cornwall england newspaper
1842 NEWS ARTICLE
MARCH
4 MARCH 1842, Friday
ROYAL INSTITUTION of CORNWALL. The ordinary meeting of the society took place last Friday evening, and having a Ladies' night, was very numerously attended. The presents on the table claimed the first place in the discussions of the evening, and afforded an opportunity for many observations on natural history and mineralogy. The large trout recently caught in the town mill-pool, and which has been beautifully preserved by James HAYCRAFT, according to a plan recommended by Mr. Clement JACKSON, in the Society's report for 1839, and presented to the museum by Mr. NANKIVELL, gave occasion for several notices of the habits of the fish, and the size it attains in particular places. A notice by Mr. Jonathan COUCH, of the specimen of the oblong sun fish, Orthagoriscus oblongus, in the collection of the society, which was caught in Mr. TREFFRY's canal basin at Par, was read, pointing out the differences between this rare visitant of our shores and its congener, the shorter sun fish, Orthagoriscus mola, which is common. The earthquake which had been felt at Falmouth, Penryn, Helston, and other places was mentioned, and a communication of such circumstances as had been observed connected with it, requested. Dr BARHAM then read some extracts from the descriptive notices accompanying a series of drawings of the antiquities of the county, which had been sent to the society to compete for the premium offered by Mr. W. M. TWEEDY. These drawings not having been drawn on the required scale, had not been considered entitled to the premium, but had been obtained for the society by a payment of �5 as an acknowledgment of their merit. It was stated that an intention existed to lithograph a selection from them for sale at the proposed Bazaar, which the secretaries stated was postponed to next year, in consequence of the unexpected proposition of one for certain alterations in St. Mary's church, but that arrangements would be made for the reception of such articles as might be intended for the Bazaar in the meantime. The presents reported were � three chameleons, from Mr. Robert DUNN, Redruth; fragments of Roman pottery, found in the grounds of the Deanery of Exeter, and three English silver coins, from the Rev. Cason ROGERS; specimens of tennastite[?], native copper, and gelants[?], accompanied by blende and copper pyrites, from a mineralogist; skins of birds from South America, from Miss Agnes HULLAND; skin of a fox, from the Himalayah Mountains, from J. GWATKIN, Esq.; Storm Petrels, with their eggs, from the Penzance Natural History Society; white mole, from Mrs. STACKHOUSE; male and female hawfinch, shot at Pencalenick, from J. VIVIAN, Esq.; specimens of quartz, ferraginaus opal, and clay iron ore, from Mr. W. M. TWEEDY; trout weighing 3 � lbs., caught in the Truro mill-pond, from Mr. NANKIVELL; specimens of grasses[?], from Par Consols, from J. T. TREFFRY, Esq; the eighth report of the Royal Polytechnic Society, Cornwall, from the society; carbonized wood, from Wh. Rose mine, from Mr. Stephen MICHELL; shells from the Lizard district, from the Rev. Edward BUDGE; and samples of Druid's Chiddam wheat, from the Lady to whom the society is indebted for a valuable collection of samples of British grown wheat.
PROMOTION. We understand that Mr. M. T. MOLESWORTH, mate of the "Queen," who was in command of the "Mercury" at the time of her disaster in the Bristol Channel, during the late gale, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, for his great coolness and clever seamanship on that trying occasion.
TRURO POLICE. Some interest was excited among the printers of Truro, on Friday last, in consequence of one of Mrs. Heard's apprentices having been summoned before the magistrates, to answer the complaint of his mistress for refusing to obey her orders, when desired to do some of the ordinary work belonging to the printing office. The magistrates present were the Mayor, Capt. KEMPE, and Mr. CHAPPEL. The defendant's name was John Alexander ROLLS, whose mother had retained Mr. STOKES. Mr. PASSINGHAM appeared in support of the complaint.
At the beginning of the proceedings, Mr. Stokes took an objection to the jurisdiction of the court, and contended, on a decision of Lord DENMAN's, that the bench had no power to adjudicate on the case. Mr. Passingham argued that they had. Mr. Chappel was for postponing the case till the legislature defined the powers of the justices; but the other magistrates being of opinion that they had power, the objection made by Mr. Stokes was overruled, and the case was then gone into, Mr. Stokes being permitted, if he thought proper, to appeal to the sessions against the decision of the bench.
Mr. Passingham briefly stated the complaint, and then called Mr. James WILLIAMS, the overseer, who deposed that he had been in Mrs. Heard's office nearly 32 years � that he was the first apprentice there,- and that he and all apprentices subsequently taken, had done the work that Rolls now refused to do. Mr. J. M. F. HEARD, son of the complainant, stated that he also had been an apprentice, and while he was so, he had done the work to which Rolls had objected. The Mayor strongly condemned the conduct of the defendant, but both himself and Capt. Kempe were of opinion that he ought to do the work required. Mr. Stokes said he was desired by the boy's friends to say that the defendant had no objection to do what was now stated to be his duty. The parties then withdrew.
A number of members of the society of friends residing in Truro, were then called upon to answer summonses for church-rates claimed by Mr. John FERRIS and Mr. J. T. NANKIVELL, the churchwardens of St. Mary's. Mr. John JAMES was summoned for three years' rates, amounting to �1.15s; Mr. Silvanus JAMES, for � 1.17s.11d., for three years; and Messrs. J. and S. JAMES, for 8s.9d. for a like period. Mrs. Mary TREGELLES was summoned for �2.12s.6d.; Mr. Richard Ivey HOCKING, for 9s.11d; and Messrs. EDMONDS and HOCKING, for 11s.8d.; all for three years' rates. Orders were made for payment on each of the defaulters, none of whom appeared.
The proceedings against Mr. Jacob Corin EDWARDS, Mr. Samuel RANDELL, Mr. Richard BARRETT, and Mr. Nathaniel GATLEY, all respectable dissenters and tradesmen, who have refused payment of the rates, were advanced another stage, and distress warrants were issued against all the parties.
On Monday last, John WORTH, a veal butcher, was brought before the borough Magistrates on a charge of having committed an assault on George PEARCE, another veal butcher, both of Truro market. The case, on the hearing, was dismissed by the Bench with costs, the Magistrates deeming it a frivolous and vexatious charge.
CHURCH RATE SEIZURES. On Monday last, the constables seized the property of several tradesmen in St. Mary's, Truro, who had refused to pay Church-rates. Three of the parties, whose property is again seized, are the same persons that were distrained upon in 1838, on which occasion, at the sale of the goods, the much talked-of riot took place, for which they were subsequently tried and sentenced by Baron GURNEY to fine and imprisonment in Bodmin gaol. The persons alluded to are Messrs. BARRETT, EDWARDS, and RANDALL. The sum claimed of Mr. Richard BARRATT, for four years' rates, was �2.5s.0d., and as he did not appear, he was subjected to some slight additional expenses.
THE LATE JOHN LANDER. We are given to understand that some of the friends and admirers of the late John LANDER, the African Traveller, (who, in conjunction with his brother Richard, so successfully explored the Niger to its termination, after the fruitless sacrifice of so many valuable lives in this arduous enterprise) are desirous of erecting a tribute to his memory, over his remains in the Kensall-green Cemetery, where they will otherwise lie "unhonoured and unknown." It is necessary, we find, that the work should be commenced in May next, otherwise the ground will be forfeited, and the privilege of distinguishing the last resting-place of our late enterprising and talented fellow-townsman be for ever lost. Mr. W. SALTER has been deputed to receive subscriptions in this locality, and we hope the county generally, but more particularly Truro, (the birth-place of Richard and John Lander) will not be backward in their contributions to the object above named.
FALMOUTH POLICE. On Tuesday last, John PEARCE was summoned for an assault upon constable BENNETT, committed on Monday the 23rd ult. The case was not of a serious character, but it was fully proved and the Bench fined him 1s. and costs. � On the same day, Charles, Joseph, and Alexander MACDONALD, three brothers, were brought up, charged with having committed a violent assault upon a boarding officer, or extra man, named PADDY, whilst in the discharge of his duty on board the "Tyrian" packet. The assault was of an aggravated nature, and after the evidence had been gone into, the Bench committed the prisoners for trial. They were afterwards liberated on bail.
ST. IVES. On Thursday, the 24th ult., two boys, named William QUICK and James STEVENS, were committed to Bodmin gaol, by R. KERNICK and S. HOCKING, Esqrs., for stealing a copper funnel and other stores from the schooner "Agnes" belonging to that port.
ASSAULTING A CONSTABLE. On Monday last, Wm. COWLING, of Polbathick, in the parish of Sheviock, appeared at Port Eliot, before the Right Hon., the Earl of St. Germans, and the Rev. Tobias FORNEAUX, to answer a charge preferred against him, for assaulting and obstructing Mr. Samuel HAWKER, constable of St. Germans, in the execution of his duty, on Wednesday, the 23rd ultimo. The Noble Earl, after hearing the evidence, the defendant having pleaded guilty, and expressed his sorrow, said it was very fortunate for him that he was prevented from striking the constable by Wm. TOLL, as in that case, the full penalty of the law would have been two months' imprisonment, but he would now treat it as a common assault, and in consideration of the defendant's penitence, would mitigate the fine to 10s., and expenses, to be paid within one week. The defendant then thanked their worships and retired.
TYWARDREATH USEFUL KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY. On Thursday evening, the 17th ult., Mr. J. H. DREW, of St. Austell, delivered to this society a very interesting lecture on the properties of air. The lecturer commenced by stating that air is a thin, elastic, transparent fluid, - ponderous, compressible, and dilatable; that it is susceptible of different qualities, hot, moist, cold, dry, serene, pure, and temperate; that it is subject to variations, more or less sudden, and to be mixed with impure, corrupted, contagious, metallic, and sulphureous exhalations; that it is the element to which all this lower world owes its life, beauty and preservation; that plants, in order to vegetate, require air, and that it is absolutely necessary for the preservation of all animal life. The lecture, which was elucidated by many pleasing and scientific experiments with the air-pump, and abounded with useful observations and judicious remarks, was heard throughout with great attention, by a large and respectable audience, who testified their approbation by repeated applause. At the close, the lecturer was unanimously chosen an honorary member of their society.
POLYTECHNIC HALL, FALMOUTH. On Tuesday evening last, a lecture was delivered by Mr. CORNISH, on British Poetry. After a very beautiful introduction, in which the lecturer dwelt upon the intellectual superiority of poetry over the sister arts, he proceeded to give a chronological sketch of those votaries of song whose names have an everlasting place in the temple of fame, commencing with Chaucer and concluding with Pope. The various styles, the peculiar habits of thought, and the influence exerted on the language and the spirit of their country by each of the British Bards, in their order of place, were severally the subjects of the lecturer's consideration; and he exemplified his positions by a great number of most beautiful quotations. A vote of thanks was, at the conclusion, given to Mr. Cornish, for his very interesting lecture, the result evidently of considerable research, and displaying much taste. On Tuesday next, a lecture on Railways, by Mr. SAMBELL, of Truro, will be given.
Also included, reviews of the Penryn Literary Society, St. Austell Institution, the Illogan Farmer's Club (subject, the Horse) � and the Truro Polytechnic Society.
BRANDY FOUND AT SEA. Two pipes of white brandy, No. 58 and 59, scribed across the bung, and marked AE, 482 and 483, containing upwards of one hundred gallons each, were picked up a few days ago, off St. Agnes, by Capt. James BUNT, of the "Speedwell", on her voyage from Fowey to Swansea. The brandy was landed at the latter port, and deposited in the Custom-house warehouse.
DISASTER AT SEA. On the 27th ultimo, the "Sea Gull" packet, on her voyage from the West Indies, in lat. 48.31 N, long, 15.16.W., fell in with the bark [sic] "Emma," of Newport, abandoned, with loss of rudder, and all her sails blown out of the bolt ropes. The ensign was flying union down, and the long boat was stowed on deck. She had not the appearance of being water logged; but at the time the "Sea Gull" fell in with her, it was blowing a fresh gale with a high sea, which prevented them from boarding her.
THE OXY-HYDROGEN MICROSCOPE. On Tuesday evening last, Messrs. PARTRIDGE & CO., gave their closing exhibition of the wonders displayed by the astonishing powers of this instrument at the Assembly Room, Truro, which, like all the former exhibitions, was well attended, and appeared to afford much enjoyment to the company. All the objects shown were highly interesting, and the action which takes place in the decomposition of water appeared to be witnessed with great delight. The frolics of those who inhaled the laughing gas were truly ludicrous, and excited laughter enough, at least in the company. We understand Messrs. Partridge and Co. opened their exhibition at Redruth last evening, where it will continue open till Monday evening, and then close. The admirers of nature will do well to embrace this opportunity of contemplating the adaptation and skill displayed in her minutest works.
PENRYN and FALMOUTH ELECTIONS. May 6, 1842. Election Decision.
