cornwall england newspaper
1848 NEWS
OCTOBER
6 OCTOBER 1848, Friday
ECCLESIASTICAL - The Rev. S. CHILDS CLARKE, late curate of Dawlish,
has been elected by the rate-payers to the Perpetual Curacy of St.
Thomas, Launceston, vacant by the preferment of the Rev. J. H. KENDALL.
The Rev. W. AVERY, who was also a candidate, withdrew from the
contest. The Rev. T. STACKHOUSE CARLYON, of Egloshayle, has been
presented to the living of Glenfield, in Leicestershire by the patron,
CLEMENT WINSTANLEY, Esq., of Branston Hall in that county.
BIBLE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY - The annual meeting in behalf of
this society, was held in St. Clement Street Chapel, Truro, on Tuesday
evening the 26th ult., W. H. BOND, Esq., in the chair. Mr. J. H.
PRIOR, read some extracts from the society's annual report, which
stated the income of the society during the past year, to have been
GBP1,647. 1s. 10 1/2 d., being an increase of GBP139. 19s. 1 1/2 d., on
the income of the previous year. The expenditure during the same
period was GBP1,957. 7s. 6 1/2 s., leaving a deficiency of GBP310. 5s.
8d. The society has sixty-four Missionaries employed on forty-two
stations; thirteen are labouring in Canada West, two in the United
States of America, five in Prince Edward's Island, North America, and
forty-four at different stations in the neglected parts of England,
Wales, the Scilly and the Norman Isles. On the several stations, the
society has 121 chapels, 362 local preachers, 4021 Sunday scholars, 714
teachers, and 4470 persons meeting in church fellowship, which,
compared with the returns of the previous year shows an increase of 3
missionaries, 80 local preachers, we chapels, 1282 scholars, 178
teachers, and 394 members. The meeting was a crowded one, and was
addressed by the Chairman Mr. NICHOLAS, (Methodist New Connexion), Mr.
EYNON, one of the society's agents who has laboured for fifteen years
in Western Canada, Mr. ROBERTS, (independent), Mr. THORNE, from
Shebbear, Mr. CHAPPLE, from Mevagissey, and Mr. BRITTAN, in speeches
replete with information as well as characterized by brotherly love.
It was an interesting meeting, and the collection considerably exceeded
that of last year.
PACKET INTELLIGENCE - The "Medway" West India steam packet, Capt.
SYMONS, from the West Indies was spoken with on Wednesday afternoon,
off the Lizard, by No. 7 Pilot boat of Falmouth.
THE EMIGRANT SHIP "MAID OF ERIN." - This vessel sailed from Falmouth
to Quebec about the middle of July, with between 120 and 130 passengers
on board, and an unfounded rumour has since been circulated that she
has been lost at sea. For the satisfaction of the friends of those on
board, we are happy to state that Messrs. MICHELL and SON, of Truro,
the owners of the vessel, have just received a letter from the captain
stating that he is prosecuting his voyage, and that the passengers are
all well.
SHIPWRECK AND LOSS OF LIFE - The schooner "Caroline," COTHIE, master
from Newport, laden with coals, and bound to Terragona[?], struck on
the Seven Stones on the 29th ult., at ten a.m., and all the crew
perished excepting the mate, who was picked up by the Seven Stones
Light-ship's boat.
ST AUSTELL PETTY SESSIONS - At these sessions held on Tuesday last,
two men named JAMES and JOHN MICHELL were charged with breaking windows
in the St. Austell Union House. They came into the town on the
previous evening, and applied to the constable for something to eat. A
supper was provided for them, and they were locked up for the night,
but next morning as soon as they were set at liberty, they went to the
Union House and commenced breaking the windows. They were committed
for fourteen days' at hard labour.
FOWL STEALING - At Probus, on the night of Monday last, some persons
broke open the door of a pigstye, wherein were some fowls roosting, and
carried away fifteen, the property of RICHARD ROWE. The thieves have
not yet been detected.
ACCIDENTS - About eight o'clock on Wednesday evening, the 27th ult.,
as the carriage of the Rev. W. W. HARVEY, rector of St. Mary's, Truro,
was waiting for him at the door of Miss FENWICK, Woodlane, Falmouth,
the horses ran off, and come towards the quay at a full gallop. It was
empty when the horses ran off, the driver having just quitted it at the
door of the house to call Mr. Harvey.
On Wednesday last, as a boy called JULYAN, was holding two horses on
the Terrace, Falmouth, his brother came up and they mounted one each.
Being spirited horses one of them immediately started off towards the
town, proceeding down High street at a dangerous speed, and crossed the
Strand, when on some persons trying to stop him, the boy was thrown
with much violence and came in contact with the curb stone. He was
rendered insensible by the fall, and being carried to the Victory
public house, he was examined by Mr. CORNISH, surgeon, who ascertained
that he was much hurt. He was then removed to his father's house,
where he lies in a dangerous state. The horse stopped soon after and
was uninjured.
CORONER'S INQUEST - On Friday, an inquest was held at Scilly, on the
body of CHRISTOPHER FORSTER, late master of the brig "Liffey," which
vessel had arrived from Alexandria and Cork, and was proceeding to
London. It appeared, that on Wednesday, the 27th ult., the unfortunate
man, who had lately given way very much to drink, jumped overboard.
The weather being very fine, the crew were enabled to recover the body,
but not before life was extinct. The jury returned a verdict of
"temporary insanity, caused by the too frequent use of ardent spirits."
EXETER DISTRICT BANKRUPTCY COURT - Wednesday, September 27. - WILLIAM
MEDLAND, of St. Austell, common brewer, now a prisoner for debt in
Bodmin gaol. Mr. STOGDON, on the part of the bankrupt, made an
application to the court under the following circumstances. On the
14th of February, in the present year, the bankrupt was taken in
execution, at the suit of Messrs. WIGAN and WHITE, for a debt of
GBP134; and had been confined to the gaol at Bodmin, from that time to
the present. In the meantime, a fiat had been issued, at the suit of
two other creditors, Mr. SAMUEL BAKER LUTLEY, of Exeter, and a Mr.
BRUNT, and the bankrupt was brought up in custody, upon two several
occasions, for the purpose of passing his examination. He did pass,
after a most determined opposition, and subsequently applied for his
certificate. That application came on for hearing on the 21st of June;
it was opposed; and his Honor had been of opinion, upon the facts which
were then before him, that the bankrupt had made preferences in favour
of certain of his creditors, which preferences induced him to withhold
the granting of his certificate, for a period of twelve months. The
effect of that judgment had been, that the bankrupt had continued in
prison, and a petition, which he had presented to the Court for the
Relief of Insolvent Debtors, had been dismissed, the learned Judge to
whom that petition had been referred to, being of opinion, that to
order his discharge would be, in effect, to review the decision of a
court of competent jurisdiction. Under these circumstances, he had no
alternative, but to come to this court again, under the provisions of
an act which was passed so lately as the 31st of August last, and by
which his Honor was empowered to order the discharge from custody, of
any bankrupt, whose last examination had been adjourned sine die, or
whose certificate had been refused or suspended, either immediately, or
after he should have been in prison for such period, but exceeding two
years, as, in his judgment, would be a proper punishment, under all the
circumstances of the case. The bankrupt had now been in prison upwards
of seven months; if his case had been heard before the Commissioner of
the Insolvent Debtors Court, the preferences on account of which the
certificate had been suspended, would scarcely have been [......?] with
a remand, for a longer period than four months; and he trusted,
therefore, that the court would now order his immediate release. Mr.
PITTS resisted the application on the part of Mr. Lutley, and other
creditors of the bankrupt. The certificate had been opposed upon three
distinct grounds:- 1st, that the bankrupt had paid away to his
relations, and other favoured creditors, after he became insolvent,
between GBP600 and GBP700. 2nd, that he had made a fraudulent
disposition of his property, among his relations;- 3rd, that his
expenditure had been above his gains. The Commissioner, at the time,
had thought so unfavourably of his conduct, that he had stated, in
giving judgment, that, if he had been out of custody, he should have
refused the certificate altogether. It was fair to infer, therefore,
that his Honor contemplated, and intended, that he should remain in
prison for the twelve months, and he contended with some confidence,
that no new circumstance had occurred, to call for a reversal of the
judgment pronounced upon the 21st of June. The Commissioner said, it
was clear that the intention of the legislature was to place this court
in the same position as the court for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors,
so as to enable it to fix some period imprisonment, after which a
bankrupt in the situation of Mr. Medland should be entitled to his
discharge. It was obvious there might be many circumstances, in a
bankrupt's conduct, which would form a sufficient ground for the
suspension of his certificate, which would, nevertheless, not be
sufficient to call for a sentence of imprisonment, and when he
adjourned for twelve months, the consideration of Mr. Medland's
application, he did not intend to convey the impression that he meant
him to continue in prison during the whole of that time. It was, in
fact, at the option of the detaining creditor, at any time, to have
discharged him. He thought that, under all the circumstances, the
justice of this case would be met, by directing the release of the
bankrupt, at the expiration of eight months, from the time of his
arrest, which would be upon the 14th of October.
RICHARD PENWARDEN, of Launceston, saddler, currier, and leather cutter.
