No More Learning

Several of the witnesses, whose presence was judged
george ii. ]
good
34 MEMOIRS OF
[george n.
necessary on the trial of Lord Lovat, residing in the north of Scotland, it was thought proper to postpone it till the commencement of the following year; and he was accordingly brought to his trial before the house of peers in Westminster-hall, on the 9th of March, 1747, Lord Chancellor Hardwick
on the solemn occasion.
On the first day of the trial, Lord Lovat objected
to a witness, because he was his tenant ; but his com petency to give his deposition being allowed, after a long argument, he deposed that his lordship had been active in raising supplies for the Pretender, who had made a descent on the kingdom in consequence of his advice. This was the substance of the first day's pro ceedings ; and a great part of the second was spent in debates respecting the admissibility of Mr. Murray,
who had been secretary to the Pretender, as an evi dence. It was urged that his evidence could not be allowed, as he stood attainted ; but the attorney-general having read the record of the attainder, and produced the king's pardon, all further objections fell to the
ground. On the following day, Mr. Murray was examined, and proved that Lord Lovat had assisted the rebels with men and money ; and that he had commissioned two of his sons to cause his tenants to
presiding
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 35
take arms in behalf of the Pretender. Lord Lovat's servants proved that the Pretender had been assisted . with money by his lordship; and, on the fourth day, several gentlemen from the Highlands gave their tes
timony to the same purpose.
The evidence for the crown being summed up on
the fifth day, Lord Lovat was acquainted by the lord- high-steward that he must prepare for his defence ; and accordingly, on the sixth day, his lordship insisted that the parties who had given evidence against him were his enemies, and that they had been induced to give their testimony by threats of subornation ; and he endeavoured to support his allegations by the de positions of two Highlanders ; but what they said had little influence against the concurrent testimony of the other witnesses. The peers, being assembled in parliament on the seventh day, determined on their verdict ; and, having returned to Westminster-hall, the culprit was informed by the lord-high-steward, that he had been found guilty by his peers. To this Lovat said, that he had been ill-treated while undef misfortunes ; and this he declared with so much acri-* mony, that the high-steward reproved him for the
indecency of his behaviour, and then passed the sen tence of the law.
oeohge ii. ]
MEMOIRS OF [george 11.
After conviction, Lord Lovat behaved with uncom mon cheerfulness, appearing by no means intimidated at the fate that awaited him : his friends advising him to apply for the royal mercy, he declined saying, that the remnant of his life was not worth asking for.
He was always cheerful in company entertained his friends with stories, and applied many passages of the Greek and Roman histories to his own case. On the
arrival of the warrant for his execution, Lord Lovat
read and pressing the gentleman who brought to drink bottle of wine with him, entertained him with such number of stories as astonished the visitor, that his lordship should have such spirits on so solemn
an occasion. The major of the Tower inquiring after his health one morning, he said, " am well, Sir; am preparing myself for place where hardly any
majors go, and but few lieutenant-generals. " Having procured pillow to be placed at the foot of his bed, he frequently kneeled on to try how he should act his part at the fatal block and, after some practice, thought himself sufficiently perfect to behave with propriety. Waking about two in the morning on the
day before his death, he prayed devoutly for some time, and then slept till near seven, when he was dressed by the assistance of the warder. This day
;
it,
a
a
a a it,
I;
I
it
it,
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 37
he spent with his friends, conversing cheerfully both on public and private affairs. He was even jocose in a high degree, and told the barber who shaved him to be cautious not to cut his throat, which might baulk many persons of the expected sight on the following day. Having eaten a hearty supper, he desired
some veal to be roasted, that he might have some of it minced for his breakfast, being a dish of which he was extremely fond : he then smoked a pipe, and retired to rest.
Waking about three in the morning, he employed some time in devotion ; and then reposing himself till five o'clock, he arose, and drank a glass of wine and water, as he was accustomed to do every morning.
He then employed himself about two hours in reading, which he could do without spectacles, notwithstand ing his advanced age, for he had lived a life of temper
ance, and his eye-sight was uncommonly good. He now conversed in the customary manner, exhibiting no sign of apprehension ; and at eight o'clock sent his wig to the barber : he also desired the warder to pur chase a purse, to receive the money that he intended for the executioner ; and he particularly desired that
it might be a good one, lest the man should refuse it. The waider bringing two purses, his lordship took one,
george ii. ]
38 MEMOIRS OF [george if.
which though he did not entirely approve of, he said few persons would refuse with ten guineas for its contents.
Having called for his breakfast of minced veal, he ate heartily of and drank some wine and water, to the health of his surrounding friends. The coffin, with his name and age, and decorated with ornaments proper to his rank, being placed on the scaffold, Mr.
Sheriff Alsop went to the gate of the Tower at eleven o'clock, to demand the body. This intelligence being conveyed to Lord Lovat, he requested few minutes for his private devotions which being ac ceded to, he returned cheerfully, and said, " Gentle men, am ready and having descended one pair- of-stairs, General Williamson requested him to repose himself few minutes in his apartment. Complying with this invitation, he staid about five minutes, be haved with the utmost politeness to the company, and having drank glass of wine, got into the governor's coach, which conveyed him to the gate of the Tower, where he was received by the sheriffs. Being con ducted to house near the scaffold, he told the sheriff " he might give the word of command when he pleased for (added he) have been long in the army, and know what to obey. " Having drank some
it is
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;
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;
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george n. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
and bitters, he ascended the scaffold, and taking a survey of the surrounding multitude, ex
burnt-brandy
his astonishment that such numbers could assemble to witness the decollation of so ancient a
head.
