3.233 resultados
1822ref. 726351822. Edinburgh 1822. First edition. Edinburgh 1822. First edition. Tried for Killing Boswell's Son in a Duel Trial. Stuart James 1775-1849 Defendant. The Trial of James Stuart Esq. Younger of Dunearn Before the High Court of Justiciary At Edinburgh On Monday June 10 1822. With an Appendix of Documents. Taken in Short Hand. Edinburgh: Printed for Archibald Constable and Co./London: Hurst Robinson and Co.: James Ridgway 1822. iv 186 2 20 pp. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5-1/4". Period-style quarter calf over marbled boards lettering piece and blind fillets to spine marbled edges endpapers renewed. Moderate toning to text light foxing to a few leaves light soiling and owner signature "Archd. Speirs Esq. of Eldersley" to title page faint fold line to its upper outside corner. A nice copy in a handsome binding. $950. First edition. The son of Samuel Johnson's associate James Boswell Sir Alexander Boswell First Baronet 1775-1822 was a Scottish poet antiquary and songwriter. He used the funds from his inheritance to purchase a seat in Parliament and later achieved a Baronetcy for his political support of the government. After he left Parliament Boswell wrote a series of anonymous essays denouncing James Stuart a prominent Whig. When Stuart suspected Boswell's authorship he demanded that Boswell deny authorship or apologize. Boswell refused to do either so Stuart challenged him to a duel. Boswell deliberately fired wide but Stuart who had never before handled a gun shot Boswell in the collarbone. The wound was fatal. Despite Boswell's popularity Stuart was acquitted unanimously. Archibald Speirs 1758-1832 this copy's former owner was a member of Parliament for Renfrewshire and a prominent local landowner. Like Stuart he was involved in local politics and the two likely knew each other. Both men attended a contentious county meeting in Renfrew in January 1816 Moss. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909 II:1200. Moss The Duel Between Sir Alexander Boswell and James Stuart 89. unknown
1767ref. 727311767. London: for W. Griffin 1767. 56 23 1 pp. London: for W. Griffin 1767. 56 23 1 pp. A Sensational Inheritance Case Trial. Douglas Cause. A Concise Narrative of the Proceedings in the Douglas Cause: With Remarks Upon the Memorials: In a Letter to a Friend. London: Printed for W. Griffin 1767. 56 23 1 pp. Octavo 9" x 5-3/4". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet fore and bottom edges untrimmed. Light toning light soiling to exterior light foxing in a few places a few creases to final leaf. $500. First edition. The "Douglas Cause" which involved claims on the estate of Duke Douglas was one of the most sensational Scottish trials of the eighteenth century. Douglas died without issue leaving his sister Lady Jane Douglas the heir presumptive. His relatives the Hamiltons had hoped to lay claim to the estate but were foiled when Lady Jane had twin sons at the age of 50. A bitter dispute ensued over whether these children were in fact legitimate but the case was decided against the Hamiltons and the estate went to Lady Jane's surviving child Archibald Stewart Douglas. This was a rancorous case which attracted a great deal of public attention most of it sympathetic to the young Douglas. A second edition was published later the same year. English Short-Title Catalogue T184001. unknown
1696ref. 728341696. London: for Brabazon Aylmer 1696. London: for Brabazon Aylmer 1696. Tried for Treason Without Benefit of Counsel Trial. Friend Sir John d.1696 Defendant. The Tryal and Condemnation of Sir John Friend Knight. For Conspiring to Raise Rebellion in These Kingdoms In Order to a French Invasion: Who Upon Full Evidence was Found Guilty of High-Treason At the Sessions-House in the Old Bayly March 23th 1695/6. London: Printed for Brabazon Aylmer 1696. 35 1 pp. Folio 12" x 7-1/4". Superb period-style three-quarter calf over marbled boards raised bands and lettering piece to spine endpapers renewed. Moderate toning to text light soiling to title page and verso of final leaf. $650. Only edition. Friend was charged with high treason for his role in the 1696 Jacobite assassination plot one of a series of Jacobite plots to reverse the Glorious Revolution of 1688-1689. Friend's trial was the penultimate instance under English law in which a defendant was tried for treason without benefit of counsel. The Treason Act of 1695 which allowed counsel in cases of treason went into effect two days later. English Short-Title Catalogue R37160. unknown
