SIR,I Thank you for the Favour you intended me this day: I am a Gentleman, and allow you to be the same, and I hope can forgive Injuries; fond Nature prompted, I obey'd, Oh, propitious Minute! and to show that I am in Charity, I am now drinking your Health, and aBon Repoto poorJosephandAnthony. I am gone a few Days for the Air, but design speedily to embark; and this Night I am going upon a Mansion for a Supply; it's a stout Fortification, but what Difficulties can't I encounter, when, dearJack, you find that Bars and Chains are but trifling Obstacles in the way of your Friend and Servant.JOHN SHEPPARD.From my Residence in Terra Australi incognito.P.S.Pray my Service to Mr.Or—— di—— yand to Mr.App—— ee.
SIR,
I Thank you for the Favour you intended me this day: I am a Gentleman, and allow you to be the same, and I hope can forgive Injuries; fond Nature prompted, I obey'd, Oh, propitious Minute! and to show that I am in Charity, I am now drinking your Health, and aBon Repoto poorJosephandAnthony. I am gone a few Days for the Air, but design speedily to embark; and this Night I am going upon a Mansion for a Supply; it's a stout Fortification, but what Difficulties can't I encounter, when, dearJack, you find that Bars and Chains are but trifling Obstacles in the way of your Friend and Servant.
JOHN SHEPPARD.
From my Residence in Terra Australi incognito.
P.S.Pray my Service to Mr.Or—— di—— yand to Mr.App—— ee.
OnSaturdaythe 10th ofOctober,Anthony Lamb, andThomas Sheppard, with 95 other Felons were carried fromNewgateon Shipboard, for Transportation to the Plantations; the last begg'd to have an opportunity given him of taking his final Leave of his BrotherJohn; but this was not to be Granted, and the greatest Favour that could be obtain'd, was that on theSundaybefore they had an Interview at theChapel, but at such a distance, that they neither saluted, or shook Hands, and the Reason given for it, was that no Implements might be convey'd toSheppardto assist him in making an Escape.
This, Caution seem'd to be absolutely necessary, for it appear'd soon after thatSheppardfound Means to release himself from the Staples to which he was Chain'd in the Castle, by unlocking a great Padlock with a Nail, which he had pickt up on the Floor, and endeavour'd to pass up the Chimney, but was prevented by the stout Iron Bars fix'd in his way, and wanted nothing but the smallest File to have perfected his Liberty. When the Assistants of the Prison, came as usual with his Victuals, they began to examine his Irons; to their great Surprize they found them loose, and ready to be taken off at Pleasure. Mr.Pittthe Head Keeper, and his Deputies were sent for, andSheppardfinding this Attempt entirely frustrated, discover'd to them by what means he had got them off; and after they had search'd him, found nothing, and Lock'd and Chain'd him down again; He took up the Nail and unlocked the Padlock before their Faces; they were struck with the greatest Amazement as having never heard, or beheld the like before. He was then Handcuff'd, and more effectually Chain'd.
The next Day, the Reverend Mr.Purney Ordinaryof the Place came from the Country to visit him, and complain'd of the sad Disposition he found him in, as Meditateing on nothing, but Means to Escape, and declining the great Duty incumbent upon him to prepare for his approaching Change. He began to Relent, and said, that since his last Effort had prov'd not Successful, he would entertain no more Thoughts of that Nature, but entirely Dispose, and Resign himself to the Mercy of Almighty God, of whom he hop'd to find forgiveness of his manifold Offences.
He said, thatEdgworth Bessand himself kept a little Brandy-shop together inLewkenhors-Lane, and once sav'd about Thirty Pounds; but having such an universal Acquaintance amongst Theives, he had frequent calls to goAbroad, and soon quitted that Business, and his Shop.
OnFridaythe 2d, ofOctoberhis old ConfederateJoseph BlakealiasBlewskin, was apprehended and taken at a House in St.Giles'sParish byJonathan Wild, and by JusticeBlackerbycommitted toNewgate.William Fieldwho was at his liberty, appearing and making Oath, thatBlewskintogether withJohn Sheppardand himself, committed the Burglary and Felony in Mr.Kneebone'sHouse, for whichSheppardwas Condemn'd.
