The Tryals of the Prisoners were as follows.

John Norris and Philamon Bonniss both late­ly of the Parish of Bishops Hatfield, were In­dicted for that they the 29th. day of June last in the same Parish, did Rob one John Medcalfe on the High-way, and took from him a Whip, one Linnen Cap, and 3 l. in Money; the mature of the Evidence was such, Mr. Medcalfe retur­ning to St. Albans, met in his way a Carrier's man and acquainted him with his Misfortune of being Robb'd, and in the mean time passed by the very Men that committed the Robbery, who were immediately followed by the Cirrier's man, and seen to go into an Inn at St. Albans; and the Constable being sent for, Apprehended them, and found the Whip and Cap in the same Room with them, and a Vizard Mask in one of their Pockets: Mr. Medcalfe Swore that he knew their Faces, and they were both found Guilty of Fe­lony and Robery.

Ann Dale of the Parish of Sabridgworth, Spinster, was Indicted for the Murther of her Male Bastard Child, on the 28th. day of April last. This great Crime was laid to her Charge upon this account, that a Child being found in a Pond near the House where the Prisoner lived with its Throat Cut, all the Servants of the Fa­mily upon this Allarm, were very ready to see the Child, but the Prisoner when she was with great difficulty perswaded to it, appeared to be under a great Distraction. Several of her fellow-Servants deposed that they had observed her to be bigger than ordinary before the Child was supposed to be Born, and at that time to be so Sick that she kept her Chamber. She did not positively deny the Fact upon her Examination, but on her Tryal insisted upon her Innocency, and the Jury Acquitted her, the Proof not being clear enough that she had any such Child.

Joseph Jackson of the Parish of All Saints in Hartford, was Tryed for the Murther of one William Kentish: Most of the Evidence con­sisted of what the party slain said before he Died; he was heard to say that the Prisoner had struck him and that he should never recover it. The Chirurgeon that viewed him said he found no Bruise about him when Dead, and did believe that he died a Natural Death by the Providence of God; and so the Prisoner for want of fur­ther Evidence, and upon this Affirmation of the Chirurgeon, was Acquitted.

Susan Barber alias Crane of the Parish of Buntingford, was Indicted for the Murther of a Female Bastard Child about five years agoe: Sarah Dew a Witness for the King, proved that about the time in the Indictment laid, the Prisoner brought a dead Female Child to her, telling her that she was Delivered of a Child three Months before its time, and so it appeared to the said Witness, and so she not endeavouring to Conceal the Child, she was Acquitted.

Susan Ansell of Ware in the said County, was Arraigned for stealing feloniously from one Tho. Griper, one Crape Gown and Serge Petticoat, both amounting to the value of 20 s. One Wit­ness proved that she had such Goods in her custody; but the party from whom the Goods were stolen being a Quaker, and refusing to Swear, the Prisoner was Acquitted for want of Evidence.

Lawrence Hasledoom was twice Indicted for Burning the Houses of Daniel Flindon and Bridget Ansell, both in the Parish of Ikleford; he confessed the several Facts before several Per­sons, and a sharp Iron Rod was produced in Court, with which he confessed he had thrust Touch-wood into the Thatch wrapt in Paper; but the Court and Jury believing the Prisoner to be of Imperfect memory, both at that time and ever since, he was Acquitted, and left in Goal to be taken care of by the Justices of Peace at their next Quarter Sessions.

Samuel Mead and Jane his Wife both of the parish of Stondon, were Indicted for the Mur­ther of one Joan Coale, an Infant, which the said Mead was supposed to have Begotten on the Body of one Jane Cole. The Prisoners appeared to be of indifferent good Fashion, and therefore suffered not the Child to be kept by the Parish, but provided a Nurse themselves, and the Child Dying quickly, they were accu­sed of the Murther, but were both without much suspicion, Acquitted.

• 2 Received Sentence of Death viz.
  • John Norris,
  • Philemon Baines,
• Several old Convicts pleaded His Majesties Gratious Pardon, under condition of Transpor­tation, viz.
  • George Marshall,
  • Marjory Roberts,
  • William Harrison.

