bay, and met with captain Sclater, bound for England, made a bargain
for my passage, told him I had an estate fallen to me, and was going
home to take possession of it; got all necessaries for the voyage,
took leave of all my acquaintances, and in 1761, went on board; my
servant, who still continued in town, begged to accompany me wherever
I should go, but being at this time very sick, I was obliged to leave
him behind me, tho’ very unwilling. After being on board about three
weeks, I began to write; at the same time telling the captain, I had
sent the most valuable of my papers home in the West India fleet.
We had a long passage of nine weeks, and the day before we made
Falmouth, a most terrible hurricane came on, the oldest person on
board had never before seen the like: we resigned our selves to the
mercy of God, and the mountains of waves; however, we at length put
into Falmouth, in a shattered condition. Captain Sclater and I went
directly on shore, I then told him my intention of going up to London
by land. I had a negroe of his to sell, but could not get my price
for him; the gentleman I applied to, knowing my friend, desired me to
be perfectly easy, as I might have ten or twenty pounds to carry me
to town; I took only ten guineas, and gave him my note for it. I also
settled with the captain, and gave him a note for thirty-five pounds,
for the payment of my passage, and other matters betwixt us.
I set out for London along with part of the guard that came with the
money, brought over in the Lisbon packet; my friend at Falmouth lent
me one of his horses; when we came to Exeter I took a post-chaise,
but not before I had borrowed twenty guineas of the landlord, who
really thought I was a sharer in this fine prize, and master of the
packet. The whole sum was imagined to be seventy thousand pounds. I
made a bold attempt, and got some of this money, and should have got
much more, but for the want of a partner. I put this and the rest of
my money into the seat of the chaise, suffered a man to ride behind
to the next post town, where I quitted the chaise, put the money in
a box, and had it sent to town by the next waggon, and which came
very safely to my hands. I was vain enough to think with proper
assistance, I could have got hold of the greatest part of this cargo
of money. I set out post for town on horse-back; my behaviour all
the way was such as gave every body satisfaction, from the genteel
treatment they all had from me on the road; they gave me the greatest
character, which I turned to the best advantage, and made several
little sums by the way. On searching my pockets in London, I found
myself possessed of more than one hundred pounds; but thought of
having another push at the treasure, which was expected in town every
hour; I went to the inn in Friday-street, told the book-keeper all
the circumstances relating to the money, and where I had left them
on the road, with other descriptions that gave him satisfaction; and
that my concern in the cash was considerable; he told me, I should
be heartily welcome to all the money he had, accordingly he brought
me eight guineas; after expressing my concern for giving him so much
trouble, I walked away from him.
I did not think of visiting him any more; but went to Mr. Lane’s in
Drury-lane, where I hired a chariot, with a coachman and footman, in
order to pay a visit to my father, whom I had not seen for fourteen
years; my good father was glad to see me, I promised him to go again
shortly, but never did more. The misfortunes I have undergone,
has been, I am certain, intirely owing to the continual state of
rebellion, that I lived in with my dear parents; and God for such
unnatural practices, has been pleased to bring me to this most just
and deserved punishment, I am now shortly to suffer. Oh! that from my
sad fate, children would learn obedience to their parents, which will
be attended with every desirable advantage on earth; be a blessing
to themselves, and an honour to the human race; the enjoyment of
peace and felicity in this world, and the sure and certain hope of
enjoying the life which is to come. Were it known to the world, who
my parents are, it could give them no satisfaction; I have been a
disgrace to them, and would wish disobedient children to be warned
from perpetrating those infamous actions, which may in the end work
their own ruin; and such deeds, that their unfortunate parents, could
neither foresee nor prevent. If children did but properly consider,
the very fear of bringing their innocent parents to disgrace and
shame, would prevent them from pursuing those wicked practices which
end in being publickly exposed to a censorious world, and suffering
an ignominious death.
I sought out all places of gaming and horse-races, till my money
was all existed. I hired a post-chaise, with an intention of going
to Dublin, and went in this manner to Birmingham, where I defrauded
a great many tradesmen; and at my departure, hired a horse for
Park-Gate, waiting some time for a fair wind, my money running very
short; but at length a fair wind springing up, I went on board, and
there passed for Maddocks the wire dancer’s brother, who had but
lately been cast away in his passage from this port to Ireland. The
passengers were much afraid least the same fate should attend us, as
did him and his unfortunate companions; one of whom was Theophilus
Cibber, the famous comedian. But God’s holy name be prais’d, we had a
very fine passage, and arrived very safely in the port of Dublin.
