"Notes on the murder at Rhiw January the 6^th 1742"

Lewis Williams.

The examinant Lewis Williams one of the High Constables of the Hundred of Gaflogion sayeth on his oath that…. The examinant bought the said Hugh Bedward to the County Gaol at Caernarfon on Friday the fourteenth day of January last year and that the said Hugh Bedward confessed several times on his way to the said gaol. To this the said the said John Roberts murdered the said William Morgan mariner with a knife and that the said John Roberts murdered the said boy mariner – the said Edward Halohan by putting his hands round his throat and that he squeezed and choked the said boy before he died. And the examinant further sayeth not.

Love Parry.

Richard Morris.

Richard Morris of the parish of Rhiw in the county of Carnarvon one of the constables of the Hundred of Gaflogion in the said county acknowledged himself indebted to the King in the sum of forty pounds to provide by the way of judicial judgement (?)

The John Roberts and Hugh Bedward mow presiding in the County Gaol at Carnarvon on suspicion pf murdering William Morgam mariner and Edward Halohan mariner on the strand near Rhiw in the said County.

The examination of Evan Williams servant of Maurice Lewis of Rhiw taken before Love Parry Esquire on the fifth day of April in the year of our lord 1743.

The examinant sayeth on his oath that on Friday the seventh day of January last, in the morning of the said day, he found that something was at Creigiau near his house. And that Mr Maurice Lewis his master ordered the examinant to go to the strand to a boat that had come ashore, …. The said boat and goods and that there were two men left to watch the said boat said his master. ‘You can speak with one of the two men because he is a Welshman. And then the examinant went to the strand and the first thing he saw on the strand was John Rowlands of Llandegwning and Robert John Jones and that then the examinant asked the said Robert John Jones whether he had seen any boat and the said Robert John Jones that he had not seen a soul or a boat and the said Robert John Jones …. Whereupon the examinant turned away and went towards Rhiw parish and after he had walked a little way he saw a boat and two men near the sand, and when he came near the boat he found the two men to be John Roberts and Hugh Bedward of the parish of Rhiw labourers. When the examinant told the said John Roberts there is a great deal of wreck here, he said the said John Roberts showing a couple of corps two men. The examinant said ‘In the name of God two corpses! The other people also at Rhiw and they said that both men were alive then. The said John Roberts told the examinant that he had found a spoon ‘And I will keep it.’ And that an old blanket laid on the floor near the said boat, and that John Roberts told the examinant ‘ I will take this for I will give thanks for it, for I have carried some things to yonder place’ Show them then the examinant asked the said John Roberts. Have you seen any of my  people here ?’ ‘No Lord knows I have not seen any of them and that soon after the said John Rowlands and Robert John Jones and several other persons saw them. And the examinant further sayeth no. –Evan Williams.

"One of the documents"

The formal examination of John Rowlands, David Williams, Michael Pritchard and Lewis Williams. Taken before Love Parry esq on the fifth day of January in the year of our lord 1743.

Examinant john Rowland sayeth on his oath that on Friday the seventh day of January last year he went about the break of day to the strand near Rhiw. And after he walked for a while on the strand he met with John Roberts, Hugh Bedward and David Williams of Rhiw labourers who were walking from Rhiw parish towards Llangian. When the said John Roberts told the examinant ……. Further towards Killan and Llanengan, then the said john Roberts, Hugh Bedward and David Williams turned back and left the examinant behind talking with four other people there on the strand and for a little time after he saw .. David Williams carrying something….. and when he walked a little further he was informed by some people on the strand that a boat was come ashore and he went on his way….. of the sand. Then the examinant walked further towards Rhiw parish and saw a boat and three men near the said boat who were the said John Roberts, Evan Williams servant of Maurice Lewis of Rhiw and Morris the son of the said Maurice Lewis and when he came near the said boat he found there two dead corpses men. The examinant said ‘Lord have mercy on us to be so much for this world when he saw the condition of the corps. And this examinant further sayeth not. The word of John Rowland.

The examinant Michael Pritchard sayeth on his oath that on Saturday fifteenth day January last year. The examinant went together with John Williams Bodgugin to the county gaol of Carnarvon to see John Roberts and Hugh Bedward the prisoners in the said gaol on suspicion of murdering William Morgan and Edward Haolhan mariners and after they came to the said gaol the said John Williams asked the said Hugh Bedward how the said John Roberts had murdered the said William Morgan and Edward Halohan. Then the said Hugh Bedward told the examinant the said john Williams that the said John Roberts had murdered the said William Morgan with a knife and the examinant asked Hugh Bedward how the said John Roberts had murdered the boy mariner and the said Hugh Bedward told the examinant by putting his hand to his throat and that the said John Roberts had squeezed and choked him the said boy mariner the said Edward Halohan and that thereby he immediately died.

