Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
Saturday, February 1st, 1840.
THE QUEEN'S MARRIAGE.
The whole of the preparations in the interior and exterior of St.James's Palace, including the Chapel Royal, are nearly completed fro the occasion of the marriage of her Majesty with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha. The Queen, attended by the Earl of Uxbridge, the Lord Chamberlain, and others of the Royal suite, has viewed the arrangements that have been made for the forthcoming event, and expressed her approval of them. The gallery for the accommodation of privileged spectators in the Court-yard, which is considerably advanced, extends the whole length of the covered way leading to the state apartment, and is constructed with great solidity. It is covered in and lined with cloth; and filled, as it no doubt will be, by the elite of the fashionable world, it will present a coup d'oeil of imposing magnificence, upon which the argand lamps to be inserted in the roof will throw a lustre.
There are, we hear, to be no extraordinary preparations in the State apartments of St.James's Palace, from whence her Majesty will proceed to the Chapel, attended by Prince Albert, the Duchess of Kent, the bride's maids, and all the officers of State - according to a programme to be hereafter arranged, and as nearly conformable to the precedent afforded on the marriage of George III and Queen Charlotte as possible. From the comparatively small size of the place, very few, except the members of her Majesty's household, and the great officers of state, can anticipate the honour of witnessing the royal nuptials, which, it is expected, will take place on Monday the 10th inst. The Grand Banquet at St.James's Palace on the evening of the marriage ceremony will include the high officers of the household, and a large party of distinguished guests. His Serene Highness the Prince is expected to reach Brussels this evening, from which he will depart for London on Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
We cannot withhold our satisfaction that the people of Windsor have now bestirred themselves, and have shown that they will not be the last to offer their congratulations on the approaching Royal Marriage. A report of their proceedings will be seen in another or our paper. In addition to the Address to her Majesty, we understand that the inhabitants intend forwarding an Address also to Prince Albert, after his arrival at the Castle with his illustrious bride. The Corporation too, we hear, intend meeting to adopt similar congratulatory addresses to her Majesty and her Royal Bridegroom.
BIRTH-DAY OF THE DUKE OF SUSSEX.- Monday being the anniversary of the birth day of the Duke of Sussex, when his Royal Highness completed his 67th year, the morning was ushered in at Kensington by a merry peal from the bells of the Old Church, which was repeated at intervals during the day. In the course of the day, notwithstanding the illustrious Duke's absence from home, most of the members of the Royal family, as well as large numbers of the nobility, and principal members of the learned societies, &c. called at Kensington, and left their cards. In the evening his Royal Highness's tradesmen dined together at the King's Arms Tavern, in the High-street, Mr. Brameld, of Coventry-street in the chair. The houses of his Royal Highness's tradesmen, both at Kensington and in London, were also illuminated at night. The return to Kensington of the illustrious Duke is expected to-morrow. Here, at Windsor, not even the demonstration of ringing the bells to commemorate the natal day of this truly patriotic and illustrious Prince took place ! We would hint at the churchwardens of the parish that it would better become their duty as good and loyal subjects of the Sovereign, to attend in some degree to the birth-days of one part of the Royal Family as well as of the other part, instead of occupying their time, and annoying their neighbours, by the hypocritical cant of attempting to abolish Sunday trading.
Queen Adelaide's bounty to the poor of this borough, was distributed by the vicar, curate, and churchwardens, this morning, to those entitled to receive it.
SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. HARDY, PAGE TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS AUGUSTA.- On Saturday morning last, Mr. Thomas Hardy, who was on duty at Clarence House, St.James's Palace, in attendance on his Royal mistress, not making his appearance at the usual time and place, a servant of the establishment proceeded to his apartment and discovered him lying on the floor in his night clothes, and in a state of insensibility. The unfortunate gentleman immediately received every attention from the servants, and several medical gentlemen were promptly in attendance on him, but all efforts were unavailing, and he expired about midday in a short time after being discovered. The deceased for some time past had been in a low and desponding way, and he often complained of an affection of the head. He was 61 years of age, and had been nearly a quarter of a century in the service of the Princess, in whom he went upon his leaving the service of Colonel Desborough, formerly one of the members for Windsor. He was much respected by his Royal mistress, and indeed by a large circle of acquaintance unconnected with the Royal establishments. The afflicting intelligence was speedily forwarded to Mrs. Hardy, at Frogmore, who immediately started in a post-chaise for the Palace, but too late to see her husband alive. Besides his widow, the deceased has left three daughters. An inquest was held on the body before Frederick John Manning, Esq., coroner for the verge of the Palace, and a verdict that the deceased died of apoplexy, was returned.
