No More Learning

. . . . -
When the war broke out (1742) it was thought proper to put the Highlanders (who were now as well
disciplined as any troops in the service,) into a pos ture fitting for action, in case their service should
become necessary ; and they were accordingly regi mented, and the Earl of Crawford and Lyndsey, the first earl in Scotland, appointed their colonel. This regulation was far from displeasing to the men ; on the contrary, they expressed a very great satisfaction,
and upon all occasions shewed themselves as tractable and obedient to orders as men could be.
It is most certain, they always looked upon them selves, from the time they were first raised, as a corps
mischief.
george ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. T01
destined to serve in Scotland, or rather in the High lands, and no where else. The manner of raising them, in the first place, seemed to countenance this ; the jacobite clans were disarmed, to preserve the quiet
of the nation, and because the government could never be entirely safe whilst they had arms in their hands. But to strengthen the security, and to put the
peace of the Highlands past hazard, the arms taken from those Highlanders were given to these, whence they inferred that they were to be the guards of the Highlands. In the next place, they laid great stress upon their habit, — "To what purpose," said they, "are we clothed like Highlanders, if we are not con stantly to be employed in the Highlands ; here, indeed,
the dress is equally fit and commodious ; it has a mar tial air, and it enables us to do our duty better; but all these reasons will cease elsewhere, and instead of looking like soldiers, we should, in another country, be gaped at as savages. " Lastly, their having certain
to their country, such as being the tenants of those who first raised them, speaking little or no English, having houses and families in the all which were good securities for their fidelity in those parts, which they improved into an argument that it was impossible they should be era-
VOL. IV. P
particularities
Highlands,
102 MEMOIRS OF [george ii.
ployed in any other. The first discovery that was made of the mischief attending this notion, was when the officers had an intimation of the design of march ing them into England ; for then the men were not at all shy in declaring, that this was a thing they never expected, and with which they should very unwil lingly comply. Upon this, good words were given them, and they were prevailed on to begin and con tinue their march, though not without visible reluc tance, which was the reason that it was published in some foreign gazettes, that they had mutinied on the borders, killed many of their officers, carried off their
colours, and returned into their own country. In their march through the north part of England, Cumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire, they were so hospitably treated, that they continued in perfect
and it was believed that their love of country was a little worn off. But when they drew
nearer town, the scoffs and jeers of the English pea santry made them more gloomy than ever. But what wrought on the Highlanders most, was a story they had picked up, that they were to be sent to the West-Indies, so opposite in climate to their native plains.
The jealousies and disquiet of the Highlanders.
good-humour,
6E0RGE ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 103
remained, in a great measure, concealed until the review. On this they had fixed great hopes, and built mighty expectations on their being seen and considered by the king, or some of the royal family,
on the 14th of May, 1743. They were accordingly reviewed by General Wade, and numerous persons
of distinction, who were extremely delighted with
the readiness and
the performances of their military exercises. How ever, they from that moment meditated the design of retiring back to their own country. Assembling in the night, between the Tuesday and Wednesday fol lowing the review on a common near Highgate, they
began their march northward, keeping as near as they could between the great roads, and passing from wood to wood in such a manner, that it was not well known which way they moved. The lords-justices issued their order to the commanding-officers of the forces quartered in the countries between them and Scotland ; and the secretary-at-war, by direction from their excellencies, published an advertisement for encouraging civil officers to do their duty, in making a vigilant inquiry after them. All this, however, proved to no purpose, for longer time than could well have been expected, since it was five o'clock in the
p2
cheerfulness they expressed in
104 MEMOIRS OF [cr. oncE ii.
evening, on Thursday the 19th of May, before any certain account was obtained of them ; and then
they had got as far as Northampton, and were con ceived to be shaping their course for Nottingham shire. General Blakeney, who commanded at North
Ball, of General Wade's regiment of horse, a man extremely well acquainted with that part of the country, to make every inquiry and find them out. This the
captain took great pains to do, and, with a 'squad ron of horse, pushed as far as Stilton, and so got beyond them ; but he scarce reached that place, before he received an express from the general, with advice, that at three o'clock in the afternoon the
Highlanders had passed the river Nyne, not far from Wellingborough. Captain Ball, upon this, rightly conjectured that they were marching towards Rut landshire, and therefore continued his route towards Uppingham, in that county, from whence he dis patched a keeper of the Earl of Gainsborough's, to discover how far they had advanced, as being sensi ble that he must now be very near them.
