John FORREST (1804-1865) - Revision history

Admin at 14:28, 5 April 2024

2024-04-05T14:28:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:28, 5 April 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\|name=John Forrest		\|name=John Forrest
	\|honorific_suffix = ~~Companion of the Order of the Bath~~, ~~Honorary Physician to the Queen~~		\|honorific_suffix = CB, QHP
	\|birth_date= {{birth date\|1804\|6\|20\|df=yes}}		\|birth_date= {{birth date\|1804\|6\|20\|df=yes}}
	\|death_date= {{death date and age\|1865\|12\|10\|1804\|6\|20\|df=yes}}		\|death_date= {{death date and age\|1865\|12\|10\|1804\|6\|20\|df=yes}}

Admin at 14:24, 5 April 2024

2024-04-05T14:24:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:24, 5 April 2024
Line 7:		Line 7:
	\|death_place=Bath, Somerset, England		\|death_place=Bath, Somerset, England
	\|resting_place = Locksbrook Cemetery, Bath		\|resting_place = Locksbrook Cemetery, Bath
	\|resting_place_coordinates = 51.~~38518~~, -2.385399		\|resting_place_coordinates = 51.385181,-2.385399
	\|occupation = British military medical officer		\|occupation = British military medical officer
	\|nationality = Scottish		\|nationality = Scottish
Line 13:		Line 13:
	\|signature = John Forrest signature.gif		\|signature = John Forrest signature.gif
	\|module = {{infobox military person\|embed=yes		\|module = {{infobox military person\|embed=yes
	\|allegiance= ~~United Kingdom~~		\|allegiance= {{UK}}
	\|branch= ~~British Army~~		\|branch= {{army\|United Kingdom}}
	\|serviceyears=1825–1861		\|serviceyears=1825–1861
	\|rank= Inspector-General of Army Hospitals		\|rank= Inspector-General of Army Hospitals

Admin at 14:12, 5 April 2024

2024-04-05T14:12:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:12, 5 April 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{Infobox person
			\|name=John Forrest
			\|honorific_suffix = Companion of the Order of the Bath, Honorary Physician to the Queen
			\|birth_date= {{birth date\|1804\|6\|20\|df=yes}}
			\|death_date= {{death date and age\|1865\|12\|10\|1804\|6\|20\|df=yes}}
			\|birth_place=Stirling, Scotland
			\|death_place=Bath, Somerset, England
			\|resting_place = Locksbrook Cemetery, Bath
			\|resting_place_coordinates = 51.38518, -2.385399
			\|occupation = British military medical officer
			\|nationality = Scottish
			\|monuments = Forrest Hospital, St Julian's, Malta
			\|signature = John Forrest signature.gif
			\|module = {{infobox military person\|embed=yes
			\|allegiance= United Kingdom
			\|branch= British Army
			\|serviceyears=1825–1861
			\|rank= Inspector-General of Army Hospitals
			\|unit=
			\|commands=
			\|battles= Expedition against the Rajah of Kolapore<br/>Expedition against the insurgent Boers beyond the Orange River <br/>Kaffir War<br/>Crimean War: Affair of Bulganac<br/>Crimean War: Battle of Balaclava<br/>Crimean War: Battle of Alma<br/>Crimean War: Battle of Inkerman<br/>Crimean War: Siege of Sevastopol
			\|awards=South Africa Medal<br/>Crimea Medal with clasps Alma, Inkermann and Sebastopol<br/>Turkish Crimean Medal<br>Companion of the Order of the Bath<br/>4th Class Order of the Medjidie
			\|relations=
			\|laterwork=
			}}
			}}


	'''Dr John Forrest''', Companion of the Order of the Bath, Honorary Physician to the Queen, was born on 20th June 1804 in Stirling<ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0336]]</ref>. He was the eighth child of '''[[John FORREST (1761-1822)\|Dr John FORREST]]''' and '''Elizabeth GLAS'''.		'''Dr John Forrest''', Companion of the Order of the Bath, Honorary Physician to the Queen, was born on 20th June 1804 in Stirling<ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0336]]</ref>. He was the eighth child of '''[[John FORREST (1761-1822)\|Dr John FORREST]]''' and '''Elizabeth GLAS'''.

