No More Learning

PC . . LIC L. EuAlif
GeoRGE II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
oùilliam
113
WILLIAM PAGE, otherwise Gage, otherwise Wil
liams, otherwise as many other names as circumstances
led him to adopt, was born at Hampton, in Middle sex, of honest and industrious parents. His father was a bargeman to a coal-merchant in that town, and was drowned during the great frost, 1740, somewhere - above Putney-bridge. After the death of his father, his mother, who was a very industrious woman, took
to distilling simple waters, in which she was greatly encouraged by the gentry and others, both in town and country; who seeing her care and diligence, and willingness to keep herself from becoming a burthen to the parish, were ready serve and assist her. William was the only child his parents, and receiv
Hamp
upon trial Mr. Woodfall, printer, who then lived Little Britain; but that business being too great confinement for his roving disposition,
|}age,
tolerable education
ton; and from thence was engaged draw beer the Bell alehouse, the same town. He next went
charity-school
a in
to
he
at
in
all at
a a
of to
to
in
ed a
114 MEMOIRS OF
[george 11.
hired himself as footboy to Mr. Dalrymple, at the Scots Holland Warehouse, in London. Neither did he continue long here, but went as footman into the service of Mr. Hodges, in Lincoln's-inn-fields, where his behaviour not being agreeable to his master, he was soon discharged.
Some time after he became footman to Mr. Macart
ney, in Argyle-buildings ; but soon disliking his place, he hired himself as a servant in livery to the Earl of Glencairn, and went with his lordship into Scotland. Neither the country nor the people proving agreeable to his disposition, he left his lord ship's service, went to Edinburgh, bought a horse, came to London, and engaged himself as valet to Captain Jasper, whom he afterwards robbed on Hounslow-heath. He lived in several other places in quality of a footman, and as he was of that proud and haughty spirit that could not patiently submit to the orders of his superiors, nor behave himself with
common decency to his equals and fellow-servants, his continuance in all of them was of short duration. Thus he constantly lost his friends and patrons as soon as he had got them, and was daily adding to the number of his enemies.
Being by such means as these extremely reduced
georoe ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 115
in his circumstances,
and without character, he could think of no better method of supplying his wants, and freeing himself from a servile dependancy, than by turning collector
on the highway. This he imagined would not only take off that badge of slavery, a livery, which he had always worn with regret, but set him on a level with gentlemen, a figure he was ever ambitious of making, ' though hitherto it had been out of his power. Thus resolved, his first care was to provide himself with a brace of pistols. It was not long before he heard of
a gentleman's servant who had a pair to dispose of. Accordingly he went to him, pretending a friend of his had desired him to look out for a set, and to purchase them if worth his money. The servant produced the pistols, and Page seemed to like them, and desired he might have them to shew the gentleman for his appro bation. Being now furnished with proper arms, he
immediately hires a horse, turns out upon the High-
gate-road, and robs the Highgate coach, taking from the passengers about 4/. He then went and paid for the pistols, and from that time commenced highwayman, and daily committed robberies —some near the metro polis, and others at a distance in the country ; the most material of which was that on his former master,
without money, without friends,
110 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
Captain Jasper, on Hounslow-heath. As the captain with a lady was passing over the Heath in a chaise, Page came up to the postillion, and bid him stop, and then ordered the captain to deliver :—the captain said, " That may be, Sir, but not yet" and pulling out a pistol, fired at him, but unfortunately wounded
the postillion very severely in the back : which Page
observing,
said, " Consider, Sir, what a rash ac
tion have been I of; you have killed this you guilty
poor fellow, which
world. And noI
deliver, so now I repeat my
will actually
w, Sir, as
I
orders, and
would not have done the for
any longer to comply,
Upon which the captain snapt his second pistol at him, but it did not gooff. Page then swore he would shoot the lady, imagining that would terrify him more than the fear of his own life. The captain, however, to screen the lady from the danger, though at the hazard of his own person, very gallantly placed him self in her lap. Then Page swore he would shoot him, if he did not instantly deliver his money, and
would be as good as his word. The captain on this leaped out of the chaise, and Page fired, but in such a manner as to miss, (for he had no design to hurt
him, unless he should be compelled to do so in his
before required you
fire
if
refuse
to
you
upon you. "
oeorge ii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 117
own defence. ) Upon which the captain snapped his pistol the second time, but without Ifire. Page then
money. Page then demanded his sword. The cap tain answereId, " You may see by my cockade lam an
said, " You must now surrender, or
will
shoot you" The captain seeing himself in his power, and without means to help himself, thought proper to give him his gold watch, and ten or eleven guineas in
officer, and
absolutely
would sooner p/art with my than with life
think the bravest my sword. " Page replied, " myself
fellow that ever crossed these plains, but thou art an obstinate fellow, and so go about your business. " — Some time after he robbed the Hon. Taylor White, the Welch judge, as he was going upon his circuit into Wales, and took from him his gold watch and some money. Many other robberies he committed about the same time, and was frequently so closely pursued, that it was with the utmost difficulty he made his escape.
Any one would imagine a man engaged in his course of life, without home or habitation, had but little occasion for a wife ; or, that any woman of good character would unite herself with a person of at best a doubtful character. Yet he paid his addresses to a young woman of Hampton Town, of a modest and
VOL. IV. R
118
MEMOIRS OF [GeoRGE
virtuous life, and length prevailed upon her ac
cept him for husband, whom had several children, being herself honest and industrious disposition. On becoming acquainted with his way life, and the manner supported himself,
far from instigating him pursue she often warned him the danger, and begged him desist from those pernicious courses, which the end would prove his
ruin. But her prayers and entreaties were ineffec tual, and persisted the last.