The bankrupt applied for his certificate, which was granted without
opposition. Mr. GURNEY (of the firm of GURNEY and LETHBRIDGE COWLARD,
solicitors, of Launceston) was examined at considerable length, as to
the circumstances under which he had made advances of money to the
bankrupt, and had ultimately levied execution, under the authority of a
warrant of attorney, which had been given to him as security for a
portion of the money in advance. Mr. Gurney said - I am a creditor of
the bankrupt, and mortgagee of certain portions of his property; I
have one mortgage for GBP1,500, and another for GBP550; the mortgage
for GBP550 is dated the 3rd of December, 1847, in the month of August,
in that year. I had taken from him a warrant of attorney for GBP250,
which was either lent to him, at that time, or had been lent to him
previously; at the time of the execution of the mortgage in December,
he owed us a balance of GBP522. 19s., which included this GBP250, and I
have him my cheque for GBP27 odd, which made up the GBP550; there is no
reference made in the mortgage deed to the warrant of attorney, but I
distinctly told my clerk to tell Mr. Penwarden, that the warrant of
attorney was to continue, notwithstanding the mortgage, and he has told
me since that he did tell him so; I was ill in bed at the time, and had
no personal communication with the bankrupt, but I distinctly stated
that the continuance of the warrant of attorney, as an available
security, was the condition upon which I consented to advance the
money, to pay off COUCH's mortgage; I would not have made the advance
upon any other terms; I had found that the bankrupt had been deceiving
me a good deal about the state of his affairs - especially he had
concealed from me the knowledge of a debt of GBP200, due to Mr. DARKE,
or to Miss CANN - and I, therefore, thought it best to get all the
security I could; I did not persuade the brother and sister of the
bankrupt, (JAMES and MARY PENWARDEN,) to postpone their debts to mine;
I had arranged with the bankrupt, about this time, to raise for him a
sum of GBP3,000 upon the security of the whole of his property, and it
was then perfectly understood between us that it would be an essential
part of that arrangement that these debts to his brother and sister -
which were legacies to which they were entitled under their father's
will - should be released; on the 14th of December, after the mortgage
to me, the bankrupt executed a mortgage to James and Mary Penwarden, to
secure these legacies of GBP1,000, and GBP900; they took that mortgage
upon my recommendation, made through my clerk - for I repeat that I was
ill throughout the whole of these transactions, they would otherwise
have been satisfied with personal security; the mortgage given to me
was part of an arrangement by which I undertook to pay off a mortgage
from the bankrupt to Mr. Couch, who was then suing him; I was not
apprehensive about the GBP332[?] odd, which was due to myself and
partner, because the bankrupt had given me a statement of his affairs
some five or six weeks previously, by which he had shown himself to be
a very solvent man in the year 1847. I obtained for him a credit at
the Devon and Cornwall Bank, to the amount of GBP500, to secure which a
warrant of attorney was prepared and executed, at the same time as that
which was given to myself; I can't tell how soon afterwards it was,
that I began to apply for the repayment of the advances which the bank
had made; previously to December, because I was anxious that he should
stand in good credit at the bank; in the month of May last, a person of
the name of BOWHAY, was suing the bankrupt for a debt under GBP100;
and, at my suggestion, a draft was prepared, to which the bankrupt, and
his brother James were parties, for GBP150; my object was to get it
cashed, and to apply it to the settlement of Bowhay's action, by
payment of the debt and costs and to repay myself a sum of GBP20 which
I had lent him; I still think that, if I had been at home, that
arrangement might have been effected, but I happened to be in London at
the time, and the bank refused to cash the draft, although I wrote to
my clerk and requested him to press it upon them; the draft, therefore,
has never been negotiated, and I am quite willing to give it up to the
assignees, for I don't pretend to have any claim upon it; Bowhay's debt
was ultimately paid out of the proceeds of the bankrupt's currier's
stock, which he sold for that purpose; the bank, thereupon, and in
consequence, as I believe, of hearing it, directed execution to be
issued on the warrant of attorney; I had the execution on the 31st of
May, and I showed it to the bankrupt; I had frequently proposed to him
to sell his farming stock, and to give up his farm, and to confine
himself to his saddlery business which I understood, was a good one; I
thought, if he would do that, he might go on very well, and when the
execution came down, I offered to take off the farm stock at a
valuation, in order to avoid the injury which I thought a public sale
might do him; he refused to let me have it, but went away, and
advertised it to be sold by public auction on the 5th of June; in
consequence of that, I delayed putting in the execution, but when I
found that a postponement of the sale was announced, I levied at the
suit of the bank; I put in my own execution, on the warrant of
attorney, for GBP250, on the same day, the 5th, but the bank execution
went in first and the result was that they got paid in full, while I
realised GBP120 only; I desired that the sale should take place on as
early a day as possible, and it did take place on Wednesday, the 7th of
June; the bills were issued on the morning of Tuesday the 6th; I first
saw the declaration of insolvency on the evening of the 7th of June; it
left London on the evening of the 6th and should have reached
Launceston on the evening of the 7th, but the letter was mis-sent to
Truro, and did not get back until ten o'clock at night; I was induced
to put in the execution, in consequence of my belief, though I had no
actual knowledge of it, that the bankrupt had signed a declaration of
insolvency; I don't recollect Mr. Darke telling me that a declaration
of insolvency had been signed; I heard complaints, while the sale was
going on, that there was a sacrifice of property; the sale began at
nine in the morning, and ended at nine at night; the farming stock was
disposed of in an hour, and at very good prices, and as soon as that
was over, they went on to sell the other property. {The bankrupt said
that a lot of books, consisting of several hundred volumes, including
Boydell's Shakespeare, were sold for GBP5. 3s. 3d. Mr. Gurney admitted
that some things were sold very cheap, but this he contended was made
up by other lots fetching a much greater value than they were worth.}
I am positive I had no notice not to proceed with the sale; the letter
containing the declaration of Insolvency, which was mis-sent to Truro,
came from our regular agents in London; I and my partner were the
solicitors to the fiat, but I have had no personal conduct of the
matter. I have no recollection whatever of Mr. Cowlard having told me
that he had sent notice of the declaration of insolvency to London. In
answer to further questions, Mr. Gurney stated that he meant to prove
on the part of the Duke of Northumberland, for GBP300 and interest,
advanced to the bankrupt on his bond several years ago. The bankrupt
had stated, upon a former occasion, that he never expected to be called
upon to repay this sum, and that the understanding was, that the money
never should be asked for, so long as he continued to support the
Duke's interest in the borough. Mr. Gurney, however, stated that he
knew nothing of any such understanding, and that the bond was bona fide
one for money lent at the time.
JAMES WENN, of Falmouth, gas-manufacturer. This bankrupt received his
certificate.
JOHN MICHELL, of Feock, merchant. This bankrupt obtained his
certificate, after an opposition by Mr. W. D. MOORE, on the part of Mr.
BRAY, a creditor.
RICHARD BOSUSTOW, of Redruth, grocer. Mr. HERNAMAN, the official
assignee, declared a dividend of 4s. 1 1/2 d. in the pound, in the
estate of this bankrupt.
13 OCTOBER 1848, Friday
PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED - SANDYS, CARNE, and VIVIAN, Hayle and
Marazion, Cornwall, as far as regards JOSEPH CARNE.
EAST LOOE - On the 29th ult., WILLIAM WILCOCK, Esq., was elected
Mayor of East Looe for the ensuing year, and NATHANIEL HEARLE, Esq.,
Mayor for West Looe.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS - The following gentlemen having undergone
the necessary examinations for the diploma, were admitted members of
the college, at the meeting of the court of examiners on the 6th inst:-
Messrs. J. A. TAPSON, St. Germans, and J. LAITY, Falmouth.
LONGEVITY - There are three persons, a brother and two sisters now
residing at Liskeard, whose united ages amount to 261 years. The
latter is aged 90, one of the sisters 88, and the other 83.
HELSTON QUARTER SESSIONS - The sessions were held on Monday last,
before the Recorder C. DACRES BEVAN, Esq., and the borough magistrates,
when there was only one case for trial. JOSIAH SCOLLAR, was charged
with having stolen in July last, three shillings from the shop till of
Mrs. MEDLYN, grocer, Meneage Street, Helston and was sentenced to three
months' imprisonment in the borough prison.
PENZANCE QUARTER SESSIONS - At these sessions, held on Monday last,
before R. P. COLLIER, Esq., Recorder, and the magistrates of the
borough, there was only one case for trial. WILLIAM CURTIS, 40, was
charged with stealing, on the 26th of July, a hand-saw, the property of
Mr. RICHARD WHITE, carpenter; and the other indictment was for stealing
a saw, the property of Mr. HILL. The prisoner, who was a labourer at
Copper-house, was found guilty on the first indictment, and being
recommended to mercy by the prosecutor, was sentenced to two months'
hard labour. No evidence was offered on the second indictment.
THE "MAID OF ERIN." This vessel belonging to Messrs. MICHELL and SON,
merchants, Truro, arrived at Quebec on the 19th ult., and landed her
passengers, all well, on the following day.
THIMBLE-RIGGING - On Friday last, WILLIAM RICKARD, a gardener at St.
Stephens Coombe, was going to St. Austell market with a donkey card
load of apples to sell, when, on passing near Opie's hotel in that
village, he saw a gambling table in the yard behind the hotel, and
around it three parties playing with thimbles, who, it is supposed, all
belonged to a gang of thimble-riggers. The poor old fellow, thinking
it an easy way of increasing money, went and joined heartily in the
game; but he soon found to his cost that there were losses as well as
gains connected with the fun. He, however, foolishly went on betting
until he lost the whole value of his cart-load of apples, which the
thimble-riggers had no sooner obtained than they decamped from the
place.
SEIZURE OF UNCUSTOMED TOBACCO - On Tuesday, the 10th instant, Mr.
WILLIAM MACPHERSON, was brought before J. T. TREFFRY, Esq., and the
Rev. J. KEMPE, at Fowey, on the information of Mr. JAMES BROWN,
Collector of Customs at that port, charged with having in his
possession and concealing eighteen pounds of tobacco, the duties on
which had not been paid. Mr. SHILSON defended Mr. Macpherson. The
case was supported by the evidence of Lieut. YOUNG, R.N., chief officer
on the Fowey Preventive Station, and of Mr. BARRATT, a riding officer.
It appeared that on the 22nd of September last, Mr. Young and Mr.
