cornwall england newspaper
1849 NEWS
JANUARY
5 January 1849, Friday
TRIALS OF PRISONERS - WILLIAM WORTH, 21, and JOHN COCK, 17, were
charged with stealing on the 29th of November, from the shop of WILLIAM
CLEMES, at St. Austell, two caps, the property of Mr. Clemes. The
parties went into the shop under pretence of purchasing caps. After
they left suspicion was excited, they were followed, and subsequently
apprehended. Each of the prisoners was found Guilty.
EDWARD TYACKE, of Ludgvan, was committed for stealing a sow pig, the
property of RICHARD VINICOMBE HOSKEN, but failing to appear, his
recognizances were forfeited. Also the recognizances of his sureties,
RICHARD WARREN, of Gulval, and WILLIAM SAMPSON, of Crowan.
WILLIAM TRUDGIAN, 31, and JOHN RUNDLE, 35, were charged with stealing
on the 4th of November, at St. Austell, two working-irons, an instep
leather, a knife, three lasts, a pair of soles, two pairs of boots, and
other articles, the property of WILLIAM VERCOE, shoemaker. Mr. SHILSON
conducted the prosecution. On the night of the 4th of November, the
shop was closed, and on the following morning, one of the apprentices
on going there found the door open, some person having entered and
taken various articles. On the 27th of December, the houses of the two
prisoners were searched under a search-warrant, and in each of their
houses a portion of the missing property was found. Both prisoners
were found Guilty.
JOANNA SYMONS, 46, was charged with stealing a fowl, on the 24th of
October, the property of JOHN RADDALL, a farmer of Lezant. Guilty, but
recommended to mercy.
GEORGE UREN, 15, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 5th of December, at
Tywardreath, the sum of 1s. 9d., the property of JOSEPH GILL. He also
confessed that he had been convicted for felony in 1847.
GEORGE HODGE and RICHARD VINCENT, were charged with stealing a quantity
of candles, the property of SAMUEL GOODMAN. The prosecutor is a miner,
working at West Caradon mine, and the candles were stolen from his
chest in the machine house. Both the prisoners were found Guilty.
Wednesday, January 3. HENRY HARRIS, 16, pleaded Guilty of stealing a
fustian jacket, the property of ROBERT HOUSE, of St. Columb Minor.
PHILIP DAWE, 43, pleaded Guilty of stealing an oak fagot, the property
of GEORGE SARGENT, of Lezant, yeoman.
MARY ANN HOSKEN, 18, was charged with stealing on the 18th of December,
at Fowey, nine sovereigns and one half sovereign, the property of
THOMAS HILL. The prosecutor was an old man, nearly 80, a tide waiter,
and lodged with a Mrs. Hosken, aunt of the prisoner, who occasionally
worked at the house, and sometimes made prosecutor's bed and cleaned
his room, thereby having the means of knowing that he kept his money,
about GBP34. in a box under his bed. The evidence against the
prisoner, as concerning the act of robbery itself, was given by the
prosecutor, by Mrs. Hosken with whom he lodged, and by WARBURTON who
lived opposite. It was also shown on the day when the money was missed
by the prosecutor, although she had but sixpence, a weeks wages. For
the defence the prisoner's mother stated that she gave her a sovereign
that day to fetch cream. It was show, however, that the mother had
been formerly convicted of felony. Verdict, Guilty.
PASCOE RICHARDS was found Guilty of stealing a pair of shoes the
property of THOMAS CARE, a miner at St. Ives Consols.
HARRIET COLLINS, 44, pleaded Guilty of stealing brushes, carpet, mats,
and boxes, the property of JACOB OLVER and THOMAS OLVER, in the parish
of Budock.
JOSEPH GEORGE, 20, was found Guilty of stealing a promissory note for
GBP20, and 19s. 6d. in silver, together with various articles of
clothing, &c., the property of JAMES WILLS, innkeeper, at Penryn.
EDWIN MENNEAR, 15, was found Guilty of stealing mould candles and
starch, the property of NATHANIEL [....?] SLEEMAN, druggist, at Truro.
JAMES DAVEY, 17, was found Guilty of stealing a pound of mineral
candles, the property of JAMES KNOTWELL, at the United mines, in the
parish of Gwennap.
ANN LEE, 34, was found Guilty of stealing one sovereign, and 11s. 6d.,
the property of WILLIAM MARKS, at the parish of Falmouth.
CATHERINE MENNEAR, mother of EDWIN MENNEAR, convicted of stealing
candles from Mr. SLEEMAN of Truro, was also charged with stealing the
same articles, but was Acquitted. She was then indicted for
feloniously received goods "so as aforesaid stolen;" but, in
consequence of it not being stated that the goods were stolen either by
her son, or by some person unknown, the indictment against her as a
receiver could not be sustained.
JANE MASTERS, was Acquitted of stealing a quantity of tea, sugar,
butter, and bread, the property of her master, JOHN MULLIS, of Carglot,
in St. Germans.
JAMES HICKS, was found Guilty of stealing a drake and ducks, the
property of WILLIAM COCK, miner, at Illogan.
Second Court. Before Sir COLMAN RASHLEIGH, Bart. - WILLIAM ELLIS,
14, and NICHOLAS BASTIAN, 14, pleaded Guilty of stealing 3lbs. of tin
and 3lbs. of lead, the property of JOHN VIVIAN and others.
ELIZABETH WYNN, 25, charged with stealing on or about the 21st of
November, at Penryn, one muslin dress, two pairs of silk stockings,
several pairs of cotton stockings, and part of a plaid dress, the
property of Mr. JAMES TILLY. Mr. HOCKIN conducted the prosecution; and
Mr. DARKE the defence. Mr. Hockin having briefly stated the case to
the jury, called Mrs. JOANNA TILLY who said:- I am the wife of Mr.
JAMES TILLY. Prisoner was in my service on the 20th of November,
having, at that time been so for two months. She left on the 21st of
November. On the evening of the 20th, I heard a knock at the front
door and asked who was there. Prisoner said, "tis the man come for my
box." I said it was an unusual thing for a servant to remove her box
before leaving, and I should examine the box. She said she never
before had her box examined. I did examine her box, and found lace and
a variety of other articles, my property. About ten days afterwards, I
found at the house of a respectable person called BETSY WILTON, in
Penryn two baskets, one of which was my property, and both were filled
with my property. When I found these baskets, I put my seal upon them.
They were afterwards brought to my house by Mrs. Wilton and her son;
the Mayor then sealed the baskets at my house, and they were
subsequently opened in the presence of the Mayor and prisoner's father.
Betsy Wilton - I am a dress-maker living at Penryn. An aunt of the
prisoner rented a room at my house. On Tuesday, the 21st of November,
the prisoner came to my house, towards evening, bringing two baskets
and a bundle with her, and asked to be allowed to leave the baskets
there. I said she might do so, and the baskets remained in my
possession until Mrs. Tilly came for them. The prisoner took away the
bundle on the Saturday night. It was on the Thursday following that
Mrs. Tilly came for the baskets and sealed them. When the prisoner
brought the baskets to my house, she seemed to be very much agitated
and in trouble. I asked her what was the matter. She said that her
mistress had overhauled her house, and had taken away what she had
given her, and also some things which she had herself purchased, and
some other things which had been given her by other people. She said
she was innocent of what she was condemned for. She also said, "I can
look up and call God my father, in the midst of it all; I have got my
witness that I am a child of God. On cross-examination this witness
stated that when the prisoner brought the baskets to her house, she
placed them within five feet of the kitchen door, where they remained
unconcealed, until Mrs. Tilly came. The prisoner gave no direction to
put the baskets out of sight, neither when she brought them, or
afterwards on the Saturday when she called for the bundle. Mrs. Tilly
did not call until the Thursday week after the baskets were brought.
Mrs. Tilly wished to examine the baskets, but witness refused to allow
her and Mrs. Tilly put her seal on them without seeing the contents.
THOMAS BUNNEY, constable, produced two baskets sealed, as delivered to
him by the Mayor at Mrs. Tilly's house. This witness also produced a
bundle delivered to him at the Penryn Town Hall on the 4th December, by
Mrs. Tilly and her servant. Apprehended the prisoner on the 2nd of
December, at her brother-in-law's in Gwennap. Mrs. Tilly recalled,
identified various articles in the baskets and bundle, and also proved
one of the baskets to be her property. The bundle contained the
articles found by Mrs. Tilly on searching prisoner's box.
Cross-examined - Prisoner gave me warning, and the 21st of November
was the end of the period of warning. She told me she wanted to go to
Mrs. OSLER's in Falmouth, in whose service she had formerly lived;
instead of which she left the house unknown to me, and went to the
Methodist preacher's to offer herself for service, and came to me for a
character. I never promised to give her any clothes and I never did
give her the value of a needle of thread. I never made any arrangement
that she should have cast off clothes. All the things taken by the
prisoner had been kept in a dark attic. I put implicit confidence in
her as she professed to be religious; I never suspected her. Mrs.
Tilly underwent a severe cross-examination as to her proof of identity
of various articles in the baskets and bundle. For the defence, Mr.
Darke addressed the jury, alleging that one of the articles to which
Mrs. Tilly swore positively as being her property, vis., a piece of
calico, was unmarked, and therefore could not be satisfactorily sworn
to, notwithstanding Mrs. Tilly's statement that she knew it by
peculiarity of mangling and folding. The other articles, Mr. Darke
asserted, were the prisoner's own, by virtue of an arrangement between
her and her mistress. No witnesses, however, were called for the
defence; and the jury returned a verdict of Guilty.
THOMAS REBONS, 25, was found Guilty of stealing a barn door fowl, the
property of Mr. MARK SYMONS BASSETT, at St. Enoder.
SOPHIA KENDALL, 16, was found Guilty of stealing, on the 26th of July,
about 28s. 6d., in silver and copper coin, various articles of dress
and clothing, a gold pin, key, padlock, cigars, &c., &c., the property
of SAMUEL LONGMAID, shopkeeper at Polruan, in the parish of Lanteglos
by Fowey. The prisoner had been in prosecutor's service, and when the
robbery was detected, and she was charged with the crime, she said "the
devil must have been in her;" that she was saving money to go to
Guernsey, and that the sweetmeats were for her sister, and the cigars
for her father.
WILLIAM MITCHELL, 30, was found Guilty of stealing a bag, the property
of JOHN SHORT, of [...?] Buryan.
THOMAS WILLIAMS, 22, was found Guilty of stealing, on the 5th of
November, 1 1/2 lb. of sugar, 1s. 11 1/4 d. in money, the property of
WILLIAM T[......?], innkeeper, at Kenwyn. A previous conviction was
proved against this prisoner.
WILLIAM MITCHELL, 30, and JAMES TH[.....?] 31, were found Guilty of
stealing three frocks and a petticoat, the property of MELCHIZEDEK
JA[....?], at Madron.
EDMUND PASSMORE was charge with stealing, at St. Lawrence fair, in the
parish of Bodmin, on the 31st of October, one sovereign, the property
of JOHN HOSKIN, farmer, of Kernick, in the parish of [...an?] It
appeared that the sovereign in question was given by prosecutor to
prisoner to change, in a booth [...ome?] bargain for a horse; and on
this evidence, Mr. Darke, citing the case of Regina v. Thomas, objected
that no felony was proved. The Court held the objection valid and
directed an acquittal.
ELIZABETH SPARGO, 19, was found Guilty of stealing a shirt, the
property of JOHN SPARGO, of Budock. The same prisoner, and ELIZA
KINS[..?], were then found Guilty of stealing a tray, the property of
JANE DEACON, at Budock. There was another indictment against these two
prisoners for stealing a basket, the property of ELIZABETH COPPINGS,
but no evidence was offered on it.
MARIA ALLEN, 36, was found Guilty of stealing an apron, the property of
GRACE MARTIN, of Tywardreath.
JAMES HOWELL, 34, was Acquitted of stealing a silver tea-spoon the
property of ELIZA[?] NICHOLLS, innkeeper, of Padstow.
THE TRURO TOWN COUNCIL - On Wednesday, the 27th ult., Mr. GEORGE
WOOLLEY was elected auditor for this borough, in the room of Mr. GEORGE
CLYMA, who has been elected town-councillor. On Wednesday last, Dr.
BARHAM was elected a councillor in the place of Mr. VIGERS,
disqualified by non-residence.
APPOINTMENT - Mr. JOHN BANFIELD, of St. Mary's, Scilly, has lately
received an appointment as Russian Vice Consular Agent at this port.
CUSTOMS - We are glad to learn that Mr. JOHN POTTER, who was for many
years engaged in this department at Penzance, has recently been
promoted to the office of tide surveyor of the first class, in the
London river, at a salary of GBP200 per annum.
FIRE AT PENZANCE - About two o'clock in the morning of Thursday last
week, the premises occupied by Mr. PAUL, currier, Paul's Court, Market
Jew Street, were found to be on fire, and although the fire engines
were in a short time in full operation, such was the rapid progress of
the flames that it was found impossible to save the building from
destruction. The fire soon spread to the workshop of RICHARD WILLIAMS,
carpenter, which was also entirely consumed together with all his tools
and various articles of furniture. Fortunately, however, the flames
were got under before any more serious damage was done. Had the wind,
which was most boisterous in the early part of the night, not fallen
before the fire broke out, it is impossible to calculate the mischief
that might have been done. The gas works, Mr. SYMONS's ship building
yard with a brig on the stocks and a good deal of timber lying about,
together with a large range of outhouses filled with straw and corn,
stables with horses and cows in them, and stacks of corn and hay were
all closely adjoining, and had any of these been caught by the flames
the destruction of property must have been enormous. Mr. Paul's shop,
we understand, is insured, but that of Mr. WILLIAMS, we regret to say,
was not. A subscription in his behalf has been opened in the town.
NEWQUAY - The smack "Faithful," of London, from Llanelly to Plymouth
with coals, came into the Bay on Tuesday afternoon, the 26th ult., and
brought-up; while the pilots were preparing warps to bring her into the
pier, she slipped her cable and went to sea, the wind blowing a strong
breeze from the south east, and a heavy ground sea running. The cable
and anchor was taken up next day.
