124 résultats
1809684561809. London 1809. London 1809. "The Weaver's Friend" Trial. Hanson Joseph 1781-1811 Defendant. The Whole Proceedings on the Trial of an Indictment Against Joseph Hanson Esq.: for a Conspiracy to Aid the Weavers of Manchester in Raising Their Wages: Before Mr. Justice Le Blanc One of the Judges of His Majesty's Court of King's Bench And a Special Jury At the Lancaster Spring Assizes 1809. London: Printed and Published by T. Gillet C. Chapple and Sherwood Neely and Jones 1809. xiv 11 116 pp. Folding map. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-3/8". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into recent library cloth gilt title to spine endpapers renewed. Moderate toning light foxing in a few places soiling minor edgewear and faint library stamp to title page a few library marks to verso light soiling to verso of final leaf p. 116. $450. Only edition. Hanson was a social reformer who was imprisoned and fined for his efforts to institute a minimum wage and the right to bargain among other reforms for the weavers of Manchester. Considered a dangerous man by the authorities he was charged with sedition. Known as "the weaver's Friend" 39600 people contributed one penny each to his defence fund. OCLC locates 4 copies in North American law libraries Harvard LA County Library of Congress Yale. Catalogue of the Goldsmiths' Library of Economic Literature II:19907. unknown books
1864718321864. New-York J.W. Amerman printer 1864. New-York J.W. Amerman printer 1864. Interesting Civil War Prize Case Concerning an English Blockade Runner Trial. Steamer Peterhoff. Betts Samuel R. 1786-1868. Marvin William 1808-1902. The United States vs. The Steamer Peterhoff and Her Cargo. In Prize. Opinion of the Court By Judge Betts. With an Appendix Containing the Opinions of Judge Marvin In the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of Florida In the Cases of the Dolphin and the Pearl. New York: John W. Amerman Printer 1864. 116 pp. Octavo 9" x 6". Stab-stitched pamphlet wrappers lacking bound into recent calf-stamped cloth printed paper title label to spine. Light wear to corners of text block moderate toning to text light soiling and some edgewear to title page. $750. Only edition. At head of title page: District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. The Peterhoff was a English blockade runner that was boarded and seized by the U.S. Navy in the harbor of St. Thomas then a Danish possession. Brought to Key West she was later condemned by the New York prize court and sold to the U.S. Navy which refitted it as a patrol ship. The international dispute over the legality of the seizure delayed her service for almost a year. After the Civil War the Supreme Court overturned the prize court's decision and the U.S. Government was compelled to compensate the Peterhoff's owners for their loss. OCLC locates 14 copies 11 in North America 3 in law libraries Columbia Harvard Library of Congress. Sabin A Dictionary of Books Relating to America 61179. unknown books
1872664781872. Baltimore S.n. 1872. Baltimore S.n. 1872. "For the Alleged Seduction of Mary Driscoll Virginia Hopkins &c." Trial. Huston Lorenzo Dow 1820-1887 Defendant. The Trial of the Rev. L.D. Huston for the Alleged Seduction of Mary Driscoll Virginia Hopkins &c; Giving a Full and Complete Account of All the Testimony Taken Before the Ecclesiastical Court And Containing all the Evidence that has Been Withheld from the Public With an Elaborate Article from Dr. Huston's Legal Counsel. The Only Authentic Edition Containing All the Suppressed Testimony. Baltimore S.n. 1872. 64 pp. Main text in parallel columns. Laid-in portrait plate issued with some copies not present in this copy. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-3/4". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet. Light toning a few chips and minor tears to title page and final leaf which is detached. Early notes in pencil to foot of p. 64. Ex-library. Small embossed stamps to a few leaves. A scarce title. $150. Only edition. As Karin Gedge notes Huston a Methodist Minister and teacher was a clever practitioner of a "seduction theology that persuaded girls to reluctantly accept sexual behavior that was clearly contrary to most Christian teaching." Eventually tried but acquitted he seduced at least three girls. OCLC locates 11 copies 5 in law libraries Harvard Social Law UC-Berkeley University of Missouri US Supreme Court. Gedge Without Benefit of Clergy: Women and the Pastoral Relationship in Nineteenth-Century American Culture 55-57. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School II:1109. unknown books
