309. JOHN RAY proceedingsdefend was indicted for obtaining goods by false pretences .

EDWARD TICKNER < no role > . I am an assistant to William West < no role > , leather dealer , Fleet-street , in the city of London. The prisoner came in the accompting-house, and introduced himself as Mr. Ray's son; he said he was come to look out some leather for his father, Mr. Ray. Mr. Ray has been a customer to our shop many years, the reason that he asigned for his father not coming himself, was, that he was dangerously ill; he said he wanted two hides of Russia, and two skins of Morrocco leather, and he took them away.

Q. Whereabouts is the value - A. About four pound, he said he had not got the book, upon which Mr. Ray's accompt was kept, but Mr. Ray never sends the book except when he comes himself.

Q. You acceeded, believing that he was the agent of the father - A. I did.

Q. You, nor Mr. West, gave credit upon his own accompt - A. We did not.

Q. Did he afterwards come to your house - A. Yes, on the 11th of February; I let him have four hides of Russia then.

Q. Did you afterwards see the father - A. On the 11th of February Mr. Ray made his appearance; I told him I was glad to see him look so well, as I had been informed he had been extremely ill. We apprehended the defendant about a week after the 11th, and took him to the compter.

Q. Have you ever got your skins again - A. No, we have not.

ROBERT RAY < no role > This name instance is in a workspace. . I am the father of the unfortunate man at the bar, I am a bookbinder.

Q. Did you, upon the 6th of February, authorize your son to go to Mr. West for any skins in your name - A. I did not, nor knew any thing of it.

Q. How long before the 6th of February had you seen him - A. I saw him in the street, but I did not speak to him; I have not spoke to him since Christmas upon any business. Upon the 6th of February I was as well as I am now, I did not receive any skins from my son at that time.

Prisoner's Defence. I hope for mercy of the Jury.

GUILTY , aged 31.

Confined Six Months in the House of Correction , and fined 1 s.

London jury, before Mr. Common Serjeant.