cornwall england newspaper
1847 NEWS
NOVEMBER
5 NOVEMBER 1847, Friday
RATE OF MORTALITY,&c. - The returns of health and mortality, &c.,
have just been published by authority of the Registrar General, for the
quarter ending September 30th; and shew a slight improvement in the
health of the country, the deaths registered having been [....?] less
than in the corresponding quarter of 1846. The number returned for the
Redruth district, was 178, being three more than in the corresponding
quarter of last year. In the Penzance district 186, were registered,
while the number in the corresponding quarter of last year was 218.
The meteorological reading from this county are by Dr. BARHAM, of
Truro, shewing the range of the thermometer for the quarter to have
been from 44 to 73 degrees; at Falmouth, as observed by LOVELL SQUIRE,
Esq., the range of the thermometer was from 45 to 73 degrees; and at
Helston, as observed by Mr. P. MOYLE, Esq., the thermometer ranged from
43 to 88 degrees during the quarter. It is deduced from various
observations that the period between the 11th and 16th of July was the
hottest during the year; that the most intense heat was experienced at
the inland parts of Sussex; but that the hot weather was much modified
in the counties of Cornwall and Devon, and at other places near the
sea. It is remarked, that the climate of Cornwall and Devon, as shewn
by the returns, is not only different from every other part of England,
but is far from being the same in different parts of those counties.
The average daily range of temperature, and extreme monthly range, are
smaller than elsewhere, but different at the various stations. The
returns in fact show that there are different climates in Devon and
Cornwall, but all of them free from extreme and sudden changes of
temperature.
BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. - Fowey - On Monday last, the
25th ult., a meeting in aid of the funds of the British and Foreign
Bible Society, was held in the Town Hall, at Fowey, Mr. W. HICKS, in
the chair. Mr. SANGER, the society's agent, attended as a deputation;
and the many important facts connected with the printing and
circulation of the Holy Scriptures, which were very ably brought under
the notice of the large assembly, where highly gratifying to all who
are favourable to the unreserved distribution of the word of God. A
liberal collection was made at the conclusion of the meeting. A
meeting of the Ladies' association was held in the evening, Mr. WILLIAM
HICKS in the chair. The report states "that the Fowey society was
established in 1841, and since that time has circulated 944 copies of
the scriptures, sent GBP100 on purchase account, and GBP31 as free
contributions." Mr. QUILLER, Independent minister, then gave an
excellent address, and was followed by Mr. Sanger, the deputation from
the Parent Society, who gave a detailed account of the operations of
the society, and noticed that except in the counties of Devon and
Cornwall, the society was never in a more flourishing condition than at
the present, and even in those districts there was no falling off. He
then highly and affectionately complimented the ladies of the Fowey
society, on the earnestness they had [..inced?] in the work, and the
success they had met with, and concluded by asking the company to thank
them warmly for their untiring exertions. A vote of thanks to the
Chairman, was also included in the [...olation, which was shortly but
heartily seconded by Mr. C. W. PEACH, and unanimously carried by the
numerous assembly; who after singing a hymn separated highly gratified
with the proceedings.
EAST LOOE - On Thursday, the 26th ult., the annual meeting of the
Auxiliary Bible Society, at East Looe, was held in the lecture room of
the Mechanics' Institute, W. TICKELL, Esq., in the chair. The meeting
as well attended and ably addressed by Mr. THOMAS SANGER, who after
stating the great increase of contributions and distribution of copies
of the holy scriptures during the past year, and advocating the claims
of the society, highly complimented the ladies of Looe for their
praiseworthy exertions in this good cause.
BIBLE CHRISTIAN MISSIONS - On Sunday last, Sermons in aid of these
missions were preached at the Bible Christian Chapel, Truro, and on
Tuesday evening the annual meeting of the society was held at the same
chapel, Mr. BARLOW, of Truro, in the chair. After some introductory
observations the Chairman called on Mr. J. H. PRIOR to read the annual
report, which among other evidences of the progress of the society,
stated that there had been an increase in the funds, and that three
hundred members had been added to the society in the Canada mission
during the past year. The meeting, which was well attended, was then
addressed in an interesting manner by Mr. T. W. GARLAND, of Helston,
Rev. Mr. GRUNDY (Methodist New Connexion), Rev. Mr. JACKSON,
(Independent), Rev. E. H. TUCKETT, (Baptist), Rev. Mr. METCALFE,
Teetotal Methodist minister. The meeting was characterized by an
excellent feeling of Christian union, and at the close a collection was
made in aid of the funds of the society.
COMMERCIAL - The "Commodore," of Penzance has off
that port her Captain [....?] BARNES, and the [.....?] Mr. JOHN HEATH,
having both died at sea while on the voyage from Cephalonia to
Liverpool. Intelligence has been received from the brig "Camilla,"
belonging to St. Ives, and now in the Danube, stating that the Master,
Capt. JAMES BRYANT died on the 16th ultimo. Capt. Bryant was 23 years
of age, and very much esteemed by those who knew him; he has left a
widow and two children.
FALMOUTH - Nov. 2. - A brig, waterlogged, dismasted and abandoned
with bowsprit standing, starboard side much damaged, and the letters M.
D. P. O. N, of St. John's New Brunswick, on her stern, was passed on
2[?]the ultimo, in lat. 45, lon. 8, by the Spy, arrived here.
EARLY CLOSING - The grocers of Truro have come to a resolution to
close their shops at eight o'clock in the evening, during the winter
months, fair and market days excepted.
NAVAL PROMOTION - Mr. EDMUND SWAIN, of Penzance, has recently passed
a highly creditable examination at the Admiralty for a Master of the
first class, and has since been appointed to H.M.S. "Medway."
FIRE AT FALMOUTH - On Monday night, about a quarter to twelve
o'clock, an alarm of fire took place at the residence of Mr. KIRBY,
draper, Market Street. After some time spent in endeavouring to obtain
admittance, one of the neighbours forced open the shop door, when it
was discovered that a quantity of goods, principally on and outside the
counter, were on fire. With some difficulty these were pulled out into
the street, and some buckets of water being thrown over them, the fire
was kept from extending further. The value of the goods destroyed
amounted to about GBP250. Mr. Kirby, we understand, was insured in the
Sun Fire Office. The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained,
but had it been allowed to continue for only a few minutes longer it
would have been most extensive. We understand that the fire engine
when brought to the spot, was found quite leaky, and would have been of
no service. We need scarcely say that this defect ought to be
immediately seen to by the authorities of Falmouth.
INSOLVENT DEBTORS - At the County Court held at Bodmin, on Wednesday,
before G. G. KEKEWICH, Esq., the case of ALICE UREN, late of
Perranuthnoe, widow, upon her petition and Schedule, filed in the
Insolvent Debtors Court, was head under an order of reference from that
Court. Insolvent was arrested on the 12th of July last, at the suit of
CHRISTOPHER ELLIS, beer and spirit merchant of Hayle, for GBP90. 18s.
4d. She had been an innkeeper, and her discharge was now opposed by
Mr. P. WALLIS, on behalf of the detaining creditor. She was supported
by Mr. BENNETT. The grounds of opposition were that no mention was
made or account given in the schedule of certain leasehold property
sold by the insolvent in the year 1843, and it was submitted on her
behalf that the sale (if any), having taken place before the debts in
the schedule were contracted, the opposing creditor could not be
entitled to any such account. The court appearing to be of the latter
opinion ordered the insolvent to be discharged forthwith.
COMMITTAL - On Friday last, at Falmouth, JAMES COLLINS, labourer, of
Penryn, was brought before G. C. FOX, Esq., on a charge of stealing
four geese from Mr. THOMAS GLASSON, of Kegilliack, in Budock. The
witnesses stated that the four geese, with eight others, were put into
the house on Wednesday night, and on the following morning were missed.
It was proved that the prisoner had sold one goose to Mr. DAVID[SON?],
one to Mr. BINTLE?, a third to Mr. SIMMONS, and another to [...?]
