cornwall england newspaper
1851 NEWS
JANUARY
3 January 1851, Friday
LITERATURE, & C.
[one section, on the edge of the page, was not in perfect condition; I have entered the words that
seem to be correct, given that some of the letters were clear, and some not, in brackets. When I could
not understand the letters, I've put .....]
Practical Observation on the Diseases of the Cornish Miner, Part 1 - Consumption. By William Wale
Tayler, M.R.C.S.E., Surgeon to Fowey and Par Consols Mines, &c., London; John CHURCHILL, Princes-
street, Soho.
The importance of the subject of the above work demands [from] us a lengthened notice. It is
dedicated to Mr. H. [Mere]dith, who was selected by the late Mr. Treffry, to carry to completion the
great constructive works which Mr. Treffry had undertaken, but was unable to finish before the
period of his decease. Mr. Treffry was a great benefactor to his native county, in providing for its
labourers extensive employment; and we are glad to see allusions in the above work, which bring
these his good deeds to grateful remembrance.
We fully agree with the author, that "if every surgeon engaged in extensive practice among a class of
people peculiar in habits, occupation, and constitution, were to give the result of his experience to the
world, he would do some service to humanity." We hope that other surgeons connected with the
mines of this county, may be induced to follow the example of Mr. Tayler, and through some medium
publish such observations as they may deem of importance. Having been surgeon of the mines of
Fowey and Par Consols for the last fourteen years, Mr. Tayler has had extensive experience of the
diseases to which Cornish miners are subject, but first, he gives the following description of the men
themselves:
"The true Cornish miner," he says," is quite of a distinct race from the agricultural labourer of the
county, and they differ as essentially in habits, appearance, and temperament, as if they belonged to
separate nations. In stature, he is generally below, rather than above the middle height; in form not
stout, but compact, well proportioned, exhibiting no great muscular development, though his strength
and powers of bearing fatigue are surprising; in temperament ..lent and irritable; his distinguishing
characteristics are shrewdness, intelligence, indomitable perseverance, and a fondness or passion for
what in the dialect of the county is called "venturing."
Mr. Tayler justly conceives that this persevering and "venturing" spirit strongly operates to excite the
Cornish miner to seek for the earth's mineral treasures. Most persons who have found an
opportunity to observe the habits of the Cornish miners, will also agree with him, that the majority of
them are industrious, moral, and sober men. He observes that "the miner is generally a religious man,
and usually a member of some of the numerous dissenting sects with which Cornwall abounds,
seldom of the Church of England. His [reading] is almost entirely confined to religious subjects, for in
the many hundred cottages I have visited, I have rarely seen any other books than "The Pilgrim's
Progress," "the Bible," or tracts connected with "Wesley's Life and Associations."
He notices also the frequency with which labouring miners engage in public religious services, as preachers or prayer-leaders. And we are glad to find the [following] testimony, by one who has had so many opportunities of observing, with regard to the industrious and pro...... habits of the miner:
"The miner is also an industrious man; many of them may be seen, after returning from their set hours
of work, often after toiling all night, labouring diligently in their [garden] or potato-ground. Indeed, he is rarely idle; on a ..... when precluded from out-door work, he occupies his time in mending the
children's shoes, or in some of the [tech]nical contrivances in which miners greatly excel. They take a
great deal of pride in their gardens, which are [as] remarkable for their neatness, than for the beauty
and quality of their flowers and vegetables, often being able to compete successfully with the
horticultural productions of the gentry in the neighbourhood, as the various exhibitions and gardening
societies annually testify. He may also be termed a provident man, two out of three being voluntary
members of some benefit society, paying from 14s. to ... a year, in addition to what may be termed the
compulsory payments to the mine-club, so that in sickness, unless under peculiar circumstances, he is
not necessitated to apply for parochial relief.
Now, on this point, I must make a few remarks, because many persons are too apt to imagine, in[deed] to assert, that miners are the most improvident of labourers, while I consider them more approaching to a self-supporting class than any other description of working men in the kingdom; if this were not the case, the poor-rates in Tywardreath and St. Blazey would be treble their present amount. The farmers and other rate-payers have never formed any idea of the large sums of money paid by benefit-clubs for the support of sick miners, in addition to that derived ... [from] payments to the mine-club."
"Every miner working at Fowey and Par Consols mines [have] 2s.3d. a month deducted from his
earnings for the following purposes: 9d. for the surgeon, by which the miner and his family are
entitled to medical and surgical attention; 6d. for the widow's club, by which the wife receives GBP 5 at
the death of her husband; and 1s. to the sick club - by this last payment a member is entitled to GBP 1
a month, when prevented from working by illness; the payment in a case of accident commencing
immediately, but in every other kind of sickness not until he has been home one month.
This arrangement has been in existence more than thirty years, and has answered most satisfactorily,
though numerous individuals have been receiving sick pay for a long period, even for twenty-five
years. I am surprised the plan is not universally adopted throughout all the mines in the county; and I
think it might be advantageously imitated by manufacturers and others who have a large body of men
in their employ. By a very trifling addition to the monthly contribution, the labourer might be put in
such a position as to be quite independent of parochial relief, "a consummation most devoutly to be
wished.'
The author remarks on the great partiality for dress which [they] and their families exhibit, and which
may be seen in the mining districts every Sunday. The "mine-maidens," he says, "carry this fondness
to extremes; all the dresses exhibited in the plates of the monthly books of fashion, may be seen at
Tywardreath or St. Blazey on a fine Sunday afternoon, not even omitting the additional
accompaniments of parasols, lace-edged pocket-handkerchiefs, &c." He observes, however, (on the
other side of the account) that they are "strong, healthy, active, well-formed girls, and make for the
most part very good wives, generally contriving to hold the reins of power in their own hands, ruling
their husbands and his finances, with a good deal of tact and dis[cretion]; for be it known that the
whole of the earnings or [gettings] are generally entrusted to the wife's care; and, like a good
Chancellor of the Exchequer, she lays out the surpluses to the best possible advantage."
The author notices - what is very commendable - the affectionate interest which miners' families
generally take in the welfare of their kindred. It also appears that the superstitious notions once
prevalent amongst the mining population, in regard to the efficacy of what are termed "charms," &c.,
seem to be rapidly disappearing before the diffusion of enlightenment. The author is glad to observe
that "even within the last few years, a great change has taken place" in this respect. He next draws
the distinction between the labour of tutwork and tributors, which is well known to most of our
readers; and in doing so he makes the following remarks:
"A miner's son generally begins at the age of fourteen or fifteen to accompany his father in his labours
underground, and even at an earlier period; but this extremely youthful [initiation] to the art is not, as
a stranger might imagine, at all injurious to his future health, for I have ascertained, by [repeated]
inquiries, that the oldest miners now capable of working are those who commenced in their earliest
youth."
"Many of the miners live from four to five miles from the seat of their work, which I consider is very
injurious to their constitutions; imagine a man, after working eight hours in a place so hot, that the
very water he has carried down with him in his keg has become undrinkable from the intense heat -
and moreover that he has been working quite divested of all clothing* - and then walking several
miles in the depth of winter, exposed either to heavy [...], or to the intense cold of frost or snow; and
yet all [this] danger is quite unnecessarily incurred, as there are plenty of habitations to be found in
the neighbourhood of the mines.
Many of our readers who have read from year to year our reports of the proceedings of the Royal
Cornwall Polytechnic Society, may remember that from time to time papers have been read before
that Society containing statistics of the prevalent diseases and mortality amongst our mining
population. It is stated that there is a critical period in a miner's life, when if certain symptoms appear he should at once discontinue underground labour. But the difficult question is - how shall he obtain sufficient labour above-ground, so as to support himself and his family?
This question is well worthy [of] the consideration of [phil..thropists]; the man who could form and get put into ... a plan by which the working miner (whenever it was necessary) could be assisted at this critical period of his life, would be entitled to the lasting thanks of the miners of Cornwall. The author of this work proposes emigration as a means of providing labour above ground for the miner, when he can no longer, with safety to his health, work in the levels.
The importance of the subject is such, that we transfer Mr. Tayler's remarks on it to our columns:
"I have said the miner is a short-lived man, and for this there are many obvious causes, in addition to
hereditary diseases; the close places in which he has frequently to work, inhaling the most noxious air,
the various cold draughts he must encounter at those times when all the pores of the skin are open
from perspiration, and, above all, the length of ladders he may have to climb (Fowey Consols is in
some parts 300 fathoms from the surface) and, to add to this last danger, young men are very fond of
racing up the ladders, striving who shall first reach the surface, a foolish pastime, that too frequently
ends in incurable disease of the heart or lungs.
From forty to forty-five is what may be termed the critical period in a miner's life; if he passes the ladder successfully he may probably live many years; now this is the point to which I wish particularly to direct the reader's attention. If at that period a miner perceive his strength to flag, his breathing short after any little exertion, that on climbing the ladders he is frequently compelled to stop on account of the palpitation of his heart, that his appetite is bad, and his flesh wasting, then it is of absolute importance for him to resolve at once to give up working under-ground; and, if he neglect the symptoms described, which are to be taken as so many inward monitors pointing out to him the course he should adopt, consumption, and that, too, of a rapid character, will soon follow. If, however, at this critical period he could change his employment for above-ground work, there is little doubt (unless the lungs be extensively diseased) that, not only might his life be prolonged for many years, but he might be enabled to support, in a great degree, himself and family.
This great crisis, this halt or pause, as it were, between life and death in a miner's condition, has not escaped the attention of the benevolent and wealthy of the county. About eight years ago, circulars were issued from the Royal Polytechnic Society of Cornwall, addressed to all the surgeons connected with mines, containing several important questions, but principally alluding to the one great point, as to the beneficial effect change of employment might produce on a miner's constitution at a period similar to that which I have endeavoured to describe. My reply was somewhat lengthy, and as it was inserted in one of the journals of the Society, I shall here very briefly give the purport of it:
"that from having been surgeon from some years to the Restormel iron mines, the greater portion of which were open workings, I had opportunities of noting the marked change for the better in many miners who had come thence from the deep mines in the West, with (apparently) broken-down constitutions, who at first appeared scarcely able to follow their employment, but in a very little time got through their work as well as their more healthy and youthful comrades."
But, unfortunately, surface or above-ground work is very difficult to be found in Cornwall, and though no
man can doubt the benefit a change of employment would confer, the grand question presents itself
- How is that change to be effected? It is quite clear that, without some aid, it could never be
accomplished by the miner alone. It is easy for a surgeon to say, "My good fellow, if you don't give up
under ground work you will kill yourself." The reply is, "How am I to live, then? How is my family to be
supported?" The surgeon might reply, " Turn husbandman." But the objections to such a proposal are
so palpable, that they are not worth giving. Besides, as I have already shown, the miner is certain (at
least in the mines to which my remarks are principally confined) of GBP 1 a month, when unable to
work, from the Miners' Club, in addition to any money he may be entitled to from any benefit society;
therefore, to resign such certain advantages, without some equally adequate provision for the future,
would be a most imprudent act.