The committee appointed to try the petition against the return of Capt. PLUMRIDGE, R.N., consisting of Mr. Charles WOOD (chairman), Hon. R. OTWAY CARE, H.P. SCROPE, W. HUSFIELD, C.L.C. BR.., C.W. PACKE, and J. HARDY, met on Friday last, when the opening speech of the petitioner's counsel was delivered, and some preliminary matters disposed of. We give the evidence as we find it in the public papers, leaving our readers to form their own opinions respecting it:
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
The committee met at eleven o'clock, Mr. C. WOOD in the chair.
The committee proceeded to hear the evidence of bribery, of which it has been alleged the sitting member, Captain Plumridge, has been guilty by his agents.
The first witness produced was Mrs. GAY, who proved that before the election her husband received GBP6, and that a Mr. JAMES came to her on the day of the election and gave her a sovereign, desiring her to bring her husband to vote for Captain Plumridge.
The next witness, produced was Sarah WHITE, who proved that Richard JAMES came to her house with Captain Plumridge on the day of canvassing, and that on the day of the election, she went to James's house by the direction of Mr. TILLY, a lawyer, and that she received GBP6 from James. Her husband voted for Vivian and Plumridge.
On her cross-examination she stated that her husband had nothing to do with the money. The money belonged to her; the vote to her husband. (laughter). Her husband was a voter 35 years ago. The first money they ever received was from the Whig party. (laughter)
Thomas WILLIAMS examined: I am a stone mason, and a voter of Penryn. I voted at the last election for Captain Plumridge. I know Richard James. Shortly before the last election he came to me, and asked me if I was going to vote for Captain Plumridge. I said there was a bill owing to me by Captain Plumridge, which I wished first to get settled. It was a bill for beer [incurred] during the former election, and I said that I should not think of voting until it was settled. James told me to go to PEARCE's, where Captain Plumridge's committee-room was. Left Captain Plumridge a few yards from Pearce's door on the night before the election. He had been talking to James, when he afterwards left and came up to me. He said "Williams, what is the matter with you?" I spoke to him about my bill, and he clapped me on the shoulder, and said, "it will be all right, my good man." James afterwards, in the street, put three sovereigns in to my hand. The amount of my bill was GBP 5, but I told him I would take GBP 3 for it. My bill was originally GBP10, on account of which lawyer Tilly had previously paid me GBP5. James did not say what the GBP3 which he gave me was for.
Question: Was that all you received from James at the election?
Witness: Am I bound to answer that question?
The Chairman told the witness he was not bound to answer any question which might tend to criminate himself. The question was then repeated, and the witness said he would rather not answer it.
Cross-examined by Mr. AUSTEN: I know W. WILLIAMS, called the Doctor.
Mr. Austen: Did William Williams give you GBP 6 to vote at the last election?
Witness declined to answer the question.
Mr. Austen: Did you or did you not receive GBP6 from William Williams to vote at the last election for Mr. GWYN?
Witness: I would rather not answer that question.
Mr. Austen: Do you decline to answer it because you think it will criminate yourself?
Answer - Yes.
Question: Is William Williams in London?
Answer - Yes, I saw him here.
Question: What is William Williams?
Mr. Sergeant WRANGHAM objected to the question, on the ground that evidence in recrimination ought not to be given.
Mr. Austen said he would not now seek to get recriminatory evidence; but he contended that he had a right to ask who Mr. William Williams was.
Mr. Sergeant WRANGHAM still insisted that the objection was valid, and that the question could not be put.
The chairman said the committee were of opinion that the question might be put.
The witness was here re-called, and the question "What is William Williams?" was repeated. He calls himself a plasterer by trade. He is nicknamed "The Doctor." He is about 48 years of age. I believe he takes no active part in electioneering matters, but I think he has been engaged at elections.
It was here announced that the speaker was at prayers, and the committee adjourned at two o'clock till eleven o'clock on Monday.
MONDAY MAY 2
The committee assembled at the usual hour. Mr. Charles WOOD in the chair
The examination of Thomas WILLIAMS resumed, but nothing material was elicted.
Mary Jane JEFFERY examined: her husband was a voter in the borough. He did not vote at the last elections, though canvassed by both parties. Saw James, as she was walking down the street, on the day previous to the election. He called her to Bice's door. She, Bice, and James, went into the parlour. James then asked her where her husband was? And she replied, she did not know. He then said, I heard he (witness's husband) had gone from us, but here are six sovereigns, and tell him to vote for Captain Plumridge. Could not say if Bice saw the money given to her.
Cross-examined by Mr. Cockburn: Admitted she put the sovereigns into her pocket, and expended them. Was very glad to receive money at any time. Did not care who saw the money, as she considered she came by it honestly. Was aware it was given her to induce her husband to vote for Captain Plumridge. Considered it an honest way to get money, as she did not steal it. It was given to her. Had not received money in any former election, but cannot say if her husband had or had not, as she never asked him. RAPSON brought her five sovereigns from the Tories, which she was going to return to him (Rapson) when she met James, and told him the circumstance, observing "she did not think her husband ought to vote with that party." She handed James the sovereigns, and he promised to return them. At this time she did not know of what party he (James) was; thought he was a Whig or Tory. James then offered her a five-pound note (which Bice handed him) and a sovereign. Refused to take the note, and the witness got the same gold back from James which Rapson had given her. Thinks Bice took the sixth sovereign out of his purse. Is not positive. Saw her husband next morning, but did not mention anything of the money to him, but told her son of the matter. BOWDEN, another Tory, came with Rapson when he gave the GBP5. Heard in the Falmouth market that people were going to London, and thought she might as well go as another. Went to Mr. Bamfield's (petitioner's attorney) and gave her testimony. Expected to be paid for her time and trouble. Told her husband she was going to London as a witness about Captain Plumridge's money, but he did not appear surprised. Rapson told her husband to direct witness to get the five sovereigns from James. Went to Bice, and he refused to give it to her. This was after the election.
Re-examined: Went to the committee room and saw James. Asked him for the money, as he had promised to return it. He refused to return it and said your money will go to pay STEFFIS. We will protect you. Bice and several other gentlemen of the committee were there.
To the Committee: Thinks James defrauded her of the money. Her husband got drunk and was put away. He was brought home after the election.
John GOODMAN, examined by Mr. Sergeant Wrangham: Was in Truro-lane the day before the election with several of the voters. Captain Plumridge and some gentlemen came up and solicited their votes. One of the electors asked what was the figure? The Captain replied he would walk as far as either of them, and the two miles further if it were necessary. Saw him again go into Timmins's shop. This was before the election. Heard James asking Williams to vote for Captain Plumridge. Williams said he understood the captain was giving only GBP3. James said he could do better. He (James) would put one over it. Copland, Williams, and James then went away.
Cross-examined by Mr. Cockburn: Did you ever in your life receive a bribe?
Witness: Never, merely for the sake of my vote.
Mr. Cockburn: Do you mean to swear you never received a bribe? - (The learned gentleman pressed for a lengthened time for a reply to this question, and ultimately the witness said "Never in my life.")
Mr. Cockburn then referred to the minutes of evidence taken in the year 1828, before the Lords, in reference to a bill then pending for the disfranchisement of the Borough of Penryn; and it appeared that the witness had been then examined, and admitted that he at one period received a bribe of GBP 10 for his vote from John STANBURY.
Cross-examination resumed: That I know of, I never received a bribe of GBP10 from John Stanbury for voting for his candidate.
Mr. Cockburn: Did you ever receive GBP 10 from Stanbury?
Witness: Yes; but not in consideration of my vote; it was for leather I sold him.
Mr. Cockburn: Were you not asked before the House of Lords if you had given Stanbury the leather you said you had sold him, and did you not swear you had not?
Witness: I do not recollect what I swore before the House of Lords. I got a loan of GBP 10 from Stanbury.
Several questions tending to impeach the witness's veracity, and founded on the minutes referred to, were then put, but the learned counsel did not succeed in getting any answer other than that the witness could not recollect what he had sworn before the House of Lords.
Cross-examination proceeded with. Witness had not been at home for the last four weeks. Came to town on business. Called on Mr. Reid (petitioner's attorney), who gave him a sovereign. Offered to Mr. Reid to give his evidence. It was for the welfare of justice and purity he offered his testimony. Called on Capt. VIVIAN and told him his finances were getting low. Captain Vivian would not give him anything. I asked if he would assist me, the Captain refused. I can't say if this was before or after I called on Mr. Reid. When Captain Vivian refused me money, I pulled out a bag of sovereigns, and said I had plenty of money, and could get more. I merely went to try if the Captain was a good hearted chap. I did not positively ask for money; merely said my finances are getting low, would you assist me? Got the bag of sovereigns for leather I sold. Bought other leather. Don't know who is going to pay my expenses back to Penryn. Did not go to Mr. Reid solely for the purpose of being made a witness.
John COCKS, examined by Sergeant Wrangham: Witness stated that Captain Plumridge had called on him, in company with a Mr. Searle, and offered him GBP8 for his vote, which witness refused; and that after Captain Plumridge had retired, Mr. Searle said he should have more if he (witness) would go to Bice's, which he declined, being a true Tory.
Cross-examined by Mr. Cockburn: You swear you are a true Tory, and refused Captain Plumridge's GBP8; pray tell me how much you got for your vote - did you get GBP12?
Witness: I won't answer that question.
Cockburn: Why not?
Witness: I only did it in the common way.
Cockburn: How much did you get in the common way - way it GBP12?
Witness: I got GBP 12 from the gentlemen. You know I am a poor man, and if a person came from the party I belonged to, and said, "John, here are GBP5 or 6 for your vote," I would take it; so I took the money - GBP6 from one of the Tories, and GBP 6 from the other. The money was left on the ground by two men. I took it up, and asked no questions. This was before the election. Mr. Cockburn: Were you ever accused of stealing a silver spoon from Mr. GOULD. Witness: No answer. Mr. Cockburn: Were you ever accused of stealing a gold cup from Sir Christopher HAWKINS? Witness: I never voted for Sir Christopher. The question was repeated, but the witness would not answer.
Josiah MALLETT was then examined. He heard the communication between Captain Plumridge, last witness, and Mr. Searle. Cross-examined: Was sent by Mr. Perkin WILLIAMS to Cocks. Did not tell of this conversation till after the election. Spoke with Cocks about it, who said if he was called on, witness should also be brought to give his evidence. Was speaking to Mr. Williams the day after he saw Captain Plumridge at Cocks's, and never mentioned the fact to him.
Francis REZDEN examined: Captain Plumridge asked me for my vote and inquired what I wanted. I refused him my vote, and said I did not want anything, as I intended to vote for the Tories. Mr. TILLY offered me GBP 16 for voting for the Liberals. On cross-examination nothing material was elicited. Samuel REZDEN (son of the former witness) gave similar testimony.
William George BOWELL was next examined: Mr. Tilly offered me GBP16 for voting for Captain Plumridge. I refused the money. Mallett said I was a d-d fool. The Captain left me, and said he would give me as much as anybody else.
Cross-examined: Never received any money for his vote.
The Speaker was then announced as being at prayers, and the committee adjourned to eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning.
CLOSE OF THE INQUIRY. TUESDAY, MAY 3
The committee met at the usual hour, Mr. C. Wood in the chair.
The Chairman called the attention of counsel for the petition to the decision of the Ipswich committee, that before the offer of a bribe could be proved the agency of the offence must be first proved.
Mr. Talbot said that he thought the point should be further discussed, and begged to consult with Sergeant WRANGHAM, who was engaged elsewhere.
Mr. Talbot, after some time entered the committee-room, and said, after the intimation of the committee, and the consultation he had had with Sergeant Wrangham, his friend and himself came to the resolution of advising the petitioner to withdraw.
The room was then cleared, and the committee came to the resolution that Captain Plumridge was duly elected for the borough of Penryn and Falmouth.
11 MARCH 1842, Friday
SMUGGLING. On Saturday evening last, a boat was taken in Falmouth harbour with two men and about 22 cwt. of Brazil sugar. The men were detained till Monday on board the cutter, and then remanded to the town prison till an answer was received from the board in London; but we understand the men have since been liberated. The sugar is, however, detained.
CAUTION TO INNKEEPERS. A Scotchman, named IRVING, who stopped at the Darlington Inn, Camelford, ten days, moving out in the mornings and returning in the evenings, for the purpose of taking orders for an Encyclopedia, published at Glasgow, has not been seen since Friday last, and has left "mine host" minus ten days bed and board. It is reported that the same person left an Inn at Stratton in a similar way, after stopping nearly a month, and another at Boscastle, where he remained a week. He appears from 40 to 50 years of age, and is probably still in the county, playing the same game. It will, therefore, be doing a public benefit to apprehend such a rogue or to give information of him to the police officer at Camelford.
