2 collective petitions (2 people, prisoner and William Sarell, Gaol Keeper at the...

2 collective petitions (2 people, prisoner and William Sarell, Gaol Keeper at the High Gaol in Devon; and 143 people, including John Stabback, Chaplain to the High Gaol) on behalf of John Crabb, convicted (with others) at the Devon Assizes at Exeter, for stealing 186lbs of cordage, on 9 July 1791. He was initially to be tried by Court Martial but eventually it was decided this was a civil criminal case. Grounds for clemency: youth (22 years), he did not abscond (before the trial) although this was possible, family of good character (his father having served the king 'from his Infancy to the present time') who reside at Stoke Damerell [Stoke Damerel], previous good character and promise of future good behaviour, first offence, behaved well during his time in prison, compassion for his elderly father, mother and young wife (only recently married before convicted), prevented a prison breakout which included a plot to murder the gaoler and his family, his assistants, and a fellow prisoner (not agreeing with their cause). Folio 118. See also HO 47/14/16, folios 111-112 and HO 47/14/25, folios 149-150.