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OA17211023
THE Ordinary of NEWGATE his ACCOUNT Of the Behaviour, Confessions, and Last Dying Words of the Malefactors that were Executed at Tyburn, on Monday the 23d of October 1721. AT the Sessions, which began at Justice-Hall in the Old-Bayly , on Wednesday the Eleventh of this Instant October 1721. Five Men and one Woman were try'd, and by the Jury found Guilty of Capital Offences, viz. Richard James , John Dykes , William Courtney , John Trantum , Philip Storey , and Ann Lloyd : But the Last being a Girl of about 7 Years of Age, and the Jury recommending her to the Mercy of the Court, She obtain'd His Majesty's most Gracious Reprieve. During the Time which they lay under Sentence of Death, they constantly attended their Duty, twice each Day, in the Prison Chapel; except W. Courtney, who was visited with a severe Sickness, which must have ended his Life in a few Days, had not the Effects of his Vices put a quicker Period to it. These Prisoners in general Appear'd Devout and Serious; and perceiving their no dallying or trifling when Death was so near in View, they pursued their Devotions chearfully and earnestly; gave the closest Attention to the Word of God when explain'd on the Week Days; and seem'd to sit easy to this World, and to have fixt their Eyes on a higher and nobler Prospect. Their Friends furnish'd them all with the best Books of Devotion, to their Request, and Entreaty, as the Last and most charitable Benevolence they could afford 'em, before they left the Earth, to take possession of Eternity. On Sunday Oct. 15. I preach'd to them on the Nature of Justice and Injustice; The several different Degrees of Guilt; and how a Man may participate of an III Action without being immediately concern'd in the Commission of the Fact, &c. And, On Sunday Oct. 22. I preach'd to them from the following Text of Scripture, Let the Sighing of the Prisoner come before Thee, according to the greatness of thy Power: Preserve thou those that are appointed to dye! (Psalm 79. Ver. 11.) After observing, that David is supposed to have prophesied here of the Jewish Captivity, when Thousands of innocent Slaves were cruelly hauld to the Dungeons, scourg'd, mangl'd, and torn to pieces, by the arbitrary Rage of the Babilonians, and other Heathen Powers, and for whose Preservance and Deliverance a good Man ought to pray: We then proceeded to consider the Purport of the Words generally, and agreeable to the Circumstance and Occasion before us. FIRST, We endeavour'd to distinguish some of the Sorts of Sighing of Prisoners: As, (1) The Sighs of a Prisoner committed to a Dungeon at the cruel Pleasure of a Tyrant, which is Arbitrary Power. (2) A Prisoner committed by well-intending, but mistaken Zealots, on Account of Religion, which is Persecution. (3) The Sighs of Prisoners very justly made so, for the wicked Practices, which is Publick Justice. And here, we farther distinguish'd, between the Sighing or Sorrow of (1) a harden'd Malefactor, who may grieve that he is leaving Life, and can no longer robb, and ruinate, and plunder. (2) That Sorrow which an unregenerate Prisoner may have, for being cut off from the Light of the Sun, from Gaiety, Worldly Pleasures, and Jocose Companions. (3) That Sort of Sighing or Sorrow, which is rais'd at the Consideration at God and our Saviour's being offended, and being our Foes. The first of these is a vicious Sorrow; the second a fruitless and unprofitable Concern; the third a virtuous and availing Repentance. SECONDLY, We consider'd the Greatness of God's Power and Capacity to save an Innocent Prisoner from Death, and a Guilty one from Damnation: As He is the Creator of the World; as He continues to direct and surpervise our Affairs; and as He is an indulgent Father engaged to hear the Petitions of sinful Men. THIRDLY, We considered the Words - Appointed to Die. (1.) That such Appointment was to the Prepar'd Soul the joyful News of being dissolv'd in order to be with Christ. (2.) To the Doubting and Uncertain Sinner, Death is at least the Seals of all his Cares, the Term of his Anxiety, Disquietness and Uneasinesses, and the laying them all asleep in the silent Grave. (3.) To the unprepared Sinner, Death is a Prospect of Horror; the King of Terrors, the opener of Eternity, and the great Beginner of Tortures. FOURTHLY, We observ'd the Advantage which the being Appointed to Dye, is, to the vicious Liver. As it prevents his running farther into Sin, and rendering his Repentance harder. As the Uncertainty of Death has caused many, especially Robbers, to be wholly Carless and Negligent of their Duty; so that they have by Accidents been cut off, or, by sudden Sickness, been hurry'd out of the World; and some Times without Time to say, Lord have Mercy upon me a Sinner! which Warning for Repentance the Appointment for Death affords them. FIFTHLY and LASTLY, The Influence that the Appointment for Death should have. It should induce Men to despise the World; to acquire a nobler Treasure in Heaven; to be instant and earnest in Devotions: It should make a Man examine and judge himself that he be not judged of God; make us reflect on the Wisdom of God in bringing down Man to Humility, by having form'd him, tho' the Glory of Creation, one of the most changeable Being created; so form'd, as for one Generation to give Place to another in less than an hundred Years, while the Sun and Moon, and Stars, preserve the Posts, to shine on our Posterity as they have shone on us. 1. JOHN DYKES ) of Stepney Parish , was convicted of Assaulting Charles Wright on the Road, between Mile-End and Bow , and robbing him of a Penknife, a Seal, and 5 s. 8 d. in Money, by clapping a Pistol to his Breast, and telling him if he did not peaceably deliver he should be shot through. He was 23 Years Old, but very Ignorant, having forgot all his Reading and Writing, which (he said) was taught him by his Friends. Being the eldest Child, and having a too indulgent Father, he desliked to go 'Prentice to any Occupation for seven Years, and was not compel'd thereto; yet some Times (he said) he work'd with his Brother as a Carpenter or Cooper . He added, that his Ruin proceeded from an idle Habit which he catch'd of Gaming, at which having spent most of his Money, he would play for Half-Pence with the Children in the Streets, where he some Times re-establish'd his Stock; but at other Times being quite destitute, and afraid to acquaint his Father with his Losses, he took to picking Pockets, which he often practic'd, and was some Times in Bridewell for it: Upon his being discharg'd, he would often promise his Friends that he would go to Sea, but still refused to do so, though often equip'd and enter'd for his Majesty's Service. He also said, that his Friends often lamented to him, begging he would take to some Business, telling him he would assuredly come at length to be hang'd; adding, that his Friends often bought him good Suits of Cloaths, to encourage him to go to Church, but that he was scarce ever in a Church in his whole Life; going, as he said, toward the Fields, to Play and Game, and returning when he thought Church was done. He also said, that he not only robb'd as a Footpad on the Highway, but broke into several Houses, about Mile-End , Bow , and Hackney ; in particular, that Isaac Drew and he forceably enter'd, in the Night-Time, a House, by the School-House, going to Bow , and took Cloaths and some little Plate; but what (he said) most griev'd him, was, that he robb'd a poor Man, near the Men hanging in Chains by Bow , of all his Wages, he being a Gardener, and going Home late at Night. This Prisoner (as I was told) used, at particular Times, to start up in the Night-Time, and tear his Hair, and beat his Breast, and crying out in a very odd way; but at other Times to be singing forth of Psalms by himself, and repeating the Lord's-Prayer for several Hours together. Before his Death, he express'd a Chearfulness and Alacrity at leaving the World, said, he had an assured Hope that his Peace was made with God, and received the Holy Sacrament the Morning before Execution, with great Reverence and Devotion. 2. RICHARD JAMES ) was condemn'd for Assaulting Collet Mawhood on the 28th of August last, about Five o'Clock in the Afteroon, by Hanwell-Heath , and taking from him a Ring and 10 s. in Money. This Prisoner was about 30 Years of Age, Born near St. Anne's Westminster , was Son to a Nobleman's Cook, who left him very young, and about 12 he went to Sea ; he said also, that being in Jamaica , he and many others were taken Prisoners by the Spaniards; but a Housepainter taking a liking to him, instructed him in his Trade when they arriv'd in New-Spain . He said, he liv'd very well with this Spaniard, but longing to see the Place of his Birth, and to talk his own Language, he return'd to England ; and about 17 Years of Age he married, his Wife being much younger; by which, the Friends of them both being anger'd, the Wife was turn'd out from her Fathers, and he oblig'd to go again to Sea, where he continu'd three Years, including (he said) the time that he continued Prisoner in the Hands of some Pirates; adding, that they set him on Shore destitute on the Coast of America, that he travelled to Boston in New-England , from thence to Maryland : But returning after three Years into England, he found his Wife had married again, having had Intelligence that her Husband was Dead in America; he said, he could not perswade her to leave her second Husband, because she had a Child or two by him; he added that he himself also liv'd in the same Adultery; being led into it by the Accidental Loss of his rightful Wife. He freely confest the Fact; said he well deserv'd to die; and added, that if he was under Tyburn , it would be no concern or uneasiness to him, for those of his Profession never were alarm'd at the Sight of Death. He said that he was much concern'd at the cruel way he had of using People he robb'd, especially the Waggon which goes from the Bell-Inn in Warwick-Lane , to Chiner in Tame , in Oxfordshire , which he, and Nat. Hawes and Rich. Jones , stop'd by the Lord Portland's Park-Wall, beyond Uxbridge ; in which Waggon was one Man and three Women, besides the Waggoner, J. March. Also he mention'd the robbing a Gentleman and Lady in a Chaise, on the 25th of Aug. last beyond Acton ; for the Gentleman having by entreaty got Hawes to restore him a Ring he valu'd; this Malefactor rode back and swore he would shoot him thro' the Head if he gave him not the Ring a second time; and being also very angry with his Comrade, for giving the Travellers 2 s. to cross the Water withal. He said also, that being at an Inn at Harrow on the Hill , two Ladies and their Footman call'd in, being travelling to Mortlock a cross the Country; that a Mile on this side Oxford Road , he and his Companions attack'd them; that among the things which they took from the Travellers, they desir'd nothing again but a Whip, which this Prisoner would not grant them; but some Snuff which a Lady beg'd out of a silver Box they gave her in a Paper. He said, that in August last, to his present great Sorrow, he committed eight Robberies, or more, viz. Two Men on Horse-back, on Finchley Common , at Nine o'Clock in the Evening, some Gentlemen, &c. going for Mortlock: A Man and a Woman behind him, near Tatnam Turnpike : A Man and a Woman on Finchley Common : A Quaker's Coach, about four Miles beyond Acton , with (I think) one Man and three Women in it, robbing them of a Gold Chain, 4 Guineas, and 8 s. in Silver, on the 28th of August. But being ask'd of one or two Murders; he said he never took the Blood of any Man; nor robb'd between Hamstead and London, except one Man and Woman, from whom he took only a Crown, he said, and used them so civilly, that they had been to acknowlegde his uncommon good Treatment since he was in Prison, and especially his handsome Usage of the Woman, who was with Child; wishing that he had always us'd the same gentleness and humanity. He took particular Pains to inform himself of Religion, &c. never was once absent from publick Prayers, but appear'd very earnest and diligently in making his Peace with God, and securing to himself a better World of eternal serenity and entire satisfaction. The Morning before his Death, he receiv'd the Holy Sacrament, with a becoming Regard. He said that his Defence of his Tryal was all false, and that Hawes did not give his Wife the Stone Ring to let him lye with her. He added, that he thank'd God for taking him off so soon from Sin; and for leting him die a Death that gave him time and space for Repentance: Nor could it all affect his Soul, whatever the World said of the shame of such an End; if he was but in Happiness in Heaven, while they continu'd among Clamours, Cares and Disquietudes in this World. 3. PHILIP STORY ) was Condemn'd for seven different Robberies, viz. Breaking and entering the House of Samuel Hadduck , Esq ; of Richard Nicholson , of Mary Roberts ; of Thomas Omans ; of Will. Gascoin . &c. He having pleaded Guilty to the several Indictments: And being also found Guilty to the robbing the House of John Coverly , and stealing thence a silver Pepper-Box, Tongs, and Strainer, 20 Turnover, and 200 Yards of Holland, &c. on the 14th of Sept. last. He was about 28 Years of Age, Born of French Parents; but his Father, having a great Charge of Children, and not being able to sustain them by his Weaving Business, after continuing some Years in England , retired again into France; leaving Philip Story without any Subsistence, but what proceeded from a Mother-in-Law. He enquired of me, whether Picking of Pockets in a Church was Sacrilegde or not? He was answer'd, that it was one sort of Sacriledge; and might perhaps be more Offensive in the sight of God, than what was generally so, as it may deter some from frequenting the Temple of God, as it may make those who are there Uneasy and Cautious and take their Thoughts off from Heaven, which stealing Plate, &c. from a Church does not; and also, as it must be the greatest Affront to God, for any one to interrupt those who are taking to him by Prayer. He acknowledged that he well deserved to die, and as he had never any Expectation of Life, had endevour'd to make his Peace with God, not only after he was condemn'd, but before he was try'd and convicted. 4. JOHN TRANTRUM ) was convicted of breaking the House of Jacob de Villa on the 4th of this Instant October, in the Night-Time, and stealing thence twenty Guineas in Money, two Gowns and Petticoats, and of breaking also the House of William Hammond , of Randolph Walstead , and Others; which, together with the Robberies which he committed in Company with Philip Storey , made ten several Indictments for so many several Robberies. He was about 24 Years Old, Born in London . He was from the first very desirous of being inform'd in the Way to Heaven, having, he said, no Expectations of Life, or of any Reprieve. He also said, that he was not of any Business, but went a Voyage to the East-Indies and China , as Servant to one in the Ship, and there stay'd four Months, till the Vessel was loaded with the Commodities of that Country; adding, that he acquired by the Voyage above fourscore Pounds: But after his Return to England , his Effects being soon expended, he took to vicious Courses; though his Mother some Times told him, she fear'd he lived Dishonestly, and beg'd him not think of subsisting on the Ruins and Spoils of innocent People, for it would terminate in Misery and Destruction. He also said, that when he was in New-Prison , he had Dreams that secur'd to foretel his Fatal End, and yet continu'd his Ill Actions, giving a Relation of his repeated Robberies, too numerous here to recount: But he hop'd, he said, that no Sins were too great for God's Mercies, that he rely'd wholly on the Merits and Sufferings of Christ his Saviour for the Pardon of his many Crimes; that he flung himself on the Mercies of God, and hoped he sholud find Remission with Mary Magdalen and the penitent Thief on the Cross. 5. WILLIAM COURTENEY ) of St. Giles in the Fields was condemn'd for breaking the House of James Fillet , in the Night-Time, and stealing four Ounces of Gold Dust, a Silver Chain, &c. on the 9th of September last. This Prisoner was also about 24 Years of Age, but very Illiterate and Ignorant; yet seemingly, and to Appearance, he was Penitent, according to his Capacity, and received the Holy Sacrament with the others. They all went to the Place of Execution in a very devout and supplicant Manner: At Tyburn they were earnest in their Exclamations to God for the Pardon of their Sins; all of them confessing the Facts for which they died. Philip Storey said that one Christian Leonard , his Accomplice, was worse than he. John Dykes said, tho' he confess'd the Robbery, he deny'd that he took the Crown of the Prosecutor's Pocket or knew of it. Will. Courteney confest not that he knew were J. Buxon his former Comrade was. They all denyed that they knew any thing of the Murther of Capt. Hedges. T. PURNEY, Ordinary. and Chaplain. ADVERTISEMENT. A Water that perfectly cures the Itch, or any Itching Humour, in a few Days, without necessity of Purging, or the dangerous Use of Mercury. Price 1 s. 6 d. is only prepared and sold by A. Downing, Chymist, at the Crown and Ball in George-Court in St. John's-Lane by Hicks's-Hall, near West-Smitfield. Where also may be had, the best Spirits of Scurvy-Grass, by Wholesale or Retale at 8 d. a Bottle. A most effectual Remedy for the violent Pain in the Teeth. Price 1 s. Also a most excel-Remedy for preserving the Teeth and clearthem from the Scurvy. LONDON : Printed and Sold by JOHN APPLEBEE , a little below Bridewell-Bridge , in Black-Fryers .
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OA
[ "Richard James", "John Dykes", "William Courtney", "John Trantum", "Philip Storey", "Ann Lloyd", "JOHN DYKES", "Charles Wright", "Isaac Drew", "RICHARD JAMES", "Collet Mawhood", "Nat. Hawes", "Rich. Jones", "PHILIP STORY", "Samuel Hadduck", "Richard Nicholson", "Mary Roberts", "Thomas Omans", "Will. Gascoin", "John Coverly", "Philip Story", "JOHN TRANTRUM", "Jacob de Villa", "William Hammond", "Randolph Walstead", "Philip Storey", "WILLIAM COURTENEY", "James Fillet", "Philip Storey", "Christian Leonard", "John Dykes", "Will. Courteney", "JOHN APPLEBEE" ]
17211023
OA17490426
THE ORDINARY of NEWGATE'S ACCOUNT of the Behaviour, Confession, & Dying Words Of the NINE MALEFACTORS Who were executed at TYBURN On Wednesday the 26th of APRIL 1749. BEING THE Third EXECUTION in the MAYORALTY OF THE Right Honble Sir William Calvert , Knt . LORD-MAYOR of the CITY of LONDON . NUMBER III. For the said YEAR. LONDON: Printed for, and sold by T. PARKER, in Jewin-street, and C. CORBETT over-against St. Dunstan's Church, in Fleet-street, the only authorised Printers of the Dying Speeches. M.DCC.XLIX. [Price Six-pence.] THE ORDINARY of NEWGATE'S ACCOUNT of the Behaviour, Confession, &c. BY Virtue of the King's Commission of the Peace, OYER, and TERMINER, and Goal-Delivery of Newgate, held before the Right honourable Sir WILLIAM CALVERT , Knight , Lord-Mayor of the City of London ; the Honourable Mr. Baron CLARKE, Mr. Justice WRIGHT, Mr. Justice BIRCH, RICHARD ADAMS , Esq ; Recorder , and other of his Majesty's Justices of OYER, and TERMINER, and Goal Delivery of Newgate, holden for the said City of London; and County of Middlesex, at Justice-Hall in the Old Bailey , on Wednesday the 22d, Thursday the 23d, Friday the 24th, Saturday the 25th, and Monday the 27th of February, in the 22d Year of his Majesty's Reign; NICHOLAS MOONEY , was capitally convicted, and received Sentence of Death accordingly. And, By Virtue of the King's Commission of the Peace, OYER, and TERMINER, and Goal-Delivery of Newgate, held before the Right Honourable Sir WILLIAM CALVERT , Knight , Lord-Mayor of the City of London ; the Honourable Sir THOMAS ABNEY , the Honourable Baron CLARKE, RICHARD ADAMS , Esq ; Recorder , and other of his Majesty's Justices of OYER, and TERMINER, and Goal Delivery of Newgate, holden for the said City of London, and County of Middlesex, at Justice-Hall in the Old Bailey , on Wednesday the 5th, Thursday the 6th, Friday the 7th, and Saturday the 8th of April, in the 22d Year of his Majesty's Reign; DOMINIC WHITE , WILLIAM HORNER , JOHN MUDGET , DAVID DAVIS , THOMAS KINGSMILL , WILLIAM FAIRALL , RICHARD PERRIN , RICHARD GLOVER , JOSEPH WALTERS , WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN , and ANNE VAINE were capitally convicted, and received Sentence of Death accordingly. JOHN MUDGET , the Gingerbread-baker from Cheshunt , convicted for robbing the Chelsea Stage Coach, having received Sentence Saturday the 8th. died Sunday Evening the 9th Inst. The Behaviour of most of the rest since Conviction has been very decent and suitable to their unhappy Condition; their Attendance was every Day at divine Service in the Chapel, and their Appearance very devout, only Horner being sick most of the Time was obliged to absent, and McLaughlin and White being Roman Catholicks , were sullen, and would not attend. On Thursday the 20th Inst. the Report of eleven Malefactors was made to his Majesty, when he was pleased to order the 9 following for Execution; viz. Dominic White , William Horner , David Davis , Thomas Kingsmill , William Fairall , Richard Perrin , Joseph Walters , Wm McLaughlin and Anne Vaine . Nicholas Mooney , upon Account of some favourable Circumstances, which were laid before his Majesty, when a Report was made the 9th Day of March last, was respited till the 20th Inst. and on the 19th in the Evening a farther Respite of 7 Days, was sent to the Sheriffs from the Duke of Bedford's Office, one of the principal Secretaries of State; but being again reported with the rest, Execution was directed to be respited, till his Majesty's Pleasure concerning him, should be further known . His Majesty's Pleasure was, at the same Time signified, commanding that Execution upon Richard Glover , should also be respited, in Consideration of many favourable Circumstances appearing in his Favour . 1. DOMINIC WHITE , and WILLIAM HORNER , late of St. George's Middlesex , were indicted for breaking, and entering the dwelling House of John Rogers , with an Intent to steal , March 16. 2. WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN , was indicted for robbing Benjamin Tribe on the King's Highway, of one Silver Watch, Value 10 s. One Pair of Silver Shoe Buckles, Value 5 s. One Guinea, in Gold, and 16 s. in Silver, March 29 . 3. THOMAS KINGSMIL , alias STAYMAKER , WILLIAM FAIRALL , alias SHEPPARD , and RICHARD PERRIN alias PAIN , alias CARPENTER were indicted for being concerned with others, to the Number of 30 Persons, in breaking open the King's Custom House at Pool , and stealing out there 30 hundred Weight of Tea, Value 500 l. and upwards , Oct. 7, 1747. 4. JOSEPH WALTERS was indicted for stealing one Silver Watch, Value 40 s. a Brazil Snuff Box made with a silver Hinge, Value 1 s. one half Guinea, and 2 s. 6 d. in Silver , the Goods of William Bailey , March 9. He was indicted again for returning from Transportation . 5. DAVID DAVIS was indicted for robbing Bartholomew Fleming on the King's Highway, of a Silver Watch, Value 4 l. one Pair of Shoe Buckles, Value 5 s. and 5 d. in Money , March 3. 6. ANNE VAINE late of London Spinster , was indicted for being concerned with two Men, not yet taken, in robbing Martha Perry on the King's high Road of one scarlet Cloak, Value 4 s. one silver Thimble, Value 6 d. and 11 s. in Money . 1 Dominick White , aged 28, born at New-Market near Limeric in the Kingdom of Ireland , was bound Apprentice to a Butcher in Limeric , whom he served about four Years and a half, but thinking to do better at Sea , he took the Opportunity of entering himself on Board the Ship of War called the Lime , then cruising on the Irish Coasts. He was on board this Ship about six Months, and was turned over to the Cambridge Man of War , which was then order'd for the Mediterranean, and on Board her, the Buchingham and the Dunkirk he has spent his Time, which is about nine Years from the Time of his going to Sea to last May, when he was discharged from the Dunkirk. He says he has worked since at Times in Rope-walks at Deptford , and other Places; but in general has led a loose and idle Life, Pilfering, and Stealing, whatever he could lay his Hands on. He was of a morose Disposition, and would scarce suffer himself to be talked to: He at first said, he was bred a Protestant, but afterwards was determined to die a Roman Catholick , and the only Reason he would give for so doing was, because he had often been to hear Mass in Ireland . As to the Fact for which he was convicted, he said he neither did, nor thought of any Harm, tho' he had a Pistol in his Hand charged with a large Slug, and about 20 Shot which he held right against the Persons who went down into the Cellar to take him; that Horner broke open the Cellar Window, and went down; and not coming up after he had called to him several Times, he went himself down to fetch him up. I leave it to the Reader, whether a Man could mean any Harm, who had the above Pistol, and a Bottle with Gunpowder; besides a Sword or Tuck, and a Piece of Iron, an Instrument made use of to splice Ropes with, with which 'tis very probable the Door was wrench'd open. Thus accoutered, and found in a Cellar, broke open, his Intentions could not be very harmless; and nothing to be sure, but being seasonably detected prevented his carrying his evil Designs in Execution. He was armed for doing great Mischief, and seem'd to have a Will fit for such Enterprizes. 