Among those lately committed to prison we find Josiah Dow, a lad of 16 years of age, who is charged with setting fire to a parcel of Hay under the following circumstances.
About 3 o’ clock in the afternoon of Thursday, Dow in company with several other boys was observed by Mr Worters of Stapleford Tawney, lurking about one of his fields, in which he had placed a boy to keep of rooks; the latter had kindled a fire. Mr Worters observing Dow and his associates addressed himself to Dow in particular and desired that they would leave the field, or he would horsewhip him (Dow). These words it would appear, produced a feeling of revenge in the breast of prisoner who was heard to say that he would “serve him (Mr Worters) out” This youthful delinquent shortly after borrowed a knife off one of his companions, cut a stick, which he lighted at the fire in the field and was seen to go to a parcel of hay (about 40 trusses) which was thatched. In a few moments the hay was observed to be in flames and no part could be saved. Dow was immediately apprehended and after an examination before the Magistrates was fully committed to take his trial for the offence.
Chelmsford Chronicle.