| Citation |
BEP(F.755.006
7 Apr 1755:21 (1023)
Edinburgh, Jan 21. In a letter from Perth, dated the 10th
past, we have the following particular account of the
execution of John Hall, on Tuesday se'nnight for desertion.
Tuesday last John Hall and John Lamb, both deserters from
Lord Robert Manner's Regiment of Foot quartered in this
place, pursuant to a sentence of a general court martial,
were carried from prison to the South Inch to be shot.
When prayers were over the parson retired, and they on their
knees, and their faces covered, the commanding officer drew
near, and produced the past order that one was to die; their
fate to be determined by a cast of the dice on the drum-
head; and that he who threw the most blacks was to live. On
hearing the order, both immediately started to their feet.
Hall threw first and cast up seven. Lamb, in great agony
and concern of mind, prayed for some time in a most serious
manner, and then rising up, threw eight. Upon this Hall
fell down on his knees, and calling for mercy from Almighty
God, was instantly shot dead. The whole was a most moving
and affecting scene.
|