2. William Horner , aged 21, born near St. John's Church in the Borough of Southwark , was put Apprentice to a Carman ; and says, being a wicked idle Boy, and getting into bad Company has brought him to this miserable and unhappy End thus early. He has been so ill, almost ever since he received Sentence of Death, as to be in great Measure deprived of his Senses; so that I could but just bring him to a Sense of this Offence, and that he should repent of all evil Courses, before it pleased God so to afflict him. He owned he broke the Cellar; said he was sorry for it, and hoped God would have Mercy on his Soul, 3. David Davis , aged 21, was born in Dublin , and bound Apprentice when very young to a Carpenter , a Man of great Note in the City of Dublin. He served the greatest Part of his Time very faithfully; his Master dying, he continued in the same Manner with the Widow, 'till the seven Years were expired. During which Time his Master having a Job in the Repair of St. Andrew's Church in Dublin , for Conveniency got the Liberty of another Carpenter's Yard contiguous to the Church, where one George Raftor alias Raffody , whom he looks upon to have been the Cause of his Ruin, and present unhappy Circumstances, was used to resort, being of the same Business. Here they first contracted their Acquaintance; and Davis solemnly declares, had it not been for Raffody, he never should have thought of doing such a wicked Thing as what he is now to suffer for, and even that he thought not of five Minutes before he committed the Robbery. Upon his coming to London about 16 Months past he says, he met with Raffody again, and ever since, they have kept up a slender Acquaintance to the Time this Fact was committed, seeing each other now and then. For Davis got into Business and continued to work, and do Jobs for one or other Home to the Time he was taken. He knew Raffody was guilty of wicked Practices, and advised him, often against it, but unluckily for him Raffody came to his Lodgings the Afternoon the Fact was committed, and they having drank together more, he says, than he was accustomed to do, they went out to take a Walk, Davis not thinking of any Harm; he was pretty much in Liquor, he says, and as they went along, Raffody took the Advantage of it, and began to talk to him about Thieving, said there was a good deal to be got that Way, and he had a good Mind to try his Luck that Way. Davis says, he did not give much heed to what he said at that Time; they talk'd again of indifferent Matters, but Raffody would not drop this Subject, and said to Davis, you foolish Dog what signifies your slaving every Day for a Trifle, when if you'll be ruled by me, you shall live easy and well, without hard Labour. Davis says, he replied, that he loved Work better than Play, and if any one was of a contrary Opinion, they might follow their own Inclination; 'twas nothing to him, and he hoped to get his Livelihood by his Work; tho' by Means of evil Communication he finds himself mistaken. They kept together that Day and Evening, and drank at several Places in their Walk, so that Davis says, he was pretty much in Liquor, and his evil Counsellor prevailed; being off his Guard, he forgot his former Use of going to his Lodgings in very good Time, so they kept walking the Streets till they met with Mr. Fleming. As he came towards them, come says Raffody to Davis, we'll set upon this Fellow and rob him, we two shall be a Match for him. Accordingly Raffody attacks Mr. Fleming, and tho' Davis had passed him (being somewhat diffident of what he was going about) he returned to the Assistance of his now Brother in Iniquity. He owns the taking of the Watch and Shoe Buckles, but says if there was any Money in the Case, it must have been taken by the other, for he does not remember to have seen or handled any at that Time. No sooner had they committed the Robbery, but a Gentleman coming by that Instant, and saying, what are you at that Sport? then have at you. They were frighted and ran for it in Hopes to make their Escape. Raffody had the good Luck to get off thro' Eagle Court , but Davis in running stumbled and fell, and was immediately taken by the Gentleman that luckily came to the Assistance of the Prosecutor. The Watch being called, came to them, being near the Watch-house of the New Church in the Strand , to whom they delivered the Prisoner: He was taken care of that Night, and next Morning being taken before a Justice, he found Reason sufficient to commit him to Newgate . He seems to be a Youth of a gentle Disposition, and behaved extremely well ever since Conviction, constantly attending and joining very devoutly in Prayer. He wished several Times he had never seen Raffody, and said, he had been the Death of his whole Family; for his Mother coming to Town from White-haven, went to see him, and he says, she told him she should not survive it long, and appeared to be very greatly afflicted; and that his Father upon hearing the sad and melancholy News of his Son's unhappy Case, was so surprized, that a Fit of Sickness immediately seiz'd him, which threw him into a violent Fever, and made him go mad. But he says, he is heartily sorry for what he has done, tho' this is the first Time he ever even thought to commit a Robbery, and it was not five Minutes before 'twas done. He freely forgives his Prosecutor, and all the World, and shall meet his Fate with Resignation to the Will of God, hoping Forgiveness of his Sins, thro' the Merits of Jesus Christ. 4. Joseph Walters , aged 38, was born in the Parish of St. Sepulchre , and was bound Apprentice to a Printer , with whom he lived about five Years, and then, not liking to be confined to that Business, but fond of a more loose Way of living, agreeable to his wandering Disposition, he went and took a Lodging at a Whipmaker's in Gray's-Inn-Lane . For seven Years after, he says, he sold Whips about the Streets , and used to go to Fairs in and about Town, to sell Whips, and Pens, and Paper, &c. Afterwards he went to lodge in Purple-Lane , where he got acquainted with some bad People, who persuaded him to make one among them; and one Evening in April, 1746, being a Night of public Rejoicing, he and his Companions had a Mind to make merry; but being themselves low in Pocket, it was to be at somebody's Expence that belonged not to their Company. They wanted to have a nice Supper, but how to come at it they could not very well tell: However, it was agreed on at last that Walters and one or two more should go upon the hunt, which they accordingly did, and Walters stole a Couple of Fowls out of a Poulterer's Shop, for which he was apprehended, and tried at the Old Bailey , and received Sentence of Transportation. Agreeable to his Sentence, he was taken from Newgate , and conducted, with several others, down to Black Friars , in order to be put on board a Lighter provided for the Purpose of receiving them; but Walters found Means to escape, he says, with the Connivance of some of the People that belonged to the Lighter. However, he avoided for that Time the Punishment of the Law, and, as soon as he could, took himself away to Bristol , where he lived about a Year or two, selling Pens and Pocket-Books , &c. At length it was taken Notice of, that he being no Freeman, encroached upon the Liberty of the Citizens, and he was by the Magistracy ordered to forbear: Upon which he came again up to London , and returned to his old Practices of Thievery, and several little Pick-pocket Articles,he says, he has been guilty of. He owns the Fact for which he was convicted, and says, he deserves his Fate very richly, for so ill treating a Person to whom he pretended Friendship. They having been in Company together as Friends, Walters took the Advantage of his being in Liquor, and stole his Watch, a Brazil Snuff-Box, made with a Silver Hinge, one half Guinea, and two Shillings and Six-pence in Silver; for which he was tried and found guilty, at the last Sessions at the Old Bailey . And besides, a Bill of Indictment being preferred against him for returning from Transportation, and being seen at large in these Kingdoms before the Term of seven Years was expired; it was found by the Grand Jury. In Consequence of which, he was tried upon this Indictment, and the Record of his Sentence being proved, as also that he was the same Person, he was found guilty of Death, without Benefit of Clergy. He acknowledged himself to have been a very vile and profligate Sinner, and owned particularly that monstrous Iniquity of Sodomitical Practices, which he was concerned in for a long Time. He confessed that his wicked Life had brought him to a Fate he deserved; but he earnestly besought the Lord's Pardon and Forgiveness, and was in Hopes by his Prayers and Tears to move the Almighty to extend his Mercy to his poor Soul, through the Merits of Jesus Christ. 5. Anne Vaine , aged 20, was born in the Parish of St. Andrew's Holborn , and brought up by her Parents, who were poor, and not able to give her any Education at all; but when she was old enough, she was sent to cry and sell about the Streets whatever was the Produce of the Season of the Year, for her Subsistance and Livelihood. She solemnly declared, and after I had acquainted her with the Nature of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, she was willing, and desired earnestly to receive it, declaring, not only that she was not the Person concerned in the Robbery (if any was committed on the Prosecutor) as was charged upon her, but that she never was guilty of any Robbery whatsoever. When the Constable apprehended her, she asked him, What it was for? He only told her in Reply, It was Time enough for her to know when he had taken her before a Justice. She was in the City Liberties when taken, but the Prosecutor, and the other Witness, by the Constable's Advice, agreed to take her to a Justice of Peace quite out of the Liberties of both where the Fact was supposed to be done, and she apprehended. She lamented her Fate, and said, she never had any other Thoughts than of getting an honest Livelihood by her Calling; and therefore to be brought to an untimely End was so much the more unexpected and terrible to her. She said she forgave her Prosecutor, and all concerned against her, from her Heart, and hoped that God would forgive her. 6. William Mc.Laughlin , aged 28, born at Wexford in the Kingdom of Ireland , and bred up in the Roman Catholick Persuasion, was a Man of a sullen, obstinate Disposition, and would by no Means be communicative, nor scarce suffer himself to be talked to. He said he was bound ' Prentice to a Butcher , but not liking that Business, which is somewhat laborious, he betook himself to the Sea , and has in the End of his Life added towards verifying the old English Proverb, which is but too often the Fruits of Idleness and Roving. He says he has been in the Service for some Years, but how, and where, he either could not tell himself, or would not; and the rest of his Life is all a Secret, 'till for some evil Practice he was put into Custody of a Watchman, whom he robbed, and treated very ill, at the same Time he robbed the Prosecutor. There was indeed another Indictment against him for that Fact, but the other appearing so plain, it was thought needless to try him upon it. However, he denies the Fact for which he was convicted, though so plainly proved against him; nay, the very Character the Persons he called into his Aid and Defence gave him, added Circumstances from whence his Guilt might be inferred, tho' they alone are seldom sufficient to produce a Conviction in the Place where he had his Trial. About six Weeks before this Fact he was in Custody, as above, two Days and a Night, for knocking a Man down upon the King's Highway, and for that Offence was liable to Indictment; but the Person then by him injured, frighted with the Menaces of his Accomplices, in case he prosecuted McLaughlin, was at last glad to consent to his being let go. This might have been a Warning to him, if he had any Sense of the Evil of his Ways; but nothing less than Justice overtaking him, could have stopt his Course, his Genius seeming somehow or other suited to the Purposes of Rapine and Plunder. Barbarity and Cruelty appeared to be rooted in his Breast, as far as he was concerned in committing this Fact, and there can be no Manner of Doubt of his Guilt; for on the 29th of March last, McLaughlin, and three Persons his Comrades, were, like the Devil, lying in wait to see whom they might destroy; and the Prosecutor, with the Watchman, lighting him Home, happened to fall into their Clutches. They were all three concerned in robbing them, but it does not appear that any but McLaughlin treated them ill. They robbed the Prosecutor of the Things mentioned in the Indictment, and afterwards took away his Hat and Wig; but by his Entreaties they at last relented, and gave him them back again: But McLaughlin knocked down and robbed the poor Watchman, and used him barbarously, by jumping upon his Breast; upon which the poor Man only said, Why do you use me so barbarously? I did not use you so when I had you in my Custody two Days and a Night; and they began to threaten and swear at him in a most shocking Manner, bidding him deliver; and they took from him one Shilling and Four-pence, and his Hat and Wig. This Affair was next Day noised Abroad in the Neighbourhood, and that McLaughlin was one concerned in it. A Constable, whose Business called him there, went to the Three Mackerels, and seeing him there, knew him, and took him. The Constable saying to him, You are the Man that abused the Watchman, he seemed to speak of it with Pleasure, and replied, The Watchman was very much abused, and I did it; repeating again, in an exulting Manner, I am the Man that did it: (I suppose in Revenge that the poor Watchman had done his Duty, and kept him in his Custodylonger than he approved of. The Constable having taken him sent for a Watchman, who being come, said directly upon Sight of him, this is the Man that abused me, and stamp'd upon my Breast, accordingly they had him before a Justice, who committed him to Newgate . The Man who has committed a Crime of which he ought to be ashamed and repent, must have a proper Sense of it in order thereto. But this Man had no Sense of it at all, therefore could not be ashamed, nor repent. But the Goodness and Mercy of God is infinite. 7. Thomas Kingsmill , alias Staymaker , aged 28, was born at Goudhurst in the County of Kent , a young Fellow of enterprizing Spirit, and for some Years past employed by the Chiefs of the Smugglers, the monied Men or Merchants, as they are usual among themselves called, in any dangerous Exploits or wicked Undertakings. As this Character in general among his own Countrymen was, that of a bold resolute Man, undaunted, and fit for the wicked Purposes of Smuggling; such as intimidated People, in Case of any Suspicion of betraying their Secrets, opposing King's Officers in their Duty, and being concerned in Rescues of any Sort, or Kind, so he wanted not Business, but was made a Companion for the greatest of them all, and was always at that Service, when wanted and called upon. He would own nothing of himself, and was scarce to be persuaded that he had done any thing amiss by following the bad Practices of Smugling. Kingsmill however was concerned in the general Design, and actual Fact of robbing the Custom-house at Pool , and tho' he was not there at the first Meeting of this Gang; yet 'tis evident by the Consequence, that he was applied to by one of them, and consented to it. For he with others came and joined at the Forest of Bace near to Horn Dean ; the Company he came with was called the Hankhurst Gang, and he appears to have been one of the most active in the whole Affair. 8. William Fairall , alias Shepherd , aged 25, was born at Horsendown-Green in the County of Kent , bred to no Business, yet I could learn, inured to Smuggling from his Infancy, and acquainted with most of the evil Practices which have been used in those Parts for some Years past. In this Behaviour he seem'd equally as well qualified for the Work, as was Kingsmill, if any Thing, he had the Advantage; and 'tis generally believed that they were concerned together in most, if not all their Undertakings. Fair all at his Trial seem'd to shew the utmost Daringness, and Unconcern, even shewing Tokens of Threats to a Witness, as he was giving his Evidence to the Court, and standing all the while in the Barr with a Smile or rather a Sneer upon his Countenance. He came also to the Gang with Kingsmill to the Forest of Bace , and was one of the forwardest and most busy among the Company. Yet would he not own against himself any one thing that he had done amiss, for which his Life should be at Stake. However, his own Countrymen were glad when he was removed from among them, because he was known to be a desperate Fellow, and no Man could be safe, who Fairall should once think had done any Thing to offend him. For Instance, he was once apprehended and about to be brought to the New Goal in Southwark , but somehow had the good Luck to escape from the Officers, that had the Care of him; upon his Return home, he immediately, sets to work, and meditates Revenge upon the Gentleman, who was thought to have granted the Warrant for his being taken. Accordingly the Gentleman going one Day abroad, Fairall, and Kingsmill with others, way-layed his Return in the Evening near his own Park Wall; and 'tis generally believed had it not been for an Incident that happened in his Return, which retarded his coming Home, and tired their Patience, he would inevitably have been murdered by them. Because they were overheard to say, D - n him, he won't come Home to Night, let's be gone about other Business; and accordingly they went away angry at their Disappointment. 9. Richard Perrin , alias Pain , alias Carpenter , aged 36, was born near Chichester in the County of Sussex ; being bred a Carpenter , was looked upon as a good Work-man, and had pretty Business, till, the Use of his right Hand, being in a great Measure taken away by being subject to the Palsey, he thought proper to leave that Trade, and to take to smuggling. He was esteemed a very honest Man as to every other Affair of Life, and was therefore often entrusted by others to go over the Water to buy Goods for them, and for himself too he traded in that Way for Brandy and Tea. And he was the Man, that went over for this very Cargo of Goods, that was rescued from Pool Custom-house . Having talked to them several Times, each by himself and all together; neither of them all three would own any particular Share they had in the Fact; but said they knew best what they had done; and for what was amiss they would seek God's Forgiveness, and continued thus to declare to the last. They have indeed appeared very devout, ever since they received Sentence of Death, they were attentive to public, and fond of private Prayer, and Psalm-singing, continuing therein frequently till twelve, one, and 2 o'Clock, as I learned from those who watch'd with them o'Nights. The whole Affair of their assembling and robbing Pool Custom House , was as follows. A Set of Smuglers had agreed to send for a Cargo of Brandy, Rum and Tea, and Perin was the Man pitch'd upon to be intrusted to fetch and bring it, in a Vessel call'd the Three Brothers. He went and bought the Goods, and upon his Return, came unluckily in Sight of Capt . William Johnson in the Swift Privateer , station'd out of Stantnham Bay near Pool , having a Deputation from the Customs to seize prohibited Goods. When she found he had discovered her, she put before the Wind, but the Captain with all the Sail he could make, gave her chase from before five in the Afternoon, till about eleven at Night; when having fir'd several Shot at her, he brought her too, and took Charge of her. He carried the Goods to the Custom-house at Pool , and delivered them into the Charge of the Collector of the Customs there. This happened on the twenty-second of Sept. 1747. When Perin got Home, no Doubt he made his Report what was become of the Goods; and the People concerned, not willing to put up with such Usage, as having their Goods taken from them by lawful Authority, resolved to make Trialwhether they could not unlawfully lay their Hands on them again; which they were determined to do at all Events: Accordingly, soon after Michaelmas, in the Beginning of October, there was a Meeting called at Rowland-Castle, but it does not appear that any one of these three were present at that Time: At another Meeting at Charlton Forest , belonging to the Duke of Richmond, Richard Perin was present, and the People there met set their Hands to a Piece of Paper, to go and break open Pool Custom-House, and take out the Goods seized from Perin, and one Edmund Richards set down the Names. This was three or four Days before they went to Pool ; and the Consultation was held under a noted Tree in the Forest, called the Centre Tree, when it was concluded to go after the Tea; only Perin present here. From hence they proceeded to Bace , where the Hawkhurst Men came, and joined the Company that came from Charlton Forest, who staid in a lone Place for them till they came up. Amongst these was Kingsmill and Fairall; and now the joint Companies made 30 in Number, all arm'd, and determin'd to fetch away the Tea that had been taken from them, and lodged in Pool Custom-House, by Force. From hence they proceeded in a Body to Lindhurst , and coming there in the Evening, rested all the next Day, and that Evening, just as the Day shut in, they set out for Pool , all armed, and were there about Eleven at Night. They went to the back Side of the Town, and left the Horses in a narrow Lane, to the Care of Perin and another; but the first Thing they did was to send two Men to see if the Way was clear for them to go to work in breaking open the Warehouse, when one of them observing there was a large Sloop lying up against the Quay, and fearing lest she might plant her Guns against the Custom-House Door, and tear them to Pieces, said, It cannot be done; and some of them were turning to go back again, when Kingsmill and Fairall, and the rest of their Company, said, If you will not do it, we will go and do it ourselves: But another having observed the Tide to be low, and that the Vessel could not bring her Guns to bear to fire upon them, to the Custom-House then strait they went, and broke the Door open with two Iron Bars; and having made a free Passage to the Tea Warehouse, they carried it all away, except what was scattered about the Floor, most of the Bags having been opened an Inch or two, to see what Condition the Tea was in. Immediately all Hands were at Work, some in carrying, and some in lading the Horses. Kingsmill and Fairall were as much concerned as the rest in carrying and lading; but Perin still kept by the Horses; and when they were all loaded, every Man took his Horse, and away they rid to a little Town near Fordington. At the next Place they stopt they weighed the Tea with two Pair of Stilliards, and having distributed to every Man his equal Quantity, then took their Leaves, and went every one to his own Home. At the PLACE of EXECUTION. ON Wednesday the 26th Instant, Dominic White , Wm. M'c-Laughlin , and Wm. Horner , in one Cart, Thomas Kingsmill and Wm. Fairall in another, Richard Perin in a Mourning-Coach, David Davis , Anne Vaine , and Joseph Walters , went from Newgate to the Place of Execution, attended by a large Party of Foot-Guards; where having offered up Prayers to God for Forgiveness of their Sins, and recommended them to Divine Mercy, the Cart was withdrawn from under them, whilst they called on the Lord to receive their Souls. White and Mc Laughlin died in the Communion of the Church of Rome , and a Number of Sailors assembled together to take their Bodies; which they did accordingly. David Davis was put into a Coffin carried in the Cart with him, and taken care of by his Friends. The Bodies of Horner, Vaine, and Walters, were respectively taken Care of by their Friends; and the Bodies of Thomas Kingsmill and Wm. Fairall were attended by a Party of the Guards, to be delivered to the Sheriff of Kent, in order to their being hung up in Chains, the former at Goudhurst , the latter at Horsendown Green , where he once lived. This is all the Account given by me, JOHN TAYLOR , Ordinary of Newgate .
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OA
[ "William Calvert", "WILLIAM CALVERT", "RICHARD ADAMS", "NICHOLAS MOONEY", "WILLIAM CALVERT", "THOMAS ABNEY", "RICHARD ADAMS", "DOMINIC WHITE", "WILLIAM HORNER", "JOHN MUDGET", "DAVID DAVIS", "THOMAS KINGSMILL", "WILLIAM FAIRALL", "RICHARD PERRIN", "RICHARD GLOVER", "JOSEPH WALTERS", "WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN", "ANNE VAINE", "JOHN MUDGET", "Dominic White", "William Horner", "David Davis", "Thomas Kingsmill", "William Fairall", "Richard Perrin", "Joseph Walters", "Wm McLaughlin", "Anne Vaine", "Nicholas Mooney", "Richard Glover", "DOMINIC WHITE", "WILLIAM HORNER", "John Rogers", "WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN", "Benjamin Tribe", "THOMAS KINGSMIL", "STAYMAKER", "WILLIAM FAIRALL", "SHEPPARD", "RICHARD PERRIN", "PAIN", "CARPENTER", "JOSEPH WALTERS", "William Bailey", "DAVID DAVIS", "Bartholomew Fleming", "ANNE VAINE", "Martha Perry", "Dominick White", "William Horner", "David Davis", "George Raftor", "Raffody", "Joseph Walters", "Anne Vaine", "William Mc.Laughlin", "Thomas Kingsmill", "Staymaker", "William Fairall", "Shepherd", "Richard Perrin", "Pain", "Carpenter", "William Johnson", "Richard Perin", "Edmund Richards", "Dominic White", "Wm. M'c-Laughlin", "Wm. Horner", "Thomas Kingsmill", "Wm. Fairall", "Richard Perin", "David Davis", "Anne Vaine", "Joseph Walters", "David Davis", "Thomas Kingsmill", "Wm. Fairall", "JOHN TAYLOR" ]
17490426
OA17110421
The ORDINARY of NEWGATE his Account of the Behaviour, Confession, and Last Speech of the Malefactor that was Executed at TYBURN on Saturday the 21st day of APRIL, 1711. AT the Sessions held at Justice-Hall in the Old-Baily, on Wednesday the 11th, and Thursday the 12th instant, Two Men and Two Women being found Guilty, received Sentence of Death, One of the Women excepted, who was then (upon account of her Pregnancy) respited by the Court, and afterwards Reprieved, with the other Woman, and One of the Men, by HER MAJESTY's gracious Mercy; which I wish they may (as it is their great Duty and Interest they should) carefully improve: And I hope, that not only they, but other Offenders, taking Warning by him, who is now order'd for Execution, will earnestly sue for God's Grace, that they may transgress no more; but live such a good Life in this World, as may prepare and dispose them for a better in the next. While they were under this Condemnation, I constantly visited them, and had them brought up (twice every day) to the Chapel of Newgate, where I taught them publickly; and on the last Lord's Day preach'd to them, both in the Morning and Afternoon, upon Jam. 4. 8. being part of the Evening Second-Lesson for that Day, and the Words these: Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to You: Cleanse your Hands, ye Sinners; and Purify your Hearts, ye Double-minded. In my Explanation of which Words, I shew'd, that they are a pathetick Exhortation to Repentance and a Holy Life, which (as an indispensable Duty) the Apostle presses upon Men, Wicked Men especially, whom he denotes here by this two-fold Appellation, viz. 1. Sinners. 2. Double-minded: Meaning by the former, all such Persons as are openly Profane, notoriously Vicious, whose Wickedness manifestly appears in their Lives and Conversations, and ordinary Practices; And by the latter, all Hypocrites, i. e. those that endeavour to dissemble with God and Man, who being inwardly full of Iniquity, would fain appear outwardly to be Good and Righteous Persons. And by both, all sorts of Wicked Men, whom he admonishes to repent, by these three metaphorical and most important Precepts, viz. 1. Draw nigh to God: Which is to be done, 1st, By a lively Fath. 2dly. By sincere Repentance. 3dly. By fervent Prayer. 2. Cleanse your Hands; i. e. Reform your Actions: Amend your Lives, &c. 3. Purify your Hearts: Which is as if he had said, Purge out the Filth of Sin, which pollutes and defiles your Souls: Strive (by the help of Grace) to be Sanctify'd, to overcome that old Corruption and vicious Habit that is in you, and effectually make clean all those inward foul and impure. Thoughts, and unholy carnal Affections, from which all outward evil Actions that are deliberate; do naturally proceed; as our Blessed Saviour tells us, Mat. 15. 19. To each of these Particulars I spoke distinctly; and then inlarg'd my Discourse upon the great Subject of Repentance; shewing them, I. What Sin is, and how insensibly it breaks in upon Men. II. What Temporal and Eternal Miseries it involves them in. III. What means Men may use to prevent their falling into any gross Sin. IV. How (when committed) it may be repented of. V. and lastly, What are the blessed Effects of true Repentance. Having gone through these several Heads and Particulars, and herein endeavour'd to make my Auditory sensible of the Baseness, as well as dreadful Consequences, of a Sinful Life, and exhorted them to leave that Wicked and Dangerous Course; I did (at both times) conclude my Sermons with pressing Admonitions to the Condemn'd, That they would consider these Things, and how greatly it concern'd them to understand the true State of their Souls, viz. 1st. What that miserable State was they were in heretofore, when actually engag'd in the Devil's Service. 