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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a1901f8 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68752 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68752) diff --git a/old/68752-0.txt b/old/68752-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 152ab8f..0000000 --- a/old/68752-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9330 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Lives and exploits of the most noted -highwaymen, robbers and murderers of all nations, by Charles Whitehead - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Lives and exploits of the most noted highwaymen, robbers and - murderers of all nations - Drawn from the most authentic sources and brought down to the - present time - -Author: Charles Whitehead - -Release Date: August 15, 2022 [eBook #68752] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Brian Coe and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at - https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images - made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIVES AND EXPLOITS OF THE -MOST NOTED HIGHWAYMEN, ROBBERS AND MURDERERS OF ALL NATIONS *** - - - - - - LIVES AND EXPLOITS - - _OF THE MOST NOTED_ - - HIGHWAYMEN, - - ROBBERS AND MURDERERS, - - OF ALL NATIONS, - - DRAWN FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC SOURCES - - AND BROUGHT DOWN TO - - THE PRESENT TIME. - - [Illustration] - - WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS. - - HARTFORD: - PUBLISHED BY SILAS ANDRUS & SON. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - Page. - - Claude Du Vall, 7 - - Sawney Beane, 14 - - Thomas Wynne, 18 - - Thomas Witherington, 22 - - James Batson, 34 - - Mulled Sack, _alias_ John Cottington, 47 - - Capt. James Hind, 50 - - The German Princess, 61 - - Capt. Dudley, 76 - - William Nevison, 89 - - The Golden Farmer, 99 - - Jonathan Simpson, 104 - - William Cady, 107 - - Patrick O’Brian, 114 - - Thomas Rumbold, 117 - - Whitney, 134 - - Tim Buckeley, 144 - - Tom Jones, 147 - - Arthur Chambers, 151 - - Stephen Bunce, 157 - - Jack Ovet, 164 - - Tom Dorbel, 169 - - Dick Adams, 172 - - William Gettings, 176 - - Ned Bonnet, 181 - - Will Ogden and Tom Reynolds, 187 - - John Price, 190 - - Jack Shepherd, 194 - - Richard Turpin, 201 - - Henry Simms, 216 - - James Maclaine, 229 - - Eugene Aram, 245 - - George Barrington, 260 - - James Porter, 281 - - -[Illustration: _Claude Du Vall._ P. 7.] - - - - -CLAUDE DU VALL. - - -It might very naturally be objected to us by some, that we should -introduce into our work the life of any highwayman, however celebrated, -whose fortune it was to have been born in France; but, without -insisting upon the celebrity of the person whose life we are about to -narrate, it will be sufficient to inform the objecting reader, that -many of the adventures achieved by Claude du Vall were performed in -England, and that he is accordingly, to all intents and purposes, -although a Frenchman by birth, an English highwayman. - -This noted person was born at Domfront, in Normandy.[1] His father -was a miller, and his mother was descended from a worshipful race -of tailors. He was brought up in the Catholic faith, and received an -education suited to the profession for which he was intended,--namely, -that of a footman. But, although his father was careful to train up his -son in the religion of his ancestors, he was himself utterly without -religion. He talked more of good cheer than of the church; of sumptuous -feasts than of ardent faith; of good wine than of good works. - -Du Vall’s parents were exempted from the trouble and expense of rearing -their son at the age of thirteen. We first find him at Rouen, the -principal city of Normandy, in the character of a stable-boy. Here -he fortunately found retour horses going to Paris: upon one of these -he was permitted to ride, on condition of assisting to dress them at -night. His expenses were likewise defrayed by some English travellers -whom he met upon the road. - -Arrived at Paris, he continued at the same inn where the Englishmen -put up, and by running messages, or performing the meanest offices, -subsisted for a while. He continued in this humble station until the -restoration of Charles II., when multitudes from the continent resorted -to England. In the character of a footman to a person of quality, Du -Vall also repaired to England. The universal joy which seized the -nation upon that happy event contaminated the morals of all: riot, -dissipation, and every species of profligacy abounded. The young and -sprightly French footman entered keenly into these amusements. His -funds, however, being soon exhausted, he deemed it no great crime for -a Frenchman to exact contributions from the English. In a short time, -he became so dexterous in his new employment, that he had the honor of -being first named in an advertisement issued for the apprehending of -some notorious robbers. - -One day, Du Vall and some others espied a knight and his lady -travelling along in their coach. Seeing themselves in danger of being -attacked, the lady resorted to a flageolet, and commenced playing, -which she did very dexterously. Du Vall taking the hint, pulled one out -of his pocket, began to play, and in this posture approached the coach. -“Sir,” said he to the knight, “your lady performs excellently, and I -make no doubt she dances well; will you step out of the coach, and let -us have the honor to dance a courant with her upon the heath?” “I dare -not deny any thing, sir,” replied the knight readily, “to a gentleman -of your quality and good behavior; you seem a man of generosity, -and your request is perfectly reasonable.” Immediately the footman -opened the door, and the knight came out. Du Vall leaped lightly off -his horse, and handed the lady down. It was surprising to see how -gracefully he moved upon the grass: scarcely a dancing-master in London -but would have been proud to have shown such agility in a pair of -pumps, as Du Vall evinced in a pair of French riding-boots. As soon as -the dance was over, he handed the lady to the coach, but just as the -knight was stepping in, “Sir,” said he, “you forget to pay the music.” -His worship replied, that he never forgot such things, and instantly -put his hand under the seat of the coach, pulled out one hundred pounds -in a bag which he delivered to Du Vall, who received it with a very -good grace, and courteously answered, “Sir you are liberal, and shall -have no cause to regret your generosity; this hundred pounds, given so -handsomely is better than ten times the sum taken by force. Your noble -behavior has excused you the other three hundred pounds which you have -in the coach with you.” After this, he gave him his word that he might -pass undisturbed, if he met any other of his crew, and then wished them -a good journey. - -At another time, Du Vall and some of his associates met a coach upon -Blackheath, full of ladies, and a child with them. One of the gang -rode up to the coach, and in a rude manner robbed the ladies of their -watches and rings, and even seized a silver sucking bottle of the -child’s. The infant cried bitterly for its bottle, and the ladies -earnestly entreated he would only return that article to the child, -which he barbarously refused. Du Vall went forward to discover what -detained his accomplice, and, the ladies renewing their entreaties to -him, he instantly threatened to shoot his companion, unless he returned -that article, saying, “Sirrah, can’t you behave like a gentleman and -raise a contribution without stripping people? but, perhaps, you had -some occasion for the sucking-bottle, for, by your actions, one would -imagine you were hardly weaned.” This smart reproof had the desired -effect, and Du Vall, in a courteous manner, took his leave of the -ladies. - -One day Du Vall met Roper, master of the hounds to Charles II., who -was hunting in Windsor Forest; and, taking the advantage of a thicket, -demanded his money, or he would instantly take his life. Roper, without -hesitation, gave him his purse, containing at least fifty guineas: in -return for which, Du Vall bound him neck and heel, tied his horse to a -tree beside him, and rode across the country. - -It was a considerable time before the huntsmen discovered their master. -The squire, being at length released, made all possible haste to -Windsor, unwilling to venture himself into any more thickets for that -day, whatever might be the fortune of the hunt. Entering the town, he -was accosted by Sir Stephen Fox, who inquired if he had had any sport. -“Sport!” replied Roper, in a great passion, “yes, sir, I have had sport -enough from a villain who made me pay full dear for it; he bound me -neck and heels, contrary to my desire, and then took fifty guineas from -me to pay him for his labor, which I had much rather he had omitted.” - -England now became too contracted a sphere for the talents of our -adventurer; and, in consequence of a proclamation issued for his -detection, and his notoriety in the kingdom, Du Vall retired to his -native country. At Paris he lived in a very extravagant style, and -carried on war with rich travellers and fair ladies, and proudly -boasted that he was equally successful with both; but his warfare with -the latter was infinitely more agreeable, though much less profitable, -than with the former. - -There is one adventure of Du Vall at Paris, which we shall lay before -our readers. There was in that city a learned Jesuit, confessor to the -French king, who had rendered himself eminent, both by his politics and -his avarice. His thirst for money was insatiable, and increased with -his riches. Du Vall devised the following plan to obtain a share of the -immense wealth of this pious father. - -To facilitate his admittance into the Jesuit’s company, he dressed -himself as a scholar, and, waiting a favorable opportunity, went -up to him very confidently, and addressed him as follows: “May it -please your reverence, I am a poor scholar, who have been several -years travelling over strange countries, to learn experience in the -sciences, principally to serve mine own country, for whose advantage -I am determined to apply my knowledge, if I may be favored with -the patronage of a man so eminent as yourself.” “And what may this -knowledge of yours be?” replied the father, very much pleased. “If you -will communicate any thing to me that may be beneficial to France, I -assure you, no proper encouragement shall be wanting on my side.” Du -Vall, upon this, growing bolder, proceeded: “Sir, I have spent most of -my time in the study of alchymy, or the transmutation of metals, and -have profited so much at Rome and Venice, from great men learned in -that science, that I can change several metals into gold, by the help -of a philosophical powder which I can prepare very speedily.” - -The father confessor was more elated with this communication than all -the discoveries he had obtained in the way of his profession, and -his knowledge even of his royal penitent’s most private secrets gave -him less delight than the prospect of immense riches which now burst -upon his avaricious mind. “Friend,” said he, “such a thing as this -will be serviceable to the whole state, and particularly grateful to -the king, who, as his affairs go at present, stands in great need of -such a curious invention. But you must let me see some proof of your -skill, before I credit what you say, so far as to communicate it to -his majesty, who will sufficiently reward you, if what you promise -be demonstrated.” Upon this, the confessor conducted Du Vall to his -house, and furnished him with money to erect a laboratory, and to -purchase such other materials as were requisite, in order to proceed in -this invaluable operation, charging him to keep the secret from every -living soul. Utensils being fixed, and every thing in readiness, the -Jesuit came to witness the wonderful operation. Du Vall took several -metals and minerals of the basest sort, and put them in a crucible, -his reverence viewing every one as he put them in. Our alchymist had -prepared a hollow tube, into which he conveyed several sprigs of real -gold; with this seeming stick he stirred the operation, which, with -its heat, melted the gold, and the tube at the same time, so that -it sank imperceptibly into the vessel. When the excessive fire had -consumed all the different materials which he had put in, the gold -remained pure, to the quantity of an ounce and a half. This the Jesuit -ordered to be examined, and, ascertaining that it was actually pure -gold, he became devoted to Du Vall, and, blinded with the prospect of -future advantage, credited every thing our impostor said, furnishing -him with whatever he demanded, in hopes of being made master of this -extraordinary secret. Thus were our alchymist and Jesuit, according to -the old saying, as “great as two pickpockets.” Du Vall was a professed -robber; and what is a court favorite but a picker of the people’s -pockets? So that it was two sharpers endeavoring to outsharp one -another. The confessor was as candid as Du Vall could wish; he showed -him all his treasures, and several rich jewels which he had received -from the king; hoping, by these obligations, to incline him to discover -his wonderful secrets with more alacrity. In short, he became so -importunate, that Du Vall was apprehensive of too minute an inquiry, if -he denied the request any longer: he therefore appointed a day when the -whole was to be disclosed. In the mean time, he took an opportunity of -stealing into the chamber where the riches were deposited, and where -his reverence generally slept after dinner; finding him in deep repose, -he gently bound him, then took his keys, and unhoarded as much of his -wealth as he could carry off unsuspected; after which, he quickly took -leave of him and France. - -It is uncertain how long Du Vall continued his depredations after his -return to England; but we are informed, that in a fit of intoxication -he was detected at the Hole-in-the-Wall, in Chandos street, committed -to Newgate, convicted, condemned, and executed at Tyburn, in the -twenty-seventh year of his age, on the 1st of January 1669: and so much -had his gallantries and handsome figure rendered him the favorite of -the fair sex, that many a bright eye was dimmed at his funeral; his -corpse was bedewed with the tears of beauty, and his actions and death -were celebrated by the immortal author of the inimitable Hudibras. He -was buried with many flambeaux, amidst a numerous train of mourners, -(most of them ladies,) in the middle aisle of the church in Covent -Garden. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] We find, by reference to an old Life of Du Vall, published in 1670, -that Domfront was a place by no means unlikely to have produced our -adventurer. Indeed, it appears that common honesty was a most uncommon -ingredient in the moral economy of the place, as the following curious -extract from the work in question will abundantly testify:-- - -“In the days of Charles IX. the curate of Domfront, (for so the -French name him whom we call parson, and vicar,) out of his own head -began a strange innovation and oppression in that parish; that is, -he absolutely denied to baptize any of their children, if they would -not, at the same time, pay him his funeral fees: and what was worse, -he would give them no reason for this alteration, but only promised -to enter bond for himself and successors, that hereafter, all persons -paying so at their christening should be buried _gratis_. What think ye -the poor people did in this case? They did not pull his surplice over -his ears, nor tear his mass-book, nor throw crickets at his head: no, -they humbly desired him to alter his resolutions, and amicably reasoned -with him; but he, being a capricious fellow, gave them no other answer, -but ‘What I have done, I have done; take your remedy where you can find -it; it is not for men of my coat to give an account of my actions to -the laity;’ which was a surly and quarrelsome answer, and unbefitting -a priest. Yet this did not provoke his parishioners to speak one ill -word against his person or function, or to do any illegal act. They -only took the regular way of complaining of him to his ordinary, the -archbishop of Rouen. Upon summons, he appears: the archbishop takes him -up roundly, tells him he deserves deprivation, if that can be proved -which is objected against him, and asked him what he had to say for -himself. After his due reverence, he answers, that he acknowledges the -fact, to save the time of examining witnesses; but desires his grace to -hear his reasons, and then do unto him as he shall see cause. ‘I have,’ -says he, ‘been curate of this parish seven years; in that time I have, -one year with another, baptized a hundred children, and buried not one. -At first I rejoiced at my good fortune to be placed in so good an air; -but, looking into the register-book, I found, for a hundred years back, -near the same number yearly baptized, and no one above five years old -buried; and which did more amaze me, I find the number of communicants -to be no greater _now_ than they were _then_. This seemed to me a great -mystery; but, upon farther inquiry, I found out the true cause of it; -for all that were _born_ at Domfront were _hanged_ at Rouen. I did this -to keep my parishioners from hanging, encouraging them to die at home, -the burial duties being already paid.’ - -“The archbishop demanded of the parishioners whether this was true or -not. They answered, that too many of them came to that unlucky end at -Rouen. ‘Well, then,’ says he, ‘I approve of what the curate has done, -and will cause my secretary, in _perpetuam rei memoriam_, to make an -act of it;’ which act the curate carried home with him, and the parish -cheerfully submitted to it, and have found much good by it; for within -less than twenty years, there died _fifteen_ of natural deaths, and now -there die three or four yearly.” - - - - -SAWNEY BEANE. - - -The following narrative presents such a picture of human barbarity, -that, were it not attested by the most unquestionable historical -evidence, it would be rejected as altogether fabulous and incredible. - -Sawney Beane was born in the county of East Lothian, about eight miles -east of Edinburgh, in the reign of James I. of Scotland. His father -was a hedger and ditcher, and brought up his son to the same laborious -employment. Naturally idle and vicious, he abandoned that place in -company with a young woman equally idle and profligate, and retired -to the deserts of Galloway, where they took up their habitation by -the sea-side. The place which Sawney and his wife selected for their -dwelling was a cave of about a mile in length, and of considerable -breadth, so near the sea, that the tide often penetrated into the cave -above two hundred yards. The entry had many intricate windings and -turnings, leading to the extremity of the subterraneous dwelling, which -was literally “the habitation of horrid cruelty.” - -Sawney and his wife took shelter in this cave, and commenced their -depredations. To prevent the possibility of detection, they murdered -every person they robbed. Destitute also of the means of obtaining any -other food, they resolved to live upon human flesh. Accordingly, when -they had murdered any man, woman, or child, they carried them to their -den, quartered them, salted the limbs, and dried them for food. In this -manner they lived, carrying on their depredations and murder, until -they had eight sons and six daughters, eighteen grandsons and fourteen -granddaughters, all the offspring of incest. - -But though they soon became numerous, yet such was the multitude -which fell into their hands, that they had often superabundance of -provisions, and would, at a distance from their own habitation, throw -legs and arms of dried human bodies into the sea by night. These were -often cast out by the tide, and taken up by the country people, to the -great consternation and dismay of all the surrounding inhabitants. Nor -could any one discover what had befallen the many friends, relations, -and neighbors who had unfortunately fallen into the hands of these -merciless cannibals. - -In proportion as Sawney’s family increased, every one that was able -acted his part in these horrid assassinations. They would sometimes -attack four or six men on foot, but never more than two upon horseback. -To prevent the possibility of escape, they would lie in ambush in every -direction, that if they escaped those who first attacked, they might be -assailed with renewed fury by another party, and inevitably murdered. -By this means they always secured their prey, and prevented detection. - -At last, however, the vast number who were slain roused the inhabitants -of the country, and all the woods and lurking-places were carefully -searched; yet, though they often passed by the mouth of the horrible -den, it was never once suspected that any human being resided there. In -this state of uncertainty and suspense concerning the authors of such -frequent massacres, several innocent travellers and innkeepers were -taken up on suspicion, because the persons who were missing had been -seen last in their company, or had last resided at their houses. The -effect of this well-meant and severe justice constrained the greater -part of the innkeepers in those parts to abandon such employments, to -the great inconvenience of those who travelled through that district. - -Meanwhile, the country became depopulated, and the whole nation was -at a loss to account for the numerous and unheard-of villanies and -cruelties that were perpetrated, without the slightest clue to the -discovery of the abominable actors. At length Providence interposed -in the following manner to terminate the horrible scene. One evening, -a man and his wife were riding home upon the same horse from a -fair which had been held in the neighborhood, and, being attacked, -the husband made a most vigorous resistance: his wife, however, -was dragged from behind him, carried to a little distance, and her -entrails instantly taken out. Struck with grief and horror, the husband -continued to redouble his efforts to escape, and even trod some of -the assassins down under his horse’s feet. Fortunately for him, and -for the inhabitants of that part of the country, in the mean time, -twenty or thirty in a company came riding home from the fair. Upon -their approach, Sawney and his bloody crew fled into a thick wood, and -hastened to their infernal den. - -This man, who was the first that had ever escaped out of their hands, -related to his neighbors what had happened, and showed them the mangled -body of his wife lying at a distance, the bloodthirsty wretches not -having time to carry it along with them. They were all struck with -astonishment and horror, took him with them to Glasgow, and reported -the whole adventure to the chief magistrate of the city, who, upon this -information, instantly wrote to the king, informing him of the matter. - -In a few days, his majesty in person, accompanied by four hundred men, -went in quest of the perpetrators of these horrible cruelties. The man, -whose wife had been murdered before his eyes, went as their guide, with -a great number of bloodhounds, that no possible means might be left -unattempted to discover the haunt of such execrable villains. - -They searched the woods, and traversed and examined the sea-shore; -but, though they passed by the entrance into their cave, they had no -suspicion that any creature resided in that dark and dismal abode. -Fortunately, however, some of the bloodhounds entered the cave, -raising an uncommon barking and noise, an indication that they were -about to seize their prey. The king and his men returned, but could -scarcely conceive how any human being could reside in a place of utter -darkness, and where the entrance was difficult and narrow; but, as the -bloodhounds increased in their vociferation, and refused to return, it -occurred to all that the cave ought to be explored to the extremity. -Accordingly, a sufficient number of torches was provided; the hounds -were permitted to pursue their course; a great number of men penetrated -through all the intricacies of the path, and at length arrived at the -private residence of the horrible cannibals. - -They were followed by all the band, who were shocked to behold a sight -unequalled in Scotland, if not in any part of the universe. Legs, arms, -thighs, hands, and feet, of men, women, and children, were suspended -in rows like dried beef. Some limbs and other members were soaked in -pickle; while a great mass of money, both of gold and silver, watches, -rings, pistols, clothes, both linen and woollen, with an immense -quantity of other articles, were either thrown together in heaps, or -suspended upon the sides of the cave. - -The whole cruel, brutal family, to the number formerly mentioned, -were seized; the human flesh buried in the sand of the sea-shore; the -immense booty carried away, and the king marched to Edinburgh with the -prisoners. This new and wretched spectacle attracted the attention -of the inhabitants, who flocked from all quarters to see, as they -passed along, so bloody and unnatural a family, which had increased, -in the space of twenty-five years, to the number of twenty-seven men -and twenty-one women. Arrived in the capital, they were all confined -in the Tolbooth under a strong guard, and were next day conducted to -the common place of execution in Leith Walk, and executed without any -formal trial, it being deemed unnecessary to try those who were avowed -enemies of all mankind, and of all social order. - -The enormity of their crimes dictated the severity of their death. -The men had their entrails thrown into the fire, their hands and legs -were severed from their bodies, and they were permitted to bleed to -death. The wretched mother of the whole crew, the daughters, and -grandchildren, after being spectators of the death of the men, were -cast into three separate fires, and consumed to ashes. Nor did they, -in general, display any signs of repentance or regret, but continued, -with their last breath, to pour forth the most dreadful curses and -imprecations upon all around, and upon those who were instrumental in -consigning them to the hands of a tardy but a certain and inevitable -justice. - - - - -THOMAS WYNNE. - - -This notorious criminal was born at Ipswich, where he continued till -he was between fifteen and sixteen, and then went to sea. Nine years -after, coming to London, and associating with loose company, especially -with women of the most infamous character, he left no villainy undone -for the support of himself and them in their extravagances, till at -last he became so expert in house-breaking and all sorts of theft, that -he was esteemed the most remarkable villain of his time. - -It was in the reign of queen Elizabeth that our artist flourished: -accordingly, we find that he had the boldness to rob the royal lodgings -at Whitehall palace of plate to the amount of 400_l._ for which he was -taken and committed to Newgate. But fortunately for him, her majesty’s -act of grace coming out, granting a free pardon for all offences -except murder, treason, and other notorious crimes, he was allowed the -benefit of that act, and thus obtained his liberty. But neither the -royal clemency, nor the imminent danger to which he had been exposed, -had any effect upon the obdurate heart of Wynne; for, pursuing his -villanies, he was soon constrained to hire himself as under servant in -the kitchen, to the earl of Salisbury, to avoid detection. While he -was in this post, he had the audacity to make love to the countess’s -woman, who, astonished at such insolence in a fellow of his rank, -returned his addresses with the greatest contempt. This exasperated -Wynne so much, that his pretended love turned to hatred, and he vowed -revenge. He embraced an opportunity, and used her in a very brutal -manner, until she was under the necessity of calling to the other -servants for assistance. The poor woman took to her bed, and remained -very unwell for some time. The master, informed of this shocking piece -of cruelty, ordered Wynne to be whipped by the coachman, and the same -to be repeated once a week during a month. Though Wynne was happy in -having satiated his vengeance upon the woman who had contemptuously -spurned his addresses, yet he was not very much in love with the reward -assigned him by his master; therefore, robbing the coachman of nine -pounds, borrowing fifteen pounds of the master-cook, carrying off a -silver cup of the master’s, and all the best clothes of the woman whom -he had so greatly injured, he went in quest of new adventures. - -At that time innkeepers were not so active as now; Wynne therefore -often dressed himself in the garb of a porter, and carried off parcels -consigned to carriers, and continued undetected in this practice, until -he had acquired about two hundred pounds, for which the different -carriers had to pay through their neglect. Taught by experience, -however, they began to look better after the goods entrusted to their -care, so that Wynne had to turn to a new employment. - -One day, hearing a man inform his wife, as he was going out, that it -would be five or six hours before he would return, he followed him -until he saw him go into a tavern; and, after getting acquainted with -the name of the landlord, he went back to the man’s neighborhood, and -discovered his name also. Having obtained this intelligence, he goes -to the man’s wife, and informs her that her husband is taken suddenly -ill, and wishes to see her before his death. Upon this the poor woman -cried bitterly, and, after giving the maid orders to take care of the -house, she ran off with this pretended messenger to the place where her -husband was supposed to be in the jaws of death. - -They had not proceeded far, when Wynne, upon pretence of business -in a different part of the town, left her to prosecute her -journey,--returned back to the house, and told the maid, that “her -mistress had sent him to acquaint her, that if she did not come home -by such an hour, she might go to bed, for she should not come home all -night.” Wynne in the mean time seeming out of breath with haste, the -maid civilly requested him to come in and rest himself. This according -with his wishes, he immediately complied, and, when the maid was going -to fetch him some meat, he suddenly knocked her down, bound her hand -and foot, and robbed the house of every thing he could carry off, to -the amount of 200_l._ - -Wynne, having reigned eight years in his villanies, formed a strong -desire to rob a linen-draper who had retired from business, and with -his wife was living upon the fruits of his industry. He accordingly -one evening broke into their house, and, to prevent discovery, cut -both their throats while they were asleep, and rifled the house to the -amount of 2500_l._; and, to prevent detection, sailed to Virginia, with -his wife and four children. - -The two old people not appearing in the neighborhood next day as usual, -and the doors remaining locked, the neighbors were alarmed, sent for a -constable and burst open the doors, when they found them weltering in -their blood, and their house pillaged. Diligent search was made, and -a poor man, who begged his bread, was taken up on suspicion, because -he had been seen about the doors, and sitting upon a bench belonging -to the house the day before: and although nothing but circumstantial -evidence appeared against him, he was tried, condemned, and executed -before the door of the house, and his body hung in chains at Holloway. - -Meanwhile Wynne, the murderer, was in safety in a foreign land. It -also happened, that by the price of innocent blood he prospered, and -his riches greatly increased. After he had resided twenty years in -Virginia, where his family became numerous, and his riches great, he -resolved to visit England before his death, and then to return to -deposit his bones in a foreign grave. During his stay in London, he -one day went into a goldsmith’s shop in Cheapside, to purchase some -plate that he intended to take home with him. It happened, while the -goldsmith was weighing the plate which Wynne had purchased, that an -uproar took place in the street, occasioned by the circumstance of a -gentleman running off from certain bailiffs who were conducting him -to prison. Upon this Wynne ran also out into the street, and hearing -somebody behind him crying out, “Stop him! stop him!” his conscience -instantly awoke, so that he stopped, and exclaimed, “I am the man!” -“You the man!” cried the people; “what man?” “The man,” replied Wynne, -“that committed such a murder in Honey lane twenty years ago, for which -a poor man was hanged wrongfully!” - -Upon this confession he was carried before a magistrate, to whom he -repeated the same acknowledgment, and was committed to Newgate, tried, -condemned, and executed before the house where he perpetrated the -horrid deed. In this manner the justice of Heaven pursued this guilty -wretch long after he thought himself beyond the reach of punishment. -Justice also overtook his family, who were privy to his guilt. Upon the -intelligence of his shameful end, his wife immediately became deranged, -and continued so to her death. Two of his sons were hanged in Virginia -for robbery, and the whole family were soon reduced to beggary. - - - - -THOMAS WITHERINGTON. - - -This person was the son of a worthy gentleman of Carlisle, in the -county of Cumberland, who possessed a considerable estate, and brought -up his children suitably to his condition. Thomas, the subject of this -memoir, received a liberal education, as his father intended that he -should live free from the toil and hazard of business. The father -dying, Thomas came into possession of the estate, which soon procured -him a rich wife, who afterwards proved the chief cause of his ruin. She -was loose in her conduct, and violated her matrimonial obligations, -which drove him from his house to seek happiness in the tavern, or in -the company of abandoned women. These by degrees perverted all the -good qualities he possessed; nor was his estate less subject to ruin -and decay; for the mortgages he made on it, in order to support his -luxury and profusion, soon reduced his circumstances to the lowest -ebb. Undisciplined in poverty, how could a man of his late affluent -fortune, and unacquainted with business, procure a maintenance? He was -possessed of too independent a spirit to stoop either to relations or -friends for a precarious subsistence, and to solicit the benevolence -of his fellow-men was what his soul abhorred. Starve he could not, -and only one way of living presented itself to his choice--levying -contributions on the road. This he followed for six or seven years with -tolerable success; and we shall now relate a few of his most remarkable -adventures. - -Upon his first outset he repaired to a friend, and with a grave face -lamented his late irregularities, and declared his determination to -live by some honest means; but for this purpose he required a little -money to assist him in establishing himself, and hoped his friend would -find it convenient to accommodate him. His friend was overjoyed at the -prospect of his amendment and willingly lent him fifty pounds, with -as many blessings and exhortations. But Witherington frustrated the -expectations of his friend, and with the money bought himself a horse -and other necessaries fit for his future enterprises. - -One night he stopped at Keswick in Cumberland, where he met with the -dean of Carlisle. Being equally learned, they found each other’s -company very agreeable, and Witherington passed himself off for a -gentleman who had just returned from the East Indies with a handsome -competency, and was returning to his friends at Carlisle, among whom -he had a rich uncle, who had lately died and left him sole heir to -his estate. “True,” said the dean, “I have often heard of a relation -of Mr. Witherington’s being in the East Indies; but his family, I can -assure you, have received repeated information of his death, and what -prejudice this may have done to your affairs at Carlisle, to-morrow -will be the best witness.” The dean then told him his own history, and -concluded in these words:--“And I am now informed that, to support his -extravagance, Mr. Witherington frequents the road, and takes a purse -wherever he can extort it.” Our adventurer seemed greatly hurt at -this account of his cousin’s conduct, and thanked the doctor for his -information. Being both fond of their bottle, they spent the evening -very agreeably, promising to travel together on the following day to -Carlisle. - -Having arrived at a wood on the road, Witherington rode close up -to the dean, and whispered into his ear, “Sir, though the place at -which we now are is private enough, yet willing that what I do should -be still more private, I take the liberty to acquaint you, that -you have something about you that will do me an infinite piece of -service.”--“What’s that?” answered the doctor; “you shall have it with -all my heart.”--“I thank you for your civility,” said Witherington. -“Well then, to be plain, the money in your breeches-pocket will be -very serviceable to me at the present moment.”--“Money!” rejoined the -doctor; “sir, you cannot want money; your garb and person both tell me -you are in no want.”--“Ay, but I am; for the ship in which I came over -happened to be wrecked, so that I have lost all I brought from India; -and I would not enter Carlisle for the whole world without money in my -pocket.”--“Friend, I may urge the same plea, and say I would not go -into that city without money for the world; but what then? If you are -Mr. Witherington’s nephew, as you pretend to be, you would not thus -peremptorily demand money of me, for at Carlisle your friends will -supply you; and if you have none now, I will bear your expenses to -that place.”--“Sir,” said Witherington, “the question is not whether I -have money or not, but concerning that which is in your pocket; for, -as you say, my cousin is obliged to take purses on the road, and so am -I; so that if I take yours, you may ride to Carlisle, and say that Mr. -Witherington met you and demanded your charity.” After a good deal of -expostulation, the dean, terrified at the sight of a pistol, delivered -to Witherington a purse containing fifty guineas, before he pursued his -journey to Carlisle, and our adventurer set off in search of more prey. - -Witherington being at Newcastle, put up at an inn where some -commissioners were to meet that day, to make choice of a schoolmaster -for a neighboring parish. The salary being very handsome, many spruce -young clergymen and students appeared as competitors: and, being -possessed of sufficient qualifications, Witherington bethought him -of standing a candidate, for which purpose he borrowed coarse, plain -clothes from the landlord, to make his appearance correspond with the -conduct he meant to pursue. Repairing to the kitchen, and sitting down -by the fire, he called for a mug of ale, putting on a very dejected -countenance. One of the freeholders who came to vote, observing him as -he stood warming himself by the fire, was taken with his countenance, -and entered into conversation with him. He very modestly let the -freeholder know that he had come with the intention of standing a -candidate, but when he saw so many gay young men as competitors, and -fearing that every thing would be carried by interest, he resolved to -return home. “Nay,” replied the honest freeholder, “as long as I have -a vote, justice shall be done; and never fear, for egad, I say, merit -shall have the place, and if thou be found the best scholar, thou shalt -certainly have it; and to show you I am sincere, I now, though you -are a stranger to me, promise you my vote, and my interest likewise.” -Witherington thanked him for his civility, and consented to wait for -the trial. A keen contest took place between two of the most successful -candidates, when our adventurer was introduced as a man who had so -much modesty as to make him fearful of appearing before so great an -assembly, but who nevertheless wished to be examined. He confronted the -two opponents, and exposed their ignorance to the trustees, who were -all astonished at the stranger. He showed it was not a number of Greek -and Latin sentences that constituted a good scholar, but a thorough -knowledge of the nature of the book which he read, and the ability to -discover the design of the author. Suffice it to say, that Witherington -was installed into the office with all the usual formalities. - -Conducting himself with much moderation and humility, the churchwardens -of the parish took a great fancy to him, and made him overseer and -tax-gatherer to the parish; and the rector likewise committed to his -care the collection of his rents and tithes. This friendly disposition -towards Witherington extended itself over the parish, and never -was a man believed to be more honest or industrious. Of the latter -qualification, we must say, in this instance, he showed himself -possessed; but of the former he had never any notion. His opinion -had great weight with the heads of the parish, and he proposed the -erection of a new school-house, and for this purpose offered, himself, -to sink a year’s salary towards a subscription. It was willingly agreed -to, and contributions came in from all quarters, and a sum exceeding -700_l._ was speedily raised. The mind of Witherington was now big -with hope, but, being discovered by two gentlemen who had come from -Carlisle, he made off with all the subscriptions and funds in his -possession, leaving the parish to reflect upon the honesty of their -schoolmaster and their own credulity. - -He went to Buckinghamshire, and, being at an inn in the county town, -fell into the company of some farmers, who, he discovered, had come -to meet their landlord with their rents. They were all tenants of the -same proprietor, and poured out many complaints against him for his -harshness and injustice, in not allowing some deduction from their -rents, or time after quarter-day, when they met with severe losses from -bad weather or other causes. He learned that this landlord was very -rich, and so miserly that he denied himself even the necessaries of -life; our adventurer, therefore, determined, if possible, to rifle him -before he parted. - -The landlord soon arrived, and the company were shown into a private -room; Witherington, upon pretence of being a friend of one of the -farmers, and a lawyer, accompanied them. He requested a sight of the -last receipts, and examined them with great care, and then addressing -the landlord, “Sir,” said he, “these honest men, my friends, have been -your tenants for a long time, and have paid their rents very regularly; -but why they should be so fond of your farms at so high a rent I am -unable to comprehend, when they may get other lands much cheaper; -and that you should be so unreasonable as not to allow a reduction -in their rents in a season like this, when they must lose instead of -gaining by their farms. It is your duty, sir, to encourage them, and -not to grind them so unmercifully, else they will soon be obliged to -leave your farms altogether.” The landlord endeavored to argue the -point; and the farmers seeing the drift of Witherington, refrained from -interfering. “It is unnecessary,” resumed Witherington, “to have more -parley about it; I insist, on behalf of my friends here, that you remit -them a hundred and fifty pounds of the three hundred you expect them to -pay you, for I am told you have more than enough to support yourself -and family.” “Not a sous,” replied the landlord. “We’ll try that -presently. But pray, sir, take your pen, ink, and paper, in the mean -time, and write out their receipts, and the money shall be forthcoming -immediately.” “Not a letter, till the money is in my hands.” “It must -be so, then,” answered Witherington; “you will force a good-natured -man to use extremities with you;” and so saying, he laid a brace of -loaded pistols on the table. In a moment the landlord was on his knees, -crying, “Oh! dear sir, sweet sir, kind sir, merciful sir, for God of -Heaven’s sake, sir, don’t take away the life of an innocent man, sir, -who never intended harm to any one, sir.” “Why, what harm do I intend -you, friend? Cannot I lay the pistols I travel with on the table, but -you must throw yourself into this unnecessary fear? Pray, proceed with -the receipts, and write them in full of all demands to this time, or -else--”--“Oh, God, sir! Oh, dear sir! you have an intention--pray, -dear sir, have no intention against my life.” “To the receipts then, -or by Jupiter Ammon! I’ll--”--“O yes, I will, sir.” With this the old -landlord wrote full receipts, and delivered them to the respective -farmers. - -“Come,” said Witherington, “this is honest, and to show you that you -have to deal with honest people, here is the hundred and fifty pounds; -and I promise you, in the name of these honest men, that if things -succeed well, you shall have the other half next quarter-day.” The -farmers paid the money, and departed astonished, and not a little -afraid, at the consequences of this proceeding. Witherington ordered -his horse, and inquired of the ostler the road the old gentleman had to -travel, and presently took his departure. - -He chose the road which the old gentleman had to travel, and soon -observed him jogging away in sullen silence, with a servant behind -him. When he observed our hero, he would have fled, but Witherington -seized the bridle of his horse, and forced him to proceed, bantering -him upon the folly of hoarding up wealth, without enjoying it himself, -merely for some spendthrift son to squander after his death. “For,” he -continued, “money is a blessing sent us from Heaven, in order that, by -its circulation, it may afford nourishment to the body politic; and -if such wretches as you, by laying up thousands in your coffers to no -advantage, cause a stagnation, there are thousands in the world that -must feel the consequences, and I am to acquaint you of them; so that a -better deed cannot be done, than to bestow what you have about you upon -me; for, to be plain with you, I am not to be refused;” and hereupon -he presented his pistol. The old gentleman, in trepidation for his -life, resigned his purse, containing more than three hundred and fifty -guineas; and Witherington, unbuckling the portmanteau from behind the -servant, placed it on his own horse, and left the old landlord with -an admonition, to be in future affable and generous to his tenants, -for they were the persons who supported him, adding, that if he ever -again heard complaints from them, he would visit his house, and partake -liberally of what he most coveted. - -The county, after this adventure, was up in pursuit of Witherington, -and he retired to Cheshire with great expedition. The first house -he put up at was an inn kept by a young widow, noted as well for -her kindness to travellers, as her wealth and beauty. She paid -our adventurer great attention, and invited him to be of a party, -consisting of some friends, which she was to have that evening. He -was not blind to the charms of the widow, and gladly accepted the -invitation. The company he found to consist chiefly of gentlemen, who, -he could discover, were angling for the widow’s riches. Witherington -gained great favor in the eyes of the lady, and she asked him to favor -the company with a song, as she was sure, from his sweet clear voice, -he could perform well. Witherington wanting no farther importunity from -a person he had fixed his affections upon, complied with the request, -and sang an amorous ditty, very applicable to his present situation, -and, with the assistance of a side glance and a sigh, enabled the widow -to draw the most favorable inferences. He was completely successful, -and the widow evidently vanquished. Witherington was now requested by -the widow to relate some story concerning himself, “as certainly a -person who could make himself so agreeable, and make others take such -an interest in his welfare, could not fail to have met with something -remarkable in his lifetime.” Witherington was all compliance, and -begged leave to give a short recital of his life; and the company were -anxious that he should proceed, expecting to be informed of something -marvellous and mysterious. - -He invented an artful story, the drift of which was to give the widow -a high idea of himself, of the power that love had over him, and of -the generosity of his own mind. His greatest misfortune, he said, was -disappointment in love, the object of his choice having been stolen -from him by an old rich uncle, against her inclination, and he stated -that he had just left home, in order to divert his mind from the -melancholy with which this had overcast him; “chance,” said he, in -conclusion, “has thrown me into this hospitable house, where I cannot -but own I have found as much beauty as I have been unfortunately -deprived of.” - -This story excited considerable interest throughout the company, more -particularly in the breast of the widow, towards whom Witherington -now evinced unequivocal marks of attention, which seemed to excite -considerable jealousy in some of the gentlemen present. They all -parted, however, on the most friendly terms, and our adventurer -resolved to stay some time at Nantwich, in order to follow out this -adventure. Next morning, Witherington renewed his assiduities, and both -he and the amorous widow were equally gratified with each other’s -company; at length, determined to carry his point by a _coup de grace_, -he declared a most ardent passion for her, which, after much prefacing -and many assurances, was returned tenfold. She assured him, at the -same time, that he had many rivals, but over these he had gained the -pre-eminence, in her estimation. - -A few days after the first interview with the other suitors at the inn, -Witherington’s ascendancy was so evident, that a rival, who imagined -he had the game within reach, was seriously alarmed, and had recourse -to stratagem to free himself from such an opponent. For this purpose -he sent for Witherington, and, with every appearance of disinterested -friendship, informed him, that he had sent for him to caution him -against further intimacy with the widow, to whom he confessed he once -paid matrimonial court, but that he had thrown her completely off since -he had discovered the measure of her guilt, and congratulated himself -upon his escape. Expressing his detestation of the character of a -defamer, and solemnly avowing the purity of his motives, he informed -Witherington, that the widow was most fickle and insincere in her -attachment, as any one might have discovered at the supper party: and, -in order to gratify this wavering inclination, she had poisoned her -last husband. He entreated him then, as he valued his own happiness -and security, to desist from prosecuting his intentions farther, and -hoped Witherington would pardon the liberty he had taken; for, hearing -his acquaintance was to end in marriage, and considering the fortunate -escape he had himself made, he was bound to prevent a stranger from -being imposed upon. - -Witherington at once saw the drift of his rival, and humored him -accordingly. He seemed shocked at the baseness of the widow, and joined -the other in self-congratulation. He thanked the gentleman for his -kindly warning, and told him to leave the affair to his management, -and he would soon discover the depth of her guilt; and that as they -both seemed to have one object in view, namely, the possession of her -money, they might then be able to make what use of the circumstances -they found convenient and proper. The gentleman seemed satisfied, and -they parted for the present. - -Our adventurer returning to the inn, acquainted the widow with the -whole conversation between him and the gentleman. She was greatly -incensed, declared the world was very censorious, and vowed revenge -at whatever price. Witherington judging that a rupture was about to -take place, thought it high time to take advantage of the credulous -woman; so, that evening, taking her aside, he observed to her that the -best way of revenging herself upon his rival would be, if she had any -serious intention of marrying him, to show her inclination by some mark -of her favor that might distinguish him above his rival. Glad of this -opportunity, she conveyed him into a closet, where, showing him all -her money and plate, she told him that all these were at his service, -provided he could deliver her from the importunities of the gentleman. -Witherington assured her that she might depend upon him, and, taking -his leave for the night, retired to his chamber. Here he wrote the -following letter to the widow: - - “MY DEAR, - - “Ever mindful of what a woman says, especially one who has been - pleased to set her affections on me, I have written this letter purely - to acquaint you that, being obliged to go to London, and the journey - being pretty long, I could not do better than make use of the money - in the closet which you were so good as to say was at my service. I - was in exceeding haste when I began to write this, so that I can spare - no more time than to request you to be sure of thinking of me till my - return. - - T. WITHERINGTON.” - -After writing this he went privately into the widow’s closet and -secured all her ready money, which amounted to above three hundred -pounds; then, going into the stable, saddled his horse, mounted, and -rode out at the back door, leaving the family fast asleep, and the -widow and the gentleman lover to prosecute their amours as they thought -fit. - -Witherington, not yet content with the spoil obtained from the parish -and from the widow, repaired to the London road, where he perpetrated -a robbery between Acton and Uxbridge; after which he was detected and -committed to Newgate, where he led a most profligate life till the day -of his execution. - -He was executed with Jonathan Woodward and James Philpot, two most -notorious housebreakers, who had once before received mercy from -king James I. upon his accession to the throne. One of the name of -Elliot, the son of a respectable lady then living, was condemned at -the same time, but afterwards pardoned. This individual, thus restored -to society by the royal clemency, afterwards became a worthy citizen -and a good Christian. Out of compassion for other criminals, and in -acknowledgment of the king’s favor, his mother, upon her death-bed, -bequeathed a handsome sum to the parish of St. Sepulchre’s in London, -upon the condition of finding a man who should always, between the -hours of eleven and twelve o’clock of the night previous to the -execution of any unhappy criminal, go under Newgate, and, giving notice -of his approach by the ringing of a bell, remind the prisoners of -their approaching end, by repeating religious exhortations, tending to -prepare them for death. Witherington and his companions in death were -the first to whom these exhortations were given; and as the design -is truly benevolent, and as they are often fraught with incalculable -blessings to the guilty, we will gratify our readers by the insertion -of them, and with this close the life of Witherington. - -The person appointed, after inquiring of the criminals if they are -awake, and being answered in the affirmative, proceeds thus: - -“Gentlemen, I am the unwelcome messenger who comes to inform you that -to-morrow you must die. Your time is but short, the time slides away -apace, the glass runs fast, and the last sand being now about to drop, -when you must launch out into boundless eternity, give not yourselves -to sleep, but watch and pray to gain eternal life. Repent sooner than -St. Peter, and repent before the cock crows, for now repentance is the -only road to salvation; be fervent in this great duty, and without -doubt you may to-morrow be with the penitent thief in paradise. Pray -without ceasing; quench not the spirit; abstain from all appearance of -evil; as your own wickedness hath caused all this to fall upon you, and -brought the day of tribulation near at hand, so let goodness be your -sole comfort, that your souls may find perpetual rest with your blessed -Savior who died for the sins of the world; he will wipe all tears from -your eyes, remove your sorrows, and assuage your grief, so that your -sin-sick souls shall be healed for evermore. I exhort you earnestly not -to be negligent of the work of your salvation, which depends upon your -sincere devotion betwixt this and to-morrow, when the sword of justice -shall send you out of the land of the living. Fight the good fight of -faith, and lay hold of eternal life whilst you may, for there is no -repentance in the grave. Ye have pierced yourselves with many sorrows, -but a few hours will bring you to a place where you will know nothing -but joy and gladness. Love righteousness and hate iniquity, then God, -even your God, will anoint you with the oil of gladness above your -fellows. Go now boldly to the throne of grace, that ye may obtain mercy -and find grace to help in time of need. The God of peace sanctify you -wholly! and I pray God, your whole spirits, and souls, and bodies, may -be preserved blameless, until the meeting of your blessed Redeemer! -The Lord have mercy upon you! Christ have mercy upon you! Sweet Jesus -receive your souls! and to-morrow may you sup with him in paradise! -Amen! Amen!” - -Next day, when they were to die, the bell on the steeple was tolled, -and the cart stopped under the churchyard wall at St. Sepulchre’s, -where the same person related from the wall the following additional -exhortation: - -“Gentlemen, consider, now you are going out of this world into another, -where you will live in happiness or woe for evermore. Make your peace -with God Almighty, and let your whole thoughts be entirely bent upon -your latter end. Cursed is he that hangeth on a tree; but it is hoped -the fatal knot will bring your precious souls to a union with the great -Creator of heaven and earth, to whom I recommend your souls, in this -your final hour of distress. Lord have mercy upon you! Christ look down -upon you and comfort you! Sweet Jesus receive your souls this day into -eternal life! Amen!” - - - - -JAMES BATSON. - - -This famous robber was born in the first year of James the First. It -so happens (although perhaps the circumstance is no very satisfactory -evidence of the authenticity of his adventures) that he is his -own historian; we are accordingly compelled, in default of other -particulars, to lay his auto-biography before our readers. - -“I suppose,” says he, “that, according to custom, the reader will -expect some relation of my genealogy, and as I am a great admirer of -fashion, I shall gratify his curiosity. My grandfather had the good -fortune to marry a woman well skilled in vaulting and rope-dancing, -and who could act her part uncommonly well. Though above fifty years -of age, and affected with the phthisic, she died in the air. To avoid -seeing other women fly as she had done, her husband would not marry -again; but diverted himself with keeping a puppet-show in Moorfields, -deemed the most remarkable that ever had been seen in that place. My -grandfather was also so little, that the only difference between him -and his puppets was, that they spoke through a trunk, and he without -one. He was, however, so eloquent, and made such lively speeches, that -his audience were never rendered drowsy. All the apple-women, hawkers, -and fish-women, were so charmed by his wit, that they would run to hear -him, and leave their goods without any guard but their own straw hats. - -“My father had two trades, or two strings to his bow; he was a painter -and a gamester, and master much alike at both; for his painting could -scarcely rise so high as a sign-post, and his hand at play was of such -an ancient date, that it could scarcely pass. He had one misfortune, -which, like original sin, he entailed upon all his children; and that -was, his being born a gentleman, which is as bad as being a poet, few -of whom escape eternal poverty. - -“My mother had the misfortune to die longing for mushrooms. Besides -myself she left two daughters, both very handsome and very young; -and though I was then young myself, yet I was much better skilled in -sharping than my age seemed to promise. When the funeral sermon was -preached, the funeral rites performed, and our tears dried up, my -father returned to his daubing, my sisters to their stitching, and I -was despatched to school. I had such an excellent memory, that though -my dispositions were then what they have continued to be, yet I soon -learned as much as might have been applied to better purposes than I -have done. My tricks upon my master and my companions were so numerous, -that I obtained the honorable appellation of the Little Judas. My -avaricious disposition soon appeared, and if my covetous eyes once -beheld any thing, my invention soon put it into my possession. These, -however, I could not obtain gratis, for they cost me many a boxing bout -every day. The reports of my conduct were conveyed home, and my eldest -sister would frequently spend her white hands upon the side of my pate; -and sometimes even carried her admonitions so far, as politely to -inform me, that I would prove a disgrace to the family. - -“It was my good fortune, however, not to be greatly agitated by her -remonstrances, which went in at the one ear and out at the other. It -happened, however, that my adventures were so numerous, and daily -increasing in their magnitude, that I was dismissed the school with -as much solemnity as if it had been by beat of drum. After giving me -a complete drubbing, my father carried me to a barber, in order to be -bound as his apprentice. I was first sent to the kitchen, where my -mistress soon provided me with employment, by showing me a parcel of -dirty clothes, informing me, that it made part of the apprentice’s work -to clean them: ‘Jemmy,’ said she, ‘mind your heels, there’s a good -boy!’ I hung down my head, tumbled all the clouts into a trough, and -washed them as well as I could. I so managed the matter, that I was -soon discarded from my office, which was very fortunate for me, for it -would have put an end to Jemmy in less than a fortnight. - -“The third day of my apprenticeship, my master having just given me -a note to receive money, there came into the shop a ruffian with a -pair of whiskers, and told my master he would have them turned up. -The journeyman not being at hand, my master began to turn them up -himself and desired me to heat the irons. I complied, and just as he -had turned up one whisker, there happened a quarrel in the street, -and my master ran out to learn the cause. The scuffle lasting long, -and my master desirous to see the end as well as the beginning of the -bustle, the spark was all the time detained in the shop, with the one -whisker ornamented, and the other hanging down like an aspen leaf. In -a harsh tone he asked me, if I understood my trade; and I, thinking -it derogatory to my understanding to be ignorant, boldly replied that -I did; ‘Why, then,’ said he, ‘turn up this whisker for me, or I shall -go into the street as I am, and kick your master.’ I was unwilling -to be detected in a lie, and deeming it no difficult matter to turn -up a whisker, never showed the least concern, but took up one of the -irons, that had been in the fire ever since the commencement of the -street bustle, and having nothing to try it on, and willing to appear -expeditious, I took a comb, stuck it into his bristly bush, and clapped -the iron to it: no sooner did they meet, than there arose a smoke, as -if it had been out of a chimney, with a whizzing noise, and in a moment -all the hair vanished. He exclaimed furiously, ‘Thou son of a thousand -dogs! dost thou take me for St. Lawrence, that thou burnest me alive!’ -With that he let fly such a bang at me, that the comb dropped out of my -hand, and I could not avoid, in the fright, laying the hot iron close -along his cheek: this made him give such a shriek as shook the whole -house, and he, at the same time, drew his sword to send me to the other -world. I, however, recollecting the proverb, that ‘One pair of heels is -worth two pair of hands,’ ran so nimbly into the street, and fled so -quickly from that part of the town, that though I was a good runner, I -was amazed when I found myself about a mile from home, with the iron in -my hand, and the remainder of the whisker sticking to it. As fortune -would have it, I was near the dwelling of the person who was to pay the -note my master gave me: I went and received the money, but deemed it -proper to detain it in lieu of my three days’ wages. - -“This money was all exhausted in one month, when I was under the -necessity of returning to my father’s house. Before arriving there, I -was informed, that he was gone to the country to receive a large sum -of money which was due him, and therefore went boldly in, as if the -house had been my own. My grave sisters received me very coldly, and -severely blamed me for the money which my father paid for my pranks. -Maintaining, however, the honor of my birthright, I kept them at -considerable distance. The domestic war being thus prolonged, I one day -lost temper, and was resolved to make them feel the consequences of -giving me sour beer; and, though the dinner was upon the table, I threw -the dish at my eldest sister, and the beer at the younger, overthrew -the table, and marched out of doors on a ramble. Fortunately, however, -I was interrupted in my flight by one who informed me, that my father -was dead, and in his testament had very wisely left me sole heir and -executor. Upon this I returned, and soon found the tones and tempers -of my sisters changed, in consequence of the recent news. I sold the -goods, collected the debts, and feasted all the rakes in town, until -not one farthing remained. - -“One evening, a party of my companions carried me along with them, -and, opening the door of a certain house, conveyed from thence some -trunks, which a faithful dog perceiving, he gave the alarm. The people -of the house attacked the robbers, who threw down their burdens to -defend themselves: meanwhile, I skulked into a corner all trembling. -The watch made their appearance, and seeing three trunks in the street, -two men dangerously wounded, and myself standing at a small distance, -they seized me as one concerned in the robbery. Next day I was ordered -to a place of confinement, and could find no friend to bail me from -thence. In ten days I was tried, and my defences being frivolous and -unsatisfactory, I was about to be hoisted up by the neck, and sent out -of the world in a swinging manner, when a reprieve came, and in two -months a full pardon. - -“After this horrible fright, (for I was not much disposed to visit -the dwelling of my grandfather,) I commenced travelling merchant, -and, according to my finances, purchased a quantity of wash-balls, -toothpicks, and tooth-powders. Pretending that they came from Japan, -Peru, or Tartary, and extolling them to the skies, I had a good sale, -particularly among the gentry of the playhouse. Upon a certain day, one -of the actresses, a beautiful woman of eighteen, and married to one -of the actors, addressed me, saying, ‘she had taken a liking to me, -because I was a confident, sharp, forward youth; and therefore, if I -would serve her, she would entertain me with all her heart; and that, -when the company were strolling, I might beat the drum and stick up -the bills.’ Deeming it an easier mode of moving through the world, I -readily consented, only requesting two days to dispose of my stock, and -to settle all my accounts. - -“In my new profession my employments were various, some of which, -though not very pleasant, I endeavored to reconcile myself to, inasmuch -as they were comparatively better than my former. In a little time, I -became more acquainted with the tempers of my master and mistress, and -became so great a favorite, that fees and bribes replenished my coffers -from all expectants and authors who courted their favor. Unfortunately, -however, one day, in their absence, I was invited by some of the party -to take a walk, and, going into a tavern, commenced playing at cards, -till my last farthing was lost. Determined, if possible, to be revenged -of my antagonist, I requested time to run home for more money: it was -readily granted. I ran and seized an article belonging to my mistress, -pawned it for a small sum, which soon followed my other stores. But -evils seldom come alone: I was in this situation not only deprived of -my money, but also obliged to decamp.” - -The next adventure of Batson was to enlist as a soldier. It happened, -however, that his captain cheating him out of his pay, caused a -grievous quarrel. Batson soon found that it was dangerous to reside -in Rome and strive with the pope. His captain, upon some pretence of -improper conduct, had him apprehended, tried, and condemned to be -hanged. The cause of this harsh treatment was a very simple one: “For,” -says Batson, “I was one day drinking with a soldier, and happened -to fall out about a lie given. My sword unluckily running into his -throat, he kicked up his heels, through his own fault, for he ran upon -my point, so that he may thank his own hastiness.” Upon this our hero -says, “As if it had been a thing of nothing, or as a matter of pastime, -they gave sentence that I should be led in state along the streets, -then mounted upon a ladder, kick up my heels before all the people, -and take a swing in the open air, as if I had another life in my -knapsack. A notary informed me of this sentence, who was so generous -that he requested no fee, nor any expenses for his trouble during the -trial. The unfeeling gaoler desired me to make my peace with my Maker, -without giving me one drop to cheer my desponding heart. Informed of -my melancholy condition, a compassionate friar came to prepare me for -another world, since the inhabitants of this were so ready to bid me -farewell. When he arrived, he inquired for the condemned person. I -answered, ‘Father, I am the man, though you do not know me.’ He said, -‘Dear child, it is now time for you to think of another world, since -sentence is passed, and, therefore, you must employ the short time -allowed you in confessing your sins, and asking forgiveness of your -offences.’ I answered, ‘Reverend father, in obedience to the commands -of the church, I confess but once in the year, and that is in Lent; -but if, according to the human laws, I must atone with my life for -the crime I have committed, your reverence, being so learned, must be -truly sensible that there is no divine precept which says, “Thou shall -not eat or drink;” and therefore, since it is not contrary to the law -of God, I desire that I may have meat and drink, and then we will -discourse of what is best for us both; for I am in a Christian country, -and plead the privilege of sanctuary.’ - -“The good friar was much moved at finding me so jocular when I ought to -be so serious, and began to preach to me a loud and a long sermon upon -the parable of the lost sheep, and the repentance of the good thief. -But the charity bells that ring when criminals are executed knolling in -mine ears, made a deeper impression than the loud and impressive voice -of the friar. I therefore kneeled down before my ghostly father, and -cleared the store-house of my sins, and poured forth a dreadful budget -of iniquity. He then gave me his blessing, and poor Batson seemed -prepared to take his flight from a world of misfortunes and insults. - -“But, having previously presented a petition to the marquis D’Este, -then commanding officer, he at that critical moment called me before -him. He, being a merciful man, respited my sentence, and sent me to the -galleys for ten years. Some friends farther interfered, and informed -the marquis, that the accusation and sentence against me were effected -by the malice of the captain, who was offended because I had insisted -for the whole of my listing money. The result was that he ordered me to -be set at liberty, to the disappointment of my captain, together with -that of the multitude and the executioner. - -“The deadly fright being over, and my mind restored to tranquillity, -I went forth to walk, and to meditate upon what method I was now to -pursue in the rugged journey of life. Every man has his own fortune, -and, as good luck would have it, I again met with a recruiting officer, -who enlisted me, and, from partiality, took me home to his own -quarters. The cook taking leave of the family, I was interrogated if I -understood any thing in that line. To this I replied, as usual, in the -affirmative, and was accordingly installed into the important office of -a cook. - -“In the course of a military life, my master took up his winter -residence at Bavaria, in the house of one of the richest men in those -parts. To save his property, however, the Bavarian pretended to be -very poor, drove away all his cattle, and removed all his stores to -another quarter. Informed of this, I waited upon him, and acquainted -him that, as he had a person of quality in his house, it would be -necessary to provide liberally for him and his servants. He replied, -that I had only to inform him what provisions I wanted, and he would -order them immediately. I then informed him, that my master always -kept three tables, one for the gentlemen and pages, a second for the -butler and under officers, a third for the footmen, grooms, and other -liveries; that for these tables he must supply one ox, two calves, four -sheep, twelve pullets, six capons, two dozen of pigeons, six pounds -of bacon, four pounds of sugar, two of all sorts of spice; a hundred -eggs, half a dozen dishes of fish, a pot of wine to every plate, and -six hogsheads to stand by. He blessed himself, and exclaimed, ‘If all -you speak of be only for the servants’ tables, the village will not be -able to furnish the master’s.’ To this I replied, that my master was -such a good-natured man, that, if he saw his servants and attendants -well provided, he was indifferent to his own table; a dish of imperial -stuffed meat, with an egg in it, would be sufficient for him. He asked -me of what that same imperial stuffed meat was composed? I desired him -to send for a grave-digger and a cobbler, and while they were at work, -I would inform him what there was wanting. They were instantly called. -I then took an egg, and putting it into the body of a pigeon, which I -had already gutted with my knife, said to him, ‘Now, sir, take notice; -this egg is in the pigeon, the pigeon is to be put into a partridge, -the partridge into a pheasant, the pheasant into a pullet, the pullet -into a turkey, the turkey into a kid, the kid into a sheep, the sheep -into a calf, the calf into a cow; all these creatures are to be pulled, -flead, and larded, except the cow, which is to have her hide on; and as -they are through one into another, like a nest of boxes, the cobbler -is to sew every one of them with an end, that they may not slip out; -and the grave-digger is to throw up a deep trench, into which one load -of coals is to be cast, and the cow laid on the top of it, and another -load above her; the fuel set on fire, to burn about four hours, more -or less, when the meat being taken out, is incorporated, and becomes -such a delicious dish, that formerly the emperors used to dine upon -it on their coronation-day; for which reason, and because an egg is -the foundation of all that curious mass, it is named the “imperial -egg-stuffed meat.”’ The landlord was not a little astonished, but after -some conversation we understood each other, and my master left the -matter to my care. - -“In the course of my negotiations with the landlord, I incurred the -displeasure of my master, who, discovering my policy, came into the -kitchen, seized the first convenient instrument, and belabored me most -unmercifully. He was, however, punished for his rashness, by the want -of a cook for two weeks. - -“The scoundrels of the French were audacious enough to pay us a visit -while we remained here. I was ordered out with the rest, but I kept -at the greatest distance, lest any bullet should have mistaken me for -some other person. No sooner did I receive the intelligence that the -French were conquered, than I ran to the field of battle, brandishing -my sword, and cutting and slashing among the dead men. It unfortunately -happened, however, that, as I struck one of them with my sword, he -uttered a mournful groan, and, apprehensive that he was about to -revenge the injury done to him, I ran off with full speed, leaving my -sword in his body. In passing along, I met with another sword, which -saved my honor, as I vaunted that I had seized it from one in the field -of battle. - -“While thus rambling through the field of blood and danger, my master -was carried home mortally wounded, who called me a scoundrel, and -cried, ‘Why did not you obey me?’ ‘Lest, sir,’ replied I, ‘I should -have been as you now are.’ The good man soon breathed his last, leaving -me a horse and fifty ducats. - -“Being again emancipated from the bonds of servitude, I began to enjoy -life, and continued to treat all my acquaintance so long as my money -would permit. The return of poverty, however, made me again enlist -under the banners of servitude. - -“About this time a singular occurrence happened to me. I chanced to go -out into the street, when my eyesight was so affected, that I could not -discern black from green, nor white from gray. Observing the candles -suspended in a candle-maker’s shop, and taking them for radishes, I -thought there was no great harm though I should taste one of them. -Accordingly, laying hold of one, down fell the whole row, and being -dashed to pieces upon the floor, a scuffle ensued; I was taken into -custody, and made to pay the damage, which operated to restore my sight -to its natural state. - -“Not long after this adventure, I was assailed with love for the fair -sex, and, after some sighs and presents, I was bound to a woman for -better or for worse, and continued with her until the charms of the -marriage state and the pleasures of domestic life began to pall upon -me, and an ardent desire to return to my old course of adventure took -possession of my mind. Towards the attainment of this desirable end, I -one day kicked my wife out of doors, dressed myself, and prepared to -sally forth. I had no sooner effected this liberation, than a tavern -was my first resting-place to recruit my spirits and to redeem lost -time. - -“I at last formed the resolution of returning to my native home, -and there spending the evening of my bustling life in calm repose. -After travelling many a tedious mile, I got to London. Arrived in the -capital, I went directly to my father’s house, but found it in the -possession of another, and my sisters departed this life. As both of -them had been married, and had left children, there was no hope of any -legacy by their death: I was therefore under the necessity of doing -something for a living. Finding the gout increasing upon me, I, by the -advice of an acquaintance, took a public house; and, as I understood -several languages, I thought I might have many customers from among -foreigners.” - -Batson then gravely concludes his own narrative in these words:-- - -“I intend to leave off my foolish pranks, and as I have spent my -juvenile years and money in keeping company, hope to find some fools as -bad as myself, who delight in throwing away their estates and impairing -their health.” - -He accordingly took a house in Smithfield, and acquired a considerable -sum. But, being desirous to make a fortune with one dash, he hastened -his end. Among others who put up at his house was a gentleman who had -purchased a large estate in the country, and was going to deliver the -cash. The ostler observed to his master, that the bags belonging to the -gentleman were uncommonly heavy when he carried them into the house. -They mutually agreed to rob, and afterwards to murder him; and the -ostler accomplished the horrid deed. But, differing about the division -of the spoil, the ostler got drunk, and disclosed the whole matter. -The house was searched, the body of the gentleman found, and both the -murderers were seized, tried, and condemned. The ostler died before -the fatal day, but Batson was executed, and, according to the Catholic -faith, died a penitent, a year before the restoration of king Charles -the Second. - -[Illustration: _John Cottington._ P. 47.] - - - - -MULLED SACK, _alias_ JOHN COTTINGTON. - - -This man’s father was a petty haberdasher in Cheapside, but living -above his income, he died so poor that he was interred by the parish. -He had eighteen children, fifteen daughters and three sons. Our hero -was the youngest of the family, and at the age of eight was bound -apprentice to a chimney-sweeper. In his first year, deeming himself as -expert at his profession as his master, he left him, and, acting for -himself, soon acquired a great run of business. - -Money now coming in upon him, he frequented the tavern, and, disdaining -to taste of any thing but mulled sack, he acquired that appellation. -One evening he there met with a young woman, with whom he was so -enamored, that “he took her for better for worse.” But, not enjoying -that degree of comfort in this union which his imagination had painted -to him, he frequented the company of other women, until it became -necessary to make public contributions to supply their pressing -necessities. His first trials were in picking pockets of watches, and -any small sum he could find. Among others, he robbed a lady famous -among the usurers, of a gold watch set with diamonds, and another lady -of a similar piece of luxury, as she was going into church to hear a -celebrated preacher. By the aid of his accomplices, the pin was taken -out of the axle of her coach, which fell down at the church door, and -in the crowd, Mulled Sack, being dressed as a gentleman, gave her his -hand, while he seized her watch. The pious lady did not discover her -loss, until she wished to know the length of the sermon, when her -devout meditations, excited by the consoling exhortation of the pious -preacher, were sadly interrupted by the loss of her time-piece. It is -related, that upon a certain occasion, he had the boldness to attempt -the pocket of Oliver Cromwell, and that the danger to which he was then -exposed determined him to leave that sneaking trade, and in a genteel -manner to enter upon the honorable profession of public collector on -the highway. - -He entered into partnership with Tom Cheney. Their first adventure was -attacking colonel Hewson, who had raised himself by his merit from a -cobbler to a colonel. He was riding at some distance from his regiment -upon Hounslow-heath, and, even in the sight of some of his men, these -two rogues robbed him. The pursuit was keen: Tom’s horse failing, -he was apprehended, but Mulled Sack escaped. The prisoner, being -severely wounded, entreated that his trial might be postponed on that -account. But, on the contrary, lest he should die of his wounds, he was -condemned at two o’clock, and executed that evening. - -One Horne was the next accomplice of Mulled Sack. His companions were, -however, generally unfortunate. Upon their first attempt, Horne was -pursued, taken, and executed. - -Thus twice bereft of his associates, he acted alone, but generally -committed his depredations upon the republican party, who then had the -wealth of the nation in their possession. Informed that the sum of -four thousand pounds was on its way from London, to pay the regiments -of Oxford and Gloucester, he concealed himself behind a hedge where -the wagon was to pass, presented his pistols, and the guard supposing -that many more must have been concealed, fled, and left him the immense -prize. - -There were a few passengers in the wagon, who were greatly affrighted. -He, however, consoled them, assuring them that he would not injure -them, saying, “This which I have taken is as much mine as theirs who -own it, being all extorted from the public by the rapacious members of -our commonwealth, to enrich themselves, maintain their janizaries, and -keep honest people in subjection, the most effectual way to do which is -to keep them very poor.” - -When not employed as a chimney-sweep, which profession he still -occasionally pursued, he dressed in high style, and is said to have -received more money by robbery than any man in that age. One day, -being informed that the receiver-general was to send up to London six -thousand pounds, he entered his house the night before, and rendered -that trouble unnecessary. Upon the noise which this notorious robbery -occasioned, Mulled Sack was apprehended; but through cunning, baffling -the evidence, or corrupting the jury, he was acquitted. - -In a little time after, he robbed and murdered a gentleman, and, for -fear of detection, went to the continent, and was introduced into the -court of Charles the Second. Upon pretence of giving information, he -came home, and applied to Cromwell, confessed his crime, but proposed -to purchase his life by important information. But whether he failed in -his promise, or whether Cromwell thought that such a notorious offender -was unworthy to live, cannot be ascertained; one thing is certain, that -he was tried and executed in the forty-fifth year of his age, in the -month of April 1659. - - - - -CAPTAIN JAMES HIND. - - -The father of Hind was an industrious saddler, a cheerful companion, -and a good Christian. He was a native of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, -where James was born. As our hero was his only son, he received a good -education, and remained at school until he was fifteen years of age. - -He was then sent as an apprentice to a butcher in that place, and -continued in that employment during two years. Upon leaving his -master’s service, he applied to his mother for money to bear his -expenses to London, complaining bitterly of the rough and quarrelsome -temper of his master. The complying mother yielded, and, giving him -three pounds, she, with a sorrowful heart, took farewell of her beloved -son. - -Arrived in the capital, he soon contracted a relish for the -pleasures of the town. His bottle and a female companion became his -principal delight, and occupied the greater part of his time. He was -unfortunately detected one evening with a woman of the town who had -just robbed a gentleman, and along with her confined until the morning. -He was acquitted because no evidence appeared against him, but his fair -companion was committed to Newgate. - -Captain Hind, soon after this accident, became acquainted with one -Allan, a famous highwayman. While partaking of a bottle, their -conversation became mutually so agreeable that they consented to unite -their fortunes. - -Their measures being concerted, they set out in quest of plunder. They -fortunately met a gentleman and his servant travelling along the road. -Hind being raw and inexperienced, Allan was desirous to have a proof -of his courage and address; he, therefore, remained at a distance, -while Hind boldly rode up to them and took from them fifteen pounds, at -the same time returning one to bear their expenses home. This he did -with so much grace and pleasantry, that the gentleman vowed that he -would not injure a hair of his head though it were in his power. - -About this period, the unfortunate Charles I. suffered death for his -political principles. Captain Hind conceived an inveterate enmity to -all those who had stained their hands with their sovereign’s blood, and -gladly embraced every opportunity to wreak his vengeance upon them. In -a short time, Allan and Hind met with the usurper, Oliver Cromwell, -riding from Huntingdon to London. They attacked the coach, but Oliver -being attended by seven servants. Allan was apprehended, and it was -with no small difficulty that Hind made his escape. The unfortunate -Allan was soon after tried, and suffered death for his audacity. The -only effect which this produced upon Hind was to render him more -cautious in his future depredations. He could not, however, think of -abandoning a course on which he had just entered, and which promised so -many advantages. - -The captain had ridden so hard to escape from Cromwell and his train -that he killed his horse, and having no money to purchase a substitute, -he was under the necessity of trying his fortune upon foot, until -he should find means to procure another. It was not long before he -espied a horse tied to a hedge with a saddle on and a brace of pistols -attached to it. He looked round and observed a gentleman on the other -side of the hedge. “This is my horse,” exclaimed the captain, and -immediately vaulted into the saddle. The gentleman called out to him -that the horse was his. “Sir,” said Hind, “you may think yourself well -off that I have left you all the money in your pocket to buy another, -which you had best lay out before I meet you again, lest you should be -worse used.” So saying, he rode off in search of new booty. - -There is another story of Hind’s ingenious method of supplying himself -with a horse upon occasion. It appears that, being upon a second -extremity reduced to the humble station of a footpad, he hired a sorry -nag and proceeded on his journey. He was overtaken by a gentleman -mounted on a fine hunter, with a portmanteau behind him. They entered -into conversation upon such topics as are common to travellers, and -Hind was very eloquent in the praise of the gentleman’s horse, which -inclined the other to descant upon the qualifications of the animal. -There was upon one side of the road a wall, which the gentleman said -his horse would leap over. Hind offered to risk a bottle on it, to -which the gentleman agreed, and quickly made his horse leap over. -The captain acknowledged that he had lost his wager, but requested -the gentleman to let him try if he could do the same; to which -he consented, and the captain, being seated in the saddle of his -companion, rode off at full speed and left him to return the other -miserable animal to its owner. - -At another time the captain met the regicide Hugh Peters in Enfield -chace, and commanded him to deliver his money. Hugh, who was not -deficient in confidence, began to combat Hind with texts of scripture, -and to cudgel our bold robber with the eighth commandment: “It is -written in the law,” said he, “that ‘Thou shalt not steal:’ and -furthermore, Solomon, who was surely a very wise man, spoke in this -manner, ‘Rob not the poor, because he is poor.’” Hind was desirous to -answer him in his own strain, and for that purpose began to rub up his -memory for some of the texts he had learned when at school. “Verily,” -said Hind, “if thou hadst regarded the divine precepts as thou oughtest -to have done, thou wouldst not have wrested them to such an abominable -and wicked sense as thou didst the words of the prophet, when he said, -‘Bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron.’ -Didst thou not then, detestable hypocrite, endeavor, from these words, -to aggravate the misfortunes of thy royal master, whom thy cursed -republican party unjustly murdered before the gate of his own palace?” -Here Hugh Peters began to extenuate that proceeding, and to allege -other parts of scripture in his own defence. “Pray, sir,” replied Hind, -“make no reflections against men of my profession, for Solomon plainly -said, ‘do not despise a thief.’ But it is to little purpose for us to -dispute; the substance of what I have to say is this, deliver thy money -presently, or else I shall send thee out of the world to thy master, -the devil, in an instant.” These terrible words of the captain’s so -terrified the old Presbyterian, that he forthwith gave him thirty broad -pieces of gold and then departed. - -But Hind was not satisfied with allowing so bitter an enemy to the -royal cause to depart in such a manner. He accordingly rode after him -at full speed, and, overtaking him, addressed him in the following -language:--“Sir, now I think of it, I am convinced this misfortune has -happened to you because you did not obey the words of the scripture, -which expressly says, ‘provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass, -in your purses, for your journey,’ whereas it is evident that you had -provided a pretty decent quantity of gold. However, as it is now in my -power to make you fulfil another commandment, I would by no means slip -the opportunity; therefore, pray give me your cloak.” Peters was so -surprised that he neither stood still to dispute nor to examine what -was the drift of Hind’s demand. But he soon made him understand his -meaning, when he added, “You know, sir, our Savior has commanded, that -if any man take away thy cloak, thou must not refuse thy coat also; -therefore, I cannot suppose that you will act in direct contradiction -to such an express command, especially as you cannot pretend you have -forgot it, seeing that I now remind you of that duty.” The old Puritan -shrugged his shoulders some time before he proceeded to uncase them; -but Hind told him that his delay would be of no service to him, for he -would be implicitly obeyed, because he was sure that what he requested -was entirely consonant with the scripture. He accordingly surrendered, -and Hind carried off the cloak. - -The following sabbath, when Hugh ascended the pulpit, he was inclined -to pour forth an invective against stealing, and selected for his -subject these words: “I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on?” -An honest plain man, who was present, and knew how he had been treated -by the robber, promptly cried out, “Upon my word, sir, I believe there -is nobody here can tell you, unless captain Hind were here.” Which -ready answer to Hugh’s scriptural question put the congregation into -such an outrageous fit of laughter, that the parson was made to blush, -and descended from his pulpit, without prosecuting the subject farther. - -The captain, as before mentioned, indulged a rooted hatred against -all those who were concerned in the murder of the late king; and -frequently these men fell in his way. He was one day riding on the -road, when president Bradshaw, who had sat as judge upon the king, and -passed the sentence of death upon him, met with the captain. The place -where they came into collision was on the road between Sherbourne and -Shaftesbury. Hind rode up to the coach, and demanded Bradshaw’s money, -who, supposing that his very name would convey terror along with it, -informed him who he was. “Marry,” cried Hind, “I neither fear you nor -any king-killing villain alive. I have now as much power over you, as -you lately had over the king, and I should do God and my country good -service, if I made the same use of it; but live, villain, to suffer the -pangs of thine own conscience, till justice shall lay her iron hand -upon thee, and require an answer for thy crimes, in a way more proper -for such a monster, who art unworthy to die by any hands but those of -the common hangman, or at any other place than Tyburn. Nevertheless, -though I spare thy life as a regicide, be assured, that unless thou -deliver up thy money immediately, thou shalt die for thy obstinacy.” - -Bradshaw began to perceive that the case was not now with him as it -was when he sat at Westminster hall, supported by all the strength of -the rebellion. A horror took possession of his soul, and discovered -itself in his countenance. He put his trembling hand into his pocket, -and pulled out about forty shillings in silver, which he presented -to the captain, who swore he would that minute shoot him through the -heart, unless he found him coin of another species. To save his life, -the sergeant pulled out that which he valued next to it, and presented -the captain with a purse full of Jacobuses. - -But though Hind had got possession of the cash, he was inclined to -detain the sergeant a little longer, and began the following eulogium -upon the value of money:-- - -“This, sir, is the metal that wins my heart forever! O precious gold! -I admire and adore thee as much as either Bradshaw, Prynne, or any -other villain of the same stamp, who, for the sake of thee, would sell -his Redeemer again, were he now upon earth. This is that incomparable -medicament, which the republican physicians call the wonder-working -plaster; it is truly catholic in operation, and somewhat of kin to the -Jesuit’s powder, but more effectual. The virtues of it are strange -and various; it maketh justice deaf as well as blind; and takes out -spots of the deepest treasons as easily as Castile soap does common -stains; it alters a man’s constitution in two or three days, more -than the virtuoso’s transfusion of blood can do in seven years. It is -a great alexipharmic, and helps poisonous principles of rebellion, -and those that use them; it miraculously exalts and purifies the -eye-sight, and makes traitors behold nothing but innocence in the -blackest malefactors: it is a mighty cordial for a declining cause; it -stifles faction and schism as certainly as rats are destroyed by common -arsenic: in a word, it makes fools wise men, and wise men fools, and -both of them knaves. The very color of this precious balm is bright -and dazzling. If it be properly applied to the fist, that is, in a -decent manner, and in a competent dose, it infallibly performs all -the above-mentioned cures, and many others too numerous to be here -mentioned.” - -The captain, having finished his panegyric upon the virtues of the -glittering metal, pulled out his pistol, and again addressed the -serjeant, saying, “You and your infernal crew have a long while run on, -like Jehu, in a career of blood and impiety, falsely pretending that -zeal for the Lord of Hosts has been your only motive. How long you may -be suffered to continue in the same course, God only knows. I will, -however, for this time, stop your race in a literal sense of the word.” -And without farther delay, he shot all the six horses that were in the -carriage, and left Bradshaw to ponder upon the lesson he had received. - -Hind’s next adventure was with a company of ladies, in a coach upon the -road between Petersfield and Portsmouth. He accosted them in a polite -manner, and informed them that he was a protector of the fair sex, and -it was purely to win the favor of a hard-hearted mistress that he had -travelled the country. “But, ladies,” added he, “I am at this time -reduced to the necessity of asking relief, having nothing to carry me -on in the intended prosecution of my adventures.” The young ladies, -who had read many romances, could not help concluding that they had -met with some Quixote or Amadis de Gaul, who was saluting them in the -strains of knight-errantry. “Sir knight,” said one of the most jocular -of the company, “we heartily commiserate your condition, and are very -much troubled that we cannot contribute towards your support; for we -have nothing about us but a sacred _depositum_, which the laws of your -order will not suffer you to violate.” The captain was much pleased at -having met with such a pleasant lady, and was much inclined to have -permitted them to proceed; but his necessities were at this time very -urgent. “May I, bright ladies, be favored with the knowledge of what -this sacred depositum, which you speak of, is, that so I may employ -my utmost abilities in its defence, as the laws of knight-errantry -require.” The lady who had spoken before told him, that the depositum -she had spoken of was 3000_l._ the portion of one of the company, who -was going to bestow it upon the knight who had won her good-will by -his many past services. “Present my humble duty to the knight,” said -he, “and be pleased to tell him that my name is captain Hind; that out -of mere necessity I have made bold to borrow part of what, for his -sake, I wish were twice as much; that I promise to expend the sum in -defence of injured lovers, and in the support of gentlemen who profess -knight-errantry.” Upon the name of captain Hind, the fair ones were -sufficiently alarmed, as his name was well known all over England. -He, however, requested them not to be affrighted, for he would not do -them the least injury, and only requested 1000_l._ of the 3000_l._ As -the money was bound up in several parcels, the request was instantly -complied with, and our adventurer wished them a prosperous journey, and -many happy days to the bride. - -Taking leave of the captain for a little, we shall inform our readers -of the consequences of this extorted loan of the captain’s. When the -bride arrived at the dwelling of her intended husband, she faithfully -recounted to him her adventures upon the road. The avaricious and -embryo curmudgeon refused to accept her hand until her father should -agree to make up the loss. Partly because he detested the request of -the lover, and partly because he had sufficiently exhausted his funds, -the father refused to comply. The pretended lover, therefore, declined -her hand, because it was emptied of the third part of her fortune; and -the affectionate and high spirited lady died of a broken heart. Hind -often declared, that this adventure caused him great uneasiness, while -it filled him with detestation at the dishonorable and base conduct of -the mercenary lover. - -The transactions of Hind were now become so numerous, and made him -so well known, that he was forced to conceal himself in the country. -During this cessation from his usual industrious labors, his funds -became so exhausted, that even his horse was sold to maintain his -own life. Impelled by necessity, he often resolved to hazard a few -movements upon the highway; but he had resided so long in that -quarter, that he durst not risk any such adventure. Fortune, however, -commiserated the condition of the captain, and provided relief. He was -informed that a doctor, who resided in the neighborhood, had gone to -receive a handsome fee for a cure which he had effected. The captain -then lived in a small house which he had hired upon the side of a -common, and which the doctor had to pass in his journey home. Hind, -having long and impatiently waited his arrival, ran up to him, and -in the most piteous tone and suppliant language, told the doctor his -wife was suddenly seized with illness, and that unless she got some -assistance she would certainly perish, and entreated him just to tarry -for a minute or two and lend her his medical assistance, and he would -gratefully pay him for his trouble as soon as it was in his power. - -The tender-hearted doctor, moved with compassion, alighted and -accompanied him into his house, assuring him that he should be very -happy to be of any service in restoring his wife to health. Hind showed -the doctor up-stairs; but they had no sooner entered the door, than he -locked it, presented a pistol, showing, at the same time, his empty -purse, saying: “This is my wife; she has so long been unwell, that -there is now nothing at all within her. I know, sir, that you have a -sovereign remedy in your pocket for her distemper, and if you do not -apply it without a word, this pistol will make the day shine into your -body!” The doctor would have been content to have lost his fee, upon -condition of being delivered from the importunities of his patient; -but it required only a small degree of the knowledge of symptoms to be -convinced, that obedience was the only thing which remained for him to -observe: he therefore emptied his own purse of forty guineas into that -of the captain, and thus left our hero’s wife in a convalescent state. -Hind then informed the doctor, that he would leave him in possession -of his whole house, to reimburse him for the money which he had taken -from him. So saying, he locked the door upon the doctor, mounted that -gentleman’s horse, and went in quest of another county, since this had -become too hot for him. - -Hind has been often celebrated for his generosity to the poor; and the -following is a remarkable instance of his virtue in that particular. -He was upon one occasion extremely destitute of cash, and had waited -long upon the road without receiving any supply. An old man, jogging -along upon an ass, at length appeared. He rode up to him, and very -politely inquired where he was going. “To the market,” said the old -man, “at Wantage, to buy me a cow, that I may have some milk for my -children.” “How many children have you?” The old man answered, “Ten.” -“And how much do you mean to give for a cow?” said Hind. “I have but -forty shillings, master, and that I have been scraping together these -two years.” Hind’s heart ached for the poor man’s condition; at the -same time he could not help admiring his simplicity; but, being in -absolute want himself, he thought of an expedient which would serve -both himself and the poor old man. “Father,” said he, “the money which -you have is necessary for me at this time; but I will not wrong your -children of their milk. My name is Hind, and if you will give me your -forty shillings quietly, and meet me again this day se’nnight at this -place, I promise to make the sum double.” The old man reluctantly -consented, and Hind enjoined him to “be cautious not to mention a word -of the matter to any body between this and that time.” The old man came -at the appointed time, and received as much as would purchase two cows, -and twenty shillings more, that he might thereby have the best in the -market. - -Though Hind had long frequented the road, yet he carefully avoided -shedding blood; and the following is the only instance of this nature -related of him. He had one morning committed several robberies, and -among others, had taken more than 70_l._ from colonel Harrison, the -celebrated parliamentary general. As the Roundheads were Hind’s -inveterate foes, the colonel immediately raised the hue-and-cry after -him, which was circulated in that part of the country before the -captain was aware of it. At last, however, he received intelligence at -one of the inns upon the road, and made every possible haste to fly -the scene of danger. In this situation the captain was apprehensive of -every person he met upon the road. He had reached a place called Knowl -Hill, when the servant of a gentleman, who was following his master, -came riding at full speed behind him. Hind, supposing that it was one -in pursuit of himself, upon his coming up, turned about, and shot him -through the head, when the unfortunate man fell dead upon the spot. -Fortune favored the captain at this time, and he got off in safety. - -The following adventure closes the narrative of Hind’s busy life. After -Charles I. was beheaded, the Scots remained loyal, proclaimed his son -Charles II., and resolved to maintain his right against the usurper. -They suddenly raised an army, and entering England, proceeded as far as -Worcester. Multitudes of the English joined the royal army, and among -these captain Hind, who was loyal from principle, and brave by nature. -Cromwell was sent by Parliament with an army to intercept the march of -the royalists. Both armies met at Worcester, and a desperate and bloody -battle ensued. The king’s army was routed. Captain Hind had the good -fortune to escape, and, reaching London, lived in a retired situation. -Here, however, he had not remained long, when he was betrayed by one of -his intimate acquaintances. It will readily be granted that his actions -merited death by the law of his country, but the mind recoils with -horror from the thought of treachery in an intimate friend. - -Hind was carried before the speaker of the house of commons, and, after -a long examination, was committed to Newgate and loaded with irons; -nor was any person allowed to converse with him without a special -permission. He was brought to the bar of the session-house at the -Old Bailey, indicted for several crimes, but, for want of sufficient -evidence, nothing worthy of death could be proved against him. Not long -after this, he was sent down to Reading under a strong guard, and, -being arraigned before judge Warburton, for killing George Symson at -Knowl Hill, as formerly mentioned, he was convicted of wilful murder. -An act of indemnity for all past offences was issued at this time, and -he hoped to have been included; but an order of council removed him to -Worcester gaol, where he was condemned for high treason, and hanged, -drawn, and quartered, on the 24th September 1652, aged thirty-four -years. His head was stuck upon the top of the bridge over the Severn, -and the other parts of his body placed upon the gates of the city. The -head was privately taken down and interred, but the remaining parts of -his body remained until consumed by the influence of the weather. - -In his last moments he declared that his principal depredations had -been committed against the republican party, and that he was sorry for -nothing so much as not living to see his royal master restored. - - - - -THE GERMAN PRINCESS. - - -Though this remarkable female character was denominated a German -Princess, for a reason which will be mentioned in the course of her -narrative, she was a native of Canterbury, and her father a chorister -of that cathedral. From her sprightly and volatile disposition, she at -an early period took delight in reading the novels that were at that -time fashionable,--such as Parismus and Parismanus, Don Bellianis of -Greece, Amadis de Gaul, and Cassandra and Cleopatra; and in a little -time really believed what she wished, even that she was a princess. - -But in her marriage she lost sight of her exalted conceptions, and -united her fortune with a journeyman shoemaker. She resided with -him until she had two children, who both died in their infancy. The -industrious shoemaker was unable to support her extravagance, so that -she at last left him, to seek her fortune elsewhere. - -A woman of her figure, beauty, and address, was not long before she -procured another husband. She went to Dover, and married a surgeon of -that place, but, being apprehended and tried at Maidstone for having -two husbands, by some dexterous manœuvre she was acquitted. - -She presently after embarked for Holland, and travelled by land to -Cologne, and having a considerable sum of money, took handsome lodgings -at a house of entertainment, and cut a dashing figure. As it is -customary for the gentry in England to frequent Brighton during the -season, so it was then customary for those in Germany to frequent the -Spa. Our heroine went thither, and was addressed by an old gentleman -who had a good estate in the vicinity. With the assistance of her -landlady, she managed this affair with great art. The old gentleman -presented her with several fine jewels, besides a gold chain and costly -medal, which had been given him, for some gallant action under count -Tilly, against the valiant Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. He at length -began to press matrimony with all the keenness of a young lover, and, -unable to resist the siege any longer, she consented to make him -happy in three days. Meanwhile, he supplied her with money in great -profusion, and she was requested to prepare what things she pleased -for the wedding. The Princess now deemed it high time to be gone, and, -to secure her retreat, acquainted her landlady with her design. Having -already shared largely of the spoils that our adventurer had received -from her old doating lover, the aged beldame, in hopes of pillaging -him a little more, encouraged and aided her flight. Our heroine -requested her to go and provide her a seat in a carriage which took a -different road from that of Cologne, as she did not wish that her lover -should be able to trace her route. When our Princess found herself -alone, she broke open a chest in which the good woman had deposited -all her share of the spoil that she had received from our heroine, -as well as her own money. Madame made free with all, and took her -passage to Utrecht, from thence went to Amsterdam, sold her chains and -some jewels, and then passed into Rotterdam, from whence she speedily -embarked for England. - -She landed at Billingsgate, one morning very early in the end of March -1663, and found no house open until she came to the Exchange inn, where -she attained to the dignity of a German princess in the following -manner. In this inn, she got into the company of some gentlemen who, -she perceived, were full of money, and these addressing her in a -rude manner, she began to weep most bitterly, exclaiming that it was -extremely hard for her to be reduced to this extreme distress, who -was once a princess. Here she recited the story of her extraction -and education, and much about her pretended father, the lord Henry -Vanwolway, a prince of the empire, and independent of every man but his -Imperial Majesty. “Certainly,” said she, “any gentleman here present -may conceive what a painful situation this must be to me to be thus -reduced, brought up as I have been under the care of an indulgent -father, and in all the luxuries of a court. But, alas! what do I -say?--Indulgent father! was it not his cruelty which banished me, his -only daughter, from his dominions, merely for marrying, without his -knowledge, a nobleman of the court whom I loved to excess? Was it not -my father who occasioned my dear lord and husband to be cut off in -the bloom of his age, by falsely accusing him of a design against his -person,--a deed which his virtuous soul abhorred?” Here she pretended -that the poignancy of her feelings would allow her to relate no more -of her unfortunate history. - -The whole company was touched with compassion at the melancholy tale, -which she related with so much unaffected simplicity, that they had -not a doubt of its truth. Compassionating her unfortunate situation, -they requested her acceptance of all the money they had about them, -promising to return again with more. They were as good as their -promise, and she ever after went by the name of the unfortunate German -Princess. - -The man who kept the inn, knowing that she was come from the continent, -and seeing that she had great riches about her, was disposed more -than ever to believe the truth of her story. Nor was Madame backward -to inform him, that she had collected all that she possessed from the -benevolent contributions of neighboring princes, who knew and pitied -her misfortunes. “Nor durst any one of them,” continued she, “let my -father know what they had done, or where I am, for he was so much more -powerful than any of them, that if he understood that any one favored -me, he would instantly make war upon them.” - -King, the innkeeper, being convinced of her rank and fortune, John -Carleton, his brother-in-law, no doubt receiving proper information -from King, became enamored of the Princess, and presumed to pay his -addresses to her. She was highly displeased at first, but, from his -importunity, was at last prevailed upon to descend from her station, -and receive the hand of a common man. Poor Carleton thought himself -the happiest of mortals, in being thus so highly honored by a union -with such an accomplished and amiable princess, possessed of an ample -fortune, though far inferior to what she had a right to expect from her -noble birth. - -But, during this dream of pleasure, Mr. King received a letter, -informing him, that the woman who resided at his house, and was married -to his brother-in-law, was an impostor, that she had already been -married to two husbands, and had eloped with all the money she could -lay her hands on: and that the writer said nothing but what could be -proved by the most unquestionable evidence in a court of justice. The -consequence was, that a prosecution was instituted against her for -polygamy; but from insufficient evidence she was acquitted. - -She was then introduced as an actress among the players, and by them -supported for some time. Upon the strength of her popularity the house -was often crowded, and the public curiosity was excited by a woman who -had made such a figure in the world, and was receiving great applause -in her dramatic capacity. She generally appeared in characters suited -to her habits of life, and those scenes which had been rendered -familiar to her by former deception and intrigues. But what tended -chiefly to promote her fame, was a play called the “German Princess,” -written principally upon her account, in which she spoke the following -prologue in such a manner as gained universal applause. - - I’ve passed one trial, but it is my fear - I shall receive a rigid sentence here: - You think me a bold cheat, but case ’twere so, - Which of you are not? Now you’d swear, I know; - But do not, lest that you deserve to be - Censured worse than you can censure me; - The world’s a cheat, and we that move in it - In our degrees do exercise our wit; - And better ’tis to get a glorious name, - However got, than live by common fame. - -The Princess had too much mercury in her constitution to remain long -within the bounds of a theatre, when London itself was too limited for -her volatile disposition. She did not, however, leave the theatre until -she had procured many admirers. Her history was well known, as well as -her accomplishments and her gallantry, and introduced her into company. -She was easy of access, but in society carried herself with an affected -air of indifference. - -There were two young beaux, in particular, who had more money in -their pockets than wit in their heads; and from the scarcity of that -commodity in themselves, they the more admired her wit and humor. She -encouraged their addresses until she had extracted about three hundred -pounds from each of them, and then observing their funds were nearly -exhausted, discarded them both, saying, she was astonished at their -impudence, in making love to a princess! - -Her next lover was an old gentleman about fifty, who saw her, and -though he was acquainted with her history, nevertheless resolved to be -at the expense of some hundreds a year, provided she would consent to -live with him. To gain his purpose he sent her several rich presents, -which, with seeming reluctance, she accepted. When they commenced -living together as man and wife, she so accommodated herself to his -temper and disposition that he was constantly making her rich presents, -which were always accepted with apparent reluctance, as laying her -under so many obligations. In this manner they continued, until her -doating lover one evening coming home intoxicated, she thought it a -proper opportunity to decamp. So soon as he was asleep, she rifled his -pockets, and found his pocket-book, containing a bill for a hundred -pounds, and some money. She also stripped him of his watch, and, taking -his keys, opened his coffers, and carried off every thing that suited -her purpose. She next went and presented the bill, and, as the acceptor -knew her, received the money without hesitation. - -Having thus fleeced her old lover, our German princess took up lodgings -in a convenient place, under the character of a young lady with a -thousand pounds, whose father was able to give her twice as much: but -disliking a person whom he had provided as a husband for her, she had -left her father’s house, and did not wish to be discovered by any of -her friends. Madame now continued to have different letters sent her -from time to time, containing an account of all the news concerning her -father and lover. These were left carelessly about the room, and her -landlady reading them, became confirmed in the belief of her story. - -This woman had a rich nephew, a young man, who, having been introduced -to her acquaintance, became enamored of her, and to gain her favor -presented her with a gold watch, which she could hardly be prevailed -upon to accept. Her lover already thought the door of paradise open -to him, and their amour proceeded with all the mutual felicity that -young lovers can expect or desire. But in this season of bliss, a -porter knocked at the door with a letter. Her maid, as previously -directed, brought the letter in to her, which she had no sooner read, -than she exclaimed, “I am undone! I am ruined!”--and pretended to swoon -away. The scent bottle was employed, and her enraptured lover was all -kindness and attention. When she was a little recovered, she presented -the letter, saying, “Sir, since you are at last acquainted with most -of my concerns, I shall not make a secret of this; therefore, if you -please, read this letter and know the occasion of my affliction.” The -young gentleman received it, and read as follows: - - “DEAR MADAM, - - “I have several times taken my pen in my hand, on purpose to write - you, and as often laid it aside again, for fear of giving you more - trouble than you already labor under. However, as the affair so - immediately concerns you, I cannot in justice hide what I tremble to - disclose, but must in duty tell you the worst of news, whatever may be - the consequence of my so doing. - - “Know, then, that your affectionate and tender brother is dead. I am - sensible how dear he was to you, and you to him, yet let me entreat - you, for your own sake, to acquiesce in the will of Providence as - much as possible, since our lives are all at his disposal who gave - us being. I could use another argument to comfort you, that, with a - sister less loving than you, would be of more weight than that I have - urged; but I know your soul is above all mercenary views. I cannot, - however, forbear to inform you, that he has left you all he had; and - farther, that your father’s estate of 200_l._ per annum, can devolve - upon no other person than yourself, who are now his only child. - - “What I am next to acquaint you with may, perhaps, be almost as bad - as the former particular. Your hated lover has been so importunate - with your father, especially since your brother’s decease, that the - old gentleman resolves, if ever he should hear of you any more, to - marry you to him, and he makes this the condition of your being again - received into his favor, and having your former disobedience, as - he calls it, forgiven. While your brother lived, he was every day - endeavoring to soften the heart of your father, and we were only - last week in hopes he would have consented to let you follow your - inclinations, if you would come home to him again; but now there is no - advocate in your cause who can work upon the man’s peevish temper; for - he says, as you are now his sole heir, he ought to be more resolute in - the disposal of you in marriage. - - “While I am now writing, I am surprised with an account that your - father and lover are preparing to come to London, where, they say, - they can find you out. Whether or not this be only a device, I cannot - tell, nor can I conceive where they could receive their information, - if it be true. However, to prevent the worst, consider whether or - not you can cast off your old aversion, and submit to your father’s - commands; for if you cannot, it will be most advisable in my opinion - to change your residence. I have no more to say in the affair, being - unwilling to direct you in such a very nice circumstance. The temper - of your own mind will be the best instructer you can apply to; for - your future happiness or misery during life depends on your choice. I - hope that every thing will turn out for the best. - - “From your sincere friend, S. E.” - -Her lover saw that she had good reason to be afflicted, and, whilst -he seemed to feel for her, he was no less concerned about his own -interest. He advised her immediately to leave her lodgings, and -added that he had very elegant apartments which were at her service. -She accepted his offer; and, with her maid, who was informed of her -intentions, and prepared to assist her, immediately set out for the -residence of her lover. When introduced to their new apartment, these -ladies did not go to bed, as they had resolved to depart next morning, -but lay down to rest themselves with their clothes on. When the house -was all quiet, they broke open the lover’s desk, took out a bag with -a hundred pounds, two suits of clothes, and every thing valuable that -they could carry along with them. - -Her numerous and varied adventures would far exceed the limits -appropriated to one life in this volume. It is sufficient to observe, -that rather than her hands should be unemployed, or her avaricious -disposition unsatisfied, she would carry off the most trifling article; -that, according to the proverb, all was fish that came into her net; -and that when a watch, a diamond, or piece of plate could not be found, -a napkin, a pair of sheets; or any article of wearing apparel, would -suffice. - -One day she, along with her pretended maid, went into a mercer’s shop -in Cheapside, and purchased a piece of silk to the value of six pounds. -She pulled out her purse to pay the draper, but to her surprise found -that she had no money except some large pieces of gold, for which she -had so high an esteem, that she could not think of parting with them. -The polite draper, on his part, could not think of hurting the feelings -of a lady so elegantly dressed, and, accordingly, dispatched one of his -shopkeepers along with her to receive his money. Arrived at the Royal -Exchange, Madame ordered the coachman to stop, when, upon pretence of -purchasing some ribands that would suit the silks, her maid carried -out the parcel, and went along with her, leaving the shopman in the -coach to wait their return. The young man waited in the coach, until -he was impatient and ashamed, and then returned home to relate his -misfortunes, and the loss of his master. - -Upon another occasion Madame waited upon a French weaver in -Spitalfields, and purchased goods to the amount of forty pounds. He -went home with her to carry the parcel and to receive his money. She -desired him to make out a bill for the whole of the goods, as one half -belonged to a lady in the next room. With all the ceremony natural to -a Frenchman, he sat down to write his account, while she took the silk -into the adjacent room to show it to her niece, to whom the one half -belonged. By means of a bottle of wine which Madame had placed before -the French weaver, half an hour passed over without much uneasiness. -At length his patience was exhausted, and, having called up the people -of the house, he inquired for the lady who came in with him, and who -told him she was only gone into the next room. To the utter confusion -and disappointment of poor Monsieur, he was informed that his lady was -gone, and would, they believed, return no more to that dwelling. To -calm his rage, and to convince him that they were not confederates in -her villany, they conveyed him to the next room, and showed him, that -the proper entry to her apartment was by a back stair; adding, that she -had only taken their room for a month, for which she had paid them, and -that her time being expired, they knew not whither she had gone. - -Determined to collect her contributions from householders instead of -travellers, she next took lodgings from a tailor. As it was natural -for a generous, good-hearted lady to promote the prosperity of the -family where she resided, Madame employed the tailor to make the goods -she had procured from the mercer and the weaver. Convinced that he had -got an excellent job, as well as a rich lodger, the tailor, with mirth -and song, sat down to make Madame’s dresses. As she acquainted him -that upon a specified day she was to have a large party, the tailor -called in all his journeymen to his aid, and had the whole finished -by that time. Meanwhile, the Princess gave her landlady a guinea to -purchase what things she deemed necessary, promising to pay her the -remainder the following day. The day arrived, the guests appeared, -an elegant entertainment was served up, and plenty of wine drunk. -None were without their due portion. The tailor had plied his glass -so plentifully, that his wife had to lend him her assistance to his -bed-chamber. This answered the design of our Princess. She and all her -company departed one by one, carrying away, each a silver tankard, or a -saltcellar, or a knife, or a fork, while the maid carried off all the -clothes that were not upon their backs. The moment they reached the -street, the maid was placed in a coach with the booty, and the rest of -the company took different directions, none of them being discovered. -Thus a merry night brought a sorrowful morning to the poor industrious -tailor. - -Madame being attacked with a fit of mourning, sent her confidential -maid to a shop in the New Exchange, where she had purchased a few -articles the previous day. The woman of the shop, with all possible -expedition, selected the best specimens of her goods, and hastened to -the lodgings. Madame was so very much indisposed when the milliner -arrived, that she could not look at the things, and desired her to -return after dinner, when she doubted not but they would agree as to -the price. The obliging milliner was satisfied, and requested liberty -to leave her goods until she returned, a request which was readily -granted. At the hour appointed she returned, and inquired if the lady -up stairs were at home. To her great mortification she was informed -that she was gone they could not tell where, and that she did not -intend to return. But before her departure she had conveyed away the -valuable part of her effects. Thus both her landlady and the milliner -were left to regret her absence, and to reflect upon their own easy -credulity and loss. - -But the adventures of our ingenious Princess increase in magnitude as -they multiply in number. Being arrayed in her sable robes, and having -taken lodgings in Holborn, she sent for a barrister of Gray’s Inn, -and informed him, that by the death of her father, she was sole heir -to his fortune, but that she was married to an extravagant husband, -who was resolved to secure her property to himself. Here she poured -forth a torrent of tears and the most grievous lamentations, the more -to interest the young barrister in her favor. But while the lawyer was -squaring his features to the occasion, and talking of the matter in a -learned and eloquent strain, a woman ran up stairs, exclaiming, “O, -madam, we are all undone! for my master is below; he has been asking -for you, and swears that he will come up to your chamber. I am afraid -the people of the house will not be able to hinder him, he appears so -resolute.”--“O heavens!” exclaimed Madame, “what shall I do?”