that the said Stocker was sick, and could not come himself; that the prisoner gave receipts for these sums, and brought another receipt signed J. Stocker, for nine guineas: that neither the signing of the said orders, or receipt, were the handwriting of Stocker, neither was the prisoner his ship-mate, or known to him. However, in his defence, and after conviction, he pretended that he was employ'd and sent on these messages by one John Jourdan< no role > , who, as he said, had been ship-mate to Stocker, and lodged in the same house with the prisoner, but absconded on his being apprehended.

After conviction, he was visited and invited to attend prayers and instruction, but never came, professing himself of the church of Rome; and being attended by a person of that perswasion, he usually kept out of the way at the time of my going into the prison, unless purposely sent for.

He said he was born in the Province of Leinster , in Ireland , and was bred up to the sea, being now in the 33d year of his age; had served in the navy for seven years last Christmas, partly before the mast, and partly as a petty officer, Cockswain, &c. and intended speedily to go to sea again, if not prevented by this affair.

He had hoped to put off his trial by pleading that some material evidence of his was absent, which could prove that the person who sent him with these orders has since attempted to send two others on the like message, but they would not go: but no affidavit of this being made, his trial was not put off.

On the news of his death-warrant being brought to him, he was again visited, had some proper advice and instructions given him, especially as to the duty of confessing his guilt, and giving all possible satisfaction to the injured, with a tender of farther service in the way of my duty, adding several reasons which might induce him to comply and accept of it: but he still persisted to decline accepting of my assistance, saying, he was bred up in another way, and had no time now to consider the difference of his own and the protestant religion. He was then reminded, that as he had been in his Majesty's service for several years, he was accountable for the opportunity he then enjoyed of being better instructed and satisfied about that difference, having then but one way of worship, to divert or seduce his attention. That those of the church of Rome in these kingdoms, where the true light of the Gospel shines, were less excuseable than in countries entirely subject to the see of Rome, wherein, according to that remarkable expression of the Prophet, A bridle is put into the jaws of the people, causing them to err. That every man had given to him sufficient understanding, and a right to hear the word of God, and search the Scriptures; for the use of which he is accountable, and that none should forbid or discourage him; that there is but one universal Bishop, and Shepherd of our Souls, and That, I am convinced from the Holy Scriptures, is not the Bishop of Rome, but our Lord Jesus Christ. To this he answered, that he trusted in God Almighty alone: I asked him, did he not believe Jesus Christ to be God? He owned he did. At this instant some officious person called him away, and our conversation was interrupted for that time.

April 19th. The evening before execution he was again visited, and an offer made to attend him at the place of execution, but he did not chuse it; saying, he hoped he should be prepared before he went.