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doubted not of finding traces of the property, on searching my
apartment, I gave myself up for lost, as I had imprudently preserved
all the duplicates of the articles pledged, which were now deposited
in my bureau. I, however, continued mute, and Mr. Dalton requested
Mr. Preston to send one of his clerks for a constable; on the arrival
of whom, he gave me in charge, and, accompanied by both
gentlemen, I walked to my lodgings, the young man I formerly
mentioned (who proved to be a clerk to Messrs. Dalton and
Edwards, and who, as well as Mr. Edwards, were also sent for by Mr.
Preston,) leading the way.
I afterwards ascertained that Mr. Dalton having, on my elopement,
come to a knowledge of the frauds I had practised on the Bury
tradesmen, and by some accident found out that his trunk had not
been received by Mr. Lyne, had written to Mr. Edwards an account of
the whole, and that his clerk having recollected my person, had
watched me home a few days before; and Mr. Dalton having then
been summoned to town, had arrived that very morning, and
proceeded to apprehend me.
Having entered my apartment, Mr. Dalton demanded my keys,
which, as I found it useless longer to dissimulate, I gave up, and my
drawers being searched, the unlucky duplicates were immediately
found, and in my trunk two or three articles of apparel, which I had
intended to have had altered for my own wear, and which Mr. Dalton
identified. I therefore confessed the truth, and that those duplicates
would lead to the recovery of all the property, except the uniform,
which I had sold to a Jew, (in the street I said, but this was because
I would not implicate the man, who kept a respectable sale-shop
near Covent-garden,) and the portmanteau itself, which I told him I
had destroyed. Mr. Dalton had now some conversation with the
constable apart, the result of which was, that the latter was ordered
to retain me in custody; and this officer pretending to pity my youth,
and to wish, if possible, that the affair might be compromised
without public disgrace, offered to confine me in his own house,
which was in Chancery-lane, till Mr. Dalton had considered further on
the subject. This having been agreed to, I accompanied the
constable to his house, where I had an apartment assigned me, and
was left (like Captain Macheath,) to my private meditations: these, it
may be conjectured, were not the most agreeable, as this was the
first time of my ever being “in durance vile.”
I heard no more of Mr. Dalton till the next morning, when I was
not a little surprised to see him accompanied by my friend Mr.
Presland. It seems that the former, prior to his apprehending me,
had an interview with my landlady in Roll’s buildings, and had learnt
from her, that she had obtained a character of me from the latter
gentleman, on my taking her apartments. Mr. Dalton in
consequence, after consigning me to the constable’s care, had
waited on Mr. Presland, and informed him of the disgraceful situation
in which I was then placed. The result of their interview was the visit
I am now going to describe. Mr. Presland, after expressing his
concern at the state in which he saw me, and his anxious wish to
save me from the disgrace of a public prosecution, inquired if I could
undertake to recover the whole of Mr. Dalton’s property, in case I
was furnished with pecuniary means; on my answering in the
affirmative, (with the exceptions before mentioned,) this truly
generous friend told me that Mr. Dalton had consented to forego a
prosecution, provided he had his property restored, and was
reimbursed the expenses of his journey to London and back again;
and that, from motives of regard for the credit of our family, he, Mr.
Presland, had agreed to disburse a sum of money adequate to the
occasion, and would trust to the chance of being repaid by my
relations at some future period, when he had broke the matter to
them in as delicate a manner as possible. He added, that he trusted
my future conduct would never again place me in so perilous and
dishonourable a situation. I, of course, expressed the most heartfelt
gratitude for such an act of unmerited generosity, and it was settled
that the constable should immediately attend me to the different
pawnbrokers’ at which the articles were pledged, for the purpose of
redeeming them. I was accordingly supplied with money by Mr.
Presland, and having received the duplicates, we set out on our
expedition. As I had pledged the property in various parts of the
town, and some of them very remote, this task occupied three whole
days, during which time I dieted and lodged at the constable’s
house, my kind relation having become responsible for every
expense. The whole of the articles pledged having been redeemed,
were restored to Mr. Dalton, and Mr. Presland indemnified that
gentleman for those which were irrecoverable. The aggregate of the
expense incurred on this occasion, including principal and interest to
the pawnbrokers, expenses to Mr. Dalton, and compensation to the
constable for his attendance, amounted to upwards of thirty pounds.
Every thing being finally settled, I was seriously admonished by Mr.
Presland, who, on my enlargement from custody, presented me with
five guineas, and made me promise that I would immediately set out
for S⸺shire, and endeavour to obtain an appointment in the
country; being much afraid, he said, that if I continued in town, my
total ruin would be the inevitable consequence.
 CHAPTER XI.
Obtain an Employment as Clerk and Shopman.—Rob my Employers, and embezzle
several sums of Money.—Quit this Service, and am soon after taken in
custody, and committed to the Bastille[17].

Notwithstanding the promise I had given Mr. Presland, I could not

reconcile myself to the S⸺shire journey; the shame I felt at having
quitted my honourable station in the navy, as well as some other
reasons, and perhaps, above all, the unavoidable destiny which
awaited me, concurred to prevent my taking the salutary advice of
my worthy and respected friend. Having, therefore, privately
changed my place of abode, I began to consider how I should
procure another employment in town, and for this purpose I
carefully examined the advertisements in the daily papers, my
intention being now to enter into a mercantile clerkship, or to
engage as assistant in a retail shop, hoping thereby (with shame I
confess it,) to have a better opportunity of realizing money by fraud
or robbery, than I could expect in the restricted capacity of an
attorney’s clerk.
At length I met with an advertisement, stating that a young man
who had a general knowledge of business, was wanted in a retail
shop, but particularly requiring an undeniable character for honesty,
&c. This latter clause seemed to promise some difficulty, as I knew
not where to give a reference, except among the lawyers, and I was
fearful that I should not be approved of, if it was known that I had
been chiefly employed in that profession. However, as I knew myself
to have a talent for business, and that I should soon acquire an
insight, let the branch be what it would, I determined to have
recourse to stratagem, to surmount the obstacle of a
recommendation.
 I therefore obtained a reference to the advertiser Mr. Giffard, who
kept a large masquerade and habit warehouse in Tavistock-street.
This person, who was a grave elderly man, inquired in what capacity,
and with whom I had been last employed; being prepared for this
question, I answered that I had lived for the last two years with Mr.
