cornwall england newspaper


1840 NEWS ARTICLE

NOVEMBER



6 NOVEMBER 1840, Friday


A FIAT - On Tuesday afternoon, the (?) ultimo, Mr. John DAW, a country draper of Helston, was robbed of 60 sovereigns in the following manner. It appears that he arrived in town on Sunday by a (?) packet from Falmouth, and on the same and following nights slept at a coffee-shop in the borough. While indulging in the luxury of Mocha and buttered toast, three well-dressed young men came in and followed his example, when lo! And behold! It turned out, in the course of conversation, that they were all natives of the same county. They strolled about town for several hours in perfect harmony and friendship, and at last wended their way to the Flora tea-gardens, Bayswater, where they sat down and indulged in sundry glasses of "summut short." Mr. Daw having intimated his wish to go home on the next morning, it occurred to two of his friends that they might as well do the same, and it was proposed that all three should go out and secure their places by coach. They were about to quit the gardens for the real purpose, as Mr. Daw imagined, of doing so, when the fourth "gentleman," who was desired to remain till they came back, expressed an opinion that they did not intend to return, in which case she should be left a complete stranger to London. Mr. Daw and his "friends," in order to prove that they had no wish to give him the slip, handed over to the "gentleman in waiting" all the cash they were possessed of, as security for their coming back; and they had not proceeded far when Mr. Daw, who had left behind him a canvass bag containing 60 sovereigns, was deserted by his companions, who bolted up a lane, and in an instant disappeared. He hastened back to the Flora gardens, but found the money-holder was gone. In a fit of despair, Mr. Daw ran to the Paddington station-house, where he related the particulars of his loss � Plymouth Herald.

TRURO POLICE - On Friday last, Mr. Henry MICHELL, landlord of the Queen's Head, was summoned before W.H. BULLMORE, Esq., mayor, and W.P. KEMPE, Esq., charged with assaulting Mr. TEALOR, landlord of the Saint Clement's Inn. The defendant was fined 2s. 6d. with costs.

On Tuesday, Digory WROATH, tailor of Truro, was brought before W.H.Bullmore Esq., mayor and C. CARLYON, Esq., charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting him in the execution of his duty. The defendant was fined in the full penalty of �3. John OATES, tailor, of Truro, was also brought up, charged with being drunk and disorderly. He was fined (?), with costs, and bound over with two sureties of �10 each to be of good behaviour for the next twelve months.

CAUTION - We understand that five sacks of ore were lately stolen from the wagon of William HOOD, carrier, the property of VIVIAN and Sons, and which were traced to the dressing-hutch of the men, named COOK (Cock?) and PASCOE, working in Ting Tang mine; but as it could not be proved that they committed the theft, the Messrs. Williams, very properly ordered them to be dismissed from their employ. The ore was restored to the owners.

CORONER'S INQUESTS - On Saturday last, an inquest was held before W. HICHENS Esq., coroner, in the parish of St. Hilary, on the body of William JENKYN, who was a kibble-filler in the Wheal Friendship mine, in that parish, and was found on the Thursday preceding, at the bottom of one of the shafts, in a state of insensibility, and with his skull fractured. The deceased laboured, at both the 60 and 70 fathoms level; and it is supposed that he must have "fallen away" in going from one to the other. He lived till the following day, but remained insensible in the period of his death. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

On the 3rd instant, the same coroner held an inquest at St. Ives, on the body of Alexander McMICKEN, who belonged to the Coast-guard service, and was stationed at Pendean, in St. Just. He was one of the three persons who had succeeded in capturing a smuggler, laden with spirits, of Zennor, in the morning of the previous day, which they carried into St. Ives. The deceased had endured a good deal of fatigue in the course of the capture and afterwards, in assisting in the discharge of the cargo without taking any food and just as he had seated himself at table to partake of some dinner, late in the afternoon, he was suddenly taken ill and died in a few minutes. The attack was supposed to be apoplexy. Verdict, "Visitation of God in a natural way."

ACCIDENT AT SEA - About two o'clock, on Thursday morning, the 22nd ultimo, the schooner "Friends," Capt. HOWELL, being on her voyage from Waterford to Swansea, in ballast, was overtaken by a squall, about twenty miles W.S.W. of the Smalls, and totally dismasted. At three o'clock, the "Sheldrake" packet, Lieut. PASSINGHAM, which had been sent to Liverpool for men for the navy, bore down and offered assistance; but the "Thames," Dublin steamer, appearing, the packet made a signal to her, and on her approach, Lieut. PASSINGHAM requested her commander to take the "Friends" in tow. This was promptly done; and on Friday afternoon, the crew and the disabled vessel was safely brought into Falmouth.

SMUGGLING - On the 27th ult., the "Harpy," R.C., Lieut. George DREW, R.N., commander, seized the "Five Brothers" smuggling boat, of Cawsand, with seventy-two half-ankers of foreign spirits which she had thrown overboard during the chase, about 14 miles to the southward of the eddystone. The remainder of her cargo was sunk with large stones, so that the people of the "Harpy" could not recover them. The "Harpy," on Friday the 30th ult., also captured, about 15 miles off the Lizard, the "Fox," of Cawsand, with 126 half-ankers of contraband spirits, three men, and the notorious smuggler, Peter BENALLACK, tailor, of Veryan, and deposited them in charge of the Collector of Customs at Plymouth. This makes seven smuggling boats Lieut. Drew has taken since he has held the command of the "Harpy," and eleven more have been compelled to throw overboard their cargo during chase to effect their escape.

