Report of Richard Perryn on 1 individual petition (prisoner) on behalf of John Smith,...

Report of Richard Perryn on 1 individual petition (prisoner) on behalf of John Smith, born of Aston Bottrell in Shropshire but working at Stourport, convicted at the Worcestershire Lent Assizes in March 1786, for sheep stealing. Evidences (many of the character testimonies) are supplied by Thomas Warter, rector of Aston Botterell and Cleobury North; Louis Price, curate of Aston Botterell and clergymen from Wheathill, Burwaton, Stottesden[?], Sidbury and Neenton; also George Honey, George Aston, Thomas King and Ann Bishop, all former employers; also Edward Taylor, the Styles Gaol chaplain and 10 others. There is a covering letter from J.H. Browne. Grounds for clemency: youth (age not given) previous good conduct/employment record, first offence, was drawn into crime by an 'old offender', has been penitent, good behaviour while in prison, and his petition is signed by many 'sacred characters' (and so likely to be true). Initial sentence: death, commuted to 7 years transportation. Recommendation: a pardon.

Folios 388-393.