Observing a friend on the scaffold who appeared
very desponding, he put his hand on his shoulder, and said, " Cheer up thy heart, man; I am not afraid, and why should'st thou ? if you do not, and I am able to rise again, I shall be much displeased with
He now sat down on a chair, and having
pressed
you. "
lines from the classic authors, he stripped himself, and laid his head on the block. After a few minutes spent in devotion, he dropped his handkerchief, on which his head was
cut off; and being received in a cloth of red baize, was put into the coffin with the body, and conveyed to the Tower i n a hearse.
Immense crowds of spectators were on scaffolds on Tower-hill, to behold the final exit of this extraor dinary man, but some of them suffered for their curio sity ; for, before he was brought out of the Tower, one of the scaffolds broke down, by which several persons were killed on the spot, and a great number had their bones broken, and were otherwise terribly
c2
repeated
some sentimental
40 MEMOIRS OF [george u.
bruised, to the distress of many families, and the total ruin of others. Thus was this man, whose life
had been a scene of tyranny, and perfidious duplicity, the occasion of injuring many others, almost in the moment of his death.
Lord Lovat was beheaded on the 9th of April, 1747. Beside his legitimate children, his lordship left a son, Col. Frazer, of whom there is a portrait, engraved by Worlidge.
«Ti'. S
YORK
ceorge ii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 41
Captain Lowey appears to have been one of the many who might have passed quietly through life, but, from becoming slaves to the intemperance of violent passions, too frequently precipitate themselves in consequences, equally, if not more calamitous, in tendency, than to the innocent victims of their cul
•
of Admiralty, held in the Old Bailey, February 18, 17^2, for the murder of Kenith Hossack, mariner. It appeared, from the evidence of James Gatherah,
chief-mate, that, on the 28th of October, 1750, he set sail from Jamaica in the Molly, a merchant-ship, commanded by the prisoner, with fourteen men on board; that, on the 24th of December following, between four and five in the afternoon, he came upon deck, and saw the deceased, Kenith Hossack, seized, or tied up, one arm to the halliards, and the other to the main shrouds, and the prisoner beating him with a rope about an inch and a half thick, called a crot
pability.
He was indicted at the sessions of the high-court
42 MEMOIRS OF [georgb ii.
ched brace ; that he went forward with his business, and returned about five, when the deceased, to relieve the operations of nature, begged he would let him down ; the Captain being then below, the witness went to him, and obtained permission, but withal, orders that he should be almost immediately seized up again. When the deceased was let down, he was not able to stand, but lay and crawled upon deck, of which he informed the captain, who said, "D n the rascal, he shams Abraham," so seize him up again ;
and consequently he was tied up a second time, though not so fast as before, which the captain observing, ordered him to be seized, with his arms extended to the full stretch. The prisoner then took the rope and doubled and, with the bite or double of the rope, beat him on the back, breast, shoulders, head, face, and temples, for nearly half-an-hour, walking about during intervals to take breath. was near six o'clock, when the captain, observing that the
deceased appeared motionless, ordered him to be cut down, and called to witness, and said, " am afraid Kenny (for so the deceased was called by the ship's
crew) dead;" when he replied, "lam sorry for hope not. " Witness then went to the deceased to feel his pulse, but could find none he also placed
;
I
is
I it,
It
it,
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 43
his hand to his breast, and not discovering any pulsa tion, observed, '. '. lam afraid he is dead, indeed! " on this the prisoner struck the deceased slightly on the
face, and cried, " D n him, he is only shamming Abraham now. " A sail was then brought, and the
george ii. ]
deceased was carried in it down to the
where the captain whetted a pen-knife, and the witness opened a vein, but there was no issue of blood. The deceased, prior to this, was gradually
recovering from the effects of a tedious and severe fever, and though not capable of going aloft, yet he could do many things about the vessel.
On being asked ifthere had been any quarrel or dispute between him and the prisoner, before or since the death of Hossack P answered, there had been fre
steerage,
for the captain had treated him, and every person on-board, in a very cruel and tyrannical
manner during the whole voyage.
In answer to the question, whether the prisoner
did not use the men with great humanity and ten derness? he replied, " that his conduct to the whole crew, excepting James Smart, was invariably most inhuman and despotic ;" and, in corroboration, he mentioned several instances of his barbarity.
Lowry here complained to the Court, that he was
quent disputes,
44 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
not confined till several days after the death of Hos- sack ; and that Gatherah, who was at the head of the conspiracy, seized the ship, altered her course, and carried her to Lisbon, where they were all appre hended, and sent home by the English consul for piracy ; and that the crew had sworn this murder, to prevent him punishing the witness and the rest for
mutiny.
