John Randall, Convict "Ganges" 1797

JOHN RANDALL 1770 - 1859 married Susannah (Hannah) Ravencroft

Born at Middlesex, London, England. At the age of 21 John Randall was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling of WIlliam Murray, about the hour of nine, in the night of the 15th January 1796 and burglarisly stealing a piece of linen handkerchief containing 11 handkerchiefs valued at 10 shillings, being the property of the said Mr William Murray.

He was found guilty on 2/6/1796 and sentenced to death. This was commuted to life imprisonment to be transported "beyond the seas", to the colony of New South Wales. He found himself on the London gaol delivery on 16/9/1796 and aboard the "Ganges" (a 700 tonne transport ship for male prisoners).

John Randall was described as a butcher, height 5 ft 0 1/4 inches tall with sandy hair and hazel eyes with fading eyesight.

The ship departed from Portsmouth England and arrived in Sydney on 2/6/1797. The terrible journey had taken 143 days over storm tossed seas. The prisoners had suffered bitter cold through to steamy heat in crammed, coffin-like, conditions. Upon arrival at Sydney, John was assigned to Mr Thomas Hobby who had arrived previously on the ship "Buffalo". Thomas had been granted 250 acres at Wentworth, Castlereigh.

Thomas Hobby was a reasonable man and did not use chains on his assignees to get the work done.

John Randall received a conditional pardon on 1810. It was a restricted issue which meant that he was confined to the Hawkesbury area.

On her arrival at Sydney convict Hannah Ravencroft was assigned to Tomas Hobby, as an indented servant. It was there that Hannah met John Randall who was also a convict assigned to Tomas Hobby. A relationship developed which lead to the birth of their daughters; Alice in 1806 and Louisa in 1808. (Louisa was Rachel,s grandmother). Under the law of NSW, prisoners could not marry.

Hannah received a "ticket of leave" on 21st July 1810 and John Randall received a "restricted issue ticket of leave" also in July 1810. This made it possible for them to marry. On 13th August 1810, they were married at St Matthews Church of England Windsor and Alice and Louisa were baptised at the same ceremony. This was quite normal in those days.

After their marriage, Ann was born October 1810, Elizabeth in 1812 and John in 1815. All told they had five children with a sixth clind adopted.

John Randall purchased 21 acres at Richmond. On this land he had his house, 15 acres of wheat, 4 acres of maize, one acre of barley, one acre of garden and orchard, 22 cattle and 31 hogs.

The cattle were allowed to graze on the land owned by William Cox (one of the pioneers in the sheep industry) at Clarendon next door.

John Randall was employed as a butcher in charge of the abattoirs at Clarendon, a sattelite town. John built his own home at Richmond but lived at Clarendon as a house was provided along side of the abattoirs until his Richmond home was completed.

John butchered his own cattle at these abbatoirs and sold them to the government stores. He was able to build on his herd by purchasing from the farmers by credits from the government store.

John was later given or bought 20 and a quarter acres of land at Evans Castlereash as well as 30 acres at Evans Castlereash and 50 acres at Jordan Hill Richmond. In total, he owned 100 and a quarter acres.

John and Hannah became very successful farmers and butchers. They grew wheat, barley, oates, corn, maize, vegetables and had an orchard. They became very independant extending thier cattle. They butchered the cattle and sold them in to the Government stores. After 1813 they no longer called on Government stores for supplies. John only employed free labour and did not call on the pool of convicts as labourers.

Hannah died at the age of 73 on 21st October 1851 at Castlereagh.

John died at the age of 83 on 13th October 1859 at Jordon Hill Richmond.

Both could be called the back bone of the real Australia and testemony to the success of the transportation system.

(Research by Ray Hope)

John Randall was a butcher from London. He was convicted at the Old Bailey in 1796 at the age of 21 and sentenced to life. His trial transcript is here (http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?id=t17960406-11-defend142...). He arrived in Sydney on the Ganges in 1797. In the details contained in his conditional pardon in 1814, he is described as being 5'7 1/2" tall, of fair / pale complexion, with sandy hair and hazel weak eyes.

