_Captain King leaves the Ship, which proceeds to Portsmouth
Harbour.—My melancholy Reflections on my Confinement to the
Service.—Preparations for paying off the Buffalo.—Employed by
the Purser in arranging the Ship’s Books.—Write to London, and
receive an answer from my Mother. Obtain leave to go ashore
very unexpectedly, and effect my Escape through the friendly
aid of a total Stranger._
The anchor was no sooner down, than the cutter was hoisted out, in which
Captain King went ashore and immediately proceeded post to London. The
following day the Buffalo weighed, and sailed into Portsmouth harbour,
where she was lashed alongside a hulk near the shore, and preparations
instantly made for clearing and dismantling her, preparatory to her
survey and expected condemnation. Those persons who had obtained a
passage on various accounts, and were not on the ship’s books, were now
permitted to dis-embark, and depart to their respective homes. I now felt
the full weight of the misery in which I was involved. After an absence
of nearly seven years from my native land, to enjoy once more the sight
of that much-loved spot, and when within a hundred yards of the shore,
to be debarred from a nearer approach, was mortifying in the extreme, and
my situation could only be compared to that of Tantalus in the Heathen
mythology. The purser was now busily intent upon making up the Buffalo’s
books, to be transmitted to the Navy-office, previous to her being paid,
and her crew drafted into other ships. As these accounts were extensive,
and required both care and expedition, Mr. Sherard, the purser, requested
that I would assist the captain’s clerk of the ship in their arrangement,
for which he obtained the sanction of Captain Houston, promising to
reward me for my trouble. I was now excused from all other duty, and
immediately set about the required task with alacrity, conceiving hopes
that I might by this compliance facilitate my grand object of escaping
from the ship. By dint of unremitting assiduity we completed the whole
of the accounts in about a fortnight, to the satisfaction of the purser,
and I had no sooner acquitted myself of this duty than Captain Houston
requested I would bring up his journal, which was many months in arrear.
I gladly undertook this service, from the same motives as before, and now
wrote from morning till night in the cabin, Captain King and his family
having totally quitted the ship, and taken lodgings in Portsmouth, as
had also Captain Houston and his lady. The latter officer came on board
daily, and was highly pleased at the progress I made in his journal.
Captain King also came on board occasionally, but did not deign to notice
me, and I preserved the same strangeness towards him.
Soon after our arrival, I had written to an aunt in London, for
information respecting my father, and other relations. About this time
I received, in consequence, a letter from my mother, informing me that
my father and grandmother had been deceased about two years, and that
my venerable grandfather was still living at S⸺ in health and spirits;
she added that herself and my two sisters were residing in Middle-row,
Holborn, and should feel inexpressibly happy at seeing me again. My whole
thoughts were now turned to the object of getting ashore, but the _quo
modo_ was to be considered, and of this I could form no idea. I could
not swim; I had no money to bribe a waterman to fetch me away; and of
gaining my liberty I had little or no hopes. I still continued assiduous
in writing the journal for Captain Houston and I had reason to build upon
some indulgence from the first lieutenant Mr. Oxley[46], should it rest
with him to grant leave of absence, as I had occasionally written his
log, during the voyage, and he had been pleased to shew me many marks of
kindness.
After the pay-books were completed and sent up to London, I one day had
some conversation with a respectable looking woman, who attended the
ship with a bum-boat, and supplied the sailors with necessaries on the
credit of their approaching pay, which was considerable, the ship having
been six years stationed in New South Wales. As this woman appeared to
possess some sensibility, I ventured to represent to her the distress I
was in at my confinement to the service, and particularly my fears that
I should not obtain leave to visit my friends before I was sent to sea
again. The good woman, whose name was B⸺y, had sufficient penetration to
perceive my drift, and that I wanted to take French leave of an English
man-of-war. After expatiating on the risk she should incur in case of a
discovery, and many injunctions of secrecy, she declared her willingness
to assist me as far as lay in her power, as she had, she said, children
of her own and pitied my situation. She then advised me to pack up a
suit of clothes, (which I informed her I had by me,) and commit them to
her care, saying, that she would take them privately to her lodgings,
to which she directed me, and that I must next contrive to get ashore
on duty, or by any other means, when I should immediately come to her,
and she would assist me in my further proceedings. Having treated this
worthy creature with a glass of grog, and overwhelmed her with thanks
for her disinterested kindness, (for such it certainly was,) I hastened
to put up my clothes, consisting of a genteel black coat, boots, _&c._,
which I had preserved for the purpose, and on her quitting the ship she
concealed these articles among her merchandise without observation. This
took place on a Thursday, and my only concern now, was to make good
my landing. On the following Sunday it was promulgated throughout the
ship, that a certain number of the crew were to be allowed leave to go
on shore in the afternoon. I determined, therefore, to make an effort,
and the dinner hour being over, I heard orders given to man the cutter
for the liberty-men. The latter were in the mean time busily employed in
rigging themselves for the occasion, in their best togs. I, of course,
intended to go in my working dress, consisting of a red flannel shirt,
blue jacket, and tarry trowsers, as I thought the officers would less
suspect me of a design to run away. Full of anxiety but not without
hope, I entered the gun-room, in which were Mr. Oxley, then commanding
officer of the ship, and Mr. Sherard the purser. The former inquiring
my business, I answered, that I wished, with his permission, to go on
shore for two or three hours, having a friend in Portsmouth, who I was
in hopes would supply me with some necessaries I stood in need of. Mr.
Oxley smiled and hesitated, remarking the shabbiness of my appearance;
at length on my urging my suit, with a trembling voice, (for no one
who has not been similarly situated, can conceive what I then felt,)
he inquired if he might depend on my returning on board at sun-set in
the ship’s boat? I assured him that he might, and he then consented to
my going. Having thanked him from the bottom of my heart, I quitted the
gun-room, but had no sooner closed the door than I was recalled by Mr.
Oxley. Somewhat alarmed lest he should be about to retract, I returned,
and found I was called at the instance of Mr. Sherard, who, drawing out
his purse, presented me with half-a-guinea! saying, he had promised me
something for my late assistance. I thanked him and again withdrew. I had
scarcely shut the door a second time, when I was again recalled, which
still more surprised and alarmed me. On re-entering, Mr. Oxley said, (but
in what I thought a good-natured way,) “Mind, Mr. Vaux, if you’re not
on board by six o’clock, I shall send the marines after you.” I again
promised obedience, and once more retired. I then hastened to inform a
friend of my good fortune, and gave him the key of my chest, desiring
him, in case I did not return in the evening, to take out such articles
as he chose, as well as my bedding, _&c._, before they were seized by
order of the captain. On ascending the deck I was again alarmed. The
acting master, who was on the quarter-deck, seeing me about to enter the
boat, called me aft, and inquired where I was going? I answered that
Mr. Oxley had given me leave to go ashore. He replied, “Mr. Oxley, I am
sure, would never give you leave to go ashore in that dirty dress;”
and absolutely forbad my going. It was in vain that I remonstrated,
and referred him to Mr. Oxley; and during the delay occasioned by this
conversation, the boat was on the point of departure; when, luckily, the
master turning his back to give some orders, I hastily descended to the
Waist, and leaping through one of the midship ports, found myself happily
in the cutter, at the moment when the coxswain gave the word to shove
off. I concealed myself in the foresheets until out of danger, and in
about ten minutes was landed at Common-Hard. I need not labour to paint
the joy I felt at that moment, though it was certainly mixed with anxiety
as to my further success. I immediately left the other liberty-men, who
pressed me in vain to drink with them; and pleading urgent business,
ran with the utmost expedition along the streets, inquiring for the
Point, where having arrived, I found several ferry-boats ready to cross
over to Gosport. A fellow calling out “over, Sir?” I jumped into his
boat, and in a few minutes found myself on Gosport-beach. Thus far, I
sailed before the wind; I walked up the beach, and the first object that
presented itself was the London stage-coach, standing at the door of the
Red Lion Inn. This novel sight which I had not beheld for so many years,
was so gratifying that I admired and examined it for some minutes, as
minutely as a country man would do the King’s state-coach. I soon found
on inquiry, the lodgings of Mrs. B⸺y which were at a public-house near
the Red Lion. On asking for her of the landlady, I had the mortification
to learn that she was out on board of some ship, and that her return
was uncertain. It was now near four o’clock, and the days being short,
my term of leave would soon expire. However, as there was no remedy but
patience, I entered the tap-room, and calling for a pint of ale and a
pipe, sat down to wait the arrival of my worthy friend. I had scarcely
taken a dozen whiffs when I heard a footstep in the passage of the house;
and my landlady putting out her head, inquired “Is that you, Mrs. B⸺y?” I
had the pleasure to hear that good woman answer, “Yes.” On the landlady
informing her there was a young man waiting for her, she opened the door;
and seeing me, said with a significant look, and evidently much pleased,
“O, is that you, William, step up stairs with me, and I’ll give you those
things.” I paid for my ale, and followed Mrs. B⸺y, who was accompanied
by her husband, and both of them loaded with goods they had brought from
their boat. On entering their apartment, they expressed much pleasure at
my good luck in getting ashore, and gave me the most cordial welcome. The
old woman put on the tea-kettle, and while it was boiling, she looked out
my clothes, which she set about airing by the fire. Having obliged me to
take a dram, they began to consult on the measures to be adopted in my
favour. Mr. B⸺y informed me that the coach I had seen would set out at
six o’clock; that the inside fare to London was twenty-four shillings,
and the outside seventeen shillings, inquiring, which I would prefer, and
how I stood for cash. I answered that I had about twenty-four shillings,
(namely the half guinea I had brought from New South Wales, another
which I had received from the purser, and three or four shillings I had
acquired since our arrival,) but that an outside place would answer my
purpose, and I should then have a trifle for expenses. This worthy couple
assured me I should not be lost for a few shillings, if I found myself
at all deficient; but I declined this favour, knowing I could make shift
with what I had. Mr. B⸺y then offered to go himself to the coach-office,
and secure me a place. I accordingly gave him the required sum, and
he hastened to the Red Lion. During his absence Mrs. B⸺y gave me some
warm water to wash myself, which having done, she desired me to put on
all my clothes but my coat; she then put an apron over my shoulders,
and proceeded to dress my hair as well as she could, and, for want of
powder, made use of some flour, with which she plentifully whitened my
head. Having put on my coat, she next threw some flour over my back, and
taking a view of me, declared she never saw so great an alteration in
a man. She complimented me upon my genteel appearance, and added, that
she was sure if I was met by any of my own officers, they would not know
me in this garb. Her husband now returning, informed me that he had
taken a place for me in the name of Lowe, as I directed, and had told
the coachman to take me up at the Dolphin Inn, near the extremity of the
town. Every thing being now arranged, I anxiously wished for the hour of
six; and though I had not the least grounds for fear, yet I could not
wholly divest myself of it. It is true, as I had landed at Portsmouth,
it was not likely, in case there was any suspicion, that a search would
be set afoot in Gosport, which is on the opposite side of the harbour;
besides, no inquiry was likely to be made for me, till after six o’clock,
at which hour the coach would set off. Having taken a dish of tea, and
the time approaching, I took an affectionate leave of the good woman,
promising to write to her on my arrival in town, and at a future day
to reward her kindness. The old man insisted on accompanying me to the
Dolphin, and seeing me safe off. The weather being intensely cold, they
would have pressed me to accept a great-coat, but I refused to trespass
further on their goodness. At length we departed, and walked without
interruption to the Dolphin; but I tremble at the approach of every
officer or genteel person we met, so great was my fear of miscarriage
on this important occasion. Having some minutes to wait for the coach,
Mr. B⸺y insisted on my drinking a parting glass at the bar of an adjacent
public-house, which having done, we heard the joyful sound of the horn,
and the rattling of the coach-wheels. In a few minutes I ascended the
vehicle, and as it drove off, I saw my worthy old friend waving his hand
at the corner of the street, apparently as much affected as myself on the
occasion. Having thus described my escape from a state of thraldom, in
which I might otherwise have suffered much vexation and hardship, I shall
here conclude the twenty-first chapter of my Memoirs.
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
Printed by W. CLOWES, Northumberland-court, Strand, London.
FOOTNOTES
[1]
“Le bien, nous le faisons; le mal, c’est le sort;
“On a toujours raison, le destin toujours tort.”
LA FONTAINE.
[2] A genealogical account of race-horses.
[3] Two celebrated spots on Newmarket heath.
[4] Proprietor of the celebrated horse _Eclipse_.
[5] This was prior to the abolition of the Slave Trade.