Page, with companion (for menced acquaintance) being beyond Barnet, for the purpose
meet with Lord Downe,
had now com the north road,
plunder, happened post-chaise. He
went up the chaise, with the usual salute deliver. Upon which his lordship drew his pistol, and dis
charged with true aim, that he shot him the body. The ball lodged his back, and though
scarce felt first, yet the vast profusion blood that issued from the wound soon made him sensible
his danger. His companion, who had got un
ruly horse, could not immediately come his assist ance. Page, however, notwithstanding his first re
pulse, renewed his attack, and advanced second time: but perceiving his lordship had another pistol
to a
of an
of
of he
to
of
it at
in
in of a
he it,
it so
to
an
he
a all of a
an
to in
in
so
to
II.
on he
to
to
of
an by
of
he
at
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 119
levelled directly at him, thought proper to retire, and finding himself becoming weak from the excessive loss - of blood, doubled his handkerchief and applied it to the wound ; then buttoning himself up close, made the best of his way for London. On his arrival he sent for a surgeon, who, upon searching the wound, found it so dangerous that he declared he would not under take it without the assistance of another of the same profession. One was accordingly sent for, who, at first sight, knew Page perfectly well, though the other did not. He asked him how he came by the wound ? Page answered, he received it in a duel he had just
oeorge ii. ]
The surgeon replied, he would endeavour to extract the ball ; but desired never to see his face again, for he believed he had fought that duel near
Barnet.
Page was obliged, through this accident, to lie by for
some time ; and, on his recovery, was so far from being intimidated by his late narrow escape, that he seemed
to have gathered fresh spirit for new exploits. Ac cordingly he and his companion set out upon new adventures, and riding over Shooter's-hill, they met
two post-chaises ; in one of which was a supercargo belonging to the East India Company, and in the other two gentlemen, whom they disarmed, after a
rJ
fought.
120 MEMOIRS OF [oeorge n.
desperate engagement, in which pistols were dis charged by both parties, but without execution. Fastening their hands together they marched them with the postillions into a wood, and ordered them to stay there an hour on peril of their lives. Page and his companion, after robbing the chaises of two trunks, which they concealed in a wood not far dis tant, returned directly to London ; and on the next morning went down in two chaises and brought away their prize to town. On opening the trunks they found a large quantity of money, and packets of letters and papers of great consequence to the East India
Company. This robbery was immediately advertised, and a reward of forty guineas offered to any person
who would make a discovery, " and no questions asked;" (which was the manner of advertising felonies at that time ;) but, according to an act since made, such a clause in an advertisement would incur a penalty of 50/. Fearing a discovery by keeping the papers, they made them into a parcel, and sent it by a ticket-porter to the clerks in the India-house, but without demand ing the reward.
Page singly robbed a colonel of the army, near Dunstable, from whom he took four or five pounds, and a portmanteau from the back of the chaise; which
GeoRGE II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 121
on opening he found to contain three gold watches, and nearly 100l. in money, besides rich clothes and linen. These robberies, from their notoriety, becom
ing the constant topic of conversation, Page wisely
withdrew himself to the West Indies, designing, if possible, to engage as clerk to some merchant; but,
after a stay of about seven months, at Barbadoes and Antigua, he embarked on-board the Tavistock man-of war, and returned to England. He soon took to his
old practice on the highway, and his first exploit was
robbing a Mr. Cusse, in Hertfordshire. Mr. Cusse being in a post-chaise on the road, Page came up with him, and bid him deliver; when the former, having no
means of defence, pulled out his purse, and held it up
in his hand in order to give it him; but Page's horse,
which he had just hired in Purple-lane, (for he was
not yet able to purchase one) not being used to that kind of business, startled, and could not be brought
near enough for Page to receive the purse. Upon
which he ordered the postillion to bring it to him; which was done accordingly, and he rode off. Some time after, leading his horse carelessly down Highgate
hill, he was followed by three men on horseback; who, suspecting he was the highwayman that had
robbed Mr. Cusse, consulted together how to take
122 MEMOIRS OF [george 11. him. One of them came up, and accosted him
have II
thus : " Sir,
but never down; but since you do,
and bear you company. " They had not, however,
proceeded far, when the gentleman suddenly laid hold of his arms, and pinioned them so fast behind him, that the other two came up and secured him beyond a possibility of escape. They took out of his pockets four loaded pistols, several balls, and a powder-horn,
a crape out of his hat, and a map of all the cross and bye-roads for twenty miles round London, which he had himself drawn, from his own observations, and for his own use. He was first carried before a j ustice of peace at Highgate, but for further examination brought before Henry Fielding, Esq. who committed him to Bridewell. A little before the sessions came on at the Old Bailey, he was conveyed to Newgate ; and from thence by Habeas Corpus to Hertford, where, at the ensuing assizes, he was tried for the said robbery. The postillion swore positively to him; but Page brought witnesses who swore he was at another place, ten miles off, at the same time. Upon which the jury acquitted him. Thus Page got rid of this trou blesome affair by help of some of his trusty intimates ; but was so reduced that he had not a penny in his
often
walked my horse up a hill,
will also,
gkorge ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 123
pocket, a shoe to his foot, and scarce any thing but rags to cover him, for above a twelvemonth after wards ; and to support himself used to frequent billiard- tables, being a dexterous player at that game, where now and then he picked up a little money, just enough to keep him alive. After he had continued in this forlorn condition for about a twelvemonth, he found another companion, one who frequented the billiard-
tables, and in equal desperate circumstances with him
self; these two, comparing notes together, came to
the resolution of making a campaign on the highway, and in company committed numerous robberies, un detected for a length of time. But Page had now ran his full career ; for, in February, 1757, he went out alone, and robbed Captain Farrington, near Blackheath, of twenty-seven guineas and a gold watch, which being a very remarkable one, he afterwards got the maker's name and number taken out, in order to
disguise it. He was instantly pursued by the cap tain's servants, and likewise by the servants of the
who followed him so close, that in all probability he would have been taken, had not one of the servants' horses broke his leg in the
eagerness of pursuit. Page perceiving his danger, made all the speed possible to Richmond Ferry,
neighbouring gentlemen,
124 MEMOIRS OF [george ii.
which having crossed, he reached Twickenham, and remained in safety. Some time after, he, in com pany with his companion, took the Tunbridge-road, in hopes of meeting with a booty ; they were upon the prowl several days, and at last agreed to go through the town of Seven Oaks, Page first, and his com panion after him ; lest they being seen together might raise a suspicion. His companion had past the town a little way, when he was surprised to see five men, all armed with pistols, and one with a blunderbuss, pass him full speed in pursuit of Page, who, however, escaped them through the fleetness of his horse. In their return they secured the confe derate, on suspicion of being concerned with the run away, who, being conveyed before a justice, on pro mise of becoming an evidence, gave information where Page might be met with, and discovered all the nu merous robberies in which he had been concerned as an accomplice. Page was apprehended at the Golden
Lion, Grosvenor-square-gate, where he usually put up his horse.
