Laurence Cleary

343

Maureen Withey on 28th December 2024

https://content.archives.nsw.gov.au/delivery/StreamGate?dps_pid=FL10112911&dps_dvs=1735377046089~956 page 19, 20, to 50. Letter Dated 18 Feb 1831, Norfolk Island. Deposition taken in the case of the King v. John McGinnis per ship Almorah 2, Redmond Moss, per Globe, Friday Angel, per Adamant, Lawrence Clary, per Mangles 3, William or Charles Lovell, per Shipley 4, David Craig, per Minstrel, 2, Charles Daley, per Chapman, William O’Neill, per Lady Castlereagh. Charged with secretly absenting themselves from Barracks on the night of Tuesday the fourth of January 1831; for entering a dwelling Hut and putting in bodily fear John Holyland, per ship Henry 1, John Cahill, per ship Guildford 3, Matthias Muller per ship Indian; for robbing the Tool house at Longridge of a blue jacket and a number of Pitchforks and reaping hooks to arm themselves and their associates for the purpose of attacking the Garrison; for Mutinous conduct in conspiring to destroy the Garrison by setting fire to the soldiers’ huts and stockage, and to murder the Detachment; and also for conspiring to murder John Grower, per ship Anne 2, and Abraham Davis, per ship Earl St Vincent, 4, and for cutting and maiming them with intent to do them some grievous bodily harm. There continues a number of sworn depositions. The outcome was that the defendants were Committed for Trial. The depositions can be read online, following the above link. (Via NSW Convict Index search)

51

Chris Ison on 11th December 2024

BUSHRANGERS. Newcastle, Thursday evening, Aug. 4, 1825. I have much satisfaction in informing you that the desperadoes who have given so much annoyance, at Wallis and Paterson's Plains, are at length taken.— Their names are as follows :— Laurence Cleary (Captain of the gang) Aaron Price,. Patrick Clynch, and Patrick Reily alias Reiby, all government servants to Mr. V. Jacob. Also, another vagabond, whose name, is unknown, but who it is said, has recently, deserted from Mr.Mudie's farm and joined the others. It appears that information had been lodged with Mr. Scott the resident Magistrate at Patrick's Plains, that these fellows had got into his district, whereupon he called out all those whom he could immediately command, and putting himself at their head, they, with the assistance of some black natives, soon got on the track of the bushrangers, and fortunately fell in with them the day before yesterday. They were discovered; and taken without resistance. … (The Australian 11 Aug 1825, p. 3.) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23. Before the Chief Justice. John McDonnel, Aaron Price, Thomas Moss, Lawrence Cleary, and Patrick Clinch, were indicted for a burglary and robbery in the house of Thomas White, at Wallis's Plains, on the 5th of August last—Guilty. Remanded. (Sydney Gazette 28 Nov 1825, p. 3.) On Monday morning last, about half-past nine o'clock, respites arrived at the Sydney Gaol for Lawrence Cleary, Aaron Price, Robert Story, and Patrick Clynch, four men who were ordered for execution that morning. They were with the reverend clergyman, and were about to ascend the scaffold, when the respite reached the gaol. The under sheriff Mr. James, on reading his instructions to the above effect, cautioned them from indulging in a hope that their lives would be spared, and advised each one to improve that time which might be permitted them to live, to the best of purposes. The men fell on their knees and remained speechless for some moments. Their conduct, while under sentence of death, has been exemplary , and they have evinced penitence and contrition. ( The Australian 22 Dec 1825, p. 4.)

343

Maureen Withey on 7th November 2022

CLEARY, Laurence 1825 Nov 23,26 On return of prisoners tried before the Supreme Court of New South Wales (Fiche 3298; X727 pp.14, 15) 1825 Dec 7 Convicted of burglary, larceny and putting in bodily fear; sentenced to death. On return of prisoners tried and sentenced by the Supreme Court (Fiche 3298; X730 p.27) 1825 Dec 22 Execution reprieved (Reel 6068; 4/1812 p.145c) ------------------------------------------------- On Monday morning last, about half-past nine o'clock, respites arrived at the Sydney Gaol for Lawrence Cleary, Aaron Price, Robert Story, and Patrick Clynch, four men who were ordered for execution that morning. They were with the reverend clergyman, and were about to ascend the scaffold, when the respite reached the gaol. The under sheriff Mr. James, on reading his instructions to the above effect, cautioned them from indulging in a hope that their lives would be spared, and advised each one to improve that time which might be permitted them to live, to the best of purposes. The men fell on their knees and remained speechless for some moments. Their conduct, while under sentence of death, has been exemplary, and they have evinced penitence and contrition. The Australian, Thurs 22 Dec 1825.

