Report of Edward Christian, Chief Justice for the Isle of Ely, on 1 individual petition...

Report of Edward Christian, Chief Justice for the Isle of Ely, on 1 individual petition (Robert Alderson, barrister) and 4 collective petitions (6 people, clerks and a schoolmaster of Hingham, Norfolk; the prisoners; 15 people of Cheapside, Walthamstow, Tottenham, Homerton, Bishopsgate, Rickmansworth and Inner Temple in Middlesex, Hertfordshire, London and Essex; and 26 people, comprising grand jurymen, prosecutors, the Newgate Keeper, ministers of Ely and police officers) on behalf of John Lock Thurston, William Lock Thurston and Daniel Lock Thurston (brothers), convicted at the Ely Assizes on 27 February 1809, for horse stealing and burglary, property of Thomas Granger (and others), on 26 November 1808. There is a copy of the application for respite for William Lock Thurston. There are letters from Edward Christian, [Philip Wodehouse], Francis Bagge, Chief Bailiff of Ely and Peploe Ward, Deputy Bailiff of Ely acknowledging the receipt of a respite for John and Daniel Lock Thurston; one, similar, from H R Evans, Deputy Bailiff of Ely; a certificate of good character for John Lock Thurston from George Eyre, carpenter and former employer, Southwark; and another from Nathaniel Bennett & Son, coach makers on behalf of Daniel Lock Thurston. There is a letter from S Stephens regarding their attempt to escape made by the brothers, which has not gone against them as the gaol is insecure and this is regarded as an 'Inducement to the Attempt'. Grounds for clemency: previous good character, have respectable connections in Norfolk, youth (all between 20-25 years), the grand jury and prosecutors support their application for a pardon, they are education to trade, behaved well in prison and all have shown contrition. Initial sentence: death, William Lock Thurston respited. Recommendation: speaks in favour of mercy for all 3 men but in particular William Lock Thurston. Recommendation: transportation for life. Folios 103-125.