Transcription
Execution of Mary M'Kinnon. 16th April, 1823: with her own account of her I ife. This morning, at a few minntes before 9 o'clock, the unfortunate woman, Mary M'Kinnon. appeared on the scaffold, at Libberton's Wynd, attired in mournings. Sne had to be supported to the scaffold, where sev- eral ministers met her and endeavoured to compose her mind. She made several attempts to address the im- mense multitude that surrounded her;. and then gave the fatal signal, and was launched into eternity. She was daughter of an officer of the army, residing at Inverness. At the age of about 20 years, she was re- siding in her father's house, at the above-mentioned place. Her mother and two sisters, who are ai present employed at a mill in the Gorbals, were also, then with her father, who was a quarter-master. And, at that period which may be reckoned back to about 20 years ar o, it appears that an Irish officer, of the 7.?-regriment paid his addresses to her. This person being known to her fa her as one of loose morals, she was dissuaded from encouraging his visits; notwithstanding which she con- trived ro elope with him, and afterwards confided herself to his protection. Indeed, her father having by th s time disowned her, such a trust will seem to be more the act of pitiable necessity, than of implicit faish. The advantage which this person took of the confidence of a weak woman, might justify her hatred of the sex during her life. She is about 40 years of age, but no more. The result of her connexion with officer was, that he, soon after, deserted her, when she was then thrown upon the world With what money she could collect from the sale of her clothes and other valuables, she was enabled to open a small public house, in Inver- uess, and in which situation it was that she gave birth to an infant, the offspring of the guilt of her seducer. There are few tender hearts but will feel for her at this juncture. This occurrence com- ing, to the ears of her father, it appears he was prepared to ex. pect something of that nature, when he Wrote to her making seveva comments on her disgracing her family. At this period she re- irioyed to Edinburgh, with her little BEN ONI; on the charms of whose innocence, her mind always delighted to dwell, with the most enthusiastic affection. This child at the age of 8 years was sent to London, and there still remains. This is from her own mouth. Mayne & Co. Printers, Glasgow,
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Date of publication:
1823 shelfmark: L.C.Fol.73(049)
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