EARTHQUAKE IN CORNWALL. After the lecture at Falmouth last week, by Mr. R. HUNT, secretary of the Polytechnic Society, the lecturer gave the following particulars of the results of his enquiries into the extent of the disturbance of the earth, which was experienced in the western parts of the county on the morning of February 17th. It does not appear that the shock was felt on the northern side of Carn Marth, or Carn Brea. At Wheal Virgin, one of the Consolidated mines, on the junction of the killas with the granite, and at Poldory, a part of the United mines, similarly situated, the shock was sensibly felt 160 fathoms from the surface, but not at all to the eastward of these mines. On the south side of Carn Marth, a very sensible tremor is described, and the men at all depths in Tresavean felt the shock. In the southern parts of Camborne it was also felt, and at South Wheal Basset, the kibble filler left his work and came to the surface. In Stithians and Constantine, the effects appear to have been greater than in any other parts, particularly the latter parish, from which that may be regarded as the centre of the disturbing force. Along the lines extending from about half a mile east of Carn Marth and the same distance west of Carn Brea, towards the south, the noise was heard, and in many places a tremor felt; under these lines Penryn, Falmouth, and Helston, are conspicuous for the very decided manner in which they experienced the shock. At Wheal Vor, at the 130 fathoms level, and below the 200 fathoms, the shock was most distinctly felt by the men. We still hear of it towards the Lizard, but with a very modified action. At Porthleaven the shock was scarcely felt, and but very slightly at Cadgwith and Coverack. It is curious to observe that the great line of action is confined to the granite range running nearly N.E., and S. W., and that although the influence of the shock extended into the killas and serpentine districts, it was gradually weakened and soon lost entirely.
POLYTECHNIC HALL, FALMOUTH. On Tuesday evening last, a lecture on Railways, by Mr. SAMBELL, was read by Mr. BOND, who, in the course of a discussion which followed, stated on unquestionable authority, that one fourth of the money necessary to complete the intended Penzance railway was already subscribed; and assured the Falmouth people that in a very few years, a railway communication between Penzance and Exeter would be effected, while Falmouth would be passed by, and Penzance become that which Falmouth ought to be.
HAYLE. The "Pencalenick," RULE, the "Wave," REES, and the "Auspicious," SPRAY, have just completed the loading with about 300 tons of cast and wrought iron, for the Clifton suspension bridge, which was manufactured here at the factory of Messrs. Sandys, Carne, and Vivian, who have the contract for supplying about 1,800 tons of manufactured iron for this stupendous piece of mechanism. This company have also the contract for supplying the principal parts of a suspension bridge to cross the Thames at Hungerford.
ST. IVES. On Thursday, the 3rd instant, a letter was received by the church wardens and overseers of the parish, from the poor law Commissioners, stated that the vestry was not possessed of the power which it assumed in April, 1841, in directing the overseers to deliver up the Poor-house to the corporation of St. Ives; and further directing them to regain possession of, and sell the same, as in default thereof, they would be charged a rent for the said Poor-house, the amount to be fixed by the auditor of the Union.
TRURO POLICE. On Monday last, Mary Jane STRIBLEY, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and was committed to the house of correction for one month to hard labour. The same day, John WOODYATES shoemaker, and Robert ROBERTS, cabinet-maker, both of Truro, were charged with drunken and disorderly conduct in the streets, and were each fined 5s. with costs.
PURSERS OF MINES AND SUBORDINATE AGENTS. At a meeting of the magistrates, specially held at Truro, on Wednesday last, William THOMAS, recently a captain of North Wheal Towan mine, St. Agnes, was charged with committing an assault upon one Benjamin CHIVALL, at the said mine, on Saturday last. The ostensible complaint was for the assault mentioned, but the important question at issue was, whether a mere captain of a mine, because he may happen to possess a small share in the adventure, is justified to resisting the lawful commands of the manager. It appeared from the evidence that the defendant, about twelve months since, had been appointed to his situation as captain by the purser of the mine, Mr. J. G. BECKERLEG, and had, a short time ago, received notice from that gentleman to leave; that since such notice, the defendant had endeavoured to assume the control of the mine, and, relying upon his trifling interest as an adventurer, had, last week, interfered to prevent the removal of the tin for sale, agreeably to Mr. Beckerleg's orders, and the manner pointed out by a resolution of a majority of the shareholders; that, in consequence, Mr. Beckerleg was obliged to procure extra assistance to carry his instructions into effect; and that the complainant, in proceeding to do so, was assaulted by Thomas. Mr. Stokes, for the defendant, first contended that the magistrates had no jurisdiction, it being a question, as he alleged, of disputed property between the defendant and Mr. Beckerleg; and then proceeded to argue, after the examination of the constable and one or two other witnesses, that no assault had been committed. The assault was, however, proved by Chivall. Mr. Beckerleg was examined at great length by Mr. Hockin, for the complainant, and several letters to him from a gentleman acting for a majority of the shareholders, were put in, commencing from the date of his own appointment as purser and manager, and continuing to the present time, recognizing his (Mr. B's) undivided authority over all the other agents. Several acts of gross insubordination on the part of the defendant were also proved by Mr. B. the magistrates expressed their opinion that it would be most dangerous to the mining interests of Cornwall to permit an agent, because he might also be a shareholder, to set the manager and purser at defiance. They did not consider that there was any questions of disputed property in this case; and as the assault had been fully proved, they convicted Thomas in the penalty of 20s., and costs, or, in default of payment, to two months' imprisonment. The fine and costs were immediately paid.
MEVAGISSEY. On the 6th inst., the splendid new brigantine, "Chronometer," John FURSE, master, which was launched shortly after Christmas from the building yard of Mr. DUNN, of this town, sailed hence for Liverpool. Her burden is 300 tons 194 c.n., and a correspondent informs us she is considered by most competent judges to be one of the strongest, handsomest, and best calculated vessels for the merchant service of any ever seen in the port.
CAUTION. Last week, Wm. BULLEN (or BULLER), jun., was committed for 3 months, to hard labour, for leaving his family chargeable on St. Austell parish.
FATAL ACCIDENT. On Tuesday last, as Mr. JENKINS, of Pinnock, near Fowey, was in the act of taking some corn out of a mow, it gave way, and falling on him killed him on the spot. The deceased was 79 years of age.
MELANCHOLY DEATH. On Sunday last a young man, named ALLEN, servant to Mr. ROWE, of Pentireglaze, St. Minver, went to a christening, and on Tuesday morning, he was picked up dead on the beach under Bray-hill, in Padstow harbour. It is supposed that he lost his way, fell over the cliff, and was drowned.
CORONER'S INQUESTS. An Inquest was held on the 4th instant, at St. Just in Penwith, by W. HICHENS, Esq., coroner, on the body of Tobias ROBERTS, aged 78 years. The deceased, who was very deaf, was returning from his labour on the 28th of February, and was walking on the road leading to his house, when he received a violent blow in the lower part of his back from a fat bullock, which was coming behind him in charge of a butcher to whom it belonged, and which had a halter on its head, but in consequence of having shortly before been frightened by some boys, the animal became so unmanageable that he could not hold it. The deceased was knocked down, and received some internal injury, of which he died on the 2nd instant. Verdict, accidental death.
On the 5th instant, Mr. Hichens held another inquest in the parish of Breage, on the body of Henry RICHARDS, aged 16 years, who met with his death in Wheal Trewavas Mine, in that parish, on the 3rd instant, by falling into one of the shafts from the 22 to the 56 fathoms level, whilst, it is supposed, wheeling a barrow over a stage or board across the shaft. The deceased was killed on the spot. Verdict, accidental death.
On Saturday last, an inquest was held at Stokeclimsland, on the body of James SHEDRICK, who suddenly dropped down dead on the Thursday evening before, whilst crossing Hingston Down, on his return from Callington to Launceston. Verdict ? died by the visitation of God. The deceased has left a widow and six children to lament their loss.
Yesterday, an inquest was held at St. Day, before J. CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body of Samuel PRISK, a miner, 38 years of age. It appeared, that on Tuesday last, the deceased and his comrade were about to fire a hole in one of the levels at Consols Mine, in Gwennap, which they had just tamped up, and the latter had retired for safety in a pit about four feet deep, and 25 fathoms from the hole. The deceased then set fire to the fuse, and retired to the edge of the same pit; but instead of getting into it, as he ought to have done, and as he had ample time to do, he remained on the outside. It appeared that he had done so before on similar occasions, without receiving any injury. He had been there about a minute, and had just remarked to his comrade that he feared the fuse had missed, when the charge exploded, and a stone from the hole hit him on the head, fractured his skull, and knocked him into the pit. Assistance was immediately at hand, and he was conveyed to his home at St. Day, where every care was taken of him, but he died the following day. Verdict - accidental death.
18 MARCH 1842, Friday
We have only space sufficient left to refer our readers to the disastrous news from Western India which we have given at considerable length in our first page. The next arrival will be looked for with great anxiety, though it appears to be all but certain that the British forces at Cabool, amounting to nearly 6,000 men, are annihilated, with the exception of a few stragglers. The revenge will, in all probability, be terrible.
CORNWALL SPRING ASSIZES. These assizes commence on Monday next, when the commission will be opened The judges will go to church on Tuesday, after which Mr. Justice COLERIDGE will preside in the Crown Court, and Mr. Justice ERSKINE at Nisi Prius. At present, (we write on Wednesday) there are only four prisoners for trial - two, a man and his sister, for sheep stealing, a case of housebreaking, and a petty case of larceny, so that the Crown business promises to be light. As far as we can learn, it is probably the business at Nisi Prius will be heavy. One cause, for which a special jury has been summoned, excites great interest. This case is BRUNE v. THOMPSON, and the action is brought by the plaintiff to try his right to quay dues, at Wadebridge; the plaintiff contending that Wadebridge is in the port of Padstow, and that he is entitled to dues on all goods entering into or coming from that town, although the quay of Padstow is not used. The case has already been before Lord DENMAN and a special jury, but the plaintiff was nonsuited on a technical point. Sir Wm. FOLLETT has been retained for the plaintiff, and unless it again go off, the case is likely to last two days It is said that there are two other special jury cases for trial.
TRURO PROVIDENT COAL INSTITUTION
This institution has just terminated its second season, the results of which, we understand, are as follows: The accounts opened during the year have been 107, whose families comprised 385 individuals; and the amount of deposits received has been GBP 27.17s.11d., by which tickets have been issued weekly from the 13th of December to the 28th of February for 1,100 bushels of coals, supplied to the depositors at two-thirds of the cost price. There has been further a gratuitous distribution of one bushel of coals to each family. All this has been done - independent, of course, of the above amount - at a cost of only GBP12.8s.8d, provided by the small fund raised by honorary subscriptions. The great recommendation of this institution consists in its thus supporting itself, with such little additional assistance, while it gives an opportunity to the industrious poor to lay by a portion of their earnings in the more prosperous periods of the year, to provide against the inclemency of the winter.
EMIGRATION. The splendid ship, the "Orleans," of between 600 and 700 tons burden, Captain CAMARON, arrived here on Tuesday, bound for Van Dieman's land. She is lying in the sound, and will take out about two hundred and fifty emigrants of both sexes. This fine vessel may be styled the First Government Emigrant Ship which has put in this port. She is remarkably well fitted up, and the emigrants declare themselves to be perfectly happy, and pleased with the kind attention of the Captain to ensure their comforts, in which he has been greatly assisted by the indefatigable exertions of the Government agent, Mr. LEAN, of the Royal Navy. (Devonport paper)
ST. AUSTELL INSTITUTION
On Tuesday last, Mr. SAMBELL's second and concluding lecture, on Railroads, which on a former occasion we reported at some length, was read at this institution by W. BROWNE, Esq. At the close, a unanimous vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Sambell, for his able lectures. The next lecture, on Monday, the 29th inst., will be given Mr. T.S. LEWARN, on "The Life and Writings of BURNS."
POLYTECHNIC HALL, FALMOUTH. On Tuesday last, Mr. GARLAND delivered an able and eloquent lecture at this Hall, on Liberty of Opinion, which we noticed at some length on a former occasion. On Tuesday next, Mr. BOYNE[?] will lecture on Human Physiology.
To the EDITOR of the WEST BRITON
In this wide world we know not all our friends
Oft service meant for good in evil ends,
A week ago, in looking o'er your page,
The following notice did my sight engage
We can't insert a piece by Janet signed,
Unless by name its origin we find.
The matter now I can in clearness state,
In this town's paper it appeared of late,
Copied 'twas sent by some who knew not well
It is a rule that all their names should tell;
I think in future if they send you rhyme,
They'd better write their own, not copy mine.
