JOHN EYRE, ESQ.
Transported, in 1771, for stealing Paper out of the Guildhall of the City of London
JOHN EYRE was convicted at the Old Bailey for steal ing paper out of the Guildhall.
On the 1st of September, 1771, this unfortunate gentleman, who was possessed of considerable property, surrendered himself to take his trial for that offence, to which he pleaded guilty, and was immediately put into the bail- dock with other prisoners.
The recorder observed to his solicitor that he was unacquainted with his motive for using such a plea; but if anything was designed to be urged to the Court to soften his offence, he desired it might then be done, while there was a full court. The solicitor replied that his client meant nothing more than to throw himself upon the mercy of the Court.
He was instantly convicted, and sentenced to transportation.
On the 23rd of the same month one hundred and twenty prisoners, who had received a similar sentence, were conveyed on board a vessel bound for Virginia. Among them was Mr Eyre, who was indulged with a coach.