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Subject: William Hackett of Ma. ~ Hung in 1641
Date: 9 Aug 2005 16:17:36 -0600

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Surnames: Hackett
Classification: Query

Message Board URL:

http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Hig.2ACEB/707

Message Board Post:

In 1641, the first recorded case of bestiality in New England took place. William Hackett “was found in buggery with a cow, upon the Lord’s day.” Ironically he was caught in the act by a woman who missed church that day. Approximately 18 years old, Hackett appeared before the town magistrates. He confessed to attempting the crime, but argued that he could not complete the act due to interruption. Even with lack of witnesses (two being standard), Hackett’s own testimony could not save him. The magistrates were united on the guilty verdict, but divided on the punishment. The majority of the magistrates voted in favor of execution. However, the colonial governor of Massachusetts Bay, Richard Bellingham, refused to endorse the sentence. There are no records on the grounds on which he refused or his reasoning. The deputy governor, John Endecott, differed in opinion from the governor. Endecott endorsed the death sentence. In a final act!
of spite or perhaps remorse upon hearing his sentence, Hackett confessed to his crime and stated that not only had he complete “this foul fact,” but had attempted “the like before, with other wickedness.” Before Hackett was executed, the cow was slaughtered in front of him and the gallows. Hackett was then hanged.


I am not related to these people, just passing on this information, which comes from an essay titled "Wickedness Breaks Forth." The link for the site is listed below.
Joyce

http://www.loyno.edu/~history/journal/1999-2000/Chehardy.htm

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