cornwall england newspaper
1847 NEWS
AUGUST
6 AUGUST 1847, Friday
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
TRURO ROYAL REGATTA - Some time since the committee of the Truro Regatta transmitted a petition to the Queen, which was laid before her Majesty by Sir George Grey, and an answer has lately been received through the Home Office, stating that her Majesty has been graciously pleased to accede to the prayer of that petition that the Truro Regatta may in future be called "The Truro Royal Regatta." The annual matches of this regatta, we understand, will take place about the end of the present month.
REMARKABLE CURE - Mr. Harris, of Prior's Barn, near Bodmin, has a son, about eleven years of age, who from his infancy has had deformed feet, which were turned quite round, forming what is called "club-feet."
About twelve months since, Mr. CABBELL, the barrister, being at the summer assizes, saw the boy in Bodmin, called him in from the street, and offered to send him to a place where his feet might be set straight and strong. Of course the boy's parents were quite delighted at this, and the kind-hearted Mr. Cabell immediately gave him a nomination to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, No. 6, Bloomsbury Square, London, to which institution Mr. Cabbell is a subscriber.
The boy was sent there, and was operated upon by R. W. SAMPLIN, Esq.; four tendons were cut in each foot, with very little pain to the patient; the feet were set straight, and after eleven months' subsequent treatment, the boy was sent home a perfect cure, and able to walk like another lad. The joy of his parents can scarcely be conceived, and we make known the fact in order that other poor deformed sufferers may likewise avail themselves of the advantages of so excellent an institution.
We have seen the boy since his cure, and seen casts of his deformed feet as they were previously (which it appears are always taken when patients enter the institution), and we are justified in stating that the cure effected is a wonderful one.
Mr. Harris had to pay the expense of sending his son; but while in the hospital, he was solely maintained by the institution, with the exception of a few extras, such as tea and sugar, which did not cost Mr. Harris sixpence per week. He, however, paid GBP 10 on sending the boy in order to procure his immediate admission, as it appears that a mere nomination only gains the admission of a patient when his turn comes, and as there are a large number of nominations he would have to wait a considerable period. The nomination must be by a subscriber to the institution; and we trust that so excellent a charity will have many supporters in this county.
Among other sufferers going to this institution, we understand there is a young woman of the parish of Helland, who has a contracted knee and leg, through which she has not been able to put her foot to the ground for some years.
RATE OF MORTALITY - The returns have just been published by authority of the Registrar-General for the quarter ending June 30th 1847. There is no improvement in the state of the public health; 51,585 deaths were registered during the quarter, which is 6,745 above the average of the season, after allowing for increase of population.
Remarking on the general health of the country, the Registrar-General states that common cholera was fatal; scurvy prevailed more or less all over the country, from the want of vegetable food, the potatoe having failed; all food became scarce and dear; typhus broke out, is still epidemic, and shews no sign of decline. To add to the calamities of the country the poor of Ireland, dying of starvation and consumed by fever, were cast on the coast of England, and are now lodged in the crowded, filthiest parts of the most insalubrious cities, or in workhouses and hospitals provided by English parishes.
The excess of mortality in the twelve months ending June 30th, 1847, is stated to have been 66,712, and it is to be feared, the Registrar-General remarks, that through the natural obstacles in the way, and the pertinacious position of parish vestries, corporations, and companies, many times that number will fall a sacrifice ere the towns of England enjoy, by the intervention of science, a moderate share of the health which nature confers on the country around them.
The groundless prejudice against fruit, and the absolute necessity in diet of vegetables containing an acid, as the potatoe does, were dwelt on before scurvy and its kindred diseases made their appearance. The experience of this year has shewn more clearly than had ever been shewn before that bread and meat alone are not sufficient to sustain the system in health. Fruit and acid vegetables are also an essential part of the food of man; but it appears that the body when duly supplied with the principles it derives from these sources husbands them up, and can do without the acid diet for some time.
>From the Redruth district there is a return of 235 deaths; in the corresponding quarter of 1846,the number was 201 deaths. From the Penzance district, the return is 240 deaths; corresponding quarter last year, 203 deaths.
The highest range of the thermometer, as observed at Truro, by Dr. Barham, was 69.0 in June, and the lowest 34.0 in April. At Falmouth, as observed by Lovell Squire, Esq., the highest was 69.0 in June, lowest 32.0 in April. At Helston, as observed by M. P. Moyle, Esq., the highest was 74.0, lowest 29.0. The monthly mean temperature of Cornwall and Devon in April were above; in May nearly the same; and in June below those of other places.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, HENRY TUCKER, landlord of the Golden Lion, Calenick Street, Truro, was fined twenty shillings and costs for keeping his house open during divine service on Sunday morning, the 1st instant.
FELONY AND ESCAPE OF THE PRISONER - a woman named Wells, of Landrake, who was committed in May last, at Saltash, to take her trial at the last Sessions, charged with stealing from the person of WILLIAM PAYNE a silver watch, and six half-crowns � but who had been bailed out and absconded, was apprehended on Friday, by BRENT, a constable, and delivered over to the proper authorities at Saltash. She now awaits her trial at the ensuing sessions at Saltash. An execution had been put in force against the surety.
SERIOOUS ACCIDENT - In the evening of Tuesday last, as Mrs. JAMES, wife of JAMES JAMES, Esq., of the customs, Gweek, was returning from Helston in her phaeton, accompanied by her brother, MR. JOHN BILxxN, the horse, which is rather a spirited animal, took fright at a dog which jumped from the hedge. The sudden spring of the horse broke the rein, and he dashed down the hill at Roseveor, about three miles from Helston, at a most furious rate. Mrs. James and her brother succeeded, however, in jumping from the gig, as also did the driver; but not without receiving several severe cuts and scars. Mrs. James, we understand, is so much injured that she is now in a very precarious state.
MELANCHOLY CIRCUMSTANCE - On the 30th ult., as the son of Mr. NICHOLS, of Penhole, in the parish of St. Pinnock, a youth of fifteen, was in the act of milking a mare for the purpose of weaning its colt, the � animal, as if conscious of the loss it was about to sustain, gave the young man so severe a kick in the forehead as to fracture his skull, of which the poor young fellow died the next day.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held by W. HICHENS, Esq., since our last report: On the 6th inst., in the parish of Illogan, on the body of ELIZABETH BERRY, aged about six years, the daughter of Catherine Berry, of the same parish, widow. The mother of the child, it appeared, on Tuesday, the 3rd instant, went to the house of her late husband's father, which was under the same roof, to prepare supper for her father and mother-in-law, the latter being either insane or imbecile, and therefore incapable of attending to her household affairs; and whilst the mother was so employed, deceased went into her mother's house, and in attempting to take some broth which was on the fire, the flames caught her pinafore, and she was so dreadfully burnt that she died on the Friday following. Verdict, accidentally burnt.
BOLVENTOR CHURCH - The first stone of this church, situated in the parish of Alternun, on the Bodmin Moors, was laid by Master FRANCIS RASHLEIGH RODD, of Trebartha Hall, on Monday, the 26th ultimo, in the presence of the Rev. R. H. TRIPP, vicar of Alternun; the REV. H. GRYLLS, vicar of St. Neot; the REV. C. RODD, rector of Northhill; and the Rev. R. S. STEVENS, vicar of Southpetherwin, - besides a large number of the inhabitants of the district. The stone having been laid, appropriate prayers were said by the Rev. R. H. TRIPP, and the people assembled concluded the ceremony by singing the old 100th psalm.
The population of this district within two miles of the new church is two hundred and fifty, the bulk of whom reside at a distance of four and a half and six miles from the two nearest parish churches of Alternun and St. Neot. The dimensions of the new church, which is to be dedicated to the Holy Trinity, are - nave, 41 feet by 14, chancel 17 by 10, two transcepts 13 by 15 each; affording fine accommodation for one hundred and fifty persons. The total estimated expense of the structure is GBP 666, to which the Diocesan Church Building Society have voted GBP 100. Mr. Rodd has promised an endowment of GBP 45 a year, with GBP 5 for repairs, and, in addition, will build a parsonage house. The whole is to be completed within a twelvemonth from the present time.
BUDE - We are sorry to report that the blight in the potatoes has begun to exhibit its baneful effects in many gardens and fields around this neighbourhood. The very early sorts have turned out remarkably fine; but those remaining in the ground are showing the disease in the leaves and stalks, and some that have been drawn during the last few days are marked with the dark spot on the skin. It is to be feared that the late crops will be seriously affected; but as a large breadth of other roots and other vegetables has been planted, it is to be hoped that the loss will not be so distressingly felt among those who are ill able to bear it. The weather is remarkably fine, and in the course of a few days the harvest will be general in this district. The fine weather has caused a great influx of visitors to this highly favoured spot.
THE FISHERIES
Falmouth - Our boats have taken fair quantities of pilchards this week. The nightly average has been about 2,500 a boat.
St. Ives - Several of the boats belonging to this place have returned from the Irish herring fishery, but they have not taken fish enough to pay their expenses. Pilchards are still on this part of the coast, and of a very good quality. They are selling at 1s.6d. per hundred.
MATRIMONIAL DISAPPOINTMENT - On Saturday last, RICHARD WARREN, aged 16 last birth-day, and CHRISTIANA NOY, aged 21, presented themselves at the parish church of St. Just in Penwith for marriage by license. The Vicar, however, was too prudent to be imposed upon; producing from the vestry the lad's mother, a highly respectable widow, who denied that her consent had been given, and a family bible, which contradicted, in his father's writing, the age of 18 as stated in the license, the rev. gentleman declined to act. The fearful guilt and consequences of an affidavit before the Surrogate, so opposed to the facts, having been pointed out to the misguided benedict, the disappointed pair were dismissed, and had to thread their steps through a crowd of spectators.
ST. JUST IN PENWITH - We are authorized by the REV. G. C. GORHAM, vicar of St. Just in Penwith, to contradict the statements, (made in our last paper, from an incorrect communication), that he has "been presented to a living near Exeter" - that he "is about to take the charge of that parish in about four weeks," - and that "the REV. ___ DAVIES has been presented to St. Just." The vicar of St. Just assures us, that he has NOT been presented to any other living whatever; and that, of course, no person has been presented to HIS benefice, of which he is still in full possession.
LONG SERVICE - MR. JOHN WILLS, an old servant of the late J.T. CORYTON, Esq., and the present AUGUSTUS CORYTON, Esq., of Pentillie Castle, has retired after having been 40 years in their service, rewarded with an allowance sufficient to make himself and wife comfortable for life, with a good house and garden, land sufficient to keep a cow and horse, and likewise a very handsome present from Augustus Coryton, Esq., as a token of the estimation in which his past services are held.
FIRE - On Thursday, the 29th ult., a fire broke out in the mowhay of Kerris Vean farm, in the parish of Paul, occupied by Messrs. BOSUSTOW. It was occasioned by the carelessness of a lad, and about half a straw rick, and two hundred and a half of reed were consumed; but the fire was extinguished before it advanced to the outhouses and hayrick adjoining.
SMUGGLING - On Wednesday last, three Austrian sailors belonging to a barque of that country were brought before the Falmouth magistrates, charged with smuggling. The Custom-House boatmen, on searching the vessel, found upwards of 14,000 cigars, which, upon inquiry, were found to belong to the three prisoners, who were remanded for a week to await instructions from the Board of Customs.
TRURO POLICE - On Saturday last, JOHN BLACKER, jun., an apprentice to CHARLES COURTIER, of Truro, cordwainer, was charged with absenting himself from his master's employ from the 10th to the 29th of July. The youth, it appears, ran off to Plymouth, where his master followed, and brought him back. He was committed for three calendar months to the house of correction with hard labour.
BRUTAL OUTRAGE - On Sunday morning last, ELIZABETH CUNDY, a fishwoman of Polperro, whilst going home from Liskeard market, was brutally beaten by some person or persons unknown. She was picked up by some fishermen, and carried to the Liskeard Union Workhouse, where she lies in a dangerous state.
A SCOUNDREL - ARTHUR CLOAK, of Poundstock, has been committed to gaol, by the Rev. S. CHILCUTT, for ill-using his mother. This is the third time this [hopeful] youth has been committed for breaches of the peace towards his own family.
[the word definitely looked like 'hopeful', but it just doesn't fit. Perhaps woeful?]
ACCIDENTS - A very serious accident occurred on the Pentewan Railroad, on Thursday, the 29th ult., to a little girl named VIVIAN, of St. Austell. She was playing with several other children, when she fell just as a loaded waggon was passing, which went over her right arm. Medical aid was quickly in attendance, when it was deemed necessary to take the arm off just above the elbow. The child is doing well. On Tuesday last, as MR. W. POPE, of the Temperance Hotel, Lostwithiel, was fixing the shutes to a house, the scaffold on which he was standing gave way, and falling on a large stone he fractured his leg.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at Porthpean, in the parish of St. Austell, on the bodies of JOHN ROBINS, and a young lady named PARKYN, of Egloshayle, aged 35 years, who were drowned on the previous day by the sinking of a boat. It appeared that Robins, with another man named CURTIS, went out fishing, and that the young lady, who was staying at Porthpean for the benefit of her health, accompanied them, when a sudden gust of wind caught the boat, which soon filled and sunk. Curtis saved himself by getting on an oar, and the young lady was almost instantly taken out, but life was extinct. Robins was not taken up until the following day; he has left a wife and six small children to lament their loss. Verdict, death by drowning.
