James Walker

343

Maureen Withey on 18th October 2023

William Twiddy, aged 23, James Walker, aged 22, and Samuel Soames alias King, aged 20, stood charged with breaking into the dwelling-house of Robert Harbord, Walnut, blacksmith, and stealing thereout  nine sovereigns, two half sovereigns, twenty shillings, and some silver spoons; they also stood stood farther charged with having broken into the dwelling-house of Charles Oix, of Happisburgh, the same day, and stealing three silver tea spoons; they also stood farther charged with having broken into the dwelling house of Jonathan Balls, of the same place and on the same day, and stealing thereout two sovereigns, eight shillings and sixpence, twenty-four penny pieces,.some silver spoons, and other articles. Soames pleaded guilty to each indictment; Twiddy and Walker pleaded not guilty, and were tried the first indictment, but acquitted.— the second indictment the Jury found them both guilty, and his Lordship,  in passing sentence upon all three, said be did not entertain any doubt of the propriety of the verdict of the Jury. Of the former charge they bad taken merciful view, and on tut he said nothing but they bad been found guilty of an offence for which they had subjected themselves to sent out the country for the  for the rest of their lives. With respect to traoiportation, was fit they should know it was quite   of different nature to what it was formerly. When they arrived they would find not mere change from one country to another, where they would be employed their own occupatlons  but that they would subjected hard toil, which they would have to undergo under circumstances of painful description .The sentence of the Court was, that they should be each transported for the term of their natural lives. Twiddy said. on going from the bar, “I suffer innocently, my Lord.” No evidence was offered on the third indictment. Norwich Mercury 2 Aug 1834.

343

Maureen Withey on 18th October 2023

National Archives, Criminal Petitions. HO 17/100/682 Prisoner name: James Walker. Prisoner age: 22. Prisoner occupation: Apprentice dyer before unemployment, then traveller selling goods. In Van Diemen's Land, messenger at the Audit office. Court and date of trial: Norfolk Lent assizes, July 1834. Crime: Housebreaking, three indictments. Initial sentence: Transportation for life. Gaoler's report: 'Character Bad. Twice before in prison'. Annotated (Outcome): Nil. 'Pardon on Condition of remaining in Colony and answered 16 March 1839'. Free Pardon 25 April 1850. Petitioner(s): 72 local supporters from Norwich including the Prosecutor Jonathan Balls, and the Mayor. Forwarded in a letter from W H Windham. Copy of [above] petition but with 69 signatories. Thomas John Woodrow. Edmond Wodehouse, [MP], Norwich. Forwarding letter from J B Bosanquet, judge, [but not clear the petition to which it refers]. Two copies of same petition signed by 25 local supporters including the Mayor of Norwich and the Prosecutor, with character references. [One copy of this petition forwarded in a second letter from Mr Justice Bosanquet]. Unsigned supportive statement transmitted via Mr Wodehouse MP. Grounds for clemency (Petition Details): Prisoner is of previous excellent character and from an honest family; prisoner fell in to bad company when unemployed in trade recession; prisoner's character is high in Van Diemen's Land with his master and with the Police Office; prisoner's former employer would employ him if in this country. Other papers: Letter from S M Phillipps to W H Windham MP. Letter from prisoner to parents and friends from on board the York hulk. Letters from prisoner to his parents from Hobart Town, and copy of the same. Letter from prisoner to his parents. Letter from Joseph Tolson to Richard Tolson his father. [Copy] letter from James Stephen, Downing Street to S M Phillipps enclosing copy of certificate of prisoner's good conduct from John Franklin, Government House, Van Deimen's Land. Letter from Herman Merivale, Downing Street, enclosing copy of prisoner's character and conduct report from W Denison, Government House, Van Diemen's Land. Additional Information: Prisoner tried with William Twiddy and Samuel Soames. Prisoner on board the York hulk ship. Prisoner transported on the Mangles transport ship. Date: 1834 Oct 24 – 1850 Apr 18.