A letter from Ann Stacy about a shameful event.

Ray,

Are you aware of the article about Robert and Margarett that appeared in
the Virginia Historical Quarterly many years ago? I read the article when I was in the DAR Library in Washington, DC and I believe the subject matter contained in it is the reason that the Jamestowne Society does not accept Robert as a legitimate ancestor.  The article related that Thomas Hayle, the servant in the Partin household, was charged with molesting young girls in the settlement of Jamestowne. He was tried, found guilty and executed.

Margarett was charged with being aware of his guilt and not reporting it to the authorities. For this she was flogged publicly. Avis, a child of six, was also charged
with an infraction and was publicly whipped at some other date not related to the guilt of Thomas Hayle. It was also said that Thomas Hayle was thought to be the brother of Margarett Hayle, hence her reluctance to turn him in. Although Virginia was not a Puritan Colony, not attending church was still punishable by death. Morals were very important to the colonists.

This incident must have tarnished the reputation of the Partins and one can only wonder how long it was remembered by the other settlers.....for many years I imagine.
As a descendant of Agnes Partin, daughter of Charles, Sr. I sent papers in
to the Jamestowne Society a few years ago and my application was denied supposedly because of a lack of proof of the connection between Robert, Jr. and Robert III. Also the lack of a name for the wife of Robert, Jr. 

Ann Stacy

Thank you Ann for this information!  Anymore details about this event or others would be greatly appreciated.