cornwall england newspaper


1841 NEWS ARTICLE

AUGUST



6 AUGUST 1841, Friday


PILCHARD FISHERY. Looe. The drift-boats have not been very successful here during the week, in consequence of the unsettled state of the weather.

Charlestown. Our seans were put out on Monday last, and the fishermen say that there are plenty of fine fish but in deep water. The drift-boats are doing very well; the fish are fine and fat. The seaners are in high spirits, and should the weather prove favourable, they will doubtless reap an abundant harvest.

St. Ives. Two boats have returned from the coast of Ireland, where they had been fishing for herring. The proceeds of their season had been but trivial. The reports, however, from those who have continued on the fishery are more favourable. At a meeting of Adventurers, it was unanimously agreed that the seaners shall not be put into pay before the 23rd of August next, unless the fish should make their appearance in the bay earlier than they have done for some years past.

IMPORTANT TO MARINERS. The Trinity steamer "Vestal," with a light-ship in tow, arrived at Penzance, on Monday last, from London. She sailed the same day for Scilly, where she will await a favourable opportunity to moor the light-ship near those dangerous rocks called the Seven Stones, a little to the north of the Islands.

THE CHURCH. The Rev. James Buller KITSON, has been instituted to the Vicarage of Pelynt, in this county, on the presentation of James Wentworth BULLER, Esq., of Downes, in the County of Devon.

THE CENSUS. The following is the population of the 19 parishes comprising the Bodmin Union, and of the four parishes, comprising the Fowey district of St. Austell Union: Borough of Bodmin, 6,316;(including, besides Bodmin, Helland, 300; Lanhydrock, 260, Lanivet, 1,143); St. Minver, 1,139, Endellion, 1,154; St. Kew, 1,429; Egloshayle, 1,356; St. Mabyn, 870; St. Tudy, 661; Blisland, 688; Temple, 277; Cardinham, 802; Withiel, 468; Luxulian, 1,512; Lanlivery, 1,808; Lostwithiel, 1,486; St. Winnow, 1,056; St. Sampsons, 311; Fowey, 1,631; Tywardreath, 3,152; St. Blazey, 3,229. The increase in Bodmin borough since the preceding census is 1,118. In Fowey, there has been a decrease of 133; and, in Lostwithiel, of 25.

The population within the limits of the borough of Truro is as follows: In St. Mary's parish, 3,043; Kenwyn, 4,204; St. Clement's, 2,787; total, 10,034. The population of the entire parish of Kenwyn, including the extra-parochial manor of Tregavethan, is 9,602; St. Clement's, 3,436; St. Allen, 652; St. Erme, 552.

REFORMERS, LOOK TO THE REGISTRIES. The Lists of Voters should have been placed by the overseers upon the church doors on Sunday last, and be again placed there on next Sunday. The lists can also be referred to at the houses of the overseers. Let these lists be carefully examined. Give a written notice of objections to names unduly entered thereupon to the overseers, and to the parties open to objection. The notice of these objections must be given on or before the 25th inst., by a person who is himself an elector. Give written notice also to the overseers if you have a claim to the franchise, and your name be not inserted, and correctly inserted, on the list. One day's vigilance now may prove of more consequence than a week's effort in the time of election, when a neglect of the registries may place the Reform interests in an irredeemable position. This is the time to recruit, and if the recruiting be neglected, it is vain to expect an efficient army in the day of battle. Look therefore to the Registration Lists.

TRURO TORY DINNER. On Monday last, John Ennis YIVIAN, Esq., the Tory Member for Truro, gave his friends and supporters a dinner at Farquharson's Red Lion Hotel, at which nearly 400 persons, not half of whom were electors, sat down. Our Reporter, not having been honoured with an invitation, was, of course, not present; but we understand the "wine-warmed" orators were more than usually pot-valiant on the subject of battles which they mean to fight and win. There were several disgusting incidents in the room, we are told, arising from the excesses of some of the guests, who were led home at an early hour, and the streets in the evening gave strong evidence of the potency of the worthy host's wines, and the anti-teetotal propensities of hisfriends. Mr. Ennis VIVIAN, we fancy, finds less difficulty in obtaining guests at his dinner table than he will find in obtaining votes in the event of another election.

ESCAPE OF A PRISONER FROM PLYMOUTH GAOL. On Sunday morning se'nnight, at 7 o'clock, a prisoner of the name of RANDALL, who was tried and sentenced to be transported for fourteen years, at the late sessions, for stealing a check value #40 from a captain of a vessel, (an offence which he committed but a few days after his discharge from the convict-ship at the dock-yard,) made his escape from the Guildhall prison. It appears that it is the morning duty of Mr. COOK, the Town Sergeant, to remove the prisoners from the night to the day cells, and he was in the act of doing this, in reference to Randall and MARTIN, (another prisoner transported for seven years) when a brutal assault was committed on him. He had unlocked the cell, and the two prisoners had passed into the passage adjoining, when Randall struck Cook a violent blow to the head, and immediately placed both his hands over his mouth, declaring with violent oaths that if he (Cook) made a noise, he would "do for him"; and that if he would be quiet, he "would not hurt a hair on his head." The two prisoners then took Cook into the cell, and Martin held him whilst Randall tied his legs with a rope, and they ultimately laid him on the bed with his face downward, and confined his hands, with two neckerchiefs, to the bedstead. Randall then proceeded to rob Cock. He took from his person his trowsers, silver and gold amounting to about #3, a watch, a pair of silver spectacles, and his hat. Randall, having equipped himself with the trowsers and hat, the former of which, it seems, he had some difficulty to get on over his own, made his escape leaving Cook and Martin securely locked in. Cook, on his recovery from an almost fainting state, gave an alarm, but it was too late, Randall having gained the street, and effected his escape. Advertisements were issued for his apprehension, and the police force were zealously on the look out, but no tidings of him reached the police-office until Tuesday when a man called a the Guildhall, and stated that from the description given of Randall he had no doubt but he had seen him and drunk with him on Monday at Liskeard. Inspector WILSON proceeded to Liskeard, and having seen the Mayor of that place on the subject, went to the Globe Inn, where he went upstairs to an attic, and on looking towards a bed he saw the feet of a man protruding from under the feather bed. He threw himself immediately on the bed, and before Randall had power to rise he was hand-cuffed and secured, and was on Tuesday brought from Liskeard, heavily ironed, and placed in his old lodgings. On his person was found a purse containing 17s., a pair of spectacles, a razor, a pair of trowsers, and a hat; and under the bed on which he was lying, a watch, all of which is the property of Mr. Cook. He made no resistance on his apprehension, and only said that he was "bowled out." Cook, we are glad to state, is sufficiently recovered to be enabled to resume his duty; he is an excellent officer and treats the prisoners under his charge with great kindness.

TRURO POLICE. On Friday last, William PEARCE, of Truro, was charged by W. H. Vice, Esq., with unlawfully firing a gun against his house, breaking a window and otherwise damaging the wall. The defendant was fined 5s. with costs, and in default of payment was committed to the house of correction for one month. On Monday last, William MITCHELL, of Truro, was charged with drunken and disorderly conduct, and fined with costs. The same day William BREWER GILBERT was charged with assaulting policeman HARE, and also with attempting to rescue a prisoner. Fined 10s. with costs.


