cornwall england newspaper


1839 NEWS ARTICLE

SEPTEMBER



6 SEPTEMBER 1839, Friday


ADVERTISEMENTS - RUNAWAY APPRENTICE - On Monday, the 19th of August, RAN AWAY from his Master JOHN DOCTON, Tailor, Penzance, his APPRENTICE, SAMUEL HOSKIN, aged 15, about 5 feet 3 inches high, dark hair, wore away a dark short jacket, cord trowsers, single-breast waistcoat, and blue cap. Whoever harbours or employs the said Apprentice after this notice, will be prosecuted, but if the said Apprentice will return to his master, nothing more will be done in the matter. Padstow, September 2, 1839

CHALON'S PORTRAIT OF HER MAJESTY - To be SOLD, Cheap, one of these SPLENDID ENGRAVINGS, for which five Guineas have been paid. Apply to Mrs. HEARD, Bookseller &c., Truro. - Truro, September 4th, 1839

DEVON and CORNWALL - FEMALE ORPHAN ASYLUM, And Registry Office for Servants - A MEETING of the SUBSCRIBERS will be held on THURSDAY the 19th of September instant, at the ORPHAN ASYLUM, at 12 o'clock precisely, for the purpose of RECEIVING A REPORT FROM THE COMMITTEE respecting the purchase of a Site, and the erection of a Building for the Institution in Lockyer-street, Plymouth. James COOPER - 52, Durmford-street, Stonehouse - J.H. ECCLES - 3, Princess-square, Plymouth SECRETARIES

Donations in aid of this important object are earnestly solicited, and will be thankfully received by the SECRETARIES, by Rev. JOHN HATCHARD, and Rev. S. COURTNEY, Plymouth; Rev. John LAMPEN, Stoke; Rev. H. A. GREAVES, Stonehouse; and at the BANKS in Plymouth and Devonport.

NEWS

LOVETT THE CHARTIST - We are informed that this person, who has lately caused so much disturbance, is the illegitimate son of a fisherwoman at Newlyn, near Penzance, in which place he long worked as a journeyman rope-maker. He was a most industrious young man, and was always considered to possess superior talent.

PORTREATH - This little port has lately been the scene of some very extraordinary performances. Those who are acquainted with the entrance to the Portreath basin from the sea will remember that on one side of it the cliff rises perpendicularly from the water to the height of nearly two hundred feet. A young man, who styles himself The American Jumper, and who, we believe, is the same person who some time since astonished the people of Liverpool by leaping from top-masts and yard-arms and other elevated situations in that port, has two or three times dived from the top of this cliff into the sea, to the astonishment of vast crowds of people invited by handbills to witness the sight, and reward the performer. Unable to derive gratification from the jeopardy of a fellow creature; we have not witnessed these daring feats, but they have been described to us, by persons who have, as well worth seeing - especially the command of his muscles, the great self-possession exhibited during the fall, and the ingenuity with which, as he nears the water, he prepares to prevent too deep a dive. He is advertised to leap again on Saturday, and they who can persuade themselves, as the young man asserts, that there is absolutely no danger, may do well to be present.

ACCIDENT AT SEA - We are sorry to hear that Saturday night, as the "Royal Adelaide," Dublin steamer, was coming off the south foreland, she ran down a fine schooner from the coast of Africa. The vessel, called the "Gil Blas," was laden with a valuable cargo and sunk immediately. The hands were all saved except a black boy.

THE EDDYSTONE - On the 22nd ult., as the engineer, with three masons, were in the cavern on the eastern side of the rock, near the landing place, at the Eddystone Lighthouse, which under the advice of Mr. Walker and other engineers, the government has decided shall be filled up; the sea washed over them, and one of the men, named Hugh Brown, of Oreston, where he has a wife and seven children, was carried off, and despite of the exertions made to save him, was drowned.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES - Last week, a person of the name of Williams, applied to the clergymen of St. Germans to bury a child. The clergymen consented, and after the body was interred, he asked the name of the child for the purpose of inserting it on the register; but the person could not tell, neither could he tell the father or the mother of the child. He, however, said the child had been brought to his house by two women who were from Jersey, and engaged to pay him 2s.6d per week for its keep, but he did not know the name of either woman. The coroner, Joseph Hamley, Esq., was sent for, who gave orders to have the body disinterred. A post mortem examination was made by Mr. Cresswell, surgeon, of St. Germans, but for all appearances the child died a natural death, and a verdict accordingly was given.

CORONER'S INQUEST - On Monday last, an inquest was held at the Red Lion Inn, St. Ives, before William Hitchens, Esq., Coroner, over the body of James Smoulton, aged about 40. The deceased was under-ostler at Holman's Hotel, and had for a considerable time before his death, slept in the hay-loft. On Sunday, he complained of having great pains in his bowels, and the next morning he was found dead. The jury returned a verdict of died by the visitation of God. Smoulton was an entire stranger in St. Ives, and is supposed to be a native of Bideford or Barnstaple.

MELANCHOLY AND FATAL ACCIDENT - We have just heard that yesterday afternoon, the boiler of Pearce's Engine, at the Great Consols mine, exploded, when five men were killed, and three boys severely scalded.

