Judge David Sewall's charge to the Grand Jury, Portland, 1789

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

United States District Court judge David Sewall’s (1735-1825) charge to the jury in the Thomas Bird (circa 1760-1790) murder trial began with a brief history of government and law in New England, which established a pattern of law and order, first as Englishmen and then as Americans. He asserted Bird’s actions of murder on the high seas and piracy were akin to highway robbery, and Bird’s disregard for human life should be taken seriously and punished accordingly.

British sailor Thomas Bird stood trial in Portland for the murder of his captain, Cap. John Conner, while aboard the British sloop Mary. The recently enacted United States Constitution placed federal jurisdiction over maritime cases. Found guilty, Bird hanged at Portland in 1789--the first legal execution in the newly formed United States.

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About This Item

  • Title: Judge David Sewall's charge to the Grand Jury, Portland, 1789
  • Creator: David Sewall
  • Creation Date: 1789
  • Subject Date: 1789
  • Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: Ink on paper
  • Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 18.7 cm
  • Local Code: Coll. S-763
  • Object Type: Text

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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