And so the Court Adjourned:

The Tryals of the Prisoners were as follows.

Robert Peirce was Indicted, for that he in the Parish of Chinckford, did Feloniously, Trai­terously, and of his Malice afore thought, Kill and Murther one Richard Hemings his Master. It appear'd that Hemings the Master who is Slain, refused to give leave to the Prisoner his Servant to go to London to buy new Cloaths, and the Servant giving some sawcy words, the Master corrected him by striking him, and thereupon [Page 5] the Servant disarm'd his Master, and so they fell to Fighting, and were parted by some that saw the Scuffle; but the Master after he had called help returned with a very large Stick in his hand, and the Servant catch'd up another that lay by him; the Master then struck at the Man very violently, and the Servant being so provo­ked, struck his Master upon the Head, of which stroak he Died; and this matter being given in Evidence by all the Witnesses, the Prisoner was found guilty of Manslaughter.

John Cole alias Alsop, alias Sheppard, and John Fisher, were both Indicted for Breaking open the house of Robert Harvey Esq in the Night, at Low Layton in the County of Essex, on the 24th. of March last, and taking thence one silver Comb box, value 10 l. one silver Salt­sellar, value 13 l. two round silver Boxes, value 10 l. three silver Castors, value 12 l. one Gold Ring with a Table Diamond infixed, value 30 l. and other Goods, in all to the value of 156 l. 19 s and 20 l. in Money. Two of the Witnesses positively Swore they saw Cole in their several Chambers, and one of them was forced by him to rise and go about the House with him, to shew where the Booty lay, and that at the Stair-foot his Mask fell off, so that his Face might be easily discerned by the light of the Candle; and some broken pieces of Plate were found about Fisher the other Prisoner, which one of the Witnesses verily believed to be part of Mr. Harvey's Comb box, from some Stains she had formerly observed in it: She likewise affirmed, she did verily believe him to be one of them that Robb'd the House, but she could not swear positively to it: But it appearing that Cole did usually lye at Fisher's House, it might possibly he that Fisher might only receive the broken pieces of silver from Coale; so that the Jury brought in Cole only Guilty of the Burg­lary, and Acquitted Fisher.

John Cole alias Sheppard, was likewise Indict­ed for Feloniously stealing one Gray Gelding, value 8 l. and one Mare, value 4 l. from one Richard [...]yly▪ This Felony was likewise plainly proved upon him, and he was found Guilty.

Charles Lee, Richard Stroud, and Richard Thomas were all three Indicted for Felony and Burglary, in breaking the House of one Robert Levitt of Stibbing in the Night, on the 26th. of June, and taking thence Money and Goods to the value of 14 l. several of the Goods laid in the Indictment, were found about the Prisoners, but Levitt being a Quaker, did refuse to Swear, [...] no body the could prove those Goods to have been his Goods and therefore the Prisoners were found not Guilty.

Thomas Newcomb was Indicted for stealing Feloniously one silver Cup value 30 s. in the Parish of Carringham, from one Wood, who kept an Ale-house, and the Prisoner coming to Drink there, conveyed privately the Cup, as 'tis thought into his Breeches, which was missed immediately, as soon as he was gone out of the House; and the Prisoner was proved to have pawned the same Cup to a Broker, and so was found Guilty.

Martha Wood was Indicted for Murther, and Concealing the Death of her Female Bastard Child, on the 20th. day of March last: The Evidence was thus, she had been observed to have been bigger than ordinary about her Middle, and of a sudden to grow less; and she being so suspected, was Searched by a Midwife, who found Milk in her Breasts; and then being asked to discover where she had laid her Child, she presently discovered the Place, which was in a Chamber, where she was Delivered about three days before in an old Lodge in a Gentleman's Park, and there cover'd it with Hay: And so the Prisoner not being able to Prove that the Child was Born Dead, or that she called Help at her Labour, but on the contrary, concealed all the matter, she was found Guilty by the Jury.

