Reference
HSA1682/S/41
Title
Deposition:John Field. 16 June 1682.
Ric.Smith said J.F.'s master would throw J.F. into gaol for theft of hats from the waggon. R.S. promised to share gold pieces stolen from children's necks, but did not come to meeting-place arranged. J.F. left his master's, taking linen and veal pies. The examinacon & Informacon of John Field taken before me one of his Majesties Justices of peace for the sd County the 16th day of June Anno Dom 1682. Who saith That about five weeks since on a Sunday or Lords day at night he cam from the George Inn in Dunstable in the County of Bedford to his Master William Eames's his house there about 10 a clock, And that he found one Richard Smith (who had lodged with him about a fortnight) in Bed, but awake when he the sd Examinant cam in, who asked Smith what his Master sd for his staying out so late, who replyed, that he was very angry, & said, as Smith told this examt, that his sd Master would throw him into a Goal for Hatts that were Missing out of the Waggon, And presently that the sd Smith asked this Examt what the Gold about the Childrens Necks was worth, who, replyed that he could not tell, unto which Smith made answer that if he the Examt would keep his Councill he would take it away, & that if he would meet him at the Red Lyon in Waterend within a mile of Hempstead on the Tuesday morning following he should have his share thereof And this Examt further saith that the sd Smith did Rise out of the Bed where they 2 lay together whilst he the Ext was asleep, & was seen very early going out of town, And that he the Examt remembring what Smith had sd to him of sharing the Gold which he had actualy taken off the Childrens knecks whereon they were put by his Majesty for Cure of the Evill, & did go on Tuesday the next morning to the Red-Lyon aforesd expecting to have his Divident of the Gould, but upon Inquiry found that Smith had not been there & so went his way, not returning to his Mr any more. Moreover this Ext saith that he himself took among other things vizt. Severall sorts of wearing linnen besides mony out of his dames Cupboard, for which purpose he had got & kept the key, three veal pyes of which the sd Smith took one at his departure, And more at present saith not. Capt coram me die et Anno predictis Tho Hariot Signum Johis Field
Date free text
1682
Production date
From: 1682 To: 1682
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
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