USA > Virginia > Historical collections of Virginia : containing a collection of the most interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c. relating to its history and antiquities ; together with geographical and statistical descriptions ; to which is appended, an historical and descriptive sketch of the District of Columbia. > Part 67
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Farmsville is situated 70 miles southwesterly from Richmond. on the northern border of the county, on the Appomattox. It was established by law in 1798, on the property of Judith Randolph ; and Charles Scott, Peter Johnson, John Randolph, Jr., Philip Hol- comb, Jr., Martin Smith, Blake B. W. Woodson, and Creed Taylor, were appointed trustees to lay off the town into half acre lots. Farmsville is now a place of considerable commercial import- ance ; its trade is drawn from Halifax, Lunenburg, Charlotte, Nottoway, and a part of Campbell. It is at the head of batteau navigation on the Appomattox, although boats can go up much higher. It is the fourth tobacco market in Virginia; and the quality of its tobacco is nowhere surpassed. It contains 2 to- bacco warehouses. 10 tobacco factories, 7 or 8 mercantile stores, a branch of the Farmers' Bank, 1 newspaper printing-office, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Methodist. and 1 Baptist church, and a population of about 1400. The navigation of the Appomattox is good at all seasons, and its navigation from this place to Petersburg gives employment to about 40 batteaux. carrying from 5 to 7 tons each. of the products of the country. Prince Edward C. H., Jamestown, and Sandy River Church, are small places in the county.
" HAMPDEN SYDNEY COLLEGE originated in an academy in
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PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY.
Prince Edward county, established by the presbytery of Hanover, which was afterwards incorporated as a college. The circum- stances leading to the establishment of the academy were these : As Virginia was first settled by members of the Church of Eng- land, and the emigration of dissenters not encouraged, it was more than a hundred years ere they were found in any consider- able numbers. Some years previous to the revolutionary war, the
Hampden Sydney College.
Rev. Samuel Davies, of Hanover county, in conjunction with others, formed the presbytery of Hanover. The principal mass of Presbyterians then in lower Virginia was in Prince Edward and the neighboring counties. among whom were some French Huguenots. In a few years, as they increased in numbers, they determined to establish a seminary, to be conducted on Presbyte- rian principles ; William and Mary, the only college in the state, being fostered particularly by the Episcopalians. The academy was accordingly established in Prince Edward, at a point conve- nient for the Presbyterians of Virginia and North Carolina."" This institution was founded in 1774, and was called the Academy of Hampden Sydney. "It was chartered in 1783, and received its present name from those two martyrs of liberty, J. Hampden and A. Sydney. It was established, and has ever been supported, by the private munificence of public-spirited individuals. It has an elevated, healthy, and pleasant situation, one mile from the court- house, and 80 from Richmond. Although the institution has had to encounter many difficulties for want of funds, yet it has gen- erally been in successful operation, and has educated upwards of 2,000 young men ; many of whom have been of eminent useful- ness, and some of great abilities. More instructors have emana- ted from this institution than from any other in the southern
* Rutiner's ms, History of Washington College.
55
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434
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY.
country. Connected with the college is a literary and philosophi- cal society, and an institute of education. There are also sev- eral societies among the students, which are of great assistance to them in the prosecution of their studies. The legislative gov- ernment of the college is vested in 27 trustees, who fill up vacan- cies in their own body. By the census of 1840, this institution had 65 students, and 8000 volumes in its library."
The presidents of Hampden Sydney have been-Rev, S. S. . Smith, 1774 ; Rev. J. B. Smith, 1779 to 1789 ; presidents pro tem. to 1797 ; Rev. A. Alexander, D. D., 1797 to 1806 ; Rev. M. Hoge, D. D., 1807 to 1820 ; J. P. Cushing, A. M., 1821 to 1835 ; Daniel Carroll, D. D., 1836 ; William Maxwell, LL. D., 1839 to 1844.
The UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY is located in the immediate vicinity of Hampden Sydney College. "The institution had its origin in efforts made by the presbytery of Hanover and the synod of Virginia, as early as 1812, to give their candidates for the ministry a more complete theological education. It did not, however, go into operation in a regular form until the year 1824." In 1841-'42 it had 3 professors, 20 students, 175 graduates, and a carefully-selected library of about 4000 volumes. The 'Theological Seminary, and Hampden Sydney College, have spa- cious and showy brick buildings, sufficient to accommodate a large number of students.
