Margaret Allen

341

Maureen Withey on 14th July 2020

Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 14 July 2020), October 1791, trial of DAVID FRIGHT MARGARET ALLEN (t17911026-58). DAVID FRIGHT, MARGARET ALLEN, Theft > grand larceny, Theft > receiving, 26th October 1791. 438. DAVID FRIGHT was indicted for stealing, on the 15th of October , thirty-six china cups, value 27 s. and thirty-six china saucers, value 27 s. the property of Miles Mason . And MARGARET, the wife of THOMAS ALLEN , was indicted for feloniously receiving, on the 16th of October , the same goods, knowing them to have been stolen . (The case opened by Mr. Garrow.) MILES MASON sworn. I am a china merchant , on the 19th of this instant Mr. William Hewson gave me some information. Mr. HEWSON sworn. I am in the china trade, I received some cups and saucers of T. Dobsons, sen. THOMAS DOBSON , junior, sworn. I received some cups and saucers from the prisoner Allen, she brought some to my master's, Mr. Cotrell, in Shoe-lane, to sell; I asked her if she had any to sell me? she said if I would come to her on Sunday morning she would sell me some. I went and bought some breakfasting tea cups and saucers, gave 4 s. 6 d. for the tea and 5 s. for the breakfast; I delivered them to my father. Prosecutor. About twelve o'clock I went to Guildhall, from thence to Allen's house, I asked if she had any china to sell? she hesitated a little at first, she said she had some patterns; she shewed me some; she went with me to the Poultry Compter, and she pointed out Fright, and said this is the man who sold me the china, that was Fright. The goods were in the possession of Lawrance and Clark. I have been a very great sufferer, I have lost from 300 l. to 500 l. The prisoner did not lodge in my house. He packs. JOHN CLARK sworn. I am a marshalman. (Prosecutor deposes to some broken china produced by Clark.) THOMAS LAWRANCE sworn. I am a marshalman, I received this basket from Mr. Hewson. Prosecutor. This is my property. - ELLIOT sworn. I am clerk to Mr. Mason. Mr. Hewson. I bought a single lot of the same pattern. It is all gone into the country. Elliott. I know that article, I had some conversation with the prisoner in the Compter, Mr. Wynn was with me. I asked him if any person had any of the goods except Allen? I told him he was in a bad situation; neither I or Mr. Wynn made him any promises. Mr. WYNN sworn. He said he had taken but few; he said Mrs. Allen knew they were stolen. SARAH JARVIS sworn. I was servant to Mrs. Allen, I have seen the prisoner Fright two or three times with my mistress. I know nothing about the china, I cannot tell any more. PRISONER FRIGHT's DEFENCE. I never sold this woman any china, this is my working dress, and if any body can suppose that I could take six cups and saucers out of the house I am willing to suffer the law. PRISONER ALLEN's DEFENCE. I never bought any china of this man, I bought them of a Jew. JOHN MORRIS sworn. He lodged with me three years ago, I never knew any thing amiss of him, far from it. SUSANNAH LAWRANCE sworn. He bears a good character. JOHN BARNES sworn. I have known him five years. He bears a very good character. JAMES RANDALL sworn. I have known him thirty years, he bears a very good character. Mrs. HIBBERT sworn. He is a very honest man, I have known him some time. PETER CLONEY sworn. I bought some earthen ware for her, she is a very fair, very honest dealing woman. ELIZABETH DUNN sworn. I have known her six years, she is, I believe, just and honest. MARY ROZEL sworn. She is, as far as I know, very honest. PATRICK LARKIN sworn. She always has borne a good character, she is a just and fair dealing woman. JOHN CHRISTIE sworn. She always has borne a good character, I have known her twelve years. SAMUEL WALTON sworn. I am a salesman in Fleet-marker; she always bore a good character, I have trusted her, and am willing to give her any credit again. DAVID FRIGHT, GUILTY . Transported for seven years . MARGARET ALLEN , GUILTY . Transported for fourteen years . Tried by the London Jury before Mr. Justice HEATH.