JANET Penzance, March 14, 1842
TRURO POLICE. On Monday last, Stephen BLIGHT and William BRENTEN, both of Illogan, were charged with stealing a watch, a gold seal, and a key, from the home of Capt. Wm. COLLINS, of St. Day. The magistrate thought that Capt. Collins did not give his evidence in a satisfactory manner, and therefore dismissed the case with costs. The watch was afterwards cried round the town, and GBP2 reward being offered, it was soon brought by a woman, who said she found it in the street. We hear that the young men are going to enter an action against Captain Collins for false imprisonment. On the following day, Joseph VINICOMBE of Truro, was charged with drunken and disorderly conduct in the streets on Sunday morning, and was fined 5s. with costs Michael McCARTHY, of Truro, was also charged with drunken and disorderly conduct in the streets on Sunday morning, and with assaulting policeman FITZSIMMONS in the execution of his duty. The defendant was fined 20s. with costs.
AUDACIOUS ROBBERY. On Tuesday night last, the shop of Mr. Thos. MOON, mercer and tailor, Liskeard, was broken into, and a large quantity of new silk and satin waistcoatings, silk handkerchiefs, &c. of the value of GBP60 or upwards, was taken away. Several very suspicious characters, both men and women, had been in the town for many days, but on Tuesday and Wednesday night they all left.
PORT TALBOT, March 13. The "Grace," STEPHENS, of Truro, from Swansea, in running in last night, got on shore, in consequence of the wind falling suddenly, and is a total wreck. Part of her cargo (copper ore) is saved. The "Mary," PAYNTER, of St. Ives, and the "Trelissick," ANDREWS, of Hayle, running for the port last night in light winds, and too late on tide, were thrown on shore on the North Shore, where they remain. Their cargoes (copper ore) are discharging, and they have received considerable damage. (Shipping Gazette)
ANOTHER CHILD BURNT. On Thursday, the 10th instant, a little girl, daughter of Henry DOWRICK, of Carne, in the parish of St. Veryan, went into a neighbour's house, when the woman of the house, having occasion to go out for a few minutes, left her to take care of an infant asleep in the cradle. On her return, she found that the little girl had caught her clothes on fire, and was so dreadfully burnt that she expired early the next morning.
ACCIDENT. On Saturday evening last, as Samuel BLAKE, servant of Mr. DAUBUZ of Penair, was putting the cattle in their houses, he accidentally fell and broke his thigh.
CORONER'S INQUESTS. On the 10th instant, an inquest was held by W. HICHENS, Esq., coroner, in the parish of Sithney, on the body of Joseph PERRY, aged 60 years, who died suddenly on the 8th instant. Verdict, Natural Death.
On the 14th, Mr. Hichens held another inquest, in the parish of Gwinear, on the body of Margaret ROW, aged 29 years. The deceased, who was the wife of James ROWE, hung herself, on Saturday night last, at the dwelling-house of her father, John POLLARD, with whom she had been residing for some months, her husband having gone to America. It appeared that his absence, and the want of the means to go to him, had so preyed on her mind as to deprive her of her reason. Verdict - Hung herself whilst labouring under temporary insanity.
On Monday last, an inquest was held before J. HAMLEY, Esq., at Lanteglos by Fowey, on a boy named John GIDDY, aged about ten years, servant of Mr. LAMB. On Sunday afternoon, he and two other boys about the same age, fellow servants, went into the mowhay. The deceased got on the water wheel of a thrashing machine, when one of the other boys, not knowing that he was there, turned the water on, which of course set the wheel in motion, and the boy was carried round about half the circumference of the wheel, when he fell between the wheel and the wall. On seeing the poor fellow in this situation the companions of the deceased were alarmed, and called their master, who came out and found him completely wedged in. he could not, however, extricate him, but immediately stopped the wheel, and then went for assistance to saw off a part of it, to get the body out. The poor boy was quite dead, having been completely smashed. The jury was satisfied that he came by his death accidentally, and returned a verdict accordingly.
An inquest was held on Saturday last, at Mr. Sanders's inn, Falmouth, to enquire touching the death of John Dawe JAGO, son of Mr. William JAGO, of that town, a seaman on board the smack "Rising Sun," from Cadiz to London, but then lying in Falmouth harbour. It appeared that the deceased, a remarkably steady youth, aged 23 years, had been two months in the vessel; that on Wednesday, March the 9th, at noon, he was called from his bed to assist to take in sail, the wind blowing heavily at S.W. and a tremendous sea on. Deceased and the mate were engaged near each other, the former standing on the extreme end of the deck; when a sea from the leeward knocked the boom of the mainsail over before it could be secured, and both of them were knocked down. The deceased fell on the stern tafrail, and in an instant the boom passed over him, coming in contact with his chest, which caused his instant death. The verdict of the jury was Accidental death. The jury expressed the utmost sympathy with the friends of the deceased and gave their praise to Capt. POLLAND and the mate of the "Rising sun" for their urbanity towards the poor youth.
NOTICE. All persons having demands on the Adventurers of the WHEAL CLEGGAR MINE, Perranzabuloe, are desired to forward particulars of the same to Capt. Xxx of Wheal Perran Mine, Perranzabuloe, on or before Thursday, the 24th inst. St. Agnes, March 17, 1842
QUARTER SESSIONS
TRIAL OF PRISONERS
William HETT, 47, was charged with having stolen, at St. Austell, a calico shirt, the property of Edmund RETALLACK. The shirt in question was hung out to dry, on the 22nd of February last, by the mother of the prosecutor, and when she came to take her things in, in the afternoon, the shirt was missing. On the 24th, the prisoner was apprehended on another charge, when the shirt in question was found on his person; and Mrs. Retallack having been sent for, she identified it as her property. The prisoner said he bought it of a stranger for 9d. GUILTY. One week's hard labour. The prisoner pleaded GUILTY to another indictment, charging him with having stolen a watch, the property of Mary HORE, of St. Austell. At the end of the first imprisonment, to be transported for ten years.
Charles OLIVER, 15, pleaded guilty of having stolen a duck, the property of Matthew ANGOVE, of St. Hilary. Two months' hard labour.
Samuel HAWKE, 19, pleaded GUILTY of having stolen a calico shirt, the property of Edward DENEY [or Doney], of Northill. One months' hard labour.
Elizabeth HONEYHURCH, 23, was charged with having stolen a cotton handkerchief, the property of the guardians of the St. Austell Union. The prosecutors in this case were the guardians; and it is the custom and regulation of the Union work-house, when a female comes into the house, to strip her of her clothing, and to dress her in the clothes of the Union. Any person was at liberty to leave the house on giving three hours' notice. The prisoner did give notice according to the regulations, and the Union clothes were taken from her, and her clothes were given her in exchange. After she had left the house, however, the handkerchief was found missing, and the prisoner was sent for and brought back. She was then searched, and the handkerchief was found between her shift and her back. The prisoner, in her defence, stated that she did not know that it was there. The jury, not being able to agree, were ordered to withdraw; and after an absence of two hours and ten minutes, they found a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
Mary MARTIN, 19, a respectably dressed servant, was indicted for having stolen a sovereign, the property of Samuel HOSKIN, a grocer of Tywardreath, her master. It appeared that on Wednesday, the 23rd of February, the prosecutor's wife put eight sovereigns and a half in a piece of paper; and this she placed in the till in the shop, intending to give it to the miller when he called. The till was not locked, and the miller not having called, the money was left in the till. On the following Saturday, a sovereign was missing from the paper, and in the course of the day, Mrs. Hoskin found a new pair of stays hidden under the prisoner's bed; and knowing that the prisoner was short of money, it led to a suspicion that she had stolen the money. She was apprehended, and, on the following Tuesday, taken before the Rev. Charles LYNN, when she made some confession, which induced the magistrate to send the constable with her to the prosecutor's house, and she there took him to the privy, in the garden, where she put her hand to the ceiling and took down a glove, containing 16s 1 1/2d. Mr Littleton SCOTT, another shopkeeper, stated that on Saturday, the 26th, he sold to a person like the prisoner, a pair of stays and a pair of gloves, the price of which was 4s.10d. The person purchasing gave a sovereign, but he could not swear that the prisoner was the person. So much of the prisoner's statement as was admissible in evidence was read, in which she said - "All I have told you is false, Sir. I will tell the truth. I went into the shop, on Thursday morning, and I saw lying on the floor a sovereign, wrapped in a piece of paper. I took it up and kept it." Mr. BENALLACK addressed the jury for the prisoner, and she was found NOT GUILTY.
The bill against Humphry SPILLER, charging him with having stolen a quantity of turnips, the property of Richard BLAKE, was ignored.
John SIMMIS, 29, a native of Belgium, was charged with having stolen a gun and a quantity of wearing apparel, from the house of Mrs. Susannah WHITE, of East Looe. Mrs. WHITE stated that she kept an Inn at East Looe, and that on the 21st of January, the prisoner came and asked for a bed. Witness accommodated him. On the following morning, when she got up, she found a quantity of clothing missing, among which were blankets, shoes, a great coat, sheets, a gun, five gowns, a frock, a handkerchief, waistcoat, etc. She raised an alarm, and the prisoner was pursued and overtaken with all the goods in his possession. The constables produced the articles, which formed almost a complete wardrobe, and the prosecutrix identified them as her property. The prisoner then stated that he was a sailor, and had lately left a man-of-war with a companion, who had got his money and left him penniless; and that he had in consequence of his poverty, taken the articles in question. GUILTY. Six weeks' hard labour.
Richard PENROSE, 33, was charged with having feloniously assaulted Wm Henry PEARCE, near Truro, and violently stolen from his person, eight half-crowns and one sixpence. Mr. STOKES conducted the case for the prosecution, and the prisoner was defended by Mr. Bennallack. Mr. Stokes having stated the case, called Wm. Henry Pearce, who said my father's name is George PEARCE. He is a butcher at Truro. On the 5th of February, I was sent to Sithney, on business, to buy a calf. I had 22s. chiefly in half-crowns. On the 7th, I returned to Truro; when about a mile from Truro, at about eleven o'clock, as I came along, I saw a man standing in a gate. He asked me where I was going. He said have you got any money. I said no, I have not. He said I want some, and I will have it of some one. I said I would give him the price of a pint of beer, and I offered him twopence, which he threw into my face, and he then up with his hand and knocked me down. At the time I was down, he put his hand into my pockets, I screeched "murder." I saw the prisoner coming up the road, while I was down, and he kicked me in the hind part of the head, and I became senseless. By and bye I came to myself, and I got up again, when I thought I heard two persons going to Falmouth; but I was so weak that I was obliged to sit down for about ten minutes. When I got up again, the prisoner, who was by, said hello old fellow, where are you going, and knocked me down again, where I lay senseless for some time. I reached home about twenty minutes to twelve. I have several blows about the head. When I came to my senses the first time, I found I had been robed, and that I had 8 half-crowns and a sixpence wanting. I also lost a comb and some pence. I was not well again for that week. My eye was quite blackened. I did not know the other man. The prosecutor was cross-examined at some length, but his evidence was not shaken. Mr. George PEARCE gave evidence that he sent his son to buy a calf, and that he returned on the evening in question about twenty minutes to twelve, very much injured about the head. In consequence of what witness was told, he proceeded, on the following morning, to the spot where the robbery was stated to have taken place, and there he found a comb, which belonged to his son, a pencil, two half-pence, three or four brace buttons, and part of his boy's braces. James CLARK stated that he resided in Truro, and that on the evening of the 7th of February, he saw the prisoner in Truro, about half-past eight o'clock. He had on then a "downright?" fustion.. and a low polled hat. The prosecutor had observed [the attacker had worn the same clothing as described.] Mr. Bennallack addressed the jury for the prisoner, and called two witnesses, named Ann TREGASKIS and Matthew MORTON, to prove an alibi. These witnesses swore that on the evening of the robbery, the prisoner was at the Bear and the Unicorn public houses in Truro, till twelve o'clock at night; but about eleven there was nearly half-an-hour unaccounted for, and that was the time when the robbery was said to have been committed. The Chairman summed up, and the jury found the prisoner GUILTY. Mr. Bennallack then handed in a written testimonial to character, but it occasioned some laughter, as it was without a date, and it was known that the prisoner had been under the vigilant care of Mr. EVEREST, the governor of the gaol, several times before. Twelve months' hard labour.
John TIPPET, 28, was found GUILTY of having stolen a quantity of barley straw, and a halter, the property of Mr. Robert KENT, a farmer, in St. Columb Major. One month's hard labour.
Henry POLKINGHORNE, 18, was charged with having stolen a pair of trousers, the property of James HODGE, tailor, of Truro. The prosecutor had left his trousers in his bed room, from whence he missed them; and they were traced into the possession of Mr. JAMES, a pawnbroker, of Truro, to whom the prisoner had taken them, and said that he was sent by his master, the prosecutor, to pawn them for a shilling. The prisoner, in his defence, asserted that Mr. Hodge sent him with the trousers; but this the prosecutor positively denied, and the jury returned a verdict of GUILTY. Three months' hard labour.
The grand jury ignored the bill against Alexander PROUS, 12, charged with having feloniously defrauded his master, John BENNETT, of certain monies committed to his charge.
