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

by PHILIP RAWLINGS

  After this, I hired myself to a Pilot for 20 l. per Annum, with whom I remained for five After this, I hired myself to a Pilot for 20 l. per Annum, with whom I remained for five Years: I got acquainted, being always trading in the River, with one Col. Brown’s Daughter, whose Fortune was 1500 Acres of Land and 200 l. in Money. We lived together as Man and Wife for a long while, till the Money and Acres were all spent: In some short time after this I married a Carpenter’s Daughter at Mobgick-Bay,27 with whom I lived for some time, and by her had one Son, if living, named James Dalton, but left her before Death parted us.

  Being grown very poor again, and meeting with one John Wellbone who was a Transport, we agreed to steal two Negroes, which [p. 33] which we did, and carried them on board a Bermudas Sloop, where we sold them for 18 l. tho’ worth 40 l. on Suspicion of which Fact, we were seized and committed to Goal, where we remained till next general Court-Day, and then we were try’d; and the Evidence that was produced against us not being able to prove the Fact, we were only sentenced to be sold for five Years to pay the expence of the Goal: We were sold accordingly, and I had five Masters in three Weeks Time; but the last proving to be a Namesake of mine, one Mr. Dalton, he used me very well, and soon made me his Overseer; and I going one Day to see John Wellbone, we agreed to run away, which we did; and that very Night I robbed the Collector of Hampton28 of 73 Pistoles. We took a Baker along with us who had three Guns, which we put into a long Boat that we had stole; then went up to the Store-House and stole a Hogshed of Rum, which, with other Provision, we put into the Boat, and so steared away towards New-York, where we arrived in three Days. We sold our Boat for 23 l. and then Wellbone came for London, and was hang’d in five Months after: I fell sick; and when I recovered, went again to Virginia, and the Baker remained at New-York.

  Soon after my Arrival at Virginia I enter’d myself on board the Madera Galley, Captain Cobb Commander, for London; and when we arrived in the Downs 29 I was press’d and put on board the Hampshire Man of War, [p. 34] commanded by the Lord Muskerry,30 and went to the late Siege of Gibraltar, where we remained until Sir Charles Wager came, who commanded us to go and bring home the Turkey Fleet from Constantinople, which we did; and soon after our Arrival, I was paid my Wages, which supported my Extravagance for some time; but my Stock being quite exhausted, I thought of a new Way of Living, and then began to rob in the Street.

  Just at this time I got acquainted with one Benjamin Branch, and we went a snatching of Pockets; then we were join’d by Will Field, who also went a snatching of Pockets with us. We stole a Woman’s Pocket in Holbourn in which was a great Parcel of Natural Hair, which we had afterwards made into Wiggs; and Field and I quarrelling about the Wiggs, we parted; then Branch and I went by ourselves for some time.31

  After this, Branch and I, with another Person then in Company (whose Name I forbear to mention, because he is since reformed and now lives very honest) went to St.

  Clement’s Church Yard, and tied up a Shop Door belonging to a Dutchman, that he might not get out to alarm the Neighbourhood, and then we broke in at the Window and robb’d him of his whole Stock, consisting of Chints, Callicoes and Handkerchiefs; and then we made off undiscovered.

  [p. 35]Christopher Rawlins was the next Person that Branch and I associated with, and we in Company with each other snatch’d, in the Space of three Months, above 500 Pockets; and one Night in particular as we were coming down Holbourn-Hill, near St. Andrew’s Church, I snatch’d a Woman’s Pocket off, who feeling me, cry’d out; and a Tallow-Chandler standing at his Door, laid hold of Branch, and Rawlins and I running to make our Escape, we were seized and brought to the Tallow-Chandler’s, where Branch was; we pretended not to know each other, and I observing Branch with a Knife in his Hand, and attempting to cut the Tallow-Chandler’s Throat, I discovered him, wherefore it was judged that we were not concerned, and so we went about our Business; but Branch was committed to Newgate, and afterwards executed at Tyburn for the said Robbery.32

  Rawlins and I33 went the next Night to a Milliner’s Shop in Covent-Garden, and robb’d it of Cambrick to a large Value, and 9 l. in Money. It was about Eight o’Clock in the Evening, I went in and held a Pistol to the Woman while he stole the Cambrick. The Success of this Robbery was employ’d to make up Branch’s Affair with his Prosecutor, but to no purpose.

