The Virginia Gazette

At a late General Quarter Sessions held in and for the City of Canterbury, a very singular Affair happened: A Bill of Indictment being found against a Waggoner for assaulting a Neighbour's Wife, by striking her Horse with a Cart Whip, whereby she was thrown. The Cause being heard, the Jury went out to consider of a Verdict, and after a Deliberation of five Hours upon the same, even of the Jury were inclined to find for the Defendant, and five for the Plaintiff; and these worthy Jurors (who were sworn to inquire into the Truth of the Matter of Fact, according to the Evidence given) not being able to reconcile the Point, so as to give a just and true Verdict agreeable to the Tenor of their Oath, they had Recourse to a Device, which was to toss up a Halfpenny to decide the Matter, and the Toss went against the Defendant. One of the Jurors being touched with Remorse, has made a Discovery of this iniquitous Affair upon Oath, and Prosecutions are actually commenced against the rest of his Fellow-Jurymen, who it is hoped will meet with a Punishment adequate to so atrocious a Crime.