Page was accustomed to frequent places of public resort in town ; his hair, which was long and flowing when he went out upon an expedition, he tucked up under a wig, and could let it fall at any time
GEORGE u. 1 REMARKABLE PERSONS. 125
necessary to alter his appearance. He was tried at the Old Bailey, and at Hertford, for various offences, but for want of evidence, (excepting that of his accom plice,) was acquitted at both places ; when, being con
veyed to Rochester, he was arraigned for the robbery on Captain Farrington, (since dead,) and, on the clearest evidence, the identity of his dress, the pawn ing of the watch, and other particulars being proved,
he was found guilty, and suffered on Pennenden- heath, near Maidstone, Kent, April 6th, 1758, in his
thirty-third year.
It would form a volume to record the numerous
robberies this man committed in the space of ten years, during which time he had infested all the pub lic and private roads surrounding the metropolis.
voi. IV.
126 MEMOIRS OP [GE6RGE if.
William Parsons, the son of a respectable ba ronet, was born in London, in theyear 1717, and receiv ed the rudiments of his education at Pepper-Harrow, near Godalmin, in the county of Surry, under the care of the Reverend Mr. Gruchy, a gentleman eminent for his piety and learning, with whom he continued three or four years, and afterwards went to Eton- college to complete his exercises, and fit himself for the university. He was at Eton nine years ; but, owing to a habit of idleness, he made an indifferent proficiency in learning.
During his stay at Eton, he frequently used to be at the shop of Mr. Pote, a bookseller, where he in
itiated himself in the practice of privately stealing. Mr. Pote, having lost several volumes of Pope's Homer, and not knowing whom to fix upon, came to a resolution to watch the motions of every person that entered his shop ; and, in a short time, he had an opportunity of detecting young Parsons putting a book into his pocket. On charging him with steal-
ASTCK. IXXOT. AM)
GuoRGE ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
127
ing the others, he confessed, and was publicly dis ciplined in the school.
Soon after he came from Eton, when his father, to prevent his getting into bad company, got him appointed midshipman on-board his majesty's sloop Drake, Captain Fox, then ordered to sail from Spithead to Jamaica, and to be stationed there three years. The ship not proceeding immediately on her voyage, he obtained liberty to go ashore on a party of pleasure ; and nothing but an amour of his, coming to the ears of his uncle, would have stopt him from hastily marrying the daughter of a doctor, in hopes of gaining some little money she was possessed of. But fortunately for the intended bride, his uncle hastened to send him on-board the sloop, which set sail, and reached its destined port. He had not been long at Jamaica, before he determined to leave the Drake, and ship himself for England, to renew his former suit with the doctor's daughter, at Bishop's Waltham, in Hampshire, about ten miles from Ports mouth. To effect this scheme he got on-board his majesty's ship Sheerness, in quality of midshipman, and soon came to England. As soon as he arrived he set off for Waltham, and was renewing his court ship, when he was a second time prevented by his
s2
123 MEMOIRS OF
[GEonoE n.
uncle from succeeding in his suit, who shipped him on-board the Romney, bound to Newfoundland.
During his absence in this ship, some artful persons had incensed the Duchess of Northumberland so greatly against him, that she altered her will, which before had been quite in his favor, and bequeathed his intended legacy, which was considerable, to his sister. His friends were so much displeased with his former behaviour at Waltham, that they would not admit him into any of their houses, nor even see him, so that he was destitute of almost every neces sary of life. His father at length relenting, obtained him a situation in the service of the Royal African
Company of England, at James'-fort, on the River Gambia ; but here quarrelling with the governor, he once more returned to England, and came safe to London ; where he had not been long, before the news of his arrival reached his uncle, who sent him a. very kind invitation, which he readily accepted; and, waiting on him at his house at Epsom, was favorably received, Here he staid some time, and was treated with all the kindness and affection ima ginable ; yet he soon grew restless, and wanted to enter into all the pleasures of what he styled the polite world. During his abode with his uncle, he
George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 129
imprudently debauched one of the servant-maids, and she becoming pregnant, accused him as the father.
This so much incensed the old gentleman, that he immediately turned him out of doors, friendless and
pennyless,
could. Destitute entirely, he bent his course towards
and left him to seek shelter where he
London, and was reduced to such penury, as to have
no more than three half-pence for four days; and
frequently used to quench his thirst at the pumps in
the streets. In this interval he lay four nights in a hay-loft, belonging to the Master of the Rolls’ stables,
in Chancery-lane; his weak and miserable condition influenced the coachman to commiserate his case,
and shelter him from the inclemency of the weather.
by a gentlewoman, who had lived with the Duchess of
From this wretched situation he was relieved
Northumberland,
and had known Parsons in his child
hood. She procured him a lodging in Cambridge
street, and supplied him with a little money for his
daily expenses. A short time after, hearing his father was in town, in Conduit-street, he determined
to apply to him, and going to his house, the servant not knowing him he was immediately introduced. His father was induced to pardon him, on confessing his follies; but his mother-in-law, in a great passion,
130 MEMOIRS OF
[GeoRGE
left the room. His father now advised him seek his bread by enlisting himself, private man,
his majesty's regiment life-guards: this counsel thought very salutary, but was greatly astonished, when, upon volunteering his service, was informed the thing was only accomplished by purchase,
which would cost him seventy guineas. this di lemma thought consulting once more with his father, but had the mortification learn he had quitted town, after leaving five shillings for his use. Under all these difficulties, he recollected that his
father's sister was lately dead, and had left his brother handsome legacy, which learnt letter from friend. He immediately turned this letter ac
count, raising money making out belonging
security
the legacy, Thus frequently
himself. bequest,
self very gaily, was constant visitor every public place, such balls, plays, operas, &c. and the only
thing wanted was pretty lady, with handsome fortune her own hands, and ingratiate himself. so far into her favor deputed guardian both
person and estate. Luckily for him prize soon fell his lot; for, mere accident, falling into company
mortgaging his pretended
appear most genteel manner.