  Rawlins and I walking along Fleetstreet saw about twelve Pick-Pockets in a Brandy Shop, and a young Woman going in for some Brandy with a Handkerchief in her [p. 36] Hand; she laid it down, and I went in and stole it away, and went clear off with it, and one of the Fellows in the Shop was charged with taking it, and sent to Jail: When we unty’d the Handkerchief we found in it six fine Holland Shirts, fringed and ruffled, and six Lace Stocks.

  Rawlins and I, with a third Person, went into Wapping and broke open a Silversmith’s Shop; but we were surpriz’d before we had quite completed our Design, and were oblig’d to make off with only two Tankards. We went down to the Water-side, and took away a Boat for to cross the Thames, but were stopt by a Tide-Surveyor in a Boat with two Watermen, they suspecting us to be running of Goods so that we were oblig’d to shew them what we had; as soon as we had so done, I pull’d out a Pistol and demanded the Surveyor’s Money, &c. my Companions seeing what I was upon did the same, and we robb’d him of about 15 l. in Money, a Watch, a Cagg of Rum, and his Debitation, which last we burnt.

  Rawlins and I now agreed to go to downright stopping of Coaches; and the first we stopt was in Castle-Yard, Holbourn, in which was one Mr. Keene, an Attorney, from whom we took his Watch and some Money, and so went off.34 The next Coach we stopt was in Holbourn, over-against the End of Hatton-Garden, being join’d then by one Hulks, in which Coach also was a single Gentleman, from whom we took four Guineas, a Silver-[p. 37]hilted Sword, a Silver Watch, and a Silver Locket, and then made off.35

  The third Coach that we stopt was in St. Paul’s Churchyard, in which was one Mr. King an Attorney, and one Worster an Informing Constable; from Mr. King we took about 18 l. and from Worster three Guineas and some Silver, and then made off. Going up the Old Baily we met a Coach with one Mr. Williams belonging to Drury-Lane Theatre, and a Gentle-woman in it: We made a Demand of their Money, Watches, and Rings; he deliver’d me some Silver, and said that was all he had; and then telling us who he was, and where he was going, we returned him his Money again.36

  A few Nights after this, my Companions Rawlins and Hulks, neglecting to meet me, I met with William Holden,37 William Russel, alias Fine Bones, and Robert Crouch, alias Bob the Butcher, in Fleetstreet. We presently agreed to go and seek after Business that Night; and a Woman passing by us, we follow’d her into Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields, where I knock’d her down, and one of my Companions run away with the Bundle; which we went and open’d directly, and found in it a Parcel of Women’s Clothes, a Looking-Glass, a Drab Great Coat, and some Moidores ty’d up in a Piece of Cloth. We shar’d our Booty, and Bob the Butcher bought our Shares of the Great Coat, and had it made fit for him; and to hinder its being known by the right Owner, had a new Set of But[p. 38]tons and a new Velvet Cape put to it. Bob the Butcher meeting with one Bartholomew Nichols, alias Susannah Haws, alias Fish Moll, acquainted him of this Robbery, and he appeared as an Evidence against him at his Tryal at the Old Baily.38

  Russel, alias Finebones, Holden and I, one Evening going along Clerkenwell-Green, saw two Pieces of Stuff lay in a Stuff-Shop Window, and only one Woman in the Shop; I proposed to them to steal it, but Holden would not agree, thinking it a dangerous Enterprize, and so left us; but Russel and I was resolved to have it; and to effect our Design, Russel went into the Shop, and took hold of the Stuff, and I stood at the Door, and seeing the Woman coming from behind the Compter, stept in and pushed her down, and lock’d the Door upon her, and in the mean time Russel went off with the Stuff. Featherby 39

  One Night John Featherby39 (since executed at Tyburn for a Street-Robbery) and I coming down Snow-hill, snatched off two Womens Pockets, in the first of which was some S
ilver and Half-pence, and two Brass Thimbles; and in the other a Purse with 34 Guineas and some Silver. Afterwards going thro’ Newgate-Market we stole a Turkey, and had it dress’d for our Supper.

