John Forbes, escaped prisoner

ESCAPE FROM THE JAIL OF ELGIN.

WHEREAS, JOHN FORBES, Ship Carpenter, last at Fochabers, incarcerated at the instance of the Procurator of the Sheriff Court of Elginshire, effected his Escape from the Jail of this place, on Friday evening the 24th current.

The Magistrates of Elgin hereby offer

A REWARD OF FIVE GUINEAS,

to any person who shall apprehend and secure the said John Forbes; besides all expences incurred on his apprehension, to be paid by the Town Treasurer.

By order of the Magistrates, 

PAT. DUFF, Town-Clerk.

Description. - The said John Forbes is about 5 feet 9 inches high; dark complexioned, black hair, black eyes, with arched eye-brows, about 22 years of age, an active figure; and had on, at the time of his escape, a long blue coat, and grey trowsers.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 29th January 1817.

William Law jailed for theft

Friday last, the 20th current, a man of the name of William Law, was committed to the jail at Stonehaven, under suspicion of having committed the crime of theft.  On an investigation having taken place, the crime was partly proven against him, and he, on Wednesday evening last, about midnight, made his escape, by burning as much of the door (it being the debtor's room, and of course, wood) as allowed him to get out into the large apartment that is presently occupied as a public kitchen, and then, by forcing out the glass and wood of one of the windows, he got out at a stanchion that had been cut on a former occasion of the like nature.  It is reported that he was seen on the Slugg road, which leads from Stonehaven to Deeside, about nine miles on the road; the constables are in pursuit of him; and a reward of 20 guineas is offered for his apprehension.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 1st September 1813.

Circuit Court Trials, Perth

At the Circuit Court at Perth, on Wednesday last, Robert Ruxton, Jean McMillan, and Elizabeth Beattie, were found guilty of abetting and aiding the riots which lately disgraced the town of Montrose.  Ruxton was sentenced to banishment for seven years beyond seas - McMillan six months in the jail of Forfar - and Beattie four months in the jail of Montrose.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 28th April 1813.