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Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express



Saturday, December 18, 1830.






WINDSOR & ETON.
In Residence, at Windsor, the Rev. DR. KEATE.
In Residence, at Eton, the Rev. J.S. GROVER.

The show of Christmas beef in Windsor this day equals, if not surpasses, that of former years, and finer looking meat than is exhibited in the different butcher shops in this town cannot be. Mr. Adams has killed a remarkably fat bullock of the Hereford breed, bred and fed, by G. Edmonds of Saltrop, near Swindon, on grass and hay only. The weight is computed to be 230 stone.

The High Wycombe mounted Constabulatory Association owes its foundation to the unremitting zeal of Thomas Hall, esq., of Four Ashes, High Wycombe, and through that gentleman, from a desire to promote the more successful operations of the association, (not having been a member of any military corps), withdrew from taking any commanding station over its members, in favour of Lieut-Col. Crewe; [..] is due to him to state, so highly were his efforts appreciated, that immediately on the same being made known to the Lord Lieutenant, his Grace complimented him with his sanction and recommendation to take the command.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE WINDSOR EXPRESS.

SIR, - As one of the Subscribers to the Windsor Dispensary, I am desirous of drawing public attention, at the present moment, to the affairs of that Institution. I cannot by lament, in common with my fellow townsmen, the loss it has just sustained in the resignation of Sir J. Chapman, who was, in point of fact, the only Consulting Surgeon of the establishment; and I do hope that some means will be devised, at our next general meeting, of repairing that loss to the sick poor. The only way this can be done, in my humble opinion, (as well as of those with whom I have conversed on the subject) will be to elect one or both the resident Physicians as Consulting Physicians to the Institution. Indeed I am astonished this has never been done before, for I am told it is the only Dispensary in the kingdom, that has not, at least, two Physicians attached to it. I will not deny the fitness of either of the Candidates for Sir John's vacated situation; but I will maintain that the poor have a right to expect the best advice that can be afforded them; and it must be a great consolation to a poor man, on his death-bed, to have a Physician called in, although he may have perfect confidence in the House-Surgeon; and when he has an additional Doctor, he expects to have one of some years and experience in the profession. But how stands the case now ? When any of the poor express a wish to see a Physician, they are told by the House-Surgeon, he has it not in his power to indulge them in this reasonable request; for the rules of the Institution prevent him; and they dare not venture to ask or expect to see the Senior Surgeon; the consequence was, that all the visiting fell upon Sir John Chapman ! And now let me tell you why is this state of things:- simply, because the Subscribers to the Dispensary, who ought to be its Directors, have suffered the Senior Surgeon, who ought to be buts its official servant, to assume to himself the office of Dictator in all its concerns; and who, like his great prototype in a higher sphere, is determined, because he is supported by the aristocratical party, that no reform shall take place while he remains in office ! It becomes the duty then of the Subscribers to assume their rights and privileges, and reform the Institution themselves, by turning out its present Prime Minister, whose jealously and mismanagement occasions so much evil, and appointing one in his situation, who will attend strictly to his duties. The Subscribers ought not allow a medical officer to sit on the Committee; it would be equally proper for a Clerk of the House of Commons to sit on a Committee of Ways and Means ! And it is greatly to be depreciated that the Senior Surgeon, setting all delicacy and decorum at defiance, should endeavour to influence the Subscribers in the choice of their medical officer. If he had any vote to give, a sense of propriety and good feeling towards his medical brethren, should have induced him not to interfere :- But how stands the fact ? he gives one of the Candidates his vote and interest, with the Subscribers, and immediately two other medical men - satellites of the great luminary - give their votes to the same person, wholly and solely to offer incense on the shrine of self-interest, to this Magnus Apollo, the God of their Idolatry; and in behalf of a man, whom they would, in reality, as soon vote to the bottom of the Thames as to the top of the poll ! I hope that the other Candidate may meet with success in return for this treatment of his brethren; and that the Subscribers in general may be induced to take the management of affairs into their own hands, and looks to the interest of the Institution only as regards the welfare of the sick poor.
Yours, &c. SCRUTATOR.
Windsor, Dec. 16, 1830.