  A few Nights after, coming along St. Paul’s Church Yard, I happen’d to see a Coach, wherein was one Mr. Williams, then Under-Sheriff, which I stopt and demanded his Mo[p. 39]ney, Watch and Rings, which he deliver’d. There was a Gentlewoman in the Coach big with Child, whom I desired not to be frighten’d; but she gave me some Money, and then I made off.40

  Some short time after this, John Hulks, Christopher Rawlins, Isaac Ashby, alias Black Isaac, and I, robb’d a Coach between St. Sepulchre’s Church and Newgate. The Gentleman in it was very honourable, for as soon as we order’d the Coachman to stop, he said, Come, Gentlemen, I know what you want, so take my Money, which was six Guineas; but we not believing that to be his all, went into the Coach and searched him and took his Watch, but found no more Money. Then going down Holbourn we stopt a Gentleman’s Coach, and robbed the Gentleman that was in it of 23 Guineas. As soon as we went to make off with our Booty, he cry’d out, Thieves; upon which four Watchmen came up to us with their Staves, and bid us stand; whereupon we pull’d out each Man a Brace of Pistols, and so drove the Watchmen along Holbourn (making them first lay down their Lanthorns and Staves) into Bloomsbury Watch-house, where we locked the Constable and Watchmen all in together, and then left them.

  Rawlins and I coming along the Strand one Night, met a Chair with two Footmen before it, and lighted Flambeaux in their Hands. I went up to the Footmen and made them put their Lights out, and ordered the [p. 40] Chairmen not to unstrap upon Pain of Death; in the mean while Rawlins opened the Chair Door, and robb’d him of Seventy Guineas in a Purse, a Gold Watch, a Ring, and a Shell Snuff-Box, which Box the Gentleman desir’d we would return, it being a Piece of Antiquity, which we did, and then took our Leave of him.

  A few Nights after, being in Company with Black Isaac, and a third Person, we stop’d a Coach, in Lomhard-Street, upon which the Gentleman in it drew his Sword and made a gallant Defence; and a Country cart happening to come by, my Companions being somewhat afraid, run to the other side of the Way; but I was resolved to have his Money, and told him if he denied me, I would shoot him immediatly; he made answer, I might shoot and be damn’d; then I presented my Pistol at his Head, and he hearing it cock by the Noise of the Trigger, bid me stop, saying, here is what you come for, and take it, it is all the Money I have; and there being a Watch Man within twenty Yards of us, and several others about the Street, I did not care to stay to search for his Watch; so made off; but took his Sword with me; which proved to be a Mourning one.41

  The Night following as Hulks, Black Isaac, Rawlins and I were sitting at Holbourn- Bridge, I perceived a Gentleman coming, which proved to be one Mr. Downs a Lawyer, with a Link-Boy before him, and [p. 41] his Sword drawn in his Hand, for fear he should be robbed; I crossed the way, and having the mourning Sword with me, I told him I would fight a Duel with him; upon which he stood upon his Defence; then I drew out a Pistol, swearing I would fight with Sword and Pistol; he then found I came to rob him, and so delivered his Sword to me, I having first made the Boy put out his Light; and my Companions robbed him of eighteen Pounds, which they sunk except twelve Shillings, and my Share of that was all that I had of that Booty; but the Gentleman having appeared at their Trial, swore actually he was robbed of 18 l.42

  Some time after this, Rawlins and I went out together, and coming through St Pauls- Church-yard, we met a Gentleman’s Coach; we made up to it, and there happened to be in it Sir Gilbert Heathcote, who we robbed of his Watch, two Shillings in Silver, and a Halfpenny; when I was in the Compter he came to see me, and I returned him his Watch, for which he gave me two Guineas.43

  Not long after this Robbery as we were drinking in a Brandy-Shop in St Pauls- Church-yard, a Link-man came in, and said he had been lighting the Queen to the Wax- Work in Fleetstreet; and that her Majesty in Company with his Grace the Duke of Grafton, was just then gone to the China-Shop in Leaden-Hall Street we soon got Intelligence of their Cogg Ways,44 and resolved to have them, and waited some time [p. 42] accordingly; but another Coach coming by which we took for them, we made up to it, and robbed it of twenty seven Guineas, a Watch &c. and there being a Noice and Outcry of Thieves, we missed of the Queen and Duke, otherwise we would have had his George as sure he was born.45

  I had forgot to mention two Robberies in their proper Places, which are somewhat remarkable; the first of which is as follows: Benjamin Branch and I about four Months before he was executed, went out one Night with an Intent to rob. We both took Pistols in our Pockets; and going down Wood-street saw a Gentleman walking before us with a Cane in his Hand; when he came to the End of Milk-street, Branch seiz’d him by the Collar with one Hand, and held a Pistol to his Head with the other, and then demanded his Money: The Gentleman refus’d to deliver, upon which Branch offer’d to fire, but the Pistol only flashing in the Pan, the Gentleman struck him with his Cane and ran off in a great Surprize: I follow’d him, and coming up to him, ask’d him what was the Matter; upon which he told me; I immediately pull’d out my Pistol, and notwithstanding there was a Watchman within hearing, swore that tho’ the other could not rob him, I would; and that if he stirr’d one Step, or spoke one Word, I would shoot him dead upon the Spot; I then robb’d him of his Watch and a considerable Sum of Money, and made off undiscover’d.

