SInce Example hath so great an influence upon the Lives and Actions of Men, as that we find they are more wrought upon thereby, than by the grave and sober Counsells, Instructions, and Precepts, even of the most Wise and Learned. And seeing that preceding Generations, have been careful to Com­municate to their Posterity, an Account of the Lives, not only of the Good and Vertuous, and of such as have done great and eminent things for their Country; but also of the most Flagitious and Criminal: As by the smooth and beau­tiful Draughts of the One, to allure to the love and practi­ce of Vertue: so by the ugly, dreadful and frightly Aspects of the Other, to deterr from the commitment, of Vice. I cannot but think, that I shall perform, both an accepta­ble, and serviceable Work to my Country, in exposing this subtil Gamester, and tracing him through all the Maen­ders, Intrigues and Mazes of his Life, to the shameful and deserved Period thereof at Tyburn. And by his Example, convince the secure and presuming Offender, that wick­ed Actions, though of never so fine and curious spinning, [Page 2]though contrived and executed with the greatest privacy, cunning and disguise imaginable, shall yet certainly have their proper and natural Effect, and sad Catastrophe: And that wronging the Innocent by Tricks ahd Cheats; and ta­king from them what they have by Power and Violence, are but Two Wayes, that lead to the same Wood. Not is it the least Benefit, that I conceive a Publication of this nature may do to the Publick, by informing the weak and simple of the Abuses and Cheats put upon others, and thereby (as it were) fore-arming them, to preserve them­selves from the like. But to my Work.

RICHARD FARR was born in Warwickshire, near Killingworth; his Father a Tanner, of honest fame and reputation: his Mother suspected, and somewhat tal'kd of in her Youth; but too too visibly a Partaker with her Son, now in her Age. Her Husband and she parting upon Dis­content (whereof she is conceived to have given the Cause) she came up to London, bringing with her this her Son Richard, then a Boy, of about Nine or Ten Years of Age: Where they lived together (most about Covent-Garden) in mean Condition; she, in the nature of a Chair-woman, working for her Living: and her Son plying up and down Streets, as a Link-Boy, toward his; and going to and fro on Errands for People, to whose Houses his Mother did re­sort. This loose and unfixed kind of Life, must needs have begotten in him an ill habit of Mind; which being impro­ved by the strength of his natural Parts, a sharp Wit, a quick Apprehension, and a solid and deep Judgement; but a­bove all, a most tenacious Memory (whereby whatsoever he either read, or heard discoursed in Company, he made his own) did exactly square and fit him for the carrying on [Page 3]of his mischievous Contrivances, with such continued impunity. Nor was he a little beholding to his manner of Speech (whether natural, or designed and artificial, I can­not affirm) which being slow and drawling, but smotth and oylie, did give him a more easie admittance into the acquaintance and familiarity of those he had Design upon: And it hath been observed, by Persons that have had much Converse and Controversie with him, that he had so full and compleat a Command over his Passions, as that nothing could provoke him in Company to Anger, or move him from his close and reserved Guard: Yet was he of a most implacable and revengeful Spirit (for he hath sometimes attempted a private Stabb, where he could not otherwise obtain his will) And 'tis notorious, by too many surviving Instances, in and about the City, that whosoever was so hardy, as (in prosecution of his own, or his Friends right) to enter Contest with him, he seldom left him, till either quite ruin'd, or so weakned, as that he had better have sate down contented with his first Loss. Nay 'twill appear, by many Particulars in this Relation, that where he could come to place his Engines, so as to have full hold, he would do his work at first so thorough­ly, as to leave them in an absolute incapacity of helping themselves, or hurting him. And indeed it will seem no wonder, if to the consideration of his natural Parts, and what he must needs have acquired in so many years pra­ctice (wherein he ran through all the Courts and Prisons about London) we shall add those petty advantages of a Conscience that boggled at nothing, and Instruments that would both do and swear whatsoever he would have them.

By this imployment in errands & other petty businesses [Page 4]for Gentlemen, having gotten good cloaths on his back, and a little money in his pocket; he next gets him a wife, Elizabeth Forrest a Tailors daughter in Charles street, sometime servant to Mis Stanier, on whom he plaid this last notorious prank, for which he was hang'd.

His wife being a plain woman (not squared for his in­tended designes) he soon grew weary of her. Left her. She for her livelihood turnned Landresse to Gentlemen, and among the rest to Mr. Skipwith; by which when Farr perceived she had gotten a little money, he would then live with her again, and by what she had scraped toge­ther, and some further assistance of her Masters, he took a little shop ('twas indeed a cellar) in Harts street, where he sold chandlary ware and band strings, and made periwigs for Gentlemen, and here he committed his first fact that was taken notice off and by it stockt himself to a capacity of doing many more.

One Sarah that used to go up and down to sell or dispo­se of Rings, Iewells and the like, came (as she used to do) to Farrs house with her Basket, (which she commonly carried a bout wich her) and in it a box of Rings belon­ging to one Mis Baker of about forty or fifty pound value. Farr made a shist to nimme away the box and Rings. She mist them not till she came where she intended to dispose of them, then she went back, taxed Farr; he denied and forswore them. But at length it was discovered by one of the rings that was found at a Goldsmiths, who confessed that he bought it of Farr; who was thereupon apprehend­ded, and committed to the Gatehouse, where he lay about 6 weeks (a very good school for so apt a schollar.) from thence he was removed to Newgate in Order to his tryall; [Page 5]the Goldsmith was ready to have sworn against him, but Sarah, who should have prosecuted him had a freak came into her head, ran out of the Court, saying she would not be guilty of taking away any mans life. So he was acquit­ted; of which he made so good use, by his fair tongue, that many beleived him innocent. And Mr. Skipwith ha­ving at Farrs motion bought of one Halfepenny 2 or 3 Tenements in Phenix Alley by Long Acre, put him in­to possession, and sealed him a lease of them (the credit of which he so exceedingly improv'd to his further Rogue­ries) and took lodgings with him, and removed his goods thither, some loose, most in trunks. Mr. Skipwith being diverted by busines, and often (being for aweek or fort­night together) at his brothers in Hartfordshire, Farr had his opportunity to do as he pleased; he took away out of his chamber first such things as were loose which Mr. Skipwith took little notice, as thinking they were layd somewhere else. Afterwards he got a false key to his desk, where all the keyes of his trunks were, which he ransakt of the best and choicest goods. And when Mr. Skipwith mist them and askt Farr about them, He told him, that Mr. Stanton the upholster had (amongst the things that he layd claim to as Mis. Rayes) taken away out of his trunks, wherein were the things he mist, & advised him to sue him, offering himself a witnes both to the fact, and also to the value of the trunk. Mr. Skipwith hereupon went to the Upholster, demanded his trunk, and had it sent home. When he opened it: Farr (having called some neighbours for witnesses) was present; The trunk was empty, exce­pting some few things of no value. Farr thereupon prayed them to take notice that the Lock of the trunk had been taken of, for the nayles were not clincht, on the inside & [Page 6]indeed himself at the robbing of the trūk had so drawn off the lock, and when the upholster came to seize Mis. Rayes goods, purposely clapt it in amongst them for adisguise & cloak of what he had done; prest M. Skipwith again to sue him. But he began now more to suspect Farr then the upholster, which Farr perceiving, and knowing that the consequence of it must be the discovery of him, he cryed whore first, and by way of prevention clapt an Action of 120 pound debt upon him, and while he was in the cu­stody of the Baylies removed all his other goods. Here­upon Mr. Skipwith took out a warrant against him, took also with him two Constables and two Beadles to exe­cute it. They found most of the goods in rhe house; a watch, a silver bottle, a pair of silkstockings, and some jewells about him. They had him before Iustice Peaps, who committed him to Newgate. The first sessions he got his tryall put off; but was to remaine in prison without bayle; yet within tendayes he prevailed with his keeper to go out with him: he served a warrant upon Mr. Skipwith, and swore felony against him before the said Iustice: The next sessions Farr came to tryall: Mr. Skipwith, the two Con­stables & two Beadles swore the goods were found about him: But he so ordered his busines by crosse oaths that he was acquitted; having his liberty he continually vexed him with fresh suits and informations for the space of 3 or 4 years, insomuch that the Gentleman to be rid of such a rascall betook himself for some time to travell.

I made mention a little before of Mis. Ray a midwife; I shall now give a Relation of that affaire. Mis. Ray by will made Mr. Stanton her Executor and Farr overseer of her will. The Executor finding Farr to be knowing and [Page 7]thinking him to be honest, intrusted him to manage the whole busines.

He seizd upon all the goods and remov'd them to his own house, and intentionally wholly to his own use; And Mr. Stanton the Eexecutor was forced to get them from him by Replevy, and in removing of them Farr designedly clapt Mr. Skiwiths trunk, which he had robd, amongst them, and some few things of his own. Where­upon to ground his vexatious Actions at law, and not prevailing with Mr. Skipwith to meddle, he went, & in his name laid claim to severall goods as his, which did indeed belong to Mis. Ray, and had them delivered unto him, and did from himself and otheers create so much trouble to the Gentleman, that he had better to have given 200 pound then have been made Executor.

Now being weary of his wife and able to live without her, and having found out one (Mis. Chadwick) fitter for his purpose and of a more suitable temper, found out this way to be rid of her. He prevailed with her (part­ly by Threatnings & partly by suggestion of great be­nefit to themselvs by it) to swear her self with child by a Gentleman he had some controversy with; she went with him to a Iustice to swear it, but when the Iustice under­stood what it was she was about to swear, he told her of the Danger she brought her self into; (for it was when Olivers Act against adultery was in force) where­upon she recoyled and would not do it: But her hus­band took advantage of what she had confessed, though tis thought she was no way guilty, and turnd her out of Doores to shift for her self: refusing also to keep the Childe.

Mr SK. Sold his Houses to the Mr of the Goat-Tavern in [Page 8] Smithfield; whom Farr foon finding to be a Person, some­what better able to deal with him, faceth about, and pla­ceth his Artillery against a more easie Fort; one Mr. Dur­win, a Glazier, in the Cole-Yard, near Drury-Lane, his an­tient and real Friend, and good Benefactor. He forgeth a Lease to himself, from Mr. Skip. at an easie Rent; offers and sells this Lease to his said Friend Durwin; a good pen­nyworth (if he could have made his bargain good) de­livereth Possession, and Mr. Durwin cometh, and liveth in it. Not long after, the head-Landlord comes to demand the Rent of the Tenant in Possession, together with all the Arrears due from Farr; he telleth Farr of it, but nothing o [...] redress from him. The Tenant not paying it, his Goods were seized on by the Landlord, his Fine paid to Farr utter­ly lost, and himself ejected the House. Upon this hard measure, he sues Farr upon the Covenants of his Lease; but (Impar Congressus) Farr was too hard for him; and being provoked, turn'd upon him, and never left, till (after his Estate was almost consumed in Law) he got him a Priso­ner into Newgate, where for grief he dyed.