was enabled
He dressed him
to
aa
by
as
a
a
he
to
he In
of
to
in he
in a
it by
he
a to a
of
to be
be
of
to
as a
as
as
to
he
of ofby a
to to
he in
11.
on
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 131
with a young lady, whose father was just dead, and had bequeathed her a handsome estate, at her own dis posal, he thought it a favorable occasion of introduc ing himself to her acquaintance, which he cultivated with such success, that, after four months' courtship, she consented to be his ; and they were married, Fe bruary 10, 1740, and Parsons placed in full posses sion of all his desires.
The news of this union soon reached the ears of his uncle, and his relations in general, who were so pleased at this action, that they made what interest they could in his favor at court; and, a few days after his marriage, a commission from his majesty, appoint ing him an ensign in the Honorable Colonel Chol-
George ii. ]
of foot, was presented him. He directly hired, and genteely fitted up, a house in Poland-street, where he lived two years, equally
loving and beloved by his friends and acquaintance, and esteemed by all who knew him. During this period he had two children, one of which died in its infancy.
After living two years in Polatd-street, he removed
into Panton-square, and the greatest harmony sub sisted between him and his wife ; nor was he guilty of any misconduct, except his profuseness in keep
mondeley's regiment
132 MEMOIRS OF [georgb n.
ing a chaise and pair, three saddle-horses, and ser vants equivalent, which exceeded the bounds of his income. But the greatest of all possible misfortunes which could happen him, was falling into company
J N , generally
with one
known by the name of Dr. N , a man of very
accidentally
good address, and a perfect master of cunning, who, by sly insinuations, soon made him believe him his sincere friend, and that his open expressions and professions of friendship were the real sentiments of
his soul.
This man had no visible way of subsisting, but by
frequenting gaming-houses, tennis-courts, &c. ,with a parcel of sharpers, his intimate acquaintance, to cajole and cheat the inexpert and heedless of their health, fortune, and credit. In an evil hour N
gained so far upon Parsons, as to persuade him to play,
which, with a great deal of argument, he effected.
It may naturally be supposed he had no run of very good luck ; let him play ever so often, he was sure to lose very considerably, which he found afterwards was shared by his friend and the winner, who was sure to be some gambler of N 's acquaintance,
planted purposely to decoy the unwary Parsons. About this time, Mr. Parsons received his com-
GeoRGE II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
133
mission as a lieutenant; and the regiment being or
dered into Flanders, he was obliged to go with He still remained quite stranger the villany
and liking him facetious, agreeable
companion,
took him abroad with servant
attend him; little suspecting this vulture was suck ing out his heart's-blood, and undermining his con
tent and happiness here and hereafter. His extra
now had for gaming, occa
borrow large sums money otherwise; and, being
pay, obtained leave sell his commission, that his debts might discharged, and his creditors
vagancy, and the itch sioned him frequently
annuities, mortgages,
pressed hard for debts
giment whilst abroad, which was entirely unable
satisfied. N
thing
whom, till now, had always lived amicable and harmonious manner; therefore, was obliged
leave her, and seek for private lodgings. Finding
apartment his satisfaction Gough-square, WOL. V.
Flanders
found his creditors clamorous not
him quiet residence, least with his wife, with
had contracted the re
stuck still fast him, whilst had any prey upon, and came back with him from England. On his arrival town,
permit
I.
a
to
T
in
to
he
or as a
an to
to
by
N ,
to
he
he in
a
at
to
so
be
to he
he a
as
to
to
he
aninhe inof to
he to
of it.
134 MEMOIRS OF
Fleet street, hired the name Brown, and passed single gentleman.
[Gnonge
Captain
None sus pecting him, was treated with the greatest com plaisance, and presumed pay his addresses the
gentleman's daughter, supposed honorable manner,
but whom debauched, and had her two children, and she soon afterwards was deserted him, and sent
Newgate for debt. From this time Mr. Parsons commenced the profession downright swindler,
and that the worst description, ever practising frauds on his best friends, and those who wished serve him.
War about this time being declared with France, and quite out employ, shipped himself, hopes accumulating some wealth, and recruiting his shattered circumstances, June, 1745, on-board
the Dursley, galley-privateer, Captain Organ Furnell,
captain marines. After having been some time sea, they fell with French privateer, which they took, and carried into Cork, Ireland, when
was taken occasioned sickness amongst the prisoners, and, consequence, sent ashore; the
privateer sailing from Cork soon after, left him
behind. short time had spent his ready money, and, replenish his stock, drew three bills
upon some eminent merchants London, for which
in
by by
to a
ill, in a
he he he
he
of a
to
in
all
of
to
of to
in
in a
a it
he
at as
to
In of he
by a
in
he
in
of he
of
of
as
in
fi,
George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 1:35
he received sixty pounds; but a little before he thought they could have any advice concerning them,
took the opportunity of coming to England, in the
Louis Erasmus, French prize, taken by some of the royal family privateers, and in a few days arrived safe at Plymouth.
Arriving in London, and finding his cash run low, he went to a tavern in the Strand, and asked the landlord, whom he was well acquainted with, if
he could send him a parson, as he was about to marry a young lady. A clergyman was soon found,
but a ring being requisite, Mr. Parsons ordered the waiter to step to a jeweller's, and bid him bring some plain rings, when the clergyman told him he had a
friend who lived at hand, and, if he pleased, would send for him. Mr. Parsons politely thanked him, saying, he thought a trifling present to his wife would not be amiss, and begged a few diamond-rings might be brought likewise. The clergyman sent, and the rings were produced, when, after choosing a
plain one, and also a diamond one of considerable value, Mr. Parsons pulled out a draught, desiring the jeweller to give him change; but, recollecting himself,
he told the clergyman he would settle with him for
the whole when the ceremony was over, with which
T2
-
136 MEMOIRS OF
[gborge ii.
the jeweller was quite satisfied, and went away. The lady shortly after quitted the room on some pretence, when, staying longer than was expected, Mr. Parsons pretended to be uneasy, and went in search of her, leaving his hat in the room, to avoid suspicion, but decamped after his accomplice to a rendezvous ap pointed where they should meet, allowing the clergy man to settle with the jeweller at his leisure.
