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The Windsor and Eton Express.
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Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express



19th November 1842

A day with Mr.Pole's Harriers



On Monday last, the harriers of R.Pole,Esq, met at Down Place, and found a fine hare in the meadows of R.Micklem,Esq., which got away on good terms for the Windsor road, short to the left to Mr.J.Glover's farm, where she again challenged her gallant pursuers, crossed the Fifield road over the farms of Messrs. Micklem and Lovegrove at a rattling pace to Fifield House, over those beautiful meadows in front known to the sporting world to be splendid but stiff fencing country, bore to the left and again crossed the Fifield road, where a check occurred very seasonably for the nags, but soon all right again and thence over the farms of Messrs. J.Glover, Alloway, and Sweetzur, through the village of Holyport to Philberd House, through the plantation in front to the left of Braywick Grove; here she was viewed back to the right some distance before the hounds, owing to the scent becoming cold, but by careful hunting of this first-rate pack she was run back to the swede field of Mr.Alloway, where she waited, but stole away to the right through some osier beds to the back of Holyport, but at this point the scent entirely failed, and she was eventually given up for another day, thus finishing a most beautiful run of two hours and a half, only wanting a kill to make it shine in our memory as one of the best runs we ever witnessed. Too much cannot be said in praise of the conditions and perseverance of the hounds, and the patience of the huntsman in difficulties.

Stoppage of the Henley Bank



We regret to state that the Henley Bank of Messrs. J.D and T.Lydall suspended payment on Monday last, but from an examination of the accounts there appears to be no doubt that the whole of the debts will be paid in full. A meeting of the creditors is fixed for this day, for the purpose of having laid before them a statement of the accounts of the firm.

Windsor Ball


The Windsor nobility's and gentry's second subscription ball took place on Wednesday evening in the Town Hall. The company was numerous, and included most of the nobility and gentry and their families in this neighbourhood. The celebrated band of Mr.Weippert , harpist to her Majesty, attended, and in the course of the evening played, by desire, the Queen's royal Scotch quadrilles no less than four times. The refreshments, which were of the best order, were as usual, supplied by Mr.Layton.

Literary Institution

On Wednesday evening Mr.Richardson, of the British Museum, delivered a gratuitous lecture on the "Public Press." The lecturer was thoroughly conversant with all the minute and even technicalities of the "press," from the practical mechanical part of the "getting up" of a newspaper to the editorship, and in the interior of a "book office" he was quite at home.
Mr.R., dwelt at some length upon the powerful influence of the newspaper press of the present day - the extraordinary means adopted to obtain early and accurate information, and detailed in a very lucid manner the various stages through which it travelled before appearing in print. The lecturer amused the audience by many rich anecdotes which had fallen under his observation from typographical errors, &c., which in the mere transposition of a single letter, the sense was the very antipodes of what was intended, and the effect ludicrous in the extreme. The lecture appeared to give great pleasure to the company.

Wesleyan Missionary Society



On Sunday morning and afternoon, sermons were preached at the Wesleyan Chapel, Peascod Street, by the Rev. J.S.Stamp, and the Rev. R.H. Atherton, and collections afterwards made in behalf of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. The annual meeting of the society was held at the Town-hall, on Monday, when some able speeches were made by several Wesleyan ministers and others in advocacy of the objects of the institution. The amount collected at the conclusion of the sermons on Sunday and the meeting on Monday was about �15.

Saunders v Green


In our last week's paper we reported the conviction of the toll-gate keeper (Green) on the Slough-road, at the instance of Mr.Saunders, the secretary of the Great Western Railway Company, for having refused to give that gentleman a ticket when demanded, on his going through the gate in a hired carriage. The well known character for civility of Green in his calling has caused much regret, by those who know him, at his having been thus mulcted in so heavy an amount as five pounds, and particularly when, as he states, he as well as the driver of Mr.Saunder's carriage assured that gentleman that the ticket was of no use to him, in going to and returning from Windsor.

Without any reference to the strict letter of the law, we cannot refrain from stating, that unless Mr.Saunders has been personally inconvenienced by Green, the proceeding to such extremities is, to say the least of it, exceedingly harsh towards a poor and well conducted man, We think also that as being connected to the railroad, which has nearly destroyed the traffic on this "trust," that Mr.Saunders ought at least to have shown some forbearance in this case.