MELANCHOLY SHIPWRECK - In the course of the night of the 27th ultimo,
the barque "Palinurus," of London, 300 tons register, from Demerara,
laden with rum and sugar, bound to London, was wrecked on Lion Rock,
about half a mile to the north of St. Martin's Scilly, and all the crew
perished. At seven p.m., the wind suddenly veered from the S.W. to
N.N.E., and blew violently for some hours, and it is supposed the ship
got on shore during the storm. Some portions of the log book have been
picked up, and it appears that the "Palinurus" had been forty miles to
the northward of the islands, and whilst beating down to get into the
English channel the melancholy accident occurred. Twelve bodies have
been taken up and were buried on the 30th of December, after the
coroner's inquest had been held over them. About 100 puncheons of rum
have been saved.
ROBBERY AT ST. EWE. - On the night of Saturday before Christmas, some
thieves entered the premises of Mr. JOHN STEPHENS, of Trudgeon, in the
parish of St. Ewe, and carried away upwards of thirty fowls.
The following inquests have been held before J. HAMLEY, Esq., Corner:-
On the 29th December, at Pruthern-bridge, at St. Breock, on the body of
WILLIAM GOSS, aged 73, who committed suicide by cutting his throat. It
appeared that the old man had been in a desponding way for many years,
fancying that he should come to want. He lived in a cottage with his
wife, about the same age. A man named RUSSELL, who married their
daughter, lived in a cottage nearly opposite, a very short distance;
and with him and his wife the old people always spent their evenings.
On Thursday evening last, the old couple left their daughter's house at
the usual time. As the night was dark, Russell went after them to see
if they had got home safe. When he came near the house, the old woman
was in the road, and could not find the way into her house. Russell
put her in; and on entering the house, saw the deceased lying on the
floor in a pool of blood. He lifted him up; the old man breathed but
once, and then expired. He had knelt down by the kitchen table, and
cut his throat with a razor which he put thereon, and then fell on the
floor. The jury, who all knew him to have been in a low way for
several years, returned a verdict of "temporary insanity". On his
being searched, GBP17 was found on his person; and he had some
leasehold property.
On the 1st of January, at Tywardreath, on the body of JOSEPH WELSH, who
was killed by a wall falling on him. Deceased was a labourer employed
by Mr. PEARCE; and he and another man were taking down the wall of an
old house. Mr. Pearce was looking on, and seeing the wall coming
suddenly down, he halloed to the men; but Welsh was buried in the
rubbish. He was soon got out; but the injuries were such that he died
in about three house. The other man escaped unhurt. There was not the
slightest idea that the wall would have come down so soon; but it is
supposed that the late wet weather had penetrated it, and thus caused
its sudden unexpected fall. The jury returned a verdict of "accidental
death." The deceased was a very industrious man, and has left a widow
and nine children.
On Saturday last, an inquest was held at Redruth on the body of ELEANOR
DAVIS, alias CURTIS, aged 53, who died suddenly on the preceding day.
Mr. HARRIS, surgeon, gave evidence that death had resulted from
extensive and long-standing disease of the chest, and a verdict in
accordance with this evidence was returned by the jury. Previous to
the inquest some excitement had been produced by the circulation of a
report that Davis had died from starvation, but this was completely
disproved by the post mortem examination of the body made by Mr.
Harris, and also by the fact which came out in the evidence that there
were two loaves of bread in her house at the time of her death, and
that she had taken some gruel, &c., on the day before.
DREADFUL ACCIDENT - A young woman a servant of C. B. G. SAWLE, Esq.,
of Restormel, was killed at the Teignmouth Station of the South Devon
Railway, on Friday last. She had left the carriage to speak to a
friend on the platform when the train began to move off. She ran to
get to her seat, but slipping her foot, fell between the edge of the
platform and the carriages; she was so injured by the passing train, as
to have been killed on the spot. This is a terrible caution to
passengers quitting their seats.
EXETER BANKRUPTCY COURT before Mr. Commissioner BERE. - Wednesday
December 27. In re:- RICHARD MOYLE, of Redruth, ironmonger. The
bankrupt had had some transactions with the firm of Messrs. COCKING and
SON, of Redruth, hatters, and from the statement which he made on his
examination, the firm were summoned to show the circumstances under
which they had recovered their money from the bankrupt just on the eve
of bankruptcy. Today the senior partner of the house was examined at
considerable length. The substance of his statement was that the
bankrupt, being indebted to him in GBP24. 15s. 9d. for goods supplied,
gave him a two-months' bill for that amount on the 19th of June. Just
before or after that time, at which it became due, he received a letter
from a Bristol solicitor, stating that the bankrupt had been at
Bristol, where most of his creditors lived, called them together,
stated that he was insolvent, and offered 10s. in the pound. The same
day that he received the letter the bankrupt called on him; Mr. Cocking
denied that in the conversation which ensued he had told the bankrupt
that he would take the composition, and assist him all that he could as
the bankrupt had stated. But he admitted that, in the course of the
conversation, the bankrupt said he could do no business at home, he
wanted to raise some money, and was thinking of taking a quantity of
goods to Penzance, to try to dispose of them there. "Well," said Mr.
Cocking, "if you do that we have got a very good shop at Penzance which
we are clearing out, as we intend to give it up at Michaelmas." After
some further conversation, a bargain was struck, the shop was let to
Mr. Moyle for a fortnight, for 30s., and he was supplied by Mr. Cocking
with GBP5. 2s. worth of hats more, on credit, to increase his stock, an
idea having "flashed across his mind" that he should be able to get all
his money back. The goods were soon removed to Penzance, and on the
same day Mr. Cocking also went down. He then had an interview with Mr.
MILLET, a clerk, to Mr. RODD, the agent to Sir CHARLES PRICE, and owner
of the house which he rented at Penzance. He suggested to him that as
a half-year's rent was due last Midsummer, and there were plenty of
goods he might distrain. Mr. Millet declined until he had seen Mr.
Rodd, but the result was that the next morning the bailiffs were put
in, with orders to sell unless the rent was paid, and a sale
accordingly took place; Mr. Cocking's impression being that it was a
most fortunate transaction, an opinion not shared in by his Honor, who
observed that he should not be much surprised if Mr. Cocking found it
the most unfortunate transaction he was ever engaged in. The
examination being concluded, Mr. Stogdon asked Mr. Cocking if he was
prepared to re-pay this money now to Mr. HERNAMAN. Mr. Cocking (very
emphatically) most certainly not. In return he inquired if he was to
be paid his expenses for attending from Cornwall. His Honor observed
there was a more important question to be decided first. Had Mr.
Cocking a right to retain the money which he had thus unfairly obtained
- he meant unfairly, as far as the interests of the other creditors of
the bankrupt were concerned. If a court of justice should so decide,
then he would be entitled to his expenses; if, on the contrary, the
question should be decided against him, then he would obtain nothing.
12 JANUARY 1849, Friday
HELSTON QUARTER SESSIONS - At these sessions, which were held on
Tuesday last, before [..?] DACRES BEVAN, Esq., and the bench of
magistrates, there was only one case entered for trial. JANE HARRIS
was indicted for having on the 15th of November last, stolen from her
master, Mr. DREW, of Helston, several articles of wearing apparel.
There were three counts in the indictment to al of which she pleaded
not Guilty. Mr. F. HILL, was engaged for the prosecution. Mr. BORLASE,
for the defence. It appeared that some of the articles were found in
the girl's box, and others on her person, but from the fact of her not
having [l,,,d?] her box, a doubt was raised as to whether she intended
to appropriate the articles found in it, and she was accordingly
acquitted.
FALMOUTH QUARTER SESSIONS - These sessions were held on Monday last,
before J. BEVAN, Esq., Recorder, and the usual bench of magistrates.
The Recorder in his address, said he was glad that the commendations of
the grand jury at the last sessions had been attended to by the
corporation, and that the town had been maintained in health. There
were only two prisoners for trial, one named MARY O'CONNELL, against
whom there was three indictments. She pleaded guilty to the first, and
the evidence was not gone into the others. There was also an
indictment against a girl called TUCKER, for defrauding her master, Mr.
Y....r?, a German jew, by having booked beer, &c., instead of paying
for it, and keeping the money. The evidence, however, was defective
and she was acquitted.
HELSTON COUNTY COURT - This court was held on Monday last, and there
were twenty-three cases entered for trial; with the exception of three
or four the hole were either settled before trial or the plaintiffs
obtained verdicts. CARTER v. RICHARDS, occupied the court some time.
It appeared that the defendant had a verdict passed against him at the
last court, at the suit of the same plaintiff; and on the following day
after the trial the defendant committed a trespass on the plaintiff's
property by carrying away some dung and a padlock and the plaintiff
obtained a verdict.
The Porthleven Harbour Company sued JOHN DUNN for two guineas, two
years' dues due to the said company for the laying up of defendant's
boat at Porthleven. After much discussion plaintiffs obtained a
verdict.
COMMITTALS - On Saturday last, JOHN PEARCE and BENJAMIN PEARCE,
father and son, and BENJAMIN and WILLIAM PEARCE, all of the parish of
Gulval, farmers, were committed by SAMUEL BORLASE, Esq., to take their
trial at the next county sessions, on a charge of having on the night
of the 4th instant, assaulted JAMES FRIGGINS, of the same parish,
farmer, and with having robbed him of GBP10. 17s.
EXEMPTION FROM TURNPIKE TOLLS - At the Camborne Petty Sessions on the
9th instant, JOSEPH WEEKS was summoned, on the complaint of Mr. R. H.
PIKE, for demanding and taking toll from complainant, who claimed
exemption under the 3rd and 4th George IV. c. 126. s. 32, in going to
and returning from his usual place of worship at Penzance, on Sundays.
The question was argued at some length by Mr. PLOMER, on behalf of the
complainant, and the bench unanimously adopted the construction
contended for, viz:- that a person who dissents from the church of
England, is exempt from toll in going to his usual place of worship or
returning from it, although it be out of the parish in which he resides.
GAME LAW OFFENCES - On Monday last, at the Petty Sessions held at
Ruan-high-lanes, before G. W. F. GREGOR, M. G. CREGOE and JOHN
GWATKINS, Esqrs., seven cases under the game laws, were brought before
the bench. Seven convictions took place, and two were committed for
different terms of imprisonment and hard labour.
DISASTER AT SEA - The Guerilla pilot cutter of Penzance, fell in on
Tuesday last, off the Wolf Rock with the ship "Timandra," of 500 tons,
Capt WEEKS, from Havannah, out forty-one days. She has experienced a
succession of heavy gales, and was struck by a heavy sea and thrown on
her beam ends with loss of bulwarks, stanchions, boats, wheel,
binnacle, main and mizzen masts cut away, and five men washed
overboard, who providentially regained the vessel. Her poop and
top-gallant forecastle were completely gutted. The master was severely
bruised, and had his right arm broken. A boy had his thigh broken.
The "Guerilla" sent one of her crew on board to render assistance, and
she bore up for Falmouth.
VESSEL FOUNDERED - A letter has been received by the owner of the
"Maria," CHARD, master, of this port, stating that she foundered in
Swansea bay on Monday last. The crew are all saved. She was laden
with copper ore from Portreath.
WANTON OUTRAGE - On the night of the 2nd inst., a gun was fired
through the window of the parlour at Trevean, in the parish of St.
Keverne, inhabited by Mr. RICHARD MILDREN and his family. The shot
broke four squares of glass in the window, penetrating the window
blinds, and settling in the head of the bed which stood in the room. A
quantity of shot was also found scattered through the chamber.
Providentially no one was sleeping in the room at the time, otherwise
the consequences might have been very serious. It is difficult to
conjecture what can have been the object of the party guilty of so
malicious and abominable an act. We are glad, however, to learn, that
suspicion has fallen on one of the parties supposed to be concerned in
the outrage, and hopes are entertained that he will be brought to
justice. We understand that Mr. Mildren has offered a reward of GBP1
to any one who may give information that shall lead to a conviction.
GUN ACCIDENT - On Tuesday last, a serious accident happened to an
elderly man named WILLIAM RICHARDS, residing at Mithian, in St. Agnes.
Being out shooting sparrows and other small birds, on the premises of
his son-in-law, his gun unfortunately burst, and so dreadfully
shattered his left hand that it is feared amputation must be resorted
to to save life.
SHEEP STEALING - Mr. COLIVER of [Hel.....?], parish of Michaelstow,
had lately a ewe killed and the carcass carried off, leaving the skin
behind. There is no clue to the offenders.
AN EMIGRATION MARRIAGE - A letter from Devonport says:- "A young
woman, aged 22, a servant, being taken ill of typhus was removed to the
workhouse at Devonport, where by attention she soon recovered. After
her restoration to health she expressed a desire to emigrate to
Australia if the guardians would advance the sum of GBP2. 10s., which
is necessary to be paid to the Emigration Society for outfit previous
to sailing, and which money is returned them on disembarking, and the
guardians having received a most satisfactory character of her from the
governor of the workhouse, they agreed to do so; and she accordingly
went to the office to inquire about her passage. Whilst waiting there,
however, she was accosted by a respectable person, who asked her
business, and if she were going to emigrate. She replied in the
affirmative, when he rejoined "So am I; and if you have no objection
I'll marry you previous to sailing." She replied that she was obliged
for the offer, but thought it was very extraordinary and premature,
seeing that he knew nothing about her; upon which he remarked that he
liked her honest countenance. At length the matter was most seriously
entertained, and she referred him to the service she had lately left.
He at once started off to the address, and received such a satisfactory
character, that on returning he immediately purchased the license, and
they were married on Christmas-day. It may be added, that previous to
the wedding he spent GBP20 for his wife's outfit, paid her passage, and
returned the GBP2. 10s. to the guardians with many thanks."
CORNWALL EPIPHANY SESSIONS - Thursday January 4. Before J. K.
LETHBRIDGE, Esq. - HENRY BENNETT pleaded Guilty of stealing ten mince
pies, the property of WILLIAM DAVIES, at Launceston. Two weeks' Hard
Labour.
SHEEP STEALING - JOHN JEFFERY, aged 28, a farmer of Illogan, of very
respectable appearance, and who had through life held an excellent
character, was charged with stealing twenty ewes, the property of
WILLIAM CLEMO, of Higher Town, in the parish of Kenwyn. Mr. HOCKING
conducted the prosecution; Mr. SHILSON and Mr. DARKE the defence. Mr.