Drake, a general shopkeeper in High-street, Portsmouth; and that, in
consequence of a family misfortune, my late master had declined
business, and retired upon his means: that this was the only cause
of my being out of employment, and that Mr. Drake had promised to
answer any gentleman who might refer to him as to my abilities and
moral character. I added, that having formerly lived in London with
my parents, I had still a sufficient knowledge of the town, to render
myself useful to my employer. After a few more questions, which I
answered with becoming modesty and propriety, Mr. Giffard told me
he liked my appearance well, that he would write that evening to Mr.
Drake, and ordered that I should call again in two days’ time, when,
if he approved of the answer he received, he would immediately
engage me.
Having proceeded thus far before the wind, I had now to take
measures for bringing my plot to a happy conclusion. My next object
was to obtain possession of Mr. Giffard’s letter, in order that I might
answer it myself, Mr. Drake being a person who existed only in my
inventive brain: this I accomplished in the following manner. I found
out the guard of the Portsmouth mail-coach, who was to quit
London that evening, and return to town the next day but one. I
obtained the ear of this man, by inviting him to partake of some
brandy and water, and then introduced my business by acquainting
him that my name was Drake, that I had lately resided in
Portsmouth, and that I had reason to suppose there was one or
more letters lying at the post-office in that town for me, as I knew
no such person was now to be found in High-street; I therefore
requested that he would, on his arrival, make inquiry for such
letters, and bring any he might find safe to me on his return,
promising a gratification for his trouble: this commission he readily
undertook, and we then separated.
 On the day appointed, I met my trusty agent, who delivered me
the expected letter, for which I amply rewarded him. On perusing
this epistle, it was such as might be expected on the like occasion,
Mr. Giffard concluding his inquiries with wishing to know, if the
applicant John Smith (which name I had now assumed,) was in
every respect fit to be received into a respectable house. I had now
half accomplished the business, and it only remained to return a
suitable answer through the regular channel; but to save
appearances, and gain time, I waited immediately on Mr. Giffard
desiring to know if he had received a reply from Mr. Drake. On his
answering in the negative, I expressed much surprise, but accounted
for it, by informing him that Mr. Drake was probably absent from
home, on a visit to some relations a few miles distant, and that on
his return, he would not fail to transmit an answer. Having thus
satisfied Mr. Giffard, I departed, promising to wait on him every day
until the expected letter arrived.
I now applied myself to frame an answer, which I at length
completed to my satisfaction, having disguised my hand-writing as
much as possible. In this letter, I made Mr. Drake apologize for his
delay, by stating that he was from home when Mr. Giffard’s favour
arrived, and had taken up his pen the moment it came to hand, to
answer his inquiries; that he felt happy at hearing the young man
was likely to obtain so respectable a situation, and it gave him the
highest gratification to bear testimony to his exemplary conduct on
all occasions, while he had been in his service; that his abilities were
such as could not fail to render him an acquisition, and that he
should not himself have parted with him on any account, had he not,
for private reasons, declined business. Finally, Mr. Drake declared
himself glad that I had so soon met with a situation, as London was
a bad place for a young person to be long out of employment, &c.
Having finished this epistle, and directed it in due form, I hastened
to find out the driver of the mail-coach, as I did not choose to
employ the guard on this occasion. I requested the coachman to
take this letter to Portsmouth, and on his arrival to drop it in the
post-office, giving some fictitious reason, which fully satisfied him,
when backed by a small compliment in silver.
I continued to call every morning on Mr. Giffard, and expressed
such well-feigned sorrow at Mr. Drake’s delay, that I really believe
the former would in a few days more have taken me without the
required testimonials. However, the long expected answer at length
arrived; and on my calling as usual, Mr. Giffard told me with great
marks of pleasure, that he had just received a letter from Mr. Drake,
who gave me so excellent a character, that I might come that very
day if I was prepared. Mr. Giffard further informed me that he was
on the point himself of leaving the business to the management of
his two partners, (Fisher and Pettit) and should retire to a country-
house he possessed at Hammersmith: that as one of these partners
only resided in the house, and he was a bachelor, it would be
necessary that I should board myself, for which expense I should be
allowed fifteen shillings a week, and for my services twelve more.
Though this allowance was comparatively trifling, I agreed to the
terms, as my only intention was to purloin all I could lay my hands
on, and in two or three months to abscond, and change the scene of
action. As to my duty, it was to attend the shop, to make out bills of
parcels, keep a set of books, and occasionally to carry out light
packages.
I immediately brought my trunk of clothes, &c., to the house, and
had a small bureau bedstead assigned me in a little room behind the
shop; in which room during the day, a number of young women
were employed in making up fancy-habits, character-dresses,
dominos, &c. In a few days Mr. Giffard, with his family, left the
house, and there only remained Mr. Pettit, the junior partner, myself,
and a woman servant. The second partner (Fisher,) was a tailor, who
superintended thirty or forty men, constantly employed in a large
workshop on the attic story, in making gentlemen’s clothes, and
ladies’ riding-habits. The stair-case to the upper apartments
communicated with the shop, and had a door at the bottom, which
when Mr. Pettit and the servant were gone to bed, I could fasten
with a bolt so as to leave me at liberty to range the shop, and
examine every part of its contents. Of this opportunity I soon availed
myself, and the keys of the various drawers, &c., being left below, I
proceeded to reconnoitre the different articles they contained.
I found these to consist of black and white lace, of various
breadths and descriptions; ribands, silk, and other haberdashery; a
large quantity of mode, Persians, gauze, muslin, &c. &c. There were
also masks and dominos of every kind for the purpose of hire on
masquerade nights, but these articles were of no value to me. As to
the cloths, and other materials for gentlemen’s clothes, these were
always sent for, together with the requisite trimmings, from various
shops in the neighbourhood, at which tailors are supplied with such
goods, as they have need of them; and it frequently fell to my lot to
fetch these articles, on which occasion I had only to take the
pattern-books, and point out the quantities of each kind wanted,
when (after it was known that I lived with Giffard and Co.) the same
was immediately measured, booked, and given to me.
