Benjamin Johnson: The Information of Benjamin Johnson 25 November 1704

Diplomatic TextCatalogue Entry

Com Lancaster Ss. The Information of Benjam. Johnson (taken upon Oath) this 25.th day of Nover 1704.

Who informeth and saith that on the 21. of this Instant being in the Evening at the house of Mr Roger Woodburn in Ulverston in the County of Lancaster one James Lindow of the Said County did (in the Company of Severall other people) tender to pay to this Informant two halfe Crowns for that he this Informant should undertake to do some business for him when he this Informant and others of the Company looked upon the Said two halfe Crowns, did suppose them counterfeit and of a false coyn. this Informant did demand how & of whome the Said James Lindow had received them, who answered he know not unless he had received them at Hauxhead for some Yarn of a certain person whose name he did not know, and being demanded if he had any more of that sort, he produced his purse, in which amongst other moneys was found two or three other halfe Crownes, supposed also to be of a false and counterfeit coyn, and it being further demanded, if he had any more such money (for that it would concern him to call to mind how he came by it) he took an opportunity to withdraw himself from the company and went (as this Informant was told by the main Servant of the house) into the street there but presently return'd againe upon which some of the Company (whose names are not well known to this Informant) togeather with some Servant or Servants of the Said house with a light did Search the street, and there found 12. or 13. 12 Crowns which they brought into the Company, and which were also supposed to be of a counterfeit coyn, and thereupon a Constable was sent for, and the whole matter made known unto him, and into whose hand the money was delivered in 2. papers seald with this Informants seale each wherunto this Informant referrs.                                         Ben: Johnson