2dly, What their present State is, with respect to their inward Dispositions; Whether or no they hate and detest Sin, thro' a real Love and filial Fear of God. 3dly, What their future State will be, and what Hopes they have of being deliver'd from the Wrath to come. These weighty Things I left with them to consider, and gave them such a Directions, as I thought most suitable both to their Capacities and sad Circumstances. In my private Examination of them, they laid open to me their Sins and Fears. And he who is now to suffer, gave me the Account of himself, which I have here set down (in substance) as follows. Edward Paine , Condemn'd for a Felony in stealing a quantity of Portuguese Coin and Silver, with some Gold-Lace, of about the value of 500 l. on the 2d day of March last. He said he was 33 years of age, born at a Place call'd Walsgrove, within two Miles of Coventry , in the County of Warwick : That while his Father liv'd (who was a Farmer) he follow'd the Trade of Husbandry with him; and after his Death, he went to Service ; Wherein, having (in some few years time) got a little Money, he set up for himself with it, and turned a Carrier : That he had not been long in that Business, but he met with great Crosses and Losses, which (together with his vicious Inclinations and habit of Sin) prompted him to things not only unlawful in themselves, but hurtful to honest Men: That being suspected of a certain Robbery (which he said could not have been prov'd upon him) he was committed to Warwick-Goal, out of which he broke. And then his great Necessities, and want of Grace, made him presently engage in those more daring Crimes, which the Devil tempted him to, and which have deservedly brought him to this his sad and shameful End. Thus he acknowledged himself to have been a very great Offender; but he did not make this Confession till he saw there was no more hope for his Life here: For before that, he seem'd to be very obstinate and harden'd in his wicked Way; saying, That the World should never be the wiser for any thing he should declare. In which obstinate disposition he continu'd a long time, notwithstanding what was said to him concerning the absolute Necessity of clearing his Conscience, by making those Discoveries he was able to make, which might prove useful to the World, and of some satisfaction (especially) to them that were wrong'd by him. All that I could then get from him, was, That he promis'd he would give such Informations to Persons concerned, as might (perhaps) be of use to them: But still (I perceiv'd) he would fain have been thought a better Man, or greater Penitent, than he really was; being very unwilling to be undeceived in this his great mistake, That though he was publickly Condemned, and publickly to suffer for his Crimes; yet his private, Confession to God alone was sufficient for his Repentance. The Mischief of which Error was represented to him, not only by myself, but another ther Worthy Divine, that out of Charity to his Soul (as I may suppose) came to visit him; and yet for all that his obdurate and stubborn Heart (as it then outwardly appear'd) was not melted or moved in the least. But when Death began to make its nearer and more sensible approach to him, and (contrary to his Expectation) he found he was to dye indeed; then was he (or at least he seem'd to be) less sullen and reserved. He confess'd, That he had been highly guilty of Profaning the Lord's Day, of Swearing, of Excessive Drinking, of Whoredom, and all manner of Lewdness, and all Crimes, the Sin of Murther only excepted; and, That his loose Practices and wicked Course of Life, had brought him, by degrees, to the necessity of supporting his extravagant Expences, by those Injuries by him done to his Neighbour, those many Robberies he had committed in diverse Places, especially that at Basing-stoke in Hampshire, which was prov'd (he having part of the Goods found) upon him in this County; and for which therefore the Law does now justly require his Life here: All which himself could not but own; who was also perswaded at last to make some Discoveries relating to private Persons Concerns; which whether much useful, or not, Time will best prove. He being ask'd several Questions, some of them he did, and some he said, he could not, Resolve. He asked Pardon of God, and of all Men he had any ways offended, wishing it were in his power to make them full Amends and Restitution; But he said, he was poor, and therefore not able to do more than he had done herein. At the Place of Execution, to which he was this day carried from Newgate , in a Cart, I attended him for the last time. I exhorted him fully to clear his Conscience, and more and more to lift up his Heart to God, in Prayer, Faith and Repentance. I pray'd by him, and sung some Penitential Psalms with him, and made him rehearse the Apostles Creed, in which Belief he declar'd he dy'd. Then I pray'd again for him; and having recommended him to God's Mercy, I withdrew. He desir'd the Spectators to pray for him, and take Warning by him; and he pray'd, That God would give them all Grace to avoid his Sins, and his Shame, &c. After this he apply'd himself to God in his private Devotions; for which some little time having been allow'd him, then the Cart drew away, and he was turn'd off, while he utter'd these, and the like short Prayers: O Lord, forgive me the Sin for which I die, and all other the Sins of my Life, both known and unknown. O Blessed JESUS! wash away all my Sins in thy most precious Blood. Say unto my Soul, I am thy Salvation. Into Thy hand I commend my Spirit: For Thou hast redeem'd me, O Lord, Thou God of Truth. Lord JESUS! I come, I come; Recieve my Spirit. Amen. This is all the Account here to be given of this Dying Malefactor, by me, PAUL LORRAIN , Ordinary . Saturday, April 21. 1711. ADVERTISEMENTS. ROBERT WHITLEDGE , who formerly lived at the Bible in Creed-Lane , is removed to the Bible and Ball in Ave-Mary-Lane near Ludgate , where all Booksellers and others may be furnish with Bibles and Common-Prayers of all Sorts, with Cuts or without, Ruled or Unruled, Bound in Turky Leather or Plain. Mr. Strut's Cuts Curiously Engrav'd; also other fine Cuts fitted for all Sizes and Common-Prayers. The Welsh Bible, Welsh Common-Prayer, and Welsh Almanack. The Duty of Man's Works of all Sizes. The Duty of Man in Latin. Latin and French Common-Prayers. Tate and Brady's New Version of Psalms, with the New Supplement. Dr. Gibson on the Sacrament. The Statutes at large, in Three Volumes. Washington and Wingate's Abridgment of them. The Lord Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, in Folio and Octavo. The New Translation of AEsops Fables. Also Bp. Beveridge's Works, in 5 vol. And Dean Stanhope on the Epistles and Gospels, in 4 vol. All which Books and Cuts are likewise sold by J. Baker in Mercers-Chapel Lately publish'd for the Use of Schools, Vocabularium Latiale; or, a Latin Vocabulary in two parts. The First being a Collection of the most usual and easie Latin words, whether primitive or derivative; with their signification in English, after the order of the Eight parts of Speech, giving a Specimen of each, and most naturally shewing the gender, increase, declension and motion of Nouns and Pronouns, with the Conjugation-Preterperfect Tense and Supine of Verbs both Simple and Compound. The Second, shewing the variation and declining of all the declinable parts, both regular an irregular. By Tho. Dyche , School-Master in London , Author of a new Spelling-book, entitul'd, A Guide to the English Tongue. Printed for S. Butler. at Bernard's-Inn-Gate, in Holbourn, J. Holland, near St. Paul's Church-yard, and A. Collins, at the Black-Boy in Fleet-street. Price 1 s. BOOKS Printed for and Sold by Eben. Tracy , at the 3 Bibles on London-bridge . The Seaman's Speculum, or, Compleat Schoolmaster: containing, the most ready and exact Manner of Rigging of a Ship, after a more Easy way than has been hither to practiced, suited to the Capacity of every Seaman, tho' he knows nothing of Numbers. Shewing, the exact way of Rigging the Royal Navy of Great Britain, and Merchant Ships. By John Davis . The Present State of Great Britain, under the Auspicious Government of Her most Sacred Majesty Queen ANNE. containing, 1. A general Description of England, Scotland, and Wales, through their several Cities, Counties, Districts, Principalities, &c. 2. Of the Present Genius, Language, Trade, Law, and Religion of the Britains. 3. Of the several Ranks and Orders of Men; the Nobility, Gentry, Clergy, and Commonalty. 4. Of the Present Mornachy, its Greatness and Power; the Sovereign's Prerogative, Dignity, Title, and Arms; Her Court, Forces, and Revenues of the present Princes and Princesses of the English Blood Royal, and the Succession to the Crown, as setled by Act of Parliament. 5. Of the High-Court of Parliament, Privy-Council, and all Courts of Judicature. With the Newest and most Perfect List of Her Majesty's Officers in Church and State, and of the present Parliament and Convocation. The Marrow of the Mathematicks, made plain and Easie to the understanding of any ordinary Capacity. Containing the Doctrines of Arithmetick, Geometry, Astronomy, Gauging, the use of the Sector, Surveying, Dyaling, and the Art of Navigation, &c. Illustrated with several Cuts for the better Explanation of the whole Matter. After a New, Compendious, Easy Method, by W. Pickering, Merchant-Adventurer. The Call of the SON of GOD: or, a Door of Salvation Open'd to Sinners. Plainly shewing every Poor Sinner the Miserableness of his Estate, and how great great an Enemy he is to himself: With many sweet Invitations to come to CHRIST, that they may have Eternal Life, and be hid from the Wrath of GOD, which is worse than Death. Tachygraphy. The most Exact and Compendious Method of Short and Swift Writing that hath ever been published by any. Composed by Thomas Shelton , Author and Professor of the said Art. Approved by both the Universities. The Spiritual Pilgrim: or the Christians Journey to New Jerusalem. In three Parts. The First shewing his Journey and Adventures in his Way from the City of Sin to the Town of Mortality. The Second giving Account of his ourney from the Town of Mortality to the City of Repentance. The Third treating of his Journey and Adventures in his Way, into which he came at the City of Repentance, till his safe Arrival at New Jerusalem. The whole being a lively Prospect of the several Passages of a Christians Life, from his first Conviction to his thorow Conversion, and thenceforth till his Death and happy Reception into Heaven. By Henry Wilson . A Collection of six New Delightful Novels. 1. The unlucky Fair One: or the Amours of Milistrate and Prazimene, illustrated with variety of Chances of Fortune. In two Novels. 2. Three ingenious Spanish Novels, viz. 1. The Loving Revenge: or Wit in a Woman. 2. The Lucky Escape: or the Jilt Detected. 3. The Witty Extravagant: or the Fortunate Lovers. 3. Cynthia: or the Tragical Account of the Unfortunate Loves of Almerine and Desdemona. Heaven upon Earth; or the best Friend in the worst of Times: Being a Legacy to London. By James Janeway . The Second Edition, Corrected. London Printed, and are to be Sold by J. Morphew, near Stationers-Hall.
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[ "Edward Paine", "PAUL LORRAIN", "ROBERT WHITLEDGE", "Tho. Dyche", "Eben. Tracy", "By John Davis", "Thomas Shelton", "By Henry Wilson", "By James Janeway" ]
17110421
OA17290725
THE ORDINARY of NEWGATE his ACCOUNT, Of the Behaviour, Confession, and dying Words of James Cluff , who was executed at Tyburn , for the Murder of Mary Green , on Friday the 25th of this Instant July, 1729. BY Virtue of his Majesty's Commission of the Peace, and Oyer and Terminer, for the City of London and County of Middlesex: On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, being the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th of July, 1729, in the Third Year of His MAJESTY's Reign. Before the Rt. Honourable Sir ROBERT BAYLIS , Knt . Lord Mayor of the City of London ; the Rt. Honourable the Lord Chief Baron Pengelly; the Honourable Mr. Justice Reynolds; the Honourable Mr. Baron Thompson, Recorder of the City of London; the Worshipful Mr. Serjeant Raby, Deputy Recorder; and other of His Majesty's Justices of Oyer and Terminer, and Goal-Delivery of Newgate, holden for the said City and County of Middlesex. James Cluff having been tried before for the Murder of Mary Green , and acquitted; was upon an Appeal of William Green , Brother of the said Mary, tried again for the said Murder, and by the Jury found Guilty of the same. Death. While under Sentence, I explain'd to him the essential Points of Christianity; that as the first foundation of all Religion, we are to believe in the great God, who made Heaven and Earth and all Things that therein are, and who created Man after his own Image, in Knowledge, Righteousness and true Holiness; capable of praising God in this World, and of enjoying him hereafter: But our first Parents having broken their Covenant with God, fallen from their integrity and transgress'd the Divine Law; then God, out of pure Love and Compassion to the Miserable, was pleas'd to give unto us an Assurance of the promised Seed, which is now the Foundation of all our hope and confidence: This is the first promise of the true Messias Christ Jesus, through whom we have freedom of access to the Father; He it is who hath made up our Peace with God, through the Blood of the everlasting Covenant: Since then we are reduc'd to a state of Sin and Misery, from which we cannot extricate our selves, therefore it is necessary that we fly unto a Saviour, who is none else but our Lord Jesus Christ, Acts 4. 12. Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under Heaven given among Men, whereby we must be Saved. I exhorted him, and the others who were under Sentence of Death with him, to believe in Christ their only Saviour, whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation, through Faith in his Blood, and in Testimony of their Faith, to bring forth fruits meet for Repentance and amendment of Life, to endeavour by the grace of God to become holy as God is holy and blameless in all manner of Life and Conversation, for without Holiness no Man can see the Lord. Then I insisted upon the heinousness of this horrid Sin of Murder at full length, in order (if possible) to bring him to a due Sense of it; showing him how directly contrary it is to the Law of Nature, to the express Law of God, and to the Laws of all Societies, Kingdoms, and Common-wealths. The first Principles of Reason with which we are possess'd, declare to us the Cruelty, Inhumanity and Barbarity of such a Sin, as altogether inconsistent with our reasonable Faculties at once divesting us of all Humanity, Mildness and Civility, and declaring us of the fierce Savage, and cruel temper of Lyons, Wolves, and Tygers, and such other ungovernable Creatures, which seem to be made for nothing but to Destroy. The first Law God gave to Noah, after the Flood is, whosoe sheddeth Man's Blood by Man shall his Blood be shed; and this is one of the Laws promulgated by God upon Mount Sinai to the Israelites, Thou shalt not Kill, or, Thou shalt do no Murder. And accordingly we find the Hebrews commanded by no means to suffer the Murderer to live, and we are made to know that there is no way of expiating this Sin, so as to remove the guilt of it from the Land where it is Committed, but by requiring Blood for Blood: And in the New Testament, wherever abominable Sins and Sinners are mention'd, the Murderer never fails to be inserted in the black Catalogue, as we see, Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21. Rom. 1. 29. Murderers are excluded the Kingdom of Heaven, and have their Portion assign'd them with Hypocrites and Unbelievers. Rev. 21. 8. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the Abominable, and Murtherers, and Whoremongers, and Sorcerers, and Idolaters, and all Lyars, shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with Fire and Brimstone: which is the second Death, &c. I desir'd him to partake in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, as a pledge of Christ's Love, and an earnest of everlasting Life. When these and many such exhortations were given, James Cluff behav'd himself with apparent Gravity, Modesty, and Civility, both in Publick and Private, but did not seem to have that Sincerity of Mind, and concern upon his Spirit, which was necessary for one in his deplorable Circumstances, upon the brink of Eternity, and under Sentence of Death for the grievous Sin of Murder. When he knew that the Day appointed for his Execution was Friday, the 25th of July, he did not alter in his carriage, but appear'd still to be of a compos'd and undisturb'd Mind, so that rarely any Malefactor hath been seen (at least) apparently so unconcern'd and indifferent. James Cluff , of St. Andrews Holborn , (at the Sessions of the Peace, and Oyer and Terminer, holden at the Old-Baily , on the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 21st, and 24th of April last) was Indicted for the Murder of Mary Green , by giving her one mortal Wound on the right Thigh, of the breadth of one Inch, and depth of five Inches, on the 11th of April last, of which she Instantly died. He was a second time Indicted on the Coroner's Inquest, on the Statute of Stabbing; and likewise the third Time, on the Coroner's Inquest, for the Murder of the said Mary Green . The Proof upon these Indictments not appearing clear to the Jury, he was acquitted of them all. William Green , Brother to the deceas'd Mary Green , as heir at Law, and nearest to her in Kindred, thinking to put that affair in a clearer light, lodg'd an Appeal in Court against James Cluff , for the Murder of his Sister Mary Green ; and accordingly, at the next Sessions, on the 21st, 22d, 23d, and 24th of May last. James Cluff , Try'd and acquitted last Sessions, for the Murder of Mary Green , against whom William Green , Brother and Heir to Mary Green , did, after his being acquitted, bring an Appeal, and appear'd at the Bar, and mov'd the Court that he might be try'd this Sessions; but not having taken care to bring a Venire Facias in Time, so that it could not be done according to the usual course of Law; his Tryal was defer'd till the next Sessions; at which time, which was the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th of this Instant July. James Cluff , of St. Andrew's Holborn , was, upon an Appeal for Murder, at the Instance, and upon the Prosecution of William Green , Brother and Heir to the deceas'd Mary Green , try'd for the Murder of Mary Green his Sister. Mrs. Diana Payn , at the Green Lattice in Holbourn , Depos'd, that the Prisoner and the Deceas'd Mary Green , were her Servants : That about 15 or 10 Minutes before the Fact was committed, as she stood at the Door, she saw the Prisoner carry out a pot of Drink; and that as she was walking in the Tap-house with the Child in her Arms, she saw Mary Green go down into the Cellar, and bring up two pints of Drink, one for a Customer, and the other for her Self, which she carried into a Box where she was at Dinner, and this was about 4 or 5 Minutes before the Fact was done; when the Prisoner came in, he went into the Room to the Deceas'd, and in about four Minutes he cry'd out, Madam, pray come here; as she came to the Door of the Box, the Deceas'd sat on her Backside on the Floor, and the Prisoner held her up by the Shoulders, and the Blood was running from her in great quantity; then she said to the Prisoner, James, what have you done? he answer'd Madam, nothing; did you see her do any thing to her self? he answer'd no; but that he saw her in the Cellar, with a Knife in her Hand. The Deceas'd neither spoke nor mov'd, and seem'd to be Dead. She being affrighted call'd for her Husband, and ran for an Apothecary. Mr. John Payn , confirm'd his Wife 's Evidence, with this variation, that they heard no noise nor Strugling, while the Blow was given, and that when she came out of the Cellar there was no Knife in her Hand. He added, that about 9 or 10 o'Clock that Morning, a Young-Man came (who he hear'd had been a Sweet-heart of the Deceas'd) and drank a pint of Drink, and Smoak'd a Pipe; that the Deceas'd sat by him a while, and believ'd the Man kiss'd her, for they sat directly over against the Bar; that he saw an alteration in the Prisoner's Countenance, and that he look'd ruffled; but he knew nothing of any Courtship between them. He said also, that as the Prisoner went into the Box where the Deceas'd was, he threw the Door with an uncommon violence. Mr. Saunders, who Din'd that Day at Mr. Pain's House, confirm'd the former Evidence, adding, that Mr. Pain calling the Prisoner Villain. &c. He said, he was innocent as the Child at his Mistresses Breast, and that he pretended the Deceas'd took a Knife in her Hand, when she went to the Cellar; upon which Mr. Pain and he went down into the Cellar, but found not a drop of Blood all the way: He added that the Prisoner was gone out of the House, when the Deceas'd went down to draw the Drink, and that they saw no Knife in her Hand. Mr. Cox, the Surgeon, Depos'd, that he found the Deceas'd on her Back and a vast effusion of Blood, that he found a Knife among other Knives upon the Table with a little Blood upon it; that the Knife answer'd exactly to the Cut which went through her Apron, a Quilted-Coat, a Stuff Petticoat, and a course strong Shift, and also to the Wound in her Thigh; that the Wound went obliquely upwards, and (as he thought) could scarce be given by the Deceas'd, and he was of that Opinion, that the Knife lying four Foot distant from the Place where the Deceas'd had been Sitting, she could not lay it there; a Wound in the femoral Artery being so Mortal, that one cannot live above a Minute and a Half at most, after it is receiv'd. He observ'd also, that under her Chin, and under her left Ear, and about her Elbows, there seem'd to have been some Confinement or Violence us'd, so as to cause the Blood to Stagnate, and prevent its Circulating. This Deposition was confirm'd also by another Apothecary and Surgeon, and in some of the most material Points, by a Surgeon who was call'd in behalf of the Prisoner. Mr. Baldwin, Depos'd, that at 9 o'Clock he being at Mr. Pain's, he saw the Prisoner and the Deceas'd quarrelling, that he thought he look'd Maliciously, and that he was an ill-natur'd Fellow. Mrs. Groves, Ann Duncarton and the deceasd's Mother, who gave Evidence upon the former Tryal, that the Prisoner had several times us'd the Deceas'd ill, did not give their Evidence, though in Court ready to do it. The Prisoner made a triffling Defence, the main design of which ended in denying every thing which the Witnesses gave in Evidence against him. After a full hearing of Counsel learn'd in the Law, both against and for the Prisoner, the Jury brought him in Guilty of the Murder. James Cluff , 32 Years of Age, as he said, descended of honest Parents, who kept a Publick-House near Clare-Market , and gave him good education at School, in Reading, Writing, Cyphering, and such things as were proper to make him fit for Business. When of Age, he was put out Apprentice to a Vintner , at the Swan in Tower-Street , and serv'd out his Time Honestly and with Approbation. Afterwards he serv'd in several Taverns and Publick Houses in Town, especially at the Horseshoe in Blow-bladder street , near Cheapside he liv'd two Years, and always (for what we could hear) with the Good-will of his Master, and all others whom he had an occasion to serve in such Houses, having been abundantly obliging in his Temper to Customers. But otherways he had been of a dissolute Life in a private Capacity, with respect to himself, having been much addicted to Drinking, Whoring, Swearing, and such other Vices, as are incident to Men inclin'd to give loose Reins to their extravagant Humours; but he had still the Character of being an Honest Man, although his manner of Life oblig'd him to contract some small Debts, part of which (as some People who knew him affirm'd) he was not capable, though willing to discharge; but whatever good purpose he might have had to satisfy his Debts, was prevented by the horrid unfortunate Crime for which he died. As to the Murder of which he was Convicted, he was very obstinate in denying that he gave the fatal Wound, although he did not pretend to give any Account what way Mary Green came by it: and it must of necessity have been given either by the Maid or himself, since there was no third Person in the Room to do it; but it is the Opinion of all them who saw the Wound, and reflected on the Circumstances of the Posture she was in, that it was next to an impossibility for Mary Green to do her self so great a Mischief. I earnestly press'd upon him to glorify God by a plain Confession of his Crime, and urg'd to him the most material Circumstances, in Consideration whereof scarce any Body doubts but he committed the Fact. He could not pretend that his Master, or Mistress, who gave him the Character of a good Servant, had any Prejudice, or Ill-will to him, upon which Account they might be easy, whether he lived or died. He neither reflected on them, nor none of the Witnesses, as if they had any View in Prosecuting him, but that Justice might be executed. I urg'd him with the Surgeon's Opinion, that it was improbable, if not impossible, for the Maid to give herself such a Wound; that she had no Knife in the Cellar; that in the first Trial, three Persons had sworn that he was Rude and Barbarous to the Deceased upon many Occasions, and upon that Account she made grievous Complaints to her Mother, and others, but without the desireable Effect of taking her altogether out of his Company, which prov'd so Fatal to her. He own'd, that his Master and Mistress were very Kind to him, that he had been a very dutiful Servant , having never given any Occasion of Discontent to them, and that he could not think they entertain'd any Prejudice against him. As to the other Evidences, he did not alledge that any of them had a Grudge against him, but when I urg'd these Probabilities, and many other things which convinced the World that he committed the Murder, and another Reverend Clergyman, who frequently attended him in the Cell, was present, who also exhorted him with many pathetick Expressions, taken from Scripture and Reason, to acknowledge his Crime; he continued Peremptory in his Denial. At first, indeed, he seem'd to be in Confusion, at the many pressing Instances which were made to extort a Confession from him; but recollecting himself, he denied that he gave the mortal Wound, and said, that he knew nothing at all how she came by her Death, no more than the Child that's unborn. He said that the Deceased was a very Ill-natur'd Girl, that she swore and cursed often, and he did not deny but he had struck her sometimes, as was given in Evidence against him, but that he did not do her any Harm; and after all that could be said, he still persisted Obstinate in denying the Fact. He said, that when he was Young, he was not disobedient to his Parents, who were very Careful in giving him good Education; but that in other Respects, he had led a very wicked Life, in breaking the Lord's Day, and neglecting his Duty to Almighty God, who therefore had now justly forsaken him. He appear'd not to be of an ill Temper, but a civil Fellow, and abundantly knowing in religious Matters, for one of his Station. Many of his Friends and Acquaintances came daily to visit him, while he was under Sentence, and I wish they did not divert him too much from his Duty, and that some of them did not under-hand, buoy him up with false Hopes. He hop'd to be sav'd only by the Mercy of God, through the Merits of Jesus Christ, and that he forgave all the World any Injuries done him, as he expected Forgiveness from Almighty God. As he was going to the Place of Execution, he desir'd the Officers to stop at Mr. Pain's, at the Green Lettice in Holborn , who was his Master, and lived with him at the same Time the Murder was committed: When he came to the Door of his said Master, he call'd for a Pint of Wine, and desired to speak with him, and accordingly he came; then Cluff address'd himself to him after the following Manner: Sir, You are not unsensible I am going to suffer an ignominious Death, and for what I declare I am not Guilty of, as I am to appear before my Great Judge in a few Moments to answer for all my past Sins: I hope you and my good Mistress will pray for my poor Soul: Pray God bless you, and all your Family. Then he turn'd to the Officers and desir'd them to speak to the Carman to go on; and it was Remarkable, that he spoke it with a great deal of Composure; and likewise when he came to the Place of Execution, his Countenance no ways chang'd, not even to the very last; when the Executioner came to pull his Cap over his Face, he was the same, being no ways concern'd at his approaching and untimely Death. At the Place of EXECUTION. He appear'd (as he always did under his Misfortune while under Sentence) with a deal of Composure and Gravity, that the like is Seldom seen in those unfortunate People at their last Moments: He was attentive and serious, and made responces to the Prayers and Psalms. He address'd himself to the Spectators to this purpose: Good People, I die for the Fact I did not do. I wish all Men well, and he said he never ceas'd to pray for his Prosecutors most heartily, ever since he was under Sentence. My Sins have been very great, and I hope for God's Mercy, through the merits of Jesus Christ. A Psalm was Sung at his desire. He overheard some People say that his Mistress was in a Coach just by the Place of Execution; whereupon he could not be easie, till a Person went to the Coach and satisfy'd him that she was not there. As the Cart was going away, he once more Address'd himself to the Spectators, as follows, Good People, I beg of you to Pray for my departing Soul, and as for the Fact which I now die for: I wish I was as free of all other Sins, as I am of this, which I am now a going to Suffer for. He desir'd his Friends to carry him to Hand-Alley in Holbourn , and from thence to be carry'd to St. Andrews Holbourn , to lye by his Brother. This is all the Account given by me, JAMES GUTHRIE , Ordinary of Newgate . London Printed by JOHN APPLEBEE , in Black-Fryers .