The Court demanded of Gatherah the reason (the
murder being committed on the 24th of December,) he did not confine the prisoner until the 29th. He observed, that after the death of Hossack, the men on-board were very uneasy about the murder, and were for confining the captain ; but he (the witness) represented to them, that, as the ship was very leaky,
so as to require two pumps to be kept going night and day, and the men sickly, they could not spare one hand that was able to work ; that the captain, so long as he was on-board the ship, was perfectly se cure ; and that the fate of Hossack would, no doubt,
influence him to treat them better during the re mainder of their voyage; and that they could, on their arrival in England, bring him to that punish
ment he merited. To this proposal they all agreed ; but instead of the prisoner's behaving better, in two
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 45
or three days he went on as before, having broke the finger of one man, and bit another man's so dread fully, that he was advised by the witness to let him cut it off. At another time, he fractured the skull of one
man with his great cane ; another he beat very severely on the side, and, if he had disabled one man more, in all probability the whole must have perished. On this they resolved to deprive him of his command, and confine him, but so that he had the use of his cabin, and might come on the quarter-deck whenever he pleased. He had a light in his cabin, that he might know at any time what course was steered. The log-book was shown to him every day as soon as it was made up.
Such was the leaky condition of the vessel, and the despair of the men, that expecting she must go down before the rising of the morrow's sun, and that a watery grave awaited them, they abandoned the pumps, resigned themselves to the Divine will, and took an affectionate farewell of each other.
By the witness's persuasions they were induced to take to the pumps again ; and, with the prisoner's advice, they made for Lisbon, where they arrived on the 13th or 14th of January. On reaching the rock of Lisbon, they hoisted a signal for a pilot, and a fishing-boat came with one ; yet, as they had no
VOL. IV. H
oeorge ii. ]
4(5
r MEMOIRS OF [GEORGE II.
product, they were not allowed to come in, but compelled to anchor where they were. By this pilot the captain sent a letter to the British consul, with a complaint against the ship's company, and they were presently put under arrest ; soon after
which, the consul came on-board, examined them, and re-instated the prisoner again in his ship, when the witness, with the rest of the crew, was put on
board a man-of-war, and sent home to England. This witness further said, that in his examination
before the consul, he had given the same account of the murder as he had now done ; and when on board the man-of-war, they were not treated as pri soners, but worked in the ship during the passage, in the same manner as the ship's company did. On their arrival in England, they were put into the cus tody of the marshal of the Admiralty, not as close prisoners, but allowed to go and return as they pleased, without a keeper : and that they looked on themselves, in their confinement, not as under an accusation of mutiny and piracy, but as witnesses
against the prisoner.
Captain Lowry here desired that the log-book of the
29th of December might be read, to show they were guilty of mutiny and piracy, when it appeared :
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 47
" December 29. Unanimously agreed to confine the captain, and make the first port. "
The prisoner then demanded of the witness, if he did not see Roberts, the second mate, beating him ; and if he did not part them ? The witness answered, he certainly saw the prisoner and Roberts engaged, and that he took the prisoner off him as they were down together ; but this was after the prisoner was deprived of his command, and that he had committed the aggression by knocking Roberts down. As to the prisoner's charge that Roberts sold rum to the people, whereby they got drunk and neglected their duty, the witness knew nothing of, and indeed they could not well get drunk, for the prisoner would not allow them what was their due.
Several of the crew gave their evidence, all in support of that given by Gatherah ; and among them James Smart, a foremast-man, who, being questioned by the prisoner, whether he was not always tender of his men, when they were sick ? answered, that to him indeed he was very kind ; but used him bad enough when he was well, as he did every one on-board the ship.
Being asked by the Court, whether he thought the
the deceased received from the prisoner was u2
george ii. ]
usage
48 MEMOIRS OF [George the cause his death? answered, they had
done, he did believe
him had been stoutest man living. Captain Lowry,
was, and would have killed health and strength, the
his defence, attributed the proceed from conspiracy
had not been long
charge against him
among his crew, and observed,
sea before discovered
most wicked, drunken, idle fellows, that ever came
had got set the
into ship, which informed the Nancy, who left Jamaica
Captain Dalton his company;
but who did not appear his trial.
He said, had witnesses call, but thought the log-book
would sufficient support what had said his defence, the witnesses, who had sworn against
him, had sworn with halters about their necks, order screen themselves from their wicked acts
mutiny and piracy, well knowing, that es caped, they must hanged. He then proceeded call several gentlemen testimony his character, some of whom were tradesmen, others who had sailed
with him, and many who had known him for several
years, which gave him the character - good natured humane man.
Mr. Stone, the Marshal the Admiralty, was then
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oeorge ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 49
called upon, and deposed, that, on the 7th of March last, he received a warrant from the Lords of the
Admiralty to apprehend the prisoner.
quiry he found the ship was not come home : that when he received intelligence of her being in the river, he went thither, and was informed the prisoner
had quitted the ship on coming into the Downs, and had gone to London by land. He made diligent inquiry after him, but so ineffectually, that upon re ceiving a reprimand from the Lords of the Admiralty,
they thinking he had neglected to take him, he ad vertised ten guineas reward for his apprehension,
which was paid to the person that discovered him. The judge having summed up the evidence, the
jury withdrew, and, in about half-an-hour, returned with a verdict, guilty, death.
He was executed pursuant to his sentence, and hung in chains, by the river's side.