DEATH OF THE HON. AND REV. J. MARSHAM.- The death of this gentleman, who was one of the Canons of St.George's Chapel, took place rather suddenly on Tuesday last, at his residence in the Precincts, Rochester. The deceased, who was cousin of the Earl of Romney, was born the 28th Feb., 1759, and married in 1784, Miss A.F. Bullock, by whom the Hon. and Rev. Gentleman had issue four children, two of whom, were sons, the Rev. Robert Marsham, D.C.L., Warden of Merton College, Oxford; and the Vice Chancellor of that university, the Rev. Charles Marsham. The deceased, was also, Prebendary of Rochester and Wells.
THE FLOOD.- The continued rains have occasioned such heavy land floods, that the greatest inconvenience has been felt in consequence. In this immediate neighbourhood several of the roads have been rendered totally impassable, and many persons have been seriously inconvenienced by the water flooding their premises, and even running into their dwelling houses. The flood has been greater this week than it has been for many years; the well known "Cobler" below the Bridge has been entirely hidden from sight by the height of the water in the Thames, which has consequently overflowed its banks to an alarming extent; the view from the North Terrace presents a most remarkable appearance, the country being completely under water, and the upper parts of the trees alone being visible. We are pleased, however, to find that the water is now subsiding.
A barge, the property of Mr. Mason, of the Thames-side, was sunk on Sunday morning last, near the Penitentiary at Millbank. It appears that it had started on the voyage to Windsor on Saturday night, but, as the weather became so very rough, the Captain did not deem it safe to pass Chelsea-reach, and consequently the barge was moored for the night at the above place. Early on Sunday morning a squall came on, which drifted the boat round, and caused her to sink. On Tuesday morning, at the turn of the tide, the barge was got up again, but although it was laden with coals and timber, the loss to Mr. Mason will, we are sorry to find, be considerable.
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.- Mr. Albert Smith, of Chertsey, delivered his second lecture on "The Sports and Pastimes of the People of England," at the Town Hall last evening. A numerous audience expressed their warm approbation of the mode and character of the lecture, the learned expositor being loudly and deservedly applauded during its delivery.
FOWL STEALING.- We last week gave an account of a person named Allen having been detained by Mr. Byles, constable of Eton, offering a fowl for sale to Mr. Grove the fishmonger, and also that it had been discovered that Allen had been possessed of other fowls, all of which were supposed to have been stolen. On inquiry Mr. Byles ascertained that the fowls in question were stolen from the premises of a gentleman named Dean, near Waltham St.Lawrence, and on Tuesday he took the prisoner to that place, when, after an examination before Colonel Hanmer, Allen was fully committed for trial.
Three ducks and a drake were stolen on Tuesday night from the premises of Mr. Agar, at Clewer, and as yet the thieves have not been discovered.
On Thursday night some person or persons broke into the outhouse of Mr. B. Phillips, at Spital, and stole three geese and a gander.
FOOT RACES.- Slade, of pedestrian notoriety, is backed to run ten miles in one hour and three minutes, on Monday next, at Slough.- The third deposit, making �25 a-side for the match between Paddy and Drinkwater, has been made good at Tom Springs, in London, this week. The match is expected to come off also at Slough on the first Monday in May - distance 18 miles.
HER MAJESTY'S MARRIAGE.
PUBLIC MEETING AT THE TOWN-HALL, WINDSOR.
On Thursday last, pursuant to a requisition addressed to the mayor, a public meeting took place in the Town-hall to consider the best mode of testifying the feelings of the inhabitants of Windsor, on occasion of the marriage of her Majesty with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg Gotha. The attendance was not numerous, we should think it did not amount to 100 persons.
