1. How Hind first learnt his Art, under one Bishop Allen.

ALL men if they learn an Art serve some time to it, as Hind did to one Allen, who named himself, Lord Bishop of Durham, or of some other place, as his business lay.

This Allen was once a Trades­man in London, but trading failing, sold his stock to set up another trade: so he bought a Coach and four Hor­ses, and had six men to wait on him in Livery Cloaks, with a Gentleman Usher: He habited himself in a Ruff, a square Cap, Lawn Sleeves, and his long Gown: So riding in this State they did many Robberies undiscove­red; for when any Gentleman Rod their way, they would leave their Cloaks in the Coach, and do a Rob­bery, and then put their Booty into the Coach, and get their Livery Cloaks on their backs; if any hue and cry came after them, they would never suspect any of the Bishops men: so when they came to any Inn, the Bishop was honoured, as much as a man of his quality, for his Gentle­man Usher stood bear all the while he was at dinner or supper. But this did not hold long, for they were discovered by some words; but ha­ving [Page 9]notice there of, they went far from the place, after they were known or discovered: And now they plot­ted to get rid of their Coach, for they were afraid that would betray them: whereupon they begun their plot; and as they rid along the Downs, they saw a handsome old Shepherd to whom they said old man, If you please to be merry to night with us, you shall do as we do; so the old man or as willing to go with them: Allon told him, That he would make him L. Bishop for that night: So they put on the Bishops habit on the Shepherd, and it did become him very well then they instru­cted him how to behave himself: So they came to the Inn, where in great pomp they supped: Supper being ended, the Bishops servants went to have their Lord to bed: he being in bed they came down, and told the Host, that their Lord was faln very sick, and that he desired a Doctor; [Page 10]so they enquired for a Doctor, but there was none in 7. miles: then they forged letters that all the men were sent with spare horses to fetch friends, some to see their Lord, and som for the Doctor: that they left no servants to wait on the Bishop. They had also charged the shepherd not to knock till they came to him the next day; and they caused the people of the house not to go to their Lord till he knock'd for them, and then to carry him a Caudle: So they con­veyed away their Bishops Robes, and left the Shepherds Coat by his bedside: so these Lads bid farwel to their Shepheard and their Coach: but about 10 of the clock in the mor­ning the Shepheard awaked, as out of a dream, and knocked for the people, who brought him up a Caudle; he asked where were all his men; who answered that some were gone for a Doctor, and some for his friends; he bid the servant go down for his Ma­ster; [Page 11]the servant well eying the Shepherd, said to his Master; Sir, The Bishop has a Canvas shirt on as black as the Devil; and there is a pair of shooes stands by the Bed, as full of hob-nailes, as the skie is full of stars; and there lies a threedbare coat on the bed, that is fit for nothing but to make shoo clouts; so the host went up to see his guest, which by this time had drest himself in his own habit; who when he saw his host, said, Friend, I have been robbed to night of mine ho­nour; but they left me mine own cloaths: whereat the host began to laugh; and say unto the Shepherd: my Lord, If you please to buy you two Coach Horses, I will lend you a Coach and Harness to carry your honour to the sheepfold: So the Shepherd related all the story to the host; and left them his Coach for the reckoning, and bid them adieu.

2. How Bishop Allen was afterward taken and hang'd at Tiburn, and Hand escaped.

BISHOP Allen afterwards was taken neer London, with more of his Company, who were all hang'd at Tiburn; Hind onely escaped to set up his Masters trade, and no doubt but if he were taken, he would follow his Masters steps so far as Ti­burn. Hind being in the company, escaped by leaving his horse in the stable, and trusting to his own heels, fled for his life; but now he walks on foot, having neither a horse nor money to buy one, but he resolves to get both, or to lose his head-peece.