1807684241807. London 1807. OCLC 5 copies; 3 in N.A. London 1807. OCLC 5 copies; 3 in N.A. He Seduced Her to Win a Bet Trial. Piers Sir John 1772-1845 Defendant. The Trial of Sir John Piers Bart. For Criminal Conversation with Eliza the Wife of Valentine Viscount Cloncurry Before Lord Chief-Justice Downes In the Court of King's Bench Dublin; On February 19 20 1807. With the Letters Between the Parties. London: Printed for and Sold by R. Butters 1807. 44 pp. Lacking portrait frontispiece. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into period-style quarter morocco over marbled boards gilt titles and ornaments to spine endpapers renewed. Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet. Moderate toning to text light foxing to a few leaves edgewear and a few minor holes to title page "2" in early hand to upper margin. $600. Only edition. Piers 6th Baronet of Tristernagh Abbey was an Anglo-Irish baronet and a notable rake. His notoriety dates from his 1807 adultery trial involving Elizabeth Georgiana Lady Cloncurry the wife of an old school friend and creditor Lord Cloncurry. The trial established that Piers had seduced Lady Cloncurry as part of a bet. Lord Cloncurry was awarded the enormous sum of 20000 in damages the largest award granted in a criminal conversation case. The scandal attracted a great deal of attention and secured Piers a footnote in history. This case was the subject of John Betjemin's poem Sir John Piers and a 1978 BBC documentary The Bold Bad Baronet. COPAC locates 1 copy National Library of Scotland. OCLC locates 5 copies 3 in North America Temple University University of Missouri-Columbia Yale Law School. Not in the British Museum Catalogue. unknown books
1869684631869. London 1869. London 1869. "The Great Convent Trial" Trial. Star Mother Mary Joseph Defendant. Kennedy Mary Magdalen Sister Defendant. The Trial of Saurin v. Star and Another: In the Court of Queen's Bench Before the Lord Chief Justice and a Special Jury. An Action by a Sister of Mercy Against Her Superior for an Alleged Conspiracy to Cause her Expulsion. The Report Copied Verbatim from the Times. London: Diprose and Bateman 1869. ii 264 pp. Woodcut portrait frontispiece of Saurin. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-1/2". Later library cloth red and black calf lettering pieces to spine. Light soiling and shelfwear a few minor stains minor edgewear to lettering pieces. Moderate toning to text minor tears to a few leaves faint embossed ink and library stamps to title page brief annotation to verso frontispiece detached and edgeworn just touching border of image title page partially detached. $350. Only edition. Mary Saurin Sister Mary Scholastica Joseph brought a case against her superior and another nun for assault and conspiracy to drive her from her convent and have her expelled from the order. Known as "the great convent trial" it was a sensational case that fueled contemporary prejudices against Catholics monastic orders and women. These themes are apparent in the Solicitor-General's opening remarks. This case shows "what women were capable of when they shut themselves up from their kind and did violence to the instincts of their nature and the great though mean and petty cruelty they could wreak upon a sister in the name of a religion of love" 2. The jury found in favor of the defendants on the counts of assault and for the plaintiff on the counts of libel and conspiracy to have her expelled from the convent. OCLC locates 6 copies in law libraries Harvard Northwestern UC-Berkeley and the Universities of Michigan Minnesota and Virginia. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909 II:1182. unknown books
1814684431814. Canterbury 1814. Canterbury 1814. Manslaughter on the Parade Ground Trial. Gordon William Defendant. The Trial of Major William Gordon Of the 2d Or Queen's Regiment of Dragoon Guards On a Charge of the Murder of George Gregory A Private in the Same Regiment at the Guildhall Sandwich On Friday April 15 1814. As Taken by a Short Hand Writer. Canterbury: Printed by Rouse Kirkby and Lawrence 1814. iv 145 pp. Octavo 8-5/8" x 5-1/4". Later library cloth red and black calf lettering pieces and fragment of paper shelf label to spine. Light soiling light staining to spine and front joint which is starting at head front joint cracked title page partially detached. Moderate toning faint dampstaining to corners of a few leaves moderate soiling library stamp and a few minor stains to title page a few library annotations to verso. $500. Only edition. Gordon fatally impaled Private Gregory on his sword during a review on a parade ground. At first it appeared that Gordon used excessive force when the private fell out of ranks. The trial showed that Gregory his reflexes impaired by alcohol lost his footing and fell into the major's sword. OCLC locates 6 copies in North American libraries Columbia Harvard LA County Library of Congress Social Law University of Georgia. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909 II:1086. unknown books