Barratt accompanied by a constable, went to the house, where they saw
Mrs. COUCH (a daughter of Mr. Macpherson who is separated from her
husband, who lives at St. Blazey). Lieut. Young said he was come to
search the house for tobacco; and her reply was that he was very
welcome. They found two packages of shag tobacco in the shop, which
was suffered to remain, being in entered premises. Upstairs, in a room
beside the kitchen, through which they went, was found a paper parcel
of tobacco, containing eighteen pounds, on which was written "pepper,"
but it was not concealed, and other articles and empty packages were in
the same room, giving it the appearance of a store room. These
eighteen pounds were seized. Mr. Macpherson resides at St. Blazey, but
to prevent the husband of Mrs. Couch from entering the premises, the
name "William Macpherson, &c., &c., being proved to be over the door,
fixed Mr. Macpherson with the proprietorship, and the act of his
servant being considered his act, the magistrates reduced the penalty
of GBP100 to GBP25, with a recommendation to the Commissioners of
Customs to make a further reduction.
TRURO POLICE - On Saturday last, GEORGE LUCAS[?], chairmaker, was
ordered to find sureties to keep the peace towards his wife, and in
default he was sentenced to the house of correction for three calendar
months. The man, it appeared, was intoxicated and threatened to cut
off the head of his wife with a saw; on several occasions he had also
put her in bodily fear.
On Monday last, ELIZABETH THOMAS, who was some time since sent to gaol
for breaking windows, having returned, was again committed for one
calendar month to hard labour, for being a common prostitute, and
behaving indecently in the street.
BURGLARY - On Tuesday morning last, the house of Mr. ROSEVEARE, St.
Germans, was entered and several spoons, three coats, a pair of
trowsers, and the contents of a pie stolen. The premises were entered
through the dairy window, from which some iron bars were broken. No
clue as yet has been obtained to the depredators.
COMMITTAL - A man named WILLIAM CLEMO, belonging to Sticker, in the
parish of St. Mewan, was committed for trial on Monday last, by J. H.
TREMAYNE, Esq., charged with house-breaking and robbery at Trewithen
Lane End.
ROBBERY - On Sunday morning last, Cowbridge House, the residence of
WILLIAM WESTLAKE, Esq., was entered by thieves, whilst the family were
at church, and GBP4. 10s. in gold were stolen from a desk in Mr.
Westlake's bed-room, which was broken open. A GBP5 note in the same
place was left, the robbers, no doubt, fearing it might lead to their
detection. They got into the house by picking the lock of the door at
the back of the premises. No clue has yet been obtained to the
discovery of the thieves.
ACCIDENT - On Tuesday evening last, as Mr. GATLEY, of Bone's Cellars,
was leaving Truro, through Quay Street, a most narrow and inconvenient
place, the wheel of his gig came in contact with a large post, several
of which the commissioners of paving and lighting have most
injudiciously had placed outside the gutter in some of the narrowest
thoroughfares of the town. The concussion threw Mr. Gatley to the
pavement, on his head, which was much cut, though we are glad to hear
not severely. After an accident of this description, it is to be hoped
the commissioners will see the necessity of placing these posts and
some of their lamp-posts within instead of outside the gutters.
BODY FOUND - On Saturday last, the remains of a man, were discovered,
by some boys, in the surf at Pleady beach, near Looe. On examination,
the upper part of the body was found to be in such a mutilated
condition, that if death had not been occasioned by drowning, it was
impossible to trace it to another cause. The lower extremities of the
body had been to some measure protected by a strong trowsers and a pair
of high fisherman's boots; on the legs also were grey stockings with
white tops, which were marked (in red letters) C. D. No. 1. An inquest
was held on the body on the following day, by GILBERT HAMLEY Esq.,
deputy coroner, when a verdict was returned "found washed on shore."
In a few hours afterwards, the remains were decently interred, in the
burial ground belonging to the parish Church of St. martin's, by Looe.
A MAN DROWNED - On Monday night last, WILLIAM RICHARD EDDY, a young
man residing at Causeway-head, Penzance, went out into a Newlyn
mackerel boat, called the "Trooper," and was unfortunately knocked
overboard by the sheet of the mainsail. He sunk before assistance
could be rendered, and his body has not yet been recovered.
MELANCHOLY SUDDEN DEATH - On the 3rd instant, a young lady, the
daughter of Captain BANKS, R.N., who was on a visit to her uncle, Mr.
Banks of Higher Anderton, Millbrook, having spent the evening with some
young friends, invited to meet her at the house at which she was
stopping, went up stairs with some of the young ladies, when she
appeared to faint, and lay back against the bed; the usual remedies in
such cases were adopted, but to the great terror of those about her, it
was discovered the vital spark had fled.
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT - On Tuesday morning last, as a barge laden with
stone, was proceeding up the Tamar, she was struck with a sudden gust
of wind and unfortunately filled and sank, through which circumstances
a man named WILLIAM WHEELER, of Helston, was drowned, but his comrade
saved himself by clinging to the mast, which was several feet above the
water.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests were held before JOHN
CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on Monday last:- At Newquay, on the body of T.
VERCOE, aged four months, who was found dead in his cradle by his
mother, last Saturday. It appeared from the evidence of a neighbour
who took the child from its mother, within a few minutes after she had
found it as described, that the body and particularly the bowels were
very much discoloured; and this gave rise to unpleasant reports
affecting the character of the parents; but the jury after hearing the
evidence exonerated them from any criminal charge or neglect, and
returned a verdict in conformity with the testimony of Mr. JORDAN[?],
surgeon, who announced a decided opinion that deceased had died from
disease and subsequent mortification of the bowel.
The following inquest has been held before JOSEPH HAMLEY, Esq.,
coroner:- At Liskeard, on Tuesday, on the body of JANE BEALE, widow,
who was found dead in her bed on Monday evening. Verdict, "died by the
visitation of God."
The following inquest has been held before W. HICHENS, Esq., coroner:-
On Tuesday last, at the White Hart, Ludgvan Church-town, on the body of
Mrs. MARY HOSKING, aged 77 years, relict of the late Mr. FRANCIS
HOSKING, yeoman of Betruvs[?], in the parish of Ludgvan. The deceased
was taken speechless on Sunday evening, and died early on the following
day. Verdict, "died by the visitation of God."
CORNWALL COUNTY COURTS - Bodmin - At this court, on Wednesday the
4th instant, an action between two solicitors was tried, - Mr. G.
HAMLEY v. Mr. BOWEN. The claim was for the recovery of GBP19. 11s.,
being the amount of a two months' bill accepted by the defendant as the
price of a horse. Defendant pleaded an attorney's privilege, but this
being overruled by the Judge, he attempted to make it appear that there
had been unfair dealing. This was rebutted by Mr. PRESTON WALLIS, on
the part of the plaintiff, who had offered to take back the horse at
the price given for him. A verdict was given for the plaintiff for the
amount claimed.
Truro - At this court, on Friday last, there were 54 cases entered for
trial, but the only one demanding notice was that of JOHN FURNISS v.
Sir SAMUEL SPRY, which was tried by jury, and excited great interest.
Mr. HOCKIN appeared for the plaintiff, who is a cutler, &c., at Truro;
and Mr. ROBERTS attended for the defendant. The action was brought to
recover the value of a gun and other apparatus supplied to Sir Samuel
Spry for the use of his servant, SIMON NICHOLLS. It appeared from the
evidence that in December, 1846, a gun and apparatus were bought at Mr.
Furniss's shop, in the Church Lane, Truro, by Nicholls, who represented
to plaintiff that he was ordered to purchase it by Sir Samuel Spry, who
was about to take out a certificate for him to enable him to shoot
game. Shortly after the gun was supplied to Nicholls, a conversation
took place between Mr. THOMAS HICKES, (Sir Samuel Spry's land agent,)
and the plaintiff, in which Mr. Hickes expressed a doubt as to whether
Sir Samuel had desired Nicholls to get the gun. In consequence of this
Mr. Furniss wrote and posted letters addressed to Sir Samuel Spry, at
Tregolls, in January 1847, and again at Lady-day and Midsummer
following, to which no answers were returned; consequently, in the
early part of last spring, plaintiff wrote to Sir Samuel in London, and
inclosed his bill. On this Mr. Hickes was sent to request that the
particulars might be furnished; and ultimately about June or July last,
Mr. Furniss was informed that Sir Samuel Spry disclaimed having given
the order. It appeared that Nicholls and his wife had the care of
Tregolls in Sir Samuel Spry's absence, and it was attempted to be
shown, on the part of the plaintiff, that similar orders given by
Nicholls to other tradesmen had been recognised by Sir Samuel Spry; but
against this evidence a technical objection was raised, and it was held
to be inadmissible. Evidence that Nicholls had occasionally brought
pistols and articles of cutlery to plaintiff's shop to be repaired. It
was also stated that Nicholls had left the country before the plaintiff
was informed that Sir Samuel would not pay the bill; and on the part of
plaintiff it was contended that Sir Samuel Spry was liable on the
ground of the gun having been used in his service from December, 1846
to June 1848, it having been kept in his kitchen at Tregolls. The
defence was, that Sir Samuel Spry had not given Nicholls any authority
to buy the gun; that he had no recollection of having received the
letters written to him by plaintiff, until that written in the spring
of the present year; and that the gun had been taken away by Nicholls
when he left. The Judge (. G. KEKEWICH, Esq.) left it to the jury to
say whether they were of opinion that any implied authority had been
given to Nicholls to order the gun, &c., on Sir Samuel Spry's credit.
The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff for the amount claimed,
GBP7. 8s. The trial lasted about five hours, and excited much
interest, Sir Samuel being examined in his own behalf, as well as his
agent Mr. Hickes.
20 OCTOBER 1848, Friday
CHURCH-RATE RIOT AT ST. AUSTELL - RICHARD WILLIAMS, was indicted for
unlawfully rescuing a certain feather bed and sheet from the possession
of JOHN PERROW, a constable of St. Austell, taken under a distress for
church-rates; a second count charged the prisoner with rescuing from
SAMUEL TREVERTON, another constable; a third count was for a riot; and
fourth count charged the prisoner with obstructing the constables in
the execution of their duty. Mr. SHILSON and Mr. DARKE appeared for
the prosecution; and Mr. STOKES for the defence. Mr. Shilson stated
the case to the jury. The church-rate was made for the parish of St.
