[p. 40]The Felons on the Common Side of Newgate, also animated by Sheppard’s Example, the Night before they were to be Shipt for Transportation, 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 Villains had been let loose into the World, to have committed new Depredations; nothing was wanted here but Sheppard’s great Judgment, who was by himself in the strong Room, call’d the Castle, meditating his own Deliverance, which he perfected in the manner following.44
On Thursday the 15th of this Instant October, 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 to Sheppard in the strong Room, call’d the Castle, with his Necessaries, as was his Custom every Day. There went along with him Captain Geary, the Keeper of New Prison, Mr. Gough, belonging to the Gate-house in Westminster, and two other Gentlemen, who had the Curiosity to see the Prisoner, [p. 41] Austin very 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 the Old-Bailey, the Keepers and most of their Servants were attending there with their Prisoners: And Sheppard was 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 as early as possible.
The same Night, soon after 12 of the Clock Mr. Bird, who keeps a Turners-shop adjoyning to Newgate, 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 Morning Friday, at about eight Mr. Austin went up as usual to wait on Sheppard, 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 trem[p. 42]bling down again, and was scarce able to Acquaint the People in the Lodge with 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 the Castle, in order to Trace him, when to their farther Amazement, they found the Doors 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 of Newgate by a Blanket (which he fasten’d to the Wall by an Iron Spike he had taken from the Hatch of the Chapel) 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; Mr. Bird and 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.
[p. 43]Infinite Numbers of Citizens came to Newgate to behold Sheppard’s Workmanship, and Mr. Pitt and 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.45
One of the Sheriffs came in Person, and went up to the Castle to be satisfy’d of the Situation of the Place, &c. Attended by several of the City Officers.
The Court being sat at the Sessions-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.46 It being intended that he should have been brought down to the Court the last Day of the Sessions, 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’s House, and included in the Warrant for Execution, &c.
[p. 44]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 hitherto 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 whereof ’tis plain he broke thro’ a Wall of many Foot in Thickness, and made his way from the Castle into another strong Room Contiguous, the Door of it not having been open’d since several of the Preston Prisoners were Confin’d there about seven Years ago:47 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 the Chapel, 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 [p. 45] Leads of Newgate; ’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 the Common-Side Felons,48 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. Sheppard to 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, at New[p. 46]gate is, That the Devil came 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; in 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 any thing better Tim’d, the Keepers and all their Assistants being obliged to a strict Attendance on the Sessions at the Old-Bailey, which held for about a Week; and Blewskin having confin’d Jonathan Wild to his Chamber, a more favourable opportunity could not have presented for Mr. Sheppard’s Purposes.
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 [p. 47] 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 dol
eful 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, a Protoeus, Supernatural, Words cannot describe him, his Actions and Workmanship which are too visible, best testifie him.
On Saturday the 17th, Joseph Blake, alias Blewskin, came upon his Tryal at the Old Bailey: Field gave the same Evidence against him, as he had formerly done against Sheppard; and the Prisoner making but a triffling Defence, the Jury found him Guilty of Burglary and Felony. The Criminal when the Verdict was brought in, made his Obeyances to the Court, and thank’d them for their Kindness.49
It will be necessary that we now return to the Behaviour of Mr. Sheppard, some few Days before his last Flight.
Mr. Figg the famous Prize Fighter comeing to see him, in NEWGATE, there past some pleasant Raillery between them; and after Mr. Figg was gone, Sheppard declared 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’s House in his way to Execution, and drink a merry Glass with him by way of Reconciliation.50
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; says Sheppard to 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, says Sheppard again, Sarah don’t deny it, for you have gotten your CERTIFICATE in your Face.
Mr. Ireton a Bailiff in Drury-Lane having pursued Sheppard after his Escape from the Condemn’d-Hold with uncommon Dili[p. 49]gence; (for the safety of that Neighbourhood which was the chief Scene of his Villainies) Sheppard when 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 an ACT OF GRACE.51
A Gentleman in a jocose way ask’d him to come and take a Dinner with him, Sheppard reply’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,52 and came rather out of Curiosity, than Charity; and to form Papers and Ballads out of his Behaviour.
A Welch Clergyman who came pretty often, requested him in a particular Manner to refrain Drinking; (tho’ indeed there was no necessity for that Caution) Sheppard [p. 50] says, Doctor, You set an Example and I’ll follow; this was a smart Satyr and Repartee upon the Parson, some Circumstances consider’d.
When he was visited in the Castle by 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 Manacled 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 in Chapel, he would seemingly make his Responses with Devotion; but [p. 51] 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 re-taken) 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 from Newgate, in a Let
ter to his Friend.
