April 14, 1779 U.S. Continental Army. Court Martial of John Webber
item 2021.0122.001 two sides
side 1
Proceedings of a garrison court martial held at Fish Kill, April 14, 1779, by order of Lt. Col. Bedlam Comdr
Captn Lt. Freeman present.
Members: Lt. Pirie, Ensn KingLt. Bayley
The Court being met and duly sworn proceeded to the trial of John Webber, a waggoner in the Continental service. Confined by Col. Hay for constant neglect of duty, the prisoner pleads not guilty. Mr. Betts A. D. L.M. G . deposeth that he saw the prisoner drive eighteen head of cattle out of the public pasture. Mr. Bond deposeth that he had frequently ordered the prisoner to do his duty and was answered that he was always driving the cattle out of the pastures. He further adds that the prisoner was frequently in liquor and neglected duty. The prisoner pleads in his defence that
side 2
the extensiveness of the enclosure made it impossible for one man to guard the whole of it. The Court are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of neglect of duty and do sentence him to receive thirty lashes on his bare back, but in consequence of the pastures being very large and the frequent negligence of the drivers in respect to their putting up of the bars, the Court do recommend him to the Comdr for mercy.
Jer. Freeman C. Lt., the President
The Lieut. Colo. approves the opinion of the Court and orders that the prisoner be whipped at the provost guard house tomorrow morning at troop beating.
E. Badlam, Lt. Col. Commander