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diff --git a/old/14065.txt b/old/14065.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..12d8af8 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14065.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1666 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The History of the Remarkable Life of John +Sheppard, by Daniel Defoe + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The History of the Remarkable Life of John Sheppard + +Author: Daniel Defoe + +Release Date: November 16, 2004 [eBook #14065] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF THE REMARKABLE LIFE +OF JOHN SHEPPARD*** + + +E-text prepared by Steven Gibbs and the Project Gutenberg Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +THE HISTORY OF THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF JOHN SHEPPARD + +Containing a Particular Account of His Many Robberies and Escapes, + + + _Viz_. + + His robbing the Shop of Mr. _Bains_ in White-Horse-Yard of 24 + Yards of Fustian. Of his breaking and entering the House of + the said Mr. _Bains_, and stealing in Goods and Money to the + Value of 20 l. Of his robbing the House of Mr. _Charles_ in + _May Fair_ of Money, Rings, Plate, &c to the Value of 30 l. Of + his robbing the House of Mrs. _Cook_ in _Clare-Market,_ along + with his pretended Wife, and his Brother, to the Value of + between 50 and 60 l. Of his breaking the Shop of Mr. _Philips_ + in _Drury-Lane,_ with the same Persons, and stealing Goods of + small Value. Of his entering the House of Mr. _Carter_, a + Mathematical Instrument Maker in _Wytch Street_, along with + _Anthony Lamb_ and _Charles Grace_, and robbing of Mr. + _Barton_, a Master Taylor who lodged therein, of Goods and + Bonds to the Value of near 300 l. Of his breaking and entering + the House of Mr. _Kneebone_, a Woollen-Draper, near the _New + Church_ in the _Strand_, in Company of _Joseph Blake_ alias + _Blewskin_ and _William Field_, and stealing Goods to the + Value of near 50 l. Of his robbing of Mr. _Pargiter_ on the + Highway near the Turnpike, on the Road _Hampstead_, along with + the said _Blewskin_. Of his robbing a Lady's Woman in her + Mistress's Coach on the same Road. Of his robbing also a Stage + Coach, with the said _Blewskin_, on the _Hampstead_ Road. + Likewise of his breaking the Shop of Mr. _Martin_ in + _Fleet-street,_ and stealing 3 silver Watches of 15 l. Value. + + ALSO-- + + A particular Account of his rescuing his pretended Wife from + St. _Giles's_ Round House. Of the wonderful Escape himself + made from the said Round-House. Of the miraculous Escape he + and his said pretended Wife made together from _New-Prison_, + on the 25th of _May_ last. Of his surprizing Escape from the + Condemn'd Hold of _Newgate_ on the 31st of _August_: Together + with the true manner of his being retaken; and of his + Behaviour in _Newgate_, till the most astonishing, and never + to be forgotten Escape he made from thence, in the Night of + the 15th of October. The Whole taken from the most authentick + Accounts, as the Informations of divers Justices of the Peace, + the several Shop-keepers above-mentioned, the principal + Officers of _Newgate_ and _New Prison_, and from the + Confession of _Sheppard_ made to the Rev. Mr. _Wagstaff_, who + officiated for the Ordinary at _Newgate_. + +_LONDON_: Printed and sold by JOHN APLEDEE in _Black-Fryers_, +J. ISTED, at the _Golden-Ball_ near _Chancery Lane_ in +_Fleet Street_, and the Booksellers of _London_ and _Westminster._ +(Price One Shilling.) + + + + +TO THE CITIZENS + +OF + +_London_ and _Westminster_. + + +GENTLEMEN, + +_Experience has confirm'd you in that everlasting_ Maxim, _that there is +no other way to protect the_ Innocent, _but by Punishing the_ Guilty. + +_Crimes ever were, and ever must be unavoidably frequent in such +populous Cities as yours are, being the necessary Consequences, either +of the_ Wants, _or the Depravity, of the lowest part of the_ humane +_Species_. + +_At this time the most flagrant Offences, as_ Burning of Dwellings; +Burglaries, _and_ Highway Robberies _abound; and_ Frauds _common_ +Felonies, _and_ Forgeries _are practic'd without Number; thus not only +your Properties, but even your very Lives are every way struck at_. + +_The_ Legislative Power _has not been wanting in providing necessary and +wholesome Laws against these_ Evils, _the executive part whereof +(according to your great Privileges) is lodged in your own Hands: And +the Administration hath at all times applyed proper Remedies and +Regulations to the_ Defects _which have happen'd in the_ Magistracy +_more immediately under their Jurisdiction_. + +_Through the just and salutary Severities of the Magistrates, publick +excessive_ Gaming _has been in a manner Surpress'd; and some late +Examples of divine Vengeance have overtaken certain of the most +notorious lewd_ Prostitutes _of the Town, which together with the +laudable endeavours of the great and worthy_ Societies, _has given no +small check to that enormous and spreading_ Vice. + +_But here's a_ Criminal _bids Defiance to your_ Laws, _and _Justice _who +declar'd and has manifested that the_ Bars _are not made that can either +keep him_ Out, _or keep him_ In, _and accordingly hath a second time +fled from the very_ Bosom Of Death. + +_His History will astonish! and is not compos'd of Fiction, Fable, or +Stories plac'd at York_, Rome, _or_ Jamaica, _but_ Facts _done at your +Doors_, Facts _unheard of, altogether new, Incredible, and yet +Uncontestable_. + +_He is gone once more upon his wicked Range in the World. Restless +Vengeance is pursuing, and_ Gentlemen '_tis to be hoped that she will be +assisted by your Endeavours to bring to Justice this notorious +Offender_. + + + + +THE LIFE OF + +_JOHN SHEPPARD, &c._ + + +This _John Sheppard_, a Youth both in Age and Person, tho' an old Man in +Sin; was Born in the Parish of _Stepney_ near _London_, in the Year +1702, a Son, Grandson, and great Grandson of a _Carpenter_: His Father +died when he was so very Young that he could not recollect that ever he +saw him. Thus the burthen of his Maintenance, together with his +Brother's and Sister's, lay upon the Shoulders of the Widow Mother, who +soon procured an Admittance of her Son _John_ into the _Work-House_ in +_Bishopsgate-street,_ where he continued for the space of a Year and +half, and in that time received an Education sufficient to qualifie him +for the Trade his Mother design'd him, _viz_. a _Carpenter_: Accordingly +she was recommended to Mr. _Wood_ in _Witch-Street_ near _Drury-Lane_, +as a Master capable of entertaining and instructing her Son: They agreed +and Bound he was for the space of seven Years; the Lad proved an early +proficient, had a ready and ingenious Hand, and soon became Master of +his Business, and gave entire Satisfaction to his Master Customers, and +had the Character of a very sober and orderly Boy. But alas unhappy +Youth! before he had compleated six Years of his Apprenticeship, he +commenced a fatal Acquaintance with one _Elizabeth Lyon_, otherwise +call'd _Edgworth Bess_, from a Town of that Name in _Middlesex_ where +she was Born, the reputed Wife of a Foot Soldier, and who lived a wicked +and debauch'd Life; and our young _Carpenter_ became Enamour'd of her, +and they must Cohabit together as Man and Wife. + +Now was laid the Foundation of his Ruin; _Sheppard_ grows weary of the +Yoke of Servitude, and began to dispute with his Master; telling him +that his way of Jobbing from House to House was not sufficient to +furnish him with a due Experience in his Trade; and that if he would not +set out to undertake some Buildings, he would step into the World for +better Information. Mr. _Wood_ a mild, sober, honest Man, indulg'd him; +and Mrs. _Wood_ with Tears, exhorted him against the Company of this +lewd Prostitute: But her Man prompted and harden'd by his HARLOT, D--- +n'd _her Blood_, and threw a Stick at his Mistress, and beat her to the +Ground. And being with his Master at Work at Mr. _Britt's_ the _Sun_ +Ale-house near _Islington_, upon a very trivial Occasion fell upon his +Master, and beat and bruised him in a most barbarous and shameful +Manner. Such a sudden and deplorable Change was there in the Behaviour +of this promising young Man. Next ensued a neglect of Duty, both to God +and his Master, lying out of Nights, perpetual Jarrings, and +Animosities; these and such like, were the Consequences of his intimacy +with this she _Lyon_; who by the sequel will appear to have been a main +loadstone in attracting of him up to this Eminence of Guilt. + +Mr. _Wood_ having Reason to suspect, that _Sheppard_ had robb'd a +Neighbour, began to be in great Fear and Terror for himself. And when +his Man came not Home in due season at Nights bar'd him out; but he made +a mere jest of the Locks and Bolts, and enter'd in, and out at Pleasure; +and when Mr. _Wood_ and his Wife have had all the Reason in the World to +believe him Lock't out, they have found him very quiet in his Bed the +next Morning, such was the power of his early Magick. + +_Edgworth Bess_ having stol'n a Gold Ring from a Gentleman, whom she had +pick'd up in the Streets, was sent to St. _Giles's_ Round-house; +_Sheppard_ went immediately to his Consort, and after a short Discourse +with Mr. _Brown_ the Beadle, and his Wife, who had the Care of the +Place, he fell upon the poor old Couple, took the Keys from them, and +let his Lady out at the Door in spight of all the Out-cryes, and +Opposition