ABINGDON, Dec. 17.- The Special Assize for Berks will open at Reading on the 27th instant, and at Abingdon on the 4th of January next.

On Saturday last an inquest was taken at Clifton, before Mr. Cecil, Coroner, on view of the body of Edward Jefferies, coachman of the Stroudwater mail, who died on the morning of that day from the severe injury he received by the upsetting of the mail on Clifton Hill. The only witness examined on Saturday was John Casey, a bricklayer, residing at Clifton, who stated that about half-past two o'clock on the morning of the accident, he heard a great noise from the direction of the turnpike road leading from Dorchester to Abingdon. Fancying all was not right, he immediately called up his two sons, and went out : on arriving at the new road, he saw the Stroudwater Mail, which had been overturned; and on hearing one of the passengers say, "Here's no one attending to this poor dying man," (alluding to the deceased, who was on the ground, and bleeding profusely at the nose and ears,) he went to his assistance, and caused him to be removed to the Plough public house, which is only 80 yards from the spot where the accident happened. Mr. Wingfield, of Oxford, and Mr. Hester, of Abingdon, surgeons, were sent for, and promptly attended. The witness further stated that he remained with the deceased from the time the accident happened till Friday night, and was with him when he died, and that he appeared to be insensible the whole time. There being no one in attendance whose evidence would show how the accident happened, the Coroner adjourned the inquest till Monday, to give the guard of the mail an opportunity of attending. After the departure of the Coroner and the Jury, Mr. Hester and Mr. Bevan, surgeons, examined the head of the deceased, and were decidedly of the opinion that no earthly power could have saved the poor man's life.- On Monday the proceedings of the inquest were resumed, when the guard was in attendance, but nothing very satisfactory as to the cause of the accident was elicited. One thing was, however, established beyond a doubt, and that was that the turnpike road was in a dangerous state owing to the curves at the sides.- The Jury returned a verdict of accidental death; but added to it their unanimous opinion that of the road had been of its proper width and level, the accident would not have happened.

A man reproved for swearing, replied, that he did not know there was any harm in it. "No harm in it, (said a person present), why don't you know the commandment, Swear not at all ?" "Why I do not swear at all (replied he); I only swear at those who offend me.




IVER - A Vestry was held at Iver, on Friday the 10th inst "for the purpose of appointing a Committee to prepare a Case for Counsel, respecting the purchase of a piece of land for a new Burial Ground." - The Hunt on that day caused many Members to absent themselves, and the consequence will prove "deer" sport to them; for altho' a Committee was actually nominated, and the day appointed on which they were to meet; strange to tell, on a motion being made "that the whole business of the day be rescinded," it was unanimously agreed to ! ! Tell it not at Philpot's - oh let the sound reach Larburn, for the Parish of Iver, to please the caprice of certain individuals, is saddled with the payment of �400 for about Three Roods of Land.- The Members opposed to the measure, seemed to dread the expense attendant on a Law Cause, but some thought that the expense of Counsel's opinion would have been but trifling - and besides, said they, is it not better to pay a great sum in a right cause, than a small sum in a wrong one ? - The opinion of a Counsellor on the case, as prepared by the party in favour of the measure was read, it is true; and that opinion, altho' it recommended an amicable arrangement, in preference to going to Law, still, as respected the purchase, it was far from saying the whole proceedings had been "legal." - Some of the Members depreciated the idea of going to Law, but others, "if it be proved that the purchase was extravagant, unnecessary, and sub rosa, surely the Farmers and men who do not sum up Rent Rolls by thousands, but are forced to content themselves with calculating shillings and pence :- surely these men have great cause to complain and to seek a remedy. In short, all agreed that it was the worst thing that had been done in the parish for some years, as it has caused much ill feeling, much anxiety, much trouble, and will cause much expense - and will benefit only the Patron and Incumbent. But that which makes the grievance greater, is, that in consequence of two years Instalments being due, persons who have during the last year or two quitted the parish, and who consented to the purchase, - have escaped "Scot free," - and those who have succeeded them have to pay not only their just portion, but also that which their predecessors were in justice bound to pay. "This is too bad." - There were present C. Clowes, Esq., in the Chair, Lord Gambier, J. Woodcock, Sen, Esq., S. Piggott, Esq, J. Woodcock, Jun. Esq, the Churchwardens, &c. &c.




