Catalogue description Report of George Chetwynd, chairman of the Stafford Sessions on 1 individual petition...

Report of George Chetwynd, chairman of the Stafford Sessions on 1 individual petition (Edward Robins from Old Swinford in Worcester, former employer of prisoner Herring, witnessed by 8 people) on behalf of John Herring convicted (with Benjamin Partridge) at the Stafford Epiphany General Quarter Sessions in 1815 for stealing turkeys in the night time, property of Mrs Robinson of Dunsley. There is a letter from Thomas and Mary Herring (parents) from Stourbridge asking their son for directions as to how they must proceed in his case. Chetwynd states that a 'dark lantern' and an 'iron craw' were found on or near Herring at the time of his capture. Grounds for clemency: Partridge has already been released (December 1816), the prisoner will become a useful member of the society if pardoned, he will not commit any further offences, the prisoner is of humble behaviour, a former employer is willing to reemploy him and the prisoner was 'stimulated' by Partridge to commit the crime. Initial sentence: 7 years transportation. Recommendation: mercy. Folios 16-20.