Francis Shipman

343

Maureen Withey on 18th February 2023

Possibly Francis Shipman returned to England. Claims and Demands. The following Persons intending shortly to quit the Colony, all those who have any Claims against them are requested to present the same for payment to themselves immediately :— IN THE ATALANTA, Francis Shipman. Sydney Gazette, 27 Oct 1810. -------------------------------------------------- https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4166200?searchTerm=Francis Shipman The above link to a court case in 1838: Excerpt: It appeared that the allotment was originally granted to one Francis Shipman. In 1808, this man, it was said, had disposed of the property to Mr. James Lord, the father of Mr. David Lord, to whom Shipman owed a sum of money, and had provided him with a passage to England, with some provisions. ... The evidence adduced was of a very contradictory character, and the amount given for the valuable allotment was six pieces of common print, at 10s. per yard, some calico, and some pounds of tea and sugar, the former at 10s. per pound ; and it was also proved that Shipman had been by Mr. Lord provided with a passage to England, and that sheep had been sent on board for his use. This was partly proved by a woman of the name of Davis, known as Jenny Trotter, and who had, according to the custom of the times, lived in a state of concubinage with Shipman. ...

343

Maureen Withey on 18th February 2023

Francis Shipman was indicted 23 times at the Old Bailey on the same date: Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 18 February 2023), February 1802, trial of FRANCIS SHIPMAN (t18020217-85). FRANCIS SHIPMAN, Theft > embezzlement, 17th February 1802. 258. FRANCIS SHIPMAN was indicted for that he, on the 22d of September, being employed in the capacity of clerk, by Frances Sills, Joseph Sills, and Jonathan Sills, for the purpose of receiving money, did, by virtue of such employment, receive and take into his possession of and from Samuel Kenyon, a warrant for the payment of 5l. 7s. for and on account of his said employers, and that he did fraudulently and feloniously embezzle, secrete, and make away with the said warrant, and feloniously steal the same. (The case was opened by Mr. Knowlys.) The Court being of opinion that the charge made in the indictment did not come within the meaning of the Act of Parliament, the prisoner was ACQUITTED. London Jury, before Mr. Recorder. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 259. FRANCIS SHIPMAN was again indicted for that he, being employed in the capacity of clerk , on the 17th of December , by Joseph Sills and Jonathan Sills , for the purpose of receiving money on their account, did, by virtue of such employment, take and receive into his possession of and from John Goodman, the sum of 14s. 8d. for and on account of his said employers, and that he did fraudulently and feloniously embezzle, secrete, and make away with the same, and did steal the same . JOSEPH SILLS sworn. - The prisoner was servant to us, but no entry is made in his book of the sum of 14s. 8d. received of Mr. Goodman, which he ought to have entered, Mr. Goodman having paid him. Cross-examined by Mr. Gurney. Q. He had to receive large sums of money, I believe? - A. Yes. Q. I will ask you, whether a person, in collecting other sums, might not forget fourteen shillings and eight-pence? - A. I think not. JOHN GOODMAN sworn. - I was applied to on the 17th of December by the prisoner for fourteen shillings and eight-pence, due to Messrs. Sills, which I paid him, and he gave me this receipt, (produces it,) which he wrote. Prisoner. I leave it to my Counsel. The prisoner called three witnesses, who gave him a good character. NOT GUILTY . London Jury, before Mr. Recorder. - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- FRANCIS SHIPMAN, Theft > embezzlement, 17th February 1802. 260. FRANCIS SHIPMAN was again indicted for that he, on the 21st of November , being employed in the capacity of clerk, by Frances Sills, Joseph Sills, and Jonathan Sills, for the purpose of receiving money, did, by virtue of such employment, receive and take into his possession of and from George Willett, the sum of 1l. 11s. for and on account of his said employers, and that he did fraudulently and feloniously embezzle, secrete, and make away with the same, and did feloniously steal the same.(The case was opened by Mr. Knowlys.) JOSEPH SILLS sworn. - Examined by Mr. Knowlys. Q. Be so good as state the particulars of this transaction, and who were your partners? - A. On the 21st of November, our firm was Frances, Joseph, and Jonathan Sills; the prisoner was our clerk, and employed in receiving money on our account, which he settled every day. I have his book, and, on the 21st of November, 1801, there are four articles entered, but not the sum of one pound eleven shillings received of Mr. Willett. Q. Has that sum ever been accounted for? - A. Never. Mr. Gurney. Q. That article is entirely omitted? - A. Yes. GEORGE WILLETT sworn. - I live in Aldersgate-street: On the 21st of November, application was made to me, on the part of Messrs. Sills, for the payment of one pound eleven shillings and seven-pence. I paid one pound eleven shillings, and the person to whom I paid it gave me a receipt, (produces it;) but I cannot say whether it was the prisoner. JOHN-WINTER PIDGEON sworn. - I am clerk to Messrs. Sills, and know the prisoner's hand-writing. This is his writing, (looking at the receipt.) Prisoner. I leave my defence to my Counsel. The prisoner called three witnesses, who gave him a good character. GUILTY, aged 20. Transported for seven years . London Jury, before Mr. Recorder. --------------------------------------------------- Tasmanian Records. https://stors.tas.gov.au/CON22-1-2P344JPG Per Calcutta, Francis Shipman, tried London, 17 Feb 1802, 7 years.