The Mayor commenced the proceedings by stating, that in consequence of having received a requisition very numerously and respectably signed, he had called the meeting together in order to consider the best mode of testifying the loyalty of the inhabitants of Windsor, and their joy at the approaching marriage of her Majesty with Prince Albert, and he trusted that they would give every one who should address them a fair and impartial hearing [cheers].
The Rev. Isaac Gossett rose to move the first resolution. He said the whole of the country must feel the greatest delight and joy at the marriage of our gracious sovereign with Prince Albert, but the inhabitants of Windsor were especially bound to come forward on such an occasion [cheers]. Highly favoured as this town had been for a great many years by the presence of royalty, they were called on more particularly to testify their joy and loyalty on this occasion, and sure he was that they would all cordially join in their expressions of loyalty to their sovereign on the forthcoming event [cheers]. He conceived that the most proper course would be to agree to an address to her Majesty expressing their loyalty and their feelings of respect and veneration towards her, and he therefore proposed that course [cheers.]
Dr. Fergusson seconded the motion, with which he expressed his hearty concurrence [applause].
The resolution was carried unanimously.
The Rev. Isaac Gossett then proposed that a small number be constituted a committee to prepare the address; and himself, Dr. Fergusson, the Rev. John Stoughton, and the Rev. Mr. Selwyn were appointed for that purpose.
The Rev. John Stoughton said he did not see why the address should not be brought forward that day. On the last occasion of addressing the sovereign, a committee was appointed to draw up the address, which was not afterwards submitted to a general meeting.
After a short and desultory conversation the committee withdrew to agree to the address, and the proceedings of the meeting were delayed until their return, which was in the course of a few minutes.
The Rev. Mr. Selywn then read the address, which was as follows :-
"We, your Majesty's loyal and devoted subjects of the Borough of New Windsor, beg leave most respectfully to approach your Majesty's throne with our ardent heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious event which we, in common with all our countrymen, regard as being best calculated to promote your Majesty's domestic felicity and the welfare of the nation.
"We feel, that as inhabitants of a town immediately contiguous to the noblest of your Majesty's ancestral palaces, and honoured by the frequent presence of your Majesty, even more deeply interested than the great body of our fellow countrymen in the happiness, which, under Divine Providence, will, we trust, result to your Majesty from this union.
"In your Majesty's alliance with the Prince of a house long renowned for attachment to the principle of civil and religious liberty, we anticipate a long and happy reign. We hail the event as the best guarantee of our own constitutional liberties, thus placed under the guardianship of a Queen, born in a land of freedom, and now united to a Prince, whose hereditary descent affords the best earnest attachment to the purest principles of good government.
"That your Majesty's ancestral palace of Windsor Castle may long prove the abode of domestic happiness and purity of life - an example to the land of all that can endear and be venerated, is the ardent prayer of your Majesty's most humble, and devoted subjects and servants."
The address, which was loudly cheered, was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Brown, the surgeon, moved that the inhabitants be invited to concur in a general illumination on the evening of the day of her Majesty's marriage.
Dr. Stanford seconded the resolution, which was unanimously carried.
The Rev. Mr. Selwyn moved that a subscription be opened to supply the poor inhabitants with provisions in proportion to their families, at their own houses, on the day of the royal marriage [applause]. The meeting would feel that on a day devoted to the enjoyment of the higher classes, it was not right that the poor should be neglected [cheers], and he was certain that the inhabitants of Windsor would readily come forward and enable the poor to be supplied with coals, or provisions, or other comforts, so as to allow them to participate in the general joy at an event which they hoped would prove beneficial to the country at large [cheers].
