The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1873-11-05
MISCELLANY.
A FLIGHT FROM THE IxoUIsITIoS


3 Archibald Bower, whose singular expert
ences of an Italian inquisition in the
last century we propose to narrate was
a native of Scotland, being born there
about the year 1856. When only five
years old, he was sent over by his parents to
an uncle in Italy. In that country his educa-
tion wasentirely conducted, and he.became SO
great proficient in learning as to be ap-
pointed, when yet very young, to various lit
tie scholastic offices. Eventually, he was made
Professor of Rhetoric and Logic in the college
at Macerata. Here was established an inqui-
sition, the constitution of which may be gath
cred pretty accurately from Bowers own ac-
count.
The Holy Tribunal, he says, consisted of an
inquisitor, who was president of it, and
twelve counselors. The latter were chosen
by the inquisitor either from among the eccle-
siastics or the laity, but were always men en-
inent for learning. They had salary of about
two hundred pounds per annum each, and an
apartment in the inquisition house, where the
inquisitor resided. There were, in addition,
selors, besides certainty of good preferment.
The offences coming under their cognizance
were purely those against the faith and prac-
tice of the church, and these were generally
very trifing-such as doing or saying any
thing disrespcctful with regard to saints, inn
ages, relics or the like. When any person
was accused before the inquisitor, council
was summoned, always in the middle Of the
night. If any happened to be absent, their
place was supplied by anotary--for all trials
must be in a full eourt-who made known to
them the crime, without naming either the
or the criminal.
On an accused person being apprehended,
he was confined seven or eight days without
the least glimpse of light, or any other sub
stance than @ little bread and water once
a day. After that time was elapsed, the
court was summoned for the trial. notary
attended, to write down all the accused
should say, and a surgeon to feel his pulse,
and tell how much torture he could be made
to bear. The machines and engines for tor
turing being fixed, the prisoner was brought,
and without ever having been told either his
offence or accuser, or having had the least lib
erty to expostulate, he was exhorted to confess
his guilt. aaBtk1 WrHTG tNf51Il
An account of the fortunes and punish
ments inflicted would be superfuous, for they
are well known. We pass on to Bowers per-
sonal narrative. While Professor of Rhetoric
in the college, he was, by favor Of the inquis-
itor, appointed to vacant Office of judge,
which, looking to emoluments, was consider
ed good preferment. Speedily, the horrid
scenes he was compelled to witness shocked
his feelings. His sense of justice was OUT
ragged, and he wished himself we'll out of the
position into which he had unfortunately fall
en- For three years he was projecting his es-
cape, and revolving in his mind every possible
method of effecting it. But when he consid-
cred the formidable difficulties with which
each of them was attended, and the terrible
if he failed in the attempt, he
was held in suspense. At last an accident
which confirmed his resolution, but
at the same time gave the inquisitor an oppor-
tunity of trying him to the utmost. A per-
son who was his intimate friend was accused
to the inquisition for saying something irrev-
erent regarding the Carthusian friars, and by
orders Of the ihquisitor, Bower was ordered
to arrest him. IL was a dreadful trial of feel
ing, but he executed his commission. The in
quisitor said the next morning, when Mr..
Bower delivered the key of the prison and
told him that the gentleman was there-"This
is done like one that is DESTROYS at least to
conauer the weak ness of nature" -
After this, mo one will be surprised that
Bower was determined to effect his escape
from an Office ill-suited to him. 1t was most
desperate undertaking, but the manner of it
was all that now occupied his thoughts. He
resolved to ask leave to go to Loretto, and for
that purpose waited upon the inquisitor sew
eral times. Conscious, however, OF his own
design. whenever he attempted to speak, he
feared the words would falter OIL his tongue,
and his very confusion betray him, and he
was some time before he preferred his re-
ouest At last, one day, being in familiar
converse with the inquisitor, he came out
with it at once "My Lord" said he, sit is
long since was at Loretto, will your lordshipy
Give nue. leave to 90 there for a week ?,--S
"With all my heart was the reply. Having
all this matter in readiness, including his val
liable papers, (among which was the Dsrec-
tory, he ordered horse to be at bis door
early the next morning. When the horse
came, he carried his portmanteau down him
self, and fixed it to the saddle. He carried
two loaded pistols, in case of emergency, be-