I went on shore, and took me a lodging, and went the next night to
the Play-House, in Crow-Street, where I made application to Mr.
Barry, as the brother of Mr. Maddocks, and that I wanted to perform
in my deceased brother’s way, though my real intention was only
to borrow money of him. Mr. Barry told me he must see some of my
performances first: well knowing my own inability in performances
of that kind, without broken bones, I desisted from Mr. Barry and
thought of making my market of Mr. Mossop; but he told me it was too
late in the season to engage any performers. Meeting with these two
rebuffs, I went to a Goldsmith, to cheapen some buckles; he sent his
boy to my lodgings with two pair of Bristol-stone buckles, set in
silver: I sent the boy back for two small rings; In his absence, I
marched off with the buckles, and sold them at a Bagnio for my own
price. The next day the buckles were advertised, and in a few days
after I was taken at the same house by the master of the Bagnio; for
they were fools enough to tell of their prize to several neighbours,
that they had bought two fine pair of buckles very cheap, and found
themselves now in danger of much trouble for their simplicity: but
the good nature of the master, got me off from any other punishment
than that of making them a recompence for their loss. I bought me a
regimental suit of cloaths, and visited the milliners as an officer;
at one shop I desired them to put up a box of the best sorts of their
lace to shew a lady, and send the servant with me, with which the
milliner most readily complied; we went directly to my lodgings,
where I directly ordered her to go and fetch me some handkerchiefs;
in the interval I pushed off with the laces, and sold them all the
next morning. I was immediately advertised, and taken by a thief
catcher, but at the earnest intercession of his wife, he let me go;
I went for the country, and at Thomolin, I was again taken by the
description in the same advertisement, and brought back to Dublin;
but I made the people robbed, so easy with my flattering behaviour,
they did not care much what came of me, so that I meditated, and
accomplished my escape, after a good supper, and drinking plenty of
wine.
Money was now low with me, so that I was obliged to step into a
linnen-draper’s shop, and steal some handkerchiefs, made sale of them
directly, and with the money paid for my passage to Park-Gate, where
I found a ship bound to the Isle of Man, on which going directly on
board, landed at Douglas, but I found nothing could be done here, the
people being all as great thieves as myself. So in a little vessel
bound for Scotland, I got on board, who landed me at Dumfries; where
the moment I got on shore, I paid a visit to the merchants (the
meanest shopkeeper is so here) the milliners and others, and picked
up enough in defrauding them to support me tolerable. But the town
being small, business promised but a short continuance. I made the
best of my way to Edinburgh, the horse I brought with me, I sold
to a drover for three pounds; and put up at one Browne’s, of whom I
borrowed a clean shirt to go to the play, enquired for the manager of
the house, which proved to be Mr. Digges; I wanted him to engage me
on the same terms as I had made application to Messieurs Barry and
Mossop, he said I should perform the next week, but that was too late
for me. I then went to the Parliament-Close, to a silver-smith’s,
cheapened some of his buckles, and according to my usual method,
desired him to put up two pair and two rings, let his servant go with
me to my lodgings; when I sent back for something more, then went out
and sold them to Mrs. Japp, at a Bagnio, where I refreshed myself
for two days: but by some accident, was taken and committed to the
Talbooth-Goal, where I lay for three weeks, brought to my trial, and
acquitted, but ordered to depart the city in three days. I must say
I had very great favour shewn me, as any person could have, which
was more than I either expected or deserved. On my being discharged,
I hired a horse, and stole some handkerchiefs, and rode away for
Berwick, where the horse was sold. I had no opportunity nor time to
deal with the good people of Berwick, so went on board a ship bound
for London, to which place we had a long and tedious passage: on our
arrival, I thought proper to take with me, the bundle of one of the
passengers, what suited me I kept, and the rest was sold.