[6] The small square white patches on each side the collar of a
midshipman’s coat, having an anchor button in the middle of it are
facetiously called _Weekly Accompts_, from their resemblance to a flag
hoisted by the port admiral, requiring from the ships in harbour a weekly
return of their state and condition. This flag is blue, with a white
field in the middle.
[7] In line-of-battle ships the midshipman’s birth, or cabin, is in the
cockpit.
[8] Candle.
[9] A dram of rum is here meant, to a bottle of which, it seems the youth
was applying for consolation.
[10] Alluding to the uniform of a lieutenant, which is faced with white.
[11] The ship’s corporal, whose duty it is to see all lights extinguished
at eight o’clock.
[12] His daily allowance of spirits.
[13] The lieutenant of the watch walks the weather-side; the midshipmen,
the lee.
[14] Telescope and speaking-trumpet.
[15] It appears from this that Mr. Dalton had formerly resided in London,
and been a member of that respectable corps.
[16] Receiver of stolen goods. (_Cant._)
[17] The cant name for the House of Correction, in Cold-bath-fields.
[18] A public-house near the police-office, where prisoners are confined
until their removal to prison by the officers, who seldom hurry a
_gentleman_, _if he behaves like one_, as their phrase is.
[19] Thieving.
[20] Highwaymen.
[21] Pickpockets.
[22] Housebreakers.
[23] Persons living by fraud and depredation.
[24] Pocket-books.
[25] To stand or walk in such a situation, close to the person robbed, as
to prevent passengers from noticing the depredation.
[26] Sell.
[27] To go a thieving.
[28] Thieves.
[29] Picking pockets in general.
[30] Robbing carts, or carriages, of bales, trunks, _&c._
[31] Entering a house or shop, unobserved, and stealing whatever is most
come-at-able.
[32] Shop-lifting.
[33] Secreting small trinkets of value in a shop, while pretending to
select and purchase something.
[34] Uttering counterfeit money, or forged bank-notes.
[35] Getting in at the lower windows of private houses, and robbing the
apartments of plate or other portable goods.
[36] Breaking a shop-window at night, having first tied the door to
prevent a pursuit, then snatching at any articles of value within reach.
[37] Cutting a hole in a pane of glass, without noise, in order to rob
the window of something before determined on.
[38] Defrauding errand boys, or porters, of their load, by false
pretences of various kinds.
[39] Obtaining money from charitable persons, by some fictitious
statement of distress.
[40] Obtaining goods from a tradesman by false pretences, or by a forged
order in writing.
[41] Throwing snuff in the eyes of a shopkeeper, and then running off
with such money or valuable property as may lay within reach.
[42] See the evidence of William Alderman.
[43] A short confinement is here meant.
[44] The settlement or camp at Hawkesbury, now called, the town of
Windsor.
[45] Governor King was a post-captain in the navy, and principal
commander of the Buffalo, having a second (acting) captain under him. The
Buffalo had been stationed in N.S.W. ever since the year 1802, and was
now relieved by the Porpoise, in which ship Governor Bligh arrived.
[46] Now Surveyor-General of New South Wales.
MEMOIRS OF JAMES HARDY VAUX. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME II.
MEMOIRS
OF
JAMES HARDY VAUX.
WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.
_IN TWO VOLUMES._
VOL. II.
LONDON:
_PRINTED BY W. CLOWES, NORTHUMBERLAND-COURT, STRAND._
AND SOLD BY
ALL RESPECTABLE BOOKSELLERS.
1819.
CONTENTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME.
CHAPTER I.
I arrive in London—A sudden alarm—Visit my mother
and sisters—Set out for S⸺shire—Interview with my
grandfather—Return to town—A lucky hit on the road—Obtain a
situation in the Crown-Office, _page_ 1.
CHAP. II.
Quit the Crown-Office, and engage as reader in a
printing-office—Determine to live a strictly honest
life—Meet with an old acquaintance who laughs me out of my
resolution—Give up all thoughts of servitude, and become a
professed thief, _page_ 13.
CHAP. III.
Various modes of obtaining money—My regular course of life,
when disengaged from my vicious companions—Meet with an
amiable girl, like myself the child of misfortune—We cohabit
together—Our mutual happiness, _page_ 20.
CHAP. IV.
Adventures in the course of my profligate career—Motives which
induce me to marry my companion—Her exemplary behaviour—A
family misfortune, _page_ 29.
CHAP. V.
Adventure of the silver snuff-box—Its consequences.—My narrow
escape from transportation, which I have since had reason to
regret, _page_ 35.
CHAP. VI.
Visit Mr. Bilger, an eminent jeweller—His politeness, and the
return I made for it—Perfidy of a pawnbroker—Obliged to decamp
with precipitation, _page_ 52.
CHAP. VII.
Take a house in St. George’s Fields—Stay at home for several
weeks—At length I venture out in quest of money—My imprudent
obstinacy in entering a house of ill repute, against the advice
and entreaties of my wife—I am taken in custody and carried to
the watch-house.—Distress of my wife on the occasion, _page_ 71.
CHAP. VIII.
Discover that I have been betrayed—Examined at Bow-street, and
committed for trial—Sent to Newgate—Prepare for my defence—My
trial and conviction, _page_ 83.
CHAP. IX.
Account of my companion and fellow-sufferer in the condemned
cells—His unhappy fate—I receive sentence of death—Am
reprieved, and soon afterwards sent on board the hulks—Some
account of those receptacles of human misery, _page_ 97.
CHAP. X.
I embark a second time for New South Wales—Indulgently treated
by the Captain—My employment during the voyage—Arrive at Port
Jackson, after an absence of four years—My reception from
Governor Macquarrie—Assigned by lot to a settler—His brutal
treatment of me—I find means to quit his service, and return to
Sydney, _page_ 113.
CHAP. XI.
Appointed an overseer—Determine to reform my life, and become
a new man—All my good intentions rendered unavailing by an
unforeseen and unavoidable misfortune—I become a victim to
prejudice, and the depravity of a youth in years, but a veteran
in iniquity—I am banished to the coal-river, _page_ 122.
CHAP. XII.
Return to head-quarters, after an exile of two years—Renew my
vows of rectitude, to which I strictly adhere—Proposal made me
to obtain my liberty—I make the attempt—Its failure, and the
consequent punishment inflicted on me—Conclusion, _page_ 137.
MEMOIRS OF JAMES HARDY VAUX.
CHAPTER I.
_I arrive in London.—A sudden Alarm.—Visit my Mother
and Sisters. Set out for S⸺shire.—Interview with my
Grandfather.—Return to Town.—A lucky Hit on the Road.—Obtain a
Situation in the Crown-Office._
About four miles from Gosport, is a place called Fareham, where is a
gate, through which on the coach passing, I had always understood that
the passengers were subject to an overhaul, as the sailors term it. I
was, therefore, somewhat alarmed during this part of my journey. I felt
confident, however, that I could give a good account of myself, had I
been questioned; but to my great joy, on our approach, the gate was
thrown open, and the coach passed without stopping. I now felt extremely
cold, and my dress being thin, I suffered much during the night. In
order to counteract the effects of the frost, I fortified myself with
a good dram of brandy at every stage, and the ensuing morning proving
delightfully fine, I at length found both my animal and mental spirits
revive, and my heart beat high with expectation of the happiness I
anticipated. About eight o’clock I was gratified with a sight of Hyde
Park Corner; and I leave the reader to imagine what transports I felt
at the difference between my then situation and that from which I had
so recently and happily emerged. On my ascending the coach at Gosport,
I had placed myself on the roof between two men who had the appearance
of country farmers, and I maintained that situation throughout the
night, by which indeed I was something benefited, for they had both
good great-coats, and we sitting rather crowded, I was warmer than I
should otherwise have been. On the coach stopping at the Gloucester
Coffee-house, Piccadilly, I expressed my intention to alight and walk;
the two farmers had the same inclination, and I observed, that if they
were going my way, I should be glad of their company. They answered they
were strangers in town, and their only object was to find out the inn
from which the Yorkshire coach set out, as they were about proceeding to
that county immediately. I replied, I was myself almost a stranger to
those matters, but I fancied the inn lay in the way I was going, and that
I would with pleasure conduct them to it. We accordingly set forwards,
and walked through Piccadilly, the Haymarket, Strand, _&c._, until we
came to Fetter-lane; and arriving at the White Horse, I was, I found,
right in my conjecture, for the York coach was among the number of those
advertised in large characters on each side the gateway of the inn. I
introduced them to the coach-office, where they took places for the
ensuing evening; and, as my night’s ride had brought me to an appetite,
I proposed (before going to my mother’s, whose lodgings were close at
hand,) that we should breakfast together; to which they assenting, I
conducted them to the coffee-room, and calling the waiter, ordered tea,
coffee, and plenty of muffins with all possible speed. We had nearly
concluded our meal, and I had just bespoke a morning paper from the
waiter, when the room beginning to fill, several gentlemen entered, and
passed the table at which we sat, proceeding to the upper end of the
room. At that moment a voice struck my ear, which almost petrified me
with fear and astonishment, for I felt persuaded at the time that it was
that of Mr. Oxley himself, exclaiming, “Waiter, see that portmanteau of
mine brought in.” On hearing these words, I almost dropped the tea-cup
from my hand, and on the impulse of the moment, quitted my seat, and
hastily left the room; nor did I stop for a moment’s reflection until I
had crossed Holborn, and found myself at the corner of Gray’s-Inn-Lane.
Then, however, conceiving I was out of danger, I endeavoured to rally my
spirits, and to persuade myself that I must have been mistaken, as it was
highly improbable that Mr. Oxley, whom I had left on board the Buffalo,
should so suddenly have arrived in town, and particularly at the White
Horse, no Portsmouth or Gosport coach setting up there. However, Mr.
Oxley’s voice and manner of speaking being a little remarkable, I was so
far in doubt that I determined not to return. What opinion the countrymen
must form of me, I know not; it is likely they would impute my unmannerly
departure to a design of avoiding payment of the reckoning. I have since
ascertained that I was mistaken in my conjecture, for Mr. Oxley did not
quit the ship until several days afterwards.
I now repaired to Middle-Row, and inquiring for my mother, was ushered
up stairs, where I found her and my two sisters pretty comfortably
situated in a genteel first floor, which they hired ready furnished.
They all expressed great joy at seeing me. My mother appeared to be in
a declining state, but my sisters were much improved, and really very
fine girls. I understood that the whole family were supported by the
industry of the latter, who worked incessantly at their needle, being
excellent proficients in fancy-work, which they obtained from various
shops. Having explained to my mother the particulars of my situation,
and the risk I had incurred by my desertion; and recollecting that
I had inconsiderately suffered her letter, in which was her address,
to be seen by several persons on board the Buffalo, it occurred to
me that Captain Houston might possibly come to the knowledge of that
particular, the consequence of which might be fatal to me. It was the
opinion of my mother, that I should on that account, absent myself from
town for a few weeks, until the affair was blown over, and my mother
advised that I should go down to my relations in S⸺shire. I accordingly
the next day set out by the coach, an aunt of mine who was in good
circumstances, supplying me with the needful. On arriving at S⸺ I went
to a public-house, which was still kept by a woman who had known me from
my infancy; as I feared to break abruptly on my aged grandfather, who
might be too much affected to sustain the surprise, I, therefore, got
the landlady to send word that a stranger had arrived, who brought news
from his grandson: having thus prepared the way, I followed in person,
and was received with transport by my dear and venerable benefactor. On
inquiring into his circumstances, I was grieved to learn that he had been
for several years obliged to subsist upon the charity of his friends,
and particularly the worthy family of the Moultries, of whom I have made
honourable mention in the second chapter of these Memoirs. I was also
concerned to find that the dear old man’s faculties were much impaired,
and my grief was heightened by the reflection that my misconduct and
consequent misfortunes had been the primary cause of his mental as well
as pecuniary distress. My other relatives in S⸺ treated me with every
mark of attention, and I was hospitably entertained by them all during
my stay in that town. It is to be observed, that only two or three of
my nearest relations were acquainted with the events of my life for the
last seven years. It was given out that I had been abroad, but it was
understood in a respectable capacity. About a fortnight after my arrival
in S⸺shire, I received a letter from my mother, informing me that no
inquiry whatever had been made respecting me, and concluding from thence
that I might with safety return when I thought proper. As no prospect
of employment presented itself in the country, it was the opinion of my
friends that I should again try my fortune in London; for which purpose
they jointly supplied me with money to defray my present expenses, and
contributed among them a few necessaries I was most in need of. I was
persuaded that my dear grandfather would not experience the want of any
reasonable comforts during the short remaining term of his life, which
could not in all probability be long protracted. I was, therefore, less
solicitous about continuing on the spot, as my presence in fact only
tended to recall to his half-distracted mind the remembrance of former
and better days. My grandfather gave me letters of recommendation to
several of his old law acquaintances, particularly one to a Mr. Belt, who
held a superior situation in the crown-office, and who had formerly been
articled to himself when resident in London.
