and sailed where the Commander thought proper, and that she had the good Fortune to take as many or more Prizes, than any single English Ship during the whole war; but had the Misfortune at last to be cast away upon the Island of Almonteer , a desolate Island, opposite to Bourdeaux . At which Time upwards of forty Hands were lost, besides Spaniards, and French Prisoners, and the whole Ship's Crew were in great Danger. Those that were saved, were carried in Boats to the Main, and made Prisoners; but Stewart made his Escape from Prison, and travelling 250 Miles on Foot, came to St. Maloes , where he was again made Prisoner, and brought Home by a Cartel Ship to England. He and the rest of the Maidstone's Crew were turned over, when they came Home, to the New Anson; which after he had helped to rigg out, and she was ready to go abroad, he gave her the Slip. Having some Prize-money for the Maidstone to receive, he thought it was best to stay at Home, and spend that first, before he went to work for more. But now he laments his Folly, and says, he thinks it had been better for him to have continued in the Service.

He has left off going to Sea, these twelve Months past, and has lived a very wicked Life, in drinking, cursing, and swearing, &c. and was concerned in two Robberries, besides what he is convicted and suffers for.

He was in Company with two others, when they robbed a Gentleman in Cullum Street , and took from him a gold Watch, &c. and the Gentleman thinking one of them was going to stab him, catched hold of the Weapon, and received a Cut by its being drawn through his Hand. Another Person was robbed by the same three, near Broad Street, of a silver Watch. These two Robberies were committed by them about four or five Nights before the Robbery in St. Swithin's Lane , which was the 23d of June . The Watches were immediatly sold for what they could get, and Stewart says, he had about 10 s. to his Share.

As to the Robbery for which he suffers he says, he had been rambling, and got drunk, that he saw not the Accomplices that Day: But about 11 o'Clock at Night, reeling homeward towards Whitechappel, where he lived, thro' Cannon Street he met them. One of them had been his Shipmate, who asked him to drink, but he says, he refused, because he had got enough. While they were talking together, he says, the other two ran from him of a sudden, and seized the Prosecutor, and robbed him. They were presently pursued, but run away towards Lombard Street, and he, being in their Company, thought proper to run towards Walbroke , but being in Liquor, fell down, and was presently taken. He was carried to the Poultry Counter that Night, and being examined before an Alderman, he thought proper to commit him to Newgate .

Stewart persisted for a long while to say, that he had never been concerned in any other Robbery, but what he was convicted of; but on the first of August , he confessed the other two, saying, his Conscience would not suffer him to keep the Secret any longer. He heartily begs Pardon of those he has had a Hand in injuring, and hopes for Mercy thro' Jesus Christ.