John Randell (John 1) b.1771 d.1859 - Convicts (not First Fleeters) arrived "Ganges" in 1797

Married 3-08-1810 (at Windsor, NSW, Australia ) Suzannah Hannah Ravenscroft - b.1781 d.1851 - Six children: Ann, Elizabeth, John

The first John Randell from whom we are decended,came to Australia as aconvict. He was tried for murder on 11May 1796 at Middlesex. Age 21 transported for life.

John and Suzannah married at Windsor, in a church where the historic St. Matthews now stands, on 3 August 1810 . Marriage certificate was signed with an X. John was 35. They had 5 children, 2 sons and 3 daughters and reared an aboriginal boy. Eldest boy was John (2), on girl Ann the other Elizabeth. No other names have been found.

John (1) received his pardon on 13 June 1811. and was granted 20 actes of cleared land (near Windsor), one horse and 36 cattle.

GEDCOM Note

<p>John Randall was a butcher from London. He was convicted at the Old Bailey in 1796 at the age of 21 and sentenced to life. He arrived in Sydney on the Ganges in 1797. He received a conditional pardon in 1814.</p>

GEDCOM Note

<p>Description:</p><p>Height – 5 feet and a ¼ inch.; Complexion – Fair pale,</p><p>Hair – Sandy; Eyes – Hazel and Weak; Calling - Butcher.</p><p>N.B. Appears John Randal had failing eyesight.</p><p>NOTE. </p><p>(a) Trial Record 1796 shows age 21years, therefore born c 1775.</p><p>(b) Conditional Pardon 1814 shows age as 43 years, therefore born c 1771.</p><p>(c) Died 1859 – DC shows ageas 89 years, therefore born c 1770.</p><p>(d) 1828 Census shows age as 57 years, therefore born c 1771.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>John was sentenced to death on 6 May 1796, for stealing 11 handkerchiefs, value 10/-. He was 21 years old. He arrived on 2 June 1797 on the "GANGES".</p><p>Details of the “Ganges”.</p><p>Ships Master – Thomas Patrickson . Owner – Thomas Patrickson.</p><p>The Ganges departed Ireland, via Cape of Good Hope to China.</p><p>Cargo – convicts – Detachment of the NSW Corps – beef and pork.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>John was later given a Conditional Pardon on 31 January 1814. which freed convicts from their sentences on condition that they did not return to England. If they broke this provision the original sentence was applied.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>From Old Bailey records.......</p><p>Original Text:</p><p>237. JOHN RANDALL was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of William Murray, about the hour of nine in the night, of the 15th of January, and burglariously stealing, a piece of linen handkerchief, containing eleven handkerchiefs, value 10s. the property of the said William Murray.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>WILLIAM MURRAY sworn.</p><p>I live at No. 1, Little Windmill-street, St. James's; I keep a haberdashery and shoe warehouse: My house was broke open on the 15th of January; I was not at home at the time; I lost eleven handkerchiefs; I understand they were taken out of the window; I had seen them the very day before, in the window; I went out about ten or eleven o'clock.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>PHILIP WILLIAMS sworn.</p><p>I was passing byMr. Murray's, a little after nine; I saw the prisoner and another loitering about; I got another person to assist me, and we watched them for a quarter of an hour, backwards and forwards; we observedthe window cracked; we thought they were gone away, and we were going to tell the people about it, and saw them come again in a few minutes afterwards; they both went, in company together, to the window again; I saw a hand go through and take the handkerchief, but I cannot say which it was; they both stood together; (the handkerchiefs were produced in Court); I said to the witness, they have got the goods, now we will lay hold of them; this gentleman standing here took the prisoner, and took him into the shop, and unbuttoned his coat; the handkerchiefs were buttoned up in his coat; I took theother about eight yards from the window; the prisoner took to his heels and ran, and the other witness went after him.