cornwall england newspaper
1842 NEWS ARTICLE
JULY
1 JULY 1842, Friday
BILL FOR THE REGULATION OF MINES AND COLLIERIES. Lord Ashley's bill, as amended by the committee, is now printed, and orders that the following abstract of the act shall be affixed to the entrance of every mine or colliery:
"It is unlawful to employ any woman or girl underground, in a mine or colliery. Penalty not exceeding GBP10 or less than GBP 5.
It is unlawful to employ underground, in a mine or colliery, any boy under ten years of age, or any boy under thirteen years of age, more than twelve hours a day, or on two following days. Penalty not exceeding GBP10 or less than GBP5.
It is unlawful for any other person than a man, of the age of twenty-one or upwards, to have any charge of the machinery by which persons are let down into or are brought up from a mine or colliery. Penalty not to exceed GBP50 or less than GBP10.
Every indenture of apprenticeship becomes null and void, if the apprentice is allowed to work underground within a mine or colliery."
These provisions will all take full effect within six months after the passing of the Act.
SARK MINING COMPANY. The "Veronica," GARDNER, master, sailed from hence last Friday for Hull, having on board ninety tons of lead and silver ore from the Sark Mines. We are glad to notice so encouraging a feature in the operations of the mine company, especially as we hear that it is considered but as the forerunner of more extensive success.
WADEBRIDGE FAIR. This fair, which was held on the 22nd ult., was very abundantly supplied with cattle of every description, but the demand was quite unequal to the supply. Little business was consequently done, and in the bargains that were made, the sellers were obliged to submit to a reduction of price.
CAMBORNE ST. PETER'S FAIR. This fair, on Wednesday last, was well supplied with cattle, but the farmers asked such high prices that very little business was done. The fineness of the weather brought a great number of visitors to the fair, and rendered it very gay.
ANOTHER CHILD BURNT. On Friday last, whilst the father and mother were attending the teetotal festival held at Green Bottom, near Chacewater, a little boy, aged three years, son of Richard BAWDEN, Salem, St. Agnes, accidentally set fire to his clothes, and was so severely burnt that death put a period to his sufferings on the following day.
DEATH BY DROWNING. On Wednesday last, as Mr. Richard Glasson VIVIAN, eldest son of Mr. H. A. VIVIAN, of Camborne, was enjoying a pie with some friends at Gwithian, he went into the sea to bathe, when a wave carried him out of sight, to be seen no more alive. His father was present, and narrowly escaped a watery grave in endeavouring to save him. The unfortunate young gentleman only returned from London on Monday last, having just completed his studies, and passed his examination as a surgeon. When our account was sent off, the body had not been found.
CORONER'S INQUEST. On Wednesday last, an inquest was held at Chacewater, before J. CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body of Thomas DAVEY, 52 years of age, who, whilst at work in Wheal Gorland mine, Gwennap, on Tuesday last, was struck by a large stone of granite, which fell from the back of the adit, and was killed on the spot. Verdict, accidental death.
DEVON AND CORNWALL FEMALE ORPHAN ASYLUM. The children of this institution, 105 in number, were removed on Tuesday se'nnight from the house in the Octagon, to the handsome structure erected in Lockyar-street, Plymouth. An election of 18 orphans will take place on the 21st of July.
[This is the organization where orphans must be nominated by members, then voted in. They were educated as governesses, house-keepers, and other 'higher-class' servants. jm]
QUARTER SESSIONS
COUNTY BUSINESS
BRIDGES. Mr. CHAPPLE presented his report for the Eastern Division of the County. The centre railing of Polston Bridge required painting. The application was, we believe, allowed. At Lerren Bridge, Mr. Chapple had had an opportunity of observing that the bed under the arches had been washed out and left in large pits, three feet deep. He recommended that the water should be pumped out, the pits filled up, and the beds paved with granite. The estimated expense would be about GBP15. At Penharlick Bridge, in Egloskerry, Mr. Chapple was of opinion that it was necessary to lay in an inverted arch to secure the bed of the river. The expense would be from GBP 6 to GBP 8.
Mr. Chapple required an order for one levy of GBP116.7s.10d.
Capt. HEXT stated that the current of the river at Trebarrow Bridge, St. Mabyn, had been so diverted as to have left its original bed, leaving one of the arches dry, and undermining the opposite bank. On Captain Hext's motion, a committee of magistrates was appointed to inspect the bridge, and report at the Michaelmas Sessions.
POLLING PLACES. Mr. ROBARTES, in the absence of the Hon. G. FORTESCUE, through illness, begged to propose certain arrangements for the appointment of Lostwithiel as a polling place in East Cornwall. The parishes to be polled at Lostwithiel, were Luxulian, Lanlivery, Tywardreath, St. Winnow, Golant, Fowey, Lanteglos, St. Veep, Boconnoc, Broadoak, St. Pinnock, Lanreath, Lansallos, Pelynt, and Talland. St.Neot was taken from Bodmin, and assigned to the Liskeard district. By this arrangement, the following numbers of votes would be polled at the several polling places affected: Lostwithiel, 748; Bodmin, 841; Liskeard, 887; St. Austell, 842. As the Act of Parliament required one booth for each 450 voters, by this arrangement but two booths would be required for each of those polling places, making eight in the whole..[thereby reducing the expenses of candidates].Colman RASHLEIGH, Esq., seconded the proposition, having previously suggested that Luxulyan should be attached to Lostwithiel, instead of St. Blazey, which had originally proposed to be assigned to that town. The inhabitants of St. Blazey preferred to continue attached to St. Austell, as being nearer than Lostwithiel.
The motion was agreed to.
TAXES. [It was brought to the attention of the commissioners that only East and West Penryn had been sending tax money; all the other hundreds of the County had thusfar withheld it.] Mr. Pascoe proposed that at future Sessions the clerk should state from what Hundreds he had received no returns.
The Chairman said the sum accounted for last year was about GBP120, and that was from only four or five divisions. He had [nam]ed the subject last Lady-day twelve [..], and again last Lady-day.
We believe Mr. Pascoe's motion was not seconded.
TRIAL OF THE PRISONERS
Thomas JOB, 16, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of stealing some copper metal, the property of Francis BLAMEY and others, at Cro[eghaven?] mine.
[spelling of mine's name is very blurry - see following case, too]
THOMAS WILLIAMS, 18, was charged with having stolen a piece of copper metal, called a jigging-sieve, at Cr?braws mine, on the 12th of May, the property of Francis BLAMEY and others. The evidence was, that on that night, one dresser of the mine saw the sieve deposited safely in a building rented by the adventurers. On the following day, this place was found broken open, and the copper part of the sieve carried away. After some time, it was found on the 14th of May, prisoner and a boy called JOB (mentioned in the former case) sold some pieces of copper to a person called MICHELL, of Falmouth. On search being made on behalf of the prosecutors, the copper was obtained of Michell, by a constable of Penryn, It was produced in court and compared with the other part of the sieve. On Michell's being examined, he said he could not clearly identify prisoner as the person who came with Job to sell the copper; and as there was no evidence of his having been seen in the mine, the Chairman directed the jury to give a verdict of ACQUITTAL.
MARY ANN RAY, 15, and Jane LUKE, 15, were charged with stealing three pairs of white cotton stockings and one shift, the property of Miss HODGE, of St. Austell. The articles were lost, while in the possession of Grace PROFIT, a washerwoman, who had put them out to bleach on the 10th of May, on which day they were missed. Early on the following morning, the prisoners, going to Bodmin fair, called at the house of a person called COURTNEY, and there one of them, Ray, changed a pair of black stockings she had on for a pair of white cotton ones. She also delivered to Mrs. Courtney a shift which she wished to have washed. At the same time, Luke delivered a pair of white cotton stockings. In consequence of information to this effect, the constable went to Bodmin fair, where he apprehended both prisoners. Some of the articles were found on the person of the prisoners. Verdict, both GUILTY.
MARY ANN KELLEY, was charged with stealing money, the property of Humphry ESSERY, a tea-dealer of St. Austell. The prosecutor had, for a long time, [noticed money missing from a box] which he kept up stairs under [his bed] At last suspicion fell upon the prisoner, who was employed in the house as a charwoman. The prosecutor then, on one occasion of the prisoner's working at his house, marked some silver in the drawer, and agreed with his wife that they should absent themselves, leaving the house in charge of a friend, Miss HANCOCK. The prosecutor left the house in the morning, but his wife did not leave till 25 minutes to four. At about 12 minutes before four, Miss Hancock went out, and came back at 3 minutes after four, this being all the time she was absent from the house for the day. She stated positively that during her presence in the house, no one had gone upstairs. Shortly after this, Mr. Essery and his wife returned, and Mrs. Essery, on going upstairs, found three crown pieces missing. On the prisoner being charged, she denied having been upstairs, and willingly submitted to be searched, but nothing was found upon her. It was stated by the prosecutor, that she said the thing was black against her, and she would go and borrow ten shillings to repay prosecutor. The prosecutor, however, on cross-examination, admitted that he had said to the prisoner, if she would give him up the money, she might go about her business. This admission of inducement held out, of course, set aside the effect of any evidence of the prisoner's admission of her guilt. The proof from circumstances against the prisoner was also held to be of no weight, and on the case being put to the jury, she was immediately acquitted. It was stated that the prisoner had commenced an action against the prosecutor for defamation of character. Mr. STOKES conducted the prosecution, and Mr. BENNALLACK, the defense.
CAROLINE ROBERTS, 16, was charged with stealing a coral necklace, the property of Thomas DREW, of St. Austell. The prisoner lived as servant, at Mr. JULYAN's next door to Mr. Drew's; and the necklace was missed from a drawer in Mrs. Drew's kitchen, during her absence in London. The necklace was next seen by Julyan on her servant's neck; on which she gave information to Mrs. Drew, and the article was identified. Verdict, GUILTY.
WILLIAM OLIVER, 25, was charged with stealing a great coat, waistcoat, trowsers, a pair of sea-boots, and other articles, the property of T. MELHUISH, captain of the schooner "John and Edward," at Charlestown. On the morning of the 21st of April, about six o'clock, Oliver was seen coming out of the vessel, with a large bag and other articles. Prisoner then said to DINGLE, a porter, that he was going to Fowey. It being found that the prisoner had had no right on board, Dingle pursued him, took him into custody, and brought him before the magistrates. The constable, HOTTEN, of Charlestown, produced a bag containing an immense quantity of clothes of all kinds, and various articles, the whole, apparently, of the captain's sailing kit, which were identified by the captain. Verdict, GUILTY. A certificate of former conviction was put in, and it was stated by Mr. Everest, that the prisoner had been discharged from gaol only on the day before he committed the present felony.
MARK KELLY, 17, was charged with having stolen a horse, the property of Thomas TREBILCOCK, of Saint Columb. Mr. G. B. COLLINS conducted the prosecution. On the 25th of April, the prosecutor had a gelding in his stable about nine o'clock in the evening. The following morning, the horse was found in possession of prisoner at Ladock. The prisoner had, a few weeks previously, been in the employ of the prosecutor. On his being asked where the horse was, he stated correctly where he had turned the horse out He added that he had intended to sell the horse west of Truro. The prisoner's manner was, in many respects, that of an idiotic character. Verdict, GUILTY.
The Court rose at six o'clock.
SECOND COURT
MARY OUGH, 58, was charged with stealing a quantity of potatoes, the property of William LAMERTON, of Menheniot. The prosecutor, a labourer, had two carts in his garden, from one of which prisoner was seen taking them. GUILTY.
SELINA COLLINS, 19 was charged with stealing four sovereigns and a half-sovereign, from the person of William HEARN, at Bodmin. The prosecutor was a labourer, and it appeared had been drinking in the afternoon of the 22nd of May, with a young man named MULLIS. In the evening, about ten o'clock, they met with the prisoner at a public house, and while there, as the prosecutor asserted, the prisoner took four sovereigns and a half sovereign from his left hand pocket. She was afterwards searched, not having been allowed to leave the house, and nothing could be found on her but a piece of paper. Mullis stated that when prosecutor had taken out his purse before, at Dunmeer, he saw no gold in it. HEARN stated that when he took out his purse at CLYMA's public-house, in the evening, to give prisoner a shilling, it contained 4x sovereigns and silver. Verdict, NOT GUILTY.
JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 27, and WM. WOOLCOCK, 28, were charged with stealing two geese, the property of J. BISHOP, a farmer, at St. Martin's in Meneage. The case was clearly proved against the prisoners, who had admitted they were guilty, adding that they should not have done it had they not been in liquor. Both, GUILTY.
JOSEPH HOARE, 18, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of stealing four pieces of scruff brass, the property of George RABEY, of St. Martin's.
The Court then rose.
(The remainder of our Sessions report, some of which are in type, shall be given next week. We think it better to adopt this course than to abridge them so much as to destroy their interest and value.)
8 JULY 1842, Friday
PENZANCE QUARTER SESSIONS
These sessions were held on Monday last, at the Guildhall, before Herman MERIVALE, Esq., the Recorder of the borough, the Mayor, and several borough magistrates.
