Oct1841News

OCTOBER 1841 - NEWS, CORONER'S INQUESTS, as shown in the WEST BRITON

1st October, 1841

PENRYN - Mr. F. BICE has been appointed to the situation of Postmaster at this place, in the room of Miss ROWE, who has resigned. The Penryn post-office has been under the management of members of Miss Rowe’s family for 150 years.

FALMOUTH POLICE - On Saturday last, two seamen called Henry WILLIAMS and Alexander RANDOLPH, were brought before the magistrates, charged with having conspired to raise a mutiny on board the brig “Vesta,” whilst on her voyage to England from Odessa , and sentenced to 30 days’ imprisonment in the town jail. On Tuesday, Elizabeth COLLINS and Catherine SPARGO were charged with having stolen that day from the shop of Mr. READ, draper, a piece of ribbon, and were committed to take their trial for the same at the next quarter session for the borough.

POACHING - On Friday last, a young man of the name of PEARCE, of Pentawan, was committed to the house of correction for three months, for having been found poaching on the grounds of Sir J.S.G. SAWLE, Bart.

CORONER’S INQUESTS - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held before J. CARLYON, Esq., coroner, in the parish of Perranzabuloe, on the body of Joanna JAMES, a little girl seven years of age, who on the preceding day, during the temporary absence of her parents, caught her clothes on fire, and was so dreadfully burnt that she only survived a few hours. Verdict, Accidental death. On the following day, Mr. Carlyon held another inquest, in the parish of Stithians, on the body of Thomas MARTIN, 27 years of age, who was found in a dreadfully mutilated state at the bottom of the 236 fathom level in Tresavean mine. It appeared that the deceased was employed in wheeling stuff at the 156 fathom level in the above mine, and that he must have fallen from thence to the place where he was found. There was no one working with him at the time, and therefore no account could be given how the accident happened, but his barrow was found with the handles hanging out over the shaft, and the probability is, that in upsetting it, his foot slipped, and he fell. Verdict, Accidental death.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN - that by an Indenture bearing date the ninth day of September, 1841, Peter HAYWOOD, of the parish of Altarnun, in the county of Cornwall, innkeeper, hath assigned all and singular his personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever, unto John CHING, of Launceston, in the county of Cornwall, Gentleman, and James SQUANCE, of Launceston, aforesaid, maltster, in trust for the equal benefit of the said John Ching and James Squance, and all other the Creditors of the said Peter Haywood who should execute the said Indenture within three months from the date thereof; and the said Indenture was duly executed by the said Peter Haywood, John Ching, and James Squance respectively, on the said ninth day of September, 1841; and such execution thereof by them respectively was attested by Richard PETER, of Launceston, aforesaid, Attorney and Solicitor, in whose office the said Indenture now lies for execution by such of the Creditors of the said Peter Haywood as have not already signed the same. Dated, the 27 th day of September, 1841. Richard Peter.

IMPOUNDED - In St. Austell Pound, two Donkeys, and two Goats – If not claimed before Friday, the 8 th of October next, they will be sold in the cow market in the afternoon of that day, to pay the expenses incurred. Dated, St. Austell, September 22, 1841 .

CAUTION TO SERVANTS - Last week, a servant girl, living at the General Wolfe Inn, St. Austell, was committed by Sir (?).S.G. SAWLE, Bart., to take her trial at the ensuing sessions, for having in her possession a quantity of stolen property, consisting of various articles of wearing apparel, shoes, &c. The girl, in her defence, said the articles were given her by her sweetheart, who, it seems, has absconded.

RUAN MAJOR - A meeting was held in this parish on Tuesday last, before the Assistant-Commissioner, for the purpose of hearing any appeals that might be made against the apportionment made in that parish by Mr. Stephen JAMES, of St. Just, and Mr. Samuel JAMES, of St. Keverne. The valuers had acted upon their own judgment, and the landowners made no objections to what they had done. The Surveyor, Mr. W.G. SHERINGHAM, of Truro , had made the map, and was ordered to make the valuers’ and surveyor’s bills were passed without any objection, and the map and the draft were signed by the Assistant-Commissioner, which terminated the business of the meeting.

DUNSTANVILLE CHARITY - At the general half-yearly meeting of the trustees of this charity, held at the Cornish Bank, Truro, yesterday, Wm. MORRIS, of Redruth, was elected as assistant, in the room of James PHILLIPS, of Wendron, deceased.

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8 th October , 1841

OPENING OF ST. JOHN’S CHAPEL, AT TRESLOTHIAN, CAMBORNE - On Wednesday last, this chapel was opened for the performance of Divine service, when a very able and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. J. PUNNETT, of St. Erth, from the 92 nd Psalm, v. 13; after which a collection was made in aid of the building fund, to the amount of nearly £17. In addition to the Rev. PREACHER and the excellent rector and his curates, Messrs. HICKSON and BULL, we noticed the following clergy. – The Venerable the Archdeacon, Revds. Cannon ROGERS, TREWEEKE, HOCKIN, PHILLPOTTS, GIBSON, PRIDMORE, W. ROGERS and WATKIN. It was pleasing to observe, that notwithstanding the very unfavourable appearance of the morning, the chapel was crowded in every part, particularly by the poorer class, for whose advantage this increased accommodation was especially intended; and the greatest attention and decorum prevailed. The chapel is built in the earliest pointed or “lancet style” – a style to be “especially cultivated by all who are not more influenced by Episcopal associations and ideas of apostolic descent than by limited pecuniary means and the necessities of a subscription list.” So speaks the architect himself in his “ Palace of Architecture .” The lancet arch and window, though capable of being rendered highly ornate, admit of an almost perfect simplicity, and it has been Mr. WIGHTWICK’s aim to carry on the decorative only so far as might leave undiminished the expenditure required to provide solid material and substantial workmanship. In the present instance, the decorative character of the building, particularly its beautiful open roof, is, we understand, mainly owing to the liberality of E.W.W. PENDARVES, Esq., M.P., who, in addition to the site, handsomely gave a donation of £500; and we understand the architect has expressly acknowledged that in this instance, he desires to make no excuses on the score of too limited means. Economy has, of course, been necessary; but he has been enabled to work out his theme satisfactorily to himself, and is content to abide by that critical judgment which may be formed with reference to an outlay of £1,500. The entire length of the building is 90 feet; its extreme width, 36. The main chapel has an arch of 62 feet by 30 feet, and an altitude of 30 feet. At the west end is the choir, in a large arched recess, and at the east end is another arch, opening into the chancel, beyond which (divided from it by the alter-screen,) is a robing-room. The chancel projection is flanked by two porches. The stone cross which rises from the apex of the chancel gable is in fact the chimney top of the vestry flue. The western gable is crowned by a simple turret of solid granite, in which swings a fine-toned bell of 4 cwt. The interior derives richness of effect from the perspective of the roof, the trusses of which are visible to a certain height, and decorated with moulded joinery. The good effect of this had been already proved by the same architect in his chapel at Bude in this county; but the result is here more satisfactory, from the increased length of the perspective admitting a greater number of trusses. The walls are mainly built of a very beautiful porphyritic stone, procured in the neighbourhood, the plinth, buttresses, cappings, &c., being of granite. The chapel has no galleries, and contains sittings for about 350 persons. The highest praise is due to the builders, Messrs. HARRIS and SON, of Camborne, whose intelligence and perfect execution of the design have given the fullest satisfaction to the architect and his employers.

FALMOUTH POLICE - On Monday morning, an old man, named Nicholas THORNING, a waterman, was brought up on a charge of smuggling. It appeared that he was taken into custody early that morning by the custom-house officer, on board the “Montrose,” peninsula steamer, for having in his boat alongside that vessel, 13 ½ gallons of contraband brandy. At the close of his examination, he was remanded to the town jail for a week. On Wednesday, Samuel ODGERS was charged with having stolen on the preceding night, two oars, from the launch belonging to H.M. packet “Penguin.” The case was deferred until Friday.

ST IVES POLICE - On Tuesday last, William, alias Billy TANNER, was brought before the magistrates by the police officer, charged with disorderly conduct and being drunk. He was fined 5s.

CAUTION - On Friday, the 18 th ult., as a man named Thomas CRASE, of Camborne, was shaving himself, in attempting to clean the razor, he by some mishap cut himself severely between the thumb and fore finger, and separated an artery, which bled profusely. On the following Friday, it again bled as profusely as when cut, when Mr. R. LANYON, surgeon, made an incision at the wrist to stop the bleeding. In three days, however, it again bled as before, when another incision was made above the elbow, and the bleeding stopped; but not until the poor fellow was almost exhausted by the loss of blood. He is still in a very precarious state.

CORONERS’ INQUESTS - Melancholy Suicide – On Friday se’nnight, an inquisition was taken before Mr. WAKLEY, M.P., and a respectable jury, at the Coach and Horses tavern, High Holborn, on the body of Mr. Wm. NICHOLSON, aged 55, who committed suicide under the following very melancholy circumstances:- It appeared, from the testimony of several witnesses, that the deceased had formerly been a solicitor in the country (what part did not transpire) in an extensive practice; but through a complication of misfortunes, had become somewhat reduced. He first came to the Coach and Horses on the Saturday night previous, and enquired if he could be provided with a bed. Being answered in the affirmative, he engaged it, and slept there every night, paying for his bed and everything he had before hand, until Tuesday night, when he had a glass of ale at the bar, and requested to be trusted for the bed until the following morning (Wednesday). The landlord, to whom he was a perfect stranger, at once complied, and he went to bed. On the previous mornings he had been in the habit of rising and going out between six and seven o’clock; and on Wednesday morning, between nine and ten o’clock, as the deceased did not make his appearance, a servant of the house went up and knocked at his bedroom door several times, but receiving no answer, and the door being locked inside, suspicions were excited that something had happened. The door was subsequently burst open by the night porter, and on entering the room the deceased was found undressed, lying in the bed, apparently lifeless. Medical aid was instantly sent for, and Mr. RIMELL, assistant to Mr. HUGHES, surgeon, of 90, High Holborn, was promptly in attendance, who in his evidence stated that he opened a vein in deceased’s arm, and used other appropriate remedies to restore animation, but without any effect. He then searched to ascertain if poison had been taken, and found on the dressing table a bottle, the contents of which he pronounced to be prussic acid; and on making a further search found in deceased’s coat pocket a letter (which, with the bottle was here produced), admitting his total inability to recover himself from the combination of difficulties in which he was placed, and which stated “that he was about to commit an act (forgetting the discovery of the bottle would be evidence) which would never be revealed in this world,” Mr. Rimell further stated that it was his opinion the acid was of the pharmacopoeia strength, and that deceased had swallowed rather more than five drams which he stated was quite sufficient to cause instant death. In fact it appeared most extraordinary to him that the deceased could have had time after taking the poison to place the bottle on the table, get into bed, and cover himself over with the bed-clothes. Consequently, from these circumstances, he considered deceased’s death was caused by taking an over-dose of prussic acid. A gentleman who attended on behalf of the deceased’s relatives, said he had known deceased many years; that he had latterly taken to drinking, and in his opinion became insane. The coroner remarked upon the singularity of the case, and the jury returned a verdict of temporary insanity. {We insert this case at the request of a London correspondent, who states that he believed the deceased was well known in the West of England.