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Q. Are you sure the prisoner was the other man that you saw atthe window? - </p><p>A. I am positively sure. I heard the glass fly; I said to the witness, I believe it is broke.</p><p>Q. When the man put in his hand to take the handkerchief out of the window, did you hear any noise then? - </p><p>A. Yes.</p><p>Q. There were no shutters up? - </p><p>A. No; it was before they shut up the shop.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>JOSEPH COLES sworn.</p><p>I saw the prisoner run by Mr. Murray's house; I was coming out of the house where I live; I stood at the door a bit; a person said, some chaps were going to rob Mr. Murray's shop; I watched them about twenty minutes; I saw them cross the way to Mr. Murray's shop windows several times, and they looked about to see if any body saw them; then they went away; and the other witness said, we had better go and acquaint Mr. Murray of it; then I saw Randall on the opposite side of the way; we turned back to a house near Mr. Murray's, and stood in the passage and watched them; Williams said, when we see them brake the glass we will go and take them directly; accordingly we heard them break the glass, and he took Williams, and I took Randall.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Q. Did you see if the window was broke when you were going to tell Mr. Murray? - </p><p>A. We looked at it was cracked, but, I believe, no part out.</p><p>Q. How near did you take the prisoner? - </p><p>A. About forty yards; I took him the corner of Crown-court.</p><p>Q. Was he out of your fight at all? - </p><p>A. No.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>JONATHAN DOWLING sworn.</p><p>I was beadle of the night; Williams and the last witness brought the prisoner to me; I took charge of him; Williams delivered the handkerchief to me; I have had them ever since.(They were produced in Court and deposed to by the prosecutor).</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Prosecutor. I had only this piece of this pattern in the window, and it was gone, the glass was whole; it was put in two days before, it had been broke by persons of the same description.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Prisoner's defence. I was coming from Carnaby-market; I saw two young men; I asked what it was o'clock; there was a cry of stop-thief, and they laid hold of me; the man that is bailed out,</p><p>See originalsaid, the man that gave him the property was run away, he knew nothing of me.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>GUILTY. Death. (Aged 21.)</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Tried by the first Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice BULLER.</p><p>The Sessions being ended, the Court proceeded to GIVE JUDGMENT, as follows:</p><p>Received Sentence of Death – 15 convicts not including John Randall whose sentence was evidently commuted to:-</p><p>Transported seven years – 18 convicts including John Randall.</p><p>JOHN RANDALL. On the 2 June 1797, he arrived in Port Jackson aboard the “Ganges”.</p><p>Details of the “Ganges”.</p><p>Ships Master –Thomas Patrickson . Owner – Thomas Patrickson.</p><p>The Ganges departed Ireland, via Cape of Good Hope to China.</p><p>Cargo – convicts – Detachment of the NSW Corps – beef and pork.</p><p>&nbsp</p>7 Aug 1810 Permission to marry at Hawesbury (Reel 6002; 4/3490C p150)