Hockin stated the case to the jury, and urged them to remove from their
minds any impressions which they might have received concerning the
case, previous to their entering the box. He then proceeded to call
witnesses. William Clemo, the prosecutor, said, - I am a farmer,
living at Kenwyn. At Michell fair, held on the 16th of November, I
purchased twenty sheep, ten of Mr. JOHN COBELDICK, and ten of Mr. JAMES
HOCKING. They were ewes, and there were among them two hoggets and two
long-tailed ewes. They were driven to my farm at Kenwyn and I kept
them there till the 20th of November. A person called CARDELL bought
ten sheep of Mr. Cobeldick at Michell fair, and kept them with my flock
till the 18th. I saw my sheep day by day, except one Sunday. I saw
them there about twelve o'clock on Truro fair-day. The field adjoins
the high road from Truro to Redruth and Illogan. The next morning they
were missing. In consequence of information, I went to prisoner's farm
on the 29th of November, with my son, my servant PARKYN, and Tregoning
the Redruth constable; and saw the prisoner. Tregoning asked him
whether he was at Truro fair? He said yes. Tregoning then said "did
you buy any sheep there?" He said yes, he had bought fifteen. I said
I had lost twenty. There were some sheep in a field near; we all went
there to see them, and I saw several of my sheep mixed with some others
in that field. We drove them with the others into the farm-yard, and
put them into a house. Prisoner was there, and I said, some of these
were my sheep, and I asked him where he got them. He said he bought
them at Truro fair. I asked him at what time. He told me about eleven
o'clock. I asked him of whom he bought them? He said he bought them
of a stranger, who told him he came from one hundred miles up the
country. Jeffery said that he had the man's name in a book, and that
he hired a man from Truro to drive the sheep as far as Chacewater, and
gave him two shillings for doing it. He then said he would go in and
fetch the book. He went in alone, and remained a quarter of an hour,
or twenty minutes, when the constable went in after him. Jeffery then
came out with the constable, and showed the book to my son, and said,
there is the name of the man I bought them of. He said his name was
JOHN ANDREW. I then picked out from the house they were driven into,
ten of the sheep that I had bought of Mr. Cobeldick. I then said to
Jeffery - Have you any more sheep? He said that there were some more
in another field; and told his own man to go and fetch them. I ordered
my man to go with him, and they brought back a second lot of sheep, out
of which I picked out some belonging to me. Out of the two lots I
picked out nineteen altogether of my sheep. Two of the sheep had long
tails; I had bought these of Mr. James Hocking. I found one of them
with its tail cut off. I asked where the other was; and he told me he
had sent it up to Mr. EDMUNDS, butcher, of Camborne, to be killed,
because it was weak through driving. The constable took possession of
the nineteen sheep, and we proceeded to Camborne, and put them into
TYACK's yard. I afterwards got a skin of a sheep from Mr. Edmunds,
which I have no doubt was the skin of my long-tailed sheep. From
Camborne we proceeded to Redruth, where prisoner at Mrs. TONKIN's house
said, in answer to a question, that he bought the sheep about two
o'clock. The first ten sheep I bought of Mr. Cobeldick were marked
with blue over the shoulder by a young man at Michell, by my direction;
there was also a round punch hold in each left ear; and some marks of
red were on the back. Those dots had been pointed over with red ochre
when the sheep found at prisoner's farm. Among the ten I bought of
Hocking were the two hoggets and two long tails. Seven of these were
marked in the ear with a half-penny mark on the left ear; the other had
no ear-mark, but I knew its ear from its being spotted; that was the
sheep which had the tail cut off. The two hoggets had a half-penny
mark on the right ear and a bit of the ear tipped off. These nine were
marked with red ochre; a pretty many of them with two large stripes,
nearly over the old marks. I have been pretty much accustomed to
sheep. It is very easy to know sheep by their faces and figures.
There was nothing very particular about the figure of these sheep. I
have not the slightest doubt that these sheep were my property. On
Cross-Examination, he said, the old ochre marks were not altogether
obliterated by the new ochre marks; they could still be seen.
Remembered the prisoner at Mr. MAGOR's the magistrate's office, denying
that he had said he bought the sheep at eleven o'clock. Re-Examined.
Was sure it was not customary, at least in the eastern part of the
county, to cut off the tails of old sheep; should think that there
would be risk in doing so.
WILLIAM PARKIN, I am in the service of Mr. Clemo; and have been so for
about two years before March last. This witness went on to corroborate
the evidence given by the prosecutor, of the circumstances of the visit
to prisoner's farm on the 29th of November, and particularly stated
that he well remembered Jeffery saying that he bought the sheep at
Truro fair, at eleven o'clock, of John Andrew, and that he employed a
driver who drove them as far as Chacewater Hill, where he overtook the
driver, and took them on from there himself. ANDREW CLEMO - I am
prosecutor's son, and drive an omnibus between Truro and Redruth. This
witness also corroborated the evidence of the prosecutor, as to the
circumstances of the visit to prisoner's farm on the 29th of November.
CHARLES TREGONING, police officer of Redruth, corroborated the evidence
of the occurrences at the interview with prisoner on the 29th of
October, stating, however, that when the prisoner went into his house
for the book, he (Tregoning) on going into the house afterwards, met
him coming out with the book. (The previous evidence had led to the
inference that the prisoner did not bring out the book until he was
fetched out by Tregoning). This witness added to previous evidence,
that prisoner said he did not know who the driver was who drove the
sheep to Chacewater, but that he was recommended to him by a man called
COCK. After all the sheep were brought together in prisoner's yard,
Jeffery said that five of the ewes were his, and that he had them
before Truro fair. Witness asked him if he could not bring one of his
men to identify his own sheep; but to this he made no answer.
WILLIAM LIDGEY[?], grocer, at Redruth. On the night of the 20th of
November, I saw the prisoner. He came to my shop door that evening,
between nine and ten, as I was about shutting shop, and asked for red
ochre. I had none in the shop and my warehouse being at some distance,
I thought it rather too far to go for it. He asked if he could get it
from any other grocer's. I told him I thought not at that hour. When
the prisoner was before Mr. Magor, I went there, and saw the prisoner,
and mentioned the circumstance of his having called at my shop for red
ochre, and he said he was at no grocer's shop whatever that evening,
and stayed in Redruth only a few minutes. NICHOLAS KEY, tenant farmer
living with my father at Treburrick in St. Eval. About the month of
September, I sold even wethers and nine ewes to Mr. James Hocking; I
had reared them myself. One of the ewes died, and Mr. James Hocking
had eight. I went down to Redruth and looked at the sheep in the
custody of Tregoning. Among them I discovered seven of those I had
sold to Mr. Hocking; I examined them carefully I knew several of them
without the marks; one of them had an ear bitten by a sheep dog. They
are old ewes generally, and I am very familiar with them. Also giving
evidence were James Hocking, a farmer living at Pencorse, in St. Ewe.
John Cobeldick, a farmer living at Mawgan in Pydar. Charles Tregoning.
Two sons, Charles and William Tregoning were called and proved that
none of the sheep had been changed. William Bennett, Illogan.
Mr. Shilson then addressed the jury for the defence. In the first
place, he impressed on the jury the necessity of receiving, with much
caution and qualification, the maxim that a man is liable to account
for property found in his possession, and insisted that the burthen of
proof rested with the prosecutor. He contended that if a man under all
circumstances and without qualification, were held liable to account
for property in his possession, no man would be safe buying cattle of
any stranger - a result which would seriously check traffic, especially
in sheep, which were frequently brought from considerable distances to
country fairs. Mr. Shilson then reviewed, analysed, and compared the
evidence for the prosecution contending that the real facts of the
case, as he should show, were consistent with perfect honesty on the
part of the prisoner. Mr. Shilson stated the nature of the evidence he
should adduce in defence, and proceeded to examine the following
witnesses. - MARY ANN BROWN - I am a married woman and live at Truro,
in St. Dominic Street. I am one of Camborne. I remember Truro five
weeks' fair. I have know Mr. Jeffery very well. I believe he knows
me. I lived in Camborne to within two or three years. On Truro
fair-day, I went out for a pitcher of water, across Kenwyn-street,
about three o'clock. I saw Mr. Jeffery, and some sheep; there was a
driver with them, and also Mr. Jeffery. They were going the west way.
I did not know the driver. I did not speak to Mr. Jeffery; but I took
notice of his going by with the sheep. I did not count the sheep, but
I should think there were a dozen or sixteen. Mr. Jeffery had on a
dark dress and a dark cap. BENJAMIN WILLIAMS - I am a farmer and
cattle dealer in part. I was at Truro five-weeks' fair with two cows
and calves. I saw Mr. Jeffery come out of the fair about three
o'clock, with sheep which he was driving. I had sold one cow and calf,
and the other calf got in among his sheep. I think there was a man or
two with Jeffery at the time. I spoke to him. The sheep were penned
in the Cross. He was going towards West Bridge. I did not notice how
many sheep he had; it was a dreadful day, and I had enough to do to
mind my own business. I live at Redruth. Down in the west, it is a
common thing to take off the tails of sheep. I have known hundreds of
old sheep have their tails cut off. I don't know why it is done. I
believe farmers fancy it makes the sheep look larger. (Laughter).
JANE TRUAN, wife of SAMUEL TRUAN, who keeps the turnpike toll at
Chacewater. I was at home on the 20th of November, [.....?] collect a
person passing through the gate [......?] night with sheep. He did not
pay, because he had a ticket from Chapel Hill Gate. I had not seen the
person before. He had on a cap and dark clothes. I don't know whether
Mr. Jeffery is not the same man. No person paid that night for sheep.
I did not receive any money for sheep. EDWIN GURNEY, surgeon of
Camborne. I have lived there thirty years. I have known Jeffery from
infancy. I am one of his bail. Up to the date of this affair, no one
could say a word against him; no one in his situation of life was more
respected or could bear a higher character. GEORGE BENNETTS, farmer at
Camborne. I have known Mr. John Jeffery from his infancy. I have
known nothing or heard anything of him but what was honest or
straightforward; no man in the parish was more respected. I have had
dealings with him and always found him honest and straightforward. It
is the practice in our county to cut off the tails of long-tailed
sheep. I assert without fear of contradiction, that there is no farmer
in Camborne or Illogan but does so. We consider that it prevents the
disease that we call the felon. PETER ANDREW, farmer and miller at
Camborne, had known the prisoner for eight years, and had always found
him highly respectable in every way - one of the best he ever dealt
with. He was a married man with a young wife and two children. Also
called - THOMAS THOMAS, collector of rates at Camborne.
Mr. Hockin replied, on behalf of the prosecution; and it is right to
state that in so doing, as in his opening address, he put the case for
the prosecution with considerable leniency towards the prisoner. The
jury then went out of court, in charge of an officer, to see the
nineteen sheep, which had been brought up from Redruth, and were placed
in a yard near the hall. The Court ordered that none of the witnesses
or other persons should go with the jury, since, if they did to,
conversation would necessarily take place in the prisoner's absence,
which would be unfair to him. The Chairman requested the jury to
examine the sheep and the marks on them, for themselves. On the return
of the jury, the Chairman carefully summed up the evidence and the
jury, after about five minutes' consultation, returned a verdict of
Guilty; but recommended the prisoner to mercy, on account of his
previous good character. This trial, which lasted upwards of six
hours, greatly interested a numerous auditory in the court. The
prisoner, at various periods of the trial, wept, and gave other
evidence of his being much affected by the position in which he was
placed.
On being put to the bar to receive sentence, the Chairman said - John
Jeffery, you have been convicted of stealing twenty ewe sheep, the
property of William Clemo. I am sorry to say that yours is a bad case.
Frequently we have brought here persons suffering from poverty with
large families, and obliged to beg; but such was not your case; you
were a man in comparative affluence, and hitherto of a character, as
far as we know, unstained. But justice to the country, and justice to
those unfortunate individuals who are brought here in other
circumstances, compels us to pass a sentence which it is painful for me
to pass, for others to hear, and for you to suffer. The sentence of
the court is that you be Transported to such part of her Majesty's
dominions as her Majesty in council shall think fit, for the space of
Ten Years. While at the bar the prisoner was much affected, and on
leaving the dock he exclaimed, "I am an innocent man, - I am an
innocent man."
WILLIAM ROBERTS, was charged with stealing, on the 23rd of December,
one gallon of oats in the straw, of the value of sixpence, the property
of WILLIAM CRADOCK, of St. Clement, Truro. It appeared that Mr.
Cradock, on the 22nd of September, employed two men to watch at
Trennick farm, and at four o'clock in the morning the prisoner was seen
to come to the place, and take away a sheaf from a mow of oats. On his
being laid hold of by one of the watchers, he said he had come to the
nearest place for some straw, as his cow was taken suddenly ill. He
kept bullocks near the prosecutor's farm place. The value of the
property stolen was said, in evidence, to be no more than a penny.
Guilty. One Month's Hard Labour.
PRUDENCE EILEY, 20, was charged with stealing from her mistress, ALICE
MAGOR, of St. Day, four pillowcases, four window curtains, one
table-cloth, stockings, two diaper towels, and two aprons. The case
was one of very clear and simple proof, the property being traced to
the prisoner's possession and identified almost immediately on its
being missed. The prisoner was undefended, and made no statement for
herself but that she had never stolen. Guilty - Six Months Hard Labour.
JOSEPH HOUGHTON, 34, was charged with stealing two fowls, the property
of JOHN WOOLCOCK, of the parish of St. Agnes, farmer. The circumstance
which first led to the detection of the robbery by prisoner was his
insulting some men one evening outside an inn at Peterville; and in the
course of a scuffle which ensued a bag containing fowls fell from the
prisoner's back. Guilty - Four Months' Hard Labour.
ELISHA KNIGHT, 13, pleaded Guilty of stealing on the 16th of December,
at St. Agnes, a silver watch, the property of JOHN HARRIS. One
Fortnight's Hard Labour, and To Be Once Whipped.
THOMAS GUBB, 69, was charged with stealing on the 7th of November, 20
lbs. of coal. The property of JOHN TABOIS TREGELLAS, coal merchant of
Truro. On the 7th of November, the prosecutor had a heap of coals
there; and, about four o'clock in the morning, policeman WOOLCOCK saw
prisoner near the heap, and afterwards come away therefrom. On his way
he stooped, and then walked quickly towards Woolcock and said "good
morning," and that he had been down to see to his boat. He then walked
on, and Woolcock going to the place where he had stooped saw a large
lump of coal. Woolcock then waited in a doorway, and afterwards saw
prisoner come back and take away the lump of coal. Woolcock followed
him, and took him in custody; and the prisoner begged for forgiveness,
and that nothing might be said about it. Guilty. One Fortnight's Hard
Labour.