3. How Hind Robb'd a Gentleman, and furnished himself with a Horse, Money, and Cloaths.

HIND having lost his horse, whereby his trade fail'd, was resolved to get one, or to follow the trade on foot, and for to colour his knavery, put himself into the habit of a Shepherd, with a pike staff of seven foot long in his hand, and then travels toward Banbury; where in his rode he espied a Gentleman co­ming down a hill leading his horse in his hand; Hind, as if he took no no­tice of the Gentleman, went whist­ting the tune of an ordinary psalm; when the Gentleman came to the foot of the hill, where Hind now stood whistling his Psalm; the Gen­tleman inquired of him the time of the day, he answered him very civi­ly; but as the Gentleman was get­ting on his horse, his back being to­wards [Page 14] Hind, Hind hit him such a stroke between the head and the shoulders, that he made him measure his length on the ground; Hind pre­sently seized on his money and cloak, horse and sword, and left him his old coat and his pike staff, to beat on the hoof as he had done, and money he gave him back to bear his char­ges: But to this day, The Gentleman loves not the tane of a Psalm. But now Hind being wel horsed, & having money and good cloaths, went to Banbury, where he was entertained in a Troop, and quickly acquainted himself with some of his own pro­fession; and now he begins to rob Cum Privilegio.

Hind being in Banbury Garison, where he had good shelter for all his knavery, he makes a new trade: For no Carrier could pass his Roads, without paying Tribute to his Company, or losing the best of their goods: but rather then the [Page 15]Carriers would be always haunted for uncertain sums, they promise him and his Company a certain sti­pend a week to let them pass: You may easily believe that these Lads did as vigilantly watch their com­ing from London for their promised money; as the Excise-men did in those days, watch the Cattell going to Smith-Field.

But when the Parliaments For­ces went against Banbury, and his Trade there began to fail; He thought it no Robery to borrow Sir William Comptons best horse, who was the Governor then of that Garison, to keep up his Trade in the High-way, seeing his Garison failed.

4. How Hind Rob'd a Gentleman in Yorkshire, and afterwards came to the Inn where he lay, to Sup with him; but did not.

A Gentleman coming from York; intended his Journey for London, by accident met Hind; Who soon made him deliver what money he had: Hind delivers him back twenty shillings, to bear his Charges till his Credit would fur­nish him again: So the Gentle­man rod on his Journey to the next Town, where he was well known by an Inn-keeper; then being alighted, desired the Host to get supper ready: so the Gen­tleman went to his Chamber: In the mean time in comes Hind, and asked if there were any Gentle­men that went to London: the Host answered, yes, there was one Gen­tleman alone, and would be glad [Page 15]of any good Company: So Hind went up to the Gentlemans Cham­ber, and saluted him: The Gen­tleman said, Sir, sit down, and I will tell you how I was robbed to day; and I durst have sworn you had been the man, but that your hair is short, and his was long; Sir, said Hind, do you know his horse if you see him: yes, said the Gen­tleman, very well: To satisfie you, said Hind, you shall see mine: So Hind went down, and fetcht his Horse out of the Stable, and asked the Gentleman if that were the Horse: He answered, I, I, that's the Horse; Then Sir, said Hind, I cannot sup with you to night, if you know my horse better then my self.

5 How Hind served two Bailies and a Usurer.

HInd riding through a little Town in Warwickshire, he saw a Tumult in the street; so he rid up to them, and desired to know the occasion of the Tumult; one told him, that an honest Inn-kee­per was Arrested for twenty pound, and that the man was un­don if he had not some relief spee­dily; So Hind asked the man if he would give him any Security, if he should pay the Debt for him: the poor man being over joyed for this unlookt-for newes; told him, that he would make over all that hee had to him for the Security: So Hind had the Usurer and the Bailies into the house, demanded the bond, paid the Usurer all he demanded, giving the Bailies their Fees; and sent for a Scrivner to [Page 17]make over the Inn-keepers goods to him; which being done, they departed; Hind being not unmind­full to enquire of the Usurers way he was to go; went after him; and said to him, Friend, I lent you twenty pound, but I must have it again: The Usurer said, You paid me so much mo­ney on a Bond: Hind said, It is no time to dispute it now: So he took from the old Usurer his own twenty pound, and twenty pound more, which he had got by his Usury: So Hind rod back to the Inn, and gave the Host his Writing again, and five pounds, and told him, that he had good luck by lending his mo­ney to honest men.