I must candidly confess that I am not prepared to give the beneficial reply. The only remedy I can suggest is emigration. If the miner's lungs are not affected, there is no reason why he could not be made the valuable inhabitant of another country. That fact could be easily ascertained; and if the large shareholders, particularly those who reside at a distance from Cornwall, and whose knowledge of mining interests consists in receiving their dividends, were to devote the smallest per-centage of them towards forming a fund for the relief of the industrious miner at the critical period of his existence, who can doubt that, at no distant time, the desired object might be achieved?I have shown, nay, proved I trust - that the miner is for the most part a prudent, industrious, religious man, a good and useful member of society as a husband and a father; and if the reader glances at his life, he must see that he has heavier hardships to encounter, without greater remuneration, than!
that of labourers in general; that he is constantly exposed to severe accidents, and that the great majority either die at an early age, or are ever incapacitated from working, through diseases inseparably connected with their employment.
After this introductory portion of his book, Mr. Tayler proceeds to treat of the disease of consumption.
He gives a table of mortality from consumption in the parishes of Tywardreath and St. Blazey, for a
period of two years, commencing October, 1848, and ending September, 1850. The mortality from
that disease alone, during that period, was about one in four. Eighteen of these deaths were of
children one year and under, which Mr. Tayler explains by the fact that they were the children of
consumptive parents. He states that consumptive persons may frequently be cured, if, in the first
stage of the disease - very rarely in the second - never in the third; though with regard to the
curativeness of the last stage, he is aware that many high authorities entertain a different opinion.
He describes the nature of consumption, and remarks that its cure in a miner, "even in the first stage,
depends on a variety of circumstances, - the age, appearance, and habits of the patient - whether the
disease be hereditary, and for how many generations - whether both parents were free from the
disease ten months before he was born. A miner, twenty-one years of age, whose father had died of
consumption, as well as several of his relations, would be, with an affected lung, an unfavourable
subject; one in the forty-fifth year must be classed in a similar predicament; and, above all, the miner
who had originally been brought up as an agricultural labourer."
He next gives instances of erroneous diagnosis, and states that disease of the liver is very frequently mistaken for consumption. He censures the inconstancy of miners, when suffering from chronic diseases; "they fly from one practitioner to another, and often make use of the receipts of twelve different prescribers in as many weeks. The thought of their family being unprovided for, the anxiety to resume their work (particularly if they have a good bargain), the unwise importunities of friends and relations, suggesting this or that remedy, works them up into such a state of restless impatience, that from their eagerness to be speedily cured, they take the worst possible means for effecting that object."
He cautions them against "the nostroms advertised in newspapers," and the "quacks," or "travelling doctors," as they are termed in this county. Although, however, he states that consumption in the early or incipient state is frequently curable; yet, he observes, "if the miner whose lung has been once affected resume underground work, in nineteen cases out of twenty the disease will return, and the second attack
invariably prove fatal; and I would that this important truth could be strongly engrafted on the minds
of miners and all who take an interest in their welfare."
He next states the various methods of treatment which have been adopted for the first stage of consumption, and then gives the medicine which he has himself found to be most successful:
"The medicine, however, in which for the last three years I have placed the greatest confidence, and
am now principally using, is pyro-acetic spirit, or naphtha, as prepared for medical purposes. I know
not what influence locality or constitution may have upon the operation of this spirit, but I can most
unhesitatingly declare, that is the most valuable remedy I have ever prescribed, not only in
consumption, but in other diseases connected with the lungs of miners. In chronic bronchitis, that
great precursor of consumption, in my patients, it is almost a specific; and in their harassing spasmodic
coughs (to which miners are subject,) it is of nearly equal value."
He has also tried naphtha, in combination with cod-liver oil - of course in separate doses - and thinks
that in the earlier stages of the disease, much good may be derivable from their joint operation. But
he has never known an instance of benefit from cod-liver oil, when the patient was in the advanced
stages of consumption; and such is also the opinion of his colleague, MR. PACE. He gives a remedy for
haemorrhage from the lungs or bronchial vessels; and he records some singular cases (no doubt
important to the medical practitioner) one of which "may be regarded as favourable to those who
advocate the perforation of the chest, in cases of cavernous abscess of the lungs."
Mr. Tayler has treated his subject concisely, and with an avoidance, as far as possible, of technicalities, the work being intended as much for the general as the professional reader. This first part is contained within the limits of an octavo pamphlet of thirty-four pages; and we learn that the second part of the work will treat of the next most prevalent maladies amongst Cornish miners, - fever and
diseases of the heart. We trust that this work will not only of medical value, but that it will be the
means of drawing the attention of mine adventurers, and of benevolent individuals, to the condition
of the working miner, that a fund may be raised, or some provision made, in order that when the
inroads of disease are first perceptible, the miner may be assisted to obtain some other employment,
with the view of regaining health, and supporting himself and his family.
* "divested of all clothing" = miners changed clothes before and after working their shift; they
wore a long shirt while in the mines, and usually or often, a loose pair of pants.
EDITORIAL - EMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA
We have received a communication from MR. RICHARD MOYLE, auctioneer and commission agent,
now residing at Adelaide, South Australia, and who formerly carried on business at Falmouth, Penryn,
and Redruth. He requests publication in the West Briton of particulars which he states are in every
respect authentic, in regard to the eligibility of South Australia as a field for emigration; and he adds,
that on giving this information, his only object is the good of his fellow countrymen, who, in South
Australia, may get a plentiful supply of work at remunerative wages. He says that that colony
possesses all the elements of prosperity, and that it is preferable to Sydney, Port Phillip, and the Cape
of Good Hope. The climate is excellent, the reports of the summer heat and the hot winds having
been greatly exaggerated. His letter is dated July 4, 1850, about the middle of winter in that country,
and he says the weather was then most agreeably mild, and the gardens full of prolific vegetation. Of
the mines he writes as follows:
"Here is a vast field of wealth to be developed. The whole country abounds with minerals, and its
prospects are such as to justify the most sanguine anticipations. What a pity that the English capitalists
do not direct their serious attention to this colony; they would not much longer throw away their
money in Mexico, Chili, and Cuba; and if two thousand miners were to come here annually for the
next ten years, I do not think its effect would be perceptible in the value of labour, as many more
mines would be opened, which cannot be done now from the want of workmen. Miners realize on
tribute from GBP 16 to GBP 30 per month, and tut-work about GBP 8 per month; and most of the
miners have their cow and horse. The Burra Burra mine is divided into two thousand shares, and cost
originally only GBP 5 per share, but were selling four months since at GBP 140 per share, and are now
selling at GBP 210. There is a township marked out near the mine, called Redruth, and many of the
miners are building houses; the population there is about five thousand. MR. HENRY AYERS, the
manager of the Burra Burra mines, is very much respected. A great many of the miners, who are
young men, keep their horses for their amusement."
With regard to agriculture and wages, he states:
"Here are millions of acres of the most fertile land, and if ten thousand labourers were to arrive
annually it would be a great benefit to the colony and a blessing to themselves. They get from 12s. to
20s. per week, with their rations, but by industry and care they soon make head and become their
own masters. I could name some whom I knew at home almost pennyless, and who have been here
only about eighteen months or two years, and have now their dray with six or eight oxen, and their
cow or two, and about twenty acres of land all their own. Industrious couples who come here need
not fear; the greater their poverty at home the greater their success frequently here; therefore I
entreat them to come all who can, and the larger their families the better. There are exceedingly fine
cattle here; milch cows fetch from 12s to 25s. each; oxen from 30s to 50s. each; good meat, mutton or
beef, 2d. per pound; choice cuts, 3d. per ditto.
The horses are exceedingly fine; a good saddle or draught horse may be had for from GBP 10 to GBP 20, and many young horses imported from Sydney and Van Dieman's Land, are sold at from 50s. to 70s.; they are fit for immediate work, and most of them become excellent horses. Of fruits, we have the finest apples, pears, apricots, peaches, grapes, &c., and this will no doubt become one of the first wine-producing countries.
The land will produce with but little labour, wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, cotton, flax, or almost anything. Of timber, we have the finest for ship-building. Brick makers, or brick layers, as many as may come, are sure of employ, at GBP 2.2s. per week; masons get from 35s. to 42s. per week; carpenters and wheelwrights, if good workmen, may be certain of obtaining 42s. per week; shoe making is a first rate business here, and instant employment may be had at from 42s. to 50s. per week; journeymen tailors get for making a dress coat 21s., trousers 6s., vest 5s.; tin-plate workers have GBP 2.2s. per week.
He states that hat and cloth and gas manufacturing, would be found profitable businesses, if there
were capitalists to commence them.
Clerks, shopmen, &c. who come over without capital are the most unfortunate class in the colony; he
knows many clergymen's and merchants' sons, clerks, and respectable but unfortunate tradesmen at
hom, who are in the greatest distress in Australia, and obliged to engage in driving bullocks, sheep
herding, and employments of that kind. No one should go out unless he is able and willing to work
hard, or has capital to assist himself. Mr Moyle next speaks of the value of capital as applied to house
building, and of the rapid increase of houses at Adelaide and in the surrounding country. He does not
think the people are anxious for separation from England, but they will not long submit to taxation
without representation. The revenue of the colony is fast increasing, and there is good travelling
accommodation, - first-rate inns, and coaches with four horses similar to the English mails.
Mr. Moyle states that good female servants would be immediately engaged on their arrival in the
colony, but he cautions them against the misconduct of the master, doctors, and mates of the
passenger ships. If female emigrants misconduct themselves on their passage, it is soon known
throughout Adelaide after their arrival, and of course it is greatly to their disadvantage. He advises
them to report any misbehavior towards themselves, on their arrival, and the whole of the Adelaide
press would instantly unite in their favour.
He complains that persons who have made selections of females to send out to the colony, have not been sufficiently careful with regard to their characters. Thus those that Miss Burdett Coutts sent out from ill-judged philanthropy from the Magdalen Institution, termed "reformed characters," and some "Irish orphans" sent out in another ship, had most of them become pests in the colony.
He also gives advice to emigrants to bring their own wine and spirits, or porter on board with them (the two former from the bonded stores) and not to trust to the promised liberality of the captains or agents, who charge extortionate prices for watered liquor.
Persons cannot do better than to bring four or five hundred red herrings, a cheese, some pickles, and
good tea, from which they will find relief after eating the "mahogany," as they call the junks of salt
beef on shipboard. He states that the provisions in the ship he sailed in were disgraceful, and that half
of the passengers were reduced to skeletons on their arrival; and in conclusion he gives particulars
showing the improvements that are about to be made at Adelaide by the construction of water-
works, the making of roads, and the anticipated formation of a railway.
CORNWALL EPIPHANY SESSIONS
FRANCIS GLANVILLE, Esq., of Catchfrench, qualified as a county magistrate.
The following gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury:
Mr. John Ball Smith, St. Stephens in Branwell, foreman
Mr. Jonathan Baron, Bodmin
Mr. James Brabyn, St. Kew
Mr. William Clogg, St. Martins
Mr. Walter Cock, Luxulyan
Mr. William Cook, St. Martins
Mr. William Dawe, Morval
Mr. Giles L. Hawken, st. Teath
Mr. Nicholas Higgs, Lanlivery
Mr. Jonathan Hill, St. Martins
Mr. Thomas Jane, Lanhydrock
Mr. John Lakeman, Egloshayle
Mr. William Huddy Littleton, Lanlivery
Mr. Joseph Michell, Gorran
Mr. George Morcom, St. Austell
Mr. Richard Oliver, Morval
Mr. John Pearce, Tywardreath
Mr. John Rundell, Luxulyan
Mr. Wm. Rundell, Tywardreath
Mr. Alexander Stephens, St. Mewan
Mr. John Trevaile, Luxulyan
Mr. John Trevenen, St. Sampsons
Mr. W. Henry Trounce, St. Ewe
The proclamation against vice and immorality was then read...