FOWEY - On Tuesday last, that splendid schooner, the "British Queen," built by Mr. Wm. Brokenshaw of Fowey, intended for the foreign trade, sailed for Plymouth, there to take a cargo for the West Indies.

[A separate, black bordered page. jm]

Funeral of the Late Sir John St. Aubyn, Baronet - The interment of the remains of this lamented Baronet took place on Thursday last, in the family vault, at Crowan. Everywhere on the route from London, the greatest respect was manifested for his memory, as he had, by his well-known liberality to all in distress, secured a deep interest in the affections of the people.

The procession left Putney on the 17th ultimo, in the following order:
1 Porter
Undertaker on Horseback
1 Porter
1 Porter
2 Mutes on Horseback
1 Porter
1 Porter
Board of Feathers
1 Porter
Hearse drawn by Six Horses
6 Porters dressed with Feathers and Velvet.
6 Porters
Porters
Seven Mourning Coaches with Four Horses
Porters Dressed with Feathers and Velvet
Sir John's Private Carriage
Coachmen and Footmen Gentlemen's
All the Porters with Black Silk Hat bands
Carriages
Wands and Black Silk And Gloves
12 Hat bands and Gloves

On leaving town the procession was of course considerably reduced. It consisted of:
Undertaker
2 Mutes on Horseback
1 Porter
Hearse and Six Horses
1 Porter
2 Porters
2 Mourning Coaches
2 Porters
Four Horses Each

The remains passed through Devonport on Friday the 23rd ult., attended by the Mayor, Council, and authorities of the town, in procession, as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased baronet. According to the arrangements made on the previous day, the Mayor and Council met the Board of Commissioners at the Town Hall, about two o'clock, and proceeded together to Stonehouse Bridge, the eastern boundary of the borough. The hearse, attended by two mourning coaches and a private carriage, arrived at three o'clock; the line having been formed, it immediately proceeded in the following order, under the superintendence of Mr. Alderman Rees:
Boys of St. John's School (of which the late baronet was Patron)
Girls of St. John's School
Two Attendants on horseback
Resident Gentlemen of the Town, two and two,
Board of Commissioners, two and two,
Inspector of Police
Borough Police
The Town Council, two and two,
Town Clerk, and Clerk to the Magistratey
Town Serjeant, with mace of the Corporation, covered with crape
Beadle
The Mayor
Beadle
Clergymen - the Rev. J. Lampen, J. Fetule, J. Adams, and W. S. Hore
Two Attendants on Horseback
Flames
THE HEARSE drawn by six black horses
Mourning Coach and Four
Mourning Coach and Four
Private Carriages of General Ellice, Captain Coad, John Smith Esq., &c.
The line passed through Cumberland-street, St. Aubyn-street, Fore-street, and King-street, and proceeded to the Ferry, where it crossed to Torpoint. The shops in the route of the procession were closed, and the bells of the Church and Chapels tolled during the day. The road on each side of the line was crowded with spectators, and it is estimated that upwards of 30,000 persons assembled to witness the procession.

On entering the town of Truro, the procession appeared with Undertaker and Mutes on Horseback, with Pages walking in procession, and thus continued to Clowance, at which place it arrived on Monday, the 28th of August.

On Wednesday, the 28th, the body lay in state under a canopy of Black Cloth, with Plumes and Feathers, in the Hall, from ten till four o'clock. During the day, many thousands of people came from all parts to view the body in the State-room;
on the sides were
12 Boys from the Free School, in Crape Sashes
8 Poor Men in Cloaks, and Hair Beaded
8 Male Servants in Crape Bands
12 Girls from the Free School, in Crape Sashes and Bows
7 Female Servants in Hoods and Scarfs
12 Poor Women, in Hoods and Scarfs
2 Mutes

THE FUNERAL - Took place on Thursday, and the people from the neighbouring towns were seen hastening towards Clowance from an early hour. The gates of the park were thrown open, and every one who obtained admission to the house was treated with refreshments. There were about 100 Freemasons present, decorated in their various orders. For their use a separate apartment was appointed, and refreshments served at nine o'clock, to which they were introduced, after being presented with complimentary mourning, all having silk hat bands and gloves. The principal officers, namely P. N. Robinson, Esq., of Nansloe, J.P., J. Ellis, Esq., Mayor of Falmouth, Rd. Pearce, Esq., of Penzance, J.P., J. Cornish, Esq. of Falmouth, J.P., &c. had broad silk scarfs, in addition to the hat bands and gloves.

At the time the procession started from Clowance, to Crowan church, there was a double line of spectators, which reached all the way from the house to the church. The numbers we heard estimated variously at from 20,000 to 35,000, but it was quite impossible to tell how many were present, because the people were extended over a great space of ground, though we think there must have been at least 20,000. The greatest decorum was preserved, and it is not a little creditable to the people assembled on that occasion that we are able to remark that the whole of the procession entered the church without the slightest movement on the part of the immense throng calculated to disturb the procession.

