The Trial and Execution for Petit Treason of Mark and Phillis, Slaves of Capt. John Codman (Esprios Classics)

"It is not surprising that the execution of a woman, by burning, so lately as when Shirley was governor, -a period when the province had greatly advanced in culture and refinement, -should seem to any one incredible. Indeed, even so critical and thorough a student of our provincial history as our late distinguished associate, Dr. Palfrey, once wrote to me inquiring if the rumor of such a proceeding had any foundation in fact, and if so, whether the execution took place according to law, or by the impulse of an infuriated mob. It gave me great satisfaction to be able to settle his doubts on this subject by referring him to the records of the Superior Court of Judicature, where the judgment, from which I shall presently read to you, and a copy of which I sent to him, appears at length."