up the ward in
which Jack Sheppard was confined.

The night his execution was therefore passed in a most anxious state of
mind; nor was his uneasiness allayed by the appearance of Jonathan Wild,
who, after he had been driven from the roof of the jail, repaired to the
Middle Stone Ward in a fit of ungovernable passion, to vent his rage
upon the prisoner, whom he looked upon as the cause of the present
calamity. Such was his fury, that if he had not been restrained by the
presence of the two turnkeys, he might perhaps have anticipated the
course of justice, by laying violent hands upon his victim.

After venting his wrath in the wildest manner, and uttering the most
dreadful execrations, Jonathan retired to another part of the prison,
where he passed the night in consultation with the governor, as to the
best means of conveying the prisoner securely to Tyburn. Mr. Pitt
endeavoured to dissuade him from attending in person, representing the
great risk he would incur from the mob, which was certain to be
assembled. But Jonathan was not to be deterred.

"I have sworn to see him hanged," he said, "and nothing shall keep me
away--nothing, by----."

By Wild's advice, the usual constabulary force was greatly augmented.
Messengers were despatched to all the constables and head-boroughs to be
in attendance,--to the sheriffs to have an extraordinary number of their
officers in attendance,--and to the Savoy, to obtain the escort of a
troop of grenadier-guards. In short, more preparations were made than if
a state criminal was about to be executed.

The morning of Monday the 16th of November 1724 at length dawned. It was
a dull, foggy day, and the atmosphere was so thick and heavy, that, at
eight o'clock, the curious who arrived near the prison could scarcely
discern the tower of St. Sepulchre's church.

By and by the tramp of horses' feet was heard slowly ascending Snow
Hill, and presently a troop of grenadier guards rode into the area
facing Newgate. These were presently joined by a regiment of foot. A
large body of the constables of Westminster next made their appearance,
the chief of whom entered the Lodge, where they were speedily joined by
the civic authorities. At nine o'clock, the sheriffs arrived, followed
by their officers and javelin-men.

Meantime, the Stone Hall was crowded by all the inmates of the jail,
debtors, felons, turnkeys, and officers who could obtain permission to
witness the ceremony of the prisoner's