The body was wheeled from the mansion to the church on a car, and all the mourners were on foot. Several of the deceased's sons were present, as well as other relatives, and there was a large number of the neighbouring gentry and clergy. The procession was ordered as follows:
[a very long list followed, including all the Free Mason offices, such as Bible on a Black Cushion with a Jewel, Past G. Master, 180 Tenants in Hat bands & Gloves, 100 Clergy, etc. jm]

The funeral service was read by the Rev. Mr. Morice, son-in-law of Sir John, and the body was then lowered into the vault where his forefathers are deposited. The masons, after the corpse was let down, strewed the coffin with sprigs of evergreens and flowers, the P.G.S. giving the honours, and the officers and brethren pronouncing the Masonic response.

The procession then quietly returned to the house, where it broke up. Everything was conducted not only with great order, but also with the greatest liberality; and the undertaker (Mr. Ovenden, of Roseberry Place, Dalston) received the thanks of many gentlemen present for the able manner in which he had conducted every part of the melancholy ceremony.

We find the following in a Devonport paper, but do not vouch for its correctness: -
The will of the late Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart., was read at Clowance, on Thursday last, immediately after the funeral. The particulars which have transpired are as follows: The manor of Stoke Damerel is left to James St. Aubyn, Esq., of Bath, or, in case of his death, to his male heirs, but in case he should die without a male heir, the manor reverts to Edward St. Aubyn, Esq., (to whom is bequeathed a legacy of � 5,000), the present steward of the manor, and his heirs for ever. It has created some surprise, and we may add sorrow, that nothing has been left to the Rev. J. W. St. Aubyn, the rector of this parish. Among the incumbrances on the manor, together, we believe, with the remainder of the estate, are �138,000, being the marriage portions of the deceased baronet's thirteen children, and he has ordered that the revenues of the manor shall be converted into a sinking fund for the payment of these and other claims; the new lord of the manor, in the meantime, receiving � 1200 per annum. It is calculated that it will take twenty-five years to free the manor from all its incumbrances. Lady St. Aubyn gets � 3,000 per annum, and the trustees, Messrs. Wingfield, the masters in chancery, and the Rev. Mr.Grylls, of St. Cleer, Cornwall, � 1,000 each. The entailed estates, as we mentioned last week, go to the Rev. J. Molesworth.


13 SEPTEMBER Friday


BANKRUPTS - William RABEY, Redruth, Cornwall, leather seller and ironmonger, September 11, and October 18, at eleven at Pearce's Hotel, Truro, Cornwall, Messrs. Clarke and Tanqueray, solicitors, Bishopsgate-churchyard, London; and Mr. Stokes, solicitor, Truro.

���������������.����������������� WHEREAS JOHN HAWKINS, or HAWKEY, son of RICHARD HAWKINS, Yeoman, of Tredinick, in the parish of St. Issey, left his father's house on the 2nd day of January last, and has not since been heard of, if he will return to his disconsolate parents he will be kindly received, or if he will write them it will give much consolation. The said John HAWKINS is 18 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high, fresh complexion, dark eyes and light brown hair. If any persons will give such information to his father as may lead to his discovery they will be handsomely rewarded.

HERRING FISHERY AT CLOVELLY - We have great satisfaction in stating that the North Devon Herring Fishery is likely to be very productive this season. Shoals of herrings made their appearance on Monday last, and vast quantities were secured and sold in our market for 2s. per dozen. The fishermen, instantly on the alert, got ready their boats, seines, &c. and drifted off; and we are happy to say that the boats have been loaded, and sold at 16 to 18 for 1s. The report is that Clovelly is full of herrings, beyond any former season for years past. Some boats belonging to Ilfracombe have picked up and brought into that place a large sun fish, weighing between four and five hundred pounds.

NEWQUAY - The preventative boat established at this place had a hot encounter with a smuggler a short time since; but owing to the freshness of the breeze, the smuggler got off. Our beautiful beach at this place has, for the last few days, literally been crowded with men, women, and children, from all quarters, all busily employed in digging sprats, which are not remembered to have been so plentiful for many years past. We hope this to be a good omen for the pilchard fishery, which at present on the north coast looks very gloomy.

PHILLACK - On Wednesday morning last, the remains of the late Gregory NICHOLLS, Esq., of Treglisson, whose decease we noticed in our obituary last week, was conveyed to his family vault at Phillack, attended by the greater part of the neighbourhood gentry and friends of the deceased. The esteem in which this gentleman was held, for his amiability, talents, and hospitality, as well as for his kind attention to the poor of his neighbourhood, was evinced by the extensive sympathy that was excited during his tedious illness, and, notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather, by the length and respectability of the procession attending his funeral.