JOSEPH WORDEN, 50, was charged with stealing on the 5th of December, in
the parish of St. Cleer, two pieces of deal board, the property of the
Liskeard and Caradon Railway Company. A second count laid the property
in the Rev. GEORGE POOLE NORRIS and others. It appeared that the deal
boards alleged to have been stolen formed part of a culvert beneath the
railway; and, after the evidence in the case had been taken, the court
held it to be doubtful whether the boards were not attached to the
freehold, and, on this ground, directed a verdict of Acquittal.
RICHARD RICHARDS, 21, JOHN NORTHCOTE, 18, and ANDREW STEPHENS, 21, were
charged with stealing on the 21st of November, at West Wheal Jewel, in
the parish of Gwennap, a pair of shoes, and a pair of half hose, the
property of WILLIAM FORD, a miner. There was a second count for
feloniously receiving. Almost the only evidence in the case was that
given by the two prisoners, Northcote and Stephens, against Richards,
in their statement. But the statements were, of course, inadmissible,
and the court directed an Acquittal. There was a second indictment
against the same prisoners, for stealing a plaid neckerchief, the
property of RICHARD GRAY, but as the circumstances were similar to the
preceding, no evidence was offered on it.
LISKEARD AND CARADON RAILWAY - JOSEPH WORDEN, whose acquittal on an
indictment for felony we have recorded above, was not indicted under
the General Railway Act, 3 and 4 Victoria, cap 27, sect, 17, for
wilfully and maliciously injuring and damaging, breaking down,
destroying and carrying away a certain part of the Liskeard and Caradon
Railway, thereby obstructing the engines and carriages belonging to the
company, and endangering the safety of persons conveyed on the line.
Mr. CHILDS conducted the prosecution. The only witness called was JOHN
KELLOW, breaksman on the line. It appeared that the prisoner was
charged with removing some 1 1/2 inch boards nailed against some
uprights of a culvert beneath the railway. The culvert was 24 feet
long, and 2 feet wide, and was formed with eleven pair of upright
stancheons, each six inches square, on which rested proportionate
thickness. The boards which the prisoner was charged with removing had
been fixed against the uprights for the purpose of keeping back the
country; and it was asserted that the effect of their removal was to
endanger the safety of the servants of the company travelling on the
line, by causing a sinking of the line at the culvert. The Court,
however, considered that the circumstances proved would not warrant an
indictment under the section referred to, and therefore directed a
verdict of Acquittal. The prisoner's defence was that he had not been
near the culvert, but found the boards floating at a considerable
distance therefrom, and had used them openly, exposed to a view of the
railway people, by nailing them against the door of his house.
JAMES COOMBE, 20, was indicted for having assaulted HANNAH PEARCE on a
highway in the parish of Veryan, with intent to ravish her. A second
count charged the prisoner with a common assault. The prosecutrix is
the wife of THOMAS PEARCE, of Veryan. On the 17th of October, she had
been to Tregony, and on returning home about six o'clock in the
evening, she met the prisoner, to whom she said "good night," and
passing him. He afterwards followed her, and committed the assault
complained of, but without effecting his purpose. He used her very
roughly, and threatened to kill her; but she at last obtained the
assistance of a man called MOSS, who protected her from the prisoner
for the rest of her way home. For the defence, the father of the
prisoner was called to give evidence; but the jury found a verdict of
Guilty on the first count of intent to commit a rape. Six Months' Hard
Labour.
VIOLENT ASSAULT - JAMES KESTLE was indicted for assaulting and
beating JOHN ROBERTS, of the parish of St. Austell, with intent
feloniously, and wilfully, and of malice aforethought, to kill and
murder [.....?] In a second count the prisoner was charged with a
common assault. Mr. SHILSON appeared for the prosecution, and stated
the case to the jury. He then called Mr. John Roberts, who said he was
a farmer living at Mulvra, about a mile and a quarter on St. Austell.
Between nine and ten o'clock on Saturday morning, the 4th of November,
he was going around his farm, when he saw in one of his fields a man
who appeared to be hunting. He went about so that the man should not
see him coming, and when he got near, he saw the man gathering up
rabbit-nets in his hand. He asked him what he was doing there? The
man said "nothing, sir," and ran away. Witness then looked around to
see whether he could find any ferret nets. There was an old leat
there, which being unused, was overgrown with brambles, so that parties
might conceal themselves. He stepped across the leat and there he saw
a man lying at a rabbit's hole. He asked him what he was doing there?
The man said "no harm." Witness said, "you have no business here."
The man then got on his legs on the bank. Witness asked him who that
person was that ran off, to which he answered roughly, and said he did
not know, he was a stranger to him. Witness said, "it's very strange
you should be here hunting and poaching with stranger, I think it's a
very unusual thing to do." Witness then took him by the coat, and
said, "my man, I shall take care of you." On this he took witness by
the collar threw him back over the bank, and fell on him, with his
knees on his stomach and side. He said, "d--- your eyes, you b-----,
I'll serve you out, I'll choke you you b-----." He continued to kneel
on witness, but as soon as he eased his throat, witness called for
assistance. On this, the man pressed on his windpipe, and prevented
him from uttering any name, but he made as much noise as he could, and
fortunately one of his workmen, who was in another field, heard him
calling, and came to his rescue. The fellow on seeking the workman
approaching released his hold and ran away. Witness had suffered much
from the assault; he was injured so much in his side that he could not
walk without pressing on it. He applied to Mr. VAWDREY, a surgeon, for
medical assistance, who bled him, and gave him medicine to take every
six hours. He was under his care for six weeks, and had still a pain
in his side, but it did not hurt him unless he was pressed, or lifted
any thing. Since the assault he had not been able to do any work on
his farm up to this time. He went to look for the prisoner on the 7th
of November, at Polgooth mine, but he was not there. Witness also went
to Mr. Mor.....? iron mine, where prisoner worked; but he had been
under-ground and had gone home. Witness went in his house, saw him
there, and charged him with the assault; again saw him at his own
house, on the 9th of November, and applied to a magistrate the same
evening; had no doubt of his being the person that committed the
assault. The witness was then Cross-Examined at considerable length by
Mr. HOCKIN, with a view of showing that he was mistaken in the identity
of the prisoner; but prosecutor asserted that he was sure the prisoner
was the man who assaulted him, he having seen him many times before.
There was a dog in the field with the men, and he afterwards saw the
same dog in prisoner's house. He was certain it was not the prisoner's
brother who assaulted him.
MARY ANN HOCKIN lives at St. Austell Moors, between St. Austell and Mr.
ROBERTS's farm; on Saturday morning, the 4th of November, between eight
and nine o'clock she saw prisoner pass her door on the road towards Mr.
Roberts's farm; HENRY KERNICK and ELIJAH RICKARD were with him. JOHN
PRINN, blacksmith, gave evidence to the same effect, having seen the
parties going towards Mr. Roberts's with a little bitch, which he had
seen many times with the prisoner. AMBROSE NEWCOMBE, employed at the
limekilns, saw the before mentioned parties going towards Mulvra, but
did not notice any dog with them. Mr. Hockin then addressed the jury
for the prisoner, contending that his identity had not been made out.
He then called to give evidence Elijah Rickard, Mary Kernick, Mary Ann
Kernick, RICHARD KESTLE, (prisoner's father), and JOHN GEORGE. These
witnesses were called with the view of showing that the prisoner was
elsewhere at the time the assault was committed. Their statements,
however, differed as to the time when they saw him, and some of them
did not agree as to other facts. Mr. Roberts was re-called to give
evidence, after which Mr. Hockin and Mr. Shilson again addressed the
jury. The Chairman in summing up, remarked on the discrepancies in the
evidence, and said it appeared to him the ends of justice would be
answered (if the prisoner were found guilty) by finding him guilty on
the second count, the first, charging him with intent to kill and
murder, being a very strong one. The jury found the prisoner Guilty on
the second count, of common assault. He was sentenced to Three Months'
Imprisonment, and ordered to find sureties to keep the peace
afterwards, himself in GBP20, and another recognizance in GBP20, either
in one or two portions.
A man called FOX, who has been frequently before the court on charges
of vagrancy at Launceston, was placed at the bar, to answer a similar
charge. Mr. DARKE, however, said that in consequence of the man's
ill-health, the authorities at Launceston would not press the charge
against him, hoping that he would not continue to be a vagrant, but
would put himself under the care of some parish. Fox said he was going
to Lifton to see the overseer, but he was not home, and he was on his
way to Tavistock, but had not money sufficient to take him there, and
going through Launceston on Saturday night, he called at two or three
doors. The chairman said he had respectable friends at Lifton, and
warned him that he must not infest Launceston. The prisoner promised
that he would not, and said he would go home to Devonport, in which
union he had been for two months on account of the disease in his face.
He was then removed from the bar.
SENTENCES OF THE PRISONERS - The prisoners were then sentenced by J.
K. LETHBRIDGE, Esq., chairman. The following are the sentences of
those whose trials we reported last week.
WILLIAM WORTH and JOHN COCK, each Four Months' Hard Labour.
WILLIAM TRUDGIAN and JOHN RUNDLE, each Six Months' Hard Labour.
JOANNA SYMONS, Two Months' Hard Labour.
GEORGE UREN, (second conviction) Six Months' Hard Labour, and during
that period, at the Governor's discretion, to be kept in solitary
confinement for one month.
GEORGE HODGE, and RICHARD VINCENT, each Three Months' Hard Labour.
HENRY HARRIS, Two Months' Hard Labour.
PHILIP DAWE, Two Months' Hard Labour.
MARY ANN HOSKEN, Six Months' Hard Labour. In passing sentence on this
prisoner, and some others, the Chairman remarked that the love of dress
was frequently the incentive to crime with young females.
PASCOE RICHARDS, Four Months' Hard Labour. The Chairman remarked that
the frequency with which miners were plundered of their clothing while
they were underground, induced the Court to pass a severe sentence when
a prisoner was convicted of that offence.
HARRIET COLLINS, Four Months' Hard Labour.
JOSEPH GEORGE, (second conviction) Twelve Months' Hard Labour.
EDWIN MENNEAR, One Month's Hard Labour, and to be Once Privately
Whipped.
JAMES DAVEY, (second conviction) Nine Months' Hard Labour.
ANN LEE, Six Months' Hard labour.
JAMES HICKS, Two Months' Hard Labour.
WILLIAM ELLIS and NICHOLAS BASTIAN, each One Month to Hard Labour, and
to be Once Privately Whipped. In passing sentence, the Chairman said
he considered that HAMBLY, the receiver of the tin and lead that was
stolen, was more culpable than the prisoners.
ELIZABETH WYNN, Four Months' Hard Labour. The Chairman, in passing
sentence, said the Court had reason to believe that the prisoner was
the victim of others. This was, however, not quite clear, and, as in
other cases, it was a love of dress which had brought the prisoner into
this discreditable position. Had she been indicted as a servant, the
Court must have passed a much more severe sentence.
THOMAS REBOUS, Four Months' Hard Labour.
SOPHIA KENDALL, Six Months' Hard Labour.
WILLIAM MITCHELL, Two Months' Hard Labour; and for a second offence in
conjunction with JAMES THOMAS, Four Months' Hard Labour, after the
expiration of the first two months.
JAMES THOMAS, (second conviction) to be Transported for Seven Years.
THOMAS WILLIAMS, Fourteen Years' Transportation.
ELIZABETH SPARGO and ELIZA KINSMAN, each Two Months' Hard Labour. For
a second offence, Elizabeth Spargo to be further imprisoned for Two
Months at the expiration of the first sentence.
MARIA ALLEN, Two Months' Hard Labour.
BILLS IGNORED - The grand jury ignored the bills against the
following prisoners:- GEORGE HICKS, charged with stealing oats, the
property of HERCULES BARRETT; JOSEPH HARVEY, who was admitted as
evidence for the crown; and the bill against WILLIAM JOHNS.
SECOND COURT, Before Sir COLMAN RASHLEIGH, Bart. Thursday, January 4.
- JOHN VOSPER, 19, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 9th of November,
a quantity of corn, the property of JOHN VEALE, a farmer of the parish
of Southhill. Four Months' Hard Labour.
WILLIAM TREBILCOCK, 36, was found Guilty of stealing, on the 3rd of
October, at the parish of St. Julio, a male ass, the property of
CHARLES HONEY. A second indictment against the prisoner charged him
with stealing a male ass, the property of THOMAS JEWELL, of St. Gennys.
The animal was missed on the 12th of October, and was subsequently
found in the possession of JOHN PIPER, a shoe-maker, at Kilkhampton,
who had bought it of the prisoner. The donkey was sold to Piper on the
same day that the prosecutor missed it; and when selling the animal,
prisoner said he had it of a person at Oakhampton. On being afterwards
charged with the theft, prisoner said he would get the donkey returned
to prosecutor, if he would let him go. Verdict. Guilty. There was a
third indictment against the prisoner for stealing a male ass, the
property of HENRY MOYSE, of St. Gennys; but on this charge no evidence
was offered. In passing sentence the Chairman said that the prisoner
had been in gaol twice before. He then sentenced him to One Month's
Hard Labour for the first offence; and for the second, to be
Transported for Seven Years.
ANN BINGHAM, 17, was indicted for stealing from the dwelling house of
JOHN VEALE, in the parish of Southhill, a gold ring and a pair of
ear-drops. Prosecutor is a farmer at Southhill, and prisoner was his
servant. On the morning of the 8th of December, prosecutor saw the
property in question, in the box where it was usually kept; but through
information afterwards received, he went to the box a second time and
discovered that the ring and ear-drops had been taken away. Prisoner,
in the interim, had left the house and gone to Callington, where
prosecutor pursued her, and gave her in custody to a constable, who
took her to an inn, where the landlady, Mrs. BABB and her daughter,
searched the prisoner, but found nothing on her person. Prisoner,
however, made a stand in the bed-room where she was searched, which
excited suspicion, and Mrs. Babb, on going to the place, found under
the bed-clothes, the stolen ear-drops, but the ring was not found. The
prisoner received a good character. Verdict, Guilty - Three Months'
Hard Labour.