Nor was he much kinder to his Relations after hi [...] death; for he endeavoured, by a forg'd Deed, to have Cheated the Widow of some Tenements, in the said Cole-Yard; and did really Cheat his Daughter (by a Trick) of 1 [...] Pound, in ready Money, besides houshold Goods, and wearing Apparel.

And it is worth the remembring, the whilst M [...] Durwin lived in the House, Farr forged a Deed of Sal [...] to himself, of the Fee simple, from Mr. Skip. and brought a Gentleman, a Draper in Fleet-Street, to see it, with intent of buying it (and no doubt but Farr would have sold him a Pennyworth, rather than no [...] [Page 9]taken his Money) But the Gentleman enquiring of Mrs. Durwin, what Rent she paid, and many other Particulars, raised in her a jealousie of Farr's intentions, so that she ask'd the Gentleman, if it were so; who saying Yes, the Woman presently cryed out, O Lord! Sir, the House is none of his, &c. Whereby she disap­pointed Farr of his Project: And this was it, that did principally provoke him, to deal so mischievously with her Husband, her self, and Daughter.

These late Troubles of his, as they did really add to his Experience; and his success in them (faming him to be A Cunning Fellow in the Law) much further him in the Employment, which he afterwards took up, and practised, to the ruine of so many Families, I mean that of a Solliciter: So did the great expensiveness of them, bring him to a low ebb in his Pocket, whereby he was forced to content himself, for the present, with an Employment of a lower Orb. For now did he enter himself a Souldier in Barkstead's Regiment; though at the same time (as Captain) he commanded a Company of Privateers ( Anglice Night-Thieves) having made a Convenience, to goe in and out of his own House, at any time, without either noise or notice: And he was the only Man, that disposed of what was gotten, either by sale or pawn, for which he had brokeage, and the lickings of his fingers to boot; and this trade of recei­ving and disposing stollen Goods, 'tis thought he used to his last. He also sold Bottle-Ale, and if he lik'd his Chapman, would help him to a Cure for his Concupi­scence; and by these means, and freedom from Law-Suits, he got Money into his Pocket, and put himself into an handsome Garb. And now if any Wrangling, [Page 10]Controversie, Law-Suit, or Business of Difficulty, arose among the Neighbourhood, who but Mr. Farr for a Solliciter? If (as the livelyhood of that end of the Town depends much upon Lodgings) any Person, having taken a large House, wanted Hangings, and other Furniture, who but Mr. Farr for a Broker? If a­ny wanted a summ of Money, upon good security, who but Mr. Farr for a Procurer? Now did he appear in his Plush-Coat, and sometimes with his Pantaloons and Muff: Now had he his variety of Shapes and Ap­parel, sutable to the Designes he intended: Now did his Friends (and Strangers, that knew him not) Court; and his Enemies, that knew him, stand in awe, and fear him.

And if it be true (which is, by the frequent Obser­vation of many, grown into a Proverbial Maxim) That there is no Man, but hath in his Life-time, some (at least one) Opportunity to promote himself: So this certainly was that very point of time, wherein this Person might have laid the Foundation to himself, of a better Life, and more happy Death. But he had so much of the Fate of a Knave upon him, that he knew not how to be honest, though never so much to his own advantage; so that in the whole course of his Employment, he ne­ver was intrusted by any, whom he did not Cheat; never came to the acquaintance of a plain, and honest-meaning man, whom he did not circumvent; never had an Adversary, whom he would not venture Soul and Bo­dy to destroy; nor a Friend, whom he would not for Money sell and betray, as will clearly appear by the following List.

Farr's Wife having been Servant to Madam Staneir, as is before said, Farr thereby became acquainted with her, was welcome to her House and Table, did business for her; in which time she lost many things, which she either did not presently miss, or little suspected Farr to have been the Thief: Till at length, he stole from her a little Bitch, that she brought with her out of France, (for which she had a great love and fancy) and would not restore her; whereat the Gentlewoman was very angry, fore-warned him her House, and called in the Money she had lent him: He, in requital, forged Bills of her hand, for Money due to him; arrested her no less than four several times, by Bill of Mid. in one day; and not satisfied with this, indited her for her Life, for Words spoken against the then Powers; but she was ac­quitted.

One Mrs. Andrewes, who lived then in St. Martins-Lane, having spoken to him, to help her to 100 Pound, he promised to do it, but would not except any less Se­curity, than a Judgement of all she had; which she yielded to: He brought with him a Warrant of Attor­ney, and two of his Complices to witness it, and pre­vailed with her to seal it; telling her, That he would goe with her presently to the Gentleman, that would pay the Money: He carried her to a House, where he had designed before, that the Gentleman should not be within; so they parted, and appointed to goe again next day: But Farr came to her no more, till he came with an Execution, and seized all she had, to her utter ruine.

The like he did by one Mrs. Manly, to whom having promised the loan of 50 Pound (upon the same security [Page 12]that he had from Mrs. Andrewes) he came to her, and told her, That his Money did not come in as he expect­ed; but, that he might not disappiont her, he had there a Lease of a House, which cost him, and was worth 300 Pound, upon which she might easily borrow 50 Pound (but engaged her not to mortgage it for more) The poor Gentlewoman, little suspecting him (living then in such a Garb, and making such a bustle in the World) upon receipt of his Lease, sealed his Warrant for Judgement: But when the went to bor­row the 50 Pound, and enquiry was thereupon made into the Lease, she found the House as he said, and the Lease to be real, but the House taken at the highest rack Rent, and so the Lease not worth a farthing: She there­upon upon went to seek out Farr, who would not be spoken with, till he came, and took away all in Execution, which broke the poor Womans heart.

In the same nature did he serve the Lady Anderson, and Dr. Charlton's Lady, when her Husband, in the late Troubles, was beyond Sea; and many others; which having effected by the same means, and in the same manner, I shall forbear the Particulars, lest it should seem repetition; and, for variety sake, give you one of his Tricks, somewhat more Comical.

Wanting a summ of Money, he set his Wits to work, and fram'd his Plot thus: He habits himself like a Country Grazier, comes into a great Inn in Smithfield, asks for the Master of it, and calls for a Flaggon of Beer, to drink with him. When the Inn-keeper came, he ask'd him, Whether such a Man (naming a great Lincoln-shire Grazier, that used to Inn there) were yet come to Town: The Man replyed, No: At which Farr [Page 13]seemed to wonder; for he said, he parted with him up­on the Road, but two Nights before; and that both their Cattel were coming up together; and that he came before, only because he was to have a great Tryal, as on the Morrow. By and by in comes Chad. ( Farr's Friend, and one of his Swearers, till convicted for Per­jury) habited like a Drover. Quoth Farr, How now Dick? What's the best Newes? Are my Cattel come? He, bare-header, and with a long scrape, answered, No Sir; The great py'd Oxe is fallen lame, so that we were forc'd to stay at such a Place (naming a Town on the Road) Why then (sayes Farr) my Cattel will not be here to Night: No, saith Chad. 'Tis well if they get them here soon enough for to Morrow Market: At that Farr stamp'd, and swore he knew not what he should do, for he wanted Money to prepare for his Morrows Tryal (which he pretended to be of great Consequence, and that therefore he must retain the greatest Council he could get) Farr then ask­ed, Whether his Friend (naming the Grasier) was come: Chad. replyed, No; He stayes to come along with the Cattel, for he hath some of his fallen lame too: At which Farr seemed exceedingly discontented, as not knowing what to do. Whereupon the Inn-keeper believing, from their discourse, and the behaviour of Chad. to his suppo­sed Master, that he was really a great Grazier, and could not have less than 5 or 600 Pounds worth of Cattel coming up; asked him, What Money would serve his turn: He said, 20 Pound: The Inn-keeper prayed him not to trouble himself then, for he would supply him so farr as 20 or 30 Pound went: Which Farr, with great acknowledgement of the Civility, ac­cepted; and promised to repay it on the Morrow: The [Page 14]Inn-keeper fetch'd him 20 Pound, and Farr received it, and went away, as being in haft upon his business; say­ing to Chad. Come Dick, goe you along with me, for I shall have occasion to send you on an Errand or two: So away they went; but the Inn-keeper heard no more of his Grazier.

Being at Mr. Durwins (formerly mentioned) in Ploenix-Alley, there came in one Mr. Hollinsby, a Blackwel-Hall Factor; who, in discourse, was telling him, That a Customer of his, a West-Country Wea­ver, had a Parcel of Sayes to sell, and that he would sell them a Pennyworth, and would take half his Money down, and half at six Months end. Farr told him, He would help him to a Customer, and desired, they might be sent into his House, and laid in the Belcony Room, one pair of Stairs, and he did not question, to give an account of them, by next Morning. The Goods were accordingly sent in, and laid where he order'd, himself being then not at home. Farr conveys away the Goods, into a Vault, or Common-Shore, that he could goe into, out of his Cellar; breaks a Pane of Glass out of the Belcony Door, and sets the Door open (as if some Thief had, by breaking the Glass, put in his hand, and opened the Door, and stole the Sayes away) When Mr. Hollinsby, and his Country Chapman, came next Morning, Farr pretended himself Robb'd, and so Cheated the poor Man of his Goods, nor could he ever get a farthing satisfaction.

About this time also, a young Gentlewoman, upon some discontent and difference, by his advice, with­drew her self (with what of her most rich Goods she could take with her) from her Friends, to Lodgings, [Page 15]which he provided for her, in Blackmores-Alley; where, when she had continued for sometime, he perswaded her to remove to other Lodgings, which he had taken for her, more private and convenient, whereunto she consented; and he, under colour of removing her Goods to the said new Lodgings, conveyed them all a­way, leaving her nothing but her Smock, and an under-Petticoat, and never came near her afterwards.

He coming in the Garb of a Gentleman, to Mr. New­man, a great Builder in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, took of him one of his Houses there, and lived in it paying him the first Quarters Rent punctually, but afterwards would not pay any: When he was run three Quarters behind, his Landlord thought it time to look after him; and having heard something of his former manners, did not care how soon he was rid of such a Tenant; he therefore sues him for his Arrears of Rent, and also seals a Lease of Ejectment against him. but Farr alters the Month of Mr. Newman's Acquittance, which he gave him for his first Quarters Rent; and at the Tryal, had his Witnesses to swear, the alteration of the word, by Mr. Newman himself, when the Money was paid; and so Mr. Newman lost his three Quarters Rent, his Charges, and was overthrown in his Ejectment, as having sued before his time. Farr, knowing there was no staying in the House for him, takes away the Lead out of the Belcony, and the Leaden Pipes, and sells them; finds a Tenant, of whom he takes a Fine, and lets it at a small Rent, and so leaves him in the House, to lose his Fine, and answer for the waste he himself had done.