Upon in
50 MEMOIRS OF
3&amally isolationally,
[GEORGE
THIs young Scotchman was nearly related, not brother, the celebrated Flora Macdonald, who
made herself conspicuous by her attachment to, and following the fortunes the second Pretender,
the year 1745. The rebellion was greatly accele rated Scotland, the severity with which govern
ment treated the Highland regiment that deserted from Highgate, under impression, that after having
been the instruments disarming their northern brethren, their services were rewarded being
disbanded and draughted into different regiments, far removed from their native country. Four these unfortunate men were shot the Tower of
London, example; and several others under
went less severe punishment. The Scotch nation felt bitterly the affront put and induced many, who otherwise would least have remained neuter,
flock round the young Pretender; and among
many others was Ranald Macdonald, the whole
whose known
personal history comprised
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George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
51
the inscription under his portrait, drawn and en
graved by a Scotch artist, named Robertson. It informs us:—
“That Ranald Macdonald, of Bellinfag, in Ben
bicula, at the age of eighteen, being grievously
wounded and stripped in the battle of Culloden,
remained about two-and-twenty hours in the open air; but at length safely escaped by the humanity
(then a very rare quality,) of a person named James Hamilton, an Irishman, and lieutenant of the Chol mondeley Legion, having, in the mean time (I shud
s
der at the mention of
soldiers murdered
edly butchered on
seen his wounded fellow cold blood, and most wretch
defiled with the slaughter.
atrocity
The above inscription
sides,
that the earth was Monstrous and horrible
Latin, and curious, from the peculiar circumstances many the words being contracted, and these contractions being
represented figures, order (perhaps) give
partial concealment their obvious meaning, inas
much freely speaks the butcheries which were practised after the battle Culloden.
The wanton and savage treatment the unfor
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52 MEMOIRS OF [george 11.
tunate wounded rebels in this battle, created a heavy odium and reflection on the person and character of the old Duke of Cumberland, who had the chief command ; and, to the present day, in Scotland he is stigmatized by the appellation of billy the
BUTCHER.
The family of Macdonald to a man was in the
interest of the Pretender ; Ranald Macdonald joined him soon after he came to Scotland, and received a captain's commission. He was educated by an uncle, who told him he would tarnish the glory of his ancestors, who had been warmly attached to the cause, if he failed to act with courage. Macdonald was ever foremost where danger presented itself; he was particularly distinguished at the battle of Preston-pans, and joined with Lord Nairn, in taking
possession of Perth ; services that greatly recom mended him to the Pretender.
Macdonald was exceedingly assiduous to learn the art of war, and made himself of so much con sequence as to be intrusted with the command of two thousand men. The Duke of Perth having ordered two men, who refused to enlist, to be shot, Mac donald complained to his uncle, who had likewise
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 53
a command in the rebel army, of the injustice of this proceeding; but the uncle ordered the nephew into custody, and told him that he should be shot on the following day ; and actually informed the Pretender of what had passed. Macdonald, however, was only reprimanded, and dismissed, on promise of more cautious behaviour in future. He proceeded with the rebels as far as Derby ; but, when they returned to Carlisle, he was taken into custody, and
sent with other prisoners to London, in order to take his trial.
After his commitment to prison, he frequently wished that he had been shot. Being advised to repent, he said it would be fruitless, and he should like still to hear a tune on the sweet bag-pipes, that used to play before the army. He often told the keepers of the prison, that, " If they would knock
off his fetters, and give him a pair of bag-pipes, he would treat them with a Highland dance. "
He said he thought the Pretender's service very honorable, when he first engaged in which he would never have done, had he been aware that he was so ill provided for the expedition. He likewise expressed the utmost resentment against the French king, for not sending them assistance.
VOL. IV.
georgk ii. ]
I
it,
54 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
Being brought to trial, with two others, they were found guilty, and executed on Kennington-common, the 22d of August, 1746.
The portrait of Ranald Macdonald, which is very uncommon, is in the collection of John Goodford, Esq. , of Yeovil, Somersetshire.
PlliLJC LlLilAUY
ASTOR, LENOX AVD KL
54 MEMOIRS OF [oeorge if.
Being brought to trial, with two others, they were found guilty, and executed on Kennington-common, the 22d of August, 1746.
The portrait of Ranald Macdonald, which is very uncommon, is in the collection of John Goodford, Esq. , of Yeovil, Somersetshire.
To NTW WooA PUBLIC LILRARY
asnook, LENnx AND T. L. L. N Fuu. o. A. nos 1. L
*
----
george ii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 55
Sarah Malcolm was of honest and respectable parentage, in the county of Durham. Her father had an estate (according to her account,) of about 100/. a year, but her. mother, being an Irishwoman, prevailed on her husband to visit Dublin, where he settled, and purchased a public place in that city, with the remnant of money he had saved from the sale of his estate ; Sarah, being an only child, received a good educa tion in reading, writing, and such other learning proper for a female above the lower order. She lived with her father and mother almost to woman's estate, and was noticed for her sprightly temper. Her parents, however, having some affairs which brought them
to London, were accompanied by their daughter, who, some time after, went to service, and lived in several good families, performing her duty to the
of her employers. Her father, in conse quence of his business, returned to Dublin, and took his wife with him, where they both shortly after died.
i2
satisfaction
56 MEMOIRS OF
[GEORGE
Sarah was now left ing some acquaintance,
the laundresses,
her own discretion, when form
she obtained situation one char-women, the Temple,
where she attended some gentlemen for considerable time. Before this, she was situation place
called the Black Horse alehouse, where she became
known Mrs. Tracey, and likewise the two bro thers, Thomas and James Alexander.
