John the Painter
James Aitken | |
|---|---|
1777 engraving of James Aitken | |
| Born | 28 September 1752 |
| Died | 10 March 1777 (aged 24) |
| Cause of death | Hanging |
| Other names | John the Painter |
| Criminal status | Executed |
| Conviction | Arson in royal dockyards |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
James Aitken (28 September 1752 – 10 March 1777), also known as John the Painter, was a mercenary who committed acts of sabotage in Royal Navy dockyards in 1776 and 1777 during the American Revolutionary War. He was captured and executed in March 1777.