The Rev. MOSES HOGE, President of Hampden Sydney College, was one of the most able and venerable clergymeu of the Virginia church ; and his memory is now cherished with peculiar affection by many in the south. During a long life of clerical service, he maintained a character among the best and greatest men in that country, for sagacity, theological learning, sound judgment, patriarchal simplicity, and unaffected . meekness and humility. As a preacher, he was not eloquent, in the usual acceptation of the word ; that is, he was far from the artificial elegancies of rhetoric ; but his fervor of devotion and of argument often burst forth in a glow and flame which enkindled whole assemblies. This, together with the sanctity of his manners, made him a great favorite with John Randolph, who often rode many miles to hear him, and often spent much time in conversing with him on religious subjects. The widow of Dr. Hoge is now living, at an advanced age, in Charlotte. Three of his sons became ministers. Of these, the eldest, the Rev. James Hoge, D. D., of Columbus, Ohio, is one of the most distinguished men in the Presbyterian church. Dr. Moses Hoge was universally respected by his brethren, as a counsellor and an example ; indeed, it would be difficult to name a man of his pro- fession who had attained to more remarkable mildness, uprightness, or benevolence. He died in the city of Philadelphia, and his remains were buried in the church yard of the Third Presbyterian Church, Pine-street.
Among the. Presbyterian clergy of Virginia, an eminent place is due to the late Rev. JOHN HOLT RICE, D. D. He was born in Bedford county, Nov. 28, 1777, and died in Prince Edward, Sept. 2, 1831. He was graduated at Washington College, and was afterwards a tutor in Hampden Sydney, where he was the intimate friend of such men as Speece, Alexander, and Lyle. He was the founder of the Union Seminary, at the head of which he passed his last years. For a portion of his life he labored among the negro slaves ; and the fruits of this remain, in great numbers who not only believe in Christ, but are well instructed in the reading of the Scriptures, and are in regular con- nection with the Presbyterian church. Dr. Rice's years of prime were spent as a pastor. in Richmond. Here he was successful in a high degree, both as a preacher and an author. The Ecangelical and Literary Magazine was under his editorial care, and is most valuable contents are from his pen.
Dr. Rice was characterized by great independence of mind. He abjured all human authority, and was bold in the expression of his views. Yet he was "swift to hear, slow to speak." His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and his learning was in pro-
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PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY.
portion ; but it was the wide range, rather than the minute accuracy of his erudition, which was remarkable. As a writer, he greatly surpassed most of his coevals in ease, fertility, and force. By frequent journeys through the northern and eastern states, he liberalized his views, enjoying valuable intercourse with the first minds in New England, especially with the professors at Andover and New Haven ; yet, from first to last, he was a thorough-paced, enthusiastic Virginia patriot. He was an American of the old stamp, loving and admiring his country with the fervor of a youthful passion ; and he transferred the same regards to the church of which he was an ornament and a cham . pion. His letters to Mr. Madison, and his correspondence with Bishop Ravenscroft, may be adduced in proof. As a pulpit orator, Dr. Rice was not graceful or mellifluous ; but he was more-he was luminous, instructive, convincing, persuasive, and elevating. His greatest discourses, like those of Robert Hall and John M. Mason, were unwritten. In these, as in his life, he evinced the truth, purity, uprightness, and benevolence of the Gospel. Though naturally irascible, he became an example of meekness, and overcame evil with good. His favorite maxim was, LOVE Is POWER. There are thousands in Vir- ginia to whom this meager notice will seem far below the. truth. Dr. Rice's life was written by Wm. Maxwell, LL.D. (Phil. 1835, one vol. 12mo.)
