HIND's RAMBLE, OR, The Deſcription of his manner and courſe of life. WHEREIN Is related the ſeveral Robberies he hath committed in England, and the Eſcapes he hath made upon ſeveral occaſions. WITH His voyage into Holland, and how he cheated a Dutch-man there of 200. l. And from thence went into Ireland, where he did many Robberies, and was wounded by ſome of his own Party. WITH A RELATION OF HIS GOING TO THE SCOTCH KING, Where he was made Scoutmaſter General, and afterwards (as 'tis generally reported) was the onely man that conveyed the Scotch King to London, who ſince is ſhipt away for beyond Seas. A Book full of Delight, every Story affording its particular Jeſt.
London, Printed for George Latham, 1651.
FANTACIES may take place as well as Hiſtories, and ſometimes a man may as well print you the deſcription of a man notable in his art, as well as notorious in his ways: it may be well ſaid of him, That the like is not to be ſeen or ever heard of; his experience hath made him an abſolute Artiſt in his profeſſion: He may be likened to a place, which is called, Noneſuch; and the ſame may be ſaid of him; for all the Hiſtories in the World cannot afford the like preſident; It is a book full of delight and fit for vacant hours: Thus leaving it to the cenſure of the world: I reſt,
ALL men if they learn an Art ſerve ſome time to it, as Hind did to one Allen, who named himſelf, Lord Biſhop of Durham, or of ſome other place, as his buſineſs lay.
8This Allen was once a Tradesman in London, but trading failing, ſold his ſtock to ſet up another trade: ſo he bought a Coach and four Horſes, and had ſix men to wait on him in Livery Cloaks, with a Gentleman Uſher: He habited himſelf in a Ruff, a ſquare Cap, Lawn Sleeves, and his long Gown: So riding in this State they did many Robberies undiſcovered; for when any Gentleman Rod their way, they would leave their Cloaks in the Coach, and do a Robbery, and then put their Booty into the Coach, and get their Livery Cloaks on their backs; if any hue and cry came after them, they would never ſuſpect any of the Biſhops men: ſo when they came to any Inn, the Biſhop was honoured, as much as a man of his quality, for his Gentleman Uſher ſtood bear all the while he was at dinner or ſupper. But this did not hold long, for they were diſcovered by ſome words; but having9 notice there of, they went far from the place, after they were known or diſcovered: And now they plotted to get rid of their Coach, for they were afraid that would betray them: whereupon they begun their plot; and as they rid along the Downs, they ſaw a handſome old Shepherd to whom they ſaid old man, If you pleaſe to be merry to night with us, you ſhall do as we do; ſo the old man or as willing to go with them: Allon told him, That he would make him L. Biſhop for that night: So they put on the Biſhops habit on the Shepherd, and it did become him very well then they inſtructed him how to behave himſelf: So they came to the Inn, where in great pomp they ſupped: Supper being ended, the Biſhops ſervants went to have their Lord to bed: he being in bed they came down, and told the Hoſt, that their Lord was faln very ſick, and that he deſired a Doctor;10 ſo they enquired for a Doctor, but there was none in 7. miles: then they forged letters that all the men were ſent with ſpare horſes to fetch friends, ſome to ſee their Lord, and ſom for the Doctor: that they left no ſervants to wait on the Biſhop. They had alſo charged the ſhepherd not to knock till they came to him the next day; and they cauſed the people of the houſe not to go to their Lord till he knock'd for them, and then to carry him a Caudle: So they conveyed away their Biſhops Robes, and left the Shepherds Coat by his bedſide: ſo theſe Lads bid farwel to their Shepheard and their Coach: but about 10 of the clock in the morning the Shepheard awaked, as out of a dream, and knocked for the people, who brought him up a Caudle; he asked where were all his men; who anſwered that ſome were gone for a Doctor, and ſome for his friends; he bid the ſervant go down for his Maſter;11 the ſervant well eying the Shepherd, ſaid to his Maſter; Sir, The Biſhop has a Canvas ſhirt on as black as the Devil; and there is a pair of ſhooes ſtands by the Bed, as full of hob-nailes, as the skie is full of ſtars; and there lies a threedbare coat on the bed, that is fit for nothing but to make ſhoo clouts; ſo the hoſt went up to ſee his gueſt, which by this time had dreſt himſelf in his own habit; who when he ſaw his hoſt, ſaid, Friend, I have been robbed to night of mine honour; but they left me mine own cloaths: whereat the hoſt began to laugh; and ſay unto the Shepherd: my Lord, If you pleaſe to buy you two Coach Horſes, I will lend you a Coach and Harneſs to carry your honour to the ſheepfold: So the Shepherd related all the ſtory to the hoſt; and left them his Coach for the reckoning, and bid them adieu.
