| Citation |
BNL.732.019
12-19 Oct 1732:21,22 (1499)
Newport, Rhode Island, Octob. 11. Thomas Hammett, under
sentence of death for the murder of Kathrine Cook, found
means to get off his irons; and yesterday towards night, his
wife and child going to visit him, after staying about half
an hour, she came to the outward door of the prison, and
desired the prison-keeper to lend her a mugg to fetch some
milk for her husband; adding, 'Tis no matter, now I think
on't there's one in the room with him. Presently after,
Hammett having put on his wife's cloak and bonnet, knock'd
at the door, and the prison-keeper letting him into the
priviledg'd room, he walk'd through it in the view of him
and several others, who mistook him for his wife. The
prison-keeper going immediately to lock the doors, found his
prisoner was gone, and his wife and child left in the room
where he was confin'd. Upon which, notice was given by beat
of drum in the town, and the sheriff, with several officers
of the militia, rode out on the island in quest of him: but
he is not yet found. This morning the militia of the town
are in pursuit of him. The bonnet was thrown over the
prison-wall last night.
His Honour our Governour has issued out a proclamation for
apprehending the said Hammet, who is a thin fac'd man of a
middle stature, and had on a brownish colour'd duroy coat,
leather breeches, and yarn stockings.
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