--“Why?” -cried the lawyer. “Why!” quoth she, “I mean how shall I dispose of you? -Dear me, what excuse shall I make for your being here? I dare not tell -him your quality and business, for that would endanger all; and, on the -other side, he is extremely jealous. Therefore, good sir, step into -that closet until I can send him away.” Surprised, and at a loss what -to do, the lawyer complied. The closet being locked, and the curtains -of the bed drawn, she opened the door to her husband, who was loudly -demanding admittance. - -The moment he entered, he gave his spouse the most opprobrious -language. “O, mistress abandoned! I understand you have a man in the -room: a pretty companion for a poor innocent woman, truly! one who is -always complaining how hardly I use her. Where is the villain? I shall -sacrifice him this moment. Is this your modesty, madam? this your -virtue? Let me see your gallant immediately, or, by the light! you -shall be the first victim yourself.” Saying this, he made to the closet -door, and burst it open like a fury. The young lawyer was discovered -with shame, though innocent, and trembling in every limb. The husband’s -sword was unsheathed, and death was before the barrister’s eyes. But -Madame, interposing, seemed determined rather to die herself than to -suffer the blood of an innocent man to stain her chamber. A companion -of the husband also fortunately came to her assistance, and seizing the -arm of the infuriated man, struggled to wrest the sword from his hand. - -The discernment of the lawyer soon discovered the deception, and, to -exculpate and relieve himself, he candidly related the whole matter, -and the reason for which he was introduced into that place. But all was -in vain. The injured and enraged husband insisted that this was only a -feigned narrative to cover his villany, and nothing but his blood, or -an adequate remuneration, would assuage his fury. The cause was at last -referred to the arbitration of the kind stranger who had interfered, -and aided Madame in protecting the young lawyer. Five hundred pounds -were proposed as a proper recompense; but that was far beyond the -power of the lawyer to command. It was with no small difficulty agreed -that he should give a hundred pounds, rather than be found exposed to -the consequences of detection, in a situation where he was unable to -vindicate his innocence. He sent a note to a friend for that sum, the -confederates being careful to examine it before it was transmitted, -lest it should be for a constable, instead of a hundred pounds. Upon -the payment of that sum the lawyer was liberated, and went off with the -bitter reflection, that, instead of receiving a good fee for writing -a deed of settlement, he had paid a hundred pounds for a few minutes’ -lodging in a closet; but, consoling himself with the hopes of seeing -this amiable widow speedily _exalted_ to merited honor. - -The good wishes of the lawyer were in a very few years verified in -her history. Not long after this, Madame was apprehended, accused of -stealing a silver tankard at Covent Garden, and sent to Newgate. At -the next sessions she was tried, and transported to Jamaica; where, -however, she only remained two years, when she returned to England, -and appeared in the character of a great heiress. The result of this -artifice was, that she was speedily married to a rich apothecary, -whom she soon robbed of above three hundred pounds, and then left him -to resolve the question whether the loss of his money or the loss of -his wife was the greatest misfortune. Madame went next to lodge in -a house where the landlady, a watchmaker, herself, and her faithful -maid, composed the whole family. Having established her character for -sobriety and probity, she invited her landlady and the watchmaker to -the play, and treated them with tickets. They accepted the invitation, -and the maid remained at home, sole guardian of the garrison. But -during their absence, she broke open the locks, extracted about two -hundred pounds, and made free with about thirty watches; so that her -spoil amounted in all to six hundred pounds, which she carried to the -appointed place of rendezvous. Meanwhile, Madame, not satisfied with -treating the watchmaker and her good landlady with tickets to the -play, after it was over took them to a tavern to treat them to a small -collation, where she embraced an opportunity to decamp. - -It happened that one Mr. Freeman, a brewer, had been robbed of two -hundred pounds, and that an officer had been sent to search every -suspected place for the thieves. One Lancaster was the person upon whom -suspicion chiefly rested, and, while searching a house for him, they -discovered Madame walking in a night-gown. The thief-catcher entered -her room, and, seeing two letters upon the table, he began to examine -their contents. Madame was highly displeased with his impertinent -freedom, and, in the course of the dispute which ensued, he had -occasion to examine the features of her countenance, and recognising -her ladyship, took both her and her letters along with him. - -When removed to the Old Bailey, she was interrogated, whether she was -the woman who usually went by the name of Mary Carleton. She answered, -“Yes.” The court then demanded the reason of her return from banishment -before the specified time. She made many trifling excuses, which -detained the court for a few days; but finding these excuses would not -answer her purpose, she pleaded pregnancy. A committee of matrons was -then appointed to examine her, who gave a verdict against her, and she -was condemned to suffer in conformity with her previous sentence. - -In prison she was visited by many, out of curiosity to see the behavior -of such a remarkable character in confinement and under sentence of -death; and several clergymen attended her to conduct her devotions, -and to direct her in her calamitous situation. She confessed herself -to be a Roman Catholic, and sincerely bewailed her criminal conduct, -frequently wishing that she could again renew her life, in order to -spend it in a more exemplary and virtuous manner. - -On the day of her execution, she appeared more cheerful and gay than -usual, and, placing the picture of her husband upon her arm, she -went to Tyburn with it. She appeared devout, and, when she heard St. -Sepulchre’s bell begin to toll, uttered several pious ejaculations. -To a friend, who rode in a cart with her to the place of execution, -she delivered two Roman Catholic books; and, addressing the multitude, -owned that she had been a very vain woman, and hoped that her fate -would deter others from the same evil ways; and that, though the world -had condemned her, she had much to say for herself. Then, praying God -to forgive her as she did her most inveterate enemies, she was in a few -minutes launched into eternity. She was executed in the year 1672, in -the thirty-eighth year of her age, and in the same month of the year in -which she was born. - - - - -CAPTAIN DUDLEY. - - -Captain Dudley was born at Swepston in Leicestershire. His father -once possessed a considerable estate, but through extravagance lost -the whole except about sixty pounds per annum. In these reduced -circumstances he went to London, intending to live in obscurity, -corresponding to the state of his finances. - -Richard his son had a promising genius, and received a liberal -education at St. Paul’s school. But a naturally vicious disposition -baffled all restraints. When only nine years old he showed his covetous -disposition, by robbing his sister of thirty shillings, and absconding -with it. In a few days, however, he was found, brought home, and sent -to school, where his vicious propensities were only strengthened by -indulgence. Impatient of the confinement of a school, he next robbed -his father of a considerable sum of money, and absconded. His father, -however, discovered his retreat, and found him a little way from town -in the company of two loose women. - -Despairing of his settling at home, his father sent him on board a -man-of-war, in which he sailed up the straits, and behaved gallantly in -several actions. Upon his arrival in England, he left the ship, under -the pretence that a younger officer had been preferred before him, -upon the death of one of the lieutenants. In a short time he joined a -band of thieves, assisted them in robbing the country-house of admiral -Carter, and escaped detection. Having at length commenced robber, the -first remarkable robbery in which he was engaged, was that of breaking -into the house of a lady of Blackheath, and carrying off a large -quantity of plate. - -He and his associates were successful in selling the plate to a -refiner; but in a short time he was apprehended for the robbery, -and committed to Newgate. While there, he sent for the refiner, and -severely reproached him in the following manner: “It is,” said he, “a -hard matter to find an honest man and a fair dealer: for, you cursed -rogue, among the plate you bought there was a cup with a cover, which -you told us was but silver gilt, buying it at the same price with the -rest; but it plainly appeared, by the advertisement in the gazette, -that it was a gold cup and cover; I see you are a rogue, and that there -is no trusting any body.” Dudley was tried, convicted for this robbery, -and sentenced to death: but his youth, and the interest of his friends, -procured him a royal pardon. - -For two years he conducted himself to the satisfaction of his father, -so that he purchased for him a commission in the army. In that -situation he also acquitted himself honorably, and married a young lady -of a respectable family, with whom he received an estate of a hundred -and forty pounds a year. This, with his commission, enabled them to -live in a genteel manner. Delighting, however, in company, and having -become security for one of his companions for a debt, and that person -being arrested for it, one of the bailiffs was killed in the scuffle, -and Dudley was suspected of being the murderer. - -What strengthened this suspicion was, that Dudley was the avowed enemy -of all that class of society. He deemed a bailiff in England, or what -is known in Scotland by the name of messenger, as one who is determined -to strip every person who comes under his power of all he possibly can. - -But, leaving the statements of Dudley concerning these men, let us -return to the relation of his actions. Having banished every virtuous -feeling, being more inclined to live upon the ruins of his country -than the fruits of his industry, and more disposed to fight than to -work, he abandoned his own house, and joined a band of robbers. Dudley -soon became so expert a robber, that there was scarcely any robbery -committed but he acted a principal part in it. Pleased with this easy -way of obtaining money, and of supporting an extravagant expense, he -also prevailed upon Will, his brother, to join him in this employment. -It happened, however, that Will had not been long in his new -occupation, when the captain was apprehended for robbing a gentleman of -a watch, a sword, a whip, and nine shillings. But, fortunately for him, -the evidence was defective, and he escaped death a second time. - -Now hardened in vice, he immediately recurred to his old trade. He -robbed on the highway, broke into houses, picked pockets, or performed -any act of violence or cunning by which he could procure money. -Fortune favored him long, and he went on with impunity, but was at -last apprehended for robbing Sir John Friend’s house. Upon trial the -evidence was decisive, and he received sentence of death. His friends -again interposed, and through their influence his sentence was changed -for that of banishment. Accordingly, he and several other convicts were -put on board a ship bound for Barbadoes. But they had scarcely reached -the Isle of Wight, when he excited his companions to a conspiracy, and, -having concerted their measures while the ship’s company were under -hatches, they went off with the longboat. - -No sooner had he reached the shore than he abandoned his companions, -and travelled through woods and by-paths. Being in a very mean dress, -he begged when he had no opportunity to steal. Arriving, however, at -Hounslow heath, he met with a farmer, robbed him, seized his horse, -and, having mounted, set forward in quest of new spoils. This was a -fortunate day, for Dudley had not proceeded far on the heath when a -gentleman, well dressed, and better mounted than the farmer, made his -appearance. He was commanded to halt and to surrender. Dudley led him -aside into a retired thicket, exchanged clothes and horse, rifled his -pockets, and then addressed him, saying, that “he ought never to accuse -him of robbing him, for according to the old proverb, exchange was no -robbery;” so bidding him good day, he marched off for London. Arrived -there, he went in search of his old associates, who were glad to see -their friend; and who, in consequence of his fortunate adventures and -high reputation among them, conferred upon him the title of captain, -all agreeing to be subject to his commands. Thus, at the head of such -an experienced and desperate band, no part of the country was secure -from his rapine, nor any house sufficiently strong to keep him out. The -natural consequences were, that he soon became known and dreaded all -over the country. - -To avoid capture, and to prevent all inquiries, he paid a visit to the -north of England, and, being one day in search of plunder, he robbed a -Dutch colonel of his horse, arms, and fine laced coat. Thus equipped, -he committed several other robberies. At length, however, he laid aside -the colonel’s habit, only using his horse, which soon became dexterous -at his new employment. But one day meeting a gentleman near Epsom, -the latter resisted the captain’s demands, and discharged his pistol -at Dudley. In the combat, however, he was victorious, wounded the -gentleman in the leg, and, having stripped him of his money, conveyed -him to the next village, that he might receive medical assistance, and -then rode off in search of new adventures. The captain and his men were -very successful in this quarter. No stage, nor coach, nor passenger, -of which they had intelligence, could escape their depredations, and -scarcely a day passed without the commission of some notorious robbery. - -Captain Dudley and his men went on in a continued course of good -fortune, acquiring much wealth, but amassing little, as their -extravagance was equal to their gains. On one ill-fated day, however, -having attacked and robbed the Southampton coach, they were keenly -pursued, and several of them taken, but Dudley escaped. Deprived of -the chief part of his own forces, he now attached himself to some -housebreakers, and with them continued to commit many robberies; in -particular, with three others, he entered the house of an old woman in -Spitalfields, gagged her, bound her to a chair, and rifled the house -of a considerable sum of money, which the good woman had been long -scraping together. Hearing the money clink that was going to be taken -from her, she struggled in her chair, fell down upon her face, and was -stifled to death, while the captain and his companions went off with -impunity. But when the old woman came to be interred, a grandson of -hers, who had been one of the robbers, when about to be fitted with a -pair of mourning gloves, changed countenance, was strongly agitated, -and began to tremble. He was suspected, charged with the murder, -confessed the crime, and informing upon the rest, two of them were -taken, tried, and condemned, and the three hanged in chains. - -Yet, though Dudley’s name was published as accessory to the murder, he -long escaped detection. At length, however, he was apprehended, and -charged with several robberies, of which he, by dexterous management, -evaded the deserved punishment. He was also called to stand trial for -the murder of the old woman; but the principal evidence, upon whose -testimony the other three were chiefly condemned, being absent, he -escaped suffering for that crime. The dexterous manner in which he -managed that trial, the witnesses whom he had suborned, and the manner -in which he maintained his innocence before the jury, were often the -cause of his boast and amusement. - -The profligate Dudley was no sooner relieved from prison than he -hastened to join his old companions in vice. Exulting to see their -captain again at their head, they redoubled their activity, and -committed all manner of depredations. Among other adventures, they -robbed a nobleman on Hounslow heath of fifteen hundred pounds, after a -severe engagement with his servants, three of whom were wounded, and -two had their horses shot under them. They next directed their course -along the west country road, and having robbed a parson, enjoined him, -under the most terrific threats, to preach a sermon in praise of -thieving. He was forced to comply, and the sermon being ended, they -returned his money, and gave him four shillings to drink their health -and success. - -After this adventure, they left off infesting the highways, and rode -for London. Arrived in the capital, the captain’s brother employed -his dexterity about town in several adventures, which go far to show -how well the brother profited by the example and instructions of the -captain. He first dressed himself as a countryman, with a pair of dirty -boots on, and a whip in his hand, and went to Bartholomew Fair, where -he wandered all the forenoon without meeting any prey. But as he was -returning, he accosted a plain countryman, saying, “Have a care, honest -friend, of your money, for we are going into a cursed place, full of -thieves, rogues, and pickpockets. I am almost ruined by them, and I am -glad that they have not pulled the teeth out of my head. Let one take -never so good care, they will be sure of his money; the devil certainly -helps them.” - -The face of the countryman glowed with courage as he replied, “I -defy all the devils to rob me of any thing I value. I have a round -piece which I’ll secure;” and thrusting it into his mouth, he rushed -confidently into the fair. Will was only desirous to ascertain the fact -that he had money about him; therefore, giving his instructions with -a few sixpences and groats to a hopeful boy, he immediately ran after -the countryman, while Will followed at a distance. The boy coming up -with the countryman, fell down before him, scattering the money all -around; and starting up, he raised the most hideous noise, crying that -he was undone, and that he must run away from his apprenticeship, that -his master was a furious man, and that he would certainly be killed. -The countryman and others flocked around, and endeavored to assist the -boy in gathering up his lost money. Then one of them said, “Have you -found all?” “Yes, all the silver, but that is of no avail; there is a -broad piece of gold which I was carrying to my master for a token sent -from the country, and for the loss of it I shall be killed. Alas! I am -undone! what will become of me?” Will now advanced among the crowd, and -was equally concerned for the unhappy boy; and, seeing the countryman -standing by, he gravely observed that he had seen him put a piece of -gold into his mouth. The mob instantly seized him, and while one opened -his mouth by force, another extracted the broad piece of gold; and when -he attempted to speak in his own defence, he was kicked, pinched, and -so tossed about, that he was glad to escape with his life. Meanwhile, -the boy slipped away among the crowd, and at an appointed place met -Will to surrender to him his booty. - -Having changed his clothes, Will went into the market, and mingling -with the crowd, learned that the countryman was gone to an inn, where -he had sent for his master, a knight of a large estate, and some other -respectable persons, to attest his character. Will knew this person -well, and hastened to the Exchange, in full hopes of meeting him. -Having reconnoitred the gentleman, and followed him until he perceived -an opportunity, he robbed him of every guinea he had, except one, which -he considerately left him to pay for his dinner. The knight, repairing -to the inn, laughed heartily when the poor countryman informed him that -he had been robbed, while he told him that he also had, in like manner, -been just fleeced upon the Exchange. The countryman laughed in his -turn, and said, “Sir, let us make our escape from this roguish place;” -adding, with a shrug of the shoulders, “Sir, they’ll steal our small -guts to make fiddle-strings of them.” - -The gentleman, having recruited his purse, went on the next day to -the Exchange. Will paid him the same compliment the second day. The -knight was surprised how it was possible for any man to rob him when he -was so forewarned, and so upon his guard; but, looking hastily about, -his eye fixed upon Will, whom he suspected to be the delinquent. He -went up to him, and, taking him by the button, informed him, that he -strongly suspected that he was the person who had robbed him; but, as -he was a gentleman of a large fortune, he did not regard the money, and -would freely pardon him, and give him all the money, upon condition -that he would inform him by what means he had done so. “This,” said -he, “I promise upon my honor.” “Your word of honor,” said Will, “is -sufficient; I know the greatness of your fortune; I am the man. I will -wait on your worship at the tavern, and there show you some of my art -more freely than I would do to my fellow-rogues.” In their way to the -inn, the gentleman informed Will, that as he wished to make a frolic -of the matter, he would send for some other gentlemen to be present, -assuring him, at the same time, that he should sustain no damage from -any discovery that he might make to them. “I know you’re a gentleman,” -said Will, “and men of honor scorn to keep base company. Call as many -as you please; I’ll take their word, and I know that I am safe.” - -When the gentlemen arrived, Will told them many things which greatly -astonished and pleased them; and when he pulled out the piece of gold, -and informed them how he had used Roger, the gentleman’s tenant, he -was immediately sent for to increase the amusement. “What would you -say,” cried the knight, as he entered, “if you saw your gold again?” -“Oh!” said he, “I wish I could; but if my mouth can’t keep it, where -shall I put it? Shud! I’d rather see the rogue; I’d make a jelly of his -bones!” “There he is,” said the knight, “and there’s your broad piece.” -As Roger began to heave and to bully, his master commanded him to take -his piece of gold, and sit down by him: upon which, the pacified Roger, -seeing how things went, drank to his new acquaintance. - -One of the gentlemen pulling out a curious watch, said, he wondered how -it was possible to take a watch out of a fob; that it certainly must be -from carelessness on the part of the owner. “No,” said Will, “if the -gentleman will take a turn in Moorfields, I’ll wager a guinea I’ll -have the watch before he return, let him take what care he pleases, -and I shan’t stir out of the room.” “Done,” cried the gentleman; and -every gentleman in the room laid down his guinea, while Roger staked -his broad piece. The gentleman went out, and was careful that he would -not suffer man, woman, nor child to come near him. When the time -approached that he should return, a boy came pretty near him, but, to -avoid suspicion, ran past him, and at the same time looking on his -back, informed the gentleman that it swarmed with vermin. The gentleman -observing them, and loathing the sight, said, “Good boy, take them -off, and I’ll give you a shilling.” The boy did so, at the same time -stealing his watch; and, having received his shilling, ran off. The -gentleman returned to the tavern, wondering all the way how he could -possibly come by such vermin, and taking the greatest care that no -person should approach him. - -Upon his return to the tavern, Will asked him what o’clock it was. He -attempted to pull out his watch, but, to his utter astonishment and -confusion, it was gone. Upon this, Will produced it, and asked the -gentleman if that were his. The gentleman was struck dumb, casting up -his hands and eyes, and, full of amazement, addressed Will, saying, -“You must have had the assistance of the devil.” “Of a boy,” said -Will. “Did not a boy pick you clean?” “There’s the devil,” said the -gentleman; “and he threw them on, too, I suppose.” “Ay, through a -quill,” said the other. - -All present were astonished at the ingenuity of the trick, but -particularly plain Roger, who could not, at times, restrain his -laughter. “Alas!” said Will, “this trick is not worth talking about: it -is only one of those we commit to our boys. There is a nobleman just -passing the window, with a very rich coat upon his back; I’ll wager, -as before, to steal it from him, before all his followers, and bring -it here on my own back.” The gentlemen all staked their guineas, and -were seconded by Roger. “Come, now,” said Will, “this matter must not -be entrusted to a boy; you will give me leave to go myself, nor must -you restrict me to any particular time to return.” So out he ran, and -followed the nobleman from street to street, until he saw him enter a -tavern. - -The nobleman was conducted up-stairs. Will bustling in after him, -hastened to the bar-keeper, and desired him to lend him an apron, as -his master would be served only by his own footman. “He is a very good -customer, and expects the very best wine: I must go to the cellar -and taste it for him.” The apron being given, he went to the cellar, -and returned with some of the best of each wine for his pretended -master. He ran so quick up and down stairs, and was so alert at his -work, that none of the other servants could equal him. Meanwhile, the -company up-stairs taking him for the servant of the house, were highly -satisfied with his attendance. Will was also careful to give full cups -to the servant who should have served in his place, with some money, -which the other was very glad to receive for doing nothing. He seldom -also went into the room without passing some merry jest to amuse the -company. They were so highly pleased with him, that they said one to -another, “This is a merry, witty fellow; such a man as he is fit to -make a house; he deserves double wages.” When Will saw his plan ripe -for execution, he came into the room with some wine, and by the aid -of his knife, made a slit in my lord’s coat. Returning with a bottle -in one hand, and his other hand full of glasses, before he approached -his lordship he started and stared, saying, “What fellows are those -who have made that coat?” with other imprecations against the tailor. -Then some of the company rising up, saw the rent in my lord’s coat, -and cried, “My lord, the tailor has cheated you.” Will, drawing near, -said, “Such things may happen; but give me the coat, and I’ll carry -it privately under my master’s cloak to an acquaintance of mine, who -will presently make it as good as if it had not been torn.” Borrowing -a great coat of a gentleman present, the nobleman gave Will his coat -to carry to the tailor, who, coming down stairs, informed the landlord -of the disaster, received his cloak, and, putting the rent coat below -it, seized a good beaver hat off one of the cloak-pins, and hastened -from the tavern. Arriving at the inn where the gentlemen were anxiously -waiting his return, he went into another room, dressed himself, and -entered with the cloak and beaver on. “What!” said one of them, -“instead of a coat, you come with a cloak, and great need for it; for,” -he added, “there’s a deal of knavery under it.” Will then opened the -cloak, and showed them the coat, saying, that he had received the cloak -and beaver into the bargain; and gave an account of the whole adventure. - -Meanwhile, my lord and his company had waited long in expectation of -the servant, whom they supposed to have been one of the waiters of the -house. The landlord also wondering that they were so long in calling -for more wine, one of the servants was sent up-stairs to force trade. -He entered the room, saying, “Call here, call here, gentlemen?” “Yes,” -said one of them, “where is your fellow-servant who waited upon us?” -“My fellow-servant!” exclaimed the other; “he said he was my lord’s -servant, and that his master would be served by none but himself, and I -should have good vails, nevertheless.” My lord replied, “How can that -be? I have only one gentleman of my own retinue; the rest are with my -lady. He that served us came in with an apron, and in the character -of one of the servants of the house:--call up the landlord!” Boniface -instantly waited upon them, when one of the gentlemen asked him, if -he kept sharpers in his house, to affront gentlemen and to rob them. -“Nay,” replied the vintner, who was a choleric man, “do you bring -sharpers along with you, to affront me and rob my house? I am sure I -have lost a new cloak and beaver; and, for aught I know, though you -look like gentlemen, you may be sharpers yourselves; and I expect to -be paid by you for my losses, as well as for the reckoning.” One of -them instantly drew upon him, enraged at his insolent language; but -the landlord ran down stairs in affright, and alarmed the whole house, -entreating them not to suffer such rogues to escape. In the mean time -he seized a sword, the servants armed themselves with spits, pokers, -and such other weapons as the house afforded. A great uproar was -soon raised; and the nobleman coming first out to penetrate through -the crowd, made a thrust at the landlord, but was beaten back by a -fire-shovel in the hand of one of the waiters, and narrowly escaped -being run through with a long spit in the hands of a cook maid. His -lordship, seeing the door so completely guarded, shut himself up in the -room, and began to consult with the rest of the company what was best -to be done. - -Fortunately, however, the gentleman who was in the other tavern with -Will, conjecturing that a quarrel might ensue between the nobleman and -the vintner, who had lost his cloak and beaver, sent his own landlord -to inform him, that the rogue was caught, and in safe custody. - -He was admitted up-stairs, waited on his lordship, and communicated to -him the whole affair. A cessation of arms took place. They drank to -the health of the landlord, assuring him, that in future they would -be friendly to his house; but, in the mean time, they attended their -peacemaker to the tavern, where Will was exhibiting his dexterity. -The vintner went along with them, and, after common compliments, Will -restored the coat, the cloak, and the beaver, and continued to amuse -them during the remainder of the evening with the relation of his -adventures. - -But to return, at length, to the captain his brother. He had, along -with his companions, committed so many robberies upon the highway, that -a proclamation was issued against them, offering a reward to those -who should bring them, either dead or alive. This occasioned their -detection in the following manner:--having committed a robbery, and -being closely pursued to Westminster ferry, the wherryman refused to -carry any more that night. Two of them then rode off, and the other -four gave their horses to a waterman to lead to the next inn. The -horses foaming with sweat, the waterman began to suspect that they were -robbers who had been keenly pursued, and communicated his suspicions to -the constable, who secured the horses, and went in search of the men. - -He was not long in seizing one of them, who confessed; and the -constable, hastening to the inn, secured the rest, and, having placed a -strong guard upon them, rode to Lambeth, and making sure of the other -two, led them before a justice of the peace, who committed them to -Newgate. - -At the next sessions, captain Dudley, his brother, and three other -accomplices, were tried, and condemned to suffer death. - -After sentence, captain Dudley was brought to Newgate, where he -conducted himself agreeably to his sad situation. He was conveyed -from Newgate with six other prisoners. He appeared pretty cheerful, -but his brother lay all the time sick in the cart. The ceremonies of -religion being performed, they were launched into another world on the -twenty-second of February, 1681, to answer for the numerous crimes of -their guilty lives. - -The bodies of the captain and his brother, having been cut down, were -put into separate coffins, to be conveyed to their disconsolate father, -who at the sight was so overwhelmed, that he sank upon the dead bodies, -and never spoke more, and was buried at the same time and in the same -grave with his two sons. - - - - -WILLIAM NEVISON. - - -The advancement of the arts and sciences is not more rapid than -the progress of folly and vice. In the following memoir it will be -demonstrated, that the best education may be perverted by vicious -dispositions. - -William Nevison was born at Pomfret, in Yorkshire, about the year 1639, -and his parents, being in good circumstances, conferred upon him a -decent education. He remained at school until he was about thirteen -years of age. During that period, his expanding talents promised a -luxuriant harvest; but the general bent of his future character, and -the ruling motive of all his actions, were exhibited at that period. -He commenced his depredations by stealing a silver spoon from his own -father. The too indulgent parent, instead of chastising him for the -crime, transferred the unpleasant work to the schoolmaster. The father -who resigns authority over his own children may expect either to lose -them altogether, or to have his heart grieved and his family dishonored -by their conduct. The schoolmaster having punished young Nevison for -the theft, he spent a sleepless night in meditating revenge. He knew -that the pedagogue had a favorite horse, which grazed in an adjacent -paddock. William rose early in the morning, moved quietly into his -father’s closet, stole his keys, and supplied himself with cash to -the amount of ten pounds; then, taking a saddle and bridle from his -father’s stable, he hastened to the paddock in which the schoolmaster’s -horse was accustomed to feed; and, having saddled and bridled the -animal, with all haste rode towards London. About a mile or two -from the capital, he cut the throat of the poor horse, for fear of -detection. Arrived in London, he changed his name and clothes, and then -hired himself to a brewer. Although circumstances compelled him to be -for a while industrious, in order to obtain the necessaries of life, -his mind was always upon the stretch to invent some more expeditious -mode of acquiring money than the slow return of annual pay; accordingly -he often, ineffectually, attempted to rob his master. One evening, -however, the clerk happening to use his bottle too freely, Nevison -followed him into the counting-house, and, while he was enjoying a -recruiting nap, stole the keys of the desks, and relieved them of their -burden, to the amount of about two hundred pounds. Without waiting to -discover whether the clerk or the servant would be blamed for the cash, -he sailed for Holland. - -But change of climate had no effect in changing his nature. Through his -instigation, the daughter of a respectable citizen robbed her father -of a large sum of money, and a quantity of jewels, and eloped with the -Englishman. They were pursued, taken, and committed to prison. Thus -detected, Nevison would certainly have finished a short but villanous -career in a foreign land, had he not fortunately effected his escape. - -With no small difficulty he arrived in Flanders, and enlisted into -a regiment of English volunteers, under the command of the duke of -York. In that station he behaved with considerable reputation, and -even acquired some money; but his restless temper and disposition to -acquire riches, by whatever means, did not permit him to remain in a -situation of industry or sobriety. He deserted, went over to England, -with his money purchased a horse, together with all other necessaries, -and commenced his depredations in a systematic form. His success was -uncommon, and he every day found means to replenish his coffers, and to -nourish his extravagance. Nor would he unite his fortune with any one, -who, from selfish motives, might feel disposed to participate in his -lucrative employment. - -One day Nevison, who went otherwise by the name of Johnson, travelling -on the road, and scouring about in search of a prize, met two -countrymen, who, coming up towards him, informed him that it was very -dangerous travelling forward, for that the way was set, and they had -been robbed by three highwaymen, about half a mile off; and if he -had any charge of money about him, it was his safest course to turn -back. Nevison asking them what they had lost, they told him forty -pounds: upon which he replied, “Turn back with me and show me the way -they took, and my life to a farthing, I’ll make them return you your -money again.” They rode along with him till they came in sight of the -highwaymen, when Nevison, ordering the countrymen to stay behind him -at some distance, rode up, and spoke to the foremost of them, saying, -“Sir, by your garb and the color of your horse, you should be one of -those I looked after; and if so, my business is to tell you, that you -borrowed of two friends of mine forty pounds, which they desire me to -demand of you, and which, before we part, you must restore.” “How!” -cried the highwayman, “forty pounds! What! is the fellow mad?” “So -mad,” replied Nevison, “that your life shall answer me, if you do -not give me better satisfaction.” Upon which he drew his pistol and -suddenly clapped it to the other’s breast, who finding that Nevison had -also his rein, and that he could not get his sword or pistols, yielded, -telling him his life was at his mercy. “No,” said Nevison, “it is not -that I seek, but the money you robbed these two men of who are riding -up to me, which you must refund.” - -The thief was forced to consent, and readily to deliver such part as -he had, saying his companions were in possession of the rest; so that -Nevison, having made him dismount, and taking away his pistols, which -he gave to the countrymen, ordered them to secure him, and hold his -own, while he took the thief’s horse, and pursued the other two, whom -he soon overtook; for they, thinking him their companion, stopped as -soon as they saw him; so that he came up to them in the midst of a -common. “How now, Jack,” said one of them, “what made you engage with -yon fellow?” “No, gentlemen,” replied Nevison, “you are mistaken in -your man: Thomas--for by the token of your horse and arms, I perceive -you are Thomas--he hath sent me to you for the ransom of his life, -amounting to no less than the prize of the day, which if you presently -surrender, you may go about your business; if not, I must have a little -dispute with you at sword and pistol!” At which one of them fired -at him, but missing his aim, received Nevison’s bullet in his right -shoulder; and being thereby disabled, Nevison was about to discharge -at the other, when he called for quarter, and came to a parley, which, -in short, was made up, with Nevison’s promise to send their friend, -and their delivering him all the ready money they had, amounting to -a hundred and fifty pounds. Having obtained his booty, he rode back -to the two countrymen, and released their prisoner, giving them their -whole forty pounds, with a caution for the future to look better after -it, and not, like cowards, as they were, to surrender the same on such -easy terms again. - -In all his exploits, Nevison was tender of the fair sex, and bountiful -to the poor. He was also a true loyalist, and never levied any -contributions upon the royalists. One day, fortunately encountering a -rich usurer, he stopped his coach, and demanded that he would deliver -the money which he had extorted from poor widows and orphans. The -pistol presented to his breast, and the reproaches of the highwayman, -filled his guilty mind with inexpressible terror, and he began to -expostulate for his life. “That shall be granted,” replied Nevison, -“upon condition of your surrendering your gold.” The other reluctantly -drew out sixty broad pieces of gold; but this sum being inadequate to -the necessities of Nevison, he constrained the usurer to mount upon the -postilion’s horse, and allowed the coach with the three ladies in it to -proceed. The poor Jew, now thinking that the hour was verily nigh at -hand when he would be bereft of life and separated from his treasures, -experienced all the violent emotions of terror, chagrin and despair. -Nevison compelled him to draw a note upon sight for five hundred pounds -upon a scrivener in London. He then permitted him to ride after his -friends to acquaint them with his misfortunes, while he himself rode -all night, that he might have the money drawn before advice could be -forwarded to stop the payment. - -After several adventures of a similar nature, Nevison one day robbed a -rich grazier of 450_l._ and then proposed to himself to retire with the -spoil. Accordingly, he returned home, and, like the prodigal son, was -joyfully received by his father, who, not having heard of him during -seven or eight years, supposed that he had been dead. He remained with -his father until the day of the old man’s death, living as soberly and -honestly as if no act of violence had ever sullied his reputation. Upon -the death of his father, however, he returned to his former courses, -and in a short time, his name was a terror to every traveller upon the -road. To such an extent did he carry his plans, that the carriers and -drovers who frequented that road willingly agreed to leave certain sums -at such places as he appointed, to prevent their being stripped of -their all. - -Continuing his wicked course, he was at last apprehended, thrown into -Leicester gaol, put in irons, and strictly guarded; but, in spite of -all the precautions of the county, he effected his escape. One day, -two or three of his trusty friends visited him, one of whom, being a -physician, gave out that he was infected with the plague, and that, -unless he was removed to a larger room, where he might enjoy free air, -he should not only himself perish, but communicate the infection to all -the inhabitants of the gaol. He was instantly removed, and the gaoler’s -wife would not allow her husband to go farther then the door of his -room, for fear of the infection, which afforded Nevison and his friends -time to perfect their scheme. The physician came twice or thrice every -day to see him, and continued to declare his case hopeless. At last a -painter was brought in, who painted all his body with spots, similar -to those that appear upon a person infected with the pestilence. In a -few days after, he received a sleeping draught, and was declared to be -dead. The inquest who sat upon his body were afraid to approach in -order to make a minute inspection, and thus a verdict was returned that -he had died of the plague. His friends now demanded his body, and he -was carried out of prison in a coffin. - -This insertion into a coffin only rendered him more callous and daring -in vice. He, with redoubled vigor, renewed his depredations, and, -meeting his carriers and drovers, informed them, that it was necessary -to increase their rents, in order to refund his expenses while in gaol -and his loss of time. It was at first supposed, that it was his ghost, -who carried on the same pranks that he had done in his lifetime. The -truth of this, however, came to be suspected, and the gaoler offered -a reward of 20_l._ to any person who would restore him to his former -domicile. - -Resolved to visit the capital, he upon his journey met a company of -canting beggars, pilgrims, and idle vagabonds. Continuing in their -company for some time, and observing the merry life that they pursued, -he took an opportunity to propose himself as a candidate for admission -into their honorable fraternity. Their leader applauded his resolution, -and addressed him in these words:--“Do not we come into the world -arrant beggars, without a rag upon us? And do we not all go out of -the world like beggars, saving only an old sheet over us? Shall we, -then, be ashamed to walk up and down the world like beggars, with old -blankets pinned about us? No! no! that would be a shame to us, indeed. -Have we not the whole kingdom to walk in at our pleasure? Are we -afraid of the approach of quarter-day? Do we walk in fear of sheriffs, -bailiffs, and catchpoles? Who ever knew an arrant beggar arrested for -debt? Is not our meat dressed in every man’s kitchen? Does not every -man’s cellar afford us beer? And the best men’s purses keep a penny for -us to spend?” Having, by these words, as he thought, fully fixed him -in love with begging, he then acquainted the company with Nevison’s -desire, in consequence of which they were all very joyful, being as -glad to add one to their society, as a Mussulman to obtain a proselyte. -The first question they asked him was, if he had any _loure_ in his -_bung_. Nevison stared on them, not knowing what they meant; till at -last, one informed him it was money in his purse. He told them he had -but eighteen pence, which he gave them freely. This, by a general vote, -was condemned to be spent in a booze for his initiation. They then -commanded him to kneel down, which being done, one of the chief of them -took a _gage_ of _booze_, which is a quart of drink, and poured the -same on his head, saying, “I do, by virtue of this sovereign liquor, -install thee in the Roage, and make thee a free denizen of our ragged -regiment. So that henceforth it shall be lawful for thee to cant, only -observing these rules:--First, that thou art not to wander up and down -all countries, but to keep to that quarter that is allotted thee; and, -secondly, thou art to give way to any of us that have borne all the -offices of the wallet before; and, upon holding up a finger, to avoid -any town or country village, where thou seest we are foraging for -victuals for our army that march along with us. Observing these two -rules, we take thee into our protection, and adopt thee a brother of -our numerous society.” - -The leader having ended his oration, Nevison rose up, and was -congratulated by all the company’s hanging about him, like so -many dogs about a bear, and making such a hideous noise, that the -chief, commanding silence, addressed him as follows:--“Now that -thou art entered into our fraternity, thou must not scruple to act -any villanies, whether it be to cut a purse, steal a cloak-bag, -or portmanteau, convey all manner of things, whether a chicken, -sucking-pig, duck, goose, or hen, or to steal a shirt from the -hedge; for he that will be a _quier cove_, (a professed rogue) must -observe these rules. And because thou art but a novice in begging, -and understandest not the mysteries of the canting language, thou -shalt have a wife to be thy companion, by whom thou mayest receive -instructions.” And thereupon, he singled him out a girl of about -seventeen years of age, which tickled his fancy very much: but he must -presently be married to her after the fashion of their _patrico_, who, -amongst beggars, is their priest. Whereupon the ceremony was performed -after this manner:-- - -They took a hen, and, having cut off the head of it, laid the dead body -on the ground, placing Nevison on the one side, and his intended on the -other; this being done, the priest, standing by, with a loud voice bade -them live together till death did them part; then shaking hands, and -kissing each other, the ceremony of the wedding was over, and the whole -group appeared intoxicated with joy. Night approaching, and all their -money being spent, they betook themselves to a barn not far off, where -they broached a hogshead, and went to sleep. - -Nevison, having met with this odd piece of diversion in his journey, -slipped out of the barn when all were asleep, took a horse, and posted -directly away. But, coming to London, he found there was too much noise -about him to permit him to tarry there: he therefore returned into -the country, and fell to his old pranks again. Several who had been -formerly robbed by him, happening to meet him, imagined that his ghost -walked abroad, having heard the report of his pestilential death in -Leicester gaol. In short, his crimes became so notorious, that a reward -was offered to any that would apprehend him: this made many waylay him, -especially two brothers, named Fletcher, one of whom Nevison shot dead; -but, going into a little village about thirteen miles from York, he was -taken by captain Hardcastle, and sent to York gaol, where, on the 15th -March 1684, he was tried, condemned, and executed, aged forty-five. - -[Illustration: _The Golden Farmer._ P. 99.] - - - - -THE GOLDEN FARMER. - - -This man’s real name was William Davis, a native of North Wales, but -he obtained the title of _Golden Farmer_ from his custom of paying any -considerable sum in gold. He was born in the year 1626. At an early -period of life he removed to Sudbury, in Gloucestershire, where he took -a farm, married the daughter of a wealthy innkeeper, by whom he had -eighteen children, and followed that industrious employment merely to -disguise the real character of a robber, which he sustained without -suspicion for the space of forty-two years. He usually robbed alone. -One day, meeting some stage-coaches, he stopped one of them, full of -ladies, all of whom complied with his demands, except a Quaker, who -vowed she had no money, nor any thing valuable about her: upon which, -fearing lest he should lose the booty of the other coaches, he told -her he would go and see what they could afford him, and return to her -again. Having rifled the other three coaches, he was as good as his -word; and the Quaker, persisting in her former statement, enraged -the Farmer to such a degree, that, seizing her by the shoulder, and -employing language which it would be hardly proper here to set down, -he so scared the poor Quaker, as to cause her to produce a purse of -guineas, a gold watch, and a diamond ring. Whereupon, they parted as -good friends as when they were first introduced to each other. - -Upon another occasion, our desperado met the duchess of Albemarle in -her coach, as she was riding over Salisbury Plain; but he encountered -greater difficulty in this case than he had contemplated. Before he -could assault the lady he was compelled to engage a postilion, the -coachman, and two footmen; but, having disabled them all by discharging -several pistols, he approached his prey, whom he found more refractory -than the female Quaker. Perceiving another person of quality’s coach -approaching, with a retinue of servants, he was fain to content himself -by pulling three diamond rings from her fingers by force, snatching a -rich gold watch from her side, and venting a portion of abuse upon her -obstinate ladyship. - -It was not very long after this exploit, that our adventurer met with -Sir Thomas Day, a justice of the peace, living at Bristol. They fell -into discourse, and, riding along, the Golden Farmer informed his new -acquaintance, that a little while before, he had narrowly escaped -being robbed by a couple of highwaymen, but, luckily, his horse having -better heels than theirs, he had got clear of them. “Truly,” said Sir -Thomas, “that had been very hard: but, nevertheless, as you would have -been robbed between sun and sun, the county, upon suing it, would -have been obliged to make your loss good.” Thus, chatting together, -and coming to a convenient place, the Golden Farmer shot Sir Thomas’s -man’s horse under him, and, compelling him to retire to a distance, -presented a pistol to the knight’s heart, and demanded his money. “I -thought, sir,” said Sir Thomas, “that you had been an honest man.” -“Your worship is mistaken,” cried the Farmer; “and if you had had any -skill in physiognomy, you might have perceived that my countenance is -the very picture of necessity; so deliver me presently, for I’m in -haste.” Sir Thomas, therefore, being constrained to give him the money -he had about him, which was about 60_l._ in gold and silver, the other -humbly thanked his worship, and told him, that what he had parted with -was not lost, because he had been robbed between sun and sun, and could -therefore come upon the county. - -One Mr. Hart, a young gentleman of Enfield, who, it appears, possessed -a good estate, but was not overburdened with brains, riding one day -over Finchley Common, where the Golden Farmer had been for some hours -hunting for prey, was met by him, and saluted with a smart slap with -the flat of his drawn hanger upon his shoulders: “A plague on you!” -said the Farmer; “how slow you are, to make a man wait upon you all the -morning: come, deliver what you have, and go to the devil for orders!” -The young gentleman, rather surprised at this novel greeting, began -to make several excuses, saying he had no money about him: but his -incredulous antagonist took the liberty of searching him, and, finding -about him above a hundred guineas, he bestowed upon him two or three -farther slaps on the shoulders, telling him, at the same time, not to -give his mind to lying in future, when an honest gentleman required a -small gratuity from him. - -Another time, this notorious robber having paid his landlord about -80_l._ for rent, the latter, going home with it, was accosted by his -goodly tenant in disguise, who, bidding him stand, said:--“Come, Mr. -Gravity, deliver what you have in a trice!” The old gentleman, fetching -a deep sigh, to the hazard of displacing several buttons from his -waistcoat, told him, that he had not above two shillings about him, -and hoped, therefore, he was more a gentleman than to take so small a -matter from a poor man. “I have no faith,” replied the Farmer; “for -you seem, by your habit to be a man of better circumstances than you -pretend; therefore, open your budget, or I shall fall foul of you.” -“Dear sir,” cried the landlord, “you can’t be so barbarous to an old -man. What! have you no religion, pity, or compassion in you? Have you -no conscience? Have you no respect for your body or soul?” “Don’t talk -of age or barbarity to me,” said the tenant, “for I show neither pity -nor compassion to any body. Talk of conscience to me! I have no more of -that dull commodity than you have; therefore, deliver every thing you -have about you, before this pistol makes you repent your obstinacy.” -The landlord being thus threatened, delivered his money, without -receiving a receipt for it, although he had given one to the Farmer. - -An old grazier at Putney Heath was the next victim to the avaricious -Farmer. Having accosted him on the road, he informed him that there -were some suspicious persons behind them, whom he suspected to be -highwaymen; and, if that should be the case, he begged that he would -conceal ten guineas for him, which would be safer with him, from the -meanness of his apparel. He accepted the charge, and said, that as -he himself had fifty guineas bound in the lappet of his shirt, he -would deposit them along with his own. In a short time, the Farmer -said,--“It does not appear that any person will run the risk of his -neck by robbing you to-day; it will, therefore, be as well that I do so -myself.” Without any farther preamble, therefore, he demanded of him, -instead of delivering up his purse, to cut off the lappet of his shirt; -but, declining to comply with his request, the Farmer put himself to -the trouble of lightening the fore-garment of the grazier. - -Squire Broughton, a gentleman of the Middle Temple, was the succeeding -prey of the Golden Farmer. Happening to meet at an inn upon the road, -the Farmer pretended to be on his way to the capital, concerning -an offence that a neighboring farmer had committed against him, by -allowing his cattle to break into his grounds. Meanwhile, he requested -that squire Broughton would recommend him to an expert and faithful -agent to conduct his cause. Like every other lawyer, Broughton was -desirous to have him for a client, and proceeded to explain the nature -of his cause. Having spent the night at the inn, they proceeded next -morning on their journey, when the Farmer addressed the counsellor, -saying, “Pray, sir, what is meant by trover and conversion in the law -of England?” He replied, that it signified, in our common law, an -action which one man has against another, who, having found any of his -goods, refuses to deliver them up on demand, and perhaps converts them -to his own use. - -The Golden Farmer being now at a place convenient for his purpose, -“Very well, then, sir,” said he, “should I find any money about you, -and convert it to my use, it is only actionable, I find.” “That is a -robbery,” said the barrister, “which requires no less a satisfaction -than a man’s life.” “A robbery!” replied the Golden Farmer; “why, -then, I must commit _one_ in my time:” and presenting his pistol, he -instantly demanded his money or his life. Surprised at his client’s -rough behavior, the lawyer began to remonstrate in strong terms upon -the impropriety of his conduct, urging, that it was both contrary -to law and to conscience. His eloquent pleading, however, made no -impression upon the mind of the Farmer, who, putting a pistol to his -breast, compelled the lawyer to deliver his money, amounting to the sum -of 40_l._, some large pieces of gold, and a gold watch. - -One day, accosting a tinker upon the road, whom he knew to have 7_l._ -or 8_l._ upon him, he said, “Well, brother tinker, you seem to be very -decent, for your life is a continual pilgrimage, and, in humility, you -go almost barefooted, making necessity a virtue.” “Ay, master,” replied -the tinker, “necessity compels when the devil drives, and, had you -no more than I, you would do the same.” “That might be,” replied the -Farmer, “and I suppose you march all over England.” “Yes,” said the -tinker, “I go a great deal of ground, but not so much as you ride.” -“Be this as it will. I suppose that your conversation is unblamable, -because you are continually mending.” “I wish,” replied the tinker, -“that as much could be said in commendation of your character.” The -Farmer replied, that he was not like him, who would rather steal than -beg, in defiance of whips or imprisonment. Determined to have the -last word of the Farmer, the tinker rejoined, “I would have you to -know, that I take a great deal of pains for a livelihood.” The Farmer, -equally loquacious, replied, “I know that you are such an enemy to -idleness, that, rather than want work, you will make three holes in -mending one.” “That may be,” said the honest tinker, “but I begin to -wish that there were a greater distance between us, as I do neither -love your conversation nor appearance.” “I am equally ready to say the -same of you; for, though you are entertained in every place, yet you -are seldom permitted to enter the door of any dwelling.” The tinker -repeated his strong suspicions of the Farmer. “Nor shall it be without -cause!” exclaimed he; “therefore, open your wallet, and deliver the -money that is there.” Here their dialogue being about to close, the -tinker entreated that he would not rob him, as he was above a hundred -miles from home: but the Golden Farmer, being indifferent to all the -consequences of the loss of the other’s property, seized both his -wallet and his money, and left the poor tinker to renew his journey and -his toils. - -This famous highwayman had only a few more acts of violence to -perform. His actions and character being now universally known, many -a hue-and-cry was sent after him, and conspired to his overthrow. He -was seized and imprisoned, tried, and condemned. He spent his time in -prison in the same merry way in which his former life had been passed, -and a violent death terminated his wicked course on the 20th December -1689. - - - - -JONATHAN SIMPSON. - - -This man was the son of a respectable gentleman in Launceston, in -Cornwall, and put an apprentice to a linen-draper. After serving his -time with great approbation, his father gave him 1500_l._ to commence -business for himself. - -He had not been a year in business when he married a merchant’s -daughter, and received with her 2000_l._ of portion. Such an accession -to his wealth enabled him to extend his business, and to conduct it -with ease. But money cannot procure happiness. The affections of the -young lady had been gained by a man of less fortune, and, to please -her father, she had given her hand where she could not bestow her -heart; and, though married to another, she continued in a degree of -familiarity with her former lover that excited her husband’s jealousy, -the most violent of all the passions. - -In a short time, after having lived in a very unhappy manner, Simpson -took the opportunity to sell all off, and, having shut up shop, went -away with what money he could raise, determined no longer to remain in -Bristol. He was now possessed of about 5000_l._ but his expenses were -so extravagant, that this large sum was soon exhausted. He then went to -the highway, committed a robbery, was apprehended, and would certainly -have been hanged, had not some of his rich relations procured a -reprieve. The difficulty of obtaining it may be guessed from the fact, -that it arrived at Tyburn just when the rope was about his neck. Such -was his obduracy, that, when returning to Newgate behind one of the -sheriff’s men, the latter asked him what he thought of a reprieve when -he was come to the gallows. “No more than I thought of my dying day.” - -When he came to the prison-door, the turnkey refused to receive him, -saying, that he was sent to be executed, and that he was discharged -of him, and would not permit him to enter without a new warrant. Upon -which Simpson exclaimed, “What an unhappy cast-off dog am I, that both -Tyburn and Newgate should in one day refuse to entertain me! Well, -I’ll mend my manners for the future, and try whether I can’t merit a -reception at them both, next time I am brought thither.” - -He immediately recommenced his operations, and one day robbed a -gentleman of a purse full of counters, which he supposed were gold. -He kept them in his pockets, always anxiously looking out for his -benefactor. About four months after, he met him upon Bagshot heath, -riding in a coach: “Sir,” said he, “I believe you made a mistake the -last time I had the happiness of seeing you, in giving these pieces. -I have been troubled ever since, lest you should have wanted them at -cards, and am glad of this opportunity to return them; only, for my -care, I require you to come this moment out of your coach, and give -me your breeches, that I may search them at leisure, and not trust -any more to your generosity, lest you should mistake again.” A pistol -enforced his demand, and Simpson found a gold watch, a gold snuff-box, -and ninety-eight guineas, with five jacobuses. - -At another time, he robbed lord Delamere of three hundred and fifty -guineas. He was almost unequalled in his depredations: in one day he -robbed nineteen different people, and took above 200_l._; and, in -the space of six weeks, committed forty robberies in the county of -Middlesex. He even ventured to attack the duke of Berwick, and took -from him articles to a very great value. - -But wickedness has a boundary over which it cannot pass. Simpson -attacked two captains of the guards: a strong struggle ensued: his -horse was shot under him, and he was wounded in both arms and one of -his legs before he was taken. He was sent to Newgate, and now found -that he was not refused entrance: and he soon also discovered, that -Tyburn was equally ready to receive him. His execution took place on -the 8th September 1686. - - - - -WILLIAM CADY. - - -This gentleman was a native of Norfolk county, and the son of an -eminent surgeon. After the preparatory steps of education, William went -to the University of Cambridge, and was tutor to lord Townshend. He was -during that time made bachelor of arts, and continued to pursue his -studies until deprived of his father by death. - -The loss of a prudent father to a young man, forms a remarkable era in -his life. If he is left with an ample fortune, he has then the means of -gratifying his wishes, whether in the field of benevolence or in that -of dissipation: and though left with no fortune, yet he is then at full -liberty to follow his ruling inclination. Upon the intelligence of his -father’s death, William went to London and began to practise medicine. -His first patient was his own uncle, who, being dangerously affected -with an imposthume, was cured by him in the following manner:-- - -When he entered his uncle’s bedchamber, his first care was to examine -the state of the old gentleman’s stomach: for this purpose he ranged -about the room, overturning every plate and dish, to discover what had -been given him to eat. He at last discovered an old saddle, which he -thought would answer for the intended experiment. Upon seeing this he -cried out, “Uncle, your case is very desperate!”--“Not so bad, I hope,” -said the uncle, “as to make me past remedy.”--“Heaven knows that,” -cried Cady, “but a surfeit is a terrible thing, and I perceive that you -have got a violent one.”--“A surfeit!” said the old gentleman; “you -mistake, nephew; it is an imposthume that I am affected with.”--“The -deuce it is!” replied Cady; “why, I could have sworn it had been a -surfeit, for I perceive you have eaten a whole horse, and left us only -the saddle!” At this he held up the saddle; and the old gentleman fell -into such a fit of laughter as instantly broke his imposthume, so that -he became quite well in less than a fortnight. - -This is not the only instance of a disease of this nature being cured -by a fit of laughter; and it is certainly an agreeable mode of being -relieved of a painful and dangerous malady. - -A cardinal at Padua, who was at the point of death, under the influence -of this distemper, being past all hopes of recovery, his servants had -begun to pillage his house, and even to make free with the hangings of -his own bed. An ape, in the midst of this bustle, seized a nightcap -that lay near, fixed it upon his head, and made so many and such -curious tricks, that his reverence fell into a fit of laughter, and -broke the imposthume, to the preservation of his life and property. - -Another instance may be related. A countrywoman, very ignorant and -superstitious, took it into her head to send for the parson of the -parish to pray for the recovery of her cow, which was affected with -a distemper incident to animals of that species. Not suspecting but -that he was called to visit the woman herself, or some of her family -in affliction, the pious man went forthwith, and, to his surprise, was -not only informed why he was sent for, but the good woman insisted that -he should go and see her cow before she would allow him to depart. -Unable to resist her importunities, he went to the byre, and taking -a handful of the short straw that lay beside the cow, spread it upon -her back, saying, “Poor beast, if you be no better for this, you will -be no worse.” The parson returned home, and the good woman was highly -displeased with his indifference towards her favorite cow. - -It happened, soon after, that she had an opportunity to retaliate: -the parson was taken dangerously ill of an imposthume, and the woman, -hearing of it, went to return his visit. Arrived at the parson’s house, -she, in consequence of her importunities, was admitted into his -bedchamber; and, having kindly inquired after his health, went forward -to the chimney, and taking up a handful of ashes from the hearth, -scattered them over the parson, using his own words, “Poor man! if you -be no better for this, you will be no worse;” which raised such a fit -of laughter in the good man, that his imposthume broke and his cure was -effected. - -For the speedy and unexpected cure before related, the uncle of Cady -gave him fifty guineas, which supplied his extravagances for one month. -His purse being empty, he took his leave of the healing art, in which -he had been so successful, and commenced robber. His first adventure -was with a captain of the guards and another gentleman, of whom he -inquired the way to Staines, as he was a stranger. They informed him -that they were going to that place, and that they would be glad of his -company. When he arrived at a convenient place, Cady shot the gentleman -through the head, and, turning to the officer, told him that “if he did -not deliver, he should share the same fate.” The other replied that -as he was a captain of the guards, Cady must fight if he expected to -get anything from him. “If you are a soldier,” cried Cady, “you ought -to obey the word of command, otherwise you know your sentence: I have -nothing to do but to tie you neck and heel.” “You are an unconscionable -rogue,” said the captain, “to demand money of me, who never owed you -any.” “Sir,” replied Cady, “there is not a man that travels the road -but owes me money, if he has any about him: therefore, as you are one -of my debtors, if you do not pay me instantly, your blood shall satisfy -my demand.” The captain exchanged several shots with Cady; but his -horse being killed under him, he surrendered his watch, a diamond ring, -and a purse of twenty guineas. William, having collected all he could, -tied the captain neck and heel, nailed the skirts of his coat to a -tree, and rode off in search of more booty. - -His next encounter was with viscount Dundee, who commanded the forces -of James VII. of Scotland, and the second of England, and fell in the -battle of Killicrankie. Dundee was mounted upon horseback, attended by -two servants. Cady rode up to them at full speed, and inquired if they -did not see a man ride past with more than ordinary haste. “Yes,” he -was presently answered. “He has robbed me of twenty pounds that I was -going to pay my landlord, and I am utterly ruined!” cried Cady. The -man who had ridden by was a confederate, and had done so by express -concert. His lordship was moved with compassion, and ordered the two -footmen to pursue the robber. When the servants seemed to have got to -a sufficient distance, Cady turned upon his lordship, and robbed him -of a gold watch, a gold snuff-box, and fifty guineas. He then shot the -viscount’s horse, and rode after the footmen, whom he found about a -mile off with the supposed robber as their prisoner. These men were -surprised when Cady desired them to let him go, and laughed at them for -what they had done. They, however, refusing to part with their prey, a -scuffle ensued, and one of the footmen being slain, the other fled, and -found that his master had been dismounted and robbed. - -Dundee complained of this injury at court, and a reward of two hundred -pounds was offered to any person who should apprehend either Cady or -his companion, who were both minutely described. To evade the diligent -search which he was certain this proclamation would occasion, he went -over to Flanders. As he had received a liberal education, he entered -himself of the English seminary of Douay, and, joining the fraternity -of Benedictine friars, soon acquired an extraordinary character for -learning and piety. The natural result was, that many penitents -resorted to him for confession. The rigid sanctity and ecclesiastical -duties of Cady were, however, soon found rather troublesome companions, -and he resolved to return to England, preferring his rambles upon the -highway to the devotions of the convent. But, as money was necessary -for his voyage, his invention was again set in motion. - -To effect his purpose, he feigned himself sick, and, being confined -to bed, was visited by many of those who had formerly employed him as -their father-confessor. He particularly fixed his attention upon two -young women, who generally came together, and were both very rich and -very handsome. He had previously procured a brace of pistols. When -the ladies next came to him and had made their confession, he desired -them presently to attend to him. He briefly informed them that he was -greatly in want of money, and that if they did not instantly supply his -wants, he would deprive them of their lives, holding at the same time -a pistol to their breasts. He then proceeded to rifle their pockets, -where he found fifty pistoles. In addition to this, he compelled them -to make an offering of two diamond rings from their fingers; then, -binding them neck and heel, he informed the father of the convent that -he was going to walk a little in the fields, and would soon return. -It is needless to say that he returned no more to his religious -habitation, but renewed his former mode of life. - -Scarcely was he arrived in England, when he met a hop merchant, -accompanied by his wife, upon Blackheath, and commanded them to stand -and deliver. The merchant made a stout resistance, firing two pistols, -but without effect; so that he was left to the mercy of the robber, who -killed their horse, and, examining their pockets, found twenty-eight -pounds upon the merchant, and half a crown upon his wife. - -Cady then addressed her thus: “Is this your way of travelling? -What! carry but half a crown in your pocket when you are to meet a -gentleman-collector on the highway? I’ll assure you, madam, I shall -be even with you, therefore off with that ring from your finger.” She -begged him to spare her marriage ring, as she would not lose it for -double the value, having kept and worn it these twenty years. “You -whining old woman,” quoth William, “marriage is nothing to me;--am I -to be more favorable to you than any other woman, I’ll warrant? Give -me the ring in a moment, without any more cant, or I shall make bold -to cut off your finger for despatch, as I have served several of your -sex before.” The good woman, seeing all her entreaties vain, hastily -pulled the ring off her finger, and thrust it into her mouth. Cady then -stamped, raged, and swore that he would be even with her: and instantly -shooting her through the head, went away perfectly unmoved, while the -husband, being tied to a tree, was a spectator of this horrid barbarity. - -Cady rode instantly to London, but fearing that even that great city -could not conceal the author of a crime so unparalleled, he left the -metropolis, and went to Scotland. Either his inclinations did not -lead him, or he deemed that country too poor to afford him sufficient -booty; he therefore soon returned again to England. On his road to the -capital, between Ferrybridge and Doncaster, he met with Dr. Morton, a -prebendary of Durham, well mounted; but whether meditating upon the -amount of his tithes, or the next Sabbath’s sermon, is uncertain. -Cady instantly rode up to him, and cried, “Deliver, or you are a dead -man!” The doctor, unaccustomed to such language, began to admonish him -concerning the atrocity of his conduct, and the danger that he was in, -both with respect to his body and his soul. Cady stared him in the -face with all the ferocity that he could muster, and informed him that -his remonstrances were in vain, saying, that if he did not deliver him -what he had, he should speedily send him out of the world. “But then,” -added Cady, “that is nothing, because all the gentlemen of your cloth -are prepared for death. What, you unreasonable, you unmannerly dog!” -continued he, in a rage, unable to discover the doctor’s cash, “what do -you mean, to meet a man in the midst of his journey, without bringing -him any money to pay his charges?” For the doctor had taken care to -hide his money in a hedge, so that Cady, upon examining him, found his -pockets completely empty. The ruffian, convinced that a man of his -appearance could not travel without money, with dreadful imprecations -threatened that if he would not inform him what he had done with it, -he should never go home alive. The doctor insisting that he had none, -the wretch shot him through the heart with as little remorse as he -would have drunk a glass of burgundy. - -He next undertook a journey into Norfolk to visit his relations, but -meeting a coach near that place, in which were three gentlemen and a -lady, he rode up to it, and addressed them in his own language. The -gentlemen, however, were resolved to stand upon the defensive, and one -of them fired a blunderbuss at him, which only grazed his arm, without -doing any material injury. This put him into a violent passion, and, -after taking a hundred and fifty pounds from the company, he brutally -added, that the gentleman who fired at him should not pass unpunished, -and instantly shot him through the heart; then, cutting the reins of -the horses, he went off in search of new plunder, and declined visiting -his relations upon that occasion, lest he should have been detected. - -Directing his course to London, he came up with a lady taking a -ride for the benefit of the air, attended by a single footman, and -fell upon her in a very rude manner, pulling a diamond ring from -her finger, a gold watch out of her pocket, and a purse with eighty -guineas; insulting her meanwhile with opprobrious language. Though the -lady had commanded her footman not to interfere, yet the man could -not help complimenting Cady with some well-merited appellations. The -ferocious monster, without uttering a word, saluted him with a brace of -bullets in the head, and he fell upon the spot. Cady was just about to -prosecute his journey, when two gentlemen, perceiving what he had done, -rode up to him with pistols in their hands. Cady seeing his danger, -fired at them, and shots were exchanged with the greatest rapidity, -until Cady’s horse was shot under him; and even then he struggled -with the greatest violence with the gentlemen, until his strength was -exhausted; he was then apprehended, and carried to Newgate under a -strong guard. There he remained until the assizes, without showing -the least signs of repentance, or tokens of regret. Upon his trial he -behaved with the most daring insolence, calling the judges “a huddle of -alms-women,” and treating the jury in the same manner. The crime for -which he was accused was so clearly proved, that he was sentenced to -death, and committed to the condemned hole. But this place of darkness -and horror had no effect upon his mind. He continued to roar, curse, -blaspheme, and get drunk, as he had always done. It is probable that -the hope of pardon, by the influence of some friends at court, tended -to harden him the more; but the number and enormity of his crimes -prevented James the Second from extending his royal mercy to such a -miscreant. The day of execution being come, and the cart stopping as -usual under St. Sepulchre’s wall, while the bellman rang his bell and -repeated his exhortations, instead of being moved, he began to swear -and to rail because they stopped him to hear an old puppy chatter -nonsense. At Tyburn he acted in a similar manner: without either taking -any notice of the ordinary, praying by himself, or addressing the -people, he rushed into an eternal state to suffer the just punishment -of his great and numerous offences. He died in the twenty-fifth year of -his age, in the year 1687. - - - - -PATRICK O’BRIAN. - - -Patrick O’Brian was a native of Ireland, and his parents were very -indigent. He came over to England, and enlisted in the Coldstream -Guards. He was, however, not so dexterous in the use of his arms as he -was in the practice of all manner of vice. Patrick was resolved not to -want money, if there was any in the country. He first ran into debt at -all the public houses and shops that would trust him; then borrowed -from every person, as long as any one could be found to believe him. - -When fraud failed him, he had recourse to force. Doctor Clewer, rector -of Croydon, was the first whom he attacked. This man had been, in his -youth, tried at the Old Bailey, and burned in the hand, for stealing a -silver cup. Alluding to this, Patrick said, that “he could not refuse -lending a little assistance to one of his old profession.” The doctor -assured him that “he had not made a word, if he had had any money -about him; but he had not so much as a single farthing.” “Then,” said -Patrick, “I must have your gown, sir.” “If you can win it,” cried the -doctor, “you shall; but let me have the chance of a game of cards.” To -this O’Brian consented; and the doctor pulling out a pack of cards, -they commenced. Patrick was victorious, and obtained the black gown. - -One day, Patrick attacked a famous posture-master, and commanded him to -“stand and deliver!” The latter instantly jumped over his head, which -led Patrick to suppose that it was the devil come to sport with him -before his time. By this display of his agility the harlequin escaped -with his money, and had the good fortune never to afford to O’Brian an -opportunity to be revenged of him for his fright. - -Our adventurer at last commenced highwayman. For this purpose he -purchased a horse and other necessaries, and began in due form. He one -day met with the celebrated Nell Gwynne in her coach, and addressed -her, saying: “Madam, I am a gentleman; I have done a great many signal -services to the fair sex, and have, in return, been all my life -maintained by them. Now, as I know that you are a charitable woman, I -make bold to ask you for a little money, though I never had the honor -of serving you in particular. However, if any opportunity shall ever -fall in my way, you may depend upon it I will not be ungrateful.” Nell -made him a present of ten guineas, and he went off in quest of more -plunder. - -It was with O’Brian as with every other wicked man: he was solicitous -to lead others to the same line of conduct. In particular, he seduced -a young man, of the name of Wilt, who was apprehended, and suffered -for his first offence. O’Brian was also apprehended, and executed at -Gloucester; and when he had hung the usual time, his body was cut down, -and given to his friends; but when carried home, he was observed to -move, on which a surgeon was immediately sent for, who bled him; and -other means being used, he recovered life. This fact was kept a secret, -and it was hoped that it would have had a salutary effect upon his -future conduct. His friends were very willing to contribute towards his -support, in order that he might live in the most retired manner, and -O’Brian engaged to reform his life, and for some time kept his promise; -but the impressions of death, and all its tremendous consequences, soon -wearing off his mind, he returned to his vicious courses. Abandoning -his friends, and purchasing a horse and other necessaries, O’Brian -again visited the road. - -In about a year after his execution he met the very gentleman who -was his former prosecutor, and attacked him in the same manner as -before. The gentleman was surprised to see himself stopped by the very -same person who had formerly robbed him, and who was executed for -that crime. His consternation was so great that he could not avoid -exhibiting it, and he addressed O’Brian, saying, “How comes this to -pass? I thought that you had been hanged a twelvemonth ago.” “So I -was, and therefore you ought to imagine that what you now see is only -my ghost. However, lest you should be so uncivil as to hang my ghost -too, I think it my best way to secure you.” Upon this, he discharged a -pistol through the gentleman’s head, and, alighting from his horse, cut -his body in pieces with his hanger. - -One barbarity was followed by a greater. O’Brian, accompanied by four -others, attacked the house of Launcelot Wilmot, Esq. of Wiltshire; -entered, and bound all the servants; then went up to the gentleman’s -own room, and bound him and his wife. They next proceeded to the -daughter’s chamber, whom they stabbed to the heart, and having -returned, in the same manner butchered the old people, and rifled the -house to the value of two thousand five hundred pounds. - -This miscreant continued his depredations two years longer, until one -of his accomplices confessed his crime, and informed upon all who were -concerned. Our adventurer was seized at his lodgings at Little Suffolk -street, and conveyed to Salisbury, where he acknowledged the crime. He -was a second time executed, and, to prevent another resuscitation, was -hung in chains, near the place where the crime was perpetrated, on the -30th of April, 1689. - - - - -THOMAS RUMBOLD. - - -Rumbold was the son of honest and industrious parents, who lived at -Ipswich, in Suffolk. In his youth he was apprenticed to a bricklayer; -but evil inclinations gaining an ascendancy over his mind, he quitted -his employment before a third part of his time was expired. In order to -support himself after having absconded, and conceiving a great desire -to see London, he repaired thither, and soon confederated himself with -a gang of robbers. In conjunction with these he shared in many daring -exploits; but wishing to try his skill and fortune alone, he left them, -and repaired to the road. - -He travelled from London with the intention of waylaying the archbishop -of Canterbury. Having got sight of the party between Rochester and -Sittingbourne in Kent, he got into a field, and placing a tablecloth on -the grass, on which he placed several handfuls of gold and silver, took -a box and dice out of his pocket, and commenced a game at hazard by -himself. His grace observing him in this situation, sent a servant to -inquire the meaning; who upon coming near Rumbold, heard him swearing -and rioting about his losses, but never paid the least attention to his -questions. The servant returned and informed the prelate, who alighted, -and seeing none but Rumbold, asked him whom he was playing with. -“Pray, sir,” said Rumbold, “be silent--five hundred pounds lost in a -jiffey!” His grace was about to speak again--“Ay,” continued Rumbold, -continuing to play on, “there goes a hundred more!” “Pr’ythee,” said -the archbishop, “do tell me whom you play with.” Rumbold replied, “With -----,” naming some one who perhaps never had existence. “And how will -you send the money to him?” “By his ambassadors,” quoth Rumbold; “and, -considering your grace as one of them extraordinary, I shall beg the -favor of you to carry it to him.” He accordingly rose and rode up to -the carriage, and, placing in the seat about six hundred pounds, rode -off. He proceeded on the road he knew the archbishop had to travel, and -both, having refreshed at Sittingbourne, again took the road, Rumbold -preceding the bishop by a little distance. He waited at a convenient -place, and again seared himself on the grass in the same manner as -before, only having very little money on the cloth. The bishop again -observed him, and now believing him really to be a mad gamester, walked -up to him, and just as his grace was going to accost him, Rumbold cried -out with great seeming joy, “Six hundred pounds!” “What!” said the -archbishop, “losing again?” “No, by G--!” replied Rumbold, “won six -hundred pounds! I’ll play this hand out, and then leave off while I’m -well.” “And of whom have you won them?” said his grace. “Of the same -person that I left the six hundred pounds for with you before dinner.” -“And how will you get your winnings?” “Of his ambassador, to be sure,” -said Rumbold; so, presenting his pistol and drawn sword, he rode up -to the carriage, and took from the seat his own money, and fourteen -hundred pounds besides, with which he got clear off. - -With part of this money Rumbold bought himself an eligible situation; -but still he could not give up his propensity of appropriating to -himself the purses of others. For many miles round London he had the -waiters and chambermaids of the inns enlisted into his service; and -though, to appearance, in an honest way of gaining a livelihood, -he continued his nefarious courses to a great extent. He was not, -indeed, always successful; but, having once been apprized of two rich -travellers being at an inn where one of his assistants was, he left -London immediately, and waited on the road which he had been informed -the travellers were to take: long, however, he might have waited, for -the travellers were too cunning, and pretended to be travelling to the -place which they had last left. Determined, however, not to return -without doing some business, he waited on the road: the earl of Oxford, -attended by a single footman, soon appeared, and, being known to his -lordship, he disguised himself by throwing his long hair over his face, -and holding it with his teeth. In this clumsy mask he rode up, demanded -his lordship’s purse, and threatened to shoot both the servant and -him if they made the least resistance. Expostulations were vain, and -he proceeded to rifle the earl, in whose coat and waistcoat he found -nothing but dice and cards, and was much enraged, till, feeling the -other pockets, he discovered a nest of goldfinches,[2] with which he -was mightily pleased, and said he would take them home and cage them: -recommending his lordship to return to his regiment and attend to his -duty, giving him a shilling as an encouragement. - -As Rumbold was riding along the road, he met a country girl with a -milkpail on her head, with whose beauty and symmetry of shape he was -greatly taken. Having entered into conversation, Rumbold alighted, -and, excusing himself for the freedom, sat beside her while she milked -her cows. Pleased with each other’s company, they made an assignation -the same evening: our adventurer was to come to her father’s house -at a late hour, and, pretending to have lost his road, solicit a -night’s lodging. The plan was accordingly followed out: but they were -disappointed in each other’s society that evening, for some one of -the family kept astir all night. Determined, however, not to leave -his fair convert, he pretended in the morning to be taken dangerously -ill, and the good farmer rode off immediately for medical assistance. -All the power of surgery, however, could not discover his ailment. -The farmer kindly insisted upon his remaining where he was until he -should recover, to which he, with great professions of gratitude, -assented. Completely overpowered by such generosity, Rumbold wished -to make some apparent return; and, borrowing a name, told him he was -a bachelor of property in a certain county; that he had hitherto -remained secure against the attacks of beauty, but that he now was -vanquished by the attractions of his daughter, and hoped, if the girl -had no objection, that a proposal of marriage would not be unacceptable -to the family. The farmer, in his turn, overcome by such a mark of -condescension, expressed himself highly gratified by the proposal; and, -upon communicating it to the family, all were agreeable, and none more -so than the girl. The idea of adding gentility to the fortune which -the farmer intended for his daughter, quite elated him, and made him -extremely anxious to gain the favor of the suitor. Rumbold followed -out the design, and his endearments with the daughter were thus more -frequent than he expected. His principal design was to sift the girl -as to the quantity of money her father had in the house, and where it -lay; but he was chagrined when informed that there were only a few -pounds; for that, a few days before they met, her father had made a -great purchase, which took all his ready money. Seeing, now, that there -was no chance of gleaning the father’s harvest, he resolved to leave -the family, and, accordingly, one evening took his march incognito, -leaving the girl a present of twenty pieces of gold, inclosed in a copy -of verses. - -He proceeded on the road, and met with no person worthy his notice -until the following day, when a singular occurrence happened to him. -Passing by a small coppice between two hills, a gentleman, as he -supposed, darted out upon him, and commanded him to stand and deliver. -Rumbold requested him to have patience, and he would surrender all his -property; when, putting his hand in his pocket, he drew a pistol, and -fired at his opponent without the shot taking effect. “If you are for -sport,” cried the other, “you shall have it!” and instantly shot him -slightly in the thigh; and at the same moment drawing his sword, he -cut Rumbold’s reins at one blow; thus rendering him unable to manage -his horse. Rumbold fired his remaining pistol, and again missed his -adversary, but shot his horse dead. Thus dismounted, the gentleman made -a thrust at him with his sword, which, missing Rumbold, penetrated -his horse, and brought them once more upon an equal footing. After -hard fighting on both sides, our adventurer threw his adversary, bound -him hand and foot, and proceeded to his more immediate object of -rifling. Upon opening his coat he was amazed to discover that he had -been fighting with a woman. Raising her up in his arms, he exclaimed, -“Pardon me, most courageous Amazon, for thus rudely dealing with you: -it was nothing but ignorance that caused this error; for, could my -dim-sighted soul have distinguished what you were, the great love -and respect I bear your sex would have deterred me from contending -with you: but I esteem this ignorance of mine as the greatest -happiness, since knowledge, in this case, might have deprived me of -the opportunity of knowing there could be so much valor in a woman. -For your sake, I shall forever retain a very high esteem for the worst -of females.” The Amazon replied, that this was neither a place nor -opportunity for eloquent speeches, but that, if he felt no reluctance, -she would conduct him to a more appropriate place; to which he readily -assented. They entered a dark wood, and, following the winding of -several obscure passages, arrived at a house upon which, apparently, -the sun had not been accustomed to shine. A number of servants -appeared, and bustled about their lady, whose disguise was familiar to -them; but they were astonished to see her return on foot, attended by a -stranger. - -Being conducted into an elegant apartment, and having been refreshed -by whatever the house afforded, they became very familiar, and Rumbold -pressed his companion to relate her history, which, with great -frankness, she did in the following words:-- - -“I cannot, sir, deny your request, since we seem to have formed a -friendship which, I hope, will turn out to our mutual advantage. I am -the daughter of a sword-cutler: in my youth my mother would have taught -me to handle a needle, but my martial spirit gainsaid all persuasions -to that purpose. I never could bear to be among the utensils of the -kitchen, but was constantly in my father’s shop, and took wonderful -delight in handling the warlike instruments he made; to take a sharp -and well-mounted sword in my hand, and brandish it, was my chief -recreation. Being about twelve years of age, I studied by every means -possible how I might form an acquaintance with a fencing-master. Time -brought my desires to an accomplishment; for such a person came into my -father’s shop to have a blade furbished, and it so happened that there -was none to answer him but myself. Having given him the satisfaction -he desired, though he did not expect it from me, among other questions -I asked him if he was not a professor of the noble science of -self-defence, which I was pretty sure of from his postures, looks, and -expressions. He answered in the affirmative, and I informed him I was -glad of the opportunity, and begged him to conceal my intention, while -I requested he would instruct me in the art of fencing. At first, he -seemed amazed at my proposal; but, perceiving I was resolved in good -earnest, he granted my request, and appointed a time which he could -conveniently allot to that purpose. In a short time I became so -expert at buck-sword and single rapier, that I no longer required his -assistance, and my parents never once discovered this transaction. - -“I shall waive what exploits I did by the help of my disguise, and -only tell you that, when I reached the age of fifteen, an innkeeper -married me, and carried me into the country. For two years we lived -peaceably and comfortably together; but at length the violent and -imperious temper of my husband called my natural humor into action. -Once a week we seldom missed a combat, which generally proved very -sharp, especially on the head of the poor innkeeper; the gaping wounds -of our discontent were not easily salved, and they in a manner became -incurable. I was not much inclined to love him, because he was a -man of a mean and dastardly spirit. Being likewise stinted in cash, -my life grew altogether comfortless, and I looked on my condition -as insupportable, and, as a means of mitigating my troubles, I was -compelled to adopt the resolution of borrowing a purse occasionally. -I judged this resolution safe enough, if I were not detected in the -very act; for who could suspect me to be a robber, wearing abroad -man’s apparel, but at home a dress suitable to my sex? Besides, no one -could procure better information, or had more frequent opportunities -than myself: for, keeping an inn, who could ascertain what booty their -guests carried with them better than their landlady? - -“As you can vouch, sir, I knew myself not to be destitute of courage; -what, then, could hinder me from entering on such enterprises? Having -thus resolved, I soon provided myself with the necessary habiliments -for my scheme, carried it into immediate execution, and continued with -great success, never having failed till now. Instead of riding to -market, or travelling five or six miles about some piece of business, -(the usual pretences with which I blinded my husband,) I would, when -out of sight, take the road to the house in which we now are, where I -metamorphosed myself, and proceeded to the road in search of prey. -Not long since, my husband had one hundred pounds due to him about -twenty miles from home, and appointed a certain day for receiving it. -Glad I was to hear of this, and instantly resolved to be revenged -on him for all the injuries and churlish outrages he had committed -against me; I knew very well the way he went, and understood the time -he intended to return. I waylaid him, and had not to wait above three -hours, when my lord and master made his appearance, whistling with joy -at his heavy purse. I soon made him change the tune to a more doleful -ditty in lamentation of his bad fortune. I permitted him to pass, but -soon overtook him, and keeping close by him for a mile or two, at -length found the coast clear, and, riding up and seizing his bridle, -presented a pistol to his breast, and in a hoarse voice demanded his -purse, else he was a dead man. This imperious don, seeing death before -his face, had nearly saved me the trouble by dying without compulsion; -and so terrified did he appear, that he looked more like an apparition -than any thing human. ‘Sirrah!’ said I, ‘be expeditious;’ but a dead -palsy had so seized every part of him, that his eyes were incapable of -directing his hands to his pockets. I soon recalled his spirits by two -or three sharp blows with the flat of my sword, which speedily wakened -him, and, with great trembling and submission, he resigned his money. -After I had dismounted him, I cut his horse’s reins and saddle-girths, -beat him most soundly, and dismissed him, saying: ‘Now, you rogue, I -am even with you; have a care, the next time you strike a woman, (your -wife, I mean,) for none but such as dare not fight a man, will lift up -his hand against the weaker vessel. Now you see what it is to provoke -them, for, if once irritated, they are restless till they accomplish -their revenge to their satisfaction: I have a good mind to end your -wicked courses with your life, inhuman varlet, but I am loth to be -hanged for nothing, I mean for such a worthless fellow as you are. -Farewell! this money shall serve me to purchase wine to drink a toast -to the confusion of all such rascally and mean-spirited things!’ I -then left him, and--” - -This extraordinary character was about to proceed with the narration of -her exploits, when the servant announced the arrival of two gentlemen. -Our heroine left the room, and returning with her friends, apologized -to our adventurer for the interruption, but hoped he would not find -the company of her companions disagreeable, whom he soon discovered to -be likewise females in disguise. The conversation now became general, -and, upon condition of Rumbold stopping all night with them, the Amazon -promised to finish her adventures next day. This accorded with the -wishes of Rumbold; and when they retired to rest, he found the same -room was destined for them all. His curiosity was, however, overcome by -his covetousness; for, rising early next morning, and finding all his -companions asleep, he rifled their pockets of a considerable quantity -of gold, and decamped with great expedition, thus disappointing the -reader in the continuation of a narrative almost incredible from its -singularity. - -Our adventurer had frequently observed a goldsmith in Lombard street -counting large bags of gold, and he became very desirous to have a -share of the glittering hoard. He made several unsuccessful attempts; -but having in his possession many rings, which he had procured in the -way of his profession, he dressed himself in the habit of a countryman, -attended by a servant, and going to the goldsmith’s shop, proposed -to sell one of these rings. The goldsmith, perceiving it to be a -diamond of considerable value, and from the appearance of Rumbold -supposing he was ignorant of its real worth, after examining it, with -some hesitation estimated its value at ten pounds. To convince the -countryman that this was its full value, he showed him a diamond ring -very superior in quality, which he would sell him for twenty pounds. -Rumbold took the goldsmith’s ring to compare with his own, and, fully -acquainted with its value, informed him that he had come to sell, but -that it was a matter of small importance to him whether he purchased -or sold. He accordingly pulled out a purse of gold, and laid down the -twenty pounds for the ring. The goldsmith stormed and raged, crying -that he had cheated him, and insisted on having back his ring. Rumbold, -however, kept hold of his bargain, and replied, that the other had -offered him the ring for twenty pounds; that he had a witness to his -bargain; there was his money, and he hoped that he would give him a -proper exchange for his gold. - -The goldsmith’s indignation increasing at the prospect of parting with -his ring, he carried the matter before a justice. Being plaintiff, he -began his tale by informing the magistrate, that “the countryman had -taken a diamond ring from him worth a hundred pounds, and would give -him but twenty pounds for it.” “Have a care,” replied Rumbold, “for if -you charge me with taking a ring from you, which is, in other words, -stealing, I shall vex you more than I have yet done.” He then told the -magistrate the whole story, and produced his servant as a witness to -the bargain. The goldsmith now became infuriated, exclaiming, that “he -believed the country gentleman and his servant were both impostors and -cheats!” Rumbold replied, that “he would do well to take care not to -make his cause worse; that he was a gentleman of three hundred pounds -per annum; and that, being desirous to sell a ring at its just price -to the goldsmith, the latter endeavored to cheat him, by estimating it -far below its value.” The magistrate, accordingly, decided in favor of -our adventurer, only appointing him to pay the twenty pounds in gold, -without any change. - -The gold of Lombard street still continuing to attract the attention of -Rumbold, he with longing eyes one day traversed that street, attended -by a boy whom he had trained in his service. The boy ran into a shop -where they were counting a bag of gold, seized a handful, then let -it all fall upon the counter, and ran off. The servants pursued, -seized the boy, and charged him with having some of the money. Rumbold -approached to the assistance of the boy, insisting that the youth had -not stolen a farthing of their money, and that the goldsmith should -suffer for his audacity. The goldsmith and Rumbold came to high words, -and mutual volleys of imprecations were exchanged. The latter then -inquired what sum he charged the boy with having stolen. The goldsmith -replied, that he did not know, but that the bag originally contained a -hundred pounds. - -Upon this, Rumbold insisted that he would wait until he saw the money -counted. He tarried about half an hour, and the money was found -complete. The goldsmith made an apology to Rumbold for the mistake; -but the latter replied, that, as a gentleman, no one should put upon -him such an affront with impunity. After some strong expressions on -both sides, Rumbold took his leave, assuring his antagonist that he -should hear from him. The goldsmith was arrested the day following, in -an action of defamation. The bailiff who arrested him, being bribed -by our adventurer, advised him to compromise the matter; urging, -that the gentleman he had injured was a person of quality, and if he -persisted in the action, it would expose him to severe damages. With -some difficulty the matter was settled, by the goldsmith giving Rumbold -twenty pounds in damages. - -A jeweller in Foster lane next supplied the extravagances of Rumbold. -He had often disposed of articles for that jeweller, who had full -confidence in Rumbold’s fidelity. One day, having observed in his shop -a very rich jewel, he acquainted the jeweller that he could sell it for -him. Happy at such information, he delivered it to Rumbold, who carried -it to another jeweller to have a false one, exactly similar, prepared. -He then embraced an opportunity to leave the counterfeit jewel with -the jeweller’s wife, in his absence. Shortly afterwards, he met the -jeweller in the street, who said he never expected to have been so used -by him, and threatened to bring the matter under the cognizance of a -judge; but Rumbold retreated to a remote part of the city. - -Rumbold was one day travelling in the vicinity of Hackney, when his -attention was directed towards a house, which he earnestly desired to -possess. He approached the house, knocked at the door, and inquired -if the landlord was at home. He soon appeared; when Rumbold politely -informed him, that, having been highly pleased with the appearance of -his house, he was resolved to have one built after the same model, and -requested the favor of being permitted to send a tradesman to take its -exact dimensions. This favor was readily granted; when our adventurer -went to a carpenter, and informed him that he wished him to go along -with him to Hackney to measure a house, in order that he might have one -built on a similar construction. They accordingly went, and found the -gentleman at home, who kindly entertained Rumbold, while the carpenter -took the dimensions of every part of the house. - -The carpenter, being amply rewarded, was dismissed, and, by the aid of -the draught of the house taken by him, Rumbold drew up a lease, with a -very great penalty in case of failure to fulfil the agreement. Being -provided with witnesses to the deed, he went and demanded possession. -The gentleman was surprised, and only smiled at the absurdity of the -demand. Rumbold commenced a lawsuit for possession of the house, and -his witnesses swore to the validity of the deed. The carpenter’s -evidence was also produced, many other circumstances were mentioned to -corroborate the fact, and a verdict was obtained in favor of Rumbold’s -claim. But the gentleman deemed it proper to pay the penalty rather -than to lose his house. - -Rumbold, disguised in the apparel of a person of quality, one day -waited on a scrivener, and acquainted him that he had immediate -occasion for a hundred pounds, which he hoped he would be able to -raise for him upon good security. The scrivener inquired who were the -securities, and Rumbold named two respectable citizens, whom he knew -to be at that time in the country; which satisfying the money-lender, -he desired our adventurer to call next day. In the mean time, the -lender made inquiry after the stability of the securities, and found he -had not been imposed upon as to their respectability. Our adventurer -again waited upon the scrivener, who having agreed to advance the sum, -Rumbold sent for two of his accomplices, who personated his securities, -and, after a little preliminary caution, signed the bond for him under -their assumed names; and, upon Rumbold’s receiving the money, they -immediately took their leave. The name which Rumbold assumed on this -occasion was of further service to him; for it happened to be that of -a gentleman in Surrey, whom he met with, after this adventure, at an -inn. Having learned what time the gentleman intended to remain in town, -and the name and situation of his estate, he determined to render his -chance meeting of service to him. He accordingly again waited on the -same scrivener, and informed him he had occasion for another hundred, -but did not wish to trouble any of his friends to become security for -such a trifle; for that, as he possessed a good estate, it might be -advanced upon his own bond; and that if the scrivener could spare a -servant to ride the length of Surrey, he would then learn the extent of -his estate, and be enabled to remove any scruple whatever. A servant -was accordingly sent, and directed to go and make inquiry after the -property of the stranger whom Rumbold had met at the inn. Returning -in a few days, Rumbold found the scrivener very condescending, and -prodigal of congratulations upon the possession of so pleasant and -valuable a property, and said he would not have scrupled though the -loan had been for a thousand. Rumbold, finding him thus inclined, -doubled the sum, and, after giving his own bond for two hundred pounds, -left the scrivener to seek redress as he best could. - -Rumbold thus supported himself by exercising his ingenuity at the -expense of others, and by this means amassed a considerable sum of -money. He was not so addicted to these bad habits but that he felt an -inclination to retire from scenes so fraught with danger and infamy. -For this purpose he placed his money in the hands of a private banker, -with a design of living frugally and comfortably upon the interest. -This banker unfortunately failed, and made off with all Rumbold’s -property; so that he was once more reduced to the necessity of having -recourse to his old employment. - -The first exploit recorded of Rumbold after his reappearance in public, -is the following:--He stopped at a tavern, where he called for a flagon -of beer, which was handed him in a silver cup, as was customary at that -time. Being in a private room and alone, he called to the landlord to -partake of his noggin, and they continued together for some time, until -the landlord had occasion to leave him. Soon after, he went to the bar -and paid for his beer, while the waiter at the same time went for the -cup: missing which, he called Rumbold back and asked him for the cup. -“Cup!” said Rumbold, “I left it in the room.” A careful search was -made, but to no effect; the cup could not be found, and the landlord -openly accused Rumbold of the theft. He willingly permitted his person -to be searched, which proved equally unsuccessful; but the landlord -still persisted in maintaining that Rumbold must have it, or, at all -events, that he was chargeable with the loss, and would have the matter -investigated by a justice, before whom they immediately went. The -landlord stated the case, while Rumbold complained loudly of the injury -done him by the suspicion; and from his never endeavoring to run off -when he was called back, and submitting so readily to be searched, the -justice dismissed him, and fined the landlord for his rashness. - -During their visit to the justice, some of Rumbold’s associates entered -the same inn, where, according to arrangement, they found the cup fixed -under the table with soft wax, and made off with it without the least -suspicion. - -The last recorded adventure of Rumbold was one which is now very common -in the metropolis. Having observed a countryman pretty flush of money, -he and his accomplices followed him; but, from Hodge’s attention to his -pocket, they failed in several attempts to pick it. Our practitioners, -however, taking a convenient opportunity and place, one of them -went before and dropped a letter, while another kept close by the -countryman, and upon seeing it cried out, “See, what is here?” But, -although the countryman stooped to take it up, our adventurer was too -nimble for him; and having it in his hand, observed, “Here is somewhat -else besides a letter.” “I cry halves,” said the countryman. “Well,” -said Rumbold, “you stooped, indeed, as well as I; but I have it. -However, I will be fair with you; let us see what it is, and whether it -is worth dividing;” and thereupon broke open the letter, in which was -enclosed a chain or necklace of gold. “Good fortune,” said Rumbold, “if -this be real gold.” “How shall we know that?” replied the countryman; -“let us see what the letter says;” which ran as follows:-- - - “BROTHER JOHN, - - “I have here sent you back this necklace of gold you have sent me, not - from any dislike I have to it, but my wife is covetous, and would have - a bigger. This comes not to above seven pounds, and she would have one - of ten pounds; therefore, pray get it changed for one of that price, - and send it by the bearer to your loving brother, - - JACOB THORNTON.” - -“Nay, then we have good luck,” observed the cheat. “But I hope,” said -he to the countryman, “you will not expect a full share, for, you know, -I found it; and, besides, if one should divide it, I know not how to -break it in pieces without injuring it; therefore, I had rather have -my share in money.” “Well,” said the countryman, “I will give you -your share in money, provided we divide equally.” “That you shall,” -said Rumbold, “and therefore I must have three pounds ten shillings, -the price in all being, as you see, seven pounds.” “Ay,” said the -countryman, thinking to be cunning with our adventurer, “it may be -worth seven pounds in money, fashion and all: we must, however, not -value that, but only the gold; therefore I think three pounds in money -are better than half the chain, and so much I’ll give, if you’ll let -me have it.” “Well, I’m contented,” said Rumbold: “but then you shall -give me a pint of wine, over and above.” To this the other agreed, and -to a tavern they went, where the bargain was ratified. There Rumbold -and the countryman quickly disposed of two bottles of wine. In the -mean time one of Rumbold’s companions entered the inn, inquiring for a -certain person who was not there. Rumbold informed the stranger (as he -pretended to be) that he would be there presently, as he had seen him -in the street, and requested him to come in and wait for him. Upon this -the stranger sat down to wait the arrival of his friend. In a little -time Rumbold proposed to remove into a larger apartment, where they -commenced playing at cards, to amuse themselves until the gentleman -expected should arrive. - -Rumbold and his associate began their amusement, the countryman being -a stranger to the game. After he had continued a spectator of the good -fortune of our adventurer, who in general vanquished the stranger, -the countryman was at length prevailed upon to run halves with the -fortunate gamester. For a while the same good fortune smiled upon them, -and the stranger, in a rage at his great losses, refused to proceed. -But after a few bottles more were emptied, the long-expected gentleman -never appearing, they renewed their amusement; and fortune deserting -Rumbold and the countryman who seconded him, in a short time the latter -found himself without a shilling. - -The landlord was then called to assist in drinking the money gained, -and, being informed how they had cheated the countryman, was resolved -to exert his ingenuity at their expense. Meanwhile, several associates -of Rumbold, who had been respectively employed in similar adventures, -entered the room, joined in their conversation, and participated -in their wine. The landlord was at last requested to bring supper, -which was done with great alacrity. The bottle continuing to move -with considerable rapidity, the company were in general intoxicated -before they sat down to supper. When it was brought in, however, they -commenced with great avidity, and soon despatched a shoulder of mutton -and two capons; and, under the influence of wine, all fell asleep with -the dishes before them. - -The landlord embraced this favorable moment of silence to collect all -the bones and remnants of the whole day’s provisions, and divided them -upon the plates which were upon the table. In a short time, one of them -losing his balance, embraced the floor, and, by the noise of the fall, -awoke the rest of the drowsy company, who all renewed their attacks -upon the victuals. “How came these bones here?” cried one of them; “I -do not remember that I ate any such victuals.” “Nor I,” said another; -upon which the landlord was called and interrogated. “Why, surely, -gentlemen, you have forgot yourselves,” said he; “you have slept sound -and fair indeed! I believe you will forget the collar of brawn you had -too, that cost me six shillings out of my pocket.” “How, brawn!” said -one. “Ay, brawn,” answered the landlord; “you had it, and shall pay for -it: you’ll remember nothing presently. This is a fine drunken bout, -indeed!” “So it is,” said one of the company; “surely, we have been in -a dream: but it signifies nothing, my landlord, you must and shall be -paid. Give us another dozen bottles, and bring us the bill, that we may -pay the reckoning we have run up.” This order was obeyed, and a bill -presented, amounting to seven pounds, and every man was called upon -to pay his share. The countryman shrunk back, wishing to escape; but -one of them pulled him forward, saying, “Come, let us tell noses, and -every man pay alike.” The countryman desired to be excused, and said -his money was all exhausted; they therefore agreed that he should be -exempted. - -In the morning, the countryman, in order to procure money to carry him -home, resolved to sell the chain in his possession: he accordingly went -to a goldsmith, but, to his additional mortification, was informed that -instead of gold, it was nothing but brass gilded over. He acquainted -the goldsmith with the whole matter, who went along with him to a -justice to obtain a warrant for the apprehension of Rumbold and his -associates; but before their arrival, the worthy knights of the pistol -had prudently decamped with their spoils. - -Rumbold after this adventure had several narrow escapes; but, -continuing his nefarious courses, he was at length detected, tried, -condemned, and executed at Tyburn in the year 1689. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[2] Guineas. - - - - -WHITNEY. - - -This notorious malefactor was born at Stevenage in Hertfordshire, and -served an apprenticeship to a butcher. He often mentioned that he was -happily disappointed in his first attempt to steal. - -He and his master went to Romford to purchase calves, and there was an -excellent one that they would fain have had in their possession, but -the owner and they could not agree about the price. As the owner of -the calf kept an alehouse, they went in to taste his ale. While they -were enjoying themselves, but lamenting the loss of the calf, Whitney -whispered to his master, that it would be foolish in them to give money -for the calf, when they might have it for nothing. The good butcher -understood his meaning and entered into his plan. In the mean while -they sat still drinking, waiting their opportunity. - -[Illustration: _Whitney and the Bear._ P. 134.] - -Unfortunately for their scheme, a fellow who travelled the country -with a she-bear, had put up at the house where the butchers were -drinking. The landlord had no place to put up this bear without -removing the calf to another house, which was accordingly done. The -butchers continued carousing until it was dark, then having cheerfully -paid their reckoning, in the hope that the calf would reimburse them, -they left the house, and lurked about the fields until all was quiet. -Approaching the place where they had seen the calf put up, Whitney was -sent in to fetch it out. The bear was resting her wearied limbs when -Whitney took hold of them, and was astonished to find the hair of the -calf had suddenly grown to such a length. Bruin arose upon all-fours, -opining, we suppose, that it was her master about to show her in his -usual manner. But she no sooner discovered that it was a stranger who -thus rudely assailed her, than she seized him with her two fore-paws -and hugged him most lovingly to her bosom. The master, surprised that -he was so long in bringing out the calf, began to chide him for his -delay. Whitney cried out, that he could not get away himself, and -he believed that the devil had hold of him. “If it is the old boy,” -replied the master, “bring him out, as I should like to see what kind -of an animal he is.” His importunities at length brought the butcher to -his assistance, when they discovered their mistake, and with no small -difficulty disentangled Whitney from the fraternal hug of honest bruin; -which having done, they proceeded home without their prey, determined -to attempt stealing calves no more. - -Our young adventurer now abandoned the business of buying and slaying -animals, and took the George inn at Cheshunt. In order to make the -most of it, he entertained all sorts of people, whether good or bad. -Disappointment attended him in this as well as his former employment, -and he was constrained to shut up his doors. - -He now went up to London, the common haunt of all profligates, where -he lived in the most irregular manner, giving himself wholly up to -villany. After practising the tricks of sharpers for a time, he at -length commenced business upon the highway. He was one day standing -at the door of a mercer’s shop, when two young ladies, apparently of -fashion, passed by, elegantly dressed, one of whom inquired if he had -any silks of the newest patterns. Whitney replied, that he had none -at present, but should soon have some home from the weaver. He then -requested their address, that the goods, when they came to hand, might -be sent to them. They were rather at a loss; one of them, however, -answered, that they were only lately come to town, and did not remember -the name of their street. They added, that, as it was not far off, if -he would accompany them, they would show him their habitation. - -This was just what he wanted; therefore, going into the shop, as if to -leave orders, he hastened along with the ladies--they supposing he was -the silk-mercer, and he that they were actually ladies of fortune, whom -he might have an opportunity of robbing, either presently or at some -future period. Upon their arrival he was introduced into an elegant -parlor, and a collation placed upon the table, with some excellent -wine, of which he was requested to partake. He was soon left alone with -one of the ladies, and discovering his mistake, was resolved to have -some more sport at the expense of a silk-mercer, since he had been -taken for one. - -Whitney went to a mercer, and mentioning the name of a lady of quality -in the neighborhood, said he had been sent by her to request that -the mercer would send one of his men with several pieces of his best -silks, as the lady was to purchase a gown and petticoat. The shopkeeper -readily consented, and one of the apprentices was despatched along -with him. To deceive the young man, and render it impossible for him -to discover the place where he should stop, he conducted him through -various streets and lanes, until he at last halted at a house which had -an entry into another street; here he took the parcel, and desired the -lad to stand at the door while he went in to show the ladies the silks. -Taking the parcel, he went in, and inquired for some person who he was -certain was not there. He then requested liberty to pass through to the -next street, which would shorten his way. This being granted, he left -the mercer’s man to wait for his return. - -Having thus fortunately succeeded, and been able to fulfil his -promise of giving one of the above-mentioned ladies a silk dress, he -hastened to their dwelling, where they divided the spoil. For some -days he remained there, indulging in all manner of riot and excess, -until, satiated, he returned to his labor of seeking new adventures. -Determined, however, that no other person but himself should reap the -fruits of his ingenuity, he wrote a letter to the mercer, informing him -where he would find his silks. Accordingly, having obtained a warrant, -the house of the two damsels was searched, the pieces found, and both -the ladies were sentenced to Bridewell to undergo whipping, and to -submit to hard labor. - -When Whitney was confirmed in his business, he met a gentleman on -Bagshot heath, whom he commanded to stand and deliver: on which the -other remarked, “It is well you spoke first, sir, for I was just going -to make a similar demand.” “Why, then, you are a gentleman-thief?” -Whitney cried. “Yes,” said the stranger, “but I have had very bad -success to-day, for I have been riding up and down all this morning -without meeting with any prize.” Whitney upon this wished him better -luck, and took his leave. - -At night Whitney and the above gentleman put up at the same inn, when -the latter related to some other travellers by what stratagem he had -evaded being robbed on the road. Whitney having changed his dress, the -gentleman did not recognise him. Whitney also heard him whisper to one -of the company, that by this contrivance he had saved a hundred pounds. -That person informed him, that he had a considerable sum upon him, and -that, if agreeable, he would travel next day with him. Our adventurer -overheard the conversation, and resolved, without being solicited, -to make one of the party. In the morning they commenced their -journey, and Whitney followed about a quarter of an hour after. Their -conversation turned upon the best means to deceive the highwaymen; and -our adventurer’s meditations were, how he should be revenged upon his -quondam friend for the cheat he had received the day before. - -Whitney soon overtook them, and riding before, turned suddenly about, -presented his pistols, and commanded them to stand and deliver. “We -were going to say the same to you, sir!” “Were you so?” replied our -hero, “and are you then of my profession?” “Yes,” said they both. -“If you are, I suppose you remember the old proverb, that two of a -profession cannot agree together, so that you must not expect any -favor on that score. But to be plain with you, gentlemen, I know -you very well, and must have your hundred pounds, sir,--and your -considerable sum, sir,”--turning first to the one, and then to the -other,--“otherwise I shall be bold to send a brace of bullets through -each of your heads. You, Messieurs Highwaymen, should have kept -your secret a little longer, and not have boasted so soon of having -outwitted a thief. There is now nothing for you but to deliver or die!” -These words put them in a sad consternation: they were very unwilling -to lose their money, but more unwilling to lose their lives; of two -evils, therefore, they preferred choosing the least. The one produced -his hundred pounds first, and the other gentleman his considerable sum, -which was a good deal more. - -At another time, our adventurer met with an old miser named Hull, on -Hounslow Heath. The word of command being given, he trembled in every -joint, and using the most piteous tones and humiliating complaints, -said that he was a very poor man and had a large family, and he would -be hard-hearted indeed who would take his money. He added, besides, a -great deal more concerning the illegality of such an action, and how -dangerous it was to engage in evil courses. Whitney, who knew him well, -cried out in a violent passion, “Sirrah, you pretend to preach morality -to an honester man than yourself. Is it not more generous to take a -man’s money from him bravely, than to grind him to death by exacting -eight or ten per cent. under cover of serving him? You make a prey -of all mankind, and necessity in an honest man is often the means of -his falling into your hands, who are sure to be the means of undoing -him. I am a man of more honor than to show any compassion to one whom -I esteem an enemy to the whole species. For once, at least, I shall -oblige you to lend me what you have, without interest or bond, so make -no words!” Old Hull, upon this, reluctantly pulled out eighteen pounds, -telling him at the same time that he would see him some time ride up -Holborn hill backwards. Whitney was retiring until he heard these -words, when, returning, he drew Hull off his horse, and putting him on -again with his face towards the tail, and tying his legs, “Now,” said -he, “you old rogue, let me see what a figure a man makes when he rides -backwards, and let me have the pleasure at least of seeing you first in -that posture:” so giving the horse a whip, the animal proceeded at a -desperate pace until it came to Hounslow Town, where the people untied -him, after they had enjoyed themselves at his expense. - -In the course of Whitney’s rambles, he one day put up at an inn in -Doncaster, and lived in a dashing style, as he had then plenty of -money. He was informed that the landlord was a complete miser and -sharper, and that he would not spare the smallest sum to a poor -relation of his, who lived in the neighborhood. Accordingly, Whitney -resolved to exert his ingenuity upon his landlord; and gave out that -he had a good estate, and travelled merely for his own amusement. He -continued to pay his bills regularly, until he supposed that his credit -would be sufficiently established. Then he one day mentioned to his -landlord, that as his money was run short, he would be obliged to him -for credit until he received remittances. “Oh, dear sir, you need not -give yourself any uneasiness about such a thing as this; every thing -in my house is at your service; and I shall think myself honored if -you use me as your friend.” With abundance of eloquence, our adventurer -returned the compliment. He continued to live at his table,--his horse -was well fed with corn and hay, while Whitney, almost every day, took -a ride to some neighboring village along with the landlord and some -others, who were all proud of the honor he had done them. - -It happened that there was an annual fair in that place, and in the -morning a box came directed to him; opening it, he took out a letter, -and, having read it, locked the box, and delivered it to the landlady, -saying, that it would be safer in her custody than in his own. Having -gone to see the fair, he returned in great haste in the afternoon, -desiring his horse to be instantly dressed, as he had seen a horse in -the fair for which he was desirous to exchange his own, adding, that he -was determined to have the animal. He then requested the landlady to -give him his box; but he was informed that she was gone to the fair. -Hereupon he affected to burst out into a violent passion, saying, that -he supposed she had locked up what he committed to her keeping:--“If -she has,” said he, “I had rather have given ten guineas, for I have -no money but what is in her possession.” Inquiry was made, and it was -found to be as he had said, which put him into a still greater rage. -This was, however, what he both wished and expected,--the whole being -of his own invention. The landlord was informed of his rage, and the -cause of it, and entreated that he would be easy, as he would lend -him the sum he wanted until his wife came home. Our hero was greatly -distressed that he should have to borrow money when he had so much -of his own; but as there was no other method of obtaining cash to -purchase his favorite horse, he accepted of the proffered loan: with an -imperious and haughty air, demanding that his bill might be prepared -for payment forthwith. - -With forty guineas he rode to the fair; but instead of inquiring for -any other horse, he spurred his own through the crowd, and hastened to -London. The people of the inn waited long for his return that evening; -but, as he had frequently stayed two or three days at once in his -rambles through the country, they suspected no fraud. After waiting -with no small impatience for a whole week, the landlord resolved -to break open the box, and went to the magistrates of the place, -accompanied by witnesses. It is needless to record his chagrin and -mortification, when he found the box filled with sand and stones. - -In London, Whitney was apprehended upon the information of one of those -abandoned females who live by betraying the simple ones of their own, -and by robbing and plundering the profligate of the other sex. He was -committed, tried, and condemned at the following sessions. The judge, -before passing sentence, made an excellent speech to him and the other -malefactors, in strong terms exhibiting the nature of their several -crimes; and in particular addressed himself to Whitney, exhorting him -to a sincere repentance, as there could be no hope of a pardon to him -after a course of so many villanies. - -At the place of execution, Whitney addressed the multitude in nearly -the following terms:--“I have been a great offender, both against God -and my country, by transgressing all laws, both human and divine. I -believe there is not one here present but has often heard my name -before my confinement, and seen the long catalogue of my crimes, which -have since been made public. Why then should I pretend to vindicate a -life stained with so many enormous deeds? The sentence passed upon me -is just, and I can see the footsteps of a Providence, which, before, I -had profanely laughed at, in my apprehension and conviction. I hope the -sense which I have of these things has enabled me to make my peace with -Heaven, the only thing which is now of any concern to me. Join in your -prayers with me, my dear countrymen, that God would not forsake me in -my last moments.” Having spent a few minutes in prayer, he suffered, in -the thirty-fourth year of his age, on the 19th of December 1694. - - - - -TIM BUCKELEY. - - -Tim was reared to the useful occupation of a shoemaker, but leaving his -master, he came to London, and soon found out companions suited to his -disposition. He and his associates frequented an alehouse at Wapping; -and one day being run short of cash, Tim asked the landlord for ten -shillings, which he refused. Tim was so exasperated, that, along -with some of his associates, he broke into his house, and bound him, -his wife, and maid. When Tim was about this operation, the landlord -conjured him to be favorable. “No, no, you must not expect any favor -from my hands, whose prodigality makes you lord it over the people here -like a boatswain over a ship’s crew; but I shall go to another part of -the town, where I will be more civilly used, and spend a little of your -money there.” Accordingly, Tim and his companions robbed the house of -forty pounds, three silver tankards, a silver watch, and three gold -rings. - -Upon another day Tim was airing in Hyde-park-corner, and met with Dr. -Cateby, the famous mountebank. At the words “Stand and deliver!” the -doctor went into a long harangue about the honesty of his calling, -and of the great difficulty with which he made a living. Tim laughed -heartily, saying, “Quacks pretend to honesty! there is not such a pack -of cheating knaves in the nation. Their impudence is intolerable for -deceiving honest simple people, and pretending that more men were not -slain at the battle of the Boyne, than they have recovered from death, -or beckoned their souls back when they have been many leagues from -their bodies: therefore, deliver! or this pistol shall put a stop to -your further ramblings and deception.” The doctor preferring his life -to his gold, presented Tim with six guineas, and a watch, to show him -how to keep time while spending the money. - -Tim was once apprehended by a baker, in the character of a constable, -and sent to Flanders as a soldier. He deserted, and returning to -London, one day met with the baker’s wife. He presented a pistol, and -demanded her money; she exclaimed, “Is this justice or conscience, -sir?” “Don’t tell me of justice, for I hate her as much as your husband -can, because her scales are even! And as for conscience, I have as -little of that as any baker in England, who cheats other people’s -bellies to fill his own!--Nay, a baker is a worse rogue than a tailor; -for, whereas the latter commonly pinches his cabbage from the rich, the -former, by making his bread too light, robs all without distinction, -but chiefly the poor, for which he deserves hanging more than I, or any -of my honest fraternity.” Then, taking from her eleven shillings and -two gold rings, he sent her home to relate her adventure to her husband. - -Tim next stealing a good horse, commenced upon the highway, and meeting -with a pawnbroker by whom he had lost some articles, he commanded him -to stand and deliver. The pawnbroker entreated for favor, saying “that -it was a very hard thing that honest people could not go about their -lawful business without being robbed.” “You talk of honesty, who live -by fraud and oppression!--your shop, like the gates of hell, is always -open, in which you sit at the receipt of custom, and having got the -spoils of the needy, you hang them up in rank and file, like so many -trophies of victory. To your shop all sorts of garments resort, as on -a pilgrimage. Thou art the treasurer of the thieves’ exchequer, for -which purpose you keep a private warehouse from whence you ship them -off wholesale, or retail, according to pleasure. Nay, the poor and the -oppressed have often to pay their own cloth, before they can receive -them back by your exorbitant exactions. Come, come, blood-sucker, open -your purse-strings, or this pistol shall send you where you are to go -sooner or later.” The poor pawnbroker did not, however, wish to visit -his old friend before his time; he therefore ransomed his life at the -expense of twenty-eight guineas, a gold watch, a silver box, and two -gold rings. - -Upon another occasion, Tim fortunately met with a stock-jobber (who had -prosecuted him for felony,) and robbed him of forty-eight guineas. He -requested something to carry him home. Tim refused, saying, “I have no -charity for you stock-jobbers, who rise and fall like the ebbing and -flowing of the tide, and whose paths are as unfathomable as the ocean. -The grasshopper in the Royal Exchange is an emblem of your character. -What! give you something to carry you home out of the paltry sum of -forty-eight guineas! I won’t give you a farthing.” He then bade him -farewell until next meeting. - -Though unexpected and unwished, it was not long before the stock-jobber -reconnoitred Tim, and caused him to be apprehended and committed to -Newgate. He was tried, and received sentence of death; but obtaining a -reprieve, and afterwards a pardon, he was determined to be revenged of -the man who would not give him rest to pursue his honest employment; he -therefore set fire to a country-house belonging to him. To his no small -chagrin, however, it was quenched before much harm was done. - -Tim then went to Leicestershire, broke into a house, seized eighty -pounds, purchased a horse, and renewed his former mode of life. Thus -mounted, he attacked a coach in which were three gentlemen, and two -footmen attending. Tim’s horse being shot under him, he killed one of -the gentlemen and a footman, but being overpowered, was committed to -Nottingham gaol, and suffered the due reward of murder and robbery, at -the age of twenty-nine, and in the year 1701. - - - - -TOM JONES. - - -Tom was a native of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. His father was a clothier, -whose business he followed until he was two-and-twenty years of age. -In that period, however, the prominent dispositions of his mind were -displayed, by extravagance, and running into debt. In order, therefore, -to retrieve his circumstances, he went upon the highway. - -Out of gratitude for his father’s kindness, he commenced by robbing him -of eighty pounds and a good horse. Unaccustomed to such work, he rode, -under the impression that he was pursued and in danger of being taken, -no less than forty miles. Arriving in Staffordshire, he attacked and -robbed the stage-coach of a considerable booty. During the scuffle, -several shots were fired at the passengers, but no injury was done. - -A monkey belonging to one of the passengers, being tied behind the -coach, was so frightened with the firing, that he broke his chain, and -ran for his life. At night, as a countryman was coming over a gate, pug -leaped out of the hedge upon his back, and clung very fast. The poor -man, who had never seen such an animal, imagined that he was no less a -person than the devil; and when he came home, thundered at the door. -His wife looked out at the window, and asked him what he had got. “The -devil!” cried he, and entreated that she would go to the parson, and -beg his assistance. “Nay,” quoth she, “you shall not bring the devil -in here. If you belong to him, I don’t; so be content to go without -my company.” Poor Hob was obliged to wait at his door until one of -his neighbors, wiser than the rest, came, and with a few apples and -pears, dispossessed him of the devil, and got him for his pains. He -accordingly carried him to the owner, and received a suitable reward. - -Tom’s next adventure was with a Quaker, who formerly kept a button -shop, but, being reduced in his circumstances, he was going down to -the country to avoid an arrest. In this situation he was more afraid -of a bailiff than a robber. Therefore, when Tom took hold of him by -the coat, broadbrim very gravely said, “At whose suit dost thou detain -me?”--“I detain thee on thy own suit, and my demand is for all thy -substance.” The Quaker having discovered his mistake, added, “Truly, -friend, I don’t know thee, nor can I indeed imagine that ever thee -and I had any dealings together.”--“You shall find then,” said Jones, -“that we shall deal together now.” He then presented his pistol. -“Pray, neighbor, use no violence, for if thou carriest me to jail, I -am undone. I have fourteen guineas about me, and if that will satisfy -thee, thou art welcome to take them. Here they are, and give me leave -to assure thee, that I have frequently stopped the mouth of a bailiff -with a much less sum, and made him affirm to my creditors that he could -not find me.” Jones received the money, and replied, “Friend, I am not -such a rogue as thou takest me to be: I am no bailiff, but an honest, -generous highwayman.”--“I shall not trouble myself,” cried the Quaker, -“about the distinction of names; if a man takes my money from me by -force, it concerns me but little what he calls himself, or what his -pretences may be for so doing.” - -At another time Tom met with lord and lady Wharton, and though they had -three men attending, demanded their charity in his usual style. His -lordship said, “Do you know me, sir, that you dare be so bold as stop -me upon the road?”