And the examinant further sayeth not.

The examinant Fonn Fron on his oath sayeth that in the nigh time of the fifth day of January ( surpassed ?). The examinant together with the above named Robert Morris and four other persons saw a ……. In a long boat near Rhiw in the said county into an unknown place the master of the ship the examinant the said Robert Morry and the other hands… unto which they that day say they were forced to quit about five leagues from Bardsey Island and they saw craft filled with water to the higher decks was very much out of order and in bad state of health which caused the examinant Robert Morry and al of the crew to go in search of lodging, it then being way far in the night. Leaving to watch the said boat which had cloth and other goods, leaving William Morgan and Edward Halohan two of the crew in good health walking in the strand near the said boat without any bruises or wounds on either of them and the examinant further sayeth that he verily believes that the said William Morgan and Edward Halohan were suspiciously murdered by the wounds scars and other marks of violence on their respective bodies. Apparently by person or persons unknown.

And the examinant further sayeth not.

Examinant David Williams sayeth on his oath that he together with John Roberts of the parish of Rhiw went to the strand between one an two o clock in the seventh day of January last year, and walked on the said strand all night picking up several things and far in the day that same day. The examinant came to the said boat and that several persons were there at that time and the examinant went further south that when he came to the said corps he saw blood on the floor near the said corps…….. Examinant said ‘I do not like that cuts or wounds I verily believe these persons were murdered and further sayeth not. David Williams.

The examinant David Williams on his oath sayeth that on Friday the seventh day of January last year. He together with John Roberts and Richard Robert Arthur that day before day went to look for wreck on the strand near the aforesaid Rhiw and that after they had walked a small while together they met the said Hugh Bedward and soon after they saw a cloth on the strand and that being afore the examinant together with the said Richard Robert Arthur parted from the said John Roberts and Hugh Bedward and that the said John Roberts and Hugh Bedward went towards Rhiw Point and that the examinant the said Richard Robert Arthur turned the other way towards home. And the examinant further sayeth that he does not know how the said William Morgan and Edward Halohan came by their death. But the examinant was informed far in the day, that same day that there was a boat come ashore near Rhiw Point aforesaid and that there were two dead corpses found drowned near the sand and that the examinant – went there and saw the said corpses. But he does not know how or what manner either of them the said William Morgan and Edward Halohan came by his death. And this examinant further sayeth not.

The examinant John Roberts on his oath sayeth that he the examined on Friday morning the seventh day of January together with David Williams and one Richard Robert Arthur were before day that same day walking on the strand near Rhiw aforesaid and they met with the said Hugh Bedward and that soon after that he the examinant parted with the said David Williams and Richard Robert Arthur and went together with said Hugh Bedward towards Rhiw Point. And after they had walked a little way the said Hugh Bedward told the examinant that he saw a boat on the strand and that they went together to the said boat and when they came near the sand they found two dead corpses devoid of movement and that they saw somewhat like two persons walking towards Rhiw parish afoot, whether man or woman the examinant did not know and the examinant further sayeth that he verily believes that the said William Morgan and Edward Halohan were both drowned, and that they no either of them, I’d not have by this death by being starved ? or murdered.

And this the examinant further sayeth not.

Rector of Rhiw.

The examinant John Roberts clerk of the parish church of Rhiw in the said county sayeth on his oath, that on Friday morning the seventh of January surpassed. He the examinant was informed that a boat came ashore near Rhiw aforesaid and that there were two dead corps found near the sand and that that same day the said corps were carried to Rhiw aforesaid and that on Saturday the next day both the said corps by the name of William Morgan and Edward Halohan mariners were by him the examinant buried in the same grave in the churchyard of Rhiw aforesaid and the examinant also sayeth that there was on the head of him Called William Morgan several deep cuts most likely made with some weapon or other, and several bruises and the head of him called Edward Halohan was …. With several marks on the wind pipe and the examinant further sayeth that he verily believes that each of them the said William Morgan and Edward Halohan were suspiciously murdered by some person or persins unknown and this examinant further sayeth not.

Sworn and examined seperatley at the house Margaret ac Richard widow adjoining to the churchyard of Rhiw aforesaid, the tenth day of January 1742.

Before me OW Owen one of the coroners of the aforesaid county.

The examination of Hugh Bedward of the parish of Rhiw in the county of Carnarvon Labourer. Taken by me Love Parry Esquire one of his majesty’s justices of the peace for the said county on Tuesday the eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord 1742.

