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<interp inst="t17841208-20" type="after" value="17841208"></interp>
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<join result="criminalCharge" id="t17841208-20-off118-c316" targOrder="Y" targets="t17841208-20-defend364 t17841208-20-off118 t17841208-20-verdict121"></join>
<p> <xptr type="pageFacsimile" doc="178412080065"></xptr>
22. <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-defend364"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-defend364" type="role" value="proceedingsdefend"></interp>
JAMES DUNN <interp inst="t17841208-20-defend364" type="surname" value="DUNN"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-defend364" type="given" value="JAMES"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-defend364" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
was indicted for <rs id="t17841208-20-off118" type="offenceDescription"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-off118" type="offenceCategory" value="deception"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-off118" type="offenceSubcategory" value="forgery"></interp>
that he, on the <rs id="t17841208-20-cd119" type="crimeDate">10th day of July</rs>
<join result="offenceCrimeDate" targOrder="Y" targets="t17841208-20-off118 t17841208-20-cd119"></join>
last, did utter as true, a false, forged, and counterfeited will and testament, with a certain mark thereto subscribed, purporting to be the last will and testament of <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person365"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person365" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person365" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person365" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person365" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, with intent to defraud the <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-victim366"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-victim366" type="role" value="proceedingsvictim"></interp>
<rs id="t17841208-20-viclabel120" type="occupation">United Company of Merchants trading to the East-Indies</rs>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-viclabel120" type="occupation" value="United Company of Merchants trading to the East-Indies"></interp>
<join result="persNameOccupation" targOrder="Y" targets="t17841208-20-victim366 t17841208-20-viclabel120"></join>
<join result="persNameOccupation" targOrder="Y" targets="t17841208-20-victim368 t17841208-20-viclabel120"></join>
<join result="persNameOccupation" targOrder="Y" targets="t17841208-20-victim369 t17841208-20-viclabel120"></join>
<join result="persNameOccupation" targOrder="Y" targets="t17841208-20-victim371 t17841208-20-viclabel120"></join>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-victim366" type="gender" value="indeterminate"></interp>
</rs>
</rs>
.</p>
<p>A Second Count with intention to defraud <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-victim368"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-victim368" type="role" value="proceedingsvictim"></interp>
Thomas News <interp inst="t17841208-20-victim368" type="surname" value="News"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-victim368" type="given" value="Thomas"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-victim368" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
and others.</p>
<p>A Third Count with intention to defraud <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-victim369"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-victim369" type="role" value="proceedingsvictim"></interp>
Eneor Burgess <interp inst="t17841208-20-victim369" type="surname" value="Burgess"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-victim369" type="given" value="Eneor"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-victim369" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
.</p>
<p>A Fourth Count with intention to defraud <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-victim371"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-victim371" type="role" value="proceedingsvictim"></interp>
Jenny Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-victim371" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-victim371" type="given" value="Jenny"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-victim371" type="gender" value="female"></interp>
</rs>
.</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person372"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person372" type="role" value=""></interp>
THOMAS FLETCHER <interp inst="t17841208-20-person372" type="surname" value="FLETCHER"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person372" type="given" value="THOMAS"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person372" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
sworn.</p>
<p>This is the will of <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person373"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person373" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person373" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person373" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person373" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, I brought this from the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.</p>
<p>Mr. Keys, Prisoner's Council. Who had you that from? - From the record keeper, <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person374"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person374" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Watson <interp inst="t17841208-20-person374" type="surname" value="Watson"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person374" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person374" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
.</p>
<p>When had you it? - This morning.</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person375"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person375" type="role" value=""></interp>
EDWARD LOVELOCK <interp inst="t17841208-20-person375" type="surname" value="LOVELOCK"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person375" type="given" value="EDWARD"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person375" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
sworn.</p>
<p>I am clerk to Mr. <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person376"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person376" type="role" value=""></interp>
Charles Bishop <interp inst="t17841208-20-person376" type="surname" value="Bishop"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person376" type="given" value="Charles"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person376" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