All things being arranged, I once more took leave of my friends, and
set off by the coach for London, on the 1st of January, 1808. Having
occasion to take a fresh coach at Birmingham, and wishing to take a
little recreation, which the restraint I was under at S⸺, and the nature
of the place had hitherto precluded me from, and having the pecuniary
means of so doing in my power, I determined on devoting a few days to
that object, before I resumed my journey to London. After three days’
amusement I again took coach, and having travelled all night, we stopped
about seven in the morning at Henley-upon-Thames to breakfast. I had been
so free in my expenses at Birmingham, that I had at this time but four
shillings left in my purse. I therefore declined alighting, in order to
save the cost of a breakfast, as I had had a snack at the last stage,
and felt no inclination to eat. The other passengers having entered the
house, I remained alone in the coach, the horses being taken out, and the
coachman and guard having also quitted it. After sitting a few minutes,
it occurred to me that I had seen a number of small parcels put into
the seats of the coach, previous to our departure from Birmingham; and,
having frequently heard of large sums in bank-notes being transmitted
by this mode of conveyance to London, I was tempted to purloin one of
them, which it appeared I should run no risk in doing, as the coast was
clear, and I had a large bundle of linen, _&c._, deposited in one of the
seats. I solemnly declare that until this moment, no idea of depredation
had entered my head since my arrival in England; the act was, therefore,
perfectly unpremeditated. Without hesitation then, I opened the seat,
and taking out my bundle, untied it, in case of a surprise. As I had not
time to examine the contents of the various parcels, I determined to
trust to fortune, and therefore took out the first which came to hand. It
was enclosed in brown paper, tied with packthread, about twelve inches
by eight in size, and from its weight and hardness, I supposed it to
contain some kind of cutlery or other hardware; but as such goods were
commonly packed up with bank-notes, to prevent a suspicion of money being
enclosed, the apparent contents were a matter of indifference to me. The
parcel was directed to “Mr. ⸺, Goodge-street, Tottenham-court-road.” This
circumstance convinced me there could be no discovery of the robbery
until after I was far enough from the coach, which I intended to quit
on arriving at the Gloucester Coffee-house, as, in case I had gone on
to the George and Blue-boar in Holborn, the parcel might possibly have
been searched for, on our passing the end of Tottenham-court-road.
Having concealed my prize in my own bundle, which I replaced in the
seat, I judged it best to alight and partake of breakfast with the other
passengers. I was also in better spirits on account of the confidence I
felt, that I should find something in the parcel to recruit my slender
finances; as, let the contents be what they might, it was probable
they would produce me at least a guinea or two, which would supply my
immediate exigencies. I accordingly entered the parlour, and took a
cup of coffee with the company. The bill being called, amounted to two
shillings and three pence per head; I put down half-a-crown, which left
me in possession of eighteen pence. We then re-ascended the coach, and
resumed our journey. At three in the afternoon we entered London, and
stopping as usual at the Gloucester Coffee-house, I told the coachman I
should then leave him, as I resided in the neighbourhood. He inquired if
I had any luggage, and on my saying I had a bundle in the seat, he opened
the door and handed it to me. I gratified him with a shilling out of my
small stock, and made the best of my way. Having suffered the coach to
pass on, I followed slowly until I arrived in Holborn; but previous to
visiting my mother, I entered a public-house, being anxious to examine
my newly-acquired prize. Retiring to a private room, I cut the string
with a trembling hand, and opening the outside paper, found three several
parcels (also in brown paper,) lying one upon another. Developing the
first of these, I found it to contain, to my no small surprise and
chagrin, a quantity of fine, new ⸺ twelvepenny nails! about a hundred in
number. My hopes now fell to the ground. I was determined, however, to
see the whole; and lo! the second paper contained ⸺ the same quantity
of tenpenny nails!! The third and last, which I carelessly unfolded,
expecting nothing better, presented a number of small plated articles,
apparently designed for fixing on harness, being hooks, rings, _&c._, of
various shapes, and every one separately wrapped in fine silver paper. As
these latter articles were of no more real value to me than the nails, I
was much mortified at my ill luck, and was on the point of tying up the
whole parcel in order to throw it away as soon as I gained the street,
when it fortunately struck me that there must be somewhere, a letter or
note accompanying these goods. I, therefore, once more overhauled the
packages, and lifting up the bottom one, found under it a letter, which
on taking up, I perceived to contain an enclosure, and I plainly felt
several pieces of loose money. Now again my spirits rose—all that I had
read and heard of large sums in bank-notes being artfully transmitted
in this manner, recurred to my mind, and I eagerly drew the candle
towards me, half afraid, and yet impatient to see the event. The letter
was superscribed in the same manner as the parcel; and opening it, I
could scarce believe my eyes, when I discovered some bank-paper carefully
folded, and through which the black marks of the sum were plainly
discernible! Before I ascertained the amount, however, I proceeded to
peruse the letter, and found it to the following effect:—“Sir, I have
sent you herewith specimens of the nails and other articles; the order
shall be completed as speedily as possible. I have also enclosed you £47
9_s._ which you will find to be the present balance between us. I am,
_&c._”—Here was an unexpected windfall! The reader will conceive my joy,
and with what satisfaction I replaced the parcel in my bundle, in order
to quit the public-house. The notes proved to be two of twenty pounds
each on a Birmingham bank, but payable also at Forster, Lubbock, and
Co’s, in London, a bank of England five pound note, and another of two
pounds, also a bank dollar, and four shillings. I now repaired with a
light heart to my mother’s lodgings, where I met with a cordial welcome.
Having spent the evening with my mother, I walked into the city and
procured a bed at an inn. The next morning I sent one of my twenty pound
notes by a porter to the banking-house, where he procured small notes of
the Bank of England in exchange; I soon afterwards called myself with
the second, and did the like. Being now possessed of near fifty pounds by
this lucky hit, I determined to furnish myself with a stock of genteel
clothes, a watch, and other appendages, prior to my obtaining some
employment, as I always considered an outward appearance essential to
success in every pursuit; but I was firmly resolved never again to hazard
my liberty by a second act or attempt of a similar nature.
In a few days I had purchased such articles as were most requisite, at
the expense of about forty pounds, and I then turned my attention to
procuring a genteel situation. I accordingly waited on Mr. Belt, the
gentleman I mentioned of the Crown-office; who, on perusal of the letter
I presented, testified his respect for my grandfather’s recommendation,
and very obligingly offered to take me as an assistant clerk under his
own direction in the above office, if I thought fit to accept of a
guinea a week, which was all he could promise to allow me at first, but
might be afterwards increased. I thought this too favourable an offer
to be rejected. I, therefore, thankfully closed with it, and prepared
immediately to attend assiduously to the duties of my office.
CHAPTER II.
_Quit the Crown Office, and engage as Reader in a Printing
Office.—Determine to live a strictly honest life.—Meet with an
old Acquaintance who laughs me out of my Resolution.—Give up
all thoughts of Servitude and become a professed Thief._
I had, on my second arrival in London, engaged a small apartment in
a creditable house, and regulated my expenses upon principles of the
strictest economy; but notwithstanding every possible effort, I soon
found it impossible to subsist within my income; consequently, in a few
weeks I had sensibly decreased my little capital. I, therefore, began
to consider how I might obtain a more productive situation, as I saw no
prospect of my present salary being augmented. At this juncture I met
with an advertisement for a person of good education, to act as Reader
in a Printing Office. Though this was an employment of which I had not
the least idea, I determined to offer myself, conceiving there could be
nothing very difficult in its duties. Having, therefore, first inquired
into the nature of the latter I boldly applied to the advertiser Mr.
Barnard, on Snow-hill; and in answer to his queries, replied that I had
lately left the service of a country printer, whom I named, and was well
acquainted with the business of a printing office in general; adding,
that if he pleased to make trial of me, I doubted not of proving well
qualified for the situation in question. Mr. Barnard consented to do so;
and informing me that the salary he had given my predecessor was two
guineas a week, expressed his willingness to allow me the same. I was
so much pleased with this increase of wages, as well as with the nature
of the employment when explained to me, that I immediately quitted Mr.
Belt, and began my attendance at the office of Mr. Barnard. My business
here was to read over or examine the proofs (sheet by sheet, as they were
struck off by the pressmen) of every new work printed by my employer.
These proofs or first impressions, having been first compared with the
copy or manuscript, the errors so discovered being noted by me, were
corrected by the compositor, and a second impression produced, which was
then carefully examined, and the few errors yet remaining were rectified
as before. A third sheet was then revised by me, which in most cases
proved perfectly correct; and this being ascertained, the required number
of copies were struck off, whilst a succeeding sheet was in the hands of
the compositors, in a state of progress for the like operation. In a few
days I had a perfect knowledge of the business confided to me; and here I
found the advantages of a good education, and of my extensive reading,
which enabled me at first sight to detect many errors that an experienced
“Reader,” with a common education, would have passed over, particularly
where Latin or French phrases, quotations, _&c._, were introduced. This
soon became obvious to my employer, who expressed his satisfaction,
and paid me more than common respect. On my part I was equally pleased
with my new situation. The business of Mr. Barnard’s office was very
extensive. It employed from forty to fifty workmen in various capacities,
and he had generally ten or more different works (periodical as well as
others) in the press. Among these were some of an entertaining kind; so
that while I was performing my duty, I gratified my passion for reading,
and anticipated the public in the perusal of many curious and interesting
new publications.
I still adhered closely to my system of economy and took care to expend
something less than my income. It was my fixed determination to abstain
from every kind of dishonesty; and for about three weeks I met with
no temptation to an opposite conduct: but one day as I entered the
eating-house at which I commonly dined, I was accosted by a young man who
had come home with me from New South Wales, in the Buffalo, having been
for several years in the service of Governor King. This was, in fact,
the very person to whom I had confided my intention of deserting, and
bequeathed my effects previous to my going ashore. Our joy at meeting
was reciprocal, and before we parted an appointment to sup together the
same evening was the consequence. My old friend informed me that the
Buffalo was paid in about five days after I quitted her, and that the
crew were immediately drafted into various ships: he himself was put
on board the Diomede of 50, and having at last, with much difficulty,
obtained a liberty-ticket for eight days, he had been about a week in
town. It is needless to add, that nothing was further from his thoughts
than returning. From him I also learnt that a diligent search was
instituted for me in Portsmouth the day after my absconding, and that
Captain King, as well as his subordinate Captain Houston, were much
exasperated on the occasion. On meeting my shipmate at the appointed
place (which by-the-by, proved to be a house of ill repute) he introduced
me to several other old acquaintances, who had also come home with us,
and to a few of the same stamp, who had been a longer time returned, from
New South Wales. I soon discovered that they had all resumed the same
depredatory course of life which had caused their former sufferings, and
must inevitably entail upon them future misery and disgrace. However, as
I knew how fruitless it would be to advise or remonstrate, I contented
myself with letting them know that I had met with a tolerable situation
which enabled me to live _upon the square_, and that I had “_tied up
prigging_,” as I was determined never to be “_lagged_” again[47]. By
this communication I only incurred at the moment, a few dry jokes on my
pretended honesty, and a hint or two that I should soon become tired of
servitude, and be easily brought over to get an easy guinea. Upon the
whole, I spent a very agreeable evening, but to prevent a relapse, I
determined to avoid the company of these misguided persons in future,
notwithstanding they extracted a promise at parting, that I would meet
them again next day. This promise I scrupled not to break, and how long
I might have refrained from their society I know not; but a day or two
afterwards, as I was descending Holborn-hill in my way to the office, I
unexpectedly met my old partner and fellow-sufferer, Alexander Bromley,
whom I had left in Newgate in 1801. Having in vain made inquiry as to his
fate, since my return to England, I was truly glad to see him, for he
looked well and was genteelly dressed. I was so much altered, that when I
first accosted him, he had no immediate recollection of me, but on making
myself known, nothing could exceed the joy he evinced at our meeting.
Before we parted it was indispensable that we should drink together,
and he hastily informed me that he had served his seven years on board
the Hulks, at Portsmouth, from whence he returned to London the 17th of
September 1807, and that he was now once more under the protection of
his father, who had received him with great kindness, and was inclined,
if he continued honest, to take care of his future fortune; but added,
with a shrewd shake of the head, that he could never reconcile himself
to confinement on a shop-board, and feared he should very speedily make
a push at some higher enjoyments. Having agreed to dine together, and by
mere accident named the house at which I had lately supped as the place
of meeting, we parted with some little regret.
