and such trifles, not children's playthings.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of WILLIAM RUSSELL, ROBERT CROUCH and WILLIAM HOLDEN,
+Street-Robbers, Footpads
+
+
+Although the insolency of those street-robbers to whose gang the
+malefactors we are now speaking of belong be at present too recent a
+fact to be questioned, yet possibly in future times 'twill be thought an
+exaggeration of truth to say that even at noon-day, and in the most open
+places in London, persons were stopped and robbed. The offenders for
+many months escaped with impunity, until those crimes became so frequent
+and the terrors of passengers so great that the Government interposed in
+an extraordinary manner, a royal proclamation being issued offering one
+hundred pounds reward for apprehending any offender, and also promising
+pardon to any who submitted and revealed their accomplices. This brought
+numbers of young rash youths who had engaged in this wicked course of
+life to a violent and ignominious death.
+
+William Russell was descended from persons of honourable family and
+unblemished reputation. In his youth he had received a tolerable
+education, which even in his misfortunes rendered him more civilized
+than any of his companions. He was a young fellow of tolerable good
+sense, ready wit, and great courage; he always spoke frankly of the
+wickedness of his own life and acknowledged that sensual pleasures were
+only what he aimed at in the course of life he led; yet he had never
+been able to reap any satisfaction in them, but had been always
+miserable in his own mind, from the time he pursued those base methods
+of gaining money. His father being gone over to Ireland, and he left at
+liberty to pursue what methods he thought best, evil women and bad
+company soon prevailed with him to fall into those methods which
+afterwards led him to the gallows.
+
+Robert Crouch, the second of these criminals, was born at Dunstable, of
+very honest parents who afforded him as good an education as it was in
+their power to give; and then, upon his own inclination to follow the
+business of a butcher, bound him to one in Newgate Market, with whom he
+served his time. But as soon as he was out of it he addicted himself to
+gaming, drinking and whoring, and all the other vices which are so
+natural to abandoned young fellows in low life. Dalton, who was an
+evidence against him, was one of the chief persons of his gang, and
+specially persuaded Crouch to join with him, though he had very little
+occasion to fall into such ways of getting money, since his father was a
+man in very good circumstances, who designed to set his son in his trade
+in a short time, having not the least suspicion that this melancholy
+accident would intervene.
+
+William Holden, the third of these unhappy persons, was born of very
+mean parents, had little education, and had followed no particular
+trade, but had sometimes gone to sea, and at other times driven a
+hackney coach; so that throughout the whole course of his life he had
+been continually plunged in the grossest debaucheries, whereby he became
+ripe for such practices as he and his associates afterwards went upon.
+
+It does not appear, from the papers that I have, that any of these
+criminals had followed that infamous course of life for above a year,
+when Dalton, to save his own life, surrendered and made a confession by
+which these and the rest of ms associates were quickly apprehended and
+committed dose prisoners to Newgate. At the ensuing sessions at the Old
+Bailey they were all indicted for assaulting one Martha Hide on the
+highway, and taking from her a broad-cloth coat, value forty shillings;
+a looking-glass, value thirty shillings; a woman's nightgown; and other
+goods, to the value of thirty shillings more. To prove this charge James
+Dalton was produced, who swore that about nine o'clock at night himself
+and the prisoners overtook the prosecutor, Martha Hide, in Fleet Street;
+and observing that she had a bundle they resolved to take it from her.
+In order to accomplish their design they followed her into Lincoln's Inn
+Fields, where Robert Crouch, _alias_ Bob the Butcher, knocked her down
+and Russell took up the bundle and ran away with it. Upon their opening
+thereof the looking-glass fell out and was broke all to pieces. The rest
+of the things they sold to one Sarah Watts, who made it her business to
+buy stolen goods and kept what in their cant is called a 'lock', that is
+a place for the receipt of such things. Dalton swore, moreover, that not
+having carefully examined the things, they were extremely mortified to
+hear afterwards that there was forty shillings in specie wrapped up in a
+rag, which the woman that bought them got into the bargain.
+
+Martha Hide, herself, deposed that crossing Lincoln's Inn Fields she was
+knocked down and the bundle taken from her as Dalton had before related.
+One Solomon Nicholas deposed that not long after, Russell and Crouch
+quarrelling between themselves at a brandy-shop, Russell said to his
+companion, _If you offer to meddle with Nicholas I'll cut the coat off
+your back, for it's the woman's coat that we knocked down in Lincoln's
+Inn Fields, and I have as much right to it as you have._ It appeared,
+also, by another witness, that Crouch pawned an old coat to pay for the
+altering of this, and after taking off a cloth cape which it had at the
+time of its being stolen, he caused a velvet one to be sewn on in its
+room. Mr. Willis, the constable, was the last witness called for by the
+prosecutor. He swore that at the time that he apprehended the prisoner
+Russell, he acknowledged that the goods before-mentioned were stolen and
+sold for one pound two shillings, but said he did not value it, since he
+should die in the company of such brave fellows.
+
+The jury withdrawing after hearing this evidence, returned soon after
+and found them guilty, and sentence of death was passed upon them, at
+one of the fullest sessions which had happened for many years at the Old
+Bailey, there being twenty-two men and seven women capitally convicted.
+
+As these unhappy men could have little hope of life, considering the
+nature and notoriety of their offences; they ought certainly to have
+laid aside all other thoughts and have applied themselves strictly,
+beseeching pardon of God for their numberless offences against Him.
+Instead of this, there appeared too much affectation of unconcernedness
+in all of them, especially in Russell, who, being confined in the same
+cell with Holden, said to his companion a day or two before his death,
+with an air of indifference, _I'll undertake, Will, to procure a coach
+to carry off our bodies from the place of execution; but I must leave it
+to the care of your fraternity_ (meaning the hackney coachmen) _to
+prevent their being seized on by the surgeons._ Holden heard all this
+very gravely, assented to the proposition without altering his
+countenance or giving any other mark of his concern for that infamous
+death which shortly they were both to suffer.
+
+Russell also took a certain pleasure in speaking of the state of
+street-robbing at the time they left the world. He averred that the town
+was much mistaken in imagining that the king's proclamation had
+effectually crushed their fraternity, into which opinion they perhaps
+might be drawn by seeing so many of them perish in so short a time;
+which, he said, did not lessen their society, but would, notwithstanding
+that, put all that remained of them upon bolder exploits than ever, to
+show that they were yet unhanged. In which conjecture he was not very
+much out. However, he said, gentlemen might now safely walk the streets
+without fear of having their pockets picked, for that Benjamin Branch,
+who died the last sessions, and Isaac Ashley, who was to suffer with
+him, were the two neat masters in that way, and were capable of earning
+fifteen or sixteen shillings by it in two or three hours' time; sorting
+the fruits of their industry into several parcels, from the value of
+sixpence to half a crown apiece as dexterously as any milliner in
+London.
+
+After the coming out of the death warrant Russell laid aside much of his
+boldness, appeared with more gravity at prayers and expressed greater
+sorrow for his misspent life than he had done before. Crouch carried
+himself very quietly all along, but could not forbear being unseasonably
+merry and jocose upon several occasions, smiling at chapel and affecting
+to talk with greater gaiety than became his condition. He himself owned
+that this was very unbecoming in a person so near an ignominious death,
+but he said it was in his temper, and he could not help it. He frankly
+acknowledged the enormity of that course of life which for some years
+past he had led, acknowledged that on the coming out of the king's
+proclamation he had resolved on a four years' voyage to sea, but was
+prevented from putting it in execution by Dalton's information. As the
+time of their death drew near he became more and more sensible of his
+miserable condition and the danger there was of losing his soul as well
+as his body.
+
+William Holden at first denied very strongly his being in any degree
+guilty of the fact for which he died; but when he heard that Russell had
+owned it and at the same time confessed that he was concerned in it,
+thinking it no further use to adhere to that denial he retracted it and
+acknowledged that he had been a great sinner, and had committed several
+thefts before that for which he died. In a word, these three, as they
+had been companions together in wickedness and fellow-sufferers in the
+punishment which their crimes had drawn upon them, so they appeared to
+be all of them sensibly touched with sorrow and remorse for that
+multitude of crimes which they had committed, endeavouring to merit the
+pardon of God by hearty prayers and a sincere repentance. Russell,
+however, declared but a day or two before his execution that Dalton, the
+evidence, had proposed to him to join in that information he gave
+against their companions, but that he scorned to save his life by so
+mean a practice as betraying those who had received him into their
+friendship.
+
+Their deportment at the place of execution was resolute without
+obstinacy or impenitence, and the last moments of their lives were full
+of seriousness, without any marks of timorousness or confusion. Russell
+was about twenty-five, Crouch about twenty, and Holden somewhat more
+than twenty-eight years of age at the time they suffered, which was on
+Monday, 20th of May, 1728.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of CHRISTOPHER, _alias_ THOMAS RAWLINS; ISAAC ASHLEY, _alias_
+ALSEBY; JOHN ROUDEN, _alias_ HULKS; EDWARD BENSON, _alias_ BROWN,
+_alias_ BOYSTON; GEORGE GALE, _alias_ KIDDY GEORGE; THOMAS CROWDER;
+JAMES TOON; JOHN HORNBY; WILLIAM SEFTON; and RICHARD NICHOLS, Thieves,
+Street-Robbers, Housebreakers, etc.
+
+
+Although the several criminals whose lives we are now going to relate do
+not so well tally with one another, they having been of different gangs
+and dying for various offences, yet as they were all apprehended in
+consequence of the before-mentioned proclamation, were street-robbers
+and most of them not unknown to each other, I thought it would be better
+to speak of them here all at once rather than divide them into several
+lives. I have very little to say of any of them worthy the attention of
+the reader.
+
+To begin, then, with Christopher, _alias_ Thomas Rawlins. He was the son
+of very honest parents here in town, who brought him up as well as their
+circumstances would permit, and when he grew big enough to go out to a
+trade put him apprentice to a silversmith with whom he served out his
+time with tolerable reputation. But being a lad of great gaiety and
+spirit, having much addicted himself to the company of young fellows of
+a like disposition, frequented dancing meetings, and taken delight in
+everything but his business, such inclinations as these easily betrayed
+him to the commission of the greatest crimes and a certain alertness in
+his temper made him very acceptable to those debauched young fellows who
+were his usual companions to such places. Whether he was at first
+seduced by the persuasions of others to the committing thefts and
+robberies, or whether those necessities to which their extravagancies
+had reduced them put him and his associates on taking such measures for
+filling their purses, is hard to be determined. But certain it is that
+for some time before his being apprehended he had been very busy in
+committing such exploits and for his courage and dexterity was looked
+upon as one of the chief of the gang.
+
+Isaac Ashley, who was Rawlins's companion, and who went commonly amongst
+them by the nickname of Black Isaac, was a fellow of a very different
+cast. His parents were poor people, who had, indeed, taken as much care
+as was in their power of his education and afterwards provided for him
+as well as they were able, putting him out to a weaver in Spitalfields.
+But he made them a very ill return for all their care and tenderness,
+proving an obstinate, idle and illiterate fellow, willing to do nothing
+that was either just or reputable, and who, except for his dexterity in
+pocket-picking was one of the most stupid, incorrigible wretches that
+ever lived. He followed the practice of petty thieving for a
+considerable space, but though he got considerably thereby, he lost his
+money continually at gaming, and so remained always in one state, viz.,
+very poor and very wicked; which is no very uncommon case amongst such
+sort of miserable people, who lavishly waste what they hazard their
+souls and throw away their lives to obtain.
+
+John Rouden, _alias_ Hulks, the latter being his true name, had the
+advantage of a very tolerable education, the effects of which were not
+obliterated by his having been many years addicted to the vilest and
+most flagitious course of life that can possibly be imagined. The
+principles with which he had been seasoned in his youth served to render
+him more tractable and civilized when under his last misfortunes, unto
+which he fell with the two afore-mentioned malefactors; they being all
+indicted for assaulting one Mr. Francis Williams on the highway, and
+taking from him a silver watch value three pounds, two guineas and a
+moidore,[79] on the 28th of February, 1728. The prosecutor deposed that
+going in a hackney coach, between Wading Street and St. Paul's School he
+heard the coachman called on to stop; immediately after which a man came
+up to the side of the coach, presented a pistol and demanded his money.
+Four more presented themselves at the coach windows, offering their
+pistols and saying they had no time to lose. One of them thereupon
+thrust his hand into his fob and took out his money and his watch. Jones
+next produced the watch to the Court and said he had it from Dalton, who
+was the third witness called to support the indictment. He deposed that
+himself, the three prisoners at the bar, and another person not yet
+taken, were those that attacked the coach; that himself came up first
+and Rouden afterwards, who took the watch, as himself did the money,
+Rawlins and he secreting one guinea from their companions and afterwards
+pawning the watch for two guineas more.
+
+Mr. Willis, the constable, swore that having received information of
+certain disorderly persons, he thereupon went and apprehended Dalton,
+the evidence, who, making an ingenious confession, told him of the
+robbery committed on Mr. Williams and where the prisoners then were;
+whereupon he went immediately to apprehend them also. Dalton produced a
+pistol after he was apprehended, and declared that Rawlins had the
+fellow to it which was loaded with a slug. When they came to the place
+where the prisoners were, Rawlins and Rouden made an obstinate defence,
+sword in hand, and were with great difficulty taken, while Ashley hid
+himself under the bed, in hopes of making his escape in the confusion.
+Mr. Willis's brother swore to taking a pistol from Rawlins, such as
+Dalton had described, and which was loaded with a slug.
+
+The prisoners had nothing to say in their defence except flatly denying
+everything, and averring that they did not so much as know Dalton. But
+Mr. Wyatt being produced, swore to the contrary of that, affirming that
+they were very intimate and that they all lodged together at his house.
+The jury having received their charge from the judge, took but a small
+time to consider, and then returning, brought in their verdict that they
+were all guilty; whereupon at the close of the sessions they received
+sentence with the rest.
+
+Edward Benson was the son of very reputable persons in the City of
+London, who had taken all due care in providing him a suitable education
+with respect both to the principles of learning and of religion; and
+when he was at years of discretion, they put him out apprentice to a
+silver-wire-drawer. In himself he was a young man of good understanding,
+of a sweet temper and but too tractable in his disposition, which seems
+to have been the cause of most of his misfortunes. For during the time
+of his apprenticeship, being so unlucky as to fall into bad company, he
+was easily seduced to following their measures; although he was far
+enough from being naturally debauched, and seemed to have no great vice
+but his inclination to women, which occasioned his marrying two wives,
+who notwithstanding lived peaceably and quietly together. The papers I
+have do not give any distinct account of the manner in which he first
+came to join in the execrable employment of plundering and robbing in
+the streets, and therefore it may be presumed he was drawn into it by
+his companions whom we are next to mention.
+
+George Gale, _alias_ Kiddy George, was a perfect boy at the time of his
+suffering death, and though descended of very honest parents, who no
+doubt had given him some education in his youth, yet the uninterrupted
+course of wickedness in which he lived from the time of his being able
+to distinguish between wrong and right had so perfectly expunged all
+notions of justice or piety, that never a more stupid or incorrigible
+creature came into this miserable state. Thomas Neeves[80], who had been
+their associate in all their villainies, was the person who gave
+information against him, Benson, and several other malefactors we shall
+hereafter speak of. Gale, as is common with such people, complained
+vehemently against the evidence who had undone him. As death approached
+he shed tears abundantly, but was so very ignorant that he expressed no
+other marks of penitence for his offences.
+
+Thomas Crowder was a young man of an honest family and of a very good
+education. His friends had put him out apprentice to a cabinet-maker.
+Before he was out of his time he thought fit to go to sea, where, for
+aught appears by our papers, he behaved himself very honestly and
+industriously. Coming home from a voyage, a little before his death, he
+was so unfortunate as to fall into the company of Neeves, the evidence,
+who, pretending to have money and an inclination to employ it in the
+Holland trade, prevailed on poor Crowder to attend him three or four
+days, in which space Neeves was married and had great junkettings with
+his new wife and her friends. In the midst of this they were all
+apprehended, and Neeves, with how much truth must be determined at the
+Last Day, put this unhappy man into his information and gave evidence
+against him at his trial, when Benson, Gale and this Crowder were
+indicted for assaulting James Colver on the highway, and taking from him
+a watch value forty shillings, and five shillings in money. For this
+offence, chiefly on the oath of Neeves, they were all capitally
+convicted.
+
+James Toon was another of those unhappy persons who suffered on the oath
+of Neeves. He had spent his time mostly upon the water, having been a
+seaman for several years, and after that a bargeman. He was a young man
+of tolerable good sense, very civil in his behaviour and in nothing
+resembling those who are ordinarily addicted to robbing and thieving.
+His parents were persons in tolerable circumstances, and had taken a due
+care of his education. The particular crime for which he died was
+assaulting James Flemming, in the company of George Gale and Edward
+Brown, _alias_ Benson, and taking from him, the said Flemming, a silver
+watch value forty shillings, and two guineas in money, the third of
+April.
+
+John Hornby had been bred for some time at school, being descended of
+honest parents, who put him apprentice to a joiner. But being naturally
+inclined to idleness and vice, in a short time he had occasion to take
+base and illegal methods to acquire money. His necessities were also
+increased through foolishly marrying a woman, while he was yet a perfect
+boy and knew not how to maintain her. Picking pockets was his first
+resource, and the method of thieving which he always liked best and got
+most money at; but being of a very easy temper, his companions found it
+no hard thing to persuade him into taking such other methods of robbing
+as they persuaded him would be more beneficial, and in this Benson seems
+to have been one of his chief advisers. In himself, Hornby was
+good-natured and much less rude and boisterous than some of his
+companions. He had been but a very short time engaged in the
+street-robbing practice and did not seem to have courage or boldness
+sufficient to make himself considerable amongst his companions in those
+enterprises, which in all probability was the reason that while under
+confinement they treated him but very indifferently, and sometimes went
+so far as to give him ill names and blows, which he endured without
+saying much, and seemed perfectly resigned to the several punishments
+which his own iniquities had brought upon him. The crime for which he
+died was a robbery committed on the highway, upon the person of one
+Edward Ellis, from whom was taken a silver watch, value four pounds, and
+two guineas in money.
+
+William Sefton was born in Lancashire, and during the life-time of his
+father received a tolerable education. But on his mother's marrying
+another husband, Sefton, who had been bred a barber and peruke-maker,
+finding things not to go to his mind, came up to London. But changing
+place did not seem to make him much easier, so that after having led an
+unsettled life for a considerable space, he became at length a common
+soldier. 'Twill be easily imagined that this choice of his did not much
+better his fortunes and possibly the company which his military life
+obliged him to keep served only to increase his courage so far as to
+enable him to take a purse on the highway; a practice he had pursued
+with pretty good success a considerable time before he was taken. But
+being a naming, close fellow, he robbed with so much precaution that he
+was little suspected until taken up for the offence for which he died,
+which was for assaulting Henry Bunn on the highway, and taking from him
+a silver watch, two pieces of foreign gold, and two pounds eleven
+shillings in money.
+
+Richard Nichols was a man in the middle age of life, of a grave and
+civil deportment, of good character, and who was a barber and
+peruke-maker. He had lived by his profession without the least suspicion
+of his being guilty of any such crime as that for which he died. He was
+convicted, chiefly on the evidence of Neeves, for feloniously stealing
+nine silver watches and a gold watch, the property of Andrew Moran and
+others in the dwelling-house of the said Moran. As there was nothing
+remarkable in this man's life, and as it did appear that he was not
+flagrantly guilty of any other vice except drinking and wasting his own
+money, so it would be needless to dwell longer upon his adventures prior
+to his condemnation; therefore we shall go on to speak of the behaviour
+of these criminals while they remained under sentence of death.
+
+Christopher Rawlins seemed to retain much of his old boisterous temper,
+and though he would bring himself to speak with more decency concerning
+the great duty of repentance which now alone remained for them to
+practise, yet in a little time he would fly out into strange and
+blasphemous expressions, for which being reproved by William Russell,
+whom we have before mentioned as being under sentence at the same time,
+he answered, _What does it signify to prepare ourselves, since we have
+passed through so wicked a life in this world and have now so short a
+time to remain in it?_ He frequently expressed a despair of God's mercy
+though after the death warrant came down he appeared somewhat more easy,
+and in a better disposition to offer up his prayers to the Almighty. As
+to the crimes for which he suffered, he readily and ingenuously
+confessed them, owning the justice of the sentence which had been passed
+upon him and expressed this sense of the multitude of offences which he
+had committed, such as he acknowledged deserved no mercy here, nor,
+without the interposition of the mercy of God hereafter. Yet in the
+midst of these expressions of penitence he could not forbear doing
+something in his old way, and a few days before his execution actually
+cut the tassels from the pulpit cushion in the chapel.
+
+Ashley was very frank in his confessions of numberless thefts which he
+had committed in the course of his wicked and licentious life; but he
+peremptorily denied that he had any concern whatsoever in the robbery
+for which he was to die, and this was confirmed by Rawlins and Benson,
+who said that they, indeed, committed it, but that Ashley was no ways
+concerned therein. However, as far as his stupid disposition would give
+him leave, he sometimes expressed great penitence for the deeds which he
+had committed. Yet the Sunday before his death he stole five or six
+handkerchiefs at chapel, of which when the Ordinary spoke to him at the
+place of execution, he only said that it was true, but that he must have
+something to subsist on.
+
+Rouden acknowledged the justice of his sentence, that he was guilty of
+the crimes laid to his charge, and behaved in every respect like a true
+and sincere penitent. Benson showed the same easiness and sweetness of
+temper which he had always been remarkable for, even to the last moment
+of his life. He expressed, indeed, much sorrow for his having lived
+deliberately in a continued course of adultery with two women who both
+of them averred that they had been lawfully married to him. He frankly
+confessed his own guilt, and that the sentence of the Law was just,
+dying, as far as we are able to judge, in a composed and penitent
+disposition of mind.
+
+George Gale, though he owned he had for some time been a thief, yet he
+absolutely denied his having any concern in the robberies before
+mentioned; but he averred that Neeves, knowing his character, took the
+advantage of putting him in the information, as knowing that he had
+neither friends nor interest to make his innocence appear. Indeed,
+Benson did so far confirm what Gale had said that he owned he alone
+committed the robbery for which he was convicted, and to this they both
+adhered to their last moments at the place of execution, where Gale wept
+bitterly, and with all outward tokens of sorrow confessed the multitude
+of sins he had committed throughout the whole course of his life.
+
+Thomas Crowder persevered even to death in denying any concern with
+Neeves, further than his being deluded with the hopes of joining with
+him in a trade to Holland and France; yet the Ordinary tells us in his
+account of these criminals that he had reason to believe that Crowder,
+notwithstanding this, was guilty, because a gentleman averred that he
+had owned as much to him in the chapel the very day he died.
+
+James Toon continued to behave with a uniform submission to the decrees
+of Providence, absolutely denied his being guilty of the fact for which
+he was convicted, yet acknowledged that he had led a very sinful life,
+and therefore looked on it as a great mercy of the Providence of God
+that he had so much time to reflect and repent in. Hornby wept and
+lamented grievously for the miseries which he had brought on himself and
+those who were related to him, said he had for a long time been guilty
+of illegal practices, but would not acknowledge that he had been guilty
+of that for which he was condemned.
+
+Sefton appeared under condemnation to have a very just idea of the
+wretched state he was in, the necessity there was of preventing, by a
+thorough repentance, a yet more severe judgment than that under which he
+then lay. He acknowledged the crime for which he died, said he had been
+drawn to the commission of it by the persuasion of a person whom he
+named, and at the place of execution declared he died sorry for all his
+sins and in charity with mankind. He had hardly been turned off a minute
+before the rope broke and he fell to the ground, but the sheriff's men
+laying hold on him, he was soon tied up again and so executed in
+pursuance of his sentence.
+
+Richard Nichols, as he always behaved with great decency and was of a
+sober, serious and religious disposition, so he constantly affirmed
+(though without vehemence or any signs of passion) that he knew nothing
+of the robbery whereof he stood convicted, but that his life was basely
+sworn away by Neeves the evidence, without the least grounds whatsoever,
+he having never associated himself with street-robbers or been concerned
+in any sort of thieving whatever. In this he persisted to the time of
+his death, repeating it and averring it at the place of execution; and,
+indeed, there is the greatest reason to believe that he spoke nothing
+but the truth, because Thomas Neeves, the witness, when he came
+afterwards to die at Tyburn, did acknowledge that he knew nothing of
+Nichols, nor had ever seen him before his being committed at the
+Justice's, and begged that God would pardon his crying sin of perjury
+and murder in taking the life of an innocent man.
+
+These malefactors suffered on the 20th of May, 1728; Rawlins being
+twenty-two, Ashley, twenty-six; Rouden, twenty-four; Benson,
+twenty-four; Gale, seventeen; Crowder, twenty-two; Toon, twenty-five;
+Hornby, twenty-one; Sefton, twenty-six; and Nichols, forty years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [79] A Portuguese gold coin current in England, worth about 23s.
+
+   [80] See page 463.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of RICHARD HUGHS and BRYAN MACGUIRE, Highwaymen and Footpads
+
+
+Idleness, lewd women and bad company are the sum total of those excuses
+urged by criminals when they come to be punished, even for the most
+flagrant offences. With just reason Richard Hughs exclaimed on them all,
+for from youth upwards he had ever addicted himself to laziness and a
+dislike to that business to which he was bred, viz., that of a
+bricklayer. Following loose women was the thing in which he took most
+delight, and was probably the occasion of his subsequent misfortunes.
+The immediate cause of them was his acquaintance with William Sefton
+before-mentioned, with whom he joined in a confederacy to rob on the
+highway, a thing to which his necessities in some measure drove him,
+since he had squandered all he had in the world on those abandoned women
+with whom he conversed, and had contracted so bad a reputation that he
+found it hard to be employed in his business.
+
+Into this wretched confederacy entered also the other offender, Bryan
+Macguire, an Irishman born in the county of Wicklow. He had been bred a
+sawyer, but was never very well pleased with the trade which required so
+much hard labour. However, he worked at it some time after he came to
+England, but some of his countrymen persuading him that it was much
+easier to live by sharping, a practice they very well understood, he
+readily fell into their sentiments and soon struck out a new method of
+cheating, which brought them in more and with less hazard than any of
+the ways pursued by his associates. The artifice was this: by repeated
+practice he found a way to pull his tongue so far back into his throat
+that he really appeared to have none at all, and by going to
+coffee-houses and other places of public resort for the better sort of
+people, he, by pretending to be dumb and then opening his mouth and
+showing them what looked only like the root of a tongue, obtained large
+charities. He had great success in this cheat for a long time, but at
+last was discovered by a gentleman's blowing some snuff into his throat,
+which, by setting him a-coughing, detected the imposture.
+
+Then, being very straitened, he fell in with Sefton and Hughs with whom
+having cheated and tricked for a little space, they at last came all to
+an agreement of going together upon the highway and sharing their booty
+equally amongst them. However, their partnership was of no very long
+continuance, for in nine or ten days they were all apprehended and
+brought to condign punishment. Hughs had been a soldier as well as
+Sefton, and had quitted the Army to go upon the highway, which was a
+very luckless occasion for him. Being quickly apprehended he was charged
+with five several capital indictments, to all of which, when he came to
+be arraigned, he resolutely pleaded guilty; and when admonished by the
+Court that the crimes with which he was charged were felonies without
+benefit of clergy, he persisted therein, saying that he would not give
+the judge nor the gentlemen of the jury unnecessary trouble.
+
+Macguire was indicted on four of the indictments which had been
+preferred against Hughs, and capitally convicted upon them all. He was
+no sooner under sentence than he declared himself to be of the communion
+of the Church of Rome. However, he attended constantly at the chapel,
+seemed to listen earnestly to what was said there, and made responses
+very regularly to the several prayers, a thing which Papists very seldom
+comply with. However, Bryan appeared to be a very reasonable man in this
+respect, saying that he hoped God would be satisfied with that imperfect
+atonement which he was able to make for his offences, and would not
+impute it to him as a sin that he had taken all occasions which offered
+of presenting his petitions for remission. In this disposition he
+continued until the day of his execution, when both he and Hughs
+appeared very composed and penitent, desiring the prayers of those who
+were witnesses of their death, submitting thereto with all exterior
+marks of proper resignation, on the 26th day of June, 1728; Hughs being
+twenty-four and Macguire twenty-eight years of age or thereabouts.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES HOW, _alias_ HARRIS, a notorious Highwayman and Thief
+
+
+Though, generally speaking, the old saying holds true that nobody
+becomes superlatively wicked at once, yet it may be also averred that a
+long and habitual course of vice at last so hardens the soul that no
+warnings are sufficient, no dangers so frightful, nor reflections so
+strong as to overcome lewd inclinations, when their strength has become
+increased by a long unrestrained indulgence.
+
+The criminal of whom we are now to speak was a native of the town of
+Windsor, in the county of Berks. His parents were honest people in
+middling circumstances, who yet took such care of his education that he
+was fit for any business to which he would have applied himself. But
+he, on the contrary, continuing to lead a lazy and indolent course of
+life, sauntering from one place to another, and preferring want and
+idleness to industry and labour, at last became so burdensome to his
+relations that with much ado they sent him to sea. There being of a
+robust constitution and of a bold, daring spirit, he quickly gained some
+preferment in the ship on board of which he sailed and might possibly
+have done very well if he had continued at sea for any time, having the
+good luck to serve on board the admiral's vessel, and to be taken notice
+of as a sprightly young fellow, capable of coming to good.
+
+But alas! James soon blasted this prospect of good fortune, for no
+sooner was he on shore than laying aside all the views he had formed of
+rising in the Navy, he associated himself with some of his old
+companions. They persuaded him to take a purse, as the shortest and
+easiest method of supporting those expenses into which his inclinations
+for sensual pleasures naturally plunged him. He too easily listened to
+their persuasions and from that time forward he left nothing unstolen
+upon which he could lay his fingers.
+
+Punishment did not pursue his crimes with a leaden pace; on the
+contrary, he had scarce offended ere she made him sensible of the
+offences. Bridewells, prisons, duckings, lashings, and beatings of hemp
+were made familiar to him by his running through them several times in
+the space of a few years. At length, as he increased the guilt of his
+crimes, so he added to the weight of his sufferings; for after having
+been at Newgate several times for lesser offences, he was at last
+committed for a felony, and being convicted thereof, was ordered for
+transportation. Rightly conceiving that if he was carried into the
+Plantations he would be obliged to work very hard, which he most
+dreaded, in order to escape he forged a letter as from a certain man of
+quality directing that he should be set at liberty in order to serve as
+a good hand on board of one of his Majesty's ships. His old ill luck
+pursuing him, the forgery was detected and he was thereupon ordered to
+remain two years at hard labour in Bridewell; but when he was brought
+thither, the keeper absolutely refused to have anything to do with him.
+They knew him of old and said that he was a fellow only fit to make the
+other criminals who were there unruly, by projecting and putting them
+into way of making their escape. Upon this he was carried back to
+Newgate and remained a prisoner for that space of time.
+
+How he came by his liberty again I cannot take upon me to say; all that
+appears from my papers is that he made a very ill use of it as soon as
+he obtained it, returning immediately to the commission of those crimes
+for which he had before forfeited it. At length turning housebreaker he
+was committed for feloniously stealing five pounds out of the house of
+John Spence, for which fact, at the sessions following, a bill of
+indictment was found against him, and he was thereupon arraigned.
+
+At first he insisted that overtures had been made in order to procure
+discoveries from him, and therefore he desired that he might be admitted
+an evidence. The Court informed him that they would enter into no
+altercations with a prisoner at the bar; that he had heard the nature of
+the charge preferred against him; and that now they could hear nothing
+from him unless he pleaded guilty or not guilty. He persisted
+obstinately in his first demand, and in consequence thereof obstinately
+refused to plead. Whereupon he was told from the Bench that such
+behaviour was not a proper method to excite the mercy of the Court, that
+it was not in their power to comply in any degree with what he desired,
+but that on the contrary they should proceed to pass sentence upon him
+as a mute, by which be would be subjected to a much greater and more
+grievous punishment than if he were found guilty of the crime of which
+he was accused. All this made no impression upon the criminal; he said
+he could but die, and the manner in which he died was indifferent to
+him. And so sentence, as is usual in such cases, was pronounced upon
+him, and he was ordered to be carried back and put into the press. But
+when he had carried it so far, and found there was no avoiding that
+cruel fortune which was appointed for such obstinate persons as himself,
+he desired time till the next morning to consider his plea, which being
+permitted him, he that time pleaded guilty.
+
+While under sentence of death something very extraordinary occurred in
+relation to this malefactor. It seems that one Mrs. Dawson had a parcel
+of plate, consisting of two silver tankards, two silver mugs, a silver
+cup and a punch ladle, seven pounds sixteen shillings in money, and a
+great quantity of papers of considerable value, stolen out of her house.
+She suspected one Eleanor Reddey, and caused her to be apprehended, who
+thereupon confessed that she opened the door of her mistress's house in
+the night-time and let in one William Read; that she saw him take away
+the plate and watched, in the meantime, to observe if anyone came. Upon
+this confession she herself was convicted, but no evidence appearing
+against William Read, who was tried with her, he was acquitted.
+
+After she received sentence of death she declared herself absolutely
+innocent of the fact for which she was to die, affirming that as soon as
+she was taken up some neighbours persuaded her to make such a
+confession, and to charge William Read with stealing the things,
+assuring her that if she did so, she would preserve herself by coming a
+witness against him. Being a silly timorous creature in herself, and
+terrified by their suggesting that if she did not take the method they
+proposed, somebody would infallibly swear against her, she with much ado
+assented; and being carried before Justice Jackson, made and signed such
+a confession as is before mentioned.
+
+But How, _alias_ Harris, whose life we are now writing, declared that
+he, himself, robbed Mrs. Dawson, and that he had a considerable quantity
+of the plate and most of the papers in his power, offering to restore
+them if the said Mrs. Dawson had interest enough to procure a pardon
+either for himself or Eleanor Reddey. But the Ordinary assured him that
+Mrs. Dawson could do no such thing, and at the same time exhorted him to
+make what restitution was in his power, since otherwise his repentance
+would remain imperfect and small hope could be given him of his meeting
+with forgiveness from an offended God. At first this seemed to have
+little or no weight with the criminal; he expressed himself very civilly
+when spoken to on that head, but peremptorily refused to do anything
+towards making satisfaction to Mrs. Dawson, unless she could do
+something for him or the woman.
+
+But when death approached nearer he began to relent, sent for the
+Ordinary and told him that, as for the plate, it was indeed out of his
+power, but for that the papers, he had caused them to be brought in a
+box which he delivered and desired they might be kept carefully, because
+he was sensible that they were of great value to their owner.
+
+At the place of execution he seemed desirous only of clearing his wife
+from any imputation of being concerned with him in any of his villainies
+and then suffered with much resignation, on the 11th of September, 1728,
+being near thirty-eight years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of GRIFFITH OWEN, SAMUEL HARRIS, and THOMAS MEDLINE,
+Highwaymen and Footpads
+
+
+Griffith Owen, the first of these unhappy criminals, was the son of very
+honest parents who had given him a very good education in respect both
+of letters and religion. When he was grown up they put him out
+apprentice to a butcher in Newgate Market, with whom he served his time,
+though not without committing many faults and neglecting his business
+in a very marked degree, addicting himself too much to idle company, the
+usual incitements to those crimes for the commission of which he
+afterwards suffered.
+
+His companion Harris, if Owen were to be believed, first proposed
+robbing as an expedient to the supply of their pockets, to which he too
+readily gave way; and having once ventured to attack he never suffered
+himself nor his companions to cool. For the space of about six weeks,
+keeping themselves still warm with liquor, they committed five or six
+robberies, for which at last they were all apprehended. And as they had
+been companions together in wickedness, so they shared also in
+imprisonment and death as the consequences of those offences they had
+committed.
+
+Samuel Harris, though he had received a very tolerable education as to
+reading and writing, yet he never applied himself to any business, but
+served bricklayers as a labourer, in company with his fellow-sufferer
+Medline. But having been all his life addicted to lust and wickedness,
+he proposed robbing to his companions as the most feasible method of
+getting money wherewith to support their debauches and the strumpets who
+used to partake with them at their houses of resort. He confirmed what
+Owen had said, and acknowledged that during the time they continued
+their robberies, never any people in the world led more profligate and
+more uneasy lives than they did; being always engaged in a continual
+circle of drunkenness, violence and whoredom; while their minds were
+continually agitated with the fear of being apprehended, so that they
+never enjoyed peace or quiet from the time of their betaking themselves
+to this course of life unto the day of their apprehension and coming to
+the gallows.
+
+Thomas Medline was born more meanly than either of his companions, and
+had so little care taken of him in his youth, that he could neither read
+nor write. However, he applied himself to working hard as a labourer to
+the bricklayers, and got thereby for some time sufficient wherewith to
+maintain himself and his family. At last, giving himself over to drink,
+he minded little of what became of his wife and children, and falling
+unhappily about the same time into the acquaintance of the
+before-mentioned malefactor Harris, he was easily seduced by him to
+become a partner in his crimes and addicted himself to the highway.
+
+It was but a very short space that they continued to exercise this their
+illegal and infamous calling, for venturing to attack one Mr. Barker, on
+the Ware Road, and not long after Dr. Edward Hulse,[81] they were
+quickly apprehended for those facts, and after remaining some time in
+Newgate, were brought to their trials at the Old Bailey.
+
+There it was sworn by Mr. Barker, that he observed them drinking at an
+alehouse at Tottenham, the very evening in which he was robbed; and that
+apprehending them to be loose and disorderly persons he took more than
+ordinary notice of their faces; that about a mile from Edmonton church
+they came up with him, and notwithstanding he told them he knew them,
+they pulled him off his horse and robbed him of five pounds and
+sixpence; that returning the next day to the place where he was robbed,
+he found sevenpence, which he supposed they had dropped in their hurry.
+
+On the second indictment it was desposed by one Mr. Hyatt that he
+suspected the prisoners, from the description given by Mr. Barker and
+Doctor Hulse, to be the persons who had robbed them; he thereupon
+apprehended them upon suspicion, and that Mr. Barker, as soon as he saw
+them, swore to their faces.
+
+Doctor Hulse deposed that they were the persons who robbed him of his
+watch and money, and that he had particularly remarked Owen as having a
+scar on his face. Thomas Bennett, the doctor's coachman, swore that Owen
+was the man who got upon the coach-box and beat him, and afterwards
+robbed his master; that not contented therewith, they beat the witness
+again, knocked out one of his teeth, and broke his own whip about him.
+Henry Greenwood confirmed this account in general, but could not be
+positive to any of the faces except that of Owen. The jury, in this
+proof, without any long stay found them all guilty.
+
+While under sentence of death they all behaved themselves with as much
+penitence and seeming sorrow for their offences as was ever seen amongst
+persons in their condition. They attended as often as Divine Worship was
+celebrated in the chapel, and appeared very desirous of instruction as
+to those private prayers which they thought necessary to put up to God,
+when carried back to their several places of confinement.
+
+Harris seemed a little uneasy at the Ordinary's remonstrating with him
+that he was more guilty than the rest, inasmuch as he first incited them
+to the falling into those wretched methods by which they brought shame
+and ruin upon themselves. He answered that there was little difference
+in their dispositions, having been all of them addicted for many years
+to the greatest wickedness which men could practise; that his companions
+were no less ready than he to fall upon such means of supporting
+themselves in sensual delights. As he averred this to their faces they
+did not contradict it, but seemed to take shame to themselves and to
+sorrow alike for the evils they had committed.
+
+They ended their lives at Tyburn, on the 11th of September, 1728, with
+all outward signs of true repentance; Owen being twenty, Harris
+twenty-nine, and Medline thirty-nine years of age at the time of their
+execution.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [81] An eminent Whig doctor who was later appointed physician
+        to George II. He was created a baronet in 1739.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of PETER LEVEE, JOHN FEATHERBY, STEPHEN BURNET, _alias_
+BARNET, _alias_ BARNHAM, and THOMAS VAUX, Street-Robbers, Footpads,
+Thieves, etc.
+
+
+In the course of these memoirs I have more than once remarked that a
+ridiculous spirit of vainglory is often the source of those prodigious
+mischiefs which are committed by those abandoned persons, who addict
+themselves to open robberies, and the carrying on, as it were, a
+declared war against mankind. Theft and rapine may to some appear odd
+subjects for acquiring glory, and yet it is certain that many,
+especially of the younger criminals, have been chiefly instigated in
+their most daring attempts from a vain inclination to be much talked of,
+in order to which this seemed to them the shortest course. But these
+observations that I have made will be better illustrated from the
+following lives, than they could have been any other way.
+
+Peter Levee was descended from honest and reputable parents, who gave
+him a very good education, and afterwards bound him out apprentice to a
+silk weaver; but such as the perverse disposition of this unfortunate
+Lad, such his love of gaming, and such his continual inclination to
+debauched company, that nothing better could be expected from him than
+what afterwards befell him. Yet his understanding was very tolerable, he
+did not want a sufficient share of wit, and in a word his capacity
+altogether might have enabled him to have lived very well, if his
+prodigious vices had not prevented it by hurrying him into misfortunes.
+It was remarkable in this criminal that his long habit of carrying in
+the detestable trade of stealing, to which he had incurred himself in
+every shape as much as possible, had given so odd a cast to his visage
+that it was impossible for a man to look him in the face without
+immediately guessing him to be a rogue.
+
+While yet a boy, he had been so accustomed to confinement in the
+Compter, especially in Wood Street, that he had contracted a friendship
+with all the under-officers in that prison, who treated him with great
+leniency as often as he came there. Picking pockets, sneaking goods out
+of shops, snatching them through windows, and such other petty facts,
+were the employments of his junior years. As he grew bigger, he grew
+riper in all sorts of villainy, though never a fellow had worse luck in
+dishonest attempts, for he was always detected, and very frequently had
+gone through the lesser punishments of the Law, such as whipping and
+hard labour. At one time he lay four years in Newgate for a fine, and
+this finished the course of his villainous education, for from the time
+he got out, he never ceased to practice robbing in the streets, and on
+the roads to the villages near London, until he and his companions fell
+into the hands of Justice, and went altogether to their last adventure
+at Tyburn.
+
+John Featherby, the second of these criminals, had received a greater
+share of education than any of the rest. His father had been a man of
+tolerable circumstances, and with great care provided that this young
+fellow should not be ignorant of anything that might be necessary or
+convenient for him to know in that business for which he designed him,
+viz., a coach-painter. But he did not live to see him put apprentice to
+it, which his mother afterwards took care to do, and consequently he had
+not the misfortune of seeing him live so scandalous a life, and die so
+shameful a death.
+
+His understanding was tolerable, but his behaviour so rude, boisterous
+and shocking that he left no room even for that compassion to which all
+men are naturally prone when they see persons under sentence of death.
+The desire of appearing brave and making the figure of a hero in low
+life was in all probability the occasion of his acting so odd a part,
+and as he was generally looked upon as their chief by those unfortunate
+creatures who were of his gang, possibly he put on this ferocity in his
+manner in order to support his authority, and preserve that respect and
+superiority of which these wretches are observed to be inexpressibly
+fond.
+
+Stephen Burnet, _alias_ Barnet, _alias_ Barnham, which was his true
+name, was a child when he died, and a thief almost from his cradle. His
+parents, who were people of worth, sent him to school with a design,
+doubtless, that he should have acquired some good there; but Stephen
+made use of that time to visit a master of his own choosing, the
+celebrated Mr. Jonathan Wild, at whose levy he was a pretty constant
+attendant and while an infant he was a most assiduous companion and
+assistant to the famous Blueskin.
+
+My readers may be perhaps inquisitive how an infant of eight years old
+could in any way assist a person of Blueskin's profession. For their
+information, then, perhaps for their security, I must inform them that
+while Blueskin and one of his companions bought a pair of stockings, or
+two or three pairs of gloves in a large Shop, Stephen used to creep on
+all fours under the counter, and march off with goods perhaps to the
+value of ten, twelve, or twenty pounds. But, alas, he was not the
+youngest of Mr. Wild's scholars. I myself have seen a boy of six years
+old tried at the Old Bailey for stealing the rings of an oyster women's
+fingers as she sat asleep by her tub, and after his being acquitted by
+the compassion of the jury, Jonathan took him from the bar, and carrying
+him back upon the leads, lifted him up in his arms, and turning to the
+spectators, said, _Here's a cock of the game for you, of my own breeding
+up._
+
+But to return to Barnham. His friends no sooner found out the villainy
+of his inclinations, but they took all methods imaginable to wean him
+from his vices. They corrected him severely; they offered him any
+encouragements on his showing the least visible sign of amendment, they
+put him to seven several trades upon liking. But all this was to no
+purpose, nothing could persuade him to forsake his old trade, which
+following with indefatigable industry, he made a shift to reach the
+gallows of an old offender, at almost nineteen years of age.
+
+After he, Featherby, Vaux and Levee became acquainted, they suffered no
+time to be lost in perpetrating such facts as were most likely to supply
+them with money, roving abroad almost every night, in quest of
+adventures and returning very seldom without some considerable prey.
+Perhaps my readers may be inquisitive as to what became of all this
+money. Why, really, it was spent in drink, gaming and in whores, three
+articles which ran so high amongst these knight-errants in low life that
+Barnham and two more found a way to lavish an hundred and twenty pounds
+on them in three weeks.
+
+On one of his nocturnal expeditions, in company with Levee and
+Featherby, they robbed one Mr. Brown, in Dean's Court by St. Paul's
+Churchyard, of a gold watch and thirteen guineas; upon which the
+gentleman thought fit, it seems, to offer in the newspapers a reward of
+five guineas for restoring the watch. Not many days after, he received a
+penny-post epistle from Mr. Barnham, in which he was told that if he
+came to a field near Sadler's Wells, and brought the promised reward of
+five guineas along with him, he should there meet a single person at
+half an hour after six precisely, who would restore him his watch
+without doing him any injury whatsoever. At the time appointed the
+gentleman went thither, found Barnham walking alone, well dressed with a
+laced hat on, who immediately came up to him, and receiving the five
+guineas presented him with his watch.
+
+Mr. Brown having no more to do with him, immediately turned round about
+to go back, upon which Barnham produced a pistol ready cocked from under
+his coat. _You see_, says he, _it is in my power to rob you again; but I
+scorn to break my word of honour._ Levee and Featherby, it seems, were
+posted pretty near and, as they all declared, intended to have shot the
+gentleman if he had brought anybody with him, or had made the least
+opposition or noise.
+
+At Kingston assizes he was tried for a robbery committed in Surrey, but
+for want of sufficient evidence was acquitted, upon which he returned
+immediately to his old trade. About three months before he was
+apprehended for the last time, he came into Little Britain (the place
+where he was born), produced a silver spoon and fifteen shillings in
+money, declared it to be the effects of that day's exploits, and then
+climbing up a lamp-post, thrust his head through the iron circle in
+which in winter time the lamp is placed, declaring to the neighbours who
+called him and advised him to reform, that within three months he would
+do something that should bring him to be hanged in the same place. As to
+the time he was not mistaken, though he was a little out as to the
+manner and place of his execution, and we mention this fact only to show
+the amazing wickedness of so young a man, of which we shall hereafter
+have occasion to say a great deal more.
+
+Thomas Vaux was a fellow of no education at all. Whether he had been
+bred to any employment or not I am not able to say, but that which he
+followed was sweeping of chimneys, the profits of which he eked out with
+thefts, in which he continued undiscovered for a long space of time. In
+himself he was a fellow void of almost every good quality, disliked even
+by his own companions for his brutal behaviour which he still kept up
+even under his misfortunes, and ceased not to behave with an obstinate
+perverseness even to the last moment of his life.
+
+The fact for which all this gang suffered was for robbing one Mr. Clark,
+at the corner of Water Lane, in Fleet Street,[82] which at their trial,
+was proved upon them by witnesses in the following manner:
+
+Mr. Clark, the prosecutor, deposed that going in a coach from St. Paul's
+to the Inner Temple, he saw three or four persons dogging it from a
+toy-shop at the corner of St. Paul's Churchyard; that he scarce lost
+sight of them until he came to the end of Water Lane, where Barnham and
+Vaux stopped the coach; he then looked out and saw them very plainly.
+Levee stepped into the coach, put his hand into his pocket, and tore
+his breeches down in taking out the things; Featherby all the while
+holding a pistol to his breast The things they took from him were a
+silver watch, value four pounds, a diamond ring, three pounds eleven
+shillings in silver and fourteen guineas.
+
+Then the confessions of Levee and Barnham before Sir William Billers,
+Knight and Alderman, were read, in which they owned that they committed
+the robbery on Mr. Clark, and that Featherby and Vaux assisted therein.
+Sir William also attested that they made the said confession freely and
+without any promises made, or being threatened in case of refusal.
+Thomas Wood swore that going to apprehend Featherby and one Cable, in a
+house in Blue Boar's Head Alley, in Barbican, they both snapped their
+pistols at him, but that neither of them went off.
+
+Mary Vaux, wife of the prisoner Thomas Vaux, having first excused
+herself from giving any testimony against her husband, deposed that she
+saw the rest of the prisoners commit the robbery at the end of Water
+Lane, and that Levee got into the coach. Upon which evidence taken
+altogether the jury found them guilty without going out of the Court.
+
+When they received sentence of death, they all behaved themselves very
+audaciously, except Levee who appeared penitent, and excused himself of
+the misbehaviour he had been guilty of at his trial. During the time
+they remained under sentence of death in Newgate, this last mentioned
+criminal, Levee, appeared truly sensible of that miserable state in
+which he was. He attended the public devotion at Chapel with great
+seriousness, except when his audacious companions pulled him and
+disturbed him, when he would sometimes smile. As he had passed through
+the former part of his life without thought or reflection, so he seemed
+now awakened all at once to a just sense of his sins. In a word, he did
+every thing which so short a space could admit of, to convince those who
+saw him that he minded only the great business he had to do, viz., the
+making of his peace with that God who he had so much offended.
+
+Featherby, as has been said, persisted in that brutal behaviour for
+which he had been remarkable amongst his gang. At chapel he disturbed
+the congregation by throwing sticks at a gentleman, laughing and talking
+to his companions, sometimes insulting and beating those who were near
+him, and in fine encouraged the rest of his companions to behave in such
+a manner that the keepers were reduced to the necessity of causing them
+all four to be chained and nailed down in the old condemned hold, for
+fear of their committing some murder or other before they died, which
+they often threatened they would do. There they continued for three or
+four days, until upon the promise of amendment and behaving better for
+the future, they were released, brought back again to their respective
+cells, and at times of public devotion up to chapel.
+
+When the death warrant came down, Featherby pretended to be much more
+moved than could be expected, seemed in dreadful agonies at the
+remembrance of his former wicked and impudent behaviour, prayed with
+great fervency, and said he hoped that God would yet have mercy on him.
+Barnham continued unmoved to the last. He did, indeed, abstain from
+ill-language and disturbing people at chapel, but employed his time in
+his cell, in composing a song to celebrate the glorious actions of
+himself and his companions. This was work he very much valued himself
+upon, and sending for the person who usually prints the dying speeches,
+he desired it might be inserted, but it containing incitements to their
+companions to go on in the same trade, in the strongest terms he was
+capable of framing them in, his design was frustrated, and they were not
+published.
+
+Vaux behaved a little more civilly after their being stapled down in the
+condemned hold, but throughout the time of his confinement appeared to
+be a very obstinate and incorrigible fellow. Levee was twenty-four years
+old; Featherby about the same age; Barnham near nineteen; and Vaux
+twenty-three, at the time they suffered, being on the 11th of November,
+1728, in company with nine other malefactors.
+
+    A Paper written by Featherby's own hand, which he delivered to the
+    Ordinary of Newgate in the Chapel immediately before they went to be
+    executed.
+
+    As it is my sad misfortune to come to this untimely end, I think it
+    my duty to acknowledge the justice of Almighty God, and that of my
+    country, and I humbly implore pardon of the Divine Goodness, and
+    forgiveness of all that I have injured, or any ways offended. It is
+    a sad reflection upon my spirit that I have had the blessing and
+    advantage of honest and pious parents, whose tender care provided
+    for my education, so that I might have lived to God's glory, their
+    comfort and my own lasting felicity. But I take shame to myself, and
+    humbly acknowledge that by the evil ways I of late followed I
+    neglected my duty to my great Creator, and brought grief to my dear
+    and tender mother. And having thus far, and much more, effended
+    against God and man, I hope and earnestly desire, that no prudent
+    nor charitable person will reflect upon my good mother, or any other
+    friend or relation for my shameful end.
+
+    John Featherby
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [82] Now called Whitefriars Street.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS NEEVES, Street-Robber and Thief
+
+
+There are some persons so amazingly destitute of reason, so exceedingly
+stupid, and of so sleepy a disposition of mind, that neither advice, nor
+danger, nor punishment are capable of awaking them; they pass through
+life in a continual lethargy of wickedness, nor can they be obliged to
+open their eyes even when at the point of death.
+
+How shocking, how horrid soever such a character may be, certain it is
+that the criminal Neeves, of whom we are now speaking, deserved no
+better. His parents, though mean, had not omitted the care of his
+education so far but that he had learned to read and write, which they
+thought qualification sufficient for the business in which they intended
+to breed him, viz., a cane chair-maker, to which employment they put him
+apprentice. He did not serve out his time with his master, for having
+got into an acquaintance with some lewd, debauched persons, he, whose
+inclination from his youth turned that way, went totally into all their
+measures, and quitting all thoughts of an honest livelihood, thought of
+nothing but picking and stealing.
+
+He associated himself with a woman of the same calling, who probably
+furthered him in all his attempts, in consideration of which he married
+her, and they were both together in Newgate for their several offences.
+In the former part of this volume[83] we have mentioned his becoming a
+witness against several street-robbers, who were executed upon his
+evidence; of whom George Gale, _alias_ Kiddy George, Thomas Crowder,
+James Toon, and John Hornby, denied the commission of those particular
+facts which he swore upon them, and Richard Nichols (who was a grave
+sober man) went to death and took it upon his salvation, that he was
+never concerned either in that act for which he died, or in any other of
+the same kind during the course of his life.