JOHNSON, all the birds being then alive. The housekeeper and servant
of the owner swore to three of the geese, and the persons to whom they
were sold proved that the prisoner brought them to their houses. The
prisoner, in defence, stated that he had bought them of a man, but did
not call any one to show it, and he was accordingly committed to Bodmin
gaol for trial at the sessions.
RUNAWAY SEAMEN - On Wednesday, the 27th ult., the barque "Pictou,"
430 tons burden, and laden with timber, arrived at Falmouth, from St.
Stephens, New Brunswick, Captain CLARK having had only his mate, second
mate, carpenter, and two boys, with himself, to navigate the ship
during the whole voyage home. The able seamen ran from the vessel at
St. Stephens, tempted by the high wages offering there for the run to
England, and rather than submit to the imposition, the officers
volunteered to take the ship home without a crew.
FATAL ACCIDENT AT FALMOUTH - On Monday last, as Hulson's omnibus,
from Redruth, was going down High Street, drawn by two horses at rather
a rapid rate, at the foot of the hill a child called CORA MAYNE, about
five and a half years of age, the second daughter of Mr. Mayne, hair
dresser, ran out of Webber Street, and was struck by the fore horse and
thrown to the ground. Both wheels of the omnibus then passed over her
causing an internal injury, of which, after lingering about three
hours, she expired. At the inquest, before W. J. GENN, Esq., the
following day, the jury, after a careful investigation, gave a verdict
of accidentally and by misfortune, killed, at the same time appending
the following to their verdict:- "We cannot separate without
expressing an opinion that the drivers of coaches, vans, and all other
vehicles, ought, in driving through a town having such narrow streets
as Falmouth, to exercise the greatest caution; and we trust that
FRANCIS EASTCOTT, the driver of the omnibus, will, after the fatal and
painful occurrence that has to-day been investigated, see the absolute
necessity of acting in accordance with the wishes of the jury."
CORONERS' INQUESTS - On Monday evening last, an inquest was held
before JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner, at the George and Dragon Inn,
Truro, on the body of THOMAS GREENSLADE, of Collumpton, Devon, who was
brought to this county to work on the Cornish Railway, by Mr.
FINDLATER, the contractor for a portion of the line in the
neighbourhood of Truro. Deceased was employed to drive one of the
timber waggons, but on Monday last, after taking his dinner, he went
down one of the shafts which have been sunk at Bach's[?] Head, near
Truro, where a tunnel is to be made. The man's object was curiosity to
see what the workmen [......?] below, and [....?] remaining there about
[............], he got into the "skip," or kibble, to ascend, but as he
was coming up, the rope slipped off the end of the drum, and gave a
sudden jerk to the kibble, through which the deceased fell out of it to
the bottom, a depth of between four and five fathoms, and was killed on
the spot, his skull being fractured. It appeared from the evidence of
the "lander" of the kibble, that the rope around the drum had been
known to slip before, and that in order to prevent this some pieces of
wood were placed on it, which, before the accident, had been knocked
away, and not replaced. This led to some observations by the jury, and
Mr. Findlater, who was present, undertook that a rim should be affixed
to the drum, and that the "lander" should have particular instructions
to see that the rope was always in its place. It was stated that the
"lander" had orders previous to the accident not to allow any but those
employed in the shaft to go down; on this occasion the "lander" said
the man went down without his seeing him, but Mr. Findlater undertook
that the orders in this respect should be rigidly enforced in future.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
The following inquests have been held before G. HAMLEY, Esq., coroner:-
On the 28th ult., in the parish of St. Neot, on view of the body of
HENRY BRAY. It appeared that deceased was working at Wheal Kitty mine,
at the forty fathom level. He filled his barrow, and was in the act of
driving it to the plat, when by some means his candle went out, and he
fell about ten fathoms. He died very shortly after. Verdict,
accidental death.
On the 29th ult., at Bodmin, on the body of J. GEACH, an old man, who
was found dead in bed. Verdict, died by the visitation of God.
On the 30th ult., an inquest was held before the deputy coroner, in the
parish of Calstock, on view of the body of THOMAS RUNDALL, who, with
another person called DODGE, was drowned by steering too close to the
Weir Head. Verdict, accidental death. The body of Dodge, who has left
a large family, has not yet been found.
On the 1st inst., on the body of ELIZABETH TWIGS, who was burnt to
death, during the absence of her aunt, who had only left her for five
minutes. Deceased and another child were placed by the aunt on the
stairs; she gave them an apple to prevent their getting into mischief
until her return, and had not been gone more than about two or three
minutes, when she heard one of the children violently screaming, and on
returning, she saw the poor child at the door in flames. A man who was
working near, left his work and came to the child, and extinguished the
flames, but she survived only [.....?] hours. Verdict accidental
death.
12 NOVEMBER 1847, Friday
ST. Ives - On Tuesday last, MATTHEW TREWHELLA, Esq., was elected
mayor of this borough for the ensuing year.
PENZANCE - On Tuesday last, RICHARD PEARCE, Esq., was elected mayor
of this borough for the ensuing year. A proposition was made that the
mayor be allowed GBP25 towards his expenses during the year, but this
he declined to accept. The following were elected as aldermen in the
place of those retiring:- Messrs. T. S. BOLITHO, T. COULSON, and J.
BATTEN.
NATIONAL EDUCATION - On the report of Her Majesty's inspectors (the
Rev. H. MOSELY, formerly professor of Natural Philosophy in King 2s
College London and the Rev. A. THURTELL, fellow and lately tutor of
Cains College), the Committee of Council on Education have awarded
certificates under the minutes of August and December, 1846, to
schoolmasters and students educated in the Battersea Training School.
Among the names of successful candidates we fined those of J. L.
TREGENZA, of Trevenson, and W. M. THOMAS, Wheal Friendship, near
Tavistock.
TESTIMONIAL - On Monday last, the overseers of the parish of Breage
present Mr. JOHN PASCOE, clerk to Messrs. GRYLLS and HILL, of Helston,
with a very valuable Silver Gilt Box of exquisite workmanship, richly
ornamented, and bearing the following inscription:- "Presented
by the
Parishioners of Breage, in Cornwall, to "Mr. John Pascoe, in testimony
of his efficient services in the legal conduct of their affairs."
THE CUSTOMS - The Commissioners of H. M. Customs have promoted Mr.
STAPLEDON chief clerk at Dartmouth, to be chief clerk at Falmouth, and
Mr. GODFREY, second clerk at Dartmouth, to be chief clerk at Dartmouth.
WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY - The anniversary of the Hayle Foundry
Branch of this Society was held in the new Chapel, at that place, on
Monday evening last, the Rev. T. JEWELL, Chairman. Speeches were
delivered by the Revds. G. B. MILLER, J. WALTER, G. ROEBUCK, of
Camborne, and M. T. MALE, a Missionary returned from the East Indies.
A preparatory sermon was preached on Sunday evening by the Rev. G. B.
miller. The attendance was good, and the collections exceeded those of
former years.
FIRE - On Friday morning last, about eleven o'clock, a fire broke out
in an outhouse behind the premises occupied by Mrs. WOOLCOCK,
confectioner, and Mr. NODDER, turner, in King-street, Truro, which was
used by them as a bakehouse and workshop. The building was almost
wholly destroyed, as well as its contents. Neither of the parties, we
believe, was insured.
GIG ACCIDENT - On Saturday last, as Capt. JOEL HITCHENS was
proceeding in a gig through St. Austell, the horse took fright at
something, and went off at a furious rate through the streets of the
town. It at last dashed through the kitchen window of the Sun Inn, not
a little to the surprise and alarm of several persons who were there
drinking. We are happy to say that Capt. Hitchens was not hurt, nor
the gig broken; the horse, however, was slightly cut about the head,
but received no other serious injury.
CAUTION TO PARENTS - On Tuesday last, an accident occurred to a
little boy, the son of Mr. LENDERYOU of the King's Arms, Falmouth,
which had nearly been attended with fatal consequences. His mother was
engaged making pastry of some kind, and had been using oil of almonds
to flavour it. Whilst she turned her back the child took up the
bottle, and drank off its contents. His shrieks immediately brought
assistance, but it was some time before it was discovered what was the
matter. Mrs. Lender you, however, seeing the phial emptied conjectured
the mischief, and the child was therefore taken to the shop of Mr. A.