- John EVERY, 30, who was formerly a waiter at Pearce's Hotel, Penzance, but had been discharged, was indicted for having entered through the window of the bed room of Mrs. PEARCE, of the Union Hotel, on the morning of the 29th of April last, with intent to steal. It appeared that on the morning in questions, Mrs. Pearce was awoke by her daughter, who slept in the same room, stating that the horse keeper had informed her that there was a ladder placed against the bed room window, which was open, and a man's hat and boots at the bottom of the ladder. Mrs. Pearce then got out of bed, when her daughter exclaimed "there's a man in the room!" Mrs. Perce exclaimed Where?, and on looking discovered something white at the bottom of her bed. On looking steadfastly, she exclaimed there's a man there, and immediately rushed at and seized the prisoner by the collar, and he was then given into custody. It appeared that there were a couple of gold watches, and other valuable property in the room, none of which had been taken. Other evidence was called to corroborate Mrs. PEARCE, after which Mr. George JOHN addressed the jury for the prisoner, attributing his conduct to drunkenness; and he examined several other gentlemen, who gave the prisoner a good character for his previous conduct. The jury, after an hour's deliberation, returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
John CURNOW, 25, a letter carrier to the Penzance post-office, was found GUILTY of having fraudulently obtained the sum of 8d. from Mrs. Maria COULSON, of Penzance, on the 23rd of April last. It appeared that the prosecutrix received a letter from Gibraltar, on which [the prosecutrix should have paid] one shilling, but during the prisoner's delivery, he had charged an additional 8d. Mrs. COULSON complained to the post-mistress, and the 8d. was returned; the post-mistress then required Curnow to refund the money, which he did. The Recorder sentenced him to six months' hard labour.
EMIGRATION. The "Royal Adelaide," which sailed from Fowey in April last, with about 100 passengers, arrived safely at Quebec, on the 29th of May, where the passengers all landed in good health and spirits.
PILCHARDS. We are glad to learn that these fish are making their appearance on the coast, some small quantities have been taken by the Mount's bay boats.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. A fortnight ago, a fire broke out at the village of Ninnisbridge, in the parish of Lelant, which reduced two dwelling-houses to ashes before it could be subdued. The fire is supposed to have originated in consequence of some sparks having fallen on the thatch from a chimney. The furniture of the house, although saved from the flames, was greatly damaged. We regret to learn that these houses, which were wholly uninsured, were almost the sole support of two brothers and a sister, who have been totally blind from their childhood, the youngest of whom is now 38 years of age, and we sincerely hope that an appeal, which, we understand, is to be made to the benevolent on their behalf, shall not be made in vain. Our informant states that both their parents are dead, and that they are almost without a friend.
LIGHT SOVEREIGNS. The utmost indignation is raised throughout the country at the conduct of the government with regard to the light gold, the prevailing opinion being that if the currency be national, the loss in the use of it should be national also. A Tory provincial paper calls those who complain of the vexation, trouble, and loss attendant on the present state of the currency, "wiseacres", not knowing that it will call in the English gold in foreign countries; but this great wiseacre forgets that the gold coinage might be called in without subjecting the laborer, the mechanic, and particularly the tradesmen, to the various losses to which they have all been made subject by this measure. The tradesmen of Truro had a meeting on the subject, and have recommended that light sovereigns be not received for more than the bankers will allow for them.
[I gather new coins, with less gold content, were being issued, supposedly of the same value as the older, heavier coins. jm]
PENZANCE GRAND WRESTLING. The sport terminated on Tuesday, the 28th ult., after three days' most excellent play, when the prizes were awarded as follows:
1st prize, GBP7. to John ROBERTS of Ludgvan; second, ditto, GBP4, to William PEARCE, of St. Austell; 3rd ditto, GBP2, to Nicholas EDWARDS of Madron; 4th ditto, GBP1, to John BENNETTS, of St. Just; 5th ditto, gold laced hat, to William WILLIAMS of Ludgvan; 6th ditto, silver laced hat, to William RODDA of Crowan. Thomas GUNDRY was on the ground, but refused to play with Pearce, they being matched together. Roberts threw Pearce in fine style, and there is every prospect of his being a first-rate player.
WILL OF THE LATE LORD FORTESCUE. The will of the Right Hon. Hugh Earl Fortescue, late of Castlehill, Devon, has been proved by the Right Honorable Earl Fortescue, his son and only executor. The will, which bears date the 27th of November, 1832, is written on a small sheet of notepaper by his lordship. He bequeaths to his five married daughters, Lady Hester, Lady Catherine, Lady Ann, Lady Mary, and Lady Elizabeth, GBP2,000 each, in addition to a portion of GBP10,000 previously settled on each of them on their marriages. To his son George, a rent-charge of 1,000 guineas, in addition to his portion of GBP10,000. To his "valued" (so called by his lordship) servant, Thomas FISHER, GBP 50 a year for life. In a codicil, he gives to his daughter, Eleanor Fortescue, a legacy of GBP2,000, his lordship observing that her name had been unaccountably overlooked in the will. He revokes the legacy to Lady King, as she had been well provided for by her late husband. The personal property is sworn under GBP 50,000.
VAN AMBURGH. This celebrated lion tamer has announced his intention of entering Truro on Friday next, in grand procession, which will be headed by an open carriage, containing a band of musicians, drawn by eight fine cream-colored horses, to be driven by the great tamer himself. The performing elephant will form a part of the procession, and, no doubt, the sagacious animal will prove in Cornwall, as he has everywhere else, a wonderful favorite. The procession will pass through the principal streets of the town, and will then stop at the top of Lemon-street, where a field has been taken, in which Van Amburgh has promised to fix his tent on Friday and Saturday, being the only two days on which the people of Truro will have an opportunity of seeing the extraordinary feats of daring for which Van Amburgh has been so long renowned.
MELANCHOLY AND FATAL ACCIDENT. On Saturday morning last, as Mr. William Roberts PENROSE, the only son of the late W. PENROSE, Esq., of Tregi[s?], was coming to Truro, up the river, in a small boat, from his lodgings at Pill, when just below Turnerweir bar, he was overtaken by a squall, and the main-sheet being belayed, the boat was capsized. Mr. Penrose, and the lad who was with him, remained on the gunwale of the boat for some minutes. Unfortunately, the former jumped from the boat with an oar in his hand, hoping thus to reach the shore, which was but a short distance. He was, however, unsuccessful, the oar having floated from him, and being unable to swim, we lament to say he was drowned. The lad who was with him was taken off the boat about two minutes after Mr. Penrose had gone down, but the body of the latter was not found till Wednesday morning, when it was found by a man named TREVILLIAN, lying at the bottom in about six feet of water. The deceased, who was in the 22nd year of his age, was articled to Messrs. HODGE and HOCKIN, and was very generally respected. It is to be regretted that with such opportunities as are afforded in the neighbourhood of Truro, and many other towns, boys do not more generally learn to swim. The art is easily acquired, is promotive of cleanliness and health, and would be the means of saving many lives which are now brought to an untimely end. There is no doubt that in the present case, if Mr. Penrose had been able to swim, he might have reached the shore in safety. On Wednesday, an inquest was held on the body before J. CARLYON, Esq., when evidence, in substance similar to what is above stated, was given, and a verdict returned of Accidentally drowned.
CORONER'S INQUESTS. On Wednesday last, an inquest was held at Sticker, in the parish of St. Ewe, before J. Carlyon, Esq., coroner, on the body of Emily BONE, five years' of age, who, during the temporary absence of her aunt, in whose care she was left on Monday last, caught her clothes on fire, and was so dreadfully burnt before the flames could be extinguished, that she died in the course of a few hours. It appeared that at the time the aunt left the house, she was not aware there was any fire in the grate; but, unfortunately, there was sufficient there to light a match, which the deceased got hold of, and just as she had lit it, she heard a pig make a noise, and in her hurry to run out to see what was the matter, she put the lighted candle on her bosom, and it caught her clothes on fire. Verdict, accidental death.
CORNWALL GENERAL QTR SESSIONS, Continued from our last week's paper
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
MARY ANN PENHALE, 19, and MARY ANN TREVENA, 15, were charged with stealing 110 lbs of iron, from Wheal Unity Wood mine, the property of the adventurers. JOSEPH WATERS, examined by Mr. SMITH, is a constable of Kenwyn, had worked for 30 years at Wh. Unity Wood mine. On the 10th of June, he saw the two prisoners near the Count-house, about ten or eleven o'clock. They went up near the engine, and laid down near the hedge for about an hour. Witness watched them; he moved out of their sight, and then saw them go with their bags, and put some iron from the pile into the bags. Witness followed them, and found they had iron. They threw the bags down, and ran away. Witness called out to some persons who stopped them. ABRAHAM PENGELLY, a miner, on the 10th of July, was at Wh. Unity Wood, and saw the prisoners running away. On being called to by the last witness, he assisted with another man in securing them. The iron, on being produced in Court, was sworn to by Waters, as the property of the adventurers in Wheal Unity Wood mine. Verdict, both GUILTY. Three months' hard labor.
JOHN THOMAS, 22, was charged with having stolen from the dwelling house of JOHN ROWE, a farmer of Gulval, one sovereign, on the 31st of May. Mr. John conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Bennallack the defense. JOHN ROWE stated that he lived at Gulval; on the 30th of May, he placed some money in a box up stairs. On the 31st, he went out to his farm, and on returning about dinner-time, missed a sovereign. Saw prisoner, about ten minutes after, and told him he was the man. Prisoner denied, and said, if you don't fetch a warrant for me, I will get one for you. Prisoner was afterwards apprehended; and a witness saw him at Penzance. Prisoner asked witness to make it up, offering to restore the sovereign, and give him money besides. He also asked witness not to bring BENJAMIN PEARCE against him. JAMES ROWE, son of the prosecutor, on the morning of the 31st of May saw prisoner at his father's house about ten o'clock. He remained there with witness some time, and they went together up towards prosecutor's field; but prisoner left him on the way, saying he would be back in a few minutes. He returned to witness in about half an hour. Witness returned to his father's house, about half past seven o'clock, and found the door broke open; when he left about half-past ten, he had locked the door and put the key in his pocket. BENJAMIN PEARCE, was at Gulval on the 31st of May, between ten and eleven, and saw prisoner coming out of John Rowe's house. There was no one with him. He [prisoner] said there was no one in but James Rowe, and he was in bed very bad. Witness saw the prisoner close to the door. Witness went to prosecutor's house, knocked at the door, and called James Rowe; no answer was made; and witness, from what prisoner had told him, thought James was very ill. Mr. Bennallack addressed the jury for the prisoner, and called ELIZABETH ELLIS to prove that he had remained in the field till a quarter to twelve, and after. James Rowe had left it at half-past eleven. CHARLES JAMES, a kitchen gardener, gave evidence as to the prisoner?s good character for honesty. Verdict, GUILTY. Twelve months' hard labor.
JAMES WILLIAMS, 15, was charged with stealing a silver watch, chain, and key, the property of HENRY ROWE, of Sancreed. Henry ROWE, prosecutor, lived at New Bridge, Sancreed. On the 14th of June, his watch was in the drawer of the dresser, about twelve o'clock. He went up stairs, being ill. His watch was lost; and he saw it afterwards in the possession of SELIG, a Jew. MARY ROWE, wife of prosecutor, on the 14th of June, placed her husband's watch in the drawer of the dresser. Saw it there at two o'clock. Prisoner that day came in to ask what o'clock it was. She went to the watch to see and told him. It was then two o'clock. He is not one of the neighbourhood. He then left the house, and witness went up stairs for a quarter of an hour, leaving no one down stairs. She then came down, and went out for water. On her return, in about ten minutes, a woman asked her what o'clock it was. She went to see, and found the watch was gone. Witness had since seen the watch in the hands of Mr. Selig. BENAJMIN SELIG, watchmaker, of Penzance, saw the prisoner on the 14th of June. He came to witness's shop with a watch, and to look at some wearing apparel. He selected a jacket, which witness sold him for 17s.6d. He asked if witness would take his watch in exchange. Witness agreed to give 14s. and the jacket for the watch. Prisoner said his name was Williams, and he had no father. He referred to parties in St. Just which witness knew. Verdict, GUILTY. Three Months? hard labor.
RICAHRD THOMAS, 17, was found GUILTY of stealing three pounds of candles, the property of JOHN COCK, a miner employed at Wheal Harmony mine. Three months' hard labor.
The Court here adjourned for the purpose of holding a county meeting, to address the Queen, Prince Albert, and the Duchess of Kent, a report of which meeting we gave in our last week's paper.
TRIALS OF THE PRISONERS RESUMED
BENJAMIN TRELOAR, 23[?], was charged with stealing, at St. Agnes, two legs and a shoulder of salt pork, and three parts of flitches of bacon, and a winnowing sheet, the property of JOHN ROWE. The prosecution was conducted by Mr. Cock. The case was clearly proved against the prisoner, the theft, having taken place in the evening of the 4th of April, after the prosecutor and his wife had gone to bed early. The Court refused to allow the expenses of a witness called JOHN SYMONS, the person who ad bought the port of the prisoner. GUILTY, two years' hard labor.
WILLIAM BAGLOW, 21, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of stealing five [?], the property of Sir William MOLESWORTH, Bart. One month's hard labor.
