JB/137/051/001

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1820 Apr. 16

Collectanea Remarks on Trials R.v. Francis

Examiner. April 2d. 1820.

"Surrey. March 27. - Seditious and blasphemous libels..
"The King v. Philip Francis. - This was an indictment against
"the defendant, for publishing N<hi rend="underline">o</hi> 3, of Carlile's Republican, containing
"a letter to the inhabitants of Manchester, relating to the
"proceedings of the 10th of August last. It appeared that the Defendant,
"who is an infirm elderly man, combines with the business
"of a shoemaker, at No. 13, Bermondsey Street, that of a dealer
"in pamphlets. The defendant, in addressing the Jury, said, -
"As soon as I understood that the number of the Republican in
"question gave offence, I desisted from selling any more. It is
"impossible for me to read all the works I sell. I certainly did
"not sell the book with any malicious or wicked intention. If
"you believe this you will acquit me".

"The Chief Baron charged the Jury. that the defendant's intention
was distinctly proved by the libel itself. Laying his hand
"upon his heart, his Lordship said, "Upon my oath, I never saw
"a more atrocious libel than this."

"The Jury immediately found the the defendant Guilty, but
"recommended him to mercy on account of his poverty, and
"his ignorance of the nature of the libel.

"The Chief Baron - Gentlemen, are you aware how prejudicial
"such a recommendation may be? If such a publication
"as this finds its way, it will be productive of the most
"mischievous consequences. Recollect yourselves before you give
"such a recommendation. I certainly shall carry your recommendation
"into effect as far as I can, but pray recollect
"before you give it.

"The Jury turned round again in the box, and, after five
"minutes ' further consideration, the foreman, Benjamin Barnard
"Esq, said, (as was understood) - "My Lord, the Jurymen are
"not inclined to alter their opinion."

"The Chief Baron (with some warmth).- Then you will
"send all these publications to the most ignorant classes of society."

Identifier: | JB/137/051/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 137.
Date_1	1820-04-16	Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	137	Main Headings	radicalism not dangerous
Folio number	051	Info in main headings field	collectanea remarks on trials r v francis
Image	001	Titles	examiner, april 2d 1820
Category	collectanea	Number of Pages	1
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering
Penner	john flowerdew colls	Watermarks
Marginals		Paper Producer
Corrections		Paper Produced in Year
Notes public		ID Number	46768
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