1880ref. 728021880. Rare. Rare. A Raucous Divorce Case: Only Edition of the 1880 Newman Hall Divorce Case Report Trial. Hall v. Hall. The Full Report of the Newman Hall Divorce Case Drop-Head Title. At head of drop-head title: Police News Edition. London: G. Purkess c.1880. 16 pp. Title page has large woodcut portraits of the Halls. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet thread lacking. Moderate toning light edgewear and chipping to spine light foxing to final few leaves title page affected by trimming to top and fore-edges without loss to legibility. Rare. $850. Only edition. In 1880 Christopher Newman Hall a minister who had gained fame in Britain and the United States with his tract Come to Jesus 1848 accused his wife Charlotte of adultery with a friend of the couple. She denied the accusations and accused him of infidelity in turn. The couple was not particularly compatible; Charlotte was a free spirit who loved to hunt and smoke habits her husband despised on moral grounds. Newman Hall's high profile and the humor of much of the testimony made the trial a raucous affair with frequent bursts of laughter from witnesses to the despair of the judge. Newman Hall ultimately succeeded in obtaining a decree nisi and remarried later that year. This is a rare title. No physical copies listed on OCLC or Library Hub. We located a copy at Indiana University. unknown
1730ref. 727851730. Carrying on a Criminal Conversation" Trial. Liddell Richard Defendant c.1694-1746. An Account of the Tryal of Richard Lyddel Esq; At His Majesty's Court of Common-Pleas Before the Right Honourable Lord-Chief-Justice Eyre For Carrying on a Criminal Conversation with the Late Lady Abergavenny; On Monday the 16th of February 1729/30. London: Printed for A. Moore 1730. Folio 13" x 8-1/4". 8 pp. Pages 6 and 7 printed in reverse order. Stab-stitched pamphlet in self-wrappers untrimmed. Moderate toning single horizontal fold slight creasing to first signature at spine light wear to fore-edge of second and fourth leaves moderate soiling to verso of final leaf. $650. Early edition one of two from the same year under the same fictitious imprint. Liddell an Irish MP and something of a rake was caught in bed with Lady Abergavenny the wife of a close friend. When the two were found out Lady Abergavenny went into shock and died twenty-six days later. The sensational case drew a great deal of public attention. Despite Liddell's penitence the jury issued a harsh fine of 10000 which ruined him financially. OCLC locates 5 copies 2 in North America University of Illinois University of Minnesota. English Short-Title Catalogue T105385. unknown
1794ref. 728651794. The Trial and Confession of a Scottish Traitor Trials. Scotland. Watt Robert Defendant c.1761-1794. Trials of Robert Watt and David Downie for High Treason Before the Courts of Oyer and Terminer Held at Edinburgh Aug. 14. 15. 22. 27.-Sept. 3. 5. 6. 1794. With an Engraving of the Pikes Found in the Possession of Robert Watt and Others. To Which is Subjoined the Celebrated Speech of Sir Hercules Langrishe On Parliamentary Reform Delivered in the House of Commons Ireland March 4. 1794. Edinburgh: Printed for Manners and Miller 1794. 4 92 pp. With a woodcut illustration after title page. Bound with Watt Robert. By Authority. The Declaration and Confession of Robert Watt Written Subscribed & Delivered by Himself The Evening Before His Execution For High Treason At Edinburgh October 15. 1794. Attested by the Reverend Dr Baird Principal of the University of Edinburgh; And the Reverend T.S. Jones One of the Ministers of Lady Glenorchie's Chapel. Edinburgh: Printed for Bell & Bradfute 1794. iv 35 1 pp. With a lithograph portrait frontispiece moved to beginning of Trials by binder. Publisher advertisement to final page. Octavo 8" x 4-3/4". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlets. Light toning to interior more moderate in some places light soiling in a few places red monogram stamp "AB" to upper gutter of title pages and p. 1 of Trials ms. notes in an early hand to versos of first two leaves of Trials and to foot of title page of Confession. $650. Only editions. Watt a wine merchant and political radical was the architect of a somewhat confused plot to establish Scotland as an independent country. After a search of his house turned up a number of pikes and the type for a seditious handbill he was arrested and tried for treason. Downie a co-conspirator was pardoned but Watt was not so lucky. He was convicted and sentenced to be hanged and beheaded despite the jury's recommendation of mercy. The sentence reflected the courts' opinion of the severity of Watt's crime. It was also intended to be a warning to other radicals. English Short-Title Catalogue T174262 T94672. unknown
1806ref. 728521806. London 1806. Second ed. Edward Mangin's copy. London 1806. Second ed. Edward Mangin's copy. With Interesting Manuscript Commentary by a Notable Irish Writer Trial. Great Britain. Patch Richard Defendant c.1770-1806. The Trial of Richard Patch For the Wilful Murder of Mr. Isaac Blight September 23 1805 At Rotherhithe In the County of Surry; Before the Right Hon. Sir A. Macdonald Knt. Lord Chief Baron of His Majesty's Court of Exchequer; At the Sessions House Newington; On Saturday April 5 1806. London: Printed By the Express Appointment of the Sheriff For Edward Jeffery 1806. xvi 194 pp. With 5 plates including 3 portraits a facsimile of a letter and a folding illustration. Octavo 8-1/4" x 4-3/4". Marbled wrappers. Light edgewear with slight