The examinant sayeth on his oath that on Friday morning last fifth he the examinant went before day to the strand and there met with John Roberts of the parish of Rhiw aforesaid and two other persons and he together with the said John Roberts departed with the other party and walked towards Rhiw Point and in some time after saw a boat on the strand and two persons near the sand. The examinant went to the boat and the said John Roberts went to the bigger of the two persons and immediately stabbed him in the back of the neck with a knife and which instantly killed him and afterwards went to the other person and took him by the throat, whereby he immediately died and afterwards the said John Roberts said these persons have effects with them, therefore we must bury them lest we should be discovered, whereupon the said John Roberts ordered the examinant to hold a cloth that was laid near the said boat which he …. Came upon then the said John Roberts took out of the said cloth and ordered the examinant to carry the …. And a small trunk into a wood lying near the strand and before they could carry off all the effects found in the said cloth Mr Maurice Lewis of Rhiw his son and a man servant came upon them and four other persons and the said John Roberts in his way herewith the examinant. We …… discuss this foil, but we must say that we saw two persons going towards Rhiw Point from the said boat and the examinant further sayeth no. Signed at Pwllheli the eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord 1742.

The several examinations of Robert Morry Com Caio. John Roberts Hugh Bedward, David Williams and John Roberts clerk of Rhiw Church taken before me Owen Owens one of his majesty’s coroners for the county aforesaid on the tenth day of January in the year of our Lord 1742. at the dwelling house of Margaret ach Richard widow, upon the body of William Morgan and Edward Halohan…. Them lying dead in the churchyard of Rhiw adjacent to the said dwelling house after being raised out of the grave.

The examinant Robert Morry on his oath sayeth that in the night time of the sixth day of January (surp) The examinant together with five persons now came ashore in a long boat near Rhiw in the said county and being come to an unknown place, the master of the ship the examinant and the other hand (belonged unto which they that day quitted within five leagues of Bardsey Island on the coast filled with water to her high deck) was very weak and in bad state of health said the examinant and to two other of the crew to go in search of lodging it being then very far into the night leaving to watch the said boat William Morgan and Edward Halohan two of the crew in good health on the strand  near the said boat without any scar or bruises or wounds and the examinant fyrther sayeth that he verily believes that the said William Morgan and Edward Halohan were suspiciously murdered by  and it appeared by the wounds, scars and other marks of violence on their separate bodies by person or persons unknown.

And the examinant further sayeth no. Robert Morry.

Be it that on the fifth day of February in the sixteenth year of the reign of our sovereign lord King George the second of great Britain and Ireland defender of the faith and in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and fourty two Came … Love Parry esquire one of his majesty’s justices of the peace for the county of Carnarvon and aforesaid Richard Morris and William John Evans both of the parish of Rhiw in the said county and became bail and each of them seperatley became bail under the penalty of fifty pounds of good and lawful money of great Britain for David Williams of the parish of Rhiw Labourer and that the said David Williams undertook for himself the penalty of one hundred pounds of like lawfully  ..  .. undertook for himself for the penalty of one hundred pounds.

Several saying they acknowledged and each of the aforesaid acknowledge to our kind lord the king to be made their goods and chattels land and tenements and to be beyond to this use of our said lord king his heirs and successors if the said David Williams default in performing the conditions below.

The conditions of this recognizance such that if the above. David Williams shall personally appear before the justices of the grand session and the gaol. Delivery at the Grand session to be held for the said county. There to give his evidence as he knows against John Roberts and Hugh Bedward both of the parish of Rhiw in the said county Labourers and now presiding in the county gaol at Carnarvon in the said county who both being suspected of feloniously murdered both William Morgan and Edward Halohan mariners on the strand near Rhiw in the said county and do not depart thence without leave of the gaol …. That recognizance to be void and of no effect.

Be it …. That on the eighth and twenty day of February in the sixteenth year of the reign of our sovereign lord the King George the second of great Britain and Ireland defender of the faith and so forth and in the year of our lord one thousand and seven hundred and  forty three Came personally me before Love Parry esq. One of his majesty’s justices of the peace for the county of Carnarvon

Aforesaid Richard Morris and John Rowland of the parish of Llandygwning in the said county. And became bail and each of them separately …. Bail under the penalty of fifty ponds of good and lawful money of great Britain and Ireland and Evan Williams of the parish of Rhiw in the said county and the said Evan Williams undertook for himself the penalty of one hundred pounds of like and lawful money which said several persons acknowledged and each of them acknowledged to owe to our said Lord the King to be made of the goods and chattels lands and tenements to be made to our sovereign king his heirs and successors if the said Evan Williams shall default in performing the condition of indictment.

The condition of this recognizance ….. Evan Williams personally appear before the justices of the grand session and gaol delivery of the grand session to held for the said county and then to give evidence as he knows against John Roberts and Hugh Bedward both of the parish of Rhiw in the said county Both suspected of murdering William Morgan and Edward Halohan on the strand near Rhiw. Do not depart thence without leave of the court that then this recognizance be void and of no effect or else the same to stand … in full ..virtue.

