William Elphinstone, aged 22, described as a sailor, was placed at the bar, charged with feloniously uttering a forged order for monies to Moses Myers. Mr. Phillips defended the prisoner, who, it appeared from the evidence, had presented an order for 10 l., which appeared to be an order for an advance of wages to the prisoner, under an engagement of his making a voyage in the capacity of chief mate to India in the ship Madras, and which appeared to be signed by the master, Robert Slack. The prosecutor’s wife advanced a sovereign on it, and promised to give the prisoner more on the ensuing day. He, accordingly called to receive the money, when the prosecutor’s wife, having discovered by inquiry that the order had been forged, gave him into custody.
Mr. Phillips, for the defence, asserted that the prisoner was very highly connected, but he had been deserted by his friends in consequence of wildness; and the present charge arose in consequence of a wager which had been made between the prisoner and another young man, who had since sailed to India, the terms of which were, that the prisoner would not procure two pounds from Mr. Myers on a Sunday. The prisoner presented the order for the purpose merely of winning his wager. The order bad been actually written and prepared by the other young man, who has since sailed. The learned counsel proceeded to urge that whatever may have been chargeable to the prisoner for inconsiderate wildness, there was no criminality in his intentions.—The Recorder summed up the evidence, and the jury returned a verdict of Guilty.—The Recorder then addressed the prisoner, and sentenced him to seven years’ transportation.
The Illustrated London News, London, England, Week Ending May 14, 1842