Having found out a Jew salesman resident in the neighbourhood,
who agreed to purchase whatever goods I brought to him, I began
my depredations by taking a piece of elegant black mode, and
several cards of lace, which articles I concealed in my bedstead, until
I went out to breakfast the ensuing morning, when (this being the
winter season,) I buttoned them up under my great-coat so as not
to be perceived. On going to the Jew receiver, this conscientious
Israelite, who no doubt suspected how I had obtained these articles,
and my ignorance of their real value, offered me a guinea for each
card of lace, (containing above twenty yards,) which was probably
about the selling price of a single yard; and an equally equitable
price for the mode; protesting “as he was an honest man, and
hoped for shalvation,” that he could not afford sixpence more. As I
had no alternative, I was obliged to accept the proffered sum, and
promised to let him have more goods of the same kind, at every
opportunity. I continued this course of pillage for several weeks,
taking care, however, not to meddle too freely with any one species
of property, so as to cause a discovery. As to money, I had not the
means of getting any, for there was very little retail trade in this
shop; and that little was confined to a few persons of fashion, who
came in their carriages, and were always waited on by Mr. Pettit;
besides this class of persons seldom pay ready money for the
articles they select, but have them booked. The various goods I have
mentioned, were chiefly kept for the purpose of making up, and
ornamenting the masquerade and fancy-dresses, which were from
time to time bespoke for extraordinary occasions.
I was frequently sent home with a suit of clothes, a lady’s-habit,
and other articles, to the houses of regular customers; most of
whom kept an accompt, which was settled once a year: but on many
occasions I was desired by the parties to give a receipt and take the
amount of the goods delivered. After being about two months with
Messrs. Giffard and Co., I began to form the design of quitting their
service, and from that moment I suppressed all such sums as I
received, booking the articles on my return, for the satisfaction of
Mr. Pettit, who conducted this department. I now bespoke a very
large chest of a neighbouring carpenter, for the purpose of
depositing my own clothes and other effects, which I knew must be
removed by degrees from the house; and that whenever I
absconded, I must leave my trunk behind me. I therefore had
recourse to the old stratagem of substituting brickbats for the
articles I took away, to prevent any suspicion from its lightness.
When my chest was completed, I ordered it to be sent home to a
lodging I had provided in a distant part of the town, of which I had
obtained the key, and paid rent in advance. I removed my effects at
every opportunity from Tavistock-street, to this new receptacle.
Every thing being in readiness for an elopement, I prepared to
execute my last design upon my present employers. I have before
observed that I kept a set of books, in which were the accounts of
many persons of fashion for clothes, &c. My intention was to
transcribe from the ledger a number of these accounts upon the
copper-plate bills of parcels, which I had in my desk, belonging to
the firm, and to present these bills for payment, immediately after I
quitted the house; not doubting but many of the parties would pay
them on the first application, by which I hoped to realize a good
round sum. But circumstances not favouring this part of my design, I
had only an opportunity of transcribing five or six persons’ bills
before Saturday night, at which period the books were delivered up
to Mr. Pettit, who uniformly retained them until Monday morning;
and, as I had reason to fear my repeated depredations on the shop
would soon excite suspicion, I had pre-determined to quit on the day
last mentioned.
The last commission I received on the Saturday was to take a
parcel, containing a riding-habit, to the Bell and Crown inn, Holborn,
where I was to see it booked for the Clapham stage, at which place
the lady resided, for whom it was made. As I was going along, it
occurred to me that I might as well embezzle this article, the price of
which to the lady was 5l. 15s. 6d. Instead, therefore, of going to the
Bell and Crown, I took it to my old acquaintance the Jew, who, I
expected, would give me at least two guineas for it; but he had the
conscience to offer me one pound, which I considered so unfair a
price that I refused to let him have it, and, leaving his shop, I
proceeded to a pawnbroker’s a few doors further, where I requested
two guineas upon it; but the shopman assured me these articles
were so liable to the caprice of the fashion, that it might scarce be
saleable at all in a year’s time, except to convert to some other use;
he therefore offered to lend me thirty shillings, which I accepted, to
save further trouble. This was the most imprudent act I could have
been guilty of, as this pawnbroker’s was in Drury-lane, and within a
minute’s walk of my employer’s; and I had better have taken ten
shillings from the Jew, where it would have been placed beyond the
reach of discovery, than have pledged it for five times the sum. The
consequence of this imprudence will be seen by-and-by.
On my return to Tavistock-street, I informed Mr. Pettit that I had
seen the parcel safely booked. The same night after he had retired
to bed, I selected a few of the most eligible articles in the shop as
my farewell adventure, which I concealed in my bed till the next
morning, Sunday, when I conveyed them to the usual place of
disposal.
 Monday being come, I attended in the shop till the hour of
breakfast, when I went out as usual, but with no intention of
returning. I had previously procured several patterns of fancy
quilting for waistcoats, and of the most fashionable articles for
breeches; with these I immediately went to the houses, at which we
were usually furnished with such goods, and shewing my patterns,
(my person being well known,) I was immediately supplied with
what I asked for, and the articles booked to Messrs. Giffard and Co. I
proceeded in like manner to a woollen-draper’s, where I obtained a
few yards of superfine cloth; and afterwards to a trimming and
button warehouse, at which I procured suitable materials for making
up the whole, as I intended these articles for my own wear. All this
was executed within the hour I usually allotted for breakfast.
I next visited my lodging, and, depositing my newly-acquired
property in my chest, informed the landlady I should come to sleep
in the apartment that night. Having taken some breakfast, I
hastened to present my bills at the West end of the town, and was
so fortunate as to receive about twenty pounds, besides an order at
another house to call again the next day, which, as I had no
immediate danger to apprehend, I, in fact, did, and received a few
pounds more. For the whole of these sums, I gave receipts on
account of Messrs. Giffard and Co.
Thus ended my engagement with Mr. Giffard, after a duration of
about ten weeks. I was now possessed of a pretty good stock of
clothes, and about sixty pounds in money. I had lived well during the
whole period of my service; and I now determined to enjoy every
amusement the town afforded, as I had lately been debarred from
attending the theatres, &c. on account of my being restricted to
early hours.
About a fortnight after my quitting Tavistock-street, I called at the
pawnbroker’s, at which I had pledged the riding-habit, for the
purpose of buying some fancy silk-handkerchiefs, of which they had
a very extensive assortment, being unredeemed pledges. On
entering the shop, I found it very full of people, (this being Saturday
evening,) and the shopman desired I would wait a short time, and
he would then attend to me. In a few minutes I heard the latter
desire an apprentice to take a bag and go to a neighbouring liquor-
shop, for the purpose of procuring ten pounds worth of silver. I
thought I perceived something significant in the shopman’s manner
of giving these directions, but as nothing is more common than such
a proceeding on a Saturday night, when the pawnbrokers have need
of a great deal of change, I had no apprehension of any deceit.
When I began to grow impatient, the young man at length sent a
boy up stairs to bring down the handkerchiefs, for my inspection;
finding, however, that he was in no hurry to descend with them, and
conceiving at last, that I was only kept in suspense for some sinister
purpose, I declared that I would wait no longer, but call again
another time. Turning about to leave the shop, who should I
encounter at the door, to my great confusion, but my late master, Mr.
