Examined saith that he was in company with John Smethwick at Thomas Johnson’s house the day aforesaid and that they departed from thence somewhat late in the night and this examinate took horse when John Smethwick took horse and he this examinate rode homewards, but the said Smethwick was presently gone from him before they came to the barrs and he saw him no more. And this examinate saith that he (this examinate) was very ill with drinking and taking tobacco, which did offend his stomach, and saith that his horse carried him directly home… And he saith that he this examinate came home to his house (as he thinketh) about 10 or 11 of the clock the same night.
Sworn and examined saith that upon Monday (the same day John Smethwick was drowned at night) the said John Smethwick and Ralph Woodcock were divers times that day at this examinate’s house, and had several persons in their company at those times, and did drink together there. And that the last time of their being there was about 9 or ten of the clock at night. And that then there was in their company Edward Bostock ironmonger and Henry Trafford feltmaker and Roger Guest of Trafford which Roger Guest departed from them and left the said Smethwick and Woodcock there who afterwards made motion to to go home, and the said Woodcock had there a horse but Smethwick had not and the said Woodcock offered to Smethwick that he should ride behind him but the same Smethwick would not, but borrowed a horse of this examinate who lent him a horse saddled and bridled and then the said Smethwick and Woodcock took horse together and rode thence presently homewards towards Sutton as this examinate thinketh. And now at that time to this examinate’s judgement as loving and as kind friends together, as could be, but he thinks that they both were at that time somewhat in drink, but they sat well upon their horses and rode away together very quietly and well. And this examinate saith that because it was so late this examinate would have had them stay there all night, and commanded a bed to be sheeted for them, but they would not. And then this examinate brought them forth into the street and further went onward together, but when they came against John Knowles his door he saw the said Woodcock’s horse make a little stand and Smethwick passed on before, and how soon after he followed this examinate cannot depose.
Sworn and examined saith that Smethwick and Woodcock before named was at his said master’s house the day aforementioned and departed thence about 9 or 10 o’clock at night. And saith he saw them both when they took horse and went thence and he saith that he this examinate did hold the stirrup for Smethwick when he got upon his horse, and saith that his Master the said Thomas Johnson did help him upon his horse but the said Woodcock did get up on his horse without any help and so they rode thence quietly together.