Gilesforrest at 14:31, 4 April 2024

2024-04-04T14:31:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:31, 4 April 2024
Line 13:		Line 13:
	In McNab's statement he described Forrest as the ring-leader who had approached him a number of times trying to persuade him to assist in the removal of bodies from the church yard, offering him up to four guineas per body. In McNab's role as the church gravedigger he would have held the keys to the church yard which would be of great use in such a crime. Although McNab admitted being with Forrest, Mitchel and Shiels on the night before the crime was discovered, he protested his innocence and claimed the crime was conducted after he left the group.‎<ref name="trial" />		In McNab's statement he described Forrest as the ring-leader who had approached him a number of times trying to persuade him to assist in the removal of bodies from the church yard, offering him up to four guineas per body. In McNab's role as the church gravedigger he would have held the keys to the church yard which would be of great use in such a crime. Although McNab admitted being with Forrest, Mitchel and Shiels on the night before the crime was discovered, he protested his innocence and claimed the crime was conducted after he left the group.‎<ref name="trial" />

	Mitchel's statement supports the claim that Forrest had offered a number of times three or four guineas for assistance in the removal of bodies from the graveyard. Mitchel also mentions one of Forrest's accomplices being "a tallish man with a great white coat with a number of capes and whom he heard to be called Mr Johnston from Edinburgh". This man was not located and assumed to be a fictitious character.<ref~~>[[Trial papers relating to Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres at Church yard, Stirling, 19 Apr 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC26~~/~~1823/15]]</ref~~> <ref group="nb">The character described could have been John Forrest's brother-in-law Dr. Alexander Johnston. Johnston was married to John's elder sister [[Marion FORREST (1798-1886)\|Marion]]and was four years older than John. He had obtained his degree at Edinburgh University and it could be assumed he was still living there and so fitting the description of "Mr Johnston from Edinburgh". The "white coat" may imply a doctor's outfit, however prior to the late 19th century doctors actually wore black.</ref>		Mitchel's statement supports the claim that Forrest had offered a number of times three or four guineas for assistance in the removal of bodies from the graveyard. Mitchel also mentions one of Forrest's accomplices being "a tallish man with a great white coat with a number of capes and whom he heard to be called Mr Johnston from Edinburgh". This man was not located and assumed to be a fictitious character.‎<ref name="trial" /><ref group="nb">The character described could have been John Forrest's brother-in-law Dr. Alexander Johnston. Johnston was married to John's elder sister [[Marion FORREST (1798-1886)\|Marion]]and was four years older than John. He had obtained his degree at Edinburgh University and it could be assumed he was still living there and so fitting the description of "Mr Johnston from Edinburgh". The "white coat" may imply a doctor's outfit, however prior to the late 19th century doctors actually wore black.</ref>

	Mitchel goes on to describe how Forrest had offered him a large amount of whisky and so being intoxicated, he agreed to go with him, McNab and Shiels to the church yard where Mr Johnston gave him a pound note (which he admits he split with Shiels the following day). However, Mitchel denied assisting with the crime, saying he left immediately afterwards<ref name="trial" />.		Mitchel goes on to describe how Forrest had offered him a large amount of whisky and so being intoxicated, he agreed to go with him, McNab and Shiels to the church yard where Mr Johnston gave him a pound note (which he admits he split with Shiels the following day). However, Mitchel denied assisting with the crime, saying he left immediately afterwards<ref name="trial" />.