Pettit, accompanied by a Bow-street officer, and the boy who had
pretended to go out for the silver. I attempted to rush by them, but
was overpowered and secured. The officer immediately proceeded to
search me, but found nothing of a suspicious nature: he took,
however, some loose money, and every other article I had about me;
luckily I had some money (the bulk of my fortune,) in a private
pocket, which he did not discover. Mr. Pettit then asked the
pawnbroker if I was the person who had pledged the habit, and on
his answering in the affirmative, I was given in charge to the officer,
who conducted me to Covent-garden watch-house, where I was to
remain locked up until the magistrate sat in the evening, at the
public-office, Bow-street.
Shortly after my confinement, I received a visit from Mr. Pettit,
who, after expatiating on the enormity of my conduct, told me he
had detected the frauds I had practised at the neighbouring shops,
and demanded what I had done with the property so obtained. This,
however, I refused to tell, not supposing that he had any idea of my
place of abode: but in this I found myself unhappily mistaken, for he
informed me that he had discovered it by means of the porter
employed to carry home my chest, who, it seems, was well
acquainted with Mr. Pettit, and had seen me frequently in his shop.
On receiving this unwelcome information, I told Mr. Pettit to take
what steps he pleased; and refused to answer any interrogatories,
which I knew would avail me nothing, without a full restitution,
which I was unable to make.
About six o’clock I was taken before the sitting magistrate, and Mr.
Pettit, being duly sworn, related the whole story of the riding-habit,
and stated that a few days after my elopement, he was surprised at
receiving a message from the lady, respecting the delay in sending it
home; and having inquired at the office of the inn, he was assured
that no such parcel had been booked or brought there; that having
reason, from my sudden disappearance, to suspect my honesty, he
had made inquiry at the surrounding pawnbrokers, and had found
the habit pledged at the shop of Mr. Lane, in Drury-lane, who, on his
application, had immediately restored it. The shopman of Mr. Lane
deposed, that he had taken in the article of me, and the magistrate
observed that the evidence was so clear, that nothing now remained
but for Mr. Pettit to produce and identify the property. The latter
replied that he had it not in his possession, having sent it home to
the lady, who was urgent to receive it. At this the magistrate
expressed great displeasure, informing the prosecutor that all he had
said was to no purpose, without the property being produced, and
that he was therefore not warranted in committing me. Then turning
to me, he said, “Young man, you have had a very narrow escape; I
hope this will be a warning to you in future. Officer, let the prisoner
be discharged.” My joy at this deliverance was but momentary, for
before I could reach the door of the office, Mr. Pettit acquainted the
magistrate, that he had several other charges of fraud against me,
but the parties were not then in attendance; upon which his worship
ordered me to be detained, and directing that the witnesses should
attend on that day week, ordered my mittimus to be made out, and
committed me to the house of correction for another examination.
 CHAPTER XII.
Fully committed for Trial.—Acquitted for want of Evidence.—Fatal Consequences of
consigning a young Person to a Jail.—Meet with a fellow Prisoner, who
introduces me to the Company of professed Thieves.—Live by Fraud and
Robbery.—Trip to Staines.—Am at length apprehended for what I am innocent
of.

On entering the gates of the gloomy receptacle to which I was

now consigned, and which on many accounts has not been unaptly
named the Bastille, the sensations I felt may be more easily
conceived than described. Besides that this was the first prison I had
ever entered, every thing around me had an air of unspeakable
horror. After being viewed and reviewed by the surly Cerberuses of
this earthly hell, I was conducted up some stairs to a long gallery, or
passage, six feet wide, having on either side a number of dismal
cells, each about six feet by nine, formed entirely of stone, but
having a small grated window near the roof, at the further end,
which admitted a gloomy light, and overlooked a yard, in which
other prisoners were confined; there was also a similar grate over
the door; but, owing to their height, both these apertures were very
difficult of access. The cells on the other side the passage, were
exactly similar, but overlooking another yard, and the doors were
immediately opposite each other. The only furniture of these dreary
apartments was an iron bedstead, on which were a bed, blanket,
and rug, but all of the coarsest kind. I afterwards found, that by
paying an extravagant price, I might have had better
accommodation; but as I had then only a few days to stop, and I
found no want of cleanliness in my present lodging, I declined the
favour. My conductor having given me a pitcher of water, without
vouchsafing a word, locked the door, and left me in utter darkness. I
retired to my homely couch, and having well refreshed myself before
I left the Brown Bear[18], I soon forgot my misfortunes in the arms
of Morpheus, and did not awake till I was roused by the turnkey, at a
late hour in the morning. This personage now behaved with some
little civility, and let me know that if I had any money I might be
supplied with a good breakfast; at the same time tossing upon my
bed a small loaf (about fourteen ounces,) of bread, which he told me
was the daily allowance of the prison. I gladly accepted his offer, and
desired to have some tea, which was presently sent up to me; and I
continued to have three tolerable good meals, (at least in quantity,)
every day during my stay here; but I paid for each on delivery, and
through the nose.
In order to amuse my mind during this solitary week, I climbed up
to the grated aperture over the door of my cell, and listened to the
conversation of the neighbouring prisoners, who were also confined
for re-examination; and from their discourse I acquired a more
extensive knowledge of the various modes of fraud and robbery,
which I now found were reduced to a regular system, than I should
have done in seven years, had I continued at large. I was indeed
astonished at what I heard, and I clearly perceived that instead of
expressing contrition for their offences, their only consideration was
how to proceed with more safety, but increased vigour, in their
future depredations. And here I was struck with the fallacious
notions entertained by the projectors of this prison, which was
reputed to be upon the plan of the benevolent and immortal
Howard, who had recommended the confinement of offenders in
separate cells, in order to prevent the effects of evil communication
among persons who had not all attained an equal degree of
depravity. This object, however, was not effected here, for being
within hearing of each other, they could, by sitting up over the door
as I have described, converse each with his opposite neighbour, and
even form a line of communication, where the discourse became
general, from one end of the gallery to the other. As a proof of what
I have advanced, I knew several of the prisoners then confined with
me in this passage, who were at that time but striplings, and novices
in villany, and who after several years’ continuance in their evil
courses, at length became notorious offenders, and having narrowly
escaped a shameful death, are now prisoners for life in this colony.