Austell, on the 16th of September, 1847, and the defendant, who was a
butcher, in default of payment, was summoned before the magistrates on
the 11th of January following. Mr. Stokes then appeared for him but
was unable to show the justices that there was cause to exempt
defendant from payment; consequently an order was made for payment, the
sum in which defendant was rated being 8s. odd, with 5s. 9d. expenses.
Mr. Shilson then detailed the facts of the case, which will be found in
the following evidence. He also stated the law as bearing on the
different counts in the indictment. The defendant and others, he said,
objected to pay church-rates on the ground that they could not do so
conscientiously; but a man was not to judge of what was legal by his
conscience. How was it that those men whose consciences were so tender
in regard to church-rates were not so tender in regard to violating the
law. Parties objecting to a rate had the double chance of trying its
validity in the ecclesiastical court, or of appealing against it at the
quarter sessions. They had these two alternatives, instead of choosing
to violate the law as the defendant had done. He also called attention
to the state of Ireland and of France, observing that if at any time
there was a necessity of strictly enforcing the law, that time was the
present. He then called the following witnesses:- John Perrow said, I
have been a constable of St. Austell for four or five years. In April
last a distress warrant for church-rates was put into my hands to be
executed; signed by Sir JOSEPH GRAVES SAWLE, a magistrate of the
district. It was put into my hands to execute on Thursday the 20th of
April. I took it to Mr. Williams the defendant. After showing him the
warrant, I asked him if he was willing to pay the sums mentioned in the
order, he said he would not; I then said I must be under the painful
necessity of removing some portion of his goods; he then went up
stairs, or sent somewhere; and a bed-tie tied up in a cotton-sheet, was
afterwards given to me in his presence. I took charge of the goods,
and left a copy of the distress warrant with him; I took the goods to
my house to save expense, asking him if he objected; he said not in the
least. I then caused hand bills to be circulated, advertising the sale
to take place on the 26th of April, in a sale room belonging to Mr.
BRAY, and I employed Mr. EDMUND BROWNE, as Auctioneer. I went to
Bray's room on the 26th April, about five in the evening, having sent
the goods there before. When I came, I found a great many respectable
people collected together; I believe Mrs. Williams was there, and Mr.
Browne being unwell, I removed the goods from the sale room to an
adjoining room to be appraised; thirty or forty people were present. I
did not see any other appraiser there but Mr. Browne; on my way to the
place I asked Mr. HODGE to appraise, but he refused. Mr. Browne
applied to an appraiser called MICHELL, to assist in appraising the
goods, but he also refused; I left the room and again returned, but
could not get an appraiser, Mr. GUMMOW being gone out of town. I went
to the office of the magistrates' Clerk, to state that I could not get
an appraiser; when I returned to the room where the goods were, about
fifty people were there, and a number about, defendant was there; I
heard persons speaking about the matter; I noticed Mr. COPE, the
Independent preacher addressing the people, but I do not know what he
said. I know Mr. PRATT, a Baptist preacher, but did not hear him
speak. I waited some time, and then Mr. Williams asked me if I could
not let him have the property? I said, "no sir, not under any
circumstances; if I err in retaining it, you have your redress." I
then stated I would go and make an inquiry if the appraiser was
returned, and I told defendant I would ask if the goods might be given
up. I left the goods in the custody of Mr. GLANVILLE, a constable. I
had seen TREVERTON the constable, there before. Things were then
uneasy, there was a deal of bustle and talk; there were probably fifty
people present. When I left I thought it necessary to call on several
parties to protect the property in my absence; Mr. Gummow, the present
churchwarden, was one; also Mr. Michell, who had been applied to for
appraising. There was pretty much confusion, and I thought the
property might be rescued. I went to the magistrates' clerk's office,
and was absent an hour at least. I then returned towards the
sale-room. On my way back, as I was going through the street, I saw
Mr. Williams with the tie on his back. He was going towards his own
house; there were not less I think than three hundred people with him
at that time. They were hurrahing. I went towards Mr. Williams, and
put my hand on him, and said, "I must have this property, it cannot be
removed, it must be returned." It was impossible to hear if he made
any reply, the hurrahing was so great. I did not get the bed-tie from
him; I was completely carried away by the crowd of people, till I
turned aside and let them pass. I returned to the sale-room, and found
some of the property remaining there. I again went to the magistrates'
clerk. All Williams's property was removed. I afterwards went to Mr.
Williams's shop, but did not see him. I saw a car in the street before
I went to the shop; it was stopped in the road at Mrs Williams's shop,
I took possession of the tie again; Mrs. Williams was there, but I did
not see Mr. Williams; I took the tie without trouble back to the
sale-room, and on my way there I saw the car. A number of people were
with it, and I believe it to be Mr. Williams's car. There was at the
time plenty of noise and hurrahing, some hundreds of people were in the
street; I did not see whether there were horses in the car, or not. I
returned to the sale-room, and the tie was appraised by two appraisers,
Mr. Browne and Mr. Gummow, and was put up to auction. I saw Mr. REECE
there, he bid for some articles. At the time of the sale, the room was
extremely crowded, I should think two hundred persons were there. I
had reason to believe there were people outside, but did not notice,
there was so much confusion within. The tie was not sold; we sold the
other articles, and then cleared the room; had no particular difficulty
in doing it; cleared the room to lock it up. Mr. Reece was nearly the
last that attempted to go out, he was very much afraid; the people were
hallowing and hissing on him, because he made a bid; he appealed to me
to protect him, and I was under the necessity of locking him up for
self security at his request. I attempted to go away, leaving Mr.
Reece locked in, to make the people think all were gone. The
constables only went a little from the door; the court outside was
greatly crowded; there was plenty of hallooing and hissing, and calling
on Mr. Reece; they said "bring him out, bring him out;" and a boy got
up a ladder, looked into the window, and saw Mr. Reece in the room;
there was then all a hubbub directly, and after consulting with the
other constables, we thought it best to conduct him home. This lasted
about twenty minutes; we went into the room, and Mr. Reece then left
with me and the other constables; there were three constables, but I
also called on several people, and they acted as constables with me. I
called on several people, and they acted as constables with me. I
called on Captain DALLY on the road from the sale room to Mr. Reece's
home; the people were troublesome and standing in our way; I had my
staff out for an hour and a half hanging over my arm. There was a good
deal of pushing, and I called on Mr. Dally, in the Queen's name to
assist me in taking Mr. Reece home; some thing was thrown at Captain
Dally, and he said he was struck; I saw him attempt to seize some one;
there was a plenty of bustle, he was thrown down, and the person got
away.
Cross-Examined by Mr. Stokes - Mr. Reece is rather a little man, and
was greatly alarmed: I got him home safely; Mr. Williams was not there
then, nor when I locked Mr. Reece up, nor when I brought him into the
street. I have known Mr. Williams for twenty-five years; he is a
respectable man, I believe he belongs to the Baptist denomination; he
has lost a number of children, and I heard him say the rites of burial
have been refused to those children. There were not many who came
first that remained in the sale-room after. There was not the
slightest opposition to my having the bed-tie from Mr. Williams's shop.
I know there is a strong feeling among the inhabitants of St. Austell
about the church-rate, it is a new thing in the parish; I have heard
that Mr. Williams had offered to make voluntary contributions towards
the rate. Mr. Reece bid for some candles; they were not Mr.
Williams's. Re-Examined - From the time when the people were first
assembled till after the sale, the people remained collected together;
we went to the sale-room about five o'clock, and put Mr. Reece home
about ten; the people were collected all that time; I did not want to
hear what Mr. COPE said, because I wished to keep out of it. I do not
know that Mr. Williams is a Chartist. I found it impossible to take
the tie away from Mr. Williams in the street, because of the people.
Mr. Stokes, on the part of the defendant, before any further evidence
was called, took an objection to the form of the warrant; it should
have stated (according to Prideaux) within what time the sale should
take place, which should be not less than two days, nor more than four
days from the date. Mr. Shilson replied, and the court, after some
consideration, overruled the objection, Mr. Stokes requesting to have a
minute made of it, as it might have to be mentioned elsewhere.
Samuel Treverton, a constable of St. Austell, was then called, and
corroborated many of the statements of the preceding witness. He also
said, I cried[?] the sale, which took place a little after five. Saw
Mr. Cope, and one or two besides, speaking to the people; I think Mr.
PRATT was there. At one time, when Mr. Perrow was absent, the bed-tie
was left in my care; Mr. Williams was in the room the greater part of
the time; he asked him whose possession the tie was in, and I said in
mine. I had not my staff at first, but had it in the evening. Mr.
Williams said to me he should take the tie away. I said it was in my
possession, and should not be removed; he said he had legal advice and
was determined to remove it. He removed it from the [.....?] to the
table and thinking he was going to take it away, I said, stop a little
till Mr. Perrow comes, if he will let you have it, you may . We waited
about five minutes, and said he should wait no longer. I said you
ought to know better, Mr. Williams, you know what it is to be in my
situation." I alluded to his having been a constable; he said he would
have it; I said I should not allow it to be removed without being moved
with it; he said "Treverton, don't you show any violence to retain the
tie, for I am determined to have it." I said, "I hope you will not
ill-use me;" he said, "if you determine to hold the tie, we certainly
shall." I begged him to let it alone, as it would get him into trouble
and me also. He said, "I will exonerate you, I will be the responsible
man." Then I called a witness, as the crowd was hallooing more and
more, "bring out the tie," "bring out the tie." The crowd were
hurrahing and made a great noise. I did not call on any one to assist,
I called Hart as a witness, who said he would come forward at any time
to say I refused to give up the tie. Williams then put his arm in the
sheet, put the tie on his back, and it was borne out of the room by the
mob: I had other property to protect, and did not follow, but the mob
followed him. I was present when the goods were put up to auction; the
table was once upset by Mr. Michell; the goods were on his table. I
think they would have done Mr. Reece some bodily harm if he had gone
out after the sale; the mob were calling for him at that time, I led
him by the arm to the door; there was one constable on each side, and
Mr. Perrow behind. I had as much as I could do to keep on my legs;
there were a great number of people, but as it was getting dark I could
not see far; they were shouting and hissing; while the bustle took
place with Captain Dally, I put Mr. Reece in.
