The Times 1831 - 1840 Apr 04 1836 Carlisle Forgery Trial

Apr 04 1836 Carlisle Forgery Trial

The Times, Monday, Apr 04, 1836; pg. 6; Issue 16068; col F After the Judges of Assize had arrived in Carlisle, a respectable-looking, well-dressed man, who signs himself "James THOMPSON, M.A.," went to the police-office, apparently in great agony of mind, and told the superintendent that he had committed a forgery, by endorsing an order for obtaining money from Messrs. CURTIS and Co. with the name of the Rev. John FAWCETT, minister of St. Cuthbert's, Carlisle. He seemed anxious to know if he could be tried at these assizes, and on being answered in the affirmative, he produced the forged document, which was an order for the payment of 360L., which he had offered at Messrs. WAKEFIELD's bank, in Carlisle, but payment was refused. The prisoner was tried and acquitted, as it could not be ascertained without writing to Messrs. CURTIS and Co. whether or not the prisoner intended to defraud, which could only bring his offence within the meaning of the statute. It appeared that THOMPSON had gone to the Rev. Mr. FAWCETT, and requested him to sign a document, which he said it was necessary to have signed by the minister of the parish, before he could recover a certain annuity which he claimed. As soon as he had got the rev. gentleman's signature, he had gone and imitated it on the back of the order, and the imitation was certainly an excellent one. During the whole time the prisoner was in court he shed tears in profusion and sobbed bitterly; but not one individual in a very crowded court had the slightest knowledge as to who he was, or from whence he came. - Cumberland Packet.

 

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