TRIALS OF PRISONERS
HUGH HOLLINSHEAD, 42, pleaded GUILTY of stealing, on the 27th of December, at the parish of
Tywardreath, a coat, neckerchief, bag, and knife, the property of RICHARD NETHERTON. Three
Months' hard labour.
THOMAS ROWSE was charged with stealing, at the parish of St. Austell, on the 5th of December, two
jars, and about four gallons of brandy, the property of William OLVER. Mr. SHILSON prosecuted, and
MR. STOKES defended the prisoner. Prosecutor is an innkeeper at Mount Charles, in the parish of St.
Austell, and prisoner is a sailor living at Porthpean. On the afternoon of the 6th of December,
prosecutor left his house to go into St. Austell, there remaining in charge of the inn, his wife, daughter, and son, and an apprentice called HOAR being in the workshop. There were two jars of brandy in the bar when prosecutor left, and in the course of the evening his daughter discovered that these had been taken away.
Suspicion fell on the prisoner, and JOSEPH BENNETT, a constable, being called, he
and Hoar the apprentice, went to prisoner's house at Porthpean, about a mile and half distant, with
the view of apprehending him. It was about ten o'clock at night when they arrived at prisoner's
house. The constable knocked on the door, and prisoner asked who was there? The constable
replied, "a friend." He asked what they wanted, and the constable said "something to drink"; he
asked, what? And the constable said, "a drop of water." After this they heard a bustling inside about the kitchen, and presently afterwards the prisoner opened the door and came out with the jars, with which he went to the garden and threw them out of his hand. The jars contained two gallons of
brandy each, and Mr. Inch's name was on the label. Prisoner was then taken into custody, and
afterwards committed for the offence .
In prisoner's defence, Mr. Stokes submitted that there was no evidence that he had stolen the jars,
but that they had been placed in his house by some other person; and that the act of carrying the spirit into the garden was done by a drunken man who did not know what he was about, - that in fact the apprentice said he appeared to be tipsy when he came out of the house with the jars.
Mr. Stokes also called WILLIAM BOND,JOSEPH RICKETT, and two other witnesses, who gave the prisoner a good character. After the Chairman had commented on the case, the jury found the prisoner Guilty.Two months' hard labour.
WILLIAM JONES , 14, was charged with stealing a fustian jacket, belonging to JOHN GREEN, of Ladock.
Mr. G. COLLINS for the prosecution. On Friday, the 6th of December, prosecutor had taken off his
jacket and placed it on the shafts of a waggon. He saw the prisoner near the place, and afterwards
missing his jacket, he rode after the lad and overtook him near the Blue Anchor. Prisoner was then
wearing prosecutor's jacket, and was taken into custody by constable MENNEAR, of St. Enoder.
Verdict, Guilty - Six Weeks' Hard labour.
WILLIAM HARRIS, was charged with stealing a fowl, the property of WILLIAM OLVER. Mr. G. COLLINS
conducted the prosecution. Prosecutor keeps the Seven Stars Inn, at St. Columb, and also farms a
tenement about five hundred yards from his house. He has there a linhay in a field, and it was from
that linhay he found on the 27th of October, that two fowls had been stolen since the previous night.
Opposite to his field was a gate leading to Mr. PAYNTER's field, and behind the post of that gate he
found two heads of fowls, four wings, four legs, and a quantity of feathers. HENRY COOMBE,
policeman, stated that he followed the traces of the feathers, and eventually searched prisoner's
house, where he found some feathers, and he also found a fowl under the back window of the house,
which was not there when he was under that window before. The feathers were sworn to as being
those of the lost fowl, but the jury did not consider the evidence conclusive. Verdict, Not Guilty. A second indictment against the prisoner was withdrawn.
RICHARD HOCKING, 20, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 3rd of November, at Restronguet Creek,
from the vessel PRIMROSE, a worsted frock, the property of JOHN GOSLING. He also pleaded Guilty
of stealing, on the same day and from the same vessel, eleven sovereigns, the property of THOMAS
HARRIS. For the first offence, Six Months' hard labour, and for the second offence, Two Months' hard
labour.
JAMES GILL, 18, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 9th of September, at the parish of Wendron, a shirt, belonging to WALTER PASCOE. Three Months' hard labour.
JOHN OLIVER, 20, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 24th of November, at the parish of St. Austell, a silver watch, the property of ROBERT TERDREA LONG. A second count laid the watch as being the
property of EDWARD ROBERTS. Three Months' hard labour.
ELIZABETH ROBERTS, 21, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 28th of November, at Liskeard, a silver
teaspoon, and four tumblers, the property of NEHEMIAH HENWOOD. Two Months' hard labour.
JOHN WILLIAMS, 18, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 16th of November, at the parish of Gwennap, a
a hand-saw, the property of JOSEPH PASCOE. Two Months' hard labour.
SHEEP STEALING - THOMAS BROWN, 23, WILLIAM ROBINSON, 30, and JAMES HILL, 36, were indicted
for stealing, at the parish of Pelynt, a ewe sheep, the property of JOHN ROSKILLY. Another count
charged the prisoners with killing, with intent to take away the carcase. Mr. CHILDS conducted the
prosecution; the prisoners were undefended. JOHN COCK, the hind of Mr. John Roskilly, stated that
he resided at the farm house on Trendaway estate, in the parish of Pelynt. On the morning of the 1st
of December, he went into one of the fields of the farm, and saw thirty-nine sheep there belonging to Mr. Roskilly; on the morning before he had counted forty sheep in the field. He went to look for the missing sheep, and found the belly, skin, head, neck, and the small part of the fore-legs wrapped up in a corner of the field. The sheep did not appear to have been slaughtered by a butcher; it was not skinned so clean as it ought to have been; the head and neck were left in the skin. He carried home the skin, head, neck and two legs to his master's house.
In about an hour afterwards, he saw men's tracks in the field, which was then wet, and the marks were to be plainly discerned. One track had seven rows of nails, and other eight, and another had a "diamond". He had before that called a workman to assist him, and also MR. HOOPER, a neighbouring farmer. They examined the tracks and went on following them through Pelynt to Highlane, above Lantundle, in the parish of Duloe, from three to four miles from where they set out. At this place, above Lantundle, they came up to THOMAS BROWN, one of the prisoners, and afterwards saw ROBINSON, another of the prisoners, standing by the hedge, only a few yards from Brown. They also saw JAMES HILL, the third prisoner, coming towards them from the opposite direction. They traced the footmarks, close up to two of those men, and not further on. Brown was standing by a little fire which had been lighted by the hedge. The witness Cock then left the prisoners in charge of the two men who were w!
ith him, whilst he went for constable TRUSCOTT.
It appeared from further evidence, that whilst Mr. Hooper and the other man were left with the prisoners, that a man called STACEY found a smock-frock in some furze not far from where the prisoner Brown was standing; and that when constable Truscott came, the smock-frock was examined, and found to contain two rounds of a leg of mutton, two shoulders, a loin, and some other parts; the ribs, it appeared, had been dressed at the fire. The tracks were afterwards compared with the prisoners' shoes, and the pieces found in the smock-frock corresponded with those found in the field. A labourer called NORTHCOTT also gave evidence to show that the three prisoners were in the field about the time it was believed the sheep were stolen.
The CHAIRMAN, in summing up , said there could be no doubt that the parts found in the smock-frock and in the field came from the same animal, but were the jury satisfied that the prisoners were connected with the jury smock-frock in which the portions were found? The tracks had been traced up to the prisoners, who it appeared were strangers in this part of the country; and the jury must consider whether they were satisfied with the evidence of those tracks. The Chairman remarked that the manner in which the shoes of Brown were compared with the tracks, was the correct way, namely by making a fresh mark by the side; but as to the other tracks they were compared incorrectly, by putting the shoes into them. The jury found the three prisoners Guilty. They were each sentenced to Twelve Months' hard labour.
JAMES CONDAR, 20, and JOSHUA WILLIS, 18, were charged with stealing at Stratton, on the 12th of
December, a silk handkerchief from the person of JOHN LYLE. The handkerchief was stolen on
Stratton fair-day. A farmer called ROBERT JONES, saw the prisoner Condar take the handkerchief from
prosecutor's coat pocket, and pass it over to the prisoner Willis. They were afterwards taken into
custody by policeman GODDARD. Verdict, Guilty of stealing from the person. Sentence, each Six
Months' hard labour.
WILLIAM HILL, 19, was charged with stealing a powder flask, the property of GEORGE BISHOP. Mr. STOKES conducted the prosecution; the prisoner was undefended. Prosecutor is a barge-man living at St. Kew. On the 5th of December he had a powder flask, which was then on a little shelf on his barge, which was lying at Tregorden quay, on the river Camel, in the parish of Egloshayle. Prosecutor went to his barge on the 9th of December, and found that his flask had been taken away.
On the 10th he saw a man called BROAD, and also the prisoner. Prisoner had a gun, which he gave over to Broad, who fired it. Prosecutor saw prisoner reload the gun, for which purpose he took a flask from his pocket, which prosecutor recognized to be his. On going up and asking prisoner, he denied at first that he had any flask, he said he kept his powder in paper; but at last he produced one without a top. This prosecutor identified. It appeared, however, that there had been some compromise of the matter between prosecutor and prisoner, on condition that the latter would give back the top of the flask and come shot. It came out also that a boy called KENT had the top of the flask, and that he had since absconded, thus raising suspicion of his connexion with the affair. Verdict, Not Guilty.
JOHN FLINN, junr. 19, was indicted for assaulting and putting in bodily fear JAMES HARRIS a miner, and with stealing from his person one shilling. Mr. HOCKIN for the prosecution, and Mr. STOKES for the prisoner. Prosecutor stated that he was a miner living at Zelah in St. Allen. He was at Truro on Saturday, the 19th of October, and about twelve o'clock at night went into a field behind the Ship Inn to relieve himself. Prisoner and four or five others came into the field. Prisoner came up to him and said, "Holloa, I have caught you now." Prosecutor asked "what do you mean?" Prisoner then swore, and said he would have money to have something to drink; he said if he did not have money he would kill prosecutor, and he then seized him by the collar. The other men were standing around. Prosecutor said he gave him a shilling through fear, and prisoner and the others ran away. He followed and told what had happened to Serjeant HARE, of the Truro police, who apprehended prisoner, and found in his pocket a shilling and a penny; the policeman said that prisoner ran away when he saw him coming.
Mr. STOKEs cross-examined the prosecutor and elicited that he had been drinking at the Seven Stars Inn for some hours, he could not say how much he drank there, or at what time he left. He was afterwards drinking at the New Inn, but could not say how many pints he had there, or at what time he left. From further cross-examination, it appeared that prosecutor was followed into the field by some females; he said that after he had given Flynn the shilling, the men and women ran away together; he also said he was not drunk at the time.
Mr. Stokes submitted that the prosecutor's evidence could not be believed, because he had given a different account now from what he gave to Serjeant Hare at the time, with regard to his going into the field for an improper purpose. Then the man, having drank so much, how could it be supposed he could identify the person who committed the offence? He said the prisoner was dressed the same then as he was now; and yet he could not tell how any of the others were dressed. But even if the prisoner obtained the money from the prosecutor, the latter gave it to him to get rid of him and the others because he was ashamed of being caught in the field by them for an improper purpose.