When Tarleton was in this county, in the revolution, he passed near the residence of Joshua Davison, a gallant dragoon of Lee's legion, who, having received a severe wound in the sword-arm at the Guilford C. H., returned home to recruit. Davison resolved to have a look at the enemy, and, loading an old squirrel-gun, set out in search for them. He followed on their trail a short distance, when he was perceived by a British dragoon, who, rapidly advancing, drew his sword and exclaimed, " Surrender immediately, you rebel rascal, or you die !" " Not so fast, my good friend," replied Davison, " I am not prepared to yield ;" when, raising his squirrel-gun with his left hand, he shot him dead, and seized and carried off his horse and plunder in triumph. Some time after, on being asked if he was satisfied with killing a single man, " By no means," he replied : " I re- loaded my piece and went in pursuit ; but my firing had excited such alarm, and Tarle- ton fled with such expedition, that I never could have overtaken him, or I would have had another .shot."*
There died in this county, in 1819, a slave named Wonder Booker, belonging to George Booker, Esq., who had reached his 126th year. " He received his name from the cir- cumstance that his mother was in her 58th year at the time of his birth. He was of great strength of body, and his natural powers, which were far superior to those of peo- ple of color in general, he retained in a surprising degree. He was a constant laborer in his master's garden until within eight or ten years of his death."
PRINCESS ANNE.
PRINCESS ANNE was formed in 1691, from Norfolk county. It is 30 miles long, with a mean breadth of 12 miles : it has the Atlan- tie Ocean on the E., and Chesapeake Bay on the N. Cape Henry forms its northeastern angle, and Back Bay, a branch of Currituck sound, sets up in its south part. The county is drained by North River and the east branch of the Elizabeth. Pop., whites 3,996, slaves 3,087, free colored 202 ; total, 7,285.
Princess Anne C. H., situated near the centre of the county, 139 miles sE. of Richmond, contains about 20 dwellings. Kempsville. 10 miles southeasterly from Norfolk, on the eastern branch of Elizabeth River, contains about 30 dwellings. Large quantities of lumber, navy timber, staves, wood, &c., are sent from this place by water to Norfolk.
* Garden's Anecdotes of the Revolution.
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PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY.
The record here given of the trial of Grace Sherwood for witch- craft, was presented by the late J. P. Cushing, president of Hamp- den Sydney College, to the Virginia Historical and Philosophi- cal Society, and published in their collections. While it throws some light on the state of society of that time, it evinces that per- secution for witchcraft was not alone in our country confined to the Puritans of New England. There, it will be recollected, was shown a noble example of the strength of moral principle on the part of the accused, for they had only to declare themselves guilty and their lives were spared. Rather than do this, many suffered death. Grace Sherwood met a milder fate. The place where she was ducked is a beautiful inlet making up from Lynnhaven Bay, which to this day is called "Witch's Duck."
RECORD OF THE TRIAL OF GRACE SHERWOOD, IN 1705, PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY, FOR WITCHCRAFT.
Princess Anne ss.
At a Court held ye: 3d. of Janry: 170g p. Gent: Mr. Beno: Burro: Collo: Moseley, Mr. John Cornick Capt: Hancock, Capt: Chapman
Trations
Whereas Luke Hill & uxor somd Grace Sherwood to this Court in suspetion of witch- craft & she fayling to apear it is therefore ordr. yt: attachmt. to ye: Sherr do Issue to attach her body to ansr. ye. sd: som next Court.
Princess Anne ss.
At a Court held ye. 6th: ffebry: 1705 p: Esent. Colo. Moseley, Collo. Adam Thorrowgood Capt: Chapman, Capt. Hancocke Mr. John Cornick, Mr. Rich- ason, Came late
Justices
Suite for suspition of Witchcraft brought by Luke Hill agt: Grace Sherwood is ordr; to be referr till to morro:
Princess Ann ss.
At a Court held ye: 7th frebry: 170g p. Gent. Collo: Moseley Left: Collo: Thorrowgood Mr. John Richason, Mr. John Cornick Capt. Chapman, Capt: Hancock
Justices
Whereas a Compit: was brought agt: Grace Sherwood upon suspition of witchcraft by Luke Hill &c. & ye: matter being after a long time debated & ordr. yt: ye: sd. Hill pay all foes of this Complt: & yt: ye: sd. Grace be here next Court to be Searched according to ye: Compli: by a Jury of women to decide ye: sd: Differr: and ye. Sherr: is Likewise ordr. to som an able Jury accordingly.
Princess Ann 83.
