For, whether we consider the Number of the Malefactors, the Nature of their Crimes, the Age of some of the Offenders, (one particularly, which was a perfect Child) or the Apprehensions into which the Inhabitants of this great City were for some Time thrown, by their Excessive Boldness in committing their Robberies, all wears the Face of Horror and Confusion.

BUT let not the Terror it spreads be Momentary, or as it were Instantaneous, and as short as the Pain these Criminals suffer: No, let it be rather lasting as their Shame: Let it set their Errors in a true Light: Let it mark the Road, and point out the Stages that lead to the Gallows; that poor, easy, illiterate young Fellows, may take Warning from their Fate, and fly from the first Seducements of the Devil; as knowing well, (under his Guidance) they must meet here and hereafter with a melancholly Lodging at their Journey's End.

WE see plainly, that such Practices, how seemingly lucky soever in the first Instances, lead to Penury and Sorrow, instead of Mirth and Plenty: And we as plainly discern, that tho' sometimes Art prevails, and Fraud delivers, yet in the End Ruin certainly attends such Courses, and a just Punishment surely reaches them soon or late.

BUT the Application of the City of London to His Majesty, has brought a new Vigour to the Laws, and set a keener Edge on the Sword of Justice; so that those fatal Amusements of Friends Assistance, and powerful Interpositions for Pardons, are in a Manner quite removed: It is therefore high Time for every Lover of Idleness and Pleasure, to remember, That the only Way now to be safe, is to be honest, as the only Way to remain honest is to shun bad Company, and live in the Fear of GOD. To which, may he grant, these Reflections may contribute!

The following LETTERS were wrote originally in French, by Mr. du Clot, the Valet, who was Executed for robbing his Master, the Hon. Mr. Masham, of a Bank Note of 50 l. and many other Things of considerable Value; we have Translated them into English, for the Satisfaction of our Readers.

SIR,

I HAVE flatter'd myself, till this last Moment, that a Man, who had had the Honour of being your Servant, would not be suffered to be destroyed. Woeful Expectation, for one who has nothing less to hope for, than a most ignominious Death! How is it possible, that your generous Soul, and your charitable Principles, should be deaf to the Entreaties of an unfortunate Man, who had rather have spill'd the last drop of his Blood, than to have betrayed you? and whose only Guilt is, to have given Way to a cursed Inclination for Gaming, which has made him swerve out his Duty. You can do a great deal in my Behalf, Sir, in God's Name, save my unhappy Days. I confess, I am Guilty, but I have not sinn'd by Inclination; have some Compassion for my poor Family, and for me; we shall all pray for ever for your Prosperity and Preservation; and I shall never cease to be the very last Breath of my Life, with all possible Submission, and a dutiful Respect,

SIR,

Your most afflicted Servant,

SULPICE DU CLOT< no role > .