from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
RES GESTA, evidence. The subject matter; thing done.
2. When it is necessary in the course of a cause to inquire into the
nature of a particular act, or the intention of the person who did the act,
proof of what the person said at the time of doing it, is admissible
evidence, as part of the res gesta, for the purpose of showing its true
character. On an indictment for a rape, for example, what the girl said so
recently after the fact as to exclude the possibility of practising on her,
has been held to be admissible evidence, as a part of the transaction. East,
P. C. 414; 2 Stark. Cas. 241; 1 Stark. Ev. 47; 1 Phil. Ev. 218: Bouv. Inst.
Index, h.t.