No evidence indeed was forthcoming to positively fix Mr. Ratcliffe's identity; but "a gentleman" was called who deposed that the prisoner had in the Tower declared himself to be the same Charles Ratcliffe who was condemned in the year 1716, and had likewise told him, the witness, that he had made his escape out of Newgate in mourning, with a brown tie wig, when under sentence of death in that gaol. Upon this evidence the judge summed up against the prisoner, the jury found a verdict of guilty, and Ratcliffe was eventually beheaded on Tower Hill. FOOTNOTES: [217:1] The most ingenious and painstaking attempt of this kind was that made by some Thugs awaiting sentence in India, who sawed through the bars of their prison with packthread smeared with oil and coated with fine stone-dust. [220:1] Taken from the text of Ainsworth's novel, which gives a clear and picturesque account. It is also accurate, and based on the best accounts extant. [221:1] Quoted from the "Tyburn Calendar," the wording of which is copied in all other accounts. [223:1] The following stanzas were written at the time, and appeared in the _British Journal_ of Nov. 28, 1724: "Thornhill, 'tis thine to gild with fame The obscure and raise the humble name; To make the form elude the grave, And Sheppard from oblivion save. Tho' life in vain the wretch implores, An exile on the farthest shores, Thy pencil brings a kind reprieve, And bids the dying robber live. . . . . . . . Apelles Alexander drew, Cæsar is to Aurelius due, Cromwell in Lilly's works doth shine, And Sheppard, Thornhill, lives in thine." CHAPTER VIII NEWGATE IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY Newgate Calendars—Their editors and publishers—All based on sessions' papers—Demand for this literature fostered by prevalence of crime—Brief summary of state of crime in the first half of the 18th century—State of the metropolis—Street-robberies—Burglaries—Henry Fielding on the increase of robbers—The Thieves' Company—The Resolution Club—Defiance in the Law Courts—Causes of the increase of crime—Drunkenness—The Gin Act—Gaming universal—Faro's daughters—State Lotteries—Repression of crime limited by hanging—No police—The "Charlies" or watchmen—Civil power lethargic—Efforts made by private societies for reformation of manners—Character of crimes—Murders, duels, and affrays—Richard Savage, the poet, in Newgate for murder —Major Oneby commits suicide—Marquis de Paleoti committed for murder—Colonel Charteris sentenced to death, but pardoned —Crime in high place—The Earl of Macclesfield, Lord Chancellor, convicted of venal practices—Embezzlement by public officials.