Mary Portway of the Parish of South-han­ningfield, was Indicted for Murthering of her Female Bastard Child, and concealing it, on the 9th. day of June last; the Prisoner though she was much mistrusted, never discover'd that she had any such Child, till it was found out by the Stench, and then she alledged that she was Delivered in the Yard belonging to the House where she Dwelt; and that it was Dead, and so she hid it: The Witnesses proved the Child to the best of their apprehension, to have been of full Growth, or near it; and she proving nothing of its being Born Dead, was likewise found Guilty.

William Saffold was three several times In­dicted of several Felonies, and confessed them all, and all others within Clergy; b [...]ing de­manded why the Court should not proceed to Judgment, and thereupon award E [...]cution of Death against him, he prayed the benefit of his Book; but the Ordinary putting him to read out of the common Place, he had not his Lesson without Book, and so 'twas return'd that he could not Read, and the Court gave Sentence of Death against him, but did Reprieve him afterwards for Transportation.

Thomas Davis and Thomas Davison were Indicted for stealing one Mare coloured Gray, value 6 l. and one Gelding colour'd Bay, value 4 l. of a Person unknown. No Evidence could certainly prove that they were stolen, and therefore they were found Not Guilty.

Ann Dixon of the Parish of West Tilbury, was Indicted for forging a Brief, under the Hand and Seal of William Lord Arch-bishop of Can­terbury, the 10th. day of June last; she con­fessed the Indictment, but said she was induced to do it by some of better understanding than her self, who told her there was no hurt in it. She was Sentenced to stand in the Pillory.

William Mumford of the Parish of Mucking, was Indicted for stealing three Bushels of Wheat, from one Sarah Edwards of the value of 3 s. 6 d. The Wheat was found upon him, and he found Guilty.

• 3 Received Sentence of Death viz.
  • John Cole alias Alsop, alias Sheppard,
  • Mary Portway,
  • Martha Wood,
• • William Saffold, To be Transported.
• 3 were Burnt in the Hand, viz.
  • Robert Peirce,
  • Thomas Newcomb,
  • William Mumford.
• • Ann Dixon was Sentenced to be set upon the Pillory for two Hours, at Chelmsford.
• These several Prisoners under named pleaded His Majesties Most Gracious Pardon, under condition of Transportation, viz.
  • Daniel Caster,
  • Mary Tye,
  • Thomas Playn, alias Pagden,
  • Richard Price.
• 2 were Pardoned Absolutely, viz.
  • Ambrose Holland,
  • Tobit Bedford.

And so the Court Adjourned.

The Tryals of the Prisoners were as follows.

Owen Moriarty late of the Parish of Lam­beth, was Indicted for Murthering one Thomas Carey, the fifth day of June last. It appeared that the Prisoner and the Deceased fell out, and several angry words passed betwixt them in the Lord of Canterbury's Palace; Moriarty there­upon went into the Church-yard and drew his Sword, but Carey not following, he return'd, and more words passed; and then Carey said, if they must Fight, it would be convenient to go into the Field, and accordingly they immediately went and Fought; several followed them and stood near, not daring to part them, and after some time the Prisoner's Sword was broke, but he had first given the Deceased his Deaths Wound. Upon the Evidence he was found guilty of Manslaughter.

Peter Heasey was Indicted of Felony, for steal­ing Goods to the value of 10 l. 10 s. on the 8th of March, in the 2 d. year of this King, from Mr. Francis Stone: The Prisoner upon his Ex­amination confessed some of the Goods to be by him taken, before the Justice of Peace, and Mr. Stone went to the Broker where the Goods were Pawn'd or Sold, and there found them; but all the Goods being not found upon him, he was found guilty to the value of 10 d. only.

Lawrence Crockford, William Price, John Morey, Nathaniel Lee, William Probert and Thomas Emerson, were Indicted of Felony and [Page 7] Burglary, committed in the House of one Judith Parrat, the 15th. of June last, and stealing Goods to the value of 20 l. or thereabout: The Proof was very short, for all that appear'd against them was that Morey's Wife brought several of the Goods to the House of one Drinkwater; and Crockford confessed some of the Prisoners brought some of the Goods to his House: But no Evidence being given of Break­ing the House, and what Morey said being no Evidence against the rest, they were all Acquit­ted, none of the Goods being found upon them.

