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SUSSEX SMUGGLERS 203
not to let their resentment drop, and accordingly they got each a brace of pistols, and determined to go and waylay him near his own park wall and shoot him. Accordingly they went into the neighbourhood, when they heard Mr. Butler was gone to Horsham, and that he was expected home that night, upon which they laid ready to execute their wicked design. But Mr. Butler, by some accident, happening not to come home that night, they were heard to say to each other, "D...n him, he will not come home to-night, let us be gone about our business "; and so they went away angry at their disappointment, swearing they would watch for a month together but they would have him.
This affair coming to Mr. Butler's knowledge, care was taken to apprehend them if they came again, and they, being acquainted therewith, did not care to go a second time without a number; but no one would join except John Mills and Jackson, who was condemned at Chichester for the murders of Galley and Chater, as not caring to run into so much danger; and they not thinking themselves strong enough, being only four, the whole design was laid aside.
On their being disappointed in their revenge against Mr. Butler, they were all much chagrined, and Fairall said, "D...n him, an opportunity may happen some time," that they might make an example of Mr. Butler, and all others that shall dare presume to obstruct them.
Thomas Winter, and several others of the smugglers, whose lives had been saved by turning evidence, said that Fairall and Kingsmill had been the occasion of carrying several officers of the customs and excise abroad from their families, for having been busy in detecting the smugglers, and seizing their contraband goods. |
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