1815684441815. London 1815. London 1815. A Controversial 1815 Court Martial of One of Wellington's Generals Trial. Murray John Defendant. Gurney William Brodie 1777-1855 Reporter. The Trial of Lieutenant General Sir John Murray Bart. By a General Court Martial Held at Winchester On Monday the 16th of January 1815 And Continued by Adjournment Till Monday the 6th of February 1815. Taken in Short Hand. London: Printed for T. Egerton 1815. vii 562 pp. Woodcut folding map. Octavo 9-1/4" x 5-7/8". Later library cloth red and black lettering pieces and paper location label to spine. Some shelfwear and soiling with wear to lettering pieces hinges cracked front free endpaper detached partial vertical tear to folding map along fold line. Moderate toning and light foxing to text marks and annotations in early hand to several leaves light soiling and two faint library inkstamps to title page. $350. Only edition. Murray was court-martialed for his mishandling of an engagement with Napoleon's army in Tarragona during the Peninsular War 1807-1814. A highly debated trial it resulted in Murray's acquittal of all charges except one: abandoning his cannon. That charge was later dismissed. Overall it seems that Murray's performance was marred by incompetence and cowardice. Many believed so at the time including Prince Regent George IV who denied Murray's petition to become a member of the Order of the Bath. OCLC locates 6 copies in North American law libraries Harvard LA County Library of Congress University of Minnesota US Army Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School. Yale Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909 II:1149. unknown books
1808684481808. London 1808. Very Scarce/Rare. London 1808. Very Scarce/Rare. A Very Scarce 1808 English Libel Case Relating to One of Wellington's Generals Trial. Draper Edward Alured 1776-1841 Defendant. The Trial of Lieutenant Colonel Edward Alured Draper Of the Third Regiment of Foot Guards In the Court of King's Bench On Monday The 29th of June 1807 Before the Right Hon. Lord Ellenborough and a Special Jury For a Libel Against the Right Hon. John Sullivan. Taken in Short Hand by Mr. Adams. London: Printed by D. Jaques 1808. vii 179 pp. Octavo 8-5/8" x 5-3/8". Later library cloth red and black calf lettering pieces and a bit of residue from paper location label to spine. Light soiling corners bumped light fading to spine. Moderate toning to text "110442" in early hand to verso of half-title two faint library stamps to title page. $850. Only edition. Draper was charged with libel for distributing a statement against a witness in a trial against his superior officer General Sir Thomas Picton. A distinguished but controversial general Picton was accused of using torture while serving as the military governor of Trinidad charges that were dismissed. Draper claimed that Sullivan a colonial official lied under oath. Draper lost his case and served a three-month sentence but went on to have a distinguished career as an officer and civil servant in Mauritius. OCLC locates 2 copies worldwide Social Law and Yale University. Not in COPAC or the Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909. unknown books
1819718231819. An Interesting Murder and Piracy Trial Joseph Story Presided Trial. Williams John Primary Defendant. The Trial of John Williams Francis Frederick John P. Rog Nils Peterson and Nathaniel White On an Indictment for Murder on the High Seas: Before the Circuit Court of the United States Holden for the District of Massachusetts At Boston On the 29th of December 1818. Boston: Printed by Russell and Gardner 1819. 92 pp. Octavo 9-1/2" x 5-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlet in plain wrappers untrimmed edges. Moderate edgewear a few small tears and chips to wrappers spine abraded wrappers partially detached but secure faint inscription in pencil to head of front wrapper. Moderate toning and light foxing to text faint dampstaining to a few leaves soiling to p.92 and title page which has a chip to its lower inside corner. $1500. Only edition. Tried before Joseph Story in his capacity as the Judge of the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Massachusetts this trial involved murders committed on the merchant schooner Plattsburgh bound from Baltimore to Smyrna. Led by Williams the accused murdered the captain and took the ship to Norway. All the defendants except White were found guilty of murder and piracy and hanged. Cohen Bibliography of Early American Law 13248. McDade The Annals of Murder 1103. unknown books
1813566161813. Scarce English Embezzlement Trial Trial. Hewlitt John Churcher Defendant. The Trial of John Churcher Hewlitt Acting Deputy Prothonotary of the Place-Court At the Old Bailey On Wednesday April 14 1813 on Charges Preferred by William Cruchley Of John-Street Bedford-Row Attorney-at-Law For Alleged Embezzlements of Moneys Arising from Fees of Office; On Seven Indictments Upon All of Which he was Most Honourably Acquitted. Taken in Short-Hand. London: Printed by Marchant and Galabin 1813. ii 16 pp. Octavo 9" x 5-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlet. Light browning several leaves unopened internally clean. $450. Only edition. Hewlett was accused of embezzlement by his employer Cruchley. This appears to be a vindication of Hewlitt's honor and innocence. It may have been published at his expense or urging. OCLC locates 4 copies in North America 2 in law libraries Harvard and Social Law. unknown books