The Sessions commencing at theOld-BaileyonWednesdaythe 14th ofOctoberfollowing, an Indictment was found againstBlewskinfor the same, and he was brought down fromNewgateto theOld-Baileyto be Arraign'd in order to his Tryal; and being in the Yard within the Gate before the Court: Mr.Wildbeing there Drinking a glass of Wine with him, he said to Mr.Wild,You may put in a word for me, as well as for another Person?To which Mr.Wildreply'd, I cannot do it.You are certainly a dead Man, and will be tuck'd up very speedily,or words to that effect: WhereuponBlewskinon a sudden seiz'd Mr.Wildby the Neck, and with a little Clasp Knife he was provided with he cut his Throat in a very dangerous Manner; and had it not been for aMuslinStock twisted in several Plaits round his Neck, he had in all likelyhood succeeded in his barbarous Design beforeBallardthe Turnkey, who was at Hand, could have time to lay hold of him; the Villain trumph'd afterwards in what he had done, Swearing many bloody Oaths, that if he had murder'd him, he should have died with Satisfaction, and that his Intention was to have cut off his Head, and thrown it into the Sessions House-Yard among the Rabble, and Curs'd both his Hand and the Knife for not Executing it Effectually.
Mr.Wildinstantly had the Assistance of three able Surgeons,viz.Mr.Dobbins, Mr.Martenand Mr.Coletheart, who sew'd up the Wound, and order'd him to his Bed, and he has continu'd ever since, but in a doubtful State of Recovery.
The Felons on the Common Side ofNewgate, also animated bySheppard'sExample, the Night before they were to be Shipt for Transporation, had cut several Iron Bars assunder, and some of them had saw'd off their Fetters, the rest Huzzaing, and making Noises, under pretence of being Joyful that they were to be remov'd on the Morrow, to prevent the Workmen being heard; and in two Hours time more, if their Design had not been discover'd, near One Hundred Villians had been let loose into the World, to have committed new Depredations; nothing was wanted here butSheppard'sgreat Judgment, who was by himself in the strong Room, call'd theCastle, meditating his own Deliverance, which he perfected in the manner following.
OnThursdaythe 15th of this InstantOctober, at between One and Two in the Afternoon,William Austin, an Assistant to the Keepers, a Man reputed to be a very diligent, and faithful Servant, went toSheppardin the strong Room, call'd theCastle, with his Necessaries, as was his Custom every Day. There went along with him CaptainGeary, the Keeper ofNew Prison, Mr.Gough, belonging to theGate-houseinWestminster, and two other Gentlemen, who had the Curiosity to see the Prisoner,Austinvery strictly examined his Fetters, and his Hand-Cuffs, and found them very Safe; he eat his Dinner and talk'd with his usual Gayety to the Company: They took leave of him and wish'd him a good Evening. The Court being sitting at theOld-Bailey, the Keepers and most of their Servants were attending there with their Prisoners: AndSheppardwas told that if he wanted any thing more, then was his Time, because they could not come to him till the next Morning: He thank'd them for their Kindness, and desir'd them to be asearly as possible.
The same Night, soon after 12 of the Clock Mr.Bird, who keeps a Turners-shop adjoyning toNewgate, was disturb'd by the Watchman, who found his Street Door open, and call'd up the Family, and they concluding the Accident was owing to the Carelessness of some in the House, shut their Doors, and went to Bed again.
The next MorningFriday, at about eight Mr.Austinwent up as usual to wait onSheppard, and having unlock'd and unbolted the double Doors of the Castle, he beheld almost a Cart-load of Bricks and Rubbish about the Room, and his Prisoner gone: The Man ready to sink, came trembling down again, and was scarce able to Acquaint the People in theLodgewith what had happen'd.
The whole Posse of the Prison ran up, and stood like Men depriv'd of their Senses: Their surprize being over, they were in hopes that he might not have yet entirely made his Escape, and got their Keys to open all the strong Rooms adjacent to theCastle, in order to Trace him, when to their farther Amazement, they found the Door ready open'd to their Hands; and the strong Locks, Screws and Bolts broken in pieces, and scatter'd about the Jayl. Six great Doors (one whereof having not been open'd for seven Years past) were forc'd, and it appear'd that he had Descended from the Leads ofNewgateby a Blanket (which he fasten'd to the Wall by an Iron Spike he had taken from the Hatch of theChapel) on the House of Mr.Bird, and the Door on the Leads having been left open, it is very reasonable to conclude he past directly to the Street Door down the Stairs; MrBirdand his Wife hearing an odd sort of a Noise on the Stairs as they lay in their Bed, a short time before the Watchman alarm'd the Family.