Gilesforrest at 14:19, 4 April 2024

2024-04-04T14:19:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:19, 4 April 2024
Line 25:		Line 25:
	In June 1824, Forrest's brother-in-law, Robert Adie, submitted a "memorial" (a petition) to the King to pardon Forrest. This included an assumption of guilt of the crime but pleaded clemency on a number of factors including:- Forrest's age at the time of the crime - being vulnerable to the influence of others; the fact his father had died only a month before the crime took place; the impact of Forrest's outlawry on his widowed mother; the state of anxiety Forrest had been suffering since his conviction - being rendered a fugitive not protected by the Law; and that another trial could stir up public emotions again as it did previously. Adie also included a number of Testimonials from distinguished medical teachers and responsible inhabitants of Stirling attesting to Forrest's good character and diligence as a student. One such character reference included the fact that Forrest had been providing medical assistance to the poor of Edinburgh:		In June 1824, Forrest's brother-in-law, Robert Adie, submitted a "memorial" (a petition) to the King to pardon Forrest. This included an assumption of guilt of the crime but pleaded clemency on a number of factors including:- Forrest's age at the time of the crime - being vulnerable to the influence of others; the fact his father had died only a month before the crime took place; the impact of Forrest's outlawry on his widowed mother; the state of anxiety Forrest had been suffering since his conviction - being rendered a fugitive not protected by the Law; and that another trial could stir up public emotions again as it did previously. Adie also included a number of Testimonials from distinguished medical teachers and responsible inhabitants of Stirling attesting to Forrest's good character and diligence as a student. One such character reference included the fact that Forrest had been providing medical assistance to the poor of Edinburgh:

	{{quote\|''I hereby certify that Mr John Forrest attended my Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology in the winter of 1821 and Spring of 1822, also in the Winter of 1822 and Spring of 1823. That during these courses he was a diligent and faithful attendant. I also certify that Mr Forrest has attended many of the poor people who apply to me for medical assistance, with an attention and humanity that do him the highest credit. There is no young gentleman on whom I would devote the charge of patients with greater confidence.''}}		{{quote\|I hereby certify that Mr John Forrest attended my Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology in the winter of 1821 and Spring of 1822, also in the Winter of 1822 and Spring of 1823. That during these courses he was a diligent and faithful attendant. I also certify that Mr Forrest has attended many of the poor people who apply to me for medical assistance, with an attention and humanity that do him the highest credit. There is no young gentleman on whom I would devote the charge of patients with greater confidence.}}

	The Petition was successful as on 22 June 1824 Forrest was granted a free pardon by the King.<ref>[[The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV)#p244\|The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV) p244]]</ref><ref>[[Registrum Magni Sigilli (Paper Register), 17 Jun 1820-26 Sep 1825, National Archives Scotland Ref. C3/25/00191R&V]]</ref><ref>[[Book of Adjournal, 27 Jan 1823-12 Jul 1824, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC4/14/00405/L&00406/R]]</ref>		The Petition was successful as on 22 June 1824 Forrest was granted a free pardon by the King.<ref>[[The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV)#p244\|The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV) p244]]</ref><ref>[[Registrum Magni Sigilli (Paper Register), 17 Jun 1820-26 Sep 1825, National Archives Scotland Ref. C3/25/00191R&V]]</ref><ref>[[Book of Adjournal, 27 Jan 1823-12 Jul 1824, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC4/14/00405/L&00406/R]]</ref>