The Chairman carefully summed up, and the jury after a short deliberation acquitted the prisoner. The Chairman, addressing Flynn, said "You are now discharged, but the Court is aware that you are a very bad fellow. I find no fault with the verdict but if it had gone otherwise, two prior convictions would have been proved against you. Let this induce you to abandon those companions who have led you, thus far, when you have had so very narrow an escape from severe punishment."
THOMAS WELLINGTON and NANCY WELLINGTON were charged with stealing two gates, three poles, a tea-kettle, and door, the property of AJOHN GRIBBLE, of Perranarworthal. Mr. HOCKIN was for the prosecution, and MR. STOKES defended the prisoners. Prosecutor stated that he has a farm at Perranarworthal, and another in Perranzabuloe, and that on the 14th of November, he missed some oak poles and gates; he had missed a tea-kettle in March last, two chains in the summer, and a door in the spring. The case, however, against the prisoners was confined to the gates and the poles; though the teakettle and door were also found in a house in prisoners' occupation.
There was evidence given by EDWARD MICHELL, constable, that the poles and gates were found in an outhouse belonging to prisoner, though there was no proof that he had placed there anything belonging to the prosecutor; there was, however, evidence given by a man called TAMBLYN, that he saw the female prisoner carry the gates into the outhouse; he also saw the poles standing up in the corner of the outhouse; she told witness she was going to cover in a pigs' house with the poles.
MR. STOKES addressed the jury, and called JOHN JAMES and THOMAS MICHELL, van-owner, who gave the male prisoner a good character.
The Chairman told the jury they must consider whether the wife had acted under the influence or constraint of the husband, for then he would be liable to answer for the felony, if it were proved. Otherwise they must consider whether she had acted independently of her husband. The jury Acquitted the male prisoner, but found Nancy Wellington Guilty. Two Months' hard labour.
MARY BREWER, 26, was indicted for stealing a sovereign, half-sovereign, three half-crowns, two shillings and one sixpence, the property of JOSEPH SMITH, of Egloskerry. Prisoner is a gipsey, and this robbery was committed on the 5th of October by one of the usual "gipsey tricks". Smith was induced to place money in the female gipsey's hands, with the promise that it should be doubled, and as might be expected he was fleeced of his money. The prisoner was taken and committed for trial, but was afterwards admitted to bail.
ABRAHAM BREWER, who was the chief of the gipsey gang then in the neighbourhood, was bound over in GBP 40 as surety for the prisoner's appearance at the Sessions; the other sureties were JOSEPH SHORT, of Launceston, who became bound in GBP 20, and JOHN PEAK, draper, of Launceston, who also entered into his recognizance for GBP 20. The GBP 40, however, it appeared had been handed over to Mr. Peak and Mr. Short, so that they ran no risk of losing the money in the event of the prisoner not appearing. The officer of the court now called in the usual manner three times on the sureties to bring forth the body of MARY BREWER, or to forfeit their recognizances. The prisoner not being forthcoming, the recognizances were forfeited.
SAMUEL JENKIN pleaded guilty of stealing, in the parish of Northhill, three granite posts, the property of MR. FRANCIS RODD. Three Months' hard labour.
JOHN SPURR, 17, pleaded Guilty of stealing, on the 24th of December, at Truro, a pair of women's boots, the property of CHARLES COURTIER. MARY ANN MAY, 21, was also charged with stealing the boots, and a second count charged her with receiving the same knowing them to have been stolen.
Prosecutor said he is a shoe maker at Truro, and attends the market there. JOHN SPURR had been working for him for the last eighteen months. On the 24th of December, prosecutor was assorting some shoes for the Redruth market, and discovered that a pair of women's cloth boots and three or four pairs of shoes were missing, which he had seen on the Saturday previous. F. C. JAMES stated that on the 23rd of December, John Spurr came to his shop and offered to pledge a pair of women's boots; he said they were a pair he had made for a young person, but they had misfitted. Witness refused to take them in pledge, and he then took them away with him. On the following morning, the female prisoner came and offered to pledge a pair of women's boots, which appeared to witness to be the same boots as Spurr had brought to him the evening before. She said the shoes belonged to a young man, but she refused to tell his name.
GEORGE PAINE, police inspector, stated that Spurr said to his master, as they were coming away from appearing before the magistrate, "for God's sake, master, forgive me." The jury, however, did not consider the evidence conclusive against the female prisoner. Verdict, Not Guilty.
Both prisoners, SPURR and MARY ANN MAY, were next indicted for stealing two pairs of boots, about the 13th of December, the property of Charles Courtier, and the female prisoner was also charged with receiving the same, knowing them to have been stolen. In this case the boots were offered by May in pledge to MRS. BEHENNA, but the court considered that the evidence was inconclusive against the prisoners, and they were both Acquitted. Spurr, for the first offence, of which he had pleaded Guilty, was sentenced to Six Months' Hard Labour.
ELIZA NORTHEY, 16, and MARY ANN COOMBE, 29, were charged with stealing, on the 29th of November, some wood, the property of WILLIAM DOWNING. MR. DARKE conducted the prosecution. The wood was stolen from a linhay in an orchard near Launceston. Verdict, both Guilty.
A prior conviction for felony was also proved against each of the prisoners. Sentence, Northey, Eight Months' hard labour; Coombe, Six Months' hard labour.
COUNTY BUSINESS
LUNATIC ASYLUM - The CHAIRMAN said he had received by that morning's post, a letter signed R. W. S LUTWIDGE, Secretary, dated from the Office of the Commissioner's in Lunacy, 30 December, 1850, and addressed to the Chairman of the Quarter Session of the County of Cornwall. [The letter contained information that visiting commissioners and visitors had reported problems with the asylum; their letters were attached...][content of the letters was not printed. - jm]
The Chairman then read over the various documents and correspondence alluded to in the above letter, containing the allegations by the two lunacy commissioners, MR. CAMPBELL and Mr. TURNER, who visited the Asylum on the 16th of September, of evils in the administration of that institution; and the reply of the visiting committee. Mr. KENDALL, on behalf of the visiting committee, now addressed the Court in answer to the allegations of the visiting commissioners, taking them seriatim, and stated that they were unfounded in fact, either based on error or defective information.
We shall publish next week the whole of the correspondence, and Mr. Kendall's speech.
After consulting with the magistrates present (exclusive of the visiting committee of the asylum, who retired from the court), the Chairman said it was unfortunate that the letter from the commissioners had been mis-sent to Truro, and therefore had not reached him until the second day of the sessions, when there were very few magistrates present besides the members of the visiting committee. The Court could not therefore reply to the Commissioners' letter at any length these sessions, but must defer notice of it until the next sessions, when, if required, the matter would be taken into further consideration.
TRIALS RESUMED
JOSIAH WASLEY and JOHN HENRY THOMAS, were indicted for stealing a gun, the property of WILLIAM FLOYD. Prosecutor is a blacksmith, in Kenwyn, and had the gun at his shop to repair on the 3rd of October. It was stolen from his shop in the night and on the 7th of October, the two prisoners being together near Blackwater, offered the gun for sale to WILLIAM DENNIS, a miner. It appeared, however, that Thomas had nothing to do with receiving the money for the gun. Thomas was Acquitted, but Wasley was found Guilty. Sentence, One Fortnight's Imprisonment, and to be Once privately whipped.
JOHN MORRISH, 46, was committed on the 19th of November, for want of sureties in a breach of the peace towards MARIA MORRISH, his wife, of the parish of St. Columb Major. The wife said she did not wish to appear against her husband, but was desirous to have him discharged on his promising to conduct himself differently towards her. The Chairman cautioned the prisoner with regard to his future conduct; he promised to conduct himself better in future, and was then discharged.
The Grand Jury were discharged by the Chairman this day about one o'clock, with the thanks of the county for their services.
BILL IGNORED - The Grand Jury ignored the bill against RICHARD STEPHENS, charged with stealing, on the 20th of November, at Treffrys, in Linkinhorne, six sovereigns, the property of LYNEHAM RANDALL.
APPEALS
St. Teath, appellant, MR. DARKE and MR. HAWKER; Bodmin respondent, Mr. SHILSON and MR. PRESTON WALLIS. An appeal against an order by Mr. MUDGE and MR. WARD, justices, for the removal of BETSY TREMAIN, widow of ROBERT TREMAIN, and her four children, from the borough of Bodmin to the parish of St. Teath. Mr. DARKE stated that the appellants admitted a birth settlement of the pauper's late husband in St. Teath, but proposed to set up a subsequent settlement in Bodmin borough, by the renting of a tenement called Blowing-house, from Michaelmas 1843 to Michaelmas 1855, at a rental of GBP 10 and upwards, and by being assessed to, and having paid, poor rates during that time. At the conclusion of the appellant's case, Mr. SHILSON contended 1st, that there was not an occupation by pauper's husband, of a separable and distinct tenement in the respondent parish; 2nd, that there was no proof that ROBERT TREMAIN had been rated, or had paid rates; and 3rdly, that there was no actual proof of the payment of rent. The Court confirmed the order of removal, with common costs and GBP 2.5s. maintenance.
SECOND COURT - Wednesday, January 1st, before Sir Colman Rashleigh, Bart.
JOSEPH PERRYMAN, the younger, aged 33, was charged with having, on the 8th of October, broken and entered the shop of JOHN COLLETT, of Probus, and stolen therefrom a pair of boots, the property of the said JOHN COLLETT.
The prosecutor stated that he was a shoe-maker living at Tresillian, in Probus. His shop was under the same roof as his dwelling-house. Early in the morning of the 9th of October, he found that his shop door had been broken open, and four pairs of shoes and one pair of boots stolen.
He had since seen the boots in the possession of Mr. JAMES, a pawnbroker. GEORGE FREDERICK JAMES, stated that he was an assistant with his father, a pawnbroker of Truro. On Wednesday morning the 9th of October, prisoner brought a pair of men's boots and pawned them for three shillings. He said they were his own property. Witness has had the boots ever since in his possession, and now produced them.
JOHN COLLETT recalled, identified the boots by his own work on them, and by a particular way of putting in the tongue-piece. Guilty. Two previous convictions were proved against the prisoner. Both took place at the Michaelmas Sessions 1845. He was then convicted of breaking into the house of THOMAS TRENERRY, butcher, of Bucks Head, near Truro, and stealing a sheep, lamb, and other property; and also, under the name of JOSEPH WILLIAMS, otherwise Joseph PERRYMAN, for stealing a cow and heifer, the property of WILLIAM NORTHEY, farmer of Creed. On the first conviction, he was sentenced to One Month's Imprisonment; on the second, to Ten Years Transportation.
A gentleman of the jury inquired of the Chairman, under what circumstances the prisoner had returned before the expiration of his term of Transportation; but the Chairman could give no information on the subject.
In passing sentence, the Chairman told the prisoner that there was a prior conviction against him in October, 1845, when he was transported for ten years, and that he had also been convicted previously to that. Under what circumstances he had returned to this country, the court did not know, but they apprehended that under the guise of repentance and change of conduct, he had so acted as to induce the authorities to pardon him. If that were the case, it was clear he was utterly unworthy of that favour.
The sentence now was that he be Transported to such of her Majesty's dominions as her Majesty in council shall think fit, for the space of Twenty years.