The Court rose shortly after six o'clock.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 16. William MORCOMB, 21, was charged with having stolen two silver spoons, the property of Mrs. PHILLIPS, of the Indian Queen, in the parish of St. Columb. The prisoner who was a carpenter living at St. Columb, was at Mrs. Phillips's on the evening the felony was committed, the 25th of September last, in company with a person named HICKS. Late in the evening, when prosecutrix came to count her spoons, she found five missing. Five months afterwards, on the 2nd of March, the prisoner was asked by Harman SEMMOUR, a jew jeweler of Truro, if he wanted to buy anything in his way, and after some conversation, the prisoner purchased a silver guard chain, and Semmour took two silver spoons partly in exchange. These were much rubbed, particularly about the initials, as if the object had been to erase them, and the prisoner stated to Semmour that he had found them under the flooring of a house which he had removed. After the exchange, Semmour, on his return home, called at Mrs. Phillips's, and offered for sale a couple of second hand silver spoons, which she recognized as two of those that she had lost in September last. GUILTY. Six months' hard labour.
Catherine BROOKS, 34, was charged with stealing a loaf of bread, the property of Mrs. Isabella ROAS, of Liskeard. The prosecutrix took the loaf in question to a public baker's, named SIMMONS, and it having been missed, suspicion fell upon the prisoner; and on her house being searched, the loaf was found in a cupboard. GUILTY. Six weeks' hard labour.
James STEVENS, Jun., 12, and William QUICK, 16, were charged with having stolen a copper funnel, the property of Thomas RICHARDS, of St. Ives. The prosecutor is the owner of the ship "Agnes" now laid up for the winter season in the harbour of St. Ives, and the two prisoners were charged with having taken a copper funnel, which acted as a sort of chimney, [..] the deck. The property was taken and soon afterward it was found in the possession of the prisoners, who sold it in two parts to two marine store dealers in St. Ives. The boys afterward made a confession before the magistrate, and admitted they were the parties who committed the felony. These facts having been proved, the jury found the prisoners GUILTY. One week's hard labour, and once to be privately whipped.
John BEARD, 48, pleaded GUILTY of having stolen about three gallons of potatoes, the property of Thomas ROOKE, of Probus. Nine Months' hard labour.
Richard VINSON, 24, was charged with having stolen a hundred cabbage plants, the property of John COLWELL, of Moorwinstow. The prosecutor stated that on the 1st of March he purchased a hundred cabbage plants, which he took with him to the Bay Tree Inn, at Stratton, and put under a bench in the kitchen. The prisoner afterwards came in, and when prosecutor was about to leave the room he found his plants gone. James PEARDON, shoemaker, stated that he saw the prisoner come into the inn with a small bundle, and when he went out witness saw him stoop down near the bench and take something. The prosecutor having given notice of his loss to the constables, the prisoner was seen by GODDARD, the constable, in the streets, and apprehended, having a bundle of plants in his possession. GUILTY. Four months' hard labour.
John SIMMONS, 29, was charged with having stolen three geese, the property of Wm OLIVER, of St. Winnow. On the night of the 12th of February last, the prosecutor's geese were seen in the house adjoining his dwelling, and on the following morning they were gone. Suspicion fell upon the prisoner, whose house at Lostwithiel was searched, under a warrant, and parts of three geese were found. George SCANTLEBURY, of St. Winnow, stated that he sold two geese to the prosecutor, and he could swear to marks on the feet of the geese in the prisoner's house, as having been made by him. There were also foot marks towards the prisoner's house, which when examined, corresponded with the shoes worn by the prisoner. GUILTY. Six months' hard labour.
John BARNICOTT, 22, was charged with having stolen a quantity of candles, coals, and a bag, the property of Capt. Richard ROWE and other adventurers in North Rosedown mine, in Linkinhorne, on the 1st of February. The prisoner had been employed at this mine, but for about a month before the robbery he had ceased to be employed. The candles and coals were kept in the material house. In the early part of the day, the house was locked; but about five in the evening, the prisoner was seen in the house sitting upon a pile of coals, some of which he had put into a tin bag, which was also the property of the adventurers of the mine. The prisoner had also taken out 21- lbs. of candles, which he had strung upon a pick hilt, and intended to appropriate to his own use. GUILTY. Four months' hard labour.
Samuel MACKENNY, 17, and Francis WALTERS, 21 were charged with stealing a quantity of ore, from the Carn-Brea mines, the property of the adventurers. The case for the prosecution was conducted by Mr. JOHN, and for the prisoners by Mr. HOCKIN. When the prisoners were arraigned, Mackenny, who is a sharp, shrewd young man, challenged two of the jurors. Mr. John having stated the case, called William ROBERTS, who had been one of the agents of Carn Brea mine about five years, and who proved that the prisoners were employed in it as tributers, and that he was by at the time the pitches were set. The prisoners entered the mine on the 4th or 5th, and worked till the 16th of February, on which day witness went down the mine in company with Capt. LENTEN; and on examining the prisoners' piles, they found ores which could never have been raised in their pitches. They then found the prisoners concealing themselves in a part of the mine which was not let to any one, with their candles out. Witness and captain Lenten called to them, and said "what are you about here - you are taking away the adventurers property - we shall be obliged to proceed against you." And Walters said "it is the first time we have ever been here, so I hope you will be as favourable with us as you possibly can," or something to that effect. The witness then went on to state that they returned to the prisoners' piles, and found a quantity of yellow ore among their grey ore, and he produced some pieces of ore, to show how very rich the yellow was, which the prisoners were charged with having taken. Capt. Nicholas LENTEN gave corroborating testimony of the facts spoken to by Capt. Roberts. Thomas HICKS, a miner, stated the he had worked in the prisoners' pitches for some time, and he never found any of the yellow ore, and that he went one day to look for his barrow while the prisoners were working, and while there he looked also at the kind of work that the prisoners had got, and found that they were still working on the grey ore. John THOMAS, another miner, stated that he had accompanied last witness on Friday last, to the prisoners' pitches, and had looked at the back of the level where they were working. There was nothing but grey ore, some of which he now produced, and that was very poor. Mr. John Moyle PAYNTER, clerk at the mines, proved Mr. Joseph and Mr. John LYLE and Mr. [...], to be adventurers. Mr. HOCKIN then made an able speech for the prisoners, after which the Chairman summed up, and the jury found both prisoners GUILTY. Six months' hard labour.
The Court rose about seven. The Grand Jury was dismissed at three o'clock.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
William Benjamin Chivers BAKER, 25, was charged with having stolen a pair of boots, the property of Mary QUICK, servant to Mr. John ADAMS, of the William the Fourth Inn, at Truro. On the 3rd February, the prisoner came to the house to drink, and remained there some time. While he was there, prosecutrix saw her boots under the form in the kitchen. The prisoner left the house, while the prosecutrix was in another room, taking her dinner. In the evening, about six o'clock, when about to go milking, she missed the boots, and suspecting the prisoner, she went to policeman FITZSIMONS, and they found the prisoner carrying a sedan in Lemon-street. When he had set down the sedan, they charged him with the robbery. Prisoner at first denied, but afterwards said he had taken them in a drunken spree, and she should have them in the morning. Prosecutrix said she must have them at once, and gave prisoner in charge to the policeman. Prisoner took policeman to an outhouse in the field belonging to George PEARCE, butcher, and took down the boots from a place of concealment. Prisoner was sober when found in Lemon-street, the same day as the robbery. After the case had been fully heard, and the Chairman had nearly completed summing it up, it was discovered that the policeman had committed the blunder of going before the grand jury, and giving his evidence to them, without being sworn. The Chairman stopped the proceedings, and the witnesses left the court to be sworn, and to repeat their evidence before the grand jury The prisoner was, at last, found GUILTY. Six months' hard labour.
John NETHERTON, 29, charge with stealing a quantity of turves, the property of John MEAGER, a farmer of the parish of Luxulian. The prosecutor, having frequently missed turves from his rick, placed his brother to watch, and the prisoner was detected, on the morning of the 1st of February, in the act of stealing from the rick. Verdict, GUILTY. One fortnight's hard labour.
Colvin Dyer MILLS, 15, was convicted of having stolen a quantity of coals, the property of William Henry HARRIS, of St. Austell. One month's hard labour, and to be once privately whipped.
ANOTHER ROBBERY AT A UNION HOUSE. Alice GRIBBLE, 38, was charged with having received various articles of clothing, knowing them to have been stolen from the Redruth Union Workhouse. Mr. John conducted the prosecution, and in addressing the jury, he stated that it had been deemed expedient, for the ends of justice, to admit as approver or Queen's evidence against the prisoner, the person charged with having stolen the goods. It was the receivers of stolen goods who encouraged thefts, and it was therefore desirable that they should be punished at the least equally with the thief! Samuel ROGERS, master of the Redruth Union Workhouse, stated that Mary Jane KNIGHT, had been admitted in August last, on account of an illegitimate child. In December, he missed some blankets, sheets, and other articles, the property of the Union. They were not marked with the Union mark, having been kept for out-door relief. But there were marks by which he could identify the articles. Mary Jane KNIGHT remained in the house till the felony was committed. She was well known in the neighbourhood, and had lived close by the prisoner's, before she entered the Union-house. Mary ROGERS, wife of the preceding witness, was matron of the Union house. She remembered that certain articles were missed from the store rooms in December, while Mary Jane Knight was an inmate. There was a key lost at that time - a king key that would open all locks. It was found in Mary Jane Knight's shoe. It belonged to the chaplain. Among the articles missed were blankets, sheets, flannel, sandford, canvas, bolster cases, and a shift. Robert LILLY, police officer, of Redruth, on the 24th of January, went to the house of the prisoner, and told her he was come to look for the things that Mary Jane Knight had brought there. She considered a little while, and then said "very well, I'll fetch them." She then went up stairs, and threw down the sheets, sandford, and wrapper, all tied up together. She said he had better wait while she swept the room out. But he said never mind that; and immediately went up stairs, where he found two blankets on the bed, and a piece of flannel concealed under the bed. He afterwards got some other articles from a drawer down stairs. She told him she had the blankets from a club in Redruth; and that the pillow slip was her own property. Witness here produced the articles, which were all identified as the property of the Union by the master and matron. Mary Jane KNIGHT, stated that she was nearly 20 years old, and had been an inmate of Redruth Union house in consequence of her having had a child. She had delivered a bundle of articles to Alice GRIBBLE, but did not know what the articles were. Alice Gribble was at the door of her own house when witness delivered the bundle to her, about six o'clock in the evening, in December. Witness had received a bundle in the Union-house; when she delivered it to Alice Grible, she told her she was to take care of it till Jane BRAY, who had given witness the bundle, should come out of the Union-house. Witness had seen Alice Gribble at the Union-house, employed in washing. Jane Bray had told witness that the bundle contained her own clothes. The bundle was done up in a wrapper, and appeared to contain some flannel articles. Verdict, GUILTY. Six months' hard labour.
John BERSEY, 19, charged with stealing some fowls, the property of John PAUL, of St. Germans. The prosecutor had seven fowls which he kept locked up in an out-house. They were locked up, as usual, on the 21st of February. On the morning of the 22nd, the prosecutor found that the staple of the out-house door had been drawn, and the whole of the fowls stolen. He observed footsteps near, and with the assistance of a constable, traced them across an adjoining garden, where they found one dead fowl, and the head of another. In consequence of some suspicions, he obtained a warrant to search the prisoner's lodging. They found no property there belonging to the prosecutor; but, on taking prisoner's shoes to the impressions, they were found to correspond exactly. On the 25th of February, the remaining six fowls were discovered in a bag concealed in a dung heap in a field belonging to Mr. PALMER at Catenbeak. It was proved that the prisoner was not home at his usual lodging, during the night when the robbery was committed. Mr. Bennallack defended the prisoner, and was desirous of showing that a malicious feeling existed on the part of the prosecutor towards the prisoner and his master, all three being tailors. Verdict, GUILTY. Three months' hard labour.
William BARRETT, 28, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of having stolen, at St Gluvias, a watch and other articles, the property of Daniel MITCHELL. The prisoner was tried on another charge of having on the 9th of May inst entered the dwelling house of Richard MARTIN, of Ponsanooth, in St. Gluvias, and stolen five sovereigns, a half sovereign, some silver, and wearing apparel. About six in the evening of the 9th of May, the prosecutor, with his wife and family, left his house, which he locked up, and went to chapel. On their return, about eight o'clock, he found the back door opened, and the money above stated, with two waistcoats and a pair of trousers, were stolen. The prisoner was seen by Grace RAWLINGS, a little girl, coming out of the prosecutor's house, with a bundle, about 7 in the evening. He was not seen by the prosecutor until the 5th of February, when he was in custody on another charge, at the Lemon Arms. The prisoner then confessed to prosecutor, who was his uncle, that he had taken about GBP 8 in money, and that the clothes had been pawned by him in Portsea for 10s. Verdict, GUILTY. One week's hard labour. For breaking and entering a dwelling house, Ten Years' transportation.