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[ "James Cluff", "Mary Green", "Honourable Sir ROBERT BAYLIS", "James Cluff", "Mary Green", "William Green", "James Cluff", "James Cluff", "Mary Green", "Mary Green", "William Green", "Mary Green", "James Cluff", "Mary Green", "James Cluff", "Mary Green", "William Green", "Mary Green", "James Cluff", "William Green", "Mary Green", "Mary Green", "Diana Payn", "Mary Green", "Mary Green", "John Payn", "Ann Duncarton", "James Cluff", "Mary Green", "Mary Green", "JAMES GUTHRIE", "JOHN APPLEBEE" ]
17290725
OA17450709
THE ORDINARY of NEWGATE, His ACCOUNT of the Behaviour, Confession, and Dying Words OF THE MALEFACTORS Who were Executed at TYBURN , ON TUESDAY the 9th of JULY, 1745. BEING THE Fourth EXECUTION in the MAYORALTY OF THE Right Honble Henry Marshall , Esq; LORD-MAYOR of the CITY of LONDON. Number IV. For the said YEAR. LONDON: Printed, and sold by M. COOPER, at the Globe in Pater-noster Row . 1745. THE ORDINARY of NEWGATE, His ACCOUNT of the Behaviour, Confession, &c. INTRODUCTION. IT is very merry to hear the various descants on the new turn given to this paper by the present Editor, who has as many different titles bestowed on him as there are various opinions amongst men. Some are charitable enough to dignify him with the character of a plain honest country Parson, who has some view, on the demise of the present Ordinary, to obtain his place, which they seem to think may not be amiss; because they kindly enough conclude he may, by improving the matter, add to their amusement; which will be to the emolument of many. Some think it is going to be turned into a state paper, purely for the opportunity of setting the Public right, when matter sufficient occurs, in relation to such political writers as shall happen to be fools enough to like hemp better than Burgundy. Others, who are too wise to have any regard either for religion or common honesty, who can laugh at increasing evils, and sport with the miseries of their fellow creatures, and who are very indifferent whether they be hanged or reformed; these fix it on the Methodists, who, it seems, are accounted the wicked reformers of the age. Others, especially the disappointed Printers, who either have had, or are desirous of having the management of this paper, in order to get a dinner by feasting the Public with matter of their own invention, rail much at the language, and aver in all companies, such was never wrote before; which perhaps is very true: they say likewise, that none, but a person very conversant with the ignorant and miserable, can possibly be acquainted, with either their trade or wit, and consequently no judge of what they ought to say when they die, as being a stranger to their stile and language. Thus each diverts himself as best suits his fancy or interest; and if any reflection happens to please him with the certainty of his own disquisition, it's immaterial whether he hits upon the right Editor; the business not being who writes it, but what matter it contains; and which, I humbly hope, the reader for the future will more particularly attend to, as something will always present at once both serious and useful. The attention to order and regularity, and inspecting into the lives and manners of the governed, is the fundamental principle of civil government; without this the law is but a dead letter, and made rather to punish than reform. Due order, &c. depends on the right establishment of a civil Magistracy, with power in their hands, skill in their heads, and honesty in their hearts; so placed or disposed, as to hear, see, and understand all that is doing about them. When these, or any of these requisites are wanting, Justice in proportion lingers, and as that gradually decays, villainy in proportion gains ground, and ripens into acts of oppression and violence. The same laws which constitute a rural magistracy, to govern the known inhabitants of a country village, answer but very indifferently the purposes of great cities, where the next neighbours hardly know one another; and men live together with as little regard to what each other do, as if they inhabited an extended wilderness; it will follow, that as country villages do not require the same proportion of Magistrates as great cities, so neither do they require men of equal abilities. Wherever great cities are, wherein trade is well circulated, and business pursued with spirit, there men of all ranks and turns of mind will resort as the mart where all may deal: the industrious come to improve their fortunes, the extravagant to spend them, and knaves to make their market of both. Thus huddled together, there will always be employment enough not only for valuable magistrates, but also for a great number of them, properly disposed, and vigorously supported; who will put the laws already made duly in execution, by more particularly inspecting into the lives and manners of their neighbours within their respective districts. The pursuit of this object with spirit and skill would soon change the face of things, and render it as safe to walk in London streets as in our own gardens in the country, and the Sheriffs, in the event, be at more expence for gloves than halters. The back of Great Queen-street and Long Acre, the lanes, holes, and alleys about St. Giles's, &c. &c. would become the residences of honest industrious people; and night cellars, gaming-houses, bagnio's, and other bawdy houses, that confront justice with their golden signatures, and bid it defiance, be heard of no more. Men once taught to be rational, would in course love industry, and consequently fall into a mutual esteem for one another; and if the Ministers of the respective parishes were inclined to give their assistance, it might not a little contribute to the laudable purpose. In the terrible state things now are, preaching or praying would be perhaps to little purpose; but as times gradually mended, they might come to be of some use; at present the nature of the disease requires more strong and vigorous remedies, such as, I doubt not, when the fatal consequences of letting things go as they are come to be well considered, will be speedily apply'd; at least that no man for the future will be suffered either to protect or encourage such houses wherein villains are harboured, purely because it is his interest to do it. These hints, short as they are, will, I hope, contribute in time to the end for which I publish them; pleasing myself in the interval with the hopes of living to see virtue so well restored amongst the common people, as one may at least walk the streets safe from being robbed at noon-day. N. B. Any ingenious person who can throw useful thoughts together for the public emolument, pursuant to the above plan, may at any time have them inserted in this paper, by directing them to Mrs. COOPER, the publisher, in Pater-Noster-row. The Ordinary of Newgate, his Account, &c. BY virtue of a commission of Oyer, Terminer, and Goal-delivery for the city of London, and county of Middlesex, held at Justice-hall in the Old Bailey, on Thursday the 30th, and Friday the 31st of May, in the 18th year of his Majesty's reign, and in the year of our Lord 1745, before the Right Honourable Henry Marshall , Esq; Lord Mayor of the city of London ; Mr. Justice Abney, Mr. Baron Clarke , Sir Simon Urlin , Knight, Recorder of the city of London , and other his Majesty's Justices for the said city and county, when the following persons were capitally convicted, viz. John Simmons , John Jeffs , Richard Horton , Joseph Lucas , otherwise Ninn , Margaret Greenaway , Ann Rush , Jeremiah Burton , and Benjamin Stevens . - Two of whom, to wit, Richard Horton and Jeremiah Burton received his Majesty's most gracious reprieve. The rest were ordered for execution. While under sentence of death, I attended them with great care and assiduity, prayed with them often, and preached to them occasionally. My last sermon on the morning of their execution was on the subject of justice; the text was taken out of the Acts of the Apostles, chap. iv. 25, where St. Paul is described as standing before the judgment seat of Felix, the Roman Governor, and where it is recorded, that, as he reasoned on justice, temperance and judgment to come, Felix trembled. I took occasion therefrom to represent to them how far all men were liable to be called in question by their governors, and obliged to give an account of their actions; and thence concluded, that as the Holy Apostle submitted thereto with all due reverence, though free from crime, so it very justly became them who had been very wicked sinners, not to repine at their fate, but rather by a patient submission and resignation to the will of heaven, and by openly and freely confessing their crimes, leave room for grace, repentance, and a happy eternity; and by their good behaviour set so just an example, as might have a due effect on their unhappy comrades yet behind in the road to perdition, which might be the means of their betaking themselves to a course of honest industry, and being happy both here and hereafter. I then reasoned with them on the sense of the text, opening to them the nature of justice in various lights, as it regarded themselves, their fellow creatures, and their Creator. I aimed to shew that justice to themselves, was founded on temperance and industry. Temperance, I said, was the only true means of preserving health, as it kept the body in the true tone and disposition for action and labour, which are the basis of health; as health is of industry, which, at the same time that they strengthen the body, give vigor to the mind, and unite both the mortal and immortal part of man in one common pursuit of justice and righteousness; makes him just to his neighbour, respectful to his superiors, and dutiful to his Creator. I therefore warned them and all the hearers against the pernicious practice of drinking spirituous liquors, which made them seem as if possessed with evil spirits, and led them to forget that they were designed to appear in the world in the dignity of men and Christians, entitled to grace and a happy eternity. I told them that the injuries and misfortunes brought on by intemperance, were not only unhappy for themselves, but set bad examples to some, and were the means of disturbing, by their heated violences, the peace and order of the state, and the tranquillity and happiness of many, whom they had no right to injure; and by this means became the common enemies of both God and man; and consequently that the justice of both must reach them in due time, man by his judgment here, and God by the judgment to come; which was what, when intimated to Felix, made him tremble on the judgment seat, as conceiving it to be that dreadful justice which the hand of the Almighty pours on those, who by the injustice they do to themselves and fellow-creatures, by intemperance, idleness, and violence, leave no room for grace, repentance, and mercy. Yet, continued I, my brethren, be comforted, from the example of the thief upon the cross, who sincerely repenting, his sins were forgiven. You have hitherto hardly known what religion meant, and your time is now very short, but attended with this singular advantage, that if you make good use of so much as the lenity of the government allots you, and sincerely repent of your evil ways, you will become the happy partakers of bliss, and only leave behind, to your wicked comrades, misery and wrath to come. They all seemed wonderfully moved at this discourse, and very well inclined to make a graceful exit. Tears flowed from them plentifully, and they appeared to become new creatures; so that I verily believe, that were they to live their lives over again, and could be kept out of bad company, they would have spent the remainder of their days very honestly; so much did this discourse affect them. They attended divine service with suitable decency and respect; but ( Benjamin Stevens excepted) their offences did not so sensibly affect them as could have been wished. Simmons had a bad state of health, so did not attend so often as the others; Lucas was very regular in his carriage. John Jeffs behaved very soberly and attentively; Margaret Greenaway attended to the service and made regular responses. Ann Rush either had never learned or had forgot to read, and although she understood very little of the matter, yet seemed very attentive. In general they all behaved better than people usually do, who have pursued such wicked courses. Tuesday the 2d of July, report was made to the Lords of the Regency, when Richard Horton and Jeremiah Burton were reprieved, as aforesaid, and the remaining six, to wit, Benjamin Stevens , John Jeffs , Joseph Lucas , John Simmons , Margaret Greenaway , and Ann Rush were ordered for execution. Benjamin Stevens , was indicted for that he, on the 26th day of April, in the 18th year of his Majesty's reign, upon Sarah his wife feloniously, wilfully, and of his malice aforethought did make an assault, and with a certain knife, of the value of one peny, into the left side of the breast of his said wife, her did strike and stab, and thereby gave her one mortal wound, of the breadth of one inch, and of the depth of three inches, of which she instantly died, against his Majesty's peace, &c. He was likewise again indicted on the coroner's inquest for the said murther. Benjamin Stevens , upwards of fifty years of age, born of creditable parents in the parish of St. George, Bloomsbury , in which parish, or in the neighbourhood he always lived, had a good common education, having learnt reading, writing and accompts, and was as well acquainted with the principles of the christian religion as most people of his rank, and upon this unhappy occasion made a suitable use of it, being very devout and penitent. His wife had likewise been very tolerably educated; but her husband's profession and his mean income obliging them to live in but an indifferent neighbourhood, she had the misfortune to become acquainted with very indifferent company, who soon seduced her into the modern practice of dram drinking; and the man being of a sober careful turn, and not being any ways able to reform her, he grew extremely discontented and uneasy, even in some measure to the hurting of his understanding. He had by her several children, but none at present living. He once attempted to leave her, because, as was but too true, she spent all his money, as fast as he by his labour could get it; but had so great an esteem for her, that fearing she might fall into want and misery, he returned home to her again; but not being able in any sense to reclaim her, he became exasperated against her in one of her drunken fits, and then committed the fatal act for which he now died. He had a general honest character from his childhood upwards, and appeared to be very well esteemed by all that knew him. He served out his apprenticeship to a shoemaker very faithfully, and since that worked under the Purdues father and son upwards of twenty years, who on his trial gave him a very good character, and which indeed, the above affair excepted, he seemed justly to deserve from every body, and on every occasion. His penitence was suited to his crime. He seemed very vehement in his devotion, begged pardon from heaven most devoutly, and died as became a sincere and worthy Christian, in peace and charity with all men. It becomes me here as a pastor of Christ's flock to make some few remarks on this poor man's unhappy case, such as I hope may be the means of deterring others from falling under the like misfortunes through rashness or desperation. The fashionable beastly practice of womens drinking, can't be enough deplored, while it changes the soft and amiable creature whom heaven designed as one of our choicest blessings, into a worse being than a swine, and renders her at once contemptible and nauseous. Yet if it proves an honest man's fate, as is but too often the case, to be yoked to such a despicable wretch, patience is generally speaking his best relief: It is a very bad remedy, for a man to ruin himself both body and soul, because he won't wait the appointed time which heaven intends for his relief; but instead thereof, by suffering himself to be precipitated into the doing a rash action, he cures an uneasiness, by establishing misery; it is like taking poison to cure one's self of an ague. I never heard of but two remedies to cure a drunken wife; the one immoral, the other justifiable. The first I am afraid is but too often practised for want of knowing the last, therefore I shall mention both: the first is by taking care to put liquor enough in her way, that she may kill herself of course; the second is by doing the same, but only mixing in it a proper proportion of jallop, but for the quantity it is best that the apothecary direct it, lest it be over done. This will make her very sick, and consequently produce a loathing, and is therefore a very easy as well as an effectual remedy. There is perhaps a third more pleasing, but it is rather by way of prevention than remedy, and what every prudent thinking man can't help knowing, and therefore needs no farther explaining. My business not being to find physick for the body, but for the soul; yet if at the same time that I save one soul from perdition, I likewise save one body from the gallows, the end of these my reflections are in some measure answered; and therefore I recommend what I have said to be duly considered by those who have drunken wives, and are not beasts enough themselves to set them an example. John Jeffs was indicted together with Richard Horton and Joseph Lucas , otherwise Ninn , for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Thomas Chitty between the Hours of nine and ten in the night, and stealing one gown, val. 2 l. a silk gown, value 3 l. a cotton gown, value 2 l. six pieces of silk call ed lustring, value 20 s. eighteen shirts, value 4 l. 10 s. sixteen lawn stocks, one neckcloth, a damask cap, seven shirts, four frocks, and various other goods, the properties of Thomas Chitty and others, in his dwelling-house, the 12th of April. Eleanor Young was likewise indicted for receiving the abovesaid goods, knowing them to be stolen, but acquitted. The said Jeffs and Lucas had another indictment preferred against them, but being both convicted of the preceding, were not tried on this. The said Lucas was likewise tried on another indictment previous to these, and convicted for transportation. Joseph Lucas , about thirty years of age, born of honest mean parents in the parish of St. Luke , Middlesex , who got him into the charity school, from whence he was put out apprentice to a flaxter , but being badly disposed, did not serve out his time. He was entered amongst the thieves very early, for he had committed several robberies before he was fifteen years of age, and for one of them was convicted for transportation, and accordingly sent over to Virginia , where he remained near ten years, and being in a tolerable way of living, married a wife, who had been likewise a transport, and they two agreed to return to their native country, not finding any opportunity where they were of exerting themselves to any purpose. They both arrived at London about two years ago; he betook himself to his old trade of thieving, and she to that of receiving stolen goods, a trade she had very many opportunities of improving in under the conduct and direction of the famous Bess Cane , to whose care for instruction her husband committed her; and on Mrs. Betty's being transported succeeds her, being in her absence supreme receiver of the north east district, whereof her husband was Captain General. He rose to this dignity by his merit and success, and pursued his preferment with great skill and address, having a very particular ambition to equal at least the two famous Captains of the north-west and south, to wit, Captain Poney, who rules all the north-west part of the bills of mortality, and whose head quarters are near St. Giles's . And Gentleman Harry, whose government includes all the south side of the Thames up to Norwood, and from thence by an imaginary line east and west many miles: his head quarters are in the Mint, Southwark. Captain Lucas assumed to himself the sovereignty of the City of London , and all the out parts of the same up to Highgate , and so by an imaginary line west about one mile, and eastwards without limit. His headquarters was in the vicinage of Chick Lane , Jeffs, Horton, Greenaway, Rush, and about seven thousand more were his obedient slaves. In the day time they regaled themselves on the neighbouring laystalls and dunghills, where they eat, drank, smoked, swore, cursed, and slept, as best suited their respective dispositions and the commands of their sovereign Lucas, and at night were detached on such adventures as appeared to best suit their Monarch's interest and views of universal Monarchy. He often used pleasantly to say, that there were but three Princes fit to reign, viz. himself, Lewis XV. and the King of P - a, and was determined had he not been taken off in the midst of his pursuits, to have conquered the neighbouring districts, and thereby rendered himself absolute within the bills of mortality. He said a truly great soul could not bear a rival, and that less than all the globe was not sufficient for a truly exalted mind to exert itself in. He was on the point of dispatching Jeffs and Horton as his ambassadors to Lewis to treat with him about dividing the world between them, and for other equally wise and laudable purposes, when, as the Devil would have it, Jack Ketch disposed of him otherwise, and left his faithful subjects to mourn his untimely retreat, to reflect on the vicissitudes attending the affairs of the great, and without amending their ill spent lives, soon to follow him by the same road. But however wicked and haughty Lucas might be during the triumphant part of his life, while ambition and a desire of universal Monarchy reigned supreme in his breast; yet when fate was pleased to turn the scale, humility resumed the seat of ambition, and he condescended to become a Christian, by resigning himself to the will of heaven, and dying in peace and charity with all men. - He left behind him a wife, to whom just before he went to execution he wrote a consolatory letter, which the reader will find in the Appendix, and is well worthy attention. John Jeffs was a native of the parish of St. Luke , Middlesex , twenty six years of age, born of honest mean parents; he was educated in the charity school of the same parish, and when of suitable age put out apprentice to a butcher , but ran away from his master. He was Lucas's fellow parishioner, school fellow, fellow thief, portmantua nabber, first minister of state, and right hand man. When he first ran away from his master, hands being very scarce, he got himself entered aboard a man of war, where he was employed in the character of a swabber , or to feed the poultry, as occasion called. The people who serve in such employments have a great deal of leisure time upon their hands, which when they are good for any thing, they employ to instruct themselves in the art of seamanship, whereby in time they rise to the dignity of common sailors; but Jeffs's ambition pointing towards Tyburn , he minded none of these matters, he thought to be a thief was better than to be either a butcher or a seaman; and as he had learnt a great deal of his profession while ashore, so he very injudiciously practised aboard a ship, not apprehending with what ease thieves are discovered there, nor dreaming what dreadful punishments are executed upon criminals on that element, till he felt the smart by being so handsomly whipt and pickled, that he ever after dreaded a cat of nine tails more by half than the gallows, and would fifty times sooner have been hanged, than have tried the experiment again: but as he could not live without thieving, and did not choose to experience more of the naval severities, he left the ship of his own accord, of two evils he chose the least; and thought it better to be hanged for a deserter, than whipt as a thief. This precedent furnishes us with a useful hint, viz. That there are much better ways of punishing professed thieves, than hanging of them. He had left his ship about the time that Lucas returned from transportation: they had a joyful meeting together at the Chimney Sweeper's in Thatcht Alley by Chick Lane , one of the capital rendezvous of the gang for the north-east district: they have another in Long Lane , another in Black Boy Alley , several in the outskirts of the town, and in various other places too tedious to recount, and where they may with very little difficulty be some or other of them always found. They were in no particular specie of thieving, all being fish that came to net, and some one or more of the gang very dextrous in every branch, all bringing something to the common stock, which they sold to several women who make in their business to receive stolen goods, for which they never pay above one fourth of the saleable value. Sometimes they picked pockets, sometimes robbed on the highway, and when opportunity presented, got into houses. But Lucas their Captain being a man of genius in his way, did, with the advice and assistance of his prime Minister Jeffs, contrive a new specie of robbery: they waited in Piccadilly for the coming in of the western coaches, and watched them from place to place where they had occasion to set passengers down; and as such passengers usually gave the coachman money, so he on his part is always a-dry, and usually leaves his coach to get some drink, such opportunity they always seized, and carried off what seemed most convenient or moveable: both the Exeter and Salisbury coach they served so several times, to the great prejudice of the coach owners, who are obliged to make good the damage, as appears by a verdict of the Court of Common Pleas in last Trinity Term at Guildhall, in which cause a Gentleman whose name is Lockman was the Plaintiff, and the owners of the Salisbury coach defendants, for a portmantua of his taken away by this very gang, wherein was some manuscripts of great value, amongst other things, but for which he could not obtain any reparation, these rogues having burnt them to prevent discovery. It is very difficult to get the truth out of these sort of people until just before their leaving the world, they always deceiving themselves in hopes of a reprieve; and as these examinations are previous to the immediate time of their execution, if any more discoveries arise, the same will appear in the Appendix. John Simmons , was indicted for that he at the general goal delivery holden at Abingdon in and for the county of Berks , on Monday the 26th day of July, in the 18th year of the reign of his present Majesty King George the second, before James Reynolds , Esq; one of the Barons of our Lord the King, of the Court of Exchequer, and Sir Thomas Abney , Knt. then one other Baron of our said Lord the King, of the Court of Exchequer, and others their fellows Justices of our said Lord the King, assigned to deliver his goal of the same county of the prisoners therein being: John Simmons , late of the parish of