BISHOP Allen afterwards was taken neer London, with more of his Company, who were all hang'd at Tiburn; Hind onely eſcaped to ſet up his Maſters trade, and no doubt but if he were taken, he would follow his Maſters ſteps ſo far as Tiburn. Hind being in the company, eſcaped by leaving his horſe in the ſtable, and truſting to his own heels, fled for his life; but now he walks on foot, having neither a horſe nor money to buy one, but he reſolves to get both, or to loſe his head-peece.
HIND having loſt his horſe, whereby his trade fail'd, was reſolved to get one, or to follow the trade on foot, and for to colour his knavery, put himſelf into the habit of a Shepherd, with a pike ſtaff of ſeven foot long in his hand, and then travels toward Banbury; where in his rode he eſpied a Gentleman coming down a hill leading his horſe in his hand; Hind, as if he took no notice of the Gentleman, went whiſtting the tune of an ordinary pſalm; when the Gentleman came to the foot of the hill, where Hind now ſtood whiſtling his Pſalm; the Gentleman inquired of him the time of the day, he anſwered him very civily; but as the Gentleman was getting on his horſe, his back being towards14 Hind, Hind hit him ſuch a ſtroke between the head and the ſhoulders, that he made him meaſure his length on the ground; Hind preſently ſeized on his money and cloak, horſe and ſword, and left him his old coat and his pike ſtaff, to beat on the hoof as he had done, and money he gave him back to bear his charges: But to this day, The Gentleman loves not the tane of a Pſalm. But now Hind being wel horſed, & having money and good cloaths, went to Banbury, where he was entertained in a Troop, and quickly acquainted himſelf with ſome of his own profeſſion; and now he begins to rob Cum Privilegio.
Hind being in Banbury Gariſon, where he had good ſhelter for all his knavery, he makes a new trade: For no Carrier could paſs his Roads, without paying Tribute to his Company, or loſing the beſt of their goods: but rather then the15 Carriers would be always haunted for uncertain ſums, they promiſe him and his Company a certain ſtipend a week to let them paſs: You may eaſily believe that theſe Lads did as vigilantly watch their coming from London for their promiſed money; as the Exciſe-men did in thoſe days, watch the Cattell going to Smith-Field.
But when the Parliaments Forces went againſt Banbury, and his Trade there began to fail; He thought it no Robery to borrow Sir William Comptons beſt horſe, who was the Governor then of that Gariſon, to keep up his Trade in the High-way, ſeeing his Gariſon failed.
A Gentleman coming from York; intended his Journey for London, by accident met Hind; Who ſoon made him deliver what money he had: Hind delivers him back twenty ſhillings, to bear his Charges till his Credit would furniſh him again: So the Gentleman rod on his Journey to the next Town, where he was well known by an Inn-keeper; then being alighted, deſired the Hoſt to get ſupper ready: ſo the Gentleman went to his Chamber: In the mean time in comes Hind, and asked if there were any Gentlemen that went to London: the Hoſt anſwered, yes, there was one Gentleman alone, and would be glad15 of any good Company: So Hind went up to the Gentlemans Chamber, and ſaluted him: The Gentleman ſaid, Sir, ſit down, and I will tell you how I was robbed to day; and I durſt have ſworn you had been the man, but that your hair is ſhort, and his was long; Sir, ſaid Hind, do you know his horſe if you ſee him: yes, ſaid the Gentleman, very well: To ſatisfie you, ſaid Hind, you ſhall ſee mine: So Hind went down, and fetcht his Horſe out of the Stable, and asked the Gentleman if that were the Horſe: He anſwered, I, I, that's the Horſe; Then Sir, ſaid Hind, I cannot ſup with you to night, if you know my horſe better then my ſelf.
