ommon was formerly often used for such a purpose. Quakers were
hanged there in the middle of the seventeenth century, and we find in
the "Salem Mercury" for Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1787, that the previous
Thursday one John Sheehan was executed for burglary in this noted
locality. Sheehan was a native of Cork in Ireland. With its cows and
its executions, the Common must have presented a somewhat different
appearance in those days from what it does at this time.

British convicts shipped to America in 1788.

Last week arrived at Fisher's Island, the brig Nancy, belonging
to this port, Capt. Robert W---- (a half-pay British officer)
master, and landed his cargo, consisting of 140 convicts, taken
out of the British jails. Capt. W. it is said, received 5l.
sterling a head from government for this job; and, we hear, he is
distributing them about the country. Stand to it, houses, stores,
&c., these gentry are acquainted with the business. Quere,
whether a suit of T---- and F---- should not be provided for
Capt. W. as a suitable compliment for this piece of service done
his country?

_Salem Mercury_, July 15, 1788.

-------------------------

From the "Salem Gazette," 1784.

_July_ 30. During the long reign of Queen Elizabeth, it does not
appear on record, that forty persons suffered death for crimes
against the community, treason only excepted.

-------------------------

BOSTON, September 16, 1784.

At the Supreme Court held here on Thursday last, Direck Grout was
tried for Burglary, and found guilty: sentence has not yet been
passed upon him.

The following prisoners were also tried last week for various
thefts, found guilty, and received sentence, viz.

Cornelius Arie, to be whipt 25 stripes, and set one hour on the
gallows.

Thomas Joice, to be whipt 25 stripes, and branded.

William Scott, to be whipt 25 stripes, and set one hour on the
gallows.

John Goodbread, and Edward Cooper, 15 stripes each.

James Campbell, to be whipt 30 stripes, and set one hour on the
gallows.

Michael Tool, to be whipt 20 stripes.

Three notorious villains yet remain to be tried for burglary, and
several others for theft.

-------------------------

BOSTON, September 27.

Thursday last ten notorious villains received publick whipping,
after which three of