St. Lawrence in Reading , in the county of Berks , labourer , according to due course of law, was indicted, tried, and convicted, before the same justices, by a Jury of that county; for that he the said John Simmons on the 3d day of April, in the 15th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the second of Great Britain, &c. with force and arms, at the parish of Stratfield in the said county, one cock turkey of the price of 2 s. one hen turkey of the price of 2 s. two live cocks of the price of 18 d. seven live hens of the price of 3 s. 6 d. and three chickens of the price of 2 s. the goods and chattels of Henry Lannoy Hunter , Esq; then and there being found, feloniously did steal, take, and carry away, against the peace of our said Lord the King, his crown and dignity; and thereupon the aforesaid John Simmons by the aforesaid Justices of our said Lord the King, assigned to deliver his goal of the said county of Berks , of the prisoners therein being, was then and there ordered to be transported as soon as conveniently might be, to some of his Majesty's colonies and plantations in America , for the term of seven years, according to the statute in such case made and provided, as by the record thereof doth more fully appear; and that he the said John Simmons afterwards, to wit, on the 18th day of March, in the 18th year of the reign of our said Lord the King, with force and arms, feloniously and without any lawful cause was at large within this kingdom of Great Britain, to wit, at London, in the ward of Portsoken in London aforesaid, before the expiration of the said term of seven years, for which he was ordered to be transported as aforesaid, against the peace of our Lord the King, his crown and dignity, and against the form of the statute in such case made and provided. Mr. Francis Higgs produced the certificate of his conviction and order for transportation, viz. These are to certify, That at the general goal delivery for our Lord the King, holden at Abingdon in and for the county of Berks , on Monday the 26th day of July, in the 18th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the second, &c. before James Reynolds , Esq; one of the Barons of his Majesty's Court of Exchequer, and Sir Thomas Abney , Knt. then one other Baron of the said Court of Exchequer, and others their fellows Justices of our said Lord the King, assigned to deliver his goal of the same county of the prisoners therein being: John Simmons , late of the parish of St. Lawrence in Reading , in the county of Berks , was then and there tried and convicted by a Jury of the said county; for that he the said John Simmons on the 3d day of April, in the 15th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the second, &c. in the parish of Stratfield in the said county, one cock turkey of the price of 2 s. one hen turkey price 2 s. seven live hens price 3 s. 6 d. and three chickens, price 2 s. the goods of Henry Lannoy Hunter , Esq; did feloniously steal, take and carry away, &c. and that he the said John Simmons then and there prayed the benefit of the sta tute to be allowed to him, and that the said Justices at the said goal delivery, ordered him to be transported as soon as conveniently might be to some of his Majesty's plantations in America , for the term of seven years, to be computed from the time of his conviction. Signed Thomas Multhoe , Clerk of Assise for the County of Berks . April 21, 1745. John Simmons , about 31 years of age, born at Reading in Berkshire of honest parents, who gave him a good education, suited to the common course of business. His father being a farmer bred him up to husbandry , but being of an idle disposition he soon left that way of life, and betook himself to rambling, sometimes in the barges to and from London , and sometimes about the country a thieving. And although he was but a puny thief in comparison of the above-mentioned, or of some hereafter specified, yet in the country he was looked upon with great horror and detestation, especially by those who kept poultry, who esteemed him the worst fox in the neighbourhood, and guarded against him accordingly, though oftentimes to very little purpose; however, at lest he was caught in a trap some time in the spring of the year 1741, and committed to Reading goal : he was conducted from thence to Abingdon , where the assizes following he was tried and convicted for transportation, and being put into a waggon with others to be sent to London , he somewhere on the high road made his escape; and by taking a little circuit got up to London , and harboured himself within the cover of the north east district, where he roved and robbed from time to time on his own bottom, and at length settled himself in a bawdy house in Patrick's court , Hounsditch , from whence, with some others he there became acquainted with, he issued out with intent to rob, but going to an alehouse in Gravel Lane , they quarrelled amongst one another, and the watch being called in, was wounded by him; whereupon a warrant being granted against him, he was taken next day at his lodgings, when he again wounded one of the watchmen, and made his escape; but was retaken going up the steps to Devonshire square . He was thereupon committed to the Poultry Compter, under the name of Burgess, where the goaler of Reading found him, and upon his being brought up to the Old Bailey , had the record of his old indictment read against him, and being proved to be the same man who had made his escape, he was convicted of returning from transportation, which he seemed to think a hard judgment upon him, because he was never abroad, reasoning, as these poor creatures usually do, that every thing which seems to be in their favour is right, without reflecting, that what arguments he brought in his own behalf only contributed, in the eye of the law, to add to his crime. He behaved very decently, and attended chapel as long as his health permitted; but being seised with the goal distemper, he lay in a very miserable way. His poor wife constantly visited and administered unto him all the help in her power, and seemed to be a very good kind of woman. He had all the appearance of sorrow and true peni tence; he confessed the truth of his indictment; that he had been a very profligate, wicked, debauched, young fellow, and that he suffered very deservedly. He mourned for the misery he brought on his poor wife more than himself. He died in full conviction of happiness hereafter, being truly penitent, and in peace and charity with all men. Margaret Greenaway and Ann Rush , of the parish of St. Bridget , otherwise St. Brides , in London , were indicted for assaulting George Thorne on the King's highway, putting him in fear, and taking from him a hat, value 3 s. and eight shillings in money, his property, April 25, 1745. These two ladies had the honour to be part of a detachment out of captain Lucas's Gang, and sometimes acted in the capacity of his decoy ducks: if a man appeared well dressed, and so much in liquor as to be weak enough to suffer himself to be easily drawn into their acquaintance, they usually conducted him to an appointed house, where Lucas was seated in a chair of state, acting in the capacity of a judge, the counsel and jury attending; Culprit was brought up to the bar, where his indictment was read in the face of the court. The indictment usually charged him with criminally presuming to carry about him a certain unlawful toy, commonly called a tatler, otherwise a gold or silver watch, with chains, seals, and other malignant appurtenants, together with silver buckles, gold buttons, and money of various metals, and contrary to the peace of their sovereign Lord Lucas, his power and dignity. Judge. Prisoner, hold up your hand at the bar, guilty, or not guilty? Culprit. Guilty, my Lord. J. How will you be try'd? C. By your Lordship's will and pleasure. J. Will you have counsel assigned you? C. If your Lordship pleases. J. Then give them a see. C. What fee will your Lordship order me to give? J. Let us see how able you are first; lay your store down at the bar. -Oho! it is very well, Sir, you are convicted without evidence: why, Sir, what an impudent fellow are you, to run about in the night with prohibited goods? Do you think we have nothing else to do but watch such rogues as you are? -Let's see what are they all: Primis, A gold watch and steel chain; don't such a fellow as this deserve to be hanged in chains! Cundis, two gold seals, one little picture set in ditto. -I am afraid this rogue has robbed some lady, -here, court-keeper, let these things be properly disposed of for the public. Alas a day! what a wicked world we live in: Public virtue, as Mr. Broadbottom justly observes in his Old England, is no more known amongst us; the Westminster Journal makes wife observations on the same subject, and the Craftsman ought to have his statute in gold set up in the Royal-Exchange, he talks so like an old gregg. Counsel. I wish it was, my Lord, for all our sakes. J. No interruption, Sirrah; you prisoner at the bar, how dare you be guilty of these high crimes and misdemeanors? -The indictment says further, that you have five guineas in your pocket, gold buttons in your sleeves, and silver buckles in your shoes, and at your knees, how say you, guilty, or not guilty. Culprit. I pleaded guilty before, my Lord, and only pray that in consideration of my youth and inexperience, your Lordship will take what I have and do me the honour to release me. I confess my folly, my Lord, and hope my ignorance will be the means of my acquittal. J. Have you no diamond rings? Culprit. No, my Lord, my wife dreamt last night I should lose my diamond ring, so took it away from me, otherwise it should have been at your Lordship's service. J. I shall acquit you this time - but take with you this piece of advice from an honest man and a Judge, viz. When you have got a good wife, never leave her for the tavern, or strange women, lest thieves meet you, and take away your wealth, and you give opportunity to others to share in your wife's affections, always remembring this sage advice; ' He that to taverns from his wife will run, ' Gives her the hint to follow other fun.' And so you Rush and Greenaway see the Prisoner safe to the place where you found him, and there leave him to his own inventions; and you Jeffs and Horton follow them at a distance, and see that the women don't seduce the young man, and so, Sir, I discharge you the Court and my presence. Culprit. I most humbly thank your Lordship. Margaret Greenaway , 31 years of age, born of honest parents in Katherine Street in the Strand , who gave her the best education they were capable of, and put her out to service, in which state of life she lived for some time in good reputation, until her natural inclinations getting the better of her understanding, she first commenced whore, and then thief. She married some years ago a young fellow, who not liking her disposition and turn of life, left her, went to sea in a man of war, and has not been since heard of by her. On his leaving her she entered herself of the Black Boy Alley gang, and when Lucas arrived from Virginia put herself more particularly under his conduct. Their customary way of robbing is related in the above comic scene; but the crime for which she was convicted, was acted in a more gross manner, and was owing, as she confessed, to the man's being obstrepulous, as she calls it, and having no regard to her charms, and the immediate necessity they were under of present money. She and Rush had their guard at a distance as usual, and I hope will be a warning to those unguarded men, whether married or not, how they engage with such women. She was with great difficulty brought to confess her crime, but ingenuously owned that she was a most profligate wicked wretch, and not fit to live on the face of the earth. She was poor, naked, and miserable, and having no good acquaintance, passed her time in a way worthy of being deplored, by all such who have a feeling of the miseries of their fellow creatures, who are buried in a sink of infamy, and lost to grace and repentance; and all I can say more of her is, that she died calmly, and professed forgiveness to all the world. Ann Rush , about 20 years of age, born of honest mean parents, in some one of the little streets in the neighbourhood of Hatton Garden , but she could not certainly say which: she seems by all accounts to have been a very wicked girl from her infancy, and, as many thousands more are unhappily suffered to do, always followed her own inventions, which was a mixture of thieving, whoring, and idleness. The above Margaret Greenaway was her principal conductor and director; she first introduced her into the famous Blood Bowl House , and afterwards into the Black Boy Alley gang, among which brother and sisterhood, of rogues, thieves, and raggimuffins, they usually past their miserable days on the dunghills and laystalls; their nights like wild beasts hunting after prey. We may see by this to what a wretched state human nature is capable of being reduced, when a due regard to our Creator, the honour and dignity of the state we are made for, and the order, decorum, and good oeconomy of human institutions, founded on reason and justice, are trampled on and obliterated. We see nothing amongst the worst of savages equal to this: there is some decency, rule and order, some seeming regard to heaven, and themselves, even amongst the Hottentots; but here human reason seems to be so far forgot, as to level them below the most contemptible of the brute species. Ann Rush was among the worst of these, the most impudent little dirty bunter, equally hasty in body and mind, the most complete lost miserable creature I ever yet beheld even amongst the wretched. Oh! that those who shine in pomp and state, would but condescend to look down with the eyes of compassion, on the multitudes of such unhappy people, who daily represent themselves to view in the outskirts of this great and opulent city! Could they possibly, if they reflected a moment, avoid applying themselves to the contriving of such just and natural remedies, as might be the means of removing so shocking a grievance? If they did but consider, that the best, and wisest of us all, wanting means of education, good examples, and good company, are liable through our frailties and passions of being hurried headlong into the dreadful gulph of misery and destruction, would not such a thought at once startle and stimulate us on ardently to pursue means for the redemption of these poor despised unhappy creatures? What an honour would it be to the nation to see the meanest of our fellow creatures decently clad, and pursuing the ways of honest industry? But the nature of my paper wont't permit me to enter into the source of this evil, without seeming to give offence; if those who ought to do it will think, I have said enough; if they will not, all that can be said will be to very little purpose. And so with the departure of this poor wretch, to I hope a better state, I shall here conclude my reflections. At the Place of EXECUTION. ON Tuesday the ninth day of July I went to attend them in the chapel at Newgate, at or about six of the clock in the morning, where they all appeared, except John Simmons , who was absent by reason of sickness. Benjamin Stevens behaved with all the signs of real sorrow and penitence, both at chapel and at the place of execution. I had no need to remind him of his crime, or of sincere contrition for the same. He seemed thoroughly to understand his own case, and addressed himself to heaven with great fervency and zeal. He owned that he was deservedly punished here, and seemed to hope, with proper humility, for mercy hereafter, therefore quitted this life with great cheerfulness and resignation to the will of heaven. Joseph Lucas behaved with great decency and regard to his present unhappy state; and, as if he was resolved to die as well as live their captain, he seemed now to pride himself as much in setting his comrades an example of good, as heretofore of evil, which was of no small consequence to the welfare of them all, his behaviour seeming more to be their guide, than any other more important motive; for which reason they all seemed to join heartily with him in prayer and singing of psalms, himself being not a little pleased, to see their regard for, and attention to him. An instance has rarely occurred to me, of one so thoroughly hardened in wickedness, dying so well, I may say so heroically good, so much like a reasonable creature, and a Christian. John Jeffs seemed very much affected with Lucas's behaviour, was very attentive to it, and joined with him in every part of his devotion; and as he was once firmly attached to his evil ways, so now he became proselited to those that were good, and quitted this world with great decency and resignation. Margaret Greenaway was thoroughly terrified at her approaching dissolution, and seemed most heartily to deplore her miserable state. Lucas's example contributed to give her spirits, and to assist her in her conduct. I gave her all the encouragement in my power to hope for mercy, if she was sincerely penitent; she protested herself sincere, and died as became a Christian. Ann Rush was in general exquisitely stupid and obdurate; yet Lucas's example, and my exhortations, seemed to work so much upon her spirits, or the terror of her approaching fate had so good an effect upon her, that she seemed at length quite dissolved in tears and contrition. I was glad at heart to see so good a change in her: I gave her great hopes of mercy and happiness hereafter, if she sincerely repented. She said she was very sorry she had not lived better, hoped God Almighty would forgive her, and made a very decent exit. John Simmons was so very sick and weak as not to be able either to speak or help himself, so was in effect dead before the Executioner did his part, by which means nothing could be gathered of his thoughts of his unhappy state, more than what is previously related. A LETTER from Captain LUCAS to his wife, which he sent the Morning of his Execution. ' My dear Wife, ' ALL the vanities and follies ' of this world are now ' no more; Jeffs seems to think ' still there may be some hopes ' of a reprieve, but, for my part, ' it is the least of my thoughts; ' for however miserable the world ' may now think me, I am really ' happier than ever: I have no ' way to prove this to you, but by ' wishing you to try how pleasureable it is to have honest thoughts: ' you know very well, that ever ' since our return from Virginia , ' we have had neither rest nor ' peace, now I have both, and am ' satisfied. Then we feared death ' as the greatest evil, now I embrace it as the chiefest good, and ' am more afraid of having a reprieve, to live again and be miserable, than I used to be of Justice ' De Veil and his Constables. It ' is a sad thing to be always in ' fear, it is living a dog's life: for ' the Lord's sake find some way to ' live honestly, if it is but by keeping a chandler's shop. You need ' not be told the danger of receiving stolen goods, when it puts ' you in the power of every little ' pilfering rascal, to ruin you whenever he pleases; they durst not ' do it whilst I was alive; but now ' I am dead they will hang you ' if they can to save themselves. ' Only consider what became of ' poor Bess Cane , Bess is gone to ' be a slave, and you know what ' that is, don't go there any more, ' my heart bleeds to think on't. ' Pray, my Dear, if any of ' those papers remain that have ' made such a hurly burly, get ' them some way returned to the ' right owner, I am told he is a ' great Poet, and lives in Captain ' Poney's district, somewhere about ' Long Acre , but you may send ' them to Old Slauter's Coffee-house , ' in St. Martin's Lane , very safely, ' I am sure no body will meddle ' with you if you send them; ' pray, my Dear, don't forget, for ' I am told that the keeping of ' them is a great hindrance to the ' Gentleman's trade, and can do ' you no manner of service: Gentleman Harry may carry them ' home and get money for them, ' he has impudence enough to do ' any thing, but I had rather you ' would send them by some honester person, and not take any ' thing for them. ' My dear love, now it is too late ' I can plainly see how easy it is to ' be honest. I do assure you, were ' I to live my life over again, I ' would be as honest as our overseers of the poor at least, nay, 'the Parson himself should not be 'an honester man. I now begin ' to see there's something in being ' religious, and that it is for our good, ' and our Ordinary, good man, ' has made that very clear to me, ' though it seems some that pretend to be our betters make a jest ' of it; but were they as I am, ' perhaps they would think as I do. ' Nothing is plainer to me now, ' than that it is much less trouble, ' as well as more gainful, to live ' honestly than wickedly. Adieu, ' my Dear, the bell tolls, I am ' going to heaven, I hope, where I ' shall rejoice to embrace you. So ' at present no more from Yours, ' JOSEPH LUCAS . FINIS.
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OA
[ "Henry Marshall", "Right Honourable Henry Marshall", "Baron Clarke", "Sir Simon Urlin", "John Simmons", "John Jeffs", "Richard Horton", "Joseph Lucas", "Ninn", "Margaret Greenaway", "Ann Rush", "Jeremiah Burton", "Benjamin Stevens", "Richard Horton", "Jeremiah Burton", "Benjamin Stevens", "John Jeffs", "Margaret Greenaway", "Ann Rush", "Richard Horton", "Jeremiah Burton", "Benjamin Stevens", "John Jeffs", "Joseph Lucas", "John Simmons", "Margaret Greenaway", "Ann Rush", "Benjamin Stevens", "Benjamin Stevens", "John Jeffs", "Richard Horton", "Joseph Lucas", "Ninn", "Thomas Chitty", "Thomas Chitty", "Eleanor Young", "Joseph Lucas", "Bess Cane", "Jack Ketch", "John Jeffs", "John Simmons", "James Reynolds", "Sir Thomas Abney", "John Simmons", "John Simmons", "Henry Lannoy Hunter", "John Simmons", "John Simmons", "Francis Higgs", "James Reynolds", "Sir Thomas Abney", "John Simmons", "Henry Lannoy Hunter", "Thomas Multhoe", "John Simmons", "Margaret Greenaway", "Ann Rush", "George Thorne", "Margaret Greenaway", "Ann Rush", "Margaret Greenaway", "Ann Rush", "John Simmons", "Benjamin Stevens", "Joseph Lucas", "John Jeffs", "Margaret Greenaway", "Ann Rush", "John Simmons", "Bess Cane", "JOSEPH LUCAS" ]
17450709
OA16850724
The True ACCOUNT OF THE Behaviour and Confessions OF THE Condemned Criminals IN NEWGATE, VIZ. William Blower , Robert Frances , William Vanderburst , George Attwell , Samuel Anderson , Thomas Weal , Nathaniel Page , John Smith , John Henly , John Somerset , John Morgen , Henry Antony . OF WHICH William Blower for High-Treason, in Clipping the Currant Coin of this Kingdom: Robert Frances , John Smith alias Morgen , and Henry Langhley alias Antony , were Executed on Friday the 24th. of July, 1685. Together with their LAST Dying WORDS Before their Execution at TYBURN. AT the Sessions of Peace, and Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol-Delivery of Newgate, held for the City of London, and County of Middlesex, at JusticeHall in the Old-Baily, the 16th,17th,and 18th of July 1685. And in the First Year of His Majesties Regin, these Twelve Persons received sentence of Death, viz. William Blower for High-Treason, Robert Frances , William Vanderburst , George Attwell , Samuel Anderson , Thomas Weal , Nathaniel Page , John Smith , John Henly , John Somerset , John Morgen and Henry Antony . On the last Lords Day, being the next after Condemnation pass'd upon the aforesaid Criminals, the Ordinary read Prayers, and Preach'd to them in the Forenoon and Afternoon of the said Day. His Text was in the fifth Chapter of the Prophet Amos, and the sixt Verse, viz. Seek ye the Lord, and ye shall Live. From which facred Scripture, the Ordinary delared, that this Duty of seeking the Lord, as the Fountain of Being and Blessedness, is the Fundamental duty of all Natural Religion, and the most comprehensive Duty and Priviledge of the positive instituted Religion of Christianity. That it comprehends the Exercise of every Grace of the Holy Spirit. That the Sincere seeking of God, is a Voluntary and Holy Turning, and holding the Mind on him, till the Heart and Affections be enstamed with the Love of God, and a de delight in being made like him. That it was to chose him for the Souls Pattern in an Holy State, as well as the Portion of its Felicity. That true Seeking him, is to Glorifie him, as God in our right conceptions of his Nature and Divine Excellencies, to Love, trust in, and Obey him. To fear him for his Goodness and Mercy, as well as Power and Justice. It is not so study God, as to heap up many distinct Notions of him, which yet make no impression of Holiness on the Heart and Conversation. Without this a Man may remain a Stranger, yea an Enemy unto the Lord. Here the Ordinary demonstrated the Sin and Misery of such who live in a constant and Habitual forgetfulness of God, because every Creature and Act of Providential Preservation, doth demonstrate that the Lord doth abundantly afford an occasion and Obligation of Solemn remembrance of him. That yet Men wander from God, because they have lost the Government of their hearts and Affections, and so settle on vain Objects Then the Ordinary shewed wherein the extent of the duty of seeking the Lord did consist. Urged divers Agreements to perswade to it, with Rules and Directions how to perform it Sincerely. In the close of the Afternoon Sermon, he made a particular Speech to the Condemned Criminals, that they would so seek into the Lord, that they may live in a Blessed Eternity. And shewed wherein the Life of new Creatures in Christ, consists, how it may be promoted and preserved, in the comfortable effects of it, as to the exercise of Faith and Repentance, shewing their Necessity, Excellency, and how they may be facilitated in order to Eternal Life. And then pressing them to Labour after a Blessed Fruition of God, he dismissed them, with Prayers for a Blessing on the Duty's of the Lord's Day. They were all of them very Attentive, and seedmed much Afficted with the greatness of their Sins, and I promised them that erarly next Day (God willing) I would Visit them, and confer with them about their Soul State, to prepare them for their approaching Death. According to my promise, I visited about Nine of the Clock on Monday in the Forenoon the several Prisoners, and spent some confiderable time in Prayer, Exhortation, and took a particular Account of their course of Life, and sit dispositions for Death. I. I went to Mr. Robert Frances his Chamber, because he desired me to take a particular Care of him; And found him in a serious good Frame and composure of Mind, willing to Resign himself to the alwise ducture of God's Spirit, and his determination for Life of Death. First I Prayed with him, and then entred upon an inquiry into his Life and Conversation, precedent to the Crime of Killing Mr. Dangerfield. He was very free to give an Account of himself. He said that he was Born of Protestant Parents, and bred up in good Literature. That twenty Years since he was a Student in Christ-Church Colledge in Oxford . That afterward he went over Sea with Sir Joseph Williamson , his late Majesties Ambassador , as an Attendant on him. That for fourteen Years last past he hath been of the Society of Grays Inn , and practiced in the Law . That he did not lead any Extravagant Life, till this unhappy Crime. He acknoweledged that he saw Dangerfield in the Pillory at Westminster: And that on the Day in which he was Whip’d to Tyburn, Mr. Frances was with a Friend at a Coffee-House near to St. Andrews Church in Holbourn , and thought not to have staid there, because he was to Dine that Day with his Friend, and was in the Afternoon to have Managed a Cause for a Client at Guild-Hall, so that he was going home from the said Coffee-House; but a report coming thither that Dangerfield was in his return from Tyburn, and very near; He left his Wife in his Friends Hand, and went to meet the Coach in which Dangerfield was, only out of Curiosity (as he saith) to observe how he look'd after his being Whip'd, he said that the Coach did not stop, but he went to the side of it, and