Middlesex
to
Wit}

The Voluntary Confessions of John Watson< no role > taken this 14th day of May 1787
Before us John Staples< no role > and Peter Greene< no role > Esqr two of His Majesty's Justices
of the Peace in and for the said County. Who Confesses and Says Yesterday the
Thirteenth day of May Instant he with Charles Railey< no role > who has been at Sea and lodges some have
on Salt Petre Bank and James Left< no role > who has been at Sea who likewise Lodges on Salt [..]
Petra bank came from the other side of the Water between the Hours of Four and Five
in the afternoon in a boat to go on board the Urania lying near Wapping Old Stairs They
perswading him to go with Charles Railey< no role > on board the said Ship to take what they could
find Loft staging in the Boat to Receive the Things as they took Logs Railey gave him
the Key produced with which he unlocked the Padlock of the after Hatchway and Staid
upon Deck while Railey went and brought the Articles produced dyed up in this Rug
in about half an hourThat Railey went out of the Ship leaving him to bring the Bundle
away as soon as there was an Oportunity and in a few Minutes after The person present who
says his Name is Andrew Lawson< no role > came on board said Ship and asked him what he was
being there says in order to make the best Excuse he could he told him he was sent by
me of the Servants. when the offering to Stop and Search him he ran out of the Ship on
board Dutchman and got on Shore but on the Cry of Stop thief he was stopt by two
Watchman near Execution Dock brought to Wapping Old Stairs Causway when said Andrew
Lawson< no role > took and gaveyouhim in Charge of the Constable

his
John [mark] Watson< no role >
Mark

Taken and Signed at the Public Office Shadwell
The day and Year abovementioned

Before us
[mark] John Staples< no role >
Peter Greene< no role >