294, 295, 296. James Cordwell proceedingsdefend , John Gough proceedingsdefend , and James Rutt proceedingsdefend , of St. Ethelburg , were indicted for stealing three Iron Japan Snuff-Boxes , the Goods of John Merriton proceedingsvictim , June 8 .

Sarah Merriton < no role > . On the 8th of June, between 3 and 4 in the Afternoon, I saw all these Boy s at the Shop Window: I did not like them very well; and therefore, I watched them pretty much; having to do with a great many of that Sort. I happened to turn my Head, and my Maid informed me that the Boys were lifting up the Show-Glass; I turned about again, and saw them at the Window: Rutt lifted up the Show-Glass, and Cordwell took out the Boxes; there were three lost, but I saw but one that he had in his Hand; I seized Cordwell immediately at the Window by the Show-Glass, and he threw the Box down the next Neighbour's Cellar-Window - I catched hold of two of the Boys, but one of them got away from me in the Fright; they said, there was another Boy that is not taken, that made away with the other two Boxes. Cordwell would not confess any thing at first, till he was threatned; and then, he told us where the other two were to be met with; but he did not say any thing of the third - I did not see Cordwell take it, but I saw it in his Right Hand when I seized him.

Mary Woodley < no role > . I saw the Boy in the white Cap lift up the Show-Glass, and told my Mistress that the Boys were lifting up the Glass; there were two of them at the Window, and two other Boys with them. Cordwell had the Box, and I saw him throw it down - I did not see him take it - I did not see Gough do any thing.

Q. To Mrs. Merriton. What do you Value the Box at?

Mrs. Merriton. I will value it but at 6 d.

Gough. I am almost 11 Years of Age.

Rutt. I am going into 13.

Cordwell. I am the same. Gough acquitted . Cordwell Guilty 6 d. and Rutt Guilty 6 d.

[Transportation. See summary.]