MR. HOCKIN, who had conducted the prosecution for stealing boots, stated that the prisoner was also indicted for stealing five bushels of wheat, the property of JOHN PLUMMER, in the parish of Kenwyn; but, it would be occupying time uselessly to prosecute that indictment after what had just taken place; and therefore he should offer no evidence on it.
THOMAS MAHOLE, 45, charged with stealing, on the 9th of December, two lbs. of brass, the property of WILLIAM LANGDON, of Launceston; there was another count charging felonious receiving of the brass.
MR. DARKE conducted the prosecution; Mr. MORGAN the defence. The prosecutor keeps a Foundry at St. Stephens by Launceston, and on the morning of Tuesday, December 10, he missed some brass which he had seen on his premises the previous morning. He set on foot enquiries, and his foreman brought back some pieces, which witness gave in charge to the policeman and identified in court. He had had many dealings with the prisoner, never heard anything against his honesty, and should have no objection to deal with him again.
WILLIAM PROCKTER, ironmonger, of Launceston, bought the brass produced of the prisoner with some old metal on the morning of December 9th, and gave it next day to prosecutor's foreman. The value of the pieces produced was less than sixpence. He gave the prisoner a good character for honesty, and should have no objection to deal with him again.
BENJAMIN SAMBELL, police officer, detailed all the circumstances connected with the prisoner's apprehension. Two boys, named MARTIN and BICKLE, sold some old brass to prisoner on the evening of the day in question, but not the pieces of brass in question. Martin had been occupied at work with his employer all that day.
The defence was, that the pieces of brass were sold by these boys on Saturday night, and that Mr. LANGDON must have been mistaken in thinking he saw them on the Monday. JOHN DODGE, labourer, in the employ of the prisoner, but who had been discharged from jail three months ago, where he had been committed for breaking into a house and stealing money, and MARIA HICKS, sister of the prisoner's wife, gave evidence to implicate the boys; and THOMAS BROWN, dealer in marine stores, and WILLIAM EDGCUMBE, carriage builder of Launceston, bore testimony to prisoner's character. Mr. DARKE replied; and the case went to the jury, who retired for consultation. After being absent from court about an hour and a half, they returned, and delivered a verdict of Guilty of Stealing. Sentence, Six Months' hard labour.
RICHARD PEARCE, 32, charged with stealing on the 20th of October, a six feet pole of sycamore, the property of WILLIAM WILTON, of South Petherwin. Verdict, Guilty. One Month's hard labour.
SAMUEL TREVENA, 15, charged with stealing, on the 22nd of November, from the person of HUGH BROWN, four shillings, four sixpences, one fourpenny piece, and one penny, the property of the said HUGH BROWN.
Hugh Brown, examined by Mr. DARKE, said he lived in the parish of Stithians. On Friday, the 22nd of November, which was West Wheal Buller pay day, he received a sovereign and a shilling, and afterwards changed the sovereign at the De Dunstanville Arms, Redruth. In change, he received a half-sovereign and some silver. He wrapped up the half-sovereign in his bal-bill, and put it in his trousers pocket; and put the silver in his right waistcoat pocket. He remained at the De Dunstanville Arms, and drank too much beer; and his recollection was not very perfect of what happened afterwards. When he came to himself, he found that he was in an outhouse, with a policeman, about a quarter of a mile out of the town. The policeman told him he had been robbed.
Witness then searched his pockets, and found the half-sovereign right, but all the silver gone. He ought to have had about five shillings. He then gave his half-sovereign to the policeman to take care for him; and the policeman also took care of him for the night.
JOHN HARRIS, a servant of Mr. JOHN HAYES, at Redruth, was at the De Dunstanville Arms about half-past eight o'clock in the evening of the 22nd of November; and saw the prosecutor leave the house very much intoxicated, unable to help himself. The prisoner led him out from the door, and about thirty yards off he fell to the ground.
Witness and a man called RICKARD, and two or three others, went forth to help him up, and then Trevena took him again and walked him away. Witness and Rickard followed, as far as the Buller's Arms. Trevena could not get Brown on further; and witness and Rickard assisted and put him into an outhouse a little above that Inn. Witness, Rickard, and Trevenna then came away. As they came down the lane, prisoner stopped behind, and witness halloed to him; and after a little while he came running after them, towards the Buller's Arms. Witness and Rickard went away towards their houses in Buller's Row, but still watched Trevena; they could see by a gas-light that he did not proceed to his own home, but went back to the outhouse where Brown had been placed.
Witness and Rickard followed him on the watch, and found that he had rolled back the stone which they had placed to secure the door from cattle, and was inside the house. Witness and Rickard watched by the door, in order to catch him coming out. When he came out, witness saw money in his hand, and immediately closed his hand upon it and held it fast,and said "Hallo, young man, what have you been about?"
Prisoner tried to let the money drop, but witness would not let him. Prisoner then said "Oh, forgive me, Harris; 'tis the first time, and I want a pair of shoes and a cap." He then threw out the money into witness' hand - four shillings, four sixpences, a fourpenny, and a penny piece. They then brought him down into the street, and delivered him into the custody of the policeman Tregoning. JOHN RICKARD confirmed the evidence of last witness.
CHARLES TREGONING, policeman of Redruth, remembered the prisoner being given into his custody by the two last witnesses, and the money also which he now produced. He then went to the outhouse and saw the prosecutor there and took care of him for the night. He was then intoxicated, but was coming a little more to himself. It was after 11 o'clock at night when the prisoner was given into his charge.
The jury took the trouble to consider the case for a long while, and returned a verdict of Guilty. The Chairman ordered that the prosecutor's expenses should not be allowed him; if he had kept himself sober, most probably he would not have been robbed. The prisoner was sentenced to Four Months' hard labour.
The jury were then discharged.
10 JANUARY 1851, Friday
PENZANCE LITERARY INSTITUTION - On Tuesday evening last, MR. GEORGE GRAHAM (formerly Lieut. Graham, of H.M.S. CHILDERS) delivered a lecture on "South America and the South Sea Islands." The chairman introduced the lecturer by remarking "this is the Lieut. Graham, who so nobly fought against the cruelty of Pitman." The places referred to by the lecturer had been visited by himself when in her Majesty's service. The lecture was replete with geographical, geological, and statistical information. A vote of thanks was unanimously, and with an outburst of acclamation rarely witnessed, accorded to the lecturer. Mr. Graham, in acknowledging the vote, stated that the best of his days had been devoted to the service of his country, and he would have gladly passed the remainder of his life therein; but her Majesty's Government had ordered otherwise, in consequence of which he was now about to leave England to seek his fortune in a foreign land.
SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE - Tregothnan - On Monday last, a fine ox weighing eight cwt. was distributed to the poor families near Tregothnan and in the neighbouring parishes, and the applications having been more numerous than was expected, the Earl of Falmouth generously ordered four cwt. of meat in addition to the ox, to be apportioned according to the numbers of the families. Every one who desired it was also supplied with a horn of good ale, and all went happy away.
St. Columb - The inmates of the St. Columb Union were plentifully supplied on Christmas day with the good old fare of roast beef, plum pudding, and ale, and again on new year's day with tea and cake. Cheerfulness beamed on every countenance, and the poor are thankful to those kind friends who contributed to their entertainment.
MR. HUMPHREY WILLYAMS - We have great pleasure in stating that Mr. HUMPHREY WILLYAMS has most kindly and generously remitted to the Mayor of Truro, the sum of GBP 50, for distribution among the poor of the borough, in bed and body clothing. Mr. Willyams suggested that the following gentlemen should be requested to co-operate with the Mayor in the distribution of the money, viz., the Rev. W. W. HARVEY, of St. Mary's; Rev. E. H. BROWNE, of Kenwyn; REV. C. M. GIBSON, of St. Clement's; REV. DR. TANCOCK, of St. John's; REV J. ROBERTS, (Independent); Rev. E. NYE, (Wesleyan); Rev. MR. MEAD, (Baptist); Rev. W. GRAHAM, (New Connexion Methodist) and Messrs. SILVANUS and JOHN JAMES, of the Society of Friends.
The Rev. W. HARVEY, we understand, has declined to co-operate with the other ministers of the town, in the distribution of the money, but signified his readiness to distribute any portion of it which might be remitted directly to himself. This proposition, however, not having been acceded to, the other gentlemen named by Mr. Willyams have undertaken the distribution of the fund, it being especially resolved at the meeting which took place on Monday last with reference to the matter, that the poor of St. Mary's should not be allowed to suffer from the unwillingness of their pastor to co-operate with his brother clergymen. The following plan was adopted. The articles for the supply of which the money is to be expended are blankets, material for shirts and flannel petticoats, woollen drawers, and men's stockings; tickets for these articles are to be issued to the poor who may be considered to require relief, these to be taken to any draper's shop the holder may choose, and ten!
dered to the committee or the member issuing them, for payment. We have great pleasure in noticing this highly seasonable and judicious act of charity, which we are sure will be felt to be a great boon to the poor of Truro.
ST. BLAZEY - The members and friends of the Wesleyan society held their annual tea meeting in the school-room, at St. Blazey Gate, on the 31st ult. A much greater number than could be expected at this season of the year partook of the repast. The pleasures of the evening were greatly enhanced by the choir of the chapel, who sang several pieces and anthems. After tea they repaired to the chapel, in order to hold a watchnight, when the services were conducted by the Rev. T. COLLINS, Mr. REED of Bodmin, and Mr. BLAKENEY, of St. Stephens Coombe.
CHARLESTOWN WESLEYAN CHAPEL - On Christmas Day, the choir belonging to the Wesleyan chapel, at Charlestown, sang several appropriate pieces and anthems, which gave general satisfaction. On the Wednesday following, New Year's Day, they had their annual treat given them by the trustees of the chapel, for their regular attendance during the past year.
TYWARDREATH - On Monday last, (being old Christmas day) the teachers connected with the Wesleyan Sunday School in this place met in Mr. Vounder's school room, for the purpose of taking tea together; and at about six o'clock a goodly number sat down to partake of the cup which cheers but not inebriates. After tea, one of the superintendents, Mr. J. HUSBAND, was unanimously elected to the chair, who in a speech of some length, strongly urged on the teachers, the importance of the work in which they were engaged; and also noticed some of the good effects of Sabbath school tuition. Some other officers and teachers then addressed the meeting. After which, the following question was proposed by the chairman, "can any measures be de[fined] in order to promote, more effectually, the chief design of Sabbath school instruction?" An interesting discussion took place, in which many of the teachers joined, and several useful hints were thrown out. The whole was concluded with singing and prayer.
EAST LOOE - On New-year's-day, 159 children (being an increase of 49 since last year) belonging to the Wesleyan Sunday School at East Looe, were regaled with tea in the Town Hall, after which they repaired to the Mechanics' Institute, where a public meeting was held, and the children recited many very appropriate pieces. Addresses were also delivered by Messrs. ADDISON, ROBERTS, NORTHCOTT, and HILL. Mr. WILLCOCKS presided, and the evening was spent both profitably and agreeably to all parties.