BUCKS - A very gratifying little entertainment (as a fancy ball) took place a few evenings since at Mrs. Jackson's Seminary, Salt Hill, on the separation of her pupils for the Christmas vacation. The characters were well chosen, and admirably supported. One young lady as Queen Elizabeth, displayed much dignity and grace; she was attended by two little pages, and train bearers. The rest of the party appeared in the costumes of Highland, French, Greek, Swiss, and Bavarian peasants, with some tastefully-dressed little flower-girls, who all joined most happily, and with much ease and grace, in quadrilles, gallopades, and country dances. The room was tastefully decorated by the juvenile party with festoons of laurel and artificial flowers, and the whole entertainment was so well conducted, that it could not fail to give satisfaction to a select party on the occasion.

Aylesbury is to be forthwith lighted and watched, the rate to levied for which is not to exceed 2s. 6d in the pound, and a Committee of inhabitants has been nominated to carry the same into effect.

Bucks County Gaol is so full that 26 prisoners have been removed to Buckingham to make room. It is highly creditable to Aylesbury that not a single individual of that town, with a population exceeding 5000, is in prison, either on the criminal or the debtor's side.

SUPPOSED INFANTICIDE - On the 9th inst an inquisition was taken by Mr. Charsley, Coroner for Bucks, at Hughendon, on view of the body of a female new-born infant. The inquiry created considerable sensation in the neighbourhood, and was more particularly distressing to Mr. Guy, in whose house the child was born. It appears that he had engaged Elizabeth Spicer, the mother of the child, as his servant about two months since, and that none of his family was appraised if the girl's situation. Another female servant, a little girl, slept with Elizabeth Spicer, and during the night of Tuesday she was awakened by her groans, and on asking what was the matter, she replied that she had rheumatic pains in her side. The little girl then dropped off to sleep, and arose in the morning about six, and was desired to tell her mistress that her bed-fellow was not well, and could not get up. This excited some suspicion in the minds of the family, who sent for an elderly female, a neighbour, to go into Elizabeth Spicer's bed-room, which she did immediately, and from the stains on the floor and on the window-sill she was convinced a child had been born, although Elizabeth Spicer denied it. On further search the chamber vessel was found under the bed as far as it could have been pushed by hand, covered over with an apron, and on examining it she found a full grown female child placed in it with the face downwards. On her exclaiming "Oh ! here is a child," Elizabeth Spicer begged of her not to say anything about it, and said the child had been born after the little girl had left the room. Upon a long examination of the surgeon, who had minutely inspected and dissected the body, he could not with certainly say whether the child was born alive, and if it had, marks which were found on the neck and head might have produced death; he very satisfactorily accounted for them from natural causes, and that they were not produced from violent hands, from the mother or any other person; and that the greater probability was that the child, if born alive, had expired in its birth. The Jury therefore returned their verdict, acquitting the mother of any other criminal act than that of concealment of the birth, and strongly urged that as soon as she be sufficiently recovered, that she be taken before a Magistrate to be committed for that misdemeanor, which by a late Act is become an especial offence and punishable as such.

Elizabeth Keep, a native of Winslow, was removed from Aylesbury Gaol on Wednesday last to Woolwich, to undergo her sentence of transportation for life. She was for many years a pest to the neighbourhood, and kept up her trade to the last. On the morning of her removal she contrived to steal an apron from the prison, and on her journey an umbrella from a female who had rendered comforts to her on the road.




