(CRIME) The Trials of Richard Smith and Ann Carson alias

Sale 2344 - Lot 120

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(CRIME.) The Trials of Richard Smith . . . and Ann Carson, alias Ann Smith, as Accessary, for the Murder of Captain John Carson. Frontispiece plate. 8vo, later 1/2 calf, minor wear; foxing. Philadelphia, [1816]

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This case never seems to lose its fascination, and has been discussed in several recent books. Ann Carson married a Philadelphia sea captain who left home in 1810. Not hearing from him for two years, she assumed him dead or delinquent, and married a boarder named Richard Smith. Captain Carson eventually did return and attacked Smith, who fought back and killed him. Smith was convicted of murder and sentenced to hang. Here's where it gets interesting--Ann Carson then hired a band of thugs to kidnap the governor of Pennsylvania and force him to pardon Smith. That plot was exposed, but somehow she managed to remain free, until her later conviction for counterfeiting. McDade 889; Sabin 83764.