they were capable of making. + +About _July_ 1723, He was by his Master sent to perform a Repair, at the +House of Mr. _Bains_, a Piece-Broker in _White-Horse Yard_; he from +thence stole a Roll of Fustain, containing 24 Yards, which was +afterwards found in his Trunk. This is supposed to be the first Robbery +he ever committed and it was not long e're he Repeated another upon this +same Mr. _Bains_, by breaking into his House in the Night-time, and +taking out of the _Till_ seven Pounds in Money, and Goods to the value +of fourteen Pounds more. How he enter'd this House, was a Secret till +his being last committed to _Newgate_, when he confessed that he took up +the Iron Bars at the Cellar Window, and after he had done his Business, +he nailed them down again, so that Mr. _Bains_ never believed his House +had been broke; and an innocent Woman a Lodger in the House lay all the +while under the weight of a suspicion of committing the Robbery. + +_Sheppard_ and his Master had now parted, ten Months before the +expiration of his Apprenticeship, a woeful parting to the former; he was +gone from a good and careful Patronage, and lay expos'd to, and comply'd +with the Temptations of the most wicked Wretches this Town could afford +as _Joseph Blake_, alias _Blewskins, William Field, Doleing, James +Sykes_, alias _Hell_ and _Fury_, which last was the first that betray'd, +and put him into the Hands of Justice, as will presently appear. + +Having deserted his Master's Service, he took Shelter in the House of +Mr. _Charles_ in _May-Fair_, near _Piccadilly_, and his Landlord having +a Necessity for some Repairs in his House, engag'd one Mr. _Panton_ a +_Carpenter_ to Undertake them, and _Sheppard_ to assist him as a +Journeyman; but on the 23rd of _October_, 1723, e're the Work was +compleat, _Sheppard_ took Occasion to rob the People of the Effects +following, _viz._ seven Pound ten Shillings in Specie, five large silver +Spoons, six plain Forks ditto, four Tea-Spoons, six plain Gold Rings, +and a Cypher Ring; four Suits of Wearing Apparel, besides Linnen, to a +considerable value. This Fact he confess'd to the Reverend Mr. +_Wagstaff_ before his Escape from the Condemn'd Hold of _Newgate_. + +_Sheppard_ had a Brother, nam'd _Thomas_, a _Carpenter_ by Profession, +tho' a notorious Thief and House-breaker by Practice. This _Thomas_ +being committed to _Newgate_ for breaking the House of Mrs. _Mary Cook_ +a _Linnen-Draper_, in _Clare-street, Clare-Market_, on the 5th of +_February_ last, and stealing Goods to the value of between 50, and 60 +l. he impeach'd his Brother _John Sheppard_, and _Edgworth Bess_ as +being concerned with him in the Fact; and these three were also Charg'd +with being concern'd together, in breaking the House of Mr. _William +Phillips_ in _Drury-Lane_, and stealing divers Goods, the Property of +Mrs. _Kendrick_ a Lodger in the House, on the 14th of the said +_February_: All possible endeavours were us'd by Mrs. _Cook_ and Mr. +_Phillips_, to get _John Sheppard_ and _Edgworth Bess_ Apprehended, but +to no purpose, till the following Accident. + +_Sheppard_ was now upon his wicked Range in _London_, committing +Robberies every where at Discretion; but one Day meeting with his +Acquaintance, _James Sykes_, alias _Hell_ and _Fury_, sometimes a +Chair-man, and at others a Running Foot-man. This _Sykes_ invited him to +go to one _Redgate's_, a Victualling-house near the _Seven Dials_, to +play at _Skettles_, _Sheppard_ comply'd, and _Sykes_ secretly sent for +Mr. _Price_ a Constable in St. _Giles's Parish_, and Charg'd him with +his Friend _Sheppard_ for the Robbing of Mrs. _Cook_, &c. _Sheppard_ was +carried before Justice _Parry_, who order'd him to St. _Giles's_ +Round-house till the next Morning for farther Examination: He was +Confin'd in the Upper part of the Place, being two Stories from the +Ground, but 'ere two Hours came about, by only the help of a Razor, and +the Stretcher of a Chair, he broke open the Top of the Round house, and +tying together a Sheet and Blanket, by them descended into the +Church-yard and Escap'd, leaving the Parish to Repair the Damage, and +Repent of the Affront put upon his Skill and Capacity. + +On the 19th of _May_ last in the Evening, _Sheppard_ with another Robber +named _Benson_, were passing thro' _Leicester-fields_, where a Gentleman +stood accusing a Woman with an attempt to steal his Watch, a Mobb was +gathered about the Disputants, and _Sheppard's_ Companion being a +_Master_, got in amongst them and pick'd the Gentleman's Pocket in good +earnest of the Watch; the Scene was surprizingly chang'd, from an +imaginary Robbery to a real one; and in a moment ensued an Out-cry of +_stop Thief_, _Sheppard_ and _Benson_ took to their Heels, and +_Sheppard_ was seiz'd by a Serjeant of the Guard at _Leicester_ House, +crying out _stop Thief_ with much earnestness. He was convey'd to St. +_Ann's Round House_ in _Soho_, and kept secure till the next Morning, +when _Edgworth Bess_ came to visit him, who was seiz'd also; they were +carried before Justice _Walters_, when the People in _Drury-Lane_ and +_Clare-Market_ appeared, and charged them with the Robberies +aforemention'd: But _Sheppard_ pretending to Impeach certain of his +Accomplices, the Justice committed them to _New-Prison_, with intent to +have them soon removed to _Newgate_, unless there came from them some +useful Discoveries. _Sheppard_ was now a second time in the hands of +Justice, but how long he intended to keep in them, the Reader will soon +be able to Judge. + +He and his MATE were now in a strong and well guarded Prison, himself +loaded with a pair of double _Links_ and _Basils_[17] of about fourteen +pounds weight, and confined together in the safest Appartment call'd +_Newgate Ward_; _Sheppard_ conscious of his Crimes, and knowing the +_Information_ he had made to be but a blind Amusement that would avail +him nothing; he began to Meditate an Escape. They had been thus detained +for about four Days, and their Friends having the Liberty of seeing +them, furnish'd him with Implements proper for his Design, accordingly +Mr. _Sheppard_ goes to work, and on the 25th of May being _Whit-son +Monday_ at about two of the Clock in the Morning, he had compleated a +practicable breach, and sawed of his Fetters; having with unheard of +Diligence and Dexterity, cut off an Iron Bar from the Window, and taken +out a Muntin, or Bar of the most solid Oak of about nine Inches in +thickness, by boring it thro' in many Places, a work of great Skill and +Labour; they had still five and twenty Foot to descend from the Ground; +_Sheppard_ fasten'd a Sheet and Blanket to the Bars, and causes Madam to +take off her Gown and Petticoat, and sent her out first, and she being +more Corpulent than himself, it was with great Pain and Difficulty that +he got her through the Interval, and observing his Directions, was +instantly down, and more frighted than hurt; the _Phylosopher_ follow'd, +and lighted with Ease and Pleasure; But where are they Escap'd to? Why +out of one Prison into another. The Reader is to understand, that the +_New Prison_ and _Clerkenwell Bridewell_ lye Contiguous to one another, +and they are got into the Yard of the latter, and have a Wall of +twenty-two Foot high to Scale, before their Liberty is perfected; +_Sheppard_ far from being unprepared to surmount this Difficulty, has +his Gimblets and Peircers ready, and makes a Scaleing-Ladder. The +Keepers and Prisoners of both Places are a sleep in their Beds; he +Mounts his _Bagage_, and in less than ten Minutes carries both her and +himself over this wall, and compleats an entire Escape. Altho' his +Escape from the Condemn'd Hold of _Newgate_, has made a far greater +Noise in the World, than that from this Prison hath. It has been allow'd +by all the Jayl-Keepers in _London_, that one so Miraculous was never +perform'd before in _England_; the broken Chains and Bars are kept at +_New Prison_ to Testifie, and preserve the Memory of this extraordinary +Villain. + +_Sheppard_ not warn'd by this Admonition, returns like a _Dog to his +Vomit_, and comes Secretly into his Master _Wood's_ Neighbourhood in +_Witch-street_, and conceits Measures with one _Anthony Lamb_, an +Apprentice to Mr. _Carter_ a Mathematical Instrument-maker, for Robbing +of Mr. _Barton_ a Master Taylor; a Man of Worth and Reputation, who +Lodg'd in Mr. _Carter's_ House. _Charles Grace_, a graceless Cooper was +let into the Secret, and consented, and resolved to Act his Part. The +16th of _June_ last was appointed, _Lamb_ accordingly lets _Grace_ and +_Sheppard_ into the House at Mid-Night; and they all go up to Mr. +_Bartons_ Appartment well arm'd with Pistols, and enter'd his Rooms, +without being disturb'd. _Grace_ was Posted at Mr. _Barton's_ Bedside +with a loaded Pistol, and positive Orders to shoot him through the Head, +if in case he awak'd. _Sheppard_ being engag'd in opening the Trunks and +Boxes, the mean while. It luckily happen'd for Mr. _Barton_, that he +slept Sounder than usual that Night, as having come from a Merry-making +with some Friends; tho' poor Man little Dreaming in what dreadful +Circumstances. They carried off in Notes, and Bonds, Guineas, Cloaths, +Made and Unmade, to the value of between two and three Hundred Pounds; +besides a Padesuoy Suit of Cloaths, worth about eighteen or twenty +Pounds more; which having been made for a Corpulent Gentleman, +_Sheppard_ had them reduc'd, and fitted for his own Size and War, as +designing to Appear and make a