QSR1845/3/5/16

Depositions and examination - William Elsome of Thurleigh

10 June 1845

From: 1845 To: 1845

Thomas Howkins of Thurleigh, farmer – he lives with and works for his mother Lettice Howkins, widow, at Thurleigh. They had lost some chaff on 22 May. From what he had heard he went to Elsome’s house and charged him with stealing it. Elsome at first denied it, but later brought some out in a sack, about 3 bushels. Elsome then said it was not his [Howkins’], but afterwards said “if it is yours I must take it back – two against one will be sure to do me”. Elsome asked what he would take for it. He said that Elsome should take it back. Elsome did so and begged his pardon, and hoped he would forgive him. Elsome keeps a horse and cart. The value of the chaff stolen and carried back is 6d. The chaff taken back is part of what he had lost. Samuel Smith of Thurleigh, horsekeeper to Mrs Howkins – on 22 May about 3.45am he saw a man in the farm yard with a sack on his back. It appeared to him to be a sack of chaff or some such thing. At the time he thought it was William Elsome. He was in his bedroom at the time. He told his master after breakfast. He looked into the chaff barn and saw that a quantity had been taken. William Elsome – nothing to say.

item

Elsome, William,
Howkins, Thomas,
Smith, Samuel

THURLEIGH, stealing, straw, farmer, horsekeeper