+
+As the town naturally abhors perjuries which affect men's lives, and are
+not very well affected towards evidences even when they do not exceed
+the truth, so the misfortune of Neeves being a second time apprehended,
+instead of creating pity, gave the public a general satisfaction. At the
+sessions following his confinement he was indicted for privately
+stealing out of the shop of Charles Lawrence a corduroy coat value
+thirteen shillings. In respect of this robbery, the prosecutor deposed
+that Thomas Neeves, about seven in the evening, came into his shop, he
+being a salesman, and enquired for a dimity waistcoat; one accordingly
+was shown him, but they not at all agreeing in the price, Neeves on a
+sudden turned towards the door, and having with some earnestness cursed
+the prosecutor, snatched up a coat and ran away. Upon which Mr. Lawrence
+followed him, crying out, _Stop Thief!_ which Neeves himself also bawled
+out as loud as he could until he was taken. Upon this evidence the jury
+found him guilty.
+
+Under sentence of death his behaviour was much of a piece with what it
+was before. As to his confession, he would make none, saying he would
+give no occasion for books or ballads to be made about him. Even in
+chapel he behaved himself so rudely that he occasioned great
+disturbance, and put the keepers under a necessity of treating him with
+more severity than was usual to persons under his miserable condition.
+When alone in his cell he expressed great diffidence of the mercy of
+God, seemed to be in a slate of despair, and though he was often pressed
+to declare whether depositions he had given against the afore-mentioned
+street robbers were true or not, he either waived making an answer, or
+used so much evasion or equivocation that it still remained doubtful
+whether he swore truth or no.
+
+As his end drew yet nearer, he appeared more and more confused and
+uneasy, but not a bit more penitent or ready to confess, notwithstanding
+that several persons, and some of them of distinction had applied to him
+in the cells and earnestly exhorted him to that purpose. He also drank
+excessively, though so near his end, and his conscience so loaded with
+such a weight of horrible offences.
+
+Yet it is very probable that he would have been much more tractable in
+his temper and ingenuous in his confessions, if he had not been
+continually visited and kept warm by a certain bad woman he at that time
+owned for his wife. This wretched creature was employed by some persons
+who thought themselves in danger if Neeves should once become truly
+penitent, to keep him full of idle thoughts and delusive promises to the
+very hour of his death, in which (from the temper of the fellow), they
+flattered themselves his cowardice would make them safe. In which wicked
+design both they and she succeeded but too well, for he continued
+careless, obstinate and impenitent to the last moment of his life, and
+at the place of execution staggered and was scarce able to stand,
+bawling out to a man in a coach who was to carry away his body, until
+the Ordinary reprimanded him and told him he believed he had drunk too
+much that morning; to which Neeves answered, _No indeed, Sir, I only
+took a dram._ He then besought him that a Psalm might be sung, which
+request of his being complied with, he yet could not forbear smiling
+while they were singing.
+
+[Illustration: AN EXECUTION IN SMITHFIELD MARKET
+
+(_From the Newgate Calendar_)]
+
+The father and wife of Mr. Nichols, the barber so often mentioned, got
+into the cart and earnestly enquired whether the deposition he had given
+against him was the truth or not. Neeves, thereupon, with tears in his
+eyes owned that it was not, and thence fell into a greater agony than he
+had ever been perceived in before, beseeching God to have mercy on him
+for shedding innocent blood, into which he had been induced by the
+persuasion of others, who represented it to him as a means for getting
+money both for them and him, owning that he never saw Nichols in his
+life before they were at the justices together. After this he cried two
+or three times unto God to forgive him, and so was turned off with the
+rest on the 27th of February, 1729, being then about twenty-eight years
+of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [83] See page 445.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of HENRY GAHOGAN and ROBERT BLAKE, Coiners
+
+
+Notwithstanding the number of those who have been executed for this
+offence, yet of late years we have had frequent instances of persons who
+rather than groan under the burden of poverty or labour hard to get an
+honest livelihood, have chosen this method of supplying their
+extravagances and consequently have run their heads into a halter.
+
+Henry Gahogan, an Irishman of mean parents (who had however bestowed so
+much education upon him that he attained writing a very fair hand), in
+order to get his bread set up the business of a writing-master in that
+part of Ireland, where there were few masters to strive against him.
+Here he behaved for some time so well, that he got the reputation of
+being an honest industrious young man; but whether business fell off, or
+that his roving temper could no longer be kept within bounds, the papers
+I have do not authorise me to determine.
+
+He went upon his travels, and passed through a great part of Europe in
+the quality, as may be conjectured, of a gentleman's servant, until two
+or three years before his death, about which time he brought over the
+art of coining into England, which he had been taught by a countryman of
+his, as an easy and certain resource whenever his difficulties should
+straiten him so far as to make its assistance necessary. This happened
+no very long time after his coming over thence, for in a short time his
+extravagancies reduced him so much that one of his countrymen thought he
+did him a great service in recommending him to one Blake, for an usher,
+which Blake at that time set up to teach young gentlemen to fence,
+having a school for that purpose near the Temple.
+
+Thither Gahogan came accordingly, and after staying for two days
+successively, and finding no scholars came, he opened the case to his
+master that was to have been and told him how easy it was to get money
+and live well, provided they had but utensils for coining, and soon
+after he showed him a specimen of his art, which he performed so
+dexterously that at first sight they promised themselves prodigious
+matters therefrom. They engaged one Ferris, who formerly had wrote as a
+clerk to a gentleman of Lincoln's Inn and the Temple, but adventuring to
+trust another person with that secret, he soon after made a confession
+and impeached them all. Upon which this Gahogan, Blake and the
+before-mentioned Ferris, together with two women, came to be tried for
+this offence on an indictment of high treason.
+
+The evidence was very clear, and notwithstanding the assurance with
+which Blake and Gahogan behaved at the bar, and the perplexed defence
+which was made by Ferris (who fancied himself so sure of being acquitted
+that he directed horses to be hired in order to his going down to a
+country assizes, there to assist as solicitor for a notorious offender),
+the jury, after a short stay, brought them in guilty, but acquitted the
+women, of whom the one was the mother of this Gahogan and the other the
+mistress or wife of the said Robert Blake, of whom we are next to speak.
+
+He was by birth also of the Kingdom of Ireland, his parents being people
+of some condition, who gave him a very good education and afterwards put
+him out apprentice to a linendraper. After he was out of his time he
+married a woman with some little fortune, by whom he had three children,
+and after misusing her greatly, went away from her into England. Here he
+led a loose, debauched life, and subsisted himself, to give it the best
+phrase, rather upon the ingenuity of his head than the industry of his
+hands. Here he found means to draw aside a farmer's daughter, to whom he
+was married, and whom he involved so far in his misfortunes, as to bring
+her to the bar with himself for high treason, where her marriage was so
+far of service to her that it excused her from bearing a share in his
+conviction.
+
+After they were found guilty, Gahogan expressed much penitence and
+sorrow, acknowledged the heinous offences of which he had been guilty,
+and expressed particular concern for the ill-usage he had given his poor
+mother, whom he had often beaten and abused, for whom he was once
+committed to Bridewell on that score, which effectually ruined what
+little reputation be had left. Before the day of execution came he was
+exceedingly poor and destitute, so that he had scarce clothes wherewith
+to cover him, or food sufficient to preserve that life which was so
+suddenly to be finished at the gallows. As far as we are able to judge
+from the man's outward behaviour, he was a sincere and hearty penitent,
+only it was with great difficulty he forgave the persons concerned in
+his prosecution, which however at last he declared he did, and passed
+with great resignation and piety, though by a violent death from this
+world to another, and we may charitably hope, a better.
+
+As to Blake, his behaviour was not so much of a piece at first, but when
+he perceived death inevitable, notwithstanding his having procured a
+reprieve for a week, and thereby escaped dying with his companion
+Gahogan, the prospect of his approaching dissolution wrought so far upon
+him that with much seeming penitence he made a frank confession of all
+his offences, reflecting chiefly on himself for having deserted his
+wife, and living for so many years with other women. When the week for
+which he had procured a reprieve was expired, he was carried alone on a
+hurdle, which is usual in cases of high treason, and being come to the
+place of execution he stood up and spoke to those who were present in
+the following terms:
+
+    Good People,
+
+    I am brought here justly to suffer death for an offence the nature
+    of which I did not so well comprehend at the time I committed it. I
+    have been the greatest of all sinners, addicted to every kind of
+    lust, and guilty of every manner of crime, excepting that of murder
+    only. You that are assembled here to see the unfortunate exit of an
+    unhappy man, take warning from my fate, and avoid falling into those
+    extravagancies which necessarily bring persons to those straits
+    which have forced me upon taking undue courses for a supply. This is
+    the end proposed by the Law for making me a spectacle, and I pray
+    God with my last breath that you may make that use of it.
+
+After this he betook himself to some private devotions, and then
+suffered with great constancy and resignation of mind. He was executed
+on the 31st of March, 1729, being then about thirty-eight years of age.
+Gahogan died on the 24th of the same month, being then thirty years of
+age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of PETER KELLEY, _alias_ OWEN, _alias_ NISBET, a Murderer
+
+
+Whether there be really any gradation in crimes, or whether we do not
+mistake in supposing the transgression of one Law of God more heinous
+than that of another, would be a point too difficult and too abstract
+for us to enter into, but as human nature is more shocked at the
+shedding of blood than at any other offence, we may be allowed to treat
+those who are guilty of it as bloody and unnatural men, who besides
+their losing all respect towards the laws of God, show also a want of
+that compassion and tenderness which seems incident to the human
+species.
+
+The unhappy person of whom we are now to speak, was by birth an
+Irishman, and his true name Mackhuen, but upon his coming over into
+England he thought fit to change it for Owen, thereby inclining to avoid
+being taken for any other person than an Englishman. His parents were,
+it seems, persons so low in the world that they could not afford him any
+education, so that he was unable either to write or read at the time of
+his death. However, they put him out apprentice to a weaver, with whom
+having served his time, he came over to England, and worked for a little
+time at his trade. But growing idle, and being always inclined to
+sotting, he chose rather to go errands, or to do anything rather than
+work any longer.
+
+It seems he played with great dexterity upon two jews' harps at a time,
+and this serving to entertain people of as loose and idle a disposition
+as himself, he thereby got a good deal of money, or least drink (which
+was to him all one, for without it he could not live), and his delight
+in an alehouse was so great that he seldom cared to be out of it. People
+in such houses finding they got money by his playing upon the jews'
+harp, and thereby keeping people longer at the pot than otherwise they
+were inclined to stay, used to encourage Peter by helping him to
+errands; but amongst all the persons who were so kind as to supply his
+necessities, there was one Nisbet, an old joiner in the neighbourhood,
+who was never weary of doing him kindnesses. Having repeated these often
+and for a long time together, Kelley at last began to call the old man
+father, and there seemed to be an inviolable friendship between them,
+Peter always preserving some respect towards him, though he seemed to
+have lost it towards everybody else.
+
+One night, however, or rather morning, for it was near two o'clock,
+Kelley came with many signs of terror and confusion to the watch-house,
+and there told the constable and attendants that old Nisbet was
+murdered and lay weltering in his bed and a razor by him. The watch,
+knowing Peter to be a wild, half-witted drunken fellow, gave little heed
+to his discourse, and so far they were from crediting it that they
+turned him out of the watch-house, and bid him get about his business.
+In the morning old Nisbet's lodgers not hearing him stir at his usual
+hour, went to the door, and there made a noise in order to awake him.
+Having no answer upon that, they sent for a proper officer and broke the
+door open, where they found the old man with his throat cut in a most
+barbarous fashion, overflowed with the torrent of his own blood, which
+was yet warm. No sooner did the particulars of this horrid murder begin
+to make a noise, but the watch calling to mind what Kelley had told
+them, immediately suspected him for the murder, and caused him quickly
+to be apprehended and committed to Newgate.
+
+On the trial the strongest circumstances imaginable appeared against
+him, so much that the jury, without much hesitation, found him guilty,
+and he, after a pathetic speech from the Bench, of the nature and
+circumstances of his bloody crime, received sentence of death with the
+rest. Under conviction he appeared a very stupid creature, though as far
+as his capacity would give him leave he showed all imaginable signs of
+penitence and sorrow, and attended with great gravity and devotion at
+the public service in the chapel, notwithstanding he professed himself
+to be in the communion of the Church of Rome. He acknowledged the
+deceased Mr. Nisbet to have been extraordinarily kind and charitable to
+him, even to as great a degree as if he had been his own child, but as
+to the murder, he flatly denied his committing it, or his having any
+knowledge of its being committed; and though he was strongly pressed as
+to the nature of those circumstances on which the jury had found him
+guilty, and which were so strong as to persuade all mankind that their
+verdict was just, yet he continued still in the same mind, protesting
+his own clearness from that bloody and detestable crime. In this
+disposition of mind he suffered at Tyburn, being at that time about
+forty years of age or somewhat under.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of WILLIAM MARPLE and TIMOTHY COTTON, Highwaymen
+
+
+That violence with which, in this age, young people pursue the
+gratification of their passions without considering how far they therein
+violate the laws of God and their country, is the common and natural
+source of those many and great afflictions which fall upon them; and
+though they do now always bring them to such exemplary punishment as
+befel the criminal whose memoirs we have undertaken to transmit to
+posterity, yet they fail not of making them exceedingly uneasy and
+grievously unhappy, consequences unavoidably entailed on these
+destructive pleasures, so contrary to the nature of man's soul, and so
+derogatory from that excellence to the attainment of which he was
+created. Although one would imagine these observations must naturally
+occur at some time or other to the minds of persons who ever think at
+all concerning the design of their own being yet experience convinces us
+that they very seldom do, and if they do, they make but very little
+impression.
+
+William Marple, the first of these criminals, was descended from parents
+of very tolerable fortune, as well as unblemished reputation. Their care
+had not only gone so far in providing him with useful and common
+learning, but had also been careful in bestowing on him an excellent
+education in schools both in town and country. The use he made of them
+you will quickly hear, which cannot however be mentioned as a reflection
+on his unhappy parents, who were as industrious to have him taught good,
+as he was in pursuing evil.
+
+When he grew to years capable of being put out to business, the
+unsettled giddiness of his temper sufficiently appeared, for being put
+out to three several trades at his own request, he could not bring
+himself to any of them, but went at last to a fourth which was that of a
+joiner, with whom he stayed a considerable space. But before the
+expiration of his time he fell in love with a young woman and married
+her, which coming with other stories to his master's ears, occasioned
+such difference that they parted.
+
+Marple was prodigiously fond of his new married wife, and what is a
+pretty rare circumstance in this age, his fondness proved the greatest
+advantage possible to him, for the young woman being in herself both
+virtuous and industrious, her temper (as it is natural for us to imitate
+what we love) made so great an impression upon Marple that from a wild,
+loose and extravagant young man, he became a sober, diligent and honest
+workman, labouring hard to get his bread, and living at home with his
+wife in the greatest tranquility and with the utmost satisfaction. But
+the agreeable beauty of this scene was soon darkened, or rather totally
+destroyed, by the death of his wife; for no sooner were the transports
+of his melancholy over than he returned to his old course of life. And
+in order to efface effectually that grief which still hung over him, he
+removed out of town to an adjacent village, where he quickly contracted
+an intimate acquaintance with a young woman, and thereby almost at once
+put all thoughts of sorrow and honesty quite out of his head. This
+creature was of a very different disposition from Marple's late wife.
+She had no regard for the man, farther than she was able to get money
+out of him; and provided she had wherewith to buy her fine clothes and
+keep her in handsome lodgings, she gave herself no trouble how he came
+by it, and this carriage of hers in a short time put him upon illegal
+methods of obtaining money.
+
+Who were his first companions in his robberies is not in my power to
+say; it was generally looked upon that one Rouden seduced him, but
+Marple declared this to be false, and perhaps the best account that can
+be given is that he was led to it by his own evil inclinations, and his
+necessities in which they had brought him. However it were, during the
+time he practised going upon the road nobody committed more robberies
+than he himself did, preying alike upon all sorts of people, and taking
+from the poor what little they had, as well as plundering the rich of
+what they could much better spare.
+
+In Marylebone Fields he and his companion Cotton met with a poor woman
+with a basket on her head, who gained her livelihood by selling joints
+of meat to gentlemen's families. The first thing they did was to search
+her basket, in which there was a fine leg of mutton, which these
+gentlemen thought fit to dress and eat next day for dinner. They then
+commanded her to deliver her money, which she declared was a thing out
+of her power, because she had none about her; upon which they took her
+pocket and turned it out, where finding seven shillings, Marple struck
+and abused the woman for daring to tell him a lie.
+
+Amongst the rest of the acquaintance that Marple picked up, was a young
+man who had a very rich uncle who, though he was very willing to do
+anything which might be for the real good of his nephew, did not think
+it at all reasonable to waste his fortune in the supply of the young
+man's extravagances. This spark, with another, acquainted Marple how
+easy a thing it would be to rob the old man of a considerable sum of
+money. They readily came into the project, and accordingly it was put
+into execution; Marple and the nephew actually committing the robbery,
+and the other man standing at the door till they came out. The booty
+they got was about thirty-six guineas, which they divided into three
+parts. In a very short time, Marple was apprehended and committed to
+Newgate for this very fact. However, the old man would not prosecute
+him, because he would not expose his relation.
+
+Yet this was no warning to Marple who continued his old trade, and
+committed thirty or forty robberies in a very short space. Drinking was
+a vice he abhorred, and the chief cause for which he addicted himself to
+this life of rapine was his associating himself with all sorts of lewd
+women, amongst whom he became acquainted with the infamous Elizabeth
+Lion,[84] mistress to Jack Shepherd, who grew quickly too impudent and
+abusive for Marple's conversation, for when he fell under his
+misfortunes he declared that she was the vilest and most abominable
+wretch that ever lived. However, to the immodest, lascivious carriage of
+this woman, he owed the sudden dislike he took to that sort of cattle;
+which became so strong that he no longer frequented their company, but
+married a second wife, a young woman of a handsome person, of a good
+character, and who, as he said, was totally ignorant of the measures he
+took for getting money.
+
+Timothy Cotton, the second of these malefactors, was descended of mean,
+yet honest parents, who in his infancy had not spared to give him a very
+good education, and bred him to get an honest livelihood to the trade of
+a poulterer. In this, when he grew up, he was for a time very
+industrious, and got thereby sufficient to have maintained himself and
+his family, as well as he could reasonably expect; but happening
+unluckily to call into the acquaintance and conversation of lewd women,
+they soon took up so much of his thoughts, his time and his money, that
+he was obliged to think of easier methods of getting it than those to
+which hitherto he had applied himself. For it is a truth deducible from
+uninterrupted experience that a whore is not to be maintained at the
+same easy expense with a wife. Cotton found this to his cost, for he had
+not committed above five robberies, of which three were with his
+companion Marple, who had been his schoolfellow, before he was
+apprehended.
+
+The first of their exploits, I have already told you, was plundering the
+poor woman's basket. The second was upon the Hampstead Road, where they
+stopped the coach and robbed the passengers. Three gentlemen coming by
+on horseback, Marple presented his pistol, and commanded them to ride
+off as hard as they could; but the fear with which they were seized made
+them so far mistake his words as to apprehend he bid them deliver, and
+so they went very readily to work, putting their hands into their
+pockets to satisfy his demands. But Marple having no guess of their
+intention, and perceiving them to stand still, repeated his order to
+them to ride off, with greater vehemency than before, which as soon as
+they apprehended they very readily complied with, and rode off as hard
+as their horses would carry them. A little while after this they robbed
+one Stout, who was servant to Captain Trevor, of his hat, two pounds of
+butter, his buckles, five and sixpence in money, and some other trivial
+things. For this fact they were both apprehended, and at the next
+sessions at the Old Bailey tried and convicted upon very full evidence.
+
+Under sentence of death Marple appeared with less concern than is
+usually seen in persons under such unfortunate circumstances. He however
+confessed a multitude of offences with which he was not charged, as well
+as that particular crime for which he was convicted. He said he had
+never any strong inclination to drunkenness or gaming, but that
+addicting himself to the company and conversation of bad women had been
+the sole occasion of all his misfortunes. He particularly regretted his
+want of respect towards his parents, and especially towards his mother,
+who had given him the best of advice, though he had trifled with and
+abused it. He said that he often struck and abused those whom he robbed,
+but not so as to endanger their lives, and therefore he hoped they would
+forgive him, and join their prayers with his for his forgiveness at the
+hand of God.
+
+Cotton was more tender and more penitent, expressed great sorrow for his
+numerous offences, and besought Almighty God to accept of a sincere,
+though late repentance. They both of them protested that their wives had
+not anything to do with their affairs, that they never advised them, nor
+were so much as privy to the offences they had committed. Then both of
+them suffered with much penitence and resignation, on the 24th of March,
+1729, Marple being about thirty, and Cotton near twenty-five years of
+age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [84] See page 182.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN UPTON, a Pirate; including also the history of that
+sort of people, particularly the crew under Captain Cooper, in the
+_Night Rambler_
+
+
+No laws in any civilized nations are more severe than those against
+piracy, nor are they less severely executed, and the criminals who
+suffer by them are usually the least pitied, or rather the most detested
+of all who come to die an ignominious death by the sentence of the Law.
+Of old they were styled _hostes humani generis_, and the oldest systems
+we have of particular institutions have treated them with a rigor
+suitable to their offence. With respect to those who fall into the hands
+of British justice, it must be remarked that they usually plead as an
+excuse for what they have done their being forced into pirates' service,
+and as it is well known that numbers are really forced into crimes they
+detest, so the lenience of our judicators generally admit whatever
+proofs are probable in such a case. But where the contrary appears, and
+the acts of piracy plainly arise from the wicked dispositions of the
+offenders, the Royal Mercy is less frequently extended to them than to
+any other sort of criminal whatever.
+
+As to the prisoner of whom we are to speak, John Upton was born at
+Deptford, of very honest parents who gave him such an education as
+fitted their station, and that in which they intended to breed him. When
+grown up to be a sturdy youth, they put him out apprentice to a
+waterman, with whom he served out his time faithfully, and with a good
+character. Afterwards he went to sea and served for twenty-eight years
+together on board a man-of-war, in the posts of either boatswain or
+quartermaster. Near the place of his birth he married a woman, took a
+house and lived very respectably with her during the whole course of her
+life, but she dying while he was at sea, and finding at his return that
+his deceased wife had run him greatly in debt, clamours coming from
+every quarter, and several writs being issued out against him, he
+quitted the service in the man-of-war, and went immediately in a
+merchantman to Newfoundland. There by agreement he was discharged from
+the ship and entered himself for eighteen pounds _per annum_ into the
+service of a planter in that country in order to serve him in fishing
+and furring, the chief trade of that place; for Newfoundland abounding
+with excellent harbours, there is no country in the world which affords
+so large and so plentiful a fishery as this does. However its climate
+renders it less desirable, it being extremely hot in the summer and as
+intensely cold in the winter, when the wild beasts roam about in great
+numbers, and furnish thereby an opportunity to the inhabitants of
+gaining considerably by falling them, and selling their furs.
+
+Upton having served his year out was discharged from his master, and
+going to New England, he there, in the month of July, 1725, shipped
+himself on board the _Perry_ merchantman bound for Barbadoes. The ship
+was livred and loaded again, the captain designing them to sail for
+England, whereupon Upton desired leave to go on board his Majesty's ship
+_Lynn_, Captain Cooper. But Captain King absolutely refusing to
+discharge him in order thereto, on the ninth of November, 1725, he
+sailed in the aforesaid vessel for England.
+
+On the twelfth of the same month, off Dominica, they were attacked by a
+pirate sloop called the _Night Rambler_, under the command of one
+Cooper. The pirate immediately ordered the captain of the _Perry_ galley
+to come on board his ship, which he and four of his men did, and the
+pirate immediately sent some of his crew on board the _Perry_ galley,
+who effectually made themselves masters thereof, and as Upton said, used
+him and the rest of the persons they found on board with great
+inhumanity and baseness, a thing very common amongst those wretches.
+Upton also insisted that as to himself, one of the pirate's crew ran up
+to him as soon as they came on board and with a cutlass in his hand,
+said with an oath, _You old son of a bitch, I know you and you shall go
+along with us or I'll cut out your liver_, and thereupon fell to beating
+him fore and aft the deck with his cutlass.
+
+The same evening he was carried on board the pirate sloop, where,
+according to his journal, three of the pirates attacked him; one with a
+pistol levelled at his forehead demanded whether he would sign their
+articles, another with a pistol at his right ear, swore that if he did
+not they would blow out his brains, while a third held a couple of forks
+at his breast, and terrified him with the continual apprehensions of
+having them stabbed into him. Whereupon he told them that he had four
+young infants in England, to whom he thought it his duty to return, and
+therefore begged to be excused as having reason to decline their
+service, as well as a natural dislike to their proceedings. Upon which,
+he said, he called his captain to take notice that he did not enter
+voluntarily amongst them. Upon this the pirate said they found out a way
+to satisfy themselves by signing for him, and this, he constantly
+averred, was the method of his being taken into the crew of the _Night
+Rambler_, where he insisted he did nothing but as he was commanded,
+received no share in the plunder, but lived wholly on the ship's
+allowance, being treated in all respect as one whom force and not choice
+had brought amongst them.
+
+But to return to the _Perry_ galley, which the pirates carried to the
+Island of Aruba, a maroon or uninhabited island, or rather sand bank,
+where they sat the crew ashore and left them for seventeen days without
+any provision, except that the surgeon of the pirate now and then
+brought them something in his pocket by stealth. On the tenth of
+December the pirates saw a sail which proved to be a Dutch sloop, which
+they took, and on board this Upton and two others who had been forced as
+well as himself were put, from whence as he said, they made their
+escape. After abundance of misfortunes and many extraordinary
+adventures, he got on board his Majesty's ship _Nottingham_, commanded
+by Captain Charles Cotterel, where he served for two years in the
+quality of quartermaster. He was then taken up and charged with piracy,
+upon which he was indicted at an Admiralty sessions held in the month of
+May, 1729, when the evidence at his trial appeared so strong that after
+a short stay the jury found him guilty.
+
+But his case having been very differently represented, I fancy my
+readers will not be displeased if I give them an exact account of the
+proofs produced against him.
+
+The first witness who was called on the part of the Crown was Mr.
+Dimmock, who had been chief mate on board the _Perry_ galley, and he
+deposed in the following terms:
+
+    On the twelfth of November, 1725, we sailed from Barbadoes on the
+    _Perry_ galley bound for England. On the 14th, about noon, we were
+    taken by the _Night Rambler_, pirate sloop, one Cooper commander.
+    Our captain and four men were ordered on board the pirate sloop,
+    part of the pirate's crew coming also on board the _Perry._ Wherein
+    they no sooner entered, but the prisoner at the bar said, _Lads, are
+    ye come? I'm glad to see ye; I have been looking out for ye for a
+    great while._ Whereupon the pirates saluted him very particularly,
+    calling him by his name, and the prisoner was as busy as any of the
+    rest in plundering and stripping the ship on board of which he had
+    served, and the rest who belonged to it, the very next day after
+    being made boatswain of the pirate. The same day I was carried on
+    board the pirate sloop, tied to the gears and received two hundred
+    lashes with a cat o' nine tails which the prisoner Upton had made
+    for that purpose; after which they pickled me, and the prisoner
+    Upton stabbed me in the head near my ear with a knife, insomuch that
+    I could not lay my head upon a pillow for fourteen days, but was
+    forced to support it upon my hand against the table; and when some
+    of the pirate's crew asked me how I did, upon my answering that I
+    was as bad as a man could be and live, the prisoner, Upton, said
+    _D----n him, give him a second reward._
+
+It was also further deposed by the same gentleman that at the island of
+Aruba, the prisoner was very busy in stripping the _Perry_ galley of the
+most useful and valuable parts of her rigging, carrying them on board
+the pirate, and making use of them there. He had also in his custody
+several things of value, and particularly wearing apparel, belonging to
+one Mr. Furnell, a passenger belonging to the said _Perry_ galley; and
+when it was debated amongst the pirates, and afterwards put to the vote,
+whether the crew of the said galley should have their vessel again or
+no, John Upton was not only against them, but also proposed burning the
+said vessel, and tying the captain and mate to one of the masts in order
+to their being burnt too.
+
+Mr. Eaton, the second mate of the ship, was the next witness called. He
+confirmed all that had been sworn by Mr. Dimmock, adding that the day
+they were taken the pirates asked if he would consent to sign their
+articles, which he refused. Whereupon they put a rope about his neck,
+and hoisted him up to the yard's arm, so that he totally lost his
+senses. He recovered them by some of the pirate's crew pricking him in
+the fleshy parts of his body, while others beat him with the flat of
+their swords. As soon as they perceived he was a little come to himself
+they put the former question to him, whether he would sign their
+articles. He answered, _No_, a second time. One of the crew thereupon
+snatched up a pistol, and swore he would shoot him through the head; but
+another of them said, _No, d----n him, that's too honourable a death; he
+shall be hanged._ Upon this they pulled him up by the rope again, and
+treated him with many other indignities, and at last in the captain's
+cabin, pulled a cap over his eyes and clapped a pistol to his head; then
+he expected nothing but immediate death, a person having almost jabbed
+his eye out with the muzzle of the pistol, but at last they did let him
+go. He swore, also, that when the pirates' articles were presented to
+him to sign, he saw there the name of John Upton, he being well
+acquainted with his hand.
+
+Mr. Furnell, a passenger in the ship, was the third evidence against the
+prisoner. He deposed to the same effect with the other two, adding that
+John Upton was more cruel and barbarous to them than any of the other
+pirates, insomuch that when they were marooned, and under the greatest
+necessities for food, Upton said, _D----n them, let them be starved_,
+and was the most active of all the rest in taking the goods, and
+whatever he could lay his hands on out of the _Perry_ galley.
+
+In his defence the prisoner would fain have suggested that what the
+witnesses had sworn against him was chiefly occasioned by a malicious
+spleen they had against him. He asserted that he was forced by the
+pirates to become one of their number and was so far from concerned with
+them voluntarily that he proposed to the mate, after they were taken, to
+regain the ship, urging that there were but thirteen of the pirates on
+board, and they all drunk, and no less than nine of their own men left
+there who were all sober; that the mate's heart failed him, and instead
+of complying with his motion, said, _This is a dangerous thing to speak
+of; if it should come to the pirates' ears we shall be all murdered_,
+and therefore entreated the prisoner not to speak of it any more. The
+mate denied every syllable of this, and so the prisoner's assertions did
+not weigh at all with the jury. After they had brought in their verdict,
+Mr. Upton said to those who swore against him, _Lord! What have you
+three done?_
+
+Under sentence of death he behaved himself with much courage, and yet
+with great penitence. He denied part of the charge, viz., that he was
+willingly one of the pirates, but as to the other facts, he confessed
+them with very little alteration. He averred that the course of his life
+had been very wicked and debauched, for which he expressed much sorrow,
+and to the day of his death behaved himself with all outward mark of
+true repentance. At the place of execution, he was asked whether he had
+not advised the burning of the _Perry_ galley, with Captain King and the
+chief mate on board. He averred that he did not in any shape whatsoever
+either propose or agree to an act of such a sort. Then, after some
+private devotions, he submitted to his sentence, and was turned off on
+the 16th day of May, 1729, being then about fifty years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JEPTHAH BIGG, an Incendiary, and Writer of Threatening
+Letters
+
+
+I have already taken notice in the life of Bryan Smith[85] of the Act of
+Parliament on which the proceedings against these letter-writers are
+grounded. One would be surprised that after more examples than one of
+that kind, people should yet be found so foolish as well as wicked as to
+carry on so desperate an enterprise, in which there is scarce any
+probability of meeting with success; yet this unfortunate person of whom
+we are now to speak, who was descended of mean parents, careful however
+of giving him a very good education, fell upon this project, put into
+his head by being a little out of business, and so in one moment
+cancelled all his former honesty and industry, and hazarded a life which
+soon after became forfeited.
+
+His friends had put him out apprentice to a gunstock maker, to which he
+served out his time honestly and with a good character. Afterwards he
+continued to work at his business with several masters and tolerable
+reputation, until about a year before the time of his death, when he was
+out of work, by reason he had disobliged two or three persons for whom
+he had wrought, and had also been guilty of some extravagancies which
+had brought him into narrow circumstances. These straits it is to be
+supposed put him upon the fatal project of writing a letter to Mr.
+Nathaniel Newman, senior, a man of a very good fortune, threatening him
+that unless he sent the sum of eighty-five guineas to such a place, he
+would murder him and his wife, with other bloody and barbarous
+expressions. This not having its effect, he wrote him a second letter by
+the penny post, demanding one hundred guineas, with grievous
+threatenings in case they were not sent. This soon made a very great
+noise about town, and put Mr. Newman upon all methods possible for
+detecting the author of these villainous epistles, and as everybody
+almost looked upon it as a common case, to which any gentleman who is
+supposed to be rich might be liable, such indefatigable pains were taken
+that in a short time the whole mystery of iniquity was discovered and
+Bigg apprehended.
+
+At the next sessions at the Old Bailey he was indicted capitally for
+this offence, and after the counsel for the prosecutor had fully opened
+the heinous nature of the crime, Peter Salter was the first witness
+called to prove it upon the prisoner. He deposed that Jepthah Bigg came
+to him where he was at work in the Minories, and desired him to go with
+him, having something to say to him of consequence; whereupon the
+witness would have gone to the sign of the Ship where he used, but the
+prisoner would needs go to the Sieve in the Little Minories. There he
+communicated to him his design, and then prevailed on Salter to go to
+the Shoulder of Mutton alehouse at Billingsgate, where Bigg directed him
+to call for drink, and to wait until a porter came to him with a parcel
+directed to John Harrison, when if he suspected anything, he should come
+to the prisoner at the King's Head alehouse, on Fish Street Hill. This
+the evidence performed punctually, whereupon Bigg sent him a second
+time to the Blackboy, in Goodman's Fields, where a second parcel was
+left, though of no value. Whereupon Bigg would have had the evidence
+Salter concerned in a third letter to the same purpose, but Salter
+declined it and dissuaded him as much as lay in his power, from
+continuing to venture on such hazardous things. Upon which the prisoner
+replied, _You need not fear. Nothing can hurt you; my life is in your
+hands; but if ever you reveal the matter, you shall share the same
+fate._
+
+John Long, servant to Mr. Newman, deposed that he delivered two penny
+post letters to his master on the 20th and 27th of March. Other
+witnesses swore as to the sending of the parcels, and the jury on the
+whole, seeing the fact to be well proved against the prisoner, found him
+guilty.
+
+Under sentence of death at first the poor man behaved himself like one
+stupid. He pretended that he did not know the offence that he had
+committed was capital, and afterwards exclaimed against the hardness of
+the Law which made it so; but some little pains being taken with him in
+those points, he was soon brought over to acknowledge the justice of his
+sentence, and the reasonableness of that Statute which enacted it into a
+capital offence.
+
+As the day of his death drew nigh he was still more and more drowned in
+stupidity and lost to all thought or concern for this world or that to
+come, at least as to outward appearance. Some said he was a Roman
+Catholic, but while the poor wretch retained his senses, he said nothing
+that could give any ground for a suspicion of that sort. He heard the
+discourses which the Ordinary made to him, with as much patience as the
+rest did, and when he visited him in the cell, did not express any
+uneasiness thereat. Indeed, in the passage to execution, there were two
+fellows in the cart who would fain have had the minister desist from his
+duty, urging the same reason, that the criminal was in communion with
+another Church. The man, himself, seemed stupid and speechless all the
+way, yet when he was turned off, the reverend Ordinary tells us, he went
+off the stage crying out aloud, _O Lord! etc._ This seems to me a very
+indecent way of concluding a dying speech, but as it is that which is
+generally used, I shall not stay to bestow any further reflections upon
+it. He died on the 19th of May, 1729, being about twenty-five years of
+age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [85] See page 221.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS JAMES GRUNDY, a Housebreaker
+
+
+When we meet with accounts of persons doubly remarkable for the
+multitude of their offences and the tenderness of their age, it is
+almost impossible for us to determine whether we should most pity or
+detest a mind so preternaturally abandoned to wickedness as to transcend
+its usual course, and make itself remarkable as a sinner, before taken
+notice of as a man.
+
+This was exactly the case with the unfortunate criminal whom we are now
+to mention. He was the son of parents in the lowest circumstances, who
+yet had strained those circumstances to give him a tolerable education,
+which he, instead of improving, forgot as fast as it was possible, and
+seemed solicitous about nothing but out-doing in villainy all his
+contemporaries of the same unhappy cast. During his junior years he
+addicted himself continually to picking and stealing whatever he could
+lay his hands on, and although his father had been exceedingly careful
+in causing him to be taught his own trade of a weaver, yet he seldom or
+never worked at it, but went on at this rate, from one crime to another,
+until he at last arrived at those which brought him to the ignominious
+end, and thereby rendered him a subject for our memoirs.
+
+At twelve years old, he took up the trade of housebreaking, to which he
+applied himself very closely, for the last six years of his life.
+Hampstead, Highgate, Hackney, and other villages round the town were the
+places which he generally made choice of to play his tricks in, and as
+people are much more ingenious in wickedness than ever they are in the
+pursuit of honest employments, so by degrees he became (even while a
+boy) the most dexterous housebreaker of his time; insomuch that as is
+usual amongst those unhappy people, the gang commended him so much, that
+believing himself some great person, he went on with an air of
+confidence, in the commission of a multitude of burglaries, in and about
+the streets of this metropolis.
+
+Young as he was at that time, he plunged himself, as it were with
+industry, into all manner of lusts, wickedness and illegal pleasures,
+which, as it wasted all he acquired by the thefts he committed, so it
+injured his health and damaged his understanding to such a degree that
+when he came to die, he could scarce be looked on as a rational
+creature.
+
+The offence which proved fatal to him was the breaking into the house of
+Mr. Samuel Smith, in the night-time, on the 31st of May, 1729, with an
+intent to steal. At his trial the prosecutor swore that between the
+hours of eleven and one of the dock of the night laid in the indictment
+he was called up by his neighbours, and found that his window was broken
+open; whereupon, searching about very narrowly, he at last found the
+prisoner got up the chimney, and landing on the pole whereon the
+pothooks hung. In his defence the prisoner told the Court that meeting
+with a person who said he lodged in the prosecutor's house, and it being
+late, he accepted the man's proposition to lie with him; thereupon his
+new acquaintance carried him to Mr. Smith's, let him in, and then ran
+away, so that he had never seen or heard of him since. This relation
+being every way improbable and ridiculous, the jury very readily found
+him guilty of the fact, and he with the rest, on the last day of the
+sessions received sentence of death accordingly.
+
+While he lay in the cells, his behaviour was as stupid in all outward
+appearance as ever had appeared in any who came to that miserable place.
+However, he persuaded his companions, of whom we shall speak hereafter,
+to attempt breaking out and to encourage them told them that there was
+no brick or free stone wall in the world could keep him in, if he had
+but a few tools proper for loosening the stones. These were quickly
+procured, and Grundy put his companions into so proper a method of
+working, that if a discovery had not been made on the Sunday morning in
+a very few hours space they would have broken their way into Phoenix
+Court, and so have undoubtedly got off. But as soon as the keepers came
+to the knowledge of their design, they removed the three persons
+concerned in it, into the old condemned hold, and there stapled them
+down to the ground.
+
+Then this lad began to repent. He wept bitterly, but said it was not so
+much for the fear of death as the apprehension of his soul being thrown
+into the pit of destruction and eternal misery. However, by degrees, he
+recovered a little spirit, confessed all the enormities of his past
+life, and begged pardon of God, and of the persons whom he had injured.
+If we were to attempt an account of them, it would not only seem
+improbable but incredible; and therefore, as there was nothing in them
+otherwise extraordinary than as they were committed by a lad of his age,
+we shall not dwell any longer upon them than to inform our readers that
+with much sorrow, and grievous agonies, he expired at Tyburn, on the
+22nd of August, 1729, being about eighteen years old.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOSEPH KEMP, a Housebreaker
+
+
+We have often, in the course of these lives, observed to our readers
+that loose women are generally the causes of those misfortunes which
+first bring men to the commission of felonious crimes, and, as a just
+consequence thereof, to an ignominious death. It may yet seem strange,
+how, after so many instances, there are still to be found people so weak
+as for the sake of the caresses of these strumpets to lavish away their
+lives, at the same time that they are putting their souls into the
+greatest hazard. If I may be allowed to offer my conjecture in this
+case, I should be apt to account for it thus: that in the present age,
+the depravity of men's morals being greater than ever, they addict
+themselves so entirely to their lusts and sensual pleasures that having
+no relish left for more innocent entertainments, they think no price too
+great to purchase those lewd enjoyments, to which, by a continued series
+of such actions, they have habituated themselves beyond their own power
+to retire.
+
+This unfortunate person, Joseph Kemp, was son to people in very mean
+circumstances, in Holborn, who yet procured him a very good education in
+a public charity-school. When of age to be put out to employment, his
+friends made him apply himself to the heads of the parish, who put him
+out to a glazier, with whom he served out his time with the character of
+a very honest young man. By that time his parents had thriven pretty
+well in the world through their own industry, and so, on his setting up
+a shop, they gave him sixty pounds to begin with. But unfortunately for
+him, he had ere now seen a woman of the town, on whom he had
+irretrievably fixed his affections, and was absolutely resolved on
+living with her, though ever so great ruin should prove the consequence
+of the purchase.
+
+In pursuance of this unfortunate resolution, he no sooner had received
+the aforesaid sum, but proposals of marriage were immediately offered to
+this object of his affections, notwithstanding that he well knew she at
+that time conversed with two men, styling each of them her husband.
+However, as Kemp was the most likely to maintain her in idleness and
+plenty, she, without much trouble, suffered herself to be prevailed on
+to let him, by a legal matrimony, increase the number of her husbands.
+This, as it was but probable, was speedily followed by his breaking in
+his business, and being totally undone, which, though it was a great
+misfortune, and an evil new to poor Kemp, only reduced the lady to her
+former manner of living, which was by thieving whatever she could come
+at. A little while after, she was ruined even in this business, for
+being detected, she was committed to Newgate, and was in great danger of
+lying there for life. Poor Kemp was still as fond of her as ever. He
+carried her all the money he could get, and lamenting to her that it was
+not in his power to raise more, she immediately flew into a passion,
+stormed and swore at him, bid him go and break houses, rob people in the
+streets, or do anything which would get money, for money she wanted and
+money she would have. He foolishly complied with her request and having
+provided himself with the necessary implements for housebreaking, he
+soon put her in possession of a large quantity of plate, which being
+converted into money, easily procured her liberty, the consequence of
+which was that she lavished whatever he brought her upon other men.
+
+Yet even her perfidy could not cure him; he was still as much her slave
+as ever, and failed not venturing body and soul to procure whatever
+might give her pleasure. In this unhappy state a considerable space of
+time was spent, until, for some other thievish exploits of her own,
+Kemp's wife was apprehended, convicted and transported. One would have
+thought this might have put an end to his crimes of the same sort, but
+it seems he was too far plunged into the mire of rapine and debauchery
+ever to struggle out, so that no sooner was she safely on board the
+transport vessel but he found out a new mistress to supply her place; as
+if he had been industrious in destroying his fortune and careful about
+nothing but arriving as soon as possible at the gallows.
+
+By the time he made his second marriage, which in itself was illegal
+while the first wife was living, his credit was totally exhausted, his
+character totally ruined, and no manner of subsistence left but what was
+purchased at the hazard of his soul and the price of his life; and as
+housebreaking was now become his sole business, so he pursued it with
+great eagerness, and for a while with as great success. But it was not
+long before he was apprehended, and committed close to Newgate for a
+multitude of charges of this kind against him.
+
+At the following sessions at the Old Bailey, he was indicted for
+burglariously breaking open the house of Sarah Pickard, and feloniously
+taking thence thirty-six gold rings and stone rings, three silver
+watches, several pieces of silver plate, and divers other goods of
+considerable value. The prosecutrix, Mrs. Pickard, deposed that her
+house was fast shut between then and eleven o'clock at night, and found
+broken open at five of the clock the next morning, and that one Kemp, a
+person related to the prisoner, found a short strong knife left in the
+yard, together with an auger, which he knew to belong to the prisoner.
+
+In confirmation of this Mr. Kemp deposed that the prisoner had shown him
+the knife; Joanna Kemp and Jonathan Auskins deposed likewise to the same
+thing, and Samuel Gerrard, the constable, swore that when with the two
+preceding witnesses he went to search the house of the aforesaid
+prisoner, and found therein several things belonging to Mrs. Pickard,
+the prisoner then confessed that he committed burglary alone and not by
+the persuasion or with the assistance of any other person whatsoever.
+
+The prisoner said very little in his own defence, and the jury
+thereupon, without hesitation, found him guilty; as they did also upon
+two other indictments, the one for breaking the house of James Wood, and
+the other for breaking the house of Mrs. Mary Paget, and stealing thence
+plate to a considerable value; the facts being dearly proved by John
+Knap, who had been an accomplice, and turned evidence to save himself.
+His last wife was indicted and tried with him, but acquitted.
+
+Under sentence of death he was seized with a disease which held him for
+the greater part of the time permitted by Law for him to repent, and by
+reason of that distemper he was so deaf that he was scarce capable of
+instruction. However, he appeared to be fully sensible of the great
+danger he was in, of suffering much more from the just anger of God than
+that sentence of the Law which his crimes had drawn upon him. He
+bewailed with much passion and concern that wicked course of life which
+for many years past he had led, seemed exceedingly grieved at the horror
+of those reflections, and to mourn with unfeigned penitence his
+forgetfulness of the duties he owed towards God, and to his neighbours.
+As the hour of death approached, he resumed somewhat of courage, and at
+the place of execution died with all outward marks of a repenting
+sinner.
+
+His wife came up into the cart and took her last adieu of him, in the
+most tender manner that can be imagined. He died on the 24th of August,
+1729, being then in the twenty-fourth year of his age, and left behind
+him the following paper, which seems to have been what he intended to
+have said to the people at the time of his death, and therefore we,
+according to custom, thought it not proper to be omitted in this
+account.
+
+    THE PAPER
+
+    Good People,
+
+    My father and mother brought me up tenderly and honestly, and always
+    gave me good advice, whilst I was under their care. They put me
+    apprentice to a glazier. My master not being so careful of me as he
+    ought to have been, I took to ill courses, and before my time was
+    expired, married a woman that brought me to this untimely end; for
+    she could not live upon what I got at my trade, and out of my
+    over-fondess for her, I did whatever she required, or requested of
+    me. At length she was taken up for some fact, and transported. Then
+    I married a second wife, and she was as good as the other was bad.
+    She would do anything to help to support me that I might not commit
+    any wickedness, but I could not take her advice, but still ran on in
+    my wicked course of life, till I was overtaken by my folly. For if
+    we think ourselves safe in committing sin, God will certainly find
+    such out, because He is just, and will punish accordingly. This my
+    miserable end, I would have all take warning by, and that they
+    follow not the devices of the world, the snares whereof are apt to
+    lead men into evil courses, unless they endeavour to shun them, and
+    seek the grace of God to assist and enable them for the good of all
+    men, and ask pardon of God for my evil doings, and forgiveness of
+    all whom I have wronged, and particularly the forgiveness of God to
+    those who have sworn away my life. I beg reflections pass not upon
+    my wife, for I declare, whatever wrongs she may have committed, was
+    through my persuasion, of herself being inclinable to good. I would
+    lastly request that the follies and vices which have brought me to
+    this untimely end may not by any means be a cause to afflict my
+    grievous parents, both father and mother, but would have all to
+    consider when ever they are persuaded to any manner of ways, tending
+    to their ruin, they would likewise remember to call upon God to help
+    and assist them, in shunning such, and all other wicked courses.
+    Good people, pray for me, that God may receive me through his
+    mercies, which I trust he will.
+
+    Newgate, August 22nd, 1729.
+
+    Joseph Kemp
+
+
+
+
+The Life of BENJAMIN WILEMAN, a Highwayman
+
+
+Amongst the many other ill consequences of a debauched life and wicked
+conversation, it may be reckoned, perhaps, no small one that they render
+men liable to suspicions, imprisonments and even capital punishment,
+when at the same time, they may be innocent of the particular fact with
+which they are charged; nor in such a case is the conviction of an
+innocent person so great a reflection on any, as on themselves having
+rendered such an accusation probable.
+
+Benjamin Wileman, of whom we are now to speak, was the son of honest
+parents in the city of Dublin. They gave him a very good education at
+school, and when he was fit to go out apprentice, his father bred him to
+his own trade, which was that of a tailor. When he grew weary of that
+business, he listed himself as a soldier, and in that state of life
+passed twelve years, a sufficient space of time to acquire those
+numerous vices which are so ordinary amongst the common sort of men, who
+betake themselves to a military employment. Then he came over into
+England and lived here, as he himself said, by working at his own trade;
+though certain it is, that he led a most debauched and dissolute life,
+associating himself with those of his countrymen who of all others were
+the most abandoned in their characters. In fine, in all the associations
+of his life he seemed to proceed without any other design than that of
+gratifying his vicious inclinations.
+
+In the midst of this terrible course of folly and wickedness he was
+apprehended for a highwayman, committed to Newgate, and at the ensuing
+sessions capitally indicted for two robberies, the one committed on
+William Hucks, Esq., and the other on William Bridges, Esq. On the first
+indictment it was deposed by the prosecutor that he believed Wileman to
+be the person who attacked him. John Doyle, who owned himself to have
+been an accomplice in the robbery, swore that Wileman and he committed
+it together, and that he paid Wileman five guineas and a half for his
+share of the gold watch and other things which were taken from the
+gentleman. As to the second fact, Mr. Bridges gave evidence that he was
+robbed on the highway and lost a sword, a hat, a pocket-book and a
+bank-note for twenty pounds. Doyle gave evidence in this, as in the
+former case, declaring that Wileman and he committed the fact together.
+
+Then Elizabeth Jones being produced, swore that the same day she met
+Doyle and Wileman booted and spurred and very dirty in Bedford Row, and
+that they showed her the bank note, which when shown to her, she deposed
+to be the same. Arabelle Manning deposed that on the night of the day
+the robbery was committed, the prisoner Wileman and Doyle gave her a
+dram at a gin-shop in Drury Lane, and that one of them let fall a paper,
+and taking it up again, said that the loss of it would have been the
+loss of twenty pounds.
+
+The prisoner objected to the character of Doyle, Jones and Manning, and
+called some persons as to his own, but the jury thinking the fact
+sufficiently proved, found him guilty on both indictments. Under
+sentence of death, his behaviour was very regular, professing a deep
+sorrow and repentance for a very loose life which he had led, and at the
+same time peremptorily denying that he had any hand in, or knew anything
+of either of those facts which had been sworn against him, and for which
+he was to die.
+
+Notwithstanding that the most earnest entreaties were made use of to
+induce him to a plain and sincere confession, yet he continued always to
+assert his innocence as to thieving, letting fall sharp and invidious
+expressions against the evidence of Doyle whom he charged with swearing
+against him only to preserve another guilty person from punishment, whom
+Wileman intended to prosecute and had it is his power to convict. The
+effects of his former good education were very serviceable to him in
+this his great and last misfortune, for he seemed to have very just
+notions of those duties which were incumbent upon him in his miserable
+state; therefore, especially towards the latter part of his time, he
+appeared gravely at chapel and prayed fervently in his cell until the
+boy James Grundy, whom we have mentioned before, put it in to his head
+to make his escape; for the attempting which they were all carried (as
+we have said before) into the old condemned hold and there stapled down
+to the ground.
+
+As there is no courage so reasonable as that which is founded on
+Christian principles, so neither constitutional bravery nor that
+resolution which arises either from custom, from vanity, or from other
+false maxims preserves that steady firmness at the approach of death
+which gives true quiet and peace of mind in the last moments of life,
+taking away through the certainty of belief, those terrors which are
+otherwise too strong for the mind, and which human nature is unable to
+resist. Wileman's conduct under his misfortunes, fully verified this
+observation in its strongest sense; he only retained just notions of
+religion and this enabled him to support his affliction after a very
+different manner from that in which it affected his two companions; or
+as it had done himself before, from a just contemplation of the mercy of
+God, and the merits of his Saviour, he had brought himself to a right
+idea of the importance of his soul, and thereby took himself off from
+the superfluous consideration of this world and stifled those uneasy
+sensations with which men are naturally startled at the approach of
+death. Yet he did not in all this time alter a jot in his confession,
+but asserted calmly that he was innocent, and that Doyle had perjured
+himself in order to take away his life.
+
+At the place of execution his wife came to him, embraced him with great
+tenderness, and all he said there in relation to the world was that he
+hoped nobody would reflect upon her for the misfortune which had
+befallen him, and then, with great piety and resignation in the midst of
+fervent ejaculations, yielded up his last breath at Tyburn, at the same
+time with the malefactor before mentioned, being at the time of his
+decease about forty-three years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES CLUFF, a Murderer, in which is contained a concise
+account of the nature of Appeals
+
+
+To curb our vicious inclinations and to restrain those passions from the
+sudden transports of which cruel and irreparable mischiefs are done, is
+without doubt the best end of all instructions; and for my own part, I
+cannot help thinking that this very book may contribute as much to this
+purpose as any other that has been published for a long time. That vices
+are foul in their nature is certainly true, and that they are fatal in
+their consequences, those who, without consideration pursue them, feel.
+There are few who will take time to convince themselves of the first,
+but no man can be so blind as to mistake the latter after the perusal of
+these memoirs, in which I have been particularly careful to describe the
+several roads by which our lusts lead us to destruction; and have fixed
+up Tyburn as a beacon to warn several men from indulging themselves in
+sensual pleasures.
+
+This unfortunate person we are now going to give the public an account
+of was the son of very honest people who kept a public-house in Clare
+Market. They were careful in sending him to school, and having taught
+him there to read and write etc., sufficiently to qualify him for
+business, then put him apprentice to the Swan Tavern near the Tower.
+There he served his time carefully and with a good character, nor did
+his parents omit in instructing him in the grounds of the Christian
+religion, of which having a tolerable understanding he attained a just
+knowledge, and preserved a tolerable remembrance unto the time of his
+unhappy death.