MELANCHOLY AND FATAL ACCIDENT � CORONER'S INQUESTS We announced in a large portion of our last week's papers, that a melancholy and fatal accident had taken place on Thursday at the Great Consols mine. On Saturday, an inquest was held before John Carlyon, Esq., on John PENTURRICK and James TRURON, at Perranarworthal, when the following evidence was given: James TADDY, one of the captains of the mine, said: on Thursday last, I was employed in superintending the loading of some carts with cast-iron, about 30 feet from the boiler-house engine, at Pearce's district of the mine; I went there about eleven o'clock, and about a quarter before one I heard a very loud explosion. I looked up and saw the air full of slate, bricks, timber, and all kinds of things of that nature. I ran north about 20 yards for shelter, and then returned to the boiler-house. There were three boilers in the house; one of them had burst, and the connecting pipe between the three having been broken off by the explosion, the steam from the other two was escaping and I could not get in. I then went to the engine-house, and saw the engine-man, Richard STEER He was uninjured, and on looking up I saw the boy who attended him out of the stage. He came down shortly afterwards, and was not hurt. Just at this time I was told that seven or eight drivers of the iron wagons were in the coal bed of the boiler-house when the boiler burst. It was a very wet morning and they had gone in there to dry themselves, and to be sheltered from the rain. I went round to the boiler-house again, but could see no one, and could only hear the steam escaping with great noise from the other two boilers. The roof of the house, with the exception of a small part, was all blown off; the south wall was also entirely blown away, and part of the north wall as well. The drivers had been standing at the north end of the boiler, and when it exploded, that end was blown out through the wall, carrying away 12 feet of it into the whim-shaft, about 11 feet off. The south end of the boiler was carried away through the roof, and the south end of the wall, a distance of about 50 yards. A part of the boiler, about a ton weight, fell upon Wm. NORTHY's house at that distance, and crushed it down. Several of the bricks were carried upwards of 100 yards. Assistance was provided to extricate the drivers from the rubbish. Some one was heard to moan, and we saw his head and part of his body just above the rubbish. This was Joseph RICKARD. We got him out in about ten minutes and carried him to the carpenter's shop. He desired to have his clothes taken off; they were cut off immediately, but he was so dreadfully bruised about his body that he died almost directly. He has left a widow and six children. He was one of Kea. The next taken out was James BURROWS, quite dead; he was a single man. The next was John PENLURRICK, aged 15, also dead. The next was a boy, named John GUN; he was also dead. James TRURAN, aged 15, and two other boys, were standing in the doorway at the time of the accident. They were all thrown out about ten or twelve feet. TRURAN ran down to the ore floors, and threw himself into a hutch of water. He was taken out from there, and eventually carried home on some boards, but he died the same evening. The other two were badly scalded, but they are still alive. Another young man, called Absalom RICHARDS, aged 23, was also killed, but as yet only a part of his head has been found. It is supposed that he must have been blown to atoms. His inside and outside shirts have been found. Yesterday, I questioned the engine-man, Richard STEER, as to the cause of the accident, and from the high opinion I have of him, and from what he has told me, I am satisfied that no blame can be attached to him. I asked him what state the boilers were in. He said he went down into the boiler-house about a quarter of an hour before the accident, and ascertained that the water was at its proper gage, and that all was safe. He has been reared in an engine-house, and has always sustained the character of a steady, cautious man. He had received notice that the engine was to be stopped, and it must have ceased working about three quarters of an hour before the accident happened. It was not working at the time. The boiler that burst was considered the best of the three.

Richard STEER said � I was engine-man at Pearce's engine, where the accident happened. I have been there for the last seven months, and have been accustomed to engines for upwards of seven years. On Thursday morning, when Richard WILLIAMS went below, he told me that he thought he should wish the engine stopped in the course of the day, for a short time, as he wanted to put in some launders. About ten minutes past twelve, he gave the signal, and I stopped her. About half-past twelve, I went down into the boiler-house to see that all was right, expecting that I should have to put her to work again very shortly. I found the water up to the full gage. The safety-valve was not swimming, neither was there any steam going off. There was a leaden plug in each boiler, and if the water gets too low, and the boiler hot, the plug melts, and the water running from the boiler puts out the fire. The leaden plug was in at the time the boiler burst. It was about a quarter of an hour after I saw every thing safe that the boiler burst. I was then out before the plug door, near the corner of the engine-house. It is impossible for any one to say what caused the boiler to burst, but I am quite sure that every thing was safe a quarter of an hour before.

Verdict, accidental death. The inquests of James BURROWS, Joseph RICKARD, and John GUN were held at Feock parish the same day, and a similar verdict returned on the same evidence.

Another inquest was held on the same day, before the same coroner, on the body of Martin DAVEY, a miner in the Consols, who came by his death through attempting to pull down a rope which had got entangled in the chain attached to the end of the whim rope. He was carried off the plot where he was standing, and drawn up about four fathoms, when he let go and fell about 16 fathoms. He died in consequence of the injuries he had received. Verdict, accidental death.

Another inquest was held by Mr. Carlyon, on Tuesday, on the body of a child named William Peter BROWN, the son of William BROWN, of St. Clement, who came by his death through his upsetting a pan of hot water on Sunday last. The poor child lingered till Monday evening when he died. Verdict, accidental death.

On the same day, Mr. Carlyon held another inquest on the body of Thomas JULIAN, a bootmaker, at Mrs. Andrew's in Pydar-street. David HAWKS, shoemaker, of St. Clement's parish, said: � I was yesterday evening at John ROBERT's beer-shop; Thomas JULIAN was there � this was about half-past seven o'clock. He was sitting down with his head on the table, apparently asleep, but his hat fell off twice, and he picked it up each time. Excepting this, he remained in the same posture until about half-past nine. He then got up and did not appear to have the use of his legs, eyes, or arms. He rambled towards the door then fell. He was carried out behind the house, and after giving two gasps died. I did not see deceased "make use" of anything while I was there.

