Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
6th August 1842
An Extraordinary Little Horse
On Monday last a diminutive horse, or mule, arrived at the Royal Mews in Sheet-street, whither it had been brought from London by the Great Western Railway. The curious little animal is, no doubt, the smallest of its kind in England, it is but twenty-six inches in height, and is four years old.
Its colour is a dark brown, and when got into better condition then it is at present, its appearance will doubtless be very much altered for the better; at present there is an absence of beauty, and the animal has now much the appearance of a mule. The curiosity was brought over from Java by Captain Lukey , of the ship Victor. The captain took the horse with him, inside a cab, to the Mansion-house upon his arrival in London, upwards of two months ago, and galloped it up and down the saloon before the Lady Mayoress and some of her friends. Upon taking leave Captain Lukey whipped the little animal up, and ran down the stairs with him amidst great laughter, and depositing him in the cab, drove off to the west end of the town.
We understand that the present was accepted by her Majesty from Captain Lukey, through Lord Charles Wellesley, who spoke of the animal as the smallest he had ever heard of. Shortly after its arrival in Windsor it was taken to the Quadrangle , where it was seen by her Majesty and Prince Albert, their Serene Highnesses the Hereditary Prince and Princess of Saxe Coburg Gotha, and the visitors at the castle, and put through its different paces. On Tuesday morning it was taken upon the New Terrace, for the purpose of its also being seen by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, and the Princesses Augusta and Mary of Cambridge, and several of the court.
The Dinner at the Hope Inn
We understand that her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent has presented the landlord of the Hope Inn (Mr.Byles) with a buck for the dinner he has got up in honour of the arrival of her royal highness at her new residence at Frogmore. We have no doubt but the "Mayor" will have a numerous party upon the occasion.
Income Tax Commissioners
Yesterday the commissioners appointed under the Income Tax Act assembled at the Town-hall, for the purpose of being sworn in to carry the provisions of the act into effect, so far as regards this borough. All of the attended and took the requisite oath, viz., Mr.J.Clode (the present Mayor), Mr.Banister, Mr.Berridge, Mr.George Cooper (of High-street), Mr.William Jennings, Mr.Blunt, and Mr.Snowden; and the following to fill up any vacancies, viz., Mr.R.Tebbott, Mr.J.T.Bedborough, Mr.John Ray, Mr.F.Fowler, Mr.G.H.Lawrence, Mr.Thomas Clarke, and Mr.R.Sharman. Having been sworn into office, the commissioners elected as their clerk, Mr.John Secker; and the assessors, Messrs.Cook and White, the present collectors of the assessed taxes. The income and property tax may, therefore, now be considered in full operation in this borough.
The Office of Vestry Clerk
In consequence of a belief that at a vestry to be held on Thursday next, a vestry-clerk for the united parishes of Windsor and Clewer will be recommended, no fewer than six candidates have offered themselves, and an active canvass has been going on during the last few days.
Should the rate-payers determine on such an appointment, we hope they will confer it upon one of their neighbours in preference to a stranger.
The second delivery of letters, &c., at the Windsor Post-office was delayed for some time to-day, in consequence of the guard delivering the Reading bag at Slough, and carrying on the Windsor bag to Reading. Our post master, Mr.Cook, immediately the wrong bag was received at his office, despatched a special messenger with it to Slough, and, per first train, to Reading; and the guard having discovered his error before the train arrived at Reading, sent the Windsor bag back by the up mail train, and it reached Windsor by one o'clock, thus occasioning but an hour and a half's delay by the error.
Baptists Anniversary [From a Correspondent]
The third anniversary of the Baptist Chapel, Victoria-street, took place on Wednesday week, and although the morning was unpropitious, the attendance was both numerous and highly respectable. The Rev. Eustace Carey delivered one of the eloquent discourses with a pathos which will not easily be forgotten. The Rev. C.H.Roe, of Birmingham, with his usual zeal and energy, preached the searching truths of the gospel, with strong evidence that his heart is warm with love to souls. Several ministerial brethren of the neighbourhood (both independent and Baptist) took part in the devotional services. The commodious vestries were fitted up in a style that did credit to those who had the arrangement of the dinner and tea, and to accommodate the large number assembled, a neat tent was erected on the ground behind the chapel, which also proved a rural retreat between the services of the day. The collections amounted to more than �24, and the friends were gratified by the announcement that �150 had been paid off the debt, besides the interest, since the last anniversary, and that �150 more is anticipated before December next.
