The Virginia Gazette

In the Paris Almanach we find the following horrible Story. The 16th Instant a Peasant, within two Leagues of Chalon, on the Saone, named Gave, and very rich, being fond of Books, was reading the Life of St. Stephen to his Two Daughters, one of whom was 22 Years old, and the other 14. After he had done reading, he asked his Daughters whether they would not think themselves very happy to give their Lives for Jesus Christ? It is not known what Answer they made, but the frantic Father took a Reap-Hook and attempted to cut off the Head of the eldest, in whom he did not find the Docility of Isaac; the Girl defended herself stoutly, but however, after a long Struggle, and several sturdy Blows on both Sides, off went her Head. The youngest Daughter hid herself under a Bed, but the Enthusiast soon dragg'd her out, and with the same Hook gave her the Fate of her Sister. After this double Murder, he put a burning Lamp by them, to honour them as Martyrs, and then burn'd the greatest Part of their Bodies, with a View of increasing the Glory of their Martyrdom. All this Work being finish'd, he was going to Chalon to accuse himself, in Hopes of being put to Death the same Day, that he might go along with his Daughters to Paradise; but his Relations forc'd him to fly.