Report of Francis Burton, Deputy Recorder of Oxford on Joseph Simmonds, convicted...

Report of Francis Burton, Deputy Recorder of Oxford on Joseph Simmonds, convicted at the Easter Sessions for the City of Oxford in 1783 for grand larceny, he was again indicted at the 'last' Easter Sessions for the City of Oxford, for being at large before the expiration of his (earlier) 7 years transportation sentence. His accomplices in the same offence were tried by George Nares, at the preceding Oxfordshire Assizes and received judgement of 7 years transportation to Africa. Evidences supplied by Thomas Walker, Town Clerk of Oxford (producing a certificate containing record of convictions); James Hartley, Solomon Wisdom, Thomas Best, (saw the prisoner in Oxford with 'double irons' on him but without a keeper at the house of William Best who escaped with him) and John Smith. William Best an escapee, and an accomplice of the prisoner from the original offence of grand larceny was arrested, tried and convicted by Francis Buller. Since then had been sent away in execution of his sentence. The judge states that the prisoner was known as 'Colonel Simmonds' and had a reputation of being the leader of a 'formidable gang of housebreakers & robbers'... and has a brother of similar character. Grounds for clemency: although he had several times escaped this was done without resistance, force or violence from an ill secured gaol to which the gaoler and keeper remained silent (knowing the situation of the gaol) and the jury recommended him to mercy. Initial sentence: 1) for grand larceny, 7 years transportation Africa. 2) for being at large, death. Recommendation: transportation for life to Africa.

Folios 216-219.