The Highlanders had by this time got into Lady- wood, which is between Brigstock and Deanthorpe, about four miles from Oundle, where they were dis
ampton, immediately dispatched Captain
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 105
covered by Major Creed, one of his majesty's justices of the peace for the county, who immediately sent a dispatch to Captain Ball, and the next morning,
crorge m. ]
he went early in the morning to and had a conference with the High
being Whitsunday,
Lady-wood,
landers, whom he persuaded to lay down their arms,
and promised to intercede for a pardon. They received him with great submission, only they insisted, that as their lives were at stake, they might be secure of a pardon before they parted with their arms; insisting upon that they were to die, was better and more honorable for them to fall in the field, than by the stroke of justice. The major promised to write to the Duke of Montagu, master-general of the ord nance, on the subject, and addressed him accordingly. Soon after, Captain Ball arrived, and delivered to the Highlanders the general's conditions of their sur render: viz, "That they would peaceably lay down their arms, and submit themselves prisoners, the most favourable report should be made of them to the lords-justices. " But they protested that they would rather be cut to pieces, than capitulate on other con ditions than what they had demanded namely, their arms and free-pardon for all. Captain Ball told them
a
it, if
;
it
if
106 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
he was yet their friend, and would do all in his power to serve them ; but if they continued obstinate an hour longer, (as they were entirely surrounded by the
king's forces,) every man should be cut to pieces; and he assured them, that, for his part, he would positively grant quarter to none. He then demanded that two of their company might be ordered to con duct him out of the wood ; which being granted, and the captain finding by the discourse he had with these conductors that they (being brothers) were in clinable to surrender, he absolutely promised them a free-pardon, and taking one of them with him, dis missed the other back with his arms, desiring him to try whether fair words would prevail with the rest. He soon after returned with thirteen more. The captain, on marching these a little way from the wood, dis patched one to the main body, to inform them how many of their fellows had submitted ; and, in about half-an-hour seventeen more came and surrendered ; all of which were immediately marched with their arms (the powder being blown out of each man's pan,) by Captain Ball to the general, when they surrendered them. On returning again to the wood, the whole
body (ninety-eight in number, the rest being scat
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 107
tered about the country,) submitted to the general's conditions.
During Captain Ball's first interview with the High landers, he found some of them disposed to surren der; and, to encourage them, would have talked with them separately, but four, in a most resolute manner,
presented their firelocks at him, and swore, that if he offered to talk or treat with any more of their com pany separately, they would shoot him instantly.
The march of the Highlanders from Highgate to Oundle has been compared by some of their coun trymen to the retreat of the 10,000 Greeks through Persia; by which, for the honor of the ancient kingdom of Scotland, Corporal M'Pherson (who certainly was
the most active in the expedition,) was considered a
second Xenophon.
The Scotch prisoners, on the road, and even after
they entered London, kept up their spirits, and marched very cheerfully, nor did they shew any marks of terror when they were brought into the Tower: but when four, conjectured to be principals, (and who afterwards suffered) were separately put into close custody, their countenances fell, and they
became visibly dismayed.
georce n. ]
M'Pherson
(for he was one that had been so
108
MEMOIRS OF [george 11.
and his three companions were speedily brought to trial before a court-martial, com
posed of the officers of the guards, General Folliot as president, and doomed to be shot ; which sentence was fulfilled in the Tower, July 18th, 1743.
strictly
confined)
i
MILLER, ( Tlie German Giant . )
M. CHRISTOPHER
geobqe ii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 109
Maximilian Christopher Miller
was born at Leipsic, in Saxony, in the year 1674; and,
from his infancy, being remarked for amazing size and strength, preferred, when at maturity of growth, to exhibit himself as a show, to learning any trade or calling whereby to support himself. He was publicly shewn at the place of his nativity, and tra velled in several countries for the like purpose ; and, among others, visited England.
He attracted considerable notice in London, where Boistard drew his portrait from the life, in April, 1733. At this time Miller was fifty-nine years of age, and measured nearly eight feet in height; his hand measured a foot, and his finger was nine inches
long.