FREDERICK ROSEVEAR, 20, CHARLES BONE, 18, and HENRY CARLYON, 22, were charged with having stolen a quantity of cider, the property of JOHN JOB, an innkeeper, of St. Austell. ELISABETH JOB, wife of the prosecutor, about 12 o'clock on the night of the 22nd of April, went out into the yard, and found the back gates open. She put them fast, and told her husband, who came out, and on their searching round the premises together, they saw two men concealing themselves in the cellar. These were Rosevear and Carlyon. Witness called up her lodger, JOHN TRUSCOTT, who came down. She herself seized Carlyon at the coal-house door. Then Truscott seized Rosevear with a pitcher of cider. Carlyon threw down witness and got away. Witness then assisted in securing Rosevear. He was taken into the house, and a constable was called. The pitcher which Rosevear had, was broken in the scuffle, and the pieces contained cider. Witness examined the barrel. There was a rough spile put in loosely and recently. A gimblet corresponding with the spile-hole was found in the cellar. JOHN JOB, prosecutor, besides corroborating the evidence of the last witness, stated that Rosevear, at the time, had on Bone's coat, Bone being waiting in the cow-market immediately adjoining. Rosevear was barefooted, as was also Carlyon. When Carlyon was taken, he was disguised in women's clothes. This was six weeks after the robbery. When this case had been partly heard, it was discovered by Mr. Bennallack, that the Grand Jury had found no Bill against the prisoner Bone. He was, of course, immediately discharged. Both the other prisoners were found GUILTY. Two months' hard labor.
HANNAH JORY, 32, a notorious character in Truro, was charged with stealing ten shillings from the person of ROBERT LIDDICOAT in the streets of Truro, on the evening of the 11th of May. Much of the evidence in this case, and still more the defence set up by the prisoner was of a disgusting character, such as we cannot attempt to publish; but we regret to say that it did not appear to affect the modesty of any of a large number of apparently respectable females in the Grand Jury Gallery. Ten Years' Transportation. The Chairman, in passing sentence, said the Bench had reason to believe that this prisoner had been eight times before in gaol, for different offences. On receiving her sentence, the prisoner burst into tears, and begged, for mercy's sake, that she might be allowed to have her dear child with her.
HENRY ADAMS, a decrepit old man, 73 years of age, was found GUILTY of stealing a bundle of straw, the property of MARK GUY, of Endellion, and sentenced to One Month's hard labor.
LAW versus JUSTICE JOSEPH LAPPING, 33, was charged with assaulting with intent to steal from the pocket of EDWARD HOCKEN, a farmer, at Camelford fair, on the 26th of May. The prisoner was one of the light-fingered frequenters of fairs, and had much the appearance of a second or third rate member of the Swell Mob. On the occasion of the attempt for which he was committed, he fell into the rough hands of one of our vigorous Cornish farmers, who, it appears, held him for some time, till a policeman arrived, gripped as in a vice, or a gin. It was deeply regretted by every one in court, that the grasp of the law was not as tight upon him as that of the prosecutor. The prosecution was conducted by Mr. E. LYNE; the defense by Mr. G. JOHN and Mr. ROWE. It appeared the prisoner made his descent on Camelford at about four o'clock on the fair-day. At about half past seven, while Hocken was walking out of the fair, leading his horse, and by the way, stopped to shake hands with a woman, the prisoner came and shoved strong against him. Hocken almost immediately felt the prisoner's hand in his breeches pocket, lifting his purse. He was down upon the prisoner's arm in an instant, and held it in the pocket, while the pickpocket tired all means, by force and wheedling, to get free. But the old man had before been bitten; and was determined, in the present case, to secure his man. "Stop, my man, you're not gone yet." With that the strange gentleman began to talk about his being a man on honour!! (laughter) and said to Hocken "if you don't release me, I must make you." "Stop, my shaver," replied the Cornish farmer, "perhaps there's some question about that; may be, you've mistaken your man." With that, the gentleman of honour began to look pitiful. He then again attempted to hector the old man, and flung himself about pretty boisterously. But, said his pitiless holder, "I gave him a bit of a punch; and he gave a pretty good grunt. (laughter) I had been robbed before, and I was determined this fellow should not get free unless he left a piece of his hand behind." Presently, the policeman came up, and the pickpocket was delivered into custody. Considerable [amazement] and satisfaction were afforded by agreeable manner in which the honest and vigorous old farmer related the circumstances of his encounter with the "man of honour". The facts stated by the prosecutor were fully corroborated; and the policeman stated that the prisoner on his way to prison attempted to bribe him to let him go. After the guilt of the prisoner was thus clearly established, Mr. John, the prisoner's advocate, took an objection to the indictment. It was, in effect, that the indictment charged the prisoner with assaulting with intent to STEAL, not mentioning the word ROB; whereas Mr. John contended that according to the legal distinction between those two words, the former implying stealing merely, and the latter, stealing by violent means; according to the evidence in the present case, the prisoner should have been indicted for assaulting with intent to ROB. The indictment, it was stated by Mr. Lyne, had been drawn according to the form given in Archbold, where under the title "For assault with intent to rob," no word "rob" was mentioned in the form of the indictment. The Bench told the Jury that, much to their regret, the prisoner must be acquitted, the objection to the indictment being fatal The prisoner was, therefore, to the regret of every one in the Hall, acquitted.
ELIZA ROWE was tried and acquitted on the charge of stealing 100 turves, the property of WILLIAM KEVAN, of Paul.
The Court then rose.
Second Court - Wednesday June 29
NICHOLAS PHILP, 65, pleaded GUILTY of having stolen at Crowan, a hand-saw, and sundry other articles, the Property of JOHN CORAK[?]. A former conviction against the prisoner was also proved. Twelve months? hard labour.
JOSEPH HOAR, 18, pleaded GUILTY to having stolen four pieces of scruff brass, the property of GEORGE RABY, of St. Martins. Three months' hard labor.
MARY GUNNELL was charged with stealing a sheet, the property of Ann RANK, and a flannel shirt, the property of Henry Tregellas NEWTON, of Bodmin; but the jury found her NOT GUILTY.
THOMAS JOB, 16, was found GUILTY of having stolen a brass pan, the property of Benjamin TRELOAR, of Mabe. There was another charge against him of having stolen 20 lbs. weight of brass, the property of Robert MENEAR, of St. Gluvias; but on this charge no evidence was offered. In sentencing this prisoner, the CHAIRMAN said the magistrates were about to try whether sending him to the institution at Parkhurst may not be beneficial to him. He would there receive instruction, such as he had hitherto wanted, and the Bench hoped he would avail himself of it. The sentence about to be passed was apparently a heavy one; but the object of the magistrates in so doing was to send him to Parkhurst. The sentence was Two years' imprisonment, with hard labor. The governor of the Gaol stated to the Bench, that unless the prisoner was sentenced to Transportation, he could not be admitted at Parkhurst. The CHAIRMAN - We doubt that. The Act of Parliament does not say so. We mean to apply to the Home Office; and if they say they never send to Parkhurst, unless under sentence of transportation, we must alter the sentence.
NATHANIEL PARNELL, 16, and SAMUEL CHUDLEIGH, 13, were charged with having stolen a shirt and pair of trowsers, belonging to Anthony SPILLER, of Sheviock. It appeared that the articles in question had been washed and hung out on the hedge to dry, from whence they were taken away. They were afterwards traced into the possession of the prisoners, and the shirt was found on Chudleigh's person; he confessing that he had taken both the articles in question. GUILTY - to be once privately whipped.
JOSEPH GEORGE, pleaded GUILTY of having stolen a watch from an engine-house. Three months' hard labor.
HENRY BRAY, 16, was charged with having stolen two silver spoons, one German silver prong, and a salt spoon, the property of Mr. James COAL [or COAD] of the Queen's Head, Bodmin. The prisoner, was under-ostler at the Queen's Head, and in May last he was discharged by the ostler, who afterwards had occasion to look for the prisoner's boxes, and found that they had been removed. NICHOLAS HAWKEN, a constable, stated that on the 3rd of May he was called upon by the ostler to go to the Queen's Head; he met the prisoner there, and found the prisoner's boxes in a cart in the gig-house. On opening the boxes, witness found a silver spoon, a German silver prong, and a German silver spoon. These, prisoner said, were his sister's; then he said that they were his father's. Witness took him into custody, and upon searching him found the stem of a silver spoon in his possession. It was afterwards ascertained that he had sold the bowl of a silver spoon to Mr. MAUNDER, watch maker, of Bodmin, about 10 or 11 months since, for 3s. 6d., and this bowl, Mr. Maunder now stated his belief to have formed the other part of the spoon to which the stem belonged. JANE GLANVILLE, a servant of the prosecutor's, and the prosecutor himself, proved the stem to be his property, and the female witness produced other articles exactly similar to those which the prisoner was charged with having stolen. Verdict, GUILTY. Nine months' hard labor.
JOHN BULLON, 44, was charged with having stolen a quantity of faggot wood and poles, the property of the Rev. Mr. BLENCOWE and Lady MILLER. The prisoner was ably defended by Mr. George John. William MARTIN, of St. Stephens, farmer, said he looked after the wood belonging to the Rev. Mr Blencowe and Lady Miller. On the 1st of June, prisoner bought 200 faggots of wood. On the 2nd of June, he discovered some poles missing, and he sent two faggoters to search for what had been taken. Witness afterwards saw 19 of these poles on the prisoner's premises. Cross-examined; Never sold him any poles. He had not paid me, but the man is worth hundreds of pounds, and could pay any time. He is a labouring man, rather too industrious for some people. Re-examined: There were no poles of this description in the faggots when the faggots were sold.
RICHARD CO[OMB]E examined. Was employed by last witness as a faggoter: before the 2nd of June, carried some poles and arranged them near the faggots. Saw poles on the 1st of June, and on the 2nd, a great many were gone. Went and told master, and he went to the prisoner's premises; found 19, which I could swear to as having put upon the heap myself. Cross-examined: Could not see any poles in the wood like those taken away; there were 500 other poles in the wood. When the prisoner came down the first time, witness said he had better go and get a gallon of beer first. He said he would not give any; I said it was more a matter of joke to see what temper he was in; he was not quite so much up to the joke as I was. {laughter). A great many bring beer that do buy faggots - quite unexpected. They bring the beer out of good fellowship - not to say that we were going to make two faggots into one (laughter). The prisoner was taken on the 2nd of June, he went to the Magistrates without a warrant. By the COURT - could swear to the whole 19 poles, but to one crooked one in particular. (Some of the poles were produced, but evidence respecting them was not admitted because they had been in the possession of one constable who was not present.)
WILLIAM RICHARDS, examined - Lives in St. Stephens and is a constable. The prisoner was delivered into my charge on the 3rd of June. Some conversation passed between Bullon and Martin - When the prisoner came near St. Austell, he said it is better for you to take money and make it up, for consider my poor little boy. He has a mother, an old woman of 80; I believe he maintains her; he is a widower, and has one little boy, five years of age. I cannot say much about him - but there is scarcely an honest man in the country (laughter). This being the case, Mr. John took an objection that the best evidence was not given as to the property being that of Lady Miller and the Rev. Mr. Blencowe, and maintained that Mr. Simmons, the agent, or some one else authorized, should have been called to prove the property as belonging to them. The Court ruled the objection to be fatal, and directed the jury to find a verdict of Not GUILTY, which they did.
WILLIAM HICKS, 13, was charged with having stolen a silver watch, from an engine-house, in Wheal Buller mine, in Redruth. BENJAMIN TIPPET, examined: I look after the engine in Wheal Buller; was attending on the Whim engine on the 9th of June; left between eight and nine in the morning; there was a watch belonging to me in the cupboard; saw the watch about half-past eight; was absent about five minutes; on my return, the watch was gone; saw the prisoner in the [house?] about three-quarters of an hour before the watch was taken; have since seen the watch, on the same day, in the possession of JACOB SCHWERER. Jacob Schwerer examined: I live at Redruth, and am a clock and watch-maker; saw the prisoner at my shop on the 8th of June; bought a silver watch of him; he asked if I exchanged watches, I said yes; he said he had a watch to sell - that it was he father's, and that his father was too busy to come himself. He said his name was GOLDSWORTHY, and that he lived at Lanner; he said he wanted a smaller watch, and we made an exchange. I saw TIPPET's comrade about two hours afterwards, and Tippet an hour after that. The prosecutor claimed the watch as his, and I gave it to ROBERT LILLY, the Redruth policeman. Robert LILLY said from information he received, he went after the prisoner and apprehended him with a watch on his person. These watches were identified by Schwerer and Tippet as their respective property. GUILTY. To be once privately whipped.
MARY ANN REED, 21, was charged with having stolen from the dwelling-house of CHRISTOPHER BAWDEN, of Camborne, a silver watch, his property. Christopher BAWDEN examined: In the month of May, I had a watch, which I left over the mantel piece; I found it missing on the 6th of June. In consequence of the loss, I went and enquired of Mr. SCHWERER, and found the watch in his shop. MARY BAWDEN examined: I live about 50 yards from the prosecutor's house; saw the prisoner at my house the 3rd of June, to ask if I knew a person who wanted a servant girl. I did not treat with her, and she went past prosecutor's house. Jacob SCHWERER stated that on the 4th of June, the prisoner came to his shop to sell him a watch, which she wished to sell because she wanted to go to Truro, and had no money. Witness bought it, and three or four days afterwards he saw Christopher Bawden, who asked for his watch, and witness showed it to him. Gave the watch to Lilly the constable. LILLY was called, and produced the watch, which the prosecutor identified as his property. The prisoner denied having ever been in the neighbourhood of Redruth for four years, but the jury found her GUILTY. Six months' hard labor.
