21-28 Jun 1733:11,12 (1535)
Boston News Letter                   
BNL.733.012                                                             
21-28 Jun 1733:11,12 (1535)                                             
London, April 21.  The following is an account of the                   
uncommon behaviour of William Alcock, who was lately                    
executed at Northampton for the murder of his wife.  He                 
never own'd the fact, nor was he at all concerned as his                
approaching death; refusing the prayers and assistance of               
any persons.  In the morning he drank more than was                     
sufficient, yet sent and paid for a pint of wine, which                 
being denied him, he would not enter the cart before his                
money was returned.  On his way to the gallows he sang part             
of an old song of Robin Hood, with the chorus, Derry, derry,            
down, &c. and swore, kick'd and spurn'd at every person that            
laid hold of the cart; and being told by a person in the                
cart with him, it was more proper for him to read, or hear              
somebody read to him than so vilely to swear and sing, he               
struck the Book out of the person's hands, and went on                  
damning the spectators, and calling for wine.  Whilst Psalms            
and prayers were performing at the tree, he did little else             
but talk to one or other, desiring some to remember him,                
others to drink to his good journey, and to his last moment             
declared the injustice of his case.