Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, Recorder of London, on 1 collective...

Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, Recorder of London, on 1 collective petition (23 people, 'well acquainted' with the prisoner, several from Staines, Middlesex and Windsor, Berkshire) and 1 individual petition (prisoner) on behalf of John Notts/John Knotts, a fisherman, convicted October 'last' [at the Old Bailey], for a burglary (with Samuel Clarke and a Mr Wingrove) at night in a dwelling house, stealing 2 wooden casks and other articles including bottles of liquor, value £6:8:0, from the cellar of Thomas Lawrence/William Lawrence the younger, Landlord of the Crown and Anchor pub in Staines, Middlesex. He was found guilty to the value below 40/-. Evidence from Samuel Clarke, accomplice; Thomas Lawrence and a constable also (probably mistakenly) named as Thomas Lawrence. There is also a covering letter from Thomas Bunbury. Grounds for clemency: innocently drawn into the unfortunate affair, first offence, previous good character and is happy to serve at sea. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: no mercy. Folios 6-10.