| Citation |
SCG-C.733.066
1-8 Sep 1733:21 (86)
The following is an account of the uncommon behaviour of
William Alcock, who was lately executed at Northampton, for
murder of his wife. He never own'd the fact, nor was he at
all concerned at his approaching death, refusing the prayers
and assistance of any persons. In the morning he drank more
than was sufficient, yet sent and paid for a pint of wine,
which being denied him, he would not enter the cart before
his money was returned. On his way to the gallows he sang
part of an old song of Robin Hood, with the chorus, Derry,
derry down, &c. and swore, kick'd and spurn/d at every
person that laid hold of the cart; and being told by a
person in the cart with him, that is was more proper for him
to read, or hear somebody read to him, than so vilely to
swear and sing, he struck the book out of the Person's
hands, and went on damning the spectators, and calling for
wine. Whilst psalms and prayers were performing at the tree,
he did little else but talk to one or other, desiring some
to remember him, others to drink to his good journey, and to
the last moment declared the injustice of his cause.
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