--“Not I; I neither know nor care who you are. I am -apt to imagine that you are some great man, because you speak so big; -but, be as great as you will, sir, I must have you to know, that there -is no man upon the road so great as myself; therefore, pray be quick -in answering my demands, for delays may prove dangerous.” Tom then -received two hundred pounds, three diamond rings, and two gold watches. - -Upon another day, Tom received intelligence that a gentleman was upon -the road with a hundred pounds. He waited upon the top of a hill to -welcome his approach. A steward of the gentleman discovered him, and -suspecting his character, desired that the money might be given to him, -and he would ride off with it, as the robber would not suspect him. -This was done; Tom came forward, stopped the coach, and the gentleman -gave him ten pounds. He was greatly enraged, and mentioned the sum he -knew the gentleman carried along with him. In an instant, however, -suspecting the stratagem, he rode after the steward with all possible -speed; but the latter observing him in pursuit, increased his pace, and -reached an inn before Tom could overtake him. - -After many similar adventures, Tom was apprehended for robbing a -farmer’s wife. He was so habituated to vice, that nothing but the -gallows could arrest his course, and in the forty-second year of his -age he met with that fate, on the 25th April 1702. - -[Illustration: _Arthur Chambers._ P. 151.] - - - - -ARTHUR CHAMBERS. - - -Arthur Chambers was of low extraction, and destitute of every amiable -quality. From his very infancy he was addicted to pilfering; and -the low circumstances of his parents being unable to support his -extravagances, he had recourse to dishonest practices. It is even -reported, that before he was dressed in boy’s clothes, he committed -several acts of theft. - -The first thing which he attempted, was to learn from an experienced -master, all those cant words and phrases current among pickpockets, by -which they distinguish one another. Chambers was soon an adept in this -new language; and being well dressed, he was introduced to the better -sort of company, and took occasion, when such opportunities offered, to -rob his companions. - -In a short time he was confined in Bridewell, to answer with hard -labor for some small offence. Having obtained his liberty, he left the -town, where he again begun to be suspected, and went to Cornwall. His -social turn gained him a reception in genteel companies, and he became -a memorable character in the place. Before he left London, he provided -himself with a large quantity of base crowns and half-crowns, which he -uttered wherever he went. After many had been deceived, strict search -was made, and Chambers detected. For this offence he was committed to -gaol, where he remained a year and a half. - -As he could no longer abide in Cornwall, he returned to London. -Upon his arrival he went to an alehouse, and called for a pot of -beer and a slice of bread and cheese. Having refreshed himself, he -entered into conversation with some persons in a neighboring box. The -conversation turned upon the superior advantages of a country life, -but was insensibly directed to that of robbery. Chambers, improving -the hint, regretted that no better provision was made for suppressing -such villanies; for, added he, death is too scarce a punishment for a -man even if he robbed the whole world. “But why do I talk thus?” he -continued; “if great offenders are suffered, well may the poor and -necessitous say, we must live, and where is the harm of taking a few -guineas from those who can spare them, or who, perhaps, have robbed -others of them? For my own part, I look upon a dexterous pickpocket -as a very useful person, as he draws his resources from the purses -of those who would spend their money in gaming, or worse. Look ye, -gentlemen, I can pick a pocket as well as any man in Britain, and yet, -though I say it, I am as honest as the best Englishman breathing. -Observe that country gentleman passing by the window there; I will -engage to rob him of his watch, though it is scarcely five o’clock.” - -A wager of ten shillings was instantly taken, and Chambers hastened -after the gentleman. He accosted him at the extremity of Long lane, -and pulling off his hat, asked him if he could inform him the nearest -way to Knave’s acre. The stranger replied that he himself wished to -know the way to Moorfields, which Chambers pointed out: and while the -other kept his eyes fixed upon the places to which he directed him, he -embraced an opportunity to rob him of his watch, and hastening back to -the alehouse, threw down his plunder, and claimed the wager. - -He next exerted his ingenuity upon a plain countryman, newly come -to town. The rustic had got into the company of sharpers, and stood -gazing at a gaming table. Our adventurer stepping up, tapped him on the -shoulder, and inquired what part of the country he came from, and if he -was desirous to find a place as a gentleman’s servant. Robin answered, -that it was his very errand to town, to find such a place. Chambers -then said that he could fit him to a hair. “I believe I can afford you -myself four pounds a year, standing wages, and six shillings a week -board wages, and all cast clothes, which are none of the worst.” This -was sufficient to make Robin almost leap out of his skin, for never -before had such an offer been made to him. Having arranged every thing -to his wish, Robin entered upon his new service. He received Chambers’ -cloak, threw it over his arm, and followed his master. Chambers ordered -a coach, and Robin being placed behind, they drove off to an inn. -Dinner being ordered, Robin sat down with his master, and made a hearty -meal, the former in the mean while instructing him in all the tricks -of the town and inculcating the necessity of his being always upon -his guard. He informed him also, that the servants of the inn would -be requesting him to join in play at cards, and that he was in danger -of being imposed upon; therefore, if he had any money upon him, it -would be proper to give it to him, and he would receive it back when -necessary. Robin, accordingly, pulled out his purse, and delivered all -that he had, with which Chambers paid his dinner, and went off, leaving -Robin to shift for himself, and to lament the loss of his money and his -new master. - -The next adventure of Chambers was directed against the innkeeper -of the Greyhound, St. Alban’s. His wife was rather handsome, and -exceedingly facetious; and Chambers being often there, was on terms -of the greatest familiarity with the household. Directing his steps -thither, and pretending to have been attacked by three men near the -inn, he went in with his clothes all besmeared. The travellers who -were in the inn condoled with him on his misfortune, and gave him a -change of clothes until his own should be cleaned. To make amends to -himself for this sad disaster, he invited six of his fellow-travellers, -with the landlord and his wife, to supper. The glass circulated pretty -freely, and the wife entertained them with several appropriate songs. -Chambers was careful that her glass never remained long empty. In a -short time he saw with pleasure that all his companions, with the -solitary exception of the landlord, were sunk in the arms of sleep, and -he proposed that they should be conveyed to bed; whereupon two or three -stout fellows came to perform that office. Chambers was so obliging -as to lend his assistance, but took care that their money and watches -should pay him for his trouble. - -Left alone with the landlord, he proposed that they should have an -additional bottle. Another succeeded before the landlord was in a -condition to be conveyed to rest. In aiding the servants with the -corpulent innkeeper, he discovered the geography of his bedroom, and -finding that the door was directly opposite to his own, he retired, not -to rest, but to plot and to perfect his villany. - -When he was convinced that the wine would work its full effect upon -the deluded pair, he revisited the bedchamber, waited some time, and -extracted what property he could most conveniently carry away; by the -dawn of day dressed himself in the best suit of clothes which his -bottle companions could afford, called for the horse of the person -whose clothes he now wore, left two guineas with the waiter to pay his -bill, gave half-a-crown to the ostler, and rode off for London. - -His first enterprise after his arrival was attacking an Italian -merchant upon the Exchange. He took him aside, eagerly inquired what -goods he had to dispose of, and, entering into conversation, one of -Chambers’ accomplices approaching, joined the conversation. Meanwhile, -our adventurer found means to extract from his pocket a large purse -of gold and his gold watch, which he delivered to his accomplice. Not -satisfied with his first success, and observing a silk handkerchief -suspended from his pocket, he walked behind him to seize it, but was -detected in the act, and kept fast hold of by the merchant, who cried -out lustily, “Thief! thief!” In this dilemma, Chambers’ accomplice ran -to the crier, and requested him to give public proclamation, that if -any body had lost a purse of gold, upon giving proper information it -would be restored. With the expectation of finding his money again, the -merchant let go his hold; and, in the crowd, Chambers and his friends -retired with their booty. - -But Chambers was now resolved to perform an action worthy of his -talents. He hired the first floor of a house, and agreed with the -landlord for 14_s._ a week. Having, in the first instance, been mistaken -for a man of fortune, both from his appearance and style of living, -a mutual confidence was gradually established. When his plot was -matured, he one day entered with a very pensive and sorrowful look -the apartment of his landlord, who anxiously inquired the cause of -his great uneasiness; when Chambers, with tears in his eyes, informed -him, that he had just returned from Hampstead, where he had witnessed -the death of a beloved brother, who had left him sole heir, with an -express injunction to convey his dear remains to Westminster Abbey. He -therefore entreated the favor of being allowed to bring his brother’s -remains at a certain hour to his house, that from thence they might -be conveyed to the place of their destination, which very reasonable -request was readily granted by his unsuspecting landlord. - -Chambers went off the next morning, leaving word, that the corpse -would be there at six o’clock in the evening. At the appointed hour, -the hearse, with six horses, arrived at the door. An elegant coffin, -with six gilded handles, was carried up stairs, and placed upon the -dining-room table, and the horses were conveyed by the men to a stable -in the neighborhood. They informed the landlord, that Chambers was -detained on business, and would probably sleep that night in the Strand. - -That artful rogue was, however, confined in the coffin, in which -air-holes had been made, the screw-nails left unfixed, his clothes all -on, with a winding-sheet wrapped over them, and his face blanched with -flour. All the family were now gone to bed, except the maid-servants. -Chambers arose from his confinement, went down stairs to the kitchen -wrapped in his winding-sheet, sat down, and stared the maid in the -face, who, overwhelmed with fear, cried out, “A ghost! a ghost!” and -ran up stairs to her master’s room, who chid her unreasonable fears, -and requested her to return to bed, and compose herself. She, however, -obstinately refused, and remained in the room. - -In a short time, however, in stalked the stately ghost, took his -seat, and conferred a complete sweat and a mortal fright upon all -three who were present. Retiring from his station when he deemed it -convenient, he continued, by the moving of the doors, and the noise -raised through the house, to conceal his design: in the mean time, he -went down stairs, opened the doors to his accomplices, who assisted in -carrying off the plate, and every thing which could be removed, not -even sparing the kitchen utensils. The maid was the first to venture -from her room in the morning, and to inform her master and mistress of -what had happened, who, more than the night before, chid her credulity -in believing that a ghost could rob a house, or carry away any article -out of it. In a little time, however, the landlord was induced to rise -from his bed, and to move down stairs, and found, to his astonishment -and chagrin, that the whole of his plate, and almost the whole of his -movables, were gone, for which he had only received in return an empty -coffin. - -A great many other stories of the like nature are told of Chambers; and -it is well known, that for the few years he was permitted, by singular -good fortune, to go at large, he committed as many artful and daring -actions as were ever accomplished by one man. - -At length, however, one Jack Hall, a chimney-sweeper, being -apprehended, to save his own life, made himself an evidence against -Chambers, who, being cast upon that information, was, with two other -notorious offenders, executed at Tyburn, in 1703, in the twenty-eighth -year of his age. - - - - -STEPHEN BUNCE. - - -In the plain but strong phrase, this man was born a thief. Scarcely -could his hand carry away the property of others, when he engaged -in this nefarious trade. While yet a child, he was frequently -amusing himself with the children of a charcoal man who lived in the -neighborhood, and would even then fill his pockets with the charcoal, -and sell it to a woman that kept an apple-stall for codlings. One day -he wished to try his ingenuity upon the good woman, and requested to -have some codlings beforehand, promising to pay them with his next -charcoal. But though she could purchase from him that which she knew he -had stolen, yet she was not disposed to give him any credit. - -Stephen was highly enraged that his fidelity should be called in -question by the old woman, and determined upon revenge; so stealing a -larger quantity of charcoal than usual, he filled the empty parts with -powder, and sealed them with black wax. The old woman kindled a fire -of them, and it being a very cold frosty night, sat down before the -fire in the usual manner, to warm her starving body. But scarcely had -the heat begun to operate, when the powder catching fire, off flew the -kettle from the grate, the codlings and the water sprang about the old -woman’s ears, and, in the midst of fire and smoke, she cried out in -the most piteous manner, which brought a great mob about her to assist -her in the hour of misfortune and distress. Fortunately, however, the -chief injury that the old woman received was a hole burnt in her gown, -a scalding to her chin, and the trouble of picking up her codlings. - -But Stephen was not long to remain in correspondence with apple wives -and such low gentry. Arrived at the years of a stripling, he went into -a coffee-house, and called for a dish of tea. Meanwhile, rustling among -the newspapers, he picked up the lid of a silver box, and paying for -his tea, went and instantly got his own initials engraven upon it. -Then, with the greatest assurance, he went back, saying, “Gentlemen, -have not I left the bottom of my tobacco-box?” Thereupon rummaging -among the papers, he found it, exclaiming, as he put the lid on, “Oh, -here it is!” Upon this the owner claimed it as his property, but -Stephen impudently showing his cipher upon it, claimed and retained it -as his own. - -At one time Bunce was benighted at Branyard in Hertfordshire, and being -destitute of money, was at infinite loss how to proceed. But a fertile -invention is a necessary qualification in a deceiver, and Stephen’s -was acquiring considerable strength. He called at the parson’s door, -and requested the maid to tell her master that a stranger wished to -have the honor of speaking with him. When the clergyman made his -appearance, Stephen, in an eloquent and affecting tone, informed him -that he was a poor student from Oxford, going home to his friends, and -as he was benighted, he entreated that he would afford him the friendly -aid of his roof for one night. The generous-hearted parson, pleased -with his appearance and pitying his distress, kindly received him and -entertained him according to the best of his household. - -When Stephen was taking his leave for the night, he, with no small -degree of modesty and respect, requested that he might be permitted to -give the parson a sermon in the morning, the next day being Sunday. -As, in general, no clergyman has any great objection to a day of rest, -the parson willingly accepted of his offered services. The morning -came, and the hour of divine service being arrived, the young student -was equipped in the parson’s gown and cassock, and as it was about -a mile to the church, he was mounted on the parson’s horse, while -the latter, with his wife and family, went a nearer path through the -fields. When his reverence came to the church, every one was scraping -and bowing, and inquiring why he was without his canonical robes on -the day of sacred duty. He soon relieved their anxiety, by informing -them that a young gentleman of the university of Oxford would be -there presently, and would preach for him that day. They waited for -some time, then commenced divine service; the prayers were now ended, -and the last psalm sung, but no preacher appeared. In short, not to -detain our readers with a long narrative, they waited until noon,--the -congregation went home without a sermon,--and the parson without his -robes and horse, while Bunce was by this time far advanced on his -journey, employing the horse to carry a thief instead of a clergyman. - -Upon another day, as Stephen was going about seeking whom he might -render lighter on their journey, he saw a gentleman well mounted upon -a gelding, and going into the road along where he was to ride, he laid -himself all along the ground, with his ear to it. When the gentleman -came up to him, he asked the reason of such unusual conduct. Stephen -held up his hand to him, signifying his desire that he should be -silent; but the gentleman, being of a hasty temper, cried, “What the -plague are you listening to?” Upon this Stephen sat up, saying, “Oh, -dear sir, I have often heard great talk of the fairies, but I could -never have the faith to believe that there was ever any such thing -in nature, till now, in this very place, I hear such a ravishing and -melodious harmony of all kinds of music, that it is enough to charm me -to sit here, if possible, to all eternity.” - -Curiosity, that active principle in the human mind, inclined the -gentleman to alight from his horse to hear the enchanting music. Having -reached the ground, he gave his gelding to Stephen to hold during his -interview with the fairies. Then, applying his ear to the ground, he -said, “I can hear nothing.” Bunce desired him to turn the other ear. -This being done, and his face averted from him, Bunce leaped into his -saddle, and rode off with his gelding at full speed, until he came to -Romford. Supposing that the owner would have some particular inn where -he put up his horse, and therefore that the horse would know that -place, he went after the horse at a small distance. - -He no sooner appeared than the ostler, who was standing at the door, -exclaimed, “Master! master! here’s Mr. Bartlet’s horse come without -him.” Stephen, having discovered the name of the owner of the gelding, -said to the innkeeper, “Mr. Bartlet being engaged with some gentlemen -at play in Ingatestone, he requests you to send him fifteen guineas, -and to keep his horse in pledge in the mean time, until he comes -himself in the evening.” “Ay, ay,” replied the innkeeper, “a hundred -guineas, if he stood in need of them.” So Bunce, having received the -fifteen guineas, prosecuted his journey to London. In a few hours, -Mr. Bartlet came puffing and blowing, and covered with perspiration -and dust. The innkeeper accosted him, saying, “Oh! dear sir, why need -you have sent your gelding, and so put yourself to the trouble of -coming in this sultry weather on foot, for the small sum of fifteen -guineas, when you might have commanded ten times as much without a -pledge?”--“What!” cried the gentleman, “has the fellow, then, brought -my gelding hither? A villain! he was pretty honest in that; but I find -the rogue has made me pay fifteen guineas for hearing one tune of the -fairies.” - -Bunce was an industrious man, and frequented the billiard-tables, the -cockpits, and every place where he thought that a penny would come in -his way. Though his funds often afforded him the means of reformation, -he naturally hated virtue and honesty; he, therefore, with redoubled -keenness, pursued his depredations. Once, upon foot, he met with a -butcher between Paddington and London, who, being a strong, lusty -fellow, was not disposed to give his contribution to Bunce without an -exchange of blows. The cudgelling commenced, and, though the butcher -acted his part well, yet Bunce was victorious. The conqueror, on -searching for his spoil, found the immense sum of fourpence in his -pockets. “Is this all you have got?” “And too much to lose,” said the -butcher. “You villain!” cried Bunce, “if you’d fight at this rate for a -groat, what a plague would you have done if you’d had more money?” - -This was rather an unfortunate adventure, to have lost so much time and -given so many blows for so little; but, returning home, he observed -a goldsmith, who was a far richer prize than a butcher, telling a -large sum of money in his shop. His eyes instantly sparkled, and -his invention awoke. He went into an old shop in the vicinity, and -purchased one farthing’s worth of salt. Then, hastening into the -goldsmith’s shop, he threw the whole in his eyes; so that while he was -rubbing his peepers, and stamping with rage, Bunce went off with about -fifty pounds--a tolerable return for the outlay of a farthing. - -It is an old proverb, “Lightly come, lightly go.” The same evening, -having gone to recreate himself in the company of certain females, -he was robbed of twenty pounds, when, in the most furious manner, -though to no purpose, he vented his imprecations against all the sex, -asserting, that “every woman was a crocodile at ten, a fury at thirty, -and a witch at four-score.” - -Under the influence of vexatious disappointment, Bunce soon spent the -remainder of his fifty pounds, and stern necessity again impelled him -to action. Along with one of his trusty companions, he went into a -wollen-draper’s shop, just as the good man was about to shut up; and, -while he was cheapening a remnant of cloth, his companion stole the key -of the shop from its usual resting place; upon which they both went off -without making a purchase. Favored by the darkness of the night, they -returned, and, without interruption or difficulty, extracted from the -shop cloth to the amount of eighty pounds. - -Bunce having been afterwards, by an order of the court, sent a soldier -into Spain, while there, he and his comrades were one day in great -want of victuals, and, having loitered all day about the market-place -of Barcelona without finding any thing to remove their hunger, they -discovered, in the evening, a countryman returning home on an ass. -They followed him, and, having to ascend a steep hill, he alighted and -led the ass. Bunce, with his companion, slipped quietly forward, and -dexterously removing the bridle from the ass’s head to his own, his -comrade went off with the ass, and Bunce trudged after the man upon -all-fours. Arrived at the top of the hill, he looked around, and, to -his great consternation and amazement, saw his ass transformed into a -man. - -Stephen, observing his surprise, said, “Dear master, don’t be troubled -at this strange alteration that you see in your beast; for, indeed, I -was no ass, as you supposed me, but a man, real flesh and blood, as you -yourself are: but you must know, that it being my misfortune to commit -a sin against the Virgin Mary, she resented it so heinously, that she -transformed me into the likeness of an ass for seven years; and now, -the time being expired, I resume my proper shape again, and am at my -own disposal. However, sir, I return you many thanks for your goodness -towards me; for since I have been in your custody, you have put me to -no more labor than what I, you, or any other ass, might be able to -bear.” - -The countryman was greatly surprised at the relation, but was well -satisfied, on receiving the grateful thanks of his former ass for the -kind treatment he had given him during the period of his degradation. -Stephen returned to his comrade, who had made the ass undergo another -transmigration into money, so that these two hungry sharks hastened to -set their teeth at work, lest they should lose the power of action by -long disuse. Meanwhile, the countryman returned to town to purchase -another ass to carry him home. But, to his astonishment, the first -thing he met with was his own individual ass. Stepping up to the -animal, he said, “Oh! I see that you have committed another sin against -the Virgin Mary, but I shall take care how I buy you again.” - -Bunce was married to a victualler’s daughter in Plymouth, and for some -time lived with her with tolerable regularity, making the table roar, -and the bowl to foam, and entertaining all the merry beaux of the town, -until one of the tars offended Bunce by his politeness. Upon this, he -left his young wife, and plunged into all those scenes of debauchery -which are the usual attendants of the acquisition of money by unlawful -means. In the progress of time his manners became so abandoned and -profligate, and his conversation so loose, that he was the abhorrence -of all decent persons, and a disgrace to human nature. He was at last -detected in his wickedness, and suffered at Tyburn in the year 1707, -in company with Dick Low and Jack Hall, whose histories are not of -sufficient interest to warrant their insertion in these pages. - - - - -JACK OVET. - - -Jack Ovet was born at Nottingham, and, after serving an apprenticeship -to a shoemaker, for some time gained his bread by that industrious and -useful employment: but his licentious dispositions inclining him to -profligate and abandoned company, he soon took to the highway. - -After having purchased a horse, pistols, and every necessary utensil -proper to his projected profession, he rode towards London, and on the -way robbed a gentleman of twenty pounds. That gentleman, however, not -destitute of courage, and unwilling to part with his money, told Ovet, -that if he had not taken him unawares, he would not so easily have -plundered him of his property. The son of Crispin was not destitute -of the essential qualifications of his new profession; he, therefore, -replied, that he had already ventured his life for his twenty pounds; -“but,” continued he, “here’s your money again, and whoever is the -better man, let him win it and wear it.” The proposal being agreed to, -and both employing their swords, the gentleman fell, and Ovet had the -money. - -But having now stained his hands with blood, it was not long before he -killed another man in a quarrel. He, however, escaped from justice, and -continued his depredations. One day, being greatly in want of money, -and meeting one Rogers with some pack-horses, he turned one of them off -the way, opened the pack, and extracted about two hundred and eighty -guineas, with three dozen of silver knives, forks, and spoons. Then, -tying the horse to a tree, he made off with the spoil. - -[Illustration: _Jack Ovet._ P. 164.] - -Another time, Jack Ovet, drinking at the Star inn, in the Strand, -overheard a soap-boiler contriving with a carrier how he should -send a hundred pounds to a friend in the country. At length, it was -concluded upon to put the money into a barrel of soap; which project -was mightily approved of by the carrier, who answered, “If any rogues -should rob my wagon, (which they never did but once,) the devil must be -in them if they look for any money in the soap-barrel.” Accordingly, -the money and soap were brought to the inn, and next morning the -carrier going out of town, Jack overtook him in the afternoon, and -commanding him to stop, or otherwise he would shoot him and his horses -too, he was obliged to obey the word of command. Then cried the honest -highwayman, “I must make bold to borrow a little money out of your -wagon; therefore, if you have any, direct me to it, that I may not lose -any time, which you know is always precious.” The carrier told him, -he had nothing but cumbersome goods in his wagon, that he knew of; -however, if he would not believe him, he might search every box and -bundle there, if he pleased. - -Ovet soon got into the wagon, and threw all the boxes and bundles -about, till, at last, he came to the soap-barrel, which feeling -somewhat heavy, said he to the carrier, “What do you do with this nasty -commodity in your wagon? I’ll fling it away.” So throwing it on the -ground, the hoops burst, out flew the head, and the soap spreading -abroad, the bag appeared: then jumping out of the wagon and taking it -up, said he again, “Is not he that sells this soap a cheating rascal, -to put a bag of lead into it to make the barrel weigh heavy? If I knew -where he lived, I’d go and tell him my mind. However, that he may not -succeed in his roguery, I’ll take it and sell it at the next house I -come to, for it will wet one’s whistle to the tune of two or three -shillings.” - -He was going to ride away, when the carrier cried after him, “Hold, -hold, sir! that is not lead in the bag; it is a hundred pounds, for -which (if you take it away) I must be accountable.” “No, no!” replied -Jack Ovet, “this cannot be money; but if it is, tell the owner that I -will be answerable for it if he will come to me.” “Where, sir,” said -the carrier, “may one find you?” “Why, truly,” replied Jack, “that -is a question soon asked, but not so easily to be answered; the best -direction I can give is, it is likely that you may find me in a gaol -before night, and then, perhaps, you may have again what I have taken -from you, and forty pounds to boot.” - -Another time Jack Ovet, meeting with the Worcester stage-coach on -the road, in which were several young gentlewomen, he robbed them -all; but one of them being a very handsome person, he was struck with -admiration, and when he took her money from her, said, “Madam, cast -not your eyes down, neither cover your face with those modest blushes; -your charms have softened my temper, and I am no longer the man I was; -what I have taken from you (through mere necessity at present) is only -borrowed; for as no object on earth ever had such an effect on me as -you, assure yourself, that, if you please to tell me where I may direct -to you, I will, upon honor, make good your loss to the very utmost.” -The young gentlewoman told him where he might send to her; and then -parting, it was not above a week after that Jack sent a letter to the -young lady, who had gained such an absolute conquest over his soul that -his mind now ran as much upon love as robbery. - -Unfortunately, however, the sentimental attachment of our too -susceptible highwayman was doomed to suffer a defeat; and still more -unfortunately, he was quite as unsuccessful in his profession; for, -committing a robbery in Leicestershire, where his comrade was killed -in the attempt, he was closely pursued by the county, apprehended, -and sent to gaol; and at the next Leicester assizes condemned. Whilst -under sentence of death, he seemed to feel no remorse at all for his -wickedness, nor in the least to repent of the blood of two persons, -which he had shed. So being brought to the gallows, on Wednesday the -fifth of May, 1708, he was justly hanged, in the thirty-second year of -his age. - - - - -TOM DORBEL. - - -This robber was bred a glover; but before he had served one half of -his time, ran off from his master, and coming to London, soon became -acquainted with men of dispositions similar to his own. About the -age of seventeen, Tom ventured to appear upon the highway, but was -outwitted in his first attempt. - -Meeting a Welshman, he demanded Taffy’s money, or he would take -his life. The Welshman said, “Hur has no money of hur own, but has -threescore pounds of hur master’s money; but, Cot’s blood! hur must -not give hur master’s money,--what would hur master then say for hur -doing so?” Tom replied, “You must not put me off with your cant; for -money I want, and money I will have, let it be whose it will, or expect -to be shot through the head.” The Welshman then delivered the money, -saying, “What hur gives you is none of hur own; and that hur master -may not think hur has spent hur money, hur requests you to be so kind -as to shoot some holes through hur coat-lappets, that hur master may -see hur was robbed.” So suspending his coat upon a tree, Tom fired his -pistol through it, Taffy exclaiming, “Gots splatter a-nails! this is a -pretty pounce; pray give hur another pounce for hur money!” Tom fired -another shot through his coat. “By St. Davy, this is a better pounce -than the other! pray give hur one pounce more!” “I have never another -pounce left,” cried Tom. “Why then,” replied the Welshman, “hur has one -pounce left for hur, and if hur will not give hur hur money again, hur -will pounce hur through hur body.” Dorbel very reluctantly but quietly -returned the money, and was thankful that he was allowed to depart. - -But this narrow escape did not deter Dorbel, and he continued his -villanies for the space of five years. It happened, however, that a -gentleman’s son was taken for robbing on the highway, and as he had -been formerly pardoned, he now despaired of obtaining mercy a second -time. Tom undertook, for the sum of five hundred pounds, to bring him -off. The one half was paid in hand, and the other half was to be paid -immediately the deliverance was effected. When the young gentleman came -upon his trial, he was found guilty; but just as the judge was about -to pass sentence, Tom cried out, “Oh! what a sad thing it is to shed -innocent blood! Oh! what a sad thing it is to shed innocent blood!” And -continuing to reiterate the expression, he was apprehended, and the -judge interrogating him what he meant by such an expression, he said, -“May it please your lordship, it is a very hard thing for a man to die -wrongfully; but one may see how hard-mouthed some people are, by the -witnesses swearing that this gentleman now at the bar robbed them on -the highway at such a time, when indeed, my lord, I was the person that -committed that robbery.” - -Accordingly, Tom was taken into custody, and the young gentleman -liberated. He was brought to trial at the following assizes; and being -asked, whether he was guilty or not, he pleaded, not guilty! “Not -guilty!” replied the judge; “why, did not you at the last assizes, -when I was here, own yourself guilty of such a robbery?” “I don’t -know,” said Tom, “how far I was guilty then, but upon my word, I am not -guilty now; therefore, if any person can accuse me of committing such -a robbery, I desire they may prove the same.” No witness appearing, he -was acquitted. - -Tom, living at such an extravagant rate in the prison, had scarcely any -part of the five hundred pounds remaining when he obtained his liberty; -therefore, endeavoring to recruit his funds, by robbing the duke of -Norfolk near Salisbury, his horse was shot, and he himself taken, and -condemned at the next assizes. While under sentence, he found a lawyer -who engaged, for the sum of fifty guineas, to obtain his pardon. He -accordingly rode to London, was successful, and just arrived in time -with the pardon, when Dorbel was about to be thrown off,--having rode -so hard that his horse immediately dropped down dead. Such, however, -was Tom’s ingratitude, that he refused to pay the lawyer, alleging, -that any obligation given by a man under sentence of death was not -valid. - -Dorbel was so much alarmed upon his narrow escape from a violent -death, that he resolved to abandon the collecting trade, and obtained -a situation in several families as a footman. He also served six -or seven years with a lady in Ormond street, who had a brother, a -merchant in Bristol, whose only daughter, a girl sixteen years of age, -prevailed upon her father to allow her to come to London to perfect -her education. Dorbel being a person in whom her aunt thought she -could place unlimited confidence, was sent to convey the young lady -to London. In the last stage he was left alone with her, when the -miscreant first shockingly abused her, then robbed her of her gold -watch, diamond ring, jewels to the amount of a hundred pounds, and -cutting a hole in the back of the coach, escaped, leaving the young -lady in a swoon. It was with difficulty she recovered, to inform her -relations how she had been treated. Her mother hastened to town to see -her, and after speaking a few words to her, the poor girl breathed her -last. The disconsolate father soon after lost his senses. - -Dorbel was pursued in different directions, and apprehended just after -he had robbed a gentleman of three pounds five shillings. He was tried, -and condemned to be executed and hung in chains; which well-merited -sentence was put in force against this hardened villain, on the 23d of -March, 1708. - - - - -DICK ADAMS. - - -The parents of this worthless fellow lived in Gloucestershire, and -gave him an education suited to his station. Leaving the country, and -coming to London, the abode of the most distinguished virtue as well -as of the most consummate villany, he was introduced into the service -of a great duchess at St. James’, and stayed there for two years. He -was at last dismissed for improper conduct; but while he remained -there, he had obtained a general key which opened the lodgings in St. -James’. Accordingly, he went to a mercer, and desired him to send, with -all speed, a parcel of the best brocades, satins, and silks, for his -duchess, that she might select some for an approaching drawing-room. -Having often gone on a similar errand, the mercer instantly complied. -His servant, and a porter to carry the parcels, accompanied Dick, and -when arrived at the gate of some of the lodgings, he said, “Let’s see -the pieces at once, for my duchess is just now at leisure to look at -them.” So receiving the parcel, he conveyed it down a back stair, and -went clear off. After waiting with great impatience for two or three -hours, the porter and the man returned home, much lighter than when -they came out. - -About a month after, one evening when Dick had been taking his glass -pretty freely, he unfortunately came by the mercer’s shop, while the -mercer was standing at the door; the latter recollected and instantly -seized him, saying, “Oh sir, have I caught you! you are a fine spark -indeed! to cheat me out of two hundred pounds’ worth of goods! but -before I part with you, I shall make you pay dearly for them!” Adams -was not a little surprised at being so unexpectedly taken; but -instantly seeing the bishop of London coming up in his carriage, he -said to the mercer, “I must acknowledge that I have committed a crime -to which I was forced by extreme necessity; but I see my uncle, the -bishop of London, coming this way in his coach; therefore, I hope that -you’ll be so civil as not to raise any hubbub of a mob about me, by -which I should be exposed and utterly undone: I’ll go speak to his -lordship about the matter, if you please to step with me; and I’ll -engage he shall make you satisfaction for the damage I have done you.” - -The mercer, eager to receive his money, and deeming this proposal a -better method than sending him to gaol, consented. Adams went boldly -up, and desiring the coachman to stop, requested a few words of his -lordship. Seeing him in the dress of a gentleman, he was pleased to -listen to him, upon which Adams said, “Begging your lordship’s pardon -for my presumption, I make bold to acquaint your reverence that the -gentleman standing behind me is an eminent mercer, keeping house hard -by, and is a very upright, godly man; but being a great reader of books -of divinity, especially polemical pieces, he has met therein with some -intricate cases, which very much trouble him, and his conscience cannot -be at rest until his doubts and scruples are cleared about them; I -humbly beg, therefore, that your lordship would vouchsafe him the honor -of giving him some ease before he runs utterly to despair.” - -The bishop, always ready to assist any person troubled with scruples of -conscience, requested Adams to bring his friend to him the following -day: “But,” said Adams, deferentially, “it will be more satisfactory -to the poor man, if your lordship will speak to him yourself.” Upon -which the bishop bowing to the mercer, the latter approached the coach, -when the bishop said, “The gentleman has informed me of all the matter -about you, and if you please to give yourself the trouble of coming -to my house at Fulham, I will satisfy you in every point.” The mercer -made many grateful bows, and taking Adams to a tavern, gave him a good -entertainment. - -The next morning Adams waited upon the mercer, who was making out his -bill to present to the bishop, and pretending that his coming in haste -to attend him to the bishop’s house had made him forget to bring money -with him, entreated that he would grant him the loan of a guinea, and -put it down in the bill. They then went off to wait upon the bishop at -the time appointed. After being regaled in the parlor with a bottle -of wine, the mercer was introduced to the bishop, who addressed him, -saying, “I understand that you have been greatly troubled of late; I -hope that you are better now, sir?” The mercer answered, “My trouble is -much abated, since your lordship has been pleased to order me to wait -upon you.” So pulling out his pocket-book, he presented his lordship -with a bill containing several articles, including a guinea of borrowed -money, amounting in all to two hundred and three pounds nineteen -shillings and tenpence. - -His lordship, staring upon the bill, and examining its contents, said, -“What is the meaning of all this? The gentleman last night might very -well say your conscience could not be at rest, and I wonder why it -should, when you bring a bill to me of which I know nothing.” “Your -lordship,” said the mercer, bowing and scraping, “was pleased last -night to say, that you would satisfy me to-day.” “Yes,” replied the -prelate, “and so I would with respect to what the gentleman told me; -who said that you, being much troubled about some points of religion, -desired to be resolved therein, and, in order thereto, I appointed you -to come to-day.” “Truly, your lordship’s nephew told me otherwise; for -he said you would pay me this bill of parcels, which, upon my word, he -had of me, and in a very clandestine manner too, if I were to tell your -lordship all the truth: but out of respect to your honor, I will not -disgrace your nephew.” “My nephew! he is none of my nephew! I never, to -my knowledge, saw the gentleman in my life before!” - -Dick not long after went into the life-guards, but as his pay would -not support his extravagance, he sometimes collected upon the highway. -Along with some of his companions upon the road, they robbed a -gentleman of a gold watch and a purse of a hundred and eight pounds. -Not content with his booty. Adams went after the gentleman, saying, -“Sir, you have got a very fine coat on; I must make bold to exchange -with you.” As the gentleman rode along, he thought he heard something -making a noise in his pocket, and examining it, to his great joy he -found his watch and all his money, which Adams in his hurry had forgot -to remove out of the pocket of his own coat when he exchanged with the -gentleman. But when Adams and his associates came to an inn, and sat -down to examine their booty, to their unspeakable chagrin they found -that all was gone. - -Adams and his companions went out that very same day to repair their -loss, and attacked the stage-coach, in which were several women, with -whom, irritated by their recent misfortune, they were very rough and -urgent. While Dick was searching the pockets of one of the women, she -said, “Have you no pity or compassion on our sex? Certainly, you have -neither Christianity, nor conscience, nor religion, in you!” “Right, we -have not much Christianity nor conscience in us: but, for my part, you -shall presently find a little religion in me.” So falling next upon her -jewels and ear-rings, “Indeed, madam,” exclaimed Adams, “supposing you -to be an Egyptian, I must beg the favor of you, being a Jew, to borrow -your jewels and ear-rings, according as my forefathers were commanded -by Moses;” and having robbed the ladies to the amount of two hundred -pounds in money and goods, allowed them to proceed. After a course of -depredations, Dick, in robbing a man between London and Brentford, was -so closely pursued by the person who was robbed, and a neighbor whom he -fortunately met upon the road, that in a little time afterwards he was -apprehended, carried before a magistrate, committed to Newgate, tried, -condemned, and executed, in March 1713. Though rude and profligate -before, he was penitent and devout after receiving his sentence. - - - - -WILLIAM GETTINGS. - - -William’s father was a grazier in Herefordshire, and he lived with him -until he was sixteen years old, and then came up to London. Sometimes -in the capacity of a footman, and sometimes in that of a butler, he -spent five years in a very irreproachable manner. Unfortunately, -however, he became acquainted with evil company, was soon corrupted in -principles, and became a rogue in practice. - -[Illustration: _William Gettings robs a Gentleman in his own Garden._ -P. 176.] - -He began his course under the name of William Smith, and traded in the -smaller matter of pilfering. In the dress of a porter he one evening -went into the house of a doctor of medicine, took down a rich bed, and -packed it up. In carrying it off he fell down stairs, and had almost -broken his neck. The noise alarming the old doctor and his son, they -came running to see what was the matter; whereupon Gettings, puffing -and blowing as if he was quite out of breath, perceiving them nearer -than they should be, said to the doctor, “Is not your name so and -so?”--“Yes,” replied the doctor; “and what then?”--“Why, then, sir,” -said Gettings, “there’s one Mr. Hugh Hen and Penhenribus has ordered -me to bring these goods hither (which have almost broken my back,) -and carry them away to a new lodging, which he has taken somewhere -hereabouts.”--“Mr. Hugh Hen and Penhenribus!” replied the doctor again: -“pray, who’s he? for, to the best of my knowledge, I don’t know such a -gentleman.”--“I can’t tell,” said Gettings, “but, indeed, the gentleman -knows you, and ordered me to leave the goods here.” “I don’t care,” -said the doctor, “how well he knows me! I tell you I’ll not take the -people’s goods, unless they were here themselves; therefore, I say, -carry them away!”--“Nay, pray sir,” said Gettings, “let me leave the -goods here, for I am quite weary already in bringing them hither.”--“I -tell you,” replied the doctor, “there shall none be left here; -therefore take them away, or I’ll throw them into the street!”--“Well, -well,” said Gettings, “I’ll take the goods away then; but I’m sure -the gentleman will be very angry, because he ordered me to leave them -here.”--“I don’t care,” replied the doctor, “for his anger, nor your’s -either! I tell you, I’ll take no charge of other people’s goods, unless -they are here themselves to put them into my custody!”--“Very well, -sir,” said Gettings, “since I must carry them away, I beg the favor of -you and the gentleman there to lift them on my back.”--“Ay, ay, with -all my heart,” replied the doctor. “Come, son, and lend a hand to lift -them on the fellow’s back.” - -Scarcely was William gone, when the doctor’s wife coming home from -the market, and going into the room, saw the bed taken down, and came -running in a great passion to her husband, exclaiming, “Why, truly, -this is a most strange business, that I can never stir out of doors, -but you must be making some whimsical alteration or other in the -house!”--“What’s the matter,” replied the doctor, “with the woman? Are -you beside yourself?”--“No,” said the wife, “but truly you are, in thus -altering things as you do, almost every moment!” “Certainly, my dear,” -replied the doctor, “you must have been spending your market-penny, or -else you would not talk at this rate, as you do, of alterations, when -not the smallest have been made since you have gone out.”--“I am not -blind, I think,” retorted the wife, “for I am sure the bed is taken out -of the two-pair-of-stairs back room; and pray, husband, where do you -design to put it now?” The doctor and his son then went up-stairs, and -not only found that the bed was stolen, but that they had assisted the -thief to carry it off. - -Our hero next resolved to try his fortune upon the highway, and -meeting with a sharper on the road, commanded him to “stand and -deliver!” He robbed him of two pence half-penny, when the sharper -remarked, that “the world was come indeed to a very sad pass, when one -rogue must prey upon another.” - -He next robbed a man of twelve shillings and a pair of silver buckles. -From thence he proceeded to rifle a stage-coach, and took away some -money and a silver watch. Not long after, he robbed Mr. Dashwood and -his lady of a gold watch and money. - -These, however, were only smaller exhibitions of his dexterity. One -evening, well mounted, he passed through Richmond, and perceiving a -gentleman walking in his gardens, inquired of the gardener if he might -be permitted to view the gardens, of which he had heard so much. - -The gardener, well acquainted with the harmless vanity and benevolence -of his master, granted his request. Giving his horse to the gardener, -Gettings walked forward, and in a very respectful manner accosted -the gentleman, who received him very courteously; when, sitting down -together in an arbor, Gettings said, “Your worship has got a fine -diamond ring upon your finger.”--“Yes,” replied the owner, “it ought to -be a very fine one, for it cost me a very fine price.”--“Why, then,” -said Gettings, “it is the fitter to bestow on a friend; therefore, if -your worship pleases, I must make bold to take it and wear it for your -sake.” The gentleman stared at his impudence, but Gettings presenting -a pistol, made a short process of the matter. Having taken the ring, -the villain added, “I am sure you do not go without a good watch too.” -Making free with that also, and some guineas, he bound the gentleman, -and went off with his booty, after requesting him to be patient, and he -would send some person to set him at liberty. When he came to the gate, -he gave the gardener a shilling, informing him that Sir James wanted to -speak to him. The botanical retainer accordingly went and untied his -master, who with a grim smile returned him thanks for sending a man -into his own garden to rob him. - -Upon another day, Gettings undertook a long journey, for the express -purpose of robbing the house of a friend; and being well acquainted -with all parts of the house, was successful, and brought off money, -plate, and goods, to a considerable amount. He at last, in an unlucky -moment, robbed a Mr. Harrison of four guineas, some silver, and a -watch; and being detected, was tried, condemned, and executed, on the -25th September, 1713, in the twenty-second year of his age. - - - - -NED BONNET. - - -Edward Bonnet was born of respectable parents in the isle of Ely, -in Cambridgeshire, received an education superior to many of his -companions, and when he was only ten years old, gave the following -proof of his promising genius. He was sent to the parson with the -present of a sparerib of pork, wrapped up in a cloth in a basket. Ned -knocked with some degree of importance at the door, which a servant -answered, inquiring his business. “I want to speak with your master.” -The master came. “Well, my dear, what is your business?” “Why, only my -father has sent you this,” said young Ned; and gave him the basket, -without moving his hat. “O fie! fie! child, have you no manners? you -should pull off your hat, and say,--Sir, my father gives his service to -you, and desires you to accept this small token. Come, go you out again -with the basket, and knock at the door, and I’ll let you in, and see -how prettily you can perform it.” The parson waited within until his -impatience to receive and examine the contents of the basket incited -him to open the door. But Ned was at a considerable distance, walking -off with the present. “So ho! so ho, sirrah! where are you going?” -“Home, sir,” replied Ned, in an equally loud voice. “Hey, but you must -come back and do as I bade you first.” “Thank you for that, sir, I know -better than that; and if you teach me manners, I’ll teach you wit.” The -father smiled at the story, and retained his sparerib. - -At the age of fifteen, Bonnet was sent apprentice to a grocer, served -his time with credit, was afterwards married to a young woman in the -neighborhood, and continued in business until he had acquired about -six hundred pounds. Unfortunately, however, he was reduced to poverty -by an accidental fire. Unable to answer the pressing demands of his -creditors, he left the place, and came up to London. Here he soon -became acquainted with a band of highwaymen, and began with them to -seek from the highway what had been lost by fire. - -Nor did he long continue in the inferior walks of his new profession, -but providing himself with a horse which he taught to leap over ditch, -hedge, or toll-bar, and to know all the roads in the country, whether -by day or by night, he quickly became the terror of Cambridgeshire. - -Upon this horse, he one day met a Cantabrigian, who was possessed -of more money than good sense, morality, or wit, in a calash with a -dashing courtesan. Ned commanded the student to “stand and deliver.” -Unwilling to show his cowardice before his companion, he refused. -Without any respect for the venerable university to which he belonged, -Ned by violence took from him about six pounds, and presenting a -pair of pistols, constrained the hopeful pair to strip themselves, -then bound them together, and giving the horse a lashing, the animal -went off at full trot with them to the inn to which he belonged. But -no sooner did these Adamites enter the town, than men, women, and -children, came hallooing, shouting, and collecting the whole town -to behold such an uncommon spectacle. The student was expelled for -disgracing the university, and the courtesan was sent to the house of -correction. - -Humorous Ned next met with a tailor and his son, who had arrested -him for five pounds. He commanded him to surrender, and received -thirty-five in place of his five. “I wonder,” said the innocent son, -“what these fellows think of themselves? Surely they must go to the -place below for committing these notorious actions.” “God forbid,” -replied the tailor, “for to have the conversation of such rogues there, -would be worse than all the rest.” - -Ned’s next adventure was with an anabaptist preacher, whom he commanded -to deliver up his purse and scrip. The latter began by reasonings, -ejaculations, and texts, to avert the impending evil. Ned instantly put -himself in a great passion, and replied, “Pray, sir, keep your breath -to cool your porridge, and don’t talk of religious matters to me, for -I’ll have you to know, that, like all other true-bred gentlemen, I -believe nothing at all of religion; therefore deliver me your money, -and bestow your laborious cant upon your female auditors, who never -scold with their maids without cudgelling them with broken pieces of -scripture.” Whereupon, taking a watch and eight guineas, he tied his -legs under his horse, and let him depart. - -On another occasion, Bonnet and a few associates met a nobleman and -four servants in a narrow pass, one side of which was enclosed by a -craggy and shattered rock, and the other by an almost impenetrable -wood, rising gradually considerably higher than the road, and accosted -them in his usual style. The nobleman pretended that he supposed they -were only in jest, and said, “that if they would accompany him to the -next inn, he would give them a handsome treat.” He was soon informed -that they preferred the present to the future. A sharp dispute ensued, -but the nobleman and his men were conquered; and the lord was robbed of -a purse of gold, a gold watch, a gold snuff-box, and a diamond ring. - -Being conducted into the adjacent wood, and bound hand and foot, the -robbers left them, saying, “that they would bring them more company -presently.” Accordingly, they were as good as their word, for in less -than two hours they contrived to increase the number to twelve, on -which Ned cried, “There are now twelve of you, all good men and true; -so bidding you farewell, you may give in your verdict against us as -you please, when we are gone, though it will be none of the best; but -to give us as little trouble as possible, we shall not now stay to -challenge any of you. So, once more, farewell.” - -Ned Bonnet and his comrades now going to the place of rendezvous, to -make merry with what they had got, which was at a by sort of an inn -standing somewhat out of the high-road between Stamford and Grantham, -it happened at night to rain very hard, so that one Mr. Randal, a -pewterer, living near Marygold alley in the Strand, before it was burnt -down, was obliged to put in there for shelter. Calling for a pot of -ale, on which was the innkeeper’s name, which was also Randal, the -pewterer asked him, being his namesake, to sit and bear him company. - -They had not been long chatting, before Ned and one of his comrades -came down stairs and placed themselves at the same table; and -understanding the name of the stranger, one of the rogues, fixing his -eyes more intently than ordinary upon him, in a fit of seeming joy -leaped over the table, and embracing the pewterer, exclaimed, “Dear Mr. -Randal! who would have thought to have seen you here? it is ten years, -I think, since I had the happiness to be acquainted with you.” - -Whilst the pewterer was recollecting whether he could call this spark -to mind or not, for it came not into his memory that he had ever -seen him in his life, the highwayman again cried out, “Alas! Mr. -Randal, I see now I am much altered, since you have forgotten me.” -Here, being arrived at a _ne plus ultra_, up started Ned, and with as -great apparent joy said to his companion, “Is this, Harry, the honest -gentleman in London, whom you so often used to praise for his great -civility and liberality to all people? Surely then we are very happy -in meeting thus accidentally with him.” - -By this discourse they would almost have persuaded Mr. Randal that -they perfectly knew him; but being sensible of the contrary, he very -seriously assured them that he could not remember that he had ever -seen any of them in his life. “No!” said they, struck with seeming -astonishment; “it is strange we should be altered so much within these -few years.” - -But to evade further ill-timed questions, the rogues insisted upon -Mr. Randal’s supping with them, which invitation he was by no means -permitted to decline. - -By the time they had supped, in came four more of Ned’s comrades, who -were invited also to sit down, and more provisions were called for, -which were quickly brought, and as rapidly devoured. - -When the fury of consuming half a dozen good fowls and other victuals -was over, besides several flasks of wine, there was not less than three -pounds odd money to pay. At this they stared on each other, and held a -profound silence, whilst Mr. Randal was fumbling in his pocket. When -they saw that he only brought forth a mouse from the mountain of money -the thieves hoped to find piled in his pocket, which was only as much -as his share, he that pretended to know him started up, and protested -he should be excused for old acquaintance sake; but the pewterer, not -willing to be beholden, as indeed they never intended he should, to -such companions, lest for this civility they should expect greater -obligations from him, pressed them to accept his dividend of the -reckoning, saying, if they thought it equitable he would pay more. - -At last one of them, tipping the wink, said, “Come, come, what needs -all this ado? Let the gentleman, if he so pleases, present us with this -small treat, and do you give him a larger at his taking his farewell in -the morning.” Mr. Randal not liking this proposal, it was started that -he and Ned should throw dice to end the controversy; and fearing he had -got into ill company, to avoid mischief, Randal acquiesced to throw a -main who should pay the whole shot, which was so managed that the lot -fell upon Randal. By this means Randal, having the voice of the whole -board against him, was deputed to pay the whole reckoning; though the -dissembling villains vowed and protested they had rather it had fallen -to any of them, that they might have had the honor of treating him. - -Mr. Randal concealed his discontent at these shirking tricks as well -as he could; and they perceiving he would not engage in gaming, but -counterfeited drowsiness, and desired to be abed, the company broke -up, and he was shown to his lodgings, which he barricaded as well as -he could, by putting old chairs, stools, and tables against the door. -Going to bed and putting the candle out, he fell asleep; but was soon -awaked by a strange walking up and down the room, and an outcry of -murder and thieves. - -At this surprising noise he leaped out of bed, and ran to the door, to -see whether it was fast or not: and finding nothing removed, (for the -highwaymen came into his chamber by a trap-door which was behind the -hangings,) he wondered how the noise should be there in his apartment, -unless it was enchanted; but as he was about to remove the barricade -to run and raise the house, he was surrounded by a crew, who, tying -and gagging him, took away all his clothes, and left him to shift for -himself as well as he could. - -One day having the misfortune to have his horse shot under him, Bonnet -embraced the first opportunity to take a good gelding from the grounds -of the man who kept the Red Lion inn. Being again equipped like a -gentleman, he rode into Cambridgeshire, and met with a gentleman, who -informed him that he had well nigh been robbed, and requested him to -ride along with him for protection. As a highwayman is never out of his -way, he complied, and, at a convenient place, levied a contribution, as -protector of the gentleman, by emptying his pockets of eighty guineas. -He, however, had the generosity to give him half-a-crown to carry him -to the next town. - -After having, according to computation, committed three hundred -robberies, another thief, being apprehended, in order to save his -own life, informed against Bonnet, who was apprehended, not upon the -highway, but in his own lodgings, and sent to Newgate, and at the next -assizes carried down to Cambridge, sentenced and executed before the -castle, on the 28th March, 1713, to the great joy of the county, which -had suffered severely by his depredations. - - - - -WILL OGDEN AND TOM REYNOLDS. - - -The first of these was a waterman, and born in Southwark. The second -was a dung-bargeman, and born in Barnaby street. Entering into -company, they robbed shops and ships, during the space of two years, -with considerable success: they then ascended to the second degree of -robbery, and broke several houses in Southwark. Associating themselves -with another, they broke into a watchmaker’s shop, and extracted -twenty-six watches; but the stranger becoming evidence, our two trusty -friends were lodged in Newgate, tried, and condemned, but received a -pardon, in consequence of which they were again let loose upon the -community. Ogden one evening met a parson walking home under the light -of the moon, and approached him in the character of a seaman in great -poverty and distress. His dismal narrative excited the compassion of -the parson, who gave him a sixpence. The parson had not proceeded far -when Ogden met him again, and renewed his request. “You are the most -impudent beggar that ever I met with,” cried the reverend gentleman. -Ogden told him that he was in very great want, and that the sixpence he -had received would not supply his necessities. He then gave him half -a crown. Ogden said, “These are very sad times, for there’s horrid -robbing abroad, therefore, if you have any more money about you, you -may as well let me have it as another, who perhaps may abuse you, and -binding you hand and foot, make you lie in the cold all night; but if -you’ll give me your money, I’ll take care of you, and conduct you very -safely home.” - -The parson made a virtue of necessity, and gave him all his money, -which was about forty shillings. Ogden then said, “I see you have a -watch, sir; you may as well let me have that too.” The parson complied, -and as they were plodding along, two or three fellows came out upon -them, to whom Ogden cried, “The moon shines bright,” and they let -them proceed. They had only gone a short way, when the same scene was -repeated, but at last the parson was brought safely to his own door. He -requested his guide to go in, assuring him that he should receive no -injury; but the latter declined his offer. The good parson then brought -a bottle of wine, and drinking to Ogden, gave him the bottle and the -glass to help himself, upon which he ran off with both. - -Upon another day, meeting Beau Medlicote, he was commanded to “stand -and deliver.” The beau pretended to make some resistance with his -sword, but pistols being produced, he was constrained to yield. There -were only two half-crowns found in his pocket, and one of them was -bad. Upon this he received a complete caning for presuming to carry -counterfeit money. - -Some time after this, Ogden and Reynolds, in company with one Bradshaw, -the grandson of serjeant Bradshaw, who condemned king Charles the First -to death, were watching in a wood for some booty. A poor servant girl -was returning home from her service, with a box upon her head. Bradshaw -was deemed a sufficient match for her; accordingly, he alone rushed out -of the wood and seized her box, in which were her clothes and fifteen -shillings, being all her wages for three months’ service. When he had -broken up her box and was rifling it, there happening to be a hammer -in it, she suddenly seized the hammer, and gave him a blow upon the -temples, which was followed by another equally well directed, with the -claw of the hammer, into his windpipe, on which the villain instantly -expired. - -In a short time a gentleman came up, to whom she related the whole -adventure; he went up to the deceased, and found in his pockets -eighty guineas, with a whistle. Perceiving its use, he immediately -whistled, when Ogden and Reynolds in a moment rushed from the wood; -but discovering that it was a wrong person who gave the signal, they -with equal speed ran back. The gentleman carried the girl before a -magistrate, became bail for her appearance; and being tried, she was -acquitted. - -At another time, these two men met a tallyman, well known for his -commerce of two kinds with the hawkers of St. Giles’-in-the-Fields. -They employed the common phrase “Stand and deliver!” In a piteous tone -the victim entreated them to spare a poor man who was at great pains to -acquire his daily bread. In a violent passion Ogden exclaimed, “Thou -spawn of hell! have pity on thee? No, sirrah! I know you too well, and -I would almost as soon be kind to a bailiff or an informing constable. -A tallyman and a rogue are terms of similar import. Every Friday you -set up a tenter in the Marshalsea court, upon which you rack and -stretch poor prisoners, like English broadcloth, beyond the staple of -the wool, till the threads crack, which causes them upon the least wet -to shrink, and presently wear threadbare. I say that you and all your -calling are worse rogues than ever were hanged at Tyburn.” After this -eloquent harangue, he took whatever he found upon him, stripped him -naked, bound him hand and foot, and left him under a hedge to ruminate -on his former villanies. - -These rogues were great cronies of Thomas Jones and John Richardson, -the one butler, the other footman, to a gentleman living at Eltham. -These fellows having one day robbed a gentleman on Blackheath, left -him bound by the roadside. Their master coming past a few hours after, -relieved the unfortunate gentleman, took him to his own house, and -gave him a glass of wine to recruit his spirits. The butler no sooner -appeared, than the gentleman knew him, and instantly charged him with -the robbery. His master was astonished, and could scarcely credit the -report; but the other describing the horse upon which he rode, and the -person who was along with him, he found that he was one of his footmen. -The two servants being examined, and acknowledging the fact, were -committed, tried, and suffered the punishment due to their crimes. - -Ogden and Reynolds continued their depredations until justice at length -overtook them, and at Kingston-upon-Thames they were sentenced. They -were unsuccessful in attempting to break out of the Stock-house; and -such was the indifference of Ogden, that when he was going to the place -of execution, he threw a handful of money among the crowd, saying, -“Gentlemen, here is poor Will’s farewell.” - -They were executed on the 2d of April, 1714. - - - - -JOHN PRICE. - - -The depravity of human nature was exemplified in its full extent in the -character of John Price. The indigence and profligacy of his parents -were such, that he received no education, and he was sent into the -world to shift for himself at the age of seven. Before this period, he -was a proficient both in cursing and lying. It is rather a singular -fact, that his habitual lying was once a means of saving his life. - -About the age of eighteen he was serving a gentleman in the country, -who turned him off for his notorious falsehoods. In going to London, -he robbed a woman of eighteen shillings, was apprehended in the act, -and convicted; but his late master, who was sheriff, took pity upon -his situation, and saved his life. Informed of this, the judges at -the next assizes blamed the gentleman’s conduct for allowing a man to -escape who had pleaded guilty. The sheriff acknowledged that such a man -had been condemned at the last assizes; but then, he knew the fellow -to be such an unaccountable liar, that there was no believing one word -he said; so his pleading guilty to what was laid to his charge, was in -his opinion a sufficient reason for his being believed innocent of the -fact, and he would not hang an innocent man for the world. This reply -made the judges smile, and he was dismissed with a severe reprimand, -and cautioned not to come before them again. - -Upon obtaining his liberty, Price went to London; associated with -a band of robbers, and in a short time was apprehended for diving -into another person’s pocket instead of his own, and for that crime -committed to Newgate. He was accordingly sentenced to a severe -whipping, and sent on board a man-of-war; but after he had received the -punishment assigned to stealing from the sailors, he was discharged -from the ship. - -He hastened again to London, joined another association of thieves, and -abandoned himself to all manner of wickedness. One evening his gang -divided themselves into three companies. The first met an attorney, -near Hampstead, whom they robbed of eight guineas. The unfortunate -lawyer had not gone far when he was attacked by the second party, to -whom he related his misfortunes, and into what cruel hands he had -fallen. “Cruel!” said one of them; “how dare you use these terms? And -who made you so bold as to talk to us with your hat on? Pray, sir, -be pleased henceforward to learn more manners.” They then snatched -off his hat and wig, and took a diamond ring from his finger. As he -was plodding his way home, uncertain which road was safest, the third -division came up to him near Kentish Town, bringing with them a man -whom they pretended to have completely stripped, and constrained the -lawyer to clothe the naked with his own coat and waistcoat; then told -him he might be thankful to get off with his life, which he employed in -sowing division amongst society. - -In a short time after this, Price and a companion one evening entered -a garret, in which there was nothing but lumber, with the intention -of robbing the house when all was silent. But in the dark, as Price -was laying his hand upon a pistol which he had placed upon a table, it -went off and alarmed the people of the house. His comrade instantly ran -to the window, where they fastened a rope for their escape, and his -companion attempting to slide down, the rope soon broke, though he was -not so much injured but he got away. Price seeing the extreme danger of -being caught, removed the rope to another window, and it conveyed him -to a balcony. He was, however, scarcely there, when all the people in -the house were alarmed; on which he leaped into a large basket of eggs -which a man was carrying upon his head, from Newgate market; so that -the fall being broken, he was able to make his escape, amid the cry of -“thieves!” - -Jack now began to be so well known about town, that he found it -necessary to remove to the country. He was there most industrious in -stripping the hedges of all the linen that he found upon them. Putting -up at an inn, the landlord soon understood from his discourse that -he was a servant who would suit him, and therefore hired him as his -tapster. It was this miscreant landlord’s custom to murder travellers -who put up at his house; but one gentleman being warned by a maid of -his danger, provided for his safety. - -Among other things the maid informed him that it was usual for the -landlord to ring a bell, on which an assassin, pretending to be a -servant, entered the chamber and snuffed out the candle, when the other -villains rushed in and murdered the stranger. The gentleman caused the -maid to place a lantern with a candle in it under a stool, and he laid -his arms ready and stood upon his guard. Scarcely had he sat himself -down when it happened as the girl had mentioned; but the gentleman, -with the assistance of his servant, killed two of the villains and -put the rest to flight. He then seized the innkeeper and his wife, -carried them before a magistrate, and they were indicted to stand -trial at the next assizes. From the maid’s deposition it appeared that -fourteen strangers had been murdered by them, and that their bodies -were concealed in an arched vault in the garden, to which there was a -passage from the cellar. Both were executed, and the innkeeper hung in -chains. - -Jack having once more escaped death, returned to his pilfering trade, -was committed to Newgate, and whipped for his crimes. But Jack was now -determined to follow the example of the great ones of the earth, and to -better his circumstances by marriage. Accordingly, he married one of -the name of Betty, who gained her livelihood by running errands to the -prisoners of Newgate. Nor was Jack, like too many, disappointed in his -matrimonial connection, for he was soon elevated to be hangman to the -county of Middlesex. In this station he assumed great importance, and -held a levee every day that he did business at Tyburn; but though he -sometimes ran in debt, yet he was always very willing to work in order -to pay his obligations. But envy reached even him, and he lost his -place by means of one who had greater ministerial interest. But Jack -could never be destitute while he had hands and fingers to lay hold of -whatever was within his reach. - -He at last suffered from having assaulted a watchman’s wife, whom he -met in Bunhill Fields, and used in such a barbarous manner that she -died in a few days of her wounds. Two men suddenly came up to him, -and, being seized, he was secured in Newgate. After his trial and -condemnation he remained impenitent, and endeavored, by intoxication, -to stifle the forebodings of conscience. He was hanged on the 31st of -May, 1718. - - - - -JACK SHEPHERD. - - -The father of the celebrated John Shepherd was a carpenter in -Spitalfields, of good character, and exceedingly solicitous to train -up his children in the path of sobriety and religion. They, however, -afforded a melancholy proof that the most virtuous example, and the -soundest principles, are frequently unsuccessful in influencing the -conduct of children. Two of his sons followed evil courses, and were -convicted at the bar of the Old Bailey. - -After his father’s death, young Shepherd was sent to a school in -Bishopsgate street, where he received the rudiments of education, and -was bound apprentice to a cane chair-maker. His master used him well, -and he lived very comfortably with him; but this master dying, he -was sent to another, who treated him so very harshly that he eloped. -Masters ought to be cautious how they conduct themselves towards their -servants, because this harsh usage was in all probability the cause of -Jack Shepherd’s ruin, as well as of bringing great injury upon society. -In a short time, he commenced his depredations, and, in place of his -former sober mode of life, his time was spent in drinking all day, and -retiring to an infamous abode all night. - -The history of this unfortunate man adds another to the many examples -already given in this volume, that the company of profligate women has -plunged men into scenes of dissipation and vice, to which they would -have been entire strangers, had it not been for such associates. He -was first enamored of one Elizabeth Lion, a woman remarkable for her -stature and strength. Having separated from her, he associated with one -who stimulated him to all manner of pilfering, in order that he might -be the better able to feed her extravagances. - -One day, informing her that she had received his last half-crown, she -instigated him to rob a wealthy pawnbroker. Shepherd left her about -one in the morning, and returned with goods to the value of twenty-two -pounds. It was not long before the two who had planned the robbery -exhausted the booty. - -The first favorite of Shepherd was committed to St. Giles’ round-house, -for some pilfering pranks. Jack went to see her, broke open the doors, -beat the keeper, and set Bess Lion at liberty. It is scarcely necessary -to add, that this action gained him great fame among ladies of her -description, and stimulated him to more daring acts of depredation. - -About this period Jack supplied his brother with a little money to -equip him for the honorable profession he himself followed: and they -broke into a linen draper’s shop, from whence they extracted goods to -the amount of fifty pounds. The younger brother, however, being rather -a novice in the art, was too open in the disposal of the goods, by -which means he was detected, and his first return for the kindness of -his brother was to inform upon him and several of his confederates. -Jack Shepherd was accordingly apprehended, and committed to the -round-house for farther examination. This place could not long retain -so bold a spirit, and marching off, he that very evening committed a -robbery, and vowed to be revenged upon Tom for his ungenerous conduct. - -Detection produced no reformation. Jack, in common with one Benson, -attempting to steal a gentleman’s watch, was discovered and committed -to New Prison. The first person whom he discerned there was his old -favorite Bess Lion, who had been sent there upon a similar errand. -After exerting all his cunning and stratagem in vain, Bess and he by -force escaped, and instantly repaired to her old lodgings. There he -remained concealed for some time, but, taking leave of his friend, -he again associated with one Grace in raising contributions. These -two villains becoming acquainted with one Lamb, an apprentice to Mr. -Carter, they enticed him to introduce them into his master’s house, -from whence they extracted goods to a considerable amount. Shepherd and -Grace, however, differed in the division of the spoil, and betrayed -each other; when Grace and Lamb were apprehended. The misfortune of -poor Lamb, who was so simply inveigled, excited the compassion of some -gentlemen, who by their exertions succeeded in mitigating his sentence -to transportation. - -The confederates of Shepherd, in order to obtain a ready market for -their goods, employed one Field to sell them, but he being occasionally -dilatory, they hired a warehouse, and there deposited what goods -they stole. Field, displeased at being turned off from his lucrative -employment, importuned them to show him their stores, as he had several -orders for goods, and could therefore dispose of them to advantage. -He was conducted to the warehouse and shown the goods, and though he -had not the courage manfully to rob any person, yet he emptied the -warehouse of every rag it contained. - -In the course of business, Shepherd robbed a Mr. Kneebone, and was -tried at the ensuing sessions. He appeared simple and almost foolish at -his trial, alleging, as his principal defence, that Jonathan Wild had -disposed of part of the goods, and ought therefore to be punished as -well as himself. He was however sentenced, and conducted himself, in -the whole of his defence, more like an ignorant and simple man, than -one who was formed to excel in his own or any other profession. - -But necessity is the mother of invention. While in the condemned hole, -he prevailed upon one Fowls, who was also under sentence of death, -to lift him up to the iron spikes that were over the top of the door -which looks into the lodge. By the aid of a strong tall woman, and -two others, his head and shoulders were got through, and the whole of -his body following, he was by them let down, and, without the least -suspicion of the keepers, conveyed through the lodge, put into a -hackney coach, and out of reach before the least notice of his escape -could be given. - -But Jack had scarcely breathed the fresh air when he returned to -business. He associated with one Page, a butcher, who dressed him in -one of his frocks, and both betook themselves to the highway. They -went to a watchmaker’s shop, in a daring manner broke open one of the -glasses, and seized three watches before the boy who kept the shop -could detect them. Upon this occasion Shepherd had the audacity to pass -under Newgate. - -But as Shepherd would not conceal himself nor give over his -depredations, he was soon apprehended and again committed to Newgate, -was put into the stone-room, loaded with irons, and stapled down to the -ground. Being left alone, he with a crooked nail opened the lock, got -free of his chains, wrought out two stones in the chimney, entered the -red-room, where no person resided, threw down the door, got into the -chapel, broke a spike of the door, and by it opened four other doors, -got upon the roof, and from thence, by the means of his blanket, went -in at a garret window belonging to an adjacent house, and through that -house into the street. - -The whole of this almost incredible exertion was rendered the more -extraordinary in that his irons were on all the time. When at liberty, -he went into an adjoining field and knocked them off; and, astonishing -to relate, that very evening robbed a pawnbroker’s house, where among -other things he found a handsome suit of black clothes, in which he -dressed himself, and carried the booty to two of his female companions. - -He now went to visit his companions in their scenes of iniquity, and -drinking at a brandy shop, was discovered by a boy who knew him. The -boy had no sooner recognised Jack than he ran to give information, so -that he was almost immediately apprehended and reconducted to his old -quarters in Newgate, amid a vast crowd, who ran from all parts to see -such an extraordinary character; but he was so intoxicated at the time -that he was scarcely conscious of his miserable situation. To prevent -the possibility of a third escape, they never permitted him to be -alone, and made the contributions of those who came to see and converse -with such a singular character pay for their additional trouble. - -He was now the topic of general conversation, and multitudes, not only -of the common ranks of society, but many in the more elevated ranks -of life, flocked to see him. In the most ludicrous and jocular manner -he related his adventures, exerting all his low wit and buffoonery to -amuse those who visited him, and to exact money from them. In this -manner were the last days of this unhappy mortal spent, in diverting -his mind from serious reflection, and the awful scene before him. Nor -was he even destitute of the hope of pardon, from the distinguished -persons who visited him, and who seemed to pity his misfortune. But -these hopes were vain, and the attentions of these persons proved worse -than useless. - -He was removed to the bar of the court of the King’s Bench, in -November, 1724, and an affidavit made that he was the same John -Shepherd mentioned in the record of conviction. Judgment was awarded -against him, and the day of his execution fixed. But such was his -strong desire of life, and his belief that his resources would never -fail him, that he prepared a knife to cut the ropes of the cart which -should carry him to Tyburn, in hopes of running off among the crowd. -This knife was, however, with no small difficulty, taken from him by -force. As his last refuge to provide against every possible event, he -employed a friend, to whom he had given all the money he had reserved -from his visiters, to take his body away with all possible haste, put -it into a warm bed, and draw a little blood, thus to use every possible -means to recover life. He finally enjoined, that if all means should -prove unsuccessful, his body should be decently interred, and the -remainder of the money given to his poor mother. - -He was conducted to the place of execution in a cart, strongly -handcuffed, when he behaved very gravely, confessed some of the -robberies laid to his charge, and exculpated himself from others. His -general dexterity, and the various scenes through which he had passed, -operated to excite, in no common degree, the sympathy of the multitude. - -[Illustration: _Richard Turpin._ P. 201.] - - - - -RICHARD TURPIN. - - -There never was, perhaps, a man in the particular profession to which -this notorious fellow devoted himself, whose name was more familiar in -the mouths of the common people than that of Richard Turpin. But, since -it invariably happens that a certain proportion of curiosity respecting -the life and actions of a man is sure to beget a corresponding desire -to satisfy it, we cannot wonder if the perplexed biographer should -sometimes resort to fiction to supply the deficiencies of fact. Hence -it has happened that certain exploits have been attributed to Turpin -which do not properly belong to him; amongst others, the unparalleled -ride from York to London in an unprecedentedly short period, performed, -it is averred, on a single horse. We have never been able to find any -authentic account of this feat, nor have we, as yet, discovered any -conceivable necessity that should compel him to such a rapid journey. -Turpin was never tried but once, and that was, indeed, at York; but the -reader will perceive that he had no opportunity of escape, nor did he -attempt any thing of the kind after his first apprehension. - -Richard Turpin was the son of John Turpin, of Hempstead in Essex, and -was put apprentice to a butcher in Whitechapel, where he served his -time, during which period he was frequently guilty of misdemeanors, and -conducted himself in a loose and disorderly manner. - -As soon as his time was up, he married, and set up in business for -himself at Suson in Essex, where, having no credit in the market, and -no money in his pocket, he was shortly reduced to the necessity of -maintaining himself by indirect practices; and, accordingly, very often -used to rob the neighboring gentry of sheep, lambs, and oxen. - -Upon one occasion, he stole a couple of oxen from a farmer at Plaistow, -which he caused to be conveyed to his own house and cut up. Two of the -men belonging to the farm, having a suspicion of Turpin, went to his -house, and seeing an ox slaughtered, were convinced of his guilt; and -having traced the sale of the hides, returned to Suson to apprehend -him. Turpin, apprized of their intention, left them in the front room, -jumped out of a window and made his escape. - -By this time his character had become notorious, and he never could -entertain a thought of returning to Suson, or of following the trade -of a butcher in that county. He, accordingly, resolved to commence -smuggler; and raising as much money as he could scrape together, he -betook himself to the hundreds of Essex, where he soon became connected -with a gang of smugglers. This his new profession he followed for -some time with tolerable success; but fortune taking a turn, he lost -all that he had acquired; upon which he began to turn his thoughts -to another, but by no means more honest, mode of life. In a word, he -connected himself with a gang of deer-stealers, who finding him a -desperate fellow, and fit for their purpose, admitted him among them. -This desperate gang, afterwards known and feared under the title of the -Essex Gang, not only robbed the forest of deer, but thinned several -gentlemen’s parks of them, insomuch that they obtained a considerable -sum of money. They followed deer-stealing only for some time; but -not finding the money come in so quickly as they wished, and being -narrowly watched by the park-keepers, they, by Turpin’s direction, -resolved to go round the country at nights, and when they could find a -house that had any thing valuable in it, one was to knock at the door, -which being opened, the rest should rush in and plunder it, not only of -plate but of household goods. - -The first person attacked in this manner was a Mr. Strype, an old man -who kept a chandler’s shop at Watford, from whom they only took the -money he had by him; but Turpin informed his companions that he knew an -old woman at Loughton, who, he was certain, had seven or eight hundred -pounds in her possession. The plan being declared feasible, away they -went, and coming to the door, one of them knocked, and Turpin and the -rest of the gang rushed in. The first thing they did was to blindfold -the old lady and her maid. Turpin then examined the former touching her -money, upon which she declared that she had none, being naturally loth -to part with it. Some of the gang were inclined to believe her, but -Turpin, with an oath, declared that if she remained obstinate he would -set her on the fire. The poor old lady imagining that this was a mere -threat, suffered herself to be lifted on to the fire, till the anguish -she had endured for a long time compelled her to disclose, and the gang -retired with about four hundred pounds. - -They then consulted together who should be their next victim, and -agreed to wait upon a farmer, near Ripple Side. The people within not -answering the door so soon as they would fain have had it opened, they -broke in, and according to their old custom tied the old man, the -old woman, the servant maid, and the farmer’s son-in-law. They then -ransacked the house, and robbed the old farmer of about seven hundred -pounds. Turpin, seeing so considerable a booty, cried, “Ay, this would -do if it were always so,” their share being about eighty pounds a man. - -The success the gang met with made them resolve to proceed against -those who had attempted to detect them. They accordingly agreed to -attack the house of Mason, the keeper of Epping Forest. The time was -fixed when the house was to be attacked; but Turpin having still a -great deal of money in his possession, could not refrain from coming -up to London to spend it, and getting drunk, forgot the appointed time -for putting their design into execution: however, the rest, resolving -not to be balked, set out for Mason’s, after having bound themselves by -oath not to leave one whole piece of goods in the house. Accordingly -they went, broke open the door, beat poor Mason in a cruel manner, -and finally killed him under the dresser. An old man sitting by the -fireside, who declared that he knew nothing of them, got off untouched. -After ransacking the lower part of the house, and doing much mischief, -they proceeded up-stairs, and broke every thing in their way; at last, -espying a punch-bowl, they broke that, when out dropped a hundred and -twenty guineas, which they seized upon and made off with. - -Turpin, with five others, in January, 1735, came to the door of Mr. -Saunders, a wealthy farmer at Charlton in Kent, and knocking, inquired -if the gentleman of the house was at home; he was answered he was, -and that being the signal, they rushed in, and going directly to the -parlor, where Mr. Saunders, his wife, and some friends were amusing -themselves at a quiet game of cards, desired them on no account to -be alarmed, for that they would not hurt their persons, if they sat -still and made no disturbance. A silver snuff-box that lay on the -table Turpin at once appropriated to himself, and the rest having -bound the company, obliged Mr. Saunders to accompany them about the -house, and open his closets and boxes, to prevent the necessity of -laying violent hands upon them, and perhaps upon himself. They then -possessed themselves of upwards of a hundred pounds in money, besides -other property, including all the plate in the house. While this was -proceeding, the maid-servant, a girl of some presence of mind, ran -up-stairs, and barring herself in one of the rooms, called out lustily -at the window for assistance; but one of the rogues following her, -broke open the door with a poker, and brought her down again. In -their search for all things of value in the house, they hit upon some -bottles of wine, a bottle of brandy, and some mince-pies, with which -they immediately sat down and regaled themselves, inviting the company -to partake, indeed compelling them to drink a dram of brandy each, to -work off the fright. Mrs. Saunders, however, fainted, and a glass of -water with some drops in it was instantly provided, with which they -bathed her temples, and were very anxious for her recovery. After -staying about two hours in the house, they packed up their plunder, and -made off with it, threatening the inmates of the house, that, if they -stirred within two hours, they would murder them. - -The names of Turpin’s principal associates were Fielder, Rose, and -Walker; there was another, also, whose name we have not learned. These -made an appointment to rob a gentleman’s house at Croydon, and for that -purpose agreed to meet at the Half-Moon tavern, which they accordingly -did, about six o’clock in the evening. Walker, having some knowledge -of the house, went at the head of his companions into the yard, and -found the coachman dressing the horses; him they bound, and going from -thence met Mr. Sheldon, the master, whom they seized and compelled to -show them the way to the house. As soon as they entered, they tied Mr. -Sheldon’s hands behind him with cords, and having served the rest of -the family after the same fashion, fell to plundering the house. Eleven -guineas, and several pieces of plate, jewels, and other things of -value, was the result of this adventure; but before they left the place -they returned two guineas, thanked Mr. Sheldon for the very courteous -manner with which they had been received, and bade him good night. - -Their next design was upon the house of Mr. Lawrence, at Edgeware-bury -near Stanmore. About five o’clock they went from the Queen’s Head at -Stanmore, and proceeded to the destined spot. On their arrival, they -left their horses at the outer gate, and climbing over the hatch into -the sheep-yard, met with a boy just putting up some sheep. They seized -him, and presenting a pistol, told him they would shoot him if he -offered to cry out, but if he would inform them truly what servants Mr. -Lawrence kept, and who was in the house, they would give him money. The -boy, terrified at their threats, told instantly what they desired, and -one of them thereupon knocked at the door. When it was opened they all -rushed in with pistols in their hands, and seizing Mr. Lawrence, rifled -his pockets, out of which they took one guinea, a Portugal piece of -thirty-six shillings, about fifteen shillings in silver, and his keys. -Dissatisfied with so small a booty, they then drove him up-stairs, -and breaking open a closet, plundered it of money, silver cups and -spoons, gold rings, and many other things of value. A bottle of elder -wine which they found they divided amongst the servants, lifting it to -their mouths, as their hands were pinioned behind them. A maid-servant -who was churning in an outhouse, hearing a noise, suspected there were -thieves in the house, and put out the candle to secrete herself. One of -them, however, discovered her, and dragging her from her hiding-place, -menaced her with the most horrid threats if she raised an alarm. All -of them, indeed, disappointed and enraged at their ill success, (for -they had calculated upon a rich return for their trouble and hazard,) -practised on this occasion the most savage cruelties. Having stripped -the house of every thing of worth, even to the sheets from the beds, -they dragged Mr. Lawrence down stairs again, and declared, with the -most dreadful oaths, that they would cut his throat if he hesitated to -confess what money was in the house; and being answered that there was -none excepting that which they had taken, they beat him barbarously -with the butt-ends of their whips, and inflicted a terrific cut upon -his head with a pistol. One of them took a chopping-bill and swore he -would cleave his legs off; another a kettle of water from the fire, and -flung upon him, which happening, however, to have been recently filled, -did no serious injury. In their search, besides the beforementioned -particulars, they met with a chest belonging to one of Mr. Lawrence’s -sons, which they broke open, taking therefrom twenty pounds, and all -his linen. Some of these things were afterwards traced to a place -called Duck-lane, where two of these fellows were apprehended. - -Although in this robbery they got about twenty-six pounds in money in -the whole, yet they made no fair distribution of it amongst themselves. -The honor mentioned as existing among thieves was, in this instance, -at any rate, something of that character which distinguishes their -dealings with others not of their profession; for it appeared upon -evidence, that those who were most fortunate in the plunder, on the -division of the spoil, could bring their minds to produce no more than -three pounds nine shillings and sixpence. - -These frequent and daring burglaries induced his majesty to offer a -pardon to any one of the criminals who had been concerned in entering -the house of Mr. Lawrence, and committing such atrocities on the -evening of the 4th of February; and further, a reward of fifty pounds -to every person who should be instrumental in the discovery of any of -the offenders. - -Notwithstanding which, on the 7th of February the party again met by -appointment, having fixed upon the White Hart in Drury-lane, as the -best place whereat to concert future depredations. Accordingly, they -agreed upon making an attempt to rob Mr. Francis, a large farmer near -Mary-le-bone, at whose house they arrived shortly after seven. The -details of this outrage are much the same as the previous robberies -in which they were engaged. They succeeded in obtaining thirty-seven -guineas and ten pounds in silver, a quantity of jewels and linen, and -the unfortunate Mr. Francis’ wig, all of which they carried off; not -forgetting the latter, the value of which, excepting to the owner, we -are quite at a loss to conceive. - -They also formed a design to rob the house of a country justice, and -with that intention met at a public house near Leigh. Not rightly -knowing, however, the way into the jolly justice’s domicile, they -concealed themselves under some furze bushes; but while they were thus -lying perdue there, they heard several persons riding along together, -who happened to be some of the neighboring farmers returning from the -table of the rustic Rhadamanthus in a state of noisy mirth, induced, -doubtless, by the genial fumes of the justice’s wines; and by their -conversation it was plain that there were others still remaining there, -who, dreading neither riotous spouses nor the midnight bottle, might -probably have determined with wine and song to “out-watch the bear;” -they, therefore, deemed it advisable not to attempt it that night, -and adjourned accordingly their attack to some more promising period, -which so far proved of advantage to them, that it thereby prevented -their being taken, as otherwise they unavoidably would have been; for -they had been observed by some of the neighborhood, and being suspected -as smugglers, information was given to the custom-house, and a party -of dragoons sent out after them, whom they met; when after a strict -search, nothing having been found upon them, they were suffered to -pass. Thus the jolly justice escaped. - -The daring robberies of these men at length roused the country, and one -of the king’s keepers waited on the duke of Newcastle, and obtained his -majesty’s promise of a reward of one hundred pounds to him who should -be fortunate enough to apprehend any of them. This made them lie a -little more concealed; but some of the keepers and others receiving -intelligence that they were regaling themselves at an alehouse in -Westminster, they pursued them there, and bursting open the door, -took three, after a stout resistance; two of whom, the third turning -evidence against them, were hanged in chains accordingly. Turpin, -however, made his escape by leaping from a window. - -The gang thus broke up, and Turpin, quite left to himself, made a -determination never to command another, but to go altogether upon his -own bottom; and with this view he set out for Cambridge, as he was not -known in that county. - -Notwithstanding this resolve, the following strange encounter provided -him with his best companion (as he would call him) before he reached -his journey’s end. King, the highwayman, who had been towards Cambridge -on professional business, was returning to town. Turpin seeing him well -mounted, and bearing the appearance of a gentleman, thought it was an -excellent opportunity to recruit his pockets, and accordingly, with a -loud voice, commanded King to stand. King, enjoying the joke, though -at the ugly prospect of a bullet through his head if he carried the -jest too far, assumed all the conduct of a person so unceremoniously -addressed. “Deliver!” shouted Turpin, “or by ---- I’ll let daylight -through you.” “What,” said King, laughing heartily, “what! dog eat -dog! Come, come! brother Turpin, if you don’t know me, I know you, and -should be glad of your company.” After mutual assurances of fidelity to -one another, and that nothing should part them till death, they agreed -to go together upon some exploit, and met with a small booty that very -day; after which they continued together, committing divers robberies, -for nearly three years, when King was accidentally shot. - -King being very well known about the country, as likewise was Turpin, -insomuch that no house would entertain them, they formed the idea of -dwelling in a cave, and to that end pitched upon a place enclosed -with a large thicket, between Loughton Road and King’s-Oak-Road; here -they made a place large enough to receive them and two horses, and -while they lay concealed there, they could see, through several holes -purposely made, what passengers went by on either road, and as they -thought proper sallied out and robbed them. This they did in such a -daring manner and so frequently, that it was not safe for any person -to travel that way, and the very higglers were obliged to go armed. In -this cave they drank and lay; Turpin’s wife supplied them with food, -and frequently remained in the place all night with them. - -From the forest, King and Turpin once took a ride to Bungay in Suffolk, -where the latter had seen two young market-women receive thirteen or -fourteen pounds, and was determined to rob them of it. King attempted -to dissuade him from it, saying, they were pretty girls, and he would -never be engaged in an attempt to deprive two hard-working women -of their little gains. Turpin, however, persisted, and coming up -with them, relieved them of the burden of their coin, which exploit -occasioned a dispute between them. - -As they were returning they robbed a gentleman, who was taking an -airing in his chariot, with his two children. King first attacked him, -but found him so powerful and determined a person, returning such sound -replies in the shape of blows to poor King’s civilities, that he was -fain to call upon his companion for assistance. Their united strength -at last overcame him, and they took from him all the money he had about -him, and then demanded his watch, which he declined on any account to -part with; but one of the children became frightened, and persuaded its -father to let them have it. They then insisted upon taking a mourning -ring which they observed he wore, and an objection was raised on his -part, even to that proposition. Finding, however, it was useless to -oppose them, he at length resigned it, telling them it was not worth -eighteen pence, but that he much valued it: upon which information they -returned it to him, saying they were too much of gentlemen to take any -thing which another valued so much. - -About this time the reward offered for the apprehension of Turpin had -induced several poor, but resolute men, to make an attempt to get -him into their power. Among the rest a man, groom to a Mr. Thompson, -tempted by the placard setting forth the golden return in the event -of success, connected himself with a higgler to ward off suspicion, -and commenced his search. Turpin one day standing by himself in the -neighborhood of his cave, observed some one who, he supposed, was -poaching for hares, and saluted him with, “No hares near this thicket; -it’s of no use seeking, you’ll not find any.”--“Perhaps I shall a -_Turpin_, though,” replied the fellow, and levelled his piece at him. -Seeing his danger, Turpin commenced a parley, retreating at the same -time by degrees towards his cave, the groom following him with his gun -presented. “I surrender,” said Turpin, when he reached the mouth of the -cavern, and the man dropping the point of his piece, the former seized -his carbine, and shot him dead on the spot. Turpin instantly made off -to another part of the country, in search of King, and sent his wife -a letter to meet him at a certain public house, at which, in a few -days, inquiring for her under a feigned name, he found she was awaiting -his appearance. The kitchen where she was happened to be at the back -through a public room, where some farmers and others were regaling -themselves. On passing through, a butcher, to whom he owed five pounds, -recognised him, and taking him aside, said, “I know you have money now, -Dick; if you’d pay me, it would be of great service.”--“My wife has -certainly money to some amount,” replied Turpin, with a most unmoved -countenance; “she is in the next place; I’ll get it of her, and pay -you presently.” When Turpin was gone, the butcher apprized the company -who he was, and added, “I’ll just get my five pounds of him, and then -we’ll take him.” Turpin, however, was not to be so caught, and instead -of going to his wife, leaped out of the next window, took horse, and -was off in an instant, much to the discomfiture of the knight of the -cleaver and the assembled company, who doubtless had calculated most -correctly the proportion of the reward that would be due to each by -virtue of the king’s signet. - -Having discovered King, and one of his associates whose name was -Potter, they determined to set out at once for London; and coming over -the forest about three hundred yards from the Green Man, Turpin found -that his horse, having undergone great fatigue, began to tire. On -such an occasion it was no question with Turpin how he should provide -himself with another, for, overtaking a gentleman, the owner of -several race-horses, he at once appropriated his steed and a handsome -whip to his own peculiar use, and recommending his own broken-down jade -to the kind consideration of the party, speaking highly of his points, -left him to mount the sorry courser, and urge the wretched quadruped -forward in the best way he could. - -This robbery was committed on a Saturday night, and on the Monday -following the gentleman received intelligence, that such a horse -as he had lost and described was left at an inn in Whitechapel; he -accordingly went there, and found it to be the same. Nobody came for -it at the time appointed, but about eleven o’clock at night, King’s -brother called for the horse, and was seized immediately. The whip he -carried in his hand the gentleman instantly identified as that stolen -from him, although the button upon which his name had been engraved was -half broken off; the latter letters of his name, however, were plainly -distinguishable upon the remaining part. They charged a constable -with him, but he becoming frightened, and on the assurance that if -he spoke the truth he should be released, confessed that there was a -lusty man in a white duffel coat waiting for it in a street adjoining. -One Mr. Bayes immediately went out, and finding the man as directed, -perceived it was King. Coming round upon him, Mr. Bayes (the then -active landlord of the Green Man, to whom the gentleman at the time had -related the robbery,) attacked him. King immediately drew a pistol, -which he pointed to Mr. Bayes’ breast, but it luckily flashed in the -pan. A struggle then ensued, for King was a powerful man, and Turpin -hearing the skirmish, came up, when King cried out, “Dick, shoot him, -or we are taken, by ----!” at which instant Turpin fired his pistol, -but it missed Mr. Bayes, and shot King in two places. “Dick, you have -killed me, make off,” were King’s words as he fell, and Turpin, seeing -what he had done, clapped spurs to his horse, and made his escape. -King lived for a week afterwards, and gave Turpin the character of a -coward; telling Mr. Bayes that if he pleased to take him, he was to -be found at a certain house near Hackney Marsh, and that when he rode -away, he had three brace of pistols about him, and a carbine slung. -Upon inquiry, it was found that Turpin had actually been at the house -which King mentioned, and made use of something like the following -expressions to the man. “What shall I do? where shall I go? Dick Bayes, -I’ll be the death of you; for I have lost the best fellowman I ever had -in my life; I shot poor King in endeavoring to kill that dog.” The same -resolution of revenge he retained to the last, though without the power -of effecting it. - -After this, he still kept about the forest, till he was harassed almost -to death; for he had lost his place of safety, the cave, which was -discovered upon his shooting Mr. Thompson’s groom. When they found the -cave, there were in it two shirts in a bag, two pair of stockings, part -of a bottle of wine, and some ham. Turpin was very nearly taken while -hiding in these woods by a Mr. Ives, the king’s huntsman, who, thinking -he was secreted there, took out two dry-footed hounds; but Turpin -perceiving them coming, climbed up a tree, and saw them stop beneath it -several times, as though they scented him, which so terrified Turpin, -that as soon as they were gone, he made a resolution of retiring that -instant to Yorkshire. - -Soon after this, a person came out of Lincolnshire to Brough, near -Market-Cave, in Yorkshire, and stayed for some time at the Ferry-house. -He said his name was John Palmer; and he went from thence sometimes to -live at North Cave, and sometimes at Welton, continuing in these places -about fifteen or sixteen months, except such part of the time as he -went to Lincolnshire to see his friends, which he frequently did, and -as often brought three or four horses back with him, which he used to -sell or exchange in Yorkshire. While he so lived at Brough, Cave, and -Welton, he very often went out hunting and shooting with the gentlemen -in the neighborhood. As he was returning one day from shooting, he saw -one of his landlord’s cocks in the street, and raising his gun shot -it dead. A man, his neighbor, witnessing so wanton an act, complained -of such conduct, asking him by what authority he shot another man’s -property. “Wait one moment,” said Mr. Palmer, “just stay till I have -charged my piece, and I’ll shoot you too.” The landlord being informed -of the loss he had sustained by the death of his favorite bird, and the -man who saw the act being enraged at the threat Palmer had used towards -him, they both obtained a warrant against him, and he was brought -up at the general quarter sessions, where he was examined. Sureties -for his good behavior in future were the penalty alone exacted from -him, which, however, refusing to find, he was committed to the house -of correction. His conduct thus excited great suspicion; for it was -strange that a man who was in the habit of bringing from his friends -in Lincolnshire half-a-dozen horses at a time, and plenty of money, -should be so forsaken as not to be able to provide sureties; and still -stranger, that on so trivial an occasion as the present, if he could -find them at all, he did not produce them. A man’s pride under other -circumstances might be concerned, or a consciousness of innocence -that excluded the possibility, or the benefit of release, under other -conditions than free acquittal; but on a charge of this nature, which -might have been made up even by the purchase of the fowl, or a simple -excuse, his refusal was very suspicious. Inquiries were set on foot in -all quarters; and the magistrate, not contented with the accounts he -gave of himself of having been a grazier in Lincolnshire, despatched -officers to learn how far that statement was consistent with truth. The -result was a confirmation of Palmer’s account, so far as the fact of -his having lived in Lincolnshire, and having been a grazier there; that -is, that there he had something to do with sheep, confined principally, -however, to the expert practice of stealing them. Mr. Palmer, upon the -receipt of this information, was removed from the Beverly house of -correction to York castle, and accommodated on the way with the use -of handcuffs, and a guard of honor. When he arrived at his new abode, -two persons from Lincolnshire challenged a mare and a foal which he -had sold to a gentleman, and also the horse on which he rode when he -came to Beverly, to be stolen from them off the fens in Lincolnshire. -We need not add that Mr. Palmer was one and the same person with Dick -Turpin, the notorious highwayman. - -Turpin at one time, with another fellow, laid a scheme for seizing the -government money, ordered to be paid to the ships at Portsmouth. Both -of them were to have attacked the guard in a narrow pass, with sword -and pistol in hand; but Turpin’s courage failed him, and the enterprise -dropped. Gordon, his accomplice in this design, was afterwards taken -on a charge in which he alone was concerned; and while in Newgate he -declared that “after that, Turpin would be guilty of any cowardly -action, and die like a dog.” - -Turpin was tried and convicted of stealing the horse and the foal -and the mare from the fens, and was executed on Saturday, April 7th, -1739. He behaved himself with remarkable assurance, and bowed to the -spectators as he passed. It was observed that as he mounted the ladder -his right leg trembled, on which he stamped it down with violence, -and with undaunted fortitude looked around him. After speaking to the -executioner for nearly half an hour, he threw himself off the ladder, -and expired in about five minutes. - -His corpse was brought back from the gallows and buried in a neat -coffin in St. George’s churchyard. The grave was dug deep, and the -persons he appointed to follow him (mourners we hesitate to call them, -for we cannot imagine anybody to mourn upon the death of such an -unprecedented ruffian,)--those persons, whoever they were, however, -took all possible care to secure the corpse: notwithstanding which, -some men were discovered to be moving off the body, which they had -taken up; and the mob having got information where it might be found, -went to a garden in which it was deposited, and brought it away in a -sort of triumph, and buried it in the same grave, having first filled -the coffin with slacked lime. - - - - -HENRY SIMMS, _alias_ YOUNG GENTLEMAN HARRY. - - -We prefer giving an abstract of the life and adventures of this -notorious criminal in his own words, since it will serve to show -far better than any moral reflections of our own, that when once -the principles become vitiated, whether by early abuse or habitual -moral recklessness, the very nature is changed, and the conscience -remains in a state of abeyance. There is an easy unconcern, a “young -gentleman” flippancy in the style in which our adventurer has chosen -to narrate his exploits, that indicates too plainly the utter want -of common or decent feeling in his nature, and leaves us to the -unavoidable conclusion, that under no possible circumstances, nor in -any conceivable condition, could “Young Gentleman Harry” have become or -have been made a respectable member of society. He begins his narrative -thus:-- - -“I am now thirty years of age, born in London, October 19, -1716, of honest industrious parents, in the parish of St. -Martin’s-in-the-Fields. Having the misfortune to lose both my father -and my mother when very young, I was left to the care of an indulgent -grandmother, who tenderly loved me, had me educated with maternal -fondness, and early began to instil into me sentiments of virtue, -honor and honesty, from which I too early swerved. My grandmother -having been many years in the service of a nobleman, was an old servant -much respected, and on that account not only indulged with having her -grandson with her, but was likewise indulged with my being permitted to -go to Eton school with two sons of the noble lord. I remained at Eton -school some time, and even there began to show an early inclination to -vice, without an opportunity of committing it. When I arrived at the -age of fourteen, my grandmother put me apprentice to a breeches-maker, -but a life of servitude ill suited my constitution. I stayed with -him no longer than a month, in which short time I procured to myself -several _choice_ acquaintances, particularly two (since hanged,) and -was easily persuaded to accompany them in many robberies, which we -committed in and about Mary-le-bone fields, and the money we got we -riotously spent among thieves and bullies, and when that was gone, -turned out (as we called it) for more. - -“Thus some months passed on in a round of wickedness which not all the -counsel in the universe could restrain. My poor grandmother with tears -in her eyes entreated me to leave off my wicked course and to follow -her instructions. But I little regarded her advice, and still pursued -my own schemes. - -“There was hardly a place round London famed for wickedness, but I -was there. Tottenham Court Fair, when it came, I rejoiced at, for -there I lived riotously, and there too I became a proficient in the -dexterous art of picking pockets, by which I gained for some time -pretty handsomely. But at length that business grew dead, and, as I -lived at a large rate, money was wanting. Accordingly, having mustered -up a sufficient quantity of cash, I purchased a pair of pistols and a -horse, and set out; and in Epping Forest, near Woodford, I stopped two -gentlemen in a chaise and pair, from whom I took only a little silver, -and proceeded on to Newmarket, where I arrived that night, and early -next morning set out again, stopped the Norwich coach, and took from -the passengers thirty guineas, a gold watch, and a diamond ring, and -then rode away; and about three hours after, near Littlebury, met the -Cambridge coach, from the passengers of which I took about five pounds, -and came on for London. I now began to frequent a noted gaming-house -in Covent Garden, where, for several nights, I had a prodigious run -of luck, and won a considerable sum of money. I bought myself a silver -hilted sword, had several new suits of clothes made, particularly -one suit of black velvet, and appeared at all my usual haunts with -surprising eclat. It was at this time I gained the name of ‘Gentleman -Harry,’ for though I was before only called plain Harry, yet, on this -my sudden grand appearance, I was christened ‘Gentleman Harry,’ which -name I retained forever. But fortune not continuing her favors to me -at the gaming-table, I was once more reduced, and obliged to take up -again my old trade. Hitherto, what business I had done was by myself; -but being out one day with a companion of mine, we agreed to attack the -first person we met with powder and shot. We saw nothing for some days -that we either cared or dared to attack, till we came to a place called -Eversley Bank, where we met a collector of Shrewsbury: we ordered him -to stand and deliver, and took from him near three hundred pounds. -For this robbery two men were taken up a short time after, tried at -the assizes, capitally convicted, and executed: and I cannot but own, -that, notwithstanding my hardened villany, so often as I remembered it, -I felt a good deal of sorrow at being the cause of shedding innocent -blood, which I always avoided and abhorred. - -“About a month after this, I robbed a lady on Blackheath, in her coach. -After this robbery, riding down the hill that leads to Lewisham Wash, -I was overtaken by six or seven butchers, one of whom seizing the cape -of my coat, pulled me off my horse, and the cape giving way, he tore -it quite off. I then pulled out my pistols, swearing I would shoot -the first man who dared to advance; which none of them caring to do, -I retreated into the fields and got off with the loss of my horse, -which cost me seventeen pounds. But I was not long without a horse, -for, going towards Bromley, I met a gentleman on horseback, to whom I -presented my pistols, ordering him to dismount or I would shoot him -through the head; which he did, and I took from him eight guineas -and seventeen shillings in silver, and, mounting the horse, left him -to pursue his journey on foot. I sold the horse the next day at the -George, in Farnham, and bought another, which cost me thirteen guineas. -From thence I proceeded to Tunbridge, at which place I stayed a day or -two, and then came to London, where I found an old companion, a sailor, -who agreed to turn out with me. At the bottom of Shooters hill we -robbed a gentleman of his gold watch, and about seventeen pounds: the -watch I afterwards sold for nine pounds at the gaming-table in Covent -Garden, and lost the money when I had done. - -“Being by this time pretty well known, I ran great hazards; it was but -a very few days after I lost the money as above, I was attacked by -several soldiers in Drury Lane, and should have been carried to the -Savoy, had I not been rescued by some of my friends from Covent Garden; -and in about a week after that, I was taken out of a tavern for the -robbery of a gold watch which I had about me, and was again rescued by -my companions. Some little time after this, I was attacked by about -nine gentlemen thief-takers, in Bridewell Walk, Clerkenwell, but having -my pistols about me, I soon dispersed the cowardly rascals, and walked -off. Another time, riding on horseback through Covent Garden, I was -pursued by a party of thief-takers, but got clear. - -“Being in this manner continually beset on all sides, I was at length, -by the perfidy of some ladies with whom I was in company at Goodman’s -Fields’ Wells, taken by a parcel of thief-takers, and conducted to -Clerkenwell Bridewell, where several prosecutions were commenced -against me, and I was obliged to come to a composition with divers of -them, which drained me very low. One gentleman in particular, whom I -had robbed of only eleven shillings and a small medal, made me pay -him forty-seven guineas. By these means, having got rid of my several -prosecutors, I was, by order of the court of justice, confined in -Clerkenwell Bridewell two months for an assault, at the end of which -time I was set at liberty, giving sureties for my good behavior for two -years. It was not long after I was discharged, before I was pressed and -sent on board his majesty’s ship the Rye, where I continued for about -three months, though much against my inclination; being continually -forming some scheme for an escape, not one of which schemes took effect -till the following was hit upon. Whilst we were at Leith, we had -pressed several hands out of some colliers, who, I found by talking -to, were as little desirous of staying on board as myself; I therefore -proposed to eight of them this scheme:--that when the cutter, which had -been on shore pressing, came alongside at night, one of them should -fall out of the main-chains into the river, and the rest of us should -immediately jump into the boat and take the man up, and row away, -which we put in practice with success, only, just as we had got up our -man, the boatswain jumped on board and threatened us. My companions -were for throwing him overboard, but on his promising to be quiet they -were overruled, and he was suffered to sit still; and, notwithstanding -several guns were fired after us, we rowed safe to shore, and left the -boat to the care of the boatswain to carry back if he thought proper. -Being safe on shore, we took leave of each other: they set out for -Scarborough, and I for Edinburgh, in which city I stayed about a week, -and during that time became acquainted with a Scotch lassie, who not -only furnished me with money to purchase my former implements, but lent -me seven guineas to bear my expenses to London, which lasted me no -farther than Grantham; and between Grantham and Stamford I was obliged -to _speak_ with the York stage, from the passengers of which I took -eight guineas, about seventeen shillings in silver, a silver watch and -three plain gold rings, with which I came to London. - -“In a short space of time after this, I committed many robberies by -myself, which I did not exactly minute down. My general rendezvous was -about Epping Forest, where I robbed the Harwich coach, the Cambridge -coach, the Norwich coach, &c., to a pretty large amount, which I spent -as fast as I got. About this time, I kept company with another man’s -wife, who was so fond of me, that I could persuade her either out of -cash or any valuables she had, to supply my present necessities; as was -the case when I persuaded her out of her gold watch, and some other -things, which her husband took me up upon, and I was committed to -Newgate, tried at the Old Bailey, and acquitted by the court, who very -justly saw through the prosecution. After my being discharged on this -affair, I unluckily, in a quarrel, ran a crab-stick into a woman’s eye -in Goodman’s-fields, for which I was sent to New Prison. In the mean -time, I was informed that the wife was arrested on an action, and sent -to a sponging-house. Being determined to relieve her, if possible, I -contrived in what manner I could make my escape, and, accordingly, by -the help of sheets I let myself down out of my window and got off: I -immediately went to a friend of mine in Leather-lane, who furnished -me with two pistols, with which I went to the sponging-house in -Gray’s-inn-lane, expecting to find my lady; but when I came there I -found she had been removed to Newgate. Being thus disappointed, and -having no hopes of getting her out of Newgate, I determined to go to -work at my old trade. - -“In Broad-street, St. Giles’, about nine at night, I stopped a coach -which contained a single gentleman, from whom I took about seventeen -shillings, and from thence went to my old haunts in Covent Garden, and -after drinking pretty freely, I had a quarrel with a gentleman, who -calling the watch to his assistance, I was taken and carried to the -Covent Garden round-house. Being very much fuddled, I soon went to -sleep; but when I waked next morning, and found myself in a prison, -after having escaped from one but the night before, I was almost -distracted, and began to contrive an escape, but to no purpose; for -after calling for the keeper of the round-house, under pretence of -being hungry, I got some toast and ale, and therewith a knife, with -which I hoped once more to make a breach whereby to escape. But I -was doomed to be disappointed; for notwithstanding my cutting down -the plaster and laths of the ceiling, the joists were so firm that I -could not make an opening. I then grew desperate, broke all the things -I could find in the room, cut the sheets to pieces, pulled off some -tiles from the roof, and did every offensive act in my power, till -at length the constable with a large posse of myrmidons arrived, who -carried me before Sir Thomas De Veil, where, after a long examination, -I laid my information of the robbery of Mr. Smith in Southwark, which -robbery I was actually concerned in, though not with the persons I -swore against at Croydon assizes, but with three others. We committed -the robbery in December 1745, getting in at the two-pair-of-stairs -window by a _Jacob_, that is, a ladder of ropes, which was fixed to the -sign-post first, drawn afterwards into the balcony, and then attached -to the two-pair-of-stairs window. We took from Mr. Smith’s house, after -frightening Mrs. Smith almost to death, two bags of money containing -514_l._ and a 20_l._ bank note, and carried off in bags goods to the -value of 800_l._ The cash we divided equally amongst us at a house in -the Mint; the plate we sold; and we carried the goods to a house near -the Pinder of Wakefield, near Pancras; but for my share of the goods -I never received one penny; they were carried to Ireland by my three -accomplices, who promised to remit me my part, but were never so good -as their words. After my examination I was removed to the New Gaol, -Southwark, to give evidence at the assizes at Croydon. - -“After this affair at Croydon, I was removed by habeas to Newgate, on -the oath of a barber at Westminster, whom I had robbed, which barber -was found out by some of my enemies to prosecute me; and upon his -indictment I was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to transportation; -and, about two months after, was with several other convicts put on -board the Italian Merchant, which carried us to Maryland. On our -passage I had formed several plans for an escape, one of which had -nearly been successful, and was agreed upon between me and the rest -of the transports. We were at a certain time to have secured the -captain and sailors, as well as the fire-arms, and to have run away -with the ship, but one of them discovered it to the captain, who put -us in irons, and kept a watchful eye on us during the remainder of the -voyage. When we arrived at Maryland, I was disposed of to the master of -the Two Sisters, who was in want of sailors, and with whom I went to -sea. We had not been out many days before we were taken by a privateer -of Bayonne, and carried into Spain. We were all sent on shore, and had -papers given to us to go to Portugal. When I arrived at Oporto, I was -pressed on board his majesty’s ship the King Fisher, where I remained -about four months, in which time we took several prizes. But not liking -my station, I left her at Oporto, travelled to Lisbon, and got in the -Hanover packet to Falmouth, where I stayed about a month. My companions -endeavored to persuade me to go a privateering with them in the Warner -galley; but I refused, and leaving Falmouth travelled to St. Ives, -where I found a vessel ready to sail for Bristol, on board of which I -went, and arrived at Bristol in two days. I was not long there before -I determined to set up my old trade, and procured a pair of pistols, -though I still wanted a horse; but having observed several horses in a -field near Lawford’s-gate, I soon marked out one for myself, and that -night got into a stable, from whence I stole a saddle and bridle, and -without much difficulty caught my horse and set out for London. - -“When I reached London, I was soon informed the thief-takers were after -me. The night I came to town, I put my horse up at the White Swan in -Whitechapel, but went no more near him, fearful, as I had stolen him, -he might be advertised. But I was not long without a horse, for one -Saturday night, about eight o’clock, coming from St. James’, where I -had been regaling with some friends, I perceived a boy in Rider street -walking a horse about, apparently waiting for somebody. I called and -persuaded him to step on an errand into Duke street while I held the -horse, and, as soon as the boy was gone, I mounted and rode away, and -crossing the country reached Harrow-on-the-Hill, where I passed the -night, and the next day set out towards London, in hopes of meeting -some of the farmers returning from the hay-markets after having sold -their hay. I had drank pretty freely at dinner and was somewhat -elevated. I had not ridden far before I met three gentlemen, whom I -commanded to ‘stand and deliver their money,’ which they did very -quietly. From the first I got about three pounds, from the second I had -about five pounds, and from the third thirteen or fourteen shillings. - -“The next person I robbed was Mr. Sleep, my prosecutor, and though -neither he nor I recognised each other at that time, yet he, it seems, -has known me from a child. I took from him his watch and six shillings, -and made off. - -“After robbing Mr. Sleep, I still kept travelling towards London, in -hopes of meeting the farmers; at length, five of them appeared, whom I -commanded ‘to stop,’ and took from them about 15_l._ in silver. I felt -in their pockets for watches, but they had none. Next I met three men, -whom I ordered ‘to stop;’ but they, not regarding my orders, refused, -and rode full speed, and I alongside of them for at least five or six -minutes, presenting my pistol, swearing I would shoot if they did not -stop: but they still rode on; and I turned from them, giving them a -hearty d--n, not caring to let off my pistol; for I had determined -to shoot no man, unless he attempted to take me. But after this, on -the same road, I robbed two more men; from one I took about fifteen -shillings, from another about seven shillings. Turning from them I let -off one of my pistols into the air, and went on for London. - -“That night I made a sort of perambulation among the thief-takers, -determining to do mischief to some of them, if possible, especially to -those who, I heard, had been after me. The first I went to was one W. -H. in Chancery-lane. Being on horseback, I knocked at the door, which -his wife opened, demanding my business. I told her, ‘to speak with her -husband.’ She replied, ‘he was gone to bed,’ at the same time desiring -to know my name and business. ‘I am a gentleman of his acquaintance,’ -said I; ‘he will know me when he sees me.’ My blunderbuss, which I then -carried, being mounted with brass, and having a brass barrel, by the -light of her candle she perceived it, and directly slapped to the door, -called to her husband and told him (mentioning my name) that I was at -the door. I could hear him ask for his piece, on which I cried out, -‘You rascal, come to the door, and I’ll piece you;’ and if he had come -I should certainly have killed him, but he thought better of it, and I -rode away. - -“From my friend H. I went to another of the same sort of gentry -in Holborn, one I. S. I got off my horse and went into his house -threatening destruction; but the moment he saw me enter at one door, -he went out at another, and after venting a few oaths, I remounted my -horse, and went to the Greyhound inn, in Drury-lane, where I lay that -night. - -“Next morning I set out for Epping Forest, and dined at the -Bird-in-Hand, at Stratford: after dinner, about two o’clock, I set -out on the Romford road. I met in the forest a chaise, and from a man -therein took about fourteen shillings. This robbery was done within -sight of the Spread Eagle, at the door of which several people were -drinking on horseback. From thence I rode through Ilford, then came -on the forest again, and stayed till it was almost dark, and rode -towards Laytonstone, within half a mile of which I robbed a captain of -his gold watch, ten guineas, and some silver. After speaking with the -captain, I came off the forest for London. Perceiving a hurly-burly, -and a great mob at Snaresbrook turnpike, I rode up to see what was the -matter, and on inquiry amongst the mob, found that they had stopped -a gentleman whom they mistook for me. As it was dark and they could -not distinguish me, I thought it most prudent to ride through the -turnpike, and go directly for London, which I did, and putting up my -horse at the Saracen’s Head, Aldgate, and calling a coach, I went to a -tavern, where I lay all night. - -“In the morning I began to reflect that, it being well known I was in -England returned from transportation, and as well known too that I had -committed a great many robberies, there were many thief-takers after -me, and I was surrounded with danger; and I therefore determined to -set out for Chester immediately, and from thence to Dublin, resolving, -as I had now a handsome sum, as well as a parcel of diamond rings and -watches, to live entirely on my stock, and rob no more, at least while -that lasted. I dined that day at St. Alban’s, and as I generally drank -both at and after my meals pretty freely, I soon grew warm, and after -dinner, setting out for Dunstable, I found my resolution to rob no more -would not hold, for within a quarter of a mile of Redbourne, I ordered -three gentlemen to stand and deliver. Presenting my pistol at the -first, he replied, that he would not be robbed, and rode on; the second -hit me on the head with his whip, and at the same time the other rode -by me. Having a good beast under me, I was quickly up with them, and -putting on one of my terrible countenances, with bitter imprecations I -avowed that I would instantly shoot the first man dead who refused to -deliver; when the first of them quietly gave me about nine shillings; -from the second I took an old-fashioned watch and seventeen shillings; -and from the third, two guineas and about five shillings; and taking my -leave immediately, attacked two more gentlemen, who likewise rode for -it; but their horses being as good as mine, I ran them into Redbourne, -and then gave it up. About an hour after, I stopped a single man on -horseback, who telling me he had but eighteen-pence, I bade him keep -that; but he seeming to have a very good horse and mine beginning to -fail, I made him dismount and change with me. He had a portmanteau -on his horse, which he was very industriously going to take off, -but I told him he might as well let it remain where it was, which he -did, though I had no opportunity to see what was in it; for being now -become, perhaps, one of the most industrious of my profession, I could -no more let a coach, chaise, or man go by without speaking with them -in my way, than I could fly; and perceiving a coach coming along, -which proved to be the Warrington stage, I directly made up to it, and -got from the passengers therein about three pounds. The ladies seemed -terribly frightened, and begged I would take my pistol away, which I -did, and after taking their money I went on for Dunstable, and calling -at several houses before I got there, I became pretty fatigued, not -only with my business, but with liquor too. Being very much fuddled, I -was so cunning as to think of putting up at the Bull inn, at Dunstable, -the very house where the Warrington coach went to. After dismounting -my horse, and calling for a quartern of brandy, I saw some of the -passengers in the kitchen, belonging to the coach I had just then -robbed, on which, I never stayed for my brandy, but went out of the -house, mounted my horse, and rode as fast as I could make him go, till -I came to Hockliffe, and as it rained very hard, I resolved to put up, -and accordingly went into the Star inn. After I had been there about -an hour, and had drank very freely, I became intoxicated, and fell -asleep by the kitchen fire; but was soon awakened by three troopers -and some others with pistols at my head, swearing they would shoot me -if I offered to put my hand to my pockets. Being half asleep as well -as drunk, they soon disarmed me, and took from me one gold watch, two -silver ones, four diamond rings, forty-seven guineas in gold, and four -pounds in silver: three of the best diamond rings I had secreted in my -neckcloth. I desired them to give me my money again, and to let me go -to bed; they gave me about nine pounds in gold and silver back, and -then conducted me to a chamber, where I went to bed, after putting my -money under my pillow, and fell asleep, guarded by the troopers, who -took my money from under my head, which, when I awoke and missed, I -charged them with, telling them it was using me exceedingly ill indeed, -as they had gotten so much from me already, to take that from me too; -whereupon, they returned it to me. Presently, I got up and sat by the -fire-side, a good deal chagrined at my unfortunate fate. I resolved -in my mind a thousand different methods of escape, but none appeared -feasible even to myself. At length, a thought came into my head, -of which I was resolved to make a trial. As I knew these troopers, -from their behavior, to be hungry hounds, and having two seals, the -one gold, and the other silver, about me; as I sat over the fire, I -determined to throw them in, naturally supposing, from their eagerness -after plunder, they would endeavor to get them out, and I might thus, -by some means or other, become master of their fire-arms. It happened -as I had imagined; eager for their prey they soused down to rake them -from the ashes, when I, at the same time, snatched a pistol from one -of their hands, and snapped it at his head: it missed fire, and I was -immediately overpowered by the rest of the troopers, the landlord and -others coming to their assistance; and I was the next day carried -before the justice at Dunstable, where I insisted upon the troopers -returning me my money and watches again, before I would answer any -questions, and, accordingly, I _undressed_ their pockets both of money -and watches, asking them if they thought I had nothing else to do than -to venture my life to dress the pockets of such fellows as they, who -knew not how to wind up a watch; for in endeavoring to wind up one of -the watches they had broken it. - -“I was eventually committed to Bedford gaol for robbing the Warrington -stage-coach, where I remained about four months, till I was removed by -habeas corpus to Newgate, and in February last was tried at the Old -Bailey for robbing Mr. Francis Sleep of his watch and six shillings, of -which I was found guilty, and received sentence of death.” - -The above is an abstract containing all the most interesting or -prominent transactions in the life of Henry Simms, who appears to have -labored in his vocation with a zeal worthy of a better calling, and -with a wantonness deserving of the gallows to which, at length, he was -compelled to ascend. Young Gentleman Harry was executed at Tyburn in -June, 1747; and after hanging till he was dead, his body was cut down -by a mob appointed for that purpose, and carried to a surgeon’s in -Covent Garden. - - - - -JAMES MACLAINE. - - -James Maclaine, called in his own time by the distinguished title of -“the gentleman highwayman,” seemed at his birth to be far removed from -the common temptations which too frequently lead to an infamous death. -Until the decease of his father, which took place when he was about -eighteen years of age, a fair prospect of prosperity was presented to -him; but, unhappily, being conscious of his birth, which entitled him, -by a slight straining of courtesy, to the designation of a gentleman, -he imbibed, together with an inordinate vanity, an aversion from -business, and an immoderate desire to appear a gay young fellow. - -Lauchlin Maclaine, the father of our adventurer, was a Presbyterian -divine, and pastor of a congregation of that communion at Monaghan, -in the North of Ireland. He designed James, his second son, for a -merchant, and bestowed upon him a sound education, but died before he -could put his intentions into effect of sending him to Rotterdam to be -placed in the counting-house of a Scotch merchant of his acquaintance. - -Young Maclaine, the instant his father’s breath was out of his body, -proceeded to take possession and to dispose of his father’s substance; -and treated with perfect contempt the remonstrances of his friends -and relations, and the exhortations of his aunt, who, finding all her -entreaties ineffectual, took his only sister into her charge, and left -him to pursue what course he pleased. - -Thus left to himself, Maclaine forgot altogether the projected Dutch -counting-house, and equipping himself in the gayest apparel that part -of the country could afford, and purchasing a gelding, set up fine -gentleman at once, and in a twelvemonth dissipated almost the whole -of his property. During his extravagances, however, his ear had been -frequently troubled with the remonstrances of his aunt and his other -relations, which at length he found so disagreeable, that he was fain -to set out for Dublin without communicating his intention to any -one. It was here, it appears, that he first conceived the notion of -making his fortune by marriage; and having no disagreeable person, -he gratuitously gave himself credit for many more excellencies than, -unfortunately, other people could discover in him. The demands for -the maintenance of such an appearance as would realize his hopes of a -rich marriage, soon swept away the small remainder of his property; -and he had now full time to reflect on his folly and vanity, and to -regret not a little having despised the advice of his relations, who -had for some time turned a deaf ear to his entreaties by letter for a -supply of money. But upon them, nevertheless, he felt was now his sole -dependence. He had long spent his all--he was an entire stranger to a -single individual of worth or substance in the place, and his credit -and clothes, even to the last shirt, were gone. Selling his sword, -therefore, the last piece of splendor that remained to him, he raised -as much as would bear his charges on foot, and with a heavy heart set -out to return to Monaghan, his native place. - -Not a hand was outstretched to welcome the prodigal home again; his -aunt refused to see him, all his other relations followed her example, -and the companions of his former riots not only refused him relief, -but rendered him the sport and ridicule of the town. His sister, -however, sometimes contrived to see him by stealth to give him her -pocket money, but that could not long support him. Here, then, he must -inevitably have starved, had not a gentleman on his way to England, -passing through the town, compassionately offered him the place of a -servant who had recently died. Want, and the dread of starving, had -by this time entirely banished all unnecessary or superfluous pride, -and our young gentleman accepted the offer with joy. But, unhappily, -the extreme pressure of want once removed, old thoughts return, old -vanities are renewed; and so it was with Mr. Maclaine. His master’s -commands, though uniformly softened by good-nature and benevolence, -appeared to him as so many insults offered to his birth and breeding; -it is no wonder, therefore, that in a few months he was discharged from -his service. Depending on his sister, who was about to be married to -a man of some wealth, he set out once more for Ireland, to endeavor -to obtain enough from his relations to fit him out for America, or -the West Indies; but here again he was doomed to disappointment. His -sister’s marriage had been broken off--she was unable to do anything -for him;--and his other relations, deeming themselves scandalized -by his having been a footman, were even less tractable than before, -treated him with great indignity, and finally refused all manner of -assistance. - -Again reduced to starvation, he was obliged to think of service as -his only resource. With much difficulty he obtained a situation as -butler to a gentleman near Cork, with whom he did not live long, being -discharged for some breach of trust. Here he remained for many months -out of place, wandering about, without any settled abode or means of -subsistence, except occasional remittances from his elder brother, -a pastor of the English congregation at the Hague, whose friendly -assistance was less relished, because it was accompanied by warm -remonstrances on the past, and wholesome advice on the future conduct -of his life. - -Fortune was at length favorable; his old master, though he refused him -a character to another family, generously paid his passage to England, -and allowed him, for a limited period after his landing, a shilling a -day for subsistence. - -Once again on this side of the water, his notions of gentility -returned; he scorned being a menial servant; and valuing the _minimum_ -of his ambition at a pair of colors, he actually had the impudence to -attempt to borrow the purchase money on the bond he had obtained from -his master. This absurd scheme failing, he threw up his shilling a day -in disgust, and heroically cast himself for support on a celebrated -courtesan, a countrywoman of his own, who maintained him for some -months in great magnificence, and enabled him to attend the public -places with something like splendor. - -But having disgusted this lady by his pusillanimous conduct in a -rencontre with a certain peer,--who bestowed upon him a severe -castigation, and very nearly ran him through the body, though he was -much stronger, and as well armed as the nobleman,--he was once more -without resources. His grandeur now suffered an eclipse for two or -three months, and his last suit had been laid by in lavender, or, in -other words, pawned, when he inspired the regard of a lady of quality, -the consequence of which was that for five or six months longer he -flourished away as an idle fellow in all the public places. - -But Maclaine inwardly was not idle. He was extremely anxious for an -independent settlement, and the thought of inveigling some woman of -fortune by the charms of his person was still uppermost in his mind. -Among other schemes to this end, there was none he built so much upon -as a very hopeful and grateful plot he had laid for the daughter of his -patroness and benefactress, who had a considerable fortune. But the -young lady’s waiting-maid, who had either more honesty than abigails -in general are furnished with, or had not received the price with which -they are usually rewarded, discovered the affair to the old lady, who -forthwith dismissed Maclaine from her service: but when, in a few -months after, he was much reduced, she privately bestowed upon him -fifty pounds in order to fit him out for Jamaica, where he had proposed -to go and seek his fortune, and where the lady was willing enough that -he should retire, that she might be free from fears on her daughter’s -account. - -But Maclaine was no sooner possessed of this sum than he forgot -his Jamaica expedition, and returned to his favorite scheme of -fortune-hunting; for he never could rid himself of the idea that one -day or other he should succeed in the main object of his existence. He -released, therefore, his best clothes from the durance vile in which -they had been plunged, and after various treaties with match-makers -and chambermaids, relating to ladies of great reputed fortune, all -which treaties ended in disappointment, he reluctantly contracted his -ambition, and made suit to the daughter of a considerable innkeeper and -dealer in horses, with whom he was fortunate enough to succeed, and -whom he married with her parents’ consent and five hundred pounds. - -Here it would seem that Maclaine had laid aside all thoughts of the -fine gentleman, and had really determined to make the most of his -wife’s fortune by industry and diligence. He took a house in Welbeck -street, and set up a grocer’s and chandler’s shop; was very obliging -to his customers, punctual in his dealings, and while his wife lived, -was esteemed by his neighbors a careful and industrious man. However, -though at times, and while he was in his shop, he appeared to like his -business, yet in parties of pleasure, which he made but too often, and -on holydays, he affected the dress of a gentleman, and thus created -expenses which only a gradual encroachment on his capital enabled him -to meet; insomuch that when his wife died, which was about three years -after their marriage, he resolved to leave off business, and converted -his furniture and goods into the miserable sum of eighty-five pounds, -which, perhaps, with frugality, might have supported him in business, -but which was at all times too small a sum for Mr. Maclaine. - -His mother-in-law consenting to take charge of his only daughter, and -once more in a manner a single man, with his eighty-five pounds in -his pocket, again did the desire of appearing the gay fine gentleman -obtrude itself upon his mind, and his old project of marrying a rich -fortune engrossed all his faculties. For this purpose, Mr. Maclaine, -who but a few weeks before was not ashamed to appear in a patched -coat, or to carry a halfpenny-worth of coal or sand to his customers, -now hired handsome apartments near Soho square, and resumed his laced -clothes, and a hat and feather. - -But, however unreasonable to others this sudden transition from -the grub to the butterfly might appear, Mr. Maclaine had very good -private reasons for his actions. It appears that during his wife’s -last illness, she had been attended by one Plunket, as a surgeon and -apothecary; this Plunket, after the decease of the poor woman, opened -his mind to Maclaine, saying, that though the latter had lost a good -wife, yet, seeing that she was gone, it was of no use to despond or to -repine, particularly as it might eventually turn out the most lucky -circumstance in his life. He added at the same time, that if Maclaine -would agree to share the fortune with him, he could help him to a lady -with ten thousand pounds at least in her own right. - -This motion was too agreeable to Mr. Maclaine to be rejected. It is -hardly necessary to detail with what zeal this affair was followed up, -or how often they flattered themselves with the deceitful prospects of -success. The young lady having been taken to Wells, Maclaine followed -her, passing for a man of fortune, and in every part of his dress and -equipage appearing in that character. Plunket acted as his partner, -and was a sort of under agent, while Maclaine himself was ogling, -dancing, and flirting with the young lady. But an ill-timed quarrel -with an apothecary, one evening, in the public room, placed a quietus -upon his hopes for ever; for the disciple of Galen enlisting a “gallant -son of Mars” in his quarrel, the latter had the effrontery to kick our -adventurer down stairs, declaring publicly that he knew the rascal a -footman a few years ago. This statement, which was believed by every -body present, amongst whom was his mistress, whose credulity he had -ascertained before, and was therefore not in a situation to doubt, -compelled him and his footman Plunket to decamp without the ceremony of -leave-taking, and, indeed, without any ceremony at all. - -Returning to town from this woeful expedition, and examining the state -of their cash, these faithful friends discovered that five guineas were -the whole that remained,--a sum too little to support them, or to enter -into any new project, or to keep up their assumed grandeur. Maclaine -now found himself in a worse plight than he had brought himself to -for some years past, without any visible hope of a supply, and yet -engaged in a mode of life highly expensive, which it went to his heart -either to retrench or relinquish. He now thought seriously of embarking -for Jamaica, where he hoped to find employment as an accountant, and -flattered himself that his person might be turned to account amongst -the rich planters’ daughters or widows. But no money was forthcoming -for this purpose, nor could he think of any possible scheme whereby it -might be raised. - -Certainly, never had man less cause to complain of Fortune than -Maclaine, and it would seem throughout his life, that she had -determined to make his ruin entirely the work of his own hand, and -leave him at last utterly without excuse or palliation; for meeting -on ’Change with a gentleman, a countryman of his own, to whom he had -formerly related his hopes of making a fortune in the manner we have -related, he told him his situation at the present moment, adding -that he was now undone, that he had spent his all in that unhappy -project, and had not wherewithal to subsist on here, or to carry him -from a place in which he felt he was cutting a very ridiculous figure. -Hereupon the gentleman spoke in his behalf to some others of his -countrymen; and as his conduct heretofore, according the notions of the -age, had been rather imprudent than vicious, they actually raised sixty -guineas to fit him out for Jamaica, which they gave him, promising him -letters of recommendation from some merchants of respectability to -their own correspondents. Here, then, was a prospect at once opened to -him of future happiness and prosperity. Let us see how it terminated. - -He had agreed for the passage, paid part of the money in advance, and -bespoken some necessaries fitted for the climate, when, unhappily for -the infatuated man, he was prompted to go to a masquerade, to take -leave, as he said, for the last time, of the bewitching pleasures of -London, and to bid a final farewell to this species of enjoyment, -which he should have no hope of partaking in the West Indies. He went -with the whole of his money in his pocket. The strange appearance of -the place and of the company amused him for a while, but the noise -of the gamesters drew his attention to the gaming-table, where the -quick transition of large sums from one hand to another awakened his -avarice, and lulled his prudence asleep. In short, he ventured, and in -half an hour had possessed himself of a hundred guineas, with which he -resolved, according to their phrase, “to tie up;” but avarice had now -attacked him; and after taking a turn or two round the room, he again -returned, and in a few minutes was stripped to the last guinea. - -It is needless to describe his agony on this occasion. His money -gone, his expedition utterly disconcerted, and his friends lost past -redemption! What was now to be done? - -In this extremity, his evil genius, now in the ascendant, prompted -him to send to Plunket to advise with and from that moment his ruin -commenced. This was the favorable moment for Plunket. Himself a man -of no honor, an utter stranger to all ties or principles of religion -or honesty, an old sharper, and a daring fellow into the bargain, this -was an opportunity, when his friend was agitated almost to madness, to -propose, at first by distant hints, and at last in plain English, going -on the highway. - -Had he approached him in a calm hour, it is more than probable that -his proposal had been rejected with horror; but the former strongly -represented the necessity of a speedy supply before his friends could -discover that his money was gone, which, he said, would expose him -to universal scorn and contempt. A strange infatuation, the dread of -shame--the shame of appearing a fool, diminished the horror of being -a villain, and decided him to recruit his losses by means the most -hazardous and wicked. - -Having agreed upon a plan of copartnership, and hired two horses, -Plunket furnishing the pistols, for this was not his first entrance -upon business of that nature, they set out on the evening after the -masquerade, to lie in wait for passengers coming from Smithfield -market. They met on Hounslow heath with a grazier, next morning about -four o’clock, from whom they took, without opposition, between sixty -and seventy pounds. - -In this, and other expeditions of the same kind, they wore Venetian -masks; but this covering could not stifle conscience in Maclaine, nor -animate him into courage. He accompanied Plunket, it is true, and was -by at the robbery, but, strictly speaking, had no hand in it; for his -fears were so great that he had no power to utter a word, or to draw a -pistol. The least resistance on the part of the countryman would have -given wings to his heels, and have caused him to leave his more daring -accomplice in the lurch. - -Even when the robbery was over, and the countryman out of sight, -Maclaine’s fears were intolerable. He followed Plunket for some miles -without speaking a word; and when they put up at an inn, nearly ten -miles from the place of the robbery, he called for a private room, -fearful of every shadow, and terrified at every sound. His agonies of -mind were so great, that Plunket was fearful that his folly would raise -suspicion in the house, and he would fain have persuaded him to return -immediately to London; but he would not stir till it was dusk, and then -would not appear at the stables from which they had hired the horses, -but left the care of them to Plunket. - -He was now, by his share of this ill-acquired booty, very nearly -reimbursed his losses at the masquerade, and might easily have -undertaken his voyage; but he had lost all peace of mind, and was -become entirely void of prudence. So great was his dread of a -discovery, though Plunket represented the impossibility of it, that -he would not stir out of his room for some days, and even then did -not think himself safe, but proposed going down to the country for a -week or two. Plunket did not oppose his departure, especially as he -was to direct the route, and had gotten some intimation of a prize -coming that day from St. Alban’s, towards which place they set out. -When they had gone a few miles, Plunket imparted to him his design, -which Maclaine promised to second, with a great deal of reluctance. -When they came within sight of the coach, in which was their expected -booty, Maclaine would have persuaded Plunket to desist; but the other -turning his qualms of conscience into ridicule, and dropping some hints -of cowardice, Maclaine prepared for the attack, crying, “He needs must -whom the devil drives. I am over shoes, and must over boots;” but, -notwithstanding, conducted himself in so distracted a manner as went -nigh to lose them their prey. They took, however, from a gentleman and -a lady in the coach two gold watches, and about twenty pounds in money, -with which they got clear off; but did not think fit to keep that road -any longer, but turned off, and before morning put up at an inn at -Richmond, where Maclaine was as much in the horrors as in London; had -no rest, no peace of mind, and stayed there two or three days, sulky, -sullen, and perplexed as to what course he was to pursue. His wish, -however, to be in town in time for the ship’s departure for Jamaica, -determined him to return to London in a fortnight, when he found that -the ship had sailed two days before,--a disappointment that added to -his former perplexity. Nevertheless, having money in his pocket, he -contrived to excuse himself to his friends for his untoward absence, -and promised, and seriously designed, to set out on the very next -opportunity. - -But the expensive company he kept in the interim, and further losses -at play, once more stripped him of his money; and his evil genius, -Plunket, was ever at his elbow, ready to suggest the former method of -supply, with which he now complied much less reluctantly than before. -The bounds of honor once overstepped, especially when success and -security attend the villany, the habit of vice grows strong; and the -checks of conscience, gradually less regarded, at length pass without -notice. In a word, Maclaine hardened himself by degrees to villany, -left the company of his city acquaintance that they might not tease him -about his voyage to Jamaica, and took lodgings in St. James street, a -place excellently suited to his purpose, for his appearance glanced off -all suspicion, and he had a favorable opportunity, when gentlemen came -to town, of knowing and watching their motions, and consequently of -following and waylaying them on the road. - -In the space of six months, he and Plunket, sometimes in company and -sometimes separately, committed fifteen or sixteen robberies in Hyde -Park, and within twenty miles of London, and obtained some large -prizes. But still the money went as it came, for Plunket loved his -bottle and intrigue, and Maclaine was doatingly fond of fine clothes, -balls, and masquerades, at all which places he made a conspicuous -figure. As he still had fortune-hunting in view, he was very assiduous -in his attentions to women, and was not altogether unsuccessful; but, -we imagine, made sincere return to none but such as had money in their -own hands, or could be useful in helping him to an introduction to such -as had. - -And here it were needless and not productive of much interest to -recount several intrigues in which Maclaine was engaged, and it were -not a little painful to narrate two instances of wanton seduction on -his part, which, were there no other counts in the moral indictment -against him, would be sufficient to consign him to eternal infamy. - -Mr. Maclaine applied himself also to his old profession of -fortune-hunting, and, in company with his old and worthy coadjutor -Plunket, made several attempts to entrap heiresses, all of which proved -abortive. While he was intent upon these schemes, he had no opportunity -of making excursions on the road, and to defray his expenses had -borrowed from a citizen’s wife, with whom he had an intrigue, about -twenty pounds, which he promised faithfully to repay before her husband -should return from the country. The time of the citizen’s arrival being -at hand, the good wife became exceedingly curious about the coin; -and as a similar favor might be wanted by him at a future time, Mr. -Maclaine made it a point of conscience to keep his word with her, and -appointed her to come to him at his country lodgings at Chelsea, where -he paid her the money. He, however, took care that his friend Plunket -should ease her of the trouble of carrying it home, by waylaying her in -the Five-fields. - -Soon after this, a supply of cash being wanted, Plunket and he prepared -for an expedition, and took the road to Chester; and in three days -committed five robberies between Stony Stratford and Whitechurch, one -of which was upon an intimate acquaintance, by whom Maclaine had been -handsomely entertained but two days before. However, the booty in the -whole five robberies did not amount to thirty pounds in cash, but they -had watches, rings, &c. to a much greater amount. On the very evening -of their return to town, they obtained information that an officer in -the East India company’s service had received a large sum of money, -with which he was about to return to Greenwich. They waylaid and -robbed him of a very considerable sum, and it would seem that on this -occasion they were under some dread of a discovery; for, in a few days -after the commission of it, Maclaine set out for the Hague, and Plunket -for Ireland. - -On the arrival of the former at the Hague, he pretended a friendly -visit to his brother, who received him with cordiality and affection, -and as honesty is never suspicious, he was easily induced to give -credit to the specious tale which his brother related to him. He told -him that he had got a considerable fortune with his late wife, and that -her father, who died some few months before, had left him a valuable -legacy, with which he designed to purchase a company in the army. Upon -that, and the interest of his other funds, he said, he hoped to live at -ease for the remainder of his life. His worthy brother, rejoicing in -his prosperity, introduced him to his acquaintance and friends, amongst -whom Mr. Maclaine behaved with great politeness, giving balls and large -parties; to pay for which, it is surmised, he had the art to extract -the gold watches and purses of his guests without suspicion. - -However, upon his arrival in London, to which place he had been -induced to return by a letter from Plunket, informing him of another -rich matrimonial prize, which was, as usual, beyond his reach or -above his ingenuity to ensnare;--he again appears to have taken up -his old thoughts of preparing for Jamaica, as a last resource. But -these thoughts did not long possess him; for though by the sale of his -horses and furniture he might have fitted himself for the West Indies -in a very genteel manner, and had still reputation enough left to have -procured sufficient recommendations from home; yet he was prevailed -upon to try his fate on the road once more, and was but too successful, -making several rich prizes. Amongst the rest he and Plunket robbed -Horace Walpole,[3] and on a reward being advertised for the watch -which they had taken from him, Plunket had the impudence to go and -receive it himself, choosing to run the risk rather than trust a third -person with their hazardous secret. But all human prudence is in vain -to stop the hand of justice, when once the measure of our iniquity -is full; our closest secrets take wind, we know not how; and our own -folly acts the part of an informer to awaken offended justice. The -crisis of Maclaine’s fate was at hand. It was he who proposed his last -excursion to Plunket, who was ill at the time, and was very unwilling -to turn out; but Maclaine, impelled by some uncommon impulse, urged -him so earnestly, that he at length complied. They came up about -two o’clock in the morning, near Turnham Green, with the Salisbury -stage-coach, in which five men and a woman were passengers. Though this -was Maclaine’s expedition, yet Plunket was the acting man, and obliged -all the men to come out of the coach one by one, and rifled them; and -then, putting his pistol in his pocket, lest he should frighten the -lady, without forcing her out of the coach, he took what she offered -without further search. Plunket would now have gone off; but Maclaine, -full of his fate, demanded the cloak-bags out of the boot of the coach; -each of them took one before him and rode off, bidding a polite adieu -to the passengers, and riding as deliberately as though they had been -performing some signal service. - -On the same morning they met and robbed lord Eglinton, who was the -prize for whom they originally went out. They effected this by a -stratagem, as his lordship was armed with a blunderbuss. One of them -screened himself behind the postboy, so that if his lordship fired he -must shoot his servant, while the other with a pistol cocked demanded -his money, and ordered him to throw his blunderbuss on the ground. But, -it appears, the prize obtained at this hazard was but seven guineas, -with which, and the cloak-bags, they returned to Maclaine’s lodgings -before the family were up, and divided their spoil. - -But though the clothes were described in the public papers, yet so -infatuated was Maclaine, that he sold his share of the booty to a -salesman, who instantly recognised them as belonging to a Mr. Higden, -and the latter immediately had Maclaine taken into custody. - -On his first examination he denied the fact, but afterwards, that he -might leave himself no room to escape, he formed a design of saving -his life by impeaching his accomplice Plunket, foolishly imagining -that justice would promise life to a villain she had in custody, for -impeaching another that was out of her reach. But “Quem Deus vult -perdere priùs demontat,” or, to express a similar sentiment in the -words of Massinger,-- - - “Here is a precedent to teach wicked men, - That when they leave religion and turn atheists - Their own abilities leave ’em.” - -For though he was forewarned that a confession, without impeaching a -number of accomplices, would not avail him, he still insisted upon -taking that step, not from compunction or remorse, but with the base -design of saving his own life at the expense of that of his quondam -friend. - -On his second examination he delivered his confession in writing, -and behaved in a most dastardly manner, whimpering and crying like a -whipped school-boy. This conduct, degrading as it was, drew sympathetic -tears from, and opened the purses of his fair audience, whose bounty -supported him in great affluence while he remained in the Gatehouse, -and whose kind offers of intercession gave him hopes of a free pardon. - -On his trial, he thought fit to retract his confession, pretending that -he was flurried, and in some measure delirious, when he made it, and -that he had received the clothes from Plunket in payment of a debt. But -this evasion had no weight with the jury, who brought him in guilty -without going out of court. - -On receiving sentence, guilt, shame and dread deprived him of the power -of speech, and disabled him from reading a paper, pathetically enough -composed, in which he prayed for mercy. - -In Newgate, ample time was permitted him to make his peace with his -offended Maker, and there is every evidence to believe, from the -testimony of the Rev. Dr. Allen, who attended him constantly to -the last moment of his life, that his remorse and contrition were -unaffected, sincere and strong. - -He was carried to Tyburn in a cart, like the rest of the criminals, -and not, as was expected, in a coach; he stood the gaze of the -multitude (which was on this occasion almost infinite) without the -least concern; his thoughts were steadfast in his devotion, and when -he was about to be turned off he said, “O God, forgive my enemies, -bless my friends, and receive my soul!” His execution took place on -Wednesday, October 3, 1750. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[3] In the very amusing Letters of Horace Walpole to Sir Horace Mann, -recently published, we find the following spirited and lively sketch of -Maclaine. - -“I have been in town for a day or two, and heard no conversation but -about M’Laine, a fashionable highwayman, who is just taken, and who -robbed me among others; as lord Eglinton, Sir Thomas Robinson of -Vienna, Mrs. Talbot, &c. He took an odd booty from the Scotch earl, a -blunderbuss, which lies very formidable upon the justice’s table. He -was taken by selling a laced waistcoat to a pawnbroker, who happened -to carry it to the very man who had just sold the lace. His history is -very particular, for he confesses every thing, and is so little of a -hero, that he cries and begs, and I believe, if lord Eglinton had been -in any luck, might have been robbed of his own blunderbuss. His father -was an Irish dean; his brother is a Calvinist minister in great esteem -at the Hague. He himself was a grocer, but losing a wife that he loved -extremely about two years ago, and by whom he has one little girl, he -quitted his business with two hundred pounds in his pocket, which he -soon spent, and then took to the road with only one companion, Plunket, -a journeyman apothecary, my other friend, whom he has impeached, but -who is not taken. M’Laine had a lodging in St. James’ street over -against White’s, and another at Chelsea; Plunket one in Jermyn street; -and their faces are as known about St. James’ as any gentleman’s who -lives in that quarter, and who perhaps goes upon the road too. M’Laine -had a quarrel at Putney bowling-green two months ago with an officer, -whom he challenged for disputing his crank; but the captain declined, -till M’Laine should produce a certificate of his nobility, which he has -just received. If he had escaped a month longer, he might have heard -of Mr. Chute’s genealogical expertness, and come hither to the College -of Arms for a certificate. There was a wardrobe of clothes, three and -twenty purses, and the celebrated blunderbuss, found at his lodgings, -besides a famous kept mistress. As I conclude he will suffer, and wish -him no ill, I don’t care to have his idea, and am almost single in not -having been to see him. Lord Mountford, at the head of half White’s, -went the first day: his aunt was crying over him: as soon as they were -withdrawn, she said to him, knowing they were of White’s, ‘My dear, -what did the lords say to you? have you ever been concerned with any of -them?’ Was it not admirable? what a favorable idea people must have of -White’s!--and what if White’s should not deserve a touch better! But -the chief personages who have been to comfort and weep over this fallen -hero are lady Caroline Petersham and Miss Ashe: I call them Polly and -Lucy, and asked them if he did not sing, ‘Thus I stand like the Turk -with his doxies around.’” - - - - -EUGENE ARAM. - - -The accounts of the life of this man have become of late so widely -circulated, and the particulars respecting the murder of which he was -the perpetrator so generally known, that any notice of him in this -work would appear almost supererogatory, were it not that a charge -of oversight and omission could, without injustice, be reasonably -advanced against it, were we to slight over or leave unmentioned a -name so notorious. We shall, therefore, give a summary of his history, -commencing with an account of his family and early life, furnished by -himself at the request of the two gentlemen who, at his own particular -desire, attended him at his condemnation. - -“I was born at Ramsgill, a little village in Netherdale, in 1704. My -maternal relations had been substantial and reputable in that dale, -for a great many generations: my father was of Nottinghamshire, a -gardener, of great abilities in botany, and an excellent draughtsman. -He served the right reverend bishop of London, Dr. Compton, with great -approbation; which occasioned his being recommended to Newby, in -this county, to Sir Edward Blackett, whom he served in the capacity -of gardener, with much credit to himself, and satisfaction to that -family, for above thirty years. Upon the decease of that baronet, he -went, and was retained in the service of Sir John Ingilby, of Ripley, -Bart., where he died; respected when living, and lamented when dead. -My father’s ancestors were of great antiquity and consideration in the -county, and originally British. Their surname is local, for they were -formerly lords of the town of Haram, or Aram, on the southern banks of -the Tees, and opposite to Sockburn, in Bishopric; and appear in the -records of St. Mary’s, at York, among many charitable names, early -and considerable benefactors to that abbey. They, many centuries ago, -removed from these parts, and were settled under the fee of the lords -Mowbray, in Nottinghamshire, at Haram or Aram Park, in the neighborhood -of Newark upon Trent; where they were possessed of no less than three -knights’ fees in the reign of Edward the Third. Their lands, I find not -whether by purchase or marriage, came into the hands of the present -lord Lexington. While the name existed in the county, some of them -were several times high sheriffs for the county; and one was professor -of divinity, if I remember right, at Oxford, and died at York. The -last of the chief of this family was Thomas Aram, Esq. of Gray’s inn, -and one of the commissioners of the salt office, under queen Anne. He -married one of the co-heiresses of Sir John Coningsby, of North Mimms, -in Hertfordshire. His seat, which was his own estate, was at the Wild, -near Shenley, in Hertfordshire, where I saw him, and where he died -without issue. - -“I was removed very young, along with my mother, to Skelton, near -Newby; and thence, at five or six years old, my father making a little -purchase at Bondgate, near Ripon, his family went thither. There I went -to school; where I was made capable of reading the Testament, which was -all I was ever taught, except, a long time after, for about a month, in -a very advanced age for that, with the reverend Mr. Alcock, of Burnsal. - -“After this, about thirteen or fourteen years of age, I went to my -father at Newby, and attended him in the family there, till the death -of Sir Edward Blackett. It was here my propensity to literature first -appeared, for being always of a solitary disposition, and uncommonly -fond of retirement and books, I enjoyed here all the repose and -opportunity I could wish. My study at that time was engaged in the -mathematics: I know not what my acquisitions were, but I am certain my -application was intense and unwearied. I found in my father’s library -there, which contained a very great number of books in most branches, -Kersey’s Algebra, Leybourn’s Cursus Mathematicus, Ward’s Young -Mathematician’s Guide, Harris’ Algebra, &c. and a great many more; but -these being the books in which I was ever most conversant, I remember -them the better. I was even then equal to the management of quadratic -equations, and their geometrical constructions. After we left Newby, I -repeated the same studies in Bondgate, and went over all parts I had -studied before, I believe not altogether unsuccessfully. - -“Being about the age of sixteen, I was sent for to London, being -thought, upon examination by Mr. Christopher Blackett, qualified to -serve him as book-keeper in his counting-house. Here, after a year -or two, I took the small-pox and suffered most severely under that -distemper. I returned home again, and there with leisure on my hands, -and a new addition of authors to those brought me from Newby, I renewed -not only my mathematical studies, but began and prosecuted others, of -a different turn, with much avidity and diligence. These were poetry, -history, and antiquities; the charms of which quite destroyed all the -heavier beauties of numbers in lines, whose applications and properties -I now pursued no longer, except occasionally in teaching. - -“I was, after some time employed in this manner, invited into -Netherdale, my native air, where I first engaged in a school, and -where, unfortunately enough for me, I married. The misconduct of the -wife which that place afforded me, has procured me this prosecution, -this prison, this infamy, and this sentence. - -“During my marriage here, perceiving the deficiencies in my education, -and sensible of my want of the learned languages, and prompted by an -irresistible covetousness of knowledge, I commenced a series of studies -in that way, and undertook the tediousness of the intricacies and the -labor of grammar; I selected Lilly from the rest, all of which I got -and repeated by heart. The task of repeating it all every day was -impossible while I attended the school; so I divided it into portions; -by which method it was pronounced thrice every week, and this I -performed for years. - -“I next became acquainted with Camden’s Greek Grammar, which I also -repeated in the same manner, _memoriter_. Thus instructed, I entered -upon the Latin classics, whose allurements repaid my assiduities and my -labors. I remember to have, at first, overhung five lines for a whole -day; and never, in all the painful course of my reading, left any one -passage till I did, or thought I did, perfectly comprehend it. - -“After I had accurately perused every one of the Latin classics, -historians and poets, I went through the Greek Testament, first -parsing every word as I proceeded; next I ventured upon Hesiod, Homer, -Theocritus, Herodotus, Thucydides, and all the Greek tragedians: -a tedious labor was this; but my former acquaintance with history -lessened it extremely, because it threw light upon many passages, which -without that assistance must have appeared obscure. - -“In the midst of these literary pursuits a man and horse from my good -friend William Norton, Esq., came for me from Knaresborough, bearing -that gentleman’s letter inviting me thither; and accordingly I repaired -there in some part of the year 1734, and was, I believe, well accepted -and esteemed there. Here, not satisfied with my former acquisitions, I -prosecuted the attainment of Hebrew, and with indefatigable diligence. -I had Buxtorff’s grammar, but that being perplexed, or not explicit -enough, at least in my opinion at that time, I collected no less than -eight or ten different grammars and thus one very often supplied the -omissions of the others, and was, I found, of extraordinary advantage. -Then I purchased the Bible in the original and read the whole -Pentateuch, with an intention to go through the whole of it, which I -attempted, but wanted time. - -“In April, I think the 18th, 1744, I went again to London, and agreed -to teach the Latin and writing, for the Rev. Mr. Painblanc, in -Piccadilly, which he, along with a salary, returned, by teaching me -French; wherein I observed the pronunciation the most formidable part, -at least to me, who had never before known a word of it. By continued -application every night and every opportunity, I overcame this, and -soon became a tolerable master of French. I remained in this situation -two years and above. - -“Some time after this I went to Hays, in the capacity of -writing-master, and served a gentlewoman there, since dead; and stayed, -after that, with a worthy and reverend gentleman. I continued here -between three and four years. To several other places I then succeeded, -and all that while used every occasion for improvement. I then -transcribed acts of parliament to be registered in chancery; and after -went down to the free-school at Lynn. - -“From my leaving Knaresborough to this time is a long interval, which -I had filled up with the farther study of history and antiquities, -heraldry and botany; in the last of which I was very agreeably -entertained, there being in that study so extensive a display of -nature. I well knew Tournefort, Ray, Miller, Linnæus, &c. I made -frequent visits to the botanic garden at Chelsea; and traced pleasure -through a thousand fields: at last, few plants, domestic or exotic, -were unknown to me. Amidst all this I ventured upon the Chaldee and -Arabic; and, with a design to understand them, supplied myself with -Erpenius, Chappelow, and others: but I had not time to obtain any great -knowledge of the Arabic; the Chaldee I found easy enough, because of -its connection with the Hebrew. - -“I then investigated the Celtic, as far as possible, in all its -dialects; began collections, and made comparisons between that, the -English, the Latin, the Greek, and even the Hebrew. I had made notes, -and compared above three thousand of these together, and found such a -surprising affinity, even beyond any expectation or conception, that -I was determined to proceed through the whole of these languages, and -form a comparative lexicon, which I hoped would account for numberless -vocables in use with us, the Latins, and Greeks, before concealed and -unobserved: this, or something like it, was the design of a clergyman -of great erudition in Scotland; but it must prove abortive, for he -died before he executed it, and most of my books and papers are now -scattered and lost.” - -Such is the account Eugene Aram has given of himself, until the -commission of the fatal act that brought down upon him the execration -of the world and the last vengeance of the law. Of all the crimes man -is capable of committing, there is none so offensive to Omnipotence as -murder; and the Almighty, therefore, seems to be more intent to expose -that heinous and accursed offence to mankind; to warn and admonish -them, to show them that rocks cannot hide, nor distance secure them -from the inevitable consequences of the violation of that law which -nature dictates and man confirms. The extraordinary means by which -this murder was brought to light, is one of the many instances of this -divine interposition. - -Daniel Clark was born at Knaresborough, of reputable parents, where -he lived and followed the business of a shoemaker. About the month -of January, 1744 or 5, he married, and became possessed of property -to the amount of two or three hundred pounds. He was at that time in -very good credit at Knaresborough, and it is supposed a scheme was -then laid by Eugene Aram, at that time a schoolmaster in the town, and -one Houseman, a flax-dresser, to defraud several tradesmen of great -quantities of goods and plate, Clark having been chosen as the fittest -person to carry their plan into execution; for, as he then lived in -very good reputation, and, moreover, was lately married, he was the -person of all others best calculated to effect the intended purpose. -Accordingly, Clark for some days went about to various tradesmen in the -town, and under the pretext that, as he was just married, it was not -altogether irrational to suppose that cloth, and table and bed-linen, -would considerably contribute to his matrimonial comfort, he took up -great quantities of linen and woollen-drapery goods; the worthy dealers -of Knaresborough rendering up their commodities with the greatest zeal -and expedition on so interesting an occasion. After this, he went to -several innkeepers and others, desiring to borrow a silver tankard of -one, a nicely-worked silver pint of another, and the like, alleging -that he was to have company that night, and should be glad of the -use of them at supper; and in order to give a color to his story, he -procured of the innkeepers (of whom he had borrowed the plate) ale and -other liquors to regale his visitors. - -Some suspicious circumstances, however, appearing that night and the -following morning, a rumor got wind that Clark had absconded; and upon -inquiry, most certainly, he was not to be found. An active search was -immediately made for the goods and plate with which he had provided -himself, when some part of the goods was found at Houseman’s house, -and another part dug up in Aram’s garden: but as no plate could be -found it was concluded, somewhat naturally, that with them Clark had -decamped. The strictest inquiry was instantly set on foot to discover -his retreat; persons were despatched to all parts; advertisements -describing his person inserted in all the papers; but to no purpose. - -Eugene Aram being suspected to be an accomplice, a process was granted -against him by the steward of the honor of Knaresborough to arrest -him for a debt due to a Mr. Norton, with a view to detain him till -such time as a warrant could be obtained from the justice of the peace -to apprehend him upon that charge. To the surprise of all, however, -the money was instantly paid, and moreover, at the same time, a -considerable mortgage upon his house at Bondgate was also discharged. -Soon afterwards, Aram left the town, and was not heard of until the -month of June, 1758, when the murder of Clark being traced to him, he -was found residing at Lynn. - -Upwards of thirteen years after Clark’s disappearance, it happened -that a laborer employed in digging for stone to supply a lime-kiln, at -a place called Thistle hill, near Knaresborough, striking about half -a yard and half a quarter deep, turned up an arm bone and the small -bone of the leg of a human skeleton. His curiosity being excited, he -carefully removed the earth round about the place, and discovered all -the bones belonging to a body, presenting an appearance, from their -position, as though the body had been doubled at the hips, though the -bones were all perfect. This remarkable accident being rumored in the -town, gave rise to a suspicion that Daniel Clark had been murdered and -buried there; for no other person had been missing thereabouts for -sixty years and upwards. The coroner was instantly informed, and an -inquest summoned. - -The wife of Eugene Aram, who had frequently before given hints of -her suspicions, was now examined. From her evidence, it appeared -that Clark was an intimate acquaintance of Aram’s before the 8th of -February, 1744-5, and they had had frequent transactions together, -and with Houseman also. About two o’clock in the morning of the 8th -of February, 1744-5, Aram, Clark, and Houseman came to Aram’s house -and went up stairs, where they remained about an hour. They then went -out together, and Clark being the last, she observed that he had a -sack or wallet on his back. About four, Aram and Houseman returned, -but without their companion. “Where is Clark?” she inquired; but her -husband only returned an angry look in reply, and desired her to go to -bed, which she refused, and told him, “she feared he had been doing -something wrong.” Aram then went down stairs with the candle, and she -being desirous to know what they were doing, followed them, and from -the top of the stairs heard Houseman say, “She’s coming; if she does, -she’ll tell.” “What can she tell, poor simple thing?” replied Aram; -“she knows nothing. I’ll hold the door to prevent her coming.” “It’s of -no use, something must be done,” returned Houseman; “if she don’t split -now, she will some other time.” “No, no, foolish,” her husband said; -“we’ll coax her a little till her passion is off, and then”--“What!” -said Houseman sullenly.--“Shoot her,” whispered Aram, “shoot her!” Mrs. -Aram, hearing this discourse, became very much alarmed, but remained -quiet. At seven o’clock the same morning they both left the house, -and she, immediately their backs were turned, went down stairs, and -observed that there had been a fire below, and all the ashes taken -out of the grate. She then examined the dunghill, and perceived ashes -of a different kind lying upon it, and searching amongst them, found -several pieces of linen and woollen cloth very nearly burnt, which had -the appearance of wearing apparel. When she returned into the house, -she found a handkerchief that she had lent to Houseman the night -before, and a round spot of blood upon it about the size of a shilling. -Houseman came back soon afterwards, and she charged him with having -done some dreadful thing to Clark; but he pretended total ignorance, -and added, “she was a fool, and knew not what she said.” From these -circumstances, she fully and conscientiously believed that Daniel Clark -was murdered by Houseman and Eugene Aram, on the 8th of February, -1744-5. - -Several other witnesses were examined, all affirming that Houseman and -Eugene Aram were the last persons seen with Clark, especially on the -night of the 7th of February, being that after which he was missing. -Upon hearing these testimonies, Houseman, who was present, was observed -to become very restless, discovering all the signs of guilt, such as -trembling, turning pale, and faltering in his speech. Few men guilty -of the crime of murder have the strength of heart and self-command to -conceal it: by some circumstance or other, the truth will out; a look, -a dream, and not unfrequently, as in this case, their own unfaithful -tongue, is the involuntary agent that brings at last the blackened -culprit to that punishment which unerringly awaits the man that sheds -his brother’s blood. Accordingly, upon the skeleton being produced, -Houseman, taking up one of the bones, dropped this most unguarded -expression: “This is no more Daniel Clark’s bone than it is mine.” -“What?” remarked the coroner instantly--“what?--how is this? How can -you be so sure that that is not Daniel Clark’s bone?” “Because I can -produce a witness,” replied Houseman, in evident confusion--“because -I can produce a witness, who saw Daniel Clark upon the road two days -after he was missing at Knaresborough.” This witness was instantly -summoned, and stated that he had never seen Clark after the 8th of -February; a friend, however, had told him (and this only had he -mentioned at first) that he met some one very like Clark; but, it being -a snowy day, and the person having the cape of his great coat up, he -could not say with the least degree of certainty who he was. This -explanation, so far from proving satisfactory, increased the suspicion -against Houseman; and accordingly a warrant was issued against him, -and he was apprehended and brought before William Thornton, Esq., who, -examining him, elicited a full acknowledgment of the fact of his having -been with Clark on the night in question, on account of some money -(twenty pounds) that he had lent him, and which he wanted at the time -very pressingly. He further stated, that Clark begged him to accept the -value in goods, to which proposition he assented, and was necessarily, -therefore, several times to and fro between Clark’s house and his -own, in order to remove the goods from one to the other. When he had -finished, he left Clark at Aram’s house, with another man, whom he had -never seen before. Aram and Clark, immediately afterwards, followed him -out of the house of the former, and the stranger was with them. They -then went in the direction of the market-place, which the light of the -moon enabled him to see, and he lost sight of them. He disavowed most -solemnly that he came back to Aram’s house that morning with Aram and -Clark, as was asserted by Mrs. Aram; nor was he with Aram, but with -Clark, at the house of the former on that night, whither he only went -to see Clark in order to obtain from him the note. - -Being then asked if he would sign this examination, he said he would -rather waive it for the present, for he might have something to add, -and therefore desired to have time to consider of it. The magistrate -then committed him to York castle, when, expressing a wish to explain -more fully, he was again brought before Mr. Thornton, and in his -presence made the following confession:--That Daniel Clark was murdered -by Eugene Aram, late of Knaresborough, a schoolmaster, and, as he -believed, on Friday the 8th of February, 1744-5; for that Eugene Aram -and Daniel Clark were together at Aram’s house early that morning, -and that he (Houseman) left the house and went up the street a little -before, and they called to him, desiring he would go a short way with -them; and he accordingly went with them to a place called St. Robert’s -cave, near Grimble bridge, where the two former stopped, and there he -saw Aram strike Clark several times over the breast and head, and saw -him fall as if he were dead; upon which he came away and left them; but -whether Aram used any weapon or not to kill Clark, he could not tell, -nor did he know what he did with the body afterwards, but believed that -Aram left it at the mouth of the cave; for that, seeing Aram do this, -lest he might share the same fate, he made the best of his way to the -bridge-end, where, looking back, he saw Aram coming from the cave-side, -(which is in a private rock adjoining the river,) and could discern a -bundle in his hand, but did not know what it was: upon this he hastened -away to the town, without either joining Aram or seeing him again till -the next day, and from that time he had never had discourse with him. -He stated, however, afterwards, that Clark’s body was buried in St. -Robert’s cave, and that he was sure it was there, but desired it might -remain till such time as Aram was taken. He added further, that Clark’s -head lay to the right, in the turn at the entrance of the cave. - -Proper persons were instantly appointed to examine St. Robert’s cave, -when, agreeably to Houseman’s confession, the skeleton of a human -body (the head lying as he had described) was found. A warrant was -instantly issued to apprehend Eugene Aram, who was discovered to be -living at Lynn in the capacity of usher at a school. He confessed -before the magistrate that he was well acquainted with Clark, and, -to the best of his remembrance, about or before the 8th of February, -1744-5, but utterly denied any participation in the frauds which Clark -stood charged with at the time of his disappearance. He also declared -that he knew nothing of the murder, and that the statements made by -his wife were without exception false: he, however, declined to sign -his examination, on the same plea preferred by Houseman, that he might -recollect himself better, and lest any thing should be omitted which -might afterwards occur to him. On being conducted to the castle, he -desired to return, and acknowledged that he was at his own house when -Houseman and Clark came to him with some plate, of which Clark had -defrauded his neighbors. He could not but observe that the former was -very diligent in assisting; in fact, it was altogether Houseman’s -business; and there was no truth whatever in the statement that he came -there to sign a note or instrument. All the leather which Clark had -possessed himself of, amounting to a considerable value, was concealed -under flax at Houseman’s house, with the intention of disposing of it -little by little, to prevent any suspicion of his being concerned in -the robbery. The plate was beaten flat in St. Robert’s cave. At four -o’clock in the morning, they, thinking that it was too late to enable -Clark to leave with safety, agreed that he should stay there till the -next night, and he accordingly remained there all the following day. In -order, then, the better to effect his escape, they both went down to -the cave, Houseman only entering, while he watched without, lest any -person should surprise them. On a sudden he heard a noise, and Houseman -appeared at the mouth of the cave, and told him that Clark was gone. He -had a bag with him, containing plate, which he said he had purchased of -Clark, money being much more portable than such cumbersome articles. -They then went to Houseman’s house, and concealed the property there, -he fully believing that Clark had escaped. He never heard any thing -of Clark subsequently, and was as much surprised to hear there was a -suspicion of his being murdered, as that he (Eugene Aram) should be -considered to be the murderer. Notwithstanding this surprise, however, -his examination having been signed, he was committed with his companion -to York castle, there to await the assizes. - -On the third of August, 1759, they were both brought to the bar. -Houseman was arraigned on the former indictment, acquitted, and -admitted evidence against Aram, who was thereupon arraigned. Houseman -was then called, and deposed to the same effect as that which has -already appeared in his own confession. Several witnesses were called, -who gave evidence as to finding several kinds of goods buried in Aram’s -garden, Aram’s knowledge of the fact of Clark’s possessing two hundred -pounds, and to show that they both had been seen together on the -evening of the 7th of February. After which the skull was produced in -court; on the left side there was a fracture, from the nature of which -it was impossible to have been done but by the stroke of some blunt -instrument. The skull was beaten inwards, and could not be replaced but -from within. The surgeon gave it as his opinion, that no such breach -could proceed from natural decay; that it was not a recent fracture -made by the spade or axe by which it might have been dug up; but seemed -to be of some years’ standing. - -Eugene Aram’s defence, which he read, was marked with an undoubted -manifestation of very considerable powers. It was learned and -argumentative; and in some passages, glowing and eloquent. He attempted -to show, that no rational inference can be drawn that a person is -dead who suddenly disappears;--that hermitages such as St. Robert’s -cave were the constant repositories of the bones of the recluse; -that the proofs of this were well authenticated; and, that therefore -the conclusion that the bones found were those of some one killed -in battle, or of some ascetic, remained no less reasonably than -impatiently expected by him. A verdict of guilty was however returned, -and he was condemned to be hanged accordingly. - -On the morning after his condemnation, he confessed the justice of his -sentence to the two gentlemen who attended him, and acknowledged that -he had murdered Clark. He told them, also, that he suspected Clark of -having an unlawful commerce with his wife; and that at the time of the -murder he felt persuaded he was acting right, but since, he had thought -otherwise.[4] - -It was generally believed, as he promised to make a more ample -confession on the day he was executed of every thing prior to the -murder, that the whole would have been disclosed; but he put an end -to any farther discovery, by an attempt upon his own life. When he -was called from his bed to have his chains taken off, he refused, -alleging that he was very weak. On moving him, it was found that he had -inflicted a severe wound upon his arm, from which the blood was flowing -copiously. He had concealed a razor in the condemned hold some time -before. By proper and prompt applications he was brought to himself, -and though weak from loss of blood, conducted to Tyburn in York, where, -being asked if he had any thing to say, he answered, “No.” He was then -executed, and his body conveyed to Knaresborough Forest, and hung in -chains, pursuant to his sentence. - -That Eugene Aram murdered Clark is beyond all question, since we have -his confession; that he committed the murder actuated by the cause he -alleges, is open to great suspicion. The strange solicitude which all -men, even the most vicious, manifest to leave behind a memory mingled -with some little good, prompted him, doubtless, to give his crime the -ennobling, or, at least, mitigatory motive to which he attributes it. -Whether the perpetration of a murder can be justified, even urged by -the wrong Aram states himself to have suspected, may be left to the -consideration of the casuist; but whether the dreadful act can be -extenuated by as deliberate and foul attack on the virtue and character -of an innocent and industrious woman, whom he upon all occasions -treated with infamous barbarity, is a question we can confidently leave -to the judgment and moral sense of every man. That Eugene Aram was -leagued with Clark and Houseman in their fraud at Knaresborough, there -can be little doubt; that he plundered his unhappy victim after he had -murdered him, there can be less; that no sense of domestic injury would -urge a man to rob another who had wronged him after he had slain him, -needs only to be mentioned to be admitted; and therefore, believing -conscientiously from these facts that the charge against his wife was -not maintainable, a double indignation is entailed upon the wretch who -could add to the measure of his crime this gratuitous calumny. - -Notwithstanding these facts and the inferences that every attentive -reader must inevitably draw from them, Eugene Aram has been deemed a -fit hero for a popular novel; and the execration with which he should -have been consigned to posterity has been attempted to be converted -into a sentimental commiseration for a gentle student who beats out his -friend’s brains on philosophical principles, and converts his property -to his own use purely with a view to the interests of science and the -intellectual progression of the world at large. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[4] It is generally believed, and upon good grounds, we imagine, -that Aram possessed himself of all the money Clark had received for -his wife’s dower, (about one hundred and sixty pounds,) and there -were strong circumstances to substantiate it; but it was thought -unnecessary, sufficient proof having been adduced without it. - - - - -GEORGE BARRINGTON. - - -George Barrington, whose crimes have justly astonished his -contemporaries, was originally a native and inhabitant of Ireland; -and, as it will appear in the sequel that the name of Barrington was -assumed, let it suffice to remark that his father’s name was Henry -Waldron, and that he was a working silversmith; while his mother, whose -maiden name was Naish, was a mantuamaker, and occasionally a midwife. - -Our adventurer was born about the year 1755, at the village of -Maynooth, in the county of Kildare. His parents, who bore a good -character for their industry, integrity, and general good behavior, -were, however, never able to rise to a state of independence, or -security from indigence, owing to their engagement in a lawsuit with -a more powerful and opulent relative, in order to the recovery of -a legacy, to which they conceived they had a legal right. To the -narrowness of their circumstances the neglect of their son’s education -is imputed; and, therefore, they were incapable of improving, or of -giving a proper bias to those early indications of natural abilities, -and a superiority of talents, which must inevitably have unfolded -themselves even in the dawn of young Barrington’s existence. He was, -notwithstanding these obstacles, instructed in reading and writing -at an early age at their expense; and afterwards, through the bounty -of a medical gentleman in the neighborhood, he was initiated in the -principles of common arithmetic, the elements of geography, and the -outlines of English grammar. - -This ill-fated youth, however, enjoyed but for a short time the -benefits he derived from the kindness of his first patron, a dignitary -of the church in Ireland; for the violence of his passions, which -equalled at least the extent of his talents, precipitated him into -an action by which he lost his favor forever, and which, in its -consequences, finally proved his ruin. When he had been about half a -year at the grammar-school in Dublin, to which he had been sent by his -patron, he unluckily got into a dispute with a lad, much older, larger, -and stronger than himself; the dispute degenerated into a quarrel, and -some blows ensued, in which young Waldron suffered considerably; but in -order to be revenged, he stabbed his antagonist with a penknife; and -had he not been seasonably prevented, would have in all probability -murdered him. The wounds which he gave did not prove so dangerous as -to render the several circumstances of the quarrel which occasioned -them a subject of legal investigation. The discipline of the house, -(flogging,) however, was inflicted with proper severity on the -perpetrator of so atrocious an offence, which irritated the unrelenting -and vindictive temper of the young man to such a degree that he -determined at once to run away from school, from his family, and from -his friends; thus abandoning the fair prospects that he had before him, -and blasting all the hopes that had been fondly, though vainly, formed -of the great things that might be effected by his genius when matured -by time and improved by study. - -His plan of escape was no sooner formed than it was carried into -execution; but previously to his departure he found means to steal ten -or twelve guineas from the master of the school, and a gold repeating -watch from Mrs. Goldsborough, the master’s sister. With this booty, a -few shirts, and two or three pair of stockings, he silently but safely -effected his retreat from the school-house, in the middle of a still -night in the month of May, 1771; and pursuing the great northern road -all that night, and all the next day, he late in the evening arrived at -the town of Drogheda, without interruption, without accident, and in a -great measure without halting, without rest, and without food. - -The first place of safety at which young Waldron thought proper to -halt, was at an obscure inn in Drogheda, where a company of strolling -players happening to be at the time, it was the occasion of a new -series of acquaintance, which, though formed on precipitation and on -the spur of the occasion, was retained from choice and affection for a -number of years. - -One John Price, the manager of the strolling company, became quickly -the confidant, and from the confidant the sole counsellor of the -young fugitive Waldron, who, influenced by the ardor, the natural and -unguarded ingenuousness of a youthful mind, communicated to this new -friend, without reserve, all the circumstances of his life and story. -By his advice this unhappy youth renounced his paternal name, assumed -that of Barrington, entered into the company, and in the course of four -days became so absolutely and formally a strolling son of Thespis, -that he performed the part of Jaffier in “Venice Preserved,” with some -applause, to a crowded audience, in a barn in the suburbs of Drogheda; -and this without the assistance of a prompter. - -Though the reception he met with on his debut was very flattering -to a mind like his, Price, as well as himself, thought it would not -be proper for him to appear in public so near the scene of his late -depredations in the capital. It was, therefore, resolved on by them -that the whole company should without delay move to the northward, -and, if possible, get to the distance of sixty or eighty miles from -Dublin before they halted for any length of time. In order to enable -so numerous a body to move with all their baggage, it was necessary to -raise money; and in doing this, Barrington’s assistance being the first -thing that offered, was indispensably necessary. He was accordingly -applied to, and acquiesced with a good grace, giving Price Mrs. -Goldsborough’s gold repeater, which was disposed of for the general -benefit of the strollers. - -As soon as the necessary funds were procured, all these children -of Thespis set out for Londonderry, which was the place at which -they first designed to play. Travelling but slowly, they were a -considerable time on their journey; and during the course of it, -the penetrating eyes of the experienced actresses discovered that -Barrington had made a tender impression on the heart of Miss Egerton, -the young lady who played the part of Belvidera when he acted that of -Jaffier at Drogheda. This poor girl was the daughter of an opulent -tradesman at Coventry. She was young and beautiful, sweet-tempered and -accomplished, but now friendless; and though, like the rest, inured -to misfortune, she was destitute of the experience which is generally -acquired during a series of sinister and untoward events. At the age of -sixteen she was seduced by a lieutenant of marines, with whom she fled -from her father’s house to Dublin, where in less than three months he -abandoned her, leaving her a prey to poverty, infamy, and desperation. - -Having been thus deceived in the simplicity of innocence by the cunning -and falsehood of one of the vilest and most profligate of human -beings, she had no other resource from the most extreme want than -closing with Price, who proposed to her to join his company; which, -situated as she was, she readily agreed to do, and had been with him -but a very short time when she saw Barrington, of whom, being of a -warm constitution, she became rather suddenly enamored. But to the -credit of our adventurer, although his affection was as ardent as her -own, it was not of that brutal and profligate cast that so frequently -disgraces the devious paths of youthful imprudence and indiscretion. On -the part of Miss Egerton, the symptoms of her affection for him were -so obvious, that, inexperienced as he then was in matters of gallantry -and intrigue, he not only perceived her passion but was sensible of her -merit, and returned her love with perfect sincerity. - -It was not long before Price, urged a second time by want of money, -found it expedient to insinuate to the unfortunate Barrington, that a -young man of his address and appearance might very easily find means -to introduce himself into some of the public places to which the -merchants and chapmen of that commercial city generally resorted; and -that he there might, without any great difficulty, find opportunities -of picking their pockets unnoticed, and of escaping undetected, more -especially at that particular time, when, the fair being held, a -favorable juncture afforded itself of executing a plan of such a nature -with safety and facility. The idea pleased our needy adventurer, and -the plan formed on it was carried into execution by him and his trusty -confidant John Price, the very next day, with great success; at least -such it appeared to them at that time, their acquisitions having -amounted, on the close of the evening, to about forty guineas in cash, -and above one hundred and fifty pounds, Irish currency, in bank-notes; -which, however, they artfully determined not, on any account, to -circulate in the part of the kingdom in which they were obtained. This -precaution became peculiarly necessary; for several gentlemen having -been robbed, the town took the alarm, which was the greater, or at -least made the more noise, from the rarity of such events in that part -of the kingdom, where the picking of pockets is said to be very little -practised or known. But whatever the alarm was, or whatever noise it -made, neither Barrington nor his accomplice was suspected. They however -resolved to leave Derry as soon as they could with any appearance of -propriety depart from thence: so that, having played a few nights as -usual, with more applause than profit, they and their associates of the -sock and buskin removed from Londonderry to Ballyshannon, in the county -of Donegal, and never more returned into that part of the kingdom, -where George Barrington may be considered as having commenced the -business of a regular and professed pickpocket, in the summer of the -year 1771, being at that time little more than sixteen years of age, -and having just laid by the profession of a strolling player. - -This wretched company having now become thieves as well as vagrants -in the eye of the law, and compelled to subsist upon the plunder -above mentioned, after travelling about a fortnight, arrived at -Ballyshannon. Here Barrington, with the company to which he belonged, -spent the autumn and the winter of the year 1771, playing generally on -Tuesdays and Saturdays, and picking pockets with John Price every day -in the week, whenever opportunity offered; a business which, though -attended with danger and certain infamy, he found more lucrative and -more entertaining than that of the theatre, where his fame and his -proficiency were by no means equal to the expectations he had raised, -or to the hopes that had been formed of him on his first appearance at -Drogheda. - -From Ballyshannon, at length, having left the company of his friend -Price, he moved to the southward, with his faithful Miss Egerton, whom -he had the misfortune to lose forever in crossing the river Boyne, in -which she was drowned, through the ignorance, or the more culpable -negligence, of a ferryman. - -Barrington, however, virtuous in his attachment to Miss Egerton, was -for some time inconsolable for the loss which he had just sustained; -but being neither of an age nor of a temper propitious to the -continuance of sorrowful sensations, he hastened to Limerick, where he -hoped to meet Price, his old accomplice. On his arrival in that city, -he learned that the person after whom he had inquired had set out for -Cork ten days before, and thither our adventurer followed him, and -found him within an hour after he entered the town gates. On their -meeting, it was agreed on by them never more to think of the stage; -a resolution which was the more easily executed, as the company to -which they originally belonged was now broken up and dispersed. It was -besides settled between them that Price should pass for Barrington’s -servant, and that Barrington should act the part of a young gentleman -of large fortune and of a noble family, who was not yet quite of age, -but, until he should attain that period, travelled for his amusement. -In pursuance of this hopeful scheme, horses were purchased, and -the master and man, now united as knight-errant and esquire, and -well equipped for every purpose of depredation, accordingly took -their determination to act their several parts in the wild field of -adventure; and thus, in the summer of 1772, as the race grounds in the -south of Ireland presented themselves as the fairest objects, they -hastened to these scenes of spoliation, and were successful even beyond -their expectation. - -Picking pockets being rather new amongst the gentry of Ireland, their -want of precaution rendered them a more easy prey to Mr. Barrington -and his accomplice, who found means to retire to Cork on the setting -in of winter, with a booty of nearly one thousand pounds. In this city -they found it convenient to fix their residence, at least till the next -spring. And now it was that Barrington first determined within himself -to become what has been called a gentleman pickpocket, and to affect -both the airs and importance of a man of fashion. - -In this desperate career of vice and folly, it was the fate of Price, -the preceptor of Barrington, to be first detected in the act of picking -the pocket of a gentleman of high rank, for which he was tried, -convicted, and in a very short period sentenced to transportation, for -the term of seven years, to America. - -Barrington, naturally alarmed at the fate of his iniquitous preceptor, -without loss of time converted all his movable property into cash, and -taking horse, made as precipitate a journey to Dublin as he possibly -could. - -On his arrival there, he lived rather in a private and retired manner, -only lurking in the darkest evenings about the playhouses, where he -occasionally picked up a few guineas or a watch. But he was soon -weary of the sameness, and disgusted with the obscurity of a life of -comparative retirement, such as that he led in the Irish capital; so -that when the spring and the fine weather that accompanied it returned, -he embarked on board the Dorset yacht, which was then on the point -of sailing with the duke of Leinster for Parkgate; and before the -expiration of a week, he found himself for the first time of his life -on English ground. - -With Sir Alexander Schomberg, who commanded the Dorset yacht, there -were three other persons embarked, and of some distinction, from whence -it appeared that the connection which our adventurer formed with them -had considerable effect afterwards in the course of the long succession -of transactions in which he was engaged. A young captain was one of the -three who was most conspicuous, and, as it will appear, a striking, -though an innocent cause of Barrington’s success in his projects of -depredation. - -It did not require so much sagacity and penetration as Barrington at -the time certainly possessed, to penetrate into the character of this -young gentleman, and to predict the good consequences that might follow -an intimacy with a young man of his rank, disposition, and family. -Actuated by a sordid sense of the utility of such a connection to one -in his circumstances, the adventurer employed all those base arts of -flattery and insinuation of which he had been long a perfect master, to -ingratiate himself with this gentleman; and in this design he succeeded -to the utmost extent of his wishes. Barrington formed an artful tale, -which he told as his own story, the purport of which was, that his -father was a man of a noble family in Ireland, and illustrious in -England, to which country he himself now came to study law in one of -the inns of court, more, however, to avoid the ill-natured severity of -a harsh, unrelenting step-mother, which rendered his paternal mansion -in a great measure intolerable to him, than from any predilection for -the profession to which he intended to apply himself, but the exercise -of which the ample fortune that he was heir to would render unnecessary. - -The story took as well as could be desired by the inventor of it, and -it was settled between him and his new friend that he should, on his -arrival in town, enter himself of the Middle Temple, where Mr. H----n -had some relations and a numerous acquaintance, to whom, he said, he -should be happy to introduce a gentleman so eminently distinguished by -his talents and his accomplishments, as well as by his fortune and -birth, as Mr. Barrington was. - -It was also further agreed on between them, that they should travel -together to London; and they accordingly the next day took a -post-chaise at Parkgate, and continuing their journey by easy stages -through Chester, Nantwich, and Coventry, where they stopped two or -three days, arrived by the end of the week at the Bath coffee-house -in Piccadilly, which, on the recommendation of the captain, who had -been several times before in the metropolis, was fixed upon as their -head-quarters for the remaining part of the summer. - -But the expensive manner in which he lived with Mr. H----n, and those -to whose acquaintance that gentleman introduced him, all of them gay, -sprightly young fellows, who had money at command, in less than a month -reduced the funds which Barrington had brought with him from Ireland -to about twenty guineas, which to him, who had been now for some years -accustomed to live like a man of affluent fortune, seemed to afford a -very inconsiderable resource: he therefore resolutely determined to -procure a supply of money by some means or other. One evening, while he -was deliberating with himself on the choice of expedients to recruit -his finances, he was interrupted in his meditations on the subject by -the arrival of a party of his friends with the captain, who proposed to -accompany them to Ranelagh, where they had agreed to meet some of their -acquaintance, and to spend the evening. Their proposal was, without -much hesitation, acceded to by Barrington, and they, without further -loss of time, ordered coaches to set them down at that celebrated place -of amusement. - -Walking in the middle of the gay scenes that surrounded him, he chanced -to espy the two other companions of his voyage in the Dorset packet, -to whom he only made a slight bow of recognition; and in less than -a quarter of an hour afterwards he saw the duke of Leinster engaged -deeply in conversation with two ladies and a knight of the Bath, who, -it afterwards turned out, was Sir William Draper; and near these -he placed himself, quitting for a short time the company to which -he belonged. While he was stationed there, an opportunity, which he -considered a fair one, offered itself of making a good booty, and he -availed himself of it: he picked the duke’s pocket of above eighty -pounds, Sir William’s of five and thirty guineas, and one of the ladies -of her watch, with all which he got off undiscovered by the parties, -and joined the captain and his party as if nothing had happened out of -the ordinary and common routine of affairs in such places of public -recreation as Ranelagh. - -A degree of fatality, rather unfortunate for Barrington, it seems, -occurred during the perpetration of the robbery just related; that -is to say, he was observed in the very act by one of the persons who -came with him in the Dorset yacht from Ireland to Parkgate; and this -man, who was also a practitioner in the same trade of infamy, lost no -time in communicating what he saw to Barrington himself, and that in -a manner not by any means calculated to conceal his triumph on the -occasion: in fact, this gentleman’s affairs being pressing, he made -very little ceremony of informing Mr. Barrington that, unless he was -willing to give him a share of the plunder, he should communicate to -the parties robbed, without delay, the particulars of what he had seen. -The consequences of a proposal of this nature presenting a disagreeable -alternative, Mr. Barrington, as it may be imagined, naturally chose -the least of two evils, and, under pretence of being attacked with a -sudden complaint, immediately retired with his new acquaintance to -town, and putting up at the Golden Cross inn, at Charing-cross, the -booty acquired at Ranelagh was in some sense divided, the new intruder -contenting himself with taking the lady’s watch, chain, &c., which were -of gold, and a ten pound note, leaving all the rest of the money and -the bank-papers with Mr. Barrington, who, he probably conceived, had -run the greatest risk to obtain them at first. - -But in order to cement the connection which these two were now on the -point of forming, Mr. James (for by that name this new accomplice -called himself,) insisted upon Barrington supping with him; and as Mr. -James knew the town much better than himself, Barrington thought he -would be a real acquisition, particularly in helping him to dispose -of the valuables he might acquire. Picking pockets, therefore, was -proposed by Mr. Barrington as a joint concern. - -The outlines of the future operations of these adventurous colleagues -being adjusted, it was further agreed upon to have another interview -on the next day at a tavern in the Strand, there to regulate the plan -of their future conduct; and affairs being so far arranged, Barrington -returned to his lodgings at the Bath coffee-house, where, luckily -enough, neither captain H----n nor any of his party were at that time -arrived from Ranelagh. - -The next morning, at breakfast, he informed his friend the captain, -that on his return last night, he chanced to meet a very worthy -relation of his, Sir Fitzwilliam Barrington, who engaged him that day -to dinner; so that it would be out of his power to make one of the -party that were to spend the day with the captain at the Thatched-house -tavern; but that, however, he would endeavor to contrive matters so as -to join them early in the evening, and stay to supper with them, if -they were bent upon keeping it up to a late hour. - -This apology was received without any suspicion by the gentleman -to whom it was made, as it accounted plausibly enough for his -fellow-traveller’s absenting himself, notwithstanding a kind of prior -engagement to Mr. H----n. - -Afterwards, Barrington being dressed, called a coach and drove to -the Crown and Anchor tavern, where he found Mr. James, who had been -for some time waiting for him. The cloth being removed, and the -servants withdrawn, these worthy gentlemen entered upon business. It -was agreed upon, that whatever either acquired, should be equally -divided between them; and that in the sale of watches, jewels, or any -other articles they might have to dispose of, both should be present. -By this provision, no suspicion of fraud could be entertained; and -thus Barrington got what he extremely wished, and greatly wanted, -an introduction to a _fence_, or a receiver of stolen goods. It was -farther settled by them, that while the captain remained in town, -they should take care not to be seen together, and that Mr. James -should resume his long neglected habit of a clergyman. These weighty -conditions, and some others of equal magnitude and importance, -being ultimately adjusted to the satisfaction of these systematic -plunderers, it was determined on that they should meet regularly -twice a week, that is, on Tuesdays and Fridays, to settle with each -other; but never, if it could possibly be avoided, twice at the same -house. Having then adjourned to the next Tuesday, and fixed on the -Devil tavern, at Temple-bar, as the place of their next meeting, our -adventurers separated for that time, Barrington going, according to -his appointment, to the Thatched-house tavern, and reaching it about -eight in the evening, where he found his friend the captain and a large -party of his acquaintance. Though rather far gone in liquor, most of -them knew him personally, and considering him in the light in which he -was represented to them by captain H----n, as a young man of condition, -they were delighted with his company. He only waited till the bills -were called for, and the reckoning discharged, when, there being no -farther obstacle to a hasty retreat, he plundered those who were most -off their guard; or rather those who, as he supposed, were possessed -of the most portable kind of property. Still, as the prey then made -consisted more of watches and trinkets than ready cash, he was under -the necessity of calling upon Mr. James, his new friend, next morning, -who readily introduced him to a man, a receiver of stolen property, -and who paying them what they deemed an adequate consideration, they -made the first division with as much apparent satisfaction as if they -had been lawful dealers in the commodities of which they had unjustly -deprived the right owners. - -So strongly did appearance plead for him at this time, that -Barrington’s depredation was never imputed to him by those who -suffered in consequence of it; and though similar offences were at -different seasons, for upwards of two years, committed by him without -suspicion or detection, he preserved his fame, and even extended his -acquaintance. With certain superficial qualifications for shining in -company, and yet a stranger to honor or honesty, in the summer of the -year 1775, in the course of his depredations, he visited, as his custom -was, the most celebrated watering-places; and among the rest he went -to Brighton, which at that time, though frequented by genteel company, -was far from having arrived at the celebrity which it has since -acquired, especially since the conclusion of the peace with France. But -notwithstanding the paucity of numbers at this watering-place, he is -said to have had the address to ingratiate himself into the notice and -favor of the late duke of Ancaster, with several other persons of rank -and property, who all considered him as a man of genius and ability, -and as a gentleman of fortune and noble family. - -But, in tracing all Mr. Barrington’s very singular connections, it is -necessary to remark, that about the conclusion of this winter he got -acquainted with one Lowe, a very singular character, and one who, like -his friend James, he occasionally made use of to vend his ill-gotten -property. - -Mr. Barrington’s new junction with Mr. Lowe having rendered Mr. James -rather a dead weight upon his hands, he began to think about breaking -with him, which he did not find a difficult matter, as James, having -at bottom some remorse of conscience for his neglect of the laws of -justice and moral obligation, very easily quitted Mr. Barrington’s -connection; and what is more extraordinary, being a Roman Catholic by -profession, retired to a monastery upon the continent, there in all -probability to end his days in piety and peace. Barrington, on the -other hand, seemed to increase in temerity and desperation; for on his -forming a connection with Lowe, which was but a short time previous -to that evening of the month of January which was observed as the -anniversary of the queen’s birthday, it was resolved on between them, -that, habited as a clergyman, he should repair to court, and there -endeavor, not only to pick the pockets of some of the company, but, -what was a bolder and a much more novel attempt, to cut off the diamond -orders of some of the knights of the Garter, Bath, and Thistle, who -on such days usually wear the collars of their respective orders over -their coats. In this enterprize he succeeded beyond the most sanguine -expectations that could have been formed by either his new accomplice -Lowe or himself; for he found means to deprive a nobleman of his -diamond order, and also contrived to get away from the palace without -suspicion. This being an article of too much value to dispose of in -England, it is reported that it was sold to a Dutchman, or rather to a -Dutch Jew, who came over from Holland once or twice a year for the sole -object of buying jewels that had been stolen; and though a stranger, -he is generally reported to have given a much higher price for such -articles than could have been gotten from the receivers in town. - -The celebrated Russian prince Orloff paid his first visit to England -in the winter of 1775. The high degree of estimation in which that -nobleman had long been held by the late empress Catharine, had -ultimately heaped upon him not a few of her distinguishing favors. -Among other things of this nature, she had expressed her approbation -of his merits by presenting him with a gold snuff-box, set with -brilliants generally supposed to have been worth no less a sum than -thirty thousand pounds. This distinguishing trophy having caught the -eye of Barrington, impelled him to contrive means to get it into his -possession, and he thought a fit opportunity presented itself one night -at Covent Garden theatre, where, getting near the prince, he had the -dexterity to convey it out of his excellency’s waistcoat pocket into -his own; when, being immediately suspected by the prince, he seized him -by the collar; but, in the bustle that took place, Barrington slipped -the box into his hand, which that nobleman gladly retained, though -Barrington, to the astonishment of all around, was secured and lodged -in Tothill-fields Bridewell till the Wednesday following, when his -examination took place at the public office in Bow street. - -Sir John Fielding being at that time the magistrate, Barrington -represented himself to him as a native of Ireland, of an affluent and -respectable family. He said that he had been educated in the medical -line, and came to England to improve himself by the extent of his -connections. To this plausible representation he added so many tears, -and seemed to rest so much upon his being an unfortunate gentleman, -rather than a guilty culprit, that prince Orloff declining to prosecute -him, he was dismissed with an admonition from the magistrate to -amend his future conduct; but this, it will appear, had no manner of -influence upon his subsequent proceedings. In fact, Barrington having -gone too far to recede, every one now taking alarm at his character and -conduct, and the public prints naturally holding him up as a cheat and -impostor, he was even forsaken by those who, until that discovery of -his practices, generally countenanced him, and enjoyed his company as a -young gentleman of no common abilities. - -Being in the lobby of the lords one day, when an appeal of an -interesting nature was expected to come on, so that Barrington -thought to profit by numbers of genteel people that generally attend; -unhappily for Barrington’s projects, a gentleman recognised his person, -and applying to the deputy usher of the black rod, Barrington was -disgracefully turned out, and, of course, totally disappointed of the -harvest he had promised himself. - -Barrington, having by some means heard that this gentleman was -the person who had denounced him to the keeper of the lobby, was -so indiscreet as to threaten him with revenge for what he deemed -an unmerited injury; but, the magistrates thinking otherwise, they -granted, upon that gentleman’s complaint, a warrant against Barrington -to bind him over to keep the peace. His credit having sunk so very low, -that not one of all his numerous acquaintance would become a surety -for him, he was compelled to go to Tothill-fields Bridewell, where he -remained a considerable time under confinement, from his inability to -procure the bail that was required. However, having again obtained -a release from that disagreeable quarter, he had no alternative but -that of his old profession, and, therefore, in about three months -afterwards, we find him detected in picking the pocket of a low woman, -at Drury-Lane theatre, for which, being indicted and convicted at the -Old Bailey, he was sentenced to ballast-heaving, or, in other words, -to three years’ hard labor on the river Thames, on board of the hulks -at Woolwich. As soon as it was convenient, in the spring of 1777, -Barrington was put on board one of these vessels. - -A sudden remove from ease and affluence to a scene of wretched -servitude and suffering, and the privation of almost every comfort -in life, could not but have a most sensible effect upon a man in -his condition. In short, he was not only harassed and fatigued with -labor, to which he had been unaccustomed, but even disgusted with the -filthy language of his fellow-convicts, whose blasphemous effusions, -which they seemed to make use of by way of amusement, must have been -a constant source of the most disagreeable sensations in the mind of -almost any person not totally lost to the feelings and the decencies of -civilized, or even a savage state of existence. At length the mental, -as well as the corporeal sufferings of Barrington, did not escape the -notice of Messrs. Erskine and Duncan Campbell, the superintendents -of the convicts; for, in consequence of Barrington’s good behavior, -and through the interference of these gentlemen, he was again set at -liberty, after sustaining nearly a twelvemonth’s severe suffering on -board the hulks of Woolwich. - -Still, nothing that Barrington had yet undergone was sufficient to -produce any cordial repentance in his mind. He again entered into the -full practice of his former profession. In less than six months after -his liberation from hard labor, he was detected by one Payne, a very -zealous constable in the city, in the very act of picking pockets at -St. Sepulchre’s church during divine service, and being convicted upon -undeniable evidence at the ensuing Old Bailey sessions, he was a second -time sentenced to hard labor on board the hulks, and that for five -years. - -It was upon his trial on this occasion, that Barrington was first -noticed in the public prints as an able speaker. He then essayed, -with no small degree of artifice, to interest the feelings of the -court in his behalf; but the evidences of his guilt being too forcible -and repeated, and all his efforts proving abortive, he was once more -removed to the hulks, about the middle of the year 1778. Being a -second time in this humiliating and disgraceful situation, he found -his imaginary consequence so much hurt, that, failing in a variety of -plans to effect his escape, his next attempt was to destroy himself. -For this purpose, he took an opportunity to be seen stabbing himself -with a penknife in the breast; but as the wound, by the immediate -application of medical assistance, was slowly healed, he continued to -linger in this new state of wretchedness, till, happening to be seen by -a gentleman who came to visit the hulks, it produced another event in -his favor. - -The gentleman just alluded to being most sensibly affected by the -dejected and squalid appearance of Barrington, made a most successful -use of his influence with government to obtain Barrington’s release, -upon the condition that he should leave the kingdom. To this as -Barrington gladly assented, he generously supplied him with a sum of -money to defray the expense of his removal to Ireland, where it is -understood this unhappy offender always persisted in stating that he -had friends and relatives of credit and character. In London he did not -think proper to stay longer than was needful to procure necessaries for -his journey; he therefore took the Chester coach, and in the course of -a week was enabled to reach the Irish capital, where his fame having -arrived before, he was looked upon with such an eye of suspicion, that -he was shortly apprehended for picking the pocket of an Irish nobleman -of a gold watch and his money at one of the theatres, and was soon -after committed to the New Gaol to be tried upon the charge, but was -acquitted for want of evidence. - -Though he was acquitted on this occasion, he was perfectly convinced -that the Irish capital would be too warm to retain him. He quickly -determined to leave Ireland, and accordingly removed to the northern -parts of that kingdom, through which he took his way to Edinburgh, -where he concluded that he might, for some time at least, commit his -depredations with greater safety and facility than he could do either -in London or Dublin. - -But, in the opinion which he had formed of the character of the Scots, -he soon learned by experience that he was grossly mistaken; for he was -quickly observed in the capital of Scotland, where the police is more -vigilant and severe than in most other parts of the British dominions. -He therefore thought it prudent to depart from Edinburgh, where his -gleanings were comparatively small. - -However, being determined to return to London, he took Chester in his -way, and it being fair-time there, he is said to have contrived to get -possession of the amount of six hundred pounds in cash and bank notes, -with which he got clear off. - -Such are the delusions of vice and the fatal sweets of ill-gotten -wealth, that, though additional danger attended his public appearance, -from the infraction of the terms on which he was liberated from his -confinement on board the hulks, (which were those of his leaving the -kingdom and never more returning to it,) still he frequented the -theatres, the Opera House, and the Pantheon, with tolerable success. -But he was now too notorious to be long secure: he was closely watched -and well-nigh detected at the latter of these places; at least, such -strong suspicions were entertained by the magistrates of his conduct on -the occasion, that he was taken into custody, and committed to Newgate. - -Here again, for want of evidence, he got clear of the charge brought -against him; but, notwithstanding this, he was unexpectedly detained -at the instance of Mr. Duncan Campbell, the superintendent of the -convicts, for having returned to England in violation of the condition -on which his majesty was pleased to grant him a remission of the -punishment which he was sentenced to undergo on board the hulks; and -the consequence of the detainer was, that he was made what is called -a _fine_ at Newgate, during the unexpired part of the time that he -was originally to have served on the Thames. When the period of his -captivity in this prison expired, he was, as a matter of course, set at -liberty; and as usual, no sooner obtained his liberty, than he returned -to his former practices. He, however, was now more cautious; and being -connected with some accomplices of his own cast, he was not so easily -detected as he might have been with others less experienced. - -In a state of alarm and anxiety, he lived a considerable time in -the society of the most profligate and abandoned characters of the -metropolis, when he was seen to pick the pocket of Mr. Le Mesurier, -at Drury-lane playhouse, and was immediately apprehended. Charge of -him was given to one Blandy, a constable, who, through negligence or -corruption, suffered him to make his escape. The proceedings against -him were carried on to an outlawry, and various methods were made use -of to detect him, for nearly two years, without effect. - -But while the lawyers were outlawing him, and the constables -endeavoring to take him, he was travelling in various disguises and -characters through the northern counties of this kingdom. He visited -the great towns in those parts as a quack-doctor, or as a clergyman; -sometimes he went with an E. O. table, and sometimes he pretended to -be a rider to a manufacturing house at Birmingham or Manchester; and -travelling on horseback, with a decent deportment and grave appearance, -the account which he thought proper to give of himself was credited, -without any difficulty, by those who questioned him. - -But, in spite of all these precautions, it sometimes happened that he -was known by gentlemen whom he met, once particularly in Lincolnshire; -yet no one offered to molest or intercept him, until he arrived at -Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where, on being recognised, he was suspected of -picking pockets, and, on inquiry, was discovered to be an outlaw: -upon which he was removed by a writ of habeas corpus to London, and -imprisoned in Newgate, where he arrived miserable and so dejected, that -on learning his circumstances, some of his friends made a subscription -for him, by which he was enabled to employ counsel, and to take legal -measures to have the outlawry against him reversed. - -This being effected, he was tried for the original offence, that of -stealing Mr. Le Mesurier’s purse; but, through the absence of the Rev. -Mr. Adeane, a material witness for the prosecution, he was acquitted. -Being once more enlarged, he again set off for Ireland, in company with -a young man of the name of Hubert, well known in town for his fraud -on the duke of York. With this accomplice, he was so infatuated as to -endeavor to carry on his depredations in Dublin, where it was never -his fortune to remain for any length of time undetected; for, Hubert -being taken in the act of picking a gentleman’s pocket, and handing the -property to Barrington, he with great difficulty made his escape to -England, where he rambled about for some time previously to his arrival -in the capital, which he had scarcely entered, when he was taken into -custody for picking Mr. Henry Hare Townsend’s pocket of a gold watch. - -Hubert, his accomplice, was tried at Dublin, and sentenced to -transportation for seven years; but he afterwards contrived to make his -escape. - -On Wednesday morning, September 15th, 1790, Barrington was put to the -bar to be arraigned on an indictment charging him with stealing, on the -1st of September, 1790, in the parish of Enfield, a gold watch, chain, -and seals, the property of Henry Hare Townsend, Esq. Upon this occasion -Barrington displayed all the talents which it has been universally -admitted he possessed; but in spite of a long speech, which professed, -whether sincere or assumed, great contrition for his past offences, and -a determination to amend his life for the future, he was convicted, and -sentenced by the judge to seven years’ transportation. - -During the voyage to Port Jackson, Barrington rendered an essential -service in quelling a mutiny in the vessel. Upon this occasion the -captain evinced his gratitude for the services he had performed, and -when they had reached the Cape, at the recommendation of the former, he -received a hundred dollars reward for his zeal and activity. - -On their arrival at Port Jackson, Barrington having been recommended -to the governor, was placed in the first instance at Tamgabbe as a -subordinate, and was soon advanced to be a principal watchman, in which -situation he acquitted himself as a useful and active officer; insomuch -that the governor determined to withdraw him from the convicts; and at -the same time that he received his instrument of emancipation, he was -presented with a grant of thirty acres of land at Paramatta. He was -subsequently appointed superintendent of the convicts; and although not -permitted to return to England, was invested with all the immunities of -a freeman, a settler, and a civil officer, and had the satisfaction to -know that his diligence and activity were not only without suspicion, -but were fully appreciated. - -It was here that Barrington resolved to revise the notes he had taken -during the voyage, and of describing more fully the places they had -touched at. He has accordingly produced a very useful and instructive -work. - -In addition to this performance, he compiled a complete history of the -country itself, from its first discovery, comprehending an account -of its original inhabitants, their customs and manners, accompanied -with an historical detail of the proceedings of the colony from its -foundation to his own time. - -He continued in the situation in which the governor had placed him till -his death; and performed the duties of his office with an unwearied -assiduity, which at last superinduced a general decay of nature, of -which he died in the year 1811. - - - - -JAMES PORTER - - -Was an Irishman, and a weaver by trade. He had been a robber in his -own country. We know not what events induced him to seek a refuge -in America, or what were his first adventures on this side of the -Atlantic. We first find him in Philadelphia, ostensibly working -at his trade, but in reality gaining his livelihood by dishonest -practices. He had two accomplices, George Wilson and Abraham Poteet, -weavers, who had learned their trade in the penitentiary. The former -was but twenty-three years of age; yet, though his days were few, -his iniquities were many. Poteet had been convicted at the Baltimore -city court of stealing four handkerchiefs, for which he was sentenced -to five years’ imprisonment. For a second theft he was sentenced -to imprisonment. He had also been convicted of breaking prison, of -attempting a stage robbery and wounding the driver, and of shooting at -the keeper of the Baltimore penitentiary. He was a native of Baltimore, -and Wilson also was an American. They became acquainted in the -penitentiary, and were jointly concerned in the attempt to break out, -in which the life of the keeper was endangered. Such were James Porter -and his associates. - -Porter and Poteet became tired of stealing _wee things_, for so silver -spoons were denominated by Porter, and resolved to rob the Reading -mail, in order to make their fortune at once. To prepare for this -exploit Porter and Wilson crossed the Schuylkill, on the 20th of -November, 1829, and broke into the shop of Mr. Watt, a gunsmith. They -took thence five pistols and two powder-flasks. After this the three -companions repeatedly practised with their pistols to ascertain their -qualities. - -On the 6th of December, the mail stage started from Philadelphia at two -in the morning, driven by one Samuel M’Crea. There were nine passengers -inside, and another on the box with the driver. The night was dark and -cloudy. When the stage had got two miles from the city and was nearly -opposite Turner’s lane, Porter started from the road-side, took the off -leading horse by the head and turned him round. At the same time Wilson -and Poteet came up, one on each side of the coach, with presented -pistols, bidding the driver stop, “or they would blow his d--d brains -out.” He struck the horses with his whip, but could not make them go -forward. Poteet then ordered the driver and the passenger who sat -beside him to come down. The driver obeyed, and the passenger was about -descending, when Porter swore at his comrades for not putting out the -lamps. Poteet put out the lamp on his side with the butt of his pistol: -Wilson merely broke the glass of the lamp next him. Porter then left -the horses’ heads, ran up and dashed the light out with his pistol. He -asked the passenger if he had any weapons, and being answered in the -negative, took his handkerchief and tied his hands with it. The robbers -then rifled the passenger and bound the driver. Poteet asked the driver -if he did not think this a very rough introduction. He answered that it -was. The robber then asked him if he got his living by stage driving, -and he replied that he did, and “it was a hard way too.” “Well,” said -the ruffian, “this is the way we get our living, and ’tis very hard -with us sometimes.” While these matters were going on Poteet and Wilson -held their pistols in their hands, but Porter, more collected, thrust -his into his bosom. - -This done, Porter and Poteet went to the doors, while Wilson watched -the two bondmen. Porter told the passengers they should receive no -injury if they did not resist. A Mr. Clarke proposed to attack the -robbers, but was overruled by the rest of the passengers. The gentlemen -then concealed some of their valuables. Porter asked if any of them -were armed, and being answered in the negative, answered sneeringly, -that “it was a pity.” - -The thieves next compelled the true men to alight, one by one. Porter -searched them, and tied their hands with their kerchiefs. As fast as -he tied them he turned them over to Poteet, who kept them quiet with -his pistol. One of the passengers, after being tied, asked the robbers -for a quid of tobacco, which was put into his mouth by Poteet. Another -was very reluctant to part with his watch, which he said had been long -in his family, and at his urgent entreaty Poteet restored it. From -another, who was a physician, Poteet took the seal of a corporation and -a case of lancets, but put them back into the doctor’s pockets on being -told what they were. The gentleman then asked Porter for half a dollar -to pay for his breakfast, and the robber complied. Another of the -passengers asked Porter to restore his papers. “O,” said the ruffian, -“I dare say all this business will be published, and then I shall know -where to direct the papers. I will send you a letter.” - -Mr. Clarke was the last but one who came out of the coach. As Porter -was plundering him he said, that if the other passengers had followed -his advice they would not have been robbed. “Well done!” replied the -robber. “I like to see a man of spunk.” After being tied, Mr. Clarke -walked up to Poteet, in order to be able to recognise him if they -should meet again. The rogue bade him stand off. “I hope,” said Mr. -Clarke, “you are not afraid of a small man, and he bound too.” “No, -sir,” said Poteet, “but I don’t want to be better acquainted with -you.” “I hope,” rejoined Mr. Clarke, “that we shall have a longer -acquaintance than this yet.” “I hope not, sir,” said Poteet. On Mr. -Clarke’s again observing that the passengers would have done better -to resist, Porter remarked that if they had, they would have seen the -consequences. - -After the passengers had all been examined, the robbers took the -baggage out of the coach and from before and behind it. They then tried -to open the boot in which the mail bags were contained, but finding -some difficulty, they compelled the driver to do it. Mr. Clarke now -remarked that another stage would soon be along, and this intelligence -quickened their proceedings. One of them busied himself in rifling the -mails and trunks, while the other two put the passengers into the coach -again without untying them. They tied the driver again and lifted him -into his seat, after which they tied the leading horses to the fence by -the road side. This done, the robbers went off, so softly that neither -the driver nor any of the passengers were aware of their departure. - -The gentlemen sat still in the coach some minutes after they were gone, -till one of them contrived to untie himself, and unbound the rest. -After some consultation, it was thought best to return to the city. -When they arrived at the post-office a person was despatched to the -scene of the robbery, where he found the mail bags cut open and the -packages and newspapers scattered around, but the villains had carried -away the letters. - -On the 16th of December, Wilson carried one of the watches they had -taken to Crosswell Holmes, a pawnbroker, and pledged it for twenty -dollars. He said he was a carpenter unable to get employment, and -was therefore obliged to raise money on his watch. He agreed to pay -Mr. Holmes in -- days, with two dollars commission, and signed the -obligation “John James, North Second street.” - -On the 21st, Porter carried another watch (a golden one) to a Mr. -Prentiss, a pawnbroker, and asked sixty dollars on it. Mr. Prentiss -refused to advance more than forty-five, when Porter left him, saying -he could get fifty anywhere. On this occasion he represented himself as -a carpenter, who wanted money to repair his house. The next day Wilson -called on Mr. Prentiss with the same watch, saying the gentleman who -owned it had made up his mind to take the forty-five dollars offered, -and that he would act as his agent. Mr. Prentiss gave him the money, -and wrote a receipt, which Wilson signed “George Brown, for John Keys.” - -Nothing occurred to direct suspicion to either of our rogues as the -robbers of the mail till the middle of January, when a Mr. Jeffers, a -police officer of Baltimore, found reason to believe that Poteet and -Wilson were the persons who shot at the keeper of the penitentiary and -at the stage driver before mentioned. He sought them, and found Wilson -first, in a tavern. The robber drew a pistol from his pocket and bade -Mr. Jeffers stand off, but the latter seized him by the wrist and -collar and held him till the landlord came into the room. The landlord -took the pistol from Wilson at the request of Jeffers, who then asked -the culprit for the other, but he denied having any. However, after the -police officer had nearly strangled him he gave up another. Mr. Jeffers -thrust him into a chair, when he said, “Let me stand up, and I’ll give -it to you.” With the landlord’s assistance, Mr. Jeffers took him to a -magistrate’s office. He was committed to prison. - -The next day Mr. Jeffers visited him, and told him he had heard that -two men had offered to pawn a gold watch, and he believed from the -description that he was one of them. At the same time he gave Wilson a -description of the other man. Wilson replied that it was Porter, and -but for him, he, Wilson, would not have been in this difficulty. He -added that Porter had a better right to suffer than himself, and he -would therefore disclose the whole matter. His story, as told to Mr. -Jeffers, was as follows. - -He had gone out three several times with Porter to rob the Lancaster -mail, but his heart failing him, they returned without effecting their -purpose. When Porter and Poteet proposed to rob the Reading mail, he -would have had nothing to do with it, had he not feared that Porter -would kill him if he refused. He then described the robbery, and the -part each had taken in it, pretty much as we have related above. While -the pillage was going on, he said, he was very anxious to get away, but -Porter declared he would not hurry himself. He added that he was sorry -he had ever seen Porter. He was steady at work in Philadelphia till he -came and seduced him from his employment. He believed Porter would as -lief kill a man as eat his breakfast. All this confession took place -without any inducement on the part of Jeffers. - -This confession put the police of Baltimore on the look-out for Porter -and Poteet. On the ninth of February, Mr. Stewart, a constable, met -Porter in the street, and accosted him with a question concerning his -health. He added that he had been looking for him all day, and must -now take him with him. Porter asked him what he wanted, and on what -authority he arrested him. The officer replied that he carried his -authority in his face, and then asked if he knew Wilson or Poteet, or -could tell where they might be found. He denied all knowledge of them, -but followed Mr. Stewart quietly to his house. The officer searched -him, and took from him a powder-flask and a pair of pistols. Porter -asked if he meant to keep them, and the constable replied that he did. -Porter very sternly said, “I hope I shall live to buy another pair for -somebody.” He admitted before a magistrate that he knew Poteet. - -Mr. Stewart conducted Wilson to Philadelphia first, and Porter -afterwards. After they got into the stage, Wilson said that he believed -his case was hopeless, and that he would plead guilty to every charge -brought against him. Mr. Stewart asked him if he were not afraid to -undertake to rob a stage so full of passengers. “No,” replied the -villain, “three good men could rob a dozen at any time.” - -Poteet was also arrested, and consented to save his own life by -becoming state’s evidence. - -Porter’s demeanor after his arrest was marked by that cool courage that -seems to have been the only favorable trait in his character. He spoke -freely of his past life, without showing the least compunction, and -said that if the passengers had resisted, he would not have scrupled to -shed blood. - -On the 26th of April, 1830, James Porter and George Wilson were brought -before the circuit court, and the grand jury presented six bills of -indictment against them. - -They pleaded not guilty to all these indictments, and applied for -separate trials, which was granted. - -On the trial Wilson was identified as one of the robbers, by the -evidence of some of the passengers, as well as that of Poteet. The -watches taken from the passengers, and pawned by him, were produced in -court and sworn to. So were the weapons stolen from Mr. Watt’s shop. -The other facts relating to the robbery were proved, in substance, as -we have given them. - -The jury found a verdict of guilty. - -Porter was next arraigned, and found guilty on the same evidence. -Sentence of death was passed upon him and Wilson. After sentence Porter -showed contrition, but suffered with the same hardihood that he had -exhibited throughout. We can accord him no pity. He was the master -spirit, the ringleader, the captain of a band of highway robbers. He -had collected a gang about him, drilled, marshalled, and equipped them, -and led them forth to an unholy warfare against the peace and interest -of society. - -Wilson was pardoned by president Jackson; for what reason, we cannot -pretend to divine. The pardon set forth that certain disclosures were -expected from him but we never heard that he made any. - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes - -Obvious errors in punctuation were fixed. - -Some of the illustrations were relocated to be closer to the relevant -content. - -Page 38: “not much dis-disposed” changed to “not much disposed” - -Page 74: “question whe- the loss” changed to “question whether the loss” - -Page 115: “he ad not made a word” changed to “he had not made a word” - -Page 186: “he barricadoed” changed to “he barricaded” - -Page 193: “two of the villians” changed to “two of the villains” - -Page 233: “considerable innkeeqer” changed to “considerable innkeeper” - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIVES AND EXPLOITS OF THE MOST -NOTED HIGHWAYMEN, ROBBERS AND MURDERERS OF ALL NATIONS *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Lives and exploits of the most noted highwaymen, robbers and murderers of all nations</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Drawn from the most authentic sources and brought down to the present time</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Charles Whitehead</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 15, 2022 [eBook #68752]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Brian Coe and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIVES AND EXPLOITS OF THE MOST NOTED HIGHWAYMEN, ROBBERS AND MURDERERS OF ALL NATIONS ***</div> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</span></p> - - -<h1>LIVES AND EXPLOITS<br /> - -<span class="xsmall"><i>OF THE MOST NOTED</i></span><br /> - -<span class="big">HIGHWAYMEN,</span><br /> -ROBBERS AND MURDERERS,</h1> - -<p class="center">OF ALL NATIONS,<br /><br />DRAWN FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC SOURCES<br /><br /> - -AND BROUGHT DOWN TO<br /><br /> - -<span class="big">THE PRESENT TIME.</span></p> -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img001"> - <img src="images/001.jpg" class="w50" alt="two men on horseback in the woods" /> -</span></p> - - -<p class="center p2"> -WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="center p2"> -HARTFORD:<br /> -PUBLISHED BY SILAS ANDRUS & SON.<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - - -<table class="autotable"> -<tr><th colspan="2" class="tdr">Page.</th></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#CLAUDE_DU_VALL">Claude Du Vall,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_7">7</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#SAWNEY_BEANE">Sawney Beane,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_14">14</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#THOMAS_WYNNE">Thomas Wynne,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_18">18</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#THOMAS_WITHERINGTON">Thomas Witherington,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_22">22</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#JAMES_BATSON">James Batson,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_34">34</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#MULLED_SACK_alias_JOHN_COTTINGTON">Mulled Sack, <i>alias</i> John Cottington,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_47">47</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#CAPTAIN_JAMES_HIND">Capt. James Hind,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_50">50</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#THE_GERMAN_PRINCESS">The German Princess,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_61">61</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#CAPTAIN_DUDLEY">Capt. Dudley,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_76">76</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#WILLIAM_NEVISON">William Nevison,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_89">89</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#THE_GOLDEN_FARMER">The Golden Farmer,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_99">99</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#JONATHAN_SIMPSON">Jonathan Simpson,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_104">104</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#WILLIAM_CADY">William Cady,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_107">107</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#PATRICK_OBRIAN">Patrick O’Brian,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_114">114</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#THOMAS_RUMBOLD">Thomas Rumbold,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_117">117</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#WHITNEY">Whitney,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_134">134</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#TIM_BUCKELEY">Tim Buckeley,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_144">144</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#TOM_JONES">Tom Jones,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_147">147</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#ARTHUR_CHAMBERS">Arthur Chambers,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_151">151</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#STEPHEN_BUNCE">Stephen Bunce,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_157">157</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#JACK_OVET">Jack Ovet,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_164">164</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#TOM_DORBEL">Tom Dorbel,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_169">169</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#DICK_ADAMS">Dick Adams,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_172">172</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#WILLIAM_GETTINGS">William Gettings,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_176">176</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#NED_BONNET">Ned Bonnet,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_181">181</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#WILL_OGDEN_AND_TOM_REYNOLDS">Will Ogden and Tom Reynolds,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_187">187</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#JOHN_PRICE">John Price,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_190">190</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#JACK_SHEPHERD">Jack Shepherd,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_194">194</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#RICHARD_TURPIN">Richard Turpin,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_201">201</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#HENRY_SIMMS_alias_YOUNG_GENTLEMAN_HARRY">Henry Simms,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_216">216</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#JAMES_MACLAINE">James Maclaine,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_229">229</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#EUGENE_ARAM">Eugene Aram,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_245">245</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#GEORGE_BARRINGTON">George Barrington,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_260">260</a> -</td></tr> -<tr><td> -<a href="#JAMES_PORTER">James Porter,</a> -</td><td class="tdr page"> -<a href="#Page_281">281</a> -</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span></p> -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img002"> - <img src="images/002.jpg" class="w50" alt="Claude Du Vall" /> -</span></p> -<p class="center caption"><i>Claude Du Vall.</i> <a href="#Page_7">P. 7</a>.<br /></p> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CLAUDE_DU_VALL">CLAUDE DU VALL.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>It might very naturally be objected to us by some, that we should -introduce into our work the life of any highwayman, however celebrated, -whose fortune it was to have been born in France; but, without -insisting upon the celebrity of the person whose life we are about to -narrate, it will be sufficient to inform the objecting reader, that -many of the adventures achieved by Claude du Vall were performed in -England, and that he is accordingly, to all intents and purposes, -although a Frenchman by birth, an English highwayman.</p> - -<p>This noted person was born at Domfront, in Normandy.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> His father -was a miller, and his mother<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span> was descended from a worshipful race -of tailors. He was brought up in the Catholic faith, and received an -education suited to the profession for which he was intended,—namely, -that of a footman. But, although his father was careful to train up his -son in the religion of his ancestors, he was himself utterly without -religion. He talked more of good cheer than of the church; of sumptuous -feasts than of ardent faith; of good wine than of good works.</p> - -<p>Du Vall’s parents were exempted from the trouble and expense of rearing -their son at the age of thirteen. We first find him at Rouen, the -principal city of Normandy, in the character of a stable-boy. Here -he fortunately found retour horses going to Paris: upon one of these -he was permitted to ride, on condition of assisting to dress them at -night. His expenses were likewise defrayed by some English travellers -whom he met upon the road.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span></p> - -<p>Arrived at Paris, he continued at the same inn where the Englishmen -put up, and by running messages, or performing the meanest offices, -subsisted for a while. He continued in this humble station until the -restoration of Charles II., when multitudes from the continent resorted -to England. In the character of a footman to a person of quality, Du -Vall also repaired to England. The universal joy which seized the -nation upon that happy event contaminated the morals of all: riot, -dissipation, and every species of profligacy abounded. The young and -sprightly French footman entered keenly into these amusements. His -funds, however, being soon exhausted, he deemed it no great crime for -a Frenchman to exact contributions from the English. In a short time, -he became so dexterous in his new employment, that he had the honor of -being first named in an advertisement issued for the apprehending of -some notorious robbers.</p> - -<p>One day, Du Vall and some others espied a knight and his lady -travelling along in their coach. Seeing themselves in danger of being -attacked, the lady resorted to a flageolet, and commenced playing, -which she did very dexterously. Du Vall taking the hint, pulled one out -of his pocket, began to play, and in this posture approached the coach. -“Sir,” said he to the knight, “your lady performs excellently, and I -make no doubt she dances well; will you step out of the coach, and let -us have the honor to dance a courant with her upon the heath?” “I dare -not deny any thing, sir,” replied the knight readily, “to a gentleman -of your quality and good behavior; you seem a man of generosity, -and your request is perfectly reasonable.” Immediately the footman -opened the door, and the knight came out. Du Vall leaped lightly off -his horse, and handed the lady down. It was surprising to see how -gracefully he moved upon the grass: scarcely a dancing-master in London -but would have been proud to have shown such agility in a pair of -pumps, as Du Vall evinced in a pair of French riding-boots. As soon as -the dance was over, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span> handed the lady to the coach, but just as the -knight was stepping in, “Sir,” said he, “you forget to pay the music.” -His worship replied, that he never forgot such things, and instantly -put his hand under the seat of the coach, pulled out one hundred pounds -in a bag which he delivered to Du Vall, who received it with a very -good grace, and courteously answered, “Sir you are liberal, and shall -have no cause to regret your generosity; this hundred pounds, given so -handsomely is better than ten times the sum taken by force. Your noble -behavior has excused you the other three hundred pounds which you have -in the coach with you.” After this, he gave him his word that he might -pass undisturbed, if he met any other of his crew, and then wished them -a good journey.</p> - -<p>At another time, Du Vall and some of his associates met a coach upon -Blackheath, full of ladies, and a child with them. One of the gang -rode up to the coach, and in a rude manner robbed the ladies of their -watches and rings, and even seized a silver sucking bottle of the -child’s. The infant cried bitterly for its bottle, and the ladies -earnestly entreated he would only return that article to the child, -which he barbarously refused. Du Vall went forward to discover what -detained his accomplice, and, the ladies renewing their entreaties to -him, he instantly threatened to shoot his companion, unless he returned -that article, saying, “Sirrah, can’t you behave like a gentleman and -raise a contribution without stripping people? but, perhaps, you had -some occasion for the sucking-bottle, for, by your actions, one would -imagine you were hardly weaned.” This smart reproof had the desired -effect, and Du Vall, in a courteous manner, took his leave of the -ladies.</p> - -<p>One day Du Vall met Roper, master of the hounds to Charles II., who -was hunting in Windsor Forest; and, taking the advantage of a thicket, -demanded his money, or he would instantly take his life. Roper, without -hesitation, gave him his purse, containing at least fifty guineas: in -return for which, Du Vall bound<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span> him neck and heel, tied his horse to a -tree beside him, and rode across the country.</p> - -<p>It was a considerable time before the huntsmen discovered their master. -The squire, being at length released, made all possible haste to -Windsor, unwilling to venture himself into any more thickets for that -day, whatever might be the fortune of the hunt. Entering the town, he -was accosted by Sir Stephen Fox, who inquired if he had had any sport. -“Sport!” replied Roper, in a great passion, “yes, sir, I have had sport -enough from a villain who made me pay full dear for it; he bound me -neck and heels, contrary to my desire, and then took fifty guineas from -me to pay him for his labor, which I had much rather he had omitted.”</p> - -<p>England now became too contracted a sphere for the talents of our -adventurer; and, in consequence of a proclamation issued for his -detection, and his notoriety in the kingdom, Du Vall retired to his -native country. At Paris he lived in a very extravagant style, and -carried on war with rich travellers and fair ladies, and proudly -boasted that he was equally successful with both; but his warfare with -the latter was infinitely more agreeable, though much less profitable, -than with the former.</p> - -<p>There is one adventure of Du Vall at Paris, which we shall lay before -our readers. There was in that city a learned Jesuit, confessor to the -French king, who had rendered himself eminent, both by his politics and -his avarice. His thirst for money was insatiable, and increased with -his riches. Du Vall devised the following plan to obtain a share of the -immense wealth of this pious father.</p> - -<p>To facilitate his admittance into the Jesuit’s company, he dressed -himself as a scholar, and, waiting a favorable opportunity, went -up to him very confidently, and addressed him as follows: “May it -please your reverence, I am a poor scholar, who have been several -years travelling over strange countries, to learn experience in the -sciences, principally to serve mine own<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span> country, for whose advantage -I am determined to apply my knowledge, if I may be favored with -the patronage of a man so eminent as yourself.” “And what may this -knowledge of yours be?” replied the father, very much pleased. “If you -will communicate any thing to me that may be beneficial to France, I -assure you, no proper encouragement shall be wanting on my side.” Du -Vall, upon this, growing bolder, proceeded: “Sir, I have spent most of -my time in the study of alchymy, or the transmutation of metals, and -have profited so much at Rome and Venice, from great men learned in -that science, that I can change several metals into gold, by the help -of a philosophical powder which I can prepare very speedily.”</p> - -<p>The father confessor was more elated with this communication than all -the discoveries he had obtained in the way of his profession, and -his knowledge even of his royal penitent’s most private secrets gave -him less delight than the prospect of immense riches which now burst -upon his avaricious mind. “Friend,” said he, “such a thing as this -will be serviceable to the whole state, and particularly grateful to -the king, who, as his affairs go at present, stands in great need of -such a curious invention. But you must let me see some proof of your -skill, before I credit what you say, so far as to communicate it to -his majesty, who will sufficiently reward you, if what you promise -be demonstrated.” Upon this, the confessor conducted Du Vall to his -house, and furnished him with money to erect a laboratory, and to -purchase such other materials as were requisite, in order to proceed in -this invaluable operation, charging him to keep the secret from every -living soul. Utensils being fixed, and every thing in readiness, the -Jesuit came to witness the wonderful operation. Du Vall took several -metals and minerals of the basest sort, and put them in a crucible, -his reverence viewing every one as he put them in. Our alchymist had -prepared a hollow tube, into which he conveyed several sprigs of real -gold; with this seeming stick he stirred the operation,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span> which, with -its heat, melted the gold, and the tube at the same time, so that -it sank imperceptibly into the vessel. When the excessive fire had -consumed all the different materials which he had put in, the gold -remained pure, to the quantity of an ounce and a half. This the Jesuit -ordered to be examined, and, ascertaining that it was actually pure -gold, he became devoted to Du Vall, and, blinded with the prospect of -future advantage, credited every thing our impostor said, furnishing -him with whatever he demanded, in hopes of being made master of this -extraordinary secret. Thus were our alchymist and Jesuit, according to -the old saying, as “great as two pickpockets.” Du Vall was a professed -robber; and what is a court favorite but a picker of the people’s -pockets? So that it was two sharpers endeavoring to outsharp one -another. The confessor was as candid as Du Vall could wish; he showed -him all his treasures, and several rich jewels which he had received -from the king; hoping, by these obligations, to incline him to discover -his wonderful secrets with more alacrity. In short, he became so -importunate, that Du Vall was apprehensive of too minute an inquiry, if -he denied the request any longer: he therefore appointed a day when the -whole was to be disclosed. In the mean time, he took an opportunity of -stealing into the chamber where the riches were deposited, and where -his reverence generally slept after dinner; finding him in deep repose, -he gently bound him, then took his keys, and unhoarded as much of his -wealth as he could carry off unsuspected; after which, he quickly took -leave of him and France.</p> - -<p>It is uncertain how long Du Vall continued his depredations after his -return to England; but we are informed, that in a fit of intoxication -he was detected at the Hole-in-the-Wall, in Chandos street, committed -to Newgate, convicted, condemned, and executed at Tyburn, in the -twenty-seventh year of his age, on the 1st of January 1669: and so much -had his gallantries and handsome figure rendered him the favorite of -the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span> fair sex, that many a bright eye was dimmed at his funeral; his -corpse was bedewed with the tears of beauty, and his actions and death -were celebrated by the immortal author of the inimitable Hudibras. He -was buried with many flambeaux, amidst a numerous train of mourners, -(most of them ladies,) in the middle aisle of the church in Covent -Garden.