343

Maureen Withey on 29th October 2019

After his Colonial death sentence was commuted, Laurence Cleary was sent to Norfolk Island. In October 1827, he was involved in a mutinous plot, as reported in the Colonial Secretary's correspondence regarding Norfolk Island: Affidavit of John McDonnell re mutiny amongst prisoners – outlines plot to attack Commandant on road to Longridge Farm – mentions plan by Patrick Clinch, William Hennissy, William Harison, Laurence Cleary, James Callaghan, Michael Keily, Friday Angel, Patrick Flannigan, James Flannigan, George Bulcock, William Curtain, Timothy Duffy and many others “Sworn before us at Norfolk Island this 18th day of October 1827 Signed T Wright JP, Charles Cox JP” [“B No.2” on p.34] Affidavit of Laurence Cleary re attempt on life of Commandant – conspiracy to take the Settlement & the Brig when it arrived – outlines plot. Mentions Lieut Cox. “Sworn before us at Norfolk Island this 19th day of November 1827 Signed T E Wright JP, Charles Cox JP” [“A No.3” on p.45] Letter re mutiny [Ref 27/9524 in margin] – gives details & refers to enclosed Affidavits Details capture of Clinch & his death Mentions ringleader Cleary in cells & affidavit – measures taken to strengthen stockade etc. &