On the morning of the appointed day, I was again taken to Bow-
street, where I found in attendance Mr. Pettit, and the three
shopkeepers from whom I had obtained the goods. I also saw to my
mortification, that they had searched my lodging, and had actually
the various articles so obtained in their custody, ready to produce.
The first person who came forward, was the woollen-draper’s
shopman, who, producing some yards of cloth and kerseymere,
deposed that I had applied for such articles in the name of Messrs.
Giffard and Co., and that having frequently served me with the like
goods, he delivered them to me without hesitation. Mr. Pettit then
denying that I had been deputed by him, or his partner, and the
property being sworn to, the magistrate observed that here was
sufficient matter to convict me, and it was therefore unnecessary to
bind over the other tradesmen, who were ordered to retain their
goods. Having nothing to offer in my defence, his worship ordered
the clerk to commit me for trial, on which I earnestly begged the
magistrate to send me to some other prison, where my friends might
have access to me, (this being denied at the Bastille à la mode de
Paris,) and in compliance with my request, I was ordered to New
Prison, Clerkenwell; at which I was much rejoiced.
On arriving at this prison, of the rules of which I had acquired
some idea, from the information of my late fellow prisoners, who
had indeed advised me to petition as I did, I desired to have the
best accommodation I could, and was therefore called upon to pay
fees, garnish, &c., together with two shillings for a bed the first
night, but after that, one shilling only. Having complied with every
demand, I was introduced to a little room adjoining the turnkey’s
lodge, where I found several persons in my own predicament, and
some others who were confined for certain periods. We spent the
day together in this part of the prison, having also free access to the
lodge, in which we walked for air, and at night were locked up in
different rooms above stairs, each containing two or three tolerable
beds; so that having society both night and day, I felt less
melancholy than I had done in the house of correction. My first care
was to send for a young man, who, being reputed honest by the
world, I thought I could intrust to arrange matters at my lodgings,
and take care of the effects I left in my apartment. I requested him
to pay the rent due, and remove my chest to his own residence,
supplying me occasionally with such articles as I might need. On his
return, he informed me that he had done everything for the best;
but, from his report, I found that twenty guineas in money, and
many of my best clothes, had taken flight. This he attributed to the
officers, who, he said, had paid several visits to the chest, on
pretence of searching by authority. As I knew how fruitless any
complaint would be, I was obliged to submit to these losses, and
thought myself very fortunate in having thirty pounds about me on
my apprehension, which escaped the fangs of the officer who
searched me.
It was about the middle of April when I was taken up, and this
being what is termed long vacation, I had nearly seven weeks to lie
in jail, before the sessions came on. This time I passed in the most
agreeable manner I could, reading sometimes books and
newspapers, at others, smoking, drinking, and conversing with my
fellow-prisoners; having all plenty of money, we formed a pretty
respectable mess, and lived on the most sociable terms. Our society
was increased by several new chums before the sessions, and as
these persons were some degrees above the common class of
thieves, I found much satisfaction in their conversation. There were
indeed among them some of the first characters upon the town,
leading men in the various branches of prigging[19] they professed;
both toby-gills[20], buz-gloaks[21], cracksmen[22], &c., but from their
good address and respectable appearance, nobody would suspect
their real vocation. As for the unfortunate prisoners, who had no
money to pay for indulgence, they were confined in a large yard,
called the common side, where they were indeed exposed to “variety
of wretchedness.” The part I inhabited was termed “between gates,”
being that space which is between the outer-gate of the prison, and
the gate leading to the common-side.
 My knowledge of life, as it is termed by the knavish part of
mankind, and my acquaintance with family people[23], every day
increased; but, as all who heard my case concurred with myself in
opinion that I had no chance of escaping conviction, I did not form
any intimacy, or devise any plans beyond the present moment,
concluding that I should, at least, be confined for two years, if not
transported for seven.
A week before the Old Bailey sessions, the prisoners were as usual
removed to Newgate; but to my surprise, I was not included in their
number; and I found that my offence being considered a
misdemeanour, I was to be tried at the Quarter sessions held at
Hicks’s-hall. For the reason before-mentioned, I had been advised
not to employ a counsel, which indeed I conceived would be only
money thrown away, as the case was too clear against me. I
therefore patiently awaited the issue, and the day of trial being
come, I was taken, with many other prisoners of both sexes, from
the prison to the sessions-house on Clerkenwell-green, at which Mr.
Mainwaring, the member for Middlesex, has for many years presided
as chairman.
Being put to the bar, I stood indicted for knowingly and
designedly, and by false pretences, obtaining from Joseph
Addington, five yards of superfine blue cloth, and three yards of
black kerseymere, &c. Having pleaded “Not guilty,” the first witness
called, was Henry York, shopman to the prosecutor, who deposed,
that on the 7th of April, I came to his master’s shop, and said I
wanted the articles mentioned in the indictment; and that he, the
witness, knowing me well by sight, as the servant of Messrs. Giffard
and Co., and taking for granted that I was still in their service,
immediately cut off, and delivered the same to me. Here the
chairman pressed the witness repeatedly, to state the exact words
that I used; but the man was so evidently embarrassed, (I suppose
from his never being before in a court of justice,) that nothing more
could be extracted from him; he would persist in speaking only in
the third person. “He said he wanted, &c.” Indeed, to the best of my
recollection, he had sworn exactly the truth; but the reader will soon
see the chairman’s motive for wishing his evidence to be more
pointed. I now felt my hopes revive, and Mr. Pettit being sworn to
depose that he had not empowered me to demand the said goods,
which were now produced and identified, I was put upon my
defence, upon which I addressed the court to the following effect:
“May it please your worship, and gentlemen of the jury, I am here
indicted for obtaining goods under false pretences. From the
evidence of the witness York, you hear of no pretences whatever
which I used; he merely swears that I said I wanted such and such
articles, and that he delivered them to me without scruple. However,
I may have been morally culpable, I hope, gentlemen, you will only
be guided in your verdict by the evidence before you, and I humbly
submit that the charge against me has not been formally
substantiated. Gentlemen, I leave my case in your hands, and the
question of law to the learned chairman, who, I am persuaded, will
impartially decide thereon.”
The chairman now addressing the jury, spoke as follows:
“Gentlemen, I am sorry, for the ends of public justice, that there is
but too much reason in what the prisoner has advanced; but he is a
very young man, and I sincerely hope that if he this day escapes the
correction of the law, he will never again transgress in a similar way.
