Justice, 1754: The more things change, November 14, 1985

Recounts from a collection of stories saved in the State Archives in Hartford filed under "Crimes and Misdemeanors" from the 18th and 19th century. These include complaints about correct procedures from authorities, long delays in court and preferred treatment. In 1752, John Stevens was beaten and left for dead by Andrew, Anthony, Nehemiah and Michael Batterson. The main assailant, Andrew Batterson, was freed on legal technicality. His bail had not been set. Justice of the Peace Thomas Benedict was convicted and fined for false imprisonment. He served as deputy in Danbury from 1737 to 1766. He was Danbury's first probate judge and was a deacon for the First Congregational Church later in life. There was a petition from 1813 to transfer John McLean from New-Gate Prison because of his health. The prison was known for keeping its prisoners in cold, dark tunnels. |Identifier: ms069_devlin_1985_11_14