This week in 1784

“For this last crime, I am to suffer death.  These are the most capital crimes I have committed, and I sincerely wish that others may avoid the rocks on which I have split.”

— John Sullivan, convicted of murder, hanging, Massachusetts
executed November 18, 1784

Born in Ireland, he enlisted in the British service but deserted, robbed steadily and finally was an accomplice to the murder of an old man who was beaten to death for which he was convicted and sentenced to death. He was found guilty of many capital crimes such as desertion and robbery.