; a person attended the 10th of July to prove the will of <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person377"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person377" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person377" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person377" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person377" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, and a probate was granted of the will; I do not know who brought it to our office, I wrote the jurata upon it.</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person378"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person378" type="role" value=""></interp>
JOHN FLEMMING <interp inst="t17841208-20-person378" type="surname" value="FLEMMING"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person378" type="given" value="JOHN"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person378" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
sworn.</p>
<p>I am an attorney; in the beginning of July last, the prisoner applied to me respecting some wages he said he was due to him, for the <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person379"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person379" type="role" value=""></interp>
Rodney East-Indiaman <interp inst="t17841208-20-person379" type="surname" value="East-Indiaman"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person379" type="given" value="Rodney"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person379" type="gender" value="indeterminate"></interp>
</rs>
; I desired him to leave the will, and I would make enquiries at the India House.</p>
<p>Court. How did he claim to <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person380"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person380" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person380" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person380" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person380" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
? - As executor; I verily believe this is the will; in consequence of his application I went to the India House, to enquire what wages was due, and found there were forty pounds due to him, I returned the will to the man, and gave him directions to Mr. <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person381"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person381" type="role" value=""></interp>
Charles Bishop <interp inst="t17841208-20-person381" type="surname" value="Bishop"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person381" type="given" value="Charles"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person381" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, in Doctor's Commons to make out a probate of the will; in the course of a day or two, or three, I received a probate of the will from Mr. Bishop, I appointed to meet the man in the city, that I might attend him to the India House; I attended him there, and Mr. Burgess then began to interrogate him, and I found him a suspicious kind of a character, and I left him to Mr. Burgess.</p>
<p>Mr. Keys. Are you quite sure as to his person? - Certain of it.</p>
<p>As to the will you made no memorandum on the will, at the time you received it? - None at all.</p>
<p>Therefore you have no certainty of the will, only a will of that import, or a will like that, has been in your hands? - I will not say this is the will, I verily believe it to be the same.</p>
<p>Court. I presume you read the will, and looked at it? - I read it, and have not any doubt but that is the same will.</p>
<p>Court to Mr. Fletcher. Upon whose oath does the probate appear to have been granted? - Upon the oath of James Dunn, ole executor; here is the book in which she original minutes of the Court is kept (reads)</p>
<p>"on the first sessions of Michaelnas term 1784, the probate was revoked, and administration secured to Jenny Potter, widow and relict of the said deceased."</p>
<p>- BIRCH Esq. sworn.</p>
<p>About the 12th of July last, the prisoner at the bar came to my office, at the India house, in company with Mr. Flemming, who has been just now examined, and produced the probate of the will annexed to <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person382"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person382" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person382" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person382" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person382" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, a seaman on board the Rodney, I was called out from where I generally fit, and I asked him if he was the person named in the will as executor, he said he was, I then asked him if he was a relation of the deceased, he said he was a second cousin, that Potter's Mother's name was Dowding, and sister to <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person383"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person383" type="role" value=""></interp>
James Dunn <interp inst="t17841208-20-person383" type="surname" value="Dunn"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person383" type="given" value="James"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person383" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, I asked him if he had received any money, as absent money for the deceased; as being attorney to the deceased, I called for the book and found none had been paid, I observed the mark to the will, and I asked him if Potter could write, he said he never could write, I asked him if he was present<xptr type="pageFacsimile" doc="178412080066"></xptr>
at the time that Potter executed the will, he said he was, and it was executed at the Crooked Billet, at Gosport, or Portsmouth, but I am not clear which, I asked him if he was acquainted with the witnesses, he said he was, he said that Bush was Boatswain of the Perseus, and <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person384"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person384" type="role" value=""></interp>