Gilesforrest at 14:18, 4 April 2024

2024-04-04T14:18:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:18, 4 April 2024
Line 25:		Line 25:
	In June 1824, Forrest's brother-in-law, Robert Adie, submitted a "memorial" (a petition) to the King to pardon Forrest. This included an assumption of guilt of the crime but pleaded clemency on a number of factors including:- Forrest's age at the time of the crime - being vulnerable to the influence of others; the fact his father had died only a month before the crime took place; the impact of Forrest's outlawry on his widowed mother; the state of anxiety Forrest had been suffering since his conviction - being rendered a fugitive not protected by the Law; and that another trial could stir up public emotions again as it did previously. Adie also included a number of Testimonials from distinguished medical teachers and responsible inhabitants of Stirling attesting to Forrest's good character and diligence as a student. One such character reference included the fact that Forrest had been providing medical assistance to the poor of Edinburgh:		In June 1824, Forrest's brother-in-law, Robert Adie, submitted a "memorial" (a petition) to the King to pardon Forrest. This included an assumption of guilt of the crime but pleaded clemency on a number of factors including:- Forrest's age at the time of the crime - being vulnerable to the influence of others; the fact his father had died only a month before the crime took place; the impact of Forrest's outlawry on his widowed mother; the state of anxiety Forrest had been suffering since his conviction - being rendered a fugitive not protected by the Law; and that another trial could stir up public emotions again as it did previously. Adie also included a number of Testimonials from distinguished medical teachers and responsible inhabitants of Stirling attesting to Forrest's good character and diligence as a student. One such character reference included the fact that Forrest had been providing medical assistance to the poor of Edinburgh:

	{{quote\|I hereby certify that Mr John Forrest attended my Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology in the winter of 1821 and Spring of 1822, also in the Winter of 1822 and Spring of 1823. That during these courses he was a diligent and faithful attendant. I also certify that Mr Forrest has attended many of the poor people who apply to me for medical assistance, with an attention and humanity that do him the highest credit. There is no young gentleman on whom I would devote the charge of patients with greater confidence.}}		{{quote\|''I hereby certify that Mr John Forrest attended my Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology in the winter of 1821 and Spring of 1822, also in the Winter of 1822 and Spring of 1823. That during these courses he was a diligent and faithful attendant. I also certify that Mr Forrest has attended many of the poor people who apply to me for medical assistance, with an attention and humanity that do him the highest credit. There is no young gentleman on whom I would devote the charge of patients with greater confidence.''}}

	The Petition was successful as on 22 June 1824 Forrest was granted a free pardon by the King.<ref>[[The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV)#p244\|The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV) p244]]</ref><ref>[[Registrum Magni Sigilli (Paper Register), 17 Jun 1820-26 Sep 1825, National Archives Scotland Ref. C3/25/00191R&V]]</ref><ref>[[Book of Adjournal, 27 Jan 1823-12 Jul 1824, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC4/14/00405/L&00406/R]]</ref>		The Petition was successful as on 22 June 1824 Forrest was granted a free pardon by the King.<ref>[[The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV)#p244\|The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV) p244]]</ref><ref>[[Registrum Magni Sigilli (Paper Register), 17 Jun 1820-26 Sep 1825, National Archives Scotland Ref. C3/25/00191R&V]]</ref><ref>[[Book of Adjournal, 27 Jan 1823-12 Jul 1824, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC4/14/00405/L&00406/R]]</ref>

Gilesforrest at 13:56, 4 April 2024

2024-04-04T13:56:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 4 April 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Dr '''John Forrest''', Companion of the Order of the Bath, Honorary Physician to the Queen, was born on 20th June 1804 in Stirling<ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0336]]</ref>. He was the eighth child of '''[[John FORREST (1761-1822)\|Dr John FORREST]]''' and '''Elizabeth GLAS'''.		'''Dr John Forrest''', Companion of the Order of the Bath, Honorary Physician to the Queen, was born on 20th June 1804 in Stirling<ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0336]]</ref>. He was the eighth child of '''[[John FORREST (1761-1822)\|Dr John FORREST]]''' and '''Elizabeth GLAS'''.

