602. (M.) William Adcock proceedingsdefend was indicted for that he on the King's highway, on Margaret Smith < no role > did make an assault, putting her in corporal fear and danger of her life, and stealing from her person a black silk hat, value 2 s. the property of the said Margaret , Sept. 1st . ++

Margaret Smith proceedingsvictim . I lived with my mother in three Crown Court, Chancery-lane; my father was upon his death-bed. On the first of Sept. about half after ten at night, I went to see a gentlewoman home that was big with child, that had been to see my father; as I was coming back again, I met the prisoner at the top of Chancery-lane ; he asked me to go with him; I asked him what he wanted with me; he said what is that to you? I ran away from him, and stood at an alehouse door; I thought he was gone, so I crossed the way as fast as I could; he directly ran after me; I stopt at Mr. Adams's door; he came up to me, and said, d - n your eyes, you b - h, what makes you run away? I said, because I was frightened; he gave me a slap in the face; I cried out murder, then he knocked me down, and tore my hat from my head, and ran away; as soon as I recovered, I ran after him, and cried out, Stop thief; a gentleman that is here, took him, and found my hat upon him.

Q. How do you get your bread?

Smith. My father was very ill; I left my service to come home to look after him; he died soon after.

William Shaw < no role > . I am a constable, I was the officer of the night; as I was going down Holborn, I heard the cry of, Stop thief; I ran across the way, and a number of people had got hold of the prisoner. I saw the hat lie upon the ground about five or six yards from the prisoner. This was about 30 yards from the top of Chancery-lane.

Q. Had you seen him before you saw him in custody of the people?

Shaw. Yes; I saw him running, and the people pursuing him.

Prisoner's Defence.

I know nothing of the affair.

Guilty. Death . Recommended .