Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
11th February 1832
WINDSOR.
OURSELVES AND OUR MALIGNERS.
WITHIN the last few days the fact has been forced upon our situation of the existence of a conspiracy to tamper with the property of the Paper, and it grieves us to add that men bearing the designation of Christian Ministers are shrewdly suspected to be deeply implicated in the disgraceful transactions to which allusion is about to be made; our chief inducement, however, in opening the subject, arises from the hope that the warning here may so operate as to obviate the necessity for resorting to ulterior measures, which otherwise we should feel it our duty instantly to adopt.
It may readily be conceived, that the late painful disclosures which, in the exercise of a paramount duty we were compelled to make respecting the existence of certain crying abuses connected with the administration of public justice, while they earned us the approbation of all on whose good opinion the world sets a value, would in the same proportions have marked us out for the hatred and malice of those whose evil doings have been the subject of our exposition.
Among the principles which we laid down for our guidance, at the outset of our career as public journalists, was the stern determination to use our best endeavours towards the annihilation of tyranny and corruption, in whatever place, under whatever garb, and however powerfully protected we might choose to find them : and in acting up to the spirit of this resolution, we could not so miscalculate as to be unprepared ourselves to become occasionally obnoxious to the exercise of that same vindictiveness and oppression to which we might chance to oppose ourselves upon public principles. But those in reference to whose conduct the present remarks are called forth mistake egregiously of they suppose for one moment that the noteworthy practices by which they are in the habit of too effectually enthralling their unfortunate dependants will induce us to move one jot out of the direct path which lies before us. But while we despise with a thorough and well-merited contempt every approach towards intimidation, it may not be unfitting to give our maligners to understand, that the attempt shall not be made with impunity; at least as far as we have the means, through the medium of an extensive circulation, of bringing the offenders under the wholesome control of public opinion.
In the present instance, the peculiar mode of attack adopted by the Junta to which we refer, combined with the baneful zeal and activity manifested in carrying them into operation, might prove but too well calculated to effect their atrocious object, if undetected, or suffered to remain for any length of time unexposed.
The insidious attempt to injure the property of this Journal has been made in a three fold manner - I. by endeavouring to induce certain of our subscribers, by false representations of a falling off in our circulation, to discontinue their support to the Windsor Express, and transfer it to one of the Tory prints; - 2. by adopting similar artificers, to injure us with our advertising connexion; - and 3 by converting our late strictures on certain abuses at Eton into an attack on the Clergy generally, to fly-blow our reputation.
We intend to take these points seriatim, and our detractors will find, to their cost, how completely a plain tale shall set them down. First, - as regards the alleged falling off in our circulation. It will be necessary on this point, in order to make the mendacious assertion recoil on its authors, to enter a little into detail. That we might, then, with the greater accuracy, and, consequently, with more perfect confidence, address ourselves to this branch of our subject, we have referred to our Publisher's book for a list of all persons having discontinued the Express since the commencement of the present year, residing either in Windsor or Eton, or in their neighbourhood. The reader may imagine our agreeable surprise at finding the sum total of "discontinued" amount only to the mystic number - five ! while we found ample recompense for the loss of these, as turned over leaf after leaf, bearing the welcome intelligence "New Subscriber." We had the further satisfaction to learn that, from the beginning of the year to the very day on which our Reporter was refused admittance by Messrs HEXTER and CARTER to the examination at Eton, our Publisher had not received an order to discontinue one paper, or had he up to that period any idea of losing a single subscriber. We shall now anticipate the readers curiosity to learn something of the five renegado readers, and happily we are also enabled to supply the reasons - or rather, what in courtesy we shall call such - which induced them to withdraw from us their further countenance and support. The day succeeding that of our Reporter's remonstrance against the secret sittings at Eton, our office in Church Street was honoured with a visit from the Provost of Eton (Dr. GOODALL), who politely informed one of our junior devils, that "he wished to discontinue the Windsor Paper, from thenceforward," observing at the same time, that "there was an article in the past week's number, of which he altogether disapproved." Our Imp, hereupon summoned up enough of boldness, deferentially to enquire of his Reverence would vouchsafe to indicate the offending matter ! The Reverend Gentleman replied "it was contained in that article respecting the Bristol Riots ! He had, he said, now been a supporter of the Paper for a long time, and, although he had been solicited by several persons to discontinue it, he had nevertheless, up to the present