ST AUSTELL INSTITUTION - The opening lecture for this season was delivered by Mr. W.K. NORWAY , of Wadebridge, on the Elizabethan era. The subject was rendered exceedingly interesting, and the able and animated manner with which it was treated by the gifted lecturer excited much applause from his numerous auditors, who, at the close, awarded to him a cordial vote of thanks.

INQUEST - On Monday, the 27 th ult., an inquest was held before W. HICHENS, Esq., coroner, in the parish of Crowan, on the body of John RALPH, aged 56 years, who was found dead on the road near his dwelling-house, in that parish, to which he was returning from Helston market. Verdict – Natural death. On the 30 th ult., Mr. Hichens held an inquest, in the parish of Gwithian, on the body of Ann COCK, aged 41 years, who was found dead in a well. Verdict – Found drowned. It is due to the friends of the deceased, to say that no suspicion was entertained, but that her death was accidental. The same day, Mr. Hichens held another inquest in the parish of St. Just, on the body of William RESEA, aged 13 years, who was washed off a rock near the beach whilst amusing himself by running to and fro with the tide. Verdict – Accidental death.

PURSUANT to a Decree of the high Court of Chancery, made in a cause HARVEY against HARVEY, the next of kin of Peter Harvey, late of the Parish of Milor, in the county of Cornwall, Esquire, who died in the month of January, 1817, living at his death, or the personal representative or representatives of any of such next of kin as may have since died, are, by their Solicitors, on or before the 10 th of November next, to come in and prove their kindred, and make out their claims before Sir Giffin WILSON, one of the Masters of the said Court, at his Chambers, in Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, or in default thereof they will peremptorily be excluded the benefit of the said Decree. Dated, the 10 th day of September, 1841.

FREE EMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND . Married men belonging to the Labouring Classes, may have a Free Passage to the thriving Colony of New Zealand, if of good character and coming within the rules prescribed. All information may be obtained on application to Mr. K.(?) LATIMER, Truro , or Mr. A.B. DUCKHAM, Falmouth . The accounts from the Colony are exceedingly satisfactory, and all applications should be made immediately.

TEETOTALISM - On the 24 th ult., the Bodmin society held a special public meeting, in behalf of the county association. The weather prevented a large attendance; but, bad as it was, the friends of the cause went on as usual. Thomas MUDGE, Esq., was in the chair, and spirited addresses were delivered by Messrs. H. MUDGE, COLEMAN, PRYAN, and GASKIN. The collection was very creditable to the company, and some names were added. The tee-total cause in Bodmin and its neighbourhood stands well, and a grand demonstration is expected on the occasion of the Harvest Supper.

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15th October, 1841

CAMELFORD - On the 4 th inst., Wm. Henry KING, Esq., was elected, Mayor of this borough, for the ensuing year.

TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, Richard RICHARDS, labourer of Truro , was charged with embezzling money from his employers, Messrs. BAYNARD and Sons, merchants, and was committed to take his trial at the next quarter Session. On Tuesday Reuben ROBERTS, shoe-maker, was charged with stealing a pair of woman’s boots from Robert HAWKEY, boot and shoe maker, of Truro, and was also committed for trial at the next quarter Session.

STRATTON POLICE - At the last Magistrates’ meeting, held at Stratton, a person named GILBERT, of Poughill, was fined in the mitigated penalty of £1. 6s. with costs, for an assault on Mr. GODDARD, the police officer, at Bude fair, on the 22 nd ultimo, at a late hour in the morning; and another person was also fined 16s. for a like offence. The light fingered gentry, of whom there was a large importation from Plymouth and Devonport, at this fair, were on the alert, and a jolly old farmer, approaching to 70 years of age, the father of a family residing in the parish of Launcells, having made the acquaintance of one of the ladies of the party, proposed a walk on the Summer Lane and in his return found himself thirteen pounds lighter in purse, than when he first had the happiness to be introduced to her at the beer-shop, half an hour before. The lady walked off with her spoil without detection.

COMMITMENT - Thomasen SYMONS, of Boyton, was last week committed to Bodmin Gaol to take her trial in the concealment of the birth and suspected murder of her illegitimate child, which was found in a well quite dead.

MINERAL TREASURES OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA - We see by the South Australian Register, of the 20 th of March last, which reached us this week, that great hopes are entertained of a rich discovery of mineral wealth near Adelaide. The Register says:- “It has long been known to scientific observers that the mountain ranges contained mineral productions of great value. M. MENGE’s geological collection at present exhibits numerous specimens of gold, silvery lead, copper, and iron ores, found in the more northerly districts, and no doubt exists that the hills immediately behind Adelaide are rich in mineral wealth. A few weeks ago, indeed, this fact was placed beyond doubt, by the accidental discovery of a splendid mineral in the immediate neighbourhood of the town, combining, in proportions not yet exactly ascertained, lead, silver, and antimony. The ore is in the greatest profusion and of unequalled richness. In the true South Australian spirit of enterprise, a company has been formed to work the mine, and arrangements have been already made to ship a considerable quantity of the ore in the “Cygnet,” Captain DALTON, now loading for London . Our friends at home, therefore, will be able at once to put to the test of ocular demonstration the statement we have now the satisfaction of making.”

REDRUTH UNION - In consequence of charges of cruelty and embezzlement brought against the Governor of the Redruth Union-house, by one of the inferior-pa(…) servants of the establishment, the guardians have later been occupied in making a search investigation into the accounts and property of the union, and the general treatment of the inmates by the governor. Every facility has been afforded to the accuser to enable him to substantiate his charges; but we are happy, both for the sake of Mr. ROGERS and the unfortunate inmates, to learn that the enquiry has terminated in Mr. Roger’s triumphant vindication from all the charges; and, to mark decisively the feelings of the Board, the summary and indignant dismissal of the accuser from his situation. Great praise is due to Mr. PENDARVES and the gentlemen of the board, for the promptness and decision with which the charges of cruelty were investigated; and as, after the most careful and impartial examination, the result has been such as we have described, we hope and believe the public will acquiesce in the justness of the decision.

TRIBUTE OF RESPECT - A very chaste mural monument has recently been placed in St. Clement’s church by the parishioners, in memory of their late lamented vicar, the Rev. Francis JENKINS. It was executed by Messrs. PEARCE and SON, of Lemon-street, from a design which has been much admired at Oxford .

EMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND - We have seen a copy of the pamphlet published for the information of emigrants, which is advertised in another part of our paper, and we readily bear testimony to the variety of its contents, and the neat manner in which the printer has turned it out of hand. Every person who thinks of emigrating to New Plymouth should obtain a copy of it.

MINE ACCIDENT - On Saturday last, a lad named Henry WILLIAMS, who was employed in wheeling stuff at Wheal Crofty mine, by some accident fell down the winse, a depth of 10 fathoms. He was very severely injured, but some hopes are entertained of his recovery.

ACCIDENT AT SEA - Last week, as the “Thomas,” of St. Agnes, CARTER, master, was proceeding on her voyage from Wales to London , during a heavy sea, a seaman was washed overboard and drowned. The name of the unfortunate man has not reached us, but we understand that he was a Welshman.

FATAL ACCIDENT - On Tuesday, the 5 th instant, during the temporary absence of its mother, a child, about three years of age, belonging to a man named Richard BENNETTS, of St. Just in Penwith, was so dreadfully burnt by its clothes taking fire, that it died in three hours afterwards.

CORONER’S INQUEST - On Saturday last, an inquest was held at Charlestown mines, before J. HAMLEY, Esq., coroner, on the body of John DUMBLE, aged 30 years, whose death was caused by a piece of timber falling in the shaft and throwing him out of the ladders.

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, THOMAS ROBERTS, of Lower St. Columb Porth, do hereby publicly return my most unfeigned thanks, for the very great leniency shewn me, in not instituting Law proceedings, for my having circulated a report (which I believe to be without the least foundation), aspersing the character of Miss Harriette POLKINHORN, of St. Columb. Dated, October 7, 1841 . Thomas Roberts, Witness – Ephrahim STEPHENS.

THEATRE HELSTON - On Wednesday se’nnight, the evening’s entertainment was under the patronage of the members of the Helston Harmonic Society. The pieces selected were the School for Scandal, and Charles the 2 nd. The characters were well sustained, and the house was very numerously attended. On Monday, Pocock’s operatic drama of Rob Roy was performed. Mr. JOHNSON did justice to the noble-hearted highland Catavan; Mr. WILLSTEAD (from the Falmouth , and formerly of the Birmingham theatre,) made a successful debut here in the character of Francis Osbaldiston; our old friend CLIFFORD was, as usual, excellent in the worthy Baillie Neil(?) Jarvie; Mr. CAMERON gave due effect to the black-hearted Rashleigh; Mr. FRAZER was at home in Sir Walter Scott’s admirable portrait of the faithful mountaineer, Dougal; and Mr. MONTAGNE was technically laughable in the old London Clerk, Owen. Mr. TERRY’s personification of the burly and cowardly Major Galbraith drew forth repeated rounds of applause; Miss WALTON was commanding in Helen Macgregor, and Miss MERCER sang prettily in Diana Vernon. The evening’s amusements concluded with No Song No Supper, in which Messrs. Frazer, Terry, Montague and Clifford, as Endless, Robin, Thomas, and Crop, and Mrs. Johnson as Nelly, kept the audience in great good humour.

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OCT. 22 1841 NEWS

BODMIN ANNUAL SHOW OF HORSES

This show which was established for the purpose of promoting the breed of horses for saddle and quick draught, was held on Friday last, the 15 th instant, when there was a good exhibition of brood mares and colts. The first prize of £15 was awarded to Mr. GREGOR’s chestnut mare; second of £10 to Mr. PHILLIPS’s brown mare; third of £5 to Mr. MAGOR’s black mare. The first prize, for yearling colts of £10 was awarded to Mr. GREGOR’s chestnut filly, by Elis; second prize of £5 to Mr. NATTLE’s chestnut filly, by King of Clubs; third, £2.10s. on Mr. BADGERY’s bay colt, by King of Clubs. The show was held in Mr. OLIVER’s hotel yard, and there was a large attendance. We understand that the first prize would have been awarded to Mr. MAGOR’s black mare, by Sir Hildebrand, had she been “stinted”. Last year, she received second prize. The umpires on this occasion were Mr. Charles TRELAWNY, Mr. T. HEXT, and Mr. OLIVER.

