Old Baily
May Sessions 1784

The King< no role >
agst.
Robt. Bale< no role >
& Thomas Hughes< no role > }
on Prosecution
of Jas. Fletcher
Felony.

Carth

The Prisoners were Committed by Justice Smith of East Smith [..]
Newgate for a Felony in Robbing James Fletcher< no role > of a S [..]
and Prosecutor was Bound to prosecute at the new Se [..]
appearing accordingly and preferring his Bill it was thrown
but such is the Wickedness of the Officer who took the Prisoners up
namely Thomas Taylor< no role > (assisted by one (Walton Justice Smith
and me Preston) that for the Object of obtaining [..]
reward they on Saturday last without the Prosecutor James [..]
again preferr'd a Bill of Indictment against the Prisoners [..]
hath been returned a true Bill and the Prisoners are now
for Tryal and stand the £35. on the List

The Prosecutor James Fletcher< no role > cannot be found so
that as Taylor & his Associates are deprived of the advantages
of his Evidence (if any) you are desired to move the Court
the Prisoners may be discharged out of Custody or otherwise
Defend them as to you seem's most necessary

Taylor where thirst of Blood again [..] hath
Induced him to bring this second Indictment is a Man who hath
long made it his practice to meddle with Matters of this nature
for his Support & is Beadle & Headborough for the Tower Royal
in the Precinct of & Well Close which he always Continues to be & in
a Person far from being respected Preston one of his