QSR1840/3/5/15/b

Depositions of Maria Chapman, Revd John William Coventry Campion and Charles Smith and examination of John Pell

11 May 1840

From: 1840 To: 1840

Maria Chapman, servant of Ann Campion - a few days before 26 April Pell stayed in her mistress's house for several nights. In going to the room in which he slept he passed through her mistress's dressing room - there was no other entrance to his room. Revd John William Coventry Campion of Overstone (Nothants) - Pell is his servant and has been in his service about 3 months. He comes to Bedford frequently. He believes he was at Bedford the week before the 26 April with Pell. Last Thursday evening he had reason to suspect Pell was in possession of his aunt's chain. He went to the stable and demanded the chain from him. Pell denied having it. As it was dusk he called for a light to look for the chain. While the light was being brought Pell stooped down and pulled the chain from underneath the manger. Pell begged his pardon and for his forgiveness. Charles Smith, policeman for the Borough of Northampton - on Saturday 9 May Pell was put into his custody. During their journey to Bedford he made this voluntary statement: "In going through Miss Campion's room to go to bed I opened a drawer and see the chain and took it and said my brother is going to send me a watch from London. I thought that chain would do very well to go along with the watch but I did not think it would be missed". John Pell - declined to say anything.

item

Pell, John,
Campion, Ann,
Chapman, Maria,
Campion, John William Coventry,
Smith, Charles

Bedford St.Mary, Overstone, Northampton, stealing, watches, policeman