1822551151822. Notable Libel Trial With a Defence by Lord Brougham Trial. Williams John Ambrose 1793-1854 Defendant. The Trial of John Ambrose Williams For a Libel on the Clergy Contained in the Durham Chronicle of August 18 1821. Before Mr. Baron Wood and a Special Jury. Tried at the Summer Assizes At Durham On Tuesday August 6th 1822. To Which is Prefixed A Report of the Preliminary Proceedings in the Court of King's Bench London. Durham: Printed by J.A. Williams 1822. iv 57 pp. Octavo 8" x 5". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into recent cloth gilt title to spine. Light soiling to title page and verso of final leaf light browning. Early owner signature to head of title page interior otherwise clean. $250. First edition. "When Queen Caroline died in 1821 the clergy of Durham refused to allow the bells to be tolled. Mr. John Ambrose Williams who owned the Durham Chronicle published an article in it attacking the conduct of the clergy who set the law in motion against Mr. Williams in the shape of a criminal information for libel. The case came for trial before a special jury at Durham. Mr. Scarlett afterwards Lord Abinger a most consummate advocate conducted the prosecution and Brougham the defense. Brougham made a magnificent speech but it was rather a political manifesto than a wise appeal to a jury at Durham who were not likely to be pleased with torrents of irony addressed to such topics as the revenues and management of their palatinate. The result was that his client was found guilty." Archer. This pamphlet was also issued the same year in London and Edinburgh. OCLC locates 2 copies of the Durham issue at Cambridge and Glasgow Universities. Archer William Ewart Gladstone and his Contemporaries 40. McCoy Freedom of the Press W297. unknown books
1817684541817. London 1817. London 1817. Detailed Trial of a Leader of an 1816 Plot to Overthrow of British Government Trial. Watson James 1766-1838 Defendant. Gurney William Brodie 1777-1855 Reporter. The Trial of James Watson For High Treason At the Bar of the Court of King's Bench On Monday the 9th Tuesday the 10th Wednesday the 11th Thursday the 12th Friday the 13th Saturday the 14th and Monday the 16th of June 1817. With the Antecedent Proceedings. London: Sold by Butterworth and Son 1817. Two volumes. 586; 578 pp. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-3/4". Later library cloth red and black calf lettering pieces to spines. Light soiling and a few minor stains light fading to spines and edges of boards some chipping to lettering pieces. Moderate toning light foxing in places front hinge of Volume II cracked several signatures in that volume loose faint library stamps to title pages brief library annotations to versos. $450. Only edition. Watson was tried for his role in the Spa Fields riot. This riot followed a pair of meetings held by revolutionaries at Spa Fields Islington England on November 15 and December 2 1816. Opponents of the government they resolved to encourage rioting and then seize control of the government by capturing the Tower of London and the Bank of England. Watson Arthur Thistlewood and three other leaders were arrested and charged with high treason as a result. Watson was acquitted and the other three were released without trial. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School II:1220. unknown books
1827684591827. London 1827. London 1827. Contemporary Account of a Famous English Case of Forced Marriage Trial. Wakefield Edward Gibbon Defendant. Wakefield William Defendant. Wakefield Frances Mrs. Defendant. The Trial of Edward Gibbon Wakefield William Wakefield And Frances Wakefield: Indicted with One Edward Thevenot A Servant For a Conspiracy and For the Abduction of Miss Ellen Turner The Only Child and Heiress of William Turner Esq. of Shrigley Park in the County of Chester. London: John Murray 1827. xv 303 pp. Interleaved with de-acidifying paper. Octavo 7-1/2" x 4-1/4". Recent library buckram white-stamped title shelf number and library name to spine. Text notably fresh some browning to final leaf and title page which has library marks and stamps. $300. Only edition. The first account of the Shrigley Abduction an 1826 British case of forced marriage by Edward Gibbon Wakefield to the 15-year-old heiress Ellen Turner. The couple was married in Scotland and travelled to France before Turner's father was able to notify the authorities and intervene. The marriage was annulled by Parliament. Wakefield and his brother William were convicted and sentenced to three years in prison. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909 II:1217. unknown books