chipping to top-edge and small tear to fore-edge of rear wrapper. Light toning to interior light foxing in a few places. Ownership signature to head of title page of Edward Mangin dated May 10 1831 annotation in his hand to front free endpaper. An interesting association copy. $950. Second edition. Patch the eldest son of a smuggler had been forced to mortgage his Exeter farm and subsequently fled to London in order to dodge his creditors. While there he met Blight a ship-breaker who proposed that he become a partner in the business. Patch agreed but lacked the money to pay for his share and killed Blight instead. In passing sentence the judge told Patch: "you began this practice in fraud continued it in ingratitude and completed it by shedding the blood of your friend and benefactor." This item appears to have been extracted from a bound volume owned by Edward Mangin 1772-1852 an Irish writer translator and cleric. The lengthy note to the front free endpaper concerns the case of Elizabeth Fenning a domestic servant accused of murdering her employer whose trial and execution became a national cause celebre. Many believed Fenning innocent among them Charles Dickens. Mangin remarks that Fenning was "the victim of the combined wickedness & obscenity of her prosecutors; . the brutality and filthy national prejudices of a rabble jury; and the infamous scribbling of a time-serving prostitute villain the editor of the Sunday Observer newspaper." The notes are likely based on a copy of The Important Results of an Elaborate Investigation into the Mysterious Case of Eliza Fenning 1815 and reference an article written b. unknown
1781ref. 728291781. London: Printed for J. Almon and J. Debrett 1781. London: Printed for J. Almon and J. Debrett 1781. Poisoned with Essence of Laurel Water Trial. Donellan John 1737/8-1781 Defendant. The Proceedings at Large on the Trial of John Donellan Esq. For the Wilful Murder By Poison of Sir The. Edward Allesley Boughton Bart. Late of Lawford-Hall In the County of Warwick. Tried Before Mr. Justice Buller At the Assizes at Warwick. On Friday the 30th day of March 1781. Taken in Short-Hand by Permission of the Judge By W. Blanchard. London: Printed for J. Almon and J. Debrett 1781. iv 156 pp. Octavo 7-3/4" x 5". Contemporary marbled boards rebacked in calf morocco lettering piece to spine endpapers renewed. Binding slightly cocked moderate rubbing to boards with wear to corners owner bookplate of Geoffrey G. Briggs to front pastedown. Moderate toning to text negligible light foxing and dampstaining in a few places. $350. First and only edition. "Coveting the estates of Sir Theodosius Boughton who lived at resplendent Lawford Hall in Warwickshire England Captain John Donellan poisoned his host with essence of laurel water in 1780. This was later uncovered at a probing inquest which led to Donellan's conviction and execution; he was hanged at Warwickshire in 1781" Nash. Sanctioned by its judge our account of this trial is scarce. This copy was owned by Sir Geoffrey Briggs 1914-1993 an English lawyer and judge who served as Chief Justice of Hong Kong and Brunei. OCLC locates 4 copies in North America law libraries Georgetown Library of Congress Social Law and Yale Law School. Nash Encyclopedia of World Crime II:999. English Short-Title Catalogue T93428. unknown
1818ref. 728811818. Edinburgh: Printed for Manners and Miller 1818. Edinburgh: Printed for Manners and Miller 1818. "For Administering Unlawful Oaths" Trial. McKinley Andrew 1799-1817 Defendant. The Trial of Andrew McKinley Before The High Court of Justiciary At Edinburgh On the 18th Day of July 1817 For Administering Unlawful Oaths. Edinburgh: Printed for Manners and Miller 1818. iv 70 pp. Octavo 7-3/4" x 5". Stab-stitched pamphlet in near-contemporary three-quarter calf over marbled boards gilt title to spine. Moderate rubbing to extremities with some wear to spine ends and corners front hinge cracked rear board separating but secure front hinge mended later owner bookplate of Norman and Janey Buchan to front pastedown. Light browning to interior light soiling to p. 70 and title page which has an owner signature of Andrew Snody likely Andrew Snody SSC c.1795-1881 dated 1858 to the upper outside corner. $650. Only edition. Intended to suppress radicalism the Unlawful Oaths Act of 1812 c.104. 52 Geo. 3 prescribed the death penalty for anyone guilty of "administering of any oath or engagement purporting or intending to bind the person taking the same to commit any treason or murder or any felony punishable by law with death." McKinley was tried under this act and ultimately acquitted for his role in an unsuccessful 1817 labor uprising one of many instigated by the economic depression that followed the Napoleonic Wars. These uprisings culminated in the Cato Street Conspiracy and Radical War or Scottish Insurrection a week of strikes and unrest in Scotland England and Ireland. OCLC locates 6 copies 1 in North America University of Pennsylvania Law School. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909 II:1137. unknown
