Post by spence on Jun 20, 2019 21:22:06 GMT -7
I’ve always found the most difficult thing about living history to be getting into the mind of the people. With our modern world as a backdrop, it is not an intuitive step from our world to theirs, for me. One thing which has helped me a bit is all the reading of original writings, primary documents I’ve done. Many, many of them don’t fit into the romanticized, sanitized, heroic, generally accepted version of our history. Nothing demonstrates that better than their approach to crime and punishment.
They were hard, bitter, cruel times in many ways. I’m going to post a series of items which I hope show what I’m getting at, and I hope they are useful in filling in the picture of the times we all find so interesting. There are a lot of them, I’ll break the thread down into several posts.
In order to better understand some of the information, some definitions are in order.
Cropt---part or all of the ear/ears cut off
Burnt in the hand (cheek, forehead) ---Branded with a letter, as C for counterfeiting), in a visible place so the public could recognize them
Whipt at the cart’s tail---tied to a horse-drawn cart and paraded around the town square while the required number of lashes were applied to the bare back
Pillory---device to restrain the head and hands, either sitting or standing
Stock---same as pillory but for the feet
Turned off---in hanging, when the trap is dropped
Gibbet---small metal cage, sometimes man-shaped, in which executed criminals bodies were hung for public display, left until completely rotted away. Sometimes criminals were put into them alive and let die of thirst, exposure and starvation. They were usually suspended high up.
Rack---mechanical device to stretch the body until the joints come apart and you die
Drawn and quartered---body cut open and intestines and organs removed, then body sawed into 4 pieces
Broken on the wheel---spreadeagled on a wheel, all the long bones broken with hammers or iron rods
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WHITE CRIMINALS
THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAZETTE; AND COUNTRY JOURNAL
November 10, 1772
Charles-Town, October 1, 1772.
THE FIRE-MASTERS, GIVE NOTICE, THAT,
Upon any alarm in the night time, every inhabitant is to repair to the place where the fire is, with his arms, under the penalty of forty shillings, and shall lodge them in such place, near the fire, as shall be appointed by the fire-masters, and the commander of the watch is to order a party of the watch to guard the same. All goods and effects removed, are directed to be carried to the place where the arms are directed to be lodged and guarded. The constables are to appear with their staves, and assist in guarding the said goods and effects, till removed to some other place of safety, under the penalty of five pounds, Any person that embezzles any goods or effects, are to be pilloried, have their ears cut off, and forfeit four times the value thereof.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
September 6, 1753
PHILADELPHIA
Tuesday last Christopher Martin, and Patrick Ryan, were indicted at the Court of Quarter Sessions for Felony, of which they were convicted, and ordered to be whipt at the Cart Tail round two Squares on Saturday next.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
August 7, 1776
PHILADELPHIA
An ORDINANCE to prevent the Counterfeiting the Paper Money issued by the Honourable the Continental Congress, or by this or any other of the United American States.
And if any person or persons shall counterfeit any of the said bills of credit, by altering the denomination of the said bills, with design to increase the value of such bills, or shall utter such bills, knowing them to be so counterfeited or altered as aforesaid, and shall be thereof legally convicted in any court of record hereafter to be established in this State, such person or persons shall be sentenced to the pillory , and have both his or her ears cut off, and nailed to the pillory, and be publicly whipped, on his or her bare back, with thirty-one lashes well laid on.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
April 6, 1785
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That bills of credit to the amount or value of one hundred and fifty thousand pounds, and of the several denominations herein after mentioned, shall be prepared and printed on good strong paper, as soon as conveniently may be after the passing of this act, under the care and direction of the Trustees herein after mentioned and appointed;
And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if any person or persons shall presume to counterfeit any of the bills of credit herein directed to be prepared, perfected and issued, by printing or procuring to be printed any such bills of the likeness and similitude of any of the said genuine bills of credit; and if any person or persons shall forge or procure to be forged the name or names of any of the signers of such genuine bills of credit, to any such counterfeit bill or bills, whether such counterfeiting or forging be done within this state or elsewhere, or shall utter any such bill or bills, knowing the same to be counterfeited as aforesaid, every such person so offending, and being thereof legally convicted by confession, standing mute, or by verdict of a jury in the Supreme Court or Court of Oyer and Terminer, shall suffer death, without benefit of Clergy. And if any person or persons shall counterfeit any of the said bills of credit by altering the denomination thereof, with design to encrease the value of the same, or shall utter any of the said bills, knowing them to be so counterfeited or altered as aforesaid, and shall be legally convicted thereof as aforesaid, every such person so convicted shall be sentenced to the pillory, and to have both his or her ears cut off and nailed to the pillory ; and moreover every such offender shall forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds, to be levied on his or her lands and tenements, goods and chattels, one half thereof to the use of the commonwealth, and the other half to the use of the person or persons who shall make discovery of such offence, and prosecute such offender to conviction.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
March 24, 1768
NEW HAVEN, February 26.
