als, they
began to examine his Irons; to their great Surprize they found them
loose, and ready to be taken off at Pleasure. Mr. _Pitt_ the Head
Keeper, and his Deputies were sent for, and _Sheppard_ finding this
Attempt entirely frustrated, discover'd to them by what means he had got
them off; and after they had search'd him, found nothing, and Lock'd
and Chain'd him down again; He took up the Nail and unlocked the Padlock
before their Faces; they were struck with the greatest Amazement as
having never heard, or beheld the like before. He was then Handcuff'd,
and more effectually Chain'd.

The next Day, the Reverend Mr. _Purney Ordinary_ of the Place came from
the Country to visit him, and complain'd of the sad Disposition he found
him in, as Meditateing on nothing, but Means to Escape, and declining
the great Duty incumbent upon him to prepare for his approaching Change.
He began to Relent, and said, that since his last Effort had prov'd not
Successful, he would entertain no more Thoughts of that Nature, but
entirely Dispose, and Resign himself to the Mercy of Almighty God, of
whom he hop'd to find forgiveness of his manifold Offences.

He said, that _Edgworth Bess_ and himself kept a little Brandy-shop
together in _Lewkenhors-Lane_, and once sav'd about Thirty Pounds; but
having such an universal Acquaintance amongst Theives, he had frequent
calls to go _Abroad_, and soon quitted that Business, and his Shop.

On _Friday_ the 2d, of _October_ his old Confederate _Joseph Blake_
alias _Blewskin_, was apprehended and taken at a House in St. _Giles's_
Parish by _Jonathan Wild_, and by Justice _Blackerby_ committed to
_Newgate_. _William Field_ who was at his liberty, appearing and making
Oath, that _Blewskin_ together with _John Sheppard_ and himself,
committed the Burglary and Felony in Mr. _Kneebone's_ House, for which
_Sheppard_ was Condemn'd.

The Sessions commencing at the _Old-Bailey_ on _Wednesday_ the 14th of
_October_ following, an Indictment was found against _Blewskin_ for the
same, and he was brought down from _Newgate_ to the _Old-Bailey_ to be
Arraign'd in order to his Tryal; and being in the Yard within the Gate
before the Court: Mr. _Wild_ being there Drinking a glass of Wine with
him, he said to Mr. _Wild_, _You may put in a word for me, as well as
for another Person?_ To which Mr. _Wild_ reply'd, I cannot do it. _You
are certainly a dead Man, and will be tuck'd up very speedily,_ or words
to that effe