He, with one of his Complices, coming into a Coffee-house, sate down at a Table, where was other Company; Farr drew out his Watch, pretending to see what a Clock it was: A Gentleman sitting by, ask­ed him, What it was a Clock; he thereupon gave him his Watch to look: When he had seen, Farr's Friend took the Watch from him, as if he also would see, what time of the Day it was, and with it went away: Farr taking no notice thereof; and the Gentleman que­stioning nothing, for that he presum'd him to be Farr's Friend and Acquaintance (as indeed he was) The Man being gone, Farr ask'd the Gentleman for his Watch: He replyed, That his Friend had it: Farr said, He was no Friend of his, nor did he know him; and told him, He must look for his Watch from him; took witness of the By-standers, That he had delivered the Watch into his hands; sued him for the Watch, and recovered the value of it: And this very Watch, was afterwards found at a Place, Pawn'd by Farr him­self.

A Woman living near St. Giles's Church in Holborn, was, by a forg'd Deed of his, ejected her House, and her Goods seiz'd on, whereupon the poor Woman hanged her self.

He having had some dealing with one Mr. Taylor, and received some Money for him, and paid it again, by his Order; desired then to have a general Release from him, which the Man was willing to do: But Farr, instead of a Release, presented him with a Warrant of Attorney, for a Judgement for 40 Pound; which the unwary Man sate his hand to, and a while after was taken in Execu­tion, and forced to pay the Money.

He played his Pranks very severely upon one Mr. Alexander, then the King's Shooemaker; with whom he having some small Concern, went and made Com­plaint to the Green-Cloath, and desired liberty to sue him: He had granted him an Order to summon in Mr. Alexander, which he never did; but he, and Chad. whom he brought with him, making Oath, that he had summons, and that he did contemptuously disobey the same, he had liberty granted him, to sue him; which he did; and, by the help of good Witnesses, who swore treble the Debt, had Judgement; which Mr. Alexander satisfied, but neglected to see Satisfa­ction acknowledged upon Record: So that Farr, some time after, serv'd the Execution upon his Goods, when he was out of Town, and his Wife was forc'd to pay it a second time. He serv'd it also a third time on his Person; but he then chose rather to goe to the Gate­house, than pay the Money into hands, whence there was no hope of Redemption; and there continued a Prisoner till Term, and then was discharged: But Farr durst not appear for his Ears.

A Friend of Farr's, being sued by one Mr. John Wot­ton, a Country Man, upon a Bond of 100 Pound, em­ployed Farr as a Solliciter. When Farr heard, that Mr. Wotton was come to Town, in order to his Tryal; he, and his trusty Friend Chad. went to him, to his Inn, pretending to make an end of the Business, but intending only to have a certain knowledge of his Per­son; and when the Business came to Tryal, Farr and Chad. swore the Bond satisfied; and so Mr. Wotton lost both his Money, and his Charges.

Another Roguery he acted (beyond humanity) a­gainst one Mr. Green, an antient Man, living in Covent-Garden, and a single Man, and well to pass: For when he was just upon the point of Dying, and not sensible, Farr came with an Execution (which all men believe to be forg'd) and took away all his Goods, but the very Bed he lay upon; and for this was never so much as question'd.

One Project he made a very frequent and beneficial use of, which was this: When any Man, whom he knew, dyed in such a Condition, as that the Widow, Heir at Law, would not administer or meddle, but leave what there was, to be divided amongst the Cre­ditors; he would be sure, by a forg'd Bond, to make himself a Principal Creditor; and as such, take out Letters of Administration, and get into his hands what he could, and never part with a farthing to any of the other Creditors.

And another way he had, of somewhat a more ab­struse and mysterious reach, viz. He would combine with a poor Fellow to be Arrested, for some small in­considerable matter; and upon pretence of not being a­ble to get Bayl, turn himself over to Ludgate; where, upon pitty to the Condition of the Man, and the small­ness of that against him, they would take any slender Security, for his true Imprisonment, and let him goe abroad: Then would Farr, having a Bond of the Per­son for that purpose, enter privately an Action against the Prisoner, to a considerable value; and then the Prisoner would run away, and his Security not be found; and so Farr would bring his Action against the Keeper, and his Swearers to attest the Bond, and recover the Money.

There is one Mrs. Lewis, now a Prisoner to Ludgate, a sad Instance of his mischievous malice: For having pawned to her divers Goods, to the value of 15 Pound, he afterwards caused one of his Agents, to bring an Action of Trover against her, for the said Goods, as his, and so fetch'd them out of her hands; for which she be­ginning to vex him by a Sute, he forged a Bond, of a considerable summ, and arrested her; never leaving, till he brought her to the Place and Condition wherein she now is.

The like Cheat (and Revenge after it) did he put upon one Mr. P. a Goldsmith, with whom he did often deal (as Broker) both for buying and selling. Pas­sing by his Shop, he observed a rich Locket of Dia­monds, of good value: He told Mrs. P. who for the most part kept the Shop, and was then in it, That he knew a Lady would buy the Locket, and at a Price had it delivered to him, to shew the Lady: He got it pattern'd exactly, by a Locket of Bristol Stones; and took his opportunity to come, when only the Appren­tice, a young Lad, was there, and delivered it to him, in presence of a Gentleman, whom he brought with him, to witness it, bidding him to carry it in to his Mistress; who receiving it, took not so much no­tice of it at first, as to perceive the Cheat, but soon after did; but to little purpose, for Farr was gone: And being afterwards taxed, he denied the thing stoutly; So the Goldsmith sued him, but to no effect; for observe what a Freak Farr finds out, to supersede him in his Prosecution.

Mr. P. one of the King's Trumpeters, having lost his Trumpet, which he much valued for its goodness, [Page 20]spent much money and time in looking after it, but could not retrive it. Farr hearing of it, repairs to him, and told him, He knew where his Trumpet had been: The Gentleman glad thereof, went presently with him: He directed him to this Mr. P. his House, where he made demand of his Trumpet: The Goldsmith denied his having any such thing: Whereupon the Trumpeter went to the Place, where he had left Farr, and his Friend, expecting the issue; and told Farr, what the Goldsmith said: Farr answered, That he saw it in his hands at such a time, and so did that his Friend; and that, if he would have the Goldsmith, by a War­rant, before a Justice, they would both swear it; and they were as good as their words. The Goldsmith, fearing the dangerous Consequence (not only to his Estate, but his Life also) of having to do with such Swearers; gave the Gentleman Satisfaction for his Trumpet, and let fall his Sure against Farr for his Locket.

He also put the Change upon a Jewellers Apprentice (his Friend) in Crutched-Fryers; taking away a very large Diamond, and leaving a Bristol Stone in the room of it.

When he was a Prisoner in the Kings-Bench in Southwark, he observed a pretty Garden-house to stand empty; he thought it pitty it should want a Tenant, and resolved on this Plot: He went to the Landlord, in a very gentile Garb; and told him, He had taken much notice of such a House, and had a great mind to build himself one exactly after that pattern; and desired, That he might have the liberty, to bring a Carpenter, go take a just measure of the scantling. The Gentleman [Page 21]could not deny so small a Civility; but told him, that he should do it when he pleased. He thereupon went to a Carpenter, and told him; That he was about to buy a House hard by; desiring him, to goe along with him, and give him his estimate of it. The Carpenter went readily with him; they call upon the Landlord, and so goe to the House together. The Carpenter took an exact account of the Butts and Bounds of the House in writing, as Farr had directed him: Which Farr having received from him, got a Lease drawn, at a very low Rent, upon consideration of a large Fine in the Lease, mentioned to have been paid: And you may be sure, he wanted not for Witnesses to attest it: Demanded shortly after Possession of the House: At which the Landlord seemed to be startled, as knowing of no such Contract, as Farr laid claim to: Whereupon Farr sued him; his own Instruments swore the Lease, and the en­sealing and delivery thereof; and the Carpenter swore the probable Circumstances of their Discourse, &c. So that Farr recover'd Dammages against the Landlord; who, by this time, understanding what Farr was, chose rather to compound the Business to his own loss, than run the hazard of losing his House, and further mischief.

He also Cheated one Mr. Pore, Cellar-Keeper at the Kings-Bench, of Five Pounds, which he borrowed of him; and for his Security, left with him a Tru [...]k of Writings, which he said was of 1000 Pound value, and a Watch. The Old Man satisfied with this Deposi­tum, bad him lock it up, for he should not desire to meddle with any thing there; only desired, He might have his Money again honestly; which Farr promised: [Page 22]But in locking up the Trunk, slip'd out the Watch, leaving only the Writings, which were of no concern or value. Pore could not get his Money; therefore re­solved, and brake open the Trunk before Witness (and 'tis well he did so, otherwise Farr would have had one fling at him) found no Watch, nor any thing more than waste Paper: And I conceive he had but a bad bargain, for Five Pound goes a great way in that Com­modity.

And a man would have thought, that Farr would not have thus disobliged One, that was like to be his so near Neighbour; but he spared none that he could reach.

For there was one Mr. Ivy, of a good Family, and bred a Clerk, and (though at present things were not over-plentiful with him) Heir to a good Estate in Re­version. This Person did Farr make use of, for most of his writing business (whether he were privy to the ill use made of them by Farr, I cannot say) and there was a great intimacy, and seeming friendship between them: Yet when he was dead, Farr, like an ungrate­ful Villain, forcibly entered his House, seized all the Goods, turn'd the Widow and Children out of Doors: And being afterwards, by Mrs. Ivyes Friends, Indicted, produced at his Tryal a forged Bill of Sale, and some of his Witnesses to swear it, and so was acquitted: But in revenge, arrested the Widow in feign'd Actions, to a great value, and run her into the Counter, where she continued for some time, till bayl'd out by Friends, who knew there was nothing real against her.