Miraculous Escape
On Tuesday last, as one of Dyson's railway omnibuses was proceeding at a steady pace along the New-road, the horse suddenly started off at full speed, while the driver was in the act of flogging off some boys who were riding on the step behind. It is supposed that in whipping the boys, the horses came in for a share of the lash, and one of them getting his tail over the reins, the driver was not only prevented from pulling them up, but also from keeping them in the middle of the road, and consequently , at the corner of Sheet-street, the omnibus was drawn with considerable force against the lamp post, breaking and completely tearing it up, and overturning the omnibus. There were two passengers (Mr.Hurtt [?] of Windsor and one of his sons), inside at the time of the accident, and they both most fortunately escaped unhurt, as did the driver, although he was precipitated with great force to the opposite side of the road. The horses escaped with but slight injury, but the omnibus was very much damaged.
Theatre Royal
The theatre has only this week been open on alternate evenings, on each of which Mr.Lionel Goldsmid has been the "star". This gentleman's acting is of a very superior kind, a 'racy' and never failing humour in his purely comic characters, and in his more serious ones he imparts great feeling. His St.Pierre in the "French Refugee" is a rich piece of performance, and his Monsieur Morbleil, in "Monsieur Tonson," is equally effective. His comic songs he gives with great humour; indeed he can either set the audience in a roar of laughter or in tears. Mr.Clinton played Othello excellently on Wednesday to Miss Mitchell's Desdemona; which latter was a finished piece of acting. She was the Desdemona that Shakespeare intended his heroine to be. Miss Mitchell's performance last evening , as Miss Gayton in "Catching an Heiress" was most charming. Mrs.Stanmore is a bustling, amusing, and very useful actress in her line of characters. Since last week Mr.Chester has been added to the company, and promises to be a very serviceable auxiliary. His Captain Poodle of last evening was very well performed. It will be seen by the advertisement that the established public favourite, Mr.Charles Baker, will next week again present himself before the Windsor public, and we are sure that his return to these boards will afford general satisfaction. The theatre has been, we are sorry to say, but indifferently attended hitherto, but we trust an improvement will take place. We perceive that on two nights the performances are announced to be under the patronage of her Majesty and Prince Albert.
The Bachelors Revel
The deputation of the committee are actively engaged in collecting the subscription fees for this annual day of rejoicing , and among the list of subscribers since our last notice, we observe - His Royal Highness Prince Albert for �5, the Earl of Liverpool for �2, the Hon.C.A.Murray for �1, and Col.Vyse for the like sum. The programme of the sports of the day promises an abundance of amusement to the lovers of "fun and frolic."
Public Meeting at the Town Hall to Address the Duchess of Kent
On Monday a public meeting took place, at the Town-hall, to consider of an address to be presented to her royal highness the Duchess of Kent, on the occasion of her taking up her residence at Frogmore, late the residence of the lamented Princess Augusta. The meeting was called in consequence of a requisition numerously signed, which has been addressed to the mayor.
The mayor, on taking the chair, briefly alluded to the requisition which had been presented to him, and said he had in consequence of that requisition lost no time in calling the present meeting. His worship then desired the town clerk to read the requisition, which having been done.
The Rev.Isaac Gosset, vicar of New Windsor, said as he was the first person who had signed the requisition, he begged to be allowed to make a few observations. At the last meeting in that hall, which was held to agree to addresses upon another subject, there seemed to be a general feeling that they ought to meet and address her royal highness the Duchess of Kent, on her taking up her residence at Frogmore. As soon, therefore, as he had heard that her royal highness had arrived, he immediately drew up the requisition. He was sure he need not dwell on the many amiable virtues and excellent qualities of her royal highness's illustrious predecessor, the Princess Augusta - a daughter of their late revered monarch George III. During many years at Frogmore was that Princess's favourite residence, and they had always looked to her as their friend and neighbour, and he was sure all present joined with him in deeply lamenting her loss. Now her royal highness the Duchess of Kent had taken up her residence there, upon
whose many virtues and exalted character he would not presume to dwell. She was the mother of our gracious Queen, and it was not too much to say that they owed many of the virtues which adorned her Majesty to the care and attention of her royal highness [applause]. The rev.gentleman concluded by moving the following resolution :- "That a dutiful and loyal address be presented to her royal highness the Duchess of Kent, expressive of our heartfelt gratification at her royal highness having taken up her residence at Frogmore-house, and our sincere desire that her royal highness may enjoy many years of health and happiness therein.
