Report of Francis Burton, Recorder of Oxford, on 1 collective petition (117 people,...

Report of Francis Burton, Recorder of Oxford, on 1 collective petition (117 people, including the bailiffs, principal tradesmen and others of Oxford), on behalf of John Hawkins, convicted at the 'last' City of Oxford General Quarter Sessions, for a burglary and stealing 7 guineas, 7 half guineas, 1 crown piece, 18 half crowns, 200/-, 50 sixpences, 1 green and gold coloured snuffbox, value 2/-, 2 pair of earrings and 2 china oranges (William Smith was also indicted as a principal in the burglary and Richard Hawkins convicted as an accessory 'after the fact' for receiving), property of Isaac Lawrence, grocer, on the night of 26 January last[?], by entering the house through the cellar window after breaking it. Evidences supplied by Benjamin Kartland, servant to the prosecutor; James Hartley, Benjamin Cosier, Thomas Gray, Thomas Boddington, Joseph Earl, constable; Mr. Alderman Tawney, Mr Edward Lock, a city magistrate and Edwards Ladds. John and Richard Hawkins had already been acquitted of previous indictment, tried at the 'last' Epiphany sessions and had received serious admonition from the court. The prisoner had formerly lived as a servant boy with the prosecutor, and was the 'proposer' of the crime. The report on behalf of the prosecution contains extensive details of the offence being committed, the apprehension of the burglars and recovery of stolen goods, used as exhibits during the trial in court. Grounds for clemency: youth (19 years), aged parents who may not be able to survive the tragedy regarding their son, had served in the Chatham Division of marines until his discharge at the end of the late war and the offence was committed without violence. Initial sentence: John Hawkins, death; William Smith, death[?[], 14 years transportation: Richard Hawkins, acquitted by Jury's verdict. Recommendation: transportation for life (or some other severe punishment). Folios 170-178. See also HO 47/3/51 folios 179 -180.

See also HO 47/3/51 folios 179 -180.