	He dedicated 36 years of service to the Royal Army Medical Corps, providing support to the British Army during numerous conflicts, including the Crimean War. He briefly held the position of overseeing Scutari Hospital where Florence Nightingale was stationed, and through his diligence and duty was made an Honorary Physician to the Queen. The Medical and Surgical Reporter hailed him as "One of the most distinguished medical officers of the British Army".		He dedicated 36 years of service to the Royal Army Medical Corps, providing support to the British Army during numerous conflicts, including the Crimean War. He briefly held the position of overseeing Scutari Hospital where Florence Nightingale was stationed, and through his diligence and duty was made an Honorary Physician to the Queen. The Medical and Surgical Reporter hailed him as "One of the most distinguished medical officers of the British Army".

Gilesforrest at 13:56, 4 April 2024

2024-04-04T13:56:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 4 April 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Dr '''John FORREST''', Honorary Physician to the Queen, was born on 20th June 1804 in Stirling<ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0336]]</ref>. He was the eighth child of '''[[John FORREST (1761-1822)\|Dr John FORREST]]''' and '''Elizabeth GLAS'''.		Dr '''John Forrest''', Companion of the Order of the Bath, Honorary Physician to the Queen, was born on 20th June 1804 in Stirling<ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0336]]</ref>. He was the eighth child of '''[[John FORREST (1761-1822)\|Dr John FORREST]]''' and '''Elizabeth GLAS'''.

	'''John Forrest''', Companion of the Order of the Bath, Honorary Physician to the Queen, was born on 20th June 1804 in Stirling<ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0336]]</ref>. He was the eighth child of '''[[John FORREST (1761-1822)\|Dr John FORREST]]''' and '''Elizabeth GLAS'''.

	He dedicated 36 years of service to the Royal Army Medical Corps, providing support to the British Army during numerous conflicts, including the Crimean War. He briefly held the position of overseeing Scutari Hospital where Florence Nightingale was stationed, and through his diligence and duty was made an Honorary Physician to the Queen. The Medical and Surgical Reporter hailed him as "One of the most distinguished medical officers of the British Army".		He dedicated 36 years of service to the Royal Army Medical Corps, providing support to the British Army during numerous conflicts, including the Crimean War. He briefly held the position of overseeing Scutari Hospital where Florence Nightingale was stationed, and through his diligence and duty was made an Honorary Physician to the Queen. The Medical and Surgical Reporter hailed him as "One of the most distinguished medical officers of the British Army".

Gilesforrest at 13:55, 4 April 2024

2024-04-04T13:55:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:55, 4 April 2024
Line 11:		Line 11:
	In 1822, when he was a student of medicine at Edinburgh University Forrest was involved in the removal of the body of Mary Witherspoon (née Stevenson) from Stirling Churchyard.<ref group = "nb">Before the Anatomy Act of 1832, the only legal supply of corpses for anatomical purposes were those condemned to death and dissection by the courts. While in the 1700s, hundreds had been executed for trivial crimes, by the 19th century only approximately 50 people were being hanged each year. With the expansion of the medical schools and private anatomical schools, as many as 500 cadavers were needed. This led to body snatching to fill the shortfall. Stealing a corpse was a misdemeanour at common law, not a felony, and was therefore only punishable with fine and imprisonment, rather than transportation or execution. The trade was a sufficiently lucrative business to run the risk of detection, particularly as the authorities tended to turn a blind eye to what they considered a necessary evil.</ref> The crime was discovered and John along with James Shiels, a street sweeper, Daniel Mitchell, a servant and changekeeper, and James McNab, the local gravedigger, were implicated as the culprits.<ref>[[Precognition against James Shiels, Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres, 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. AD14/23/61]]</ref>		In 1822, when he was a student of medicine at Edinburgh University Forrest was involved in the removal of the body of Mary Witherspoon (née Stevenson) from Stirling Churchyard.<ref group = "nb">Before the Anatomy Act of 1832, the only legal supply of corpses for anatomical purposes were those condemned to death and dissection by the courts. While in the 1700s, hundreds had been executed for trivial crimes, by the 19th century only approximately 50 people were being hanged each year. With the expansion of the medical schools and private anatomical schools, as many as 500 cadavers were needed. This led to body snatching to fill the shortfall. Stealing a corpse was a misdemeanour at common law, not a felony, and was therefore only punishable with fine and imprisonment, rather than transportation or execution. The trade was a sufficiently lucrative business to run the risk of detection, particularly as the authorities tended to turn a blind eye to what they considered a necessary evil.</ref> The crime was discovered and John along with James Shiels, a street sweeper, Daniel Mitchell, a servant and changekeeper, and James McNab, the local gravedigger, were implicated as the culprits.<ref>[[Precognition against James Shiels, Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres, 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. AD14/23/61]]</ref>

