Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, on 1 collective petition (24 people,...

Report of John William Rose, Recorder of London, on 1 collective petition (24 people, from Piccadilly, Westminster, Bromley, Fulham, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Henley in London, Middlesex and Surrey including the prisoner) on behalf of Samuel Russell, convicted at the Old Bailey, for stealing 19lbs of cheese, value 8/-, property of Thomas Clarke. The prisoner had placed a sack of apples in the wagon whilst travelling, the prisoner and waggoner were joined by 'Collings of Henley, of known bad Character' when the waggoner left the wagon in the charge of Russell, Collins rode in the wagon. The prisoner claims that Collins hid the cheese in a sack and it was picked up by mistake when Russell reclaimed his sack of apples. Grounds for clemency: previous good character, has a wife and 3 children to support, the waggoner had sworn falsely by stating he had not left the wagon during the trial (it is suggested that the waggoner was concerned that his employers would punish him for leaving the wagon) and the prisoner is innocent of the crime. Initial sentence: transportation. Recommendation: 12 months in the house of correction (from his conviction). Folios 1-4.