</p> - - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> We find, by reference to an old Life of Du Vall, published -in 1670, that Domfront was a place by no means unlikely to have -produced our adventurer. Indeed, it appears that common honesty was -a most uncommon ingredient in the moral economy of the place, as the -following curious extract from the work in question will abundantly -testify:—</p> - -<p>“In the days of Charles IX. the curate of Domfront, (for so the -French name him whom we call parson, and vicar,) out of his own head -began a strange innovation and oppression in that parish; that is, -he absolutely denied to baptize any of their children, if they would -not, at the same time, pay him his funeral fees: and what was worse, -he would give them no reason for this alteration, but only promised -to enter bond for himself and successors, that hereafter, all persons -paying so at their christening should be buried <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">gratis</i>. What -think ye the poor people did in this case? They did not pull his -surplice over his ears, nor tear his mass-book, nor throw crickets at -his head: no, they humbly desired him to alter his resolutions, and -amicably reasoned with him; but he, being a capricious fellow, gave -them no other answer, but ‘What I have done, I have done; take your -remedy where you can find it; it is not for men of my coat to give an -account of my actions to the laity;’ which was a surly and quarrelsome -answer, and unbefitting a priest. Yet this did not provoke his -parishioners to speak one ill word against his person or function, or -to do any illegal act. They only took the regular way of complaining of -him to his ordinary, the archbishop of Rouen. Upon summons, he appears: -the archbishop takes him up roundly, tells him he deserves deprivation, -if that can be proved which is objected against him, and asked him what -he had to say for himself. After his due reverence, he answers, that -he acknowledges the fact, to save the time of examining witnesses; -but desires his grace to hear his reasons, and then do unto him as he -shall see cause. ‘I have,’ says he, ‘been curate of this parish seven -years; in that time I have, one year with another, baptized a hundred -children, and buried not one. At first I rejoiced at my good fortune -to be placed in so good an air; but, looking into the register-book, I -found, for a hundred years back, near the same number yearly baptized, -and no one above five years old buried; and which did more amaze me, -I find the number of communicants to be no greater <em>now</em> than -they were <em>then</em>. This seemed to me a great mystery; but, upon -farther inquiry, I found out the true cause of it; for all that were -<em>born</em> at Domfront were <em>hanged</em> at Rouen. I did this to keep -my parishioners from hanging, encouraging them to die at home, the -burial duties being already paid.’</p> - -<p>“The archbishop demanded of the parishioners whether this was true or -not. They answered, that too many of them came to that unlucky end at -Rouen. ‘Well, then,’ says he, ‘I approve of what the curate has done, -and will cause my secretary, in <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">perpetuam rei memoriam</i>, to make -an act of it;’ which act the curate carried home with him, and the -parish cheerfully submitted to it, and have found much good by it; for -within less than twenty years, there died <em>fifteen</em> of natural -deaths, and now there die three or four yearly.”</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SAWNEY_BEANE">SAWNEY BEANE.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The following narrative presents such a picture of human barbarity, -that, were it not attested by the most unquestionable historical -evidence, it would be rejected as altogether fabulous and incredible.</p> - -<p>Sawney Beane was born in the county of East Lothian, about eight miles -east of Edinburgh, in the reign of James I. of Scotland. His father -was a hedger and ditcher, and brought up his son to the same laborious -employment. Naturally idle and vicious, he abandoned that place in -company with a young woman equally idle and profligate, and retired -to the deserts of Galloway, where they took up their habitation by -the sea-side. The place which Sawney and his wife selected for their -dwelling was a cave of about a mile in length, and of considerable -breadth, so near the sea, that the tide often penetrated into the cave -above two hundred yards. The entry had many intricate windings and -turnings, leading to the extremity of the subterraneous dwelling, which -was literally “the habitation of horrid cruelty.”</p> - -<p>Sawney and his wife took shelter in this cave, and commenced their -depredations. To prevent the possibility of detection, they murdered -every person they robbed. Destitute also of the means of obtaining any -other food, they resolved to live upon human flesh. Accordingly, when -they had murdered any man, woman,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span> or child, they carried them to their -den, quartered them, salted the limbs, and dried them for food. In this -manner they lived, carrying on their depredations and murder, until -they had eight sons and six daughters, eighteen grandsons and fourteen -granddaughters, all the offspring of incest.</p> - -<p>But though they soon became numerous, yet such was the multitude -which fell into their hands, that they had often superabundance of -provisions, and would, at a distance from their own habitation, throw -legs and arms of dried human bodies into the sea by night. These were -often cast out by the tide, and taken up by the country people, to the -great consternation and dismay of all the surrounding inhabitants. Nor -could any one discover what had befallen the many friends, relations, -and neighbors who had unfortunately fallen into the hands of these -merciless cannibals.</p> - -<p>In proportion as Sawney’s family increased, every one that was able -acted his part in these horrid assassinations. They would sometimes -attack four or six men on foot, but never more than two upon horseback. -To prevent the possibility of escape, they would lie in ambush in every -direction, that if they escaped those who first attacked, they might be -assailed with renewed fury by another party, and inevitably murdered. -By this means they always secured their prey, and prevented detection.</p> - -<p>At last, however, the vast number who were slain roused the inhabitants -of the country, and all the woods and lurking-places were carefully -searched; yet, though they often passed by the mouth of the horrible -den, it was never once suspected that any human being resided there. In -this state of uncertainty and suspense concerning the authors of such -frequent massacres, several innocent travellers and innkeepers were -taken up on suspicion, because the persons who were missing had been -seen last in their company, or had last resided at their houses. The -effect of this well-meant and severe justice constrained the greater<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span> -part of the innkeepers in those parts to abandon such employments, to -the great inconvenience of those who travelled through that district.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, the country became depopulated, and the whole nation was -at a loss to account for the numerous and unheard-of villanies and -cruelties that were perpetrated, without the slightest clue to the -discovery of the abominable actors. At length Providence interposed -in the following manner to terminate the horrible scene. One evening, -a man and his wife were riding home upon the same horse from a -fair which had been held in the neighborhood, and, being attacked, -the husband made a most vigorous resistance: his wife, however, -was dragged from behind him, carried to a little distance, and her -entrails instantly taken out. Struck with grief and horror, the husband -continued to redouble his efforts to escape, and even trod some of -the assassins down under his horse’s feet. Fortunately for him, and -for the inhabitants of that part of the country, in the mean time, -twenty or thirty in a company came riding home from the fair. Upon -their approach, Sawney and his bloody crew fled into a thick wood, and -hastened to their infernal den.</p> - -<p>This man, who was the first that had ever escaped out of their hands, -related to his neighbors what had happened, and showed them the mangled -body of his wife lying at a distance, the bloodthirsty wretches not -having time to carry it along with them. They were all struck with -astonishment and horror, took him with them to Glasgow, and reported -the whole adventure to the chief magistrate of the city, who, upon this -information, instantly wrote to the king, informing him of the matter.</p> - -<p>In a few days, his majesty in person, accompanied by four hundred men, -went in quest of the perpetrators of these horrible cruelties. The man, -whose wife had been murdered before his eyes, went as their guide, with -a great number of bloodhounds, that no possible means might be left -unattempted to discover the haunt of such execrable villains.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p> - -<p>They searched the woods, and traversed and examined the sea-shore; -but, though they passed by the entrance into their cave, they had no -suspicion that any creature resided in that dark and dismal abode. -Fortunately, however, some of the bloodhounds entered the cave, -raising an uncommon barking and noise, an indication that they were -about to seize their prey. The king and his men returned, but could -scarcely conceive how any human being could reside in a place of utter -darkness, and where the entrance was difficult and narrow; but, as the -bloodhounds increased in their vociferation, and refused to return, it -occurred to all that the cave ought to be explored to the extremity. -Accordingly, a sufficient number of torches was provided; the hounds -were permitted to pursue their course; a great number of men penetrated -through all the intricacies of the path, and at length arrived at the -private residence of the horrible cannibals.</p> - -<p>They were followed by all the band, who were shocked to behold a sight -unequalled in Scotland, if not in any part of the universe. Legs, arms, -thighs, hands, and feet, of men, women, and children, were suspended -in rows like dried beef. Some limbs and other members were soaked in -pickle; while a great mass of money, both of gold and silver, watches, -rings, pistols, clothes, both linen and woollen, with an immense -quantity of other articles, were either thrown together in heaps, or -suspended upon the sides of the cave.</p> - -<p>The whole cruel, brutal family, to the number formerly mentioned, -were seized; the human flesh buried in the sand of the sea-shore; the -immense booty carried away, and the king marched to Edinburgh with the -prisoners. This new and wretched spectacle attracted the attention -of the inhabitants, who flocked from all quarters to see, as they -passed along, so bloody and unnatural a family, which had increased, -in the space of twenty-five years, to the number of twenty-seven men -and twenty-one women. Arrived in the capital, they were all confined -in the Tolbooth under<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span> a strong guard, and were next day conducted to -the common place of execution in Leith Walk, and executed without any -formal trial, it being deemed unnecessary to try those who were avowed -enemies of all mankind, and of all social order.</p> - -<p>The enormity of their crimes dictated the severity of their death. -The men had their entrails thrown into the fire, their hands and legs -were severed from their bodies, and they were permitted to bleed to -death. The wretched mother of the whole crew, the daughters, and -grandchildren, after being spectators of the death of the men, were -cast into three separate fires, and consumed to ashes. Nor did they, -in general, display any signs of repentance or regret, but continued, -with their last breath, to pour forth the most dreadful curses and -imprecations upon all around, and upon those who were instrumental in -consigning them to the hands of a tardy but a certain and inevitable -justice.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THOMAS_WYNNE">THOMAS WYNNE.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This notorious criminal was born at Ipswich, where he continued till -he was between fifteen and sixteen, and then went to sea. Nine years -after, coming to London, and associating with loose company, especially -with women of the most infamous character, he left no villainy undone -for the support of himself and them in their extravagances, till at -last he became so expert in house-breaking and all sorts of theft, that -he was esteemed the most remarkable villain of his time.</p> - -<p>It was in the reign of queen Elizabeth that our artist flourished: -accordingly, we find that he had the boldness to rob the royal lodgings -at Whitehall palace of plate to the amount of 400<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> for which -he was taken and committed to Newgate. But fortunately for him, her -majesty’s act of grace coming out, granting a free<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span> pardon for all -offences except murder, treason, and other notorious crimes, he was -allowed the benefit of that act, and thus obtained his liberty. But -neither the royal clemency, nor the imminent danger to which he had -been exposed, had any effect upon the obdurate heart of Wynne; for, -pursuing his villanies, he was soon constrained to hire himself as -under servant in the kitchen, to the earl of Salisbury, to avoid -detection. While he was in this post, he had the audacity to make love -to the countess’s woman, who, astonished at such insolence in a fellow -of his rank, returned his addresses with the greatest contempt. This -exasperated Wynne so much, that his pretended love turned to hatred, -and he vowed revenge. He embraced an opportunity, and used her in a -very brutal manner, until she was under the necessity of calling to -the other servants for assistance. The poor woman took to her bed, -and remained very unwell for some time. The master, informed of this -shocking piece of cruelty, ordered Wynne to be whipped by the coachman, -and the same to be repeated once a week during a month. Though Wynne -was happy in having satiated his vengeance upon the woman who had -contemptuously spurned his addresses, yet he was not very much in love -with the reward assigned him by his master; therefore, robbing the -coachman of nine pounds, borrowing fifteen pounds of the master-cook, -carrying off a silver cup of the master’s, and all the best clothes -of the woman whom he had so greatly injured, he went in quest of new -adventures.</p> - -<p>At that time innkeepers were not so active as now; Wynne therefore -often dressed himself in the garb of a porter, and carried off parcels -consigned to carriers, and continued undetected in this practice, until -he had acquired about two hundred pounds, for which the different -carriers had to pay through their neglect. Taught by experience, -however, they began to look better after the goods entrusted to their -care, so that Wynne had to turn to a new employment.</p> - -<p>One day, hearing a man inform his wife, as he was going out, that it -would be five or six hours before<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span> he would return, he followed him -until he saw him go into a tavern; and, after getting acquainted with -the name of the landlord, he went back to the man’s neighborhood, and -discovered his name also. Having obtained this intelligence, he goes -to the man’s wife, and informs her that her husband is taken suddenly -ill, and wishes to see her before his death. Upon this the poor woman -cried bitterly, and, after giving the maid orders to take care of the -house, she ran off with this pretended messenger to the place where her -husband was supposed to be in the jaws of death.</p> - -<p>They had not proceeded far, when Wynne, upon pretence of business -in a different part of the town, left her to prosecute her -journey,—returned back to the house, and told the maid, that “her -mistress had sent him to acquaint her, that if she did not come home -by such an hour, she might go to bed, for she should not come home all -night.” Wynne in the mean time seeming out of breath with haste, the -maid civilly requested him to come in and rest himself. This according -with his wishes, he immediately complied, and, when the maid was going -to fetch him some meat, he suddenly knocked her down, bound her hand -and foot, and robbed the house of every thing he could carry off, to -the amount of 200<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i></p> - -<p>Wynne, having reigned eight years in his villanies, formed a strong -desire to rob a linen-draper who had retired from business, and with -his wife was living upon the fruits of his industry. He accordingly -one evening broke into their house, and, to prevent discovery, cut -both their throats while they were asleep, and rifled the house to the -amount of 2500<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i>; and, to prevent detection, sailed to Virginia, -with his wife and four children.</p> - -<p>The two old people not appearing in the neighborhood next day as usual, -and the doors remaining locked, the neighbors were alarmed, sent for a -constable and burst open the doors, when they found them weltering in -their blood, and their house pillaged. Diligent search was made, and -a poor man, who begged<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span> his bread, was taken up on suspicion, because -he had been seen about the doors, and sitting upon a bench belonging -to the house the day before: and although nothing but circumstantial -evidence appeared against him, he was tried, condemned, and executed -before the door of the house, and his body hung in chains at Holloway.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Wynne, the murderer, was in safety in a foreign land. It -also happened, that by the price of innocent blood he prospered, and -his riches greatly increased. After he had resided twenty years in -Virginia, where his family became numerous, and his riches great, he -resolved to visit England before his death, and then to return to -deposit his bones in a foreign grave. During his stay in London, he -one day went into a goldsmith’s shop in Cheapside, to purchase some -plate that he intended to take home with him. It happened, while the -goldsmith was weighing the plate which Wynne had purchased, that an -uproar took place in the street, occasioned by the circumstance of a -gentleman running off from certain bailiffs who were conducting him -to prison. Upon this Wynne ran also out into the street, and hearing -somebody behind him crying out, “Stop him! stop him!” his conscience -instantly awoke, so that he stopped, and exclaimed, “I am the man!” -“You the man!” cried the people; “what man?” “The man,” replied Wynne, -“that committed such a murder in Honey lane twenty years ago, for which -a poor man was hanged wrongfully!”</p> - -<p>Upon this confession he was carried before a magistrate, to whom he -repeated the same acknowledgment, and was committed to Newgate, tried, -condemned, and executed before the house where he perpetrated the -horrid deed. In this manner the justice of Heaven pursued this guilty -wretch long after he thought himself beyond the reach of punishment. -Justice also overtook his family, who were privy to his guilt. Upon the -intelligence of his shameful end, his wife immediately became deranged, -and continued so to her<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span> death. Two of his sons were hanged in Virginia -for robbery, and the whole family were soon reduced to beggary.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THOMAS_WITHERINGTON">THOMAS WITHERINGTON.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This person was the son of a worthy gentleman of Carlisle, in the -county of Cumberland, who possessed a considerable estate, and brought -up his children suitably to his condition. Thomas, the subject of this -memoir, received a liberal education, as his father intended that he -should live free from the toil and hazard of business. The father -dying, Thomas came into possession of the estate, which soon procured -him a rich wife, who afterwards proved the chief cause of his ruin. She -was loose in her conduct, and violated her matrimonial obligations, -which drove him from his house to seek happiness in the tavern, or in -the company of abandoned women. These by degrees perverted all the -good qualities he possessed; nor was his estate less subject to ruin -and decay; for the mortgages he made on it, in order to support his -luxury and profusion, soon reduced his circumstances to the lowest -ebb. Undisciplined in poverty, how could a man of his late affluent -fortune, and unacquainted with business, procure a maintenance? He was -possessed of too independent a spirit to stoop either to relations or -friends for a precarious subsistence, and to solicit the benevolence -of his fellow-men was what his soul abhorred. Starve he could not, -and only one way of living presented itself to his choice—levying -contributions on the road. This he followed for six or seven years with -tolerable success; and we shall now relate a few of his most remarkable -adventures.</p> - -<p>Upon his first outset he repaired to a friend, and with a grave face -lamented his late irregularities, and declared<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span> his determination to -live by some honest means; but for this purpose he required a little -money to assist him in establishing himself, and hoped his friend would -find it convenient to accommodate him. His friend was overjoyed at the -prospect of his amendment and willingly lent him fifty pounds, with -as many blessings and exhortations. But Witherington frustrated the -expectations of his friend, and with the money bought himself a horse -and other necessaries fit for his future enterprises.</p> - -<p>One night he stopped at Keswick in Cumberland, where he met with the -dean of Carlisle. Being equally learned, they found each other’s -company very agreeable, and Witherington passed himself off for a -gentleman who had just returned from the East Indies with a handsome -competency, and was returning to his friends at Carlisle, among whom -he had a rich uncle, who had lately died and left him sole heir to -his estate. “True,” said the dean, “I have often heard of a relation -of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Witherington’s being in the East Indies; but his family, I can -assure you, have received repeated information of his death, and what -prejudice this may have done to your affairs at Carlisle, to-morrow -will be the best witness.” The dean then told him his own history, and -concluded in these words:—“And I am now informed that, to support his -extravagance, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Witherington frequents the road, and takes a purse -wherever he can extort it.” Our adventurer seemed greatly hurt at -this account of his cousin’s conduct, and thanked the doctor for his -information. Being both fond of their bottle, they spent the evening -very agreeably, promising to travel together on the following day to -Carlisle.</p> - -<p>Having arrived at a wood on the road, Witherington rode close up -to the dean, and whispered into his ear, “Sir, though the place at -which we now are is private enough, yet willing that what I do should -be still more private, I take the liberty to acquaint you, that -you have something about you that will do me an infinite piece of -service.”—“What’s that?” answered the doctor;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span> “you shall have it with -all my heart.”—“I thank you for your civility,” said Witherington. -“Well then, to be plain, the money in your breeches-pocket will be -very serviceable to me at the present moment.”—“Money!” rejoined the -doctor; “sir, you cannot want money; your garb and person both tell me -you are in no want.”—“Ay, but I am; for the ship in which I came over -happened to be wrecked, so that I have lost all I brought from India; -and I would not enter Carlisle for the whole world without money in my -pocket.”—“Friend, I may urge the same plea, and say I would not go -into that city without money for the world; but what then? If you are -<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Witherington’s nephew, as you pretend to be, you would not thus -peremptorily demand money of me, for at Carlisle your friends will -supply you; and if you have none now, I will bear your expenses to -that place.”—“Sir,” said Witherington, “the question is not whether I -have money or not, but concerning that which is in your pocket; for, -as you say, my cousin is obliged to take purses on the road, and so am -I; so that if I take yours, you may ride to Carlisle, and say that <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Witherington met you and demanded your charity.” After a good deal of -expostulation, the dean, terrified at the sight of a pistol, delivered -to Witherington a purse containing fifty guineas, before he pursued his -journey to Carlisle, and our adventurer set off in search of more prey.</p> - -<p>Witherington being at Newcastle, put up at an inn where some -commissioners were to meet that day, to make choice of a schoolmaster -for a neighboring parish. The salary being very handsome, many spruce -young clergymen and students appeared as competitors: and, being -possessed of sufficient qualifications, Witherington bethought him -of standing a candidate, for which purpose he borrowed coarse, plain -clothes from the landlord, to make his appearance correspond with the -conduct he meant to pursue. Repairing to the kitchen, and sitting down -by the fire, he called for a mug of ale, putting on a very dejected -countenance.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span> One of the freeholders who came to vote, observing him as -he stood warming himself by the fire, was taken with his countenance, -and entered into conversation with him. He very modestly let the -freeholder know that he had come with the intention of standing a -candidate, but when he saw so many gay young men as competitors, and -fearing that every thing would be carried by interest, he resolved to -return home. “Nay,” replied the honest freeholder, “as long as I have -a vote, justice shall be done; and never fear, for egad, I say, merit -shall have the place, and if thou be found the best scholar, thou shalt -certainly have it; and to show you I am sincere, I now, though you -are a stranger to me, promise you my vote, and my interest likewise.” -Witherington thanked him for his civility, and consented to wait for -the trial. A keen contest took place between two of the most successful -candidates, when our adventurer was introduced as a man who had so -much modesty as to make him fearful of appearing before so great an -assembly, but who nevertheless wished to be examined. He confronted the -two opponents, and exposed their ignorance to the trustees, who were -all astonished at the stranger. He showed it was not a number of Greek -and Latin sentences that constituted a good scholar, but a thorough -knowledge of the nature of the book which he read, and the ability to -discover the design of the author. Suffice it to say, that Witherington -was installed into the office with all the usual formalities.</p> - -<p>Conducting himself with much moderation and humility, the churchwardens -of the parish took a great fancy to him, and made him overseer and -tax-gatherer to the parish; and the rector likewise committed to his -care the collection of his rents and tithes. This friendly disposition -towards Witherington extended itself over the parish, and never -was a man believed to be more honest or industrious. Of the latter -qualification, we must say, in this instance, he showed himself -possessed; but of the former he had never any notion. His opinion -had great weight with the heads of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span> parish, and he proposed the -erection of a new school-house, and for this purpose offered, himself, -to sink a year’s salary towards a subscription. It was willingly agreed -to, and contributions came in from all quarters, and a sum exceeding -700<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> was speedily raised. The mind of Witherington was now -big with hope, but, being discovered by two gentlemen who had come -from Carlisle, he made off with all the subscriptions and funds in his -possession, leaving the parish to reflect upon the honesty of their -schoolmaster and their own credulity.</p> - -<p>He went to Buckinghamshire, and, being at an inn in the county town, -fell into the company of some farmers, who, he discovered, had come -to meet their landlord with their rents. They were all tenants of the -same proprietor, and poured out many complaints against him for his -harshness and injustice, in not allowing some deduction from their -rents, or time after quarter-day, when they met with severe losses from -bad weather or other causes. He learned that this landlord was very -rich, and so miserly that he denied himself even the necessaries of -life; our adventurer, therefore, determined, if possible, to rifle him -before he parted.</p> - -<p>The landlord soon arrived, and the company were shown into a private -room; Witherington, upon pretence of being a friend of one of the -farmers, and a lawyer, accompanied them. He requested a sight of the -last receipts, and examined them with great care, and then addressing -the landlord, “Sir,” said he, “these honest men, my friends, have been -your tenants for a long time, and have paid their rents very regularly; -but why they should be so fond of your farms at so high a rent I am -unable to comprehend, when they may get other lands much cheaper; -and that you should be so unreasonable as not to allow a reduction -in their rents in a season like this, when they must lose instead of -gaining by their farms. It is your duty, sir, to encourage them, and -not to grind them so unmercifully, else they will soon be obliged to -leave your farms altogether.” The landlord endeavored to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span> argue the -point; and the farmers seeing the drift of Witherington, refrained from -interfering. “It is unnecessary,” resumed Witherington, “to have more -parley about it; I insist, on behalf of my friends here, that you remit -them a hundred and fifty pounds of the three hundred you expect them to -pay you, for I am told you have more than enough to support yourself -and family.” “Not a sous,” replied the landlord. “We’ll try that -presently. But pray, sir, take your pen, ink, and paper, in the mean -time, and write out their receipts, and the money shall be forthcoming -immediately.” “Not a letter, till the money is in my hands.” “It must -be so, then,” answered Witherington; “you will force a good-natured -man to use extremities with you;” and so saying, he laid a brace of -loaded pistols on the table. In a moment the landlord was on his knees, -crying, “Oh! dear sir, sweet sir, kind sir, merciful sir, for God of -Heaven’s sake, sir, don’t take away the life of an innocent man, sir, -who never intended harm to any one, sir.” “Why, what harm do I intend -you, friend? Cannot I lay the pistols I travel with on the table, but -you must throw yourself into this unnecessary fear? Pray, proceed with -the receipts, and write them in full of all demands to this time, or -else—”—“Oh, God, sir! Oh, dear sir! you have an intention—pray, -dear sir, have no intention against my life.” “To the receipts then, -or by Jupiter Ammon! I’ll—”—“O yes, I will, sir.” With this the old -landlord wrote full receipts, and delivered them to the respective -farmers.</p> - -<p>“Come,” said Witherington, “this is honest, and to show you that you -have to deal with honest people, here is the hundred and fifty pounds; -and I promise you, in the name of these honest men, that if things -succeed well, you shall have the other half next quarter-day.” The -farmers paid the money, and departed astonished, and not a little -afraid, at the consequences of this proceeding. Witherington ordered -his horse, and inquired of the ostler the road the old gentleman had to -travel, and presently took his departure.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span></p> - -<p>He chose the road which the old gentleman had to travel, and soon -observed him jogging away in sullen silence, with a servant behind -him. When he observed our hero, he would have fled, but Witherington -seized the bridle of his horse, and forced him to proceed, bantering -him upon the folly of hoarding up wealth, without enjoying it himself, -merely for some spendthrift son to squander after his death. “For,” he -continued, “money is a blessing sent us from Heaven, in order that, by -its circulation, it may afford nourishment to the body politic; and -if such wretches as you, by laying up thousands in your coffers to no -advantage, cause a stagnation, there are thousands in the world that -must feel the consequences, and I am to acquaint you of them; so that a -better deed cannot be done, than to bestow what you have about you upon -me; for, to be plain with you, I am not to be refused;” and hereupon -he presented his pistol. The old gentleman, in trepidation for his -life, resigned his purse, containing more than three hundred and fifty -guineas; and Witherington, unbuckling the portmanteau from behind the -servant, placed it on his own horse, and left the old landlord with -an admonition, to be in future affable and generous to his tenants, -for they were the persons who supported him, adding, that if he ever -again heard complaints from them, he would visit his house, and partake -liberally of what he most coveted.</p> - -<p>The county, after this adventure, was up in pursuit of Witherington, -and he retired to Cheshire with great expedition. The first house -he put up at was an inn kept by a young widow, noted as well for -her kindness to travellers, as her wealth and beauty. She paid -our adventurer great attention, and invited him to be of a party, -consisting of some friends, which she was to have that evening. He -was not blind to the charms of the widow, and gladly accepted the -invitation. The company he found to consist chiefly of gentlemen, who, -he could discover, were angling for the widow’s riches. Witherington -gained great favor in the eyes of the lady, and she asked him to favor -the company with a song,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span> as she was sure, from his sweet clear voice, -he could perform well. Witherington wanting no farther importunity from -a person he had fixed his affections upon, complied with the request, -and sang an amorous ditty, very applicable to his present situation, -and, with the assistance of a side glance and a sigh, enabled the widow -to draw the most favorable inferences. He was completely successful, -and the widow evidently vanquished. Witherington was now requested by -the widow to relate some story concerning himself, “as certainly a -person who could make himself so agreeable, and make others take such -an interest in his welfare, could not fail to have met with something -remarkable in his lifetime.” Witherington was all compliance, and -begged leave to give a short recital of his life; and the company were -anxious that he should proceed, expecting to be informed of something -marvellous and mysterious.</p> - -<p>He invented an artful story, the drift of which was to give the widow -a high idea of himself, of the power that love had over him, and of -the generosity of his own mind. His greatest misfortune, he said, was -disappointment in love, the object of his choice having been stolen -from him by an old rich uncle, against her inclination, and he stated -that he had just left home, in order to divert his mind from the -melancholy with which this had overcast him; “chance,” said he, in -conclusion, “has thrown me into this hospitable house, where I cannot -but own I have found as much beauty as I have been unfortunately -deprived of.”</p> - -<p>This story excited considerable interest throughout the company, more -particularly in the breast of the widow, towards whom Witherington -now evinced unequivocal marks of attention, which seemed to excite -considerable jealousy in some of the gentlemen present. They all -parted, however, on the most friendly terms, and our adventurer -resolved to stay some time at Nantwich, in order to follow out this -adventure. Next morning, Witherington renewed his assiduities, and both -he and the amorous widow were equally gratified<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span> with each other’s -company; at length, determined to carry his point by a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">coup de -grace</i>, he declared a most ardent passion for her, which, after much -prefacing and many assurances, was returned tenfold. She assured him, -at the same time, that he had many rivals, but over these he had gained -the pre-eminence, in her estimation.</p> - -<p>A few days after the first interview with the other suitors at the inn, -Witherington’s ascendancy was so evident, that a rival, who imagined -he had the game within reach, was seriously alarmed, and had recourse -to stratagem to free himself from such an opponent. For this purpose -he sent for Witherington, and, with every appearance of disinterested -friendship, informed him, that he had sent for him to caution him -against further intimacy with the widow, to whom he confessed he once -paid matrimonial court, but that he had thrown her completely off since -he had discovered the measure of her guilt, and congratulated himself -upon his escape. Expressing his detestation of the character of a -defamer, and solemnly avowing the purity of his motives, he informed -Witherington, that the widow was most fickle and insincere in her -attachment, as any one might have discovered at the supper party: and, -in order to gratify this wavering inclination, she had poisoned her -last husband. He entreated him then, as he valued his own happiness -and security, to desist from prosecuting his intentions farther, and -hoped Witherington would pardon the liberty he had taken; for, hearing -his acquaintance was to end in marriage, and considering the fortunate -escape he had himself made, he was bound to prevent a stranger from -being imposed upon.</p> - -<p>Witherington at once saw the drift of his rival, and humored him -accordingly. He seemed shocked at the baseness of the widow, and joined -the other in self-congratulation. He thanked the gentleman for his -kindly warning, and told him to leave the affair to his management, -and he would soon discover the depth of her guilt; and that as they -both seemed to have one<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span> object in view, namely, the possession of her -money, they might then be able to make what use of the circumstances -they found convenient and proper. The gentleman seemed satisfied, and -they parted for the present.</p> - -<p>Our adventurer returning to the inn, acquainted the widow with the -whole conversation between him and the gentleman. She was greatly -incensed, declared the world was very censorious, and vowed revenge -at whatever price. Witherington judging that a rupture was about to -take place, thought it high time to take advantage of the credulous -woman; so, that evening, taking her aside, he observed to her that the -best way of revenging herself upon his rival would be, if she had any -serious intention of marrying him, to show her inclination by some mark -of her favor that might distinguish him above his rival. Glad of this -opportunity, she conveyed him into a closet, where, showing him all -her money and plate, she told him that all these were at his service, -provided he could deliver her from the importunities of the gentleman. -Witherington assured her that she might depend upon him, and, taking -his leave for the night, retired to his chamber. Here he wrote the -following letter to the widow:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p> -“<span class="smcap">My Dear</span>,<br /> -</p> - -<p>“Ever mindful of what a woman says, especially one who has been -pleased to set her affections on me, I have written this letter purely -to acquaint you that, being obliged to go to London, and the journey -being pretty long, I could not do better than make use of the money -in the closet which you were so good as to say was at my service. I -was in exceeding haste when I began to write this, so that I can spare -no more time than to request you to be sure of thinking of me till my -return.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">T. Witherington.</span>”<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<p>After writing this he went privately into the widow’s closet and -secured all her ready money, which amounted to above three hundred -pounds; then, going into<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span> the stable, saddled his horse, mounted, and -rode out at the back door, leaving the family fast asleep, and the -widow and the gentleman lover to prosecute their amours as they thought -fit.</p> - -<p>Witherington, not yet content with the spoil obtained from the parish -and from the widow, repaired to the London road, where he perpetrated -a robbery between Acton and Uxbridge; after which he was detected and -committed to Newgate, where he led a most profligate life till the day -of his execution.</p> - -<p>He was executed with Jonathan Woodward and James Philpot, two most -notorious housebreakers, who had once before received mercy from -king James I. upon his accession to the throne. One of the name of -Elliot, the son of a respectable lady then living, was condemned at -the same time, but afterwards pardoned. This individual, thus restored -to society by the royal clemency, afterwards became a worthy citizen -and a good Christian. Out of compassion for other criminals, and in -acknowledgment of the king’s favor, his mother, upon her death-bed, -bequeathed a handsome sum to the parish of <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Sepulchre’s in London, -upon the condition of finding a man who should always, between the -hours of eleven and twelve o’clock of the night previous to the -execution of any unhappy criminal, go under Newgate, and, giving notice -of his approach by the ringing of a bell, remind the prisoners of -their approaching end, by repeating religious exhortations, tending to -prepare them for death. Witherington and his companions in death were -the first to whom these exhortations were given; and as the design -is truly benevolent, and as they are often fraught with incalculable -blessings to the guilty, we will gratify our readers by the insertion -of them, and with this close the life of Witherington.</p> - -<p>The person appointed, after inquiring of the criminals if they are -awake, and being answered in the affirmative, proceeds thus:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, I am the unwelcome messenger who comes to inform you that -to-morrow you must die.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span> Your time is but short, the time slides away -apace, the glass runs fast, and the last sand being now about to drop, -when you must launch out into boundless eternity, give not yourselves -to sleep, but watch and pray to gain eternal life. Repent sooner than -<abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Peter, and repent before the cock crows, for now repentance is the -only road to salvation; be fervent in this great duty, and without -doubt you may to-morrow be with the penitent thief in paradise. Pray -without ceasing; quench not the spirit; abstain from all appearance of -evil; as your own wickedness hath caused all this to fall upon you, and -brought the day of tribulation near at hand, so let goodness be your -sole comfort, that your souls may find perpetual rest with your blessed -Savior who died for the sins of the world; he will wipe all tears from -your eyes, remove your sorrows, and assuage your grief, so that your -sin-sick souls shall be healed for evermore. I exhort you earnestly not -to be negligent of the work of your salvation, which depends upon your -sincere devotion betwixt this and to-morrow, when the sword of justice -shall send you out of the land of the living. Fight the good fight of -faith, and lay hold of eternal life whilst you may, for there is no -repentance in the grave. Ye have pierced yourselves with many sorrows, -but a few hours will bring you to a place where you will know nothing -but joy and gladness. Love righteousness and hate iniquity, then God, -even your God, will anoint you with the oil of gladness above your -fellows. Go now boldly to the throne of grace, that ye may obtain mercy -and find grace to help in time of need. The God of peace sanctify you -wholly! and I pray God, your whole spirits, and souls, and bodies, may -be preserved blameless, until the meeting of your blessed Redeemer! -The Lord have mercy upon you! Christ have mercy upon you! Sweet Jesus -receive your souls! and to-morrow may you sup with him in paradise! -Amen! Amen!”</p> - -<p>Next day, when they were to die, the bell on the steeple was tolled, -and the cart stopped under the churchyard wall at <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Sepulchre’s, -where the same<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span> person related from the wall the following additional -exhortation:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, consider, now you are going out of this world into another, -where you will live in happiness or woe for evermore. Make your peace -with God Almighty, and let your whole thoughts be entirely bent upon -your latter end. Cursed is he that hangeth on a tree; but it is hoped -the fatal knot will bring your precious souls to a union with the great -Creator of heaven and earth, to whom I recommend your souls, in this -your final hour of distress. Lord have mercy upon you! Christ look down -upon you and comfort you! Sweet Jesus receive your souls this day into -eternal life! Amen!”</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="JAMES_BATSON">JAMES BATSON.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This famous robber was born in the first year of James the First. It -so happens (although perhaps the circumstance is no very satisfactory -evidence of the authenticity of his adventures) that he is his -own historian; we are accordingly compelled, in default of other -particulars, to lay his auto-biography before our readers.</p> - -<p>“I suppose,” says he, “that, according to custom, the reader will -expect some relation of my genealogy, and as I am a great admirer of -fashion, I shall gratify his curiosity. My grandfather had the good -fortune to marry a woman well skilled in vaulting and rope-dancing, -and who could act her part uncommonly well. Though above fifty years -of age, and affected with the phthisic, she died in the air. To avoid -seeing other women fly as she had done, her husband would not marry -again; but diverted himself with keeping a puppet-show in Moorfields, -deemed the most remarkable that ever had been seen in that place. My -grandfather was also so little, that the only difference between him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span> -and his puppets was, that they spoke through a trunk, and he without -one. He was, however, so eloquent, and made such lively speeches, that -his audience were never rendered drowsy. All the apple-women, hawkers, -and fish-women, were so charmed by his wit, that they would run to hear -him, and leave their goods without any guard but their own straw hats.</p> - -<p>“My father had two trades, or two strings to his bow; he was a painter -and a gamester, and master much alike at both; for his painting could -scarcely rise so high as a sign-post, and his hand at play was of such -an ancient date, that it could scarcely pass. He had one misfortune, -which, like original sin, he entailed upon all his children; and that -was, his being born a gentleman, which is as bad as being a poet, few -of whom escape eternal poverty.</p> - -<p>“My mother had the misfortune to die longing for mushrooms. Besides -myself she left two daughters, both very handsome and very young; -and though I was then young myself, yet I was much better skilled in -sharping than my age seemed to promise. When the funeral sermon was -preached, the funeral rites performed, and our tears dried up, my -father returned to his daubing, my sisters to their stitching, and I -was despatched to school. I had such an excellent memory, that though -my dispositions were then what they have continued to be, yet I soon -learned as much as might have been applied to better purposes than I -have done. My tricks upon my master and my companions were so numerous, -that I obtained the honorable appellation of the Little Judas. My -avaricious disposition soon appeared, and if my covetous eyes once -beheld any thing, my invention soon put it into my possession. These, -however, I could not obtain gratis, for they cost me many a boxing bout -every day. The reports of my conduct were conveyed home, and my eldest -sister would frequently spend her white hands upon the side of my pate; -and sometimes even carried her admonitions so far, as politely to -inform me, that I would prove a disgrace to the family.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span></p> - -<p>“It was my good fortune, however, not to be greatly agitated by her -remonstrances, which went in at the one ear and out at the other. It -happened, however, that my adventures were so numerous, and daily -increasing in their magnitude, that I was dismissed the school with -as much solemnity as if it had been by beat of drum. After giving me -a complete drubbing, my father carried me to a barber, in order to be -bound as his apprentice. I was first sent to the kitchen, where my -mistress soon provided me with employment, by showing me a parcel of -dirty clothes, informing me, that it made part of the apprentice’s work -to clean them: ‘Jemmy,’ said she, ‘mind your heels, there’s a good -boy!’ I hung down my head, tumbled all the clouts into a trough, and -washed them as well as I could. I so managed the matter, that I was -soon discarded from my office, which was very fortunate for me, for it -would have put an end to Jemmy in less than a fortnight.</p> - -<p>“The third day of my apprenticeship, my master having just given me -a note to receive money, there came into the shop a ruffian with a -pair of whiskers, and told my master he would have them turned up. -The journeyman not being at hand, my master began to turn them up -himself and desired me to heat the irons. I complied, and just as he -had turned up one whisker, there happened a quarrel in the street, -and my master ran out to learn the cause. The scuffle lasting long, -and my master desirous to see the end as well as the beginning of the -bustle, the spark was all the time detained in the shop, with the one -whisker ornamented, and the other hanging down like an aspen leaf. In -a harsh tone he asked me, if I understood my trade; and I, thinking -it derogatory to my understanding to be ignorant, boldly replied that -I did; ‘Why, then,’ said he, ‘turn up this whisker for me, or I shall -go into the street as I am, and kick your master.’ I was unwilling -to be detected in a lie, and deeming it no difficult matter to turn -up a whisker, never showed the least concern, but took up one of the -irons, that had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span> been in the fire ever since the commencement of the -street bustle, and having nothing to try it on, and willing to appear -expeditious, I took a comb, stuck it into his bristly bush, and clapped -the iron to it: no sooner did they meet, than there arose a smoke, as -if it had been out of a chimney, with a whizzing noise, and in a moment -all the hair vanished. He exclaimed furiously, ‘Thou son of a thousand -dogs! dost thou take me for <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Lawrence, that thou burnest me alive!’ -With that he let fly such a bang at me, that the comb dropped out of my -hand, and I could not avoid, in the fright, laying the hot iron close -along his cheek: this made him give such a shriek as shook the whole -house, and he, at the same time, drew his sword to send me to the other -world. I, however, recollecting the proverb, that ‘One pair of heels is -worth two pair of hands,’ ran so nimbly into the street, and fled so -quickly from that part of the town, that though I was a good runner, I -was amazed when I found myself about a mile from home, with the iron in -my hand, and the remainder of the whisker sticking to it. As fortune -would have it, I was near the dwelling of the person who was to pay the -note my master gave me: I went and received the money, but deemed it -proper to detain it in lieu of my three days’ wages.</p> - -<p>“This money was all exhausted in one month, when I was under the -necessity of returning to my father’s house. Before arriving there, I -was informed, that he was gone to the country to receive a large sum -of money which was due him, and therefore went boldly in, as if the -house had been my own. My grave sisters received me very coldly, and -severely blamed me for the money which my father paid for my pranks. -Maintaining, however, the honor of my birthright, I kept them at -considerable distance. The domestic war being thus prolonged, I one day -lost temper, and was resolved to make them feel the consequences of -giving me sour beer; and, though the dinner was upon the table, I threw -the dish at my eldest sister, and the beer at the younger, overthrew -the table, and marched out<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span> of doors on a ramble. Fortunately, however, -I was interrupted in my flight by one who informed me, that my father -was dead, and in his testament had very wisely left me sole heir and -executor. Upon this I returned, and soon found the tones and tempers -of my sisters changed, in consequence of the recent news. I sold the -goods, collected the debts, and feasted all the rakes in town, until -not one farthing remained.</p> - -<p>“One evening, a party of my companions carried me along with them, -and, opening the door of a certain house, conveyed from thence some -trunks, which a faithful dog perceiving, he gave the alarm. The people -of the house attacked the robbers, who threw down their burdens to -defend themselves: meanwhile, I skulked into a corner all trembling. -The watch made their appearance, and seeing three trunks in the street, -two men dangerously wounded, and myself standing at a small distance, -they seized me as one concerned in the robbery. Next day I was ordered -to a place of confinement, and could find no friend to bail me from -thence. In ten days I was tried, and my defences being frivolous and -unsatisfactory, I was about to be hoisted up by the neck, and sent out -of the world in a swinging manner, when a reprieve came, and in two -months a full pardon.</p> - -<p>“After this horrible fright, (for I was not much disposed to visit -the dwelling of my grandfather,) I commenced travelling merchant, -and, according to my finances, purchased a quantity of wash-balls, -toothpicks, and tooth-powders. Pretending that they came from Japan, -Peru, or Tartary, and extolling them to the skies, I had a good sale, -particularly among the gentry of the playhouse. Upon a certain day, one -of the actresses, a beautiful woman of eighteen, and married to one -of the actors, addressed me, saying, ‘she had taken a liking to me, -because I was a confident, sharp, forward youth; and therefore, if I -would serve her, she would entertain me with all her heart; and that, -when the company were strolling, I might beat the drum and stick up -the bills.’ Deeming it an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span> easier mode of moving through the world, I -readily consented, only requesting two days to dispose of my stock, and -to settle all my accounts.</p> - -<p>“In my new profession my employments were various, some of which, -though not very pleasant, I endeavored to reconcile myself to, inasmuch -as they were comparatively better than my former. In a little time, I -became more acquainted with the tempers of my master and mistress, and -became so great a favorite, that fees and bribes replenished my coffers -from all expectants and authors who courted their favor. Unfortunately, -however, one day, in their absence, I was invited by some of the party -to take a walk, and, going into a tavern, commenced playing at cards, -till my last farthing was lost. Determined, if possible, to be revenged -of my antagonist, I requested time to run home for more money: it was -readily granted. I ran and seized an article belonging to my mistress, -pawned it for a small sum, which soon followed my other stores. But -evils seldom come alone: I was in this situation not only deprived of -my money, but also obliged to decamp.”</p> - -<p>The next adventure of Batson was to enlist as a soldier. It happened, -however, that his captain cheating him out of his pay, caused a -grievous quarrel. Batson soon found that it was dangerous to reside -in Rome and strive with the pope. His captain, upon some pretence of -improper conduct, had him apprehended, tried, and condemned to be -hanged. The cause of this harsh treatment was a very simple one: “For,” -says Batson, “I was one day drinking with a soldier, and happened -to fall out about a lie given. My sword unluckily running into his -throat, he kicked up his heels, through his own fault, for he ran upon -my point, so that he may thank his own hastiness.” Upon this our hero -says, “As if it had been a thing of nothing, or as a matter of pastime, -they gave sentence that I should be led in state along the streets, -then mounted upon a ladder, kick up my heels before all the people, -and take a swing in the open air, as if I had another life in my<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span> -knapsack. A notary informed me of this sentence, who was so generous -that he requested no fee, nor any expenses for his trouble during the -trial. The unfeeling gaoler desired me to make my peace with my Maker, -without giving me one drop to cheer my desponding heart. Informed of -my melancholy condition, a compassionate friar came to prepare me for -another world, since the inhabitants of this were so ready to bid me -farewell. When he arrived, he inquired for the condemned person. I -answered, ‘Father, I am the man, though you do not know me.’ He said, -‘Dear child, it is now time for you to think of another world, since -sentence is passed, and, therefore, you must employ the short time -allowed you in confessing your sins, and asking forgiveness of your -offences.’ I answered, ‘Reverend father, in obedience to the commands -of the church, I confess but once in the year, and that is in Lent; -but if, according to the human laws, I must atone with my life for -the crime I have committed, your reverence, being so learned, must be -truly sensible that there is no divine precept which says, “Thou shall -not eat or drink;” and therefore, since it is not contrary to the law -of God, I desire that I may have meat and drink, and then we will -discourse of what is best for us both; for I am in a Christian country, -and plead the privilege of sanctuary.’</p> - -<p>“The good friar was much moved at finding me so jocular when I ought to -be so serious, and began to preach to me a loud and a long sermon upon -the parable of the lost sheep, and the repentance of the good thief. -But the charity bells that ring when criminals are executed knolling in -mine ears, made a deeper impression than the loud and impressive voice -of the friar. I therefore kneeled down before my ghostly father, and -cleared the store-house of my sins, and poured forth a dreadful budget -of iniquity. He then gave me his blessing, and poor Batson seemed -prepared to take his flight from a world of misfortunes and insults.</p> - -<p>“But, having previously presented a petition to the marquis D’Este, -then commanding officer, he at that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span> critical moment called me before -him. He, being a merciful man, respited my sentence, and sent me to the -galleys for ten years. Some friends farther interfered, and informed -the marquis, that the accusation and sentence against me were effected -by the malice of the captain, who was offended because I had insisted -for the whole of my listing money. The result was that he ordered me to -be set at liberty, to the disappointment of my captain, together with -that of the multitude and the executioner.</p> - -<p>“The deadly fright being over, and my mind restored to tranquillity, -I went forth to walk, and to meditate upon what method I was now to -pursue in the rugged journey of life. Every man has his own fortune, -and, as good luck would have it, I again met with a recruiting officer, -who enlisted me, and, from partiality, took me home to his own -quarters. The cook taking leave of the family, I was interrogated if I -understood any thing in that line. To this I replied, as usual, in the -affirmative, and was accordingly installed into the important office of -a cook.</p> - -<p>“In the course of a military life, my master took up his winter -residence at Bavaria, in the house of one of the richest men in those -parts. To save his property, however, the Bavarian pretended to be -very poor, drove away all his cattle, and removed all his stores to -another quarter. Informed of this, I waited upon him, and acquainted -him that, as he had a person of quality in his house, it would be -necessary to provide liberally for him and his servants. He replied, -that I had only to inform him what provisions I wanted, and he would -order them immediately. I then informed him, that my master always -kept three tables, one for the gentlemen and pages, a second for the -butler and under officers, a third for the footmen, grooms, and other -liveries; that for these tables he must supply one ox, two calves, four -sheep, twelve pullets, six capons, two dozen of pigeons, six pounds -of bacon, four pounds of sugar, two of all sorts of spice; a hundred -eggs, half a dozen dishes of fish, a pot of wine to every plate, and -six hogsheads<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span> to stand by. He blessed himself, and exclaimed, ‘If all -you speak of be only for the servants’ tables, the village will not be -able to furnish the master’s.’ To this I replied, that my master was -such a good-natured man, that, if he saw his servants and attendants -well provided, he was indifferent to his own table; a dish of imperial -stuffed meat, with an egg in it, would be sufficient for him. He asked -me of what that same imperial stuffed meat was composed? I desired him -to send for a grave-digger and a cobbler, and while they were at work, -I would inform him what there was wanting. They were instantly called. -I then took an egg, and putting it into the body of a pigeon, which I -had already gutted with my knife, said to him, ‘Now, sir, take notice; -this egg is in the pigeon, the pigeon is to be put into a partridge, -the partridge into a pheasant, the pheasant into a pullet, the pullet -into a turkey, the turkey into a kid, the kid into a sheep, the sheep -into a calf, the calf into a cow; all these creatures are to be pulled, -flead, and larded, except the cow, which is to have her hide on; and as -they are through one into another, like a nest of boxes, the cobbler -is to sew every one of them with an end, that they may not slip out; -and the grave-digger is to throw up a deep trench, into which one load -of coals is to be cast, and the cow laid on the top of it, and another -load above her; the fuel set on fire, to burn about four hours, more -or less, when the meat being taken out, is incorporated, and becomes -such a delicious dish, that formerly the emperors used to dine upon -it on their coronation-day; for which reason, and because an egg is -the foundation of all that curious mass, it is named the “imperial -egg-stuffed meat.”’ The landlord was not a little astonished, but after -some conversation we understood each other, and my master left the -matter to my care.</p> - -<p>“In the course of my negotiations with the landlord, I incurred the -displeasure of my master, who, discovering my policy, came into the -kitchen, seized the first convenient instrument, and belabored me most -unmercifully.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span> He was, however, punished for his rashness, by the want -of a cook for two weeks.</p> - -<p>“The scoundrels of the French were audacious enough to pay us a visit -while we remained here. I was ordered out with the rest, but I kept -at the greatest distance, lest any bullet should have mistaken me for -some other person. No sooner did I receive the intelligence that the -French were conquered, than I ran to the field of battle, brandishing -my sword, and cutting and slashing among the dead men. It unfortunately -happened, however, that, as I struck one of them with my sword, he -uttered a mournful groan, and, apprehensive that he was about to -revenge the injury done to him, I ran off with full speed, leaving my -sword in his body. In passing along, I met with another sword, which -saved my honor, as I vaunted that I had seized it from one in the field -of battle.</p> - -<p>“While thus rambling through the field of blood and danger, my master -was carried home mortally wounded, who called me a scoundrel, and -cried, ‘Why did not you obey me?’ ‘Lest, sir,’ replied I, ‘I should -have been as you now are.’ The good man soon breathed his last, leaving -me a horse and fifty ducats.</p> - -<p>“Being again emancipated from the bonds of servitude, I began to enjoy -life, and continued to treat all my acquaintance so long as my money -would permit. The return of poverty, however, made me again enlist -under the banners of servitude.</p> - -<p>“About this time a singular occurrence happened to me. I chanced to go -out into the street, when my eyesight was so affected, that I could not -discern black from green, nor white from gray. Observing the candles -suspended in a candle-maker’s shop, and taking them for radishes, I -thought there was no great harm though I should taste one of them. -Accordingly, laying hold of one, down fell the whole row, and being -dashed to pieces upon the floor, a scuffle ensued; I was taken into -custody, and made to pay the damage, which operated to restore my sight -to its natural state.</p> - -<p>“Not long after this adventure, I was assailed with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span> love for the fair -sex, and, after some sighs and presents, I was bound to a woman for -better or for worse, and continued with her until the charms of the -marriage state and the pleasures of domestic life began to pall upon -me, and an ardent desire to return to my old course of adventure took -possession of my mind. Towards the attainment of this desirable end, I -one day kicked my wife out of doors, dressed myself, and prepared to -sally forth. I had no sooner effected this liberation, than a tavern -was my first resting-place to recruit my spirits and to redeem lost -time.</p> - -<p>“I at last formed the resolution of returning to my native home, -and there spending the evening of my bustling life in calm repose. -After travelling many a tedious mile, I got to London. Arrived in the -capital, I went directly to my father’s house, but found it in the -possession of another, and my sisters departed this life. As both of -them had been married, and had left children, there was no hope of any -legacy by their death: I was therefore under the necessity of doing -something for a living. Finding the gout increasing upon me, I, by the -advice of an acquaintance, took a public house; and, as I understood -several languages, I thought I might have many customers from among -foreigners.”</p> - -<p>Batson then gravely concludes his own narrative in these words:—</p> - -<p>“I intend to leave off my foolish pranks, and as I have spent my -juvenile years and money in keeping company, hope to find some fools as -bad as myself, who delight in throwing away their estates and impairing -their health.”</p> - -<p>He accordingly took a house in Smithfield, and acquired a considerable -sum. But, being desirous to make a fortune with one dash, he hastened -his end. Among others who put up at his house was a gentleman who had -purchased a large estate in the country, and was going to deliver the -cash. The ostler observed to his master, that the bags belonging to the -gentleman were uncommonly heavy when he carried them into<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span> the house. -They mutually agreed to rob, and afterwards to murder him; and the -ostler accomplished the horrid deed. But, differing about the division -of the spoil, the ostler got drunk, and disclosed the whole matter. -The house was searched, the body of the gentleman found, and both the -murderers were seized, tried, and condemned. The ostler died before -the fatal day, but Batson was executed, and, according to the Catholic -faith, died a penitent, a year before the restoration of king Charles -the Second.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img003"> - <img src="images/003.jpg" class="w50" alt="John Cottington." /> -</span></p> -<p class="center caption"><i>John Cottington.</i> <a href="#Page_47">P. 47</a>.<br /></p> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="MULLED_SACK_alias_JOHN_COTTINGTON">MULLED SACK, <i>alias</i> JOHN COTTINGTON.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This man’s father was a petty haberdasher in Cheapside, but living -above his income, he died so poor that he was interred by the parish. -He had eighteen children, fifteen daughters and three sons. Our hero -was the youngest of the family, and at the age of eight was bound -apprentice to a chimney-sweeper. In his first year, deeming himself as -expert at his profession as his master, he left him, and, acting for -himself, soon acquired a great run of business.</p> - -<p>Money now coming in upon him, he frequented the tavern, and, disdaining -to taste of any thing but mulled sack, he acquired that appellation. -One evening he there met with a young woman, with whom he was so -enamored, that “he took her for better for worse.” But, not enjoying -that degree of comfort in this union which his imagination had painted -to him, he frequented the company of other women, until it became -necessary to make public contributions to supply their pressing -necessities. His first trials were in picking pockets of watches, and -any small sum he could find. Among others, he robbed a lady famous -among the usurers, of a gold watch set with diamonds, and another<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span> lady -of a similar piece of luxury, as she was going into church to hear a -celebrated preacher. By the aid of his accomplices, the pin was taken -out of the axle of her coach, which fell down at the church door, and -in the crowd, Mulled Sack, being dressed as a gentleman, gave her his -hand, while he seized her watch. The pious lady did not discover her -loss, until she wished to know the length of the sermon, when her -devout meditations, excited by the consoling exhortation of the pious -preacher, were sadly interrupted by the loss of her time-piece. It is -related, that upon a certain occasion, he had the boldness to attempt -the pocket of Oliver Cromwell, and that the danger to which he was then -exposed determined him to leave that sneaking trade, and in a genteel -manner to enter upon the honorable profession of public collector on -the highway.</p> - -<p>He entered into partnership with Tom Cheney. Their first adventure was -attacking colonel Hewson, who had raised himself by his merit from a -cobbler to a colonel. He was riding at some distance from his regiment -upon Hounslow-heath, and, even in the sight of some of his men, these -two rogues robbed him. The pursuit was keen: Tom’s horse failing, -he was apprehended, but Mulled Sack escaped. The prisoner, being -severely wounded, entreated that his trial might be postponed on that -account. But, on the contrary, lest he should die of his wounds, he was -condemned at two o’clock, and executed that evening.</p> - -<p>One Horne was the next accomplice of Mulled Sack. His companions were, -however, generally unfortunate. Upon their first attempt, Horne was -pursued, taken, and executed.</p> - -<p>Thus twice bereft of his associates, he acted alone, but generally -committed his depredations upon the republican party, who then had the -wealth of the nation in their possession. Informed that the sum of -four thousand pounds was on its way from London, to pay the regiments -of Oxford and Gloucester, he concealed himself behind a hedge where -the wagon was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span> to pass, presented his pistols, and the guard supposing -that many more must have been concealed, fled, and left him the immense -prize.</p> - -<p>There were a few passengers in the wagon, who were greatly affrighted. -He, however, consoled them, assuring them that he would not injure -them, saying, “This which I have taken is as much mine as theirs who -own it, being all extorted from the public by the rapacious members of -our commonwealth, to enrich themselves, maintain their janizaries, and -keep honest people in subjection, the most effectual way to do which is -to keep them very poor.”</p> - -<p>When not employed as a chimney-sweep, which profession he still -occasionally pursued, he dressed in high style, and is said to have -received more money by robbery than any man in that age. One day, -being informed that the receiver-general was to send up to London six -thousand pounds, he entered his house the night before, and rendered -that trouble unnecessary. Upon the noise which this notorious robbery -occasioned, Mulled Sack was apprehended; but through cunning, baffling -the evidence, or corrupting the jury, he was acquitted.</p> - -<p>In a little time after, he robbed and murdered a gentleman, and, for -fear of detection, went to the continent, and was introduced into the -court of Charles the Second. Upon pretence of giving information, he -came home, and applied to Cromwell, confessed his crime, but proposed -to purchase his life by important information. But whether he failed in -his promise, or whether Cromwell thought that such a notorious offender -was unworthy to live, cannot be ascertained; one thing is certain, that -he was tried and executed in the forty-fifth year of his age, in the -month of April 1659.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CAPTAIN_JAMES_HIND">CAPTAIN JAMES HIND.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The father of Hind was an industrious saddler, a cheerful companion, -and a good Christian. He was a native of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, -where James was born. As our hero was his only son, he received a good -education, and remained at school until he was fifteen years of age.</p> - -<p>He was then sent as an apprentice to a butcher in that place, and -continued in that employment during two years. Upon leaving his -master’s service, he applied to his mother for money to bear his -expenses to London, complaining bitterly of the rough and quarrelsome -temper of his master. The complying mother yielded, and, giving him -three pounds, she, with a sorrowful heart, took farewell of her beloved -son.</p> - -<p>Arrived in the capital, he soon contracted a relish for the -pleasures of the town. His bottle and a female companion became his -principal delight, and occupied the greater part of his time. He was -unfortunately detected one evening with a woman of the town who had -just robbed a gentleman, and along with her confined until the morning. -He was acquitted because no evidence appeared against him, but his fair -companion was committed to Newgate.</p> - -<p>Captain Hind, soon after this accident, became acquainted with one -Allan, a famous highwayman. While partaking of a bottle, their -conversation became mutually so agreeable that they consented to unite -their fortunes.</p> - -<p>Their measures being concerted, they set out in quest of plunder. They -fortunately met a gentleman and his servant travelling along the road. -Hind being raw and inexperienced, Allan was desirous to have a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span> proof -of his courage and address; he, therefore, remained at a distance, -while Hind boldly rode up to them and took from them fifteen pounds, at -the same time returning one to bear their expenses home. This he did -with so much grace and pleasantry, that the gentleman vowed that he -would not injure a hair of his head though it were in his power.</p> - -<p>About this period, the unfortunate Charles I. suffered death for his -political principles. Captain Hind conceived an inveterate enmity to -all those who had stained their hands with their sovereign’s blood, and -gladly embraced every opportunity to wreak his vengeance upon them. In -a short time, Allan and Hind met with the usurper, Oliver Cromwell, -riding from Huntingdon to London. They attacked the coach, but Oliver -being attended by seven servants. Allan was apprehended, and it was -with no small difficulty that Hind made his escape. The unfortunate -Allan was soon after tried, and suffered death for his audacity. The -only effect which this produced upon Hind was to render him more -cautious in his future depredations. He could not, however, think of -abandoning a course on which he had just entered, and which promised so -many advantages.</p> - -<p>The captain had ridden so hard to escape from Cromwell and his train -that he killed his horse, and having no money to purchase a substitute, -he was under the necessity of trying his fortune upon foot, until -he should find means to procure another. It was not long before he -espied a horse tied to a hedge with a saddle on and a brace of pistols -attached to it. He looked round and observed a gentleman on the other -side of the hedge. “This is my horse,” exclaimed the captain, and -immediately vaulted into the saddle. The gentleman called out to him -that the horse was his. “Sir,” said Hind, “you may think yourself well -off that I have left you all the money in your pocket to buy another, -which you had best lay out before I meet you again, lest you should be -worse used.” So saying, he rode off in search of new booty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span></p> - -<p>There is another story of Hind’s ingenious method of supplying himself -with a horse upon occasion. It appears that, being upon a second -extremity reduced to the humble station of a footpad, he hired a sorry -nag and proceeded on his journey. He was overtaken by a gentleman -mounted on a fine hunter, with a portmanteau behind him. They entered -into conversation upon such topics as are common to travellers, and -Hind was very eloquent in the praise of the gentleman’s horse, which -inclined the other to descant upon the qualifications of the animal. -There was upon one side of the road a wall, which the gentleman said -his horse would leap over. Hind offered to risk a bottle on it, to -which the gentleman agreed, and quickly made his horse leap over. -The captain acknowledged that he had lost his wager, but requested -the gentleman to let him try if he could do the same; to which -he consented, and the captain, being seated in the saddle of his -companion, rode off at full speed and left him to return the other -miserable animal to its owner.</p> - -<p>At another time the captain met the regicide Hugh Peters in Enfield -chace, and commanded him to deliver his money. Hugh, who was not -deficient in confidence, began to combat Hind with texts of scripture, -and to cudgel our bold robber with the eighth commandment: “It is -written in the law,” said he, “that ‘Thou shalt not steal:’ and -furthermore, Solomon, who was surely a very wise man, spoke in this -manner, ‘Rob not the poor, because he is poor.’” Hind was desirous to -answer him in his own strain, and for that purpose began to rub up his -memory for some of the texts he had learned when at school. “Verily,” -said Hind, “if thou hadst regarded the divine precepts as thou oughtest -to have done, thou wouldst not have wrested them to such an abominable -and wicked sense as thou didst the words of the prophet, when he said, -‘Bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron.’ -Didst thou not then, detestable hypocrite, endeavor, from these words, -to aggravate the misfortunes of thy royal master, whom thy cursed -republican party unjustly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span> murdered before the gate of his own palace?” -Here Hugh Peters began to extenuate that proceeding, and to allege -other parts of scripture in his own defence. “Pray, sir,” replied Hind, -“make no reflections against men of my profession, for Solomon plainly -said, ‘do not despise a thief.’ But it is to little purpose for us to -dispute; the substance of what I have to say is this, deliver thy money -presently, or else I shall send thee out of the world to thy master, -the devil, in an instant.” These terrible words of the captain’s so -terrified the old Presbyterian, that he forthwith gave him thirty broad -pieces of gold and then departed.</p> - -<p>But Hind was not satisfied with allowing so bitter an enemy to the -royal cause to depart in such a manner. He accordingly rode after him -at full speed, and, overtaking him, addressed him in the following -language:—“Sir, now I think of it, I am convinced this misfortune has -happened to you because you did not obey the words of the scripture, -which expressly says, ‘provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass, -in your purses, for your journey,’ whereas it is evident that you had -provided a pretty decent quantity of gold. However, as it is now in my -power to make you fulfil another commandment, I would by no means slip -the opportunity; therefore, pray give me your cloak.” Peters was so -surprised that he neither stood still to dispute nor to examine what -was the drift of Hind’s demand. But he soon made him understand his -meaning, when he added, “You know, sir, our Savior has commanded, that -if any man take away thy cloak, thou must not refuse thy coat also; -therefore, I cannot suppose that you will act in direct contradiction -to such an express command, especially as you cannot pretend you have -forgot it, seeing that I now remind you of that duty.” The old Puritan -shrugged his shoulders some time before he proceeded to uncase them; -but Hind told him that his delay would be of no service to him, for he -would be implicitly obeyed, because he was sure that what he requested -was entirely<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span> consonant with the scripture. He accordingly surrendered, -and Hind carried off the cloak.</p> - -<p>The following sabbath, when Hugh ascended the pulpit, he was inclined -to pour forth an invective against stealing, and selected for his -subject these words: “I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on?” -An honest plain man, who was present, and knew how he had been treated -by the robber, promptly cried out, “Upon my word, sir, I believe there -is nobody here can tell you, unless captain Hind were here.” Which -ready answer to Hugh’s scriptural question put the congregation into -such an outrageous fit of laughter, that the parson was made to blush, -and descended from his pulpit, without prosecuting the subject farther.</p> - -<p>The captain, as before mentioned, indulged a rooted hatred against -all those who were concerned in the murder of the late king; and -frequently these men fell in his way. He was one day riding on the -road, when president Bradshaw, who had sat as judge upon the king, and -passed the sentence of death upon him, met with the captain. The place -where they came into collision was on the road between Sherbourne and -Shaftesbury. Hind rode up to the coach, and demanded Bradshaw’s money, -who, supposing that his very name would convey terror along with it, -informed him who he was. “Marry,” cried Hind, “I neither fear you nor -any king-killing villain alive. I have now as much power over you, as -you lately had over the king, and I should do God and my country good -service, if I made the same use of it; but live, villain, to suffer the -pangs of thine own conscience, till justice shall lay her iron hand -upon thee, and require an answer for thy crimes, in a way more proper -for such a monster, who art unworthy to die by any hands but those of -the common hangman, or at any other place than Tyburn. Nevertheless, -though I spare thy life as a regicide, be assured, that unless thou -deliver up thy money immediately, thou shalt die for thy obstinacy.”</p> - -<p>Bradshaw began to perceive that the case was not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span> now with him as it -was when he sat at Westminster hall, supported by all the strength of -the rebellion. A horror took possession of his soul, and discovered -itself in his countenance. He put his trembling hand into his pocket, -and pulled out about forty shillings in silver, which he presented -to the captain, who swore he would that minute shoot him through the -heart, unless he found him coin of another species. To save his life, -the sergeant pulled out that which he valued next to it, and presented -the captain with a purse full of Jacobuses.</p> - -<p>But though Hind had got possession of the cash, he was inclined to -detain the sergeant a little longer, and began the following eulogium -upon the value of money:—</p> - -<p>“This, sir, is the metal that wins my heart forever! O precious gold! -I admire and adore thee as much as either Bradshaw, Prynne, or any -other villain of the same stamp, who, for the sake of thee, would sell -his Redeemer again, were he now upon earth. This is that incomparable -medicament, which the republican physicians call the wonder-working -plaster; it is truly catholic in operation, and somewhat of kin to the -Jesuit’s powder, but more effectual. The virtues of it are strange -and various; it maketh justice deaf as well as blind; and takes out -spots of the deepest treasons as easily as Castile soap does common -stains; it alters a man’s constitution in two or three days, more -than the virtuoso’s transfusion of blood can do in seven years. It is -a great alexipharmic, and helps poisonous principles of rebellion, -and those that use them; it miraculously exalts and purifies the -eye-sight, and makes traitors behold nothing but innocence in the -blackest malefactors: it is a mighty cordial for a declining cause; it -stifles faction and schism as certainly as rats are destroyed by common -arsenic: in a word, it makes fools wise men, and wise men fools, and -both of them knaves. The very color of this precious balm is bright -and dazzling. If it be properly applied to the fist, that is, in a -decent manner, and in a competent dose, it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span> infallibly performs all -the above-mentioned cures, and many others too numerous to be here -mentioned.”</p> - -<p>The captain, having finished his panegyric upon the virtues of the -glittering metal, pulled out his pistol, and again addressed the -serjeant, saying, “You and your infernal crew have a long while run on, -like Jehu, in a career of blood and impiety, falsely pretending that -zeal for the Lord of Hosts has been your only motive. How long you may -be suffered to continue in the same course, God only knows. I will, -however, for this time, stop your race in a literal sense of the word.” -And without farther delay, he shot all the six horses that were in the -carriage, and left Bradshaw to ponder upon the lesson he had received.</p> - -<p>Hind’s next adventure was with a company of ladies, in a coach upon -the road between Petersfield and Portsmouth. He accosted them in a -polite manner, and informed them that he was a protector of the fair -sex, and it was purely to win the favor of a hard-hearted mistress -that he had travelled the country. “But, ladies,” added he, “I am at -this time reduced to the necessity of asking relief, having nothing to -carry me on in the intended prosecution of my adventures.” The young -ladies, who had read many romances, could not help concluding that they -had met with some Quixote or Amadis de Gaul, who was saluting them in -the strains of knight-errantry. “Sir knight,” said one of the most -jocular of the company, “we heartily commiserate your condition, and -are very much troubled that we cannot contribute towards your support; -for we have nothing about us but a sacred <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">depositum</i>, which the -laws of your order will not suffer you to violate.” The captain was -much pleased at having met with such a pleasant lady, and was much -inclined to have permitted them to proceed; but his necessities were -at this time very urgent. “May I, bright ladies, be favored with the -knowledge of what this sacred depositum, which you speak of, is, that -so I may employ my utmost abilities in its defence, as the laws of -knight-errantry require.” The lady<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span> who had spoken before told him, -that the depositum she had spoken of was 3000<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> the portion of -one of the company, who was going to bestow it upon the knight who had -won her good-will by his many past services. “Present my humble duty -to the knight,” said he, “and be pleased to tell him that my name is -captain Hind; that out of mere necessity I have made bold to borrow -part of what, for his sake, I wish were twice as much; that I promise -to expend the sum in defence of injured lovers, and in the support of -gentlemen who profess knight-errantry.” Upon the name of captain Hind, -the fair ones were sufficiently alarmed, as his name was well known all -over England. He, however, requested them not to be affrighted, for he -would not do them the least injury, and only requested 1000<i>l.</i> -of the 3000<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> As the money was bound up in several parcels, the -request was instantly complied with, and our adventurer wished them a -prosperous journey, and many happy days to the bride.</p> - -<p>Taking leave of the captain for a little, we shall inform our readers -of the consequences of this extorted loan of the captain’s. When the -bride arrived at the dwelling of her intended husband, she faithfully -recounted to him her adventures upon the road. The avaricious and -embryo curmudgeon refused to accept her hand until her father should -agree to make up the loss. Partly because he detested the request of -the lover, and partly because he had sufficiently exhausted his funds, -the father refused to comply. The pretended lover, therefore, declined -her hand, because it was emptied of the third part of her fortune; and -the affectionate and high spirited lady died of a broken heart. Hind -often declared, that this adventure caused him great uneasiness, while -it filled him with detestation at the dishonorable and base conduct of -the mercenary lover.</p> - -<p>The transactions of Hind were now become so numerous, and made him -so well known, that he was forced to conceal himself in the country. -During this cessation from his usual industrious labors, his funds<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span> -became so exhausted, that even his horse was sold to maintain his -own life. Impelled by necessity, he often resolved to hazard a few -movements upon the highway; but he had resided so long in that -quarter, that he durst not risk any such adventure. Fortune, however, -commiserated the condition of the captain, and provided relief. He was -informed that a doctor, who resided in the neighborhood, had gone to -receive a handsome fee for a cure which he had effected. The captain -then lived in a small house which he had hired upon the side of a -common, and which the doctor had to pass in his journey home. Hind, -having long and impatiently waited his arrival, ran up to him, and -in the most piteous tone and suppliant language, told the doctor his -wife was suddenly seized with illness, and that unless she got some -assistance she would certainly perish, and entreated him just to tarry -for a minute or two and lend her his medical assistance, and he would -gratefully pay him for his trouble as soon as it was in his power.</p> - -<p>The tender-hearted doctor, moved with compassion, alighted and -accompanied him into his house, assuring him that he should be very -happy to be of any service in restoring his wife to health. Hind showed -the doctor up-stairs; but they had no sooner entered the door, than he -locked it, presented a pistol, showing, at the same time, his empty -purse, saying: “This is my wife; she has so long been unwell, that -there is now nothing at all within her. I know, sir, that you have a -sovereign remedy in your pocket for her distemper, and if you do not -apply it without a word, this pistol will make the day shine into your -body!” The doctor would have been content to have lost his fee, upon -condition of being delivered from the importunities of his patient; -but it required only a small degree of the knowledge of symptoms to be -convinced, that obedience was the only thing which remained for him to -observe: he therefore emptied his own purse of forty guineas into that -of the captain, and thus left our hero’s wife in a convalescent state. -Hind then<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span> informed the doctor, that he would leave him in possession -of his whole house, to reimburse him for the money which he had taken -from him. So saying, he locked the door upon the doctor, mounted that -gentleman’s horse, and went in quest of another county, since this had -become too hot for him.</p> - -<p>Hind has been often celebrated for his generosity to the poor; and the -following is a remarkable instance of his virtue in that particular. -He was upon one occasion extremely destitute of cash, and had waited -long upon the road without receiving any supply. An old man, jogging -along upon an ass, at length appeared. He rode up to him, and very -politely inquired where he was going. “To the market,” said the old -man, “at Wantage, to buy me a cow, that I may have some milk for my -children.” “How many children have you?” The old man answered, “Ten.” -“And how much do you mean to give for a cow?” said Hind. “I have but -forty shillings, master, and that I have been scraping together these -two years.” Hind’s heart ached for the poor man’s condition; at the -same time he could not help admiring his simplicity; but, being in -absolute want himself, he thought of an expedient which would serve -both himself and the poor old man. “Father,” said he, “the money which -you have is necessary for me at this time; but I will not wrong your -children of their milk. My name is Hind, and if you will give me your -forty shillings quietly, and meet me again this day se’nnight at this -place, I promise to make the sum double.” The old man reluctantly -consented, and Hind enjoined him to “be cautious not to mention a word -of the matter to any body between this and that time.” The old man came -at the appointed time, and received as much as would purchase two cows, -and twenty shillings more, that he might thereby have the best in the -market.</p> - -<p>Though Hind had long frequented the road, yet he carefully avoided -shedding blood; and the following is the only instance of this nature -related of him. He had one morning committed several robberies, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span> -among others, had taken more than 70<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> from colonel Harrison, -the celebrated parliamentary general. As the Roundheads were Hind’s -inveterate foes, the colonel immediately raised the hue-and-cry after -him, which was circulated in that part of the country before the -captain was aware of it. At last, however, he received intelligence at -one of the inns upon the road, and made every possible haste to fly -the scene of danger. In this situation the captain was apprehensive of -every person he met upon the road. He had reached a place called Knowl -Hill, when the servant of a gentleman, who was following his master, -came riding at full speed behind him. Hind, supposing that it was one -in pursuit of himself, upon his coming up, turned about, and shot him -through the head, when the unfortunate man fell dead upon the spot. -Fortune favored the captain at this time, and he got off in safety.</p> - -<p>The following adventure closes the narrative of Hind’s busy life. After -Charles I. was beheaded, the Scots remained loyal, proclaimed his son -Charles II., and resolved to maintain his right against the usurper. -They suddenly raised an army, and entering England, proceeded as far as -Worcester. Multitudes of the English joined the royal army, and among -these captain Hind, who was loyal from principle, and brave by nature. -Cromwell was sent by Parliament with an army to intercept the march of -the royalists. Both armies met at Worcester, and a desperate and bloody -battle ensued. The king’s army was routed. Captain Hind had the good -fortune to escape, and, reaching London, lived in a retired situation. -Here, however, he had not remained long, when he was betrayed by one of -his intimate acquaintances. It will readily be granted that his actions -merited death by the law of his country, but the mind recoils with -horror from the thought of treachery in an intimate friend.</p> - -<p>Hind was carried before the speaker of the house of commons, and, after -a long examination, was committed to Newgate and loaded with irons; -nor was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span> any person allowed to converse with him without a special -permission. He was brought to the bar of the session-house at the -Old Bailey, indicted for several crimes, but, for want of sufficient -evidence, nothing worthy of death could be proved against him. Not long -after this, he was sent down to Reading under a strong guard, and, -being arraigned before judge Warburton, for killing George Symson at -Knowl Hill, as formerly mentioned, he was convicted of wilful murder. -An act of indemnity for all past offences was issued at this time, and -he hoped to have been included; but an order of council removed him to -Worcester gaol, where he was condemned for high treason, and hanged, -drawn, and quartered, on the 24th September 1652, aged thirty-four -years. His head was stuck upon the top of the bridge over the Severn, -and the other parts of his body placed upon the gates of the city. The -head was privately taken down and interred, but the remaining parts of -his body remained until consumed by the influence of the weather.</p> - -<p>In his last moments he declared that his principal depredations had -been committed against the republican party, and that he was sorry for -nothing so much as not living to see his royal master restored.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_GERMAN_PRINCESS">THE GERMAN PRINCESS.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Though this remarkable female character was denominated a German -Princess, for a reason which will be mentioned in the course of her -narrative, she was a native of Canterbury, and her father a chorister -of that cathedral. From her sprightly and volatile disposition, she at -an early period took delight in reading the novels that were at that -time fashionable,—such as Parismus and Parismanus, Don Bellianis of -Greece, Amadis de Gaul, and Cassandra and Cleopatra; and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span> in a little -time really believed what she wished, even that she was a princess.</p> - -<p>But in her marriage she lost sight of her exalted conceptions, and -united her fortune with a journeyman shoemaker. She resided with -him until she had two children, who both died in their infancy. The -industrious shoemaker was unable to support her extravagance, so that -she at last left him, to seek her fortune elsewhere.</p> - -<p>A woman of her figure, beauty, and address, was not long before she -procured another husband. She went to Dover, and married a surgeon of -that place, but, being apprehended and tried at Maidstone for having -two husbands, by some dexterous manœuvre she was acquitted.</p> - -<p>She presently after embarked for Holland, and travelled by land to -Cologne, and having a considerable sum of money, took handsome lodgings -at a house of entertainment, and cut a dashing figure. As it is -customary for the gentry in England to frequent Brighton during the -season, so it was then customary for those in Germany to frequent the -Spa. Our heroine went thither, and was addressed by an old gentleman -who had a good estate in the vicinity. With the assistance of her -landlady, she managed this affair with great art. The old gentleman -presented her with several fine jewels, besides a gold chain and costly -medal, which had been given him, for some gallant action under count -Tilly, against the valiant Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. He at length -began to press matrimony with all the keenness of a young lover, and, -unable to resist the siege any longer, she consented to make him -happy in three days. Meanwhile, he supplied her with money in great -profusion, and she was requested to prepare what things she pleased -for the wedding. The Princess now deemed it high time to be gone, and, -to secure her retreat, acquainted her landlady with her design. Having -already shared largely of the spoils that our adventurer had received -from her old doating lover, the aged beldame, in hopes<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span> of pillaging -him a little more, encouraged and aided her flight. Our heroine -requested her to go and provide her a seat in a carriage which took a -different road from that of Cologne, as she did not wish that her lover -should be able to trace her route. When our Princess found herself -alone, she broke open a chest in which the good woman had deposited -all her share of the spoil that she had received from our heroine, -as well as her own money. Madame made free with all, and took her -passage to Utrecht, from thence went to Amsterdam, sold her chains and -some jewels, and then passed into Rotterdam, from whence she speedily -embarked for England.</p> - -<p>She landed at Billingsgate, one morning very early in the end of March -1663, and found no house open until she came to the Exchange inn, where -she attained to the dignity of a German princess in the following -manner. In this inn, she got into the company of some gentlemen who, -she perceived, were full of money, and these addressing her in a -rude manner, she began to weep most bitterly, exclaiming that it was -extremely hard for her to be reduced to this extreme distress, who -was once a princess. Here she recited the story of her extraction -and education, and much about her pretended father, the lord Henry -Vanwolway, a prince of the empire, and independent of every man but his -Imperial Majesty. “Certainly,” said she, “any gentleman here present -may conceive what a painful situation this must be to me to be thus -reduced, brought up as I have been under the care of an indulgent -father, and in all the luxuries of a court. But, alas! what do I -say?—Indulgent father! was it not his cruelty which banished me, his -only daughter, from his dominions, merely for marrying, without his -knowledge, a nobleman of the court whom I loved to excess? Was it not -my father who occasioned my dear lord and husband to be cut off in -the bloom of his age, by falsely accusing him of a design against his -person,—a deed which his virtuous soul abhorred?” Here she pretended -that the poignancy of her feelings<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span> would allow her to relate no more -of her unfortunate history.</p> - -<p>The whole company was touched with compassion at the melancholy tale, -which she related with so much unaffected simplicity, that they had -not a doubt of its truth. Compassionating her unfortunate situation, -they requested her acceptance of all the money they had about them, -promising to return again with more. They were as good as their -promise, and she ever after went by the name of the unfortunate German -Princess.</p> - -<p>The man who kept the inn, knowing that she was come from the continent, -and seeing that she had great riches about her, was disposed more -than ever to believe the truth of her story. Nor was Madame backward -to inform him, that she had collected all that she possessed from the -benevolent contributions of neighboring princes, who knew and pitied -her misfortunes. “Nor durst any one of them,” continued she, “let my -father know what they had done, or where I am, for he was so much more -powerful than any of them, that if he understood that any one favored -me, he would instantly make war upon them.”</p> - -<p>King, the innkeeper, being convinced of her rank and fortune, John -Carleton, his brother-in-law, no doubt receiving proper information -from King, became enamored of the Princess, and presumed to pay his -addresses to her. She was highly displeased at first, but, from his -importunity, was at last prevailed upon to descend from her station, -and receive the hand of a common man. Poor Carleton thought himself -the happiest of mortals, in being thus so highly honored by a union -with such an accomplished and amiable princess, possessed of an ample -fortune, though far inferior to what she had a right to expect from her -noble birth.</p> - -<p>But, during this dream of pleasure, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> King received a letter, -informing him, that the woman who resided at his house, and was married -to his brother-in-law, was an impostor, that she had already been -married to two husbands, and had eloped with all the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span> money she could -lay her hands on: and that the writer said nothing but what could be -proved by the most unquestionable evidence in a court of justice. The -consequence was, that a prosecution was instituted against her for -polygamy; but from insufficient evidence she was acquitted.</p> - -<p>She was then introduced as an actress among the players, and by them -supported for some time. Upon the strength of her popularity the house -was often crowded, and the public curiosity was excited by a woman who -had made such a figure in the world, and was receiving great applause -in her dramatic capacity. She generally appeared in characters suited -to her habits of life, and those scenes which had been rendered -familiar to her by former deception and intrigues. But what tended -chiefly to promote her fame, was a play called the “German Princess,” -written principally upon her account, in which she spoke the following -prologue in such a manner as gained universal applause.</p> - -<p class="poetry"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I’ve passed one trial, but it is my fear</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I shall receive a rigid sentence here:</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">You think me a bold cheat, but case ’twere so,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Which of you are not? Now you’d swear, I know;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But do not, lest that you deserve to be</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Censured worse than you can censure me;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The world’s a cheat, and we that move in it</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In our degrees do exercise our wit;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And better ’tis to get a glorious name,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">However got, than live by common fame.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>The Princess had too much mercury in her constitution to remain long -within the bounds of a theatre, when London itself was too limited for -her volatile disposition. She did not, however, leave the theatre until -she had procured many admirers. Her history was well known, as well as -her accomplishments and her gallantry, and introduced her into company. -She was easy of access, but in society carried herself with an affected -air of indifference.</p> - -<p>There were two young beaux, in particular, who had more money in -their pockets than wit in their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span> heads; and from the scarcity of that -commodity in themselves, they the more admired her wit and humor. She -encouraged their addresses until she had extracted about three hundred -pounds from each of them, and then observing their funds were nearly -exhausted, discarded them both, saying, she was astonished at their -impudence, in making love to a princess!</p> - -<p>Her next lover was an old gentleman about fifty, who saw her, and -though he was acquainted with her history, nevertheless resolved to be -at the expense of some hundreds a year, provided she would consent to -live with him. To gain his purpose he sent her several rich presents, -which, with seeming reluctance, she accepted. When they commenced -living together as man and wife, she so accommodated herself to his -temper and disposition that he was constantly making her rich presents, -which were always accepted with apparent reluctance, as laying her -under so many obligations. In this manner they continued, until her -doating lover one evening coming home intoxicated, she thought it a -proper opportunity to decamp. So soon as he was asleep, she rifled his -pockets, and found his pocket-book, containing a bill for a hundred -pounds, and some money. She also stripped him of his watch, and, taking -his keys, opened his coffers, and carried off every thing that suited -her purpose. She next went and presented the bill, and, as the acceptor -knew her, received the money without hesitation.</p> - -<p>Having thus fleeced her old lover, our German princess took up lodgings -in a convenient place, under the character of a young lady with a -thousand pounds, whose father was able to give her twice as much: but -disliking a person whom he had provided as a husband for her, she had -left her father’s house, and did not wish to be discovered by any of -her friends. Madame now continued to have different letters sent her -from time to time, containing an account of all the news concerning her -father and lover. These were left carelessly about the room, and her -landlady reading them, became confirmed in the belief of her story.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span></p> - -<p>This woman had a rich nephew, a young man, who, having been introduced -to her acquaintance, became enamored of her, and to gain her favor -presented her with a gold watch, which she could hardly be prevailed -upon to accept. Her lover already thought the door of paradise open -to him, and their amour proceeded with all the mutual felicity that -young lovers can expect or desire. But in this season of bliss, a -porter knocked at the door with a letter. Her maid, as previously -directed, brought the letter in to her, which she had no sooner read, -than she exclaimed, “I am undone! I am ruined!”—and pretended to swoon -away. The scent bottle was employed, and her enraptured lover was all -kindness and attention. When she was a little recovered, she presented -the letter, saying, “Sir, since you are at last acquainted with most -of my concerns, I shall not make a secret of this; therefore, if you -please, read this letter and know the occasion of my affliction.” The -young gentleman received it, and read as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Dear Madam</span>,</p> - -<p>“I have several times taken my pen in my hand, on purpose to write -you, and as often laid it aside again, for fear of giving you more -trouble than you already labor under. However, as the affair so -immediately concerns you, I cannot in justice hide what I tremble to -disclose, but must in duty tell you the worst of news, whatever may be -the consequence of my so doing.</p> - -<p>“Know, then, that your affectionate and tender brother is dead. I am -sensible how dear he was to you, and you to him, yet let me entreat -you, for your own sake, to acquiesce in the will of Providence as -much as possible, since our lives are all at his disposal who gave -us being. I could use another argument to comfort you, that, with a -sister less loving than you, would be of more weight than that I have -urged; but I know your soul is above all mercenary views. I cannot, -however, forbear to inform you, that he has<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span> left you all he had; and -farther, that your father’s estate of 200<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> per annum, can -devolve upon no other person than yourself, who are now his only child.</p> - -<p>“What I am next to acquaint you with may, perhaps, be almost as bad -as the former particular. Your hated lover has been so importunate -with your father, especially since your brother’s decease, that the -old gentleman resolves, if ever he should hear of you any more, to -marry you to him, and he makes this the condition of your being again -received into his favor, and having your former disobedience, as -he calls it, forgiven. While your brother lived, he was every day -endeavoring to soften the heart of your father, and we were only -last week in hopes he would have consented to let you follow your -inclinations, if you would come home to him again; but now there is no -advocate in your cause who can work upon the man’s peevish temper; for -he says, as you are now his sole heir, he ought to be more resolute in -the disposal of you in marriage.</p> - -<p>“While I am now writing, I am surprised with an account that your -father and lover are preparing to come to London, where, they say, -they can find you out. Whether or not this be only a device, I cannot -tell, nor can I conceive where they could receive their information, -if it be true. However, to prevent the worst, consider whether or -not you can cast off your old aversion, and submit to your father’s -commands; for if you cannot, it will be most advisable in my opinion -to change your residence. I have no more to say in the affair, being -unwilling to direct you in such a very nice circumstance. The temper -of your own mind will be the best instructer you can apply to; for -your future happiness or misery during life depends on your choice. I -hope that every thing will turn out for the best.</p> - -<p class="right"> -“From your sincere friend, S. E.”<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<p>Her lover saw that she had good reason to be afflicted, and, whilst -he seemed to feel for her, he was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span> no less concerned about his own -interest. He advised her immediately to leave her lodgings, and -added that he had very elegant apartments which were at her service. -She accepted his offer; and, with her maid, who was informed of her -intentions, and prepared to assist her, immediately set out for the -residence of her lover. When introduced to their new apartment, these -ladies did not go to bed, as they had resolved to depart next morning, -but lay down to rest themselves with their clothes on. When the house -was all quiet, they broke open the lover’s desk, took out a bag with -a hundred pounds, two suits of clothes, and every thing valuable that -they could carry along with them.</p> - -<p>Her numerous and varied adventures would far exceed the limits -appropriated to one life in this volume. It is sufficient to observe, -that rather than her hands should be unemployed, or her avaricious -disposition unsatisfied, she would carry off the most trifling article; -that, according to the proverb, all was fish that came into her net; -and that when a watch, a diamond, or piece of plate could not be found, -a napkin, a pair of sheets; or any article of wearing apparel, would -suffice.</p> - -<p>One day she, along with her pretended maid, went into a mercer’s shop -in Cheapside, and purchased a piece of silk to the value of six pounds. -She pulled out her purse to pay the draper, but to her surprise found -that she had no money except some large pieces of gold, for which she -had so high an esteem, that she could not think of parting with them. -The polite draper, on his part, could not think of hurting the feelings -of a lady so elegantly dressed, and, accordingly, dispatched one of his -shopkeepers along with her to receive his money. Arrived at the Royal -Exchange, Madame ordered the coachman to stop, when, upon pretence of -purchasing some ribands that would suit the silks, her maid carried -out the parcel, and went along with her, leaving the shopman in the -coach to wait their return. The young man waited in the coach, until -he was impatient and ashamed, and then<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span> returned home to relate his -misfortunes, and the loss of his master.</p> - -<p>Upon another occasion Madame waited upon a French weaver in -Spitalfields, and purchased goods to the amount of forty pounds. He -went home with her to carry the parcel and to receive his money. She -desired him to make out a bill for the whole of the goods, as one half -belonged to a lady in the next room. With all the ceremony natural to -a Frenchman, he sat down to write his account, while she took the silk -into the adjacent room to show it to her niece, to whom the one half -belonged. By means of a bottle of wine which Madame had placed before -the French weaver, half an hour passed over without much uneasiness. -At length his patience was exhausted, and, having called up the people -of the house, he inquired for the lady who came in with him, and who -told him she was only gone into the next room. To the utter confusion -and disappointment of poor Monsieur, he was informed that his lady was -gone, and would, they believed, return no more to that dwelling. To -calm his rage, and to convince him that they were not confederates in -her villany, they conveyed him to the next room, and showed him, that -the proper entry to her apartment was by a back stair; adding, that she -had only taken their room for a month, for which she had paid them, and -that her time being expired, they knew not whither she had gone.</p> - -<p>Determined to collect her contributions from householders instead of -travellers, she next took lodgings from a tailor. As it was natural -for a generous, good-hearted lady to promote the prosperity of the -family where she resided, Madame employed the tailor to make the goods -she had procured from the mercer and the weaver. Convinced that he had -got an excellent job, as well as a rich lodger, the tailor, with mirth -and song, sat down to make Madame’s dresses. As she acquainted him -that upon a specified day she was to have a large party, the tailor -called in all his journeymen to his aid, and had the whole finished -by that time. Meanwhile, the Princess gave her landlady a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span> guinea to -purchase what things she deemed necessary, promising to pay her the -remainder the following day. The day arrived, the guests appeared, -an elegant entertainment was served up, and plenty of wine drunk. -None were without their due portion. The tailor had plied his glass -so plentifully, that his wife had to lend him her assistance to his -bed-chamber. This answered the design of our Princess. She and all her -company departed one by one, carrying away, each a silver tankard, or a -saltcellar, or a knife, or a fork, while the maid carried off all the -clothes that were not upon their backs. The moment they reached the -street, the maid was placed in a coach with the booty, and the rest of -the company took different directions, none of them being discovered. -Thus a merry night brought a sorrowful morning to the poor industrious -tailor.</p> - -<p>Madame being attacked with a fit of mourning, sent her confidential -maid to a shop in the New Exchange, where she had purchased a few -articles the previous day. The woman of the shop, with all possible -expedition, selected the best specimens of her goods, and hastened to -the lodgings. Madame was so very much indisposed when the milliner -arrived, that she could not look at the things, and desired her to -return after dinner, when she doubted not but they would agree as to -the price. The obliging milliner was satisfied, and requested liberty -to leave her goods until she returned, a request which was readily -granted. At the hour appointed she returned, and inquired if the lady -up stairs were at home. To her great mortification she was informed -that she was gone they could not tell where, and that she did not -intend to return. But before her departure she had conveyed away the -valuable part of her effects. Thus both her landlady and the milliner -were left to regret her absence, and to reflect upon their own easy -credulity and loss.</p> - -<p>But the adventures of our ingenious Princess increase in magnitude as -they multiply in number. Being arrayed in her sable robes, and having -taken lodgings in Holborn, she sent for a barrister of Gray’s Inn, -and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span> informed him, that by the death of her father, she was sole heir -to his fortune, but that she was married to an extravagant husband, -who was resolved to secure her property to himself. Here she poured -forth a torrent of tears and the most grievous lamentations, the more -to interest the young barrister in her favor. But while the lawyer was -squaring his features to the occasion, and talking of the matter in a -learned and eloquent strain, a woman ran up stairs, exclaiming, “O, -madam, we are all undone! for my master is below; he has been asking -for you, and swears that he will come up to your chamber. I am afraid -the people of the house will not be able to hinder him, he appears so -resolute.”—“O heavens!” exclaimed Madame, “what shall I do?”—“Why?” -cried the lawyer. “Why!” quoth she, “I mean how shall I dispose of you? -Dear me, what excuse shall I make for your being here? I dare not tell -him your quality and business, for that would endanger all; and, on the -other side, he is extremely jealous. Therefore, good sir, step into -that closet until I can send him away.” Surprised, and at a loss what -to do, the lawyer complied. The closet being locked, and the curtains -of the bed drawn, she opened the door to her husband, who was loudly -demanding admittance.</p> - -<p>The moment he entered, he gave his spouse the most opprobrious -language. “O, mistress abandoned! I understand you have a man in the -room: a pretty companion for a poor innocent woman, truly! one who is -always complaining how hardly I use her. Where is the villain? I shall -sacrifice him this moment. Is this your modesty, madam? this your -virtue? Let me see your gallant immediately, or, by the light! you -shall be the first victim yourself.” Saying this, he made to the closet -door, and burst it open like a fury. The young lawyer was discovered -with shame, though innocent, and trembling in every limb. The husband’s -sword was unsheathed, and death was before the barrister’s eyes. But -Madame, interposing, seemed determined rather to die herself than to -suffer the blood of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span> an innocent man to stain her chamber. A companion -of the husband also fortunately came to her assistance, and seizing the -arm of the infuriated man, struggled to wrest the sword from his hand.</p> - -<p>The discernment of the lawyer soon discovered the deception, and, to -exculpate and relieve himself, he candidly related the whole matter, -and the reason for which he was introduced into that place. But all was -in vain. The injured and enraged husband insisted that this was only a -feigned narrative to cover his villany, and nothing but his blood, or -an adequate remuneration, would assuage his fury. The cause was at last -referred to the arbitration of the kind stranger who had interfered, -and aided Madame in protecting the young lawyer. Five hundred pounds -were proposed as a proper recompense; but that was far beyond the -power of the lawyer to command. It was with no small difficulty agreed -that he should give a hundred pounds, rather than be found exposed to -the consequences of detection, in a situation where he was unable to -vindicate his innocence. He sent a note to a friend for that sum, the -confederates being careful to examine it before it was transmitted, -lest it should be for a constable, instead of a hundred pounds. Upon -the payment of that sum the lawyer was liberated, and went off with the -bitter reflection, that, instead of receiving a good fee for writing -a deed of settlement, he had paid a hundred pounds for a few minutes’ -lodging in a closet; but, consoling himself with the hopes of seeing -this amiable widow speedily <em>exalted</em> to merited honor.</p> - -<p>The good wishes of the lawyer were in a very few years verified in -her history. Not long after this, Madame was apprehended, accused of -stealing a silver tankard at Covent Garden, and sent to Newgate. At -the next sessions she was tried, and transported to Jamaica; where, -however, she only remained two years, when she returned to England, -and appeared in the character of a great heiress. The result of this -artifice was, that she was speedily married to a rich apothecary,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</span> -whom she soon robbed of above three hundred pounds, and then left him -to resolve the question whether the loss of his money or the loss of -his wife was the greatest misfortune. Madame went next to lodge in -a house where the landlady, a watchmaker, herself, and her faithful -maid, composed the whole family. Having established her character for -sobriety and probity, she invited her landlady and the watchmaker to -the play, and treated them with tickets. They accepted the invitation, -and the maid remained at home, sole guardian of the garrison. But -during their absence, she broke open the locks, extracted about two -hundred pounds, and made free with about thirty watches; so that her -spoil amounted in all to six hundred pounds, which she carried to the -appointed place of rendezvous. Meanwhile, Madame, not satisfied with -treating the watchmaker and her good landlady with tickets to the -play, after it was over took them to a tavern to treat them to a small -collation, where she embraced an opportunity to decamp.</p> - -<p>It happened that one <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Freeman, a brewer, had been robbed of two -hundred pounds, and that an officer had been sent to search every -suspected place for the thieves. One Lancaster was the person upon whom -suspicion chiefly rested, and, while searching a house for him, they -discovered Madame walking in a night-gown. The thief-catcher entered -her room, and, seeing two letters upon the table, he began to examine -their contents. Madame was highly displeased with his impertinent -freedom, and, in the course of the dispute which ensued, he had -occasion to examine the features of her countenance, and recognising -her ladyship, took both her and her letters along with him.</p> - -<p>When removed to the Old Bailey, she was interrogated, whether she was -the woman who usually went by the name of Mary Carleton. She answered, -“Yes.” The court then demanded the reason of her return from banishment -before the specified time. She made many trifling excuses, which -detained the court for a few days; but finding these excuses would not -answer her<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</span> purpose, she pleaded pregnancy. A committee of matrons was -then appointed to examine her, who gave a verdict against her, and she -was condemned to suffer in conformity with her previous sentence.</p> - -<p>In prison she was visited by many, out of curiosity to see the behavior -of such a remarkable character in confinement and under sentence of -death; and several clergymen attended her to conduct her devotions, -and to direct her in her calamitous situation. She confessed herself -to be a Roman Catholic, and sincerely bewailed her criminal conduct, -frequently wishing that she could again renew her life, in order to -spend it in a more exemplary and virtuous manner.</p> - -<p>On the day of her execution, she appeared more cheerful and gay than -usual, and, placing the picture of her husband upon her arm, she -went to Tyburn with it. She appeared devout, and, when she heard <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> -Sepulchre’s bell begin to toll, uttered several pious ejaculations. -To a friend, who rode in a cart with her to the place of execution, -she delivered two Roman Catholic books; and, addressing the multitude, -owned that she had been a very vain woman, and hoped that her fate -would deter others from the same evil ways; and that, though the world -had condemned her, she had much to say for herself. Then, praying God -to forgive her as she did her most inveterate enemies, she was in a few -minutes launched into eternity. She was executed in the year 1672, in -the thirty-eighth year of her age, and in the same month of the year in -which she was born.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CAPTAIN_DUDLEY">CAPTAIN DUDLEY.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Captain Dudley was born at Swepston in Leicestershire. His father -once possessed a considerable estate, but through extravagance lost -the whole except about sixty pounds per annum. In these reduced -circumstances he went to London, intending to live in obscurity, -corresponding to the state of his finances.</p> - -<p>Richard his son had a promising genius, and received a liberal -education at <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Paul’s school. But a naturally vicious disposition -baffled all restraints. When only nine years old he showed his covetous -disposition, by robbing his sister of thirty shillings, and absconding -with it. In a few days, however, he was found, brought home, and sent -to school, where his vicious propensities were only strengthened by -indulgence. Impatient of the confinement of a school, he next robbed -his father of a considerable sum of money, and absconded. His father, -however, discovered his retreat, and found him a little way from town -in the company of two loose women.</p> - -<p>Despairing of his settling at home, his father sent him on board a -man-of-war, in which he sailed up the straits, and behaved gallantly in -several actions. Upon his arrival in England, he left the ship, under -the pretence that a younger officer had been preferred before him, -upon the death of one of the lieutenants. In a short time he joined a -band of thieves, assisted them in robbing the country-house of admiral -Carter, and escaped detection. Having at length commenced robber, the -first remarkable robbery in which he was engaged, was that of breaking -into the house of a lady of Blackheath, and carrying off a large -quantity of plate.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</span></p> - -<p>He and his associates were successful in selling the plate to a -refiner; but in a short time he was apprehended for the robbery, -and committed to Newgate. While there, he sent for the refiner, and -severely reproached him in the following manner: “It is,” said he, “a -hard matter to find an honest man and a fair dealer: for, you cursed -rogue, among the plate you bought there was a cup with a cover, which -you told us was but silver gilt, buying it at the same price with the -rest; but it plainly appeared, by the advertisement in the gazette, -that it was a gold cup and cover; I see you are a rogue, and that there -is no trusting any body.” Dudley was tried, convicted for this robbery, -and sentenced to death: but his youth, and the interest of his friends, -procured him a royal pardon.</p> - -<p>For two years he conducted himself to the satisfaction of his father, -so that he purchased for him a commission in the army. In that -situation he also acquitted himself honorably, and married a young lady -of a respectable family, with whom he received an estate of a hundred -and forty pounds a year. This, with his commission, enabled them to -live in a genteel manner. Delighting, however, in company, and having -become security for one of his companions for a debt, and that person -being arrested for it, one of the bailiffs was killed in the scuffle, -and Dudley was suspected of being the murderer.</p> - -<p>What strengthened this suspicion was, that Dudley was the avowed enemy -of all that class of society. He deemed a bailiff in England, or what -is known in Scotland by the name of messenger, as one who is determined -to strip every person who comes under his power of all he possibly can.</p> - -<p>But, leaving the statements of Dudley concerning these men, let us -return to the relation of his actions. Having banished every virtuous -feeling, being more inclined to live upon the ruins of his country -than the fruits of his industry, and more disposed to fight than to -work, he abandoned his own house, and joined a band of robbers. Dudley -soon became so expert a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</span> robber, that there was scarcely any robbery -committed but he acted a principal part in it. Pleased with this easy -way of obtaining money, and of supporting an extravagant expense, he -also prevailed upon Will, his brother, to join him in this employment. -It happened, however, that Will had not been long in his new -occupation, when the captain was apprehended for robbing a gentleman of -a watch, a sword, a whip, and nine shillings. But, fortunately for him, -the evidence was defective, and he escaped death a second time.</p> - -<p>Now hardened in vice, he immediately recurred to his old trade. He -robbed on the highway, broke into houses, picked pockets, or performed -any act of violence or cunning by which he could procure money. -Fortune favored him long, and he went on with impunity, but was at -last apprehended for robbing Sir John Friend’s house. Upon trial the -evidence was decisive, and he received sentence of death. His friends -again interposed, and through their influence his sentence was changed -for that of banishment. Accordingly, he and several other convicts were -put on board a ship bound for Barbadoes. But they had scarcely reached -the Isle of Wight, when he excited his companions to a conspiracy, and, -having concerted their measures while the ship’s company were under -hatches, they went off with the longboat.</p> - -<p>No sooner had he reached the shore than he abandoned his companions, -and travelled through woods and by-paths. Being in a very mean dress, -he begged when he had no opportunity to steal. Arriving, however, at -Hounslow heath, he met with a farmer, robbed him, seized his horse, -and, having mounted, set forward in quest of new spoils. This was a -fortunate day, for Dudley had not proceeded far on the heath when a -gentleman, well dressed, and better mounted than the farmer, made his -appearance. He was commanded to halt and to surrender. Dudley led him -aside into a retired thicket, exchanged clothes and horse, rifled his -pockets, and then addressed him, saying, that “he ought never to accuse -him of robbing him, for according<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</span> to the old proverb, exchange was no -robbery;” so bidding him good day, he marched off for London. Arrived -there, he went in search of his old associates, who were glad to see -their friend; and who, in consequence of his fortunate adventures and -high reputation among them, conferred upon him the title of captain, -all agreeing to be subject to his commands. Thus, at the head of such -an experienced and desperate band, no part of the country was secure -from his rapine, nor any house sufficiently strong to keep him out. The -natural consequences were, that he soon became known and dreaded all -over the country.</p> - -<p>To avoid capture, and to prevent all inquiries, he paid a visit to the -north of England, and, being one day in search of plunder, he robbed a -Dutch colonel of his horse, arms, and fine laced coat. Thus equipped, -he committed several other robberies. At length, however, he laid aside -the colonel’s habit, only using his horse, which soon became dexterous -at his new employment. But one day meeting a gentleman near Epsom, -the latter resisted the captain’s demands, and discharged his pistol -at Dudley. In the combat, however, he was victorious, wounded the -gentleman in the leg, and, having stripped him of his money, conveyed -him to the next village, that he might receive medical assistance, and -then rode off in search of new adventures. The captain and his men were -very successful in this quarter. No stage, nor coach, nor passenger, -of which they had intelligence, could escape their depredations, and -scarcely a day passed without the commission of some notorious robbery.</p> - -<p>Captain Dudley and his men went on in a continued course of good -fortune, acquiring much wealth, but amassing little, as their -extravagance was equal to their gains. On one ill-fated day, however, -having attacked and robbed the Southampton coach, they were keenly -pursued, and several of them taken, but Dudley escaped. Deprived of -the chief part of his own forces, he now attached himself to some -housebreakers, and with them continued to commit many<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</span> robberies; in -particular, with three others, he entered the house of an old woman in -Spitalfields, gagged her, bound her to a chair, and rifled the house -of a considerable sum of money, which the good woman had been long -scraping together. Hearing the money clink that was going to be taken -from her, she struggled in her chair, fell down upon her face, and was -stifled to death, while the captain and his companions went off with -impunity. But when the old woman came to be interred, a grandson of -hers, who had been one of the robbers, when about to be fitted with a -pair of mourning gloves, changed countenance, was strongly agitated, -and began to tremble. He was suspected, charged with the murder, -confessed the crime, and informing upon the rest, two of them were -taken, tried, and condemned, and the three hanged in chains.</p> - -<p>Yet, though Dudley’s name was published as accessory to the murder, he -long escaped detection. At length, however, he was apprehended, and -charged with several robberies, of which he, by dexterous management, -evaded the deserved punishment. He was also called to stand trial for -the murder of the old woman; but the principal evidence, upon whose -testimony the other three were chiefly condemned, being absent, he -escaped suffering for that crime. The dexterous manner in which he -managed that trial, the witnesses whom he had suborned, and the manner -in which he maintained his innocence before the jury, were often the -cause of his boast and amusement.