Report of Soulden Lawrence on Martha Chapman alias Martha Wallace and Richard Chapman,...

Report of Soulden Lawrence on Martha Chapman alias Martha Wallace and Richard Chapman, alias Richard Wallis, of the Horse and Groom public house, Castle Hill in Windsor, Berkshire, convicted at the 'last' Berkshire Assizes for receiving a quantity of napkins and other linen knowing them to be stolen from Windsor Castle (property of the king) by Louis Peppin who worked for the Board of Works. Peppin had been given the keys to the linen so as to be able to transport it to Frogmore House as required. He had admitted taking the linen and selling it to the Chapman's for beer. Evidences provided by Louis Peppin, Francis Burt, William Whitmore, Mr Baverstock, Thomas Moore, William Till, John Elmer, leather seller; Susannah Walker, servant to Richard Chapman; David Evans; Yeoman of the Ewery; Samuel Maynard, Ann Goodland and John Secker. The jury found Peppin guilty of stealing the linen, Martha Chapman guilty of receiving it knowing it to be stolen, and acquitted Richard Chapman. Initial sentence: transportation. Recommendation: speaks against mercy. Folios 177-183.