Bromley was punctual to his time, and during the two hours I allowed for
dinner, we became more fully informed of each other’s circumstances.
When I was on the point of leaving him to return to my duty, two or
three of my Botany-bay acquaintances dropping in, forcibly detained me;
urging that I might for once stretch a point, and spend the afternoon
with them, ridiculing with too much effect, the idea of a man like
myself being confined to certain hours like a school-boy, _&c._ As I
was somewhat elevated with the liquor I had drank, and had really no
business at the office which could not be easily deferred, I consented
in an evil moment, to join the party which was forming, consisting of
nearly a dozen persons, most of them recently returned either from the
Hulks, or New South Wales. It is needless to describe the nature of our
conversation, or the various characters of which the party was composed;
let it suffice to state (with sorrow and shame I confess it) that I was
effectually laughed out of my late good intentions; and before we parted,
had joined with the loudest of them in decrying and contemning every
species of servitude or confinement; and cordially agreed in a resolution
to live independent while I could, and to make up by every means in my
power for the privations and sufferings I had endured for the last seven
years.
From this moment I returned no more to the printing-office, but joined
myself with Bromley, and a few others, who regularly walked out every
evening in quest of money, without confining our pursuits to any
particular branch, but embracing every opportunity which offered.
These were indeed but few, and far from productive, so that I soon
grew heartily tired of the set I was associated with, and determined
to withdraw myself from them the first opportunity, and to live by the
exercise of my own ingenuity. Indeed my appearance was so much above, and
of so different a stamp from their’s, that this circumstance alone was
enough to excite suspicion, and on many accounts rendered them unsuitable
companions for me. I determined, however, not to discard poor Bromley,
for whom I felt a real friendship, on account of our former intimacy and
joint misfortunes.
CHAPTER III.
_Various modes of obtaining Money.—My regular course of Life
when disengaged from my vicious Companions.—Meet with an
amiable girl, like myself, the Child of Misfortune.—We cohabit
together.—Our mutual Happiness._
Having withdrawn myself from my late companions, I now became very
circumspect in my proceedings; and as Bromley had neither the appearance
nor the manners of a gentleman, I only made use of him occasionally in
the course of my practice, keeping him in the back ground to receive and
carry any articles which I purloined, and never suffering him to converse
with, or approach me except in private. I generally spent the mornings,
that is, from about one o’clock to five P. M. (which are the fashionable
hours for shopping) in visiting the shops of Jewellers, Watchmakers,
Pawnbrokers, _&c._ Having conceived hopes that this species of robbery
would turn to a good account, and depending upon my own address and
appearance, I determined to make a circuit of the town, and not to omit
a single shop in either of those branches: and this scheme I actually
executed so fully, that I believe I did not leave ten untried in all
London, for I made a point of commencing every day in a certain street
and went regularly through it on both sides the way. My practice was
to enter a shop and request to look at gold seals, chains, broaches,
rings, or any other small articles of value; and while examining them,
and looking the shopkeeper in the face, I contrived by slight of hand to
conceal two or three (sometimes more) in the sleeve of my coat, which was
purposely made wide. On some occasions I purchased a trifling article to
save appearances; at other times I took a card of the shop, promising to
call again; and as I generally saw the remaining goods returned to the
window, or place from whence they were taken, before I left the shop,
there was hardly a probability of my being suspected, or of the property
being missed. In the course of my career I was never once detected in the
fact, though on two or three occasions, so much suspicion arose, that I
was obliged to exert all my effrontery, and to use very high language, in
order, as the cant phrase is, to _bounce_ the tradesman _out of it_; and
my fashionable appearance, and affected anger at his insinuations, had
always the effect of convincing him that he was mistaken, and inducing
him to apologize for the affront put upon me. I have even sometimes
carried away the spoil notwithstanding what had passed, and I have often
gone a second and third time to the same shop, with as good success as at
the first. To prevent accidents however, I made it a rule never to enter
a second shop with any stolen property about me; for as soon as I quitted
the first, I privately conveyed my booty to Bromley, who was attending
my motions in the street, and herein I found him eminently useful. By
this course of depredation I acquired on the average about ten pounds a
week, though I sometimes neglected shopping for several days together.
This was not, indeed, the only pursuit I followed, but was my principal
morning’s occupation; though if a favourable opportunity offered of
getting a guinea by any other means, I never let it slip. In the evenings
I generally attended one of the theatres, where I mixed with the best
company in the boxes, and at the same time that I enjoyed the amusements
of the place, I frequently conveyed pocket-books, snuff-boxes, and other
portable articles, from the pockets of their proprietors into my own.
Here I found the inconvenience of wanting a suitable companion, who
might have received the articles I made prize of, in the same manner as
Bromley did in the streets; but though I knew many of the light-fingered
gentry, whose appearance fitted them for any company, yet, their faces
being well known to the police-officers, who attend the Theatres, they
would not have been suffered to enter the house: and herein I possessed
an advantage which many of these gentry envied me; for being just arrived
in England, and a new face upon the town, I carried on my depredations
under the very noses of the officers, without suspicion. Having,
therefore, at first no associate, I was obliged to quit the Theatre and
conceal my first booty in some private spot, before I could make (with
prudence) a second attempt. Upon the whole I was very successful in this
pursuit also, at least as to the _number_ of articles I filched, and had
their _value_ been reasonably proportionate to what I expected, I need
not long have followed so hazardous an employment. I have very frequently
obtained nine or ten pocket-books, besides other articles, in an evening;
and these being taken from gentlemen evidently of fortune and fashion,
I had reason to expect I should sometime meet with a handsome sum in
Bank-notes; but fortune did not favour me therein, for during near twelve
months almost nightly attendance at one or other of the public places,
I never found more than twenty pounds in a book, and that only on one
occasion. I several times got five, ten, or eleven pounds, but commonly
one, two, or three pounds, and most generally four books out of five
contained nothing but letters, memorandums, and other papers useless
to me. At the same time I knew frequent instances of the common street
pickpockets getting a booty of fifty, one hundred and sometimes three or
four hundred pounds. However, I never failed to pay the expenses of the
night, and if I gained nothing, I enjoyed at least a fund of amusement,
which was to me the highest gratification. It sometimes happened that the
articles I got (particularly pocket-books) were advertised by the losers,
within a few days, as “Lost,” and a reward offered for their restoration:
where this reward was worth notice, I frequently restored the property by
means of a third person whom I could confide in, and whom I previously
tutored for the purpose.
In the mean time, the manner in which I spent my life, abstracted from
the disgraceful means by which I supported myself, was (as I have
formerly hinted,) perfectly regular and inoffensive. Though I lived by
depredation, yet I did not like the abandoned class of common thieves,
waste my money, and leisure time in profligate debauchery, but applied
myself to the perusal of instructive and amusing books, my stock of which
I daily increased. I occupied genteel apartments in a creditable house,
the landlord of which understood me to hold a situation under Government,
and every part of my conduct at home tended to confirm his opinion of my
respectability. I was scrupulously exact in paying my rent, as well as
the different tradesmen in the neighbourhood, with whom I had occasion
to deal; nor did I ever suffer any person of loose character to visit
me, but studiously concealed from those of my acquaintance my place
of residence. I was sometimes, indeed, so imprudent as to resort, for
company’s sake, to some of those public-houses frequented by thieves and
other dissolute characters, the landlord of which is himself commonly an
experienced thief, or returned transport. When I had a mind to relax a
little, or grew tired of domestication, I disguised my appearance as much
as I could, and repaired to a house of this description, sometimes taking
my Dulcinea with me, whom I shall shortly introduce to the reader, and
whose person and dress I was not a little proud of exhibiting in public.
This fondness for flash-houses, as they are termed, is the rock on which
most persons who live by depredation unhappily split, and will be found
in the sequel to have brought me to my present deplorable condition; for
the police officers, or traps, are in the daily habit of visiting these
houses, where they drink with the thieves, _&c._, in the most familiar
manner; and, I believe, often obtain secret information by various means
from some parties respecting the names, characters, pursuits, _&c._,
of others. By this imprudent conduct I also became personally known to
many of the officers, which was productive of great danger to me in the
exercise of my vocation; whereas, had I avoided such houses, I might
have remained unknown and unsuspected by them for a series of years. I
ought not to omit what may perhaps gratify the reader, as much as the
act did myself, namely, that as soon as I became possessed of a moderate
sum, I remembered the kindness shewn me by the good woman at Gosport,
and wrote her a letter of thanks, enclosing a five-pound bank-note,
which, no doubt, proved highly acceptable. I also from time to time
assisted my aged mother, whose circumstances were extremely narrow, and
her support derived solely from the earnings of my two sisters, whose
success depending on the caprice of fashion and of milliners, both alike
inconstant, was but precarious. They, as well as my other relations in
S⸺shire, were indeed totally ignorant of my unhappy relapse into a life
of infamy, but believed my assertion, that I had a liberal salary from
Mr. Belt, and was still employed under that gentleman in the Crown-office.
About three months after my return to London, and whilst in the zenith
of my success, I was introduced by one of my former dissolute companions
to the acquaintance of a young woman, who, like myself, had been well
and tenderly brought up, but having been seduced by a young man equally
inexperienced with herself, to quit her friends and cohabit with him
as his wife, she had thereby forfeited the countenance of her family,
and her paramour having died after a year’s cohabitation, she had been
driven to the usual refuge in such cases, a life of prostitution. At
the period of my introduction, however, she had been only a few months
upon the town, and I clearly perceived that her mind was yet but very
slightly contaminated. As there were many reasons which rendered a female
companion in whom I could place confidence, desirable, and in fact
necessary to me; and as this young woman’s misfortunes had placed her
in such circumstances, that I had no obstacles to surmount on the score
of delicacy, I proposed to her, after a few days’ acquaintance, that we
should live together; to which, as she was heartily tired of her present
course of life, she willingly consented. She knew enough of the world
from her late experience, to surmise in what manner I obtained my living,
of which, however, to avoid all duplicity, I fully possessed her. Having
informed my landlord, that my wife, whom I had not before mentioned to
him, was arrived in town from a visit she had been paying in the country,
I accordingly took her home; and in a very few days we had arranged a
pretty snug system of domestic economy, and provided every requisite
for the family life I meant in future to live. My companion was the
daughter of an industrious mechanic, who, having a numerous offspring,
had only been enabled to give her a common education; but her mother had
instructed her in the duties of house-keeping, and she was perfectly
conversant in all the qualities requisite to form a good wife. She was
about nineteen years of age, agreeable in her person, and of the sweetest
disposition imaginable; and what was most gratifying, the company she
had latterly mixed with, and the disgusting examples before her eyes,
had not been able to eradicate an innate modesty which she naturally
possessed; so that her manners and conversation were such as fitted her
for any company to which I might be inclined to introduce her. I informed
my mother and sisters that I was on the point of contracting a union
with this young woman, and having made them personally acquainted, the
three young ladies soon became very intimate. As my mother and sisters
but rarely called at my lodgings, and then merely _en passant_, I had
no difficulty in concealing the connexion from them until I could with
propriety declare my marriage to have taken place. We had the happiness
of finding ourselves mutually pleased with each other, and I considered
my meeting with so amiable a friend as one of the greatest blessings of
my life. In a few weeks after our junction, my partner discovered evident
symptoms of pregnancy, which with her affectionate behaviour, and real
attachment to my interest, endeared her still more to me. In a word, I
now felt myself as happy as any man daily risking his liberty and life,
and exposed to the reproaches of his own conscience, could possibly be.
CHAPTER IV.
_Adventures in the course of my profligate Career.—Motives
which induce me to marry my Companion.—Her exemplary
Behaviour.—A family Misfortune._
Having now settled myself in a manner much to my satisfaction, and
happily met with a faithful friend, to whom I might confide my most
secret thoughts, who would sincerely participate my joy, when success
crowned my pursuits; and who, in the hour of adversity, would condole
with, and cherish me, I applied myself with redoubled assiduity to the
acquirement of money, with a full resolution in the event of my meeting
with one good booty, or realizing by degrees a sufficient sum to quit
the hazardous course of life I had embarked in, to establish myself
in some honest line of business. To this prudent measure I was also
strongly prompted by my companion, who could not hide her fears and
anxiety on my account, and was never easy during my absence from home
on a depredatory excursion. I continued to visit the shops as usual in
the morning, and the theatres in the evening with tolerable success; and
my partner having expressed a desire to accompany me, in the hope of
rendering me service, I was induced to gratify her. As her figure and
address were both extremely prepossessing, and her air perfectly genteel,
I soon found her eminently useful; for she not only received from me the
property I purloined, but with much ingenuity would contrive to engross
the attention of the shopkeeper while I robbed his counter, or by artful
gallanting with a gentleman at a public place, facilitate my design
upon his pockets. At all times, when disengaged from these hazardous
practices, we lived a life of perfect domestic happiness, our chiefest
pleasure being centred in each other’s company.