GEDCOM Note

<p>John Randall was 21 years old when he was tried at the Old Bailey and sentenced to death on May 6, 1796 for stealing 11 handkerchiefs, valued at 10/-. The sentance was later commuted to transportation to NSW and he arrived in Sydney on 2 June, 1797 aboard the "Ganges" which had sailed from Portsmouth, England with a cargo of 203 male convicts, 13 of which did not survive the voyage.</p><p>&nbsp</p>John was eventually granted a conditional pardon on 31 January 1814. which freed convicts from their sentences on condition that they did not return to England. If they broke this provision the original sentence was applied. Consequently, John remained in NSW until his death in 1859.

GEDCOM Note

<p>Description:</p><p>Height – 5 feet and a ¼ inch.; Complexion – Fair pale,</p><p>Hair – Sandy; Eyes – Hazel and Weak; Calling - Butcher.</p><p>N.B. Appears John Randal had failing eyesight.</p><p>NOTE. </p><p>(a) Trial Record 1796 shows age 21years, therefore born c 1775.</p><p>(b) Conditional Pardon 1814 shows age as 43 years, therefore born c 1771.</p><p>(c) Died 1859 – DC shows ageas 89 years, therefore born c 1770.</p><p>(d) 1828 Census shows age as 57 years, therefore born c 1771.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>John was sentenced to death on 6 May 1796, for stealing 11 handkerchiefs, value 10/-. He was 21 years old. He arrived on 2 June 1797 on the "GANGES".</p><p>Details of the “Ganges”.</p><p>Ships Master – Thomas Patrickson . Owner – Thomas Patrickson.</p><p>The Ganges departed Ireland, via Cape of Good Hope to China.</p><p>Cargo – convicts – Detachment of the NSW Corps – beef and pork.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>John was later given a Conditional Pardon on 31 January 1814. which freed convicts from their sentences on condition that they did not return to England. If they broke this provision the original sentence was applied.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>From Old Bailey records.......</p><p>Original Text:</p><p>237. JOHN RANDALL was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of William Murray, about the hour of nine in the night, of the 15th of January, and burglariously stealing, a piece of linen handkerchief, containing eleven handkerchiefs, value 10s. the property of the said William Murray.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>WILLIAM MURRAY sworn.</p><p>I live at No. 1, Little Windmill-street, St. James's; I keep a haberdashery and shoe warehouse: My house was broke open on the 15th of January; I was not at home at the time; I lost eleven handkerchiefs; I understand they were taken out of the window; I had seen them the very day before, in the window; I went out about ten or eleven o'clock.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>PHILIP WILLIAMS sworn.</p><p>I was passing byMr. Murray's, a little after nine; I saw the prisoner and another loitering about; I got another person to assist me, and we watched them for a quarter of an hour, backwards and forwards; we observedthe window cracked; we thought they were gone away, and we were going to tell the people about it, and saw them come again in a few minutes afterwards; they both went, in company together, to the window again; I saw a hand go through and take the handkerchief, but I cannot say which it was; they both stood together; (the handkerchiefs were produced in Court); I said to the witness, they have got the goods, now we will lay hold of them; this gentleman standing here took the prisoner, and took him into the shop, and unbuttoned his coat; the handkerchiefs were buttoned up in his coat; I took theother about eight yards from the window; the prisoner took to his heels and ran, and the other witness went after him.