Report of William Henry Ashhurst on 1 collective petition (2 lightermen, from Dyce...

Report of William Henry Ashhurst on 1 collective petition (2 lightermen, from Dyce Key, London, and St. Dunstans in the East - both 'are persons of Considerable Business on the River of Thames and on the Wharfs adjoining') on behalf of George Foster, discharged servant to Thorn and Ogle, lightermen, and of John Carter, currently employed by Thorn and Ogle, convicted (with John Hutchings who had been executed) at the 'last' Kent Assizes at Maidstone, for stealing goods from a lighter (of Thorn and Ogle) docked at the Thames below Gravesend, value above £40, property ofEdmund Higginson and Company. The judge considered that such offences were very frequent at this time, that an example needed to be made and the offence aggravated as the prisoners were or had been, in the position of employees to the lightermen. He was also not convinced it was their first offence. Grounds for clemency: first offence, both are hardworking people and would be again, aware of the seriousness of the crime, have been offered employment, they would be willing to transport themselves abroad and their petitioners would act as security. Initial sentence: death, commuted to 7 years. Recommendation: speaks against further mercy.

Folios 233-236.