Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, on 2 individual petitions (prisoner...

Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, on 2 individual petitions (prisoner and John Pullan, plumber and landlord at Hatton Garden) and 1 collective petition (15 people, local traders - occupations given, from Shoreditch in Middlesex, and New Windsor, Eton and Clewer in Berkshire), on behalf of Joseph Atkins, shoemaker, convicted at the Old Bailey, for stealing 20lbs of lead pipe fixed to the dwelling house, property of John Lisle, on 5/6 January 1789. Watchman Wright questioned a man 1/4 mile from Lisle's house, and he fled leaving a sack containing an iron crow (bar), 3 fouls, a duck and the lead piping. The prisoner was accused 5 weeks later, but claimed innocence. ----- Pullen, landlord, confirmed that the lead came from the house, but is not convinced of Atkins' guilt and thinks the 'Officers of Justice' pursued the case against him to receive a reward. Grounds for clemency: a first offence, an honest young man, innocent of the crime[?] and a master who will employ him if released. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: no mercy, 'A man, who is found at Six O'Clock in the morning with an Iron Crow, Fowls and a Duck in a Sack on his back, and without Witness to his Character, is of such a description, that I cannot think of recommending him to the Mercy of his Sovereign'.

Folios 215-218.

Topics

Transportation

Pardons

Crime