"Catherine Hayes Burnt for Petty Treason". www.capitalpunishmentuk.org. Web. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
Defoe, Daniel. Moll Flanders. New York: Penguin, 1989. Print.
Fielding, Henry. The History of the Life of the Late Jonathan Wild. New York: Oxford, 2003. Print.
-----" An Enquiry into the Late
Increase of Robbers". An Enquiry and Related Writings. Ed. Marvin K. Zirker. Oxford: Clarendon, 1988.
Fielding, Sir John. "An account of the receipts and disbursements relating to Sir John
Fielding's plan, for the preserving of distressed boys, by sending them
to sea". London: Garrick's Head, 1771. Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Web. 1 May 2013.
Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. New York: Random House, 1977. Print.
"Gender in the Proceedings". Old Bailey Online. Old
Bailey Proceedings Online, 2003-2012. Web. 1 May 2013
"George Holmes, Sexual Offences, bigamy". Old Bailey Online. Old
Bailey Proceedings Online, 2003-2012. Web. 1 May 2013
Jackson, Mark. New-born Child Murder: Women, Illegitimacy and the Courts in Eighteenth-Century England. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1996. Print.
Linebaugh, Peter. The London Hanged: Crime and Civil Society in the Eighteenth Century. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1992
McLynn, Frank. Crime and Punishment in
Eighteenth-Century England. London: Routledge, 1989. 364.942 M166
Moore, Lucy. Con-Men and Cutpurses: Scenes from the Hogarthian Underworld. New York: Penguin, 2000. Print.
Vaver, Anthony. Bound with an Iron Chain: The Untold Story of How the British Transported 50,000 Convicts to Colonial America. Westborough: Pickpocket Publishing, 2011. Print.
**Background image: Hogarth, William. A Rake's Progress III: The Rake at the Rose-Tavern. 1733. Trustees of Sir John Soane's Museum, London.
The Story of Samuel Moore*, interviewed and analyzed by Michel Foucault
Samuel Moore: Bigamy
I was convict'd of bigamy for the Act of tricking three women into marriage, all without their Knowledge of my previous marriages. My first wife was a young girl by the name of Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a handsome girl with dark eyes and light brown hair, so her soft beauty made our matrimony Agreeable to me. I was but five and twenty years Old. My restless spirit commanded me to go away to sea and I did not see my wife for some Time. While on my travels elsewhere, I met a woman by the name of Molly. She had soft eyes, creamy skin, and an Agreeable little nose. My loneliness and Desire overtook me. I made my Addresses to her as a single man in want of a wife. She Agreed to my Addresses and we were married soon after. In the next year, I resolv'd to continue my travels. Along the way, I met yet another handsome woman. She readily accept'd my advances, for she was a Widow in search of another husband. We were married soon after.
I am to be transport'd for 7 Years for the crimes above mentioned.
*Not based on a particular character, just proceedings from Old Bailey and other research. See works cited.
Michel Foucault
This man has a history of committing bigamy during his travels. What makes the Law think they can prevent this by sending him away? I need not repeat myself about the power of observation. Observation of criminals aims to "strengthen the social forces...raise the level of morality" (Foucault 208). Transportation cannot do this. In fact, it is actually desired by criminals because it allows them escape from death.
I was convict'd of bigamy for the Act of tricking three women into marriage, all without their Knowledge of my previous marriages. My first wife was a young girl by the name of Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a handsome girl with dark eyes and light brown hair, so her soft beauty made our matrimony Agreeable to me. I was but five and twenty years Old. My restless spirit commanded me to go away to sea and I did not see my wife for some Time. While on my travels elsewhere, I met a woman by the name of Molly. She had soft eyes, creamy skin, and an Agreeable little nose. My loneliness and Desire overtook me. I made my Addresses to her as a single man in want of a wife. She Agreed to my Addresses and we were married soon after. In the next year, I resolv'd to continue my travels. Along the way, I met yet another handsome woman. She readily accept'd my advances, for she was a Widow in search of another husband. We were married soon after.