Matthew Eldridge Indicted of Felony, for stealing 3 l. in Money from Ruth Dines, the 26th. of May last; the Money lost was the new Mill'd Coin, and such Money was found upon the Prisoner by Dines her Father, which he thought to be his Daughters: But no parti­cular mark being upon it, he could not Swear positively it was his Daughters, so the Prisoner was Acquitted.

The same Matthew Eldridge was Indicted of Burglary, for Breaking the House of Timothy Wilson in the Night, and Stealing thence Goods to the value of 2 l. 8 s. and 11 l. in Money; the Money was most in Crown pieces, some of which were found about him; the Prisoner confessed to the Prosecutor that he had those pieces out of his House; that he came in at the Window, having first broken a Wooden Bar in the mid­dle of the Window. He was found Guilty of Felony and Burglary.

Daniel Wogan and Philip Mackquire, were Indicted for a Robbery committed upon Mary Shaw, the 20th. of April last past, and taking from her one Gold Ring, value 10 s. 1 l. 12s. in Money: Shaw Swore she was Robb'd, but knew not the Persons. The Ring was offer'd to be pawn'd to one Nathaniel Skinner, for 2s. 6 d. and was accordingly left with him by Wogan: The Person that was Robb'd told the Posey of the Ring before she saw it. Wogan proved by one Woman that the same Ring was offer'd the day before he Pawn'd it to her, to be Pawn'd by another Man; and she being a Woman of some Credit, the Jury believed her, and the Prisoners were found not Guilty.

James Hopeway was Indicted for Killing one Richard Sealy with his Drawn Sword, the 28th. of May last; the manner was thus, Faldow a Soldier and the Prisoner Lodged in the House of one Price; and it seems the Prisoner took away a Candle that Faldow had, and being asked why he took it; he in great heat threw down the Candle, and told Faldow that he would Stob him, and presently went up two or three Steps into his Chamber, and fetch'd down his Sword, and run the said Richard Sealy, being in the yard, twice into the Body, whereof he Died; 'twas believed the Prisoner took Sealy for Faldow, for it appear'd Sealy was never in the House, and had never seen the Prisoner. He made but a small Defence, and was therefore found guilty of Murther.

John Wo [...]ral was Indicted for Feloniously steal­ing the Goods of one Thomas Gardiner of the value of 10 l. 10s. the 31st. of May last: He pleaded not Guilty; but upon his Examination he had confessed the Fact before the Justice of Peace, that he stole some of the Goods, and likewise confessed the same to the Constable who took him, and was found guilty to the value of 10 d.

John Bibby and Edward Haines were Indicted for a Robbery upon Thomas Jenkes at Clapham the 31st. of May last, and taking from him a silver Box and other Goods: Jenkes he was Robb'd, and did believe the Prisoners to be the Persons, but would not swear positively to the Faces. The silver Box was found near the Place where the Prisoners were taken, which was not far from the place where the Robbery was committed, with Strings in their Pockets: But the Evidence consisting only in Circumstances, they were Acquitted.

Jane Feild and Joseph Feild were Indicted for Feloniously stealing on the 7th. of June, Goods and Money to the value of 5 l. 18 s. 6 d. from one Butler Noads: The Prisoner, as it did ap­pear by the Evidence, was taken into Noads's House for a Wet Nurse, and she absenting her self from the House, the Prosecutor Noads mis­sed his Money, and presently pursued the Priso­ner, and took her, but found no Goods or Mo­ney about her; but being no body else had been in the House, she was greatly mistrusted, yet for want of Evidence she was Acquitted.

James Ball Indicted of Felony, for stealing one Weather Sheep value 19 s. from Thomas Curd, the 29th. of May last; the Sheep was first taken in Middlesex and conveyed over the Water into Surrey. One Rauson a Witness for the King, followed the Sheep upon Enquiry over the Water to the Falcon, and found it where the Prisoner was supposed to have tyed it; but the party that could prove the bring­ing of the Sheep thither by the Prisoner, did not appear in Court to give Evidence; and so he was found not Guilty.