UXBRIDGE, Dec. 16.- A fire of a very alarming nature broke out on Tuesday night last about 11 o'clock, at Hayes. Mr. Habgood, a grocer, had with his family retired to rest, but their infant child being unwell, the servant was called up again, when approaching the shop, she discovered flames bursting from that part of the premises. Mr. Hapgood being appraised of the frightful occurrence, ran down and gave the alarm in the neighbourhood, when by timely assistance, and a good supply of water from a pond in front of the house, it was subdued; but not until it had done considerable damage to the stock in trade and some furniture; great praise is due to the exertions of the neighbours, and the courage of a servant boy, who recollecting that a quantity of gunpowder was in the shop, actually made his way through the flames, and succeeded in carrying out the canister, which contained about 6lb and which in a very short time must have blown up the whole premises.




HENLEY. - About three o'clock on Saturday afternoon as Mr. Goodchild, who rents a farm at Greenfield, near this town, was passing a barn, he heard an explosion, and on looking round, discovered an out rick, containing about sixty quarters, in flames. Prompt assistance was afforded, which confined the fire to the rick where it broke out. The property was insured in the County Fire Office. About two o'clock on the same morning some vile incendiaries set fire to a barn at Pishill Farm, near Henley, the property of Thomas Stoner, Esq. It contained twenty-five quarters of barley, threshed and in the straw, and the whole was consumed. A wheat rick adjoining (which escaped when some others were burnt down at the same farm a month since) was again providentially preserved. Three pigs perished in the flames.




GUILDHALL (YESTERDAY)
TITHES.

The collector of tithes for the Rector of St. John Zachary, in Aldersgate-ward, applied yesterday for a warrant of distress against an inhabitant who had refused to pay a sum of �1. 11s.
Mr. Alderman Farebrother asked him upon what grounds he required this ?
The collector replied, because two summonses had been served upon the party, which had been treated with contempt.
The Alderman said he would not grant a warrant on such ground only, without knowing the consequences, "If I sign the warrant, will you pay the money ?" continued the Magistrate.
"Me ?" cried the astonished collector, "No, Sir ; I come to you because the party will not pay me."
"I understand that," observed the Alderman, "but perhaps the party is already in distress, which would be greatly aggravated by granting the warrant."
"Oh, Sir, the consequences would not be very ruinous, for the amount is only �1. 11s. Besides, the house is, I know, in good circumstances, but refuses to pay because the demand is so large. I was offered �1. 5s."
Alderman - I do not know that the money has not been paid.
Collector - I collect the tithes, and can swear that it has not been paid.
Alderman - It may have been paid to the Rector. He ought to be here to prove it has not been paid.
Collector - There was never such a thing known as that the clergyman should personally collect his tithes. If you do not grant this warrant, all the other inhabitants will refuse to pay me.
Alderman - Well, perhaps he had better discharge you, and by collecting the tithes himself, he would save the per centage he now pays you.
Collector - Then he must starve.
Alderman - Who ?
Collector - The Rev. Mr. Hutchins.
Alderman - No, Sir, but a clergyman is as much bound to come here and prove his title as any other party. The amount might have been received by him.
Collector - I am ready to swear the sum is unpaid. Do you discredit my oath ?
Alderman - Call on the next case.
And so the application was dismissed.




EXECUTION.