On Tuesday last, an inquest was held by W. HICHENS, Esq., coroner, at St. Hilary, on the body of JAS. MATHEWS OULD, aged 17 years, the son of RICHARD OULD, blacksmith. This inquest was rendered necessary [because MR. CONGDON, a surgeon at Marazion, had been called to attend the deceased, but never saw him alive, and did not feel he could grant a certificate for the interment of the body till the cause of death was ascertained. Deceased lived with his father and step-mother; his health had been delicate for eighteen months. He complained of pains in his legs, and his father gave him 'some' of Morrison's pills, which both he and his wife had taken six weeks before. Deceased took five pills, then went to bed and slept through the night. He ate breakfast which his father brought to his bed, then fell to the floor when the attempted to stand. The father helped him back into bed, and he died immediately after, as his father was arranging the pillow. Mr. Congdon made a post
mortem examination, and gave the cause of death as the action of the pills being more than the debilitated state of the deceased could bear. Verdict accordingly.]
On Thursday, the 5th inst., an inquest was held at the Globe Inn, Truro, before JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body of GEORGE FREDERICK PALIN, who was clerk at the Arsenic Works of Messrs. Kent and Co., at Bissoe Bridge, and was about fifty years of age. Deceased and his wife had lodged for the last seven or eight months at the house of Mr. Bath, in Ferris-town.
He was an exceedingly nervous man, was at times gloomy and melancholy, and on Wednesday evening complained of being unwell. When engaged with his accounts he would at times appear to be confused in his intellect. [On awakening early on Thursday morning, Mrs. Palin found her husband gone from their room; a gun was also missing from the corner of the bedroom. She informed Miss Bath, who called MR. RANDALL, who lived next door. He came in at the back door, and saw blood on the door of a privy at the end of the garden. He called DAVID TRENERRY, a workman at the Teetotal Chapel, about two hundred yards distant. Trenerry came and opened the privy door, and found deceased inside.
Mr. WILLIAMS, surgeon, was sent for, and found deceased completely dressed, but wearing carpet slippers and with his vest opened, leaning against the wall, in a seated position. The gun was supported by his right hand, and was half-cocked when found. It appeared the gun had been held against the chest, so the entry wound was small, and in direct line with the heart.]
"It also appeared, from there being blood outside, that he must have closed the door after shooting himself, although Mr. Williams stated that from the situation of the wound death must have occurred very speedily." Mr. Bath, jun. heard deceased go down stairs about five o'clock, but fell back to sleep and did not hear a gun report. Mr. Trenerry heard a gun about a quarter after five, and Thomas Randall heard a person moaning about half-past five, which awoke him and caused him to get out of bed. The jury returned as their verdict that the deceased destroyed himself whilst labouring under temporary insanity.
ADVERTISEMENTS
CAUTION
I HEREBY give notice that I will not be answerable for any DEBTS which may be contracted by my wife ELIZABETH McKENNY after this notice.
DANIEL McKENNY, Redruth, August 2, 1847
SHIPWRIGHTS WANTED
WANTED, THIRTY SHIPWRIGHTS, who may have four months' work. Wages, 4s. per day. Apply to
Messrs. POPE, BROTHERS,
Turnchapel Dock Yard, Plymouth
June 21, 1847
TO SHOEING SMITHS
WANTED, a SHOEING SMITH, by W. F. KARKEEK, Veterinary Surgeon, Truro.
Dated Truro, August 5, 1847
TO SHOEING SMITHS
WANTED, a STEADY, ACTIVE MAN, of good character - none need apply but those who are thoroughly acquainted with Horse Shoeing. Preference will be given to a married man.
Apply to T. TRENGOVE, Burncoose, Gwennap.
Burncoose, August 4, 1847
TRIALS OF THE PRISONERS
HUMPHRY TREMBATH KESTLE, 23, pleaded GUILTY of stealing a mare, at the parish of Gulval, the property of HUMPHRY TREMBATH, of that parish. The prosecutor, in answer to some questions from the Judge, stated that he was a distant relation to the prisoner, who was a farm servant and labourer. He tied the mare in a field on the evening of the 5th of July, and when he returned the next morning, about four o'clock, she was missing. The prisoner lives three miles from the prosecutor, and the mare was found in his possession. A previous conviction was proved. Seven Years' Transportation.
MARY ANN PERROW, 13, pleaded Guilty of stealing coal, the property of JOSEPH CHAMPION, in the parish of Ludgvan, on the 16th of June, 1847. Six months' hard labour.
THOMAS TREZONA, 19, was indicted for having, on the 5th of June last, at the parish of Camborne, unlawfully, maliciously, and feloniously maimed, disfigured, and disabled MICHAEL ABRAHAM, of that neighbourhood, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm. MR. ROWE stated the case to the jury.
The prosecutor was a miner in the parish of St. Agnes, and was returning on the night of the assault from St. Agnes Beacon to his own home. On his way, he passed through the village of Troon, near Camborne, and being somewhat in liquor, he made use of the expression that he was ready to fight any one who would come forward. The prisoner being there came forward, and a struggle ensued in which they both fell to the ground, and during the struggle a man named DYER endeavoured to part the two, in doing which he himself was wounded. A man of the name of ARTHUR then stepped in and succeeded in parting them.
On lifting the prosecutor, they found he was wounded in the breast and belly. He was taken into a carpenter's shop, and a lantern being brought, they examined the man, and found his clothes covered with blood. He was afterwards placed under the care of a surgeon, and was confined to his bed. The prisoner afterwards called at the prosecutor's house, expressed the greatest contrition for what had happened, and appeared very anxious that the matter should be made up.
Mr. SLADE defended the prisoner, urging that the wound was caused accidentally, by the prosecutor falling on something. The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
WILLIAM SYMONS, 35, was indicted for having on the 17th day of May last, at the parish of Gwennap, feloniously uttered counterfeit coin to SARAH NICHOLLS. MR. LUCENA, with whom was MR. COLE, conducted the prosecution, and MR. HUGHES appeared fro the prisoner. Several witnesses were called, who deposed that the prisoner had passed bad money, and one witness in particular stated that prisoner attempted to swallow two sixpences, but did not succeed. The bad coin was produced in court, and identified as that taken from the prisoner.
He was found Guilty, and a former conviction was proved against him for the same kind of crime. The Judge remarked that it was quite clear what his course of life had been, and as a light punishment did not seem to have any effect, the court would pass upon him the sentence of Transportation for Seven Years.
WILLIAM ANDREWS, 34, was charged with having on the 13th of July last, at the parish of Gwennap, stolen two pieces of rope, five bolts, one burr, and a quantity of iron, the property of H. P. ANDREWS. Esq., and others. WILLIAM KITTO, manager of Poldice mine, Gwennap, met the prisoner near the mine, with a donkey and two or three packs, containing what he thought were suspicious articles. He asked the prisoner what they contained, but the latter refused to give any answer. There was a blacksmith's shop near, and he called out the men, who proceeded to search the packs, which were found to contain various iron articles belonging to a mine.
He sent for a constable, and proceeded to test the articles, to find out whether any of them belonged to Poldice, but could not identify them; there was, however, some flat rope which he thought belonged to Consols mine; he accordingly sent to Consols mine, and kept the prisoner at the counting house of Poldice. The constable was called, and produced the articles; and other witnesses were called to identify the property.
Mr. HUGHES, on behalf of the prisoner, contended that the identity was not clearly made out, either with respect to the articles, or the prisoner. Verdict, Guilty. Twelve Months' hard labour.
RICHARD THOMAS and HENRY PETER were indicted for a misdemeanour, in committing a rescue, but there being no evidence for the prosecution, they were Acquitted.
The Grand Jury were discharged this evening, with the thanks of the county for their services.
Saturday, July 31
ELIZABETH MARYTN, 19, was Acquitted on a charge of stealing, on the 24th of June, a canvas bag, lock and key, and four sovereigns, the property of JOHN KNIGHT, of the parish of Liskeard. The learned Judge told the prisoner she had been convicted four times previously for different offences, and he would advise her to be very cautious as to her future life.
JOHN KNIGHT, 23, was indicted for stealing, on the 29th of June, at the parish of Liskeard, two sovereigns, a half-sovereign, and some silver, the property of JOHN CAREW. Prosecutor and prisoner were miners working at Wheal Trehane, in the parish of Menheniot. They lodged in the same house, and the property was alleged to have been stolen by the prisoner from the bed-room in which both the parties slept. Verdict, Guilty. Twelve months' hard labour.
MONDAY AUGUST 2
FREDERICK ELIEL BODY, 35, was indicted for forging a warrant or order of payment for GBP 57, with intent to defraud DAVID DERRY, one of the registered public officers of the Devon and Cornwall Banking Company. Another count charged the prisoner with intent to defraud JOHN ELLIOTT; and a third with feloniously uttering the warrant or order knowing it to be false. To this indictment the prisoner pleaded GUILTY. He was next arraigned for feloniously forging a warrant or order of payment for GBP 66, with intent to defraud the same parties, and for uttering the same warrant. To this indictment the prisoner pleaded NOT GUILTY. The prosecution, however, declined to offer any evidence, and he was acquitted on this indictment, but sentenced to Seven Years' transportation for the offence named in the first indictment.
RIOT AT WADEBRIDGE - WM. TELLAM, 27, who had been already convicted of riot at Saint Austell, was again placed at the bar and indicted for unlawfully and riotously assembling with other evil disposed persons at Wadebridge, on the 12th of May, armed with sticks and other offensive weapons, and continuing there a long space of time to the terror and alarm of her Majesty's subjects. A second count charged the prisoner with having assaulted EDWARD STEPHENS, a magistrate, while in the execution of his duty; and a third Court charged the prisoner with a common assault.
Mr. ROWE conducted the prosecution, and MR. SLADE defended the prisoner. After stating the case, Mr. Rowe called:
DANIEL WILLIAM LOVELL, who said - I am a police constable at Wadebridge. On Tuesday, the 12th of May, I noticed a number of people who had come into the town; they were near the corn cellars of Messrs. Hawke and Elson. About two hundred people were then there carrying large sticks and bludgeons. I heard them using violent language, saying that no more corn should be shipped, and that they would break in the cellars. I saw them breaking in the cellar door; there was a vessel there I believe for the purpose of shipping corn.
When they got into the stores one of them brought out a sack, and said "hurrah, hurrah, hurrah," and they then took it into the stores again; several parties were at that time running up and down the steps shouting and flourishing large bludgeons.
This riot being unexpected, there were no special constables, but Mr. Stephens had been sent for before the cellar door was broken in. Several farmers being at the inn, I mustered them at the reading room.
Mr. Stephens and I approached the people at the stores; they were then hurrahing and flourishing their bludgeons. I said to them "there is a magistrate coming, hear what he has to say he wishes to hear what your complaints are, and if it is in his power he will redress them." Mr. Stephens also spoke, and some said "well, let's hear what he's got to say;" but others cried out "don't hear what he's got to say, he's only going to delude us."
I was close to Mr. Stephens at the time. His hat was then knocked off, and several blows struck at him with large sticks. The magistrate was nearly down, and I saw a man aim a blow at his bare head, which I covered with my arm and received the blow. At that moment I also received a blow on the back of the head; I then drew a pistol, and threatened to shoot the first man dead that struck another blow.
They then fell back, and I saw William Tellam standing next but one to the man that aimed the blow I received on my arm. The magistrate and I then withdrew; he was going to address them, but I said I thought it was no use, and we went to the reading room where special constables were sworn in. We did not face the mob any more that evening. I have tried to apprehend others, but they have absconded.
Mr. Richard DAVIS is a marine store dealer at Wadebridge; I went in company with him to Bodmin gaol on the 23rd of June. Several prisoners were then produced to us, and he then picked out William Tellam.
CROSS-EXAMINED by Mr. Slade: They struck at Mr. Stephens as fast as they could; if the sticks had not been so close together, more mischief would have been done.
EDWARD STEPHENS deposed - I am one of the magistrates of this county, and live at Trewornan. In consequence of information, I went to Wadebridge on the 12th of last May, and reached there about half-past four. I saw about two hundred persons about the corn cellars. I went there with the policeman and Mr. Luxmoore, who acts as magistrates' clerk. There was a great deal of bustle and some noise as I approached the people. I spoke to them from three to five minutes. Just before I concluded they pressed near me with threatening gestures; I spoke on longer to them, but it having no effect, I drew back. I intended to read the riot act, but it was not read.
All at once I found them with a number of sticks around me, and I received a blow on my eye, my hat having, I believe, been knocked off previously. It was inflicted with a large stick, and was very severe, but falling on the bone it did not knock me down, but only occasioned me to fall backwards. I had a black eye for about three weeks. I then retired and took measures to resist them, swore in constables, and sent for the preventive force.
RICHARD DAVIS - I live at Wadebridge, and was present standing on a heap of ore when Mr. Stephens addressed the people. I heard a voice from the mob crying out "scat his brains" or "scat his skull." I then saw a rush made towards the magistrate and policeman, and a number of bludgeons lifted up to strike them. I saw the hat knocked off Mr. Stephens's head, and a man attempt to strike him, when the blow fell on the policeman's arm.
After the hat was struck off I saw a bludgeon lifted up in the second rank from the magistrate, and saw it come over the shoulder of another man, and strike the magistrate on the cheek bone. I could very well see the man from where I stood. Subsequently, I went to Bodmin gaol, where I saw William Tellam, who was the man that struck the blow.
CROSS-EXAMINED by Mr. Slade: I never saw the man before that day.
MR. SLADE then addressed the jury for the prisoner, contending that the evidence as to the prisoner's identity was altogether unsatisfactory, and that it should not be concluded because the prisoner was [supposedly involved in the] St. Austell riot that he was likely to be present at other riots. The learned Judge having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of Guilty.