Gentlemen, the prisoner is charged in the indictment with falsely
obtaining these goods in the names of William Giffard, Christopher
Fisher, and James Orrell Pettit. Now in the evidence of York, the
shopman, we hear not a syllable of such pretence, or of the prisoner
using either of those names, consequently, the case is not made out,
and you must acquit the prisoner.” This they immediately did, and
after an admonition from the chairman, I was discharged, having
first applied for the money, &c., taken from me on my apprehension,
which the court ordered to be restored. Mr. Pettit seemed much
chagrined at my escape, and I was in some fear that he would
endeavour to have me detained; but it is probable that he thought it
not worth his while, as he could not hope to obtain any restitution
from me; however, he suffered me to depart in peace, to my great
joy. I have reason to believe that he had not discovered the full
extent of my depredations on his property at this time, and that he
had not yet come to a knowledge of the money I received in
payment of bills at the West end of the town.
On regaining my liberty, my first step was to go in quest of the
person to whose care I had consigned my effects; and who, on
pretence of much business, had abstained for a fortnight past, from
visiting me in the prison. Inquiring at his usual place of abode, I
found that he had quitted his lodging a few days after the period of
my apprehension, and the people of the house knew not where he
was gone. I then called at the printing-office in which he was
employed when I first knew him, and there learnt that he had
suddenly absented himself, and was reported to have engaged with
some person of that profession in the country. Every inquiry I could
make was equally fruitless, and I had the mortification to find that
this supposed friend had treacherously converted all my little
property to his own use, without regard to the helpless situation in
which he left me. I had no longer any doubts about the fate of my
twenty guineas, and articles of apparel, which he had persuaded me
the officers must have purloined.
My situation was now deplorable enough; I possessed only the
clothes on my back, and about five pounds in money, the expenses
of living, &c., during my confinement, having consumed the rest of
my stock. However, I had regained my freedom, which I little
expected, and I consoled myself with the reflection that I might have
been still worse off than I really was. I engaged a cheap but decent
lodging, and furnished myself with such necessaries as were
indispensable for my present comfort, and external appearance; and
I next began to muse upon the course now to be adopted for my
future subsistence.
A few days after my acquittal, I was accosted one afternoon, in
Fleet-street, by a young man, whose face I had some faint
recollection of; while I was considering where I had seen him, he
anticipated me, by asking if I did not remember him in New-prison,
where he was confined on the common side, and had frequently
conversed with me through the gate of the lodge, at which I
sometimes amused myself with viewing the proceedings in the yard
below me. This young man was then only confined till the sessions
on a charge of assault, but, being poor in circumstances, was unable
to pay the expenses of admission “between gates.” I immediately
recognised him, and he gave me joy on my deliverance. He was now
very well attired, and invited me to drink a glass; to which, as I had
always found much pleasure in his conversation, I willingly
consented, and accompanied him to a house, called the White Swan,
near Temple-bar. Here my inviter seemed quite at home; he
introduced me to a neat little parlour, in which were a number of
persons smoking their pipes, and drinking wine, punch, &c. I
observed that my conductor, whom I shall in future call Bromley,
appeared to know and be known by them all, and that they
regarded me with an inquiring eye.
Having taken our seats in a vacant part of the room, our
conversation was at first upon general topics; at length Bromley
inquired in a friendly manner, how I employed myself, and on my
answering candidly, that I really was destitute of employment, and
almost of money, he observed that I was to blame if I wanted
money while any body else had any; that for his part he never
would; and that if I would take a walk with him, I should be
welcome; he added that he had that day turned out three
readers[24], but without finding a shilling in either of them; however,
said he, we cannot expect to be always equally lucky. I confess I
was ashamed to own that I had never practised thieving, for (thanks
to my late seven weeks’ education,) I understood his meaning well. I
therefore told him that I had not been accustomed to buzzing, and
should be unable to do my part. On this, Bromley replied that we
should have at least one other person with us, and that he himself
would work, while he only required me and the third man to
cover[25] him. Having thus answered my objection, as I had no
scruples of conscience to overcome, I agreed to accompany him.
Shortly afterwards a genteel looking man, advancing to our table,
from among the other company, asked Bromley if he was inclined for
a walk; at the same time looking significantly first at me, then at my
companion. The latter answered, “Yes, sir, with all my heart; this
gentleman is a friend of mine, he’ll take a turn with us: it’s all right:
he’s one of us.” Bromley having discharged our reckoning, we then
set out, and proceeded up Fleet-street, till we observed a crowd of
gazers at the windows of Messrs. Laurie and Whittle, print-sellers.
Bromley immediately joined the throng, we keeping close behind
him, wherever he moved; at length he gave us a sign to cover, and
we had scarcely taken our stations, before Bromley drew back, and
pulling the skirt of my coat, left the crowd, and crossing the way,
turned up a court which led into another street. We followed him
close, till he entered a public house, and we were no sooner in a
private room, than Bromley drew from under his coat a large green
pocket-book, which, it seems, he had, unobserved by me, extracted
from the pocket of a gentleman by whose side he stood, when we
advanced to cover him. The book, being opened, was found to
contain a complete set of valuable surgeon’s instruments, some
private letters, and other papers, and in one of the pockets eleven
pounds in bank notes; the money was immediately divided in equal
shares, and the stranger observing that he knew where to fence[26]
the book, allowed Bromley and myself five shillings each on that
account. The papers, &c., having been committed to the flames, we
then left the house; but my two companions having observed some
police-officers in Fleet-street, deemed it imprudent to prolong our
stay in that quarter, and it being now nearly dusk, at my request, we
all three returned to the White Swan, as I was curious to know more
of the various characters I had seen assembled there.
The seasonable relief my finances had experienced by this
adventure, without any exertion or risk on my part, gave me much
satisfaction; and I thought, to use the words of Mrs. Peachum, in the
Beggar’s Opera, that this was “pretty encouragement for a young
beginner.”
 It was no sooner dark and the candles lighted, than the room
began to fill apace, and my friend Bromley gave me a description of
each person as he entered, explaining the various branches of
prigging, &c., in which they excelled, as well as their good or bad
dispositions towards each other. I recognised among them several
faces which I remembered to have seen at different public places,
and even at coffee-houses and ordinaries, where they intermixed
with the best company, and were treated with every respect.
From this time Bromley and myself became inseparable. This
young man was the son of a respectable master-tailor, and was
himself bred to the same trade. Having formed bad connexions, (the
usual root of all evil,) he had quitted his father’s house about a year
before I first knew him, and associating with “family people,” had
since supported himself by depredation; he was two years older than
myself, and his father considering him irreclaimable, had long since
given him up.
