Report of James Adair, Recorder of London, on 2 individual petitions (prisoner and...

Report of James Adair, Recorder of London, on 2 individual petitions (prisoner and William Curtis, Sheriff of London) and 3 collective petitions (14 people, many local traders; 33 people, clergy and tradesman of St. Leonard, Shoreditch in Middlesex and surrounding area- includes many occupations, and 2 people, Sheriffs of London and Middlesex) on John Blinkworth, convicted (with John Ward and Edward Church) at the Old Bailey in April 1789, for stealing some plate and other goods, property of Joseph May, on 7 March 1789. Adair states that 'this case has made such an confusion in my mind, and I thought it right to consult Mr Justice Heath, who tried these prisoners, and who has authorised me to make use of his name as joining with me,' in his eventual recommendation. The judge states that Ward's death would satisfy public justice. Evidences supplied by Grace Wells, wife of publican Christopher Wells and now living at Leadenhall Market. Grounds for clemency: youth (19 years), penitent, first offence, was an accomplice and not a principal, was intoxicated, was no aggravation, the property has been restored to its owner, had been thrown out of his house by his father, previous good character, his mother has died and his father is in great distress. Initial sentence: death. Recommendation: transportation.

Folios 80-87.