As our mutual affection increased, my companion, whom I had informed
of the outlines of my past life, and who was aware of the dangers to
which I was daily exposed, being filled with tender fears of losing
me for ever, and prompted by sincere affection, suggested the idea of
uniting ourselves indissolubly by marriage; in the hope that should I
unhappily experience a reverse of fortune, and be again banished from
my native country, she might obtain permission to share my misery, and
contribute, by her society, to lessen my sufferings. This proposal so
fully convinced me of her undisguised attachment, and had so much reason
on its side, that I gave into it with ardent pleasure; and the necessary
preliminaries being adjusted, we were accordingly married at St. Paul’s,
Covent-Garden, on the 21st of July, 1808, her mother, to whom she had
become reconciled, and who (judging by appearances,) had a favourable
opinion of the match, assisting at the ceremony.
Soon afterwards, I communicated the event to my mother, informing her
that weighty reasons had rendered it necessary to observe privacy on
the occasion; and hinting to the unsuspecting old woman, that I had
acquired by this marriage, a considerable pecuniary advantage. This
intimation gave my mother great pleasure, and I took care by increased
liberality towards her and my sisters, to confirm them in the opinion of
my veracity. The behaviour of my wife became every day more exemplary;
and had I been free from that remorse which must ever accompany a guilty
life, and enabled to procure those necessary comforts which I knew so
well how to enjoy, by upright means, I should have considered myself
supremely happy. In the beginning of the month of October, my wife,
who was far advanced in her pregnancy, accompanied me one evening to
Drury-lane theatre; and the performance being over, we were descending
the stair-case from the box-lobby, when I attempted to possess myself of
a gentleman’s pocket-book; but by some accident he suspected my design,
and publicly accused me therewith. Unfortunately several other gentlemen,
who had been robbed in the course of the evening, being on the spot, and
beginning to compare notes, agreed unanimously that they recollected
my person as being near them about the time they were robbed, and did
not scruple to insinuate that I ought to be detained and searched. This
conversation naturally attracted the attention of the company immediately
round us; but while it took place, all the parties were obliged by the
pressure of the throng behind to continue descending, and we in fact
quitted the theatre all together. Being arrived in Little Russell-street,
the gentlemen surrounded me to the number of about a score, and
our altercation became loud and vehement. Fortunately for me no
police-officers happened to be near the spot; for although I had nothing
to fear from a search, yet the circumstance would have made me personally
known to the latter, and would of course operate to my disadvantage on my
future appearance at the theatre. I exerted every art of expostulation,
and finally had recourse, on my part, to threats, affecting to feel
highly insulted by their insolent insinuations; declared myself a
gentleman of character, which I would prove to their cost; offered to
give my card of address, or to retire to a coffee-house, and send for
respectable persons who knew me, but all my rhetoric proved ineffectual;
some were for giving me in charge to an officer; others still more
violent were for having me pumped. At this moment a person named G—ge
W—k—n, now in this colony, who had been himself exercising his vocation
in the pit of the theatre, happened fortunately to come up, and seeing a
crowd collected, stopped to ascertain the cause. He immediately perceived
the critical situation in which I stood, and having the appearance of a
man of fashion, he stepped forward, and hearing the various motions of
my persecutors, strongly advised them to forbearance, and caution how
they treated a gentleman, as I evidently appeared to be; urging that
they must certainly be mistaken in their conjectures, that my proposal
of giving my address, or a reference, ought to be sufficient, and
particularly dwelt on the impropriety of taking the law into their own
hands. These arguments of my friend W—k—n carried so much weight, that
the gentlemen began to waver and grow less clamorous; till at length they
dropped off one by one; and W—k—n, assuming a haughty tone, said, taking
me by the arm, “Come, Sir, you have been sufficiently exposed, and long
enough detained on a charge which I am confident there is no foundation
for; allow me to conduct you from this spot; if you are going towards
St. James’s, I shall be glad of your company, and let me see (raising
his voice and cane together,) who will dare to insult you further.” So
saying, he led me away in triumph, tipping the wink to my poor wife, who
had stood all the while at a small distance, much terrified and agitated
by various emotions, which so much affected her, that though we lived
within two hundred yards of the theatre, she had scarcely power to walk
home; and we had no sooner quitted our kind conductor, who attended us
to the door, than she fainted away, and was for sometime insensible. The
consequences of this untoward event were still more seriously afflicting,
for her tender constitution was not proof against the shock, and she was
the next day prematurely delivered of a male child, which, however, only
lived eight hours, and was a subject of infinite regret to us both.
CHAPTER V.
_Adventure of the Silver Snuff-box.—Its Consequences.—My narrow
Escape from Transportation, which I have since had reason to
regret._
Happening soon after the adventure at Drury-lane, to read an
advertisement, stating that a meeting of the freeholders of the county
of Middlesex would be convened on the 11th of November, at the Mermaid
Tavern, Hackney, to consider of the expediency of petitioning the Throne
on the subject of parliamentary reform, it struck me that I might find
it worth while to attend this meeting, as it would probably attract a
large concourse of people, and, as at such assemblies riots and much
confusion frequently occurred, which afforded a favourable opportunity
for plundering the pockets of the company. On the day appointed, I
accordingly left town in one of the Hackney stages, and arriving at
the Mermaid about one o’clock, found the sheriffs had just opened the
business of the meeting, which was held in a large room commonly used
as an assembly-room for dancing, and detached from the tavern itself.
To my disappointment, however, there were not above three hundred
persons collected, and the building being very spacious, there was
not the least prospect of any violent pressure taking place. Before
I commenced my operations, I entered a small house called “The Tap,”
immediately contiguous to, but distinct from, the Mermaid; and going
into a parlour, called to the landlady, a decent looking elderly woman,
for a glass of brandy and water, and a pipe. Having taken and paid for
this refreshment, I proceeded to the meeting; and found, so far from any
tumult or uproar, that the whole company were collected at one end of the
room, and listening in profound silence to the speech of some popular
and patriotic orator, who was warmly censuring the conduct of ministers,
and advocating the cause of liberty. I now entered the thickest part of
the crowd, and having tried the pockets of a great many persons without
feeling a single pocket-book, I at length extracted successively two
snuff-boxes from different gentlemen; but their coats being buttoned up,
and the pockets inside, I was obliged to use my scissors in cutting the
bottom of each pocket, before I could obtain the desired prizes. This
trouble and risk I should not have incurred had not I assured myself
that the boxes from their shape, _&c._; were both silver; but to my
mortification, they proved on inspection, the one wood, and the other a
sort of japanned leather, though both perfectly genteel, and mounted with
silver: however, as they were of no intrinsic value to me, I threw them
away; and, although it was rather imprudent, I entered the room a third
time, in hopes of better success. I soon found myself standing behind a
well-dressed man, who was wrapped in deep attention to the speaker, and
perceived to my great joy that he had a small leather pocket-book in
his inside coat-pocket, and also a very fine large snuff-box, evidently
silver, from its shape and weight. I had again recourse to my scissors,
and having made an incision, extracted the contents of the pocket, with
which I hastily retired: but I was again partially disappointed, for I
found that what I had taken for a pocket-book, was in fact merely a pen
and ink-case: the box, however, was a very elegant one, and quite new.
Although it appeared that I was not destined to be very fortunate in this
day’s adventure, I determined to make one other trial; but as it would be
dangerous to keep the stolen box about me, and I saw no convenient spot
in which to conceal it, I adopted the following method to dispose of it,
while I made my final attempt in the assembly-room. Going into the little
tap-house before described, I addressed the landlady, inquiring if she
sold any snuff, or could without inconvenience, procure me a little. She
answered that she had none, but would get me some in a very short time.
I thanked her, and replied that as I was anxious to hear the debates in
the assembly-room, she would oblige me by procuring an ounce of rappee,
for which purpose I handed her the box I had just obtained, saying I
would call for it in a quarter of an hour. Having now, as I conceived,
effectually and safely deposited my prize, I left the Tap with an
intention of re-entering the meeting-room; but suddenly changing my mind,
I determined to desist, having by the box alone secured the expenses of
my journey, and to return immediately home. However, as I felt hungry,
and saw no signs of accommodation for eating in the Tap, I proceeded a
little way up the street, till I came to a sort of cook’s-shop, where
I procured a lunch, and then returned to reclaim my snuff-box from my
obliging old landlady, having been absent from her barely a quarter of
an hour. Going boldly up to the little bar in which she sat, I inquired
if she had procured me the snuff; she replied that she had, and turning
round to a cupboard behind her, produced the box, which I held out my
hand to receive; but, to my utter confusion, I was prevented by the
gentleman himself, from whom I had stolen it, who, starting from a dark
corner of the passage close to my elbow, where he had been concealed,
received the box in his hand, and turning to me, inquired in a peremptory
tone, if that was my snuff-box? I answered with a smile, “No, Sir, it
is a box that I found—if you have any claim to it, it is much at your
service.” He then inquired where I had found it; I replied, that going
to make water in a corner of the stable-yard, I perceived something
shine amongst some rubbish, which taking up, I found to be the box in
question; that I was myself in the habit of taking snuff, and having that
day left my own box at home, I thought it a good opportunity of getting a
supply; that I had therefore commissioned the landlady to procure me some
snuff, and left her this box for that purpose. The gentleman rejoined,
that he had been robbed of the box in the assembly-room, and that having
found it in my possession, he felt it incumbent to detain me, on strong
suspicion of being the thief. All I could urge, and every art I tried,
were ineffectual to convince this rigid gentleman of my innocence, and
several others joining him, one of them asked my name and situation in
life. I answered, that when charged with so disgraceful an act as that of
picking pockets, I should certainly decline giving such explanation; but
that I should at a proper season, be enabled to refute the accusation,
and prove my respectability. To this the inquirer replied, that although
himself a justice of peace, he certainly had no wish to extort, nor was
I obliged to give any answers against my inclination, and that upon the
whole, he could not censure me for preserving silence; however, as the
property stolen had been traced to me, it became his duty and that of the
owner, to have me detained till I gave an account of myself. A constable
being called in, was now desired to search me, which he proceeded to
do, and the first thing he found was a pair of small scissors without a
sheath, in my breeches-pocket, where I had in my hurry deposited them
after cutting out my last booty. The constable exhibited these with an
air of triumph, exclaiming to the by-standers, “See, gentlemen, here
are the tools the pocket was cut with!” He also took from me about
fifty shillings in loose money, a pocket-bock, card-case, pair of
silver spectacles, a two-bladed knife, silver pencil-case, tobacco-box,
handkerchief, gloves, _&c._, all my own property, and such as I usually
carried about me. I had left my watch at home, which, it being a valuable
one, I was frequently persuaded by my wife to do when I went upon such
excursions as the present. The meeting being by this time dissolved, the
loser of the box set off on his return to town, and I was left in charge
of two constables who were to follow with me. In about an hour, a coach
being obtained, I was conveyed to Worship-street office for examination,
where I arrived at six in the evening, just as the magistrate had taken
the chair. This worshipful justice was Joseph Moser, esq., a gentleman
of an eccentric character, and the same, if I mistake not, whose name I
have frequently met with in print, as the author of many well-written
and humorous essays, _&c._, in periodical works. Being placed at the
bar, the prosecutor, who proved to be a Mr. Imeson, tobacconist, in
Holywell-lane, Shoreditch, made his appearance in the same coat he had on
in the morning, and exhibiting his pocket, through the bottom of which
he thrust his hand by way of demonstration. He stated, that he was that
day attending the meeting of freeholders at Hackney, and while listening
to the debates in the assembly-room, he had occasion to take snuff;
when putting his hand in his pocket, he found the bottom of it cut,
apparently with a sharp scissors, and not only his snuff-box, but every
other article taken out; that he was sure the depredation was recent, as
he had taken snuff but a few minutes before, and had not since changed
his position: that he staid to hear the conclusion of the business, and
on leaving the room, was relating his loss to some gentlemen in the
inn-yard, and that a little boy happening to overhear him, stepped up and
said, “Sir, my mother has got a pretty snuff-box, that a gentleman gave
her to put some snuff in;” on which he was induced to accompany the child
to its parents, where, requesting to see the box, he found it to be his
own; that he had then taken the measures for my detection, which I have
above related. The landlady, Mrs. Andrews, was then sworn, and stated my
coming to her house, taking some refreshment, and afterwards returning to
inquire for snuff, leaving her the box, _&c._, all which, she said was
transacted in the most public manner; and, the good woman voluntarily
added, that she could never suppose I should have acted as I had done,
had I been the person who stole the box. The officer who had searched me,
now produced the articles taken from my person, not forgetting to dwell
upon the circumstance of the open scissors, the sheath of which he found
in another pocket. The magistrate viewing these articles with attention,
observed, that he had no doubt of their being all stolen, and ordered
them to be advertised in the daily papers, and that I should be brought
up again on that day week, when it was probable the persons who had lost
such articles, would attend to identify them. As to the present charge,
he said the case was clear enough, and he would, to save further trouble,
bind over the parties to prosecute at once. Then addressing me, his
worship inquired my name, place of abode, _&c._ I answered, that my name
was James Hardy, but I must beg to decline giving any further account
of myself, as it appeared his worship was determined to commit me for
trial, and I should therefore not trouble my friends until a future day.