343

Maureen Withey on 29th October 2019

Bow Street Lawrence Cleary was charged with having stolen 39 sovereigns, the property of Thomas Foy. Foy is a bricklayer, who has been able to accumulate a decent sum of money, which he placed in the funds. About a month ago he had occasion for a part of it, and went to the Bank, where he gut 14s. fid., in three £l0 notes, nine sovereigns, and silver; which notes he changed for sovereigns, and putting the gold into the very bottom of his breeches pocket, and keeping his hand carefully upon it, he bent his course towards Whitcomb-street, where he resides. As ill-luck would have it, however, he met a female relation of his in Fleet-street; and, in the fulness of his heart, he treated her and himself so liberally with strong liquors that he got completely drunk. He parted with her in Wych-street, at which time he had his money safe, and went home to bed. He was a private watchman to a gentleman in Waterloo-place, and his wife, seeing him unfit for duty, requested the prisoner, who lodged in the house, and who had been supported by them when out of work for some months, to go on the watch until he should get better. He, however, excused himself saying he was going raffle in Marylebone, and went away. When Foy awoke he missed bis money—every sixpence was gone. It so happened that the prisoner had been for some time courting one Kathlin O’Connor (a pretty little blue-eyed Irish girl), but her friends having a trifle of money to give her, held their heads above Larry and the like of him,” and declared she should have nothing to say to him. On the very night of poor Foy'sloss Larry (prisoner) went to Kathlin and produced a good handful of sovereigns upon the table, and said—“ There Miss Kathlin O’Conner just clap your eyes upou that little bit of yellow stuff, and then tell your father and mother they need not be so stiff, for have a bit of a fortin ye see as well as your own self. Will have me now Kathlin?’’ O faith, Larry, and will,” said she, and it was agreed upon that the ceremonv should be performed as early as possible. Meanwhile Larry told his good fortune to all his friends, and treated them with gin galore; but it unfortunately happened, that he gave very different accounts of the manner in which he became possessed of the money. To Foy and his wife he said he found it in the street, on his way to the raffle, to another, that it was given to him by a girl who had picked it from a foreigner; and that he had got it from Kathlin's friends. These circumstances induced Foy to bring him before the Magistrate. Mr. Miushiill—Well, Larry, will you me how you got this money? “Faith, your honour, I'll that same,’’ said Larry, Your Honour must know, that when Tom—that's Tom name-—came home drunk, Mrs. Foy said to me, says she, Larry, will you watch for Tom till the liquor is out of him a bit, I’ll thank ye?' I'd do that willingly (said I) but I’m going to raffle; and as have money I shall thank you to pawn a pair breeches I have for half-a-crown. She would not pawn the breeches, so I thought I’d just call upon a cousin of mine by the way and borrow it. So your Honour I started off, and when I got near the Haymarket, I seed a stocking on the Stones before me; gave it a kick and it rattled, and says to myself, Larry you have got summit here,’ and then your Honour I picked it up, and found in it 48 sovereigns and three half-crowns.—“ Blessed God,” says I, “for all his mercies! for this must be sent on purpose, that’s sure enough.” And your Honour I walked home again, thanking God for his bountiful mercies. And that's all I have to say, and long life to your Honour!'” Sir R. Birnie—What did you with the stocking?—Larry. Sure I trowed it away directly, your Honour, It was no use to mortal man. Being asked the same question afterwards, he said kept it for two or three days. His wife, for he had married Kathlin,—was then called; and being questioned, said she saw the stocking, it was a new one, and he kept it about a fortnight. The prisoner said he was sure it was 48, and not 38 sovereigns he had found, and had left; but he could not give a clear account of what had done with the other 28. Magistrate,—l have no doubt that this was his money; and must send you prison. Larry.—Well, your Honour, I hope you’ll pay me for it when I come out, for I am an innocent man. He was remanded; and was removed from the bar amid the wailings of his Kathlin, and numerous host of Hibernian friends. Kentish Weekly Post. 12 Aug 1823 Old Bailey online. LAWRENCE CLEAREY, Theft - pocketpicking, 10th September 1823. Before Mr. Recorder. 1289. LAWRENCE CLEAREY was indicted for stealing, on the 7th of July , thirty-nine sovereigns, the monies of Thomas Faby , from his person . MR. WALFORD conducted the prosecution. THOMAS FABY . I live in Brewer's-court, Bedfordbury; the prisoner lodged in my house. On the 7th of July, about half-past eleven o'clock, I received thirty-nine sovereigns fourteen shillings and eleven-pence, at the Bank - Mary Knaven was with me. After receiving my money it rained, and we went into the Mansion-house, public-house, and had a pot of ale; I was in her company about two hours and a half, and parted with her in Fleet-street. I had drank three glasses of liquor and part of a pot of ale; when I parted from her, she asked if my money was safe, I felt and found it so. I went home about three o'clock, and went to bed in one of my lodger's rooms, it was the prisoner's room. I cannot say whether my money was then safe, I continued in bed from three to five o'clock; I had carried my money loose in my trowsers pocket; the last time I felt, it was in Fleet-street. I met nobody in the way home, nor did I stay anywhere that I recollect. I awoke at five o'clock, and my money was gone; I saw the prisoner at eleven that night, and saw him again next day, and he shewed me eleven sovereigns in a pocket book; I asked how he came by them, he said he had them from a young woman who he kept company with, and who had taken them from a foreigner overnight. Cross-examined by MR. PRENDERCAST. Q. Do not youknow that he was acquainted with a young woman - A. He knew a servant at Newton's hotel, St. Martin's-street, which is a house for the reception of foreigners; he said the woman had robbed the foreigner of it - I suspected that it was mine. I am sure it was safe when I left Knaven; I did not charge her with taking it. She was examined at Guildhall, on the 10th or 11th of July, for being in company with me; I could not then recollect when I had the money; it came to my memory next evening; she was two days in custody. I called at Knaven's house; I was not drunk when I went there - I carried her child