1686ref. 728161686. London 1686. Sole edition. London 1686. Sole edition. A Member of a Plot to Depose James II Trial. Warrington Henry Booth Earl of 1652-1694 Defendant. The Tryal of Henry Baron Delamere for High-Treason In Westminster-Hall The 14th Day of January 1685. Before the Right Honourable George Lord Jeffreys Baron of Wemm Lord High Chancellour of England Constituted Lord High Steward on that Occasion. On Which Day After Full Hearing The Lord Delamere was Acquitted from All Matters Laid to His Charge. London: Printed for Dorman Newman 1686. iv 87 1 pp. With imprimatur leaf. Folio 13" x 7-3/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into recent quarter cloth lettering piece to spine edges untrimmed. A few small faint stains to front board. Light toning to text somewhat heavier in places occasional faint dampspotting and staining light soiling to first and final leaves. $200. Only edition. Warrington was indicted as a participant in Monmouth's rebellion an attempt by the Duke of Monmouth an illegitimate son of Charles II to claim the throne and depose James II. The special charge against Delamere "was that at the time of Monmouth's rebellion he had gone secretly to Cheshire with the view of inciting a rising in the north of England." While it is nearly certain that Delamere sympathized with Monmouth's designs he was able to explain his journey as a wish to visit a favorite child who was dangerously ill. "Moreover Thomas Saxon the only witness who would positively swear to the correspondence of Delamere and Monmouth so hopelessly contradicted himself that he was afterwards convicted of perjury.": Dictionary of National Biography II:842-844. English Short-Title Catalogue R23568. unknown
1713ref. 728981713. The Consequences of Town Gallantry Are Always Fatal" Trial. Noble Richard Defendant 1684-1713. A Full Account of the Case of John Sayer Esq; From the Time of His Unhappy Marriage with his Wife To His Death. Including the Whole Intrigue Between Mrs. Sayer and Mr. Noble; With Several Diverting Incidents And the Prosecution at Large Against Noble As Appear'd at the Coroner's Inquest And at Kingston-Assizes. London: Printed And Sold by A. Baldwin 1713. 20 pp. Folio 12-3/4" x 8". Stab-stitched pamphlet with later side stitching. Light toning negligible horizontal fold line light soiling in a few places light offsetting to title page and first few leaves slight chipping to top-edge of title page without loss to text small hole to text block of leaf B1 pp. 3-4 with no loss to legibility. A remarkably well-preserved folio. $500. First edition one of three from the same year. A classic 18th-century tale of 'Town Gallantry' turned deadly. This pamphlet details the sensational fall of Richard Noble an attorney who transitioned from representing Mrs. Sayer in her separation to becoming her lover and ultimately her husband's murderer. When the aggrieved John Sayer arrived with constables to arrest his runaway wife and serve Noble with an action for 'Criminal Conversation' adultery Noble drew his sword and killed Sayer in cold blood in the presence of the officers. The trial highlights the scandalous dynamics of the era: Noble's defense was funded by his mistress and her mother who were themselves tried as accomplices. While the women used their wealth to secure acquittals Noble was sent to the gallows. A vivid primary source for the study of 18th-century marital law adultery and homicide. OCLC locates 6 copies of this edition 3 in North America University of Illinois Middlebury New York State Library. English Short-Title Catalogue T108029. unknown
1802ref. 729271802. London: A. Macpherson for J. Lee 1802. London: A. Macpherson for J. Lee 1802. The Consequences of Overzealous Flogging Trial. Wall Joseph Defendant 1737-1802. The Trial of Joseph Wall Esq. Late Governor of Goree For the Wilful Murder of Benjamin Armstrong A Serjeant of the African Corps At the Old Bailey On Wednesday January 20 1802. London: Printed by A. Macpherson for J. Lee 1802. ii 22 pp. Octavo 7" x 4-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound in recent quarter calf over textured boards. Moderate toning to interior occasional light soiling heavier to first and final leaves faint dampstain to fore-edge of last three leaves. Rare. $750. Third stated edition. Wall was an officer in the British Army and Lieutenant Governor of Goree an island used to control the mouth of the River Gambia. In 1782 he was approached by Armstrong and others about their unpaid salaries. Deciding this was mutinous and without holding a court-martial Wall ordered Armstrong and two others to be flogged eight hundred times with a knotted rope. The three men died later from their injuries. Wall was initially charged but the charges were dropped when the ship carrying the witnesses was believed lost. However the witnesses appeared in 1784. Wall was arrested but he managed to escape to the continent where he married and lived for several years. Later believing many or all of the witnesses were dead he wrote to the Home Secretary Thomas Pelham and surrendered himself for trial. He was tried for murder and found guilty. Despite efforts made by a relative of his wife's to obtain a pardon it was deemed unwise to spare the life of an officer condemned for brutality. No copies of this edition located by OCLC or Library Hub. OCLC locates 3 copies of a different edition with the same title. unknown
