1718 - 1719
 

• Procédure criminelle instruite à la requête du procureur général contre les nommés Gilles Carbonnet et Jean Samson, accusés de l'assasinat de Jean Jacques, compagnon pescheur. (Pièces cottées de l à 36). Folios 101-194: 1718 G2 178 Folios 101-194 H J 31 Archives Nationales, Section Outre-Mer, G2, Volume 178

Proced criminel a instruit a La Requeste du procureur general du con. contre Les Nommées fille Carbonnet et Jean Samson accusé d'assasinat du nommée Jean Jacque Compagnon pescheur

[102-104] Monsieur le Vasseur Ecrivain du Roy Commis d'office pour faire les fonctions du lieutenant Criminel en l'Isle Royale." September 15, l718

Etienne Louis Duport, Ecrivain du Roy acting as procureur du Roy, requests LeVasseur to order surgeon's report on the body of Jean Jacques, "de la paroisse de Genese diocese d'Auvanche pescheur du Sr Nicolas Berichon Bourgeois de ce lieu" who died in his bed from blows received 3 days before. Date of death September 14, 1718.

Le Vasseur orders Jean Batiste La Grange "chirurgien habitué dans ce [104] pays en l'absence du frere Claude Barre religeieux de la Charité Etably chirurgien major pour le Roy," Laurant du Demaine "chirurgien du Navire du Sieur Desormes Saillam amiral des Batimens marchands de ce port, et Philippe Courty aussy Chirurgien du batiment du Sr. Denoye" to examine Jean Jacques body. Sept. 16, 1718

Notification of surgeons, September 15, 1718

[105] Micoin, greffier and notaire, in keeping with the order of Le Vasseur, went to the homes of the three surgeons, Jean Batiste La Grange, Laurant au Demaine, and Philipe Courty - to inform them that they were to examine the body of Jean Jacques which was in the house of Sieur Berichon. Before doing so they were to appear before Le Vasseur  to take the required oath. Following their examination, they were to make a written report of their findings. Done in the presence [106] of Philebert Genier, merchant of Louisbourg, and Brecour, resident of the city. Signed by Micoin ...

Certification of surgeon's visit to the deceased, September 15, 1718

[107-108] Surgeons - Le Grange, Du Demaine, and Courty - certify to have visited the body of Jean Jacques, pescheur du Sieur Nicolas Berichon, in the company of Le Vasseur who was performing "les fonctions de lieutenant Criminel en l'Isle Royale." Signed by the above and Micoin.

Surgeon's report, September 16, 1718

[109] Jean Le Grange "Chirurgien major pour le roy Et a present Mestre Chirurgien establis a Lislle royalle a louisbourg, Laurend pinieux [Laurent du Demaine Pinieux] Chirurgien major du navire la Sste Elaine Commendé par monsieur desormes saillian amiral des navire marchand de ce port Et philipe Courty ausy Chirurgien major de la ste barbe Commendé par Monsieur penoye" visited the body of the late Jean Jacque at the cabanne of Nicolas Berichon where it had been resting for 24 hours. Visit made on Sept. 15. After opening [110] the body they found "au Col partie moyene et lateralle les vertébré faissee et les jugullaire orverte avec un grand etpenchement de Sang lequel dit Coup a. esté fait par [intram?] contendant, et de plus avons trouvé dans le ventre inferieur les intestin grislle confus et meurtry avec etpenchement de Sang clu Costé sinistre lesquel dit Coup Sy desus mantionné Luy ont Causé la mort Ce que nous certifions véritable." Signed by the three surgeons.

A Monsieur le Vasseur Ecrivain du Roy Commis d'office pour faire les fonctions de Lieutenant Criminel en l'Isle Royale," September 18,1718

[111] Etienne Louis Duport, acting as procureur du Roy, requests the examination of witnesses of concerning the murder of Jean Jacques. In prison, accused of the murder, are Gilles Carbonnet, native of Avranche, and [112] Jean Samson, l'Anglois de Nation. Both had been living at the home of Réné Perré habitant, the one being his commis, the other "son M^e de grave."

[112] September 19, 1718, Le Vasseur orders the "assignation" of the witnesses to take place the next morning in the office of the greffe.

