The conviction of William TEE (1814-1890)

I am also not directly descended from William TEE (1814-1890), but his daughter married into the Trevithick family (of Hill End, NSW) and so I have a strong interest in them. As I've previously written, I'm also interested because William TEE's wife has an unsolved background (http://thehistoryofmatt.blogspot.com/2010/03/sarah-trevithick-nee-tee-death.html).

I recently found an account of William's conviction in England - quite detailed compared to those of my convict ancestors I must say. I find William's response to the sentence fantastic.

 

Northampton Mercury
8 Jan 1836

William Tee was charged with breaking open the larder of John Clark, surgeon, and stealing therefrom certain pots of preserves, &c. in July, 1834.

Mr John Clarke, of Great Weldon, stated that his larder was broken open on the 16th of July, 1834, and robbed of several pots of preserves and some rabbits. 

Edward Banks stated that about a quarter past eleven, on the night of the robbery, he was passing by Mr. Clark's house, when he saw the prisoner and another man come out of the yard. He had two pots under his arm. Witness called up Mr. Clark, and aided in the apprehension of the other man, who was tried at convicted at Michaelmas Sessions, 1834. Knew Tee well. He had been absent from Weldon ever since the robbery until November last.

Edward Richardson was in company with the last witness on the night in question. He deposed to the same effect, and spoke positively  to the prisoner being the person whom he saw coming out of the yard, with the preserves.

The prisoner, who conducted himself with much effrontery, stoutly denied all knowledge of the robbery, and accounted for his absence from Weldon by stating that he had beenhired by a person at Nottingham.

The Jury returned a verdict of guilty, and the court sentenced him to seven years' transportation. The prisoner on hearing the sentence, exclaimed - "Thankee, that's just what I wanted."