+
+After he was out of his time, he served as a drawer at several public
+houses, and behaved himself civilly and honestly without any reflections
+either on his temper or his honesty until he came to Mr. Payne's, who
+kept the Green Lettuce, a public house in High Holborn, where the
+accident fell out which cost him his life.
+
+It seems there lived with him as a fellow servant, one Mary Green, whom
+some suggested he had an affection for; but whether that were so or not,
+did not very clearly appear, but on the contrary it was proved that they
+had many janglings and quarrels together, in which Cluff had sometimes
+struck her. However it was, on the 11th of April, 1729, Mary Green being
+at dinner in a box by herself, Cluff came in and went into the box to
+her, where he had not continued above four or five minutes before he
+called to his mistress, who was walking up and down, _Madam, pray come
+here._ By this time the maid was dead of a wound in her thigh, which
+pierced the femoral artery. There was a noise heard before the man
+himself came out, and the wench was dead before her mistress came in.
+
+However, Cluff was immediately apprehended, and at the ensuing sessions
+at the Old Bailey he was indicted for the murder of Mary Green, by
+giving her a mortal wound in the right thigh, of the breadth of one
+inch, and of the depth of five inches, of which she instantly died. He
+was a second time indicted upon the coroner's inquest for the said
+offence, and also a third time upon the Statute of Stabbing. However the
+evidence not being clear enough to satisfy the jury, on his trial he was
+acquitted by them all. But this not at all satisfying the relations of
+the deceased Mary Green, her brother William Green brought an appeal
+against him, which is a kind of proceeding which has occasioned several
+popular errors to take rise. Therefore it may not be improper to say
+something concerning it for the better information of our readers.
+
+Appeals are of two sorts, viz., such as are brought by an innocent
+person, and such as are brought by an offender confessing himself
+guilty, who is commonly called an approver. An innocent person's appeal
+is the party's private action, prosecuting also for the Crown, in
+respect of the offence against the public, and such a prosecution may be
+either by writ or by bill. As to the writ of appeal, it is an original
+issuing out of Chancery and remarkable in the Court of King's Bench
+only. Bills of Appeal are more common and contain in them the nature
+both of a writ and a declaration, and they may be received by
+commissioners of gaol delivery or justices of assize.
+
+Those which are in use at present in capital cases are four, viz.,
+Appeals of Death, of Larceny, of Rape and of Arson. The first is both
+the most common and that of which we are particularly to speak. It is to
+be brought by the wife or heir of the person deceased, unless they be
+guilty of the murder, and then the heir may have an appeal against the
+wife, or if he be accused the next heir may have it against him. The
+appellant must be heir general to the deceased, and his heir male (for
+by _Magna Charta_ a woman cannot have an appeal of death for any but her
+husband) and in the appeal also it must be set forth how the appellant
+is heir unto the deceased. As to the time in which an appeal may be
+brought, it is by the Statute of Gloucester[86] restrained within a year
+and a day from the time of the deed done. There is great nicety in all
+the proceedings on appeals of death and everything must be set forth
+with the greatest exactness imaginable. The appellant hath also the
+liberty of pleading as many pleas, or to speak more properly, to take
+issue on as many points as he thinks fit. He is tried by a jury, and on
+his being found guilty, the appellant hath an order for his execution
+settled by the Court; but when the appellee is acquitted, the appellant
+is chargeable with damages on such a prosecution, provided there appear
+to have been no just cause for the commencement thereof.
+
+But to return to the case of Cluff, which led us into this discourse.
+The evidence at his trial upon the appeal was, as to its substance thus.
+Mrs. Diana Payne, at the Green Lettuce in Holborn, deposed that the
+prisoner James Cluff and the deceased Mary Green were both of them her
+servants; that about a quarter of an hour before Mary Green died, she
+saw the prisoner carry out a pot of drink; that while she was walking in
+the tap-house with her child in her arms, she saw Mary Green go down
+into the cellar and bring up two pints of drink, one for a customer and
+another for herself, which she carried into a box where she was at
+dinner; that about four or five minutes before the accident happened,
+Cluff came in, and went to the box to the deceased, and in about four
+minutes cried out, _Madam, pray come hither_; that the witness thereupon
+went to the door of the box and saw the deceased on her backside on the
+floor, and the prisoner held her up by the shoulders, while the blood
+ran from her in a stream; that on seeing her, she said to the prisoner,
+_James, what have you done?_ To which he answered, _Nothing, Madam._
+Whereupon this evidence enquired whether he had seen her do anything to
+herself, he replied. _No_, the deceased at that time neither speaking
+not stirring, but looking as if she were dead. However, the prisoner at
+that time said he saw her have a knife in her hand in the cellar, and
+the witness being prodigiously affrighted called her husband and ran for
+an apothecary.
+
+Mr. John Payne, husband of the first witness, deposed to the same
+purpose as his wife, adding that no struggling was heard when the blows
+were given and that she had no knife in her hand when she came out of
+the cellar; that in the morning between nine and ten o'clock, a young
+man came in, who, as he was informed, had been formerly a sweetheart of
+the deceased; that this person drank a pint of drink and smoked a pipe,
+the deceased sitting by him some little time, during which as he
+believed the stranger kissed her; at which, as they stood before the
+bar, he observed the prisoner's countenance alter, as if he were out of
+humour at somewhat, although he could not say that he had ever heard of
+courtship between them; adding, that when the prisoner went into the box
+where the deceased was at dinner, he did take notice of his throwing the
+door after him with an unusual violence.
+
+Mr. Saunders, who happened that day to dine at Mr. Payne's house,
+confirmed all the former evidence, deposing moreover, than when Mr.
+Payne gave the prisoner some harsh language, the prisoner replied, _Sir,
+I am as innocent as the child is at my mistress's breast_; that the
+prisoner also pretended the deceased took a knife in her hand when she
+went into the cellar, upon which this evidence and Mr. Payne went down,
+and found not a drop of blood all the way. Mr. Saunders also deposed
+that the prisoner was out of the way when the deceased went to draw
+drink, and that they saw no knife in her hand.
+
+Mr. Cox, the surgeon, deposed that he saw the deceased lying upon her
+back, amid a vast stream of blood which had issued from her; that upon
+the table among other knives he had found one amongst them which was a
+little bloody and answered exactly to the cut, it going through her
+apron, a stuff petticoat and a strong coarse shift. The wound was in her
+thigh, going obliquely upwards, and therefore, as he thought, could not
+have been given by the deceased herself. The knife, too, was as he said,
+laid farther than the deceased could have carried it after the receipt
+of the wound, which being in the femoral artery must be mortal in a
+minute, or a minute and a half at most. He observed, also, that under
+her chin and about her left ear there seemed to have been some violence
+used, so as to have caused a stagnation of the blood. This deposition
+was confirmed by another surgeon and apothecary, and also in most of its
+material circumstances by a surgeon who looked on her on behalf of the
+prisoner.
+
+Cluff asked very few questions, and Mr. Daldwin being called for the
+appellant, swore that at nine o'clock in the morning he was at Mr.
+Payne's and saw the prisoner and the deceased quarrelling, that he
+looked maliciously and was an ill-natured fellow. Here the counsel of
+the appeal rested their proof, and the prisoner made no other defence
+than absolutely denying the fact. After his counsel had said what they
+thought proper on the nature and circumstances that had been sworn
+against him, the jury withdrew, and after a short stay brought in the
+prisoner guilty.
+
+During the space he was confined, between their verdict and his death,
+he behaved with a calmness very rare to be met with. He attended the
+public devotion of the chapel very gravely and devoutly, behaved quietly
+and patiently in his cell, never expressed either fear or uneasiness at
+his approaching death, nor ever let fall a warm expression against his
+prosecutors, but on the contrary always spoke well of them, and prayed
+heartily for them. When pressed, by the ministers who attended him, not
+to pass into the other world with a lie in his mouth, but to declare
+sincerely and candidly how Mary Green came by her death, he at first
+looked a little confused, but at last seeming to recollect himself, he
+said, _Gentlemen, I know it is my duty to give glory unto God, and to
+take shame unto myself for those sins I have committed in my passage
+through this life. I therefore readily acknowledge that my offences have
+been black in their nature, and many in number; but for the particular
+crime I am to suffer death as the punishment of it, I know no more of it
+than the child that is unborn, nor am I able to say in what manner she
+came by her death._ And in this he continued to persist unto the time of
+his death, appearing to be very easy under his sufferings and did not
+change countenance when he was told the day was fixed for his execution,
+as it is ordinarily observed the other malefactors do.
+
+As he passed through Holborn to the place of execution, he desired the
+cart might stop at his master's house, which accordingly it did. Cluff
+thereupon called for a pint of wine and desired to speak with Mr. Payne.
+Accordingly he came out, and then he addressed himself to him in these
+words. _Sir, you are not insensible that I am going to suffer an
+ignominious death for what I declare I am not guilty of, as I am to
+appear before my Great Judge in a few moments, to answer for all my past
+sins. I hope you and my good mistress will pray for my poor soul. I pray
+God bless you and all your family._ Then he spoke to somebody to bid the
+carman go on. It was remarkable that he spoke this with great
+composedness and seeming cheerfulness.
+
+At the place of execution he did not lose anything of that cheerful
+sedateness which he had preserved under the course of his misfortunes,
+but made the responses regular to the prayers in the cart and standing
+up, addressed himself in these words to the multitude. _Good People, I
+die for a fact I did not commit. I have never ceased to pray for my
+prosecutors most heartily, ever since I have been under sentence. I wish
+all men well. My sins have been great, but I hope for God's mercy
+through the merits of Jesus Christ._ Then a Psalm was sung at his own
+request. Afterwards, overhearing somebody say that his mistress was in a
+coach hard by his execution, he could not be satisfied until somebody
+went to search and coming back assured him she was not there. As the
+cart was going away he spoke again to the people saying, _I beg of you
+to pray for my departing soul. I wish I was as free from all other sins
+as I am of this for which I am now going to suffer._
+
+He desired of his friends that his body might be carried to Hand Alley
+in Holborn, and from thence to St. Andrew's Church, to lie in the grave
+with his brother. He suffered on the 25th of July, 1719, being then
+about thirty-two years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [86] Passed by a Parliament held at Gloucester in 1278 and
+        dealing with actions at law.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN DYER, a most notorious thief, highwayman and
+housebreaker
+
+
+My readers cannot but remember the mention often made of this criminal,
+in the former volumes. He was, at the time of his death, one of the
+oldest offenders in England, and as he was at some pains to digest his
+own story that is, the series of his villainies into writing, so what we
+take from thence, will at once be authentic and entertaining to our
+readers.
+
+He was born of honest and mean parents at Salisbury, who took care,
+however, to bestow on him a very tolerable education, and when he grew
+up, put him out apprentice to a shoemaker, where he soon made a
+beginning in those pernicious practices to which he so assiduously
+afterwards addicted himself. The first thing he did, was robbing a
+chandler's chop at Collinburn, in the county of Wilts, of the money box,
+in which was thirty shillings, and got clear off. Some time after, his
+master sending him on a Sunday to a village just by, to get twelve
+pennyworth of halfpence at a chandler's shop, Dyer finding nobody at
+home, cut the bar of the window, got in thereat, and rifled the house.
+The booty he found did not amount to above three half-crowns, but he
+added to that the taking away what currants and raisins there were in
+the shop, which piece of covetousness had well-nigh cost him his life,
+for being suspected and charged with the fact, he had only time to hide
+the money. Having searched him in vain, they turned some of the plums
+out of his coat pocket, but he readily averring that he bought them at
+Andover Market, there being nobody who could falsify it, he escaped for
+that time.
+
+His matter shortly after sending him with five pounds to buy leather,
+Dyer picking up a companion, as wicked as himself, he persuaded him to
+join in a story of his being robbed of the aforesaid sum of money,
+which, upon his return, he told his master, and the boy vouching it
+firmly, they were believed. Some small space from this, being sent
+amongst his master's customers to receive some money, he picked up about
+three pounds, and then went off immediately for Salisbury, where he
+became acquainted with an idle young woman; which bringing him once more
+into necessity, he went one day into the market to see what he might be
+able to lay hands on. There he observed a young woman to receive money,
+and watching her out of town, he took an opportunity to knock her down,
+robbing her, and dragging her into a wood, where he lay with her, and
+then bound her fast to a tree.
+
+From thence he went to a village in Hampshire, where he wrought
+journey-work at his trade; and getting acquainted with a young woman, he
+lodged at her mother's house, where he soon got the daughter with child,
+and persuaded her to rob the old woman, and go with him to Bristol.
+There they lived together profusely until all the money was spent, and
+then she and her child went back to her mother, who received them very
+gladly. Dyer did not think fit to return, but went to make his mother a
+visit at Salisbury, where he continued not long before he took an
+opportunity of robbing her of fifty pounds, and thence marched off to
+Bristol, where he gamed most of the money away. Then he retired to a
+town in Wiltshire, where cohabiting with a widow women, they found means
+to get so good credit as to take the town in (as Mr. Dyer expressed it)
+for thirty pounds. Then packing up they marched off to a place at a
+considerable distance, where Dyer entered into partnership with a
+collier, being to advance fifty pounds, thirty of which he paid down and
+the rest was to pay monthly; but before the first payment became due the
+collier broke, and his partner, Dyer, thereupon thought it convenient to
+remove to some other place.
+
+He pitched, therefore, upon the city of Hereford, where he worked
+honestly for a space, until being in company one night with a higgler,
+he heard the man say he should go to a place called Ross to buy fowls.
+Dyer answered that he did not care if he went with him, and in their
+journey, taking the advantage of a proper place he stopped his companion
+and robbed him. The man gave him two shillings out of his pocket, but
+Dyer suspecting he must have some more money to buy fowls with,
+searched the hampers and took out twelve pounds. Taking the man's horse
+also, he rode it forty miles outright, after which he went to
+Marlborough in Wiltshire, and stayed there a fortnight. But venturing to
+steal a silver mug, he was for that fact apprehended and committed close
+prisoner there, in order to be tried for it next assizes, but before
+that time, he found a weak place in the prison, and breaking it made his
+escape.
+
+From thence he went to an aunt's house, about seven or eight miles from
+Salisbury, where he stayed until her husband grew so uneasy that he was
+obliged to take his leave. He travelled then to a sister of his, and
+meeting there with an old schoolfellow and relation, he quickly
+persuaded the lad to become as bad as himself, drawing him in to rob his
+mother of fifty shillings, with which small stock they two were set up
+for their old trade of gaming. But the robbery they had committed was
+quickly detected. However, Dyer so well tutored his associate that the
+boy could neither by threats nor promises be brought to own it, yet
+their denials had not the least weight with their relations. They were
+thoroughly convinced of their being guilty, and therefore were
+determined that they should be punished, for which purpose they carried
+them before a neighbouring Justice of Peace, who committed them to
+Bridewell to hard labour.
+
+As Dyer could not endure imprisonment, especially when hard labour was
+added to it, so he very speedily contrived a method to free himself and
+his companion from their fetters, which was by leaping down the house of
+office,[87] which a few days afterwards they did and got clear off.
+
+These various difficulties and narrow escapes seemed to make no other
+impression upon Dyer than to give him a greater liking than ever to such
+sort of villainous enterprises. He stole as many horses out of New
+Forest as came to three-score pounds, and afterwards setting up for a
+highwayman, committed a multitude of facts in that neighbourhood, which
+he has with great care related in the account he published of his life.
+Amongst the rest he stripped a poor maid-servant, who was just come out
+of a place, of all the money she had, viz., a gold ring, and a box of
+clothes, and so left her without either necessaries or money. At
+Winchester he disposed of the clothes and linen which he took from the
+poor woman. At an alehouse in High Street he fell into company with a
+lace-man, from whom he learned, by some little conversation, that he was
+going to Amesbury Fair in Wiltshire. Dyer told him he was going thither
+too, and so along they journeyed together. When they arrived there, they
+put up their horses at the sign of the Chopping Knife, and while the
+lace-man went out to take a stand to sell his goods in, Dyer demanded
+the box of lace of the landlord, as if he had been the man's partner;
+then calling for his horse, while the landlord's back was turned, he
+rode clear off from them all.
+
+On the Plain, going towards Devizes, he overtook a Scotch pedlar. Dyer
+it seems knew him, and called him by his name, asking him if he had any
+good handkerchiefs, upon which the poor man let down the pack off his
+back and showed him several. Dyer told him, after looking over the
+goods, that he did not want to buy anything, but must have what he
+pleased for nothing. The Scotchman, upon that, put himself in a posture
+of defence, but Dyer drawing his pistols on him soon obliged him to
+yield, and tied him with some of his own cloth fast to the post of a
+wall. He then went and rifled the pack, taking thence nine pounds odd in
+money, a great parcel of hair, which he sold afterwards for eight
+pounds, six dozen handkerchiefs, and a quantity of muslin. Then he
+released the pedlar again, and bid him go and take care of the rest of
+his pack, Mr. Dyer being then in some hurry to look out for another
+booty.
+
+A very small time after our plunderer met with an old shepherd, who had
+sold a good parcel of sheep. Dyer attacked him with his hanger and the
+old man, though he had nothing but his stick, made a very good defence.
+However, at last he was overcome and lost seventy-two pounds which he
+had taken at the market. Dyer being by this time full of money, he
+thought fit to go to Dorchester in Wilts, where by the usual course of
+his extravagances, he lessened it in a very short time; and then
+persuading a poor butcher of the town, who had broke, to become his
+companion, he soon taught him from being unfortunate to become wicked.
+They agreed very well together (as Mr. Dyer says) until he caught his
+new partner endeavouring to cheat him as well as he had taught him to
+rob other people. But after some hard words the butcher confessed the
+fact, and and promised to be honest to him for the future; which being
+all that Dyer wanted, a new agreement was made, and they went to work
+again in their old occupation.
+
+The first exploit they went upon afterwards was at Woodbury Hill Fair,
+in Dorsetshire, where as soon as the fair was over, Mr. Dyer, in his
+merry style, tells us their fair began, for observing a cheeseman who
+received about fourscore pounds, they watched him so narrowly that about
+a mile from the fair they attacked him and bid him deliver. With a heavy
+heart the old man suffered himself to be rifled, though he had paid away
+a far greater part of the money, and had not above twelve pounds about
+him, yet he sighed as if he would have broken his heart at the loss,
+while Dyer and his companion were as much out of humour at the
+disappointment and gave him several smart lashes with their whips,
+telling him that he should never pay money when gentlemen waited to
+receive it.
+
+A small time after this robbery they committed another upon a
+hop-merchant, who was riding with his wife. They searched him very
+carefully for money, but could find none, until Dyer beginning to curse
+and swear and threatening to kill him, his wife cried out, _For Heaven's
+sake, do not murder my husband and I'll tell you where his money is._
+Accordingly, she declared it was in his boots, upon which Dyer cut them
+off his legs and found fifty guineas therein, then taking their leave of
+the merchant and his wife, Dyer very gratefully thanked her for her good
+office. From thence they went down to Sherbourne, and each of them
+having got a mistress, they lived there very merrily for a considerable
+space, living in full enjoyment of those gross sensualities in which
+they alone reaped satisfaction at the expense of such honest people as
+they had before plundered.
+
+Here they had intelligence of a certain grazier who was going down into
+the country to buy lean beasts, upon which they followed him and robbed
+him of all the money he had, which was about fourscore-and-ten pounds.
+So large a sum proved only a fund for extravagance, a use to which these
+men put all the money they laid their hands on. Hampshire being so lucky
+a place, Dyer and his comrade went next to Ringwood, where the butcher
+fell sick, and lay for some time, until their money was almost consumed.
+But then growing well again, Dyer took him down to Bath, where they
+robbed the stage-coaches from Bath to London, and as they returned from
+London to Bath again, until the road became so dangerous that they hired
+persons to guard them for the future; and notwithstanding they so often
+practised this villainy, they never were in danger but once, when a
+gentleman fired a blunderbuss at them but missed them both, whereupon
+they robbed the coach, and afterwards whipped him severely with their
+horse whips.
+
+Their next expedition was to Hungerford, where they stayed about two
+months, in which time Dyer made a match for the butcher with a widow
+woman of his own trade; but just as they were going to be married,
+somebody discovered both his and the butcher's occupation, and thereupon
+obliged them to quit Hungerford, and to take their road to Newbury, with
+more precipitation than they were wont to do. In the road to Reading
+they robbed a tallow-chandler, and then galloped to Reading, where they
+had like to have been taken by the information of the Bath coachman;
+but they being pretty well mounted and riding hard night and day got
+safe down to Exeter in Devonshire, where, as the securest method, they
+agreed to part by consent. The butcher went back to Devonshire again,
+and Dyer must needs go to visit his friends at Salisbury, and then after
+a short stay with them set out for London.
+
+The fear he was under of being discovered if he came into the direct
+road made him take a roundabout way in his journey, and thereby put it
+in his power to rob four Oxford scholars; from two of them he took their
+watches and their money, but though he searched the other two very
+diligently could find nothing, upon which he rode away with the booty he
+had taken. But the two whom he had robbed quickly called him back again,
+and told him their companions had money, if he had but wit enough to
+find it. Whereupon Dyer began to examine the first very strictly, and
+found his money put under his buttons, and his watch thrust into his
+breeches. On search of the second, he discovered his money put up in the
+cape of his coat, but his watch he had hustled to one of his companions,
+who held it out, which as soon as Dyer saw he took it away. It is
+surprising that men should be possessed with so odd a spirit that
+because they have lost all themselves, they must needs have others
+plundered into the bargain. However, Dyer thought it a good job, and
+with the help of this money he came up to London.
+
+When he arrived here, he worked honestly for some time at his trade,
+with a very noted shoemaker upon Ludgate Hill. Soon after, he removed to
+a lodging in Leather Lane, and worked there for twelve months. At last
+he got into the company of a common woman of the town, and she very
+quickly brought him into his old condition, for being much in debt and
+often arrested, Dyer, who was at present very fond of her, was obliged
+to bail her or get her bailed. Hearing that he had a legacy of ten
+pounds a year in an Exchequer Annuity, she would never let him alone
+until he had disposed of it, which at last he did, for about fourscore
+pounds. The first thing that was done after the receipt of the sum of
+money was to clothe madam in Monmouth Street, in an handsome suit of
+blue flowered satin, with everything agreeable thereto. On their return
+home the man of the house where they lodged flew into a great passion,
+said he'd never suffer her to wear such fine clothes unless he was paid
+what was due to him. Mr. Dyer in his memoirs gives us this story,
+dressed out with abundance of oaths and such like decoration, which we
+will venture to leave out, and relate the adventure, as it gives a very
+good idea of such sort of houses, otherwise in his own language.
+
+The bawd, while her husband was swearing, took Mr. Dyer upstairs, and
+there with a wheedling tone asked him if Moll should not bring them a
+quartern of brandy to drink his and his spouse's health, but before Dyer
+could give her an answer, she issued a positive command herself,
+whereupon up comes Moll and the quartern. The mistress poured out half
+of it into one glass which she drank off to the health of Mr. and Mrs.
+Dyer, adding with great complaisance. _Well, indeed your Alice is a fine
+woman when she's dressed. I love to see a handsome woman with all my
+heart. Come, Moll, fill t'other quartern, and bid Mrs. Dyer come to her
+spouse; and d'ye hear, tell my husband that Mrs. Dyer desires to drink a
+glass of brandy with him._
+
+On this message up comes the husband, and clapping down by him took him
+by the hand, with an abundance of seeming courtesy, said, _Pray, Mr.
+Dyer, don't let you and I fall out. I may, in my passion, have let fall
+some provoking words to your wife, but I can't help it, 'tis my way, and
+I really want money so that it almost makes me mad. I'll tell you what;
+your spouse, Mr. Dyer, owes me almost nine pounds, now if you'll give me
+five guineas, I'll give you a receipt in full._ Upon which our cully of
+a robber, thinking to save so much money, paid it him down, and madam
+seemed to be highly pleased.
+
+As soon as this was over and the receipt given, his lady said to Dyer,
+_Come my dear, we'll go and take a walk and see Mrs. Sheldon._ Thither
+they went. No sooner were they in the house, but after the first
+compliments were passed, Mrs. Sheldon said, _We were just talking of you
+when you came in, Mr. Dyer, and of that small matter your spouse owes
+us._ Says Dyer, _How much is it?_ But two-and-forty shillings, says Mrs.
+Sheldon. Upon which the fool took the money out of his pocket and paid
+it. A little while after this, Dyer's mistress thought fit to quarrel
+with one of her female acquaintances whom she had made her confidante,
+by which means the story came out that she was not a penny in debt
+either to her landlord or Mrs. Sheldon, but that she wanted money and
+was resolved to make hay while the sun shone.
+
+One would have thought that a fellow so versed in villainy, and so given
+up to all sorts of debauchery, would have immediately discarded a woman
+who showed him such tricks, but on the contrary he grew fonder of her,
+removed her to another lodging, and lavished all he had on her. But as a
+new misfortune, one morning early a man knocked at the door, which he
+taking to be one of her gallants, went in his shirt to the window. The
+man enquired whether one Mrs. Davis was there, upon which Dyer's
+mistress in a great agony, said. _O, la, John, it's my husband come from
+sea, what shall I do?_ Upon this, Dyer hustled on his clothes and went
+downstairs to another harlot, and by there until his first lady and her
+husband came downstairs.
+
+However, it was not long before the seaman had an account of Dyer's
+familiarity with his wife, and thereupon thinking to get money out of
+him brought his action against him; but Dyer got himself bailed, and
+soon after arrested him for meat, drink and lodging for his wife for
+several months, for which he lay in the Compter for a considerable time,
+and at last was obliged to give Dyer ten pounds to make it up.
+
+At last, when money ran low, Dyer's love on a sudden went all out. He
+dismissed his mistress and not finding another quickly to his mind, took
+up a sudden resolution to marry and live honest. It was not long before
+he prevailed on an honest woman, and accordingly they were joined
+together in wedlock. Dyer thereupon provided himself with a cobbler's
+stall in Leather Lane, worked hard and lived well. But as his
+inclinations were always dishonest, he could not long confine himself to
+honesty and labour, but in a short space meeting with a young man in the
+neighbourhood, who was very uneasy in his circumstances, and on ill
+terms with ms friends, and very much disordered in his mind on account
+of the misfortunes under which he laboured, Dyer began immediately to
+cast eyes upon him as one who would make him a fit companion.
+
+It seems the other had exactly the same thoughts, and one day as they
+were walking together in the fields, says the stranger to him, _I'll
+tell you what; if you knew how affairs stand with me, you would advise
+me. I must either go upon the highway, or into gaol. That's a hard
+choice_, replied Dyer; _but did you ever do anything of that kind? No_,
+said the other, _indeed, not hitherto. Well, then_, says his tutor
+again, _have you any pistols? No_, replied he, _but I intend to pawn my
+watch and buy some._ The bargain was soon made between them. One night
+they robbed a man by the Old Spa,[88] the same night they robbed another
+by Sadler's Wells. Two or three days after, they robbed a chariot, and
+took from persons in it thirty pounds. The young practitioner in
+thieving thought this a rare quick way of getting money and therefore
+followed it very industriously in the company of his assistant. In
+Lincoln's Inn Fields they were hard put to it, for after they had
+committed a robbery, abundance of watchmen gathered about them, whom
+they suffered to advance very near them, but then firing two or three
+pistols over their heads they all ran, and suffered the robbers to go
+which way they would. A multitude of other facts they committed, until
+Dyer got into that gang who robbed on Blackheath, of whom we have given
+some account.
+
+It is observable that Dyer, in his own narrative, gives not the least
+account of his turning evidence and hanging a great number of his
+associates, many of whom, as has been said in the former volume,[89]
+charged him with having first drawn them into the commission of crimes
+and then betrayed them. It seems this was among the circumstances of his
+life which did not afford him any mirth, a thing to which throughout the
+course of his memoirs he is egregiously addicted. However it was, I must
+inform my reader that he remained for near seven years a prisoner in
+Newgate after his being an evidence, until at last he found means to get
+discharged at the same time with one Abraham Dumbleton, who was his
+companion in his future exploits, and suffered with him at the same
+time. When they were at the bar, in order to their being discharged out
+of Newgate, the Recorder, with his usual humanity, represented to them
+the danger there was of their coming to a bad end, in case they should
+be set at liberty and get again into the company of their old comrades
+who might seduce them to their former practices, and thereby become the
+means of their suffering a violent and ignominious death; advising them
+at the same time rather to submit to a voluntary transportation, whereby
+they would gain a passage into a new country, inhabited by Englishmen,
+where they might live honestly without dread of those reproaches to
+which they would be ever liable here. But they insisting upon their
+discharge and promising to live very honestly for the future, their
+request was complied with, and they were set at liberty.
+
+One of the first crimes committed by Dyer afterwards was robbing a
+victualler coming over Bloomsbury Market,[90] between one and two
+o'clock in the morning, and from whom, having thrown him down and
+stopped his mouth, they took his silver watch, seventeen shillings in
+money, two plain rings, and the buckles out of his shoes. They robbed
+another man in the Tottenham Court Road coming to town, tied him and
+then took from him two-and-forty shillings. Dyer also happening to be
+one day a little cleaner and better dressed than ordinary, was taken
+notice of in Lincoln's Inn Fields by one of those abominable, unnatural
+wretches who addict themselves to sodomy. He pretended to know him at
+first, and desired him to step to the tavern with him and drink a glass
+of wine, which the other readily complied with. In the tavern, Dyer took
+notice that the gentleman had a good diamond ring upon his finger, and
+then suddenly taking notice of a hackney-coach which drove by with a
+single gentleman in it, he pretended it was a friend of his and that he
+needs must go down and speak a word with him. Under pretence of doing
+which, he went clear off with the diamond ring. Two or three days after,
+he met the same person with a man in years, and of some consideration.
+Upon his asking Dyer how he came to go off in that manner from the
+tavern, he, who was accustomed to such salutations, gave him a rough
+answer, and the spark fearing a worse accusation might be alleged
+against himself, thought fit to go off without making any more words
+about it.
+
+I am not able to say how long after, but certainly it could be no very
+considerable space before he and Dumbleton robbed Mr. Bradley, in Kirby
+Street, by Hatton Garden, of his hat and wig, at the same time trampling
+on him, beating him, and using him in the most cruel manner imaginable,
+as was sworn by Mr. Bradley upon their trial. However, by affrighting
+the watch with their pistols, they got off safe and a night or two after
+broke open a linen-draper's shop, and took out a large parcel of linen.
+For these two facts they were shortly after apprehended, and on very
+full evidence convicted at the Old Bailey.
+
+Under sentence of death, Dyer said he was sorry for his offences, but
+spoke of them in a manner that showed he had but a slight sense of those
+heinous crimes in which he had continued so long. His narrative that he
+left behind him, and which was published the day before his execution,
+is a manifest proof of the ludicrous terms which those unhappy creatures
+affect in the relation of their own adventures. However, it becomes us
+not to judge concerning the sentiments of a person who in his last
+moments professed himself a penitent. Instead of doing which, we shall
+produce the speech he made at the place of execution.
+
+    Good People,
+
+    I desire all young men to take warning by my ignominious death, and
+    to forsake evil company, especially lewd women, who have been the
+    chief cause of my unhappy fate. I hope, and make it my earnest
+    request that nobody will be so ill a Christian as to reflect on my
+    aged parents, who took an early care to instruct me, and brought me
+    up a member, though a very unworthy one, of the Church of England. I
+    hope my misfortunes will be a warning to all youth, especially some
+    whom I wish well; I will not name them, but hope, if they see this,
+    they will take it to themselves. I die in charity with all men,
+    forgiving and hoping to be forgiven myself, through the merits of my
+    blessed Saviour Jesus Christ.
+
+He died on the 21st of November, 1729, being thirty-one years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [87] This may mean that they dropped themselves into the
+        cess-pit and made their way out through another opening.
+
+   [88] Spa Fields, Clerkenwell, was a notorious spot for footpads.
+
+   [89] See pages 121, 122.
+
+   [90] This was at the south-west corner of Bloomsbury Square.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of WILLIAM ROGERS, a Thief; WILLIAM SIMPSON, a Horse-dealer;
+and ROBERT OLIVER, _alias_ WILLIAM JOHNSON, a Thief
+
+
+The first of these persons was descended from very mean parents, who
+had, however, given him a tolerable education, so far as to qualify him
+by reading and writing for any ordinary kind of business, to which they
+intended to breed him on his coming to a fit age. They put him out
+apprentice to a shoemaker, with whom he lived out his time, with the
+approbation of his master and all who knew him. Afterwards he married a
+wife and worked for some time honestly as a journeyman at his trade,
+being exceedingly fond of his new wife. But she being a woman who liked
+living in a better state than he could afford by what he gained at his
+work, and he being desirous to live more at home, and yet maintain her
+plentifully too, at last came to picking and thieving; and being
+detected in stealing some shoes out of a shop, he was for that crime
+transported.
+
+In Maryland and Virginia he continued some time working at his trade
+with masters there, who gave him great encouragement, so that he might
+have lived very happily there, if he had not been desirous of coming to
+England. His mind ran continually on his wife. It was for her sake that
+he at first had fallen into these practices, and to enjoy her
+conversation was almost the only thing which tempted him to return home.
+
+On his arrival here, it was no doubt with the greatest uneasiness that
+he heard his wife, as soon as ever he went abroad, cohabited with
+another man and could never afterwards be brought to see him, or give
+him any assistance, no not when he was under his last and great
+misfortunes. Her unkindness afflicted the unhappy man so much that he
+grew careless of his safety, and thereby became speedily apprehended,
+and was tried for his offence in returning before the time was expired;
+and the fact being clear he was at once convicted.
+
+Under sentence of death, he seemed to deplore nothing so much as the
+unkindness of his wife, who would not so much as afford him one visit,
+when he had hazarded, and even sacrificed his life to visit her. He
+confessed that he had been guilty of that crime for which he had
+formerly been transported, but denied that he lived in such a course of
+wickedness and debauchery as most malefactors do. On the contrary, he
+said he was heartily sorry for his sins, and hoped that God would accept
+his imperfect repentance.
+
+William Simpson was a young man of very good parents in Gloucestershire,
+who had taken care to educate him carefully, both in the knowledge of
+letters and of true religion, and they then put him out apprentice to a
+tailor; but not liking that employment, he did not follow it, but lived
+with a relation of his who was a great farmer in the country. There, it
+seems, he stole a black gelding to the value of ten pounds, for which he
+was quickly apprehended and committed to prison, and upon very full
+evidence convicted. The unhappy youth said that nothing but idleness and
+an aversion to any employment were the causes of his committing an act
+of such a nature, so contrary to the principles in which he had been
+instructed, and to which he was not tempted by ill-company, or driven to
+by any straits. Under sentence of death he behaved with great modesty,
+penitence and civility, was desirous of being instructed and did
+everything that could be expected from a man in his miserable condition.
+
+Robert Oliver, _alias_ William Johnson, was born of parents of tolerable
+circumstances in Yorkshire, they bred him at school, and afterwards
+bound him apprentice to a tallow-chandler. After he was out of his time,
+he got somehow or other into the service of Mrs. North, where he robbed
+one Joseph Heppworth of seven-and-forty guineas. As soon as he had done
+it, he went to Moorgate and gave two-and-twenty of them for a horse,
+upon which he rode down into his own country, where he exchanged it for
+another horse, getting four guineas to boot. But the person who had lost
+the money being indefatigable, and imagining that he might have gone
+down into his own country, followed him thither, and after some time
+seized him and got him confined in Beverley gaol. But it seems he found
+a way to make his escape from thence, and so getting to London, skulked
+up and down here for some time, until at last he was discovered and
+committed to Newgate and at the ensuing sessions at the Old Bailey was
+tried and convicted for the aforesaid offence.
+
+Under sentence he behaved himself stupidly, not seeming to have a just
+concern for the offence which he had committed. He was sullen, would say
+very little, did not deny the crime for which he died, but yet did not
+seem to have that compunction which might have been expected from a man
+in his sad condition.
+
+At the place of execution Rogers said little; Simpson acknowledged lewd
+women had been his ruin; Robert Oliver acknowledged that he had been a
+vicious, unruly, young man, who had hearkened to no advice, but addicted
+to nothing but the accomplishment of his vices. They were all desirous
+of prayers, and after they were celebrated they submitted to their
+deaths very patiently; and with pious ejaculations, they were executed
+on the 21st of November, 1739, Rogers being forty years of age, Simpson
+nineteen, and Oliver twenty-two.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES DRUMMOND
+
+
+Folly and wickedness, as it were, naturally lead men to poverty, shame
+and misfortunes, but when such miseries overtake persons who lived
+soberly and in all outward appearance honestly, it is apt to create
+wonder at first, and afterwards to excite compassion.
+
+The unhappy man of whom we are now speaking was the son of a sailor, who
+brought him when but a boy of three years of age up to London, and then
+dying, left him to the care of his mother, who was too poor to give him
+any education. However, he went to sea, and being a young man ingenious
+enough in himself, and very tractable in his temper, he soon became a
+tolerable proficient in the practical part of navigation. This
+recommended him to pretty constant business, whereby he got enough to
+maintain himself and his family handsomely enough, if he had thought fit
+to have employed it that way; which for a considerable space of time he
+did, keeping up a very good reputation in the neighbourhood where he
+lived, and serving with a fair character on board several men-of-war,
+going up the Baltic with squadrons sent thither to preserve the Swedish
+coast from being insulted by the Moscovites.
+
+After his return, he served on board the fleet which destroyed that of
+the Spaniards in Sicily. He was afterwards coxswain in the Admiral, when
+they served in the Mediterranean, and on the coast of Spain, but coming
+home at last and being weary of going to sea, he took up the trade of
+selling china and some small goods about the country; in which he got so
+established a character that the gentlemen with whom he chiefly dealt
+would have trusted him a hundred pounds on his word, and never anything
+gave a greater shock to his neighbours and acquaintances than the news
+of his being apprehended for a highwayman. However, it seems he had been
+engaged to that course by his brother, notwithstanding that till then he
+had lived not only honestly, but with tolerable sentiments of religion.
+
+The method in which he was drawn to turn robber on a sudden was thus. On
+the 19th of October, 1729, his brother came to him as he was working on
+the outside of a ship on the other side of the water, and invited him to
+go out with him to a public house, to which at first he was very
+unwilling; but at last suffering himself to be prevailed upon, he and
+his brother went together to a house not far distant, where they drank
+to a higher pitch than James Drummond had ever done before. His brother
+all along insinuated how advantageous a trade the highway was, owning he
+had followed nothing else for some years past, and saying there was not
+the least hazard run in it, at the same time advising his brother to
+quit labouring hard, and to take to it, too. James was now grown so
+drunk that he hardly knew what he did, so that after much persuasion he
+got up behind his brother upon the same horse, but was afterwards set
+down, it being judged by both of them to be better to rob on foot, while
+he who was well armed and well mounted might be able to defend them
+both. Having come to this fatal agreement, they immediately set about
+those enterprises which they had consulted together.
+
+The first robbery they committed was upon Mr. William Isgrig, from whom
+they took sixteen guineas, seven half-guineas, three broad pieces, one
+moidore, twenty shillings in silver, and a watch value two pounds. Not
+satisfied with this the same night they attacked one Mr. Wakeling, on
+the same road, and took from him a silver watch, and three or four
+shillings in money, though not without much resistance, Mr. Wakeling
+having drawn his sword and defended himself for a considerable time; but
+perceiving one of the rogues to be a footpad, he followed him so
+closely, and made such an outcry to the watch, that after a long pursuit
+and a sharp struggle with him, they took James Drummond prisoner. His
+brother after firing a pistol or two, rode off as fast as he could. At
+the ensuing sessions at the Old Bailey he was indicted for both offences
+and upon very full and dear evidence convicted.
+
+It was impossible to describe the agonies which this unhappy man
+suffered while under sentence of death, the sense of his own condition,
+the reflection on his former character, unsullied and untainted amongst
+his whole neighbourhood, the consideration of leaving a wife and five
+small children behind him, with small provision for their support, and
+what was worse exposed to the reflection of the world on the score of an
+unhappy father, scandalous in the last actions of his life, and
+ignominious in his death. However, returning to his former principles of
+piety and religion, he comforted himself under the weight of all his
+misfortunes, by leaning on the mercy of God, praying fervently to Him to
+grant him patience and protection under those dreadful evils which he
+suffered. He acknowledged all to be exactly true which was deposed
+against him at his trial, confessed the justice of his sentence, and
+prepared to undergo it with as much submission and resignation as was
+possible, and indeed perhaps no criminal ever behaved with more
+penitence than he did. He died on Monday, the 22nd of December, 1729,
+being then forty years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of WILLIAM CAUSTIN and GEOFFREY YOUNGER, Footpads
+
+
+The first of these unhappy men, William Caustin, was born somewhere in
+the country, but the particular place is not mentioned in any papers I
+have before me. Neither am I able to say of what condition his parents
+were, yet whether poor or rich they afforded him a very tolerable
+education, and when he was grown big enough to be put out apprentice,
+bound him to a barber, to whom he served out his time with remarkable
+fidelity. When out of his time he married a wife and set up for himself;
+yet whether through inevitable misfortunes, or for want of good
+management, I cannot say, but he failed in a very short time after, and
+so was reduced to be a journeyman again. However, his character remained
+so unblemished that he was never out of business, nor ill-treated by any
+masters where he worked. On the contrary, he was caressed wherever he
+came, and treated with as much civility as if he had been a relation to
+those whom he had served.
+
+His wife unfortunately falling sick upon his hand, he became thereby
+thrown out of business, and in that time falling into ill company, their
+repeated solicitations prevailed with him to go for once upon the
+highway, which accordingly he did, and committed, in company with
+Geoffrey Younger and the evidence, a robbery on William Bowman, taking
+from him a guinea and thirteen shillings, for which he was very quickly
+after apprehended, and the fact being plainly and fully proved, he was
+convicted, it being the only fact he ever committed.
+
+Geoffrey Younger, his companion, was descended of very honest creditable
+parents in Northamptonshire. There he was put apprentice to a baker, to
+whom he served his time out very honestly and faithfully. Afterwards he
+came up to London, and lived here for seven years as a journeyman, in as
+good a reputation as it was possible for a young man to have. But having
+by that time got a good quantity of clothes, and about ten pounds in his
+pockets, he began to think himself too good to work, and unfortunately
+falling into the company of some idle debauched persons of both sexes,
+they soon led him into a road of ruin. Amongst these was one Bradley, a
+fellow of his own business, whose company of all others, he most
+affected. This fellow having addicted himself to the pursuit of the most
+scandalous vices, easily drew in Younger to go with him to a house where
+gamesters resorted and advising him to venture his money, Younger was
+good enough to take his advice, and so was bubbled out of every farthing
+of his money.
+
+Surprised and confounded at this extraordinary turn, which had reduced
+him to indigence in a moment, he did nothing but lament his own hard
+fortune, and curse his indiscretion for coming to such a place. Bradley
+endeavoured to cheer him, telling him he would yet put him in a way to
+get money, and thereupon proposed going with him upon the highway; in
+order to encourage him to which, he told him that at such a place they
+should meet with a man who had fourscore pounds about him. So after
+abundance of arguments, Younger yielded, and out they went. From that
+time forwards he gave a loose to all his brutal inclinations, associated
+himself with nobody but common whores and thieves, spent his time in
+gaming, when not engaged in a worse employment, and never, after his
+acquaintance with Bradley, thought of doing anything either just or
+honest. But his course was of no very long continuance, for having
+committed four or five robberies, the last of which was in the company
+of William Caustin, they were both apprehended, and as has been said,
+upon very full evidence convicted.
+
+Under sentence of death they both of them blamed Bradley the evidence,
+as the person who had drawn then first to the commission of those crimes
+for which they were now to answer with their lives. Caustin's wife died
+while he was under sentence, and he thereby lost what little comfort he
+had under his afflictions. However, he endeavoured to compose himself
+the best he could, to suffer that judgment which the Law had pronounced
+upon him, and which he himself acknowledged to be just. Younger, on the
+other hand, was exceedingly timorous and so terribly affrighted at the
+approach of death that he scarce retained his senses. He confessed very
+freely the enormities of his former life; said that a more dissolute
+person than himself never lived; cried out against the evidence Bradley,
+as the author of his misfortunes; charged him with having painfully
+endeavoured to seduce him. But in the midst of this he wept bitterly,
+and showed a great terror at the approach of his execution than was seen
+amongst any of the rest who suffered with him, his countenance being so
+much altered, that it was hardly possible for anybody to know him, who
+had been acquainted with him before, insomuch that he looked for many
+weeks before his execution like a person who had been already dead and
+buried.
+
+As the day of dissolution approached, it was hoped that he would recover
+more courage, but instead of that he became so terribly frighted that he
+could scarce speak, or show any signs of life when he was brought to
+Tyburn. However, there he did gather spirits a little, and spoke to the
+crowd to take warning by him, and avoid coming to that fatal place. He
+said that he had been guilty of but five robberies in all his life; said
+he forgave his prosecutors and the evidence who swore against him; and
+in this disposition they both died at the same time with the malefactors
+before mentioned, Caustin being thirty-six years of age, and Younger
+about thirty-four.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of HENRY KNOWLAND and THOMAS WESTWOOD, Footpads
+
+
+Henry Knowland was the son of a father of the same name who was a
+butcher. He received tolerably good education at school, and was brought
+up by his father to his own business; but he was of a lewd disposition,
+continually running after whores, keeping lewd company, gaming and
+drinking until he was able neither to stand nor go. He married his first
+cousin, who had formerly been the wife of Neeves, the evidence. It seems
+this very Knowland had been put into Whitechapel gaol upon her swearing
+a robbery against him for taking a gold chain off her neck, but that
+affair being accommodated, he a little after married her, which was
+perhaps no small cause of his future ruin.
+
+He was always dishonest in his principles, and ready to lay hold of any
+money without ever thinking of paying it again. At Smithfield he used to
+be very dextrous in cheating country graziers of their cattle. The
+method by which he did it was generally thus. Taking advantage of a
+countryman whom he saw looked unacquainted with things, he struck a
+bargain as soon as possible, and for any price he pleased, for his
+goods; then stepping in to drink a mug and receive the money, Knowland
+had an accomplice already planted, who coming hastily into the room told
+him with a submissive air that a gentleman at such a place desired to
+speak with him. Upon this he, arising in a hurry, tells the countryman
+he would return immediately and pay him his money, while the attendant
+in the meanwhile drove off with the beast; and so the poor man was left
+without hopes of seeing either the money or bullock and perhaps ruined
+into the bargain for being obliged to pay his master for the beast that
+was lost.
+
+Thomas Westwood, the second of these offenders, was a man descended of
+very mean parents, who either had it not in their power, or were so
+careless as to afford him little or no education. He himself, also, was
+a stupid, obstinate fellow, who never took any pains to attain the least
+degree of knowledge, but contented himself with living like a beast, in
+a continual round of eating and drinking and sleeping. By trade he was a
+sawyer, and when he wanted business in his trade, which, as the Ordinary
+tells us, he often did bring a poor purblind creature, he either sold
+sawdust about town, or else practised as a bailiffs follower, a
+profession which led him into yet greater debaucheries and
+extravagancies than otherwise possible he might have ever fallen into.
+
+Knowland and he were apprehended on suspicion for being robbers, and
+were tried at the Old Bailey on four indictments, all said to have been
+committed on the same day, viz., on the 23rd of November, 1729. The
+first was for assaulting John Molton in an open field, putting him in
+fear, and taking from him four shillings; the second was for assaulting
+Mary Butler and taking from her sixpence in money; the third was for
+assaulting Nicholas Butler, and taking from him half a guinea and one
+shilling; the fourth was for assaulting Anne Nailor, and taking from her
+three and sixpence in money.
+
+The prosecutors on all these indictments swore positively to the
+prisoners' faces. Mr. Butler was desperately wounded (the Ordinary says
+he was mortally wounded) but through God's grace recovered. In their
+defence they called a great number of people to prove them in other
+places at the time those robberies were committed, which they positively
+swore, but the jury giving credit to the prosecutors' evidence, they
+were both found guilty. However, they absolutely denied the crimes to
+the last suffering at Tyburn with great marks of sorrow and loud
+exclamations to God to have mercy on their souls, the 28th of February,
+1730. Knowland being twenty-four years of age, and Westwood
+twenty-seven, at the time of their deaths.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN EVERETT, a Highwayman
+
+
+This unfortunate man, who, in the course of his life, made some noise in
+the world, was the son of honest and reputable parents at Hitchen, in
+Hertfordshire. They gave their son all the education necessary to
+qualify him for such business as he thought proper to put him to, which
+was that of a salesman; but before his time was expired he went over to
+Flanders, and served in the late War there, in several sieges and
+battles; where he behaved so well as to be preferred to the post of a
+serjeant in the Honourable General How's regiment of foot. But returning
+to England upon the peace, and being quartered at Worcester he there
+purchased his discharge.
+
+Coming up to London he betook himself, for bread, to the office of a
+bailiff in Whitechapel Court, in which station he continued for about
+seven years until he fell into misfortunes, chiefly through the means of
+one C----th. To shelter himself from a gaol, which threatened him at
+that time, he was forced to go into the Foot Guards, where he served in
+the company commanded by the right Honourable the Earl of Albemarle; but
+unluckily for him, having commenced an acquaintance with Richard Bird at
+the aforesaid Mr. C----th's, Bird told him he perceived they were much
+in a case, that is, they both wanted money, and that therefore looking
+upon him (Everett) to be a man who could be trusted, he would propose to
+him an easy method for supply. This method was neither better nor worse
+than robbing on the highway.
+
+To this proposition Everett readily agreeing, they immediately joined,
+provided proper utensils for their co-partnership, and soon after
+practised their trade with great success in the counties of Middlesex,
+Essex, Surrey and Kent, particularly robbing the Dartford coach, from
+the passengers of which they took a portmanteau, wherein was contained
+jewels, money and valuable goods to a very great amount. But spending as
+fast as they got it, they were never the better for the multitude of
+facts they committed, but were in a continual necessity of hazarding
+body and soul for a very precarious subsistance.
+
+A short time after, they robbed the Woodford stage-coach and found in it
+only one passenger worth plundering. From him they took a gold watch and
+some silver, but the gentleman expressing a great concern at the loss of
+his watch, they told him if he would promise faithfully to send such a
+sum of money to such a place, they would let him have it again. On
+Hounslow Heath they attacked two officers of the army, who were well
+mounted and guarded with servants armed with blunderbusses. They took
+their gold watches and money from them, though the officers endeavoured
+to resist, but they forced them to submit to the well-known doctrine of
+passive obedience before they acquitted them. The watches (pursuant to a
+treaty they made with them on the spot) were afterwards left at Young
+Man's Coffee House, Charing Cross, where the owners had them again on
+payment of twenty guineas, as stipulated in the said treaty between the
+parties.
+
+Another robbery they committed was on Squire Amlow (of Bream's
+Buildings, Chancery Lane), in Epsom Lane, turning up to Epsom. When he
+was attacked he drew a sword and made several passes at them as he sat
+in an open chaise; but notwithstanding his resolution in opposing them,
+they by force took two guineas, a silver watch, and his silver-hilted
+sword, and some parchment writings of a considerable value. On his
+submission and request for his writings, they accordingly delivered them
+up, let him pass and helped him to his watch again, being in the hands
+of Mr. Corket, a pawnbroker in Houndsditch. They also took opportunities
+to rob all the butchers and higlers from Epping Forest to Woodford,
+particularly one old woman, who wore a high crowned hat of her mother's
+as she said, which hat they took and searched, and out of the lining of
+it found three pounds and delivered her the hat again. On Acton Common
+they also met two chariots with gentlemen and ladies in them and robbed
+them in money, watches and other things to the value of forty pounds.
+
+My readers, from these instances, must have a tolerable notion of
+Everett's humour, it may prove entertaining, therefore, to give them a
+specimen of his own manner of relating his adventures, and therefore I
+insert the following ones in his own words.
+
+    Soon after our last achievement, my old comrade Dick Bird, and I,
+    stopped a coach in the evening on Hounslow Heath, in which (amongst
+    other passengers) were two precise, but courageous Quakers, who had
+    the assurance to call us Sons of Violence; and refusing to comply
+    with our reasonable demands jumped out of the coach to give us
+    battle. Whereupon we began a sharp engagement, and showed them the
+    arm of flesh was too strong for the Spirit, which seemed to move
+    very powerful within them. After a short contest (though we never
+    offered to fire, for I ever abhorred barbarity, or the more heinous
+    sin of murder) through the cowardly persuasions of their
+    fellow-travellers they submitted, though sore against their
+    inclinations. As they were stout fellows and men every inch of them,
+    we scorned to abuse them, and contented ourselves with rifling them
+    of the little Mammon of unrighteousness which they had about them,
+    which amounted to about thirty or forty shillings and their watches.
+    The rest in the coach, whose hearts were sunk into their breeches,
+    Dick fleeced without the least resistance.
+
+    There was one circumstance of this affair which created a little
+    diversion, and therefore with my readers leave, I will relate it.
+    The Precisions for the most part, though they are plain in their
+    dress, wear the best of commodities, and though a smart toupee[91]
+    is an abomination, yet a bob-wig, or a natural of six or seven
+    guineas' price, is a modest covering allowed by the saints. One of
+    the prigs was well furnished in this particular, and flattering
+    myself it would become me, I resolved to make it lawful plunder.
+    Without any further ceremony, therefore, than alleging exchange was
+    no robbery, I napped his poll, and dressed him immediately in
+    masquerade with an old tie-wig, which I had the day before purchased
+    of an antiquated Chelsea pensioner for half-a-crown. The other
+    company, though in doleful dumps for the loss of the coriander seed,
+    could not forbear grinning at the merry metamorphis, for our Quaker
+    now looked more like a devil than saint. As companions in distress
+    ever alleviate its weight, they invited him with a general laugh
+    into their leathern convenience again, wished us a goodnight, and
+    hoped they should have no farther molestation on the road. We gave
+    then the watch-word, and assured them they should not, then tipped
+    the honest coachman a shilling to drink our healths, and brushed off
+    the ground.