MICHELL, where the stomach pump was effectually used under the
discretion of several medical gentlemen. The child is now doing well.
SMUGGLING - During the past, and present week, the custom house
officers at Falmouth have had their hands full of work, having made no
less than seven seizures in different vessels. On Monday, Capt.
WILLIAMS, of the brigantine "Kingston" was presented for having on
board concealed upwards of 20 lbs. of foreign tobacco. The charge was Afully proved, and a fine of GBP100 imposed, in default of which the
captain was sentenced to be imprisoned for six months. On the same
day, the captain of another vessel underwent a preliminary examination
upon a similar charge. On Tuesday, a sailor named JOHN SHAWGER was
fined in a small amount for smuggling a pound of cigars. On Wednesday,
to crown the whole, the captain mate, and crew of a Maltese vessel were
examined and remanded to await instructions from the Board of Customs
for having on board concealed upwards of nine cwt. of foreign tobacco.
FELONIES AT CAMELFORD - A respectable tradesman of this place was
lately disappointed of his Sunday's dinner, the contents of the larder,
consisting of a leg of mutton and fowl, having been stolen on Saturday
night from a cupboard which stood in a corner of his garden close to
the back door. The thief appears to have got in over the garden wall.
Last evening, soon after five o'clock, a mackintosh coat was also
stolen from the shop door of Mr. EDWARD ARNALL, where it had only been
placed about half an hour before � no clue has as yet been found to the
thieves.
FATAL ACCIDENT - On Tuesday last, as a young man MARK SMITH, a miner,
employed at North Fowey Consols, was ascending the shaft after his
day's labour, on his getting near the surface he missed his footing and
fell to the bottom. When taken up,
he was quite dead.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before
JOHN CARLYON, Esq., since our last report. - On Saturday, at Newquay,
in the parish of St. Columb Minor, on the body of JAMES HOLMAN, aged
27. On the Thursday, proceeding, Holman and some other men were at
work, repairing the breakage of a [rope?] at Newquay Consols Mine. To
assist them, a capstan [and?] rope, supporting the weight of the [��
and ��.?] down. Holman and his comrades managed to [��?] and after
the bob had been hoisted about two feet, they signalled to hold fast.
The deceased was at this time in the act of taking out 20a cutter from
under the bob, when the capstan rope surged at the windlass, and the
bob falling struck deceased on the head, and he fell upon a set of
stays, about twelve feet below. His comrades went down to his
assistance, conveyed him to the surface and to his home, where he died
the same evening. Verdict, accidental death.
On the same day, at Truro, on the body of WILLIAM PHILLIPPS, aged 73,
who was knocked down, in Kenwyn-street, about ten o'clock on Tuesday
morning, by the pole of Sparkes's omnibus which was then leaving for
Redruth. The horses were just got into a trot, when the accident
happened; the driver, whom the jury considered free from all 20blame
called to the old man; but he, being very deaf, did not hear the call.
He was consequently struck down, and had his collar-bone and three ribs
broken � one rib being crushed so as to pierce the lungs, thereby
causing inflammation, of which he died. Verdict, accidental death.
On the same day at Sticker, in the parish of Mewan, on the body of
THOMAS SKEWES, aged 30, who was killed at Polgooth mine, on the
preceding Thursday evening, by the falling on him, of some stones and
rubbish from the side of a shaft, while he was working below. He died
on Friday from the injuries he received. Verdict, accidental death.
An inquest was held before GILBERT HAMLEY, Esq., deputy coroner, in the
parish of St. Cleather, on Saturday last, on view of the body of JOHN
SOMERS, a little child, six months old, who was so severely injured by
the ignition of gunpowder that he died shortly after the explosion took
place. It appeared, by the evidence of a man called COLWELL, who is
dreadfully injured, that he returned four pounds of gunpowder which he
had previously borrowed from Mr. Somers on the evening of the 1st of
November. When he arrived at Mr. Somers's barn, he found two of Mr.
Somers's workmen, called BARBER and BOTTRALL. He threw a large coarse
cloth containing four pounds of gunpowder on the table saying that he
had borrowed the string with which it was tied, and he must return it.
Barber having procured another string, took off the one brought by
Colwell, and with the assistance of Bottrall, tied on the other. At
the time the candle was about eight or nine inches from them. Mr.
Somers's children attracted by curiosity, were standing round the
table. As some of the cloth was tied, Barber pushed the cloth
containing the powder a short distance down the table, when some dust
of the powder ignited, and in a moment, some of the four pounds
exploded. A little girl about nine years of age, was holding the baby
in her arms when the explosion took place. Out of seven people in the
room, six were most frightfully wounded. It is expected that two other
children will died, and the servant girl has literally large pieces of
flesh blown off. The two men who tied the powder, and the one who
brought it, are in a most frightful state and but little hopes are
entertained of their recovery. A very respectable jury were
empanelled, who, after anxious deliberation, came to the conclusion
that it was entirely the result of an accident, and returned a verdict
accordingly.
The following inquests have been held before J. D. GENN, Esq., coroner
for Falmouth. On Tuesday last at the King's Arms, on the body of
MANOLI SIERRE, aged 46, a Greek sailor belonging to the brig "Nuovo
Constantino", 202 tons, of Hydra. He was one of seven who were on
the
main-topsail yard, and it being very rough20and the ship rolling very
much, deceased was jerked off and fell on the deck. He fell
head-foremost and died almost immediately. Verdict, accidental death.
On Wednesday, at the King's Head, on the body of JOHN CARBIS, seamen,
aged 20, belonging to the schooner "Union," a London trader. Whilst
she was lying in the roadstead at Falmouth, on Monday afternoon, the
deceased and another seaman called EDWARD HARRY were aloft bending the
fore-top gallantsail, when deceased fell owing to a flap of the sail.
He fell across the hatchway and broke his wrist and otherwise injured
himself. He was brought on shore soon after the accident, but he died
on the Tuesday evening. Verdict, accidentally killed.
THE PLYMOUTH BRETHREN - On Wednesday week, about three hundred
members of that religious body known as "The Plymouth Brethren,"
assembled in Exeter, from Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, for two days'
devotional exercise. The first day's devotional proceedings were
confined to the members. On the second day the public were admitted.
The principle speakers were Mr. DARBY, Mr. CHAPMAN, of Barnstaple, Mr.
HARRIS, Sir ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, and Mr. WIGRAM.
19 NOVEMBER 1847, Friday
ST. BLAZEY - A meeting of the inhabitants of St. Blazey and its
neighbourhood, in pursuance of a public notice, numerously and
respectably signed, was held in the National School Room, on Monday
last, Sir COLMAN RASHLEIGH, Bart., in the chair, on the proposition of
Sir J. S. GRAVES SAWLE, Bart., seconded by N. KENDALL, Esq. Mr. PARKYN
and Mr. MEDLAND the owners of the two market houses, proposed and
seconded a motion, to the effect that the market houses and shops be
closed on Saturdays (the market day) at half-past ten o'clock. This
resolution was, we are happy to say, unanimously adopted, and an
agreement to carry out this most desirable object has been signed by
every tradesman in St. Blazey. A subscription was immediately entered
into to provide a bell, which is to be rung at ten, and also at
half-past ten o'clock, when both the market houses and all the shops in
the place will be closed. We also hear that the tradesmen have
followed the example of those of other towns in the county, and have
agreed to close their shops at eight o'clock in the winter, and at nine
o'clock in the summer months. The benefits which must arise from these
wise and salutary regulations will be apparent to all acquainted with
and interested in the neighbourhood.
BODMIN - On Monday last, Mr. THOMAS MUDGE, tanner, and Mr. JOSEPH
OKE, draper, were elected councillors for this borough, in the room of
Mr. J. B. COLLINS, and Capt. LIDDELL, elected alderman.
APPOINTMENT - The Rev. HUGH FOWLER, Fellow and Dean of Sidney Susses
College, Cambridge, has been appointed to the Head-Mastership of the
Helston Grammar School, vacant by the resignation of the Rev. C. A.
