268. CHARLES HILL proceedingsdefend was indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 25th of January , eight cakes of soap, value 12 s. the property of Nathaniel Dowrick proceedingsvictim , John Way proceedingsvictim , and John Nowlan proceedingsvictim .

JOHN NOWLAN < no role > . My partners names are Nathaniel Dowrick < no role > , and John Way; we are soap makers . The prisoner was our carman and confidential servant , he assisted in carrying on the business. On the evening of the 25th of January, the prisoner was apprehended, by the officer, Barratt; on the morning of that day, the prisoner had been at work in the store-room where the soap was doposited; he frequently came from the store-room to the stables; he had the opportunity of taking the soap if he choose it; some soap was produced to me by the officer, Barrett; the soap so produced was the property of me and my partners.

WILLIAM BARRETT < no role > . I am an officer. On the 25th of January, between six and seven in the evening, I was in Shoreditch, near the Ship public-house; I observed the prisoner cross the road, he was by himself at the time he passed me; I perceived he had something under his coat on the left side, with his left arm supporting it, apparently to me; I followed him into Cumberland-street, and when I came nearer to him in Cumberland-street, he hastoned his pace; I ran forward, and collard him, and asked him what he had got; he said nothing. He scuffled with me, and this soap in the handkerchief as it is now, dropped from him at his feet. He scuffled with me a long time, and struck me several blows, and endeavoured to make his escape; I kept my hold. He denied stealing the soap, he said, he had bought it then. I was obliged to strike him a violent blow; I secured him. Where I took him was about a mile from the prosecutor's premises. This is the soap in the handkerchief that fell from him.

JOHN ARMSTRONG < no role > . I am an officer. On Wednesday, the 25th of January, the prisoner was under examination at the office in Worship-street; I searched him at the office; I found these four cakes of soap concealed in his breeches, extended up under his smock frock. I sent for Mr. Nowlan; Mr. Nowlan came the next day, and knew the soap. This is the soap.

Q. to Prosecutor. Look at the soap, first look at that found by Barratt - A. I have seen it, I have no doubt it is my property; the other soap found by Armstrong, that is also my property. The prisoner had access to that soap; he was packing it that morning; I have not the least doubt it is mine; I wish I had.

GUILTY , aged 30.

Confined 6 months , and whipped in Jail .

First Middlesex jury, before Mr. Baron Richards < no role > .