Sheep Stealing


On Monday night a fat sheep was stolen from a field at Nettlebed, the property of Mr.Rogers; another was also stolen on Wednesday from the adjoining parish of Swincomb, the property of Mr.Hewer.

The Ship Seringapatam


Captain Hopkins, the commander of this fine ship, has again made another quick passage to Madras, having performed the voyage in less than 84 days. It gives us great pleasure to insert the following letter, received by him from his passengers, in testimony of his kindness and urbanity of manners towards them; as the Express is read by many of their friends, they will be glad to hear of their happy voyage and safe arrival at Madras.

Madras, Sept.21st, 1842
Dear Sir - Having through the Divine blessing, been brought to our destination in safety, we are anxious, before we part, to express to you our sincere thanks for the marked kindness and attention we have individually and collectively received from you during our voyage. In our rapid passage from England, the Seringapatam has fully maintained her former high character, and we consider ourselves fortunate in having sailed in a ship possessed of such good accommodation, the general arrangements of which have proved so conducive to our comforts. We are sensible of the courtesy and kind attention which we have received from your officers, and beg you will do us the favour to offer them our best acknowledgements. As a small expression of our regard, we request your acceptance of a piece of plate; and, sincerely wishing you a safe and prosperous return to our native land, and success in your future path.

We remain , dear sir, yours very truly,
Ann Shotland
Anne Colnett
Kate Daniell
Maria Millar
H.C.Shortland
Sarah Colnett
Emily Drury
Mary Barton
Sarah Shortland
Vincent Shortland, B.D.
J.R. Colnett, Major 17th, N.I.
J.R.Daniell, 47th, B.N.I.
W.Freeman ,Capt 45th, M.N.I.
J.Smith, Missionary, L.M.S.
J.S.Wardlaw,A.M., L.M.S.
J.O.Whitehouse ,A.M.
S.Hobbs, Missionary, C.M.S.
J.Millar, Capt.43rd,M.N.
R.Smith, Bengal Army.
W.Blogden, Madras Army.
C.C.Mason, M.A.
E.Sargent, C.M.S.
G.Millar, B.A.
H.G.Iremonger, B.A.
S.Rogers, B.A.
S.H.Plumer, B.A.
J.Anderson V.J.Shortland, M.A.
E.Bridge, B.A.





Eton Police
Monday [Before the Rev.W.G.Cookesley.]



William Lovett was charged with assaulting his wife, but as the parties were no on better terms, and were disposed to settle their quarrel privately, they were allowed to do so, and the case was dismissed.

Moses Butler was charged with stealing a turkey, the property of John Mellish, of Wyrardisbury. The evidence, however, was not conclusive, and the prisoner was liberated.

Thursday



Edward Nicholls and Geo.Weston were charged with stealing a pick-axe, the property of Thos and Henry George, builders, of Slough, on Tuesday last. The case was proved, and the prisoners were fully committed for trial.

Friday [Before C.Tower,Esq.]



Henry Church was charged with stealing a "whipping-tree," which forms part of the gear of a plough, the property of Hy.Goddard, of Iver, on the preceding evening.
The case was a little peculiar. It appeared that Mr.Goddard had been a considerable sufferer from persons frequently stealing portions of his ploughs which were left in his fields, and he therefore determined to watch the rogues. Accordingly he went out on Thursday evening, armed with his gun, and he had not been long on the watch, when he saw the prisoner take the article from one of his ploughs and make off with it. He called the prisoner to stop, or he would fire at him, but he only ran the faster, and Mr.Goddard fired, when the fellow dropped the property and fell, crying out he was wounded.
He was then given into custody of a constable, who conveyed him to the lock up, where he bellowed so loudly that he was shot in the back, and so alarmed the constable that a surgeon was sent for, on whose arrival and examination of the prisoner it was however ascertained , fortunately for Mr.Goddard, that not a shot had touched him, and he was in no way hurt.
The prisoner was fully committed for trial.

Saturday (This Day)
[Before M.Swabey, Esq.]



William Huggins was charged with stealing nine fruit trees from the garden of Robert Harvey, Esq., in the occupation of Robert Rubey. He was convicted and fined 20s, besides 8s, the value of the trees, and �1 6s 6d costs. In default of payment he was committed to hard labour for two months.

Game Prosecution



Yesterday the Rev.Thomas Carter and R.R.Clayton,Esq., two of the Commissioners of Taxes for Bucks (also Justices of the Peace), held a court at the Crown Inn, Slough, where the following case came before them. Mr.Hedgeman, the Surveyor of Taxes, was also present, and Mr.C.S.Voules attended as Clerk to the Commissioners.