Jacob Suttibey was Indicted of Burglary, for Breaking the House of Thomas Roffey in the Night, and stealing thence 40 s. in Money: Suttibey the day before this Burglary was com­mitted, was delivered out of the Marshalsea, where he had lain some time. Roffey proved his House Broke open that Night, and 2 l. to be stolen from him; his Man found an old Knife behind the Counter, and then going down into the Cellar, he found the Cellar door open; other Witnesses proved the Knife to be the Pri­soners, and that they had seen him cutting his Victuals with it the day before the House was Broken: Another Witness likewise proved him to be in an Alley near Suttibey's House, about Twelve a Clock that Night: But because it might possibly happen that Suttibey might have lost his Knife, and another have found it, which might commit the Burglary, the Priso­ner was Acquitted

Elizabeth Waterman was Indicted for the Murther of Mary Waterman her Daughter, up­on the 9th. of May last: It appeared that the Prisoner lay with her Daughter, and had been sometimes of unsound Memory, and all in the House had endeavoured to hide from her every thing whereby she might do her self Mischief; but another Daughter being below Stairs, and hear­ing some unusual Noise above, ran up and found the Child Mary Waterman lying on the Ground with its Throat Cut, and the Prisoner preparing to do the like Execution upon her own Throat, which she prevented by snatching the Razor which she had got out of her Hands: And it appearing that the said Elizabeth Waterman had been before frequently Distracted, she was Ac­quitted of the Murther.

William Saunders was Indicted for stealing one Cabinet, value 2 s and two pair of Worsted Stockings, and 3 l. 15 s. in Money, from one Samuel Hur [...]ck, the 28th. of April last. The Prisoner when taken confessed the Fact, and told the Prosecutor where he had put his Ca­binet and Stockings, and there they were found, as the Prisoner had said, and thereupon the Pri­soner was found guilty of Felony.

A [...]ice Parker and Mary Crooke were both Indicted for Breaking the House of one Ma [...]ell Chapman in the day time the said Mabell be­ing in the House, and stealing thence a silver Tankard value 5 l. and one silver Spoon, value 5 s. one p [...]ece of Angel Gold and a silver Chain on the [...] of Ja [...] last. Upon the Evidence it appeared that two Women and two Men came into Chapmans House and called for Drink and after they had stayed there some time, they paid their Reckoning and departed, and in a little time after, the Goods were missed, and no body else was observed to come into the House be­tween the missing of the Goods and their Drink­ing there: The two Prisoners were Sworn to be the two Women that were in the House, and the Men were never found: But no Goods be­ing found upon the Prisoners, and because some body else might possibly come into the House unobserved, the Prisoners were Acquitted.

Mary Adds, Matthew Wright; and Daniel Barret, were Indicted for stealing Goods to the value of 3 l. 19 s. [...]. from William Bistow; but the Evidence amounting but to a bare Suspici­on, and the Goods nor any of them being found about the Prisoners, they were brought in not Guilty.

Black Peter a Negroe, was Indicted for the abominable sin of Buggery committed with a Mare the 7th. day of June last: Upon the Evi­dence it appeared that the Prisoner was seen with the Mare in an unseemly manner; but the Witnesses being at a considerable distance from the place where the Mare stood, could not prove enough to amount to an Evidence that could Convict the party, and therefore the Jury found him not Guilty.

Thomas Webb was Indicted for stealing one Cock, value 2 s. and five tame Pidgeons, value 2 s. from one Peter Harwood, on the 11th. day of June last past; he was taken by the Watch with the Fowls about him, and that be­ing given in upon Evidence, he was Convicted of Felony to the value of 10 d.