1682ref. 729351682. Two Titles Related to the Murder of Thomas Thynne Trial. Great Britain. Thynne Thomas 1648-1682. The Tryal and Condemnation of George Borosky Alias Boratzi Christopher Vratz and John Stern; For the Barbarous Murder of Thomas Thynn Esq; Together with the Tryal of Charles John Count Coningsmark As Accessary before the Fact to the Same Murder. Who was Acquitted of the Said Offence. At the Sessions in the Old Bailey Tuesday February 28. 1681. London: Printed for Thomas Basset 1682. vi 56 pp. Photostat of a c.1734 copperplate depiction of the murder bound after imprimatur leaf. Bound With Burnet Gilbert 1643-1715. Horneck Anthony 1641-1697. The Last Confession Prayers and Meditations of Lieuten. John Stern Delivered by Him on the Cart Immediately Before His Execution To Dr. Burnet. Together with the Last Confession of George Borosky Signed by Him in the Prison And Sealed Up in the Lieutenants Pacquet. With Which an Account is Given of their Deportment Both in the Prison and at the Place of their Execution Which was in the Pall-Mall On the Tenth of March In the Same Place in which they had Murthered Thomas Thynn Esquire The Twelfth of February before 1681/2. London: Printed for Richard Chiswell 1682. ii 12 15-28 pp. Complete. Folio 12" x 6-3/4". Stab-stitched pamphlets bound into recent quarter cloth over marbled boards edges rouged. Moderate toning to interior occasional light foxing and soiling light spotting in a few places. Leaf of early ms. notes describing execution of defendants bound between titles. $650. Only editions. While riding in his coach on February 12 1862 Thomas Thynne was shot by three men George Borosky Christopher Vratz and John Stern. The three were suspected to have acted on the orders of Count Karl Johann von Konigsmark who had been pursuing an affair with Thynne's wife. All four were arrested and Konigsmark was charged as an accessory before the fact. The trial was apparently fraught with language barriers since the men were all foreign nationals but the three primary defendants were duly convicted and hanged on March 10 1682. Konigsmark escaped the noose himself to some controversy. The ESTC indicates a portrait frontispiece to the Tryal but we have found many copies catalogued without the plate and our copy lack. unknown
1684ref. 729371684. The Beginning of the End For Titus Oates Trial. Popish Plot. Oates Titus 1649-1705 Defendant. The Account of the Manner of Executing a Writ of Inquiry of Damages: Between His Royal Highness James Duke of York &c. And Titus Otes Which was Executed at the Bar of the Court of Kings Bench at Westminster On Wednesday the 19th. Of June 1684. In the Presence of the High Sheriff of Middlesex. London: Printed for Benj. Tooke 1684. iv 31 1 pp. Folio 11-1/2" x 7-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlet rebound in recent quarter cloth over marbled boards. Negligible rubbing and light soiling to boards. Moderate toning to interior occasional light foxing light soiling in a few places. $450. Only edition. Oates an Anglican clergyman and his friend cleric and anti-Catholic Dr. Israel Tonge were the inventors of the Popish Plot one of the cruelest hoaxes in British history and the inspiration for a wave of anti-Catholic violence. They pretended to have discovered a Jesuit plot to assassinate the King massacre Protestants and set James Duke of York the King's Catholic brother on the throne. From 1678-1681 at least 15 innocent men were executed as traitors on Oates's testimony. In 1681 however the tide began to turn against Oates. Undeterred by the change in public opinion he pronounced the Duke of York a traitor and was sued for libel in 1684. The present work documents the trial at which Oates refused to plead and the subsequent 100000 fine awarded as damages. He was imprisoned after defaulting. When James acceded to the throne in 1685 Oates was convicted of perjury imprisoned for life stripped of his vestments and publicly whipped. He was later pardoned by William and Mary and granted a pension of 260 per year. English Short-Title Catalogue R34141. unknown