I am to be transport'd for 7 Years for the crimes above mentioned.
*Not based on a particular character, just proceedings from Old Bailey and other research. See works cited.
Michel Foucault
This man has a history of committing bigamy during his travels. What makes the Law think they can prevent this by sending him away? I need not repeat myself about the power of observation. Observation of criminals aims to "strengthen the social forces...raise the level of morality" (Foucault 208). Transportation cannot do this. In fact, it is actually desired by criminals because it allows them escape from death.
The Story of William Rogers*, interviewed and analyzed by Henry Fielding
William Rogers: Receiving Stolen Goods
I am the Great man responsible for the most Elaborate scheme of my Time. As I go to my death, I will tell you I refuse to leave this world quietly. Before I tell the tale of how I came to be in this filthy, stinking gaol, I shall tell you of my birth. I was born of Respectable parentage to one William Rogers and his wife Catherine Peachum. My parents determined I should have an education and became knowledgeable in many Subjects. I must note that I was an especially excellent scholar. Thus, I used my quick wit to employ my Schemes for which I am gaoled.
Now, the story of my demise. I had Carefully selected a band of men who carried out my various plans of Misdeed. These men were skilled in the Art of thievery. They traveled the countryside and the city of London stealing various items of Importance from their owners. Then I awaited the announcement of the lost articles in newspapers. In answer, I would announce the retrieval or "discovery" of the items. In this time, I gained the Confidence of many in London. This is the reason for which I was able to continue my scheme. Once my number of Enemies grew, my scheme could no longer continue. Quick-witted and ambitious men are not well-favoured. Those who Attempt to follow in my footsteps will need my knowledge and wit to Succeed. They will need to make an genuine effort to not come to same end as I.
*Loosely based on the story of Jonathan Wild, extortionist and receiver of stolen goods.
Henry Fielding
There are "Great" men and there are "Good" men (Jonathan Wild 7-9). Great men do not have the qualities of good men. Great men stop at nothing to attain Vanity and Voluptuousness. They do not quake at hurting those around them to achieve their Wants and Desires. Good men have the best Intentions, but are often taken advantage of. William Rogers, my readers, is not a "Good" man. He may hold the qualities of a great man, but his intentions were never "Good".
I am the Great man responsible for the most Elaborate scheme of my Time. As I go to my death, I will tell you I refuse to leave this world quietly. Before I tell the tale of how I came to be in this filthy, stinking gaol, I shall tell you of my birth. I was born of Respectable parentage to one William Rogers and his wife Catherine Peachum. My parents determined I should have an education and became knowledgeable in many Subjects. I must note that I was an especially excellent scholar. Thus, I used my quick wit to employ my Schemes for which I am gaoled.
Now, the story of my demise. I had Carefully selected a band of men who carried out my various plans of Misdeed. These men were skilled in the Art of thievery. They traveled the countryside and the city of London stealing various items of Importance from their owners. Then I awaited the announcement of the lost articles in newspapers. In answer, I would announce the retrieval or "discovery" of the items. In this time, I gained the Confidence of many in London. This is the reason for which I was able to continue my scheme. Once my number of Enemies grew, my scheme could no longer continue. Quick-witted and ambitious men are not well-favoured. Those who Attempt to follow in my footsteps will need my knowledge and wit to Succeed. They will need to make an genuine effort to not come to same end as I.
*Loosely based on the story of Jonathan Wild, extortionist and receiver of stolen goods.
Henry Fielding
There are "Great" men and there are "Good" men (Jonathan Wild 7-9). Great men do not have the qualities of good men. Great men stop at nothing to attain Vanity and Voluptuousness. They do not quake at hurting those around them to achieve their Wants and Desires. Good men have the best Intentions, but are often taken advantage of. William Rogers, my readers, is not a "Good" man. He may hold the qualities of a great man, but his intentions were never "Good".