John Elkins, a gamekeeper in the service of C.Tower,Esq., of Iver, appeared to an information signed by Mr.Brown and Mr.Richards, two other Commissioners of Taxes, at the instance of Mr.Thomas Trevitt Slack, of Yiewsley, charging him (Elkins) with sporting in the pursuit and search of game, on the 3rd of October, without having been previously qualified by taking out a certificate, whereby he had become liable, under the 52nd of Geo.III , cap.93, to a penalty of �20.

Mr.Tower, the defendant's employer was present. Mr.Palmer, solicitor of the Temple, attended in support of the information, and Mr.Darvill for the defence.

The circumstances of this case have already been fully detailed in our paper of Oct.29, and therefore we may in a few words only refer to them on the present occasion. On the 12th of Oct., two gentlemen named Britten and Slack, were fined by the bench of magistrates sitting at Eton, for being found trespassing in the pursuit of game on Mr.Tower's land, the conviction taking place on the evidence of Elkins, the present defendant, who, when he discovered them, was himself carrying a gun and had a brace of sporting dogs with him, but who had no certificate. Those gentlemen apologised at the time to the gamekeeper, as also to Mr.Tower, stating they had inadvertently gone on the land, having permission to shoot on the adjoining property, and having a certificate. It appears, however, that some irritating language passed on that occasion, and that Mr.Tower consequently conceived he ought not to accept the apology under such circumstances.
Hence that conviction.

Messrs. Britten and Slack then proceeded to lay an information against Elkins for being out with a gun and dogs in pursuit of game not having a certificate. That information was under the act of the 1st and 2nd of Wil.IV, cap 23, which imposed a penalty of any sum not exceeding �5, and it came on to be heard before the bench at Eton, on the 2nd inst., when it was sworn that the defendant was ranging about in pursuit of game. Mr.Tower, however swore that the defendant could not be in pursuit of game; that he (Mr.T.) intending to go out shooting had ordered Elkins to take his gun and dogs to Mr.Pigott's farm and meet him there, which he did; that the gun was unloaded when he gave it to the defendant to carry, and was also unloaded when he (Mr.T.) received it from him. Thereupon the information was dismissed. That decision not being satisfactory to Messrs.Britten and Slack and their solicitor, the present information was laid under another Act of Parliament for a �20 penalty, and this is the one that came on yesterday before the commissioners of taxes as that act required.

Mr.Darvill, for the defendant, took an objection to the information, on the ground that neither of the two commissioners who had signed it was present to hear it.

Mr.Voules, the Commissioners clerk, gave his opinion that the objection was fatal, and he advised that another information should be laid before the commissioners present, so that the case could be heard on its merits.

This was done, and the case was then proceeded with by Mr.Palmer stating the facts as he proposed to prove them, and as they will be gathered from the foregoing statement. He the called Mr.Britten, who gave similar evidence to that which he gave on the preceding information.

In cross-examination by Mr.Darvill, Mr.Britten said he commenced shooting between ten and eleven on that day (the 3rd of October) having come from London that morning. He did not recollect how many fields Mr.Slack and he had beat. He had one double shot only, and that was on Mr.Tower's land, but not in the same field where he first saw Elkins, whose dogs were ranging about in the middle of the field, and he himself was going in a zig-zag direction.

In re-examination Mr.Britten swore that Elkins was ranging about as a sportsman would do, and as much as he (witness) was doing.

It was here admitted by Mr.Darvill that Elkins had no certificate.

Mr.Darvill submitted that no offence had been proved. In the first instance, the information charged that the defendant was in the pursuit and search of game, which was an offence under the act by which the information was laid, which said that a party must be proved to be in the act of taking or killing game. He was, however, content to go into the merits of his defence, and for that purpose he should call a man named Cox, who was in the field attending to the sheep there, and who would prove that Elkins was not in the pursuit of game, and he should call Mr.Towers to prove that he sent Elkins with his dogs and an unloaded gun to meet him at Pigott's farm, and that when he received the gun from Elkins it was still unloaded, and had not been fired off.

Cox and Mr.Tower were then examined, and deposed to the same facts as on the previous examination. They were cross examined by Mr.Palmer, but nothing material was elicited.

Mr.Palmer then replied, and submitted that the case had been proved, and cited several cases which had been decided by the judges in support of his argument.