The Rev. Mr. Stoughton had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. He said it gratified his much to find that benevolence was to be connected with these festivities, while they were providing for their own gratification, they would also be providing for the gratification of others, as deeply interested in the important event before them as themselves. He felt much pleasure in meeting the gentlemen present, as all differences of opinion on other subjects were merged. He was persuaded that in every bosom there existed sentiments of heartfelt loyalty - [cheers]. The event they were about to celebrate was most auspicious; there could be no doubt her Majesty's approaching union was one founded in affection, and one which promised to be greatly conducive to her domestic felicity - [cheers]. The character of the Prince to whom she was to be allied was most estimable, and he, (Mr. S.) had the honour of knowing a gentleman of high literary attainments, who had been a fellow student with the Prince at the University at Bonn, who bore most honourable testimony to his worth, and to his love of literature and science. The latter circumstance augured well for the interests of knowledge in the country, which there was every reason to believe the Prince would advance; and these, next to the claims of religion, made the most urgent demands on the attentions of society [loud applause]. He considered, therefore, her Majesty's union was likely to prove most auspicious to the country. He had said the union was one founded on affection - of this there could be no doubt - and the circumstance reminded him of that memorable alliance formed between the lamented Princess Charlotte and the present King of Belgium; and he alluded to it only to express the hope and prayer that the future history of our Queen might present a contrast, that while the domestic happiness of the former illustrious lady ended so soon, and her sun went down while it was yet day, the sun of her Majesty's joy might shine with increasing lustre to a far distant period, and then go down in glory to rise in brighter and fairer skies [loud cheers]. He congratulated the town on the approaching event, for he had no doubt that when her Majesty had tasted the sweetness of conjugal happiness and domestic bliss, in this her home, it would be more than ever endeared to her, and she would be more likely than before to make it her permanent residence, and by shedding around the smiles of her royal favour diffuse prosperity and gladness through the town [cheers]. He begged pardon for detaining the meeting so long, and hoped they would forgive the remarks which had occurred to him on the spur of the moment, and, concluded by breathing a prayer that the domestic happiness of her Majesty and her Consort might be long continued, and that after being separated by death, they might be united in a happier world, and sit down together at the marriage supper of the lamb [cheers].
The resolution was then put and carried unanimously.
Captain Bulkeley said, as they had pledged themselves to provide food and other comforts for their poorer friends, in order that they might enjoy themselves on the auspicious event of her Majesty's marriage, he thought there would be no objection to a public dinner in the Town-hall, where all parties might meet and enjoy themselves. He, therefore, proposed that there be a public dinner in the Town-hall, and that the major be requested to take the chair [cheers].
J.B. Sharpe, Esq., seconded the resolution of his worthy and excellent neighbour, Captain Bulkeley. It had been his intention to have made a few observations on the higher interests which were involved in this royal union, but they had already been so well pointed out by a gentleman who had preceeded him, that he felt it would now be unnecessary. It afforded him very great pleasure to observe the union of persons of various political opinions, and of different religious persuasions, on a subject which so nearly affected them all [cheers]. He was glad to see it, and he hoped that this occasion would be the means of perpetuating similar kind feelings among all parties [loud cheers].
The resolution was then put and carried unanimously.
The Hon. Captain Liddell said, having been called on by some of the inhabitants of Windsor to move a resolution, he most cordially acceded to their request. It was the first time he had ever addressed a Windsor meeting, and although exceedingly diffident in his own power, he felt it would not have become him to refuse the request made to him, nor to allow his own feelings to interfere with the pleasing duty allotted to him [cheers]. Hitherto the meeting had only considered and adopted measures relating to the male part of the community. Now he had very great pleasure in proposing that on the evening following the day of the public dinner there should be a ball in the Town-hall, in which the fairer part of the community could participate [cheers]. And he hoped that the ladies of Windsor would not only give the ball their support and patronage, but that they would grace it with their presence [cheers].
Mr. Snowden the late mayor, seconded the motion. He said although his dancing days were over [laughter], he could not but recollect the many happy scenes he had witnessed in former times, and although he might not now be able to enjoy the pleasure of the dance, he had some members of his family who could [cheers].
The resolution was unanimously agreed to.
Mr. Darvill said they had neglected to perform an important part of their proceedings. They had agreed to an address to her Majesty, but they had not resolved who should present it.
The Rev. Mr. Gossett - I believe it always goes through the Secretary of State.
Mr. Darvill said, that he thought a deputation ought to present it.
The Town Clerk - It would be excessive bad taste to go between the bride and bridegroom [laughter].
