When was it published?

May 28, 1762 in The New Hampshire Gazette

Foreign News May 28, 1762

The New Hampshire Gazette

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Crime Trial, Judicial Sentencing

Q: What keywords are associated?

Oxford Assizes, Shadrack Smith, Robbery Assault, Death Sentence, Gipsy Convict, Child Witness

Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

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What is this article about?

At the Oxford assizes on March 4, 1750s-era report, Shadrack Smith, a Gypsy, was convicted of robbing and cruelly assaulting a young woman near Chalgrave Field and sentenced to death. His 10-year-old son intervened to save her and is held separately as a witness. Smith remained unconcerned about his fate.

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OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Oxford, March 5. Yesterday was held the Assizes for this County, when Shadrack Smith, for robbing and stripping a Girl in a Lane near Chalgrave Field, was found guilty, and received Sentence of Death. This Convict, who was a Gipsy, used the young Woman very cruelly, and most probably would have murdered her, had it not been for the Intercession of his Son, a Boy about ten Years old, whom he had along with him, and who has been ever since under separate Confinement, in order to have his Testimony, and prevent his being tampered with. In his Return to Prison, after Conviction, this poor Wretch appeared quite unconcerned: and said, being hanged would save him the Trouble of seeking his Bread.

What sub-type of article is it?

Crime Trial Judicial Sentencing

What keywords are associated?

Oxford Assizes Shadrack Smith Robbery Assault Death Sentence Gipsy Convict Child Witness

What entities or persons were involved?

Shadrack Smith

Where did it happen?

Oxford

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Oxford

Event Date

Yesterday (March 5)

Key Persons

Shadrack Smith

Outcome

found guilty and received sentence of death

Event Details

Shadrack Smith, a Gipsy, robbed and stripped a girl in a lane near Chalgrave Field, using her cruelly and nearly murdering her, but was stopped by his 10-year-old son who interceded. The son has been in separate confinement to secure his testimony. After conviction, Smith appeared unconcerned, stating hanging would save him trouble.