The Virginia Gazette

From the London Weekly Journal.

The following, is a no less true than remarkable Instance of His Majesty's Goodness and Clemency, extended to one of the meanest of his Subjects, viz. one John Hurst, a Soldier in Col. Chudleigh's Regiment, quartered at Exeter, who was sentenced to be shot to Death for Desertion: But some few Days before the intended Execution, writing a Letter to his Sweetheart, who lived with a certain great Lord in London; to whose Hands the Letter coming by Accident, his Lordship immediately sent it to the Secretary of War, who caused it to be translated into French, and presented to His Majesty; who considering the Meanness of the Man, and the admirable Stile of his Letter, immediately ordered his Pardon, tho' no manner of Intercession had been made for that Purpose. The Letter is as follows; the Original whereof is now in the War-Office, and Copies desired by most of the Nobility.

Dear Nanny,

THESE unhappy mournful Lines will inform you, that we must now separate for ever, and never more behold each other; for, since my Departure from London, my Poverty and small Debts made me fly for Succour to a fatal Remedy; I was obliged for Safety to list for a Soldier, and not being us'd to the Hardships they impose, in a short Time I deserted, and was within Three Days after taken Prisoner, and brought back to the Castle. In Fifteen Days after my Confinement, a Court Martial was called, where I was condemned, and am the Sixth of next Month to suffer Death with another poor Wretch as miserable, if possible, as my self. I must think my Doom Severe; but it is too late to repent; and I do not, nor I cannot justly blame any Body but my self: But my Life might have been prolonged, had not the Cruelty of Mr. ----- drove me to this Extremity; for what could he expect, but an untimely End of one brought up to no Trade or Calling, and yet abandoned to the World, and forced to seek his Bread. I am sorry I did not acquaint him of my Misfortune, but I was afraid it had been in vain; perhaps, when I am gone, he may relent and pity me. I wish some happy Cause had been the Subject of my Pen; but the bravest must submit when Fortune frowns. I thank God I have learned that Moral Philosophy, NOT TO FEAR DEATH. And I believe the Crime, for which I am to suffer, will be no Bar to my future Happiness, if I can make my Peace with Heaven for the many Sins and Follies of my Youth, which I do unfeignedly repent of. But before I end this doleful Tale, I must make this my last Request, that you would favour me with a Line, which will be a great Comfort to me in the midst of my Afflictions. If you have forgot our past, tho' unhappy Loves, let Friendship plead in your tender Bosom on my Behalf: I believe once I had some small Interest there, and tho' I have not carried my self as I ought, my Sufferings now claim your Pity and your Pardon; and may Heaven in Return, reward you with eternal Blessings, which was always my sincere and hearty Wish: I desire no mournful Heart for me, neither let my Misfortune trouble you; but at Night let your Heart breathe a fervent Prayer for the unhappy Wretch, who whilst Life remains will be only yours,

John Hurst.