JOHNS.
THE LAW - THOMAS DARKE, Esq., of the firm of JOHN RODD, and DARKE, of
Penzance, has been made a Master Extraordinary in the High Court of
Chancery.
REWARD FOR PROTECTING WRECKED PROPERTY - The owners, insurance
companies, and underwriters, interested in the barque "Eliza," of
Liverpool, which was wrecked in the parish of Kilkhampton, in this
county, during the severe gale in October last year, the vessel being
laden with a valuable cargo of general merchandise, have very
handsomely sent Mr. THOMAS SHEPHARD GBP214 towards the damages and
expenses he was put to in an action brought against him by a man called
HOBBS, who was wounded by the discharge of a pistol, when a plunder of
the wrecked property was attempted. This act of liberality on the part
of the owners and underwriters is gratifying to those who were active
in saving the property, as evincing an approval of their conduct, under
the judicious superintendence of Mr. J. SOMERS JAMES, Lloyds' agent.
It is an act of justice to Mr. Shephard who was most zealous in
protecting the property, as also an act of prudence on the part of the
Underwriters themselves; for the more respectable portion of the
community will with the greater readiness lend their aid at any future
wreck, satisfied that their exertions will be appreciated.
THE HISTORY OF A POST-OFFICE ORDER - On Saturday the 16th of October,
a Post-Office Order was obtained at Scilly, and sent on Monday the 18th
by post to Exeter, to the party to whom it was payable, who being from
home at the time it was received, presented it himself for payment on
Saturday the 23rd, when he was told by the clerk on duty that no advice
had been received from Scilly to pay it. The same clerk filled up a
printed form, and promised to send to Scilly about it; the party to
whom it was payable wrote by Saturday's post to the person who had
obtained the order, and on the Thursday following received a letter,
stating that upon inquiry at the Post-Office at Scilly, he was informed
that the advice had been duly forwarded, but that no communication had
been sent from the Exeter Post-Office about it; he then sent a
Post-Office Order with the letter from Scilly, to Col. MABERLY, by that
night's post, and on the Sunday following he received an answer from
him, stating that immediate attention should be paid to his letter.
Having occasion to leave home on the Monday for a few days, and finding
on his return that no communication had been received at his place of
business either from the London or Exeter Post-Office during his
absence, by Friday's post he again wrote to Col. Maberly, at the same
time enclosing a second letter that had been received from Scilly, from
the party who obtained the order, stating that the advice had been sent
to Exeter from Scilly on Monday the 18th of October. On Tuesday, the
9th of November, a similar letter to the first was received from Co.
Maberly by the party in Exeter, and as late as four o'clock in the
afternoon of the same day another letter, stating the Postmaster in
Exeter had instructions to pay the order, was brought by a lad, who had
been sent by another person to whom the last letter had been delivered
instead of to the party to whom it belonged; thus causing a delay of
full eight hours in receipt of the letter after it arrived in Exeter.
He sent to the Post-Office three several times between four and five
o'clock, for the money; to the first application the party sent was
told to call again the following morning, as the clerk who was on duty
in the morning was not then there; to the last two applications answers
were returned that the order had not been sent back from London,
consequently it could not be paid until it was. Col. Maberly was again
written to the same night, stating the foregoing circumstances.
Application was again made on the 10th instant, and the money was sent,
the clerk on duty informing the party sent that the order was returned
by this morning's post; thus twenty-four days have elapsed since the
order was obtained at Scilly and paid in Exeter. The postmaster who
issued the order died in the interim, we believe. Supposed that this
had been a remittance to a poor person in want of the money.
A VESSEL WRECKED - The "Swan," DE LACOUR, master, from Jersey to
Glasgow, with a cargo of applies, was wrecked near the Buck Point, at
half-past eight on the night of the 11th instant, during a thick fog.
The crew were saved without injury except the captain, who in
endeavouring to leap from the vessel on the rocks got somewhat bruised.
They have been forwarded to Jersey by way of Falmouth, by RICHARD
PEARCE, Esq., honorary secretary of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and
Mariners' Benevolent Society.
LOSS OF A SHIP AT SEA - The smack "Peter and John," JOHN HILL,
master, which sailed from the port of Looe on the 5th instant, for
Seville, encountered a very severe gale on Sunday and Monday, the 7th
and 8th, and on the morning of Tuesday, the 9th instant, saw a ship a
few miles to leeward, showing signals of distress. The smack
immediately bore down and found the vessel to be the "Elizabeth," of
South Shields, WILSON, master, from Odessa, corn laden, and out ninety
days. Captain Wilson communicated to the crew of the smack that his
ship was in a sinking state, and although it blew a fresh gale, and a
heavy sea was running at the time, every exertion that humanity could
suggest was used by the crew of the smack, who succeeded in a few hours
in getting the whole of the crew, ten in number, on board the "Peter
and John." The "Elizabeth" was fallen in with by the smack in lat. 49.
19. N., lon. 9. 59. W. and she sunk shortly after the crew had been
taken from her.
INDECENT ASSAULT - On the 11th instant, JOHN ELLIS was charged before
the magistrates for the western division of Penwith, with indecently
assaulting NANCY CHRISTOPHER, a girl of about fifteen years of age, who
lived at the house of her uncle ROBERT CHRISTOPHER, in the parish of
Paul. The accused was fined GBP3, including expenses.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY - On Thursday last, an attempt was made to rob the
shop of Mr. R. HOCKING, boot-maker, at Falmouth. About one o'clock in
the morning, as the policeman was going his rounds, he saw the shutter
down and a pane of glass broken; he made an alarm, and it was
discovered that nothing had been taken out. No doubt his coming had
been the means of frightening the burglar off.
FELONIES IN ST. STEPHENS - On the night of the 8th instant, the
stable of Mr. GEORGE YELLAND, and the barn of his neighbour, of St.
Stephens in Branwell, were entered by a thief of thieves, who stole a
quantity of horse hair from the premises of the former, and three
winnowing sheets from the latter. Since harvest, great numbers of
ducks, fowls, and geese, have been stolen from persons in this parish,
besides potatoes, turnips, apples, cabbages, fuel, &c.
SAVAGE ENCOUNTER - On Saturday the 6th instant, a disgraceful
encounter took place at the Arms Inn, St. Stephens church town, in
which SAMUEL HOCKEY, blacksmith, lost part of the lower extremity of
his nose, which was bitten by a miner, named WILLIAM PASSMORE, with
whom he had been drinking. It appears that Hockey, in quarrelling, bit
Passmore's left ear, who afterwards bit out a part of Hockey's nose on
the right side, thus laying it open to a serious extent.
DARING BURGLARIES AT PENRYN AND FLUSHING - On Friday morning last,
the shop of Mr. W. SLADE, watchmaker, at Penryn, was broken into, and a
quantity of watches, &c., stolen, to the value, it is said, of about
GBP100, there being amongst the rest of the stolen property a gold
watch belonging to the Mayor of Penryn. The robbery was effected in a
very expert manner by boring holes with a centre-bit, and getting the
shutters off over the bolts. Early in the morning, on the robbery
being discovered, the Mayor of Penryn desired one of the constables of
that town to send to the police at Truro, and request them to look out
for the thief; but this precaution, it appears, the constable
neglected. The suspected party, a man called FAULKNER, came to Truro
the same morning, and called at two pawnshops and several silversmiths'
shops in the town, where he offered watches to pledge, or for sale.
