QSR1861/2/5/1

Depositions of Joseph Baker, innkeeper of Toddington. John Baker, sergeant major of the Bedfordshire Militia resident at Bedford. In the case of William Deacon accused of obtaining 2 shillings by false pretences.

15 March 1861

From: 1861 To: 1861

Joseph Baker: keeper of The Bell in Toddington. The prisoner was a stranger to him. On 25 February the prisoner lodged at the Bell for the night. Next morning he informed Baker that he was a recruiting sergeant in the militia and asked if he could board and lodge at the house. The prisoner said his kit was with a person by the name of Spring and upon faith in his representation he allowed the prisoner to remain at the house for 10 days. He incurred the expense of 30 shillings and a penny. On 2 March the prisoner came and asked to borrow 2 shillings for he had 2 recruits in view. He let Deacon have the 2 shillings. The following Monday he wanted to borrow more. He refused. John Baker: sergeant major in the Bedfordshire Militia. He knew William Deacon. He was a sergeant in the Bedfordshire Militia in a disembodied state. Deacon was disembodied on 14 February and was never on the staff. Deacon had nothing to do with the recruiting service on 2 March or since the regiment was disembodied. He had nothing to say against the prisoner’s character. Statement of the accused: he did not wish to say anything.

item

Deacon, William,
Baker, Joseph,
Baker, John

TODDINGTON, BEDFORD, Bedfordshire Militia, false pretences, innkeeper, sergeant major, Toddington Bell