WILLIAM JENKINS, 12, was charged with having stolen a goose egg, the property of CHARLES ROGERS, farmer, of St. Blazey. The prosecutor stated that he had lost a great number of eggs upon which geese were sitting, and that the eggs had been frequently taken away. PHILLIP BOS[COW]THERICK, a labourer in prosecutor's employ, stated that on the 12th of April, he saw the prisoner along with other boys pelt a goose and drive her from her nest; the witness then saw prisoner take an egg, upon which he took him into custody. JOHN TRELOAR, constable of St. Blamey, said that after the prisoner was committed, he asked him how he could have been so foolish, and the boy said he was led away by the other boys that were with him. The CHAIRMAN censured the prosecutor for having brought such a case to the sessions. Mr. Rogers said that he only wished, when he took the boy before the magistrate, for him to have a slight punishment, but that Sir COLMAN RASHLEIGH said he was obliged to send him for trial. GUILTY. One week's imprisonment.
MARY JASPER, 28, was charged with having stolen a sovereign, the property of her master, MR. JOHN REED, of Lewannick. John REED examined. I am an innkeeper and butcher residing at Lewannick; the prisoner was a servant of mine; she came into my service in March; on the 14th of April I put some money into the desk - six GBP5 notes 10 sovereigns, and GBP5 in silver. The desk was in the little parlour, from which there was a door into the kitchen. I locked the desk, and put the key into a drawer beneath I went to the farm, and on my return I saw the prisoner in the little parlour with her shoes off. In consequence of seeing her with her shoes off in the little parlour, which she was not allowed to go into, I unlocked the desk, and found the drawer in the desk in which I put the purse; the purse was not in the same state as when I left it; I counted the money and found a sovereign gone. I then went up to my wife, and she came down to where the prisoner was, in the boys? room. My wife said "Mary, the master has got a sovereign gone." The prisoner said "pity I should have ever went into the parlour at all." My wife said, "there is no person who has been in the house except me, Mary Knight, and you." Mary KNIGHT was called, and she said that she had not been in the room at all. My wife then said Mary JASPER, you must have got the sovereign. She said "if I'm poor I'm honest." Then she went in and got a little bundle and showed the money she had; my wife said you must be searched, then the prisoner began to undress herself; she was then close to the boys' bed; I then went down stairs, and on my return I told her she might as well dress. I went and searched her bed, and then came to search the boys' bed; she said it was no use to search there, for her mistress had searched already. I then searched and found the sovereign between the bed side and the bed. I then went down stairs, and said I would have her before Mr. ARCHER; she said she would go, upon which my wife said "surely, Mary, you won't perjure yourself like that," and then she burst out crying, and begged I would not do anything for the sake of her child. I then said Mary how came you to do it? And she said "I believe the devil was with me." MARY REED, the wife of the prosecutor, corroborated the evidence given by her husband In her cross-examination, Mr. Bennallack pressed her as to whether she had not told the prisoner to say that "distress drove her to it." The witness would not answer this question, and a rather angry discussion ensued between Mr. Darke (the advocate for the prosecution) and Mr. Bennallack, amid which the matter dropped. Mr. DARKE sworn, and stated that he attended when the depositions were taken down, The prisoner, on being cautioned that what she stated would be taken down in writing, said that "distress drove her to it." This being the case, Mr.Bennallack urged that a sovereign was not properly described as "goods and chattels" and that the word "monies" should have been introduced into the indictment before the words "goods and chattels." Mr. Darke argued on the other side, and the Court directed Mr. Bennallack to argue the point in moving an arrest of judgment, in case the prisoner should be found guilty. Mr. Bennallack then addressed the jury, and called Mr. JOHN MARTIN, a yeoman, of Trewen, who said he had known the prisoner as a domestic servant, and that she lived with him for three years, during which time she was as true and honest a servant as ever he found. MR. HENRY GxxMAN, farmer, of Trewen, said he had known the prisoner during the whole of her life, and she had lived with him several times. He would trust her with any thing in the world. ANN LANGMAN, a poor man's wife, of Linkinhorne, had known the prisoner for six years, and had never heard anything against her until now. JOHN PROUT, farmer and landowner, of Trewen, had known her 38 years, and had never heard anything against her or her family. The CHAIRMAN summed up, and after some deliberation on the part of the Jury, he told them that if they wished to have any information he would give it to them. A JUROR - Why was not the other woman (Mary Knight) brought here? This was a poser, which the Honourable CHAIRMAN said he could not answer - the information he meant to give was that which related to the evidence brought before the Court, and the jury must form their own opinions as to any other circumstance. The jury were then locked up, and after about two hours' deliberation, they returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
The Court was adjourned on the hearing of this trial.
THURSDAY, JUNE 30
JURY DEMEDIETATE LINGUAE - ANTOINE JULIEN, 25, was charged with having stolen, on the 28th of May, a blue frock coat, waistcoat, and trowsers, the property of JOSEPH MARTIN, of Budock. The prisoner was a Genoese, and had come to Falmouth in the Egyptian ship, the "Ashereen." On his being arraigned on Wednesday, he claimed the privilege of having a jury partly composed of foreigners. Germans and Italians were found, and they were sworn on the jury. Being Jews, they were sworn on the old testament, and with their hats on. The prosecutor had the articles in question on the 28th of May, on his master's premises. He saw them last on the table in his bed room down stairs. He found them missing next day, and did not again see them till the 24th of June, when he saw them in prisoner's possession. The prosecutor added that he had seen the prisoner before the 28th of May. Saw him one morning on his master's premises. JAMES GUTHBRIDGE, a constable of Falmouth, apprehended the prisoner on the night of the 24th of June. He was secreted under some stairs in a dwelling house belonging to a man called PETERS. Prisoner had a bag with the clothes in it, which witness took possession of, and which were identified and owned by prosecutor. The prisoner [?] and said "No your clothes - no your clothes." The prisoner's examination before the magistrates stated that he left the Egyptian ship about six weeks since, and then went to the cow-house belonging to Capt. KINSMAN, where the prosecutor supplied him with milk, bread, meat, tobacco, and clothes, for which prisoner deposited with him GBP 2.10s. The prisoner stated the same in his defence to the jury, through his advocate, Mr. Bennallack; adding that the prosecutor had had of him an Egyptian dress and cap; and that he (prisoner) had offered to give up prosecutor's clothes if prosecutor would repay the balance of money deposited. Prisoner had further offered to refer the matter to Mr. Fox, the Egyptian Consul, at Falmouth, and that if anything were due from him, Mr. Fox should be requested to advance it from wages which prisoner was about to earn in a voyage to Cork. The prisoner added that he had, by prosecutor's permission, regularly slept in Capt. Kinsman's cow-house. The whole of this statement the prosecutor positively contradicted. On being examined by the Bench, the prosecutor admitted that he had not gone to the magistrates for a week after his loss; and stated that it was in consequence of something that passed between him and prisoner at the shop of McDONALD, a slop seller, that he had prisoner apprehended. It was alleged that the clothes had been lodged with McDonald, and afterwards taken thence by prisoner. On this part of the case, the Court considered there was a deficiency of proof. Mc.Donald should have been brought into court, to prove who brought the clothes to him. In the absence of any evidence of this, the Court directed a verdict of Acquittal.
ANN MULLIS, 28, a single woman with a child in arms, was found GUILTY of having broken into the house of RICHARD VIVIAN, of St. Columb Minor, and stolen therefrom some silver and pence. On hearing the verdict, the prisoner, whose conduct had been very unbecoming throughout the trial, threw herself into a paroxysm of rage and fury. With the greatest violence, she exclaimed that she insisted on being again tried - that she was not guilty, and that she would not be put by in that way, if she was punished ten thousand times as much. She would not be found guilty by any one. She would hang herself, so help her God, if she was put back. Her child was taken out of her arms, by the turnkey; and it required the force of three men to take this virago out of the court, where she was heard for a long time shrieking with rage, till at last, we believe, she concluded with a hysteric fit. Twelve months' hard labor. One month solitary.
PARMENAS HAMBLY, 46, and WILLIAM HENDERSON, 23, were found GUILTY of stealing six bottles of porter, the property of EDWARD MOONSTEVEN WRIGHT, of Bodmin. A former conviction at the Michaelmas Session for 1830 was proved against HAMBLY. Hambly, Eighteeen months' hard labor; and Henderson, three months' hard labor.
JOHN MILDREN, 17, who was charged with having embezzled two shillings and fourpence, the property of his master, WILLIAM BODY, of Callington, was found NOT GUILTY.
RICHARD BENNET, 30, was charged with an infamous assault on his own daughter-in-law, MARY BROWNING. aged 15, the daughter of his wife. The assault took place during the absence from home of the mother, who was in the habit of going out as a nurse. On the prosecutrix being called, she appeared in such a state of real or pretended excitement that no evidence would be obtained from her, and after considerable delay, the chairman was obliged to direct the jury to acquit the prisoner. The excitement of the prosecutrix ceased as soon as the prisoner was acquitted. The chairman directed that only the witnesses unconnected with the family should be allowed their expenses.
JAMES HOOPER, 24, was indicted for an infamous assault on ELIZABETH SYMONS. The parties were fellow servants in the house of Mr. WORTH, at Calstock. The prosecutrix, having admitted on her cross-examination that she had allowed very improper liberties to the prisoner, and it appearing that she had taken no legal step against him till her father required her to do so, the Court dismissed the more serious charge, and the jury acquitted the prisoner on the count for common assault.
JOHN MAY, 27, committed by the justices of the borough of Truro, for want of sureties in a breach of the peace, was discharged with a reprimand and caution, no one appearing against him.
WILLIAM RICKARD, 33, was also discharged. He had been committed for want of sureties in a breach of the peace towards his wife, Rebecca RICKARD, at St. Mellion.
JOHN WILLIAMS, and JOHN PRAED, of St. Ives, were charged with riotously assembling and assaulting THOS. BROWN, in the execution of his duty as Bailiff of the Court of the Vice-Warden of the Stannaries. There was another count for a common assault. This was an indictment found at the last sessions, against four defendants, two of whom surrendered, and were tried and acquitted. The assault was committed while the bailiff was attempting to levy the sum of GBP8.2s. 6d. on the goods of a person called RICHARD WILLIAMS, residing in Pudding Bug [or Bag] Lane, St. Ives. The circumstances of the assault we reported last sessions. The prominent part which the present defendants took was clearly proved. Praed was inside the house exciting the mob to turn the bailiffs out, adding, in an observation to Williams, that "if they murdered a bailiff, there was no law for doing it." (Praed, it was stated, assumed to be a better lawyer than any in Penzance.) Williams then laid hold of the bailiff's collar, and said "You shall not stay here; I'll bundle you out, neck and heels." The bailiff was eventually prevented from completing the levy. One of the Jurors gave Praed a good character. Verdict, Both GUILTY of a common assault. Three months' imprisonment, and fined 40s. each.
JOHN HICKS was charged with stealing six planks of wood, the property of ANDREW BAWDEN and others; Mr. Stokes conducted the case, and Mr. John defended the prisoner. Andrew BAWDEN examined. Is Agent of the Tehidy mines, Redruth and Illogen; had two sawyers, James TERRELL and William CLIFTON, in his employ in February last; remembers their sawing timber in February belonging to the adventurers; missed the timber the latter part of February; there was a kind of barnacle hole and a shake in one of the planks, which he saw before he missed them; in consequence of their loss he obtained a search warrant against the prisoner, and went with TEAGUE the constable, and found the planks worked into doors in an out-house. They were the same he missed. Cross-examined by Mr. John. Was here at the last sessions as a witness against this same man. He was charged then with stealing timber and iron. These doors were brought before Mr. Stephen DAVEY, at the time prisoner was first before the Magistrate. The barnacle hole and the shake were in the plank then. Was then enabled to swear close that these doors were the property of the Tehidy adventurers. On my oath, when these doors were brought before Mr. Davey, I did not wish to swear that they belonged to the Tehiddy adventurerers. I did not say just now, to my knowledge, that the doors belonged to the Tehidy adventurers I might have said it. I did not swear to the timber; there were several things brought before Mr. Davey. These planks were as much known to be the property of the adventurers then as now, but the sawyers were not present to swear to them. I did not swear then that they were their property, for I was not requested. The timber was brought, and so was the iron, and I swore to that.
Q. And you were not believed?
A. There was a flaw in the indictment.
Q. And there was a flaw in your evidence?
A. There might have been a little. The doors were hung up in an out-house of the mine, where the prisoner lives. They were only hung up two days before they were taken. They might have been hung up three. Would not swear they had not been hung up for a week before.
Q. How did you presume to tell the jury that they were up only two days before ? did you not say two days?
A. They might have been four. Can't say they had not been a week before.
Q. Now tell me this, will you, on your oath, declare now, with the knowledge that you possess, that those doors were not hung there one month before?
A. I can't say that.
Q. Now I will press you a little further - will you swear that those doors were hung there three months before?
A. No, I will not.
The CHAIRMAN - Then do you mean that they were not ?