time resisted their solicitations; but seeing the article alluded to, in which it ... that the execution of the law on the heads of the criminals at Bristol, would be legal butchery, he was obliged now to decline taking it any longer." This the reader will bear in mind was on the very day after Mr HEXTER'S secret examination affair. The day following that brought a note from Dr KEATE, Head Master of Eton College, in which he also politely but briefly declared his intention to discontinue, but without stating any reason for so doing. The Bristol article was again doubtless at the bottom of it. Next came in propria persona, and in due order, the Assistant Master, the Rev. Mr. HAWTRY, and he did condescend to favour our publisher with his reason (for it was in the singular) - he did not like our tone ! and he moreover volunteered the gratuitous remark, that he should marvel much if there were many Clergymen who took our Paper now ! Mr. HAWTRY was duly succeeded by the Rev. Messieurs CARTER and BETHELL (Fellows of Eton College) With the exception of Dr KEATE, there appeared a great anxiety on the part of all these gentlemen, to express their disapprobation of our proceedings verbally, and this feeling was manifested in a peculiarly striking manner by the Rev. THOMAS CARTER, who called upon our Publisher more than once for this especial purpose. The gist of this gentleman's objections (for as he paid rather a lengthened visit, it would occupy too much space to give them at full), was to enforce his opinion that the manner in which the paper was conducted was generally disliked : that it was injudicious, and calculated to injure us, and he thought we could not find it answer; he was of opinion that the "attack" on Mr HEXTER was "uncalled for," but at the same time it had [nothing] whatsoever to do with him (Mr.C), and he wished it to be ....[gap in text] .. from the paper in proper rotation (being the only person discontinuing), and who by a strange coincidence all happen to come to the same determination, about the same time, of course without the least concert, all for different reasons, and not one of them avowedly for that obvious one for which nevertheless the public will not fail to give all ample credit. Thus much then for the invention respecting the decrease in our circulation; and we are prepared at any time to prove the accuracy of our assertions in the strongest manner of which legal forms admit.
Secondly.- As regards the next mode of attack, namely that adopted to influence and injure us through the medium of our advertising connexions, it will be only necessary to refer to two facts, bearing upon this point, and which will serve to open the eyes of the public as well as an hundred, as to the animus of certain individuals.
1. In the instance to which we are now about to advert, it will be seen that the public and not ourselves are injured parties, although the intention, as regards ourselves, is at the same time too thinly veiled not to be perfectly transparent. At the last Monthly Meeting of the Dispensary Committee, held on Wednesday next (the Rev. G. BETHELL in the Chair, and about eight persons present in all) it was proposed by the Rev THOMAS CARTER, to insert the long Advertisement containing the Annual Report, &c. in a certain Tory paper, published at a distance altogether unknown in this neighbourhood, and consequently as a vehicle to convey information to the supporters of the Windsor Dispensary, altogether unfitted and useless. This novel proposition, strange to say, was at once adopted. Here then we have the limited funds of our excellent charity lavished in a manner to disgust its supporters, its only possible objective to gratifying the wish to encourage a Tory newspaper * in the vain hope of injuring the Express.
2. But if the fact to which we have just drawn attention excite disapprobation - and it certainly reflects neither credit on Mr. CARTER who proposed it, nor on Mr. BETHELL who presided at the Meeting - what, we ask, will be thought of that one which we are now about to remark - that of a Clergyman of the Established Church insidiously going among our connection soliciting advertisements for a Tory newspaper, and at the same time endeavouring to induce the parties to withdraw their accustomed support from the Express ? That such a disreputable course should be pursued by a Christian Minister is, we repeat, almost incredible, and yet that is the fact we have before us but too sufficing evidence. We need only, among our instances, mention the application made, a few days back, to our respected townsman Mr DANIEL SMITH +. What sort of opinion, let us ask, much be formed of a Clergyman, who should have the dishonest assurance to endeavour to incite a respectable auctioneer to rob his employers, by putting them to the charge of advertising their property in a paper not calculated to give the most fitting description of publicity to their announcements ? What, moreover, will the public think of the meddling person who would deliberately set himself about this disgraceful, dirty, dishonest work, for the purpose of gratifying a malignant feeling of revenge, or some equally amiable passion ! What opinion, we will ask, will the public form of that base political priest, who, forgetting his sacred calling, and crawling his reptile way, shall endeavour deliberately to undermine the property, and stab the reputation of his neighbour ? Why, the opinion of every man with one spark of generous indignation glowing in his bosom, will be one to regret to find such a man in holy orders; agreeing with ourselves that he richly deserves to have the gown stripped from his unworthy shoulders.
