The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1886-07-09

English Magazine.
In Queen Anne's reign, soldier belonging
to marching regiment, that was quartered
in the city of W, was taken up for dcser-
ton, and being tried by a court martial, was
sentenced to be shot. The colonel and lieu
tenant colonel being both in London, the
command of the regiment had devolved in
course to the major who was accounted u
very cruel and obdurate man. The day of
execution being come, the regiment, as usual
upon those occasions, was drawn up to wit
ness it but when every one present who knew
the custom at these executions expected to
see the corporals cast lots for the ungracious
Office they were surprised to find it fixed by
the major upon the prisoners own brother,
who was also soldier in the regiment and
was at the moment taking his last leave of the
unfortunate culprit.
On this inhuman order being announced
to the brothers, they both fell down upon
their knees the one duplicated in the most
affecting terms that he might be spared the
horror of shedding a brothers. blood, and the
other brother that he might receive his doom
from any other hand than his. But all their
tears and supplications were in vain the
major was not to be moved.
He swore that the brother, and the brother
only, should be the man, that the example
might be the stronger, and the execution
the more horrible.
Several of the officers attempted to remon-
strate with him, but to no purpose.
The brother prepared to obey. The
prisoner, having gone through the usual SER
vice with the minister, knelt down at the
place appointed to receive the fatal shot,
The major stood by saw the afflicted brother
load his musket and this being done, ordered
him to observe the third signal with his cane
and at that instant to do his office, and dis
patch the prisoner.
But, behold when. the major was dealing
his fatal signals for the prisoners death, at
the last motion of his cane, the soldier, as if
inspired by some superior power, suddenly
turned about, and shot the tyrant in NOM
ent through the heart?
Then, throwing down his piece, he excaim-
ed, "He that can show no mercy, no mercy
let him receive | had rather die this hour
for his death than live hundred years, and
give my brother hisP
Nobody seemed to be sorry at this unex-
pected event, and some of the chief citizens,
who came to see the execution, and were wit
nesses of all that passed, prevailed with the
next commanding officer to carry both the
brothers back to prison, and not to execute
the first prisoner until further orders, prom.
lsng 10 identify MIN Ior the consequences
as far as their whole interests could possible
60 with the Queen.
This request being complied with, the city
corporation, that very night, drew up most
pathetic and moving address to their Sover-
eign, humbly setting forth the cruelty of the
deceased, and praying her Majesty's clemency
towards both the prisoners.
The Queen, upon the perusal of this petit
ton, which was presented to her Majesty by
one of the city representatives, was pleased
to promise that she would inquire little fur
ther into the matter.
On doing so, she found the truth of the
petition confirmed in all its particulars, and
was graciously pleased to pardon both the
offending brothers, and discharge them from
her service.
For which good mercy she received very
grateful and most dutiful address Of thanks
from her loyal city.