Last Friday, pursuant to the sentence of the Superior Court, then sitting at Fairfield, Archibald Fippenny, Lewis Bennet, John Mallet, and Nathaniel Bunnell, were cropt , and branded with the letter C on their foreheads, for counterfeiting the lawful money bills of this colony, New York bills, dollars, &c.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
October 19, 1752
BOSTON, October 9.
We hear from Providence, in the Colony of Rhode Island, that ---- Sullivan, a well known Engraver, has lately had both his Ears cropped, and been branded on his Cheek with the Letter C, for counterfeiting the Bills of Credit of this Colony.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
May 22, 1729
BOSTON.
We hear from Newport on Rhode Island, that last Week a Man stood there in the Pillory, and had his Ears cut, for being accessory to, and assuming to print a great Sum of Counterfeit Bills of that Colony.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
June 21, 1733
LAST Night broke out of the Goal of this City, Joseph Watt, who was convicted of Counterfeiting Bills of Credit of this Province, and had his Sentence executed by standing in the Pillory, and his Ears cropt.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
April 3, 1735
We hear from New Castle, that on Thursday last, the 2 Counterfeiters of Paper Money, who have been some time under Sentence in the Goal there, suffered the Punishment of Whipping, Pillory , and Loss of Ears , according to Law. They are also fined an Hundred Pounds, and to pay double the Value of the Damage occasioned by the Counterfeit Bills.
The South-Carolina GAZETTE
December 10, 1772
CHARLES-TOWN,
NINETY-SIX DISTRACT.
Sixteen Bills of Indiment were found out of Nineteen that were given out. Josiah Tannasse, — Hartley, Hugh Wilson, John Price, and Robert Edwards, were convicted of Horse-stealing; the two former sentenced to receive 11, and the latter 39 Lashes each, and all to lose their right Ears.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
November 4, 1772
PHILADELPHIA,
At the MAYOR’s Court, held in this City last Week, John Underwood, for Counterfeiting and passing Counterfeit Money of this Province, was ordered to be whipt, stand in the Pillory, and have both his Ears cut off, and nailed to the Post; three others were ordered to be whipt, and stand in the Pillory, for divers Felonies, and five more to receive the Discipline of the Post, which was put in Execution on Saturday last.
BEAUFORT DISTRICT. Only Seven Bills were given out to the Grand Jury, who found Five true ones. Israel Baxter and Winifred Palmer were convicted of receiving stolen Goods, and sentenced to be pilloried and whipt.
CAMDIN DISTRICT. Of seven Bills that were given out, Six were found. Edward Walker and John Walker, convicted of Horse-stealing, were sentenced to lose their right Ears, and receive thirty-nine Lashed each, but recommended to Mercy.
CHERAWS DISTRICT Of seven Bills that were given out, only Four were found. John Tilley, convicted of Horse-stealing, was sentenced to lose his right Ear and be whipt; and Randal Johnson, convicted of Larceny, burnt in the Hand.
GEORGE-TOWN DISTRICT Of eleven Bills given out, Five were found. John Ward, John White, and John Robert Robinson, convicted of Horse-stealing, were sentenced to be whipt and cropt ; James Martin, Jun., convicted of Manslaughter, burnt in the Hand; Martha Brite, for receiving stolen Goods, to be pilloried and whipt; and Daniel Gerkins, for the same Offence, burnt in the Hand. Abraham Prior, for an Assault, was sentenced one Month's Imprisonment.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
July 9, 1741
The Goods aforesaid, are supposed to be stolen by one James Symmonds, alias Cyrcus Symmonds, born in Somersetshire in England, above 60 Years of age, long visag'd, large grey Eyes, much pockfretten, large open Fore-Teeth, burnt in the Hand at Burlington, and has been whipt in most Towns in Pennsylvania, the Jerseys &c. Had on a close bodied homespun Coat without lining, long Pockets in it always stuff'd full; a Belt round his middle with Bags tied to it, wears a Cap, and Hat much over his Forehead. When he is detected in theft, he alters his Voice and squeaks.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
February 25, 1752
PHILADELPHIA, February 25.
