When was it published?

October 26, 1770 in The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Foreign News October 26, 1770

The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Criminal Trial, Judicial Ruling

Q: What keywords are associated?

Scotch Serjeant, Murder Trial, Manslaughter Ruling, Surrey Assizes, Westminster Innkeeper

Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

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What is this article about?

At the Surrey assizes, a Scotch Serjeant was tried for murdering an innkeeper in Westminster. Strong evidence pointed to willful murder, including the Serjeant's shout 'd---n you take that' while stabbing, but the judge ruled it manslaughter, astonishing observers. Reasons for the judge's opinion are unknown but hoped to be published.

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OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

At the trial of the Scotch Serjeant for the murder of the innkeeper in Westminster, at the last assizes in Surrey, it is said there was the strongest evidence of the fact, and the plainest proof of the willfulness of it, that ever appeared upon any trial for murder. The opinion therefore of the Judge, that it was only manslaughter, amazed every one. Full and satisfactory proof, it is reported, was given that when the Serjeant ran his sword into the belly of the poor man, he cried out, "d---n you take that." The Judge must certainly have some reasons for his opinion and conduct on such a trial, that the public do not at present know of; but it is hoped that such reasons will soon be published.

What sub-type of article is it?

Criminal Trial Judicial Ruling

What keywords are associated?

Scotch Serjeant Murder Trial Manslaughter Ruling Surrey Assizes Westminster Innkeeper

What entities or persons were involved?

Scotch Serjeant Judge

Where did it happen?

Surrey

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Surrey

Event Date

Last Assizes In Surrey

Key Persons

Scotch Serjeant Judge

Outcome

ruled as manslaughter despite strong evidence of willful murder; one innkeeper killed by sword to the belly.

Event Details

Trial for murder of innkeeper in Westminster; strongest evidence and proof of willfulness presented; Serjeant stabbed victim while shouting 'd---n you take that'; judge opined manslaughter, amazing public; reasons unknown but hoped to be published.