When was it published?

June 11, 1762 in The New Hampshire Gazette

Foreign News June 11, 1762

The New Hampshire Gazette

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Militia Assault, Public Punishment

Q: What keywords are associated?

Chatham Ducking, Militia Punishment, Woman Exposure Death, Barbarous Assault

Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

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What is this article about?

In Chatham on March 16, a young woman accused of promiscuity with militia men was forcibly ducked in water by them, wandered wet through the town on the coldest day of winter, sought shelter at the workhouse, but died before her clothes could be removed.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Chatham, March 17: Yesterday in the Forenoon an unfortunate young creature who had been too free with her favours among the militia men, was forced by a number of them down to the water side, and there ducked in a barbarous manner; and afterwards the poor wretch wandered in her wet cloaths (in the coldest day we have had this winter) through great part of the town, bewailing herself, and calling out for pity, till she came near the workhouse, where she was taken in; but before her wet cloaths could be pulled off, in order to put her to bed, she expired. It is hoped this affair will not pass unnoticed; and the parties concerned, especially the two men who went into the water to punish her, as they termed it, will not go unpunished themselves.

What sub-type of article is it?

Militia Assault Public Punishment

What keywords are associated?

Chatham Ducking Militia Punishment Woman Exposure Death Barbarous Assault

Where did it happen?

Chatham

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Chatham

Event Date

March 16

Outcome

the woman died from exposure; perpetrators, especially two men who entered the water, hoped to face punishment.

Event Details

An unfortunate young woman who had been too free with her favours among militia men was forced by them to the water side and ducked barbarously. She then wandered in wet clothes through much of the town on the coldest day of winter, bewailing herself and calling for pity, until taken in near the workhouse, where she expired before her clothes could be removed for bed.