The Malefacter James Linnel, was indicted for having, on the 11th of December last, at the Hamlet of Shutlanger, feloniously and maliciously set Fire to a Barn, in the occupation of Thos. Horn, the property of the Right Hon. Thos. William Earl of Pomfret, with intent to defraud the said Earl, and the said Thos. Horn. The trial was a very long one, and excellent Council was employed on the part of the Prisoner, but owing to the evidence of the Accomplice Edward Durrant he was found guilty. The Prisoner was a stout, good looking young man, and it is greatly to be lamented that in shame and misery he had to atone for the offences he had committed.
Since the conviction of the unfortunate youth, great exertions have been made to obtain a commutation of punishment, but ineffectual. This was his second conviction, and there is no doubt the offence was committed out of Revenge, for a prosecution for sheep stealing, instituted against him by Mr. Horn. The prisoner bore a very indifferent character. He was single man.
Every spiritual Instruction and Consideration has been administered daily, by the Chaplain, and it is to be hoped he sought forgiveness and mercy of God , through the merits of Jesus Christ, by whom sinners can only be saved. The parting with his relatives was moving, and caused tears to flow from those present. He has a father and sister living.
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REFLECTIONS
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Here seclude from worldly pleasure,
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In this doleful place confin'd
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Come, and let's improve the leisure;
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Meditate my thoughtful mind!
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Soul alike and body sharing,
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How have I the one forgot!
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NRO ZB68/1
Horner William, His Memorandum Book
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While for t'other only caring,
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Lo', my miserable lot!
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Yet the one I so much cherish,
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Doom'd to death when giv'n to life!
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Soon perhaps, must sink and perish,
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Dust to dust - must end the strife!
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FRIDAY.- At an early hour this Morning workmen were busily employed in putting up the fatal apparatus and although the hour of execution here is Twelve yet as early as Nine o'clock, flocks of people might be seen coming from the adjacent Villages, to witness the dreadful Scene. Early in the morning he was visited by the Rev. Ordinary, and addressed with great tenderness and emotion of heart, entreating him to consider that he had but a short time to live, and imploring him to make good use of his time, by seeking mercy from that God before whom he must shortly appear. The time was spent in exhortation and prayer till the bell rang for Chapel, to which with profound reverence they repaired and after appropriate psalms and prayers, an excellent Sermon was delivered, ending with a suitable address to the other prisoners, some of whom seemed much affected and wept. The time having elapsed, the sheriff's officers arrived. The executioner came with the halter; after being bound, which he bore with great firmness, occasionally looking up to Heaven, as if to prayer; thanking the Gaoler for his kindness, and shaking hands with fellow prisoners, he walked with a slow and firm step to the place of execution, the Chaplain reading the burial service, commencing with "I am the resurrection and the life, etc." After a short time spent in adjusting the rope, the drop fell, and he being a heavy man, his sufferings were short. His body after hanging the usual time, was delivered to his friends for interment
This ends in disgrace, the life of a young man (who, to all appearances) through wickedness, did not live out half his days.
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