Figure among the _Beau Monde_. _Grace_ +and _Sheppard_, having disposed of the Goods at an Ale-house in +_Lewkenors Lane_ (a Rendezvous of Robbers and Ruffians) took their +Flight, and _Grace_ had not been since heard of. _Lamb_ was apprehended, +and carried before Justice _Newton_, and made an ample Confession; and +there being nothing but that against him at his Tryal, and withal, a +favourable Prosecution, he came off with a Sentence of Transportation +only. He as well as _Sheppard_ has since confirm'd all the above +particulars, and with this Addition, _viz_. That it was Debated among +them to have Murder'd all the People in the House, save one Person. + +About the latter End of the same Month, _June_, Mr. _Kneebone_, a +Woollen-Draper near the New Church in the _Strand_, receiv'd a Caution +from the Father of _Anthony Lamb_, who intimated to Mr. _Kneebone_ that +his House was intended to be broke open and robb'd that very Night. Mr. +_Kneebone_ prepar'd for the Event, ordering his Servants to sit up, and +gave Directions to the Watchman in the Street to observe his House: At +about two in the Morning _Sheppard_ and his Gang were about the Door, a +Maid-Servant went to listen, and heard one of the Wretches, say, _Da--n +him, if they could not enter that Night, they would another, and would +have 300l. of his_, (meaning) Mr. _Kneebone's_ Money. They went off, and +nothing more was heard of them till _Sunday_ the 12th Day of _July_ +following, when _Joseph Blake_, alias _Blewskins, John Sheppard_, and +_William Field_ (as himself Swears) came about 12 o'clock at Night, and +cut two large Oaken-Bars over the Cellar-Window, at the back part of the +House in _Little-Drury-Lane_, and so entered; Mr. _Kneebone_, and his +Family being at Rest, they proceeded to open a Door at the Foot of the +Cellar-Stairs, with three Bolts, and a large Padlock upon it, and then +came up into the Shop and wrench'd off the Hasp, and Padlock that went +over the Press, and arriv'd at their desir'd Booty; they continu'd in +the House for three Hours, and carry'd off with them One Hundred and +eight Yards of Broad Woollen Cloth, five Yards of blue Bays, a light +Tye-Wig, and Beaver-Hat, two Silver Spoons, an Handkerchief, and a +Penknife. In all to the value of near fifty Pounds. + +The _Sunday_ following, being the 19th of _July, Sheppard_ and +_Blewskins_ were out upon the _Hampstead_ Road, and there stopt a Coach +with a Ladies Woman in it, from whom they took but Half-a-Crown; all the +Money then about her; the Foot-man behind the Coach came down, and +exerted himself; but _Sheppard_ sent him in hast up to his Post again, +by threat of his Pistol. + +The next Night being the 20th of _july_, about Nine, they Robb'd Mr. +_Pargiter_, a Chandler of _Hamstead_, near the Halfway-House; +_Sheppard_ after his being taken at _Finchley_ was particularly +examin'd about this Robbery. The Reverend Mr. _Wagstaff_ having receiv'd +a Letter from an unknown Hand, with two Questions, to be propos'd to +_Sheppard_, _viz._ Whether he did Rob _John Pargiter_, on _Monday_ the +20th of _July_, about Nine at Night, between the _Turnpike_ and +_Hamstead_; How much Money he took from him? Whither _Pargiter_ was +Drunk, or not, and if he had Rings or Watch about him, when robb'd? +which, Request was comply'd with, and _Sheppard_ affirm'd, that Mr. +_Pargiter_ was very much in Liquor, having a great Coat on; neither +Rings on his Fingers or Watch, and only three Shillings in his Pocket, +which they took from him, and that _Blewskins_ knock him down twice with +the Butt-end of his Pistol to make sure Work, (tho' Excess of drink had +done that before) but _Sheppard_ did in kindness raise him up as often. + +The next Night, _July_ 21, they stopt a Stage-Coach, and took from a +Passenger in it, Twenty-two Shillings, and were so expeditious in the +Matter, that _not two Words were made about the Bargain_. + +Now Mr. _Sheppard's_ long and wicked Course seemingly draws towards a +Period. Mr. _Kneebone_ having apply'd to _Jonathan Wild_, and set forth +Advertisements in the Papers, complaining of his Robbery. On _Tuesday_ +the 22d of _July_ at Night _Edgworth Bess_ was taken in a Brandy-shop, +near _Temple-Bar_ by _Jonathan Wild_; she being much terrify'd, +discover'd where _Sheppard_ was: A Warrant was accordingly issued by +Justice _Blackerby_, and the next Day he was Apprehended, at the House +of _Blewskin's_ Mother, in _Rose-Mary-Lane_, by one _Quilt_, a Domestick +of Mr. _Wild's_ though not without great opposition, for, he clapt a +loaded, Pistol to _Quilt's_ Breast, and attempted to shoot him, but the +Pistol miss'd fire; he was brought back to _New Prison_, confin'd in the +Dungeon; and the next Day carried before Justice _Blackerby_. Upon his +Examination he Confess'd the three Robberies on the Highway +aforemention'd, as also the Robbing of Mr. _Bains_, Mr. _Barton_, and +Mr. _Kneebone_, he was committed to Newgate, and at the Sessions of +_Oyer_ and _Terminer_, and Goal delivery, holden at the _Old-Baily_, on +the 12th, 13th and 14th of _August_, he was try'd upon three several +indictments, _viz._ First for breaking the House of _William Philips_. + +_John Sheppard_, of the Parish of St. _Martin_ in _the Fields_, was +indicted for breaking the House of _William Philips_, and stealing +divers Goods, the 14th of _February_ last. But there not being +sufficient Evidence against the Prisoner, he was acquitted. + +He was also indicted a Second Time, of St. _Clement Danes_, for breaking +the House of _Mary Cook_, the 5th of _February_ last, and stealing +divers Goods: But the Evidence against the Prisoner being defficient as +to this Indictment also, he was acquitted. + +He was also indicted the Third Time, of St. _Mary Savoy_, for breaking +the House of _William Kneebone_, in the Night-Time, and stealing, 108 +Yards of Woollen Cloth, the 12th of _July_ last. The Prosecutor depos'd, +That the Prisoner had some Time since been his Servant, and when he went +to Bed, the Time mentioned in the Indictment, about 11 a-Clock at Night, +he saw all the Doors and Windows fast; but was call'd up about four in +the Morning, and found his House broke open, the Bars of a Cellar-Window +having been cut, and the Bolts of the Door that comes up Stairs drawn, +and the Padlock wrench'd off, and the Shutter in the Shop broken, and +his Goods gone; whereupon suspecting the Prisoner, he having committed +ill Actions thereabouts before, he acquainted _Jonathan Wild_ with it, +and he procur'd him to be apprehended. That he went to the Prisoners in +New _Prison_, and asking how he could be so ungrateful to rob him, after +he had shown him so much Kindness? The Prisoner own'd he had been +ungrateful in doing so, informing him of several Circumstances as to the +Manner of committing the Fact, but said he had been drawn into it by ill +Company. _Jonathan Wild_, depos'd, The Prosecutor came to him, and +desir'd him to enquire after his Goods that had been stolen, telling him +he suspected the Prisoner to have been concern'd in the Robbery, he +having before committed some Robberies in the Neighbourhood. That +inquiring after him, and having heard of him before, he was inform'd +that he was an Acquaintance of _Joseph Blake_, alias _Blewskins_, and +_William Field_: Whereupon he sent for _William Field_, who came to him; +upon which he told him, if he would make an ingenuous Confession, he +believ'd he could prevail with the Court to make him an Evidence. That +he did make a Discovery of the Prisoner, upon which he was apprehended, +and also of others since convicted, and gave an Account of some Parcels +of the Cloth, which were found accordingly. _William Field_ depos'd, +That the Prisoner told him, and _Joseph Blake_, that he knew a _Ken_ +where they might get something of Worth. That they went to take a View +of the Prosecutor's House, but disprov'd of the Attempt, as not thinking +it easy to be perform'd; But the Prisoner perswaded them that it might +easily be done, he knowing the House, he having liv'd with the +Prosecutor. That thereupon he cut the Cellar Bar, went into the Cellar, +got into the Shop, and brought out three Parcels of Cloth, which they +carried away. The Prisoner had also confest the Fact when he was +apprehended, and before the Justice. The Fact being plainly prov'd, the +Jury found him guilty of the Indictment. + +Sentence of Death was pronounc'd upon him accordingly. Several other +Prosecutions might have been brought against him, but this was thought +sufficient to rid the World of so Capital an Offender: He beg'd +earnestly for Transportation, to the most extream Foot of his Majesty's +Dominions; and pleaded Youth, and Ignorance as the Motive which had +precipitated him into the Guilt; but the Court deaf to his +Importunities, as knowing him, and his repeated Crimes to be equally +flagrant, gave him no satisfactory Answer: He return'd to his dismal +Abode the Condemn'd Hold, where were Nine more unhappy Wretches in as +dreadful Circumstances as himself. The Court being at _Windsor_, the +Malefactors had a longer Respite than is usual; during that Recess, +_James Harman_, _Lumley_, _Davis_ and _Sheppard_ agreed upon an Escape, +concerted Measures, and provided Instruments to make it effectual; but +put off the Execution of their Design, on Account the two Gentlemen +having their hopes of Life daily renewed by the favourable Answers they +receiv'd from some considerable Persons; but those vanishing the day +before their Execution, and finding their Sentence irreversible, they +two dropt their hopes, together with the Design, they form'd for an +Escape, and so in earnest prepar'd to meet Death on the Morrow, (which +they accordingly did.). 