British 1796 HCS pattern blade shape

Triarii · 18th September 2024, 02:56 PM

https://www.google.co.uk/books/editi...mQvrEvTVLCumLA

From "The trial of Major William Gordon of the 2nd DG, for the murder of George Gregory (on 25 March 1814 at the 'Vill of Ramsgate'), a private in the same regiment, at the Guildhall, Sandwich on April 15, 1814, as taken by a short-hand writer".
A summary:
Major Gordon was on foot for the altercation with a mounted trooper who was alleged to be drunk, he drew the troopers own sword, hit the horse with the flat and then according to witnesses, 'gave the point at the man' (this phrase is repeated in the testimony and questioning) and according to the charge inflicted a wound in Gregory's left side one inch wide and six inches deep, 'near the last rib'. (The doctor testifies that the wound was 14 inches deep).
Some describe the troopers horse as 'linging' (dropping) and turning towards the major who already had the sword pointed and were surprised that it did much damage. Others, notably the Rutland Militia soldiers present, disagreed about the horse moving, though the Q&A indicates some animosity towards the DG officer.
Interestingly, the Corporal with Gregory didn't have his sword with him as 'it was at headquarters [of the regiment in Deal] to be ground'.
They then discuss that the troopers sword - handed to another officer in the court - was "much sharper than cavalry swords usually are" because it had "been ground for foreign service" the day before. "They are not allowed to be sharp, excepting on particular occasions."
The key point is that the jury are directed to examine the troopers sword and told "The Gentlemen of the jury will observe that one sword is sharpened along the edge as well as at the point." and "having not only been sharpened, considerably reduced at the point."

He was found guilty of manslaughter and fined £50.

18th September 2024, 02:56 PM	#7
Triarii Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Bristol Posts: 113	https://www.google.co.uk/books/editi...mQvrEvTVLCumLA From "The trial of Major William Gordon of the 2nd DG, for the murder of George Gregory (on 25 March 1814 at the 'Vill of Ramsgate'), a private in the same regiment, at the Guildhall, Sandwich on April 15, 1814, as taken by a short-hand writer". A summary: Major Gordon was on foot for the altercation with a mounted trooper who was alleged to be drunk, he drew the troopers own sword, hit the horse with the flat and then according to witnesses, 'gave the point at the man' (this phrase is repeated in the testimony and questioning) and according to the charge inflicted a wound in Gregory's left side one inch wide and six inches deep, 'near the last rib'. (The doctor testifies that the wound was 14 inches deep). Some describe the troopers horse as 'linging' (dropping) and turning towards the major who already had the sword pointed and were surprised that it did much damage. Others, notably the Rutland Militia soldiers present, disagreed about the horse moving, though the Q&A indicates some animosity towards the DG officer. Interestingly, the Corporal with Gregory didn't have his sword with him as 'it was at headquarters [of the regiment in Deal] to be ground'. They then discuss that the troopers sword - handed to another officer in the court - was "much sharper than cavalry swords usually are" because it had "been ground for foreign service" the day before. "They are not allowed to be sharp, excepting on particular occasions." The key point is that the jury are directed to examine the troopers sword and told "The Gentlemen of the jury will observe that one sword is sharpened along the edge as well as at the point." and "having not only been sharpened, considerably reduced at the point." He was found guilty of manslaughter and fined £50.