Hogarth, in hisinimitable print of Southwarkfair, has
introduced the figure of Miller on a show-cloth, which evidently proves he was in the habit of exhibiting him self at public places, as well as receiving company in private for money. His face and head were of an
VOL. IV.
Q
110 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
enormous size, and must have struck his beholders with terrific surprise. He wore a sort of Hungarian
jacket, a fancy-wrought cap, with an immense plume of feathers ; and, upon the introduction of visitors, he assumed an air of the utmost importance, with a gilt sceptre in his right-hand, and his left placed on the handle of a tremendous falchion, richly mounted, parading the apartment with great state and dignity. Miller died in London, in the year 1734, aged sixty years. It may be observed, very few persons that exceed the ordinary dimensions of mankind, rarely survive to a great age. Bamfield, the hatter, of Shire- lane, Temple-bar, who measured seven feet four inches in height, died when but thirty-six ; and the celebrated O'Brien long before he had attained that period of his life. Dwarfs, on the contrary, have been known to live to very advanced
ages. Jeffery Hudson, the dwarf, died in his sixty-third year, in
the Gate-house, Westminster, where he was impri soned on suspicion of being privy to the Popish plot ;
and Boruwlaski, the Polish dwarf, living at the present time, must have exceeded the age of seventy. .
george H. 3
REMARKABLE PERSONS* 111
Among the female adventurers and candidates for military or naval glory, none in their time stood more forward than Anne Mills. By what chance, or in what capacity she first commenced her career on shipboard, is not known; but, about the year 1740, she was serving as a common sailor on-board the Maidstone frigate ; and, in an action between that ship and a French enemy, she so greatly distinguished
herself, by personal prowess, as to be particularly noticed by the whole crew. It is, by the circum stance of her portrait being taken with a French man's head in her hand, that we are naturally led to imagine the service she performed must have been of a most desperate nature, whether in the act of boarding, or of being boarded by the enemy; and, probably, after the conquest cut off the head of her opponent, as a trophy of victory.
In all likelihood, some love affair induced this woman to assume the male character, in order to follow the fortune of a favourite lover, who had gone
Q2
112 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
to sea. Mary Read and Anne Bonny, two noto rious female virago pirates; Christian Davis, com monly called Mother Ross ; with Hannah Snell, which latter two served in a military capacity, all pleaded the
tender passion as an apology for assuming masculine pursuits and habits.
4
george ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 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 all ready to serve and assist her. William was the only child of his parents, and receiv ed a tolerable education at a charity-school in Hamp ton ; and from thence was engaged to draw beer at the Bell alehouse, in the same town. He next went upon trial to Mr. Woodfall, a printer, who then lived in Little Britain ; but that business being too
a confinement for his roving disposition, he
great
114 MEMOIRS OP [george ii.
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
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
Captain Jasper,
george n. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 115
in his circumstances, without money, without friends, 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
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,
on the highway.
116 MEMOIRS OF [george ii.
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 you have been Iguilty of; you have killed this
poor fellow, which
w, Sir, as
world. And noI
before required you
to
deliver, so now I repeat my
orders, and
if
wouldInot have done the for
will actually
any longer to comply,
Upon which the captain snapt his second pistol at him, but it did not go off. 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
fire
you
upon you. "
refuse
oeorge ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 117
own defence. ) Upon which the captain snapped his pistol the second time, but without Ifire. Page then
said, " You must now surrender, or
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 money. Page then demanded his sword. TIhe cap
I, " You see cockade
am an
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
tain answered
may by my
will
absolutely
officer, and
part
with than with my life
would sooner
my sword. " Page replied, " / think myself the bravest
MEMOIRS OF [george n.
virtuous life, and at length prevailed upon her to ac cept him for a husband, by whom he had several children, being herself of an honest and industrious disposition. On becoming acquainted with his way of life, and of the manner he supported himself, so far from instigating him to pursue she often warned him of the danger, and begged him to desist from those pernicious courses, which in the end would prove his ruin. But all her prayers and entreaties were ineffec tual, and he persisted to the last.
