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The Daniel Sickles "insanity" case...
The Daniel Sickles "insanity" case...
Item # 586101
March 01, 1859
HARTFORD DAILY COURANT, Hartford, Connecticut, Feb. 29, 1859
* Daniel Edgar Sickles trial
* Philip Barton Key murder
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column taken up with: "Assassination of Phillip Barton Key, by Daniel E. Sickles of New York". This murder case created a national sensation because of the lurid details, as Sickles suspected Key (son of Francis Scott Key) of having an affair with his wife, and when caught pursuing her he shot him at point blank range shouting, "You must die! You must die!". Sickles' defense ultimately was that he could not be held responsible because he was driven insane by the knowledge his wife was sleeping with Phillip Key. This was the first use of the "insanity plea" for a murder case. Ultimately Sickles would be found not guilty.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Category: Pre-Civil War
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