Report of David Boyle, Lord Chief Justice on 1 individual petition (the prisoners)...

Report of David Boyle, Lord Chief Justice on 1 individual petition (the prisoners) and 2 collective petitions (15 people, including the prisoners, the Provost of Dumfries and clergy and 14 people, magistrates, a minister and inhabitants of Kirkendbright [Dumfries shire]) on behalf of Edward Caine and John Collester, labourers, convicted at Dumfries on 15 September 1827 of horse stealing, the property of William Hyslop and James Rigg, farmers. There is a letter from David Boyle; covering letters from [Lord] Ad Gillies and John Jackson, agent; a copy of the verdict and sentence; a printed copy of 'Criminal Letters against Edward Caine &c' and a copy of the 'Declarations of Edward Caine and John Collester'. Grounds for clemency: both of previous good character, the defendants pleaded guilty, the jury unanimously recommended mercy and that any petition for a reduction in sentence be sympathetically received and Lord Gillies recommends that they are sentenced to transportation for life. Initial sentence: death. Recommendation: transportation for life. AO7. [Scot]