BIBLE SOCIETY MEETING

On Monday evening last, the anniversary meeting of the Penzance Branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society, was held in the Wesleyan Chapel. The attendance was good considering the very unfavourable state of the weather, which was such as to prevent many persons from coming who wished to be present. The chair was occupied by the Rev. John PUNNETT, who said, that though he was quite unexpectedly called upon to preside, yet that he did so very willingly; and that he felt it his duty to attend the meeting, and express his attachment to the Society whose principles and object remained unaltered, and therefore continued to receive his approval and admiration. The Resolutionx were moved and seconded by the Rev. J. H. TOWNSEND, of Marazion, Captain Philip JACKSON, of Paul, the Rev. S. TRIST, of Veryan, and the Rev. Doctor STEINFOPFF, the deputation from the parent Society, and formerly its foreign Secretary. The addresses of these gentlemen were very interesting and instructive. The public meetins of the Marazion and Mousehole Bible Associations were held on Friday and Saturday evenings last.

THE CHURCH

The Rev. Granville CORYTON has been instituted to the Rectory of St. Mellion, in this county, vacant by the resignation of the Rev. George SOMERSET, on the presentation of J. T. CORYTON, Esq., of Pentillie Castle.

THE HARVEST

We learn that along the north coast of our county, the yield of the wheat crop of the harvest just ended, is found to be very short of the farmer’s expectation during the progress of harvest, and takes fully a shock, and in some instances more, to produce the bag of marketable gain than it did last year; and the weight per bushel is two or three pounds lighter.

IMPORTANT TO CORN DEALERS

On Wednesday last, Mr. Thomas MITCHELL, miller, of Perran, appeared before W. T. CHAPPEL, Esq., mayor of Truro, to answer a summons granted upon an information at the instance of Mr. JENNINGS, corn inspector, for not having made returns of corn purchased by him, whereby a penalty of £20 was incurred. The defendant admitted the charge, but as he undertook not to be guilty of such neglect again, the information was withdrawn on the payment of the costs. The inspector stated his determination to enforce the penalty on future occasions.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS

For the prevention of smut or colybean in the wheat crop, add six ounces of arsenic, either in solution or by carefully sifting it over each bushel of seed wheat previously damped; dry with lime as is usually done. This article is now so inexpensive it will add but a few pence to the acre of tillage. The French use sulphate of copper, but I have never found it so effectual as the arsenic. From a correspondent.

IMPORTANT TO HOUSEKEEPERS

A correspondent has sent us the following: - As the harvest has been very badly saved in many parishes, I think you would do a great favour to the public in inserting in your journal frequently, that carbonate of soda destroyes the ill effect of milched corn, and renders it light and wholesome; and may be had at 1d. per ounce, which is sufficient for two gallons of flour. As this article decomposes the acidity generated, it prevents the very injurious effects resulting from the use of bread made from flour so injured.

WEST INDIA MAILS

We understand that the memorial of the Royal West India Mail Company to run once a month instead of once a fortnight, has not been acceded to by the Government.

AN ODD FISH

As some gentlemen of Helston were amusing themselves on the bank of the Loe Pool, on Tuesday last, they perceived on the Loe side of the bar of sand which divides the pool from the sea, a large fish, lying apparently in a torpid state in the fresh water. With great difficulty they drew it ashore, when much to their surprise, they discovered it to be the fishing frog, or sea devil. On its reaching the sand, it offered great resistance; but it was soon dispatched; and, on opening it, they took out 22 fine Loe trout and two eels. It is a matter of surprise how it got from the sea into the fresh water; but it is supposed it effected its entrance through the aperture that was made through the bar sand last week, to let out the Loe, which had, in consequence of the late floods, risen to a greater height than the oldest man in Helston had known at this season of the year.

THE FISHERY

The Mount’s-bay boats, at considerable risk and hardship, arising from the boisterous weather, have been successful in taking large quantities of very fine winter mackerel, during the past week, which have found a ready market at 3s.6d. and 3s.9d. per score.

St. COLUMB MAJOR UNION

On Thursday, the 14 th instant, Colonel WADE, one of the Assistant Poor-law Commissioners, attended at the above union-house, to enquire into the truth of two charges, made by Messrs. Wm. MOORMAN, and John Hicks NANKIVELL, surgeons, and lately inserted in the Times, and other London papers. The first charge was one against the relieving officer, Mr., ROBERTS, for having continued pay of a female pauper, of the name of ROBERTS, residing in the parish of Newlyn, for two weeks after her death; and the second charge was that the same pauper died for want of proper medical attendance. With regard to the first charge, on the examination of the relieving officer’s books, it appeared that the pay of the old woman was continued up to the 30 th of April last, she having died on the 28 th; so that instead of two weeks, her pay was continued only two days after death; and Colonel Wade expressed himself in strong terms on the conduct of Moorman and Nankivell, in making so frivolous and vexatious a charge. With regard to the second charge of want of proper medical relief, Colonel Wade said he should adjourn the enquiry on that charge until Saturday, when he should summon the witnesses to meet him on the spot where the poor old woman’s death took place. The adjourned inquiry took place, accordingly, at Newlyn, on the day appointed, before the Assistant Commissioner, the Rev. Edward DIX, one of the ex-officio guardians, Mr. G. BULLMORE, Mr. W. TREMAIN, and other respectable persons; when, after hearing the evidence of the deceased’s husband, and son, and one or two others, the charge was considered to be frivolous and vexatious, and was dismissed accordingly.

ATROCIOUS THEFT

Immediately after a funeral which took place at Stratton last week, and when the friends of the deceased had scarcely left the grave of their much lamented friend, the grave digger, and a mason employed to assist him, were detected in robbing the grave (a walled one) of the bricks used for that purpose, and carrying them to a grave in the same church yard, which the same parties were then preparing in a similar way for another corpse intended to be buried on the following day.

MORE SHOP LIFTING IN HELSTON

During the severe weather on Thursday night, the 14 th instant, the shop of Mrs DAVEY, eating-house keeper, was broken into, and a quantity of meat, bread, &c. stolen; and on the same night, the shop of Mr. LUKE, watch and clock-maker, was broken open, and various watch-cases &c. were stolen. There has been a sharp look out for the miscreants, but they are yet undiscovered.

PERPETUAL MOTION DISCOVERED

The following is a verbatim copy of a bill which was pasted a few days since against a wall at Camborne: -

Gwinear 1841
Thomas Williams will Mack a Engen that Shall worck out Stem or Are fire or water and worck and Niver stop on Les you mind to Stope it and you Shall Stop it with Out Breackin of it and I will Stope it or put it to worck so Easey as I can put a Stem Engan to worck I am Perfict that I can dou it But I have no Maturies proper to Don it if I had I cud mack it quite Compleate in` three monts in the Countey of Cornwall I wose Never Brogt Up to no Scolar nor Larning.

CORONER’S INQUEST

An inquest was held at Bodmin, by Joseph HAMLEY, Esq., on Friday, on the body of a person named Peter CLEMENTS, a woolcomber of that place, who was found hanging in the drying loft of Mr. BRAY, woolstapler. The deceased had been very much depressed for some time, in consequence of being out of work; and having a large family. He had been missed from the Tuesday before, and was not found till the Thursday evening following. The jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

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22 OCTOBER 1841 Quarter Sessions Part 1

 

TRIAL of PRISONERS –

 

John TREMAIN, 18, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of having stolen, at Mawgan, a watch, a pair of trowsers, a hat, waistcoat, and neckerchief, the property of Henry Jones TREVARREN.

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MARY ANN PROUT, 20, a respectable looking young female, was charged with having received two pairs of women’s shoes, the property of William VERCOE, of St. Austell, knowing them to have been stolen. It appeared from the evidence of Mr. Vercoe that he is a shoe maker, at St. Austell; and that on a night in August last, his shop was broken into and two pairs of women’s shoes stolen. Mr. Thomas COODE, solicitor, of St. Austell, stated that in consequence of information he had received, he accompanied the prosecutor on the 17 th of September, to the General Wolfe public house, where the prisoner lived as a servant, and she was asked about some property that she had received from a person of the name of COMB, and whether she had delivered up all the articles she had received of him. The prisoner said she had. She was asked if she had had any shoes from him, and she answered in the negative. But on being pressed, she eventually produced two pairs, which were the same that had been stolen from the prosecutor’s shop, and from one pair of which the ties had been cut off clumsily by some unskillful person. The prisoner was found GUILTY.
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WILLIAM OLIVER, 25, was charged with having stolen from the counting house of Balleswidden mine, a quantity of articles, the property of the adventurers. Mr. JOHN stated the case, and called John CARTHEW, who said, I live in the parish of St. Just, at Balleswidden mine. My father’s name is John Carthew; he is an adventurer there. I remember, on the second of October, seeing the count-house, in the evening; it was afterwards shut up; at the time it was shut up, the different articles of furniture named in the indictment were there; there were glasses, and wine and brandy. The 3 rd was a Sunday. About half-past six o’clock in the morning of the 4 th, I heard that the count house had been broken open, and I went to it. The property of the adventurers was not in the same state as on the Saturday night. A great many things were carried away; among other articles, I missed a cruet-stand, three bottles, three rammers, wine glasses, several siphons, knives and forks, two table cloths, a flannel shirt, clothes-brush, and other articles. I next saw these articles on the same day. We went to a house in Madron, kept by one Fanny HARRIS, and found a bundle there. Harris said William Oliver brought it there. I went, with my uncle, John NANKERVIS, and James LARK. I went out of the house and saw the prisoner in the road. I went out part of the way with the constable, and then returned to take care of the bundle. I afterwards accompanied the prisoner to a croft, about a mile and a half from that place, for some more things. I asked him where the rest were – that these were not all. He said there was enough there to convict him, and then he took me to this croft. He showed me two baskets containing knives and forks and glass, three bottles of liquor, brandy and wine. I took possession of some of them, and the constable took the rest. I knew some of the articles found. The witness afterwards identified several of the articles produced. Other witnesses named James LARK, Edward CARTHEW, and John NANKERVIS, corroborated the testimony of John Carthew, and the jury found the prisoner GUILTY.

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William WILLIAMS, 17, charged with having stolen from the house of Ambrose THOMAS, £1.12s.6d., was discharged, the grand jury having ignored the bill.

