Report of Soulden Lawrence on 1 collective petition (58 people, residents of the...

Report of Soulden Lawrence on 1 collective petition (58 people, residents of the Forrest of Dean including the Lord Warden and Verdurers, magistrates and clergy) on behalf of Thomas Rosser and Thomas Yemm convicted at the Gloucestershire Assizes on 26 March 1796 for stealing 500 bushells of flour and 100 hempen sacks, on 9 November 1795, from the 'Neptune' barge, property of William Hutton and Samuel Baker, and moored on the River Severn near Newnham. Prisoners were assisted in the theft by Francis Reed, not in custody and many other rioters. There is also an anonymous letter from 'a farmer' requesting that the initial sentence is carried out as an example to others. Evidences given by George White, John Vaughan, farmer; Jonathan Seata and Joseph Moreton [boatmen], Edward Darling, Reverend Mr Beeston and Reverend William Probyn. Grounds for clemency: first offence, irreproachable members of the community, both have families (are fathers), exemplary conduct while in Gloucester gaol, that they had been seduced by others and that the real instigator is known and will face trial when caught. Initial sentence: Death. Recommendation: 'any application for mercy must be made directly to the Crown'. Folios168-176.