A. They were not.
Mr. John. I ask you .. you will undertake to say that these doors were not hung there three days before?
A. I can't say.
Q. Now, Capt. Bawden, will you tell the jury, on your oath, that these doors were not hung on the 1st of January last?
A. I can't say.
Q. Now having said that you cannot say whether they were hanging there on the 1st of January last, how dare you tell the jury that they were only hung two or three days before you went before the magistrates in April?
a. It was Goody Friday when I discovered it.
Q. That is no answer. How came you to say that they had been hung only two or three days before?
A. I cannot answer exactly.
Mr. Stokes - You have bothered him
Mr. John. No I have not. You will see, by and bye, what a pretty witness you have here. Were you in the habit of passing by these doors?
A. I was.
Q. Daily?
a. Perhaps once or twice a week.
Q. Did you see the doors then when you did pass?
A. Yes.
Q. How many times did you see them?
A. I saw them three or four times.
Q. You are in the habit of passing twice a week, and you can venture to say that you saw them there ? how many times?
A. I said two or three times perhaps.
Q. Did you say more than that just now? Did you tell the jury four or five times?
A. Not to my knowledge.
Q. Then you might have said so?
A. I might. The timber was cut on the 22nd of February; saw these boards in the timber-house in the latter part of February; did not know whether they were covered up or not.
Q. Then, Sir, if you don't know whether they were covered up or not, how can you undertake to swear that they were in the timber-house?
A. We never cover them up; when cut they are thrown down.
Q. But I ask whether these boards were covered by any other boards?
A. Not to my knowledge.
Q. Then if you don't know whether they were covered or not, how can you presume to swear that they were in the timber-house?
A. They were in the timber-house, of course.
Q. Of course! Were they covered up or not?
A. There were other planks there as well.
Q. Did you not tell the jury just now that you could not swear whether these planks were covered up or not?
A. I can't say whether they were covered up or not.
Q. Then if you could not swear whether these planks were covered up or not, how could you presume to swear that you saw these planks at the time?
A. The planks were there and the planks were missing.
Q. Do you mean to say there were there and missing at the same time?
A. While the sawyers were cutting, I measured them myself.
JAMES THOMAS, constable, also produced the planks in question, which had been roughly worked up for a common cart-house door. JAMES TERRELL and WILLIAM CLIFTON, the two sawyers, were then called to identify the wood as that which they had sawn on the 22nd of February. Both witnesses swore that they went before the magistrate in May, whereas, from their examination, Mr. John proved that it was in April. Capt. BAWDEN then proved that he was an adventurer, after which Mr. John addressed the jury, and they found a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
ROBERT HARRISON, 37, was charged with having stolen 22 sheets of writing paper, and one dozen steel pens, belonging to WILLIAM MARTIN. The prosecutor said, about two o'clock on the 6th of April, he purchased some paper and steel pens of a hawker, at Truro. He then went to the Blue Anchor Inn, where he met ABRAHAM TREVETHAN, THOMAS TONKIN, and the prisoner. Prosecutor then had the paper and pens in his pocket. Shortly after he went into the Blue Anchor, Trevethan told him he had better take care of what he had in his pocket, as the prisoner had attempted to take it out. A few minutes after he saw the paper and pens in the prisoner's hand, and he took them from him and carried them to the station house, and delivered them into the possession of HARE, one of the policemen. ABRAHAM TREVETHAN and WILLIAM HARE corroborated this evidence. The prisoner in his defense said he did not take the paper with any felonious intent, but it was half out of the prosecutor's pocket, and he took it to light his pipe. GUILTY, but recommended to mercy. One month's hard labor.
MARY HAMLEY, a servant in the employ of Mr. JOHN LORD, carrier between Polperro and Plymouth, was found GUILTY of stealing in the parish of Lansallos, three pair of gloves, and several remnants of prints, Persian, shirt cotton, and blue print, the property of her master. Six months' hard labor.
WILLIAM POLLARD, 13, was found GUILTY of stealing a faggot of wood, the property of JOSEPH PHILLIPPS, of Linkinhorne. A second imprisonment for a similar offence was also proved. Three months? hard labor, and once privately whipped.
MISDEMEANOR - PHILIS CHAPMAN, 33, was charged with keeping a disorderly house in St. Columb Major. The evidence adduced merely went to show that the prisoner kept a Mumper's Inn, in which, on one occasion, as many as 13 people of both sexes had been seen sleeping in one room, but none of the witnesses gave testimony of the house being otherwise of a disorderly character. The CHAIRMAN summed up the evidence favorably, but the jury found that the house was a nuisance. The court said the verdict must be either guilty or not guilty, and the jury found her GUILTY. Six months' hard labor.
The court then rose.
The following are the sentences of the prisoners whose trials we inserted in our report last week:
- MARY OUGH, stealing potatoes, One week's imprisonment.
- CAROLINE ROBERTS stealing a coral necklace, One month's hard labor.
- JOSEPH WILLIAMS and WILLIAM WOOLCOCK, stealing geese, and MARY ANN
RAY AND JANE LUKE, stealing stockings and shift - Two months' hard labor.
- JOSEPH HOARE, stealing brass, Three months' hard labor.
- MARY HAMBLY, stealing articles of dress, Six months' hard labor.
- MARK KELLY, stealing a horse, Twelve months' hard labor.
- WILLIAM OLIVER, stealing various articles from on board a vessel - Fourteen years transportation.
APPEALS
Merther appellant; Penryn, respondent. Mr. Hockin and Mr. Stokes for appellant; Mr. Shilson and Mr. Williams for respondent. Mr. Stokes moved, on behalf of the appellant, against an order for the removal of RICHARD EADY, his wife and child. Mr. Hockin, on being called on by the respondent's advocate to prove the service of notice of appeal, stated that he had, in the hand-writing of Mr. Williams, that gentleman's consent, as attorney for the respondent, to waive personal service on churchwardens and overseers. Mr. Shilson replied that he came here on the law of the case, having nothing to do with any previous transactions, and insisting on the necessity of compliance with the Act, which requires a service of the grounds of appeal on the churchwardens and overseers of the respondent parish, at least fourteen days before the Sessions. Mr. Williams, in explanation, stated that as far back as March last, an order was served in the usual way. A question arose at the last Sessions, whether an appeal should have been entered. The Court was of opinion that it should, and it was allowed to be entered on payment of costs of the day. In due time, the attorney for the appellants wrote to him, (Mr. Williams) asking him to admit service of notice. He replied that he would do so. After some time, the pauper, on whose evidence the respondent mainly relied, destroyed himself. There was no pretence for saying that he belonged to Penryn in any way. There was no doubt on the facts of the case that he belonged to the appellant parish. But the man having destroyed himself, the respondent was deprived of every ground of supporting the order, and the only alternative was raising this objection to the notice, though, he admitted, as a point of honour, he ought not to do so. If the Court would say, under the circumstances of the case, [it] was bound to admit the service, he was willing to do so. The circumstances of the case were peculiar, and, he conceived, justified him, in some measure, in acting as he had done. He was ready to submit to the decision of the Bench.
The Chairman said the Court was quite of opinion that the service must be admitted. Mr. SHILSON then consented to the order being quashed on the merits, with common costs.
COSTS of APPEALS
The Chairman stated that the gentlemen of the bar might now understand that there may be cases in which the Court may give exemplary costs, in cases of mala fides, negligence, or misconduct. The Court had hitherto almost confined itself to GBP5 costs; but, it would now be understood, that there may be circumstances in which it would be induced to give exemplary costs.
MERTHER appellant; MYLOR respondent. On the motion of Mr. Hockin, an order for the removal of NICHOLAS PHILP from Mylor to Merther, was quashed.
St. Saviour's, Dartmouth, appellant; St. Mary Magdalen, Launceston, respondent � Mr. Stokes and Mr. Brooking for the appellant. Mr. Shilson, and Mr. T. Darke for respondent. Mr. Stokes moved against an order for the removal of Ellen CARTER and two children from St. Mary Magdalen in this county, to St. Saviour's, Devon. Order confirmed.
Breage, appellant; Bodmin, respondent � Mr. Shilson and Mr. Hill, for appellant; Mr. John and Mr. Hockin, for respondent. Mr. Hill moved in appeal against an order for the removal of THOMAS BAWDEN, Catherine, his wife, William and Catherine, his children, and Mary Ann DYER, daughter of the said Catherine BAWDEN by a former husband. The case consisted of almost entirely of technical argument, of no general interest; in the end, the order was quashed, but Mr. Hockin obtained a case on the point whether they were not entitled to go into the question of relief.
TYWARDREATH, appellant; St. BLAZEY, respondent. Mr. John and Mr. B. Lyne for appellant; Mr. Shilson and Mr. Hockin for respondent. [The case was based on the fact that WILLIAM CARPENTER had rented a tenement in 1818 and 1819, for 40 days prior to the 2nd of July, 1819, when the law regarding settlement was altered. Mr. CARPENTER testified he had lived at St. Blazey, and at Michaelmas of that year, went to reside in Tywardreath, renting a dwelling house and garden of Mr. JOHN. PEARCE, at GBP7 per year. The following year, he rented of THOMAS PHILLIPS, about 72 yards of potatoe grounds at a rent of GBP5.6s.6d, making in the whole about GBP 12 rental in the parish. [the old law held he had to pay a minimum of GBP10 rent yearly to claim residence] He continued living in Tywardreath for several years, then returned to St. Blazey, but obtained no settlement there] The disputed point in the case was whether the pauper had occupied the potatoe ground for 40 days prior to the 2nd of July. {He must have taken possession of the land no later than 22 May. The pauper stated that he commenced tilling the potatoes in April or May, and his crop was all in by the middle of May. The witness was corroborated by his son.] For the appellant, THOMAS PHILLIPS, first of all stated that he never let any ground to the old Carpenter, but that he let it to his son, because he would not make a parishioner. The second and third week of May was about the regular time of tilling potatoes. The parties to whom he let the plot of potatoe ground had no right to enter till they were all in. He should think the last fortnight of May would be a regular tillage according to the average. He then, from his remembrance of the course of crops in the field, denied that in 1819 there were any potatoes in the ground.} Mr. PEARCE, of Tywardreath, stated that the general time for tillage of potatoes in that neighbourhood, was from the middle of May to the first week of June. After a long examination and cross-examination of witnesses, the Bench quashed the order with common costs.
The Court then rose finally.
15 JULY 1842, Friday
To the President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer, and Governors of St. Luke's Hospital,
My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, -
I take the earliest opportunity of returning you my most sincere and grateful thanks for the honour you have this day conferred on me, by unanimously electing me as one of the Physicians to your noble institution.
I have the honour to be,
My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
Your obedient and humble servant,
FRANCIS RICHARD PHILP, M.D.
Queen's College, Cambridge, and Licentiate of the
Royal College of Physicians
Kensington House, Kensington, June 22, 1842
FALMOUTH QUARTER SESSIONS. JANE RIDDLE was then charged [after the speech given by His Worship, which pointed out how much crime was being committed by children and young persons] with having feloniously appropriated to her own use five GBP 5 notes, the property of Mr. DRYSDALE, which were lost by Mrs. Drysdale, on the evening of the 23rd of April, in Falmouth market, and found by the prisoner. The prisoner was undefended, and pleaded not guilty; but the charge was fully proved, the particulars of which have already appeared in our police news. The jury returned a verdict of GUILTY, with a strong recommendation of mercy, and the prosecutor also put in a similar recommendation; when the Recorder considered the time she had already been in gaol, and sentenced her to One Calendar Month's imprisonment.
JOHN ROBERTS, a little boy about 10 or 11 years of age, was indicted for stealing from the shop of Mr. FLETCHER, confectioner, on the evening of the 14th of April, several cakes, ginger-bread, one shilling, and a few half-pence. He was detected by Martha ROBERTS (Mr. Fletcher's shop girl) under the counter, and when she asked him if he had taken any money, he said only one penny, dropping at the same time a shilling and two half-pence. The little urchin had nothing to say, whined a little when he heard GUILTY pronounced, but left the bar with a different countenance when he heard the Recorder sentence him to Six Weeks' imprisonment
SARAH BARNETT and MARY ANN HEARLE, two girls who attended Falmouth green-market, were indicted for having stolen from a little girl names RUESDEN, on the 2nd of April, a half-crown. The child was sent by her mother on that day to get a penny worth of turnips, to pay for which she gave her half-a-crown. She purchased turnips of the girl Hearle, and gave her the half-crown, and observed her to hand it over to Barnett. She then asked for her change, when Hearle disputed having any coin of her but a penny. An altercation ensued, and a great deal of recrimination took place between the parties, and the matter was eventually brought before the borough magistrates, when both prisoners were committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions, mainly upon the evidence of the child, who depositions were remarkably clear and distinct. Mr. MOORMAN made an ingenious defence for the prisoners, to which Mr. TILLY ably replied for the prosecution, and the jury, after a long deliberation, delivered a verdict of GUILTY against both prisoners. The Recorder sentenced them to Three Months' imprisonment each, and HEARLE was carried out of the hall violently shrieking.
The Court then rose.