Among other persons Sarah Malcolm occasionally
did char-work for, was Mrs. Lydia Duncomb, widow lady, about eighty years age, who had lived forty
years chambers, four pair stairs high, the Inner Temple; she had one maid, Elizabeth Harrison, who
had been with her many years, and was grown old her service, for she was about sixty, and very infirm:
but though she was now past labour, the good lady,
(who was bed-rid herself) still retained her, regard for her former faithful services, and hired others do
her work, which sometimes occasioned the service of Sarah Malcolm. About three months previous the
unfortunate catastrophe, Mrs. Duncomb had hired Anne Price, who was nearly seventeen years age, be constant servant. Mrs. Duncomb had mid
dling fortune left her by her husband, and lived con tented peace with her two servants, until February
a in
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REMARKABLE PERSONS. 57
4, 1733, when they were all found murdered. The maid-servant, Ann Price, was supposed to have been murdered first, having her throat cut from ear to ear ;
but by her cap being off, and her hair much entangled, it was thought she had struggled hard with her mur derer. It was conjectured her companion was strangled ; though there were two or three wounds in her throat, that appeared as if they had been given by a nail. Mrs. Duncomb was probably smothered, and killed last, as she was found lying across the bed, with a gown on ; the other two were in bed. A trunk in the room was broke open and rifled.
This barbarous fact remained undiscovered till Sunday noon, when Mrs. Love, who used to visit Mrs. Duncomb, came to dine with her. She found the door shut, and having no answer when she knocked, she concluded that the old maid was sick, and that the young one was sent out on an errand. After waiting a considerable time for her return, but to no purpose, she went down to Mrs. Rhymer, a friend of Mrs. Duncomb's, living likewise in the Temple,) and acquainted her with the circumstance, who came back with her to the door, but could gain no entrance. They began to think some misfortune
george H. ]
58 MEMOIRS OF [George
had happened; and meeting Ann Oliphant, laun
dress, (whose master's chambers were opposite Mrs. Duncomb's,) they persuaded her get out
her master's garret-window, and into Mrs. Dun
comb's chambers. She did so, and opened the door Mrs. Duncomb's friends, when, entering, they
discovered the bodies already described.
About twelve o'clock the same night, Mr. Kerrel coming home, found Sarah Malcolm, who was his laundress, his chambers; was surprised
seeing her there such hour. He had heard these murders, and that she had formerly chared for Mrs. Duncomb, whereupon asked her any person
had been taken suspicion She said, No.
He told her, was suspected the fact must have been done by somebody that was acquainted with the deceased; and, had heard that she had formerly
attended there, she should continue longer his
service, and therefore desired her prepare for quit ting him. Upon examining, missed some his
clothes, when she confessed having pawned them. This made him more uneasy, and resolved she should stay longer: upon which she went down stairs. His suspicion caused him search further,
to
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George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 59
and in the close-stool he found some linen, and a silver tankard, with the handle bloody. Looking under his
who found her sitting between two watchmen near the Inner Temple gate. When brought back Mr.
Kerrel's chambers, he shewed her the tankard and the linen, bloody they were, and asked her they were
her's She said, yes, and that the tankard was left her her mother. The officers the Temple carried
her the constable, by whom she was taken before Alderman Brocas, and committed Newgate. On her trial, which took place February 23, 1733, Roger Johnson, one the officers Newgate, deposed, the
prisoner was brought there the 5th instant; that
had some knowledge her before, she used come there see one Johnson, an Irishman, who
was convicted for stealing Scotchman's pack. On seeing room which the debtors were, she asked she might not that room; and being told would cost her guinea, and that she did not look like one that could pay much she said, were two
three guineas she could send for friend that would raise the money. consequence, suspecting she
bed, he found a shift and an apron
besmeared with blood. These discoveries gave him extraordinary concern; he called the watch, and sent them after her:
t to
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beintoof as in
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by
60 MEMOIRS OF [George
had money secreted, began search her, when,
under her cap, concealed her hair, found bag money, consisting twenty moidores, eighteen gui
neas, five broad-pieces, half-broad piece, five crowns,
and two three shillings, which she confessed have taken from Madam Duncomb; but denied any participation the murders. This testimony
was corroborated Mr. Alstone, who was placed dark place note her conversation with the witness.
Her examination and confession, taken on oath, Fe
bruary before Sir Richard Brocas, Knt. was then read: who oath saith, “That Sunday morning
last, about two o'clock, she, this examinant, was con
cerned with Thomas and James Alexander, brothers,
and Mary Tracey, who murdered Elizabeth Harrison, Lydia Duncomb, and another person, whose name she, this examinant, does not present know, on about the time last-mentioned, the Temple, this
city, which was done the manner following:—that she, this examinant, had several conferences with the aforesaid persons, concerning the robbing
Mrs. Duncomb; and that about ten o'clock, on
Saturday night last, James Alexander got into Mrs. Duncomb's chambers, and concealed himself under
bed till about two o'clock, when opened her.