6 How Hind served a Committee-man who disguised himself for fear of Robbing.

A Committee-man having oc­casion to travel from Warwick towards London, for to buy many Commodities; hearing that there was robbing in that Road; fitted himself with an old Gray Coat, out at the Elbowes, and an old Mare; and boots instead of Stirups, hang­ed at a Saddle that was not worth three pence, and a Bridle of the same price: Now rides he merri­ly, thinking no Highway-man would set on him: but Money ill got, will be ill spent: For he chanced to meet with Hind; who asked what he was; he replied, that he was an old man going to get relief among his friends; so Hind gave him a Piece in gold, and bid him drink his health, and be merry at his Inn: [Page 19]the old Miser thinking to please Hind, Coined two or three great oaths presently, and said, He would be drunk with drinking his health that night: So Hind, parted from him; and the old man went to his Inn, and set up his Mare; then he cal­led for half a pint of Sack; and af­ter the first glass was down, he be­gan to say that he escaped the greatest danger that ever he was in; for, I met with Hind, said he; and instead of robbing of me, he gave me a Piece in gold, and bid me drink his health; but I will see him hanged before I will spend a penny for his sake: Hang him Rogue, he robs all honest men; onely Cavaliers, he lets them go: Ile put his gold amongst my own: I would have given ten pound to have bin rid of him, when first I met him; so after a short supper, he went to bed. Hind came to the Inn; and using to lie there; they [Page 20]told him what the Committee-man had said of him. Hind let the old man travel first in the morning: and about an hour after, Hind rides after him; and when he had over­taken him; he asked the old man if he drunk his health: I Sir, said he, I was never so drunk in my life as I was last night; for I drunk the Kings health the Queens, the Princes, and your health ten times over: Hind said un­to him, friend, I have found you in many lies: and now I will make you all me Rogue for somthing: So Hind made him untie his grea­sy snapsack; where he found 50 l. in gold, and his own piece besides. So the Committee-man to cheer up himself, resolved to borrow of the State so much money, before he went another Journey.

7 How Hind borrowed money of a poor man, and paid it him double, at a time and place appointed.

HInd being deceived of such prizes as he thought most sure of: had spent all the money he had with him: so betimes in the morning he waited an opportuni­ty to furnish himself, as people were going to a Fair; and meeting with a poor man going to buy a Cow at the Fair. Hind bid him stand and deliver such money as he had; The poor man did pull out of his pocket a hankerchief, wherein was four pound: the poor man wept to Hind, and told him it was all that he had in the world, and that he was undone if he took it away: Hind told him he should not lose one penny by him; but that he would double his money: and ap­pointed to meet him at a Village [Page 22]near to the place where the poor man dwelt: so Hind did take but three pound from the poor man, and went his way; then the poor man went to the Fair among his neighbours, who asked him the occasion of his melancholly; he answered, That the Market was dear, therefore he would stay till the next Fair: so he went home making no body acquainted with what had hapned to him: But when the day came that he should meet Hind, who had altered his name to the poor man, he went and enquired for such a Gentleman at the place appointed; who was directed by the man of the house to his Chamber: Hind presently entertained him well, and gave him six pound to buy him two Cows; so the poor man thankt him, and told him that if he had never paid him, he would never have disclosed: So Hind seeing him simply honest, and true-hearted, [Page 23]gave him twenty shillings more, and bid him pray for James Hind; and so sent him away.

8 How Hind Robbed a Gentlemen in Hide Park, neatly, of one hundred pound.

HInd being well horsed, went into Hide Park to see a race; but riding by the Coaches, spies a bag of money lying by a Gentle­man, to whom Hind used some Discourse; but a Race beginning, the Gentleman caused his Coach to stand still, that he might judge which horse ran best: Hind's head being not idle how to get this mo­ney; the time being now or never; rod by the Coach, and takes the bag in his hand, and rides the way of the Park towards Tiburn: The Gentleman cries out I am robbed, I am robbed; so some Gentlemen [Page 24]rid after him, but in vain; for his horse leapt the pale into the Road, where he staid, till the Gentlemen came to the gate, but their horses being unwilling to leap such pla­ces, were forced to stay: Hind said, Gentlemen, I will referre it to you all, if I have not won the wager; so he bid them farwell.

