The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSBURG, November 23.

This Day 7 of the 9 Malefactors, who received Sentence of Death, at the last General Court, were carried from the Public Prison, to the usual Place of Execution, and were hanged, viz.

Constantine Matthews, for Robbing the Store of his Master, Col. Woodford, of Caroline County.

Charles Quinn, an Overseer, and David White, an Accessory, from Essex County, for the Murder of a Negro, belonging to Col. Braxton, by Whipping him to Death, in a most cruel and barbarous Manner.

Joseph Lightburn, from Prince William County, for a Robbery on the Highway, and for Horse stealing.

Nathaniel Morgan, from Prince George County, for Horse-stealing.

John Codidge, a Servant, from Essex County, for the Murder of a Negro Woman, by killing her with an Axe, without any Provocation.

And,

Elizabeth Maze, from Lancaster County, for the Murder of her Bastard Child.

The other Two, that received Sentence, viz. Sarah Matrs, an Accessory with Constantine Matthews, in Robbing Col. Woodford; and William Barberfore, for being concerned with another (who died in Prison before Tryal) in Robbing the Store of the Hon. Philip Lightfoot, Esq; in York, were (upon Intercessions in their Favour) pardoned by his Honour the Governor.

We hear that Intercessions have also been made to the Governor, in Behalf of some of the other Criminals; but their Crimes being either of a high Nature, or the Criminals old Offenders; and his Honour's Clemency having been often abused by hardened Wretches who had received the Benefit of his great Lenity, and instead of making a good Use of it, had returned to, and repeated their wicked Courses, it is no Wonder his Honour has ordered Justice to be executed on these unhappy deluded Wretches, as Examples to others; though so much against his merciful Disposition.