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James RICHARDS, 30, was charged with having entered the blacksmith’s shop on Dolcoath mine, in Camborne, and stolen a quantity of candles from one of the boxes belonging to John TRIGANOWAN, a miner at Dolcoath. It appeared that on Sunday, the 18 th of September, two men, named Henry CADWELL and Thomas MILL went to the ore floor, and while there they heard a knocking, which induced them to go to the blacksmith’s shop, where, on looking through the key hole, they saw the prisoner employed in knocking the lock of one of the boxes with a stone, and another box had already been opened. The prisoner, on being disturbed, said he had as much right there as the witnesses, and he then got out through the window, which had been broken open, but during his getting out, the prisoner was observed to have some candles in his pocket. He was afterwards pursued, and some candles were found on the road near the spot where he was taken into custody. Triganowan stated that he had lost various candles from his box, which he believed must have been opened with a false key. Capt. LEAN stated that the prisoner had no right on the mine, and that he could not have been in the shop for any good. He gave Triganowan some candles the Friday before, and they belonged to the adventurers. Wm. TROUNCE, the constable, stated that on the Sunday he was sent for to the mine, when he had eight candles given him by some boys and girls. He told the prisoner that he was to take him, and he took out a pair of handcuffs to handcuff him, and the prisoner exclaimed “I’ll be d----d if you shall this time,” and then he made away a little, but was stopped by two men, and witness put the handcuffs upon him. The boys and girls said that they had picked up the candles just where the prisoner had passed on a little before. Among these there were some agents’ candles, and the other half were common miners’ candles. Witness took him to Camborne, and upon searching him he found in his pocket some small pieces of white grease like the large candles, and several smaller pieces. Triganowan, on being recalled, stated that there were some small and large (agents’) candles in his box. It was not usual to have agents’ candles in the miners’ boxes – no one used them but him and the agents. Mr. BENNALLACK defended the prisoner and Mr. JOHYN conducted the case for the prosecution. GUILTY.

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Elizabeth JANE, 18, was charged with having stolen at Liskeard, a handkerchief, the property of Grace AUSTIN, but the grand jury threw out the bill.

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Joseph TAMBLYN, on bail, 22, was charged with having stolen two sheaves of reed, the property of John BILLING of Kenwyn. Christopher BILLING, the brother of the prosecutor, stated that on the 31 st of July, he saw the prisoner throw two sheaves of reed over the hedge from a mowhay, which was in his brother’s field. Witness called out holloa! first, but the prisoner did not speak, and he went up and took him by the collar, and charged him with the robbery. The prisoner brought back the reed as far as the mowhay, and he said, “I will put them where I took them from;” witness said he should bring them in, but he took and shook them, and broke the binding of them, and they fell to pieces. Witness called his brother, and the prisoner then offered 10s. to be let-off, which his brother refused. The witness was cross-examined at some length by Mr. STOKES, as to whether his brother had not offered to compromise the case with the prisoner, when the witness at last exclaimed the some warmth, and in a true Cornish dialect,” He stole the reed, and you know it Mr. Stokes, and it’s no use for you to keep me here four hours asking me about it.” (loud laughter) The learned advocate for the defense was unable to shake the evidence, and, on behalf of the prisoner, he urged that the man was drunk when he took the reed, and called Mr. John NORTHEY, of Chacewater, who gave the prisoner an excellent character. GUILTY.

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John VINE, alias VIANT, 62, was charged with having stolen a trammel net, the property of Edward LANDER, of the parish of St. Winnow. Mr. LYNE stated the case for the prosecution; and from the evidence, it appeared that on the 8 th of August last, the prosecutor left his net on a moor. On the 11 th, it was missing. On the day of its being lost, the prisoner was seen near the spot, with a net on his back. After that, a constable named John SIMMONS went to the prisoner’s house, and the net was found concealed in the house. A person named John MOON was called, who spoke to the net as having been made by him, and sold to the prosecutor. This person was subjected to a rigid cross-examination by Mr. HAMBLY; and Mr. BENNALLACK, at the close of the case, addressed the jury, and attacked Moon, without mercy, as a person who wished to monopolise the whole of the Fowey river for his fishing purposes, and now sought, therefore, to get rid of “the gentleman” whom he (Mr. B.) defended, because he was a better fisherman than he (Moon) was. The defence was ingenious enough, and succeeded, probably, in influencing the jury, who found a verdict of NOT GUILTY. There was some manifestation of approbation in the court, but it was at once suppressed.
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The Court rose shortly after six o’clock

WEST BRITON Oct 22 1841 Qtr Sessions Part 2

John MACLEOD, 33, was charged with having stolen a pair of trowsers, a pair of socks, two rummers, a jug, and other articles, the property of William RICKARD, an inn-keeper at Bodmin. It appeared that on the 25 th of September, the prisoner went into Rickard’s house, where he stayed drinking till the house was closed; and during the time he was there, he managed to steal the articles in question, which he subsequently took with him to the Railway Inn, kept by Christopher MULES, where he had some drink, and left them there until the next morning, when he again went there and asked Mrs. Mules to purchase the rummers and other things, which she declined to do. In the afternoon, he again asked Mrs. Mules to purchase, and she agreed to buy a pint pot, the two rummers, and another pot, for which she was to give him 2s.2d., 1s. of which she paid in money, the other part he had out in liquor. The prisoner then asked for the pair of trowsers that he had left on the settle, and they were found in the brew-house; the socks were found upon the prisoner’s feet when he was apprehended, and were taken off while he was before the Mayor. The articles were identified by Mrs. Rickard as her property, and the prisoner was found GUILTY.

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HORSE STEALING – William SNELL, 38, was charged with having stolen a colt, the property of George MASON, of Kenwyn. Mr. HOCKIN conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr. BENNALLACK appeared for the prisoner. Mr. Hockin having stated the case, called George MASON, who was sworn and stated – “I am a farmer at Kenwyn; I know the prisoner; he is a colt breaker by trade; I employed him in the course of the summer, to break the colt for me; I got that colt from a neighbour a year and ten months before. I paid SNELL for breaking in the colt the last of July. I did not say to him on that day anything about selling it. On the day after, the Sunday evening, I fell in with the prisoner, and I said I should not sell the colt any how until my mind had altered. I had previously said, at the commencement of the breaking in of the colt, I will sell it. On the Monday evening, I saw the colt. On the Tuesday, I missed it. I did not see it again till I saw it in the possession of Mr. Ellis, of Buryan, about eight miles west of Penzance. I never authorized him to sell the colt for a moment.

- Samuel GOOGEY examined – I was at the Redruth fair. On the third of August last, I recollect being at the house of a person called LAWRENCE, at an inn; I saw the prisoner there, and had conversation with him respecting a colt. I rode a grey mare. He said, if I would give him £2 to boot, he would exchange the colt for the mare. I gave him the money, and he put it into his pocket. I afterwards attended Goldsithney fair, in the same week, and “swopped” the colt for another horse, and £4.10s.

The witness was cross-examined by Mr. Bennallack – I work at husbandry. I am not a very good judge of colts or horses. I am not a horse-jockey. I never took out a license in my life. I may have bought one or two horses, I might have sold two. Q. You bought one and sold two? How many times has that occurred during your lifetime? A. My memory is not so good as yours. Q. I want you to give me an honest answer to a plain, simple question. When you are at home, you say you are a labourer; is not the proper part of your business going to fairs and markets, and buying and selling horses? A. I can go to fairs without selling horses. Q. Why don’t you give me an answer – don’t you go to all the fairs and markets in the neighbourhood of Truro? A. I might go. Q. Let us know the fact – it is well known in this court to ten people, that you are a horse-jockey. A. If you know so well, there is no occasion for you to take so much trouble in asking me. (laughter) Q. Have you not been in the constant habit of buying and selling horses? A. I may have bought two or three – I have not a good memory. Mr. Bennallack – I wish I had brought some memory powder with me. Witness – Have you not got some in your pocket – you had better feel. (laughter) Q Is not your business at home a horse jockey? A. My business is to follow my labour.

Mr. Bennallack pursued his enquiries till the court stopped him, and he could not get anything out of the witness.

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CURIOUS CASE –

Caroline ROWE, 19, and Mary Ann KINSMAN, 21, two of the “unfortunate class” of ladies, belonging to Launceston, were charged with having robbed William VUGLER of certain monies. The prosecutor stated that on the 30 th of September, he went to DYMOND’S public house to have some beer, and he there saw the prisoner Kinsman. He remained there an hour and a half, and then went into the kitchen to pay the landlord, after which he returned to the room, where, in less than ten minutes, a row took place between two men in the room, and the light was put out. While the light was out, he felt his smock frock moved, and immediately afterwards he missed his purse and money. The landlord then came in, and the prosecutor made a complaint of his loss, when the landlord immediately closed the door, and sent for a policeman. A search in the room was then made, and the prosecutor’s purse was found under the table. William DYMOND corroborated this statement, and added that when he went into the room, he saw Kinsman come out; that was before the robbery was known to him. The prosecutor entered the house with the prisoner, Kinsman. John BROOMING, policeman, stated that he was called into Dymond’s house on the night in question, and found the purse. The witness then said “I did not see Rowe there; I saw her soon afterwards. She came up to me in Church-street, and asked me to lock her up. I said I could not unless I had some grounds for it, and I asked her what she wished to be locked up for. She said it was concerning some robberies. I told her I most know the sense of it, and she said I must get Kinsman. I told Kinsman that Rowe wanted to see her; on seeing her, Rowe asked Kinsman whether she was in the same mind as she was in the afternoon, and Kinsman said she was. She then asked me if I could step on one side for a minute, and they two consulted together. I asked them if they were decided or not. With that, Rowe said she would go to the New Inn, and called me. In five minutes, Rowe called me, and she said that she would be locked up – she said that Kinsman knew all about it. I said, if you wish to go to the lock-up, follow me; they followed me, and I locked them up separately. I went a few minutes after, and Kinsman said, if Caroline is for splitting, I will split too. Rowe said, you recollect when Vugler was robbed – it was Kinsman that robbed him. She said, as I was standing on a chair, I saw Kinsman rob him; with that, I went out at the front, and Kinsman at the back door, and met Kinsman, who said, I have done the trick, - I have got his money – I have left the purse behind, and here is 4s.6d, for you, which I took. At the time I locked them up, Rowe had been drinking, but when Rowe spoke to me an hour afterwards she was sober enough to know what she was about. Mr. Bennallack, for the prisoners, urged that there was no evidence to convict them, and remarked particularly upon the circumstances of the prosecutor having stated that the robbery was committed while the light was out, as a proof that the statement made by Rowe to the policeman could not have been a true one. The jury found the prisoners NOT GUILTY.