9. How Hind serued a Gentleman were he was and put a trick upon him hansomly.

HInd being persued hard, after he had done a Robbery, was forced to leap his horse over a hedg, where there was a foot-way went to a privat Gentlemans house; so hee quickly left the Road, that he feared no danger; then he knocked at the dore, and desired to speak with the Master of the house; the Gentleman [Page 25]came and desired his will; Sir, said Hind, I am a Gentleman strai'd one of my way, and was persued by theeves; and so I shall desire you to give me enter­tainment for this night: The Gen­tleman desired Hind to alight; and caused his horse to be set up: Hind gave the Gentl. Servant 5 shillings and desired him to be carefull of the horse; the Gentleman ha­ving brought Hind into his Parler, made him welcom: So after sup­per, Hind would see his horse: so the Gentleman went with him into the Stable: Sir, said the Gen­tleman, I have such a fancie to your horse, that I will give you a­ny money for him, and another horse to boot: Sir, said Hind, to morrow we will make a bargain: So they went to bed: and in the morning Hind and the Gentleman were bargaining for his horse; Hind bid the Gentlemans servant ride the horse before them: Up­on [Page 26]on this, the Gentleman gave Hind fifty pound and another horse worth twenty pound: So Hind desired the Gentleman that he might shew him some tricks on his horse: Hind presently leapt on the horse, and shewed him sport: So he seeing his oportunity, leapt o­ver a gate into a way that led to a Town; but he returned and cal­led the Gentleman, and gave him his fifty pound again; and said, Sir, You have entertained me civilly, there­fore I were unworthy, if I should have carried your money with me: So gi­ving the Gentleman a word to pass all Highway-men of his Gang, bid him farwell.

How Hind served the County Troop of Oxford; and how he with six of his Gang, hambstring'd their horses and sent them home on foot.

HInd having done many Robbe­ries in Oxfordshire, many of the County Troop were imployed to take him; he having Intelli­gence of it, got six of his Gang to ride with him to Woodstick; but in the way they met with 12 of the County Troop: Hind and his Lads being used to the sport; rid up to them, and bid them deliver such money as they had, or they were all dead men: they present­ly yeilded upon Quarter; being but Toung Souldiers: and onely set on horse-back to fetch Contribution: So Hind and his Company hamb­stringed all their horses; and bid them say to their Committee, that they met with Hind; who desired them [Page 28]to send better horses, and stouter men, or they will not take Hind: So the Troops went on foot home to carrie their newes.

How he neatly rob'd a Parson of forty pound in gold, which he had hid in the Coller of his Doublet, after he was robb'd of all his silver, the day before.

A Parson riding from Coven­trey towards London; by some petty Theeves was Robbed of his silver: Hind overtook the Parson, and asked him which way he rid: The Parson told him that he did intend for London; Sir, said the Parson, I was rob'd of all my silver to day; and so was I, said Hind, but I hid my gold in my boots: Nay, I believe, that mine is as safe, said the Parson; for I have quilted it in the Collar of my [Page 29]doublet: Hind was not a little glad, when he heard where his money lay: so being near their Inn, they supt together, and went to bed; in the morning the Parson calls Hind up; and told him that he would be glad of his Company: so they rid together: Hind asked the Par­son, If he could guess what Trade he was,: no said the Parson; then said Hind, I am a Cutter; for I must cut the Coller of your dublet off, before I shall come to your money: Having so done, he left the Parson forty pound lighter then he found him.