Page, with companion (for he had now com menced an acquaintance) being on the north road, beyond Barnet, for the purpose of plunder, happened to meet with Lord Downe, in post-chaise. He went up to the chaise, with the usual salute of deliver. Upon which his lordship drew his pistol, and dis
with so true an aim, that he shot him in the body. The ball lodged in his back, and though he scarce felt at first, yet the vast profusion of blood that issued from the wound soon made him sensible of his danger. His companion, who had got an un ruly horse, could not immediately come to his assist ance. Page, however, notwithstanding his first re pulse, renewed his attack, and advanced second time: but perceiving his lordship had another pistoL
charged
a
it it
a
a
it,
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 fought. 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
E2
george ii. ]
120 MEMOIRS OF [george u,
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
«eorge ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 12L
on opening he found to contain three gold watches, and nearly 100/. 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
MEMOIRS OF [georoe h.
him. One oIf them came
122
thus: "Sir, I have walked
but never down; but since you do,
will also, 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 justice 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
up, and accosted him
often my horse up a hill,
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
ceorge it. ] 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 neighbouring gentlemen, 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
of pursuit. Page perceiving his danger, made all the speed possible to Richmond Ferry,
eagerness
124 MEMOIRS OF [george it.
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
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.
george O. J
VOL. IV.
s
126
•
MEMOIRS OF [george «.
WUUUm parsons.
William Parsons, the son of a respectable ba ronet, wasbornin London, in the year 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-
WI L T, I A M PA RSONS. ESQ?
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
george ii. ]
MEMOIRS OF [oboroe iu
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
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
of England, at James'-fort, on the River Gambia ; but here quarrelling with the governor, he once more returned toEngland, 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
greatly against
Company
george ifJ 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
turned him out of doors, friendless and pennyless, and left him to seek shelter where he could. Destitute entirely, he bent his course towards 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.
From this wretched situation he was relieved by a gentlewoman, who had lived with the Duchess of Northumberland, and hadknOwn 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,
immediately
130 MEMOIRS OF [george it.
left the room. His father now advised him to seek his bread by enlisting himself, as a private man, in his majesty's regiment of life-guards : this counsel he thought very salutary, but was greatly astonished, when, upon volunteering his service, he was informed the thing was only to be accomplished by purchase, which would cost him seventy guineas. In this di lemma he thought of consulting once more with his father, but had the mortification to 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 a handsome legacy, which he learnt by a letter from a friend. He immediately turned this letter to ac count, by raising money on security of the legacy, making it out as belonging to himself. Thus frequently mortgaging his pretended bequest, he was enabled to appear in a most genteel manner. He dressed him self very gaily, was a constant visitor of every public place, such as balls, plays, operas, &c. and the only thing he wanted was a pretty lady, with a handsome fortune in her own hands, and to ingratiate himself so far into her favor as to be deputed guardian of both person and estate. Luckily for him a prize soon fell to his lot; for, by mere accident, falling into company
george in]
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 ofall 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- mondeley's regiment of foot, was presented him.
He directly hired, and genteely fitted up, a house in
Poland-street, where he lived two
loving and beloved by his friends and acquaintance,
and esteemed by all who knew him.
period he had two children, one of which died in its infancy.
After living two years in Poland-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
years,
equally
During this
132 MEMOIRS OF [gkorge ii.
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, Jwas falling into company
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
with one
known bythe name ofDr. N , a man of very
accidentally
i N , generally
ogorge
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 133
mission as a lieutenant; and the regiment being or dered into Flanders, he was obliged to go with it. He still remained quite a stranger to the villany of N , and liking him as a facetious, agreeable companion, took him abroad with a servant to 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 vagancy, and the itch he now had for gaming, occa sioned him frequently to borrow large sums of money by annuities, mortgages, or otherwise; and, being pressed hard for debts he had contracted in the re giment whilst abroad, which he was entirely unable
to pay, he obtained leave to sell his commission, that his debts might be discharged, and his creditors satisfied.
N—— stuck still fast to him, whilst he had any thing to prey upon, and came back with him from Flanders to England. On his arrival in town, he found his creditors so clamorous as not to permit him a quiet residence, at least with his wife, with
whom, till now, he had always lived in an amicable and harmonious manner ; therefore, he was obliged to leave her, and seek for private lodgings. Finding
an apartment to his satisfaction in Gough-square,
VOL. iv.
x
134 MEMOIRS OF [georse it.
Fleet-street, he hired it in the name of Captain
Brown, and passed as a single gentleman. None sus pecting him, he was treated with the greatest com plaisance, and he presumed to pay his addresses to the gentleman's daughter, in a supposed honorable manner, but whom he debauched, and had by her two children, and she soon afterwards was deserted by him, and sent to Newgate for debt. From this time Mr. Parsons commenced the profession of a downright swindler, and that of the worst description, ever practising frauds on his best friends, and those who wished to serve him.
