rs. _Cook's_ Robberry, and pretended that all the
Mischiefs that attended him was owing to that Matter. He acknowledg'd
that he was concern'd in that Fact, and that his said Brother broke into
his Lodgings, and stole from him all his Share and more of the acquir'd
Booty.

He often-times averr'd, that _William Field_ was no ways concern'd in
Mr. _Kneebone's_ Robbery; but that being a Brother of the Quill;
_Blewskin_ and himself told him the particulars, and manner of the
Facts, and that all he Swore against him at his Tryal was False, and
that he had other Authority for it, than what came out of their
(_Sheppard_ and _Blewskin_) Mouths, who actually committed the Fact.

And moreover, that _Field_ being acquainted with their Warehouse (a
Stable) near the _Horse-Ferry_ at _Westminster_, which _Sheppard_ had
hir'd, and usually resposited therein the Goods he stole. He came one
Night, and broke open the same, and carried off the best part of the
Effects taken out of Mr. _Kneebone's_ Shop.

_Sheppard_ said he thought this to be one of the greatest Villanies that
could be acted, for another to come and Plunder them of Things for which
they had so honourably ventur'd their Lives, and wish'd that _Field_, as
well as his Brother _Tom_ might meet with forgiveness for it.

He declar'd himself frequently against the Practice of _Whidling_, or
_Impeaching_, which he said, had made dreadful Havock among the
_Thieves_, and much lamented the depravity of the _Brethren_ in that
Respect; and said that if all were but such _Tight-Cocks_ as himself,
the _Reputation_ of the _British Thievery_ might be carried to a far
greater height than it had been done for many Ages, and that there would
then be but little Necessity for Jaylors and Hangmen.

These and such like were his constant Discourses, when Company went up
with the Turnkeys to the _Castle_ to see him, and few or none went away
without leaving him Money for his Support; in which he abounded, and did
therewith some small Charities to the other Prisoners; however, he was
abstemious and sparing enough in his Diet.

Among the many Schemes laid by his Friends, for the preserving himself
after his Escape, we were told of a most Remarkable one, propos'd by an
ingenious Person, who advis'd, that he might be Expeditiously, and
Secretly convey'd to the Palace at _Windsor_, and there to prostrate his
Person, and his Case at the Feet of a most Gracious Prince, and his Case
being so very sing