Report of J Bayley [John Bayley] on 2 individual petitions (the prisoner and Charles...

Report of J Bayley [John Bayley] on 2 individual petitions (the prisoner and Charles ------, Sheriff of Derby) and 1 collective petition (30 people, from Chesterfield, some trades given) on behalf of William Varley, Chesterfield, master framework knitter to Mr John Ward, hosier, convicted at the Derbyshire Assizes, for being in possession of 71 £1 forged banknotes on 27 February 1809. Evidences supplied by Joseph Pym, constable of Belper; Thomas Glover, bank inspector; Jonathan Ward, hosier; Robert Bainbridge, Robert Silcock, butcher and Robert Statham, innkeeper at Chesterfield. Grounds for clemency: previous good character, repeatable people gave evidence at his trial on his behalf, has a wife and 2 children to support, had been unaware that the notes were forged, the money had been given to him by Samuel Soare to pay for a horse on his behalf at a fair to be held the following day, the judge was unable to give discretion in this case (and expressed his concern at the matter). Initial sentence: 14 years transportation. Recommendation: an investigation by the bank is called for as if he is a dealer he may have information, which will help the prisoner in his appeal for mercy. Folios 324-328.