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The Windsor and Eton Express.
Bucks Chronicle and Reading Journal

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Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express



22nd October 1836

The Hundred Steps


We have received a letter complaining of the irregularity in regard to the opening and shutting of the upper gate of the Hundred Steps; the gate at the bottom being open considerably earlier than the one at the top, whereby persons wishing to go to the Castle after ascending the steps often find the upper gate shut, and they are consequently obliged to descend again and go round the town. We hope this notice will have the effect of insuring more regularity.

Narrow Escape


Yesterday the Opposition Brighton Coach (Crosweller's) , on its road to Windsor, was nearly capsized. It appeared that as the coach was descending a hill near Henfield[?], the breeching of one of the wheel horses broke, which prevented the horses from steadying it, and the coach ran off the road, the side of which was so boggy, that the wheels sunk nearly to the boxes, laying the coach almost upon its side. The passengers, in hurrying from the roof of the coach, were "stuck in the mud" also, and presented a most ludicrous appearance when they marched out of it. The Original Coach drove up at the time, and Mr.Millis, the coachman, in the most handsome manner, offered any assistance that was in his power, and after a short delay the coach was righted, and proceeded on its journey.

Sheep Stealing


On Wednesday night last two sheep were killed and taken away from a field at Fulmar, the property of Mr.Littleboy; and a person has been apprehended on suspicion of committing the act:- warrants are also out for others, suspected to be concerned in the robbery.

Windsor Michaelmas Sessions.
Yesterday these Sessions commenced, before the Hon.John.C. Talbot, Recorder.



The Recorder, in addressing the Grand Jury, said he was sorry to see that the list of prisoners for trial was greater than usual. The trials occupied the whole of the day. The results are as follows:-

Wm.Clarke, alias Draycott, aged 21, for stealing, on the 28th July, a silver watch , from the person of James Sumner.- Twelve months hard labour at Reading, and to be twice whipped in the first and last weeks.

Thomas Kimball, aged 14, for stealing, on the 26th July, �1 15s., the property of Matilda Thorn.- Three months hard labour, at Reading, and to be once whipped.

Francis Collins, aged 66, cordwainer, for fraudulently obtaining money, by pretending that he was an officer of the County Court.- Eighteen months hard labour, at Reading.

John Plumridge, aged 21, labourer, for stealing in August last, two cotton gowns, the property of Martha Dobson.- Six months hard labour, at Reading, the last fortnight solitary.

Thomas Miller, aged 23, soldier, for stealing, on the 3rd Oct., eleven dozen boot laces, the property of Barney Hascop.- Two months hard labour, at Reading.

Peter Brown, soldier, who had been on out on bail, charged with stealing a watch, chain , and seals, the property of George Best, was Acquitted.

Joseph Edwards, aged 21, labourer, for stealing, on the 30th August, a tin warming pan, the property of Wm.Hazlehurst. Bill ignored.

Missionary Meeting


On Wednesday evening the annual meeting of the Auxiliary Society for Windsor was held at William-street Chapel. Great interest was excited by the announcement that two African Chiefs would be present and address the meeting. The chapel was crowded to overflowing, and the numerous audience manifested the greatest interest in the proceedings. The Rev.J.Stoughton read the report, from which it appeared that the Treasurer had received for Missionary purposes during the last year �120. The Rev.Mr.Redford took the Chair. After two introductory speeches by the Rev.Mr.Allen, of Windsor, and the Rev.J.B.Pearce, of Maidenhead, the Rev.Dr.Phillip, from the Cape, addressed the assembly. His speech contained a variety of most important information respecting South Africa. He showed the amazing improvement that had taken place in the character of the people in a social, moral, and religious point of view, since the Missionaries have laboured among them. He stated that many thousands once naked savages - are now clothed in articles of British manufacture, that schools are established for the education of the people, especially infant schools; that the marriage covenant , before unknown, is now religiously observed, that many Christian churches have been formed, which are now in a flourishing state. He concluded a speech replete with interest, by introducing the Rev.J Kead, who for 36 years has been labouring among the Hottentot Caffres, and other African tribes. He related a number of very striking facts, that had occurred under [�.] observation, clearly establishing the importance and advantage of Missionary Societies.
Dr.Philip again addressed the meeting, and referred to Sir John Herschell, whose friendship he enjoys, and gave the to the meeting the high opinion formed by that eminent man relative to the intellectual character of the Africans whom he has met with. The Chief Ian Hatzoe was then introduced amidst much cheering, and blessed the meeting through an interpreter. His speech was [�.], sensible, and impressive. One sentence in particular excited the deepest [?] feeling - "If I were" he said "under the French and Dutch government I should be an orphan, but I am under the British government and therefore I cannot be an orphan." He expressed again and again his respect for the British Monarch, his affection for the British [�], and his gratitude to them for sending the Gospel to his native land. [�.] Stoffles[?] next addressed the meeting, and we were much struck[?] with his vivacity, energy, and impressive delivery. Without an interpreter it was often easy to guess his meaning, his gestures and attitudes[?] were so expressive. He had been a Christian we understand more than 20 years, and he gave a touching account of his conversion to Christianity, and of the persecution which he at first endured.
Dr.Philip, and Mr.Read, jun., who acted as interpreter, then made a few observations in conclusion, and the meeting ended with a hymn and the benediction. All seemed gratified with the proceedings of the evening, and the inconsiderable proof was given of this by the amount of the collection, which, we are happy to state , was above �70.