When was it published?

October 12, 1752 in The Virginia Gazette

Foreign News October 12, 1752

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What keywords are associated?

Soldier Officer Quarrel, Court Martial Lashes, Kings Bench Lawsuit, Military Beating, Civil Damages

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

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What is this article about?

In England, a private soldier is set to sue his officer in King's Bench for assault after a quarrel; despite court-martial lashes, he may win damages as no law permits impunity for striking.

Clipping

OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

May 10. Before the Court of King's Bench a cause will soon come on, in which a private Soldier is Plaintiff, and his Officer Defendant; the Action is brought against the Officer for beating him. A Quarrel one Day happened, when the Officer in Rage fell upon him severely, which the Fellow resented, not by returning Blows, but by preventing the Officer from striking, by holding his Hands: The poor Fellow was tried by a Court Martial, and received a great Number of Lashes, but having some Friends to espouse his Interest, the Fellow has applied to a Court of Justice, where it is thought he will recover very great Damages; for there is no Law, whether Civil or Military, that can warrant any Man, of whatever Station, to strike another with Impunity.

What sub-type of article is it?

Military Legal Dispute

What keywords are associated?

Soldier Officer Quarrel Court Martial Lashes Kings Bench Lawsuit Military Beating Civil Damages

Where did it happen?

England

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

England

Event Date

May 10

Outcome

soldier received lashes from court martial; expected to recover great damages in civil court

Event Details

A private soldier is suing his officer in the Court of King's Bench for beating him during a quarrel. The soldier prevented further strikes by holding the officer's hands instead of retaliating. He was tried by court martial and lashed, but with friends' help, appealed to civil court, where no law justifies striking another with impunity.