The Commissioners ordered the room to be cleared, in order to consult with their clerk and the surveyor of taxes. In a few minutes the room was re-opened, and the commissioners decided that the case was not proved, consequently the information must be dismissed.

Staines
The Late Incendiary Fire at Teddington


At the Feltham Petty Sessions on Tuesday, John Morris, the person accused of having set fire to the premises of Mr.Gunner, a farmer, at Teddington, on the night of Saturday, the 5th, (an account of whose first examination appeared in this paper last week), was brought up before Col.Wood, M.P., and Messrs. C.Devon and G.Patterson, the sitting magistrates, for re-examination, and the prisoner was again remanded.

Chertsey
Swindling



This town has lately been visited by a gentleman of this profession, who although he has not victimised the tradesmen to any great extent, has taught them in future to keep their "peepers" rather more open , and be more diligent in their inquiries respecting strangers. The name of the party is Mr.S.H. Bassan, who took a ready furnished house in March last, and represented himself as having been in the navy, but retired on half-pay. He stated his income to be upwards of �200 per annum, which was principally derivable through his wife, who was a ward of Alderman Wilson's. When he first came here he generally paid ready money, but has latterly had running accounts with several of the tradesmen, who , fearing that all was not quite right, became solicitous for payment, but on Sunday night last he left clandestinely , leaving debts to the amount of about �70. Since his departure one of the creditors wrote to Alderman Wilson, stating the particulars, and by return of post had his reply, saying that he knew no one of the name Bassan, nor had he any ward, and kindly offering his assistance should the retreat of the fugitive be discovered.

On Thursday morning last (it is supposed about two o'clock) the shop of Mr.Child, grocer, of this town, was broken into, and copper to the amount of �4 was stolen from the till, which the thieves left empty in a corner on the premises. The entrance was effected by opening a door leading from the yard into the bacon store, from thence into the cheese store, and through a third door into the shop, and although surrounded by eatables in the shape of hams, bacon, cheese, &c., nothing beyond the copper was abstracted.

Sudden Death of the Rev. William Proctor - We last week recorded the death of this gentleman, who was a Dissenting Minister. On Saturday an inquest was held on his body before Mr.W.G.Wood, coroner, at the George Inn, Addlestone. It appeared from the evidence that deceased, who was 30 years of age, had been on the visit of the residence of a gentleman named Young, in Addlestone, and appearing in his usual state of health, preached a sermon on Wednesday, the 9th inst., at the chapel in that place. At night he retired to bed without making the slightest complaint of indisposition, and on the next morning, on some of the family entering his chamber, the rev. gentleman was found lying dead by the bedside. Medical assistance was immediately called in, but human aid was of no avail, the deceased having died of apoplexy , Verdict - "Died by the visitation of God."

Great Marlow



Chas.Trendall, of Stanwell, was committed to Aylesbury gaol, on Thursday week, on suspicion of being concerned in robbing Mr.Jordan of �350 at Marlow fair, as mentioned in a former number of this paper.

On Saturday last, Geo.Anderson was committed to the same gaol for two months, for cutting wood belonging to Scott Murray, Esq., of Hambleden.

On Tuesday last a lad, named Knibbs, in driving a team of Mr.Hobbs of Hambledon, was run over in the town of Maidenhead, by the horses suddenly taking fright and running away. He was killed on the spot.

Uxbridge
Dreadful Accident at Harefield - Two Lives Lost



On Saturday afternoon a most serious accident, which we regret to state has been attended with the loss of two lives, occurred in the neighbourhood of the village of Harefield, near this town. It appears that for some days a number of labourers had been employed in excavating a chalk pit near the village, for the purpose of it being burned into lime. In digging for that purpose, it was necessary that a portion of the cliff should be undermined, which was done in the course of Saturday; and about four o'clock in the afternoon, while the men were still employed in completing the operation, a slip took place without any previous warning, and melancholy to relate, two of the workmen were buried alive under a cone of chalk, weighing it is computed upwards of 20 tons. When extracted, they were found to be in a lifeless state. Information of the lamentable accident was the next day forwarded to Mr.T.Wakley, the coroner, who held an inquest on the bodies on Wednesday, at the While Horse Inn, Harefield, when the jury returned a verdict of "Died from suffocation by the accidental fall of a cone of chalk."