Mr.Blunt seconded it, and it was carried unanimously.
The Rev.Isaac Gosset then said he had drawn up a few lines as an address to be adopted, subject of course to any alteration of improvement which it might be deemed necessary to make. He then read the following address:-
"To Her Royal Highness Victoria Maria Louisa, Duchess of Kent and Strathern.
"The dutiful and loyal address of the Mayor, Vicar., and other inhabitants of the borough of New Windsor, in the county of Berks, in public meeting assembled.
"We, the Mayor, Vicar, &c., approach your Royal Highness with the expression of our sincere delight upon your entering on a residence within the limits of this ancient borough, and of our earnest hope that event may permanently contribute to your health and happiness.
"To this abode of royalty, under its late and lamented possessor, the inhabitants of Windsor and its vircinity have always looked with respect and gratitude, and the exalted character of its future mistress will ensure similar feelings towards the same virtue.
"May your Royal Highness long adorn this neighbourhood by your presence, and share in the happiness of our gracious Sovereign and her family, to whom you will behold all classes attached by the bonds of loyalty and devotion."
The Rev.J.Stoughton said he had the honour at the last public meeting of suggesting that a meeting should be called to address the Duchess of Kent, he would beg leave to move that the address which had just been read be adopted. He most heartily concurred in all the sentiments expressed by Mr.Gosset, and he trusted that her royal highness would live many years at Frogmore, and to adorn it with the same virtues that distinguished her illustrious predecessor. They all knew the amiable qualities of the late Princess Augusta, and he had no doubt they would be equalled by those of the Duchess of Kent. He moved that the address be adopted and engrossed, and that it lay in the Town Hall for signature until Thursday evening at eight o'clock.
Mr.Darvill seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried.
The Rev.Mr.Gosset said, before he circulated the requisition, he had thought it best to see Sir George Couper, as to whether an address would be acceptable to her royal highness, and to request him to take her royal highness's pleasure as to the mode of its presentation. The only objection Sir George Couper felt was the presentation of the address in person, in consequence of the affliction of her royal highness at the recent death of the Duke of Orleans. He (Mr.Gosset) thought the objection could be obviated if the address was left to the Mayor to be by him transmitted to the proper officer of her royal highness's household for presentation. He assured the meeting that her royal highness was very much afflicted at the melancholy accident to the Duke of Orleans. He begged to move - "That the address be transmitted by the Mayor for presentation to her royal highness by the proper officer of her royal highness's household."
Mr.H.Adams seconded it, and it was unanimously carried.
Thanks were then voted to the Mayor, and the meeting separated.
Windsor Police - Monday
[Before John Clode, Esq. (mayor) and William Legh, Esq.]
Henry Webb and Sarah Hartley were charged with felony, but as no prosecutor appeared, they were discharged.
Alice Avery was charged with breaking the windows of Elizabeth Sorrell. It appeared that the parties reside in South-place, and that for some reason or other that was not explained, several of the neighbours, the complainant among the number, entertained a very hostile feeling towards the defendant.
Sarah Eliza James, the wife of James James, a blacksmith, stated that on Friday last, between five and six o'clock, the defendant went in front of the complainants house with a short poker (which was produced in court) , and after knocking the door with it, she smashed six panes of glass in the window, sending the poker into the window near which the plaintiff was ironing.
Anne Davis, wife of Gamalia Davis, corroborated the preceding testimony; as did Elizabeth, the wife of Rich.Porter.
The defendant denied that she had done what she was charged with. She said the complainant had come and struck her in her own house, and that her (complainant's) mother threw some beer in her face, and then her son put the poker in her hand to defend herself, but she denied leaving her own door.
The policeman said he found the poker on the table, or ironing board, in the complainant's house.