The pawnbrokers and watchmakers however, having suspicion that the
articles had been dishonestly obtained refused to deal with the man;
and the only blame to be attached to their conduct is that they did not
immediately inform the police of their suspicions. The fellow,
however, at last entered the shop of Mr. CHARLES LEVY, in
Kenwyn-street, where he sold two watches to a Jew who happened to be
there, Mr. Levy himself having declined to buy of him. Faulkner was
accompanied by a woman, said to be his wife, and after selling these
two watches, they went to Redruth. About an hour subsequent to their
departure, the Penryn constable, and the silversmith who had been
robbed, arrived at Truro, and after making inquiries pursued the man
and woman to Redruth. They there saw Faulkner, but instead of taking
him into custody, they preferred following him to Penryn, where they
apprehended him in his own house. He was then placed in "durance vile"
in Penryn lock-up, the jailor having orders not to admit any one to see
him; but contrary to these directions, on Sunday, the prisoner's two
daughters were admitted, who brought him some soup in a kettle which it
is supposed must have contained something besides soup, for on that
same night the prisoner managed to escape from the jail. At the
door-way was a large piece of granite in the place of a door-post, and
into which the bar of the massive lock entered about two inches; but
the prisoner, it is supposed, with a hammer and chisel brought in the
kettle, knocked off in the night so large a piece of the granite as to
allow him to open the door, and he then, it is stated, broke out one of
the windows. Since his escape, he has not been found, but
circumstances have come to light that tend to show his connection with
a robbery, about a week previous, at Flushing. Mr. R. B. STEPHENS, of
that place, had his shop robbed of a number of boots and shoes, the
entrance to the shop having been effected in a similar manner to that
in which Mr. Slade's shop at Penryn was broken into. A reward of GBP3
has been offered for the discovery of the thief; and it has been found
that on the same day that Faulkner was offering watches for sale at
Truro, a woman pledged thirteen pairs of boots and shoes at a
pawnbroker's shop in Pydar-street, Truro. Faulkner, the man who has
escaped from Penryn prison, is about six feet high, stoops much, is of
dark complexion, has a large dark prominent eyes, a sharp nose, and a
seam of a cut from the left nostril to the mouth.
TRURO POLICE - On the 8th instant, MARY ANN THOMAS and ELIZABETH
THOMAS were charged with breaking three panes of glass in the window of
the dwelling-house of Dr. PADDON. This is the second time the
prisoners have broken the doctor's windows, as well as the windows of
other houses in the town. They were ordered to pay 3s. for the damage,
or in default to be committed for fourteen days to hard labour in the
House of Correction. They were further ordered to enter into
recognizances in GBP20, with two sureties in GBP10 each, to be of good
behaviour; and in default Mary Ann Thomas was committed for twelve, and
Elizabeth for nine calendar months.
On Monday last, WILLIAM MINTERN, jun., was committed for trial at the
next sessions, for stealing a frail containing medlars, the property of
EMMA NICHOLAS, of Gwennap. The frail was stolen in River-Street, from
the van of WM. MATTHEWS, a carrier from Gwennap to Truro.
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT - On Saturday last, a poor fisherwoman, named
MARY JAGO, of Mevagissey, was returning to her home from St. Austell,
in a donkey cart, accompanied by her grandson, when on crossing the
tram-road which leads to Pentewan, a train of three loaded waggons came
in contact with the wheel of the cart, which it broke in pieces. The
boy was thrown into the middle of the road, and the wagons passed over
him, but he escaped unhurt. The woman fell with one arm on the tram,
and the train passed over and shattered the limb in such a dreadful
manner that it was found necessary to take it off just below the
shoulder. The operation was performed by Mr. D. H.[R?] ROBINSON,
surgeon, St. Austell, and the poor woman is in a fair way of recovery.
SUICIDE AT LANIVET - On Saturday morning last, Mrs. CORNISH, a widow
residing at Lamorrick Hill [?], in the parish of Lanivet, who had been
in a desponding state of mind during the preceding three weeks, got out
of bed, it is supposed, about five o'clock in the morning and proceeded
down stairs. The daughter, with whom she slept, on awaking, found her
mother was gone; and on making inquiries and searching, she found her
suspended by the neck in a cow-house, and quite dead. An inquest has
been held on the body, and a verdict of temporary insanity returned.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - On Monday last, an inquest was held at the
County Goal, Bodmin, on the body of a man called THOMAS MUNDAY, aged 47
years, who was convicted at the last Midsummer sessions, on a charge of
housebreaking, and sentenced to ten years' transportation; but in
consequence of declining health he was not removed. It appeared from
the evidence of the surgeon that deceased laboured under an organic
disease, and was in consequence removed to the hospital about a
fortnight since, where every attention was paid him and nourishing diet
provided. Verdict, "died from natural causes." The jury added that
they would beg to record their opinion that the deceased had received
every attention, comfort, and kindness at the hands of the governor
surgeon, and attendants, during his illness.
The following inquests have been held before W. HICHENS, Esq.,
coroner:- On the 11th instant, in the parish of Wendron, on the body
of JANE LORY, aged thirty-six years. The deceased, who was the wife of
a labourer named WILLIAM LORY, was in perfect health on the early part
of the preceding Monday, and employed in washing her family's clothes,
when she was taken suddenly ill and died in two or three house after.
Verdict, natural death.
On Monday last, in the parish of Camborne, on the body of GRACE
HOCKING, aged about four years, whose death was occasioned by her
clothes accidentally taking fire on the previous Friday, whereby she
was so seriously burnt that she died on the following day. The
deceased's mother went from her house to visit her own mother, who
lived at a short distance, and was ill, leaving her children with a
girl about nine years of age, the daughter of a neighbour, whom she
requested to stay with them in the house; and it appeared that during
her absence, the deceased seeing a piece of cotton rag on fire under
the grate, took it up and began to swing it round, and then letting it
fall into her lap, caught her clothes on fire. Verdict, accidentally
burnt.
The following inquest has been held before JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner.
On Thursday the 18th inst., at Consols account-house, Gwennap, on the
body of JOHN FAULL, a little boy eleven years of age. On Wednesday he
was playing "hide and seek" near the engine-house with other boys, when
he got under the balance bob, which came down upon him and crushed him
to death in a dreadful manner. Verdict Accidental death.
POLBERROU CONSOLS MINE, ST. AUBYN - Sir, on reading the proceedings
of the Stannaries Court held at Truro, on the 6th inst., which appeared
in your last papers, I found under the head Polberrou Consols, that the
Vice-Warden then stated his having received a letter from several
persons who had worked in consequence of an injunction which came from
that Court, whereby they could not received the monies due to them; and
amongst other things, that every one of the tributers of the Mine were
kept in work, as an act of kindness, in raising the ores to grass, and
making them merchantable. As one of the tributers of the above mine,
and knowing such statement to be incorrect in some of its details, I
beg leave to represent the following facts. At the time the injunction
was served on this Mine, which was just before the pay-day in the month
of May last, there were about four hundred and fifty tributers working
therein, the greatest part of whom were obliged to quit the mine, and
seek employment elsewhere, some on the parish roads and other in
distant parishes (a fact which is corroborated by there being nearly
five hundred cottages now unoccupied in the parish of St. Agnes) to
obtain food for themselves and their families, in consequence of their
monies being stopped, and of the persons who before supplied them with
meat, refusing to continue to do so, by which many families were
compelled to beg their bread. The number of tributers at this time do
not exceed twenty, although the mine is quite dry, and a great many
tributers might be employed at the present expense.
The only ores brought to grass after the injunction had been served,
were those previously broken by the tributers during the month of May,
and which might have been made marketable in about ten days; after that
and down to the present time, agents and labourers have been constantly
discharged and the wages of those remaining reduced. About GBP750 are
now due to the tributers, the greatest number of whom are threatened
with law suits for the meat they made use of in the month of May, which
is quite impossible for them to discharge without receiving their just
demands, and notwithstanding the mine has been paying a considerable
clear profit since May last, the tributers yet remain unpaid. Now I
would ask, how or by what means have the tributers been benefited or
kindly treated? Perhaps some one of your numerous correspondents will
have the kindness to inform me through the medium of your paper,
whether a poor labouring tributer's money (for in this instance the tin
has been sold, and the money received) is liable to the payment of the
debts of a mine or not? Your obedient humble servant, AN OLD POLBERROU
TRIBUTER. St. Agnes, 16th November, 1847.