1699ref. 731381699. London 1722. London 1722. A Botched Murder Attempt Trial. Coke Arundel d. 1722 Defendant. Woodburne John d. 1722 Defendant. The Tryal and Condemnation of Arundel Coke Alias Cooke Esq; And of John Woodburne Labourer For Felony in Slitting the Nose of Edward Crispe Gent. Contrary to the 22 & 23 Car. II. Cap. I. Intitled An Act to Prevent Malicious Maiming and Wounding; Who Were found Guilty at the Assizes Held Before the Right Honourable Sir Peter King Knt. Lord Chief Justice of his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas At Bury St. Edmonds Tuesday the 13th of March 1721. And Received Sentence the Day Following. London: Printed for John Darby in Bartholomew-Close And Daniel Midwinter in St. Paul's Church-Yard 1722. 16 17-18 17-37 1 pp. With an initial imprimatur leaf; text is continuous and complete. Folio 12" x 7-1/2". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet. Moderate toning somewhat heavier to a few pages occasional light foxing light soiling in a few places first two leaves detached small hole near bottom edge of final leaf which is starting to detach at both ends but secure. $350. First edition. Coke a barrister lost his money in the South Sea Bubble. He hired Woodburn to kill his brother-in-law Edward Crisp aiming to inherit his money. In his failed murder attempt Woodburn managed to cut Edward Crisp's nose. This led to the first convictions under the Coventry Act which outlawed assault with the intention to maim or mutilate. Both men were convicted and hanged. English Short-Title Catalogue T136036. unknown
1848ref. 730971848. Washington: 1848. Washington: 1848. Mutiny and Insubordination in California Trial. Fremont John Charles 1813-1890 Defendant. Message of the President of the United States Communicating the Proceedings of the Court Martial in the Trial of Lieutenant Colonel Fremont. Washington: 1848. 447 pp. Octavo 8-3/4" x 5". Recent library buckram lettering piece to spine. A few negligible scratches to boards nick to lettering piece. Moderate toning to interior light foxing and soiling in a few places. $100. Only edition. Fremont was an American explorer and politician with a long and somewhat controversial career. He had been appointed military governor of California by Commander Stockton near the end of the Mexican-American War but was unable to discharge his duties fully. Stockton and General Stephen W. Kearney argued over who should succeed Fremont as governor. Fremont sided with Stockton but Washington sided with Kearney. As revenge Kearney arrested and court-martialed Fremont on charges of mutiny and insubordination. He was found guilty of disobedience and conduct prejudicial to order and resigned his commission. The sentence of dishonorable discharge was commuted by President Polk. Fremont went on to become a US Senator for California and was a Republican presidential candidate in 1856. Cohen Bibliography of Early American Law 13498. unknown
1796ref. 730951796. London: T. Hepinstall J. Parsons & C. Wood 1796. London: T. Hepinstall J. Parsons & C. Wood 1796. "Assault Rout and Riot" Trial. Warren John 1730-1800 Defendant. The Trial of the Bishop of Bangor and Others Before Mr. Justice Heath At the Assises at Shrewsbury On Tuesday July 16 1796. For an Assault Rout And Riot: With the Pleadings at Large of Counsellors Adam and Erskine; Also the Charge to the Jury by Mr. Justice Heath. London: Sold by T. Hepinstall J. Parsons And C. Wood 1796. 47 1 pp. Octavo 8-1/4" x 4-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound in later quarter cloth over plain boards gilt fillets and title to spine. Light toning to boards small scuff to front board light fading to edges of rear board small later ink annotations to front free endpaper and rear pastedown. Light toning to interior light foxing and soiling in a few places contemporary notes in ink to half-title and title page with underlining and marks to a few other pages ownership signature of Peter Bailey Williams dated 1794 to verso of final leaf. $1250. First edition. Warren the bishop of Bangor in northwest Wales had appointed his nephew as registrar of the diocese. Since the nephew was underage Samuel Grindley was appointed deputy registrar but when the nephew attempted to replace him he refused to leave his office. A fight broke out between Grindley and Warren with others joining the bishop's side. At one point Grindley threatened Warren with a pistol and the fight did not conclude until the bishop's wife intervened and dragged him away. Erskine was engaged for the defense and secured an acquittal despite the judge's summing-up in favor of conviction. The notes to the half-title and title page remark somewhat disparagingly on the case describing Grindley as "a man of no principle." Williams 1763-1836 was a Welsh Anglican rector in Caernarfonshire. OCLC locates 11 copies of this title 4 in North America Library of Congress Newberry Library Huntington Library Redwood Library and Athenaeum. English Short-Title Catalogue T191335. unknown
1815ref. 731031815. 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 2 pp. followed by 8 blank ff. added by binder. Woodcut folding map. Octavo 9-1/4" x 5-7/8". Contemporary three-quarter calf over marbled boards blind fillets to calf edges gilt-edged raised bands blind fillets and gilt-stamped title to spine edges rouged. Moderate rubbing to boards and extremities light wear to spine ends and corners which are bumped front joint just starting at head hinges cracked faint offsetting from plate to preliminaries. Light toning to interior light foxing to first third of text block ms. index in an early hand to first added blank. $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 7 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
