"Slinge-ing". The Embezzlement of Wool.
The number of embezzlers and dealers in slinge was great: and they
found ready purchasers in the numerous small clothiers then existing, who
worked up the slinge with new materials into inferior cloth. At that time,
stealthy figures might be met in the twilight, crossing Hampton Common, Gloucestershire from
valley to valley; and in all parts of the district, from one cottage to another: and
the lines, or tracks of white stones which are yet seen on the common , are
pointed out as having been dropped there, at short intervals from one another,
to guide slinge-dealers on their nightly expeditions.
Of these, William Niblett was the most notorious. His last place of
residence here was in Middle Street Stroud; and being a tall, spare man, he was
popularly called Long Niblett. So large were his transactions, that he was once
fined £120, as a single penalty; of which the treasurer of the Dispensary
received £30. This man was at last found guilty of forgery, at Gloucester
Assizes, and condemned to be hanged. But on sentence was commuted to
transportation for life, on the intercession (it was said) of some magistrates,
who thereby purchased Niblett's disclosure of the particulars of his trade, and a
large list of the names and abodes of his fellow slingers, in all parts of the
neighbourhood, which he gave before he was shipped for Botany Bay.
The writer once possessed the original paper containing the list, &c., in
the handwriting of Sir G.O.Paul, as it was taken down by him from Niblett's
dictation.
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