The Story of Sally Goodman*, interviewed and analyzed by Sir John Fielding
Sally Goodman
I tell you I did not kill my husband by my own hand. It was the Devil's work. I could only stand aside as John and Thomas dismember'd his body. Once they had dismember'd him, they threw his body parts into the river. I could not stop them for my mind was controll'd by an dark Unseen spirit. Some townspeople found his head by the riverbank soon After. Then I was arrested and accus'd of the crime but I am innocent of it. However, my pleas go unheard as I face Death for petty treason on the morrow.
If any good can come of it, I will tell you that my husband Treat'd me most cruelly. He beat and mortifi'd me on every little Occasion. He call'd me the most horrid names a husband should not utter. I know it does not justify the horrid and brutal way he was murdered, but it is the Truth.
*Events are based on the story of Catherine Hayes, who was burnt at the stake for petty treason in 1726.
Sir John Fielding
The Nature of this crime is most Horrid and disturbing. As you know, our society finds this cruel and most unusual because the accused is a woman. Women in our time are expected to exhibit such Virtues as modesty, compassion, and Piety (Gender in the Proceedings). This woman does not exhibit the Qualities of her sex. The nature of the crime committed is so severe that the woman cannot truly be of her sex. If she did not commit the crime as she so Claims, she stood watch as the men committed the crime. She shewed no emotion as a woman should and did not stop them. This alone is an Aid to the act of murder.
I tell you I did not kill my husband by my own hand. It was the Devil's work. I could only stand aside as John and Thomas dismember'd his body. Once they had dismember'd him, they threw his body parts into the river. I could not stop them for my mind was controll'd by an dark Unseen spirit. Some townspeople found his head by the riverbank soon After. Then I was arrested and accus'd of the crime but I am innocent of it. However, my pleas go unheard as I face Death for petty treason on the morrow.
If any good can come of it, I will tell you that my husband Treat'd me most cruelly. He beat and mortifi'd me on every little Occasion. He call'd me the most horrid names a husband should not utter. I know it does not justify the horrid and brutal way he was murdered, but it is the Truth.
*Events are based on the story of Catherine Hayes, who was burnt at the stake for petty treason in 1726.
Sir John Fielding
The Nature of this crime is most Horrid and disturbing. As you know, our society finds this cruel and most unusual because the accused is a woman. Women in our time are expected to exhibit such Virtues as modesty, compassion, and Piety (Gender in the Proceedings). This woman does not exhibit the Qualities of her sex. The nature of the crime committed is so severe that the woman cannot truly be of her sex. If she did not commit the crime as she so Claims, she stood watch as the men committed the crime. She shewed no emotion as a woman should and did not stop them. This alone is an Aid to the act of murder.
The story of Polly Prichard*, interviewed and analyzed by Sir John Fielding
Polly Prichard: Infanticide
I committed the crime because I was frightened. A young woman is shunned and shamed when she is Found to be with Child out of wedlock. My parents are of good reputation in the town. They would have me cast out in the streets to live as a waif if they knew. I conceal'd my pregnancy for as long as Nature would allow. I feigned ill health as a way to Explain my taking to bed so often.When the time came to deliver the Child, I went to the privacy of a field. I delivered the child and wrapped it in cloth, knowing that this would cut off the babe's breathing. I was distraught that it had come to that, but I fear'd more for my Reputation. I cursed the father of the babe as tears came forth. He is a married man. Upon his discovery that I was with child, he quickly dismissed me from his life. He gave his Cause for abandoning me: a bastard child would stain his family name and cause Unrest within his home.
I did not know what to do with the Child, so I placed him in the river. This decision was a poor one for the babe washed up on the riverbank nearby. Of course, I could not provide any evidence of baby clothes for my defence. And now you find me here, awaiting my punishment by death.