Last Week William Kerr (lately mentioned in this Paper) was indicted and convicted at the Mayor’s Court, of uttering Counterfeit Milled Pieces of Eight, knowing them to be such, for which he received a Sentence as follows: To stand in the Pillory one Hour Tomorrow, to have his Ear nailed to the same, and the Part nailed cut off: And on Saturday next to stand another Hour in the Pillory , and to be whipt Thirty nine Lashes, at the Cart’s Tail, round two Squares; and then to pay a Fine of Fifty Pounds.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
September 30, 1731
PHILADELPHIA.
On Fryday the 10th Instant, Peter Murphy and Catherine Bevan were executed at New-Castle, the Man hanged and the Woman burnt, pursuant to their Sentence, for the Murder of Henry Bevan, Husband to Catherine. His confession taken before a Magistrate when he was first committed to Prison, you may see in our Gazette of June 24. To the same purpose he swore against his Mistress at her Tryal. But before his Death, he declared that he had wronged her much, that she did not tie the Handkerchief round her Husband's Neck, and that the chief of his Evidence at Court was false; but that she was the Promoter of all that happen'd, and consented to what was done. She deny'd to the last that she acted any Part in the Murder, and could scarce be brought to own that she was guilty of Consenting. Neither of them said much at the Place of Execution: The Man seem'd penitent, but the Woman appear'd hardened. It was design'd to strangle her dead before the Fire should touch her; but its first breaking out was in a stream which pointed directly upon the Rope that went round her Neck, and burnt it off instantly, so that she fell into the Flames, and was seen to struggle.
THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAZETTE; AND COUNTRY JOURNAL
1770
CHARLES-TOWN
At the Superior Court held for King's County, on Thursday last, Samuel Casey, of South-Kingstown, received Sentence of Death, for making and passing of counterfeit Money. Samuel Wilson, of the same Town, was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, be branded on both Cheeks, have both Ears cropped, and pay a Fine of Six Hundred Pounds Lawful Money. William Reynolds, of Richmond, was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, have both Ears cropped, and pay a Fine of Three Hundred Pounds Lawful Money. Thomas Clark, of the same Town, was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, be branded on the both Cheeks, have both Ears cropped, and pay a Fine of One Hundred Pounds Lawful Money. Elisha Reynold, was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, and be Whipped 39 Lashes; all for the same Crime.
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE
September 17, 1736
Extract of a Letter from Paris, May 5.
ALL this City is in Mourning, and the Courts of Judicature have been shut up for a Week, on Account of the Death of the worthy and judicious Magistrate, Mr. D'Portail, President of the Parliament of Paris, who, at first was slightly indisposed, and let Blood by way of Precaution; but being inform'd of the Murder of the Abbe Couet, his particular Friend, and spiritual Director, he was seiz'd with such a violent Fever and Oppression at the Heart, that all the Skill of the Physicians could not save his Life.
This horrid Murder on the Abbe Couet, Vicar General to the Arch-Bishop of Paris, was committed on the 28th of April, by an Assassin, in the Court-yard of the Arch-Bishop's, just after the poor old Gentleman came out of the Cathedral Notre Dame, when the Desperado plung'd a Dagger into his Breast, who died of the Wound Two Days after; the Villain was seiz'd and committed to the Conciergerie, the Parliament being resolv'd to take the Examination of that Affair to itself. He has been since examin'd, confesses the Fact, and says that he intended to kill several other Persons; that if the Thing was to be done again, he would do it; and that he was only sorry that the Abbe did not die on the Spot. Accordingly he received Sentence, to have his Wrist cut off, to make a proper Submission before the principal Door of the Church Notre Dame, to undergo the ordinary and extraordinary Torture, to be afterwards broke alive on the Wheel , and to be thrown alive into the Fire. Still the Obstinacy of this Offender is so very surprizing, that he seems to be by no Means sorry for what he did; and says he has a just Sense of his future Sufferings, but that the most exquisite Torments are not capable of discomposing him.
