Report of J Mansfield [James Mansfield] on 1 collective petition (33 people of Norbury...

Report of J Mansfield [James Mansfield] on 1 collective petition (33 people of Norbury (and surrounding area), Chester) on behalf of John Gosling, employee of John Swindells, convicted at the Chester Assizes, held in April 1802, for the theft of cotton cops or twist (with Joshua Adshead, for receiving the goods knowing them to be stolen), value £5, property of John Swindells, cotton manufacturer, on 5 March 1802. Evidences supplied by John Swindells, John Walton, servant of John Swindells and Joshua Adshead. There is a covering letter to the petition from William Egerton MP. There is a certificate of the prisoner's good character from Matthew Hudson, Keeper of Chester Castle. Grounds for clemency: good behaviour whilst in prison, and the prisoner had a wife and 7 small children. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: no mercy. (Adshead acquitted through lack of evidence). Folios 94-100.