At a Court held ye. 7th March 1705 Col: Edward Moseley, Lient: Adam Thorrowgood, Majr. Heury Sprat-Captn: Horatio Woodhouse, Mr. Jobn Cornick Capt: Heury Chapman, Mr. Wm. Smith, Mr. Jno Richason Captn. Geo. Hendeock
Justices
Whereas a Complaint have been to this Duq Court by Luke Hill & his wife yt. one Grace Sherwood of ye. County was and have been a long time suspected of witchcraft & have been as such represented wherefore ye. Sherr. at ye. last court was ordr: som a Jury of women to ye. Court to serch her on ye, sd. suspicion she assenting to ye, same -and after ye. Jury was impannelled and sworn & sent out to make due inquirery &c inspection into all cercumstances after a mature consideration they bring in yr. verditt ; were of ye. Jury have sercath: Grace Shorwood & have found two things like titis wth: severall other spotts-Eliza. Barnes, forewoman, Sarah Norris, Margt. Watkins, Han- nab Dimis, Sarah Goodaerd, Mary Burgess, Sarah Sergeent, Winiford Davis, Ursula Henly, Ann Bridgta, Exable Waplies-Mary Cotle.
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437
PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY.
At a court held ye. 2nd. May 1706 Present Mr. Jno. Richason, Maj. Henrey Spratt Mr. John Cornick, Capt: Henry Chapman, Mr. Wm Smyth Justices
Whereas a former Complt. was brought agt Grace Sherwood for suspicion of Witch- craft, wth. by ye. attorny Gen !!: report to his Exclv. in Counell was to Generall and not charging her with any perticular act therefore represented to yem: yt. Princess Ann Court night if they thought fitt have her examined de novo & ye. Court being of opinion yt."there is great cause of suspicion doe therefore ordr. yt. ye. Sherr. take ye. said Grace into his safe costody untill she shall give bond & security for her appearance to ye. next Court to be examined De novo & yt. ye. Constable of yt. pr sinkt goc with ye. Sherr: & serch ye. said Graces house & all suspicious places carefully for all Images & such like things as may any way strengthen the suspicion & it is likewise ordered yt. ye Sherr: som an able Jury of women also all evidences as cann give in any thing agt: her in evidence in behalf of our Sovereign Lady ye. Qeen to attend ye. next Court accordingly. Princess Ann ss.
At a Court held ye. 6th. June 1706. Present Mr. Jno. Richason : Capt Horatio Woodhouse Mr. John Cornick, Capt Henry Chapman, Capt: Wm Smith, Capt: Geo: Hancock
Justices
Whereas Grace Sherwood, of ye. County have been Complained of as a person sus- pected of witchcraft & now being brought before this Court in Crde: for examinacon ye. have therefore requested Mr. Maxmt: Bonsh to present informacon agt her as Councill in behalf of our sovereign lady ye. Qeen in order to her being brought to a regular triall.
Whereas an Information in behalf of her Mage. was presented by Luke Hill to ye, Court in pursuance to Mr. Genell. Attey's Tomson report on his Excellcy: orar. in Councill ye. 16th Aprill last about Grace Sherwood being suspected of Witchcraft have thereupon sworn severali evidences agt. her by wth. it doth very likely appear.
Princess Anne ss
At a Court held the 7th: of June 1706. Mr. Jno. Richason, Majr. Henry Spratt Mr. John Cornick, Captu: Chapman Captn. Win Smyth, Capt: Geo: Hancock
Justices
Whereas at the last Court an ordr. was past yt: ye. Sherr: should sommons an able Jury of women to serch Grace Sherwood on suspicion of witchcraft wch: although ye. same was performed by ye. Sherr: yet they refused, and did not appear it is therefore Ordr. yt. ye. same persons be again somd. by ye. Sherr: for their contempt to be dealt wth: according to ye. utmost severity. of ye. law, & yt. a new Jury of women be by him somd. to appear next Court to serch her on ye. aforesd. suspicion & yt. He likewise som all evidences yt. he shall be informed of as materiall in ye. Complaint & yt. She con- tinue in ye. Sherr: Costody unless she give good bond and security for her appearance at ye. next Court and yt. she be of good behaviour towards her Majesty & all her leidge people in ye. meantime.