On Thursday morning, George James Davis alias Huntley, aged 27, and William Watts alias Charles Williams, aged 32, convicted at the last Admiralty Sessions of piracy, were executed at Execution Dock, pursuant to their sentence. A little before eight o'clock, Mr. Sheriff Marshall and Mr. Deacon, the Admiralty Marshall, with the two Under Sheriffs, Messrs. Richardson and Willoughby, arrived at Newgate. In a short time Davis was introduced to the Press-room : he walked up with great firmness to the Sheriff and Mr. Wontner, and shaking hands with them, thanked them for all their kindness. He was assured that everything had been done to save his life. He replied that he was quite satisfied that it was so. They had hold of the wrong person, but he forgave every one. This world was a world of sin and misery, and he hoped he should go to a better. His conduct was highly becoming his awful situation. Watt's conduct was rather that of levity, and he did not appear to have the same proper feelings as his companion. He denied that he was the guilty person. The usual forms being gone through, they were conducted to the felon's door, where a cart awaited their arrival, into which they ascended with a quick step; and Watts recognizing some persons that he knew, nodded to them and laughed, the cavalcade then proceeded to the fatal spot. When it reached the boundary of the City, the civic officers were joined by the High Constable of the Tower Hamlets, and 40 gentlemen on horseback. During their progress the malefactors conversed together with apparent seriousness, but they were frequently interrupted by the crowd who accompanied them, some of whom called to them by name. When they arrived near the fatal scaffold, the cavalcade halted, and the prisoners alighted from the cart, and with a nimble step, approached it. Davis, appeared firm and collected, but Watts was agitated. The former, on mounting the platform, said, "I have been a great sinner. God's will be done." Watts admitted the fact that he had assisted to steal the vessel, but said that they gave the people they sent on shore plenty of provisions. The Rev. Mr. Cotton and Mr. Baker attended them on the platform, and after the former had read a portion of the burial service, the signal was given, the bolt withdrawn, and the world closed upon the culprits for ever.





TOWN-HALL, HIGH WYCOMBE,
DECEMBER 3, 1830

A Meeting of the Gentlemen of the Town and Neighbourhood of HIGH-WYCOMBE, convened for adopting some plan for the preservation of the peace of the neighbourhood, and for protecting all classes from the great evils arising from the want of employ for the labouring poor, attendant on the destruction and insecurity of property.

PRESENT.
ROBERT WHEELER, Esq in the Chair.

Lieutenant Col. CreweGriffits, Mr
Lieutenant Disney, R.N.Griffits, Mr. H.
Lieutenant Huffam, R.N.Hay, Mr. John
Carter, John, Esq.Heath, Mr. Joseph
Crawford, Edmund, Esq.Kingston, Mr. J.S.
Denny, William, Esq.Moreton, Mr. C.
Hussey, Mr.Packer, Mr
Hall, Thomas, Esq.Plaistowe, Mr. R.
Lovell, Mr. [?]Steers, Mr.
Neale, John, Esq.Tilbury, Mr.
Nash, Robert, EsqVeary, Mr. John
Rumsey, John, Esq [?]Veary, Mr. T.
Winter, W., EsqVernon, Mr. G.
Wheeler, Robert, EsqWhite, Mr. A.
Wheeler, Robert jun., EsqWilliams, Mr. H.W.
Davidson, Mr.Wootton, Mr. H.
�.., Mr. [?]Wootton, Mr. J.H.


Resolved, that the above Gentlemen form themselves into an Association of Volunteer Mounted Constables for High Wycombe and its Neighbourhood.
Resolved, that all persons of good character, and able to pro... [?] a horse, be admissible as members of this Association.
Resolved, that this Association immediately communicate the ..nation [?] of the same to other Associations similarly constituted, in the neighbouring towns, and solicit their co-operation for mutual [?] assistance.
Resolved, that these Resolutions be printed and circulated as an invitation for further members to join the same.
At a Meeting of the above Association held in the Town-Hall, Wycombe, December the 9th, the members formed themselves into four sections, two for High-Wycombe, one for Hughenden and its neighbourhood, and one for Bradenham and West Wycombe, at the same time formed rules for their government. Elected Lieut. Col. Crewe, Commander; Robert Wheeler, Esq. second in command; John Veary, Adjutant; and a Head or Commander of each section. Arrangements were also made for swearing in such members as special Constables who had not been previously sworn in.
ROBERT WHEELER, Chairman.