*This story is not based on one particular criminal, but on collected research on infanticide from Old Bailey and various secondary sources. Please see Works Cited post.
Sir John Fielding
As you well know, our society's general thought on concealing a pregnancy is that young, "single women who concealed their pregnancies represented a distinct ideological and practical threat to the community's welfare" (Jackson 50). This is Perhaps the reason why Polly felt so frightened for reputation, along with the Concern of being cast out of her family. When it comes to prosecuting this crime, society is concerned with the behavior and chastity of the woman in Question. In my Opinion as magistrate, murder is murder. Punishment is necessary to keep the peace.
I committed the crime because I was frightened. A young woman is shunned and shamed when she is Found to be with Child out of wedlock. My parents are of good reputation in the town. They would have me cast out in the streets to live as a waif if they knew. I conceal'd my pregnancy for as long as Nature would allow. I feigned ill health as a way to Explain my taking to bed so often.When the time came to deliver the Child, I went to the privacy of a field. I delivered the child and wrapped it in cloth, knowing that this would cut off the babe's breathing. I was distraught that it had come to that, but I fear'd more for my Reputation. I cursed the father of the babe as tears came forth. He is a married man. Upon his discovery that I was with child, he quickly dismissed me from his life. He gave his Cause for abandoning me: a bastard child would stain his family name and cause Unrest within his home.
I did not know what to do with the Child, so I placed him in the river. This decision was a poor one for the babe washed up on the riverbank nearby. Of course, I could not provide any evidence of baby clothes for my defence. And now you find me here, awaiting my punishment by death.
*This story is not based on one particular criminal, but on collected research on infanticide from Old Bailey and various secondary sources. Please see Works Cited post.
Sir John Fielding
As you well know, our society's general thought on concealing a pregnancy is that young, "single women who concealed their pregnancies represented a distinct ideological and practical threat to the community's welfare" (Jackson 50). This is Perhaps the reason why Polly felt so frightened for reputation, along with the Concern of being cast out of her family. When it comes to prosecuting this crime, society is concerned with the behavior and chastity of the woman in Question. In my Opinion as magistrate, murder is murder. Punishment is necessary to keep the peace.
The story of Jonathan Smith*, interviewed and analyzed by Sir John Fielding
Jonathan Smith: Forgery
I will tell you my tale, though it does me no service now. I am to be hanged for my crime. I was born in a small village outside London. My parents are of Low station. I am their firstborn. My sisters Mary and Catherine are twelve and fourteen years Old. My mother titters on about how she must get them married to respectable Gentleman. I do not live with my family now. I left home to serve as apprentice to a counting-house. While in service at the counting-house, I discover'd that I could forge the signatures on banknotes. I attempted this scheme at several shops until I was caught at one wax shop in Old Bond-street.
The keeper there happen'd upon the indorsement on the note and ask'd me why I had Master Miller's name as indorser. In this unfortunate Turn of events, he knew the Mr. Miller and notic'd that the script did not match his. I was accused of forgery and taken to gaol.
I pleaded with the court to spare me, but to no End. Many of the townspeople took pity on me and made attempts to free me from this gaol. Alas, their attempts fell on deaf ears. It is with great regret that I tell you that I did not Foresee the consequences of my schemes. Now I am an Example to those who seek to commit the same crime.
*This narrative is loosely based on story of John Dyer, convicted of forgery and hanged in 1790.
Sir John Fielding
This young apprentice's story is most Unfortunate. Although my plan to preserve distressed boys includes only boys from eleven to fourteen years Old ( J.Fielding 5) I might also send this young man to sea for some Years. He expresses Considerable regret for having committed the crime. However, it is necessary to punish these sorts of crimes. It is hoped that he would Indeed be an example and the number of crimes committed be reduced.