POTATO STEALING - One Sunday morning, about one o'clock, a man named Frederick SWAN, residing in the parish of Falmouth, was caught drawing potatoes in a field belonging to Mr. JAGO. When taken, he had pulled up about four gallons, and put them into a sack. On Monday, he was examined before R.S. SALTER Esq (?), a county magistrate, and sentenced to one month's imprisonment in the county prison at the Treadmill, in consequence of it being his first conviction.

THE LATE LIEUTENANT HOCKIN - The following poetical tribute to the memory of our gallant countryman, who, as we stated last week, was killed at the storming of Saida, after performing prodigies of valour, reached us too late for our Poets' Corner, and we, therefore insert it here:- SONNET - On the lamented death of Charles Hockin, Esq., Lieutenant R.M., son of the Rev. William Hockin, LL.B. rector of Phillack and Gwithian, slain in Syria at the recent taking of Saida. "I am distressed for thee, my brother: very pleasant hast thou been unto me." - !! Sam. 1.26(?). Hark to the noise of war! � from Palestine O'er "the great sea" postentom, (?) lot tis b(?). Hark to its blast! - it tells, through aid Divine, Sidon is taken � bid proud Egypt mourn. Would they might only mourn; Alas for one. Brave, thoughtful, pious, wept by many a friend, - Just on the fatal shore arrived, - he won, Leading van of fight, at vulgar end! Lamenting they that lov'd him (?) shall say, Whilst down their cheeks fast gushing tear-drops fall, How gen'rous HOCKIN perished on the day When Britons conquer'd; - yet shall hope their soul � Kind hope � relieve, that point to him denied On earth a brighter crown in heav'n supplied. Phillack, November 3, 1840 (Sorry, some of this is guess work as it is almost impossible to read. ih)


13 NOBEMBER 1840, Friday


CORNWALL COUNTY ASYLUM - We understand that Mr. TIERMAN of London, has been appointed Medical superintendent of this Institution.

ACCIDENT TO E.W.W. PENDARVES, Esq. - We exceedingly regret to have to announce that our honoured representative has sustained a very serious accident. On Monday morning last, while on his way from Pendarves for the meeting of the Redruth Board of Guardians, of which he is chairman, just at the entrance of Camborne, his horse fell, and threw him with considerable violence to the ground. He was taken up in a state of complete insensibility, and removed to the house of Mr. LANYON, his surgeon, from whence it was a long time before he could be removed to Pendarves. We are happy, however, to learn, that the judicious treatment he has received, has averted the alarming consequences which were at first apprehended, and that the constituency of the Western Division may congratulate the worthy gentleman and themselves on his rapid progress towards recovery.

PILCHARD FISHERY - St. Ives. On Wednesday morning last, this bay presented one of the finest sights every witnessed. Soon after daylight, several large shoals of pilchards were seen coming in, and continued to do so until the western part of it was literally full. The seans commenced shooting about seven o'clock, and at ten, 20 seans were in the water, with shoals enclosed in the greater part of them. Two seans burst with the with the weight of fish and two other shoals were lost, having more in the nets, than they could secure. Sixteen now remain in the water, safely moored, and the fishermen are anxiously hoping for the continuance of fine weather to take them up. It is impossible to ascertain the exact quantity enclosed, but it is supposed to be from seventeen to nineteen thousand hogsheads.

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS - Truro � The election of Mayors for the ensuing year, took place on Monday last in most of the boroughs throughout the kingdom. H. WILLYAMS, Esq., having declined the office for Truro, on account of the large portion of time which a proper discharge of its duties would require, W.T. CHAPPEL, Esq., was elected without opposition, and returned thanks for the honour done him in a suitable speech. We have a long report of the proceedings on the occasion in type, but it gives way to matters of more pressing importance.

FALMOUTH - Samuel BLIGHT Esq., having received a unanimous invitation to fill the office of Mayor for another year, kindly acceded to the request of the council, and was again duly elected mayor for the year ensuing. The council invited him, and all the naval, military, and civil heads to dinner. At 5 o'clock, about 30 gentlemen sat down to one of the most splendid feasts we have ever known laid out at Pearce's Hotel in the worthy host's best style. The meeting was a most harmonious and happy one, and it was a banquet worthy of the corporation of the metropolis. James CORNISH Esq., was in the chair, and J. ELLIS, F. PENDER, and W.J. CLARKE, Esqrs., presided in the different quarters of the table.

HELSTON - J. SILVESTER, Esq., has been chosen mayor of this borough, in the room of J. KENDALL, Esq., who on retiring addressed the council at considerable length, thanking them, and the inhabitants generally, for the support they had given him in the discharge of the arduous duties of his office.

PENZANCE - Col. ROBYNS, R.M., has been unanimously elected mayor of this borough for the ensuing year. After the election, his worship and the council dined together at the Union Hotel.

ST. IVES - The new mayor for this borough is Samuel HOCKING, Esq., who succeeds J.N. TREMEARNE, Esq. LISKEARD - The councillors elected for this borough are Mr. R. PHILP, who was re-elected, and Messrs. JORDAN, SANSOM, and BARRETT. The whole of these gentlemen are reformers, and no tory has the slightest chance of obtaining a seat in the Liskeard Town-council. The new mayor is B.H. LYNE, Esq., who now holds the office of chief magistrate for that borough, for the third time since the passing of the municipal reform act.