Cross-Examined - Mr. Williams is a respectable inhabitant of the town;
he told me in the room Mr. Hart would bear witness that I should come
to no damage when he took the tie. I did not help to put the tie on
Mr. Williams's shoulders; I say that in his face. At that time the
room was full of people; some of our respectable inhabitants were not
there then. I did not hear what Mr. Pratt or Mr. Cope said. Mr.
Stokes then addressed the jury for the defendant, stating that his
client, as was confessed by the witnesses for the prosecution, was a
respectable and well conducted man, and not to be compared with
revolutionary or seditious persons, or chartists, as had been intimated
by the advocate for the prosecution. It was true that the law should
be enforced, but justice must also be done between the crown and the
citizen. He then contended that the [.....?] for rioting was
altogether unsupported. He also urged that Mr. Williams thought he was
acting legally, and that he was obeying the dictates of his conscience,
though, of course, consciences must not become unruly, and lead men to
break the law. It was attempted to be shown that Mr. Cope and Mr.
Pratt were inciting the people to break the peace, but he (Mr. Stokes)
thought it might more fairly be inferred that as ministers of the
gospel, they were recommending them to keep the peace. He went on to
remark on the evidence, and contended that neither of the counts in the
indictment had been supported. The Chairman, in summing up remarked on
the evil of respectable, though peaceable persons, at first collecting
together, as on this occasion, and leading to the assembly afterwards
of others who were more inclined to be riotous. He did not think,
however, that the charge of riot was supported. It had been urged by
the defendant's advocate, that defendant had given up the bed tie
quietly after taking it home; but this did not affect the legal
consequences of his so taking it; he might afterwards have seen that he
had done wrong, and from this cause have surrendered it peaceably. The
Jury would have to consider whether the constable Treverton gave up the
tie to the defendant, on account of any fear of the mob, for if so,
although violence was not actually used, the defendant would be guilty
of constructive violence, and of a constructive rescue of the property.
- After about a quarter of an hour's deliberation, the jury returned
the defendant guilty on the second count, for rescuing from Samuel
Treverton, and not guilty on the other counts of the indictment.
On Thursday morning, on the defendant being placed at the bar to
receive sentence. The Chairman then said, RICHARD WILLIAMS, you have
been convicted of rescuing property seized under a magistrate's warrant
for church-rates, and this Court, taking the whole of the circumstances
into consideration, is about to pass on you a sentence which although
lenient, marks their feeling that your offence is a serious one. No
doubt you entertained conscientious objections to the payment of
church-rates, but those as well as other rates, are imposed by the
legislature, and we are placed here not to determine whether
church-rates are right or wrong, but to enforce the law. After
remarking that in this country there were constitutional means of
obtaining the redress of grievances, and speaking of the danger of
acting in the way defendant had done amongst a population like that of
St. Austell, he sentenced the defendant to be imprisoned for Two
Months, to pay a fine to her Majesty of GBP10, or to be further
imprisoned till that be paid, and to be imprisoned among the
misdemeanants of the first division, in order that defendant may be
separated from those with whom, from his situation in life, the Court
would be sorry to see him mixed up. The Court afterwards granted Mr.
Stokes's application. The result is that the defendant is to be
released from custody on bail to appear and surrender in execution
whenever the Court may think fit. Meanwhile points of law are to be
submitted to the Judges of the Superior Courts.
A WARNING TO PARTIES STEALING FROM MINES - In passing sentence on the
prisoners BOSANKO and HARPER, on Thursday morning, severally convicted
of stealing miners' clothes from changing-houses, the Chairman
expressed the determination of the court to punish such robberies
severely henceforth, in order to protect miners who were at work, and
unable to guard their clothes at grass. The jury were discharged on
Wednesday evening, and the prisoners sentenced on Thursday morning.
COUNTY BUSINESS - On the motion of the Rev. WALLIS ROBERTS, seconded
by Capt. KEMPE, it was resolved that the inspector of weights and
measures in No. 1. district, should attend at the Union Workhouse, near
Torpoint, on Tuesday the 12th of December, and such following days as
may be necessary, for examining and stamping weights and measures; that
he should give six days notice of the days appointed, and be allowed a
moiety of the fees as a remuneration for his services, and the expenses
incurred. Mr. TREMAYNE expressed a doubt as to whether the Bench had
power to direct a moiety to be so appropriated. The Chairman remarked
that if the Bench had not the power, they might give an equivalent.
The Rev. T. PASCOE then gave notice that at the next sessions he should
move that St. Michael's Mount be assessed to the County rate, the Act
of Parliament giving the power of including extra-parochial places.
HELSTON - On Monday last, Mr. T. H. A. ROSKRUGE was elected coroner
for this borough.
LAUNCH - On Friday last, a beautiful new schooner called the "Agnes,"
12 years, A. 1., 192 tons register, O.M., 183, N.M. was launched from
the building yard of Mr. THOMAS EDWARDS, at Scilly, who has launched
several fine vessels during the last three years. This fine schooner
is intended for the Constantinople trade. She is the property of Mr.
F. BANFIELD, jun., Mr. W. M. HOSKIN, the builder, and the master, Capt.
TRISTRAM. After the launch a substantial supper of good old English
cheer was given to the tradesmen who had worked on the vessel, to the
number of about sixty.
COLLISION AT SEA - On Monday night last, the sloop "Quatre Freres,"
TAILLEBOIS, master, of and from Brest for Swansea, in ballast, was run
into by a steamer, which carried away part of her stern, and knocked
the captain overboard, who was drowned. The Longships at the time was
bearing E. N. E. about four miles.
COUNTY COURT - Redruth - GEORGE ADAMS was ordered to be committed for
forty days to Bodmin prison, for having obtained drapery goods from Mr.
RICHARD RODDA under false pretences, he having signed an agreement that
Mr. Rodda should receive the rents from houses which he said were his
own property. After one payment had been made, orders were given
[........?] not to pay any more rent to Mr. Rodda. Adams stated on
oath that the houses were not his, and denied that he ever signed any
such agreement, he said the houses were the property of his father.
The debt contracted for goods was about GBP5.
JANE ODGER, sued JOSEPH ODGER, late brewer, for dilapidations in
premises he held by lease from the plaintiff, at the yearly rent of
GBP3, called the Tretheague Brewery. Mr. RICHARDS, builder proved that
it would cost upwards of GBP50 to repair the premises, whilst another
witness, named NEWTON, swore that GBP10 would build a better premises
than he had ever known there, and he had known it more than twenty
years. The excess of damages was abandoned, and a judgment obtained
against Joseph Odger for GBP30, which will carry the costs of the
proceedings of the court.
THIMBLE-RIGGING AT ST. AUSTELL - Mr. BENNETT OPIE, of the Globe
Hotel, has written requesting us to contradict the statement that the
thimble-rigging, which we reported last week, occurred in the yard
behind his house.
FALMOUTH POLICE - On Tuesday last, Capt. JOHN WALDRON of the
"Alexander Cochrane," bound for Trieste was brought before J. B. COX,
Esq., and JOHN HILL, Esq., charged with having withheld the register
tickets and discharges of three seamen contrary to the "New Act for
Seamen." From the evidence it appeared that the men had been paid
their wages on board on the previous day, but that the Captain refused
to give them their tickets or discharge, and that they had thus been
prevented from going home the day before by the steamer. The Captain
said he admitted paying the seamen but it was on condition the three he
had engaged to supply their place on Saturday, should come off. The
magistrates however rejected the plea, and Capt. Waldron then entered
into a compromise of GBP4 each for the three seamen and the costs.
CHILD DROPPING - On Sunday morning last, a person named BENNETTS,
residing at Greensplat, in the parish of Perranarworthal, being awoke
by the cries of a child, she immediately called her husband, who went
down stirs, and on opening the front door found a newly-born female
child suspended in a basket at the door. The child was removed to the
Falmouth union-house on Tuesday, but as yet no clue has been obtained
to the mother.
STABBING - On Friday night last, about twelve o'clock. some drunken
sailors were quarrelling near the town quay, Falmouth. FREDERICK
BURGESS, a seaman belonging to the brig "Annette Gilbert," was fighting
with another man, when, when THOMAS KIRKHAM, who was standing by
attempted to part them. Burgess's opponent it appears slipped away,
when the latter made a furious stab at Kirkham, with an open knife,
which entered the bottom of the abdomen, cutting through the shirt,
&c., and entering the bowels. Medical assistance was immediately
procured, but Kirkham still lies in a dangerous state. On Saturday the
prisoner was brought up for examination and remanded, and on Monday he
was committed, by G. C. FOX, Esq., for trial at the assizes at Bodmin.
MAN DROWNED - On Wednesday night the 11th last, about eleven o'clock,
a seaman named EDWARD SWINDON, was drowned in Falmouth harbour, and
from report abroad, the Magistrates issued a warrant against the master
of the brig "Garland," FREDERICK ROGLE [?] He appeared before J. B.
COX, mayor, and JOHN HILL, Esq., on Friday the 13th inst. GEORGE
WILLOUGHBY, apprentice on board the brig, stated that he and the
deceased, who was steward of the vessel, put off in a boat for their
ship, on the night of Wednesday, in company with the Captain. When
they got about twelve or thirteen lengths from the ship the steward
said the Captain was not steering right and laid on his oar. Swindon
then attempted to strike the Captain and fell overboard. He afterwards
rose about two boat's lengths off, three oars were thrown to him and
the Captain jumped over to push one of the oars to him, but he sank in
about two minutes. Deceased was drunk at the time. The statement of
the Captain was similar to that of Willoughby. The Magistrates said it
was a most unaccountable thing that a seaman should fall over a boat
with two other persons in it and not going through the water, yet that
they should not pick him up nor make any alarm till the next morning,
but as the body was not found and there was no other person saw the act
they could do no more in it at present. Mr. BANFIELD, solicitor for
the Captain, said his client had deposed to the facts to exonerate
himself from blame, as it was purely accidental.