[sentencing details included in the St. Austell riot report]
JOHN ARTHUR, JOHN CAPEL, and JOSHUA ARTHUR, were indicted for burglary in the dwelling-house of HENRY REYNOLDS, at Camborne, and for stealing a quantity of butter, rice, pork, and other articles. John Capel pleaded Guilty.
The other prisoners were put on their trial, but there being no evidence affecting John Arthur he was acquitted under the direction of the court. Joshua Arthur was found Guilty. There was another indictment against the prisoners John Arthur and John Capel, for breaking into the grist mills of CHARLES BRAY, of Gwithian, and stealing a half bushel of wheaten flour and six gallons of barley. On this charge, however, no evidence was offered by the prosecution. John Capel and Joshua Arthur were then sentenced each to Two Years' Hard Labour.
JOHN PASCOE, 27, was charged with stealing in March last, at Newham, near Truro, a two-foot rule, the property of THOMAS CLARK. Guilty. Twelve Months' hard labour.
MARY TOMS, 45, was charged with stealing an iron chain, from a gate post, the property of RICHARD SNELL,a farmer of the parish of Callington. Guilty. Six Months' hard labour.
KITTING - ROBERT KENDALL, 40, and DANIEL BURGAN, 38, were indicted for stealing, on the 25th of July, at the United Mines, Gwennap, a quantity of copper ore, the property of WILLIAM FRANCIS and others. Mr. Merivale conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Collier the defence. The two prisoners were tributers in the United Mines, having a pitch at the back of the 155 fathom level, at 10s. in the pound. Near them, in the same level, there were tutwork men at work.
On Sunday, the 25th of July, a sump man called GOLDSWORTHY was watching on the mine, and about half-past eleven at night he heard the sound of a tram waggon. He went into the plot, and 155 fathom level, and found waggons there that had been lately worked. He then went to grass by the man-engine and proceeded to the barracks, but found no one there.
He told Captain MOYLE, who desired him to go to the dry house; and he afterwards saw six men come out of the barracks. Captain Moyle came up; and the men ran away. He and Goldsworthy pursued and overtook the prisoner Kendall. On being questioned, Kendall said he was going under ground early in order to come up early and assist his brother to till some corn. The captain gave Kendall into custody, and afterwards went under ground, where he found that ore had been thrown into the prisoners pitch with a shovel. There were two heaps there, the ore of one unlike that of the other. He afterwards examined the chests in the changing house, and found the prisoners' every day clothes there.
The prisoner Burgan was one of those that ran away on Sunday night. On Tuesday afternoon, Captain Francis and Captain Moyle went underground to take samples; the prisoners went with them to their pitch. Captain Moyle told them to take samples whence they pleased, and they did so from the pile of stuff they had broken.
A man called TREWEEKE deposed that ore had been stolen from the adventurers' heap between Saturday and Monday morning. Samples of ore from the adventurers' and prisoners' piles were produced in court, and it was upon the alleged similarity of these that the case depended.
Mr. Collier cross-examined the witnesses at considerable length, and then addressed the jury, contending that the similarity of the ore in the adventurers' and prisoner's piles was not proved. The jury retired from the court, and after a long deliberation returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
HENRY TREZISE, 27, and THOMAS BATH, 20, were indicted for stealing, on the 25th of July, at the United Mines, in the parish of Gwennap, a quantity of copper ore, the property of WILLIAM FRANCIS and others. Verdict, Not Guilty.
GEORGE LOVELACE,25, was convicted of stealing, on the 18th of July, at Boyton, a silver watch, the property of THOMAS COLWILL. Twelve Months' hard labour.
HENRY BAWDEN, 12, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 16th of July, in the parish of Gwennap, sixteen sovereigns, the property of JAMES DAVEY. Seven years' transportation.
ROGER POLKINHORNE, `19, WILLIAM TREVERTON, 16, and WILLIAM PHILLIPS, 9, pleaded guilty of breaking and entering the dwelling-house of GEORGE GREEN, at St. Minver, and stealing therefrom four eggs, a piece of bread, cake, and some pence. Polkinghorne and Treverton were each sentenced to Two Years' hard labour; Phillips to Six Months' hard labour.
BILLS - the Grand Jury ignored the bills against THOMAS CLYMA and WILLIAM EVANS, who were charged with setting fire to a coppice, the property of Sir WILLIAM MOLESWORTH.
The business of this court terminated at one o'clock on Monday. The business of the assizes was concluded at half-past eight o'clock the same evening.
SUMMER ASSIZES
The following were sworn on the Grand Jury:
Sir W.L.S. TRELAWNY, Bart., Lord Lieutenant of the County, Foreman
The Hon. G. M. Fortescue.......................................C. P. Brune, Esq.
Sir C. Lemon, Bart. .............................................J. Gwatkin, Esq.
E.W. W. Pendarves, Esq. .......................................J. D. Gilbert, Esq.
W.H. P. Carew, Esq. ............................................E. Archer, Esq.
T.J. A. Robartes, Esq. ..........................................W. D. Horndon, Esq.
C. B. G. Sawle, Esq. ............................................W. Hext, Esq.
G. W. F. Gregor, Esq. ..........................................W. Peel, Esq.
J. K. Lethbridge, Esq. ..........................................H. Thomson, Esq.
F. Rodd, Esq. ....................................................W. Morshead, Esq.
The Mayors and Coroners were then called, and answered to their names; and after the Queen's proclamation against vice and immorality had been read, his lordship delivered the following CHARGE -
[had read the depositions, and only thought to discuss "a class of offences which is extremely dangerous to the public peace and well doing of the whole country. That class is one which comprises three distinct species of offences. There is the offence of riot, the offence of rout, that of remaining out unlawfully simply, and remaining out in a state of riot and tumult after the proclamation against riot is read, and the parties so out are requested and commanded to depart. I am sorry to say with respect to one species of offences within that class, it is attended with particularly dangerous circumstances."]
RIOT AT ST. AUSTELL - JOSEPH HORE, 35, RICHARD WEBB, 27, ELIAS NEWCOMBE, 32, WILLIAM OSBORN, 24, RICHARD JULYAN, 31, WILLIAM HANCOCK, 24, MATTHEW ROBERTS, 21, JOHN PAYNE, 22, JOHN BENNETTS, 24, WILLIAM BUNT, 46, PHILIP MATTHEWS, 25, JACOB HANCOCK, 24, WILLIAM TELLAM, 27, CHARLES FAULL, 23, RICHARD KESTELL, 28, AND JOHN COCK, 21, were placed at the bar, indicted for tumultuously and riotously assembling together on the 11th of June last, at the parish of St. Austell, armed with sticks, and for remaining riotously assembled for the space of six hours and upwards, to the great disturbance of her Majesty's subjects. MR. ROWE and MR. MERIVALE conducted the prosecution; MR. SLADE, assisted by MR. BENNELLACK and MR. GILBERT HAMLEY as attorneys, defended the prisoners. The trial excited considerable interest, the court being much crowded throughout the proceeding.
Mr. Rowe stated the case to the jury, and then called the following witnesses:
CAPTAIN HANCOCK, of Buckler's mine, said two of the prisoners, KESTELL and FAULL, worked at that mine, their earnings being from 15s. to 17s. per week. On the morning of the 11th of June I was informed that the miners had risen. I saw Kestell and Faull with about thirty or forty others round a shaft; I asked them why they were not at work, and they said the report was that the price of bread was risen in the town the night before, and it was of no use for them to work any more. Kestell spoke of the flour rising; I asked what are you going to do in the matter? They said we are going to see what we can do by it. I said they would only make it worse, and it was far better for them to go to their work at once.
Charles Faull said we are going on to the higher quarter of the parish where the clay works are. I asked them what they had to do with the higher quarter men, and said these poor men are differently situated from what you are with the wages you are getting. I told them the average wages in the mine for the last month was more than 17s. a week, and if they had anything to complain of they ought to come to the agents at the account house first and make known their complaints. I said they had as much as we could allow them, and they would bring disgrace upon us by circulating a report that they were in want. I again advised them to go to work, upon which they told me the miners in the neighbourhood were about to rise also. They said they had made up their minds for it; it was useless for them to work; they wanted to lower the price of corn.
After some time I went back thinking they might go to work, but as they did not I went again and told them if they did not go to work I would get others in their place. Some of them went to work, but the rest who were surrounding the shaft still refused to go to work; and I heard Kestell say, "we'll go in and rob the shops and shove the b-rs in the common sewer." I went back a short distance and soon after about forty of them started, the greater part going towards the turnpike road.
CROSS-EXAMINED BY MR. SLADE - I knew there was some ferment about this time among the poorer class on account of the high price of bread. I did not see Faull in the town in any row that day.
RICHARD MICHELL, captain of a china-clay work, called Blue Barrow, in the higher quarter of the parish of St. Austell, deposed -
On the 11th of June last, I saw several miners and claymen come into the clay works, and among them were Kestell and Faull. About forty miners came in and about two hundred clay work men. I asked what their intention was, and they said to get the price of corn down. They said it was reported the day before that Mr. WARNE, of St. Austell, had risen the price of corn to GBP 2.4s. a bushel, and their wages would not enable them to purchase it. When they came, all my men, about thirty, were at their work. They went on through the works and I followed them up to the clay yard. They had taken the masons from the roof of the house, and I asked them to leave me one or two, which they consented to do. They afterwards went away, and all my men went with them except six.
JOHN MARK, a carpenter at St. Austell said -
On the 11th of June, I was working at Blue Barrow clay work, and saw CHARLES FAULL and RICHARD KESTELL there with others. One of the men "clenched" me to make me go, and called to Charles Faull, who then came up and also "clenched" me. I said I must know before I would go what they were going to do, on which Faull said they were going to get the corn cheaper, and they were going to level the town if they did not get it. He then took some of the tools from my hand and carried them into the house, and I went with them towards Roche.
Afterwards we returned towards St. Austell, and when we came to Carthew, MR. THRISCUTT called me from the rest and said I had no business there. I went on some way and told the rest I would go home to change, and come to the town in the evening. Faull took me by the collar and said I must to into the town with them. I went as far as Lansellsen clay work, and sat on the hedge by the side of the turnpike. I said to the rest, there were men by the side of the turnpike and if they pressed me they must also press them. There might have been two hundred or two hundred and fifty men scattered about there; they went on the road and left me behind.
After the mob were gone, I thought as I was near the town I would walk in; the only place I saw Kestell was at Blowing-House.
CROSS-EXAMINED BY MR. SLADE - A great many more went to see the soldiers than about the price of corn.
HENRY THRISCUTT deposed -
My father is a china clay merchant at St. Austell. On the 11th of July I was at Carthew, and saw between two and three hundred miners and china clay men there, the majority of them carrying large sticks. I saw Charles Faull there, and advised him and others that if they went into the town they should go as peaceably as they could, and drop those cudgels, as they would be marked me; but they laughed at what I said. Faull had a large stick in his hands; I told them it was nothing to laugh at; they had never been in a riot, but I had, and two men were shot at the time. Faull said it was as well to be shot as starved. Whilst I was in the shop, Charles Faull and the miners persuaded some of the claymen to go, and forced others. They went toward St. Austell, and I also rode into the town, the road being crowded all the way.
CROSS-EXAMINED BY MR. SLADE - Faull told some of the men to come on, and others he drove out of the blacksmith's shop. I did not recognize any of the men at the bar in St. Austell.
NICHOLAS KENDALL deposed as follows:
I am a magistrate of this county, and at present High Sheriff. In consequence of information I received at my own house, I went to St. Austell on the 11th of June, and arrived there about half-past ten or eleven o'clock. I had made previous arrangements to get the military sent on quickly from Bodmin. On my arrival, I found Sir JOSEPH SAWLE and MR. HEXT, both magistrates, and the Under Sheriff, Mr. THOMAS COODE. I rather think the preventive force were then in the town, but did not at that time show themselves. The town then appeared to be very quiet. About one o'clock, I proceeded to the Town Hall to swear in special constables. We had information that there was an immense gathering in the neighbourhood.
About half-past two, I left the town Hall in company with the under sheriff, in consequence of what I had heard. At that time I believe the military had arrived and were at the Town Hall. Mr. Coode's house if at the point where the Bodmin road is joined by the old western turnpike. I went with Mr. Coode towards that house, and on approaching it found a considerable number of persons collected on the Bodmin road. I suppose there might have been nearly four hundred there at the time. As I approached the mob shouted, but what their object was I could not tell, whether in defiance or not. Most of them had sticks in their hands, some of which were of enormous size, so large that in a crowd they could not possibly be used, they were so very high and large. We entered Mr. Coode's house to view the proceedings of the people from his windows.
I thought that knowing the military were in the town they might disperse without using active measures; but shortly after I heard a cry of "Warne's Mills," and this was accompanied by a rush of the people over the old turnpike western road. Finding that Warne's mills were flour mills, I said "now we must move." I and the Under Sheriff were at that time alone. The people went on so fast that we were obliged to run to get up to them. There are shops on that road, and I saw on ahead, as I was moving very fast, an entry made to a shop on the left hand side; they ran in and were out again in three or four seconds. The rest of the mob were moving on, and I saw others try a door on the right hand side.
I saw a man with something like a large pick-hilt strike at the door, but it resisted, and the man moved on with the rest. By this time, I and the Under-Sheriff had got past the mob, thinking it very desirable in order to speak to them if possible. I then mounted on a wall and addressed the people. I observed HORE, one of the prisoners; he was about twenty yards from me, and I saw him very frequently during the day. I noticed him from his having a very peculiar eye.
The mob were in a very excited state, crying "Warne's mills," and evidently intending to break the mills open.