Mr.Lovegrove said he believed it still originated from his having had a search warrant to search the defendant's house for some shawls that had been stolen. He did not find the shawls, but the neighbourhood was all up in arms against the defendant. The neighbours seemed to have a grudge against her, but for what cause he could not tell.
The defendant, to questions put to her by the magistrates, said her husband belonged to the 60th Rifles, and was now in Manchester. His settlement was in Great Marlow, but he had been in the regiment sixteen years. He had sent her no money, and she could not pay any fine imposed on her. She worked at washing to support herself and child.
The magistrates fined her 9s for the damage, and 6s 6d costs.
She said she could not pay it.
Eventually the magistrates allowed her a month to pay the money.
Amelia Addison, Jane Swaine, and Jane Pearson, three girls of the town, were charged with being found sleeping in a barn, or shed, belonging to Mr.Thumwood, who complained that girls of their description were constantly lying about his fields, and in his buildings, and occasionally doing considerable damage.
The prisoners had been several times in custody before.
They were committed for 14 days to the borough gaol.
Samuel Smith was charged with assaulting and threatening Elizabeth Parker.
This case arose out of the recent applications by a person named Parker, a tailor, in Keppel-street, respecting the manner in which Hazlehurst's beershop, adjoining his house, had been conducted. Owing to his interference in this matter, Parker has got from several of his neighbours, supposed to have been influenced by Hazlehurst, considerable ill-will. The defendant was one of the number, and on Friday evening he went to the house of Parker, and grossly abused Mrs.Parker, who was standing there. He put his fist in her face and would have struck her, but she retreated into her house. He said he was determined to tear her to pieces, and to annoy her and her husband, until they left the neighbourhood. He called her the wife of an informer, and said he would serve her out. In consequence of these threats she went in bodily fear. He also said he would like to serve her husband as Greenacre had been served. His conduct brought a great crowd round the house.
Mr.Voules, who attended for the defendant, said from what Mrs.Parker had swore to, he could not resist the application for his client to be bound over to keep the peace, which he supposed was all that Mrs.Parker wanted. He had a number of witnesses, but he thought it would be of no service to call them.
Mrs.Parker said all she wanted was that the defendant be bound over to keep the peace towards her.
Mr.Voules recommended to his client this course, as it was impossible to disprove Mrs.Parker's evidence as to the threats, but the latter insisted on his witnesses being called, declaring that he would not be bound over.
George Parker, the complainant's son , was then called, and corroborated his mother's testimony.
Mr.Voules then, being urged by his client to call his witnesses, did so, and their evidence went generally to prove that they did not see the defendant offer to strike Mrs.Parker, though they admitted the use of the words "Greenacre" and "informer" by him, in reference to Mrs.Parker.
The defendant was then fined 5s and 13s costs, and ordered to find sureties to keep the peace, himself in �20, and two others in �10 each.
The defendant declared he would not pay or find sureties, and he was removed in custody. Subsequent reflection, however, induced him to do both, and he was then liberated.
Mr.John Lipscomb, landlord of the Black Horse, Datchet, appeared to show cause why he refused to deliver up a fancy spaniel dog, alleged to belong to William Hand.
Mr.Voules appeared in behalf of Hand, and the dog, which had been taken possession of by the Datchet constable, was placed on the table, where it lay perfectly happy, while the contention about its ownership was puzzling the magistrates.
Hand, on being sworn, stated that six months ago he lost the dog in Sheet-street, Windsor, and he saw it last Friday in the possession of Mr.Lipscomb. The dog was 17 or 18 months old. He knew of no particular mark on it, but he swore it was his dog.
Mole, the policeman, was here called by Mr.Voules, and he said the dog had a singular appearance about the mouth, and he should know it from a thousand.
Hand then continued - When he saw Mr.Lipscomb, near Datchet-bridge, he claimed it, but the latter said he bought it in the New-road, London, and he gave the address of Mr.Nurton, No.5 City-road, as the person he bought it of. Subsequently he said he bought it at Kensington.
The defendant denied that he said he bought it at Kensington.
William Hall corroborated a portion of Hand's testimony.
Mr.John Nurton, landlord of the Pheasant, in the City-road, who was called on the part of the defendant, swore that the dog was his. It was bred by a friend of his, Mr.Sykes, one of the vergers of St.Paul's Cathedral, who gave it him; he had had it five months, and had entrusted it to Mr.Lipscomb.