HInd riding through a little Town in Warwickſhire, he ſaw a Tumult in the ſtreet; ſo he rid up to them, and deſired to know the occaſion of the Tumult; one told him, that an honeſt Inn-keeper was Arreſted for twenty pound, and that the man was undon if he had not ſome relief ſpeedily; So Hind asked the man if he would give him any Security, if he ſhould pay the Debt for him: the poor man being over joyed for this unlookt-for newes; told him, that he would make over all that hee had to him for the Security: So Hind had the Uſurer and the Bailies into the houſe, demanded the bond, paid the Uſurer all he demanded, giving the Bailies their Fees; and ſent for a Scrivner to17 make over the Inn-keepers goods to him; which being done, they departed; Hind being not unmindfull to enquire of the Uſurers way he was to go; went after him; and ſaid to him, Friend, I lent you twenty pound, but I muſt have it again: The Uſurer ſaid, You paid me ſo much money on a Bond: Hind ſaid, It is no time to diſpute it now: So he took from the old Uſurer his own twenty pound, and twenty pound more, which he had got by his Uſury: So Hind rod back to the Inn, and gave the Hoſt his Writing again, and five pounds, and told him, that he had good luck by lending his money to honeſt men.
A Committee-man having occaſion to travel from Warwick towards London, for to buy many Commodities; hearing that there was robbing in that Road; fitted himſelf with an old Gray Coat, out at the Elbowes, and an old Mare; and boots inſtead of Stirups, hanged at a Saddle that was not worth three pence, and a Bridle of the ſame price: Now rides he merrily, thinking no Highway-man would ſet on him: but Money ill got, will be ill ſpent: For he chanced to meet with Hind; who asked what he was; he replied, that he was an old man going to get relief among his friends; ſo Hind gave him a Piece in gold, and bid him drink his health, and be merry at his Inn:19 the old Miſer thinking to pleaſe Hind, Coined two or three great oaths preſently, and ſaid, He would be drunk with drinking his health that night: So Hind, parted from him; and the old man went to his Inn, and ſet up his Mare; then he called for half a pint of Sack; and after the firſt glaſs was down, he began to ſay that he eſcaped the greateſt danger that ever he was in; for, I met with Hind, ſaid he; and inſtead of robbing of me, he gave me a Piece in gold, and bid me drink his health; but I will ſee him hanged before I will ſpend a penny for his ſake: Hang him Rogue, he robs all honeſt men; onely Cavaliers, he lets them go: Ile put his gold amongſt my own: I would have given ten pound to have bin rid of him, when firſt I met him; ſo after a ſhort ſupper, he went to bed. Hind came to the Inn; and uſing to lie there; they20 told him what the Committee-man had ſaid of him. Hind let the old man travel firſt in the morning: and about an hour after, Hind rides after him; and when he had overtaken him; he asked the old man if he drunk his health: I Sir, ſaid he, I was never ſo drunk in my life as I was laſt night; for I drunk the Kings health the Queens, the Princes, and your health ten times over: Hind ſaid unto him, friend, I have found you in many lies: and now I will make you all me Rogue for ſomthing: So Hind made him untie his greaſy ſnapſack; where he found 50 l. in gold, and his own piece beſides. So the Committee-man to cheer up himſelf, reſolved to borrow of the State ſo much money, before he went another Journey.
HInd being deceived of ſuch prizes as he thought moſt ſure of: had ſpent all the money he had with him: ſo betimes in the morning he waited an opportunity to furniſh himſelf, as people were going to a Fair; and meeting with a poor man going to buy a Cow at the Fair. Hind bid him ſtand and deliver ſuch money as he had; The poor man did pull out of his pocket a hankerchief, wherein was four pound: the poor man wept to Hind, and told him it was all that he had in the world, and that he was undone if he took it away: Hind told him he ſhould not loſe one penny by him; but that he would double his money: and appointed to meet him at a Village22 near to the place where the poor man dwelt: ſo Hind did take but three pound from the poor man, and went his way; then the poor man went to the Fair among his neighbours, who asked him the occaſion of his melancholly; he anſwered, That the Market was dear, therefore he would ſtay till the next Fair: ſo he went home making no body acquainted with what had hapned to him: But when the day came that he ſhould meet Hind, who had altered his name to the poor man, he went and enquired for ſuch a Gentleman at the place appointed; who was directed by the man of the houſe to his Chamber: Hind preſently entertained him well, and gave him ſix pound to buy him two Cows; ſo the poor man thankt him, and told him that if he had never paid him, he would never have diſcloſed: So Hind ſeeing him ſimply honeſt, and true-hearted,23 gave him twenty ſhillings more, and bid him pray for James Hind; and ſo ſent him away.