I will tell you my tale, though it does me no service now. I am to be hanged for my crime. I was born in a small village outside London. My parents are of Low station. I am their firstborn. My sisters Mary and Catherine are twelve and fourteen years Old. My mother titters on about how she must get them married to respectable Gentleman. I do not live with my family now. I left home to serve as apprentice to a counting-house. While in service at the counting-house, I discover'd that I could forge the signatures on banknotes. I attempted this scheme at several shops until I was caught at one wax shop in Old Bond-street.
The keeper there happen'd upon the indorsement on the note and ask'd me why I had Master Miller's name as indorser. In this unfortunate Turn of events, he knew the Mr. Miller and notic'd that the script did not match his. I was accused of forgery and taken to gaol.
I pleaded with the court to spare me, but to no End. Many of the townspeople took pity on me and made attempts to free me from this gaol. Alas, their attempts fell on deaf ears. It is with great regret that I tell you that I did not Foresee the consequences of my schemes. Now I am an Example to those who seek to commit the same crime.
*This narrative is loosely based on story of John Dyer, convicted of forgery and hanged in 1790.
Sir John Fielding
This young apprentice's story is most Unfortunate. Although my plan to preserve distressed boys includes only boys from eleven to fourteen years Old ( J.Fielding 5) I might also send this young man to sea for some Years. He expresses Considerable regret for having committed the crime. However, it is necessary to punish these sorts of crimes. It is hoped that he would Indeed be an example and the number of crimes committed be reduced.
The story of Jack Henry*, interviewed and analyzed by Henry Fielding
Jack Henry: Highwayman
I was born in a village near Bath to parents of
low station. I receiv'd no education. My parents Arrang'd for me to become a
servant in a household of distinction when I was 12 years Old. I did not mind
this as I became a favourite servant of the House. My master allow'd me to
dress in silk and treated me with great Favour. After an amount of time in this
House, I began to desire more. I dress'd well above my station and desir'd to
live in Luxury as my master did.
By chance, I happen'd upon a band of pickpockets
at the Opera one night. They were dress'd in the manner of those around us but
their Manner was coarse and I knew they were not like the others. They were a
lively and loud band. I made their Acquaintance after I discover'd their Ruse.
They were picking the pockets of the Ladies and Gentleman around them. After a
short Discourse they heartily agreed to allow me into their band. Thus began my
life of crime.
You find me here awaiting my death not because I
picked the pockets of many men and women but because I robbed a coach carrying
expensive Cloth. I shew'd the driver such mercy as he begg'd me to take
anything but his life. The gentleman that I am grant'd his request. Hence you
find me here for he went immediately to report me upon my setting him free.
I intend to die a Gentleman at Tyburn. Upon my
request, the finest Clothes await me. My many admirers will follow my cart to
the End. I have planned the most lively Celebration with only the finest food
and drink. Though my heart be fill'd with the utmost grief of my demise, I will
not shew it.
*Based on 18th century highwayman John
"Sixteen String Jack" Rann.
Henry Fielding
Here we have a criminal with the most Severe Motives to Luxury ("An Enquiry" 78). This case is more disturbing than that of Moll Flemings. This wretched man "dresses himself clean in order to mix with his betters" ("An Enquiry" 79). His refusal to Acknowledge his station is most Shameful. He goes beyond this refusal to act according to his station by announcing his planned Celebration. These highwaymen have become Accustomed to being celebrated and admired for their gentlemanly behavior. However, their resolve to live above their class is anything but Gentlemanly.
The story of Sarah Brown*, analyzed by Michel Foucault.
Sarah Brown: Thief/Pickpocket
I was born to the most Unfortunate life. My
parents I knew not for they died when I was an infant. The good gentlewoman
took me in and taught me to read, write, and sew. When I was but 14 years Old,
she designed to marry me off to an older gentleman. I refused to obey her
wishes and found myself in the streets. It was then that I found that my nimble
fingers afforded me a way of getting money for myself. Thus began my life as a
pickpocket.