There is a common Report about the Town (but I must say, I cannot find it confirm'd to my satisfaction) [Page 23]That having understood, that a Gentleman of his Name, living in Essex, a Moneyed Man, and a frequent Purchaser, was now in London, upon a Purchase, and so might be probably thought, to want the supply of a little Money, for the present Deposition: He went, in his richest habit, with a Foot-Boy at his heels, to a Scri­veners Shop in Cornhill, and desired to speak with the Gentleman; who coming, he with a kind of careless and generous frankness, told him, That he understood he was a Person that could supply his present Occasions, which required 200 Pound, to make up a greater summ, he was to pay; but withall, That he should not give any other Security, than his own Bond. The Scrivener told him, That he did not use to lend such a summ, but upon better Security, than one single Mans Bond: Farr presently replyed, Sir, It may be so; but I conceive, if you had knowledge of me, you would not scruple my single Bond, for a greater matter: My Name is Farr, I live in such a Place; if you please to take the pains to enquire, I will pay the Charge (throwing him down a Piece of Gold) and for your Civility, in supplying my present Convenience, shall not be unworthy. The Scrivener, willing to be get­ting, very officiously promised, to give him his an­swer within three dayes; and the next day rid over to the Place, where he told him he lived; and first en­quired of the Inn-keeper, where he set up his Horse; who told him, That Esquire Farr was a very wealthy Man, and moneyed; that he own'd almost their whole Town, and was continually purchasing more; and that he heard, he was upon a great Purchase now, and that he was gone to London. The Scrivener hearing this Story, so agreeable with that Farr had told him, was pretty well [Page 24]satisfied; but yet made farther enquiry in the Town, and found them all agreeing, and so he came home. On the Day appointed, Farr came for the Money, and had it, only upon his own Bond. When the Money be­came due, the Scrivener went to Esquire Farr, to de­mand it; but to no other effect, than to find that he was Cheated; and that he was not the Man who had his Money. In some short time after, he heard of this Farr, and what a kind of Person he was; and after a long inquisition, found him a Prisoner in the Kings-Bench.

About the same time, he Cheated another Scrivener, on the back-side of the Exchange: To whom he came, and told him, He had occasion for 100 Pound; that his Name was R. Green, a Merchant, living in such a Place; and for his Security, nominated two other Merchants, viz. one Mr. Williams, and one Mr. Rich­ardson, Persons of good account; and told the Scrivener where they dwelt; and bid him, in his enquiry, be private and modest; telling him, That at present they were both out of Town (for he had chosen the time of their absence, as most conducing to his Design) that he should only satisfie himself, as to their Capacity; and that himself would take care to bring them, when come Town. The Scrivener enquired, and found the two Gentlemen to be beyond question. Farr, within three or four dayes, call'd upon him; and had for an­swer, That he might have the Money, upon the Secu­rity propounded: Whereupon Farr, about two dayes after, brought two Persons (of his own Gang) habit­ed like Citizens of good rank, who personated Mr. Wil­liams, and Mr. Richardson; and as such, they sealed and [Page 25]delivered the Bond, together with Farr, and had the Money. When the Money became due, the Scrivener hearing nothing of the Principal, went to the Security, who were surprized at the thing, knowing nothing of it; and the Scrivener soon found that he was Cheated, but could not find by whom; till long after, seeing him, as he look'd through the Pillory, against the Ex­change, Agnovit Faciem, he tax'd him with it, but Farr denied it; and 'twas hardly worth the Scriveners while, to endeavour to prove it, he being then a Prisoner.

In the same kind did he Cheat a Lady, lodging at Mr. Appletrees in Covent-Garden, of 50 Pound.

He also Cheated a Country Lace-man, at the Bull and Mouth by Aldersgate, of near 40 Pounds worth of Lace; which having chosen out, he desired the Man to goe with him, and he would pay him his Money: So he had him to an Ale-house, on the back-side of Black-Horse-Alley, by Fleet-Bridge, and call'd for a Pot of Drink; telling him, He would goe fetch him his Mo­ney presently: Took the Lace with him, but return'd no more. The Man found him some time after, when he was a Prisoner; and pleading Poverty, got of him Five Pound, for his Forty, and gave him a Discharge. And I think he fared better, than most that had to do with him.

He put a handsome Trick upon one in Barbican, thus:

Pretending to goe a Journey into the Country, he pack'd up, in a Trunk, most of his best Apparel, both Woollen and Linnen; and sent for a Porter, to carry the Trunk into Aldersgate-Street, to the Carriers: When [Page 26]the Porter came, he bid him take notice of what he put into the Trunk, for fear it should any way miscarry; which the Porter did: Then he sent away the Porter, to buy a Cord; and when he was gone, unpack'd the Trunk of the Cloaths, and fill'd it with Raggs, Brick­batts, and Pieces of Wood, and lock'd it up. The Por­ter returning, corded up the Trunk, and so away with it he went, and Farr with him. When they came to the Inn, the Carrier of the Place (whither he pretend­ed he would have sent it) was gone out of Town the day before, and would not come again till next Week. He therefore ordered the Porter, to take the Trunk, and goe with him; and so he carried it to one whom he knew in Barbican; and desired, That he might leave it there till next Week, that the Carrier came to Town, and then he would come for it; the Man let him leave it. The next Week, Farr, taking the same Porter, went for the Trunk; but pretended, That he had pre­sent use of something that was in it; and therefore, in presence of the Porter, opened the Trunk; which being so differently fraught, from what the Porter saw it fill'd with at first, he call'd to the Man of the House, told him, That his Tru [...]k was opened, and his Goods taken away, and that Rubbish left in the room; the Porter justified the same. The Man (as he had good cause) pleaded ignorance, but it little availed him; for Farr brought his Action against him; and by Mrs. Chadwicks, and another of his Swearers Oaths, together with the Porter's, recovered against the Man 20 Pound, besides Costs of Sure.

In the same manner almost, he served a Watch-maker, in Lombard-Street. He, in company of two [Page 27]more, whom he brought with him, upon Design, left with the Watch-maker, his Watch, to be mended; and within a short time after came for it. The Watch-maker had fixed it, and offered it to him: He told him, That was none of his Watch, described his to be one of a farr greater value. The Watch-maker being confi­dent, that was the Watch he left, would give him no other: Whereupon he sued the Watch-maker; and brought his two Agents, to swear the delivery of such a Watch, as Farr claim'd; and so recovered treble the value of the Watch.

He also shewed a kind of a slippery Trick to one Mr. Boucher: To whom he brought a Man, that sold him a Suit of Tapestry Hangings, for 15 Pound: A while af­ter he brought another Man to him, who laid claim to the Hangings, and said, They were stole from him; and that, if he would not deliver them, he would in­dite him. Farr also told him, That the Person of whom he had them, was a Stranger to him, nor did he know how to find him, or where to enquire after him. The Man therefore, for fear of a worse thing, return'd the Hangings, and lost his Money; but afterwards un­derstood, that the Hangings were really Farr's, who had thus Cheated him.

A Man would think, that all these successful Vil­lanies could not but have made him rich; but he was very profuse in his Expences, and in his Law-Sutes could not be sparing (for a good Cause may be starved, much more will a bad and weak One call for strong support) so that it doth appear, that he was but mean­ly moneyed: For being worsted in a Suit about his Co­vent-Garden Houses, he was shopp'd in the Fleet, upon [Page 28]an Execution but of Threescore Pound; which he could not, or would not pay, till he found out a Trick to do it by, in this manner.

It hath been formerly intimated, that he generally practised Brokeage between Buyer and Seller; and that very frequently for Goods stollen, and indirectly come by. Being therefore now a Prisoner in the Fleet, the Parties that had robb'd Mr. L. Mercer in Lombard-Street, came to him, and desired him, to dispose of such things for them; he undertook it, and dealt with an Old Gen­tleman (a Physician) then a Prisoner also in the Fleet, and a miserable penurious Man, to lend him 120 Pound upon the Goods, which he did; and the Goods, pack'd up in Hampers, were set up in his Chamber, and put under his Bed. Farr having finger'd the Money, went to the Warden of the Fleet, paid off his Execution, and so had his liberty of going abroad. He went to the Per­son robb'd, and told him, That he thought, he could do him some service towards the recovery of his Goods. Farr had a Bond seal'd to him, for Thirty Pound, pay­able upon the receiving of the Goods. The Mercer, with some Friends, went and procured the Lord Chief Justice his Warrant, and came, with Farr, to a Ta­vern, hard by the Fleet. Farr told them, He would not appear himself, but gave them punctual directions to the Chamber; whither they went, with a Con­stable (the Warden giving leave) and found the Goods, and seized them; So the poor Old Man lost his Money, and soon after his Life for grief: A strange Man, to carry his Life in his Purse.

A while after, the Merchants came to call their Fa­ctor to an account for their Money: He told them, He [Page 29]had no Money, were not the Goods seiz'd on? At which they grumbling, he bade them be gone, while they were well, or else he would pay them with a Halter.

This Money (with the 30 Pound of the Mercer, which was duly paid him) set him a clear board.

And now Mounsieur L. Mountebank appears upon the Stage afresh, where his first Patient is

A young Merchant, or whole-sale Dealer in Stuffs: To whose Ware-house he went, in a very Gentile ha­bit; told the Gentleman, That he was newly come from Cadiz, and that he had occasion for some of his Commodities; and that if he had to furnish him, he should bestow near 1000 Pound with h im before his departure: but for the present, look'd out, and or­der'd to be sent into his House, about 100 Pounds worth. The Merchant sent in the Goods, and his Ser­vant with them. When he came to Farr's House, he was conducted into the Dining-Room, which was very compleatly furnished, and hung with Tapestry. Farr comes to him, with his Foot-Boy behind him, whom he presently, upon fight of the Man, bade goe to his Mistress, for the Key of his Closet: The Boy (as in­structed) brought word, That his Mistress was gone over the Water, to give a visit to a Lady, whom he na­med: VVhereat Farr storm'd, and seemed much dis­contented; and after near an hours stay, very comple­mentally told the Young Man, He was very sorry, that he was forced thus to disapoint him, but he saw how it was; and therefore intreated him to come about Eight of the Clock next Morning. The Young Man was very well satisfied, and went his way: The next [Page 30]Morning he came at the hour appointed, but Farr would not be spoken with, and so came three or four Mornings, and lost his labour; Then the Master came, but 'twas all one, no Mr. Farr would appear; till, by frequent coming he made a shift at length to meet with him at home: He rail'd at him, call'd him Knave, and Cheat, and the like; and told him, He would make him an Example; and away he went for a VVarrant for him. Farr thereupon sent for two of his Friends, who, by his Order, went and fetch'd a VVarrant for the Merchant, with which they staid, till he came with his VVarrant and Constable, and then delivered it to the Constable, who must execute it; and instead of carrying Farr, carried the Gentleman before a Justice; where Farr's two Friends swore flat Fellony against him, as having taken away such and such Goods out of Mr. Farr's House, upon which he was committed to Newgate; whither sending for Friends, and advising with them, he was counselled (and took their Coun­sell) to endeavour to make an end; for that it would be dangerous, if the Fellows should come in, and swear the same at his Tryal, as they had before the Justice. So the Gentleman sent some Friends to Farr, who con­fidently persisted in the same Story, as his Friends had sworn, That the Gentleman had robb'd him, &c. And the Conclusion was, the Gentleman lost his Goods, and Farr caused his Friends to forbear Pro­secution.