13. Hind 's voyage into Holland, and his return: and how he cheated a Dutch-man of 200. pounds.

HIND having done so many Robberies he was constrained to leave England and to go for Hol­land; [Page 30]he being among Marchants there, desired them to give him a bill of Exchange for two hundred pound, one of the Marchants ap­pointed him to come to a Tavern, where he would receive the mo­ney and give him a letter of ad­vice, and a bill of Exchange: So Hind paid the Marchant 200. pounds, and the Merchant gave him a bill of Exchange and a let­ter of advice to a Merchant in London to pay the money upon sight: so Hind plyed Haunce with wine till he made him take a nap; and then he took his money from him, and left him to pay the rec­koning, and shipt himself that night for England, where he recei­ved 200. pounds upon sight of his bill. Thus you see Hind having no priveledge to Rob in Holland, found a trick to cheat the Duch­man.

14. How Hind Rob'd a Gentleman of 30. pounds, that was desirous to give 20. pounds to see him.

HIND overtook a Gentle­man as he rid on the Road, and they fell in discourse; so the Gentleman was saying, That he would give 20. pounds to see Hind; but as they were riding the Gen­tleman fancied Hind's Horse: Sir, said the Gentleman, What money shall I give you to change horses with me; 40. pound said Hind, I will give you 30. in gold said the Gentleman, so Hind, said, Sir, ride him; so the Gentleman gave him 30. pounds in gold and his horse, but as they rid along there was a ditch; Sir, said Hind, leap him over this Ditch; I cannot said the Gentle­man, Hind desired the Gentleman to alight, so he got on his own horse, and leapt over the Ditch; [Page 32]and when he was on the otherside, he said, Sir, You would give 20. pound to see Hind, now you have seen him: but the other 10. pound was for riding my horse; so now I think you have seen enough of him for one time: So bid him farewel.

15. Hind 's voyage into Ireland. and how he robb'd Castlehaven of 1500. pounds, and afterwards delive­red it to Ormond, who gave him 500. pounds to share among his Com­panions.

HIND being desirous to see Ireland when Ormond and Inche­queen were there; went over: where he did many robberies; but chiefly this is specified of him: Ormond, Inchequeeen, Castlehaven, Clanrickard, and other great per­sons of their party, were all at play at dice for great sums of mo­ney; [Page 33]it was Ormonds and Inche­queens fortune to lose 1500. to Castlehaven, who ever being gree­dy of money: thought it not safe till he had sent it to a Castle four miles from the place where he won it: Hind being by when the money was won and lost; got some Lads together, and waited the coming of the money which was carried on horses in bags; Hind met with Castlehaven's servants and took their charge from them, and sent them away; so Hind with his Companions carried the money to Ormond; who gave him 500. pound to share among his Companions; but Ormond could not forbear, but told Castlehaven, that he knew who robb'd him; Castlehaven was very desirous to know who it was; Or­mond told him that upon his repu­tation he would shew him the men; if he would ingage upon his reputation that he would not pro­secute [Page 34]them; having made their ingagement to each other, Ormond sent for Hind and his gang to come to him, who presently came and presented themselves before Or­mond; who called them severally and gave them 20. shilings a peece privately, but to Hind he gave 5. pounds, so they departed: when they were gone, Ormond said to Ca­stlehaven, Sir, how like you these men, these were the men that had your money; said Castlehaven, They were stout men, and by their looks my money will not last long with them, Ormond said, Sir, they have left you 500. pound in my hand; so he paid him the money, and got 500. pounds himself: so all parties were pleased.

16. How Hind was wounded in Ireland by some of his own party.

HIND being at his old trade had taken a booty; but some of his own Company was discon­tented, because they had not E­qual shares: But when theeves fall out, tis no small fray ends the contreversie: for Hind was wounded in the left hand, that he has not the use of it; it would have been better for many an honest man, that he had been born without armes: for he hath done as many robberies as e­ver was done by any man, and to escape Justice as he hath done. Af­ter this fray he came for Eng­land.