I made but a short stay in London, hired a horse for Bristol, sold
him there, and bought a stallion, with which I went to Cowbridge in
Glamorganshire, there sold him, and stole a silver watch, besides
some small parcels of laces. I did not like this of all the places I
had ever been at; and set off directly for London, where I sojourned
but a few days, went down to Portsmouth, took lodgings at a very
creditable house, told my landlady I was a dealer in lace, desiring
she would recommend me, which she did to several shops, where I got
several pieces, went over to Gosport among the silver-smiths, and got
some small booty there. I hired a horse in Portsmouth for London:
within four miles of Kingston, I came up with two seamen, stopp’d,
and demanded their money and watches, they gave me four guineas,
and a silver watch; I left them, wishing them safety to London.
Between Wandsworth and Vaux-Hall, I stopped a gentleman and lady in
a post-chaise, robbed them of thirteen guineas, the post-boy got off
his horse and ran away; but after I had secured the money, I rode
after him, brought him back, and gave him a hearty flogging: the
gentleman then returned me thanks in a very kind and hearty manner,
and I wished him and his lady a good night. I went that night to
Vaux-Hall, and between the hours of eleven and twelve, I stopped
the Portsmouth machine, for which I was apprehended, and carried
before the sitting justices in the Borough, where they searched me,
but found nothing, yet my pistols were in my breeches pockets; I
was discharged as they had no proof of any thing I had done amiss:
I called for my horse, and mounted, crying out to them, if any one
could ride that horse better than I, they might follow me; I went
directly into London, and was taken very bad, so that I was obliged
to go through a salivation for one month. I then began to be short
of money, and was obliged to go a thieving again; accordingly I took
a hackney coach, being still very weak, and not able to walk, I went
to a milliner’s, or lace shop, near the Royal-Exchange in Cornhill,
and stole twelve yards of point lace, to the value of thirty-six
pounds, which I sold. I began to get strength daily, so one day took
a walk to the Park, and so to Chelsea, where I hired a horse to ride
about a little while, being tired with walking; I put my horse up at
the Horse and Groom, in order to regale myself over a pint of mull’d
wine: and seeing there a fine grey mare, with new bridle and saddle,
I made enquiry of the owner’s name in the house, and found it was
Simpson; in a short time, desired the ostler to put the bridle and
saddle on the mare, as I thought Mr. Simpson stayed longer than he
promised; the man without the least suspicion brought the mare out,
I mounted and rode into London, and at the end of Fleet-Market, was
stopped by the owner, he asked if I had not that mare at Chelsea; I
very frankly assured him I had, and was going on a very hasty message
from the master of the Horse and Groom, into Bishopsgate-Street, and
was to return with all speed; he said it was very well, and left me
to proceed where I would. I went into the Borough, and left the mare
in pawn for six guineas. I went the next morning to Hyde-Park-Corner,
and hired a Spanish Mare to go to Hounslow, went round the country
to Epping, robbed two milliners of some lace, came back to town,
and left the mare in pawn for four guineas with the landlord of the
Catherine-Wheel Inn, in Bishopsgate-Street. I went out again in a
few days, and at the upper end of Tyburn-Road, I hired another horse
to take an airing, but went only round to Whitechapel, and left him
in pawn at the Chaise and Horses there, for four pounds. A great
number more horses I hired in like manner, my method was always to
get the names of the stable-keepers, and of all the gentlemen’s
horses that stood with them, that I possibly could. I always called
them familiarly by their names, thought I might have the knowledge of
them, and their mentioning some gentleman that the acquaintance might
arise from, I immediately joined with them, in affirming that it
was so. I do think I have been advertised near a hundred times, for
horses hired in this manner. As I had hitherto escaped, I thought it
now high time to leave off dealing with the stable-keepers, and turn
my hand to other branches, in which I had not been less successful.
I went into Leicester-fields to take lodgings, and the gentlewoman of
the house dealt very largely in lace, which I did not know of before;
I told her I was just come from the West Indies; she took me for a
gentleman of distinction, as I had a servant in livery along with
me. I told her, I should be glad to see some of her lace to make me
ruffles; she shewed me some point, at four pounds ten shillings: I
stole one piece, containing twelve yards; I sold six yards, and sent
the other six to pawn: the person I sent it to, stopped it, although
she had taken in pawn many pieces that she knew to be stolen by me
before. This event grieved me very much, as I was under the necessity
of turning out again. I went to a watch-maker’s in the Strand, and
finding the master out, I asked his wife, if my watch was done? she
not knowing but I had bespoke one, shewed me a great many; I stole
a fine gold watch in this time, and went away: I met, just there,
with one Smith, a bailiff’s follower, to whom I sold the watch. I
went into another watch-maker’s, being short of money, finding only a
woman in the house, she shewed me three watches, one of which I took
by force, ran out of the shop with it, and got clear off. This was in
the morning. I went to a pawnbroker’s and pledged it for two guineas.