13 AUGUST 1841, Friday


THE ROYAL CORNWALL SAILING and ROWING REGATTA. [without ALL the results, which are boring jm] This regatta, generally known as the Falmouth Regatta, commenced on Wednesday last, in the noble harbour of Falmouth. The number of boats entered to participate in the sports was by no means equal to those entered in former years. This arose in part from different circumstances of an untoward nature, but the weather was its chief cause, as its severity prevented many boats from coming from the eastern part of the county, the proprietors of which wished to be present at the Cowes Regatta, which takes place on Tuesday next.

The "Astrea" was, as usual, the rendeavous and the starting point of all the boats that took part in the contests of the day. It was also open to the public, and the committee acted with that discretion and zeal for with they have ever been deserving of praise; but the able master-mind of Captain PLUMRIDGE, as well as his disinterested and valuable services, was evidently wanting to give that character and iclat to the proceeding which on all former occasions they possessed in a pre-eminent degree. Capt. Plumridge, however, was not there, his office having passed into the hands of Captain ELLICE - a gentleman in every way, as it would appear, calculated to support the character for generosity and urbanity established by Capt. Plumridge and almost universally supported by the gallant and honorable profession to which they both belong. Owing, however, to the fact that Capt. Ellice had been down only two or three days, that gentleman took little part in the proceedings.... The number of persons on board the "Astrea" was much smaller than on former occasions. This was owing to the equally and uncertain state of the weather, the wind continuing high nearly all the day, and to the meeting of the philosophers at the polytechnic hall, who preferred pursuing the even tenor of their way rather than postponing their business to participate in the pleasure of Neptune's frolics and his blithesome games. Having premised thus much, we proceed to give the details of the several races.

First Class Yachts - above 30 tons First - Victoria, of Cork, owner D. O'Connor, Esq.

Second - Union, of Cardigan, owner O. Lloyd, Esq. Gave in - Prince Albert, of Falmouth, owner J. Cornish, Esq.

Second Class Yacht - above 16 tons The "Champion" was the only vessel of this class entered, and there was consequently no race. The "Champion" offered to run against the first class yachts, but the offer was refused. This boat won a prize in the Thames of one hundred guineas, and also the first prize at the recent regatta at Portsmouth. She is a most beautiful boat, and is justly entitled to be termed the Champion of the Kingdom....[the owners of the larger ships were taken to task for not racing the smaller "Champion", and it was implied the owners were afraid they'd lose.]

HOUSE BREAKING. In the afternoon of Thursday the 5th instant, a farm house, about half-a-mile from Boscastle, in the absence of all the family at the fair, was broken into and plundered of a leg of mutton dressed, and some few articles of wearing apparel. The drawers and boxes had been examined in pursuit of cash, which the farmer, Mr. P. SYMONS, fortunately had with him to some amount, preparing for his rent. It appeared as though the plunderers had enjoyed themselves, for besides the leg of mutton already spoken of, an apple pasty with cream was gone, while part of a bottle of gin had been consumed to wash down the viands.

CAUTION. We beg to caution our readers against being imposed on by two men who are now traveling through this county soliciting subscriptions for the families of some men who they allege were killed in a colliery by an explosion of fire damp, in the neighbourhood of Dudley. Inquiries have been instituted, by which it has been ascertained that their story is a fabricated one; and we therefore hope that they will shortly be dealt with as they deserve.

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. The following are the stations of the preachers for this county, as appointed at the conference just held at Manchester: Redruth, John HOBSON and William APPLEBY; Camborne, John BOYD and T. WITHINGTON; Tuckingmill, J. AKERMAN and G. MILLSON; Falmouth, J. MOWAT and J. G. WILSON; Truro, John HALL and H. W. WILLIAMS; Perranwell, John ROBINSON; Gwennap, S. TIMMS; St. Agnes, J. FLETCHER and J. HANSON; St. Austell, R. MOODY, J. GREGORY, and W. BAKER, jun.; St. Mawes, Charles WILLIAMS; Bodmin, J. CULLEN and H. BOTTERELL; St. Columb, T. WOOD, 1st., and J. DAWSON; Penzance, W. BURT and W. TARR; St. Just, T. JEWELL and S. W. CHRISTOPHERS; St. Ives, Jonathan TURNER and John ALLEN; Scilly Isles, Peter PARSONS; Helston, R. WILLIAMS, E. J. STURGES, and T. ROBINSON, 2nd; Marazion, Elias TOMAS and C. RIDLER; Lunceston, J. HOLLIS and H. GROVES; Kilkhampton, T. PAYNE and R. PARGITUR; Liskeard, W. WORTH and W. QUICK; Saltash, O. HENWOOD and B. ELVINS.

INDIAN APPOINTMENT. We observe from the Madras papers that Wm. LIDDELL, Esq., of Bodmin, has recently had his appointment to the coronership of Madras confirmed. This situation, we are happy to hear, is both a highly honourable and lucrative one.

NARROW ESCAPE. On Wednesday evening, the 4th inst., at Pendennis, a soldier of the 24th regiment, named REED, whilst incautiously playing with a large black adder, and endeavouring to take him from a hole in which he had been secreted, was bitten by the reptile in the wrist. The arm became suddenly inflamed and swollen to a terrific degree, and the venomous effects of the poison on the constitution generally led to serious apprehension for the man's life. Mr. CORNISH, the surgeon of the garrison, was in prompt attendance, and we understand that Reed is likely to do well.

MINE ACCIDENTS. On Tuesday, the 3rd instant, as a young man, named John PENALUNA, was at work in Wheal Boswedden mine, a large scale of ground fell on him, and buried him, until the men went to grass and fetched a hand-screw to remove a large rock, which was on him. The man, however, did not receive so much injury as was expected, and is at present in a fair way of recovery.

On Thursday, the 5th instant, a slight accident occurred at the Royal Polberon Consols mines, by the falling of a large rock from the back of a pitch, in which two men, HOLMAN and ROWE, were working at the time. The first received a severe cut on the head and across the back of his hand, and the second was struck on the back part of the body. Both of them, we learn, are doing well.

CORNWALL ASSIZES. The sentence of Elizabeth MITCHELL, which we did not receive until our fourth page had been worked off, is Eight Months' Hard Labour. Matthew STANAWAY, for stealing furze, was found guilty, and sentenced to Three Months' Hard Labour. No bill was found against William TREVARTHEN; and against Hughy HICKS there was no prosecution.

FALMOUTH POLICE. On Wednesday, the 4th inst., Edward TOMS, master of the brig "Martha Jane", of St. Ives, voluntarily came before S. BLIGHT, Esq., Mayor, and J. CORNISH, Esq., magistrate, and made the following statement: - "On the 4th of June last, whilst lying at the island of Stanza loading a cargo of oil, Mr. Thomas WHITE, a passenger, and myself, loaded two fowling pieces to fire at some fowl that were passing. I fired off my musket, but Mr. White, in the act of taking aim, slipped his foot and fell on the deck; the musket struck the deck, went off, and lodged its contents in the foot of Thomas GILES, a seaman, of which wound he died 21 days after." This statement was corroborated by Wm. JASPER, a seaman.

ST. IVES ELECTION. At the Assizes, three bills of indictment were preferred on the part of Mr. PRAED, against Robert QUICK, __ STEVENS, and John MAY, for falsely answering at the late election the third question authorized by the Reform Act to be put to voters. A true bill was found against Quick, and both the others were thrown out. Three bills were also preferred on the part of Mr. LEY, against Francis JOHN, James PRAED, and William VEALE. True bills were found against John and Praed, and the other was thrown out.