John DAVEY, 24, William TIMMINS, 24, and Richard RICHARDS, 28, were charged with having stolen, on the 15th of February, two pints of porter, the property of George BROKENSHIR, of Penryn. The prosecutor carries on the business of a wharfinger at Penryn. On the 14th of February, he had in his charge a cask of porter, perfectly clean and unspiled. On the 15th, the three prisoners were in his employ as porters, carrying foreign corn into his bonded cellar, near the house in which the porter was placed. In the afternoon, Richards borrowed a gimlet of a carpenter named GROSE, professedly for the purpose of mending a plank but the prisoners were seen by Mr. TRESTRAIL, the custom-house officer on duty at the bonded cellar, in the porter cellar, Timmins having his two hands and head close to the cask. They all came out, wiping their mouths. On the 16th Mr. Brokenshir found that the cask had been spiled, and that it had been soiled for the purpose of concealing the spile. While the prisoners were being conveyed to Truro, on their way to Bodmin, in charge of a constable, Timmins said he was going to prison, but he could not call it for stealing, adding that if he got out of this trouble he would take care never to get into another one. The jury found the prisoners ALL GUILTY. A certificate of former conviction and imprisonment [against] the prisoner DAVEY, for stealing a .. from John SHARE. Davey, Three months� hard labour, and during that period, three weeks' solitary confinement. Timmins and Richards, two month's hard labour.
[spiled is as spelled! jm]
James COLLINS, 48 pleaded GUILTY to the charge of having stolen some articles of clothing from the Redruth Union. GUILTY. One Months' hard labour.
John HENDY, 16, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of stealing GBP 5 and upwards in gold and silver coin of the realm, from the dwelling house of John JOHNS, of the parish of St. Andrews, Plymouth, the property of the said John JOHNS. Six months hard labour.
Edward WILLIAMS, 24, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of having stolen a quantity of wearing apparel, and other articles, the property of William REYNOLDS, of Linkinhorne. Six months' hard labour.
George BENNETTS, 45, charged with having stolen a leg of pork, from the dwelling house of Richard CLERK, at Trehill, in Calstock. The prisoner, it appeared, entered the house about four o�clock in the afternoon, and took the leg of pork from its place against the wall, during the absence of Mrs. Clark, for a few minutes. On her return, she found the pork missing. She gave an alarm to a man named BOUNDY, working near, and the prisoner was secured, and the leg of pork discovered on a hedge in the direction by which Bennetts had gone from the house. The daughter of the prosecutor saw the prisoner enter the house, and came out with a leg of pork. Verdict, GUILTY. Two months' hard labour.
Edward SMALL, 36, was charged with having, by false pretences, obtained, at Bodmin, 4s.6d in silver, two sheets, several books and other articles, the property of George BURTON and William VEREER, with intent to cheat and defraud them. It appeared that the prisoner and the two prosecutors were on the 9th February, [conveyed] to Bodmin Gaol from Liskeard, as vagrants. They were brought to Bodmin, in custody of DAWE, the constable. On the road, Burton and Vereer had put their possessions in one bag; and when they reached Bodmin, it was arranged, on the suggestion of Dawe, in the hearing of Small, that this bag should be placed in the charge of Mr. WILLCOCKS, the landlord of the London Inn till they should come out of prison, which was to be at the end of the month. Small was sentenced to only a fortnight's imprisonment; and on the expiration of his term, he went to Mr. Willcocks with a letter, of which the following is a copy:
Bodmin Gaol. Mr. or Mrs. Willcocks,
Please deliver to the bearer of this note the small bag containing shirts, handkerchiefs, small books and tracts, left this day fortnight by Mr. Dawe, constable of Liskeard, belonging to me, George Burton and Wm. Vereer, as we have some friends coming to take us home. We do not wish them to know we have anything but what we stand upright in, for they would be much displeased with us if they were to see in what way we have been getting our living in that way. There was four shillings of mine, George Burton, and sixpence and a tobacco box belonging to William Vereer, who is my cousin. His teetotal card, and tin case containing his discharge from the Army is in the bag, which you will please to deliver to the bearer who will pack them all up safe together, and leave them at a friend of ours, in Truro, for us. By so doing, you will much oblige your most obedient servant, George BURTON and William Vereer, his mark X
You will please to take a glass of something to drink for your trouble, and take for it from the above.
Mr. Willcocks delivered the bag to Small in consequence of the request contained in this letter, of which he was the bearer. It so happened, however, that Dawe, the constable of Liskeard, was in Bodmin on the day of Small's liberation from prison; and, hearing at the London Inn of the application for the bag, and of its having been given up to Small, he went to the gaol, and saw Burton and Vereer, from whom he learned that they had neither written the letter, nor given the slightest authority to any one to take their bag from Mr. Willcock's custody. Dawe then apprehended the prisoner, and seized the bag, at a lodging-house in Bodmin. The bag contained a Methodist hymn-book, and several books and tracts, two shirts, 4s. in money, a pair of stockings, Vereer's discharge from the army, kept in a tin case, a tobacco box, a sixpence, and a penknife. All these articles were identified by the two prosecutors, who both denied, on oath, having given any authority to Small, or any one else, to write the letter to Mr. Willcocks, or to apply for their property. Verdict, GUILTY. Six weeks' hard labour.
William SYMONS, 31, was charged with having uttered, at the parish of St. Gluvias, two counterfeit shillings well knowing them to be counterfeit. Mr. GENN conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Bennallack the defence. The prisoner, on the 5th of January, about five in the evening, went to the "Rambling Miner" an inn kept by James MARTIN, in the parish of St. Gluvias, about two miles from Penryn. He there saw Ann, the wife of the landlord, and had from her a glass of [xxxx] [and four pints of beer] for which he paid a shilling, receiving twopence change. Prisoner afterwards had a pint of beer and [supper] which came to three-pence; for this he paid another shilling, receiving 9d in change. Mrs. Martin then put on her spectacles, looked at the two shillings, and said they were both poor. Prisoner immediately left the house. He was pursued by a son of the landlord, and taken at G�. Downs, on the Helston road. He was brought back, and kept in custody of a constable during the night. In the morning, about seven o�clock, he again made off, but was again taken; and some days afterwards an old cloth, containing another counterfeit shilling, was found on the hedge at Gonharvon Downs, close by the spot where prisoner had first been apprehended, such a cloth having been seen in his possession when he paid the two shillings to Mrs. Martin. The prisoner had been accustomed to travel with waiters and hardware. Mr. John BILLING, silversmith of Bodmin, proved that the shillings were counterfeit. Verdict. GUILTY of uttering both shillings, knowing them to be counterfeit. Six Months' hard labour.
The Court was adjourned at seven, till the following morning.
Thursday, March 17. The Chairman this morning, sentenced all the prisoners that had been tried, both for felony and misdemeanor. The sentences we have given in their proper places, and the remainder of the trials will be reported next week. On sentencing PENROSE, for the robbery of young PEARCE, butcher, of Truro, the Chairman said circumstances had come to the knowledge of the court that would lead the court to use its influence in obtaining the remission of the sentence which was now about to be passed on the prisoner, if those circumstances should be confirmed. The bench had no fault to find with the verdict of the jury, as the prisoner had been positively sworn to by the boy Pearce. But still, the person who swore to the identity of the prisoner, unquestionably came before the court under some suspicion. If it should hereafter be satisfactorily proved that the boy had either perjured himself, or had been mistaken with regard to the person who had assaulted him, application would be made to the higher powers, and the prisoner's sentence would, doubtless, be remitted.
The Court then proceeded to the trials of the remaining prisoners.
25 MARCH 1842, Friday
ELIGIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE BUSINESS OF MERCER AND TAYLOR. JOHN ASH, Mercer and Taylor, Meneage-street, Helston, being about to leave this Kingdom for America, begs to announce to persons carrying on the above Business, that his premises, situated in the principal thoroughfare in Helston, are now to be let and that the taker may be accommodated with his Shop fixtures, which will be found adapted for carrying on a large trade. Further particulars may be obtained until the 15th of April next, by applying to Mr. Ash. Dated March 22nd, 1842
PRIME NEW CLOVER SEED &c. R. MOYLE, respectfully informs the Public, that he has just received a very large assortment of superior Beaver and Silk fashionable Hats and Cloth Caps; splendid pattern Paper Hangings; handsome plate Looking Glasses; general Ironmongery; Register Stoves; genuine new Clover Seeds; tin Milk-pans; crates of Window Glass; Sheet Lead; boxes of Tin Plates; Oils and Colours, &c, &c. All of which will be sold either wholesale or retail, on the cheapest terms in the west of England at both of his establishments, Penryn and Falmouth. Auctions and Appraisements, conducted on the most reasonable terms. Penryn, March 22 1849
NEWS
EMIGRATION. On Tuesday last, the brig "Triton," Capt. WAKEAM, hauled out from her berth in Penzance pier, and set sail with about 94 passengers on board, bound for New York. The quay was thronged for hours with spectators, who appeared to take a lively interest in witnessing the departure of so many, who are to seek their fortunes in another land.
VESSEL IN DISTRESS. On Thursday, the 10th instant, a man named BOLITHO, who is employed as a watchman on Trevose Head, discovered a brig, which proved to be the "Fame," of Hayle, running for the shore in great distress, her sails being lost, cargo shifted, and much water in the hold. By means of signals, the brig was conducted into Mother Ivey's bay, where she dropped her anchors, and the crew succeeded in reaching the shore in their boat. Immediate assistance was wanted to pump the vessel and trim the cargo; but in consequence of the roughness of the weather, and the heavy ground sea, no one could be found but Bolitho who would run the risk of attempting to board her. After about two hours hard labour, the vessel was brought safely into Padstow, when Bolitho, who was the means of saving her, was presented with the small sum of GBP 2.
CAUTION. We are requested to caution the public against a foreigner calling himself DISOTO, and representing himself as a shipwrecked mariner, having been landed at Waterford. He produces a document purporting to have been given him by the magistrates of that city stating these facts, which is a forgery, and a red covered book containing a list of subscriptions, of which a great many names are also forgeries, but he appears to have been very successful in levying contributions on the benevolent in Roseland.
ALARMING FIRE. On Sunday night last, just before 11 o'clock, a fire was discovered by DAVEY, one of the policemen on duty on the Truro quay, in the Truro Patent Wood Works. An alarm was immediately raised, and within a few minutes afterwards, several persons were at the works. Application was at once made at Mr. PATERSON's residence for the keys of the office and gates, for the purpose of securing the papers and books, and obtaining an entrance into the premises. The servants were in bed, and there was some difficulty in rousing them. By the time the keys were obtained, a number of persons had arrived, and soon afterwards the small engine reached the spot, but it was at least a quarter of an hour before a drop of water could be thrown from it. The fire was all this time raging in the boiler and drying house with great fierceness; and from the high wind which prevailed, it was feared that the whole of the eastern part of the works, including the engine-house, must have been destroyed. The small engine was succeeded by three others, and these were got to work after some little delay, with great success, by which means the fire was confined chiefly to the boiler-house, and consequently the damage done was not very considerable. Within an hour and a half, after the fire-engines were in fair working, the fire was subdued. The police force, with their superintendent, were promptly on the spot, and rendered very efficient service. And now a word to the authorities. On this occasion, as on all others, there was a total want of management, there not being a single person present who could be looked to as a leader, or who could give such instructions as might prove beneficial in such an emergency. It appears to us that there should be some bold, determined, and intelligent person appointed to superintend the engines in all cases of fire, with a deputy to act under him with each engine, together with a sufficient number of labourers to work the engines and supply water. At present, we hear, there are but twelve persons constituting a fire brigade for four engines � a number which is ridiculously small. We would also recommend that there should be a better supply of suction hose for each engine. We are requested by Mr. Paterson, who at the time of fire was on a visit at Whiteford House, near Callington, the residence of his father-in-law, to express his most grateful thanks to the gentlemen, tradesmen, and inhabitants generally, of Truro, for their great exertions in extinguishing the fire, and saving the entire property from destruction. The estimated damage at this fire, we are told, is about GBP 200; but, we believe, Messrs. Paterson and Co. are insured in the West of England office.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. On Saturday last, about midday, a fire broke out at Pencorse, in the parish of St. Enoder, the residence of Mr. Mark BASSETT, which destroyed nearly the whole of the farm buildings, and all the wheat and barley on the premises. The fire originated in a cottage occupied by a labourer, which was connected with the farm buildings. We are happy to hear that the premises and farm stock, &c, are insured in the Farmer's Insurance Institution.