For a few weeks we continued to go out[27] with one or other of
the gentlemen frequenting the Swan; and after I had made the first
essay, I became pretty expert in the art of buzzing. Our success was
various, but we managed to live well, and I for my part soon
acquired a good stock of clothes, books, and other comforts, as they
were considered by me. As for Bromley, he was not so good a
manager, and when absent from me, he led a very irregular life,
lavishing his money without discrimination on the most unworthy
objects, without taking any thought for the morrow, so that though
our gains were equal, I became every day richer, while he was
seldom master of a guinea beforehand. By degrees we detached
ourselves from the society of those veteran prigs[28], with whom we
had first associated, and not confining our operations to one branch
of depredation, we had recourse to various methods of getting
money. It would be tedious to particularize every species of fraud
and robbery, which we practised in the short space of three months,
at the end of which period, it will be seen that the hand of justice
arrested our further progress; and it is hardly credible, (but such is
the fact,) that during this our limited career, we exercised alternately
the following numerous modes of depredation; which, least the
reader should be unprovided with a cant dictionary, I shall briefly
explain in succession: viz., buzzing[29], dragging[30], sneaking[31],
hoisting[32], pinching[33], smashing[34], jumping[35], spanking[36],
and starring[37]; together with the kid-rig[38], the letter-racket[39],
the order-racket[40], and the snuff-racket[41].
In these various exploits, we were sometimes assisted by a third
person; and at others, though very rarely, we formed part of a
numerous gang; but in general we acted by ourselves, and,
considering our youth and inexperience, evinced a good deal of
dexterity.
In the month of July, 1800, finding myself inclined for a summer
excursion into the country, I determined on a trip to Plymouth,
having never been in the West of England, and invited my friend
Bromley to accompany me. As we, neither of us, possessed much
money, I proposed to travel in the same manner as I had formerly
done, in my Portsmouth expedition, and to defray our expenses by
practising the same imposition, which I now well knew to be a
systematic fraud, known among “family people” by the title of “the
letter-racket.”
We accordingly left town together, equipped with a few
indispensables, contained in a small bundle which we carried
alternately, and provided with a new edition of “Carey’s Itinerary.”
Our first resting-place was Hammersmith, where, in the course of
four hours, I realized as many pounds; my companion in the mean
time lying dormant in a public-house, for in this practice he was not
qualified to bear a part; but we intended to omit no opportunity
which might offer of obtaining money by any other means.
Quitting Hammersmith, we proceeded to Hounslow, where we
arrived the same evening, and reposed for the night. The following
day was spent in collecting from the well-disposed inhabitants of the
town, and on the ensuing morning, we walked to Staines a distance
of seven miles. Arriving at the latter place about one o’clock, we put
up at a genteel public-house, and regaled ourselves with a good
dinner. We had just dined, and were enjoying a pipe, and a bowl of
punch, when a respectable looking old gentleman entered the room,
and begged, if it was agreeable, to take a pipe with us. This being a
sort of public parlour, of course we could have no objection, and we
soon entered into familiar chat, the stranger proving a very pleasant
companion. Having passed about an hour in conversation, I rose,
and, apologizing to the old gentleman, told Bromley I would step out
and transact a little business, desiring him to entertain the stranger
until my return. My intention was to visit some of the most
respectable inhabitants with my petition, and Bromley, of course,
well understood my meaning.
On quitting the inn, which was situated in the principal street, and
about the centre of the town, I turned to my right hand, towards
London, proposing to take the houses and shops on that side the
street, until I came to the extremity or entrance of the town, and
then to return on the other side, until I arrived opposite our inn;
calculating that this task would occupy the remainder of that day,
and meaning on the next to make a circuit of the other half of the
town.
My first essay was at a watch-maker’s, about six doors from the
house at which we put up. Entering the shop with my letter in my
hand, I was rather surprised at finding no person in attendance, and
still more so, when upon knocking on the counter, not a soul
appeared to answer me. Casting my eyes round, I perceived a door
of communication with a back-room, in which I distinctly heard a
child crying, and the voice of a woman soothing it. There were a
number of watches hanging in the window, and conceiving I ought
to profit by this opportunity, I determined without hesitation to do
so. Having, therefore, first slightly repeated my knock, and then
looked up and down the street, in which (as frequently happens in
country towns,) not a creature appeared, I commenced my
depredations. The window, as is usual with watchmakers, was
enclosed with a kind of lattice-work, and there was no means of
access to the watches, but by a small gate, which opened behind the
counter. The attempt was rather hazardous, but the temptation
predominated, and over the counter I jumped. Having entered the
little enclosure, I took down the watch nearest to me, which was a
silver one, and put it in my pocket, then another, also silver, and had
just extended my hand towards a third, which from the colour I
supposed to be gold, when lo! to my utter confusion, the very same
old gentleman I had left in the company of Bromley, advanced to the
window, as if passing by; but stopping short, and looking earnestly
towards me for a moment, he suddenly turned round, and appearing
much agitated, retraced his steps as fast as his age would permit
him towards the inn. This transaction was of course momentary, and
I had no time for reflection; but the terror and alarm always
consequent on conscious guilt, operated so strongly upon my mind,
that it instantly struck me the old man had been aware of my
depredations, and had hurried away to give an alarm, and cause my
apprehension. My fears were so great that I had not even power to
take down the third watch, but hastened out of the shop, and on
gaining the street, turned to my right hand, (not daring to return to
the inn,) and putting the best foot foremost, I found myself in a few
minutes at the end of the town, and the London road lying before
me. However, as I every moment expected to be pursued and
overtaken, I was afraid to continue in that road; but, availing myself
of the first turning I came to, which was a narrow lane on my right, I
quitted the turnpike road, intending to take a circuitous course, in
order to avoid a pursuit.
It was now about five o’clock, and although I much regretted the
situation in which I had left poor Bromley, who had no money about
him, as I was always purse-bearer, yet I conceived it would be
madness in me to return to Staines, convinced as I was of the
danger to which I had exposed myself. I therefore determined to
proceed direct to town, not doubting that Bromley would find means
to extricate himself, and speedily follow me. I was for some time at a
loss to find my way, but meeting a countryman, he directed me; and
after crossing a number of fields, and scrambling over hedges and
ditches, I gained the high road once more, and pushing forward,
stopped at length to refresh myself at a public-house about five
miles from Staines.
It was by this time dusk, and, while I was baiting at this house,
one of the Bath stages luckily stopping at the door, I applied to the
coachman for a passage, and ascending the vehicle, arrived safe at
Hyde-park corner, about nine o’clock the same night.
