18 Facts About James MacLaine

James MacLaine was known as "The Gentleman Highwayman" as a result of his courteous behaviour during his robberies, and obtained a certain kind of celebrity.

James MacLaine came of a family of many ministers, his grandfather having received a calling to Ireland from Argyllshire in 1698.

Such inheritance as James MacLaine received had mostly been dissipated by the time he was 20, and his mother's relations soon quarreled with him and refused to give him any assistance.

James MacLaine attached himself to the domestic service of a Mr Howard in order to travel to England, and stayed with him for a while, but got into low company and, leaving without testimonials, returned to Ireland.

James MacLaine borrowed money from the Colonel to purchase a commission, but that went the same way, and he considered enlisting in Lord Albemarle's horse troops.

James MacLaine disgraced himself by having an affair with an officer's wife.

James MacLaine's business failing, owing to "an unavoidable trust reposed in servants", he sold off his stock and with whatever remained he turned his mind again to a military career.

James MacLaine suggested he sent the footman, as he wanted to give the man his money back.

James MacLaine worked his way into the affections of a Lady who deserved better, but she was saved from ruin when a gentleman revealed to her Maclaine's character.

James MacLaine had a sufficiently low opinion of Maclaine's respectability that he was able to decline the duel which Maclaine consequently offered him.

James MacLaine stripped the lace from a waistcoat taken in the robbery and attempted to sell it to a pawnbroker in Monmouth Street, who by chance took it to the same man who had just sold the lace and recognised it.

James MacLaine began by denying the charges, and was committed to the Newgate, but very soon afterwards sent a message that he wished to make a confession.

James MacLaine was willing to implicate Plunkett, but the judge advised him that he would need to give them more names if he hoped for leniency, and gave him time to think about it.

James MacLaine brought with him a written confession, unsigned, which Mr Justice Lediard left in his hands.

James MacLaine claimed that he had Mr Higden's coat and other belongings because Plunkett had given them to him in lieu of the remaining money that he owed him, and he had no idea that they were stolen.

James MacLaine reputedly received nearly 3,000 guests while imprisoned at the Newgate, including a visitation en masse from White's, and his room became so hot that he fainted more than once.

James MacLaine was convicted: the jury brought him in Guilty without going out of court.

James MacLaine asked them if Maclaine did not sing "Thus I stand like the Turk with his doxies around", which was one of Macheath's songs.