During the rebellion, in 1745, Mr. Parsons, who was then a
lieutenant in the Honorable Colonel Cholmondeley's
regiment of foot, having involved himself by his ex
travagances, in great streights, applied himself to a
half-pay officer, proposing to go down in the country
and join the rebels. His friend advised him by
no means to embark in such a desperate scheme, and
generously lent him forty guineas, as a present supply ; he afterwards borrowed a horse of the same gentleman,
under pretence of going a journey, but immediately rode the animal to Smithfield and sold it. Having committed this base action, and ashamed to meet or see Mr. St. John, the injured gentleman, Mr. Parsons gave a false accusation against him, accusing him of a design of joining the rebels ; upon which charge he was taken into custody, and retained a prisoner for many months, nor did he get his liberty at last with-
George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
out the loss of his half-pay, which was taken from him
on this occasion.
-
Mr. Parsons now entirely subsisted by fraud and deception; but finding his pranks had aroused some of
his creditors sharply to pursue him, he framed a scheme to be seized as a disaffected person, and was
accordingly taken into custody, and detained in the hands of a messenger about eighteen months, where
he lived very free and peaceable, unembarrassed with the clamours of dunning creditors, at the expense of government. During his confinement here, some persons promised to get him a genteel place as a
reward for his information against Captain St. John; but, finding their promises quite windy, upon his releasement, to shun his creditors, he was obliged to
go to Holland, where he resided as long as his money
lasted, and then came to England in search of new adventures.
A masquerade happening at Ranelagh, he borrowed
money for admission, and drew a note, on the strength
of which he played for small sums; but continuing he lost to the full amount, when, on the persons offering
the note payment where directed, the fraud was detected, and day two after Mr. Parsons was ap prehended and committed Wood-street compter,
137
or to
for a
MEMOIRS OF
from whence he was removed, by Habeas Corpus, after
136
[george n.
seven months
trial for a fraud on a Mr. Fuller. He was found guilty, received sentence of transportation, and shortly after was shipped on-board the Thames, Captain Dobbins, bound to Maryland, where, on the 30th of November,
1749, he was landed at Annapolis. After his arrival he continued as a common slave about seven weeks, when Lord F , having heard some account of him, feeling for the hardships he suffered, kindly re ceived him into his house, treated him with great regard and humanity, and allowed him a horse to ride. Parsons being naturally ungrateful, went off with the horse, and rode away into the country ; and, about a fortnight before he left Virginia, robbed a gentleman, on horseback of five pistoles, one moidore, and ten dollars. This being but a small sum, about eleven
confinement, to Maidstone, to take his
days after he met a gentleman and lady in a chaise, with a negro-servant, from whom he took about eleven guineas sterling, and three dollars, when thinking the country would be too hot for him, he made for Pow- tomack river, where he found a ship just ready to de part. Selling his horse
he embarked, and, after a passage of three weeks and four days, arrived safe at
Whitehaven, in the north of England.
George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
139
Forging a letter that his father was dead, and that he had arrived in England to take possession of a large
estate, he prevailed on a merchant at Whitehaven to let him have seventy pounds, giving him a draught
method of relief. Sick of his bare-spun forgeries and cheats, he had no means left for subsistence but the road; and, in August, 1748, he set out and robbed tWO gentlemen in a post-chaise, upon Hounslow heath, of five guineas, eight shillings, and a watch, which he pledged the next morning, for a guinea
and a half, at a pawnbroker's in Piccadilly.
He carried on this trade with great success for a short time; but, happening to overtake Mr. Fuller,
his former prosecutor, on Turnham-green, in com pany with a Mr. Best, who were going a journey toge ther, he was immediately known to them, though they
for the same on a banker in London.
vided himself with necessaries here, he set out for town, where, on his arrival, he frequented his old haunts, such as gaming-tables, brothels, &c. and, as this diminished his cash, he determined to find some
Having pro
Coming pretty near them, and fearing some evil consequences, they desired he would keep off. However, Parsons still kept close to them, sometimes before and some
took but little notice of him at first.
140 MEMOIRS OF [oeorge ii.
times behind, till they came very near Hounslow, when a person on horseback joined them, and they all went into the town together. Mr. Best and Mr. Fuller, on reaching the town, got out of the chaise, insisting on Parsons surrendering himself, and submitting to their mercy, or they would raise the town upon him. Upon this, Parsons alighted
from his horse, and, in a confused manner, suppli
cated their mercy, and begged to speak with them in
private. They immediately went into a private-
room, and as he thought resistance useless, delivered his pistols, charged and primed, and trusted to the lenity of the two gentlemen. But, on Mr. Day (the master of the Rose and Crown at Houns
low) observing
freely
that Parsons answered the descrip
tion of a highwayman, who at that time infested the
road, the gentlemen thought proper not to let him
go, in justice to the public. Whereupon a constable was sent for, who, upon searching his pockets, found a horn of gunpowder and some balls.
Upon being carried before a justice of the peace, he pleaded very much for mercy, and urged the res pectability of his family, which he hoped would operate in his favor ; nevertheless, upon examination, he was committed to Newgate. Tottering on the verge
george ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 141
between time and eternity, his behaviour accorded not with his awful situation ; and a preparation for a future state still remained unheeded and unthought of. He had always strong hopes within himself of a reprieve, and vainly flattered himself with such ex pectations, and even deceived himself to the very last minute. However, he paid the debt due to nature, and to justice, the 11th of February, 1750, pursuant to the sentence pronounced against him at Justice- hall, in the Old Bailey.