CHAPEL OPENING - A new Bible Christian Chapel at Trecangate, in the parish of Boconnoc, was opened for divine worship on Thursday the 26th ult., when two appropriate sermons were preached by MR. W. HARPER, from Plymouth, to overflowing congregations; at half-past four there was a public tea, when about three hundred sat down to partake of a bountiful provision. The tea was at Mr. HONEYCOMBE's Menabuile, who kindly accommodated the assembly with a commodious room for the occasion, which was beautifully decorated with flowers and evergreens. On Sunday the 29th, services were again resumed, when MR. C. SPETTIGUE of St. Teath, preached two impressive sermons, the chapel being crowded to excess. The chapel is built on the HON. MR. FORTESCUE's land, who has kindly granted the site and given stones for the building. The sum of GBP 33 was collected at the evening service.
BODMIN - The REV. T. WHITTA, of this town, has accepted a unanimous and earnest invitation to resume the pastorate of the Independent Church worshipping in France Meeting, Chalford, Gloucestershire.
ROCK, BELL, and STEEL BAND - The Messieurs Richardson gave a morning and evening concert in the Assembly Rooms, Helston, on Friday last. To those who have not yet seen or heard these instruments, no true conception can be formed of their real nature, or the wonderful powers they possess. On first hearing the music produced by the combined skill of the performers, the mind is overwhelmed with wonder at the effect, followed by delight and admiration. The immortal poet had taught us that there are "sermons in stones," but it was left for the Richardsons to astonish the world by the discovery that from them might be drawn notes of music, rivaling in chasteness, sweetness, and melody, the organ, the piano, or any other instrument. The pieces performed were rapturously applauded by the audience, who seemed to be taken by surprise at the execution, exceeding so much their anticipations. No musical amateur or proficient should allow the opportunity to escape without attending; while!
all those who have any "music in their souls" will find a visit to be a rich treat.
MESMERISM, &C - Mr BERNARDO EAGLE has been giving some of his interesting entertainments at Falmouth and Helston, and has now commenced at Penzance. At each place the audiences have been very numerous, and have been astonished as well as delighted by the performances, the nature of which is detailed at some length on the occasion of Mr. Eagle's visit to Truro.
EXAMINATION - We understand that Master PETER CHARLES CARNARTON, formerly a teacher at the Cornwall Central Schools, has successfully passed his examination at St. John's College, Battersea, and received the foremost honour, namely, a Queen Scholar of the first class.
THE NAVY - CAPT. TOUP NICHOLAS, in consequence of the death of Admiral James Murray GORDON, has been promoted to be Rear Admiral of the Blue. The REV. G. E. CARWITHEN, late minister of the district church, Newlyn, near Penzance, has been appointed chaplain to the CALLIOPE, frigate, which is about to sail from Devonport to New Zealand.
TRURO POLICE - On Tuesday last, THOMAS CANN, of St. Agnes, JOHN MARSHALL, of Helston, SAMUEL ONES, of Wiltshire, and ISAAC PIKE of Somerset; watching their opportunity, went into MR. EDWARD's shop at the Bazaar, East-bridge, Truro, and stole two valuable carpet bags and a basket. The fellows after that had the impudence to go to the police station, and ask for an order to go into the union. But having the property in their possession, it was suspected that they had acquired it dishonestly, and on inquiry being made, MR. Edwards examined, and found that the articles had been stolen from his shop. They were committed on the same day to take their trial at the next assizes.
COMMITTAL - On Saturday last, EDWARD SLADE, of Mevagissey, watch maker, was committed by Mr. E. COODE, jun. to take his trial at the next assizes, on the charge of stealing on the 3rd instant, at St. Austell, a brass minute wheel, the property of MR. HENRY ORCHARD.
A THIEF CAUGHT IN A GIN - Mr. CUMING, having discovered that potatoes had been abstracted from his store on Lemon quay, Truro, and suspecting they were taken by some one who partially removed the weather boarding at the back of the cellar, caused a large gin to be placed on the potatoes opposite the suspected place, that on the introduction of the hand the thief might be caught in it. The trap succeeded perfectly, for about half-past eight in the evening of Tuesday last, Mr. Cuming's man, who lives on the premises, heard a terrific shriek, and rushing to the spot, found a youth of about fourteen, held fast by the fingers, having been caught in the gin, and piteously imploring to be released from his agony. This was done, and he was immediately consigned to the custody of the police. He had a large basket with him and a sack, so that he evidently expected to have secured a large plunder.
NARROW ESCAPE - Last week, the four men employed in lighting the naphtha lamps at Truro, were discharging their duties at the corner of Church-lane, adjoining MRS. SIMPSON's; from the escape of naphtha the whole was ignited, and the lantern and iron work of the lamp were obliged to be destroyed to save the house from fire.
BOILER EXPLOSION - On Wednesday last, about half-past eight in the morning, a boiler which was nearly new, burst at Laity Hills Mine, by which one man named COCK was killed, and the engine-house destroyed.
MELANCHOLY SUICIDE OF A MASTER OF A VESSEL - On the 5th instant, the schooner EMERALD of Scilly, from Palermo, bound to Liverpool, put into Scilly. The master, THOMAS ASHFORD, had been in a melancholy state of mind throughout the passage, and for five days previous to the vessel's arrival he appeared determined, if possible, to put an end to his existence. The mate and crew alternately watched over him and prevented hi m from putting his threats into execution; but at seven o'clock on Sunday morning, whilst the crew were busily engaged in making sail, the mate, his brother, left his post to let go a rope, and that minute the master rushed up on deck and jumped overboard and sank before the boat could be got out.
17 January 1851, Friday
ADVERTISEMENTS
PUBLIC NOTICE - I, DANIEL ROWE, of Liskeard, Cornwall, sawyer, do hereby give notice, that I will not be responsible for any DEBTS which may be contracted by my wife, JANE ROWE, she having left me.
Liskeard, JANUARY 13, 1851
FOR NEW YORK
The fine AE 1, first-class fast sailing Ship MOUNTAINEER, Capt. CHARLES H. CAREY,
Will take passengers from PENZANCE to NEW YORK. This vessel is now in port, and will sail (weather permitting) the 1st of April.
Apply for particulars to the Owner, at Treneere, and W. C. HEMMINGS, Penzance; THOMAS CORFIELD, Penryn; W. BROWNE, Charlestown, near St. Austell; L. NEWTON, jun. Camborne; and at the Office, Roseworthy.
Those who intend to take passages should make an early application.
Dated January 6, 1851
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
CORNWALL TRAVELLING CLUB - A circular has been forwarded to us, giving details respecting a travelling club, which is to be formed in this county for visiting the great Exhibition in London. The affairs of the club will be conducted by a committee, composed of the chairmen and secretaries of the local committees of Cornwall, and such other persons as will undertake to act with them in the adjacent towns and villages. One or more persons will be appointed in each town, to receive deposits, of one shilling and upwards per week, from those who wish to join the club. The deposits are to be paid weekly into one of the Cornish Banks, to the credit of trustees appointed for the purpose, the payment to commence the third week in January and continue until the second week of July. Trustees will be appointed in each town, who will be responsible for all sums placed to their credit at the Bank, for the purpose of the club, and each member will be supplied with a card on which will be entered the sums paid to the receivers. There are other details in the circular, and it is also stated that persons joining the club after the 1st of March shall pay a fine of 3d. and if after the 1st of April, a fine of 6d., which fines shall be appropriated towards paying the expenses of the club.
After stating the persons already appointed as receivers, in some of the towns, the circular alludes to the route proposed to be taken. The Railway Companies had undertaken to convey members of Travelling Clubs, (and members only), at reduced charges to the Great Exhibition, after the 1st of July next, or such time as the admission-fee shall be reduced to 1s. each, and the following is the suggestion made as to the route from this county, which however is only to be looked upon as a suggestion, and not as a definite arrangement, as probably it will be more convenient to some of the members of the club to go by way of Hayle and Bristol, and others may arrange to go to Plymouth by land; the travelling arrangements must depend in a great measure on the number of persons that may join the Club, and can be settled some months hence.
It is suggested that a Steamer shall leave Falmouth for Plymouth, the Monday morning fixed upon for the excursion, at such a time as will allow of the arrival of members of the Club from Helston, Penzance, St. Just, St. Ives, Hayle, Camborne, Redruth, Truro, and other places in the West of Cornwall. The Steamer to call at Fowey for members of the Club residing at St. Austell, Lostwithiel, and other towns in central Cornwall. And arrive in Plymouth between 5 and 6 o'clock in the afternoon; whilst those members of the Club residing at Bodmin, Liskeard, St. Germans, Launceston, Callington, Saltash, &c., might make arrangements to reach Plymouth at the same time. A special train will then take the Club to London, leaving Plymouth at 7 o'clock on the same evening and arriving in London very early on Tuesday morning; the Members would thus have plenty of time to engage lodgings, and be saved the inconvenience which would arise from arriving in London late at night. The return-train might leave London the Friday evening following, at 9 o'clock, so as to reach Plymouth the next morning in time for the Steamers and other conveyances to all parts of Cornwall; thus enabling the members of the Club to spend four clear days in London, and reach their homes again by Saturday evening. From inquiries which have been made it is expected that GBP 1.2s.6d. will cover all expenses of carriage to and from London, from Falmouth by way of Plymouth, and that less than twenty shillings will be sufficient for persons going by way of Hayle and Bristol.
The Railway Companies have stipulated that not more than six days shall elapse before the return train leaves London, and that in order to obtain a special train there must be at least two hundred and fifty persons for the whole journey. It is hoped, however, by associating the Cornish club with those of Bristol and Plymouth, that members who desire to stay in London longer than six days may be enabled to return by club-trains connected with those places. It is also stated that lodging houses on a large scale are being fitted up for the reception of members of travelling clubs. At one of these capable of accommodating one thousand persons with private dormitories, lighted with gas and properly attended, the charge will be 1.3d. per night, and one penny for cleaning boots and shoes. The lodgers will also be able to board on the same premises, and have the use of a well supplied news room, &c. The proprietor has given what he expects will be about his prices, which are extremely reasonable as may be supposed, from his saying in conclusion: "I should imagine that five shillings per day will fully pay all expenses in London." Probably the circulars, from which we have made the above extract, will be widely diffused in the county.
BANKRUPTCY COURT - At the sitting of the Court at Plymouth, on Thursday, the 9th instant, before Mr. Commissioner BERE, the following was among the cases that were brought under notice: Re SAMUEL PARNELL, of Looe. Mr. STOGDON stated that His Honor had issued summonses in this case against two persons to give evidence. One of them, Mr. LANGDON, who was said to have advanced to the bankrupt GBP 250 by way of mortgage, now declared that the bankrupt shortly before the bankruptcy, came to him and stated that he was about to leave the country, lodged with him GBP 250, which sum he was asked to apply to the support of his (Parnell's) family during his absence. It appeared that the bankrupt got a solicitor to make out a mortgage deed which Parnell executed, but Mr. Langdon stated that he had never advanced nor had he been asked to advance the money for which the mortgage was said to have been given. The other person summoned, Mr. COOK, had solemnly deposed that he had no goods belonging to the bankrupt in his possession. The impression to the contrary, appeared to have arisen from his having lent Parnell a table, which the latter returned shortly previous to the bankruptcy, though he retained many of the articles which had been lent to him by Mr. Cook. His Honor expressed himself satisfied with the explanation thus given.
