216, 217. (M. 1st.) Catherine Mason proceedingsdefend , spinster , was indicted for stealing a silver watch, value 3 l. a steel chain, value 1 s. and a steel watch-key, value 6 d. the property of Roderick M'Cannon proceedingsvictim , and Samuel Duck proceedingsdefend , for receiving the same, well knowing it to have been stolen , April 6 . ++

Roderick < no role > M'Cannon. I am servant to an apothecary in the Hospital at Hyde-park-corner. On the 6th of April, between eleven and twelve at night, I was fool enough to go with the woman at the bar into a dirty alley, to have to do with her, and at the time she picked my pocket of my watch; I had just put it in my coat-pocket for safety. When I had done, she said she wanted to go to the necessary, and ran out of the dark alley. Before I put up my breeches I missed my watch. I ran up the alley, but could not find her high nor low. I searched the place, but had no candle. On the Sunday night I found her about the same place; I took hold of her, and said she had stole my watch. I took her to the watch-house, and the next morning before the justice, and swore she stole it. On the same day the man at the bar came with another man to the house where I had directed my watch to be brought, if found; I advertised it as lost. I let him know if he came with it on the Tuesday morning, he should have the reward I had offered. He came with it. I had got a warrant and took him up; the justice made me pay the money, for taking it out of pawn, one guinea and six-pence. (The watch produced and deposed to.)

Jos. Jenkinson. I am servant to Mr. Murthwate, a pawnbroker in Great Poultney-street. On the 7th of April the man at the bar pledged a watch with me; it was like this, but I cannot swear to it. He took it out again on the 9th.

Elisha Wilson < no role > was called, but did not appear; his recognizance was ordered to be estreated.

Mason's Defence.

I never saw the watch with my eyes.

Duck's Defence.

I had been to Knightsbridge; coming home about a quarter after eleven, I had occasion to go up this alley to ease myself; there I found this watch, and went and pledged it for a guinea, and on the Monday I saw it advertised, two guineas reward. I took it out and carried it to him, and he detained me. I never saw this woman by me with my eyes before.

Both Acquitted .