He had insinuated himself into the acquaintance of Mrs. Ray, the Midwife, so farr, as that she intrusted him with all her Business, when living; and when she dyed, left her only Child to his care and tuition, with [Page 31]what she had to leave him: But Farr most villanously laid claim to all her Goods (which were very good, and the Furniture of her House rich) as his; and pro­duc'd a forg'd Deed of hers to that purpose, and left her Child to the Parish.

He did his endeavour to have Cheated one Mrs. Wil­son, an Apothecaries VVidow near the New-Exhange, whose Husband (when living) he had help'd to the buying of Hangings, and other Upholstery, for fur­nishing his House; which Mr. Wilson paid for, in a short time after the delivery; But after he was dead, Farr came to the VVidow, and told her, He had a Bond of her Husbands of Threescore Pound, and that there was Thirty Pound of it unpaid. The Woman knew that her Husband had discharged that Debt long agoe, and therefore refused to pay him: Whereupon he sued her, and put her to a great deal of Charges, and would without doubt have made her pay it (for he had forged a Bond) but that the Gentleman, who sollicited her Business, understanding what Farr was, had scrap'd together so many of his Rogueries, which he would have produced at the Tryal, and the Business of the Pil­lory, for Forgery, did then, in the very Nick, fall upon him, that he forbare farther prosecution for the present: And I conceive the Gentlewoman is now out of his reach.

One Mr. Labbey, a French-man (now his Majesty's Shooemaker) did formerly (as Fore-man, or chief Journey-man) manage the Trade for a Woman, whose Husband was gone into Turkey. The Woman wanting Money to carry on her Business, was supplyed by Farr with Nine Pound, upon her own, Mr. Labbey's, [Page 32]and Mr. Labbey's Friend's Bond, for payment of Ten Pound at three Months end. Before the expiration of which time, the Woman, and Mr. Labbey, went into Holland, and there stayed about a Year. When the Money was due, Farr (knowing he had now a fit sub­ject and time for his Knavery) went to the third Per­son, who was Security, and demanded the Money. The Man unwilling (as he said) to pay Ten Pound, for which he never so much as drank, desired him to continue the Money, till the Principal should return, which would be in a short time. Farr was presently at his Quid dabis? Two Angells appeared, and for that time removed him; but his Visits afterwards, in this kind, were so frequent (alwayes shaking the Rod over the poor man's back, in case he began to be hide­bound) that in the three Quarters of a Year, that he forbare him, he drew from him as much as the Principal Money came to; and at last arrested him, and put him to a great deal of Charge: And though the Man would have paid the Principal Money, yet Farr (finding him an easie and unskillful man) would not make an end, under the forfeiture of the Bond, which was Twenty Pound. Hereupon the Man writ a pittiful Letter to Mr. Labbey, who, upon receipt thereof, came over. So soon as Farr heard of it, he arrested him, kept him, till he made him pay what Fees the Officers would ask, and gave new Bond, with other Security, for payment of 15 Pound within three months. Three dayes before the money was due, Farr came to Mr. Labbey, and told him, That the money would be due on such a Day: Mr. Labbey told him, He hop'd to be ready for him at the time, having most of it by him. Farr (finding too much [Page 33]meat upon the bone to be laid aside so) desired to drink with him: Mr. Labbey went with him: Farr ask'd, If he had a Pair of Shooes that would fit him: Mr. Labbey fetch'd him a Pair, but they were much too bigg; yet Farr took them, saying, He lov'd to goe easie in his feet; and told Mr. Labbey, He would have them Shooes, and would give him three weeks or a month after the time, for payment of the money; which Mr. Labbey with thanks accepted (but if this had not been voluntarily offer'd, could and would have paid in the money on the day) But the very day after the money was due, Mr. Labbey, and his two Securityes, were arrested; then Farr came to them, and would have tamper'd, to have added the other Five Pound for Charges, and so have made it 20 Pound, and conti­nued it. But Mr. Labbey had too much of him already, and with what he had by him, and help of some Friends, made a shift to get rid of this Knave, by paying even what he pleased to demand: So that this Nine Pound, did in a Year and Quarters time, swell to at least 50 Pound. Farr having thus shorn him close, almost to the skin, lets him run, not out of any kindness, but only that he might seize him again, when his fleece was new grown: And that this was his intent is clear; for not long agoe meeting him, he asked him of his health, and enquired of the Woman his former Mistress; and being answered slightingly, he told him, He had not done with him yet, for he had a Bond of his for Forty Pound, which he had lent her, and that he must pay it: At which Mr. Labbey was much startled, fearing a Trick. And doubtless he had had it upon him, but that very suddenly thereupon, he was sworn his [Page 34]Majesty'd Shooemaker, and so Farr durst not arrest him. But Mr. Labbey could not think himself safe, till he saw him hang'd, and put up into his Coffin; so great a dread had his Villanies imoress'd upon him.

While he was a Prisoner in the Fleet, at the Sute of one Mr. Chambers, of whom we shall have further oc­casion to speak hereafter, he played a most treacherous part, to one of his acquaintance, and fellow-Prisoner, Mr. Wotton: Who having some Goods, lying in a Place, where he feared they were not very safe, told Farr of it, (who could goe abroad, but this Wotton could not) Farr thereupon told him, That he would (if he pleased) remove them to his House, and there he should have the use of a Room, to lay them in; which Wotton accepted of, and thanked him. So Farr went and took all his Goods, and sold them, putting the money into his own Pocket, and brought with him to Wotton a Key, as of the Door where the Goods were lock'd up; but that Key was all that Wotton could ever get for all his Goods.

Now also was it, when one Diamond a Weaver in Spittle-fields having served him with some Process out of Chancery, at the Sute of Mr. Alexander formerly men­tioned, he in revenge got a Warrant to search his House for stoln goods, and taking a Constable with him, broke open his doors, and under pretence of searching in the Bed, clapt his own Watch between the Sheets, and a while after, upon a more exact search found it there, and thereupon took the Man out of his house, had him before a Justice, swore felony against him, and got him committed to Newgate, where the poor man was clapt into Irons, and so lay all night: but the next morning some friends of his went to the Iustice, [Page 35]and informed him of the whole business, who there up­on took Bail for him, and the next Sessions, Farr not prosecuting, he was discharged.

About this time also did he most brutishly ruine a young man, whose name was John Chambers, by Trade a Grocer, who having been arrested and thrown into the Counter, had taken of all the things that were then brought against him, only there stood enter'd in the Book against John Chambers, (not this man, but the Silk-throster, Farrs great Antagonist) and Action of 500 l. at Farrs sute: This young man therefore sent for Farr, and desired him to certifie that he was not the person, that so he might be discharged: Farr private­ly, when no body was in presence, would confess that he was not the man, but would not doe it before any witness, unless the man would give him 10 l. which ra­ther than doe, he turn'd himself over a Prisoner to the Kings Bench, which was his utter undoing.

Then also did he by his friend Chadw. lay a bait for a Gudgeon that bit, and was upon the hook, but proved not to be worth the catching. Chadwick had told a young man (he was acquainted with) that he could help him to 50 l. upon security, which the young man propound­ed, and the other accepted: Farr (then a prisoner in the Fleet) was the man that should lend the money. At a time agreed on, the principal, with his two friends came to the Fleet; Farr told them, that being a Priso­ner he would not have it known that he had any money, (for that he should never be free then from borrowers) bad them go to an Ale-house in Fleet-yard, and he would come to them: They did so, he followed, and then told them, that he expected the money to have been [Page 36]brought before that time, but 'twas not yet come; however, since they were all there together, he ad­vised them to seal the Bond, and let the Principal keep it till to morrow, and then, if he came, he should not miss of the money: This was done, and so they part­ed for that Night: The next morning the man came accordingly; Farr desired him, to goe to the Place they were at the last Night; he, with two of his Beagles, whom he had gotten ready, followed; they fell to talk and discourse, making no mention of the money; till at length the man desired Farr to dispatch him: Farr prayed him to let him see the Bond; which having finger'd, he clap'd it up into his Pocket, and went his way: The man followed him, but could obtain nothing but ill words. This Bond had certainly been put in sure some time after, but that both Principal and Security prov'd leaky Vessels, and sunk before they came to be boarded.

Nor was his Roguery confin'd to England only; for one Mr. Marlow, whom, by continual Vexations, he had almost ruin'd, did, to preserve himself, goe with his Family, to live in Virginia, where he had the good hap to thrive, and grow wealthy: Which Farr hearing, he forged a Bond of his for 50 Pound, came to a publick Notary, and had it certified under his hand; and by proving it by the Oaths of two of his Creatures, before the Lord Mayor, had it avouched by the City Seal. This he sent over, by one Mr. Guyard, Master of a Ship, bound for Virginia; who knowing nothing, but that the Bond was real, and the Debt justly due, did, accord­ing to his trust, sue the said Marlow, and recover of him the said summ of money. But so great was the out­cry [Page 37]against him by the Planters, that he durst not come on shore afterward, for fear of mischief. And the Brother of this Marlow, sometime after coming for England, found out Farr, and ran him through the arm: He thought (be-like.) he was too much a Rogue, for him to run the hazard of being hang'd for him.

He once borrowed of Mr. T. P. a great Usurer, 80. Pound, and being (when the money was due) sued for it, he, by the Oath of Chad. and another, proved the money paid, and the Bond satisfied.

Having gone thus far without any remarkable check or controul, at least any such as might seem to bear a proportion with the wrongs and injuries which he had done, I am perswaded he began to think, that nothing was either dishonest or difficult that had profit at the end of it; and in this perswasion fell upon a young Gentle­woman, into whose acquaintance (and some know­ledge of her affairs) he had scrued himself by means of his Mrs. Chadwick, and whom, being a Widow, young, unacquainted, and (as he thought) un-allyed in the City, he pitch't upon as likely to fall an easie Prey to his ravenous desires. Her husband was (living) Cap­tain of a Ship, and left her in good condition, about 500 l. of money in her Purse, and above that value in Goods, Jewels, Rings, &c. She lodged (when he first came to be acquainted with her) near New-Market, li­ving upon the use of her Money, the disposal of which she intrusted to a friend, upon whose death Farr would have succeeded in that imployment, but the young Gen­tlewoman did not like him so well, as to trust him with that commodity. He (seeing his game before him) press'd forward towards a nearer acquaintance; she [Page 38](for fear of him, of whose pranks she had heard some whispers) as industiously shunning it; insomuch that she resolved, and did remove her lodging. He had his Spies upon her, who observed amongst other things a large and heavy Trunk to be removed; and since she would not come to hand, he resolved to try another way, laying his foundation upon this Trunk.

