Report of Archibald Macdonald on 2 collective petitions (the prosecutor and Joseph...

Report of Archibald Macdonald on 2 collective petitions (the prosecutor and Joseph Pannell of Ash [for Hartley]; 5 people [for Harris]) on behalf of William Gates Harris/William Harris, of Ridlington, Rutland and John Hartley/John Hartlett, butcher/horse dealer of Frimley/South Newington, Oxfordshire, convicted at the Surrey Assizes held at Kingston in March 1808, for horse stealing, property of James Smith, publican at Guildford, on 7 January 1808. Evidences supplied by James Smith, publican; Daniel Eades and John Fermaner. There are letters from Lord Henniker, J P Ogbourne and Sarah Carter, the prisoner's sister. Grounds for clemency: the prisoners were of previous good character, he was undefended at his trial, repentant of their crime and had no felonious intent (having provided the prosecutor with two other horses - admitting they were not of equal value but that other payment would follow) and has been offered work should he be set free. Initial sentence: death, commuted to transportation for life. Recommendation: none given. Folios 37-50.