Margaret Harrison proceedingsdefend . of St. Margaret's Westminster , was indicted for stealing a ShowGlass, containing 21 Gold Rings, 13 Stone Rings, 8 Snuff-Boxes, a Surgeon's Instrument Box, and many other Things, Gold and Silver Coins, &c. the 20th of March last, the Goods of Edward York proceedingsvictim .

The Prosecutor depos'd, That the Show-Glass, &c. was taken from his Shop-Window about 4 a-Clock in the Afternoon; that missing it, he stept out, and inquiring of his next Neighbour, he was inform'd, that a tall, ancient Gentlewoman in a short black Cloak and a Velvet Hood, was looking into it a little while before; that he immediately got several Persons to pursue, running one one Way, and one another and she was apprehended.

Joseph Bond < no role > depos'd, That he took the Prisoner in a Coach with the Show-Glass in her Lap; and that he opening one Door, the Prisoner open'd the other, and jump'd out: that, however, he seiz'd her, and she had her Pockets stuff'd full the Things, for the Glasses were broke all to Pieces, and her Hands were very bloody, being cut by breaking the Glass; that she had several Rings on her Fingers.

James Seager < no role > , the Constable, depos'd, That the Prisoner being ask'd what induc'd her to commit the Fact? reply'd, Necessity, she having a Husband and 10 Children.

The Prisoner said nothing at all in her Defence; but a great many Persons of Credit appear'd to her Character, who depos'd, That she had been a Person that had liv'd well in the World; that she had a Husband, but he was not with her; that she was handsomly maintain'd by her Relations, and so lay under no Necessity to commit the Fact; that instead of 10 Children, she had but one, and that one provided for by the Rev. Dr. Day, and others. The Jury supposing her not compos mentis when she committed the Fact, acquitted her .