Having found our her new Lodging, he took out a Warrant against her, and being apprehended, carryed her before a Iustice, swearing against her, that she had feloniously stoln out of such a house (her former Lodging) a Trunk worth 500 l. belonging to him: whereupon she was committed. She thereupon sent to a Brother-in-law of hers, one Mr. Betts a Broad-weaver in Spittle-fields, who intreating the company of his Friend and Neighbour Mr Chambers, they went to the Iustice, and informing him of the truth of the matter, prevailed with him to accept of Bail, so they bailed her. Farr prosecuted her by way of Indictment upon a Trespass, at Hicks's Hall, where the Trunk being produced in Court, and she proving her property to it, and the goods within it, the Court ordered them to be re-delivered her. Upon this, Farr (though the Gentlewoman owed him nothing) upon pretence of a Debt, resolv'd to lay an Attachment upon the Trunk, as they were carrying it away; and to this purpose, had his Officers ready at the Hall-Gate. This being understood by the Gentlewomans Friends, they procured another Trunk, as like the real one, both in size and shape, as they could get, and conveyed it into the House, by a back-Door; where they filled it with Raggs, Straw, Brick-batts, and such like Lumber; and for garnish, put in a Pair [Page 39]of Hornes, and a Rope and Butter; corded it up, and sent it out by a Porter. Farr standing ready, with his Officers, seized the Trunk, laying his Attachmnet on it; so it was deposited into the hands of an Officer be­longing to the Court, till Judgement should be passed upon it; which (no defence being made by the other side) was soon obtained; and then the Trunk was open­ed: A goodly sight to see. The real Trunk was at Night conveyed a way in a Coach.

This Disappointment, with the Affront in the man­ner of it, so desperately enraged Farr, that he let fly freely at them all; and first for Mr. Chambers, whose youthful and sprightly activity, he thought to have been chiefly instrumental in this Affair. And as Mr. Chambers hath cause enough to wish, he had never seen Farr's face; so had Farr no cause of triumph over Mr. Chambers: For though this last Prank against Mrs. Sta­neir hang'd him, yet was he finely prepared and fitted for it, by Mr. Chambers.

And first he arrested Mr. Chambers, and sued him, in the Name of one George Farebanck, for 80 Pieces of Gold, pretended to be left in the hands of Mr. Chambers, by the said Farebanck, as his Security, for being Bayl for Mrs. Reynolds. This (though Mr. Chambers neither knew the man, not to his knowledge ever-saw him, or had one Penny-left with him, upon that account, by a­ny one whatsoever) was sworn by Farr, Chadwick, and his Wife; and Mr. Chambers cast in 90 Pound, be­sides Costs of Sute, and was forced to pay it every farthing.

Then he brought an Action of Trover against him in the Exchequer, for the Trunk, and 1000 Pounds worth [Page 40]of Goods in it, at the Sute of the said Farebanck. The two Chadwicks swore, his having confessed, That he had once the Trunk in his Possession: Whereupon Mr. Chambers, not denying it, pleaded Justification, and proved the right and propriety to the Trunk and Goods, to be in Mrs. Reynolds, by 65 Witnesses; and so the Verdict went for him, against the Plantiff.

Next he sued him, by Bill of Mid. upon a forged Bond of 300 Pound. The Witnesses were H. Smith, T. Sandys, and L. List. At the Tryal, Chambers proved, by the Keepers of Newgate, that Smith had been convi­cted for Fellony; and that Sandys had been a Prisoner there: He also prov'd, That he never had had any Deal­ings with Farr; So that the Witnesses being look'd upon as insufficient, and the Circumstances looking strongly towards Forgery, the Jury found now also for the Defendant. The like did they afterwards, when he was sued, upon a forged Bond, for 500 Pound: To which were Witnesses, Chadwick, his wife, and Sandys.

Mr. Chambers encouraged by these Successes, and finding thereby, that his Adversary was mortal; and having hit him in the very Vitalls (by invalidating the testimony of his Swearers) set upon him in the Offen­sive, and brought his Action of 500 Pound against him, for wrongs and injuries done to him (for Farr had omitted no means whereby to undoe him) He also in­dustriously and diligently made enquiry into the manner of his pass'd Life, and made re-search into the nature and quality of those Persons he used for his Witnesses; and thus provided, brought his Business to Tryal, and obtained a Verdict for 400 and odd Pounds. Then [Page 41] Farr (upon his own, Mrs. Chadwicks, and Smith's Af­fidavit, That he had not sufficient notice of the Tryal) moved for a second Tryal, which was granted, and he thereupon cast, as in the former. Then he moved (upon many Affidavits, That he was surprized, and his Witnesses not ready) for a third Tryal, but could not obtain it; so Judgement was entered up: But he had a Salvo for that, for he forged a Release, under the hand and Seal of Mr. Chambers, which cost much time and charge to disprove, but at last 'twas done, and so the Judgement confirmed.

Therefore, to counterpoise this Judgement, he sets up a new Engine, by forging a Warrant of Attor­ney, to confess Judgement for 300 Pound. And this being a matter of so great danger; and a thing, where­by an evil-minded Rogue may undoe an honest Man, before he is aware of him: And this very Particular, having been prevented, not without extreme diligence, and indefatigable industry, when 'twas then upon the brink of Execution; It being also full of delightful and useful variety, through the whole menage of it; And lastly, the very Business that brought him to the Pil­lory, and made his Followers and Partakers use their Heels, to save their Ears; I shall give you as full and particular account thereof, as the designed brevity of this Discourse will allow.

Farr brought with him one (who said his Name was John Chambers) to Mr. Smith, a Scrivener in Sea-Cole-Lane; and desired to have a Warrant of Attorney, for a Judgement for 300 Pound, from the said John Cham­bers, to Richard Farr, drawn up: Mr. Smith drew it, and the pretended John Chambers sealed and delivered it; [Page 42]It was witnessed by Mr. Smith's Man, T. Lane, and two others; The Judgement was confess'd by one Mr. Birch, and enter'd by one Mr. Leyton, of the Common-Pleas? Execution was made out, and carried to the Of­fice for Seal; Mr. Woodruff, one of the Clerks of the Office, knowing Mr. Chambers, and so much of the Business between him and Farr, as that 'twas most un­likely (almost impossible) that Chambers could owe him any Money, at least such a summ, sent to Chambers; who coming, saw his danger, and there­fore went to work to prevent it. By the Writ he found out who was the Attorney, and with him saw the Warrant, and thereby the Witnesses Names, and the Scrivener (as indeed the Attorney, that enter'd up the Judgement, had done before, for his own satisfa­ction, which he had from the Scriveners Man, who told him, That he saw Jo. Chambers sign, seal and deliver) Chambers, with some Friends and Neighbours, who came to be assistant to him in this Exigence, went to the Fountain-Tavern without Newgate (having prevailed with Mr. Birch, and Mr. Leyton, the aforesaid Attor­neys, to place themselves in a Room next adjoyning, that they might hear the discourse, and so be fully in­formed) Mr. Chambers went for the Scrivener, and de­sired, That he would bring his Man with him, for that there was some Business to be done, that would require both their presence; so they went both: When they came, after salu [...]ation, and some little discourse, one of Mr. Chambers Friends ask'd the Scriveners Man, Whether he knew one Mr. Chambers? He said Yes: They ask'd him, How long? He said, His first knowledge was about a Month agoe, for then he was there, and sealed a Wri­ting [Page 43]to Mr. Farr: They ask'd him, Whether he could know him again, when he saw him? He answer'd, He thought he should: Then they ask'd him, What kind of Man he was? He described one very tall, light brown hair, &c. in all Particulars quite different from Mr. Chambers: Being ask'd, Which of the Company was most likely to be the Man? He answer'd, There was none tall enough: It being then told him, That Mr. Chambers was the Man: He answer'd, That could not be, for he was most unlike him, of any in the Room.

The Attorneys herewith satisfied, went with Mr. Chambers to the Lord Chief Justice Bridgeman; who, upon hearing Mr. Chambers Complaint, told them, That he should not command them to forbear Executi­on, but (if they would take his advice) he thought it most safe for them, That when Mrs. Chadwick, who sollicited the Business (for Farr was now a Prisoner in the Fleet) came to them for the Execution, they would do well to apprehend her, that so full enquiry might be made into a matter of so dangerous consequence, and evil president. Which Advice, the Attorney con­cern'd, followed, seized Mrs. Chadw. when she came, carried her before a Justice, by whom she was commit­ted to Newgate. Farr, by frequent Messengers, impor­tuned the Attorney for his Execution; threatning (in case of refusal) to sue him for the Debt. Whereupon Mr. Chambers, at the desire of the Attorney (who did not desire to fall under the hands of so dangerous a Fel­low) be sought his Lordship, to vouchsafe a hearing of the Cause, privately in his own Chamber: My Lord granted it, and sent a Tipstaff for Farr, from the Fleet: His Lordship ask'd Farr, Whether he would consent to [Page 44]have the Business heard before him there: Farr pretend­ed, He was not prepared (his Witnesses being ab­sent) at the present: His Lordship ask'd him, If that Chambers were the Person intended in the Judgement: Farr desired his Lordship's excuse, giving him a reason why he could not do it without prejudice: Whereupon his Lordship told him, He had known many Debtors ashamed of their Creditors, but never before a Credi­tor ashamed of his Debtor: So they were dismiss'd, and the Business referr'd to Term. About three or four dayes before Term, Farr came to his Lordship's Chamber, with three or four Affidavits, desiring to have his Witnesses sworn: His Lordship reading the Affidavits, and finding Cause to suspect, what upon Tryal he found true, refused to swear them: So they went to some other Justice, and were sworn. Two dayes after, Chambers waited on his Lordship, with an Affidavit, to which his Lordship swore him; setting forth, That he never had any Concern with Farr, ne­ver receiv'd or had any Money from him, nor owed him a farthing; prayed a day for hearing, and that Evidence might be given Viva Voce, not by Affidavit. On the first day of the Term, Sir William Wild made the motion for Chambers, adding something of his own knowledge concerning Farr: His Lordship thereupon appointed a day, wherein he would be at leisure to search into the bottom of the Business. On the day ap­pointed, Farr appeared, with the Affidavits of all his Witnesses (whom he had lodged hard by, and upon refusal of his Affidavits, did produce) They were Mr. Smith the Scrivener, his Man T. Lane, Mr. and Mrs Chadwick, Leonard List, T. Sandys, T. Lilly, J. [Page 45]Fimis, and some others: Chambers had many Witnesses there also, amongst the rest, some of the Under-Keepers of Newgate, to testifie what they knew of Farr, and most of his Witnesses. Upon opening of the Case for Chambers, by (then Serjeant, now) Judge Keel­ing, and a short Reply of Farr's Council, his Lord­ship took the Breviats of both sides, and fell to Exami­nation of the Witnesses, beginning with the Scriveners Man, whom he called out from the rest of the Gang: He swore modestly and indifferently what he knew, whereby a shrewd guess might be made, how the Busi­ness was contrived: His Master could not swear any thing to the purpose on either side. The rest swore to a hairs breadth, only Sandys blunder'd into a Contra­diction; and I told you before of the Keepers of Newgate being in Court. When it came to be enquir'd, How this Money came to be owing? Farr said, 100 Pound lent, and 50 Pound promised, to take off him from witnessing against Chambers, in a Cause in the Exchequer: This was sworn by Mrs. Chadwick, and another; but his Lordship trapp'd them in the Circumstances; and by the testimony of Chambers Witnesses, and his own Oath (then administer'd) found out the whole Vil­lany, annull'd the Judgement, ordered Chambers to enter into Recognizance of 300 Pound, to prosecute Farr, at the Kings-Bench, for Forgery, next Term: And that the Matter (being so foul) should be speci­ally recommended to the Lord Chief Justice of that Bench. Chambers indicted him: Farr demurred, his Demurrer was over-ruled, and Judgement pass'd a­gainst him, to stand in the Pillory (with a Paper, containing his Crime, on his head) in Westminster [Page 46]Pallace-Yard, and at the Old-Exchange, which was accordingly executed.