THE CENSUS. The population of Roseland is as follows: St. Just, 1, 488; St. Anthony, 114; Philleigh 456; Ruan Lanyhorne, 444; Gerrans, 816; Veryan, 1,569. Total, 4,887. The following are the ages of the oldest persons of both sexes in these parishes: Oldest Man - Oldest Woman St. Just...............................85 ..........................92 St. Anthony............................78 ..........................90 Philleigh..............................84 ..........................80 Ruan Lanyhorne .,......................77 .........................76 Gerrans ...............................89 ..........................95 Veryan ................................89 ..........................90

CORNWALL SUMMER ASSIZES PART 1. Trials of the Prisoners.

Thomas HARRIS was indicted for having stolen in the parish of St. Agnes, one silver watch, the property of W. HARRIS. Mr. Merivale appeared for the prosecution. W. Harris, I missed my watch from my house on the morning of the 6th of July; it was in my house; the door was not locked. Sampson ROBERTS, As the prisoner was in the habit of sleeping out of his father's house I thought it likely he might have the watch. I found him in an uninhabited house, and upon telling him with what he was charged, he took out the watch and gave it to me. The Learned Judge having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of Guilty, and he was sentenced to six months' hard labour., Mr. Justice MEADE telling him that if he came before the Court he might be transported for life, which meant that he would be sent to the end of the earth to work in a state of slavery.

James ANDREW was indicted for stealing five ducks, the property of Henry MARTIN, at Stythians. H. MARTIN, I am a miner. On the 14th of July, I had an old duck and seven young ones. In the evening I discovered that five ducks were missing. Cross-examined: The ducks had been in their watering place. Michael MARTIN, I am a farmer, living about three quarters of a mile from the last witness. The prisoner came to my house on the 14th of July; he had a basket with him; he asked me if I would buy some ducks. I asked him how he sold them; he said 9d. each; I told him to turn them out of the basket that I might see them, and offered him 3s.6d. for them; he said I should have them. I asked him whether they were young; he said they were and that he had reared them. Henry MARTIN, I know these ducks; I know them as well as one of my children. Cross-examined: I'll venture to say that if you searched the parishes through, you would not find five ducks that agreed as well. By the Judge, do you mean that they agreed like brothers and sisters, or perhaps friends. Witness, yes, my Lord. The prisoner was found Guilty, and sentenced to Four Months' imprisonment with hard labour.

HENRY COLLINGS was indicted for breaking into the dwelling house of K. L. HAWKEN in the parish of Egloshayle, on the 10th of July, and stealing therefrom several pieces of meat. Mr. Ball conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr. Meriwether defended the prisoner. From the evidence it appeared that the house of the prosecutor was broken open on the 10th of July, and several pieces of meat were missing. The prisoner's house was searched, and some of the meat was found between the ticking of the bed, and some up the chimney. The meat so found was identified by the servant of the prosecutor, as being that which was stolen from his premises. The jury found the prisoner Guilty. The same prisoner was then indicted for stealing two child's bedgowns, the property of John COLLINS. It appeared that John Collins lived at Wadebridge. One of his windows was over the ground, at a height that a tall man might get in. On the 18th of June, this window was broken, and several articles of wearing apparel were missing. On search being made for the meat, for stealing which he had been convicted, the articles in question were found. Mr. Meriwether, in addressing the jury for the prisoner, said that the man evidently wanted beef and pork, but he had never yet heard of a man wanting baby linen; and therefore he urged that the wife of the prisoner might have pro[cur]ed those articles, and not the prisoner himself. The Learned Judge having summed up, the jury found the prisoner guilty. He was sentenced to ten years' transportation.

ELIZABETH LEY was indicted for stealing a purse, a sovereign, and other monies, the property of Benjamin TONKIN, of Truro. Benjamin TONKIN, I am a shoemaker. On the 2nd of July I was at Truro, and met with the prisoner about ten in the evening, after I had been at the Sessions as a juryman. I asked her if I was in the right way for the Seven Stars, where I wanted a lodging. She said she could put me to a lodging at a private house. I said that would do, and she said "then come with me". I went with her, and she said "come in here and you shall see your bed." When I saw it, I said I should not stay there, and I saw there were people in the bed. She said I should pay her for her trouble in bringing me there, and that I should not go until I had given her something. I said I should not, and she called another woman and said "turn out your money and send for some drink." I then took out my purse. I knew I had sixpence, but was afraid to give that lest I should be taken up for passing bad coin. I gave the woman 1s. to get some drink. I then thought to get away, but she pushed me backwards on a form and sat on my knee. I told her I would not stop there. She jumped up and ran down stairs like lightning. I then found my purse gone, it contained a sovereign, and 16s or 15s in silver. I lost sight of the prisoner, and I spoke to a policeman. I saw the prisoner the same evening at another, I said to her "you are the person who robbed me," and I gave her in charge of the policeman. She said she had only taken 7s from me. The policeman asked her for the money, and she gave him her pocket and said "that's all I've got." A girl of the name of O gave me 4s., and the bad 6d. which Elizabeth LEY said she had given to her. She told the policeman where she had thrown the purse, and he went and found it. The prisoner denied what the prosecutor had stated, and said, "the man that will take a false oath before me, so help me God, I'll pull his eyes out." Policeman, No. 9, I went with the prosecutor to the house after Ley. The Learned Judge summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of Guilty, and she was sentenced to Eight month's imprisonment.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6

Elizabeth BELL, 16, was charged with having stolen a skirt, the property of Edward GROSE, of Kenwyn. Mary Ann Grose stated that on or about the 10th of July, she lost a skirt. ROWE, the constable, produced a skirt which he found upon the prisoner on the 22nd of July. There was some doubt about the identity of the skirt, and the prisoner said she had begged it at the shop of Mr. THOMPSON, draper, of Truro. NOT GUILTY.

Jane LIBBY, 19, was indicted for stealing a pocket and a soverign, the property of Hannah ALGAR. [The prisoner was employed by Susannah Algar, daughter-in-law of the prosecutrix. The money had been placed in a small box, and was put into the pocket. The prisoner left her work abruptly, and May, the constable of Pelynt, found a pocket in her possession, but the box and the money were not inside. The jury found her Guilty of Stealing a Pocket. Three months' hard labour.

Richard KNIGHT, 27, was charged with having stolen a sovereign, the property of William JAMES of Liskeard. [The landlady next door gave a sovereign and a bill to Elizabeth James, wife of William. Elizabeth went to pay the doctor's bill, about nine o'clock in the evening. No one was there and the door was barred. Elizabeth returned to her house, and put the money and bill into a box in her kitchen. The next day, the prisoner visited, and was left alone in the kitchen. Shortly afterward, when Elizabeth went to get the money, she found it missing.] John DAW, [constable of Liskeard. He was sent for by the last witness; in consequence, he went to the prisoner's house, and took him in custody. ] When I took him, I charged him with having stolen the sovereign from the house of Mrs. James, which he denied. He said the money he had got in his pocket was his own, and that he had worked hard for it. I searched his pockets, and found 19s6d. in silver and 3d in pence. We proceeded to Liskeard, and I asked him whether he had changed a sovereign that day; he said he had not. I then said "you had very little money when you left Torpoint on the Wednesday evening." He said, "yes, I had a sovereign" and I asked him where he changed it, and said at Craft Hall, that is about six miles from Torpoint. I then said "you must have lived very frugal on three pence in coming from Torpoint from Wednesday." [?] until Friday night. [?] The next day I found a [?..] in his pocket which I ascertained had been bought at a public house about a mile from the prosecutor's. I told him that I had found where he had changed a sovereign yesterday. He said "Where", I said, at Mrs. Roberts's public house; and he then said "It is no good for me to deny it any longer. I did do it." The son of the last witness was present, and the prisoner desired him to go to Mrs. James and fetch her and ask her to make it up. The prisoner was afterward-taken to the mayor. The prosecutrix and the witness Daw gave the prisoner a good character; six other respectable persons gave the prisoner an excellent character, speaking to a knowledge of him during a period of 25 years. The jury found him GUILTY, but recommended him to mercy, and the Court sentenced him to Three months' hard labour.