ACCIDENT - A few days ago a son of Mr. JAMES SYMONS, of Penhale, in
Breage while attending to a flour mill on the premises had his clothes
drawn round a spindle and himself whirled round at a rapid speed; in
consequence of which he sustained a broken thigh and had a narrow
escape of his life.
On Monday night last as the Tally-Ho coach was proceeding from St.
Blazey to St. Austell, when near St. Blazey gate, a man named ALLEN,
living at Biscovey, ran against the leaders and was knocked down and
before the coachman was enabled to pull-up the wheels passed over the
poor fellows left leg and broke it. Not the slighted blame was
attachable to the driver who at the time was proceeding at
comparatively a slow pace.
ACCIDENT WITH GUNPOWDER - On Thursday night the 12th instant, there
being a fair at Redruth, a boy named EDWARD HARRIS, was dreadfully
burned with powder when a bag of powder which was in his side coat
pocket appears to have exploded, and he was lifted up by the explosion.
His clothes were enveloped in flames and his arms, neck and face most
seriously injured.
FATAL MINE ACCIDENT - On Saturday morning last about five o'clock, a
man called BENNETT PRYOR, was at work in the shaft at the forty fathom
level in Wheal Trumpet Consols mine, when by stepping on a rotten piece
of wood it gave way, and he was precipitated to a depth of ten fathoms,
he was taken up in a senseless state, but lingered until the following
Wednesday; he has left a wife and six children to mourn his loss.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held by GILBERT
HAMLEY, Esq., at St. Issey, on the body of ELIZABETH HAWKEY, aged 59.
During the forenoon of the preceding day, a woman called GILL was in
the deceased's house with her, and deceased was, as she had been for
some time previous, in a very low desponding state. About three
o'clock, deceased went upstairs for the purpose, as she said, of having
a nap, and the witness Gill went to her own house adjoining, and on her
return in about twenty minutes, found that the deceased was not in her
room, and that her bed had not been disturbed. Fearing that something
had happened, she sent for a man called VIVIAN, who searched the house,
and in a lumber-room up-stairs found deceased hanging from a beam. The
rope was a new one, apparently procured for the purpose. She had long
been in an apparently unsound state of mind, and had several times
before attempted suicide, and only three weeks before was rescued from
a well, thirty feet deep, into which she had thrown herself. It
appeared probable that her mind had been affected by the conduct of
some of her near relations; she also appeared to be continually fearful
that her soul would not be saved. The jury regretted that her
husband's circumstances were not such as to allow of his having the
poor woman constantly watched; it appeared that, at most times, some
person was with her. Verdict, "temporary insanity."
On Wednesday last, an inquest was held in the parish of St. Agnes,
before JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body of JOHN STEPHENS, a
miner, aged 23 years, who died last Tuesday from injuries he received
the day before by a hole going off about him, whilst he was tamping
down a charge in Tywarnhayle Mine. - Verdict "accidental death."
TRIALS OF PRISONERS - MARY ANN HARRIS, 32, was charged with stealing
forty pounds weight of potatoes, and a guano-bag, the property of
JOSEPH ROBERTS. The prosecutor is a farmer at Nance, in the parish of
St. Clement. In consequence of information, he lay in wait in a
potatoe-field on his estate, on the evening of the 23rd of September.
He then saw the prisoner, who had been employed there during the day
drawing potatoes, come into the field, and take up some in a bag, which
she was carrying away when he stopped her. The bag also belonged to
prosecutor, who said he had missed seven or eight since he had employed
the prisoner. Verdict, Guilty - Three Months' Hard Labour.
ESTHER UREN was charged with stealing, on the 8th of September, three
sheaves of oats, the property of RICHARD TRATHAN. The prosecutor has
some fields at Tredinnick, in the parish of Gulval, whence the sheaves
were stolen, and traced to an outhouse a short distance from the
prisoner's residence. Being accused of the robbery, she confessed it,
saying she would as soon go to Bodmin as not; she wished herself dead
every day. She received a good character from Mr. MILDER, a farmer of
Sancreed. Guilty, but recommended to mercy by the jury. - Fourteen
Days' Hard Labour.
MARY DAWE, 29, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 3rd of September, a
pint of beer and a half-pint of gin, the property of WILLIAM BURGESS,
of Trengove, in Illogan. A second indictment charged her with stealing
three bottles of wine from the same prosecutor. Verdict, Guilty. Mr.
ROSCORLA, on behalf of the prosecutor, stated that the prisoner had
previously borne a good character. - Three Months' Hard Labour.
JOHN BOSANKO, 21, was indicted for stealing a shirt, at the parish of
Camborne, the property of JOHN THOMAS. On the 26th of July, the
prosecutor, who worked at North Roskear, placed his shirt and trowsers
in the boiler-house, and missed them on the next morning. From
information received, he afterwards went to Copper bottom mine, in
Crowan, where he found the missing shirt in the prisoner's chest. On
the evening of the robbery prisoner was seen coming from the direction
of North Roskear mine. Guilty - There was another indictment against
the prisoner for stealing prosecutor's trowsers, but the case was not
entered into. - Four Months' Hard Labour.
JOHN JEWELL, 15, was found Guilty of stealing, on the 7th of October,
at the parish of Broadoak, a cotton coat, the property of PETER DAVEY.
- One Month's Hard Labour.
SUSAN CLYMO, 50, was charged with stealing a cloth cap and pair of
boots, the property of ELIZABETH CARBIS. The prosecutrix keeps a
second-hand clothes-shop at Redruth, whence the articles were stolen on
the 19th of September last. Guilty - Three Months' Hard Labour.
JOHN PENHALL, 15, was convicted of stealing an iron ploughshare, on the
2nd of October, the property of CHARLES HAWKE, a farmer of Gwennap. -
Fourteen Days' Hard Labour.
JOHN BATH, 31, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 5th of September, at
Torpoint, a blanket, the property of JOHN WILLS. - Three Months' Hard
Labour.
JOSEPH HARPER, 23, was charged with stealing a pair of trowsers and
pair of drawers, belonging to JOSEPH WARMINGTON. The prosecutor's name
was laid as "WARRINGTON," which error was fatal to the indictment, and
the Court directed an Acquittal, but as the grand jury was not
discharged, the accused was detained in custody.
JAMES HING[?], 21, WAS FOUND Guilty of stealing, on the 9th of October,
at the parish of Pelynt, a silk handkerchief, belonging to GRACE PHILP.
- Three Months' Hard Labour.
NO BILLS - The following bills were ignored by the grand jury:-
against LOUISA BAZELEY for stealing money at Bodmin, from the person of
RICHARD FOWLER; against SAMUEL PHILLIPPS, for stealing onions from
JOHN WILLS, of St. Breock; against RICHARD RICHARDS, for stealing
lead ore from Wheal Rose Mine.
Wednesday, October 18 - JOHN THOMAS, was charged with stealing
thirteen bottles of porter, and thirteen bottles, the property of
SAMUEL WADE, his master. The prosecutor is a spirit and porter
merchant at Truro, and had the lad in his employ for six months before
the robbery. In August last, prosecutor missed from thirty to forty
dozen of porter. He made search, and on the 24th of August discovered
two bottles containing porter concealed in an empty jar-house. He
delivered these bottles to WOOLCOCK, a policeman, who searched the
house of MARY HARRIS, which the lad was in the habit of frequenting.
The policeman found there, under the bed, eleven bottles of porter,
which Mary Harris told Mrs. WADE, prosecutor's wife, she had from John
Thomas, the prisoner, but the latter said he only gave her two.
Prisoner's confession before the magistrates was that he had taken two
bottles of porter, which he drank, and he gave two other bottles to
Mary Harris. She told him she had had porter from the last boy who was
with Mr. Wade; and she told him that the key of the stable would unlock
the porter stores, by which means he gained admittance. Verdict,
Guilty - Six Months' Hard Labour.
MARY HARRIS, 38, was charged with having feloniously received eleven
bottles of porter, the property of SAMUEL WADE, she knowing them to
have been stolen. The evidence was about the same as that in the
previous case. Mr. and Mrs. Wade and policeman WOOLCOCK were examined.
Captain KEMPE, at whose residence the prisoner had formerly worked,
gave her a good character. - Guilty - Six Months' Hard Labour.
JOHN GILES, 66, was charged with stealing twenty geese, the property of
JOHN RETALLICK, farmer, of Roche. On the 16th of August prosecutor had
a flock of twenty-eight geese, and by the next morning twenty-four of
them were missing. Seventeen geese were afterwards sold by the
prisoner to a person called WERRY, of St. Austell, who disposed of them
to other parties, and one of the geese so sold, though amidst a flock
of fifty, was subsequently identified by the prosecutor's son. Guilty
- Nine Months' Hard Labour, including One Month's Solitary Confinement.
JOHN NORTHCOTT, 13, STEPHEN SYMONS, 14, CHARLES SYMONS, 12, and THOMAS
SYMONS, 9, were indicted for feloniously breaking and entering the
dwelling-house of MATTHEW ROBERTS in the parish of Kenwyn, and with
stealing therefrom a loaf of bread, part of another loaf, a piece of
cake, 3lbs. of beef and mutton, a half pound of butter, and two pieces
of leather. Mr. HOCKIN for the prosecution and Mr. BENNALLACK for the
defence. On Sunday, the 8th of October, prosecutor left his house at
ten in the morning with the doors closed and the windows fastened.
When he returned in the evening, he found that the window had been
broken, the house entered, and the articles above-mentioned stolen.
