Page:History of James Allan.pdf/23

 Stopping at a spring to drink. Allan was preparing the rim of his hat for that purpose, when Nell thrust a massive silver tankard into his hand, saying, “Fill it half full of water, and I’ll add as much brandy to hansel our new jug.” Apprehensive of pursuit, Allan pushed on to Rothbury, where he shortly after borrowed a mare of Mr J. Brown, and being apprehended, was tried at the Moot-hall, found guilty, and condemned to be marked in the hand, which by the influence of the Duke of Northumberland, was performed at the bar by a cold iron.

After this Allan resided in North Shields, for several years, playing at assemblies, and at night as a wait—during which time he extensively carried on the practice of horse-stealing: whenever he was in want, he paid a visit to the south of Scotland, and borrowed one. An opportunity offering of borrowing one nearer home, he could not resist the temptation. One evening after playing at the sign of the Dun Cow, Quayside, Newcastle, he stole a bay horse from Mr Robinson, of Gateshead. Two days after he was apprehended at Jedburgh, and committed to Durham gaol. At the following assizes, held August, 1803, he was found guilty, and received sentence of death, but it was commuted to transportation for life, which was mitigated for perpetual imprisonment. He was confined about seven years, and then removed to the house of correction, where he died on the 13th Nov. 1810, aged 77. At the influence of some gentleman a pardon was obtained, but it did not arrive till after his death. This document, which is curious as being one of the first official papers signed by Geo. IV. is possessed by Mr John Bell, Gateshead.