When was it published?

November 17, 1738 in The Virginia Gazette

Story November 17, 1738

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Crime Story, Historical Event, Tragedy

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Anthony Francis Dittond, Mr. Evans

Q: What themes does it cover?

Crime Punishment, Justice, Misfortune

Q: What keywords are associated?

Execution, Hanging, Rope Break, Murder Confession, Anatomization

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

View full issue View on Library of Congress PDF Page 4

What is this article about?

In Williamsburg on Nov. 24, Anthony Francis Dittond was executed for murdering coach-maker Mr. Evans. After the initial drop, the executioner broke the rope to hasten death, but Dittond briefly recovered, prayed, and was re-hanged. His body was to be anatomized; he had confessed in prison.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Williamsburg, Nov. 24. This Day Anthony Francis Dittond, who receiv'd Sentence of Death, at the last General Court, for the Murder of Mr. Evans, the Coach-maker, as formerly mentioned, was executed at the usual Place near this City. He was a lusty Man, and after he had been turn'd off about 2 or 3 Minutes, the Executioner bore him down to strangle him and put him out of his Pain the sooner; in doing which, the Rope broke, and the Man fell down senseless and motionless; but in a Short space of Time, he recovered his Senses, sat up, and talk'd again, begging the Minister and the Spectators heartily to pray for him. Then got into the Cart again himself, and was hanged till he was dead. His Corps was put into a Coffin; and we hear it is to be anatomiz'd by the Surgeons. Whilft he was in Prison, he confest the Murder.

What sub-type of article is it?

Crime Story Historical Event Tragedy

What themes does it cover?

Crime Punishment Justice Misfortune

What keywords are associated?

Execution Hanging Rope Break Murder Confession Anatomization

What entities or persons were involved?

Anthony Francis Dittond Mr. Evans

Where did it happen?

Williamsburg, Near This City

Story Details

Key Persons

Anthony Francis Dittond Mr. Evans

Location

Williamsburg, Near This City

Event Date

Nov. 24

Story Details

Anthony Francis Dittond, sentenced to death for murdering coach-maker Mr. Evans, was executed by hanging. The rope broke after the initial drop, allowing him to briefly recover and pray before being re-hanged until dead. His body was coffined for anatomization by surgeons, and he had confessed the murder while in prison.