Assignation of witnesses September 20, 1718

[113] Micoin, greffier and notary, certifies to have given assignation to Sieur Langot "sergent de la Companie de Pensens, a Jacques Gerard dit Lionnois menuisier, Jean Lambert dit Labbé Boulanger et au Nommé François du fort garçon de grave demeurant chez le Sr. Antoine Perré." He advised them to appear the next morning in the office of the greffe and before "le Lieutenant Criminel" to give information requested by the procureur du Roy. He "declaré quils seront payée de leur Salaire Suivant la taxe qui sera faitte par Mon. Sieur le Lieutenant Criminel et leur ay laissé a Chacun Coppie presence des Sieurs françois Creseunet Marchand habitant de ce lieu et Brecourt y resident." Signed by these two and Micoin

Assignation of witnesses September 21, 1718

[114] Micoin certifies to have given assignation for the second time to François le Fort because the latter did not appear as required. Signed by Micoin, Creseunet and Brecourt.

[115] Micoin certifies to have given assignation "a la Nommé passe partout Residents en ce port." Signed by Micoin, Creseunet and Brecourt.

Informations faittes par Nous Louis leVasseur Ecrivain du Roy Commis d'Office pour faire les fonctions de Lieutenant Criminel a Louisbourg en l'isle Royale a la Requeste du Procureur du demandeur et Complaignant Contre les Nommes Gilles Carbonnet Natif d'avranche, et Jean Samson Anglois de Nation demeurant bons deux chez Rene Perré habitant, l'un son Commis et l'autre Son M^e de grave Deffendeurs et Accusses et leurs Complices." September 20 & 22, 1718.

[116] First witness:

Nicolas Langot, native of Paris, Sergent de la Compagnie de Pensens, resident of Louisbourg, age 38.

On Sunday, September 11, between 8 & 9 PM as he was leaving, his house, having heard a noise outside, he saw Jean Samson "Anglois" "tranchour de M. de perré" with a "manche de boyard" in his hand with which he hit Jean Jacques on. the neck, knocking him to the ground. Gilles Carbonnet had "une Pelle a feu" in his hand. He picked up Jean Jacques and took him to the cabane of Sieur Rodrigue.

Second Witness:

Jacques Gerard dit Lionnois, native of Lion on the Rhone, parish St. Paul, menuisier by trade, resident of Louisbourg, age 40.

[117] On Sunday, September 11, a man he did not know "attaqua un Contrevent de René Perré avec des Juremens" defying the others to come outside. He called Gilles who was inside to come out, telling hin that he was from Avranche and that he knew him well. Those in the house believed that there were several people outside. Gilles Carbonnet "monta du Costé de la Porte du Jardin Sur la Maison" to see how many were there. Seeing only one man, he got down, and told his comrade that there was only one. Carbonnet took a "pelle a feu de fort." Jean Samson "n'ayant pû avoir aucun feremens ayant demandé au deposent Sa hâche quil ne Voulû luy donner." After looking around he found "un boyard quil demancha." Thus armed, they opened the door and followed the man.

Third witness:

Jean Lambert dit Labbé, native de pont Labbé proche Rochefort, diocese de Xainte, boulanger by trade, resident of Louisbourg, age 33

[118] On Sunday, September 11, being at supper, he heard a noise outside. On going out he saw 3 men fighting. He went to them and saw that one had a stick in his hand with which he hit Jean Jacques. He recognized the assailant as Jean Samson. Jacques fell to the ground and "le baton fut cassé en trois." Gilles Carbonnet had a "pelle a feu de fort" in his hand, but he didn't not know if he hit Jacques.

Fourth witness:

Magdelaine Dufaux dit la passe partout feruie de Jean Maillet, native of Plaisance, resident of Louisbourg, age 30.

[119] On Sunday, September 11, she was in the house of la Perré since she had promised, before he left for Lorembek, to care for his children and wash their clothes. Jean Jacques knocked at the door "pour avoir du Vin." Gilles Carbonnet did not wish to open the door because he believed that there were several soldiers outside, so he "monta Sur la Maison pour Voir ceque s'estoit." Seeing that Jacques was alone Carbonnet got down and went out with a "pelle a feu de fort." Jean Samson followed him with a "Manche de Boyard."

Fifth witness:

Francois Le Fort., native of Masuerre, parish of St. Andre, diocese of Orleans, resident of Louisbourg, age 50.

On Sunday, September 11, he heard a noise while at supper and since he believed that there were soldiers fighting, he did not go out. But then he heard a voice which he did not know "qui Crioit Monsieur Perré Vous me liss[?] assasiner devant Votre porte."