Mr. Moser now remarked on some of the articles found upon me, inquiring
with a sarcastic grin, how long I had worn barnacles? As to the knife,
he said it was evidently a thief’s knife; and turning to Armstrong, one
of his officers, he asked him, if that was not such a blade as they used
for _starring a glaze_? The knife and scissors, his worship called my
working-tools. It was in vain I assured this facetious justice that
these things were my own lawful property, and offered to prove where I
had purchased them all: he insisted on detaining them, and was hardly
persuaded to return the money taken from me. I was then committed to New
Prison, Clerkenwell, to which I was conveyed about nine o’clock at night.
Arriving there, I desired to be accommodated between-gates, and after
paying the usual fees, _&c._, I was conducted to a bed in the same room I
had occupied on a like occasion, in the year 1800. Having now leisure to
reflect on the occurrences of the day, I began to consider my situation
hopeless enough; the snuff-box having been traced to me, the circumstance
of the pocket being cut, the scissors found, _&c._, altogether furnished
a chain of evidence, too strong, I feared, to be overruled by my bare
assertion, that I had found the property; a defence the most flimsy,
but the most commonly resorted to. I, therefore, laid my account with
being transported at least. What heightened my present distress was,
that my poor wife would be grievously alarmed at my not returning home
this night; and it would be a difficult matter, even the next day, to
inform her of my situation, as I knew the officers were intent upon
discovering, if possible, my place of abode, in order to ascertain my
character, and mode of life. The morning being come, I was fortunate
enough to meet with an intimate acquaintance, by whom I despatched a
message to my wife, requiring her to visit me immediately, and in an
hour’s time, I had the pleasure of seeing her appear. Her distress may
be easily conceived. I comforted and encouraged her as well as I could;
and giving her a strict caution not to suffer herself to be followed or
watched in her return, desired she would wait with patience, and hope
for the approach of the session, which would decide my fate. During the
interval of my second examination, I read the following advertisement
inserted by the officers of Worship-street:—“Stopped upon a suspicious
person now in custody, the undermentioned articles, supposed to be
stolen; [here they were all minutely described.] Any persons having lost
such goods, are desired to attend at this office on Friday next, when
the said person will be brought up for re-examination, _&c._” On the
18th of November, I was accordingly reconducted to Worship-street, my
wife being permitted to accompany me in the coach. Being again brought
before Mr. Moser, that gentleman inquired if any body was in attendance
to claim the property found on me; and being answered in the negative,
he expressed himself confident that claimants would appear, but said he
would, however, finally commit me to Newgate, and, that the articles
in question should be detained until the day of my trial; when, if not
owned before, the court would no doubt restore them on my application;
nor could all my asseverations or arguments convince him of the property
being my own, or induce him to alter his decree respecting them. I was
accordingly conducted to Newgate, accompanied by my wife, whose uniform
attention to me in this and every other distress, proved the sincerity of
her attachment.
As the session was to commence on the 30th, I had no time to lose in
preparing for my trial. I, therefore, drew up a brief for counsel, in
which I dwelt strongly on the open and public manner in which I had acted
with Mrs. Andrews; the improbability that I should have taken so much
trouble, had I been the thief who stole the box, full of snuff, as the
prosecutor described it to have been, and on every other point which I
thought might prove of moment, or afford the counsel an opportunity of
shewing his wit or ingenuity, but still deceiving even him, by stoutly
adhering to my first story of finding the property. This brief I sent
by my wife, with the usual fee, to Mr. Knapp, a gentleman, of whose
abilities I entertained a high opinion. Notwithstanding all this, I had
at the bottom, very little hopes of escaping conviction; and persons
best experienced in such matters, who heard the circumstances, declared
nothing but a miracle could save me. I, however, concealed these
unpleasing ideas from my wife, and assured her that I felt confident of
being acquitted. The grand jury being met, I soon heard that a true bill
had been returned by them; and, on the following Wednesday, the court
opening, I was taken down for trial, but was not put to the bar until
Friday the 2d of December. Previous to my leaving the ward of the prison
in which I lodged, a fellow-prisoner, with whom I had become intimate,
knowing the circumstances of my case, and the nature of my intended
defence, had in a half-jocular manner, offered to lend me his snuff-box,
which he advised me to display to the court, and occasionally to take
a pinch from it during my trial; this he observed, would strengthen my
assertion that I was in the habit of using snuff, and give a colour to
my defence; and, he good-naturedly added, that he hoped it would prove
lucky to me. I thankfully accepted the proffered favour, of which I did
not fail to make use at the proper season. Being arraigned at the bar,
I stood capitally indicted for stealing a silver snuff-box, value two
pounds, the property of Thomas Imeson, privily from his person. Mr.
Imeson having given his evidence, my counsel in cross-examining him said,
“I take for granted, Sir, you can’t take upon yourself to swear, whether
you were robbed of your snuff-box, or whether it fell through the hole in
your pocket; all you know is, that you found your pocket torn, and the
box among other articles missing?” _Answer_, “Certainly I cannot.” The
landlady then stated in a faltering voice, and evidently much embarrassed
at being examined before so large an assembly, the manner in which I
had applied to her, _&c._, and in answer to a question from Mr. Knapp,
said, that she could never suppose I should have acted in the open manner
I did, if I had stolen the box. The constable who searched me was the
next witness; and he having described that proceeding, and produced the
articles found upon me, the Recorder, who presided on the bench, said,
“I suppose, Mr. Bell, there were a great variety of characters attending
this meeting, which was held for the purpose of obtaining parliamentary
reform?”
_Ans._ “Certainly, my lord.”
_Recorder._ “No doubt there were many persons, freeholders as well as not
freeholders?”
_Ans._ “Yes, my lord.”
_Recorder._ “I dare say people of all descriptions, tag-rag, and bobtail?”
_Ans._ “There might, my lord.”
I now began to entertain strong hopes, perceiving that the tide of
prejudice ran in my favour. I was dressed in a very genteel but becoming
manner, and had not the least appearance of a thief. I had put on the
most modest air and countenance I could assume, and I thought the court
and jury appeared to view me with favourable eyes. I, therefore, took
another pinch from my friend’s box, and waited the event with patience,
being prepared with a good defence, when called upon to make it. But I
was not put to that trouble; for the Recorder addressing the jury, said,
“Gentlemen, I must in this stage of the trial, deliver it as my opinion,
that I cannot see any grounds for charging the prisoner with felony.
Gentlemen, the accident of finding a snuff-box might have happened to one
of yourselves, to me, or to any other honest man; and, it would be hard
indeed if such an accident should subject the finder to a prosecution for
felony. If you are of my opinion, it will be unnecessary to recapitulate
the evidence, or put the prisoner upon his defence.” His Lordship then
paused, and I leave the reader to imagine the state of suspense I was for
some moments in. The jury having whispered together, one of them stood up
and said, “My lord, we wish to ask a question of Mrs. Andrews, namely,
whether at the time the prisoner brought her the box, he delivered it
as his own, or said he had found it?” Mr. Knapp eagerly catching at
this question, desired Mrs Andrews to stand up, and said to her, “Mrs.
Andrews, the jury wish to ask you whether the young man at the bar told
you it was his own snuff-box, or whether he said he had found it?” The
poor simple woman, confused and trembling, and not comprehending the
drift or importance of the question, answered in a low voice, “He said he
had found it, gentlemen.” Mr. Knapp having obtained this answer, with
a smile, or rather laugh of satisfaction, turned to the jury, repeating
her words, “He said, he had found it. I hope, Gentlemen, you are now
satisfied.” He then folded up my brief, and handed it to an officer of
the court, to whom he made a motion with his hand to return it to me. I
received it with a respectful bow of acknowledgment, and Mr. Knapp threw
himself back in his seat, and began playing with his watch-chain, as much
as to say, “the business is settled, I have successfully done my duty,
and saved my client;” and, so indeed he had, for the foreman immediately
pronounced the welcome verdict of “Not Guilty.” There is one circumstance
to which my acquittal on this occasion may be in a great measure imputed;
namely, that I was fortunately not known by any of the turnkeys or
officers of the court, who never fail when an old face appears, to give
a private intimation to the judge, if (which is very rare) he should
not himself recognise the party. I now applied to the court for the
articles taken from me, which the Recorder ordered to be restored; but
first expressed a wish to view them, saying to the constable, “Let me
look at those articles, Mr. Bell, there is nothing remarkable in them
I suppose.” The malicious constable answered, “No, my lord, without it
is the scissors.” The Recorder, having minutely examined them, replied
“I see nothing extraordinary in _them_ neither, Mr. Bell, except that
they appear to be remarkable good ones—poo, poo, let the young man have
his property by all means:” on which the fellow, evidently chagrined,
delivered the whole into my hands. As to the snuff-box, his Lordship
observed, there could be no doubt but it was the same which Mr. Imeson
had lost, though he could only speak to its identity, as being of the
same pattern, having bought it but a few days before the accident, and
there being no mark which he could know it by: he was, therefore, ordered
to retain it. I then bowed with gratitude to the court and jury, and with
respect to the auditors, and quitting the bar, had my irons knocked off,
and was received with open arms by my dear wife, who had been waiting
the issue in anxious suspense, accompanied by my friend Bromley. We all
three returned to the prison, where I had left some little matters,
and every one was astonished at my acquittal. I restored the borrowed
snuff-box to my kind friend, not forgetting to acknowledge its beneficial
effects by a present to himself, and a liberal treat to the whole ward. I
afterwards sent for a coach, in which myself, my wife, and old companion,
were driven to my lodgings in Duke’s-court, Drury-lane; and, I need not
add, that we spent the remainder of the day in festivity, and heartfelt
satisfaction. To account for my absence from home, my wife had informed
the landlord, that I had met with an accident while at a friend’s house
a few miles from town, and could not be removed until I was perfectly
recovered. Notwithstanding I blessed Heaven for this fortunate escape,
which I had so little reason to expect, and thought myself supremely
happy in recovering my liberty; yet I have ever since regretted that I
was not then convicted, as there is little doubt but the capital part of
the charge would have been done away with, and I should only have been
transported for seven years, consequently, at the period of my writing
these Memoirs, I should have had only a few months to serve before I
became a free-man; whereas the sequel will shew that I was in a short
time afterwards cast for death, and now find myself in the hopeless and
deplorable situation of a prisoner for life!
CHAPTER VI.
_Visit Mr. Bilger, an eminent Jeweller.—His Politeness, and
the Return I made for it.—Perfidy of a Pawnbroker.—Obliged to
decamp with Precipitation._
The next adventure I shall have occasion to relate, more fully confirms
the justice of the remark, that the connexions formed by persons during
temporary confinement in a jail, commonly lead to further acts of
wickedness, and frequently entail on the parties a more severe punishment
than that which they have just escaped. This was exactly my unhappy case,
and I now come to the most fatal era of my eventful life.
In the same ward with myself were confined two brothers, very genteel
young men, who had been recently cast for death for privately
stealing some valuable rings, _&c._, from the shop of a Jeweller in
Leadenhall-street. As a conformity of character, or similarity of
pursuits, is the strongest source of friendship, so these persons and
myself had become very intimately acquainted. In the course of our
frequent conversations on the subject with which we were all three alike
most conversant, the brothers informed me that they had, like myself,
made a successful tour of the jewellers’ shops in London; and on our
comparing notes as to the particular persons we had robbed, or attempted
to rob, they pointed out about half a dozen shops, which, it appeared,
I had omitted to visit, arising either from their making no display of
their goods, or from their being situated in private streets, where I had
no idea of finding any such trades. Though at that time neither they nor
myself entertained much hope of my acquittal, it was agreed that in the
event of my being so fortunate as to recover my freedom, I should pay my
respects to the several tradesmen I had so overlooked; and I promised, in
case I was successful, to make them a pecuniary acknowledgment in return
for their information. At the moment of my joyful departure from Newgate,
they accordingly furnished me with a list of the shops in question, and
gave me full instructions and useful hints for my guidance therein.