During the prosecutor's absence on the day of the robbery, the
prisoners were seen by WILLIAM BARRETT near the prosecutor's house, and
they were also seen by MARK BARRETT about a quarter of a mile from the
place eating. They ran away, leaving a loaf of bread behind them and a
waistcoat. They were also seen to throw a piece of meat into a field.
Prosecutor identified the loaf they left behind them. Verdict, Guilty
of Simple Larceny. - To Be Each Whipped And Discharged.
WILLIAM HAWKING, 27, was indicted for breaking and entering the
dwelling-house of JOSEPH PARKIN, in the parish of St. Dominic, and for
stealing therefrom a purse and money amounting to GBP5. The robbery
was committed on Sunday the 24th of September, whilst the prosecutor
and his family were at chapel. The prisoner was seen near the house
about the time the robbery must have been committed, and he had
afterwards money in his possession, for which he gave reasons which
turned out to be untrue. He was stated by a witness to have had
scarcely any money previously to the time of the robbery. Verdict,
Guilty of breaking and entering, and stealing. Twelve Months' Hard
Labour.
HENRY COCKING was charged with stealing a pair of gloves and two
child's toys, the property of HENRY THOMAS, of Budock. Under a late
act of parliament, the prisoner was also charged in the same indictment
with receiving the same, knowing the articles to have been stolen. It
appeared that the property had been out of the prosecutor's possession
a considerable time, and with regard to receiving there was evidence
that seven lodgers were in prosecutor's house at the time. The Court
therefore directed an Acquittal.
CHARLOTTE MORRISON, was charged with stealing 3s. 4d. from the person
of RICHARD MASTERS, a labourer of St. Tudy. Prosecutor went to bed at
a lodging-house at Bodmin, and in the course of the night the robbery
was committed. The Chairman remarked that this was one of those
melancholy instances of parties at Lodging-houses sleeping all in the
same room, a course discreditable to the people of the house as well as
to themselves. Guilty - Two Months' Hard Labour.
JOSEPH HARPER, 23, was indicted for stealing, on the 5th of October, a
pair of drawers and pair of trowsers, the property of JOSEPH
WARMINGTON, a miner working at Lostwithiel Consols. The articles were
stolen from the boiler house, and afterwards found in the prisoner's
possession at the Ship Inn, Padstow, where he was apprehended.
Prisoner had worked at the mine, and was seen there on the evening when
the robbery was committed. Guilty - Four Months' Hard Labour.
SUSAN HARRIS, 22, was charged with stealing GBP2. 4s. 6d., from the
person of RICHARD JULIFF, of Ladock, Labourer. On the 17th of
September, prosecutor was at St. Columb, where he went into prisoner's
house, fell asleep, and had his money stolen. Verdict, Guilty of
stealing from the person. - Three Months' Hard Labour.
GEORGE BREWER, 38 was convicted of stealing on the 1st of August, at
the parish of Liskeard, a cloth cap, belonging to GEORGE BROAD, servant
to Mr. MOON. - Fourteen Days' Hard Labour.
27 OCTOBER 1848, Friday
CORNWALL MICHAELMAS SESSIONS � Thursday, Oct. 19. � LEWIS BICE, who had
been held to bail for a breach of the peace towards his wife, was
placed at the bar, but as the wife did not appear, he was cautioned by
the Chairman as to his future conduct, and then discharged. Mr.
TREMAYNE told the prisoner he had been hitherto treated with lenity,
but if again brought before the bench, his offence would be visited
with a severe sentence.
ALL PERSONS having any claims or demands on Mr. SAMUEL HIGGS, late of
Trentinney, in the parish of St. Kew, deceased, are requested to
transmit particulars thereof to
Mr. EDMUND HAMBLY, Solicitor,
Wadebridge, on or before the 9th day of November next, in order that
the same may be examined by the Executors. And all persons indebted to
the said Mr. Higgs are desired to pay their respective debts at the
office of the said Mr. Hamley. Dated October 24th, 1848.
NOTICE - All persons having any claim on or being indebted to the
Estate of Mr. WM. HIGMAN, of St. Austell, Cabinet Maker, are hereby
requested to forthwith send the particulars of their claims, or pay the
amount of their debts to Mr. EDMUND CARLYON, St. Austell, Solicitor to
the Assignees of the said Estate. Dated St. Austell, October 20, 1848.
EARLY CLOSING - Some of the drapers of Truro, feeling convinced that
late hours of labour are prejudicial to the health, as well to the
mental and moral improvement of their assistants and apprentices,
resolved on closing their establishments at seven o'clock in the
evening during the ensuing winter. The other drapers in the town, on
being spoken to, signed their names to an agreement to the same effect,
with the exception of one, through whose refusal and opposition, others
have since withdrawn their assent, but four of the principal
establishments in the town still abide by the arrangement.
THE NAVY - Lieutenant E. J. BEDFORD, brother of the Messrs. BEDFORD,
of Penzance, and first-lieutenant of her Majesty's yacht "Victoria and
Albert," has been promoted to the rank of commander. Master P.
WELLINGTON has been appointed to the "Caledonia."
EMIGRATION - Several persons left St. Ives on Wednesday last to
embark at Plymouth for Australia. The barque "Victoria," MARTIN,
master, which left St. Ives on the 14th of August, with emigrants,
arrived at Quebec on the 27th ultimo, all well. Accounts have been
received at Falmouth of the arrival at Quebec of the "Roslin Castle,"
on the 2nd of October, all well, both crew and passengers. The friends
of those emigrants who sailed in the Barque "Marchioness of Abercorn,"
from Padstow, will be glad to hear of the 0sale arrival of that ship at
Quebec on the 5th instant. A memorial was presented to captain KEY,
the Master, signed by all the passengers on board, thanking him for his
attention, kindness, and urbanity during the voyage.
SHAMEFUL ABANDONMENT OF A VESSEL BY HER CREW - The schooner
"Eclipse," of St. Ives, Capt. HUMPHRY FRY, was forced by the late
easterly gales to put into St. Michael's Mount, on her voyage with 180
tons of coal from Cardiff, for Southampton. At two o'clock on Monday
afternoon, she again got under weigh and proceeded for Southampton,
with the wind south-west and moderate. About seven o'clock in the
evening, the Lizard, bearing E. S. E., about three leagues distant, in
a 0scud [?] of a sea, the bowsprit was carried away by which also, the
fore-topmast was broken short off. The captain immediately called on
the crew to assist in repairing the foremast, but they all refused, on
which he went aloft himself, and got a hawser from the mast-head to the
windlass. The crew, with the mate as the ringleader, then went below,
packed up their clothes, sent them on deck, unshipped and hove
overboard the lee gangway bulwark and rail, got out the boat, and in
spite of all the captain could do or say, they in the most cowardly and
scandalous manner abandoned the ship, leaving the master on board by
himself. They even refused to assist in making the ship 0snug, or even
in getting the anchor over the
gunwale. About half-past eleven at
night, they reached Penzance pier, and then united in giving a false
account of the position in which they had left the vessel. In the
meanwhile, the captain finding himself thus deserted and alone, had
enough to do, first to take in and secure the foremast, then to make
the sails fast, and then by great exertion, to get the anchor over the
side. The hardest work of all was to get ninety fathoms of one-inch
chain, between two and three tons weight, up from below, and range it
on deck, after accomplishing which, he let go the anchor and succeeded
in bringing the vessel up in thirty-five fathoms of water, veering out
all the chain, and 0making the bare end fast round the foremast. By
this time the water was high up in the cabin, in consequence of the
loss of the mid-ship bulwarks, which the crew had thrown overboard, so
that the captain had some hours work at the pump before he could free
the vessel from water. Having done all that was possible for the
safety of the vessel, he then searched for the lantern, which the crew
had stowed away in the forecastle, and having found it, he hoisted a
light in the hope of assistance. As soon as intelligence reached
Penzance, about midnight, two pilot cutters, the "Garnett" and
"Guerilla" were dispatched to endeavour to fall in with the "Eclipse,"
but owing to the false information given by her dastardly crew, it was
nearly eight o'clock in the morning before they found her at anchor,
about two leagues N.W. of the Lizard. The chain was then slipped, and
the vessel being taken in tow by one of the cutters, was safely brought
into the pier of Penzance at about one o'clock very deservedly greeted
by the cheers of a multitude assembled on the pier-head to welcome him.
He states that there would have been no difficulty whatever in getting
round the Lizard, or in coming to a safe anchorage in the roads, if his
crew had not behaved in such an infamous manner. The names of the crew
are SAMUEL JENKIN, of Aberporth, Cardigan, No. 106,719; JOHN JENKIN, of
the same place, No. 133, 65s[?], JAMES THOMAS, of Llangranog, Cardigan,
No. 85,406; JOHN WEBB, of Farcet, in Hants, No. 343,078, and an
apprentice boy GEORGE ANTONY.
EXETER COURT OF BANKRUPTCY - At this Court on Wednesday last, RICHARD
MOYLE, ironmonger, grocer, &c., of Penryn and Redruth, passed his last
examination without opposition.
FALMOUTH PETTY SESSIONS - On Tuesday last, Mr. CHARLES ALEXANDER
WILLIAMS, pleaded guilty to an information of an officer of H.M.
Customs, of having concealed at his stores upwards of six cwt. of raw
coffee, by which he rendered himself liable to a penalty not exceeding
GBP80. The magistrates remitted the fine to GBP20, which 0was
immediately paid.
On the same day, JOHN TRERISE, a van-driver, was summoned at the
complaint of Mr. THOMAS HARVEY ,for cruelty to his horse. Mr. Harvey
deposed, that one day last week he saw Trerise beating his horse most
unmercifully about the head and shoulders, whilst drawing a load up
High-street. Many respectable inhabitants observed the brutality of
the defendant, and were loud in their condemnation of his conduct. In
reply to the magistrates, who asked what he had to say to the charge,
Trerise stated that all Mr. Harvey had said was false. He had two
horses drawing the van, which only had a sixteen cwt. load, and the
wheel having got into the gutter, he was obliged to whip his horse to
get it out,
but only as any other person would do. After a pause,
defendant continued, "Mr. Harvey, gentlemen, would reward me evil for
good. Some years ago, when he had the scrapings of the streets, he put
an old horse to take it away that could not pull two barrows' full, and
many times I have put on my horse to help him up the new-roads." The
magistrates, however, fined defendant 3s. and costs, which, upon the
application of Mr. Harvey, they reduced to 8s. or seven days'
imprisonment.
