Part 2 (1/2)

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 astonis.h.i.+ng; and the only Answer that is given to the whole, at _Newgate_ is, _That the_ Devil _came in Person and a.s.sisted 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 a.s.sistants 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 a.s.sisted 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, a _Protoeus_, Supernatural, Words cannot describe him, his Actions and Workmans.h.i.+p which are too visible, best testifie him.

On _Sat.u.r.day_ 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 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. _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 Gla.s.s 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; 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 Diligence; (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. 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 Circ.u.mstances 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 Circ.u.mstances, 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 form _Papers_ and _Ballads_ out of his Behaviour.

A _Welch_ Clergyman who came pretty often, requested him in a particularly Manner to refrain Drinking; (tho' indeed there was no necessity for that Caution) _Sheppard_ says, Doctor, _You set an Example and I'll follow_; this was a smart Satyr and Repartee upon the _Parson_, some Circ.u.mstances consider'd.