They particularly pointed out Mr. Bilger, a goldsmith and jeweller of
the first eminence in Piccadilly. This gentleman, they assured me, I
should find, in the technical phrase, a _good flat_. They advised me to
bespeak a diamond ring, or similar article, and to request a sight of
some loose diamonds for the purpose of selecting such stones as I might
wish to have set, informing me that he was generally provided with a
large quantity, which he would not fail to shew me, and that I might
with ease purloin a good number of them. A day or two after my release,
I made the prescribed experiments, and was fortunate enough to succeed
pretty well at nearly every shop, but I reserved Mr. Bilger for my final
essay, as he was the principal object of consideration, and from whom I
expected to obtain the most valuable booty. On the day se’ennight after
my trial at the Old Bailey, I prepared in due form to pay him a visit.
About five o’clock in the evening, I entered his shop, dressed in the
most elegant style, having a valuable gold watch and appendages, a gold
eye-glass, _&c._ I had posted my old friend and aid-de-camp, Bromley,
at the door, in order to be in readiness to act as circumstances might
require, and particularly to watch the motions of Mr. Bilger and his
assistants on my quitting the premises. On my entrance Mrs. Bilger issued
from a back-parlour behind the shop, and politely inquiring my business,
I told her I wished to see Mr. Bilger; she immediately rang a bell, which
brought down her husband from the upper apartments. He saluted me with
a low bow, and handed me a seat. I was glad to find no other person in
the shop, Mrs. Bilger having again retired. I now assumed the air of a
Bond-street lounger, and informed Mr. Bilger that I had been recommended
by a gentleman of my acquaintance to deal with him, having occasion
for a very elegant diamond ring, and requested to see his assortment.
Mr. Bilger expressed his concern that he happened not to have a single
article of that description by him, but if I could without inconvenience
call again, he would undertake in one hour to procure me a selection from
his working-jeweller, to whom he would immediately despatch a messenger.
I affected to feel somewhat disappointed, but looking at my watch, after
a moment’s reflection, I said, “Well, Mr. Bilger, I have an appointment
at the Canon coffee-house, which requires my attendance, and if you will
without fail have the articles ready, I may probably look in a little
after six.” This he promised faithfully to do, declaring how much he felt
obliged by my condescension; and I sauntered out of the shop, Mr. Bilger
attending me in the most obsequious manner to the outer door. After
walking a short distance, Bromley tapped me on the shoulder, and inquired
what conduct I meant next to pursue; for he had viewed my proceedings
through a glass-door in the shop, and saw that I had not executed my
grand design. I related to Bromley the result of my conversation with Mr.
Bilger, and added that I meant to retire to the nearest public-house,
where we could enjoy a pipe and a glass of negus until the expiration of
the hour to which I had limited myself. We accordingly regaled ourselves
at a very snug house, nearly opposite Bilger’s, until about half after
six, when I again repaired to the scene of action, leaving Bromley, as
at first, posted at the door. Mr. Bilger received me with increased
respect, and producing a small card box, expressed his sorrow that his
workman had only been enabled to send three rings for my inspection, but
that if they were not to my taste he should feel honoured and obliged in
taking my directions for having one made, and flattered himself he should
execute the order to my satisfaction. I proceeded to examine the rings he
produced, one of which was marked sixteen guineas, another nine guineas,
and the third six guineas. They were all extremely beautiful, but I
affected to consider them as too paltry, telling Mr. Bilger that I wanted
one to present to a lady, and that I wished to have a ring of greater
value than the whole three put together, as a few guineas would not be
an object in the price. Mr. Bilger’s son, who was also his partner, now
joined us, and was desired by his father to sketch a draught in pencil
of some fancy rings, agreeable to the directions I should give him. The
three rings I had viewed, were now removed to the end of the counter next
the window, and I informed the young man that I wished to have something
of a cluster, a large brilliant in the centre, surrounded with smaller
ones; but repeated my desire that no expense might be spared to render
the article strictly elegant, and worthy a lady’s acceptance. The son
having sketched a design of several rings on a card, I examined them with
attention, and appeared in doubt which to prefer, but desired to see
some loose diamonds, in order to form a better idea of the size, _&c._,
of each ring described in the drawing. Mr. Bilger, however, declared he
had not any by him. It is probable he spoke truth: or he might have lost
such numbers by shewing them, as to deter him from exhibiting them in
future. Without having made up my mind on the subject, I now requested
to see some of his most fashionable broaches or shirt-pins. Mr. Bilger
produced a shew-glass, containing a great variety of articles in pearl,
but he had nothing of the kind in diamonds. I took up two or three of the
broaches and immediately _sunk_ a very handsome one marked three guineas,
in my coat sleeve. I next purloined a beautiful clasp for a lady’s waist,
consisting of stones set in gold, which had the brilliancy and appearance
of real diamonds, but marked only four guineas. I should probably have
gone still deeper, but at this moment a lady coming in, desired to look
at some ear-rings, and the younger Mr. Bilger immediately quitted his
father to attend upon her at the other end of the shop. It struck me
that now was my time for a decisive stroke. The card containing the
diamond rings, procured from the maker, lying very near the shew-glass
I was viewing, and many small articles irregularly placed round about
them, the candles not throwing much light upon that particular spot, and
Mr. Bilger’s attention being divided between myself and the lady, to
whom he frequently addressed himself, I suddenly took the three rings
from the card, and committed them to my sleeve to join the broach and
lady’s clasp; but had them so situated that I could in a moment have
released and replaced them on the counter, had an inquiry been made for
them. I then looked at my watch, and observing that I was going to the
theatre, told Mr. Bilger that I would not trouble him any further, as
the articles before me were too tawdry and common to please me, but that
I would put the card of draughts in my pocket-book, and if I did not
meet with a ring of the kind I wanted before Monday or Tuesday, I would
certainly call again and give him final directions. I was then drawing
on my gloves, being anxious to quit the shop while I was well; but Mr.
Bilger, who seemed delighted with the prospect of my custom, begged so
earnestly that I would allow him to shew me his brilliant assortment of
gold watches that I could not refuse to gratify him, though I certainly
incurred a great risk by my compliance. I, therefore, answered, “Really,
Mr. Bilger, I am loth to give you that unnecessary trouble, as I have,
you may perceive, a very good watch already, in point of performance;
though it cost me a mere trifle, only twenty guineas; but it answers
my purpose as well as a more valuable one. However, as I may probably,
before long, want an elegant watch for a lady, I don’t care if I just
run my eye over them.” Mr. Bilger replied, that the greater part of his
stock were fancy watches adapted for ladies, and he defied all London
united to exhibit a finer collection. He then took from his window
a shew-glass, containing about thirty most beautiful watches, some
ornamented with pearls or diamonds, others elegantly enamelled, or chased
in the most delicate style. They were of various prices, from thirty
to one hundred guineas, and the old gentleman rubbing his hands with
an air of rapture, exclaimed, “There they are, Sir; a most fashionable
assortment of goods; allow me to recommend them; they’re all a-going,
Sir—all a-going.” I smiled inwardly at the latter part of this speech,
and thought to myself, “I wish they were going, with all my heart, along
with the diamond rings.” I answered, they were certainly very handsome,
but I would defer a minute inspection of them till my next visit, when I
should have more time to spare. These watches were ranged in exact order,
in five parallel lines, and between each watch was placed a gold seal
or other trinket appertaining to a lady’s watch. It was no easy matter,
therefore, to take away a single article without its being instantly
missed, unless the economy of the whole had been previously deranged. I
contrived, however, to displace a few of the trinkets, on pretence of
admiring them, and ventured to secrete one very rich gold seal marked six
guineas. I then declared I could stay no longer, as I had appointed to
meet a party at the theatre; but that I would certainly call again in a
few days, and lay out some money in return for the trouble I had given.
Mr. Bilger expressed his thanks in the most respectful terms, and waited
upon me to the door, where he took leave of me with a very low _congé_,
_à la mode de France_, of which country he was a native. I now put the
best foot foremost, and having gained a remote street, turned my head,
and perceived Bromley at my heels, who seized my hand, congratulating
me on my success, and complimenting me on the address I had shewn in
this exploit; for he had witnessed all that passed, and knew that I had
succeeded in my object, by the manner in which I quitted the shop. He
informed me that Mr. Bilger, had returned to his counter, and without
attending to the arrangement of the articles thereon, had joined his son
who was still waiting upon the lady, and that he, Bromley, had finally
left them both engaged with her.
Having thus happily achieved this adventure we returned to my lodgings,
where I displayed the booty I had made, and gratified Bromley with a
couple of guineas for his trouble, which fully satisfied him, as I did
not take him with me on terms of equal partnership. The next morning,
Saturday, on reviewing the articles, my wife was so much pleased with one
of the rings, (a beautiful ruby, surrounded with rose-diamonds, price
six guineas,) which exactly fitted her fore-finger, that I suffered
her to retain it for wearing on extraordinary occasions; and I myself
determined to keep the one marked sixteen guineas, (which was a double
rowed brilliant half hoop,) for my little finger. As to the nine-guinea
ring, (which was composed of brilliants, having a space for hair in
the centre,) I sold it immediately, together with the gold seal, to
a Jew-receiver, with whom I had frequent dealings. The broach I also
took a fancy to for my own wear, and the gold clasp I presented to my
wife. In the evening of this day I visited my friends in Newgate, (the
two brothers,) and acknowledged the service they had rendered me by a
suitable present, besides regaling the whole ward with a treat of ale and
porter.
In the interval between my discharge from confinement, and my visit
to Mr. Bilger, I one day went to the shop of a pawnbroker, in
Brydges-street, Covent-garden, for the purpose of pledging some seals,
rings, and other trinkets, which I had purloined at the several shops to
which the brothers had recommended me. I had frequently pledged similar
articles at this shop, as well as many others, because I could get
nearly fifty per cent more by that means than a common receiver would
give for the same goods, and I afterwards sold the duplicates among my
acquaintances, or to the Jews, by which I gained a still further advance.
I entered a private box, as is usual with persons who wish to observe
secrecy; and the pawnbroker, whose name was Turner, coming himself to
wait on me, I produced my goods, demanding a certain sum upon them. Mr.
Turner having looked over the articles, pulled out the sliding shutter
which extends across the counter, so as to obscure the customer from
the view even of a person in the adjoining box, and having taken this
precaution, he spoke to me, in a very respectful manner, to the following
effect: “Sir, I hope you will excuse what I am going to say; but having
observed that you frequently pledge similar goods to these at our shop,
which are afterwards taken out by other persons, I take for granted you
are in the habit of selling the duplicates; it is not my wish to be
impertinently curious, but my reason for asking, is, that if I am right
in my conjecture, I conceive you might as well give me the opportunity
of purchasing them as a stranger. I am ready to give you a fair price,
as I have opportunities of disposing of such goods in the way of trade,
and without putting them in the window, or exposing them at all. Or if
you prefer selling them at once, I will offer you the utmost farthing
I can give, at a word, and save both you and myself the trouble of a
duplicate.” All this he uttered in a low but earnest voice, and with
every appearance of sincerity. Perceiving me to hesitate, he added with
increased emphasis, “Depend on it, Sir, I’ll deal upon the square with
you; I don’t mean to take the smallest advantage, I assure you.” These
last words determined me. I thought it improbable that he could have
any motive for deceiving me, and knowing that many of the pawnbrokers
in London are men of the world, who, while they preserve outwardly a
fair reputation, are at the bottom arrant receivers of stolen goods, I
supposed this man to be one of them; I therefore answered that he was not
mistaken in his opinion; that I was myself in the habit of dealing in
such goods, and being sometimes pressed for money, I was then obliged to
pledge or sell a few articles, to relieve a temporary inconvenience; and
that, relying upon his promises of fair dealing, I had no objection, when
such was the case, to give him an opportunity of becoming a purchaser.
He thanked me for the favour, and desired I would set a price upon the
articles I had now brought. I did so, and he offered me at once a sum
equal to what I expected, though somewhat less than I asked him. Having
received the money agreed for, I departed, well pleased with having
formed so good a connexion. I only describe this interview as explanatory
of a circumstance I shall by and by have occasion to relate.