1866471591866. variant of McDade 493. variant of McDade 493. An "Unparalleled" Record of Love Bigamy and Murder: A Variant noted in McDade 493 Trial. Hughes Dr. John W. Defendant. The Trial of Dr. John W. Hughes For the Murder of Miss Tamzen Parsons; With a Sketch of His Life As Related by Himself. A Record of Love Bigamy and Murder Unparalleled in the Annals of Crime. Cleveland: Printed by the Leader Company 1866. 58 pp. Octavo 9" x 5-3/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet with printed back wrapper. Some wear to edges occasional foxing and faint dampstaining. Small typed label stating--incorrectly--"McDade 493" to head of title page internally clean. $500. "Jealous and intoxicated Hughes on the streets of Bedford Ohio shot the seventeen year old girl he had seduced. At his execution he spoke for fifteen minutes until the sheriff reminded him 'Time is going.' Then he dropped" McDade. McDade notes the existence of this 58 page printing "which adds a farewell letter." See McDade The Annals of Murder 493. unknown books
1803708901803. New York: Printed by George F. Hopkins 1803. New York: Printed by George F. Hopkins 1803. Lord Admiral Nelson Testified as a Character Witness Trial. Despard Edward Marcus 1751-1803 Primary Defendant. The Trial of Colonel Despard and His Associates For High Treason And a Conspiracy &c. &c. Before Lord Chief Justice Ellenborough and the Other Commissioners At the New Sessions-House In the County of Surry sic Great Britain 1803. Published from the London Morning Chronicle. New York: Printed by George F. Hopkins at Washington's-Head no. 118 Pearl-Street 1803. 56 pp. Octavo 9-1/4" x 5-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlet in self-wrappers untrimmed edges. Light browning title page detached lightly soiled and moderately edgeworn with loss to corners early owner signature to head moderate edgewear and light soiling to final leaf light foxing to a few leaves. $250. Only American edition. After a brilliant military career in the West Indies where his achievements impressed Lieutenant later Lord Admiral Nelson Colonel Despard was recalled from his command and dismissed on frivolous charges. He tried to clear his name and seek compensation but his complaints led to imprisonment without trial for two years. Financially ruined and bitter he came to resent the establishment. He joined the radical London Corresponding Society and revolutionary United Irishman and took part in a plot to organize uprisings in London and Ireland the latter with support from French revolutionaries. After the plot was foiled Despard and six others were convicted of treason. A highlight during the trial was Lord Admiral Nelson's testimony as a character witness on Despard's behalf. Despard and his co-conspirators share the dubious distinction of being the last men in Great Britain sentenced to be hanged drawn and quartered. However the king commuted their sentences to death by hanging followed by decapitation. Cohen Bibliography of Early American Law 14127. unknown books
1814684711814. London 1814. London 1814. The Great Stock Exchange Fraud of 1814 Trial. Random Charles Baron de Berenger Principal Defendant. Dundonald Thomas Cochrane Earl of 1775-1860 Principal Defendant. Gurney William Brodie 1777-1855 Reporter. The Trial of Charles Random de Berenger Sir Thomas Cochrane Commonly called Lord Cochrane The Hon. Andrew Cochrane Johnstone Richard Gathorne Butt Ralph Sandom Alexander M'Rae John Peter Holloway And Henry Lyte; For a Conspiracy In the Court of King's Bench Guildhall On Wednesday the 8th And Thursday the 9th of June 1814: With the Subsequent Proceedings in the Court of King's Bench; Taken in Short Hand. London: Sold by J. Butterworth and Son 1814. 604 4 pp. Folding table. Includes four-page publisher catalogue. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-3/8". Later library cloth red and black calf lettering pieces to spine. Light shelfwear and some soiling. Light browning and foxing to text early owner signature Joseph Tate and faint library stamp to title page a few library annotations to verso another owner signature "Wm Green. 1843" at head of main text brief early annotations in a few places. $850. Only edition. Gurney's is the most detailed account of one of the greatest English fraud cases of the nineteenth century. In 1814 Berenger a Prussian aristocrat posing as an aide to Britain's ambassador to Russia announced that Napoleon had been killed by Russian Cossacks. This news caused stock prices to rise. After discovering that Berenger's news was a hoax which caused prices to drop investigators discovered that six men had profited substantially from the false information. All were alleged to have been conspirators with Berenger. One of these men was Cochrane a Member of Parliament an admiral and one of the greatest naval heroes of the Napoleonic Wars. The case against him was weak and circumstantial but he was to the surprise of many convicted sentenced to 12 months in prison fined 1000. and ordered to stand in the pillory opposite the Royal Exchange for one hour. In subsequent weeks he was dismissed from the Royal Navy and expelled from Parliament. On the orders of the Prince Regent Cochrane was humiliated by the loss of his appointment Knight of the Order of the Bath. A month later however Cochrane was re-elected unopposed and following a public outcry his sentence to th. unknown books