Interrogation of Jean Samson, September 23, 1718

[120] Samson questioned by le Vasseur in the office of the greffe after having been arrested on a verbal order by St. Ovide de Brouillan," C^dr de Lordre militaire de St. Louis governeur." following a verbal complaint by Nicolas Berichon that the said Samson beat one of his fishermen to death.

Jean Samson, native of Plymouth in England, "trancheur," residing in the home of René Perré, age 45.

Testified 

• that he had not known Jean Jacques; 

• that the latter had come to Perrés house "avec des pierres et une pelle de fort frapper a la [121] porte et a la fenestre et Contre Vent;" 

• that they had questioned him through the door; 

• that with him in the house were Lionnais "menuisier," Gilles Carbonnet and "la femme de passe partout;" 

• that Carbonnet had "monta Sur la. Maison;" 

• that he had done this to see who was outside; 

• that when he got down he opened the door and ran after Jacques with a "manche du Boyard" in his hand; 

• that Jacques threw some stones at Carbonnet knock [122] ing him down; 

• that Carbonnet caught Jacques and gave him 3 or 4 blows; 

• that he did not know what had become of the manche du boyard; 

• that he had not had a "hache;" 

• that the fight stopped when Langot arrived; 

• that he did not know who hit Jacques with une pelle au feu; 

• that it was true that he hit Jacques, but he did not think that he died from the blows he gave; 

• and that following this affair, he returned to Perrés house.

Signed by le Vasseur and Micoin. [Samson did not know how to write]

Interrogation of Gilles Carbonnet, September 23, 1718

[123] Carbonnet questioned by le Vasseur in the office of the greffe after having been arrested on a verbal order by St Ovide de Brouillan following a verbal complaint by Nicolas Berichon that the said Carbonnet beat one of his fishermen to death.

Gilles Carbonnet, native of Avranche in Normandie, "devant decoleur de la petite Perré a present leur Commis," living in Perrés's house, age 20.

Testified 

• that he did not know Jacques, but had seen him drinking at Perré's house and with other fishermen - Gosselin, François Mouchet, M^e. de grave, François Blondel, Me. de Chaloupe, and Nicolas Menard, [124] and Jacques le Tourneur; 

• that he did. not know he had died,. but he had seen Samson strike him 5 or 6 times with une manche de boyard.; 

• that on Sept. 11 he had been at Perrés house when someone came to the door, knocking on it and "au contre Vent dont it y a Encor des coups marque dans le d. contre vent;" Jacques would not say what he wanted or what his name was, but knocked on the window "en disant B. de Chien d'avranche" to Carbonnet; 

• that "il luy dit vous serez bien de Vous retirer, et quil Croyoit que c'estait des Soldats qui Venoient pour lea assassiner dans leur Cabannes parcequil en Etoit deja Venu et quil luy dit que S'il ne retioit pas que lon leur seroit Mettre les forts aux pieds comme Me. Perré avoit fait Mettre a D'autre;" 

• that he had "monta Sur la Maison"and saw only one man "Sur la grave devant la porte;" 

• that they had chased [125] Jacques because of the noise he made; 

• that he carried with him "une pelle au feu"; 

• that they caught him "au dessus de Labbé;" 

• that he did not hit him with the "pelle"; 

• that Samson hit him many times with his weapon "comme une beste morte," the last blow sending Jacques "dessus le de Carbonnet de cinq ou Six pieds;" 

• that as they were by then back at the house, Samson. knocked at the window and asked for a gun, and when told that there was none, he asked for "un hachot" from Lionnais menuisier who was there working; 

• that Samson left with the "hachot" to hit Jacques; 

• that [126] Langot had picked up the wounded man; 

• and that he had returned to Perrés house after the incident.

Signed by Le Vasseur, Micoin & Carbonnet.

Second interrogation of Gilles Carbonnet, September 28, 1718

[127] Introductory information same as for first interrogation [ff. 123-126].

