Prisoner name(s): William Serjeant [Sargent]. Prisoner occupation: Soldier and...

Prisoner name(s): William Serjeant [Sargent].

Prisoner occupation: Soldier and seaman.

Court and date of trial: [Court not stated].

Crime: Absenting himself from militia training.

Initial sentence: Committed to the County Gaol of Devon for six months.

Annotated (Outcome): Remission prepared 8th April 1828.

Petitioner(s): William Serjeant (prisoner). The petition is signed by Thomas Ley a magistrate of Devon (committing magistrate).

Lord Rolle of Bicton, Honiton, [Devon] commander of the South Devon Militia.

Grounds for clemency (Petition Details): The prisoner; became very ill a year after he intermarried Mary Ann Serjeant by whom he has a family; he could not support his family, including an aged parent, for five months; they were compelled to seek parish relief; soon afterwards the prisoner's health had improved enough for him to accept a situation on His Majesty's war ship the Jaseur; the prisoner was imprudently tempted to accept the position in order to relieve his distressed family; the prisoner remained on board the Jaseur for three years and six months; the prisoner returned to England and arrived at Plymouth Port seven weeks ago when he surrendered to the Sergeant Major of the South Devon Militia; Thomas Ley vouches for the respectable character of the prisoner and the truth of his petition.

Additional Information: William Cole of Exeter, Devonshire supporting the petition.