548 Sheet – American State Trials 1918 Volume X Leo Frank Document

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Here is the translated text as follows:

516 %. AMERICAN STATE TRIALS.

THE EXECUTION.

On May 16th, 1691, Leisler, along with his son-in-law, Milborne, was led to the gallows. After parting with his wife Alice and his numerous family, he met his death with fortitude, as befitted a Christian. Following praise to God, he expressed his awareness of his dying state and submitted himself before a just God with humility and hope. He avowed that, at the request of a committee chosen by the majority of the inhabitants of the province, he had taken upon himself, "to the great grief of relations to be left behind," weighty matters of state, "requiring a more wise, cunning, and powerful pilot to govern." His motives for this undertaking were the Protestant interest and the establishment of the government of William and Mary. He admitted that, in this endeavor for the public good, several enormities had been committed against his will. He had longed to see a governor appointed to put an end to the existing disorders; some of which, on his part, were committed through ignorance, some through jealous fear, some through misinformation and misconstruction, and some through rashness or passion. For all his offenses, he asked pardon of God and of all persons offended. He forgave his enemies and prayed that all malice might be buried in the grave.

He urged his friends to forget any injury done to him. He prayed for the good of the province and, as his last words, declared that his purpose in the matter for which he was condemned was for the good of his fellow creatures, according to the understanding and ability which he possessed, by preventing popery and upholding the government of William and Mary. He concluded a prayer for all in authority with one for comfort to his own afflicted family and asked for them the charity of all, and their prayers for himself.

When asked by the sheriff if he was ready, he replied "yes," and requested that his body be delivered to his wife. He noted that his family had been educated as Christians.