Benjamin Grimshaw

343

Maureen Withey on 27th April 2022

Source: Boys at Sea: Sodomy, Indecency, and Courts Martial in Nelson’s Navy” by B. Burg. “The case against Benjamin Grimshaw and John Scott at the Downs began in a usual fashion when a boy of HMS Illustrious, William Fowles, spotted the two engaged in buggery against a gun between eight and ten in the evening. He reported what he saw, a light was brought, and the men arrested.” …. “At the trial ample testimony indicated the defendants were not drunk and three officers testified to young Fowles’ good character.” John Scott confessed to a group of officers and marine non commissioned officers. At the trial, there was debate over whether John Scott was offered an inducement to confess. A witness, the Marine Commander said “There was no language made use of to that effect, but Captain Broughton spoke in a very kind and conciliatory manner; which might have induced the man to suppose by such a confession he would be admitted as king’s evidence.” The testimony of the young witness, William Fowles, “supported by a confession extracted without coercion although in what was possibly a devious manner, were sufficient for a guilty verdict. Both men were sentenced to death on 21 June 1809.”

343

Maureen Withey on 27th April 2022

Colonial Secretary Index. GRIMSHAW, Benjamin. Per "Indian", 1810 1810 Dec 29 Sent to Newcastle (Reel 6003; 4/3490A p.141) 1818 Petition for mitigation of sentence (Fiche 3186; 4/1855 p.113) 1820 Jul Memorial (Fiche 3020; 4/1824A No.295 p.147) --------------------------------------------------- 29 Dec 1810. to Commandant at Newcastle. By the Lady Nelson there are sent down to you for Government work 7 prisoners (names in the margin) lately arrived here from England in the Indian Convict Ship, and it is His Excellency the Governors desire that these men may receive no harsh treatment – Charles McMahon who absconded from Newcastle some time ago is now returned by the Lady Nelson to Government work. Names in margin: 1 Felix McKenna. 2 Thos. Copian. 3. Carman Reajo. 4. Edmd. Castello. 5 Felix Peritcho 6. Benj. Grimshaw 7. Joseph Neille. --------------------------------------------------- Petition for Mitigation of Sentence. Benjamin Grimshaw. Date 1 Jan 1818. Sheweth that Memorialist was convicted for the term of his natural life on board His Majesty’s ship Agincourt - 74 guns in 1808 and arrived in this colony per the Indian. Bartlett master, in 1810. That Memorialist has ever since that period continued in the employ of Government and would now feel obliged to your Excellency to Grant him a Ticket of Leave, that he may be enabled by his industry alone to procure ... I believe the Petitioner to be an Industrious and Steady man. Signed, William Cowper. -------------------------------------------------- NSW Convict Index. Benjamin Grimshaw, per Indian 1810, conditional Pardon, 4 June 1819. -------------------------------------------------- Sydney July 1820. Benjamin Grimshaw’s Petition for a Grant of Land. Sheweth that your Memorialist came to this Colony per Ship Indian and since that period has been constantly …. and having an inclination to settle in this Colony is induced to apply to your Excellency for a Grant of Land with the usual Indulgences and his … shall be on his unremitting endeavours to cultivate the same to merit the favor your Excellency will bestow your Memorialist. And your Memorialist as in duty bound, will ever pray, Benjamin Grimshaw. I believe the Petitioner to be a sober and industrious man. William Cowper. Added in pencil, 30 acres.