The crime that finds me Here in this place was
that of stealing a gentleman's watch right from his pocket. I procured this
Article with great skill but when I designed to steal away, his mistress saw
me. They convicted me of the crime and sentenced me to transportation in
America.
Here in America, I'm to serve the rest of my
sentence as a servant. I receive little food But I am Thankful that I so avoided death.
*Early life very loosely based on the 18th century pickpocket Mary Young alias "Jenny Diver"
Michel Foucault
This young woman is very fortunate to have escaped death. Her story, though it appeals for sympathy, does not excuse her crimes. Thievery is unacceptable. That being said, transportation limits the power England has over its criminals. Transportation does so by completely eliminating surveillance of criminals. Surveillance is centered around the idea that it "induces in the inmate a state of conscious and permanent visibility that assures the automatic functioning of power" (Foucault 201). If thieves are not being watched in the jails, who knows what they might do. Perhaps they will break free of their masters, who cannot keep constant surveillance. We all know that convicts would run to escape cruelty or regain their freedom (Vaver 195). Then these criminals might be led to steal again because they are not under the power of surveillance.
The Story of Moll Flemings, interviewed and analyzed by 18th century writer and crime critic Henry Fielding
Moll Flemings: Prostitute
Sir, I will tell you my Story as best it can be
told. I was born in 1690 to lowly parents in London, England. When I was nine
years Old, my parents sent me away to be a maid in the M_____s' household. I
cry'd when they sent me away, for I fear'd being in the company of strangers.
My Mistress and others in the household treat'd me fine, that I am certain. I
liv'd in their Keeping until the day I came under the Acquaintance of a certain
Mother Beaucomp. I was fetching some food from market when a lady in bright
dress approach'd me. She ask'd my name and whose household I serve. She
introduc'd herself as Mother Beaucomp and ask'd if I would dine with her. I did
oblige her Request and found myself at a table among many ladies of the same
dress. They were dressed in such finery and ate the best meats. They explain'd
to me that they were streetwalkers and earned their bread by performing
"favours" for men. I thought how my hands were tire'd from working
and I could live in Luxury as these ladies did. I desir'd their fine Clothes
and jewels. I resolv'd then to leave my house of employ and become a
prostitute. I was not but fourteen years Old.
*Based on the characters of Moll Flanders and
Sally Salisbury/Sarah Pridden.
Fielding:
I have determined that this Woman was indeed
motivated by Vanity and Voluptuousness (Fielding 78). Her desire to live in such Grandeur led
her to neglect her employer. She desired to live as her Betters and to
have the finest Clothes, all of which she could not accomplish in her lowly
employ as maid. Her Love of Pleasure ("An Enquiry" 79), eating good meats and having fine things,
motivated her to lead the life of a Prostitute. Her constant Labour as a maid
made her weary and in want of the life of her Betters.
The law's handling of prostitution must improve so
that the ladies are not Tempted. It is common knowledge that London society
allows this Temptation because they fear that men will prey on respectable
Ladies and their good Daughters if Prostitutes were not in Existence (McLynn
97-8). I might Propose that brothels be Allowed with restrictions (McLynn 97).
The restrictions will Reduce the number of brothels so that vulgar men might
not prey upon the respectable Ladies.
Introduction
Welcome to Musings from 18th Century Criminals and the Men who Study Them. Each post features a narrative from a criminal, followed by a critique from one of three critics of 18th century criminality. Our panel of critics consists of 18th century writer and crime critic, Henry Fielding, 20th century critic, Michel Foucoult, and 18th century magistrate Sir John Fielding. Each critic will give an analysis of the criminal and their possible reasons for falling into crime, their behaviors as criminals, etc. The criminals featured in each post are based on the lives of real 18th century criminals. There are footnotes in each post that explain who the narrative is based on. I hope this blog gives readers a sense of the theories and attitudes toward 18th century criminality
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)