He wrote several letters to his father, wife, and friends, expressing bitter remorse and penitence for . his past folly and conduct; but evidently with a view
to interest themselves in the endeavour to procure him a pardon. It appears his father was successful enough to procure him a respite for some time; but his atrocious character was such, that he was left to his fate, notwithstanding his father's and wife's pe tition to the king in his favor, which was couched in the following manner: —
" That your petitioners humbly implore your ma jesty's most gracious pardon for the said William
Parsons, and faithfully promise, that, ifyour majesty be pleased to grant the same, they will take care for
vol. iv. u
142 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
the time to come, that it shall not be in his power to abuse your majesty's clemency, or injure any of your majesty's subjects.
" And your petitioners (as in duty bound) " Shall ever pray, &c.
"William Parsons,
" Mary Tregonwell Parsons. "
I':! ' V - TliAAC l. i i^:
. i
iAS" . ■ 11. iv
.
MAR(;AR ET |*()"I" "I" ER , (Born at Glasgow 1596
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 143
Jftargaret pattern
[The poitrait accompanying this Memoir, through an error of the engraver, bears the name of Potter. ']
Margaret Patten was a native of Glasgow, where she was born in the year 1596, towards the end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Her maiden-name
was Gibson, though at what period she exchanged it for Patten, has not reached us ; but, removing from Scotland, probably with her husband, she settled in Westminster, and afterwards found an asylum in St. Margaret's Parish-workhouse, where she died in the year 1739, at the very advanced age of one hundred
and forty-three years.
She is said to have retained her mental faculties to
the last, and was extremely communicative to the numerous persons that were led by curiosity to visit and converse with her. These visitations were much encouraged by the master of the workhouse, who derived little less emolument from the practice, than if he had taken a booth at Bartholomew, or any other fair, u2
ceohge ii. ]
144 MEMOIRS OF [georoe ii.
to have shown the old lady as a curiosity. She was visited by all classes of people, and among others the portrait-painters did not forget to attend, and to two of them we are indebted for the preservation of her like ness, viz. when at the age of one hundred and forty- one, taken by J. Cooper, in the year 1737, repre senting her in a white hood*_with a stick in her hand ; and another done from the life, in the same year, by Jacob Smith, a profile etching, representing her as habited in a riding-hood.
Generally when persons are led by curiosijjy to visit any object, or to enquire into circumstances of an extraordinary nature, they remain satisfied with their own peculiar gratification ; and rarely think it worth the trouble of taking memorandums of what, at the moment, engages their notice. To this circumstance
may be attributed the cause of our possessing such slender materials to satisfy the curiosity and research of subsequent inquiry ; if the age and date of the year be preserved, little more is thought necessary to record the memory of very interesting characters. What entertaining and instructive anecdotes could Margaret Patten have communicated concerning the persons and times of Queen Elizabeth, James I. , the two Charles's, Oliver Cromwell, James II. ,
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 145
William and Mary, Anne, and the first
which have since her time been lost and buried in oblivion !
Margaret Patten was rather lively and pleasant in her conversation, than reserved or morose in her manner, and would return as well as receive a joke. A gentleman once conversing with her, as to her health, and on other subjects, requested she would inform him at what period of life a woman's amorous propensities ceased ? She very readily, and cheerfully, answered with a smile, that to be satisfied in that particular he must consult an older woman than herself.
She was buried in the Broadway-chapel burying- ground, Westminster, June 29th, 1739. Affixed to the
brick-wall is a stone, bearing an inscription to record her memory and great age.
oeorge it. ]
George,
146 MEMOIRS OF
2>of)tt ^fortes*
[gkorge 11.
John Pixley was a native of Ipswich, in Suffolk, where becoming connected with a desperate gang of smugglers, that infested the neighbouring sea-coast, he so much distinguished himself by the hazardous exploits he accomplished in " running," as the smug glers term contraband goods, that he became the adviser of all their future operations. This illicit trade he continued until detected in the act of landing
considerable quantity of brandy, hollands, &c.
bill of indictment was preferred against him on which he was found guilty, and a fine imposed on
him to considerable amount, besides losing the whole of the articles seized. Having great many friends among his smuggling companions, he con trived, with their assistance, and by petitioning the Custom-house Board, to obtain his liberation from prison, on paying mitigated sum and, soon after, made interest to become an officer of the customs. •
His knowledge of the methods and practices of smuggling, rendered him an acquisition to the cus-
a
;
a
a
;
a
a
it,
No or vonK
Pt. 17. ( Lto. . . ,toY
or 'so on --------, *** *~-*
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 147
toms ; and his zeal and activity made him the terror
of his former companions, seizing indiscriminately on all that offended. Smuggling at this period was carried to the greatest possible extent ; and, so daring were many of the gangs, that the officers em ployed by government were always in hazard of their lives. The conviction of Pixley took place in 1740 ; and, in 1749, Benjamin Tapner, John Cobby, John Hammond, William Jackson, William Carter,
Richard Mills the elder, and Richard Mills the younger, were tried and convicted for the murder of William Gulley, breaking open the Custom-house at Poole, in Dorsetshire, and whipping Richard Hawkins to death ; the six former were executed at Chichester, January 18, 1749, the younger Mills dying in prison the day before. The portrait of Pixley was engraved
and published in 1749, with the following inscrip tion :—
For your King and Country prove true, You will be loved and have your due.
george ii. ]
148 MEMOIRS OF [george u.
Itenrg
O f all the brutal, stupid, and ignorant malefactors that ever existed, Henry Rogers may be accounted the chief; he was by profession a pewterer, residing at a village called Skewis, in Cornwall, and was a man of considerable property, independent of his trade. But a disagreement arising between him and
some claimants to property that each considered him self entitled to, they not arranging with themselves, sought the judgment of the law, by a suit in Chancery; which, after being carried on to the most expensive and vexatious extent, was decided in favor of Rogers' opponents.
