The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-08-28


defence OF objectionable rights, as an offensive
.sar We have always supposed the war must from
Its nature be very ogensive to Engishmen, Iu-
dams, aud Tories; bat TO Americans, it is RICH,
marvellous If they in ii any thing offensive.
.hercury.
JUDGE TURNER'S .AFFIDAYIT.
~ The following affidavit from the Hon.
Judge TURNER, will show to the world
the barbarous treatment he received from
federal mob in Plymouth, immediately
upon his return to mat town from the seat
OF government. .... Eds. Boston Caro-.
The .1fsdapt.
On the third day of August, inst. went
TO Plymouth to attend the Court of sessions
where I arrived a little before night. At
ter putting up my horse where had usual
" done, met David Bacon, Esq in the
street, with whom went to his house, where
J tarried until few minutes before nine o.
clock, when left him with view to call
on Madam Warren the distance do not
exactly know, perhaps sixty rods. I had
walked not far from hall the distance,
passing several persons when 1 obsery d a
number OF men very near together ; before
got ful, up with them one who was dress
ed il dark co!ored clothes, appearcdto start
out from the company and one, whether
the same or not could not determine, ex-
claimed with loud voice, as if to give in
formation to others, here he is ! here is the
rascal land one, here is the damned rds-
cat !--imnetliately after passing them, one,
dressed in dark clothes, came on my right
hie and put his left arm around my b ody,
and held my right arm with his right hand
ne did not seem disposed to quicken or to
,etard my walking, except once for n little
while he held back. l made no attempt to
quicken my pace. Soon after he took hold
of me was struck by some person behind
me; this striking was repeated. Pretty
soon, one with ain audible voice said, Kick
him kick him !--this was done rcpeate eddy,
apparently with their knees. One exclai-
med, don't hurt him! The man that held
me, asked me my name, 70 which made no
answer {: the blows being frequently repea-
ted, having an handkerchief OF spare linen
in my left hand, slipped it behind me under
my coat, which took off the force of several
blows. Before / arrived at DIR. Cotton's
corner, the man whoheld me observed, vou
are obliged 10 be let through the streets t!
On turning the corner, same man asked me
where was going; to which i answered,
that purposed to call on Mr.. Warren ne
did not attempt to divert me from the course
the humping continued until came near
Madam WarreD's door i'm which Mr.. War
ren was standing when | came within a
bout eight feet of the door, the man who
held me let &c his hold, and passed by
Mr.. Warren into the entry l then turned
round and looked cut, and judged there
were more than twenty persons collected
About the time | entered the door, some
person stepped near the door and de
manded With . strong voice, what the dis
turbance was, or to that effect ; upon which
the collection dispersed. Very soon after
went into Madam Warren's house, Mr..
w trren, the Postma ster. sent a note reques
ting Mr.. Hedge to call on him. Mr. Hedge
pretty SOON came in, and when Mr.. Warren
related to him the circumstances, MIR.
II sige expressed sorrow for what had taken
place. Madam Warren asked Mr.. Hedge
whether her house would be safe that night
Mr. Hedge rhoughe it would be perfectly
safe, and Il she felt any apprehension
he would tarry and sleep in the house. /
observed to Mr.. Hedge. that perhaps he
kDew he dispositions and Intentions of per-
sons there, and requested his opinion whe-
ther, in the state of agitation of the people
OF Plym outh, it was not most advisable for
me to leave town as my tarrying might be
the cause Of further disturbance, which
might lead to very unhappy consequences ::
MIR. Hedge answered in substance, that he
had hoped should not have come to town
ut that time; but as had come, he pre-
sumed nothing further would take place,
and ne would advise me to tarry and pur-
sue the business Of the county our adUised
me not 20 go or in the evening. While we
were cDnyersing, Major Warren who had
been unwell that day, gent me note and
directed the young man TO wait an answer.
After reading it requested the young man
TO return with q verbal answer, that /
would see Major Warren in the morning
Mr.. Hedge very politely said if ! wished
TO see Major Warren at that time, he would
conduct me there in perfect fafety. The
next morning DR.. Rossetter Cottan called
on me, and expressed great sorrow for
what had taSeu place, aud said he pre-
sGmed they could be none otber than boys.
and assured me that fnight consider my
self safe; bit ddOised ne not 10 go ont in
the eUcning When the justices of the
Court Of Sessions Had assembled in town
and were informed Of all circumstances,
it was quered whether it was safe for me
to attempt to so to the Court House !;
but conside ing the assurances OF MIR. Hedge,
aud Dr. Cottar, and also of Sheriff Par
fridge, that there would be no unsafety &
probably no further insult, the COuik pro-
ceeded 20 the Courthouse. On passing
Spooner's corner, SO called, where there
was a large collection of perscns of all ares.
there was Eslloong, Kissing and huzzaing !;
the words spoken could not Distinctly hear !
whether it came from men or boys I know
not, but some persons advanced in life were
with them whon / knew how far they
exerted themselves to still the tumut, is
best known TO them.
When the Court had adjourned and re-
tired, it became question whether it was