Report of Robert Burton, Recorder of Abingdon, in Berkshire, on 2 individual petitions...

HO 47/3/57

1784 May 21

Report of Robert Burton, Recorder of Abingdon, in Berkshire, on 2 individual petitions (both by the prisoner) and 3 collective petitions (9 people, bargemasters including Richard Cquarington, an ex-employer; 28 residents of Abingdon, including prosecutor, mayor and magistrates, foreman of the grand and petit juries, and 3 bargemasters of Abingdon) on behalf of Thomas Truss convicted (with Edward Brooks, Richard Burchell, William Kilby and Richard Kilby) at the Abingdon Quarter Sessions in Berkshire, on 16 January 1784, for feloniously stealing, taking and carrying away, 11 turkeys, 5 geese, 5 fowls and several other fowls, property of Michael Anthony of Shippon near Abingdon, on the night of Monday 22 September 1783. Evidences supplied by Edwards Brooks, an accomplice, indicating that Thomas Truss had 'suggested' the offence. Earlier in the day the prisoner with some friends (sons of credible tradesmen), had been consuming alcohol at the Bell Ale House in Bury Lane, Abingdon. While under influence of alcohol he was prompted to participate in the offence committed later that night. During the trial it appeared that a gang was operating in the area and to deter others from committing similar offences it was decided to make an example of the prisoner hence his severe sentence. Grounds for clemency: was previously of honest and fair character, industriously employed in the business of a bargeman, had lived respectfully in the town of Abingdon with his parents, has a wife and 2 small children and another child will soon be born, first offence, is repentant and penitent for his offence and sincerely promises to behave himself in future as a good and dutiful subject, family will suffer utter ruin as he is the sole provider of income, collectively (the Bargemasters claim to have known the prisoner from childhood and until this unfortunate affair had never heard of any thing bad alleged against him, if pardoned they will re-employ him to the bargeman's business he was brought up in and are confident he will be a useful member of the society. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation to Africa. Recommendation: initially the judge agrees with the grand and petit juries in considering that some parts of Nova Scotia may be most appropriate as a place for transportation for the prisoner - he later changes this to recommending surety to his (or other magistrates) satisfaction and an undertaking by his friends to employ him.

Folios 185-192.

Public Record(s)

English

Open Document, Open Description

Topics

Labour

Public disorder

Transportation

Children

Pardons

Crime