The Sun.
London, England, 1827-07-19 00:00:00

ESCAPE OP SIX CAPITAL CONVICTS

FROM NEWGATE.

This morning, about three o'clock, the greatest commo-
tion prevailed in his Majesty's gaol of -Newgate, in conse-
quence of the escape of six capital convicts, amona7st whom
are the two notorious characters White and Roach: who
had been convicted during- the last Session. About the
hour above stated, Mr. Lynch Cotton (son of Dr. cotton,
the Rev. Ordinary, whose dwelling-house is in Newgate-
street, and the first round the corner from the Old Bailey,
the rear of which abuts the north wall of the prison), who
slept in the hack attic, was awoke by a noise -over-head,
on the roof. ' He listened, and distinctly heard footsteps,
and some person say " This is the way, Charles." He
then heard them attempt to force the trap-door, but could
not, as it was very securely bolted within side. Mr. Cot -
ton, jun. at once suspected that some of the prisoners had
contrived to escape from their cells ; and, cautiously creep-
ing from bed, aroused his-father, whom he informed of the
circumstance. The Rev. Gentleman, with all possible
haste, joined his son in endeavouring to cause their capture.
Young Mr. Cotton repaired immediately to Newgate, and
rang the prison alarm-bell, which was instantly answered,
and he gave information to the Governor and 'the rest of
the Officers of the affair, of which they were previously in
ignorance. The officers and turnkeys instantly armed
themselves, and ran in all directions in pursuit of them,
assisted by. young Mr. Cotton, who expressed him-
self quite satisfied the prisoners had not gained the street
from the roofs of the houses, as only seven minutes had
elapsed from the time he first heard the noise. He there-
fore stationed a party of-watchmen in Warwick-lane, and
others at various posts, to intercept their progress slioud
they pass. Mr. Cotton - himself took his station on the
north side of Newgate-street, and kept a-sharp look - out
towards the roofs of the houses between that of his father
and Warwick-lane. He had not been long there before
he saw the door of an empty house gently opened, and two
young men, dressed in frock-coats, (White and Roach),
come out; he stood for a moment inactive, and saw them
turn towards Cheapside, and the next moment out came
four more, and the instant he saw. them he shouted as loud
as.he was.able " Stop thief, stop thief!" and in an instant
the whole of his party came up and joined in pursuit of
the convicts, who ran as fast as they were able, the first
two making for the east, and the others towards Holborn.
The first two, although closely pursued by the officers, suc-
ceeded in making their escape, but the other four were safely
lodged in their old quarters. Officers were despatched in
all directions after the others, and instant information
was sent to the Lord Mayor of the circumstance. Islis
Lordship Proceeded to Netvgate, and with the Go-
vernor examined the prison, and the means adopted
by them to facilitate their object, when it appeared
that they bad broken through the thick walls of
their cells, and thereby gained the yard, and then
scaled the north wail, and descended to the roof of Mr.
Cotton's house, which is a height.of about ten feet ; . they
then crawled over the roofs of six houses, to get at that of
Mr. Walcon's, out of which they made their escape; but
in what way they contrived to descend from the top to the
bottom, cannot be ascertained, as nearly all the stairs hare
been. removed.

The Lord Mayor, when we' left the prison, was. busily
engaged with Mr. Wontner, the governor, in investigating
the matter. The pe;sons of the two men that have fled,
are well known to the Police-officers, and we have not the
least doubt but they will be soon retaken.—Too much
credit cannot be given to Mr. Lynch Cotton, for his promp-
titude in the busine6s.