date

4 Sept 1811 Jug Util + B.II
4 Sept 1811

Jug Util

+ B.II. Ch.3 D

Note

B.II. Under Revelation

Ch.3. Mischief Weakning Natural

15

Repentance

On the 8th of May 1811 was executed at Tortola for the murder of his negro slave Prospero, viz by causing him to be flogged to death, (viz for not paying more than 3 d out of 6 d that had been required to him by way of fine for negligence) the Honourable Arthur William Hodge Esq r. Arthur Hodge (d.1811), West Indian Planter, settled in Tortola in 1792, executed 8 May 1811. [Gent’s Mag. 1811 ii.79; A.M. Belisano, The Trial of A. Hodge, for the murder of his Negro Slave named Prosper ... stenographically taken by A.M. Belisano, London, 1811. Philanthropist to be found.]

'Before the jury (by whom he was convicted) retired the prisoner addressed them as follows: 'Gentlemen, as bad as I have been represented, is as bad as you may think me, I assure you that I feel support in my affliction from sustaining a proper sense of religion. As all men are subject to wrong, I can not but say that that principle is likewise inherent in me. I acknowledge myself guilty in regard to many of my slaves; but I call God to witness my innocence in respect of the murder of Prospero. i.e. in this instance it had not been my particular object with him that the torture should end in death.

... 'From the time of his condemnation to that of his execution the unhappy man was attended at suitable hours in each day, by a clergyman, whose pious labours brought him, we believe, to sincere contrition, and, when not buoyed up by that vain hope of a respite, which he indulged to the last, to a christian resignation to his fate. On the evening preceding his execution, he took leave of his three young children, which so overpowered him, as to make it matter of doubt if he would ever be restored to tranquillity. In the morning, however, he was calm, and acquired still greater fortitude by receiving the sacrament.'

Philanthropist N o 3 p.324 &c.

26 (a)

1. From Philanthropist N o 3 p.324. Case of Hodge executed at Tortola for slave murder.

2. On conviction, I feel support (says he) from a proper sense of religion.

3. Brought to contrition by a clergyman: almost maddened by leave taking of his three children, he acquired a fortitude by receiving the sacrament.
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