home; she then came on to Fleet-street with me; I fell down on her stairs, as my foot slipped. I took the prisoner up three weeks after, he had not absconded, but lodged with me all the time. I never consulted a fortune-teller about it. MR. WALFORD. Q. You fell down at Knaven's house - A. Yes; my money was safe after that. I went to her house to ask about it, that occasioned words between me and her husband. I was taken before the Magistrate, and she was brought up by the Magistrate's desire. MARY KNAVEN . I am the wife of John Knaven - my husband is the prosecutor's first cousin; he is a bricklayer. I went to the Bank with him - he was sober. He received a great many sovereigns at the Bank, and put them into his breeches pocket; this was past twelve o'clock. He went to a public-house with me, and then went to my house; he drank some liquor, in Bow-lane; he had a pot of ale at a public-house, also three half quarterns of rum, and a quartern of gin - he was tipsy. I went as far as St. Paul's with him, and said, "Have you got your money safe?" "Oh! Yes," said he, slipping his hand in his pocket, and I heard his money jingle. I parted with him at St. Paul's. I live in Great Trinity-lane - he went home with me before I parted with him. Cross-examined. Q. How long were you in custody - A. He came in the afternoon; the constable took me - I was discharged the same day. He told the Magistrate he rather thought I had got it; he had come to my house that night, and said he was sure I had his money, and told the Magistrate so. MARGARET FABY . I am the wife of the prosecutor. The prisoner lodged with us. On the morning of the robbery he wanted to borrow 2 s. 6 d. of me, to go to a raffle at night; I did not lend it him, and he got me to send my girl to pawn a pair of breeches, for 2 s. 6 d.; she went and brought me the half-crown, between nine and ten o'clock in the morning, and he never came to me for it. My husband came home after three o'clock, and went up and slept in the prisoner's room, till five o'clock. He came into the house while my husband was up stairs; I do not know whether he went up, for I went out, leaving him there. A woman, who lived with the prisoner, as his wife (but not in our house) was in the house at the time. COURT. Q. I suppose she went into the prisoner's room whenever she came to the house - A. Yes; she and the prisoner had plenty of opportunities of going there - she was in the house between three and five o'clock, and the prisoner was there with her. He owed me 1 l. 15 s. 4 d. for rent, and paid me next morning, and said he got the money from a young woman who robbed a foreigner of it. He shewed me ten or eleven sovereigns in a pocket-book, and said he was to get 20 l. as a fortune with the young woman who he married; he married her two or three days after, and told me he was married by licence. Cross-examined. Q. When did you see the prisoner at the house - A. About a quarter after three o'clock; I was sitting in my room, and told him my husband had come home. The woman was in my room at the time, both before and after the prisoner came in. The prisoner's room is on the second floor; I went out, leaving them together - I was not absent a quarter of an hour. MR. WALFORD. Q. How long after your husband went to bed did the woman come in - A. She was in the house a quarter of an hour - her name is Mary Riley - she saw my husband come in and go up stairs. She went up and down before Clearey came in. JAMES BROWN . I lodge in the house. On this morning the prisoner wanted me to lend him 2 s. 6 d. to go to a raffle - I gave him leave to pawn my breeches for 2 s. 6 d., as I had no money. I saw him again between seven and eight o'clock in the evening at a wine vaults - he changed a sovereign, and paid me. I asked how he got it - he said he got it of his wife. JOHN DUFFY , I am a labourer, and live in Oxford Buildings. On the 7th of July I saw the prisoner at a raffle in Broad-street, Carnaby-market, and saw him with some sovereigns; he said he had plenty of money, and shewed me a white stocking, and strewed them all over the table; he said he got them by hard labour. Cross-examined. Q. This was a long time ago - A. I cannot tell - it was not at a raffle - I heard of a raffle that evening. MARY BAILEY . I keep the Black Horse, public-house, Vine-street, Chandos-street; the prisoner came to my house one day the beginning of July with a woman, and had a glass of rum and water, about ten o'clock in the morning; I changed a sovereign for him - and then changed another for him. THOMAS GAYNARD . Shortly after I heard of this robbery the prisoner told me he had got a great deal of money from a young woman, who took it from a foreigner. I saw him give a man eleven sovereigns. Cross-examined. Q. Where was this - A. At Faby's house. The man said he gave him eleven sovereigns; I did not see him with them myself. THOMAS BOYLE . The prisoner told me he had some sovereigns of a woman who robbed a foreigner of them. I saw him change one at a public-house. ANTHONY M'KEAL . I saw the prisoner with eleven sovereigns at Faby's house on the Saturday after the robbery; he said he got them from a sweetheart of his - that he went to borrow two shillings of her to go to a raffle, and she gave them to him; and he rather thought she got them from a foreigner. JOSEPH HOLYLAND . I am an officer. I searched the prisoner's lodging in Faby's house, and found nineteen sovereigns in a box, wrapped in a piece of rag. There were no men's clothes there - only ribbons and caps. A woman who called herself his wife gave us the key, and was present at the search. THOMAS FABY . I saw the box searched - it belonged to his wife; he married her three days after the robbery. He kept his clothes in that box. Prisoner's Defence. I did not leave work till half past five o'clock that afternoon, then came home. Faby said her husband was drunk, and told me to go to watch for him - I went and staid till eight o'clock, then returned, and found neither of them at home; they were gone to Knaven's house; he said she had the money. I never denied having this money. THOMAS BOYLE re-examined. I came home about five o'clock - I do not know where the prisoner was then - he went to watch in Faby's place; I went into the room, and Faby was dressing himself. MICHAEL NEEREY . I knew the prisoner in Ireland and in England. I saw him with forty-seven sovereigns at the time Faby was robbed; he counted them twice at the raffle, and said he found them between Whitcomb-street and the Haymarket. MR. WALFORD. Q. Are you sure it was on the day of the raffle - A. Yes; on the day before; it was at the Fortune of War, East-street. GUILTY . Aged 27. Transported for Life .