SHOP ROBBERIES - JAMES GIDLEY, 19, was indicted for stealing from the
shop of THOMAS BROWN, at Callington, a striped silk-velvet waistcoat.
Prosecutor is a draper and tailor at Callington. On the 2nd of
November prisoner entered his shop and said he wanted to buy a cap; he
did not, however, purchase one, but said he would call again when he
had more money. After he had left the shop, prosecutor, in consequence
of information, looked about, and saw that some waistcoat-pieces had
been disturbed. Prisoner was afterwards apprehended by JOHN WENMOUTH,
a constable of Callington, who found on him ear-drops and other
articles. He also took a boot from his foot which was nailed in a
peculiar manner. The constable gave the boot to THOMAS BETTY, a
carrier, who traced foot-marks corresponding with it to a field
belonging to Mr. BABB, where he found behind a gate-post, a striped
silk-velvet waistcoat, which prosecutor identified as his property.
The constable afterwards compared the foot-marks with the boot, and
found them to correspond and the Chairman observed that the constable
had acted with judgment in putting the boot by the side of, and not
into the marks, when making the comparison. The jury gave a verdict of
Not Guilty, the foreman remarking that though there was reason for
suspicion, they did not consider that sufficient proof of guilt had
been adduced. The same prisoner was then indicted for stealing, on the
3rd of November, a silk handkerchief and two waistcoat-pieces, from the
shop of LEONARD PHILP, a draper at Callington. Between eight and nine
o'clock in the morning, prosecutor, from an inner room, saw the
prisoner crossing his shop, and went out and inquired what business he
had there in the back part of the shop. Prisoner asked some question
about needles, and went away. Prosecutor afterwards missed from the
side of the shop where he had seen the prisoner, two waistcoat pieces,
and the prisoner having been taken into custody for robbing another
shop, there was found on his person, when he was searched at the Red
Lion Inn, a silk handkerchief, and three waistcoat pieces which Mr.
Philp identified as his property and a constable called HENWOOD found
the handkerchief concealed under prisoner's shirt. Verdict, Guilty.
There was another indictment against the same prisoner for stealing on
the 3rd of November, at Callington, five pair of ear-drops, and
fourpence, the property of RICHARD WALLIS, but no evidence was given on
this charge. Six Month's Hard Labour.
JOANNA STEPHENS, 30, was found Guilty of stealing, on the 21st of
November, at the parish of St. Kew, a petticoat, the property of SARAH
WHITEHAIR. One Month's Hard Labour.
WILLIAM DOIDGE, was found Guilty of stealing 2s. 0 1/2 and a small box
on the 1st of January, from the dwelling-house of RICHARD THOMAS, of
St. Germans. The prisoner was also convicted of felony at the last
assizes. Nine Month's Hard Labour.
ROSETTA JANE, 22, was charged with stealing twenty-eight yards of
cotton print, the property of FRANCIS WOOLF the younger. On the 24th
of November, being market day at Redruth, the prosecutor placed a pile
of printed cottons outside his shop door. About eight o'clock it
rained, and he put a window blind over the prints. He then
particularly noticed the top print, but about nine o'clock, when he
removed the blind, he missed the piece that he before observed there.
MARY ANN DUNGEY, an assistant in Mr. Woolf's shop, saw the prisoner
standing at the shop door close by the prints, about half-past eight in
the evening, and a woman called ELIZABETH SYMONS was then in the shop
having a basket with her. Prosecutor afterwards went with TREGONNING,
policeman of Redruth, to prisoner's lodgings, where they found over the
tester of the bed in which prisoner slept, three pieces of print, and
under the bed-tie one piece, the twenty-eight yards having been cut
into four pieces. Prisoner was then in the bedroom and Elizabeth
Symons in the next room. After being taken into custody, prisoner
without inducement to say anything, told the policeman that she found
the print on the lower side of Mr. Woolf's door. Verdict, Guilty, and
a conviction for felony in 1847 was proved against her. Seven Years'
Transportation.
THOMAS HARVEY, 18, and WILLIAM HARVEY, 28, pleaded Guilty of stealing,
on the 8th of December a quantity of potatoes, from a cave, the
property of THOMAS NICHOLLS, of St. Eval, innkeeper. Each prisoner was
sentenced to Four Months Hard Labour.
ELIZABETH GOLDSWORTHY was charged with stealing, on the 18th of
October, a flannel petticoat, the property of RICHARD PASCOE, of
Liskeard. Verdict, Not Guilty. The same prisoner was next charged
with stealing a yard and a half of calico, the property of RICHARD
SOWDEN, of Liskeard. Mr. BENNALLACK who appeared for the prisoner,
complained that no depositions had been taken, which he said was an
unfair mode of proceeding, and he should claim a traverse for his
client. The prisoner, he said, was neither brought there in custody,
nor had been bailed to answer the indictment. The Chairman said, if it
were averred the prisoner was taken by surprise, she might be held to
bail to be tried at the next sessions. The prisoner, however,
preferring at once to be tried, evidence was given by constable DAWE,
of Liskeard, that the pillow-case was found in her box; it having,
however, been hung out to dry, there was a doubt whether she might not
have taken it in mistake for her own. The Chairman, in summing up,
said it was an irregular proceeding, and in his opinion, unfair to the
prisoner that she should be brought there to answer two charges (this
and the preceding one) without having been before a magistrate, and
hearing the depositions against her. The judges had expressed strong
opinions on this subject; and a strong opinion had even been given with
respect to placing witnesses on the bank of indictments, when they had
not been examined before a magistrate. The jury gave a verdict of Not
Guilty. There was another indictment against the prisoner for stealing
a towel from MARIA SOWDEN, but this was withdrawn. The Chairman said
he would mention the matter to the Chairman of the other Court, but it
was very doubtful whether the Court would allow the expenses of the two
prosecutions.
RICHARD HARVEY, 34, was charged with stealing on the 9th of December,
five bushels of potatoes from a cave, the property of THOMAS NICHOLLS,
of St. Eval. There was a second count charging the prisoner with
feloniously receiving the potatoes. The Chairman, however, pointed out
that the indictment was so drawn that the stealing must be proved, or
the second count could not be supported; and as no evidence was given
of the stealing, the jury were directed to return a verdict of
Acquittal on the charge of receiving.
JOHN LIDDICOAT, 45, was indicted for breaking and entering the account
house of Wheal Courtenay mine, in St. Columb Major, and stealing
therefrom a pair of trowsers, pair of drawers, two shirts and a
quantity of miners' candles, the property of THOMAS SWAYNE and others,
the adventurers in the mine. Mr. COLLINS appeared for the prosecution,
and called BENJAMIN RIDDLESTONE, a miner at Wheal Courtenay, who said
the captain, Mr. SAMUEL LAWRY, had in the account house two
under-ground jackets, a pair of trowsers, pair of drawers, and two
shirts. He was the last man in the account house on Saturday, the 9th
of December, and saw the captain lock the candle box. The window was
also secured, there being a spring and knob to keep up the sash. He
came to the account house again about eight o'clock on Monday morning,
when he saw two panes of glass broken, and the lock of the candle-box
on the floor; he also observed that the door had been tried with a
small bar. When he left the account-house on the Saturday, he went
into St. Columb, it being pay-day for the miners, and on his way home
he saw the prisoner about a quarter of a mile from the mine, go across
the road to the fields. Witness and prisoner afterwards walked on
together for more than a mile, prisoner had a basket, but no bundle of
clothes with him. SAMUEL LAWRY, the captain of the mine, said the
candle-box contained about a dozen pounds of candles, when he left the
account-house about three o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday the 9th
of December. This witness was examined at some length, and had
considerable difficulty (not having any memoranda with him) in
recollecting the names of two adventurers besides Mr. Swayne, three
being the number of names required to be stated. The adventurers were
a London company. PHILLIPPA STEVENS, who keeps a public house in St.
Columb Minor, deposed that the prisoner and Riddlestone were in her
house on the night of Saturday, the 9th of December. She did not see
prisoner enter, but after he was there she saw a small bundle in the
kitchen, which appeared to consist of miners' dirty clothes. The
bundle was not near to prisoner and as it was market night, when many
people were coming in, she did not take particular notice when things
were brought there, and did not observe who took the bundle away.
HENRY COOMBE, policeman of St. Columb, said he had a warrant for
searching prisoner's premises on the 19th of December. He was then
searching for stolen geese, and had searched other houses besides
prisoner's. He found in prisoner's garden a potatoe cave, covered with
reed and earth, on removing which he discovered a pair of duck
trowsers, pair of drawers, and two shirts tied in a bundle. He also
found upstairs in prisoner's house twelve strings of miners' candles,
weighting about eleven pounds. Captain Lawry was re-called, and
identified the clothes produced by the policeman, as being those which
he had been in the habit of wearing, and which were left in the
account-house on Saturday night the 9th of December. The candles found
in prisoner's house were about the same quantity, and of the same
description as those taken from the candle-box in the account-house.
Mr. BENNALLACK, for the defence, took several objections to the
indictment, which points were reserved by the Chairman, and the case
was directed to go to the jury. Prisoner's advocate then addressed the
jury, and the Chairman, in summing up, said they must be satisfied, in
order to find the prisoner guilty under the indictment, that he broke
and entered the account-house, and there stole the articles mentioned;
or they might find the prisoner guilty of simple felony, if the
breaking and entering were not sufficiently made out. The jury found
the prisoner Guilty of simple larceny. Four Months' Hard Labour.
MATTHEW MITCHELL, 18, was charged with stealing, at Haleworthy, in the
parish of Treneglos, a watch, chain, and key, the property of JOHN
ROBINS. On Friday the 24th of November, the watch was left in the
house on the mantel-piece, and on the following Monday Mrs. Robins
discovered that it had been taken away. Prisoner having been in the
house on Sunday, policeman FITZGERALD, of Camelford, was informed of
the robbery, and on going to the prisoner he found the watch on his
person. Prisoner said he purchased the watch of Mrs. Robins for 15s.,
but this she denied. Guilty. Six Months' Hard Labour.
CHRISTIANA HILL was charged with stealing, at St. Just in Penwith, a
half-sovereign, the property of NICHOLAS THOMAS. She was also charged,
in a second count, with receiving the half-sovereign, knowing it to
have been stolen. It appeared that MARY TAYLOR, who served in
prosecutor's hop, placed a half-sovereign in the till wrapped up in
paper. On Thursday morning the 16th of November, MARGARET ANGWIN saw
JANE TREMBATH (who has since gone to Australia) kneeling on the shop
counter, and leaning over against the opposite fixtures, the till being
just underneath her. Jane Trembath afterwards gave the half-sovereign
to the prisoner; but Mr. Bennallack addressed the jury on her behalf,
contending that no guilty knowledge of the theft had been proved
against her, and she was Acquitted.
EMANUEL POMEROY, 46, was charged with stealing on the 26th of November,
at St. Stephens by Launceston, a quantity of flour, the property of
BENJAMIN BALL. The prosecutor was a miller, and the prisoner was in
his employ at the time of the robbery. On the night of the 26th of
November, prosecutor and his wife watched his mill, from a cart-house
opposite the south side; and at half-past five in the morning saw
prisoner come out and look towards the dwelling-house; he then went
back and in a short time stopped the mill. He next went down to a
lower floor and took some flour out of a hutch, and the prosecutor saw
him go with a candle and bag and lock the door of the mill. The
prosecutor went to a hole in the wall on the north side of the mill, a
view of which was not commanded from the cart-house, and there found a
bag of flour. There had been nothing in the morning of the previous
day, and the bag was prisoner's property. Besides the evidence by the
witnesses for the prosecution, there were many expressions made use of
by prisoner which tended strongly to inculpate himself. Guilty. Six
Months, Hard Labour.
MARY ANN BALL, 23, was charged with stealing on the 18th of December,
one jar and one gallon of cider, the property of her master, Mr. EDWARD
PETER, of Langstone, in the parish of Northhill. The principal
evidence was that of an accomplice, a girl named MARY ANN STEVENS, aged
twelve years, who went into the service of Mr. Peter on the 9th of
December, and on the 18th of December, asked prisoner to give SAMUEL
and MARY FUGE a little cider. Prisoner consented, and told witness to
take a gallon jar from the dairy. In the evening they went to the
dairy, took the jar, and went into the cellar, where prisoner filled
the jar about three parts full; and witness afterwards took the jar to
the pump-house. The next day witness carried the jar, first to her
father's house, and thence to Fuge's house, and Mary Fuge took it and
put it in the stairs, witness having told her that she had brought some
cider for Samuel - Mary Fuge, wife of Samuel Fuge, stated that neither
she nor her husband had any acquaintance with the prisoner; but they
had with Mary Ann Stevens who lived at the same village with themselves
- Coad's Green. On the 20th of December, in the evening, Mary Ann
Stevens brought a jar of cider, which she said was for WILLIAM COLMER,
a young man who lodged at the house, and she (Mary Ann Stevens) put the
jar of cider in the stairs. In the evening, William Colmer took the
jar of cider, and he, witness, and witness's husband took it to
prosecutor's. MARY PETER, wife of prosecutor, stated that she gave the
key of the cider cellar, on the 18th and 19th, to prisoner, to draw
cider, as usual for dinner and in the evening; and on each occasion,
prisoner brought back the key. On Tuesday the 19th, missed a gallon
jar from the dairy, and, in consequence began to make inquiry. The jar
was brought back on the Thursday evening by William Colman, with Samuel
and Mary Fuge. The jar was now produced and identified by Mrs. Peter.
The Chairman summed up much in prisoner's favour, pointing out the
discrepancy between the evidence of the accomplice and that of Mary
Fuge; and intimating that, according to all probability, the principal
felon was the witness Stevens, who, it appeared, had carried out and
completed the felony in every respect except the actually drawing the
cider. The prisoner received a good character from her mistress, Mrs.
Peter, and from two other respectable witnesses. The jury immediately
returned a verdict of Acquittal; the foreman had previously said that
the witness Stevens ought to have stood in the dock instead of the
prisoner. (two spellings of Colmer and Colman!)
ASSAULT ON A MINE AGENT - JAMES CARR [?], 51, was indicted for a
breach of the peace towards JOHN HANCOCK, at the parish of St. Agnes.