I reside at Pelyn, and am much interested in the welfare of the mines of that district. The price of provisions was very high in the country. I told the mob that under ordinary circumstances nothing would induce me to hold a parley with them at all, but as I knew there was great distress in the country I would gladly hear all they had to say, and advised them to send a deputation to the magistrates.
Several men among them were very violent, and did not wish to send a deputation, but others were very reasonable, and said "hear the gentleman, let us send some of our own men," or something to that effect. The Under-Sheriff then addressed them as being a neighbour and a friend; and that seemed to produce great effect. They asked what time we would meet the deputation; I said in half-an-hour, and they then asked for an hour, which was granted. I said to them "mind my good fellows, don't you keep up a row during the time," on which they behaved exceedingly well, and promised to be quiet; there appeared to be an excellent feeling among them. We then went to the Town Hall.
About half an hour later, I received information about the rifling of a shop belonging to MR. PEDLAR, near the town Hall, in the Fore-Street. Upon that I said "it may be a false alarm, pray let as few as possible of us go there; I would not be accused for the world to have broken faith with them." But when I arrived at Pedlar's shop, I found there was a great confusion and row. There were some hundreds there, and the noise was that of persons under great excitement, and was calculated to excite alarm.
When I came I found they were rifling the shop. I said "what can you mean by all this, do you call this being quiet?" I said "in the Queens name, I order you to disperse." At that moment, two men turned round, whom I cannot identify. They bid me defiance, but did not strike me. They were under violent excitement; they raised their sticks and were squaring at me.
When I arrived there was only one special constable following me; but when these men had squared up towards me, the preventive men came up, and I said "preventive men, take these men into custody this moment;" and after they were taken, I said "move those fellows as fast as possible to the clink." The preventive men took them away, having their arms in one hand and holding the prisoners with the other. I said to the preventive men "quick my good fellows, as quick as possible." I saw what my position was, and that we were too few.
Then about the length of this table I saw a man evidently preparing to obstruct me. I was just in front, and the preventive men were close behind me. When I saw the man about to obstruct me, I said "move my good fellow, move on one side." That was MATTHEW ROBERTS, the tallest of the prisoners. He had a stick in his hand of a fair size, but not as large as many I saw there. He lifted it towards me, and I had him by the throat in a moment, by the collar. I said "how dare you?" I had a most powerful constable at my elbow called ROBERTS, and I told him to take this man on. The constable and myself were left almost alone at this time. I am not aware that the prisoner Roberts knew I was the sheriff.
The riot seemed to subside for a short time after the capture of this man, and we met the deputation at the school-room. I had given them to understand than whoever came of the deputation, I would take no advantage of them.
On my saying I would have nothing to do with them unless they repudiated the doings of the men at Pedlar's shop, they said they were very sorry and knew nothing of them. They said they wanted to have corn lower. I said "this is perfectly impossible; we ought to be obliged to the persons who would bring us corn into this neighbourhood at any price, and I doubted whether those who were the most riotous were in the greatest distress. In my own neighbourhood, I told them subscriptions had been made to relive the distress; and I said I would give them my word to call a meeting, and an influential gentleman, Sir JOSEPH SAWLE, would come forward to assist.
"They said I should let the man out." I said "you mistake your position; I am the commander, and not to be commanded."
At first, they spoke in rather a peremptory tone, and some of them fought very hard for it; but others said "let's trust to the gentleman, and we will disperse." They asked me to go to the Market House to address the people and tell them the understanding we had come to.
I then with the magistrates went to the Town Hall and mounted a leaping stock in front of it, and addressed the people. Their answer was "let go the man." I told them as calmly and temperately as I could, that that was impossible; I could not be dictated to, and would make no promise directly or indirectly. I advised them to go home as speedily as possible. Nothing could exceed the anxiety of the Under-Sheriff: being a fellow-townsman, and having influence in the place, he did all he possibly could to induce them to keep order.
At that time I observed the prisoner Hore frequently, and I recognized Philip Matthews as being very active. I also recollect seeing John Paine; the two were together and very active; I do not recollect any particular expression, but I had my eye on them as busy active men. William BUNT I saw under the leaping stock and also Hore. I said to Bunt "my good old man what business can you have here; you show a very bad example; do go home, this is coming to a very serious matter." I said "I am trying all I can by fair means, but mind me, eventually I will have peace and order," or something to that effect.
I don't know what led to his answer, but I recollect very well his saying "it is as well to be shot as to be starved." Cock I recognized after I left the leaping stock, standing on it. I said at that time, "Mr. Under-Sheriff, speaking on our part will do more harm than good; they will think it cowardice; I shall take my course; I shall speak no more." I then returned into the Town Hall.
After that the Under Sheriff warned them from the window, and was so anxious that he went down and talked with them. After that I went through the process of reading the riot act. There were constant shouts of "let out the man." There was a dense crowd, and I heard expressions of "force for force."
After the riot act was read the soldiers were ordered to load behind the grill. The commanding officer proposed loading outside, but I said they had better load inside that it might be seen I was determined. The infantry were then formed outside the Town Hall with fixed bayonets, upon which, as they were filing out, some of the mob attempted to get by the side of them; their object was to let the military pass out and get in their rear. I said that rather than do that they must have the bayonet.
I recollect that old man Bunt standing there; I said "you stupid old fool, don't you have the bayonet into you." and I put him on our side.
Previous to forming the military an arrangement was made. Captain Johnson insisted on having one magistrate at his elbow, and Mr. Hext remained with him; Sir Joseph Sawle stayed in charge of the preventive men; and I asked those who wished among the special constables to volunteer to go in front of the soldiers, and see if we could so without their assistance. It was arranged that after the military had cleared a small space in front they should open and allow us to pass; that when I fixed my eye upon a man I should point him out to the special constables, who would take him and pass him back, the military closing again to prevent a rescue.
The first two or three men I believe were astonished at being taken so speedily. I put my hand on most of the men, and the constables then took them; among those I put my hand on were the prisoners Payne and Matthews. There was but a slight case against one of the men.
The streets were cleared three times I think at the point of the bayonet, and this old man, Webb, was constantly coming back, until, at length, as he was so big and so insolent, I said we must take this man into custody. I thought he acted from ignorance, and should be glad to have been spared taking him. He said he was determined to go that way for tobacco; he had gone that way so long he was determined to go that way again.
CROSS-EXAMINED by Mr. Slade: I was so fearful that the mob would get behind the soldiers that I said "none of them must get here, if they must have the bayonet let them have it," so determined did they appear to get there. The soldiers filed out very gradually; before a single man was taken they were told to go; they could have turned, although I don't mean to say that any man could have gone easily, he must have pushed away; but they did not show any inclination to go away, they seemed most determined.
I read the whole of the riot act from a book handed me by Mr. Shilson, my legal adviser. I think it possible that Roberts might not have struck me when he raised the stick, because when I laid hold of him I observed a change come over him; his eye dropped. The men given in charge of the preventive men got away.
THOMAS COODE, Under Sheriff of the county, was then sworn, his evidence being principally corroborative of that given by the Sheriff.
In addition he deposed that on meeting some of the people he said to them, "I would advise you to throw away those weapons in your hands, upon which one man replied, "no, I shall not, for by and bye it may be useful." I saw the prisoner Hore and said to him "you cannot expect that the corn factors will bring corn into our neighbourhood if they are liable to have it taken from them." There was a general answer then made by the people that my observations were very reasonable. I said there was no corn in the farmers' hands, that they must depend upon the corn factors, and that I had been the means of bringing corn into the neighbourhood to supply the people's wants.
Before the riot act was read I leaned out of the window and addressed them as a fellow townsman in the most persuasive language that I could use. I begged them to go home in peace, for the sheriff was about to read the riot act, and if he did the consequences, I was afraid, would be very serious to some of them; I told them the consequences if they remained an hour after the act was read.
After the act was read, Mr. Kendall said it was useless to try any more in the shape of persuasion. I said I will try at all events, and I went down to the gates of the Town Hall and spoke to the people through the bars. Hancock was there and said "we will resist force by force, we won't go away alive without the man."
I entreated the women to go away, and begged those persons who were there from mere curiosity to depart. I said to Hancock, "aft the expression you made use of to me I entreat you to go, for from this time you will be a marked man." He again said he would not go without the man. I told the people that as to resisting force by force it was absurd, as I had seen the soldiers load with ball, and they had been commanded by the officer to fire among the people and not over their heads. I said that if the threats of resistance were carried out, the street would very shortly be flowing with human blood. Some one in the crowd replied that it was as well to be shot as to die from starvation; another reply was "If we are prepared to die we may as well go now as at another time." Shortly after this the streets were cleared.
MRS. HANNAH ROWE said, my husband is a baker at St. Austell. One of the mob came into my shop with a pick hilt, and also others. They asked for something to eat. I said "wait a moment," but they said they could not wait. The man with the pick hilt then took the bread and threw it among the mob. I pushed him out, and he came in a second and third time, when he held up the pick hilt and said "if you don't go out I'll scat your brains out." They did not quite clear my shop.
JOHN BUDGE, a flour dealer at St. Austell, deposed -
On the day in question the prisoner Bunt came into my shop and inquired the price of flour. When I told him, he said "that price won't do; we'll have it cheaper." I replied "I cannot sell it for less," to which he answered "we'll have some for nothing; you'll be the next that we'll come to." At the same time friendly persons came into my shop and advised me to put up the shutters, which I did.
EDMUND BROWNE said - I was sworn in as a special constable on the day in question, and was in the street where Pedlar's shop is, when it was rifled. The mob came there in considerable numbers armed with sticks and bludgeons, with noise and violence. I saw a rush to the shop door, and being a constable I attempted to get in, upon which I was thrown across a barrow in the street. I subsequently saw the prisoners Newcombe, Osborne, Hore, and Webb taken into custody. Newcombe I think was pursuing his business, and Webb, I believe, is not very strong in intellect.
WILLIAM HART, constable of St. Austell, said - I was present when the riot act was read, and noticed the prisoner Cock several times addressing the mob. After the Sheriff had been requesting the people to disperse, Cock got up and said, "if you let out the man we will go quietly; if you do not we will take him out by force; if you meddle with us it will be death for every one of you; we will have life for life and blood for blood." The mob cheered him for what he was saying.
The REV. THOMAS JAMES BENNETT deposed - I was at the time in question a clergyman living at St. Austell. I was repeatedly present reasoning with the mob that day, from two o'clock, I believe, till nine at night; as some of them were from my own parish I thought I might have influence with them. I saw there Hore, Payne, Cock, and Matthews. Cock addressed the mob from the stepping-stock, but from the noise I could only hear the concluding words, "life for life, and blood for blood."
Several special and other constables were then called, who had taken the prisoners into custody and spoke to their identity.
JOSEPH ROBINS deposed - The prisoner Kestell said to me, three weeks or a month before the riot took place - "you are a pretty fellow making such a price of corn." I told him it did not concern him; he had better go on. He said he would have my flour house down by another week, and if the mob should rise he would be the foremost man, and down it should come.
CROSS-EXAMINED - I should think Kestell had been drinking a good deal when he made use of this language.
Mr. SLADE then addressed the jury in behalf of the prisoners. He contended that from the circumstances attending this riot, it was evident that the great delinquents had escaped, and those at the bar were only the minor culprits, who were in the town from a motive of [curiosity]. He then [covered] the evidence that had been given, and contended that Webb, Newcombe, Hore, Osborne, Julyan, and others were clearly entitled to an acquittal.
The UNDER-SHERIFF said he believed Webb was a man of weak intellect, and was not in the town at the time of the riot; Hancock, he said, was a hard-working man on all occasions.
A great number of witnesses were then called, who gave each of the prisoners a good character. The learned Judge then summed up with great care and at considerable length.
The jury ACQUITTED Webb, Newcombe, Osborne, Julyan, Bennetts, and Jacob Hancock; but they returned a verdict of GUILTY against Hore, Roberts, Payne, Bunt, Matthews, Tellam, Faull, Kestell, Cock, and William Hancock. They recommended Matthews, Payne, and Tellam to mercy on account of their good character. The sentences were deferred until the next day.
MONDAY, AUGUST 2
JOSEPH HORE, WILLIAM HANCOCK, and WILLIAM TELLAM, who had been convicted of rioting at St. Austell, were arraigned on an indictment for being riotously assembled at St. Austell on the 11th of June, and with feloniously remaining one hour after proclamation had been made and the riot act read. Mr. Rowe, on the part of the prosecution, stated that no evidence would be offered on this indictment, and the Judge directed an Acquittal.
The prisoners who had been convicted of rioting, Joseph Hore, William Hancock, Matthew Roberts, John Payne, William Bunt, Philip Matthrews, William Tellam, Charles Faull, Richard Kestell, and John Cock, were subsequently placed at the bar, and the learned Judge addressed them as follows:
You have been convicted of having been concerned in a very dangerous riot. This county, it appears, has been distinguished from any others for its peace and good order, not only among persons of your class of life, but in other classes in times of public calamity and distress; and it is to be lamented, under the circumstances of the present case, that so many of you, who are able men, and most of you young men, capable of maintaining yourselves honestly, and at the time in good employ, should have been led to associate for the purpose for which you now stand at the bar.
It does not appear, whatever might be the public calamity, that any of you were in that state of distress as to find any apology from your sufferings for interfering or attempting to interfere with the property of others. It is said that the earnings of the men at Buckler's mine were good wages. Many of you are men without large families, with wages beyond those which agricultural labourers in the county are receiving, and having means of enjoyment beyond what they possess. Yet from your connection with each other, and the facility with which you can combine and associate, you thought fit to avail yourselves of this time of public calamity, which did not bear upon you as it did upon others, to disturb the public peace to a most outrageous degree. From the description of what took place, and of the conduct of them who induced it, this must have been a most terrific riot.