HInd being well horſed, went into Hide Park to ſee a race; but riding by the Coaches, ſpies a bag of money lying by a Gentleman, to whom Hind uſed ſome Diſcourſe; but a Race beginning, the Gentleman cauſed his Coach to ſtand ſtill, that he might judge which horſe ran beſt: Hind's head being not idle how to get this money; the time being now or never; rod by the Coach, and takes the bag in his hand, and rides the way of the Park towards Tiburn: The Gentleman cries out I am robbed, I am robbed; ſo ſome Gentlemen24 rid after him, but in vain; for his horſe leapt the pale into the Road, where he ſtaid, till the Gentlemen came to the gate, but their horſes being unwilling to leap ſuch places, were forced to ſtay: Hind ſaid, Gentlemen, I will referre it to you all, if I have not won the wager; ſo he bid them farwell.
HInd being perſued hard, after he had done a Robbery, was forced to leap his horſe over a hedg, where there was a foot-way went to a privat Gentlemans houſe; ſo hee quickly left the Road, that he feared no danger; then he knocked at the dore, and deſired to ſpeak with the Maſter of the houſe; the Gentleman25 came and deſired his will; Sir, ſaid Hind, I am a Gentleman ſtrai'd one of my way, and was perſued by theeves; and ſo I ſhall deſire you to give me entertainment for this night: The Gentleman deſired Hind to alight; and cauſed his horſe to be ſet up: Hind gave the Gentl. Servant 5 ſhillings and deſired him to be carefull of the horſe; the Gentleman having brought Hind into his Parler, made him welcom: So after ſupper, Hind would ſee his horſe: ſo the Gentleman went with him into the Stable: Sir, ſaid the Gentleman, I have ſuch a fancie to your horſe, that I will give you any money for him, and another horſe to boot: Sir, ſaid Hind, to morrow we will make a bargain: So they went to bed: and in the morning Hind and the Gentleman were bargaining for his horſe; Hind bid the Gentlemans ſervant ride the horſe before them: Upon26 on this, the Gentleman gave Hind fifty pound and another horſe worth twenty pound: So Hind deſired the Gentleman that he might ſhew him ſome tricks on his horſe: Hind preſently leapt on the horſe, and ſhewed him ſport: So he ſeeing his oportunity, leapt over a gate into a way that led to a Town; but he returned and called the Gentleman, and gave him his fifty pound again; and ſaid, Sir, You have entertained me civilly, therefore I were unworthy, if I ſhould have carried your money with me: So giving the Gentleman a word to paſs all Highway-men of his Gang, bid him farwell.
HInd having done many Robberies in Oxfordſhire, many of the County Troop were imployed to take him; he having Intelligence of it, got ſix of his Gang to ride with him to Woodſtick; but in the way they met with 12 of the County Troop: Hind and his Lads being uſed to the ſport; rid up to them, and bid them deliver ſuch money as they had, or they were all dead men: they preſently yeilded upon Quarter; being but Toung Souldiers: and onely ſet on horſe-back to fetch Contribution: So Hind and his Company hambſtringed all their horſes; and bid them ſay to their Committee, that they met with Hind; who deſired them28 to ſend better horſes, and ſtouter men, or they will not take Hind: So the Troops went on foot home to carrie their newes.
A Parſon riding from Coventrey towards London; by ſome petty Theeves was Robbed of his ſilver: Hind overtook the Parſon, and asked him which way he rid: The Parſon told him that he did intend for London; Sir, ſaid the Parſon, I was rob'd of all my ſilver to day; and ſo was I, ſaid Hind, but I hid my gold in my boots: Nay, I believe, that mine is as ſafe, ſaid the Parſon; for I have quilted it in the Collar of my29 doublet: Hind was not a little glad, when he heard where his money lay: ſo being near their Inn, they ſupt together, and went to bed; in the morning the Parſon calls Hind up; and told him that he would be glad of his Company: ſo they rid together: Hind asked the Parſon, If he could gueſs what Trade he was,: no ſaid the Parſon; then ſaid Hind, I am a Cutter; for I muſt cut the Coller of your dublet off, before I ſhall come to your money: Having ſo done, he left the Parſon forty pound lighter then he found him.
