The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-08-09
Chr mRstRrn gRmDrrat.
For the Western Democrat.
CHARLOTTE, N. c.

For the Western Democrat.
Mr. EDITOR In Campbell's Lives of the Chief
Justices of England, Vol. 1st under the head,
"The Commonwealth: Life of Lord President
Bradshaw" an interesting account is given OF the
circumstances attending and consequent upon the
trial of Charles the First, and matters stated in
relation thereto, which, heretofore, l have never
seen so infinitely mentioned.
This John Bradshaw in his day, no incon-
siderable character. Spoken of by some as man
"not without parts, but of great insolence and am
bition - by others, ga stout man and learned in
his profession-no friend to monarchy" and eulo-
gized by Milton, as having ''name consecrated
to immortal renown, in every country, wherever
the power of Liberty is acknowledged" That,
however, which has rendered his memory almost
impershable, is the fact Of his having sat Lord
President (his title being that of Lord President,
instead Of Chief Justice upon the trial of Charles
Stuart in 1919, pronounced upon him the SEN
tence of death 'tyrant, traitor, murderer, &c,
and the first to sign the fatal warrant for his
cution.
Ten years thereafter he died: "his death, before
the restoration" says Lord Campbell, ''savng him
from the fate which befel other regicides."
After his death, an act of Parliament was passed
to attaint him and both Houses made order
I" that the carcases of Oliver Cromwell, .John
Bradsha0, and Henry Ireton, whether buried in
Westminster Abbey or elsewhere be with all ex-
petition taken up, and drawn upon hurdle to
Tyburn, and there hanged up in their collins upon
the gallOws there time; and after that, buried
under the said gaows." This was accordingly
done, with additional ndgnties than those re-
quired, perhaps intended to exhibit on the part of
those who carried the order into execution, evil
dence of undOubted loyalty to the then existing
powers; for, 'Thursday, January so, 1860, the
''odious carcases of Oliver Cromwell John Brad
"shaw and Henry iretOn, were taken out of their
"gravcs, drawn upon sledges to Tyburn, and being
'pulled out of their cofins there hanged at the
'several angles of the triple-tree till sunset then
'taken down, bchcaded, and their loathsome
"trunks thrown into deep hole under the gallows"
Lord Campbell mentions the ''well,known story"
that the head of Charles the First was by acct
dent, substituted for that of Cromwell and at the
same time says that there given to the world
a narrative, that the remains of Bradshaw WERE
bctore the Restoration, carried to, and buried in
America. Then follows that to which | desire
your attention.
"And the following inscription IS to be real on
Cannon at AMmopolis" ,:
Stranger.
ere thou pass, contemplate this Cannon;
nor regardless be told,
that its base lies deposited the dust Of
JOHN BRADSHAW,
who, nObly superior to selfish regards, despising
alike the pageantry of courtly spendor, the blast
of caumny, and the terror of regal vengeance
presided in the illustrious band Of heroes and
patriots, who fairly and openly adjudged
CHARLES STUART,
tyrant of England to public and exemplary death;
thereby presenting to the amazed world
and transmitting down through applauding ages,
the most glorious example of mistaken virtue,
love of freedom,
and impartial justice, ever exhibited on the
blood-staincd theatre of human action.
Oh. Reader.
Pass not on until thou hast blessed his memory;
and never, never forget
THAT REBELLION TO TYRANTs,
OBEDIENCE TO GOD."
The mention of the Cannon, and the inscrip-
ton thereon, seem from the context to be stated
rs JdctS, rather than a mere appendage to the
rative reciting the removal of the remains Of Brad
shaw. They stated by this eminent writer
and biographist, without especial comment or
note, without reference from whence or whom the
information has been derived.
The only life Except this sketch by CampbclD
that | have seen of Bradshaw, mentions the fact
of his having been buried ''wth much pomp and
magnifcence in Westminster Abbey" but in that
there Is no mention made of the removal of his
remains to America, either before or after the
Restoration. Some of the reeicides fed to Ameri-
ca, and it is said, settled in New Haven
Is there such Cannon with the above inscrip-
ton at Annapolis? ii.