1801ref. 731851801. Perfidy and Depravity" in Regency High Society: The Sensational 1801 Trial of the Future 5th Duke of Marlborough Trial. Spencer-Churchill George 1766-1840 Defendant. Report of the Cause between Charles Sturt Esq. Plaintiff And the Most Noble The Marquis of Blandford Defendant For Criminal Conversation with the Right Hon. Lady Mary Ann Sturt; Tried in the Court of King's Bench Westminster On Wednesday The 27th May 1801 Before Lord Kenyon And a Special Jury. With an Appendix Containing the Letters of the Parties Which Did Not Appear on the Trial; A Preface And Notes. London: Printed for J. Ridgway 1801. Third and final edition. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; 21 x 14cm. xxiii 1 149 3 pp. With publisher advertisements to last 3 pp. Modern black cloth gilt fillets title and date to spine; endleaves renewed. Light browning and occasional minor foxing to interior. Light edgewear with a few corners chipped; small marginal tears to the last two leaves with no loss to text. A very good copy. $150. Signed in print by the plaintiff Charles Sturt at the conclusion of the preface. This sensational pamphlet details the high-society affair between George Spencer-Churchill then Marquis of Blandford later the 5th Duke of Marlborough and Lady Mary Ann Sturt nee Ashley-Cooper daughter of the 4th Earl of Shaftesbury. Charles Sturt a former Member of Parliament known for his own highly public infidelities brought a civil suit against the Marquis for the exorbitant sum of 20000. He claimed the Marquis's conduct represented a "singular instance of perfidy and depravity." While Lord Kenyon explicitly noted that Sturt's own continuous adultery legally precluded him from recovering substantial damages the special jury compromised by awarding a nominal judgment of one hundred pounds. The included appendix contains highly personal non-trial correspondence leaked to vindicate Sturt's anger. OCLC locates 8 copies of this edition 4 in North America New York Public Library George Washington Law School University of Georgia Law School Harvard Law School. unknown
1679ref. 731571679. A Drunken Night Gone Wrong Trial. Cornwallis Charles 3rd Baron 1655-1698 Defendant. An Impartial Account of the Trial of the Lord Conwallis sic. London: s.n. 1679. ii 12 pp. Folio 11-1/4" x 7-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet in recent printed wrappers. Light edgewear and chipping to fore-edge and spine. Light toning to interior occasional light foxing and soiling small tear to bottom-edge of final leaf not affecting text. $250. Only edition. While drunk and disorderly Cornwallis and a friend harassed and threatened a sentry. After failing to ruffle the sentry despite threats ranging from the physical to the sexual their attention turned to some boys passing by. The friend attacked one of them and broke the boy's neck. Cornwallis was tried as an accomplice and acquitted although several jury members voted to convict him of manslaughter. OCLC locates 2 copies of this title in law libraries Harvard Library of Congress. English Short-Title Catalogue R7670. unknown
1899ref. 732651899. A Classic of American Criminal History": McDade 276 Trial. Durrant William Henry Theodore 1871-1898 Defendant. Peixotto Edgar D. Reporter. Report of the Trial of William Henry Theodore Durrant: Indicted for the Murder of Blanche Lamont Before the Superior Court of the City and County of San Francisco. Including a Full History of the Case After Defendant's Conviction Giving in Detail All the Numerous Appeals and Motions of Defendant's Counsel to the State Supreme Court the Governor And Finally to the Supreme Court of the United States. also Including a Complete Synopsis of the Evidence in Possession of the Authorities in the Case for the Murder of Minnie Williams For Which Durrant was Never Tried But Which Developed into Even a Stronger Case Than the One Upon Which He was Convicted. Illustrated from Numerous Photographs in the Possession of the Police Department of San Francisco. Detroit: The Collector Publishing Co. 1899. vi 214 pp. 20 plates. Octavo 8-3/4" x 5-3/4". Later cloth lettering piece and silver fillets to spine endpapers renewed. Light toning to interior slightly heavier in places clean tear to fore-edge of leaf containing pp. 65 and 66. $350. Only edition. "Durrant was a twenty-four-year medical student who also served as the assistant superintendent of Sunday school of the Emanuel Baptist Church in San Francisco. By any standard he was a 'good' young man and the mystery if there is one in this case is how from a seemingly proper life he could within the space of nine days commit two atrocious murders in his church. . The case is a classic of American criminal history": McDade The Annals of Murder 276. unknown
