1 petition (as a 'Memorial') from Francis Sykes, foreman of the Reading Assizes Grand...

1 petition (as a 'Memorial') from Francis Sykes, foreman of the Reading Assizes Grand Jury for 27 February 1796, on behalf of Edward Swift of Thames Street, New Windsor, Berkshire, slop seller, committed to Reading Gaol on 26 May 1794 for 'uttering and making use of divers treasonable and seditious Words against His Majesty and the Constitution of this Realm'. He was committed by a magistrates, Paul Perryman and John Slingsby, and convicted at the Berkshire Summer Assizes held in Abingdon, on 28 July 1794. The prosecutor, [Mr.?] Wells swore that Swift was a man of wealth. 3 witnesses, William Dickman, Ann Timms and Sarah Mann were prevented from giving their testimony at the trial by Swift's wife who has since deserted him. Swift has now obtained an affidavit (included here) containing their testimonies which Sykes believes would have led to a different sentence if not an acquittal, had they been produced in court. The witnesses state that Swift was intoxicated and that he swore against the Democrats, the Jacobins, the Methodists, all false professors and all those who were not true to their King. Grounds for clemency: that he was 60 years of age, that he had served in the sea service for 11 years and the militia for 6 years, first offence, he is in utmost want and is unable to provide sureties, has already served half a year beyond the former part of his sentence, and despite his age is willing to enter into HM. Forces again. Initial sentence: 12 month imprisonment, and to find sureties for his good behaviour for 3 further years (himself to £100 and 2 sureties to £50 each). Folios 34-38.