Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-11-01
Horrible Superstition and Cruelty.
FROM A FRENCH PAPER.

Orleans, JUN 8.-The Royal Court this day en-
tertained an accusation against five persons, &C
Sused of most attrocious crime.
In the 29th century, in the midst of the most
enlightened civilization, under the reign of the
most humane religion, ignorance and superstition
have Just presented the frghtful spectacle of a
man who has been burnt alive on charge of
witchcraft. The following are the facts connect
cd with this horrible proceeding -
(" A mariner at Blois had child afflicted with
a languishine sickness. Physicians were called
in. to no purpose 1.-THE aid of their art was tried
in vain--the complaint resisted ell means applied
for its cure. The neighbours infected with that
prejudice which still prevails among the cannon
people, believed that the child laboured under a
spell. Theypointed out to the parents woman
who was confdered very sk.lful in discovering
those who dealt in charms, and in compelling
them to restore the persons bew;tched to their
former health This woman was called in. After
examining the child, she declared that it had
been bewitched, and that the spell was to last for
three years, She understood the cure, observing
At the same time, that it would be necessary TO
have " masses, ~ gospels, Y aye-marias and
II wax-candles. She took every thing upon her
self, and demanded IS francs. She repaired To
an adjoining garden, there fastened together three
blades Of grass, and affirmed tIat she stopped the
charm and consequently the progress of the dis
case
"The woman had already received a part of
The IS francs, and received more on the 18th of
July.-on that day the father Of the child per-
ceyed that so far from being improved, it was
growing worse He sent for the sorceress, WHO
promised to discover the author Of the charm
When the woman arrived, she declared that she
would not leave him till she made known the en-
ohanteT, but that her ART did not permit her to
name the person--and that she could only des-
cribe him. He IS" said she, " little mana
shepherd by trade--he is married-he has child
he passes every day by your door with his
sheep" " It must be Antoine then" exclaimed
The mother Of the child " Go and enquiFe,'' ex.
claimed the sorceress, and You shall see" I'm.
quines where mmeI lately made concerning An
tome, who appeared to agree exactly with the
description given by the modern sybil In order
20 remove every kind Of suspicion, person was
sent TO desire him TO come and kill sheep.
"Antome came Immediately TO the ouse. TIE
sorceress conducted HIM TO the bed where the
child lay. "Behold," sad she the sheep we
speak Of you must Immediately relieve this
child, on which you have thrown a charm FOR
eight months past"-Antoine declared he did
not understand her, and that he never dealt in
.ri'chcraft II was then that IN ORDER to force BIN
20 confess and atone fof the imaginary CT me, the
unfortunate shepherd underwent mariyrdom
from two to SIX O'clock in the evening. They
made great FIRE Of faggots, thrust his feet re
peatedly into the fame, Withdrawing them only
10 nnict blows, all the time requiring hun 20 re.
move the enchmtment, and to INFECT It upon cat
or some other animal that they brought for the
purpose.
fThe protestations Of the victim were useless
and SIX times he was placed in the FIRE, while he
called upon them rather TO cut his throat at once
--Neitier Ole torture of this most cruel punish.
ment, nor tie shocking cries which they excited,
Hus the sppplsnt entFeatios fer immediate death,