POST OFFICE ROBBERY. JOHN ROBERTS, 21, was indicted for having stolen a letter from the Falmouth Packet office. Mr. ERLE and Mr. POULDEN appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. COCKBURN defended the prisoner. Mr. Poulden, in the absence of Mr. Erle, who was engaged in the other Court, stated the facts of the case, as they will be found detailed in evidence, and then called James SHERER, I am a clerk in the Edinburgh post-office. There is a post-mark on the letter now produced; it is the Edinburgh mark of the 29th of May last. That shows that it was put into the Edinburgh post office on the 29th of May. It is addressed to Kingston, Jamaica. It would go in the Falmouth bag, which is put in the bag sent to Exeter, and would go direct to Falmouth. I made up the bag that evening. I enclosed all the letters and dispatched the bag. In regular course that letter would go in the bag. Examined by Mr. Cockburn, The stamper puts the mark upon it and then gives it to me. If the letter was delayed, it would be stamped again. I cannot speak to having put that particular letter into the bag. Alfred HENRY BUCKET examined: I am a clerk at the packet office, Falmouth. [he described how the letter was routed from Edinburgh to Carlisle, then to Bristol, Exeter, and Falmouth in the same bag. Joseph PASCOE, messenger of the packet office, gave witness 2 letters on the 11th of June. He in turn contacted Mr. GAY, the packet agent. The letters were from the June 1 bag. The prisoner said he knew nothing; he was the junior clerk at the post office.] I saw him again on the 16th of June, between five and six in the evening; he came to my house and threw gravel at the bed-room window and desired me to come down. I came down, and he then said Mrs. ROBERTS had taken letters from the post office. PASCOE had handed me two letters which I showed the prisoner. I said it was impossible that Mrs. Roberts could have taken them. I said I would come down to the office, and he said he intended to report it to the agent. I said I would dress myself and come and see Mrs. Roberts. I did so, and came downstairs, but they were both gone. I afterwards saw the prisoner and Mrs. Roberts in one of the upstairs offices. I said then I entered, "Well, Roberts, I am sorry for you." "Yes," he said, "it was me alone that committed the act." I then said to Mrs. Roberts I was glad she had nothing to do with it, and she said that she never saw either of the letters at all. That letter would have arrived on the 1st of June. We were all on duty. It would have come to prisoner, and, after sorting it, would have been dispatched on the 2nd of June. We were engaged in that duty till one o'clock in the day. After the letters were sorted on the 1st of June, the prisoner gave me a watch-guard, and asked me if I would take it to Penryn and show it to Miss LAVIN. I took it from him and returned it the next day, because Miss Lavin could not see it. He wished me to keep it and show it to her. I did, and returned it on the following day. I have not seen the guard since. Cross-examined: The letters are brought to the packet office by one of the messengers. They are first sorted at the post office, and then sent in a sealed bag to the packet office where they are sorted again. Mr. NASH was not present when Roberts confessed. Mrs. Roberts was in a state of great distress at the time. He gave me the watch chain about four o'clock. Miss Lavin is a draper in Penryn, and a friend of mine. It was a very nice guard.Re-examined: All the letters that are from cross-posts come to the post-office, but all letters from London come direct to the packet-office.John PASCOE examined: I am a messenger at the packet-office. About four or five o'clock on the 10th of June I was clearing away the rubbish under the cellar stairs when I found two letters rolled up in separate papers. I sleep in the office. [Locked the letters in the office, and gave them to Mr. Buckett the next day. The envelopes had been opened on the end, and the seals were broken.] George John NASH, I am a clerk in the packet office. On the morning of the 16th of June I was disturbed. I lodged in the same house as the prisoner. I came down, and the prisoner beckoned me into the parlour. He said it was a bad job, and I am sorry to say Mrs. Roberts is the guilty party. This was in the parlour. I heard Mrs. Roberts sobbing, and she then said she was the guilty party. She said that she went down to the packet-office to see the office, and that when the prisoner went upstairs, she took the letters. The prisoner said "why did you go down into the cellar at all?" During the conversation, she had a small packet in her hand, and she said "this is what I took out of one of the letters, and 2s. out of the other." [She also said there was a watch-chain and guard.]I have got and now produce what she gave me. I said you must consider yourself in my custody, and you must go with me to the agent's office. We went there, and I went up stairs into the office, where the prisoner and his wife had some conversation. Roberts then came to me and said his wife wished to leave the room for a few minutes. I gave my consent, and Robert then said "It was I who took the letters, and my wife is perfectly innocent." The wife immediately returned, and he, in her presence, said this two or three times. I then said "what could have induced you, Mrs. Roberts, to say what you did?" She said "I hoped by my confessing they would not deal so harshly with me as they would with John, but I could not bear the idea of taking a false oath." I was afterwards relieved by Buckett. Kitty Simmons DUNSTAN testified, [she repeated the same testimony re handling of letters.] Richard DUNSTAN, [It was his duty to make up the bag for the foreign office. Could not say whether those 2 letters had been there.] Mr. BALL, [Assists at the post office. Had made up the bag with Richard Dunstan. Could not say if the 2 letters had been there.] Mr. BUCKETT recalled, [identified the watch guard as the one he had received from the prisoner.] Mr. NASH recalled, [Mrs. Roberts did not say how she came to go to the post office.]

Mr. POULDEN proposed to read portions of the letter referring to a watch-guard, but Mr. Cockburn objected because the letter was not found in possession of the prisoner. The Court ruled the objection to be a valid one. Mr. Cockburn then urged several objections to the indictment, contending the prisoner was not properly named when described as a post-office servant, but all the objections were overruled. The learned Counsel then addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner in an able and eloquent speech, in which he forcibly urged the improbability of the prisoner having stolen the letters in question from the fact of their having been thrown under the cellar stairs, where he must have known that they were likely to be discovered. He also remarked and that circumstances upon the probability that there was in truth of the prisoner's wife's confession, for the act of robbery betrayed more loss of caution than a man in the prisoner's situation would have evidenced if he had been guilty of the crime imputed to him. The learned gentleman's defense was exceedingly ingenious, and the jury, after the summing up of the Judge, found the prisoner Not Guilty.

The same prisoner was again indicted for having stolen another letter from the post-office, containing two shillings. The Counsel for the prosecution stated that in this case the facts that he would have to offer would be similar to those proved in the last, and therefore he should not submit any evidence on the charge. The prisoner was then Acquitted.