FIVE LANES FAIR. The fair at Five Lanes, on Monday last, was exceedingly dull; there was only a small number of cattle offered, and the purchasers were few. Being a lamb fair, a large number were offered, which met with a very slack sale, and at an extremely low figure. A serious accident happened to Mr. NORTHY, a farmer of Laneast; a cow, having a calf at her side, ran at a dog, but with her horn caught Mr. Northy in the lower part of the body and threw him up into the air. Fortunately Mr. Thomas GOODE, surgeon, of Hick's Mill, was on the spot, and did every thing which skill could devise for the sufferer. It was thought at first that Mr. Northey could not live, and he now lies in a dangerous state.
STYTHIANS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The eighth annual exhibition of this society was held on Monday last, when the premiums were awarded to the successful competitors by Messrs. J. DUNSTAN, of Kea, T. DUNSTAN, of Wendron, and J. CLARK, of Perranzabuloe, who were the umpires on the occasion. The sheep-shearing prize, and the prize to the cottager who had reared the largest family without parochial relief, had no competitors.
SHEEP SHEARING. On Monday se'nnight, a sheep-shearing took place at Trianin in the parish of St. Erme, when the prizes free for the county, were awarded as follows: 1st prize, 15s., JOHN SEARLE, Probus; 2nd ditto, 10s. FRANCIS WOOLCOCK, jun., St. Erme; 3rd ditto, FRANCIS WOOLCOCK, sen., St. Erme. The prizes confined to the parish were awarded to the following persons: 1st prize, JAMES WEBB; 2nd ditto, CHRISTOPHER WHITFORD; 3rd ditto, WILLIAM KEMPE the prizes to young men under 20 years of age were awarded as follows: 1st prize, WILLIAM GILL; 2nd ditto, JOHN GILL; 3rd ditto, RICHARD WEBB. The umpires were Mr. HARRIS, of St. Allen; Mr. PAUL, of St. Erme; and Mr. BONE, of Ladock.
PROLIFIC COW. A cow, the property of Mr. Richard GEACH, Hendra, St. Stephens in Branwell, has had four calves within ten months and a fortnight, all of which are doing well.
ST. JUST IN PENWITH. On Tuesday last, Mr. GARLAND delivered a highly interesting lecture on the culture of the intellect, in the old Wesleyan chapel here, which is now used as a school-room, to a very attentive audience. The lecturer dwelt very largely on the necessity of closely studying literature and art, and particularly the sacred writings, as a means of improving the intellect
BAPTIST MISSIONS. The annual services in aid of the above missions, commenced in Truro, on Sunday last, when the Rev. T.C. Finch preached in the upper room, in Walsingham Place. On Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. Dr. COX, of Hackney, preached a sermon at Bethesda Chapel, which was kindly lent for the occasion, in consequence of many of the Baptists having seceded from their old place of worship. In the evening, a public meeting was held, when Mr. W.H. BOND, of Falmouth, took the chair, in the absence of Mr. Robert MTCHELL, who was unavoidably prevented from giving his attendance. The Rev. W. MOORE, Independent Minister, then rose and moved the first resolution; this was seconded by Dr. COX, who entered into a detailed history of the origin of the Baptist missionary society at Northampton and Kettering, in 1792, and stated in a clear and graphic manner some of the difficulties which the earlier missionaries had to contend against, especially from the all but universal sneers of their own countrymen.[...]
BODMIN. The inhabitants of this place have sustained a great loss in the removal from among them of the Rev. G. H. HOBBS, the highly-esteemed and much beloved minister of Lady Huntingdon's chapel, in consequence of ill-health. On Wednesday, June 22nd, there was a public tea, previous to his departure, in the New Market-house, which was kindly lent by the mayor for the purpose, when about 300 persons assembled to take their leave of him; and before they separated, he addressed them in a most interesting and affecting manner. On the following sabbath, he preached his farewell sermon to crowded and most attentive congregations, the chapel in the evening being so full that many persons could not obtain admission, and were obliged to leave again. During the ten years Mr. Hobbs has been in the town, his labours have been crowned with great success, and it is hoped that the extra services, previous to his departure, have been productive of much good to those who were privileged to attend them.
POST OFFICE ARRANGEMENTS. A new mail is, we understand, to be started in about a month from Exeter, through Okehampton, Launceston, Bodmin, Truro, Redruth, and Penzance, by which the London papers and letters, which now arrive at Truro at a quarter before seven, will reach that place at five, and Penzance at eight. Redruth and Penzance, the intermediate towns, will thus have an evening delivery of London letters; and the alteration is, altogether, one of the most satisfactory that the post office people could possibly have made for the convenience of the Cornish Public. The same mail will leave Penzance soon after six in the morning for London, thus giving the trade in the west a gain of 24 hours. The North mail will, in consequence of this arrangement, travel through Camelford, Wadebridge, and St. Columb, and ought to do the distance in a shorter space of time than at present. We believe the Quick-silver mail arrangements will remain as now constituted.
VAN AMBURGH. We stated last week that this celebrated lion-tamer was about to visit Truro, and that he will make his public entry into that town in grand procession, this day, at eleven o'clock. Great interest is excited in the neighbourhood, and there is no doubt that the procession and subsequent exhibitions will prove highly attractive.
VAN AMBURGH'S ELEPHANT. Some mischievous individuals, as Van Amburgh's elephant was passing through St. Blazey, on Wednesday night, set a bull dog on him. The dog, with more valour than prudence, went to the attack three separate times, when the sagacious beast gave him such a twirl in the air with his trunk the last time, that the dog did not come again to the scratch. We are sorry to hear that in the affair the keeper was thrown off the elephant's back, and for some time, it was thought, had received some serious injury. Such mischievous pranks as these with an animal of this kind cannot be too strongly deprecated.
CASTING THE FORTUNE. On Thursday, the 7th inst., the Callington Bench of Magistrates were engaged in hearing a charge, preferred by Mr. GEORGE WELLS SNELL, solicitor, against FREDERICK STATTON, who had gained considerable notoriety as a conjurer. From the evidence of EDWARD WESTLAKE, it appeared fortune, one evening, threw the conjurer in his way, who immediately began to display symptoms of knowledge in "casting a figure." Having lost nothing, Westlake did not feel disposed to listen to him, despite his mention of services, only to be known to be immediately appreciated. The principal witness was THOMAS LITTLE, who appeared bound in a most blissful state of witchcraft, so much so, that he could by no means be persuaded to take the oath, which only fear of a commital enforced. From his evidence, it appeared, that having lost some ducks, he immediately proceeded to the man of spells and witchcrafts and stated his loss. Statton, upon being informed of the case, and after a most mysterious perusal of books, aided by wands, and other cabalistic weapons, and indulging in such witticisms as "he feared the ducks were dead, which was a pity as green peas were not yet fit for use," and others of the like nature, told him to go home as fast as he could, and he would find the ducks there before him. He did so; and lo! and behold, for the honour of human nature, there they were. For this he paid the conjurer some money, who gave him a card with "Mr. F. S. STATTON, M.A., Saint Dominic," on it - prefacing it with a hope that if successful, he would recommend him to his friends. Being so successful in his first visit, he resolved to try again, and informed Statton of a certain law case in hand, begging his advice. The conjurer cautioned him to beware of all lawyers, who were certain to go many fathoms below terra firma, more particularly a certain one whom the figures pointed to as being bribed. The dupe, placing his faith in this, directly commenced town crier of his own affairs, which led to the discovery, and the consequent arraignment of Statton before the Magistrates. The conjurer, with great gravity, commenced his defence, "Honourable gentlemen," impressing upon their minds that the case had not been made out against him, and concluded with "Well, gentlemen, and what can you make of it?" The Magistrates, after a long consultation, seemed to have a foggy recollection that they could make something of it, and ordered him to answer any indictment that may be offered against him at the ensuing assizes at Bodmin. To such an extent was the system carried on by Statton, that people had been known to pay GBP 3 or 4 to obtain his knowledge of property worth as many shillings.
THE BITER BITTEN. At the Haleworthy petty sessions, for the hundred of Lesnowth, last week, a clergyman summoned his clerk, on a complaint of brawling in the church, which caused some merriment, and a good deal of recrimination, not very creditable to the complainant. The result was the bench considered his reverence had been most in fault; and adjudged him to pay all the costs, with a caution to be more circumspect in future.
TRURO POLICE. On the 7th instant, SAMUEL GLASSON, alias FERRET, of Truro, was charged with drunken and disorderly conduct in the streets. The charge having been proved, he was fined 5s. with costs, and required to find two sureties in GBP 10 each to be of good behaviour for the next twelve months, in default of which he was committed to the house of correction until the next assizes.
On Monday last, ISRAEL SEMMONS, of Truro, was charged with assaulting SEMMONS SEMMONS, his brother, and threatening the lives of the family. The prisoner, the night before, loaded a pistol, and threatened to kill his mother. The bench fined him GBP 2 with costs, and in default of payment, he was committed to the house of correction for one month, to be kept at hard labour.
CHILD MURDER. On Tuesday last, a single woman, about 40 years of age, called BETSEY BUNDAY, from Kilkhampton, was conveyed to Bodmin gaol for trial at the assizes, for the murder of her illegitimate infant child.
DEVONPORT. The Lords of the Admiralty have issued an order that from henceforth all hired men employed in H.M. Dockyards shall receive half-pay and medical attendance during illness.
22 JULY 1842, Friday
THE PACKET STATION. In answer to a question by SIR JOHN SEALE, on Wednesday se'nnight, as to whether government had yet decided as to the East and West India Packet Station, SIR R. PEEL replied that the government had come
to no decision on the subject, which was one of great importance, and required further consideration. They would not decide until they had inquired fully, and satisfied themselves of the relative fitness
of the several ports, both as regarded the interests of trade and the convenience of passengers. He trusted he need hardly say that the question would be decided wholly on considerations of the general
public interest. No particular port was yet fixed upon.
EMIGRATION. The barque "Sylvanus," which sailed from the port of Truro in May, with 150 passengers from this county, arrived at Prince Edward's Island at the end of June, after a long and boisterous passage of seven weeks. The passengers were all well, and after remaining two days on the Island proceeded to Quebec. The ship proved herself an excellent sea boat, and very tight.
ACCIDENT AT SEA. On Saturday morning last, CAPT. DANIELS, of the smack "Lively," on his passage from Swansea, was
knocked overboard by the boom, off the Land's-end, and drowned.
WILL OF THE LATE EARL OF FALMOUTH. The will and four codicils of the late Right Hon. Edward BOSCAWEN, Earl of Falmouth, Viscount Falmouth, and Baron Rose Boscawen, has just been administered to in the Perogative Court of Canterbury, by GEORGE HENRY, Earl of Falmouth, one of the executors named in the will. Amongst the several legacies in the will he gives to his wife, FRANCES, Viscountess Falmouth, GBP4,000, to
purchase herself a suitable house. To Vice-Admiral HENRY NICHOLLS, GBP 500, as a token of his esteem for his valuable and impartial advice and assistance. To his son GEORGE HENRY BOSCAWEN, all his estates in Cornwall. He appoints CHARLES LORD BAYNING, Vice-Admiral HENRY NICHOLLS, and his son, GEORGE HENRY, Earl of Falmouth, executors to his will, which is dated 15th July, 1819. The four codicils were written on small pieces of letter paper, and contain no particular legacies. The
personal property is sworn under GBP 60,000. (Observer)
APPOINTMENTS. Commander CORYNDON SPETTIGUE, R.N., to the Coast Guard, Falmouth, vice Morgan, who retires. Lieut. BRADY, late Admiralty Agent of one of the Peninsular steamers, is appointed to take charge of the
mails in the Royal West India Mail steamer "Medway," CAPT. SMITH.
TESTIMONIAL TO CAPT. PLUMRIDGE, R.N. A splendid piece of plate, intended to be presented to this honorable and gallant gentleman, as a
testimonial for the deep interest he always evinced for the port of Falmouth, and for his services as Chairman of the Royal Cornwall Regatta, has been received by the Secretary, Mr. T. P. DIXON, and is
now at Messrs. ROWE, silversmiths, for the inspection of the subscribers. It consists of a richly chased silver epergne. On a pedestal, which is ornamented with lotus flowers, stands a beautiful
figure of Flora, executed in dead silver, bearing a cornucopia, which gracefully folds around the Goddess, - the superior portion service as an elegant support for an exquisitely cut glass salver. It was manufactured by Messrs. MORTIMER and HUNT, late STORR and MORTIMER, and reflects great credit on their workmanship and taste. On the bar is a suitable inscription.
