WRITTEN BY THE HONOURABLE SIGNOR GIACINTO ARCANGELI, PROCURATOR OF THE
POOR, TO MONSIGNORE FRANCESCO CENCINI, IN FLORENCE, IN WHICH HE TELLS
HIM THAT THE SENTENCE OF DEATH HAD BEEN EXECUTED IN ROME AGAINST THE
GUILTY ON FEBRUARY 22, 1698--THAT IS, THAT FRANCESCHINI HAD BEEN
BEHEADED, AND THE OTHER FOUR HANGED.
[LETTER I.]
To the illustrious Signor, my most worshipful Signor and Patron:
Too late have arrived those proofs, which were sent to me by your
Honour, on behalf of Signor Guido Franceschini of blessed memory. For
when the Congregation of Monsignor the Governor had determined, in
spite of the reasons given in his favour, that Signor Guido was guilty
under the death penalty, I obtained, with much trouble to myself, some
delay for proving his clergyship alleged by me. To this end a
messenger was dispatched to Arezzo. But since the Sanctity of Our Lord
[the Pope] did not deem it wise to postpone the execution of the
sentence already decreed, he has seen best by special writ to make
denial of any clerical privilege, which might have been claimed [in
Guido's favour], and also as regards the minority of Francesco di
Pasquini, one of the accomplices. Hence sentence against all five has
been executed to-day, with distinction only in the manner of their
death, as Guido's life was ended by decapitation. This consolation
survives for his relatives and friends, that he has been pitied by all
men of honour and by all good men. Confessing my own shortcomings, I
cannot deny feeling infinite regret, as I attribute the whole outcome
to my inability in offering the valid grounds. May God reward his
house and all his friends with abundant blessedness for this tragic
accident. Desiring your further commands, I reaffirm myself, as ever,
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
GIACINTO ARCANGELI.
ROME, _February 22, 1698_.
To the illustrious Signor, my most worshipful Signor and Patron,
Signor Advocate Francesco Cencini, Florence.