Broadside entitled 'Trial and Sentence'

Commentary

This execution notice begins: 'JOSEPH ALLISON AND MAXWELL ALLISON were charged with having on the 27th May last, at or near to the house in Fisher Street, Stranraer . . . attacked and assaulted James Mourne, or Morrin, or M'Morrin'. This sheet was published by Menzies.

Although there were many witnesses called in this case there does not appear to be a clear picture or a straightforward story contained in their statements. The outcome of the case, was that Joseph was found guilty and his brother Maxwell not - a little odd as, according to the statements, the two men were always seen together. Joseph was then imprisoned in Stranraer to await his execution. It would appear from this article that Joseph also had two sons, who were also involved, although to what extent is unclear.

Reports recounting dark and salacious deeds were popular with the public, and, like today's sensationalist tabloids, sold in large numbers. Crimes could generate sequences of sheets covering descriptive accounts, court proceedings, last words, lamentations and executions as they occurred. As competition was fierce, immediacy was paramount, and these occasions provided an opportunity for printers and patterers to maximise sales.

previous