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Q. Are you sure the prisoner was the other man that you saw atthe window? - </p><p>A. I am positively sure. I heard the glass fly; I said to the witness, I believe it is broke.</p><p>Q. When the man put in his hand to take the handkerchief out of the window, did you hear any noise then? - </p><p>A. Yes.</p><p>Q. There were no shutters up? - </p><p>A. No; it was before they shut up the shop.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>JOSEPH COLES sworn.</p><p>I saw the prisoner run by Mr. Murray's house; I was coming out of the house where I live; I stood at the door a bit; a person said, some chaps were going to rob Mr. Murray's shop; I watched them about twenty minutes; I saw them cross the way to Mr. Murray's shop windows several times, and they looked about to see if any body saw them; then they went away; and the other witness said, we had better go and acquaint Mr. Murray of it; then I saw Randall on the opposite side of the way; we turned back to a house near Mr. Murray's, and stood in the passage and watched them; Williams said, when we see them brake the glass we will go and take them directly; accordingly we heard them break the glass, and he took Williams, and I took Randall.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Q. Did you see if the window was broke when you were going to tell Mr. Murray? - </p><p>A. We looked at it was cracked, but, I believe, no part out.</p><p>Q. How near did you take the prisoner? - </p><p>A. About forty yards; I took him the corner of Crown-court.</p><p>Q. Was he out of your fight at all? - </p><p>A. No.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>JONATHAN DOWLING sworn.</p><p>I was beadle of the night; Williams and the last witness brought the prisoner to me; I took charge of him; Williams delivered the handkerchief to me; I have had them ever since.(They were produced in Court and deposed to by the prosecutor).</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Prosecutor. I had only this piece of this pattern in the window, and it was gone, the glass was whole; it was put in two days before, it had been broke by persons of the same description.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Prisoner's defence. I was coming from Carnaby-market; I saw two young men; I asked what it was o'clock; there was a cry of stop-thief, and they laid hold of me; the man that is bailed out,</p><p>See originalsaid, the man that gave him the property was run away, he knew nothing of me.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>GUILTY. Death. (Aged 21.)</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>Tried by the first Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice BULLER.</p><p>The Sessions being ended, the Court proceeded to GIVE JUDGMENT, as follows:</p><p>Received Sentence of Death – 15 convicts not including John Randall whose sentence was evidently commuted to:-</p><p>Transported seven years – 18 convicts including John Randall.</p><p>JOHN RANDALL. On the 2 June 1797, he arrived in Port Jackson aboard the “Ganges”.</p><p>Details of the “Ganges”.</p><p>Ships Master –Thomas Patrickson . Owner – Thomas Patrickson.</p><p>The Ganges departed Ireland, via Cape of Good Hope to China.</p>Cargo – convicts – Detachment of the NSW Corps – beef and pork.

