THe most sad and remarkable Tryal at this Assizes, was that of a Woman dwelling lately in Fishmongers-ally in the Burrough of Southwark; she was indicted, that not having the fear of God be­fore her eyes, but moved by the instigation of the Devil, on the 25 day of September last, wickedly, traiterously, and of her malice fore­thought, with a pair of Sizzars which she held in her right hand, she had killed and murdered her Husband, giving unto him one mortal wound on the left side of his Breast near the left Pap, of the breadth of half an Inch, and the depth of 3 Inches, of which he immediately died.

The Case appeared to be thus, as well by the Evidence, as by her own voluntary confession at the Bar. This woman and her Husband had been together at the Ale house; and she now alleadged, that though she drank not above a pint and a half, yet she was light-headed. Some [Page 4] dispute arose between them there concerning a silver Seal, and a Grater, and some other toys which he had taken from her, and refusing to return them, said, he would give them to ano­ther woman: When they came home she de­manded them again, and said she would go look above stairs where he had hid them; hereupon a Quarrel begun, and he was seen by some of the opposite Neighbours to strike her with a Fire shovel, insomuch that she pretends he knockt her down, and that she lay in a trance: From which being recovered, she got up these Sizzars intending to go to work with them ac­cording to her custome at the Ally-gate till his fury were over; but he catching up a Frying­pan to beat her again, she held them forth to keep him off, who was so violent, that, having his Bosom all open to the skin, he run upon them, and thereby got this mischief; which she no sooner perceived, but she endeavoured when she saw him fall to give him some Syr­rups; but finding him ready to die, was fright­ed, and went forth, leaving him lying on the Stairs, going into White-chappel, where she declared that she had unfortunately killed her Husband: she now protested very passionately her innocence as to any intention of murdering him; but that he died by her means, freely ac­knowledged. 'Twas proved by several that she had often threatned to do his business; and one swore that she once heard the Prisoner say she would poison him. A young Maiden stept [Page 5] into the house after the mischief done, and seeing the man lie on the Stairs, asked the now Prisoner if her Husband were in a Swoon; to which she replied surlily, bidding her meddle with her own business, and forthwith went out; but the Girl telling Neighbours, some of them entred, and found the man just a dying, being onely seen to stir one hand. Whereupon soon after the Prisoner was taken, and confes­sed as you have heard. Upon consideration of all circumstances the Jury found her guilty of the Petty-Treason; for which she received Sentence to be Burnt to death.

The next we shall mention, were two High­way-men: One of them disgracing his Educa­tion and Profession with those wicked and abo­minable practises of villany and mischief. For on the 10th of May last, he and one of his Companions being off of Putney, set upon a Gentleman, threatning his life if he did not speedily deliver: whereupon he deliver'd them Twenty pound; besides which they took from him a Rapier, but did not search him, for he had more money about him which he saved: however, they cut his horse bridle and turn'd him loose. As soon as they were gone, he got to a house and rais'd the Hue and Cry; where­upon they were taken before they got to Lon­don, for their horses were poor sorry Hackneys: so that at last they be took themselves to their own heels, and fired Pistols without execution. One of them, to prevent their being pursued, [Page 6] flung down the money; but the Country being up, took them notwithstanding: and upon full evidence, being now Convicted, they received Sentence of Death.

There was a person arraigned upon two se­veral Indictments for stealing a bay Guelding from one man, and a chesnut Mare from ano­ther. He had lately been married, and went down into the Country pretending to fetch money; but instead thereof, brought up these Horses, and got his Brother-in-law to vouch them in Smithfield: but they being soon after found, and he discovered, he offered to pay Eighteen pounds for them; a new trick of a Jocky to steal horses first, and enquire the pri­ces afterwards. Upon such pregnant Evidence he was found guilty and received Sentence.

A fellow was found guilty of Felony, for stealing Five pounds in money, two Shirts, and other things, from one that had lately been his Master. He was soon taken, and part of the things with him, and now was burnt in the hand.

On Munday there were Four tried upon In­dictments for Murder; but none found guilty. One, a wench for killing her Bastard-childe at Horslydown; it was proved she had been deli­vered, and was heard to groan and make a great noise in the night; but her Mistriss think­ing it common sickness, took no notice of it. Upon the whole she was acquitted. So was a Waterman for killing a young man of the same [Page 7] Trade, who quarrelling with him about money for a Fare, he did strike him one box on the Ear, and gave him one kick, but as 'twas prov'd not violently; yet so fatally, that the fellow sickned and shortly after died. However, no murderous intention appearing, he was dis­charg'd. The third was a Bayliffs follower, who going to arrest one, and a scuffle arising, to secure their prisoner they used some blows, and with much ado carried him to Jayl, where soon after he died; upon which he was prose­cuted, but found not guilty. The fourth was a man for the supposed Murder of a childe of Nine years of age, his wives son: She having been abroad, at her reutrn found the childe ill and bloody, but it did not complain the Father had hurt it, nor would tell bow it came; but growing worse and worse, died the next mor­ning. The Grandfather and Grandmother willing to know how it came by its End, bound the Father over; but no Witness appearing of his striking or injuring the Lad, there was no colour for the Indictment.

A young wench was found guilty for robbing her Master twice; once of 6 s. and afterwards getting his Breeches and her Mistriss's Petticoat off their Bed, and taking the Keys of his Counting-house, carried away some small parcel of money, a Diamond ring, a plain Ring, a piece of [Page 8] Gold given by his Majesty for curing the Evil, and other things of value; but was soon taken, and now Convicted.

A fellow having snatcht away a Sword from one in Southwark-Fair, partly in jest and more in earnest, was now found guilty of stealing it: And since he was so fond of a Sword, may have occasion shortly to use one, being ordered for Transportation.

Several other petty Tryals we omit.

There were in all Four Condemned to die; that is, Two Highway-men and One Horse­stealer to be Hang'd, and One woman to be Burnt; Seven burnt in the hand, Seven to be transported, and five to be whipt.