Drunks, Whores and Idle Apprentices: Criminal Biographies of the Eighteenth Century

by PHILIP RAWLINGS

  I had not been in London many Days before I met with John Pendell14 and Fulsome, who inform’d me that William Field was at Liberty again, and so there was nothing to be feared from that Quarter, whereupon we all three agreed to go the next Day to our Business; our first Expedition was to go to Wetstone in Middlesex, where we arriv’d; and I espying a Parcel of Linnen in a Window, I told my Companions of it, and we soon found means to get it into our own Possession; and then made the best of our Way for London; but before we had got half over Finchly-Common, a Hue and Cry was sent after us, so we were obliged to leave our Booty behind us.

  [p. 19]The Night following Fulsome, Pendall and I, broke open a Shoemaker’s Shop in Cow-Lane, and took away all the Shoes both made and unmade; and then carried them to a new Lo ck that we had found out in Golden-Lane, where we had a better Price than what we used to have of Hannah Britton.

  I frequented this House in Golden-Lane for a long while, and one Day as I was at Dinner with the Master and Mistress thereof, two Persons nam’d Cammill and Reeves came in, and sat down to Dinner with us: As soon as Dinner was over, we discoursed upon our Ways of Living; and I finding which way their Pulses beat, discovered my Inclinations of going on the Highway in the Evening, telling them that I had two Friends (meaning Pendell and Fulsome) that I expected to meet in the Afternoon, and I believed they would agree with us; but they not coming, what Accident detain’d them I could not devise, we three went by ourselves towards Windmill-Hill, near Moorfields, and meeting with no body we thought worthy of robbing, we concluded to break open a House, upon which they lifted me over a Wall into the Yard; and the People being forwards, I went round the Yard to the Back-Door, and broke in; and getting into a Room where there was a Bed and Bedding, I made two Load of them from the Room to the Wall, where I got them over to my Companions, who stood ready to receive them, and then we made off un[p. 20]discovered. Cammill dealing in Household Goods, Reeves and I agreed he should have the whole upon paying us 20 s. a Man which he did.

  A Short Time after this last Robbery, I went into Lewkener’s-Lane, to enquire after my old Landlady Hannah Britton; and in my return home to Golden-Lane, I fixed my Eyes upon a Toy-Shop in Holbourn near Turnstile, with which I acquainted my Companions Cammill and Reeves and at Night we went and broke it open, and rifled the Shop of Goods and Money to the Value of 800l. as was soon afterwards inserted in the News Papers, tho’ we did not make above 250l. of the Plate, and their was not above 20l. in Money.

  We lived for about three Months upon the Fruits of this last Exploit without once going out to seek after more, and then it being almost spent, we began to think of getting a fresh Supply, whereupon we resolved to rob in the Fields, and made it our Business to ply at Lamb’s Conduit for several Nights successively, where among sundry other Robberies, we committed one on two Men coming from Pancrass, and another on three Men coming from Tottenham-Court. We never shared any of our Booties during the Time we ply’d at Lamb’s-Conduit till we finished, Cammill keeping all at his own Lodgings, and when we had done we shared about 18l. and two Watches a Piece; and being one Night a Gaming [p. 21] together at a House in Chick-Lane, we quarrelled, and made a great Disturbance, whereupon the Watch and Beadles came and surrounded the House, and I being drunk, pulled out a Pistol and swore I would shoot the Beadle, for which I was carry’d before a Magistrate, and for want of Security was sent to Woodstreet-Compter,15 and remained there 20 Weeks.