Mr. SPRY, surgeon, said � last evening about ten o'clock, I was called to the Britannia to see a man said to be ill. I found him in a court supported on a chair, and on examination I found him dead. I cannot give any opinion as to the cause of his death; it might have been a fit or it might not. At this step of the enquiry the jury expressed a wish that a post mortem examination should be conducted. The inquest was accordingly adjourned until two o'clock the following day, and in the interim Mr. Spry was ordered to make the desired examination.

At the adjourned inquest, Mr. Spry, surgeon, deposed that in conformity to the wish of the jury, he had carefully examined the body of Julian, and he had discovered the cause of death, which was of such a nature as could not have been even guessed at before hand. He said that the dissection showed that the unfortunate man had had a disease of the bones of the neck, of many years' standing � that the first bone of the neck had, by that disease, been removed to a great extent from the second bone, and had become permanently fixed by a boney union in its new position � that consequently, the opening in the bone forming the base of the skull, and the opening in the second bone of the neck did not correspond; and, therefore, that the canal for the passage of the spinal marrow was diminished to one-third, or rather less than a third of its natural size. That the man must have lived for a considerable time in a state of the greatest jeopardy, and that as there were indications of the disease being still progressive, it must sooner or later have caused his death � but that event was hastened by the gorged state of the brain, arising from the excitement of intoxicating drinks, in which he had that day been freely indulging. Mr. Spry also stated it was his opinion that the position in which he had been sleeping for two or three hours, resting his head on the table, tended to increase the difficulty in the return of the blood from the head, and that the sudden struggle made in attempting to rise, compressed the spinal marrow at its junction with the brain by stretching a little further parts already displaced to the utmost extent consistent with the preservation of life, and that he died instantaneously, as if by lightening or by decapitation. Verdict, Died by the Visitation of God.

An inquest was held by Joseph Hambley, Esq., on Tuesday last, at Alternun, on the body of William WEDGE, a farmer of that parish, aged about 73 years. The deceased was in the harvest field at work, when his wife came and began to abuse him, in consequence of something which had taken place some part of the day before, which so exasperated him that he struck her. He was shortly afterwards seen to lie down by one of the shocks of corn and rest his head on his hand, and a few minutes later he was found quite dead. Verdict � died by the visitation of God.


20 SEPTEMBER 1839, Friday


ADVERTISEMENT - WANTED

At an IRON WORKS in South WALES, an AGENT to superintend the conveyance of Minerals from the Mitle[?] Works and Collieries, and to act as Clerk of the Works.

A Mechanic acquainted with the workings of RAILWAYS, Tram-roads, and Canals, and who would make himself generally useful, would meet with encouragement. Salary �120 per annum. None need apply who cannot produce strong testimonials of their competency to fulfil the duties of the situation.

Application with testimonials and references, to be made, by letter, post-paid, to Box 40, Post-Office, Swansea. - Sept. 13 1839

CAPITAL MANSION AND ESTATE, To be LET, and entered upon at Michaelmas next, DUPORTH HOUSE - Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Late the residence of Charles Rashleigh, Esq., and now of Dr. Pattison, together with DUPORTH FARM, the whole containing about 90 Acres, statute measures, most delightfully situated on the southern coast of the county of Cornwall, and within about a mile of the well-known market town of St. Austell.

The House, Gardens, and Pleasure Grounds will be Let, either separately or with the Farm and Grounds, as may be agreed upon. For Further particulars, and cards of admission to view the House (if by letter, post paid) apply to Mr. J. W. Colenso, of Lostwithiel,Cornwall or to Messrs. PARKE and FREETH - 65, Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, London - Dated September 16, 1839
NEWS

LOVETT THE CHARTIST - The following particulars of Mr. Lovett are from a Penzance correspondent: - Wm. Lovett is the son of Mrs. Carne, of Newlyn. Mr. Carne is a miner, and has two sons (the brothers of Wm. Lovett), one of whom is a wheelwright, the other is a joiner. William was a very quiet, industrious man, and of a good character, before he went to London, where he has been for sixteen years. His father was a master of a coasting vessel.

LAUNCH - A few days ago, a fine smack, of ninety tons register, O.M., called the "Susan," was launched from the yard of Mr. Henry Shapcott, ship-builder, East Looe. The vessel, which has been built for Mr. John Stranger and others of that port, is intended for the timber trade, and is to be commanded by Capt. John Walters. She does great credit to the builder, with respect both to model and workmanship.

LONGEVITY - There are now living at Bray Shop, in the parish of Stokesclimsland, in one house, four persons whose united ages amount to 314 years. One of the above persons, a woman aged 82, after having been blind nine years, has very recently had her sight restored, without professional aid, and she can now discern the nicest colours. These four persons are strong and healthy, and assist each other without the attendance of any other person whatever.