	A trial was held at the Stirling Spring Circuit Court on 19 April 1823; however, Forrest had absconded and was absent from the hearings. He was assumed to be heading for Paris whilst McNab and Mitchel were held prisoners in the Stirling Tolbooth. The court documents do not mention Shiels however. The crime had been discovered when the grave of Mary Stevenson, wife of Joseph Witherspoon, that had been dug only a week before, was observed to be a couple of inches below the surface. A rope was discovered near the surface and digging down to the coffin revealed it had been broken open and the body removed, however the clothes had been thrown back inside.<ref group="nb">One method body-snatchers used was to dig at the head end of a recent burial, digging with a wooden spade (quieter than metal). When they reached the coffin they broke it open, put a rope around the corpse and dragged it out. They were careful not to steal anything such as jewellery or clothes as this would leave them open to a felony charge.</ref><ref>[[Trial papers relating to Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres at Church yard, Stirling, 19 Apr 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC26/1823/15]]</ref>		A trial was held at the Stirling Spring Circuit Court on 19 April 1823; however, Forrest had absconded and was absent from the hearings. He was assumed to be heading for Paris whilst McNab and Mitchel were held prisoners in the Stirling Tolbooth. The court documents do not mention Shiels however. The crime had been discovered when the grave of Mary Stevenson, wife of Joseph Witherspoon, that had been dug only a week before, was observed to be a couple of inches below the surface. A rope was discovered near the surface and digging down to the coffin revealed it had been broken open and the body removed, however the clothes had been thrown back inside.<ref group="nb">One method body-snatchers used was to dig at the head end of a recent burial, digging with a wooden spade (quieter than metal). When they reached the coffin they broke it open, put a rope around the corpse and dragged it out. They were careful not to steal anything such as jewellery or clothes as this would leave them open to a felony charge.</ref><ref name="trial">[[Trial papers relating to Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres at Church yard, Stirling, 19 Apr 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC26/1823/15]]</ref>

	In McNab's statement he described Forrest as the ring-leader who had approached him a number of times trying to persuade him to assist in the removal of bodies from the church yard, offering him up to four guineas per body. In McNab's role as the church gravedigger he would have held the keys to the church yard which would be of great use in such a crime. Although McNab admitted being with Forrest, Mitchel and Shiels on the night before the crime was discovered, he protested his innocence and claimed the crime was conducted after he left the group.<ref~~>[[Trial papers relating to Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres at Church yard, Stirling, 19 Apr 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC26~~/~~1823/15]]</ref~~>		In McNab's statement he described Forrest as the ring-leader who had approached him a number of times trying to persuade him to assist in the removal of bodies from the church yard, offering him up to four guineas per body. In McNab's role as the church gravedigger he would have held the keys to the church yard which would be of great use in such a crime. Although McNab admitted being with Forrest, Mitchel and Shiels on the night before the crime was discovered, he protested his innocence and claimed the crime was conducted after he left the group.‎<ref name="trial" />