DEAR FRIEND!53
OVER a Bottle oƒ Claret you’ll give me leave to declare it, that I’ve fairly put the Vowels upon the good Folks at Newgate, i.o.u. When I’m able, I may, or may not discharge my Fees,54 ’tis a Fee-simple, for a Man in my Condition to acknowledge; and tho’ I’m safe out of Newgate, I must yet have, or at least, affect, a New Gate by Limping, or Turning my Toes in by making a right Hand of my Feet. Not to be long, for I hate Prolixity in all Business: In short, after Filing, Defileing, Sawing, when no Body Saw, Climbing (this Clime in) it prov’d a good Turner of my Affairs, thro’ the House of a Turner. Being quite past, and safe [p. 52] from Estreat on Person or Chattels, and safe in the Street, I thought Thanks due to him who cou’d Deliver hence; and immediately (for you must know I’m a Catholick) to give Thanks for my Deliverance, I slept amongst the Grey-Fryers to come and joyn with me, in saying a Pater-Noster, or so, at Amen-Corner. The Fryers being Fat began to Broil, and soon after Boild up into a Passion to be disturb’d at that time of Night. But being got Loose and having no Time to Lose, I gave them good Words, and so the Business was done. From thence I soon slip’d through Ludgate, but was damnably fearful of an Old Bailey always lurking thereahout, who might have brought me to the Fleet55 for being too Nimble, besides, I was wonderfully apprehensive of receiving some unwelcome Huggings from the W– – – – –n56 there; therefore with a step and a stride I soon got over Fleet-ditch, and (as in Justice I ought) I prais’d the Bridge I got over. Being a Batchelor, and not being capable to manage a Bridewell57 you know. I had no Business near St. Brides, so kept the right hand side, designing to Pop into the Alley as usual; but fearing to go thro’ there, and harp too much on the same String, it gave an Allay to my Intention, and on I went to Shoe-lane end but there meeting with a Bully Hack58 of the Town, he wou’d have shov’d me down, which my Spirit resenting, tho’ a brawny Dog, I soon Coller’d him, fell Souse at him, [p. 53] then with his own Cane I strapp’d till he was force to Buckle too, and hold his Tongue, in so much he durst not say his Soul was his own, and was glad to pack of at Last, and turn his Heels upon me: I was glad be was gone you may be sure, and dextrously made a Hand of my Feet under the Leg-Tavern; but the very Thoughts of Fetter-Lane call’d to mind some Passages, which made me avoid the Passage at the end of it, (next to the Coffee House you know) so I soon whip’d over the way, yet going along two wooden Loggerheads at St. Dunstan’s, made just then a damn’d d Noise about their Quarters, but the sight of me made perfectly Hush in a Minute; now fearing to goe by Chance-a-wry Lane,59 as being upon the Watch my self and not to be debarr’d at Temple-Bar; I stole up Bell-Yard, but narrowly escap’d being Clapper-claw’d60 by two Fellows I did not like in the Alley, so was forc’d to goe round with a design to Sheer-off into Sheer-Lane, but the Trumpet sounding at that very time, alarm’d me so, I was forc’d to Grope my way back through Hemlock-Court, and take my Passage by Ship-Yard without the Bar again; but there meeting with one of our trusty Friends, (all Ceremonies a-part) he told me under the Rose I must expect no Mercy in St. Clement’s Parish, for the Butchers there on the Back on’t would Face me, and with their Cleavers soon bring me down on my marrow Bones; [p. 54] you may believe I soon hasten’d thence, but by this time being Fainty and nigh Spent, I put forward, and seeing a Light near the Savoy-Gate, I was resolv’d not to make Light of the Opportunity, but call’d for an hearty Dram of Luther and Calvin, that is, Mum and Geneva61 mix’d; but having Fasted s
o long before, it soon got into my Noddle, and e’er I had gone twenty steps, it bad so intirely Stranded my Reason, that by the time I came to Half-Moon-Street end, it gave a New-Exchange to my Senses, and made me quite Lunatick.
However, after a little Rest, I stole down George-Passage into Oaf-Alley in York Buildings, and thence (tho’ a vile Man) into Villiers-Street, and so into the Strand again, where having gone a little way, Hefford’s Harp at the Sign of the Irish Harp, put me a Jumping and Dancing to that degree, that I could not for bear making a Somerset or two before Northumberland-House. I thought once of taking the Windsor Coach for my self John Sheppard, by the Name of Crook– –but fearing to be Hook’d in before my Journey’s End, I stept into Hedge-Lane, where two Harlots were up in the Boughs (it seems) Branching out their Respects to one another, through their Windows, and People beginning to gather thereabout, I ran Pelmel62 to Piccadilly, where meeting, by meer Chance a Bakers Cart going to [p. 55] Turnham-Green, I being not Mealy Mouth’d, nor the Man being Crusty I wheel’d out of Town.
I did call at Hammersmith, 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 Skymmington at Cheesewick, it’s Safety will Bear Water by any Boat, and come Current, with the Tyde to
Dear BOB
Yours from the Top
of Newgate to the Bottom
J. SHEPPARD.
P.S. If you see Blewskin, tell him I am well, and hope he receiv’d my last – – – I wou’d write by the Post if I durst, but it wou’d be, certainly Postpon’d if I did, and it would be stranger too, to trust a Line by a Stranger, who might Palm upon us both and never Deliver it to Hand.
I send this by a Waterman, (I dare trust) who is very Merry upon me, and says he wou’d not be in my Jacket.63
Drunks, Whores and Idle Apprentices: Criminal Biographies of the Eighteenth Century Page 11