1855ref. 723181855. Philadelphia: T.K. Collins Jr. 1855. Philadelphia: T.K. Collins Jr. 1855. Raped Under Anesthesia by Her Dentist Trial. Beale Stephen T. Defendant. Trial and Conviction of Dr. Stephen T. Beale; With the Letters of Chief Justice Lewis And Judges Black and Woodward On His Case. Interesting Ether Cases And the Letters of Prof. Gibson Prof. Wiltbank Wm. Badger Esq. W.L. Hirst Esq. Rev. Albert Barnes Dr. Henry Boardman &c. Philadelphia: T.K. Collins Jr. 1855. 30 pp. Octavo 9" x 5-3/4". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet removed from a volume rear wrapper lacking spine reinforced with archival tape. Light soiling to exterior light toning to text chip to fore-edge of title page at foot with no loss to text. $400. Only edition. This trial account reflects contemporary anxiety about ether which was used for the first time in 1846. Narcissa Mudge claimed she was raped by her dentist Dr. Beale while unconscious from ether during a procedure. Beale was convicted. This account of the trial is written by someone who characterizes the dentist as an innocent victim. He argues that Mudge's accusation was based on false memory a side-effect induced by ether. His case is supported by the testimony concerning the effects of ether by a group of dentists and other authorities. Cohen Bibliography of Early American Law 13774. unknown
1753ref. 723961753. The First Instance of a New Trial Being Granted in a Criminal Case in England Trial. Simons Henry Defendant. The Case of Henry Simons A Polish Jew Merchant; And His Appeal to the Public Thereon. Now Publish'd With the Tryal at Chelmsford For the Benefit of Him and His Unhappy Family. London: Printed And Sold by All the Booksellers and Pamphlet Shops in Town and Country 1753. 115 pp. Bound with Ashley James Defendant. Simons Henry Plaintiff. The Case and Appeal of James Ashley of Bread-Street London: Addressed to the Publick in General. . To Which is Prefixed A Curious Print of the Person and Dress of the Said Henry Simons. London: Printed for And Published by The Appellant 1753. viii 47 pp. Text printed in double columns. Etched portrait frontispiece of Simons. Octavo 7-3/4" x 4-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlets bound into recent cloth calf lettering piece to spine. Light stains to boards moderate rubbing to extremities small scuff to lettering piece later owner bookplate of English lawyer and judge Geoffrey G. Briggs 1914-1993 to front free endpaper. Moderate toning to both pamphlets left-hand edge of plate but not image affected by trimming light foxing and owner inscription "Wm. Greenwood's 1811" to title page of The Case tiny worm hole to lower-right corner of its text block through p. 91. $2500. Only editions Case and Appeal one of three issues. This was the first instance of a new trial being granted in a criminal case in England. The affair concerned the robbery of gold coins entrusted to Simons by a group of nobles from his hometown. The case resulted in six trials three pamphlets and a great deal of debate in the daily newspapers much of it antisemitic. The thief appeared to have been Simons's innkeeper but it later turned out to be James Ashley who was first convicted then acquitted then convicted again. English Short-Title Catalogue T95662 T76809. unknown
1680ref. 724501680. London: 1680/01. London: 1680/01. A Victim of the Popish Plot Trial. Stafford William Howard 1614-1680 Defendant. The Tryal of William Viscount Stafford for High Treason In Conspiring the Death of the King The Extirpation of the Protestant Religion The Subversion of the Government And Introduction of Popery into this Realm Upon an Impeachment by the Knights Citizens And Burgesses in Parliament Assembled In the Name of Themselves and of All the Commons of England: Begun in Westminster-Hall the 30th day of November 1680 And Continued until the 7th of December Following On which Day Judgment of High Treason was Given Upon Him. With the Manner of his Execution on the 29th of the Same Month. London: Printed by the Assigns of John Bill Thomas Newcomb And Henry Hills 1680/1. iv 218 pp. Final leaf a blank counted in collation removed. Folio 11" x 6-3/4". Superb period-style three-quarter calf over marbled boards raised bands lettering piece and blind ornaments to spine endpapers renewed. Moderate toning headlines affected in places due to trimming legibility not affected occasional light foxing faint dampstaining to top-edge of text block in few places "8" in tiny hand to head of title page its foot affected by trimming with loss to imprint statement some edgewear and a few holes and minor tears to front endleaf. A handsome copy. $450. Only edition. Stafford was one of several Roman Catholic peers sentenced to death for treason in the wake of the Popish Plot. A fictitious conspiracy to assassinate Charles II it provoked a spasm of anti-Catholic hysteria in England and Scotland that led to the executions of at least 22 men between 1678 and 1681 and harsh laws against Catholics. One of the victims was Viscount Stafford. English Short-Title Catalogue R3413. unknown
ref. B9781288467594Paperback / softback. New. paperback