I soon heard of a particular milliner’s shop at Charing-cross, Mrs.
Moore, where business might be done; agreeable to this information,
I hired a woman servant, sent her to Mrs. Moore’s, and desired
she would tell the milliner, I was lately come from abroad, and
wanted some shirts, neckcloths, and other things, to the amount of
eighty pounds, all of which were brought to me; but there being no
black neckcloths, I requested Mrs. Moore to go back for some, and
soon after sent the maid to desire her to bring two dozen; in this
interval, I made off into the country, and sold all, pretending to
be a dealer in lace myself. I came back to London in a few days,
and paid a visit to Mr. Snow, on Ludgate-hill as one just come from
Portsmouth, where I had landed from the West Indies; I desired him to
shew me some handsome rings, to shew to a young lady; as I told him,
he put up two that I had chosen, at six and seven guineas price; he
sent his boy with me to a tavern at Temple-bar, where on our arrival,
I sent the boy back for two rings, that his master had forgot; he
went very readily his way, and I also with my booty. I pawned these
rings to a certain man, F—— Pr——, near Covent-garden, for three
guineas and a half. I have pawned a great many things with this man,
that I am very certain he knew to be stolen; he always received every
thing from me without any hesitation, reluctance, or denial, although
he is a pretended honest man.
I then took my horse that I had standing by Covent-garden, and rid to
the George at Hounslow; where sitting over a pint of wine, I resolved
within myself that I would rob the first man I met. Going over the
heath, I met with one Mr. Simpson, a dealer in lace, as he told me;
him I robbed of fifteen pounds in money, and his silver watch; then I
pushed off for Henley on Thames, and meeting with the master of the
Crown inn in that town, I robbed him of a gold watch, and thirty-five
shillings; afterwards went to Henley, had a pint of wine, and then
returned to London. The very next night I went out again, and near
the turnpike by Battle-bridge wells, I robbed two post-chaises, one
of thirteen pounds, and the other of somewhat less; I came into town
directly, put up my horse as usual by Covent-garden, and refreshed
myself. I then fell ill, I believe from a fall from my horse; I
made application to a doctor, and soon got well. I paid a visit to
Vauxhall: going over Westminster-bridge, I robbed two gentlemen of
their watches, and thirty shillings in silver, which was all they
had, having left the remainder of their money with Mr. Tyre, at
Vauxhall. I made directly for Covent-garden, put up my horse, and lay
at a bagnio that night: I got up the next morning early, and set out
for the last Ascot-heath races, where I lost a good deal of money; in
short the chances run against me. In returning home, I was obliged to
leave my horse in pawn at Hounslow, being short of money.
I turned out on Tuesday the 27th of September last, I took coach
and paid a visit to Mrs. Dixon, a milliner, in Broad-street,
Carnaby-market; the last and fatal place for me, and for which fact
I am most deservedly to die. I asked her for a pair of minionet
ruffles, but at this time she not having any thing to suit me
(though she seemed vastly desirous to serve me) for ruffles, which
I pretended to want, she very politely begged I would come again
the next day; which in full expectation of bettering myself, I
determined not to rob her now, which with ease I could have done,
as she was intirely unsuspecting, and treated me with vast gentility
and politeness; declaring, that if I would come the next day, she
would shew me some very fine patterns of lace and ruffles. Mrs. Dixon
undoubtedly took me for a gentleman; and in this she was no farther
deceived than hundreds of people had been before her. Mrs. Dixon
described what passed betwixt us very exactly upon my trial; that
I tossed the pieces of lace about, pretending they were not fine
enough, as indeed, for my purpose, they were not: according to my
old custom, I clapped my hand to my head, as if not well, and had I
found any lace I approved, to have taken my handkerchief out to cover
it as usual. Mrs. Dixon asked me, if I was not well, and I answered
her in the affirmative; and as I had been telling her before of my
buying ruffles in Jamaica, she said very smartly, sir, perhaps the
air of England does not agree with you, and you may not intend to
return again; to which I replied, that I certainly should, having
not only a ship, but other property of great consequence there; then
I took my leave of her, promising to come on the morrow, and bring
a lady along with me: I accordingly went, and all things were ready