Whilst he stood at the Exchange, he saw Chambers looking on him, and therepon pull'd out a Latitat (which he had purposely provided, to remove him out of his sight) threw it to an Officer, and bade him ar­rest Chambers, which he did; but he (knowing Farr's Mrs. Chadwick went, and entered an Action of 500. Pound, to which he also put in Bayl, and return'd. then Mrs. Chad. fetch'd a Warrant for him, and three or four more of his Friends there present, whom she knew, and saw rejoycing, had them all before a Ju­stice, and swore the Peace against them: By which a Man may see of what a shrewd Spirit they both were, and how ready witted she was at her business.

Chambers proceeded to prosecute his Witnesses, and convicted 11 of them, some of Forgery, some of Per­jury, and one of Barratry; and by this so weakened him, that as he had his belly full of him, so he had but little stomack to attempt any thing else of moment upon others; lying close, till time and privacy should wear out the memory of these miscarriages: But for present subsistence, and to keep his hand in ure, he did play some petty Pranks, which I shall relate; only first tell you, that a little before this great Tryal with Chambers, he twice indicted the fore-mentioned Mrs. Reynolds, once for Felony, another time for Trespass, and this last had laid so firmly, as doubtless to have hit her, had not an eminent Citizen (accidentally present in this Court) upon hearing the Evidence, voluntarily offered to be sworn in the Case, for that he feared there [Page 47]was foul Play; and being sworn, related, how being upon Business in Guild-Hall, he heard the whole Con­trivance of this Affair, and did verily believe, that he then saw some of those faces (pointing to the Wit­nesses) amongst them. The credit of this Witness, and the slender account that could be had of the other, prevail'd with the Jury to acquit her.

And having heard, that Mr. Betts, Brother in Law to this Mrs. Reynolds, had a Friend beyond Sea, who had left with him a Trunk of wearing Apparel, and other things; he learn'd the Man's Name, and forg'd a Bond to himself, from the Person, for 20 Pound (though the Man were an absolute Stranger to him, and never had a Penny Concernment with him in his Life) and then attach'd the Goods in his hands. Mr. Betts thought it not his Concern, to spend money, in defending ano­ther Man's Sute, and therefore, without Opposition, let him proceed to Condemnation. When he came to look over the Goods, he pretended, That the Cloaths had been worn, and the other Goods imbezzled and de­trimented, and so would not take the Goods in specie, but demanded the Money they were appraised at, which was (by Chad. and another of his Companions) 25 Pound. The Man, little imagining himself in any danger, other than to deliver the Goods, never looks after him: So Farr, by help of the two Mens Oaths, obtains Judgement against him for 25 Pound, takes him in Execution, runs him into the Counter, and forces him to pay down 25 Pound into Court. Farr was so civil, as to take out but 20 Pound, which was his (pretended). Debt, leaving Five Pound in Court, which afterwards, the Man that own'd the Goods had [Page 48]paid to him: But Mr. Betts could never get any part of the Money back again.

And, that a Man may see, that his Condition alter­ed not his Nature; being arrested, by one Mr. Williams, a Bayliff, at Mr. Chambers Sure, because Mr. Williams would not take such Bayl, as he would have him; he; and Mrs. Chad. swore Fellony against him, viz. That he had pick'd his Pocket of Three Pound: He also com­plained to the Knight Marshal (and made Affidavit of it) That Williams had taken Five Pound of him, for one dayes attendance; both Lyes, and both so proved.

But being now a Prisoner to the Kings-Bench, and his business but little, one Esquire Ba. sometimes of Grayes-Inn, now a Prisoner, intrusted Farr to do his petty Businesses abroad, as receiving and paying small summs of Money, wherein he was punctual and true (a small Balt he would not bite at) But at length, being intrust­ed by the Gentleman, to goe and borrow some Money, upon a Diamond Ring, which the Gentleman account­ed worth 50 Pound; he brought the Gentleman only Four Pound, and said, He could get no more upon it: This supplying the Gentleman's present Occasion, he was contented; but having often desired, to have the Ring redeemed, could never to this day retrive it; nor would Farr confess where it was; but without doubt he had sold it, to its value, and put the Money into his Pocket. The same Trick he serv'd him in another Diamond Ring, valued at 200 Pound, but dipt only for 20. Pound. Farr told him, A Friend of his would lend him the same Money upon it, at common Interest, not at the Brokers rate, which would be something sav'd in [Page 49]the Year: The Gentleman prayed him to do it: So he fetch'd the Ring from where it was, but the Gentleman could never hear of it afterwards.

But the slyest Trick of all was this: The Gentleman keeping his Chamber in Grayes-Inn, Farr came and told him, That the Door was broke open, and stood so: The Gentleman prayed him to see that the Goods in it were safe, and to put a Padlock on the Door: Hereupon Farr did indeed open the Door, re­moved all the Goods, Hangings, &c. and sold them, and put a Padlock upon the Door, as he had order, carrying the Gen­tleman a false Key to it. When Farr was convicted, the Gen­tleman sent to him about his Rings, but could get nothing of him, but that he would tell him: Nay, he had a Note sent him about them under the Gallowes, just before his Death, but would not give any satisfactory answer. Hereupon the Gentleman sent to have his Chamber opened, but found the Key false to the Lock, so they broke open the Door, but found nothing but the bare VValls.

These Rings and Goods (I question not) stock't him, and in­abled him to creep again into the World, and to take up his old imployment with his former confidence: for now having liberty of going abroad, gotten money into his Purse, and the mark of the Pillory almost worn out, he had credit enough to put a shrewd crick upon one Mr. Jay a Cornish man, his fellow Priso­ner in the Kings-Bench, who wanting friends in the City to be security for him to goe abroad, Farr told him, that if he would give him counter security, he would procure him two substanti­al Citizens, upon whose security, he should have liberty. They agreed upon a Judgement with Defeizance upon Jay's estate, which is about 50 l. per annum. Farr got the writings drawn, the Gentleman read it, and it lik'd him very well. When he came to seal, Farr by a trick chang'd this Judgement with Defeizance for one absolute of the same size and form. The Gentleman satisfi­ed with his first reading it, Signed, and sealed, and delivered, And had not Farrs troubles faln upon him, Jay had before this time found the effects of his unwariness; for Farr would in a short time have leavyed it upon is Estate.

And now on went the best Cloaths again, and in them, with a a long Perriwig, a Band with a Lace on't worth 20 l. and a Muff, he came to a Gentlewoman living near Shooe-lane, who had a House that stood in Fetter-lane to be let, and agreed with her for the House for 5 years, paying 16 l. or thereabouts, per annum: Then he set Workmen to work made great stone steps at the door, pull'd down the old Doors and Windows, after the modern mode, putting up larger and higher new Doors, with a large oval win­dow below, laid the Hearths above stairs with marble, putting up stately Chimney pieces, and in all things made it fit for the en­tertainment of any person of quality, but the poor Workmen (who thought him by his garb to be some great person, when in­deed a Prisoner in the Kings Bench at Chambers Sute) were ne­ver paid one penny for either labour or stuff. When the House was fitted, he was upon some old account put in the Fleet, but removed himself again to the Kings Bench: But he quickly had a Customer for his House, and let it to a very honest man for a good fine, and convenient rent, pretending a Leafe Parol from the head Landlady, and doubtless he had those would have prov'd it, or ruin'd her, if he had been at liberty. But now being dead I think she is well clear'd of a quarelsome Customer.

Now getting again his liberty, he grew so confident, that whereas his former attempts were most of them upon such, from whose weakness or obnoxiousness he might hope for success, but now he slies high, and sets upon one, where he was sure not to meet with any such advantage: I mean Mr. Johnson an Attorney of Cliffords-Inn, to whom he brought a Bond of 200 l. for pay­ment of 100 l. to be put in Sute, and (as they say 'tis usually done by wary men) desired his note of the recept of it: So when Mr. Johnson was intent upon his business, and looking over his Papers, Farr pilfer'd away the Bond, and in order to his father design, Mrs. Chadwick and another make affidavit, that Mr. John­son had falsely and treacherously sold the said Bond to the Defen­dant, the person therein concerned, and so commenced his sute against him, and had he lived, this Term it had come to Tryal. When Farr was Convicted, and his papers look'd over, this ve­ry Bond, and the foresaid affidavit about it, were found wrapt [Page 51]up together. There was also found near 40 Warrants for Judge­ments against several men, amongst the rest, two were there in pickle against his old friend Chambers; but they were by special order of the Lord Ch. Justice, all secured.