The Sheriff of this county appears to me to have conducted himself in a most exemplary manner, entitling him to the thanks of the public in general, and especially of this county. He united kindness and forbearance with a proper degree of manly [purpose], so as to give you every opportunity of considering and altering your conduct, whilst at the same time there was no such forbearance as to give you any encouragement, or from which you might suppose that any fear existed on the part of the magistrates.
Your conduct was such that it was necessary to call out the military, and you placed yourselves every one of you in the situation of felons, by remaining after the riot act was read. The Sheriff himself was compelled to come out among you and run great personal hazard; and the greatest excitement and alarm existed in the usually peaceable town of St. Austell. What call had you to conduct yourselves in such a manner? What right had you to interfere with the property of those who were not concerned in raising the price of corn, even if you had a right to interfere with that? But the honest tradesman, carrying on his business properly, you could have no business to interfere with.
What would you have thought if any of the mine owners had told you; "we are selling the ore at too cheap a rate, we cannot afford to pay you such wages; we shall employ you to work at such wages as we please." What would you have thought if they had raised a mob to compel you to that? And yet you would compel the flour dealers, and you raised a mob for that purpose. But what can be expected from a mob interfering with the bringing of corn into the country? Supposing you had broken into every shop, where you and your neighbours are supplied, how soon would the stock have been exhausted, and how increased must the distress to be which all around would be subjected.
Where is the honestly to which some of you claim a character, when you break into a shop and deliver out the bread to those you don't know whom, thus committing the most audacious robbery in mid-day, upon a person who could probably less afford to lose it than yourselves. While there the language used must have been calculated to place this county in a most fearful situation.
There were some of you, although now you bring a character as peaceable men, were tempted to demand blood for blood and life for life, and might have been led on to attack life and produce the flowing of that blood so idly spoken of. What must be the effect on a mob of infuriated men coming, perhaps, under the pressure of some distress, but mistaking the cause of that distress and not less its cure? What must be the effect on any man when individuals are crying out for blood, armed with sticks and bludgeons as you were? It is almost surprising that your lives were not sacrificed by the military [....]
And I cannot fail to remark that you are greatly indebted to the magistrates of this county, who have [declined] to try you all as felons. You remained in the market place for one hour after the act was read, and might be placed at that bar as felons. Indeed you have been arraigned although no evidence has been offered against you. The magistrates, in the belief that that spirit of riot has passed away, hope that the spirit of mildness will operate as a warning to prevent a repetition of such outrages. I could not have thought I had done my duty to the public, or have left this county with a safe conscience, if I had not transported many of you if you had been convicted under the other indictment.
There are two of you standing in a peculiar situation; Richard Kestell and Charles Faull, and as you have been distinguished in crime so must your punishment be increased.
The learned Judge, after some further remarks, sentenced each of these prisoners to Two Years' imprisonment with hard labour. Joseph Hore he sentenced to Nine Months' hard labour; John Cock, the man who addressed the mob, to Eighteen Months; Matthew Roberts, who raised a stick against the Sheriff, to Eighteen Months'; William Hancock, to Twelve Months'; William Bunt, to Nine Months'; Phillip Matthews, and John Payne, each, to Six Months'; William Tellam to Nine Months' for the offence at St. Austell, and Eighteen Months' additional for striking Mr. Stephens, the magistrate, at Wadebridge. An attack upon a magistrate, the learned Judge observed, must be visited with severity.
TRIALS OF THE PRISONERS
HUMPHRY TREMBATH KESTLE, 23, pleaded GUILTY of stealing a mare, at the parish of Gulval, the property of HUMPHRY TREMBATH, of that parish. The prosecutor, in answer to some questions from the Judge, stated that he was a distant relation to the prisoner, who was a farm servant and labourer. He tied the mare in a field on the evening of the 5th of July, and when he returned the next morning, about four o'clock, she was missing. The prisoner lives three miles from the prosecutor, and the mare was found in his possession. A previous conviction was proved. Seven Years' Transportation.
MARY ANN PERROW, 13, pleaded Guilty of stealing coal, the property of JOSEPH CHAMPION, in the parish of Ludgvan, on the 16th of June, 1847. Six months' hard labour.
THOMAS TREZONA, 19, was indicted for having, on the 5th of June last, at the parish of Camborne, unlawfully, maliciously, and feloniously maimed, disfigured, and disabled MICHAEL ABRAHAM, of that neighbourhood, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm. MR. ROWE stated the case to the jury.
The prosecutor was a miner in the parish of St. Agnes, and was returning on the night of the assault from St. Agnes Beacon to his own home. On his way, he passed through the village of Troon, near Camborne, and being somewhat in liquor, he made use of the expression that he was ready to fight any one who would come forward. The prisoner being there came forward, and a struggle ensued in which they both fell to the ground, and during the struggle a man named DYER endeavoured to part the two, in doing which he himself was wounded. A man of the name of ARTHUR then stepped in and succeeded in parting them.
On lifting the prosecutor, they found he was wounded in the breast and belly. He was taken into a carpenter's shop, and a lantern being brought, they examined the man, and found his clothes covered with blood. He was afterwards placed under the care of a surgeon, and was confined to his bed. The prisoner afterwards called at the prosecutor's house, expressed the greatest contrition for what had happened, and appeared very anxious that the matter should be made up.
Mr. SLADE defended the prisoner, urging that the wound was caused accidentally, by the prosecutor falling on something. The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
WILLIAM SYMONS, 35, was indicted for having on the 17th day of May last, at the parish of Gwennap, feloniously uttered counterfeit coin to SARAH NICHOLLS. MR. LUCENA, with whom was MR. COLE, conducted the prosecution, and MR. HUGHES appeared fro the prisoner. Several witnesses were called, who deposed that the prisoner had passed bad money, and one witness in particular stated that prisoner attempted to swallow two sixpences, but did not succeed. The bad coin was produced in court, and identified as that taken from the prisoner.
He was found Guilty, and a former conviction was proved against him for the same kind of crime. The Judge remarked that it was quite clear what his course of life had been, and as a light punishment did not seem to have any effect, the court would pass upon him the sentence of Transportation for Seven Years.
WILLIAM ANDREWS, 34, was charged with having on the 13th of July last, at the parish of Gwennap, stolen two pieces of rope, five bolts, one burr, and a quantity of iron, the property of H. P. ANDREWS. Esq., and others. WILLIAM KITTO, manager of Poldice mine, Gwennap, met the prisoner near the mine, with a donkey and two or three packs, containing what he thought were suspicious articles. He asked the prisoner what they contained, but the latter refused to give any answer. There was a blacksmith's shop near, and he called out the men, who proceeded to search the packs, which were found to contain various iron articles belonging to a mine.
He sent for a constable, and proceeded to test the articles, to find out whether any of them belonged to Poldice, but could not identify them; there was, however, some flat rope which he thought belonged to Consols mine; he accordingly sent to Consols mine, and kept the prisoner at the counting house of Poldice. The constable was called, and produced the articles; and other witnesses were called to identify the property.
Mr. HUGHES, on behalf of the prisoner, contended that the identity was not clearly made out, either with respect to the articles, or the prisoner. Verdict, Guilty. Twelve Months' hard labour.
RICHARD THOMAS and HENRY PETER were indicted for a misdemeanour, in committing a rescue, but there being no evidence for the prosecution, they were Acquitted.
The Grand Jury were discharged this evening, with the thanks of the county for their services.
Saturday, July 31
ELIZABETH MARYTN, 19, was Acquitted on a charge of stealing, on the 24th of June, a canvas bag, lock and key, and four sovereigns, the property of JOHN KNIGHT, of the parish of Liskeard. The learned Judge told the prisoner she had been convicted four times previously for different offences, and he would advise her to be very cautious as to her future life.
JOHN KNIGHT, 23, was indicted for stealing, on the 29th of June, at the parish of Liskeard, two sovereigns, a half-sovereign, and some silver, the property of JOHN CAREW. Prosecutor and prisoner were miners working at Wheal Trehane, in the parish of Menheniot. They lodged in the same house, and the property was alleged to have been stolen by the prisoner from the bed-room in which both the parties slept. Verdict, Guilty. Twelve months' hard labour.
MONDAY AUGUST 2
FREDERICK ELIEL BODY, 35, was indicted for forging a warrant or order of payment for GBP 57, with intent to defraud DAVID DERRY, one of the registered public officers of the Devon and Cornwall Banking Company. Another count charged the prisoner with intent to defraud JOHN ELLIOTT; and a third with feloniously uttering the warrant or order knowing it to be false. To this indictment the prisoner pleaded GUILTY. He was next arraigned for feloniously forging a warrant or order of payment for GBP 66, with intent to defraud the same parties, and for uttering the same warrant. To this indictment the prisoner pleaded NOT GUILTY. The prosecution, however, declined to offer any evidence, and he was acquitted on this indictment, but sentenced to Seven Years' transportation for the offence named in the first indictment.
RIOT AT WADEBRIDGE - WM. TELLAM, 27, who had been already convicted of riot at Saint Austell, was again placed at the bar and indicted for unlawfully and riotously assembling with other evil disposed persons at Wadebridge, on the 12th of May, armed with sticks and other offensive weapons, and continuing there a long space of time to the terror and alarm of her Majesty's subjects. A second count charged the prisoner with having assaulted EDWARD STEPHENS, a magistrate, while in the execution of his duty; and a third Court charged the prisoner with a common assault.
Mr. ROWE conducted the prosecution, and MR. SLADE defended the prisoner. After stating the case, Mr. Rowe called:
DANIEL WILLIAM LOVELL, who said - I am a police constable at Wadebridge. On Tuesday, the 12th of May, I noticed a number of people who had come into the town; they were near the corn cellars of Messrs. Hawke and Elson. About two hundred people were then there carrying large sticks and bludgeons. I heard them using violent language, saying that no more corn should be shipped, and that they would break in the cellars. I saw them breaking in the cellar door; there was a vessel there I believe for the purpose of shipping corn.
When they got into the stores one of them brought out a sack, and said "hurrah, hurrah, hurrah," and they then took it into the stores again; several parties were at that time running up and down the steps shouting and flourishing large bludgeons.
This riot being unexpected, there were no special constables, but Mr. Stephens had been sent for before the cellar door was broken in. Several farmers being at the inn, I mustered them at the reading room.
Mr. Stephens and I approached the people at the stores; they were then hurrahing and flourishing their bludgeons. I said to them "there is a magistrate coming, hear what he has to say he wishes to hear what your complaints are, and if it is in his power he will redress them." Mr. Stephens also spoke, and some said "well, let's hear what he's got to say;" but others cried out "don't hear what he's got to say, he's only going to delude us."
I was close to Mr. Stephens at the time. His hat was then knocked off, and several blows struck at him with large sticks. The magistrate was nearly down, and I saw a man aim a blow at his bare head, which I covered with my arm and received the blow. At that moment I also received a blow on the back of the head; I then drew a pistol, and threatened to shoot the first man dead that struck another blow.
They then fell back, and I saw William Tellam standing next but one to the man that aimed the blow I received on my arm. The magistrate and I then withdrew; he was going to address them, but I said I thought it was no use, and we went to the reading room where special constables were sworn in. We did not face the mob any more that evening. I have tried to apprehend others, but they have absconded.
Mr. Richard DAVIS is a marine store dealer at Wadebridge; I went in company with him to Bodmin gaol on the 23rd of June. Several prisoners were then produced to us, and he then picked out William Tellam.
CROSS-EXAMINED by Mr. Slade: They struck at Mr. Stephens as fast as they could; if the sticks had not been so close together, more mischief would have been done.
EDWARD STEPHENS deposed - I am one of the magistrates of this county, and live at Trewornan. In consequence of information, I went to Wadebridge on the 12th of last May, and reached there about half-past four. I saw about two hundred persons about the corn cellars. I went there with the policeman and Mr. Luxmoore, who acts as magistrates' clerk. There was a great deal of bustle and some noise as I approached the people. I spoke to them from three to five minutes. Just before I concluded they pressed near me with threatening gestures; I spoke on longer to them, but it having no effect, I drew back. I intended to read the riot act, but it was not read.
All at once I found them with a number of sticks around me, and I received a blow on my eye, my hat having, I believe, been knocked off previously. It was inflicted with a large stick, and was very severe, but falling on the bone it did not knock me down, but only occasioned me to fall backwards. I had a black eye for about three weeks. I then retired and took measures to resist them, swore in constables, and sent for the preventive force.
RICHARD DAVIS - I live at Wadebridge, and was present standing on a heap of ore when Mr. Stephens addressed the people. I heard a voice from the mob crying out "scat his brains" or "scat his skull." I then saw a rush made towards the magistrate and policeman, and a number of bludgeons lifted up to strike them. I saw the hat knocked off Mr. Stephens's head, and a man attempt to strike him, when the blow fell on the policeman's arm.
After the hat was struck off I saw a bludgeon lifted up in the second rank from the magistrate, and saw it come over the shoulder of another man, and strike the magistrate on the cheek bone. I could very well see the man from where I stood. Subsequently, I went to Bodmin gaol, where I saw William Tellam, who was the man that struck the blow.
CROSS-EXAMINED by Mr. Slade: I never saw the man before that day.
MR. SLADE then addressed the jury for the prisoner, contending that the evidence as to the prisoner's identity was altogether unsatisfactory, and that it should not be concluded because the prisoner was [supposedly involved in the] St. Austell riot that he was likely to be present at other riots. The learned Judge having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of Guilty.