Mr. Darvill protested against such an observation from the Town Clerk. As one of the meeting, he had an undoubted right to make a motion [hear]. The question was whether they should forward an address to her Majesty through a mere office, or whether it should be delivered to her Majesty by a deputation. He recollected that even the small town of Staines had sent a deputation to the Sovereign, and they were received, and why should Windsor be the only town not to wait on her Majesty ? [cheers] He contended that it ought to be the first town in the kingdom to do so [cheers]. Notwithstanding the Town Clerk chose to make his objections, he (Mr. D) contended that the inhabitants of Windsor ought to show the love they bore towards the Queen, and to show to her that not only a hundred, but thousands, and tens of thousands were desirous of displaying their attachment to her [cheers]. Mr. Darvill concluded by moving that the members of the Borough, with the Mayor, Town-clerk, and the Committee, be appointed a deputation to present the address to her Majesty [cheers].
The Rev. John Stoughton thought it would be better to take her Majesty's pleasure as to the mode of presenting the address.
Mr. Darvill - Oh ! It is a part of the soul and essence of the address that it should be properly presented; the Mayor can communicate with the proper authorities as to the time and the manner of its presentation [cheers].
Mr. Poynter seconded the motion of Mr. Darvill.
The Rev. Mr. Selwyn thought the amendment of Mr. Darvill had better be in the shape of an instruction to the Committee.
Mr. Darvill - No; my motion is not an amendment; it is a distinct resolution. We have passed the address, but we have not stated how it is to be presented.
The Town Clerk strongly protested against including him in the deputation, but Mr. Darvill persisted in his motion.
Mr. Sharpe thought that Mr. Darvill's intention would have all the desired effect, if they took her Majesties directions as to whether she would receive a deputation or whether the address should go through the Secretary of State. He should support the resolution, but of course taking her Majesty's directions on the subject, which he knew all parties would feel pleasure in obeying [cheers].
The Town Clerk suggested that the Recorder should be substituted instead of him.
Mr. Darvill - If the corporation should agree to an address which I hope they will do, then the Recorder will be the proper officer to go up with it; but this is a town meeting.
The Rev. Mr. Selwyn moved an amendment that the mayor and town clerk and the gentlemen moving and seconding the address form a committee to see that the address was presented, and that the mayor take steps to ascertain how her Majesty would receive it; for it seemed to him a contradiction of terms to appoint a deputation to present the address, and then to apply to know how the Queen would receive it.
Mr. Griffin thought Mr. Darvill's motion conveyed all that the meeting intended [hear, hear].
The Rev. Mr. Selwyn thought the general word "convey" would suffice.
Mr. Darvill said the penny-post would "convey" [laughter].
The Rev. Mr. Selwyn - I know when six gentlemen went up from Staines, that was deemed extraordinary; but when only two went up with an address from this town, great surprise was experienced at the Castle.
The Town Clerk - Now, can you find any other bride who would wish to be intruded on by a deputation ?
Mr. Darvill stated, that his object was that Windsor should not be the last borough in the kingdom to address her Majesty, he thought it should be the first [cheers].
Mr. Darvill's resolution was then put and carried.
A numerous committee was then formed to collect the fund to distribute among the poor on the day of her Majesty's marriage.
On the motion of Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Banister, a vote of thanks to the Mayor was carried amidst considerable applause. The Mayor briefly acknowledged the compliment, and the meeting broke up.
WINDSOR POLICE - THURSDAY.
[Before W. Berridge, Esq., (Mayor), and C.M. Snowden, Esq.
Thomas Salt and Jonathan Wingate were charged with stealing some wine, the property of Mr. Thomas Dash, of the Star and Garter Inn.
The prisoner Salt, it appeared, was employed as "boots" at the Star and Garter. On Tuesday evening a female named Mitchener, also employed at that Inn, heard the crash of some bottles, and afterwards saw Salt with a bottle of wine, which he secreted. On finding he was discovered, he grossly abused and threatened her, and she, in her fear of his violence, made her escape, and locked herself up in a bed-room. On an examination, it turned out that the trap-door in the floor of the waiter's pantry, leading to the cellar, had been opened, and several bottles of wine (port and sherry) had been placed on a cask, immediately under the trap-door, ready for removal, several bottles were also broken, and the wine drank. The main point against the other prisoner, Wingate was, that he and Salt were seen together in the stable, drinking wine out of bottles. The prisoners were both drunk.
