Report of David Boyle, Lord Chief Justice on 1 collective petition (the prisoner...

Report of David Boyle, Lord Chief Justice on 1 collective petition (the prisoner and David Milne, advocate) on behalf of James Sime, convicted at Edinburgh Circuit Court on 12 July 1827 of theft [inventories of goods included] by housebreaking from Jean Berrie/Jean Rae; Robert Hamilton, stocking maker, James Scotland and James Ruddiman, both gardeners between 25-30 May 1827. There is a copy of the 'Declarations of James Sime'; a printed copy of the 'Indictment against James Sime; 4 character references from Dr Robert Gardon, clergyman; James Cowill, David Peter and William Bayack[?]. Grounds for clemency: the prisoner has a wife and two children to support, the prisoner made a full confession of his crimes, the jury made a majority recommendation for mercy and the judge recommended the prisoner's petition to receive mercy. Initial sentence: death. Recommendation: transportation for life. Annotated: 'Granted'. There are letters from William Trotter, Lord Provost of Edinburgh: 1. Acknowledging the respite for James Simes and forwarding a letter on behalf of William Gordon from Mr Rose. 2. Acknowledging instructions to transfer Gordon to the General Penitentiary, in lieu of transportation for life. There are character references from Morris Forsyth, Minister; Alexander Ragg Elder; John Shepherd, Elder; Robert Gordon, Elder; Alexander Shever[?]; James Gordon and Alexander Gordon. 1 individual petition (H Rose, Governor of the National Gaol of Scotland) and 1 collective petition (the prisoners) on behalf of William Gorden/William Garden and James Gorden convicted at the High Court of Judiciary [date not given] for an affray between 'some country people and the Preventative Servicemen' and resisting 'the officers of His Majesties Revenue' in February 1827. There is a letter from John Phillips, which explains that Gordon has an illness and that thee is no prospect of his recovery [forename of prisoner not given] annotated with a reply from Robert Peel that the man should be discharged; a letter from the Duchess of Gordon (enclosing a visiting card) explaining that William was used to mountain air and confinement has caused a decline in his health and that the prisoner's mother wishes to take him home even if he should die during the journey. (There is also a note on the letter from the Duke of Gordon on the game at Blackwater) and a letter from J White, Governor of the General Penitentiary stating that William has 'a rapid consumption' Grounds for clemency: youth, both prisoners were of previous good character, inveigled by others into the crime who turned King's evidence or escaped to America, enlisted themselves (after the crime) into the army (William-93rd Regiment of foot. James 25th Regiment of Foot) and they wish to return to their regiments. Initial sentence: transportation for life. William: pardoned on condition of confinement in the Penitentiary for 10 years. AN 13. [Scot]