William Burroughs was twice Indicted; the the First was for Breaking the House of one Nathaniel Collins, no Person being there, and stealing Goods, to the value of 1 l. 1 s. 5d. and 30l. in Money. The Second Indictment was for Break­ing the House of one Mary Loyd in the Night, on the 4th. of March last, and stealing Goods to a considerable value, and 90 l. in Money. There was but little Evidence given to prove the first Indictment, and the party was Acquit­ted thereof. But as to the second Indictment a Gentlewoman that was then in the House, proved that the Prisoner was in the House, and particularly in her Chamber, and that he was there for above an hours space; that she saw and observed his Face, being without any Mask; that he held her Hands whilest another Bound her, and then Kissed her: She being frequently asked whether she were sure that was the Per­son she still permited that she knew him. There [Page 9] were several other Witnesses bound to give E­vidence, but they appeared not upon their Re­cognizance; and upon the Evidence, the Pri­soner was found Guilty.

William Ball was Indicted of Felony, for steal­ing Goods to the value of 13 s. from one Thomas Guest, the 1 [...]th. of July last. Some of the Goods were found in his Breeches, and not be [...]ng able to prove how he came by them, was found Guilty of Petty-Larceny.

John Francis, for Felony, in stealing five Bushels of Oats of the value of 7 s. and 6 d. and one Bushel of Tares, from one William Hughes. It appeared upon the Evidence, that a Horse was tracked without a Shoe from Hughes his House to Francis; and Oats were sprinkled by the way, and more found in Francis's House; but no being able to Swear positively that they were H [...]ghes his Oats, he was Acquitted.

The same Francis was a second time Indicted for stealing seven Ducks and eight Chickens, the 30th. of August, the Third of this King. The same number of Fowls were found in a Wood by a Shepherd, and taken away by h [...]m. And after the Prisoner was observed to come to the place where the Fowls had been found. But there being no further Evidence, he was Acquitted.

John Notteridge, Indicted of the Murther of one Andrew Reballow, by throwing down and kicking him on the Head, Breast and Stomach. It ap­peared that they were first at a Play, called Baiting the Bear, and after fell out and fought at Fifty-cuffs, and Reballow gave several Falls to Notteridge; but the Party deceased lived not above a Fortnight after. And the Jury not believing him to die of an Injury gotten at that time Acquitted the Prisoner.

William Benson, Indicted of Burglary the 24th. of June, for Preaking-open the House of Mr. Ri­chard Hill, in the Night, and stealing 32 s. and 6 d. Hill was not positive in his Evidence that his House was Broke, because possibly he might leave his Windows open. But the Prisoner be­ing charged to confess when he was first taken, told where some of the Goods were, and they were found accordingly. And the Jury found him Guilty of stealing the Goods found upon his Confession, and that they were of the value of 10 d.

• 3 Received Sentence of Death, viz.
  • James Hopewas,
  • Matthew Eldridg, and
  • William Burroughs.
• 2 were Burnt in the Hand, viz.
  • William Saunders, and
  • Owen Moriarty.
• 5 To be Whipped, viz.
  • Thomas Web,
  • Peter Heasey,
  • John Worral,
  • William Benson, and
  • William Ball.
• Matthew Eldridge was after Judgment Reprieved by the Court for Transpor­tation.
• 7 Pardoned to be Transported, viz.
  • William Sedgewick,
  • Henry Potenger,
  • William Jones,
  • John Powel,
  • Francis Low,
  • Ann Spencer, and
  • Thomas Johnson.

The Tryals of the Prisoners were as follows.

Lydia Stocker was Indicted for that she on the 20th. day of February last did Kill and Murther her Male Bastard Child. Upon the Evidence it appeared that Milk was found in the Prisoners Breast: Those that saw it, charged her with having had a Child; she confessed that she had had one, but that it was born dead, and she threw it into a Well; but the Child was found before any such Confession made; so the Woman not being able to Prove that the Child was born dead, according to the Statute of King James I. she was found Guilty.

Philip Clark, Indicted of Felony, for Breaking the House of one Thomas Lomas, in the Day-time, on the 11th. day of July last, and stealing a Serge Wastcoat of the value of 2 s. one Cloth Coat of the value of 6 s. one pair of Leather Breeches of the value of 10 s. two Handkerchiefs of the value of 6 d and one pair of Gloves of the value of 6 d. from one Thomas Howicke. The Prosecutor gave Evidence, That he found some of the Goods about the Prisoner, and he was found Guilty of the Felony only to the value of 4 s.

