The Sun.
London, England, 1835-03-06 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1835,

NEW COURT.

James Butcher was indicted for feloniously stealing two
waistcoats, of the value of sixteen shillings, the proper of Mr.
Elias Moses.

The trial excited groat interest. The Court was crowded
to excess.

Mr. Elks Moses sworn—Examined by M. POANE—Carried
on business with his father as a slopseller. Knew the prisoner
for some time as a customer. Till lately did not doubt his
respectability ; his suspicions, however, were lately excited.
Recollects the prisoner coming about six o'clock in the even-
ing of the 2d of March to the witness's house. He came for a
waistcoat which was ordered on the Friday. Said he wanted
some velveteen jackets. He selected three. He asked to
look at some sprig waistcoats. Showed him some, of which
he selected one, He made a remark—he said he would take
the goods with him. That was while I was putting them
under the counter. I put them on the counter in conse-
quence of his saying so. There was a waistcoat Mr. Butcher
saw ; he said it was a very nice one, and selected it. I
went to the glass-case at the end of the room, and turning
round, saw prisoner moving, and be looked much confused.
The waistcoat he selected was put to the bundle which he was
to have. He looked at some hats, and did not approve of
them. I was agitated from my suspicion of him. The
goods were then brought down in consequence of prisoner
saying he would take them with him. Mr. Cox entered
them in the book. I took an opportunity of saying something
to the clerk about it, and prisoner then looked at me very
hard, and appeared much agitated. In consequence of what
J had said to Mr. Cox he went after the prisoner, who had
gone out. They returned in two or three minutes, and Mr.
Cox said " I have found this waistcoat on him." Prisoner
said " Good God," and we all three went to the counting-
house. I asked prisoner if he had any more waistcoats ? He
said " No, I have not." He said in answer to my question
that I might feel. I put my hand in his coat pocket and drew
out another waistcoat. He had asked for light waistcoats, and
this was a dark waistcoat. I am quite sure I never selected
this. He must have taken this off a shelf where he stood.
He then said, " Oh, Moses, pray don't go into the case," or
something to that effect. He said he would pay me if I
would forego any inquiry, or something like that. A police-
man was then sent for, and on his arrival I found prisoner had
left the premises.
Cross-examined by Mr. CLARKSON—My deposition was
taken before the magistrate. I don't know whether I said to
the Lord Mayor that the prisoner requested me to give him an
interview in private. I don't know that I said one word before
the magistrates of, " Oh, Moses, do not go into the case."
I don't think there was any occasion to do that. I don't think
I told the magistrate that I said, " Good God, Butcher, I
should never have thought it." I saw the waistcoat a little
out of his pocket. I saw the black arid white linings. I don't

know whether I said anything about that before the magis-
trate. It's only two days ago, but I don't femember whether
I said so. I never have told anybody that if I had the 4001. I
should not prosecute. I never saw a woman relative to this
case. Oh, yes, I did. I had no conversation with her about
money. I went into a private room with her. Such a sum
as 4001. was never mentioned by me. Mr. Butcher is a man
of very large property. He has dealt with me about three
years. I gave him credit.
The constable proved the apprehension of the prisoner, who
had been drinking.
In defence the prisoner, who had been much affected during
the trial, declared that he had been drinking on the occasion
alluded to. We understood him to add that he had no felo-
nious design, but he spoke in so low a tone as to be nearly
inaudible.

Between twenty and thirty witnesses were called, who gave
the prisoner the highest character for years.
The Common Sergeant summed up at great length.
After a quarter of an hour's deliberation the Jury returned a
verdict of Guilty, with a recommendation to mercy.
Mr. Doane concurred in the recommendation to th'e Jury.
His client had no vindictive motive in the prosecution. He had
a public duty to perform. The task was now finished, and a
more disagreeable one never could have devolved upon a man.
The trial occupied four hours, and the decision created con-
siderable consternation.