  As soon as I was discharged from out of the Compter I went to Mrs. Britton’s House, where I met again with Pendell and a Foot Soldier, that lodged with his Wife at Britton’s. Pendell and I lived very well at that Time only by picking of Pockets; and the Soldier’s Pay not being sufficient to support his kind Wife’s Ambition, she told him he had better go along with us; so the poor Fellow discover’d the Scene to me that he pass’d between him and his Wife, and said, if we would accept of him for a Companion, he would stop any body; whereupon we agreed to take him with us, and we went out with intent to rob the first Man we met conveniently: We had no Arms with us, except the Soldier’s Sword, which he carried under his Coat; and when at the Bottom of Gray’s-Inn Lane we saw a Man before us, I bid the Soldier draw his Sword, and go up to him and stop him, but his Heart then fail’d him; and the Man suspecting us, took to his Heels and soon got out of our Sight; whereupon I went up to the Soldier, and call’d him a faint-hearted Son of a Wh– –, and took the Sword from him; and then I [p. 22] swore I had a great Mind to cut his Ears off, but he begg’d very hard, and promis’d faithfully to stop the next Man he met. Then we cross’d the Fields and went into Islington Road, where we saw a Man crossing the Way with a Candle and Lanthorn in his Hand; the Soldier went up to him and bid him stand and deliver, and then drew the Sword out from under his Coat, and swore he would cut his Throat if he made any Noise; then Pendell and I came up and put out the Candle, and we robb’d him of his Coat, which was trim’d with Plate Buttons, and 2d. in Money, being all he had. Afterwards we crossed the Fields to Kentish Town, where we stopt the Hampstead Stage-Coach with four Passengers in it, being one Man and three Women, from the Man we receiv’d about 40 s. in Money, and from the Women three Gold Rings, a Gold Chain, and some Money; then it growing late, we came to Town directly.

  In a few Days after this I was apprehended on Suspicion of robbing the Man abovementioned in Islington Road of his Coat and 2d. and was committed to Newgate: This News reaching the Ears of my Companions, the Soldier went quite off, but Pendell sent his Friends to me not to be discouraged, who told me if I would not turn Evidence against him, but on the contrary take a Tryal at the Old-Baily for the said Robbery, they would procure several People to swear that I was dying in my Bed the very Time the Robbery was committed. I agreed to what [p. 23] they said; and just before my Tryal came on at the Old-Baily, I had a Note sent to me with a great many People’s Names whom I call’d upon in my Defence. The Prosecutor swore positively to me, but I had such a great Number of Witnesses to appear for me, one of whom personated a Physician, another an Apothecary, and a third a Nurse, besides several others who gave me the Character of an honest, industrious Lad, I was acquitted.

  Soon after I was discharged out of Newgate, as I was going cross West-Smithfield, I met with one Charles Hinchman16 (who was afterwards executed at Tyburn for returning from Transportation) whom I asked to go with me to buy a pair of Shoes at a Shoe Maker’s at Smithfield-Bars: When we went into the Shop the Master was eating of some Spoon-Meat, which he brought into the Shop, and while he was trying the Shoes on me, Hinchman took the spoon, which was silver, and put it into his Pocket: I paid for my Shoes, and came away; but the Man soon miss’d the Spoon and followed us, and took Hinchman with it in his Pocket, but I made my Escape; so my Companion was carried before a Justice of Peace on Clerkenwell-Green, and committed to Newgate; but the Prosecutor not appearing at the Sessions against him, he was discharged.

  Pendell and I going one Day into Lincoln’s Inn-Fields to see the Cocks throwed at, [p. 24] we met Fulsome, who had been Gaming, and having lost all his Money, invited us to go along with him and partake of a Chance he knew of; and tho’ it was Noon Day we agreed to go with him, which was to one Mr. Whitnills, an Ass Man at Windmill-Hill, where we went, and the Chance proved to be a parcel of wet Linnen hanging to dry in the Garden. I got over the Pails, and handed to my Consorts as much as loaded them, then filling my Pockets and Breeches with small Linnen, got over the Pails again without any Discovery; but we were soon pursued and taken, and carried before Justice Benson in Shoreditch, where Fulsome was admitted an Evidence against us, and upon his Oath we were Committed to Newgate, and he to New-Prison, and at the next Sessions at the Old Baily I was found guilty to the value of 39 s. and ordered for Transportation, several of Mr. Whitnill’s Goods being found on me, but Pendell was acquitted.17

  A short Time after my Conviction, a Draught of Transports were ordered to be sent from Newgate to his Majesty’s Plantations in America, and I was one of them: There were about 36 Men and 20 Wom
en put on Board the Ship Honour, Captain Langley Commander, for the above Purpose;18 and one Day when we were at Sea, a Gale of Wind arose that blew very hard, and carried away our Main-Top-Mast, upon which the chief Mate came to the Hatch where we Prisoners were kept, and said if [p. 25] any of us were Sailors we should come upon Deck and lend a Hand, and that he would take our Irons off; accordingly about twelve of us came up and kept the Ship clear that Night, and the next Morning we had calm Weather. The First Mate took a great Fancy to me, and made me Steward of the Prisoners. One Hescot, a Prisoner, who had about fifty Pound of Bisket, two Caggs of Geneva,19 a Cheese and some Butter on board, went up one Day upon Deck for the Air, and in the mean while we ransacked all his Stores; but upon his Return, he finding out what had been done, went and made Complaint to the Captain, who threaten’d to whip us all round to find out the right Man, whereupon sixteen of us agreed to secure the whole Ship’s Crew (being but twelve in Number, Captain and Boy included) before the Whipping Gale blew harder, which we accomplished.

