THE SPEECH AND CONFESSION Of Mr. Richard Hannam, on Tuesday last in the Rounds of Smithfield, immediatly before his fatall Leap from off the Ladder, &c.
IN the days of William the Conquerour, we read of one Simon Lupus, a notable Carver, so called by the [Page 4] Saxons, who in one half year, had purchased above 3000 l. as the Ganters term it; but not long after, lost both that, and life and all; for being sentenced at Chester to be hanged, he vowed that no man should never do it; and accordingly being upon the Ladder, he desperately leaped off: In like manner, Mr. Hannam, [the subject of this Discourse] far exceeding cutting Dick, bold Peacock, valiant Cheyny, and famous Hind, hath desperately acted the like Theatre; for note, that upon his first breaking out of Newgate, he crossed the sea to Amsterdam, and robbed the Bank of abundance of rich Treasure: from thence he went to the Hague, where he robbed the Qu. of Bohemia also of many rich Jewels, Rings, and Plate: He robd the Queen of Sweden, he robd the K. of Scots; he robbed the Kings of Spain and France, [Page 5] and likewise the Prince of Turks: insomuch, that in one years space, he got above 17000 l. in Gold, Silver, Plate, and Jewels All which Treasure, was not formidable enough to preserve him from the hand of Justice; but upon his return from his Europian Rambles, he lodged in Bear-binder Lane at one Mr. Chamberlains, and on Saturday June 14. towards evening, he, with his Father Rud, another, and Mrs. Dale, (a Fidlers wife) came to Mr. Laughorns, a Victuallinghouse, went up stairs, called for a cup of Beer, pickt open a Chest, stole out 8 l. 19 s. in money, which the woman carryed away: but being suspected, two of them was apprehended, Hannam escaped out of the house top, and returning about 4 hours after, was taken, carryed to Newgate, and from thence to execution, where he made this ensuing Speech, viz.
ALthough I am a Prisoner, and condemned to die; yet I cannot but retain a favourable Construction of your Proceedings (this day) towards me; presuming, that you will not deny me that Liberty, due to all Christians, from Christian Magistrates, which is, that I may be permitted the freedome of speech, to clear the Innocent (at this my hour of death) that now lye accused, as being privy to my Designs, and Confederates with me in my late actions: As for my part, resolved I am to accuse no man: no, no, Gentlemen, I abhor the thought, much more detest the Action of so horrid and foul a Crime; and on the contrary, am as willing and free, to clear those that are ac [Page 7] cused for me; which it seems is my poor Landlord and Landlady, Mr. Chamberlain and his Wife, whose hard Fate, and cruel Destiny from my soul I pitty, as much as my own, and do protest their Innocency in all respects [towards me] whatsoever. However, seeing it is my unhappy fortune, to end my days upon this Gibbet, I humbly submit to the Divine Hand of Justice, and desire the Prayers of all good Christians, to Almighty God, earnestly to implore a remission of all my sins, which are many; and inable me to sayl through this violent Storm and Tempest, that so at the last I may arrive at the Haven of Happiness, there to cast my Anchor of Faith and to lay hold on my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: And so farewell, farewell unto you all.
Then turning himself about, Mr. Clerk the Minister of Newgate spake unto him by way of Exhortation; and after him, one Mr. Cudson; unto whom he was very attentive, and seemed to have a very relenting spirit, &c. But the hour drawing neer, he was commanded up the Ladder, where the Executioner sate ready to do his Office; and having put the Rope about his Neck, Mr. Hannam pulled out a white Cap out of his Pocket, and giving it to the Executioner, he put it on the said Hannams head, and after that, his mourning Ribbon that he wore about his Hat, and so lifting up his hands to Heaven, and the Executioner laying his hand upon his shoulder, [which was the sign] asking if he was ready, he immediatly leaped off on the left side, uttering these words: ‘Lord have mercy upon me.’