_Letters_ about _Sheppard_. The vulgar continu'd under great Doubts and
Difficulties, in what would be his Case, and whether the _Old Warrant_,
or a _New One_ must be made for his Execution, or a New Tryal, _&c._
were the great Questions as arose, and occasion'd various Reasonings and
Speculation, till a News Paper, call'd the _Daily Journal_ set them all
to Rights by the Publication of the Account following, _viz._


'_J. Sheppard_ having been Convicted of Burglary, and Felony,
and received Sentence of Death, and afterwards 'Escap'd from
_Newgate_; and being since Re-taken'; we are assur'd that it
must be prov'd in a _Regular_, and _Judicial_ way, that he is
the same Person, who was so Convicted and made his Escape,
before a Warrant can be obtain'd for his Execution; and that
this Affair well be brought before the Court at the _Old
Baily_ the next Sessions.'

This was enough; People began to grow calm and easy and got _Shav'd_,
and their Shoes _finish'd_, and Business returned into its former
Channel, the Town resolving to wait the _Sessions_ with Patience.

The Reverend Mr. _Wagstaff_, who officiated in the absence of the
_Ordinary_, renew'd his former Acquaintance with Mr. _Sheppard_, and
examin'd him in a particular manner concerning his Escape from the
Condemn'd Hold: He sincerely disown'd, that all, or any, belonging to
the Prison were privy thereto; but related it as it has been describ'd.
He declar'd that _Edgworth Bess_, who had hitherto pass'd for his
_Wife_, was not really so: This was by some thought to be in him Base,
and Ungenerous in that, as she had Contributed towards his Escape, and
was in Custody on that Account, it might render her more liable to