Taken and acknowledged the day and year above written before me Love Parry.

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 Between the King and John Roberts upon an indictment for murder.

Thomas Martyn Judge.

 Some of the men that were called for Jury service.

Edward Griffith of Conway, Gent.

William Williams of Rhiw, Gent.

John Williams of  Bonrhyd, Gent.

Owen Hughes Tre Castell, Gent.

Owen Thomas Graig, Gent.

Roger Roberts Rhiwdolion, Yeoman.

John Parry Rhosfynaich. Gent.

Roger Williams Tyn Coed. Gent

Hugh Thomas Korn, Gent

Maurice Owen Pen y Bryn, Gent

Henry Wynne of Carnarvon.

William Williams, Maes y Geirchen.

John Williams,

William Williams Bryn.

Be it recorded that I on the eight and twentieth day of march in the sixteenth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord George the second of Great Britain and Ireland  King defender of the faith and so forth and in this year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty three John Rowland of the parish of Llandygwning in the county  yeoman came before me Love Parry esquire one of the justices assigned to keep the peace in the said county and look in hand under the penalty of one hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain which said John Rowlands acknowledges to owe to the said Lord the king and granted to be made and payed out of hid gods and chattels , lands and tenements to the ………said lord the King his heirs and successors if he shall make default in the condition underwritten.

The condition this recognizance is such that if the above bounden John Rowlands do personally appear before the justices of the Grand Session and Gaol Delivery at the next great session to be held for the said county and  attend there to give such evidence he knows against John Roberts and Hugh Bedward both of the parish of Rhiw in the said county labourers who both having been suspected of feloniously murdered both William Morgan and Edward Halohan on the strand near Rhiw in the said county and do not there depart thence without leave of the court that this recognizance to be void and of no effect or else. Taken and acknowledged the day and year above. – Love Parry

Be it remembered that on the fifth day of February in the sixteenth year of the reign of our sovereign lord George the second of great Britain and Ireland King defender of the faith and so forth in this year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred and forty two came personally before me Love Parry esquire one of his majesty’s justices of the peace for the county of Carnarvon  aforesaid Richard Robert Arthur of the parish of Bryncroes in the said county and Richard Morris from the parish of Llandygwning yeoman and become bail and each person seperatley become bail under the penlaty of one hundred pounds of good and lawful money of great Britain. For Richard Robert Arthur in the parish of Rhiw in the said county taylor and the said Richard Robert Arthur undertook for himself under the penalty of two hundred pounds of like lawful money, which said several persons they acknowledged and each of the aforesaid acknowledged to owe to our said Lord the King to be made of their goods and chattels land and tenements and to be behoven to the king his heirs and successors if the said Richard Robert Arthur shall make default in performing the conditions under written.

The condition of this recognizance is such that the above bounden Richard Robert Arthur shall personally appear before the justices of the great sessions and gaol delivery  at the great session to be held for the said county and attend there to give such evidence as he knows against John Roberts and Hugh Bedward both of the parish of Rhiw in the said county labourers now presiding in the county gaol in Carnarvon in the said county , who both being suspected to have feloniously murdered both William Morgan and Edward Halohan mariners on the strand  near Rhiw in the said county and do not depart thence without leave of the court that then this recognizance be void and of no effect or else the same to stand

Richard Morris and William John Evans parish of Rhiw yeomen. and each of them became bail under the penalty of fifty pounds

David Williams parish of Rhiw labourer. Undertook for himself under the penalty of one hundred pounds.

David Williams shall personally appear to give evidence.

The jurors for our sovereign Lord the King upon his oath present that John Roberts late of the parish of Rhiw in the county of Carnarvon Labourer not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being moved and ordered by the justification of the Devil in the night time of the sixth day of January in the sixteenth year of the King our Sovereign Lord George the second now King of Great Britain and Ireland and so forth with force and arm at the Parish of Rhiw aforesaid in the county aforesaid and in and upon William Morgan in the peace of God and of our said Lord the King feloniously, wilfully and of his malice aforethought did make an assault and that the said John Roberts with a certain knife with the value of sixpence which he the said John Roberts in his right hand then and there had and held the said William Morgan into and upon the nape of his neck then and there feloniously, wilfully and of malice aforethought did strike and thrust giving to the said William Morgan then and there with the knife aforesaid in and upon the neck of him the said William Morgan one mortal wound of the breadth of these strikes and the depth of six inches at the Parish of Rhiw in the county of Carnarvon mortally wounding the said William Morgan mariner and aforesaid feloniously and wilfully with malice aforethought did kill and murder against the peace of our said Lord King his Crown and Dignity.

Guilty to hang.

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