VAN AMBURGH [CIRCUS]. On Friday last, this extraordinary tamer and master of the brute creation made his public entry into Truro in grand style. Vast crowds of persons assembled from all the neighbouring parishes to see the procession, public curiosity having been raised by the glowing accounts of it that had previously appeared in other journals. From Tregolla along all the streets through which the procession was to pass, there were immense masses of people anxious to see the great lion of the day. At the head of the procession was a very splendid carriage, rich in gilding and blazonry, in which were seated a band of musicians, dressed in uniform. This carriage was drawn by a handsome team of eight cream-coloured horses, and on the box was Van Amburgh, who guided and managed them with admirable skill and dexterity. In the course of his progress from Tregolla to the field engaged for the performances, at the top of Lemon-street, he had to make several awkward and difficult turns, which he executed in an
admirable manner. After this handsome "turn-out", came the carriages containing the beasts, each drawn by four horses, the carriages themselves being very handsome. Some disappointment was felt by
many at not seeing the elephant, who did not make his appearance in the procession, as is his frequent habit, in consequence of the recent affray with the bull-dog between St. Blazey and St. Austell, which
had somewhat disturbed his equanimity. So much, indeed, was this the case, that the keeper who was thrown from his head, declined sleeping with him on Thursday night, and the elephant was left in charge of another keeper. This did not appear to please him, for in the course of the night he took up his companion, together with the truss of straw upon which he was lying, and threw him to the other side of the stable, against the wall. Fortunately the man sustained no injury. On arriving at the field, the carriages were ranged round the inside of the spacious pavilion, which is pitched in the form of a tent, and is large enough to contain above two thousand spectators. It is comfortably
fitted up, is most complete in its arrangements, and has a very handsome appearance. The morning performance commenced at two o'clock, and was attended by many more than a thousand persons. The entertainments commenced, with the performance of the elephant, whose docility and sagacity surpassed everything we had before seen. His implicit obedience to his keeper's commands was very remarkable, and he performed several feats which occasioned the greatest astonishment and pleasure to all present. Of course, Mr. VAN AMBURGH was the principal source of attraction, and when he made his appearance in the den, with the lion and tiger, he was greeted with thunders of applause. The mastery which he has acquired over the most ferocious of the brute creation is extraordinary. The natural ferocity of the animals is completely subdued; and the moment he enters the carriages they appear to be cowed and terrified, and permit him to deal with them as he thinks fit. He lies down among them, takes the panther in his arms, leans upon the neck of the lion with the greatest familiarity, and allows the leopards and panthers to leap over him as playfully as kittens. Owing to an accident which happened to the pony, which was fastened to one of the carriages, an fell while coming down a hill, by which he was much bruised, he and the monkey were unable to go through their performance. His place, however, will be immediately supplied by another. We understand that Mr. Van Amburgh has met with great
success in his Cornish tour, having had better attendances than in many larger counties.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. On Saturday morning last, about six o'clock, a fire broke out in the dwelling-house of ISAAC PROUT, Goonbell, in St. Agnes, which in the short space of three hours consumed the entire building, (with the exception of the walls), a barn, and four adjacent cottages. How the fire originated is not exactly known, but as the soot in Prout's chimney was first discovered to be on fire, it is supposed
that a spark from thence ignited the thatched roof; and the wind blowing a perfect gale at the time, the flames spread with the most fearful rapidity. A number of miners, who were on their way to their
respective places of labour, hastened to the scene of destruction, in order to render their assistance in stopping the progress of the devouring element, but owing to the scarcity of water, and the high
wind, they were obliged to leave the fire to take its course. They, however, succeeded in getting out most of the furniture belonging to the unfortunate cottagers, but by its hasty removal it was so much
damaged as to be worth but little. The property thus destroyed, by which five families are, for the present, destitute of a home, belonged to the occupiers, who are industrious miners, but who, as this class of persons generally do, neglected to insure their dwellings against such a calamity, and are consequently destitute of the means of repairing their loss.
COMMITMENTS. On Wednesday, the 13th instant, a young man, of the name of MATTHEWS, of Mount Stomfer, near St. Austell, was committed to Bodmin gaol, by Sir J. S. G. SAWLE, Bart., to take his trial at the coming assizes, for stealing potatoes; and on Friday last, a man of the name of PHILIP BRENTON was committed for a month, by the same magistrate, for ill-using his wife.
ST. COLUMB POLICE. On the 8th instant, WILLIAM TRENGOVE apprehended JOHN CARDELL, farmer, and JOHN GLANVILL, maltster, on a charge of stealing a window shutter, the property of Mr. JOHN RAINS, tailor, of St. Columb; and on Friday last, the same officer apprehended JOHN TIPPETT, on the charge of stealing a female ass, the property of JAMES UDY. The whole of the prisoners have been committed to take their trial at the coming assizes.
ACCIDENT. On Friday evening last, a little girl, the daughter of MR. TUCKER, of the Wheat Sheaf, Calenick-street, Truro, while playing on the wall of the back-quay, fell over into the river and broke her arm. Surgical aid was immediately obtained, when two projecting pieces of bone were sawed off, and the child's arm set, since which, though suffering much pain, she is likely to do well.
CORONER'S INQUESTS. The following inquests have been held by John CARLYON, Esq., coroner � On Thursday, the 14th instant, at Penryn, on the body of ELIZABETH SIMMONS, a young woman 19 years of age, who destroyed herself by taking arsenic. It appeared that in consequence of the deceased having stopped out all night, the night after the last Penryn fair, some reports had been current in the town prejudicial to her character, and she had lost her work in consequence. These things, however, although they were no doubt the cause of her committing the rash act, did not appear to have affected her mind to such a degree as to justify the jury in bringing in a verdict of temporary insanity. The evidence of all the witnesses, in fact, went to shew, that both before and after she had taken the poison she was perfectly collected, and that it was a most deliberate act of self-destruction. The verdict was,
therefore, felo de se, and in pursuance of the coroner's warrant, the body was privately interred the same evening between the hours of nine and twelve.
On the same day, at Truro, on the body of JOHN COUCH, of that town, builder, aged 82 years, who died suddenly on the road between St. Austell and Truro, as he was returning from the former place in a
fly. Verdict � Visitation of God.
On Monday last, at St. Stephens, on the body of DANIEL ROBERTS, of that parish, farmer, aged 58 years. The deceased, on the preceding Saturday afternoon, was seen going to one of his fields to catch a horse, and his son not finding any one at home, and the door locked, when he returned from work in the evening, went in search of him, and found him in the middle of a field called the Down Park, lying on his face, quite dead. There were no marks of violence about his person, and from his having frequently of late complained of something rising in his stomach which almost choked him, the jury were satisfied he had died a natural death. Verdict accordingly.
On Tuesday last, at Comfort, on the body of RICHARD UREN, a lad 14 years of age, who was killed by falling down the engine shaft, at Treviskey mine, in Gwennap. Verdict, accidental death.
29 JULY 1842, Friday
INSOLVENT DEBTORS
Bodmin, July 23, 1842
A Court for the relief of Insolvent Debtors was held today, in the County hall, at Bodmin, before J. G. HARRIS, Esq., There were seven insolvents on the paper.
HERMON SEMMONS, a jew jeweler, lately residing at Truro, was the first that was called. The insolvent, who was unopposed, was committed on the 28th of May, at the suit of HORATIO SMITH, watch manufacturer, for GBP 30.5s., for goods and costs of suit. The insolvent had contracted debts during the year 1841 and 1842, to the amount of GBP 508, and stated that he had GBP 327 owing to him. The insolvent was rigidly examined by the Commissioner. Had been in a large way of business; had been in business many years. Was connected with Messrs. OPPENHEIM in London. Oppenheim had bought his goods at a sale at his house on the 18th of May. The goods were bought by Mr. Oppenheim of Penzance. The goods were sold by himself to support his family. The goods were sold by public auction by MR. CLYMA, of Truro. The Clerk of the Court then read Clyma's affidavit, in which it was stated that the goods sold realized GBP46.10s. The Commissioner said if the whole of this GBP 46 received in May was expended in nine days, it would be making away with property with a vengeance. A party was not to spend in nine days what would do for nine months, because he happened to be insolvent, and sold off his property. The insolvent said he had a large family, and had had a great deal of illness in it. The Commissioner - I see your medical expenses are charged - but they are small. I think this is a very unsatisfactory way of accounting for GBP500 worth of goods. INSOLVENT - I have paid scores of pounds to doctors, for which I have no account, and I paid half a year's rent to MR. JEREMIAH REYNALDS out of the GBP 46. Q. Still, I don't see any single creditor who has been paid out of this GBP46. A. I have paid some small bills in the town. Q. I ask you what creditor you dealt with got one single farthing of that money? A. I paid several small bills in the town. Q. Well, will you name any creditor whose debt you have paid? What have you got in your hand? A. Receipts that I have paid. The COMMISSIONER - Hand them in. The bills were handed into the hands of the clerk, who looked at them, and said there was a bill from Mr. BURLASE for GBP 5, which was dated the 2nd of May. The insolvent said that this was a mistake. [Commissioner examined the bills, and noted they were all altered; insolvent denied the assertion; Commissioner pointed out specifics, and demanded the money be accounted for.] The Learned Commissioner subsequently animadverted upon the insolvent's conduct in very severe terms, and ordered him back to prison, to be discharged at the end of two months from the date of the venting order. (This order was dated the 11th of June). [there were other news items regarding the Semmons family, including a son who threatened his family and attacked members of it, earlier this year jm]
WILLIAM WEBB [or WERE], of Penzance, carrier, leather-cutter, &c., was next examined. The detaining creditor was MR. RICHARD MADELEY, wholesale ironmonger, of Birmingham, for GBP24.15s. debt and costs of suit. The insolvent, who was unopposed, stated in his examination, that he owed Messrs BOLITHO, tanners [definitely not "bankers"], of Penzance, above GBP700, who became pressing for their money, in consequence of which insolvent submitted to an investigation of his affairs, and Messrs. BOLITHO ultimately agreed to accept 7s.6d. in the pound, and recommended the other creditors to do the same. In consequence of this recommendation, several of the creditors accepted the composition, allowing insolvent to sell the goods in his possession in the regular way of trade, in order that the most might be made of them. The insolvent also had a house which he sold to Messrs. Bolitho for GBP 90, in April 1841, allowing it to go in part payment of his debt. The detaining creditor had refused to accept the composition offered. The Commissioner ordered several amendments to be made to the schedule, and gave insolvent his discharge.
WILLIAM MICHELL, carpenter and innkeeper, of St. Ives, was next called. Insolvent was imprisoned on 23rd of May, at the suit of J. and B.P. BATTEN, merchants, of Penzance, for GBP 30.13s. The Insolvent, who was unopposed, stated that he had bought timber of Messrs. BATTEN for 20 years or more, and had paid them money hundreds of times; was unable to pay them now through bad speed; had kept a public-house for six years, but that it was closed about three months ago to be altered and converted into shops. There was a trifle due for spirits, but the principal part of his debts was due for timber and lime; had had one house which he sold in January, 1840, to his brother, in order to pay a debt due to Messrs. DAVY and SONS, of Penzance. Paid GBP 50 to the Davys on the day of sale, and they were now down for GBP 30; had five children when he came to prison, but one had died since. ORDERED TO BE DISCHARGED FORTHWITH.
RICHARD DENNIS RODDA, late a bookseller at Penzance, was supported by Mr. Bennallack and Mr. Coode, and opposed by Mr. PRESTON WALLIS, on behalf of Messrs. Newman and Co., Williams, Coopers and Co., Ackerman and Co., and some other creditors. [ Creditors were mainly booksellers, printsellers, and persons connected with the stationary business. Sold his goods 29th and 30th of April, at the suit of his father-in-law, EDWARD JOHNS. Judgment was obtained against him under a warrant of attorney in Dec. 1841, for GBP 741. Insolvent had a book of accounts. He had re-written the entries, and destroyed the original, about three weeks previous to the examination, because the book was "extremely dirty". The Commissioner pointed out he could be imprisoned for 3 years for destroying the original book. Insolvent called his father-in-law, Mr. EDWARD JOHNS who was examined He stated he lived in St. Ives, where he kept an inn, but he had been a sea-faring man all his life. He had a different book, which contained a copy of all the entries in the original. Did not bring it with him, as he "hardly knew that he should come up here." Had a book in which he noted receipts for monies he had paid to creditors of his son-in-law: BOLITHO'S BANK in Penzance, Mr. RESCORLA, Mr. WIGGINS, Mr. WILSON, Mr. WHITAKER. Etc. The Commissioner pointed out there were GBP 52 down "too much", which proved that both these books were fabrications. The witness (Johns) said he had no more money, or he would have paid other bills. He knew the insolvent had been served with several writs about Christmas, and he applied to him for a warrant of attorney, and it was executed. The Commissioner - That is an undue preference on the face of it. The witness said he had a copy of the judgment; he pressed the insolvent for the payment of the money. Witness had been paid GBP741. The Commissioner pointed out he should have "taken his place in line with other creditors", and should pay the money back as the judgment and warrant of attorney were all void. He should restore all that he has had, and take the same dividend as other creditors. Mr. JOHNS was ordered to pay the money he had in judgment to the court,] and the insolvent was ordered to be brought up again at the next sitting of the court. Mr. WILLIS applied for and obtained the appointment of Mr. COOPERS, of the firm of Williams and Co., and Mr. AK. NEWMAN, as assignees, and also the costs of the applications.
JOHN WILSON, a Scotch draper, lately residing at Truro, was brought up at the suit of SHAPLAND AND WEREFORD for debt and costs of suit, amounting to GBP 30.2s.6d. the debt had been incurred for drapery. The insolvent, who was unopposed, was very ill, and was accommodated with a seat during his examination. The amount of his debts was GBP 131.5s.6d, and Shapland was his principal creditor. Insolvent's debts were sold to Mr. McWilliam, the draper, of Truro, for above GBP 120; they were sold because insolvent had been in his debt for a considerable time, and he was going to press him. Insolvent gave Mr. McWilliam a bill of sale. MR. JAMES McWILLIAM proved that he had received the prisoner's books and furniture in November, 1841, in discharge of a debt which insolvent had contracted with him in the amount of GBP 120. The debts he took at 12s.6d. in the pound, but he had not collected the money, and they were not worth anything like what he took them for. Mr. McWilliam stated satisfactorily the particulars of his debt, and the insolvent was ordered to be sworn to his schedule, and directed to be discharged forthwith.