THE HARVEST - The recent wet weather is proving very destructive to the wheat, barley, and every other kind of grain. There is scarcely any corn got in at Probus, and all the neighbouring parishes; but the farmers avail themselves of every gleam of sunshine, and on Sunday last the laborers were very active. There is much corn spoiling on the ground, and there seems great reason to fear that the losses of the farmers this season will be very great.

SHOPLIFTING - Two young women, sisters, of the names of Mary and Milescent BURT [or BART], who have kept up a respectable appearance, being known - at least, to some parties - by the name of Sullivan, and their address 15, Russell-street, Plymouth, have been taken into custody at Devonport, charged with having in their possession a quantity of drapery goods, supposed to have been stolen. They are said to be from Helston, and have been committed for trial.

FALMOUTH - The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty arrived at this port on Saturday morning last. J. Ellis, Esq., the Mayor, whose active energies are always alive to do "honour to whom honour is due," having obtained leave of audience, was taken, with the Council of the borough, on board the Admiralty Steam Yacht, in the superintendent's barge, with Capt. Plumridge, with his usual kindness, was pleased to offer for the occasion. His Worship, and the members of the Town-Council who accompanied him, were received with the greatest degree of courtesy; and as it was deemed a complimentary visit, of course no formal introduction of business matters took place, but the subject of steam packets, railroads, the harbour, &c naturally occurred. The superiority of the latter was readily acknowledged, for the admirals had frequently been here, and were therefore acquainted with it; and having again viewed it on this occasion, were the better able to give their opinion. No doubt, we believe, can exist in the minds of all who have conversed with the public functionaries, that Falmouth is, in their view, superior to all other places; but circumstances prevent their explicit avowal that it must be continued the station in preference to all others. We hope, however, that a railroad through Cornwall will set that matter right, and place the county on a footing with the other parts of the kingdom, without which it cannot possibly maintain its present position; nay, it must sink in proportion as others advance. Up, then, we say to the county - "Up, and be doing."

APPOINTMENT - We understand that her Majesty has been pleased to appoint H.S. Stokes, Esq., Solicitor, of Truro, a Master Extraordinary in the High Court of Chancery.


27 SEPTEMBER 1839, Friday


CHARGES OF MURDER ON THE HIGH SEAS - On Wednesday last, a young man named John Wentworth FURBANK*, aged 19 years, was brought before J. CORNISH and W. H. BOND, Esqrs., at the Town Hall, Falmouth, charged with the Murder of Capt. WHITE, of the barque "Secret," of Liverpool. The prisoner and the other parties concerned were brought home in the "Magnet," Lieut. Griffiths, from Rio de Janeiro; and the circumstances under which the murderers were committed will be found detailed in the following evidence.

George MINTY, [also charged with murder; see below] mate of the barque "Secret," of Liverpool, on a voyage from Guayaquil to St. Andero, was first sworn, and said - On Sunday, the 14th of April last, I was mate on board, and on the previous night I had the middle watch, and went to bed at four o'clock in the morning. I was awoke about seven o'clock by dreadful cries from the captain; he screamed out twice. I jumped out of bed and went into the cabin, and said "Good God, sir, what is the matter?" The captain said "he has knifed me," meaning Furbank, the steward. The prisoner passed by my feet as I got out of my bed, and went on deck. The captain was sitting on his bed with his feet out; in his right had he held my dagger, which was over my head when I went to bed at four o'clock in the morning. I rushed on deck to secure the steward; he was near the main-mast, with a pistol in one hand and a dagger in the other. As soon as I saw him armed, I took a broomstick; the steward jumped on the long boat, and snapped the pistol at me. As soon as I saw the pistol did not go off, I jumped into the boat in pursuit, but he dipped under the main sail; he again snapped the pistol and ran down the forecastle. The watch below were in their beds. I sang out to them, and they came on deck; the prisoner being armed, we then battened him down. I went [ab]aft to the cabin to load a fowling-piece, but Mr. Barnard went forward and succeeded in disarming him; he was afterwards put in irons. We returned into the cabin and bound up the captain's wound, which was a large one in his stomach. He died about an hour after we first heard the screams. I asked the prisoner how he did such a dreadful deed; he said the captain had taken a pistol to blow his brains out, or he should not have done so. This occurred in lat. 20 S.

Edward BARNARD, mate R.N., passenger, examined. I was acting as officer of the morning watch on the 14th of April; was standing on the poop, near the wheel, off the coast of Peru, lat. about 22, between 3 and 400 miles off the land, when I heard a scream in the cabin; I immediately left the poop and proceeded toward the cabin; on my getting on the quarter deck, I saw the prisoner, John FURBANK, standing on the starboard side of the quarter deck, abreast of the mainmast; he was facing [ab]aft, with a pistol in one hand and a dagger in the other, swearing that he would blow the first man's brains out that would come near him; he was much excited. I went down into the cabin to see what was the matter; saw Captain WHITE sitting on his bed, and leaning back against the ship's side, he having then fainted; I saw a dagger lying near the cabin door, with marks of blood on it, the blade was bent nearly at right angles, being soft stuff. I went to my cabin for some arms which I had there, but could not find them; I then recollected the prisoner had them; I then looked for a cutlass which I had put in my cabin, for a pair of pistols, which belonged to myself, but they were also gone. The captain was breathing, but speechless; I took the dagger with which the captain was stabbed, and straightened it, and went on deck to secure the prisoner (the dagger was here produced; it was about 18 inches long;) I found the prisoner was gone down into the forecastle; he was much excited, and like a mad man. I directed him to be battened down; about ten minutes after that he surrendered the arms, through a hole in the scuttle or hutch.