A writ was issued to take Rogers into custody for a contempt of Court, by not surrendering cer tain property he held, in opposition to its orders. Having heard that every man's house was his castle, and which none dare forcibly enter, he strongly for tified making loop-holes for his muskets, and planted them about in
Mom**
way resembling place besieged.
a
a
it,
11E> RV
ROGERS, t Pewter er of Cornwall . )
UL
George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 149
Here he imagined himself secure; resisted every re monstrance made by his friends and well-wishers; and, ignorant of the strong power of the law, pro
ceeded to the outrage of shooting two men of the
posse comitatus,
who attended the
under-sheriff.
Shortly after, he shot one Hitchens as he was passing the high-road on his private business; and, firing
through the window, killed one Toby, nor did he
suffer his body to be taken away to be buried for some days. At length the neighbouring justices of the peace assisted the constables, and procured the aid
of some soldiers, one of whom he killed, and after
wards made his escape; but at Salisbury, on his way towards London, he was apprehended and brought down to Cornwall, where, at the assizes, in August,
1735, five bills of indictment were found against him by the grand jury, for the murders aforesaid. To
save the Court time, he was tried only on three of
them, and found guilty of every one, before Lord
Chief justice Hardwick. As he lay in gaol after his condemnation, the under-sheriff coming in, he at
tempted to seize his sword, with a resolution to kill him; swearing he should die easy if he could succeed in that design. He was attended by several clergy
men, but so callous was he, that they could make no WOL. I. V. X
150 MEMOIRS OF [george ii.
impression on his brutal stupidity, and he died at the gallows without the least remorse.
He was hung, September, 1735, at Skewis, where he committed the murders. .
T:n: ynv yr"- PUBLIC Lli^. ^Y ;
SHAKESHAFT, ( Claiming ih. c Flitch oi' Bacon. )
TlfOMAS & ATSTJV
georgk in] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 151
A custom was instituted, in or about the year 1111, by Robert, son of Richard Fitz-Gilbert, Earl of Clare, that if any married couple would take a prescribed oath, kneeling upon two bare stones within the church- door, before the prior and brethren, they should have a gammon of bacon freely delivered to them, which is done with great ceremony.
THE OATH.
" You shall swear, by the custom of our confession, " That you never made any nuptial transgression;
" Since you were married man and wife,
" By household brawls or contentious strife; " Or otherwise, in bed, or at board,
■■Offended each other in deed or in word ; *' Or, since the parish-clerk said Amen,
" Wished yourselves unmarried again ;
" Or, in a twelvemonth and a day,
" Repented not in thought any way,
" But continued true and in desire,
" As when you joined hands in holy quire: *' If to these conditions, without all fear,
" Of your own accord you will freely swear,
" A gammon of bacon you shall receive,
" And bear it he'nee with love and good leave ;
" For this is our custom, at Dunmow well known, " Though the sport be ours the bacon's your own.
X 'i
152 MEMOIRS OF [George
The happy pair are then taken upon men’s shoul ders chair (kept for that purpose) and carried round the scite the priory, from the church the house, with minstrels every description, and the
gammon bacon borne high pole before them,
attended the steward, gentlemen, and officers
the manor, and the several inferior tenants, carrying wands, &c. jury bachelors and maidens (six each sex) follow two and two, with immense mul titude other people, young and old, from the neighbouring towns and villages thereabouts, and
several more, that came from very great distances (to
the amount many thousands the whole) rending the air with shouts and acclamations.
This custom still kept up Dunmow Essex,
which was formerly priory. The last couple that
claimed the bacon was Thomas Shakeshaft, the
parish Weathersfield, the county Essex,
weaver, and Ann his wife, who went demand, and
actually did receive, gammon bacon; having first
knelt down upon two bare stones, within the church door, and taken the oath pursuant the ancient
custom, manner and form prescribed aforesaid, the 20th June, 1751; commemoration which
picture was painted, representing the procession,
a
of in
of
of
by of
in a
in
of
in
to as
to
an
aa
of
of of
of ofin of
all
to
of is
A
at in
on a
of
of
II.
oeorge ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 153
and containing the portraits of the affectionate and
happy couple.
Before the dissolution of monasteries it does not
appear, by searching the most ancient records, to have been demanded above three times, and, including this, just as often since ; so rare are the instances of perfect conjugal felicity in the marriage-state !
A similar custom with that at Dunmow prevailed in the county of Stafford. Sir Philip de Somerville held the manors of Whichenovre, Scirescot, Ridwane, Netherton, and Cowlee, all in the county of Stafford, of the earls of Lancaster, by this memorable service : "The said Sir Philip shall find, maintain, and sustain, one bacon-flitch, hanging in his hall at Whichenovre, ready arrayed at all times of the year but Lent, to be
given to every man or woman married, after the day and the year of their marriage be past, in form follow ing:—Whensoever that any such before-named will come to inquire for the bacon, in their own person, they shall come to the bailiff, or to the porter of the lordship of Whichenovre, and shall say to them in the manner as ensueth : ' Bayliff, or porter, I do you to know, that I am come for myself, to demand one bacon-flyke, hanging in the hall of the lord of
Whichenovre, after the form thereunto
belonging. '