William Johnson <interp inst="t17841208-20-person384" type="surname" value="Johnson"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person384" type="given" value="William"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person384" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, the other subscribing witness, was a waterman at Portsmouth, I asked him what was the age of Potter, he said about thirty nine at least, he did not look older, then I ordered one of the clerks to bring me the muster roll of the ship, in which I found Potter's name was entered, and aged fifty-two: having suspicion in my own mind that the will was a forgery, I put off paying the money; the next time he came which was a few days afterwards, he persisted in the same story, I put the same several questions to him that I did before, and I repeated the question, particularly about his writing, because at that time, I had evidence in my pocket, or in the office, that the man could write a very good hand, and I particularly asked him about his age, and appearance, the prisoner persisted in the same story, and the third day when he came I charged a constable with him.</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person385"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person385" type="role" value=""></interp>
EDWARD KING <interp inst="t17841208-20-person385" type="surname" value="KING"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person385" type="given" value="EDWARD"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person385" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
sworn.</p>
<p>I am purser of the Rodney, I knew <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person386"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person386" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person386" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person386" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person386" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, I should suppose he was about fifty five, between fifty and sixty, from his appearance, there was only one man of the Potter on board, I have not a list of the names of the men, but I know there was no other.</p>
<p>Burgess. I have the ship's ledger here.</p>
<p>Mr. Silvester. Could he write? - Yes.</p>
<p>Have you ever seen him write? - He wrote that in my presence, it is the receipt book for the slops.</p>
<p>Do you know when he died? - At St. Helena, the 14th of March, 1784, on a homeward bound voyage.</p>
<p>When did he go on board, at Portsmouth? - I do not remember the day.</p>
<p>Burgess. The 22d of July, 1782.</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person387"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person387" type="role" value=""></interp>
CHARLES RUSSEL <interp inst="t17841208-20-person387" type="surname" value="RUSSEL"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person387" type="given" value="CHARLES"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person387" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
sworn.</p>
<p>I live at Portsmouth, I am a navy agent, I knew <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person388"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person388" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person388" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person388" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person388" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, when he came to me he did not belong to any ship, he was discharged from the Medway to Hasler hospital; and from thence he went to the Mars, after he was discharged unserviceable from there, he came to me to make him out a power of attorney, to receive some prize money for the Medway, I saw him sign this, I received some prize money, one pound two shillings and six-pence.</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person389"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person389" type="role" value=""></interp>
JAMES WARD <interp inst="t17841208-20-person389" type="surname" value="WARD"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person389" type="given" value="JAMES"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person389" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, sworn.</p>
<p>I am a seaman on board the Rodney, I knew <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person390"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person390" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person390" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person390" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person390" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
on board the Mars hospital ship, he told me he had been on board the Medway before.</p>
<p>Mr. Silvester. Where did Potter die? - At St. Helena, he said he had a wife and Children at Exeter, and a brother at St. John's Newfoundland, he said he was born at Exeter.</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person391"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person391" type="role" value=""></interp>
MARY RUSSEL <interp inst="t17841208-20-person391" type="surname" value="RUSSEL"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person391" type="given" value="MARY"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person391" type="gender" value="female"></interp>
</rs>
sworn.</p>
<p>I live at Portsmouth Common.</p>
<p>Did you know <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person392"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person392" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person392" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person392" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person392" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
? - Very well, he came to me and said he was an invalid from the Mars, he asked me if I was acquainted with any of the officers on board the Rodney, he went on board the Rodney, with me, and remained on board, I never heard him say what ship he was of before.</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person393"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person393" type="role" value=""></interp>
THOMAS STEBBING <interp inst="t17841208-20-person393" type="surname" value="STEBBING"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person393" type="given" value="THOMAS"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person393" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
sworn.</p>
<p>I am clerk in the Navy Office, I have the ships books of the Medway, here is <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person394"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person394" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person394" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person394" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person394" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
quarter gunner.</p>
<p>Where was the vessel in April 1781? - The 15th of April 1781, she was at Gibralter, she sailed from thence, she arrived at Spithead the 7th of June; Potter appears to have been on board all that time.</p>
