A Soldier Gagged to Death.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 22, 13 April 1870, Page 3

A Soldier Gagged to Death.

The Halifax papers report an inquest, before Coroner Jennings, held to enquire into the death of James White, a soldier of the 16th Regiment, who died in the guard-room of the Wellington Barracks on December 18. The evidence exhibited the most brutal treatment towards the deceased on the part of the men on guard. The deceased was arrested for drunkenness, taken to the guard-room, and placed in tire cells. Here they first of all tied his hands behind him; then fastened his feet together, and, drawing them backwards, fastened them to his hands ; then they put a rope- in his mouth, and passed the ends over his shoulders, drew them tight, and tied them to his hands and feet, so that the poor fellow’s hands, feet, and head were drawn to one point on his back. In this position he was left until death relieved him of the intense sufferings which he must have endured. The doctor who made a post mortem examination testified that death was caused by suffocation. The jury, after hearing all the evidence, renderd the following verdict;—“ That the deceased, James White, came to his death •whiie confined in the cells of the Wellington Barracks guard-room, as a prisoner, by being gagged and tied by a rope in the hands of Lance-Corporal Stowe, and Privates Groomes and Wynds, Ist Battalion 16 th Regiment, while acting under the orders of Sergeant William Stevens, of the same regiment.” After the verdict was given the men named therein as having caused White’s death were handed over to the civil authorities, and lodged in gaol.