THE LIGHTING OF TRURO - A special meeting of Commissioners under the improvement act was held on Tuesday last, at the Town-Hall. There was a large attendance to consider a proposition made by the gas company to light the town for three years at the rate of 6s.6d. per thousand cubic feet, or at three guineas per light, the latter to include all expenses for repairs, lighting, or other charges. It was ultimately resolved that the "lighting committee" should confer with the gas company to see if any modification of terms could be obtained, or if not, that tenders for lighting the town should be advertised for in two of the north of England and one of the London papers.
MILDNESS OF THE SEASON - A handful of fine ripe raspberries was gathered in a garden belonging to MR. RICHARD BENNY, at St. Columb on Tuesday last, and on the same plants there is now a quantity of fruit nearly ripe, others half ripe, and blossoms as beautiful as in spring.
FALMOUTH QUARTER SESSIONS - On Tuesday last, the general quarter sessions for this borough took place before Mr. BEVAN, recorder, Mr. TICKELL, mayor, and the members of the council. Several persons who had been served with summonses to serve as grand jurymen, not being present, were severally ordered to be fined 20s. unless before the court rose they should show satisfactory reasons for their non-attendance.
The Recorder, in his charge to the grand jury, informed them that there were only two cases to come before them, and he was happy to say that neither of the prisoners were inhabitants of the town or neighbourhood; nor was there any thing in the cases which required an explanation from him. The grand jury then retired, and shortly returned a true bill against THOMAS COUTHER, 25, who was committed on the 2nd of December last, on a charge of having stolen a silver watch, the property of JAMES HUGHES, master of the schooner POPPLEWELL, which was lying in the port of Falmouth on the 30th of November last. The evidence was very conclusive. Prisoner, who belonged to the vessel, sent the watch to MR. JACOBS, pawnbroker, to try to sell or pawn it, on which Mr. Jacobs having received information detained the watch, and the prisoner was given into custody. A verdict of Guilty was returned, and he was sentenced to six months' imprisonment in the borough gaol.
-THOMAS MOON, 34, was arraigned for having on the 23rd of December, feloniously stolen a silver watch, the property of HENRY MOSES. This was a rather strange case. The prosecution being at an Inn, offering watches for sale, the prisoner asked his leave to look at a watch which he had in his hand. When he obtained it he put it in his pocket and said he would be d....d before he gave it up, as the prosecutor had given it to him. Moses could not obtain his watch, and a constable coming by, the man was given in custody. The learned Recorder summed up the evidence, and explained the various points of law connected with the case. The jury retired, and on again coming into court, returned a verdict of Guilty, but recommended prisoner to mercy, as he was in a state of drunkenness. He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.
This terminated the business of the sessions. The grand jury, in returning the presentment book, begged to continue all former presentments, and especially that of enlarging the borough for municipal purposes. The Recorder dined in the evening with the corporation as usual, at DINGLEY's Royal Hotel, with a party of nearly twenty. A most agreeable evening was spent, all the dainties of the season and splendid wines being provided by the hose. Mr. Alderman CORNISH presided, with Mr. GENN, the town clerk, as vice.
PENZANCE QUARTER SESSIONS - These sessions were held at the Guildhall on Friday last. There were two cases for trial. EDWARD PURCHASE pleaded guilty to a charge of having stolen a sovereign and other money, the property of his master, MR. JOHN PROCKTER, chemist, and was sentenced to twelve month's imprisonment at hard labour in the borough gaol. JAMES BROWN was charged with having stolen a leg of mutton, the property of DR. WILLAN. To this charge he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment, with hard labour. MR. PASCOE was retained for the prosecution in each case.
TORPOINT PETTY SESSIONS - At these Sessions which were held on Tuesday last, WILLIAM HILL, of the parish of Antony, was fined 5s. and costs, for cruelty to a horse.
-JOSEPH HARPER, was fined 5s. and costs for assaulting JAMES DISCOMBE, on the third day of January, in the parish of St. Germans. The complainant keeps the toll gate at Trerule foot, in the parish of St. Germans.
- An appeal by GEORGE MALLER, against the assessment or rating of his house in Antony St. Jacob was dismissed.
- BERNARD CARPENTER and NICHOLAS HANCOCK, charged with firing a gun at Hessenford, in the parish of St. Germans, thereby frightening a horse so that it threw its rider, MRS. RICHARD SPRY, who was injured by the fall that her life had for some time been despaired of, were dismissed in consequence of the witnesses failing to identify them.
-MARY CLARKE, charged with assaulting WILLIAM TURPIN, a seaman, by scratching his face at Wilcove, two months since, was fined 10s. and costs.
-MARGARET CLARKE, sister to the above, was fined 10s. and costs, for an assault upon WILLIAM TURPIN at the same time as the assault by her sister.
-MARGARET CLARKE was fined 5s. and costs, for an assault upon Turpin's sister.
EAST PENWITH PETTY SESSIONS - At the petty sessions held at Camborne, on Tuesday last, JESSE LUDFORD, a travelling hawker, was charged by JOHN TRELOAR, of Camborne, with having assaulted him on the first instant. It appeared from the evidence that the parties had been drinking at TANGYE's Public house at Camborne, that both words and blows had at first passed between the complaintant[sic] and defendant, but that both had settled the matter by shaking hands. Afterwards however, on the complaintant's coming towards the defendant, for the purpose of lighting his pipe at the gas, the defendant in a most deliberate manner took a decanter and aimed a blow at the complainant's face; the force of the blow shivered the decanter, and broke the complainant's nose, knocking him senseless, in which state he continued for about twenty minutes. The complainant's face was disfigured in a fearful manner. The magistrates fined the defendant forty shillings. Mr. ROGERS, of Redruth, conducted the case, and Mr. PASCOE appeared for the defendant.
-THOMAS HOCKEN, of Lelant, Innkeeper, was charged by Mr. ALFRED PURCHASE, the Inspector of weights and measures, for the district, with having in use in his house, two defective measures. It appeared from the evidence of Mr. Purchase, that he had seized the measures and taken them away from Mr. Hocken's house, without having first compared the same with the copies of the imperial standard measures. Mr. Pascoe, who appeared for the defendant, called the attention of the magistrates to the error on the part of the inspector, and the charge was dismissed.
FORGING MINE SHARES - We stated last week that WILLIAM DANIELS, described as a civil engineer, was brought up at Guildhall, London, on a charge of forging Wheal Mary Ann shares. On Friday last, the accused was re-examined. Mr. FULLER, the party defrauded, deposed to the facts of the transaction as previously stated, and Mr. BUNYER, landlord of the "Old Bell," Holborn, proved the receipt of GBP50 by the prisoner, in acknowledgement of which he signed his name "W.D. BOASE." Mr. BOASE, solicitor, at Liskeard, deposed that he never authorized any one to write a receipt on his behalf; the letters and signature were very like his own handwriting; he knew the prisoner, when a surveyor in Cornwall, and who sometimes did business as a mining shareholder. It appeared that there were two other cases against the prisoner of attempting to obtain similar sums, in both of which he failed. In a third case, however, he obtained GBP 50 in a manner exactly similar to the above. The prisoner was again remanded, in order to complete the evidence against him. On Monday last he was committed.
THE LATE GALES - On Tuesday last, in Mount's Bay, it blew a very strong gale from the southward, with a heavy ground sea and rain through the night and until after day-break on Wednesday morning. The wind then shifted with squalls to the westward, and afterwards to W.N.W. The pilot cutter "GUERILLA" parted her moorings, and with none of her crew on board, drove in on the beach near Newlyn, and is not likely to be got off again. The "BRITON'S QUEEN," BELLAMY master, from Glasgow for Plymouth got adrift also, but was brought up again, and rode through the gale, though close in shore. Several vessels in the pier parted their moorings, but it is not apprehended that any serious damage has been sustained by them.
-The stern of a boat has been washed on shore at Prussia Cove, with "JEDWARD ANDREWS" inside, and "LA NINA of GUERNSEY" outside, supposed "LAVINIA." Part of the stern of a ship's boat, marked in white letters on a black ground outside, "JANE ELIZA and JANE, NEWCASTLE," and inside "THOS NEWCASTLE," also a boat's rudder, painted lead colour, and a shifting piece of a large ship's quarter bulwarks, almost new, painted black outside and white inside, have been washed in near Porthleaven.
-At St. Ives, on the 9th instant, several pieces of the bulwarks of a vessel, a dog's house, parts of two boats, a ship's ladder, a cabin ladder, tow oars, a lower boom, and three hatches, marked N ART T were picked up floating about the bay, and the general opinion is that they belonged to a vessel which has since been discovered in the offing bottom up, moored to two anchors. Seven of the St. Ives pilot boats went out to her on Sunday and tried to tow her away, but not having instruments for cutting the chains they were obliged to abandon her; as she rose with the sea they could see "Cherbourg" in her stern. The "CORNWALL" steamer, went out on Monday morning, but very soon gave up the search and returned.
MINE ACCIDENT - As a poor miner called FRANCIS PASCOE, of Gwinear, was at work in Cook's Kitchen Mine, on Tuesday the 9th instant, a large rock fell on him. After remaining under it for upwards of half an hour, he was got out seriously hurt, but hopes are entertained of his recovery.
FATAL ACCIDENT - On Friday week, a youth called ELLIOTT, in the service of MR. CIRPLE at Newton, in the parish of St. Mellion, was driving two horses in a cart, when on whipping the horses they started off, and the lad was unfortunately caught between the wheels and a wall, and was killed on the spot.
MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE - On the morning of Thursday, the 9th inst., as some persons were proceeding from Helston to Penrose, they found a hat on the banks of the Loe Pool, and on further search, some part of a gig was seen above water. A boat belonging to the Rev. CANON ROGERS, of Penrose, was quickly brought to the spot, and after dredging about for some time, they discovered, in about eight feet of water, the lifeless body of THOMAS POLGLASE, a driver employed at the Angel Inn, Helston. From every appearance he must have been dead for many hours.
On the previous evening, (Wednesday) deceased left Penrose House about seven o'clock (where he had driven Mr. REGINALD ROGERS) for Helston, and it is supposed that when the horse, which was a spirited one, had to take the water, which overflowed the road, it became restive, and must have got off the road into deep water, precipitating the driver at the same time out of the gig, who was so heavily clad as to render it impossible to save himself, and both man and horse were drowned. The unfortunate man had driven over the same road in the morning, but the water had risen nearly two feet during the day and so completely covered some parts of the road as to render it difficult to find the road.
The deceased was forty-one years of age, and was a sober, careful man, and a good servant. It is rather remarkable that two relatives of the deceased, of the same name as himself, an uncle and a cousin, were both drowned, and a brother of his was killed in Truro some time ago.
It appears that the accident happened in the parish of Sithney, which is in the jurisdiction of MR. HICHENS, one of the county coroners, but the body was taken to deceased's residence in Helston, which raised a difference of opinion as to the right of inquiry between Mr. Hichens and Mr. ROSKRUGE, the borough coroner, and eventually each coroner empanelled a jury and held an investigation. Mr. Hichens held his inquiry first, and a verdict of "found drowned" was returned. Mr. Roskruge, conceiving that the 6th Victoria c.12 gave him jurisdiction, intimated by letter to the county coroner that he should also hold an inquest, and it is stated that he intends to take the opinion of the Queen's Bench on the subject, by moving to quash Mr. Hichens's inquisition. Mr. Hichens, however, affirms his right to hold the inquest, interpreting the meaning of the act to be, that the Corner whose jurisdiction extends to the place where the body was lying at the time of death, shall hold the in!
quiry thereon.
