Report of James Adair, Recorder of London, on Old Bailey cases: 1. Samuel Holt, convicted...

Report of James Adair, Recorder of London, on Old Bailey cases:

1. Samuel Holt, convicted on 6 April last, for receiving 12 deal (fir or pine timber) boards of stolen timber. It was considered that the prisoner was aware the timber was stolen as he had bought the goods at less than its' original value. He was also convicted on the evidence of one of the men who had stolen the timber. Grounds for clemency: age (nearly 70 years), previous good character given in his petition (wanting) and during his trial, despite the evidence he is strongly recommended by the prosecutor and the jury for mercy. Initial sentence: 14 years transportation. Recommendation: free pardon.

2. Thomas Tyler, convicted on 26 May 1784, for stealing 52/- and 6d, property of Richard Radford, publican. The prisoner had ordered 2 pots of beer and change for 21/2 Guineas to be sent to a shop in the Strand. The prisoner then received the money and a boy accompanied him with the beer from the public house, on the way he then absconded with the money. Grounds for clemency: since his conviction has spent 15 months in prison pending transportation, has behaved well in prison (attested by Mr Pickett during his period as sheriff, and others). Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: free pardon.

3. James Oakes, convicted on 23 February last, for stealing a bundle of printed 'callicoe' (calico), property of Robert Martin. Prisoner obtained the bundle from a porter after giving him his name and where he lived. Grounds for clemency: previous good character, was extremely intoxicated at the time when he committed the crime and at the trial there seemed to be some doubt as the 'felonious intent' of the offence committed. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: free pardon.

4. William Price, convicted on 23 February last, for stealing 1300lbs of iron hoops from Messrs Coulson and Bates (ironmongers). The prisoner was servant to the prosecutors and had lived with them for several years. Grounds for clemency: previous good character, Coulson-Bates could not testify the ownership of goods or prove that the quantity of hoops sent by the prisoner from the wharf was similar to the deficiency in weight and the judge thought there was sufficient ground for doubt in the case due to lack of evidence and testimony. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: mercy.

5. John Barlow, convicted for harbouring Edward Payne knowing him to have committed a felony. Evidences supplied by Goldsmith and Garrad. Grounds for clemency: Barlow's own petition and affidavit (wanting) were very strong in their contents and raised a doubt regarding the prisoner's guilt, the case depended on the evidence of Goldsmith and Garrad who were regarded as witnesses of little credibility, and that Mr Taylor (defendant's witness) had gone to look for Payne at his lodgings but was a day too late as Payne had travelled 100 miles out of town. Initial sentence: a 1/- fine and 12 months imprisonment in Newgate. Recommendation: remission of the remaining term of imprisonment.

Folios 126-133.