QSR1841/3/5/13

Deposition of Thomas Pert, servant to John Mortimer, farmer, and examination of John Fowler, charged with stealing potatoes

26 April 1841

From: 1841 To: 1841

Thomas Pert - he is a hired servant of John Mortimer of Heath and Reach and resides in his house. John Fowler worked with his master as a labourer. About 5.30pm the previous Saturday he went into his master's cow houose to milk the cows and saw the basket now produced hanging up by the side of a beam. He looked inside and found it full of potatoes - about a peck - which he thought were his master's. There were a quantity in a barn covered with straw. His master was not at home so he informed his mistress who told him to watch and see who took the potatoes away. The basket belonged to John Fowler. He watched the cow house, and saw John Fowler go into it and come out with the basket of potates. He followed Fowler and caught him. Fowler begged his pardon and hoped he would be forgiven as it was the first time. They went to his mistress and begged her pardon - she answered that she left it to him. He kept the basket of potatoes and let Fowler go home. He looked at the heap of potatoes in the barn and found some had been taken. He values them at 6d. John Fowler - he is very sorry and hopes his master will forgive him.

item

Pert, Thomas,
Mortimer, John,
Fowler, John

HEATH & REACH, stealing, potatoes