(continued)
They were hard, bitter, cruel times in many ways. I’m going to post a series of items which I hope show what I’m getting at, and I hope they are useful in filling in the picture of the times we all find so interesting. There are a lot of them, I’ll break the thread down into several posts.
In order to better understand some of the information, some definitions are in order.
Cropt---part or all of the ear/ears cut off
Burnt in the hand (cheek, forehead) ---Branded with a letter, as C for counterfeiting), in a visible place so the public could recognize them
Whipt at the cart’s tail---tied to a horse-drawn cart and paraded around the town square while the required number of lashes were applied to the bare back
Pillory---device to restrain the head and hands, either sitting or standing
Stock---same as pillory but for the feet
Turned off---in hanging, when the trap is dropped
Gibbet---small metal cage, sometimes man-shaped, in which executed criminals bodies were hung for public display, left until completely rotted away. Sometimes criminals were put into them alive and let die of thirst, exposure and starvation. They were usually suspended high up.
Rack---mechanical device to stretch the body until the joints come apart and you die
Drawn and quartered---body cut open and intestines and organs removed, then body sawed into 4 pieces
Broken on the wheel---spreadeagled on a wheel, all the long bones broken with hammers or iron rods
******************************************
WHITE CRIMINALS
THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAZETTE; AND COUNTRY JOURNAL
November 10, 1772
Charles-Town, October 1, 1772.
THE FIRE-MASTERS, GIVE NOTICE, THAT,
Upon any alarm in the night time, every inhabitant is to repair to the place where the fire is, with his arms, under the penalty of forty shillings, and shall lodge them in such place, near the fire, as shall be appointed by the fire-masters, and the commander of the watch is to order a party of the watch to guard the same. All goods and effects removed, are directed to be carried to the place where the arms are directed to be lodged and guarded. The constables are to appear with their staves, and assist in guarding the said goods and effects, till removed to some other place of safety, under the penalty of five pounds, Any person that embezzles any goods or effects, are to be pilloried, have their ears cut off, and forfeit four times the value thereof.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
September 6, 1753
PHILADELPHIA
Tuesday last Christopher Martin, and Patrick Ryan, were indicted at the Court of Quarter Sessions for Felony, of which they were convicted, and ordered to be whipt at the Cart Tail round two Squares on Saturday next.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
August 7, 1776
PHILADELPHIA
An ORDINANCE to prevent the Counterfeiting the Paper Money issued by the Honourable the Continental Congress, or by this or any other of the United American States.
And if any person or persons shall counterfeit any of the said bills of credit, by altering the denomination of the said bills, with design to increase the value of such bills, or shall utter such bills, knowing them to be so counterfeited or altered as aforesaid, and shall be thereof legally convicted in any court of record hereafter to be established in this State, such person or persons shall be sentenced to the pillory , and have both his or her ears cut off, and nailed to the pillory, and be publicly whipped, on his or her bare back, with thirty-one lashes well laid on.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
April 6, 1785
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That bills of credit to the amount or value of one hundred and fifty thousand pounds, and of the several denominations herein after mentioned, shall be prepared and printed on good strong paper, as soon as conveniently may be after the passing of this act, under the care and direction of the Trustees herein after mentioned and appointed;
And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if any person or persons shall presume to counterfeit any of the bills of credit herein directed to be prepared, perfected and issued, by printing or procuring to be printed any such bills of the likeness and similitude of any of the said genuine bills of credit; and if any person or persons shall forge or procure to be forged the name or names of any of the signers of such genuine bills of credit, to any such counterfeit bill or bills, whether such counterfeiting or forging be done within this state or elsewhere, or shall utter any such bill or bills, knowing the same to be counterfeited as aforesaid, every such person so offending, and being thereof legally convicted by confession, standing mute, or by verdict of a jury in the Supreme Court or Court of Oyer and Terminer, shall suffer death, without benefit of Clergy. And if any person or persons shall counterfeit any of the said bills of credit by altering the denomination thereof, with design to encrease the value of the same, or shall utter any of the said bills, knowing them to be so counterfeited or altered as aforesaid, and shall be legally convicted thereof as aforesaid, every such person so convicted shall be sentenced to the pillory, and to have both his or her ears cut off and nailed to the pillory ; and moreover every such offender shall forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds, to be levied on his or her lands and tenements, goods and chattels, one half thereof to the use of the commonwealth, and the other half to the use of the person or persons who shall make discovery of such offence, and prosecute such offender to conviction.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
March 24, 1768
NEW HAVEN, February 26.