for my reception; many pieces of lace were shewn me, all of them very
fine indeed; I fixed my eye on a genteel and well fancied piece,
began to examine my handkerchief, according to art; but two pair of
eyes being too many for me, under pretence of my wanting some lace
for a cravat, Mrs. Dixon sent her maid out for them; I instantly
grasped my prize, slid it into my pocket, and went away, without
buying any thing. Undoubtedly Mrs. Dixon was heartily vexed, to see
herself so dexterously slung; but however, her prudence now began to
rouze itself; for she made use of the most probable means either to
regain the lace, discover the thief, or both. Upon some occasions,
it is certainly not amiss _to set a thief to catch a thief_; but be
that as it may, I am pretty certain, had not Mrs. Dixon taken the
expedient of having her lace advertised at a pawnbroker’s, she would
never have seen thief or lace more. A pawnbroker is a most villainous
employment: they not only exist by griping and grinding the faces of
the poor, but are places of refuge for things stolen, few of them
ever making enquiry how the party came by what they offer in pledge,
and the less sum of money is demanded, the less is their desire to
have it redeemed, or take notice of any advertisement; on seeing any
such, they can directly make away with the matters in dispute, or
send it amongst the Jews stolen cargoes to Holland.
On my marching off with Mrs. Dixon’s lace, I took a chair, and went
to Strand-Lane, not with any intention to dispose of what I had got,
but falling into conversation with Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Rogers, asked
them if I might dine there, and was answered in the affirmative,
discharged the chair, and dined with them on Pig; they both to me
were utterly unknown before. After dinner I pulled out the lace,
shewed it to them, then pretended to be short of Money, and but just
come from Jamaica; I prevailed on Mrs. Rogers to go and pledge part
of it, but not to take notice to Davis, what she was gone about. As
soon as she was gone, I sent Davis with the other pieces I cut of,
with the same injunction, not to tell the other. Though the whole of
my trial is in the main, true, yet with regard to the time, Davis
who pledged, and Brooks the pawnbroker, are both wrong; for it was
past one o’clock when I stole it, two when I got to Strand-Lane,
and at least three, when Mrs. Rogers went out with the first, as
she justly swore. I mention not this by way of reflection, but that
witnesses should consider when upon oath, they are to speak the whole
truth, and in this instance it is certainly a falsehood. I made a
most pitiful and shuffling defence; as indeed who could do otherwise
under the vast load of guilt, I had to sustain, being under a stupid
infatuation, and certain that my race was run. I could very easily
have escaped or eluded the most diligent search made after me, for I
saw the advertisement, had information of Davis’s being in custody
for pledging the lace, and warned if any thing was amiss, that I
would immediately fly, for fear of the bad consequences which might
ensue; but all this I slighted; indeed I saw destruction before me,
yet determined to make use of no means to shun it: by the persuasion
of a certain person who has been exceeding kind and serviceable to
me under my troubles, I went to Goodman’s-fields, stayed all night,
returned the next day which was Tuesday the 4th of October; on our
return, I heard of the enquiry made after me at this house, by very
suspicious persons; however, having bought the Beggar’s Opera, I
was determined to go, and did, to see that play this evening: after
the play was done, I returned to my lodging, and was told, two
ill-looking fellows had been to see for me, and that they were at an
alehouse just by; on this intelligence, I stood some time like one
confounded or in a trance, and at length went into my room; where
I had been scarce a quarter of an hour, till the constable and my
old friend Mr. Fuller, the thief-catcher, burst the door open, and
accosted me with, _Oh, Captain, is it you!_ then took me with my
friend to Covent-garden round-house, and the next day before Sir John
Fielding, who committed me to New-prison, as before mentioned: I
saw several of my old acquaintances about Sir John’s, and some who
have deserved what I have met with; but they say they are now turned
honest, though I greatly fear it is all a sham: but I was to them
all unknown, at least with regard to my old pranks; they did think
I dealt on the highway, and also in horses; but my old friend Mr.
Fuller knew something of me with regard to horses, not much to his
benefit: how can it possibly be so to people who have any concern
with those of my unhappy profession?