said, Have you had your Heat to Day? How is it now with you. Dangerfield, upon those Words, (he says) called him Son of a Whore, and said, what have you to do with me? Mr. Frances being asked by the Ordinary what moved him to Kill Dangerfield, he replied, that his Passion was stired up at Dangerfield's Reviling Language, and said that he only intended to Beat him with a Bamboo Cane, which was Furz'd and worn out at the end of it. But the Coach moving onwrad, the Cane Wounded Dangerfield in the Eye; but he intended only to have thrust it as his Breast. He also said that he had a short Sword, and yet used it not, because he did not design to kill Dangerfield. Mr. Frances being told by the Ordinary, that very thrust proved Fatall, and was a very Inhumane Act toward a person in his distrets; to this Mr. Frances replied, that he never bore any Malice nor Grudge to Mr. Dangerfield, nor was he moved to that Act, by any person whatsoever, only God left him to himself, for the punishment of his former Sins, to run into this suddain Effort of passion. Mr Frances was much affected with my discourse, and wept in praying with him: he was very attentive to more then the other Criminals; so, he seemed very Penitent, and I hope that this Sentence of Death on him did awaken him, to a serious recalling to mind whatsoever former Sins he might be Guilty of, in order to make his peace with God, who is the Searcher of all Hearts, and only knows who are truly penitent. The second Criminal who offered to give an Account of himself to the Ordinary, was William Vanderburst , he is not full 19 years of Age, he was born in Stanhop-street in St. ClementsDanes Parish. He says, he had been lifted for a Soldier but was turned off, for not providing himself of an Horse, so he toke one by Stealth, he says, that he was brought up by his Father in his Trade of Painting , but was Idle. At 14 years of Age he used Gaming with Boys at Chuckfarding on the Lords-day. Since he arrived at 16 years, he grew more Licentious, he went not to Church, but was drunk on the Sabboth days. That he did swear in his Passion, I askt him, what he thought might be the occasion of his early growth in Sin, he replied, that he neglected Prayer every Morning, and at Night, if he Prayed, he did it very coldly. III. Nathaniel Page , Aged 23 years and upwards, he was born in Somerset-shire at WestonZoyland , he was brought up to Husbandry with his Father, afterwards, he was sent up to Fulham , to be Prentice with a Farryer there. He lived Nine year with him he said that his fellow Prentice, Thomas Weal , inticed him to break open the House of Robert Lampany , Weal consest upon his apprehension that he toke the Money, which was 4 pieces of Gold, commonly called Guinea’s and 15 l. of Money in Silver, and Page confessing that he had two punds 6s. of the foresaid Money, whereby he made himself an accessary to the Fact, they were both found Guilty. Page, told the Ordinary, that Weal broke up the House, but he knew he did so and yet did not discover him, because he had some share in the Mony, and so was Inticed to his own Ruine. He said God is Just in this, so I have been a great Sinner in Swearing and drinking to excess, that he frequently took Gods Name in Vain, crying O Lord, upon every trisling occasion. But that which most troubles him, he said, is that having not heard from his Friends for two Years last past, he rashly Swore that he would never send to them, altho he did not break his Oath; He said he can Read and Write, and therefore his Sins are the greater, as commited against knowledge. That he Prayes Day and Night, and yet counts not himself to have an Heart to Pray enough. IV. Thomas Weal , Aged 14 years. Born at Fulham he was put Prentice to a Blacksmith . One tempted him to leave his Service. And then to Rob Money from Robert Lampany , at Fulham . He confessed the Crime. And told the Ordinary that the Lord left him to himself to brake open the House, because he broke the Sababth, and prophaned it, in joyning with bad Company. That he was addicted to Swearing and Drunkenness; that he seldome Prayed, but now he finds he can pray because his Heart is Broken for his Sins That he desires the Lord to make him a true Penitent, to change his Heart, and hopes if he may be spared, that he shall become a New Man, for his Faith is grounded on the promises of Gods free Grace in Christ to the Penitent; and he hopes he is such, for, when the other Condemned Criminals Sleep, he Prayers by himself alone. V. George Attwell , of the Parish of Hanwell , Indicted for Stealing a Brown Gelding, value 3 l. from Richard Walden , May the 30th. He is now thirty Years of Age, a Married Man, and hath three Children, as he says: He was a Curryer at Stow-Gumber in Sommerset-shire . The cause of his coming to London was this, viz. He was Bound for the Payment of twenty Pounds Sterling in the Countrey, so being not able to make Payment, he fled to London , to secure himself from an Arrest: He said that he got Employment at his Trade in London, and sent down Money to his Wife in the Countrey. Eight Weeks since a Journey-man Shoe-maker in London, met him in Holborn , and told him that he had Bought an Horse, and desired him to carry the said Horse into the Countrey to put to Grass, that he might be more in Heart. Attwell told the Shoe-maker that he would go to Branford to seek Work there, (for he had none at present in London:) So he Rode down thither with the Horse, but getting no Work, he left the Horse at the Mag-Pye in Branford , and was apprehended for Stealing the Horse, the Shoe-maker being run away, this he pretends, but the Jury saw cause to bring him in Guilty of the Felony, because he could give very little or no Account of himself. He told the Ordinary that he did Drink to Excess, and Swear sometimes. That he Prayed sometimes in the Evening, but not in the Mornings. VI. Henry Antony in the Parish of St. Katherines , Indicted for Breaking up the House of one Travers, on June the 23d, and stealing thence five Gold Rings, value 3 l. 5 s. 6 d. a Silk Hood, value 4 s. with other small things. The Prisoner being found in the Act, and unable to Defend himself, was brought in by the Jury Guilty. This Henry Antony is Aged 27 Years, he was Master of two Ships , and lived without any fear of Poverty. He kept to the Church on the Lords Day, till he sell into the Company of Bad Women. He spent on them his Estate, and then committed this Felony. He confesses himself Guilty. He was lately Drunk. His Conscience he says is very much Oppress'd with the Burden of his Sins, yet he hopes in Gods Mercy, he shall escape utter Ruine. He Prayes (he faith) Day and Night. I instructed him and all the other Criminals, in the difference betwix true Faith and Repentance, from that which is not available to Salvation. VII. John Henly , of Hackney Parish , Indicted for Stealing a Black Coloured Mare, Value 4 l. On June 26th. from Mr. Berkin, the Evidence for the King was a Collarmaker, who Affirmed that Henly brought him the Hide of the Mare which was stole. The Prisoner Confessing he had the Mare and Bought her for 3 s. The Jury found him Guilty. This John Henly is Aged 32 years, he was Born in St. Sepulchres Parish , he was an Harness-maker ; he says he Killed the Mare, gave the Carcas to the Doggs, but Reserved the Skin to make or mend Harness. In Old-street he kept a Shop ten years; lately he wrought on his Trade in a Close Room; he confessed he went to Church, yet not minding his Duty as he ought, he sometimes was overcome with Drink, and swore too much; he says that now he Prayer, and that if he may be spared he resolves he will lead a better Life, yet the Heart is Deceitful as he Acknowledged. VIII. Samuel Anderson , Aged 50 years, Born in Oldstreet , bred up to the Trade of a Joyner , he kept to it till he fell into bad Drunken Company; he confessed that he took one Shilling when he was Lifted for a Soldier , and 6 d. Pay, per diem: yet he withdrew himself from the Kings Service. he confessed he had been a grievous Drunkard; that from a Child he had been guilty of most Sins, Murder excepted: that he had the Plague upon him in the year 1665. yet Reformed not, nor Prayed in his Family; that he is now very weak in his Brain, having been accustomed to Excessive Drinking. He did with many Tears acknowledge his ill Life, and seemed very Penitent. IX. John Smith , of the Parish of Stepney . The Evidence against the Prisoner, was thus, that Smith breaking into the house of one Edward Jones on June 25th. betwixt twelve and one at Night, he was Apprehended in the Cellar, before he could make an escape with the Stolen Goods. The Criminal in defence of himself, said he was in Drink, and the door being open, he went in. But the Jury not Crediting him, found him guilty of Burglary. This Smith, is Aged 34 Years, was Born in Leicester , and was bred up with a Silk Throster in White-Chappel . He confessed that he kept not the Sabbath; that sometimes he Drank to Excess, He says that formerly he could Pray, but now he finds Sin to be such a Clog and burden to his Conscience, that he cannot Pray as he desires, yet he Mourns for his ill Life, that he hath Offended God, and begs the change of his Heart rather than to Live. X. John Somerset of the Parish of St. Clements-Danes , being a Soldier and under his Majesties Pay, Run a Way; from his Colours which being proved, and Confessed by the Prisoner, he pretending to be Sick, was by the Jury brought in Guilty. This Somerset is Aged 24 Years Born in the Bishoprick of Durham , and bred up to Husbandry near Durham: For nine or ten Years he was with his Father in that Imployment. Then one sent to him that he would come to London that he might enter into the Service of the Lady Pym, in Bloomsbury , as her Coach man , which he did, staying with her three Years. Some sawcy Words turn'd him out of her Ladyships Service. Afterward he was drawn away with ill Company, he confessed that he went to Prayers thrice a Week to covent Garden Church, while he was in the Lady Pyms Service, yet afterward being dismissed for his uncivil Carriage, he kept not the Sahhath, but grew a great Drunkard, and swore too much. Yet he hopes that upon his Repentance, the Lord will have Mercy on his Soul. XI. John Morgen of the Parish of St. Leonard Shoreditch , Indicted for breaking up the House of one Filkins, June the 30th. and sealing Goods thence. The Cloaths were found upon him, and he not being able to Excuse himself, was by the Jury brought in Guilty. This Morgan is Aged twenty Years, was Born in the North of England . He was not so Obedient to his Parents as he now wishes he had been. He went Weekly to learn the Trade of Weaving , but he left it, because he had a mind to go to Sea with his Brother. The Ordinary ask’d him if he had fallen into Bad Company? He replied, he knew none worse than himself. Had he kept close to God and his Duty, no bad Company could have made such an Impression on him, as it Did, but he left God to follow vain Courses. I asked him whether he Prophaned the Sabbath. He replied, where can you find any in this Place who keep it. He said that he Mourned for Sin, out of Love to God, and desires to die, so he may be fit, rather than to Live and increase his Provocations of God. XII. William Blower , in the Parish of Alhallows London , Indicted for High Treason in Clipping and Deminishing the Lawful Coin of this Kingdom. He endavoured to evade the Indictment by pretending that the Room where the Clippings and Instruments for that purpose were found, was let to one Mr. Johnson, who had been a Lodger in his House, but he knew nothing of the Matter, nor where Johnson was, but the Fact was so Apparent to the Jury, that they found him Guilty of High Treason. This Blower, is about 30 years of Age, a Chirurgeon by Profession, he was Apprenctice to Mr. Wooddard: when he was made Free; He went to Sea as Chirurgeon, in the time of the Dutch Wars. Some time since, he practiced that skill about London-Wall , where (he says,) he lived in good credit and Unblamable among his Neighbours. That he had not wronged any Man, but been very Charitable. The Ordinary told him, this Crime was a great Dishonour to the King. He Confessed it was a great Sin and Injury, and he said, that the Lord suffered this Sentence to fall upon him for the Remisness of his Life, but he was not conscious to himself, of any Gross Wickedness in his Conversation, to provoke God to suffer this distress to come upon him. But he hoped, the Lord was Reconciled to him in Christ, and would sanctify his Heart, and prepare him for his Death . I Prayed with him, and Mr. Frances, severally, at their Chambers, on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and found them and left them in a good Christian frame, willing to Live or Dye, at Gods disposal: On Monday and Tuesday I visited the rest of the Condemned Prisoners : also on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Exhorting and Praying for them, that they might be prepared for a Blessed Eternity, I hope my endeavours where prevalent upon them, as well as Acceptable to them. Betwixt Ten and Eleven in the Morning, the Prisoners were put into the Cart at Newgate, and William Blower , into the Sledge who seemed very penitent all the way they went; when they came to Tyburn Mr. Ordinary Prayed with them, and sung part of the Twenty fifth Psalm; after which, they exhorted the Standers by to take warning by their dismal and untimely Ends, of the Effects of Sin, which had brought them to that fatal place. And then they Prayed earnestly by themselves, and desired the People to pray for them, after which they were all Execused. Dated this 23d. of July, 1685. Samuel Smith , Ordinary . This may be Printed July 23th 1685. R.L.S. London, Printed by G.Croom, at the Blue-Ball in Thames-Street, over against Baynard's-Castle. 1685.
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[ "William Blower", "Robert Frances", "William Vanderburst", "George Attwell", "Samuel Anderson", "Thomas Weal", "Nathaniel Page", "John Smith", "John Henly", "John Somerset", "John Morgen", "Henry Antony", "William Blower", "Robert Frances", "John Smith", "Morgen", "Henry Langhley", "Antony", "William Blower", "Robert Frances", "William Vanderburst", "George Attwell", "Samuel Anderson", "Thomas Weal", "Nathaniel Page", "John Smith", "John Henly", "John Somerset", "John Morgen", "Henry Antony", "Robert Frances", "Joseph Williamson", "William Vanderburst", "Nathaniel Page", "Thomas Weal", "Robert Lampany", "Thomas Weal", "Robert Lampany", "George Attwell", "Richard Walden", "Henry Antony", "John Henly", "Samuel Anderson", "John Smith", "Edward Jones", "John Somerset", "John Morgen", "William Blower", "William Blower", "Samuel Smith" ]
16850724
OA16950417
A True ACCOUNT of the BEHAVIOUR, CONFESSION AND Last Dying SPEECHES, Of the Criminals that were Executed at TYBURN, On Wednesday the 17th of this Instant April 1695. AT the Sessions House in the Old-Bayly, on Fryday the 5th of April 1695, Six Persons had their Sentence of Death pronounced upon them, viz. five Men and one Woman; on Saturday the Ordinary visited them, and endeavoured to make them sensible of their Crimes, Francis Newland , Condemned for the Barbarous Murther of Mr. Thomas, the manner of it is described in the Book of Tryals. I went to him in his Chamber, hoping to make him thereby, the more sensible of his Crime, exhorting him to consider how deeply he had defiled his Soul, with shedding the Blood of an innocent Gentleman; I told him that very great Repentance was requisite for such an heinous Crime, added to the sins of his whole life. And that because he did not Reform in time, God was justly provoked to withdraw his preventing Grace, which would have restrained him from this bloody fact. He was willing to receive the good advice which I gave him, and I prayed with him sutably to his sinful distressed Condition. Afterwards I went to the other Condemned persons, and exhorted them to call to remembrance, the sinful course of their whole Lives. I mentioned many Sins usually committed by young persons, which they little consider, so as to repent of them unfeignedly: Therefore publick shame and punishment convinces them of their Atheistical hopes of secrecy and impurity in sinning. I desired them to mourn chiefly for offending a gracious God, who had so long extended his sparing mercy, yet they had perversly abused it to the abounding in Iniquity. Much more I said, instructing them in the Duties of Faith and Repentance. On the Lords Day in the Afternoon, the Ordinary preacht from the 133d verse of the 119th Psalm, in these words, Order my steps in thy word, so shall not any Iniquity have dominion over me. Hence six general Heads were treated on, with several particulars branching from each Head. 1. What is meant by a mans stps in my Text. Not only the outward conversation, but also the motions and tendencies of the Will, and the affections of the Heart. The object of our desires must be chosen for its intrinsical worth and excellency, and also for its beneficial usefulness unto our selves. Our Actions must be lawful, expedient, and commendable, such, which must Adorn the professions of the Christian Religion. Our affections as the Souls Pulse, must not saulter in too violent a motion after lawful things, nor may they beat slow and faintly in the duties of Gods Worship. The spring of the Heart must be raised to an high pitch of heavenly mindedness, but it must be let down in a moderate pursuit of what the will desires, as to the gratifications of worldly Interest and concernments. 2. Why must we order our conversations according to the institutions of God in his Sacred Word. First, because the highest Rules in moral Philosophy, cannot effect any sanctifying change in the Heart, nor truely subdue any corrupt Affection. These only work a palliating Cure upon the customariness of a sinful course. Secondly, Satan lays many subtle Temptations, to bewilder you in your progressive advancing a state of Holiness. These sares cannot be discerned, much less avoided, unless the word of God be consulted with, and obeyed. Thirdly, Popish guide of mens Consciences, by their casuistical Doctrine of probability, which makes most things lawful, pervert the words of Gods Holiness, thereby ruining mens precious Souls, only the testimonies of the Lord are safe and sure guides, in all doubtful and difficult cases. 3. What are those false Rules, whereby the conversation is more perverted. First, the entering into any order of a superstitious Society, which pretends to greater strictness in Religion, yet cannot produce any advances in sincere Piety. Secondly, the consulting carnal wisdom and worldly Interest in stating mens duties, and not the institutions of Christ. Thirdly, the singling out any one command of God, to be exercised in a conformity to this, yet presuming that a dispensation will be granted, for the neglect of any other command, equally as necessary, yea, more tending to promote the power of Godliness. 4. The signs of sins having Deminion over a person. First, when it is committed, not by the sudden surprisal of Temptation, but by wicked deliberation and contrivance. Secondly, when men justify their Abominations, abusing the promptness of wit, to plead in the defence of sinning, Thirdly, when the Lords tenderest mercies cannot invite men to Repentance nor the severity of punishments cure the malignity of their Hearts. Fourthly, when persons mock at the fear of the Lord, making a sport of sinning, yea, count this to be their Glory to have no Competitor equal with themselves in sinning. The Character of such who sincerely order their steps in Gods word. 1. They abominate the very thoughts of sinning, even the first stirrings of any vitious Inclination. 2. They strengthen their Faith, when Gods word of promise seems to fail, yea fight against them in the extremities of Adversity. They persevere in following the conduct of the Lord in the known beaten way of their Duty, when they cannot trace him out, in the mysterious Paths of dark and dismal providences. 3. They count this to be the Spirit and Beauty of Religion when they are formed to such a pitch of selfdenyal, as to rejoyce, in the Government of sanctifyed reason over all inordinate passions of Love, Grief, or Anger. They count the indulgence of any sin, to be the severest Condemnation to a self tormenting Licentiousness. Motives to perswade to the right ordering of the Heart, and Conversation in the paths of Gods Commandments. First, Hereby you will be prepared for the ready, most solemn entrance of Christ into your Hearts, to rule you by the Scepter of his Righteousness. This will make your progress in Religion, more easy, safe, stedfast, and delightful. Secondly, consider that meer sensitive Creatures, which are only guided by the law of natural Instinct, may instruct men in many weighty duties of Religion, several instances were given hereof. Thirdly, you cannot rationally expect that the Almighty should defend you from Terrors in the night, if he doth not guide your Paths in the Day. Fourthly, thus great Peace will flow into your Hearts, and nothing shall offend you, neither the laws strictest purity, nor any extremest distresses in the World. Fifthly, the following the conduct of God in his word, will prevent giving any credit to wild Enthusiastick dreams, as if these were a divine Revelation, but if any thing manifestly be your duty, embrace and pursue it, tho you meet with difficulties dangers, and Reproaches. These will be dispised and overcome, if you truely trust in God for safety and success. The conclusion was thus directed to the Condemned How contrary have you acted to David Parer, and Examples, you have been Zealous agents in promoting Satans Kingdom, propagating sin by your wicked Counsel; you have arriv ed to such an height of Atheism, that you are grown audaciously eless in sinning, as not regarding the Inspection of Omnisciency. You have joyned in a confederacy to break through the restraints of all pedal Law: Yet the association of sinners will inevitably augment the common Treasury of divine wrath. Take heed that you deceive not your selves, with faint false wishes to Reform. Some seeming Penitents, when the present anguish of their Consciences is worn off, return to the excesses of sinning with greater grediness. Beg of God therefore, that you may Improve right, the season granted for making Peace with your Eternal judge, then you will disdain any mean common Actings, in the working out your Salvation, that you may not mistake in so weighty a concernment. Let the least of Gods will be imprest in your Hearts, as a prevailing Law. Let your Souls follow hard after the Lord, to tread in the very steps of your Saviour, by imitating of him, who under the Agonies of Death, prayed the more fervently to overcme them. Conform compleatly to Gods statutes, so shall you not be shamed by Hypocrisy, nor shall any sin get Dominion over you. Keep a stict watchful guard over your Hearts, that you may not be surprized by security to all into Satans snares by tempting you to presumption or despair. Commit your selves to the custody of the spirit of Holiness, pray that he would make your Resolutions of Reformation to be sincere, that he would preserve you to a perfect state of Holiness in Heavenly Felicity. I Proceed to give an Account of the Behaviour, and Confession of the Condemned Criminals. I. Robert Sterne Condemned for Felony and Burglary. He said that he was born at Hadleigh in Essex , that he had been in Sea service , that he since employed himself in Husbandry , but he neglected it, so being addicted to Idleness, he joyned with bad Company; he confest the Crime with Tears, saying, that his sins had been many and great, tho he knew Gods Commandments, yet he broke them against the many checks and convictions of his Conscience. This was increased by his not praying that God would keep him from the evil Inclinations of his own Heart. But he hopes that he doth truely Repent of all his sins, and that those in which he most delighted, are now most hated by him. II. W - R - Condemned for Clipping the currant Coyn of this Nation. He is Thirty Years of Age, he said that he was well educated at a Grammer School, and so was fitted for the Trade of a Bookseller, and might have lived comfortably in that employment. But he grew Idle, and thereupon was forced through Poverty, to list himself into military service by Land. He repents that he contracted acquaintance with bad Persons, and was given to vain expences, to supply which, he did some unlawful acts, yet he declined the confession of his Crime tho he did not utterly deny it. He was attentive to Instructions and Prayers, he seemed penitent, saying that altho his chain did fre his skin, yet this was light in comparison of his sin, which had laid a load of guilt upon his Conscience, but he hoped that Christ would take it off, by Repentance and change of his heart. III. William Hancock , Condemned for Robbing on the Kings High-way. He was born in Southwark , Aged 19 Years. He said that he was a Butcher , but being excessive in his expences and having brought himself to extream poverty, he was forced to enter himself into the Kings service above a twelve Month since. He confest that he did walk in the Fields on the Lords-Day, and joyned with bad company. He acknowledged that he had, been guilty of swearing and drunkenness, but said that now he desires to sepent of all his sins, which he can call to mind, I askt him what is true saving Faith and Repentance? he could not describe them to my satisfaction, therefore I instructed him more clearly and fully in the nature of them. IV. Joan Bates , alias Clark , Condemned for Felony, in Robbing one Mrs. Courtney of Plate to a great value. She denyed not the Fact; she at first lived with her Father, but being put out to service, she Robbed another mistriss before; for which she was burnt in the Hand. After this she said that her father took her home to him, thinking to reform her; but she was weary of his good Councel. So leaving her Father she joyned with bad company, and so being poor, her own wicked Heart inticed her to commit this second Felony. She said that now she call'd to mind er former iniquities, which she did not repent of sincerely, and therefore was justly left to fill up the measure of her sins, which had brought untimely Death upon her; yet that the publick shame of this doth not so much afflict her, as that she did not take warning by a lesser punishment. V. Francis Newland ' Condemned for the murther of Francis Thomas Esq ; Aged 21 years; he said that he had good education at a Grammer School, that he was in Sea service , that he had nor addicted himself to a vicious course of life, yet denied not that he neglected Religious duties, and that for this God permitted him to fall into bad acquaintance of late. He denyed not that he was in the company of those Persons, who offred affronts at the dancing School in Drury lane , that they prevaild upon him to go farther with them that he was present when they aused Mr. Thomas in the Fruit womans Sellar, that the persons mentioned the Book of Tryals did persue Mr. Thomas, himself knowing no reason for it. I askt him if they were in drink, he said no, but an hectoing fit was upon them. He said that be knew not when nor how he lost his Sword. He protested as a dying person, that he did not give any wound to Mr. Thomas, only he saw one of the Philboys (since fled) to fight with Mr. Thomas, and believes, that he gave him his mortal Wound. He said it much greives him, that he did sall into such mad Company, and he desires all young Persons to beware of the Idle and sinful wasting of their time; lest they expose themselves to such Company, as may prevail on them to be present at Bloody Quarrels, and so be involved in a sentence of Death. He is very much cast down, and grieves for his foolish rashness, as being in such dissolute Company. He takes well the severest admonitions given to him, hoping that God will sanctify his distressed condition, that it may tend, by Gods mercyful Goodness, to be an occasion to work toward his Repentance and the salvation of his Soul. On Wednesday the 17 instant, William Hancock , Robert Stern , ad W - R - were all Conveyed to Tyburn ; the two former in a Cart, the latter in a Sledge, the rest being Reprieved by Vertue of his Majesties Most Gracious Clemency, but Mr. Newland is only respted till Friday next. All the way to Tyburn they lamented, and bewailed themselves, being brought to undergo such a reproach and publick shame; and when they came to the Tree, and were tyed up all in one Cart, Robert Stern pake to this effect. Good People, let my shameful end excite you to have a care how you live in the World that ou be not overtaken by the Temptations of the Devil and the World, and be sure to keep good Company, and be tender of the Sabbath Day; and Remember to keep it Holy; I was Tempted by wicked men, to joyn with them in commiting of several Robberys, and particularty in this for which I come here to Dye, this most shameful Death, I am willing to dye, me beg your prayers. He was more penitent than the other two, as to outward appearance. W - R - desired all the spectators to pray for him, and behaved himself very soberly and seriously to the last, confessing that he had been a great sinner, for which he now heartily repented, and hopes for Salvation thro Christ Jesus. William Hancock seemed not so much concerned as the other, but at the last says he, if there be any one here that knows me, let me desire them to pull me by the Legs when I am turn'd off, to dispatch me out of my pain. Pray God bless you all I hope you'll pray for me. Then the Ordinary Prayed with them, and sung a Penitential Psalm, so they were all turn'd off. This is all the Account I can give of this Sessions, Sam. Smith Ordinary . Licensed April 17th, 1695. ADVERTISEMENT. THis is to give notice, that Mrs. Norridge is removed from the Blue Ball in Exeter Street, to a Turners, next door to Semmerset House in the Strand. Who hath an infallible Powder for the Stone and Cravel in the Kidneys, Stone and Stranguary, and Stone Cholick, which great secret with many more, her Father Dr. Duncan, left her at his decease, who practiced Physick for the space of Sixty Years, and lived till the Age of Eighty Eight. This powder hath wrought many eminent Cures upon Persons of both sexes, as is attested by several Persons of note, whose Names and places of Abode, is incerted in her printed paper of Directions. This Powder is sealed up with her Coat of Arms, in Five and Ten Shilling papers, and in half Crown papers, to take in a morning fasting, to carry off the Gravel, and prevent the Stone from contracting to a Body. She hath likewise an excellent purging Pill and Elixer, which purisies and sweetens the Blood, and destroys Ws in Men, Women, and Children. The Pills are fealed up in 18 d. Boxes, and the Elixer in 2 and 3 s. Bottles, with Directions. She is very expert in cleansing Teeth, and taketh out ny perisht part betwixt the Teeth, and setteth in Artificial ones. She hath a most Excellent Water for sore Eyes, that strengthens the weak sight, and cures the Evil in the Eyes, or any Rheumatick Eye, that is got by Cold or Weeping. She is to be spoken with every Morning till Ten, and Tuesdays, and Thursdays all day. IN Grays-Inn lane in Plow-yard , the third door, lives Dr. Thomas Kirleus , a Collegiate Physician , and Sworn Physician in Ordinary to King Charles the Second, until his death; who with a Drink and Pill (hinring no Business) undertakes to Cure any Ulcers, Sores, Swellings in the Nose, Face, or other parts; Scabs, In, Scurfs, Leprosies, and Venereal Disease expecting nothing untill the Cure be finished. Of the last he hath cured many hundreds in this City, many of them after fluxing, which carries the evil from the lower parts to the Head, and so destroys many. The Drink is 3 s. the Quart, the Pill 1 s. a box with Directions, a better purger than which was never given, for they cleanse the body of all Impurities, which are the causes of Dropsies, Gouts, Scurvies, Stone or Gravel, Pains in the Head, and other parts. Take heed whom you trust in Physick, for it's become a common Cheat to profess it. He gives his opinion to all that write or come, for nothing. LONDON, Printed for E. Mallet, at Sir Edmundbury Godfry's Head, near Fleet-bridge, 1695.