ENORMOUS TURNIP - At a meeting of the Veryan Farmers' Club, on Monday last, Mr. MARTYN of Trethake, exhibited a turnip of the "White Holdfast" find, grown on his estate this season, which measured three feet in circumference, and weighed 20 lbs.

EMIGRATION TO PORT ST. GEORGE, CENTRAL AMERICA - The American land company's vessel, the "Rose," commanded by Capt. STEWART, has safely arrived at Plymouth, from London, on her way out, to the above colony, having a great number of settlers on board, with everything necessary and convenient for themselves and other colonists.

ST IVES - On the 9th instant, the crew of the French sloop, "Le Commerce," that was seized by the Coastguard, and brought into this port, were examined before Samuel HOCKING, Esq., mayor, and J.N. TREMEARNE, Esq., justice, and were sentenced as follows:- Philip LIGHT, Englishman, nine months imprisonment; two of the Frenchmen, six months, and the other two, six months hard labour. William GENDAL, a notorious smuggler, of the parish of Morvah, who made his escape from the same vessel, was apprehended on Monday, and is remanded by the magistrates until Friday, for further examination.

CAUTION TO DRUNKARDS - Mr. Arthur CLOKE, of Poundstock, who only about six weeks ago had a narrow escape from death, whilst in a state of intoxication, by falling over the cliff, near Widemouth, when his horse was killed on the spot, and himself most seriously bruised, the particulars of which appeared in this paper, was last week held to bail in the sum of one hundred pounds, by the magistrates assembled at Haleworthy, for attempting, whilst in the state of inebriety, to kill his brother with a large knife.

PENZANCE - The schooner "Brothers," of this port, GUSTAVUS, master, the property of Mr. LEAN, of Marazion, sailed from the Mount pier on the 4th instant, for Wales laden with copper ore; but being unable to clear the Lands-End, put back and anchored in Gwavas Lake, where she remained until the 6th, on which day she weighed anchor and ran for the Mount, where a hawser was made fast to warp her into the pier, but from the strong wind and heavy sea, the rope parted, and the vessel was driven on shore near Marazion, and received very considerable damage: her stern-post, stem, keel, and floorings have been more particularly injured. Several tons of the cargo having been discharged; she was got off and warped into the Mount pier on Sunday.

ACCIDENT AT SEA - About three o'clock, on Sunday morning, the 1st instant, Joseph TEAGUE, captain of the smack "Rosamond Jane," bound to Swansea, with copper ore, when about midway between Lundy Island and Swansea, fell from the mast-head into the water, and was seen no more.

CORONER'S INQUEST - On Wednesday last, an inquest was held before W. HICHENS, Esq., coroner, on the body of Mrs. Temperance PASCOE, wife of Mr. John Pascoe, of Carnkie, Wendron, who died on Monday, the 2nd instant. It appears a report had been raised in the neighbourhood, that deceased had been poisoned by eating some liver of a pit, which had been killed on Thursday, the 29th ultimo, by one of her neighbours. It seems that it is usual for persons in this country to send small presents of liver, &c., the day on which they kill their pigs; and on the day above named, the 29th ult., the deceased, her husband and two children, besides many of the neighbours, partook of the liver, lights, &c. The woman had been much exposed to the wet and cold that day, whilst in the potatoe field, and complained of being ill, and also of her feet being wet. Soon after she had eaten of the food, she grew sick and vomited. The husband and two children also were sick; one of the children was sick who did not eat of the liver, and another was not sick who did eat of it. None of the neighbours felt any sickness. We state these facts, because we understand that many, even to the present moment, talk as if they believed the deceased had really been poisoned. A report, too, we hear, has got abroad that arsenic had been set for rats that annoyed the pigs &c. of deceased, and that the husband had killed a pig, but neither account is true. He has three pigs now feeding, but we do not hear of any rats being about the premises. The truth is, a letter had been sent to the husband of deceased, stating that various unpleasant reports were then in circulation, relative to the cause of death, and that if the coroner were not informed of the event, it was likely the body would be disinterred. The inquest was therefore, held. Mr. DANIELL, surgeon, of Helston, and Mr. HARRIS, surgeon, of Redruth, assisted by one of his apprentices, who were present at the examination of the body of deceased, stated that the thoracic viscera were healthy, and also the contents of the abdomen, except the bowels and peritoneum, which bore evident marks of destructive inflammation. These gentlemen therefore deposed that, in their opinion, the deceased came to her death in consequence of inflammation in the bowels, occasioned by exposure to cold, and that there were no grounds for supposing that poison in any shape or form had been swallowed. The jury immediately returned a verdict of died by the visitation of God, in a natural way.


20 NOVEMBER 1840, Friday


THE LATE GALES - Penzance. � Several small boats of this port, and Newlyn, have been greatly injured by the heavy gales on Thursday and Friday, the 12th and 13th instant. The sloop "Penzance packet," which is being repaired under Abbey-street, near the pier, was washed off the blocks, and received considerable damage. A part of the road on Newlyn green, nearest the quay, was washed away by the violence of the sea, and we are informed, that if the gale had continued much longer, and the wind remained in the same quarter, the houses near would have been in imminent danger. The "Sylvia," cutter, came into the pier in the height of the gale on Friday, with loss of bow-sprit, cross-trees, and otherwise damaged. On Friday, a little boy aged 13 years, called Peter WILLIAMS, of Newlyn, whilst attempting to secure some pilchards, which had been washed ashore there, was carried off his legs into the water by the under-tow, and, we regret to say, was drowned, in sight of his father, and others, who could render him no timely aid. His body was washed on shore shortly afterwards.