Beginning of testimony also the same, but Carbonnet added 

• that "'dans les premiers coups [given by Samson] le Maltraitte S'Ecria a[?] Jean le trancheur;" 

• [128] that he had no intention of killing Jacques when he chased him, but he did not know Samson's intentions; 

• that he did not know if Jacques came [129] to the door because "il Etoit Enfermé avec la Nommé passepartout," but when the noise "commença il se mit a appeller le d. Deposânt et Jean Samson les Injuriant et deffiant de Sortir;" 

• that the woman had not asked them to chase Jacques; 

• that he had not, when it was over, "Vanté avec le d. Samson d avoir mieux frapé que luy; " 

• that he did not believe that 'le battu fut a la pesche du restant de la pêche ou de Longtems et quil dit au deposant et au Nommé Lionnois en soupant que Sy le d. Deposant ne luy avoit pas dit de Cesser quil luy en auroit encore donné davantage;".

• that he told Samson that it was not necessary to hit Jacques again because the last blow had caused him to fall "bien loin dans des pierres et dans de l'herbe;" 

• that when Langot arrived he was told by Samson that "Sy Lango [Langot] avoit Voulu faire du bruit avec Son Espé quil luy auroit bien fait Sauter Son Epée avec le restant du manche de boyard qui luy Restoit dans la Main." 

Following the interrogation [130] the accused was "remis En mains Du Sergent et des deux Mousquetaire pour remener en la prison." 

Signed by le Vasseur, Micoin & Carbonnet.

Second interrogation of Jean Samson, Sept. 28, 1718

[131] Introductory information same as for first interrogation [ff. 120-122]. Beginning of testimony also the same, but Samson added 

• that it was not he who got Carbonnet to run after Jacques, but the other way round; 

• [132] that when "Son batton fut cassé," he did not hit Jacques with "une pelle [133] a feu"; 

• that he did not see Carbonnet hit Jacques, but he knew he killed him, because Jacques was on the ground when Samson arrived; 

• that he did not think that Jacques had come to the house because of the woman - as far as he knew she was there only to care for the children; 

• that she did not induce them to chase Jacques; 

• that when they returned to the [134] house, they went to bed.

Also placed in the hands of a "Sergent et de deux Mousquetaires pour remener en la prison." Signed by Micoin and le Vasseur.

Order for further examination of witnesses, October 1, 1718

[135] Duport outlines the steps taken thus far in the case against Jean Samson and Gilles Carbonnet, and orders that the witnesses hear the information had already gathered, verify their depositions and confront [136] the accused if necessary. Results to be communicated to him.

Le Vasseur repeats the same information, and orders, in his role as "Lieutenant Criminel," that the witnesses appear before him in the office of the greffe on October 3 at 9AM.

Assignation of witnesses, October 3, 1718

[137] Micoin certifies that he gave assignation to "Langot Sergent de Pensens, a Jacques Gerard dit Lionnois menuisier, Jean Lambert dit Labbé boulanger, françois du fort garçon de grave demeurant chez Antoine Perré et Magdelaine du faux femme du Nommé passe partout Residents tous en ce port." They were to appear before the "Lieutenant Criminel" in the office of the greffe that day at 9AM to verify their depositions and confront the accused. He told them that "il Serons payés De leurs Salaires Suivant la taxe qui Sera faitte par Mon. d. Sieur le Lieutenant Criminel." This done in the presence of Sieurs François Creseunet, merchant of Louisbourg, and Jean Morin, resident of the town. Signed by these two and Micoin.

"Recolement par les temoins" October 3, 1718

[138-140] Du Fort, Langot, Lionnois, Labbé and Magdelaine de Faux swore to the truth of their depositions before Le Vasseur adding or subtracting nothing from their original statements. Signed Micoin, Le Vasseur, Jacques Gerard, and Langot.

Assignation of witnesses, October 5, 1718

[141] Copy of Le Vasseur's certification that he called the witnesses to appear on Oct. 3, 1718 to verify their depositions. This document notes, however, that the confrontation was to take place in "La Chambre du corps de garde." Signed Le Vasseur.

Confrontation of Gilles Carbonnet with Nicolas Langot, witness, Oct. 8, 1718

[142] Accused "A Esté amené devant nous par le Sergent de garde et deux Mousquetaires." Carbonnet confronted with Nicolas Langot and the statement made by the latter of September 20. Both take oath to tell the truth. After the reading of the "deposition et Recolement," the accused is given the opportunity "fournir presentement ses reproche contre la d. temoin." The accused said that he did not have any "reproche a fournir Contre le temoin," but after the reading, he said that "il est Vray quil avoit La pelle a feu quil reprit apres que Jean Samson Est donné le dernier Coup a Jean Jacques qui le fit oter de [143] deffous luy." Langot declared his deposition to be true,"et la ainsy Soutenu a Laccusé et que sest du d. Accusé present quil a Entendu parler par Sa deposition et Recolement." Signed by Micoin, le Vasseur, Langot & Carbonnet.