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Maureen Withey on 28th October 2019

SIXTY DOLLARS REWARD. WHEREAS PATRICK REILEY, per Castle Forbes, PATRICK CLINCH, per Isabella, and LAURENCE CLEARY, per Mangles, Three Bonded Servants belonging to the Estate of V. JACOB, Esq. at Hunter's River, after committing various Depredations, accompanied by Acts of Atrocity, effected their ESCAPE, a REWARD of TWENTY DOLLARS, per Man, is hereby offered for their Apprehension. A. B. Spark. Sydney Gazette, 21 July 1825. Peter Mayberry's Irish Convict Database has the following information: Laurence Cleary, age 28, Mangles 3, 1824, tried at Old Bailey, England, sentence, life, Native place, Belfast, Antrim Co. Trade - ploughman, Colonial Sentences Norfolk Island & Cockatoo Island. Colonial Secretary Index: CLEARY, Laurence 1825 Nov 23,26 - On return of prisoners tried before the Supreme Court of New South Wales (Fiche 3298; X727 pp.14, 15) 1825 Dec 7 - Convicted of burglary, larceny and putting in bodily fear; sentenced to death. On return of prisoners tried and sentenced by the Supreme Court (Fiche 3298; X730 p.27) 1825 Dec 22 - Execution reprieved (Reel 6068; 4/1812 p.145c). Supreme Criminal Court, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23. Before the Chief Justice. John McDonnel, Aaron Price, Thomas Moss, Lawrence Cleary, and Patrick Clinch, were indicted for a burglary and robbery in the house of Thomas White, at Wallis's Plains, on the 5th of August last—Guilty. Remanded. Sydney Gazette, 28 Nov 1825 Supreme Criminal Court. Before the Chief Justice. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER, 26. Michael Cassidy, Patrick Clinch, Laurence Cleary, Aaron Price, and James Innis, were indicted for a larceny and burglary in the house of Dr. Evans, at Hunter's River, and stealing therefrom, a quantity of wearing apparel, and other articles, on the 20th of August last. The information contained two counts. The first count charged the prisoners with a larceny, and putting the prosecutor and his wife in bodily fear; and the second charged the burglary. The Jury found Cassidy, Clinch, Cleary, and Price, Guilty of the larceny. - Innis, Not Guilty. Sydney Gazette, 1 Dec 1825. Supreme Criminal Court. Before the CHIEF JUSTICE. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9. The following prisoners were brought up and received sentence:— Thomas Ross, John McDonell, Aaron Price, Lawrence Cleary, and Patrick Clinch, convicted of a burglary and robbery in the house of Mr. Winder, at Wallis's Plains, on the 24th of August last.—Death. His Honor, in passing sentence, admonished the prisoners that there did not appear to him, from the nature of the case on which they were found guilty, to be any circumstance which would induce him to recommend to His Honor the Acting Governor, a mitigation in the sentence of the law. Sydney Gazette, 8 Dec 1825