<p>Court. Does it appear from the Medway's books when Potter was discharged? - I have not the books here, but I remember looking into them.</p>
<p>Court. That will not do? - Who was boatswain of the Perseus? - <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person395"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person395" type="role" value=""></interp>
James Burratt <interp inst="t17841208-20-person395" type="surname" value="Burratt"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person395" type="given" value="James"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person395" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, from the 17th of September, 1780, to the 12th of April 1782.</p>
<p> <xptr type="pageFacsimile" doc="178412080067"></xptr>
Is there any such man on board as <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person396"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person396" type="role" value=""></interp>
Alexander Bush <interp inst="t17841208-20-person396" type="surname" value="Bush"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person396" type="given" value="Alexander"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person396" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
? - No such man, there was a <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person397"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person397" type="role" value=""></interp>
Thomas Bush <interp inst="t17841208-20-person397" type="surname" value="Bush"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person397" type="given" value="Thomas"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person397" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
came as acting boatswain, when Burratt left the ship, I have examined, and there is no such man of that name before 1782. <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person398"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person398" type="role" value=""></interp>
Thomas Bush <interp inst="t17841208-20-person398" type="surname" value="Bush"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person398" type="given" value="Thomas"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person398" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
entered on board in April 1782.</p>
<p>(The will read and the indictment examined by Mr. Keys.)</p>
<p> <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person399"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person399" type="role" value=""></interp>
JENNY POTTER <interp inst="t17841208-20-person399" type="surname" value="POTTER"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person399" type="given" value="JENNY"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person399" type="gender" value="female"></interp>
</rs>
sworn.</p>
<p>Court. How do you make <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person400"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person400" type="role" value=""></interp>
Jenny Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person400" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person400" type="given" value="Jenny"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person400" type="gender" value="female"></interp>
</rs>
a witness? - She has letters of administration.</p>
<p>Court. But if this is a genuine will, these letters of administration may be again revoked, she cannot be a witness against this will as forged, which takes all her husband's property.</p>
<p>Mr. Silvester. You have seen Potter's writing, look at this, is this his hand writting? - Yes, I believe them to be the hand writing of Potter.</p>
<p>Court to Prisoner. Where are the witnesses you had last session? - They are gone to sea.</p>
<p>PRISONER's DEFENCE.</p>
<p>That will was made and delivered to me at Portsmouth, in the presence of two or three people, who attended here last sessions, and the sessions before.</p>
<p>Court to Mr. Silvester. This trial was put off for the purpose of revoking the administration.</p>
<p>Mr. Keys. It may be in your recollection Sir, that I opposed the motion, to put off the trial, on account of his witnesses being in danger of going away.</p>
<p>Court to Prisoner. Who are these subscribing witnesses? - One is <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person401"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person401" type="role" value=""></interp>
Alexander Bush <interp inst="t17841208-20-person401" type="surname" value="Bush"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person401" type="given" value="Alexander"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person401" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
, he is gone to America, he said he was boatswain of the Perseus, at that time, and the other was Johnson, the waterman at Portsmouth; Neale was present, and two or three others, in a large room where they were drinking.</p>
<p>Court. Was this <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person402"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person402" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person402" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person402" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person402" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
a relation of yours? - Yes.</p>
<p>Where was he born? - He told me he was born in the Isle of Wight, I knew nothing of his family, I have been constantly at sea, I was acquainted with him about twelve years, I knew he was a Cousin of mine, by what I heard my father say, and he acknowledged himself.</p>
<p>Do you know whether that <rs type="persName" id="t17841208-20-person403"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-person403" type="role" value=""></interp>
John Potter <interp inst="t17841208-20-person403" type="surname" value="Potter"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person403" type="given" value="John"></interp>
<interp inst="t17841208-20-person403" type="gender" value="male"></interp>
</rs>
that signed this will, had any wife or children? - He never told me, I never asked him, he might for ought I know; I have nobody to my character.</p>
<p> <rs id="t17841208-20-verdict121" type="verdictDescription"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-verdict121" type="verdictCategory" value="guilty"></interp>
GUILTY </rs>
, <rs id="t17841208-20-punish122" type="punishmentDescription"> <interp inst="t17841208-20-punish122" type="punishmentCategory" value="death"></interp>
<join result="defendantPunishment" targOrder="Y" targets="t17841208-20-defend364 t17841208-20-punish122"></join>
Death </rs>
.</p>
<p>Tried by the London Jury before Mr. RECORDER.</p>
</div1>

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