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Bromley called four witnesses, and Vaux two witnesses, who gave them a good character.
Bromley's defence.—"I picked the handkerchief up in the crowd."
Vaux's defence.—"I am innocent."
Bromley, Guilty (aged 20,)
Vaux, Guilty (aged 18,)
Of stealing the handkerchief value eleven pence.
Thus ended this curious trial, to the general dissatisfaction of a crowded audience, who expressed their sentiments by loud and distinct murmurs. The jury returned the above verdict, in order to reduce the offence to a simple felony, by finding the value of the property under one shilling, stealing from the person to which amount is death. My father, together with Mr. Kirby, the keeper of Newgate, stood at my elbow during the whole trial, and both advised me to make the laconic defence I did. It was their firm belief, that I should be acquitted, and the result surprised them much. The witnesses to Bromley's character were tailors, with whom he had formerly worked; those in my favour, were very respectable tradesmen, adduced by my father. On leaving the bar, the latter, as well as Mr. Kirby, comforted me with the assurance, that the court would only impose a small