Princess Anne ss
At a Court held ye. 5th. July Anno Dom: 1706. Present Mr Jno Richason, Capin. Jno Moseley Captn. Henry Chapman, Captn Wm: Smyth
Justices
Whereas for this severall Courts ye. bussiness between Luke Hill & Grace Sherwood on suspicion of Witchcraft have been for severall things omitted particularly for want of a Jury to serch her & ye. Court being doubtfull that they should not get one ys, Court & being willing to have all means possible tryed either to acquit her or to give more strength to ye suspicion yt. she might be dealt with as deserved therefore it was Ordr. yt. ys. day by her own couscat to be tryed in ye. water by ducking, but ye. weather being very rainy, & bad see yt. possibly it might endanger her health it is therefore ordr. yt. ye. Sherr. request ye. Justices p e. essvly to appear on Wednesday next by tenn of ye. Clock at ye. Court.honse & yt. he secure the body of ye. sd. Grace till ye, time to be forthcoming yn. to be dealt with. as aforesd.
Princess Ann es
.
At a Court held ye. 10th: July 1706. Present: Col: Moseley. Captn Mose. ley Capt: Woodhouse, Mr John Cornick, Capt Chapman Capt: Wm Smyth --- Mr. Richason-came late ---
Justices
438
PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY.
.
Whereas Grace Sherrwood being suspected of Witchcraft have a long time waited for a ffit upportunity ffor a ffurther examinacon & by her consent & approbacon of ye. Court it is ordr. yt. ye. Sherr: take all such convenient assistance of boats and men as shall be by him thought flit to meet at Jno. Harpers plantacon in orde. to take ye. sd. Grace forthwith & but her into above mans debth & try her how she swims therein. alwayes having care of her life to pe serve her from drowning & as soon as she comes out yt. he request as many untient & knowing women as possible he cann to serch her carefully for all teats, Spotts & marks about her body not usuall ou others & yt. as they find ye. same to make report on oath to ye. truth thereof to ye. Court & further it is ordr. yt. som women be requested to shift & serch her before she goe into ye. water yt. she carry nothing about her to cause any ffurther serspicion.
(Same Day & only one order between the above order & the following. DO I suppose the Court which was then held at the Ferry "Jno. Harper's plantation" & about one mile from witch duck, went to see this ceremony or trial made En Cik:)
Whereas on complaint of Luke Hill in behalf of her Magesty yt. now is agt. Grace Sherrwood for a person suspected of withcraft & having had sundey: evidences sworne agt: her proving many cercumstances & which she could not make any excuse or little or nothing to say in her own behalf only seemed to rely on wt. ye. Court should doe & thereupon consented to be tryed in ye. water & likewise to be serched againe wth. experimts: being tryed & she swiming Wn. therein & bound contrary to custom & ye. Judgts. of all the spectators & afterwards being serched by ffive antient weamen who have all declared on oath yt. she is not like ym: nor noe other woman yt. they knew of having two things like titts on her private parts of a Black coller boing blacker yni fe. rest of her body all wth: cercumstance ye. Court weighing in their consideracon dos therefore ordr. yt. ye. Sherr: take ye. sd. Grace into his costody & to comit her body to. ye. common Joal of this County their to secure her by irons or otherwise there to re- main till such time as he shall be otherwise directed in ordr. for her coming to ye. com- mon goal of ye: Countey to be brought to a ffuture tryall there.
[Copy]*
J. J. BURROUGHS, C. C. Prs. Anne County Clerk's Office, 15 Sept. 1832.
In the war of the revolution this county, in common with the country around Norfolk, suffered from the enemy. On the 16th of November, 1775, a skirmish took place between some militia of the county and the enemy, an account of which is subjoined from Girardin :
Hearing that about 200 men of the Princess Anne militia were on their march to join the troops destined for the protection of the lower country, Dunmore had proceeded from Norfolk at the head of a superior force, composed of regulars, fugitive slaves, and dis- affected inhabitants, with a view to intercept that patriotic band. The latter, aware of no hostile design, advanced in incautious security to the place of their destination. They were unexpectedly attacked, and compelled to engage under the double disadvan- tage of an unfavorable ground and inferior numbers. Supported, however, by inherent courage, and warmed by the justice of a noble cause, they for some time fought with great bravery and execution. Al last the combined disadvantages just mentioned com- pelled them to retreat, which they did in perfect order. John Ackiss, one of the minute .. men, was killed on the spot. Col. Hutchings and a Mr. Williams, with seven others, were wounded and taken prisoners.t
In the summer of 1777, the counties of Princess Anne and Nor- folk became a prey to the depredations of Josiah Philips and his tory-banditti. When pursued, they sought shelter among the dis- affected, or fled into their secret haunts in the Dismal Swamp.