The prisoners were remanded for the attendance of another witness, and Mr. Gillman stated that he should press a charge against Wingate, for endeavouring to rescue the prisoner Salt.
Charles Hartley, and Agnes, his wife were charged with stealing a pillow and blanket, the property of Mr. Willer, landlord of the Free House, Clewer-lane.
Robert Roach, a policeman, stated that on Monday evening he saw Hartley go into the shop of Mr. Radnor, pawnbroker, with a pillow and a basket, and receive 2s. in pledge for them. He afterwards followed him to Clewer-lane, and saw him go into a house used as a lodging-house, belonging to Mr. Willer, and he thought it prudent to inform Mr. Willer of what he had seen, when, on an examination, Mr. Willer missed five blankets, a pillow, and bolster. Roach then took the prisoner into custody, and on his saying the articles were his wife's, he took her also.
Mr. Radnor proved having lent the male prisoner 2s on the pillow and blanket. The prisoner gave the name of James Smith, and said he was a housekeeper in Peascod-street.
The male prisoner was fully committed for trial, but his wife was discharged.
ETON POLICE - WEDNESDAY.
[Before C. Clowes, Esq., J.B. Sharpe, Esq, the Hon. and Rev. S.G. Osborne, Robert Harvey, Esq., the Rev. Thomas Carter, the Rev. Mr. Champnes, and Maurice Swabey, Esq.).
Mr. Goddard, a farmer of Iver, was summoned to shew cause why he refused to pay a man named Aldridge [?], �1. being the balance of his wages. After a lengthened discussion, the case was dismissed, and the costs, 11s ordered to be paid between the parties.
A person named Lawrence complained that his son had been very ill used by his master and mistress. He said the boy was in the service of Mr. Perryman, a shopkeeper in Eton, and that having five shillings in his pocket, he had expressed his intention to purchase a pair of trousers, but that Mr. and Mrs. Perryman took the money out of his pocket by force, having gagged his mouth, and tied his hands in order to effect their object. He also received a kick on the leg, and exhibited the bruise to the magistrates.
Their worships seemed to consider the case an extraordinary one, but thought that Mr. Perryman might give some explanation of it, and, therefore, instead of issuing was warrant, they forthwith sent a constable to desire his attendance, and in a short time he appeared.
The complaint having been stated to him, Mr. Perryman said that he took the boy into his service, gave him food and lodgings and a shilling a week, besides occasionally some pocket money; but he had often reasons to be dissatisfied with his conduct. On the day in question, the boy, who he believed had two shillings in his pocket, said he was going to buy a pair of trousers, and on being asked how he expected to buy a pair of trousers for two shillings, he said he had five shillings. He was then questioned a to how he became possessed of five shillings, and he gave a rambling and inconsistent account of the whole, stating his father had given him two shillings when the father had stated he only gave him one, and that he had been given some by Captain Martyn, though the captain had been abroad for three months. Money had been missing from the till, but he (Mr. P.) had never charged the boy with having taken it, because he could not prove it against him. He admitted that after the unsatisfactory statement of the boy, he threatened to tie his hands and take the money from him believing he had improperly come by it, but before he did so, he went and informed the boy's father, who however refused to come to his son.
The magistrates in the end dismissed the complaint, requesting Mr. Perryman to give up the five shillings to the boy which he did, there being no proof that he stole the money, although Mr. Perryman had strong reasons for acting as he did at the time.
William Bridges and John Wise were charged with assaulting Edward Godding.
The parties along with many others, had been passing the evening at the Crown public-house at Horton, and on their way home a row took place, in which seven (including the defendants) set upon a party of five (including complainant and his brother). It was very properly designated by Mr. Clowes a "public house row," and the defendants were fined in the nominal penalty of one shilling, and �1. 1s. 6d. costs.
THURSDAY
Two men named Charles Moles and William Johnson, both of Colnbrook, were remanded by the Rev. Mr. Carter, till Monday, on the charge of stealing a copper from Riching's Lodge.