'Twas on this Day Mr _Davis_ gave _Sheppard_ the +Watch Springs, Files, Saws, _&c._ to Effect his own Release; and knowing +that a Warrant was Hourly expected for his Execution with Two others, on +the _Friday_ following; he thought it high time to look about him, for +he had waited his Tryal, saw his Conviction, and heard his Sentence with +some patience; but finding himself irrespitably decreed for Death, he +could sit passive no longer, and on the very Day of the Execution of the +former; whilst they were having their Fetters taken off, in order for +going to the Tree, that Day he began to saw, _Saturday_ made a progress; +but _Sunday_ omitted, by Reason of the Concourse in the _Lodge_: +_Edgworth Bess_ having been set at Liberty, had frequent Access to him, +with others of his Acquaintance. On _Monday_ the Death _Warrant_ came +from _Windsor_, appointing that he, together with _Joseph Ward_ and +_Anthony Upton_ should be Executed on the _Friday_ following, being the +4th of _September_. The Keepers acquainted him therewith, and desired +him to make good use of that short Time. He thank'd them, said _he would +follow their Advice_, and _prepare_. _Edgworth Bess_, and another Woman +had been with him at the Door of the Condemn'd Hold best part of the +Afternoon, between five and six he desir'd the other Prisoners, except +_Stephen Fowles_ to remain above, while he offer'd something in private +to his Friends at the Door; they comply'd, and in this interval he got +the Spike asunder, which made way for the Skeleton to pass with his +Heels foremost, by the Assistance of _Fowles_, whom he most ungenerously +betray'd to the Keepers after his being retaken, and the Fellow was as +severely punish'd for it. + +Having now got clear of his Prison, he took Coach disguis'd in a Night +Gown at the corner of the _Old Baily_, along with a Man who waited for +him in the Street (and is suppos'd to be _Page_ the Butcher) ordering +the Coachman to drive to _Black-Fryers Stairs_, where his prostitute +gave him the Meeting, and they three took Boat, and went a Shoar at the +_Horse-Ferry_ at _Westminster_, and at the _White-Hart_ they went in, +Drank, and stay'd sometime; thence they adjourn'd to a Place in +_Holbourn_, where by the help of a Saw he quitted the Chains he had +brought with him from _Newgate_; and then like a Freeman took his Ramble +through the City and came to _Spittle-Fields_, and there lay with +_Edgeworth Bess_. + +It may be easy to imagine what an alarm his Escape gave to the Keepers +of _Newgate_, three of their People being at the farther End of the +_Lodge_, engag'd in a Discourse concerning his wonderful Escape from +_New-Prison,_ and what Caution ought to be us'd, lest he should give +them the slip, at that very Instant as he perfected it. + +On _Tuesday_ he sent for _William Page_ an Apprentice to a Butcher in +_Clare-Market_, who came to him, and being Pennyless, he desir'd _Page_ +to give him what Assistance he could to make his way, and being a +Neighbour and Acquaintance, he comply'd with it; but e're he would do +any thing, he consulted a near Relation, who as he said, encourag'd him +in it; nay, put him upon it, so meeting with this Success in his +Application to his Friend, and probable an Assistance in the Pocket, he +came to _Sheppard_ having bought him a new blue _Butcher's_ Frock, and +another for himself, and so both took their Rout to _Warnden_ in +_Northamptonshire_, where they came to a Relation of _Page's_, who +receiv'd and Entertain'd them kindly, the People lying from their own +Bed to Accommodate them. _Sheppard_ pretending to be a _Butcher's_ Son +in _Clare-Market_, who was going farther in the Country to his Friends, +and that _Page_ was so kind as to Accompany him; but they as well as +their Friend became tir'd of one another; the _Butchers_ having but one +Shilling left, and the People poor, and Consequently unable to Subsist +two such Fellows, after a stay of three or four Days, they return'd, and +came for _London_, and reach'd the City on _Tuesday_ the 8th of +_September_, calling by the way at _Black-Mary's-Hole_, and Drinking +with several of their Acquaintance, and then came into _Bishopsgate +street_, to one _Cooley's_ a _Brandy-shop_; where a _Cobler_ being at +Work in his Stall, stept out and Swore _ther was_ Sheppard, _Sheppard_ +hearing him, departed immediately. In the Evening they came into +_Fleet-street_, at about Eight of the Clock, and observing Mr. _Martins_ +a Watchmaker's Shop to be open, and a little Boy only to look after it: +_Page_ goes in and asks the Lad whether Mr. _Taylor_ a _Watchmaker_ +lodg'd in the House? being answer'd in the Negative, he came away, and +Reports the Disposition of the Place: _Sheppard_ now makes Tryal of his +old Master-peice; fixeth a Nail Peircer into the Door post, fastens the +Knocker thereto with Packthread, breaks the Glass, and takes out three +_Silver Watches_ of 15 l. value, the Boy seeing him take them, but could +not get out to pursue him, by reason of his Contrivance. One of the +Watches he Pledg'd for a Guinea and Half. The same Night they came into +_Watch-street_, _Sheppard_ going into his _Master's_ Yard, and calling +for his Fellow 'Prentice, his Mistress heard, knew his Voice, and was +dreadfully frightened; he next went to the _Cock_ and _Pye Ale-House_ in +_Drury-Lane_, sent for a Barber his Acquaintance, drank Brandy and eat +Oysters in the view of several people. _Page_ waiting all the while at +the Door, the whole Neighbourhood being alarm'd, yet none durst attempt +him, for fear of Pistols, _&c._ He had vow'd Revenge upon a poor Man as +kept a Dairy-Cellar, at the End of _White-Horse-Yard_, who having seen +him at _Islington_ after his Escape, and engag'd not to speak of it, +broke his Promise; wherefore _Sheppard_ went to his Residence took the +Door off the Hinges and threw it down amongst all the Man's Pans, +Pipkins, and caus'd a Deluge of Cream and Milk all over the Cellar. + +This Night he had a narrow Escape, one Mr. _Ireton_ a Sheriffs Officer +seeing him and _Page_ pass thro' _Drury-Lane_, at about Ten o'clock +pursu'd 'em, and laid hold of _Page_ instead of _Sheppard_, who got off, +thus _Ireton_, missing the main Man, and thinking _Page_ of no +Consequence, let him go after him. + +_Edgworth Bess_ had been apprehended by _Jonathan Wild_, and by Sir +_Francis Forbes_ one of the Aldermen of _London_, committed to the +_Poultry-Compter_, for being aiding and assisting to _Sheppard_ in his +Escape; the Keepers and others terrify'd and purg'd her as much as was +possible to discover where he was, but had it been in her Inclination, +it was not in her Power so to do, as it manifestly appear'd soon after. + +The People about the _Strand_, _Witch-street_ and _Drury-Lane_, whom he +had Robb'd, and who had prosecuted him were under great Apprensions and +Terror, and in particular Mr. _Kneebone_, on whom he vow'd a bloody +Revenge; because he refus'd to sign a Petition in his behalf to the +_Recorder_ of _London_. This Gentleman was forc'd to keep arm'd People +up in his House every Night till he was Re-taken, and had the same +fortify'd in the strongest manner. Several other Shop-keepers in this +Neighbourhood were also put to great Expence and Trouble to Guard +themselves against this dreadful Villian. + +The Keepers of _Newgate_, whom the rash World loaded with Infamy, +stigmatiz'd and branded with the Title of Persons guilty of Bribery; +for Connivance at his Escape, they and what Posse in their Power, either +for Love or Money did Contribute their utmost to undeceive a wrong +notion'd People. Their Vigilance was remarkably indefatigable, sparing +neither Money nor Time, Night nor Day to bring him back to his deserv'd +Justice. After many Intelligences, which they endeavour'd for, and +receiv'd, they had one which prov'd very Successful. Having learnt for a +certainty that their Haunts was about _Finchly Common_, and being very +well assur'd of the very House where they lay; on _Thursday_ the 10th of +_September_, a posse of Men, both of Spirit and Conduct, furnish'd with +Arms proper for their Design, went for _Finchley_, some in a Coach and +Four, and others on Horseback. They dispers'd themselves upon the +_Common_ aforesaid, in order to make their View, where they had not been +long e're they came in Sight of _SHEPPARD_ in Company of _WILLIAM PAGE_, +habited like two _Butchers_ in new blue Frocks, with white Aprons tuck'd +round their Wastes. + +Upon _Sheppard's_ seeing _Langley_ a Turnkey at _Newgate_, he says to +his Companion _Page_, _I see a Stag_; upon which their Courage dropt; +knowing that now their dealing way of Business was almost at an End; +however to make their Flight as secure as they could, they thought it +adviseable to take to a Foot-path, to cut off the pursuit of the +_Newgate Cavalry_; but this did not prove most successful, _Langley_ +came up with _Page_ (who was hindermost) and Dismounting with Pistol in +Hand, commands _Page_ to throw up his Hands, which he trembling did, +begging for Life, desiring him to _Fisk_ him, _viz._ (search him,) which +he accordingly did, and found a broad Knife and File; having thus +disarm'd him, he takes the _Chubb_ along with him in quest of the +slippery _Ele_, _Sheppard_; who had taken Shelter in an old Stable, +belonging to a Farm-House; the