Last Friday, pursuant to the sentence of the Superior Court, then sitting at Fairfield, Archibald Fippenny, Lewis Bennet, John Mallet, and Nathaniel Bunnell, were cropt , and branded with the letter C on their foreheads, for counterfeiting the lawful money bills of this colony, New York bills, dollars, &c.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
October 19, 1752
BOSTON, October 9.
We hear from Providence, in the Colony of Rhode Island, that ---- Sullivan, a well known Engraver, has lately had both his Ears cropped, and been branded on his Cheek with the Letter C, for counterfeiting the Bills of Credit of this Colony.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
May 22, 1729
BOSTON.
We hear from Newport on Rhode Island, that last Week a Man stood there in the Pillory, and had his Ears cut, for being accessory to, and assuming to print a great Sum of Counterfeit Bills of that Colony.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
June 21, 1733
LAST Night broke out of the Goal of this City, Joseph Watt, who was convicted of Counterfeiting Bills of Credit of this Province, and had his Sentence executed by standing in the Pillory, and his Ears cropt.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
April 3, 1735
We hear from New Castle, that on Thursday last, the 2 Counterfeiters of Paper Money, who have been some time under Sentence in the Goal there, suffered the Punishment of Whipping, Pillory , and Loss of Ears , according to Law. They are also fined an Hundred Pounds, and to pay double the Value of the Damage occasioned by the Counterfeit Bills.
The South-Carolina GAZETTE
December 10, 1772
CHARLES-TOWN,
NINETY-SIX DISTRACT.
Sixteen Bills of Indiment were found out of Nineteen that were given out. Josiah Tannasse, — Hartley, Hugh Wilson, John Price, and Robert Edwards, were convicted of Horse-stealing; the two former sentenced to receive 11, and the latter 39 Lashes each, and all to lose their right Ears.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
November 4, 1772
PHILADELPHIA,
At the MAYOR’s Court, held in this City last Week, John Underwood, for Counterfeiting and passing Counterfeit Money of this Province, was ordered to be whipt, stand in the Pillory, and have both his Ears cut off, and nailed to the Post; three others were ordered to be whipt, and stand in the Pillory, for divers Felonies, and five more to receive the Discipline of the Post, which was put in Execution on Saturday last.
BEAUFORT DISTRICT. Only Seven Bills were given out to the Grand Jury, who found Five true ones. Israel Baxter and Winifred Palmer were convicted of receiving stolen Goods, and sentenced to be pilloried and whipt.
CAMDIN DISTRICT. Of seven Bills that were given out, Six were found. Edward Walker and John Walker, convicted of Horse-stealing, were sentenced to lose their right Ears, and receive thirty-nine Lashed each, but recommended to Mercy.
CHERAWS DISTRICT Of seven Bills that were given out, only Four were found. John Tilley, convicted of Horse-stealing, was sentenced to lose his right Ear and be whipt; and Randal Johnson, convicted of Larceny, burnt in the Hand.
GEORGE-TOWN DISTRICT Of eleven Bills given out, Five were found. John Ward, John White, and John Robert Robinson, convicted of Horse-stealing, were sentenced to be whipt and cropt ; James Martin, Jun., convicted of Manslaughter, burnt in the Hand; Martha Brite, for receiving stolen Goods, to be pilloried and whipt; and Daniel Gerkins, for the same Offence, burnt in the Hand. Abraham Prior, for an Assault, was sentenced one Month's Imprisonment.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
July 9, 1741
The Goods aforesaid, are supposed to be stolen by one James Symmonds, alias Cyrcus Symmonds, born in Somersetshire in England, above 60 Years of age, long visag'd, large grey Eyes, much pockfretten, large open Fore-Teeth, burnt in the Hand at Burlington, and has been whipt in most Towns in Pennsylvania, the Jerseys &c. Had on a close bodied homespun Coat without lining, long Pockets in it always stuff'd full; a Belt round his middle with Bags tied to it, wears a Cap, and Hat much over his Forehead. When he is detected in theft, he alters his Voice and squeaks.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
February 25, 1752
PHILADELPHIA, February 25.
