Papers related to trial of Charles Worrell for sodomy, 1701

Transcript

What I have to say in reference to Mr Worrell is that upon the nineteenth of August last 1701 I out of my cabin heard Mr Worrell aforesaid use very kind expressions to Mr Sandys being then both in Mr Price’s hammock as: my dear, my life and my soul. Upon which I softly opened the door and saw Mr Worrell making the usual motions a man does when in carnal copulation and heard Mr Sandys say, fye upon you, you beast, I can endure it no longer, upon which Worrell desisted and turned on his back. This happened about half an hour before it was dark, the day about written.

Dated December 2nd 1701.

Jenkin Williams

On August the 23rd last past 1701 I showed Captain Laton a letter I had written in order to acquaint Captain Vinient of what I had seen and heard on the 19th of the month aforesaid between Charles Worrell and Thomas Sandys … Charles Worrell earnestly entreated me to desire the Captain Laton would be pleased to let him the said Worrell speak with him in my cabin that evening before Captain Vinient should see the letter, which Capt. Laton condescended to, and after his arrival in the cabin read the letter upon which the said Charles Worrell very much [word unclear] Capt Laton not to expose the letter to Capt Vinient and after much entreaty the aforesaid Capt Laton yielded to [word unclear] the letter, and immediately tore it all to pieces, for which the said Worrell gave Capt Laton a thousand thanks, and told him [word unclear] he did believe his [word unclear] was not as good as he should wish, and that if he had occasion for any money, what he could conveniently spare – should be at his service, and desired the said Capt Laton to make use of those three guinneys which he there delivered Capt Laton upon which Capt Laton thanked him and told him that if at any for the future Capt Vinient should be informed of anything to his prejudice, he would use his interest to have it suppressed and to this effect, and after a little more discourse upon that subject parted.

…

But in the interim by the investigation of some ill persons Capt Laton was mightily incensed against me, and for his revenge alleged I had unjustly detained his stuffs – and moreover told Charles Worrell I had forced a letter against him, upon which the said Worrell threatened me with a court martiall by calling me rogue and villain and that he would have my ears off which occasioned me in vindication of my own reputation, to give Capt Vinient my Commander the same relation I here lay down before your honours humbly desiring that the honours would be pleased to take it into your serious consideration.