John Hancock, mine agent at the New Polberrow mines, stated that in
September last, prisoner was engaged at work on the mine, and continued
there till the 2nd of November, when he was discharged for not doing
the work that witness wanted him to do. On the Monday or Tuesday
afterwards, prisoner came to witness and asked why he had checked him
half a day's work. Witness said "I did it because you refused to do
the work I left word for you to do, by the engineer." Prisoner said he
would have redress; and witness replied "You may go just where you
please about that." In the afternoon of the 8th of November, prisoner
came on the mine and called to witness to know if he was going to
charge him that half-day or not. Witness, who thought from prisoner's
wild manner that he was tipsy, said, "if you don't leave the mine, I
will get a constable and put you off." Prisoner then said, "Will you
give me an answer to my question? Do you mean to charge me that
half-day you have deducted?" Witness replied "no, I shall not pay it."
Prisoner said, "very well; that is an answer." Prisoner lived in a
little cabin on the mine, and in the course of the afternoon, witness
went with a man named JAMES, to take charge of some ropes outside the
cabin. Just as they came to the corner of the cabin, prisoner peeped
out of the door, and went back again; he then in an instant rushed
[out] and presented a pistol to witness's head, saying "I'll shoot
you"; and prisoner was not above three or four feet off at the time.
Witness stooped, and caught hold of the pistol and turned it aside.
Witness got prisoner down, and a scuffle ensued; the buttons of
prosecutor's waistcoat were pulled off. Witness sent for Mr. MORCOM,
the cashier, who came to his assistance; a constable was sent for; it
was found then that there was no flint in the pistol, but prisoner said
there had been one, but a poor one. When before Mr. DAVEY, the
magistrate, the pistol was drawn, and was found to be charged with
three inches of fine powder and brown paper wadding, but no lead; the
powder was not the same sort as was used in mines. Witness concluded
his evidence by swearing that he still considered his life in danger
from the prisoner.
WILLIAM HENRY JAMES, the labourer on the mine, was with the last
witness when he went to gather up ropes near the prisoner's hut. He
corroborated the evidence of Capt. Hancock. JAMES BRYANT, constable,
produced the pistol, and stated that, when the prisoner was before the
magistrates, he heard him say that he would rather be committed for a
month or two than otherwise, because he knew that Capt. Hancock would
not be on the mine on his return. Prisoner intimated that Capt.
Hancock would be murdered or suffer some severe injury so as not to be
able to retain his situation; he believed that there were many parties
on the mine who had a dislike to Capt. Hancock, and if he proceeded in
his tyrannical way, he would be murdered, or something like that. The
prisoner stated that what he really said was, that he would sooner go
to gaol for three months, for that he should be much deceived if
Captain Hancock was on the mine on his return, because of his ignorance
as a mining agent. Guilty - Two Months' Imprisonment; and at the end
of that period, to enter into recognizances in GBP20 to keep the peace
towards Her Majesty's subjects, and particularly towards Capt. Hancock.
19 FEBRUARY 1849, Friday
ANTI-SLAVERY MEETING AT LISKEARD - On the 11th inst., a public
meeting was held at Liskeard, Mr. CHILDS, the Mayor in the chair, to
take into consideration the present aggravated amount of the
slave-trade still carried on around the coast of Africa, and the
remedies deemed practicable for extinguishing this appalling traffic.
Mr. Scoble, the able secretary of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery
society, was called on to put the meeting in possession of the leading
features of the case, which he did in a clear and comprehensive manner.
Mr. Scoble took a rapid view of the Slavery and slave-trade formerly
sanctioned by this country, of the abolition of the latter in 1807, and
of slavery itself in the West Indies in 1834; the intermediate state of
the apprenticeship of the negroes being also abolished in 1838, and the
slaves in the East Indies and all other parts of the empire emancipated
soon after. He alluded to the philanthropic efforts of that noble band
of men, SHARPE, WILBERFORECE, CLARKSON, LUSHINGTON, and BUXTON, and to
the excellent effects produced by their exertions supported by the
people at large, in wiping off those foul stains from the character of
Britain; so that now throughout this wide empire of her Majesty
Victoria, no man is deemed a chattel, and the property of his fellow
man. But not only have these labours been successful as regards our
own coloured population, they have operated also as an example to the
world, and weakened the grasp of the planter on his unfortunate victim
in many other countries, and produced his entire liberation in some.
Spain and Brazil entered into solemn treaties with Great Britain to
discontinue the trade on the coast of Africa, and each of those powers
received from England several hundred thousand pounds, as compensation
for the suppression of the traffic, stipulating that all slaves
introduced from that time into their territories should be set at
liberty.
These treaties unfortunately have never been acted on hitherto, and in
order to prevent the trade, armed cruisers were employed by England,
France, and the United States to blockade the coast of Africa, and
capture all vessels employed in the bloody commerce. This system was
always objected to by the Anti-Slavery Society, and Mr. Scoble quoted
largely from the report of the late parliamentary committee to show
that the cruisers had wholly failed of success, and had even tended to
increase the [........?] of the trade and the sufferings of the
Africans. Embarked in small vessels to avoid capture, stowed away,
tier above tier, with no room to move, and little intervening space for
air, their agonies are heartrending and the mortality is frightful.
Scarcely one vessel in twenty-five is captured, and the officers and
crews employed in the British and other vessels suffer much from this
preventive service. The impression is at length gaining ground that
this fruitless system must be abandoned, and as Great Briton has of
late years opened her market to the produce of Brazil and Cuba, it is
proposed to call on the governments of Spain and Brazil to carry their
treaties into effect by liberating all Africans who have since been
illegally introduced, together with their descendants. In the event of
their refusal to do so, it will be for the government of this country
to demand payment of the sums advanced, and to propose to parliament to
close the British market against the produce of those countries.
Resolutions and a petition to parliament to this effect were adopted by
the meeting, the latter to be transmitted to the member for the borough
for presentation. Mr. Scoble brought forward a mass of interesting
matter relating to the present state, recent events, and brightening
prospects of the slave question in various countries of the world. The
Mayor, in acknowledging a vote of thanks, remarked on the great
importance of colonizing and Christianizing the coast of Africa, and
promoting a legitimate commerce with her people. We understand that
Mr. Scoble will shortly visit other towns in Cornwall.
CHRISTMAS BENEVOLENCE - At "the Christmas feast," the Rev. E.
GRIFFITHS, the vicar of Manacan, distributed to his poor parishioners
upwards of two cwt. of meat, with a blanket to each person. On New
Year's day the rev. gentleman entertained the church choir at the
national school-room, and the evening was spent in perfect harmony of
feeling.
CAMELFORD COUNTY COURT - At this court on the 11th instant, the only
case that excited much interest was WESTLAKE v. FITZGERALD. The
plaintiff who occupied a small farm at Halworthy, in the parish of
Davidstow, sought to recover GBP5 from defendant, a police officer of
Camelford, for intrusion into his dwelling house, breaking some
articles of earthenware, damaging beef etc. Mr. PETER, solicitor, of
Launceston, was employed by plaintiff. The case arose from a sheep
having been missed on a neighbouring farm, and Fitzgerald was employed
to make a search for it. It appeared that he called for this purpose
on most of the villagers and at Westlake's amongst the rest, where he
found Mrs. Westlake engaged in her domestic concerns, and made the
necessary inquiries without any search, though Westlake and his wife
swore that various injures were done, but failed to convince the judge.
His Honor having heard the case and Fitzgerald's reply with Mr.
Peter's cross-examination, said that this was the first case of the
sort he had ever heard of or met with, as he considered every honest
person would throw open their doors to aid and assist a public officer
in discovering a felony, and if a small bit of beef had been dirtied by
a touch with a walking stick, he could see no other injury done, and
should give a verdict of sixpence to the plaintiff, each party to pay
his own cost.
REDRUTH COUNTY COURT - At this court, held on Thursday and Friday
last, there were fifty-four cases entered for trial and the following
insolvency cases were brought before the court:- In the case of
ABRAHAM NICHOLLS, Mr. YEWENS filed insolvent's petition, who was
ordered to appear at the next sitting for his first examination.
In the case of STEPHEN CHEEK, insolvent was opposed by Mr. S. HENWOOD,
one of his principal creditors. After a lengthened examination of
insolvent, and of Mr. THOMAS SYMONS respecting certain dealings between
the parties, his Honor said he should grant insolvent his final order
at the next sitting.
In the case of THOMAS GEORGE, an adjourned hearing, insolvent's sister
was examined, respecting a mortgage executed to her by insolvent. Mr.
PASCOE opposed on behalf of Messrs. HARVEY and CO., and Messrs.
GIBBONS, creditors, and Mr. ROGERS appeared for insolvent. After he
had been examined respecting his schedule, the Judge said he should
grant the final order on the 16th of February.
COMMITTALS - Two young men in their teens, were on Saturday last,
committed to Bodmin gaol for fourteen days' hard labour, by the Rev.
S. CHILCOTT, for begging and insolent language at Camelford, on Friday
last. We understand that while in the clink there they tore most of
their clothes off their backs.
Three men who gave their names as WILLIAM BAKER, GEORGE DAVIES, and
JOHN DAVIES, were committed on Monday last, by F. CONDE, jun., Esq.,
for breaking glass in the union house. The men applied for relief, and
on being refused they commenced breaking the windows. They were
committed for fourteen days to hard labour.
HORSE STEALING - On Saturday night last, a mare was stolen from the
stable of Mr. WALTER JAMES, on Trelill estate, in the parish of
Wendron, no clue has been obtained to the robber. On the preceding
Saturday, an attempt was made to seal a horse from the stable of Mr.
THOMAS GOLDSWORTHY, of Trewennack farm, in the same parish but the
robber did not succeed.
CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH - The body of a male child was discovered on
Saturday last, in the privy attached to the house of Mr. FRANCIS
POLLARD, at the church town of the parish of Paul. A young woman
called MARY ANN MURLEY was taken into custody on suspicion, and Mr.
FRANCIS BOASE, surgeon, having examined the body, was of opinion that
the child was born alive seven or ten days before; when discovered the
head was greatly fractured. An inquest was held on the body, on Monday
last before Mr. HICHENS, when the jury gave a verdict of "found dead."
On Tuesday the supposed mother was examined before the Rev. C. V. LE
GRICE, and committed for trial on a charge of concealing the birth.
FALMOUTH POLICE - On Monday last, ten seamen belonging to the ship
"Earl Balcarras," an Indiaman, which put into Falmouth on Saturday
last, were brought before the Mayor and Lieut. HILL, for insubordinate
conduct, and refusing to proceed to sea. They were convicted, and
sentenced to thirty days' hard labour, in the borough gaol.
HIGHWAYMEN - On Friday morning last, about two o'clock, a man with a
load of furniture was stopped at a very short distance from Grampound,
on the St. Austell road, by two men supposed to be dressed in disguise,
with their faces blackened. Information was given to Mr. KNEEBONE,
constable of Grampound, who immediately went in pursuit on horseback,
but we regret to say the fellows made their escape. This is not the
first or second attempt of the kind, lately made between Grampound and
St. Austell.
SUPPOSED SHIPWRECK - It is feared a vessel was lost on the night of
Saturday last, on one of the dangerous ledges off the Scilly Islands,
as several oranges and lemons, with pieces of planks and beams, were
washed ashore on Tuesday last. Several boats' crews were out seeking
for any trace of the wreck, but as yet they have been unable to find
the exact locality where the melancholy event occurred.
WRECK OF A VESSEL WITH COPPER ORE - We regret to state that in
consequence of the thick state of the weather on Monday se'nnight, the
"Maria," of St. Ives, an old schooner, sunk, and was wrecked a little
to the eastward of Swansea Pier. She was laden with a cargo of copper
ore, consigned to Messrs. WILLIAMS, FOSTER and CO. It appears the
vessel made a deal of water soon after she left Portreath, and, from
the water having increased as they got on, the crew were obliged to
keep both pumps going shortly after they made the Welsh land. When
they got abreast the Mumble Head, she became quite unmanageable. After
succeeding in getting her to anchor she went down, and the master and
crew took to the boat, and fortunately saved their lives. By Thursday
morning she had gone to pieces; not a vestige of her was to be seen.
GUN ACCIDENT - We understand that the accident to Mr. RICHARDS, of
Mithian, St. Agnes, which we noticed last week, was not occasioned by
the bursting of the gun, but by its accidentally going off as he was
taking it up to go out to shoot sparrows; the charge taking effect in
his left arm. Mr. Richards is seventy-five years, of age, but through
the medical skill of Mr. SPRY of Truro, and Mr. WHITWORTH, of St.
Agnes, he is likely to do well, without amputation being resorted to.
MINE ACCIDENT - On Thursday, as a man named ROSEWARNE was employed
filling the kibble at the 139[?] fathoms level in Levant mine, the men
at the surface finding the kibble came up empty, went down to ascertain
the cause. They found Rosewarne's candle lighted in the shaft
[...........?] before named, but at the bottom of the shaft [....?]
fathoms below, which depth he must have fallen, they found him quite
dead. He left a widow and six children.
CORONER'S INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before Mr.
GILBERT HAMLEY:- On Thursday last, at Marhamchurch, on the body of
Mrs. JOHANNA ROGERS, who for many years kept the King's Arms Inn, in
that place. It appeared from the evidence, that deceased, in her usual
good health on the day previous left her house to go into the cow
house, which was close by. An old woman living near, having to pass
the cow house to hang out her clothes to dry, saw deceased lying on the
ground, she went in and found her dead. Only a few minutes had elapsed
from the time she went out until she was found dead. Verdict,
"visitation of God."
On Saturday, in the parish of St. Blazey, on the body of WILLIAM RICH.
Deceased left his work at Par Consols mine, about four o'clock in the
afternoon, and was going towards the tool house of the mine, to deposit
his shovel, when he having to pass one of the slime pits fell in. A
man ran to his assistance immediately, and took him out, but he was
quite dead. It was supposed he had a fit, before he fell in, as he was
not in the water more than a few seconds. Verdict accordingly.
On Monday, at St. Austell, on the body of HENRY BLIGHT, who was found
dead in bed. Deceased had been for many years subject to asthma, but
on the preceding day was not worse than usual. His daughter on going
to call him in the morning, found him dead. Verdict, "died from
natural causes."