[]
OA
[ "Francis Newland", "Robert Sterne", "William Hancock", "Joan Bates", "Clark", "Francis Newland", "Francis Thomas", "William Hancock", "Robert Stern", "Robert Stern", "William Hancock", "Sam. Smith", "Thomas Kirleus" ]
16950417
OA16760517
THE CONFESSION AND EXECUTION Of the Prisoners at TYBURN On Wednesday the 17May1676. Viz. Henry Seabrook , Elizabeth Longman Robert Scot , Condemned the former Sessions. Edward Wall , and Edward Russell . Giving a full and satisfactory Account of their Crimes, Behaviours, Discourses in Prison, and last Words (as neer as could be taken) at the place of Execution. Published for a Warning, to all that read it, to avoid the like wicked Courses, which brought these poor people to this shameful End. THE CONFESSION AND EXECUTION Of the Prisoners at TYBURN On Wednesday the 17th of May, 1676. Viz. Henry Seabrook , Elizabeth Longman Robert Scot , Condemned the former Sessions. Edward Wall , and Edward Russell . Giving a full and satisfactory Account of their Crimes, Behaviours, Discourses in Prison, and last Words (as neer as could be taken) at the place of Execution. Published for a Warning, to all that read it, to avoid the like wicked Courses, which brought these poor people to this shameful End. However, Mercy so far interposed after the Sentence of Justice, that only Five of them actually suffered: Amongst whom was Elizabeth Longman , an old Offendor, having been above a Dozen several times in Newgate : Some time since she was convicted, and obtained the benefit and favour of Transportation, and was accordingly carried into Virginia : But Clum, non Animutant, qu: trans mare currunt. She had not been there above Fourteen Moneths, before she procured Monies remitted from some of the Brotherhood here, wherewith she bought off her Servitude, and ever she comes again into England , long before the term of her Sentence was expired. Nor was she content to violate the Law only in that point, bur returned to her old Trade (for so these people call stealing) as well as to her Countrey; and was soon after her Arrival conducted to Newgate , for mistaking several parcels of Silk, upon which being Convicted, and pleading her Belly, she was set by the last Sessions before this: But now it appearing that she was highly accessary (though all the while in Newgate ) to the Robbery of a Person of Quality, and that she was wholly incorrigible, not to be reclaimed by any Warnings, she was brought down again to the Bar, and demanded, what she could say for her self, why she should not suffer Death, according to Law, upon her old Judgment. To which she still pleaded, that she was quick with Child. But being searched by a Jury of Matrons, they found no such thing; so that she was carried with the rest into the Hole, and ordered for Execution. As for her behaviour, I am sorry no better account can be given of it; for truely she did not seem so sensible of her End, or to make that serious preparation for it, as night be expected from a Person in her condition: yet were not the charitable assistances and endeavours of the Ordinary and several other Ministers wanting towards her, though 'tis feared they did not make the wisht-for Impressions upon her Spirit. Two others viz. Edward Wall and Edward Russel that suffered, were brought to this untimely and ignominious End, by the means and seducements of this unhappy Woman. For they together with one A. M. going after the former Sessions to a Gentlemans House, to sollicite and engage his Interest, in order to the obtaining of a Reprieve for a Woman that past for one of their Wives, and was then under Condemnation, they chanced to spie the Maid a scowring a very considerable quantity of Plate, the glittering sight whereof so much affected them, that when they came back to Newgate , to give an account of their business, amongst other discourse, they mentioned what abundance of Plate they saw. And will you only see it? (says this Besse Longman , being by) then you deserve to starve indeed, when Fortune puts Booty, as it were, in your Mouths, and you are such Cowards, that you dare not take it: With these and many other words to that purpose, she animated them on so far, till by her Instigation and the Devils together, they resolved upon the Villany, and accordingly went the next Night, broke open the Gentlemans House, and took thence a great quantity of Plate: But upon description and search, A. M: was taken next Morning on saffron-hill , with a Silver Ladle, a Silver Porringer, and that famous Engine of Wickedness, called Betty. He was carried for the present to New prison , and there kept till he had discovered the othe. Parties; and upon his ingenu u Confession obtained the Mercy of a Repeve from that Execution, which his Fellow Criminals now suffer'd. The other person executed, was Henry Sea brooke : He was condemned the former Sessions for robbing the Merchant at Dukes Place ; but upon his pretending to discover the rest of the Cabal, and other great matters, was kept from the Gibbet all this, while; but now failing to verifie those pretentions, he was ordered by the Court to receive his punishment according to his former Sentence, with the resof the Prisoners condemned this Sessions. Of these poor wretches, two, viz Wall and Russell, as they ingenuously pleaded guilty to their Indictment at the Bar, so they behaved themselves very modestly at their Condemnation; and afterwards in Prison when Ministers' came to visit and discourse with them, in order to their Souls everlasting good, they received them with great expressions of joy and este, attending with much reverence and seeming heed to their Spiritual Instruction, who with most necessary and importunate Exhortations pressed them to a speedy and hearty Repentance, Since it stood them so much in hand, being upon the brink of Eternity, they told them, Their Condition was sad, as being justly sentenced by Men to a temporal Death; but that was infinitely short of being condemned by God, and suffering Eternal Death under the ury of his Wrath: that though it was vin for them to flatter themselves with hopes of onger life in this world, yet there were means est to secure them of Everlasting Life in the ext: and that to such vile sinners as they nd been, it was an unspeakable Mercy, that hey had yet a little space left them, wherein make their peace with Heaven; and what ould the damned Souls, weltring without pe in Eternal Flames, give or do for such a recious opportunity? With such and many her pious Admonitions and Prescriptions did ese Spiritual Physicians endeavour to cure e Ulcers of their Souls, and excite them to row off the peccant matter, and wash away i Iniquities with tears of a sincere Repennce, proceeding not from a sense of approa- ching Punishment, but of trouble for the Evil itself, and their provoking of God thereby. To all which they gave very great attention, promising to put that blessed Advice in practice; and so continued in a very serious and laudable frame till the time of Execution, which was the 17May, being then conducted to Tyburn with vest numbers of people following the Carts to behold the last sad Scene of their deplorable Tragedy. Being come to the Gallows, and the usual Prayers and Solemnities being performed, one of them spoke a pretty while to the Multitude, protesting, This was the first Face that he was ever actually guilty of, though he had been accessary to divers others, and had been all his days a very ill Liver; so that he could not but acknowledge that he suffer'd justly. He very much admonish'd all persons to consider their ways; especially warning Youth not to misspend their time in Idleness, or Disobedience to Parents or Masters; and to have a care of being seduced and drawn away by led women. affirming that such Courses and their Temptations, and to satisfie their Luxury, had been originally the cause of his destruction, and that shameful death he was now going to suffer. The rest said very few words, unless to some particular Acquaintance; but by their Gestures seemed to pray secretly, and so were all Executed according to Sentence.
[ "TYBURN", "TYBURN", "Newgate", "Virginia", "England", "Newgate", "Newgate", "Newgate", "saffron-hill", "New prison", "Dukes Place", "Tyburn" ]
OA
[ "Henry Seabrook", "Elizabeth Longman", "Robert Scot", "Edward Wall", "Edward Russell", "Henry Seabrook", "Elizabeth Longman", "Robert Scot", "Edward Wall", "Edward Russell", "Elizabeth Longman", "Edward Wall", "Edward Russel", "Besse Longman", "Henry Sea brooke" ]
16760517
OA16850904
The True ACCOUNT OF THE Behaviour and Confessions OF THE Condemned Criminals IN NEWGATE , VIZ. William Charly , John Tomson , Thomas Draper , Ann Scot , Catherine Baucer , Cassandra Widdows , Elizabeth Hacker , Thomas Glanister , Elinor Steel . OF WHICH William Charly , and Ann Scot , for Felony, were Executed on Friday the 4th. of September, 1685. AT TYBURN . At the Sessions or oyer and Terminer and Gaol Delivery of Newgate, Held for the City of London, and County of Middlesex, at Justice-Hall in the Old-Bayly, the 26th and 27th Days of August, 1685. These Nine Persons received Sentence of Death, viz. William Charly , John Tomson , Thomas Draper , Ann Scot , Catherine Baucer , Cassandra Widdows , Elizabeth Hacker , Thomas Glanister , Eleanor Steel . The Ordinary the Visited the Condemned Prisoners, on Friday, the 28th of August, and told them that it much affected him with Pity and Grief, to behold so many Persons under the Sentence of Death, in so short a time since the last Sessions, and that frequent examples of publick shame and Punnishment made no deeper impression on Mens Hearts, than not to avoid the like Crimes, for which others had so signally and justly Suffered. He Exhorted them to consider seriously what the whole course of their Life had been, and for what special Sins God was now (by this Heavy, yet Rghiteous Stroke) making Inquisition: He endeavoured to make them sensible of their several Crimes, whereby they had violated their solemn Ingagements to God at their Baptism, and not Reflected on it, so as to make an Holy and Wife Improvement of it, to have resisted the Temptations of their evil Hearts, the World and the Devil That sacred dedication to God, is little Regarded by many Persons who grow ripe in Sin in their very Youth. The Ordinary told them that their Childhood had been Vanity, because then they knew little of God, and their Youth is Vanity, because as soon as Reason began to dawn, their Vicious Dispositions grew stronger to Rebel stronger against him. That they had Rebelled also against Human Society, and the very light of Nature, in the checks of Conscience, and possibly against many resolutions of Reforming, which contracts hardness of Heart, and provokes the Lord justly to suspend his preventing Grace, because by custome they had made Sin familier, and the harder to be Retracted from. Notwithstanding it was not yet too late to seek unto God, that he would recover them out of the Snare of Satan, who had led them Captive in the fulfilling of their Lusts. Therefore their Duty now is, to lay themselves Prostrate before the most High, in the sense of their great Provocations of his Holiness, and then to implore him to create an Eye of Faith in them, to behold a Crucified Redeemer, able to save to the utmost sincere Penitentiaries; and that tho they could not soften their own Hearts, yet it is promised in the Covenant of Grace, that the Lord will take away the Heart of Stone, and give an Heart of Flesh: A tender flexible Disposition to Obey his Laws. Much more the Ordinary discoursed with them; afterwards he Prayed with them, and upon a short Exhortation, dismissed them for that time. On Saturday he visited them again and having Prayed and Exhorted then to re-account from their own Mouths in Writing, what preparation they had made for a Blessed Eternity: Whereupon most of them freely confessed what their former course of Life had been, and expressing some Relenting, but not clearly understanding the nature of saving justifying Faith, nor of a thorow Conversion to God. The Ordinary instructed them in the difference twixt true and false Faith, Hope, and Charity, exhorting them to a speedy Repentance, then he Prayed again with them, and desired them to prepare themselves for the solemn Duties of the Lords Day approaching, that it might be a pledge of Eternal Rest, in Glory, and so dismissed them. On the Lords Day the Ordinary read Prayers and Preached to them twice. In the Forenoon on the 9th. to the Hebrews, and the 27th Verse, It is appointed to all Men once to Dye and after that the Judgment. In the Afternoon he Preached on the fourth Chapter of the Prophet Jeremiah, and the first Ver. If thou wilt return, O Israel, faith the Lord, return unto me; and if thou wilt put away thy Abominations out of my Sight, then shalt thou not Remove. He observed that they were much affected with both those Discourses, and expressed sighs and Tears for their ill spent Lives. Some of them who before were not so Compliant with the Ordinaries Advice, now were very Active and Flexible. On the Monday he Visited them again, and took a further Account what Impressions the sabbaoth Duties had left upon their Hearts, and inquired (after he had Prayed with them) what Grounds they had to hope for a future state of Blessedness: Those who had an early Reprieve came not to me, because the fear of Dying with the sense of their past Guilt, were worn out together: Only one among the Reprieved, viz. Elinor Steel , after she knew she was safe, desired me to Pray for her, that she might live in some measure sensible of so great a Mercy, and walk Humbly under it, and with more Circumspection for the future. As for the other who had no hopes of a Reprieve, they submitted to a more thorow inquiery into their Soul State, and expressed more of a Penitential Frame, of which I now proceed to give an Account. The first that offered her self to give the Ordinary an Account of her former course of Life, was Ann Scot , she was Aged about 40 Years, Born in Ireland , now a Widdow . She said that she Wrought hard for Nine Years space in Embrodery , after that she grew Idle, and observation of the Lords Day. Soon upon that great Sin she ceased from Praying that she might be preserved from ill Company, the Snares of Satan, and the Temptations of her own Heart. She said, that if she Dy, she must needs Justifie God, and Condemn her self, because she had turn’d the longSuffering and abounding Goodness of God, into Wantonness: And altho she had at times resolutions to Repent and Reform, yet they were not fix’d, but Vanishing, so that she had dealt basely and falsely with God in his Covenant. She said that one Night since her Condemnation she tasted of Gods Goodness, and had some hope of her happy condition after Death. But she thought notwithstanding that it might be the presumption of her own deceitful Heart, and she thought she had no Repentance because she had Sinned Wilfully after clear and strong Conviction. For, said she, It is written if any Sin wilfully after the acknowledgment of the Truth, there remains no more Sacrifice for Sin, but a fearful expectation of Fiery Indignation, which shall devour the Adversary. Then, she said, pray, Sir, inform me of that Scripture. I told her, that tho every wilful Sin be against the Holy Ghost, yet that Text points at the special extraordinary Sin against him, which is a total Renouncing of the whole Doctrin of the Gospel, and the Fundamentals of the Christian Religion against former clear Illuminations, and some Eminent Profession of the Name of Christ. This Apostacy is so directly and transcendently opposite to the Grace of God offer’d in the Gospel, and to the more remarkable, sensible commutations of Goodness and Kindness from the Holy Spirit, that by degrees the Heart is desperately Hardned, in striving to Raze out all former Impressions; so as to Apostatize to Judaism, or Mahumetism, and to persist therein, even unto final Inpenitency. This Monstrosity Sinning, is so directly against the Grace of God revealed in the remedy of Recovering Sinful Manking, by the only Expiatroy Sacrifice of Christs Death, that it proves Unpardonable, upon that account, as not capable of Repentance, because there remains no more Sacrifice for Sin. Yea, such who are really guilty of it, (who are very few) are so Hardned in it, that very they never fear nor suspect themselves to be guilty of it. Yet the Ordinary told her that wilful Sinning against Clear and frequent strong Convictions and Resolutions to Reform, is a very deplorable and Hazardous Case, tho not Desperate and Irrecoverable Upon this the Condemned Ann Scot received some hope of Gods Grace and Mercy. For, said she, Tho I have been a great Notorious Sinner, so that none can judge worse of me, than I do of my self, yet I lay hold and depend on Christ alone for my Pardon and Eternal Life. I know that I must be wholly emptied of all good Opinion of myself, that I may be Justified by Christs Merits, and filled with the Sanctifying Graces of his Spirit. She said that she must exercise the greater Repentance because she had Sinned against Light and Conviction. That her Sins have proceeded from Presumption, so that after all her Humiliation, she hath need to pray, Lord forsake me not. I asked her what Faith and Repentance were. In which she gave great Satisfaction. She said that she to leave all Sin, out of Hatred to it, and not only for fear of Hell. And that she desired to have Gods Glory in her Eye, more than her own Salvation. Upon my frequent Discourses with her, and her whole Deportment, I have Ground; to believe that she was truly Penitent. For when I Visited her on Tuesday, I Observed that she had made some further Progress in the Humbling of her Soul for her Sins; and thereupon endeavoured to Comfort her, and Encourage her to Believe in Christ; and commit her Soul to him, as a Merciful and, faithful Redeemer. She replied, that it was a most Difficult thing to Repent and Believe Aright; for Satan had long had the possession of her Heart, and thought now to confirm his Hold, because, she said, she had Hardned her self in a course of Sinning. I told her that God had promised to Tread down Satan under the Feet of true Penitentiaries, And that to be sensible of Hardness of Heart; was some degree of Contrition. She said that I had a better Opinion of her, than she could have of her Self: God might justly leave her to the Deceitfulness of her Heart, because she had often Deceived others. That she did not so much desire to Live out of the love of Natural Life, as to Glorify God, and have further time to work out her Salvation: But the will of the Lord must be submitted unto. She had rather Dy now, than Survive and multiply Provocations of Him. She expressed much more, which to relate would exclude my Account of others. Catherme Baucer , Aged 44 Years, Widdow . She said, that she became very unfortunate, in Marrying against her Friends Consent, which made them unkind to her, but she hopes, she shall find Favour in Gods Sight, if this be Sanctified to her. She confessed she had good Educatin, which the more aggravates her Sins. That she had been guilty of Pride, and that the want of good Cloaths made her refrain somtimes from going to Church. She feared that her Heart was so Obdurate, that it was Impossible to find Mercy at the Hand of God, for he did not leave her, till she first forsook him, yet she rests upon Christ alone to Save her. I asked her what Repentance was, she said, It is a Sinners Consideration of his or her Ways, and the sad Condition thereby drawn upon themselves, joyned with an hearty Grief, and chiefly for Offending God, and that they went against his Laws. Elizabeth Hacker , Aged 34 Years; Born in Middlesex . She Wept and said she had not observed the Sabbath Day, as she ought. That she had been guilty of other Sins, of which, we hoped, God would make her truly sensible. That it was a Mercy she was on this side Hell. And that if she had led her Life never so strictly, yet she had cause not to depend on this for her Justification before God. And therefore she trusts on Christs Kindness alone, to Save her, tho she Repent never so much. Thomas Draper , Aged 20 Years, Born in Leicester-shire . He was brought up in Husbandry ; which Imployment he left, as counting his Fathers Trade of a Shomaker to be better. Yet he left his Fathers House and Employment, because he was crost in Love, which he had ferled on a Maid. So he took up the Horse for which he is Condemned, without the Owners leave, to ride to London, and seek Imployment there. He said it was a very foolish Act, so to bring himself into Trouble. That he had Sinned before in Lying and Swearing, for which God left him to commit this Fact. But he begged of him, to make him Penitent, and then he shall be satisfied whether he Live or Dy. William Charly , when I Visited him the fourth time, viz. on Tuesday, his Mother was present, and Wept exceedingly, desiring him to fit himself for Death. She said, she had been partly guilty of his untimely End, by her fond Indulgence of him, above any of her Children. A good caution to all Mothers not to be Partial in their Affection. She press’d him to forgive all his Enemies. Upon that, observing him to fall into some Passion, I took him aside and asked him whom she meant. He said his Wife. He was Industrous, as he said, at his Trade, but she wearied him out of his Employment by her sharp Tongue, and being very Vexatious to him, he told her that her ill Carriage would make him take desperate Courses: So that he left Co-habiting with her, and soon after fell into bad Company. I told him that the neglect of her Duty should not have produced such ill Effects. But rather he ought by a patient discharging his own Duty, have won her to a mild frame of Spirit. At last, he said, he freely forgave her, tho she had been the cause of his untimely End. When I left him he was more awakned than before, and Wept, saying, that he had been a great Sinner, but would not express wherein. I told him that true Repentance is an hatred, especially of the darling Sin, which he ought freely to Acknowledge, and thereby give Glory to God, if he were sensible first of it. He desired me to Pray for him, which I did, and Ann Scot joyned in Prayer at the same time, whole Repentance was very Remarkable. They two only were in the Dead Warrant. I Visited them on Wednesday, Thursday, and on Friday before the Execution. The other Condemned Malefactors not Named in this Paper, were not free to Discourse with me, and therefore here I must terminate my account of this Session. Betwixt Ten and Eleven in the Morning the Prisoners were put into the Cart at Newgate, who seemed very penitent all the way they went, when they came to Tyburn Mr. Ordinary Prayed with them, and sung part of the Twenty fifth Psalm; after which, they exhorted the Standers by to take warning by their dismal and untimely Ends, of the Effects of Sin, which brought them to that fatal place. And then they Prayed earnestly by themselves, and desired the People to pray for them, after which they were all Executed. Dated this 4th. of September, 1685. Samuel Smith , Ordinary . This may be Printed, 1685.R.L.S. London, Printed by G.Croom, at the Blue-Ball in Thames-Street, over against Baynard's-Castle. 1685.
[]
OA
[ "William Charly", "John Tomson", "Thomas Draper", "Ann Scot", "Catherine Baucer", "Cassandra Widdows", "Elizabeth Hacker", "Thomas Glanister", "Elinor Steel", "William Charly", "Ann Scot", "William Charly", "John Tomson", "Thomas Draper", "Ann Scot", "Catherine Baucer", "Cassandra Widdows", "Elizabeth Hacker", "Thomas Glanister", "Eleanor Steel", "Elinor Steel", "Ann Scot", "Catherme Baucer", "Elizabeth Hacker", "Thomas Draper", "William Charly", "Ann Scot", "Samuel Smith" ]
16850904
OA17490804
"THE ORDINARY of NEWGATE'S ACCOUNT of the Behaviour, Confession, & Dying Words Of the SEVEN MALEFACT(...TRUNCATED)
[]
OA
["William Calvert","WILLIAM CALVERT","RICHARD ADAMS","JOHN STEWART","JOHN POE","WILLIAM SHEPPHERD","(...TRUNCATED)
17490804