Confrontation between Gilles Garbonnet and Jacques Gerard [Lionnois], October 8, 1718

[144] Text identical with that of confrontation between Carbonnet and Langot [ff. 142-143] except that the accused adds that "cette [145] femme [Magdelaine de Faux] n'estoit Venue que pour avoir Soin des Enfans, comme Mad. Perré luy avoit dit et quelle avoit dit de luy donner a boite et a manger quant elle Vien droit dans la maison mais quelle nestoit point Venue dans le Dessein de faire mal, et que Jean Jacques appelloit aussy Jean Samson, et quil croit que C'est Lionnois qui demanda au d. Jean Jacques Son Nom." Signed by Micoin, Carbonnet, le Vasseur and Gerard.

Confrontation between Gilles Carbonnet and Jean Lambert dit Labbé, October 8, 1718

Text identical with previous confrontations; accused had nothing to add to the statement of the witness. Signed by Le Vasseur, Carbonnet and Micoin. Witness declared that he did not know how to write, so he could not sign.

Confrontation between Gilles Carbonnet and Magdelaine du Faux dit la passe partout, October 8. 1718

Text identical to previous confrontations except that the accused [149] asked the witness if it were not true that "l'homme qui Vint fraper a la porte Se mit a Jurer contre le d. deposant, et Contre Jean Samson et les mettre au deffit de Sortir, Sil est Vray quil demandoit du Vin." Witness acknowledged that this was the truth. Witness declared that she did not know how to write, so she could not sign. Signed by Carbonnet, le Vasseur and Micoin.

Confrontation between Giles Carbonnet and François de Fort, October 8, 1718.

[150-151] Text identical to previous confrontations except that the accused declared that "il ne Se Souvent pas que lon ait Crié ah! Monsr. Perré vous me laisse assasiner devant votre perte." Witness declared that he did not know how to write, so he could not sign. Signed by Micoin, Carbonnet, and le Vasseur.

Confrontation between Jean Samson and Nicolas Langot, October 8, 1718

[154-155] Text identical with previous confrontations except that the accused declared that he did not believe that Jacques fell from the blow that he had given him. Signed by Langot, Micoin and le Vasseur. Accused declared that he did not know how to write, so he could not sign.

Confrontation between Jean Samson and Lionnois, October 89 1718

[156-157] Text Identical with previous confrontations, the accused adding nothing to the witness's statement. Signed by Micoin, Gerard [Lionnois] and le Vasseur. [There are 2 copies of f. 157]

Confrontation between Jean Samson and Labbé, October 8, 1718

[158-159] Text identical to previous confrontations, the accused adding only that he did not believe that Jacques had fallen from the blow that he had given him. Signed by Micoin and le Vasseur.

Confrontation between Jean Samson and Magdelaine du Faux, October 89 1718

Text identical to previous confrontations, the accused having nothing to add. Signed by le Vasseur.

Confrontation between Jean Samson and François le Fort, October 8, 1718

Text identical to previous confrontations, the accused having nothing to add. Signed by Micoin and le Vasseur.

Confrontation between Gilles Carbonnet and Jean Samson, October 24, 1718

[164] The two accused brought to confront each other in the manner of previous confrontations.

[165] After hearing the testimony of Samson read, Carbonnet declared that it was not true that he had killed Jacques.

Samson replied that it was true that Carbonnet had killed Jacques, but he had not seen him strike the victim. He had seen them "par terre Se Colleter et Se tire aux Cheveux." Carbonnet answered that it was true that he had seized Jacques and threw him to the ground. but he had not hit him. He added that while they were on the ground, Samson hit Jacques with the "manche de boyard," and that it was Samson who had opened the door and run after Jacques.

Samson made no reply.

Signed by Carbonnet, le Vasseur and Micoin.

[166] Carbonnet's testimony was then read for Samson, the latter having nothing to add.

Signed again by same three.

Le Vasseur to the Superior Council, November 16, 1718

Louis le Vasseur asks the Council "nommer un assistant pour juger un proces Criminel" against Jean Samson and Gilles Carbonnet "attendu que le tem presse Ceque le Sieur Duport qui a fait-les fonctions [169] de procureur du Roy a la Request duquel les proces a este Instruit Sur Son depar pour france."