GEDCOM Note

<p>Description:</p><p>Height – 5 feet and a ¼ inch.; Complexion – Fair pale,</p><p>Hair – Sandy; Eyes – Hazel and Weak; Calling - Butcher.</p><p>N.B. Appears John Randal had failing eyesight.</p><p>NOTE. </p><p>(a) Trial Record 1796 shows age 21years, therefore born c 1775.</p><p>(b) Conditional Pardon 1814 shows age as 43 years, therefore born c 1771.</p><p>(c) Died 1859 – DC shows ageas 89 years, therefore born c 1770.</p><p>(d) 1828 Census shows age as 57 years, therefore born c 1771.</p><p>John was sentenced to death on 6 May 1796, for stealing 11 handkerchiefs, value 10/-. He was 21 years old. He arrived on 2 June 1797 on the "GANGES".</p><p>Details of the “Ganges”.</p><p>Ships Master – Thomas Patrickson . Owner – Thomas Patrickson.</p><p>The Ganges departed Ireland, via Cape of Good Hope to China.</p><p>Cargo – convicts – Detachment of the NSW Corps – beef and pork.</p><p>John was later given a Conditional Pardon on 31 January 1814. which freed convicts from their sentences on condition that they did not return to England. If they broke this provision the original sentence was applied.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>From Old Bailey records.......</p><p>Original Text:</p><p>237. JOHN RANDALL was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of William Murray, about the hour of nine in the night, of the 15th of January, and burglariously stealing, a piece of linen handkerchief, containing eleven handkerchiefs, value 10s. the property of the said William Murray.</p><p>WILLIAM MURRAY sworn.</p><p>I live at No. 1, Little Windmill-street, St. James's; Ikeep a haberdashery and shoe warehouse: My house was broke open on the 15th of January; I was not at home at the time; I lost eleven handkerchiefs; I understand they were taken out of the window; I had seen them the very day before, in the window; I went out about ten or eleven o'clock.</p><p>PHILIP WILLIAMS sworn.</p><p>I was passing by Mr. Murray's, a little after nine; I saw the prisoner and another loitering about; I got another person to assist me, and we watched them for a quarter of an hour, backwards and forwards; we observed the window cracked; we thought they were gone away, and we were going to tell the people about it, and saw them come again in a few minutes afterwards; they both went, in company together, to the window again; I saw a hand go through and take the handkerchief, but I cannot say which it was; they both stood together; (the handkerchiefs were produced in Court); I said to the witness, they have got the goods, now we will lay hold of them; this gentleman standing here took the prisoner, and took him into the shop, and unbuttoned his coat; the handkerchiefs were buttoned up in his coat; I took the other about eight yards from the window; the prisoner took to his heels and ran, and the other witness went after him.</p><p>Q. Are you sure the prisoner was the other man that you saw at the window? - </p><p>A. I am positively sure. I heard the glass fly; I said to the witness, I believe it is broke.</p><p>Q. When the man put in his hand to take the handkerchief out of the window, did you hear any noise then? - </p><p>A. Yes.</p><p>Q. There were no shutters up? - </p><p>A. No; it was before they shut up the shop.</p><p>JOSEPH COLES sworn.</p><p>I saw the prisoner run by Mr. Murray's house; I was coming out of the house where I live; I stood at the door a bit; a person said, some chaps were going to rob Mr. Murray's shop; I watched them about twenty minutes; I saw them cross the way to Mr. Murray's shop windows several times, and they looked aboutto see if any body saw them; then they went away; and the other witness said, we had better go and acquaint Mr. Murray of it; then I saw Randall on the opposite side of the way; we turned back to a house near Mr. Murray's, and stood in the passage and watched them; Williams said, when we see them brake the glass we will go and take them directly; accordingly we heard them break the glass, and he took Williams, and I took Randall.</p><p>Q. Did you see if the window was broke when you were going to tell Mr. Murray? - </p><p>A. We looked at it was cracked, but, I believe, no part out.</p><p>Q. How near did you take the prisoner? - </p><p>A. About forty yards; I took him the corner of Crown-court.</p><p>Q. Was he out of your fight at all? - </p><p>A. No.</p><p>JONATHAN DOWLING sworn.</p><p>I was beadle of the night; Williams and the last witness brought the prisoner to me; I took charge of him; Williams delivered the handkerchief to me; I have had them ever since.(They were produced in Court and deposed to by the prosecutor).</p><p>Prosecutor. I had only this piece of this pattern in the window, and it was gone, the glass was whole; it was put in two days before, it had been broke by persons of the same description.</p><p>Prisoner's defence. I was coming from Carnaby-market; I saw two young men; I asked what it was o'clock; there was a cry of stop-thief, and they laid hold of me; the man that is bailed out,</p><p>See originalsaid, the man that gave him the property was run away, he knew nothing of me.</p><p>GUILTY. Death. (Aged 21.)</p><p>Tried by the first Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice BULLER.</p><p>The Sessions being ended, the Court proceeded to GIVE JUDGMENT, as follows:</p><p>Received Sentence of Death – 15 convicts not including John Randall whose sentence wasevidently commuted to:-</p><p>Transported seven years – 18 convicts including John Randall.</p><p>JOHN RANDALL. On the 2 June 1797, he arrived in Port Jackson aboard the “Ganges”.</p><p>Detailsof the “Ganges”.</p><p>Ships Master – Thomas Patrickson . Owner – Thomas Patrickson.</p><p>The Ganges departed Ireland, via Cape of Good Hope to China.</p>Cargo – convicts – Detachment ofthe NSW Corps – beef and pork.