We sincerely thank our friends for coming forward in our behalf in the manner they have done, and we trust that every future attempt of a similar description will be immediately made known to us.
Thirdly - The observation of the Rev. Mr. HAWTRY that "he should marvel much if there were any Clergymen who took in our paper now" - coupled with an industriously circulated report that our late articles on the abuses at Eton were intended as attacks upon the Clergy as a body - call for a few further remarks. It must be admitted that the mode most effectually calculated to injure the Church is by that species of attack from its own Members, of which we have just expressed our abhorrence. We can inform Mr HAWTRY that he is mistaken in his supposition respecting the feelings of the body of the Clergy towards the Express; for we are proud to state that among our subscribers are some of the brightest ornaments of the Church and of human nature, and with them it is that we are anxious to set ourselves right. It is perfectly true that we do not conceive the interests of the Church to be best promoted by the misdoings which we have occasion to reprobate; surely those things which savour so strongly of this world, and of the very worst parts of it, become not the servants of One who professed his kingdom was not of it. God forbid we should promulgate any opinions of which the Clergy (the conscientious part of it) would honestly disapprove; but if by hostility to the Clergy be meant hostility to a few corrupt and factious men, who have it at heart to establish some favourite political scheme at the price of the liberty of their country, and the very essence of religion - if such opposition be meant, then do we not gainsay the charge for a moment against these and such as these as will be our constant and undeviating object in every way to oppose ourselves.
* We think it right to state that the Journal to which we allude it the Berkshire Chronicle, but that at the same time we fully acquit its Proprietor of any participation whatever in the disgraceful transaction.
+ Mr DANIEL SMITH, with his characteristic straightforwardness, replied to the Rev. Applicant, that he had hitherto advertised in the Windsor Express and the Reading Mercury; that he found those papers to answer his purpose, and had therefore no intention to change. Mr SMITH justly added that the practice of Advertising in so many papers, was an unjust towards the principal, as it was sometimes injurious to the auctioneer himself.
On Sunday, Mr. Demetrius, a Turkish gentleman, met with an accident which had narrowly cost him his life. Mr.D. dressed in his native costume, was riding a spirited horse up Peascod street, at a smart pace, when the animal taking fright became unmanageable the threw his rider, who was dashed with extreme violence against the edge of an outside shutter that was forced from the wall by the concussion, and broken to pieces, while a window sash was driven into the room. Mr. Demetrius was stunned and much hurt by the fall, and but for the interposition of the turban, which was literally cut through, must inevitably have had his skull fractured in a dreadful manner.
The stable of Mr. Rolls, of Egham, was broken into on Saturday night last, when a grey pony, with its horse cloth and bridle, were stolen.
As Moody's Windsor coach was returning to this town on Saturday last, the coachman observed a poor man staggering towards his horses, when a short distance from Colnbrook. He immediately got down, and as the poor fellow was falling, caught him in his arms. Medical aid was sent for, but it was soon found that life was extinct - Verdict, "Died by the visitation of God."
WINDSOR AND CLEWER SURVEYORS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE WINDSOR EXPRESS.
SIR, - In one of your recent papers there appeared an erroneous report of what passed before the Worshipful the Mayor and Justices, at the Town Hall, between the Surveyors of Clewer and New Windsor, and I have to request that you will insert the following by way of explanation.
Mr Daubeny, the Clewer Surveyor, appeared before their Worships to request their sanction to divide the intermixed roads with the Windsor Surveyors, as the statute does not authorize the county Magistrates to enforce the clause made for the like purposes without the consent of all parties, where any part of the road lies within the jurisdiction of the corporation. Mr. Daubeny proposed to submit to two Magistrates, in pursuance of the Act of Parliament, to divide the said intermixed road equitably, taking into their consideration all local circumstances, proposing to make good any bad road that might be by them awarded to be exchanged for what might be considered by them a better road, or pay an equivalent as they should adjudge; but Mr. Daubeny refuses to acknowledge any agreement but with the Windsor Surveyors, none other being binding by law.
In answer to Mr Adams assertion that the Windsor side of the road was so much better than the Clewer. Mr. Daubeny endeavoured to shew that Mr Adams was making out a case against his employers, inasmuch as no one will travel on the Clewer side, if, as he states, the Windsor road must experience a larger proportion of wear and tear; but their Worships came to the wise conclusion to withhold their consent, under the impression that the long agitated Reform Bill might alter the jurisdiction of the roads.
THE PETTY TYRANTS OF ETON.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE WINDSOR EXPRESS.
