XVI. Observations on the late continuance of the use of Torture in Great Britain. In a Letter from George Chalmers, Esq. F.R. and A.S.S. to John Topham, Esq.

Extract

I presumed to think, that whatever had a tendency to trace the modes of our government, or to mark the improvement of our freedom, would not be deemed by you altogether unworthy of your learned curiosity. And I was thus induced to communicate to you a copy of a warrant of the privy council, as late as 1620, for using torture on a person, who was suspected of treason; which, as a link connecting former practice with subsequent dissuetude, may be regarded as an instructive document.