Mr. CORNISH - Did you ever see the captain ill-use the steward, or give him cause for this act? [Reply] - The night before, the mate was ordered by the captain to give him [the steward] a rope's ending of three dozen; he had been rope's ended three times before; only on one occasion I remarked the prisoner disrespectful, but in general respectful and well-behaved. The captain's conduct was rather harsh. After the arms were given up I returned to the cabin, and examined the extent of the wound; I found a large opening in the belly, below the right ribs; he died about ten minutes afterward. I could not understand something he said, it being indistinct.

James ANDERSON, seaman of the "Secret", sworn - On the 14th of April, I was washing down the deck, I saw the steward on the long boat; with a pistol in one hand, and a dagger in the other; saw him snap the pistol at the mate; he followed me and another man down the fore-hatchway; he appeared like a man out of his mind.

A MAGISTRATE - What was the general conduct of the captain to the prisoner? [Reply] - I heard the captain say if he did not move brisker, he would cut the flesh off his back, or have his life yet. This threat was used two or three days before the captain's death.

J. ALEXANDER, another sailor, corroborated the evidence.

The prisoner was then called on for his defence; he said he should defer saying anything until his trial. He stated that he was a native of Cambridge, and that his father was a grocer and tea dealer. On being asked if he wished any of the other seamen be examined in his defence, he called James KENT, who was sworn, and said on the 14th of April it was my morning watch below; I was waked out of my sleep by a violent noise; looked out of my cabin and first thing I saw was the prisoner with a pistol in one hand and a dagger in the other, standing on the deck of the forecastle below; I jumped on deck without dressing; I heard that the Captain was killed. I lent a hand with Mr. Barnard to batten down the hatch. I have seen the prisoner flogged twice by the order of the Captain; I heard the Captain say, "you imposter! I will see your back bone before we get to England yet" - he was flogged with an instrument called a colt. The witness here produced a large piece of � inch rope, with large knots at each end. This closed the evidence, and the prisoner was committed for willful murder. The witnesses were bound over to appear at the central criminal court in London, where he will be tried.

George MINTY was then placed at the bar, charged with the following atrocious conduct toward a seaman, deceased, named James SHAW.

Edward BAYNARD (later spelled Burnard) sworn, and stated as follows: I have at various times seen the deceased seaman, James SHAW, late of the barque "Secret," of Liverpool, treated in a most cruel and barbarous manner, over all parts of his body with the colt, but on one occasion in particular by the prisoner, who was mate of the aforesaid ship, while he was acting as master in consequence of the death of Captain White. On the 15th of May last the same seaman received most severe treatment; while standing working at the pump, such was his exhausted and paralised state that he fell down; he was then ordered by the prisoner to coil up ropes on the deck, but was unable to do it; he again fell, and from thence was ordered to the fore-sheet; because he could not move to go there he was beaten with the colt in a most unmerciful manner; he reached the gully by crawling on his hands and knees. I then went to the mate to endeavour to deter him from such barbarous treatment, telling him that the man was very ill, and that in my opinion he had been so for some time. This had not the desired effect; he went on beating him; shortly after this he was carried below, being unable to move either hand or foot. James Shaw after this received numerous beatings before he died, from the prisoner; he was kept up on deck I have no doubt in stating the man's death was wholly occasioned by the ill-treatment of the mate. He died on the 21st of May, by the log, about eight o'clock in the morning.

James ANDERSON, seaman, stated that he saw Minty, when acting as master, make Shaw lie over a boat and beat him unmercifully with the colt; after he beat Shaw, who came to witness at the wheel and said "Oh Jimmy, he have killed me by beating me over the loins and back." The prisoner also at another time kept beating him, when he lay on his back on the deck, near the fore-sheet, the water going over him all the time. Mr. Barnard remonstrated, but I could not tell the words as I was at the wheel. Saw Shaw below; the arm and back were considerably swollen and bruised. The day before he died, Minty again beat him with another rope quite as thick. Witness heard Minty say he had a pistol and would shoot him if he lifted any thing against him; the prisoner took a pistol out of his pocket. He would not give witness any old canvass to sew him [Shaw] up in. Mr. Burnard said if he were not decently interred, he would not come to the funeral. Witness was present when Shaw died.

James KENT also spoke of the ill-treatment of the deceased, and said - I was on the deck when he died; I laid him on the larboard side of the poop; I stripped him and looked at the body; it was much bruised about the back, loins, and other parts. I told what I saw to Alexander, who was at the wheel; he said he could not leave then. I sewed him up in the best way I could in a blanket from Anderson, the mate having refused canvass to put him in.

James ALEXANDER also corroborated the other witness's account of the prisoner's conduct.

