Report of James Adair, Recorder of London, on 1 individual petition (prisoner) and...

Report of James Adair, Recorder of London, on 1 individual petition (prisoner) and opinion of judges on behalf of Humphry Moore, a cordwainer (working with leather, making shoes etc.), tried at the Old Bailey on 21 April 1784, for stealing 20 guineas and 4 doubloons, property of John Fields, of Chelsea. The prisoner and an unknown person were an accomplice in an agreement to obtain money by selling a 'fake diamond ring' to the prosecutor, furthermore the prisoner did 'aid' and 'assist' the person unknown to obtain money by pretence from John Fields and deprive him of his property. The case was sent for opinion and 9 judges gave their verdict that the offence constituted 'felony' and not 'cheat'. This was in contrast to Lord Loughborough and Lord Chancellor Skynner's opinion. The written case as stated for the judges is also included. Grounds for clemency: youth (29 years), first offence, has been in prison nearly 12 months, he is now in poor health and his confinement has almost cost him his life, the evidence was not clear and only circumstantial, is naïve and was misused by the felons who since then were discharged upon giving sufficient amount of money to the prosecutor for his loss, he is reduced to misery and distress. Initial sentence: (sentenced at the December 1784 Old Bailey Sessions) 7 years transportation. Recommendation: no mercy.

Folios 106-111.