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REMARKABLE PERSONS. 61
chamber-door, and let the said Mary Tracey and Thomas Alexander into the said chambers; and, that she, this examinant, stood on the stairs as a watch, whilst they committed the said murders, and at the same time stole from out of the said chambers about 300/. in money, a silver pint-tankard, and a spoon,
with divers other goods to a great value ; which said money and goods were by the above said persons
brought down to her, and then distributed in equal
portions amongst them, between four and five o'clock
on Sunday morning last past. "
The prisoner, in defence, admitted she was accessary
to the robbery, but was innocent of the murder; and gave the following particulars: "That she lived with Mrs. Duncomb about three months before she was
murdered, and that the robbery was contrived by Mary Tracey, then in confinement, and herself, from her own vicious inclinations. Mrs. Tracey coming to her master, Mr. Kerrel, on the Sunday before the murder was committed, and he not being at home, they talked about robbing Mrs. Duncomb, when Sarah objecting to do it herself, the other proposed
the two Alexanders to help them ; and, in consequence, they all met the Friday following in Cheapside, when they agreed, on the next night, to put their
VOL. IV. K
george ii. ]
(52
MEMOIRS OF
[george 11.
scheme into execution. Next day, being Saturday, Sarah went between seven and eight in the evening to see Mrs. Duncomb's maid, Elizabeth Harrison, who was very bad, and staid but a short time, having appointed to meet Tracey and the two Alexanders at ten o'clock; who, coming to the time, were impatient to go about it then. " Sarah proceeds, " I told them I would go and see, and so I went up-stairs, and they followed : I met the young maid on the stairs with a blue mug ; she was going for some milk to make a sack-posset, and asked me who those were that
I told her they were people going to
came after me ?
Mr. Knight's below. As soon as she was gone, I said to Mary Tracey* ' Now do you and Tom Alex ander go down ; I know the door is left a-jar, because the old maid is ill, and can't get up to let the young one in when she comes back. ' Upon that they went down, and James Alexander,* by my order, went in
* A boy about seventeen years of age, living servant with a person who kept the Red-Lion ale-house at Bridewell Bridge, hearing it said, in his master's house, that Sarah Malcolm had given in an information against one Thomas and James Alexander, and Mary Tracey, said to his master, "my name is James Alexander, and I have a brother named Thomas, and my mother nursed a woman
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 63
and concealed himself under the bed ; and, as I was going down myself, I met the young maid coming up
again. Asking me if I had spoken to Mrs. Betty, I told her, no ; though I should have told her otherwise, but that I was afraid of creating suspicion, in case of her being informed that I had not been there. I past
her, went down to Tracey and Alexander, and afterwards to my master's chambers, and stirred up the fire. I staid about a quarter of an hour, and when I came back I saw Tracey and Thomas Alex ander sitting on Mrs. Duncomb's stairs, and I sat
where Sarah Malcolm lived. " Upon this acknowledgement, the t master sent to Alstone, turnkey of Newgate; and the boy being confronted with Malcolm, she immediately charged him with being concealed under Mrs. Duncomb's bed, previous to letting in Tracey
and his brother, by whom and himself the murders were committed. On this evidence he was detained ; and frankly telling where his brother and Tracey were to be found, they also were taken into custody, and brought before Sir Richard Brocas : here Malcolm persisted in her former asseverations ; but the magistrate thought her unworthy of credit, and would have discharged them ; but, being
advised by some persons present to act with more caution, com mitted them all to Newgate. Their distress was somewhat alleviated by the gentlemen of the Temple society, who, fully convinced of their innocence, allowed each of them one shilling per diem during
the time of their confinement.
K2
oeorge ii. ]
64 MEMOIRS OF
[GEORGE
down with them. At twelve o’clock we heard some
people walking, and by-and-by Mr. Knight came home, went his room, and shut the door. was very stormy night; there was scarcely any person
stirring abroad, and the watchmen kept up close,
except just when they cried the hour. At two o'clock, another gentleman came and called the watch light his candle, upon which went further up
stairs, and soon after this heard Mrs. Duncomb's door open; James Alexander came out, and said, ‘Now the time Then Mary Tracey and Thomas Alexander went in, but staid upon the stairs watch. had told them where Mrs. Duncomb's box stood: they came out between four and five, and one
them called me softly, and said, “Hip! how shall shut the door replied, ‘’Tis spring-lock;
pull and will fast;’ and one them did. They would have shared the money and goods upon the stairs, but told them we had better down;
we went under the arch Fig-tree Court, where
there was lamp. asked them how much they had got? they said, they had found fifty guineas and some silver the maid’s purse, above 100l. the chest
drawers, silver-tankard, and the box money, with several other things; that, they obtained
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oeorge ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 65
the value of about 300/. in money and goods. They told me they had been forced to gag the people; they gave me the tankard with its contents, and some linen for my share, and they retained a silver- spoon, a ring, and the rest of the money among them selves. They advised me to be cunning, and plant the money and goods under ground, and not be seen to be flush ; then we appointed to meet at Greenwich, but I did not go. All that I have now declared is fact, and I have no occasion to murder three innocent persons by a false accusation; for I know I am a con demned woman, I know I must suffer an ignominious death, which my crimes deserve, and I shall suffer willingly. I thank God that he has granted me time to repent, when I might have been snatched off in the midst of my crimes, and without having an opportunity of preparing myself for another world. "
The jury, after retiring for about a quarter of an hour, returned with a verdict of guilty.