Infinite Numbers of Citizens came toNewgateto beholdSheppard'sWorkmanship, and Mr.Pittand his Officers very readily Conducted them up Stairs, that the World might be convinc'd there was not the least room to suspect, either a Negligence, or Connivance in the Servants. Every one express'd the greatest Surprize that has been known, and declar'd themselves satisfy'd with the Measures they had taken for the Security of their Prisoner.
One of the Sheriffs came in Person, and went up to theCastleto be satisfy'd of the Situation of the Place,&c.Attended by several of the City Officers.
The Court being sat at theSessions-House, the Keepers were sent for and Examin'd, and the Magistrates were in great Consternation, that so horrid a Wretch had escap'd their Justice. It being intended that he should have been brought down to the Court the last Day of theSessions, and order'd for Execution in two or three Days after; if it appear'd that he was the Person Condemn'd for the breaking Mr.Kneebone'sHouse, and included in the Warrant for Execution,&c.
Many of the Methods by which this miraculous Escape was effected, remain as yet a Secret, there are some indeed too Evident, the most reasonable Conjecture that has hierto been made, is, that the first Act was his twisting and breaking assunder by the strength of his Hands a small Iron Chain, which together with a great Horse Padlock, (as went from the heavy Fetters about his Legs to the staples) confin'd him to the Floor, and with a Nail open'd the Padlock and set himself at Liberty about the Room: A large flat Iron Bar appears to have been taken out of the Chimney, with the Assistance thereof 'tis plain he broke thro' a Wall of many Foot in Thickness, and made his way from theCastleinto another strong Room Contiguous, the Door of it not having been open'd since several of thePrestonPrisoners were Confin'd there about seven Years ago: Three Screws are visibly taken off of the Lock, and the Doors as strong as Art could make them, forc'd open. The Locks and Bolts, either wrench'd or Broke, and the Cases and other Irons made for their Security cut assunder: An Iron Spike broke off from the Hatch in theChapel, which he fix'd in the Wall and fasten'd his Blanket to it, to drop on the Leads of Mr.Bird's House, his Stockings were found on the Leads ofNewgate; 'tis question'd whether sixty Pounds will repair the Damage done to the Jayl.
It will perhaps be inquir'd how all this could be perform'd without his being heard by the Prisoners or the Keepers; 'tis well known that the Place of his Confinement is in the upper part of the Prison, none of the other Felons being Kept any where near him; and 'tis suppos'd that if any had heard him at Work, they would rather have facilitated, than frustrated his Endeavours. In the Course of his Breaches he pass'd by a Door on his Left belonging to theCommon-SideFelons, who have since Curs'd him heartily for his not giving them an opportunity to kiss his Hand, and lending them a favourable lift when his Hand was in; but that was not a Work proper for Mr.Sheppardto do in his then Circumstances.
His Fetters are not to be found any where about the Jayl, from whence 'tis concluded he has either thrown them down some Chimney, or carried them off on his Legs, the latter seems to be Impracticable, and would still render his Escaping in such Manner the more astonishing; and the only Answer that is given to the whole, atNewgateis,That theDevilcame in Person and assisted him.
He undoubtedly perform'd most of these Wonders in the darkest part of the Night, and without the least Glimpse of a Candle; a word, he has actually done with his own Hands in a few Hours, what several of the most skilful Artists allow, could not have been acted by a number of Persons furnish'd with proper Implements, and all other Advantages in a full Day.
Never was there anything better Tim'd, the Keepers and all their Assistants being obliged to a strict Attendance on the Sessions at theOld Bailey, which held for about a Week; andBlewskinhaving confin'dJonathan Wildto his Chamber, a more favourable opportunity could not have presented for Mr.Sheppard'sPurposes.