Mole was again called by Mr.Voules, and he said he had frequently seen the dog following Hand, and he firmly believed it was Hand's dog.
Mr.Nurton said Mr.Sykes was present, who bred the dog, and who had two of them. The dog was about two years and a half old, instead of 17 or 18 months. He gave it to Mr.Lipscomb to take care of on the 20th of July. It had then the distemper, and he showed from its eyes it was not yet perfectly recovered.
Mr.James Sykes, of Amen-corner, Paternoster-row, one of the vergers of St.Paul's also swore that the dog was Mr.Nurton's to whom he had given it. He (Mr.Sykes) had still the mother, and he had given the brother to the Rev.Dr.Bromberg.
Mr.Voules submitted that the evidence was in favour of Hand's being the owner of the dog, and that the two gentlemen who had sworn to it, Mr.Nurton and Mr.Sykes, were mistaken in its identity.
The magistrates professed their inability to decide to which party the dog belonged. The evidence was conflicting, both parties swearing to the animal, and they must be left to settle the matter in some other way.
Mr.Nurton said he was determined to have the dog, cost what it would, and Hand was as much determined to have it, while the Datchet constable was perplexed to whom to deliver it, and the magistrates said they could make no order about it.
All the parties were then ushered out of court, but it was not long before they returned, when Mr.Nurton complained that he had been much insulted by another of the Hand family.
The magistrates said if he should be assaulted by any one he should give the party into custody.
They again retired, and we have since understood that Mr.Lipscomb has got the dog from the constable.
Edward Russell, an ill-looking fellow, was charged [please email me for details at the email address above]. He was committed to hard labour in the House of Correction at Reading for two months.
William Groves was charged with having on the 25th ult., damaged a door belonging to James Whiting, who lives in Mr.Thumwood's brick-field. He was fined 6s damages and 6s costs, and in default of payment was committed to the borough gaol for one month.
Tuesday
The magistrates sat to day for the purpose of hearing a charge of assault against two policemen, Charles Cowell Brown and James Horton, jun.
From the statement of a person named Gray, it appeared that on the preceding night, about 10 o'clock he was standing near the White Hart Inn, having his dog with him, when policeman Brown came up and asked him what he wanted for it; he replied he did not want to sell it to a poor man, but to a gentleman. Brown then went on, but shortly returned and asked if he would sell the dog, when Gray returned a similar answer to that he had before given. Brown the told him to move on, but he refused to go, and after a few more words, he (Brown) assaulted him, and called Horton, the other policeman, to knock him down. Horton immediately hit him over the head with his staff. Some scuffling then took place, in which the policemen hit Gray several times with their staves, and one of the blows on his head was so violent as to knock him down and stun him. When he recovered he was being taken to the station house.
John Southby corroborated the evidence of the complainant, who, he said, was knocked to the ground, where he lay quite senseless. There was a good deal of blood on the pavement, and on Gray's frock.
The case was adjourned to Thursday for the attendance of a Mr.Harris, who saw the transaction, and who had written to the Mayor respecting the conduct of the two policemen.
Thursday
The above inquiry was resumed to-day, when Mr.Harris attended. He corroborated the testimony before given. He saw the two policemen beating Gray over his bare head with their staves, and the persons about the spot were calling out against them for their ill treatment of the complainant.
The magistrates eventually ordered the case to stand over, in order that it might be taken to the Watch Committee.
Two women were brought up for vagrancy, but they were discharged with a reprimand.
Eton Police - Wednesday
[Before C.Clowes, Esq., and G.J.Penn, Esq.]
Frederick Nixey and Joseph Hughes were charged with damaging some standing wheat belonging to Mr.Edw. Mason, of Upton, by trampling it down.
The prisoners denied being there, and Nixey said he could prove that he was ill in bed at the time.
Hughes was convicted and adjudged to a month's imprisonment, and the charge against Nixey was adjourned to produce his witnesses.
Wm.Norman was convicted in 1s 6d damages, and 15s 6d costs, for damaging some pea haulms belonging to Mr.Wm. Newman of Iver, on Friday last. He paid the money and was discharged.