MAIDENHEAD, SATURDAY, February 1.
The centres of Maidenhead Bridge were struck in the most unceremonious and unusual manner on Friday last, the high wind on that day having blown them from under both arches within an hour of each other. The wood-work from the one that fell on land was dashed to pieces. The event caused a variety of rumours to be circulated in Maidenhead and the neighbourhood generally, as to the extent of the damage, and among the oft repeated, but false report, that the bridge itself had fallen in. The fact of the centres being thus blown out, shows that they were no support to the bridge, at all events.
PIGEON SHOOTING.- A fat hog, given by Compton, the land lord of the George Inn, Holyport, was shot for on Tuesday last. The entry was 10s each, and the number of members was ten. The hog was won by Bacon and Hill, of Windsor, they each killed the whole of their birds but one, and divided the prize between them. These two shots, prior to the shooting, had agreed to divide the hog between them if either of them won, and it is a singular fact that they should have both beaten the other competitors.
CHERTSEY, SATURDAY, February 1.
LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION.- We were favoured on Thursday evening by Mr. Albert Smith, with "a second edition enlarged and improved" of his lecture upon "The Ancient Sports and Pastimes of the People of England." As the subject necessarily embraced a variety of topics, only the former part of the lecture was given, which treated of the rural sports and exercises of our ancestors of the middle ages, with the origin of some of the most favourite amusements of the present time; while those relating to them as were carried on at home, as well as others connected with present customs and diversions, is promised as the subject of next Thursday evening's entertainment. Mr. A. Smith has bestowed much patient research, ingenuity, and industry, in selecting and copying his diagrams, chiefly from rare works, &c. Among the number not exhibited upon a former occasion, was representation upon a large scale of the celebrated tournament, which took place in the reign of Richard II, when a suspension of single combat between the Dukes of Norfolk and Hereford was occasioned by the King in person, ordering both combatants to leave the kingdom, and which proved eventually the cause of the deposition of that unfortunate monarch. The announcement of a lecture by Mr. A. Smith ensured a larger attendance then usual, and we have no doubt from the interesting diagrams remaining to be described, that equal approbation will be evinced next Thursday.
UXBRIDGE, SATURDAY, February 1.
SUDDEN DEATH.- On Saturday evening an inquest was held before Mr. Wakley, M.P., at the Green Man Inn, on the Uxbridge-road, Ealing, on view of the body of Mr. John Tuffeny, aged 59 years. It appeared from the evidence that on Friday afternoon her Majesty's hounds met at Hayes. In pursuit of the stag, the pack followed by the whole body of the hunt in full cry, crossed the Uxbridge-road near the entrance of the village of Ealing, and from thence across the Great Western Railway, near Drayton-green, towards Castle Bar-hill. The unusual scene in that neighbourhood caused most of the inhabitants to follow in the wake to witness the sport. Among others, the deceased, who was possessed of independent property, and resided opposite the above inn, hastened after them, and on reaching the bridge over the railroad stood still to view the scene from the distance. He had, however, scarcely stopped, before he was observed to fall down flat on his face. Dr. Ralfs, of Brentford, who was following in his cab, witnessing his fall, got out, went to his assistance, and attempted to bleed him from the arm and temples, but scarcely any blood flowed, life being quiet extinct. It is supposed that he had over-exerted himself, which occasioned apoplexy. Verdict - "Died by the visitation of God."
HENLEY, SATURDAY, February 1.
