36. “The Real Judge Lynch,” Atlantic Monthly (December 1901): 731-42. (The last page[s] of this article are missing.)


Biographical sketch of Charles Lynch. Lynch was a Revolutionary War soldier who exceeded his authority by inflicting summary punishment on Loyalists in Bedford County, Virginia, where he had been justice of the peace before the war. The term “lynch law” is said to have originated as a result of his indiscretion.