154 MEMOIRS OF [GEORGE Ii.
After which relation, the bailiff or porter shall assign a day to him, upon promise by his faith to return, and with him to bring twain of his neighbours. And in the mean time, the said bailiff shall take with him twain of the freeholders of the lordship of Whichen- ovre, and they three shall go to the manor of Rudlow, belonging to Robert Knightleye, and there shall summon the aforesaid Knightleye, or his bailiff, com manding him to be ready at Whichenovre, the day
at prime of day, with his carriage, that is to say, a horse and saddle, a sack and a pryke, for to convey the said bacon and corn a journey out of the county of Stafford, at his costages. And then the said bailiff shall, with the said freeholders, summon all the tenants of the said manor, to be ready at the day appointed at Whichenovre, for to do and perform the services which they owe to the bacon. And at the day assigned, all such as owe services to the bacon shall be ready at the gate of the manor of Whichenovre, from the sun-rising to noon, attending and awaiting for the coming of him who fetcheth the bacon. And when he is come, then shall be delivered to him and his fellows chaplets, and to all those which shall be there, to do their service due to the bacon. And they shall lead the said demandant with
appointed,
George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 155
trumps and tabors, and other manner of minstrelsy, to the hall-door, where he shall find the Lord of Whichenovre, or his steward, ready to deliver the bacon in this manner:—
He shall inquire of him which demandeth the bacon, if he have brought twain of his neighbours with
him; which must answer, “they be here ready. ” And
then the steward shall cause these two neighbours to swear if the said demandant be a wedded man, or have been a man wedded; and since his marriage, one year and day past; and freeman,
villain. ” And his said neighbours make oath, that hath for him these three points rehearsed,
then shall the bacon taken down and brought the hall-door, and shall there laid upon one half quarter wheat, and upon one other rye. And
that demandeth the bacon shall kneel upon his knee, and shall hold his right hand upon book, which book shall laid upon the bacon and the corn, and shall make oath this manner:—
“Hear ye, Sir Philip Somervile, Lord Which enovre, mayntener and gyver this baconne: that
*That the words then meant, free man servant. '
is, as
or a
of a
if, a
de
in
be
if be all
be
“a of be if he be
he
of
a
of
I, toor
he
156 MEMOIRS OF
[George
A, sithe wedded my keepying, and
after our marriage,
other; farer fowler; richer pourer; for none
other descended greater
lymage; sleeping wak
ing, sole,
noo tyme. And
would take her the worlde,
the seyd were sole, and my wife before the what condiciones soever they
wymen
be, good
and this flesh and all fleshes. ’
my wife, and sithe had hyr my wylle, year and day
would not have changed for none
evylle; help me God and his seyntes, “And his neighbours shall make oath, that they
trust verily hath said truly. And his neighbours before-named, that
found, freeman, wheat
there shall delivered him half quarter
and cheese; and he villain, shall have
half quarter rye without cheese. And then shall Knightleye, the lord Rudlow, called for,
carry these things tofore rehearsed; and the said corn shall be laid on one horse and the bacon above
and whom the bacon appertaineth, shall ascend upon his horse, and shall take the cheese
before him, have horse. And
the Lord Whichenovre shall cause him
have none, have one passed his
horse and saddle, such time
lordship; and shall they depart the manor
so
to
he
as he be
a by
ofif he
be or
a
if of
as of
of IatB, to
if he
be heif B a
it;
I aa at
to a
if
be
by
all
toofhe ne
I ofto in
to
he beit
a ne
of
be
ne
of I I
be
ne
all
a
II.
RE^hRKABLE PERSONS. 157
Whichenovre with the corn and the bacon, tofore him that hath won with trumpets, taborets, and other manner of minstrelsy. And all the free-tenants of Whichenovre shall conduct him to be passed the lordship of Whichenovre. And then shall they all return except him to whom appertaineth to make the carriage and journey without the county of Stafford, at the costs of his Lord of Whichenovre. "
george ii. ]
vol. IV*
v
it,
158 MEMOIRS OF [georse b.
This young man, from his childhood, had laboured under the dreadful disorder of the stone and gravel, for which he could not obtain the least relief, and continued to linger many years in excruciating agony and torment. His parents and friends, from the poverty of their circumstances, were unable to ad minister such comforts and surgical aid as his case
required, and were compelled to apply to the charita
ble and laudable establishments of one of the public
hospitals. Having procured a ticket, Short was ad-
mitted as an in-patient into St. Thomas's Hospital,t.
Southwark ; and, after a proper interval of time, under
went an operation, when, by the care and skill of the
ablest surgeons, a stone was extracted from him
of most
inches in circumference. He continued in the hos pital until a perfect cure was effected ; and the case
was deemed so singular, that a portrait of the man was engraved, with an exact representation of the stone.
extraordinary dimension,
measuring eight
R OBERT SHORT.
PL'liLIC LlLiiAHY
if,IV Li <". *' AM)
Ti. . l. . . « I I'M. ' 3 II L
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 159
Remarkable as the case of Robert Short may appear, it is by no means without a parallel; many instances
ofsimilar cases often occurring. One in particular was that of Nicholas Byfield, a clergyman, in the reign of King James I. who had a benefice at Chester, but resided many years at Isleworth. This gentle man had a stone extracted from him of still greater
than that taken from Short ; was com pletely cured, and lived many years after the opera tion was performed. A portrait of him, from an original painting, in which is preserved the figure of the stone, was engraved for, and published by, William Richardson, printseller, in the Strand, in 1790.
George ii. ]
magnitude
I60 MEMOIRS OF
#2nty, Śintong, *o-
[GeoRGE
HENRY SIMons, Polish Jew merchant, putting inn, Cranford-bridge, the county
Middlesex, pretended
have been robbed God
dard, the innkeeper, 554 ducats had about
him belt. Upon this charge Goddard was tried
the Old Bailey, September, 1751, and honorably acquitted: which preferred bill indict
ment against Simons for wilful and corrupt perjury; the grand jury finding true bill, warrant was
issued apprehend the Jew. Mr. James Ashley, the London punch-house, Ludgate-hill, happening
see him the Essex road, gave clue his appre hension; but Ashley this became involved
scene difficulty and trouble little expected experience, and which compelled him, his own
account, prosecute
particulars given by Ashley, the trial, which took
the Jew for assault. The
place Chelmsford, 1752, were, “That,
October, 1751, was coming London from
the 6th journey, when, between Ilford and Stratford, saw
of
at
up at an
he
in
at
a
at
of
to on
to
in a
on to
he a
an aa
in
on he
by
a
in
toa toof
of
II.
on
to
he of
by it he ofto a
on
HE^RY
SIMONS, (The Polish Jew. )
Pi J'' ] ''i':
1^
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 161
Simons travelling on foot towards Ilford ; that he crossed the road with his chaise on purpose to have a full view of him, attracted by the uncommon habit he wore ; and recognizing him to be the Jew who ac cused Goddard, on the following day he waited on Mr. Ford, Goddard's agent, informing him where he had seen Simons, the Jew, travelling. Mr. Ford ear nestly pressed him, the witness, to take a warrant that he had in his hands against Simons, for per
jury, and pursue him, and that his clerk, Mr. New man, should accompany him. With great reluct ance he consented ; and Mr.