Any body would suppose that I might have been satisfied with my late
success at Bilger and Son’s, and it will hardly be credited that I should
have the temerity to pay them a second visit, agreeably to the promise
I gave Mr. Bilger at parting: but, such was nevertheless the fact. On
the Monday following the Friday on which I robbed them, having occasion
for a little ready money to pay an instalment to my tailor, with whom I
kept a running account, I requested my wife to take the diamond-ring I
had kept for my own wear, and pledge it at Turner’s for five guineas,
while I myself went with her ring to another shop, and borrowed three
guineas on it. I conceived there could be no danger attending this
proceeding, as there was nothing remarkable in either of the rings, and
I had the fullest conviction that the pawnbroker to whom I applied, was
actually such a character as from the conversation of Turner, I doubted
not the latter to be: besides, it was in my power at a minute’s warning
to have redeemed both, and I intended so to do in a few days. The next
day (Tuesday,) I determined to re-visit Mr. Bilger, against the advice
both of my wife and Bromley, who censured such a step as an act of
downright madness, which indeed it certainly was: but I was so infatuated
as to think it possible that as there was another party in the shop as
well as myself, the suspicion might have attached to her; or, that my
appearance and address would so far operate in my favour, as at least to
leave Bilger in doubt who to suspect: in which case, my calling again
exactly at the time I had promised, would certainly remove every shadow
of such doubt, and I might perhaps be enabled to obtain one or more of
the valuable watches Mr. Bilger had shewn me. To make every thing secure
I intended to take Bromley with me, who could observe the reception I
met with, and in the event of my being detained on suspicion, I directed
him to hasten to my wife with the information, who was instantly to
redeem the two rings we had pledged, and then effectually conceal the
whole of the stolen articles beyond the reach of discovery; so that no
property being found on, or traced to me, I must inevitably have been
discharged. These precautions were certainly sufficient to prevent any
ill consequences, but still I shall ever condemn myself for so rash an
act. About six o’clock in the evening, myself and Bromley set out on this
ill-fated expedition. Arriving at Bilger’s, I entered with an air of
confidence, and finding the son only in the shop, I addressed him with
a good-natured smile in these words: “Well, Sir, you see I’m punctual
to my promise: is your father within?” He answered in the affirmative,
with a mixture of surprise and doubt in his countenance; then stepping
backwards, he called Mr. Bilger, saying in a significant tone, “Father,
here is the gentleman come about the diamond ring.” Mr. Bilger then
advancing, saluted me with a formal coldness, which convinced me that
I was suspected. However, it was then too late to recede, so laying my
hat upon the counter, and drawing a stool, I said, with a familiar air,
“Well, Mr. Bilger, I have called to give you directions for making this
ring, but I must beg that you will spare no pains in the execution, as
I repeat that the price will not be an object; only tell me candidly
at what time you will undertake to have it ready, as I am going out of
town in a few days.” He replied, that I might depend on it by Saturday
evening. “Very well,” said I, “that will be time enough.” Mr. Bilger
then desired his son to take down my instructions, for which purpose
the latter opened his day-book, and I took from my pocket the card of
draughts, in which I pointed out the one I had determined on. Then
describing minutely the various particulars, the kind of shank, _&c._;
the young man wrote what he thought necessary, appearing to pay the
strictest attention to my directions, and concluded with requesting my
name and address. I answered (what first came into my head, as my only
object now was to get decently clear of the shop,) “Mr. Deakin, 13,
Curzon-street, May-fair.” I next desired Mr. Bilger to shew me again his
assortment of lady’s watches, as I intended to purchase one when the ring
was completed; but, the old gentleman replied with evident embarrassment,
that he really had none in the house, but that his son should wait upon
me with a selection, when the ring was finished! I answered carelessly,
“that will do very well, Mr Bilger. I hope, Sir, you will not fail to be
punctual; let it be an elegant article, and don’t neglect to send the
watches. I shall now bid you good evening.” Then buttoning my coat,
_&c._, I advanced toward the door, expecting every moment to be detained,
or at least questioned about the three diamond rings. Nothing of the
sort, however, occurred. Mr. Bilger attended me to the door with as much
politeness, though not quite the same warmth as at my first visit; and
I was not at all sorry when I found myself at a distance from the shop.
My watchful friend Bromley soon joined me, with the information that
Bilger had stood above a minute gazing after me before he closed the
door, and that he clearly perceived I had had a narrow escape. Having
satisfied myself by making the experiment, I now hastened home to relieve
the anxiety of my wife; and concluding I should neither see or hear any
more of Messrs. Bilger and Son, turned my attention to new projects for
“raising the wind.”
A few days afterwards, calling at Turner’s, the pawnbroker, to dispose of
some trifling articles, that person, after apologizing for the liberty
he was about to take, begged leave to ask if my “good lady” had not
pledged a diamond-ring with him a few days before, for five guineas?
Surprised at this question, I hesitated; on which he continued, “I assure
you, Sir, I have no impertinent motive for the question, but a lady of
my acquaintance having seen the article, is very much in love with it;
and, if it should be yours, and that you are inclined hereafter to sell
it, I should be happy to purchase it for her. The lady who pledged it
having frequently come to redeem articles left by you, I concluded from
thence that she was your wife.” As I was willing to be upon my guard,
I answered, that my wife had indeed several rings, and it was possible
he might be right in his conjecture, but I was ignorant of her having
pledged such an article; that I would, however, make inquiry on the
subject, and let him know the next time I saw him. Having communicated
this conversation to my wife, she saw nothing extraordinary in it, as
the ring was a very elegant trinket, and would naturally excite the
admiration of any lady. The next day, I again called upon Turner, and
told him that the ring he mentioned was the property of my wife, but at
present she had no mind to part with it, and here the matter dropped.
Three or four days after this last interview, having been successful at
the theatres, and my purse being replenished, I determined to redeem the
ring pledged at Turner’s, and taking the duplicate with me, I entered
one of the private boxes as usual, from a back door in Russell-court,
and calling to the shopman, produced my ticket, and desired to have the
ring. The lad took the former out of my hand, and laid it on a shelf;
then proceeded with the business he was before engaged in, without
offering to attend to me. I thought this very odd, and seeing Turner
himself at the far end of the counter, writing duplicates for some women,
and pretending to be so much engaged as not to notice me, though I was
sensible he must, I began, as the phrase is, to _smell a rat_. I then
repeated my request to the boy, with some impatience, and a louder voice,
on which the latter went up to his master, and I heard him whisper, “Sir,
here’s the gentleman come for the diamond-ring.” His master, without
turning his head, or looking off his book, (though he always used to pay
the most eager attention to me,) said something I could not hear; and
the lad approaching the box in which I stood, told me his master would
be glad if I would step round to the front door, (meaning the door of
the public shop, which opened into Brydges-street.) I was now more than
ever surprised, and convinced that mischief was intended me. However, as
in such cases, I was often too rash, and despised fear as unbecoming an
adventurer of my address and appearance, I answered, “O by all means,
my man, I’ll go round;” which I immediately did; but on entering the
shop, I was surprised to find that Mr. Turner had vanished. I then said
to the boy, with a smile of gaiety, “Why, my good lad, I don’t see your
master, now I’ve taken the trouble to come here.” The boy replied, “Sir,
my master will wait upon you directly; he’s only gone backwards to speak
to the servant.” This was enough for me. I no longer doubted that he was
gone to send for an officer; and that it was, therefore, high time for
me to make sail while I was well. I, therefore, appeared for a moment
satisfied with the boy’s answer, but seeming suddenly to recollect
myself, I said to him, “My wife is at the door; I believe I may as well
ask her to step in,” Then immediately opening the door, which fell to
with a pulley, I quitted the shop and turning the corner, got into
Russell-court, through which I ran with all my speed, nor stopped till I
found myself at a considerable distance, and out of all danger. I then
walked home by a circuitous route, and related the adventure to my wife,
who was, of course, seriously alarmed, and joined with me in reprobating
the treachery of the pawnbroker, for whose perfidious conduct, after the
assurances he had given me, we were at a loss to account.
CHAPTER VII.
_Take a House in St. George’s Fields.—Stay at home for several
Weeks.—At length I venture out in quest of Money.—My imprudent
Obstinacy in entering a House of ill-repute against the Advice
and Entreaties of my Wife.—I am taken in custody, and carried
to the Watch-house.—Distress of my Wife on the Occasion._
As my person was well known to all the surrounding pawnbrokers, and my
real abode to many of them, myself and wife were under considerable
alarm at every knock we heard at the house-door that evening; and it
was my wife’s earnest entreaty that I should the next morning look out
for a lodging in a remote part of the town, where I might lie concealed
for awhile until the affair had cooled. Accordingly I went out with
that intention at an early hour, and engaged a first floor very neatly
furnished, in Webber-row, St. George’s Fields; to which we removed with
our effects, in the most private manner, the very next day. As I had
taken care that we were not watched in our removal, we found ourselves
freed from any immediate anxiety in our new abode; but I was afraid
to shew myself at all in the neighbourhood of our late residence, nor
could I venture even to the theatres in quest of money. We, therefore,
continued domesticated until after Christmas; but finding the rent we
paid (fourteen shillings per week,) to come rather heavy upon us, as I
was getting nothing, but living on the little I had by me, I determined
to hire a small house in one of the new streets near the Obelisk, and
to purchase such articles of furniture as were indispensable, whatever
sacrifices I might make to enable me to do so. I very soon met with a
neat little house, in Gun-street, at the low rent of five shillings a
week. It consisted indeed of only two rooms, one over the other, with a
small kitchen behind, but was sufficiently large for our purpose. I was
so assiduous in this undertaking, that in a few days I had purchased
every necessary article for our use, and we immediately entered on the
premises. It is true, having but little ready money, I was compelled
on this occasion to pledge my watch, chain, and seals, together with
several trinkets of my own and my wife’s, and many articles of our
wearing apparel, but of the latter we had both a pretty ample stock. We
were then obliged to live as frugally as possible, and during the whole
month of January I never once stirred out of the street we resided in,
except on the following occasion. Being anxious to see poor Bromley,
whom I had not had an opportunity of apprizing of our removal from
Drury-lane, I determined to venture out, and endeavour to find him at
one of the houses I knew he frequented in that neighbourhood: for this
purpose I disguised myself as much as I could, and going late in the
evening to a public-house in Parker’s lane, I found a number of dissolute
characters of the lowest class, assembled there, but on looking round
saw no appearance of Bromley. Having drank a glass at the bar, I was
on the point of quitting the house to seek further, when a girl of the
town, of whom there were a number present, tapped me on the shoulder,
and, taking me aside, observed that she was astonished at my madness
in venturing to that quarter of the town, considering the situation in
which I stood, and the consequent risk I incurred. This girl had formerly
cohabited with Bromley, and had by that means known me for some time. As
I knew her to be incapable of any bad design, I requested her to explain
herself more fully. She then said, that she had gone a few days before
this to the shop of Lane, a pawnbroker in Drury-lane, on some business
of her own, and that one of the shopmen inquired if she had lately seen
Vaux? desiring her, if she met with me, to caution me to keep out of the
way, as I was advertised, and very fully described in printed hand-bills,
circulated among the pawnbrokers, in which I stood charged with robbing
a jeweller’s shop in Piccadilly; that being on intimate terms with this
shopman, she had obtained a sight of the hand-bill in question, and had
read with her own eyes a confirmation of what the young man had told
her. She now repeated to me the tenor of the same, stating that a reward
of ten guineas was offered for my apprehension, and ten guineas more on
my conviction; that the articles stolen, consisting of diamond-rings,
_&c._, were described, as was also my dress, and person, in the minutest
manner, not excepting even my whiskers, eyes, and teeth, the watch and
appendages I wore, the mourning-ring on my finger, eye-glass, _&c._ She,
therefore, strongly exhorted me to avoid this part of the town, in which
I was so well known; and promised if she saw Bromley, to direct him to
a place I named, at which he would hear of me. Having gratified this
well-meaning woman with a small present, I returned home with all the
speed I could; and ruminating in my way on what I had heard, I was now
convinced beyond a doubt, that Bilger junior, at the time he pretended to
be taking directions of me for the ring I bespoke, was actually intent
upon taking a description of my person, _&c._, which he wrote down in the
book before him, in order that, should his father’s suspicions prove well
founded, a proper search might be made after me. This news was not likely
to alleviate the anxiety of my wife for my safety, or to encourage me in
sallying forth with the view of recruiting my finances, which were now at
a very low ebb.