The whole Posse of the Prison ran up, and stood like Men depriv'd of their Senses: Their surprize being over, they were in hopes that he might not have yet entirely made his Escape, and got their Keys to open all the strong Rooms adjacent to the _Castle_, in order to Trace him, when to their farther Amazement, they found the Door ready open'd to their Hands; and the strong Locks, Screws and Bolts broken in pieces, and scatter'd about the Jayl. Six great Doors (one whereof having not been open'd for seven Years past) were forc'd, and it appear'd that he had Descended from the Leads of _Newgate_ by a Blanket (which he fasten'd to the Wall by an Iron Spike he had taken from the Hatch of the _Chapel_) on the House of Mr. _Bird_, and the Door on the Leads having been left open, it is very reasonable to conclude he past directly to the Street Door down the Stairs; Mr _Bird_ and his Wife hearing an odd sort of a Noise on the Stairs as they lay in their Bed, a short time before the Watchman alarm'd the Family. Infinite Numbers of Citizens came to _Newgate_ to behold _Sheppard's_ Workmanship, and Mr. _Pitt_ and his Officers very readily Conducted them up Stairs, that the World might be convinc'd there was not the least room to suspect, either a Negligence, or Connivance in the Servants. Every one express'd the greatest Surprize that has been known, and declar'd themselves satisfy'd with the Measures they had taken for the Security of their Prisoner. One of the Sheriffs came in Person, and went up to the _Castle_ to be satisfy'd of the Situation of the Place, _&c._ Attended by several of the City Officers. The Court being sat at the _Sessions-House_, the Keepers were sent for and Examin'd, and the Magistrates were in great Consternation, that so horrid a Wretch had escap'd their Justice. It being intended that he should have been brought down to the Court the last Day of the _Sessions_, and order'd for Execution in two or three Days after; if it appear'd that he was the Person Condemn'd for the breaking Mr. _Kneebone's_ House, and included in the Warrant for Execution, _&c._