[Needs More Information]

Dataset Card for Old Bailey Proceedings

Dataset Summary

Note We are making this dataset available via the HuggingFace hub to open it up to more users and use cases. We have focused primarily on making an initial version of this dataset available, focusing on some potential use cases. If you think there are other configurations this dataset should support, please use the community tab to open an issue.

The dataset consists of 2,163 transcriptions of the Proceedings and 475 Ordinary's Accounts marked up in TEI-XML, and contains some documentation covering the data structure and variables. Each Proceedings file represents one session of the court (1674-1913), and each Ordinary's Account file represents a single pamphlet (1676-1772).

Supported Tasks and Leaderboards

  • language-modeling: This dataset can be used to contribute to the training or evaluation of language models for historical texts. Since it represents transcription from court proceedings, the language in this dataset may better represent the variety of language used at the time.
  • text-classification: This dataset can be used to classify what style of English some text is in
  • named-entity-recognition: Some of the text contains names of people and places. We don't currently provide the token IDs for these entities but do provide the tokens themselves. This means this dataset has the potential to be used to evaluate the performance of other Named Entity Recognition models on this dataset.

Languages

en

Dataset Structure

Data Instances

An example of one instance from the dataset:

{
'id': 'OA16760517', 
'text': "THE CONFESSION AND EXECUTION Of the Prisoners at TYBURN On Wednesday the 17May1676. Viz. Henry Seabrook , Elizabeth Longman Robert Scot , Condemned the former Sessions. Edward Wall , and Edward Russell . Giving a full 
and satisfactory Account of their Crimes, Behaviours, Discourses in Prison, and last Words (as neer as could be taken) at the place of Execution. Published for a Warning, to all that read it, to avoid the like wicked Courses, which brought these poor people to this shameful End. THE CONFESSION AND EXECUTION Of the Prisoners at TYBURN On Wednesday the 17th of May, 1676. Viz. Henry Seabrook , Elizabeth Longman Robert Scot , Condemned the former Sessions. Edward Wall , and Edward Russell . Giving a full and satisfactory Account of their Crimes, Behaviours, Discourses in Prison, and last Words (as neer as could be taken) at the place of Execution. Published for a Warning, to all that read it, to avoid the like wicked Courses, which brought these poor people to this shameful End. However, Mercy so far interposed after the Sentence of Justice, that only Five of them actually suffered: Amongst whom was Elizabeth Longman , an old Offendor, having been above a Dozen several times in Newgate : Some time since she was convicted, and obtained the benefit and favour of Transportation, and was accordingly carried into Virginia : But Clum, non Animutant, qu: trans mare currunt. She had not been there above Fourteen Moneths, before she 
procured Monies remitted from some of the Brotherhood here, wherewith she bought off her Servitude, and ever she comes again into England , long before the term of her Sentence was expired. Nor was she content to violate the Law only in that point, bur returned to her old Trade (for so these people call stealing) as well as to her Countrey; and was soon after her Arrival conducted to Newgate , for mistaking several parcels of Silk, upon which being Convicted, and pleading her Belly, she was 
set by the last Sessions before this: But now it appearing that she was highly accessary (though all the while in Newgate ) to the Robbery of a Person of Quality, and that she was wholly incorrigible, not to be reclaimed by any Warnings, she was brought down again to the Bar, and demanded, what she could say for her self, why she should not suffer Death, according to Law, upon her old Judgment. To which she still pleaded, that she was quick with Child. But being searched by a Jury of Matrons, they found no such thing; so that she was carried with the rest into the Hole, and ordered for Execution. As for her behaviour, I am sorry no better account can be given of it; for truely she did not seem so sensible of her End, or to make that serious preparation for it, as night be expected from a Person in her condition: yet were not the charitable assistances and endeavours of the Ordinary and several other Ministers wanting towards her, though 'tis feared they did not make the wisht-for Impressions upon her Spirit. Two others viz. Edward Wall and Edward Russel that suffered, were brought to this untimely and ignominious End, by the means and seducements of this unhappy Woman. For they together with one A. M. going after the former Sessions to a Gentlemans House, to sollicite and engage his Interest, in order to the obtaining of a Reprieve for a Woman that past for one of their Wives, and was then under Condemnation, they chanced to spie the Maid a scowring a very considerable quantity of Plate, the glittering sight whereof so much affected them, that when they came back to Newgate , to give an account of their business, amongst other discourse, they mentioned what abundance of Plate they saw. And will you only see it? (says this Besse Longman , being by) then you deserve to starve indeed, when Fortune puts Booty, as it were, in your Mouths, and you are such Cowards, that you dare not take it: With these and many other words to that purpose, she animated them on so far, till by her Instigation and the Devils together, they resolved upon the Villany, and accordingly went the next Night, broke open the Gentlemans House, and took thence a great quantity of Plate: But upon description and search, A. M: was taken next Morning on saffron-hill , with a Silver Ladle, a Silver Porringer, and that famous Engine of Wickedness, called Betty. He was carried for the present to New prison , and there kept till he had discovered the othe. Parties; and upon his ingenu u Confession obtained the Mercy of a Repeve from that Execution, which his Fellow Criminals now suffer'd. The other person executed, was Henry Sea brooke : He was condemned the former Sessions for robbing the Merchant at Dukes Place ; but upon his pretending to discover the rest of the Cabal, and other great matters, was kept from the Gibbet all this, while; but now failing to verifie those pretentions, he was ordered by the Court to receive his punishment according to his former Sentence, with the resof the Prisoners condemned this Sessions. Of these poor wretches, two, viz Wall and Russell, as they ingenuously pleaded guilty to their Indictment at the Bar, so they behaved themselves very modestly at their Condemnation; and afterwards in Prison when Ministers' came to visit and discourse with them, in order to their Souls everlasting good, they received them with great expressions of joy and este, attending with much reverence and seeming heed to their Spiritual Instruction, who with most necessary and importunate Exhortations pressed them to a speedy and hearty Repentance, Since it stood them so much in hand, being upon the brink of Eternity, they told them, Their Condition was sad, as being justly sentenced by Men to a temporal Death; but that was infinitely short of being condemned by God, and suffering Eternal Death under the ury of his Wrath: that though it was vin for them to flatter themselves with hopes of onger life in this world, yet there were 
means est to secure them of Everlasting Life in the ext: and that to such vile sinners as they nd been, it was an unspeakable Mercy, that hey had yet a little space left them, wherein make their peace with Heaven; and what ould the damned Souls, weltring without pe in Eternal Flames, give or do for such a recious opportunity? With such and many her pious Admonitions and Prescriptions did ese Spiritual Physicians endeavour to cure e Ulcers of their Souls, and excite them to row off the peccant matter, and wash away i Iniquities with tears of a sincere Repennce, proceeding not from a sense of approa- ching Punishment, but of trouble for the Evil itself, and their provoking of God thereby. To all which they gave very great attention, promising to put that blessed Advice in practice; and so continued in a very serious and laudable frame till the time of Execution, which was the 17May, being then conducted to Tyburn with vest numbers of people following the Carts to behold the last 
sad Scene of their deplorable Tragedy. Being come to the Gallows, and the usual Prayers and Solemnities being performed, one of them spoke a pretty while to the Multitude, protesting, This was the first Face that he was ever actually guilty of, though he had been accessary to divers others, and had been all his days a very ill Liver; so that he could not but acknowledge that he suffer'd justly. He very much admonish'd all persons to consider their ways; especially warning Youth not to misspend their time in Idleness, or Disobedience to Parents or Masters; and to have a care of being seduced and drawn away by led women. affirming that such Courses and their Temptations, and to satisfie their Luxury, had been originally the cause of his destruction, and that shameful death he was now going to suffer. The rest said very few words, unless to some particular Acquaintance; but by their Gestures seemed to pray secretly, and so were all Executed according to Sentence.", 
'places': ['TYBURN', 'TYBURN', 'Newgate', 'Virginia', 'England', 'Newgate', 'Newgate', 'Newgate', 'saffron-hill', 'New prison', 'Dukes Place', 'Tyburn'], 
'type': 'OA', 
'persons': ['Henry Seabrook', 'Elizabeth Longman', 'Robert Scot', 'Edward Wall', 'Edward Russell', 'Henry Seabrook', 'Elizabeth Longman', 'Robert Scot', 'Edward Wall', 'Edward Russell', 'Elizabeth Longman', 'Edward Wall', 'Edward Russel', 'Besse Longman', 'Henry Sea brooke'], 
'date': '16760517'}

Data Fields

  • id: A unique identifier for the data point (in this case, a trial)
  • text: The text of the proceeding
  • places: The places mentioned in the text
  • type: This can be either 'OA' or 'OBP'. OA is "Ordinary's Accounts" and OBP is "Sessions Proceedings"
  • persons: The persons named in the text
  • date: The date of the text

Data Splits

This dataset only contains a single split:

Train: 2638 examples

Dataset Creation

Curation Rationale

Between 1674 and 1913 the Proceedings of the Central Criminal Court in London, the Old Bailey, were published eight times a year. These records detail 197,000 individual trials and contain 127 million words in 182,000 pages. They represent the largest single source of information about non-elite lives and behaviour ever published and provide a wealth of detail about everyday life, as well as valuable systematic evidence of the circumstances surrounding the crimes and lives of victims and the accused, and their trial outcomes. This project created a fully digitised and structured version of all surviving published trial accounts between 1674 and 1913, and made them available as a searchable online resource.

Source Data

Initial Data Collection and Normalization

Starting with microfilms of the original Proceedings and Ordinary's Accounts, page images were scanned to create high definition, 400dpi TIFF files, from which GIF and JPEG files have been created for transmission over the internet. The uncompressed TIFF files will be preserved for archival purposes and should eventually be accessible over the web once data transmission speeds improve. A GIF format has been used to transmit image files for the Proceedings published between 1674 and 1834.

Who are the source language producers?

The text of the 1674 to October 1834 Proceedings was manually typed by the process known as "double rekeying", whereby the text is typed in twice, by two different typists. Then the two transcriptions are compared by computer. Differences are identified and then resolved manually. This process was also used to create a transcription of the Ordinary's Accounts. This process means this text data contains fewer errors than many historical text corpora produced using Optical Character Recognition.

Annotations

Annotation process

The markup was done by a combination of automated and manual processes.

Most of the 1674 to October 1834 markup was done manually by a team of five data developers working at the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Sheffield (see project staff).

However, person names were tagged using an automated markup programme, GATE, developed by the Department of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield and specially customised to process the text of the Proceedings. Most of the 1674-1834 trial proceedings were run through GATE, which was able to identify approximately 80-90% of the names in the text. GATE was asked only to identify names where both a forename (not just an initial) and surname were given. The names not identified by this programme were not regularly marked up manually unless they were the names of defendants or victims.

The November 1834 to 1913 text was first run through an automated markup process. This process was carried out by the Digital Humanities Institute Sheffield.

Remaining markup, including checking of the results of the automated markup, was carried out by a team of eight data developers employed by the University of Hertfordshire (see project staff).

Who are the annotators?

  • The directors of this project, and authors of all the historical background pages, are Professor Clive Emsley (Open University), Professor Tim Hitchcock (University of Sussex) and Professor Robert Shoemaker (University of Sheffield).
  • The Project Manager is Dr Sharon Howard.
  • The technical officer responsible for programming the search engines is Jamie McLaughlin.
  • The Senior Data Developer, in charge of all the tagging procedures, was Dr Philippa Hardman.
  • The other Data Developers were Anna Bayman, Eilidh Garrett, Carol Lewis-Roylance, Susan Parkinson, Anna Simmons, Gwen Smithson, Nicola Wilcox, and Catherine Wright.
  • The London researcher was Mary Clayton.
  • The technical officers responsible for the automated markup were Ed MacKenzie and Katherine Rogers.
  • Project staff who worked on the 1674-1834 phase of the project include Dr Louise Henson (Senior Data Developer), Dr John Black, Dr Edwina Newman, Kay O'Flaherty, and Gwen Smithson.

Personal and Sensitive Information

-This dataset contains personal information of people involved in criminal proceedings during the time period

Considerations for Using the Data

Social Impact of Dataset

[Needs More Information]

Discussion of Biases

  • "Virtually every aspect of English life between 1674 and 1913 was influenced by gender, and this includes behaviour documented in the Old Bailey Proceedings. Long-held views about the particular strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate responsibilities of each sex shaped everyday lives, patterns of crime, and responses to crime." This dataset contains text that adheres to those stereotypes.
  • "The make-up of London's population changed and changed again during the course of the two and a half centuries after 1674. European Protestant refugees, blacks discharged from the armies of a growing empire, and Jews from Spain and Eastern Europe, Irish men and women, Lascars and political refugees from the revolutions of the nineteenth century contributed to the ragout of communities that made up this world city. Information about all these communities, and several more besides, can be found in the Proceedings"

Other Known Limitations

Additional Information

Dataset Curators

  • The directors of this project, and authors of all the historical background pages, are Professor Clive Emsley (Open University), Professor Tim Hitchcock (University of Sussex) and Professor Robert Shoemaker (University of Sheffield).
  • The Project Manager is Dr Sharon Howard.
  • The technical officer responsible for programming the search engines is Jamie McLaughlin.
  • The Senior Data Developer, in charge of all the tagging procedures, was Dr Philippa Hardman.
  • The other Data Developers were Anna Bayman, Eilidh Garrett, Carol Lewis-Roylance, Susan Parkinson, Anna Simmons, Gwen Smithson, - Nicola Wilcox, and Catherine Wright.

Licensing Information

CC-NY-04

Citation Information

@article{Howard2017, author = "Sharon Howard", title = "{Old Bailey Online XML Data}", year = "2017", month = "4", url = "https://figshare.shef.ac.uk/articles/dataset/Old_Bailey_Online_XML_Data/4775434", doi = "10.15131/shef.data.4775434.v2" }

Thanks to @shamikbose for adding this dataset.

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