Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, on 1 individual petition (Thomas...

Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, on 1 individual petition (Thomas Tidy, whitesmith at Spitalfields in Middlesex, employer of the prisoner) on behalf of George Drew, apprentice whitesmith, convicted in January 1789 before James Adair at the Old Bailey, for stealing, 100lbs of lead from a building, property of Thomas Simpson, value 8 or 10/-, on 9 January 1789. There is also a covering from Thomas Tidy. Evidences supplied by John Wisker/Visker a 'Patrol' officer or watchman; James Sadler and Thomas Bowden. The prisoner resisted custody, threatened Wisker with a stick and ran away. Grounds for clemency: the crime was committed by John Meriman and John Leckcour who have since been tried and convicted and that the prisoner was simply passing by, prisoner had been involved in planning a model for the Ordnance which would be of great benefit to the country if he were allowed to continue with it and should therefore receive mercy, and the watchman had prosecuted to secure a reward. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: If it can be proved that his release would benefit the public the prisoner may be pardoned although he should find security for his good behaviour for the term of 7 years.

Folios 174-179.