pursuit was close, the House invested, +and a Girl seeing his Feet as he stood up hid, discover'd him. _Austin_ +a Turnkey first attach'd his Person. _Langley_ seconded him, _Ireton_ an +Officer help'd to Enclose, and happy was the hindermost who aided in +this great Enterprise. He being shock'd with the utmost Fear, told them +he submitted, and desir'd they would let him live as long as he could, +which they did, and us'd him mildly; upon searching him they found a +broad Knife with two of the Watches as he had taken out of Mr. +_Martin's_ Shop, one under each Armpit; and now having gain'd their +Point, and made themselves Masters of what they had often endeavoured +for, they came with their _Lost Sheep_ to a little House on the _Common_ +that sold Liquors, with this Inscription on the Sign, _I have brought +my_ Hogs _to a fair Market_; which our two unfortunate _Butchers_ under +their then unhappy Circumstances, had too sad Reason to apply to +themselves. _Sheppard_ had by this time recover'd his Surprize, grew +calm and easy, and desir'd them to give him Brandy, they did, and were +all good Friends, and Company together. + +They adjourn'd with their Booty to another Place, where was waiting a +Coach and Four to Convey it to Town, with more Speed and Safety; and Mr. +_Sheppard_ arriv'd at his old Mansion, at about two in the Afternoon. At +his a-lighting, he made a sudden Spring; He declar'd his Intention was +to have slipt under the Coach, and had a Race for it; he was put into +the Condemn'd-Hold, and Chain'd down to the Floor with double _Basils_ +about his Feet, _&c._ _Page_ was carried before Sir _Francis Forbes_ and +committed to the same Prison for Accompanying and aiding _Sheppard_ in +his Escape. The prudence of Mr. _Pitt_ caus'd a Separation between him +and his Brother the first Night, as a Means to prevent any ensuing +Danger, by having two Heads, which (according to our Proverbial Saying) +_are better than one_. + +The Joy the People of _Newgate_ conceiv'd on this Occasion is +inexpressible, _Te Deum_ was Sung in the _Lodge_, and nothing but +Smiles, and Bumpers, were seen there for many Days together. But +_Jonathan Wild_ unfortunately happen'd to be gone upon a wrong Scent +after him to _Sturbridge_, and Lost a Share of the Glory. + +His Escape and his being so suddenly Re-taken made such a Noise in the +Town, that it was thought all the common People would have gone Mad +about him; there being not a _Porter_ to be had for Love nor Money, nor +getting into an Ale-house, for _Butchers_; _Shoemakers_ and _Barbers_, +all engag'd in Controversies, and Wagers, about _Sheppard_. _Newgate_ +Night and Day surrounded with the Curious from St. _Giles's_ and +_Rag-Fair_, and _Tyburn Road_ daily lin'd with Women and Children; and +the _Gallows_ as carefully watch'd by Night, lest he should be hang'd +_Incog._ For a Report of that nature, obtain'd much upon the Rabble; In +short, it was a Week of the greatest Noise and Idleness among +Mechanicks that has been known in _London_, and _Parker_ and _Pettis_, +two _Lyricks_, subsisted many Days very comfortably upon _Ballads_ and +_Letters_ about _Sheppard_. The vulgar continu'd under great Doubts and +Difficulties, in what would be his Case, and whether the _Old Warrant_, +or a _New One_ must be made for his Execution, or a New Tryal, _&c._ +were the great Questions as arose, and occasion'd various Reasonings and +Speculation, till a News Paper, call'd the _Daily Journal_ set them all +to Rights by the Publication of the Account following, _viz._ + + + '_J. Sheppard_ having been Convicted of Burglary, and Felony, + and received Sentence of Death, and afterwards 'Escap'd from + _Newgate_; and being since Re-taken'; we are assur'd that it + must be prov'd in a _Regular_, and _Judicial_ way, that he is + the same Person, who was so Convicted and made his Escape, + before a Warrant can be obtain'd for his Execution; and that + this Affair well be brought before the Court at the _Old + Baily_ the next Sessions.' + +This was enough; People began to grow calm and easy and got _Shav'd_, +and their Shoes _finish'd_, and Business returned into its former +Channel, the Town resolving to wait the _Sessions_ with Patience. + +The Reverend Mr. _Wagstaff_, who officiated in the absence of the +_Ordinary_, renew'd his former Acquaintance with Mr. _Sheppard_, and +examin'd him in a particular manner concerning his Escape from the +Condemn'd Hold: He sincerely disown'd, that all, or any, belonging to +the Prison were privy thereto; but related it as it has been describ'd. +He declar'd that _Edgworth Bess_, who had hitherto pass'd for his +_Wife_, was not really so: This was by some thought to be in him Base, +and Ungenerous in that, as she had Contributed towards his Escape, and +was in Custody on that Account, it might render her more liable to +Punishment, than if she had been thought his Wife; but he endeavour'd to +acquit himself, by saying, that she was the sole Author of all his +Misfortunes; That she betray'd him to _Jonathan Wild_, at the time he +was taken in _Rosemary-Lane_; and that when he was contriving his +Escape, she disobey'd his orders, as when being requir'd to attend at +the Door of the Condemn'd-Hold by Nine, or Ten in the Morning to +facilitate his Endeavours, she came not till the Evening, which he said, +was an ungrateful Return for the care he had taken in setting her at +Liberty from _New-Prison_; and thus Justify'd himself in what he had +done, and said he car'd not what became of her. + +He was also Examined about Mr. _Martin's_ Watches; and whether _Page_ +was privy to that Robbery; he carefully guarded himself against uttering +any thing that might affect him, peremptorily declar'd him Innocent of +that, as well as of being privy to his Escape, and said, that he only +out of Kindness, as being an old Companion, was resolv'd to share in his +Fortunes after he had Escap'd. + +He was again continually meditating a second Escape, as appear'd by his +own Hardiness, and the Instruments found upon him, on _Saturday_ the +12th, and _Wednesday_ the 16th of _September_, the first Time a small +File was found conceal'd in his Bible, and the second Time two Files, a +Chisel and an Hammer being hid in the Rushes of a Chair; and whenever a +Question was mov'd to him, when, or by what Means those Implements came +to his Hands; he would passionately fly out, and say, _How can you? you +always ask me these, and such like Questions_; and in a particular +manner, when he was ask'd, Whether his Companion _Page_ was an +Accomplice with him, either in the affair of the Watches, or any other? +(he reply'd) _That if he knew, he would give no direct Answer_, thinking +it to be a Crime in him to detect the Guilty. + +It was thought necessary by the Keepers to remove him from the +Condemn'd-Hold to a Place, call'd the _Castle_, in the Body of the Goal, +and to Chain him down to two large Iron Staples in the Floor; the +Concourse of People of tolerable Fashion to see him was exceeding Great, +he was always Chearful and Pleasant to a Degree, as turning almost every +thing as was said into a Jest and Banter. + +Being one _Sunday_ at the Chapel, a Gentleman belonging to the _Lord +Mayor_, ask'd a Turnkey, Which was _Sheppard_, the Man pointed to him? +Says _Sheppard, yes Sir, I am the_ Sheppard_, and all the Goalers in the +Town are my Flock, and I cannot stir into the Country, but they are all +at my Heels_ Baughing, _after me, &c._ + +He told Mr. _Robins_, the _City Smith_, _That he had procur'd him a_ +_small Job, and that whoever it was that put the Spikes on the +Condemn'd-Hold was an honest Man, for a better peice of Metal,_ says he, +_I never wrought upon in my Life._ + +He was loth to believe his frequent Robberies were an Injury to the +Public, for he us'd to say, That _if they were ill in one Respect, they +were as good in another, and that though he car'd not for Working much +himself, yet he was desirous that others should not stand Idle, more +especially those of his own Trade, who were always Repairing of his +Breaches._ + +When serious, and that but seldom, he would Reflect on his past wicked +Life. He declar'd to us, that for several Years of his Apprenticeship he +had an utter abhorrence to Women of the Town, and us'd to pelt them with +Dirt when they have fell in his way; till a _Button-Mould-Maker_ his +next Neighbour left off that Business, and set up a Victualling-house in +_Lewkenhors-Lane_, where himself and other young Apprentices resorted on +_Sundays_, and at all other Opportunities. At this House began his +Acquaintance with _Edgworth Bess_. His sentiments were strangely +alter'd, and from an Aversion to those Prostitutes, he had a more +favourable Opinion, and even Conversation with them, till he Contracted +an ill Distemper, which as he said, he cur'd himself of by a Medicine of +his own preparing. + +He inveigh'd bitterly against his Brother _Thomas_ for putting him into +the Information, for Mrs. _Cook's_ Robberry, and pretended that all the +Mischiefs that attended him was owing to that Matter. He acknowledg'd +that he was concern'd in that Fact, and that his said Brother broke into +his Lodgings, and stole from him all his Share and more of the acquir'd +Booty. + +He often-times averr'd, that _William Field_ was no ways concern'd in +Mr. _Kneebone's_ Robbery; but that being a Brother of the Quill; +_Blewskin_ and himself told him the particulars, and manner of the +Facts, and that all he Swore against him at his Tryal was False, and +that he had other Authority for it, than what came out of their +(_Sheppard_ and _Blewskin_) Mouths, who actually committed the Fact. + +And moreover, that _Field_ being acquainted with their Warehouse (a +Stable) near the _Horse-Ferry_ at _Westminster_, which _Sheppard_ had +hir'd, and usually resposited therein the Goods he stole. He came one +Night, and broke open the same, and carried off the best part of the +Effects taken out of Mr. _Kneebone's_ Shop. + +_Sheppard_ said he thought this to be one of the greatest Villanies that +could be acted, for another to come and Plunder them of Things for which +they had so honourably ventur'd their Lives, and wish'd that _Field_, as +well as his Brother _Tom_ might meet with forgiveness for it. + +He declar'd himself frequently against the Practice of _Whidling_, or +_Impeaching_, which he said, had made dreadful Havock among the +_Thieves_, and much lamented the depravity of the _Brethren_ in that +Respect; and said that if all were but such _Tight-Cocks_ as himself, +the _Reputation_ of the _British Thievery_ might be carried to a far +greater height than it had been done for many Ages, and that there would +then be but little Necessity for Jaylors and Hangmen. + +These and such like were his constant Discourses, when Company went up +with the Turnkeys to the _Castle_ to see him, and few or none went away +without leaving him Money for his Support; in which he abounded, and did +therewith some small Charities to the other Prisoners; however, he was +abstemious and sparing enough in his Diet. + +Among the many Schemes laid by his Friends, for the preserving himself +after his Escape, we were told of a most Remarkable one, propos'd by an +ingenious Person, who advis'd, that he might be Expeditiously, and +Secretly convey'd to the Palace at _Windsor_, and there to prostrate his +Person, and his Case at the Feet of a most Gracious Prince, and his Case +being so very singular and new, it might in great probability move the +Royal Fountain of unbounded Clemency; but he declin'd this Advice, and +follow'd the Judgment and Dictates of _Butchers_, which very speedily +brought him very near the Door of the _Slaughterhouse_. + +On the 4th of _September_, the Day as _Joseph Ward_, and _Anthony Upton_ +were Executed, there was publish'd a whimsical Letter, as from +_Sheppard_, to _Jack Ketch_, which afforded Diversion to the Town, and +Bread to the Author, which is as followeth, _viz._ + + + _SIR_, + + I Thank you for the Favour you intended me this day: I am a + Gentleman, and allow you to be the same, and I hope can + forgive Injuries; fond Nature prompted, I obey'd, Oh, + propitious Minute! and to show that I am in Charity, I am now + drinking your Health, and a _Bon Repo_ to poor _Joseph_ and + _Anthony_. I am gone a few Days for the Air, but design + speedily to embark; and this Night I am going upon a Mansion + for a Supply; it's a stout Fortification, but what + Difficulties can't I encounter, when, dear _Jack_, you find + that Bars and Chains are but trifling Obstacles in the way of + your Friend and Servant. + + JOHN SHEPPARD. + + _From my Residence in Terra Australi incognito_. + + _P.S._ Pray my Service to Mr. _Or---- di---- y_ and to Mr. + _App---- ee_. + +On _Saturday_ the 10th of _October_, _Anthony Lamb_, and _Thomas +Sheppard_, with 95 other Felons were carried from _Newgate_ on +Shipboard, for Transportation to the Plantations; the last begg'd to +have an opportunity given him of taking his final Leave of his Brother +_John_; but this was not to be Granted, and the greatest Favour that +could be obtain'd, was that on the _Sunday_ before they had an Interview +at the _Chapel_, but at such a distance, that they neither saluted, or +shook Hands, and the Reason given for it, was that no Implements might +be convey'd to _Sheppard_ to assist him in making an Escape. + +This, Caution seem'd to be absolutely necessary, for it appear'd soon +after that _Sheppard_ found Means to release himself from the Staples to +which he was Chain'd in the Castle, by unlocking a great Padlock with a +Nail, which he had pickt up on the Floor, and endeavour'd to pass up the +Chimney, but was prevented by the stout Iron Bars fix'd in his way, and +wanted nothing but the smallest File to have perfected his Liberty. When +the Assistants of the Prison, came as usual with his Victuals, they +began to examine his Irons; to their great Surprize they found them +loose, and ready to be taken off at Pleasure. Mr. _Pitt_ the Head +Keeper, and his Deputies were sent for, and _Sheppard_ finding this +Attempt entirely frustrated, discover'd to them by what means he had got +them off; and after they had search'd him, found nothing, and Lock'd +and Chain'd him down again; He took up the Nail and unlocked the Padlock +before their Faces; they were struck with the greatest Amazement as +having never heard, or beheld the like before. He was then Handcuff'd, +and more effectually Chain'd. + +The next Day, the Reverend Mr. _Purney Ordinary_ of the Place came from +the Country to visit him, and complain'd of the sad Disposition he found +him in, as Meditateing on nothing, but Means to Escape, and declining +the great Duty incumbent upon him to prepare for his approaching Change. +He began to Relent, and said, that since his last Effort had prov'd not +Successful, he would entertain no more Thoughts of that Nature, but +entirely Dispose, and Resign himself to the Mercy of Almighty God, of +whom he hop'd to find forgiveness of his manifold Offences. + +He said, that _Edgworth Bess_ and himself kept a little Brandy-shop +together in _Lewkenhors-Lane_, and once sav'd about Thirty Pounds; but +having such an universal Acquaintance amongst Theives, he had frequent +calls to go _Abroad_, and soon quitted that Business, and his Shop. + +On _Friday_ the 2d, of _October_ his old Confederate _Joseph Blake_ +alias _Blewskin_, was apprehended and taken at a House in St. _Giles's_ +Parish by _Jonathan Wild_, and by Justice _Blackerby_ committed to +_Newgate_. _William Field_ who was at his liberty, appearing and making +Oath, that _Blewskin_ together with _John Sheppard_ and himself, +committed the Burglary and Felony in Mr. _Kneebone's_ House, for which +_Sheppard_ was Condemn'd. + +The Sessions commencing at the _Old-Bailey_ on _Wednesday_ the 14th of +_October_ following, an Indictment was found against _Blewskin_ for the +same, and he was brought down from _Newgate_ to the _Old-Bailey_ to be +Arraign'd in order to his Tryal; and being in the Yard within the Gate +before the Court: Mr. _Wild_ being there Drinking a glass of Wine with +him, he said to Mr. _Wild_, _You may put in a word for me, as well as +for another Person?_ To which Mr. _Wild_ reply'd, I cannot do it. _You +are certainly a dead Man, and will be tuck'd up very speedily,_ or words +to that effect: Whereupon _Blewskin_ on a sudden seiz'd Mr. _Wild_ by +the Neck, and with a little Clasp Knife he was provided with he cut his +Throat in a very dangerous Manner; and had it not been for a _Muslin_ +Stock twisted in several Plaits round his Neck, he had in all likelyhood +succeeded in his barbarous Design before _Ballard_ the Turnkey, who was +at Hand, could have time to lay hold of him; the Villain trumph'd +afterwards in what he had done, Swearing many bloody Oaths, that if he +had murder'd him, he should have died with Satisfaction, and that his +Intention was to have cut off his Head, and thrown it into the Sessions +House-Yard among the Rabble, and Curs'd both his Hand and the Knife for +not Executing it Effectually. + +Mr. _Wild_ instantly had the Assistance of three able Surgeons, _viz._ +Mr. _Dobbins_, Mr. _Marten_ and Mr. _Coletheart_, who sew'd up the +Wound, and order'd him to his Bed, and he has continu'd ever since, but +in a doubtful State of Recovery. + +The Felons on the Common Side of _Newgate_, also animated by +_Sheppard's_ Example, the Night before they were to be Shipt for +Transporation, had cut several Iron Bars assunder, and some of them had +saw'd off their Fetters, the rest Huzzaing, and making Noises, under +pretence of being Joyful that they were to be remov'd on the Morrow, to +prevent the Workmen being heard; and in two Hours time more, if their +Design had not been discover'd, near One Hundred Villians had been let +loose into the World, to have committed new Depredations; nothing was +wanted here but _Sheppard's_ great Judgment, who was by himself in the +strong Room, call'd the _Castle_, meditating his own Deliverance, which +he perfected in the manner following. + +On _Thursday_ the 15th of this Instant _October_, at between One and Two +in the Afternoon, _William Austin_, an Assistant to the Keepers, a Man +reputed to be a very diligent, and faithful Servant, went to _Sheppard_ +in the strong Room, call'd the _Castle_, with his Necessaries, as was +his Custom every Day. There went along with him Captain _Geary_, the +Keeper of _New Prison_, Mr. _Gough_, belonging to the _Gate-house_ in +_Westminster_, and two other Gentlemen, who had the Curiosity to see the +Prisoner, _Austin_ very strictly examined his Fetters, and his +Hand-Cuffs, and found them very Safe; he eat his Dinner and talk'd with +his usual Gayety to the Company: They took leave of him and wish'd him a +good Evening. The Court being sitting at the _Old-Bailey_, the Keepers +and most of their Servants were attending there with their Prisoners: +And _Sheppard_ was told that if he wanted any thing more, then was his +Time, because they could not