The important results of an elaborate investigation into the mysterious case of Elizabeth Fenning: being a detail of extraordinary facts discovered since her execution, including the official report of her singular trial, now first published, and copious notes thereon. : Also, numerous authentic documents; an argument on her case; a memorial to H.R.H. the Prince Regent; & strictures on a late pamphlet of the prosecutors' apothecary / by John Watkins, LL.D. ; With thirty original letters, written by the unfortunate girl while in prison; an appendix, and an appropriate dedication.

  • Watkins, John, active 1792-1831.
Date:
1815
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The important results of an elaborate investigation into the mysterious case of Elizabeth Fenning: being a detail of extraordinary facts discovered since her execution, including the official report of her singular trial, now first published, and copious notes thereon. : Also, numerous authentic documents; an argument on her case; a memorial to H.R.H. the Prince Regent; & strictures on a late pamphlet of the prosecutors' apothecary / by John Watkins, LL.D. ; With thirty original letters, written by the unfortunate girl while in prison; an appendix, and an appropriate dedication. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    39 LETTER XXIX. 23 July, 1815. Newgate. My dear Friend, Out of love and respect I write these last and solemn lines to bid you an everlasting and eternal farewel in this world of sorrow and woe. I have but a few hours before I leave this vale of tears to enter the heavenly mansion of rest, but yet I never shall die happy till I communicate any secret that my dying heart contains — I die innocent of the crime lam to suffer such an ignominious death for. Pray tell ray dear parents not to put a bit of black about me, as it will be a token of innocence. A very few leave this world a pure virgin: and when led to the gallows, I shall be led as a shepherd leadeth a lamb to the slaughter, or as a bride to her heavenly Bridegroom, and there to be united at the altar of God — and rest on the bosom of my heavenly Father, where parting shall be no more. Dear friend, pray lead a religious and holy life, and then I shall meet you in heaven with my dear parents, and enjoy everlasting felicity, with blessed saints and angels above. Please to grant me one request, if you possibly can, to see my body laid in the mouldering earth, in the early prime of youth; but I only go a little time before you all ; we must all die, then why should I repine'? It would be wicked to fly in the face of the Almighty, for God’s will be done: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed is the name of God. May God bless you, and all that may be yours in this world, and all your dear friends. Bless you once more, Is my dying prayer — speak comfort to my poor unhappy parents, who will soon not have a single child to console them in the hour of distress, in their few remaining years of old age. I once more bless you, and bid you an eternal farewel. ELIZA PENNING. i Aged 21 years. 1815. LETTER XXX. To MARY ANN CLARKE. Dearest Friend, Condemned Cell (25 July). With heart-rending tears I address these melancholy lines to you. Don’t grieve, dear girl, my time is but short in this trou- blesome world, and I soon shall be in eternal rest. Pray read the Bible, and make your peace with God and man. If you’ll believe me, the parting with my parents is truly affecting; but it must be endured, though little expected when we ate our last