STANNARIES' COURT - This Court was opened on Saturday last, at the
Coinage-Hall, Truro, by J. L. DAMPIER, Esq., Vice Warden of the
Stannaries, when the following motions were made:- MOYLE v. JULIAN -
This was a creditor's petition against the purser of Victoria mine. A
decree for payment had been obtained for GBP48 debt, and GBP7 1s. 10d.
costs. Mr. CHILCOTT now moved for a decree for sale to which Mr.
BENNALLACK on the part of defendant, consented. Rule absolute granted.
Subsequently Mr. SIMMONS obtained a Rule absolute to consolidate with
Mr. Chilcott's case, the petitions of T. J. JULIAN RICHARDS, and J.
VARCOE against the same defendant, into one decree for sale.
FRANCIS v. PASSINGER - This was a petition for recovery of GBP184.
10s. for costs due from defendant to plaintiff, as purser of Wheal
Andrew and Nangiles. As defendant resided out of the Stannaries, the
petition had been attached to the account-house door, and a copy sent
to his resident. Mr. STOKES moved to enter an appearance as if the
service was personal. Rule absolute granted.
CLINTON v. WILLIAMS - In the case of CHARLES RODOLPH LORD CLINTON
against JOHN WILLIAMS, jun., Mr. SIMMONS, for the plaintiff, moved for
a decree, pro confesso, that the sett of Carvannah mine be declared
forfeited. Defendant had appeared, but had put in no answer. Rule
absolute granted for a decree pro confesso. In the case of the Rev. H.
MOLESWORTH ST. AUBYN and the Rev. R. M. N. USTICKE against the same
defendant, Mr. Simmons obtained a similar decree.
BULL v. BAWDEN - This was a petition by the purser of Goonvrea mine,
in St. Agnes, to recover GBP18 costs. Mr. Chilcott obtained a decree
pro confesso, payments to be within ten days of its service upon the
defendant.
WILTON v. SOUTHEY - In this case, which was a creditor's petition
against one of the agents of North Wheal Basset, Mr. stokes had
obtained a decree for payment of GBP18. 18s. 6d.
TIPPET v. BENNETT - This was a petition by the purser of Wheal Henry
to recover GBP31. 4s., and GBP8. 13s. costs. A decree for payment had
been obtained, and as defendant resided out of the Stannaries, Mr.
Stokes moved on affidavits, and obtained a nisi for sale.
POLBERROU CONSOLS - The Vice-Warden said he did not in general notice
such letters from persons as he was about to allude to, but he had
received that morning a very respectful and well-worded letter from
several persons who stated that they had worked in the Royal Polberrou
Consols for a considerable time, nearly to the end of their monthly
pay-day, when an injunction came from this Court, and consequently they
had not received those monthly wages that were almost due; they say
they are in a very great state of poverty, and are ignorant of the
reasons why they were not paid when there was money enough to pay them,
and they sought from him some redress. Now it was not very likely that
persons in the station of these working miners should be able to
comprehend why creditors should refuse to wait until the end of a
month. But this he knew, that in consequence of the state of the
country, by the act of God, from April until harvest, it was thought
right to relax the strict practice of the Court, every body consenting,
adventurers, creditors, and all; and he believed, in consequence of
that humane consent, and the great discretion of the Registrar of that
court, many, he might say hundreds, of men were kept in work and food
by a relaxation which would not have been afforded if the circumstances
of the country had been different. He believed that every one of the
tributers of that mine were kept in work, not in raising ores from the
realty of the mine, but in raising the ores to grass, dressing them,
and rendering them marketable. At present he could do no more than
say, that whether a person was poor or rich, whether he was owed a
thousand pounds or one pound, they must all wait their time. At
present he knew nothing officially about the mine; there had been no
decree applied for, and no sale had taken place.
24 NOVEMBER 1847, Friday
LOSTWITHIEL - On Tuesday last, about seventy of the gentry and
tradesmen of this town and its neighbourhood dined together at the
Royal Talbot, to celebrate the re-opening of that Inn by the worthy
host Mr. TABB. The chair was taken by J. W. COLENSO, Esq., and the
dinner was an excellent one, doing great credit to the worthy hostess.
The evening was spent in the utmost harmony of feeling, and the party
did not separate till a late hour. The lovers of the chase had a
splendid hunt on the occasion through the kindness of that well know
sportsman W. MARSHALL, Esq., of Treworgy, who threw off his harriers at
West Tap House. The day being favourable, and scent good, the hunting
was first rate.
TESTIMONIAL TO A CLERGYMAN - The inhabitants of Tregony and Cuby have
presented to the curate, the Rev. L. RICH, (about to leave in
consequence of the death of their late lamented vicar the Rev. J. L.
LUGGER), a handsome bible, silver mounted, with a suitable inscription,
"as a small token of esteem, and for the faithful discharge of his
duties as a minister during the short period of his labours amongst
them." The expense of the testimonial was provided for by small
subscriptions.
RECORDERSHIP OF FALMOUTH - On Friday last, the town-council of this
borough resolved that a memorial be forwarded to the Secretary of
State, praying that THOMAS PAYNTER, Esq., be appointed recorder in
place of HERMAN MERIVALE, Esq. Another memorial has been forwarded to
the Secretary of State, signed by seven of the council, in favour of W.
CARPENTER ROWE, Esq.
SHEEP KILLED BY DOGS - On Thursday last, the 18th instant, Mr. JAMES,
of the Barton of Erisey[?], in the parish of Grade, had ten fine sheep
killed, and eight wounded, by a dog or dogs.
EXETER DISTRICT COURT OF BENEVOLENCY - On Wednesday, the 17th
instant, before Mr. Commissioner Bere, in re. WILLIAM PEARCE, surgeon
of St. Tudy, Cornwall, the bankrupt did not appear, it being the day
fixed for his last examination, which was therefore adjourned sine die.
In re: ABEL UGLOW, miner of St. Thomas the Apostle, near Launceston,
which was also a sitting for the last examination, no balance sheet had
been filed, and the case was adjourned until February next.
CAMELFORD COUNTY COURT - The court held at Camelford on Thursday, the
18th instant, was opened an hour later than usual, in consequence of
the Launceston Court the day previous not being closed till after
midnight. Amongst other causes tried at the Camelford Court, was that
of ROWE v. BATE for the recovery of GBP13. 12s. 8d., being an
attorney's bill for defending an action for the recovery of GBP20,
which defendant refused paying from the charges being exorbitant. The
Judge stated that the case was out of the jurisdiction of the court;
there was, however, a court in London for fixing attorneys' bills, but
the remedy might be more than the disease. His Honour was then
reminded, that a charge of 21s. was made for defending an action at a
previous County Court held at Camelford, which sum he immediately
reduced to 10s. 6d., that being all the act allowed. On delivering the
lawyer's bill to the defendant, the Judge said - "take this precious
document, and avoid an attorney's office as you would the mouth of a
lion, as lawyers charge for everything they say or do.
PENZANCE - On Sunday last, the "Mary Ann," Captain DARKE, from Madras
and the Cape, bound to London, and out sixty-three days, landed a heavy
mail and seven passengers at this port.
DISASTER AT SEA - The galliot "Anna Hermanus" of Hoogez, from Cardiff
for Bremen, with Railway Bars, unfortunately met with, on Sunday last,
a heavy shifting squall, which threw her on her beam ends, shifted her
cargo, and strained and otherwise damaged her so much that she was
compelled to beat up for the port of Penzance in a sinking state. On
Tuesday last, she was surveyed, and her cargo of Railway Bars will have
to be discharged preparatory to her being blocked for further
inspection.
SCILLY - On the 14th instant, the French barque "Francois Casinas,"
from Havanna, laden with sugar, and bound to Havre, was towed into the
[.......?] by the pilot cutter "Active," in a very disabled state,
having experienced a severe gale of wind about the beginning of the
month, through which her mizzen[?] mast was obliged to be cut away; and
the main mast was sprung. She is very leaky, and will have to
discharge her cargo in order to be repaired.
On the 17th instant, a long boat belonging to a ship called the "Lady
Flare[?]," was washed on shore on Bryer Island, together with a small
boat.
