Report of John Silvester, Recorder of London, on a report by Simon Le Blanc, on behalf...

Report of John Silvester, Recorder of London, on a report by Simon Le Blanc, on behalf of Dorinda Megan, housekeeper to James Adams, indicted at the Old Bailey in January 1809, for the theft of 1 china bowl and cover (stated as a 'christening bason' [sic]), value 36/-, one china bowl, value £3:3:0 and 1 china cup, value 6/-, property of James Adams of Berkeley Square, St George, Hanover Square, London, on 21 December 1808. She was found guilty of stealing to the value of 39/-. Evidences supplied by Eliza Taylor, lady's maid to Mrs Adams; James Burrows, servant to Mr Adams; James Adams, Mary Anne Susannah Adams wife of James Adams; Dr Baine, Mrs Kelly and John Hopgood, oyster warehouse keeper. There are copies of letters between C Adams, the prosecutor's brother and the prisoner where an impropriety, which may have had a bearing on the case, is listed. Grounds for clemency: did not steal the china, her basket was mistaken [in which the item was found], in letters between the prisoner and C Adams the prisoner an 'improper proposal was made' the prisoner 'treated it in a very proper + becoming manner, and gave it the answer which a person of correct manners and morals would do' which Le Blank believes illustrated her good character. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: mercy. Folios 126-138.