She was executed on Wednesday, the 7th of
March, 1733, in Fleet-street, near Fetter-lane,
amidst an amazing concourse of spectators. At the place of
execution, she appeared at first tolerably calm and serene; but afterwards fainted away from extreme agitation of spirits. Just before the cart drew away,
G6 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
she looked towards the Temple, and cried out, " Oh ! my master, my master! I wish I could see him;" and then looking up to heaven, often exclaimed, " Lord have mercy on me ! Lord, receive my spirit! " so con
tinuing until the cart withdrew from under her.
AtWR : :i x
». •
george ii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 67
Mantel Jftalfcem
Daniel Malden was a native of Kent, and re
sided for some years at Canterbury, where he gained a tolerable livelihood as a postillion at one of the prin cipal inns in that city. Here he married, and for a time appeared to live in the greatest harmony with his wife ; but she turning out a complete virago, fre quent quarrels arose between them, which generally terminated in blows. Rendered thus unhappy at home, Malden came to the determination of abandon ing his wife, and Canterbury, and coming up to Lon don to seek a situation. He had not, however, been long in town, before he fell into vicious company, and not meeting with immediate employment, betook himself to the practice of privately stealing, frequent ing taverns and public ordinaries, where he would
purloin silver-spoons, salts, tankards, and any other description of plate he could lay his hands on. In one of these speculations Malden was, for himself, most unfortunately detected in stealing a silver-tank
68 • MEMOIRS OF [geoboe n.
ard, and, being conducted before a magistrate, was fully committed to Newgate, in order to take his trial. Being tried at the Sessions-house in the Old
Bailey, and found guilty on the clearest evidence, he received sentence of death,. May 10, 1736. On the 14th of the same month, he, in company with six
other prisoners, under sentence of transportation, found means to get down the common sewer ; and four of them got up a vault in Fleet-lane, three of whom went through the shop and made their escape ;
the remaining one, however, was secured and carried back to Newgate. Among those that effected their escape was Daniel Malden ; but his enlargement was of short duration, being soon retaken and conducted in safety to his former lodgings.
On Monday, the +th of the following June, Malden made a second escape, by sawing his chains near the staple that fastened them to the floor of the con demned hold, and getting through the brickwork, dropt into the common sewer. —Several persons were
employed to search after him, but to no purpose, though the chains about him weighed nearly one hundred pounds: in their search they found the bodies of two men, who, attempting to escape, in a
similar manner, had been smothered.
george ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 69
This additional exploit of Malden's made consi derable noise, and he was as much talked of as the famous Jack Sheppard. Notwithstanding that a des cription of his person, with the offer of a reward for
his apprehension, was sent to every sea-port and public place in the kingdom, Malden continued undetected until Sunday, September 26th, following his last escape ; when being at Canterbury, and quar relling with his wife, to whom he had fled for safety, he was again secured, brought up under a strong guard to Newgate, and chained down in the hold, with such precaution as to make escape impracticable. On Friday, October 15th, he was arraigned at the bar of
the Old Bailey, to receive his former sentence; and on Tuesday, the second of the next month, Novem ber, 1736, was executed with two other convicts, at Tyburn.
VOL. IV. i.
70 MEMOIRS OF [george ii.
THE FEMALE BONE-SETTER.
Mrs. Sarah Mapp, a femaleof masculine habits, distinguished herself by some extraordinary cure she effected, merely resulting from personal courage. — She was called the bone-setter, or shape mistress. Her maiden name was Wallin. Her father was also a bone-setter, at Hindon, Wilts; but, quarrelling with him, she wandered about the country, calling herself crazy Sally. On her success in her profession she married, August 11, 1736, Hill Mapp, a servant to Mr. Ibbetson, mercer, on Ludgate-hill. In most
cases her success was rather owing to the strength of her arms, and the boldness of her undertakings, than to any knowledge of anatomy or skill in chirurgical operations. The following particulars relative to her are collected from the Grub-street Journal, &c. and serve at least to shew, that she was a character consi derable enough to deserve the satire of Hogarth.
August 19, 1736. — " We hear that the husband of
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REMARKABLE PERSONS. 71
Mrs. Mapp, the famous bone-setter, at Epsom, ran away from her last week, taking with him upwards of one hundred guineas, and such other portable things
as lay next at hand. Several letters from Epsom mention, that the footman, whom the female bone- setter married the week before, had taken a sudden journey from thence with what money his wife had earned ; and that her concern at first was very great ;
but soon as the surprise was over, she grew gay, and seemed to think the money well disposed of, as it was like to rid her of a husband. He took just one
hundred and two guineas. "
The following verses were addressed to her in
george ii. ]
August,
1736: —
" Of late, without the least pretence to skill,
" Ward's grown a fam'd physician by a pill ;
" Yet he can but a doubtful honour claim,
" While envious death oft blasts his rising fame.
" Next travell'd Taylor fill'd us with surprise, " Who pours new light upon the blindest eyes ; " Each journal tells his circuit thro' the land ; " Each journal tells the blessing of his hand :
" And lest some hireling scribbler of the town
" Injures his history, be writes his own.
" Wc read the long accounts with wonder o'er; " Had he wrote less, we had believ' him more. " Let these, O Mapp ! thou wonder of the age ! " With dubious arts enldeavour t« engage :
2
72
MEMOIRS OP [george 11.