Eliza Langthern was charged by Anne Hitch with threatening to smash her head. The ladies lived at Denham, which is a very prolific place for quarrels, and it was in a mere wordy war that this complaint arose. The magistrates did not conceive it a case for their interference, and they dismissed the charge.
Frederick Hand was charged with assaulting James McCann, at Eton, on the 25th of July. The assault was proved, and he was fined 5s and 14s 9d costs, which he paid.
Mr.Robert Rosesman applied for a warrant to obtain possession of a tenement of his, held adversely by William Cannon. The necessary forms having been gone through, the warrant was granted.
John Stroud, beer-shop keeper of Denham, appeared to a summons charging him with keeping his house open for the sale of beer before one o'clock on Sunday the 17th of July. He was convicted in the mitigated penalty of 6s 6d, and 13s 6d costs.
Harriet Graves was charged with assaulting Margaret Briant on Monday. The evidence was so exceedingly contradictory that the magistrates dismissed the case.
Uxbridge, Saturday , August 6
Death from suffocation on a Brick-kiln
On Saturday an inquest was held before Mr.Wakley, coroner, and a respectable jury, at the Bull beer-house, Bull-field, Cowley, to enquire into the death of a boy, of the name of Charles Frost, aged about 15 years, who was found dead in the top of a brick-kiln in the above field, on the morning of yesterday week.
Thomas Batt, moulder deposed that, about four o'clock on the morning of Friday, he had occasion to go to the top of the kiln to move some hurdles, and, in doing so, saw the deceased lying there, who he supposed was asleep; he went and shook him for the purpose of waking him, when, to his surprise, he found he was dead. He removed the body from the warm part of the kiln where he found it lying, and went and informed Mr.Cooper, the foreman of the field, who gave orders for the removal of the body to the nearest house.
By the Coroner - Witness knew the deceased, who had worked occasionally in the field for him, and he believed his name was Charles Frost, and he had heard that he came from Derbyshire. He had no proper lodgings, but used sometimes to sleep in the field.
Edward Perry, brickmaker, stated that, on the Thursday night, he saw the deceased in company with some other lads at play on the bridge over the canal; witness asked him if ha had got a lodging, deceased replied no.
By the Foreman - Witness asked him that question because he had often seen him late out of a night.
Police-constable Newland, 39, proved having searched the person of the deceased, but found no property on him.
The jury returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased died from suffocation , through lying on a lighted brick-kiln."
Pedestrianism
A walking match for �20 took place at Hayes on Wednesday last, between two men named Gillett and Turner. The ground over which they contested was from the 12th to the 13th mile-stone, and the distance to be walked was 20 miles. The day was excessively hot, and at the conclusion of the 13th mile Gillett was obliged to give up the match from exhaustion, as he said, though many, who had betted on him, did not hesitate to ascribe his doing so to other reasons, and spoke of "a sell" in no very measured terms.
Uxbridge Petty Sessions
[Before Sir W.Wiseman.Bart, and T.B.Dagnall, Esq.]
William Brown, who was remanded from the 23rd ult., was brought up in custody of police constable 180, Edw.Scotney, for final examination, on the charge of stealing from the waggon of Messrs.Mercers, millers, of Uxbridge, on the night of the 18th of July, the sum of �40, in gold, silver, and notes.
James Howe, the waggoner, being sworn , stated that he was coming from London to Uxbridge, on the night in question, and when near Shepherd's Bush, was overtaken by the prisoner, who asked him for a ride, as he was very tired. Knowing the prisoner, witness told him to get up, which he did. Having come to the White Horse public-house, Uxbridge-road, he stopped to bait his horses; while there a parcel was brought to the waggon by a servant of Mr.Westall's, a baker, at Shepherd's Bush, and in the presence of the prisoner was handed over the table to the waggoner, and its contents stated. Howe then put it in a small basket in the corner of the waggon, and with two little girls who were in the waggon, they all proceeded together towards Uxbridge.
On coming down Hillingdon Hill, the prisoner asked Howe for some bread, which he got, and in taking it out of the basket, he (Howe) felt the parcel safe. On arriving at Hillingdon-gate, Howe got out and walked, leaving the prisoner and the two little girls in the waggon, and walked as far as the Green Dragon public-house, Uxbridge, where he stopped to put the girls out; the prisoner also got out and remained at the public-house. Howe, on arriving at home, took the basket out of the waggon for the purpose to taking the parcel and its contents to his employers, when, to his no small surprise, he found it was gone. He immediately suspected the prisoner and directly went to search for him, and gave information to the police of the loss he had sustained, but could not find him.
