Miskatonic University PressA record from the Old Bailey, 06 April 1826 (with many Williams):
WILLIAM DENTON was indicted for stealing, on the 28th of March, 1 handkerchief, value 3s., the goods of William Neville, from his person.
WILLIAM JENNINGS. I am a Bow-street patrol. On the 28th of March I was in the City-road, at the ascent of the balloon—I saw the prisoner take a handkerchief from Mr. Neville’s pocket—I seized him with it in his hand, and apprized the gentleman of his loss—the prisoner made resistance, and I called for one of the parish constables, who assisted me out of the crowd with him—I had been watching him some time—I did not know him before.
WILLIAM NEVILLE. I have been clerk to a corn-factor. I was in town on a visit—this handkerchief was in my pocket—I did not feel it taken.
WILLIAM COLTON. I am a constable. I was called to get the prisoner out of the crowd.
Prisoner’s Defence. I had only just come from home with my father and mother—I was in the crowd and saw this handkerchief on the ground—I took it up.
NOT GUILTY.
(“With my father and mother,” so I assume William Denton was a boy.)
Balloon ascent? I found it covered in the Times the next day, 29 March 1826 (thanks to the Times Digital Archive): Charles Green was up again.
This starts:
Yesterday Mr. Green, accompanied by his brother, made his 48th ascent, from the Eagle Tavern tea-gardens, City-road.
The Eagle Tavern is still there on the City Road. The “Bow Street patrol” I think means the Bow Street Foot Patrols, not the better known Bow Street Runners.