Notebook Volume II

Summary

THURSDAY, SEPR. 2, 1813

530. George Whittamore, Southill, apprehended last night on complaint of Mr. James Lilburne for assaulting his niece Sarah Bird at divers times with an intent to commit a rape and threatening her life if a disclosure.

Sarah Bird sworn. 18 years old; June 5 George Whittamore got a ladder and came up to ?girl’s window at ½ past three in the morning. Had a knife and said he would take a pane of glass out of the window (was asleep alone in the room) if she would not open it, and he would kill her if she did not. To save her life did open the window, but on account of the window bars he could not get in; stayed at the window half an hour. He took hold of her hand as she was opening the window; held her four minutes; got away and went into another room. Had nearly dressed herself before she got out of bed. George Read [sic] then went away from the window. Did not get up immediately; it might be half an hour before she went to the window. Went into Elizabeth Newland’s room. Elizabeth Newland is servant to Mr. Hicks, daughter of Mr. Lilburne, then lodging in the house. George Read [sic] told her if she went out he would ?alarm the house. A week or two before the 5th June George Read [sic] had pulled her about against the scullery door. Persons? came in and prevented his taking further liberties; might be five or ten minutes alone; called out; but Newland and Ann Mays (Mr. Lilburne’s servant) came to her assistance. Had thought of speaking to Mr. & Mrs. Lilburne, but did not. A week or two afterwards again pulled her about in the scullery; called out and the same persons came---no disclosure. George Read [sic] slept over Mr. Lilburne’s office which is not connected with the house. Had her door locked in the night ?from 4 to 5 June; had locked her door because G. Read said he would come to her bedroom at different times. Examinant did not return to bed but remained up and dressed.