43. (M.) Mary M'Cormack proceedingsdefend , spinster , was indicted (together with Anne White < no role > not taken) for stealing a silk purse, value 2 d. two gold rings for mourning, value 20 s. one 13 s. and 6 d. piece, twenty-six guineas, and four quarter guineas, the property of Eleanor Bird proceedingsvictim widow , privately from her person , Nov. 9 . +

Eleanor Bird < no role > . I keep a public-house in Well-street, near Well-close-square ; the prisoner used to come sometimes for a dram. On Sunday morning, Nov. 9, she and Anne White < no role > came in for a dram at the bar, betwixt eight and nine o'clock; I went to serve them; a woman came and asked for change for a 5 s. and 3 d. piece; as soon as she had her change she went out, after that I went to serve the prisoner and White, I put the 5 s. and 3 d. in my purse; there were twentysix guineas in it, a 13 s. and 6 d. and four quarter guineas, besides that which I put in; it was a green silk knit purse, they might see the money through it; they were standing close by me while I gave the change; I wound my purse over my fingers while I was serving them; White said she was in a hurry to be gone; then I went out of the bar, and put my purse in my left side pocket; as I was going to the fire side they both followed me to the fire side, they came on my left side; while I was putting out a pennyworth of purl for a man that stood by, I was pushed down against the man; I asked the women what was the meaning of that, and said if they could not stand quiet to go out of the house; it was done by the prisoner pushing White against me; the prisoner said, I ask your pardon, I hit my toe against the stove, and had like to have fallen myself; the man prevented my falling by putting his arm out; I went into the kitchen, and never went into the drinking room all that day after; I never missed my purse till about three in the afternoon; I am sure I put my purse in my pocket, for I felt my snuff-box in my pocket at the same time; I never saw my purse, money, or rings since; the prisoner was taken up on the 10th of November, and charged with aiding and assisting in robbing me; before the Justice she said she did not take it, but knew who did, and she would tell the next day; she was committed that night, and when she was brought back to be examined again, she denied knowing any thing of the affair; I heard her own in New Prison, she knew who robbed me.

Q. Was your pocket on the outside your cloaths?

E. Bird. I had only my gown over it.

Sarah Dobbs < no role > . I am servant to Mrs. Bird, I saw the prisoner and two other women come in; they asked for a pint of purl, I went and draw'd it; the prisoner looked in my face, and said there is no uproar yet, there is nothing missed; I said, what should be missed; she said there are many things lost that are not missed; this was about a quarter of an hour after they had been in for the drams; I saw them come in for the drams, and saw my mistress tie up her purse, and put it into her pocket as she went along; I saw the prisoner push White against her, and push her against a man (a stranger;) as my mistress was falling, the prisoner stepped towards her, and the man catched my mistress in his arms.

Elizabeth Wallis < no role > . When the prisoner was brought to be examined, and was in at the City of Carolina, a public-house in Rosemary-lane, on the day after the robbery, she said she wanted to speak with me, and took me out into the yard; she delivered to me two 5 s. and 3 d. pieces and a golden guinea, and desired me to buy her an under petticoat and a cap, and bring them to her in New Prison; I said I never was there in my life, and I delivered them into her hand again.

Robert Clavering < no role > . I asked the prisoner several questions after she was committed concerning the robbery; she said she did not rob her herself, but she knew who did; I then asked her if she had any of the money; she said that was best known to herself; I asked her if she saw the rings; she asked me who I was, I did not resolve her; she said I'll tell you nothing more, but if you'll come to-morrow, I'll tell you every thing of it, but I'll tell no more to day.

John Delaney < no role > . I was with the prisoner when going from the Justices, she seemed to be very much in liquor; she took me by the arm, and asked me what I would have her do in this affair; I said what affair; she said I was standing by the same time Mrs. Bird was robbed, and I saw her robbed of about 19 or 20 l. and some gold rings; would you have me confess; I said, I tell you what I'd have you do; if you have any of the money that is left, call Mrs. Bird on one side and give it her, and ask her pardon, and I dare say she will not hurt you; she then answered she would say nothing at all, and said she believed that was the best way; I believe she would have said more, but the officer said, it is now too late to say any thing; she said she had none of the money left.

Q. from prisoner to prosecutrix. How many people were in your house at the time you served us?

Prosecutrix. There were (only the man a stranger,) the prisoner White, and myself.

Prisoner's defence.

I went into this house with Nan White < no role > , we had a dram at the bar, after that a pint of purl, we stood by the sire; I went out and fetched some bread and cheese, and if this thing was done, it was done when I was out, for I know nothing of it; I am caught at a nonplus, I have no body here to my character.

Acquitted .