The Jaylors suffer'd much by the Opinion the ignorant Part of the People entertain'd of the Matter, and nothing would satisfie some, but that they not only Conniv'd at, but even assisted him in breaking their own Walls and Fences, and that for this Reason too,viz.That he should be at Liberty to instruct and train up others in his Method of House-Breaking; and replenish the Town with a new set of Rogues, to supply the Places of those Transported beyond Sea.
This is indeed a fine way of Judging, the well-known Characters of Mr.Pitt, and his Deputies, are sufficient to wipe of such ridiculous Imputations; and 'tis a most lamentable Truth, that they have often-times had in their Charge Villains of the deepest Die; Persons of Quality and great Worth, for whom no Entreaties, no Sums how large soever have been able to interfere between the doleful Prison, and the fatal Tree.
The Officers have done their Duty, they are but Men, and have had to deal with a Creature something more than Man, aProtoeus, Supernatural, Words cannot describe him, his Actions and Workmanship which are too visible, best testifie him.
OnSaturdaythe 17th,Joseph Blake, aliasBlewskin, came upon his Tryal at theOld Bailey:Fieldgave the same Evidence against him, as he had formerly done againstSheppard; and the Prisoner making but a triffling Defence, the Jury found him Guilty of Buglary and Felony. The Criminal when the Verdict was brought in, made his Obeysances to the Court,and thank'd them for their Kindness.
It will be necessary that we now return to the Behaviour of Mr.Sheppard, some few Days before his last Flight.
Mr.Figgthe famous Prize Fighter comeing to see him, inNEWGATE, there past some pleasant Raillery between them; and after Mr.Figgwas gone,Shepparddeclared he had a Mind to send him a formal Challenge to Fight him at all the Weapons in the strong Room; and that let the Consequence be what it would, he should call at Mr.Figg'sHouse in his way to Execution, and drink a merry Glass with him by way of Reconciliation.
A young Woman an Acquaintance of his Mother, who wash'd his Linnen and brought him Necessaries, having in an Affray, got her Eyes beaten Black and Blue; saysSheppardto her,How long hast thou been Married? Replyes the Wench.I wonder you can ask me such a Question, when you so well know the Contrary: Nay, saysSheppardagain, Sarahdon't deny it, for you have gotten your Certificate in your Face.
Mr.Iretona Bailiff inDrury-Lanehaving pursuedSheppardafter his Escape from the Condemn'd-Hold with uncommon Diligence; (for the safety of that Neighbourhood which was the chief Scene of his Villainies)Sheppardwhen Re-taken, declared, he would be even with him for it, and if ever he procur'd his Liberty again,he would give all his Prisoners anACT OF GRACE. A Gentleman in a jocose way ask'd him to come and take a Dinner with him,Sheppardreply'd,he accepted of the Invitation, and perhaps might take an opportunity to wait on him; and there is great Reason to believe he has been as good as his Word.
He would complain of his Nights, as saying,It was dark with him from Five in the Evening, till Seven in the Morning; and being not permitted to have either a Bed or Candle, his Circumstances were dismal; and that he never slept but had some confus'd Doses, he said he consider'd all this with the Temper of a Philosopher.
Neither his sad Circumstances, nor the solemn Exhortations of the several Divines who visited him, were able to divert him from this ludicrous way of Expression; he said,They were all Ginger-bread Fellows, and came rather out of Curiosity, than Charity; and to formPapersandBalladsout of his Behaviour.
AWelchClergyman who came pretty often, requested him in a particularly Manner to refrain Drinking; (tho' indeed there was no necessity for that Caution)Sheppardsays, Doctor,You set an Example and I'll follow; this was a smart Satyr and Repartee upon theParson, some Circumstances consider'd.
When he was visited in theCastleby the Reverend Mr.Wagstaff, he put on the Face only of a Preparation for his End, as appear'd by his frequent Attempts made upon his Escape, and when he has been press'd to Discover those who put him upon Means of Escaping, and furnish'd him with Implements, he would passionately, and with a Motion of striking, say,ask me no such Questions, one File's worth all the Bibles in the World.
