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

Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, on 2 individual petitions (both from the prisoner) on behalf of Benjamin Bird, a smith, convicted at the Old Bailey[?] in January 1789 or 1790 [contradictory], for stealing 2 chain ropes, value 10/-, property of Almon Hill and Robert Mellish. Prisoner found in the warehouse with several pick-lock keys near him. Grounds for clemency: crime not committed with any aggravation, has a wife and 4 children now under great 'distress of Mind and Body', willing to serve at sea, has skills as a 'smith', is penitent, promise of future good conduct, crime was committed though poverty and distress of the family due to unemployment, Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: if a seaman to enlist in HM. Navy or, if not, to enlist as a soldier in the East Indies, and to find sureties for good behaviour for the time equal to remainder of his sentence. The second petition states he is unable to provide sureties and meet the condition of the pardon; he asks this to be set aside.

Folios 196-201.