SIR, - I congratulate you upon the freedom and independence displayed by you in your Journal, in exposing the proceedings of some of the petty tyrants of this neighbourhood in the character of Magistrates. The grievances of which you complain have too long existed, and it is high time that a stop was put to their career. The domineering spirit of those individuals is displayed in more ways than those alluded to. I have known, Mr. Editor, an order sent to more then one tradesman in Eton, fathers of families, to dispense with the services, and close their doors upon some of the female branches, merely because their appearance (not character) did not suit the taste of some of their kind patrons, and they have absolutely been compelled to act upon those orders to keep a house over their heads. Another instance of the subjection they are under occurred when a collection was making, no great while since, for a public rejoicing. Asking one the inhabitants of Eton for his contribution, he replied, "Why, I would willingly give something, but I find the College is averse to it; and should it come to the knowledge of the Reverend Gentlemen that I had countenanced what they disapprove, it might be the ruin of me. One and all would decline patronizing me, and I should be obliged to seek a living elsewhere ! However, I will contribute my mite, but for God's sake don't let my name be seen." I merely mention the above, Mr Editor, as a sample of the sort of occurrences that take place daily in this priest ridden place : I trust this exposition may in some degree reform the evil, but should it not, you may depend upon being made acquainted with every similar proceeding in future, by
Your humble servant,
MAGISTRATES CHAMBER, AYLESBURY.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4.
EMPLOYMENT OF THE POOR - John Spice Hulbert, Esq appeared to shew cause why he refused to pay �18. 14s due to the parish of Weston Turville for poor rates on his farm at Bedgrove. It appeared that the rate was made for the purpose of employing the poor, but had been signed as a poor rate. As however, notice had not been given in church the following Sunday, according to law , the summons was dismissed. Mr. Hulbert said, had he been aware of this circumstance he would not have come 120 miles to answer the charge. It had gone about that he was hostile to the employment of the poor. Such was not the fact. He should be glad to see an equitable measure adopted, but as a magistrate he would not act illegally, by consenting to such a measure as that adopted by the Village Legislature at Weston Turville. The rate was made at one shilling in the pound, and a percentage was allowed - for a single man 4s, for a man and his wife 6s, and for man and his family 8s per week. Now if ten single men were employed on a farm, an allowance of �2 per head would be made, whereas if ten men with a family were employed, a return would be made of �4 per week; and thus, unless all had an equal proportion of single and married men, one part would be paying for another's labour; and as a married man was not, as he believed, paid more than he earned, they would be guilty of robbery towards the single men as though they robbed him on the high way. Mr. Grace said they should be happy to attend to any plan Mr Hulbert might suggest.- The latter Gentleman afterwards expressed his readiness to concur in a plan similar to the one adopted in the parish of Aylesbury.
STARVING STATE OF THE POOR - The Chamber was completely crowded by applicants from Haddenham. One applicant said he had an aged mother, who was bedridden, and was dying by inches for want of sustenance; who could not eat bacon; and was unable to procure a bit of mutton, in consequence of not receiving her money. He had also a sister who was afflicted with fits, and �2. 12s. 6d was due to the two women, and they had been refused credit for a half quartern loaf. He asked the overseer for sixpence, and the latter said he had two children at home that wanted bread as bad as him.- Another applicant said �1 15s. 6d was due him for arrears, and he had no bread for his family - A third said �1 4s was due to him, and 12s to an afflicted sister.- A fourth �2 8s and 12s to his daughter, who was a cripple.- Mr Clarke dared say it was true enough. - Other applicants said, that seven weeks pay at 5s.6d per week; six weeks at 6s 6d; three weeks at 4s, and arrears amounting to the respective sums of �1. 13s. 4d, 13s., �1 12s. 6d, 19s 6d, �1 12s, �1 15s, �1 17s. 6d, �1 15s 6d, �2 1s 6d, 8s. and 4s, were due to them - Mr Clarke did not deny their statements, but said he could not get the money to pay them - Mr. Tindal told him it was his own fault in not taking proper steps for enforcing payment of the rates; he had distress warrants on the 28th of December, and had taken no steps for them till the 4th of February - Mr Goodall said he was determined justice should be done. Had he been the Magistrate who had issued orders before, he would have taken care that they should have been obeyed - Mr Archer said orders should be made, and if they were not obeyed the overseers should be indicted.- Mr Tindal would ask Mr Carter seriously whether they would incur the expence of the order ? he had not taken proper steps in collecting the rates - Mr Archer said it was very strange that they could not find money to pay the expense of the orders, which they must do, and yet could not find money to pay the poor without the additional expense; as, however, they would not attend to suggestions, orders must be issued, which they must pay for - Orders were accordingly granted in all cases.