When ask'd if he had not put off all Thoughts of an Escape and Entertain'd none but those of Death, would Answer by way of Question, not directly, whether they thought it possible, or probable for him to Effect his Release, when Manackled in the manner he was. When mov'd to improve the few Minutes that seem'd to remain of his Life; he did indeed listen to, but not regard the Design and Purport of his Admonition, breaking in with something New of his own, either with respect to his former Accomplices, or Actions, and all too with Pleasure and Gayety of Expression.
When inChapel, he would seemingly make his Responses with Devotion; but would either Laugh, or force Expressions (when as an Auditor of the Sermon) be of Contempt, either of the Preacher, or of his Discourse.
In fine, he behav'd so, in Word, and Action, (since retaken) that demonstrated to the World, that his Escape was the utmost Employ of his Thoughts, whatever Face of Penitence he put on when visited by the Curious.
An Account of SHEPPARD'S Adventures of five Hours immediately after his Escape fromNewgate, in a Letter to his Friend.
DEAR FRIEND!Over a Bottle ofClaretyou'll give me leave todeclare it, that I've fairly put theVowelsupon the good Folks atNewgate, i.o.u.When I'm able, I may, or may not discharge myFees, 'tis aFee-simple, for a Man in my Condition to acknowledge; and tho' I'm safe out ofNewgate, I must yet have, or at least, affect, aNew Gateby Limping, or Turning my Toes in by making a rightHandof myFeet. Notto be long, for I hateProlixityin all Business:In short, afterFiling, Defileing, Sawing, when no BodySaw.Climbing(thisClime in) it prov'd a goodTurnerof my Affairs, thro' the House of aTurner. Being quite past, and safe fromEstreaton Person or Chattels, and safe in theStreet, I thought Thanks due to him who cou'dDeliver hence; and immediately (for you must know I'm aCatholick) to give Thanks for my Deliverance, I stept amongst theGrey-Fryersto come an joyn with me, in saying aPater-Noster, or so, atAmen-Corner. TheFryersbeingFatbegan toBroil, and soon afterBoild upinto a Passion to be disturb'd at that time of Night. But being gotLooseand having no Time toLose, I gave them good Words, and so the Business was done. From thence I soon slip'd throughLudgate, but was damnably fearful of anOld Baileyalways lurking thereabout, who might have brought me to theFleetfor being tooNimble, besides, I was wonderfully apprehensive of receiving some unwelcomeHuggingsfrom theW....nthere; therefore with a step and a stride I soon got overFleet-ditch, and (as in Justice I ought) I prais'd theBridgeI got over. Being aBatchelor, and not being capable to to manage a Bridewell you know. I had no Business nearSt. Brides, so kept the right handside, designing toPopinto theAlleyas usual; but fearing to go thro' there, andharptoo much on the sameString, it gave anAllayto my Intention, and on I went toShoe-laneend but there meeting with aBully Hackof the Town, he wou'd have shov'd me down, which my Spirit resenting, tho' abrawny Dog, I soonColler'dhim, fell Souse at him, then with his own Cane Istrappedtill he was force toBuckletoo, and hold hisTongue, in so much he durst not say hisSoulwas his own, and was glad to pack of atLast, and turn hisHeelsupon me: I was glad he was gone you may be sure, anddextrouslymade aHandof myFeetunder theLeg-Tavern; but the very Thoughts ofFetter-Lanecall'd to mind some Passages, which made me avoid thePassageat the end of it, (next to the Coffee House you know) so I soon whip'd over the way, yet going along two woodenLogger-headsatSt. Dunstan'smade just them a damn'd Noise about theirQuarters, but the sight of me made perfectlyHushin aMinute; now fearing to goe byChance-a wry-Lane, as being upon theWatchmy self and not to bedebarr'datTemple-Bar; I stole upBell-Yard, but narrowly escap'd beingClapper-claw'dby two Fellows I did not like in the Alley, so was forc'd to goe round with a design toSheer-offintoSheer-Lane, but theTrumpetsounding at that very time, alarm'd me so, I was forc'd to Grope my way back throughHemlock-Court, and take myPassagebyShip-Yardwithout the Bar again; but there meeting with one of our trusty