The same girls were again charged with having robbed a hoary-headed old sinner, named John DENNIS, whose grey hairs had numbered some sixty winters, and who, having found himself in the amiable Miss Rowe’s company on the night of Saturday week, after he had left the “Jubilee” inn, was left at the close of the interview half-a-crown and a knife minus more than he bargained for. The prosecutor, when questioned as to what had really occurred, seemed to be in a most happy state of ignorance as to all matters but his half-crown and knife; and had it not been for the evidence of Mr. Dymond, who came to his aid, the court would not have been made acquainted with the lady whom Mr. Dennis had honored with his company. The prosecutor having mumbled out his case, and been assisted by Dymond, who said he knew Rowe well enough, and had seen her by the aid of a lantern standing near the Royal stables at Launceston, along with the prosecutor. Brooming was called forward to detail another of the prisoners’ singular confessions, in which Kinsman confessed to having robbed the old prosecutor, and given the witness half-a-crown, which he marked, saying that was what she had taken from his pocket while he was alone with Rowe. The case was a very weak one, and excited a great deal of laughter in the court, which was not a little increased by old Mr. Dennis exclaiming, towards the end of the trial, “I never knew no harm and didden mean anything.” The jury found the girls NOT GUILTY and they were discharged.
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The Court then resumed the COUNTY BUSINESS -

Conveyance of Prisoners – After some conversation, in which Mr. ROBARTES, Mr. WILLYAMS, Mr. LETHBRIDGE, and Mr. PAYNTER took part, a resolution was agreed to, to the effect that the arrangement for the conveyance of prisoners from Truro to Bodmin should be continued during the present sessions, and that the Clerk of the Peace be requested to ascertain the contract which exist, with the view to one general arrangement in the conveyance of prisoners throughout the county to the gaol, and that a committee be appointed for the purpose of enquiry and reporting at the next sessions.
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CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH – THOMASIN SYMONS, 27, was charged on four counts, with having been delivered of a female child, in the parish of Boyton, and, by throwing it into a pit of water, unlawfully endeavouring to conceal the birth thereof. The case for the prosecution was conducted by Mr. JOHN and Mr. SHILSON, and for the defence by Mr. BENNALLACK and Mr. TILLY. The details, for the greater part, were unfit for publication, but the facts of the case were these. The prisoner had been a servant of a Mr. William STACEY, of Beardon, in Boyton, for six months, and had slept with a fellow-servant named Jane BENNOY, who was led from different circumstances to believe that the prisoner was enceinte. Bennoy charged her with it, but the prisoner denied it. On Sunday, the 26 th of September, soon after dinner, the prisoner complained of being unwell, and in consequence of the pain she felt she was under the necessity of going to bed. She afterwards went out, and remained out till eleven o’clock at night, thereby obtaining time for delivery and concealment. The state of the prisoner’s room and her clothes on the following morning, as they were first observed by Bennoy and her mistress, led both of them to conclude that a birth had taken place. In consequence of that, the Rev. E. RUDALL was sent for, and he questions her, when she denied the charge; but he said she must submit to an examination, and sent her to bed till Mr. SMITH, surgeon, of Launceston, arrived. On his arrival, the prisoner still most positively denied the charge; but that gentleman, on examination, felt convinced of her guilt. A search was then made, and among other places a well in the garden was dragged, but nothing was found that would confirm the suspicion. On the following Thursday, the well was again searched with the same success; but on the next Monday, EDWARDS the constable again went to the well, and drew up the body of a female child, which upon examination Mr. Smith declared to have been born about a week or ten days. Mr. Smith underwent a close cross-examination by Mr. Tilly, who afterwards made a very able and ingenious speech in behalf of the prisoner, pointing out and dwelling upon several circumstances and clearly proved, which he deemed essential in a case of so serious a character. The Hon. Chairman summed up, and the jury, after a few minutes’ deliberation, found the prisoner GUILTY. The poor woman, who appeared to be very weak, seemed to be much affected by the verdict, and was led out of the dock weeping piteously.

The Court then rose.

OCTOBER 22 1841- Qtr Sns part 3

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 – Second Court

JOHN DENNIS, charged with having broken and entered the dwelling-house of Jane MAYNE, widow, in the parish of Camborne, and stolen therefrom a hat, a pair of boots, a coat, a silk handkerchief, and a jacket, the property of Henry MAYNE.

Elizabeth MAYNE is sister of the prosecutor, and lived with him at their mother’s house; remembered going to bed about ten o’clock on the 4 th of August, at which time the house was quite secured. Next morning she discovered that the above property, which she had seen in the parlour on the previous night, was missing, that the window was lifted up and the front door wide open. Henry MAYNE, the prosecutor, saw the prisoner in Truro, on the 5 th of August, with the boots, coat, and hat on his person, which he identified on their being produced in Court by Mr. LOWRY, constable of Truro, who apprehended the prisoner. GUILTY. The prisoner was also charged in the calendar on another indictment, with stealing money and wearing apparel, the property of Stephen TERRIL; but he was not tried on this charge.
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John STEPHENS, charged with assaulting John CLEMENS, in the parish of St. Columb Minor, with intent to rob him. It appeared, from the evidence of the prosecutor, who was the only witness in the case, that he was returning, on the evening of the 18 th of August, from Quintrell Downs, towards Newquay, and between eight and nine o’clock he met the prisoner, accompanied by another man. Prisoner demanded money of him, which he refused, saying he had none; the demand was frequently repeated. At length, prisoner collared him; but he got out of his hands and went his way. Prisoner and the other man followed him, using severe threats which put him in great personal fear. Prisoner again collared him, but on seeing some women approaching, he let him go and decamped. GUILTY.
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William SMITH pleaded GUILTY to a charge of stealing from the dwelling-house of William CURNOW, at Stowford, in the County of Devon, a great coat, pair of gloves, and a macintosh hood.
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John GEORGE and John JACKETS, charged with stealing at Callington, two ducks, the property of Robert AVERY. The prosecutor stated that he lost two ducks in June last from one of his fields. On the 12 th of August following, he asked Jackets what became of his old ducks which he lost back in summer. Prisoner replied he did not know. He then said he could bring sufficient proof against him, and he should at once tell the truth, or leave the field immediately. It was prosecutor’s field, in which the prisoner was then working at hoeing turnips. Henry BULLEN took both prisoner into custody. Jackets made a full confession to Bullen, and both prisoners made confessions before the magistrates, which were put in and read. GUILTY.
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Grace DENNIS, charged with stealing, in the parish of Wendron, some wearing apparel, the property of Mary CHEGWIDDEN, pleaded GUILTY.
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Jonn JEWEL, charged with stealing, in the borough of Tregony, two pieces of timber, and two sash-pullies, the property of Henry EDDY. The prosecutor, who is a builder, has some houses in Tregony, in one of which, the Town Arms, he employed the prisoner in repairing the roof. On finding the articles described missing, he accused the prisoner, who denied having taken them; when the prosecutor, who had previously searched the pockets of his coat, desired him to fetch it and see if the articles were there. Prisoner reluctantly did so, and after searching two or three times over, pulled forth the pullies. The pieces of timber were afterwards found by the prosecutor and a constable at the prisoner’s dwelling-house. GUILTY.
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Martha BURT, charged with stealing, in the parish of Anthony, a parcel of mould candles, a bottle of wine, a piece of soap, a stocking, a parcel of cigars, and a beef-steak pasty, the property of John T. Coryton ROBERTS, Esq., The prisoner, who was a servant in the prosecutor’s household, sent a parcel by an old woman who travels with a donkey and panniers, from Sheviock to Devonport, to be taken from Torpoint to Dulos, by Thomas WILLIAMS, a carrier, who, suspecting all was not right, refused to take it unless it was opened and examined. This being done in the presence of Mr. WHEELER, a publican, it was found to contain the articles named in the indictment. The parcel containing the candles was addressed to J.T.C. Roberts, Esq., and appeared not to have been opened since sent from the shop. Mr. SHEPPARD, a grocer at Torpoint, deposed to having directed the parcel of candles, and sent it to Mr. Roberts’s house. The parcel being taken to Trevol, Mr. Roberts called the prisoner, and she acknowledged it as the same she sent by the old woman, saying, that the contents were her own, and that her fellow servant gave her the pasty. J. T. C. Roberts, Esq., stated that he had no doubt that the stocking produced was his property. He understood the prisoner brought an excellent character with her to Mrs. Roberts, and he himself had an excellent opinion of her. A respectable person also gave her a good character, and many others were prepared to give similar testimony, but the Court considered this unnecessary. GUILTY.
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Richard RICHARDS, charged with having feloniously embezzeled four shillings and sixpence, the property of Messrs. Joh, William, and James BAYNARD, of the borough of Truro, merchants, to whom the prisoner was servant, pleaded GUILTY. He was recommended to mercy by the prosecutors.

The Court rose a half-past five.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

Reuben ROBERTS, 27, a shoemaker at Truro, was found GUILTY of stealing a pair of girl’s boots, the property of Robert HAWKEY, also a shoemaker of that town.
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John JONES, alias John HARRIS, 36, was indicted for breaking into a house and stealing articles of the value of £5, belonging to a labourer at Antony, named George ANDREW. GUILTY.
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John READER, 19, a soldier of the 69 th foot, was charged with stealing a hat, trousers, waistcoat, neckerchief, stock, and jacket, belonging to Phillip DAVIS, of Launceston. The prisoner was billeted at the Bell Inn, Launceston, on the 4 th of October, from whence he deserted, and took with him the articles mentioned. He was pursued and taken in Devonshire, with the things in his possession. GUILTY.
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The same person was again indicted for stealing from his serjeant, Jos., SHUTLER, two shirts, a pair of boots, a pair of braces, a silk handkerchief, and a silk stock. The same kind of evidence was given in this, as in the last case, and the prisoner was found GUILTY.
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James WATERS, 16, pleaded GUILTY to a charge of breaking into the dwelling-house of Thomas SMITH, of St. Sampsons, and stealing two pasties, half of a pasty, and half a pound of butter; he also pleaded GUILTY to a charge of breaking into the house of Sarah TRUSCOTT, of St. Sampsons, and stealing an apple pasty and a loaf of bread. The prisoner pleaded GUILTY also to having been convicted, at the Truro sessions in 1839, on a charge of felony.
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George REYNOLDS,23, pleaded GUILTY of having stolen a waistcoat at Liskeard, belonging to James BURCH. He pleaded GUILTY also of having been convicted of felony at Bodmin during last year.
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Wm. CLEMO, 24, was charged with stealing a watch, the property of Edward BLAKE, of St. Stephens, from whom he received it to repair, and sold it to Enoch SANDOE, a smith, at Par. GUILTY. There was a similar indictment against the prisoner, for stealing a watch and appendages from Wm. TUCKER, on which he was not tried.
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John MASTERS, 30, was charged with having stolen, at South Caradon mines, a flannel shirt, and trowsers, the property of Wm. HOLMAN, a miner, which had been left in the boiler-house. GUILTY.

( Second Court)

James TONKIN and James NICHOLS were charged with kitting or stealing certain copper ores, the property of the adventurers of Carn Brea mines. Messrs. GRYLLS and JOHN conducted the case on the part of the prosecutors, and Mr. HOCKIN defended the prisoners. Several witnesses were examined, whose evidence we shall give next week, and the jury found the prisoners NOT GUILTY.
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Mathias KITTOE, charged with stealing an ass, was found GUILTY.
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Thomas PENPRASE was charged with selling vegetables, belonging to Richard FRANCIS, of Redruth, and ACQUITTED.
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William JEFFEREY, charged with assaulting Mary BENNETT, with intent, was, after hearing the principal part of the evidence, allowed to plead GUILTY of a common assault.

The grand jury were discharged shortly before twelve o’clock.

The prisoners convicted have not yet received their sentences. The remainder of our sessions reports shall appear next week.