FALMOUTH - During the past week, we have had a succession of heavy gales from east to south, and south to west; but we are happy to learn that the shipping Falmouth harbour rode them out in safety without a single accident.

HAYLE - The brig "Albert," of Sunderland, GREGSON, master, which sailed hence on the evening of Thursday the 12th instant, foundered the day following 20 miles westward of Lundy island, when all the crew (nine in number) perished, except a young man, named John WINCHESTER, who had seized a plank, from which he was rescued by the smack "Four Friends" of Fowey, and landed at Swansea.

NEW GOOSEBERRIES - A second crop of gooseberries has been gathered in the garden of Mr. Richard HILL, of Goran Haven. They were taken from several trees, and were large enough for tarts. The trees had borne a good crop before this present season.

NEWQUAY - On the afternoon of the 15th instant, a whale was seen sporting and spouting the water, about a mile outside of Newquay bay, by the crew of the "Caroline." The freaks of the huge monster were also witnessed by many persons from the hill; and he appeared to be upwards of 60 feet long.

APPOINTMENT - We understand that the High Steward of the Duchy of Cornwall has appointed Mr. GLUBB, of Liskeard, Deputy Steward of the manors of Carnedon prior, Climsland prior, Northill, Portlooe, Trelowia, Fentrigan, Treworgie, East way, Stratton Sanctuary, and Boyton, in this county.

BODMIN - Edward Mountsteven WRIGHT, Esq., has been unanimously elected mayor of this borough for the ensuing year.

SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE - We understand that Matthew MOYLE, Esq., of Chacewater, who is so well known for the extent of his charities, on hearing of the large catch of pilchards at St. Ives, sent a wagon there for a load of fish at his own expense, and sold them to the neighbouring cottagers at cost price.

THE LATE LIEUTENANT HOCKIN - From the last accounts from Syria, it appears that our gallant countrymen, who, as we have already informed our readers, was killed at the storming of Sidon, received three wounds, none fatal by themselves, but he continued fighting with his men, bleeding profusely at an artery, till he fell in a state of exhaustion, and was taken on board the "Stromboli," unhappily too late for medical aid to be available.

MELANCHOLY SHIPWRECK - On Monday evening, the 9th instant, about seven o'clock, the ship "Collina," of Bideford, from Quebec, loaded with timber, &c., belonging to Mr. CHANTER, of Bideford, merchant, was wrecked on the Croyde Sands, and, melancholy to relate, three men met with a watery grave; the rest of the crew, after a deal of difficulty, escaped on the rock. The ship very soon after became a total wreck, and is to be sold, together with the cargo, or such part of it as could be saved, for the benefit of the underwriters with whom she is insured. It appears the Captain made the Barnstaple Bar twice, (in sight of the poor fellows' homes) but he was fearful there was not sufficient water to carry them over, therefore he was obliged to tack back again, and very soon after it blew a tremendous gale, which drove them on a very dangerous rock, called Baggy Point. The men are all natives of Bideford and Appledore, and have all of them left large families to deplore their melancholy end.

The brig. "Apollo," bound from Savannah to Bideford, with timber, has been totally wrecked on Long Island. Previous to the wreck, the captain and all the crew, except the mate and a boy, died of fever, and were thrown overboard: the mate died soon after the vessel struck.

DREADFUL ACCIDENT - On Monday evening last as Mr. Matthew HEATH, of Fairmantle-street, Truro, was returning home from Chacewater, the vehicle on which he was riding, came in contact with an omnibus, and he was thrown into the road. When conveyed home, it was found that his thigh was broken, and that he had received several severe contusions about the head, which leave but little hope of his recovery. He has been in a state of delirium nearly ever since the accident. Mr. Heath is a mason by trade, about 70 years of age, and a very respectable man.

MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT - On Wednesday, the 11th instant, as a young man named William BOLITHO, was at work at Balleswidden mine, a hole which he was charging for blasting, unfortunately exploded, and injured him so much, that it is feared he will never regain his sight.

SUDDEN DEATH - On Sunday night, the 15th instant, a poor man, named John RESIGH, died suddenly after taking his supper as usual. He has left a wife and four small children to lament their loss.

CORONER'S INQUEST - A female child, about three months old, belonging to a man named Thomas JACOBS, residing in the Higher Quarter, of the parish of St. Austell, was found dead in her bed on the morning of Monday last, having been put to bed in apparent good health the preceding night. An inquest was held on view of the body on the following day, when it was stated by T.G. VAWDREW, Esq., surgeon, who had made a post mortem examination of the body, that she died from disease of the stomach. The jury at once returned a verdict of "died by the visitation of God".

CORNISH VITAL STATISTICS - To the Editor of the West Briton. Sirs, Having completed an examination of the Burial Register of the parish of Illogan, for the three years from July, 1837 to August 1840, with a view to obtaining the longevity of miners, I beg to be allowed, through the medium of your columns, to publish the result. At the last meeting of the Polytechnic Society, I stated that 32 was the percentage of miner's deaths from mine accidents in Illogan during the first of the three years I have named; and that the mean per centage of four parishes for different periods had been 17. The Illogan per centage for three years I now find to be 18 4-tenths, the mean per centage for Camborne, Illogan, Gwennap, and Stythians, being 13 4-tenths; or if, for the reasons I stated at the meeting, we take only the last three parishes, 15 9-tenths, the mean difference between the longevity of miners and men of other occupations being, for the four parishes, 11 years.