Friends, (all Ceremonies a-part) he told me under theRoseI must expect noMercyinSt. Clement'sParish, for theButchersthere on theBackon't wouldFaceme, and with theirCleaverssoon bring me down on mymarrowBones; you may believe I soon hastened thence, but by this time being Fainty and night Spent, I put forward, and seeing aLightnear theSavoy-Gate, I was resolv'd not to makeLightof the Opportunity, but call'd for an hearty Dram ofLutherandCalvin, that is,MumandGenevamix'd; but having Fasted so long before, it soon got into my Noddle, and e'er I had gone twenty steps, it had so intirelyStrandedmy Reason, that by the time I came toHalf-Moon-Streetend, it gave aNew-Exchangeto my Senses, and made me quiteLunatick.However, after a little Rest, I stole downGeorge-PassageintoOaf-AlleyinYork-Buildings, and thence (tho' a vile Man) intoVilliers-Street, and so into theStrandagain, where having gone a little way,Hefford's-Harpat the Sign of theIrish-Harp,put me aJumping and Dancingto that degree that I could not forbear making aSomersetor two beforeNorthumberland-House. I thought once of taking theWindsorCoach for my selfJohn Sheppard, by the Name ofCrook—— but fearing to beHook'din before my Journey's End, I stept intoHedge-Lane, where two Harlots were up in theBoughs(it seems)Branchingout their Respects to one another, through their Windows, and People beginning to gather thereabout, I ranPelmeltoPiccadilly, where meeting by meer chance aBakersCart going toTurnham-Green, I being notMealy Mouth'd, nor the Man beingCrustyIwheel'dout of Town.I did call atHammersmith, having no occasion directly. I shall stay two or three Days in that Neighbourhood, so, if you Direct a letter for Mr. Sligh Bolt, to be left with Mrs.Tabitha SkymmingtonatCheesewick, it's Safety willBear Waterby anyBoat, and comeCurrentwith the Tyde toDear BOBYours from the TopofNewgateto the BottomJ.SHEPPARD.P.S.If you seeBlewskin, tell him I am well, and hope he receiv'd my last—I wou'd write by thePostif I durst, but it wou'd be, certainlyPost-pon'dif I did, and it would bestrangertoo, to trust a Line by aStranger, who mightPalmupon us both and never Deliver it toHand.I send this by aWaterman, (I dare trust) who is very Merry upon me, and says he wou'd not be in myJacket.Saturday Octob.17, 1724.
DEAR FRIEND!
Over a Bottle ofClaretyou'll give me leave todeclare it, that I've fairly put theVowelsupon the good Folks atNewgate, i.o.u.When I'm able, I may, or may not discharge myFees, 'tis aFee-simple, for a Man in my Condition to acknowledge; and tho' I'm safe out ofNewgate, I must yet have, or at least, affect, aNew Gateby Limping, or Turning my Toes in by making a rightHandof myFeet. Notto be long, for I hateProlixityin all Business:In short, afterFiling, Defileing, Sawing, when no BodySaw.Climbing(thisClime in) it prov'd a goodTurnerof my Affairs, thro' the House of aTurner. Being quite past, and safe fromEstreaton Person or Chattels, and safe in theStreet, I thought Thanks due to him who cou'dDeliver hence; and immediately (for you must know I'm aCatholick) to give Thanks for my Deliverance, I stept amongst theGrey-Fryersto come an joyn with me, in saying aPater-Noster, or so, atAmen-Corner. TheFryersbeingFatbegan toBroil, and soon afterBoild upinto a Passion to be disturb'd at that time of Night. But being gotLooseand having no Time toLose, I gave them good Words, and so the Business was done. From thence I soon slip'd throughLudgate, but was damnably fearful of anOld Baileyalways lurking thereabout, who might have brought me to theFleetfor being tooNimble, besides, I was wonderfully apprehensive of receiving some unwelcomeHuggingsfrom theW....nthere; therefore with a step and a stride I soon got overFleet-ditch, and (as in Justice I ought) I prais'd theBridgeI got over. Being aBatchelor, and not being capable to to manage a Bridewell you know. I had no Business nearSt. Brides, so kept the right handside, designing toPopinto theAlleyas usual; but fearing to go thro' there, andharptoo much on the sameString, it gave anAllayto my Intention, and on I went toShoe-laneend but there meeting with aBully Hackof the Town, he wou'd have shov'd me down, which