holds. B.'s case is moved for trial and he claims never to
have seen A. in his life before the night in question, and
that he volunteered to help the latter carry a bundle which
seemed to be too heavy for him. He calls A., who testifies
that this is so--that B., whom he did not know from Adam,
tendered his services and that he availed himself of the
offer. The jury are usually prone to acquit, as the weight of
evidence is clearly with the defendant.
_______________________________________

* The defence that the accused innocently received the stolen
property into his possession was a familiar one even in 1697,
as appears by the following record taken from the Minutes of
the Sessions. It would seem that it was even then received
with some incredulity.

CITY & COUNTY OF NEW YORK: ss:

At a Meeting of the Justices of the Peace for the said City &
County at the City Hall of the said City on Thursday the 10th
day of June Anno Dom 1697.

PRESENT.
William Morrott \ Esquires
James Graham / quorum

Jacobus Cortlandt \ Esquires
Grandt Schuylor } Justices
Leonard Lowie / of the Peace