The New York Evening Post published this item excerpted from the Philadelphia Democratic Press on Thursday, December 17, 1812.
On Friday, a large concourse of people assembled at Fort Mifflin, to witness the execution of John Rickey and Benjamin Jackson, soldiers of the 16th Regt. U.S. Infantry, sentenced to be shot for desertion, the former having deserted three times, the latter once.
They were conducted to the fatal spot at 1 o’clock, attended by about 600 soldiers of the 2d Artillery and 16th infantry. Rickey’s sentence having been carried into effect, Jackson was pardoned by the commanding officer.
We trust the execution of Rickey, and the exercise of mercy to Jackson, will operate as a warning to the deserters in and about this city. It is stated upon good authority, that every reasonable indulgence will be extended to such deserters as may deliver themselves up voluntarily, but those who are taken cannot expect to be shielded from the penalty of the law.
On this day..
- 1994: Raymond Carl Kinnamon, filibusterer
- 1903: A day in the death penalty around the U.S. (and Canada)
- 1747: Serjeant Smith, deserter
- 1981: El Mozote Massacre
- 1895: Harry Hayward, the Minneapolis Svengali
- 1876: Basilio Bondietto
- 1861: Christopher Haun, potter and incendiarist
- 1970: Akira Nishiguchi, Vengeance Is Mine inspiration
- 2006: Two Egyptians who just wanted to watch the game
- 1831: Gen. Jose Maria Torrijos y Uriarte and his liberal followers
- 1917: Thirteen black soldiers of the 24th U.S. Infantry Regiment
- 1962: Arthur Lucas and Ronald Turpin