In your last week's notice of the annual meeting of the Royal Institution, Dr. BARHAM is reported to have expressed an opinion that the statements I made at the Polytechnic meeting, respecting mine accidents, would, "of themselves, lead to inferences greatly too unfavourable." But, although I earnestly desire to arrive at the same opinion, at present I fear the mean proportion I then gave will not be found so unusually great, especially in parishes where the mines are deep. I wish it always to be kept in view, that in my calculations, I separate the miners recorded in the registers from their fellow parishioners; and that, finding how many miners have died, and how many of their deaths have been occasioned by mine accidents, by comparison of these numbers I obtain my per centages. Proceeding in this way, if the register has been correctly kept, nothing but one's own carelessness can occasion error; and therefore, as I have been scrupulously careful, I may be sure my results are correct. In the registers I examined, 1,500 deaths were recorded: of these, 803 were males. Of the males, 231 were miners, and of the miners, 31 died violent deaths. It is not, however, because the accuracy of my results is questioned, that I give this explanation. The only question raised relates to their sufficiency, as data for a general conclusion. No one doubts their sufficiency more than I, or would more gladly avail himself of further sources of information; but I know not where at present they are to be obtained. The second report of the Registrar General has been referred to, but that report affords no ground for judging what is, or is not, an ordinary proportion of mine accidents to the total number of miners' death. For, lst, the report makes no distinction of occupation. The mining districts of some counties are given separately from the other districts of the same counties, but the Cornish districts are not so distinguished. And if they were, if the same rule were acted on for it, as has been for other mining districts, miners would not be distinguished, in the report, from other men dying in the same districts. 2nd. All descriptions of violent deaths are included under one head in the report, and mine accidents are not to be distinguished from suicides, murders, infants overlaid, accidental poisonings, death by lightning, &c., &c., amounting to 10 percent, of the whole number of violent deaths, nor from accidental deaths in general. From the report, however, it appears that of the 3112 males registered in Cornwall, 8 per cent died violent deaths, while the mean per centage for England and Wales was but 4 7-tenths. There is indeed only one district in which the per centage appears to have been greater than in Cornwall, and that is the mining portion of Stafford, Salop, and Worcester, where I believe a great many coalmine explosions had occurred, and in which the per centage appears, from the 39th page of the report, to have been nine 6-tenths. The whole of Cornwall giving to the total of male deaths a proportion of eight per cent of violent deaths, the report cannot, I fear, be considered to afford any hope that if, as in Staffordshire, &c., the mining parts of Cornwall were distinguished; and if, in the mining parts, miners and their violent deaths were distinguished from others, as it is among them violent deaths in Cornwall principally occur, the mean per centage I have obtained would be found unusual. At all (��?), no evidence that it is so can be soon adduced. The parish registers are the only sufficient evidence; and many years must elapse before even they can decide the question.

But, God forbid, that while the question of a high, or low per centage is waiting the decision of time, we should remain inactive spectators of the destruction of life among our labouring population! That a large proportion of our deserving poor should be doomed to die eleven years before their time, that this county may be enriched, and no charitable effort be made for their reprieve � that the most hideous accidents should continue to decimate their miserable ranks, and no effort be made to avert them! Is our bounty exhausted by our missionary efforts, our bible society efforts, and our other exertions to teach our holy religion to races of men we never saw, and can we not afford to submit ourselves to the charitable injunctions of that religion in behalf of the misery endured at our very doors? Does our familiarity with the suffering weaken its claim upon our sympathy? Does the slow development of the fatal effects of mining operations abrogate the title of the labourer to our best exertions in his behalf? If a troop of 231 soldiers had been engaged in an action in which 31 of the men had been laid dead on the field, and the remainder been so maimed and disabled that they were certain of dying 11 years before their time, we should be sure the action had been terribly severe. Are not any engagements equally severe that entail the same destruction of human life, - the same calamity? Cornish mining occupations have had just such effects; and if, for the encouragement of scientific effort to prevent their recurrence, thousands instead of hundreds, of pounds were required, they ought to be freely contributed.

The philanthropist may rejoice that so able, and so influential a statist as Dr. BARHAM has taken up the subject. It is to be hoped he will continue to call attention to it, and undertake to point out the precise direction in which he judges exertions should be made. With very great diffidence I have ventured to dissent from his opinion in one particular, but I feel assured that no one could, with greater benefit to the sufferers, take the lead in this labor of charity.

To one very important subject, continued attention is already recommended, and that is the ascent of miners by the ladders. In some of our deep mines, the workman, after six hours of hard labor, in an exhausting temperature and the foulest atmosphere, must accomplish what is equivalent to climbing an almost perpendicular precipice five or six times as high as the cross of St. Paul's Cathedral, or from 1600 to 1800 feet before he can return to his home; and no one, who has ever attempted the ascent of St. Paul's or any other building of similar elevation, will doubt that the utmost exhaustion must follow the dreadful task. Here then is one of the causes of the evils we complain of. The public has long been aware of the bad effects of climbing; many plans for its obviation have been proposed; and one, with various modifications, several times regarded by the Polytechnic Society. No mine, however, has yet introduced it. If the public is not quite satisfied that the plan is a good, or a practicable one, it might be desirable that a meeting should be convened in the mining district, to which the authors of all the plans which have been exhibited, or which may be contrived in time, should be invited to attend with their models, and submit to a public examination of their nature and comparative advantages. I have no doubt that such an invitation from any influential person would be immediately responded to, and the meeting would have additional value if held where working miners could conveniently attend. I venture to beg that the propriety of such a meeting may be seriously considered, and that it will not operate disadvantageously to the cause of humanity, that so humble an individual as I has suggested it.

