Another said, I was so prejudiced against him by reports, that I would have shot him, as soon as I would a dog. And I waited at the prison door, expecting to see a monstrous creature, when I saw a man with grace shining in his face. And I hope what I then saw and heard will be a blessing to me as long as I live.
Some ACCOUNT Of the LIFE and DEATH of MATTHEW LEE.
MATTHEW LEE was born at _Croft_ in _Lincolnshire_, was educated in that neighbourhood; and at eleven years of age, put apprentice to a shoe-maker in _Brator_ near _Spillsbury_, and served his time to the approbation of his master: was of a sober, quiet disposition, and esteemed for his good-nature and integrity. Shortly after the expiration of his apprenticeship, by the invitation of his brother, he came to _London_; but being used to coarse country work, unskilled in the method of working in _London_, and but a slow hand withal, he was incapable, by his business, of gaining even the necessaries of life. This involved him in great difficulties and distresses, his relations not being in circumstances to grant him any assistance. On his application to them for advice, he was advised to get a waiter’s or drawer’s place at an inn.
After some time he was hired to the _Swan_ at _Fulham_, where he lived contentedly and agreeably, gained the good-will of those whom he conversed with, and kept his character unblemished. He afterwards lived at a public-house in _Carnaby-market_: from thence he went to the _Three Tuns_ in _New-street_, _Fetter-lane_, where he continued to live, till a person who came frequently to drink at his master’s house, and with whom _Matthew_ had contracted an intimacy, one day told him that it lay in his power to be of great benefit to him, and if he would hearken to his advice, he might live more advantageously than he could do in a public house: _Matthew_ enquired into the particulars of the affair: _Walton_ (for so was his companion’s name) informed him, that his aunt had left him a large legacy, and he was now going to receive the same, and if he would quit his present service, and attend on him, he would give him great wages, and he should live as himself. He the more readily agreed thereto, from a desire to be freed from the threatenings of a woman with whom he had sinful commerce. He had borrowed money of her, which he was at present incapable of paying her, for which she frequently threatened him with a gaol. This made him the more willing to leave his place, to be freed from her importunity. Accordingly he packed up his cloaths, with what money he had, and went from his place with his new pretended master.
But he soon found his mistake: they wandered up and down, till their money being expended, _Walton_ shewed _Lee_ a pistol, and said, “This must stand our friend, and supply us with all we want.” When he objected to the proposal, the other with dreadful curses threatened to blow his brains out, if he did not comply. While they were arguing upon the point, they had an opportunity of putting their design in execution: for in the midst of their discourse, Mr. _Chalmer_ came in sight. _Walton_ gave _Lee_ the pistol to attack him, but his heart failed; he sat down on the side of the field, and Mr. _Chalmer_ passed by uninterrupted.
For this, _Walton_ reproached him bitterly; upon which they both followed him, _Lee_ with his pistol, and _Walton_ with a large stick, and robbed the gentleman of his watch and fourteen shillings. Had _Walton_ been contented with what the gentleman had given him, in all probability they might have escaped; but _Walton_ perceiving a bulk in his pocket (which was thirteen guineas) demanded it, which Mr. _Chalmer_ refused, and recovering his spirits, told them, “Except they would give him his watch, he would follow them.” _Walton_ observing this, took the pistol from _Lee_, and made his escape over the fields; but _Lee_ having the watch, was closely pursued, and taken with the watch upon him.