Jonathan Wrenchall and Nathaniel Selby: The Examination of Jonathan Wrenchall and Nathaniel Selby, Constables in Chester, 17 October 1699

Jonathan Wrenchall and Nathaniel Selby Constables of Trinity Ward in the Citty of Chester being Examined upon oath doth severally say, that about 12 of the Clock in the last night these Examinants did make search in the dwelling house of Joseph Horton now of the Said Citty and late of the Citty of London Gold Smiths and these Examinants observing a Cistern full of dirty water in the Yard or backside belonging to the Said dwelling house they Searched with a Stick in the Said Cistern and feeling something very Solid and Weighty in the Said Cistern, they caused the Water to be drawn out of the Said Cistern and there found the great brass Engine or Instrument above mentioned in the next precedent Examination there being then some fresh clay about ut which Smelt of fire and these Examinants do beleive that the Smaller End thereof from which Some part had been Melted away did feel somewhat Warm as if it had been lately taken out of the fire               Jonathan Wrenchall                                    Nathaniel Selby.