Nov. 16, 1718 Soubras and St. Ovide name Sr la Fouss [Foust] as le Vasseur's assistant.

List of the documents in the case of Gilles Carbonnet and Jean Samson, December 29, 1718

"Extrait des informations qui ont esté faittes Contre Les Només Gilles Carbonnet d'Avranche, Et Jean Samson Anglois de Nation accuses de Crime d'assasin Commis en La personne de Nomé Jean Jacques de La paroisse de Genese diocesse d'avranche La nuit du 11 septembre 1718.

[170]           

Cotté 1        Request by le Vasseur & Daport for surgeons to visit Jacques' body

Cotté 2       Order for surgeons to visit the body.

Cotté 3       Oath taken by surgeons.

Cotté 4       Surgeons report.

Cotté 5       Request by "procureur du Roy" & "Lieutenant Criminel" for assignation of witnesses.

[171]           Cotté 6 Assignation of witnesses.

Cotté 7       Second assignation of François de Fort.

Cotté 8       Assignation of Passe Partout.

Cotté 9       Statements of Nicolas Langot, Jean Lambert dit Labbé, Jacques [172] Gerard dit Lionnois, Magdelaine du Faux Passe Partout, & François de Fort.

[173]       

Cotté 10     Interrogation of Jean Samson.

[174]       

Cotté 11     Interrogation of Gilles Carbonnet.

[175]       

Cotté 12     Second interrogation of Gilles Carbonnet.

[176]       

Cotté 13     Second interrogation of Jean Samson.

[177]       

Cotté 14     Request by "procureur du Roy" verification of statements and confrontations between witnesses and accused.

Cotté 15     Assignation of witnesses for confrontations.

Cotté 16     Verification of statements by witnesses.

Cotté 17     Order for confrontation.

Cotté 18     Confrontation between Carbonnet and Langot.

Cotté 19     Confrontation between Carbonnet and Lionnois.

[178] 

Cotté 20     Confrontation between Carbonnet and Labbé.

Cotté 21     Confrontation between Carbonnet and Passe Partout.

Cotté 22     Confrontation between Carbonnet and de Fort.

Cotté 23      Assignation of witnesses.

Cotté 24     Confrontation between Samson and Langot.

Cotté 25     Confrontation. between Samson and Lionnois.

Cotté 26     Confrontation between Samson and. Labbé.

[179] 

Cotté 27     Confrontation between Samson and Passe Partout.

Cotté 28     Confrontation between Samson and de Fort.

Cotté 29     Confrontation between Samson and Carbonnet.

[180] 

Cotté 30     Request by le Vasseur for an assistant and the naming of de la Forest.

Signed De Fortoyzeau

Sentence passed on Jean Samson and Gilles Carbonnet, December 30, 1718

[192-193] Le Vasseur, de la Forest, and de Fortoyzeau find the accused guilty and sentence them accordingly. Details of sentence found on ff. 187-188. Signed by the three mentioned and Micoin. Given in "Chambre d'Audience."

"Interrogation Sur la Sellette de Jean Samson," 11 December 30, 1718

[181] Louis le Vasseur, "Lieutenant general de l'amirauté Ecrivain du Roy Commis d'office pour faire les fonctions de Lieutenant Criminal en ce Lieu," accompanied by Marc Antoine de la Forest "Ecrivain et procureur du Roy de lamirauté," and Louis de Fortoyzeau, "Ecrivain du Roy," "en la Chambre d'Audiance" demanded that Samson be brought by the "sergent de garde et deux mousquetaires" from prison "assir Sur la Sellette" and take an oath to speak and answer truthfully. Following which Samson was again interrogated.

Jean Samson 45 years old, "masson de son metier et trancheur," living in Perré's house, native of Plemouth, England, Roman Catholic.

Samson declared 

• that he did not take exception to any of the judges present; 

• that he did not know Jacques; 

• that he had hit Jacques, but he hadn't given him "des coups mortels;" 

• that they had chased Jacques because of the noise he had made at Perré's door; 

• that he had not seen Carbonnet hit Jacques because the former had left the house before him [183] with a "pelle a feu de fer," and he found them "l'un Sur lautre a Se Culbuter Sur la grave."

Signed by le Vasseur, Micoin, de la Forest and de Fortoyzeau

"Interrogation Sur la Sellette de Gilles Carbonnet," December 30, 1718

[184] Preliminary remarks the same as for interrogation of Samson.