Last Week William Kerr (lately mentioned in this Paper) was indicted and convicted at the Mayor’s Court, of uttering Counterfeit Milled Pieces of Eight, knowing them to be such, for which he received a Sentence as follows: To stand in the Pillory one Hour Tomorrow, to have his Ear nailed to the same, and the Part nailed cut off: And on Saturday next to stand another Hour in the Pillory , and to be whipt Thirty nine Lashes, at the Cart’s Tail, round two Squares; and then to pay a Fine of Fifty Pounds.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
September 30, 1731
PHILADELPHIA.
On Fryday the 10th Instant, Peter Murphy and Catherine Bevan were executed at New-Castle, the Man hanged and the Woman burnt, pursuant to their Sentence, for the Murder of Henry Bevan, Husband to Catherine. His confession taken before a Magistrate when he was first committed to Prison, you may see in our Gazette of June 24. To the same purpose he swore against his Mistress at her Tryal. But before his Death, he declared that he had wronged her much, that she did not tie the Handkerchief round her Husband's Neck, and that the chief of his Evidence at Court was false; but that she was the Promoter of all that happen'd, and consented to what was done. She deny'd to the last that she acted any Part in the Murder, and could scarce be brought to own that she was guilty of Consenting. Neither of them said much at the Place of Execution: The Man seem'd penitent, but the Woman appear'd hardened. It was design'd to strangle her dead before the Fire should touch her; but its first breaking out was in a stream which pointed directly upon the Rope that went round her Neck, and burnt it off instantly, so that she fell into the Flames, and was seen to struggle.
THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAZETTE; AND COUNTRY JOURNAL
1770
CHARLES-TOWN
At the Superior Court held for King's County, on Thursday last, Samuel Casey, of South-Kingstown, received Sentence of Death, for making and passing of counterfeit Money. Samuel Wilson, of the same Town, was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, be branded on both Cheeks, have both Ears cropped, and pay a Fine of Six Hundred Pounds Lawful Money. William Reynolds, of Richmond, was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, have both Ears cropped, and pay a Fine of Three Hundred Pounds Lawful Money. Thomas Clark, of the same Town, was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, be branded on the both Cheeks, have both Ears cropped, and pay a Fine of One Hundred Pounds Lawful Money. Elisha Reynold, was sentenced to stand in the Pillory, and be Whipped 39 Lashes; all for the same Crime.
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE
September 17, 1736
Extract of a Letter from Paris, May 5.
ALL this City is in Mourning, and the Courts of Judicature have been shut up for a Week, on Account of the Death of the worthy and judicious Magistrate, Mr. D'Portail, President of the Parliament of Paris, who, at first was slightly indisposed, and let Blood by way of Precaution; but being inform'd of the Murder of the Abbe Couet, his particular Friend, and spiritual Director, he was seiz'd with such a violent Fever and Oppression at the Heart, that all the Skill of the Physicians could not save his Life.
This horrid Murder on the Abbe Couet, Vicar General to the Arch-Bishop of Paris, was committed on the 28th of April, by an Assassin, in the Court-yard of the Arch-Bishop's, just after the poor old Gentleman came out of the Cathedral Notre Dame, when the Desperado plung'd a Dagger into his Breast, who died of the Wound Two Days after; the Villain was seiz'd and committed to the Conciergerie, the Parliament being resolv'd to take the Examination of that Affair to itself. He has been since examin'd, confesses the Fact, and says that he intended to kill several other Persons; that if the Thing was to be done again, he would do it; and that he was only sorry that the Abbe did not die on the Spot. Accordingly he received Sentence, to have his Wrist cut off, to make a proper Submission before the principal Door of the Church Notre Dame, to undergo the ordinary and extraordinary Torture, to be afterwards broke alive on the Wheel , and to be thrown alive into the Fire. Still the Obstinacy of this Offender is so very surprizing, that he seems to be by no Means sorry for what he did; and says he has a just Sense of his future Sufferings, but that the most exquisite Torments are not capable of discomposing him.
(continued)