1846694211846. Boston: Daily Mail Report-Full and Complete 1846. Boston: Daily Mail Report-Full and Complete 1846. Not in McDade Trial. Tirrell Albert J. Defendant. The Trial of Albert J. Tirrell Charged with the Murder of Mrs. Maria A. Bickford. Before the Suprteme Court in Boston. Boston: Daily Mail Report-Full and Complete 1846. 37 pp. Text in parallel columns. Portraits. Illustrations. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-1/4". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet in pictorial wrappers rear wrapper lacking. Portrait of Tirrell on front wrapper depiction of crime scene to verso; portrait of Bickford on p.37. Light soiling small chip to upper corner of front wrapper moderate toning light foxing to a few leaves. $650. Only edition. "The murder of a harlot seems to lend a special interest to a case which is measurable by the many publications which ensue. . The Tirrell case is one of the triumphs of Rufus Choate who convinced the jury that his client did not cut the throat of Mrs. Bickford or if he did he did it in his sleep. The defense of somnambulism by Choate might well join that other classic of defense put forth by Delphin Michael Delmas who as counsel for Harry K. Thaw pleaded 'dementia Americana'" McDade. Our 37-page account is not among the 8 accounts in McDade which lists a similar account with 32 pages. OCLC locates 11 copies 3 in law libraries Harvard University of Missouri Yale. McDade The Annals of Murder note to 986. unknown books
1873694441873. A Constant Reminder that Innocent Persons Can Be Convicted" Trial. Boorn Stephen Defendant. Boorn Jesse Defendant. Sargeant Leonard 1793-1880 Reporter. The Trial Confessions and Conviction of Jesse and Stephen Boorn for the Murder of Russell Colvin And the Return of the Man Supposed to Have Been Murdered. Manchester VT: Journal Book and Job Office 1873. 48 pp. Octavo 9" x 5-3/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet in printed wrappers publisher advertisement to rear wrapper. Light soiling to wrappers light foxing to front wrapper light toning to text. A well-preserved copy. $150. As noted by McDade this famous case is a "constant reminder that innocent persons can be convicted. Russell Colvin the alleged victim had married a sister of the Boorns and had several children by her. He was mentally deficient and disappeared in 1812. Local gossip credited the Boorns with having disposed of him presumably because he was a burden on the family. In the spring of 1819 the Boorns were arrested and either from fear or mental weakness they told stories involving each other in the death of Colvin--Stephen's amounting to a confession of murder. They were tried and sentenced to be hanged; the state legislature however commuted Jesse's sentence to life imprisonment. As a last resort a notice was placed in the papers requesting information about Colvin. A farmer in Monmouth County New Jersey believed he recognized a hired man in the vicinity from the description. This man who was mentally deranged was enticed to Manchester arriving.six weeks before the day set for Stephen's execution. It was definitively established that he was the missing Colvin; he had apparently wandered off on his own volition annotation to Entry 111. Though published fifty-four years after the event the pamphlet was prepared by one of the defense counsellors and contains important information on the discovery and return of Colvin." McDade The Annals of Murder 113. unknown books
1833573241833. A Scarce Scottish Defamation Case Trial. Nairne James 1782-1847 Defendant. The Trial Before the Lord President of the Court of Session Lord Mackenzie And a Special Jury Taken in Shorthand Of the Issues in the Action of Damages at the Instance of Lady Ramsay Widow of the Late Colonel Sir Thomas Ramsay of Balmain Baronet Against James Nairne W.S. For Falsehood and Defamation; Containing the Speeches of Counsel and Charge of the Lord President With the Whole Evidence And an Appendix of Letters and Documents. Edinburgh: Published for the pursuer by W. and R. Chambers; London: Orr and Smith 1833. iv 234 80 pp. Quarto 11-1/4" x 9". Original three-quarter cloth over paper-covered boards rebacked retaining original spine and printed paper title label hinges mended untrimmed edges. Some rubbing a few stains to boards early owner signature of John Osbourne Browne Esq. to front. Annotations in contemporary hand to foot of table of contents interior otherwise clean. Ex-library. Shelf number to foot of spine bookplate to front pastedown date-due sheet and label to front free endpaper. A nice copy of a scarce title. $250. Only edition. A highly detailed record of a case involving accusations of marital infidelity by a colleague of Lady Ramsay's late husband. Lady Ramsay prevailed; the jury determined that her "character" was "perfectly pure and unsullied" and awarded her damages of 200 pounds sterling. 234. OCLC locates 10 copies in North American law libraries. Catalogue of the Library of Harvard Law School 1909 II:1171. unknown books
