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Lord Admiral Nelson Testified as a Character Witness [Trial]. Despard, Edward Marcus [1751-1803], Primary Defendant. Gurney, Joseph, Reporter. Gurney, William Brodie, Reporter. The Trial of Edward Marcus Despard, Esquire. For High Treason, At the Session House, Newington, Surry [sic], On Monday the Seventh of February, 1803. London: Sold by M. Gurney, 1803. 271, [1] pp. Final page is a publisher advertisement. Octavo (8-1/2" x 5"). Contemporary three-quarter calf over marbled boards, lettering piece, gilt fillets and tiny early shelf label to spine, speckled edges. Light rubbing and two small paper fragments from a label (?) to boards, moderate rubbing to extremities with wear to spine ends, front board beginning to separate but secure, rear joint starting at ends, corners bumped and somewhat worn, early owner bookplate (John Smith, Esq.) to front pastedown, rear hinge starting. Moderate toning to interior, light foxing to a few leaves. $250. * Only edition. After a brilliant military career in the West Indies, 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 a 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. 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, the form of execution given to convicted traitors since 1283. However, the king commuted their sentences to death by hanging followed by decapitation. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School (1909) II:1061. Seller Inventory # 78469
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