The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

We hear, that on Tuesday the 22d instant was committed to his Majesty's Goal in Taunton, one Jonathan Sheppardson, of Attleborough, on suspicion of murdering one Benjamin Hide, of the same place; the particulars of which, as nearly as have been collected, are these:

On Monday the 22d Instant, a little after Sunrise, the said Sheppardson being gone some small Distance from his House, on his own land, was alarmed by a very great Outcry, and presently after found himself surrounded by 20 or 30 Men, entirely disguised and armed with Clubs; Sheppardson seeing this, drew out a long Knife he had with him, and stood on his defence; but the Mob pressed in upon him, and Hide being one of them, was the first that closed in with him; at which time, it is supposed, he received a wound from Sheppardson, of which he died in about half an hour after.

Several others received bad wounds in their endeavors to take him, but none mortal; they continued their attacks till they had subdued him, and then dragged him to the high way, where they still insulted him: Soon after they were informed that Hide was dead, upon which they all withdrew, and Sheppardson went immediately to a Justice and submitted himself.

It seems it had been for some time rumored in the neighbourhood, that Sheppardson had been guilty of some bad Family Conduct, and it was determined he should be punished by a certain Law, by the Vulgar called Skimmington, of which the most unruly part of the Community sit Judges.