CAUTION TO PERSONS ENGAGED WITH THRASHING MACHINES. On the 2nd of this month, the daughter of Mr. TOMS of Blisland, near Bodmin, had her right hand caught between the wheels of a thrashing machine. The thumb and part of the upper bone forming the hand were ground off, and the hand itself frightfully torn. Partial amputation was considered necessary, and the operation was performed by N. J. HAYDON, Esq., surgeon of Bodmin, under whose care the girl still continues. We are happy to say she is going on well, and is likely to have a useful hand..
MINE ACCIDENT. On Thursday last as a man named Peter ORGAN, was at work underground in Charlestown Consols mine, a rock fell and broke his leg. He was speedily brought to grass, and taken to his house, where the surgeon considered amputation of the limb [essential?], but the poor man only survived the operation about an hour. He has left a wife and two small children to lament their loss.
MARCH 28 1842 � ASSIZES and NISI PRIUS
Robert PERCY, 44, and Betsy PERCY, 49, brother and sister, were charged with having stolen one ewe sheep, the property of Nicholas LANGMAN, a farmer of Lawhitton. Mr. GREENWOOD conducted the prosecution, Mr. PATTISON was the attorney. The prisoners were undefended. Nicholas LANGMAN, the prosecutor, stated that he was a farmer living at Lawhitton. Just before Christmas-day last, he had 19 fat ewes and wethers in two adjoining fields by the road-side loading from Launceston to Callington. He saw them all there on Friday, the 24th of December. On Christmas morning, about 8 o'clock, he missed one; and at the same time, he found in the corner of his field adjoining the turnpike road, about three or four yards from the gate, an earthenware oven. [current day, stew pot] The cover of the oven was not there. In the oven was a little barley straw. He observed that a narrow cart had passed by the gate, along the road, and had been stopped, apparently, a little way from the gate in the road. The cart had gone close to the hedge of the field. There was in the road, the appearance of some barley straw of the same kind as that found in the oven Witness's sheep had previously been feeding on [,,]. They had turnips on the Friday afternoon. On Saturday, the 25th, witness went with the constable first to Mrs. RUSSELL's. (Mrs. Russell was a name by which the female prisoner was known. She had been indicted as Betsy Russell, but on being arraigned, she said she had never been married, and chose to be called PERCY.) They then found first, a leg of mutton, which had been dressed and partly eater. It had not the appearance of being slaughtered by a butcher. They then found a shoulder of mutton, in a very dirty state, and very badly managed, and some mutton fat melted down in a little stane. Witness afterwards went to the male prisoner's house. He found traces of a very small cart, close to his door, and saw the cart itself in an adjoining field belonging to the prisoner. There was some wool about the cart, as there was also about a small rope in the cart. On going to Robert PERCY's a second time, he found in a chamber of the house, covered with straw, a cover of an oven. Prudence CARWITHEN, who served in the shop of her mother, at Launceston, proved having sold, on the day before Christmas-day, an earthenware oven to Robert Percy, which he took away in a small donkey cart. Betsy Percy came with him to the shop with the cart to take away the oven. This was about five or six o�clock in the evening. The oven which witness sold was of the same sort, and size, as that now produced in Court. Thomas DAWE was on the road leading from Callington to Launceston, on the evening of the 24th December. He met Percy and Betsy Russell. They had a donkey cart, with some straw or hay in it. This was about half-past seven in the evening, about 3 miles from Launceston. Johanna MILLS, whose husband keeps the Sportsman's Arms, on the road between Launceston and Callington (witness also kept a shop there) deposed to the female prisoner coming to the shop about eight o�clock in the evening before Christmas day, for 7lbs of salt and half lb. of candles. She said she must make haste on, because Robert had gone on before. John BROOMING, a policeman on the day after Christmas day went with HIGGS, another policeman, and Mr LANGMAN, to Mrs. Russell's. Robert PERCY was there. Witness found a boiled leg of mutton on the dresser, and a shoulder not dressed; both of which Betsy Russell said she had bought of a butcher in Launceston Witness found also some saucers with mutton fat [..] down in them, and some cold mutton pies. He asked Betsy Russell if she had seen a donkey cart on the Friday evening between Launceston and Callington. She answered no. Witness afterwards went to Percy's house, and found the greater part of the carcass of a sheep to salt. The mutton was never cut up by a butcher. Witness also found a knife and a carpenter's axe, both which had blood and grease upon them. Witness found concealed some feet deep in a pit, the contents of the stomach of a sheep, in which he found grass and turnips very fresh. William Bray LYNE, butcher of Launceston, proved that the meat had not been cut up by a butcher, and also that it had been cut up while the sheep was warm, contrary to the practice of butchers. Witness also produced parts of bones found in the two houses of the prisoners, and which were found to correspond exactly. Samuel Relis[?] PATTISON, magistrate's clerk at Launceston, proved the statement made by the prisoner before the magistrates, and which was put in and read. It stated that the sheep was his own property - and that he killed it himself, as was his usual custom � and that he generally killed a sheep at Christmas. Betsy Percy, in her defence, stated that she had fed the sheep herself hundreds of times, for her brother, with barley meal. Verdict, GUILTY. Sentence, on each prisoner, 15 years transportation.
Richard BOULDEN, 29, charged with having stolen, at the parish of Crowan, an iron master whip, (an instrument forming part of a plough), a swivel and crook, and two iron crow bars, the property of Edward WILLIAMS. The prosecutor was a farmer, and had missed the articles above mentioned on the 3rd of March. On the 15th of December, in consequence of information, he went after the prisoner on Helston Downs. He had a little one horse cart, in which witness with his servant found the articles. They had been first seen in prisoner's possession on the 15th of December, by James SAMS, who communicated the fact to the prosecutor. The articles were produced in court, by a constable of helston, Richard CHAPPEL, and were sworn to by prosecutor, as his property. Verdict, GUILTY. Six months' hard labour; first and last weeks solitary.
John WEBB, 21, charged with having stolen from the dwelling-house of Benjamin SAMBELL, of Pillaton, a box containing GBP 5 and upwards of money, sundry papers, and other articles. The prosecutor is a butcher and inn-keeper living at the Royal Oak, in Pillaton. About Christmas twelvemonth, prisoner, who is a labourer and had been in the habit of assisting land surveyors, as chain carrier, came to reside at prosecutor's house, where he continued till last June. During that time, he had many opportunities of becoming acquainted with prosecutor's premises, and with the fact that he kept money and articles of value in a large box in his bed room. The prosecutor was in the habit of attending Tavistock market, which he did on Friday, the 7th of January. Before he left, he saw his box in its usual place in his bedroom, and that it contained some articles of clothing, and his public-house Licenses. In the afternoon, Mrs. Sambell, in the absence of her husband, received GBP4.10s. for a pig; and she put this money into the chest, locking it, and keeping the key herself. Her husband returned from Tavistock market about twelve o'clock at night and after taking supper, went to bed, not in his own bed room, but with the boy in another room, so that he had no opportunity of seeing whether the box was secure that night or not. Mrs. Sambell, having had a pig killed during the day, stayed up the whole night, making hog's puddings, &c, &c. In the morning, a neighbour named JESSOP discovered the prosecutor's chest in his (Jessop's) field close by, and informed the prosecutor. The box was then open and robbed of all its contents. In consequence of some information, the prosecutor, with two constables, went on the 8th of January, in search of the prisoner. They found him at the Sportsman's Arms, between Launceston and Callington. The sum of GBP3.1s.5d. was found on the prisoner and also the licenses, which, it was proved by another witness, the prisoner, in his ignorance, had mistaken for cheques. Some confessions by the prisoner were proved against him. Verdict, GUILTY. One year's imprisonment, with hard labour; first and last week�s solitary.
John SPRINGALL, 25, charged with having stolen at St. Germans, a side saddle and girt, the property of Richard POLYBLACK. The prosecutor was a housekeeper, living at Roskilly in the parish of St. Germans. On the 21st February, he had a side saddle in his possession, in a stable. On the following morning, he found it was gone, and saw it next at the Plymouth Station House, on the following Saturday. John Sanders BODY, a land surveyor, saw a man whom he believed to be the prisoner, on Tuesday morning the 22nd February, about 2 o'clock, within a few yards of the stable whence the saddle was taken. Witness observed him while his (witness's) horse was drinking at a pond. John SMITH, a labourer living at Yealmpton, in Devon, saw prisoner in the evening of the 23rd February, at the London Inn, Plympton, where witness bought of him a side saddle for 12s. Prisoner said he had got it from his father to sell. Witness sold it the next day to James BLACKLER, a saddler of Yealmpton, for 25s. Richard SLADE, police officer at Plymouth, produced the side saddle, which he received from Blackler. It was identified by the prosecutor. Verdict, GUILTY. Seven years' transportation. The prisoner had been convicted of felony at the Midsummer Sessions, 1841, and had suffered two months' imprisonment. The learned Judge severely reprimanded the witness SMITH for having bought the saddle at a price so much below its value, as proved by his selling it the next day for 25s. The Judge, at first, ordered his expenses of attendance to be disallowed; but a respectable person volunteering testimony in favour of Smith, of his belief that Smith was really ignorant at the time of purchasing the saddle of its true value, and of his having immediately offered to sell it for 15s; and the same witness having given Smith an excellent character for honesty, the Judge afterwards allowed his expenses, but cautioned him and all other persons against purchasing, too readily, articles offered for sale under such suspicious circumstances.
This case finished the criminal business of the Assizes, at about 3 o�clock. The Grand Jury was discharged about 12 o'clock.
NISI PRIUS
TOPSON v. BLAKE. Mr. CROWDER and Mr. BUTT for plaintiff; Mr. ERLE and Mr. BURK for defendant. Mr. Butt opened the pleadings, and Mr. Crowder stated the case. This was an action brought by the plaintiff, Wm. Topson, against the defendant Henry BLAKE, to recover from the defendant the sum of GBP 28.18s.6d., being the balance of an account due from Mr. BLAKE to Mr. TOPSON, partly for goods sold and delivered, and partly for money lent. The amount of the goods was about GBP 28, and the money lent was about 15s. or 16s. The defendant had pleaded several pleas. The plaintiff was a plasterer, living at Launceston, and in addition to his business he kept a shop, in which he sold, among other things, bread and butter and flour. The defendant was the driver of the Regulator, and he also kept an Inn, called the Dolphin. TOPSON and HICKS had married two sisters, and they were on very intimate terms together. From the nature of their occupations, their wives were the persons who conducted their business. There was another sister of the name of Miss CHAPHAM, who lived with Mrs. Topson, and assisted her in her business. The demand which the plaintiff sought to receive arose in consequence of dealings between these parties for a considerable time; namely, from some time in the year 1833, down to the year 1839. Early in the year 1840, Mrs Blake died. Up to this time, and for a short while afterward, all these parties had been on terms of considerable intimacy and friendship. After her death, Topson's wife made this claim upon Blake, and he denied that he was indebted at all. In 1833, while the plaintiff was keeping his shop, and the defendant the Inn, the defendant was engaged in building, which caused him to expend considerable sums of money, and he applied to Miss Chaplin and the wife of Topson to know whether any money could be lent to him. Miss Chaplin suggested to her sister that instead of lending money to Blake, it might be as well to give him credit for bread and flour in carrying on the inn, he taking credit for any length of time. In this way the debt commenced; the defendant thought the plan would do very well, as he would have that money to lay out in his buildings. Out of this arrangement, it was said, sprung the debt, which was now the subject of this action, and after Mr. Crowder had stated the case, which altogether occupied the court nearly eight hours, he called Miss Chaplin, who spoke to the arrangement just mentioned, and to having supplied a number of persons in the service of the defendant with flour at various times in the year 1833, and subsequently. A number of witnesses were also called in support of the plaintiff�s case whose principal evidence went to show that they had been sent by Mrs. Blake to the house of the plaintiff for quantities of flour, for which they did not pay. Mr. ERLE, on the other hand, contended that Blake required no such aid, for he was comparatively well off and was able to, and did, accommodate the plaintiff,-that Mrs. Blake invariably gave her servants orders never to have anything on credit, and was extremely cautious in all her monetary transactions never to run into debt � that Blake lent Topson money more than sufficient to cover all his debts, at a time when the plaintiff was, as he said, supplying the defendant with goods. In support of these and other points, a number of witnesses were called by Mr. Erle, but the case is not of that importance to go into their evidence. At the close of the case, the Learned Judge summed up, and laid the case before the jury in a clear and lucid manner. The Jury deliberated for about three quarters of an hour, and then returned a Verdict for Plaintiff, for the full amount.
The Court did not rise till nearly eight o�clock.
