How to Get Keel-Hauled: Call Someone a Bastard-Bearing Whore - Provided by Gail M. Walczyk

From: Walczyk, Frank V., Northampton County VA Orders, Deeds & Wills 1651-1654 Book IV (Coram NY: Petersrow, 1999, p 74.)

28 die July 1652, Present Lt. Col. Obedience Robins, Major Wm. Andrews, Capt. Steph. Charlton, Mr. Wm. Jones, Capt. Tho. Johnson, Capt. Wm. Whittington

Where as it appeareth to the court by the depo: of Robert Downes and Barbara the wife of Tho. Gilbert that John Vaughan and Welthiania the wife of Thomas Evans have (in a most abusive scandalous, malicious manner several times willified and disparaged Samuell Powell and Jane his wife tormenting and frequently calling the said Samuell Powell perverted rouge and rascal and his wife bastard bearing whore and thief (which culminations aspiration and opprobrious speeches they cannot make any proof of). Its therefore thought fit and ordered (as a inst. more fit for the offense and scandal) published agt. the said Powell and his wife that the said Vaughan and Welthiania Evans shall (within 10 days after the date here of) be particularly towed over the Kings Creek at the stern of a boat and forthwith make payment of all charges in the suit atr exrc. And in the intermits order that the sheriff take the said John Vaughan and Welthiania into his custody and delay them persons until the performance here of to which purpose the said sheriff is to provide a boat and hands for the same he is to be paid be the delinquents

It seems that John Vaughan and Welthianna Evans have spread rumors about Samuel Powell and his wife, calling Samuel a pervert and his wife a whore. The court ordered that Vaughan and Evans be taken and within ten days be keel-hauled across King's Creek and that they pay court costs. The sheriff was to provide the men and the boat.

Keel-haul - To haul under a ship from one side to the other or from stem to stern, a former punishment.- Gail M. Walczyk

© Copyright 2005-2009 by Gail M. Walczyk

Back to What Were They Thinking

Back to the Main Page