1864694191864. Derby: W. Bemrose & Sons 1864. Derby: W. Bemrose & Sons 1864. Trial Notable for "Dr. Winslow's Analysis of the Convict's Mind" Trial. Townley George Victor b. 1838 Defendant. The Trial and Respite of George Victor Townley for Wilful Murder. With Original Documents and Correspondence Now First Published; Dr. Winslow's Analysis of the Convict's Mind Portraits Autographs and Plan. Derby: W. Bemrose & Sons 1864. iii 6-70 pp. Portraits. Plan. Octavo 7-1/4" x 4-3/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet in printed wrappers. Negligible light soiling to exterior early owner signature St. John Crookes/ Sunderland/ 1864 to head of front wrapper moderate toning to text slightly heavier in places. $950. Only edition. In 1863 Townley murdered his girlfriend Elizabeth Goodwin after she broke off her engagement to him. An expert witness at Townley's trial was Dr. Forbes Winslow one of the founders of forensic psychiatry and the author of The Plea of Insanity In Criminal Cases 1843. Despite Winslow's testimony Townsend was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was granted a reprieve however after evidence was produced confirming hereditary insanity and a history of delusional behavior. Public outrage over the reprieve led to a second committee investigation which judged him to be sane. Our account includes memorials from the public and the committee's report along with Winslow's account of a visit with Townley in prison. Townley was later transferred to an asylum where he committed suicide. The portraits are of Townley and Goodwin; the plan shows the scene of the crime. OCLC locates 11 copies in North American law libraries. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909 II:1210. unknown books
1802699631802. London: Printed and Sold by E. Thomas 1802. London: Printed and Sold by E. Thomas 1802. Will the Church Allow Her to Stay on Land Donated by Her Brother Trial. Butler Cathrine O'Brien 1730-1807 Plaintiff. The Trial and Particulars of the Case Wherein the Lessee of Catharine O'Brien Butler Was Plantiff And the Rev. A. Dunn Secretary to the Roman Catholic Collage of Maynooth Defendant. Tried at the Last Trim Assizes 1802. With a Circumstantial Account of the Testimony Given by the Rev. Father Gahan. Second Edition. London: Printed and Sold by E. Thomas 1802. 20 pp. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-1/2". Disbound pamphlet all leaves detached moderate edgewear soiling to title page and verso of final leaf "9." in small early hand to head of title page. $350. Second and final edition published the same year as the first. This case concerned the will of Catharine O'Brien Butler's brother John Butler 12th Baron Dunboyne who had left his property to the St. Patrick's College Maynooth. OCLC locates 3 copies 2 in North America Emory Pitts Theological Seminary Newberry Library which are both first editions. COPAC locates 1 copy Ushaw College Durham which has a second edition. unknown books
1830714241830. A Famous Salem Murder: McDade 569 Trial. Knapp John Francis Defendant. The Trial and Conviction of John Francis Knapp for the Murder of Joseph White Esq. of Salem On the Sixth of April 1830. Boston: Published by Charles Ellms 1830. 35 1 pp. Woodcut frontispiece. Woodcut title vignette of murder. Half-title reads: Knapp's Second Trial Conviction And Sentence. Octavo 9" x 5-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlet wrappers lacking. Light soiling to exterior moderate toning to text some chipping short tears and wear to fore-edges of leaves through p. 19 with no loss to text faint spotting in a few places faint dampstaining to a few leaves. A scarce title. $600. Only edition. The murder of Joseph White a wealthy retired sea captain a conspiracy by a relative Joseph Knapp who hired his brother John Francis Knapp and the brothers Richard and George Crowninshield was one of the most famous trials of the 1830s. Joseph Knapp received immunity for turning in the Crowninshields. George Crowninshield had a good alibi that prevented his conviction. Richard Crowninshield escaped justice by hanging himself. John Francis Knapp was tried twice. He was convicted in his second trial and sentenced to death. OCLC locates 9 copies 2 in law libraries Library of Congress Yale. McDade The Annals of Murder 569. unknown books
