The Virginia Gazette

Kilkenny, Aug. 15. This Day ended the Assizes here, where four Felons were convicted, and particularly the infamous James Moran; who was proclaim'd, and who, to the Surprize of all the County, had the Assurance to deliver himself up, with this wonderful Circumstance, That the Justice who committed him, had that Confidence in Mr. Moran, that he gave him his Mittimus in his Hand, which the said Moran brought with him; knock'd at the Door, and delivered it with his Body to the Jaylor.

This same Fellow has been the most remarkable Person of his Profession that ever was in Ireland, or perhaps in any other Country. He served 6 Years to his Brother-in-Law, Toby Purcell, alias Philip, who was the most notorious Thief of his Time, and supplanted by James, who about 30 Years since set up for himself, and made such a Figure in this County as no one made before him, he being rather an Employer of Thieves than a Thief. He always took care to buy the Cattle before Witnesses for that Purpose, in open Fair. He stood his Trial in this County 17 Times; eleven of which one particular Man was upon his Jury. He was tried upon several Indictments, but one Time in particular, there was no less than 16 against him. He acted like Jonathan Wild, whoever lost any Thing, if they applied properly to him, were sure to have Restitution: He bred his only Son to his own Business, who, it is said, was the Person that stole the Cattle, for which his Father was now condemned: and was so good a Proficient, that at the Age of 14, he was tried for stealing a Mare, Saddle and Bridle out of an Inn in this Town.

The Father has lived these 30 Years near Gowran, was married to a Gentleman, and is now reputed to be worth 500 l. but does not speak English. 'Tis said, that when he was going with his Mittimus to Goal, he called upon one of his Brothers in Iniquity, and settled Accounts with him, and at their parting, his Friend, after giving him a Bottle of Wine to comfort him, expressed himself in the most tender Manner, and said, 'Well, dear James, let the World say what they will, my Father and I have found thee an honest Man,' and then embraced him kindly.

However the whole Country are most joyful at his Conviction, and every Body, both Rich and Poor were in a terrible Alarm this Morning, on a Report, that a Gentleman who attended the Trial, was so softened, and so filled with an ill-tim'd Pity, as to make Interest for a Pardon: But the Grand-Jury went immediately and drew up a Remonstrance, to prevent a favourable Report. The Country was the more alarmed, as there were 2 others convicted, who, as they had not been concerned in above 25 Felonies, to the Knowledge of the Country, must undoubtedly expect as much Favour as Moran.