Commonwealth v. Peaslee

177 Mass. 267, 59 N.E. 55 (1901)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

D had constructed and arranged combustibles in the building in such a way that they were ready to be lighted, and if lighted would have set fire to the building and its contents. The plan called for a candle which was standing on a shelf six feet away to be placed on a piece of wood in a pan of turpentine and lighted. D offered to pay a young man in his employment if he would go to the building and carry out the plan. This was refused. D and the young man drove toward the building, but when within a quarter of a mile D said that he had changed his mind and drove away. This is as near as he ever came to accomplishing what he had in contemplation.