The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-05-26
JOHN JENNINGS.
a Case of CircumstantiaI Eviden,

The following strange narrative appear
ed in a volume called the Theory of
Presumptiye Proof published some sixty
years ago, and now not often met with:
A gentleman travelling to Hull was
stopped late in the evening, about seven
miles from that town, by single high
wayman, with mask on, who robbed
him Of a purse containing twenty guineas.
The higwayman rode by a different road,
full! speed, and the gentleman pursued his
journey. II, however, growing late, and
he being already much frightened and
agitated at what had passed, rode only
two miles further, and stopped at the
''Bell, roadside iun Kept by Dir James
Brunnell. He went into the kitchen 10
give directions for his supper, when he
| related TO several persons his having been
robbed, TO which he added this peculiar
circumstance-that when he travelled, he
always gave his gold peculiar mark
that every guinea IN the purse he was
robbed OF was especially marked, and
/ that most probably the robber by that
means would be detected. Supper being
ready, he retired He had not finished
his repast, when Mr.. BrunneIl came into
the parlor. After the usual iuGuilies OF
landlords of hoping the supper ana every
thing was to liking &c, &c. Sir"
SAID ne, II understand that you have
been robbed not lar from hence this
evening a.
81 have"
ed ?"
at was
"a circumstance has arisen which
leads me to think that can point out
the robJer.'
Indeed !"
''Pray, sir, what time in the evening
was II p
''Is was Just about dusk
The time confirms MY 6uspicions" F."
Mr. Brunuen then informed the gent le>
man that he had a waiter, one John Jen-
niugs, who had Of late been - very fuIi of
money at times, ana 50 very ex!rayagant,
that he had had many words with him
about it, and had determined to part with
him on account OF bis conduct being go
suspicious that long before dark that
guinea for him, and that he had only
come back since he, the gentleman, was
in the house, saying he could not get
change and that Jennings being drunk,
he had sent him to bed; resolving to dis
charge him in the morning. That at the
time he returned him the guinea he, Mr.
Brunnell, did not think il was the same
which he had given him to get silver for,
having perceived a mark upon tins which
he was very clear was not upon the other;
but that, nevertheless, he should have
thought no more of the matter, as Jen-
nings had SO Frequently gold of his own 10
his pocket, had he not afterwards heard
for he was not present when the gentle
man in the kitchen related 1.-THE par
tlcu.ars of the robbery, and that the guin-
cas- which the highwayman had taken
were all marked; that, however, few
minutes previously to his having heard
this, he had unluckily paid away the
guinea which Jennings returned TO him, TO
"a man who lived some distance off and
was gone, but the circumstances struck
him so very strongly that he could not, as
an honest man, refrain from giving this
information.
Mr.. Brunhen was thanked for his at
tention and public spirit. There was the
strongest reason for suspecting Jennings
and if, on searching him, any of the
marked guineas should be found as the
gentleman could swear to them, there
would thea remain no doubt.
1t was now agreed to 90 softly up to
his room. Jennings was fast asleep
His pockets were searched, and from one
of them was drawn forth a purse contain
ing exactly nineteen guineas. Suspicion
now became demonstration, for the gen.
leman declared them tn be ideniicaily
those of which he had been robbed =
Assistance was called. Jennings was
awakened, and charged with the robbery,
He denied it firmly, but circumstances
were too strong to gain him belief He
was secured that night, and the next day
carried before e neighboring justice of tie
peace. The gentleman and AIr, Bcunnell
deposed 10 the facts on oath and Jen-
nings having no proof, nothing bat mere
assertions Of innocence to oppose them,
Which obtained nc credit, he was commit
ted TO take his trial at the next assi2es.
So strong were the circumstances known
to be against him, that several of his
friends advised him 10 plead ''gulty' on
his trial and throw himself Oh the mercy
of the court. This advice he rejected.
and when arrainged, pleaded ''Not Gull
ty." The prosecutor swore to his being
robbed but that, it being nearly dark,
the high@ayman in mask, and himself
greatly terrified, lie could not swear to the
prisoners person, thougli he thought him
of much the same stature as the man
who robbed him 70 tho purse and
gulneas, which were produced in conrt,
he swore-ss to the purse positively
and as to the marked guineas, TO the best
of his belief, and that they were found in