Report of Sir Robert Graham, Baron of the Exchequer, on 1 collective petition, (21...

Report of Sir Robert Graham, Baron of the Exchequer, on 1 collective petition, (21 signatures, including a member of parliament, clergymen, bankers, from Hertfordshire) and 1 individual petition (the prisoners) on behalf of Thomas Weatherby [Thomas Weatherly], [also referred to as Francis Weatherly], and David Giddings, labourer in husbandry, convicted at the Lent Hertford Assizes, 3 March 1826 of Burglary from the house of John Smith at Roe Hide, parish of St Peter's, in the liberty of St Albans, Hertfordshire, and assaulting and beating Mary Smith therein on 25 December 1825. Evidences supplied by Mary Smith; John Smith junior; George Dinn; John Rowley, constable of Hatfield; Joseph Wilson, constable; Thomas Simpkins, woodcutter; John Nicholls, surgeon; John Smith, house owner and husband of victim; Thomas Windles [Thomas Windle], owner chandler's shop at Small Ford near Colney Heath; George Windle the elder, labourer; Joseph Lawford, labourer; Susan Lawford, wife of Joseph; John Nicols [John Nicholls], keeper of the 3 Horseshoes in Hatfield Road, publican and blacksmith; Ann Randle, servant of Nicols; John Grey; John Basil, son of a farmer; William Hulse, labourer; John Weatherby [John Weatherly], brother of prisoner; and William Gray, neighbour of victim; Elizabeth Windle; James Windle; Betty Windle; John Horner Rumball; Elizabeth Dickens; Mary Lines; George Smith; William Edmonds; Martha Edmonds; Ann Field; Jane Field; John Powell; William Hulks; John George; John Pratchett; John Bassill; Thomas Dickinson; Daniel Welsh; Daniel Gray; William Gray; William Field; John Hill; Joseph Wilson; John Hinton; John Haylock; Elizabeth Giddens; Thomas Giddens; John Field; Sarah Field; William Wise; Mary Dunkley; Mary Ann Branwhite; William Watson. There is also a letter from William Gibbons, solicitor. Grounds for clemency: Not all facts were presented, the prisoners had been poaching with a gun, they now presented their alibi; David Giddings contributed greatly to the support of his ageing parents. Initial sentence: death, respited until further order. Recommendation: to transport them for life instead. Folios 1-83.