26 JANUARY 1849, Friday
CALIFORNIA - Little else is now heard ringing through the land than
the cry of "California"! Where are its gold mines? What are the
resources of the country? And how shall we get there?" These
interrogatories, startling as they may appear when associated with the
ordinary course of business life, have been echoed with extraordinary
perseverance since the great fact has been officially announced, that
California does produce almost illimitable quantities of the auriferous
deposit, and that the resources of the settlement are of a character so
inviting as to lead to the presumption that the vast stream of
emigration tending to its shores will ripen into a produce in the space
of a few years a new and extensive field of commercial and agricultural
enterprise, and restore to some importance, through the medium of such
connexion, the Spanish American states, whose existence has latterly
been scarcely better than nominal in the eyes of their more fortunate
transatlantic neighbours. It is with no wish to encourage wild or
extravagant adventure that these pages are addressed to the public it
is rather from a desire to correct false notions current respecting
what ought to be the mode of proceeding to ensure - not fortunes but a
steady and satisfactory progress towards gaining, by legitimate trading
and the pursuit of husbandry, such a competency as may ultimately
realise the expectations of the most sanguine, that they have been
suffered to pass through the press; and it is hoped the information
they contain, rendered in a clear and concise form, will not prove
unacceptable to those parties who propose to start for the localities
enthusiastically described as "the Gold Regions of Alta, or Upper
California.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION - The most trustworthy accounts state that
upper or New California extends along the Pacific from about 32 deg.
Latitude to Cape Mendocino, 40 deg. 19 min. latitude, and from the
coast as far as the boundaries of the north-eastern department of New
Mexico. The chief rivers are the Sacramento, the site of the late
valuable discoveries, and the Colorado. The principal ports are named
San Francisco, situated in the bay of that name; Monterey, and San
Diego. Monterey is the capital of California. The country is
well-watered and fertile, and is said by acknowledged writers to be one
of the most picturesque in existence. The climate is variable, but on
the whole moderate in temperature; and the only drawback is the
prevalence of heavy fogs, which, though temporarily unpleasant, serve
to invigorate vegetation, and fertilise the soil. The valley of the
Sacramento and that of San Juan seem to be regarded as the most fertile
districts - the latter being called "the garden of the country, and
capable of producing wheat, Indian corn, rye, oats, &c., with all the
fruits of the temperate and many of the tropical climates." This
valley, which affords excellent pasturage, comprises, according to
Captain WILKES, of the American exploring expedition, a level plain,
from fifteen to twenty miles in width, extending north and south from
the Bay of San Francisco. The San Joachim river, which waters the
great valley of Buena Ventura, the principal residence of the
California Indians, receives numerous streams flowing from the
mountains. In the interior the state of the settlement is much less
favourable, and would not seem to be adapted for agriculture. The
climate, thirty miles from the coast, where in the summer disagreeable
north-westerly winds are experienced, undergoes great change, and "in
no part of the world is there found a finer or more agreeable
temperature than in the valley of San Juan, it more resembling that of
Andalusia, in Spain, than any other." In ordinary seasons, the valleys
are well watered by the mountain streams, which for some periods of the
year are described as mere brooks, but during the rainy season,
commencing in November, and terminating in February, they often swell
to impassable torrents. The Sacramento river is the largest in
California, and is presumed to have its source in the eastern spurs of
the Shaste mountain. After receiving the stream, known as the American
river, the Sacramento is joined by the San Joachim, flowing from the
south and thence pass into the bay of San Francisco. Although the
majority of the streams passing through the different valleys afford
opportunities for irrigating the land, some are navigable except the
Sacramento.
San Francisco is one of the finest, if not the very best harbour in the
world. "Few," writes Captain Wilkes, "are more extensive or could be
as readily defended, while the fleet of all the naval powers of Europe
and America might moor in it." Until recently very little trade has
been done in the country. The principal articles imported appear to be
cotton, cloths, velvets, silks, brandies, wines, teas, &c., &c., for
which in return are given hides, tallow, skins, wheat, and fish.
Previous to the gold discoveries, the natives turned their attention to
agricultural pursuits, the rearing of stock, &c., which, however, have
now been wholly abandoned. The wheat crops have yielded large returns,
and the Californian valleys are the most successful spots for the
cultivation. A reduced estimate gave eighty bushels for one planted.
MANUFACTURES - At the missions, while in existence the manufacture of
various coarse articles was undertaken on a small scale. Among these
were blankets and wearing apparel, sufficient to supply all the
Indians; but with the decline of these establishments the manufactures
were in great part discontinued. Soap of good quality is manufactured
in considerable quantities, and it is thought that it might be exported
at a profit, if the proper arrangements were made to use the grease
which is now thrown away. The necessary alkali is very abundant.
Leather of excellent quality is also made and well tanned, but in such
small quantities as to be hardly sufficient to supply the wants of the
country.
LIVE STOCK - From all accounts, besides cattle, the country is
adapted for the raising of sheep, which simply require watching, as
they can find plenty of nutritious food the whole year round; but there
has been no attention paid to this sort of stock, and the wool is of
very ordinary quality. The mutton is said to be of very fine flavour.
The usual price for a sheep is from 6s. to 8s., when a choice is made
for killing. Hogs are raised in some parts, and might be fed to great
advantage on the acorns, which are abundant on the hills, where the
land is not susceptible of cultivation. Pork may be salted and packed
for 12s. the hundred weight. What increased the facility of curing is
the large quantities of sale which crystallise in the ponds in the dry
season, obtainable at the expense of carriage. The valley of the
Sacramento includes a space of 180 miles long, by from twenty to fifty
miles wide. The crops generally ripen in June, which enables the wheat
and Indian corn to be gathered before the summer drought begins. There
is a large variety of game. The elk, it is thought, predominates;
black-tailed deer, wolves, foxes, minxes, hares, musk-rats, badgers,
antelopes, and ovis Montana (mountain sheep,) also abound.
NEW HELVETIA - Captain SUTTER, the founder of New Helvetia, where the
greatest gold discovery has been made, is a Swiss by birth, and was one
of the early settlers to California, where he obtained from Government
a conditional grant of thirty leagues square, bounded by the Sacramento
on the west, and extending as far up the river as the Prairie Butes.
The spot chosen for the erection of his dwelling and fortification, he
has called New Helvetia; it is situated on the summit of a small knoll
rising from the level prairie, two miles from the east bank of the
Sacramento, and fifty miles from its mouth. New Helvetia is bounded on
the north by the American Fork, a small serpentine stream, which has a
course of but a few miles. This river having a bar near its mouth, no
vessels larger than boats can enter it. At this place the Sacramento
is 800 feet wide, and this may be termed the heard of its navigation
during the dry season, or the stage of low water. Captain Fremont, who
proceeded as far as New Helvetia, three years after Captain Wilkes's
visit, observes:- "Captain Sutter, who, 1838-9, formed the first
settlement in the valley, on a large grant of land which he obtained
from the Mexican Government, had at first some trouble with the
Indians, but by the occasional exercise of well-timed authority, he has
succeeded in converting them into a peaceable and industrious people.
The ditches around his extensive wheat-field - the making of the
sun-dried bricks, of which his fort is constructed - the ploughing,
harrowing, and other agricultural operations, are entirely the work of
these Indians, for which they receive a very moderate compensation,
principally in shirts, blankets, and other articles of clothing. In
the same manner, on application to the chief of a village, he readily
obtains as many boys and girls as he has any use for. There were at
this time a number of girls at the fort in training for a future
woollen factory, but they were now all busily engaged in constantly
watering the gardens, which the unfavourable dryness of some seasons, I
understood, to be the only complaint of the settlers in this fertile
valley, as it sometimes renders the crops uncertain. Mr. Sutter was
about making arrangements to irrigate his lands by means of the Rio de
los Americanos. He had this year (1843) sown, and altogether by Indian
labour, 300 fanegas of wheat. The Indians or aborigines are partial to
most foreigners except the Spaniards, who for a long time enslaved
them, and deprived them of their property, industry enabling them to
accumulate agricultural stock. Naturally inclined to peculation, their
chief depredations extend to horses, a flight being readily effected if
a chance of discovery exists; with cattle they could not well escape.
The Indian dreads apprehension, since he knows he is doomed to a
summary death.
GOLD IN CALIFORNIA - That a considerable area in Northern California
is extremely rich near the surface in virgin gold, a few now pretend to
doubt. There is no longer a shadow of excuse for affecting to believe
the accounts fabulous, nor that the product is yellow mica. That from
one to five thousand persons were engaged in digging and washing for
gold in the new "placer" from June to September last inclusive, and
that the average product of their labours was at least one ounce of
23-carat gold, worth fully GBP4 each day's faithful labour, are facts
placed beyond dispute, and the product per man was rather increasing
than diminishing at the latest dates, through the discovery of richer
deposits, sided by the invention, purchase, and manufacture of more
suitable implements. But the next question appears to be, and it is
one which requires careful and anxious consideration, viz.- is the
abundance of gold likely to increase or diminish. Opinions on this
point widely vary. Some authorities are sufficiently sanguine to
expect that it will not. Putting the query in an impartial manner, an
American writer observes:- "That gold is found over a very large area
is true, but that it is everywhere so plentiful as in the neighbourhood
of Capt. Sutter's settlement, where this discovery was first made, we
distrust. The counts favour it, but analogy is rather against it.
True, the Russian gold mines in the Ural Mountains remain as productive
as ever, after several years' efficient working, and these are in a
region by no means so new to civilization as the interior of
California. Usually, however, the first fruits of a newly-discovered
or newly-worked gold region are the richest, and the sanguine
expectations formed at the outset are not justified by the experience
of following years. The unparalleled rush of adventurers to California
will also operate against the realization of extra-ordinary profits
individually, by speedily crowding and in time exhausting the richest
localities, when inferior must be resorted to; while the cost of all
the necessaries of life must remain very high, not only by reason of
the great demand for them, and the distance whence a good part of them
must be brought, but because of the great difficulty of retaining the
seamen, and thus bringing away the vessels in which supplies are
transported thither. We presume, therefore, that gold digging in 1849,
though still very profitable will in the average be less so than in
1848. We are not forgetting that the mines whence these diluvial
riches have in process of time been washed to the valleys and ravines
yet remain to be discovered; but though they will doubtless long defer
the exhaustion of the California gold region, they can hardly be
expected to increase or even sustain its productiveness. We know no
actual mines of any sort which will return twenty dollars per day for
the labour required to work them. But there will be an immense amount
of gold obtained in California during the next year, and probably
through many years to come."
Now respecting the healthiness of the country. The country is
decidedly healthy for prudent and abstemious individuals. It is
admitted by all travellers who have visited California, that the white
natives themselves are a strong and robust people, their simple diet
and mode of life tending to invigorate and establish strong
constitutions. The excessive use of ardent spirits among a certain
portion of the community is much reprobated, and habits of this kind,
if once engendered, will seriously militate against advancement in any
position of social life. The climate in itself is temperate and
agreeable, and the strict adoption of wholesome and nutritious food is
the best preventive against sickness or bodily disorganisation. In the
rainy season needless exposure is to be avoided, and then more than
ever it is essential for emigrants and others to be particular in their
regimen.
DOES CALIFORNIA POSSESS OTHER RESOURCES BESIDES GOLD - Yes, it is so
distinctly stated to competent authorities. Indications of most
mineral products are to be found in the soil. Quicksilver has already
been discovered, and the most primitive mode of working has yielded the
adventurers large profits. Iron, copper, and platina, it is also said,
exist. Agriculture may be advantageously followed as a means of
subsistence, and will prove lucrative in time. The rearing of stock,
for which the settlement affords extraordinary facilities, should not
be neglected, supplying, as this branch of business will, much than is
necessary to the future welfare of the inhabitants. Storekeepers and
general traders will most undoubtedly make money.
WHAT CLASS OF PEOPLE SHOULD SEEK CALIFORNIA? These who may feel
inclined to enter into risky and desperate undertaking, who can sustain
hard labour, a hard life, and hard lodging, and those who can make up
their mind to abandon luxuries for the difficulties certain to be
encountered in such a wide-spread field of competition as the place
will shortly present. It must not be regarded as an Eden, where
pastoral enjoyment will soothe the toil of every day life, but rather
as a spot where, with enduring patience and continued perseverance, a
position may be obtained, which, if not immediately productive of
wealth by fresh and more important discoveries, will at least give
scope to talent and industry, and assure a return for capital in
whatever direction it may be laid out.
WHAT REGULATIONS WILL THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT ENFORCE - On the other
side of the Atlantic it is not anticipated that [........?] will
authorise the executive to sell or lease the land. The institution of
a mint in the colony will it appears to be considered, satisfy the
government as a source of revenue for the first four months. From the
gold coined, a large profit must accrue, particularly since it has been
made compulsory that the whole of the metal secured by the "diggers"
must pass through the mint, and bear the national impress before it
leaves the country.
THE QUICKEST AND BEST ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA - Is unquestionably the
West India mail steam packets. These vessels leave Southampton on the
17th of every month. The point to which they take passengers is
Chagres, the voyage being a short and pleasant one, and usually
accomplished in a few days. From thence passengers pass over the
Isthmus to Panama; a trip occupying about three days, at a cost of
twenty-five dollars. From Panama the American line of Pacific steamers
start on the first of each month, and will land passengers at San
Francisco. Compared with the ordinary voyage effected by vessels,
whatever their sailing capacities, there is every reason for presuming
that if additional expense be incurred, by securing a steam passage,
the advantages resulting from it fully compensates the difference.
About GBP50, it is calculated, including good and substantial
accommodation, will carry out an emigrant by the West India mail route,
and land him at his destination in about seventy or seventy-five days.
The sailing vessels advertised, charge at rates varying from GBP25 to
GBP40, and the accommodation described appears to be unobjectionable.
At the offices of the West India Mail Steam Packet Company, in Moorgate
Street, full information can be obtained. Persons proposing to go by
sailing vessels should make strict inquiries respecting the
responsibility of the parties, who have put the ship they select on the
berth, before entering into any permanent engagement.