The following day I was, of course, anxiously solicitous about poor
Bromley. I made inquiry for him at every place he was accustomed
to frequent, but without success, during the whole morning. At
length, about four in the afternoon, as I was walking through
Leicester-fields, I unexpectedly met him, to my great satisfaction.
Mutual inquiries immediately took place; and I was surprised to hear
him express the greatest astonishment at my sudden departure from
Staines, for which he told me he was unable to account. This of
course produced an explanation, when it appeared that nothing
whatever had transpired respecting the robbery I had committed,
nor had Bromley seen or heard any more of the old gentleman after
the latter quitted his company, which he did a few minutes after
myself. I must, therefore, have been mistaken in my notion that he
had observed my actions through the watch-maker’s window, of
which, at the moment, I entertained no doubt; so true it is, that a
guilty conscience needs no accuser. What could have occasioned his
sudden retreat, is therefore still a mystery to me.
Bromley then proceeded to inform me, that on finding I did not
return about my usual hour to tea, he began to fear something
unpleasant had happened, and had accordingly taken a walk
through the town, in quest of me; but not succeeding in his object,
his astonishment and fears increased, and both were heightened
when bed-time approached without my appearance. That being
willing, however, to hope for the best, he had supped by himself,
and telling the landlady, that he supposed his friend was detained on
business which prevented his return, he had at length retired to bed.
The following morning he renewed his search, and meeting with no
better success, he took French leave of the landlady, suffering her to
retain our common bundle of necessaries, which, indeed, were of
more value than our reckoning could amount to; and quitting Staines
about eight o’clock, the poor fellow had travelled on foot to town, (a
distance of sixteen miles,) having accidentally one shilling in his
pocket, which procured him a breakfast, at the same public-house at
which I took the Bath stage.
Thus ended our projected expedition to Plymouth; for having been
so disappointed in the outset, we had no inclination to make a
second attempt. I sold the two watches for five pounds, and dividing
that sum, as well as the residue of what I had acquired by the
“Letter racket,” with Bromley, we turned our thoughts to other
modes of obtaining money.
Soon after my return to London, from Staines, I was one day
passing through Newgate-street, immediately opposite the walls of
Newgate, when observing a grave-looking elderly gentleman, who
was walking just before me, to have a pocket-book in his outside
coat-pocket, I made an attempt to ease him of it; but it being of an
unusual size, and rather ponderous, it slipped from my fingers, and
alarmed the gentleman; who, turning round sharply, and seeing me
close behind him, clapped his hand upon my shoulder, saying very
drily, “Holloa! young man, when did you come to town?” I of course
affected to be much surprised, and with a look of displeasure at his
freedom, begged he would explain his meaning. The stranger staring
me full in the face, and smiling sarcastically, pointed with his finger
to the opposite walls; and, in a low voice, said, “You see that stone
building, my pretty youth; mark my words, that will be your resting-
place very soon.”—Then, without suffering me to reply, he crossed
hastily towards Snow-hill, leaving me to reflect at leisure upon his
words, and wonder at the strangeness of this adventure!
This gentleman, one would think, possessed the gift of prophecy;
for, as he had foretold, in less than six weeks after, I actually
became an inmate of Newgate!
 On Sunday the 17th of August, 1800, Bromley and myself, after
breakfasting together, agreed to walk into the city; our business
there, being to purchase some base half-guineas and seven-shilling
pieces, of a Jew in Petticoat-lane, Whitechapel. We accordingly set
out, and about one o’clock entered Cheapside, when we observed a
great concourse of people, assembled round the door and windows
of a draper’s shop. As is natural to persons in London, we entered
the crowd out of curiosity; at least that was my sole motive, for I
always opposed robbing on the Sabbath-day: (at which the reader
may perhaps smile.)—My partner Bromley, however, had an eye to
business, and I soon perceived by his motions, that he was
scrutinizing the pockets of the spectators. I was, however, at some
distance from him, and signified my dissent by a look; in fact, I had
no sooner ascertained the object of the people’s curiosity, which was
an attempt made in the preceding night, to break the shop open, of
which the shutters bore evident marks, than I beckoned to Bromley,
and made the best of my way out of the crowd. I had no doubt but
he would immediately follow me, and having got clear of the mob,
and proceeded slowly about thirty yards from the spot, on my way
towards Whitechapel, I made a stand, and turned round to see if
Bromley was coming. The reader, (unless he doubts my veracity) will
judge of my surprise, when I saw my poor companion, struggling
with a man who held him at arm’s length with one hand, and had in
the other a silk handkerchief; at the same time calling after a person
who had also left the crowd, and was proceeding the contrary way,
(towards Saint Paul’s,) “Stop Sir, come back, you’re robb’d.” The
person called to, immediately turned back, and at the same
moment, the fellow who held Bromley, seeing me looking earnestly
at the transaction, exclaimed pointing at me, “Stop him in the blue
coat! that’s the other.” Knowing my innocence, I did not attempt to
escape; and a man now advancing to the spot where I stood, seized
me by the collar, and dragged me back to the crowd. The person
said to be robbed, had by this time returned, and being desired to
search if he had lost any thing, did so, and missed his handkerchief.
The man who had apprehended Bromley, proved to be a turnkey at
the Poultry-Compter, and a city constable; the other, who seized me,
was brother to the former, and also a peace officer, their name,
Alderman. These two having now taken the address of the stranger,
who identified the handkerchief, and having desired him to attend
the next day at the Mansion-House, they proceeded to escort
Bromley and myself to the Compter. On arriving at this prison, they
immediately searched us, and took from each of us a silk
handkerchief, a pocket-book, and other articles, all our own
property; but unluckily Bromley had a second handkerchief about
him, (I believe a white muslin one,) which he had worn round his
neck the preceding day.—Being now locked up by ourselves, we had
leisure to talk over this unfortunate affair, and I could not help
censuring Bromley for the imprudent act he had committed,
especially where the object was so insignificant. Indeed, I had
frequently, since our connexion, had occasion to blame him for
taking so petty an article as a handkerchief, which, notwithstanding,
he persisted in doing, particularly if it was of a fancy pattern.
However, as there was no recalling the event, it was agreed that he
should make the best defence he could for himself, and deny any
knowledge of me, which, as I was not near him, when he was
detected, I conceived would effectually procure my liberation. Thus,
after committing numerous acts of robbery with impunity, I was at
last apprehended for what I had no more actual concern in, than the
reader of the page I am now writing.