This week in 1784

“… I then went to Boston, and got in company with one John Sullivan…we went to Winter’s-Hill, and there robbed one Mr. Baldwin, for which crime Sullivan and myself are to suffer Death, as being the just reward of our demerits.” 

— Richard Barrick, convicted of highway robbery and murder, hanging, Massacusetts
Executed November 18, 1784

Richard Barrick was born in Ireland in February 1763 and brought up in the Foundling Hospital.  He was an apprentice to a silk-weaver and lived with him for three years.  But during those years, he was treated poorly and so he eventually left the silk-weaver and joined a gang of thieves.  When he was caught, the authorities agreed to pardon him if he entered on board one of his Majesty’s ships.  After arriving  n New York, Barrick and some others robbed many people and became a notorious and wanted man.  He was an accomplice to murder of a man they first robbed.  He was eventaully caught by a British Colonel and convicted.