Broadside detailing the trial and sentence of Hugh and Euphemia McMillan

Commentary

This trial report begins: 'A Full and Particular Account of the Trial and Sentence of HUGH M'MILLAN, and EUPHEMIA M'MILLAN, this last of whom is to be Executed at Edinburgh on Wednesday the 23d January, 1828, for the Murder of Archibald Campbell, Teacher of Dancing in Edinburgh, by throwing Vitriol in his face, in consequence of which he died in great agony.' No publication details have been included on this sheet.

It is unclear from this report whether the McMillans intended to murder Campbell, or whether their aim was to disfigure him. Whatever their intention, Archibald Campbell died from his wounds in Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary two weeks after the assault. Whilst Euphemia McMillan was found guilty and, despite a recommendation of mercy from the jury, sentenced to be executed, her husband, Hugh, was found to be blameless and walked free.

Broadsides are single sheets of paper, printed on one side, to be read unfolded. They carried public information such as proclamations as well as ballads and news of the day. Cheaply available, they were sold on the streets by pedlars and chapmen. Broadsides offer a valuable insight into many aspects of the society they were published in, and the National Library of Scotland holds over 250,000 of them.

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