Elizabeth MITCHELL, 28, was charged with having broken and entered the dwelling-house of Anthony MITCHELL, of Crantock, and stolen therefrom sixteen sovereigns, two half-crowns, eight shillings, nine six-penny pieces, and two four-penny pieces belonging to Michell. [spelling varied, the T was left off, and added, at random it seems. Testimony has been paraphrased, as it was quite lengthy. jm]

Elizabeth Mitchell, examined by Mr. Hedges, [I am the wife of the prosecutor. The 13th of July last, I left the house between 7 and 8 o'clock, locking the front-door and leaving the key inside. I left by the back door, putting the key in my pocket. At ten, I returned, and found the house had been entered; a pane in the kitchen window was broken. The box in the bedroom had been broken open, and the money inside was gone. The prisoner had worked for us and lived in the house; she left the last harvest. She afterwards worked in our house occasionally. The prisoner lives about three parts of a mile from us, with her father and mother. Cross-examined: I have seen the prisoner put the lock back with her finger when she was in the house. The window was open when I returned, so that a person could put in their arm and get through.A... COWLING, [I live in Newlyn near the prisoner's house. On Tuesday evening, the 13th of July I met the prisoner on the high road, between eight and nine o'clock,] near the last field next to the prosecutor's farm. She said she was going for her brother's trowsers to mend. I said you had better go back because it is late, and she said she could not. Cross-examined: She said she was going to Trewarren where her brother lived.Anthony MITCHELL examined: Was a farmer at Crantock; remembers the 13th of July; had money in a box; opened it at one o'clock in the day and took out two GBP5 bills; left about GBP 35 in loose money at the bottom of the boxes. There was about GBP 30 in gold and GBP 6 in silver. There was one half crown that he would swear to, it was marked. Had seen it since the prisoner was committed. Had locked the box, and taken the key with him. Cross-examined: When the prisoner was taken up I said nothing about the marked half-crown, not till some time afterwards; there was another person's house searched. I told the constable ROWE of the marked money. The name of ATKINSON was on the half-crown. Joseph WILLIAMS examined: I am constable at Crantock; searched further and found some gold and silver in a purse on the top of the tester of a bed I turned the money out downstairs, and took particular notice of it, there was GBP 16.18s.2d. altogether. I put the purse in my pocket; I have it now. I gave the purse up to the magistrate. Edward MITCHELL, son of the prosecutor stated that he was with the constable and corroborated his evidence. Rev. Edward DIX examined, Am a magistrate; when the constable brought the prisoner to me he delivered me the money which I gave again to him when the prisoner was committed. WILLIAMS produced the purse and money, which he found on the tester of the bed. The prosecutor looked at his money and claimed the half-crown which he said was marked "Atkinson." That half crown he received on the 5th from Tywarnhayle manor-meeting. Jane MAY stated that she had seen the purse in the prisoner's possession many times, and believe it to be hers. Cross-examined: Never told any person what she was coming here to prove. Mr. ROWE then addressed the Jury for the prisoner, after which the Judge summed up, and the jury found the prisoner Guilty. Sentence deferred.

JAMES OPIE, indicted for committing an unnatural offence in the parish of Gwennap, was acquitted, on the ground of insanity.

Thomas WEBB was found guilty of having feloniously assaulted Elizabeth BARTLE, with intent &c., and was sentenced to Twelve months' imprisonment and hard labour.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

Joseph SMITHAM was indicted for having forcibly violated the person of Jane KARKEET, of the parish of Camborne; and Benjamin KNIGHT, Henry EVA, John GLANVILLE, John WATERS RICHARDS, and Thomas HOSKING were indicted for having aided and abetted him in committing the offense. Mr. Moody and Mr. Merivale conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr. Cockburn defended all the prisoners except Richards, who was undefended.

Jane KARKEET, on being sworn, said, I am 38 years of age. On the 29th of June, I went to Camborne fair, in company with a young woman; my sister and her husband had gone in the morning. I live six miles below Penzance. We went to see the fair. We had a cup of coffee in a coffee-house; and I bought a fairing for my sister's children. While we were buying the fairing, about eleven o'clock at night, two young men came and took the young woman and myself away, and before we had a chance of making an alarm, they put their hands over our mouths. They took us into a field, where there were between twenty and thirty men. The young men who had brought me then left me to the mercy of these men. It was so dark that I could not see their faces. I was making an alarm, but they put their hand on my mouth, so I could not scream. They then dragged me into a dark lane, and over some heaps of rubbish and stones. They then took me to an old shaft of a mine, and lifted me into another field. In this field, according to the testimony of the woman, a number of the ruffians committed the offense with which they were charged. The witness went on to say they then dragged me into a lane. A man came up and said he knew me and that he would take me to the house where I had had the coffee; and he did take me there. I enquired for my brother-in-law and sister; they told me they were gone, and I said I did not know what I should do, when a man who was there said he was going to Penzance, and he would take me and see me safe. I went away with him. When we had proceeded about a quarter of a mile, about 50 men overtook us. They came up to me; I said you had better leave me alone; they laid hold of me, and kept the other man away from me; they dragged me till I came to a gate; they opened the gate, and dragged me into a field, and nearly buried my head in a hay cock. Here, the witness said, the capital offence was again repeatedly committed, accompanied by acts of great cruelty and violence; and afterwards in an old cart-house into which the fiends dragged her, she was almost murdered. The witness went on to say, It had now got light, and I could see all the prisoners; all of them ill-used me except Hosking. I was now so much exhausted that I could only just moan, and I could not have lived half an hour longer, when my brother-in-law came. He begged them to let me go, but they would not. I said for the Lord's sake let me give one breath, and if there is one more civil than the other, for the Lord's sake let him help me; but no one would. My brother-in-law went away and brought assistance, but I cannot recollect any more. The witness stated it was her belief that fifty men had violated her person. Cross-examined: I had come to the fair on the coach between three and four in the Afternoon. I went for the purpose of seeing the fair. I was taken unwell in the afternoon, and went to the coffee-house to sit down. I went out in the evening for some time. I did not walk with young men, nor did I go there for that purpose. When I got back to the coffee-house, I told the people there that I had been ill-used by men, but I did not tell them in what manner. I intended to have gone home with my sister in her husband's cart. (The witness here said to Mr. Cockburn "I did not come here to be bothered by you, and if you think I am a fool you are mistaken.") I do not recollect a man coming into one of the fields, and ordering us out. I don't know that I pitched upon Mr. GURNEY, the surgeon, as being one of the men. I don't know who I pitched upon, but I pitched upon the right one, and Glanville is the first man I pitched upon. I swear that I pitched upon him. I did not pitch upon two other persons first. I fixed upon Glanville, and no other instead. Re-Examined: I have never been able to work since. Thoma ROE, I married the sister of the last witness. I had a swing [..] in the fair. I shut up about half-past eleven, and put my swing on my cart. I left Camborne about half-past three in the morning. On my way home, I saw a crowd of men round a woman in a field. I saw the woman making motions to me, and I then discovered it was my sister-in-law. I went to the field, and saw four men holding her down, and a fifth violating her person. She said, "Oh my dear Tom, do come to me, I'm almost dead." I said "My dear men, don't murder her, she is my sister-in-law; do deliver her up to me." They answered with an oath that if I put one foot before the other they would murder me on the spot. I turned to go back, and they pelted me with stones. I went to get assistance, and returned to the field; they had then got her to the top of the field, but her cap and bonnet were off, her hair hanging on her shoulders, and her dress deranged in a way which showed the violence with which she had been treated. She could hardly speak; she was just alive, and that was all. All the prisoners were there. (Witness stated how they were [mat]ing, which left no doubt of their guilt, and that of others not in custody.) I took most particular notice of the men that I might know them again. I said to SMITHAM I shall know you again my man. Glanville then took his coat off and struck me in the mouth. We put the woman in the cart; she could not walk without my holding her. Cross-examined: There were three or four dozen men standing round the woman when I first got up. I was so much angered that if I had had any weapon I should have used it; if I had had a gun I should have blown their brains out. Mary ROE, I am the wife of the last witness, and was in the cart with him when we saw the people in the field. After my husband had procured assistance, I went to the field and saw my sister there. She said "Oh, take them from me, Mary, I'm almost murdered." It made me very ill. My sister had fits for a week, and was very ill, and was attended by a medical man. Thomas WILLIAMS, I live at Camborne. On the morning after the fair day, I heard a noise of screams and murder proceeding from a woman. I looked out of the window and saw about 40 to 50 men were forcing a woman through the village. I fancied, from the pace they were going, that I could not overtake them, and, therefore, I went to bed again. I heard the screams repeated. I got up and saw the people in a field. I put part of my clothes on, and went towards the field, but I got timid; I thought they would injure me, and therefore, returned to bed again. John TRESILLIAN, I was going along the road that morning about four o'clock. I heard something, and went into the field. Smitham threw the woman to the ground. He made use of language which is unfit for publication, but which showed his guilty intention. The woman who was there seemed to be almost exhausted. KNIGHT was sitting with the woman's bonnet on his head, and her shawl round his neck.Many persons testified that they had seen what the other witnesses had stated. Ann KARKEET, I am sister-in-law to the prosecutrix. She came to my house in the evening of the day after the fair. She was very ill. She awoke in the night, and whenever she dropped asleep, she would cry murder and be much alarmed. She slept with me that night.