GEDCOM Note

John Randall was transported on board the "Ganges" August 1796.

GEDCOM Note

<p>Description:</p><p>Height – 5 feet and a ¼ inch.; Complexion – Fair pale,</p><p>Hair – Sandy; Eyes – Hazel and Weak; Calling - Butcher.</p><p>N.B. Appears John Randal had failing eyesight.</p><p>NOTE. </p><p>(a) Trial Record 1796 shows age 21years, therefore born c 1775.</p><p>(b) Conditional Pardon 1814 shows age as 43 years, therefore born c 1771.</p><p>(c) Died 1859 – DC shows ageas 89 years, therefore born c 1770.</p><p>(d) 1828 Census shows age as 57 years, therefore born c 1771.</p><p>John was sentenced to death on 6 May 1796, for stealing 11 handkerchiefs, value 10/-. He was 21 years old. He arrived on 2 June 1797 on the "GANGES".</p><p>Details of the “Ganges”. Convict John Randall was convicted at the Old Bailey on the 6 April 1796 and was sentenced to life, for breaking and entering Mr William Murray Shop. He was tried by the first Middlesex Jury, before Mr Justice Buller.</p><p>Ships Master – Thomas Patrickson . Owner – Thomas Patrickson.</p><p>The Ganges departed Ireland, via Cape of Good Hope to China.</p><p>Cargo – convicts – Detachment of the NSW Corps – beef and pork.</p><p>John was later given a Conditional Pardon on 31 January 1814. which freed convicts from their sentences on condition that they did not return to England. If they broke this provision the original sentence was applied.</p><p>&nbsp</p><p>From Old Bailey records.......</p><p>Original Text:</p><p>237. JOHN RANDALL was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of William Murray, about the hour of nine in the night, of the 15th of January, and burglariously stealing, a piece of linen handkerchief, containing eleven handkerchiefs, value 10s. the property of the said William Murray.</p><p>WILLIAM MURRAY sworn.</p><p>I live at No. 1, Little Windmill-street, St. James's; I keep a haberdashery and shoe warehouse: My house was broke open on the 15th of January; I was not at home at the time; I lost eleven handkerchiefs; I understand they were taken outof the window; I had seen them the very day before, in the window; I went out about ten or eleven o'clock.</p><p>PHILIP WILLIAMS sworn.</p><p>I was passing by Mr. Murray's, a little after nine; I sawthe prisoner and another loitering about; I got another person to assist me, and we watched them for a quarter of an hour, backwards and forwards; we observed the window cracked; we thought they weregone away, and we were going to tell the people about it, and saw them come again in a few minutes afterwards; they both went, in company together, to the window again; I saw a hand go through and take the handkerchief, but I cannot say which it was; they both stood together; (the handkerchiefs were produced in Court); I said to the witness, they have got the goods, now we will lay hold of them; this gentleman standing here took the prisoner, and took him into the shop, and unbuttoned his coat; the handkerchiefs were buttoned up in his coat; I took the other about eight yards from the window;the prisoner took to his heels and ran, and the other witness went after him.</p><p>Q. Are you sure the prisoner was the other man that you saw at the window? - </p><p>A. I am positively sure. I heard the glass fly; I said to the witness, I believe it is broke.</p><p>Q. When the man put in his hand to take the handkerchief out of the window, did you hear any noise then? - </p><p>A. Yes.</p><p>Q. There were no shutters up? - </p><p>A. No; it was before they shut up the shop.</p><p>JOSEPH COLES sworn.</p><p>I saw the prisoner run by Mr. Murray's house; I was coming out of the house where I live; I stood at the door a bit; a person said, some chaps were going to rob Mr. Murray's shop; I watched them about twenty minutes; I saw them cross the way to Mr. Murray's shop windows several times, and they looked about to see if any body saw them; then they went away; and the other witness said, we had better go and acquaint Mr. Murray of it; then I saw Randall on the opposite side of the way; weturned back to a house near Mr. Murray's, and stood in the passage and watched them; Williams said, when we see them brake the glass we will go and take them directly; accordingly we heard them breakthe glass, and he took Williams, and I took Randall.</p><p>Q. Did you see if the window was broke when you were going to tell Mr. Murray? - </p><p>A. We looked at it was cracked, but, I believe, no part out.</p><p>Q. How near did you take the prisoner? - </p><p>A. About forty yards; I took him the corner of Crown-court.</p><p>Q. Was he out of your fight at all? - </p><p>A. No.</p><p>JONATHAN DOWLING sworn.</p><p>I was beadle of the night; Williams and the last witness brought the prisoner to me; I took charge of him; Williams delivered the handkerchief to me; I have had them ever since.(They were produced in Court and deposed to by the prosecutor).</p><p>Prosecutor. I had only this piece of this pattern in the window, and it was gone, the glass was whole; it was put in two days before, ithad been broke by persons of the same description.</p><p>Prisoner's defence. I was coming from Carnaby-market; I saw two young men; I asked what it was o'clock; there was a cry of stop-thief, and they laid hold of me; the man that is bailed out,</p><p>See originalsaid, the man that gave him the property was run away, he knew nothing of me.</p><p>GUILTY. Death. (Aged 21.)</p><p>Tried by the first Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice BULLER.</p><p>The Sessions being ended, the Court proceeded to GIVE JUDGMENT, as follows:</p><p>Received Sentence of Death – 15 convicts not including John Randallwhose sentence was evidently commuted to:-</p><p>Transported seven years – 18 convicts including John Randall.</p><p>JOHN RANDALL. On the 2 June 1797, he arrived in Port Jackson aboard the “Ganges”.</p><p>Details of the “Ganges”.</p><p>Ships Master – Thomas Patrickson . Owner – Thomas Patrickson.</p><p>The Ganges departed Ireland, via Cape of Good Hope to China.</p>Cargo – convicts – Detachment of the NSW Corps – beef and pork.

GEDCOM Note

Father John listed as born in 1763-1764. seems unlikely

GEDCOM Note

Convict