I have been led, by the interest I take in this matter, to greater length than I had contemplated; and without at present making any reference to other matters of great importance connected with it, I remain, Sir, Your very humble servant, Robert BLEE, Jun. Redruth, November 16th, 1840.


27 NOVEMBER 1840, Friday


THE COAST GUARD SERVICE - Lieut. Thos. CARTWRIGHT R.N., who fought on board the "Queen Charlotte," under the flat of the gallant Lord Exmouth, has been removed from the command of the "Dingle," Ireland Coast Guard, to Lydd, near New Romney, in Kent.

THE LATE GALES - The schooner "Brothers," and the smack "Mary Ann," having been off St. Ives, were driven by the gale, the former to Appledore, and the latter to Ilfracombe, with loss of Bulwarks, &c.

NEWQUAY - On the 23rd instant, the stern-board of a vessel was taken up on the beach near Newquay, with the name "Alert," Sunderland, on it. There is no doubt that it is part of the vessel of that name which sailed lately from Hayle, and floundered to the west of Lundy Isle, as reported in our last week's paper.

PADSTOW - On the night of Thursday se'nnight H.M.S. "Comet," encountered a heavy gale from E.S.E. which flew into W.S.W. She bore up for Padstow Harbour, but in rounding Stepper Point, the wind and tide took her on the starboard bow and threw her on the Dunbar Sand, which she remained for three hours and a half, although all means were resorted to to get her afloat. Though she was to all appearance in a most perilous situation, the breakers coming completely over her, yet by the great exertions of her officers and crew, little damage is sustained. She is waiting in Padstow, wind bound, with a strong easterly gale. As soon as possible, she will return to Plymouth with raised men for the flat-ship.

BUDE - Fragments of wreck, such as Deck-plank, pointed boards, a mast, spars &c., have been picked up at Widemouth, and along the coast to the westward of the place during the last few days; and on Tuesday morning, a boat marked "Lydia," of St. Ives, DAVIS, master, was driven ashore here, and picked up by the men employed on the Breakwater.

TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, John DOTSON, of the parish of Kea, was brought before W.T. CHAPPEL, Esq., mayor, and W.H. BULLMORE, Esq., charged with being drunk and disorderly in Kenwyn-street, between one and two o'clock on Sunday morning. He was fined 5s. with costs.

JOHN SMITH � a man of color, a native of the West Indies, belonging to the brig "Margaret Ogilvie," Capt HUNTER, was apprehended on a charge of deserting the vessel, and stealing therefrom a gold watch and ten sovereigns, taking with him also a boat belonging to the brig, which he turned a drift at St. Mawes, and was afterwards picked up by the preventive men. The prisoner came up the river to Truro in a boat, and landed at the quay; he was almost immediately taken into custody and afterwards brought before the mayor, who sent him on to Falmouth, where the magistrates committed him to one month's imprisonment.

CAUTION TO JEWELLERS - A few days ago, a villain called at the shop of Mr. JOSEPH, jeweller, and mineralogist, Redruth, and requested to be shown some wedding rings. Mr. Joseph having some suspicion of his customer, carefully counted the rings as he put them on the counter for her inspection, and very vigilantly watched her manoeuvres. At length, when she thought she had contrived to divert his attention, he observed her put her hand to her mouth, and immediately perceived that one of the rings was missing. Pretending now that none of the rings suited her, she was about to leave the shop, when Mr. Joseph demanded the ring she had put in her mouth. With the greatest coolness, she gave it up, professing that she had merely put it in her mouth to try the gold!

THE LATE LIEUT. HOCKIN, R.M. - We have already put our readers in possession of such information as has reached us through the medium of the public prints respecting the fall of our gallant and lamented countryman at the storming of Sidon; but as the following statements from the Globe of Friday last, which we have reason to believe are correct, will afford a melancholy satisfaction to many of his friends in different parts of the county, we transfer them to our columns. About eleven o'clock, on the 26th of October, Lieut. HOCKIN, accompanied by his brother officers, Lieuts. HOCKER and ONSLOW, landed with their men, the Royal Marines, from the "Stromboli." Directly they touched the beach, they were (saluted?) with showers of musketry from the enemy, concealed in the houses around them. Lieut. Hockin, followed by his own marines, rushed up the streets, making everything fly before him, clearing every house, until, foremost(?) fighting, he fell mortally wounded by a musket shot, which passed through his arm and lodged in his throat. He was carried down to the boat and taken on board the "Stromboli," without loss of time, and he even spoke after he was on board; when he reached the deck, the master received him in his arms, and took him down to his own cabin, where almost immediately he expired without a groan. On the 27th his remains were brought round to the camp about 12 miles further up the coast of Syriathan Beyrout, where his brother officers performed the last kind offices, and where deep and loud were the laments of his men, who were all devotedly attached to him.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA - Several letters have recently been received from Mr. Samuel HALL, son-in-law of Mr. SAWLE, lately of Truro, which give the most satisfactory accounts of the colony, and state that Mr. Sawle and the whole of his friends received employment immediately on landing with good remunerative wages.

