Page:Life and adventures of that notorious robber and murderer, Richard Turpin.pdf/23

Rh Being brought to trial, this notorious malefactor was convicted on two indictments, upon which he received sentence of death. After conviction he wrote to his father, imploring him to intercede with a gentleman and lady of rank to make interest that his sentence might be remitted, and that he might be transported. The father did what was in his power; but the notoriety of his character was such, that no persons would exert themselves in his favour.

This man lived in the gayest and most thoughtless manner after conviction, reckless of all considerations of futurity, and affecting to make a jest of the dreadful fate that awaited him. Not many days before his execution, he purchased a new fustian frock and a pair of pumps, in order to wear them at the time of his death; and, on the day before, he hired five poor men, at 10s. each, to follow the cart as mourners: he likewise gave hatbands and gloves to several other persons; and left a ring, and some other articles, to a married woman in Lincolnshire, with whom he had been acquainted.

On the morning of the 10th of April, 1739, this hero of highwaymen— for he was held to be the hero of any gang with which he connected himself— was put into a cart, and, followed by the mourners he had, engaged, drawn to the place of execution; in his way to which he bowed to the spectators with an air of the most astonishing indifference and intrepidity. When he came to the fatal tree, on ascending the ladder, his right leg trembled, and he stamped it down with