Gardner Grey was accused of burglary for breaking into the home of Samuel Fales and stealing various goods on November 5, 1785. After Grey was indicted on October 24, 1786, he went to trial before the October session of the Supreme Judicial Court in Bristol County. Grey was found guilty and sentenced to death, but his sentence was later reprieved and he was instead committed to Castle Island for three years.

Bristol Sup. Jud Court October. 1786

Cor. Grand Jury

Commonwealth vs. Gardner Grey

Saml. Fales Esq. 5 Novr. last I was in my office fastned my window, was there at 10 oClock. I arose before day so dark I could not see my stock abt. he told me he lodged at Saml. Thurstons in Freetown, we found my bagg & a half Joe 8.2. 43/1. abt. 170 Doll. in Gold in his pocket he carried us into the woods & showd me the money I recorded abt. 400 D, he said he hid it abt. sun rise abt. 17m. Oliver Soper I was present at finding the bag in his Pocket & money, he confessed, told where the rest was in the morning we went & got it Moses Pike I arose abt. day break. I persued & found Grey 2 m beyond Judge Durfee, 1/2 past 10 AM Greenfeild Blake I know Grey by sight on Saturday evening abt. 8 oClock he knock’d at my door & came in & enquired the way to Taunton Town. a dark Eving

MS .