Dublin Evening Post 6 July 1809

An unfortunate boy, who left his parents' house, with an intention of walking into the country for his amusement, on Wednesday, 31st May last; and altho' every enquiry has since been made respecting him, yet no certain information has been received. It is, therefore, hoped that any humane person, who may have met him, or knows where he may be found, will have the goodness to send information by letter, or otherwise, to No 3 Townsend Street – and any reward or expense, which may be required, will be thankfully given. As his long absence may induce him to think he may be punished for his misconduct on his return, he may rest assured, that on the contrary, he shall be treated by his unhappy relations with every kindness and affectionate regard. The above boy is between 16 and 17 years of age, slender made, about five feet five inches high, light complexion, fair hair, blue eyes, with a slight cast, high nose, holds his head to one side, and walks with one shoulder forward – his legs feeble, and his right knee rather large – had on him a blue cloth coat, with flat-plated buttons, a red waistcoat, with black spots, and a black one under it, nankeen pantaloons, and a pair of blue cloth under them. It has been supposed he went towards Kilkenny.

Freeman's Journal 5 July 1809

Quarter Sessions: Yesterday, Martin Murphy charged with stealing a cow, the property of widow Hughes. It appeared in evidence that the prisoner sold a cow in Smithfield to a butcher for twelve pounds. The butcher, on cross-examination by Mr McNally, admitted that the cow was sold in open market, within market hours, and for a marketable price. It was proved that on the night preceding the sale a cow was stolen from the widow Hughes of Ballymore Eustace, but whether that was the cow stolen did not appear. Messrs Evans and Lynch were examined by Mr Green for the crown, to a confession made by the prisoner before them. These witnesses were respectively cross-examined by Mr McNally, and did not perfectly agree on a legal point made in favour of the prisoner, that is, that if his confession was obtained through the hope of impunity or the terror of punishment, it was not evidence.

The Court agreed with the position and the Judge in charging the Jury said, as there was a doubt arising from the circumstances under which the confession was obtained, they should discharge their minds from that part of the evidence. The Jury after a few minutes' consideration acquitted the prisoner.