Persons desirous of becoming members of the Association, will be pleased to signify their intention to either of the Commanders.




CAME ASTRAY on the 12th of NOV. LAST.

TWO WELSH HEIFERS. The Owner may have them again by paying all reasonable expenses, and describing the same, on application to Messrs. Powell, Southlands, near Uxbridge, Middlesex.
Southlands, Dec. 6.




CHERTSEY BALL
C. RATTEW,
SWAN INN, CHERTSEY.
RESPECTFULLY announces to his Friends and the Public, that A BALL will take place at his House, on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30th, 1830.
Tickets including refreshments, and all other expenses, to be had of the Stewards. Ladies 6s. Gentlemen 9s.

Mr. R. WETTON, ChertseyMr. W. DORE, Egham
Mr. T. DAY, Ditto.Mr. T. HARRIS, Staines





Sales by Auction.
VALUABLE LIVE STOCK, AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS,
CORN, HAY,
GENUINE HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,
And other Valuable effects,
The Property of Mr. Randall and Mr. Gray,
Norwood Farm,

IN THE PARISH OF IVER, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
Mr. T. EVERETT,
By order of the Sheriff of Bucks, - Upon the Premises,
On WEDNESDAY December 22, 1830, and following Day,
At Eleven o'clock each day precisely, on account of the number of lots and the shortness of the days.

THE HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE consists of handsome mahogany 4-post and tent bedsteads, and furnitures; feather beds, bolsters, mattresses, &c. mahogany wardrobe with folding doors, ditto chests of drawers, wash hand stands, mahogany night chairs, swing glasses in rich mahogany frames; fine Brussels and other carpets, of large dimensions; handsome mahogany dining, loo, pembroke, card, and other tables, mahogany chairs with horse-hair seats, and sofas to correspond; a fine toned cabinet pianoforte , by Butt; a fine pier glass, in gilt frame, plate 36 inches by 52, and the usual assortment of kitchen requisites.
The FARMING STOCK comprises 8 strong useful cart horses, 11 cows, 4 fat calves, 2 fat hogs, 2 sows in pig, 2 waggons with iron arms, 3 6 inch wheel carts, 1 market ditto, and 2 tax ditto, ploughs, harrows, land roll, 6 ricks of excellent clover and meadow hay, 2 ricks of wheat in the straw, a quantity of ditto in the barn, ditto of barley, 1 rick of oats, 1 ditto of white peas, about 600 bushels of good potatoes, a 50-load rick cloth, with pullies and lines complete, a cart and horse harness, a 9-stone rick stand and timber, and numerous other effects, which will be particularised in catalogues, which may be had at the Inns in the neighbourhood; at the place of sale; and of the Auctioneer, Beaconsfield, Bucks.

The household furniture will be sold on the first day, and the farming stock, &c. on the second.
May be viewed any time previous to the sale by applying on the premises.




FARMING STOCK,
CLEWER, NEAR WINDSOR, BERKS.
A black Mare, in foal, a rick of capital Meadow Hay, about 25 loads, a capital 4-horse Stage Coach, a 9-stone Rick Stand, Wheel Plough, 4 Brick-maker's Barrows, about 500 Faggots, and a few lots of Household Furniture, &c.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By Mr. E.T. NEWMAN,
On Friday, December 31, at 11 o'clock,
ON THE PREMISES, AT CLEWER,
The property of Mr. ATHERTON, who has given up the Farming Business, and removed to Windsor, in order to devote the whole of his time to the Waggon Business;)
COMPRISING a rick of well got meadow hay, about 25 loads, a stage-coach, a 9-stone rick stand, a wheel plough, 4 brickmaker's barrows, a moulding board, 500 faggots, a black mare, in foal, a drag harrow, several sets of boxes and � complete, a large quantity of old iron, a few lots of household furniture, a useful bay horse, either for saddle or harness.
To be viewed the morning of sale, and catalogues had of the Auctioneer, Windsor.
N.B. - THE HOUSE TO LET.