come to him till the next Morning: He +thank'd them for their Kindness, and desir'd them to be as _early as +possible_. + +The same Night, soon after 12 of the Clock Mr. _Bird_, who keeps a +Turners-shop adjoyning to _Newgate_, was disturb'd by the Watchman, who +found his Street Door open, and call'd up the Family, and they +concluding the Accident was owing to the Carelessness of some in the +House, shut their Doors, and went to Bed again. + +The next Morning _Friday_, at about eight Mr. _Austin_ went up as usual +to wait on _Sheppard_, and having unlock'd and unbolted the double Doors +of the Castle, he beheld almost a Cart-load of Bricks and Rubbish about +the Room, and his Prisoner gone: The Man ready to sink, came trembling +down again, and was scarce able to Acquaint the People in the _Lodge_ +with what had happen'd. + +The whole Posse of the Prison ran up, and stood like Men depriv'd of +their Senses: Their surprize being over, they were in hopes that he +might not have yet entirely made his Escape, and got their Keys to open +all the strong Rooms adjacent to the _Castle_, in order to Trace him, +when to their farther Amazement, they found the Door ready open'd to +their Hands; and the strong Locks, Screws and Bolts broken in pieces, +and scatter'd about the Jayl. Six great Doors (one whereof having not +been open'd for seven Years past) were forc'd, and it appear'd that he +had Descended from the Leads of _Newgate_ by a Blanket (which he +fasten'd to the Wall by an Iron Spike he had taken from the Hatch of the +_Chapel_) on the House of Mr. _Bird_, and the Door on the Leads having +been left open, it is very reasonable to conclude he past directly to +the Street Door down the Stairs; Mr _Bird_ and his Wife hearing an odd +sort of a Noise on the Stairs as they lay in their Bed, a short time +before the Watchman alarm'd the Family. + +Infinite Numbers of Citizens came to _Newgate_ to behold _Sheppard's_ +Workmanship, and Mr. _Pitt_ and his Officers very readily Conducted them +up Stairs, that the World might be convinc'd there was not the least +room to suspect, either a Negligence, or Connivance in the Servants. +Every one express'd the greatest Surprize that has been known, and +declar'd themselves satisfy'd with the Measures they had taken for the +Security of their Prisoner. + +One of the Sheriffs came in Person, and went up to the _Castle_ to be +satisfy'd of the Situation of the Place, _&c._ Attended by several of +the City Officers. + +The Court being sat at the _Sessions-House_, the Keepers were sent for +and Examin'd, and the Magistrates were in great Consternation, that so +horrid a Wretch had escap'd their Justice. It being intended that he +should have been brought down to the Court the last Day of the +_Sessions_, and order'd for Execution in two or three Days after; if it +appear'd that he was the Person Condemn'd for the breaking Mr. +_Kneebone's_ House, and included in the Warrant for Execution, _&c._ + +Many of the Methods by which this miraculous Escape was effected, remain +as yet a Secret, there are some indeed too Evident, the most reasonable +Conjecture that has hierto been made, is, that the first Act was his +twisting and breaking assunder by the strength of his Hands a small Iron +Chain, which together with a great Horse Padlock, (as went from the +heavy Fetters about his Legs to the staples) confin'd him to the Floor, +and with a Nail open'd the Padlock and set himself at Liberty about the +Room: A large flat Iron Bar appears to have been taken out of the +Chimney, with the Assistance thereof 'tis plain he broke thro' a Wall of +many Foot in Thickness, and made his way from the _Castle_ into another +strong Room Contiguous, the Door of it not having been open'd since +several of the _Preston_ Prisoners were Confin'd there about seven Years +ago: Three Screws are visibly taken off of the Lock, and the Doors as +strong as Art could make them, forc'd open. The Locks and Bolts, either +wrench'd or Broke, and the Cases and other Irons made for their Security +cut assunder: An Iron Spike broke off from the Hatch in the _Chapel_, +which he fix'd in the Wall and fasten'd his Blanket to it, to drop on +the Leads of Mr. _Bird_'s House, his Stockings were found on the Leads +of _Newgate_; 'tis question'd whether sixty Pounds will repair the +Damage done to the Jayl. + +It will perhaps be inquir'd how all this could be perform'd without his +being heard by the Prisoners or the Keepers; 'tis well known that the +Place of his Confinement is in the upper part of the Prison, none of the +other Felons being Kept any where near him; and 'tis suppos'd that if +any had heard him at Work, they would rather have facilitated, than +frustrated his Endeavours. In the Course of his Breaches he pass'd by a +Door on his Left belonging to the _Common-Side_ Felons, who have since +Curs'd him heartily for his not giving them an opportunity to kiss his +Hand, and lending them a favourable lift when his Hand was in; but that +was not a Work proper for Mr. _Sheppard_ to do in his then +Circumstances. + +His Fetters are not to be found any where about the Jayl, from whence +'tis concluded he has either thrown them down some Chimney, or carried +them off on his Legs, the latter seems to be Impracticable, and would +still render his Escaping in such Manner the more astonishing; and the +only Answer that is given to the whole, at _Newgate_ is, _That the_ +Devil _came in Person and assisted him_. + +He undoubtedly perform'd most of these Wonders in the darkest part of +the Night, and without the least Glimpse of a Candle; a word, he has +actually done with his own Hands in a few Hours, what several of the +most skilful Artists allow, could not have been acted by a number of +Persons furnish'd with proper Implements, and all other Advantages in a +full Day. + +Never was there anything better Tim'd, the Keepers and all their +Assistants being obliged to a strict Attendance on the Sessions at the +_Old Bailey_, which held for about a Week; and _Blewskin_ having +confin'd _Jonathan Wild_ to his Chamber, a more favourable opportunity +could not have presented for Mr. _Sheppard's_ Purposes. + +The Jaylors suffer'd much by the Opinion the ignorant Part of the People +entertain'd of the Matter, and nothing would satisfie some, but that +they not only Conniv'd at, but even assisted him in breaking their own +Walls and Fences, and that for this Reason too, _viz._ That he should be +at Liberty to instruct and train up others in his Method of +House-Breaking; and replenish the Town with a new set of Rogues, to +supply the Places of those Transported beyond Sea. + +This is indeed a fine way of Judging, the well-known Characters of Mr. +_Pitt_, and his Deputies, are sufficient to wipe of such ridiculous +Imputations; and 'tis a most lamentable Truth, that they have +often-times had in their Charge Villains of the deepest Die; Persons of +Quality and great Worth, for whom no Entreaties, no Sums how large +soever have been able to interfere between the doleful Prison, and the +fatal Tree. + +The Officers have done their Duty, they are but Men, and have had to +deal with a Creature something more than Man, a _Protoeus_, +Supernatural, Words cannot describe him, his Actions and Workmanship +which are too visible, best testifie him. + +On _Saturday_ the 17th, _Joseph Blake_, alias _Blewskin_, came upon his +Tryal at the _Old Bailey_: _Field_ gave the same Evidence against him, +as he had formerly done against _Sheppard_; and the Prisoner making but +a triffling Defence, the Jury found him Guilty of Buglary and Felony. +The Criminal when the Verdict was brought in, made his Obeysances to the +Court, _and thank'd them for their Kindness_. + +It will be necessary that we now return to the Behaviour of Mr. +_Sheppard_, some few Days before his last Flight. + +Mr. _Figg_ the famous Prize Fighter comeing to see him, in _NEWGATE_, +there past some pleasant Raillery between them; and after Mr. _Figg_ was +gone, _Sheppard_ declared he had a Mind to send him a formal Challenge +to Fight him at all the Weapons in the strong Room; and that let the +Consequence be what it would, he should call at Mr. _Figg's_ House in +his way to Execution, and drink a merry Glass with him by way of +Reconciliation. + +A young Woman an Acquaintance of his Mother, who wash'd his Linnen and +brought him Necessaries, having in an Affray, got her Eyes beaten Black +and Blue; says _Sheppard_ to her, _How long hast thou been Married_? +Replyes the Wench. _I wonder you can ask me such a Question, when you so +well know the Contrary_: Nay, says _Sheppard_ again, Sarah _don't deny +it, for you have gotten your Certificate in your Face_. + +Mr. _Ireton_ a Bailiff in _Drury-Lane_ having pursued _Sheppard_ after +his Escape from the Condemn'd-Hold with uncommon Diligence; (for the +safety of that Neighbourhood which was the chief Scene of his +Villainies) _Sheppard_ when Re-taken, declared, he would be even with +him for it, and if ever he procur'd his Liberty again, _he would give +all his Prisoners an_ ACT OF GRACE. A Gentleman in a jocose way ask'd +him to come and take a Dinner with him, _Sheppard_ reply'd, _he accepted +of the Invitation, and perhaps might take an opportunity to wait on +him_; and there is great Reason to believe he has been as good as his +Word. + +He would complain of his Nights, as saying, _It was dark with him from +Five in the Evening, till Seven in the Morning_; and being not permitted +to have either a Bed or Candle, his Circumstances