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON - We perceive the same of our townsman, John PADDON, Esq., in the list of gentlemen who passed the second examination at this University, and obtained the degree of Bachelor of Medicine.

SHIPWRECK UNDER HILLSBOROUGH - The schooner "Margaret", William PENVEN, master, of and from Falmouth, laden with copper ore for Neath, on coming late harbour on Sunday week, during the tremendous gale, let go her anchor "coming home." The vessel was driven on the rocks in Swallows Hole, under Hillsborough, and became a total wreck, with loss of her valuable cargo, which we understand is insured. It was an awful scene � the moon shining at intervals through clouds which poured their contents on the foaming billows reckless of what they engulphed; and as the tide ebbed her stern hung upon a high rock with her head downwards, in this position her sails were shivering in the wind, and soon blown to ribbons, when the harbour was strewed with her wreck. The Coast Guard and others were close by, but unable to render any assistance. The master and crew were however fortunately saved just before she went upon the rocks by the courageous and praiseworthy exertions of five brave fellows in Fry's pilot gig of the Packet hotel, who, regardless of the tremendous gale and foaming sea which nearly swamped the little boat, nobly brought off the poor fellows, four in number (including the captain) who unfortunately lost their all � and they must have begged clothing and food had not Mr. COCKBURN, chief officer of the Coast Guard service and agent to the Shipwrecked Mariners Society provided them with what was necessary. Here then is an instance of the utility of this benevolent institution, the funds of which we hope, the public will liberally support, and to which we submit all masters of vessels ought to subscribe, the sum asked being only 2s 6d. per annum.

NARROW ESCAPE - On Monday afternoon last, a young man, who is nearly blind, of the name of DADOW, of Goran haven, went with his brother, a boy who has also defective sight, in a boat to get sea-wee from Cologna beach; and on his return when off Turbot point, finding his boat going down under him, he took his little brother on his shoulders, and called for assistance to John BALL, who was in another boat, a short distance from him. This boat was also deeply laden, and having good way on her, it occupied some time before she could be got round; and when Ball reached the sinking boat, the eldest Dadow was completely under water, and the other had only his eyes and part of his nose above. Ball was obliged to put his hand under, and take off the little boy; when the other rose, and was directed to get to the boat, but not to come in, until some of the week was thrown out. It required much caution and nerve to manage this frail craft, for by rounding to and taking in greater weight she already began to take in water over the side. Fortunately all arrived safe to land. Had they been later, probably all would have been lost, as night had already set in. Attempts have been made to float the sunken boat, but without success. We regret that the unfortunate young man has met with such a loss, as the boat was his only means of support, and was given to him by subscription in the last spring, to assist him to procure a livelihood by catching crabs, &c., he being rendered incapable of attending to any other employment from his defective sight.

CHILD BURNT - On Monday last, a child, three years old, son of Wm. RICHARDS, blacksmith, of St. Neot, was left alone in the house while his mother went to fetch water, and was so dreadfully burnt by his clothes taking fire, that he survived but a few hours.

ACCIDENT - On Monday evening last, as Mr. Henry WILLIAMS, of Newham, was returning from par to Truro, in a gig, the horse shied at something in the road near Pennance, about a mile from Grampound, and bolted off at a frightful rate. It soon came in contact with a hedge, when the gig was overturned, and Mr. Williams received several very severe bruises on different parts of the body. The gig was broken to pieces, and the horse left on the road greatly injured.

DISTRESSING ACCIDENT ON THE HAYLE AND REDRUTH RAILWAY - On Friday evening last, about half-past five, as Betsy ANGOVE was proceeding from Pool to her residence at Illogan church-town, imprudently choosing to walk by the railway, which shortens the distance, she was overtaken by one of the trains proceeding to Portreath; and being thrown down with her neck on one of the rails, her head was instantly severed from her body. The deceased was a widow, about 66 years of age, and very much respected. She resided in one of the cottages belonging to Lady BASSET, rent free, and, we believe received from the Noble Lady and from the Rector of the parish a weekly sum, sufficient for her maintenance. An inquest has been held on the body, and a verdict of accidental death returned.

FATAL ACCIDENT - On Saturday last, whilst Thomas DAVY, jun., of Nancharrow, in St. Just in Penwith, was engaged, with some other men, in "spilling" through some old works in Levant mine, the timer above him gave way, which buried him to a considerable depth. After two hours great exertion the poor fellow was taken out dreadfully mangled and quite dead, and the other men narrowly escaped the same fate. An inquest was held on the body before W. HICHENS, Esq., and a verdict returned of accidental death.

CORONER'S INQUEST - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at Camborne, before W. HICHENS, Esq., on the body of Richard PRIDEAUX, a child of the age of four years. The parents of the deceased live at a short distance from the town of Camborne; and the mother having occasion to go there, left him and two other small children in the house alone. During her absence, which was only for a short time, the deceased set fire to his clothes, and was so dreadfully burnt that he died on the following day. Verdict accordingly.

CHURCH RATES - On Wednesday se'nnight, Mr. VEALE, a member of the Society of Friends, and executor of the late Mr. W. HOSKINS, also of that society, was summoned by Mr. W. MOORMAN, sen., one of the church-wardens of Falmouth, for the sum of 11s., the amount of a church-rate. It appeared on investigation, that two shillings and three half-pence was the whole of the amount legally due, which Mr. Moorman undertook to give up if Mr. Veale would pay the costs incurred, amounting to 7s 6d. Mr. Veale, from conscientious principles, declined to pay the rate, and the magistrates refused to sign for the costs, the summons being for more that the legal amount. Mr. Hoskins has been dead about ten days � has left a family of eight orphan children, most of them of tender years, and who had lost their mother a short time before.