+
+    About a week or ten days later, my brother Dick and I projected a
+    new scheme more nimble than the former, to take a purse without the
+    charge of horse hire. Millington Common was determined to be the
+    scene of action. We sauntered for some time upon the green and
+    suffered several to pass by without the least molestation, but at
+    last we espied two gentlemen well-mounted coming towards us, who we
+    imagined might be able to replenish our empty purses, so we prepared
+    for an attack. After the usual salutation, I stopped the foremost
+    and demanded his cash, his watch and other appurtenances thereunto
+    belonging, and assured him I was a brother of an honourable but
+    numerous family; that to work I had no inclination and to beg I was
+    ashamed, and that I had at present no other way for a livelihood, if
+    such a demand at first view ought appear a little immodest or
+    unreasonable, I hoped he would excuse it, as necessity and not
+    choice was the fatal inducement.
+
+    My brother Dick was as rhetorical in his apologies with the
+    hindermost, whom he dismounted. We used them with more good manners
+    and humanity than the common pads, who act for the most part rather
+    like Turks and Jews than Christians, in such enterprises, to the
+    eternal scandal of the profession. We contented ourselves with what
+    silver and little gold they had about them, which to about three or
+    four pounds, and their gold watches, one of which, as well I
+    remember, was of Tompion's make, and which I afterwards pawned for
+    five guineas to a fellow that the week after broke, and ran away
+    with it, so that I had not the opportunity of restoring it again to
+    the proper owner, for which I heartily beg his pardon. As we must
+    own the gentlemen behaved well and came unto our measures without
+    the least resistance, so they must do us the justice to acknowledge
+    that we treated them as such and neither disrobed nor abused them.
+    We thought it, however, common prudence to cut the girths of their
+    horses' saddles, and secure their bridles for fear of a pursuit.
+
+    Thus flushed again with success, we made the best of our way to
+    Brentford, and there took the ferry; but Fortune, though she is
+    fair, yet she is a fickle mistress, her smiles are often false and
+    very precarious. Before we had got ashore, we heard the persons had
+    got scent of us, and our triumph had like to have ended in
+    captivity. When we were three parts over, and out of danger of
+    drowning, we told the ferrymen our distress, gave them ten
+    shillings, and obliged them to throw their oars into the Thames. The
+    agreeable reward and the fears of being thrown in themselves in case
+    of a denial, made them readily consent. In we plunged after them,
+    and soon made the shore. Though we looked like Hob just drawn out of
+    the well, those that saw us only imagined it was a drunken frolic.
+    Our expeditious flight soon dried our clothes, and without catching
+    the least cold, we both arrived safe that night at London.
+
+    We congratulated each other, you may imagine on our happy and
+    narrow escape, and solaced ourselves after the fatigue of the day,
+    with a mistress and a bottle.
+
+I have copied these pages from Mr. Everett's book that my readers might
+have a clear and just idea of those notions which these unhappy men
+entertain of the life they lead, and hope they may be of some use in
+giving such youths as are too apt to be taken with their low kind of
+jests, a just abhorrence of committing villainy, merely to divert the
+mob, and make themselves the sole topic of discourse in alehouses and
+cellars.
+
+But to return to Everett. He was taken up on suspicion and committed to
+New Prison, where he continued three years, behaving himself so well in
+the prison that the justices ordered him his liberty, and he was
+thereupon made turnkey of that place. In this post he continued to act
+so honestly that he got a tolerable reputation, taking the Red Lion
+alehouse, in Turnmill Street, Cow Cross, in order to live the better;
+resigning his place as turnkey as soon as he was settled in it.
+
+He who succeeded him was a footman to the Duchess of Newcastle's and not
+being very well acquainted with the nature of his new office, he was
+very industrious to prevail with Everett to return to his former
+condition, and accept the key from him. Promises and entreaties were not
+long made in vain. Everett was sensible there was money to be got,[92]
+and therefore, upon the fair promises of the new keeper, became turnkey
+again. But when he had shown his master the art of governing such a
+territory as his was; when he had instructed him in the secrets of
+raising money, and shown him the methods of managing the several sorts
+of prisoners that were committed to its care, his superior quickly gave
+him to understand that he had now done all he wanted, and the next kind
+office would be to quit this place; for it is with those sort of people
+as with some in a higher station, though they at first caress men who
+are better acquainted with affairs than themselves, in order to improve
+their own knowledge, yet no sooner do they think themselves qualified to
+go on without their assistance, but they grow uneasy at such services,
+and are never quiet until they are rid of men whose abilities are their
+greatest faults.
+
+A little after Everett was turned out to make room for the keeper's
+brother, he had the additional misfortune to keep an account with a
+person who too hastily demanded his money, and John, not being able to
+pay it, therefore upon arrested him, and threw him into gaol. He
+quickly turned himself over to the Fleet, where he first took the
+rules, and then got into the Thistle and Crown Alehouse, in the Old
+Bailey. There he lived for a while and afterwards took the Cock in the
+same place, where he lived for three years with an indifferent
+reputation, until he was prevailed on to take the Fleet Cellar[93], and
+became very busy in the execution of the then Warden's project, until
+the committee of the House of Commons thought fit to commit both of them
+to Newgate.
+
+This effectually undid him, for while he was a prisoner there, the
+brewer made a seizure of his whole stock of beer, to the value of three
+hundred pounds, and this it was, as he himself said, which posted him
+out upon the highway again. Whether we may depend upon those
+protestations he had made that he should never otherwise have gone upon
+the road again, but have lived and died free, at least from that sort of
+wickedness which indeed he had reason to dislike, since he had saved his
+life by impeaching Bird his companion, who was hanged at Chelmsford at
+the assizes held there for the County of Essex. When he had once taken
+this resolution in his head, it was not long before he equipped himself
+with necessaries for his employment.
+
+The first robbery he committed was upon a lady in a chariot, and the
+lady desiring that he would put up his pistol for fear of frightening a
+child of six years old in the coach with her, he did so, and took from
+her a guinea and some silver, without touching her gold watch, or any
+other valuable things that she had about her. He had scarce committed
+the robbery, before the lady's husband and another gentleman and his
+company came up, and the accident being related to them, they
+immediately pursued him as hard as their horses could gallop; and came
+so close up with him, that he was hardly got into the Globe Tavern, in
+Hatton Garden, and sent away his horse, before they passed by the door.
+As soon as he thought they were out of sight, he slipped away with all
+the precaution he was able, and got into a little blind alehouse in
+Holborn, where he had scarce lit a pipe, and called for a tankard of
+drink, before he perceived both the gentlemen looking very earnesty
+about, though he now looked upon himself as out of all danger.
+
+It was a very short time after, that he committed the last fact, which
+was the robbing of Mrs. Manley[94], and a lady, who was in a chariot
+with her, a black boy being behind in the coach. He got safe enough off
+and into town, after this robbery; but how it was I cannot tell, his
+neighbours suspected him, and talked of him as a highwayman, and
+reported very confidently that he was taken up, as it seems he was, but
+was discharged again for want of evidence. He was speedily seized again,
+and being committed to Newgate, was brought to his trial at the Old
+Bailey for the said fact.
+
+Mrs. Ellis deposed that the prisoner was the person who robbed the
+coach, and that she observed him follow it when they came out of town.
+Mrs. Manley deposed also to his being the person who robbed them, and
+William Coffee, a negro boy, who was behind the coach, swore positively
+to his face. Several men who were present at his being apprehended,
+swore that he had a pistol, dagger, six bullets, a flint and powder horn
+about him, under a red rug coat.
+
+His defence was very trivial, and the jury upon a short consultation,
+found him guilty. Under sentence of death, he behaved very
+indifferently, sometimes appearing tolerably cool, at others in a
+grievous passion, especially at the keepers, if they refused him such
+liberties as he thought fit to ask. When he was first condemned, he
+flattered himself with hopes of life, if it were possible for him to
+prevail on the ladies whom he had robbed to petition in his favour; in
+order to induce them to which, he wrote the following letter, though to
+no purpose, for the death warrant came down suddenly and he was included
+with the before-mentioned prisoners.
+
+    THE LETTER
+
+    Madam,
+
+    I crave leave, with all humility and respect, to address you and
+    Madam Ellis, and with the utmost submission and concern, do humbly
+    beg your pardons for the fears and surprise my misfortunes reduced
+    me to put you and the children into, whose cries moved so much
+    compassion in me that I had not power to pursue with any rigour my
+    desperate designs, which your ladyship must have perceived by the
+    consternation I was struck into on a sudden. My sole intention was,
+    if I could have got £50 to settle myself in a public house, and to
+    take up an honest course of life, and do own at best it is a very
+    heinous crime. Yet, madam, you will recollect after what manner I
+    treated you, and at the same time consider the methods taken by
+    others on the like occasion. This necessity I was drove to, by
+    adhering to a certain master I lately served, and to obey his wicked
+    and pernicious commands, in following his wicked and pernicious
+    counsels, brought me to poverty, and consequently to this unhappy
+    state I now labour under, and was become almost as much as himself,
+    the scorn and hatred of mankind. I say, madam, if you will be so
+    good as to consider all these unhappy circumstances, and that
+    necessity admits of no contradiction, they will, I am persuaded,
+    inspire compassion in generous souls (a character you both
+    deservedly bear); and as a fellow-creature, I beg mercy at your
+    ladyship's hands, by signing a petition to the Recorder for me, to
+    the end, he may be induced to make a favourable report, and thereby
+    move his most sacred Majesty to clemency, by the sentence to some
+    other corporal punishment, and shall dedicate the rest of my days in
+    praying for both your happiness and prosperity in this world, and
+    eternal felicity and bliss in that to come, and crave leave, with
+    due deference, madam, to subscribe myself,
+
+    Your ladyship's most devoted,
+                  Afflicted humble servant,
+                                      John Everett
+
+The Ordinary of Newgate, in the account he has given of this prisoner,
+has drawn as bad a character as he is able, and in order to it, has
+gathered together all the ill-terms he could think of, even though some
+of them are contrary to one another. The truth is, that the fellow in
+himself had abundance of ill-qualities, with some good ones, and
+especially good nature of which he had a very large share. Lewd women
+were what brought him to his ruin, for to their company he continually
+addicted himself, and with his low intrigues amongst them is the book I
+have mentioned stuffed from one end to the other.
+
+As to religion, it is certain he had very little of it before he was
+confined, so it is not very likely that he should make any great
+proficiency while he remained there. He was careless, indeed, under his
+misfortunes, but did not give himself up to any loose or profane
+expressions, but on the contrary attended at Chapel with decency at
+least, if not with devotion.
+
+Some attempts were made to save his life, by engaging him to make
+discoveries in an affair of high concern, but all was ineffectual, and
+he suffered on the 20th of February, 1729-30, with less apprehension
+than might have been expected from a man under his unhappy
+circumstances. The executioner, to put the prisoner sooner out of his
+pain, jumped upon his shoulders, and thereby broke the rope, but he was
+soon tied up again, and there remained until the rest were cut down.
+
+At the time of his execution, he was forty-four years of age or
+thereabouts.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [91] This was a small wig covering only the top of the head; a
+        bob-wig was short and tied at the back with a large bow; a
+        natural was a large, full wig, in which the hair was made to
+        look like natural locks.
+
+   [92] The scandalous system of bleeding prisoners for every little
+        necessity and comfort made gaoloring a very profitable trade.
+
+   [93] That is, managed the sale of liquor in the Fleet.
+
+   [94] Author of _The New Atlantis_ and sundry political pamphlets
+        and libels, plays and novels.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of ROBERT DRUMMOND, a Highwayman and FERDINANDO SHRIMPTON, a
+Highwayman and Murderer
+
+
+Robert Drummond was the brother of James Drummond, whom we have before
+mentioned. He had formerly dealt in hardwares, and thereby lived with
+some reputation in the town of Sunderland, nobody ever dreaming that he
+went upon the highway for money. But it was not long that he continued
+even to put this mask upon his villainy, but on the contrary gave way to
+his wild and debauched temper, and committed a thousand extravagancies,
+which soon created suspicions, and occasioned his being apprehended on
+suspicion of a robbery. This clearly being made out at the ensuing
+assizes, he was thereupon convicted, pardoned, and transported. But he
+soon found a way to return into England, and grew one of the most daring
+and mischievous robbers that ever infested the road.
+
+The multitude of his robberies made his person so well known that it is
+wonderful he should so long escape, especially considering the roughness
+and cruelty of his temper, he never using anybody well, firing upon any
+who attempted to ride away from him, and beating and abusing those who
+submitted to him. He drew in, as has been said before, his brother
+James, and deserting him when pursued and in danger, he was the occasion
+of his death. It was also suspected that Shrimpton and he were the
+persons who committed those robberies for which Knowland and Westwood
+were executed. However it were, he continued for a considerable space
+after the two Shrimptons and he robbed together, committing sometimes
+nine or ten robberies in one night, until they were all three
+apprehended, and William Shrimpton became an evidence against them.
+
+Ferdinando Shrimpton, the other malefactor, was a person well educated,
+though his father was one of the greatest highwaymen in England. He [the
+father] lived at Bristol, and behaved in outward appearance so well that
+he was never suspected, but unluckily one evening some constables coming
+into an inn hastily to apprehend another person, his guilty heart making
+him afraid that they were come in search of nobody but himself, he
+thereupon immediately drew a pistol and shot one of them dead, for which
+murder being convicted, he readily confessed his former offences, and
+after his execution for the aforesaid crime, was hung in chains.
+
+As for this unhappy man, his son, he had been bred to no trade, but
+after his father's death served as a foot-soldier in the Guards and
+eked out his pay by taking the same steps which his father had done
+before him. Never any fellow was of a bolder and of a more audacious
+spirit than he, and after he had once associated himself with Drummond,
+they quickly forced William Shrimpton, who was Ferdinando's cousin, to
+commit one or two facts with him, and afterwards he would never suffer
+him to be quiet.
+
+On Hounslow Heath, it seems, Shrimpton robbed a man of a horse, a silver
+watch and some money. The man applied himself to Shrimpton when he was
+apprehended, begging that he would find a way to help him to his horse
+again. Shrimpton promised he would, and for a guinea was as good as his
+word, though the gelding was worth fifteen pounds; but for his watch,
+nothing either was, or as they pretended could be, told about it. But
+that was only for fear of disobliging the pawnbroker where they had sent
+it, for Shrimpton afterwards, upon the owner's thirty-four shillings by
+his wife, had it again, though Ferdinando was very much disobliged that
+he received but half a crown for his trouble.
+
+Drummond, he and his cousin being seized, William turned evidence
+against them, and at the ensuing sessions at the Old Bailey, Shrimpton
+being indicted for the murder of Simon Prebent, Mr. Tyson's coachman,
+and Robert Drummond for aiding and abetting, and assisting him, they
+were both upon full evidence convicted, as they were also convicted for
+a robbery on the highway, on Mr. Tyson, after the death of the coachman.
+They were a third time indicted together for assaulting Robert Furnel on
+the highway, taking from him a watch of great value, a guinea and a
+half, some silver and a whip, together with some other things of value.
+They were also indicted afresh for assaulting Jonathan Cockhoofs on the
+highway, taking from him a bay gelding, value nine pounds, several
+roasting pigs and pieces of pork, etc.; of all which they were found
+guilty, the fact being as clear and as strong against them as possible.
+
+Under sentence of death, they behaved themselves with great obstinacy
+and resolution, refused to give any account of their crimes, but in
+general would say that they were great and notorious offenders. As to
+the fact committed by Knowland and Westwood, they would not positively
+say it was done by them, though they could not deny it. Only when
+pressed upon it, Drummond would say in a passion, _What, would you have
+us take upon us all the robberies that were committed in the country?_
+This was all that could be got from him, even when he was at the point
+to die and the wife of Knowland earnestly begged that he would tell the
+truth, as he was now entering into another world, and the owning or not
+owning of those facts could no ways prejudice them.
+
+As to the barbarous murder committed upon Mr. Tyson's coachman, it did
+not seem to make the least impression upon their spirits. Shrimpton, by
+whose hands the man was killed, never appeared one whit more uneasy when
+the sermon on murder was peculiarly preached on his account, but on the
+contrary talked and jested with his companions as he was wont to do. In
+a word more hardened, obstinate and impenitent wretches were never seen;
+for as they were wanting in all principles of religion, so they were
+void even of humanity and good nature. They valued blood no more than
+they did water, but were ready to shed the first with as little concern
+as they spilt the latter. Inured in wickedness and rapine, old in years
+and covered in offences, they yielded their last breaths at Tyburn, with
+very little sign of contrition or repentance, on the 17th of February,
+1730, Drummond being about fifty, and Shrimpton about thirty years of
+age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of WILLIAM NEWCOMB, a housebreaker
+
+
+Though the many instances we have, of late years, had of amazing
+wickednesses committed by lads one would scarce believe were capable of
+executing, much less of contriving schemes so full of ginning and of
+guilt, ought in a great measure to prevent our being surprised at
+anything of the same kind, let it be committed by ever such a stripling,
+yet I confess it was not without wonder that I perused the papers
+relating to this unfortunate young man--so strong an instance of a great
+capacity for mischief at the same time that he never once evidenced
+either care or ability in succeeding in an honest way. On the contrary,
+he was assidious only to attain as much money as might put him on the
+road of debauchery, and then stupidly gave himself up to squandering it
+in the gratification of his lusts, until indigence brought to rack his
+inventions again, and his second attempt proving abortive, brought him
+to the gallows.
+
+He was born of honest parents, who took care enough in his education to
+qualify him for the business of a shoemaker, for which they designed
+him, and to which they put him apprentice. He had not served above three
+years of his time, before he robbed his master of a very considerable
+sum of money. The man having a respect for his family, put him away
+without prosecuting him. His father took him home, but, however,
+reproaching him very often for the villainous facts he had committed, he
+went away from him and lay about the town, intending to take the first
+opportunity that offered of stealing a good booty, and march off into
+the country.
+
+At last, after consulting with himself for some time, he fixed upon a
+banker's shop in Lombard Street, within two doors of the church of St.
+Edmund the King, thinking with himself that if once he could get into
+that shop, be should make himself at a blow. In order to it he got into
+the church overnight and stayed there until morning, when, just as it
+began to grow light, he steered downstairs into the shop, having got
+over the top of Mr. Jenkin's house, and watching his opportunity, laid
+hold of a single bag and slipped out of doors with it. The booty was
+indeed a large one, for it happened that what he took was all gold,
+which was upwards of eight hundred guineas. This put it in his power to
+show himself in that state of life which he most admired, for sending
+for a tailor be had two or three suits of fine clothes made, bought a
+couple of geldings, hired a footman in livery to attend him, and thus
+equipped set out for the horse races at Newmarket.
+
+Women and gaming very soon reduced the bulk of his gold and in six or
+seven months, finding his pockets very low, he returned to London to
+replenish himself. The good success he before had in robbing a banker,
+and his knowing nobody was so likely to furnish him with ready money,
+put him upon making the like attempt at Mr. Hoare's, into whose house he
+got and endeavoured to conceal himself as conveniently as he could for
+that purpose. But being detected and apprehended on the roof of the
+house, whither he had fled to avoid pursuit, he was committed to
+Newgate, and at the next sessions at the Old Bailey, was tried for
+burglary, and convicted.
+
+Under sentence of death he behaved with great mildness and civility. He
+confessed his having been as great a sinner as his years would give him
+leave, addicted to whoring, drunkenness, gaming and having quite
+obliterated all the religious principles which his former education had
+instilled into him. However, he endeavoured to retrieve as much as
+possible the knowledge of his duty, and to fulfil it by praying to
+Almighty God for the forgiveness of his many offences; and in this
+disposition of mind he departed this life, on the 17th of February,
+1730, being about nineteen years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of STEPHEN DOWDALE, a Thief
+
+
+This unfortunate man was the son of parents in good circumstances in the
+Kingdom of Ireland, who were very careful of giving him the best
+education they were capable of, both as to letters and as to the
+principles of the Christian religion. Yet from some hope they had of his
+succeeding in a military way, they chose rather to let him serve in the
+army than breed him to any particular trade. It seems he behaved so well
+in the regiment of dragoons in which he served, that his officers
+advanced him to the post of sergeant, and just as the Peace was
+concluded, he had hopes of being made a quartermaster. But the regiment
+then being broke, his hopes were all dissipated, and he thrown into the
+world to shift for himself as well as he could.
+
+In Ireland he remained with his friends some years, but finding by
+degrees that their kindness cooled, and that it would be impossible for
+him to subsist much longer upon the bounty of his relations, he
+thereupon resolved to come over at once to England and endeavour to live
+here by his wits. The gaming tables were the places where he chiefly
+resorted, but finding that fortune was a mistress not to be depended
+upon he resolved to take some more certain method of living, and for
+that purpose associated himself with ten or a dozen knights of the road.
+He continued his practices without the least suspicion for a very
+considerable time, in all which he appeared one of the greatest beaux at
+the other end of the town.
+
+But growing uneasy in the midst of that seeming gaiety in which he
+lived, and being under some apprehensions that one or more of his
+companions was meditating means of making peace with the government at
+the expense of his life, he resolved to prevent them; and thereupon
+surrendered himself of his own accord into the hands of a constable, and
+gave the best information he was able against all his confederates. But
+however it was, most of them had previous knowledge of the warrants
+issued against them, and thereby made their escapes. Others who were
+apprehended were acquitted by the jury, notwithstanding this evidence
+against them, so that the public not being likely to reap any benefit by
+his discovery, some people thought proper to turn his own confession
+upon himself. Accordingly, at the next Sessions at the Old Bailey, he
+was indicted for feloniously stealing a gold watch value twenty pounds,
+out of the house of Thomas Martin, on the 30th of August preceding the
+indictment. He was also indicted a second time for feloniously stealing
+a diamond ring out of the shop of John Trible, on the 25th of August.
+Both these facts were in the information he had made, and therefore the
+proof was dear and direct against him, and beyond his power to avoid by
+any defence.
+
+Under sentence of death be behaved himself with great resignation,
+seemed to be very penitent for those numerous offences he had committed,
+though now and then he let fell expressions which showed that he thought
+himself hardly dealt with by those who had received his confession.
+However, what with fear and concern, and what with the moistness of the
+place wherein he was confined, he fell into a grievous distemper, which
+quickly increased into a high fever, which affected his senses, and
+shortly after took away his life, just as a very worthy gentleman in the
+commission for the peace for Middlesex had procured his life, which was
+thus ended by the course of Nature though in the cells of Newgate, he
+being then in the forty-fourth year of his age. He died on the 5th of
+April, 1730.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of ABRAHAM ISRAEL, a Jew
+
+
+As it is a very ordinary case for fiction to be imposed on the world for
+truth, so it sometimes happens that truth hath such extraordinary
+circumstances attending it, as well nigh bring it to pass for fiction.
+The adventures of this unhappy man, who was a Hebrew by nation, have
+something in them strange, and which excite pity; for a man must be
+wanting in humanity who can look upon a young person endowed with the
+natural advantage of a good genius, lightened by the acquired
+accomplishments of learning, fall of a sudden from an honest and
+reputable behaviour into debauchery, wickedness and rapine, methods that
+lead to certain destruction, and as it were to drag men to violent and
+shameful deaths.
+
+This unfortunate person, Abraham Israel, was born of parents of the
+Hebrew nation, of good character and in good circumstances, at Presburg,
+in the kingdom of Hungary. They were exceedingly desirous of giving
+their son a good education, and therefore sent him to study in the
+Jewish College at Prague, in Bohemia, where they allowed him about two
+hundred pounds Stirling a year. He improved under the tuition of the
+rabbis there to a great degree, insomuch that he was admired by them as
+a prodigy of learning. His behaviour in every other way being
+unblamable, and therefore not spending above half what his father sent
+him, he distributed the rest among the indigent scholars there, of all
+nations and religions. As a mark of his early and polite genius, we have
+thought proper to entertain our readers with a short description of the
+city of Prague, which he wrote in the German tongue, and which on this
+occasion we have ventured to translate into English.
+
+    Prague is the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, which, as if
+    protected by nature, is encompassed round with high mountains.
+    Throughout all Europe there is no soil in general more fertile or
+    better adapted to the plough. The fruits there are excellent and
+    great quantities of fowl are plentiful almost to excess, the cattle
+    are large and excellent. In fine nothing is poor, wretched or
+    miserable there except the people, who are slaves to their lords,
+    and never enjoy even the fruits of their own hard labour. But to
+    return to Prague, it is a city situated on a hill, part of it
+    stretching down the plain, having the river Muldau running through
+    it. The buildings are of so large extent that this city is divided
+    into three, and by some into four cities. The old city lies on the
+    east of the river, is exceedingly populous, and houses in that
+    quarter fair, but old-fashioned. Here is the quarter assigned unto
+    our nation (i.e., the Jews) where we enjoy greater privileges and
+    are treated with more lenity than in any other part of Germany. The
+    heads of our people deal to very great advantage in jewels and
+    precious stones dug out of the Bohemian mines. The lesser town on
+    the other side of the river is more beautiful in its building than
+    the old town, has fine gardens and stately palaces, among which
+    there is the famous one of Count Wallenstein, the magnificence of
+    which, may be the better guessed from our knowing that a hundred
+    houses were pulled down to make room for it. Its hall is thought one
+    of the finest in all Europe, its gardens are wonderfully stately,
+    and the stables which he built here for his horses are almost beyond
+    description, marble pillars parted the standing of each horse from
+    another. The racks were of polished steel, and their mangers of the
+    finest marble, and over the head of each stand was placed the figure
+    of each horse, as large as the life. This famous man who was the
+    greatest captain of his time, after having built this sumptuous
+    palace, re-established the Emperor's power, almost utterly broken by
+    the Swedes, growing at last too powerful for a subject, or as the
+    Germans say, endeavouring to make himself master of the Kingdom of
+    Bohemia, he was, if not by the command, at least by the connivance
+    of the Emperor Ferdinand, privately assassinated in the city of
+    Egra, in the year 1634, by certain Irish officers, in whom he
+    reposed the greatest confidence. Since his time Prague has seen no
+    greater powerful persons among her countrymen; on the contrary, the
+    inhabitants now in general are poor, their habits mean, the Hebrew
+    nation being obliged, both men and women, to wear a particular garb.
+    Its streets are dirty, and nothing but the Imperial Palace preserves
+    anything of its ancient grandeur; the same fate hath befallen the
+    other Bohemian cities, and thus in a land of Paradise the people
+    live like slaves.
+
+When at the age of thirteen, the unfortunate Abraham was recalled by his
+father from college, at his return home, every one was surprised at that
+prodigious knowledge which he had acquired while at Prague. Those of
+their nation who resided at Presburg desired Abraham's father that his
+son might, according to the custom of the Hebrews, read in the
+synagogue, which accordingly he did with great and deserved applause.
+His relations, and the rich Jews of the town, loaded him the next day
+with valuable presents, in order to show their veneration for the
+religion and learning of their ancestors; but these encouragements being
+heaped on a vain and ambitious temper, were the ruin of a youth hitherto
+virtuous in his conduct and passionately fond of learning. For growing
+on a sudden conceited with his own abilities, puffed up with the vanity
+of having excelled his equals, he began to addict himself to acquire
+higher accomplishments, grew fond of music, delighted in
+dancing-schools, would needs be taught fencing and riding, and from the
+studies preparative to making a grave rabbi, jumped all of a sudden to
+the qualities necessary to finish a Jewish fop.
+
+His relations soon showed by the alteration of their conduct how little
+they approved of his new state of life, but that signified nothing to
+him, he still went on at his old rate; until at last perceiving his
+parents would do nothing for him, he went with an idle woman to
+Amsterdam. There he was uneasy, not knowing what course of life to take,
+but at last submitted to wearing a livery, and got into service. He
+behaved himself amongst the Spanish Jews so well that they gave him a
+recommendation to Baron Swaffo in England, upon which he came over
+thither, and entered into his service. He recommended him to Mr. Jacob
+Mendez da Costa, where he Stayed for some time, with a good character as
+a diligent servant. From him he went to Mr. Villareal on College Hill.
+It seems that while he continued at the Hague, he fell in love with a
+young woman there, who continually ran in his head after his coming over
+hither. As soon, therefore, as he got money enough, he went over to the
+Hague, on purpose to make her a visit. When he came there, he found she
+was gone, which made him very uneasy, yet he resolved not to go to
+Amsterdam, whither he heard she went from the Hague.
+
+However, it was not long before she was thrown in his way, for upon his
+coming over again to London, where he got into the service of Mr. Jacob
+Mendez da Costa, he heard at a barber's shop of a young maid just
+brought over from Holland who was then at her uncle's in St. Mary Axe,
+not knowing where to get a place. Upon enquiring her name, he found it
+to be his old acquaintance and mistress at the Hague. It was not long
+before he turned out the cook at the place where he lived, and brought
+her home in her place.
+
+For a while she behaved like an honest and industrious servant, but one
+night as Abraham went to bed, he saw her opening an escrutoire with a
+knife, which she said she could at any time do. Abraham at first forbid
+her, but she by her endearments, quickly brought him over to her party,
+insomuch that after having lain with her, he consented to rummage the
+escrutoire. In it they found diamond rings and other jewels to a very
+great value. The wench said to him, holding up a fine diamond ring,
+_Abraham, you might take this, and it would prove the making of us
+both._ But the fellow would not listen to her. However, they agreed to
+take five guineas, which when they had done, they went to bed together
+according to custom.
+
+Sometime after they begged a holiday and going out borrowed some more
+money from the same bank, but staying out all night she lost her place,
+whereupon she went back to her uncle's, and afterwards got a place in
+Winchester Street. There Abraham visited her, and suspecting that she
+was with child, asked her very gravely and kindly whether it were so or
+not? She said, _No_, and pretended to want money, upon which he turned
+back and gave her a guinea. Some time after he came to see her again,
+asked her the same question, and had the same answer, yet in a few hours
+after she caused him to be apprehended by the parish officers, the
+expenses whereof cost him five guineas immediately, and he was obliged
+to deposit fourteen guineas more as a security that he would indemnify
+the parish.
+
+This threw him out of his place, and though he got into another, and
+behaved well in it, yet going into the service of Mr. John Mendez da
+Costa, he became there so uneasy on account of his child, and some other
+troublesome affairs, that he ventured on stealing eight silver spoons,
+five silver forks, two pair of silver canisters, a diamond ring value
+two hundred and fifty pounds, a pair of diamond ear-rings worth ninety
+pounds, three diamond buckles, and other goods of a great value. For
+this fact he was prosecuted, and on very full evidence convicted.
+
+Under sentence of death, the Ordinary informs us that he appeared to be
+better acquainted with Hebrew than is common amongst Jews. He came up to
+the chapel rather for the air than for devotion. However, he one day
+sung part of a Psalm. His hatred against his prosecutor was strong and
+unconquerable, for when the minister told him it was his duty to forgive
+him, he said he did not know whether it was or no according to their
+law, and sometimes said that Heaven might deal with the same justice by
+him hereafter, as he had been dealt with here.
+
+As the time of his death approached, he grew graver, and read more
+constantly in those books he had in Hebrew characters of his own
+religion. However, he wrote a letter to the gentleman he robbed in very
+harsh terms, and applied to him some of the imprecations of the hundred
+and ninth Psalm. At the place of execution he had two men with him, who
+were muttering something or other in his ear. He had a little Hebrew
+prayer-book in his hand, and read in it. When being again persuaded to
+forgive his prosecutor, he at last, in a faint voice, answered that he
+did, and then submitted to his fate at Tyburn, on the 12th of May, 1730,
+being then about twenty-two years of age. He had several relations who
+had a great deal of money in England, and they took care of his body.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of EBENEZER ELLISON, a Notorious Irish Thief
+
+
+With respect to this malefactor I have nothing to acquaint the world
+with but what is taken from his own speech which was printed at Dublin,
+and said to be published there by his own desire for the common good. It
+made a great noise there then, and may perhaps serve to entertain you
+now, wherefore I proceed to give it you in his own words.
+
+    I am now going to suffer the just punishment of my crimes,
+    prescribed by the Law of God and my country. I know it is the
+    constant custom that those who come to this place should have
+    speeches made for them, and cried about in their own hearing as they
+    are carried to execution; and truly they are such speeches that
+    although our fraternity be an ignorant illiterate people, they would
+    make a man ashamed to have such nonsense and false English charged
+    upon him, even when he is going to the gallows. They contain a
+    pretended account of our birth and family, of the facts for which we
+    are to die, of our sincere repentance, and a declaration of our
+    religion. I cannot expect to avoid the same treatment with my
+    predecessors. However, having an education one or two degrees better
+    than those of my rank and profession, ever since my commitment I
+    have been considering what might be proper for me to deliver upon
+    this occasion.
+
+    And first, I cannot say from the bottom of my heart that I am truly
+    sorry for the offence I have given to God and the world; but I am
+    very much so for the bad success of my villainies, in bringing me to
+    this untimely end; for it is plainly evident, that after having some
+    time ago obtained a pardon from the Crown, I again took up my old
+    trade. My evil habits were so rooted in me, and I was grown unfit
+    for any other kind of employment; and therefore, although in
+    compliance with my friends I resolved to go to the gallows after the
+    usual manner, kneeling with a book in my hand and my eyes lift up,
+    yet I shall feel no more devotion in my heart than I observed in
+    some of my comrades, who have been drunk among common whores the
+    very night before their execution. I can say further from my own
+    knowledge, that two of my own fraternity, after they had been hanged
+    and wonderfully came to life, and made their escapes, as it
+    sometimes happens, proved afterwards the wickedest rogues I ever
+    knew, and so continued until they were hanged again for good and
+    all; and yet they had the impudence at both times they went up to
+    the gallows to smite their breasts and lift up their eyes to Heaven
+    all the way.
+
+    Secondly, from the knowledge I have of my own wicked dispositon, and
+    that of my comrades, I give it as my opinion that nothing can be
+    more unfortunate to the public than the mercy of Government in even
+    pardoning and transporting us, unless we betray one another, as we
+    never fail to do if we are sure to be well paid, and then a pardon
+    may do good. By the same rule, it is better to have but one fox in a
+    farm than three or four, but we generally make a shift to return
+    after being transported, and are ten times greater rogues than
+    before, and much more cunning. Besides, I know it by experience,
+    that some hopes we have of finding mercy when we are tried, or after
+    we are condemned, is always a great encouragement to us.
+
+    Thirdly, nothing is more dangerous to idle young fellows than the
+    company of those odious common whores we frequent, and of which this
+    town is full. These wretches put us upon all mischief to feed their
+    lust and extravagance. They are ten times more bloody and cruel than
+    men. Their advice is always not to spare us if we are pursued, they
+    get drunk with us, and are common to us all, and yet if they can get
+    anything by it, are sore to be our betrayers.
+
+    Now, as I am a dying man, something I have done which may be of good
+    use to the public, I have left with an honest man and indeed the
+    only honed man I ever was acquainted with--the names of all my
+    wicked brethren, the present places of abode, with a short account
+    of the chief crimes they have committed in many of which I have been
+    their accomplice, and heard the rest from their own mouths. I have
+    likewise set down the names of those we call our setters, of the
+    wicked houses we frequent, and of those who receive and buy our
+    stolen goods. I have solemnly charged this honest man, and have
+    received his promise upon oath, that whenever he hears of any to be
+    tried for robbing or housebreaking, he will look into his list, and
+    he if finds the name there of the thief concerned, to send the whole
+    paper to the Government. Of this I here give my companions fair and
+    public warning, and I hope they will take it.
+
+    In the paper above-mentioned, which I left with my friend, I have
+    also set down the names of the several gentlemen whom we have robbed
+    in Dublin streets for three years past. I have told the
+    circumstances of those robberies, and shown plainly that nothing but
+    the want of common courage was the cause of their misfortunes. I
+    have therefore desired my friends that whenever any gentleman
+    happens to be robbed in the streets, he will get the relation
+    printed and published with the first letters of those gentlemen's
+    names, who by their want of bravery are likely to be the cause of
+    all the mischief of that kind, which may happen for the future. I
+    cannot leave the world without a short description of that kind of
+    life which I have led for some years past and is exactly the same
+    with the rest of our wicked brethren.
+
+    Although we are generally so corrupted from our childhood as to have
+    no sense of goodness, yet something heavy always hangs about us. I
+    know not what it is, that we are never easy until we are half drunk
+    among our whores and companions, nor sleep sound, unless we drink
+    longer than we can stand. If we go abroad in the day, a wise man
+    would easily find us to be rogues by our faces, we have such
+    suspicious, fearful and constrained countenances, often turning back
+    and sneaking through narrow lanes and alleys. I have never failed of
+    knowing a brother thief by his looks, though I never saw him before.
+    Every man amongst us keeps his particular whore, who is however
+    common to us all when we have a mind to change. When we have got a
+    booty, if it be money, we divide it equally among our companions,
+    and soon squander it on our vices in those houses that receive us,
+    for the master and mistress and very tapster go snacks, and besides
+    make us pay treble reckonings. If our plunder be plate, watches,
+    rings, snuff-boxes and the like, we have customers in all quarters
+    of the town to take them off. I have seen a tankard sold, worth
+    fifteen pounds to a fellow in ---- Street, for twenty shillings, and
+    a gold watch for thirty. I have set down his name, and that of
+    several others in the paper already mentioned. We have setters
+    watching in corners, and by dead walls, to give us notice when a
+    gentleman goes by, especially if he be anything in drink. I believe
+    in my conscience, that if an account were made of a thousand pounds
+    in stolen goods, considering the low rates we sell them at, the
+    bribes we must give for concealment, the extortions of alehouse
+    reckonings, and other necessary charges there would not remain fifty
+    pounds clear to be divided among the robbers, and out of this we
+    must find clothes for whores, besides treating them from morning
+    until night, who in requital award us with nothing but treachery and
+    the pox, for when our money is gone, they are every moment
+    threatening to inform against us, if we will not get out to look for
+    more. If anything in this world be like Hell, as I have heard it
+    described by our clergy, the truest picture of it must be in the
+    back room of one of our alehouses at midnight, where a crew of
+    robbers and their whores are met together after a booty, and are
+    beginning to grow drunk, from that time until they are past their
+    senses, in such a continued horrible noise of cursing, blasphemy,
+    lewdness, scurrility, and brutish behaviour, such roaring and
+    confusion, such a clatter of mugs and pots at each other's heads,
+    that Bedlam in comparison is a sober and orderly place. At last they
+    all tumble from their stools and benches, and sleep away the rest of
+    the night, and generally the landlord or his wife, or some other
+    whore, who has a stronger head than the rest, picks their pockets
+    before they awake. The misfortune is, that we can never be easy
+    until we are drunk, and our drunkenness constantly exposes us to be
+    more easily betrayed and taken.
+
+    This is a short picture of the life I have led, which is more
+    miserable than that of the poorest labourer who works for fourpence
+    a day; and yet custom is so strong that I am confident, if I could
+    make escape at the foot of the gallows, I should be following the
+    same course this very evening. Upon the whole, we ought to be looked
+    upon as the common enemies of mankind, whose interest it is to root
+    us out like worms, and other mischievous vermin, against which no
+    fair play is required. If I have done service to men in what I have
+    said, I shall hope to have done service to God, and that will be
+    better than a silly speech made by me full of whining and canting,
+    which I utterly despise, and have never been used to yet such a one
+    I expect to have my ears tormented with as I am passing along the
+    streets.
+
+    Good people, fare ye well; bad as I am, I leave many worse behind
+    me, and I hope you shall see me die like a man, though a death
+    contrary.
+
+    E. E.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JAMES DALTON, a Thief
+
+
+The character of this criminal is already so infamous, and his crimes so
+notorious that I may spare myself any introductory observation which I
+have made use of as to most of the rest with respect to his birth. He
+was so unfortunate as to have the gallows hereditary to his family, his
+father, who was by birth an Irishman, and in the late Wars in Flanders a
+sergeant, coming over here was indicted and hanged for a street robbery.
+After his death, Dalton's mother married a butcher, who, not long before
+Dalton's death, was transported, and she herself for a like crime shared
+in the same punishment.
+
+This unhappy young man himself went between his father's legs in the
+cart when he made his fatal exit at Tyburn. It has, indeed, remained a
+doubt whether Dalton the father were a downright thief or not; his own
+friends say that he was only a cheat, and one of the most dexterous
+sharpers at cards in England. It seems he fell in with some people of
+his own profession, who thought he got their money too much easily, and
+therefore made bold to fix him with a downright robbery.
+
+As for James Dalton the younger, from his infancy he was a thief and
+deserved the gallows almost as soon as he wore breeches. He began his
+pranks with robbing the maid where he went to school. By eleven years
+old he got himself into the company of Fulsom and Field, who were
+evidences against Jonathan Wild and Blueskin, and in their company
+committed villainies of every denomination, such as picking pockets,
+snatching hats and wigs, breaking open shops, filching bundles at dusk
+of the evening. All the money they got by these practices was spent
+among the common women of the town, whose company they frequented. Then
+the Old Bailey and Smithfield Cloisters became the place of their
+resort, from whence they carried away goods to a considerable quantity,
+sold them at under-rates, and squandered away the money upon strumpets.
+
+Towards Smithfield and the narrow lanes and allies about it, are the
+chief houses of entertainment for such people, where they are
+promiscuously admitted, men or women, and have places every way fitted
+for both concealing and entertainment. The man and woman of the house
+frequently take their commodities off their hand at low prices, and the
+women who frequent these sort of places help them off with what trifling
+sums of money they receive; for though they are utterly devoid of
+education, yet dinning and flattery are so perfectly practised by them,
+that these bewitched young robbers make no scruple of venturing soul and
+body to acquire wherewith to purchase their favours, which are
+frequently attended with circumstances that would send them rotten to
+their graves, if the gallows did not intercept and take them before they
+are got half way. But it happened that Field was apprehended, and to
+save himself immediately made an information against his companions,
+named Dalton and Fulsom, whereupon they were obliged to be very cautious
+and durst venture out only in the night. It happened that in Broad
+Street, St. Giles's they met about twelve o'clock at night a captain in
+the Foot-Guards. Dalton commanded the gentleman to surrender, but
+persons of his cloth seldom parting with their money so peaceably, there
+happened a skirmish, in which Fulsom knocked him down, and afterwards
+they rifled him, taking some silver and a leaden shilling out of his
+pocket, together with a pocket book, which had some bank notes in it,
+and therefore was burnt by them for fear it should betray them. But in
+this fact, Dalton, who had not even honesty enough for a thief, cheated
+his companion of seven guineas and a watch.
+
+The woman to whom they sold their stolen goods was one Hannah Britton,
+who, upon Lambert's being committed to New Prison, was named in his
+information, taken up and committed to Newgate. At the sessions after
+she was convicted for that offence, and thereupon whipped from Holborn
+Bars to St. Giles's Pound; which proceeding so affrighted Dalton that he
+resolved for a time to retire out of London.
+
+Thereupon he and one of his companions went down to Bristol, to see what
+they could make at the Fair. But they were not over-lucky in their
+country expedition, for they were apprehended for breaking a shop open,
+and tried at the assizes; but the witness not being able to swear
+directly to their persons, they were acquitted through the defect of
+evidence. As soon as they were out of prison, Dalton returned to London
+as speedily as he was able, where joining himself with the remainder of
+the old gang, shortly after his arrival they broke open a toy-shop near
+Holborn Bars, and carried off eight hundred pounds worth of goods, with
+a pretty large sum in ready money. Of the goods they did not make above
+two hundred and fifty pounds, and for the ready money, which was about
+twenty pounds, they shared it amongst them.
+
+Dalton about that time frequenting a house near Golden Lane, found
+doxies there to help him off with it, and reduced him to the necessity
+of making t'other large stride in the way to Tyburn. Not long after,
+therefore, he committed a robbery in the road to Islington, for which
+being taken up he brought three who personated a doctor, apothecary and
+surgeon at his trial, who swore that the time the robbery was said to
+have been committed he was sick and even at the point of death, upon
+which he was acquitted.
+
+But as this was a narrow escape, so his liberty was of no long
+continuance, for his companion Fulsom, being apprehended for a felony,
+to save himself, made an information against his comrades, and amongst
+the rest named Dalton, and gave so exact an account of his haunts that h
+e was quickly after apprehended, and at the ensuing sessions convicted
+and ordered for transportation.
+
+At sea a great storm arising, they were glad to call up such of the
+criminals as they thought might be of use towards managing the ship,
+amongst whom was James Dalton, who no sooner was upon deck but he was
+contriving to make the crew mutiny and seize the ship. In a very little
+time he brought enough of them to be of his mind in order to execute
+their intent, and accordingly got the fire-arms and made themselves
+masters of the ship, and obliged the men to navigate her to a little
+port near Cape Finisterre, in Spain, where they robbed the ship of about
+a hundred pounds, and then went on shore and travelled by land to Vigo.
+They were scarce got thither before the ship arrived, and the captain
+charged them with the piracy they had committed; but from the lenity of
+the Spanish Government, they quickly got released, without giving the
+captain any satisfaction. The Governor, when they were discharged from
+their confinement, gave them a pass in which, after reciting their
+names, he styled them all English thieves, which putting them in no
+small fright, they resolved to prevent its doing them a mischief,
+committed it to the flames, and then ran the hazard of travelling the
+country without one. This, accordingly, they did, until they met with a
+Dutch ship, the master of which readily gave them a passage to
+Amsterdam, from whence Dalton and two or three more, found means to get
+over again to England, and came up to London.
+
+On their arrival here they fell to robbing with such fury that the
+streets were hardly safe when the sun was set; but Dalton apprehending
+that this trade would not lost long, resolved to make a country
+expedition, in order to get out of the way. Thereupon down he went again
+to his old city of refuge, Bristol. There he did not continue long
+before he was apprehended for breaking open a linen-draper's shop but
+the burglary not being clearly proved, the jury found him guilty of the
+felony only, whereupon he was once more transported to Virginia.
+
+He did not continue long in that plantation before growing weary of
+labour, he thought fit to threaten his master, so that the man was glad
+to discharge him, and thought himself happy of getting rid of such a
+servant. Upon which Dalton soon found out one Whalebone, a fellow of a
+like disposition with himself; and they went about stealing boats and
+negroes, running away with them and selling them in other colonies. At
+last Dalton met with a ship which carried him for England. By the way he
+was pressed on board the _Hampshire_ man-of-war, in which he was a
+spectator of the last siege of Gibraltar.[95]
+
+On his return he received his wages and lived on it for a little time.
+Then he with Benjamin Branch and William Field, took to snatching of
+pockets. At last they took Christopher Rawlins into their society and in
+a few months' time they three snatched five hundred pockets. Amongst the
+rest Dalton cut off one from a woman's side at St. Andrew's, Holborn,
+for which Branch being in company was taken and executed, although
+Dalton and Rawlins did all they could to have made up the affair with
+the prosecutor but in vain. This trade therefore being at an end, he and
+his companion Rawlins fell next to robbing coaches in the streets, and
+being once more apprehended, he found himself under a necessity of
+making an information against his companions, six or seven of whom were
+executed upon his evidence. He also received ten guineas to swear
+against Nichols the peruke-maker, but after he received the money, his
+conscience checked him, and though he did not return it, yet he
+absolutely refused to give any evidence against him. But Neeves, who had
+been taken into the same plot, went through with it, and as has been
+said before, hanged him for a fact which he never committed.[96]
+
+A multitude of wives Dalton married during his life, and many of them
+were alive at the time of his decease, four of them coming at once to
+see him in Newgate when under his last misfortune, and appearing at
+that time to be very friendly together. He had not been long out of
+Newgate before be fell to his old practices, and a few sessions after
+was apprehended, and tried for stopping the coach of an eminent
+physician with an intent to rob it. For this he was sentenced to a fine
+and imprisonment, which upon insulting the court was ordered to be in
+one of the condemned cells in Newgate. But he did not remain long there,
+being the very next sessions brought to his trial on an indictment for
+robbing John Waller in a certain field or open place near the highway,
+putting him in fear of his life, and taking from him twenty-five
+handkerchiefs, value four pounds, five ducats value forty-eight
+shillings, two guineas, a three guilder piece, a French pistol, and five
+shillings in silver, on the 22nd of November, 1729. The prosecutor
+deposed, that being a Holland trader, the prisoner met with him as he
+was drinking at the Adam and Eve at Pancras, in his return from
+Hampstead, where he had sold some goods, and received a little money;
+that Dalton perceiving it grow dark, desired to walk to town with him,
+and that they had a link with them, which Dalton put out in the fields,
+and then knocked him down, beat him and abused him, and then robbed him
+of the things mentioned in the indictment; and that he threatened to
+blow his brains out if he made any noise or called for help. He swore
+also to a pistol which had been produced against Dalton on a former
+trial.
+
+In his defence the prisoner insisted peremptorily upon his innocence,
+charged the prosecutor with being a common affidavit man, and a fellow
+of as bad if not worse character than himself. However, in order to
+falsify some circumstances which he had deposed against him, Dalton
+called three witnesses, Charles North, Edward Brumfield, and John
+Mitchell, who were all prisoners in Newgate, but were permitted by the
+Court to come down. Some of them contradicted the prosecutor as to a
+gingham waistcoat which he had swore Dalton wore in Newgate. They swore
+also to the prosecutor's visiting Dalton there, and owing that he never
+damaged him a farthing in his life. But the jury on the whole found him
+guilty, and he received sentence of death.
+
+As he had little reason to hope for pardon, so he never deluded himself
+with false expectations about it, but applied himself, as diligently as
+he was able, to repent of those manifold sins and offences which he had
+committed. He confessed very frankly the manifold crimes and horrid
+enormities in which he had involved himself. He seemed to be very
+sensible of that dreadful state into which his own wickedness had
+plunged him. He behaved himself gravely when at public prayers at the
+chapel, and applied himself with great diligence to praying and singing
+of Psalms when in his cell; but as to the particular crime of which he
+was convicted, that he absolutely denied from first to last, with the
+strongest asseverations that not one word of all the prosecutor's
+evidence was true, and indeed there has since appeared great likelihood
+that he spoke nothing but the truth.
+
+For this Waller going on in the same fact after the death of Dalton,
+became an evidence against many others, sometimes in one country by one
+name, by and by in another country by another name. In Cambridgeshire,
+particularly, he convicted two men for a robbery whose lives were saved
+by means of the Clerk of the Peace entertaining some suspicion of this
+Mr. Waller's veracity. But as practices of this sort, though they may
+continue undiscovered for some time, rarely escape for good and all, so
+Waller's fate came home to him at last; for a worthy magistrate
+suspecting the truth of an information which he gave before him by
+another name, and he coming afterwards and owning his true name to be
+Waller, he was apprehended for the perjury contained in the said
+examination, and committed to Newgate, and at the next sessions at the
+Old Bailey received sentence for this offence to stand in the pillory
+near the Seven Dials. He had scarce been exalted above five minutes,
+before the mob knocked him on the head, for which fact Andrew Dalton,
+who did it to revenge the death of his brother, the criminal of whom we
+are now speaking, together with one Richard Griffith, at the time I am
+now writing, are under sentence of death.
+
+But to return to James Dalton, he continued to behave uniformly and
+penitently all the time he lay under conviction, and as the friends and
+relations of Nichols applied themselves to him about clearing the
+innocence of their deceased friend, he said that Neeves himself actually
+committed the fact, which he swore upon the person they mentioned, and
+that he was entirely innocent of whatever was laid to his charge.
+
+When the bellman came to repeat the verses, which he always does the
+night before the malefactors are to die, Dalton illuminated his cell
+with six candles. In his passage to the place of execution he appeared
+very cheerful. When he arrived there, having once more denied in the
+most solemn manner the fact for which he was to suffer, he yielded up
+his breath at Tyburn, the 13th of May, 1730, being then somewhat above
+thirty years of age.
+
+[Illustration: HIGHWAY ROBBERY OF HIS MAJESTY'S MAIL
+
+Two waylaid postboys are being bound back to back, while one of the
+highwaymen carries off the mail-bag
+
+(_From the Annals of Newgate_)]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [95] On Feb. 22, 1727, when the Spaniards attacked with 20,000
+        men and were repulsed with a loss of 5,000. The English lost 300.
+
+   [96] See page 463.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of HUGH HOUGHTON, _alias_ AWTON, _alias_ NORTON, who robbed
+the Bristol Mail
+
+
+This unfortunate person was the son of honest and reputable people of
+Lancaster, who took care to give him a very good education, sufficient
+to have fitted him for any trade whatever. Afterwards they bound him out
+apprentice to a wine-cooper, to whom he served out his time very
+carefully and honestly, and appeared in his temper and disposition to be
+a civil, good-natured young man. For some time after his coming out of
+his time, he followed his trade of a wine-cooper, but being pressed on
+board a man-of-war, during the French War in the late Queen's time, he
+behaved himself so well on board that he acquired the goodwill of all
+his officers, attained to the degree of a midshipman, and was afterwards
+gunner's mate, receiving also a title to five pound _per annum_, out of
+the Pension Chest at Chatham.
+
+After this he came to London, married a wife and was a housekeeper in
+town; and for his better support got himself into the Horse Guards,
+where he served with reputation, until some small time before his death,
+when some clothes of value being taken away, and he being strongly
+suspected on that score was dismissed the service, whereby he fell into
+great difficulties for want of money.
+
+It seems that for many months before his death he had frequented the
+house of one Mr. Marlow, and was indebted to him for a considerable sum
+of money, but one day he came and discharged it, having for that purpose
+changed a twenty pound bank-note at a brewer's not far distant. But the
+Bristol mail happening about that time to be robbed, and the bank-note,
+after various circulations, being discovered to be one of those taken
+out of it, Houghton was thereupon seized and committed, being at the
+next sessions brought to his trial at the Old Bailey for the fact, when
+the course of the evidence appeared against him as follows. He was
+arraigned on an indictment for dealing from Stephen Crouches, on the
+King's highway, after putting him in fear, a sorrel gelding value five
+pounds, the property of Thomas Ostwich, a mail value four pounds, and
+fifty leather bags, value five pounds, the property of our Sovereign
+Lord the King, on the first of March, 1730.