17. How Hind handsomely escaped from Country men, when they had beset him whilst he was at dinner in an Inn.

HIND was in an Inn at din­ner, and was discovered by a servant of the house to some neighbours that he was there neer; so there was a tumult ga­thered about the house; when Hind understood their intention he came down staires; and said to the Country men; Gentlemen have a care for Hind stands with his pistol cockt, and his sword drawn; so the people retired to the street door; in the mean time he went to the stable and took his horse and went out at the Inn gate, and said to the common people, Who do you stay for; said they, We stay to take Hind: said Hind, If you stay there [Page 37]till he be taken, you may stay till Dooms­day in the afternoon: and so rode his way.

18. How Hind Rob'd a Captain of a Troop of Horse.

HIND riding somewhat hard, overtook a Captain which was riding to his Troop: who de­sired Hind to bear him company to his Quarters; so as they rid, the Captain had a great fancy to buy Hind's Mare of him; and to ease his minde, said, Sir, If you will sell your Mare, I will give you any money for her, and a good horse to boot: Hind be­ing not stupid, said, Sir, If you will give me sixty pound, and the horse you ride on, you shall have my Mare; she is the fleetest Mare in England: Sir, said the Captain, That is too much for her; but rather then I will leave [Page 38]her, you shall have my horse and fifty pound: So they agreed to ride each others horse a little way; but the Captain overtaking his Troop, caused them to stand till he came back; so he rod on Hinds Mare from the place where the Troop staid, about a quarter of a mile; and onely Hind to bear him compa­ny: so Hind alighted and gave the Captain his horse, and received his Mare again; then said Hind, let me see what money you will give me to boot, Sir for exchange: The Captain wil­ling to have his Mare, pulled out of his Pocket a Purse, wherein was one hundred and threescore pounds in good Gold: Hind seeing this; thought that delaies would breed dangers: and to prevent it, drew a privat Pistoll, and set it to the Captains brest, and caused him to deliver his money: so Hind ha­ving his gold; told him he would keep him company a little way; but it [Page 39]proved a little way indeed; for the next cross way, Hind bid him adeu: so the Captain went alone to his Troop, which might have had a Guard; but now he rides more garded then regarded: For it is with him, as with the old Proverb; When the Steed is stolne, shut the Stable­dvor.

How Hind escaped taking at Oxford, coming thither in the Disguise of a Schollars Gown.

HInd having conversation with a Schollar of Maudlen Colledg in Oxford: leaving his horse half a mile out of the Town, went to see his friend; and put on a Gown like a Schollar. And now he walks to Oxford, where he meets a Coun­trey fellow, who for all his disguise knew him, and went and told the [Page 40]Guard that there was Hind; the Souldiers presently seised on him, and began to pull him: Gentle­men, said he, I am very like the man you speak of; but I am a Scollar here: The Soldiers seeing his hair short, and in so civill an habit, did forbear to press on him too much: Hind, when he had liberty, said, Gentle­men, I have many friends in Town, and you would do me much discredit: here is twenty shillings for you to drink, and let no people follow me; and so he went into a house to drink, having one­ly two Soldiers to attend him: where he feigned himself very hungry: and gave the Soldiers good drink and good meat, and twenty shillings apiece; but he making an excuse to untruss a point, left his Gown on the Table; but he staid not long, but leapt o­ver a pale, and went the back-way out of the Town, and left his Gown and the Soldiers to pay a saucie Reckon­ing.

THere was a generall Report that James Hind was Scout Ma­ster-Generall to the Scotch King: But this was uncertain; for many Fables were raised of him: some beyond his deserts; and som below his Spirit. There were many fly­ing speeches, that Hind should be the man who should convey away the Scotch King from the fight at Worcester; and that he should bring him to London, where he went for Holland: but if this were true, he hath done things not to be parallel­led; but if not true, he hath the name of it. All that can be said of him that was good, is, That he was charitable to the poor; and was a man that never murdered a­ny on the Road; and always gave men a jest for their money: There­fore of the Knaves, the honestest of the Pack.

HIND was a man but of mean stature; his Carriage before people was civil; his Countenance smiling, good Language; civilly Cloathed; no great Spender or Ranter in Taverns. But these were onely Cloaks to deceive ho­nest men of their money.

Many of his actions savoured of Gallantry: Most of Wit; but least of Honesty.