1804704961804. A Landmark Case in the History of the First Amendment Trial. Hamilton Alexander 1757-1804 et Al. Crosswell Harry 1778-1858 Defendant. The Speeches at Full Length of Mr Van Ness Mr. Caines the Attorney-General Mr. Harrison And General Hamilton In the Great Cause of the People Against Harry Croswell On an Indictment for a Libel on Thomas Jefferson President of the United States. New York: Printed by G. & R. Waite 1804. 78 pp. Octavo 8" x 5". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet. Moderate toning occasional light foxing negligible light soiling to title page and verso of final leaf. $1250. Only edition. People of the State of New York v. Harry Croswell also known as People v. Croswell is a landmark case in the history of the First Amendment. It was a prosecution for criminal libel under the Sedition Act in the Court of General Sessions of the Peace of Columbia County New York. Croswell was indicted for an article published in The Wasp a Federalist newspaper he edited that accused Jefferson of hiring James Callender to write articles attributing various crimes to Washington and Adams. Crosswell was defended by a distinguished team of lawyers among them Alexander Hamilton. In one of his greatest and most influential speeches and one of the last he gave in his lifetime Hamilton argued that freedom of the press consists in publishing the truth from good motives and for justifiable ends however it may reflect on its subjects. More important he argued for a rejection of libel based on English rules which remained a part of New York law especially the rule that truthfulness is not a reason for acquittal. Croswell was convicted but he was not sentenced or retried. And the cause of his case was mooted the following year when the New York State Legislature abandoned English libel law in favor of one based on Hamilton's argument. It became the law of the land when the other states and the Federal government followed New York's example. Ford Bibliotheca Hamiltoniana 90. Cohen Bibliography of Early American Law 13322. unknown books
1819674151819. Concord NH: 1819. Concord NH: 1819. Fletcher Webster's Copy of an Account of One of His Father's Famous Cases Trial. Jackman Joseph. Goodridge Elijah Putnam 1787-1851 Defendant. The Sham-Robbery Committed by Elijah Putnam Goodridge on His Own Person In Newbury Near Essex Bridge Dec. 19 1816: With a History of His Journey to the Place Where he Robbed Himself: and His Trial with Mr. Ebenezer Pearson Whom he Maliciously Arrested for Robbery: Also the Trial of Levi & Laban Kenniston. Concord NH: Printed for the Author 1819. 151 1 pp. 12mo 6-3/4" x 4-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet in plain wrappers untrimmed edges. Light soiling and a few minor stains wrappers worn but secure. Light browning to text light foxing in a few places faint dampstaining to a few leaves "Daniel Webster Jr" in pencil to front endleaf and recto of rear wrapper "Polly Webster" to rear free endpaper. $350. Only edition. Full account of the several trials connected with this famous Massachusetts case by one of the accused. Daniel Webster served as one of the defense attorneys shortly after his return to private practice following his two terms in Congress. The respected and well-connected Major Goodridge's accusation of robbery against the witless low-life Kenniston brothers was supported by popular sentiment until Webster began his defence which meticulously unraveled the Major's story and succeeded in gaining the Kenniston's acquittal. The trial was an early landmark in Webster's legal career and his final address to the jury first printed here is considered a classic of Webster's oratory. It was later anthologized. Daniel Fletcher Webster 1818-1862 known as Fletcher Webster was Daniel Webster's eldest son. Chief Clerk of the U.S. State Department when his father was Secretary of State he commanded the 12th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War. He was killed at the Second Battle of Bull Run. We are unsure of the identity of Polly Webster. Cohen Bibliography of Early American Law 14017. unknown books
1822556511822. A Notable Freethinker and Publisher Of Thomas Paine Reports One of His Blasphemy Trials Trial. Carlile Richard 1790-1843 Defendant and Reporter. The Report of the Proceedings of the Court of King's Bench In the Guildhall London On the 12th 13th 14th And 15th Days of October: Being the Mock Trials of Richard Carlile For Alledged sic Blasphemous Libels In Publishing Thomas Paine's Theological Works and Elihu Palmer's Principles of Nature; Before Lord Chief Justice Abbott And Special Juries. London: Printed and Published by R. Carlile 1822. xx 203 pp. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet without wrappers bound into recent marbled boards with paper title label. Toning light soiling to title page creases to corners of a few leaves. An appealing copy. $750. Only edition. Carlile was one of the most prolific freethinking journalist-publisher-political activists of his day. As one would suspect he was often at odds with the government. In 1819 he was fined 1500 pounds and imprisoned for three years for six counts of "blasphemous libel." He published this account of the first day of his 1819 trial after his release. It deals with the information against him for publishing Thomas Paine's Age of Reason and Examination of the Passages in the New Testament Quoted from the Old and Called prophecies concerning Jesus Christ which Carlile issued as The Age of Reason Part the Third. Portions of these were read in court by Carlile with commentary. Carlile reissued this pamphlet in 1826. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School II:1035. unknown books