THE WOODCOT MURDER - Our readers will recollect we announced the particulars of this horrid deed in May last. Several persons were at the same time taken up and examined, but no clue sufficient against any one person was obtained. A very strong suspicion attached to a man named Charles Morley, living in a cottage near that where the poor old murdered widow (Fanny Phillips) resided. He was several time brought before the county magistrates at Henley; and although strong presumptive circumstances were adduced touching his criminality, sufficient evidence was not elicited to warrant his committal for that act, but he was committed for stealing a bag of carpenters tools from the neighbourhood, part of which were found on his premises, and part in the garden of the murdered widow. For this offence he was tried at the Oxford assizes, and sentenced to seven years transportation. It appears, after his conviction (having an idea he could not be tried a second time) he told a fellow prisoner that the woman's money was hid in the thatch of his cottage. He said when he entered the bed-room she knew him, and her knowledge of his person caused him to commit the deed. Stephens, the Henley policeman, in consequence of this, searched the thatch, and on telling Morley's wife of his errand, she advised him to look near a certain spot, where were found two bags (since sworn to as belonging to the murdered widow), containing in guineas, sovereigns, and other gold coin, upwards of �250. Steps were immediately taken by the magistrates to stay his departure to New South Wales, and a communication was made to the Secretary of State to that effect : accordingly Morley was brought here yesterday week in custody of Stephens, when an investigation of nearly seven hours took place before the county magistrates. About twenty witnesses were examined, and from the disclosures made he was fully committed to gaol to take his trial for the murder at the Oxford Assizes, the end of this month. During the examination of the principal witness (Blackhall), the prisoner was rather violent in his language towards him. However, just before he was conveyed from the town, in custody, Morley cautioned several of his relatives and friends against frequenting the ale-houses, and poaching..
POST-OFFICE- The penny-post is becoming very popular in this town. By it last week were conveyed a pair of ladies shoes for Brighton and Clewer a pair of socks for Leicester, and a diamond pin for Manchester, with a strict order where the office stamp was to be put. Writing post-paid is vulgar, pre-paid is fashionable, not paying is considered shabby, and the guard's horn is called a penny trumpet.
FARNHAM, SATURDAY, February 1.
INCENDIARISM.- About two o'clock on Sunday morning, the inhabitants of this town were alarmed by the cry of fire, which it was stated was then raging in the farm buildings of the Bishop of Winchester, situate about two miles from the town. The engines, three in number, and men of the Farnham fire brigade, were soon in attendance, and in a short time succeeded in getting the fire under, but not until the roof of the place had fallen in. An ox that could not release itself, was burnt to death during the conflagration, and four others more or less injured, as to render it necessary to slaughter them immediately. The building in which the oxen were was set on fire in several places, as also the barn, but owing to the wet state of the thatch, the latter did not take fire until discovered by the inmates of the farm house. A reward of �50 has been offered by the Farnham Society for the Detection and Preservation of Crime, for the discovery of the perpetrators of the above malicious outrage.
A public meeting of the inhabitants was held on Tuesday evening, for the purpose of entering into a subscription to offer a reward for the apprehension and conviction of the perpetrator of the late atrocious incendiary outrage upon the Bishop of Winchester's property, as a means of publicly manifesting the abhorrence in which so malicious a crime is held by the parish at large, and of the determination which exists of sparing neither pains nor expense in the endeavour to discover, and visit with condign punishment, the offenders.
BIRTH.
On the 27th ult., at Uxbridge, the wife of Mr. H. Adams, corn-dealer, of a daughter.
MARRIED.
On the 23rd ult, at Remenham, Berks, the Rev. Augustus Fitz Roy, rector of Fakenham, Suffolk, third son of the late Lord Henry Fitz Roy, to Emma, sixth daughter of E. Fuller Maitland, Esq., of Park-place, Henley-on-Thames.
On the 25th ult, at St.Margaret's, Westminster, by the Rev. Henry W.M Light, Herbert Francis Hore, Esq., of Pole-hore, county of Wexford, to Dorothea, daughter of Col. A.W. Light, and widow of Thomas Bilcliffe Tyler [?], Esq., of Teddington, Middlesex.
On the 28th ult, at Remenham, near Henley on Thames, by the Rev. Forster Maynard, Mr. W.S. Cantrell, of High-street, Windsor, to Frances, second daughter of Mr. James Sharpe, of Remenham.
DIED.
On the 24th ult, at Langley, Mrs. Sarah Ellis, aged 77 years.
On the 28th ult., in the High-street, Windsor, Miss Sharpe, in her 27th [?] year.
On the same day, at Langley, Martha, the infant daughter of Mr. Blincoe, aged 2 years.
On the 30th ult, at Denham House, at the establishment of B. Rotch, Esq, Alexander Cumming, Esq., aged 41 years.