QSR1853/1/5/23

Depositions of James Daniels, carpenter of Maulden and Daniel Brightman, fishmonger. In the case of James Cole accused of stealing a tame rabbit.

16 December 1852

From: 1852 To: 1853

James Daniels: a carpenter employed in Ampthill but residing in Maulden. On his premises he kept a tame rabbit. On 29 November he returned home from work to be informed by his wife that the rabbit was missing. He searched with his father and wife in the fields but could not find it. The following morning he returned to his work at The Flying Horse, he saw Daniel Brightman in the street. He asked him if he had been offered any rabbits. Brightman said yes and showed Daniels a rabbit he had in his hamper. Daniels identified it as his and took it away. Brightman said he would look to Daniels for the shilling he had paid. Brightman said he had bought the rabbit from James Cole. Daniel Brightman: a poulterer and fishmonger residing in Maulden. On 29 November, Cole brought a rabbit to his house whilst he was out. His wife took in the rabbit. He later met Cole in the street and Cole said he had left him a rabbit which he wished to sell. They went back to Brightman's house and agreed a shilling for it. Brightman was assured that Cole had come by the rabbit honestly. The next morning he met James Daniel who asked if he had been offered a rabbit. Brightman said he had and showed the rabbit to Daniels. Daniels identified the rabbit as his.Statement of the accused: nothing to say

item

Cole, James,
Daniels, James,
Brightman, Daniel

MAULDEN, rabbits, stealing, fishmonger, carpenter