LAUNCH OF A SCHOONER - On Saturday last, a fine schooner, called the
"Triumphant," about 150 tons burthen, the property of Mr. BURNARD
SHERRIS, was launched from Mr. JOHN EDWARDS's yard at Scilly. She will
be commanded by Capt. WILLIAM SHERRIS, and is intended for the fruit
trade.
A SEAMAN DROWNED - On Wednesday the 17th instant, as WILLIAM
BOWDITCH, a seaman on board the "Hemsley," PARKER master, of Exmouth,
from Exeter, bound to Sandersfoot, was engaged in reefing the mainsail
off the Lizard, he missed his hold and fell overboard. Every exertion
was made to save the poor fellow, but in vain. He was seen swimming
for about a quarter of an hour and then sank.
DANGER OF SETTING OFF FIREWORKS ON PUBLIC ROADS - As a blacksmith and
a miller of St. Stephens in Branwell were lately going from St. Austell
to their home, on the Truro New Road, riding in a gig, the horse took
fright at a rocket put off by some boys on the turnpike road. The
animal broke the reins, and the blacksmith, who was driving, jumped out
of the gig, leaving the miller in it with the horse taking his own
course, until met some miles on by a neighbour who asked the ma what he
meant by driving so fast without reins, to which he replied that they
were left in possession of the man behind, meaning the blacksmith. The
incident has caused some diversion in the neighbourhood, but it is
hoped that the narrow escape of these parties will be a caution to
those who have been in the habit of putting off fireworks on public
roads not to persist in such a practice.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, WALTER HICKS, charged with stealing
from a field a cabbage, the property of Mr. STEPHEN TRESEDER, was
committed for one calendar month to hard labour in the house of
correction.
ASSAULT ON A BAILIFF - On Tuesday last, ELIZABETH BRAY, of Twelve
Heads, in Kea, was committed for two months to Bodmin gaol, by W. P.
KEMPE, Esq., for non-payment of a fine and expenses, ordered to be paid
by her some time since for assaulting a bailiff.
STABBING AT REDRUTH - On Friday evening last, a case of this
dastardly crime occurred in a beer shop in Redruth, the particulars of
which as they are to be gathered from the depositions taken before
STEPHEN DAVEY, Esq., are as follows:- Four brothers, JAMES, ROBERT,
STEPHEN, and EDWIN ALLEN, were drinking together in the beer-shop of
Mrs. ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, which has always been a house of most quite
and orderly reputation - when about half-past ten two men, JAMES PAULL
and JAMES COCKING, came in. Paull went into the bar to pay a trifle
which he owed, and Cocking sat down in the same room with the Allens;
three other men being also in the room with them. Cocking addressed
himself to one of the Allens, speaking of a fight which Allen had had
some time before with another man, advising Allen not to fight with
that man again, as he considered Allen was not man enough for him.
Allen told Cocking he was a liar. High words appear to have
immediately arisen, and Cocking states that all the four Allens
immediately fell on him, and got him to the ground, one having hold of
his neck-cloth in such a way as almost to choke him, and that during
the struggle he received a stab in his temple. The wound divided the
temporal artery, and the man very soon lost an immense quantity of
blood, which had reduced him to such a state of weakness, that it was
with some difficulty he sat out his examination at the office of
WILLIAM DAVEY, Esq., who acted in the investigation as clerk to his
brother. Just as the attack on Cocking began, James Paull returned
from the bar, and seeing the odds at which his comrade was engaged,
immediately interfered to protect him, and also received a stab which
he swore was given him by Stephen Allen, and which also divided the
temporal artery in his case, striking him a little above the orifice of
the ear. This witness was so reduced by loss of blood, and which Mr.
JAMES PHILLIPS, the surgeon who attended the case, had found some
difficulty in stopping, that Mr. Davey had to attend the man at his own
house and take his examination in bed. CHARLES TREGONING and JOHN
LAUNDER, police constables of Redruth, apprehended the Allens after
considerable resistance, and three of them have been fully committed to
jail for trial at the next assizes. After the parties had left the
beer-shop, the clasp-knife with which the wounds appear to have been
inflicted was found on the floor of the room covered with blood, but
closed, and in that state it was produced at the examination.
ATTEMPT AT HIGHWAY ROBBERY - On Friday, the 12th instant, at about
ten o'clock at night, Mr. JOHN BETTISON, miller, of Colan, was
returning from a farm house, in St. Enoder, where he had been engaged
in a money transaction, and had to cross the old turnpike road leading
from St. Columb to Mitchell, when, near a place called Combell's Barn,
he was suddenly accosted by a desperate looking fellow who seized him
and demanded the "whole of his property." Mr. Bettison had nothing
about him with which to defend himself against the fellow's sudden
grasp, but taking advantage of an unguarded moment of his antagonist,
he suddenly hit him a desperate blow which felled the fellow to the
ground. Thus situated, Mr. Bettison would have taken ample security of
his adversary from further molestation for that night, at least, but
fearing the vagabond had associates, he wisely made the best of his way
home. We regret to learn that the offender has thus far escaped the
hands of justice.
HOUSEBREAKING AND ROBBERY NEAR PENZANCE - On Wednesday night, the
17th instant, or on Thursday morning, the house of Mr. RICHARD
BERRYMAN, farmer, residing at Alverton, near Penzance, was broken into
and robbed. Mr. Berryman had received several payments from his
customers in the course of the week, and had placed GBP89. 5s. in a
box, which he locked in a chest of drawers in his bedroom. The robber
forced the staple of the front door, and went upstairs to the bedroom,
where he opened the locked drawer with a chisel, and abstracted the
cash box without awaking either Mr. Berryman or his wife, who were in
bed in the room where the case was kept, and the drawers were close to
the bedside. The thief has not yet been discovered.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY NEAR CALLINGTON - On Thursday, the 18th instant, an
attempt was made to rob a house occupied by the hind of Mr. SERGEANT,
of Westcott, situated on the turnpike road leading from Callington to
Saltash. Mr. HARVEY, of Saltash, in company with a person from
Plymouth, was proceeding to Callington fair, about ten o'clock in the
forenoon; when ascending the hill, they were surprised at hearing a
woman shouting murder, and to see EARLES the toll-keeper, running down
the hill towards the house which they had passed. Mr. Harvey and his
companion, on inquiring, was told by the woman that a man was robbing
the house, and they then accompanied Earles to endeavour to take him.
Earles tried one of the doors, but could not open it; he then tried the
other, and succeeded, when a man, bare-footed, came out, armed with a
poker and tongs, and made a blow at Earles, but it did not take effect,
and the fellow then crossed the turnpike road into the fields. Mr.
Harvey rode down the lane, shouting stop thief, &c., but no one
appeared to assist in the capture, and after keeping the man in view as
far as Ashland, he lost sight of him. Near St. Dominick, a little girl
stated that she saw a man, with something in his hand, cross the road,
and that he went in the direction of Corneal woods. The chase was then
given up after having lasted about three quarters of an hour.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before J.
CARLYON, Esq., coroner. On Friday night at Truro, on the body of
WILLIAM HARRIS, aged thirty-six, whose death took place in an awfully
sudden manner. CHRISTOPHER HARRIS, farmer, deposed as follows:-
Deceased was my nephew; he was a carpenter, and has been employed for
some time past at the Truro New Market House. I saw him there at work
yesterday morning about eleven o'clock, and he then appeared to be as
well as ever I had seen him in my life. In that evening, about eight
o'clock, my son-in-law STEPHEN THOMAS, and myself, went to the Seven
Stars Inn, to have a glass of spirit and water, when deceased joined
us, and went in with us. As soon as we had drunk two glasses each, we
called for the reckoning, which was paid, and we then got up to go
away, when deceased said, as I did not come to Truro often, and it was
seldom we met, we might as well have one glass more. Accordingly
another was brought in for each, and deceased lifted the kettle from
the fire to fill the glasses himself. At this time he was not in the
least affected by what he had drunk, and I should have said he was in
perfect health. About a minute afterwards I turned away my head to
speak to some one near me, and when I looked round again, I saw
deceased stretched on the floor. We immediately carried him into an
adjoining room, and Mr. SPRY, surgeon, was sent for, who attended in a
few minutes, and pronounced the man to be dead; he never showed the
least sign of life after he fell on the floor. Mr. Spry, on being
examined, deposed that from the suddenness of the death, and the
appearance of the body, he was of opinion that the man died from a
rupture of the heart, or of one of the large vessels connected with it,
and the jury returned a verdict of natural death, from disease of the
heart.