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OCTOBER 29 1841 News

CHURCH REFORM

The London Gazette of Friday publishes an order in Council, ratifying a scheme of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for the augmentation of livings to the annual value of £ 150. The schedule which accompanies the order in Council contains 100 benefices, being those which combine the largest population with the smallest endowment, the whole amount granted for their augmentation being equivalent to a present gross sum in 3 per cent stock at £126,000. This amount is obtained by the suspension of canonries and prebends in cathedrals, pursuant to the recommendation of the commissioners. The following benefices in Devon and Cornwall are to be augmented by the sums set against them:

Devon: the perpetual curacy of Lower Brixham £18; the vicarage of ..tow with Kingsbridge, £21; the rectory of St. Mary Major, Exeter, £9.

Cornwall: The perpetual curacy of St. Day, Gwennap, £ 12; the perpetual curacy of St. Ives, £18.
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GRATIFYING TRIBUTE OF RESPECT

The Rev. C. A. N. THOMAS, curate of St. Columb Minor, being about to resign his curacy, his parishioners, on Friday last, presented him with a handsome silver tea-pot, of the value of £12, as a token of their regard, which bore the following inscription: - “Presented to the Rev. Charles A.N. Thomas by the parishioners of St. Columb Minor, as a parting token of their affection and respect.” We understand Mr. Thomas is to be succeeded by the Rev. N. F. CHUDLEIGH, curate of Crantock.
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St. AUSTELL FAIR

This fair, which was held on Friday last, was well supplied with all kinds of cattle, and a larger amount of business was done than at any former fair at this season of the year. Cows and calves especially were in great demand and fetched good prices, and other kinds of cattle were “looking up.” A good deal of interest was excited by an old woman, in the 106 th year, and her daughter, aged 75, who had been brought in a cart from an adjoining parish to see the fair. The mother has not a tooth left, but all her facilities are good, and she seemed likely from her appearance to live many years yet.
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PADSTOW

The friends of the numerous passengers per the “Clio,” Captain Thomas BROWN, will be glad to hear of that ship’s arrival at Quebec, on the 21 st ult., all well.
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THE LATE GALE

During a heavy gale from the N.W. on Wednesday last, a small sloop grounded on the inner part of Hayle bar. We have not been informed of the result. The Scilly packet has been detained a week at Penzance by the strong westerly winds.
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PILCHARD FISHERY

St. Ives - On Tuesday morning last, the driving boats brought in a large quantity of herrings and pilchards. Most of the herrings were sent to Bristol by the “Herald” steamer. The seaners were somewhat discouraged, no pilchards having been seen during the week.

Port Isaac - On Tuesday morning last, the driving boats came in quite loaded, and the seaners were all on the alert, large shoals of pilchards being in the bay.

St. Minver - During the past week, an immense quantity of herrings has been taken by the fishermen here. On Tuesday evening, the weather being favourable, they again went out, and were successful in their labours, taking upwards of 50,000 pilchards, and several thousand herrings and mackerel, which were respectively sold for two, three, and five shillings per 120, the next morning.

Newquay - The news from Port Isaac infused fresh spirit into the seaners here, and they are, consequently, in expectation of large catches. The drift boats put out, but were obliged to return in consequence of a severe thunder storm with very fierce lightning. About 20,000 herrings were brought in, with a few pilchards.
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FALMOUTH QUARTER SESSIONS

These Sessions were held on Wednesday last, before Herman MERIVALE, Esq., Recorder, and the Bench of Magistrates. After the usual preliminaries had been gone through, Eliza COLLINS and Catherine SPARGO, against whom true bills had been found by the grand jury, were charged with stealing a quantity of ribbon from the shop of Mr. C. READ, Draper. After hearing the evidence, Spargo was found guilty, and sentenced to two months’ imprisonment; but Collins was acquitted. William BEARD was then charged with stealing two silver forks, and one silver table-spoon; but the charge was not brought home, and the prisoner was acquitted. This closed the criminal business.
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TRURO POLICE

On Tuesday last, George DAVEY, a miner, who stated he was from the parish of Gwinear, but is supposed to be one of St. Blazey, was charged with stealing a quantity of broad cloth, and other articles, the property of Mr. Rd. KITTO, tailor, of Truro. The prisoner was at Truro about five weeks ago, when he found an opportunity of stealing the above articles; and after defrauding several persons at whose houses he lodged, he left for Lostwithiel, where he again commenced his old practices, and was taken before the magistrates of that place charged as a vagrant. The property before mentioned being found in his possession, and the prisoner not being able to account for himself, he was committed to Bodmin prison for one month. During the time of his imprisonment, Mr. SYMONS, the constable of that place, wrote to Inspector PAINE, of the Truro police, to ascertain, if possible, the property found on Davey, which Mr. Paine succeeded in doing, and the prisoner was committed to Bodmin gaol to take his trial at the next sessions.
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ROBBERY

On Tuesday last, some person entered the house of Thomas MARTIN, situated near Point, in Feock, between the hours of two and five in the afternoon, broke open two boxes, ransacked the contents, and stole 10s. in silver.
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NEW SONG

It will be seen by advertisement in our third page, that a new song is offered the musical public, the poetry and music of which are by writers who have never published before. The words “The sky was beautiful and bright” are pretty and affecting, and Mr. CHADWICK has happily succeeded in setting them to a beautiful, flowing, and exquisitely simple melody, allowing some ad libitum passages, and thus enabling the singer to throw in that intense feeling which the subject requires. Both the poet and the musician deserve the encouragement of the public.
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CORONERS INQUESTS

On the 15 th instant, an inquest was held before W. HICHENS, Esq., Coroner, at Portreath, on the body of James WILLIAMS, aged 67 years, who fell over a cliff in going to his home on the 12 th instant, whereby he received an injury in his head, whereof he died on the following day. Verdict, Accidental death.

On the 12 th instant, Mr. HICHENS held an inquest in the parish of Sithney, on the body of John RUSSEL, the younger, aged 15 months, who accidentally came to his death by setting fire to his clothes, on the 13 th instant, in the absence of his mother, who had gone from her house into an adjoining field, and was away about five minutes. The poor child lived till the following day. Verdict, Accidental death.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Sir –

We beg leave to inform you, that the statement contained in your paper of to-day, referring to an investigation made in this Union, with respect to the death of a pauper, and affecting our names, is totally incorrect, and we charitably hope that no persons acquainted with the facts of the case has furnished you with it.

As we are preparing to publish the documents and evidence touching this affair, we trust the public will, pro tempore, withhold judgment; and we have only further to add, that we congratulate ourselves on every step we have taken in this matter.

We are, Sir,
Your Obedient Servants,

Wm. Moorman, Jun.
J. H. Nankivell

St. Columb, October 22, 1841
(We presume our informant, who has given us his name, will be prepared either to substantiate his statement, or, if it is incorrect, to make the ‘amende honorable’. Ed)

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Oct 29 1841 Quarter Sessions 1

