Jonathan Wrenchall and Nathaniel Selby: The Examination of Jonathan Wrenchall and Nathaniel Selby, Constables in Chester, 17 October 1699

Jonathan Wrenchall and Nathaniel Selby Constables of Trinity Ward in the Citty of Chester being Exaīed upon oath doth severally say, that about 12 of y^e Clock in y^e last night these Exaīants did make search in y^e dwelling house of Joseph Horton now of y^e S^d Citty and late of y^e Citty of Lond.^o Gold Smiths and these Examinants observing a Cistern full of dirty water in y^e Yard or backside belonging to y^e S^d dwelling house they Searched with a Stick in y^e S^d Cistern and feeling something very Solid and Weighty in the Said Cistern, they caused the Water to be drawn out of y^e S^d Cistern and there found y^e great brass Engine or Instrument above mentīon'd in y^e next p^rced.^t Exaīon there being then some fresh clay ab^t ut w^ch Smelt of fire and these Exaīants do beleive y^t y^e Smaller End thereof from w^ch Some ꝑt had been Melted away did feel somew^t Warm as if it had been lately taken out of y^e fire               Jonathan Wrenchall                                    Nathaniel Selby.