HIND having done ſo many Robberies he was conſtrained to leave England and to go for Holland;30 he being among Marchants there, deſired them to give him a bill of Exchange for two hundred pound, one of the Marchants appointed him to come to a Tavern, where he would receive the money and give him a letter of advice, and a bill of Exchange: So Hind paid the Marchant 200. pounds, and the Merchant gave him a bill of Exchange and a letter of advice to a Merchant in London to pay the money upon ſight: ſo Hind plyed Haunce with wine till he made him take a nap; and then he took his money from him, and left him to pay the reckoning, and ſhipt himſelf that night for England, where he received 200. pounds upon ſight of his bill. Thus you ſee Hind having no priveledge to Rob in Holland, found a trick to cheat the Duchman.
HIND overtook a Gentleman as he rid on the Road, and they fell in diſcourſe; ſo the Gentleman was ſaying, That he would give 20. pounds to ſee Hind; but as they were riding the Gentleman fancied Hind's Horſe: Sir, ſaid the Gentleman, What money ſhall I give you to change horſes with me; 40. pound ſaid Hind, I will give you 30. in gold ſaid the Gentleman, ſo Hind, ſaid, Sir, ride him; ſo the Gentleman gave him 30. pounds in gold and his horſe, but as they rid along there was a ditch; Sir, ſaid Hind, leap him over this Ditch; I cannot ſaid the Gentleman, Hind deſired the Gentleman to alight, ſo he got on his own horſe, and leapt over the Ditch;32 and when he was on the otherſide, he ſaid, Sir, You would give 20. pound to ſee Hind, now you have ſeen him: but the other 10. pound was for riding my horſe; ſo now I think you have ſeen enough of him for one time: So bid him farewel.
HIND being deſirous to ſee Ireland when Ormond and Inchequeen were there; went over: where he did many robberies; but chiefly this is ſpecified of him: Ormond, Inchequeeen, Caſtlehaven, Clanrickard, and other great perſons of their party, were all at play at dice for great ſums of money;33 it was Ormonds and Inchequeens fortune to loſe 1500. to Caſtlehaven, who ever being greedy of money: thought it not ſafe till he had ſent it to a Caſtle four miles from the place where he won it: Hind being by when the money was won and loſt; got ſome Lads together, and waited the coming of the money which was carried on horſes in bags; Hind met with Caſtlehaven's ſervants and took their charge from them, and ſent them away; ſo Hind with his Companions carried the money to Ormond; who gave him 500. pound to ſhare among his Companions; but Ormond could not forbear, but told Caſtlehaven, that he knew who robb'd him; Caſtlehaven was very deſirous to know who it was; Ormond told him that upon his reputation he would ſhew him the men; if he would ingage upon his reputation that he would not proſecute34 them; having made their ingagement to each other, Ormond ſent for Hind and his gang to come to him, who preſently came and preſented themſelves before Ormond; who called them ſeverally and gave them 20. ſhilings a peece privately, but to Hind he gave 5. pounds, ſo they departed: when they were gone, Ormond ſaid to Caſtlehaven, Sir, how like you theſe men, theſe were the men that had your money; ſaid Caſtlehaven, They were ſtout men, and by their looks my money will not laſt long with them, Ormond ſaid, Sir, they have left you 500. pound in my hand; ſo he paid him the money, and got 500. pounds himſelf: ſo all parties were pleaſed.
HIND being at his old trade had taken a booty; but ſome of his own Company was diſcontented, becauſe they had not Equal ſhares: But when theeves fall out, tis no ſmall fray ends the contreverſie: for Hind was wounded in the left hand, that he has not the uſe of it; it would have been better for many an honeſt man, that he had been born without armes: for he hath done as many robberies as ever was done by any man, and to eſcape Juſtice as he hath done. After this fray he came for England.