Elizabeth Smith, of Stoke Mandeville, was charged with concealing the birth of her illegitimate child - Fanny Fleet, of that place, and Mr Savory, overseer of Wendover, were examined. As, however, upon examination of the latter it appeared that he had told the female that it would be better for her to confess it, and no other witness being present to substantiate the charge, the case was dismissed.
William Winfield was charged with leaving his wife and family chargeable to the parish of Aylesbury; but having repaid �5 which had been advanced, and 5s expenses, he was discharged.
Thomas Crawter of Cuddington, was charged with stealing from Lower Winehendon mill a sack of flour, the property of Mr. Thomas Sparrow. Mr Sparrow, his servant Wm. Sherriff, and Mr William Dover, of Cuddington, proved the loss of the flour and two sacks of wheat meal, the tracing of footsteps to Mrs. Slow's barn, where about half a sack of flour was found concealed under some straw, and a sack with the name of 'T. Crawter' in black, marked over the name of "Ginger, W. Wycombe," in red; and that the prisoner's child, Christmas, had brought the same sack with a grist to Mr.Sparrow's mill; that the flour found corresponded with a sample produced, and that footmarks made by a shoe, tipped toe and heel, and nailed, were tracked to Crawter's yard, the marks of which were afterwards obliterated. Nothing was, however, found in the prisoner's house, and on the Sunday morning he had on a pair of old shoes which were not tipped, and denied having any other - Mr. Ha.tan attended on the part of the prosecution, and Mr James on behalf of the prisoner, who was committed for re-examination on Friday.
CHERTSEY - That game little pack, the Laleham subscription harriers, had a very surprising run on Tuesday week : after trying several enclosures in vain, and expecting a "blank" day, they proceeded to Thorpe, where they found, an old shepherd at a distance gave the signal by wave of hand, of "Gone away," and off they went in full tounge, making towards St.Anne's Hill, through Mrs. Fox's farm yard, to Trump's mill, turning to the left, passing Mr. Hall's at Botley park, and Mr. Stonehewer's at Ottershaw; from thence across to Virginia Water, Old Windsor, and Englefield Green, to the back of Mr. Edgell's [?] at Melton House, near the place of starting, where they ran up to their game after a furious run of two hours and a half, when they discovered an arch looking young fellow at the top of a hollow beech tree with a bunch of red herrings ! The joke was so well managed no one of them excepting the projector knew of or even suspected it. All however, were much pleased, for the dogs took and kept the scent to well, that they ran the whole ground (measuring 20 miles) without coming to a single check.
ABINGDON, FEB.10 - Mr Bowles and Mr. Duffield, and their respective friends still continue in active canvassing those electors who are of the "doubtful gender." Both parties appear certain of success.
On Friday last Mr. Duffield gave an excellent dinner to his friends, at the Council Chamber. The dinner was served up in the best style by Mr George, of the New Inn, was partaken of by upwards of 150 persons, consisting of electors and others, and the evening went off as well as might be expected from a superabundant indulgence in good cheer. Mr.D took that opportunity to state his principles. He declared himself to the enfranchising of large towns.
UXBRIDGE, FEB.9. - The hunting throughout this season with the hounds of Hubert de Burgh, Esq of West Drayton, has been most respectably attended, being rendered more than usually attractive by the presence of one or other of the Royal Dukes (Cumberland or Sussex) and sometimes both. On Saturday last a fine deer was uncarted at the residence of George Wombwell, Esq of Hillingdon, and afforded and excellent day's sport. After the usual "law" it went away in a circuitous route over Harrow on the Hill, thence to Harefield and Uxbridge Common, paying through the play-grounds of the Uxbridge Academy into the town; through it, and off again in gallant style with the hounds upon his haunches, but he was not taken until he had reached Upton-cum-Chalvey at four o'clock in the day.
Wednesday last exhibited a splendid field at the Vache, near Chalfont St.Giles, the country being mostly arable, proved, however, very heavy riding, but fortunately for the horses the stag did not run many miles. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland rode a spirited grey, and entered his carriage again at the White Horse Inn, at Uxbridge, about five o'clock in the afternoon, attended by other noblemen.
On Saturday night, or early on Sunday morning last, the fowl-roost of Mr. Roadnight, at Yiewsley farm, was broken into and robbed of 26 of its inmates; the thieves broke through a nine-inch wall to gain an entrance.
