The Virginia Gazette

July 30. At Hereford Assizes was condemned Thomas Colley for the Murder of Ruth Osborne near Tring. The Facts proved at this Trial were as related Gaz. No. 429, with the Addition of the following Particulars. Such was the Folly and Superstition of the Crowd, that when they searched the Work-house for the supposed Witch, they looked even into the Salt-box, supposing she might have concealed herself within less Space than would contain a Cat. Having wrapped the deceased and her Husband in two different Sheets, first tying their great Toes and Thumbs together, the most active of the Mob dragged the deceased into the Water by a Cord which they had put round her Body, and she not sinking, the Prisoner Colley went into the Pond, and turned her over several Times with a Stick; after a considerable Time she was hauled to Shore, and the old Man was dragged into the Pond in the same Manner; and this they repeated to each three Times. The deceased after he was dragged in the third Time, being pushed about by the Prisoner, slipped out of the Sheet, and her Body was exposed naked; notwithstanding which the Prisoner continued to push her on the Breast with his Stick, which she with her left Hand endeavoured to catch hold of, but was prevented by his snatching it away. After using her in this Manner 'til she was motionless, they dragged her to Shore, and laid her on the Ground where she expired; and then the Prisoner went among the Spectators, and collected Money for the Pains he had taken in shewing them Sport. The old Man afterwards recovered, but did not appear as an Evidence.