	Mitchel's statement supports the claim that Forrest had offered a number of times three or four guineas for assistance in the removal of bodies from the graveyard. Mitchel also mentions one of Forrest's accomplices being "a tallish man with a great white coat with a number of capes and whom he heard to be called Mr Johnston from Edinburgh". This man was not located and assumed to be a fictitious character.<ref>[[Trial papers relating to Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres at Church yard, Stirling, 19 Apr 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC26/1823/15]]</ref> <ref group="nb">The character described could have been John Forrest's brother-in-law Dr. Alexander Johnston. Johnston was married to John's elder sister [[Marion FORREST (1798-1886)\|Marion]]and was four years older than John. He had obtained his degree at Edinburgh University and it could be assumed he was still living there and so fitting the description of "Mr Johnston from Edinburgh". The "white coat" may imply a doctor's outfit, however prior to the late 19th century doctors actually wore black.</ref>		Mitchel's statement supports the claim that Forrest had offered a number of times three or four guineas for assistance in the removal of bodies from the graveyard. Mitchel also mentions one of Forrest's accomplices being "a tallish man with a great white coat with a number of capes and whom he heard to be called Mr Johnston from Edinburgh". This man was not located and assumed to be a fictitious character.<ref>[[Trial papers relating to Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres at Church yard, Stirling, 19 Apr 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC26/1823/15]]</ref> <ref group="nb">The character described could have been John Forrest's brother-in-law Dr. Alexander Johnston. Johnston was married to John's elder sister [[Marion FORREST (1798-1886)\|Marion]]and was four years older than John. He had obtained his degree at Edinburgh University and it could be assumed he was still living there and so fitting the description of "Mr Johnston from Edinburgh". The "white coat" may imply a doctor's outfit, however prior to the late 19th century doctors actually wore black.</ref>

	Mitchel goes on to describe how Forrest had offered him a large amount of whisky and so being intoxicated, he agreed to go with him, McNab and Shiels to the church yard where Mr Johnston gave him a pound note (which he admits he split with Shiels the following day). However, Mitchel denied assisting with the crime, saying he left immediately afterwards<ref~~>[[Trial papers relating to Daniel Mitchell, James McNab, John Forrest for the crime of violation of sepulchres at Church yard, Stirling, 19 Apr 1823, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC26~~/~~1823/15]]</ref~~>.		Mitchel goes on to describe how Forrest had offered him a large amount of whisky and so being intoxicated, he agreed to go with him, McNab and Shiels to the church yard where Mr Johnston gave him a pound note (which he admits he split with Shiels the following day). However, Mitchel denied assisting with the crime, saying he left immediately afterwards<ref name="trial" />.

	As all evidence pointed towards Forrest being the principal offender in the case and that he had absconded, the court decreed that he should be declared an outlaw<ref>[[Cases decided in the Court of Session – Patrick Shaw & Alex Dunlop (Vol II 12th Nov 1822 – 11th Mar 1824) No.99#p103\|Cases decided in the Court of Session – Patrick Shaw & Alex Dunlop (Vol II 12th Nov 1822 – 11th Mar 1824) No.99 p103]]</ref>. Outlawry was one of the harshest criminal penalties, as the eighteen year old Forrest would no longer be protected by the legal system and anyone could commit a crime against him (including murder) without any punishment. To be declared an outlaw was to suffer a form of civil or social death as the outlaw was debarred from all civilized society. No one was allowed to give him food, shelter, or any other sort of support—to do so was to commit the crime of aiding and abetting, and to be in danger of the ban oneself. As such, Forrest could not return to his family home in Stirling and had to support himself entirely.		As all evidence pointed towards Forrest being the principal offender in the case and that he had absconded, the court decreed that he should be declared an outlaw<ref>[[Cases decided in the Court of Session – Patrick Shaw & Alex Dunlop (Vol II 12th Nov 1822 – 11th Mar 1824) No.99#p103\|Cases decided in the Court of Session – Patrick Shaw & Alex Dunlop (Vol II 12th Nov 1822 – 11th Mar 1824) No.99 p103]]</ref>. Outlawry was one of the harshest criminal penalties, as the eighteen year old Forrest would no longer be protected by the legal system and anyone could commit a crime against him (including murder) without any punishment. To be declared an outlaw was to suffer a form of civil or social death as the outlaw was debarred from all civilized society. No one was allowed to give him food, shelter, or any other sort of support—to do so was to commit the crime of aiding and abetting, and to be in danger of the ban oneself. As such, Forrest could not return to his family home in Stirling and had to support himself entirely.