Mr.John Meekins, landlord of the Green Dragon public-house, was the next witness examined. He stated that the prisoner and the waggoner had a pint of beer at his house on the night in question, and he observed what appeared to be a paper parcel under his arm, and which he appeared to be very anxious to conceal. It also appeared to be very heavy.
Mary Thomas, an intelligent little girl, and one of the two that rode in the waggon, said she saw the prisoner go to the side of the waggon where the basket was, and sit close to it until they arrived at the Green Dragon Inn. She did not see him take it.
Police-constable 80, John Scotney, stated that from information he received he went to Tring, in Hertfordshire, and succeeded in apprehending the prisoner at the house of a man named Brackley, a blacksmith, with whose daughter the prisoner cohabited. He searched the prisoner, but only found on his person fourpence. He also searched the house, but did not find any money. He went again the following Monday, and searched the house, and found 3s 10d on a shelf, and four half crown and two shillings in a box; one of the half crowns was a new one, which Mr.Westall thought was one of those stolen, as he recollected having put one new half crown among the others.
Several other prisoners were examined, whose testimony strengthened the case against the prisoner, and he was fully committed, and the witnesses bound over to prosecute.
The magistrate remarked that the conduct of the constable (Scotney) in this case was most exemplary and indefatigable.
[Before T.T.Clarke, Esq., and C.N.Newdigate,Esq.]
On Monday Samuel Tompkins was charged with stealing two ducks, the property of Joseph Brient, of Longford.
It appeared from the evidence of Serjeant Duggan, that between ten and eleven o'clock on Sunday night last, he met the prisoner in Longford with a basket, and hearing a duck quack, he asked the prisoner what he had in the basket. The prisoner said he had nothing, but on Duggan looking into the basket he found it contained two ducks. He then asked him where he got them . The prisoner said he bought them at Colnbrook. He was then told he must go back to where he said he got them, to learn if his statement was correct. He then said he bought them of Brient, and on being taken to Brient's house, Brient declared that he had never sold him any ducks, and on looking at them, identified them as his property. He saw them safe two hours before.
The prisoner was fully committed for trial.
James Murray, who had been remanded since Friday on suspicion of having stolen a copper, a black dress coat, a hammer, a handsaw, 2 towels, a shift, and two sacks, was re-examined.
The circumstances of the case are these:- Between twelve and one o'clock on the night of Thursday week, police-constable 87, Quinney, stopped the prisoner near Hillingdon-gate, and found the above named articles in one of the sacks; he questioned him as to where he got them, to which he replied that he brought them from Bristol. Not believing this story, he was taken to the station-house, and the property has since been identified as stolen from persons residing in Uxbridge and its vicinity. The prisoner is a perfect stranger here, and mentions that he belongs to Bristol. He was committed for trial.
John Blackwell was charged with stealing from the Royal Standard public-house, Hillingdon, on the 27th of June last, a bridle and a pair of chaise reins. He was committed for trial.
The prisoner was taken into custody at Hounslow, on the 28th of June, on suspicion of stealing a trowel found in his possession, and sent to the House of Correction for one month for not being able to account for possession of the same. It having been ascertained that he had sold the bridle and reins to a man of the name of Puzey, in West Drayton, he was taken into custody immediately on his liberation from prison by Serjeant Monaghan , who found out where the stolen property was disposed of.
High Wycombe, Saturday, August 6
Storm
On Wednesday afternoon this town was visited with a most violent and heavy storm, indeed such a one as even the oldest inhabitants cannot recollect before. The thunder commenced about two o'clock, and about a quarter before three the hail and rain fell in torrents, and continued with unabating fury for near three quarters of an hour; many of the hailstones were as large as walnuts, and a great number of windows in every street were broken by them, and in the green and hot-houses, and on the skylights the destruction was very considerable. The streets in several places were quite deluged, and many of the houses were also flooded both above and below stairs - whose rooms being covered with water. The storm did not extend to the east or west much more than a mile beyond the town.