Reuben ROBERTS, 27, a shoemaker of Truro, was charged with having stolen a pair of boots, the property of Robert HAWKEY. The prosecutor stated that on the 30 th day of September last, he gave his journeyman, John JEWELL, the upper leathers and bottom stuff necessary for making a pair of girl’s boots. John JEWELL stated that he was a journeyman to the prosecutor and had a workshop in Michell Hill. He received stuff for making up a pair of boots, and those boots he left on Saturday night, the 2 nd of October, in his workshop, and on the following Monday morning they were gone. He had since seen them in the hands of FITZSIMMONS, the policeman. Mrs. Mary GILL, wife of Richard GILL, stated that her husband keeps an inn at Truro, and that on Monday, the 4 th of October, the prisoner came to her home, and asked her husband if he wanted a pair of boots for a little girl, and she bought them for her second daughter for 5s. He said he made them for one of Mr. HODGSON’s daughters, the hatter, and that they were too tight. About twelve o’clock that day week, a man named George TREGELLAS, came and asked permission to look at the boots. Witness gave him one, and gave the other to Fitzsimmons. Tregellas confirmed the statement as to having called on the last witness, and Fitzsimmons produced the boots, which the prosecutor identified as his property. Mr. BENNALLACK tried very hard to get the witnesses to acknowledge that the prisoner was weak in his intellect, but did not succeed, and the jury found him GUILTY. ONE MONTH’S HARD LABOUR.
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HOUSEBREAKING – John JONES alias John HARRIS, 36, a little red-haired vagrant, from the “back-slums” of Stonehouse who personnel reminded one somewhat of the arch sly look of Fagin, the Jew, in Oliver Twist, but who wanted the eagle-beak of that worthy, was charged with having stolen from the house of George ANDREWS, in Antony St. Jacob, a great coat and a number of other articles. Mr. SMITH conducted the prosecution and Mr. BENNALLACK and Mr. HAMLEY held a “watching” brief for the prisoner. Mr. Smith, having stated the case, called George Andrews, who was sworn and said: - “I am a labourer living at Lower Tregantle, at St. Antony in Jacob; I am a widower and live alone; on Sunday evening, the 12 th of September, before going to bed, I put into my chest two blue jackets, two pairs of trowsers, a great coat, three waistcoats, four silk handkerchiefs, two cotton handkerchiefs, three sovereigns, two half sovereigns, thirteen half crowns, a crown piece, and seven and sixpence. I locked the chest and put the key into the pocket of a coat that was hanging over the chest in the bedroom. I also left a pair of fustian trowsers in the next room, and one silk handkerchief in my hat; and downstairs, six plated spoons, four of which I missed, a snuff box, a case knife, and a brass watch seal. When I got up the next morning I found the things in some state. I locked the door at six o’clock and gave the key to Dinah JOHNS, a person who makes my bed and cleans my room. On returning at night, the things were in the same state, and on Tuesday morning I again left at six o’clock and gave the key to Dinah Johns. About half-past two o’clock on Tuesday, I received information that my house had been robbed. I went home, and found the front door locked, and on unlocking it and going in, I found some clothes lying about. On going upstairs I found the box broken open, and the things already enumerated had been taken away. The key of the box was still in the coat. On the following day the prisoner was apprehended on this charge. Dinah JOHNS, wife of Francis JOHNS, of Tregantle, said that she went to the prosecutor’s house about half-past one o’clock on the Tuesday, and observed the pad of the prosecutor’s neckerchief, and other things strewed about his room; she then found the chest had been broken open in his bed room, and that it was empty. On going down stairs, she perceived that two panes of glass had been taken out of the window; the window looked into some fields. Ann HOARE stated that she was at her mother’s house at Tregantle, near the prosecutor’s. On Tuesday, the 14 th of September, the prisoner called on her at about nine o’clock, offering books and matches for sale. Arthur DYER stated that he was a waterman living at St. Antony; on the 14 th of September, he was hired by the prisoner between ten and eleven o’clock, at Torpoint quay, to take him to Stonehouse quay. The prisoner had a bag tied up to the mouth, and that it appeared to be full. He landed him at Stonehouse quay, and then took a pint of beer with him. On the following day, witness was requested by a police constable and the prosecutor to go with them and look for this man. He went, and while standing with his back against a wall, he saw the prisoner coming from Stonehouse towards Plymouth. He turned off when he saw witness, and witness then called the constable, who immediately apprehended him. The woman he called his wife was with him; the prisoner lived in Stonehouse-lane. Jane WATSON examined – I am the wife of John WATSON, of St. Andrew’s parish, Plymouth. The prisoner and his wife are strangers to me. I never saw him but once before. I saw the prisoner’s wife in August; I saw her again on the 15 th of September, in the Earl Howe public house. On the following day, I went to the prisoner’s mother’s house and saw the prisoner’s half sister, who gave me a basket and two bags. I took them to my own apartment in Stonehouse-lane. I put them under my bed. Another bundle and basket were brought by the prisoner’s wife, and she gave me two sovereigns, two shillings, two sixpence, and five pawn tickets. The police constables afterwards came to my house, and I gave the money and tickets to Mr. WILSON, the police inspector. Elizabeth LINES – I live with my mother in Cambridge-street, Plymouth; the prisoner is my half-brother; I recollect the last witness coming to my mother’s house on the 16 th of September. . The prisoner and his wife were in the habit of coming to my mother’s house every day. On Wednesday morning, the 15 th of September, they came to the house; the wife had a basket and a bundle which the prisoner put under the table; they then went away, as they stated, to look for a room; afterwards the prisoner’s wife brought a basket and a bundle, which they put behind the door, and on the following morning I gave these bundles and the basket to Jane WATSON, the last witness. Richard SLADE, the policeman, detailed the circumstances of his going with Dyer, the waterman, and their success, and also the finding of the things at Jane Watson’s. The articles were then produced by SLADE and COLE, and the prisoner’s sister stated the bags to be similar to those which he brought to her mother’s house on the 15 th of September, and which she afterwards gave to Jane Watson. The articles which those bags contained were produced in court and identified by Mrs. Johns and the prosecutor as his property. The case being closed, Mr. BENNALLACK was called on to address the jury. The learned gentleman said – I don’t know where the ending will be if I begin. I would rather the fellow should tell his own story. (laughter). After brief hesitation, Mr. B. addressed the jury in a very odd speech, after which the Chairman summed up, and the jury found the prisoner GUILTY. TRANSPORTED FOR SEVEN YEARS.
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*John READER, a soldier in the 69 th foot, on the recruiting service, was charged with having stolen a hat, trowsers, waistcoast, neckerchief, stock, and jacket, belonging to Phillip DAVIS, of Launceston. The prosecutor lodged at the Bell Inn, where the prisoner was billeted with other soldiers, on the recruiting service,. On the 4 th of October, the prisoner deserted, and took with him the things named above. He was pursued and apprehended by BROOMING, the policeman, at a public-house, about six miles from Launceston, on the Exeter road, where he had put up and gone to bed. He had the things with him, and stated that he had left his regimentals in a cow-shed, on the road just out of Launceston. GUILTY. The prisoner was again indicted for stealing two shirts, a pair of braces, a pair of boots, a silk handkerchief, and a silk stock, the property of Joseph SHUTTLER, the sergeant of the 69 th foot. These things seemed necessary to the prisoner to complete his wardrobe, when he was about to quit her Majesty’s service, and did not appear to have been stolen for any other purpose than that of cutting a respectable figure in the world. The case was clearly established and the jury found him GUILTY. The sergeant then gave the poor fellow an excellent character, which, he said, he must have maintained during the whole two years and a half that he had been in the army, otherwise he would not have been appointed on the recruiting service. The BENCH sentenced the prisoner to THREE MONTHS HARD LABOUR, the Chairman remarking that he would be dealt with afterwards by his superior officers for the serious crime of desertion.
[[This case was also included in the Oct. 22, part 3 post. The paper printed two versions of it, one on the 22 nd, the other on the 29 th. This version has more detail.]
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*James WATERS, 16, pleaded guilty to the charges of having broken into the house of Thomas SMITH, of St. Sampsons, and stealing two pasties, half of a pasty, and half a pound of butter. [This case was also included in the Oct. 22, part 3 post. The paper printed two versions of it, one on the 22 nd, the other on the 29 th.]

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There were two more cases which appeared both in the Oct. 22 and 29 th editions, identical in content.

October 29 1841 Qtr Sns 2

Wm. CLEMO, 24, a vagabonding watch mender, who was described as one of the “go-abouts”, was charged with stealing a watch, the property of Edward BLAKE, of St. Stephens in Branwell. The prosecutor, a shrewd intelligent boy, is an agricultural labourer in the employ of Mr. Alexander STEPHENS, and he, a short time ago, gave his watch to the prisoner to be repaired, and it was returned to him losing half-an-hour a day. The prisoner subsequently, without Blake’s knowledge, came to the prosecutor’s master and asked to have the watch, because he had left the regulator out! The master refused to give it till Blake came home. The prisoner then went to prosecutor and told him the same story, and two days afterwards Blake took the watch to be repaired, telling prisoner he was going to sell it to his brother. The prisoner, however, went on the same day to Enoch SANDOE, a smith residing at Par, and asked him to purchase a watch, at the same time offering him four, from which he was to take his choice. Sandoe chose the one belonging to Blake, for which the prisoner asked 14s., but took 12s. The prisoner said the watches were his, and as he intended to go to Wales he wanted to buy some clothes – he then left the place for some time. The prosecutor stated that a short time before the watch cost him 24s. The prisoner, in his defence, said he had authority to sell the watches, and he sold them, and was going to pay the money to Blake. If he had said he was going to Wales, it was a “mis-thought” and the prosecution was entirely a grudge of the parishioners. GUILTY. There was a similar charge against him for stealing a watch and appendages belonging to William TUCKER, on which he was not tried. Six Months’ hard labour.
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John MASTERS, 30, was found GUILTY of having stolen a shirt and pair of trousers, the property of William HOLMAN, of St. Cleer. A former conviction for felony was then proved against him. There was also another indictment against him, charging him with having stolen a scythe, the property of Samuel DONEY, of St. Neot, but on this he was not tried. The Court sentenced the prisoner to FOURTEEN YEARS’ TRANSPORTATION.
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DONKEY STEALING – Matthias KITTOE, 43, was found GUILTY of having stolen from the common of Hingston, a male ass, the property of Richard HODGE. The prisoner was proved also to have been convicted last year of stealing hay. TWELVE MONTHS’ HARD LABOUR.
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Thomas PENPRASE, 33, was charged with having sold a quantity of vegetables, the property of Richard FRANCIS of Redruth, and applied the money to his own use. The evidence in this case went to show that there had been no engagement between the prisoner and the prosecutor, and that he was not in any respect his servant. The Jury found the prisoner NOT GUILTY.
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William JEFFERY, 21, was charged with having assaulted Mary BENNETT, at Tywardreath, with intent, &c. From the evidence, it appeared that the prisoner had stopped the prosecutrix on the highway, and had thrown her down; but some boys, haring her screams, came up in time to prevent any further mischief, and the prisoner, who was known to them, was seen to run away. After hearing a portion of the evidence, the Court stopped the case, recommending the jury to find a verdict of guilty of common assault. After considerable delay, the foreman announced a verdict of “Great Insult”. TWO MONTHS’ HARD LABOUR.
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ASSAULT ON A CONSTABLE – Wm. HOCKIN, a painter, a young man well known in the neighbourhood of Falmouth, for his remarkably black curly hair, and who usually wears a cap to show it off, was placed at the bar along with a companion of his named Robert GOULD, a tailor, on a charge of having assaulted Joseph DAVIDGE, a constable of Falmouth, in the execution of his duty. Another count in the indictment charged the parties with a common assault. The case for the prosecution was conducted by Mr. TILLY; and Mr JOHN and Mr. GENN appeared for the defendants. Mr. Tilly stated the case for the prosecution, and urged upon the jury the importance of supporting constables in the performance of duties which were at all time onerous, and were frequently attended with great danger. After detailing the facts of the case, as they will be found in evidence, he called Joseph DAVIDGE, who was sworn, and said “I am a constable at Falmouth; on the night of the 30 th of September, about half past twelve, I heard a noise in the street, I opened the window and looked out to see what occasioned the noise; I then went into the street and saw a party of men below, by the Ship-wright’s Arms, which is about forty yards from my house; some of the party were down on the pavement, and two of them were on the pent-house. I proceeded to SANDRY’s house, when the persons ran away towards the Bank. In consequence of what Mr. Sandry told me, I went after those persons, and I cam up to them at Lieut. GRIFFIN’s gate; they were pulling and dragging at the gates. They made a terrible noise at the time. When I came to Griffin’s and saw three or four of the party jumping over the wall, I said, my good young men, do you know what time is is? It is now one o’clock in the morning, and let me beg of you to go home, and not disturb the peace of the neighbourhood. The two defendants were there, and I spoke to them first; I had my bat in my hand; it was fastened with a line round my wrist, I showed it to them and said I was a constable; they were then making a horrid noise. There were twelve in number altogether. When I said this, Hockin replied, he would see me …. first before he would go – they were bent on a spree and a spree they would have. I told him I was a constable, and my request was for them all to go home, and not to disturb the peace of the parish. They refused to go, and I put my hand on OPIE’s shoulder (one of the party); and I said, now I insist upon you, and all of you going home peaceably, and not to be here disturbing the peace as you are. He struck me here on my neck; he repeated his blow. The prisoners were near handy at the time. When Opie struck me he knocked me down; directly these two seized my bat, and when on my back they twisted my bat so that the line gave way and broke, and Hockin had possession of the bat; Gould snatched the bat from Hockin, and struck me on the head, and cut my head very much. This is the dress I had on at the time. (The witness produced a shirt which was very much blooded, and called attention to his coat, which was torn, and had an appearance of having been roughly handled). When Gould struck me with the bat, Hockin said “that is right – kill the ___; kill him.” Whilst I was on the ground I counted seven; they were kicking me with their feet, and beating me with their fists. That was while I was on the ground. One of them got up and took the bat and ran away, and I never saw him or the bat since. I got up, and Hockin ran and catched hold of my jacket. I said let me go – all I want of you is to behave well; it is one o’clock. Hockin took his watch out, and said “It is not one yet, you ____.” I said “it is a quarter to one by your own watch.” I got up and went towards the bank; I was followed by several, and Hockin held me fast. Gould ran up and struck me three or four blows on the back, and said “Take that you ____.” At every blow; I got upl, and went as far as Herle’s lane. I then gave a wrench, and got out of Hockin’s hand. I then went and found another constable, John King NICHOLLS. We went in search of the persons, and found these two on the bank near the spot where the assault took place. Nicholls was coming on behind. I took hold of them then, but they knocked me down, and beat me, and got away. I did not see them again until they were in custody. I applied to a surgeon. The constable, John King NICHOLLS, was then called and examined. The circumstances detailed by this witness were of no importance in the case, and this being the whole of the evidence, Mr. John addressed the jury on behalf of the defendants in an exceedingly able and eloquent speech, and urged the prosecutor had himself to thank for the punishment he had received through his own officiousness, in interfering with the pleasures and enjoyments of a few young men, who were not doing anything calculated to break the peace of the town, or even to disturb the repose of her Majesty’s subjects. The Learned Gentleman particularly urged that the prosecutor was not assaulted while he as a constable was in the execution of his duty. The Chairman summed up, after which the jury returned a verdict of GUILTY of a common assault. On the following day, the Chairman sentenced the defendants to THE PAYMENT OF FIVE POUNDS EACH, AND TO BE IMPRISONED TILL SUCH FINE WAS PAID.