[sentencing details included in the St. Austell riot report]
JOHN ARTHUR, JOHN CAPEL, and JOSHUA ARTHUR, were indicted for burglary in the dwelling-house of HENRY REYNOLDS, at Camborne, and for stealing a quantity of butter, rice, pork, and other articles. John Capel pleaded Guilty.
The other prisoners were put on their trial, but there being no evidence affecting John Arthur he was acquitted under the direction of the court. Joshua Arthur was found Guilty. There was another indictment against the prisoners John Arthur and John Capel, for breaking into the grist mills of CHARLES BRAY, of Gwithian, and stealing a half bushel of wheaten flour and six gallons of barley. On this charge, however, no evidence was offered by the prosecution. John Capel and Joshua Arthur were then sentenced each to Two Years' Hard Labour.
JOHN PASCOE, 27, was charged with stealing in March last, at Newham, near Truro, a two-foot rule, the property of THOMAS CLARK. Guilty. Twelve Months' hard labour.
MARY TOMS, 45, was charged with stealing an iron chain, from a gate post, the property of RICHARD SNELL,a farmer of the parish of Callington. Guilty. Six Months' hard labour.
KITTING - ROBERT KENDALL, 40, and DANIEL BURGAN, 38, were indicted for stealing, on the 25th of July, at the United Mines, Gwennap, a quantity of copper ore, the property of WILLIAM FRANCIS and others. Mr. Merivale conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Collier the defence. The two prisoners were tributers in the United Mines, having a pitch at the back of the 155 fathom level, at 10s. in the pound. Near them, in the same level, there were tutwork men at work.
On Sunday, the 25th of July, a sump man called GOLDSWORTHY was watching on the mine, and about half-past eleven at night he heard the sound of a tram waggon. He went into the plot, and 155 fathom level, and found waggons there that had been lately worked. He then went to grass by the man-engine and proceeded to the barracks, but found no one there.
He told Captain MOYLE, who desired him to go to the dry house; and he afterwards saw six men come out of the barracks. Captain Moyle came up; and the men ran away. He and Goldsworthy pursued and overtook the prisoner Kendall. On being questioned, Kendall said he was going under ground early in order to come up early and assist his brother to till some corn. The captain gave Kendall into custody, and afterwards went under ground, where he found that ore had been thrown into the prisoners pitch with a shovel. There were two heaps there, the ore of one unlike that of the other. He afterwards examined the chests in the changing house, and found the prisoners' every day clothes there.
The prisoner Burgan was one of those that ran away on Sunday night. On Tuesday afternoon, Captain Francis and Captain Moyle went underground to take samples; the prisoners went with them to their pitch. Captain Moyle told them to take samples whence they pleased, and they did so from the pile of stuff they had broken.
A man called TREWEEKE deposed that ore had been stolen from the adventurers' heap between Saturday and Monday morning. Samples of ore from the adventurers' and prisoners' piles were produced in court, and it was upon the alleged similarity of these that the case depended.
Mr. Collier cross-examined the witnesses at considerable length, and then addressed the jury, contending that the similarity of the ore in the adventurers' and prisoner's piles was not proved. The jury retired from the court, and after a long deliberation returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
HENRY TREZISE, 27, and THOMAS BATH, 20, were indicted for stealing, on the 25th of July, at the United Mines, in the parish of Gwennap, a quantity of copper ore, the property of WILLIAM FRANCIS and others. Verdict, Not Guilty.
GEORGE LOVELACE, 25, was convicted of stealing, on the 18th of July, at Boyton, a silver watch, the property of THOMAS COLWILL. Twelve Months' hard labour.
HENRY BAWDEN, 12, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 16th of July, in the parish of Gwennap, sixteen sovereigns, the property of JAMES DAVEY. Seven years' transportation.
ROGER POLKINHORNE, `19, WILLIAM TREVERTON, 16, and WILLIAM PHILLIPS, 9, pleaded guilty of breaking and entering the dwelling-house of GEORGE GREEN, at St. Minver, and stealing therefrom four eggs, a piece of bread, cake, and some pence. Polkinghorne and Treverton were each sentenced to Two Years' hard labour; Phillips to Six Months' hard labour.
BILLS - the Grand Jury ignored the bills against THOMAS CLYMA and WILLIAM EVANS, who were charged with setting fire to a coppice, the property of Sir WILLIAM MOLESWORTH.
The business of this court terminated at one o'clock on Monday. The business of the assizes was concluded at half-past eight o'clock the same evening.
13 AUGUST 1847, Friday
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
TRURO ROYAL REGATTA - Some time since the committee of the Truro Regatta transmitted a petition to the Queen, which was laid before her Majesty by Sir George Grey, and an answer has lately been received through the Home Office, stating that her Majesty has been graciously pleased to accede to the prayer of that petition that the Truro Regatta may in future be called "The Truro Royal Regatta." The annual matches of this regatta, we understand, will take place about the end of the present month.
REMARKABLE CURE - Mr. Harris, of Prior's Barn, near Bodmin, has a son, about eleven years of age, who from his infancy has had deformed feet, which were turned quite round, forming what is called "club-feet."
About twelve months since, Mr. CABBELL, the barrister, being at the summer assizes, saw the boy in Bodmin, called him in from the street, and offered to send him to a place where his feet might be set straight and strong. Of course the boy's parents were quite delighted at this, and the kind-hearted Mr. Cabell immediately gave him a nomination to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, No. 6, Bloomsbury Square, London, to which institution Mr. Cabbell is a subscriber.
The boy was sent there, and was operated upon by R. W. SAMPLIN, Esq.; four tendons were cut in each foot, with very little pain to the patient; the feet were set straight, and after eleven months' subsequent treatment, the boy was sent home a perfect cure, and able to walk like another lad. The joy of his parents can scarcely be conceived, and we make known the fact in order that other poor deformed sufferers may likewise avail themselves of the advantages of so excellent an institution.
We have seen the boy since his cure, and seen casts of his deformed feet as they were previously (which it appears are always taken when patients enter the institution), and we are justified in stating that the cure effected is a wonderful one. Mr. Harris had to pay the expense of sending his son; but while in the hospital, he was solely maintained by the institution, with the exception of a few extras, such as tea and sugar, which did not cost Mr. Harris sixpence per week. He, however, paid GBP 10 on sending the boy in order to procure his immediate admission, as it appears that a mere nomination only gains the admission of a patient when his turn comes, and as there are a large number of nominations he would have to wait a considerable period.
The nomination must be by a subscriber to the institution; and we trust that so excellent a charity will have many supporters in this county. Among other sufferers going to this institution, we understand there is a young woman of the parish of Helland, who has a contracted knee and leg, through which she has not been able to put her foot to the ground for some years.
RATE OF MORTALITY - The returns have just been published by authority of the Registrar-General for the quarter ending June 30th 1847.
There is no improvement in the state of the public health; 51,585 deaths were registered during the quarter, which is 6,745 above the average of the season, after allowing for increase of population. Remarking on the general health of the country, the Registrar-General states that common cholera was fatal; scurvy prevailed more or less all over the country, from the want of vegetable food, the potatoe having failed; all food became scarce and dear; typhus broke out, is still epidemic, and shews no sign of decline.
To add to the calamities of the country the poor of Ireland, dying of starvation and consumed by fever, were cast on the coast of England, and are now lodged in the crowded, filthiest parts of the most insalubrious cities, or in workhouses and hospitals provided by English parishes.
The excess of mortality in the twelve months ending June 30th, 1847, is stated to have been 66,712, and it is to be feared, the Registrar-General remarks, that through the natural obstacles in the way, and the pertinacious position of parish vestries, corporations, and companies, many times that number will fall a sacrifice ere the towns of England enjoy, by the intervention of science, a moderate share of the health which nature confers on the country around them.
The groundless prejudice against fruit, and the absolute necessity in diet of vegetables containing an acid, as the potatoe does, were dwelt on before scurvy and its kindred diseases made their appearance. The experience of this year has shewn more clearly than had ever been shewn before that bread and meat alone are not sufficient to sustain the system in health. Fruit and acid vegetables are also an essential part of the food of man; but it appears that the body when duly supplied with the principles it derives from these sources husbands them up, and can do without the acid diet for some time.
>From the Redruth district there is a return of 235 deaths; in the corresponding quarter of 1846,the number was 201 deaths. From the Penzance district, the return is 240 deaths; corresponding quarter last year, 203 deaths.
The highest range of the thermometer, as observed at Truro, by Dr. Barham, was 69.0 in June, and the lowest 34.0 in April. At Falmouth, as observed by Lovell Squire, Esq., the highest was 69.0 in June, lowest 32.0 in April. At Helston, as observed by M. P. Moyle, Esq., the highest was 74.0, lowest 29.0. The monthly mean temperature of Cornwall and Devon in April were above; in May nearly the same; and in June below those of other places.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, HENRY TUCKER, landlord of the Golden Lion, Calenick Street, Truro, was fined twenty shillings and costs for keeping his house open during divine service on Sunday morning, the 1st instant.
FELONY AND ESCAPE OF THE PRISONER - a woman named Wells, of Landrake, who was committed in May last, at Saltash, to take her trial at the last Sessions, charged with stealing from the person of WILLIAM PAYNE a silver watch, and six half-crowns - but who had been bailed out and absconded, was apprehended on Friday, by BRENT, a constable, and delivered over to the proper authorities at Saltash. She now awaits her trial at the ensuing sessions at Saltash. An execution had been put in force against the surety.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT - In the evening of Tuesday last, as Mrs. JAMES, wife of JAMES JAMES, Esq., of the customs, Gweek, was returning from Helston in her phaeton, accompanied by her brother, MR. JOHN BILxxN, the horse, which is rather a spirited animal, took fright at a dog which jumped from the hedge. The sudden spring of the horse broke the rein, and he dashed down the hill at Roseveor, about three miles from Helston, at a most furious rate. Mrs. James and her brother succeeded, however, in jumping from the gig, as also did the driver; but not without receiving several severe cuts and scars. Mrs. James, we understand, is so much injured that she is now in a very precarious state.
MELANCHOLY CIRCUMSTANCE - On the 30th ult., as the son of Mr. NICHOLS, of Penhole, in the parish of St. Pinnock, a youth of fifteen, was in the act of milking a mare for the purpose of weaning its colt, the ... animal, as if conscious of the loss it was about to sustain, gave the young man so severe a kick in the forehead as to fracture his skull, of which the poor young fellow died the next day.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held by W. HICHENS, Esq., since our last report: On the 6th inst., in the parish of Illogan, on the body of ELIZABETH BERRY, aged about six years, the daughter of Catherine Berry, of the same parish, widow. The mother of the child, it appeared, on Tuesday, the 3rd instant, went to the house of her late husband's father, which was under the same roof, to prepare supper for her father and mother-in-law, the latter being either insane or imbecile, and therefore incapable of attending to her household affairs; and whilst the mother was so employed, deceased went into her mother's house, and in attempting to take some broth which was on the fire, the flames caught her pinafore, and she was so dreadfully burnt that she died on the Friday following. Verdict, accidentally burnt.
On the 10th instant, at the parish of Zennor, on the infant son of BENJAMIN ALLEN, of that parish, blacksmith, who was found dead by his mother's side on the morning of the 9th. [Deceased was 3 weeks old, and shared the bed with his mother, who put him to bed at 8pm. The next morning she found him dead. The mother was the parent of four other children, to whom she was very affectionate and kind.] The jury unhesitatingly returned a verdict of 'found dead', stating at the same time their belief the deceased child died a natural death.
Before JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner: at Truro, on the body of JOHN HENRY CROCKER, a little boy aged two years. [His parents returned late from market last Saturday night, and did not go to bed until 2 am. The deceased was then sleeping in his day clothes, but his mother put him in night dress, and they all slept in the same bed. Three hours afterward the mother awoke, and found him dead.] MR. TRURAN, surgeon, was of opinion he died of convulsions from teething, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.
On Wednesday last, at Truro, on the body of CHARLOTTE CLEMENT, aged between eight and nine years, who died the day before from injuries she received on the 1st instant by accidentally catching her clothes on fire. Verdict, accidental death.
FROM DEVON
THE POTATOE MONOPOLISTS - Exeter market has for a long period been over-run with potatoe hucksters, who, buying of the farmers at the outskirts of the city, have brought the potatoes to market, and combining together, have sold them to the inhabitants at a most enormous profit to themselves. On Friday, their monopoly was checked rather unexpectedly. They had commenced, by offering potatoes at from 16d. to 20d. per score, when MR. JOHN EYRE KINGDON appeared in the market as a potatoe dealer, and offered prime potatoes at 10 1/2d. per score. Mr. Kingdon had forestalled the monopolists, by purchasing of the farmers all the potatoes he could procure, and selling them at cost price. He found so many customers, that he was obliged to obtain the assistance of the police to keep the ground clear, whilst the potatoe hucksters, deserted by their customers, were glad to obtain a more moderate profit than they had hitherto extorted from the poor. Honor to Mr. Eyre Kingdon for his patriotic and philanthropic efforts, which it is understood he intends to continue. We wish he would extend them to some of the towns in Cornwall.
ADVERTISEMENTS
CAUTION
I HEREBY give notice that I will not be answerable for any DEBTS which may be contractd by my wife ELIZABETH McKENNY after this notice.
DANIEL McKENNY
Dated Redruth, August 2, 1847
COMMERCIAL GBP 1,000 DONCASTER at LEGER SWEEP, 1847
First Prize, GBP 500; second ditto, GBP 200; third ditto GBP 100; with GBP 100 divided among starting horses, and GBP 100 amongst all horses named.
