Re-printed from the New Hampshire Gazette, July 26, 1771

Boston, July 22: We are informed from the county of Hampshire, that on Saturday the 13th, the famous Joseph Holmes of Hatfield (who has been a frequent visitor at the courts of assize in that county, and has as often broke Goal (jail)) was detected at Hadley in carrying away a large number of Scythes, which he had in his usual neighbourly boldness taken out of the shop of Mr. Benjamin Colt of that place, at several times within twelve months last past.

Upon a complaint being exhibited to a justice of the peace against him for stealing several scythes of the value of forty shillings, he was soon apprehended, and on monday last was brought to trial, when he confessed the fact and plead guilty.  About 12 o’clock the same day, he was waited upon to the post by a great number of spectators, where twenty stripes were well applied to his naked back, agreeable to his sentence.  In return for the kind treatment he has received, he has faithfullly promised immediately to leave this province, and not to return, until he can bring good credentials of his entire reformation and good behavior for a number of years.  It is hoped by all that ever knew him, that for once he will perform his promise.