A FEW LAST PRACTICAL HINTS - It appears very undesirable that persons
wholly without capital should attempt to emigrate to California; and
for these reasons - First - That the voyage cannot be made without some
expense, and there is no government or "bounty" conveyance. Secondly -
That on their arrival they may expect to find enormous prices ruling
for all descriptions of the necessaries of life; that the roughest and
most inhospitable dwellings will command high rentals; and that
whatever the nature of the country, they will have for a time to depend
upon their own individual resources. Trading, to persons of steady and
industrious habits, is recommended in preference to "gold hunting" or
"gold digging." Should the metal continue abundant, large profits will
be gained by those who enter into business. Others who may desire a
less exciting but active life should avoid the "placer," and take up
land that is adapted for the cultivation of corn, the growth of
provisions, and the increase of live stock. Individuals who propose to
adventure in the grand California speculation, should either emigrate
or relinquish all notions of identifying themselves with the movement.
Connection with the London California Companies should be studiously
avoided. Not one of the five or six that have yet started exhibit
elements of success. Emigrants ought not to overstock themselves with
apparel. An ordinary outfit will be quite sufficient to meet all
wants, whether on the voyage or subsequently. Cash, although its most
valuable representative is found so plenteously, will continue
available. High prices may be sustained for a period, but they cannot
last for ever. The market will soon receive an accession from most of
the contiguous countries, and the merchants of Valparaiso, the Sandwich
Islands, and America itself have already sent forward supplies.
CALIFORNIA AND THE GOLD REGIONS - From Liverpool for San Francisco.
Having most of her cargo engaged, and will be despatched on the 5th of
February, the splendid fast-sailing A. 1. British Built ship "Zealous,"
JOHN WILSON, Commander. Classed at Lloyds' for twelve years, 500
tons, coppered and copper fastened, complete in all her appointments
and in every respect a most desirable conveyance for passengers and
freight. Only one class of passenger will be taken in this ship, who
will be provided with good cabin fare (no wines, beer or spirits). For
freight, passage, or other particulars, apply to HARNDEN and CO., 6
Cook Street, Liverpool.
TRURO, CORNWALL - Elegant Household Furniture. About one hundred
paintings by Domenichino, Raphael, Cuyp, Rubens, Rembrandt, Berhem,
Zuccarelli, Wouverman, Both, Parmegiano, Albert Durer, and other
Masters, upwards of four hundred ounces of Plate, Library, splendid
China Dinner, Dessert, Breakfast and Tea Services, rick cut Glass,
Articles of Vertu, superior Double-Barrelled Gun by a first-rate maker,
Rare Old China, Green House and Miscellaneous Articles. Mr. TIPPET,
begs to notify that he is instructed to offer for sale by public
competition, on Monday the 29th day of January instant, and three
following days, at Eleven o'clock in the forenoon of each day, at the
late residence of EDMUND TURNER, Esq., M.P., deceased, the whole of the
foregoing valuable effects. The order of Sale will be duly set forth
in Catalogues which will be ready for delivery on application at the
Auctioneer's Office, on Monday the 22nd instant. Cards to view the
Paintings may be obtained of Mr. Tippet, on the 24th and 25th instant,
and the Furniture, &c., may be seen on Friday and Saturday preceding
the sale. Truro, January 17, 1849.
APPLICATION OF CHLOROFORM - Mr. KING, surgeon of Camelford, assisted
by Mr. PEARSE, of St. Tudy, removed the breast of Mrs. HOSKING, of St.
Tudy, when under the influence of chloroform, without her suffering any
pain. Mr. Pearse a few days afterwards, removed a tumour from the neck
of Mr. THOMAS HOCKING, under the same treatment, with success.
EMIGRATION - We are informed that the single females who recently
emigrated to Australia in the ship "Sobranon," which sailed from
Plymouth, were engaged on their arrival, at wages varying from [GBP..?]
to GBP18 per year. Of the thirty-nine who arrived at Melbourne in the
ship "Adelaide," it is stated that thirty have been "asked in church."
COLLISION AT SEA - On Tuesday night the [...] instant, the schooner
"Victoria," of Looe, PENGELLY master, was lost of Porteynon Point, in
consequence of coming into collision with the barque "Pascoe Girth...?,
which was outward-bound from Swansea. It appears that both vessels
left the Mumbles the same evening. The weather was very moderate, and
the night was particularly dark. Whilst tacking the crew of the
schooner discovered the barque distant about a quarter of a mile, when
they immediately showed a light to attract attention. On nearing her
the barque was hailed again and again, but strange to say, according to
Captain Pengelly's statement, no answer was returned. Shortly
afterwards, the barque ran directly into the schooner, with a terrific
crash. After the collision, the master of the schooner jumped on board
the barque. When he got on the forecastle, he saw no one on deck, but
when he got to the gangway, he met one of the crew, and asked for
assistance and a boat. The man said they had no boat. The Captain
then made his appearance, and after a warm altercation, peremptorily
ordered Captain Pengelly on board of his own vessel. On returning to
his schooner, finding she was rapidly filling, he ordered the boat to
be got out; they had scarcely got into it, without saving a single
article, when the ill-fated schooner instantaneously disappeared -
the barque proceeded on her voyage, with the loss of her jib-boom only.
Shortly after, a small vessel, was observed coming up, which, on being
hailed, kindly conveyed the master and crew to the Mumbles. The
"Victoria" was laden with coals, and bound to Looe.
THE LATE MURDER IN DEVONSHIRE - Two men named WILLIAM CANN and JOSEPH
MILLS, and a woman, MARY ANN EMERY, were on Tuesday last sent off by
the magistrates of Bodmin to Exeter for examination, under the
following circumstances:- On Saturday last, the woman went to Mr.
MAUNDER, watchmaker, and offered some silver spoons for sale, but he
suspecting they were stolen, in consequence of the initials on the
spoons being obliterated, refused to purchase them, and gave
information of the circumstance to an active constable of Bodmin, Mr.
BRAY, who immediately proceeded to a lodging-house, and apprehended the
woman, and the two men, Cann and Mills, on whose persons he found the
spoons. In consequence of an observation made by the woman that Mills
had a brother in Exeter gaol, on suspicion of being engaged in the late
murder, a communication was immediately made in the authorities at
Exeter; and the parties were committed to Bodmin gaol till Tuesday,
when a police officer had arrived from Exeter, and the prisoners were
again brought up to the Guildhall for examination. The policeman
recognised one of the prisoners, and also on looking at the spoons,
declared that they corresponded with those found in the house when the
murder was committed. The prisoners were then sent off to Exeter in
custody of the policeman and the constable Bray, who had apprehended
them. On Friday last, the magistrates heard further evidence against
JAMES LANDICK and JAMES MILLS, the two men apprehended on suspicion of
having murdered Mrs. HOLMAN, at Tedburn St. Mary, Devonshire. The
chief evidence against the prisoners was that given by their
accomplice, a person nicknamed Cockney Harry. He stated that he was
engaged by Landick and Mills on the night the murder was committed; and
at nine o'clock they all left Moreton, and arrived at Westwater, in
Tedburn Mary, at half-past eleven, when Landick entered the house of
the deceased by means of a prop found, in the orchard. He then
admitted the others. They blackened their faces at the foot of the
stairs. They entered the deceased's bed-room, and were there some time
before she awoke and became conscious of their presence. The witness
further stated that Mills held the deceased down in the bed while
Landick rifled her boxes and drawers of their contents, and that the
latter threw a heavy box of clothes on her body, exclaiming, "That will
stop the old woman from howling." They shared the money of which they
plundered the deceased. The prisoners were fully committed for trial.
TRURO POLICE - On Wednesday, the 17th instant, CATHERINE WILLIAMS was
committed for fourteen days for being a common prostitute and behaving
in an indecent manner. MARGARET WILLIAMS was committed for twenty-one
days for a similar offence.
On Monday last, MARY ANN THOMAS and ELIZABETH THOMAS, (who have several
times before been committed for breaking windows) were committed to the
house of correction for two months, for breaking two panes of glass in
the window of Mr. COLLIVER, Church-lane. They were also ordered to
enter into recognizances themselves in GBP20 and two sureties in GBP10
each, to be of good behaviour for twelve months, and in default they
were respectively committed for twelve months.
HOUSEBREAKING AT CALLINGTON - On Friday last, a man named RICHARD
HARDING, was brought before the Rev. Dr. FLETCHER, and by him committed
to Bodmin, for breaking into the dwelling house of Mr. WILLIAM HENWOOD,
of Frogwell, in the parish of Callington, on Sunday, the 31st ultimo,
whilst the family were attending divine service, and for stealing money
from the house.
SHEEP STEALING - JOHN ORCHARD, labourer, of the parish of St. Juliot,
was committed for trial on Friday last by the Rev. S. CHILCOTT, for
stealing sheep from Mr. WILLIAM SANDERCOCK, of St. Gennys. The thief
was discovered by tracing foot marks with the sheep to the door of
orchard's house, where the carcase was found in the bed-room.
FATAL ACCIDENT - On Friday last, the son of JOHN DAVEY, blacksmith,
at Pengelly, in St. Teath, a boy about six years of age, while passing
a waggon laden with timber, fell, and the wheel went over his head,
smashing it to atoms. No blame is attached to any party.
CORONER'S INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held during the
past week by Mr. HAMLEY. On Friday last, at Liskeard, on W. MOON,
jun., who committed suicide by hanging himself. It appeared that
deceased, who was a carpenter, lived with his father, who keeps a
public-house in Liskeard. On the morning of the 18th, he took his
breakfast as usual and then went into the court, and his sister saw him
go up into the hay-loft. Soon afterwards, Mr. BARRETT, a neighbour
came in, and she asked him to go into the loft to see what her brother
was about. He did so, and after looking about for some time, saw him
standing as he thought in the corner of the loft. He spoke to him, but
not receiving any answer, looked up and saw that he was hanging from
the beam. Mr. Barrett got assistance and the poor man was cut down,
and medical assistance was immediately at hand, but it was found that
life was extinct. The jury returned a verdict of "Temporary insanity."
On Monday last, at Bodelva, in St. Blazey, on a female infant, found in
a gutter. HARRIET HOLMAN deposed. I am the wife of JAMES HOLMAN, and
live in this village. ELIZA WILLIAMS is my sister and lives with us.
She works as a bal girl at the mines. I never knew she was in the
family way. On Friday night last, we all went to bed as usual. During
the night, I cannot say what time, I heard Eliza come up stairs. I
never heard her get up during the night. I asked her where she had
been. She said she had been unwell in her bowels. She then went into
bed again. She got up in the morning at her usual time. Soon after I
came down, I heard that a child had been found. I told Eliza it was
her baby, and she did not deny it. I then went and examined her bed,
and was satisfied that she had had a child. ANN MYLOR - I am wife of
MOSES MYLOR, and lived next door to Harriet Holman. On Saturday
morning last, about nine o'clock my daughter GRACE, a little girl,
called me and said "come out and see what is this in Harriet's gutter."
I went down and saw it was a child. I called another neighbour,
LAVINIA ROBERTS, who came and likewise saw the child. SOPHIA HOLMAN, a
girl about eight years old, and daughter of Harriet Holman, then came
down, took up the child, and buried it in the garden with a shovel
saying it was her aunt Eliza's child. I told her she was doing wrong.
We took up the child again and carried it into Harriet Holman's, and
washed it in a tub of water. Lavinia Roberts corroborated the above.
Mr. PACE, surgeon:- I was informed by Mr. RUNDLE, the constable of St.
Blazey, that a child had been found at Bodelva, in a gutter. I went
and saw it. It is a female. I have examined the body. There was a
cut on each side of the bowels, and one across the head. They were
merely superficial; and if the child had been born alive, could not
have produced death. It might have been caused by putting the child
into the earth with a shovel. From the appearance of the child I
should think the mother must have been about the fifth or sixth month
in her pregnancy. I then saw Eliza Williams, who told me that being
taken ill in the night she went down stairs, and having a stool, threw
the contents, without knowing what it was, into the gutter. I then
ordered her to bed, and was satisfied that she had given birth to a
child. She said she had never taken any medicine, but that the day
before she had carried a heavy burthen of sticks, which might have
occasioned a premature labour. I consider that the child might have
been born alive, but if so, it must have died almost immediately after.
The jury returned a verdict of "still born."
ECCLESIASTICAL - The Rev. W. H. HOLMAN of Lincoln College, Oxford,
has been licensed to the curacy of Germoe, in this county.
EXETER DISTRICT BANKRUPTCY COURT (Before Mr. Commissioner BERE.)
Wednesday, January 17. Ex parte NORTON, of Penzance, ironmonger. Mr.
STOGDON said he was desirous to bring a charge made by the valuer of
the court, before his Honor. The facts were, that Mr. Norton had been
made a bankrupt; he had afterwards entered into an arrangement with his
creditors, the principal of whom were Messrs. BARRETT, THOMPSON, and
CO., of Bristol, and the fiat had been annulled. Whilst the fiat was
in operation, an inventory had been taken by the broker of the court,
who had valued the stock in GBP1, 100, on which he charged his usual
percentage. Another valuation had been afterwards made, when the stock
was only valued in GBP640, but it was now sought to obtain the per
centage on the GBP1,100. He should mention that it was not Mr. WILLS,
the broker of the court who had made the valuation, the distance being
so great, that Mr. Wills had employed a person at Penzance, who acted
under his directions and Mr. Wills was therefore responsible. The
parties who had annulled the fiat wished therefore for the opinion of
the court, whether such a sum ought to be allowed. There was also a
further question for the consideration of the court, whether in a case
such as the present where a valuation could be of no possible use, as
before the property could be sold, a more detailed valuation, requiring
more time, would be required, whether a mere inventory ought to be
made, and paid for out of the estate. Mr. Wills had looked over the
valuation of Mr. MOYLE, whom he had employed, who was himself an
ironmonger and auctioneer, and was quite satisfied from his own
knowledge of the trade, that Mr. Moyle had under rather than
over-valued the stock. As to the charges made, the only scale he had
was that used in the London and Bristol Courts, and if he had charged
according to that scale, the amount would have been GBP60 instead of
GBP28.
His Honor thought it a very bad practice that a percentage should be
charged on the valuation; it was holding out a temptation to the
broker, which, although he absolved Mr. Wills from participating in,
ought not to be held out. The official assignees would therefore take
it as an instruction that for the future, the percentage must be
charged, not on the valuation, but on the amount which the property
realised. He also agreed with Mr. Stogdon, that it was not always
necessary to have a valuation, an inventory would often be sufficient
and that, he believed, could be done by Mr. BULLIVANT's messengers, who
were intelligent men, and quite able to do it. He would leave it to
the discretion of the official assignee when a valuation was required.
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