COURT OF CHANCERY - Thursday, Nov. 12th. Nicholas BRENT, v. Hannah BRENT, Hugh SNELL and others. The Lord Chancellor gave judgment in this case wherein the bill was filed to set aside an agreement under the following circumstances. Mr. Nicholas Brent (now of Devonport, poulterer), became possessed, under the will of an ancestor, of a long term of years in an estate of considerable value, in the parish of St. Dominic, Cornwall. His mother, Mrs. Hannah Brent, being a widow, with a family unprovided for, he voluntarily allowed her �40 a year; but afterwards, withdrew such allowance in consequence of her children being able to provide for themselves, but he continued to assist her from time to time as her necessities required. In the mean time Mrs. Brent consulted Mr. Hugh Snell, of Callington, who advised her to distrain on her son's estate for the arrears of the �40 per annum, which then amounted to a very large sum; leading her to believe that the allowance theretofore paid her by her son was an annuity, to which she was legally entitled out of the estate in question. He also advised her that she and certain other persons related to Mr. Brent were entitled jointly with him to the estate itself. This advice was followed by a distress on Mr. Brent's farm stock, for the arrears of the pretended annuity, and a compromise between the parties was in consequence embodied in an agreement by which Mr. Brent (in ignorance of his own rights) was induced to consent to a sale of the estate, in order that his mother and the claimants might be paid a large portion of its value in satisfaction of their unfounded claims. A wale was accordingly effected to a gentleman; but on an investigation of the title by Mr. SOLE, Solicitor, Devonport, on his behalf, he proved that neither Mrs. Brent, nor the other relatives of Mr. Brent, had any right or interest whatever in any part of the property, but that he was the indisputable sole owner, and that Mrs. Brent was not entitled to any annuity thereout. The purchase thereupon took the necessary conveyance from Mr. Brent, and completed the purchase with him without reference to any other parties. Upon this Mrs. Brent and the other claimants filed a bill against the purchase and Mr. Brent to recover their imaginary shares of the purchase money, and proceeded in the first to a certain extent, when Mr. Brent filed a cross bill against his opponents to set aside the agreement, on the ground that he had been misled as to his interest in the property. The original bill was subsequently dismissed by the Court. His Lordship, therefore, decreed that the agreement was void and should be cancelled, and that the Defendants, Hugh Snell and Hannah Brent, should pay the Plaintiff's costs.

SCILLY - Nov. 17 � The schooner "Flying Fish," Capt. EDWARDS, has completed her repairs, and is being re-laden. 18th, The brig "Lady Cornwall," of Greenock, Capt. BIRNIE, from the Brazils, for Falmouth, for orders, was towed in here today, having been on her beam-ends, and with loss of fore-mast, main-top-mast, and jib-boom, and otherwise damaged. One of her crew is injured. She will discharge her cargo here, before she can be repaired. 19th, Arrived, the barque "Favorite," of and from Newcastle, James SCADDEN, master, bound to Calcutta. The schooner "Maria," of Fowey, John BURGAN (?), mast6er, after being out 20 days, bound to Lisbon, was driven in here, with loss of spars, and canvas, having been thrown on her beam-ends. The crew (five in number) was compelled to abandon her about three miles west of Scilly, in their boat, and were picked up and brought into this port by a pilot boat, all well. The "Merina," of Dunkirk, EVERARD, master, laden with oil, was driven ashore here, bottom up, having been in that condition two days and nights. Many persons went to the spot, and were not a little surprised to hear the sound of human voices in her hull, which being examined, proved to be the captain and three men! The body of a seaman was also found. It appeared that they had endeavoured to cut a hole through her bottom, with a knife, but in the attempt it had broken, and thereby put an end to further proceeding. They had no victuals or light during the time, and naturally expected, every moment to be engulphed in the mighty ocean; their escape from a watery grave is most miraculous. Tow more of her crew were washed off her deck and drowned at the time she upset. Two of the pilot boats had the vessel in tow the evening before, but owing to the high sea running, were obliged to abandon her, little dreaming that any human being could be alive on board.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE WEST BRITON - Sir, Having seen in the Western Times paper of the 21st instant, a paragraph copied from the West Briton stating, "that much disappointment, and it was feared much distress would be occasioned and felt among the labourers at Bude, between 50 and 60 in number, by their being thrown out of work at this inclement season of the year, almost suddenly; the Harbour and Canal company being compelled to suspend the repairs of the Breakwater in consequence of Mr. T.D. ACLAND's having refused it the use of any more of the large stone taken from the beach of which the repairs had hitherto consisted," and ending "what the Honourable Baronet's motive may be it is not for us to say," I deem it right at once to declare that such a statement was evidently meant to produce a most unfavourable impression, which, if not contradicted and explained, would be taken for granted as correct. The repairs of the Breakwater were not suspended for the reasons given. The committee never intended to prosecute such repairs in the stormy months of winter. The men employed were aware that their services would not be required after the summer and autumn were past, and they all had due notice previous to their late dismissal. I remain, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Joseph Wm. CRABBE, Chairman of the Committee of Management, East Wonford, Heavitree, November 25, 1840.


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