+
+Stephen Crouches deposed that on the day laid in the indictment, he was
+going with the Bristol and Gloucester mail, being near Knightsbridge, a
+man of the prisoner's size, who spoke like him, came out of the gateway
+and bid him stand; that he laid the horse to the farther side of a
+field, commanded him to show him the Bristol bag, which he took and went
+off with the horse, leaving this evidence bound with his hands behind
+him, threatening to murder him in case he made the least noise.
+
+Daniel Burton deposed that the prisoner Houghton had more than once
+proposed to him the robbing of the Bristol mail, and upon his refusing
+to be concerned in it, would then have had him rob their landlady, Mrs.
+Marlow, which when her husband came to know, he turned him out of doors.
+
+The next witness that was called was Mr. Marlow, who deposed that on the
+2nd of March, the prisoner Houghton paid him five pounds which was owing
+to him, having changed for that purpose a bank-note of twenty pounds at
+Mr. Broadhead's the brewer. Then the note itself was produced, which had
+been paid by Mr. Broadhead to Mr. King, a factor, and by him to Mr.
+Dictorine's man, in Thames Street, and by him again to the servant of
+Messrs. Knight and Jackson, by whom it was brought into Court, an
+endorsement being upon it not to be paid till the fifth of May. But Mr.
+Marlow being asked as to his being acquainted by Burton with the
+prisoner's attempts to persuade him to robbing the Bristol mail, and
+afterwards robbing his house, Mr. Marlow answered that he did not
+remember he had ever been told such a thing, but that he did indeed know
+the prisoner together with one Masa, was for scandalous practices turned
+out of the Guards.
+
+William Burligh deposed that he took out of the prisoner's pocket a
+pocket-book in which was several notes, which pocket-book the prisoner
+said he took up in Covent Garden. Mr. Langley, the Turnkey of Newgate,
+deposed that after he was committed to his custody, he searched his
+pocket and found therein three bank-notes of Mr. Hoare, which he gave to
+Mr. Archer. Mr. Archer deposed that he did receive such notes, which
+were so taken as had been before sworn by Mr. Langley.
+
+There were some other persons produced who swore to some slips of
+leather which were found in Houghton's lodgings, and which were believed
+to be cut out of the bag which were taken from the Bristol Mail. The
+prisoner in his defence said he believed there was a trap laid for him
+and exclaimed against Burton. Two women positively deposed that Houghton
+all that night was not out of his lodgings. But the jury notwithstanding
+that, gave so much credit to the evidence offered for the King, that
+they found him guilty.
+
+Under sentence of death, he said that he had hitherto lived free from
+most of those enormous vices into which criminals are usually plunged,
+who came to his unhappy fate. He said that through the course of his
+life he had always been a good husband, a loving parent, and had
+provided carefully for his family; that he had served the Government
+twelve years by land, and twelve years by sea, and in all that time
+never had any reflection upon him until the unhappy accident in the
+Guards, which he said he was not guilty of, and had been since confessed
+by another man.
+
+As to the fact for which he was to die, he said that the same day the
+mail was robbed (which was on a Sunday morning) at six or seven o'clock
+he found a bundle of papers which he took up, and perceived them to be a
+parcel taken out of the Bristol mail, and therefore having perused them
+carefully, and taken out of them such as he judged proper, he being at
+that time out of business and in great want, put up the rest of them in
+a sheet of paper, directed to the Post Master General, and laid them
+down in the box-house at Lincoln's Inn Fields, being afraid to go with
+them to the office, because a great reward was offered for the robber.
+And that he, having changed a twenty-pound bank-note, paid five pounds
+of it away to his landlord, Mr. Marlow. He reflected also very severely
+on the evidence given against him by Mr. Burton, which he said was the
+very reverse of the truth. Burton having often solicited him to go upon
+the highway as the shortest method of easing his misfortunes and
+bringing them both money.
+
+As he persisted in averring the confession he made to be the truth, it
+was objected to him that it was a story, the most improbable in the
+world, that when a man had hazarded his life to rob the Bristol mail, he
+should then throw away all the booty, and leave it in such a place as
+Covent Garden, for any stranger to take up as he came by; yet neither
+this nor anything else that could be said to him had so much weight as
+to move him to a free confession of his guilt, but on the contrary, he
+gave greater and more evident signs of a sullen, morose and reserved
+disposition, spoke little, desired not to be interrupted, made general
+confessions of his sins, pleased himself with high conceits of the
+Divine Mercy, and endeavoured as much as possible to avoid conferences
+with anybody, and especially declined speaking of that offence for which
+he was to die.
+
+When he first came to Newgate, the keepers had, it seems, a strong
+apprehension that he would attempt something against his own life, and
+upon this suspicion they were very careful of him, and enjoined a barber
+who shaved him in prison to be so, lest he should take that occasion to
+cut his throat. Yet nothing of this happened until the day of his
+execution, when the keepers coming to him in the morning, found him
+praying very devoutly in his cell; but about twenty minutes after, going
+thither again, they perceived he had fastened his sword belt which he
+wore always about him to the grate of the window which looked out of
+his cell, to the end of which he tied his handkerchief, and having then
+adjusted that about his neck, he strangled himself with it, and was dead
+when the keepers opened the doors to look in.
+
+The Ordinary makes this remark upon his exit, that it is to be feared he
+was a hypocrite and that little of what he said can be believed. For my
+part, I am far from taking upon me either to enter into the breasts of
+men or pretend to set bounds to the mercy of God, and therefore without
+any further remarks, shall conclude his life with informing my readers
+that at the time he put an end to his own being, he was about
+forty-eight years of age, and a man in his person and behaviour very
+unlikely to have been such a one as it is to be feared (notwithstanding
+all his denials) he really was.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN DOYLE, a Highwayman
+
+
+When once men have plunged themselves so far into sensual pleasures as
+to lose all sense of any other delight than that arises from the
+gratification of the senses, there is no great cause of wonder if they
+addict themselves to illegal methods of gaining wherewith to purchase
+such enjoyments; since the want of virtue easily draws on the loss of
+all other principles, nor can it be hoped from a man who has delivered
+himself over to the dominion of these vices that he should stop short at
+the lawful means of obtaining money by which alone he can be enabled to
+possess them.
+
+Common women are usually the first bane of those unhappy persons who
+forfeit their lives to the Law as the just punishment of their offences;
+these women, I say, are so far from having the least concern whether
+their paramours run any unhappy courses to obtain the sums necessary to
+supply their mutual extravagance, that on the contrary they are ever
+ready, by oblique hints and insinuations, to put them upon such
+dangerous exploits which as they are sure to reap the fruits of, so
+sometimes when they grow weary of them, they find it an easy method to
+get rid of them and at the same time put money in their own pockets. Yet
+so blind are these unhappy wretches, that although such things fall out
+yearly, yet they are never to be warned, but run into the snare with as
+much readiness as if they were going unto the possession of certain and
+lasting happiness.
+
+But to come to the adventures of the unhappy person whose life we are
+going to relate. John Doyle was born in the town of Carrough, in
+Ireland, and of very honest parents who gave him as good education as
+could be expected in that country, instructing him in writing and
+accounts, and made some progress in Latin. When he was fit for a trade,
+his friends agreed to put him out, and not thinking they should find a
+master good enough for him in a country place, they sent him to Dublin,
+and bound him to a tallow-chandler and soap-boiler in St. Thomas's
+Street, whom he faithfully served seven years, and his master gave him a
+good character. Being out of his time, his master prevailed with him to
+work journey-work for him, which he did for nine months; but having got
+acquainted by that time with some of the town ladies and pretending to
+his friends that he was in hopes of better business, his friends
+remitted him fifty pounds to help him forward.
+
+He lived well while that money lasted, but when it was almost spent, he
+knew not what to turn himself to, for working did not agree with him. He
+took a resolution to come to England, and on the 19th of April, 1715, he
+came over in a packet-boat. Having no more money left than three pounds
+ten shillings, and not seeing which way he could get a further supply
+unless he went to work, which he could not endure, he resolved to rob on
+the highway; and to fit him for it, he bought a pair of pistols at West
+Chester which cost him forty shillings. He continued in that city till
+the Chester coach was to go for London. At four miles distant from the
+town he attacked it, and robbed four passengers that were in it of
+fourteen pounds, six shillings and ninepence, two silver watches and a
+mourning ring, which was the first attempt of that kind that ever he
+made in his life; then he went off a by-way undiscovered.
+
+Having got a pretty good booty, he travelled across the country to
+Shrewsbury, and having stayed there about two days, he happened to meet
+a man that had been formerly a collector on the road, who had a horse to
+sell. He bought the horse for seven guineas, though indeed it was worth
+twenty, as it proved afterwards; no man soever was master of a better
+bred horse for the highway. He was not willing to stay long at
+Shrewsbury, so he went from thence and going along the country, met two
+ladies in a small chaise, with only one servant and a pair of horses. He
+robbed them of a purse with twenty-nine half guineas, nine shillings in
+silver and twopence brass, and two gold watches. The servant who rode by
+had a case of pistols which he took from him, and then made off
+undiscovered. His horse at that time was much better acquainted with
+coming up to a coach door than he was. Sometime afterwards he passed
+across the country, and came to Newbury, in Berkshire, where he
+remained for about fourteen days, during which time he was very reserved
+and kept no company. But growing weary, he departed from that place the
+same morning that the Newbury coach was to set out for London: and when
+it was about five miles distant from the town of Newbury, he came up to
+the coach door, and making a ceremony, as became a man of business,
+demanded their all, which they very readily consented to deliver, which
+proved to be about twenty-nine pounds in money, a silver watch, a plain
+wedding ring, a tortoiseshell snuff box, and a very good whip.
+
+There was also a family ring which a gentleman begged very hard for,
+whereupon by his earnest application he gave it back, and the man
+assured him he would never appear against him. He was a man of honour,
+for he happened to meet him some time after at the Rummer and Horseshoe
+in Drury Lane, where he treated Doyle handsomely, and showed him the
+ring, and withal declared that he would not be his enemy on any account
+whatsoever.
+
+Doyle being at this time a young beginner, thought what he got for the
+preceding time to be very well, and in a few days after this arrived at
+Windsor, where he stayed one night, and there being a gentleman's family
+bound for London, that lay that night at the Mermaid Inn in the town, he
+changed his lodging and removed to the inn; and having stayed there that
+night, he minded where they put their valuable baggage up. The next
+morning he paid his reckoning and came away, and got about four miles
+out of the town before them; then coming up and making the usual
+ceremony, he demanded their money, watches and rings. The gentleman in
+the coach pulled out a blunderbuss, but Doyle soon quelled him by
+clapping a pistol to his nose, telling him that if he stirred hand or
+foot he was a dead man. Then he made him give his blunderbuss first,
+then his money which was fifty guineas, fifteen shillings in silver, and
+five-pence in brass, a woman's gold watch and a pocket book in which
+were seven bank-notes, which the gentleman said he took that day in
+order to pay his servants' wages. After this he made the best of his way
+to London and got into James's Street, Westminster, where he drank a
+pint of wine, and then crossed over to Lambeth, and put up his horse at
+the Red Lion Inn, and stayed there that night.
+
+The next morning he came to the Coach and Horses in Old Palace Yard,
+Westminster, where he dined, and about seven at night departed from
+thence and went to the Phoenix gaming-house in the Haymarket, to which
+place, he said, he believed a great many owe their ruin. He remained
+some time at the Phoenix, and seeing them gaming hard, he had a mind to
+have a touch at it; when coming into the ring he took the box in his
+turn, and in about thirty minutes lost thirty-seven pounds, which broke
+him. But having some watches about him, he went immediately to the Three
+Bowls in Market Lane, St. James, and pawned a gold watch for sixteen
+guineas; and returning back to the Phoenix went to gaming a second time,
+and in less than an hour recovered his money and forty-three pounds
+more. And seeing an acquaintance there he took him to the Cardigan's
+Head tavern, Charing Cross, and made merry. That night he lay at the
+White Bear in Piccadilly, and stayed there until the next evening, after
+which, having paid his reckoning, he went to Lambeth to his landlord who
+had his horse in his care, and remained there that night. The next
+morning he went away having discharged the house.
+
+Having then a pretty sum of money about him, he had an inclination to
+see the country of Kent, and accordingly went that day to Greenwich, and
+put up his horse while he went to see the Hospital; and having baited
+the horse he parted from thence, and going over Blackheath, he happened
+to meet a gentleman, who proved to be Sir Gregory Page. Doyle took what
+money he had about him, which was about seventy guineas in a green
+purse, a watch, two gold seals and eighteen pence in silver. That night
+he rode away to Maidstone, and from thence to Canterbury.
+
+In a few days he returned to London, and was for a long time silent,
+even for about six months, and never robbed or made an attempt to rob
+any man, but kept his horse in a very good order, and commonly went in
+an afternoon to Hampstead, sometimes to Richmond, or to Hackney. In
+short, he knew all the roads about London in less than six months as
+well as any man in England. His money beginning now to grow short, not
+having turned out so long, and the keeping his horse on the other hand
+being costly, he resolved that his horse should pay for his own keeping,
+and turned out one evening and robbed a Jew of seventy-five pounds, and
+of his and his lady's watches, a gold box and some silver, and returned
+to town undiscovered. The next day Doyle went Brentford way, and coming
+to Turnham Green stayed some time at the Pack Horse, where he saw two
+Quakers on horseback. He rode gently after them till they got to
+Hounslow Heath, where he secured what money they had, which was
+something above a hundred pounds. They begged hard for some money back,
+when he gave them a guinea, taking from them their spurs and whips, and
+at some distance threw them away. Those two men, as he found some days
+after by the papers, were two meal factors that were going to High
+Wycombe market in Buckinghamshire, to buy either wheat or flour.
+
+This last being a pretty good booty, he had a mind afterwards to go for
+Ireland and accordingly set out for his journey thither. He took
+shipping at King's Road near Bristol, on board a small vessel bound to
+Waterford, where he arrived and stayed at the Eagle in Waterford three
+days, and from thence went directly to Dublin. Doyle was not long in
+Dublin before he became acquainted with his wife, whom he courted for
+some time and was extravagant in spending his money on her. He also soon
+got acquainted with one N. B., a man now alive, and they turned out
+together. None was able to stand against them, for they had everything
+that came in their way, and in plain terms, there was not a man that
+carried money about him, within eight miles of Dublin, but if they met
+him they were sure to get what he had.
+
+Being grown so wicked Doyle was at length taken for a robber and
+committed to Newgate, then kept by one Mr. Hawkins, who used him so
+barbarously that he wished himself out of his hands. Accordingly he got
+his irons off and broke out of the gaol. Hawkins knowing all the
+bums[97] in Dublin, sent them up and down the city to take him, but to
+no purpose. However, they rooted him fairly out of that neighbourhood.
+
+Then he returned to Waterford, where he appointed his wife and friend
+should meet him, which they did; and in about four hours after he came
+there he found them out, and there being a ship bound for Bristol, he
+sent them on board, agreed with the captain and went himself on board
+the same night. They hoisted their sails and got down to the Passage
+near Waterford, but the wind proving contrary, they were obliged to
+return back, and then concluded it was determined for Doyle to be taken;
+which he had been had he kept on board, but he luckily got on shore,
+when it was agreed to go to Cork. There they met with an honest cock of
+a landlord, and he kept himself very private, making the poor man
+believe that his companion and he were two that were raising men for the
+Chevalier's[98] service, and that their keeping so private proceeded
+from a fear of being discovered. The poor man had then a double regard
+for them, he being a lover in his heart of ----. Doyle then sent his
+wife to seek for a ship; but Hawkins having pursued him from Dublin,
+happened to see her, and dogged her to the ship where she went on board,
+sending officers to search, for he was sure he should find him there. He
+was mistaken, but they took his poor wife up to see if they could make
+her discover where he was, and ordered a strong guard to bring her to
+Cork gaol. A boat was provided to bring her on shore, but she telling
+the men some plausible stories that her husband was not the man they
+represented him to be, one of the watermen having stripped off his
+clothes in order to row, and there being a great many honest fellows in
+the boat, they assisted her in putting on waterman's clothes, which as
+soon as done, she fairly got away from them, and came and acquainted
+Doyle that Hawkins was in town, and how she had been in danger. They
+then concluded on leaving Cork, hired horses that night, and came to a
+place called Mallow, within ten miles of Cork. The next day they
+travelled to Limerick, where Doyle bought a horse, bridle, etc., and
+went towards Galloway, and in all his journey round about got but two
+prizes, which did not amount to above fifteen pounds.
+
+Sometime after, his wife was transported, which gave him a great deal of
+concern, and he could not be in any way content without her. So getting
+some money together he went to Virginia, and having arrived there soon
+met with her, having had intelligence where to enquire for her. The
+first house be came into was one William Dalton's, who had some days
+before bought the late noted James Dalton,[99] who was then his servant,
+whom he very often used to send along with Doyle in his boat to put him
+on board a ship. Then he thought it his best way to buy his wife's
+liberty, which he did, paying fifteen pounds for it.
+
+He had then a considerable deal of money about him, and removed from
+that part of the country where she was known and went to New York. Being
+arrived there he soon got acquainted with some of his countrymen, with
+whom be had used to go a-hunting and to the horse races; so be spent
+some time in seeing the country. By chance he came to hear of a namesake
+of his, that lived in an island a little distant from New York, and
+being willing to see any of his name, he sent for him, and according to
+Doyle's request, he wrote to him that he would come the next day, which
+he did, and proved to be his uncle. The old man was overjoyed to see
+Doyle, and carried him home with him, where he stayed a long time, and
+spent a great deal of money.
+
+His uncle was very much affronted at Doyle's ill-treatment of the
+natives, whom he severely beat, insomuch that the whole place was afraid
+of him, and all intended to join and take the Law of him. Soon after he
+departed from New York and went to Boston, where he remained some time,
+and at length he resolved within himself to settle and work at his
+trade, thinking it better to do so than to spend all his money, and be
+obliged to return to England or Ireland without a penny in his pocket.
+He did so, and having agreed with a master he went to work, and was very
+saving and frugal.
+
+He remained with that man till by his wife's industry he had got,
+including what was his own, about two hundred pounds English money. Then
+he advised his wife to go for Ireland in the first ship that was bound
+that way, laying all her money out to twenty pounds, and shipped the
+goods which he had brought on board for her account. She then went to
+Ireland and Doyle for England, promising to go over to her as soon as he
+could get some money, for he had then an inclination to leave off his
+old trade of collecting.
+
+Being arrived at London, he met with a certain person with whom he
+joined, and as he himself terms it, never had man a braver companion,
+for let him push at what he would, his new companion never flinched one
+inch. They turned out about London for some time, and got a great deal
+of money, for nothing hardly missed them. They used a long time the
+roads about Hounslow, Hampstead, and places adjacent, until the papers
+began to describe them, on which they went into Essex, and robbed
+several graziers, farmers and others. Then they went to Bishop's
+Stortford, in Hertfordshire, where they robbed one man in particular who
+had his money tied up under his arm in a great purse. Doyle says that he
+had some intelligence from a friend that the man had money about him, he
+made him strip in buff, and then found out where he lodged it, and took
+it, but he did not use him in any way ill, for he says it was the man's
+business to conceal it, as much as his to discover it.
+
+Doyle and his partner hearing of a certain fair which was to be held a
+few days after, they resolved to go to it, and coming there took notice
+who took most money. In the evening they took their horses, and about
+three miles distant from the town there was a green, over which the
+people were obliged to come from the fair. There came a great many
+graziers and farmers, whom they robbed of upwards of eight hundred
+pounds. At this time Doyle had in money and valuable things, such as
+diamonds, rings, watches, to the amount of about sixteen hundred pounds.
+His partner had also a great deal of money, but not so much as Doyle, by
+reason that he (D) had got some very often which he had no right to have
+a share of.
+
+Doyle went again for Ireland, and carried all his money with him, and
+having a great many poor relations, distributed part of it amongst them;
+some he lent, which he could never get again, and in a little his money
+grew short, having frequented horse races and all public places.
+However, before all was spent he returned to England. Following his old
+course of life, he happened into several broils, with which a little
+money and a few friends he got over. In a short space of time he became
+acquainted with Benjamin Wileman. They two, with another person
+concerned with them, committed several robberies. At length they were
+discovered, apprehended and committed to Newgate. Wileman, it seems, had
+an itching to become an evidence against Doyle and W. G. But Doyle made
+himself an evidence, being really, as he said, for his own preservation
+and not for the sake of any reward.
+
+Doyle's wife being for a second time transported, he went with her in
+the same ship, and having arrived in Virginia, slaved there some time,
+until he began to grow weary of the place. But as he was always too
+indulgent to her, he bought her her liberty, and shipped her and himself
+on board the first ship that came to England, when in seven weeks time
+they arrived in the Downs. Soon after they came up to England, but were
+not long in town before his wife was taken up for returning from
+transportation, and committed to Newgate, where she remained until the
+sessions following, and being brought upon her trial, pleaded guilty.
+
+When they came to pass sentence upon her, she produced his Majesty's
+most gracious pardon, and was admitted to bail to plead the same, and
+thereupon discharged. Doyle, a short time after, went to the West of
+England, where he slaved some time, following his old way of life; and
+associating himself with a certain companion, got a considerable sum of
+money, and came to Marlborough. And having continued some time in that
+neighbourhood, they usually kept the markets, where they commonly
+cleared five pounds a day. Going from Marlborough they came to
+Hungerford, and put up their horses at the George Inn; and having
+ordered something for dinner, saw some graziers on the road, but one of
+them being an old sportsman, and a brother tradesman of Doyle's
+formerly, he knew the said Doyle immediately, by the description given
+of him, and very honestly came to him, and told him that he had a charge
+of money about him, and withal begged that he would not hurt him, since
+he had made so ingenuous a confession, desiring Doyle to make the best
+of his way to another part of the country, telling him at the same time
+where he lived in London, and that if he should act honourably by him,
+he would put a thousand pounds in his pocket in a month's time.
+According to the grazier's directions, Doyle and his companions
+departed, but having met, as Doyle phrases it, with a running chase in
+their cross way, which they had taken for safety, they were obliged to
+return back into the main road again, and by accident put up at the same
+inn where the grazier and his companions were that evening. The grazier,
+as soon as he saw Doyle, came in and drank a bottle with him, and then
+retired to his companions, without taking any manner of notice of him.
+
+As they came for London, they took everything that came into their net,
+and in three days time Doyle paid his brother sportsman, the grazier, a
+visit, who received him handsomely, and appointed him to meet him the
+next market day at the Greyhound in Smithfield, in order to make good
+part of his promise to him. Doyle and his companion went to him, put up
+their horses at the same inn and passed for country farmers. This
+grazier, who formerly had been one of the same profession being now
+grown honest and bred a butcher, was then turned salesman in Smithfield,
+and sold cattle for country graziers, and sent them their money back by
+their servants who had brought the cattle to town. Having drunk a glass
+of wine together, they began to talk about business, and the grazier
+being obliged to go into the market to sell some beasts, desired Doyle
+and his companion to stay there until he returned. When he came he gave
+them some little instructions how they should proceed in an affair he
+had then in view to serve then in, and having taken his advice, they
+rode out of town; and it being a West Country fair they rode Turnham
+Green way.
+
+They had not time to drink a pint of wine before the West Country
+chapman came ajogging along. They took two hundred and forty pounds from
+him, making (as D. terms it) a much quicker bargain with him than he had
+done with the butcher at Smithfield. The chapman begged hard for some
+money to carry him home to his family, and after they had given him two
+guineas, he said to them that he had often travelled that road with five
+hundred pounds about him, and never had been stopped. To which Doyle
+replied, that half the highwaymen who frequented the road were but mere
+old women, otherwise he would never have had that to brag of, and then
+parted. Doyle says that the honest man at Smithfield had poundage of him
+as well as from the grazier, so that he acted in a double capacity.
+
+That night they came to London, and having put up their horses, put on
+other clothes and went to Smithfield, where not finding the butcher at
+home, they write a note and left it for an appointment to meet him at
+the Horn Tavern in Fleet Street, where they had not stayed long before
+he came. After taking a cheerful glass they talked the story over, and
+out of the booty Doyle gave turn fifty guineas, after which the butcher
+promised to be his friend upon a better affair. After paying the
+reckoning they parted and appointed to meet the next market day at
+Smithfield.
+
+They went at the time appointed, and having drank a morning glass,
+stepped into the market and stayed some time. Their brother sportsman
+being very busy, he made excuse to Doyle and his companion, telling them
+there was nothing to be done in their way till the evening, desiring
+them to be patient. They remained in and about Smithfield till then, and
+market being entirely over, their friend came up to the place appointed,
+and showed them a man on horseback to whom he had just paid fifty
+pounds. Doyle and his companion immediately called for their horses,
+took leave of their friend, and kept in sight of the countryman until he
+was out of town. And when he was got near the Adam and Eve, at
+Kensington, they came up to him, and made a ceremony, as became men of
+their profession. He was very unwilling to part from his money, making
+an attempt to ride away, but they soon overtook him, and after some
+dispute took every penny that he received in Smithfield, and for his
+residing gave him back only a crown to bear his charges home. In his
+memoirs Doyle makes this observation, that they always robbed between
+sun and sun, so that the persons robbed might make the county pay them
+that money back if they thought fit to sue them for it.[100] Next
+morning Doyle and his companion came to the place appointed, and not
+meeting with their brother sportsman sent for him, where they drank
+together, and talked as usual about business, paying him poundage out of
+what money they had collected on his information (for they usually dealt
+with him as a custom-house officer does by an informer); after which
+they parted for that time, and did not meet for a month after.
+
+Afterwards they went up and down Hertfordshire, but got scarce money
+enough to bear their expenses; but where there were small gettings they
+lived the more frugally, for Doyle observed that if the country did not
+bear their expenses wherever he travelled, he thought it very hard, and
+that if he failed of gaming one day, he commonly got as much the next as
+he could well destroy.
+
+Hitherto we have kept very close to those memoirs which Mr. Doyle left
+behind him, which I did with this view, that my readers might have some
+idea of what these people think of themselves. I shall now bring you to
+the conclusion of his story, by informing you that finding himself beset
+at the several lodgings which he kept by way of precaution, he for some
+days behaved himself with much circumspection; but happening to forget
+his pistols, he was seized, coming out of an inn in Drury Lane, and
+though he made as much resistance as he was able, yet they forced him
+unto a coach and conveyed him to Newgate. It is hard to say what
+expectations he entertained after he was once apprehended, but it is
+reasonable to believe that he had strong hopes of life, notwithstanding
+his pleading guilty at his trial, for he dissembled until the time of
+the coming down of a death warrant, and then declared he was a Roman
+Catholic, and not a member of the Church of England, as he had hitherto
+pretended.
+
+He seemed to be a tolerably good-natured man, but excessively vicious at
+the same time that he was extravagantly fond of the woman he called his
+wife. He took no little pleasure in the relations of those adventures
+which happened to him in his exploits on the highway, and expressed
+himself with much seeming satisfaction, because as he said, he had never
+been guilty of beating or using passengers ill, much less of wounding or
+attempting to murder them. In general terms, he pretended to much
+penitence, but whether it was that he could not get over the natural
+vivacity of his own temper, or that the principles of the Church of
+Rome, as is too common a case, proved a strong opiate in his conscience,
+however it was, I say, Doyle did not seem to have any true contrition
+for his great and manifold offences. On the contrary, he appeared with
+some levity, even when on the very point of death.
+
+He went to execution in a mourning coach; all the way he read with much
+seeming attention in a little Popish manual, which had been given him by
+one of his friends. At the tree he spoke a little to the people, told
+them that his wife had been a very good wife to him, let her character
+in other respects be what it would. Then he declared he had left behind
+him memoirs of his life and conduct, to which he had nothing to add
+there, and from which I have taken verbatim a great part of what I have
+related. And then, having nothing more to offer to the world, he
+submitted to death on the first of June, 1730, but in what year of his
+age I cannot say.
+
+However, before I make an end of what relates to Mr. Doyle, it would be
+proper to acquaint the public that the vanity of his wife extended so
+far as to make a pompous funeral for him at St. Sepulchre's church,
+whereat she, as chief mourner assisted, and was led by a gentleman whom
+the world suspected to be of her husband's employment.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+   [97] i.e., bailiffs, informers and spies.
+
+   [98] The Pretender, whose name was only to be mentioned with
+        baited breath.
+
+   [99] See page 533.
+
+  [100] Passengers robbed on the highway between sunrise and
+        sunset, could sue the county for the amount of their loss, it
+        being the duty of the officials to keep the roads safe.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JOHN YOUNG, a Highwayman
+
+
+I have more than once remarked in the course of these memoirs that of
+all crimes, cruelty makes men the most generally hated, and that from
+this reasonable cause, that they seem to have taken up an aversion to
+their own kind. This was remarkably the case of the unhappy man of whom
+we are now speaking.
+
+He was, it seems, the son of very honest and industrious parents, his
+father being a gardener at Kensington. From him he received as good an
+education as it was in his power to give him, and was treated with all
+the indulgence that could be expected from a tender parent; and it seems
+that after five years' stay at school, he was qualified for any business
+whatsoever. So after consulting his own inclinations he was put out
+apprentice to a coach-maker in Long Acre, where he stayed not long; but
+finding all work disagreeable to him, he therefore resolved to be gone,
+let the consequence be what it would. When this resolve was once taken,
+it was but a very short time before it was put into execution. Living
+now at large, and not knowing how to gain money enough to support
+himself, and therefore being in very great straits, he complied with the
+solicitations of some hackney-coachmen, who advised him to learn their
+trade. They took some pains to instruct him, employed him often, and in
+about six months time he became perfect master of his business, and
+drove for Mr. Blunt, in Piccadilly. His behaviour here was so honest
+that Mr. Blunt gave him a good character, and he thereby obtained the
+place of a gentleman's coachmen. In a short time he saved money and
+began to have some relish for an honest life; and continuing
+industriously to hoard up what he received either in wages or vales
+[tips] at last by these methods he drew together a very considerable sum
+of money.
+
+And then it came into his head to settle himself in an honest way of
+life, in which design his father gave him all the encouragement that was
+in his power, telling him in order to do it, he should marry an honest,
+virtuous woman. Whereupon, with the advice and consent of his parents,
+he married a young woman of a reputable family from Kentish Town, who,
+as to fortune, brought him a pretty little addition to his own savings,
+so that altogether he had, according to his own account, a very pretty
+competency wherewith to begin the world.
+
+For some time after his marriage he indulged himself in living without
+employment, but finding such a course wasted his little stock very fast,
+he began to apply his thoughts to the consideration of what course was
+the most likely to get his bread in. After beating his brains for some
+little time on this subject he at last resolved on keeping a
+public-house; which agreeing very well with his father's and relations'
+notions, he thereupon immediately took the King's Arms, in Red Lion
+Street, where for some time he continued to have very good business. In
+all, he remained there about five years, and might in that time have got
+a very pretty sum of money if he had not been so unhappy as to grow
+proud, as soon as he had anything in his pocket. It was not long,
+therefore, before he gave way to his own roving disposition, going over
+to Ireland, where he remained for a considerable space, living by his
+wits as he expresses it, or, in the language of honest people, by
+defrauding others.
+
+But Ireland is a country where such sort of people are not likely to
+support themselves long; money is far from being plentiful, and though
+the common people are credulous in their nature, yet tradesmen and the
+folks of middling ranks are as suspicious as any nation in the world.
+The county of West Meath was the place where he had fixed his residence
+for the greatest part of the time he continued in the island, but at
+last it grew too hot for him. The inhabitants became sensible of his way
+of living, and gave him such disturbance that he found himself under an
+indispensable necessity of quitting that place as soon as possibly he
+could; and so having picked up as much money as would pay for his
+passage, he came over again into England, out of humour with rambling
+while he felt the uneasiness it had brought upon him, but ready to take
+it up again as soon as ever his circumstances were made a little easy,
+which in his present condition was not likely to happen in haste.
+
+His friends received him very coldly, his parents had it not in their
+power to do more for him. In a word, the countenance of the world
+frowned upon him, and everybody treated him with that disdain and
+contempt which his foolish behaviour deserved. However, instead of
+reclaiming him, this forced him upon worse courses. His wife, it seems,
+either died in his absence, or was dead before he went abroad, and soon
+after his return he contracted an acquaintance with a woman, who was at
+that time cook in the family of a certain bishop; her he courted and a
+short time after, married. She brought him not only some ready money,
+but also goods to a pretty large value. Young being not a bit mended by
+his misfortunes, squandered away the first in a very short time, and
+turned the last into ready money. However, these supplies were of not
+very long continuance, and with much importunity his friends, in order,
+if it were possible, to keep him honest, got him in a small place in
+the Revenue, and he was put in as one of the officers to survey
+candles. In this post he continued for about a twelvemonth, and then
+relapsing into his former idle and profligate courses, he was quickly
+suspected and thereby put to his shifts again, though his wife at that
+time was in place, and helped him very frequently with money.
+
+This, it seems, was too servile a course for a man of Mr. Young's spirit
+to take, so that he picked up as much as bought him a pair of pistols,
+and then went upon the highway, to which it seems the foolish pride of
+not being dependant upon his wife did at that time not a little
+contribute. In his first adventure in this new employment, he got
+fifteen guineas, but being in a very great apprehension of a pursuit,
+his fears engaged him to fly down to Bristol, in order, if it were
+possible, to avoid them. After staying there some considerable time, he
+began at last to take heart, and to fancy he might be forgotten. Upon
+these hopes he resolved with himself to come up towards London again;
+and taking advantage of a person travelling with him to Uxbridge, he
+made use of every method in his power to insinuate himself into his
+fellow traveller's good graces. This he effected, insomuch that at High
+Wycombe, in Buckinghamshire, as Young himself told the story, he
+prevailed on him to lend him three half-crowns to defray his expenses,
+pretending that he had some friend or relation hard by who would repay
+him. But unfortunately for the man, he had talked too freely of a sum of
+money which he pretended to have about him. It thereupon raised an
+inclination in Young to strip him and rob him of this supposed great
+prize; for which purpose he attacked him in a lone place, and not only
+threatened him with shooting him, but as he pretended, by his hand
+shaking, was as good as his word, and actually wounded him in such a
+manner as he in all probability at that time took to be mortal; but
+taking advantage of the condition in which the poor man was, he made the
+best of his way off, and was so lucky as to escape for the present,
+although that crime brought him afterwards to his execution.
+
+When he had considered a little the nature of the fact which he had
+committed, it appeared even to himself of so black and barbarous a
+nature that he resolved to fly to the West of England, in order to
+remain there for some time. But from this he was deterred by looking
+into a newspaper and finding himself advertised there; the man whom he
+had shot being also said to be dead, this put him into such a
+consternation that he returned directly to London, and going to a place
+hard by where his wife lived, he sent for her, and told her that he was
+threatened with an unfortunate affair which might be of the greatest
+ill-consequence to him if he should be discovered. She seemed to be
+extremely moved at his misfortunes, and gave him what money she could
+spare, which was not a little, insomuch that Young at last began to
+suspect she made bold now and then to borrow of her mistress; but if she
+did, that was a practice he could forgive her. At last he proposed
+taking a lodging for himself at Horsely Down,[101] as a place the
+likeliest for him to be concealed in. There his wife continued to supply
+him, until one Sunday morning she came in a great hurry and brought with
+her a pretty handsome parcel of guineas. Young could not help suspecting
+she did not come very honestly by them. However, if he had the money he
+troubled not his head much which way he came by it, and he had so good a
+knack of wheedling her that he got twenty pounds out of her that Sunday.
+
+A very few days after, intelligence was got of his retreat, and the man
+whom he had robbed and shot made so indefatigable a search after him,
+that he was taken up and committed to the New Gaol, and his wife, a very
+little time after, was committed to Newgate for breaking open her lady's
+escrutoire, and robbing her of a hundred guineas. This was what Young
+said himself and I repeat it because I have his memoirs before me. Yet
+in respect to truth, I shall be obliged to say something of another
+nature in its due place; but to go on with our narration according to
+the time in which facts happened.
+
+A _Habeas Corpus_ was directed to the sheriff of Surrey, whereupon Young
+was brought to Newgate, and at the next sessions of the Old Bailey was
+indicted for the aforesaid robbery, which was committed in the county of
+Middlesex. The charge against him was for assaulting Thomas Stinton, in
+a field or open place near the Highway, and taking from him a mare of
+the value of seven pounds, a bridle value one shilling and sixpence, a
+saddle value twelve shillings, three broad-pieces of gold and nine
+shillings in silver, at the same time putting the said Thomas Stinton in
+fear of his life.
+
+Upon this indictment the prosecutor deposed that meeting with the
+prisoner about seven miles on this side of Bristol, and being glad of
+each other's company, they continued and lodged together till they came
+to Oxford; where the prisoner complaining that he was short of money,
+the prosecutor lent him a crown out of his pocket, and at Loudwater, the
+place where they lodged next night, he lent him half a crown more. The
+next morning they came for London, and being a little on this side of
+Uxbridge, Young said he had a friend in Hounslow who would advance him
+the money which he had borrowed from the prosecutor, and thereupon
+desired Mr. Stinton to go with him thither, to which he agreed; and
+Young thereupon persuaded him to go by a nearer way, and under that
+pretence after making him leap hedges and ditches, at last brought him
+to a place by the river side, where on a sudden he knocked him off his
+horse, and that with such force that he made the blood gush out of his
+nose and mouth.
+
+As soon as Young perceived that the prosecutor had recovered his senses
+a little, he demanded his money, to which Mr. Stinton replied, _Is this
+the manner in which you treat your friend? You see, I have not strength
+to give you anything._ Whereupon Young took from him his pocket-book and
+money. And Mr. Stinton earnestly entreating that he would give him
+somewhat to bear his expenses home, in answer thereto Young said, _Ay,
+I'll give you what shall carry you home straight_, and then shot him in
+the neck, and pushing him down into the ditch, said, _Lie there._ Some
+time after with much ado, Mr. Stinton crawled out and got to a house,
+but saw no more of the prisoner, or of either of their mares.
+
+George Hartwell deposed that he helped both the prisoner and the
+prosecutor to the inn where they lay at Oxford. Sarah Howard deposed
+that she kept the inn or house where they lodged at Loudwater the night
+before the robbery was committed. And all the witnesses, as well as the
+prosecutor being positive to the person of the prisoner, the charge
+seemed to be as fully proved as it was possible for a thing of that
+nature to admit.
+
+The prisoner in his defence did not pretend to deny the fact, but as
+much as he was able endeavoured to extenuate it. He said, that for his
+part he did not know anything of the mare; that the going off the pistol
+was merely accidental; that he did, indeed, take the money, and
+therefore, did not expect any other than to suffer death, but that it
+would be a great satisfaction to him, even in his last moments, that he
+neither had or ever intended to commit any murder. But those words in
+the prosecutor's evidence, _I'll give you something to carry you home_,
+and _Lie there_ (that is in the ditch) being mentioned in summing up the
+evidence to the jury, Young, with great warmth and many asseverations,
+denied that he made use of them. The jury, after a very short
+consideration, being full satisfied with the evidence which had been
+offered, found him guilty.
+
+The very same day his wife was indicted for the robbery of her mistress,
+when the fact was charged upon her thus: that she on a Sunday, conveyed
+Young secretly upstairs in her mistress's house, where she passed for a
+single woman; that he took an opportunity to break open a closet and to
+steal from thence ninety guineas, and ten pounds in silver; a satin
+petticoat value thirty shillings, and an orange crepe petticoat were
+also carried off; and she asking leave of her lady to go out in the
+afternoon, took that opportunity to go quite away, not being heard of
+for a long time. Upon her husband being apprehended for the fact for
+which he died, somebody remembered her and the story of her robbing her
+mistress, caused her thereupon to be apprehended. Not being able to
+prove her marriage at the time of her trial, she was convicted, and
+ordered for transportation. This was a very different story from that
+which Young told in his relations of his wife's adventure, but when it
+came to be mentioned to that unhappy man and pressed upon him, though he
+could not be brought to acknowledge it, yet he never denied it; which
+the Ordinary says, was a method of proceeding he took up, because
+unwilling to confess the truth, and afraid when so near death to tell a
+lie.
+
+When under sentence of death, this unfortunate person began to have a
+true sense of his own miserable condition; he was very far from denying
+the crime for which he suffered, although he still continued to deny
+some of the circumstances of it. The judgment which had been pronounced
+upon him, he acknowledged to be very just and reasonable, and was so far
+from being either angry or affrighted at the death he was to die that on
+the contrary he said it was the only thing that gave his thoughts ease.
+To say truth, the force of religion was never more visible in any man
+than it was in this unfortunate malefactor. He was sensible of his
+repentance being both forced and late, which made him attend to the
+duties thereof with an extraordinary fervour and application. He said
+that the thoughts of his dissolution had no other effect upon him than
+to quicken his diligence in imploring God for pardon. To all those who
+visited him either from their knowledge of him in former circumstances,
+or, as too many do, from the curiosity of observing how he would behave
+under those melancholy circumstances in which he then was, he discoursed
+of nothing but death, eternity, and future judgment. The gravity of his
+temper and the serious turn of his thoughts was never interrupted in any
+respect throughout the whole space of time in which he lay under
+condemnation; on the contrary, he every day appeared to have more and
+more improved from his meditations and almost continual devotions,
+appearing frequently when at chapel wrapped up as it were in ecstasy at
+the thoughts of heaven and future felicity, humbling himself, however,
+for the numberless sins he had committed, and omitting nothing which
+could serve to show the greatness of his sorrow and the sincerity of his
+contrition.
+
+The day he was to die, the unfortunate old man his father, then upwards
+of seventy years of age, came to visit him, and saw him haltered as he
+went out to execution. Words are too feeble to express that impetuosity
+of grief which overwhelmed both the miserable father and the dying son.
+However, the old man, bedewing him with a flood of tears, exhorted him
+not to let go on his hopes in Christ, even in that miserable
+conjuncture; but that he should remember the mercy of God was over all
+his works, and in an especial manner was promised to those who were
+penitent for their sins, which Christ had especially confirmed in
+sealing the pardon of the repenting thief, even upon the cross.
+
+At the place of execution he appeared scarce without any appearance of
+terror, much less of obstinacy or contempt of death. Being asked what he
+did with the pocket-book which he took from Mr. Stinton, and which
+contained in it things of very great use to him, Young replied
+ingeniously that he had burnt it, for which he was heartily sorry, but
+that he did not look into or make himself acquainted with its contents.
+Just before the cart drew away, he arose and spoke to the people, and
+said, _The love of idleness, being too much addicted to company, and a
+too greedy love of strong liquors has brought me to this unhappy end.
+The Law intends my death for an example unto others; let it be so, let
+my follies prevent others from falling into the like, and let the shame
+which you see me suffer, deter all of you from the commission of such
+sins as may bring you to the like fatal end. My sentence is just, but
+pray, ye good people, for my soul, that though I die ignominiously here,
+I may not perish everlastingly._
+
+He was executed the first of June, 1730, being at the time about
+thirty-nine years of age.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [101] This district, at the Dockhead end of Tooley Street, was
+        at that time a sort of No Man's Land, where horses were grazed
+        and a few poverty-stricken wretches lived in sheds and holes in
+        the ground.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of THOMAS POLSON, _alias_ HITCHIN, a Footpad and Highwayman
+
+
+Habit is the most dangerous of all evils. The transports of passion are
+sometimes prevented from having fatal effects, either by the precautions
+of those with whom we quarrel, or because a sudden reflection of our own
+minds checks our hand. But where men have abandoned themselves to
+wickedness, and given themselves up to the commission of every kind of
+evil without restraint, there is little hope to be entertained of their
+ever mending; and if the fear of a sudden death work a true repentance,
+it is all that can be hoped.
+
+As for this unfortunate man of whose actions the course of our memoirs
+obliges us to treat, he was descended from parents who lived at Marlow,
+in the county of Salop, who were equally honest in their reputations,
+and easy in their circumstances. They spared nothing in the education of
+their son, and it is hard to say whether their care of him was more or
+his application was less. Even while a child and at school he gave too
+evident symptoms of that lazy, indolent disposition which attended him
+so flagrantly and was justly the occasion of all the misfortunes of his
+succeeding life. Learning was of all things his aversion. It was with
+difficulty that he was taught to read and write. As to employment, his
+father brought him up to husbandry and the business of a rural life.
+
+When he was of age his father gave him an estate of twenty pounds _per
+annum_, freehold, and got him into a very good farm. He procured for him
+also a wife, who had ten pounds a year more of her own, and settled him
+in such a manner that no young man in the country had a better prospect
+of doing well than himself. But, alas! to what purpose are the
+endeavours of others, where a man studies nothing so much as to compass
+his own ruin? On a sudden he took a love to card-playing, and addicted
+himself to it with such earnestness that he neglected his business and
+squandered his money. Want was what of all things he hated, except work,
+and therefore rather than labour to retrieve, he bethought himself of an
+easier way of getting money, and that was to steal.
+
+His first attempt was upon his father, whom he robbed of a considerable
+sum of money. He not being in the least suspected, a poor maid who lived
+in the house bore the blame for about six months, and nobody in all that
+time being charged with it but her, there was at last a design in the
+old man's head to prosecute her. This reaching young Polson's ear, he
+resolved not to let an innocent person suffer, which was indeed a very
+just and honourable act, whereupon he wrote an humble letter to his
+father, acknowledging his fault, begging pardon for his offences, and
+desiring that he would not prosecute the poor woman, or suffer her to be
+any longer under the odium of a fact of which she had not the least
+knowledge. This, to be sure, had its effect on his father, who was a
+very honest and considerate man. He took care to restore the wench to
+her good character and his favour, though for a while he with just
+reason continued to frown upon his son. At last paternal tenderness
+prevailed, and after giving him several cautions and much good advice,
+he promised, on his good behaviour, to forgive him what had past. The
+young man promised fairly, but falling quickly into necessities, want of
+money had its old effect upon him again, that is, impatient to be at his
+old practices, tired with work, and yet not knowing how to get money,
+he at length resolved to go into Wales and steal horses.
+
+This project he executed, and took one from one Mr. Lewis of a
+considerable value. He sold it to a London butcher for about sixteen
+pounds, at a village not far from Shrewsbury. That money did him a
+little good, and therefore the next time he was in a strait he readily
+bethought himself of Wales. Accordingly he equipped himself with a
+little pad, and out he set in quest of purchase. At a little inn in
+Wales be met with a gentleman whom he had reason to suppose had money
+about him, whereupon our highwayman was very industrious first to make
+him drink, and then to get him for a bed-fellow, both of which designs
+he in the end brought to pass, and by that means robbed him of six
+pounds odd money, taking care to go in the morning a different road from
+what he had talked of, and by that means easily escaped what pursuit was
+made after him.
+
+When he had committed this fact he retired towards Canterbury, giving
+himself over entirely to thieving or cheating, on which design he
+traversed the whole county of Kent, but found the people so cautious
+that he did it with very little advantage; until at last coming near
+Maidstone, he observed a parcel of fine linen hanging upon a hedge. He
+immediately bethought himself that though the people were wise, yet
+their hedges might be otherwise, upon which stepping up to it, he fairly
+stripped it of ten fine shirts, and so left the people who had washed
+them to account for it. After this exploit, he made the best of his way
+to London, where he speedily sold the stolen linen for five pounds to a
+Life Guardsman; and when he had spent a good part of it, down he went
+into Norfolk. And being afraid that the inhabitants would take notice of
+a stranger setting up his abode there for any considerable time, he
+thought fit to pretend to be very lame. Having continued as long as he
+thought proper in this place, he took his opportunity to carry off a
+fine mare out of the grounds of Sir John Habbard, Baronet, now the Right
+Honourable the Lord Blickling. This was one of the most dangerous feats
+he ever committed in his life, for the scent was so strong upon him, and
+so quickly followed, that he was forced to take a multitude of byways to
+get to London, where he set her up in the Haymarket. However he quickly
+found there was no possibility of disposing of her here, information
+having been given of her to all the great jockeys; so that for present
+money he was obliged to borrow four guineas of the man at the inn, and
+to leave her in his hands by way of security, which was making but a
+poor hand of what he had hazarded his life for.
+
+By this time his father had received some intelligence of his way of
+living, and out of tenderness of its consequences, wrote to him assuring
+him of forgiveness for all that was past, if he would come down into the
+country and live honestly. Such undeserved tenderness had some weight
+even with our criminal himself, and he at last began to frame his mind
+to comply with the request of so good a father. Accordingly, down he
+came, and for a little space, behaved himself honestly and as he should
+do; but his old distemper, laziness quickly came in his way, and finding
+money not to come in so fast as he would have it, he began to think of
+his old practice again, and prepared himself once more to sally out upon
+his illegal adventures. For this purpose taking with him a little mare
+of his brothers, for at that time he had no horse proper for the designs
+he went on, forth he rode in search of prey.
+
+Wales was the place he first visited, and after riding up and down for a
+good while without meeting with any purchase worth taking, he at last
+unluckily stumbled upon a poor old man in Flintshire, who had one foot
+already in the grave. From him he took a silver watch, worth about five
+pounds, and five shillings in money, which was all the poor man had, and
+making thereupon the greatest haste he could out of the country, he got
+clear away before it was discovered. After this he came again to London,
+where what little money he had he lavished away upon women of the town.
+
+It was not long before want overtook him again, upon which he determined
+to visit Yorkshire, in hopes of raising some considerable booty there.
+All the way down, according to his common practice, he bilked the
+public-houses, and at last arriving at Doncaster, began to set heartily
+about the work for which he came down. On a market day, he robbed an old
+farmer of forty shillings and a pair of silver buckles, taking his horse
+also from him, which, when he had ridden about fifteen miles across
+country, he turned loose. He rambled from thence on foot, as well as he
+could, in order to get into his native country of Shropshire, where
+after the commission of a multitude of such actions, none of which
+afforded him any great booty, he arrived.
+
+His father took him home again, and he lived for eleven months tolerably
+honest. However, to keep his hand in use, he now and then stole a
+shoulder of mutton, a joint which he particularly loved; but sometimes
+to please his father he would work a little, though it always went much
+against the grain. At last he quarrelled with his wife, and thereupon
+threatened to go away again, which very quickly after he did, turning
+his course, notwithstanding his former ill-success into Yorkshire once
+more. He was at several of the races in that county, and having no
+particular business at any place, did nothing but course the country
+round, pilfering and stealing whatever came in his way; insomuch that at
+one inn, finding nothing else to lay his hands on, he stole the people's
+sheets off the bed he lay in, and marched off in the morning so early,
+that he was out of danger before they perceived the theft.
+
+But finding that he could not do any considerable matter amongst the
+people, who are cunning to a proverb, he bethought himself of returning
+to London, and the society of those strumpets in which he took a
+delight. However, all the way on the road he made a shift to pick up as
+much as kept him pretty well all the way. On his arrival in town he set
+up his place of residence in an inn near Leather Lane, Holborn, where he
+remained one whole day to rest himself after the fatigue of his northern
+journey. There he reflected on the sad state in which his affairs were,
+being without money and without friends, justly disregarded by his
+friends in the country, and hated and despised by all his neighbours.
+His debts, too, amounted there to near a hundred and forty pounds, so
+that there was no hopes in going back. The result of these cogitations
+was that the next day he would go out on the road towards Hampstead, and
+see what might be made there. He accordingly did so, but with very ill
+success. However, he returned a second time and had no better; the third
+day, towards evening, he observed an old gentleman in a chaise by
+himself, whom he robbed of six guineas, a watch, a mourning-ring, and
+nine and sixpence in silver, and then making over the fields got home
+very safe.
+
+For three days he thought fit to remain within doors, under pretence of
+sickness, fearing lest he should be advertised and described in the
+public prints; but finding nothing of that happened, he grew bold, and
+for about fourteen nights continued the same trade constantly, getting,
+sometimes, two or three pieces, and sometimes losing his labour and
+getting nothing at all. At length, waiting pretty late for an old man,
+who, as he was informed, was to come that night with eight hundred
+pounds about him, although he was so feeble that a child might be able
+to take it from him, he at length grew impatient, and resolved to rob
+the first man he met. This proved to be one Mr. Andrews, who raised so
+quick a pursuit upon him that he never lost sight of him until the time
+of his being apprehended, when he was carried to Newgate and prosecuted
+the next sessions for the aforesaid robbery.
+
+He was then indicted for taking from the said Thomas Andrews, after
+putting him in fear, six or seven shillings in money, a bay mare, bridle
+and saddle, and a cane, on the 23rd of July, 1730. The evidence was
+exceedingly clear, he having, as I have said, never gone out of sight,
+from the time of the robbery to the time he was taken. Under sentence of
+death the prisoner behaved with great piety and resignation. He showed
+great concern for the offences of his former life, and testified the
+utmost sorrow for having blemished an honest family by the shame of his
+vices and their just punishment. The night before his execution he wrote
+a letter to his parents in the country, which though it be written in a
+very uncouth style, yet I have thought fit to insert it _verbatim_,
+because there is a strain in it of unusual confusion and concern,
+expressing the agony of a dying man with more truth and tenderness than
+the best penned epistle could have done.
+
+    Honoured Parents,
+
+    My duty to both, my love to my brother-in-law. I wish to God I had
+    been ruled by you, for now I see the evil of my sin, but I freely
+    die, only the disgrace I have brought on you, my wife and children.
+    I wrote to my wife last Saturday was seven night but had no answer,
+    for I should have been glad to have heard from you before I die,
+    which will be on Wednesday the seventh of this instant October,
+    hoping I have made my peace with God Almighty. I freely forgive all
+    the world, and die in charity with all people. Had it not been for
+    Joyce Hite's sister and Mr. Howel, I might have starved, he told me
+    it has cost him fifteen shillings on my account, and he gave me four
+    more. I desire Thomas Mason will give my wife that locket for my
+    son.
+
+    I have nothing more to say, but my prayers to God for you all day
+    and night, and for God's sake, be as kind to my poor wife and
+    children as in your power lies. I desire there might be some care
+    taken of that Estate at Minton for my son. Mr. Botfield hath the old
+    writings, and I beg you will get them and give them to my wife, and
+    pray show her this letter and my love to her, and my blessing to my
+    children, begging of her as I am a dying man to be good to them, and
+    not make any difference in them, but be as kind to one as the other,
+    and if she is able to put the boy to some trade. Mr. Waring and
+    Thomas Tomlings have each of them a book of mine, pray ask for them,
+    which is all I have to say, but my prayers to God for you all, which
+    is all from your
+
+                                       Dying Son,
+                                                Richard Polson.
