233 (1st M.) Ruth Frostick proceedingsdefend This name instance is in set 22102242. , spinster , was indicted for stealing one silk gown, value 20 s. the property of Francis Davis proceedingsvictim , March 1 . ++

Francis Davis < no role > . I live in Petty France ; I am a pawnbroker : the prisoner used my shop. I missed the gown about ten minutes after she had been in the shop. It hung up near the door, upon a hook, for sale. I followed her, and overtook her. I desired her to come back with me; she did: and, when she came back, she threw the gown away from her in the passage. I saw her untie her apron and throw it out (the gown produced and deposed to.) She tore it in pulling it off the hook.

Q. from the Prisoner. Was any body in the shop, after me, before you missed it?

Davis. No; I was an hour and an half before I found her.

Prisoner's Defence.

I went into Mr. Davis's to pawn a bed gown for one shilling and six-pence. I went to buy some meat for my four children. I went to a public house; he sent for me out, and said his wife wanted me. I went home with him: then he charged me with stealing the gown. I am as innocent as the child unborn.

For the Prisoner.

Elizabeth Sunderland < no role > . The prisoner lived with me. She went to service and the like.

Q. How many children has she got?

Sunderland. I don't know of any; it is a year ago since she lived with me.

Mary George < no role > . I have known her six or seven years. She worked for gentlemen about the Commons.

Q. Has she any children?

George. Yes; four.

Q. How came the last woman not to know that?

George. They were out, I suppose.

Q. Are you sure she has any children?

George. Yes; very sure.

Mary Kennedy < no role > . I have known her from a child. She has been at my house when she was absent from her husband, who used her very ill. She always behaved very well at my house.

Q. Do you know what family she has?

Kennedy. I have heard her talk of her children, but I never saw them.

Acquitted .