  The next Day after we had got Possession of the Ship and Cargo, we made an Agreement to go to Cape Finister in Spain; and then made a Law amongst us sixteen commanding Men, that every one that was drunk upon his Watch, so as his Arms could be taken from him, or was caught in the Hold with the Women Prisoners, should receive twelve Lashes. We allow’d the Women the Benefit of the Air, and promis’d them that they should go ashore with us. One William Holyday, who was Evidence against Cheshire and Williams, that were executed for robbing the Bristol Mail, was one [p. 26] of the Prisoners that would not consent to the taking of the Ship; but as soon as taken was very desirous of Liberty; and we being full well acquainted that he had Money, oblig’d him to give us 10 l. for which we gave him a Joint Receipt, and then he had the same Benefit as we. In about fourteen Days after our taking the Ship, we arrived within two Leagues of Cape Finister, where we hoisted out our Long-Boat; and having supply’d ourselves with the most material Moveables that the Captain and Mate had, with their Watches and Money, the whole amounting to about 100 l. we laid the Ship to, and made the Sailors hawl the Long-Boat a broad-side the Ship, ordering four of them to get into her and receive our Things; then we went and drank with the Captain and Mate, and set them at Liberty, but lock’d down the nineteen Men that would not consent to the taking of the Ship, as also all the Women, and then went into the Boat to go ashore, where in a few Hours we arrived, and the Sailors rowed off to the Ship again.

  We travelled over the Mountains for two Days, and then met with a Spaniard, who directed us to a Village where we got Victuals, Drink and Lodging; and the next Day after we went over the River, two in a Boat, to Vigo, where we fell to drinking in an Irishman’s House. Our Captain was come into Vigo River with the Ship, and having Intelligence of us, came ashore, and made Complaint to the Governor; upon which the Pitch Pots were immediately ordered to [p. 27] be lighted (it being their way of Notice on any Emergency that happens) and the House we were in was soon surrounded with a Company of Soldiers, who took us and confined us for that Night in the Main-Guard Room. Next Morning we were all examined before the Governor, and we being inform’d the Laws of that Country were such, that if we own’d any thing of robbing the Captain, as he alledged, and indeed was but right, then we must have deliver’d them; and if we deny’d it, all was well; for if you confess nothing, there is no Advantage to be taken: The Captain said the Watch and several other Things were his, and that we had robbed him of them; but we deny’d his whole Charge, and the Governor order’d us to keep the Watch, &c.

  Captain Langley made great Interest to the Governor to order us to go on board again, but to no purpose, the Laws of the Kingdom not admitting it; but on the contrary, the Governor recommended to us to enter ourselves for Soldiers, which we promis’d him to do, till the Ship was sailed out of the River, and then flew from our former Promise; whereupon he gave us a Pass writ in Spanish, which mentioned us to be all Thieves, as we understood by an Irishman that could talk the Spanish Language, which Pass we burnt.

  We travell’d thro’ Spain, and went to a Place call’d Port Oport in Portugal, where eight of my Companions ship’d themselves [p. 28] on board an English Ship, and myself and the other eight on board a Dutch Man of War, both bound to Amsterdam, at which Place we arrived very safe, and had a very good Voyage; and there I committed a great Number of Robberies in Conjunction with one Martin Gray,20 who was afterwards executed at Tyburn for returning from Transportation.

  We continued at Amsterdam some Months, and then came for England,21 where I had not been long before I met with one Goddard and one Ciscell, with whom I went out on the Sneak,22 and committed several Robberies, but our Companion Goddard was soon taken from us, for being apprehended for Burglary, he was try’d at the Old-Baily, and found Guilty, and was afterwards executed at Tyburn.

  A short time after this, Ciscell and I going down Fish-Street, we espy’d a Porter with a large Box on his Shoulders, whom we follow’d; and the Fellow pitching his Load at the lower end of the said Street, I bid Ciscell watch him; in the mean while I went into an Alehouse and call’d for Pen and Ink, and writing a Letter, I put a Brass Ring in it and gave it to Ciscell, who went to him and desired him to carry that Letter to the Place directed, telling him, that there was a Diamond Ring in it. The Porter went with the Letter, and left his Box to my Companion and I to take care off, which we soon moved to Ciscell’s Premises, and there open’d [p. 29] it, and found in it some foul Linnen, and about nine Yards of fine Lace. The same Night Ciscell and I robb’d a Midship-Man of a Man of War of 16 l. in Thames-Street.