+    In my Cell.
+    October the 6th.
+
+    P.S. My love to all my friends. Pray show this letter to my wife as
+    soon as you can, and desire of her to bring up my children in the
+    fear of the Lord, and to make my son a scholar if she is able. There
+    is five of us to die.
+
+In this disposition of mind, and without adding anything to his former
+confessions he suffered on the seventh of October, 1730, being then in
+the thirty-third year of his age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of SAMUEL ARMSTRONG, a Housebreaker
+
+
+I have heretofore remarked the great danger there is in having a bad
+character, and keeping ill-company, from the probability of truth which
+it gives to every accusation that either malice or interest may induce
+men to bring against one.
+
+This malefactor was the son of parents in tolerable circumstances, who
+were careful of his education, and when he grew up bound him apprentice
+to Captain Matthews, commander of a vessel which traded to Guinea and
+the West Indies. He behaved at sea very well, and had not the least
+objection made to his character when he came home. Happy had it been for
+him if he had gone to sea again, without suffering himself to be tainted
+with the vices of this great city.
+
+Unfortunately for him, he fell in love with a young woman, and lived
+with her for some time as his wife. His fondness for this creature drew
+him to be guilty of those base actions which first brought him to
+Newgate and the bar at the Old Bailey, and so far blasted his character
+and unfortunately betrayed him to his death. In the company of this
+female he quickly lavished what little money he had, and not knowing how
+to get more, he fell into the persuasions of some wicked young fellows
+who advised him to take to robbing in the streets. Certain it is that he
+had not made many attempts (he himself said none) before he was
+apprehended, and that the first fact he was ever concerned in was
+stealing a man's hat and tobacco box in Thames Street. This was
+committed by his companion, who gave them to him, and then running away,
+left him to be answerable for the fact, for which being indicted at the
+next sessions at the Old Bailey, he was found guilty, but it being a
+single felony only it did not affect his life.
+
+However, having been seen there by one Holland, who turned evidence, he
+thought fit to save his own life by swearing him into the commission of
+a burglary which himself and one Thomas Griffith actually committed.
+However, his oath being positive, and the character of this unhappy lad
+so bad, the people who were robbed were induced to prosecute him with
+great vehemence, and the jury, on the same presumptions, found him
+guilty. Griffith, who received sentence with him but afterwards had a
+pardon, acknowledged that he himself was guilty, but declared at the
+same time that this unhappy young man was absolutely clear of what was
+laid to his charge, Holland and himself being the only persons who
+committed that burglary, and took away the kitchen things which were
+sworn against him. Moreover, that Armstrong coming to Newgate, and
+seeing Holland and speaking to him about something, Holland took that
+opportunity of asking who Armstrong was, and what he came there for,
+being told the story of his conviction for the hat and wig, he thought
+fit to add him to his former information against Griffith, and so by
+swearing against two, effectually secured himself. In this story both
+the unhappy person of whom we are speaking and Thomas Griffith, who was
+condemned for and confessed the fact agreed, and Armstrong went to death
+absolutely denying the fact for which he was to suffer.
+
+At the place of execution his colour changed, and though at other times
+he appeared to be a bold young man, yet now his courage failed him, he
+trembled and turned pale, besought the people to pray for his soul, and
+in great agony and confusion, submitted to death on the seventh day of
+October, 1730, being at the time of his death about twenty-two years of
+age.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of NICHOLAS GILBURN, a Most Notorious Highwayman
+
+
+This unfortunate person was born at Ballingary, near Limerick, in the
+west of Ireland, of parents in very tolerable circumstances, who gave
+him a very good education; but perceiving that he had a martial
+disposition, they resolved not to cross it, and therefore, though he was
+not above fourteen years of age, got him recommended to an officer, who
+received him as a dragoon. He served about four years with a very good
+reputation in the army; but he had a brother who then rode in a regiment
+of horse, who wrote to him from London, and encouraged him to come over
+into England, which occasioned his writing to his officer to desire his
+discharge. To this his officer readily agreed.
+
+He went thereupon from the north of Ireland to the west, to his friend,
+where having equipped himself with clothing, linen and other
+necessaries, he then came to London, expecting to meet his brother. But
+on his arrival here he was disappointed, and that disappointment,
+together with his want of money, made him very uneasy. At last, in order
+to procure bread, he resolved to list himself in the Foot Guards. He did
+so, and continued in them for about two years, during which time, he
+says in his dying declaration, that he did duty as well, and appeared as
+clean as any man in the company; nay, in all that time, he avers that he
+never neglected his guard but once, which was very fatal to him, for it
+brought him into the acquaintance of those who betrayed him to measures
+which cost him his life. For being taken up and carried to the Savoy for
+the afore-mentioned offence, he had not been long in prison before
+Wilson, who had been concerned with Burnworth, _alias_ Frazier, and the
+rest in the murder of Mr. Ball in the Mint; and one Mr. G----, an old
+highwayman, though he had never conversed with him before, came to pay
+him a visit.
+
+They treated him both with meat and drink, seemed to commiserate his
+condition very much, and promised him that he should not want
+twelvepence a day, during the time in confinement. This promise was very
+well kept, and Gilburn in a few days obtained his liberty. The next day
+he met Wilson in St. James's Park, who after complimenting him upon his
+happy deliverance, invited him to a house in Spring Gardens to drink and
+make merry together. Gilburn readily consented, and after discoursing of
+courage, want of money, the miseries of poverty, and some other
+preparatory articles, Wilson parted with him for that time, appointing
+another meeting with him at eleven o'clock the next morning. There
+Wilson pursued his former topic, and at last told him plainly that the
+best and shortest method to relieve their wants was to go on the
+highway; and when he had once made this step, he scrupled not to make a
+further, telling Gilburn that there was no such danger in those
+practices as was generally apprehended, for that with a little care and
+circumspection the gallows might be well enough avoided, which he said
+was plain enough from his own adventures, since he had lived several
+years in the profession, and by being cautious enough to look about him,
+had escaped any confinement.
+
+Gilburn heard this account with terror. He had never committed anything
+of this kind hitherto, and knew very well that if he once engaged he
+could never afterwards go back. Wilson seemed not at all uneasy at his
+pause, but artfully introducing discourse on other subjects, plied him
+in the meanwhile with liquor, until he saw him pretty warm, and then
+resumed the story of his own adventures and of the facility of acquiring
+money when a man is but well stored with courage and has ever so little
+conduct. This artifice unfortunately had its effect, Wilson's
+conversation and the fumes of liquor prevailing so far upon Gilburn
+that, as he himself phrased it, he resolved at last upon business.
+
+The day following, Gilburn provided himself with pistols, and removed
+his quarters to go and live with Wilson, who encouraged him with all the
+arguments he was able to stick to his new profession, and Gilburn in
+return swore he would live and die with him. So at night they went out
+together in quest of adventures. The road they took was towards
+Paddington. A little after they were come into the fields, they attacked
+a gentleman and took from him eight shillings, with which Gilburn was
+very much pleased, though they had little luck after, so that they
+returned at last to their lodgings, weary and fatigued, and were obliged
+to mount guard the next morning. When their guard was over, they were,
+as Mr. Gilburn expresses it in his last speech, as bare as a bird's
+arse, so no time was to be lost, and accordingly that very night they
+made their second expedition. Nobody coming in their way, Gilburn began
+to fret, and at last falling into a downright passion, swore he would
+rob the first man he met. He was as good as his word, and the booty he
+got proved a tolerable provision for some days.
+
+But guard-day drawing nigh again, Wilson told him there was no mounting
+without money, and the same methods were taken as formerly; but as the
+leagues by which men are united in villainy are liable to a thousand
+inconveniencies which are uneasily born, and yet hard to be remedied, so
+Wilson's humours being very different from that of Gilburn, they soon
+began to differ about the money they acquired by plunder. At last,
+coming one night very much tired and fatigued to a public-house where
+Wilson was acquainted, they called for some drink to refresh themselves,
+which when they had done, Gilburn was for dividing the money, himself
+standing in need of linen and other necessaries. Wilson, on the other
+hand, was for having a bowl of punch, and words thereupon arose to such
+a height that at last they fell to fighting. This quarrel was
+irreconcilable, and they absolutely parted company, though Gilburn
+unfortunately pursued the same road; and having robbed a gentleman on
+horseback of several yards of fine padusoy, he was shortly after
+apprehended and committed to Newgate.
+
+At first he absolutely denied the fact, but when he was convicted, and
+saw no hopes of pardon, he acknowledged what had been sworn against him
+by the prosecutor to be true, attended with much gravity at chapel, and
+seemed to be greatly afflicted through a due sense of those many sins
+which he had committed. Wilson, his companion, had a little before been
+executed at Kingston, and Gilburn with all outward signs of contrition,
+suffered the same death at Tyburn, at the same time with the
+before-mentioned malefactor, being at the time of his death about
+twenty-two years of age.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of JAMES O'BRYAN, HUGH MORRIS and ROBERT JOHNSON, Highwaymen
+and Street-Robbers
+
+
+Amongst the many flagrant vices of the present age, there is none more
+remarkable than the strange property we see in young people to commit
+the most notorious crimes, provided they may thereby furnish themselves
+with money enough to support their lavish expenses in vices which in
+former times were scarce heard of by lads of that age, at which our
+boldest highwaymen begin to exert themselves now.
+
+The first of these unfortunate lads, James O'Bryan, was born at Dublin,
+was brought over hither young, and had a good education given him which
+he had very little inclination to make a proper use of. Nothing could
+persuade him to go out to a trade; on the contrary, he pretended he
+would apply himself to his father's employment, which was that of a
+plasterer. But as working was required, he soon grew out of humour with
+it, and addicted himself wholly to strolling about the streets with such
+wicked lads as himself, and so was easily drawn in to think of supplying
+himself with money by the plunder of honest people, in order to carry on
+those debaucheries in which, though a lad, he was already deeply
+immersed.
+
+Women, forsooth, drew this spark away from the paths of virtue and
+goodness at about sixteen years old, after which time he lost all sense
+of duty to his parents, respect of laws divine or human, and even care
+of himself. It seems he found certain houses in Chick Lane, where they
+met abundance of loose young men and women, accustomed themselves to
+every kind of debauchery which it was possible for wicked people to
+commit or the most fruitful genius to invent. Here he fell into the
+company of his two companions, Morris and Johnson.
+
+The first of these was the son of an unfortunate tradesman who had once
+kept a great shop, and lived in good reputation in the Strand, but
+through the common calamities of life, he was so unfortunate as to
+break, and laying it too much to heart, died soon after it, happy,
+however, in one thing, that he did not live to see the deplorable end of
+his son by the hand of justice.
+
+Robert Johnson was the son of honest parents, and had a very good
+education, but put it to a very ill use; for having all his life time
+been addicted to pilfering and thieving, at last he fell into the
+company of these unfortunate young men who led him a directer way to the
+gallows than perhaps he might have found himself. One of his chief
+inducements to forfeit reputation and hazard life by engaging in street
+robberies, was his commencing an amour with his father's servant-maid,
+and not long after falling into a multitude of such like adventures, the
+ready road to inevitable ruin.
+
+These three sparks, together with Bernard Fink, and another person who
+turned evidence against them, came all at the same time to a resolution
+of attacking people in the streets; and having provided themselves with
+pistols and whatever else they thought necessary for putting their
+design in execution, they immediately set about it, and though but boys,
+committed bolder and more numerous robberies than had ever hitherto been
+heard of. It may, indeed, seem surprising that lads of their age should
+be able to intimidate passengers, but when it is considered that having
+less precaution than older rogues, they were more ready at firing
+pistols or otherwise injuring those whom they attacked, than any set of
+fellows who had hitherto disturbed the crown, this wonder will wear off.
+
+It was not above two months that they continued their depredations, but
+in that time they had been exceedingly busy, and had committed a
+multitude of facts. One gentleman whom they attacked in Lincoln's Inn
+Fields, refused to surrender, and drew his sword upon Morris. That young
+robber immediately fired his pistol, and the rest coming to his
+assistance, the gentleman thought it but prudent to retire, the noise
+they made having alarmed the watch and so prevented his losing anything.
+
+After this it became a very common practice with them, as soon as they
+stopped anybody, to clap a pistol under their nose, and bid them smell
+at it, while one of their companions, with a thousand execrations,
+threatened to blow their brains out if they made the least resistance.
+As soon as the business of the night was over, they immediately
+adjourned to their places of rendezvous at Chick Lane, or to other
+houses of the same stamp elsewhere, and without the least consideration
+of the hazards they had run, squandered the wages of their villainies
+upon such impudent strumpets as for the lucre of a few shillings
+prostituted themselves to them in these debaucheries.
+
+Mr. O'Bryan was the hero of this troop of infant robbers; he valued
+himself much on never meddling with small matters or committing any
+meaner crime than that of the highway. It happened he had a mistress
+coming out of the country and he would needs have his companions take
+each of them a doxy and go with him as far as Windsor to receive her.
+They readily complied, and at Windsor they were all seized and from
+thence brought to town, two of their own gang turning evidence, so that
+on the clearest proof, they were all three convicted.
+
+Under sentence of death they behaved with great audacity, seemed to
+value themselves on the crimes they had committed, caused several
+disturbances at chapel and discovered little or no sense of that
+miserable condition in which they were. O'Bryan died a Papist, and in
+the cart read with great earnestness a book of devotions in that way. He
+wrote a letter to his father the day before he died, and also something
+which he called verses to his sister, both of which I have subjoined
+_verbatim_ that my readers may have the better idea of the capacity of
+those poor creatures.
+
+    To Mr. Terrance O'Bryan, living in Burleigh Street in the Strand.
+    Honoured Father and Mother,
+
+    The uneasiness I give you is more terror to me than the thoughts of
+    death, but pray make yourselves as easy as you can, for I hope I am
+    going to a better place; for God is my refuge and my strength, and
+    my helper in time of tribulation, and pray take care of my brother
+    now whilst he is young, and make him serve God, and keep him out of
+    bad company. If I had served God as I ought to have done, and kept
+    out of bad company, I had not come to this unhappy misfortune, but I
+    hope it is for the good of my soul, it is good I hope what God has
+    at present ordained for me, for there is mercy in the foresight of
+    death, and in the time God has given me to prepare for it. A natural
+    death might have had less terror, for in that I might have wanted
+    many advantages which are now granted me. My trust is in God, and I
+    hope he won't reward me according to my deserts. All that I can
+    suffer here must have an end, for this life is short, so are all the
+    sufferings of it, but the next life is Eternal. Pray give my love to
+    my sister, and desire her not to neglect her duty to God. I hope
+    you are all well, as I am at present, I thank God. So no more at
+    present.
+
+    From your unhappy and undutiful son,
+                                  James O'Bryan.
+
+The verses sent by James O'Bryan to his sister two days before his
+execution:
+
+    My loving tender sister dear,
+    From you I soon must part I fear.
+    Think not on my wretched state,
+    Nor grieve for my unhappy fate,
+    But serve the Lord with all your heart,
+    And from you He'll never part.
+    When I am dead and in my tomb,
+    For my poor soul I hope there's room,
+    In Heaven with God above on high,
+    I hope to live eternally.
+
+At the time of their execution James O'Bryan was about twenty, Hugh
+Morris seventeen, and Robert Johnson not full twenty years of age, which
+was on the 16th of November, 1730.
+
+
+
+
+The History of the Life and surprising adventures of JOHN GOW, _alias_
+SMITH, a most notorious Pirate and Murderer
+
+
+The principal use to which a work of this nature can be applied is to
+engage persons to refuse the first stirrings of their passions, and the
+slighted emotions of vice in their breasts, since they see before their
+eyes so many sad examples of the fatal consequences which follow upon
+rash and wicked enterprises, of which the following history exhibits as
+extraordinary an instance as perhaps is anythere to be found.
+
+In giving an account of this malefactor, we are obliged to begin with
+his embarking on board the vessel which he afterwards seized and went
+a-pirating in. It was called the _George_ galley, and was of about two
+hundred tons burden, commanded by Oliver Ferneau, a Frenchman, but a
+subject of the Crown of England, who entertained this Gow as a private
+seaman only, but afterwards, to his great misfortune, preferred him to
+be the second mate in the voyage of which we are next to speak.
+
+Captain Ferneau being a man of reputation among the merchants of
+Amsterdam, got a voyage for his ship from thence to Santa Cruz on the
+coast of Barbary, to load beeswax, and to carry it to Genoa, which was
+his delivering port; and as the Dutch, having war with the Turks of
+Algiers, were willing to employ him as an English ship, so he was as
+willing to be manned with English seamen, and accordingly among the
+rest, he unhappily took on board this Gow with his wretched gang, such
+as MacCauly, Melvin, Williams and others. But not being able to man
+themselves wholly with English or Scots, he was obliged to take some
+Swedes, and other seamen to make his complement, which was twenty-three
+in all. Among the latter sort, one was named Winter, and another
+Peterson, both of them Swedes by nation, but wicked as Gow and his other
+fellows were. They sailed from the Texel in the month of August, 1724,
+and arrived at Santa Cruz on the second of September following, where
+having a super-cargo on board, who took charge of the loading, and four
+chests of money to purchase it, they soon got the beeswax, on board, and
+on the third of November they appointed to set sail to pursue the
+voyage.
+
+That day the ship having lain two months in the road at Santa Cruz,
+taking in her lading, the captain made preparations to put to sea, and
+the usual signals for sailing having been given, some of the merchants
+from on shore, who had been concerned in furnishing the cargo, came on
+board in the forenoon to take their leave of the captain, and wish him a
+good voyage, as is usual on such occasions. Whether it was concerted by
+the whole gang beforehand, we know not, but while the captain was
+treating and entertaining the merchants under the awning upon the
+quarter deck, as is the custom in those hot countries, three of the
+seamen, viz., Winter and Peterson, two Swedes, and MacCauly a Scotchman,
+came rudely upon the quarter deck as if they took the opportunity
+because the merchants were present, believing the captain would not use
+any violence with them in the presence of the merchants.
+
+They made a long complaint of all their ill-usage, and particularly of
+their provisions and allowance, as they said, being not sufficient nor
+such as was ordinarily made in other merchant ships, seeming to load the
+captain, Monsieur Ferneau, with being the occasion of it, and that he
+did it for his private gain, which however had not been true. If the
+fact had been true, the overplus of provisions (if the stores had been
+more than sufficient) belonged to the owners, not to the captain, at the
+end of the voyage, there being also a steward on board to take the
+account. In making this complaint they seemed to direct their speech to
+the merchants as well as to the captain, as if they had been concerned
+in the ship, or as if desiring them to intercede for them with the
+captain, that they might have redress and a better allowance.
+
+The captain was highly provoked at this rudeness, as indeed he had
+reason, it being a double affront to him as it was done in the view of
+the merchants who were come on board to him, to do him an honour at
+parting. However, he restrained his passion, and gave them not the least
+angry word, only that if they were aggrieved they had no more to do but
+to let him have know of it; that if they were ill-used it was not by his
+order that he would enquire into it and if anything was amiss it should
+be rectified, with which the seamen withdrew, seemingly well satisfied
+with his answer.
+
+About five the same evening they unmoored the ship and hove short upon
+their best bower anchor, awaiting the land breeze (as is usual on that
+coast) to carry them out to sea; but instead of that, it fell stark
+calm, and the captain fearing the ship would fall foul of her own
+anchor, ordered the mizen top-sail to be furled. Peterson, one of the
+malcontent seamen, being the nearest man at hand seemed to go about it,
+but moved so carelessly and heavily that it appeared plainly he did not
+care whether it was done or no, and particularly as if he had a mind the
+captain should see it and take notice of it. Which the captain did, for
+perceiving how awkwardly he went about it, he spoke a little tartly to
+him, and asked him what was the reason he did not stir a little and furl
+the sail. Peterson, as if he had waited for the question, answered in a
+surly tone, and with a kind of disdain, _So as we eat, so shall we
+work._ This he spoke aloud, so that he might be sure the captain heard
+him and the rest of the men also, and it was evident that as he spoke in
+plural numbers, _We_, so he spoke their minds as well as his own, and
+words which they all agreed to before.
+
+The captain, however, though he heard plain enough what he said, took
+not the least notice of it, or gave him the least reason to believe he
+had heard him, being not willing to begin a quarrel with the men and
+knowing that if he took any notice at all of it, he must resent it and
+punish it too.
+
+Soon after this, the calm went off, and the land breeze sprang up, and
+they immediately weighed and stood out to sea; but the captain having
+had these two bustles with his men just at their putting to sea, was
+very uneasy in his mind, as indeed he had reason to be; and the same
+evening, soon after they were under sail, the mate being walking on the
+quarter deck, he went, and taking two or three turns with him, told him
+how he had been used by the men, particularly how they affronted him
+before the merchants, and what an answer Peterson had given him on the
+quarter deck, when he ordered him to furl the mizen top sail. The mate
+was as surprised at these things as the captain, and after some other
+discourse about it, in which it was their unhappiness not to be so
+private as they ought to have been in a case of such importance, the
+captain told him he thought it was absolutely necessary to have a
+quantity of small arms brought immediately into the great cabin, not
+only to defend themselves if there should be occasion, but also that he
+might be in a posture to correct those fellows for their insolence,
+especially should he meet with any more of it. The mate agreed that it
+was necessary to be done, and had they said no more, or said this more
+privately, all had been well, and the wicked design had been much more
+difficult, if not the execution of it effectually prevented.
+
+But two mistakes in this part was the ruin of them all. First, that the
+captain spoke it without due caution, so that Winter and Peterson, the
+two principal malcontents, who were expressly mentioned by the captain
+to be corrected, overheard it, and knew by that means what they had to
+expect if they did not immediately bestir themselves to prevent it. The
+other mistake was that when the captain and mate agreed that it was
+necessary to have arms got ready, and brought into the great cabin, the
+captain unhappily bid him go immediately to Gow, the second mate and
+gunner, and give him orders to get the arms cleared and loaded for him,
+and to bring them up to the great cabin; which was in short to tell the
+conspirators that the captain was preparing to be too strong for them,
+if they did not fall to work with him immediately.
+
+Winter and Peterson went immediately forward, where they knew the rest
+of the mutineers were, and to whom they communicated what they had
+heard, telling them that it was time to provide for their own safety,
+for otherwise their destruction was resolved on, and the captain would
+soon be in such a posture that there would be no muddling with him.
+While they were thus consulting, as they said, only for their own
+safety, Gow and Williams came into them with some others to the number
+of eight, and no sooner were they joined by these two, but they fell
+downright to the point which Gow had so long formed in his own mind,
+viz., to seize upon the captain and mate, and all those that they could
+not bring to join with them; in short, to throw them into the sea, and
+to go upon the account. All those who are acquainted with the sea
+language know the meaning of that expression, and that it is, in few
+words, to run away with the ship and turn pirates.
+
+Villainous designs are soonest concluded; as they had but little time
+to consult upon what measures they should take, so very little
+consultation served for what was before them, and they came to this
+short but hellish resolution, viz., that they would immediately, that
+very night, murder the captain and such others as they named, and
+afterwards proceed with the ship as they should see cause. And here it
+is to be observed that though Winter and Peterson were in the first
+proposal, namely to prevent their being brought to correction by the
+captain, yet Gow and Williams were the principal advisers in the bloody
+part, which however the rest came into soon; for, as I said before, as
+they had but little time to resolve in, so they had but very little
+debate about it but what was first proposed was forthwith engaged in and
+consented to.
+
+It must not be omitted that Gow had always had the wicked game of
+pirating in his head, and that he had attempted it, or rather tried to
+attempt it before, but was not able to bring it to pass; so he and
+Williams had also several times, even in this very voyage, dropped some
+hints of this vile design, as they thought there was room for it, and
+touched two or three times at what a noble opportunity they had of
+enriching themselves, and making their fortunes, as they wickedly called
+it. This was when they had the four chests of money on board and
+Williams made it a kind of jest in his discourse, how easily they might
+carry it off, ship and all. But as they did not find themselves
+seconded, or that any of the men showed themselves in favour of such a
+thing, but rather spoke of it with abhorrence they passed it over as a
+kind of discourse that had nothing at all in it, except that one of the
+men, viz., the surgeon, once took them up short for so much as
+mentioning such a thing, told them the thought was criminal and it ought
+not to be spoken of among them, which reproof was supposed cost him his
+life afterwards.
+
+As Gow and his comrade had thus started the thing at a distance before,
+though it was then without success, yet they had the less to do now,
+when other discontents had raised a secret fire in the breasts of the
+men; for now, being as it were mad and desperate with apprehensions of
+their being severely punished by the captain, they wanted no persuasions
+to come into the most wicked undertaking that the devil or any of his
+angels could propose to them. Nor do we find that upon any of their
+examinations they pretended to have made any scruples or objections to
+the cruelty of the bloody attempt that was to be made, but came to it at
+once, and resolved to put it in execution immediately, that is to say,
+the very same evening.
+
+It was the captain's constant custom to call all the ship's company into
+the great cabin every night at eight o'clock to prayers, and then the
+watch being set, one went upon deck, and the other turned in, or, as
+the seamen phrase it, went to their hammocks to sleep; and here they
+concerted their devilish plot. It was the turn of five of the
+conspirators to go to sleep, and of these Gow and Williams were two. The
+three who were to be upon the deck were Winter, Rowlinson, and Melvin, a
+Scotchman. The persons they immediately designed for destruction were
+four, viz., the captain, the mate, the super-cargo, and the surgeon,
+whereof all but the captain were gone to sleep, the captain himself
+being upon the quarter deck.
+
+Between nine and ten at night, all being quiet and secure, and the poor
+gentlemen that were to be murdered fast asleep, the villains that were
+below gave the watch-word, which was, _Who fires next?_ At which they
+all got out of their hammocks with as little noise as they could, and
+going in the dark to the hammocks of the chief mate, super-cargo and
+surgeon, they cut all their throats. The surgeon's throat was cut so
+effectually that he could struggle very little with them, but leaping
+out of his hammock, ran up to get upon the deck, holding his hand upon
+his throat. But be stumbled at the tiller, and falling down had no
+breath, and consequently no strength to raise himself, but died where he
+lay.
+
+The mate, whose throat was cut but not his windpipe, struggled so
+vigorously with the villain who attacked him that he got away from him
+and into the hold; and the super-cargo, in the same condition, got
+forwards between decks under some deals and both of them begged with the
+most moving cries and entreaties for their lives. And when nothing could
+prevail, they begged with the same earnestness for but a few moments to
+pray to God, and recommend their souls to mercy. But alike in vain, for
+the wretched murderers, heated with blood, were past pity, and not being
+able to come at them with their knives, with which they had begun the
+execution, they shot them with their pistols, firing several times upon
+each of them until they found they were quite dead.
+
+As all this, even before the firing, could not be done without some
+noise, the captain, who was walking alone upon the quarter-deck, called
+out and asked what was the matter. The boatswain, who sat on the after
+bits, and was not of the party, answered he could not tell, but he was
+afraid there was somebody overboard; upon which the captain stepped
+towards the ship's side to look over. Then Winter, Rowlinson and Melvin,
+coming that moment behind him, laid hands on him, and lifting him up,
+attempted to throw him overboard into the sea; but he being a nimble
+strong man, got hold of the shrouds and struggled so hard with them that
+they could not break his hold. Turning his head to look behind him to
+see who he had to deal with, one of them cut his throat with a broad
+Dutch knife; but neither was that wound mortal, for the captain still
+struggled with them, and seeing he should undoubtedly be murdered, he
+constantly cried up to God for mercy, for he found there was none to be
+expected from them. During this struggle, another of the murderers
+stabbed him with a knife in the back, and that with such a force that
+the villain could not draw the knife out again to repeat his blow, which
+he would otherwise have done.
+
+At this moment Gow came up from the butchery he had been at between
+decks, and seeing the captain still alive, he went close up to him and
+shot him, as he confessed, with a brace of bullets. What part he shot
+him in could not be known, though they said he had shot him in the head;
+however, he had yet life enough (though they threw him overboard) to
+take hold of a rope, and would still have saved himself but they cut
+that rope and then he fell into the sea, and was seen no more.
+
+Thus they finished the tragedy, having murdered four of the principal
+men in command in the ship, so that there was nobody now to oppose them;
+for Gow being second mate and gunner, the command fell to him, of
+course, and the rest of the men having no arms ready, not knowing how to
+get at any, were in utmost consternation, expecting they would go on
+with the work and cut their throats. In this fright everyone shifted for
+himself. As for those who were upon deck, some got up in the round tops,
+others got into the ship's head, resolving to throw themselves into the
+sea rather than be mangled with knives and murdered as the captain and
+mate, etc., had been. Those who were below, not knowing what to do, or
+whose turn it should be next, lay still in their hammocks expecting
+death every moment, and not daring to stir lest the villains should
+think they did it in order to make resistance, which however they were
+in no way capable of doing, having no concert one with another, not
+knowing anything in particular of one another, as who was alive or who
+was dead. Had the captain, who was himself a bold and stout man, been in
+his great cabin with three or four men with him, and his fire-arms, as
+he intended to have had, those eight fellows had never been able to have
+done their work. But every man was taken unprovided, and in the utmost
+surprise, so that the murderers met with no resistance; and as for those
+what were left, they were less able to make resistance than the other,
+so that, as has been said, they were in the utmost terror and amazement,
+expecting every minute to be murdered as the rest had been.
+
+But the villains had done. The persons who had any command were
+dispatched, so they cooled a little as to blood. The first thing they
+did afterwards, was to call up all the eight upon the quarter deck,
+where they congratulated one another, and shook hands together, engaging
+to proceed by joint consent in their resolved design, that is, of
+turning pirates. In older to which, they unanimously chose Gow to
+command the ship, promising all subjection and obedience to his orders,
+so that we must now call him Captain Gow, and he, by the same consent of
+the rest, named Williams his lieutenant. Other officers they appointed
+afterwards.
+
+The first orders they issued was to let all the rest of the men know
+that if they continued quiet and offered not to meddle with any of their
+affairs, they should receive no hurt, but chiefly forbade any man to set
+a foot abaft the main mast, except they were called to the helm, upon
+pain of being immediately cut to pieces, keeping for that purpose one
+man at the steerage door, and one upon the quarter deck with drawn
+cutlasses in their hands. But there was no need for it, for the men were
+so terrified with the bloody doings they had seen, that they never
+offered to come in sight until they were called.
+
+Their next work was to throw overboard the three dead bodies of the
+mate, the surgeon, and the super-cargo, which they said lay in their
+way; that was soon done, their pockets being first searched and rifled.
+From thence they went to work with the great cabin and with all the
+lockers, chests, boxes and trunks. These they broke open and rifled,
+that is, such of them as belonged to the murdered persons, and whatever
+they found there they shared among themselves. When they had done this,
+they called for liquor, and sat down to drinking until morning, leaving
+the men, as above, to keep guard, and particularly to guard the arms,
+but relieved them from time to time as they saw occasion.
+
+By this time they had drawn in four more of the men to approve of what
+they had done, and promised to join with them, so that now there were
+twelve in number, and being but twenty-four at first, whereof four were
+murdered, they had but eight men to be apprehensive of, and those they
+could easily look after. So the next day, they sent for them all to
+appear before their new captain, where they were told by Gow what his
+resolution was, viz., to go a-cruising or to go upon the account. If
+they were willing to join with them and go into their measures, they
+should be well used, and there should be no distinction among them but
+they should all fare alike; he said that they had been forced to do what
+they had done by the barbarous usage of Ferneau, but that there was now
+no looking back; and therefore, as they had not been concerned in what
+was past, they had nothing to do but to act in concert, do their duty as
+sailors, and obey orders for the good of the ship, and no harm should
+come to any of them.
+
+As they all looked like condemned prisoners brought up to the bar to
+receive sentence of death, so they all answered by a profound silence,
+which Gow took as they meant it, viz, as a consent because they durst
+not refuse. So they were then permitted to go up and down everywhere as
+they used to do, though such of them as sometimes afterwards showed any
+reluctance to act as principals, were never trusted, always suspected
+and very often severely beaten. Some of them were in many ways inhumanly
+treated and that particularly by Williams, the lieutenant, who was in
+his nature a merciless, cruel, and inexorable wretch, as we shall have
+occasion to take notice of again in its place.
+
+They were now in a new circumstance of life, and acting upon a different
+stage of business, though upon the same stage as to the element, the
+water. Before they were a merchant ship, laden upon a good account, with
+merchants' goods from the coast of Barbary, and bound to the coast of
+Italy; but they were now a crew of pirates, or as they call them in the
+Levant, Corsairs, bound nowhere but to look out for purchase and spoil
+wherever they could find it. In pursuit of this wicked trade they first
+changed the name of the ship, which was before called the _George_
+galley, and which they called now the _Revenge_, a name, indeed,
+suitable to the bloody steps they had taken. In the next place they made
+the best of the ship's forces. The ship had but twelve guns mounted when
+they came out of Holland, but as they had six more good guns in the hold
+with cartridges and everything proper for service (which they had in
+store through being freighted for the Dutch merchants, and the Algerians
+being at war with the Dutch), they supposed they might want them for
+defence. Now they took care to mount them for a much worse design, so
+that now they had eighteen guns, though too many for the number of hands
+they had on board. In the third place, instead of pursuing their voyage
+to Genoa with the ship's cargo, they took a clear contrary course, and
+resolved to station themselves upon the coasts of Spain and Portugal,
+and to cruise upon all nations; but what they chiefly aimed at was a
+ship with wine, if possible, for that they wanted extremely.
+
+The first prize they took was an English sloop, belonging to Pool,
+Thomas Wise commander, bound from Newfoundland with fish for Cadiz. This
+was a prize of no value to them, so they took out the master, Mr. Wise
+and his men, who were but five in number, with their anchors, cables and
+sails, and what else they found worth taking, and sunk the vessel. The
+next prize they took was a Scotch vessel, bound from Glasgow with
+herrings and salmon from thence to Genoa, and commanded by one Mr. John
+Somerville, of Port Patrick. This vessel was likewise of little value to
+them, except that they took as they had done from the other, their arms,
+ammunition, clothes, provisions, sails, anchors, cables, etc., and
+everything of value, and sunk her too as they had done the sloop. The
+reason they gave for sinking these two vessels was to prevent their
+being discovered, for as they were now cruising on the coast of
+Portugal, had they let their ships have gone with several of their men
+on board, they would presently have stood in for shore, and have given
+the alarm, and the men-of-war, of which there were several, as well
+Dutch as English, in the river of Lisbon, would immediately have put out
+to sea in quest of them, and they were very unwilling to leave the coast
+of Portugal until they had got a ship with wine, which they very much
+wanted.
+
+After this they cruised eight or ten days without seeing so much as one
+vessel upon the seas, and were just resolving to stand more to the to
+the coast of Galicia, when they descried a sail to the southward, being
+a ship about as big as their own, though they could not perceive what
+force she had. However they gave chase, and the vessel perceiving it,
+crowded from them with all the sail they could make, hoisting up French
+colours, and standing away to the southward. They continued the chase
+three days and nights, and though they did not gain much upon her, the
+Frenchman sailing very well, yet they kept her in sight all the while
+and for the most part within gunshot. But the third night, the weather
+proving a little hazy, the Frenchman changed her course in the night,
+and so got clear of them, and good reason they had to bless themselves
+in the escape they had made, if they had but known what a dreadful crew
+of rogues they had fallen among if they had been taken.
+
+They were now gotten a long way to the southward and being greatly
+disappointed, and in want of water as well as wine, they resolved to
+stand away for the Madeiras, which they knew were not far off; so they
+accordingly made the island in two days more, and keeping a large
+offing, they cruised for three or four days more, expecting to meet with
+some Portuguese vessel going in or coming out. But it was in vain, for
+nothing stirred. So, tired with waiting, they stood in for the road, and
+came to anchor, though at a great distance. Then they sent their boat
+towards the shore with seven men, all well armed, to see whether it
+might not be practicable to board one of the ships in the road, and
+cutting her away from her anchors, bring her off; or if they found that
+could not be done, then their orders were to intercept some of the
+boats belonging to the place, which carry wines on board the ships in
+the road, or from one place to another on the coast. But they came back
+again disappointed in both, everybody being alarmed and aware of them,
+knowing by their posture what they were.
+
+Having thus spent several days to no purpose, and finding themselves
+discovered, at last (being apparently under a necessity to make an
+attempt somewhere) they stood away for Porto Santo,[102] about ten
+leagues to the windward of Madeiras, and belonging also to the
+Portuguese. Here putting up British colours, they sent their boat ashore
+with Captain Somerville's bill of health, and a present to the governor
+of three barrels of salmon, and six barrels of herrings, and a very
+civil message, desiring leave to water, and to buy some refreshments,
+pretending to be bound to ----.
+
+The Governor very courteously granted their desire, but with more
+courtesy than discretion went off himself, with about nine or ten of his
+principal people, to pay the English captain a visit, little thinking
+what kind of a captain it was they were going to compliment, and what
+price it might have cost them. However, Gow, handsomely dressed,
+received then with some ceremony, and entertained them tolerably well
+for a while. But the Governor having been kept as long by civility as
+they could, and the refreshments from the shore not appearing, he was
+forced to unmask; and when the Governor and his company rose up to take
+their leave, to their great surprise they were suddenly surrounded with
+a gang of fellows with muskets, and an officer at the head of them.
+These told them, in so many words, they were the captain's prisoners,
+and must not think of going on shore any more until the water and
+provisions which were promised should come on board.
+
+It is impossible to conceive the consternation and surprise the
+Portuguese gentry were in, nor is it very decently to be expressed. The
+poor Governor was so much more than half dead with fright that he really
+befouled himself in a piteous manner, and the rest were in not much
+better condition. They trembled, cried, begged, crossed themselves, and
+said their prayers as men going to execution, but it was all one, they
+were told flatly that the captain was not to be trifled with, that the
+ship was in want of provisions, and they would have them, or they should
+carry them all away. They were, however, well enough treated, except for
+the restraint of their persons, and were often asked to refresh
+themselves; but they would neither eat not drink any more all the while
+they stayed on board, which was until the next day in the evening, when
+to their great satisfaction they saw a great boat come off from the
+fort, and which came directly on board with seven butts of water, a cow
+and a calf, and a good number of fowls.
+
+When the boat came alongside and delivered the stores, Captain Gow
+complimented the Governor and his gentlemen, and discharged them to
+their great joy, and besides that gave them in return for their
+provisions two cerons of beeswax, and fired them three guns at their
+going away. It is to be supposed they would have a care how they went on
+board any ship again, in compliment to their captain, unless they were
+very sure who they were. Having had no better success in this out of the
+way run to the Madeiras, they resolved to make the best of their way
+back again to the coast of Spain and Portugal. They accordingly left
+Porto Santo die next morning with a fair wind, standing directly for
+Cape St. Vincent or the Southward Cape.
+
+They had not been upon the coast of Spain above two or three days,
+before they met with a New England ship, one Cross commander, laden with
+slaves, and bound for Lisbon, being to load there with wine for London.
+This was also a prize of no value to them, and they began to be very
+much discouraged with their bad fortune. However, they took out Captain
+Cross and his men, which were seven or eight in number, with most of the
+provisions and some of the sails, and gave the ship to Captain Wise, the
+poor man whom they took at first in a sloop from Newfoundland; and in
+order to pay Wise and his men for what they took from them, and make
+them satisfaction, as they called it, they gave to Captain Wise and his
+mate twenty-four cerons of wax, and to his men who were four in number,
+two cerons of wax each. Thus they pretended honesty, and to make
+reparation of damages by giving them the goods which they had robbed the
+Dutch merchants of, whose super-cargo they had murdered.
+
+The day before the division of the spoil they saw a large ship to
+windward, which at first put them into some surprise, for she came
+bearing down directly upon them, and they thought she had been a
+Portuguese man-of-war, but they found soon after that it was a merchant
+ship, had French colours and bound home, as they supposed from the West
+Indies; and so it was, for they afterwards learned that she was laden at
+Martinico and bound for Rochelle.
+
+The Frenchmen not fearing them came on large to the wind, being a ship
+of much greater force than Gow's ship, carrying thirty-two guns and
+eighty men, besides a great many passengers. However, Gow at first made
+as if he would lie by for them, but seeing plainly what a ship it was,
+and that they should have their hands full of her, he began to consider;
+and calling his men together upon the deck, told them what was in his
+mind, viz., that the Frenchman was apparently superior in force in every
+way; that they were but ill-manned, and had a great many prisoners on
+board, and that some of their own people were not very well to be
+trusted; that six of their best hands were on board the prize; and that
+all they had left were not sufficient to ply their guns and stand by the
+sails, and that therefore as they were under no necessity to engage, so
+he thought it would be next to madness to think of it.
+
+The generality of the men were of Gow's mind, and agreed to decline the
+fight, but Williams, his lieutenant, strenuously opposed it; and being
+not to be appeased by all that Gow could say to him, or any one else,
+flew out into a rage at Gow, upbraiding him with being a coward, and not
+fit to command a ship of force. The truth is, Gow's reasoning was good,
+and the thing was just, considering their own condition; but Williams
+was a fellow incapable of any solid thinking, had a kind of savage,
+brutal courage, but nothing of true bravery in him, and this made him
+the most desperate and outrageous villain in the world, and the most
+cruel and inhuman to those whose disaster it was to fall into his hands,
+as had frequently appeared in his usage of the prisoners under his power
+in this very voyage. Gow was a man of temper, and notwithstanding all
+the ill-language Williams gave him, said little or nothing but by way of
+argument against attacking the French ship, which would certainly have
+been too strong for them; but this provoked Williams the more, and he
+grew so extraordinary an height, that he demanded boldly of Gow to give
+his orders for fighting, which Gow declining still Williams presented
+his pistol at him, and snapped it, but it did not go off, which enraged
+him the more.
+
+Winter and Peterson standing nearest to Williams, and seeing him so
+furious, flew at him immediately, and each of them fired a pistol at
+him. One shot him through the arm, and the other into his belly, at
+which he fell, and the men about him laid hold of him to throw him
+overboard, believing he was dead; but as they lifted him up, he started
+violently out of their hands, and leaped directly into the hold, and
+from thence ran desperately into the powder-room with his pistol cocked
+in his hand, swearing he would blow them all up. He had certainly done
+it, if they had not seized him just as he had gotten the scuttle open,
+and was that moment going to put his hellish resolution into practice.
+
+Having thus secured the distracted, raving creature, they carried him
+forward to the place which they had made on purpose between decks to
+secure their prisoners, and put him amongst them, having first loaded
+him with irons, and particularly handcuffed him with his hands behind
+him, to the great satisfaction of the other prisoners, who knowing what
+a butcherly furious fellow he was, were terrified to the last degree to
+see him come in among them, until they beheld the condition he came in.
+He was, indeed, the terror of all the prisoners, for he usually treated
+them in a barbarous manner, without the least provocation, and merely
+for his humour, presenting pistols to their breasts, swearing he would
+shoot them that moment, and then would beat them unmercifully, and all
+for his diversion as he called it. Having thus laid him fast, they
+presently resolved to stand away to the westward, by which they quitted
+the Martinico ship, who by that time was come nearer to them, and
+farther convinced them they were in no condition to have engaged her,
+for she was a stout ship and full of men.
+
+All this happened just the day before they shared their last prize among
+the prisoners, in which they put on such a mock face of doing justice to
+the several captains and mates and other men, their prisoners, whose
+ships they had taken away, and to whom now they made reparation, by
+giving them what they had taken violently from another, so that it was a
+strange medley of mock justice made up of rapine and generosity blended
+together.
+
+Two days after this they took a Bristol ship bound from Newfoundland to
+Oporto with fish. They let her cargo alone, for they had no occasion for
+fish, but they took out almost all their provisions, all the ammunition,
+arms, etc., and her good sails, also her best cables, and forced two of
+her men to go away with them, and then got ten of the Frenchman on board
+and let her go. But just as they were parting with her, they consulted
+together what to do with Williams the lieutenant, who was then among the
+prisoners and in irons. And after a short debate, they resolved to put
+him on board the Bristol-man and send him away too, which accordingly
+was done, with directions to the master to deliver him on board the
+first English man-of-war they should meet with, in order to get his
+being hanged for a pirate, as they jeeringly called him, as soon as he
+came to England, giving the master an account of some of his villainies.
+
+The truth is, this Williams was a monster rather than a man. He was the
+most inhuman, bloody and desperate creature that the world could
+produce, and was even too wicked for Gow and all his crew, though they
+pirates and murderers, as has been shown. His temper was so savage, so
+villainous, so merciless, that even the pirates themselves told him it
+was time he was hanged out of the way.
+
+One instance of the barbarity of Williams cannot be omitted, and will be
+sufficient to justify all that can be said of him. When Gow gave it as a
+reason against engaging with the Martinico ship, that he had a great
+many prisoners on board, and some of their own men that they could not
+depend on, Williams proposed to have them all called up one by one, and
+to cut their throats and throw them overboard--a proposal so horrid that
+the worst of the crew shook their heads at it. Gow answered him very
+handsomely, that there had been too much blood spilled already; yet the
+refusing this, heightened the quarrel, and was the chief occasion of his
+offering to pistol Gow himself. After which his behaviour was such as
+made all the ship's crew resolved to be rid of him, and it was thought
+if they had not had an opportunity to send him away, as they did by the
+Bristol ship, they would have been obliged to have hanged him
+themselves. This cruel and butchery temper of Williams being carried to
+such a height, and so near to the ruin of them all, shocked some of
+them, and as they acknowledged gave some check in the heat of their
+wicked progress, and had they had an opportunity to have gone on shore
+at that time, without falling into the hands of Justice, it is believed
+the greatest part of them would have abandoned the ship, and perhaps the
+very trade of a pirate too. But they had dipped their hands in blood,
+and Heaven had no doubt determined to bring them, that is, the chief of
+them, to the gallows for it, as indeed they all deserved, so they went
+on.
+
+When they put Williams on board the Bristol-man, and he was told what
+directions they gave with him, he began to relent, and made all the
+intercession he could to Captain Gow for pardon, or at least not to be
+put on board the ship, knowing that if he was carried to Lisbon, he
+should meet with his due from the Portuguese, if not from the English;
+for it seems he had been concerned in some villainies among the
+Portuguese before he came on board the _George_ galley. What they were
+he did not confess, nor indeed did his own ship's crew trouble
+themselves to examine him about it. He had been wicked enough among
+them, and it was sufficient to make them use him as they did. It was
+more to be wondered, indeed, that they did not cut him to pieces upon
+the spot and throw him into the sea, half on one side of the ship, and
+half on the other, for there was scarce a man in the ship but on one
+occasion or other had some apprehensions of him, and might be said to go
+in danger of his life from him. But they chose to shift their hands of
+him this bloodless way, so they double fettered him and brought him up.
+When they brought him among the men, he begged they would throw him
+into the sea and drown him; then entreated for his life with a meanness
+which made them despise him, and with tears, so that one time they began
+to relent. But then the devilish temper of the fellow over-ruled it
+again, so at last they resolved to let him go, and did accordingly put
+him on board, and gave him many a hearty curse at parting, wishing him a
+good voyage to the gallows, which was made good afterwards, though in
+such company as they little thought of at that time. The Bristol captain
+was very just to him, for according to their orders, as soon as they
+came to Lisbon, they put him on board the _Argyle_, one of His Majesty's
+ships, Captain Bowles commander, then lying in the Tagus, and bound home
+for England, who accordingly brought him home. Though, as it happened,
+Heaven brought the captain and the rest of the crew so quickly to an end
+of their villainies that they all came home time enough to be hanged
+with their lieutenant.
+
+But to return to Gow and his crew. Having thus dismissed the
+Bristol-man, and cleared his hands of most of his prisoners, with the
+same wicked generosity he gave the Bristol captain thirteen cerons of
+beeswax, as a gratuity for his trouble and charge with the prisoners,
+and in recompense, as he called it, for the goods he had taken from him,
+and so they parted.
+
+This was the last prize they took, not only on the coast of Portugal,
+but anywhere else, for Gow, who, to give him his due, was a fellow of
+council and had a great presence of mind in cases of exigence,
+considered that as soon as the Bristol ship came into the river of
+Lisbon, they would certainly give an account of them, as well of their
+strength, and of their station in which they cruised, and that
+consequently the English men-of-war (of which there are generally some
+in that river) would immediately come abroad to look for then. So he
+began to reason with his officers that the coast of Portugal would be no
+proper place at all for them, unless they resolved to fall into the
+hands of the said men-of-war, and they ought to consider immediately
+what to do. In these debates some advised one thing, some another, as is
+usual in like cases. Some were for going to the coast of Guinea, where,
+as they said, was purchase[103] enough, and very rich ships to be taken;
+others were for going to the West Indies, and to cruise among the
+Islands, and take up their station at Tobago; others, and not those of
+the most ignorant, proposed standing in to the Bay of Mexico, and
+joining in with some of a new sort of pirates at St. Jago de la Cuba,
+who are all Spaniards, and call themselves _Guarda del Costa_, that is
+Guard ships for the coast (though under that pretence they make prize of
+ships of all nations, and sometimes even of their own countrymen too,
+but especially of the English), but when this was proposed, it was
+answered they durst not trust the Spaniards. Others said they should go
+first to the islands of New Providence [Bahama Islands], or to the mouth
+of the Gulf of Florida, and then cruising on the coast of North America,
+and making their retreat at New Providence, cruise from the Gulf of
+Florida, north upon the coast of Carolina, and as high as the Capes of
+Virginia.
+
+But nothing could be resolved on, until at last Gow let them into the
+secret of a project, which, as he told them, he had long had in his
+thoughts, and this was to go away to the North of Scotland, near the
+coast of which, as he said, he was born and bred, and where he said, if
+they met with no purchase upon the sea, he could tell them how they
+should enrich themselves by going on shore. To bring them to concur with
+this design, he represented the danger they were in where they were, the
+want they were in of fresh water, and of several kinds of provisions,
+but above all, the necessity they were in of careening and cleaning
+their ship; that it was too long a run for them to go to southward, and
+that they had not provisions to serve them till they could reach to any
+place proper for that purpose, and might be driven to the utmost
+distress, if they should be put by from watering, either by weather or
+enemies.
+
+Also, he told them, if any of the men-of-war came out in search of them,
+they would never imagine they were gone away to the northward, so that
+their run that way was perfectly secure, and he could assure them of his
+own knowledge that if they landed in such places as he should direct,
+they could not fail of considerable booty in plundering some gentlemen's
+houses, who lived secured and unguarded very near the shore; and that
+though the country should be alarmed, yet before the Government could
+send any men-of-war to attack them, they might clean their ship, lay in
+a store of fresh provisions, and be gone. Beside that, they would get a
+good many stout fellows to go along with them upon his encouragement, so
+that they should be better manned than they were yet, and should be
+ready against all events.
+
+These arguments and their approaching fate concurring, had a sufficient
+influence on the ship's company to prevail on them to consent, so they
+made the best of their way to the northward; and about the middle of
+January they arrived at Carristoun,[104] in the Isles of Orkney, and
+came to an anchor in a place which Gow told them was safe riding under
+the lee of a small island at some distance from the port. But now their
+misfortunes began to come on, and things looked but with an indifferent
+aspect upon them, for several of their men, especially such of them as
+had been forced or decoyed into their service, began to think of making
+their escape from them, and to cast about for means to bring it to pass.
+
+The first to take an opportunity to go away was a young man who was
+originally one of the ship's company, but was forced by fear of being
+murdered (as has been observed) to give a silent assent to go with them.
+It was one evening when the boat went on shore, for they kept a civil
+correspondence with the people of the town, that this young fellow,
+being one of the ship's crew and having been several times on shore
+before, and therefore not suspected, gave them the slip and got away to
+a farm-house which lay under a hill out of sight. There, for two or
+three pieces-of-eight, he got a horse, and soon by that means escaped to
+Kirkwall, a market town and chief of the Orkneys, about twelve miles
+from the place where the ship lay. As soon as he came there he
+surrendered himself to the Government, desiring protection, and informed
+them who Gow was, and what the ship's crew were, and upon what business
+they were abroad, with what else he knew of their designs, as to
+plundering the gentlemen's houses, etc. Upon this they immediately
+raised the country, and got a strength together to defend themselves.
+
+But the next disaster that attended the pirates (for misfortunes seldom
+come alone) was more fatal than this, for ten of Gow's men, most of them
+likewise forced into their service, went away with the long-boat, making
+the best of their way for the mainland of Scotland. These men, however
+they did it, or what shift soever they made to get so far, were taken in
+the Firth of Edinburgh, and made prisoners there.
+
+Hardened for his own destruction and Justice evidently pursuing him, Gow
+grew the bolder for the disaster, and notwithstanding that the country
+was alarmed, and that he was fully discovered, instead of making a
+timely escape, he resolved to land, and so put his intended project of
+plundering the gentlemen's houses into execution, whatever it cost him.
+
+In order to this he sent the boatswain and ten men on shore the very
+same night, very well armed, directing them to go to the house of Mr.
+Honeyman of Grahamsey, sheriff of the county, and who was himself at
+that time, to his great good fortune, from home. The people of the house
+had not the least notice of their coming, so that when they knocked at
+the door, it was immediately opened. Upon which they all entered the
+house at once, except one Panton, who they set sentinel and ordered him
+to stand at the door to secure their retreat, and to hinder any from
+coming in after them Mrs. Honeyman and her daughter were extremely
+frightened at the sight of so many armed men coming into the house, and
+ran screaming about like people distracted, while the pirates, not
+regarding them, were looking about for chests and trunks, where they
+might expect to find some plunder; and Mrs. Honeyman in her fright
+coming to the door asked Panton, the man who stood sentinel there, what
+the meaning of it all was. He told her freely they were pirates, and
+that they came to plunder her house. At this she recovered some courage,
+and ran back into the house immediately, and knowing where her money
+lay, which was very considerable and all in gold, she put the bag in her
+lap and boldly rushing by Panton, who thought she was only running from
+them in a fright, carried it all off, and so made her escape with the
+treasure.