Mr. JAMES EARLE, and Mr. C. W. CHARD, surveyors of the town, then
appeared to answer the complaint of Mr. GEORGE JULYAN, one of the
sergeants of mace for the borough,
that they had permitted a portion
of Killigrew Street and High Street to go out of repair." The
informant stated that he had made the charge at the request of one of
the magistrates; he said that on the 9th and 10th day of the present
month, the streets were in a muddy and dirty state, and he had drawn
the attention of the way-wardens to the same. Mr. JAMES CORNISH, one
of the bench, in corroboration of the testimony of Mr. Julyan, said he
had himself on a Saturday sent to Mr. Chard to give his attention to
the matter when he sent back the message "that his business was of more
consideration to him than looking after the streets of the town." Mr.
Chard replied that on that very morning he had been in the locality
referred to by Mr. Cornish, from half-past six to half-past ten, surely
[as]? much time to be there devoted as the town could expect from a
gratuitous officer. Mr. James Earle, the senior surveyor, then put
several questions to the informant, relating to the condition of the
streets previous to the laying of the water pipes, the time, which,
from his own personal observation, the surveyors had given to the
service of the town, and the difficulty of procuring a copy of the act
of Parliament by which Mr. Harvey opened the streets, whereby they
might have known the extent of the company's powers and their
liabilities; all of which inquiries Mr. Julyan answered in favour of
the surveyors. Mr. Earle further observed that both he and his
colleague had been unceasing in their attention to the duties of their
office; they had constructed a new sewer at the market Strand, which
involved a considerable outlay of money, and required at one time the
labour of upwards of twenty men, which was rendered necessary by the
water company cutting directly across the old one. In other cases, the
water works had considerably increased the duties of the surveyors, and
had also put the town to a great expense. The town was, moreover, in a
very depressed state, and it was with great difficulty the collector
could obtain the way-rate; indeed, he found it impossible to collect
sufficient to meet the expenses of the town, and the surveyors had
consequently been compelled to advance from GBP15 to GBP20 of their own
money, to meet the current charges. In all cases, and at all times,
they had done their duty to the best of their ability, and the present
proceedings against them seemed very like as if they were for some
reason or other to be victimized. A desultory conversation followed,
between the magistrates and other parties, all of whom expressed the
opinion that it was the duty of Mr. Harvey to show the authorities a
copy of his act. Mr. Harvey made a few remarks, principally
reflections on the surveyors, and instances as an evidence of their
utter inattention to the interests of the town, the fact that0one of
the guardians for the town had informed him that although several
efforts had been made to co-operate with the way-wardens to obtain a
labour-test in some shape for pauper applicants, they had invariably
met it with a refusal replying that they had men sufficient of their
own. Mr. Chard replied that either Mr. Harvey or his informant had
stated an untruth. On no occasion since he had held office, had he
refused to give employment under such circumstances; every case had
been attended to according to the suggestion of the relieving officer
for the union. Mr. SKINNER, the assistant overseer, supported Mr.
Chard's statement; and after a short deliberation the bench dismissed
the case, recommending the surveyors to do all in their power to meet
the public convenience.
STEALING BEES - On Monday night, some thieves stole from the garden
of Mr. WILLIAM HOCKING, at Calenick, near Truro, three stocks of bees,
which they destroyed on the spot. The garden adjoins the
dwelling-house, but the inmates did not hear any noise during the
night. It is pretty evident that there was more than one party engaged
in the theft. The police have taken the matter in hand, but, there
appears to be little chance of detecting the delinquents. A gang of
thieves infests the neighbourhood of Truro, and to the facilities
afforded for the disposal of plunder,
may be attributed the frequency
of robberies.
COMMITTAL - A dealer in rags, in the neighbourhood of Stratton,
called TREBILCOCK, was committed to Bodmin goal, on Tuesday last, to
take his trial at the sessions, for stealing three donkeys.
DREADFUL ACCIDENT AT PADSTOW - On Saturday last, about four o'clock
in the afternoon, a little boy about five years old, son of Mr. JOHN
GEACH, a roper at Padstow, was playing with a pop-gun in his father's
rope walk, when by some means he fell into a furnace of boiling tar.
His screams soon brought his father and others to his assistance, when
he was taken out, but so dreadfully scalded, that he died after twelve
hours' suffering. An inquest was held on Monday before J. HAMLEY, Esq.
coroner, when the evidence went to show that the case of death was
purely accidental, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before
JOHN CARLYON, Esq., Coroner:- On Tuesday morning last, the body of a
man supposed to be that of EDWARD SWINDON, the steward of the brig
"Garland," who was drowned in Falmouth harbour on the 11th instant,
under the circumstances mentioned in our paper of last week, was found
floating off Penhallow point between that and the packets' buoys, by a
person called JOHN PASCOE, who was in his dredging boat at the time.
He attached a
rope to the body and towed it in to Mylor quay,
where it
was landed and deposited in the belfry, to await the coroner's inquest,
which was held in the afternoon of the same day, but the body was in
such an advanced stage of decomposition, that it was impossible to
identify it, and the jury returned a verdict of "found drowned." The
deceased had on a pair of barracan trowsers, web braces, a dark check
shirt and neckerchief, and a pair of Wellington boots nearly new, with
no coat or waistcoat.
An inquest was held, on Wednesday, at Tintagel, by J. HAMLEY, Esq., on
an infant six weeks old, which on its mother waking in the morning, was
found dead by her side, having been quite well the previous night.
Verdict, "found dead."
On the 19th inst., an inquest was held before GILBERT HAMLEY, Esq., in
the parish of Lanteglos by Fowey, on the body of a little boy called
JOHN MARTIN, who was the son of a miller, and whilst playing in the
upper story of the mill-house fell on one of the wheels and was
instantly crushed to death. His father who was in the next floor head
him cry "father" as he was falling, but before he could get to him his
clothes became entangled in the wheel, and his head coming in contact
with a large board, he was in an instant killed. - Verdict
"accidental death."
On the 20th inst., an inquest was held before the same Coroner at
Torpoint on view of the body of a child called HENRY JAMES LEVCOCK. It
appeared that some children were playing near the quay, and the
deceased threw some stones at a wooden horse on the beach belonging to
a child called ELWINS � the latter pushed him off the quay, and he died
from the injuries he received. Both children were under six years of
age. Verdict "died from injury of the spine caused by falling over the
quay."
THE CHOLERA - To the Editor of the West Briton. Sir, - Now that the
long talked of and much dreaded cholera has reached our shores, it
behoves all who can do so to communicate any fact which may tend to the
more effectual combating of the pestilence; and, it is with this view I
venture to address this letter to you hoping it may be of some service
to my non-professional brethren; if my style be considered too
didactic, it will at least have the merit of not occupying too much of
your valuable space. The cholera is not infectious; it is epidemic;
that is to say, it exists as a subtle poison in the air. There are two
circumstances required for the propagation of the disease. That the
poison exist. That the body is susceptible to its influence.
Our antidotes must therefore be directed in two courses both equally
distinct � both equally important. The address of the Board of Health
gives excellent directions how to proceed; and among other means
recommends fumigation with chlorine gas. This chlorine gas may be
procured in several ways, but the best for the purpose of fumigation
are (i) By pouring muriatic acid (spirits of salt) on chloride of lime;
- this is a very ready method of procuring the gas, but more expensive
than the following:- (ii) Let one part of common table salt be
intimately mixed with one part of the black (binoxide) oxide of
manganese; then placed in a shallow earthen pan, and two parts of oil
of vitriol, previously diluted with two parts by measure of water,
poured over it and the whole stirred with a stick, care being taken
while doing so, that too much of the gas be not inhaled or inflammation
of the air passages may result. The foregoing is the plan of Dr.
FARADAY, and by it the gas is obtained at a cheap rate and in large
quantity. With respect to means which are to prevent the development
of a susceptibility to the poison; among others, I should place great
reliance on dry clothes and daily frictions over the whole body with a
flesh brush or rough towel.
I was not a little astonished to observe in the publication of the
Board of Health, a recommendation to apply, over the abdomen during the
spasmodic stage a poultice concocted of mustard and vinegar. Now
although the application of a mustard poultice is a very excellent
thing, the application of a 0poultice of mustard and vinegar is a very
silly
one. For vinegar prevents the development of the volatile oil of
mustard which is the active and irritating part. The experiments of
M.M. Froupean and Pidoux proved that a mustard poultice prepared with
mustard-flour and boiling water produced as much effect in six minutes
as one made of mustard and vinegar did in fifty. Where a poultice
prepared of vinegar and mustard produces a speedy effect it is to be
attributed not to the active part of the mustard, but, to the cayenne
pepper with which it is adulterated. But that which is to be preferred
even to the pure mustard poultice both for cleanliness and certainty of
effect, is, "the turpentine epithem," which is to be prepared in the
following simple manner.
Take a cloth, (woollen is to be preferred) dip it into boiling water,
wring it moderately dry and then sprinkle over one of its surfaces an
ounce of oil of turpentine, then, immediately apply this to the
abdomen, the side of the cloth covered by the turpentine being next the
skin. The epithem may be allowed to remain until the patient can bear
it no longer, which will probably be in about twenty minutes; and when
removed, the smarting pain, which it has produced, may be relieved by
bathing the parts with warm water. If neither turpentine nor mustard
can be procured use a poultice of onion, garlic, or horseradish.
The importance of my
subject has led me on to a greater length than
I
at first intended, but the cause of my prolixity is my excuse. I
remain, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. VACY LYLE, Surgeon. Launceston,
October 16, 1848.
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