On Saturday last at Illogan, on the body of JOSEPH BLIGHT, aged fifteen
years, who died on that morning from injuries he received the preceding
Wednesday by accidentally falling from one of the ladders, as he was
descending to work in North Pool Mine. Verdict, accidental death.
And on the same day at Truro, on the body of JOHN PARSONS, aged 43
years, who was found dead in bed that morning. Verdict - Apoplexy.
The following inquests have been held before W. HICHENS, Esq.,
coroner:- At Ludgvan, on Friday last on the body of JANE SARTIN,
widow, aged 71 years. On the evening of the 17th instant, the deceased
was left alone in her dwelling-house by a granddaughter, to whom she
said as she felt very warm and comfortable she should go to bed. The
granddaughter left, but returned to the house in about an hour and a
half afterwards, accompanied by ALICE ROW, her father's servant, and on
going upstairs the grandmother was found lying on the floor by the
bedside, speechless and apparently senseless, in which state she
continued up to the time of her death, which took place on the
following morning about four o'clock. Verdict, natural death.
On Wednesday last, at Porthleven, in the parish of Sithney, on the body
of SUSANNA ALLEN, aged 75 years. The deceased was very infirm, and
otherwise greatly afflicted, and had for some time past been obliged to
be carried to her bed. On Sunday morning last, about ten o'clock, she
was brought down stairs as usual, and to all appearance as well as she
had been for some time before, but about two o'clock in the afternoon,
whilst sitting in her chair an alteration was observed in her
appearance, and she fell into the arms of one of her neighbours who
happened to be in the house. Vinegar was immediately applied to her
temples from which she revived a little, and was then taken up to her
bed, where she died in about ten minutes afterwards. Verdict, natural
death.
Also, on Wednesday last, at St. Ives, on the body of THOMAS MICHELL
COGAR, aged about 72 years, who lived alone, and was found dead in his
house on the preceding day. The last time he had been seen alive was
on the Sunday preceding, when he was apparently as well in health as
usual. On the following day a nephew's daughter, who was sent from her
father's house with his dinner, returned, saying that she could not get
admission, and that the deceased had not been seen for that day. The
nephew then went to the house himself, and got in by bursting open the
back door, when he found the deceased seated in a chair before the
fire-place in his bedroom, dead. There was no reason to suppose that
he died other than a natural death. Verdict, found dead.
MINING IN CORNWALL - After landing at St. Ives, you proceed
north-west about eighteen miles to St. Just, through the mining
district which occupies the north-west of Cornwall. The road
throughout is on granite; and the peninsula generally may be considered
granite, although there is bordering on it to the south, patches of
primitive clay-slate. Nothing that I am aware of has been found worth
working on the south coast, till you reach the north-west of the Lizard
point, from whence to St. Ives is generally termed the western mining
district of Cornwall, and lies, for a great part of its length, through
the primitive clay-slate, overlaying the granite. I should here
observe, that the great and rich copper mines have been worked in the
clay-slate bordering on the granite; and that the richest tin mines
have been found close bordering on the clay-slate in the granite -
bearing strong evidence of the decomposed parts of both formations
having great influences in generating the minerals held in solution, as
well as the opening of the veins, to make way for their deposit. The
principal mines are - St. Ives Consols, Rosewall Hill, and Balnoon -
these mines are near St. Ives; further to the west are - Ding Dong,
Wheal Malkin, Boscaswell Downs, Spearn Moor, Levant, Botallack, Wheal
Owles, Wheal Cornwall, and several others. Rosewall Hill mine has been
worked nearly 200 fathoms deep on a regular vein, underlaying to the
north about 10' or 15' from perpendicular, throwing out large pipes in
the hanging wallside, called carbonas, on an angle of 20' or 30' from
the vein, and, in some instances, making very rich ground for a
distance of thirty fathoms from the vein, in places twenty fathoms
long, and twenty or thirty feet thick. Without any apparent cause, the
line appears to be formed into certain component parts of the rock,
which seems to have changed its original nature to receive it. These
curious formations are more difficult to account for than anything I
have seen in mining. I believe this is the general character of the
mines near St. Ives. I might mention that these, like other mines, are
extremely easily watered, as, in many instances, they are obliged to
carry water to the bottom of the mine for the purpose of boring the
rock. Levant Mine has been worked extensively, and has been extremely
rich in copper in the clay-slate bordering on, and very near to, the
granite, with a fine channel of elvans running though it. This mine,
without any expensive machinery, has yielded, within the last thirty
years, a profit which, I will assume, to be equal to GBP200,000; on the
smallest imaginable capital, certainly less than GBP5,000. Botallack
Mine has been at work for the last fifty years - almost all the time
giving handsome profits to the adventurers. This mine is worked 150 or
200 fathoms deep; and to some extent in length, the western workings
are, for some distance, under the roughest sea in the world, which has,
twice or three times, broken into the mines between high and low water,
but the nature of the rock is such, as to enable its being effectually
shut off. It was in this mine when drained by an 18 inch cylinder
steam engine, 4-feet stroke, 150 fathoms deep, I heard men talking of
rivers of water in this and the other level - whilst the pit-men
carried a bucket in each pocket, about 3 1/4 inches diameter, both not
weighing more than 14 lbs. All this was certainly amusing,
particularly so, when, only a few miles from them, they might have seen
19-inch buckets, weighing full 500 lbs. each; but the miners, and even
those above them, I found to be rather touched with conceit. They know
their own mode of mining well, I have no doubt; and can spend the
ground of that country, where prickers and prokers are required, in a
surprising manner. They will cut a hard slicking of tin, or hulk (as
they call it), only half an inch wide, for 18 inches before the rock,
with such tools, and can bore and blast well, and, as tinners, are
second to none for such ground; but, when you go further east in the
primitive clay-slate and schistose, very different tools are required,
and there too are to be found the best men I ever saw for pick and gad,
as it is called; besides being good workmen, they are the most
intelligent men of their class I ever saw. The eastern mines I may say
something about at a future day. I will, therefore, for the present,
confine myself to the peninsula, and the flat ground between Mount's
Bay and Hayle. The north-west coast from St. Ives to the Lizard point,
appears to me as a district quite in its infancy, when a small capital,
with the skill which that country possesses, would develop its mineral
resources. There is yet but little of it discovered, or the minerals
taken away; and, from its contiguity to the cliffs, from fifty to
seventy fathoms high, might, with care, be searched, and put into a
profitable state of operation with the smallest imaginable capital. I
hope this may serve as a hint to miners to search in the manner I have
mentioned.
The flat ground, between Mount's Bay and Hayle possesses, geologically
speaking, all the advantages of the best mining district in Cornwall.
It has granite to the west, underlaying schistose and clay-slate to the
east. It has also the great channel of iron elvans running through it,
commencing to the north of Penzance, running Gulval, Ludgvan, St. Erth,
Phillack, Gwinear, Camborne, Pool, Redruth, into Chacewater Mines, on
or adjoining which are situated the rich mines, running from
Chacewater, west through Treskerby, North Downs, and several others to
the east of Redruth. To the west are the Pool Mines, east and west,
and I might say, North Roskear, with several others westward to Herland
Mines, in the parish of Gwinear, and Wheal Alfred, in the parish of
Phillack, also West Wheal Alfred; but here the lode has separated a
great way from the iron elvans, and is at too great a distance from it,
or the granite, to possess all the advantages I contemplate generally
from the flat ground between the Mount's Bay and Hayle. In the flat
ground the trials already made are slight, unskilful, and cowardly. It
is astonishing to me, that people run from home in search of new
things, when, if they spend all their life, they can find nothing
possessing the ground-work of rich mines, or other indications in
mining, to surpass this I have mentioned. (Correspondent of the Mining
Journal).
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