The Uxbridge Volunteer Infantry have discontinued their weekly drills and parades, and their Commandant has issued orders to each of its members. That the only meeting of the corps for the next twelve months (except a case of necessity should occur) will be on every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, from Tuesday, the first of May till Monday, the 28th of May, when on the occasion of his Majesty's birth day, there will be a grand field day, and the meetings will terminate for the year.
N.B. - While I write this, the bugle is sounding an alarm of fire. I understand it is at Iver, next to Lord Gambier's
The trotting match on the Denham road between Dawell of Uxbridge, and Styles, of Denham, took place on Tuesday last, and was won in gallant style by the former : 10 sov. to 1 was offered on Styles before starting, by the was beat by Dawell easily.
Died at Denham on the 2nd inst. Mr Thomas Puddifant, an old and respectable farmer, at the age of 64 - The funeral of Mrs Puddifant, his wife (aged 68) took place only the week previously.
BIRTH.
On the 3rd inst. the lady of Captain Law, of a son.
DIED.
On the 6th instant, Isabella, the wife of Mr. W.S. Rhodes, of Hammersmith.
The Rev. H. Revell, of Burton crescent, who had been engaged the whole of Saturday, according to his usual practice, in visiting and relieving the sick poor of Somers town, returned home about ten o'clock at night in full health and spirits, and retired to rest; but not coming down stairs at his usual time on the following morning, his servant became alarmed, and went up to his bed room, where he found him a corpse in bed.
P or Munden [?] died on Monday, at his house in Bernard st. Russell sq in his 74th year. Joseph Shepherd Munden was the son of a poulterer in Brook's market, Leather lane, Holborn; his father died when he was young, and at twelve young Joe was placed in an apothecary's shop, but getting tired of physic he took to the law. From an attorney's office he descended to a law stationer's shop, and became what is termed a "hackney writer," to one of the fraternity in Chancery lane he was ultimately apprenticed. He was at this time a great admirer of Garrick, and this gave him the first inkling to be a performer. His first regular engagement on the stage was in the representation of an old man, at Leatherhead. He led the actor's customary provincial round, and became a partner in the Sheffield theatre. On Dec.2, 1790, Munden made his bow to the Covent Garden audience as Sir F Gripe in the Busy Body - and Jeremy Jumps, in The Farmer. He was the original representative of Old Rapid, Caustic, Lazaritto (in Two Strings to your Bow), Nipperkin, Sir Abel Handy, and Old Downton, besides a host not now remembered. In 1813, in consequence of a quarrel respecting the amount of his salary, he joined the Drury lane Company, making his first appearance there in Sir Abel Handy; here he remained until the 31st of May, 1824, when he took his farewell of the public in the character of Sir Robert Bramble, in the Poor Gentleman. A tendency to parsimony has been objected to him as a failing; and several ludicrous anecdotes are in circulation of the skill and tact with which he not only contrived to evade a demand upon his pocket, but even, to become a gainer by the attempt. The well-known story of the exchange of his old cotton umbrella for the new silk one of the friend, who requested a keepsake from him, is a case in point.
DEATH OF THE POET CRABBE - On Friday, the 3rd inst at the rectory of Trowbridge, in his 78th year, the Rev. George Crabbe, I.L.B. His last illness was of short duration, having been only about a week confined to his house. The principal shops in town were half closed so soon as the melancholy event became generally known. This gentleman was the oldest living British bard, and has added to our national literature many poems of almost unequalled vigour and beauty.
Feb.4, at the Vicar-house, St.Lawrence, near Ramsgate, Fanny, the wife of the Rev. W. Elwyn, aged 39 years.
At Northcourt, near Abingdon, the infant daughter of H. Knapp, Esq banker, aged six weeks.
On the 3rd instant, at Basingstoke, Henry, the infant son of Mr. Beatley, cap charge manufacturer.
On Saturday last, aged 2 years and 3 months, Frances Elizabeth, daughter of Mr Westall, auctioneer, &c. Marlborough.
On Monday last, the Rev. G. Mantel, of Swindon.
Feb 2nd, aged 11 years, Richard, eldest son of Mr Samuel Young, of Castle street.
Yesterday (Friday) Mr. George Hoby, sen the celebrated bootmaker, 48, St.James's street, in the 73rd year of his age.
At Aylesbury, on the 4th instant, aged 23, Henry, the son of William Bull, Esq [?]
Lately, Mr Samuel Richardson, of the Red Lion Inn, Bledlow, Bucks, aged 55.