This was the case of the prosecution. Mr. Cockburn then addressed the jury in behalf of five of the prisoners in a most able and ingenious speech, urging upon them the improbabilities of the case, and contending that it was impossible when the woman was in the exhausted state she had described that she would have taken sufficient notice of the parties to be able to identify them. He should call evidence to shew that at all events she was unable to identify Glanville before the magistrates. He did not say that a gross outrage had not been committed, but he submitted that there was not sufficient proof of the prisoners being the guilty parties. Mr. Wm. HICHENS, I am an attorney, and attended the investigation before the magistrates. I suggested that Glanville should be put among other men and the prosecutrix desired to fix upon him. He was placed among several others. She first pointed to Glanville's father. She was told she was in error, and was desired to go round the room and touch the person. She then went and touched Mr. GURNEY, the surgeon. Upon this the magistrates said they did not think she was in a situation to point him out; they thought her mind was somewhat affected. This was on the 6th of July. She was not then examined. Cross-examined: I had cross-examined her on a former occasion. She had been examined by the magistrates. She appeared as strong as she is now. Her sister said she was not of strong mind.Richards, in his defense, said he was there, but never had anything to do with the woman at all. Mr. MOODY, having briefly replied upon this evidence produced for Glanville, Mr. Justice MAULE summed up, reading the evidence as regarded the case of each prisoner separately; and fully explaining the law to the jury he proceeded. The jury found all the prisoners Guilty, but recommended them to mercy on account of their youth. The learned Judge told them judgment of death would be recorded against them, but they would all be transported for life.


20 AUGUST 1841, Friday


LITERARY INSTITUTIONS. By an advertisement in another part of our paper it will be seen that the second annual meeting of the United Institutions of East Cornwall is to be held next week at Liskeard. We hope there will be a full attendance of members, as the objects of such meetings are so deserving of support. These institutions in small towns can never be long continued without the support of neighbouring places in the way of an interchange of Lecturers; and these annual meetings, by bringing the members of the different Institutions together, and making them known to each other, must greatly tend to promote this object, and lead to the general improvement of such Societies. We wish we could see the Literary Societies in the Western part of the County following the example of those in the East, and uniting with them for mutual assistance.

UNITED MINES. On Friday last, a numerous party were invited by Capt. FRANCIS of Whitehall, to dine with him at United Mines, in Gwennap, on the occasion of christening a shaft after the name of that gentleman. At four o'clock, about forty gentlemen sat down to a dinner, which was served in excellent style, and included a plentiful supply of the delicacies of the season. Among the company was John TAYLOR, Esq., W. CARNE, Esq., C. HERRING, Esq., from the St. John del Rey Mines, Capt. ARTHUR, R.N., Richard Harvey, Esq., H. TAYLOR, Esq; with several of the adventurers in the mine, and many personal friends of the worthy host, who were invited to meet him on the occasion. The evening was spent in the greatest harmony, and in the course of the addresses which were delivered by Mr. Taylor and several of the gentlemen present, the highest testimonies were paid both to the personal merits and professional abilities of Capt. Francis, with acknowledgments of the courtesy and generous hospitality with which he received them.

COURT of BANKRUPTCY, AUGUST 6. In the Matter of T. S. CAVE - The bankrupt appeared in Court on his adjourned examination. The liabilities upon the estate were said to be very large, but their amount was not yet ascertained. The assets were also described as considerable, the bankrupt having been the proprietor of the mines in Cornwall known as the Trevarthian Downs, the Owen Vean, the Rospeath, the Wheal Fortune, and the Wheal Prosper mines, which had been advertised for sale on the 12th instant, and upon which it appeared in his balance-sheet the profit and loss account, including capital and expenses, amounted to 387,792.

Mr. NIAN, who appeared as solicitor for a number of creditors, wished to submit to the Learned Commissioner whether, under all the circumstances of the case, it would not be better to give them a private meeting, as he (Mr. N.) was desirous of examining the bankrupt, as well as other parties. There were many points connected with the case which required a deliberate inquiry, which could be only considered properly at a private meeting; and, therefore, at whatever time it suited the convenience of the learned commissioner to adjourn, whether to a week, a fortnight, or a month, all parties would best consult their own interest by postponing the sale of the bankrupt's mining property, and having a private meeting.

Mr. Cave said whatever time might be appointed by the court would satisfy him, as his sole object was to render all the accommodation in his power to every one interested in the fiat.

Mr. Nian, on the part of those whom he represented, said that so far as the proceedings had at present gone, he felt bound to express his approbation, and also to state that the course now proposed would be a benefit to Mr. Cave himself.

After some further conversation between the learned Commissioner and the solicitor, it was ultimately determined to fix the day of adjournment for Monday, the 1st of November next.

TRURO POLICE. On Thursday, the 12th instant, Joseph STACEY, miner, was charged with being found sleeping in the open air, without being able to give an account of himself, and with damaging a hay-rick where he was found sleeping. He was committed to the house of correction for three months' hard labour. On Friday last, George PEARCE, butcher, of Truro, was charged with willfully discharging a gun in the borough, contrary to law, and breaking a window. The defendant was fined 2 with costs. Elizabeth MARTIN, baker, Charles-street, was charged with assaulting Hannah BURLEY. The magistrates thought there had been great provocation, and only fined the defendant 5s., with costs.

CAUTION TO PARENTS. On Sunday last, during the time of high water, a child called PEARCE, about 8 years of age, got into a boat at the back quay, and fell overboard. The child sunk, and would have risen no more, had it not been for the praiseworthy conduct of police constable HARE, who jumped in, and rescued it from its perilous situation. The child still remains very unwell.

PILCHARD FISHERY. Gorran Haven - the boisterous weather has for the present suspended the operations of the drift boats. Looe - The drift-boats belonging to this place have commenced the pilchard fishery, and have taken from 500 to 2,200 pilchards per boat.

HAYLE REGATTA. A very excellent Rowing and Sailing Regatta took place on Tuesday. The rowing match, between three six-oared gigs, viz. the "Victoria" of Hayle, and the "Pearl" and "Rasper" of St. Ives, was well contested, and won by the "Pearl," of St. Ives, the "Victoria" coming in second. For the sailing match, there were seven boats started; the first prize was won by Mr. Nicholls's boat, from Portreath. The first prize for two-oared gigs was won by the "Olive," of St. Ives. The regatta came off within Hayle gates, on a beautiful sheet of water. There was also a gig and punt chase, which afforded but little amusement, as the punt was soon caught.

