3 papers concerning Thomas Smith requesting that he be liberated from Maidstone Gaol...

3 papers concerning Thomas Smith requesting that he be liberated from Maidstone Gaol for the purpose of giving evidence against Charles Lappidge, charged with burglary. Thomas Smith was convicted on 27 October 1829 of having a centre bit in his possession with intent to break into a dwelling house.

• Letter from Robert Tassell, the mayor, to Robert Peel requesting Smith's discharges so that he can give evidence in a burglary case.
• A letter from the mayor to Robert Peel requesting Smith to be indicted for burglary in the expectation that he will give evidence for the Crown.
• A note from Robert Peel that Smith may be pardoned to enable him to give evidence.

Grounds for clemency: Smith caught putting watch labels in the fire and admitted to burglary in the shop of Samuel Bartlett, silversmith, on 13 October 'last' when he stole silver and gold watches, value £70 to £100, he impeached Charles Lappidge and Charles Terry but Smith's evidence cannot be taken into account unless he is handed over to the county jurisdiction. Mr Peel should discharge him so that he can be handed over to the Mayor, Mr Tassell to be examined. Initial sentence: 3 calendar months' imprisonment. Annotated: remission prepared 23 November 1829. KO53