were dismal; and that +he never slept but had some confus'd Doses, he said he consider'd all +this with the Temper of a Philosopher. + +Neither his sad Circumstances, nor the solemn Exhortations of the +several Divines who visited him, were able to divert him from this +ludicrous way of Expression; he said, _They were all Ginger-bread +Fellows_, and came rather out of Curiosity, than Charity; and to form +_Papers_ and _Ballads_ out of his Behaviour. + +A _Welch_ Clergyman who came pretty often, requested him in a +particularly Manner to refrain Drinking; (tho' indeed there was no +necessity for that Caution) _Sheppard_ says, Doctor, _You set an Example +and I'll follow_; this was a smart Satyr and Repartee upon the _Parson_, +some Circumstances consider'd. + +When he was visited in the _Castle_ by the Reverend Mr. _Wagstaff_, he +put on the Face only of a Preparation for his End, as appear'd by his +frequent Attempts made upon his Escape, and when he has been press'd to +Discover those who put him upon Means of Escaping, and furnish'd him +with Implements, he would passionately, and with a Motion of striking, +say, _ask me no such Questions, one File's worth all the Bibles in the +World_. + +When ask'd if he had not put off all Thoughts of an Escape and +Entertain'd none but those of Death, would Answer by way of Question, +not directly, whether they thought it possible, or probable for him to +Effect his Release, when Manackled in the manner he was. When mov'd to +improve the few Minutes that seem'd to remain of his Life; he did indeed +listen to, but not regard the Design and Purport of his Admonition, +breaking in with something New of his own, either with respect to his +former Accomplices, or Actions, and all too with Pleasure and Gayety of +Expression. + +When in _Chapel_, he would seemingly make his Responses with Devotion; +but would either Laugh, or force Expressions (when as an Auditor of the +Sermon) be of Contempt, either of the Preacher, or of his Discourse. + +In fine, he behav'd so, in Word, and Action, (since retaken) that +demonstrated to the World, that his Escape was the utmost Employ of his +Thoughts, whatever Face of Penitence he put on when visited by the +Curious. + + + An Account of SHEPPARD'S Adventures of five Hours immediately + after his Escape from _Newgate_, in a Letter to his Friend. + + DEAR FRIEND! + + Over a Bottle of _Claret_ you'll give me leave to _declare + it_, that I've fairly put the _Vowels_ upon the good Folks at + _Newgate, i.o.u._ When I'm able, I may, or may not discharge + my _Fees_, 'tis a _Fee-simple_, for a Man in my Condition to + acknowledge; and tho' I'm safe out of _Newgate_, I must yet + have, or at least, affect, a _New Gate_ by Limping, or Turning + my Toes in by making a right _Hand_ of my _Feet_. Not _to be + long_, for I hate _Prolixity_ in all Business: _In short_, + after _Filing, Defileing, Sawing_, when no Body _Saw_. + _Climbing_ (this _Clime in_) it prov'd a good _Turner_ of my + Affairs, thro' the House of a _Turner_. Being quite past, and + safe from _Estreat_ on Person or Chattels, and safe in the + _Street_, I thought Thanks due to him who cou'd _Deliver + hence_; and immediately (for you must know I'm a _Catholick_) + to give Thanks for my Deliverance, I stept amongst the + _Grey-Fryers_ to come an joyn with me, in saying a + _Pater-Noster_, or so, at _Amen-Corner_. The _Fryers_ being + _Fat_ began to _Broil_, and soon after _Boild up_ into a + Passion to be disturb'd at that time of Night. But being got + _Loose_ and having no Time to _Lose_, I gave them good Words, + and so the Business was done. From thence I soon slip'd + through _Ludgate_, but was damnably fearful of an _Old Bailey_ + always lurking thereabout, who might have brought me to the + _Fleet_ for being too _Nimble_, besides, I was wonderfully + apprehensive of receiving some unwelcome _Huggings_ from the + _W....n_ there; therefore with a step and a stride I soon got + over _Fleet-ditch_, and (as in Justice I ought) I prais'd the + _Bridge_ I got over. Being a _Batchelor_, and not being + capable to to manage a Bridewell you know. I had no Business + near _St. Brides_, so kept the right handside, designing to + _Pop_ into the _Alley_ as usual; but fearing to go thro' + there, and _harp_ too much on the same _String_, it gave an + _Allay_ to my Intention, and on I went to _Shoe-lane_ end but + there meeting with a _Bully Hack_ of the Town, he wou'd have + shov'd me down, which my Spirit resenting, tho' a _brawny + Dog_, I soon _Coller'd_ him, fell Souse at him, then with his + own Cane I _strapped_ till he was force to _Buckle_ too, and + hold his _Tongue_, in so much he durst not say his _Soul_ was + his own, and was glad to pack of at _Last_, and turn his + _Heels_ upon me: I was glad he was gone you may be sure, and + _dextrously_ made a _Hand_ of my _Feet_ under the + _Leg-Tavern_; but the very Thoughts of _Fetter-Lane_ call'd to + mind some Passages, which made me avoid the _Passage_ at the + end of it, (next to the Coffee House you know) so I soon + whip'd over the way, yet going along two wooden _Logger-heads_ + at _St. Dunstan's_ made just them a damn'd Noise about their + _Quarters_, but the sight of me made perfectly _Hush_ in a + _Minute_; now fearing to goe by _Chance-a wry-Lane_, as being + upon the _Watch_ my self and not to be _debarr'd_ at + _Temple-Bar_; I stole up _Bell-Yard_, but narrowly escap'd + being _Clapper-claw'd_ by two Fellows I did not like in the + Alley, so was forc'd to goe round with a design to _Sheer-off_ + into _Sheer-Lane_, but the _Trumpet_ sounding at that very + time, alarm'd me so, I was forc'd to Grope my way back through + _Hemlock-Court_, and take my _Passage_ by _Ship-Yard_ without + the Bar again; but there meeting with one of our trusty + Friends, (all Ceremonies a-part) he told me under the _Rose_ I + must expect no _Mercy_ in _St. Clement's_ Parish, for the + _Butchers_ there on the _Back_ on't would _Face_ me, and with + their _Cleavers_ soon bring me down on my _marrow_ Bones; you + may believe I soon hastened thence, but by this time being + Fainty and night Spent, I put forward, and seeing a _Light_ + near the _Savoy-Gate_, I was resolv'd not to make _Light_ of + the Opportunity, but call'd for an hearty Dram of _Luther_ and + _Calvin_, that is, _Mum_ and _Geneva_ mix'd; but having Fasted + so long before, it soon got into my Noddle, and e'er I had + gone twenty steps, it had so intirely _Stranded_ my Reason, + that by the time I came to _Half-Moon-Street_ end, it gave a + _New-Exchange_ to my Senses, and made me quite _Lunatick_. + + However, after a little Rest, I stole down _George-Passage_ + into _Oaf-Alley_ in _York-Buildings_, and thence (tho' a vile + Man) into _Villiers-Street_, and so into the _Strand_ again, + where having gone a little way, _Hefford's-Harp_ at the Sign + of the _Irish-Harp_, put me a _Jumping and Dancing_ to that + degree that I could not forbear making a _Somerset_ or two + before _Northumberland-House_. I thought once of taking the + _Windsor_ Coach for my self _John Sheppard_, by the Name of + _Crook_---- but fearing to be _Hook'd_ in before my Journey's + End, I stept into _Hedge-Lane_, where two Harlots were up in + the _Boughs_ (it seems) _Branching_ out their Respects to one + another, through their Windows, and People beginning to gather + thereabout, I ran _Pelmel_ to _Piccadilly_, where meeting by + meer chance a _Bakers_ Cart going to _Turnham-Green_, I being + not _Mealy Mouth'd_, nor the Man being _Crusty_ I _wheel'd_ + out of Town. + + I did call at _Hammersmith_, having no occasion directly. I + shall stay two or three Days in that Neighbourhood, so, if you + Direct a letter for Mr. Sligh Bolt, to be left with Mrs. + _Tabitha Skymmington_ at _Cheesewick_, it's Safety will _Bear + Water_ by any _Boat_, and come _Current_ with the Tyde to + + Dear BOB + Yours from the Top + of _Newgate_ to the Bottom + + J. _SHEPPARD_. + + _P.S._ If you see _Blewskin_, tell him I am well, and hope he + receiv'd my last--I wou'd write by the _Post_ if I durst, but + it wou'd be, certainly _Post-pon'd_ if I did, and it would be + _stranger_ too, to trust a Line by a _Stranger_, who might + _Palm_ upon us both and never Deliver it to _Hand_. + + I send this by a _Waterman_, (I dare trust) who is very Merry + upon me, and says he wou'd not be in my _Jacket_. _Saturday + Octob._ 17, 1724. + +We shall conclude with what had been often observ'd by many Persons to +_Sheppard_; _viz._ That it was very Imprudent in him to take Shelter in +the City, or the adjacent Parts of it, after his Escape from the +Condemn'd Hold; and withal to commit a _Capital Offence_, almost within +Sight of _Newgate_, when his Life and all was in such Danger. His Reply +was general, _viz._ That it was his Fate: But being ask'd a particular +Reason for his not taking a longer Rout than the City, and the +Neighbouring parts: pleaded Poverty as his Excuse for Confinement within +those Limits; at the same time urging, that had he been Master at that +time of five Pounds, _England_ should not have been the Place of his +Residence, having a good Trade in his Hands to live in any populated +Part of the World. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF THE REMARKABLE LIFE +OF JOHN SHEPPARD*** + + +******* This file should be named 14065.txt or 14065.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/0/6/14065 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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