MUSGROVE v. JAMES. Mr. Montague SMITH, counsel, and Mr. BRAITHWAITE, attorney for plaintiff; Mr. MERIVALE, counsel, and Mr. STOKES, attorney for defendant. This was an action brought by Jane MUSGROVE, a poor widow, living in St. Clement-street, Truro, to recover damages from the defendant, a farmer of Probus, for having ridden over her, and seriously injuring her. Mr. SMITH having stated the case, called the following witnesses: John HEALE, a working man in the employ of Capt. PATERSON, at that gentleman's wood works, in truro, left his work on the evening of Wednesday, the 5th of January, returning to his home through St. Austell-street, about seven o'clock, when near the George and Dragon he heard a noise of some horses in New Bridge-street, which leads to a crossing of four streets by the George and Dragon. He stopped and saw two horses coming on; one a grey pony, the other a dark horse. They were running as fast as horses could go without galloping. He saw the woman (the plaintiff) crossing the street from St. Clement-street to the opposite side of St. Austell-street. She was about two-thirds across, when she was knocked down by the grey pony. Witness is not certain if the rider stopped or not. If he did stop, it was hardly worth calling stopping. He did not look back to see what injury he had done the woman. Witness immediately caught his horse by the bridle and asked him to go back and see if he had killed the woman, or what injury he had done. Witness led the horse back to where the woman was. The man asked witness to loose the bridle, and let him go, but witness refused. The man said nothing to the woman when witness brought him back Witness could see no man near to render him any assistance, and he let the man go. The woman was raised fro the ground by some women and children. She was knocked down flat on her face. There was a very good light at the crossing. The woman was removed to George ROBERT's hose in St. Clement-street, where she lived. The man on horseback did not appear sober. George ROBERTS, is a bookbinder of Truro, and married to a daughter of Jane Musgrove, the plaintiff, who is about 65 years old. Witness knew Francis JAMES, the defendant. He lived at Probus, and frequented Truro market on Wednesday's. Witness had seen his horse very often; and had heard James say it was a tremendous horse for trotting. She was about 13 hands high. On Wednesday evening, the 5th of January, about six o�clock, witness saw James at the Bear Inn drinking gin and water. After that, witness was walking up New Bridge-street, about ten minutes past seven, when he saw two men on horseback pass him. One of them was Francis James, on his grey pony; the other, witness did not know. He was on a dark horse. The pony was trotting as fast as it could; and the horse was galloping by its side. Witness went on a few steps, til he saw them up by the corner towards St. Austell-street; and then he went back to the Bear. On returning home shortly afterwards, he found his mother-in-law there, and a house full of people. She was bleeding profusely at the face and both hands, and was mud all over. Witness helped put her to bed, and went out to inquire about the accident. Next morning, she was dark at both eyes, and very ill. Witness fetched Mr. TRURAN, the surgeon. Witness's mother continued ill for five weeks before she went. It was three weeks before she was able to dress herself; during which time her hand was in a sling. By the advice of Mr. Truran, they applied hartshorn and other things, and paid the druggist for her about 30 shillings altogether. Before the accident, she did instead of a servant at witness's house. She was now still lame. Mary Ann JOHNS, a servant at the Golden Lion, was walking through St. Clement-street towards Rogers's shop at the corner of New Bridge-street and St. Austell-street, at the time in question. She heard the sound of horses coming up New Bridge-street. They were two horses going very swift indeed. Jane Musgrove was crossing the street, and she was knocked down by the light coloured horse, all of a sudden. She fell straight on her face very violently. Witness thought the horse went over her. Witness went to her assistance; and at first thought she was dead. Witness did not see the man who had rode over the old woman come back again. The old woman was carried away into her son-in-law's house. Thomas TRURAN, a surgeon of Truro, was called on to attend Jane Musgrove shortly after she was knocked down. He found her in bed. Both her eyes were swollen, and the right eye closed. She had received two wounds over the right eye, and one at the right side of the right eye, and there were scratches about her face. There were also wounds on her right hand. Such wounds as she might have been occasioned by violently falling on her face, and by the trampling of a horse's foot upon her hands. Witness attended her about a month. His charge was 30s. For the defense, besides a severe cross-examination of the foregoing witnesses, Mr. MERIVALE addressed the jury at length, and called the following witnesses: James CHAPMAN, the person, who, on the evening of the accident, had ridden in company with the defendant on a chestnut colt; William GILBERT, a hind to Mr. H. P. ANDREW; and John FERRIS, of Truro, who had acted as the defendant's friend in some interviews with the plaintiff's attorney. The two first witnesses for the defence stated that the horses were not going faster than five miles an hour, or merely at a jog trot; while Gilbert added that he crossed near the corner where the accident happened, just about three feet in front of the horses heads. These witnesses also stated that James turned about his horse, and made inquiry about the accident; but that no answer was heard by them. The case occupied several hours; and the jury at last gave a verdict for the Plaintiff. Damages, GBP 10.
The Court rose at seven o'clock. (The remainder of our Assize Reports will appear next week.)
GENERAL SESSIONS, continued from previous week
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1842
Samuel MENEER, 35, a bum-bailiff, of Wadebridge, and a well-known character in the county, was charged with having assaulted the person of Martha CARVETH, of St. Breoke, with intent to commit a rape. Mr. JOHN and Mr. LUKMOORE appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. BENNALLACK and Mr. LYNE, defended the prisoner. Mr. John having stated the case for the presentation, called Martha CARVETH, the prosecutrix, who stated that she was 18 years of age, and lived along with her parents, at Polmarrrow, in St. Breoke, about half a mile from Wadebridge. On the 3rd of March, her mother went to Bodmin, and she asked her if she should come to meet her, and she replied yes. At five o�clock she started to meet her mother, and on going into Wadebridge, she called at the house of the prisoner to know whether her mother had come there. Finding that her mother had not reached Wadebridge, she went a short distance on the railway, and [�] round to Wadebridge by Slades and Clapper. On returning to Wadebridge, she found her mother at the prisoner�s house; but her sister and Elizabeth COCK had left to go on the railway to see after prosecutrix, knowing that she had gone in search of her mother. Her mother said she would go along with her to see for her sister and Elizabeth COCK, but the prisoner objected to her going at that time of the evening, and said he would go with the prosecutrix himself. He told her to go on to Searle�s public-house, and wait there till he came. She went on the railroad, but did not wait at Searle�s, and shortly after MENEER overtook her. The prosecutrix then went on to relate the nature of the attempted assault, the details of which are unfit for publication. She did not tell her mother until the next morning, because of his threats. After the attempted assault, he called her all the �dears� he could, and said if she told, he would watch her when she went to Wadebridge chapel, and he would then drug her into the quarries, and serve her worse than he had done, if he did not murder her.
In her CROSS-EXAMINATION by Mr. Bennallack � the prosecutrix, who was a very ordinary looking girl, with a harelip, said she could read and write better than Meneer or any of his family. He was a married man, and bigger shame to him (laughter). She hated him; the very looks of him were enough to make her hate him (laughter). Margaret CARVETH, the mother of the prosecutrix, gave evidence as to the state of her daughter�s clothes after the assault. Thomas JOHNS stated that he lived at the Bell Inn, St. Breoke. On the 4th of March, he saw the prisoner on top of a hedge, about a quarter of a mile from Wadebridge. He was stooping. Heard that there was a pursuit against him, but did not know for what. Witness first saw his back, and thought it was a bullock at the top of the hedge. (laughter). He said �hallo old dear, what are you doing here?�(laughter). Prisoner said �it is a bad job that I have done for myself.� Having heard something of this, witness replied, �it is a bad job.� He said �come here, I want you,� and he then asked witness to go and send his wife to him, for he wanted to see her, and then he would cut. About this time he saw plenty of people looking out, and his sister hallowed to him to know whether that was Samuel Meneer or not, and witness replied that it was, and he beckoned the people towards him. The people came, and the prisoner immediately slipped off the hedge, and ran away. John AVERY, said he was a police constable at Wadebridge. On the 8th of March, he was in pursuit of the prisoner. He saw him first about half-past eight in the morning; but he was then on the other side of the river. Witness went up to Pascoe�s mill, and drove him there into the fields, and then into the wood, and took him. On taking him, witness charged him with the assault, and said he was his prisoner. Meneer replied that he was innocent, and then he said �you need not tell that you took me in the wood, for that will go against me.� He said �I have a good character that�s a good job. (laughter) and that he did not care what they did with him, so long as they did not transport him.�
Cross-examined � Did not know whether he was a wild man of the wood, but he looked like one.
Mr. Bennallack � You hunted him, didn�t you?
Witness � If you had been there you would have thought it as fine a fox hunt as you ever saw. We drove him to earth in the wood at last, and then secured him and brought him here to bait him today. (great laughter) Was not so much of a lawyer as the prisoner was, nor would he wish to be. Could not tell whether he was lawyer enough to know that he was not entitled to transportation.
q. He might have used the word exportation, might he not?
A. No, he did not; he has nothing to export.
Q. � I believe he is a notorious good character is he not? (laughter)
Mr. JOHN � you had better not ask that question on his oath.
Mr. B. � Very well, that will do.
Mr. Bennallack then addressed the jury in favour of the prisoner, urging that the assault was nothing more than a common assault; after which he called Mr. LYONS to speak to the prisoner�s character. He said he had employed prisoner as a bailiff during nine or ten years, and that he had had occasion to entrust him with a large sum of money. He always found him, as a bailiff, to act very honestly. Cross-examined by Mr. John This character is referable to him entirely as a bailiff. Found he was a very good man to execute a process, levy, or execution, and return the money. (laughter) Spoke of him as a bailiff only, and not of his moral character. (laughter) The CHAIRMAN then summed up, and the jury found a verdict of GUILTY of a COMMON ASSAULT, and the prisoner was sentenced to SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT IN THE COMMON GAOL.
Elizabeth BELL, 17, who had been committed by the Justices of Truro for want of sureties in a breach of the peace, was brought up, and there being no appearance against her, she was cautioned as to her future behaviour and ordered to be discharged.
SECOND COURT
Richard OPIE, 27, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of having assaulted Joseph DAVIDGE, a constable, whilst in the execution of his duty at Falmouth. One month's imprisonment in the common gaol, and to pay a fine of GBP 5, and to be further imprisoned till such fine be paid. The defendant also to pay GBP 2.13s.4d. fees of Court.
George BROAD, 16, pleaded GUILTY to the charge of breaking open two cupboards in the dwelling-house of Simon WILLCOCK, of St. Minver. Two month's hard labour.
William TREGEA, charged with obtaining goods under false pretenses from Mr. BROAD, a shopkeeper at St. Columb. The prosecutor, having since the prisoner�s committal felt some doubt as to the identity of the prisoner, did not appear to prosecute. The jury, therefore, under direction of the Court, acquitted the prisoner.
Mary SKINNER, 32, was convicted of having concealed the birth of a child, of which she had been delivered. Twelve months' hard labour.
This concluded the business in the second court.
CORNWALL LENT ASSIZES. Unexpected pressure of business at the Devon Assizes delayed the judges of the Western Circuit till Tuesday morning; consequently, the Cornwall Assizes, which had been appointed to commence on that morning, were postponed until Wednesday.
MAYORS and CORONERS. The following mayors were fined GBP 5 each for non-attendance; the Mayors of CAMELFORD, GARMPOUND, St. IVES, LAUNCESTON, MARAZION, PENZANCE, and TREGONY. The Learned Judge, in ordering a fine on the first of the absent mayors, said at the last time he was here, he spoke of the unseemly practice of mayors of boroughs and coroners supposing they were only to send a person here with a shilling, as if the only duty required of them was to put a shilling in a glove. They were to come here to render such services in the administration of justice, as might be required of them. Various matters might turn up in which their attendance would be necessary. The absent mayors of the following boroughs were excused: Falmouth, Liskeard, West Looe, Lostwithiel, Saltash, and Truro � most of them on the pleas of being detained in London, after attending there to present addresses of congratulations to the Queen. Of the coroners, Mr. HICHENS only was absent. He was excused on the ground of being engaged at an inquest in the western part of the county.
TRIALS of the PRISONERS. Margaret JULIF, 68, was charged with having stolen, on the 14th of March, a silver spoon, two window curtains, a child�s cradle quilt, and four towels, the property of Joseph GERRANS, her master. The prosecutor was a shoemaker living at Tregony; and the prisoner had lived in his service twice. The last period of service commenced in August last. The prosecutor, being about to leave this country for America, on the 14th of March the prisoner left his service. When about to leave, the prosecutor desired to see the contents of her box, which she allowed him to do, when the spoon and window curtains were found. The box was then locked and given up to the prisoner. On the Monday following, the quilt was seen in the box, by Jane TOWRY, a former servant of the prosecutor�s. The prosecutor�s wife had died a few months previously, leaving a young child, whom the prisoner attended to with much affection, till it also died. The plea, in defense, which she urged with many tears, was that the quilt had been given her by the prosecutor�s wife, and that the spoon she had kept in remembrance of the child. The other articles she claimed as her own, alleging she had them when she kept her own house. It was proved, however, that none of the articles had been given to the prisoner; and on the spoon having been missed about a month before the prisoner�s box was searched, she said that she did not know where it was. Verdict, GUILTY. One month�s imprisonment, and hard labour.
[END]
[ BACK ]