CORONER'S INQUEST. An inquest was held at Simonward, on Tuesday last, by Joseph Hamley, Esq., coroner, on the body of a person of the name of Wm. MENHINNICK, a labourer, who was found hanging the day before in the church porch. The deceased had had some angry words with his wife, and she had threatened to go to the magistrate, which she did, when the man told her if she did he would hang himself. Shortly after the wife left the house, the man went out, and was discovered about two hours afterward, hanging in the church porch, quite dead. The jury returned a verdict of felo de se; and the coroner issued his warrant for him to be buried according to the law, in the church yard between the hours of eight and twelve.


27 AUGUST 1841, Friday


PILCHARD FISHERY. By some accident, the "John and Richard", John CARTER, master, lost six of her nets. It is supposed that a vessel had got foul of them in the night. We understand they are marked J.C., R.C., and W.C. in the corks, and we sincerely trust they may fall into honest hands, and be returned to the poor men to whom they belong.

St. Ives - During the week, the drift-boats here have been taking from 400 to 1,500 pilchards a night, which have been sold at 2s. 3d. per hundred. The seaners were put in pay on Monday last, and the seans, 142 in number, stemmed, viz: Messrs. Bolitho and Co., 25; Tremearne and Co., 22; Wearne and Co, 21; Victoria Co, 17; Hichens and Co., 14; Union Co., 15; Hocking and Co., 12; William, 8; Gleaners, 8.

Mount's Bay. Considerable numbers of hakes have been caught during the past week, which is considered an indication of pilchards on the coast; but as yet, the driving-boats have caught but few. Penberth sean, near the Logan-rock, shot on a fine shoal on Monday evening, but missed.

LAUNCH. On Wednesday, the 18th instant, a fine new smack, of about 90 tons burden, called the "Ruth", was launched from Mr. CARTER's lower building-yard, Padstow. The vessel glided into the water in capital style, amid the acclamations of the numerous friends and acquaintances of the builder, assembled for the occasion. She appears to combine all the necessary qualifications of a good coaster.

HAYLE. The spirited company, Sandys, Carne, and Vivian, have undertaken to make the iron work for the elegant chain bridge, about to be thrown across the Thames, near Hungerford Market. The estimated cost of the bridge is 17,000; its' weight 700 tons; and its length 1410 feet. The bridge will be for foot passengers only.

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. A very large stack of hay, supposed to be above 30 tons, belonging to Mr. Jonathan GEORGE, of Trefreoke, Endellion, took fire on Friday last, thought it had been carried six weeks; and but for the timely assistance of all hands at harvest, great damage could have been done. Much of it was removed and saved, but it was materially injured. Fortunately, Mr. George is insured. The wet season has caused many similar fires, and still more narrow escapes.

ACCIDENT AT SEA. On Thursday, the 19th instant, during a dense fog, the schooner "Iris," Fox, master, of and from Dartmouth, for Neath, struck on some rocks inside the Longship's lighthouse, and sustained such serious injury, that the crew deemed it advisable to save themselves by leaving the boat. The vessel drifted onshore under Genver cliff, in Whitsand bay, where she went to pieces. On the same day, and from the same cause, the "Perseverance," Oats, master, on her voyage from Plymouth to Penzance, was so near the Lizard point, that it was only by the noise of the sea breaking on the rocks that the crew were warned of their danger. The fog was so thick that they could not see the length of the vessel. Fortunately, they succeeded in getting out of danger, being assisted by an ebb-tide, which took them down to the Bucks.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING. On Thursday morning, the 19th instant, two sand-barge men, named Wm. HAWKEY and __ VINCENT, narrowly escaped being drowned by the upsetting of their barge, caused by the hawser of a vessel then lying in the Gannel, without any persons left on board to slack down when the barge was passing. The men were some time under water; but, fortunately, when almost exhausted, they got hold of a pole which they used for managing their barge, by means of which they reached the shore.

FOWL STEALING. On Tuesday week last, the hind of Mr. GATTY, who lives at Whitley Farm, about half-a-mile from Bodmin, was disturbed about eleven o'clock at night by the poultry making a great noise. He immediately went out, taking a gun which he always keeps loaded with him, and fired in the direction from whence the noise proceeded. A person immediately called out as if hit, and some fowls came towards him; but the man, fearing that there might be more than one person engaged in the depredation, went away to get assistance. On his return, there was no one to be seen, but the track of a man was discovered by the poultry house, and through two or three fields, across the turnpike road into the ground belonging to another person. It is hoped the thief has had so warm a reception that he will not attempt fowl stealing in future.

PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE. On Thursday se'nnight, whilst a man named HICKS was engaged in filling the kibble at Trethellan mine, a bar of iron, with a hook at each end, used for the purpose of drawing the kibble in the plat, by some means became fastened to the bottom of the kibble, and entangled in the leg of the man's trousers. Before he could extricate himself, the engine commenced working, and he was consequently drawn to the height of 15 fathoms with his head downwards; but the engine man, thinking the kibble not filled, lowered it again, when the man's comrades disengaged him from his perilous situation, without any other injury than that arising from fright.[a fathom is approximately 20 feet jm]

CORONER'S INQUEST. The following inquests have been recently held by Wm. HICHENS, Esq., coroner:On Friday, the 13th instant, at St. Just in Penwith, on the body of James Williams HOCKING, aged 13 years, who, as he was ascending from his labour in Wheal Owles mine, in that parish, on the 14th, fell away a distance of about ten fathoms, whereby he received several mortal wounds in his head, of which he shortly afterwards died. Verdict - Accidental death.

On Saturday, the 21st instant, at Newlyn, in the parish of Paul, on the body of William MANN, aged between two and three years, who accidentally came by his death by setting fire to his clothes. The mother of the deceased quitted her house early in the morning of the 19th, to go to the beach about some fish, leaving the deceased and two other elder children in bed, and without any fire in the house; but during her absence, which was about half an hour, the eldest girl dressed herself, went to a neighbour's house, and there lighting a candle returned to her parent's therewith, and in about two minutes after, the deceased, in playing with the candle, set fire to his night dress. Verdict, Accidental death.