</p> - -<p>The profligate Dudley was no sooner relieved from prison than he -hastened to join his old companions in vice. Exulting to see their -captain again at their head, they redoubled their activity, and -committed all manner of depredations. Among other adventures, they -robbed a nobleman on Hounslow heath of fifteen hundred pounds, after a -severe engagement with his servants, three of whom were wounded, and -two had their horses shot under them. They next directed their course -along the west country road, and having robbed a parson, enjoined him, -under the most terrific<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</span> threats, to preach a sermon in praise of -thieving. He was forced to comply, and the sermon being ended, they -returned his money, and gave him four shillings to drink their health -and success.</p> - -<p>After this adventure, they left off infesting the highways, and rode -for London. Arrived in the capital, the captain’s brother employed -his dexterity about town in several adventures, which go far to show -how well the brother profited by the example and instructions of the -captain. He first dressed himself as a countryman, with a pair of dirty -boots on, and a whip in his hand, and went to Bartholomew Fair, where -he wandered all the forenoon without meeting any prey. But as he was -returning, he accosted a plain countryman, saying, “Have a care, honest -friend, of your money, for we are going into a cursed place, full of -thieves, rogues, and pickpockets. I am almost ruined by them, and I am -glad that they have not pulled the teeth out of my head. Let one take -never so good care, they will be sure of his money; the devil certainly -helps them.”</p> - -<p>The face of the countryman glowed with courage as he replied, “I -defy all the devils to rob me of any thing I value. I have a round -piece which I’ll secure;” and thrusting it into his mouth, he rushed -confidently into the fair. Will was only desirous to ascertain the fact -that he had money about him; therefore, giving his instructions with -a few sixpences and groats to a hopeful boy, he immediately ran after -the countryman, while Will followed at a distance. The boy coming up -with the countryman, fell down before him, scattering the money all -around; and starting up, he raised the most hideous noise, crying that -he was undone, and that he must run away from his apprenticeship, that -his master was a furious man, and that he would certainly be killed. -The countryman and others flocked around, and endeavored to assist the -boy in gathering up his lost money. Then one of them said, “Have you -found all?” “Yes, all the silver, but that is of no avail; there is a -broad piece of gold which I was carrying to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</span> my master for a token sent -from the country, and for the loss of it I shall be killed. Alas! I am -undone! what will become of me?” Will now advanced among the crowd, and -was equally concerned for the unhappy boy; and, seeing the countryman -standing by, he gravely observed that he had seen him put a piece of -gold into his mouth. The mob instantly seized him, and while one opened -his mouth by force, another extracted the broad piece of gold; and when -he attempted to speak in his own defence, he was kicked, pinched, and -so tossed about, that he was glad to escape with his life. Meanwhile, -the boy slipped away among the crowd, and at an appointed place met -Will to surrender to him his booty.</p> - -<p>Having changed his clothes, Will went into the market, and mingling -with the crowd, learned that the countryman was gone to an inn, where -he had sent for his master, a knight of a large estate, and some other -respectable persons, to attest his character. Will knew this person -well, and hastened to the Exchange, in full hopes of meeting him. -Having reconnoitred the gentleman, and followed him until he perceived -an opportunity, he robbed him of every guinea he had, except one, which -he considerately left him to pay for his dinner. The knight, repairing -to the inn, laughed heartily when the poor countryman informed him that -he had been robbed, while he told him that he also had, in like manner, -been just fleeced upon the Exchange. The countryman laughed in his -turn, and said, “Sir, let us make our escape from this roguish place;” -adding, with a shrug of the shoulders, “Sir, they’ll steal our small -guts to make fiddle-strings of them.”</p> - -<p>The gentleman, having recruited his purse, went on the next day to -the Exchange. Will paid him the same compliment the second day. The -knight was surprised how it was possible for any man to rob him when he -was so forewarned, and so upon his guard; but, looking hastily about, -his eye fixed upon Will, whom he suspected to be the delinquent. He -went up to him, and, taking him by the button, informed him,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</span> that he -strongly suspected that he was the person who had robbed him; but, as -he was a gentleman of a large fortune, he did not regard the money, and -would freely pardon him, and give him all the money, upon condition -that he would inform him by what means he had done so. “This,” said -he, “I promise upon my honor.” “Your word of honor,” said Will, “is -sufficient; I know the greatness of your fortune; I am the man. I will -wait on your worship at the tavern, and there show you some of my art -more freely than I would do to my fellow-rogues.” In their way to the -inn, the gentleman informed Will, that as he wished to make a frolic -of the matter, he would send for some other gentlemen to be present, -assuring him, at the same time, that he should sustain no damage from -any discovery that he might make to them. “I know you’re a gentleman,” -said Will, “and men of honor scorn to keep base company. Call as many -as you please; I’ll take their word, and I know that I am safe.”</p> - -<p>When the gentlemen arrived, Will told them many things which greatly -astonished and pleased them; and when he pulled out the piece of gold, -and informed them how he had used Roger, the gentleman’s tenant, he -was immediately sent for to increase the amusement. “What would you -say,” cried the knight, as he entered, “if you saw your gold again?” -“Oh!” said he, “I wish I could; but if my mouth can’t keep it, where -shall I put it? Shud! I’d rather see the rogue; I’d make a jelly of his -bones!” “There he is,” said the knight, “and there’s your broad piece.” -As Roger began to heave and to bully, his master commanded him to take -his piece of gold, and sit down by him: upon which, the pacified Roger, -seeing how things went, drank to his new acquaintance.</p> - -<p>One of the gentlemen pulling out a curious watch, said, he wondered how -it was possible to take a watch out of a fob; that it certainly must be -from carelessness on the part of the owner. “No,” said Will, “if the -gentleman will take a turn in Moorfields, I’ll wager a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</span> guinea I’ll -have the watch before he return, let him take what care he pleases, -and I shan’t stir out of the room.” “Done,” cried the gentleman; and -every gentleman in the room laid down his guinea, while Roger staked -his broad piece. The gentleman went out, and was careful that he would -not suffer man, woman, nor child to come near him. When the time -approached that he should return, a boy came pretty near him, but, to -avoid suspicion, ran past him, and at the same time looking on his -back, informed the gentleman that it swarmed with vermin. The gentleman -observing them, and loathing the sight, said, “Good boy, take them -off, and I’ll give you a shilling.” The boy did so, at the same time -stealing his watch; and, having received his shilling, ran off. The -gentleman returned to the tavern, wondering all the way how he could -possibly come by such vermin, and taking the greatest care that no -person should approach him.</p> - -<p>Upon his return to the tavern, Will asked him what o’clock it was. He -attempted to pull out his watch, but, to his utter astonishment and -confusion, it was gone. Upon this, Will produced it, and asked the -gentleman if that were his. The gentleman was struck dumb, casting up -his hands and eyes, and, full of amazement, addressed Will, saying, -“You must have had the assistance of the devil.” “Of a boy,” said -Will. “Did not a boy pick you clean?” “There’s the devil,” said the -gentleman; “and he threw them on, too, I suppose.” “Ay, through a -quill,” said the other.</p> - -<p>All present were astonished at the ingenuity of the trick, but -particularly plain Roger, who could not, at times, restrain his -laughter. “Alas!” said Will, “this trick is not worth talking about: it -is only one of those we commit to our boys. There is a nobleman just -passing the window, with a very rich coat upon his back; I’ll wager, -as before, to steal it from him, before all his followers, and bring -it here on my own back.” The gentlemen all staked their guineas, and -were seconded by Roger. “Come, now,” said Will, “this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</span> matter must not -be entrusted to a boy; you will give me leave to go myself, nor must -you restrict me to any particular time to return.” So out he ran, and -followed the nobleman from street to street, until he saw him enter a -tavern.</p> - -<p>The nobleman was conducted up-stairs. Will bustling in after him, -hastened to the bar-keeper, and desired him to lend him an apron, as -his master would be served only by his own footman. “He is a very good -customer, and expects the very best wine: I must go to the cellar -and taste it for him.” The apron being given, he went to the cellar, -and returned with some of the best of each wine for his pretended -master. He ran so quick up and down stairs, and was so alert at his -work, that none of the other servants could equal him. Meanwhile, the -company up-stairs taking him for the servant of the house, were highly -satisfied with his attendance. Will was also careful to give full cups -to the servant who should have served in his place, with some money, -which the other was very glad to receive for doing nothing. He seldom -also went into the room without passing some merry jest to amuse the -company. They were so highly pleased with him, that they said one to -another, “This is a merry, witty fellow; such a man as he is fit to -make a house; he deserves double wages.” When Will saw his plan ripe -for execution, he came into the room with some wine, and by the aid -of his knife, made a slit in my lord’s coat. Returning with a bottle -in one hand, and his other hand full of glasses, before he approached -his lordship he started and stared, saying, “What fellows are those -who have made that coat?” with other imprecations against the tailor. -Then some of the company rising up, saw the rent in my lord’s coat, -and cried, “My lord, the tailor has cheated you.” Will, drawing near, -said, “Such things may happen; but give me the coat, and I’ll carry -it privately under my master’s cloak to an acquaintance of mine, who -will presently make it as good as if it had not been torn.” Borrowing -a great coat of a gentleman present, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</span> nobleman gave Will his coat -to carry to the tailor, who, coming down stairs, informed the landlord -of the disaster, received his cloak, and, putting the rent coat below -it, seized a good beaver hat off one of the cloak-pins, and hastened -from the tavern. Arriving at the inn where the gentlemen were anxiously -waiting his return, he went into another room, dressed himself, and -entered with the cloak and beaver on. “What!” said one of them, -“instead of a coat, you come with a cloak, and great need for it; for,” -he added, “there’s a deal of knavery under it.” Will then opened the -cloak, and showed them the coat, saying, that he had received the cloak -and beaver into the bargain; and gave an account of the whole adventure.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, my lord and his company had waited long in expectation of -the servant, whom they supposed to have been one of the waiters of the -house. The landlord also wondering that they were so long in calling -for more wine, one of the servants was sent up-stairs to force trade. -He entered the room, saying, “Call here, call here, gentlemen?” “Yes,” -said one of them, “where is your fellow-servant who waited upon us?” -“My fellow-servant!” exclaimed the other; “he said he was my lord’s -servant, and that his master would be served by none but himself, and I -should have good vails, nevertheless.” My lord replied, “How can that -be? I have only one gentleman of my own retinue; the rest are with my -lady. He that served us came in with an apron, and in the character -of one of the servants of the house:—call up the landlord!” Boniface -instantly waited upon them, when one of the gentlemen asked him, if -he kept sharpers in his house, to affront gentlemen and to rob them. -“Nay,” replied the vintner, who was a choleric man, “do you bring -sharpers along with you, to affront me and rob my house? I am sure I -have lost a new cloak and beaver; and, for aught I know, though you -look like gentlemen, you may be sharpers yourselves; and I expect to -be paid by you for my losses, as well as for the reckoning.” One of -them instantly drew upon him,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</span> enraged at his insolent language; but -the landlord ran down stairs in affright, and alarmed the whole house, -entreating them not to suffer such rogues to escape. In the mean time -he seized a sword, the servants armed themselves with spits, pokers, -and such other weapons as the house afforded. A great uproar was -soon raised; and the nobleman coming first out to penetrate through -the crowd, made a thrust at the landlord, but was beaten back by a -fire-shovel in the hand of one of the waiters, and narrowly escaped -being run through with a long spit in the hands of a cook maid. His -lordship, seeing the door so completely guarded, shut himself up in the -room, and began to consult with the rest of the company what was best -to be done.</p> - -<p>Fortunately, however, the gentleman who was in the other tavern with -Will, conjecturing that a quarrel might ensue between the nobleman and -the vintner, who had lost his cloak and beaver, sent his own landlord -to inform him, that the rogue was caught, and in safe custody.</p> - -<p>He was admitted up-stairs, waited on his lordship, and communicated to -him the whole affair. A cessation of arms took place. They drank to -the health of the landlord, assuring him, that in future they would -be friendly to his house; but, in the mean time, they attended their -peacemaker to the tavern, where Will was exhibiting his dexterity. -The vintner went along with them, and, after common compliments, Will -restored the coat, the cloak, and the beaver, and continued to amuse -them during the remainder of the evening with the relation of his -adventures.</p> - -<p>But to return, at length, to the captain his brother. He had, along -with his companions, committed so many robberies upon the highway, that -a proclamation was issued against them, offering a reward to those -who should bring them, either dead or alive. This occasioned their -detection in the following manner:—having committed a robbery, and -being closely pursued to Westminster ferry, the wherryman refused to -carry any more that night. Two of them then rode off, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</span> the other -four gave their horses to a waterman to lead to the next inn. The -horses foaming with sweat, the waterman began to suspect that they were -robbers who had been keenly pursued, and communicated his suspicions to -the constable, who secured the horses, and went in search of the men.</p> - -<p>He was not long in seizing one of them, who confessed; and the -constable, hastening to the inn, secured the rest, and, having placed a -strong guard upon them, rode to Lambeth, and making sure of the other -two, led them before a justice of the peace, who committed them to -Newgate.</p> - -<p>At the next sessions, captain Dudley, his brother, and three other -accomplices, were tried, and condemned to suffer death.</p> - -<p>After sentence, captain Dudley was brought to Newgate, where he -conducted himself agreeably to his sad situation. He was conveyed -from Newgate with six other prisoners. He appeared pretty cheerful, -but his brother lay all the time sick in the cart. The ceremonies of -religion being performed, they were launched into another world on the -twenty-second of February, 1681, to answer for the numerous crimes of -their guilty lives.</p> - -<p>The bodies of the captain and his brother, having been cut down, were -put into separate coffins, to be conveyed to their disconsolate father, -who at the sight was so overwhelmed, that he sank upon the dead bodies, -and never spoke more, and was buried at the same time and in the same -grave with his two sons.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="WILLIAM_NEVISON">WILLIAM NEVISON.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The advancement of the arts and sciences is not more rapid than -the progress of folly and vice. In the following memoir it will be -demonstrated, that the best education may be perverted by vicious -dispositions.</p> - -<p>William Nevison was born at Pomfret, in Yorkshire, about the year 1639, -and his parents, being in good circumstances, conferred upon him a -decent education. He remained at school until he was about thirteen -years of age. During that period, his expanding talents promised a -luxuriant harvest; but the general bent of his future character, and -the ruling motive of all his actions, were exhibited at that period. -He commenced his depredations by stealing a silver spoon from his own -father. The too indulgent parent, instead of chastising him for the -crime, transferred the unpleasant work to the schoolmaster. The father -who resigns authority over his own children may expect either to lose -them altogether, or to have his heart grieved and his family dishonored -by their conduct. The schoolmaster having punished young Nevison for -the theft, he spent a sleepless night in meditating revenge. He knew -that the pedagogue had a favorite horse, which grazed in an adjacent -paddock. William rose early in the morning, moved quietly into his -father’s closet, stole his keys, and supplied himself with cash to -the amount of ten pounds; then, taking a saddle and bridle from his -father’s stable, he hastened to the paddock in which the schoolmaster’s -horse was accustomed to feed; and, having saddled and bridled the -animal, with all haste rode towards London. About a mile or two -from the capital, he cut the throat of the poor horse, for fear of -detection. Arrived in London, he changed his name and clothes, and then -hired himself to a brewer.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</span> Although circumstances compelled him to be -for a while industrious, in order to obtain the necessaries of life, -his mind was always upon the stretch to invent some more expeditious -mode of acquiring money than the slow return of annual pay; accordingly -he often, ineffectually, attempted to rob his master. One evening, -however, the clerk happening to use his bottle too freely, Nevison -followed him into the counting-house, and, while he was enjoying a -recruiting nap, stole the keys of the desks, and relieved them of their -burden, to the amount of about two hundred pounds. Without waiting to -discover whether the clerk or the servant would be blamed for the cash, -he sailed for Holland.</p> - -<p>But change of climate had no effect in changing his nature. Through his -instigation, the daughter of a respectable citizen robbed her father -of a large sum of money, and a quantity of jewels, and eloped with the -Englishman. They were pursued, taken, and committed to prison. Thus -detected, Nevison would certainly have finished a short but villanous -career in a foreign land, had he not fortunately effected his escape.</p> - -<p>With no small difficulty he arrived in Flanders, and enlisted into -a regiment of English volunteers, under the command of the duke of -York. In that station he behaved with considerable reputation, and -even acquired some money; but his restless temper and disposition to -acquire riches, by whatever means, did not permit him to remain in a -situation of industry or sobriety. He deserted, went over to England, -with his money purchased a horse, together with all other necessaries, -and commenced his depredations in a systematic form. His success was -uncommon, and he every day found means to replenish his coffers, and to -nourish his extravagance. Nor would he unite his fortune with any one, -who, from selfish motives, might feel disposed to participate in his -lucrative employment.</p> - -<p>One day Nevison, who went otherwise by the name of Johnson, travelling -on the road, and scouring about in search of a prize, met two -countrymen, who, coming up towards him, informed him that it was very -dangerous<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</span> travelling forward, for that the way was set, and they had -been robbed by three highwaymen, about half a mile off; and if he -had any charge of money about him, it was his safest course to turn -back. Nevison asking them what they had lost, they told him forty -pounds: upon which he replied, “Turn back with me and show me the way -they took, and my life to a farthing, I’ll make them return you your -money again.” They rode along with him till they came in sight of the -highwaymen, when Nevison, ordering the countrymen to stay behind him -at some distance, rode up, and spoke to the foremost of them, saying, -“Sir, by your garb and the color of your horse, you should be one of -those I looked after; and if so, my business is to tell you, that you -borrowed of two friends of mine forty pounds, which they desire me to -demand of you, and which, before we part, you must restore.” “How!” -cried the highwayman, “forty pounds! What! is the fellow mad?” “So -mad,” replied Nevison, “that your life shall answer me, if you do -not give me better satisfaction.” Upon which he drew his pistol and -suddenly clapped it to the other’s breast, who finding that Nevison had -also his rein, and that he could not get his sword or pistols, yielded, -telling him his life was at his mercy. “No,” said Nevison, “it is not -that I seek, but the money you robbed these two men of who are riding -up to me, which you must refund.”</p> - -<p>The thief was forced to consent, and readily to deliver such part as -he had, saying his companions were in possession of the rest; so that -Nevison, having made him dismount, and taking away his pistols, which -he gave to the countrymen, ordered them to secure him, and hold his -own, while he took the thief’s horse, and pursued the other two, whom -he soon overtook; for they, thinking him their companion, stopped as -soon as they saw him; so that he came up to them in the midst of a -common. “How now, Jack,” said one of them, “what made you engage with -yon fellow?” “No, gentlemen,” replied Nevison, “you are mistaken in -your man: Thomas—for by the token of your horse<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</span> and arms, I perceive -you are Thomas—he hath sent me to you for the ransom of his life, -amounting to no less than the prize of the day, which if you presently -surrender, you may go about your business; if not, I must have a little -dispute with you at sword and pistol!” At which one of them fired -at him, but missing his aim, received Nevison’s bullet in his right -shoulder; and being thereby disabled, Nevison was about to discharge -at the other, when he called for quarter, and came to a parley, which, -in short, was made up, with Nevison’s promise to send their friend, -and their delivering him all the ready money they had, amounting to -a hundred and fifty pounds. Having obtained his booty, he rode back -to the two countrymen, and released their prisoner, giving them their -whole forty pounds, with a caution for the future to look better after -it, and not, like cowards, as they were, to surrender the same on such -easy terms again.</p> - -<p>In all his exploits, Nevison was tender of the fair sex, and bountiful -to the poor. He was also a true loyalist, and never levied any -contributions upon the royalists. One day, fortunately encountering a -rich usurer, he stopped his coach, and demanded that he would deliver -the money which he had extorted from poor widows and orphans. The -pistol presented to his breast, and the reproaches of the highwayman, -filled his guilty mind with inexpressible terror, and he began to -expostulate for his life. “That shall be granted,” replied Nevison, -“upon condition of your surrendering your gold.” The other reluctantly -drew out sixty broad pieces of gold; but this sum being inadequate to -the necessities of Nevison, he constrained the usurer to mount upon the -postilion’s horse, and allowed the coach with the three ladies in it to -proceed. The poor Jew, now thinking that the hour was verily nigh at -hand when he would be bereft of life and separated from his treasures, -experienced all the violent emotions of terror, chagrin and despair. -Nevison compelled him to draw a note upon sight for five hundred pounds -upon a scrivener in London. He then permitted him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</span> to ride after his -friends to acquaint them with his misfortunes, while he himself rode -all night, that he might have the money drawn before advice could be -forwarded to stop the payment.</p> - -<p>After several adventures of a similar nature, Nevison one day robbed -a rich grazier of 450<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> and then proposed to himself to retire -with the spoil. Accordingly, he returned home, and, like the prodigal -son, was joyfully received by his father, who, not having heard of -him during seven or eight years, supposed that he had been dead. He -remained with his father until the day of the old man’s death, living -as soberly and honestly as if no act of violence had ever sullied his -reputation. Upon the death of his father, however, he returned to his -former courses, and in a short time, his name was a terror to every -traveller upon the road. To such an extent did he carry his plans, that -the carriers and drovers who frequented that road willingly agreed to -leave certain sums at such places as he appointed, to prevent their -being stripped of their all.</p> - -<p>Continuing his wicked course, he was at last apprehended, thrown into -Leicester gaol, put in irons, and strictly guarded; but, in spite of -all the precautions of the county, he effected his escape. One day, -two or three of his trusty friends visited him, one of whom, being a -physician, gave out that he was infected with the plague, and that, -unless he was removed to a larger room, where he might enjoy free air, -he should not only himself perish, but communicate the infection to all -the inhabitants of the gaol. He was instantly removed, and the gaoler’s -wife would not allow her husband to go farther then the door of his -room, for fear of the infection, which afforded Nevison and his friends -time to perfect their scheme. The physician came twice or thrice every -day to see him, and continued to declare his case hopeless. At last a -painter was brought in, who painted all his body with spots, similar -to those that appear upon a person infected with the pestilence. In a -few days after, he received a sleeping draught, and was declared to be -dead. The inquest<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</span> who sat upon his body were afraid to approach in -order to make a minute inspection, and thus a verdict was returned that -he had died of the plague. His friends now demanded his body, and he -was carried out of prison in a coffin.</p> - -<p>This insertion into a coffin only rendered him more callous and daring -in vice. He, with redoubled vigor, renewed his depredations, and, -meeting his carriers and drovers, informed them, that it was necessary -to increase their rents, in order to refund his expenses while in gaol -and his loss of time. It was at first supposed, that it was his ghost, -who carried on the same pranks that he had done in his lifetime. The -truth of this, however, came to be suspected, and the gaoler offered a -reward of 20<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> to any person who would restore him to his former -domicile.</p> - -<p>Resolved to visit the capital, he upon his journey met a company of -canting beggars, pilgrims, and idle vagabonds. Continuing in their -company for some time, and observing the merry life that they pursued, -he took an opportunity to propose himself as a candidate for admission -into their honorable fraternity. Their leader applauded his resolution, -and addressed him in these words:—“Do not we come into the world -arrant beggars, without a rag upon us? And do we not all go out of -the world like beggars, saving only an old sheet over us? Shall we, -then, be ashamed to walk up and down the world like beggars, with old -blankets pinned about us? No! no! that would be a shame to us, indeed. -Have we not the whole kingdom to walk in at our pleasure? Are we -afraid of the approach of quarter-day? Do we walk in fear of sheriffs, -bailiffs, and catchpoles? Who ever knew an arrant beggar arrested for -debt? Is not our meat dressed in every man’s kitchen? Does not every -man’s cellar afford us beer? And the best men’s purses keep a penny for -us to spend?” Having, by these words, as he thought, fully fixed him -in love with begging, he then acquainted the company with Nevison’s -desire, in consequence of which they were all<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</span> very joyful, being as -glad to add one to their society, as a Mussulman to obtain a proselyte. -The first question they asked him was, if he had any <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">loure</i> in -his <i>bung</i>. Nevison stared on them, not knowing what they meant; -till at last, one informed him it was money in his purse. He told -them he had but eighteen pence, which he gave them freely. This, by a -general vote, was condemned to be spent in a booze for his initiation. -They then commanded him to kneel down, which being done, one of the -chief of them took a <em>gage</em> of <em>booze</em>, which is a quart of -drink, and poured the same on his head, saying, “I do, by virtue of -this sovereign liquor, install thee in the Roage, and make thee a free -denizen of our ragged regiment. So that henceforth it shall be lawful -for thee to cant, only observing these rules:—First, that thou art not -to wander up and down all countries, but to keep to that quarter that -is allotted thee; and, secondly, thou art to give way to any of us that -have borne all the offices of the wallet before; and, upon holding up a -finger, to avoid any town or country village, where thou seest we are -foraging for victuals for our army that march along with us. Observing -these two rules, we take thee into our protection, and adopt thee a -brother of our numerous society.”</p> - -<p>The leader having ended his oration, Nevison rose up, and was -congratulated by all the company’s hanging about him, like so -many dogs about a bear, and making such a hideous noise, that the -chief, commanding silence, addressed him as follows:—“Now that -thou art entered into our fraternity, thou must not scruple to act -any villanies, whether it be to cut a purse, steal a cloak-bag, -or portmanteau, convey all manner of things, whether a chicken, -sucking-pig, duck, goose, or hen, or to steal a shirt from the hedge; -for he that will be a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">quier cove</i>, (a professed rogue) must -observe these rules. And because thou art but a novice in begging, -and understandest not the mysteries of the canting language, thou -shalt have a wife to be thy companion, by whom thou mayest receive -instructions.”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</span> And thereupon, he singled him out a girl of about -seventeen years of age, which tickled his fancy very much: but he must -presently be married to her after the fashion of their <i>patrico</i>, -who, amongst beggars, is their priest. Whereupon the ceremony was -performed after this manner:—</p> - -<p>They took a hen, and, having cut off the head of it, laid the dead body -on the ground, placing Nevison on the one side, and his intended on the -other; this being done, the priest, standing by, with a loud voice bade -them live together till death did them part; then shaking hands, and -kissing each other, the ceremony of the wedding was over, and the whole -group appeared intoxicated with joy. Night approaching, and all their -money being spent, they betook themselves to a barn not far off, where -they broached a hogshead, and went to sleep.</p> - -<p>Nevison, having met with this odd piece of diversion in his journey, -slipped out of the barn when all were asleep, took a horse, and posted -directly away. But, coming to London, he found there was too much noise -about him to permit him to tarry there: he therefore returned into -the country, and fell to his old pranks again. Several who had been -formerly robbed by him, happening to meet him, imagined that his ghost -walked abroad, having heard the report of his pestilential death in -Leicester gaol. In short, his crimes became so notorious, that a reward -was offered to any that would apprehend him: this made many waylay him, -especially two brothers, named Fletcher, one of whom Nevison shot dead; -but, going into a little village about thirteen miles from York, he was -taken by captain Hardcastle, and sent to York gaol, where, on the 15th -March 1684, he was tried, condemned, and executed, aged forty-five.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img004"> - <img src="images/004.jpg" class="w50" alt="The Golden Farmer" /> -</span></p> -<p class="center caption"><i>The Golden Farmer.</i> <a href="#Page_99">P. 99</a>.</p> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_GOLDEN_FARMER">THE GOLDEN FARMER.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This man’s real name was William Davis, a native of North Wales, but he -obtained the title of <i>Golden Farmer</i> from his custom of paying -any considerable sum in gold. He was born in the year 1626. At an early -period of life he removed to Sudbury, in Gloucestershire, where he took -a farm, married the daughter of a wealthy innkeeper, by whom he had -eighteen children, and followed that industrious employment merely to -disguise the real character of a robber, which he sustained without -suspicion for the space of forty-two years. He usually robbed alone. -One day, meeting some stage-coaches, he stopped one of them, full of -ladies, all of whom complied with his demands, except a Quaker, who -vowed she had no money, nor any thing valuable about her: upon which, -fearing lest he should lose the booty of the other coaches, he told -her he would go and see what they could afford him, and return to her -again. Having rifled the other three coaches, he was as good as his -word; and the Quaker, persisting in her former statement, enraged -the Farmer to such a degree, that, seizing her by the shoulder, and -employing language which it would be hardly proper here to set down, -he so scared the poor Quaker, as to cause her to produce a purse of -guineas, a gold watch, and a diamond ring. Whereupon, they parted as -good friends as when they were first introduced to each other.</p> - -<p>Upon another occasion, our desperado met the duchess of Albemarle in -her coach, as she was riding over Salisbury Plain; but he encountered -greater difficulty in this case than he had contemplated. Before he -could assault the lady he was compelled to engage a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</span> postilion, the -coachman, and two footmen; but, having disabled them all by discharging -several pistols, he approached his prey, whom he found more refractory -than the female Quaker. Perceiving another person of quality’s coach -approaching, with a retinue of servants, he was fain to content himself -by pulling three diamond rings from her fingers by force, snatching a -rich gold watch from her side, and venting a portion of abuse upon her -obstinate ladyship.</p> - -<p>It was not very long after this exploit, that our adventurer met with -Sir Thomas Day, a justice of the peace, living at Bristol. They fell -into discourse, and, riding along, the Golden Farmer informed his new -acquaintance, that a little while before, he had narrowly escaped being -robbed by a couple of highwaymen, but, luckily, his horse having better -heels than theirs, he had got clear of them. “Truly,” said Sir Thomas, -“that had been very hard: but, nevertheless, as you would have been -robbed between sun and sun, the county, upon suing it, would have been -obliged to make your loss good.” Thus, chatting together, and coming -to a convenient place, the Golden Farmer shot Sir Thomas’s man’s horse -under him, and, compelling him to retire to a distance, presented a -pistol to the knight’s heart, and demanded his money. “I thought, sir,” -said Sir Thomas, “that you had been an honest man.” “Your worship -is mistaken,” cried the Farmer; “and if you had had any skill in -physiognomy, you might have perceived that my countenance is the very -picture of necessity; so deliver me presently, for I’m in haste.” Sir -Thomas, therefore, being constrained to give him the money he had about -him, which was about 60<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> in gold and silver, the other humbly -thanked his worship, and told him, that what he had parted with was -not lost, because he had been robbed between sun and sun, and could -therefore come upon the county.</p> - -<p>One <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Hart, a young gentleman of Enfield, who, it appears, possessed -a good estate, but was not overburdened with brains, riding one day -over Finchley<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</span> Common, where the Golden Farmer had been for some hours -hunting for prey, was met by him, and saluted with a smart slap with -the flat of his drawn hanger upon his shoulders: “A plague on you!” -said the Farmer; “how slow you are, to make a man wait upon you all the -morning: come, deliver what you have, and go to the devil for orders!” -The young gentleman, rather surprised at this novel greeting, began -to make several excuses, saying he had no money about him: but his -incredulous antagonist took the liberty of searching him, and, finding -about him above a hundred guineas, he bestowed upon him two or three -farther slaps on the shoulders, telling him, at the same time, not to -give his mind to lying in future, when an honest gentleman required a -small gratuity from him.</p> - -<p>Another time, this notorious robber having paid his landlord about -80<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> for rent, the latter, going home with it, was accosted by -his goodly tenant in disguise, who, bidding him stand, said:—“Come, -<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Gravity, deliver what you have in a trice!” The old gentleman, -fetching a deep sigh, to the hazard of displacing several buttons from -his waistcoat, told him, that he had not above two shillings about him, -and hoped, therefore, he was more a gentleman than to take so small a -matter from a poor man. “I have no faith,” replied the Farmer; “for -you seem, by your habit to be a man of better circumstances than you -pretend; therefore, open your budget, or I shall fall foul of you.” -“Dear sir,” cried the landlord, “you can’t be so barbarous to an old -man. What! have you no religion, pity, or compassion in you? Have you -no conscience? Have you no respect for your body or soul?” “Don’t talk -of age or barbarity to me,” said the tenant, “for I show neither pity -nor compassion to any body. Talk of conscience to me! I have no more of -that dull commodity than you have; therefore, deliver every thing you -have about you, before this pistol makes you repent your obstinacy.” -The landlord being thus threatened, delivered his money, without -receiving a receipt for it, although he had given one to the Farmer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</span></p> - -<p>An old grazier at Putney Heath was the next victim to the avaricious -Farmer. Having accosted him on the road, he informed him that there -were some suspicious persons behind them, whom he suspected to be -highwaymen; and, if that should be the case, he begged that he would -conceal ten guineas for him, which would be safer with him, from the -meanness of his apparel. He accepted the charge, and said, that as -he himself had fifty guineas bound in the lappet of his shirt, he -would deposit them along with his own. In a short time, the Farmer -said,—“It does not appear that any person will run the risk of his -neck by robbing you to-day; it will, therefore, be as well that I do so -myself.” Without any farther preamble, therefore, he demanded of him, -instead of delivering up his purse, to cut off the lappet of his shirt; -but, declining to comply with his request, the Farmer put himself to -the trouble of lightening the fore-garment of the grazier.</p> - -<p>Squire Broughton, a gentleman of the Middle Temple, was the succeeding -prey of the Golden Farmer. Happening to meet at an inn upon the road, -the Farmer pretended to be on his way to the capital, concerning -an offence that a neighboring farmer had committed against him, by -allowing his cattle to break into his grounds. Meanwhile, he requested -that squire Broughton would recommend him to an expert and faithful -agent to conduct his cause. Like every other lawyer, Broughton was -desirous to have him for a client, and proceeded to explain the nature -of his cause. Having spent the night at the inn, they proceeded next -morning on their journey, when the Farmer addressed the counsellor, -saying, “Pray, sir, what is meant by trover and conversion in the law -of England?” He replied, that it signified, in our common law, an -action which one man has against another, who, having found any of his -goods, refuses to deliver them up on demand, and perhaps converts them -to his own use.</p> - -<p>The Golden Farmer being now at a place convenient for his purpose, -“Very well, then, sir,” said he,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</span> “should I find any money about you, -and convert it to my use, it is only actionable, I find.” “That is a -robbery,” said the barrister, “which requires no less a satisfaction -than a man’s life.” “A robbery!” replied the Golden Farmer; “why, then, -I must commit <em>one</em> in my time:” and presenting his pistol, he -instantly demanded his money or his life. Surprised at his client’s -rough behavior, the lawyer began to remonstrate in strong terms upon -the impropriety of his conduct, urging, that it was both contrary -to law and to conscience. His eloquent pleading, however, made no -impression upon the mind of the Farmer, who, putting a pistol to his -breast, compelled the lawyer to deliver his money, amounting to the sum -of 40<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i>, some large pieces of gold, and a gold watch.</p> - -<p>One day, accosting a tinker upon the road, whom he knew to have -7<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> or 8<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> upon him, he said, “Well, brother tinker, you -seem to be very decent, for your life is a continual pilgrimage, and, -in humility, you go almost barefooted, making necessity a virtue.” “Ay, -master,” replied the tinker, “necessity compels when the devil drives, -and, had you no more than I, you would do the same.” “That might be,” -replied the Farmer, “and I suppose you march all over England.” “Yes,” -said the tinker, “I go a great deal of ground, but not so much as -you ride.” “Be this as it will. I suppose that your conversation is -unblamable, because you are continually mending.” “I wish,” replied the -tinker, “that as much could be said in commendation of your character.” -The Farmer replied, that he was not like him, who would rather steal -than beg, in defiance of whips or imprisonment. Determined to have the -last word of the Farmer, the tinker rejoined, “I would have you to -know, that I take a great deal of pains for a livelihood.” The Farmer, -equally loquacious, replied, “I know that you are such an enemy to -idleness, that, rather than want work, you will make three holes in -mending one.” “That may be,” said the honest tinker, “but I begin to -wish that there were a greater distance between us, as I do<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</span> neither -love your conversation nor appearance.” “I am equally ready to say the -same of you; for, though you are entertained in every place, yet you -are seldom permitted to enter the door of any dwelling.” The tinker -repeated his strong suspicions of the Farmer. “Nor shall it be without -cause!” exclaimed he; “therefore, open your wallet, and deliver the -money that is there.” Here their dialogue being about to close, the -tinker entreated that he would not rob him, as he was above a hundred -miles from home: but the Golden Farmer, being indifferent to all the -consequences of the loss of the other’s property, seized both his -wallet and his money, and left the poor tinker to renew his journey and -his toils.</p> - -<p>This famous highwayman had only a few more acts of violence to -perform. His actions and character being now universally known, many -a hue-and-cry was sent after him, and conspired to his overthrow. He -was seized and imprisoned, tried, and condemned. He spent his time in -prison in the same merry way in which his former life had been passed, -and a violent death terminated his wicked course on the 20th December -1689.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="JONATHAN_SIMPSON">JONATHAN SIMPSON.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This man was the son of a respectable gentleman in Launceston, in -Cornwall, and put an apprentice to a linen-draper. After serving his -time with great approbation, his father gave him 1500<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> to -commence business for himself.</p> - -<p>He had not been a year in business when he married a merchant’s -daughter, and received with her 2000<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> of portion. Such an -accession to his wealth enabled him to extend his business, and -to conduct it with ease. But money cannot procure happiness.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</span> The -affections of the young lady had been gained by a man of less fortune, -and, to please her father, she had given her hand where she could not -bestow her heart; and, though married to another, she continued in a -degree of familiarity with her former lover that excited her husband’s -jealousy, the most violent of all the passions.</p> - -<p>In a short time, after having lived in a very unhappy manner, Simpson -took the opportunity to sell all off, and, having shut up shop, went -away with what money he could raise, determined no longer to remain in -Bristol. He was now possessed of about 5000<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> but his expenses -were so extravagant, that this large sum was soon exhausted. He then -went to the highway, committed a robbery, was apprehended, and would -certainly have been hanged, had not some of his rich relations procured -a reprieve. The difficulty of obtaining it may be guessed from the -fact, that it arrived at Tyburn just when the rope was about his neck. -Such was his obduracy, that, when returning to Newgate behind one of -the sheriff’s men, the latter asked him what he thought of a reprieve -when he was come to the gallows. “No more than I thought of my dying -day.”</p> - -<p>When he came to the prison-door, the turnkey refused to receive him, -saying, that he was sent to be executed, and that he was discharged -of him, and would not permit him to enter without a new warrant. Upon -which Simpson exclaimed, “What an unhappy cast-off dog am I, that both -Tyburn and Newgate should in one day refuse to entertain me! Well, -I’ll mend my manners for the future, and try whether I can’t merit a -reception at them both, next time I am brought thither.”</p> - -<p>He immediately recommenced his operations, and one day robbed a -gentleman of a purse full of counters, which he supposed were gold. -He kept them in his pockets, always anxiously looking out for his -benefactor. About four months after, he met him upon Bagshot heath, -riding in a coach: “Sir,” said he, “I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</span> believe you made a mistake the -last time I had the happiness of seeing you, in giving these pieces. -I have been troubled ever since, lest you should have wanted them at -cards, and am glad of this opportunity to return them; only, for my -care, I require you to come this moment out of your coach, and give -me your breeches, that I may search them at leisure, and not trust -any more to your generosity, lest you should mistake again.” A pistol -enforced his demand, and Simpson found a gold watch, a gold snuff-box, -and ninety-eight guineas, with five jacobuses.</p> - -<p>At another time, he robbed lord Delamere of three hundred and fifty -guineas. He was almost unequalled in his depredations: in one day he -robbed nineteen different people, and took above 200<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i>; and, -in the space of six weeks, committed forty robberies in the county of -Middlesex. He even ventured to attack the duke of Berwick, and took -from him articles to a very great value.</p> - -<p>But wickedness has a boundary over which it cannot pass. Simpson -attacked two captains of the guards: a strong struggle ensued: his -horse was shot under him, and he was wounded in both arms and one of -his legs before he was taken. He was sent to Newgate, and now found -that he was not refused entrance: and he soon also discovered, that -Tyburn was equally ready to receive him. His execution took place on -the 8th September 1686.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="WILLIAM_CADY">WILLIAM CADY.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This gentleman was a native of Norfolk county, and the son of an -eminent surgeon. After the preparatory steps of education, William went -to the University of Cambridge, and was tutor to lord Townshend. He was -during that time made bachelor of arts, and continued to pursue his -studies until deprived of his father by death.</p> - -<p>The loss of a prudent father to a young man, forms a remarkable era in -his life. If he is left with an ample fortune, he has then the means of -gratifying his wishes, whether in the field of benevolence or in that -of dissipation: and though left with no fortune, yet he is then at full -liberty to follow his ruling inclination. Upon the intelligence of his -father’s death, William went to London and began to practise medicine. -His first patient was his own uncle, who, being dangerously affected -with an imposthume, was cured by him in the following manner:—</p> - -<p>When he entered his uncle’s bedchamber, his first care was to examine -the state of the old gentleman’s stomach: for this purpose he ranged -about the room, overturning every plate and dish, to discover what had -been given him to eat. He at last discovered an old saddle, which he -thought would answer for the intended experiment. Upon seeing this he -cried out, “Uncle, your case is very desperate!”—“Not so bad, I hope,” -said the uncle, “as to make me past remedy.”—“Heaven knows that,” -cried Cady, “but a surfeit is a terrible thing, and I perceive that you -have got a violent one.”—“A surfeit!” said the old gentleman; “you -mistake, nephew; it is an imposthume that I am affected with.”—“The -deuce it is!” replied Cady;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</span> “why, I could have sworn it had been a -surfeit, for I perceive you have eaten a whole horse, and left us only -the saddle!” At this he held up the saddle; and the old gentleman fell -into such a fit of laughter as instantly broke his imposthume, so that -he became quite well in less than a fortnight.</p> - -<p>This is not the only instance of a disease of this nature being cured -by a fit of laughter; and it is certainly an agreeable mode of being -relieved of a painful and dangerous malady.</p> - -<p>A cardinal at Padua, who was at the point of death, under the influence -of this distemper, being past all hopes of recovery, his servants had -begun to pillage his house, and even to make free with the hangings of -his own bed. An ape, in the midst of this bustle, seized a nightcap -that lay near, fixed it upon his head, and made so many and such -curious tricks, that his reverence fell into a fit of laughter, and -broke the imposthume, to the preservation of his life and property.</p> - -<p>Another instance may be related. A countrywoman, very ignorant and -superstitious, took it into her head to send for the parson of the -parish to pray for the recovery of her cow, which was affected with -a distemper incident to animals of that species. Not suspecting but -that he was called to visit the woman herself, or some of her family -in affliction, the pious man went forthwith, and, to his surprise, was -not only informed why he was sent for, but the good woman insisted that -he should go and see her cow before she would allow him to depart. -Unable to resist her importunities, he went to the byre, and taking -a handful of the short straw that lay beside the cow, spread it upon -her back, saying, “Poor beast, if you be no better for this, you will -be no worse.” The parson returned home, and the good woman was highly -displeased with his indifference towards her favorite cow.</p> - -<p>It happened, soon after, that she had an opportunity to retaliate: -the parson was taken dangerously ill of an imposthume, and the woman, -hearing of it, went to return his visit. Arrived at the parson’s house, -she, in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</span> consequence of her importunities, was admitted into his -bedchamber; and, having kindly inquired after his health, went forward -to the chimney, and taking up a handful of ashes from the hearth, -scattered them over the parson, using his own words, “Poor man! if you -be no better for this, you will be no worse;” which raised such a fit -of laughter in the good man, that his imposthume broke and his cure was -effected.</p> - -<p>For the speedy and unexpected cure before related, the uncle of Cady -gave him fifty guineas, which supplied his extravagances for one month. -His purse being empty, he took his leave of the healing art, in which -he had been so successful, and commenced robber. His first adventure -was with a captain of the guards and another gentleman, of whom he -inquired the way to Staines, as he was a stranger. They informed him -that they were going to that place, and that they would be glad of his -company. When he arrived at a convenient place, Cady shot the gentleman -through the head, and, turning to the officer, told him that “if he did -not deliver, he should share the same fate.” The other replied that -as he was a captain of the guards, Cady must fight if he expected to -get anything from him. “If you are a soldier,” cried Cady, “you ought -to obey the word of command, otherwise you know your sentence: I have -nothing to do but to tie you neck and heel.” “You are an unconscionable -rogue,” said the captain, “to demand money of me, who never owed you -any.” “Sir,” replied Cady, “there is not a man that travels the road -but owes me money, if he has any about him: therefore, as you are one -of my debtors, if you do not pay me instantly, your blood shall satisfy -my demand.” The captain exchanged several shots with Cady; but his -horse being killed under him, he surrendered his watch, a diamond ring, -and a purse of twenty guineas. William, having collected all he could, -tied the captain neck and heel, nailed the skirts of his coat to a -tree, and rode off in search of more booty.</p> - -<p>His next encounter was with viscount Dundee, who<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</span> commanded the forces -of James VII. of Scotland, and the second of England, and fell in the -battle of Killicrankie. Dundee was mounted upon horseback, attended by -two servants. Cady rode up to them at full speed, and inquired if they -did not see a man ride past with more than ordinary haste. “Yes,” he -was presently answered. “He has robbed me of twenty pounds that I was -going to pay my landlord, and I am utterly ruined!” cried Cady. The -man who had ridden by was a confederate, and had done so by express -concert. His lordship was moved with compassion, and ordered the two -footmen to pursue the robber. When the servants seemed to have got to -a sufficient distance, Cady turned upon his lordship, and robbed him -of a gold watch, a gold snuff-box, and fifty guineas. He then shot the -viscount’s horse, and rode after the footmen, whom he found about a -mile off with the supposed robber as their prisoner. These men were -surprised when Cady desired them to let him go, and laughed at them for -what they had done. They, however, refusing to part with their prey, a -scuffle ensued, and one of the footmen being slain, the other fled, and -found that his master had been dismounted and robbed.</p> - -<p>Dundee complained of this injury at court, and a reward of two hundred -pounds was offered to any person who should apprehend either Cady or -his companion, who were both minutely described. To evade the diligent -search which he was certain this proclamation would occasion, he went -over to Flanders. As he had received a liberal education, he entered -himself of the English seminary of Douay, and, joining the fraternity -of Benedictine friars, soon acquired an extraordinary character for -learning and piety. The natural result was, that many penitents -resorted to him for confession. The rigid sanctity and ecclesiastical -duties of Cady were, however, soon found rather troublesome companions, -and he resolved to return to England, preferring his rambles upon the -highway to the devotions of the convent. But, as money was necessary -for his voyage, his invention was again set in motion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</span></p> - -<p>To effect his purpose, he feigned himself sick, and, being confined -to bed, was visited by many of those who had formerly employed him as -their father-confessor. He particularly fixed his attention upon two -young women, who generally came together, and were both very rich and -very handsome. He had previously procured a brace of pistols. When -the ladies next came to him and had made their confession, he desired -them presently to attend to him. He briefly informed them that he was -greatly in want of money, and that if they did not instantly supply his -wants, he would deprive them of their lives, holding at the same time -a pistol to their breasts. He then proceeded to rifle their pockets, -where he found fifty pistoles. In addition to this, he compelled them -to make an offering of two diamond rings from their fingers; then, -binding them neck and heel, he informed the father of the convent that -he was going to walk a little in the fields, and would soon return. -It is needless to say that he returned no more to his religious -habitation, but renewed his former mode of life.</p> - -<p>Scarcely was he arrived in England, when he met a hop merchant, -accompanied by his wife, upon Blackheath, and commanded them to stand -and deliver. The merchant made a stout resistance, firing two pistols, -but without effect; so that he was left to the mercy of the robber, who -killed their horse, and, examining their pockets, found twenty-eight -pounds upon the merchant, and half a crown upon his wife.</p> - -<p>Cady then addressed her thus: “Is this your way of travelling? -What! carry but half a crown in your pocket when you are to meet a -gentleman-collector on the highway? I’ll assure you, madam, I shall -be even with you, therefore off with that ring from your finger.” She -begged him to spare her marriage ring, as she would not lose it for -double the value, having kept and worn it these twenty years. “You -whining old woman,” quoth William, “marriage is nothing to me;—am I -to be more favorable to you than any other woman, I’ll warrant? Give -me the ring in a moment,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</span> without any more cant, or I shall make bold -to cut off your finger for despatch, as I have served several of your -sex before.” The good woman, seeing all her entreaties vain, hastily -pulled the ring off her finger, and thrust it into her mouth. Cady then -stamped, raged, and swore that he would be even with her: and instantly -shooting her through the head, went away perfectly unmoved, while the -husband, being tied to a tree, was a spectator of this horrid barbarity.</p> - -<p>Cady rode instantly to London, but fearing that even that great city -could not conceal the author of a crime so unparalleled, he left the -metropolis, and went to Scotland. Either his inclinations did not -lead him, or he deemed that country too poor to afford him sufficient -booty; he therefore soon returned again to England. On his road to the -capital, between Ferrybridge and Doncaster, he met with <abbr title="doctor">Dr.</abbr> Morton, a -prebendary of Durham, well mounted; but whether meditating upon the -amount of his tithes, or the next Sabbath’s sermon, is uncertain. -Cady instantly rode up to him, and cried, “Deliver, or you are a dead -man!” The doctor, unaccustomed to such language, began to admonish him -concerning the atrocity of his conduct, and the danger that he was in, -both with respect to his body and his soul. Cady stared him in the -face with all the ferocity that he could muster, and informed him that -his remonstrances were in vain, saying, that if he did not deliver him -what he had, he should speedily send him out of the world. “But then,” -added Cady, “that is nothing, because all the gentlemen of your cloth -are prepared for death. What, you unreasonable, you unmannerly dog!” -continued he, in a rage, unable to discover the doctor’s cash, “what do -you mean, to meet a man in the midst of his journey, without bringing -him any money to pay his charges?” For the doctor had taken care to -hide his money in a hedge, so that Cady, upon examining him, found his -pockets completely empty. The ruffian, convinced that a man of his -appearance could not travel without money, with dreadful imprecations -threatened that if he would not inform him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</span> what he had done with it, -he should never go home alive. The doctor insisting that he had none, -the wretch shot him through the heart with as little remorse as he -would have drunk a glass of burgundy.</p> - -<p>He next undertook a journey into Norfolk to visit his relations, but -meeting a coach near that place, in which were three gentlemen and a -lady, he rode up to it, and addressed them in his own language. The -gentlemen, however, were resolved to stand upon the defensive, and one -of them fired a blunderbuss at him, which only grazed his arm, without -doing any material injury. This put him into a violent passion, and, -after taking a hundred and fifty pounds from the company, he brutally -added, that the gentleman who fired at him should not pass unpunished, -and instantly shot him through the heart; then, cutting the reins of -the horses, he went off in search of new plunder, and declined visiting -his relations upon that occasion, lest he should have been detected.</p> - -<p>Directing his course to London, he came up with a lady taking a -ride for the benefit of the air, attended by a single footman, and -fell upon her in a very rude manner, pulling a diamond ring from -her finger, a gold watch out of her pocket, and a purse with eighty -guineas; insulting her meanwhile with opprobrious language. Though the -lady had commanded her footman not to interfere, yet the man could -not help complimenting Cady with some well-merited appellations. The -ferocious monster, without uttering a word, saluted him with a brace of -bullets in the head, and he fell upon the spot. Cady was just about to -prosecute his journey, when two gentlemen, perceiving what he had done, -rode up to him with pistols in their hands. Cady seeing his danger, -fired at them, and shots were exchanged with the greatest rapidity, -until Cady’s horse was shot under him; and even then he struggled -with the greatest violence with the gentlemen, until his strength was -exhausted; he was then apprehended, and carried to Newgate under a -strong guard. There he remained until the assizes, without showing -the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</span> least signs of repentance, or tokens of regret. Upon his trial he -behaved with the most daring insolence, calling the judges “a huddle of -alms-women,” and treating the jury in the same manner. The crime for -which he was accused was so clearly proved, that he was sentenced to -death, and committed to the condemned hole. But this place of darkness -and horror had no effect upon his mind. He continued to roar, curse, -blaspheme, and get drunk, as he had always done. It is probable that -the hope of pardon, by the influence of some friends at court, tended -to harden him the more; but the number and enormity of his crimes -prevented James the Second from extending his royal mercy to such a -miscreant. The day of execution being come, and the cart stopping as -usual under <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Sepulchre’s wall, while the bellman rang his bell and -repeated his exhortations, instead of being moved, he began to swear -and to rail because they stopped him to hear an old puppy chatter -nonsense. At Tyburn he acted in a similar manner: without either taking -any notice of the ordinary, praying by himself, or addressing the -people, he rushed into an eternal state to suffer the just punishment -of his great and numerous offences. He died in the twenty-fifth year of -his age, in the year 1687.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PATRICK_OBRIAN">PATRICK O’BRIAN.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Patrick O’Brian was a native of Ireland, and his parents were very -indigent. He came over to England, and enlisted in the Coldstream -Guards. He was, however, not so dexterous in the use of his arms as he -was in the practice of all manner of vice. Patrick was resolved not to -want money, if there was any in the country. He first ran into debt at -all the public houses<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</span> and shops that would trust him; then borrowed -from every person, as long as any one could be found to believe him.</p> - -<p>When fraud failed him, he had recourse to force. Doctor Clewer, rector -of Croydon, was the first whom he attacked. This man had been, in his -youth, tried at the Old Bailey, and burned in the hand, for stealing a -silver cup. Alluding to this, Patrick said, that “he could not refuse -lending a little assistance to one of his old profession.” The doctor -assured him that “he had not made a word, if he had had any money -about him; but he had not so much as a single farthing.” “Then,” said -Patrick, “I must have your gown, sir.” “If you can win it,” cried the -doctor, “you shall; but let me have the chance of a game of cards.” To -this O’Brian consented; and the doctor pulling out a pack of cards, -they commenced. Patrick was victorious, and obtained the black gown.</p> - -<p>One day, Patrick attacked a famous posture-master, and commanded him to -“stand and deliver!” The latter instantly jumped over his head, which -led Patrick to suppose that it was the devil come to sport with him -before his time. By this display of his agility the harlequin escaped -with his money, and had the good fortune never to afford to O’Brian an -opportunity to be revenged of him for his fright.</p> - -<p>Our adventurer at last commenced highwayman. For this purpose he -purchased a horse and other necessaries, and began in due form. He one -day met with the celebrated Nell Gwynne in her coach, and addressed -her, saying: “Madam, I am a gentleman; I have done a great many signal -services to the fair sex, and have, in return, been all my life -maintained by them. Now, as I know that you are a charitable woman, I -make bold to ask you for a little money, though I never had the honor -of serving you in particular. However, if any opportunity shall ever -fall in my way, you may depend upon it I will not be ungrateful.” Nell -made him a present of ten guineas, and he went off in quest of more -plunder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</span></p> - -<p>It was with O’Brian as with every other wicked man: he was solicitous -to lead others to the same line of conduct. In particular, he seduced -a young man, of the name of Wilt, who was apprehended, and suffered -for his first offence. O’Brian was also apprehended, and executed at -Gloucester; and when he had hung the usual time, his body was cut down, -and given to his friends; but when carried home, he was observed to -move, on which a surgeon was immediately sent for, who bled him; and -other means being used, he recovered life. This fact was kept a secret, -and it was hoped that it would have had a salutary effect upon his -future conduct. His friends were very willing to contribute towards his -support, in order that he might live in the most retired manner, and -O’Brian engaged to reform his life, and for some time kept his promise; -but the impressions of death, and all its tremendous consequences, soon -wearing off his mind, he returned to his vicious courses. Abandoning -his friends, and purchasing a horse and other necessaries, O’Brian -again visited the road.</p> - -<p>In about a year after his execution he met the very gentleman who -was his former prosecutor, and attacked him in the same manner as -before. The gentleman was surprised to see himself stopped by the very -same person who had formerly robbed him, and who was executed for -that crime. His consternation was so great that he could not avoid -exhibiting it, and he addressed O’Brian, saying, “How comes this to -pass? I thought that you had been hanged a twelvemonth ago.” “So I -was, and therefore you ought to imagine that what you now see is only -my ghost. However, lest you should be so uncivil as to hang my ghost -too, I think it my best way to secure you.” Upon this, he discharged a -pistol through the gentleman’s head, and, alighting from his horse, cut -his body in pieces with his hanger.</p> - -<p>One barbarity was followed by a greater. O’Brian, accompanied by four -others, attacked the house of Launcelot Wilmot, Esq. of Wiltshire; -entered, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</span> bound all the servants; then went up to the gentleman’s -own room, and bound him and his wife. They next proceeded to the -daughter’s chamber, whom they stabbed to the heart, and having -returned, in the same manner butchered the old people, and rifled the -house to the value of two thousand five hundred pounds.</p> - -<p>This miscreant continued his depredations two years longer, until one -of his accomplices confessed his crime, and informed upon all who were -concerned. Our adventurer was seized at his lodgings at Little Suffolk -street, and conveyed to Salisbury, where he acknowledged the crime. He -was a second time executed, and, to prevent another resuscitation, was -hung in chains, near the place where the crime was perpetrated, on the -30th of April, 1689.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THOMAS_RUMBOLD">THOMAS RUMBOLD.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Rumbold was the son of honest and industrious parents, who lived at -Ipswich, in Suffolk. In his youth he was apprenticed to a bricklayer; -but evil inclinations gaining an ascendancy over his mind, he quitted -his employment before a third part of his time was expired. In order to -support himself after having absconded, and conceiving a great desire -to see London, he repaired thither, and soon confederated himself with -a gang of robbers. In conjunction with these he shared in many daring -exploits; but wishing to try his skill and fortune alone, he left them, -and repaired to the road.</p> - -<p>He travelled from London with the intention of waylaying the archbishop -of Canterbury. Having got sight of the party between Rochester and -Sittingbourne in Kent, he got into a field, and placing a tablecloth on -the grass, on which he placed several handfuls of gold and silver, took -a box and dice out of his pocket, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</span> commenced a game at hazard by -himself. His grace observing him in this situation, sent a servant to -inquire the meaning; who upon coming near Rumbold, heard him swearing -and rioting about his losses, but never paid the least attention to his -questions. The servant returned and informed the prelate, who alighted, -and seeing none but Rumbold, asked him whom he was playing with. -“Pray, sir,” said Rumbold, “be silent—five hundred pounds lost in a -jiffey!” His grace was about to speak again—“Ay,” continued Rumbold, -continuing to play on, “there goes a hundred more!” “Pr’ythee,” said -the archbishop, “do tell me whom you play with.” Rumbold replied, “With -——,” naming some one who perhaps never had existence. “And how will -you send the money to him?” “By his ambassadors,” quoth Rumbold; “and, -considering your grace as one of them extraordinary, I shall beg the -favor of you to carry it to him.” He accordingly rose and rode up to -the carriage, and, placing in the seat about six hundred pounds, rode -off. He proceeded on the road he knew the archbishop had to travel, and -both, having refreshed at Sittingbourne, again took the road, Rumbold -preceding the bishop by a little distance. He waited at a convenient -place, and again seared himself on the grass in the same manner as -before, only having very little money on the cloth. The bishop again -observed him, and now believing him really to be a mad gamester, walked -up to him, and just as his grace was going to accost him, Rumbold cried -out with great seeming joy, “Six hundred pounds!” “What!” said the -archbishop, “losing again?” “No, by G—!” replied Rumbold, “won six -hundred pounds! I’ll play this hand out, and then leave off while I’m -well.” “And of whom have you won them?” said his grace. “Of the same -person that I left the six hundred pounds for with you before dinner.” -“And how will you get your winnings?” “Of his ambassador, to be sure,” -said Rumbold; so, presenting his pistol and drawn sword, he rode up -to the carriage, and took from the seat his own money,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</span> and fourteen -hundred pounds besides, with which he got clear off.</p> - -<p>With part of this money Rumbold bought himself an eligible situation; -but still he could not give up his propensity of appropriating to -himself the purses of others. For many miles round London he had the -waiters and chambermaids of the inns enlisted into his service; and -though, to appearance, in an honest way of gaining a livelihood, -he continued his nefarious courses to a great extent. He was not, -indeed, always successful; but, having once been apprized of two rich -travellers being at an inn where one of his assistants was, he left -London immediately, and waited on the road which he had been informed -the travellers were to take: long, however, he might have waited, for -the travellers were too cunning, and pretended to be travelling to the -place which they had last left. Determined, however, not to return -without doing some business, he waited on the road: the earl of Oxford, -attended by a single footman, soon appeared, and, being known to his -lordship, he disguised himself by throwing his long hair over his face, -and holding it with his teeth. In this clumsy mask he rode up, demanded -his lordship’s purse, and threatened to shoot both the servant and -him if they made the least resistance. Expostulations were vain, and -he proceeded to rifle the earl, in whose coat and waistcoat he found -nothing but dice and cards, and was much enraged, till, feeling the -other pockets, he discovered a nest of goldfinches,<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> with which he -was mightily pleased, and said he would take them home and cage them: -recommending his lordship to return to his regiment and attend to his -duty, giving him a shilling as an encouragement.</p> - -<p>As Rumbold was riding along the road, he met a country girl with a -milkpail on her head, with whose beauty and symmetry of shape he was -greatly taken. Having entered into conversation, Rumbold alighted, -and, excusing himself for the freedom, sat beside her while she milked -her cows. Pleased with each other’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</span> company, they made an assignation -the same evening: our adventurer was to come to her father’s house -at a late hour, and, pretending to have lost his road, solicit a -night’s lodging. The plan was accordingly followed out: but they were -disappointed in each other’s society that evening, for some one of -the family kept astir all night. Determined, however, not to leave -his fair convert, he pretended in the morning to be taken dangerously -ill, and the good farmer rode off immediately for medical assistance. -All the power of surgery, however, could not discover his ailment. -The farmer kindly insisted upon his remaining where he was until he -should recover, to which he, with great professions of gratitude, -assented. Completely overpowered by such generosity, Rumbold wished -to make some apparent return; and, borrowing a name, told him he was -a bachelor of property in a certain county; that he had hitherto -remained secure against the attacks of beauty, but that he now was -vanquished by the attractions of his daughter, and hoped, if the girl -had no objection, that a proposal of marriage would not be unacceptable -to the family. The farmer, in his turn, overcome by such a mark of -condescension, expressed himself highly gratified by the proposal; and, -upon communicating it to the family, all were agreeable, and none more -so than the girl. The idea of adding gentility to the fortune which -the farmer intended for his daughter, quite elated him, and made him -extremely anxious to gain the favor of the suitor. Rumbold followed -out the design, and his endearments with the daughter were thus more -frequent than he expected. His principal design was to sift the girl -as to the quantity of money her father had in the house, and where it -lay; but he was chagrined when informed that there were only a few -pounds; for that, a few days before they met, her father had made a -great purchase, which took all his ready money. Seeing, now, that there -was no chance of gleaning the father’s harvest, he resolved to leave -the family, and, accordingly, one evening took his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</span> march incognito, -leaving the girl a present of twenty pieces of gold, inclosed in a copy -of verses.</p> - -<p>He proceeded on the road, and met with no person worthy his notice -until the following day, when a singular occurrence happened to him. -Passing by a small coppice between two hills, a gentleman, as he -supposed, darted out upon him, and commanded him to stand and deliver. -Rumbold requested him to have patience, and he would surrender all his -property; when, putting his hand in his pocket, he drew a pistol, and -fired at his opponent without the shot taking effect. “If you are for -sport,” cried the other, “you shall have it!” and instantly shot him -slightly in the thigh; and at the same moment drawing his sword, he -cut Rumbold’s reins at one blow; thus rendering him unable to manage -his horse. Rumbold fired his remaining pistol, and again missed his -adversary, but shot his horse dead. Thus dismounted, the gentleman made -a thrust at him with his sword, which, missing Rumbold, penetrated -his horse, and brought them once more upon an equal footing. After -hard fighting on both sides, our adventurer threw his adversary, bound -him hand and foot, and proceeded to his more immediate object of -rifling. Upon opening his coat he was amazed to discover that he had -been fighting with a woman. Raising her up in his arms, he exclaimed, -“Pardon me, most courageous Amazon, for thus rudely dealing with you: -it was nothing but ignorance that caused this error; for, could my -dim-sighted soul have distinguished what you were, the great love -and respect I bear your sex would have deterred me from contending -with you: but I esteem this ignorance of mine as the greatest -happiness, since knowledge, in this case, might have deprived me of -the opportunity of knowing there could be so much valor in a woman. -For your sake, I shall forever retain a very high esteem for the worst -of females.” The Amazon replied, that this was neither a place nor -opportunity for eloquent speeches, but that, if he felt no reluctance, -she would conduct him to a more appropriate place; to which he readily -assented.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</span> They entered a dark wood, and, following the winding of -several obscure passages, arrived at a house upon which, apparently, -the sun had not been accustomed to shine. A number of servants -appeared, and bustled about their lady, whose disguise was familiar to -them; but they were astonished to see her return on foot, attended by a -stranger.</p> - -<p>Being conducted into an elegant apartment, and having been refreshed -by whatever the house afforded, they became very familiar, and Rumbold -pressed his companion to relate her history, which, with great -frankness, she did in the following words:—</p> - -<p>“I cannot, sir, deny your request, since we seem to have formed a -friendship which, I hope, will turn out to our mutual advantage. I am -the daughter of a sword-cutler: in my youth my mother would have taught -me to handle a needle, but my martial spirit gainsaid all persuasions -to that purpose. I never could bear to be among the utensils of the -kitchen, but was constantly in my father’s shop, and took wonderful -delight in handling the warlike instruments he made; to take a sharp -and well-mounted sword in my hand, and brandish it, was my chief -recreation. Being about twelve years of age, I studied by every means -possible how I might form an acquaintance with a fencing-master. Time -brought my desires to an accomplishment; for such a person came into my -father’s shop to have a blade furbished, and it so happened that there -was none to answer him but myself. Having given him the satisfaction -he desired, though he did not expect it from me, among other questions -I asked him if he was not a professor of the noble science of -self-defence, which I was pretty sure of from his postures, looks, and -expressions. He answered in the affirmative, and I informed him I was -glad of the opportunity, and begged him to conceal my intention, while -I requested he would instruct me in the art of fencing. At first, he -seemed amazed at my proposal; but, perceiving I was resolved in good -earnest, he granted my request, and appointed a time which he could -conveniently<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</span> allot to that purpose. In a short time I became so -expert at buck-sword and single rapier, that I no longer required his -assistance, and my parents never once discovered this transaction.</p> - -<p>“I shall waive what exploits I did by the help of my disguise, and -only tell you that, when I reached the age of fifteen, an innkeeper -married me, and carried me into the country. For two years we lived -peaceably and comfortably together; but at length the violent and -imperious temper of my husband called my natural humor into action. -Once a week we seldom missed a combat, which generally proved very -sharp, especially on the head of the poor innkeeper; the gaping wounds -of our discontent were not easily salved, and they in a manner became -incurable. I was not much inclined to love him, because he was a -man of a mean and dastardly spirit. Being likewise stinted in cash, -my life grew altogether comfortless, and I looked on my condition -as insupportable, and, as a means of mitigating my troubles, I was -compelled to adopt the resolution of borrowing a purse occasionally. -I judged this resolution safe enough, if I were not detected in the -very act; for who could suspect me to be a robber, wearing abroad -man’s apparel, but at home a dress suitable to my sex? Besides, no one -could procure better information, or had more frequent opportunities -than myself: for, keeping an inn, who could ascertain what booty their -guests carried with them better than their landlady?</p> - -<p>“As you can vouch, sir, I knew myself not to be destitute of courage; -what, then, could hinder me from entering on such enterprises? Having -thus resolved, I soon provided myself with the necessary habiliments -for my scheme, carried it into immediate execution, and continued with -great success, never having failed till now. Instead of riding to -market, or travelling five or six miles about some piece of business, -(the usual pretences with which I blinded my husband,) I would, when -out of sight, take the road to the house in which we now are, where I -metamorphosed myself, and proceeded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</span> to the road in search of prey. -Not long since, my husband had one hundred pounds due to him about -twenty miles from home, and appointed a certain day for receiving it. -Glad I was to hear of this, and instantly resolved to be revenged -on him for all the injuries and churlish outrages he had committed -against me; I knew very well the way he went, and understood the time -he intended to return. I waylaid him, and had not to wait above three -hours, when my lord and master made his appearance, whistling with joy -at his heavy purse. I soon made him change the tune to a more doleful -ditty in lamentation of his bad fortune. I permitted him to pass, but -soon overtook him, and keeping close by him for a mile or two, at -length found the coast clear, and, riding up and seizing his bridle, -presented a pistol to his breast, and in a hoarse voice demanded his -purse, else he was a dead man. This imperious don, seeing death before -his face, had nearly saved me the trouble by dying without compulsion; -and so terrified did he appear, that he looked more like an apparition -than any thing human. ‘Sirrah!’ said I, ‘be expeditious;’ but a dead -palsy had so seized every part of him, that his eyes were incapable of -directing his hands to his pockets. I soon recalled his spirits by two -or three sharp blows with the flat of my sword, which speedily wakened -him, and, with great trembling and submission, he resigned his money. -After I had dismounted him, I cut his horse’s reins and saddle-girths, -beat him most soundly, and dismissed him, saying: ‘Now, you rogue, I -am even with you; have a care, the next time you strike a woman, (your -wife, I mean,) for none but such as dare not fight a man, will lift up -his hand against the weaker vessel. Now you see what it is to provoke -them, for, if once irritated, they are restless till they accomplish -their revenge to their satisfaction: I have a good mind to end your -wicked courses with your life, inhuman varlet, but I am loth to be -hanged for nothing, I mean for such a worthless fellow as you are. -Farewell! this money shall serve me to purchase wine to drink a toast -to the confusion of all such rascally<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</span> and mean-spirited things!’ I -then left him, and—”</p> - -<p>This extraordinary character was about to proceed with the narration of -her exploits, when the servant announced the arrival of two gentlemen. -Our heroine left the room, and returning with her friends, apologized -to our adventurer for the interruption, but hoped he would not find -the company of her companions disagreeable, whom he soon discovered to -be likewise females in disguise. The conversation now became general, -and, upon condition of Rumbold stopping all night with them, the Amazon -promised to finish her adventures next day. This accorded with the -wishes of Rumbold; and when they retired to rest, he found the same -room was destined for them all. His curiosity was, however, overcome by -his covetousness; for, rising early next morning, and finding all his -companions asleep, he rifled their pockets of a considerable quantity -of gold, and decamped with great expedition, thus disappointing the -reader in the continuation of a narrative almost incredible from its -singularity.</p> - -<p>Our adventurer had frequently observed a goldsmith in Lombard street -counting large bags of gold, and he became very desirous to have a -share of the glittering hoard. He made several unsuccessful attempts; -but having in his possession many rings, which he had procured in the -way of his profession, he dressed himself in the habit of a countryman, -attended by a servant, and going to the goldsmith’s shop, proposed -to sell one of these rings. The goldsmith, perceiving it to be a -diamond of considerable value, and from the appearance of Rumbold -supposing he was ignorant of its real worth, after examining it, with -some hesitation estimated its value at ten pounds. To convince the -countryman that this was its full value, he showed him a diamond ring -very superior in quality, which he would sell him for twenty pounds. -Rumbold took the goldsmith’s ring to compare with his own, and, fully -acquainted with its value, informed him that he had come to sell, but -that it was a matter of small importance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</span> to him whether he purchased -or sold. He accordingly pulled out a purse of gold, and laid down the -twenty pounds for the ring. The goldsmith stormed and raged, crying -that he had cheated him, and insisted on having back his ring. Rumbold, -however, kept hold of his bargain, and replied, that the other had -offered him the ring for twenty pounds; that he had a witness to his -bargain; there was his money, and he hoped that he would give him a -proper exchange for his gold.</p> - -<p>The goldsmith’s indignation increasing at the prospect of parting with -his ring, he carried the matter before a justice. Being plaintiff, he -began his tale by informing the magistrate, that “the countryman had -taken a diamond ring from him worth a hundred pounds, and would give -him but twenty pounds for it.” “Have a care,” replied Rumbold, “for if -you charge me with taking a ring from you, which is, in other words, -stealing, I shall vex you more than I have yet done.” He then told the -magistrate the whole story, and produced his servant as a witness to -the bargain. The goldsmith now became infuriated, exclaiming, that “he -believed the country gentleman and his servant were both impostors and -cheats!” Rumbold replied, that “he would do well to take care not to -make his cause worse; that he was a gentleman of three hundred pounds -per annum; and that, being desirous to sell a ring at its just price -to the goldsmith, the latter endeavored to cheat him, by estimating it -far below its value.” The magistrate, accordingly, decided in favor of -our adventurer, only appointing him to pay the twenty pounds in gold, -without any change.</p> - -<p>The gold of Lombard street still continuing to attract the attention of -Rumbold, he with longing eyes one day traversed that street, attended -by a boy whom he had trained in his service. The boy ran into a shop -where they were counting a bag of gold, seized a handful, then let -it all fall upon the counter, and ran off. The servants pursued, -seized the boy, and charged him with having some of the money. Rumbold -approached to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</span> the assistance of the boy, insisting that the youth had -not stolen a farthing of their money, and that the goldsmith should -suffer for his audacity. The goldsmith and Rumbold came to high words, -and mutual volleys of imprecations were exchanged. The latter then -inquired what sum he charged the boy with having stolen. The goldsmith -replied, that he did not know, but that the bag originally contained a -hundred pounds.</p> - -<p>Upon this, Rumbold insisted that he would wait until he saw the money -counted. He tarried about half an hour, and the money was found -complete. The goldsmith made an apology to Rumbold for the mistake; -but the latter replied, that, as a gentleman, no one should put upon -him such an affront with impunity. After some strong expressions on -both sides, Rumbold took his leave, assuring his antagonist that he -should hear from him. The goldsmith was arrested the day following, in -an action of defamation. The bailiff who arrested him, being bribed -by our adventurer, advised him to compromise the matter; urging, -that the gentleman he had injured was a person of quality, and if he -persisted in the action, it would expose him to severe damages. With -some difficulty the matter was settled, by the goldsmith giving Rumbold -twenty pounds in damages.</p> - -<p>A jeweller in Foster lane next supplied the extravagances of Rumbold. -He had often disposed of articles for that jeweller, who had full -confidence in Rumbold’s fidelity. One day, having observed in his shop -a very rich jewel, he acquainted the jeweller that he could sell it for -him. Happy at such information, he delivered it to Rumbold, who carried -it to another jeweller to have a false one, exactly similar, prepared. -He then embraced an opportunity to leave the counterfeit jewel with -the jeweller’s wife, in his absence. Shortly afterwards, he met the -jeweller in the street, who said he never expected to have been so used -by him, and threatened to bring the matter under the cognizance of a -judge; but Rumbold retreated to a remote part of the city.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</span></p> - -<p>Rumbold was one day travelling in the vicinity of Hackney, when his -attention was directed towards a house, which he earnestly desired to -possess. He approached the house, knocked at the door, and inquired -if the landlord was at home. He soon appeared; when Rumbold politely -informed him, that, having been highly pleased with the appearance of -his house, he was resolved to have one built after the same model, and -requested the favor of being permitted to send a tradesman to take its -exact dimensions. This favor was readily granted; when our adventurer -went to a carpenter, and informed him that he wished him to go along -with him to Hackney to measure a house, in order that he might have one -built on a similar construction. They accordingly went, and found the -gentleman at home, who kindly entertained Rumbold, while the carpenter -took the dimensions of every part of the house.</p> - -<p>The carpenter, being amply rewarded, was dismissed, and, by the aid of -the draught of the house taken by him, Rumbold drew up a lease, with a -very great penalty in case of failure to fulfil the agreement. Being -provided with witnesses to the deed, he went and demanded possession. -The gentleman was surprised, and only smiled at the absurdity of the -demand. Rumbold commenced a lawsuit for possession of the house, and -his witnesses swore to the validity of the deed. The carpenter’s -evidence was also produced, many other circumstances were mentioned to -corroborate the fact, and a verdict was obtained in favor of Rumbold’s -claim. But the gentleman deemed it proper to pay the penalty rather -than to lose his house.</p> - -<p>Rumbold, disguised in the apparel of a person of quality, one day -waited on a scrivener, and acquainted him that he had immediate -occasion for a hundred pounds, which he hoped he would be able to -raise for him upon good security. The scrivener inquired who were the -securities, and Rumbold named two respectable citizens, whom he knew -to be at that time in the country; which satisfying the money-lender, -he desired our adventurer to call next day. In the mean<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</span> time, the -lender made inquiry after the stability of the securities, and found he -had not been imposed upon as to their respectability. Our adventurer -again waited upon the scrivener, who having agreed to advance the sum, -Rumbold sent for two of his accomplices, who personated his securities, -and, after a little preliminary caution, signed the bond for him under -their assumed names; and, upon Rumbold’s receiving the money, they -immediately took their leave. The name which Rumbold assumed on this -occasion was of further service to him; for it happened to be that of -a gentleman in Surrey, whom he met with, after this adventure, at an -inn. Having learned what time the gentleman intended to remain in town, -and the name and situation of his estate, he determined to render his -chance meeting of service to him. He accordingly again waited on the -same scrivener, and informed him he had occasion for another hundred, -but did not wish to trouble any of his friends to become security for -such a trifle; for that, as he possessed a good estate, it might be -advanced upon his own bond; and that if the scrivener could spare a -servant to ride the length of Surrey, he would then learn the extent of -his estate, and be enabled to remove any scruple whatever. A servant -was accordingly sent, and directed to go and make inquiry after the -property of the stranger whom Rumbold had met at the inn. Returning -in a few days, Rumbold found the scrivener very condescending, and -prodigal of congratulations upon the possession of so pleasant and -valuable a property, and said he would not have scrupled though the -loan had been for a thousand. Rumbold, finding him thus inclined, -doubled the sum, and, after giving his own bond for two hundred pounds, -left the scrivener to seek redress as he best could.</p> - -<p>Rumbold thus supported himself by exercising his ingenuity at the -expense of others, and by this means amassed a considerable sum of -money. He was not so addicted to these bad habits but that he felt an -inclination to retire from scenes so fraught with danger<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</span> and infamy. -For this purpose he placed his money in the hands of a private banker, -with a design of living frugally and comfortably upon the interest. -This banker unfortunately failed, and made off with all Rumbold’s -property; so that he was once more reduced to the necessity of having -recourse to his old employment.</p> - -<p>The first exploit recorded of Rumbold after his reappearance in public, -is the following:—He stopped at a tavern, where he called for a flagon -of beer, which was handed him in a silver cup, as was customary at that -time. Being in a private room and alone, he called to the landlord to -partake of his noggin, and they continued together for some time, until -the landlord had occasion to leave him. Soon after, he went to the bar -and paid for his beer, while the waiter at the same time went for the -cup: missing which, he called Rumbold back and asked him for the cup. -“Cup!” said Rumbold, “I left it in the room.” A careful search was -made, but to no effect; the cup could not be found, and the landlord -openly accused Rumbold of the theft. He willingly permitted his person -to be searched, which proved equally unsuccessful; but the landlord -still persisted in maintaining that Rumbold must have it, or, at all -events, that he was chargeable with the loss, and would have the matter -investigated by a justice, before whom they immediately went. The -landlord stated the case, while Rumbold complained loudly of the injury -done him by the suspicion; and from his never endeavoring to run off -when he was called back, and submitting so readily to be searched, the -justice dismissed him, and fined the landlord for his rashness.</p> - -<p>During their visit to the justice, some of Rumbold’s associates entered -the same inn, where, according to arrangement, they found the cup fixed -under the table with soft wax, and made off with it without the least -suspicion.</p> - -<p>The last recorded adventure of Rumbold was one which is now very common -in the metropolis. Having<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</span> observed a countryman pretty flush of money, -he and his accomplices followed him; but, from Hodge’s attention to his -pocket, they failed in several attempts to pick it. Our practitioners, -however, taking a convenient opportunity and place, one of them -went before and dropped a letter, while another kept close by the -countryman, and upon seeing it cried out, “See, what is here?” But, -although the countryman stooped to take it up, our adventurer was too -nimble for him; and having it in his hand, observed, “Here is somewhat -else besides a letter.” “I cry halves,” said the countryman. “Well,” -said Rumbold, “you stooped, indeed, as well as I; but I have it. -However, I will be fair with you; let us see what it is, and whether it -is worth dividing;” and thereupon broke open the letter, in which was -enclosed a chain or necklace of gold. “Good fortune,” said Rumbold, “if -this be real gold.” “How shall we know that?” replied the countryman; -“let us see what the letter says;” which ran as follows:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p> -“<span class="smcap">Brother John</span>,<br /> -</p> - -<p>“I have here sent you back this necklace of gold you have sent me, not -from any dislike I have to it, but my wife is covetous, and would have -a bigger. This comes not to above seven pounds, and she would have one -of ten pounds; therefore, pray get it changed for one of that price, -and send it by the bearer to your loving brother,</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">Jacob Thornton</span>.”<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<p>“Nay, then we have good luck,” observed the cheat. “But I hope,” said -he to the countryman, “you will not expect a full share, for, you know, -I found it; and, besides, if one should divide it, I know not how to -break it in pieces without injuring it; therefore, I had rather have -my share in money.” “Well,” said the countryman, “I will give you -your share in money, provided we divide equally.” “That you shall,” -said Rumbold, “and therefore I must have three pounds ten shillings, -the price in all being, as you see, seven<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</span> pounds.” “Ay,” said the -countryman, thinking to be cunning with our adventurer, “it may be -worth seven pounds in money, fashion and all: we must, however, not -value that, but only the gold; therefore I think three pounds in money -are better than half the chain, and so much I’ll give, if you’ll let -me have it.” “Well, I’m contented,” said Rumbold: “but then you shall -give me a pint of wine, over and above.” To this the other agreed, and -to a tavern they went, where the bargain was ratified. There Rumbold -and the countryman quickly disposed of two bottles of wine. In the -mean time one of Rumbold’s companions entered the inn, inquiring for a -certain person who was not there. Rumbold informed the stranger (as he -pretended to be) that he would be there presently, as he had seen him -in the street, and requested him to come in and wait for him. Upon this -the stranger sat down to wait the arrival of his friend. In a little -time Rumbold proposed to remove into a larger apartment, where they -commenced playing at cards, to amuse themselves until the gentleman -expected should arrive.</p> - -<p>Rumbold and his associate began their amusement, the countryman being -a stranger to the game. After he had continued a spectator of the good -fortune of our adventurer, who in general vanquished the stranger, -the countryman was at length prevailed upon to run halves with the -fortunate gamester. For a while the same good fortune smiled upon them, -and the stranger, in a rage at his great losses, refused to proceed. -But after a few bottles more were emptied, the long-expected gentleman -never appearing, they renewed their amusement; and fortune deserting -Rumbold and the countryman who seconded him, in a short time the latter -found himself without a shilling.</p> - -<p>The landlord was then called to assist in drinking the money gained, -and, being informed how they had cheated the countryman, was resolved -to exert his ingenuity at their expense. Meanwhile, several associates -of Rumbold, who had been respectively employed in similar adventures, -entered the room, joined in their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</span> conversation, and participated -in their wine. The landlord was at last requested to bring supper, -which was done with great alacrity. The bottle continuing to move -with considerable rapidity, the company were in general intoxicated -before they sat down to supper. When it was brought in, however, they -commenced with great avidity, and soon despatched a shoulder of mutton -and two capons; and, under the influence of wine, all fell asleep with -the dishes before them.</p> - -<p>The landlord embraced this favorable moment of silence to collect all -the bones and remnants of the whole day’s provisions, and divided them -upon the plates which were upon the table. In a short time, one of them -losing his balance, embraced the floor, and, by the noise of the fall, -awoke the rest of the drowsy company, who all renewed their attacks -upon the victuals. “How came these bones here?” cried one of them; “I -do not remember that I ate any such victuals.” “Nor I,” said another; -upon which the landlord was called and interrogated. “Why, surely, -gentlemen, you have forgot yourselves,” said he; “you have slept sound -and fair indeed! I believe you will forget the collar of brawn you had -too, that cost me six shillings out of my pocket.” “How, brawn!” said -one. “Ay, brawn,” answered the landlord; “you had it, and shall pay for -it: you’ll remember nothing presently. This is a fine drunken bout, -indeed!” “So it is,” said one of the company; “surely, we have been in -a dream: but it signifies nothing, my landlord, you must and shall be -paid. Give us another dozen bottles, and bring us the bill, that we may -pay the reckoning we have run up.” This order was obeyed, and a bill -presented, amounting to seven pounds, and every man was called upon -to pay his share. The countryman shrunk back, wishing to escape; but -one of them pulled him forward, saying, “Come, let us tell noses, and -every man pay alike.” The countryman desired to be excused, and said -his money was all exhausted; they therefore agreed that he should be -exempted.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</span></p> - -<p>In the morning, the countryman, in order to procure money to carry him -home, resolved to sell the chain in his possession: he accordingly went -to a goldsmith, but, to his additional mortification, was informed that -instead of gold, it was nothing but brass gilded over. He acquainted -the goldsmith with the whole matter, who went along with him to a -justice to obtain a warrant for the apprehension of Rumbold and his -associates; but before their arrival, the worthy knights of the pistol -had prudently decamped with their spoils.</p> - -<p>Rumbold after this adventure had several narrow escapes; but, -continuing his nefarious courses, he was at length detected, tried, -condemned, and executed at Tyburn in the year 1689.</p> - - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Guineas.</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHITNEY">WHITNEY.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This notorious malefactor was born at Stevenage in Hertfordshire, and -served an apprenticeship to a butcher. He often mentioned that he was -happily disappointed in his first attempt to steal.</p> - -<p>He and his master went to Romford to purchase calves, and there was an -excellent one that they would fain have had in their possession, but -the owner and they could not agree about the price. As the owner of -the calf kept an alehouse, they went in to taste his ale. While they -were enjoying themselves, but lamenting the loss of the calf, Whitney -whispered to his master, that it would be foolish in them to give money -for the calf, when they might have it for nothing. The good butcher -understood his meaning and entered into his plan. In the mean while -they sat still drinking, waiting their opportunity.</p> - -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img005"> - <img src="images/005.jpg" class="w50" alt="Whitney and the Bear" /> -</span></p> -<p class="center caption"><i>Whitney and the Bear.</i> <a href="#Page_134">P. 134</a>.</p> - - -<p>Unfortunately for their scheme, a fellow who travelled the country -with a she-bear, had put up at the house where the butchers were -drinking. The landlord<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</span> had no place to put up this bear without -removing the calf to another house, which was accordingly done. The -butchers continued carousing until it was dark, then having cheerfully -paid their reckoning, in the hope that the calf would reimburse them, -they left the house, and lurked about the fields until all was quiet. -Approaching the place where they had seen the calf put up, Whitney was -sent in to fetch it out. The bear was resting her wearied limbs when -Whitney took hold of them, and was astonished to find the hair of the -calf had suddenly grown to such a length. Bruin arose upon all-fours, -opining, we suppose, that it was her master about to show her in his -usual manner. But she no sooner discovered that it was a stranger who -thus rudely assailed her, than she seized him with her two fore-paws -and hugged him most lovingly to her bosom. The master, surprised that -he was so long in bringing out the calf, began to chide him for his -delay. Whitney cried out, that he could not get away himself, and -he believed that the devil had hold of him. “If it is the old boy,” -replied the master, “bring him out, as I should like to see what kind -of an animal he is.” His importunities at length brought the butcher to -his assistance, when they discovered their mistake, and with no small -difficulty disentangled Whitney from the fraternal hug of honest bruin; -which having done, they proceeded home without their prey, determined -to attempt stealing calves no more.</p> - -<p>Our young adventurer now abandoned the business of buying and slaying -animals, and took the George inn at Cheshunt. In order to make the -most of it, he entertained all sorts of people, whether good or bad. -Disappointment attended him in this as well as his former employment, -and he was constrained to shut up his doors.</p> - -<p>He now went up to London, the common haunt of all profligates, where -he lived in the most irregular manner, giving himself wholly up to -villany. After practising the tricks of sharpers for a time, he at -length commenced business upon the highway. He was one<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</span> day standing -at the door of a mercer’s shop, when two young ladies, apparently of -fashion, passed by, elegantly dressed, one of whom inquired if he had -any silks of the newest patterns. Whitney replied, that he had none -at present, but should soon have some home from the weaver. He then -requested their address, that the goods, when they came to hand, might -be sent to them. They were rather at a loss; one of them, however, -answered, that they were only lately come to town, and did not remember -the name of their street. They added, that, as it was not far off, if -he would accompany them, they would show him their habitation.</p> - -<p>This was just what he wanted; therefore, going into the shop, as if to -leave orders, he hastened along with the ladies—they supposing he was -the silk-mercer, and he that they were actually ladies of fortune, whom -he might have an opportunity of robbing, either presently or at some -future period. Upon their arrival he was introduced into an elegant -parlor, and a collation placed upon the table, with some excellent -wine, of which he was requested to partake. He was soon left alone with -one of the ladies, and discovering his mistake, was resolved to have -some more sport at the expense of a silk-mercer, since he had been -taken for one.</p> - -<p>Whitney went to a mercer, and mentioning the name of a lady of quality -in the neighborhood, said he had been sent by her to request that -the mercer would send one of his men with several pieces of his best -silks, as the lady was to purchase a gown and petticoat. The shopkeeper -readily consented, and one of the apprentices was despatched along -with him. To deceive the young man, and render it impossible for him -to discover the place where he should stop, he conducted him through -various streets and lanes, until he at last halted at a house which had -an entry into another street; here he took the parcel, and desired the -lad to stand at the door while he went in to show the ladies the silks. -Taking the parcel, he went in, and inquired for some<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</span> person who he was -certain was not there. He then requested liberty to pass through to the -next street, which would shorten his way. This being granted, he left -the mercer’s man to wait for his return.</p> - -<p>Having thus fortunately succeeded, and been able to fulfil his -promise of giving one of the above-mentioned ladies a silk dress, he -hastened to their dwelling, where they divided the spoil. For some -days he remained there, indulging in all manner of riot and excess, -until, satiated, he returned to his labor of seeking new adventures. -Determined, however, that no other person but himself should reap the -fruits of his ingenuity, he wrote a letter to the mercer, informing him -where he would find his silks. Accordingly, having obtained a warrant, -the house of the two damsels was searched, the pieces found, and both -the ladies were sentenced to Bridewell to undergo whipping, and to -submit to hard labor.</p> - -<p>When Whitney was confirmed in his business, he met a gentleman on -Bagshot heath, whom he commanded to stand and deliver: on which the -other remarked, “It is well you spoke first, sir, for I was just going -to make a similar demand.” “Why, then, you are a gentleman-thief?” -Whitney cried. “Yes,” said the stranger, “but I have had very bad -success to-day, for I have been riding up and down all this morning -without meeting with any prize.” Whitney upon this wished him better -luck, and took his leave.</p> - -<p>At night Whitney and the above gentleman put up at the same inn, when -the latter related to some other travellers by what stratagem he had -evaded being robbed on the road. Whitney having changed his dress, the -gentleman did not recognise him. Whitney also heard him whisper to one -of the company, that by this contrivance he had saved a hundred pounds. -That person informed him, that he had a considerable sum upon him, and -that, if agreeable, he would travel next day with him. Our adventurer -overheard the conversation, and resolved, without being solicited, -to make one of the party. In the morning they commenced<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</span> their -journey, and Whitney followed about a quarter of an hour after. Their -conversation turned upon the best means to deceive the highwaymen; and -our adventurer’s meditations were, how he should be revenged upon his -quondam friend for the cheat he had received the day before.</p> - -<p>Whitney soon overtook them, and riding before, turned suddenly about, -presented his pistols, and commanded them to stand and deliver. “We -were going to say the same to you, sir!” “Were you so?” replied our -hero, “and are you then of my profession?” “Yes,” said they both. -“If you are, I suppose you remember the old proverb, that two of a -profession cannot agree together, so that you must not expect any -favor on that score. But to be plain with you, gentlemen, I know -you very well, and must have your hundred pounds, sir,—and your -considerable sum, sir,”—turning first to the one, and then to the -other,—“otherwise I shall be bold to send a brace of bullets through -each of your heads. You, Messieurs Highwaymen, should have kept -your secret a little longer, and not have boasted so soon of having -outwitted a thief. There is now nothing for you but to deliver or die!” -These words put them in a sad consternation: they were very unwilling -to lose their money, but more unwilling to lose their lives; of two -evils, therefore, they preferred choosing the least. The one produced -his hundred pounds first, and the other gentleman his considerable sum, -which was a good deal more.</p> - -<p>At another time, our adventurer met with an old miser named Hull, on -Hounslow Heath. The word of command being given, he trembled in every -joint, and using the most piteous tones and humiliating complaints, -said that he was a very poor man and had a large family, and he would -be hard-hearted indeed who would take his money. He added, besides, a -great deal more concerning the illegality of such an action, and how -dangerous it was to engage in evil courses. Whitney, who knew him well, -cried out in a violent passion, “Sirrah, you pretend to preach morality -to an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</span> honester man than yourself. Is it not more generous to take a -man’s money from him bravely, than to grind him to death by exacting -eight or ten per cent. under cover of serving him? You make a prey -of all mankind, and necessity in an honest man is often the means of -his falling into your hands, who are sure to be the means of undoing -him. I am a man of more honor than to show any compassion to one whom -I esteem an enemy to the whole species. For once, at least, I shall -oblige you to lend me what you have, without interest or bond, so make -no words!” Old Hull, upon this, reluctantly pulled out eighteen pounds, -telling him at the same time that he would see him some time ride up -Holborn hill backwards. Whitney was retiring until he heard these -words, when, returning, he drew Hull off his horse, and putting him on -again with his face towards the tail, and tying his legs, “Now,” said -he, “you old rogue, let me see what a figure a man makes when he rides -backwards, and let me have the pleasure at least of seeing you first in -that posture:” so giving the horse a whip, the animal proceeded at a -desperate pace until it came to Hounslow Town, where the people untied -him, after they had enjoyed themselves at his expense.</p> - -<p>In the course of Whitney’s rambles, he one day put up at an inn in -Doncaster, and lived in a dashing style, as he had then plenty of -money. He was informed that the landlord was a complete miser and -sharper, and that he would not spare the smallest sum to a poor -relation of his, who lived in the neighborhood. Accordingly, Whitney -resolved to exert his ingenuity upon his landlord; and gave out that -he had a good estate, and travelled merely for his own amusement. He -continued to pay his bills regularly, until he supposed that his credit -would be sufficiently established. Then he one day mentioned to his -landlord, that as his money was run short, he would be obliged to him -for credit until he received remittances. “Oh, dear sir, you need not -give yourself any uneasiness about such a thing as this; every thing -in my house is at your<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</span> service; and I shall think myself honored if -you use me as your friend.” With abundance of eloquence, our adventurer -returned the compliment. He continued to live at his table,—his horse -was well fed with corn and hay, while Whitney, almost every day, took -a ride to some neighboring village along with the landlord and some -others, who were all proud of the honor he had done them.</p> - -<p>It happened that there was an annual fair in that place, and in the -morning a box came directed to him; opening it, he took out a letter, -and, having read it, locked the box, and delivered it to the landlady, -saying, that it would be safer in her custody than in his own. Having -gone to see the fair, he returned in great haste in the afternoon, -desiring his horse to be instantly dressed, as he had seen a horse in -the fair for which he was desirous to exchange his own, adding, that he -was determined to have the animal. He then requested the landlady to -give him his box; but he was informed that she was gone to the fair. -Hereupon he affected to burst out into a violent passion, saying, that -he supposed she had locked up what he committed to her keeping:—“If -she has,” said he, “I had rather have given ten guineas, for I have -no money but what is in her possession.” Inquiry was made, and it was -found to be as he had said, which put him into a still greater rage. -This was, however, what he both wished and expected,—the whole being -of his own invention. The landlord was informed of his rage, and the -cause of it, and entreated that he would be easy, as he would lend -him the sum he wanted until his wife came home. Our hero was greatly -distressed that he should have to borrow money when he had so much -of his own; but as there was no other method of obtaining cash to -purchase his favorite horse, he accepted of the proffered loan: with an -imperious and haughty air, demanding that his bill might be prepared -for payment forthwith.</p> - -<p>With forty guineas he rode to the fair; but instead of inquiring for -any other horse, he spurred his own through the crowd, and hastened to -London. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</span> people of the inn waited long for his return that evening; -but, as he had frequently stayed two or three days at once in his -rambles through the country, they suspected no fraud. After waiting -with no small impatience for a whole week, the landlord resolved -to break open the box, and went to the magistrates of the place, -accompanied by witnesses. It is needless to record his chagrin and -mortification, when he found the box filled with sand and stones.</p> - -<p>In London, Whitney was apprehended upon the information of one of those -abandoned females who live by betraying the simple ones of their own, -and by robbing and plundering the profligate of the other sex. He was -committed, tried, and condemned at the following sessions. The judge, -before passing sentence, made an excellent speech to him and the other -malefactors, in strong terms exhibiting the nature of their several -crimes; and in particular addressed himself to Whitney, exhorting him -to a sincere repentance, as there could be no hope of a pardon to him -after a course of so many villanies.</p> - -<p>At the place of execution, Whitney addressed the multitude in nearly -the following terms:—“I have been a great offender, both against God -and my country, by transgressing all laws, both human and divine. I -believe there is not one here present but has often heard my name -before my confinement, and seen the long catalogue of my crimes, which -have since been made public. Why then should I pretend to vindicate a -life stained with so many enormous deeds? The sentence passed upon me -is just, and I can see the footsteps of a Providence, which, before, I -had profanely laughed at, in my apprehension and conviction. I hope the -sense which I have of these things has enabled me to make my peace with -Heaven, the only thing which is now of any concern to me. Join in your -prayers with me, my dear countrymen, that God would not forsake me in -my last moments.” Having spent a few minutes in prayer, he suffered, in -the thirty-fourth year of his age, on the 19th of December 1694.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="TIM_BUCKELEY">TIM BUCKELEY.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Tim was reared to the useful occupation of a shoemaker, but leaving his -master, he came to London, and soon found out companions suited to his -disposition. He and his associates frequented an alehouse at Wapping; -and one day being run short of cash, Tim asked the landlord for ten -shillings, which he refused. Tim was so exasperated, that, along -with some of his associates, he broke into his house, and bound him, -his wife, and maid. When Tim was about this operation, the landlord -conjured him to be favorable. “No, no, you must not expect any favor -from my hands, whose prodigality makes you lord it over the people here -like a boatswain over a ship’s crew; but I shall go to another part of -the town, where I will be more civilly used, and spend a little of your -money there.” Accordingly, Tim and his companions robbed the house of -forty pounds, three silver tankards, a silver watch, and three gold -rings.</p> - -<p>Upon another day Tim was airing in Hyde-park-corner, and met with <abbr title="doctor">Dr.</abbr> -Cateby, the famous mountebank. At the words “Stand and deliver!” the -doctor went into a long harangue about the honesty of his calling, -and of the great difficulty with which he made a living. Tim laughed -heartily, saying, “Quacks pretend to honesty! there is not such a pack -of cheating knaves in the nation. Their impudence is intolerable for -deceiving honest simple people, and pretending that more men were not -slain at the battle of the Boyne, than they have recovered from death, -or beckoned their souls back when they have been many leagues from -their bodies: therefore, deliver! or this pistol shall put a stop to -your further ramblings and deception.”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</span> The doctor preferring his life -to his gold, presented Tim with six guineas, and a watch, to show him -how to keep time while spending the money.</p> - -<p>Tim was once apprehended by a baker, in the character of a constable, -and sent to Flanders as a soldier. He deserted, and returning to -London, one day met with the baker’s wife. He presented a pistol, and -demanded her money; she exclaimed, “Is this justice or conscience, -sir?” “Don’t tell me of justice, for I hate her as much as your husband -can, because her scales are even! And as for conscience, I have as -little of that as any baker in England, who cheats other people’s -bellies to fill his own!—Nay, a baker is a worse rogue than a tailor; -for, whereas the latter commonly pinches his cabbage from the rich, the -former, by making his bread too light, robs all without distinction, -but chiefly the poor, for which he deserves hanging more than I, or any -of my honest fraternity.” Then, taking from her eleven shillings and -two gold rings, he sent her home to relate her adventure to her husband.</p> - -<p>Tim next stealing a good horse, commenced upon the highway, and meeting -with a pawnbroker by whom he had lost some articles, he commanded him -to stand and deliver. The pawnbroker entreated for favor, saying “that -it was a very hard thing that honest people could not go about their -lawful business without being robbed.” “You talk of honesty, who live -by fraud and oppression!—your shop, like the gates of hell, is always -open, in which you sit at the receipt of custom, and having got the -spoils of the needy, you hang them up in rank and file, like so many -trophies of victory. To your shop all sorts of garments resort, as on -a pilgrimage. Thou art the treasurer of the thieves’ exchequer, for -which purpose you keep a private warehouse from whence you ship them -off wholesale, or retail, according to pleasure. Nay, the poor and the -oppressed have often to pay their own cloth, before they can receive -them back by your exorbitant exactions. Come, come, blood-sucker, open -your purse-strings, or this pistol shall send you where you are to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</span> go -sooner or later.” The poor pawnbroker did not, however, wish to visit -his old friend before his time; he therefore ransomed his life at the -expense of twenty-eight guineas, a gold watch, a silver box, and two -gold rings.</p> - -<p>Upon another occasion, Tim fortunately met with a stock-jobber (who had -prosecuted him for felony,) and robbed him of forty-eight guineas. He -requested something to carry him home. Tim refused, saying, “I have no -charity for you stock-jobbers, who rise and fall like the ebbing and -flowing of the tide, and whose paths are as unfathomable as the ocean. -The grasshopper in the Royal Exchange is an emblem of your character. -What! give you something to carry you home out of the paltry sum of -forty-eight guineas! I won’t give you a farthing.” He then bade him -farewell until next meeting.</p> - -<p>Though unexpected and unwished, it was not long before the stock-jobber -reconnoitred Tim, and caused him to be apprehended and committed to -Newgate. He was tried, and received sentence of death; but obtaining a -reprieve, and afterwards a pardon, he was determined to be revenged of -the man who would not give him rest to pursue his honest employment; he -therefore set fire to a country-house belonging to him. To his no small -chagrin, however, it was quenched before much harm was done.</p> - -<p>Tim then went to Leicestershire, broke into a house, seized eighty -pounds, purchased a horse, and renewed his former mode of life. Thus -mounted, he attacked a coach in which were three gentlemen, and two -footmen attending. Tim’s horse being shot under him, he killed one of -the gentlemen and a footman, but being overpowered, was committed to -Nottingham gaol, and suffered the due reward of murder and robbery, at -the age of twenty-nine, and in the year 1701.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="TOM_JONES">TOM JONES.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Tom was a native of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. His father was a clothier, -whose business he followed until he was two-and-twenty years of age. -In that period, however, the prominent dispositions of his mind were -displayed, by extravagance, and running into debt. In order, therefore, -to retrieve his circumstances, he went upon the highway.</p> - -<p>Out of gratitude for his father’s kindness, he commenced by robbing him -of eighty pounds and a good horse. Unaccustomed to such work, he rode, -under the impression that he was pursued and in danger of being taken, -no less than forty miles. Arriving in Staffordshire, he attacked and -robbed the stage-coach of a considerable booty. During the scuffle, -several shots were fired at the passengers, but no injury was done.</p> - -<p>A monkey belonging to one of the passengers, being tied behind the -coach, was so frightened with the firing, that he broke his chain, and -ran for his life. At night, as a countryman was coming over a gate, pug -leaped out of the hedge upon his back, and clung very fast. The poor -man, who had never seen such an animal, imagined that he was no less a -person than the devil; and when he came home, thundered at the door. -His wife looked out at the window, and asked him what he had got. “The -devil!” cried he, and entreated that she would go to the parson, and -beg his assistance. “Nay,” quoth she, “you shall not bring the devil -in here. If you belong to him, I don’t; so be content to go without -my company.” Poor Hob was obliged to wait at his door until one of -his neighbors, wiser than the rest, came, and with a few apples<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</span> and -pears, dispossessed him of the devil, and got him for his pains. He -accordingly carried him to the owner, and received a suitable reward.</p> - -<p>Tom’s next adventure was with a Quaker, who formerly kept a button -shop, but, being reduced in his circumstances, he was going down to -the country to avoid an arrest. In this situation he was more afraid -of a bailiff than a robber. Therefore, when Tom took hold of him by -the coat, broadbrim very gravely said, “At whose suit dost thou detain -me?”—“I detain thee on thy own suit, and my demand is for all thy -substance.” The Quaker having discovered his mistake, added, “Truly, -friend, I don’t know thee, nor can I indeed imagine that ever thee -and I had any dealings together.”—“You shall find then,” said Jones, -“that we shall deal together now.” He then presented his pistol. -“Pray, neighbor, use no violence, for if thou carriest me to jail, I -am undone. I have fourteen guineas about me, and if that will satisfy -thee, thou art welcome to take them. Here they are, and give me leave -to assure thee, that I have frequently stopped the mouth of a bailiff -with a much less sum, and made him affirm to my creditors that he could -not find me.” Jones received the money, and replied, “Friend, I am not -such a rogue as thou takest me to be: I am no bailiff, but an honest, -generous highwayman.”—“I shall not trouble myself,” cried the Quaker, -“about the distinction of names; if a man takes my money from me by -force, it concerns me but little what he calls himself, or what his -pretences may be for so doing.”</p> - -<p>At another time Tom met with lord and lady Wharton, and though they had -three men attending, demanded their charity in his usual style. His -lordship said, “Do you know me, sir, that you dare be so bold as stop -me upon the road?”—“Not I; I neither know nor care who you are. I am -apt to imagine that you are some great man, because you speak so big; -but, be as great as you will, sir, I must have you to know, that there -is no man upon the road so great as myself; therefore, pray be quick -in answering my demands, for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</span> delays may prove dangerous.” Tom then -received two hundred pounds, three diamond rings, and two gold watches.</p> - - -<p>Upon another day, Tom received intelligence that a gentleman was upon -the road with a hundred pounds. He waited upon the top of a hill to -welcome his approach. A steward of the gentleman discovered him, and -suspecting his character, desired that the money might be given to him, -and he would ride off with it, as the robber would not suspect him. -This was done; Tom came forward, stopped the coach, and the gentleman -gave him ten pounds. He was greatly enraged, and mentioned the sum he -knew the gentleman carried along with him. In an instant, however, -suspecting the stratagem, he rode after the steward with all possible -speed; but the latter observing him in pursuit, increased his pace, and -reached an inn before Tom could overtake him.</p> - -<p>After many similar adventures, Tom was apprehended for robbing a -farmer’s wife. He was so habituated to vice, that nothing but the -gallows could arrest his course, and in the forty-second year of his -age he met with that fate, on the 25th April 1702.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - - -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img006"> - <img src="images/006.jpg" class="w50" alt="Arthur Chambers" /> -</span></p> -<p class="center caption"><i>Arthur Chambers.</i> <a href="#Page_151">P. 151</a>.</p></div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="ARTHUR_CHAMBERS">ARTHUR CHAMBERS.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Arthur Chambers was of low extraction, and destitute of every amiable -quality. From his very infancy he was addicted to pilfering; and -the low circumstances of his parents being unable to support his -extravagances, he had recourse to dishonest practices. It is even -reported, that before he was dressed in boy’s clothes, he committed -several acts of theft.</p> - -<p>The first thing which he attempted, was to learn from an experienced -master, all those cant words and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</span> phrases current among pickpockets, by -which they distinguish one another. Chambers was soon an adept in this -new language; and being well dressed, he was introduced to the better -sort of company, and took occasion, when such opportunities offered, to -rob his companions.</p> - -<p>In a short time he was confined in Bridewell, to answer with hard -labor for some small offence. Having obtained his liberty, he left the -town, where he again begun to be suspected, and went to Cornwall. His -social turn gained him a reception in genteel companies, and he became -a memorable character in the place. Before he left London, he provided -himself with a large quantity of base crowns and half-crowns, which he -uttered wherever he went. After many had been deceived, strict search -was made, and Chambers detected. For this offence he was committed to -gaol, where he remained a year and a half.</p> - -<p>As he could no longer abide in Cornwall, he returned to London. -Upon his arrival he went to an alehouse, and called for a pot of -beer and a slice of bread and cheese. Having refreshed himself, he -entered into conversation with some persons in a neighboring box. The -conversation turned upon the superior advantages of a country life, -but was insensibly directed to that of robbery. Chambers, improving -the hint, regretted that no better provision was made for suppressing -such villanies; for, added he, death is too scarce a punishment for a -man even if he robbed the whole world. “But why do I talk thus?” he -continued; “if great offenders are suffered, well may the poor and -necessitous say, we must live, and where is the harm of taking a few -guineas from those who can spare them, or who, perhaps, have robbed -others of them? For my own part, I look upon a dexterous pickpocket -as a very useful person, as he draws his resources from the purses -of those who would spend their money in gaming, or worse. Look ye, -gentlemen, I can pick a pocket as well as any man in Britain, and yet, -though I say it, I am as honest as the best<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</span> Englishman breathing. -Observe that country gentleman passing by the window there; I will -engage to rob him of his watch, though it is scarcely five o’clock.”</p> - -<p>A wager of ten shillings was instantly taken, and Chambers hastened -after the gentleman. He accosted him at the extremity of Long lane, -and pulling off his hat, asked him if he could inform him the nearest -way to Knave’s acre. The stranger replied that he himself wished to -know the way to Moorfields, which Chambers pointed out: and while the -other kept his eyes fixed upon the places to which he directed him, he -embraced an opportunity to rob him of his watch, and hastening back to -the alehouse, threw down his plunder, and claimed the wager.