SUBSCRIPTION TWENTY SHILLINGS
MR. JOHN POLLARD, Secretary
Post-office Orders to MR. JOHN POLLARD, 57, Southampton Row, Bloomsbury Square, London, will be attended to.
Dated August 10, 1847
20 AUGUST 1847, Friday
THE LATE SIR JOHN COLMAN RASHLEIGH, BART. [2 columns of political commentary have been removed]
We last week announced the decease of Sir John Colman Rashleigh, Baronet, one of the oldest reformers in the county of Cornwall. The honorable baronet was educated at Eton, whence he proceeded to the University of Cambridge, and subsequently was called to the bar. We believe he never sought much after legal practice but applied himself to the duties of a country gentleman.
In early life he was associated with Fox and Sheridan, and the other leaders of the Whig party. The principles of Civil and Religious Freedom were strongly impressed on his heart, and he devoted the active part of his life to the endeavour to instill those principles into the minds of the people. To him the men of Cornwall owe a great debt of gratitude; for to his exertions, and those of the small but chosen band who acted with him, and who recognized him as their leader, they are indebted for the adoption of those liberal opinions among the constituency of this county, which to so great an extent raised the character of the yeomanry, and gave them an independence of thought and of action, the effects of which can never be eradicated.
It was in those evil times when it was fraught with danger to be found advocating the great principles of liberty that Sir Colman Rashleigh was ranked among its most able and eloquent supporters.
Surrounded and supported by a small but earnest and zealous body of friends, he attacked the evils of the existing system of representation, and in this county, at least, created so strong a party that at the general election in 1826, the reform candidate, Mr. Pendarves, was carried without opposition.
In addition to this, on the dissolution of Parliament consequent on the defeat of the reform bill on General Gascoyne's motion, both the reform candidates, Mr. Pendarves and Sir Charles Lemon, were elected by majorities exceeding two to one over their opponents, Lord Valletort and Sir Richard Vyvyan; and immediately after the passing of the reform bill, four liberal county members were returned without opposition, thus giving unmistakable evidence how deeply reform principles were rooted in the hearts of the constituency of Cornwall.
Since that period the question of free trade in corn gave an influence in the agricultural districts to those who advocated protection, and this feeling led to the temporary success of that party in East Cornwall. But this question being now settled, we expect to see the seed sown by Sir Colman Rashleigh growing into full vigour, and a liberal constituency once more represented by liberal members.
As it was, the services of Sir Colman in former days were not forgotten by the government; for, on the accession of Lord Grey to power, he was created a Baronet. From that time down to the close of his life, he continued to take an active interest in the public affairs of this county. [...]
His knowledge of the constitutional law of the kingdom was most copious and accurate - equaled by but few, surpassed by none. It was this knowledge, with the power of giving it expression, which made him the mainspring and the leader of the reformers in this county. We cannot better close these brief remarks on the character of this honorable and lamented gentleman than by repeating the words of one of his political opponents, Mr. Tremayne, at the late election for the Eastern Division of this county, who with great sincerity and feeling seized the first public occasion to do honor to his memory. "Into his private virtues I will not venture to enter now; but having known him more than sixty years, boy and man, and having passed a long life in intimate friendship with him, a friendship never interrupted by any political differences whatever - I trust I may be allowed to express my admiration and regard for him, and to call upon you for the expression of your esteem."
The mortal remains of the deceased baronet were committed to their resting place in Luxulyan Churchyard, on Wednesday, the 11th instant, followed by a large number of his relatives and personal friends, who appeared to feel that they were paying the last tribute of respect to a man whose name will occupy a distinguished place among those of the worthies of Cornwall.
Sir John Colman Rashleigh was the son of John Rashleigh, Esq., of Penquite, in this county, by the daughter of William Batty, Esq., M.D. of Court Gardens, near Marlow, Bucks. He was born in 1772 - married first, in 1808, the second daughter of Robert Williams, Esq., of Brideheard, Dorsetshire, who died in 1831; and secondly, in 1833, the youngest daughter of the late John Gould, Esq., M.D., of Truro. His family descended from a younger branch of the Rashleighs, of Menabilly, in this county. The deceased baronet is succeeded by his son, now Sir Colman Rashleigh, who married the daughter of Nicholas Kendall, Esq., of Pelyn, the present High Sheriff of the county.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
THE FISHERY - St. Agnes - Mackarel have been so plentiful off St. Agnes during the past week, that as many as five hundred have been taken to a boat, with hook and line, with only a man and boy. On Saturday last, shoals of these fish were observed near the shore; one of the seans stationed at Perran Porth shot on them, and succeeded in drawing on shore about twenty hogsheads. On Monday, three seans more were shot. The fish .. were of good quality, and were sold at the rate of three shillings per one hundred and twenty. No pilchards have yet been seen off this place.
Mount's Bay - The drift-net boats have taken considerable quantity of pilchards during the past week; on Friday and Saturday last, the Newlyn craft brought ashore 1,200, and those of Mousehole 800 hogsheads. The seiners have also kept a good look out, and the first which was shot on Friday, called the "Farmers," enclosed about 300 hogsheads; but in consequence of the strong ebb tide the nets were carried away and the fish escaped, although seven anchors were attached. On Saturday, six seans were shot and enclosed 1,070 hogsheads.
On Sunday evening two seans were shot and enclosed 220 hogsheads; and on Monday afternoon, seven seans were shot and enclosed 1,350 hogsheads, making altogether 4,640 hogsheads. Hundreds of people were supplied with pilchards on Newlyn beach at the rate of a basket, containing 350, for 3s.
Cadgwith and the Lizard - Great quantities of pilchards have passed down the bay during the week. On Saturday last, two very large shoals passed; but in consequence of the seans not being afloat, they were of course allowed to pass this week. Report says one of the seans shot on Tuesday, and enclosed about 180 hogsheads, which have since been secured.
THE HARVEST - Our Bude correspondent states that many of the farmers in that neighbourhood saved their wheat on Saturday last in fine condition, and that the labours of the harvest are progressing favourably. The wheat, barley, and oats in the district prove to be a full average crop, and the quality of the grain has been rarely excelled.
LISKEARD FAIR - This fair, on Monday last, was the largest for the season that has been known for a great many years. Cows and calves, fat cattle, and sheep were in abundance, and the few sales that were effected were at a reduction in price.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL - The children belonging to St. Enoder Sunday School were regaled with their annual feast of tea and cake, by the Rev S. M. WALKER, on the vicarage lawn, on Wednesday se'nnight. The St. Dennis band was in attendance, and an excellent and very appropriate address was delivered by the Rev. J. CRESER, of Colan, on "Train Up a Child, &c." After spending the day in the greatest harmony, the children retired with their friends, apparently delighted with their anniversary.
MR. RUSSELL'S ENTERTAINMENTS - On Friday evening last, MR. HENRY RUSSELL, .. gave a vocal entertainment, interspersed with anecdotes of negro life and character, at the Assembly Room, Truro. Mr. Russell being the author of "Woodman spare that tree," and of other popular airs, expectation was naturally excited, and the concert was well attended.
In songs of a comic character, Mr. Russell was very effective, not through possessing a good voice, but by his peculiar manner, which was likewise aided by excellent pianoforte accompaniments, performed by himself. In airs depicting the pathetic, the singer was far less effective. His anecdotes illustrating negro character were well given; some of them were very amusing, and altogether the audience appeared to be much pleased with the entertainment.
FLUTE ENTERTAINMENT - On Tuesday evening, MR. NICHOLLS, the eminent flautist, gave a flute entertainment at Redruth, which fully sustained his reputation for exquisite taste and great brilliancy of execution.
SHIP LAUNCH - On Wednesday afternoon the 11th inst., a very handsome and beautifully fitted up clipper schooner, of one hundred and forty tons burthen, was launched from the building yard of MR. SYMONS, Penzance, in the presence of a large assemblage of spectators. She was named the "Tell Tale" by MRS. RICHARD MILLETT, and is intended for the Mediterranean trade.
GOOD SPORT - As an instance of the abundant store of fish on the Cornish coast at this season, twenty-two dozen of fine whiting were taken this week a few miles off Fowey harbour, by MR. F. GREY, R.N., and party, in one day.
EXCISE PROSECUTION - On Tuesday, the 16th inst., WILLIAM NORTHEY MARTIN, of Morvah, near Tideford, maltster, was summoned before the magistrates at the Torpoint Petty Sessions, to answer an information preferred against him by the Board of Excise, seeking the penalty of GBP 100 for having grain making into malt in his couch frame, so hard, close, and compact, as it could not have been unless it had been illegally trodden or forced together. MR. LAVERS appeared fro the crown, and MR. BEER for the defendant.
Mr. THOMAS SMITH, a surveying general examiner of the Board of Excise, stated that he visited defendant's malthouse on the fifth of April with another examiner. He gauged the grain in the couch-frame; found it very tight; caused it to be thrown out and returned; then gauged it again, and found an excess over the first gauge at the rate of `13 per cent, whilst the highest allowance the law makes is 7 per cent, for increase. From experience he had found that the latter was very much over the excess that can arise in fair malting.
The loss of duty to the revenue had he not visited the premises would have been about 16s.6d. After hearing the case, the magistrates said they were sorry to be obliged to convict so respectable a man as the defendant, but that the law was imperative. He was then fined in the mitigated penalty of GBP 25.
TRURO POLICE - On the 12th instant, SAMUEL WILLIAMS, a carpenter, was committed for trial on a charge of stealing a twenty-one feet batten, the property of Messrs. Robert and Edward MICHELL, merchants. On Monday last, JOHN RAWLINGS was fined 10s. and costs for having his house, in St. Austell Street, open for the sale of beer during divine service on Sunday morning, August the 8th. WILLIAM BOUNDY was fined 10s. and costs for removing night-soil in Carclew- street, at four o'clock in the afternoon on the 10th of August. THOMAS COLLINS, a retail brewer, was charged with having his house open for the sale of beer at half-past one o'clock on Sunday morning the 8th instant. No fine was imposed, but he was ordered to pay 8s., the amount of costs.
FALMOUTH POLICE - On Friday last, MRS. BALL and her SON were again brought before the magistrates for throwing ELLEN DREW down stairs, and were bound over to the coming sessions. The particulars of the case have before been given. On Wednesday, a fisherman named TOY was charged with an assault with intent, on his step-daughter, and committed to prison till the sessions for want of bail.
COMMITTAL - On Friday last, BENJAMIN HORE, of St. Austell, was committed to take his trial for stealing coals from the naptha works, situated near Charlestown.
ROBBERY - On Thursday, the 12th instant, as MR. HAWKEY and his family, of Newhouse, in the parish of St. Wenn, were busily employed in their harvest field, their house was broken into, and about GBP 17 in money, a watch, and some silver spoons were carried away. Suspicion fell on a young man named WILLIAM THOMAS, of Treliver, from his having been seen loitering about the premises. He was accordingly apprehended, and a part of the property being found on his person, he was taken before MR. RAWLINGS, of Padstow, and committed for trial at the ensuing sessions.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at St. Mawes, before John CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body of JAMES LAWER, fisherman, aged 78 years. Deceased resided at St. Mawes, in a house by himself, and was seen taking down his window shutters on Tuesday morning about seven o'clock, apparently in his usual health. About two hours afterwards, a person called HUGH LAWRY, on going into the house, found him on the floor with his right cheek resting on the grate, and a chair on his back, as if he had been sitting on the chair before the fire, and had fallen forwards. His cheek was scorched, and he was quite dead. Verdict, apoplexy.
On Monday last, an inquest was held at Portreath, before W. HICHENS, Esq., of the body of WILLIAM HAIN[?] WILLIAMS, aged about seventeen, who was accidentally drowned at that place whilst bathing on the preceding Saturday.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE
EXETER DISTRICT BANKRUPTCY COURT
Re WILLIAM JANE GEACH. The bankrupt had been an auctioneer and farmer, of St. Columb; and after much opposition, passed his last examination some months since. He now came up for his certificate, being supported by Mr. STOGDON. He was not opposed by the creditors, and as he had complied with certain conditions and orders directed by the court, and as the official assignee reported that he had done his best to benefit the estate, he was declared entitled to his certificate.
27 AUGUST 1847, Friday
ASTRONOMY - On Monday night last, MR. HENRY gave his demonstrations of the heavens and the earth in the Assembly-Room, Penzance. The apparatus used in illustrating the motions of the planets is complete and beautiful, and the dissolving scenes, with the variations of the Chinese fireworks, had an admirable effect. The spacious room was crowded on the occasion, and the audience expressed themselves highly gratified with this intellectual entertainment.
PRAISEWORTHY BENEVOLENCE - On the 12th inst., E. W. WYNNE PENDARVES, Esq., M.P., with his usual liberality, killed a fine cow, and distributed the beef amongst his numerous workmen and labourers.
BUDE - This favourite and delightful watering place, where the pure Atlantic breezes have so healthful an influence, has of late presented a very gay and animated appearance; and we are happy to hear that the arrivals continue to be numerous.
CHANGE OF NAME - The Queen has been pleased to grant to JOHN ROBERT CORNISH, Esq., Barrister at Law, of the Western circuit, her royal license and authority to take and use, from and after his marriage with ELIZABETH GRAY MOWBRAY, only child of GEORGE ISAAC MOWBRAY, Esq., deceased, the surname of MOWBRAY only, in compliance with the will of the said George Isaac Mowbray.