" While you, irregularly striet to rules,
" Teach dull collegiate pedants they are fools : " By merit, the sure path to fame pursue ;
" For all who see thy art, must own it true. "
September 2, 1736. — " On Friday, several persons, who had the misfortune of lameness, crowded to the White-hart Inn, in Whitechapel, on hearing Mrs.
Mapp, the famous bone-setter, was there. Some of them were admitted to her, and were relieved as they apprehended. But a gentleman who happened to come by, declared Mrs. Mapp was at Epsom, on which the woman thought proper to move off. "
ADVERTISEMENT.
" September 9, 1736.
" Whereas it has been industriously (I wish I could
say truly) reported, that I had found great benefit from a certain female bone-setter's performance, and that it was to a want of resolution to undergo the operation, that I did not meet with a perfect cure : this is therefore to give notice, that any persons
afflicted with lameness (who are willing to know what good or harm others may receive, before they venture on desperate measures themselves) will be welcome
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 73
any morning to see the dressing of my leg, which was sound before the operation, and they will then be able to judge of the performance, and to whom I owe my present unhappy confinement to my bed and chair.
" Thomas Barber, Tallow-chandler,
" Saffron-hill. "
»
September 16th, 1736. —" On Thursday, Mrs.
Mapp's plate of ten guineas was run for at Epsom. A mare called " Mrs. Mapp" won the first heat, when Mrs. Mapp gave the rider a guinea, and swore if he won the plate she would give him 100 ; but the second and third heats were won by a chesnut mare.
" We hear that the husband of Mrs. Mapp is re turned, and has been kindly received. "
September 23d, 1736. —" Mrs. Mapp continues making extraordinary cures ; she has now set up an equipage, and on Sunday waited on her majesty. ".
Saturday, October 16, 1736. —"Mrs. Mapp, the bone-setter, with Dr. Taylor, the oculist, was at the play-house in Lincoln's-inn-Jields, to see a comedy called « The Husband's Relief, with the Female Bone-setter and Worm-doctor;' which occasioned a full house, and the following epigram:—
ueorge ii. ]
74
MEMOIRS OF [george 11.
" While Mapp to th' actors shew'd a kind regard,
" On one side Taylor sat, on th' other Ward:
" When their mock persons of the drama came
" Both Ward and Taylor thought it hurt their fame ;
" Wonder'd how Mapp cou'd in good humour be — " Zounds! cries the manly dame, it hurts not me,
" Quacks without art may either blind or kill, " But* demonstration shews that mine is skill. "
And the following was sung upon the stage: —
" You surgeons of London, who puzzle your pates, " To ride in your coaches, and purchase estates ;
" Give over, for shame, for your pride has a fall, " And the doctress of Epsom has out-done you all.
Derry down, &c.
" What signifies learning, or going to school,
" When a woman can do, without reason or rule, " What puts you to nonplus, and baffles your art " For petticoat-practice has now got the start.
Derry down, &c.
* This alludes to some surprising cures she performed before Sir Hans Sloanc, at the Grecian Coffee-house ; (where she came once a week from Epsom, in her chariot drawn by four horses) viz. , a man of Wardour-street, whose back had been broke nine years, and stuck out two inches ; a niece of Sir Hans Sloane in the like condition ; and a gentleman who went with one shoe-heel six inches high, having been lame twenty years of his hip and knee, whom she set straight, and brought his leg down even with the other.
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 75
" In physics, as well as in fashions, we find,
" The newest has always the run with mankind :
" Forgot is the bustle 'bout Taylor and Ward;
" Now Mapp's all the cry, and her fame's on record.
Derry down, &c.
" Dame nature has given her a doctor's degree, " She gets all the patients, and pockets the fee ;
" So if you don't instantly prove it a cheat,
" She'll loll in her chariot whilst you walk the street.
Derry down," &c.
October 19, 1736, London Daily Post. —" Mrs.
Mapp being present at the acting of the Wife's Relief, concurred in the universal applause of a crowded audience. This play was advertised by the desire of Mrs. Mapp, the famous bone-setter, from Epsom. "
October 2 1st, 1736. — " On Saturday evening there was such a concourse of people at the Theatre Royal, in Lincoln''s-inn-fields, to see the famous Mrs. Mapp, that several gentlemen and ladies were obliged to return for want of room. The confusion at going out was so great, that several gentlemen and ladies had their pockets picked, and many of the latter lost their fans, &c. Yesterday she was elegantly entertained by Dr. Ward, at his house in Pall-mall. "
" On Saturday and yesterday Mrs. Mapp per formed several operations at the Grecian Coffee
george ii. ]
76 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
house, particularly one upon a niece of Sir Hans Shane, to his great satisfaction and her credit. The
had her shoulder-bone out for about nine years. "
" On Monday, Mrs. Mapp performed two extraordi nary cures ; one on a young lady of the Temple, who had several bones out from the knees to her toes, which she put in their proper places : and the other on a butcher, whose knee-pans were so misplaced
that he walked with his knees knocking one against another. Yesterday she performed several other sur prising cures ; and about one set out for Epsom, and carried with her several crutches, which she calls tro phies of honour. "
November 18, 1736. — " Mrs. Mapp, the famous bone-setter, has taken lodgings in Pall-Mail, near Mr.