War about this time being declared with France, and he quite out of employ, he shipped himself, in hopes of accumulating some wealth, and of recruiting his shattered circumstances, in June, 174-5, on-board the Dursley, galley-privateer, Captain Organ Furnell, as captain of marines. After having been some time
at sea, they fell in with a French privateer, which they took, and carried into Cork, in Ireland, when he was taken ill, occasioned by a sickness amongst the prisoners, and, in consequence, sent ashore; the privateer sailing from Cork soon after, left him behind. In a short time he had spent all his ready- money, and, to replenish his stock, drew three bills upon some eminent merchants in London, for which
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 135
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
georoe ii. ]
136 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
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
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 137
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 for payment where directed, the fraud was detected, and a day or two after Mr. Parsons was ap prehended and committed to Wood-street compter,
oeorge 11. 3
138 MEMOIRS OP
[<
from whence he was removed, by Habeas Corpus, after seven months confinement, to Maidstone, to take his 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 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.
SBOHdE itw] REMARKABLE PERSONS. J 39
Foiling 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 for the same on a banker in London. Having pro 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 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 Turuham-green, in com pany with a Mr. Best, who were going a journey toge ther, he was immediately known to them, though they took but little notice of him at first. 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
140 MEMOIRS OF [georqe n.
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 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 hehoped would operate
in his favor ; nevertheless, upon examination, he was committed to Newgate. Tottering on the verge
freely
GEOftGE 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. IT. V
MEMOIRS OF [george ir.
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 Trrgonwell Parsons. "
«eorge i*. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 143
(The portrait accompanying thit 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 fails u8
144 MEMOIRS OF [george in
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 curiosity 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. v
george iul REMARKABLE PERSONS. 145
William and Mary, Anne, and the first George, 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 herself.
he must consult an older woman than
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. .
146 MEMOIRS OF [oeorge iu
John Pi x ley 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 a considerable quantity of brandy, hollands, &c. bill of indictment was preferred against him; on which he was found guilty, and 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,
JOHN PIXLEY.
^
!
seorob ». ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 147
terns ; and his zeal and activity made him the terror
of his former companions,
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. J
seizing indiscriminately
148 MEMOIRS OF Xgeougb n.
Of 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
way resembling place besieged.
a
a
it,
Hjki^ry
( Pewterer of Cornwall . )
Rogers,
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
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
george ii. ]
posse
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
vol. iv. x
days.
150 MEMOIRS OF [george h.
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.
THOMAS & ANN SHAKE SHAFT, ( Claiming tile Flitch of Bacon. )
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 151
A custom was instituted, in or about the year 1 1 11, 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 ;
georce 11. ]
" 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 hence with love and good leave ;
" For this is our custom, at Dunmow well known, " Though the sport be ours the bacon's your own.
X2
152 MEMOIRS OF [george ik
The happy pair are then taken upon men's shoul ders in a chair (kept for that purpose) and carried round the scite of the priory, from the church to the house, with minstrels of every description, and the gammon of bacon borne high on a pole before them, attended by the steward, gentlemen, and officers of the manor, and the several inferior tenants, carrying wands, &c. A jury of bachelors and maidens (six of each sex) follow two and two, with an immense mul titude of other people, young and old, from all the neighbouring towns and villages thereabouts, and
several more, that came from very great distances (to the amount of many thousands in the whole) rending the air with shouts and acclamations.
This custom is still kept up at Dunmow in Essex, which was formerly a priory. The last couple that claimed the bacon was Thomas Shakeshaft, of the parish of Weathersfield, in the county of Essex, weaver, and Ann his wife, who went to demand, and actually did receive, a gammon of bacon ; having first knelt down upon two bare stones, within the church- door, and taken the oath pursuant to the ancient custom, in manner and form prescribed as aforesaid,
the 20th of June, 1751 ; in commemoration of which a picture was painted, representing the procession^
George H. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 153
and containing the portraits of the affectionate and
happy couple.