</p> - -<p>He next exerted his ingenuity upon a plain countryman, newly come -to town. The rustic had got into the company of sharpers, and stood -gazing at a gaming table. Our adventurer stepping up, tapped him on the -shoulder, and inquired what part of the country he came from, and if he -was desirous to find a place as a gentleman’s servant. Robin answered, -that it was his very errand to town, to find such a place. Chambers -then said that he could fit him to a hair. “I believe I can afford you -myself four pounds a year, standing wages, and six shillings a week -board wages, and all cast clothes, which are none of the worst.” This -was sufficient to make Robin almost leap out of his skin, for never -before had such an offer been made to him. Having arranged every thing -to his wish, Robin entered upon his new service. He received Chambers’ -cloak, threw it over his arm, and followed his master. Chambers ordered -a coach, and Robin being placed behind, they drove off to an inn. -Dinner being ordered, Robin sat down with his master, and made a hearty -meal, the former in the mean while instructing him in all the tricks -of the town and inculcating the necessity of his being always upon -his guard. He informed him also, that the servants of the inn would -be requesting him to join in play at cards, and that he was in danger -of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</span> being imposed upon; therefore, if he had any money upon him, it -would be proper to give it to him, and he would receive it back when -necessary. Robin, accordingly, pulled out his purse, and delivered all -that he had, with which Chambers paid his dinner, and went off, leaving -Robin to shift for himself, and to lament the loss of his money and his -new master.</p> - -<p>The next adventure of Chambers was directed against the innkeeper -of the Greyhound, <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Alban’s. His wife was rather handsome, and -exceedingly facetious; and Chambers being often there, was on terms -of the greatest familiarity with the household. Directing his steps -thither, and pretending to have been attacked by three men near the -inn, he went in with his clothes all besmeared. The travellers who -were in the inn condoled with him on his misfortune, and gave him a -change of clothes until his own should be cleaned. To make amends to -himself for this sad disaster, he invited six of his fellow-travellers, -with the landlord and his wife, to supper. The glass circulated pretty -freely, and the wife entertained them with several appropriate songs. -Chambers was careful that her glass never remained long empty. In a -short time he saw with pleasure that all his companions, with the -solitary exception of the landlord, were sunk in the arms of sleep, and -he proposed that they should be conveyed to bed; whereupon two or three -stout fellows came to perform that office. Chambers was so obliging -as to lend his assistance, but took care that their money and watches -should pay him for his trouble.</p> - -<p>Left alone with the landlord, he proposed that they should have an -additional bottle. Another succeeded before the landlord was in a -condition to be conveyed to rest. In aiding the servants with the -corpulent innkeeper, he discovered the geography of his bedroom, and -finding that the door was directly opposite to his own, he retired, not -to rest, but to plot and to perfect his villany.</p> - -<p>When he was convinced that the wine would work its full effect upon -the deluded pair, he revisited the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</span> bedchamber, waited some time, and -extracted what property he could most conveniently carry away; by the -dawn of day dressed himself in the best suit of clothes which his -bottle companions could afford, called for the horse of the person -whose clothes he now wore, left two guineas with the waiter to pay his -bill, gave half-a-crown to the ostler, and rode off for London.</p> - -<p>His first enterprise after his arrival was attacking an Italian -merchant upon the Exchange. He took him aside, eagerly inquired what -goods he had to dispose of, and, entering into conversation, one of -Chambers’ accomplices approaching, joined the conversation. Meanwhile, -our adventurer found means to extract from his pocket a large purse -of gold and his gold watch, which he delivered to his accomplice. Not -satisfied with his first success, and observing a silk handkerchief -suspended from his pocket, he walked behind him to seize it, but was -detected in the act, and kept fast hold of by the merchant, who cried -out lustily, “Thief! thief!” In this dilemma, Chambers’ accomplice ran -to the crier, and requested him to give public proclamation, that if -any body had lost a purse of gold, upon giving proper information it -would be restored. With the expectation of finding his money again, the -merchant let go his hold; and, in the crowd, Chambers and his friends -retired with their booty.</p> - -<p>But Chambers was now resolved to perform an action worthy of his -talents. He hired the first floor of a house, and agreed with the -landlord for 14<i>s.</i> a week. Having, in the first instance, been mistaken -for a man of fortune, both from his appearance and style of living, -a mutual confidence was gradually established. When his plot was -matured, he one day entered with a very pensive and sorrowful look -the apartment of his landlord, who anxiously inquired the cause of -his great uneasiness; when Chambers, with tears in his eyes, informed -him, that he had just returned from Hampstead, where he had witnessed -the death of a beloved brother, who had left him sole heir, with an -express injunction to convey his dear remains<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</span> to Westminster Abbey. He -therefore entreated the favor of being allowed to bring his brother’s -remains at a certain hour to his house, that from thence they might -be conveyed to the place of their destination, which very reasonable -request was readily granted by his unsuspecting landlord.</p> - -<p>Chambers went off the next morning, leaving word, that the corpse -would be there at six o’clock in the evening. At the appointed hour, -the hearse, with six horses, arrived at the door. An elegant coffin, -with six gilded handles, was carried up stairs, and placed upon the -dining-room table, and the horses were conveyed by the men to a stable -in the neighborhood. They informed the landlord, that Chambers was -detained on business, and would probably sleep that night in the Strand.</p> - -<p>That artful rogue was, however, confined in the coffin, in which -air-holes had been made, the screw-nails left unfixed, his clothes all -on, with a winding-sheet wrapped over them, and his face blanched with -flour. All the family were now gone to bed, except the maid-servants. -Chambers arose from his confinement, went down stairs to the kitchen -wrapped in his winding-sheet, sat down, and stared the maid in the -face, who, overwhelmed with fear, cried out, “A ghost! a ghost!” and -ran up stairs to her master’s room, who chid her unreasonable fears, -and requested her to return to bed, and compose herself. She, however, -obstinately refused, and remained in the room.</p> - -<p>In a short time, however, in stalked the stately ghost, took his -seat, and conferred a complete sweat and a mortal fright upon all -three who were present. Retiring from his station when he deemed it -convenient, he continued, by the moving of the doors, and the noise -raised through the house, to conceal his design: in the mean time, he -went down stairs, opened the doors to his accomplices, who assisted in -carrying off the plate, and every thing which could be removed, not -even sparing the kitchen utensils. The maid was the first to venture -from her room in the morning, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</span> to inform her master and mistress of -what had happened, who, more than the night before, chid her credulity -in believing that a ghost could rob a house, or carry away any article -out of it. In a little time, however, the landlord was induced to rise -from his bed, and to move down stairs, and found, to his astonishment -and chagrin, that the whole of his plate, and almost the whole of his -movables, were gone, for which he had only received in return an empty -coffin.</p> - -<p>A great many other stories of the like nature are told of Chambers; and -it is well known, that for the few years he was permitted, by singular -good fortune, to go at large, he committed as many artful and daring -actions as were ever accomplished by one man.</p> - -<p>At length, however, one Jack Hall, a chimney-sweeper, being -apprehended, to save his own life, made himself an evidence against -Chambers, who, being cast upon that information, was, with two other -notorious offenders, executed at Tyburn, in 1703, in the twenty-eighth -year of his age.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="STEPHEN_BUNCE">STEPHEN BUNCE.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>In the plain but strong phrase, this man was born a thief. Scarcely -could his hand carry away the property of others, when he engaged -in this nefarious trade. While yet a child, he was frequently -amusing himself with the children of a charcoal man who lived in the -neighborhood, and would even then fill his pockets with the charcoal, -and sell it to a woman that kept an apple-stall for codlings. One day -he wished to try his ingenuity upon the good woman, and requested to -have some codlings beforehand, promising to pay them with his next -charcoal. But though she could purchase from him that which she knew he -had stolen, yet she was not disposed to give him any credit.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</span></p> - -<p>Stephen was highly enraged that his fidelity should be called in -question by the old woman, and determined upon revenge; so stealing a -larger quantity of charcoal than usual, he filled the empty parts with -powder, and sealed them with black wax. The old woman kindled a fire -of them, and it being a very cold frosty night, sat down before the -fire in the usual manner, to warm her starving body. But scarcely had -the heat begun to operate, when the powder catching fire, off flew the -kettle from the grate, the codlings and the water sprang about the old -woman’s ears, and, in the midst of fire and smoke, she cried out in -the most piteous manner, which brought a great mob about her to assist -her in the hour of misfortune and distress. Fortunately, however, the -chief injury that the old woman received was a hole burnt in her gown, -a scalding to her chin, and the trouble of picking up her codlings.</p> - -<p>But Stephen was not long to remain in correspondence with apple wives -and such low gentry. Arrived at the years of a stripling, he went into -a coffee-house, and called for a dish of tea. Meanwhile, rustling among -the newspapers, he picked up the lid of a silver box, and paying for -his tea, went and instantly got his own initials engraven upon it. -Then, with the greatest assurance, he went back, saying, “Gentlemen, -have not I left the bottom of my tobacco-box?” Thereupon rummaging -among the papers, he found it, exclaiming, as he put the lid on, “Oh, -here it is!” Upon this the owner claimed it as his property, but -Stephen impudently showing his cipher upon it, claimed and retained it -as his own.</p> - -<p>At one time Bunce was benighted at Branyard in Hertfordshire, and being -destitute of money, was at infinite loss how to proceed. But a fertile -invention is a necessary qualification in a deceiver, and Stephen’s -was acquiring considerable strength. He called at the parson’s door, -and requested the maid to tell her master that a stranger wished to -have the honor of speaking with him. When the clergyman made his -appearance, Stephen, in an eloquent and affecting tone, informed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</span> him -that he was a poor student from Oxford, going home to his friends, and -as he was benighted, he entreated that he would afford him the friendly -aid of his roof for one night. The generous-hearted parson, pleased -with his appearance and pitying his distress, kindly received him and -entertained him according to the best of his household.</p> - -<p>When Stephen was taking his leave for the night, he, with no small -degree of modesty and respect, requested that he might be permitted to -give the parson a sermon in the morning, the next day being Sunday. -As, in general, no clergyman has any great objection to a day of rest, -the parson willingly accepted of his offered services. The morning -came, and the hour of divine service being arrived, the young student -was equipped in the parson’s gown and cassock, and as it was about -a mile to the church, he was mounted on the parson’s horse, while -the latter, with his wife and family, went a nearer path through the -fields. When his reverence came to the church, every one was scraping -and bowing, and inquiring why he was without his canonical robes on -the day of sacred duty. He soon relieved their anxiety, by informing -them that a young gentleman of the university of Oxford would be -there presently, and would preach for him that day. They waited for -some time, then commenced divine service; the prayers were now ended, -and the last psalm sung, but no preacher appeared. In short, not to -detain our readers with a long narrative, they waited until noon,—the -congregation went home without a sermon,—and the parson without his -robes and horse, while Bunce was by this time far advanced on his -journey, employing the horse to carry a thief instead of a clergyman.</p> - -<p>Upon another day, as Stephen was going about seeking whom he might -render lighter on their journey, he saw a gentleman well mounted upon -a gelding, and going into the road along where he was to ride, he laid -himself all along the ground, with his ear to it. When the gentleman -came up to him, he asked the reason of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</span> such unusual conduct. Stephen -held up his hand to him, signifying his desire that he should be -silent; but the gentleman, being of a hasty temper, cried, “What the -plague are you listening to?” Upon this Stephen sat up, saying, “Oh, -dear sir, I have often heard great talk of the fairies, but I could -never have the faith to believe that there was ever any such thing -in nature, till now, in this very place, I hear such a ravishing and -melodious harmony of all kinds of music, that it is enough to charm me -to sit here, if possible, to all eternity.”</p> - -<p>Curiosity, that active principle in the human mind, inclined the -gentleman to alight from his horse to hear the enchanting music. Having -reached the ground, he gave his gelding to Stephen to hold during his -interview with the fairies. Then, applying his ear to the ground, he -said, “I can hear nothing.” Bunce desired him to turn the other ear. -This being done, and his face averted from him, Bunce leaped into his -saddle, and rode off with his gelding at full speed, until he came to -Romford. Supposing that the owner would have some particular inn where -he put up his horse, and therefore that the horse would know that -place, he went after the horse at a small distance.</p> - -<p>He no sooner appeared than the ostler, who was standing at the door, -exclaimed, “Master! master! here’s <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Bartlet’s horse come without -him.” Stephen, having discovered the name of the owner of the gelding, -said to the innkeeper, “<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Bartlet being engaged with some gentlemen -at play in Ingatestone, he requests you to send him fifteen guineas, -and to keep his horse in pledge in the mean time, until he comes -himself in the evening.” “Ay, ay,” replied the innkeeper, “a hundred -guineas, if he stood in need of them.” So Bunce, having received the -fifteen guineas, prosecuted his journey to London. In a few hours, -<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Bartlet came puffing and blowing, and covered with perspiration -and dust. The innkeeper accosted him, saying, “Oh! dear sir, why need -you have sent your gelding, and so put yourself to the trouble of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</span> -coming in this sultry weather on foot, for the small sum of fifteen -guineas, when you might have commanded ten times as much without a -pledge?”—“What!” cried the gentleman, “has the fellow, then, brought -my gelding hither? A villain! he was pretty honest in that; but I find -the rogue has made me pay fifteen guineas for hearing one tune of the -fairies.”</p> - -<p>Bunce was an industrious man, and frequented the billiard-tables, the -cockpits, and every place where he thought that a penny would come in -his way. Though his funds often afforded him the means of reformation, -he naturally hated virtue and honesty; he, therefore, with redoubled -keenness, pursued his depredations. Once, upon foot, he met with a -butcher between Paddington and London, who, being a strong, lusty -fellow, was not disposed to give his contribution to Bunce without an -exchange of blows. The cudgelling commenced, and, though the butcher -acted his part well, yet Bunce was victorious. The conqueror, on -searching for his spoil, found the immense sum of fourpence in his -pockets. “Is this all you have got?” “And too much to lose,” said the -butcher. “You villain!” cried Bunce, “if you’d fight at this rate for a -groat, what a plague would you have done if you’d had more money?”</p> - -<p>This was rather an unfortunate adventure, to have lost so much time and -given so many blows for so little; but, returning home, he observed -a goldsmith, who was a far richer prize than a butcher, telling a -large sum of money in his shop. His eyes instantly sparkled, and -his invention awoke. He went into an old shop in the vicinity, and -purchased one farthing’s worth of salt. Then, hastening into the -goldsmith’s shop, he threw the whole in his eyes; so that while he was -rubbing his peepers, and stamping with rage, Bunce went off with about -fifty pounds—a tolerable return for the outlay of a farthing.</p> - -<p>It is an old proverb, “Lightly come, lightly go.” The same evening, -having gone to recreate himself in the company of certain females, -he was robbed of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</span> twenty pounds, when, in the most furious manner, -though to no purpose, he vented his imprecations against all the sex, -asserting, that “every woman was a crocodile at ten, a fury at thirty, -and a witch at four-score.”</p> - -<p>Under the influence of vexatious disappointment, Bunce soon spent the -remainder of his fifty pounds, and stern necessity again impelled him -to action. Along with one of his trusty companions, he went into a -wollen-draper’s shop, just as the good man was about to shut up; and, -while he was cheapening a remnant of cloth, his companion stole the key -of the shop from its usual resting place; upon which they both went off -without making a purchase. Favored by the darkness of the night, they -returned, and, without interruption or difficulty, extracted from the -shop cloth to the amount of eighty pounds.</p> - -<p>Bunce having been afterwards, by an order of the court, sent a soldier -into Spain, while there, he and his comrades were one day in great -want of victuals, and, having loitered all day about the market-place -of Barcelona without finding any thing to remove their hunger, they -discovered, in the evening, a countryman returning home on an ass. -They followed him, and, having to ascend a steep hill, he alighted and -led the ass. Bunce, with his companion, slipped quietly forward, and -dexterously removing the bridle from the ass’s head to his own, his -comrade went off with the ass, and Bunce trudged after the man upon -all-fours. Arrived at the top of the hill, he looked around, and, to -his great consternation and amazement, saw his ass transformed into a -man.</p> - -<p>Stephen, observing his surprise, said, “Dear master, don’t be troubled -at this strange alteration that you see in your beast; for, indeed, I -was no ass, as you supposed me, but a man, real flesh and blood, as you -yourself are: but you must know, that it being my misfortune to commit -a sin against the Virgin Mary, she resented it so heinously, that she -transformed me into the likeness of an ass for seven years; and now,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</span> -the time being expired, I resume my proper shape again, and am at my -own disposal. However, sir, I return you many thanks for your goodness -towards me; for since I have been in your custody, you have put me to -no more labor than what I, you, or any other ass, might be able to -bear.”</p> - -<p>The countryman was greatly surprised at the relation, but was well -satisfied, on receiving the grateful thanks of his former ass for the -kind treatment he had given him during the period of his degradation. -Stephen returned to his comrade, who had made the ass undergo another -transmigration into money, so that these two hungry sharks hastened to -set their teeth at work, lest they should lose the power of action by -long disuse. Meanwhile, the countryman returned to town to purchase -another ass to carry him home. But, to his astonishment, the first -thing he met with was his own individual ass. Stepping up to the -animal, he said, “Oh! I see that you have committed another sin against -the Virgin Mary, but I shall take care how I buy you again.”</p> - -<p>Bunce was married to a victualler’s daughter in Plymouth, and for some -time lived with her with tolerable regularity, making the table roar, -and the bowl to foam, and entertaining all the merry beaux of the town, -until one of the tars offended Bunce by his politeness. Upon this, he -left his young wife, and plunged into all those scenes of debauchery -which are the usual attendants of the acquisition of money by unlawful -means. In the progress of time his manners became so abandoned and -profligate, and his conversation so loose, that he was the abhorrence -of all decent persons, and a disgrace to human nature. He was at last -detected in his wickedness, and suffered at Tyburn in the year 1707, -in company with Dick Low and Jack Hall, whose histories are not of -sufficient interest to warrant their insertion in these pages.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="JACK_OVET">JACK OVET.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Jack Ovet was born at Nottingham, and, after serving an apprenticeship -to a shoemaker, for some time gained his bread by that industrious and -useful employment: but his licentious dispositions inclining him to -profligate and abandoned company, he soon took to the highway.</p> - -<p>After having purchased a horse, pistols, and every necessary utensil -proper to his projected profession, he rode towards London, and on the -way robbed a gentleman of twenty pounds. That gentleman, however, not -destitute of courage, and unwilling to part with his money, told Ovet, -that if he had not taken him unawares, he would not so easily have -plundered him of his property. The son of Crispin was not destitute -of the essential qualifications of his new profession; he, therefore, -replied, that he had already ventured his life for his twenty pounds; -“but,” continued he, “here’s your money again, and whoever is the -better man, let him win it and wear it.” The proposal being agreed to, -and both employing their swords, the gentleman fell, and Ovet had the -money.</p> - -<p>But having now stained his hands with blood, it was not long before he -killed another man in a quarrel. He, however, escaped from justice, and -continued his depredations. One day, being greatly in want of money, -and meeting one Rogers with some pack-horses, he turned one of them off -the way, opened the pack, and extracted about two hundred and eighty -guineas, with three dozen of silver knives, forks, and spoons. Then, -tying the horse to a tree, he made off with the spoil.</p> -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img007"> - <img src="images/007.jpg" class="w50" alt="Jack Ovet" /> -</span></p> -<p class="center caption"><i>Jack Ovet.</i> <a href="#Page_164">P. 164</a>.</p> - -<p>Another time, Jack Ovet, drinking at the Star inn, in the Strand, -overheard a soap-boiler contriving with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</span> a carrier how he should -send a hundred pounds to a friend in the country. At length, it was -concluded upon to put the money into a barrel of soap; which project -was mightily approved of by the carrier, who answered, “If any rogues -should rob my wagon, (which they never did but once,) the devil must be -in them if they look for any money in the soap-barrel.” Accordingly, -the money and soap were brought to the inn, and next morning the -carrier going out of town, Jack overtook him in the afternoon, and -commanding him to stop, or otherwise he would shoot him and his horses -too, he was obliged to obey the word of command. Then cried the honest -highwayman, “I must make bold to borrow a little money out of your -wagon; therefore, if you have any, direct me to it, that I may not lose -any time, which you know is always precious.” The carrier told him, -he had nothing but cumbersome goods in his wagon, that he knew of; -however, if he would not believe him, he might search every box and -bundle there, if he pleased.</p> - -<p>Ovet soon got into the wagon, and threw all the boxes and bundles -about, till, at last, he came to the soap-barrel, which feeling -somewhat heavy, said he to the carrier, “What do you do with this nasty -commodity in your wagon? I’ll fling it away.” So throwing it on the -ground, the hoops burst, out flew the head, and the soap spreading -abroad, the bag appeared: then jumping out of the wagon and taking it -up, said he again, “Is not he that sells this soap a cheating rascal, -to put a bag of lead into it to make the barrel weigh heavy? If I knew -where he lived, I’d go and tell him my mind. However, that he may not -succeed in his roguery, I’ll take it and sell it at the next house I -come to, for it will wet one’s whistle to the tune of two or three -shillings.”</p> - -<p>He was going to ride away, when the carrier cried after him, “Hold, -hold, sir! that is not lead in the bag; it is a hundred pounds, for -which (if you take it away) I must be accountable.” “No, no!” replied -Jack Ovet, “this cannot be money; but if it is, tell the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</span> owner that I -will be answerable for it if he will come to me.” “Where, sir,” said -the carrier, “may one find you?” “Why, truly,” replied Jack, “that -is a question soon asked, but not so easily to be answered; the best -direction I can give is, it is likely that you may find me in a gaol -before night, and then, perhaps, you may have again what I have taken -from you, and forty pounds to boot.”</p> - -<p>Another time Jack Ovet, meeting with the Worcester stage-coach on -the road, in which were several young gentlewomen, he robbed them -all; but one of them being a very handsome person, he was struck with -admiration, and when he took her money from her, said, “Madam, cast -not your eyes down, neither cover your face with those modest blushes; -your charms have softened my temper, and I am no longer the man I was; -what I have taken from you (through mere necessity at present) is only -borrowed; for as no object on earth ever had such an effect on me as -you, assure yourself, that, if you please to tell me where I may direct -to you, I will, upon honor, make good your loss to the very utmost.” -The young gentlewoman told him where he might send to her; and then -parting, it was not above a week after that Jack sent a letter to the -young lady, who had gained such an absolute conquest over his soul that -his mind now ran as much upon love as robbery.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, however, the sentimental attachment of our too -susceptible highwayman was doomed to suffer a defeat; and still more -unfortunately, he was quite as unsuccessful in his profession; for, -committing a robbery in Leicestershire, where his comrade was killed -in the attempt, he was closely pursued by the county, apprehended, -and sent to gaol; and at the next Leicester assizes condemned. Whilst -under sentence of death, he seemed to feel no remorse at all for his -wickedness, nor in the least to repent of the blood of two persons, -which he had shed. So being brought to the gallows, on Wednesday the -fifth of May, 1708, he was justly hanged, in the thirty-second year of -his age.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="TOM_DORBEL">TOM DORBEL.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>This robber was bred a glover; but before he had served one half of -his time, ran off from his master, and coming to London, soon became -acquainted with men of dispositions similar to his own. About the -age of seventeen, Tom ventured to appear upon the highway, but was -outwitted in his first attempt.</p> - -<p>Meeting a Welshman, he demanded Taffy’s money, or he would take -his life. The Welshman said, “Hur has no money of hur own, but has -threescore pounds of hur master’s money; but, Cot’s blood! hur must -not give hur master’s money,—what would hur master then say for hur -doing so?” Tom replied, “You must not put me off with your cant; for -money I want, and money I will have, let it be whose it will, or expect -to be shot through the head.” The Welshman then delivered the money, -saying, “What hur gives you is none of hur own; and that hur master -may not think hur has spent hur money, hur requests you to be so kind -as to shoot some holes through hur coat-lappets, that hur master may -see hur was robbed.” So suspending his coat upon a tree, Tom fired his -pistol through it, Taffy exclaiming, “Gots splatter a-nails! this is a -pretty pounce; pray give hur another pounce for hur money!” Tom fired -another shot through his coat. “By <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Davy, this is a better pounce -than the other! pray give hur one pounce more!” “I have never another -pounce left,” cried Tom. “Why then,” replied the Welshman, “hur has one -pounce left for hur, and if hur will not give hur hur money again, hur -will pounce hur through hur body.” Dorbel very reluctantly but quietly -returned the money, and was thankful that he was allowed to depart.</p> - -<p>But this narrow escape did not deter Dorbel, and he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</span> continued his -villanies for the space of five years. It happened, however, that a -gentleman’s son was taken for robbing on the highway, and as he had -been formerly pardoned, he now despaired of obtaining mercy a second -time. Tom undertook, for the sum of five hundred pounds, to bring him -off. The one half was paid in hand, and the other half was to be paid -immediately the deliverance was effected. When the young gentleman came -upon his trial, he was found guilty; but just as the judge was about -to pass sentence, Tom cried out, “Oh! what a sad thing it is to shed -innocent blood! Oh! what a sad thing it is to shed innocent blood!” And -continuing to reiterate the expression, he was apprehended, and the -judge interrogating him what he meant by such an expression, he said, -“May it please your lordship, it is a very hard thing for a man to die -wrongfully; but one may see how hard-mouthed some people are, by the -witnesses swearing that this gentleman now at the bar robbed them on -the highway at such a time, when indeed, my lord, I was the person that -committed that robbery.”</p> - -<p>Accordingly, Tom was taken into custody, and the young gentleman -liberated. He was brought to trial at the following assizes; and being -asked, whether he was guilty or not, he pleaded, not guilty! “Not -guilty!” replied the judge; “why, did not you at the last assizes, -when I was here, own yourself guilty of such a robbery?” “I don’t -know,” said Tom, “how far I was guilty then, but upon my word, I am not -guilty now; therefore, if any person can accuse me of committing such -a robbery, I desire they may prove the same.” No witness appearing, he -was acquitted.</p> - -<p>Tom, living at such an extravagant rate in the prison, had scarcely any -part of the five hundred pounds remaining when he obtained his liberty; -therefore, endeavoring to recruit his funds, by robbing the duke of -Norfolk near Salisbury, his horse was shot, and he himself taken, and -condemned at the next assizes. While under sentence, he found a lawyer -who engaged, for the sum of fifty guineas, to obtain his pardon. He<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</span> -accordingly rode to London, was successful, and just arrived in time -with the pardon, when Dorbel was about to be thrown off,—having rode -so hard that his horse immediately dropped down dead. Such, however, -was Tom’s ingratitude, that he refused to pay the lawyer, alleging, -that any obligation given by a man under sentence of death was not -valid.</p> - -<p>Dorbel was so much alarmed upon his narrow escape from a violent -death, that he resolved to abandon the collecting trade, and obtained -a situation in several families as a footman. He also served six -or seven years with a lady in Ormond street, who had a brother, a -merchant in Bristol, whose only daughter, a girl sixteen years of age, -prevailed upon her father to allow her to come to London to perfect -her education. Dorbel being a person in whom her aunt thought she -could place unlimited confidence, was sent to convey the young lady -to London. In the last stage he was left alone with her, when the -miscreant first shockingly abused her, then robbed her of her gold -watch, diamond ring, jewels to the amount of a hundred pounds, and -cutting a hole in the back of the coach, escaped, leaving the young -lady in a swoon. It was with difficulty she recovered, to inform her -relations how she had been treated. Her mother hastened to town to see -her, and after speaking a few words to her, the poor girl breathed her -last. The disconsolate father soon after lost his senses.</p> - -<p>Dorbel was pursued in different directions, and apprehended just after -he had robbed a gentleman of three pounds five shillings. He was tried, -and condemned to be executed and hung in chains; which well-merited -sentence was put in force against this hardened villain, on the 23d of -March, 1708.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="DICK_ADAMS">DICK ADAMS.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The parents of this worthless fellow lived in Gloucestershire, and -gave him an education suited to his station. Leaving the country, and -coming to London, the abode of the most distinguished virtue as well -as of the most consummate villany, he was introduced into the service -of a great duchess at <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> James’, and stayed there for two years. He -was at last dismissed for improper conduct; but while he remained -there, he had obtained a general key which opened the lodgings in <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> -James’. Accordingly, he went to a mercer, and desired him to send, with -all speed, a parcel of the best brocades, satins, and silks, for his -duchess, that she might select some for an approaching drawing-room. -Having often gone on a similar errand, the mercer instantly complied. -His servant, and a porter to carry the parcels, accompanied Dick, and -when arrived at the gate of some of the lodgings, he said, “Let’s see -the pieces at once, for my duchess is just now at leisure to look at -them.” So receiving the parcel, he conveyed it down a back stair, and -went clear off. After waiting with great impatience for two or three -hours, the porter and the man returned home, much lighter than when -they came out.</p> - -<p>About a month after, one evening when Dick had been taking his glass -pretty freely, he unfortunately came by the mercer’s shop, while the -mercer was standing at the door; the latter recollected and instantly -seized him, saying, “Oh sir, have I caught you! you are a fine spark -indeed! to cheat me out of two hundred pounds’ worth of goods! but -before I part with you, I shall make you pay dearly for them!” Adams -was not a little surprised at being so unexpectedly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</span> taken; but -instantly seeing the bishop of London coming up in his carriage, he -said to the mercer, “I must acknowledge that I have committed a crime -to which I was forced by extreme necessity; but I see my uncle, the -bishop of London, coming this way in his coach; therefore, I hope that -you’ll be so civil as not to raise any hubbub of a mob about me, by -which I should be exposed and utterly undone: I’ll go speak to his -lordship about the matter, if you please to step with me; and I’ll -engage he shall make you satisfaction for the damage I have done you.”</p> - -<p>The mercer, eager to receive his money, and deeming this proposal a -better method than sending him to gaol, consented. Adams went boldly -up, and desiring the coachman to stop, requested a few words of his -lordship. Seeing him in the dress of a gentleman, he was pleased to -listen to him, upon which Adams said, “Begging your lordship’s pardon -for my presumption, I make bold to acquaint your reverence that the -gentleman standing behind me is an eminent mercer, keeping house hard -by, and is a very upright, godly man; but being a great reader of books -of divinity, especially polemical pieces, he has met therein with some -intricate cases, which very much trouble him, and his conscience cannot -be at rest until his doubts and scruples are cleared about them; I -humbly beg, therefore, that your lordship would vouchsafe him the honor -of giving him some ease before he runs utterly to despair.”</p> - -<p>The bishop, always ready to assist any person troubled with scruples of -conscience, requested Adams to bring his friend to him the following -day: “But,” said Adams, deferentially, “it will be more satisfactory -to the poor man, if your lordship will speak to him yourself.” Upon -which the bishop bowing to the mercer, the latter approached the coach, -when the bishop said, “The gentleman has informed me of all the matter -about you, and if you please to give yourself the trouble of coming -to my house at Fulham, I will satisfy you in every point.” The mercer -made many grateful<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</span> bows, and taking Adams to a tavern, gave him a good -entertainment.</p> - -<p>The next morning Adams waited upon the mercer, who was making out his -bill to present to the bishop, and pretending that his coming in haste -to attend him to the bishop’s house had made him forget to bring money -with him, entreated that he would grant him the loan of a guinea, and -put it down in the bill. They then went off to wait upon the bishop at -the time appointed. After being regaled in the parlor with a bottle -of wine, the mercer was introduced to the bishop, who addressed him, -saying, “I understand that you have been greatly troubled of late; I -hope that you are better now, sir?” The mercer answered, “My trouble is -much abated, since your lordship has been pleased to order me to wait -upon you.” So pulling out his pocket-book, he presented his lordship -with a bill containing several articles, including a guinea of borrowed -money, amounting in all to two hundred and three pounds nineteen -shillings and tenpence.</p> - -<p>His lordship, staring upon the bill, and examining its contents, said, -“What is the meaning of all this? The gentleman last night might very -well say your conscience could not be at rest, and I wonder why it -should, when you bring a bill to me of which I know nothing.” “Your -lordship,” said the mercer, bowing and scraping, “was pleased last -night to say, that you would satisfy me to-day.” “Yes,” replied the -prelate, “and so I would with respect to what the gentleman told me; -who said that you, being much troubled about some points of religion, -desired to be resolved therein, and, in order thereto, I appointed you -to come to-day.” “Truly, your lordship’s nephew told me otherwise; for -he said you would pay me this bill of parcels, which, upon my word, he -had of me, and in a very clandestine manner too, if I were to tell your -lordship all the truth: but out of respect to your honor, I will not -disgrace your nephew.” “My nephew! he is none of my nephew! I never, to -my knowledge, saw the gentleman in my life before!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</span></p> - -<p>Dick not long after went into the life-guards, but as his pay would -not support his extravagance, he sometimes collected upon the highway. -Along with some of his companions upon the road, they robbed a -gentleman of a gold watch and a purse of a hundred and eight pounds. -Not content with his booty. Adams went after the gentleman, saying, -“Sir, you have got a very fine coat on; I must make bold to exchange -with you.” As the gentleman rode along, he thought he heard something -making a noise in his pocket, and examining it, to his great joy he -found his watch and all his money, which Adams in his hurry had forgot -to remove out of the pocket of his own coat when he exchanged with the -gentleman. But when Adams and his associates came to an inn, and sat -down to examine their booty, to their unspeakable chagrin they found -that all was gone.</p> - -<p>Adams and his companions went out that very same day to repair their -loss, and attacked the stage-coach, in which were several women, with -whom, irritated by their recent misfortune, they were very rough and -urgent. While Dick was searching the pockets of one of the women, she -said, “Have you no pity or compassion on our sex? Certainly, you have -neither Christianity, nor conscience, nor religion, in you!” “Right, we -have not much Christianity nor conscience in us: but, for my part, you -shall presently find a little religion in me.” So falling next upon her -jewels and ear-rings, “Indeed, madam,” exclaimed Adams, “supposing you -to be an Egyptian, I must beg the favor of you, being a Jew, to borrow -your jewels and ear-rings, according as my forefathers were commanded -by Moses;” and having robbed the ladies to the amount of two hundred -pounds in money and goods, allowed them to proceed. After a course of -depredations, Dick, in robbing a man between London and Brentford, was -so closely pursued by the person who was robbed, and a neighbor whom he -fortunately met upon the road, that in a little time afterwards he was -apprehended, carried before a magistrate, committed to Newgate,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</span> tried, -condemned, and executed, in March 1713. Though rude and profligate -before, he was penitent and devout after receiving his sentence.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="WILLIAM_GETTINGS">WILLIAM GETTINGS.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>William’s father was a grazier in Herefordshire, and he lived with him -until he was sixteen years old, and then came up to London. Sometimes -in the capacity of a footman, and sometimes in that of a butler, he -spent five years in a very irreproachable manner. Unfortunately, -however, he became acquainted with evil company, was soon corrupted in -principles, and became a rogue in practice.</p> - -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img008"> - <img src="images/008.jpg" class="w50" alt="William Gettings robs a Gentleman in his own -Garden" /> -</span></p> -<p class="center caption"><i>William Gettings robs a Gentleman in his own -Garden.</i> <a href="#Page_176">P. 176</a>.</p> - -<p>He began his course under the name of William Smith, and traded in the -smaller matter of pilfering. In the dress of a porter he one evening -went into the house of a doctor of medicine, took down a rich bed, and -packed it up. In carrying it off he fell down stairs, and had almost -broken his neck. The noise alarming the old doctor and his son, they -came running to see what was the matter; whereupon Gettings, puffing -and blowing as if he was quite out of breath, perceiving them nearer -than they should be, said to the doctor, “Is not your name so and -so?”—“Yes,” replied the doctor; “and what then?”—“Why, then, sir,” -said Gettings, “there’s one <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Hugh Hen and Penhenribus has ordered -me to bring these goods hither (which have almost broken my back,) -and carry them away to a new lodging, which he has taken somewhere -hereabouts.”—“<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Hugh Hen and Penhenribus!” replied the doctor again: -“pray, who’s he? for, to the best of my knowledge, I don’t know such a -gentleman.”—“I can’t tell,” said Gettings, “but, indeed, the gentleman -knows you, and ordered me to leave the goods here.” <span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</span>“I don’t care,” -said the doctor, “how well he knows<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</span> me! I tell you I’ll not take the -people’s goods, unless they were here themselves; therefore, I say, -carry them away!”—“Nay, pray sir,” said Gettings, “let me leave the -goods here, for I am quite weary already in bringing them hither.”—“I -tell you,” replied the doctor, “there shall none be left here; -therefore take them away, or I’ll throw them into the street!”—“Well, -well,” said Gettings, “I’ll take the goods away then; but I’m sure -the gentleman will be very angry, because he ordered me to leave them -here.”—“I don’t care,” replied the doctor, “for his anger, nor your’s -either! I tell you, I’ll take no charge of other people’s goods, unless -they are here themselves to put them into my custody!”—“Very well, -sir,” said Gettings, “since I must carry them away, I beg the favor of -you and the gentleman there to lift them on my back.”—“Ay, ay, with -all my heart,” replied the doctor. “Come, son, and lend a hand to lift -them on the fellow’s back.”</p> - -<p>Scarcely was William gone, when the doctor’s wife coming home from -the market, and going into the room, saw the bed taken down, and came -running in a great passion to her husband, exclaiming, “Why, truly, -this is a most strange business, that I can never stir out of doors, -but you must be making some whimsical alteration or other in the -house!”—“What’s the matter,” replied the doctor, “with the woman? Are -you beside yourself?”—“No,” said the wife, “but truly you are, in thus -altering things as you do, almost every moment!” “Certainly, my dear,” -replied the doctor, “you must have been spending your market-penny, or -else you would not talk at this rate, as you do, of alterations, when -not the smallest have been made since you have gone out.”—“I am not -blind, I think,” retorted the wife, “for I am sure the bed is taken out -of the two-pair-of-stairs back room; and pray, husband, where do you -design to put it now?” The doctor and his son then went up-stairs, and -not only found that the bed was stolen, but that they had assisted the -thief to carry it off.</p> - -<p>Our hero next resolved to try his fortune upon the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</span> highway, and -meeting with a sharper on the road, commanded him to “stand and -deliver!” He robbed him of two pence half-penny, when the sharper -remarked, that “the world was come indeed to a very sad pass, when one -rogue must prey upon another.”</p> - -<p>He next robbed a man of twelve shillings and a pair of silver buckles. -From thence he proceeded to rifle a stage-coach, and took away some -money and a silver watch. Not long after, he robbed <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Dashwood and -his lady of a gold watch and money.</p> - -<p>These, however, were only smaller exhibitions of his dexterity. One -evening, well mounted, he passed through Richmond, and perceiving a -gentleman walking in his gardens, inquired of the gardener if he might -be permitted to view the gardens, of which he had heard so much.</p> - -<p>The gardener, well acquainted with the harmless vanity and benevolence -of his master, granted his request. Giving his horse to the gardener, -Gettings walked forward, and in a very respectful manner accosted -the gentleman, who received him very courteously; when, sitting down -together in an arbor, Gettings said, “Your worship has got a fine -diamond ring upon your finger.”—“Yes,” replied the owner, “it ought to -be a very fine one, for it cost me a very fine price.”—“Why, then,” -said Gettings, “it is the fitter to bestow on a friend; therefore, if -your worship pleases, I must make bold to take it and wear it for your -sake.” The gentleman stared at his impudence, but Gettings presenting -a pistol, made a short process of the matter. Having taken the ring, -the villain added, “I am sure you do not go without a good watch too.” -Making free with that also, and some guineas, he bound the gentleman, -and went off with his booty, after requesting him to be patient, and he -would send some person to set him at liberty. When he came to the gate, -he gave the gardener a shilling, informing him that Sir James wanted to -speak to him. The botanical retainer accordingly went and untied his -master, who<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</span> with a grim smile returned him thanks for sending a man -into his own garden to rob him.</p> - -<p>Upon another day, Gettings undertook a long journey, for the express -purpose of robbing the house of a friend; and being well acquainted -with all parts of the house, was successful, and brought off money, -plate, and goods, to a considerable amount. He at last, in an unlucky -moment, robbed a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Harrison of four guineas, some silver, and a -watch; and being detected, was tried, condemned, and executed, on the -25th September, 1713, in the twenty-second year of his age.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="NED_BONNET">NED BONNET.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Edward Bonnet was born of respectable parents in the isle of Ely, -in Cambridgeshire, received an education superior to many of his -companions, and when he was only ten years old, gave the following -proof of his promising genius. He was sent to the parson with the -present of a sparerib of pork, wrapped up in a cloth in a basket. Ned -knocked with some degree of importance at the door, which a servant -answered, inquiring his business. “I want to speak with your master.” -The master came. “Well, my dear, what is your business?” “Why, only my -father has sent you this,” said young Ned; and gave him the basket, -without moving his hat. “O fie! fie! child, have you no manners? you -should pull off your hat, and say,—Sir, my father gives his service to -you, and desires you to accept this small token. Come, go you out again -with the basket, and knock at the door, and I’ll let you in, and see -how prettily you can perform it.” The parson waited within until his -impatience to receive and examine the contents of the basket incited -him to open the door. But Ned was at a considerable distance,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</span> walking -off with the present. “So ho! so ho, sirrah! where are you going?” -“Home, sir,” replied Ned, in an equally loud voice. “Hey, but you must -come back and do as I bade you first.” “Thank you for that, sir, I know -better than that; and if you teach me manners, I’ll teach you wit.” The -father smiled at the story, and retained his sparerib.</p> - -<p>At the age of fifteen, Bonnet was sent apprentice to a grocer, served -his time with credit, was afterwards married to a young woman in the -neighborhood, and continued in business until he had acquired about -six hundred pounds. Unfortunately, however, he was reduced to poverty -by an accidental fire. Unable to answer the pressing demands of his -creditors, he left the place, and came up to London. Here he soon -became acquainted with a band of highwaymen, and began with them to -seek from the highway what had been lost by fire.</p> - -<p>Nor did he long continue in the inferior walks of his new profession, -but providing himself with a horse which he taught to leap over ditch, -hedge, or toll-bar, and to know all the roads in the country, whether -by day or by night, he quickly became the terror of Cambridgeshire.</p> - -<p>Upon this horse, he one day met a Cantabrigian, who was possessed -of more money than good sense, morality, or wit, in a calash with a -dashing courtesan. Ned commanded the student to “stand and deliver.” -Unwilling to show his cowardice before his companion, he refused. -Without any respect for the venerable university to which he belonged, -Ned by violence took from him about six pounds, and presenting a -pair of pistols, constrained the hopeful pair to strip themselves, -then bound them together, and giving the horse a lashing, the animal -went off at full trot with them to the inn to which he belonged. But -no sooner did these Adamites enter the town, than men, women, and -children, came hallooing, shouting, and collecting the whole town -to behold such an uncommon spectacle. The student was expelled for -disgracing the university,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</span> and the courtesan was sent to the house of -correction.</p> - -<p>Humorous Ned next met with a tailor and his son, who had arrested -him for five pounds. He commanded him to surrender, and received -thirty-five in place of his five. “I wonder,” said the innocent son, -“what these fellows think of themselves? Surely they must go to the -place below for committing these notorious actions.” “God forbid,” -replied the tailor, “for to have the conversation of such rogues there, -would be worse than all the rest.”</p> - -<p>Ned’s next adventure was with an anabaptist preacher, whom he commanded -to deliver up his purse and scrip. The latter began by reasonings, -ejaculations, and texts, to avert the impending evil. Ned instantly put -himself in a great passion, and replied, “Pray, sir, keep your breath -to cool your porridge, and don’t talk of religious matters to me, for -I’ll have you to know, that, like all other true-bred gentlemen, I -believe nothing at all of religion; therefore deliver me your money, -and bestow your laborious cant upon your female auditors, who never -scold with their maids without cudgelling them with broken pieces of -scripture.” Whereupon, taking a watch and eight guineas, he tied his -legs under his horse, and let him depart.</p> - -<p>On another occasion, Bonnet and a few associates met a nobleman and -four servants in a narrow pass, one side of which was enclosed by a -craggy and shattered rock, and the other by an almost impenetrable -wood, rising gradually considerably higher than the road, and accosted -them in his usual style. The nobleman pretended that he supposed they -were only in jest, and said, “that if they would accompany him to the -next inn, he would give them a handsome treat.” He was soon informed -that they preferred the present to the future. A sharp dispute ensued, -but the nobleman and his men were conquered; and the lord was robbed of -a purse of gold, a gold watch, a gold snuff-box, and a diamond ring.</p> - -<p>Being conducted into the adjacent wood, and bound<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</span> hand and foot, the -robbers left them, saying, “that they would bring them more company -presently.” Accordingly, they were as good as their word, for in less -than two hours they contrived to increase the number to twelve, on -which Ned cried, “There are now twelve of you, all good men and true; -so bidding you farewell, you may give in your verdict against us as -you please, when we are gone, though it will be none of the best; but -to give us as little trouble as possible, we shall not now stay to -challenge any of you. So, once more, farewell.”</p> - -<p>Ned Bonnet and his comrades now going to the place of rendezvous, to -make merry with what they had got, which was at a by sort of an inn -standing somewhat out of the high-road between Stamford and Grantham, -it happened at night to rain very hard, so that one <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Randal, a -pewterer, living near Marygold alley in the Strand, before it was burnt -down, was obliged to put in there for shelter. Calling for a pot of -ale, on which was the innkeeper’s name, which was also Randal, the -pewterer asked him, being his namesake, to sit and bear him company.</p> - -<p>They had not been long chatting, before Ned and one of his comrades -came down stairs and placed themselves at the same table; and -understanding the name of the stranger, one of the rogues, fixing his -eyes more intently than ordinary upon him, in a fit of seeming joy -leaped over the table, and embracing the pewterer, exclaimed, “Dear <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Randal! who would have thought to have seen you here? it is ten years, -I think, since I had the happiness to be acquainted with you.”</p> - -<p>Whilst the pewterer was recollecting whether he could call this spark -to mind or not, for it came not into his memory that he had ever seen -him in his life, the highwayman again cried out, “Alas! <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Randal, -I see now I am much altered, since you have forgotten me.” Here, -being arrived at a <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">ne plus ultra</i>, up started Ned, and with as -great apparent joy said to his companion, “Is this, Harry, the honest -gentleman in London, whom you so often used to praise for his great -civility<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</span> and liberality to all people? Surely then we are very happy -in meeting thus accidentally with him.”</p> - -<p>By this discourse they would almost have persuaded <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Randal that -they perfectly knew him; but being sensible of the contrary, he very -seriously assured them that he could not remember that he had ever -seen any of them in his life. “No!” said they, struck with seeming -astonishment; “it is strange we should be altered so much within these -few years.”</p> - -<p>But to evade further ill-timed questions, the rogues insisted upon -<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Randal’s supping with them, which invitation he was by no means -permitted to decline.</p> - -<p>By the time they had supped, in came four more of Ned’s comrades, who -were invited also to sit down, and more provisions were called for, -which were quickly brought, and as rapidly devoured.</p> - -<p>When the fury of consuming half a dozen good fowls and other victuals -was over, besides several flasks of wine, there was not less than three -pounds odd money to pay. At this they stared on each other, and held a -profound silence, whilst <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Randal was fumbling in his pocket. When -they saw that he only brought forth a mouse from the mountain of money -the thieves hoped to find piled in his pocket, which was only as much -as his share, he that pretended to know him started up, and protested -he should be excused for old acquaintance sake; but the pewterer, not -willing to be beholden, as indeed they never intended he should, to -such companions, lest for this civility they should expect greater -obligations from him, pressed them to accept his dividend of the -reckoning, saying, if they thought it equitable he would pay more.</p> - -<p>At last one of them, tipping the wink, said, “Come, come, what needs -all this ado? Let the gentleman, if he so pleases, present us with this -small treat, and do you give him a larger at his taking his farewell in -the morning.” <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Randal not liking this proposal, it was started that -he and Ned should throw dice to end the controversy; and fearing he had -got into ill company, to avoid mischief, Randal acquiesced to throw a -main<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</span> who should pay the whole shot, which was so managed that the lot -fell upon Randal. By this means Randal, having the voice of the whole -board against him, was deputed to pay the whole reckoning; though the -dissembling villains vowed and protested they had rather it had fallen -to any of them, that they might have had the honor of treating him.</p> - -<p><abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Randal concealed his discontent at these shirking tricks as well -as he could; and they perceiving he would not engage in gaming, but -counterfeited drowsiness, and desired to be abed, the company broke -up, and he was shown to his lodgings, which he barricaded as well as -he could, by putting old chairs, stools, and tables against the door. -Going to bed and putting the candle out, he fell asleep; but was soon -awaked by a strange walking up and down the room, and an outcry of -murder and thieves.</p> - -<p>At this surprising noise he leaped out of bed, and ran to the door, to -see whether it was fast or not: and finding nothing removed, (for the -highwaymen came into his chamber by a trap-door which was behind the -hangings,) he wondered how the noise should be there in his apartment, -unless it was enchanted; but as he was about to remove the barricade -to run and raise the house, he was surrounded by a crew, who, tying -and gagging him, took away all his clothes, and left him to shift for -himself as well as he could.</p> - -<p>One day having the misfortune to have his horse shot under him, Bonnet -embraced the first opportunity to take a good gelding from the grounds -of the man who kept the Red Lion inn. Being again equipped like a -gentleman, he rode into Cambridgeshire, and met with a gentleman, who -informed him that he had well nigh been robbed, and requested him to -ride along with him for protection. As a highwayman is never out of his -way, he complied, and, at a convenient place, levied a contribution, as -protector of the gentleman, by emptying his pockets of eighty guineas. -He, however, had the generosity to give him half-a-crown to carry him -to the next town.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</span></p> - -<p>After having, according to computation, committed three hundred -robberies, another thief, being apprehended, in order to save his -own life, informed against Bonnet, who was apprehended, not upon the -highway, but in his own lodgings, and sent to Newgate, and at the next -assizes carried down to Cambridge, sentenced and executed before the -castle, on the 28th March, 1713, to the great joy of the county, which -had suffered severely by his depredations.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="WILL_OGDEN_AND_TOM_REYNOLDS">WILL OGDEN AND TOM REYNOLDS.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The first of these was a waterman, and born in Southwark. The second -was a dung-bargeman, and born in Barnaby street. Entering into -company, they robbed shops and ships, during the space of two years, -with considerable success: they then ascended to the second degree of -robbery, and broke several houses in Southwark. Associating themselves -with another, they broke into a watchmaker’s shop, and extracted -twenty-six watches; but the stranger becoming evidence, our two trusty -friends were lodged in Newgate, tried, and condemned, but received a -pardon, in consequence of which they were again let loose upon the -community. Ogden one evening met a parson walking home under the light -of the moon, and approached him in the character of a seaman in great -poverty and distress. His dismal narrative excited the compassion of -the parson, who gave him a sixpence. The parson had not proceeded far -when Ogden met him again, and renewed his request. “You are the most -impudent beggar that ever I met with,” cried the reverend gentleman. -Ogden told him that he was in very great want, and that the sixpence he -had received would not supply his necessities. He then gave him half -a crown. Ogden said, “These are very sad times, for there’s horrid<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</span> -robbing abroad, therefore, if you have any more money about you, you -may as well let me have it as another, who perhaps may abuse you, and -binding you hand and foot, make you lie in the cold all night; but if -you’ll give me your money, I’ll take care of you, and conduct you very -safely home.”</p> - -<p>The parson made a virtue of necessity, and gave him all his money, -which was about forty shillings. Ogden then said, “I see you have a -watch, sir; you may as well let me have that too.” The parson complied, -and as they were plodding along, two or three fellows came out upon -them, to whom Ogden cried, “The moon shines bright,” and they let -them proceed. They had only gone a short way, when the same scene was -repeated, but at last the parson was brought safely to his own door. He -requested his guide to go in, assuring him that he should receive no -injury; but the latter declined his offer. The good parson then brought -a bottle of wine, and drinking to Ogden, gave him the bottle and the -glass to help himself, upon which he ran off with both.</p> - -<p>Upon another day, meeting Beau Medlicote, he was commanded to “stand -and deliver.” The beau pretended to make some resistance with his -sword, but pistols being produced, he was constrained to yield. There -were only two half-crowns found in his pocket, and one of them was -bad. Upon this he received a complete caning for presuming to carry -counterfeit money.</p> - -<p>Some time after this, Ogden and Reynolds, in company with one Bradshaw, -the grandson of serjeant Bradshaw, who condemned king Charles the First -to death, were watching in a wood for some booty. A poor servant girl -was returning home from her service, with a box upon her head. Bradshaw -was deemed a sufficient match for her; accordingly, he alone rushed out -of the wood and seized her box, in which were her clothes and fifteen -shillings, being all her wages for three months’ service. When he had -broken up her box and was rifling it, there happening to be a hammer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</span> -in it, she suddenly seized the hammer, and gave him a blow upon the -temples, which was followed by another equally well directed, with the -claw of the hammer, into his windpipe, on which the villain instantly -expired.</p> - -<p>In a short time a gentleman came up, to whom she related the whole -adventure; he went up to the deceased, and found in his pockets -eighty guineas, with a whistle. Perceiving its use, he immediately -whistled, when Ogden and Reynolds in a moment rushed from the wood; -but discovering that it was a wrong person who gave the signal, they -with equal speed ran back. The gentleman carried the girl before a -magistrate, became bail for her appearance; and being tried, she was -acquitted.</p> - -<p>At another time, these two men met a tallyman, well known for his -commerce of two kinds with the hawkers of <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Giles’-in-the-Fields. -They employed the common phrase “Stand and deliver!” In a piteous tone -the victim entreated them to spare a poor man who was at great pains to -acquire his daily bread. In a violent passion Ogden exclaimed, “Thou -spawn of hell! have pity on thee? No, sirrah! I know you too well, and -I would almost as soon be kind to a bailiff or an informing constable. -A tallyman and a rogue are terms of similar import. Every Friday you -set up a tenter in the Marshalsea court, upon which you rack and -stretch poor prisoners, like English broadcloth, beyond the staple of -the wool, till the threads crack, which causes them upon the least wet -to shrink, and presently wear threadbare. I say that you and all your -calling are worse rogues than ever were hanged at Tyburn.” After this -eloquent harangue, he took whatever he found upon him, stripped him -naked, bound him hand and foot, and left him under a hedge to ruminate -on his former villanies.</p> - -<p>These rogues were great cronies of Thomas Jones and John Richardson, -the one butler, the other footman, to a gentleman living at Eltham. -These fellows having one day robbed a gentleman on Blackheath, left -him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</span> bound by the roadside. Their master coming past a few hours after, -relieved the unfortunate gentleman, took him to his own house, and -gave him a glass of wine to recruit his spirits. The butler no sooner -appeared, than the gentleman knew him, and instantly charged him with -the robbery. His master was astonished, and could scarcely credit the -report; but the other describing the horse upon which he rode, and the -person who was along with him, he found that he was one of his footmen. -The two servants being examined, and acknowledging the fact, were -committed, tried, and suffered the punishment due to their crimes.</p> - -<p>Ogden and Reynolds continued their depredations until justice at length -overtook them, and at Kingston-upon-Thames they were sentenced. They -were unsuccessful in attempting to break out of the Stock-house; and -such was the indifference of Ogden, that when he was going to the place -of execution, he threw a handful of money among the crowd, saying, -“Gentlemen, here is poor Will’s farewell.”</p> - -<p>They were executed on the 2d of April, 1714.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="JOHN_PRICE">JOHN PRICE.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The depravity of human nature was exemplified in its full extent in the -character of John Price. The indigence and profligacy of his parents -were such, that he received no education, and he was sent into the -world to shift for himself at the age of seven. Before this period, he -was a proficient both in cursing and lying. It is rather a singular -fact, that his habitual lying was once a means of saving his life.</p> - -<p>About the age of eighteen he was serving a gentleman in the country, -who turned him off for his notorious falsehoods. In going to London, -he robbed a woman of eighteen shillings, was apprehended in the act,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</span> -and convicted; but his late master, who was sheriff, took pity upon -his situation, and saved his life. Informed of this, the judges at -the next assizes blamed the gentleman’s conduct for allowing a man to -escape who had pleaded guilty. The sheriff acknowledged that such a man -had been condemned at the last assizes; but then, he knew the fellow -to be such an unaccountable liar, that there was no believing one word -he said; so his pleading guilty to what was laid to his charge, was in -his opinion a sufficient reason for his being believed innocent of the -fact, and he would not hang an innocent man for the world. This reply -made the judges smile, and he was dismissed with a severe reprimand, -and cautioned not to come before them again.</p> - -<p>Upon obtaining his liberty, Price went to London; associated with -a band of robbers, and in a short time was apprehended for diving -into another person’s pocket instead of his own, and for that crime -committed to Newgate. He was accordingly sentenced to a severe -whipping, and sent on board a man-of-war; but after he had received the -punishment assigned to stealing from the sailors, he was discharged -from the ship.</p> - -<p>He hastened again to London, joined another association of thieves, and -abandoned himself to all manner of wickedness. One evening his gang -divided themselves into three companies. The first met an attorney, -near Hampstead, whom they robbed of eight guineas. The unfortunate -lawyer had not gone far when he was attacked by the second party, to -whom he related his misfortunes, and into what cruel hands he had -fallen. “Cruel!” said one of them; “how dare you use these terms? And -who made you so bold as to talk to us with your hat on? Pray, sir, -be pleased henceforward to learn more manners.” They then snatched -off his hat and wig, and took a diamond ring from his finger. As he -was plodding his way home, uncertain which road was safest, the third -division came up to him near Kentish Town, bringing with them a man -whom they pretended to have completely stripped, and constrained the -lawyer to clothe the naked with his own coat and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</span> waistcoat; then told -him he might be thankful to get off with his life, which he employed in -sowing division amongst society.</p> - -<p>In a short time after this, Price and a companion one evening entered -a garret, in which there was nothing but lumber, with the intention -of robbing the house when all was silent. But in the dark, as Price -was laying his hand upon a pistol which he had placed upon a table, it -went off and alarmed the people of the house. His comrade instantly ran -to the window, where they fastened a rope for their escape, and his -companion attempting to slide down, the rope soon broke, though he was -not so much injured but he got away. Price seeing the extreme danger of -being caught, removed the rope to another window, and it conveyed him -to a balcony. He was, however, scarcely there, when all the people in -the house were alarmed; on which he leaped into a large basket of eggs -which a man was carrying upon his head, from Newgate market; so that -the fall being broken, he was able to make his escape, amid the cry of -“thieves!”</p> - -<p>Jack now began to be so well known about town, that he found it -necessary to remove to the country. He was there most industrious in -stripping the hedges of all the linen that he found upon them. Putting -up at an inn, the landlord soon understood from his discourse that -he was a servant who would suit him, and therefore hired him as his -tapster. It was this miscreant landlord’s custom to murder travellers -who put up at his house; but one gentleman being warned by a maid of -his danger, provided for his safety.</p> - -<p>Among other things the maid informed him that it was usual for the -landlord to ring a bell, on which an assassin, pretending to be a -servant, entered the chamber and snuffed out the candle, when the other -villains rushed in and murdered the stranger. The gentleman caused the -maid to place a lantern with a candle in it under a stool, and he laid -his arms ready and stood upon his guard. Scarcely had he sat himself -down when it happened as the girl had mentioned; but the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</span> gentleman, -with the assistance of his servant, killed two of the villains and -put the rest to flight. He then seized the innkeeper and his wife, -carried them before a magistrate, and they were indicted to stand -trial at the next assizes. From the maid’s deposition it appeared that -fourteen strangers had been murdered by them, and that their bodies -were concealed in an arched vault in the garden, to which there was a -passage from the cellar. Both were executed, and the innkeeper hung in -chains.</p> - -<p>Jack having once more escaped death, returned to his pilfering trade, -was committed to Newgate, and whipped for his crimes. But Jack was now -determined to follow the example of the great ones of the earth, and to -better his circumstances by marriage. Accordingly, he married one of -the name of Betty, who gained her livelihood by running errands to the -prisoners of Newgate. Nor was Jack, like too many, disappointed in his -matrimonial connection, for he was soon elevated to be hangman to the -county of Middlesex. In this station he assumed great importance, and -held a levee every day that he did business at Tyburn; but though he -sometimes ran in debt, yet he was always very willing to work in order -to pay his obligations. But envy reached even him, and he lost his -place by means of one who had greater ministerial interest. But Jack -could never be destitute while he had hands and fingers to lay hold of -whatever was within his reach.</p> - -<p>He at last suffered from having assaulted a watchman’s wife, whom he -met in Bunhill Fields, and used in such a barbarous manner that she -died in a few days of her wounds. Two men suddenly came up to him, -and, being seized, he was secured in Newgate. After his trial and -condemnation he remained impenitent, and endeavored, by intoxication, -to stifle the forebodings of conscience. He was hanged on the 31st of -May, 1718.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="JACK_SHEPHERD">JACK SHEPHERD.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The father of the celebrated John Shepherd was a carpenter in -Spitalfields, of good character, and exceedingly solicitous to train -up his children in the path of sobriety and religion. They, however, -afforded a melancholy proof that the most virtuous example, and the -soundest principles, are frequently unsuccessful in influencing the -conduct of children. Two of his sons followed evil courses, and were -convicted at the bar of the Old Bailey.</p> - -<p>After his father’s death, young Shepherd was sent to a school in -Bishopsgate street, where he received the rudiments of education, and -was bound apprentice to a cane chair-maker. His master used him well, -and he lived very comfortably with him; but this master dying, he -was sent to another, who treated him so very harshly that he eloped. -Masters ought to be cautious how they conduct themselves towards their -servants, because this harsh usage was in all probability the cause of -Jack Shepherd’s ruin, as well as of bringing great injury upon society. -In a short time, he commenced his depredations, and, in place of his -former sober mode of life, his time was spent in drinking all day, and -retiring to an infamous abode all night.</p> - -<p>The history of this unfortunate man adds another to the many examples -already given in this volume, that the company of profligate women has -plunged men into scenes of dissipation and vice, to which they would -have been entire strangers, had it not been for such associates. He -was first enamored of one Elizabeth Lion, a woman remarkable for her -stature and strength. Having separated from her, he associated with one -who stimulated him to all manner of pilfering, in order<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</span> that he might -be the better able to feed her extravagances.</p> - -<p>One day, informing her that she had received his last half-crown, she -instigated him to rob a wealthy pawnbroker. Shepherd left her about -one in the morning, and returned with goods to the value of twenty-two -pounds. It was not long before the two who had planned the robbery -exhausted the booty.</p> - -<p>The first favorite of Shepherd was committed to <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Giles’ round-house, -for some pilfering pranks. Jack went to see her, broke open the doors, -beat the keeper, and set Bess Lion at liberty. It is scarcely necessary -to add, that this action gained him great fame among ladies of her -description, and stimulated him to more daring acts of depredation.</p> - -<p>About this period Jack supplied his brother with a little money to -equip him for the honorable profession he himself followed: and they -broke into a linen draper’s shop, from whence they extracted goods to -the amount of fifty pounds. The younger brother, however, being rather -a novice in the art, was too open in the disposal of the goods, by -which means he was detected, and his first return for the kindness of -his brother was to inform upon him and several of his confederates. -Jack Shepherd was accordingly apprehended, and committed to the -round-house for farther examination. This place could not long retain -so bold a spirit, and marching off, he that very evening committed a -robbery, and vowed to be revenged upon Tom for his ungenerous conduct.</p> - -<p>Detection produced no reformation. Jack, in common with one Benson, -attempting to steal a gentleman’s watch, was discovered and committed -to New Prison. The first person whom he discerned there was his old -favorite Bess Lion, who had been sent there upon a similar errand. -After exerting all his cunning and stratagem in vain, Bess and he by -force escaped, and instantly repaired to her old lodgings. There he -remained concealed for some time, but, taking leave of his friend, -he again associated with one Grace in raising<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</span> contributions. These -two villains becoming acquainted with one Lamb, an apprentice to <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Carter, they enticed him to introduce them into his master’s house, -from whence they extracted goods to a considerable amount. Shepherd and -Grace, however, differed in the division of the spoil, and betrayed -each other; when Grace and Lamb were apprehended. The misfortune of -poor Lamb, who was so simply inveigled, excited the compassion of some -gentlemen, who by their exertions succeeded in mitigating his sentence -to transportation.</p> - -<p>The confederates of Shepherd, in order to obtain a ready market for -their goods, employed one Field to sell them, but he being occasionally -dilatory, they hired a warehouse, and there deposited what goods -they stole. Field, displeased at being turned off from his lucrative -employment, importuned them to show him their stores, as he had several -orders for goods, and could therefore dispose of them to advantage. -He was conducted to the warehouse and shown the goods, and though he -had not the courage manfully to rob any person, yet he emptied the -warehouse of every rag it contained.</p> - -<p>In the course of business, Shepherd robbed a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Kneebone, and was -tried at the ensuing sessions. He appeared simple and almost foolish at -his trial, alleging, as his principal defence, that Jonathan Wild had -disposed of part of the goods, and ought therefore to be punished as -well as himself. He was however sentenced, and conducted himself, in -the whole of his defence, more like an ignorant and simple man, than -one who was formed to excel in his own or any other profession.</p> - -<p>But necessity is the mother of invention. While in the condemned hole, -he prevailed upon one Fowls, who was also under sentence of death, -to lift him up to the iron spikes that were over the top of the door -which looks into the lodge. By the aid of a strong tall woman, and -two others, his head and shoulders were got through, and the whole of -his body following, he was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</span> by them let down, and, without the least -suspicion of the keepers, conveyed through the lodge, put into a -hackney coach, and out of reach before the least notice of his escape -could be given.</p> - -<p>But Jack had scarcely breathed the fresh air when he returned to -business. He associated with one Page, a butcher, who dressed him in -one of his frocks, and both betook themselves to the highway. They -went to a watchmaker’s shop, in a daring manner broke open one of the -glasses, and seized three watches before the boy who kept the shop -could detect them. Upon this occasion Shepherd had the audacity to pass -under Newgate.</p> - -<p>But as Shepherd would not conceal himself nor give over his -depredations, he was soon apprehended and again committed to Newgate, -was put into the stone-room, loaded with irons, and stapled down to the -ground. Being left alone, he with a crooked nail opened the lock, got -free of his chains, wrought out two stones in the chimney, entered the -red-room, where no person resided, threw down the door, got into the -chapel, broke a spike of the door, and by it opened four other doors, -got upon the roof, and from thence, by the means of his blanket, went -in at a garret window belonging to an adjacent house, and through that -house into the street.</p> - -<p>The whole of this almost incredible exertion was rendered the more -extraordinary in that his irons were on all the time. When at liberty, -he went into an adjoining field and knocked them off; and, astonishing -to relate, that very evening robbed a pawnbroker’s house, where among -other things he found a handsome suit of black clothes, in which he -dressed himself, and carried the booty to two of his female companions.</p> - -<p>He now went to visit his companions in their scenes of iniquity, and -drinking at a brandy shop, was discovered by a boy who knew him. The -boy had no sooner recognised Jack than he ran to give information, so -that he was almost immediately apprehended and reconducted to his old -quarters in Newgate, amid a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</span> vast crowd, who ran from all parts to see -such an extraordinary character; but he was so intoxicated at the time -that he was scarcely conscious of his miserable situation. To prevent -the possibility of a third escape, they never permitted him to be -alone, and made the contributions of those who came to see and converse -with such a singular character pay for their additional trouble.</p> - -<p>He was now the topic of general conversation, and multitudes, not only -of the common ranks of society, but many in the more elevated ranks -of life, flocked to see him. In the most ludicrous and jocular manner -he related his adventures, exerting all his low wit and buffoonery to -amuse those who visited him, and to exact money from them. In this -manner were the last days of this unhappy mortal spent, in diverting -his mind from serious reflection, and the awful scene before him. Nor -was he even destitute of the hope of pardon, from the distinguished -persons who visited him, and who seemed to pity his misfortune. But -these hopes were vain, and the attentions of these persons proved worse -than useless.</p> - -<p>He was removed to the bar of the court of the King’s Bench, in -November, 1724, and an affidavit made that he was the same John -Shepherd mentioned in the record of conviction. Judgment was awarded -against him, and the day of his execution fixed. But such was his -strong desire of life, and his belief that his resources would never -fail him, that he prepared a knife to cut the ropes of the cart which -should carry him to Tyburn, in hopes of running off among the crowd. -This knife was, however, with no small difficulty, taken from him by -force. As his last refuge to provide against every possible event, he -employed a friend, to whom he had given all the money he had reserved -from his visiters, to take his body away with all possible haste, put -it into a warm bed, and draw a little blood, thus to use every possible -means to recover life. He finally enjoined, that if all means should -prove unsuccessful, his body should be decently interred,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</span> and the -remainder of the money given to his poor mother.</p> - -<p>He was conducted to the place of execution in a cart, strongly -handcuffed, when he behaved very gravely, confessed some of the -robberies laid to his charge, and exculpated himself from others. His -general dexterity, and the various scenes through which he had passed, -operated to excite, in no common degree, the sympathy of the multitude.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center p2"><span class="figcenter" id="img009"> - <img src="images/009.jpg" class="w50" alt="Richard Turpin" /> -</span></p> -<p class="center caption"><i>Richard Turpin.</i> <a href="#Page_201">P. 201</a>.</p> - -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="RICHARD_TURPIN">RICHARD TURPIN.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>There never was, perhaps, a man in the particular profession to which -this notorious fellow devoted himself, whose name was more familiar in -the mouths of the common people than that of Richard Turpin. But, since -it invariably happens that a certain proportion of curiosity respecting -the life and actions of a man is sure to beget a corresponding desire -to satisfy it, we cannot wonder if the perplexed biographer should -sometimes resort to fiction to supply the deficiencies of fact. Hence -it has happened that certain exploits have been attributed to Turpin -which do not properly belong to him; amongst others, the unparalleled -ride from York to London in an unprecedentedly short period, performed, -it is averred, on a single horse. We have never been able to find any -authentic account of this feat, nor have we, as yet, discovered any -conceivable necessity that should compel him to such a rapid journey. -Turpin was never tried but once, and that was, indeed, at York; but the -reader will perceive that he had no opportunity of escape, nor did he -attempt any thing of the kind after his first apprehension.</p> - -<p>Richard Turpin was the son of John Turpin, of Hempstead in Essex, and -was put apprentice to a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</span> butcher in Whitechapel, where he served his -time, during which period he was frequently guilty of misdemeanors, and -conducted himself in a loose and disorderly manner.</p> - -<p>As soon as his time was up, he married, and set up in business for -himself at Suson in Essex, where, having no credit in the market, and -no money in his pocket, he was shortly reduced to the necessity of -maintaining himself by indirect practices; and, accordingly, very often -used to rob the neighboring gentry of sheep, lambs, and oxen.</p> - -<p>Upon one occasion, he stole a couple of oxen from a farmer at Plaistow, -which he caused to be conveyed to his own house and cut up. Two of the -men belonging to the farm, having a suspicion of Turpin, went to his -house, and seeing an ox slaughtered, were convinced of his guilt; and -having traced the sale of the hides, returned to Suson to apprehend -him. Turpin, apprized of their intention, left them in the front room, -jumped out of a window and made his escape.</p> - -<p>By this time his character had become notorious, and he never could -entertain a thought of returning to Suson, or of following the trade -of a butcher in that county. He, accordingly, resolved to commence -smuggler; and raising as much money as he could scrape together, he -betook himself to the hundreds of Essex, where he soon became connected -with a gang of smugglers. This his new profession he followed for -some time with tolerable success; but fortune taking a turn, he lost -all that he had acquired; upon which he began to turn his thoughts -to another, but by no means more honest, mode of life. In a word, he -connected himself with a gang of deer-stealers, who finding him a -desperate fellow, and fit for their purpose, admitted him among them. -This desperate gang, afterwards known and feared under the title of the -Essex Gang, not only robbed the forest of deer, but thinned several -gentlemen’s parks of them, insomuch that they obtained a considerable -sum of money. They followed deer-stealing only for some time; but -not finding the money<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</span> come in so quickly as they wished, and being -narrowly watched by the park-keepers, they, by Turpin’s direction, -resolved to go round the country at nights, and when they could find a -house that had any thing valuable in it, one was to knock at the door, -which being opened, the rest should rush in and plunder it, not only of -plate but of household goods.</p> - -<p>The first person attacked in this manner was a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Strype, an old man -who kept a chandler’s shop at Watford, from whom they only took the -money he had by him; but Turpin informed his companions that he knew an -old woman at Loughton, who, he was certain, had seven or eight hundred -pounds in her possession. The plan being declared feasible, away they -went, and coming to the door, one of them knocked, and Turpin and the -rest of the gang rushed in. The first thing they did was to blindfold -the old lady and her maid. Turpin then examined the former touching her -money, upon which she declared that she had none, being naturally loth -to part with it. Some of the gang were inclined to believe her, but -Turpin, with an oath, declared that if she remained obstinate he would -set her on the fire. The poor old lady imagining that this was a mere -threat, suffered herself to be lifted on to the fire, till the anguish -she had endured for a long time compelled her to disclose, and the gang -retired with about four hundred pounds.</p> - -<p>They then consulted together who should be their next victim, and -agreed to wait upon a farmer, near Ripple Side. The people within not -answering the door so soon as they would fain have had it opened, they -broke in, and according to their old custom tied the old man, the -old woman, the servant maid, and the farmer’s son-in-law. They then -ransacked the house, and robbed the old farmer of about seven hundred -pounds. Turpin, seeing so considerable a booty, cried, “Ay, this would -do if it were always so,” their share being about eighty pounds a man.</p> - -<p>The success the gang met with made them resolve to proceed against -those who had attempted to detect them.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</span> They accordingly agreed to -attack the house of Mason, the keeper of Epping Forest. The time was -fixed when the house was to be attacked; but Turpin having still a -great deal of money in his possession, could not refrain from coming -up to London to spend it, and getting drunk, forgot the appointed time -for putting their design into execution: however, the rest, resolving -not to be balked, set out for Mason’s, after having bound themselves by -oath not to leave one whole piece of goods in the house. Accordingly -they went, broke open the door, beat poor Mason in a cruel manner, -and finally killed him under the dresser. An old man sitting by the -fireside, who declared that he knew nothing of them, got off untouched. -After ransacking the lower part of the house, and doing much mischief, -they proceeded up-stairs, and broke every thing in their way; at last, -espying a punch-bowl, they broke that, when out dropped a hundred and -twenty guineas, which they seized upon and made off with.</p> - -<p>Turpin, with five others, in January, 1735, came to the door of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Saunders, a wealthy farmer at Charlton in Kent, and knocking, inquired -if the gentleman of the house was at home; he was answered he was, -and that being the signal, they rushed in, and going directly to the -parlor, where <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Saunders, his wife, and some friends were amusing -themselves at a quiet game of cards, desired them on no account to -be alarmed, for that they would not hurt their persons, if they sat -still and made no disturbance. A silver snuff-box that lay on the -table Turpin at once appropriated to himself, and the rest having -bound the company, obliged <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Saunders to accompany them about the -house, and open his closets and boxes, to prevent the necessity of -laying violent hands upon them, and perhaps upon himself. They then -possessed themselves of upwards of a hundred pounds in money, besides -other property, including all the plate in the house. While this was -proceeding, the maid-servant, a girl of some presence of mind, ran -up-stairs, and barring herself in one of the rooms, called out lustily -at the window for assistance; but one of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</span> rogues following her, -broke open the door with a poker, and brought her down again. In -their search for all things of value in the house, they hit upon some -bottles of wine, a bottle of brandy, and some mince-pies, with which -they immediately sat down and regaled themselves, inviting the company -to partake, indeed compelling them to drink a dram of brandy each, to -work off the fright. Mrs. Saunders, however, fainted, and a glass of -water with some drops in it was instantly provided, with which they -bathed her temples, and were very anxious for her recovery. After -staying about two hours in the house, they packed up their plunder, and -made off with it, threatening the inmates of the house, that, if they -stirred within two hours, they would murder them.</p> - -<p>The names of Turpin’s principal associates were Fielder, Rose, and -Walker; there was another, also, whose name we have not learned. These -made an appointment to rob a gentleman’s house at Croydon, and for that -purpose agreed to meet at the Half-Moon tavern, which they accordingly -did, about six o’clock in the evening. Walker, having some knowledge -of the house, went at the head of his companions into the yard, and -found the coachman dressing the horses; him they bound, and going from -thence met <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Sheldon, the master, whom they seized and compelled to -show them the way to the house. As soon as they entered, they tied <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Sheldon’s hands behind him with cords, and having served the rest of -the family after the same fashion, fell to plundering the house. Eleven -guineas, and several pieces of plate, jewels, and other things of -value, was the result of this adventure; but before they left the place -they returned two guineas, thanked <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Sheldon for the very courteous -manner with which they had been received, and bade him good night.</p> - -<p>Their next design was upon the house of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Lawrence, at Edgeware-bury -near Stanmore. About five o’clock they went from the Queen’s Head at -Stanmore, and proceeded to the destined spot. On their arrival, they -left their horses at the outer gate, and climbing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</span> over the hatch into -the sheep-yard, met with a boy just putting up some sheep. They seized -him, and presenting a pistol, told him they would shoot him if he -offered to cry out, but if he would inform them truly what servants <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Lawrence kept, and who was in the house, they would give him money. The -boy, terrified at their threats, told instantly what they desired, and -one of them thereupon knocked at the door. When it was opened they all -rushed in with pistols in their hands, and seizing <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Lawrence, rifled -his pockets, out of which they took one guinea, a Portugal piece of -thirty-six shillings, about fifteen shillings in silver, and his keys. -Dissatisfied with so small a booty, they then drove him up-stairs, -and breaking open a closet, plundered it of money, silver cups and -spoons, gold rings, and many other things of value. A bottle of elder -wine which they found they divided amongst the servants, lifting it to -their mouths, as their hands were pinioned behind them. A maid-servant -who was churning in an outhouse, hearing a noise, suspected there were -thieves in the house, and put out the candle to secrete herself. One of -them, however, discovered her, and dragging her from her hiding-place, -menaced her with the most horrid threats if she raised an alarm. All -of them, indeed, disappointed and enraged at their ill success, (for -they had calculated upon a rich return for their trouble and hazard,) -practised on this occasion the most savage cruelties. Having stripped -the house of every thing of worth, even to the sheets from the beds, -they dragged <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Lawrence down stairs again, and declared, with the -most dreadful oaths, that they would cut his throat if he hesitated to -confess what money was in the house; and being answered that there was -none excepting that which they had taken, they beat him barbarously -with the butt-ends of their whips, and inflicted a terrific cut upon -his head with a pistol. One of them took a chopping-bill and swore he -would cleave his legs off; another a kettle of water from the fire, and -flung upon him, which happening, however, to have been recently filled, -did no serious<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</span> injury. In their search, besides the beforementioned -particulars, they met with a chest belonging to one of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Lawrence’s -sons, which they broke open, taking therefrom twenty pounds, and all -his linen. Some of these things were afterwards traced to a place -called Duck-lane, where two of these fellows were apprehended.</p> - -<p>Although in this robbery they got about twenty-six pounds in money in -the whole, yet they made no fair distribution of it amongst themselves. -The honor mentioned as existing among thieves was, in this instance, -at any rate, something of that character which distinguishes their -dealings with others not of their profession; for it appeared upon -evidence, that those who were most fortunate in the plunder, on the -division of the spoil, could bring their minds to produce no more than -three pounds nine shillings and sixpence.</p> - -<p>These frequent and daring burglaries induced his majesty to offer a -pardon to any one of the criminals who had been concerned in entering -the house of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Lawrence, and committing such atrocities on the -evening of the 4th of February; and further, a reward of fifty pounds -to every person who should be instrumental in the discovery of any of -the offenders.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding which, on the 7th of February the party again met by -appointment, having fixed upon the White Hart in Drury-lane, as the -best place whereat to concert future depredations. Accordingly, they -agreed upon making an attempt to rob <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Francis, a large farmer near -Mary-le-bone, at whose house they arrived shortly after seven. The -details of this outrage are much the same as the previous robberies -in which they were engaged. They succeeded in obtaining thirty-seven -guineas and ten pounds in silver, a quantity of jewels and linen, and -the unfortunate <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Francis’ wig, all of which they carried off; not -forgetting the latter, the value of which, excepting to the owner, we -are quite at a loss to conceive.</p> - -<p>They also formed a design to rob the house of a country justice, and -with that intention met at a public<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</span> house near Leigh. Not rightly -knowing, however, the way into the jolly justice’s domicile, they -concealed themselves under some furze bushes; but while they were thus -lying perdue there, they heard several persons riding along together, -who happened to be some of the neighboring farmers returning from the -table of the rustic Rhadamanthus in a state of noisy mirth, induced, -doubtless, by the genial fumes of the justice’s wines; and by their -conversation it was plain that there were others still remaining there, -who, dreading neither riotous spouses nor the midnight bottle, might -probably have determined with wine and song to “out-watch the bear;” -they, therefore, deemed it advisable not to attempt it that night, -and adjourned accordingly their attack to some more promising period, -which so far proved of advantage to them, that it thereby prevented -their being taken, as otherwise they unavoidably would have been; for -they had been observed by some of the neighborhood, and being suspected -as smugglers, information was given to the custom-house, and a party -of dragoons sent out after them, whom they met; when after a strict -search, nothing having been found upon them, they were suffered to -pass. Thus the jolly justice escaped.</p> - -<p>The daring robberies of these men at length roused the country, and one -of the king’s keepers waited on the duke of Newcastle, and obtained his -majesty’s promise of a reward of one hundred pounds to him who should -be fortunate enough to apprehend any of them. This made them lie a -little more concealed; but some of the keepers and others receiving -intelligence that they were regaling themselves at an alehouse in -Westminster, they pursued them there, and bursting open the door, -took three, after a stout resistance; two of whom, the third turning -evidence against them, were hanged in chains accordingly. Turpin, -however, made his escape by leaping from a window.</p> - -<p>The gang thus broke up, and Turpin, quite left to himself, made a -determination never to command another, but to go altogether upon his -own bottom; and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</span> with this view he set out for Cambridge, as he was not -known in that county.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding this resolve, the following strange encounter provided -him with his best companion (as he would call him) before he reached -his journey’s end. King, the highwayman, who had been towards Cambridge -on professional business, was returning to town. Turpin seeing him well -mounted, and bearing the appearance of a gentleman, thought it was an -excellent opportunity to recruit his pockets, and accordingly, with a -loud voice, commanded King to stand. King, enjoying the joke, though -at the ugly prospect of a bullet through his head if he carried the -jest too far, assumed all the conduct of a person so unceremoniously -addressed. “Deliver!” shouted Turpin, “or by —— I’ll let daylight -through you.” “What,” said King, laughing heartily, “what! dog eat -dog! Come, come! brother Turpin, if you don’t know me, I know you, and -should be glad of your company.” After mutual assurances of fidelity to -one another, and that nothing should part them till death, they agreed -to go together upon some exploit, and met with a small booty that very -day; after which they continued together, committing divers robberies, -for nearly three years, when King was accidentally shot.</p> - -<p>King being very well known about the country, as likewise was Turpin, -insomuch that no house would entertain them, they formed the idea of -dwelling in a cave, and to that end pitched upon a place enclosed -with a large thicket, between Loughton Road and King’s-Oak-Road; here -they made a place large enough to receive them and two horses, and -while they lay concealed there, they could see, through several holes -purposely made, what passengers went by on either road, and as they -thought proper sallied out and robbed them. This they did in such a -daring manner and so frequently, that it was not safe for any person -to travel that way, and the very higglers were obliged to go armed. In -this cave they drank and lay; Turpin’s wife supplied them with food, -and frequently remained in the place all night with them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</span></p> - -<p>From the forest, King and Turpin once took a ride to Bungay in Suffolk, -where the latter had seen two young market-women receive thirteen or -fourteen pounds, and was determined to rob them of it. King attempted -to dissuade him from it, saying, they were pretty girls, and he would -never be engaged in an attempt to deprive two hard-working women -of their little gains. Turpin, however, persisted, and coming up -with them, relieved them of the burden of their coin, which exploit -occasioned a dispute between them.</p> - -<p>As they were returning they robbed a gentleman, who was taking an -airing in his chariot, with his two children. King first attacked him, -but found him so powerful and determined a person, returning such sound -replies in the shape of blows to poor King’s civilities, that he was -fain to call upon his companion for assistance. Their united strength -at last overcame him, and they took from him all the money he had about -him, and then demanded his watch, which he declined on any account to -part with; but one of the children became frightened, and persuaded its -father to let them have it. They then insisted upon taking a mourning -ring which they observed he wore, and an objection was raised on his -part, even to that proposition. Finding, however, it was useless to -oppose them, he at length resigned it, telling them it was not worth -eighteen pence, but that he much valued it: upon which information they -returned it to him, saying they were too much of gentlemen to take any -thing which another valued so much.</p> - -<p>About this time the reward offered for the apprehension of Turpin had -induced several poor, but resolute men, to make an attempt to get -him into their power. Among the rest a man, groom to a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Thompson, -tempted by the placard setting forth the golden return in the event -of success, connected himself with a higgler to ward off suspicion, -and commenced his search. Turpin one day standing by himself in the -neighborhood of his cave, observed some one who, he supposed, was -poaching for hares, and saluted him with, “No<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</span> hares near this thicket; -it’s of no use seeking, you’ll not find any.”—“Perhaps I shall a -<i>Turpin</i>, though,” replied the fellow, and levelled his piece -at him. Seeing his danger, Turpin commenced a parley, retreating at -the same time by degrees towards his cave, the groom following him -with his gun presented. “I surrender,” said Turpin, when he reached -the mouth of the cavern, and the man dropping the point of his piece, -the former seized his carbine, and shot him dead on the spot. Turpin -instantly made off to another part of the country, in search of King, -and sent his wife a letter to meet him at a certain public house, at -which, in a few days, inquiring for her under a feigned name, he found -she was awaiting his appearance. The kitchen where she was happened to -be at the back through a public room, where some farmers and others -were regaling themselves. On passing through, a butcher, to whom he -owed five pounds, recognised him, and taking him aside, said, “I -know you have money now, Dick; if you’d pay me, it would be of great -service.”—“My wife has certainly money to some amount,” replied -Turpin, with a most unmoved countenance; “she is in the next place; -I’ll get it of her, and pay you presently.” When Turpin was gone, the -butcher apprized the company who he was, and added, “I’ll just get my -five pounds of him, and then we’ll take him.” Turpin, however, was -not to be so caught, and instead of going to his wife, leaped out of -the next window, took horse, and was off in an instant, much to the -discomfiture of the knight of the cleaver and the assembled company, -who doubtless had calculated most correctly the proportion of the -reward that would be due to each by virtue of the king’s signet.</p> - -<p>Having discovered King, and one of his associates whose name was -Potter, they determined to set out at once for London; and coming over -the forest about three hundred yards from the Green Man, Turpin found -that his horse, having undergone great fatigue, began to tire. On -such an occasion it was no question with Turpin how he should provide -himself with another,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</span> for, overtaking a gentleman, the owner of -several race-horses, he at once appropriated his steed and a handsome -whip to his own peculiar use, and recommending his own broken-down jade -to the kind consideration of the party, speaking highly of his points, -left him to mount the sorry courser, and urge the wretched quadruped -forward in the best way he could.</p> - -<p>This robbery was committed on a Saturday night, and on the Monday -following the gentleman received intelligence, that such a horse -as he had lost and described was left at an inn in Whitechapel; he -accordingly went there, and found it to be the same. Nobody came for -it at the time appointed, but about eleven o’clock at night, King’s -brother called for the horse, and was seized immediately. The whip he -carried in his hand the gentleman instantly identified as that stolen -from him, although the button upon which his name had been engraved was -half broken off; the latter letters of his name, however, were plainly -distinguishable upon the remaining part. They charged a constable -with him, but he becoming frightened, and on the assurance that if -he spoke the truth he should be released, confessed that there was a -lusty man in a white duffel coat waiting for it in a street adjoining. -One <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Bayes immediately went out, and finding the man as directed, -perceived it was King. Coming round upon him, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Bayes (the then -active landlord of the Green Man, to whom the gentleman at the time had -related the robbery,) attacked him. King immediately drew a pistol, -which he pointed to <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Bayes’ breast, but it luckily flashed in the -pan. A struggle then ensued, for King was a powerful man, and Turpin -hearing the skirmish, came up, when King cried out, “Dick, shoot him, -or we are taken, by ——!” at which instant Turpin fired his pistol, -but it missed <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Bayes, and shot King in two places. “Dick, you have -killed me, make off,” were King’s words as he fell, and Turpin, seeing -what he had done, clapped spurs to his horse, and made his escape. -King lived for a week afterwards, and gave Turpin the character of a -coward;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</span> telling <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Bayes that if he pleased to take him, he was to -be found at a certain house near Hackney Marsh, and that when he rode -away, he had three brace of pistols about him, and a carbine slung. -Upon inquiry, it was found that Turpin had actually been at the house -which King mentioned, and made use of something like the following -expressions to the man. “What shall I do? where shall I go? Dick Bayes, -I’ll be the death of you; for I have lost the best fellowman I ever had -in my life; I shot poor King in endeavoring to kill that dog.” The same -resolution of revenge he retained to the last, though without the power -of effecting it.</p> - -<p>After this, he still kept about the forest, till he was harassed almost -to death; for he had lost his place of safety, the cave, which was -discovered upon his shooting <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Thompson’s groom. When they found the -cave, there were in it two shirts in a bag, two pair of stockings, part -of a bottle of wine, and some ham. Turpin was very nearly taken while -hiding in these woods by a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Ives, the king’s huntsman, who, thinking -he was secreted there, took out two dry-footed hounds; but Turpin -perceiving them coming, climbed up a tree, and saw them stop beneath it -several times, as though they scented him, which so terrified Turpin, -that as soon as they were gone, he made a resolution of retiring that -instant to Yorkshire.</p> - -<p>Soon after this, a person came out of Lincolnshire to Brough, near -Market-Cave, in Yorkshire, and stayed for some time at the Ferry-house. -He said his name was John Palmer; and he went from thence sometimes to -live at North Cave, and sometimes at Welton, continuing in these places -about fifteen or sixteen months, except such part of the time as he -went to Lincolnshire to see his friends, which he frequently did, and -as often brought three or four horses back with him, which he used to -sell or exchange in Yorkshire. While he so lived at Brough, Cave, and -Welton, he very often went out hunting and shooting with the gentlemen -in the neighborhood. As he was returning one day from<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</span> shooting, he saw -one of his landlord’s cocks in the street, and raising his gun shot -it dead. A man, his neighbor, witnessing so wanton an act, complained -of such conduct, asking him by what authority he shot another man’s -property. “Wait one moment,” said <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Palmer, “just stay till I have -charged my piece, and I’ll shoot you too.” The landlord being informed -of the loss he had sustained by the death of his favorite bird, and the -man who saw the act being enraged at the threat Palmer had used towards -him, they both obtained a warrant against him, and he was brought -up at the general quarter sessions, where he was examined. Sureties -for his good behavior in future were the penalty alone exacted from -him, which, however, refusing to find, he was committed to the house -of correction. His conduct thus excited great suspicion; for it was -strange that a man who was in the habit of bringing from his friends -in Lincolnshire half-a-dozen horses at a time, and plenty of money, -should be so forsaken as not to be able to provide sureties; and still -stranger, that on so trivial an occasion as the present, if he could -find them at all, he did not produce them. A man’s pride under other -circumstances might be concerned, or a consciousness of innocence -that excluded the possibility, or the benefit of release, under other -conditions than free acquittal; but on a charge of this nature, which -might have been made up even by the purchase of the fowl, or a simple -excuse, his refusal was very suspicious. Inquiries were set on foot in -all quarters; and the magistrate, not contented with the accounts he -gave of himself of having been a grazier in Lincolnshire, despatched -officers to learn how far that statement was consistent with truth. The -result was a confirmation of Palmer’s account, so far as the fact of -his having lived in Lincolnshire, and having been a grazier there; that -is, that there he had something to do with sheep, confined principally, -however, to the expert practice of stealing them. <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Palmer, upon the -receipt of this information, was removed from the Beverly house of -correction to York castle, and accommodated<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</span> on the way with the use -of handcuffs, and a guard of honor. When he arrived at his new abode, -two persons from Lincolnshire challenged a mare and a foal which he -had sold to a gentleman, and also the horse on which he rode when he -came to Beverly, to be stolen from them off the fens in Lincolnshire. -We need not add that <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Palmer was one and the same person with Dick -Turpin, the notorious highwayman.</p> - -<p>Turpin at one time, with another fellow, laid a scheme for seizing the -government money, ordered to be paid to the ships at Portsmouth. Both -of them were to have attacked the guard in a narrow pass, with sword -and pistol in hand; but Turpin’s courage failed him, and the enterprise -dropped. Gordon, his accomplice in this design, was afterwards taken -on a charge in which he alone was concerned; and while in Newgate he -declared that “after that, Turpin would be guilty of any cowardly -action, and die like a dog.”</p> - -<p>Turpin was tried and convicted of stealing the horse and the foal -and the mare from the fens, and was executed on Saturday, April 7th, -1739. He behaved himself with remarkable assurance, and bowed to the -spectators as he passed. It was observed that as he mounted the ladder -his right leg trembled, on which he stamped it down with violence, -and with undaunted fortitude looked around him. After speaking to the -executioner for nearly half an hour, he threw himself off the ladder, -and expired in about five minutes.</p> - -<p>His corpse was brought back from the gallows and buried in a neat -coffin in <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> George’s churchyard. The grave was dug deep, and the -persons he appointed to follow him (mourners we hesitate to call them, -for we cannot imagine anybody to mourn upon the death of such an -unprecedented ruffian,)—those persons, whoever they were, however, -took all possible care to secure the corpse: notwithstanding which, -some men were discovered to be moving off the body, which they had -taken up; and the mob having got information where it might be found, -went to a garden in which it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</span> was deposited, and brought it away in a -sort of triumph, and buried it in the same grave, having first filled -the coffin with slacked lime.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="HENRY_SIMMS_alias_YOUNG_GENTLEMAN_HARRY">HENRY SIMMS, <i>alias</i> YOUNG GENTLEMAN HARRY.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>We prefer giving an abstract of the life and adventures of this -notorious criminal in his own words, since it will serve to show -far better than any moral reflections of our own, that when once -the principles become vitiated, whether by early abuse or habitual -moral recklessness, the very nature is changed, and the conscience -remains in a state of abeyance. There is an easy unconcern, a “young -gentleman” flippancy in the style in which our adventurer has chosen -to narrate his exploits, that indicates too plainly the utter want -of common or decent feeling in his nature, and leaves us to the -unavoidable conclusion, that under no possible circumstances, nor in -any conceivable condition, could “Young Gentleman Harry” have become or -have been made a respectable member of society. He begins his narrative -thus:—</p> - -<p>“I am now thirty years of age, born in London, October 19, -1716, of honest industrious parents, in the parish of <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> -Martin’s-in-the-Fields. Having the misfortune to lose both my father -and my mother when very young, I was left to the care of an indulgent -grandmother, who tenderly loved me, had me educated with maternal -fondness, and early began to instil into me sentiments of virtue, -honor and honesty, from which I too early swerved. My grandmother -having been many years in the service of a nobleman, was an old servant -much respected, and on that account not only indulged with having her -grandson with her, but was likewise indulged with my being permitted to -go to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</span> Eton school with two sons of the noble lord. I remained at Eton -school some time, and even there began to show an early inclination to -vice, without an opportunity of committing it. When I arrived at the -age of fourteen, my grandmother put me apprentice to a breeches-maker, -but a life of servitude ill suited my constitution. I stayed with -him no longer than a month, in which short time I procured to myself -several <em>choice</em> acquaintances, particularly two (since hanged,) -and was easily persuaded to accompany them in many robberies, which -we committed in and about Mary-le-bone fields, and the money we got -we riotously spent among thieves and bullies, and when that was gone, -turned out (as we called it) for more.</p> - -<p>“Thus some months passed on in a round of wickedness which not all the -counsel in the universe could restrain. My poor grandmother with tears -in her eyes entreated me to leave off my wicked course and to follow -her instructions. But I little regarded her advice, and still pursued -my own schemes.</p> - -<p>“There was hardly a place round London famed for wickedness, but I -was there. Tottenham Court Fair, when it came, I rejoiced at, for -there I lived riotously, and there too I became a proficient in the -dexterous art of picking pockets, by which I gained for some time -pretty handsomely. But at length that business grew dead, and, as I -lived at a large rate, money was wanting. Accordingly, having mustered -up a sufficient quantity of cash, I purchased a pair of pistols and a -horse, and set out; and in Epping Forest, near Woodford, I stopped two -gentlemen in a chaise and pair, from whom I took only a little silver, -and proceeded on to Newmarket, where I arrived that night, and early -next morning set out again, stopped the Norwich coach, and took from -the passengers thirty guineas, a gold watch, and a diamond ring, and -then rode away; and about three hours after, near Littlebury, met the -Cambridge coach, from the passengers of which I took about five pounds, -and came on for London. I now began to frequent a noted gaming-house -in Covent<span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</span> Garden, where, for several nights, I had a prodigious run -of luck, and won a considerable sum of money. I bought myself a silver -hilted sword, had several new suits of clothes made, particularly -one suit of black velvet, and appeared at all my usual haunts with -surprising eclat. It was at this time I gained the name of ‘Gentleman -Harry,’ for though I was before only called plain Harry, yet, on this -my sudden grand appearance, I was christened ‘Gentleman Harry,’ which -name I retained forever. But fortune not continuing her favors to me -at the gaming-table, I was once more reduced, and obliged to take up -again my old trade. Hitherto, what business I had done was by myself; -but being out one day with a companion of mine, we agreed to attack the -first person we met with powder and shot. We saw nothing for some days -that we either cared or dared to attack, till we came to a place called -Eversley Bank, where we met a collector of Shrewsbury: we ordered him -to stand and deliver, and took from him near three hundred pounds. -For this robbery two men were taken up a short time after, tried at -the assizes, capitally convicted, and executed: and I cannot but own, -that, notwithstanding my hardened villany, so often as I remembered it, -I felt a good deal of sorrow at being the cause of shedding innocent -blood, which I always avoided and abhorred.</p> - -<p>“About a month after this, I robbed a lady on Blackheath, in her coach. -After this robbery, riding down the hill that leads to Lewisham Wash, -I was overtaken by six or seven butchers, one of whom seizing the cape -of my coat, pulled me off my horse, and the cape giving way, he tore -it quite off. I then pulled out my pistols, swearing I would shoot -the first man who dared to advance; which none of them caring to do, -I retreated into the fields and got off with the loss of my horse, -which cost me seventeen pounds. But I was not long without a horse, -for, going towards Bromley, I met a gentleman on horseback, to whom I -presented my pistols, ordering him to dismount or I would shoot him -through the head; which he did, and I took from him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</span> eight guineas -and seventeen shillings in silver, and, mounting the horse, left him -to pursue his journey on foot. I sold the horse the next day at the -George, in Farnham, and bought another, which cost me thirteen guineas. -From thence I proceeded to Tunbridge, at which place I stayed a day or -two, and then came to London, where I found an old companion, a sailor, -who agreed to turn out with me. At the bottom of Shooters hill we -robbed a gentleman of his gold watch, and about seventeen pounds: the -watch I afterwards sold for nine pounds at the gaming-table in Covent -Garden, and lost the money when I had done.</p> - -<p>“Being by this time pretty well known, I ran great hazards; it was but -a very few days after I lost the money as above, I was attacked by -several soldiers in Drury Lane, and should have been carried to the -Savoy, had I not been rescued by some of my friends from Covent Garden; -and in about a week after that, I was taken out of a tavern for the -robbery of a gold watch which I had about me, and was again rescued by -my companions. Some little time after this, I was attacked by about -nine gentlemen thief-takers, in Bridewell Walk, Clerkenwell, but having -my pistols about me, I soon dispersed the cowardly rascals, and walked -off. Another time, riding on horseback through Covent Garden, I was -pursued by a party of thief-takers, but got clear.</p> - -<p>“Being in this manner continually beset on all sides, I was at length, -by the perfidy of some ladies with whom I was in company at Goodman’s -Fields’ Wells, taken by a parcel of thief-takers, and conducted to -Clerkenwell Bridewell, where several prosecutions were commenced -against me, and I was obliged to come to a composition with divers of -them, which drained me very low. One gentleman in particular, whom I -had robbed of only eleven shillings and a small medal, made me pay -him forty-seven guineas. By these means, having got rid of my several -prosecutors, I was, by order of the court of justice, confined in -Clerkenwell Bridewell two months for an assault, at the end of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</span> which -time I was set at liberty, giving sureties for my good behavior for two -years. It was not long after I was discharged, before I was pressed and -sent on board his majesty’s ship the Rye, where I continued for about -three months, though much against my inclination; being continually -forming some scheme for an escape, not one of which schemes took effect -till the following was hit upon. Whilst we were at Leith, we had -pressed several hands out of some colliers, who, I found by talking -to, were as little desirous of staying on board as myself; I therefore -proposed to eight of them this scheme:—that when the cutter, which had -been on shore pressing, came alongside at night, one of them should -fall out of the main-chains into the river, and the rest of us should -immediately jump into the boat and take the man up, and row away, -which we put in practice with success, only, just as we had got up our -man, the boatswain jumped on board and threatened us. My companions -were for throwing him overboard, but on his promising to be quiet they -were overruled, and he was suffered to sit still; and, notwithstanding -several guns were fired after us, we rowed safe to shore, and left the -boat to the care of the boatswain to carry back if he thought proper. -Being safe on shore, we took leave of each other: they set out for -Scarborough, and I for Edinburgh, in which city I stayed about a week, -and during that time became acquainted with a Scotch lassie, who not -only furnished me with money to purchase my former implements, but lent -me seven guineas to bear my expenses to London, which lasted me no -farther than Grantham; and between Grantham and Stamford I was obliged -to <em>speak</em> with the York stage, from the passengers of which I -took eight guineas, about seventeen shillings in silver, a silver watch -and three plain gold rings, with which I came to London.</p> - -<p>“In a short space of time after this, I committed many robberies by -myself, which I did not exactly minute down. My general rendezvous was -about Epping Forest, where I robbed the Harwich coach, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</span> Cambridge -coach, the Norwich coach, &c., to a pretty large amount, which I spent -as fast as I got. About this time, I kept company with another man’s -wife, who was so fond of me, that I could persuade her either out of -cash or any valuables she had, to supply my present necessities; as was -the case when I persuaded her out of her gold watch, and some other -things, which her husband took me up upon, and I was committed to -Newgate, tried at the Old Bailey, and acquitted by the court, who very -justly saw through the prosecution. After my being discharged on this -affair, I unluckily, in a quarrel, ran a crab-stick into a woman’s eye -in Goodman’s-fields, for which I was sent to New Prison. In the mean -time, I was informed that the wife was arrested on an action, and sent -to a sponging-house. Being determined to relieve her, if possible, I -contrived in what manner I could make my escape, and, accordingly, by -the help of sheets I let myself down out of my window and got off: I -immediately went to a friend of mine in Leather-lane, who furnished -me with two pistols, with which I went to the sponging-house in -Gray’s-inn-lane, expecting to find my lady; but when I came there I -found she had been removed to Newgate. Being thus disappointed, and -having no hopes of getting her out of Newgate, I determined to go to -work at my old trade.</p> - -<p>“In Broad-street, <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Giles’, about nine at night, I stopped a coach -which contained a single gentleman, from whom I took about seventeen -shillings, and from thence went to my old haunts in Covent Garden, and -after drinking pretty freely, I had a quarrel with a gentleman, who -calling the watch to his assistance, I was taken and carried to the -Covent Garden round-house. Being very much fuddled, I soon went to -sleep; but when I waked next morning, and found myself in a prison, -after having escaped from one but the night before, I was almost -distracted, and began to contrive an escape, but to no purpose; for -after calling for the keeper of the round-house, under pretence of -being hungry, I got some toast and ale, and therewith a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</span> knife, with -which I hoped once more to make a breach whereby to escape. But I was -doomed to be disappointed; for notwithstanding my cutting down the -plaster and laths of the ceiling, the joists were so firm that I could -not make an opening. I then grew desperate, broke all the things I -could find in the room, cut the sheets to pieces, pulled off some tiles -from the roof, and did every offensive act in my power, till at length -the constable with a large posse of myrmidons arrived, who carried me -before Sir Thomas De Veil, where, after a long examination, I laid my -information of the robbery of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Smith in Southwark, which robbery -I was actually concerned in, though not with the persons I swore -against at Croydon assizes, but with three others. We committed the -robbery in December 1745, getting in at the two-pair-of-stairs window -by a <i>Jacob</i>, that is, a ladder of ropes, which was fixed to the -sign-post first, drawn afterwards into the balcony, and then attached -to the two-pair-of-stairs window. We took from <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Smith’s house, after -frightening Mrs. Smith almost to death, two bags of money containing -514<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> and a 20<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> bank note, and carried off in bags goods -to the value of 800<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> The cash we divided equally amongst us at -a house in the Mint; the plate we sold; and we carried the goods to a -house near the Pinder of Wakefield, near Pancras; but for my share of -the goods I never received one penny; they were carried to Ireland by -my three accomplices, who promised to remit me my part, but were never -so good as their words. After my examination I was removed to the New -Gaol, Southwark, to give evidence at the assizes at Croydon.</p> - -<p>“After this affair at Croydon, I was removed by habeas to Newgate, on -the oath of a barber at Westminster, whom I had robbed, which barber -was found out by some of my enemies to prosecute me; and upon his -indictment I was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to transportation; -and, about two months after, was with several other convicts put on -board the Italian Merchant, which carried us to Maryland. On our<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</span> -passage I had formed several plans for an escape, one of which had -nearly been successful, and was agreed upon between me and the rest -of the transports. We were at a certain time to have secured the -captain and sailors, as well as the fire-arms, and to have run away -with the ship, but one of them discovered it to the captain, who put -us in irons, and kept a watchful eye on us during the remainder of the -voyage. When we arrived at Maryland, I was disposed of to the master of -the Two Sisters, who was in want of sailors, and with whom I went to -sea. We had not been out many days before we were taken by a privateer -of Bayonne, and carried into Spain. We were all sent on shore, and had -papers given to us to go to Portugal. When I arrived at Oporto, I was -pressed on board his majesty’s ship the King Fisher, where I remained -about four months, in which time we took several prizes. But not liking -my station, I left her at Oporto, travelled to Lisbon, and got in the -Hanover packet to Falmouth, where I stayed about a month. My companions -endeavored to persuade me to go a privateering with them in the Warner -galley; but I refused, and leaving Falmouth travelled to <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Ives, -where I found a vessel ready to sail for Bristol, on board of which I -went, and arrived at Bristol in two days. I was not long there before -I determined to set up my old trade, and procured a pair of pistols, -though I still wanted a horse; but having observed several horses in a -field near Lawford’s-gate, I soon marked out one for myself, and that -night got into a stable, from whence I stole a saddle and bridle, and -without much difficulty caught my horse and set out for London.</p> - -<p>“When I reached London, I was soon informed the thief-takers were after -me. The night I came to town, I put my horse up at the White Swan in -Whitechapel, but went no more near him, fearful, as I had stolen him, -he might be advertised. But I was not long without a horse, for one -Saturday night, about eight o’clock, coming from <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> James’, where I -had been regaling with some friends, I perceived a boy in Rider<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</span> street -walking a horse about, apparently waiting for somebody. I called and -persuaded him to step on an errand into Duke street while I held the -horse, and, as soon as the boy was gone, I mounted and rode away, and -crossing the country reached Harrow-on-the-Hill, where I passed the -night, and the next day set out towards London, in hopes of meeting -some of the farmers returning from the hay-markets after having sold -their hay. I had drank pretty freely at dinner and was somewhat -elevated. I had not ridden far before I met three gentlemen, whom I -commanded to ‘stand and deliver their money,’ which they did very -quietly. From the first I got about three pounds, from the second I had -about five pounds, and from the third thirteen or fourteen shillings.</p> - -<p>“The next person I robbed was <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Sleep, my prosecutor, and though -neither he nor I recognised each other at that time, yet he, it seems, -has known me from a child. I took from him his watch and six shillings, -and made off.</p> - -<p>“After robbing <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Sleep, I still kept travelling towards London, in -hopes of meeting the farmers; at length, five of them appeared, whom I -commanded ‘to stop,’ and took from them about 15<i><abbr title="pounds">l.</abbr></i> in silver. -I felt in their pockets for watches, but they had none. Next I met -three men, whom I ordered ‘to stop;’ but they, not regarding my orders, -refused, and rode full speed, and I alongside of them for at least -five or six minutes, presenting my pistol, swearing I would shoot if -they did not stop: but they still rode on; and I turned from them, -giving them a hearty d—n, not caring to let off my pistol; for I had -determined to shoot no man, unless he attempted to take me. But after -this, on the same road, I robbed two more men; from one I took about -fifteen shillings, from another about seven shillings. Turning from -them I let off one of my pistols into the air, and went on for London.</p> - -<p>“That night I made a sort of perambulation among the thief-takers, -determining to do mischief to some of them, if possible, especially to -those who, I heard, had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</span> been after me. The first I went to was one W. -H. in Chancery-lane. Being on horseback, I knocked at the door, which -his wife opened, demanding my business. I told her, ‘to speak with her -husband.’ She replied, ‘he was gone to bed,’ at the same time desiring -to know my name and business. ‘I am a gentleman of his acquaintance,’ -said I; ‘he will know me when he sees me.’ My blunderbuss, which I then -carried, being mounted with brass, and having a brass barrel, by the -light of her candle she perceived it, and directly slapped to the door, -called to her husband and told him (mentioning my name) that I was at -the door. I could hear him ask for his piece, on which I cried out, -‘You rascal, come to the door, and I’ll piece you;’ and if he had come -I should certainly have killed him, but he thought better of it, and I -rode away.</p> - -<p>“From my friend H. I went to another of the same sort of gentry -in Holborn, one I. S. I got off my horse and went into his house -threatening destruction; but the moment he saw me enter at one door, -he went out at another, and after venting a few oaths, I remounted my -horse, and went to the Greyhound inn, in Drury-lane, where I lay that -night.</p> - -<p>“Next morning I set out for Epping Forest, and dined at the -Bird-in-Hand, at Stratford: after dinner, about two o’clock, I set -out on the Romford road. I met in the forest a chaise, and from a man -therein took about fourteen shillings. This robbery was done within -sight of the Spread Eagle, at the door of which several people were -drinking on horseback. From thence I rode through Ilford, then came -on the forest again, and stayed till it was almost dark, and rode -towards Laytonstone, within half a mile of which I robbed a captain of -his gold watch, ten guineas, and some silver. After speaking with the -captain, I came off the forest for London. Perceiving a hurly-burly, -and a great mob at Snaresbrook turnpike, I rode up to see what was the -matter, and on inquiry amongst the mob, found that they had stopped -a gentleman whom they mistook for me. As it was dark and they could -not distinguish<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</span> me, I thought it most prudent to ride through the -turnpike, and go directly for London, which I did, and putting up my -horse at the Saracen’s Head, Aldgate, and calling a coach, I went to a -tavern, where I lay all night.</p> - -<p>“In the morning I began to reflect that, it being well known I was in -England returned from transportation, and as well known too that I had -committed a great many robberies, there were many thief-takers after -me, and I was surrounded with danger; and I therefore determined to -set out for Chester immediately, and from thence to Dublin, resolving, -as I had now a handsome sum, as well as a parcel of diamond rings and -watches, to live entirely on my stock, and rob no more, at least while -that lasted. I dined that day at <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Alban’s, and as I generally drank -both at and after my meals pretty freely, I soon grew warm, and after -dinner, setting out for Dunstable, I found my resolution to rob no more -would not hold, for within a quarter of a mile of Redbourne, I ordered -three gentlemen to stand and deliver. Presenting my pistol at the -first, he replied, that he would not be robbed, and rode on; the second -hit me on the head with his whip, and at the same time the other rode -by me. Having a good beast under me, I was quickly up with them, and -putting on one of my terrible countenances, with bitter imprecations I -avowed that I would instantly shoot the first man dead who refused to -deliver; when the first of them quietly gave me about nine shillings; -from the second I took an old-fashioned watch and seventeen shillings; -and from the third, two guineas and about five shillings; and taking my -leave immediately, attacked two more gentlemen, who likewise rode for -it; but their horses being as good as mine, I ran them into Redbourne, -and then gave it up. About an hour after, I stopped a single man on -horseback, who telling me he had but eighteen-pence, I bade him keep -that; but he seeming to have a very good horse and mine beginning to -fail, I made him dismount and change with me. He had a portmanteau -on his horse, which he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</span> was very industriously going to take off, -but I told him he might as well let it remain where it was, which he -did, though I had no opportunity to see what was in it; for being now -become, perhaps, one of the most industrious of my profession, I could -no more let a coach, chaise, or man go by without speaking with them -in my way, than I could fly; and perceiving a coach coming along, -which proved to be the Warrington stage, I directly made up to it, and -got from the passengers therein about three pounds. The ladies seemed -terribly frightened, and begged I would take my pistol away, which I -did, and after taking their money I went on for Dunstable, and calling -at several houses before I got there, I became pretty fatigued, not -only with my business, but with liquor too. Being very much fuddled, I -was so cunning as to think of putting up at the Bull inn, at Dunstable, -the very house where the Warrington coach went to. After dismounting -my horse, and calling for a quartern of brandy, I saw some of the -passengers in the kitchen, belonging to the coach I had just then -robbed, on which, I never stayed for my brandy, but went out of the -house, mounted my horse, and rode as fast as I could make him go, till -I came to Hockliffe, and as it rained very hard, I resolved to put up, -and accordingly went into the Star inn. After I had been there about -an hour, and had drank very freely, I became intoxicated, and fell -asleep by the kitchen fire; but was soon awakened by three troopers -and some others with pistols at my head, swearing they would shoot me -if I offered to put my hand to my pockets. Being half asleep as well -as drunk, they soon disarmed me, and took from me one gold watch, two -silver ones, four diamond rings, forty-seven guineas in gold, and four -pounds in silver: three of the best diamond rings I had secreted in my -neckcloth. I desired them to give me my money again, and to let me go -to bed; they gave me about nine pounds in gold and silver back, and -then conducted me to a chamber, where I went to bed, after putting my -money under my pillow, and fell asleep, guarded by the troopers,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</span> who -took my money from under my head, which, when I awoke and missed, I -charged them with, telling them it was using me exceedingly ill indeed, -as they had gotten so much from me already, to take that from me too; -whereupon, they returned it to me. Presently, I got up and sat by the -fire-side, a good deal chagrined at my unfortunate fate. I resolved -in my mind a thousand different methods of escape, but none appeared -feasible even to myself. At length, a thought came into my head, -of which I was resolved to make a trial. As I knew these troopers, -from their behavior, to be hungry hounds, and having two seals, the -one gold, and the other silver, about me; as I sat over the fire, I -determined to throw them in, naturally supposing, from their eagerness -after plunder, they would endeavor to get them out, and I might thus, -by some means or other, become master of their fire-arms. It happened -as I had imagined; eager for their prey they soused down to rake them -from the ashes, when I, at the same time, snatched a pistol from one -of their hands, and snapped it at his head: it missed fire, and I was -immediately overpowered by the rest of the troopers, the landlord and -others coming to their assistance; and I was the next day carried -before the justice at Dunstable, where I insisted upon the troopers -returning me my money and watches again, before I would answer any -questions, and, accordingly, I <em>undressed</em> their pockets both of -money and watches, asking them if they thought I had nothing else to do -than to venture my life to dress the pockets of such fellows as they, -who knew not how to wind up a watch; for in endeavoring to wind up one -of the watches they had broken it.</p> - -<p>“I was eventually committed to Bedford gaol for robbing the Warrington -stage-coach, where I remained about four months, till I was removed by -habeas corpus to Newgate, and in February last was tried at the Old -Bailey for robbing <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Francis Sleep of his watch and six shillings, of -which I was found guilty, and received sentence of death.”</p> - -<p>The above is an abstract containing all the most<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</span> interesting or -prominent transactions in the life of Henry Simms, who appears to have -labored in his vocation with a zeal worthy of a better calling, and -with a wantonness deserving of the gallows to which, at length, he was -compelled to ascend. Young Gentleman Harry was executed at Tyburn in -June, 1747; and after hanging till he was dead, his body was cut down -by a mob appointed for that purpose, and carried to a surgeon’s in -Covent Garden.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="JAMES_MACLAINE">JAMES MACLAINE.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>James Maclaine, called in his own time by the distinguished title of -“the gentleman highwayman,” seemed at his birth to be far removed from -the common temptations which too frequently lead to an infamous death. -Until the decease of his father, which took place when he was about -eighteen years of age, a fair prospect of prosperity was presented to -him; but, unhappily, being conscious of his birth, which entitled him, -by a slight straining of courtesy, to the designation of a gentleman, -he imbibed, together with an inordinate vanity, an aversion from -business, and an immoderate desire to appear a gay young fellow.</p> - -<p>Lauchlin Maclaine, the father of our adventurer, was a Presbyterian -divine, and pastor of a congregation of that communion at Monaghan, -in the North of Ireland. He designed James, his second son, for a -merchant, and bestowed upon him a sound education, but died before he -could put his intentions into effect of sending him to Rotterdam to be -placed in the counting-house of a Scotch merchant of his acquaintance.</p> - -<p>Young Maclaine, the instant his father’s breath was out of his body, -proceeded to take possession and to dispose of his father’s substance; -and treated with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</span> perfect contempt the remonstrances of his friends -and relations, and the exhortations of his aunt, who, finding all her -entreaties ineffectual, took his only sister into her charge, and left -him to pursue what course he pleased.</p> - -<p>Thus left to himself, Maclaine forgot altogether the projected Dutch -counting-house, and equipping himself in the gayest apparel that part -of the country could afford, and purchasing a gelding, set up fine -gentleman at once, and in a twelvemonth dissipated almost the whole -of his property. During his extravagances, however, his ear had been -frequently troubled with the remonstrances of his aunt and his other -relations, which at length he found so disagreeable, that he was fain -to set out for Dublin without communicating his intention to any -one. It was here, it appears, that he first conceived the notion of -making his fortune by marriage; and having no disagreeable person, -he gratuitously gave himself credit for many more excellencies than, -unfortunately, other people could discover in him. The demands for -the maintenance of such an appearance as would realize his hopes of a -rich marriage, soon swept away the small remainder of his property; -and he had now full time to reflect on his folly and vanity, and to -regret not a little having despised the advice of his relations, who -had for some time turned a deaf ear to his entreaties by letter for a -supply of money. But upon them, nevertheless, he felt was now his sole -dependence. He had long spent his all—he was an entire stranger to a -single individual of worth or substance in the place, and his credit -and clothes, even to the last shirt, were gone. Selling his sword, -therefore, the last piece of splendor that remained to him, he raised -as much as would bear his charges on foot, and with a heavy heart set -out to return to Monaghan, his native place.</p> - -<p>Not a hand was outstretched to welcome the prodigal home again; his -aunt refused to see him, all his other relations followed her example, -and the companions of his former riots not only refused him relief, -but<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</span> rendered him the sport and ridicule of the town. His sister, -however, sometimes contrived to see him by stealth to give him her -pocket money, but that could not long support him. Here, then, he must -inevitably have starved, had not a gentleman on his way to England, -passing through the town, compassionately offered him the place of a -servant who had recently died. Want, and the dread of starving, had -by this time entirely banished all unnecessary or superfluous pride, -and our young gentleman accepted the offer with joy. But, unhappily, -the extreme pressure of want once removed, old thoughts return, old -vanities are renewed; and so it was with <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Maclaine. His master’s -commands, though uniformly softened by good-nature and benevolence, -appeared to him as so many insults offered to his birth and breeding; -it is no wonder, therefore, that in a few months he was discharged from -his service. Depending on his sister, who was about to be married to -a man of some wealth, he set out once more for Ireland, to endeavor -to obtain enough from his relations to fit him out for America, or -the West Indies; but here again he was doomed to disappointment. His -sister’s marriage had been broken off—she was unable to do anything -for him;—and his other relations, deeming themselves scandalized -by his having been a footman, were even less tractable than before, -treated him with great indignity, and finally refused all manner of -assistance.</p> - -<p>Again reduced to starvation, he was obliged to think of service as -his only resource. With much difficulty he obtained a situation as -butler to a gentleman near Cork, with whom he did not live long, being -discharged for some breach of trust. Here he remained for many months -out of place, wandering about, without any settled abode or means of -subsistence, except occasional remittances from his elder brother, -a pastor of the English congregation at the Hague, whose friendly -assistance was less relished, because it was accompanied by warm -remonstrances<span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</span> on the past, and wholesome advice on the future conduct -of his life.</p> - -<p>Fortune was at length favorable; his old master, though he refused him -a character to another family, generously paid his passage to England, -and allowed him, for a limited period after his landing, a shilling a -day for subsistence.</p> - -<p>Once again on this side of the water, his notions of gentility -returned; he scorned being a menial servant; and valuing the -<em>minimum</em> of his ambition at a pair of colors, he actually had the -impudence to attempt to borrow the purchase money on the bond he had -obtained from his master. This absurd scheme failing, he threw up his -shilling a day in disgust, and heroically cast himself for support on a -celebrated courtesan, a countrywoman of his own, who maintained him for -some months in great magnificence, and enabled him to attend the public -places with something like splendor.</p> - -<p>But having disgusted this lady by his pusillanimous conduct in a -rencontre with a certain peer,—who bestowed upon him a severe -castigation, and very nearly ran him through the body, though he was -much stronger, and as well armed as the nobleman,—he was once more -without resources. His grandeur now suffered an eclipse for two or -three months, and his last suit had been laid by in lavender, or, in -other words, pawned, when he inspired the regard of a lady of quality, -the consequence of which was that for five or six months longer he -flourished away as an idle fellow in all the public places.</p> - -<p>But Maclaine inwardly was not idle. He was extremely anxious for an -independent settlement, and the thought of inveigling some woman of -fortune by the charms of his person was still uppermost in his mind. -Among other schemes to this end, there was none he built so much upon -as a very hopeful and grateful plot he had laid for the daughter of his -patroness and benefactress, who had a considerable fortune. But the -young lady’s waiting-maid, who had either<span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</span> more honesty than abigails -in general are furnished with, or had not received the price with which -they are usually rewarded, discovered the affair to the old lady, who -forthwith dismissed Maclaine from her service: but when, in a few -months after, he was much reduced, she privately bestowed upon him -fifty pounds in order to fit him out for Jamaica, where he had proposed -to go and seek his fortune, and where the lady was willing enough that -he should retire, that she might be free from fears on her daughter’s -account.</p> - -<p>But Maclaine was no sooner possessed of this sum than he forgot -his Jamaica expedition, and returned to his favorite scheme of -fortune-hunting; for he never could rid himself of the idea that one -day or other he should succeed in the main object of his existence. He -released, therefore, his best clothes from the durance vile in which -they had been plunged, and after various treaties with match-makers -and chambermaids, relating to ladies of great reputed fortune, all -which treaties ended in disappointment, he reluctantly contracted his -ambition, and made suit to the daughter of a considerable innkeeper and -dealer in horses, with whom he was fortunate enough to succeed, and -whom he married with her parents’ consent and five hundred pounds.</p> - -<p>Here it would seem that Maclaine had laid aside all thoughts of the -fine gentleman, and had really determined to make the most of his -wife’s fortune by industry and diligence. He took a house in Welbeck -street, and set up a grocer’s and chandler’s shop; was very obliging -to his customers, punctual in his dealings, and while his wife lived, -was esteemed by his neighbors a careful and industrious man. However, -though at times, and while he was in his shop, he appeared to like his -business, yet in parties of pleasure, which he made but too often, and -on holydays, he affected the dress of a gentleman, and thus created -expenses which only a gradual encroachment on his capital enabled him -to meet; insomuch that when his wife died, which was about three years -after their marriage, he resolved<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</span> to leave off business, and converted -his furniture and goods into the miserable sum of eighty-five pounds, -which, perhaps, with frugality, might have supported him in business, -but which was at all times too small a sum for <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Maclaine.</p> - -<p>His mother-in-law consenting to take charge of his only daughter, and -once more in a manner a single man, with his eighty-five pounds in -his pocket, again did the desire of appearing the gay fine gentleman -obtrude itself upon his mind, and his old project of marrying a rich -fortune engrossed all his faculties. For this purpose, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Maclaine, -who but a few weeks before was not ashamed to appear in a patched -coat, or to carry a halfpenny-worth of coal or sand to his customers, -now hired handsome apartments near Soho square, and resumed his laced -clothes, and a hat and feather.</p> - -<p>But, however unreasonable to others this sudden transition from -the grub to the butterfly might appear, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Maclaine had very good -private reasons for his actions. It appears that during his wife’s -last illness, she had been attended by one Plunket, as a surgeon and -apothecary; this Plunket, after the decease of the poor woman, opened -his mind to Maclaine, saying, that though the latter had lost a good -wife, yet, seeing that she was gone, it was of no use to despond or to -repine, particularly as it might eventually turn out the most lucky -circumstance in his life. He added at the same time, that if Maclaine -would agree to share the fortune with him, he could help him to a lady -with ten thousand pounds at least in her own right.</p> - -<p>This motion was too agreeable to <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Maclaine to be rejected. It is -hardly necessary to detail with what zeal this affair was followed up, -or how often they flattered themselves with the deceitful prospects of -success. The young lady having been taken to Wells, Maclaine followed -her, passing for a man of fortune, and in every part of his dress and -equipage appearing in that character. Plunket acted as his partner, -and was a sort of under agent, while Maclaine himself was ogling, -dancing,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</span> and flirting with the young lady. But an ill-timed quarrel -with an apothecary, one evening, in the public room, placed a quietus -upon his hopes for ever; for the disciple of Galen enlisting a “gallant -son of Mars” in his quarrel, the latter had the effrontery to kick our -adventurer down stairs, declaring publicly that he knew the rascal a -footman a few years ago. This statement, which was believed by every -body present, amongst whom was his mistress, whose credulity he had -ascertained before, and was therefore not in a situation to doubt, -compelled him and his footman Plunket to decamp without the ceremony of -leave-taking, and, indeed, without any ceremony at all.</p> - -<p>Returning to town from this woeful expedition, and examining the state -of their cash, these faithful friends discovered that five guineas were -the whole that remained,—a sum too little to support them, or to enter -into any new project, or to keep up their assumed grandeur. Maclaine -now found himself in a worse plight than he had brought himself to -for some years past, without any visible hope of a supply, and yet -engaged in a mode of life highly expensive, which it went to his heart -either to retrench or relinquish. He now thought seriously of embarking -for Jamaica, where he hoped to find employment as an accountant, and -flattered himself that his person might be turned to account amongst -the rich planters’ daughters or widows. But no money was forthcoming -for this purpose, nor could he think of any possible scheme whereby it -might be raised.</p> - -<p>Certainly, never had man less cause to complain of Fortune than -Maclaine, and it would seem throughout his life, that she had -determined to make his ruin entirely the work of his own hand, and -leave him at last utterly without excuse or palliation; for meeting -on ’Change with a gentleman, a countryman of his own, to whom he had -formerly related his hopes of making a fortune in the manner we have -related, he told him his situation at the present moment, adding -that he was now undone, that he had spent his all in that unhappy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</span> -project, and had not wherewithal to subsist on here, or to carry him -from a place in which he felt he was cutting a very ridiculous figure. -Hereupon the gentleman spoke in his behalf to some others of his -countrymen; and as his conduct heretofore, according the notions of the -age, had been rather imprudent than vicious, they actually raised sixty -guineas to fit him out for Jamaica, which they gave him, promising him -letters of recommendation from some merchants of respectability to -their own correspondents. Here, then, was a prospect at once opened to -him of future happiness and prosperity. Let us see how it terminated.</p> - -<p>He had agreed for the passage, paid part of the money in advance, and -bespoken some necessaries fitted for the climate, when, unhappily for -the infatuated man, he was prompted to go to a masquerade, to take -leave, as he said, for the last time, of the bewitching pleasures of -London, and to bid a final farewell to this species of enjoyment, -which he should have no hope of partaking in the West Indies. He went -with the whole of his money in his pocket. The strange appearance of -the place and of the company amused him for a while, but the noise -of the gamesters drew his attention to the gaming-table, where the -quick transition of large sums from one hand to another awakened his -avarice, and lulled his prudence asleep. In short, he ventured, and in -half an hour had possessed himself of a hundred guineas, with which he -resolved, according to their phrase, “to tie up;” but avarice had now -attacked him; and after taking a turn or two round the room, he again -returned, and in a few minutes was stripped to the last guinea.</p> - -<p>It is needless to describe his agony on this occasion. His money -gone, his expedition utterly disconcerted, and his friends lost past -redemption! What was now to be done?</p> - -<p>In this extremity, his evil genius, now in the ascendant, prompted -him to send to Plunket to advise with and from that moment his ruin -commenced. This was the favorable moment for Plunket. Himself a man -of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</span> no honor, an utter stranger to all ties or principles of religion -or honesty, an old sharper, and a daring fellow into the bargain, this -was an opportunity, when his friend was agitated almost to madness, to -propose, at first by distant hints, and at last in plain English, going -on the highway.</p> - -<p>Had he approached him in a calm hour, it is more than probable that -his proposal had been rejected with horror; but the former strongly -represented the necessity of a speedy supply before his friends could -discover that his money was gone, which, he said, would expose him -to universal scorn and contempt. A strange infatuation, the dread of -shame—the shame of appearing a fool, diminished the horror of being -a villain, and decided him to recruit his losses by means the most -hazardous and wicked.</p> - -<p>Having agreed upon a plan of copartnership, and hired two horses, -Plunket furnishing the pistols, for this was not his first entrance -upon business of that nature, they set out on the evening after the -masquerade, to lie in wait for passengers coming from Smithfield -market. They met on Hounslow heath with a grazier, next morning about -four o’clock, from whom they took, without opposition, between sixty -and seventy pounds.</p> - -<p>In this, and other expeditions of the same kind, they wore Venetian -masks; but this covering could not stifle conscience in Maclaine, nor -animate him into courage. He accompanied Plunket, it is true, and was -by at the robbery, but, strictly speaking, had no hand in it; for his -fears were so great that he had no power to utter a word, or to draw a -pistol. The least resistance on the part of the countryman would have -given wings to his heels, and have caused him to leave his more daring -accomplice in the lurch.</p> - -<p>Even when the robbery was over, and the countryman out of sight, -Maclaine’s fears were intolerable. He followed Plunket for some miles -without speaking a word; and when they put up at an inn, nearly ten -miles from the place of the robbery, he called for a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</span> private room, -fearful of every shadow, and terrified at every sound. His agonies of -mind were so great, that Plunket was fearful that his folly would raise -suspicion in the house, and he would fain have persuaded him to return -immediately to London; but he would not stir till it was dusk, and then -would not appear at the stables from which they had hired the horses, -but left the care of them to Plunket.</p> - -<p>He was now, by his share of this ill-acquired booty, very nearly -reimbursed his losses at the masquerade, and might easily have -undertaken his voyage; but he had lost all peace of mind, and was -become entirely void of prudence. So great was his dread of a -discovery, though Plunket represented the impossibility of it, that -he would not stir out of his room for some days, and even then did -not think himself safe, but proposed going down to the country for a -week or two. Plunket did not oppose his departure, especially as he -was to direct the route, and had gotten some intimation of a prize -coming that day from <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Alban’s, towards which place they set out. -When they had gone a few miles, Plunket imparted to him his design, -which Maclaine promised to second, with a great deal of reluctance. -When they came within sight of the coach, in which was their expected -booty, Maclaine would have persuaded Plunket to desist; but the other -turning his qualms of conscience into ridicule, and dropping some hints -of cowardice, Maclaine prepared for the attack, crying, “He needs must -whom the devil drives. I am over shoes, and must over boots;” but, -notwithstanding, conducted himself in so distracted a manner as went -nigh to lose them their prey. They took, however, from a gentleman and -a lady in the coach two gold watches, and about twenty pounds in money, -with which they got clear off; but did not think fit to keep that road -any longer, but turned off, and before morning put up at an inn at -Richmond, where Maclaine was as much in the horrors as in London; had -no rest, no peace of mind, and stayed there two or three days, sulky, -sullen, and perplexed as to what course he was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</span> to pursue. His wish, -however, to be in town in time for the ship’s departure for Jamaica, -determined him to return to London in a fortnight, when he found that -the ship had sailed two days before,—a disappointment that added to -his former perplexity. Nevertheless, having money in his pocket, he -contrived to excuse himself to his friends for his untoward absence, -and promised, and seriously designed, to set out on the very next -opportunity.</p> - -<p>But the expensive company he kept in the interim, and further losses -at play, once more stripped him of his money; and his evil genius, -Plunket, was ever at his elbow, ready to suggest the former method of -supply, with which he now complied much less reluctantly than before. -The bounds of honor once overstepped, especially when success and -security attend the villany, the habit of vice grows strong; and the -checks of conscience, gradually less regarded, at length pass without -notice. In a word, Maclaine hardened himself by degrees to villany, -left the company of his city acquaintance that they might not tease him -about his voyage to Jamaica, and took lodgings in <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> James street, a -place excellently suited to his purpose, for his appearance glanced off -all suspicion, and he had a favorable opportunity, when gentlemen came -to town, of knowing and watching their motions, and consequently of -following and waylaying them on the road.</p> - -<p>In the space of six months, he and Plunket, sometimes in company and -sometimes separately, committed fifteen or sixteen robberies in Hyde -Park, and within twenty miles of London, and obtained some large -prizes. But still the money went as it came, for Plunket loved his -bottle and intrigue, and Maclaine was doatingly fond of fine clothes, -balls, and masquerades, at all which places he made a conspicuous -figure. As he still had fortune-hunting in view, he was very assiduous -in his attentions to women, and was not altogether unsuccessful; but, -we imagine, made sincere return to none but such as had money in their -own hands, or could be useful in helping him to an introduction to such -as had.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</span></p> - -<p>And here it were needless and not productive of much interest to -recount several intrigues in which Maclaine was engaged, and it were -not a little painful to narrate two instances of wanton seduction on -his part, which, were there no other counts in the moral indictment -against him, would be sufficient to consign him to eternal infamy.</p> - -<p><abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Maclaine applied himself also to his old profession of -fortune-hunting, and, in company with his old and worthy coadjutor -Plunket, made several attempts to entrap heiresses, all of which proved -abortive. While he was intent upon these schemes, he had no opportunity -of making excursions on the road, and to defray his expenses had -borrowed from a citizen’s wife, with whom he had an intrigue, about -twenty pounds, which he promised faithfully to repay before her husband -should return from the country. The time of the citizen’s arrival being -at hand, the good wife became exceedingly curious about the coin; -and as a similar favor might be wanted by him at a future time, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Maclaine made it a point of conscience to keep his word with her, and -appointed her to come to him at his country lodgings at Chelsea, where -he paid her the money. He, however, took care that his friend Plunket -should ease her of the trouble of carrying it home, by waylaying her in -the Five-fields.</p> - -<p>Soon after this, a supply of cash being wanted, Plunket and he prepared -for an expedition, and took the road to Chester; and in three days -committed five robberies between Stony Stratford and Whitechurch, one -of which was upon an intimate acquaintance, by whom Maclaine had been -handsomely entertained but two days before. However, the booty in the -whole five robberies did not amount to thirty pounds in cash, but they -had watches, rings, &c. to a much greater amount. On the very evening -of their return to town, they obtained information that an officer in -the East India company’s service had received a large sum of money, -with which he was about to return to Greenwich. They waylaid and -robbed him of a very considerable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</span> sum, and it would seem that on this -occasion they were under some dread of a discovery; for, in a few days -after the commission of it, Maclaine set out for the Hague, and Plunket -for Ireland.</p> - -<p>On the arrival of the former at the Hague, he pretended a friendly -visit to his brother, who received him with cordiality and affection, -and as honesty is never suspicious, he was easily induced to give -credit to the specious tale which his brother related to him. He told -him that he had got a considerable fortune with his late wife, and that -her father, who died some few months before, had left him a valuable -legacy, with which he designed to purchase a company in the army. Upon -that, and the interest of his other funds, he said, he hoped to live at -ease for the remainder of his life. His worthy brother, rejoicing in -his prosperity, introduced him to his acquaintance and friends, amongst -whom <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Maclaine behaved with great politeness, giving balls and large -parties; to pay for which, it is surmised, he had the art to extract -the gold watches and purses of his guests without suspicion.</p> - -<p>However, upon his arrival in London, to which place he had been -induced to return by a letter from Plunket, informing him of another -rich matrimonial prize, which was, as usual, beyond his reach or -above his ingenuity to ensnare;—he again appears to have taken up -his old thoughts of preparing for Jamaica, as a last resource. But -these thoughts did not long possess him; for though by the sale of his -horses and furniture he might have fitted himself for the West Indies -in a very genteel manner, and had still reputation enough left to have -procured sufficient recommendations from home; yet he was prevailed -upon to try his fate on the road once more, and was but too successful, -making several rich prizes. Amongst the rest he and Plunket robbed -Horace Walpole,<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> and on a reward<span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</span> being advertised for the watch -which they had taken from him, Plunket had the impudence to go and -receive it himself, choosing to run the risk rather than trust a third -person with their hazardous secret. But all human prudence is in vain -to stop the hand of justice, when once the measure of our iniquity -is full; our closest secrets take wind, we know not how; and our own -folly acts the part of an informer to awaken<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</span> offended justice. The -crisis of Maclaine’s fate was at hand. It was he who proposed his last -excursion to Plunket, who was ill at the time, and was very unwilling -to turn out; but Maclaine, impelled by some uncommon impulse, urged -him so earnestly, that he at length complied. They came up about -two o’clock in the morning, near Turnham Green, with the Salisbury -stage-coach, in which five men and a woman were passengers. Though this -was Maclaine’s expedition, yet Plunket was the acting man, and obliged -all the men to come out of the coach one by one, and rifled them; and -then, putting his pistol in his pocket, lest he should frighten the -lady, without forcing her out of the coach, he took what she offered -without further search. Plunket would now have gone off; but Maclaine, -full of his fate, demanded the cloak-bags out of the boot of the coach; -each of them took one before him and rode off, bidding a polite adieu -to the passengers, and riding as deliberately as though they had been -performing some signal service.</p> - -<p>On the same morning they met and robbed lord Eglinton, who was the -prize for whom they originally went out. They effected this by a -stratagem, as his lordship was armed with a blunderbuss. One of them -screened himself behind the postboy, so that if his lordship fired he -must shoot his servant, while the other with a pistol cocked demanded -his money, and ordered him to throw his blunderbuss on the ground. But, -it appears, the prize obtained at this hazard was but seven guineas, -with which, and the cloak-bags, they returned to Maclaine’s lodgings -before the family were up, and divided their spoil.</p> - -<p>But though the clothes were described in the public papers, yet so -infatuated was Maclaine, that he sold his share of the booty to a -salesman, who instantly recognised them as belonging to a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Higden, -and the latter immediately had Maclaine taken into custody.</p> - -<p>On his first examination he denied the fact, but afterwards, that he -might leave himself no room to escape, he formed a design of saving -his life by impeaching<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</span> his accomplice Plunket, foolishly imagining -that justice would promise life to a villain she had in custody, for -impeaching another that was out of her reach. But “Quem Deus vult -perdere priùs demontat,” or, to express a similar sentiment in the -words of Massinger,—</p> - -<p class="poetry"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">“Here is a precedent to teach wicked men,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That when they leave religion and turn atheists</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Their own abilities leave ’em.”</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>For though he was forewarned that a confession, without impeaching a -number of accomplices, would not avail him, he still insisted upon -taking that step, not from compunction or remorse, but with the base -design of saving his own life at the expense of that of his quondam -friend.</p> - -<p>On his second examination he delivered his confession in writing, -and behaved in a most dastardly manner, whimpering and crying like a -whipped school-boy. This conduct, degrading as it was, drew sympathetic -tears from, and opened the purses of his fair audience, whose bounty -supported him in great affluence while he remained in the Gatehouse, -and whose kind offers of intercession gave him hopes of a free pardon.</p> - -<p>On his trial, he thought fit to retract his confession, pretending that -he was flurried, and in some measure delirious, when he made it, and -that he had received the clothes from Plunket in payment of a debt. But -this evasion had no weight with the jury, who brought him in guilty -without going out of court.</p> - -<p>On receiving sentence, guilt, shame and dread deprived him of the power -of speech, and disabled him from reading a paper, pathetically enough -composed, in which he prayed for mercy.</p> - -<p>In Newgate, ample time was permitted him to make his peace with his -offended Maker, and there is every evidence to believe, from the -testimony of the <abbr title="reverend">Rev.</abbr> <abbr title="doctor">Dr.</abbr> Allen, who attended him constantly to -the last moment of his life, that his remorse and contrition were -unaffected, sincere and strong.</p> - -<p>He was carried to Tyburn in a cart, like the rest of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</span> the criminals, -and not, as was expected, in a coach; he stood the gaze of the -multitude (which was on this occasion almost infinite) without the -least concern; his thoughts were steadfast in his devotion, and when -he was about to be turned off he said, “O God, forgive my enemies, -bless my friends, and receive my soul!” His execution took place on -Wednesday, October 3, 1750.</p> - - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> In the very amusing Letters of Horace Walpole to Sir -Horace Mann, recently published, we find the following spirited and -lively sketch of Maclaine.</p> - -<p>“I have been in town for a day or two, and heard no conversation but -about M’Laine, a fashionable highwayman, who is just taken, and who -robbed me among others; as lord Eglinton, Sir Thomas Robinson of -Vienna, Mrs. Talbot, &c. He took an odd booty from the Scotch earl, a -blunderbuss, which lies very formidable upon the justice’s table. He -was taken by selling a laced waistcoat to a pawnbroker, who happened -to carry it to the very man who had just sold the lace. His history is -very particular, for he confesses every thing, and is so little of a -hero, that he cries and begs, and I believe, if lord Eglinton had been -in any luck, might have been robbed of his own blunderbuss. His father -was an Irish dean; his brother is a Calvinist minister in great esteem -at the Hague. He himself was a grocer, but losing a wife that he loved -extremely about two years ago, and by whom he has one little girl, he -quitted his business with two hundred pounds in his pocket, which he -soon spent, and then took to the road with only one companion, Plunket, -a journeyman apothecary, my other friend, whom he has impeached, but -who is not taken. M’Laine had a lodging in <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> James’ street over -against White’s, and another at Chelsea; Plunket one in Jermyn street; -and their faces are as known about <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> James’ as any gentleman’s who -lives in that quarter, and who perhaps goes upon the road too. M’Laine -had a quarrel at Putney bowling-green two months ago with an officer, -whom he challenged for disputing his crank; but the captain declined, -till M’Laine should produce a certificate of his nobility, which he has -just received. If he had escaped a month longer, he might have heard -of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Chute’s genealogical expertness, and come hither to the College -of Arms for a certificate. There was a wardrobe of clothes, three and -twenty purses, and the celebrated blunderbuss, found at his lodgings, -besides a famous kept mistress. As I conclude he will suffer, and wish -him no ill, I don’t care to have his idea, and am almost single in not -having been to see him. Lord Mountford, at the head of half White’s, -went the first day: his aunt was crying over him: as soon as they were -withdrawn, she said to him, knowing they were of White’s, ‘My dear, -what did the lords say to you? have you ever been concerned with any of -them?’ Was it not admirable? what a favorable idea people must have of -White’s!—and what if White’s should not deserve a touch better! But -the chief personages who have been to comfort and weep over this fallen -hero are lady Caroline Petersham and Miss Ashe: I call them Polly and -Lucy, and asked them if he did not sing, ‘Thus I stand like the Turk -with his doxies around.’”</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="EUGENE_ARAM">EUGENE ARAM.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The accounts of the life of this man have become of late so widely -circulated, and the particulars respecting the murder of which he was -the perpetrator so generally known, that any notice of him in this -work would appear almost supererogatory, were it not that a charge -of oversight and omission could, without injustice, be reasonably -advanced against it, were we to slight over or leave unmentioned a -name so notorious. We shall, therefore, give a summary of his history, -commencing with an account of his family and early life, furnished by -himself at the request of the two gentlemen who, at his own particular -desire, attended him at his condemnation.</p> - -<p>“I was born at Ramsgill, a little village in Netherdale, in 1704. My -maternal relations had been substantial and reputable in that dale, -for a great many generations: my father was of Nottinghamshire, a -gardener, of great abilities in botany, and an excellent draughtsman. -He served the right reverend bishop of London, <abbr title="doctor">Dr.</abbr> Compton, with great -approbation; which occasioned his being recommended to Newby, in -this county, to Sir Edward Blackett, whom he served in the capacity -of gardener, with much credit to himself, and satisfaction to that -family, for above thirty years. Upon the decease of that baronet, he -went, and was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</span> retained in the service of Sir John Ingilby, of Ripley, -Bart., where he died; respected when living, and lamented when dead. -My father’s ancestors were of great antiquity and consideration in the -county, and originally British. Their surname is local, for they were -formerly lords of the town of Haram, or Aram, on the southern banks of -the Tees, and opposite to Sockburn, in Bishopric; and appear in the -records of <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Mary’s, at York, among many charitable names, early -and considerable benefactors to that abbey. They, many centuries ago, -removed from these parts, and were settled under the fee of the lords -Mowbray, in Nottinghamshire, at Haram or Aram Park, in the neighborhood -of Newark upon Trent; where they were possessed of no less than three -knights’ fees in the reign of Edward the Third. Their lands, I find not -whether by purchase or marriage, came into the hands of the present -lord Lexington. While the name existed in the county, some of them -were several times high sheriffs for the county; and one was professor -of divinity, if I remember right, at Oxford, and died at York. The -last of the chief of this family was Thomas Aram, Esq. of Gray’s inn, -and one of the commissioners of the salt office, under queen Anne. He -married one of the co-heiresses of Sir John Coningsby, of North Mimms, -in Hertfordshire. His seat, which was his own estate, was at the Wild, -near Shenley, in Hertfordshire, where I saw him, and where he died -without issue.</p> - -<p>“I was removed very young, along with my mother, to Skelton, near -Newby; and thence, at five or six years old, my father making a little -purchase at Bondgate, near Ripon, his family went thither. There I went -to school; where I was made capable of reading the Testament, which was -all I was ever taught, except, a long time after, for about a month, in -a very advanced age for that, with the reverend <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Alcock, of Burnsal.</p> - -<p>“After this, about thirteen or fourteen years of age, I went to my -father at Newby, and attended him in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</span> the family there, till the death -of Sir Edward Blackett. It was here my propensity to literature first -appeared, for being always of a solitary disposition, and uncommonly -fond of retirement and books, I enjoyed here all the repose and -opportunity I could wish. My study at that time was engaged in the -mathematics: I know not what my acquisitions were, but I am certain my -application was intense and unwearied. I found in my father’s library -there, which contained a very great number of books in most branches, -Kersey’s Algebra, Leybourn’s Cursus Mathematicus, Ward’s Young -Mathematician’s Guide, Harris’ Algebra, &c. and a great many more; but -these being the books in which I was ever most conversant, I remember -them the better. I was even then equal to the management of quadratic -equations, and their geometrical constructions. After we left Newby, I -repeated the same studies in Bondgate, and went over all parts I had -studied before, I believe not altogether unsuccessfully.</p> - -<p>“Being about the age of sixteen, I was sent for to London, being -thought, upon examination by <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Christopher Blackett, qualified to -serve him as book-keeper in his counting-house. Here, after a year -or two, I took the small-pox and suffered most severely under that -distemper. I returned home again, and there with leisure on my hands, -and a new addition of authors to those brought me from Newby, I renewed -not only my mathematical studies, but began and prosecuted others, of -a different turn, with much avidity and diligence. These were poetry, -history, and antiquities; the charms of which quite destroyed all the -heavier beauties of numbers in lines, whose applications and properties -I now pursued no longer, except occasionally in teaching.</p> - -<p>“I was, after some time employed in this manner, invited into -Netherdale, my native air, where I first engaged in a school, and -where, unfortunately enough for me, I married. The misconduct of the -wife which that place afforded me, has procured me this prosecution, -this prison, this infamy, and this sentence.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</span></p> - -<p>“During my marriage here, perceiving the deficiencies in my education, -and sensible of my want of the learned languages, and prompted by an -irresistible covetousness of knowledge, I commenced a series of studies -in that way, and undertook the tediousness of the intricacies and the -labor of grammar; I selected Lilly from the rest, all of which I got -and repeated by heart. The task of repeating it all every day was -impossible while I attended the school; so I divided it into portions; -by which method it was pronounced thrice every week, and this I -performed for years.</p> - -<p>“I next became acquainted with Camden’s Greek Grammar, which I also -repeated in the same manner, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">memoriter</i>. Thus instructed, -I entered upon the Latin classics, whose allurements repaid my -assiduities and my labors. I remember to have, at first, overhung five -lines for a whole day; and never, in all the painful course of my -reading, left any one passage till I did, or thought I did, perfectly -comprehend it.</p> - -<p>“After I had accurately perused every one of the Latin classics, -historians and poets, I went through the Greek Testament, first -parsing every word as I proceeded; next I ventured upon Hesiod, Homer, -Theocritus, Herodotus, Thucydides, and all the Greek tragedians: -a tedious labor was this; but my former acquaintance with history -lessened it extremely, because it threw light upon many passages, which -without that assistance must have appeared obscure.</p> - -<p>“In the midst of these literary pursuits a man and horse from my good -friend William Norton, Esq., came for me from Knaresborough, bearing -that gentleman’s letter inviting me thither; and accordingly I repaired -there in some part of the year 1734, and was, I believe, well accepted -and esteemed there. Here, not satisfied with my former acquisitions, I -prosecuted the attainment of Hebrew, and with indefatigable diligence. -I had Buxtorff’s grammar, but that being perplexed, or not explicit -enough, at least in my opinion at that time, I collected no less than -eight or ten different grammars and thus one very often supplied the -omissions of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</span> others, and was, I found, of extraordinary advantage. -Then I purchased the Bible in the original and read the whole -Pentateuch, with an intention to go through the whole of it, which I -attempted, but wanted time.</p> - -<p>“In April, I think the 18th, 1744, I went again to London, and agreed -to teach the Latin and writing, for the <abbr title="reverend">Rev.</abbr> <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Painblanc, in -Piccadilly, which he, along with a salary, returned, by teaching me -French; wherein I observed the pronunciation the most formidable part, -at least to me, who had never before known a word of it. By continued -application every night and every opportunity, I overcame this, and -soon became a tolerable master of French. I remained in this situation -two years and above.</p> - -<p>“Some time after this I went to Hays, in the capacity of -writing-master, and served a gentlewoman there, since dead; and stayed, -after that, with a worthy and reverend gentleman. I continued here -between three and four years. To several other places I then succeeded, -and all that while used every occasion for improvement. I then -transcribed acts of parliament to be registered in chancery; and after -went down to the free-school at Lynn.</p> - -<p>“From my leaving Knaresborough to this time is a long interval, which -I had filled up with the farther study of history and antiquities, -heraldry and botany; in the last of which I was very agreeably -entertained, there being in that study so extensive a display of -nature. I well knew Tournefort, Ray, Miller, Linnæus, &c. I made -frequent visits to the botanic garden at Chelsea; and traced pleasure -through a thousand fields: at last, few plants, domestic or exotic, -were unknown to me. Amidst all this I ventured upon the Chaldee and -Arabic; and, with a design to understand them, supplied myself with -Erpenius, Chappelow, and others: but I had not time to obtain any great -knowledge of the Arabic; the Chaldee I found easy enough, because of -its connection with the Hebrew.</p> - -<p>“I then investigated the Celtic, as far as possible, in all its -dialects; began collections, and made comparisons<span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</span> between that, the -English, the Latin, the Greek, and even the Hebrew. I had made notes, -and compared above three thousand of these together, and found such a -surprising affinity, even beyond any expectation or conception, that -I was determined to proceed through the whole of these languages, and -form a comparative lexicon, which I hoped would account for numberless -vocables in use with us, the Latins, and Greeks, before concealed and -unobserved: this, or something like it, was the design of a clergyman -of great erudition in Scotland; but it must prove abortive, for he -died before he executed it, and most of my books and papers are now -scattered and lost.”</p> - -<p>Such is the account Eugene Aram has given of himself, until the -commission of the fatal act that brought down upon him the execration -of the world and the last vengeance of the law. Of all the crimes man -is capable of committing, there is none so offensive to Omnipotence as -murder; and the Almighty, therefore, seems to be more intent to expose -that heinous and accursed offence to mankind; to warn and admonish -them, to show them that rocks cannot hide, nor distance secure them -from the inevitable consequences of the violation of that law which -nature dictates and man confirms. The extraordinary means by which -this murder was brought to light, is one of the many instances of this -divine interposition.</p> - -<p>Daniel Clark was born at Knaresborough, of reputable parents, where -he lived and followed the business of a shoemaker. About the month -of January, 1744 or 5, he married, and became possessed of property -to the amount of two or three hundred pounds. He was at that time in -very good credit at Knaresborough, and it is supposed a scheme was -then laid by Eugene Aram, at that time a schoolmaster in the town, and -one Houseman, a flax-dresser, to defraud several tradesmen of great -quantities of goods and plate, Clark having been chosen as the fittest -person to carry their plan into execution; for, as he then lived in -very good reputation, and, moreover, was lately married, he was the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</span> -person of all others best calculated to effect the intended purpose. -Accordingly, Clark for some days went about to various tradesmen in the -town, and under the pretext that, as he was just married, it was not -altogether irrational to suppose that cloth, and table and bed-linen, -would considerably contribute to his matrimonial comfort, he took up -great quantities of linen and woollen-drapery goods; the worthy dealers -of Knaresborough rendering up their commodities with the greatest zeal -and expedition on so interesting an occasion. After this, he went to -several innkeepers and others, desiring to borrow a silver tankard of -one, a nicely-worked silver pint of another, and the like, alleging -that he was to have company that night, and should be glad of the -use of them at supper; and in order to give a color to his story, he -procured of the innkeepers (of whom he had borrowed the plate) ale and -other liquors to regale his visitors.</p> - -<p>Some suspicious circumstances, however, appearing that night and the -following morning, a rumor got wind that Clark had absconded; and upon -inquiry, most certainly, he was not to be found. An active search was -immediately made for the goods and plate with which he had provided -himself, when some part of the goods was found at Houseman’s house, -and another part dug up in Aram’s garden: but as no plate could be -found it was concluded, somewhat naturally, that with them Clark had -decamped. The strictest inquiry was instantly set on foot to discover -his retreat; persons were despatched to all parts; advertisements -describing his person inserted in all the papers; but to no purpose.</p> - -<p>Eugene Aram being suspected to be an accomplice, a process was granted -against him by the steward of the honor of Knaresborough to arrest -him for a debt due to a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Norton, with a view to detain him till -such time as a warrant could be obtained from the justice of the peace -to apprehend him upon that charge. To the surprise of all, however, -the money was instantly paid, and moreover, at the same time, a -considerable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</span> mortgage upon his house at Bondgate was also discharged. -Soon afterwards, Aram left the town, and was not heard of until the -month of June, 1758, when the murder of Clark being traced to him, he -was found residing at Lynn.</p> - -<p>Upwards of thirteen years after Clark’s disappearance, it happened -that a laborer employed in digging for stone to supply a lime-kiln, at -a place called Thistle hill, near Knaresborough, striking about half -a yard and half a quarter deep, turned up an arm bone and the small -bone of the leg of a human skeleton. His curiosity being excited, he -carefully removed the earth round about the place, and discovered all -the bones belonging to a body, presenting an appearance, from their -position, as though the body had been doubled at the hips, though the -bones were all perfect. This remarkable accident being rumored in the -town, gave rise to a suspicion that Daniel Clark had been murdered and -buried there; for no other person had been missing thereabouts for -sixty years and upwards. The coroner was instantly informed, and an -inquest summoned.</p> - -<p>The wife of Eugene Aram, who had frequently before given hints of -her suspicions, was now examined. From her evidence, it appeared -that Clark was an intimate acquaintance of Aram’s before the 8th of -February, 1744-5, and they had had frequent transactions together, -and with Houseman also. About two o’clock in the morning of the 8th -of February, 1744-5, Aram, Clark, and Houseman came to Aram’s house -and went up stairs, where they remained about an hour. They then went -out together, and Clark being the last, she observed that he had a -sack or wallet on his back. About four, Aram and Houseman returned, -but without their companion. “Where is Clark?” she inquired; but her -husband only returned an angry look in reply, and desired her to go to -bed, which she refused, and told him, “she feared he had been doing -something wrong.” Aram then went down stairs with the candle, and she -being desirous to know what they were doing,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</span> followed them, and from -the top of the stairs heard Houseman say, “She’s coming; if she does, -she’ll tell.” “What can she tell, poor simple thing?” replied Aram; -“she knows nothing. I’ll hold the door to prevent her coming.” “It’s of -no use, something must be done,” returned Houseman; “if she don’t split -now, she will some other time.” “No, no, foolish,” her husband said; -“we’ll coax her a little till her passion is off, and then”—“What!” -said Houseman sullenly.—“Shoot her,” whispered Aram, “shoot her!” Mrs. -Aram, hearing this discourse, became very much alarmed, but remained -quiet. At seven o’clock the same morning they both left the house, -and she, immediately their backs were turned, went down stairs, and -observed that there had been a fire below, and all the ashes taken -out of the grate. She then examined the dunghill, and perceived ashes -of a different kind lying upon it, and searching amongst them, found -several pieces of linen and woollen cloth very nearly burnt, which had -the appearance of wearing apparel. When she returned into the house, -she found a handkerchief that she had lent to Houseman the night -before, and a round spot of blood upon it about the size of a shilling. -Houseman came back soon afterwards, and she charged him with having -done some dreadful thing to Clark; but he pretended total ignorance, -and added, “she was a fool, and knew not what she said.” From these -circumstances, she fully and conscientiously believed that Daniel Clark -was murdered by Houseman and Eugene Aram, on the 8th of February, -1744-5.</p> - -<p>Several other witnesses were examined, all affirming that Houseman and -Eugene Aram were the last persons seen with Clark, especially on the -night of the 7th of February, being that after which he was missing. -Upon hearing these testimonies, Houseman, who was present, was observed -to become very restless, discovering all the signs of guilt, such as -trembling, turning pale, and faltering in his speech. Few men guilty -of the crime of murder have the strength of heart and self-command to -conceal it: by some circumstance or<span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</span> other, the truth will out; a look, -a dream, and not unfrequently, as in this case, their own unfaithful -tongue, is the involuntary agent that brings at last the blackened -culprit to that punishment which unerringly awaits the man that sheds -his brother’s blood. Accordingly, upon the skeleton being produced, -Houseman, taking up one of the bones, dropped this most unguarded -expression: “This is no more Daniel Clark’s bone than it is mine.” -“What?” remarked the coroner instantly—“what?—how is this? How can -you be so sure that that is not Daniel Clark’s bone?” “Because I can -produce a witness,” replied Houseman, in evident confusion—“because -I can produce a witness, who saw Daniel Clark upon the road two days -after he was missing at Knaresborough.” This witness was instantly -summoned, and stated that he had never seen Clark after the 8th of -February; a friend, however, had told him (and this only had he -mentioned at first) that he met some one very like Clark; but, it being -a snowy day, and the person having the cape of his great coat up, he -could not say with the least degree of certainty who he was. This -explanation, so far from proving satisfactory, increased the suspicion -against Houseman; and accordingly a warrant was issued against him, -and he was apprehended and brought before William Thornton, Esq., who, -examining him, elicited a full acknowledgment of the fact of his having -been with Clark on the night in question, on account of some money -(twenty pounds) that he had lent him, and which he wanted at the time -very pressingly. He further stated, that Clark begged him to accept the -value in goods, to which proposition he assented, and was necessarily, -therefore, several times to and fro between Clark’s house and his -own, in order to remove the goods from one to the other. When he had -finished, he left Clark at Aram’s house, with another man, whom he had -never seen before. Aram and Clark, immediately afterwards, followed him -out of the house of the former, and the stranger was with them. They -then went in the direction of the market-place,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</span> which the light of the -moon enabled him to see, and he lost sight of them. He disavowed most -solemnly that he came back to Aram’s house that morning with Aram and -Clark, as was asserted by Mrs. Aram; nor was he with Aram, but with -Clark, at the house of the former on that night, whither he only went -to see Clark in order to obtain from him the note.</p> - -<p>Being then asked if he would sign this examination, he said he would -rather waive it for the present, for he might have something to add, -and therefore desired to have time to consider of it. The magistrate -then committed him to York castle, when, expressing a wish to explain -more fully, he was again brought before <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Thornton, and in his -presence made the following confession:—That Daniel Clark was murdered -by Eugene Aram, late of Knaresborough, a schoolmaster, and, as he -believed, on Friday the 8th of February, 1744-5; for that Eugene Aram -and Daniel Clark were together at Aram’s house early that morning, -and that he (Houseman) left the house and went up the street a little -before, and they called to him, desiring he would go a short way with -them; and he accordingly went with them to a place called <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Robert’s -cave, near Grimble bridge, where the two former stopped, and there he -saw Aram strike Clark several times over the breast and head, and saw -him fall as if he were dead; upon which he came away and left them; but -whether Aram used any weapon or not to kill Clark, he could not tell, -nor did he know what he did with the body afterwards, but believed that -Aram left it at the mouth of the cave; for that, seeing Aram do this, -lest he might share the same fate, he made the best of his way to the -bridge-end, where, looking back, he saw Aram coming from the cave-side, -(which is in a private rock adjoining the river,) and could discern a -bundle in his hand, but did not know what it was: upon this he hastened -away to the town, without either joining Aram or seeing him again till -the next day, and from that time he had never had discourse with him. -He stated, however, afterwards, that Clark’s body was buried in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</span> <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> -Robert’s cave, and that he was sure it was there, but desired it might -remain till such time as Aram was taken. He added further, that Clark’s -head lay to the right, in the turn at the entrance of the cave.</p> - -<p>Proper persons were instantly appointed to examine <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Robert’s cave, -when, agreeably to Houseman’s confession, the skeleton of a human -body (the head lying as he had described) was found. A warrant was -instantly issued to apprehend Eugene Aram, who was discovered to be -living at Lynn in the capacity of usher at a school. He confessed -before the magistrate that he was well acquainted with Clark, and, -to the best of his remembrance, about or before the 8th of February, -1744-5, but utterly denied any participation in the frauds which Clark -stood charged with at the time of his disappearance. He also declared -that he knew nothing of the murder, and that the statements made by -his wife were without exception false: he, however, declined to sign -his examination, on the same plea preferred by Houseman, that he might -recollect himself better, and lest any thing should be omitted which -might afterwards occur to him. On being conducted to the castle, he -desired to return, and acknowledged that he was at his own house when -Houseman and Clark came to him with some plate, of which Clark had -defrauded his neighbors. He could not but observe that the former was -very diligent in assisting; in fact, it was altogether Houseman’s -business; and there was no truth whatever in the statement that he came -there to sign a note or instrument. All the leather which Clark had -possessed himself of, amounting to a considerable value, was concealed -under flax at Houseman’s house, with the intention of disposing of it -little by little, to prevent any suspicion of his being concerned in -the robbery. The plate was beaten flat in <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Robert’s cave. At four -o’clock in the morning, they, thinking that it was too late to enable -Clark to leave with safety, agreed that he should stay there till the -next night, and he accordingly remained there all the following day. In -order, then, the better to effect his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</span> escape, they both went down to -the cave, Houseman only entering, while he watched without, lest any -person should surprise them. On a sudden he heard a noise, and Houseman -appeared at the mouth of the cave, and told him that Clark was gone. He -had a bag with him, containing plate, which he said he had purchased of -Clark, money being much more portable than such cumbersome articles. -They then went to Houseman’s house, and concealed the property there, -he fully believing that Clark had escaped. He never heard any thing -of Clark subsequently, and was as much surprised to hear there was a -suspicion of his being murdered, as that he (Eugene Aram) should be -considered to be the murderer. Notwithstanding this surprise, however, -his examination having been signed, he was committed with his companion -to York castle, there to await the assizes.</p> - -<p>On the third of August, 1759, they were both brought to the bar. -Houseman was arraigned on the former indictment, acquitted, and -admitted evidence against Aram, who was thereupon arraigned. Houseman -was then called, and deposed to the same effect as that which has -already appeared in his own confession. Several witnesses were called, -who gave evidence as to finding several kinds of goods buried in Aram’s -garden, Aram’s knowledge of the fact of Clark’s possessing two hundred -pounds, and to show that they both had been seen together on the -evening of the 7th of February. After which the skull was produced in -court; on the left side there was a fracture, from the nature of which -it was impossible to have been done but by the stroke of some blunt -instrument. The skull was beaten inwards, and could not be replaced but -from within. The surgeon gave it as his opinion, that no such breach -could proceed from natural decay; that it was not a recent fracture -made by the spade or axe by which it might have been dug up; but seemed -to be of some years’ standing.</p> - -<p>Eugene Aram’s defence, which he read, was marked with an undoubted -manifestation of very considerable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</span> powers. It was learned and -argumentative; and in some passages, glowing and eloquent. He attempted -to show, that no rational inference can be drawn that a person is -dead who suddenly disappears;—that hermitages such as <abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Robert’s -cave were the constant repositories of the bones of the recluse; -that the proofs of this were well authenticated; and, that therefore -the conclusion that the bones found were those of some one killed -in battle, or of some ascetic, remained no less reasonably than -impatiently expected by him. A verdict of guilty was however returned, -and he was condemned to be hanged accordingly.</p> - -<p>On the morning after his condemnation, he confessed the justice of his -sentence to the two gentlemen who attended him, and acknowledged that -he had murdered Clark. He told them, also, that he suspected Clark of -having an unlawful commerce with his wife; and that at the time of the -murder he felt persuaded he was acting right, but since, he had thought -otherwise.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a></p> - -<p>It was generally believed, as he promised to make a more ample -confession on the day he was executed of every thing prior to the -murder, that the whole would have been disclosed; but he put an end -to any farther discovery, by an attempt upon his own life. When he -was called from his bed to have his chains taken off, he refused, -alleging that he was very weak. On moving him, it was found that he had -inflicted a severe wound upon his arm, from which the blood was flowing -copiously. He had concealed a razor in the condemned hold some time -before. By proper and prompt applications he was brought to himself, -and though weak from loss of blood, conducted to Tyburn in York, where, -being asked if he had any thing to say, he answered, “No.” He was then -executed, and his body conveyed to Knaresborough Forest, and hung in -chains, pursuant to his sentence.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</span></p> - -<p>That Eugene Aram murdered Clark is beyond all question, since we have -his confession; that he committed the murder actuated by the cause he -alleges, is open to great suspicion. The strange solicitude which all -men, even the most vicious, manifest to leave behind a memory mingled -with some little good, prompted him, doubtless, to give his crime the -ennobling, or, at least, mitigatory motive to which he attributes it. -Whether the perpetration of a murder can be justified, even urged by -the wrong Aram states himself to have suspected, may be left to the -consideration of the casuist; but whether the dreadful act can be -extenuated by as deliberate and foul attack on the virtue and character -of an innocent and industrious woman, whom he upon all occasions -treated with infamous barbarity, is a question we can confidently leave -to the judgment and moral sense of every man. That Eugene Aram was -leagued with Clark and Houseman in their fraud at Knaresborough, there -can be little doubt; that he plundered his unhappy victim after he had -murdered him, there can be less; that no sense of domestic injury would -urge a man to rob another who had wronged him after he had slain him, -needs only to be mentioned to be admitted; and therefore, believing -conscientiously from these facts that the charge against his wife was -not maintainable, a double indignation is entailed upon the wretch who -could add to the measure of his crime this gratuitous calumny.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding these facts and the inferences that every attentive -reader must inevitably draw from them, Eugene Aram has been deemed a -fit hero for a popular novel; and the execration with which he should -have been consigned to posterity has been attempted to be converted -into a sentimental commiseration for a gentle student who beats out his -friend’s brains on philosophical principles, and converts his property -to his own use purely with a view to the interests of science and the -intellectual progression of the world at large.</p> - - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> It is generally believed, and upon good grounds, we -imagine, that Aram possessed himself of all the money Clark had -received for his wife’s dower, (about one hundred and sixty pounds,) -and there were strong circumstances to substantiate it; but it was -thought unnecessary, sufficient proof having been adduced without it.</p> - -</div> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="GEORGE_BARRINGTON">GEORGE BARRINGTON.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>George Barrington, whose crimes have justly astonished his -contemporaries, was originally a native and inhabitant of Ireland; -and, as it will appear in the sequel that the name of Barrington was -assumed, let it suffice to remark that his father’s name was Henry -Waldron, and that he was a working silversmith; while his mother, whose -maiden name was Naish, was a mantuamaker, and occasionally a midwife.</p> - -<p>Our adventurer was born about the year 1755, at the village of -Maynooth, in the county of Kildare. His parents, who bore a good -character for their industry, integrity, and general good behavior, -were, however, never able to rise to a state of independence, or -security from indigence, owing to their engagement in a lawsuit with -a more powerful and opulent relative, in order to the recovery of -a legacy, to which they conceived they had a legal right. To the -narrowness of their circumstances the neglect of their son’s education -is imputed; and, therefore, they were incapable of improving, or of -giving a proper bias to those early indications of natural abilities, -and a superiority of talents, which must inevitably have unfolded -themselves even in the dawn of young Barrington’s existence. He was, -notwithstanding these obstacles, instructed in reading and writing -at an early age at their expense; and afterwards, through the bounty -of a medical gentleman in the neighborhood, he was initiated in the -principles of common arithmetic, the elements of geography, and the -outlines of English grammar.</p> - -<p>This ill-fated youth, however, enjoyed but for a short time the -benefits he derived from the kindness of his first patron, a dignitary -of the church in Ireland; for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</span> the violence of his passions, which -equalled at least the extent of his talents, precipitated him into -an action by which he lost his favor forever, and which, in its -consequences, finally proved his ruin. When he had been about half a -year at the grammar-school in Dublin, to which he had been sent by his -patron, he unluckily got into a dispute with a lad, much older, larger, -and stronger than himself; the dispute degenerated into a quarrel, and -some blows ensued, in which young Waldron suffered considerably; but in -order to be revenged, he stabbed his antagonist with a penknife; and -had he not been seasonably prevented, would have in all probability -murdered him. The wounds which he gave did not prove so dangerous as -to render the several circumstances of the quarrel which occasioned -them a subject of legal investigation. The discipline of the house, -(flogging,) however, was inflicted with proper severity on the -perpetrator of so atrocious an offence, which irritated the unrelenting -and vindictive temper of the young man to such a degree that he -determined at once to run away from school, from his family, and from -his friends; thus abandoning the fair prospects that he had before him, -and blasting all the hopes that had been fondly, though vainly, formed -of the great things that might be effected by his genius when matured -by time and improved by study.</p> - -<p>His plan of escape was no sooner formed than it was carried into -execution; but previously to his departure he found means to steal ten -or twelve guineas from the master of the school, and a gold repeating -watch from Mrs. Goldsborough, the master’s sister. With this booty, a -few shirts, and two or three pair of stockings, he silently but safely -effected his retreat from the school-house, in the middle of a still -night in the month of May, 1771; and pursuing the great northern road -all that night, and all the next day, he late in the evening arrived at -the town of Drogheda, without interruption, without accident, and in a -great measure without halting, without rest, and without food.</p> - -<p>The first place of safety at which young Waldron<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</span> thought proper to -halt, was at an obscure inn in Drogheda, where a company of strolling -players happening to be at the time, it was the occasion of a new -series of acquaintance, which, though formed on precipitation and on -the spur of the occasion, was retained from choice and affection for a -number of years.</p> - -<p>One John Price, the manager of the strolling company, became quickly -the confidant, and from the confidant the sole counsellor of the -young fugitive Waldron, who, influenced by the ardor, the natural and -unguarded ingenuousness of a youthful mind, communicated to this new -friend, without reserve, all the circumstances of his life and story. -By his advice this unhappy youth renounced his paternal name, assumed -that of Barrington, entered into the company, and in the course of four -days became so absolutely and formally a strolling son of Thespis, -that he performed the part of Jaffier in “Venice Preserved,” with some -applause, to a crowded audience, in a barn in the suburbs of Drogheda; -and this without the assistance of a prompter.</p> - -<p>Though the reception he met with on his debut was very flattering -to a mind like his, Price, as well as himself, thought it would not -be proper for him to appear in public so near the scene of his late -depredations in the capital. It was, therefore, resolved on by them -that the whole company should without delay move to the northward, -and, if possible, get to the distance of sixty or eighty miles from -Dublin before they halted for any length of time. In order to enable -so numerous a body to move with all their baggage, it was necessary to -raise money; and in doing this, Barrington’s assistance being the first -thing that offered, was indispensably necessary. He was accordingly -applied to, and acquiesced with a good grace, giving Price Mrs. -Goldsborough’s gold repeater, which was disposed of for the general -benefit of the strollers.</p> - -<p>As soon as the necessary funds were procured, all these children -of Thespis set out for Londonderry, which was the place at which -they first designed to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</span> play. Travelling but slowly, they were a -considerable time on their journey; and during the course of it, -the penetrating eyes of the experienced actresses discovered that -Barrington had made a tender impression on the heart of Miss Egerton, -the young lady who played the part of Belvidera when he acted that of -Jaffier at Drogheda. This poor girl was the daughter of an opulent -tradesman at Coventry. She was young and beautiful, sweet-tempered and -accomplished, but now friendless; and though, like the rest, inured -to misfortune, she was destitute of the experience which is generally -acquired during a series of sinister and untoward events. At the age of -sixteen she was seduced by a lieutenant of marines, with whom she fled -from her father’s house to Dublin, where in less than three months he -abandoned her, leaving her a prey to poverty, infamy, and desperation.</p> - -<p>Having been thus deceived in the simplicity of innocence by the cunning -and falsehood of one of the vilest and most profligate of human -beings, she had no other resource from the most extreme want than -closing with Price, who proposed to her to join his company; which, -situated as she was, she readily agreed to do, and had been with him -but a very short time when she saw Barrington, of whom, being of a -warm constitution, she became rather suddenly enamored. But to the -credit of our adventurer, although his affection was as ardent as her -own, it was not of that brutal and profligate cast that so frequently -disgraces the devious paths of youthful imprudence and indiscretion. On -the part of Miss Egerton, the symptoms of her affection for him were -so obvious, that, inexperienced as he then was in matters of gallantry -and intrigue, he not only perceived her passion but was sensible of her -merit, and returned her love with perfect sincerity.</p> - -<p>It was not long before Price, urged a second time by want of money, -found it expedient to insinuate to the unfortunate Barrington, that a -young man of his address and appearance might very easily find means -to introduce himself into some of the public places to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</span> which the -merchants and chapmen of that commercial city generally resorted; and -that he there might, without any great difficulty, find opportunities -of picking their pockets unnoticed, and of escaping undetected, more -especially at that particular time, when, the fair being held, a -favorable juncture afforded itself of executing a plan of such a nature -with safety and facility. The idea pleased our needy adventurer, and -the plan formed on it was carried into execution by him and his trusty -confidant John Price, the very next day, with great success; at least -such it appeared to them at that time, their acquisitions having -amounted, on the close of the evening, to about forty guineas in cash, -and above one hundred and fifty pounds, Irish currency, in bank-notes; -which, however, they artfully determined not, on any account, to -circulate in the part of the kingdom in which they were obtained. This -precaution became peculiarly necessary; for several gentlemen having -been robbed, the town took the alarm, which was the greater, or at -least made the more noise, from the rarity of such events in that part -of the kingdom, where the picking of pockets is said to be very little -practised or known. But whatever the alarm was, or whatever noise it -made, neither Barrington nor his accomplice was suspected. They however -resolved to leave Derry as soon as they could with any appearance of -propriety depart from thence: so that, having played a few nights as -usual, with more applause than profit, they and their associates of the -sock and buskin removed from Londonderry to Ballyshannon, in the county -of Donegal, and never more returned into that part of the kingdom, -where George Barrington may be considered as having commenced the -business of a regular and professed pickpocket, in the summer of the -year 1771, being at that time little more than sixteen years of age, -and having just laid by the profession of a strolling player.</p> - -<p>This wretched company having now become thieves as well as vagrants -in the eye of the law, and compelled to subsist upon the plunder -above mentioned, after<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</span> travelling about a fortnight, arrived at -Ballyshannon. Here Barrington, with the company to which he belonged, -spent the autumn and the winter of the year 1771, playing generally on -Tuesdays and Saturdays, and picking pockets with John Price every day -in the week, whenever opportunity offered; a business which, though -attended with danger and certain infamy, he found more lucrative and -more entertaining than that of the theatre, where his fame and his -proficiency were by no means equal to the expectations he had raised, -or to the hopes that had been formed of him on his first appearance at -Drogheda.</p> - -<p>From Ballyshannon, at length, having left the company of his friend -Price, he moved to the southward, with his faithful Miss Egerton, whom -he had the misfortune to lose forever in crossing the river Boyne, in -which she was drowned, through the ignorance, or the more culpable -negligence, of a ferryman.</p> - -<p>Barrington, however, virtuous in his attachment to Miss Egerton, was -for some time inconsolable for the loss which he had just sustained; -but being neither of an age nor of a temper propitious to the -continuance of sorrowful sensations, he hastened to Limerick, where he -hoped to meet Price, his old accomplice. On his arrival in that city, -he learned that the person after whom he had inquired had set out for -Cork ten days before, and thither our adventurer followed him, and -found him within an hour after he entered the town gates. On their -meeting, it was agreed on by them never more to think of the stage; -a resolution which was the more easily executed, as the company to -which they originally belonged was now broken up and dispersed. It was -besides settled between them that Price should pass for Barrington’s -servant, and that Barrington should act the part of a young gentleman -of large fortune and of a noble family, who was not yet quite of age, -but, until he should attain that period, travelled for his amusement. -In pursuance of this hopeful scheme, horses were purchased, and -the master and man, now united as knight-errant and esquire, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</span> -well equipped for every purpose of depredation, accordingly took -their determination to act their several parts in the wild field of -adventure; and thus, in the summer of 1772, as the race grounds in the -south of Ireland presented themselves as the fairest objects, they -hastened to these scenes of spoliation, and were successful even beyond -their expectation.</p> - -<p>Picking pockets being rather new amongst the gentry of Ireland, their -want of precaution rendered them a more easy prey to <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington -and his accomplice, who found means to retire to Cork on the setting -in of winter, with a booty of nearly one thousand pounds. In this city -they found it convenient to fix their residence, at least till the next -spring. And now it was that Barrington first determined within himself -to become what has been called a gentleman pickpocket, and to affect -both the airs and importance of a man of fashion.</p> - -<p>In this desperate career of vice and folly, it was the fate of Price, -the preceptor of Barrington, to be first detected in the act of picking -the pocket of a gentleman of high rank, for which he was tried, -convicted, and in a very short period sentenced to transportation, for -the term of seven years, to America.</p> - -<p>Barrington, naturally alarmed at the fate of his iniquitous preceptor, -without loss of time converted all his movable property into cash, and -taking horse, made as precipitate a journey to Dublin as he possibly -could.</p> - -<p>On his arrival there, he lived rather in a private and retired manner, -only lurking in the darkest evenings about the playhouses, where he -occasionally picked up a few guineas or a watch. But he was soon -weary of the sameness, and disgusted with the obscurity of a life of -comparative retirement, such as that he led in the Irish capital; so -that when the spring and the fine weather that accompanied it returned, -he embarked on board the Dorset yacht, which was then on the point -of sailing with the duke of Leinster for Parkgate; and before the -expiration of a week, he found himself for the first time of his life -on English ground.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</span></p> - -<p>With Sir Alexander Schomberg, who commanded the Dorset yacht, there -were three other persons embarked, and of some distinction, from whence -it appeared that the connection which our adventurer formed with them -had considerable effect afterwards in the course of the long succession -of transactions in which he was engaged. A young captain was one of the -three who was most conspicuous, and, as it will appear, a striking, -though an innocent cause of Barrington’s success in his projects of -depredation.</p> - -<p>It did not require so much sagacity and penetration as Barrington at -the time certainly possessed, to penetrate into the character of this -young gentleman, and to predict the good consequences that might follow -an intimacy with a young man of his rank, disposition, and family. -Actuated by a sordid sense of the utility of such a connection to one -in his circumstances, the adventurer employed all those base arts of -flattery and insinuation of which he had been long a perfect master, to -ingratiate himself with this gentleman; and in this design he succeeded -to the utmost extent of his wishes. Barrington formed an artful tale, -which he told as his own story, the purport of which was, that his -father was a man of a noble family in Ireland, and illustrious in -England, to which country he himself now came to study law in one of -the inns of court, more, however, to avoid the ill-natured severity of -a harsh, unrelenting step-mother, which rendered his paternal mansion -in a great measure intolerable to him, than from any predilection for -the profession to which he intended to apply himself, but the exercise -of which the ample fortune that he was heir to would render unnecessary.</p> - -<p>The story took as well as could be desired by the inventor of it, and -it was settled between him and his new friend that he should, on his -arrival in town, enter himself of the Middle Temple, where <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> H——n -had some relations and a numerous acquaintance, to whom, he said, he -should be happy to introduce a gentleman so eminently distinguished by -his talents and his accomplishments,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</span> as well as by his fortune and -birth, as <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington was.</p> - -<p>It was also further agreed on between them, that they should travel -together to London; and they accordingly the next day took a -post-chaise at Parkgate, and continuing their journey by easy stages -through Chester, Nantwich, and Coventry, where they stopped two or -three days, arrived by the end of the week at the Bath coffee-house -in Piccadilly, which, on the recommendation of the captain, who had -been several times before in the metropolis, was fixed upon as their -head-quarters for the remaining part of the summer.</p> - -<p>But the expensive manner in which he lived with <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> H——n, and those -to whose acquaintance that gentleman introduced him, all of them gay, -sprightly young fellows, who had money at command, in less than a month -reduced the funds which Barrington had brought with him from Ireland -to about twenty guineas, which to him, who had been now for some years -accustomed to live like a man of affluent fortune, seemed to afford a -very inconsiderable resource: he therefore resolutely determined to -procure a supply of money by some means or other. One evening, while he -was deliberating with himself on the choice of expedients to recruit -his finances, he was interrupted in his meditations on the subject by -the arrival of a party of his friends with the captain, who proposed to -accompany them to Ranelagh, where they had agreed to meet some of their -acquaintance, and to spend the evening. Their proposal was, without -much hesitation, acceded to by Barrington, and they, without further -loss of time, ordered coaches to set them down at that celebrated place -of amusement.</p> - -<p>Walking in the middle of the gay scenes that surrounded him, he chanced -to espy the two other companions of his voyage in the Dorset packet, -to whom he only made a slight bow of recognition; and in less than -a quarter of an hour afterwards he saw the duke of Leinster engaged -deeply in conversation with two ladies and a knight of the Bath, who, -it afterwards<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</span> turned out, was Sir William Draper; and near these -he placed himself, quitting for a short time the company to which -he belonged. While he was stationed there, an opportunity, which he -considered a fair one, offered itself of making a good booty, and he -availed himself of it: he picked the duke’s pocket of above eighty -pounds, Sir William’s of five and thirty guineas, and one of the ladies -of her watch, with all which he got off undiscovered by the parties, -and joined the captain and his party as if nothing had happened out of -the ordinary and common routine of affairs in such places of public -recreation as Ranelagh.</p> - -<p>A degree of fatality, rather unfortunate for Barrington, it seems, -occurred during the perpetration of the robbery just related; that -is to say, he was observed in the very act by one of the persons who -came with him in the Dorset yacht from Ireland to Parkgate; and this -man, who was also a practitioner in the same trade of infamy, lost no -time in communicating what he saw to Barrington himself, and that in -a manner not by any means calculated to conceal his triumph on the -occasion: in fact, this gentleman’s affairs being pressing, he made -very little ceremony of informing <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington that, unless he was -willing to give him a share of the plunder, he should communicate to -the parties robbed, without delay, the particulars of what he had seen. -The consequences of a proposal of this nature presenting a disagreeable -alternative, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington, as it may be imagined, naturally chose -the least of two evils, and, under pretence of being attacked with a -sudden complaint, immediately retired with his new acquaintance to -town, and putting up at the Golden Cross inn, at Charing-cross, the -booty acquired at Ranelagh was in some sense divided, the new intruder -contenting himself with taking the lady’s watch, chain, &c., which were -of gold, and a ten pound note, leaving all the rest of the money and -the bank-papers with <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington, who, he probably conceived, had -run the greatest risk to obtain them at first.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</span></p> - -<p>But in order to cement the connection which these two were now on the -point of forming, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> James (for by that name this new accomplice -called himself,) insisted upon Barrington supping with him; and as <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -James knew the town much better than himself, Barrington thought he -would be a real acquisition, particularly in helping him to dispose -of the valuables he might acquire. Picking pockets, therefore, was -proposed by <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington as a joint concern.</p> - -<p>The outlines of the future operations of these adventurous colleagues -being adjusted, it was further agreed upon to have another interview -on the next day at a tavern in the Strand, there to regulate the plan -of their future conduct; and affairs being so far arranged, Barrington -returned to his lodgings at the Bath coffee-house, where, luckily -enough, neither captain H——n nor any of his party were at that time -arrived from Ranelagh.</p> - -<p>The next morning, at breakfast, he informed his friend the captain, -that on his return last night, he chanced to meet a very worthy -relation of his, Sir Fitzwilliam Barrington, who engaged him that day -to dinner; so that it would be out of his power to make one of the -party that were to spend the day with the captain at the Thatched-house -tavern; but that, however, he would endeavor to contrive matters so as -to join them early in the evening, and stay to supper with them, if -they were bent upon keeping it up to a late hour.</p> - -<p>This apology was received without any suspicion by the gentleman -to whom it was made, as it accounted plausibly enough for his -fellow-traveller’s absenting himself, notwithstanding a kind of prior -engagement to <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> H——n.</p> - -<p>Afterwards, Barrington being dressed, called a coach and drove to -the Crown and Anchor tavern, where he found <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> James, who had been -for some time waiting for him. The cloth being removed, and the -servants withdrawn, these worthy gentlemen entered upon business. It -was agreed upon, that whatever either<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</span> acquired, should be equally -divided between them; and that in the sale of watches, jewels, or any -other articles they might have to dispose of, both should be present. -By this provision, no suspicion of fraud could be entertained; and -thus Barrington got what he extremely wished, and greatly wanted, -an introduction to a <em>fence</em>, or a receiver of stolen goods. -It was farther settled by them, that while the captain remained in -town, they should take care not to be seen together, and that <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -James should resume his long neglected habit of a clergyman. These -weighty conditions, and some others of equal magnitude and importance, -being ultimately adjusted to the satisfaction of these systematic -plunderers, it was determined on that they should meet regularly -twice a week, that is, on Tuesdays and Fridays, to settle with each -other; but never, if it could possibly be avoided, twice at the same -house. Having then adjourned to the next Tuesday, and fixed on the -Devil tavern, at Temple-bar, as the place of their next meeting, our -adventurers separated for that time, Barrington going, according to -his appointment, to the Thatched-house tavern, and reaching it about -eight in the evening, where he found his friend the captain and a large -party of his acquaintance. Though rather far gone in liquor, most of -them knew him personally, and considering him in the light in which he -was represented to them by captain H——n, as a young man of condition, -they were delighted with his company. He only waited till the bills -were called for, and the reckoning discharged, when, there being no -farther obstacle to a hasty retreat, he plundered those who were most -off their guard; or rather those who, as he supposed, were possessed -of the most portable kind of property. Still, as the prey then made -consisted more of watches and trinkets than ready cash, he was under -the necessity of calling upon <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> James, his new friend, next morning, -who readily introduced him to a man, a receiver of stolen property, -and who paying them what they deemed an adequate consideration, they -made the first division with as much<span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</span> apparent satisfaction as if they -had been lawful dealers in the commodities of which they had unjustly -deprived the right owners.</p> - -<p>So strongly did appearance plead for him at this time, that -Barrington’s depredation was never imputed to him by those who -suffered in consequence of it; and though similar offences were at -different seasons, for upwards of two years, committed by him without -suspicion or detection, he preserved his fame, and even extended his -acquaintance. With certain superficial qualifications for shining in -company, and yet a stranger to honor or honesty, in the summer of the -year 1775, in the course of his depredations, he visited, as his custom -was, the most celebrated watering-places; and among the rest he went -to Brighton, which at that time, though frequented by genteel company, -was far from having arrived at the celebrity which it has since -acquired, especially since the conclusion of the peace with France. But -notwithstanding the paucity of numbers at this watering-place, he is -said to have had the address to ingratiate himself into the notice and -favor of the late duke of Ancaster, with several other persons of rank -and property, who all considered him as a man of genius and ability, -and as a gentleman of fortune and noble family.</p> - -<p>But, in tracing all <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington’s very singular connections, it is -necessary to remark, that about the conclusion of this winter he got -acquainted with one Lowe, a very singular character, and one who, like -his friend James, he occasionally made use of to vend his ill-gotten -property.</p> - -<p><abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington’s new junction with <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Lowe having rendered <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> James -rather a dead weight upon his hands, he began to think about breaking -with him, which he did not find a difficult matter, as James, having -at bottom some remorse of conscience for his neglect of the laws of -justice and moral obligation, very easily quitted <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Barrington’s -connection; and what is more extraordinary, being a Roman Catholic by -profession, retired to a monastery upon the continent,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</span> there in all -probability to end his days in piety and peace. Barrington, on the -other hand, seemed to increase in temerity and desperation; for on his -forming a connection with Lowe, which was but a short time previous -to that evening of the month of January which was observed as the -anniversary of the queen’s birthday, it was resolved on between them, -that, habited as a clergyman, he should repair to court, and there -endeavor, not only to pick the pockets of some of the company, but, -what was a bolder and a much more novel attempt, to cut off the diamond -orders of some of the knights of the Garter, Bath, and Thistle, who -on such days usually wear the collars of their respective orders over -their coats. In this enterprize he succeeded beyond the most sanguine -expectations that could have been formed by either his new accomplice -Lowe or himself; for he found means to deprive a nobleman of his -diamond order, and also contrived to get away from the palace without -suspicion. This being an article of too much value to dispose of in -England, it is reported that it was sold to a Dutchman, or rather to a -Dutch Jew, who came over from Holland once or twice a year for the sole -object of buying jewels that had been stolen; and though a stranger, -he is generally reported to have given a much higher price for such -articles than could have been gotten from the receivers in town.</p> - -<p>The celebrated Russian prince Orloff paid his first visit to England -in the winter of 1775. The high degree of estimation in which that -nobleman had long been held by the late empress Catharine, had -ultimately heaped upon him not a few of her distinguishing favors. -Among other things of this nature, she had expressed her approbation -of his merits by presenting him with a gold snuff-box, set with -brilliants generally supposed to have been worth no less a sum than -thirty thousand pounds. This distinguishing trophy having caught the -eye of Barrington, impelled him to contrive means to get it into his -possession, and he thought a fit opportunity presented itself one night -at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</span> Covent Garden theatre, where, getting near the prince, he had the -dexterity to convey it out of his excellency’s waistcoat pocket into -his own; when, being immediately suspected by the prince, he seized him -by the collar; but, in the bustle that took place, Barrington slipped -the box into his hand, which that nobleman gladly retained, though -Barrington, to the astonishment of all around, was secured and lodged -in Tothill-fields Bridewell till the Wednesday following, when his -examination took place at the public office in Bow street.</p> - -<p>Sir John Fielding being at that time the magistrate, Barrington -represented himself to him as a native of Ireland, of an affluent and -respectable family. He said that he had been educated in the medical -line, and came to England to improve himself by the extent of his -connections. To this plausible representation he added so many tears, -and seemed to rest so much upon his being an unfortunate gentleman, -rather than a guilty culprit, that prince Orloff declining to prosecute -him, he was dismissed with an admonition from the magistrate to -amend his future conduct; but this, it will appear, had no manner of -influence upon his subsequent proceedings. In fact, Barrington having -gone too far to recede, every one now taking alarm at his character and -conduct, and the public prints naturally holding him up as a cheat and -impostor, he was even forsaken by those who, until that discovery of -his practices, generally countenanced him, and enjoyed his company as a -young gentleman of no common abilities.</p> - -<p>Being in the lobby of the lords one day, when an appeal of an -interesting nature was expected to come on, so that Barrington -thought to profit by numbers of genteel people that generally attend; -unhappily for Barrington’s projects, a gentleman recognised his person, -and applying to the deputy usher of the black rod, Barrington was -disgracefully turned out, and, of course, totally disappointed of the -harvest he had promised himself.</p> - -<p>Barrington, having by some means heard that this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</span> gentleman was -the person who had denounced him to the keeper of the lobby, was -so indiscreet as to threaten him with revenge for what he deemed -an unmerited injury; but, the magistrates thinking otherwise, they -granted, upon that gentleman’s complaint, a warrant against Barrington -to bind him over to keep the peace. His credit having sunk so very low, -that not one of all his numerous acquaintance would become a surety -for him, he was compelled to go to Tothill-fields Bridewell, where he -remained a considerable time under confinement, from his inability to -procure the bail that was required. However, having again obtained -a release from that disagreeable quarter, he had no alternative but -that of his old profession, and, therefore, in about three months -afterwards, we find him detected in picking the pocket of a low woman, -at Drury-Lane theatre, for which, being indicted and convicted at the -Old Bailey, he was sentenced to ballast-heaving, or, in other words, -to three years’ hard labor on the river Thames, on board of the hulks -at Woolwich. As soon as it was convenient, in the spring of 1777, -Barrington was put on board one of these vessels.</p> - -<p>A sudden remove from ease and affluence to a scene of wretched -servitude and suffering, and the privation of almost every comfort -in life, could not but have a most sensible effect upon a man in -his condition. In short, he was not only harassed and fatigued with -labor, to which he had been unaccustomed, but even disgusted with the -filthy language of his fellow-convicts, whose blasphemous effusions, -which they seemed to make use of by way of amusement, must have been -a constant source of the most disagreeable sensations in the mind of -almost any person not totally lost to the feelings and the decencies of -civilized, or even a savage state of existence. At length the mental, -as well as the corporeal sufferings of Barrington, did not escape the -notice of Messrs. Erskine and Duncan Campbell, the superintendents -of the convicts; for, in consequence of Barrington’s good behavior, -and through the interference of these gentlemen, he was again set at -liberty,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</span> after sustaining nearly a twelvemonth’s severe suffering on -board the hulks of Woolwich.</p> - -<p>Still, nothing that Barrington had yet undergone was sufficient to -produce any cordial repentance in his mind. He again entered into the -full practice of his former profession. In less than six months after -his liberation from hard labor, he was detected by one Payne, a very -zealous constable in the city, in the very act of picking pockets at -<abbr title="saint">St.</abbr> Sepulchre’s church during divine service, and being convicted upon -undeniable evidence at the ensuing Old Bailey sessions, he was a second -time sentenced to hard labor on board the hulks, and that for five -years.</p> - -<p>It was upon his trial on this occasion, that Barrington was first -noticed in the public prints as an able speaker. He then essayed, -with no small degree of artifice, to interest the feelings of the -court in his behalf; but the evidences of his guilt being too forcible -and repeated, and all his efforts proving abortive, he was once more -removed to the hulks, about the middle of the year 1778. Being a -second time in this humiliating and disgraceful situation, he found -his imaginary consequence so much hurt, that, failing in a variety of -plans to effect his escape, his next attempt was to destroy himself. -For this purpose, he took an opportunity to be seen stabbing himself -with a penknife in the breast; but as the wound, by the immediate -application of medical assistance, was slowly healed, he continued to -linger in this new state of wretchedness, till, happening to be seen by -a gentleman who came to visit the hulks, it produced another event in -his favor.</p> - -<p>The gentleman just alluded to being most sensibly affected by the -dejected and squalid appearance of Barrington, made a most successful -use of his influence with government to obtain Barrington’s release, -upon the condition that he should leave the kingdom. To this as -Barrington gladly assented, he generously supplied him with a sum of -money to defray the expense of his removal to Ireland, where it is -understood this unhappy offender always persisted in stating that he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</span> -had friends and relatives of credit and character. In London he did not -think proper to stay longer than was needful to procure necessaries for -his journey; he therefore took the Chester coach, and in the course of -a week was enabled to reach the Irish capital, where his fame having -arrived before, he was looked upon with such an eye of suspicion, that -he was shortly apprehended for picking the pocket of an Irish nobleman -of a gold watch and his money at one of the theatres, and was soon -after committed to the New Gaol to be tried upon the charge, but was -acquitted for want of evidence.</p> - -<p>Though he was acquitted on this occasion, he was perfectly convinced -that the Irish capital would be too warm to retain him. He quickly -determined to leave Ireland, and accordingly removed to the northern -parts of that kingdom, through which he took his way to Edinburgh, -where he concluded that he might, for some time at least, commit his -depredations with greater safety and facility than he could do either -in London or Dublin.</p> - -<p>But, in the opinion which he had formed of the character of the Scots, -he soon learned by experience that he was grossly mistaken; for he was -quickly observed in the capital of Scotland, where the police is more -vigilant and severe than in most other parts of the British dominions. -He therefore thought it prudent to depart from Edinburgh, where his -gleanings were comparatively small.</p> - -<p>However, being determined to return to London, he took Chester in his -way, and it being fair-time there, he is said to have contrived to get -possession of the amount of six hundred pounds in cash and bank notes, -with which he got clear off.</p> - -<p>Such are the delusions of vice and the fatal sweets of ill-gotten -wealth, that, though additional danger attended his public appearance, -from the infraction of the terms on which he was liberated from his -confinement on board the hulks, (which were those of his leaving the -kingdom and never more returning to it,)<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</span> still he frequented the -theatres, the Opera House, and the Pantheon, with tolerable success. -But he was now too notorious to be long secure: he was closely watched -and well-nigh detected at the latter of these places; at least, such -strong suspicions were entertained by the magistrates of his conduct on -the occasion, that he was taken into custody, and committed to Newgate.</p> - -<p>Here again, for want of evidence, he got clear of the charge brought -against him; but, notwithstanding this, he was unexpectedly detained -at the instance of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Duncan Campbell, the superintendent of the -convicts, for having returned to England in violation of the condition -on which his majesty was pleased to grant him a remission of the -punishment which he was sentenced to undergo on board the hulks; and -the consequence of the detainer was, that he was made what is called -a <em>fine</em> at Newgate, during the unexpired part of the time that -he was originally to have served on the Thames. When the period of his -captivity in this prison expired, he was, as a matter of course, set at -liberty; and as usual, no sooner obtained his liberty, than he returned -to his former practices. He, however, was now more cautious; and being -connected with some accomplices of his own cast, he was not so easily -detected as he might have been with others less experienced.</p> - -<p>In a state of alarm and anxiety, he lived a considerable time in -the society of the most profligate and abandoned characters of the -metropolis, when he was seen to pick the pocket of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Le Mesurier, -at Drury-lane playhouse, and was immediately apprehended. Charge of -him was given to one Blandy, a constable, who, through negligence or -corruption, suffered him to make his escape. The proceedings against -him were carried on to an outlawry, and various methods were made use -of to detect him, for nearly two years, without effect.</p> - -<p>But while the lawyers were outlawing him, and the constables -endeavoring to take him, he was travelling in various disguises and -characters through the northern counties of this kingdom. He visited -the great<span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</span> towns in those parts as a quack-doctor, or as a clergyman; -sometimes he went with an E. O. table, and sometimes he pretended to -be a rider to a manufacturing house at Birmingham or Manchester; and -travelling on horseback, with a decent deportment and grave appearance, -the account which he thought proper to give of himself was credited, -without any difficulty, by those who questioned him.</p> - -<p>But, in spite of all these precautions, it sometimes happened that he -was known by gentlemen whom he met, once particularly in Lincolnshire; -yet no one offered to molest or intercept him, until he arrived at -Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where, on being recognised, he was suspected of -picking pockets, and, on inquiry, was discovered to be an outlaw: -upon which he was removed by a writ of habeas corpus to London, and -imprisoned in Newgate, where he arrived miserable and so dejected, that -on learning his circumstances, some of his friends made a subscription -for him, by which he was enabled to employ counsel, and to take legal -measures to have the outlawry against him reversed.</p> - -<p>This being effected, he was tried for the original offence, that of -stealing <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Le Mesurier’s purse; but, through the absence of the <abbr title="reverend">Rev.</abbr> -<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Adeane, a material witness for the prosecution, he was acquitted. -Being once more enlarged, he again set off for Ireland, in company with -a young man of the name of Hubert, well known in town for his fraud -on the duke of York. With this accomplice, he was so infatuated as to -endeavor to carry on his depredations in Dublin, where it was never -his fortune to remain for any length of time undetected; for, Hubert -being taken in the act of picking a gentleman’s pocket, and handing the -property to Barrington, he with great difficulty made his escape to -England, where he rambled about for some time previously to his arrival -in the capital, which he had scarcely entered, when he was taken into -custody for picking <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Henry Hare Townsend’s pocket of a gold watch.</p> - -<p>Hubert, his accomplice, was tried at Dublin, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</span> sentenced to -transportation for seven years; but he afterwards contrived to make his -escape.</p> - -<p>On Wednesday morning, September 15th, 1790, Barrington was put to the -bar to be arraigned on an indictment charging him with stealing, on the -1st of September, 1790, in the parish of Enfield, a gold watch, chain, -and seals, the property of Henry Hare Townsend, Esq. Upon this occasion -Barrington displayed all the talents which it has been universally -admitted he possessed; but in spite of a long speech, which professed, -whether sincere or assumed, great contrition for his past offences, and -a determination to amend his life for the future, he was convicted, and -sentenced by the judge to seven years’ transportation.</p> - -<p>During the voyage to Port Jackson, Barrington rendered an essential -service in quelling a mutiny in the vessel. Upon this occasion the -captain evinced his gratitude for the services he had performed, and -when they had reached the Cape, at the recommendation of the former, he -received a hundred dollars reward for his zeal and activity.</p> - -<p>On their arrival at Port Jackson, Barrington having been recommended -to the governor, was placed in the first instance at Tamgabbe as a -subordinate, and was soon advanced to be a principal watchman, in which -situation he acquitted himself as a useful and active officer; insomuch -that the governor determined to withdraw him from the convicts; and at -the same time that he received his instrument of emancipation, he was -presented with a grant of thirty acres of land at Paramatta. He was -subsequently appointed superintendent of the convicts; and although not -permitted to return to England, was invested with all the immunities of -a freeman, a settler, and a civil officer, and had the satisfaction to -know that his diligence and activity were not only without suspicion, -but were fully appreciated.</p> - -<p>It was here that Barrington resolved to revise the notes he had taken -during the voyage, and of describing more fully the places they had -touched at. He<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</span> has accordingly produced a very useful and instructive -work.</p> - -<p>In addition to this performance, he compiled a complete history of the -country itself, from its first discovery, comprehending an account -of its original inhabitants, their customs and manners, accompanied -with an historical detail of the proceedings of the colony from its -foundation to his own time.</p> - -<p>He continued in the situation in which the governor had placed him till -his death; and performed the duties of his office with an unwearied -assiduity, which at last superinduced a general decay of nature, of -which he died in the year 1811.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="JAMES_PORTER">JAMES PORTER</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Was an Irishman, and a weaver by trade. He had been a robber in his -own country. We know not what events induced him to seek a refuge -in America, or what were his first adventures on this side of the -Atlantic. We first find him in Philadelphia, ostensibly working -at his trade, but in reality gaining his livelihood by dishonest -practices. He had two accomplices, George Wilson and Abraham Poteet, -weavers, who had learned their trade in the penitentiary. The former -was but twenty-three years of age; yet, though his days were few, -his iniquities were many. Poteet had been convicted at the Baltimore -city court of stealing four handkerchiefs, for which he was sentenced -to five years’ imprisonment. For a second theft he was sentenced -to imprisonment. He had also been convicted of breaking prison, of -attempting a stage robbery and wounding the driver, and of shooting at -the keeper of the Baltimore penitentiary. He was a native of Baltimore, -and Wilson also was an American. They became acquainted in the -penitentiary, and were jointly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</span> concerned in the attempt to break out, -in which the life of the keeper was endangered. Such were James Porter -and his associates.</p> - -<p>Porter and Poteet became tired of stealing <em>wee things</em>, for so -silver spoons were denominated by Porter, and resolved to rob the -Reading mail, in order to make their fortune at once. To prepare for -this exploit Porter and Wilson crossed the Schuylkill, on the 20th of -November, 1829, and broke into the shop of <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Watt, a gunsmith. They -took thence five pistols and two powder-flasks. After this the three -companions repeatedly practised with their pistols to ascertain their -qualities.</p> - -<p>On the 6th of December, the mail stage started from Philadelphia at two -in the morning, driven by one Samuel M’Crea. There were nine passengers -inside, and another on the box with the driver. The night was dark and -cloudy. When the stage had got two miles from the city and was nearly -opposite Turner’s lane, Porter started from the road-side, took the off -leading horse by the head and turned him round. At the same time Wilson -and Poteet came up, one on each side of the coach, with presented -pistols, bidding the driver stop, “or they would blow his d—d brains -out.” He struck the horses with his whip, but could not make them go -forward. Poteet then ordered the driver and the passenger who sat -beside him to come down. The driver obeyed, and the passenger was about -descending, when Porter swore at his comrades for not putting out the -lamps. Poteet put out the lamp on his side with the butt of his pistol: -Wilson merely broke the glass of the lamp next him. Porter then left -the horses’ heads, ran up and dashed the light out with his pistol. He -asked the passenger if he had any weapons, and being answered in the -negative, took his handkerchief and tied his hands with it. The robbers -then rifled the passenger and bound the driver. Poteet asked the driver -if he did not think this a very rough introduction. He answered that it -was. The robber then asked him if he got his living by stage driving, -and he replied that he did, and “it was a hard way too.” “Well,” said<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</span> -the ruffian, “this is the way we get our living, and ’tis very hard -with us sometimes.” While these matters were going on Poteet and Wilson -held their pistols in their hands, but Porter, more collected, thrust -his into his bosom.</p> - -<p>This done, Porter and Poteet went to the doors, while Wilson watched -the two bondmen. Porter told the passengers they should receive no -injury if they did not resist. A <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Clarke proposed to attack the -robbers, but was overruled by the rest of the passengers. The gentlemen -then concealed some of their valuables. Porter asked if any of them -were armed, and being answered in the negative, answered sneeringly, -that “it was a pity.”</p> - -<p>The thieves next compelled the true men to alight, one by one. Porter -searched them, and tied their hands with their kerchiefs. As fast as -he tied them he turned them over to Poteet, who kept them quiet with -his pistol. One of the passengers, after being tied, asked the robbers -for a quid of tobacco, which was put into his mouth by Poteet. Another -was very reluctant to part with his watch, which he said had been long -in his family, and at his urgent entreaty Poteet restored it. From -another, who was a physician, Poteet took the seal of a corporation and -a case of lancets, but put them back into the doctor’s pockets on being -told what they were. The gentleman then asked Porter for half a dollar -to pay for his breakfast, and the robber complied. Another of the -passengers asked Porter to restore his papers. “O,” said the ruffian, -“I dare say all this business will be published, and then I shall know -where to direct the papers. I will send you a letter.”</p> - -<p><abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Clarke was the last but one who came out of the coach. As Porter -was plundering him he said, that if the other passengers had followed -his advice they would not have been robbed. “Well done!” replied the -robber. “I like to see a man of spunk.” After being tied, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Clarke -walked up to Poteet, in order to be able to recognise him if they -should meet again. The rogue<span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</span> bade him stand off. “I hope,” said <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Clarke, “you are not afraid of a small man, and he bound too.” “No, -sir,” said Poteet, “but I don’t want to be better acquainted with -you.” “I hope,” rejoined <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Clarke, “that we shall have a longer -acquaintance than this yet.” “I hope not, sir,” said Poteet. On <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Clarke’s again observing that the passengers would have done better -to resist, Porter remarked that if they had, they would have seen the -consequences.</p> - -<p>After the passengers had all been examined, the robbers took the -baggage out of the coach and from before and behind it. They then tried -to open the boot in which the mail bags were contained, but finding -some difficulty, they compelled the driver to do it. <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Clarke now -remarked that another stage would soon be along, and this intelligence -quickened their proceedings. One of them busied himself in rifling the -mails and trunks, while the other two put the passengers into the coach -again without untying them. They tied the driver again and lifted him -into his seat, after which they tied the leading horses to the fence by -the road side. This done, the robbers went off, so softly that neither -the driver nor any of the passengers were aware of their departure.</p> - -<p>The gentlemen sat still in the coach some minutes after they were gone, -till one of them contrived to untie himself, and unbound the rest. -After some consultation, it was thought best to return to the city. -When they arrived at the post-office a person was despatched to the -scene of the robbery, where he found the mail bags cut open and the -packages and newspapers scattered around, but the villains had carried -away the letters.</p> - -<p>On the 16th of December, Wilson carried one of the watches they had -taken to Crosswell Holmes, a pawnbroker, and pledged it for twenty -dollars. He said he was a carpenter unable to get employment, and -was therefore obliged to raise money on his watch. He agreed to pay -<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Holmes in — days, with two dollars commission, and signed the -obligation “John James, North Second street.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</span></p> - -<p>On the 21st, Porter carried another watch (a golden one) to a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Prentiss, a pawnbroker, and asked sixty dollars on it. <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Prentiss -refused to advance more than forty-five, when Porter left him, saying -he could get fifty anywhere. On this occasion he represented himself as -a carpenter, who wanted money to repair his house. The next day Wilson -called on <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Prentiss with the same watch, saying the gentleman who -owned it had made up his mind to take the forty-five dollars offered, -and that he would act as his agent. <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Prentiss gave him the money, -and wrote a receipt, which Wilson signed “George Brown, for John Keys.”</p> - -<p>Nothing occurred to direct suspicion to either of our rogues as the -robbers of the mail till the middle of January, when a <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Jeffers, a -police officer of Baltimore, found reason to believe that Poteet and -Wilson were the persons who shot at the keeper of the penitentiary and -at the stage driver before mentioned. He sought them, and found Wilson -first, in a tavern. The robber drew a pistol from his pocket and bade -<abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Jeffers stand off, but the latter seized him by the wrist and -collar and held him till the landlord came into the room. The landlord -took the pistol from Wilson at the request of Jeffers, who then asked -the culprit for the other, but he denied having any. However, after the -police officer had nearly strangled him he gave up another. <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Jeffers -thrust him into a chair, when he said, “Let me stand up, and I’ll give -it to you.” With the landlord’s assistance, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Jeffers took him to a -magistrate’s office. He was committed to prison.</p> - -<p>The next day <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Jeffers visited him, and told him he had heard that -two men had offered to pawn a gold watch, and he believed from the -description that he was one of them. At the same time he gave Wilson a -description of the other man. Wilson replied that it was Porter, and -but for him, he, Wilson, would not have been in this difficulty. He -added that Porter had a better right to suffer than himself, and he -would therefore disclose the whole matter. His story, as told to <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> -Jeffers, was as follows.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</span></p> - -<p>He had gone out three several times with Porter to rob the Lancaster -mail, but his heart failing him, they returned without effecting their -purpose. When Porter and Poteet proposed to rob the Reading mail, he -would have had nothing to do with it, had he not feared that Porter -would kill him if he refused. He then described the robbery, and the -part each had taken in it, pretty much as we have related above. While -the pillage was going on, he said, he was very anxious to get away, but -Porter declared he would not hurry himself. He added that he was sorry -he had ever seen Porter. He was steady at work in Philadelphia till he -came and seduced him from his employment. He believed Porter would as -lief kill a man as eat his breakfast. All this confession took place -without any inducement on the part of Jeffers.</p> - -<p>This confession put the police of Baltimore on the look-out for Porter -and Poteet. On the ninth of February, <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Stewart, a constable, met -Porter in the street, and accosted him with a question concerning his -health. He added that he had been looking for him all day, and must -now take him with him. Porter asked him what he wanted, and on what -authority he arrested him. The officer replied that he carried his -authority in his face, and then asked if he knew Wilson or Poteet, or -could tell where they might be found. He denied all knowledge of them, -but followed <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Stewart quietly to his house. The officer searched -him, and took from him a powder-flask and a pair of pistols. Porter -asked if he meant to keep them, and the constable replied that he did. -Porter very sternly said, “I hope I shall live to buy another pair for -somebody.” He admitted before a magistrate that he knew Poteet.</p> - -<p><abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Stewart conducted Wilson to Philadelphia first, and Porter -afterwards. After they got into the stage, Wilson said that he believed -his case was hopeless, and that he would plead guilty to every charge -brought against him. <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Stewart asked him if he were not afraid to -undertake to rob a stage so full of passengers. “No,” replied the -villain, “three good men could rob a dozen at any time.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</span></p> - -<p>Poteet was also arrested, and consented to save his own life by -becoming state’s evidence.</p> - -<p>Porter’s demeanor after his arrest was marked by that cool courage that -seems to have been the only favorable trait in his character. He spoke -freely of his past life, without showing the least compunction, and -said that if the passengers had resisted, he would not have scrupled to -shed blood.</p> - -<p>On the 26th of April, 1830, James Porter and George Wilson were brought -before the circuit court, and the grand jury presented six bills of -indictment against them.</p> - -<p>They pleaded not guilty to all these indictments, and applied for -separate trials, which was granted.</p> - -<p>On the trial Wilson was identified as one of the robbers, by the -evidence of some of the passengers, as well as that of Poteet. The -watches taken from the passengers, and pawned by him, were produced in -court and sworn to. So were the weapons stolen from <abbr title="mister">Mr.</abbr> Watt’s shop. -The other facts relating to the robbery were proved, in substance, as -we have given them.</p> - -<p>The jury found a verdict of guilty.</p> - -<p>Porter was next arraigned, and found guilty on the same evidence. -Sentence of death was passed upon him and Wilson. After sentence Porter -showed contrition, but suffered with the same hardihood that he had -exhibited throughout. We can accord him no pity. He was the master -spirit, the ringleader, the captain of a band of highway robbers. He -had collected a gang about him, drilled, marshalled, and equipped them, -and led them forth to an unholy warfare against the peace and interest -of society.</p> - -<p>Wilson was pardoned by president Jackson; for what reason, we cannot -pretend to divine. The pardon set forth that certain disclosures were -expected from him but we never heard that he made any.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter transnote"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="Transcribers_Notes">Transcriber’s Notes</h2> - -<p>Obvious errors in punctuation were fixed.</p> - -<p>Some of the illustrations were relocated to be closer to the relevant content.</p> - -<p><a href="#Page_38">Page 38</a>: “not much dis-disposed” changed to “not much disposed”</p> - -<p><a href="#Page_74">Page 74</a>: “question whe- the loss” changed to “question whether the loss”</p> - -<p><a href="#Page_115">Page 115</a>: “he ad not made a word” changed to “he had not made a word”</p> - -<p><a href="#Page_186">Page 186</a>: “he barricadoed” changed to “he barricaded”</p> - -<p><a href="#Page_193">Page 193</a>: “two of the villians” changed to “two of the villains”</p> - -<p><a href="#Page_233">Page 233</a>: “considerable innkeeqer” changed to “considerable innkeeper”</p> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIVES AND EXPLOITS OF THE MOST NOTED HIGHWAYMEN, ROBBERS AND MURDERERS OF ALL NATIONS ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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