ABRAHAM CHIRGWIN, late of Newlyn, near Penzance, was brought up, having been committed on the 30th of May, at the suit of Messrs. KING, WITT, and L..Y, all merchants of Southampton, for GBP 48.4s. The insolvent was examined as to some houses that he had given up to Messrs. BOLITHO, to whom he had owed GBP1,156, for GBP621, and at the close of his examination Chirgwin said he had given up all his property, and paid every creditor in proportion to what he had paid Messrs. Bolitho, upon which the Commissioner observed - Don't make a beast of what you have done; you have benefited one creditor and sacrificed all the rest. Insolvent - I have given up my book debts. Commissioner - These are GBP 523.3s.4d., which I think are not likely to be productive of very great benefit, for many of the debts were contracted in 1832, 4, 5, and 6. Ordered to be discharged forthwith.
THOMAS WRENTMORE. In this case the detaining creditor lived at Exeter, and the insolvent lived at Bude. Ten days before the holding of the court, the detaining creditor caused the insolvent to be arrested for his debt, and then two days before the insolvents were to be brought up for hearing, he sent Mr. EVEREST, the governor of the gaol, a notice that he had abandoned proceedings against the insolvent, and the latter was therefore discharged. These facts were stated by Mr. Wrentmore to the commissioner, who expressed his regret that in consequence of the insolvent having slept out of prison since the Thursday, he could not grant him relief. At the same time, the learned Commissioner spoke of the hardship of the case, and remarked, that in Ireland, the Act forbids a creditor to release a prisoner after he has applied to the court for relief, and it ought to be so in this country Mr. EVEREST asked if there was any plan upon which he could act so as to prevent a recurrence of the case. The commissioner said that in two or three cases in Staffordshire, where persons had been so served, the gaoler allowed the parties to remain in prison till the day of the circuit, merely taking the bond of indemnity from the parties to protect him from a prosecution for false imprisonment, and when he (the Commissioner) had gone round, he had discharged them. Mr. Everest said he would venture to act upon this hint hereafter.
THE CASE OF LANYON. This was an extraordinary case of imprisonment; the prisoner, who formerly resided at St. Allen, having been confined in the debtor's ward at Bodmin ever since the year 1834 on a verdict obtained by his father, since dead, and continued by his (the prisoner's) brother. The circumstances, we gather, are these. In the year 1833 or 1834, the father of the prisoner brought an action against him on a bond for GBP 300 for money borrowed. After the father's death, the prisoner's brother was his representative, and he had not given up the claim. The prisoner had always asseverated, from the earliest moment down to the present time, that the bond was a forgery, and had frequently made affidavits to that effect, some of which the Commissioner said he had read. Mr. EVEREST stated that he had repeatedly brought the case before two or three Sheriffs, and SIR. R. VYVYAN particularly, who had much interested himself in the matter. The commissioner - And the man is still in prison? Mr. Everest - Yes. The Commissioner - I have no application before me and cannot do anything. Mr. Everest said it was an extremely hard case. The Commissioner remarked that if half what the man had sworn to was true, the term used was much too mild. Mr. Everest believed it was one of the most villainous transgressions that was ever heard of. The poor man had suffered an imprisonment for many years. The commissioner said as far as the man's affidavits went, it would appear that he had been the victim of a species of persecution which was not very common, he hoped, in this country. The man might file a schedule, which would not put him in a worse situation, and it would be one means of bringing his creditor to a proof of his debt. Mr. Everest - I saw the statement before he sent it to you. The Commissioner - And did you believe it was true? Mr. Everest - I have reason to believe it to be true. The man had, for the last eight years, told him over and over the same story. The Chairman - It is very strange that the Magistrates have not interfered. Has he had the county allowance? Mr. Everest - Yes, he has. The Commissioner - But he has an estate? Mr. Everest - Yes, but he has a large family, and his wife has been subject to great sickness, and is now on the point of death. The Commissioner - What may be the county allowance? Mr. Everest - About GBP 10 a year. The Commissioner - So that above GBP 80 have gone for the support of a man who, without a prejudiced judgment, seems not to have been justly imprisoned.
The Court was then adjourned.
St. MAWES REGATTA. On Friday last, the little port of St. Mawes presented a scene of bustle and gaiety. The fishermen were all busily engaged in preparing their little barques for the race; various parts of the town were decorated with flags and evergreens; and a band of music stationed on the quay, added much to the pleasures of the day. A large number of spectators, from various parts, made the ancient borough look gayer than it has appeared for a long time before. At one o'clock, the signal was given for the various boats to get ready, and there being several neat little yachts present, no doubt they would have afforded very good sport, had it not been for the calm that prevailed, which prevented their starting. The next class boats were those generally used in the pilchard fishery, called lurkers, followed by a large number of small lugg-sail boats, which appeared determined to 'lug off the tin,' wind or no wind. There was a prize offered for gigs, but there not being a sufficient number, those present were not allowed to run. The best race for sport was the punt race, the punts being pulled up by a couple of men, and sculled by boys, afforded a deal of amusement. There was a display of fireworks in the evening, and the whole passed off without the slightest accident to mar the pleasures of the day.
ST. IVES. On Tuesday morning last, the Navy brig "Rinasconte," PERILLO, from Newport to America, with 272 tons of iron on board, was brought in here by a Pill pilot cutter, in a sinking state, having four feet of water in her hold. The cargo is now landing under the directions of H. PEARCE, Esq., of Penzance, in order that she may undergo the necessary repairs.
NEGRO SLAVERY. A public meeting was held in the Town-hall, Liskeard, on Tuesday evening last, the Rev. J. F. TODD, the vicar, in the chair, for the purpose of hearing from CAPT. STUART, some account of the state of slavery in different parts of the world. This gentleman, who had been a tried and zealous labourer in the cause of the injured slave, and who has crossed the Atlantic several times with this benevolent motive, gave to the meeting a clear and interesting outline of the present state of the system. There are, it appears, not fewer than six millions of human beings still held by men calling themselves Christians, in this debasing bondage, without reference to the British possessions in the East Indies. Of these six millions, the larger number are enslaved in the United States of North America, and in Brazil. While carefully avoiding any details which might shock the feelings of propriety, Capt. Stuart related a very few circumstances, out of many which had come to his knowledge, [and encouraged the formation of a local anti-slavery society auxiliary to the British and Foreign Society in London, to fight for the extinction of negro slavery.]
MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE. On Saturday the 23rd inst., at Broadwater Church, Worthing, by the REV. EDWIN PROGERS, Rector of Ayot St. Peter, Herts., the HON. JOHN CRAVEN WESTBURN[?], M.P. for the King?s County, Lieutenant Colonel in the Scots Fusilier Guards, and second son of Lord Rossmore, to ANN, daughter of the late LEWIS CHARLES DAUBUZ, Esq., of Truro, in this county. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the numerous circle of relations and friends of both families adjourned to a splendid dejeuner, at Offington House, the beautiful old mansion of JAMES B. DAUBUZ, Esq., .. brother of the bride, after which the happy pair proceeded on their [progress] towards the estates of the gallant Colonel, in the county for which he is the representative, and with which the family have been so long identified.
The BRIBERY COMMITTEE. The report of this committee has made its appearance, and it sustains the calm and dispassionate tone promised by MR. ROEBUCK; developing the several cases, not as criminating individuals, but as illustrating a system which imperatively requires to be altered. The following is that part of the report which relates to Penryn and Falmouth:
- Your Committee also found, in the case of PENRYN AND FALMOUTH, that at the last general election CAPTAIN VIVIAN and CAPTAIN PLUMRIDGE were returned as duly elected; and that the opposing candidates were Mr. GWYN and Mr. SARTORIS.
- That the state of the poll was as follows:
Captain Vivian ........ 462
Captain Plumridge..... 432
Mr. Gwyn................ 381
Mr. Sartoris............. 240
- That a petition was presented by certain electors on behalf of Mr. GWYN, praying for a void election in the case of CAPTAIN PLUMRIDGE, which petition contained, among other, charges of bribery and corruption on the part of Captain Plumridge and his agents.
- That a Committee was appointed to try this case, and proceeded so to do when on the fourth day of its sitting, and towards the close of the petitioner's case, the labours of the Committee were brought to a sudden termination by a compromise entered into by the agent of Captain Plumridge on the one hand, and the agent of the petitioners and Mr. Gwyn, the opposing candidate, on the other.
- The terms of this arrangement were merely verbal, and were to the following effect:
1. That the petition was to be withdrawn.
2. That Captain Plumridge would thereupon, and before the 1st of July, accept the Chiltern Hundreds, and thereby vacate his seat.
3. That no opposition should be given by Captain Plumridge to the return of any person proposed by the party presenting the petition.
- That this arrangement, though made by the authorized agent of Capt. Plumridge, was made wholly without his knowledge or consent.
- The circumstance, which by the agent is stated, as the cause of his making this compromise, was the apprehension on his part that any further defence of the seat would have been useless, as he felt certain that the case of general corruption would be believed by the Election Committee. That, indeed, he had no further funds for the defence; but that, if he could have had all the money that was needed, he would not have continued the defence, and that he was entirely led to this determination by the certainty that extensive and systematic bribery would be proved to the satisfaction of the Committee.
- It appears that during the election, Capt. Plumridge spent no money, bore no part of the expense, and he declared solemnly that he was personally not cognizant either of any direct or indirect act of bribery, or corruption. His agent for the conduct of the petition states that a general system of bribery did prevail at the election.
- He states further that bribery was common to both sides, and this was admitted also by the agent for the petitioners.
- The gross sum expended on the Joint election of Captain Vivian and Captain Plumridge was, by their agent, stated to be about GBP 4,000.
- As to the acknowledged illegal expenditure of these sums, your Committee beg leave to refer the House to the evidence of the agents of the sitting Members and the petitioners.
- This case gave rise to the observations of the Committee on the injustice resulting from the present state of the law in those cases where a void election is simply prayed for, and not the seat.
MEDICAL PROFESSION. Mr. ANDREW HINGSTON, of Liskeard, lately obtained the Honorary Clinical Certificate at the London Hospital; and on Friday, the 22nd instant, his Diploma as Member of the Royal College of Surgeons.
TRURO POLICE. On the 30th inst., WILLIAM ANDREW, of Kenwyn, labourer, was charged with assaulting ANN THOMAS, of Redruth. The defendant was fined 10s. with costs, and in default of payment was committed to the house of correction for two calendar months. On Wednesday last, JOHN RENFREE, sailor, of Plymouth, was charged as a vagrant, having been found sleeping in the open air He was committed to the house of correction for six weeks, to hard labour.
A SHOEMAKER TURNED BARBER. Mr. E. MERRIFIELD, shoemaker, of St. Blazey, having shaved the tail of Mr POLKINGHORNE'S horse, but not to the satisfaction of the owner, he was summoned to appear before the magistrates, and to the no small gratification of all present, he was fined GBP3.10s.
MINE ACCIDENT. On Tuesday, the 19th instant, as a man named CHAPLE was at work at Wheal Owles Mine, preparing a hole for blasting, the charge unexpectedly exploded, and injured the poor man very seriously. However, with care, he is likely to do well.
CAUTION TO WAGGONERS. On Saturday last, Mr. BLEWETT's waggoner, on returning from Launceston to Liskeard, was thrown off the wagon, and received so much injury by the wheel passing over him that he died on Monday.
CORONER'S INQUESTS. The following inquests have been held by W. HICHENS, Esq., Coroner, since our last report: At Penzance, on the 21st instant, on MR. JAMES TREMBATH, who, on the preceding day, was accidentally thrown out of a double-bodied phaeton, in which he, with other members of his family, was riding, on their return from Sennen to that place, and received such injury to his head as to occasion almost instantaneous death. The phaeton was a hired vehicle, and [registered] by the proprietor to a very young lad as the driver; and the horse, it appeared, had upon former occasions shown some disposition to vice. A grandson of the deceased happened, however, to be driving at the time of the accident, and the horse had gone on perfectly quiet and steady throughout the journey, except that in going downhill it appeared to dislike the pressure of the breaching, which induced the party to use a drag upon every such occasion till they reached the spot where the accident happened; the declivity there being very gentle, they did not deem the drag necessary. The horse, however, took off at a gallop, as if frightened; and, unfortunately, in attempting to pull him in, in which three of the persons assisted, the rein on the nearer side broke, and by continuing to pull, the carriage was drawn to the side of the road, and by means of a bank of rock was upset, and the parties thrown out. Verdict, accidental death and a deodand of GBP 1 on the horse.
On the same day, at Germoe, on the body of NICHOLAS WATERS, who came to his death in Great Week [or Work] mine, in Breage, on the 19th instant, by accidentally falling into one of the shafts. Verdict accordingly.
On the 23rd instant, at Camborne, on the body of WILLIAM OATS, aged 14 years, who was accidentally drowned on the preceding day whilst bathing in a pool on Forrest Moors, in the parish of Illogan. Verdict accordingly.
[END]
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