From the great respectability and high character of Mr.Henry James Stevens, of this place, mealman, the following case at the Petty Sessions, on Thursday last, excited considerable interest among the inhabitants and frequenters of the markets. The magistrates present were Sir William Wiseman, Bart., and Thomas Dagnall, Esq., - Thomas Hibbert,sen., of Peel-heath, Hillingdon, horse-dealer, was summoned, under the authority of the metropolitan police act, to appear to answer the complaint of Mr.Stevens, for using insulting and abusive words towards him in the public market, on Thursday last. - Mr.Stevens being sworn, stated that Thomas Hibbert,sen., came up to him in the market on Thursday last, and began a volley of low abuse towards him, calling him a liar and other opprobrious epithets, following him to different parts of the market, and repeating his gross abuse; that Hibbert's violence was so great, that instead of arousing his anger had a contrary effect, for he merely in reply told Hibbert that he was a vulgar fellow. - Mr.Burgiss, the clerk of the market, corroborated Mr.Steven's evidence, and added that Mr.Hibbert's violence and abuse was so gross towards Mr.Stevens that the business of the market was interrupted, and he was compelled to call in the police to put an end to the abuse. - Mr.Hibbet's son appeared for his father, and pleaded guilty to the charge, bur added that Mr.Stevens had told him the market day before, that his father had sold him an unsound horse. - The magistrates said the charge had been clearly proved, and was admitted by the defendant - that Mr.Hibbert's conduct was gross in the extreme and could not be tolerated; and after complimenting Mr.Stevens on his coolness and self-possession on the occasion, convicted Mr.Hibbert in the full penalty of 40s, and costs, which was immediately paid.

Iver

Shocking Accident - On Tuesday week, the 8th inst., an inquest was held at the Chequers, in this parish, before John Charsley, Esq., coroner for Bucks, on the body of Lucy Chorlton, a little girl of five years of age, who met her death in the following dreadful manner:-

John Kibble stated that his house and that of the deceased's mother were under the same roof. On Sunday afternoon, the 6th inst., hearing screams of a child in the latter's house, he proceeded there and met the deceased in the passage with her clothes enveloped in flames. He immediately extinguished the fire, and having consigned the deceased to the charge of his wife, he went for a medical man, who came back and dressed the deceased and did all in his power, but his exertions were of no avail, as the unfortunate sufferer expired the following day. To questions of the jury, the witness said he had known the deceased's mother go out leaving her children at home but not locked in. Sometimes she left the children in the care of witness's wife, but she did not do so this time. Witness did not know she was from home on this occasion until some man came and wanted her. She returned home about six o'clock in the evening. She had three children, the eldest of whom was about seven years of age.

Mrs.Kibble, wife of the preceding witness, corroborated his testimony, and added that Mrs.Chorlton had left home many times lately and had not asked her to look after the children. She had never refused to look after them when she was asked to do so.

Charlotte Chorlton, the deceased's mother, stated that about four o'clock on the Sunday afternoon she had occasion to go to George Green, Langley. She had only gone a part of the way when a great dread came over her and she resolved to return, in doing which she met her brother, who told her the deceased had burnt herself very much. The deceased expired at about one o'clock on the Monday.

The jury asked her several questions about leaving her children without any one to look after them, and her answers were so unsatisfactory that she was ordered to retire for a short time from the room. The jury then returned a verdict of accidental death, caused by the negligence of the mother in going out from home and not leaving any one to take care of her children; they also stated it was their wish that the mother should be recalled to be informed by the coroner was their impression was as to her conduct; but it appeared she had been seized with fits and she remained so for some time. She is a widow, and her husband was killed a short time ago.

High Wycombe

Town Council - A dinner was given by the Mayor and other members of the Corporation at the Lion Hotel, on Wednesday, to the late mayor, Mr.Justice Turner; his worship Mr.Alderman Lane, in the chair. The "spread" was a truly corporation one, and worthy the givers and receiver; there were one or two absentees, but the evening was nevertheless a happy and harmonious one.

At a petty sessions in the Town-hall, on Saturday, three young men in the employ of Mr.Joseph Carr, a chair manufacturer in Newland, were brought before the mayor, A.Lane,Esq., and Mr.Justice Turner, charged with having , a few nights before, assaulted a Mr.J.Edmonds, a chair painter, and formerly a fellow workman.

Mrs.Carr, the employer's wife, appeared for the defendants, but although she afforded no small fun, failed to justify her friends, and they were fined 8s each including costs.