my Spirit resenting, tho' abrawny Dog, I soonColler'dhim, fell Souse at him, then with his own Cane Istrappedtill he was force toBuckletoo, and hold hisTongue, in so much he durst not say hisSoulwas his own, and was glad to pack of atLast, and turn hisHeelsupon me: I was glad he was gone you may be sure, anddextrouslymade aHandof myFeetunder theLeg-Tavern; but the very Thoughts ofFetter-Lanecall'd to mind some Passages, which made me avoid thePassageat the end of it, (next to the Coffee House you know) so I soon whip'd over the way, yet going along two woodenLogger-headsatSt. Dunstan'smade just them a damn'd Noise about theirQuarters, but the sight of me made perfectlyHushin aMinute; now fearing to goe byChance-a wry-Lane, as being upon theWatchmy self and not to bedebarr'datTemple-Bar; I stole upBell-Yard, but narrowly escap'd beingClapper-claw'dby two Fellows I did not like in the Alley, so was forc'd to goe round with a design toSheer-offintoSheer-Lane, but theTrumpetsounding at that very time, alarm'd me so, I was forc'd to Grope my way back throughHemlock-Court, and take myPassagebyShip-Yardwithout the Bar again; but there meeting with one of our trusty Friends, (all Ceremonies a-part) he told me under theRoseI must expect noMercyinSt. Clement'sParish, for theButchersthere on theBackon't wouldFaceme, and with theirCleaverssoon bring me down on mymarrowBones; you may believe I soon hastened thence, but by this time being Fainty and night Spent, I put forward, and seeing aLightnear theSavoy-Gate, I was resolv'd not to makeLightof the Opportunity, but call'd for an hearty Dram ofLutherandCalvin, that is,MumandGenevamix'd; but having Fasted so long before, it soon got into my Noddle, and e'er I had gone twenty steps, it had so intirelyStrandedmy Reason, that by the time I came toHalf-Moon-Streetend, it gave aNew-Exchangeto my Senses, and made me quiteLunatick.
However, after a little Rest, I stole downGeorge-PassageintoOaf-AlleyinYork-Buildings, and thence (tho' a vile Man) intoVilliers-Street, and so into theStrandagain, where having gone a little way,Hefford's-Harpat the Sign of theIrish-Harp,put me aJumping and Dancingto that degree that I could not forbear making aSomersetor two beforeNorthumberland-House. I thought once of taking theWindsorCoach for my selfJohn Sheppard, by the Name ofCrook—— but fearing to beHook'din before my Journey's End, I stept intoHedge-Lane, where two Harlots were up in theBoughs(it seems)Branchingout their Respects to one another, through their Windows, and People beginning to gather thereabout, I ranPelmeltoPiccadilly, where meeting by meer chance aBakersCart going toTurnham-Green, I being notMealy Mouth'd, nor the Man beingCrustyIwheel'dout of Town.
I did call atHammersmith, having no occasion directly. I shall stay two or three Days in that Neighbourhood, so, if you Direct a letter for Mr. Sligh Bolt, to be left with Mrs.Tabitha SkymmingtonatCheesewick, it's Safety willBear Waterby anyBoat, and comeCurrentwith the Tyde to
P.S.If you seeBlewskin, tell him I am well, and hope he receiv'd my last—I wou'd write by thePostif I durst, but it wou'd be, certainlyPost-pon'dif I did, and it would bestrangertoo, to trust a Line by aStranger, who mightPalmupon us both and never Deliver it toHand.
I send this by aWaterman, (I dare trust) who is very Merry upon me, and says he wou'd not be in myJacket.Saturday Octob.17, 1724.
We shall conclude with what had been often observ'd by many Persons toSheppard;viz.That it was very Imprudent in him to take Shelter in the City, or the adjacent Parts of it, after his Escape from the Condemn'd Hold; and withal to commit aCapital Offence, almost within Sight ofNewgate, when his Life and all was in such Danger. His Reply was general,viz.That it was his Fate: But being ask'd a particular Reason for his not taking a longer Rout than the City, and the Neighbouring parts: pleaded Poverty as his Excuse for Confinement within those Limits; at the same time urging, that had he been Master at that time of five Pounds,Englandshould not have been the Place of his Residence, having a good Trade in his Hands to live in any populated Part of the World.