Stepney Folk

Joseph Relph, Mariner

He was indicted for the murder of Andrew Schultz on 26 November 1778. Relph was employed to impress men into the Navy.

John Clean, beadle of Wapping, said that James Stewart, a tallow-chandler, told him that a man had been murdered. He went to the sign of the Gibraltar and found Relph who had a cut hand. He was detained.

John Hageman said he was Mr Compton's servant, a sugar baker of Braver's Lane. He was with 5 friends on their way home to Mr Compton's. They saw a man running towards them. He also saw a woman with a lantern in her hand, accompanied by a girl of 8 These were John Relph's wife and daughter.

Hardwicke, one of Hageman's companions, lifted up the woman's petticoats. Relph caught up with his wife who told him what had happened. Relph asked Hardwicke what business he had doing this. Someone called Kello went to Lieut. Relph and said he was his prisoner and would go with him.

Kello said Andrew Schultz was one of the party. Relph put a hanger (a short sword which hung from the belt) to Kello's chest and wounded him. He jumped aside and Schultz told Relph to put away his sword. There was a struggle and Kello took the sword from Relph who then went to a public house.

It was later found that Schultz was wounded and Relph had cut his hand.

Sarah Hoskins, an oyster woman, wife of William of Bell-dock saw 4 young men on the highway and heard a young woman complain about her gown being fiddled with. The lieut. her husband asked her what was wrong and she pointed out Hardwick.

The lieut. grabbed Hardwick and struggled from the Bell ale-house to the Brazier's and tin shop, 9-10 yards. One man with a stick hit the lieut. on the back. He was found guilty of manslaughter.

(Bib:The Newgate Calendar (Folio Society)