The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1838-08-16
OUTRAGED NATURE AVENGED

In Queen Anne's reign, soldier
belonging To a marching regiment that
was quariered in the city Of W. was
taken up for deseriion. and being tired
by court martial, was sentenced to he
shot. The Colonel and Lieutenant Col
onel being bath in LOndon. the command
Of the regiment had devclTed in course
to the malor, who was accounted very
cruel and obJUra,e man. The day Of ex-
eculion being come, the regiment. as usual
upon these occasions, was dawn up 10
witness il; but when every one present
who knew the custom al these execu-
lions. expected Ia see the corporals cast
lots for the ungracinus Office, they were
surprised TO fad il fixed by the major
upon the prisoners own brother, who
was also a soldier in the regiment. aud
was at the moment taking leave Of the
unfortunate cu!pril.
On this inhuman order being announc.
ed To the brothers, they both fell down
upon their knees; the one duplicated, in
the most affecting terms, thai he nigh,
be spared the horror Of shedding q
brothers blond; and the other brother,
that he might receive his doom from any
other hand than his. But ali their tears
and applications were in vain; the major
was moi TO be moved. lie swore tina.
the brother and the brother only, should
be the man, that the example nigh. be
the stronger. and the execution The more
horrible. Several Of the officers a,temp.-
ed 10 demonstrate with him. but to no
purpose. The brother prepared 10 obey.
The prisoner having gone through the
usual service with the minister, kneeled
down a. the place appointed to receive
the fatal shot. The major stood by, saw
the afflicted brother load his instrument
of death, aud this being done. ordered
him to observe The third signal with his
cane, aud at that instant 10 do his office,
and despatch the prisoner.
But behold the justice Of Providence!
When the major was detailing his fatal
signals for the prisoners death. at the
last motion Of his cane, The soldier. in
spired by some superior power, suddenly
turned about his piece, and shot The
tyrant in a moment through the head.
Then throwing down his piece, he ex-
claimed" lie that can show no mercy.
no mercy let him receive. Now sub
init; had rather die this hour. for this
death. than live hundre.l years and give
my brother his" A. this unexpected
event nobody seemed to be sorry: aud
some of the chief citizens, who came 10
see the execution, and were witnesses
Of all tina, passed. prevailed with the mex.
commanding officer TO carry both the
brothers back to prison, and not To exc
cute the first prisoner until farther orders.
promising 10 indemnify him for the con-
sequences, as far as their whole interest
could possibly 60 with the queen. This
request being complied with. the city
corporation, that very night. drew up a
very pathetic and moving address 10 their
sovereign. humbly setting forth the cruelty
Of the deceased, AMI praying her ma
iesty's clemency towards the prisoners.
The queen, upon the perusal Of this
petition, which was presented to her
majesty by one Of The city representatives.
was pleased to promise tina. she would
inquire a little further into the matter.
On doing so. she found the truth of the
petition confirmed in all It's particulars.
and was graciousIy pleased to pardon
both The offending brothers and discharge
them from her service. "For which
good mercy in the queen" says a
chronicle Of that period. " she received
the very grateful and most du.iful address
of thanks from her royal CITY,"