Book #75954
Item #75954 Trials and Execution of John and Robert Greers, Two Brothers. Broadside, Execution, John Greers, Robert Greers.

Trials and Execution of John and Robert Greers, Two Brothers...

Only Known Copy: "Will You Not Confess?" [Broadside]. [Execution]. Greers, John. Greers, Robert. Trials and Execution of John and Robert Greers, Two Brothers, For the Murder of Their Father. [London]: Catnach, Printer, 2, Monmouth Court, 7 Dials, [c.1800]. 14" x 10" broadside, on thin paper, mounted on 16" x 12-1/2" board, text in two columns below woodcut vignette of execution and headline, five stanzas of verse at end of second column, untrimmed edges. Moderate toning, light soiling, several light creases, a few small faint stains to margins. $2,000. * This broadside says nothing about the circumstances of the crime. It describes the behavior of the two brothers on the day of their execution. Robert was penitent, John defiant. When "solemnly exhorted to declare their guilt" after the nooses were placed around their necks, John said "'I forgive my persecutors, prosecutors, and all my enemies, and I hope God will forgive them as I do.' Robert prayed aloud to the Almighty to enable him, in these last moments, to tell the truth, and then addressing himself to those around him, said, 'I am a guilty sinner, and suffer justly and lawfully;' then turning to his brother said, 'John, will you not confess?' to this appeal John made no reply, when a person present said, 'John, do you hear what your brother Robert says?' to which he replied, 'I have done,' meaning he would not again speak. The cart was now drawn away, and they were launched into eternity." This broadside is rare and appears to be unrecorded. No copies located on OCLC or Library Hub.

Price: $2,000.00

Book number 75954