+
+The boatswain being informed that the money was carried off, resolved to
+revenge himself by burning the writings and papers, which they call
+there the charters of their estates, and are always of great value in
+gentlemen's houses of estates but the young lady, Mr. Honeyman's
+daughter hearing them threaten to burn the writings, watched her
+opportunity, and running to the charter-room where they lay, tied the
+most considerable of them up in a napkin and threw them out of the
+window, jumped out after them herself, and escaped without damage,
+though the window was one storey high at least.
+
+However, the pirates had the plundering of all the rest of the house
+besides, and carried off a great deal of plate, and things of value, and
+forced one of the servants, who played very well on the bagpipes, to
+march along, piping before them, when they carried it off to the ship.
+The next day they weighed anchor, intending though they had cleaned but
+one side of the ship, to put out to sea and quit the coast. But sailing
+eastward, they came to anchor again at a little island called Calf
+Sound. And having some further mischief in their view here the boatswain
+went on shore again with some armed men; but meeting with no other
+plunder they carried off three women, whom they kept on board some time
+and used so inhumanly that when they set them on shore again they were
+not able to go or stand, and it is said one of them died on the beach
+where they left them.
+
+The next day they weighed again, holding the same course eastward,
+through the openings between the islands, till they came off Ross Ness;
+and now Gow resolved to make the best of his way for the Island of Eday,
+to plunder the house of Mr. Fea, a gentleman of a considerable estate,
+and with whom Gow had some acquaintance, having been at school together,
+when they were youths. On the 13th of February in the morning, Gow
+appearing with his ship off Calf Sound, Mr. Fea and his family were very
+much alarmed, not being able to get together above six or seven men for
+his defence. He therefore wrote a letter to Gow intending to send it on
+board as soon as he should get into the harbour, to desire him to
+forbear the usual salutes, with his great guns, because Mrs. Fea his
+wife was so very much indisposed, and this as he would oblige his old
+school fellow; telling him at the same time that the inhabitants were
+all fled to the mountains, on the report of his being a pirate, which he
+hoped would not prove true. In which case, he should be very ready to
+supply him with all such necessities as the island would afford,
+desiring him to send the messengers safe back, at whose return the
+alarms of the people would immediately be at an end.
+
+The tide it seems runs extremely rapid among those islands, and the
+navigation is thereby rendered very dangerous and uncertain. Gow was an
+able seaman, but was no pilot for that place, and which was worse, he
+had no boat to assist in case of extremity, to ware the ship, and in
+turning into Calf Sound, he stood a little too near the point of a
+little island called the Calf, and which lay in the middle of the
+passage. Here his ship missing stays, was in great danger of going on
+shore; to avoid which, he dropped an anchor under his foot, which taking
+good hold, brought him up, and he thought the danger was over. Gow was
+yet in distress and had no remedy but to send his small boat on shore to
+Mr. Fea to desire his assistance, that is to say, to desire him to lend
+him a boat to carry out an anchor and heave off the ship. Mr. Fea sent
+back the boat, and one James Laing in it, with the letter already
+mentioned. Gow sent him back immediately with an answer, by word of
+mouth, viz., that he would write to nobody, but if Mr. Fea would order
+his people to assist him with a boat to carry out an anchor, he would
+reward them handsomely.
+
+In the meantime Mr. Fea ordered his great boat, for he had such a one as
+Gow wanted, to be staved and launched into the water and sunk, and the
+masts, sails and oars to be carried out of sight. While this was doing
+Mr. Fea perceived Gow's boat coming on shore, with five persons in her.
+These men having landed on the main island, left their boat on the
+beach, and altogether marched directly up to the mansion house. This put
+him into some surprise at first, however, he resolved to meet them in a
+peaceable manner, though he perceived they were all double-armed. When
+he came up to them, he entreated them not to go up to the house,
+because of the languishing condition of his wife, who was already
+frighted with the rumours which had been raised of their being pirates,
+and that she would certainly die with the fear she was in for herself
+and family, if they came to the door.
+
+The boatswain answered they did not desire to fright his wife, or
+anybody else, but they came to desire the assistance of his boat, and if
+he would not grant them so small a favour, he had nothing to expect from
+them but the utmost extremity. Mr. Fea returned that they knew well
+enough he could not venture to give them or lend them his boat or any
+help, as they appeared to be such people as were reported, but that if
+they would take them by force, he could not help himself. But in the
+meantime, talking still in a friendly manner to them, he asked them to
+go to a neighbouring house, which he said was a change-house, that is a
+public-house, and take a cup of ale with him. This they consented to,
+seeing Mr. Fea was alone; so they went all with him. In the meantime Mr.
+Fea found means to give secret orders that the oars, masts and sails of
+the pirates' boat should be all carried away, and that a quarter of an
+hour after they had sat together, he should be called hastily out of the
+room, on some pretence or other of somebody to speak with him; all which
+was performed to a tittle. When he was got from them, he gave orders
+that his six men, who before he had got together, and who were now come
+to him well armed, should place themselves at a certain stile behind a
+thick hedge, and which was about half way between the alehouse and his
+own house, saying that if he came that way with the boatswain alone,
+they should suddenly start out upon them both, and throwing him down,
+should seize upon the other, but that if all the five came with him, he
+would take an occasion to be either before or behind them, so that they
+might all fire upon them, without danger of hurting him.
+
+Having given these orders, and depending upon their being well executed,
+he returned to the company and having given them more ale, told them he
+would gladly do them any service that he could lawfully do, and that if
+they would take the trouble of walking up to his house in a peaceable
+manner so that his family might not be frighted with seeing him among
+them, they should have all the assistance that was in his power. The
+fellows (whether they had taken too much ale, or whether the condition
+of their ship and the hopes of getting a boat to help them, blinded
+their eyes, is not certain) fell with ease into this snare, and agreed
+readily to go along with Mr. Fea; but after a while resolved not to go
+all of them, only deputed the boatswain to go, which was what Mr. Fea
+most desired.
+
+[Illustration: A GANG OF MEN AND WOMEN TRANSPORTS BEING MARCHED FROM
+NEWGATE TO BLACKFRIARS
+
+Chained neck to neck and hand to hand these wretches were led through
+the streets to Blackfriars Stairs, where they were taken aboard a barge
+and carried down the river to the vessel which was to transport them to
+America.
+
+(_From the Newgate Calendar_)]
+
+The boatswain was very willing to accept of the trust, but it was
+observed he took a great deal of care of his arms, which were no less
+than four pistols, all loaded with a brace of bullets each, nor would he
+be persuaded to leave any of them behind him, no not with his own men.
+In this posture, Mr. Fea and the boatswain walked along together very
+quietly, until they came to the stile, having got over which Mr. Fea,
+seeing his men all ready, turned short about upon the boatswain, and
+taking him by the collar, told him he was his prisoner and the same
+moment, the rest of his men rushing in upon them, threw both down, and
+so secured the boatswain, without giving him time so much as to fire one
+pistol. He cried out, indeed, with all his might to alarm his men, but
+they soon stopped his mouth by first forcing a pistol into it, and then
+a handkerchief; and having disarmed him, bound his hands behind him and
+his feet together. Then Mr. Fea left him there under a guard, and with
+his other five men, but without arms, at least such that could be seen,
+returned to the alehouse to the rest. The house having two doors, they
+divided themselves and rushing in at both doors at the same time, they
+seized the four men before they were aware, or had time to lay hold of
+their arms. They did indeed what men could do, and one of them snapped a
+pistol at Mr. Fea, but it did not go off, and Mr. Fea at the same time
+snatching at the pistol to divert the shot if it had fired, struck his
+hand with such force against the cock, as very much bruised it.
+
+They were all five now in his power, and he sent them away under a good
+guard to a village in the middle of the island, where they were kept
+separate from one another, and sufficiently secured. Mr. Fea then
+despatched expresses to the gentlemen in the neighbouring island to
+acquaint them with what he had done, and to desire their speedy
+assistance, also desiring earnestly that they would take care that no
+boat should go within reach of the pirates' guns. And at night Mr. Fea
+caused fires to be made upon the hills round him, to alarm the country,
+and ordered all the boats round the Island to be hauled up upon the
+beach, as far as it was possible, and disabled also, lest the pirates
+should swim from the ship, and get any of them into their possession.
+
+Next day, the 4th, it blew very hard all day, and in the evening about
+high water, it shifted to W.N.W., upon which the pirates set their
+sails, expecting to get off and so to lay it round the island, and put
+out to sea. But the fellow who was ordered to cut the cable, missing
+several strokes, the cable checked the ship's way, and consequently on a
+sudden she took all aback. Then the cable being parted when it should
+have been held, the ship ran directly on shore on the Calf Island, nor
+could all their speed prevent it. With an air of desperation Gow told
+them they were all dead men, nor could it indeed be otherwise, for
+having lost the only boat they had, and five of their best hands, they
+were able to do little or nothing towards getting their ship off;
+besides, as she went on shore at the top of high water, and a spring
+tide, there was no hope of getting her off afterward. Wherefore the next
+morning, being Monday, the 15th, they hung out a white flag, as a signal
+for a parley, and sent a man on shore upon Calf Island, for now they
+could go on shore out of the ship at half flood.
+
+Now Mr. Fea thought he might talk with Gow, in a different style from
+what he did before; so he wrote a letter to him, wherein he complained
+of the rude behaviour of his five men, for which he told him, he had
+been obliged to seize on them, and make them prisoners, letting him know
+that the country being all alarmed would soon be too many for him, and
+therefore advised him to surrender himself peaceably, and be the author
+of a quiet surrender of the rest, as the only means to obtain any
+favour; and then he might become an evidence against the rest, and so
+might save his own life. This letter Mr. Fea sent by a boat with four
+armed men to the island, to be given to the fellow that Gow had sent on
+shore, and who waited there; at the same time, he gave them a letter
+from Gow to Mr. Fea, for now he was humbled enough to write, which
+before he refused. Gow's letter to Mr. Fea was to let him have some men
+and boats, to take out the best of the cargo, in order to lighten the
+ship, and set her afloat; offering himself to come on shore and be
+hostage for the security of men and boats and to give Mr. Fea a thousand
+pounds in goods for the service. He declared at the same time, that if
+this small succour was refused him, he would take care nobody should
+better himself by his misfortunes, for rather than they would suffer
+themselves to be taken, they would set fire to the ship, and would all
+perish together.
+
+Mr. Fea replied to this letter that he had a boat indeed, that would
+have been fit for his service, but that she was staved and sunk; but if
+he would come on shore quietly without arms, and bring his carpenter
+with him to repair the boat, he might have her. Mr. Fea did this to give
+Gow an opportunity to embrace his first offer of surrendering. But Gow
+was neither humble enough to come in nor sincere enough to treat with
+him fairly, if he had intended to let him have the boat; and if he had,
+it is probable that the former letter had made the men suspicious of
+him, so that now he could do nothing without communicating it to the
+rest of the crew. About four in the afternoon Mr. Fea received an answer
+to his last letter, the copy of which is exactly as follows:
+
+    From on board our Ship the
+         _Revenge_, Feb. 16th, 1725.
+
+    Honoured Sir,
+
+    I am sorry to hear of the irregular proceedings of my men; I gave no
+    orders to that effect, and what hath been wrongfully done to the
+    country, was contrary to my inclinations. It is my misfortune to be
+    in this condition at present; it was in your power to have done
+    otherwise in making my fortune better. Since my being in the
+    country, I have wronged no man, nor taken anything but what I have
+    paid for. My design in coming was to make the country better, which
+    I am still capable to do, providing you are just to me. I thank you
+    for the concern you have for my bad fortune, and am sorry I cannot
+    embrace your proposal as to being evidence, my people have already
+    made use of that advantage. I have by my last signified my design of
+    proceeding, provided I can procure no better terms. Please to send
+    James Laing on board to continue till my return. I should be glad to
+    have the good fortune to commune with you upon that subject. I beg
+    that you would assist me with a boat, and be assured I do no man
+    harm, were it in my power, as I am now at your mercy. I cannot
+    surrender myself prisoner, I'd rather commit myself to the mercy of
+    the seas; so that if you will incline to contribute to my escape, I
+    shall leave my ship and cargo at your disposal.
+
+    I continue,
+             Honoured Sir etc.,
+                          John Smith
+
+Upon this letter, and especially that part wherein Gow desired to
+commune with him, Mr. Fea, believing he might do some service in
+persuading him to submit, went over to Calf Island and went on shore
+alone, ordering his boat to lie in readiness to take him in again, but
+not one man to stir out of her, and calling to Gow with a speaking
+trumpet desired him to come on shore. This the other readily did, but
+Mr. Fea, before he ventured, wisely foresaw that whilst he was alone
+upon the Island, the pirates might unknown from him, get the ship by
+different ways, and under cover of shore might get behind and surround
+him. To prevent which, he set a man upon the top of his own house, which
+was on the opposite shore and overlooked the whole island, and ordered
+him to make signals with his flag, waving his flag once for every man
+that he saw come on shore, but if four or more came on shore, then to
+keep the flag waving continually, till he (Mr. Fea) should retire. This
+precaution was very needful, for no sooner was Mr. Fea advanced upon the
+island, expecting Gow to come on shore to meet him, but he saw a fellow
+come from the ship, with a white flag, a bottle, a glass and a bundle,
+then turning to his own house, he saw his man make the signals
+appointed, and that the man kept the flag continually waving. Upon which
+he immediately retired to his boat, and he was no sooner got into it,
+but he saw five fellows running under shore, with lighted matches and
+grenadoes in their hands to have intercepted him, but seeing him out of
+their reach, they retired to the ship.
+
+After this the fellow with the white flag came up and gave Mr. Fea two
+letters; he would have left the bundle, which he said was a present to
+Mr. Fea, and the bottle which he said was a bottle of brandy, but Mr.
+Fea would not take them, but told the fellow his captain was a
+treacherous villain, and he did not doubt that he should see him hanged,
+and as to him (the fellow) he had a great mind to shoot him; upon which
+the fellow took to his heels, and Mr. Fea being in his boat did not
+think it worth while to land again to pursue him. This put an end to all
+parley for the present, but had the pirates succeeded in this attempt,
+they would have so far gained their point, either that they must have
+been assisted, or Mr. Fea must have been sacrificed.
+
+The two letters from Gow were one for Mr. Fea, and the other for his
+wife. The first was much to the same purpose as the former, only that in
+this Gow requested the great boat with her masts, sails and oars, with
+some provisions to transport themselves whither they thought fit to go
+for their own safety, offering to leave the ship and cargo to Mr. Fea,
+and threatening that if the men-of-war arrived (for Mr. Fea had given
+him notice that he expected two men-of-war) before he was thus assisted,
+they would set fire to the ship, and blow themselves up, so that as they
+had lived so they would die together. The letter to Mrs. Fea was to
+desire her to intercede with her husband, and plead that he was their
+countryman and had been her husband's schoolfellow, etc. But no answer
+was returned to either of these letters.
+
+On the 17th, in the morning, contrary to expectation, Gow himself came
+on shore upon the Calf Island[105], unarmed except for his sword, and
+alone, only one man at a distance, carrying a white flag, making signals
+for a parley. Mr. Fea, who by this time had gotten more people about
+him, immediately sent one Mr. Fea, of Whitehall, a gentleman of his own
+family, with five other persons well-armed over the island, with orders
+to secure Gow if it were possible by any means, either dead or alive.
+When they came on shore, Gow proposed that one of them, whose name was
+Schottary, a master of a vessel, should go on board the ship as hostage
+for this Gow's safety, and Schottary consenting, Gow himself conducted
+him to the ship's side.
+
+Mr. Fea perceiving this from his own house, immediately took another
+boat and went over to the island himself, and while he was expostulating
+with his men for letting Schottary go for hostage, Gow returned, and Mr.
+Fea made no hesitation, but told him that he was his prisoner. At this
+Gow started and said that it ought not to be so, since there was a
+hostage delivered for him. Mr. Fea said he gave no order for it, and it
+was what they could not justify, and since Schottary had ventured
+without orders, he must take his fate, he would run the venture of it;
+but he advised Gow, as he expected good usage himself, that he would
+send the fellow who carried his white flag back to the ship with orders
+for them to return Schottary in safety, and to desire Winter and
+Peterson to come with him. Gow declined giving any such orders, but the
+fellow said he would readily go and fetch them, and did so, and they
+came along with him. When Gow saw them, he reproached them for being so
+easily imposed on, and ordered them to go back to the ship immediately,
+but Mr. Fea's men, who were too strong for them, surrounded them and
+took them all. When this was done, they demanded Gow to deliver his
+sword, but he said he would rather die with it in his hand, and begged
+them to shoot him, but was denied; and Mr. Fea's men disarming him of
+his sword, carried him with the other two into their boat, and after
+that to the main island, where Mr. Fea lived.
+
+Having thus secured the captain, Mr. Fea prevailed with him to go to the
+shore over against the ship, and to call the gunner and another man to
+come on shore on Calf Island, which they did. But they were no sooner
+there, but they also were surrounded by some men which Mr. Fea had
+placed out of sight upon the island for that purpose. Then they made Gow
+call to the carpenter to come on shore, still making them believe they
+would have a boat; and Mr. Fea went over and met him alone, and talking
+with him, told him they could not repair the boat without help and
+without tools. So persuading him to go back and bring a hand or two with
+him, and some tools, some oakum, nails, etc., the carpenter being thus
+deluded, went back and brought a Frenchman and another with him, with
+all things proper for their work. All of whom, as soon as they came on
+shore, were likewise seized and secured by Mr. Fea and his men.
+
+But there were still a great many men in the ship, whom it was necessary
+to bring if possible to a quiet surrender; so Mr. Fea ordered his men to
+make a feint as if they would go to work upon the great boat which lay
+on the shore upon the island but in sight of the ship. There they
+hammered and knocked and made a noise as if they were really caulking
+and repairing her, in order to her being launched off and put into their
+possession; but towards night he obliged Gow to write to the men that
+Mr. Fea would not deliver the boat until he was in possession of the
+ship, and therefore he ordered them all to come on shore, without arms,
+and in a peaceable manner. This occasioned many debates in the ship, but
+as they had no officers to guide them and were all in confusion, they
+knew not what to do. So after some time bewailing their hard fate, and
+dividing what money was left in the ship among them, they yielded and
+went on shore, and were all made prisoners, to the number of
+eight-and-twenty, including those who were secured before.
+
+Being now all secured and in custody in the most proper places in the
+island, Mr. Fea took care to give notice to the proper officers in the
+country, and by them to the Government of Edinburgh, in order to get
+help for the carrying them to England. The distance being so great, it
+took up some time; for the Government at Edinburgh not being immediately
+concerned in it, but rather the Court of Admiralty of Great Britain,
+expresses were dispatched from thence to London, that his Majesty's
+pleasure might be known; in return to which, orders were despatched into
+Scotland to have them immediately sent up into England with as much
+expedition as the case would admit. Accordingly they were brought up by
+land to Edinburgh first, and from thence being put on board the
+_Greyhound_ frigate, they were brought by sea to England. This
+necessarily took up a great deal of time, so that had they been wise
+enough to improve the hours that were left, they had almost half a
+year's time to prepare themselves for death, though they cruelly denied
+the poor mate of a few moments to commend his soul to God's mercy, even
+after he was half murdered before. They were most of them in custody the
+latter end of January, and were not executed till the 11th of June.
+
+The _Greyhound_ arrived in the river the 25th of March, and the next day
+came to an anchor at Woolwich; and the pirates being put into boats
+appointed to receive them, with a strong guard to attend them, were
+brought on shore on the 30th, and conveyed to the Marshalsea prison in
+Southwark, where they were delivered to the keepers of the said prison,
+and were laid in irons. There they had the mortification to meet
+Lieutenant Williams, who was brought home by the _Argyle_ man-of-war,
+from Lisbon, and had been committed to the same prison but a very few
+days before.
+
+Indeed, as it was a mortification to them, so it was more to him, for
+though he might be secretly pleased that those who had so cruelly, as he
+called it, put him into the hands of Justice by sending him to Lisbon,
+were brought into the same circumstances with himself, yet on the other
+hand, it could not but be a terrible mortification to him that here were
+now sufficient witnesses found to prove his crimes against him, which
+were not so easy to be had before.
+
+Being thus laid fast, it remained to proceed against them in due form,
+and this took up some long time still. On Friday, the 2nd of April, they
+were all carried to Doctors' Commons, where the proper judges being
+present, they were examined; by which examination the measures were
+taken for the farther proceedings. For as they were not equally guilty,
+so it was needful to determine who it was proper to bring to an
+immediate trial, and who, being less guilty, were more proper objects of
+the Government's clemency, as being under force and fear and
+consequently necessitated to act as they did; and also who it might be
+proper to single out as an evidence against the rest. After being thus
+examined they were remanded to the Marshalsea. On Saturday, the 8th of
+May, the five who were appointed for evidence against the rest, and
+whose names are particularly set down in its place, were sent from the
+Marshalsea prison to Newgate, in order to give their information.
+
+Being thus brought up to London, and committed to the Marshalsea prison,
+and the Government being fully informed, what black uncommon offenders
+they were, it was thought proper to bring them to speedy justice. In
+order to this, some of them, as has been said, who were less criminal
+than the rest, and who apparently had been forced into their service,
+were sorted out, and being examined (giving first an account of
+themselves, and then of the whole fraternity) it was thought fit to make
+use of their evidence for the more clear detecting and convincing of the
+rest. These were George Dobson, John Phinnes, Timothy Murphy, and
+William Booth.
+
+These were the principal evidences, and were indeed more than
+sufficient, for they so exactly agreed in their evidence, and the
+prisoners (pirates) said so little in their defence, that there was no
+room for the jury to question their guilt, or to doubt the truth of any
+part of the account given in. Robert Read was a young man, mentioned
+before, who escaped from the boat in the Orkneys, where he surrendered
+himself, after getting a horse at a farmer's house, and conveying
+himself to Kirkwall, the chief town of the said Orkneys. Nevertheless,
+he was brought up as a prisoner with the rest, nor was he made use of as
+an evidence but was tried upon most, if not all the indictments with the
+rest. But Dobson, one of the witnesses, did him the justice to testify
+that he was forced into their service, as others were, for fear of
+having their throats cut, as many had been served before their faces,
+and that in particular he was not present at, or concerned in any of the
+murders for which the rest were indicted. Upon which evidence, he was
+acquitted by the jury. Also he brought one Archibald Sutor, the man of
+the house said before to be a farm-house, as to whether the said Read
+made his escape in the Orkneys, who testified that he did so escape to
+him, and that he begged him to procure him a horse, to ride off to
+Kirkwall, which he did, and there he surrendered himself; also he
+testified that Read gave him (Sutor) a full account of the ship and the
+pirates that were in her, and what they were; and that he (Sutor)
+revealed it all to the collector of the Customs, by which means the
+country was alarmed, and he added, that it was by this man's means that
+all the prisoners were apprehended (though that was going too far, for
+'tis plain, that it was by the vigilance and courage of Mr. Fea,
+chiefly, that they were reduced to such distresses as obliged them to
+surrender). However, it was true that Read's escape did alarm the
+country, and that he merited very well of the public for the timely
+discovery he made, so he came off clear as indeed it was but just, for
+he was not only forced to serve them, but as Dobson testified for him,
+he had often expressed his uneasiness at being obliged to act with them,
+and that he wished he could get away, and he was sincere in those
+wishes, as appeared by his taking the first opportunity he could get to
+put it in practice. This Dobson was one of the ten men who ran away with
+the pirates' long-boat from the Orkneys, and who were afterwards made
+prisoners in the Firth of Leith, and carried up to Edinburgh.
+
+Gow was now a prisoner among the rest in the Marshalsea. His behaviour
+there was sullen and reserved, rather than penitent. It had been hinted
+to him by Mr. Fea, as by others, that by his behaviour he should
+endeavour to make himself an evidence against others, and to merit his
+life by a ready submission, and obliging others to do the like. But Gow
+was no fool, and he easily saw there were too many gone before who had
+provided for their own safety at his expense, and besides that he knew
+himself too deeply guilty of cruelty and murder to be accepted by public
+justice as an evidence, especially where so many other less criminals
+were to be had. This made him, with good reason, too, give over any
+thoughts of escaping by such means as that; and perhaps seeing so
+plainly that there was no room for it might be the reason why he seemed
+to reject the offer, otherwise he was not a person of such nice honour
+as that we should suppose he would not have secured his own life at the
+expense of his comrades. Gow appeared to have given over all thoughts of
+life, from the first time he came to England. Not that he showed any
+tokens of his repentance, or any sense of his condition suitable to that
+which was before him, but continuing sullen and reserved, even to the
+very time he was brought to the bar, when he came there, he could not be
+tried with the rest, for the arraignment being made in the usual form,
+he refused to plead. The Court used all the arguments which humanity
+dictates in such cases,[106] to prevail on him to come into ordinary
+course of other people in like government, laying before him the
+sentence of the law in such cases, namely that he must be pressed to
+death, the only torturing execution which however they were obliged to
+inflict.
+
+But he continued inflexible, carried on his obstinacy to such a height
+as to receive the sentence in form, as usual in such cases. The
+execution being appointed to be done the next morning, he was carried
+back to Newgate in order to it. But whether he was prevailed with by
+argument and the reasons of those about him, or whether the apparatus
+for the execution and the manner of the death he was to die terrified
+him, we cannot say, but the next morning he yielded, and petitioned to
+be allowed to plead, and he admitted to be tried in the ordinary way.
+Which being granted, he was brought to the bar by himself and pleaded,
+being arraigned again upon the same indictment upon which he had been
+sentenced as a mute, and was found guilty.
+
+Williams the lieutenant, who was put on board the Bristol ship (as hath
+been said) with orders to deliver him on board the first English
+man-of-war they should meet with, comes, of course, to have the rest of
+his history made up in this place. The captain of the Bristol ship,
+though he received his orders from the crew of pirates and rogues, whose
+instructions he was not obliged to follow, and whose accusation of
+Williams they were not obliged to give credit to, yet punctually obeyed
+the order, and put him on board the _Argyle_, Captain Bowler, then lying
+in the port of Lisbon and bound for England; who, as they took him in
+irons, kept him so, and brought him to England, in the same conditions.
+But as the pirates did not send any of their company, nor indeed could
+they do it, along with him to be evidence against him, and the men who
+went out of the pirate ship on board the Bristol ship, being till then
+kept as prisoners on board the pirate ship (and perhaps could not have
+said enough, or given particular evidence, sufficient to convict him in
+a course of justice), Providence supplied the want by bringing the whole
+crew to the same place; for Williams was in the Marshalsea prison before
+them, and by that means they furnished sufficient evidence against
+Williams also, so that they were all tried together.
+
+In Williams's case the evidence was as particular as in Gow's, and
+Dobson and the other swore positively that Williams boasted that after
+MacCauly had cut the super-cargo's throat imperfectly, he (Williams)
+murdered him, and added that he would not give him time to say his
+prayers, but shot him through the head. Phinnes and Timothy Murphy
+testified the same, and to show the bloody disposition of this wretch,
+William Booth testified that Williams proposed afterwards to the company
+that if they took any more ships they should not encumber themselves
+with the men, having already so many prisoners that in case of a fight
+they should not be safe with them; but that they should take them and
+tie them, back to back, and throw them all overboard into the sea.
+
+It should not be omitted here also in the case of Gow himself (as I have
+observed in the introduction) that Gow had long meditated the kind of
+villainy which he now put in practice, and that it was his resolution to
+turn pirate the first opportunity he should get, whatever voyage he
+undertook, and that I observed he had intended it on board a ship in
+which he came home from Lisbon, and failed only for want of a sufficient
+party. So this resolution of his is confirmed by the testimony and
+confession of James Belvin, one of his fellow-criminals, who upon trial
+declared that he knew that Gow and the crew of the _George_ galley had a
+design to turn pirates from the beginning, and added that he discovered
+it to George Dobson, in Amsterdam, before the ship went out to sea. For
+the confirmation of this, George Dobson was called up again, after he
+had given his evidence upon the trials, and being confronted by Belvin,
+he did acknowledge that Belvin had said so, and that in particular he
+had said that the boatswain had a design to murder the master and some
+others and run away with the ship. Being asked why he did not
+immediately reveal it to the master, Captain Ferneau, he answered that
+he heard Belvin tell the mate of it, and that the mate told the captain;
+but the captain made light of it. But the boatswain finding himself
+discovered, refused to go, upon which Gow was made second mate, and
+Belvin was made boatswain; an he had been as honest afterwards as
+before (whereas on the contrary, he was as forward and active as any of
+them, except that he was not in the first secret nor in the murders), he
+might have escaped what afterwards became so justly his due. But as they
+acted together, Justice required that they should suffer together, and
+accordingly, Gow and Williams, Belvin, Melvin, Winter, Peterson,
+Rowlinson and MacCauly, received the reward of their cruelty and blood
+at the gallows, being all executed together on the eleventh of June.
+
+It happened that Gow being a very strong man, and giving a kind of
+spring, it so strained the rope that, on some people pulling him by the
+legs, it broke and he fell down, after he had remained about four
+minutes suspended. His fall stunned him a little, but as soon as he was
+taken up, he recovered himself so far as to be able to ascend the ladder
+a second time, which he did with very little concern, dying with the
+same brutal ferocity which animated all his actions while alive. His
+body hangs in chains over against Greenwich, as that of Williams does
+over against Blackwall.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [102] The most northerly of the islands.
+
+  [103] The word is here used in its original sense, indicating
+        something acquired by seeking--or hunting--_pour chasser._
+
+  [104] The island of Carrick.
+
+  [105] According to Johnson's _History of the Pirates_ (Chap.
+        XVIII) Gow's real motive for returning to the Orkneys was to wed
+        a girl whose parents had repulsed him on account of his poverty.
+        She was the daughter of one Mr. G----, a well-to-do man.
+
+  [106] One of these humane arguments, according to Johnson, _op.
+        cit._, consisted in tying his thumbs together with whipcord,
+        "which was done several times by the executioner and another
+        officer; they drawing the cord until it broke."
+
+
+
+APPENDIX
+
+
+_Although the several histories which are related within the compass of
+this Appendix do not so properly fall under the general title of this
+work (most of them having fallen out in a period of time long before
+that to which I have fixed the beginning of these memoirs of the
+unfortunate victims to public justice) yet there are two reasons which
+determined me to give these narratives a place in this collection. The
+first is that the wonders of Providence signalized in these transactions
+might hereby be recorded and preserved to posterity; and the other, that
+from the perusal the wicked might be deterred from pursuing their
+vicious courses, from the prospect of those sudden, dreadful, and
+unexpected strokes which the best hid criminal practices have met with
+from the unsearchable conduct of Divine Justice. And as these arguments
+had weight enough with me to engage me to the performance of this work,
+so I hope they will also incline my readers to peruse them with that
+improvement and delight which I have ever aimed to excite in the course
+of my labours._
+
+
+
+
+A true and perfect account of the examination, confession, trial,
+condemnation and execution, of JOHN PERRY, his mother and brother, for
+the supposed murder of WILLIAM HARRISON, Gent.
+
+
+Upon Thursday, the 6th of August, 1660, William Harrison, steward to the
+Lady Viscount Campden, at Campden in Gloucester, being about seventy
+years of age, walked from Campden aforesaid to Charringworth, about two
+miles from thence, to receive his lady's rent; and not returning so
+early as formerly, his wife, Mrs. Harrison, between eight and nine
+o'clock in the evening, sent her servant John Perry, to meet his master
+on the way from Charringworth. But neither Mr. Harrison nor his servant
+John Perry returning that night, early the next morning Edward Harrison,
+William's son, went towards Charringworth to enquire after his father.
+On the way he met Perry coming thence, and being informed by him that he
+was not there, they went together to Ebrington, a village between
+Charringworth and Campden, where they were told by one Daniel, that Mr.
+Harrison called at his house the evening before, in his return from
+Charringworth, but stayed not. Then they went to Paxford, about half a
+mile from thence, where hearing nothing of Mr. Harrison, they returned
+towards Campden. And on the way hearing of a hat, band and a comb, taken
+up on the highway between Ebrington and Campden, by a poor woman then
+leasing [gleaning] in the field, they sought her out. With her they
+found the hat, band and comb, which they knew to be Mr. Harrison's; and
+being brought by the woman to the place where she found the same, in the
+highway between Ebrington and Campden, near unto a great furze-brake,
+they there searched for Mr. Harrison, supposing he had been murdered,
+the hat and the comb being hacked and cut, and the band bloody, but
+nothing more could there be found. The news hereof coming to Campden, so
+alarmed the town that the men, women and children hasted thence in
+multitudes to search for Mr. Harrison's supposed dead body, but all in
+vain.
+
+Mrs. Harrison's fears for her husband were now much increased, and
+having sent her servant Perry the evening before to meet his master, and
+he not returning that night, caused a suspicion that he had robbed and
+murdered him. Thereupon the said Perry was the next day brought before a
+Justice of the Peace; by whom being examined concerning his master's
+absence, and his own staying out the night he went to meet him, gave
+this account of himself. That his mistress sending him to meet his
+master, between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, he went down
+Campden Field towards Charringworth about a land's length,[107] where
+meeting one William Read of Campden, he acquainted him with his errand,
+and farther told him that as it was growing dark he was afraid to go
+forwards, and would therefore return and fetch his young master's horse
+and return with him; he went to Mr. Harrison's court gate, where they
+parted. He stayed till one Pierce coming by, he went again with him
+about a bow's shot into the fields, and returned with him likewise to
+his master's gate, where they also parted; and the said John Perry
+averred that he went into his master's hen-roost, where he lay about an
+hour, but slept not, but when the clock struck twelve, arose and went
+towards Charringworth, until a great mist arising, he lost his way, and
+so lay the rest of the night under a hedge. At break of day on Friday
+morning he went to Charringworth, where he enquired for his master of
+one Edward Plaisterer, who told him he had been with him the afternoon
+before, and received three-and-twenty pounds of him, but stayed not long
+with him. He went to William Curtis of the same town, who told him he
+heard his master was at his house the day before, but being not at home,
+did not see him. After which he said he returned homewards, it being
+about five o'clock in the morning, when on the way he met his master's
+son, with whom he went to Ebrington and Paxford, etc. Curtis being
+examined, affirmed what Perry had said concerning them to be true.
+
+Perry then being asked by the Justice of Peace how he, who was afraid to
+go to Charringworth at nine o'clock, became so bold as to go thither at
+twelve, answered that at nine o'clock it was dark, but at twelve the
+moon shone. Being further asked why returning twice home after his
+mistress had sent him to meet his master, and staying until twelve of
+the clock, he went not into the house to know whether his master was
+come, before he went a third time, at that time of night to look after
+him, he answered that he knew his master was not at home, because he saw
+a light in his chamber window, which never used to be there so late when
+he was at home.
+
+Yet notwithstanding this that Perry had said about staying forth that
+night, it was not thought fit to discharge him until further enquiry was
+made after Mr. Harrison, and accordingly he continued in custody at
+Campden, sometimes in an inn there, and sometimes in the common prison,
+from Saturday, August the 18th, to the Friday following; during which
+time he was again examined at Campden, by the aforesaid Justice of
+Peace, but confessed nothing more than before, nor at that time could
+any further discovery be made as to what was become of Mr. Harrison. But
+it hath been said that during his restraint at Campden he told some (who
+pressed him to confess what he knew concerning his master) that a tinker
+had killed him; and to others he said that a gentleman's servant of the
+neighbourhood had robbed and murdered him; and others, again, he told
+that he was murdered and hid in a bean-rick in Campden, where search was
+in vain made for him. At length he gave out that if he was again carried
+before the Justice, he would discover that to him which he would not do
+to anybody else; and thereupon he was, on Friday, August the 24th, again
+brought before the Justice of Peace, who first examined him. And asking
+him whether he would confess what had become of his master, he answered
+he was murdered but not by him. The Justice of Peace then telling him
+that if he knew him to be murdered, he knew likewise by whom he was, so
+he acknowledged he did, and being urged to confess what he knew
+concerning it, affirmed that it was his mother and brother that had
+murdered his master. The Justice of Peace then advised him to consider
+what he said, telling him that he feared he might be guilty of his
+master's death, and that he should not draw more innocent blood upon his
+head, for what he now charged his mother and brother with might cost
+them their lives. But he affirming he spoke nothing but the truth, and
+that if he were immediately to die he would justify it, the Justice
+desired him to declare how, and when they did it.
+
+He then told him that ever since he came into his master's service his
+mother and brother had lain at him to help them to money, telling him
+how poor they were, and that it was in his power to relieve them by
+giving them notice when his master went to receive his lady's rents, for
+they would then waylay him and rob him. And further, he said that upon
+the Thursday morning, when his master went to Charringworth, going on an
+errand into the town, he met his brother in the street, whom he then
+told whither his master was going, and if he waylaid him he might have
+his money; and further said, that in the evening when his mistress sent
+him to meet his master, he met his brother in the street before his
+master's gate, going as he said to meet his master, and so they went
+together to the churchyard, about a stone's throw from Mr. Harrison's
+gate, where they parted. He going the footway beyond the church, they
+met again, and so went together the way leading to Charringworth, until
+they came to a gate about a bow's shot from Campden church that goes
+into a ground of the Lady Campden's, called the Conygree, which to
+those who have a key to go through the garden, is the nearest from that
+place to Mrs. Harrison's house. When they came near unto that gate, he
+(the said John Perry) said he told his brother that he believed his
+master was just gone into the Conygree (for it was then so dark they
+could not discern any man, so as to know him). But perceiving there was
+no way but for those who had a key through the gardens, he concluded it
+was his master who had gone through, and so told his brother if he
+followed him, he might have his money, and he in the meantime, would
+walk a turn in the fields. Which accordingly he did, and then followed
+his brother. About the middle of the Conygree, he found his master on
+the ground, his brother upon him, and his mother standing by. Being
+asked whether his master was dead, he answered, No, for that after he
+came to them, his master cried, _Ah, rogues! Will you kill me?_ At which
+he told his brother he hoped he would not kill his master; his brother
+replied, _Peace, peace, you're a fool_; and so strangled him. Which
+having done, he took a bag of money out of his pocket, and threw it into
+his mother's lap; and then he and his brother carried his master's dead
+body into the garden, adjoining to the Conygree, where they consulted
+what to do with it, and at length agreed to throw it into the great pool
+by Wallington's Mill, behind the garden.
+
+His mother and brother bid him go up to the court next the house, to
+hearken whether anyone was stirring, and they would throw the body into
+the pool; and being asked whether it was there, he said, he knew not,
+for that he left it in the garden, but his mother and brother said they
+would throw it there, and if it was not there, he knew not where it was,
+for that he returned no more to them, but went into the court gate,
+which goes into the town. He met with John Pierce with whom he went into
+the field, and again returned with him to his master's gate. After which
+he went into the hen-roost, where he lay until twelve o'clock at night,
+but slept not, and having, when he came from his mother and brother,
+brought with him his master's hat, band and comb, which he laid in the
+hen-roost, he carried the said hat, band and comb, and threw them after
+he had given them three or four cuts with his knife, in the highway,
+where they were after found. And being asked what he intended by so
+doing, he said he did it that it might be believed his master had been
+there robbed and murdered. And having thus disposed of his hat, band and
+comb, he went towards Charringworth, as hath been related.
+
+Upon this confession and accusation, the Justice of Peace gave order for
+the apprehending of Joan and Richard Perry, the mother and brother of
+John Perry, and for searching the pool where Mr. Harrison's body was
+said to be thrown, which was accordingly done, but nothing of him could
+be found there. The Fish Pools, likewise, in Campden, were drawn and
+searched, but nothing could be found there either; so that some were of
+opinion that the body might be laid in the ruins of Campden House, burnt
+in the late wars, and not unfit for such a concealment, where was
+likewise search made, but all in vain.
+
+On Saturday, August 25th, Joan and Richard Perry, together with John
+Perry, were brought before the Justice of Peace, who acquainted the said
+Joan and Richard with what John had lain to their charge. They denied
+all, with many imprecations on themselves if they were in the least
+guilty of anything of which they were accused, but John on the other
+side affirmed to their faces that he had spoken nothing but the truth
+and that they had murdered his master, further telling them that he
+could never be at quiet for them since he came into his master's
+service, being continually followed by them to help them to money (which
+they told him he might do by giving them notice when his master went to
+receive his lady's rents), and that meeting his brother Richard in
+Campden Town, the Thursday morning his master went to Charringworth, he
+told him whither he was going, and upon what errand; Richard confessed
+he met his brother that morning and spoke with him, but nothing passed
+between them to that purpose. Both he and his mother told John he was a
+villain to accuse them wrongfully, as he had done, but John on the other
+side affirmed that he had spoken nothing but the truth and would justify
+it to his death.
+
+One remarkable circumstance happened in these prisoners' return from the
+Justice's house to Campden, viz., Richard Perry following a good
+distance behind his brother John, pulling a clout out of his pocket,
+dropped a ball of inkle,[108] which one of his guard taking up, he
+desired him to restore it, saying it was only his wife's hair lace; but
+the party opening it, and finding a slip knot at the end, went and
+showed it unto John, who was then a good distance before and knew
+nothing of the dropping and taking up of this inkle. Being showed it,
+and asked whether he knew it, he shook his head and said, yes to his
+sorrow, for that was the string his brother strangled his master with.
+This was sworn upon the evidence at their trial.
+
+The morrow being the Lord's day, they remained at Campden, where the
+minister of the place designing to speak to them, if possible to
+persuade them to repentance and a farther confession, they were brought
+to church; and in their way thither passing by Richard's house, two of
+his children meeting him, he took the lesser in his arm, and was leading
+the other in his hand, when on a sudden both their noses fell
+a-bleeding, which was looked upon as ominous.
+
+Here it will be no impertinent digression to tell how the year before,
+Mr. Harrison had his house broken open between eleven and twelve o'clock
+at noon, upon Campden market-day, whilst himself and his whole family
+were away, a ladder being set up to a window of the second story, and an
+iron bar wrenched thence with a ploughshare, which was left in the room,
+and seven score pounds in money carried away, the authors of which
+robbery could never be found. After this, and not many weeks before Mr.
+Harrison's absence, one evening in Campden garden his servant Perry made
+a hideous outcry, whereas some who heard it coming in, met him running
+and seemingly affrighted, with a sheep-pick in his hand, to whom he told
+a story how he had been set upon by two men in white, with naked swords,
+and how he defended himself with his sheep-pick, the handle whereof was
+cut in two or three places, as was likewise a key in his pocket, which
+he said was done with one of their swords.
+
+The passages the Justice of the Peace having before heard, and calling
+to mind upon Perry's confession, asked him first concerning the robbery,
+when his master lost seven score pounds out of his house at noon-day,
+whether he knew who did it? He answered, Yes, it was his brother, and
+being further asked, whether he was with him, he answered, No, he was at
+church, but that he gave him notice of the money, and told him in which
+room it was, and where he might have a ladder, that would reach the
+window; and that his brother after told him he had the money, and had
+buried it in his garden, and that they were at Michaelmas next to have
+divided it, whereupon search was made in the garden, but no money could
+be there found. And being further asked concerning the other passage, of
+his being assaulted in the garden, he confessed it was all a fiction,
+and that he did it having a design to rob his master, so that rogues
+being believed to haunt the place, when his master was robbed they might
+be thought to have done it.
+
+At the next assizes, which were held in September following, John, Joan
+and Richard Perry had two indictments found against them, one for
+breaking into William Harrison's house, and robbing him of one hundred
+and forty pounds, in the year, 1659; the other for robbing and murdering
+the said William Harrison on the 16th day of August, 1660. Upon the last
+indictment, the judge of the assizes, Sir C. T., would not try them,
+because the body was not found; but they were then tried upon the other
+indictment for robbery, to which they pleaded not guilty. But someone
+whispering behind them, they soon pleaded guilty, humbly begging the
+benefit of his Majesty's gracious pardon and Act of Oblivion,[109] which
+was granted them. But though they pleaded guilty to their indictment,
+being thereunto promised (as probable) by some who are unwilling to lose
+time and trouble the Court with their trial as the Act of Oblivion
+pardoned them; yet they all afterwards and at their death, denied that
+they were guilty of that robbery, or that they knew who did it. Yet at
+his assize, as several credible persons have affirmed, John Perry still
+persisted in his story that his mother and brother had murdered his
+master, and further added that they had attempted to poison him in gaol,
+so that he durst neither eat nor drink with them.
+
+At the next assizes, which was held the Spring following, John, Joan and
+Richard Perry were by the then judge of assize, Sir B. H., tried upon
+the indictment of murder, and pleaded thereunto severally not guilty.
+And when John's confession before the Justice was proved, _viva voce_,
+by several witnesses who heard the same, he told them he was then mad
+and knew not what he said. The other two, Richard and Joan Perry, said
+they were wholly innocent of what they were accused, and that they knew
+nothing of Mr. Harrison's death, nor what was become of him; and Richard
+said that his brother had accused others as well as him of having
+murdered his master, which the judge bidding him prove, he said that
+most of those who had given evidence against him knew it, but naming
+none, nor did any speak to it. And so the jury found them all three
+guilty.
+
+Some few days after being brought to the place of their execution, which
+was on Broadway Hill, in sight of Campden, the mother, who was reputed a
+witch and to have bewitched her sons, so that they would confess nothing
+while she lived, was executed first. After which, Richard being upon the
+ladder, professed as he had done all along that he was wholly innocent
+of the fact for which he was then to die, and that he knew nothing of
+Mr. Harrison's death, nor what was become of him, and did with great
+earnestness beg and beseech his brother, for the satisfaction of the
+whole world and for his own conscience, to declare what he knew
+concerning him. But he, with a dogged and surly carriage, told the
+people he was not obliged to confess to them; yet immediately before his
+death, he said he knew nothing of his master's death, nor what had
+become of him but they might hereafter possibly hear.
+
+Mr. Harrison's account of his being absent two years, and of his return
+home, addressed to Sir Thomas Overbery, Knight
+
+    Honoured Sir,
+
+    In obedience to your commands, I give you this true account of my
+    being carried away beyond the seas, my continuance there and return
+    home.
+
+    On Thursday, in the afternoon, in the time of harvest, I went to
+    Charringworth to demand rents due to my Lady Campden, at which the
+    tenants were busy in the fields, and were late ere they came home,
+    which occasioned my stay there till the close of the evening. I
+    expected a considerable sum, but received only twenty-three pounds
+    and no more. In my return home, in the narrow passages amongst
+    Ebrington Furzes, there met me one horseman, and said, _Art thou
+    there?_ and I, fearing that he would have rode over me, struck his
+    horse over the nose, whereupon he struck me with his sword several
+    blows, and ran it into my side, while I with my little cane made my
+    defence as well as I could. At last another came behind me, ran me
+    in the thigh, laid hold on the collar of my doublet, and drew me to
+    a hedge near to the place. Then came in another. They did not take
+    away my money, but mounted me behind one of them, drew my arms about
+    his middle, and fastened my wrists together with something that had
+    a spring lock to it, as I conceived, by hearing it give a snap as
+    they put it on; then they threw a great cloak over me and carried me
+    away.
+
+    In the night, they alighted at a hayrick, which stood near unto a
+    stone pit, by a wall side, where they took away my money. This was
+    about two hours before day, as I heard one of them tell the other he
+    thought it to be then. They tumbled me into the stone pit. They
+    stayed, as I thought, about an hour at the hayrick. When they took
+    horse again, one of them bade me come out of the pit. I answered
+    they had my money already, and asked what they would do with me,
+    whereupon he struck me again, drew me out, and put a great quantity
+    of money into my pockets, and mounted me again, after the same
+    manner. And on Friday, about sunset, they brought me to a lone house
+    upon a heath, by a thicket of bushes, where they took me down,
+    almost dead, being sorely bruised with the carriage of the money.
+    When the woman of the house saw that I could neither stand nor
+    speak, she asked them whether or no they had brought a dead man?
+    They answered, no, but a friend that was hurt, and they were
+    carrying me to a surgeon. She answered, if they did not make haste
+    their friend would be dead before they could bring him to one.
+    There they laid me on the cushions and suffered none to come into
+    the room but a little girl. There we stayed all night, they giving
+    me some broth and strong waters.
+
+    In the morning, very early, they mounted me as before, and on
+    Saturday night, they brought me to a place where were two or three
+    houses, in one of which I lay all night on cushions by their
+    bedside. On Sunday morning they carried me from thence, and about
+    three or four of the clock, they brought me to a place by the
+    seaside, called Deal, where they laid me down in the ground. One of
+    them staying by me, the other two walked a little off to meet a man,
+    with whom they talked; and in their discourse I heard them mention
+    seven pounds, after which they went away together, and about half an
+    hour after returned. The man (whose name, as I after heard, was
+    Wrenshaw) said he feared I would die before they could put me on
+    board; then they put me into a boat, and carried me on ship-board,
+    where my wounds were dressed.
+
+    I remained in the ship, as near as I could reckon, about six weeks,
+    in which time I was indifferently recovered of my wounds and
+    weaknesses. Then the master of the ship came in and told me and the
+    rest who were in the same condition, that he discovered three
+    Turkish ships. We all offered to fight in defence of the ship and
+    ourselves, but he commanded us to keep close, and said he would deal
+    with them well enough. A little while after, he called us up, and
+    when we came on deck we saw two Turkish ships close by us; into one
+    of them we were put, and placed in a dark hold, where how long we
+    continued before we were landed, I know not.
+
+    When we were landed they led us two days' journey, and put us into a
+    great house or prison, where we remained four days and a half, and
+    then came to us eight men to view us, who seemed to be officers.
+    They called us and examined us of our trades and callings, which
+    everyone answered. One said he was a surgeon, another that he was a
+    broad-cloth weaver, and I, after two or three demands, said I had
+    some skill in physic. We three were set by, and taken by three of
+    these eight men who came to view us. It was my chance to be chosen
+    by a grave physician of eighty-seven years of age, who lived near to
+    Smyrna, who had formerly been in England, and knew Crowland in
+    Lincolnshire, which he preferred before all others in England. He
+    employed me to keep his still-house, and gave me a silver bowl,
+    double gilt, to drink in. My business was most in that place, but
+    once he set me to gather cotton wool, which I not doing he struck me
+    to the ground, and after drew his stiletto to stab me; but I holding
+    up my hands to him, he gave me a stamp and turned from me, for
+    which I render thanks to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who
+    stayed his hand and preserved me.
+
+    I was there about a year and three quarters, and then my master fell
+    sick on a Thursday, and sent for me, and calling me, as he used, by
+    the name of Bell, told me he should die and bid me shift for myself.
+    He died on the Saturday following, and I instantly hastened with my
+    bowl[110] to a port almost a day's journey distant, the way to which
+    place I knew, having been twice there employed by my master about
+    the carriage of the cotton wool. When I came thither I addressed
+    myself to two men who came out of a ship of Hamburg, which, as they
+    said, was bound for Portugal within three or four days. I enquired
+    of them for an English ship, they answered there was none. I
+    entreated them to take me into their ship, but they answered they
+    durst not, for fear of being discovered by the searchers, which
+    might occasion the forfeiture, not only of their goods, but also of
+    their lives. I was very importunate with them, but could not
+    prevail. They left me to wait on Providence, which at length brought
+    me another out of the same ship, to whom I made known my condition,
+    craving his assistance for my transportation. He made me the like
+    answer as the former, and was as stiff in his denial, until the
+    sight of my bowl put him to pause. He returned to the ship, and
+    after an hour's space came back again accompanied with another
+    seaman, and for my bowl, undertook to transport me; but he told me I
+    must be contented to lie down in the keel and endure much hardship,
+    which I was content to do to gain my liberty.
+
+    So they took me on board, and placed me below in the vessel, in a
+    very uneasy place, and obscured me with boards and other things,
+    where I lay undiscovered, notwithstanding the strict search that was
+    made in the vessel. My two chapmen who had my bowl, honestly
+    furnished me with victuals daily, until we arrived at Lisbon in
+    Portugal, where, as soon as the master had left the ship and was
+    gone into the city, they set me on shore moneyless, to shift for
+    myself. I knew not what course to take, but as Providence led me, I
+    went up into the city, and came into a fair street, and being weary
+    I turned my back to a wall, and leaned upon my staff. Over against
+    me were four gentlemen discoursing together; after a while one of
+    them came to me, and spake to me in a language that I understood
+    not. I told him I was an Englishman and understood not what he
+    spoke. He answered me in plain English, that he understood me, and
+    was himself born in Wisbech, in Lincolnshire. Then I related to him
+    my sad condition, and he taking compassion on me, took me with him,
+    provided me with lodging and diet, and by his interest with a master
+    of a ship bound for England, procured my passage; and bringing me on
+    ship board, he bestowed wine and strong waters on me, and at his
+    return gave me eight stivers and commended me to the care of the
+    master of the ship, who landed me safe at Dover. From thence I made
+    a shift to get to London, where being furnished with necessaries I
+    came into the country.
+
+    Thus, honoured Sir, I have given you a true account of my great
+    sufferings and happy deliverance by the mercy and goodness of God,
+    my most gracious Father in Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Redeemer, to
+    whose name be ascribed all honour, praise and glory. I conclude and
+    rest,
+
+    Your Worship's,
+              In all dutiful respect,
+                               William Harrison
+
+Before I part with this story, it is proper for me to remark that though
+it does not contain any extraordinary mark of the wisdom of Providence,
+yet being in its nature strange and hitherto having escaped any other
+collection, I thought it not improper to be preserved here, since some
+of the circumstances are of such a nature as not to be paralleled in any
+English story.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [107] A local term for a strip of furrowed land.
+
+  [108] A kind of broad linen tape.
+
+  [109] Passed at the Restoration, in 1660, granting "free
+        general pardon, indemnity, and oblivion for all treasons and
+        state offences" committed between 1 Jan., 1637, and 24 June,
+        1660. The regicides and certain Irish priests were excepted.
+
+  [110] That is, the silver-gilt one his master had given him.
+
+
+
+
+A Relation of the Surprising Discovery of the Murder of MARY BARWICK,
+committed by WILLIAM BARWICK, her husband, on the 14th of April, 1690,
+upon which he was convicted, at the Lent Assizes at York, before the
+Honourable Sir John Powell, Knight, then one of the Judges of Assize
+
+
+In the following relation, I have kept strictly up to the motives which
+I have mentioned in the beginning of this Appendix, and I hope that will
+atone for the inserting of this story, which I confess can be of no
+other use than to gratify the curiosity of the reader.