HIND was in an Inn at dinner, and was diſcovered by a ſervant of the houſe to ſome neighbours that he was there neer; ſo there was a tumult gathered about the houſe; when Hind underſtood their intention he came down ſtaires; and ſaid to the Country men; Gentlemen have a care for Hind ſtands with his piſtol cockt, and his ſword drawn; ſo the people retired to the ſtreet door; in the mean time he went to the ſtable and took his horſe and went out at the Inn gate, and ſaid to the common people, Who do you ſtay for; ſaid they, We ſtay to take Hind: ſaid Hind, If you ſtay there37 till he be taken, you may ſtay till Doomsday in the afternoon: and ſo rode his way.
HIND riding ſomewhat hard, overtook a Captain which was riding to his Troop: who deſired Hind to bear him company to his Quarters; ſo as they rid, the Captain had a great fancy to buy Hind's Mare of him; and to eaſe his minde, ſaid, Sir, If you will ſell your Mare, I will give you any money for her, and a good horſe to boot: Hind being not ſtupid, ſaid, Sir, If you will give me ſixty pound, and the horſe you ride on, you ſhall have my Mare; ſhe is the fleeteſt Mare in England: Sir, ſaid the Captain, That is too much for her; but rather then I will leave38 her, you ſhall have my horſe and fifty pound: So they agreed to ride each others horſe a little way; but the Captain overtaking his Troop, cauſed them to ſtand till he came back; ſo he rod on Hinds Mare from the place where the Troop ſtaid, about a quarter of a mile; and onely Hind to bear him company: ſo Hind alighted and gave the Captain his horſe, and received his Mare again; then ſaid Hind, let me ſee what money you will give me to boot, Sir for exchange: The Captain willing to have his Mare, pulled out of his Pocket a Purſe, wherein was one hundred and threeſcore pounds in good Gold: Hind ſeeing this; thought that delaies would breed dangers: and to prevent it, drew a privat Piſtoll, and ſet it to the Captains breſt, and cauſed him to deliver his money: ſo Hind having his gold; told him he would keep him company a little way; but it39 proved a little way indeed; for the next croſs way, Hind bid him adeu: ſo the Captain went alone to his Troop, which might have had a Guard; but now he rides more garded then regarded: For it is with him, as with the old Proverb; When the Steed is ſtolne, ſhut the Stabledvor.
HInd having converſation with a Schollar of Maudlen Colledg in Oxford: leaving his horſe half a mile out of the Town, went to ſee his friend; and put on a Gown like a Schollar. And now he walks to Oxford, where he meets a Countrey fellow, who for all his diſguiſe knew him, and went and told the40 Guard that there was Hind; the Souldiers preſently ſeiſed on him, and began to pull him: Gentlemen, ſaid he, I am very like the man you ſpeak of; but I am a Scollar here: The Soldiers ſeeing his hair ſhort, and in ſo civill an habit, did forbear to preſs on him too much: Hind, when he had liberty, ſaid, Gentlemen, I have many friends in Town, and you would do me much diſcredit: here is twenty ſhillings for you to drink, and let no people follow me; and ſo he went into a houſe to drink, having onely two Soldiers to attend him: where he feigned himſelf very hungry: and gave the Soldiers good drink and good meat, and twenty ſhillings apiece; but he making an excuſe to untruſs a point, left his Gown on the Table; but he ſtaid not long, but leapt over a pale, and went the back-way out of the Town, and left his Gown and the Soldiers to pay a ſaucie Reckoning.
THere was a generall Report that James Hind was Scout Maſter-Generall to the Scotch King: But this was uncertain; for many Fables were raiſed of him: ſome beyond his deſerts; and ſom below his Spirit. There were many flying ſpeeches, that Hind ſhould be the man who ſhould convey away the Scotch King from the fight at Worceſter; and that he ſhould bring him to London, where he went for Holland: but if this were true, he hath done things not to be parallelled; but if not true, he hath the name of it. All that can be ſaid of him that was good, is, That he was charitable to the poor; and was a man that never murdered any on the Road; and always gave men a jeſt for their money: Therefore of the Knaves, the honeſteſt of the Pack.
HIND was a man but of mean ſtature; his Carriage before people was civil; his Countenance ſmiling, good Language; civilly Cloathed; no great Spender or Ranter in Taverns. But theſe were onely Cloaks to deceive honeſt men of their money.
Many of his actions ſavoured of Gallantry: Moſt of Wit; but leaſt of Honeſty.
(EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A85254)
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