Reference
QSR1913/4/5/1
Title
The depostion of Samuel Harding written from HM Prison, Bedford - charged with stealing 2 pairs of socks from Albert Bunce in Luton 23rd August 1913
Date free text
1913
Production date
From: 1913 To: 1913
Scope and Content
To the Chairman, Sir
I am extremely sorry to stand before you to receive sentence for the crime of which I plead guilty. My misdeeds of the past will be recorded against me, but not one kind word will be offered in my favour and my good deeds will be left unrecorded. Therefore I should like to say a few words before sentence is passed upon me.
It is two years ago since I was in trouble. Since then I have led an honest life but it has been a great struggle to keep straight as it is impossible for me to obtain steady work, being unable to do heavy manual labour, Through the effect of wounds received in action while serving with the Royal Artillery at the Battle of Colenso in South Africa.
When I committed this crime I had been out of work for 5 weeks, I was painfully hungry, no money, no shelter, no kind friend. Tempation suddenly overcame me. I stole Two pairs of socks valued 2 shillings & 3 pence. I sold one pait for 6 pence, which paid for a shelter, I was then arrested. I am glad to say the owner has had his property restored to him.
During the time I have been waiting my trial now just upon 2 months, I have fully made up my mind & am at last determined this shall be forever my last apperance in acourt of justice. Since my committment to prison my relatives intend taking me in hand & helping me with the means of getting a livelyhood on my final discharge from prison, for which I feel Truely Thankfull that I my keep out of prison & become an honest man. I have never stolen but for food, but infuture please God I will keep out of the hand of the Law.
Sir; I must earnestly appeal to you to take into your consideration in passing sentence that I have been waiting trial two months, that I am sincerely sorry for what I have done, & that I faithfully promise you this shall be the last appearance in a court of justice, & to beg of you to tempoer justice with mercy & to give me a chance to redeem my past.
In concluding I may beg of you to pass as lenient a sentence as the law may allow.
I am Sir, yours respectfully
Samauel Harding
Reference
Level of description
item