Report of Robert Alderson, Recorder of Ipswich, on 1 collective petition (45 people...

Report of Robert Alderson, Recorder of Ipswich, on 1 collective petition (45 people of Ipswich, Suffolk) on behalf of Joseph Hatch, cabinet maker/carpenter, convicted at Ipswich, [Suffolk], on 20 February 1809, for the theft of 2 promissory notes, value £30 and £10, property of an excise officer [name not given]. There are 2 letters from Henry Thornton, one stating that the prisoner has been permitted to transport himself 'on finding two Bondsmen' he notes that Simon Payne and William Buckingham, both upholsterers, are willing to stand bond for the prisoner as the prisoner's health is declining. Grounds for clemency: youth (29 years), previous good character, from a respectable family and has good connections), first offence, he planned to returned the stolen money (he had asked his father for money for this), he wishes to transport himself, he was tempted into the crime and the victim 'was in the habit of leaving his box unlocked'. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: mercy. Folios 243-248.