DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

a political scapegoat. The most notorious example of judicial corruption was afforded by Jeffries, Lord Chancellor to James II. Although a man of great ability, Charles II., the brother and predecessor of James If., had remarked that Jeffries had neither learning, commonsense, nor manners, but much im- pudence.* After the rebellion of the Duke of Mon- mouth,—James IT.’s nephew,—in 1685, Jeffries was sent to Dorsetshire and Somersetshire on circuit, where, in order to please the King, he hanged no and transported 800 more to the West Indies, which was less than 350 rebels,—some say even 600, equivalent to being sold into slavery. The great majority of his victims being innocent of any crime whatever. It may be added, that not only the ladies of the Court of James II., but even his Queen, sold pardons to other unhappy wretches who had been sentenced by Jeffries. A lady of high standing, Mrs. Lisle, against whom no evidence of guilt could be adduced, was beheaded The jury twice returned a verdict of acquittal, but they were intimidated by Jeffries’ threats to such an extent that the third time they gave in a verdict of guilty. A poor woman, equally innocent, he sentenced to be whipped, making at the same time the coarse joke, ‘It may be a cold morning to strip, but we shall try to keep you warm, madam. * The King’s language has been slightly modified.