GRATIFYING TESTIMONIAL TO A NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER - On Friday morning last, the 17th Regiment of Foot assembled on the general parade, at xxxxxxbury, for the purpose of witnessing the presentation of a handsome gold medal to Serjeant Major WING, late of that regiment.
The whole regiment having formed a square, Lieutenant Colonel PENNYENICK, C.B.R. H., in the absence of Lieutenant Colonel CROKER, in presenting the medal, expressed his high opinion of the Serjeant Major, and said he was very sorry that Lieutenant Colonel Croker was not present to perform the act himself, as he was certain nothing would have given him more pleasure than to have presented the medal to so deserving an old non-commissioned officer, who had been upwards of thirty-two years in the service, twenty-two of which he served in her Majesty's 17th Regiment. The medal was then handed to the late Serjeant Major, who returned the officers his sincere thanks for the honor they had conferred upon him. The parade was then dismissed, and the whole of the soldiers having assembled round him, gave him a hearty shake at the hand, hoping that he would long live to enjoy the honor.
The medal was a very handsome one, having on one side the royal tiger, with the words Hindustan, Affghanistan, Ghuznee and Kerlat; and on the other, "Presented to Serjeant Major T [or F] WING, by Lieut. Colonel Croker, C.B., and the Officers of the 17th Regiment, as a mark of respect for the character he bore during a service of upwards of twenty-two years in that corps." The medal was of solid gold, and cost GBP 50. Serjeant Major Wing is at present Serjeant Major of the Miners' Militia, and resides at Truro.
REMARKABLE CURE - We understand that the name of the surgeon who operated on the boy with the "club foot", as stated in our paper of the 13th instant, was TAMPLIN, and not "Samplin." Instead of very little pain, as before stated, the boy is said to have experienced no pain, and that there was no loss of blood, or external wound. The expenses of extras of the Hospital were 1s.6d. a week; and any addition to the funds of the institution, we understand, would be highly desirable, there being at present eighty or ninety cripples waiting for admission as in-patients.
NEARLY POISONED - Six children were nearly poisoned at Penrith, by eating some berries of the spurge laurel, which they had found in a garden; but emetics were administered to them, and they ultimately recovered.
SALTASH QUARTER SESSIONS - At these sessions on Saturday, the 14th instant, WINIFRED WILLS, of Landrake, was charged with stealing a watch, guard, and seals from the person of WILLIAM P[enn?], on the night of the 28th of May, whilst proceeding from North Corner to Saltash in a boat, the alleged offence being committed within the liberties of the Tamar. The prosecutor proved having had the property in his possession when he entered the boat, but missed it when he got out. After getting in he fell asleep, and lay in the bottom of the boat.
JOHN SARGEANT, late Lieutenant of the Marines, saw the prisoner moving her hands over the person of the prosecutor, and covering his head and part of his body with a shawl. He suspected all was not right, and watched her more closely, and when the boat arrived, he charged the woman with stealing the man's watch. She denied it. He then heard something drop, and a person called GLANVILLE said, there's the watch, which was then picked up just where the prisoner was standing. She was then taken into custody. MR. HERRING then addressed the bench on behalf of the prisoner, contending that the evidence as to the taking was unsatisfactory, and legally defective. After the Recorder had summed up, the jury retired from the court and remained in consultation about ten hours, when they returned a verdict of Acquittal.
ROBBERY - Under this head, we inserted in our last week's paper a statement which was sent us in a letter bearing the St. Columb postmark, and which purported to contain the name and address of the writer; but we are informed that the whole is a malicious fabrication b some scoundrel who richly merits the discipline of Norfolk Island for the remainder of his life. We are assured that no such robbery as that which we described took place at Newhouse, and that so far from the young man we named being implicated in it and committed for trial, a more respectable young man in his situation in life does not exist.
We deeply regret that we should have been made the unconscious instrument of spreading so gross a falsehood, and we sincerely hope the author of the vile hoax will be discovered and dealt with as he deserves.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, JOHN DREW was fined GBP 5 for indecently assaulting SELINA WILLIAMS on the 13th instant. On Tuesday last, JOHN FO..LE and ROBERT SEARLE were charged with stealing a half sovereign, six half-crowns, ten shillings, four sixpences, and a purse, the property of THOMAS PEARCE, of Carclew-street, Truro. The prisoners lodged at Mr. Pearce's house, and the money was alleged to have been stolen from a drawer in the dresser, where it was pinned by Mrs. Pearce. The prisoners were remanded until Friday.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - [Monday, 16th inst., at Bristol, on the body of GEORGE VENNING, aged 20, a young man of Boscastle, who left home by the "Herald" steamer, slipped on going ashore in the dark, and was drowned.] Verdict, accidentally drowned.
The following inquests were held before W. HICHENS, Esq., coroner: [On the 11th instant, at St. Just in Penwith, on the body of a male bastard child of MARY MEREFIELD of that parish, a single woman. She is the mother of several base children, who live with her; whilst pregnant, she made no secret of it; it was known to all of her neighbours. On the 12th instant, she was taken in labour at her own house; she sent one of her children to her sister ELIZABETH NICHOLAS, who lived only a short distance from her. When the sister arrived, the baby had already been delivered, and the baby was dead.]
Several days elapsed before the birth of the child became generally known; and on the Monday following, MR. JAMES R. QUICK, a surgeon residing at St. Just was called upon to examine the body, and again on the 19th, for the purpose of giving evidence on this inquiry. [While the baby appeared in a healthy state, and if proper care had been taken in its birth it would have lived, there were no marks of violence, and he could not say if it had been born alive.] The jury, therefore, returned a verdict of "found dead", and that there was no proof of its having lived.
On the 20th instant, at Trowan, St. Ives, on the body of THOMAS NICHOLAS, at a mine called Trewan Consols, by a mass of ground falling on his head, and fracturing his skull. Verdict, accidental death.
On the 20th instant, in the parish of St. Erth, on the body of JOHN ALLEN, a kibble filler at the twenty fathoms level at a mine; he was found dead at the sixty fathom level, after having fallen, although there was no proof how it happened. Verdict, found dead.
On Friday last, an inquest was held at Penwethers, in the parish of Kenwyn, before JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body of CATHERINE OSBORNE, aged five years, who, about eleven o'clock in the morning of that day, accidentally fell into a stream of water, near her parent's house, and was drowned. Verdict Accordingly.
COURT - small debt cases
JENKINS v WILLIAMS - the plaintiff, MR. WILLIAM HARRY JENKINS, of Truro, to recover from the defendant, CAPT. JOHN WILLIAMS, partly on a promissory note, and partly for goods sold. Mr. BENNALLACK consented to a verdict for the amount claimed, GBP26.4s.
BRAY v WILLIAMS - MR. RICHARD BRAY, of Bodmin, the plaintiff, brought an action against the defendant CAPT. JOHN WILLIAMS some time ago, and was awarded GBP73.10s. Defendant paid, but never paid the costs, despite promising to do so. MR. STOKES, for defendant, consented to a one shilling verdict, in order to compel payment of costs. Verdict, one shilling.
TRENBERTH v. DREW - this was an action of trover, the damages being laid at GBP40. Plaintiff, JAMES TRENBERTH, is a tailor at St. Day, and defendant DREW a bailiff of the Stannaries' Court. An action had been tried in that court in which MICHAEL STEVENS, a shop-keeper at St. Day, was the plaintiff, and RICHARD JAMES, of Carharrack, bricklayer, was the defendant. Judgment was obtained and execution issued against Richard James, and on the 15th of last May, the bailiff Drew took possession of James' goods. They were subsequently sold by auction by MR. JOHN TIPPET.
James Trenberth now claimed the whole of the goods and property sold had been assigned to him by a bill of sale executed on the 12th of January in consideration of mortgage money and of money lent. The first witness called for the plaintiff was JAMES JAMES, of St. Agnes, who said he prepared the deed a week before the 13th of January, when it was executed by Trenberth and R. James, and he was attesting witness. He saw GBP20 paid at that time by plaintiff to R. James in gold and notes. A rummer was delivered by Richard James to plaintiff to put him in possession of the property.
ANN BUZZO, housekeeper to Richard James, recollected the bailiff taking possession of the goods; she did not tell him they were not Mr. James's goods, nor did Mr. James's son, who was about twenty-six years of age. R. James lived about a mile from J. Trenberth. H. L. PENPRAZE, clerk to Mr. BENNALLACK, proved that he prepared a notice on the 17th of May, which was served on John Drew, requiring him to deliver up the goods, or in default to be prosecuted.
WILLIAM STEVENS, a mason and builder of Gwennap, valued the articles taken under the execution at GNP36 6s.
RICHARD JAMES said the bill of sale was executed on the 16th of January last - GBP30 due from him to Mr. Trenberth for making clothes, and GBP20 which Trenberth lent him on the day that the bill of sale was executed.
On CROSS-EXAMINATION, witness said the GBP20 was paid in four bank notes, and none of it in gold. Before the 7th of January he went to MR. DOWNING, a schoolmaster at St. Day, but did not say he wanted to make off his property to his son, and Mr. Downing did not refer him to MR. JANE of Redruth.
On the part of the defendant MR. STOKES called attention to the terms of the bill of sale, which purported to be an assignment from Richard James to James Trenberth, and contained a proviso that if the GBP 50 were not repaid by James to Trenberth by July, that Trenberth was then to be at liberty to sell. Richard James was therefore rightfully in possession when the execution was levied in May. The deliver of the rummer, Mr. Stokes said, was only a mock delivery, and could not give a possession that would keep the officer of the Court from doing his duty.
Mr. Stokes then called JONATHAN BAWDEN, relieving officer of St. Day, who said he went into plaintiff's house with the defendant on the day after the sale. Drew asked to see the deed, and Trenberth said he would get it, but he did not produce it. He said that Richard James owed him money, and took out a bill the amount of which was either GBP 2.12s. or GBP3.12s. Witness afterwards told Trenberth that the bailiff had a balance of more than GBP 5, and that if he would get authority from Richard James, the bailiff would pay him the money to settle his bill. He said he would get the authority, but did not. With the view of showing that Trenberth was not in a situation to lend money, witness, on being asked by Mr. Stokes, said he had repeatedly called on Trenberth for rent, and could not get it, the latter complaining that he was in distress. He now owed GBP11.11s. for rent
MARY LETCHER, a shopkeeper, stated that Trenberth had owed her GBP5.18s. for the last four years, and she could not get it of him; he said he was not able to pay her, as he had a large family, and had no work enough to provide them with meat. His circumstances appeared to her to be very low last January.
WILLIAM DOWNING, schoolmaster at St. Day, stated that in January last Richard James came to see him and said he wanted to make off his property to his son. Witness told him he did not like to have anything to do with it, and advised him to go to Mr. Jane, at Redruth.
JAMES HARVEY, grocer at Redruth, deposed to hearing Trenberth say that he lent GBP 20 to Richard James in April last.
JOHN TIPPET said he sold the good under the execution for GBP 20.10s.2d; the sale was published in the usual way, and he believed the goods realized their fair value.
MR. BENNALLACK then replied, after which the VICE-WARDEN summed up, stating that if the jury believed the transaction between Trenberth and Richard James to have been merely colourable as against a creditor, they would give a verdict for the defendant; but if they thought that the goods really did pass from one to the other, or that it was a bona fide mortgage, they would give a verdict for the plaintiff. The jury returned a verdict for the defendant.
COUCH v. JEWELL - The plaintiff was Captain JOHN COUCH of Padstow, the master of a trading vessel, and the defendant was MR. WILLIAM JEWELL, a farmer and merchant, residing in the parish of Veryan. The action was brought to recover the sum of GBP 17, which was due as freightage for a cargo of culm. It appeared that SOLOMAN and THOMAS DUNGEY, farmers and lime-burners, agreed with Captain Couch, to bring them from Wales a cargo of culm, which he did; it was landed at Port Holland on the 16th of June. The expense was GBP 40, including the charge for freight which amounted to GBP 18.
According to the statement of Soloman Dungey, he and his brother could not pay for the culm, and consequently it was agreed to be given back to Captain Couch, who sold it to Mr. Jewell, the latter giving in payment a bill for GBP20, which was subsequently honored, and engaging to pay GBP18 for the freight at the following Christmas. It was proved by a witness for the plaintiff that GBP 1 had been paid towards this on the part of defendant, thus reducing the amount of plaintiff's demand to GBP 17. the defence was that Thomas Dungey had given no authority to his brother to sell the culm, and therefore had refused to let the defendant have it. The Vice-Warden said the question for the jury was whether Capt. Couch had given up the culm in consideration of the GBP20 bill given by the defendant, and his promise to pay the GBP18 freightage. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff for GBP 17.
EXETER BANKRUPTCY COURT
Re JOHN HARVEY - The bankrupt, an assayer of Liskeard, applied for his certificate. No creditor appeared to oppose him. He had been a shareholder of the South Wheal Trelawny mine, and had made several journies to London to attend the meetings of the company in 1845 and 1846, the expense of which amounted to near GBP 150 a year; but he had made noting by it. He had been appointed purser of this mine; but lost his situation through being in difficulties. His post of assay master would have been a valuable one, he said, but he could only get work for about one day in the week. Certificate granted.
Re RICHARD BOSUSTOW, of Redruth, grocer. An audit was taken in this bankrupt's estate, Mr. STOGDON stated that the debts in the schedule amounted to GBP 1,500, but not above one half of these creditors had proved, as they had been waiting in expectation of the bankruptcy being superseded. He therefore applied that they might not be shut out of the dividend, which would be declared the next day. His Honor directed the official assignee to reserve a sufficient sum out of the assets for this purpose. No dividend has however been declared.
[ BACK ]