Prisoner name(s): John Smith. Prisoner age: 18. Prisoner occupation: Employed...

Prisoner name(s): John Smith.

Prisoner age: 18.

Prisoner occupation: Employed by G J Edison at Stock, Essex to transport apples with a donkey and cart.

Court and date of trial: Essex Lent Assizes held at Chelmsford 12 March 1828.

Crime: Breaking into an outhouse and stealing apples the property of G J Edison at Stock, Essex.

Initial sentence: 14 years transportation.

Gaoler's report: 'Character, connections and former course of life good.'

Annotated (Outcome): Nil.

Petitioner(s): Two petitions from John Smith (prisoner) with 22 inhabitants of Stock, Essex.

Two petitions from William Guttridge on behalf of the prisoner's mother to Captain Stedman of the Leviathan Hulk, Portsmouth, [Hampshire]. One petition is undersigned by 26 inhabitants of Stock, [Essex].

Grounds for clemency (Petition Details): The prisoner has lived in Stock for the last 16 years and is well known in the community as an honest and industrious lad; the prisoner did not steal the apples and has never before committed an offence; the prisoner should be allowed to remain in the country for the sake of his poor but industrious parents who are inconsolable; the prisoner's punishment is too severe and his case pitiable but the prosecutor is determined not to sign the petition.

Other papers: Character reference from George and Richard Curtis (prisoner's former employer) of Billericay, Essex.

Extract from hulk register on the prisoner on board the Leviathan Hulk.

Additional Information: Tried with William Wright.