• Lydia Stocker had Judgment of Death, but was Reprieved after by the Court.
• 1 Burnt in the Hand, viz.
  • Philip Clark.
• Mary Knight attainted of Felony for stealing a Gelding, was Pardon'd abso­lutely.
• Charles Bitrow and Wiliam Castleden attainted of several Felonies, now Pleaded his Majesty's most Gracious Pardon, under condition of Transpor­tation.

The Tryals of the Prisoners were as follows.

Elizabeth Nash was Indicted for the Murther of her Female Bastard Child, the 19th. day of March last past. It appeared by Mrs. Codd, the chief Evidence, with whom the Prisoner had some acquaintance formerly, that the night be­fore the Child was found, the Prisoner came to the House where Mrs. Codd dwelt, in the Night, and having knockt at the door, she said she came from London, and was bit by a Dog, and desired some Drink, and Wood to light a Fire, with which when Mrs. Codd had supply'd her, she went to Bed,; but perceiving that the Prisoner had gone into some place where she was not di­rected, Mrs. Codd rose again, and then the Pri­soner asked her where the House-of-Office was; and being shewn, she went thither, and the next morning a Female Child was found. But there being no other Evidence to prove that it was the Prisoners Child, or that she did Murther it; and Mrs. Codd alledging that the Child was not full grown, the Prisoner was Acquitted.

Edward Stedwell was Indicted for Stealing a pair of Sheets of the value of 50 s. the 8th. of February, the Third of this King. The only Witness was Daughter-in-Law to the Prisoner, and she missing the Sheets, went to an Ale-house where she thought to find her Father,, and there did demand the Sheets; which her Father as readily denied to give her, but did not deny his ha­ving them, but alledged that they were his Wives. So the Jury presuming that the Prisoner took them as his own, without any Felonious Intent, found him Not Guilty.

Richard Pulley Indicted of a Burglary in the House of Mr. Robert Goulet, the 17th. day of May last past, and stealing one Gown value 5 s. one Petticoat value 3 s. five Yards of Kirsey, value 5 s. seven Yards of Linsey-woolsey, value 7s. and two pair of Breeches, value 2 s. The Evi­dence against the Prisoner proved that his House was Broke, and that he lost the Goods afore-men­tioned, and presently he sent Hue and Cry, and [Page 11] thereby the Prisoner was taken with the Goods about him. He made no defence, but that he found the Goods upon the Road, neither could he bring any Witness to prove his Reputation, and therefore was found Guilty of the Felony, and Acquitted of the Breaking the House.

Abraham Rodean, alias Rodon was Indicted of the Murther of one John Hornet, the 28th. day of April last. The Prisoner and the Party slain were left together in a Room by one John Delnael a Frenchman, about Ten a Clock that Night, and before Eleven, Murther was heard to be cried out by the next Neighbours; but all things being still again, and the door shut, the Neigh­bours took no notice of it; but the next morning the deceased was found with his Throat Cut, and and several Wounds in his Breast, lying over a Threshold of an Inner-door. The Prisoner con­fessed the Fact, before his Tryal to several, and appeared to be under a great remorse of Con­science, a bloody Knife was found upon the Seat where the Prisoner was used to work (being by Trade a Shoemaker;) he had likewise confessed the taking of fifteen Shillings in Money, and some Farthings, out of the Deceased's Pocket, and told where he had hid it, and it was found accor­dingly, in the Tiles of the Chamber where the Prisoner lay before he was taken, being asked what he could say for himself, he in Court Con­fessed the whole Matter, and that he did it with the Knife there produced; and being ask'd why he did so Barbarous an Act, he answered, That he had left God, and God had therefore left him: He was under great Apprehension of Hanging in Chains, and therefore made it his chief request to be Buried after Execution; which the Court did not deny, and he was found Guilty.