  [p. 43]The other Robbery was with Russel alias Finebones, who went with me one Night about Seven o’Clock into Cheapside, with Intent to snatch off Womens Pockets; but passing along near Bow-Church, we saw a Gentlewoman in a Gold-Smith’s Shop, purchasing a Gold Watch; and observing the Man of the Shop to put the Mony he took of the Gentle-woman into a Drawer, and the Key of the said Drawer into his Pocket; Finebones went in and cheapened a Stock-Buckle, and then I came and desired to speak with the Gentleman, who came to the further end of the Compter, and then I pulled out a Pistol, and swore I would shoot him if he offered to stir or make a Noise; then Finebones came and took the Key out of his Pocket, and unlocked the Drawer, and took thereout twenty four Guineas, and then made off.

  Soon after this, I married a Woman, by whom if I had been ruled I might have done well; but going on in my old Way, I was presently after taken up, and for the Preservation of my own Life, was obliged to turn Evidence. There was six of my Companions hang’d upon my Information; and I protest that they were every one guilty of their Crimes they suffered for; tho’ I declare to the World, that there were Persons, who make it their Business to take up Whores and Thieves, and too often prey upon honest People, came to me and offered me ten Guineas to impeach Richard [p. 44] Nicholls; by their Persuasion I consented to their Request, and took the Money; but afterwards being terrified with the Thoughts of taking an innocent Man’s Life away, I flew from my Word, and refus’d to return them the ten Guineas: But they not being willing to sit down with that Loss, went and made the same Offer to Thomas Neeves, who accepted of it, and swore the said Nichols into a Robbery, which he committed by himself, as he confessed at Tyburn. A Proclamation was issued out, promising a Reward of one hundred and forty Pounds for every Street-Robber that shou’d be convicted: I having convicted six, consequently was entitled to a very handsom Sum; but the honest Men before-mention’d found means to trick me out of almost all; for out of eight hundred and forty Pounds, I only received about forty Pounds.46

  Being now at my Liberty, I was always afraid of being sworn against by some of my former Accomplices Wifes, who had before threaten’d me;47 and so to get out of their way, I shipped my self on board the Wellcome, Captain Price Commander, belonging to that honest Man J – B –, Merchant, I shipped my self at thirty five Shillings per month, and went a Voyage to Virginia, where I remained some time; then I performed my Voyage back again, and arrived in about ten months at Wapping, on the ninth of Septemher:48 coming to Town to see my Wife, I was on the tenth surrendred to the Compter; and hearing the Ship [p. 45] was
to be paid off, I made Interest with the Keeper, to send two Keepers with me to receive my Wages, which I received except five Pounds, that I was cheated out off under the false Colours of Honesty. I went back to the Compter, and there remain’d till the twenty first Day of November following, when I was discharged.

  Soon after my Discharge from the Compter, I kept a publick House in New-Street in Shoe Lane; where indeed a great Number of idle Persons frequently resorted. Mr. Stubbs that keeps the White Lyon Alehouse in Shoe Lane, often used me very ill upon account of many of his Customers using my House; for he frequently came to me, and threatened me with a Warrant, which he pretended he had procur’d on purpose to take me up, for keeping a disorderly House, which was the Cause that I was obliged to quit it.

  After having spent all my Money, and being destitute of Business, I began to think of taking up my old Trade; and accordingly made my first Attack on Dr. Mead;49 for which I was try’d at the Old Baily, and being found guilty; was sentenced to pay a Fine of 20 Marks, to suffer three Years imprisonment, and to find Security for seven Years afterwards.50 When this Sentence was pass’d upon me I behaved myself very impudent in Court, upon which I was ordered to suffer my three Years imprisonment in the Cells; and I believe that if I had not [p. 46] been impudent, and had had the Liberty to send for my Friends, I had not been convicted of this Robbery for which I was condemned, and of which Robbery I protest I am innocent of.