  My Companion Ciscell and I continued our Course for a long Time, till at length I had saved about 10 l. with which Money I married and cloathed one Mary Tomlin, a Barrow Woman. I had not been married long before I went out of a Night to rob, which caused Words between us, and had I took her advice, I might have been a good Man at this Time; but Justice followed me soon after; for a Woman, whom I had left my Wife to live with, went and acquainted Merchant Forward that I was returned from Transportain, who came with Assistance and took me, and carried me to Newgate without any Commitment, only by vertue of the Transportation Act.23 There I remained for a long Time; but at last I was try’d with several of my Companions who assisted in taking the Ship; we were all found Guilty, and received Sentence of Death; under which Sentence I lay six Weeks, and was then reprieved, and order’d for Transportation for fourteen Years.

  Some few Months after my above Sentence, I was transported with about eighty others from Newgate; and when we arrived at Virginia24 I was sold to one Mr. Fardle, an Irishman; who not agreeing with my Temper, I run away from him; but he soon took me again. There was no way of help[p. 30]ing myself, so I was contented, and continued with him some time, and then thought of an Expedient to quit myself of his Service, which I effected by running away with a Long-Boat that lay in the River with Masts and Sails in her.

  When I got on the other side the River; I bore several Holes in the Long Boat with an Augur, and sunk her. Then I went and stole a Horse, upon which I travelled about the Country several Days, till I arrived at a Place call’d Portomock River,25 where I continued about three Weeks, and then enter’d myself on board a Ship bound for Bristol, and had 10 l. paid me for my Service in this Voyage.

  As soon as I was arriv’d at Bristol I went to my old trade, not daring to come to London, with one Abraham Smith; but at length were both taken in a Linnen-Draper’s Shop, which we had broke open and robb’d of a large Quantity of Linnen, and carried before a Magistrate, who committed us to Newgate, where we continued till the next Assizes, when we were both try’d; but the Burglary not being plainly proved, we were both acquitted of that, and found guilty only of the Felony, and ordered for Transportation; in a short time after we were put on board a Ship for that Purpose. We arrived safe in the River where my old Master liv’d; and the Pilot that came on board us to carry us up the River, remembering my Face, went and told my Master Fardle of me, who came [p. 31] on board n
ext Day to see me, but would not buy me.

  In a few Days after our Arrival I was sold for 14 l. but my Mind not being fixed to stay, I made an Agreement with two more to run away from our Masters, which we did:

  When we had got clear of the inhabited Country, we were oblig’d to live very hard, having no Provision with us. We took Fire-Arms with us and kill’d Deer, and liv’d mostly upon that and the Moss of Trees. At length we met a Horse without either Bridle or Saddle, which we laid hold of; and having made a Bridle of our Garters, we got all three upon him: Coming to a River that we were oblig’d to cross, the Current run so strong that we could not pass it for three Days, whereupon we kill’d our Horse the second Day, and lived upon that. When we had passed the River we made our Way for North Carolina, where we no sooner arrived, but were discover’d, and sent back again to our Masters.

  I began after this to be very obstinate; and when my Master bid me to go to work, I told him Work was intended for Horses and not for Christians; adding, that if I had a Mind to work, I had no Occasion to have left England; and sometimes pretending my self to be drunk, pulled out my Knife and asked him how long I was to be his Servant, which put him into such Consternations, that he never asked me afterwards to go to work. One Day as I was walking in Jerre[p. 32]man Town I met a Scotchman, who falling into Discourse with me, told me he had got a Pass to travel the Country. I told him I would raise some Money to carry us both to England; and when we came out of the Town I robbed him of the Pass, and then went home to my Master’s and stole a Suit of his Son’s Clothes and a Horse, and rid away towards Anapolis River,26 where I had my Pass renew’d; and having cross’d the River, went directly for New York, where I entered myself on board a Sloop for a Voyage to the West Indies, and we returned to New York in about eighteen Months, where I was discovered again, and sent back to my old Master by Water; but he finding me not to be ruled, took my Obligation for 10 l. and discharged me.