* The copy of the Record in the above case seems to have been made ont with great care by the clerk. The orthography, abbreviations, and other peculiarives of character, have been preserved io type with as much accuracy as possible ; still, in some few instances, it has been found difficult to decipher the copy.
+ See Virginia Gazette of this date,-Some of our documents relate this affair rather diferently, and charge part of the militia with misconduct. Cander demands this remark.
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PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY.
He was finally taken, tried. and executed, mn 1778. The facts annexed are from Girardin :
A certain Josiah Philips. laborer, of the parish of Lynnhaven, in the county of Princess Anne, a man of daring and ferocious disposition. associating with other individuals of a similar cast, spread terror and desolation through the lower country, committing murders, burning houses, wasting farms, and perpetrating. other enormities, at the bare mention of which humanity shudders. Every effort to apprehend him had proved abortive. Strong in the number of his ruffian confederates, or, where force would probably fail, resorting to stratagem and ambush, striking the deadly blow, or applying the fatal torch at the midnight hour, and in those places which their insulated situation left almost unprotected, he retired with impunity to his secret haunts, reeking with blood, and loaded with plunder. The inhabitants of the counties which were the theatre of his crimes, never secure a moment by day or by night, in their fields or their beds, sent representa- tions of. their distresses to the governor, claiming the public protection. He consulted with some members of the legislature then sitting, on the best method of proceeding against this atrocious offender. Too powerful to be arrested by the sheriff and his posse comitatus, it was not doubted that an armed force might be sent to hunt and destroy him and his accomplices, in their morasses and fastnesses, wherever found ; but the proceeding concluded to be most consonant with the forms and principles of our govern- ment was, to pass, during the present session, an act giving him a reasonable, but limited day to surrender himself to justice, and to submit to a trial by his peers according to the laws of the land ; to consider a refusal as a confession of guilt, and divesting him, as an outlaw, of the character of citizen, to pass on him the sentence prescribed by these laws ; and the public officer being defied, to make every one his deputy, especially those whose safety hourly depended on the destruction of the daring ruffian. The case was laid before the legislature. The proofs were ample : his outrages no less notorious than those of the public enemy, and well known to the members of both houses from the lower countries. No one pretended then that the perpetrator of crimes, who could successfully resist the officers of justice, should be protected in the continuance of them by the privi- leges of his citizenship ; and that, when he baffled ordinary process, nothing extraor- dinary could be rightfully adopted to protect the citizens against him. No one doubted that society has a right to erase from the roll of its members any one who renders his own existence inconsistent with theirs-to withdraw from him the protection of their laws, and to remove him from among them by exile, or even by death, if necessary. An enemy in lawful war putting to death in cold blood the prisoner he has taken, authorizes retaliation, which would be inflicted with peculiar justice on the individual guilty of the deed were it to happen that he should be taken. And could the murders and robbery of a pirate or outlaw entitle him to more tenderness ? The legislature passed the law, therefore, and without opposition. Philips did not come in before the day prescribed, continued bis lawless outrages, was afterwards taken in arms, but delivered over to the ordinary justice of the country. - The attorney-general for the commonwealth, the im- mediate agent of the government, waiving all appeal to the act of attainder, indicted him at the common law as a murderer and robber. He was arraigned on that indict- ment in the usual forms, before a jury of his vicinage, and no use whatever made of the act of attainder in any part of the proceedings. He pleaded that he was a British sub- ject, authorized to bear arms hy a commission from Lord Dunmore ; that he was, there. fore, a mere prisoner of war, and under the protection of the law of nations. The court being of opinion that a commission from an enemy could not protect a citizen in deeds of murder and robbery, overruled his plea. He was found guilty by his jury, sentenced by the court. and executed by the ordinary officer of justice ; and all " according to the forms and rules of the common law."
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