+
+As murder is one of the greatest crimes that man can be guilty of, so it
+is no less strangely and providentially discovered when secretly
+committed. The foul criminal believes himself secure, because there was
+no witness of the fact. Not considering that the all-seeing eye of
+Heaven beholds his iniquity, and by some means or other bringing it to
+light, never permits it to go unpunished. Indeed, so certainly does the
+revenge of God pursue the abominated murderer, that when witnesses are
+wanting of the fact, the very ghosts of the murdered parties cannot rest
+quiet in their graves until they have made the detection themselves. Of
+this we are now to give the reader two remarkable examples that lately
+happened in Yorkshire, and no less signal for the truth of both
+tragedies, as being confirmed by the trial of the offenders at the last
+assizes held for that county.
+
+The first of these murders was committed by William Barwick, upon the
+body of Mary Barwick his wife, at the same time big with child. What
+were the motives that induced the man to do this horrid fact does not
+appear by the examination of the evidence, or the confession of the
+party; only it appeared upon his trial that he had got her with child
+before he married her, that being then constrained to marry her, he grew
+weary of her, which was the reason he was so willing to be rid of her,
+though he ventured body and soul to accomplish his design.
+
+The murder was committed on Palm Monday, being then the fourteenth of
+April, about two o'clock in the afternoon, at which time the said
+Barwick drilled his wife along until he came to a certain close, within
+sight of Cawood Castle, where he found the conveniency of a pond. He
+threw her by force into the water, and when she was drowned and drawn
+forth again by himself upon the bank of the pond, he had the cruelty to
+behold the motion of the infant, yet warm in her womb. This done, he
+concealed the body, as it may readily be supposed, among the bushes that
+usually encompass a pond, and the next night when it grew dusk, fetching
+a hay spade from a rick that stood in the close, he made a hole by the
+side of the pond, and there slightly buried the woman in her clothes.
+Having thus despatched two at once, and thinking himself secure, because
+unseen, he went the same day to his brother-in-law, one Thomas Lofthouse
+of Rusforth, within three miles of York, who had married his drowned
+wife's sister, and told him he had carried his wife to one Richard
+Harrison's house in Selby, who was his uncle, and would take care of
+her.
+
+But Heaven would not be so deluded, but raised up the ghost of the
+murdered woman to make the discovery. It was Easter Tuesday following,
+about two-o'clock in the afternoon, that the afore-mentioned Lofthouse,
+having occasion to water a quickset hedge not far from his house, as he
+was going for the second pailful, an apparition went before him in the
+shape of a woman, and soon after set down against a rising green grass
+plot, right over against the pond. He walked by her as he went to the
+pond, and as he returned with the pail from the pond, looking sideways
+to see whether she continued in the same place, he found she did, and
+that she seemed to dandle something in her lap that looked like a white
+bag, as he thought, which he did not observe before. So soon as he had
+emptied his pail, he went into his yard and stood still to turn whether
+he could see her again, but she was vanished. In this information he
+says that the woman seemed to be habited in a brown-coloured petticoat,
+waistcoat and a white hood, such a one as his wife's sister usually
+wore, and that her countenance looked extremely pale and wan, with her
+teeth in sight, but no gums appearing, and that her physiognomy was like
+that of his wife's sister, who was wife to William Barwick.
+
+But notwithstanding the ghastliness of the apparition, it seems it made
+so little impression on Lofthouse's mind that he thought no more of it,
+neither did he speak to anybody concerning it until the same night, as
+he was at family duty of prayers, when that apparition returned again to
+his thoughts, and discomposed his devotion; so that after he had made an
+end of his prayers, he told the whole story of what he had seen to his
+wife, who laying circumstances together, immediately inferred that her
+sister was either drowned or otherwise murdered, and desired her husband
+to look after her the next day, which was the Wednesday in Easter week.
+Upon this, Lofthouse, recollecting what Barwick had told him of his
+carrying his wife to his uncle at Selby, repaired to Harrison
+before-mentioned, but found all that Barwick had said to be false, for
+Harrison had neither heard of Barwick nor his wife, neither did he know
+anything of them. Which notable circumstance, together with that other
+of the apparition, increased his suspicion to that degree that now
+concluding his wife's sister was murdered, he went to the Lord Mayor of
+York. And having obtained his warrant, he got Barwick apprehended; who
+was no sooner brought before the Lord Mayor, but his own conscience then
+accusing him, he acknowledged the whole matter, as it has been already
+related, and as it appears by the examination and confession herewith
+printed.
+
+On Wednesday, the 16th of September, 1690, the criminal, William
+Barwick, was brought to his trial before the Honourable Sir John Powel,
+Knight, one of the judges of the Northern Circuit, at the assizes held
+at York, where the prisoner pleaded not guilty to his indictment. But
+upon the evidence of Thomas Lofthouse and his wife, and a third person,
+that the woman was found buried in her clothes, close by the pond side,
+agreeable to the prisoner's confession, and that she had several
+bruises on her head, occasioned by the blows the murderer had given her
+to keep her under water, and upon reading the prisoner's confession
+before the Lord Mayor of York, attested by the clerk who wrote the
+confession, and who swore the prisoner's owning and signing it for
+truth, he was found guilty and sentenced to death, and afterwards
+ordered to be hanged in chains.
+
+All the defence that the prisoner made was only this, that he was
+threatened into the confession that he had made, and was in such a
+consternation that he did not know what he said or did; but then it was
+sworn to by two witnesses that there was no such thing as any
+threatening made use of, but that he made a free and voluntary
+confession, only with this addition at first, that he told the Lord
+Mayor he had sold his wife for five shillings, but not being able to
+name either the person or the place, where she might be produced, that
+was looked upon as too frivolous to outweigh circumstances that were too
+apparent.
+
+    The Examination of William Barwick, taken the 25th of April, 1690
+
+    Who sayeth and confesseth that he carried his wife over a certain
+    wainbridge, called Bishop Dyke Bridge, between Cawood and Sherburn;
+    and within a lane about one hundred yards from the said bridge, and
+    on the left hand of the said bridge, he and his wife went over a
+    stile, on the left hand of a certain gate, entering into a certain
+    close, on the left hand of the said lane; and in a pond in the said
+    close, adjoining to a quick-wood hedge, he did drown his wife and
+    upon a bank of the said pond did bury her, and further, that he was
+    within sight of Cawood Castle, on the left hand, and there was but
+    one hedge betwixt the said close where he drowned his wife, and the
+    Bishops Slates, belonging to the said castle.
+
+                                                     William Barwick
+    _Exam, capt. did etc.
+    anno super dict.
+    coram me._
+
+                      _S. Dawson, Mayor_
+
+
+
+
+An Account of the Conviction and Execution of Mr. WALKER, and MARK
+SHARP, for the Murder of ANN WALKER
+
+
+I am conscious that my collecting these relations may expose me to the
+railery and ridicule of a very numerous tribe of wits in this age, who
+value themselves extremely on their contempt of supernatural stories,
+and their disbelief of all things which relate to apparitions or returns
+from that state in which souls go when they depart from the body. Yet
+the following story is so remarkable, the proofs so exceedingly cogent,
+and the mistakes made in the relation of it by various authors so
+likely, notwithstanding, to bring it in the course of time into
+discredit, that I thought I could not do a greater service to the public
+than to preserve it in its genuine purity, which I have had occasion to
+retrieve from the sight of some papers which related thereto, and from
+which the following account is written verbatim, without any alteration
+so much as in a letter.
+
+About the year 1631, there lived in a place called
+Chester-in-the-Street, in the County Palatine of Durham, one Mr. Walker,
+a yeoman of good fortune and credit. He was a widower and kept a young
+woman, one Ann Walker, a relation of his, in his house as housekeeper.
+It was suspected, it seems, by some of the neighbours, that she was with
+child, immediately upon which she was removed to one Dame Cair's an aunt
+of hers in the town of Lumley, hard by. The old woman treated her with
+much kindness and civility, but was exceedingly earnest to know of her
+who was the father of the child with which she went, but the young woman
+constantly avoided answering that question. But at last, perceiving how
+uneasy the old woman was because she could get no knowledge how the poor
+babe was to be provided for, this Ann Walker at last said that he who
+got her with child would take care of both her and it, with which answer
+her aunt was tolerably satisfied.
+
+Some time after, of an evening, her old master Walker, and one Mark
+Sharp, with whom he was extraordinarily intimate, came to her aunt's
+house and took the said Anne Walker away. About a fortnight passed
+without her being seen or heard of, and without much talk of the
+neighbourhood concerning her, supposing she had been carried somewhere
+to be privately brought to bed, in order to escape her shame. But one
+James Graham, a miller, who lived two miles from the place where
+Walker's house was, being one night between the hours of twelve and one,
+grinding corn in his mill, and the mill door shut, as he came downstairs
+from putting corn into the hopper, he saw a woman standing in the
+middle of the floor, with her hair all bloody, hanging about her ears,
+and five large wounds in her head. Graham, though he was a bold man, was
+exceedingly shocked at this spectacle. At last after calling upon God to
+protect him, he, in a low voice, demanded who she was, and what she
+wanted of him. To which the woman made answer, _I am the spirit of Anne
+Walker, who lived with Walker at Chester-in-the-Street, and being got
+with child by him, he promised to send me to a private place, where I
+should be well looked to until I was brought to bed, and well again, and
+then I should come to him again and keep his house. And I was
+accordingly, late one night, sent away with Mark Sharp, who upon the
+moor, just by the Yellow Bank Head, slew me with a pick, an instrument
+wherewith they dig coals, and gave me these five wounds, and afterwards
+threw me into a coalpit hard by, and hid the pick under the bank. His
+shoes and stockings also being bloody he endeavoured to wash them, but
+seeing the blood would not go forth, he hid them there too. And now
+James Grime_ (so the country people pronounce Graham) _I am come to you,
+that by revealing this bloody act my murderers may be brought to
+justice; which unless you do, I will continually pursue and haunt you._
+
+The miller returned home to his house very melancholy, and much
+astonished at this sight, yet he held his peace, hoping that if he did
+not reveal it she would go to somebody else. He was fearful of blasting
+the character of Mr. Walker, who was a man of substance, by telling such
+a tale concerning him to a Justice of Peace. However, he avoided as much
+as he was able being in the mill alone, especially at nights, but
+notwithstanding all his care, and though other persons were not far off,
+she appeared to him there again, and in a harsh tone demanded why he had
+not made known what she had spoken of to him. He made her no answer, but
+fled to the other end of the place where the people were. Yet some
+little time after, just after sunset, she met him in his own garden, and
+spoke to him with such a cruel aspect and with such fearful threats that
+he promised to go the next morning to a magistrate, which he accordingly
+did.
+
+On the morrow, being St. Thomas's Day, he applied to a justice of the
+peace and told him the story. The justice having tendered him his oath,
+and taking his information in writing, forthwith issued his warrant, and
+apprehended Mr. Walker and Mark Sharp, who by trade was a collier, i.e.,
+dug coals out of a mine. They made light of the thing before the
+justice, although he in the meanwhile had caused a place which Graham
+said the apparition had spoken of, to be searched, and there found the
+dead body, wounded in place and manner as before described, with the
+pick, the shoes and the stockings. However, Walker and Sharp were
+admitted to bail, and at the next assizes appeared upon their trial.
+
+Judge Davenport heard the several circumstances of the woman's being
+carried out by Sharp, her being suspected to be with child by her
+master, Walker, and the story which Graham repeated exactly upon oath,
+as he had done before the justice. The foreman of the jury did depose
+that he saw a child standing upon the shoulders of the prisoner Walker,
+at the Bar, and the judge himself was under such a concern and
+uneasiness that as soon as the jury had found the prisoners guilty, he
+immediately rose up and passed sentence of death upon them, a thing
+never known before nor since in Durham, the custom being not to pass
+sentence until the close of the assizes.
+
+
+
+
+The Life of JACQUES PERRIER, a French Robber and Murderer
+
+
+As I have stepped in the former stories a little back in time, so in
+this I shall make bold to go out of our own nation, to relate a very
+extraordinary passage which happened at Paris in the beginning of the
+last century, because it will serve as a notable instance of that
+confusion and fear which guilt brings over the souls of the most
+hardened villains and thereby renders them often instruments of justice
+upon themselves; so that it seems not virtue only is its own reward, but
+vice also brings upon itself those torments which it ought to feel. Thus
+Providence ordereth, with inscrutable wisdom, that every man should feel
+happiness or misery according as his own demeanour serves. But it is now
+time that we hearken to the story.
+
+It happened that a certain architect, who was in high esteem with the
+greatest nobles in France for his excellent skill in building after the
+Italian model, and had thereby obtained both a great reputation and a
+large estate, being a generous and charitable man, took into his house
+one Jacques Perrier, in the nature of an accountant, for the better
+ordering of his affairs. For the six years that this Jacques lived in
+his master's house, never any man was known to behave better or more
+commendably than he did. At length he married and had children, so that
+the master looking upon him as a staid discreet person, of whose
+fidelity he had indubitable proofs; he therefore gave him the charge of
+everything, when he went to a country house of his, a small distance
+from Paris, where he sometimes stayed for a week or so to unbend his
+mind and enjoy the benefit of the summer season.
+
+At last, Jacques observing what great wealth he had acquired, began to
+be covetous and desirous of obtaining it; and after having cast it long
+in his head how he might obtain it, he at length resolved with himself
+to join with certain villains who at that time robbed in the streets and
+committed murders on the roads about Paris. Gaining notice of a house
+where such people frequented, he found ways and means to be admitted
+into the room where they had their consultations. And the person who
+introduced him having promised for his fidelity, they listened very
+attentively to the proposal which he promised to make them, and which
+after a little pause, he performed in these words. _My good friends, it
+is now upwards of six years since I have lived in the service of a rich
+and eminent person. I thought that before this time I might have made my
+fortune under him, and therefore have hitherto served him faithfully and
+honestly; but finding my expectations herein deceived, I come to make
+you an offer which may enrich you all. He has a house in the country,
+whither he retires with his daughter and maid-servant only. These may
+easily be dispatched and then all his effects will be our own. I will
+venture to assure you, they will be worth ten thousand crowns._
+
+The thieves were not a little rejoiced at the thoughts of so
+extraordinary a booty, and therefore, after returning Perrier thanks,
+they readily embraced his motion and promised him whatever assistance he
+should require. It was not long before the unfortunate, gentleman went,
+as usual, with his daughter and her maid, to enjoy the pleasures of his
+rural habitation, leaving the direction of his affairs to Jacques, who
+no sooner saw him safe out of Paris, but he went to give notice to his
+associates that the time was now come to execute his bloody proposal.
+They quickly got all things in readiness, and as soon as it was evening,
+set out under the command of this desperate varlet to commit that
+horrible murder which he had contrived. Arriving at the house, Perrier
+knocked at the door; the maid knowing him, supposed some extraordinary
+business had brought him thither, and readily opened the door. But she
+was exceedingly surprised to find him followed by five ruffians oddly
+dressed, masked and with large staves in their hands. However, they did
+not give her much time to consider, but followed her immediately into
+the kitchen, where, by the direction of their abominable leader, they
+immediately, with many cruel blows, put her to death. From thence they
+went upstairs into the old gentleman's apartment, and found him sitting
+upon his bed. As soon as they entered, _Perrier_, said his master, _is
+it thus that you return that kindness with which I have always treated
+you. Did I not take you from misery and want. Have I not maintained you,
+and put it in your power to maintain your family? Will you repay this my
+charity with robbing me of all I have? Must the tenderness I have shown
+towards you draw upon me death from your hands, and do you not think
+that the same God who hath seen me cherish and relieve you, will not
+bring upon you condign punishment for this execrable villainy thou art
+going to commit?_
+
+Perrier was sensible of the truth of what he said, but knowing it was
+impossible for him to go back, he gave a sign to the murderers to fall
+about the execution of their work; but the old man, who was too wise to
+expect mercy from their hands, endeavoured to lay hold of a halbert
+which stood in his room, designing therewith, as well as he could, to
+defend himself. But before he could get it into his hands the villains
+struck him down, and with thirty or forty wounds gave a passage for his
+soul into a better life.
+
+The unfortunate young lady lay in the next room to her father's, and
+being already got to bed, heard with astonishment the execrable fact.
+However, full of fear and astonishment, she covered herself with the bed
+clothes, and endeavoured all she was able, to hide herself in the bed.
+But alas, her caution was to small purpose. Perrier knew too well the
+situation of all things to be deceived by so trivial an artifice, and
+therefore after pulling the bedclothes into the middle of the floor, he
+exposed, naked, to his fellow ruffians, the most beautiful young lady in
+France. In vain she fell upon her knees, and with all that tender
+elocution so natural to their sex when in distress, besought them that
+they would spare her life, which, as she said, could be of no benefit to
+them, and could only serve to increase the number of their sins; but
+they were too much flushed in cruelty and blood to give any attention to
+her entreaties, and so without respect either to the softness of her
+sex, or to her tender age, with a shower of blows from their clubs they
+laid her dead upon the floor. Being thus become master of the house,
+Perrier took the keys, and opening the several apartments, disclosed to
+them all the riches of his deceased master. They immediately brought
+away all the ready money they found in the house, which amounted to
+little less than ten thousand crowns. All the rich movables they
+conveyed away to a boat which they had prepared for that purpose, and
+had fastened in a creek of the river on a bank of which the house stood.
+They loaded and unloaded this vessel five or six times, for there was no
+hurry in carrying away the goods, seeing it was the dead time of the
+night, and when they had thoroughly plundered it of everything that
+would yield money, they then came away and went to the place where they
+laid up their spoils. There it was resolved to divide the booty, and
+Perrier claimed the largest share, as well in right of his having put
+them upon that project, as that he had assisted more strenuously in the
+execution of it than any of them; for when men associate themselves to
+commit wickedness, he who surpasses the rest in villainy claims the same
+reward, and from the same reasons, as he who in another society
+surpasses all his neighbours in virtue. When this execrable fact was
+over, and he had secured his share in the plunder, he returned home to
+the house of his master, and remained in carrying on the ordinary course
+of business of his master.
+
+About two days after, it happened that a man who had business with the
+old gentleman called at his country house, and after knocking a good
+while at the door, finding that nobody answered, he went to town, and
+meeting with Jacques Perrier at his master's house, he told him of his
+calling upon him in the country, and that he found nobody there. Jacques
+counterfeited the greatest surprise at the news, and calling many
+assistants, went down immediately to his master's seat, and with all the
+seeming horror imaginable, became a second time a witness of those
+barbarities which he and his villainous associates had committed. At the
+sight of the murdered maid in the kitchen, he cried out with the
+greatest vehemence, and seemed in an agony of sorrow; but when he saw
+the body of his master, he roared and stamped, he cried out, tore his
+hair and threw himself upon the body as if he had never more intended to
+have drawn breath. All the persons he had carried with him were
+effectually deceived by his behaviour, and were under apprehensions lest
+his too violent grief should throw him into a fever or prompt him to lay
+hands upon himself. He was not contented with acting thus upon the spot,
+but resolved to play it over again when he came back to Paris. There
+abundance of people pitied him, and looked on him as one whom the
+sincere love he had for his master had drawn to the utmost despair by
+reason of his unfortunate death.
+
+But one of the old gentleman's relations, who was a man of more
+penetration than the rest, began to suspect his excessive affliction,
+and by his arguments drew another gentleman, who was also interested in
+the family affairs, to be of his opinion; whereupon Jacques was
+apprehended on suspicion and sent to prison. Solitude and confinement
+are often the roads to repentance and confession, for the vanities of
+the world being no longer before them, in such cases people are apt to
+retire into the recesses of their own breasts, and having no avocations
+from considering how they have spent their former years, the reflection
+often extorts truth which would never be by any other method
+discovered. But it was not so with Perrier. His dissimulation was of a
+stronger contexture, and not to be broken even by sorrow and
+confinement. He not only continued to deny the knowledge of the murder,
+but also to lament the loss of so indulgent a master, with such floods
+of tears, and so many strong appearances of real sorrow and affection
+that, no proof appearing against him, the magistrates were afraid of
+having themselves reproached with injustice if they had not given him
+his liberty, to which, after six months imprisonment, he was restored.
+
+The rest of the assassins seeing a long space of time elapsed, and that
+still not the least discovery was made of the murder, laid aside all
+fears of being taken, and began to appear more openly than hitherto they
+had done since the perpetration of that fact. But in the midst of their
+security the Providence of God forced them to betray themselves; for as
+the father, son and cousin, who were all concerned in the murder, were
+sitting with one Masson, another of the confederates, making merry at a
+public-house, on a sudden they turned their heads and saw ten or twelve
+archers or marshal's men (who have the same authority as constables in
+our country) who by chance met together and came into the house to
+drink. Guilt on a sudden struck the whole company with apprehensions
+that they were come in search of them, the fear of which made them throw
+down their knives and forks, leave what they had upon the table and fly
+with the utmost precipitation, as supposing they ran for their lives.
+
+This extravagant behaviour struck the archers with amazement, and
+immediately calling for the landlord, they enquired of him what should
+be the sudden cause of this terror in his guests. He replied that it was
+impossible for him to tell certainly, but from discourse which he had
+heard, he took them to be persons of no very honest character, and from
+the great sums of money he had heard them count out, he was apprehensive
+that they had committed some robbery or other. There wanted not any
+farther account to stir up the archers to a pursuit, from whence they
+already assured themselves they should be considerable gainers, the
+thing speaking for itself, since honest people are not used to fall into
+such panics; but only guilt creates apprehensions in men at the sight of
+the ministers of justice. Immediately, therefore, the officers pursued
+them in the road they had taken, and the old man being less able to
+travel than the rest, in about two hours time they came up with him at
+the side of a rivulet, where, for very weariness he had stopped as not
+being able to cross it.
+
+No sooner did they come up to him but he surrendered, and fear having
+brought a sudden repentance, he, without any equivocation, began to
+confess all the crimes of his life. He said that it was true they all of
+them deserved death, and he was content to suffer; he said, moreover,
+that in the course of his life he had murdered upwards of three-score
+with his own hands. He also carried the officers to an island in the
+river, which was the usual place of the execution of those innocents who
+fell into the hands of their gang, and acknowledged that of all the
+offences he had committed, nothing gave him so much pain as the having
+murdered a hopeful young gentleman (for the sake of a trifle of money
+which he had about him) by putting a stone about his neck and sinking
+him in the water.
+
+Of the other three, two were apprehended, but the third made his escape
+and was running hastily with the news to Jacques Perrier and their other
+companions, but he was soon after seized, and carried to prison with the
+rest, none escaping from the hands of Justice but Masson and the cruel
+Perrier, the author of all this mischief. The three who were in prison
+endured the torture with the greatest constancy, absolutely denying that
+they knew anything of the murders and robberies which had been
+committed, yet when they were confronted by the old man, their courage
+deserted them, they acknowledged the fact, and judgment was pronounced
+upon them that they should be broke alive upon the wheel, before the
+house of the unfortunate architect whom they had murdered.
+
+When they were brought there, with a strong guard, to suffer that
+punishment to which the Law had so justly doomed them, they appeared to
+be very penitent and sorrowful for their crimes, and one of them in
+particular did, with greatest vehemency, beseech the pardon of Almighty
+God, of the king his sovereign, and of his people whom he had so much
+injured, declaring that he could not die in peace without informing the
+multitude who were assembled to behold their execution, of a certain
+kind of villainy in which he was particularly concerned. He said it was
+his custom to watch about the sides of the road which lay near the
+woods, and that having a cord with him, he suddenly threw it about the
+neck of any passenger who was coming by, and therewith immediately
+strangled him before he was aware, or capable of resisting them, and if
+at any time there came by several passengers together who demanded what
+he did there, he replied that he was sent thither by his master to catch
+a cow; and his going in the habit of a peasant gave such an aspect of
+truth to the story that he was never suspected.
+
+Though the concourse of people be generally very great, yet the
+assembly on this occasion was much larger than ordinary, and those who
+were spectators, contrary to the ordinary custom, showed but very little
+compassion at the miserable tortures which those wretches endured. On
+the contrary, they continually cried out that they should discover what
+was become of Perrier and their other accomplice, Masson. These
+unfortunate men continued to assert in their last moments that they knew
+nothing of either of them, but supposed that, hearing of their
+apprehension, they had immediately made their escape, and were retired
+as far as they were able from the danger. The people were infinitely
+satisfied with the death of these assassins, and nothing was wanting to
+complete the triumph of Justice but the apprehension of Perrier and his
+associate, to whose adventures it is now time that we return, in order
+to display the severe justice of Providence, and the admirable methods
+by which it disappoints all the courses that human wit can invent in
+order to frustrate its intent.
+
+Masson had hid himself in a village not far from the city of Tours,
+where he concealed himself so effectually that the inhabitants had not
+the least suspicion of his being a dishonest man. On the contrary, he
+applied himself to an honest way of getting his livelihood, and after
+sojourning there for a considerable space, he married a young woman,
+with the consent of her parents, and seemed to be now established in a
+state of peace and security, if it were possible for a guilty soul to
+know either security or peace. A trivial accident, in which no man but
+Masson would have had a hand, proved the instrument by which he was
+drawn to suffering that cruel death which his companions had before
+undergone, and he so justly deserved.
+
+There was, it seems, a young country fellow in the neighbourhood where
+Masson lived, who was just married, and according to a silly notion
+which prevails not only among the peasants of France but also among the
+clowns of all other nations in Europe, fancied himself bewitched by some
+charm or other, which rendered him incapable of performing the rites of
+his marriage bed. Masson thereupon offered, if he would give him a
+reasonable gratuity, to free him from this insupportable malady, and a
+bargain was accordingly struck for four crowns, two of which the fellow
+gave him in his hand, and two more were to be paid on the accomplishment
+of the cure, when there were no more complaints of insufficiency. Upon
+this he immediately demanded the other two crowns, which the other
+refused, and our infatuated thief brought the cause before the
+magistrates, where, when it came to be examined, it appeared plainly
+that Masson had bragged to his companions that he had wrought the
+charm, for the undoing of which he now claimed a reward. And as the
+Justice of the Court required, he was sentenced to be banished as a
+sorcerer, after being first whipped at all the cross-streets in town.
+
+But behold the marvellous conduct of Divine Justice. He appealed from
+this sentence to the parliament at Paris, whither he was no sooner
+conducted under a strong guard, but he was immediately known to be one
+of that gang of assassins which had been executed for the murder of
+Perrier's master and family. Immediately he was charged with this fact,
+and the heirs of that unfortunate gentleman prosecuted their charge with
+such vigour that he received the like judgment, to be broken alive upon
+the wheel at the same place where his associates had suffered death;
+which sentence was rigorously executed five years after the perpetration
+of that execrable fact.
+
+There remained nobody but Jacques Perrier, the author and contriver of
+this horrid villainy, who had not suffered according to their deserts.
+He, after hiding himself for a while, until he saw what became of his
+companions, hastily betook himself to flight, and endeavoured to fly
+into England, where, if he once arrived, he knew he should remain in
+safety. But in this attempt he was disappointed (although nobody pursued
+him), for being arrived at Calais, the same covetous and wicked
+disposition which had prompted him to murder so kind a master and all
+his family, egged him on to rob a certain rich merchant there, which
+villainous design he effected whilst the gentleman was at church. But he
+gained not much by that, for the booty being too large to be concealed,
+he was very quickly apprehended and for this fact condemned to be
+hanged. He had more wit, however, than his companion, Masson, and
+therefore never dreamt of appealing to the parliament of Paris, where he
+knew he should meet with the same fate which had befallen the rest of
+the gang. However, when he came to suffer that death which was appointed
+him by Law, he did not stick to acknowledge that execrable parricide
+which he had projected, as well as carried into execution; so that when
+the news reached Paris, it occasioned universal joy that not one of
+these bloody villains had escaped, but were so wonderfully cut off, when
+they themselves fancied the danger to be over.
+
+The French author from whom I have transcribed this account hath swelled
+the relation with much of that false eloquence which was so common in
+the last age, not only in France, but throughout all Europe. Except that
+I have rejected this, I have been very faithful in this translation, the
+story appearing to me to be very extraordinary in its kind, and worthy
+therefore of being known to the public, since it will sufficiently
+declare that as vice prevails generally throughout all countries and
+climates, stirring up men to cruel and atrocious deeds, so the eye of
+Providence is continually watchful, and suffers not the blood of
+innocents to cry out for revenge in vain. It remains that I inform my
+readers that this villainy was transacted about the year 1611, and that
+Masson and Jacques Perrier suffered in the year 1616.
+
+
+
+
+The Lives of ABRAHAM WHITE, FRANCIS SANDERS, JOHN MINES, _alias_
+MINSHAM, _alias_ MITCHELL, and CONSTANCE BUCKLE, Thieves and
+Housebreakers
+
+
+Of these unfortunate lads, Abraham White was born of mean parents who
+had it not in their power to give him much education, but taught him,
+however, the business of a bricklayer, which was his father's trade, and
+by which, doubtless, if he had been careful, he might have got his
+bread. But he unfortunately addicting himself from childhood to drinking
+and lewd company, soon plunged himself into all manner of wickedness,
+and quickly brought on a fatal necessity of stepping into the road of
+the gallows; and associating himself with Sanders and Minsham, they had
+all gone together upon the road for about six weeks before they were
+taken.
+
+Francis Sanders was a young fellow of very tolerable arts and education.
+He had been put out apprentice to a stay-maker, attained to a great
+proficiency in his trade; and by the help of his friends, who were very
+willing to lend him their assistance, he might have done very well in
+the world if it had not been for that unfortunate inclination to roving,
+which continually possessed him. His acquaintance with a certain bad
+woman was in all probability the first cause of his addicting himself to
+ill-courses, and as in the papers I have before me relating to him, her
+history is also contained, I thought it would not be unentertaining to
+my readers if I ventured to insert it. This woman's true name was Mary
+Smith. She was brought up, while young, from her native country of
+Yorkshire to London, where getting into the service of an eminent
+shopkeeper, she might, had she been honest and industrious, have lived
+easily and with credit; but unfortunately both for herself and her
+master's apprentice, the young man took a liking to her, and one night,
+having first taken care to make himself master of the key of her door,
+he came out of his chamber into hers, where after a faint resistance,
+he got to bed to her. Their correspondence was carried on for a good
+while without suspicion, but the young man having one night stole a
+bottle of rum with a design that it should make his mistress and he
+merry together before they went to bed, they inconsiderately drank so
+heartily of it that the next morning they slept so sound that their
+master and mistress came upstairs at ten o'clock, and found them in bed
+together. Upon this, the wench, without more ado, was turned out of
+doors, and was forced to live at an alehouse of ill-repute, where
+Sanders used to come of an evening, and so got acquainted with her.
+
+John Minsham was an unfortunate wretch, born of mean parents, and
+equally destitute of capacity or education. From the time he had been
+able to crawl alone, he had known scarce any other home than the street.
+Shoe-blacks and such like vagabonds were his constant companions, and
+the only honest employment he ever pretended to was that of a
+hackney-coachman, which the brethren of the whip had taught him out of
+charity.
+
+Thus furnished with bad principles, and every way fitted for those
+detestable practices into which they precipitated themselves, they first
+got into one another's company at a dram-shop near St. Giles in the
+Fields, much frequented by Constance Buckle, a most lewd and abandoned
+strumpet, and one Rowland Jones, a fellow of as bad principles as
+themselves. One night, having intoxicated themselves with the vile
+manufacture of the house, they went out, after they had spent their
+money, and in Bloomsbury Square attacked one John Ross, from whom they
+took away a hat value five shillings, and fourpence halfpenny in money.
+This man, it seems, lived the very next door to the gin-shop where they
+frequented. Going there the next day, to make complaint, he was
+immediately told that the people who had robbed him had sold his hat,
+and were coming thither by and by to drink the money out in gin. Upon
+this information Ross procured proper assistance, and the people keeping
+their appointment pretty exactly, were all surprised and taken.
+
+In the confusion they were under when first apprehended, Minsham and
+Sanders in part owned the fact, but Rowland Jones making a full and
+frank discovery, was accepted as an evidence, and produced against them
+at their trial at the ensuing sessions at the Old Bailey, where, upon
+full evidence, they were all convicted of this fact, and Francis
+Sanders, Constance Buckle, and Robert Tyler, were indicted for
+assaulting Richard Smith on the highway, putting him in fear, and taking
+from him a hat value five shillings.
+
+Rowland Jones, the evidence, deposed that the night the robbery was
+committed he was in company with the prisoners at a brandy shop, where
+having drunk until they were all pretty much elevated, they went out in
+order to see what they could pick up. And not far from the place they
+went from, overtaking a man whom they saw had a pretty good hat on,
+Sanders hit him a blow in the face, and that not doing the business, he
+repeated it, and at the second blow, the hat fell off from his head,
+whereupon Constance Buckle caught it and clapped it under her coat. The
+constable deposed that by the information of Rowland Jones, he
+apprehended the prisoners. Constance Buckle acknowledged that she was in
+their company when the man was knocked down and the hat taken, whereupon
+the jury, without withdrawing, found them guilty, and they received
+sentence of death.
+
+The woman Constance Buckle pleaded her being with child, and a jury of
+matrons being impannelled, they found she was quick, and thereby
+procured her a respite of execution, and soon after her sentence was
+changed to transportation. The rest, under conviction, behaved
+themselves very indifferently, and manifested sufficiently that though
+custom and an evil disposition might make them bold in the commission of
+robberies, yet when death looked them steadily and unavoidably in the
+face, all that resolution forsook them, and in their last moments they
+behaved with all the appearances of terror which are usually seen in
+souls just awakened to a due sense of their guilt. They died on the 23rd
+of December, 1730; White being eighteen, Sanders near eighteen, and
+Minsham sixteen years of age.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+Abergavenny
+Acton Common
+African Company, the Royal
+Allen, a felon
+Alnwick
+Amesbury
+Amlow, Squire
+Amsterdam
+Anderson, Thomas, a thief
+Andover
+Angier, Humphrey, a highwayman
+Annesley, Mr., his Murder
+Ansell, James, a deer-stealer
+Apparition, of a murdered woman
+Appeals, nature of
+Applebee, a footpad
+Apprehension, of offenders
+Armstrong, Samuel, a housebreaker
+Artillery Ground
+Aruba Island
+Ashby, Joseph
+Ashley, Isaac
+Aspley, Mr. Fluellen
+Audley, Lord
+Austin, John, a footpad
+Avery, Captain, a pirate
+
+Bagshot Heath
+Bailey, Francis, a highwayman
+Ball, Thomas
+Baltic, expedition to
+Barcelona
+Barnham, a cheat
+Barton, John, a robber
+    William, a highwayman
+Barwick, William, a murderer
+Bath
+Beezely, Mr., a distiller
+Bellamy, Martin, a thief
+Belsize
+Bennett, an apprentice
+Benson, Edward, a thief
+    F., a thief
+    Timothy, a highwayman
+Berry, Thomas
+Bess, Edgeworth, _see_ Lion, Elizabeth
+Belts
+Beverley
+Bewle, John
+Bicester
+Biddisford, a deer-stealer
+Bigg, Jepthah, an incendiary
+Billers, Sir William
+Billings, Thomas, a murderer
+Bird, Dick
+    James
+Bishopsgate Street
+Bishop Stortford
+Black Act, the
+Blacket, Frances, _alias_ Mary, a highwaywoman
+Blackheath
+Black Mary, _see_ Rawlins, Mary.
+Blake, Joseph, _alias_ Blueskin, a highwayman
+    Robert, a coiner
+Blewit, William
+Bloomsbury Market
+Blueskin (_see_ Blake)
+Blunt, a corporal
+Bohemia
+Bond Street
+Booty, James, a ravisher
+Boston, New England
+Bourn, William, a thief
+Bow
+Bradley, a baker
+    Thomas, a street-robber
+Bradshaw, John, a pirate
+Bramston, William
+Branch, Benjamin
+Brentford
+Bridewell
+Bridges, William
+Brightwell, the brothers
+Brinsden, Matthias, a murderer
+Bristol
+    Mail, robbery of
+Britton, Hannah
+Brixton
+Broom, Thomas
+Brown, a thief
+    Edward, a footpad
+Brownsworth, George
+Buckle, Constance, a strumpet
+Burden, Thomas, a robber
+Burgess, Jonah
+Burglary, laws concerning
+Burk, William, a footpad
+Burnet, Stephen, a street-robber
+Burning alive, a capital punishment
+Burnworth, Edward, _alias_ Frazier
+Burridge, William, a highwayman
+Burton, a shoplift
+Bushey Heath
+Butler, James, a highwayman
+Butlock, Thomas, a thief
+Byng, Admiral
+
+Calhagan
+Calvo, Stefano di
+Cammel, James, a thief
+Campden, Gloucester
+Candy, Joseph
+Cane, Richard, a footpad
+Carolina, America
+Carrick (Carristoun), Orkney
+Carrick, James, a highwayman
+Carrol, a thief
+Cartwright, John
+Casey, William, a robber
+Caustin, William, a footpad
+Cawood Castle
+Chambers, a felon
+Chancery Lane
+Charnock, Thomas
+Charringworth, Glos.
+Cheapside
+Chelsea
+Chester
+Chester-in-the-Street
+Chickley, Captain
+Civil John, _see_ Turner, John
+Clare Market
+Clark, Eleanor
+Clark, Matthew, a footpad
+Claxton, John, a thief
+Clean-Limbed Tom, a footpad
+Cliffe, James
+Clink Prison
+Cluff, James, a murderer
+Cobham, Lord
+Coffee, William, a negro
+Coining
+Colthouse, William
+Conyers, Symbol
+Cope, Colonel
+Copenhagen
+    House, Islington
+Cork
+Cornwall, Joshua, a thief
+Cotterell, John, a thief
+Cotton, Timothy, a highwayman
+Covent Garden
+Coventry Act
+Cox, Mr., a surgeon
+Crouch, Robert, a footpad
+Crouches, Stephen
+Crowder, Thomas, a thief
+Croydon
+Cullen Pierce
+Currey, George
+Curtis, Peter
+
+Da Costa, Mr. Jacob Mendez
+Dalton, James, a thief
+Darby, Widdington
+Darien, colonials at
+Davis, Captain Howel, a pirate
+    John
+    Lumley, a highwayman
+    Moll, a diver
+    Vincent, a murderer
+Dawson, Mrs.
+Deal
+Dean, Mrs., wife of J. Wild
+De Casteja, Baron
+Delasay, Mr., Under-Secretary of State
+Denton, Justice
+Deval, Abraham, a forger
+Dickenson, Emanuel
+Dimmock, Mr., a sailor
+Disney
+Doncaster
+Dorchester
+Dormer
+Dowdale, Stephen, a thief
+Doyle, John, a highwayman
+Drummond, James
+    Robert, a highwayman
+Drury, Anthony
+    Lane
+Dublin
+Duce, William, a highwayman
+Dumbleton, Abraham, a thief
+Dyer, John
+Dykes, John, a thief 52-54
+
+Eaton, Mr., a Lifeguardsman
+Ebrington, Glos.
+Edgeworth, Bess, _see_ Lion, Elizabeth
+Elisha, William, a highwayman
+Elliot, Edward, a deer-stealer
+Ellis, Colonel
+Ellison, Ebenezer, an Irish thief
+Epsom
+Everett, John, a highwayman
+Execution Dock
+Exeter
+
+Falcon Stairs
+Farnham Holt
+Fea, Mr., of Eday, Orkneys
+Featherby, John, a Street-Robber
+Fenwick, Nicholas
+Ferneau, Oliver
+Ferris, a coiner
+Field, William
+Finch, Mr., resident at the Hague
+Finchley, Common
+Fink, Bernard
+Fisher, Henry, a murderer
+Fitzer, William
+Fitzpatrick, Katherine, a shoplift
+Flanders
+Fleet Prison
+    Street
+Flood, Matthew, footpad
+Follwell, John
+Foster, John, a housebreaker
+Fowles, Amy
+Fowls
+Frazier, ring-keeper at Moorfields
+Frost, William, a highwayman
+Fulsom, a thief
+
+Gahogan, Henry, a coiner
+Gale, George, a thief
+Gambia River
+Gardiner, Stephen, a highwayman
+Garnet, William
+Garraway
+_George_ galley
+Gerrard, Samuel, a constable
+Gilburn, Nicholas, a highwayman
+Gillingham, John, a highwayman
+Gloucester
+    Statute of
+Golden Tinman, the, _see_ Trippuck, John
+Golding, Thomas
+Goldington, Sarah
+Gomeroon, Joseph
+Gow, John, a pirate
+Grace, Charles
+Grahamsey, Orkneys
+Gravesend
+Great Ombersley
+Green, Alice, a cheat
+    Jenny
+    Mary
+    Peter
+Greenford
+Greenwich
+Griffin, Jane, a murderess
+Griffith, Thomas
+Grundy, Thomas James, a housebreaker
+Guy, John, a deer-stealer
+
+Hall, Richard
+Hammersmith
+Hamp, John, footpad
+Hampstead
+    Road
+Hanson, Mr.
+    Mary, a murderer
+Hanwell Green
+Harman, James, a highwayman
+Harpham, Robert, a coiner
+Harris, Samuel, a highwayman
+Harrison, William
+Hartly, John
+Harwich
+Hatfield, Herts.
+Hawes, Nathaniel, a thief
+Hawksworth, William, a murderer
+Hayes, Catherine, a murderess
+Haymarket
+Haynes, Robert, a murderer
+Hereford
+Hewlett, John, a murderer
+Hide, Martha
+Higgs, John
+Highgate
+Highwaymen, laws against
+High Wycombe
+Hoare, Mr., the banker
+Hockley-in-the-Hole
+Holborn
+Holden, William, a footpad
+Hollis, William, a thief
+Holmes, Jane, a shoplifter
+Honeyman, Mr., of Grahamsey
+Hornby, John, a thief
+Horseferry, Westminster
+Horsely Down, Southwark
+Houghton, Hugh, a robber
+Hounslow Heath
+Houssart, Lewis, a murderer
+How, James, a highwayman
+Hue and cry
+Hughs, John, a footpad
+    Richard, a highwayman
+Hulse, Dr. Edward
+Hungerford
+Huntingdon
+Hyde Park
+
+_Ignoramus_, in law
+Inns and Taverns:
+    Adam and Eve, St. Pancras
+    Baptist Head, Old Bailey
+    Black Boy, Goodman's Fields
+    Boar's Head, Smithfield
+    Brawn's Head, New Bond Street
+    Cardigan's Head, Charing Cross
+    Castle, Fleet Street
+    Coach and Horses, Old Palace Yard
+    Cock, Old Bailey
+    Dog and Dial, Monmouth Street
+    Elephant and Castle, Fleet Street
+    Farthing Pie House
+    Fighting Cocks, St. George's Fields
+    Globe, Hatton Garden
+    Green Lettuce, Holborn
+    Hampshire Hog
+    Horn, Fleet Street
+    King of Hearts, Fore Street
+    King's Arms, Red Lion Street
+    King's Head, Fish Street
+    One Tun, Strand
+    Pinder of Wakefield
+    Red Lion, Cow Cross
+    Red Lion, Lambeth
+    Rummer and Horseshoe, Drury Lane
+    Shoulder of Mutton, Billingsgate
+    Sieve, Little Minories
+    Thistle and Crown, Old Bailey
+    Three Bowls, St. James's
+    Three Pigeons
+    White Bear, Piccadilly
+Insurance Offices, cheated
+Islington
+Israel, Abraham, a Jew
+
+Jackson, Nathaniel, a highwayman
+Jaen, Captain, a murderer
+Jamaica
+James, Richard, a highwayman
+Jenny, wife of T. Benson
+Johnson, Jane
+    John, a coiner
+    Robert, a highwayman
+    Roger
+Jones, Benjamin
+    Elizabeth
+    John, a pickpocket
+    Mr. Richard
+    Rowland
+Julian, an incendiary
+Justices of the Peace, remarks upon
+
+Kelley, Peter, a murderer
+Kelly, Hugh
+Kemp, Joseph, a housebreaker
+Kennedy, Walter, a pirate
+Kennington Common
+Kensington
+King, Robert
+Kingshell, Robert, a deer-stealer
+King's Road, Chelsea
+    Street, Westminster
+Kingston
+Kirkwall
+Knap, John
+Kneebone, Mr.
+Knightsbridge
+Knowland, Henry, a footpad
+
+Lamb, Anthony
+Lambert, Justice
+Langley, Captain
+    Claude
+Larceny, laws concerning
+Laws, Sir Nicholas
+Law terms
+Leadenhall Street
+Leather Lane
+Leeds, the Duke of
+Leghorn, Italy
+Leonard, Christopher, and Kate
+Levee, John, a highwayman
+    Peter, a street-robber
+Lewis, John, a thief
+Lincoln, James, a murderer
+Lincoln's Inn Fields
+Lion, Elizabeth, or Edgeworth Bess
+Lipsat, William, a thief
+Little, James, a footpad
+    John, a housebreaker
+    Queen Street, Lincoln's Inn
+Lock, William
+Lofthouse, Thomas
+Longmore, Henry
+Lotteries
+Low, Captain Edward
+Lowther, Mr.
+    Captain, George
+
+MacCauly, a pirate
+MacGuire, Bryan, a highwayman
+Maggott, Mrs.
+Maidstone
+Man, Betty
+Manley, Mrs., the author
+Marjoram, William
+Marlborough, Wilts.
+Marple, William, a highwayman
+Marshall, Henry, a deer-stealer
+Marshal, William, a thief
+Marshalsea Prison
+Martin, Jane, a cheat
+    Peter, a Chelsea pensioner
+Maryland, plantations in
+Marylebone
+Massey, Captain John
+Maycock, Mrs.
+Medline, Thomas, a highwayman
+Meff, John, a housebreaker
+Malvin, a pirate
+Middleton, Joseph, a housebreaker
+Miles, Mrs.
+Miller, William, a highwayman
+Milliner, Mary
+Millington Common
+Minsham, John, a thief
+Mint, in Southwark
+Mitcham
+Molony, John, a thief
+_Monmouth_, man-of-war
+Moody
+Moorfields
+Morphew, John
+Morris, Edward
+    Hugh, a highwayman
+Murden, Sir Jeremiah
+Murrel, John, a horse-stealer
+Myring, Leonard, a barber
+
+Neal, Edmund, a footpad
+Neasden
+Neeves, Thomas, a thief
+Newbury, Berks.
+Newcastle-upon-Tyne
+Newcomb, William, a housebreaker
+Newfoundland
+Newgate
+Newman, Mr. Nathaniel
+Newmarket
+New Mint
+New Prison
+New York
+Nichols, John
+    Richard, a thief
+    Robert
+_Night Rambler_, a pirate sloop
+Nisbet, a joiner
+Northampton
+Norwich
+Nottingham
+Nunney, Luke, a murderer
+
+Oakey, Richard, a footpad
+Oblivion, Act of (1660)
+O'Brian, a thief
+O'Bryan, James, a highwayman
+Ogden, Samuel, highwayman
+Old Bailey
+Old Spa, Clerkenwell
+Oliver, Robert, a thief
+Oporto
+Osborn, Elizabeth
+Ouranaquoy, an Indian chief
+Overbery, Sir Thomas
+Owen, Griffith, a highwayman
+Oxford
+    Road
+
+Packer, Thomas, a highwayman
+Palermo
+Pall Mall
+Parford, Mr.
+Paris
+Parvin, Richard, a deer-stealer
+Paternoster Row
+Patrick, Samuel
+Payne, Mrs. Diana
+    John
+    Sarah, an infamous woman
+_Peine fort et Dure_
+Pennsylvania
+Penrice, Sir Henry
+Perkins, Robert, a thief
+Perrier, Jacques, a French robber
+_Perry_ galley
+Perry, Edward
+    John, and his family, murderers
+    Thomas, a footpad
+Peterson, a pirate
+Phelps
+Philadelphia
+Philip, a justice's clerk
+Philpot, Mr., a surveyor
+Piccadilly
+Picken, Joseph, a highwayman
+Pincher, William
+Pink, Edward and John, deer-stealers
+Pitts, Colonel
+Plantations of America
+Poison, Thomas, a footpad
+Porto Santo, Madeira
+Portsmouth
+    Road
+Pots, Philip
+Poultry Compter
+Powell, Sir John
+Prague, description of
+Pressing, as a punishment
+Price, John, a housebreaker
+Pugh, John, highwayman
+Purney, Ordinary of Newgate
+Putney Common
+Pye, Richard
+
+Quakers, robbed
+
+Rag Fair
+Ransom, John
+Ratcliff Highway
+Rawlins, Christopher, a thief
+    Mary (Black Mary)
+    Thomas
+Raymond, Lord Chief Justice
+Read, Robert
+    William
+    William, of Campden
+Reading, James
+Receiving, practised by Wild
+Reddey, Eleanor
+Red Lion Fields
+    Square
+Reeves, Thomas, a highwayman
+_Revenge_, a pirate galley
+Rewards, for apprehending criminals
+Reynolds, Edward, a thief
+Rice
+Rivers, Thomas, a thief
+Roberts, Dorcas
+Robinson, Mary, a shoplift
+Roche, Philip, a pirate
+Rogers, William, a thief
+    Captain Woodes
+Rondeau, Anne
+Rose Sponging-house
+Rotterdam
+Rouden, John, _alias_ Hulks, a thief
+Russell, William, a footpad
+
+Sadler's Wells
+St. Albans
+St. Andrew's, Holborn
+St. George's Fields
+St. Giles's Pound
+    Round-house
+St. James's Park
+St. Margaret's, Westminster
+St. Pancras
+St. Paul's, Covent Garden
+St. Sepulchre's Bell-man
+St. Swithin's Alley, Cornhill
+St. Thomas's Hospital
+Salisbury
+Salter, Peter
+Sanctuaries in London
+Sanders, Francis, a thief
+Sandford
+Santa Cruz
+Scarborough, Earl of
+Schmidt, Frederick, alterer of bank-notes
+Scrimgeour
+Scurrier, Richard, a shoplift
+Sefton, William, a thief
+Sells, Samuel
+Sharp, Mark, a murderer
+Shaw, James, a highwayman
+Sheldon, Mrs.
+Shelterers, the
+Shepherd, Jack, highwayman, and prisonbreaker
+    Richard, a housebreaker
+    Thomas, a thief
+Sherbourne
+Sherwood, James, a footpad
+Shoreditch
+Shrewsberry, _alias_ Smith, Joseph, a robber
+Shrewsbury
+Shrimpton, Ferdinand, a highwayman
+Sikes, James
+Simpson, William, a horse-stealer
+Sleaford
+Smith, Bryan, a blackmailer
+    John, a murderer
+    Mary, a whore
+    Simon
+    Thomas, a highwayman
+Smithfield
+Smoky Chimney Doctor, _see_ Drury, A.
+Smyrna
+Snow, Foster
+Southampton Street
+Spain, expedition to
+Spencer, Barbara, a coiner
+Sperry, William, a footpad
+Springate, Mrs.
+Spring Gardens
+Stabbing, Statute of
+Standford, Mary, a pickpocket
+Stanley, Captain John, a murderer
+Stephens, Catherine
+Stepney
+Stevens, Mary
+Stinton, Thomas
+Stockden, Worcestershire
+Stocks, Market
+Stone, John
+Sunderland
+Swaffo, Baron
+Swift, William, a thief
+
+Tartoue, Peter
+Taverns, _see_ Inns
+Temple, The
+Thompson, Sarah
+Thompson, Sir William, recorder
+Thomson, John, a highwayman
+Tilt Yard, Westminster
+Timms, Thomas, a footpad
+Tompkins, Mr.
+Toon, James, a thief
+Tothill Fields, Bridewell
+Tottenham
+    Court Road
+Tower Hill
+Towers, Mr.
+    Charles, a minter
+Transportation
+Trantham, Richard, a housebreaker
+Trig Stairs
+Trippuck, John, a highwayman
+Turner, Mrs. Elizabeth
+    John, _alias_ Civil John, a highwayman
+Turnham Green
+Tyburn
+Tyrrell, John, a horse-stealer
+
+Upton, John, a pirate
+
+Vanloden, Baron and Countess
+Vaux, Thomas, a street-robber
+Vigo
+Vinegar Yard, Drury Lane
+
+Wakeling, Mr.
+Walden, Matthew
+Walker, Ann
+Waller, John
+Waltham Blacks, the
+Wandsworth
+Wapping
+Ward Joseph, a footpad
+Waterford
+Watts, Sarah, a fence
+Weaver, Charles, a murderer
+Weedon, George, a footpad
+Wendover
+West, Jeddediah
+    John
+Westbrook, a surgeon
+West Chester
+    Chester, Pennsylvania
+    Haden, Northants
+Westwood, James
+    Thomas, a footpad
+Whalebone, _alias_ Welbone, John, a thief
+Whinyard, Mr.
+White, Abraham, a thief
+    James, a thief
+Whitechapel
+Whitefriars
+Whittingham, Richard, a footpad
+Wight, Isle of
+Wigley, John, a highwayman
+Wild, Jonathan, thief-taker
+Wildgoose, a servant
+Wileman, Benjamin, a highwayman
+Wilkinson, Robert, a murderer
+Willesden Green
+Will the Sailor
+Williams, a pirate
+Willis, a constable
+Willoughby, Mr.
+Wilson, Thomas, a footpad
+Windsor
+Winship, John, a highwayman
+Wise, Captain
+Wood, Thomas
+Woodbury Hill, Dorset
+Woodman, Richard, a highwayman
+Wood Street Compter
+Worcester
+Worebington, Roger
+Wright, James, a highwayman
+
+Yarmouth
+Yates, _alias_ Gates, _alias_ Vulcan
+York, Mr.
+Yorkshire Bob, a housebreaker
+Young, John, a highwayman
+    Hon. William
+Younger, Geoffrey, a footpad
+
+Zouch, William
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lives Of The Most Remarkable Criminals
+Who have been Condemned and Executed for Murder, the Highway, Housebreaking, Street Robberies, Coining or other offences, by Arthur L. Hayward
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13097 ***