James Philips was Indicted for the Murther of one William Beckton, the 18th day of April last past, by stabbing him with a Sword a little above his Navil. The Prisoner and the Deceased fell out, and went out of the House where they had been together, and being followed by some that would have prevented the mischief, they both drew at a Corner, so that it was not known who made the first Pass. The Prisoner Disarmed the Deceased, and after gave him his Sword again; but the heat not being over, they fought again at Fifty-cuffs for some time, and after­wards drew their Swords again, and the De­ceased was kill'd upon the spot. All which matter appearing upon the Evidence, the Pri­soner was found Guilty of Manslaughter.

William Tongue was Indicted for stealing a Bay Gelding of five Pound price, from one William Randolph, Esq The Gelding was put out to Grass, and being missed for four days, Hue and Cry was sent after him with his Marks. The Horse was found at the Post-house in Canterbury, and the Constable left this Charge, That when any one came to take the Horse, that he might be sent for; and the Prisoner coming, was ac­cordingly seized, and alledged that it was his Master's Horse, and giving a good Account of himself, and that his Master had one very like him, which he might mistake, the Prisoner was found Not Guilty.

Patrick Key was Indicted of the Murther of one John Smith, with his Sword, the 18th. day of April last. The Prisoner and Deceased were Drinking together, and the Deceased by threat­ning, forced the Prisoner to go out into the Field. And one Vine another Soldier, would have parted them, but the Deceased told Vine, That if he would not stand clear, but interpose in this mat­ter, he would run him through (having then his Sword drawn) and so Vine withdrew for a little space, and the Deceased made his Pass at the Prisoner, who then guarded the Blow, and gave the Deceased presently at the next pass, his Mortal Wound, which the Deceased perceiving, darted his Sword at the Prisoner, and cried out that he was Mortally wounded, and bid the Prisoner shift for himself. Upon this Evidence, the Prisoner was Acquitted of the Murther, and found Guilty of Killing the said John Smith in his own defence.

James Skiffe was Indicted for the Murther of one Richard Hither, the Fifth of July last past, by throwing him down upon a Sythe, which made a Wound half an Inch broad, and five Inches deep. Upon the Evidence it appeared, that they were at work, and were used to play together; the Prisoner thrust down the Deceased, and he fell upon the Sythe. It did not appear that there was any malice in the Prisoner, and so he was Acquitted, but confessed an Indictment for Killing the same Man by Misfortune.

William Stace was Indicted of Felony, for Breaking the Hou [...]e of one Richard Frencham, in the Day-time, the 28th. day of June last, no person being then in the house, and stealing Goods and Money to the value of Three and twenty Shillings, or thereabout. The Prisoner being very young, about Twelve years of Age, Confessed the Fact before the Justice of Peace, and that one Ʋnderwood was with him, who is fled, and stands Indicted for the same Fact. The Prisoner alledged in his Defence, that he was [Page 12] under a great Indisposition for want of sleep, and being under great Threats, he Confessed it, to procure his Ease at present, and so the Jury consider'd the tender years of the Prisoner, and found him Not Guilty.

John Devereux was Indicted for throwing one John Baker into the Thames, with intent to drown him. It appeared that Baker was in a Lighter, and Devereux being in an Hoy, the Hoy fell foul upon the Lighter and split it, so that Baker was forced to get into the Hoy, where being found by Devereux, he was ordered by him to be put into the Lighter again, which being ready to sink, Baker was forced to commit himself to the Water, and had perished, had he not been taken up by a small Boat that came by when he was in the utmost extremity. The Prisoner was Con­victed, and ordered to Stand upon the Pillory, at East-Greenwich, and Fined Ten Pounds, and to lye in Prison till he paid it.

• 1 Received Sentence of Death, viz.
  • Abraham Rodon, alias Rodenn
• 2 Were Burnt in the Hand, viz.
  • Richard Pullen,
  • James Philips.
• 3 Pardoned Absolutely viz.
  • Hester Floyd,
  • John Merchant,
  • John Bakenham,
• 9 Pleaded his Majesties Gracious P [...] for Transportation,
  • Henry Shorter,
  • Isaac Badford, alias Bradford,
  • Robert Welsh, alias Shipmarsh,
  • John Baker,
  • Cornelius Hill,
  • Richard Pritchard,
  • Jonathan Davis,
  • Ricus Cole,
  • Henry Thompson.