But they found the forcible marriage, and subsequent violence, was not proved; and also found, in alleviation of the panel's guilt in the premises, that Jean Key did afterwards acquiesce in her condition.

Eleven of the jury, using the names of other four who were absent, subscribed a letter to the Court, stating it was their purpose and desire, by such special verdict, to take the panel's case out of the class of capital crimes.
Learned informations (written arguments) on the import of the verdict, which must be allowed a very mild one in the circumstances, were laid before the High Court of Justiciary.

This point is very learnedly debated in these pleadings by Mr.Grant, Solicitor for the Crown, and the celebrated Mr.Lockhart, on the part of the prisoner; but James Mhor did not wait the event of the Court's decision.
He had been committed to the Castle of Edinburgh on some reports that an escape would be attempted.

Yet he contrived to achieve his liberty even from that fortress.

His daughter had the address to enter the prison, disguised as a cobbler, bringing home work, as she pretended.