The same day, at the house of Mr. William JEFFREE, at Roseworthy, in the parish of Camborne, on view of the body of William LAWRENCE, who came by his death on Friday last, under circumstances detailed in the following evidence:Mr. John VIVIAN sworn - I am a merchant, residing at Rosehill, in the parish of Camborne; the deceased, Wm. Lawrence, was my servant. I hired him as a farm servant, and to make himself generally useful; he has been in my employ about ten months. He was a steady, active, industrious man, and gave great satisfaction. On Wednesday last, I attended a sale at Wheal Vor mine, and took deceased with me in my gig, to be in attendance when required. Upon reaching the mine, I dispatched him on an errand to Breage, and I first saw him again in the course of the sale, when he returned with his message. I saw him several times after this as the sale proceeded, but not to speak to him. When the sale closed, I dined with a party at the mine, and afterwards, about half-past five o'clock, I sent to desire he would put the horse in the gig; I saw him putting the horse to; I then first discovered he had been drinking; but he was not so drunk as to be unable to do it. On the gig being ready, I ordered deceased to take it on to the smelting-house, and to wait for me there, whilst I walked across to him. He made a mistake, and drove it about 100 yards in the wrong direction - towards Helston. I called to him, and he came back. At this moment, Mr. Francis BOTTRALL, of Camborne rode up, and I proposed he should come into my gig, and that deceased or my son should ride his horse. Deceased directly jumped out of the gig, and mounted the horse. I then drove on the road to Godolphin mine, accompanied by Mr. B. and my son, and closely followed by the deceased. I perceived he was riding wildly, and whipping the horse unnecessarily, and I pulled up two or three times to caution him against it. Before we reached a point about half a mile from Godolphin mine, when, I turned to look for him, and saw him in the act of falling. - he was then holding by the mane and bridle, and seemed to roll off. He did not appear to fall heavily. I then directly pulled up, and requested Mr. Bottrall would take his horse, and that deceased should resume his seat in my gig, which he did. Deceased did not appear to be stunned or otherwise injured by the fall, and he held the stirrup for Mr. Bottrall to remount his horse. He was able to converse as sensibly as an intoxicated man could be expected, and upon my telling him he had been riding incautiously, he said no, he had not. Before we reached Godolphin, deceased sat very unsteadily; and I remarked to him he did not appear to ride more safely in the gig than on horseback. I drove to the entrance of Godolphin counting-house, where I got out, leaving deceased to take care of the horse. I saw one of the captains - it was Captain Samuel ADAMS - and upon my return I found deceased very sick, and throwing up in the gig. I remonstrated with him, and told him he was unfit to proceed with me, but advised him to remain at the counting-house two or three hours, and offered to get some place for him to lie down. This was at the counting-house door, and he refused to remain. I then recommended him to go to the Buck's Head public-house, a trifling distance on the road, to which I thought he consented. I insisted he get out of the gig to clean it, for it was very offensive; he got out, but refused to clean it. I then drove away, leaving deceased at the account-house door. I did not offer to drive deceased to the public house. I thought he would be safer to walk there. I had proceeded but a short distance, when I turned round and saw deceased following me, in company with a man, and I concluded they were going together to the Inn at Buck's Head. It was about half-past six when I saw the deceased between Godolphin mine and Buck's Head, in company with the man. He did not at any time after he fell from the horse complain that he was hurt, nor did I imagine that he was. I perceived no mark whatever of his having received a blow over the right eye, nor any other part of his face. Matthew WASLEY, miner, living at Western Downs, in the parish of Crowan, stated that he saw the deceased start with Mr. Vivian; he also saw him fall off the horse, but did not think that he had hurt himself. He considered him to have been about half drunk.Charles PAULL sworn - I am a wagon driver at Godolphin mine. On Wednesday last, between seven and eight o'clock, I saw the deceased on the road near the Godolphin mill. He was lying there. He seemed much intoxicated, and vomited a great deal. He stood for some time holding by the tail of a cart. He afterwards went to lie on the road. There were four of us there at the time. We endeavoured to prevail on him to go into a hay-loft just by, but he refused, and wished to be left on the road, but we insisted on taking him to a mowhay close by, and he consented. We there laid him on some hay, and placed straw about him. We left him there, supposing he would recover from the effects of the drink in an hour or two. Upon going to my work on the following morning, about five o'clock, I went to see what had become of him, and found him near the place where we had left him, lying speechless, and apparently senseless; he was stiff and cold, and lying on his left side; he had moved a trifle from where we first left him, and was without any covering. We then removed him to the drying-house at Godolphin mine, and left him in the care of Richard GRIGG. He was stiff and cold, and did not open his eyes. Joseph GEORGE sworn - I live at Buck's Head in the parish of Crowan. I am a roper. I first saw the deceased on Thursday morning last, lying at the drying-house at Godolphin mine. I helped to take him home in a cart; he was then alive, but to all appearances insensible to everything.John Lambrick VIVIAN, son of Mr. John VIVIAN, gave evidence corroborating that given by his father.Mr. Francis BOTTRALL, merchant, at Camborne, also corroborated Mr. Vivian's evidence. John VIVIAN, Esq., sworn - I am a surgeon. I reside at Town's End, commonly called Buck's Head, in the parish of Crowan. I was called to attend the deceased between nine and ten o'clock on Thursday morning last. I found him at the drying-house at Godolphin mine; he was quite senseless and speechless, but in a most profuse perspiration. He was sitting up, supported by two men. I bled him. I took about 12 ounces of blood. He was then in a fit of apoplexy, brought on, as I believe, from excessive intoxication on the evening preceding. I think it not improbable that had Mr. Vivian taken him home he might still have had the fit. I do not imagine the fall from the horse occasioned it. I do not apprehend a concussion of the brain from the fall; there is no apparent injury other than a slight bruise from the fall; there is no apparent injury other than a slight bruise on the upper lid of the right eye. The deceased died on Friday morning. I was present at his death.Edwyn Godfrey Scholey GURNEY, Esq., sworn - I am a surgeon, residing at Camborne, and was called to attend the deceased on Thursday afternoon last. I found him at the house at Roseworthy, and remarked upon seeing him that he was suffering under a congestion or effusion of the brain, the result of a fit. He could neither see, hear, nor feel; he had, I believe, lost all sensibility, both of mind and body. I ascertained this by pinching him and other efforts to rouse him. I bled him through the aperture made by Mr. Vivian. The blood flowed freely. I believe he received no injury which could seriously affect him from the fall, and that the cold to which he was exposed did him no harm. I am of opinion the nature of the fit was apoplexy, and that deceased died either from effusion of blood in, or congestion of the blood vessels of the brain.

The coroner, summing up, said, we have here the most direct evidence of two gentlemen eminent in the medical profession, that (as they believe) the deceased died of apoplexy, nor has anything appeared during the investigation calculated to cast the slightest doubt upon theiropinion. It is to be regretted that the deceased was not, in the first instance, removed to his own dwelling; and he was sure from the benevolence and kind disposition of Mr. Vivian's character, that had he seen the least cause to apprehend such a fatal termination, he would, at whatever inconvenience to himself, have seen it done. As it was, he would not see that any one was to be censured; but of this it was the province of the jury to decide, and he was sure they would do so in accordance with the evidence before them. The jury immediately returned a verdict of "died by the visitation of God", and acquitted Mr. Vivian, and all others, of any blame in regard to the lamentable occurrence.

Also, the same day, at the house of John FLOYD, inn-keeper at Hayle, on the body of an elderly persons, named LEVI, (an Israelite) who died suddenly there on the preceding night. The deceased, it appeared, was one of Exeter, but traveled as a hawker, and was accustomed to come into the county two or three times a year; and when at Hayle, to stop at Mr. Floyd's house. He had long laboured under an asthmatic complaint, and on Friday last appeared much worse than usual. Verdict: Visitation of God in a natural way.

The following inquests have been held before John CARLYON, Esq., coroner: On Wednesday last, in the parish of Redruth, on the body of Thomas SNELL, a little boy three years and four months old, who in the absence of his parents at work, caught his clothes on fire, and was so dreadfully burnt before the neighbours could extinguish the flames, that he died a few hours afterwards. Verdict, accidental death.

The same day, at St. Gluvias parish, on the body of John MARTIN, 61 years of age, who was killed by a large stone, nearly three tons in weight, falling on him whilst he was at work in a quarry. A woman who was passing shortly before the accident happened, saw the deceased at work excavating the ground under the stone, and warned him of his danger, but in vain. Verdict, Accidental death.

Insolvency Court - hearing of John Skinner Vinning, father of the celebrated Infant Sappho, formerly of Falmouth, Cornwall. [At question was a diamond pin given by her Majesty Queen Victoria to his daughter. The pin was given to his brother, as security; other creditors wanted the pin, and the rights to pieces of music he had written. If someone wants details, please email me and mention Image 113. jm]


[END]





[  BACK  ]