Gilesforrest at 13:45, 4 April 2024

2024-04-04T13:45:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:45, 4 April 2024
Line 27:		Line 27:
	In June 1824, Forrest's brother-in-law, Robert Adie, submitted a "memorial" (a petition) to the King to pardon Forrest. This included an assumption of guilt of the crime but pleaded clemency on a number of factors including:- Forrest's age at the time of the crime - being vulnerable to the influence of others; the fact his father had died only a month before the crime took place; the impact of Forrest's outlawry on his widowed mother; the state of anxiety Forrest had been suffering since his conviction - being rendered a fugitive not protected by the Law; and that another trial could stir up public emotions again as it did previously. Adie also included a number of Testimonials from distinguished medical teachers and responsible inhabitants of Stirling attesting to Forrest's good character and diligence as a student. One such character reference included the fact that Forrest had been providing medical assistance to the poor of Edinburgh:		In June 1824, Forrest's brother-in-law, Robert Adie, submitted a "memorial" (a petition) to the King to pardon Forrest. This included an assumption of guilt of the crime but pleaded clemency on a number of factors including:- Forrest's age at the time of the crime - being vulnerable to the influence of others; the fact his father had died only a month before the crime took place; the impact of Forrest's outlawry on his widowed mother; the state of anxiety Forrest had been suffering since his conviction - being rendered a fugitive not protected by the Law; and that another trial could stir up public emotions again as it did previously. Adie also included a number of Testimonials from distinguished medical teachers and responsible inhabitants of Stirling attesting to Forrest's good character and diligence as a student. One such character reference included the fact that Forrest had been providing medical assistance to the poor of Edinburgh:

	{{~~talkquote~~\|I hereby certify that Mr John Forrest attended my Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology in the winter of 1821 and Spring of 1822, also in the Winter of 1822 and Spring of 1823. That during these courses he was a diligent and faithful attendant. I also certify that Mr Forrest has attended many of the poor people who apply to me for medical assistance, with an attention and humanity that do him the highest credit. There is no young gentleman on whom I would devote the charge of patients with greater confidence.\|\|}}		{{quote\|I hereby certify that Mr John Forrest attended my Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology in the winter of 1821 and Spring of 1822, also in the Winter of 1822 and Spring of 1823. That during these courses he was a diligent and faithful attendant. I also certify that Mr Forrest has attended many of the poor people who apply to me for medical assistance, with an attention and humanity that do him the highest credit. There is no young gentleman on whom I would devote the charge of patients with greater confidence.}}

	The Petition was successful as on 22 June 1824 Forrest was granted a free pardon by the King.<ref>[[The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV)#p244\|The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV) p244]]</ref><ref>[[Registrum Magni Sigilli (Paper Register), 17 Jun 1820-26 Sep 1825, National Archives Scotland Ref. C3/25/00191R&V]]</ref><ref>[[Book of Adjournal, 27 Jan 1823-12 Jul 1824, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC4/14/00405/L&00406/R]]</ref>		The Petition was successful as on 22 June 1824 Forrest was granted a free pardon by the King.<ref>[[The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV)#p244\|The Edinburgh Magazine, and Literary Miscellany – Archibald Constable and Company (July-December 1824, Vol XV) p244]]</ref><ref>[[Registrum Magni Sigilli (Paper Register), 17 Jun 1820-26 Sep 1825, National Archives Scotland Ref. C3/25/00191R&V]]</ref><ref>[[Book of Adjournal, 27 Jan 1823-12 Jul 1824, National Archives Scotland Ref. JC4/14/00405/L&00406/R]]</ref>