The prisoner declined saying anything until his trial. He was then committed for murder, and will be tried at the Central Criminal Court. He appears to be about 30 years of age. The court was crowded, and greater indignation was manifested against the mate than against the boy Furbank. [* Furbank, in later issues which cover the trial in Central Criminal Court, was spelled FAIRBANK. jm]

ADVERTISEMENT - Two Excellent Freehold Houses with Shops for Sale - To be sold, by Public Auction, on Wednesday, the 13th of November next, at Five o'clock in the Afternoon, at Lynn's Hotel, St. Austell, in one Lot, the following Valuable Property, viz;
No. 1, occupied by Miss Walker, comprises a very convenient Shop, Parlour, Dining-Room, 4 Bed-rooms, 2 good Kitchens, large Cellar with Walled Garden.
No 2., a large Shop with end Gallery, ware-room, Parlour, 2 Kitchens, handsome Lobby Stair-case and Dining Room, 4 Bed-rooms, large Work shop, Stable, Gig-house, and Walled Garden.

Two-thirds of these premises have been rebuilt within the last seven years, of the best Materials, and are fitted up with every necessary convenience, including two capital Water-closets, with Water brought into Kitchens and Yard, Register and other Stoves, Ranges, Coppers, &c. No. 2 is a first-rate situation, and such an opportunity rarely offers in St. Austell as the Premises are the most roomy and convenient of any in the town, and the Shop may be easily extended to a depth of 44 feet. Early possession may be had.

For viewing the premises, apply to Mr. Thomas TALLACK, St. Austell; and for further particulars to Mr. John BOWDEN, Lox-street, Liskeard. Dated St. Austell, 17th October, 1839

NEWS

BOROUGH OF SALTASH - On Saturday last, the Mayor elect of Saltash, Commander Sanders, R.N., was sworn into office. In the afternoon, about forty gentlemen of the borough dined at the invitation of his worship in Tamar Hall. The Mayor presided; the retiring mayor, Wm. Warmington, Esq., filling the vice president's chair, and the dinner and wines were admirable. After the health of the Queen had been given and drunk very cordially, cakes and apples were, according to immemorial custom, thrown from the windows of the hall to the children assembled in the streets. "The Queen dowager and the rest of the Royal Family." - "The army and the navy." - "the borough of Saltash", and a variety of other toasts were drunk, among which were "Mr. Otney, the Town Clerk", "Fish, tin, and copper", "The members for the eastern division of Cornwall", "Mrs. and Miss Sanders", "The house of Morval", &c. and the company separated at eight o'clock, highly delighted with the urbanity of the Mayor, and the pleasant intercourse of the evening. The remains of this very plentiful and sumptuous dinner were distributed among the poor of the borough.

AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH - On Monday, an inquest was held by Capt. Sanders, R.N., mayor and coroner of Saltash, and of the waters of the Tamar, on the body of Mr. Paul Palmer, a highly respectable inhabitant of that borough, who was found dead in his bed, on Sunday morning. From the evidence given before the jury, which was a highly respectable one, it appeared that the deceased had been in his usual health and spirits the night preceding, when he dined with a number of the inhabitants of that borough, at the dinner which took place at Tamar-hall, in celebration of the inauguration of the mayor. About half-past eight in the evening, he left the dinner table, and proceeded to the house of a friend, and after remaining there for a short time, went to his own house, and retired to rest, nothing uncommon being observed in his appearance or demeanour. About four o'clock on Sunday morning he awoke and conversed with his wife, and again fell asleep; but on his niece coming into the room a short time after, finding he gave no answer to her, the family became alarmed, and, on examination, discovered that he was a corpse. Mr. Littleton, surgeon, of Saltash, was examined in this inquisition, and stated that the deceased was of a very apoplectic habit, and that, from outward appearances, the deceased had expired during his sleep, and without a struggle. The jury returned a verdict -"Died by the visitation of God." A brother of the deceased died in the same sudden manner, about six months ago.

WRECK - The brig "Picton" of St. Johns, from Hambro for St. Johns, Newfoundland, was towed into Falmouth on Wednesday morning, abandoned, having struck on the Manacles rocks the preceding night, filled with water and capsized. Crew saved in the long boat.

CHIVERTON MINE - We are glad to hear that this mine is still prosperous, and that there is every appearance of its continuing so. The lord, we understand, has very kindly presented the agents with a hogshead of wine.

EXTRAORDINARY TURNIP - Mr. Brown, in the village of Helston, in the parish of Lanteglos by Camelford, who has a very fine field of Turnips, has taken up one which measures the extraordinary size of two feet and ten inches in circumference, and weighs sixteen pounds.

THE HARVESTThe barley, in many places, we understand, is injured by the long continuance of wet; but generally speaking, not so much as might have been expected.

THE GOLD DUST ROBBERY - A paragraph appeared in the Newspapers some time since stating that Ellis and Lewis CASPER, Emanual MOSES, and his daughter, Mrs. ABRAHAMS, were to be sentenced at the Central Criminal Court this session. The prisoners cannot be sentenced until the November sessions, as the Judges will not meet to dispose of the legal objections taken at the trial until that time.



[  BACK  ]