The Court rose at Seven o’clock.

Second court

KITTING – James TONKIN, 23, and James NICHOLLS, 21, were charged with stealing copper-ore, the property of the adventurers in Carn Brea Mine, Camborne. This case was one of the ordinary charges of Kitting, where the prisoners were employed as tributers on a bad take, which turned out ore of the value of £5 a ton, and they were charged with stealing ore fresh piles belonging to other men, which ore was said to be worth £10 a ton. The charge, however, was not brought home to the prisoners, and the Jury found them Not Guilty.
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William KETTLE, 22, similarly charged with taking and concealing 30 lbs weight of copper-ore, for the purpose of defrauding William FRANCIS and others, the adventurers in the United Mines in the parish of Gwennap. Mr. STOKES was attorney for the prosecution; Mr. BENNALLACK for the prisoner. Captain William FRANCIS stated that he was an adventurer in the United mines. On the 7 th of August he set a pitch to the prisoner at 9s.6d. in the £. The pitch extended from the 130 to the 140 fathom level; he had examined it about a fortnight before the prisoner took it, since which time someone else had worked at it. Did not examine it again until the 9 th of September. Could always see the prisoner working as he passed the level, which he frequently did. On the 9 th he examined the prisoner’s pile, and discovered in it some very large stones of ore of a rich description. The surface of the pile was flattened. On asking where he got these stones, the prisoner answered he broke them in his pitch, and would show him where. They went together to the place, where the prisoner, after working an hour, produced some very small stones, which, neither in size or in quality, at all resembled these found in the pile. He then examined the pitch very carefully, and did not find anything to correspond with what he found in the middle of the pile, or any place likely at all for such ore to have been taken. The other ore in the pile was of a very inferior quality. He tehn went into the end of the 130 fathom level, about 90 fathoms from the prisoner’s pitch, and there broke some stones which exactly corresponded with those found in the prisoner’s pile. Prisoner had access to the end of the 130 level; it was exactly over where he worked. His ore was not worth more than £ 5 per ton, whereas the stones which were found in his pile were worth £ 15. It was quite improbable that he could have broken such stones in his pitch. Cross-Examined: He had not minutely examined the pitch before the settling day, and not accurately from the 7 th of August to the 9 th of September. Sometimes in mines the ore undergoes a great change in a month; but in this case it could not. The tram-waggon passed over the prisoner’s pitch. A boy worked with him in the pitch whom he paid. The 130 fathom level was above where he worked; four or five pairs of men of fix or six in a pair worked in the 130, and about the same number worked in the 140 fathom level. All their ores were drawn through one shaft by tram marriages. Captain Richard UREN was with last witness when the pile was examined and corroborated his evidence. He positively asserted that this ore found in the prisoner’s pile was not broken in his pitch, and there never was any such ore in that pitch. On his cross examination, he said he examined this pitch in the second week after it was set, and again saw it on the 7 th, 8 th, and 9 th of September. Had been a mining agent for the last ten or twelve years. It was not impossible in some cases for lodes to change considerably in a month, but quite impossible in this pitch. Re-Examined: When he was in prisoner’s pitch in the second week after the setting, he said it was a very poor pitch, and he had yielded the boy up. By the Court: The end of the 130 fathom level turned out very rich yellow ore, of about £ 15 per ton, and no such ore was raised any where else in that level. For the prisoner’s defence some witnesses were called to character, among whom were the above witnesses for the prosecution, who said that they never heard anything against him. Verdict – GUILTY of CONCEALING.- THREE MONTHS’ HARD LABOUR.

Paul JENKINS, 31, and Wm., BARRETT, 23 were also charged with taking and concealing 40 lbs weight of copper ore, for the purpose of defrauding William FRANCIS and others, adventurers in the United Mines in the parish of Gwennap. This case in many points exactly resembled the last, and the prosecutors were the same. The same attorney for the prosecution, but Mr. G. JOHN appeared with Mr. BENNALLACK for the prisoners. In the course of the evidence, it appeared that Captain Francis had discovered certain stones of ore in the prisoner’s pile, which he had reason to believe were not broken from the prisoner’s pitch, but at the farther end of the 140 fathom level, which was at some distance from it. But it further appeared that tram-wagons were constantly running with ore very near to where the prisoners lay, and some stones might have fallen off and become mixed with their ore. NOT GUILTY.

This finished the business of the Court, which rose at seven o’clock.

SENTENCES OF THE PRISONERS

Joseph T…., charged with stealing two sheaves of reed, One Month’s hard labour.

John GEORGE and John JACKETS, Guilty of stealing two ducks belonging to Robert EVERY, of Callington. George, one month’s, and Jackets to six weeks’ hard labour.

Wm. SMITH, Guilty of stealing a mackintosh hood, and other articles belonging to Wm. CURNOW of Snowford, Devon, Two Months’ hard labour.

Richard RICHARDS, charged with embezzling monies from Messrs. BAYNARD, of Truro, his employers, to Four Months’ hard labour.

John JEWELL, charged with stealing timber from Henry EDDY, of Tregony, Four Months’ hard labour.

John TREMAIN, for stealing a watch and other things from Henry Jones TREVARREN, at Mawgan, to Six Months’ hard labour.

Wm. OLIVER, charged with stealing a quantity of articles from the count-house of Ballinwidden mine, belonging to the adventurers, to Six Months’ hard labour.

James RICHARDS, charged with stealing candles from Dolcoath mine, to Six Months’ hard labour.

John STEPHENS, for assaulting with intent to rob John CLEMENS, of St. Columb, to Six Months’ hard labour.

John MacLEOD, charged with stealing articles from Wm. RICKARD, Innkeeper, of Bodmin, to Nine Months’ hard labour.

Wm. SNELL, for stealing a colt belonging to George MASON, of Kenwyn, to Twelve Months’ hard labour.

John DENNIS, charged with breaking into the dwelling house of Jane MAYNE, widow, of Camborne, and stealing a number of articles, to Ten Years’ transportation.

Grace DENNIS, charged with stealing articles of wearing apparel from Mary CHEGWIDDEN, of Wendron, Fourteen days’ imprisonment.

Mary Ann PROUT, charged with stealing two pairs of women’s shoes, belonging to Wm. VERCOE, of St. Austell, to Six Weeks’ hard labour.

Martha BURT, charged with robbing her master J.C.ROBERTS, Esq., to Twelve Months’ hard labour.

Thomasin SYMONS, of Boyton, for concealing the birth of her child, in Twelve Months’ hard labour.

John BODILLY, 24, George GREENSLADE, 26, James SYMONS, 24, and Theophilus MICHELL, 32, were charged with having assaulted Robert LILLEY, a constable and police officer of Redruth, while in the execution of his duty. Another count in the indictment laid the charge for a common assault. Mr. JOHN appeared for the prosecution, and the defendants were advocated by Mr. STOKES. Mr. John stated the case for the prosecution, from which it appeared, as corroborated by the evidence which was afterwards adduced, that in consequence of the bad state of the town of Redruth, the more respectable parties of its inhabitants had felt it their duty to obtain the assistance of a policeman, in order to establish a roral and well-organized community. In consequence of this determination, a subscription had been entered into, and a policeman obtained, against whom, the ill-disposed part of the inhabitants, there existed a very strong prejudice. It appeared that LILLEY, on Sunday morning, the 3 rd of October, found a drunken man kicking against the door of a public house, and otherwise making a great disturbance. This was at about half-past twelve at night. The policeman took the man into custody, and at once conveyed him to the lock-up, where he lodged him safely for the remainder of the night. Shortly after nine o’clock, MICHELL, one of the defendants, came to his house and ordered him to go and give the prisoner some breakfast, and said that he must have three meals a day, and that he ought to have had his breakfast before nine o’clock. The policeman told Michell that if he had anything to complain of him he ought to go before the magistrate. The policeman then obtained the assistance of another constable, named PHILLIPS, and went down to visit his prisoner, for the purpose of giving him a portion of what Michell had ordered that he should have. When he got near the lock-up, he found assembled there between two and three hundred people, many of whom exclaimed, “Let the prisoner out, or we will pull the lock-up down.” Without detailing the whole of the circumstances, we may briefly state that the people eventually made a rush upon the policeman, who, happily for himself, maintained his footing, and was then enabled to withstand the crush. Among the persons who were observed to take a particularly active part in this affair, Michell was most prominent, and was aided by Bodilly and Greenslade. The other defendant, Symons, was among the crowd, and he, with the defendants already named, was seized by the policeman, and lodged in “durance vile,” where they remained until the next morning, when they were conveyed before the Rev. George TREWEEKE, one of the county magistrates, by whom, upon their own confession of drunkenness, they were fined five shillings each and discharged. Shortly afterwards, a rumour prevailed in the town that the defendants were going to bring an action against the magistrate, but the policeman and his supporters in the town of Redruth, thought that, considering the enormity of the case, the parties implicated had not been dealt with with sufficient severity, and Lilley was accordingly instructed to institute the present prosecution. These facts having been proved by Lilley, and corroborated by Phillips the other constable, and Mr. LANYON and Mr. MEAD, Mr. STOKES addressed the court on behalf the defendants, urging that against Symons there was no evidence at all, while against the other defendants there was comparatively nothing to sustain so heavy a charge. The jury found the defendant Symons NOT GUILTY, and the other defendants GUILTY, of an assault upon a constable in the execution of his duty. The Court sentenced Michell to THREE MONTHS’ hard labour, and the two other defendants to TWO MONTHS’ hard labour. This was the last case for trial, and the jury were dismissed about one o’clock, the chairman having first complimented them in the great discrimination which they had evidenced in all the cases that had come under their consideration. The Court then proceeded to the hearing of

THE APPEALS

[All of the appeals but one did not have any details, or names. There was also a bastardry case, which received a part of one sentence. Therefore, we’ll include only the one case which mentions names.]

BREAGE appellant; SITHNEY Respondent. Mr. Hill and Mr. John appealed against an order made for the removal of a pauper named Thomas POPE. Mr. Stokes and Mr. Rogers appeared for the respondent. The order was confirmed.

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