S. Molyneux.
Guilford in Com’ Surrey. ss.
John Howard of Guilford in the County of Surrey Surgeon, maketh Oath, That on Sunday the twentieth Day of this instant Month of November, at or about ten a Clock in the Morning, he this Deponent was called home to a Person who told him his name was Ahlers; that he was come to see Mary Toft; that he was ordered by his Majesty to attend her till all was over; and that he was Surgeon to his Majesty’s German Houshold. And this Deponent saith, That at that very time the Nurse of the said Mary Toft came to acquaint this Deponent, that the said Mary Toft was in Labour: And thereupon this Deponent carried the said Mr. Ahlers over to her with him, and having touched her in his Presence, desired him to examine her, for that he found all things ready for a Delivery. That Mr. Ahlers did accordingly examine; but this Deponent finding that he did not hasten her Delivery, nor that he proceeded as one who understands Midwifery should do, this Deponent directed him how to proceed in the Extraction, which after some time Mr. Ahlers effected, having brought away the Loins and inferior Parts of a Rabbet, of about three Months Growth. That after this Mr. Ahlers told this Deponent, and all the Persons present, that he was fully satisfied, and convinced of the Truth, and that he could have no Doubts after such Proofs. That at the same time he gave the Woman a Guinea, expressing great Satisfaction, and promising that he would procure her a Pension from his Majesty: That he repeated the same Things to Mr. Tho. Howard in this Deponent’s Presence, nor did he offer any Objections or Doubts to them. That some time after Mr. Ahlers desired to touch the Woman again; but as at the time before he had put her to a great deal of unnecessary Pain, this Deponent desired him to forbear. That some time after Mr. Ahlers said he was not well, and that he must hasten back to London. That this Deponent pressed him to stay, that he might assist at the bringing away of the Remainder of the Rabbet, but could not prevail on him; and soon after he accordingly set out for London, although it was almost dark.
John Howard.
Jur. vicesimo quinto die Novembris, Anno Reg. Regis Geo. &c. 13. Anno Dom. 1726. coram
Jos. Burtt Mayor.
James Cliffton.