And now I come to the business of Madam Stanier, the last, (and indeed deepest and most presumptuous undertaking of his life) and such an one, as (I think) was scarce ever acted under colour of Law; wherein, if desiring to be particular, I be also large, I hope for the matter sake, I shall not seem tedious.

He had, without doubt, long designed an attempt upon her, but set it not on foot till August 1664. And then he caused his Mother Eliz. Farr to seal a Lease to him of the house wherein Mr. Stanier lived in St. Martins-lane in the Fields (to which house the said Eliz. Farr had not the least title, or any colour thereof.) In Michaelmas Term following, Mrs. Chadwick got S. S. Clerk to Mr. Jobson Attorney in the Common-Pleas, to draw a Declaration against one Richard Pelar, as a casual Ejector▪ pretending it was only to eject an ill Tenant that Mr. Farr had in a small Tenement of his, in St. Martins-lane, of about 4 l. per. an. for non-payment of Rent: A true Copy of which Declaration ought to have been left with Mrs. Stanier, but that would have spoyled the plot. Therefore Mrs. Chadwick, by Farrs direction, falsely made affidavit, before Judge Tirrel, that she had left a true Copy of the said Declaration at the said House; and that on the 11 th. of February, she went to the said Robert Stanier, to know if he would defend the title of the said House, and that he answer'd, he had notice of the said Declaration, but would not make any defence thereto. Upon this, Farr by a Motion in the Court of Common Pleas, obtain'd a Rule, That unless Mr. Sta­nier, the present Possessor of the said House, or some other, did shew cause within 14 days why Judgement should not pass, it should be entered. Mr. Stanier having no knowledge nor no­tice hereof, made no defence, and so Judgement was obtained by default, and thereupon a Writ of Possession made by the said S. S. directed to the Sheriff of Midd, dated Feb. 13.1664. On the 6th. of March following, Farr (with one Auson a Bayliff, and 3 or 4 of his followers) did, by vertue of this Writ, break open, [Page 52]and forcibly enter'd the said House; and the better to accom­plish his intended Villany, arrested Mrs. Stanier by Bill of Midd. in an action of 100 l. debt (whereas she owed him not a far­thing) and violently forced her out of her House into a Coach, and so-carried her away to Newgate. They also turned out of the House one Mrs. Plummer, who lodged there. At night Farr fell to his work, sending away all the Money, Jewels, Plate, Rings, and other things of value and small bulk, by Mrs. Chad­wick, the Beds, Hangings, Pewter, and other more bulky goods by a Porter (whom afterwards they accidentally met withall, and he was an usefull witness in the case) to the value of I 100 l. and and in Bonds, Bills, and other writings, to the value of 2000 l. Mrs. Stanier was deteined in prison all night; but in the morn­ing came to her one Mr. Messarvy her Kinsman, with a friend or two more, and bailed her out; And then (as it was but high time) went about securing the goods that were in the House out of Farrs hands; And by Petition to the Lord Chief Justice Hide, setting out the whole matter of fact, obtained from his Lordship, on the 8th. of March, to send Mr. Cheiny one of his Tipstaffs, for Farr (who still continued in the House) to come before him. Farr would not open the Door, nor be perswaded to come to the Tipstaff, upon pretence, that 'twas but a Trick, to get him out of Possession. Whereupon Mr. Cheiny went and fetch'd my Lords Warrant, and a Constable to execute it: Upon sight whereof, Farr came down, and opened the Doors, but would not let any one goe into the House, for fear (as he pretended) they should re-enter, and keep Possession; but indeed his fear was, lest it should be discovered, how he had robb'd the House. Coming before my Lord Chief Justice, he told his Lordship, That he had a good Title to the Hotse, and had by Law obtained Possession: My Lord told him, He would not dispute that then; but he was sure, he had no colour of right by Law to the Goods, and therefore he would not trust them in his hands: VVhere­upon Farr told his Lordship, That there was not a farthing worth of the Good touch'd: His Lordship then made him this Proposition, viz. That he should let Mrs. Stanier goe again into the House, and have all her Goods, and he should have security, [Page 53]that Possession of the House should be re-delivered to him, at the end of one VVeek, after the beginning of Easter Term next, in case the Judgement obtained, by default should be, by the Court of Common-Pleas, upon Examination, confirmed and al­lowed: To this he consented; but when he should have per­formed it, took the Key of the Door with him, and went his way. Upon the Oaths of several of the Neighbours, that the Goods were carried away by Night, the House was ordered to be broke open, and was found empty: VVhereupon my Lord issued out his VVarrant, for the apprehension of Farr; and be­ing brought before him, and examined by him, was, by his VVarrant, committed to Newgate. His Lordship also granted his VVarrant, for the searching of Farr's House, in Turnagen-Lane, near Snow-Hill, where Mrs. Chadwick was, and denied entrance: VVhereupon the Constable Mr. Audley, broken open the House, and apprehended her (who was also committed to Newgate) And here were found many of Mrs. Staniers Goods, as 13 rich Stone Rings, Linnen, Hangings, &c. and many of her VVritings. Her Pewter, mark'd with a Coat of Armes, Farr had chang'd, and sold at one Mr. Griggs; pretendingn to him, that he had it for a Debt. The Goods thus found, were, by order of the Lord Chief Justice, inventory'd, and at the Tryal (where Mrs. Stanier did, by clear Evidence, prove her property to them) were, by Order of Court, restored. But there is yet wanting about 150 Pound in Money, about 110. Pound in Plate, a Neck-lace of Pearl, valued at 350 Pound, with some Rings, and other Goods. Mr. Messarvy, before mentioned, being, by the Lord Chief Justice, bound in a Re­cognizance of 40 Pound, to prosecute, had (by advice of a Council) an Indictment drawn against Richard Farr, and Elea­nor Chadwick, for having, on the 6th. of March, &c. fel­loniously broken, and forcibly entered, the Mansion House of Robert Stanier Esquire, his VVife being then within, and put her in fear of her Life; and stealing the Goods, &c. according to the Inventory of them in Court produced. VVhich being sufficiently proved, Farr would fain have made it to have been but a Cheat; but being not able to make out any Title, either [Page 54]to House or Goods, but the Right to both, prov'd to be in Mrs. Stanier, Judgement pass'd upon him, and Mrs. Chadwick, according to the Indictment, without benefit of Clergy. Farr begg'd heartily and pathetically to be Transported, or otherwise disposed of; and not to be so severely dealt withall, as to be cut off, for this his first Fault (as he call'd it) My Lord told him, That he had had warning enough by the Pillory, &c. but he would take no warning; that he deserved this long agoe, but now must not hope to escape it. Mrs. Chadwick laid claim to a great Belly, but by a Jury of VVowmen 'twas found other­wise.

One thing I shall here observe; that 'twas at this very Sessions 7 years agoe, that Farr indicted Mrs. Stanier in the same place for her life, himself swearing against her, that she had spoken treasonable words against the then powers.

But let us now follow him to his journeys end; after he was condemned, he was much press'd to confess where the rest of Mrs. Staniers things were, but could not be prevailed with. Nay to one, who discoursing with him as to his future condition, urged the Doctrine of Restitution, he answered, they needed not to grudge him those things which he must pay so dear for. When the Ordinary or Minister came to perform his Office, he seemed very penitent, and did receive the Sacrament; and upon the motion of one of the Keepers, he desired his Wife might be sent for, for a reconciliation; when she came he asked her for­giveness, which she willingly granted, but withall said, that that vile woman (Mrs. Chadwick) she thought was the chief instru­ment of estranging his affections from her, and was hardly hardly brought to forgive her, but at last she was perswaded to do it.

Farr Wife brought down her Son with her, and desired her Husband to remember him, and do something for him; he an­swered he was poor, and had nothing to leave, only he pull'd off a small gold Ring from his finger, and gave him that.

He was very willing to have saved Mrs. Chadwick, for the next day after sentence, he desired that a skilfull Midwife or two might be sent for, alleging that he was sure Mrs. Chadwick was [Page 55]with Child, for he had that morning laid his hand upon her Belly and felt the Child move, but the Midwife, when she came, found her not with Child.

He left with Mr. Jackson the Keeper 5 l. to be disposed of as he directed, viz. 50 s. in a Supper, 20 s. to be drank among the under-Keepers, 10 s. to the Ringers, and 20 s. he left the Ordinary to preach a Sermon at his interment: And being ask'd what Text, He first named, Blessed are the dead that dye in the Lord. The Ordinary thinking that not a suitable Text, He na­med 2ly. Lord lay not this sin to their charge. Or 3ly. Except yee repent yee shall all likewise perish.

He also left with the Ordinary 20 s. for the Executioner, in lieu of his cloaths, for he had nothing under his Gown but a ver­milion Wastcoat, and a pair or linnen Drawers.

When they went to Execution (many thousands from all parts of the City coming to see them) Farr and Chadwick were put in a Cart together, he was in a purple colour'd shagg Gown, she in a black Gown, a black hood with a white Sarcenet hood un­der it. Near St. Giles's Church, she was observed to give away a couple of Rings which she had in her Bosome. And a while after he espyed his old Adversary Chambers following the Cart on Horseback, at which he fell into passion, and desired he might be taken out of his sight, taxing him as the chief instrument of his death; so Chambers rid forward out of his sight. When he was under the Gallows, and tyed up, he repeated over again how he would have his Legacies disposed; and then turning to Mrs. Chadwick, he said, My Dear, dost thou forgive me? she answer­ed, Yes I do forgive thee with all my heart, though thy acquain­tance hath cost me very dear. With that he reached to have kissed her, she also bending forward to meet him, but the Halters Chambers asking Farr some Questions about himself, Mrs. Chad­wick pull'd him by the Arm, and would not let him enter into discourse; so careful was she of him, even to the last. When the Cart was ready to be drawn away, Farr crying out, Lord Jesus receive my Spirit! Oh give me of the Water of Life! Oh gixe me of the Water of Life! He pull'd up his Leggs from the [Page 58]Cart, hanging himself some little space before the Cart drew a­way VVhen they were dead, they were cut down, and put in two very compleat Elm Coffins, full of Hinges; and so, in a Coach, which, by the Coachman, and a Footman, being in Livery, appeared to be some Gentlemans, they were brought to Newgate Lodge, and from thence carried to Christ Church, where they had appointed themselves to be interred, close by each other.

But there being gathered together so great a Multitude, and confused Rabble, the Ordinary thought not fit to preach, giving the 20 s. to his VVife, who (I think) poor VVoman, had need enough of it. But as things have happened, I think she hath no great cause of sorrow, for his former unkindness.

And now having brought them to their Graves, by a bare Relation of Matter of Fact; I shall leave them there, quietly to rest, covered with the Dust, without any railing Reflections: Only,