Gilles Carbonnet, 20 years, "devant decoleur et a present Commis de [185] René Perré's" living at Perré's house, native "d'Avranche en basse normandie de la paroisse de St Genais fils d'Ollivier Carbonnett et de Gabrielle Beaumont ses pere et mere bourgois, et habitant du d. Lieu, "Roman Catholic.

Declared 

• that he did not take exception to any of the judges, 

• that he did not know Jacques but had seen him drinking "Sa part d'une bouteille de Vin chez rené Perré;" 

• that he knew a man had been beaten and mistreated on the evening of September 11 between 8 & 9 o'clock by Jean Samson, but he didn't know the victim was Jacques;

• that he did not hit Jacques though he was carrying a "pelle a feu"; 

• that they [186] had chased Jacques because of the noise he was making at Perré's door, and he took the "pelle a feu de fer" to stop him from breaking down the door;

• that while he was struggling with Jacques, Samson came and hit Jacques many times despite Carbonnet's cries for him to stop, Samson's last blow knocking Jacques to the stones and herbs.

Signed by Carbonnet, Micoin, de la Forest, le Vasseur & de Fortoyzeau.

Copie de la Sentence du Conseil superior - Contre Jean Samson anglois et Giles Carbonnet d'avranche accuses d'assassin." Jan. 23, 1719

[187] Jean Samson declared guilty of murdering Jean Jacques and condemned on December 30, 1718, 

• "a faire amande honnorable, a la porte de leglisse paroissaille de ce lieu, nud En chamisse, tenant En sa main un cierge de Cire ardant, Et La Estant nu teste Et agenoux, dire Et declarer a haute Et intelligle Voix que malheureussement Et mal avise Estant pris devain, il auvoit Battu le dt. jean jacque dont it En sergit mort, quil sen repant, En demande pardon a dieu, au Roy, Et a la justice," and to pay a fine of 15 livres applicable to the church for prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for the expenses of the trial. 

• Carbonnet [188] sentenced to assist in the "amande honnorable" and to pay a fine 15 livres. 

However, after the evidence and a report of Le Comte dagrain were considered, it was decided that the two had been sentenced too lightly. Accordingly, Samson was sentenced 

• to the galleys for 20 years and was also to make "amande honnorable nud En Chemisse Un anneau de forcat au pied, Et portant En ses Mains Un flambeau de Cire ardent a La porte de Leglisse paroissialle de Ce lieu, a celle du gouvernement Et a Lendroit ou lien Coups ont Esté donnés, y demander Estant agenoux a haute Et intelligible Voix pardon a dieu, au Roy Et a La justice." 

• He was to remain in prison until they could send him to France to serve his sentence and was to pay 

"cinquante Escu damande, appliquable a La [189] paroisse De Ce Lieu, En fondation dun service annuel, Le jour De La Mort Du dit jean jacques pour Le repos de son aine, Et aus depends du proces, qui seront pris sur tous Et chacuns Les Biens Et. Effets du dit jean samson, Et Gille Carbonnet, qui assistera a Lamande honnorab!e, pied, teste nue, Et mains Lies, Et qui sera pareillemant remis Dans Les prissons, jusqua cequil ait Esté Satisfait a Lamande imposée." 

Sentence given in the Council Chamber in Louisbourg. Original signed by Dangeac, de la Perelle, Rousseau de Souvigny, Bois Berthelot de Beaucours Soubras, and Comte Dagrain, St. Ovide de Brouillan. [Copie signed by Sebatien, greffier au Conseil, dated February 10, 1718]

Conclusions definite du procureur, n.d.

[190] After reviewing the evidence and findings of the case against Jean-Samson and Gilles Carbonnet, Duport requires for the King that Jean Samson be declared guilty of murdering the said Jacques 

"pour [191] reparation de quoy qu'il soit condamné a avoir la teste cassée en place, publique," et le d. "Gilles Carbonnet au. accusé conduit sur la d. place publique lié et garotté pour estre present a lExecution qui sera faite au d. Jean Samson, et en Consequence ordonné qu'il sera relaxé et mis hors des prisons après qu'il aura donne la somme de Cent livres pour le repose de l'aine du d. deffunt Jean Jacques, qui sera remis entre les mains des R P. de la Charité."

Signed by Duport.