CORONER's INQUEST - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held before Mr. HICHENS, county coroner, on the body of MRS. MARY ANN SAUNDERSON, aged 34 years, the wife of Mr. Saunderson, master of the "NEW COMMERCIAL," of Whitby, which was lost off the Land's End on the night of Saturday last. An account of the wreck appears in a preceding column. A verdict of "accidentally drowned" was returned.
FEARFUL SHIPWRECK, AND GALLANT CONDUCT OF THE COAST GUARD AND FISHERMEN NEAR THE LAND'S END
Early on Saturday morning last, the brig "NEW COMMERCIAL," of Whitby, 250 tons burden, SAUNDERSON master, bound from Liverpool to the Spanish Main, in a thick fog and a strong gale from the S.S.W. struck upon a ledge of rocks between the great and little Brisons, two high rocks rising from sixty to seventy feet above high water mark, about one mile off the bluff headland of Cape Cornwall, and four miles northward from the Land's End. The sea running very high, the vessel immediately went to pieces, and the crew, nine men (with one woman, the wife of the master) got on the ledge. They were discovered from the shore, as soon as day broke, but no assistance could then be possibly rendered them. In this perilous condition, the poor creatures remained until about nine o'clock, when they were all washed off together by a tremendous wave, and hurled into the boiling deep. Seven out of the ten sunk at once into a watery grave. Of the remaining three, one, a mulatto, contrived to get on a portion of the floating wreck, and after having been beaten about for some hours, in immediate peril of being every instant swallowed up by the waters, he managed, with remarkable coolness and presence of mind, by means of a plank which he used as a paddle, and a piece of canvass which served him for a sail, with the assistance of the strong tides, to keep clear of the broken waters.
Whilst this poor fellow was thus struggling for life with all the resources which his ingenuity could suggest to him, and whilst he was anxiously watched by the people on shore, where the lofty cliffs were now crowded by upwards of two thousand spectators, five fishermen of Sennen, a small fishing cove close to the Land's End, after much debate among themselves, determined, with that bold and resolute spirit for which these men are distinguished, to launch their boat "THE GRACE" through the breakers, in which they happily succeeded, and eventually, after encountering great difficulty and risk, they rescued the poor mulatto from his perilous situation.
The other two, the master and his wife, when they were carried off the ledge, were washed upon the little Brison rock, which rises to a peaked head, and is the resort of numerous sea-fowl. The master first gained a footing upon the rock, and upon looking around him, saw his wife struggling in the waves, but sufficiently near to enable him to stretch out his hand and pull her in. While the Sennen fishermen were occupied in rescuing the mulatto, H.M. Revenue cutter "SYLVIA," commanded by Mr. FORWARD, was seen gallantly working round the Land's End, having been ordered to the spot by Capt. DAVIES, R.N., the late, and still acting inspecting commander of the coast guard of the district. Captain DAVIES himself, and several of his officers, took up their stations upon the lofty promontory of Cape Cornwall, overlooking the Brisons. On reaching the point, Mr. Forward launched his boat, and attempted with a crew of four men to get near the rock, but the attempt was fruitless, and it!
was only with great difficulty that he regained the cutter, to the great relief of Captain Davies and the numerous spectators upon the cliffs, who rejoiced to perceive that though success did not attend his daring exploit, still he himself and his gallant crew, at least, were safe.
It was now growing late, and nothing more could be attempted in the way of rescue for the day; so Mr. Forward hoisted his colours and hove to his craft to encourage the poor sufferers, who were now to be left to spend the gloomy night which was gathering its shadows around them, without food or shelter, and exposed to the winds and rain upon this desolate rock, amide the wide waste of waters.
On Sunday morning, the wind happily drew a little to the S.E., which caused the sea to abate. All hands were immediately on the alert, and if great excitement prevailed among the people along the coast on Saturday, it was not at all lessened on this day. Hundreds began to assemble as soon as it was light, and the number greatly increased as the day wore on. Towards the middle of the day the sun shone out, and by lighting up the coast with the magnificent scenery all around, added greatly to the feverish interest of the scene. At one o'clock four boats were seen approaching from Sennen Cove, three manned by fishermen and one by Coast Guard; and at the same time Captain Davies arrived, having embarked in a preventative boat at a small cove called Pendeen, about three miles N.E. of the spot, with four preventative men and one miner, and taking rockets with him. The cutter's boat also was manned by Mr. Forward, and the boats were speedily on the spot.
By this time the scene had become one of the most exciting description, and the crowds of people upon the cliffs could not have numbered less than five or six thousand. As each boat arrived at the spot, the cheers of this vast multitude, awaking all the echoes of this cavernous coast, added not a little to the excitement. The sea still ran so high that no boat could venture within one hundred yards of the rock. The rockets which Captain Davies had taken with him in the preventive boat had never been tried here before, even from the shore, and we believe never elsewhere from a boat. By the printed instructions the person firing should be at least fifty feet in the rear to be free from danger. One of the men, a gunner, volunteered to fire them, although he had never seen one used before; but Captain Davies, with that generous and disinterested consideration which marks his whole conduct, would not suffer either of his crew to incur a risk which he himself did not share; so after making his arrangements, he placed his crew in one of the Sennen boats, and remained alone and with his own hand discharged the rocket. He was enveloped for the instant in a sheet of flame from the back fire. Happily, however, he sustained no injury; but unfortunately the line which reached the rock fell upon a sharp ledge which cut the rope, so that the end of it slipped off into the sea.
It is impossible to describe the disappointment experienced by the people upon the cliffs, and in the boats, at this unfavourable result of the experiment. After a short delay, however, another rocket was prepared which Captain Davies again himself discharged, and this time the cord fell on the rock close by the man, to the great joy and delight of the assembled multitude, whose minds had been so long oscillating between hope and fear. As the cord fell from the rock, the woman was observed to raise her clasped hands in apparent thankfulness. The man on the rock was seen to fasten the line around the waist of his wife, and to encourage her to take the fearful leap, but she lingered and hesitated to jump into the foaming waters. After some little time, however, his persuasions prevailed. They took an affecting leave of each other, and amid the breathless survey of all, she made the awful plunge for life or death from a height of about twelve feet. At this moment, three immense waves broke in rapid succession, periling the safety of all. For a time, indeed, the boats were entirely hidden from the view of the spectators, and the loud cry broke forth from thousands of voices, "they are gone." The females, in particular, among the crowd were so horror stricken that they actually turned away their heads from the fearful spectacle before them, and shrieked aloud.
But soon again the boats were seen above the swelling waves, and the lofty cliffs once more wrung with approving cheers. The cord was drawn with great judgment; and the poor woman was taken into one of the boats, but the blows from the waves were more than her exhausted frame could bear. No attention that could be shewn her was spared. The men took off their own clothes to cover her, and used every effort to restore her; she breathed, - but by the time the boat reached the cove, life had fled. After the master had persuaded his wife to leave him, he fastened the cord round his own waist, and was drawn greatly exhausted into one of the other boats.
Our correspondent has often witnessed fearful shipwrecks on this exposed coast, but he states that no disaster of the kind, has excited such intense interest or sympathy in the neighbourhood for a long time. The peculiarly trying situation of the surviving sufferers themselves, and the bold attempts made for their rescue, have thrown an interest around the Brisons which will not soon die away.
Captain Davies had been promoted to the rank of Post Captain only a few days before the shipwreck took place. He has seen a great deal of service, and manifested no ordinary zeal on several occasions during the time he has held the appointment of inspector of the coast guard of the district. He has also received a medal from the Royal Humane Society, and the Shipwrecked Mariner's Society for services of a similar kind performed elsewhere. The writer of this has not the pleasure of being personally acquainted with him, but he should rejoice to hear that so brave and able an officer has not been lost sight of by the Admiralty, in the retirement into which he is now withdrawing, with the good wishes of all his friends.
As to Mr. Forward, whose conduct is spoken of by his commander as beyond all praise, something might and ought to be done for him by the service, as well as for the intrepid crew who shared the danger, and their[sic] exists a strong feeling in the neighbourhood, that the parties, more especially the fishermen who risked their property as well as their lives on this intensely interesting occasion, should not be allowed to go unrewarded.
It is impossible to speak too highly of the conduct of those who were employed on this occasion, as all who witnessed it agree in declaring that a more gallant, humane, and praiseworthy act has seldom been recorded; and every person who has the slightest acquaintance with the bold character of this coast, and the terrific seas which prevail there at this stormy season, must be well aware that such an attempt required no ordinary courage, and furnished no ordinary proof, that true courage and genuine humanity are always found in the same bosom.
MR. PEARCE, the active and indefatigable agent of Lloyds, at Penzance, and also agent of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, was on the spot at the earliest possible moment, and as usual showed the utmost anxiety to render every assistance.
24 January 1851, Friday
ADVERTISEMENTS
FIVE MINUTES' ADVICE TO LOVERS AND HUSBANDS, SWEETHEARTS, and WIVES
Sixth Edition, price One Shilling, a book for everybody. Sent post free by Miss Booth, on receipt of fourteen postage stamps.
MARRIAGE! WHO TO MARRY! AND WHEN TO MARRY!
Or, the Etiquette of Matrimony. Sent post free on receipt of fourteen postage stamps, by Miss Booth.
"We have read both these works, and can recommend them to the younger part of our readers as
containing all they can wish to know on the most important step in life."
Family Herald
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
ECCLESIASTICAL -
The REV. G. MANN has been instituted to the Rectory of St. Martin and Mawgan in Meneage in this
county, void by the death of the Rev. W. CROCKFORD, on the presentation of Mr. W. H. TREVELYAN -
value GBP 620 with residence. The Rev. G. MARTIN has been instituted to the vicarage of St. Breward, in this county, vacant by the death of the Rev. T. J. LANDON, on the presentation of the Dean and Chapter of Exeter.
THE GREAT EXHIBITION -
The following is a list of the articles which will be shown at the Great Exhibition, from the Truro district, vouchers for that purpose having been granted to the different exhibitors by the Truro Local Committee.
The committee will themselves exhibit Cornish hone stones, wolfran, porphyries, clays,
building and road stones, tin, mundics, sands, lead ores, agricultural grain and seed.
There will be sent by other exhibitors, patent safety fuses, of different kinds; slate slabs, Cornish chrystals, Davey's patent ridge roll, Cornish slates, and cisterns; crucibles; lead ore; table of pebble and porphyry, two serpentine and steatite candelabra, serpentine columns, granite and porphyry pedestals and columns, granite chimney pieces and side-table, steatite pedestal, and a variety of steatite and serpentine vases, to stand on columns; china-stone; bearing stones for supporting upright shafts; ochres; arsenical compound; blasting fuse of various kinds; fancy table; sheaf of Kendall's giant straw prolific wheat; freestone for ornamental building; fire-stone; six chains of antique and modern forms, a walking stick stool, and screw driver; normal guano; geological and mineralogical map of Cornwall, map of Camborne and Illogan mines, and maps of other mines and mining districts.
The following articles of machinery, &c. will also be exhibited from the Truro district:
- A slime ore dressing machine; model of an exhausting ventilator for coal mines whereby explosion of fire damp may be prevented, also patent ore dressing machine; model of working steam engine, for saving of fuel; fire escape; two lubricators; floating breakwater; thermometer to measure heights; cooking apparatus; steam pumping engine, thirty-inch cylinder; and [a] model to use water power to a greater advantage than at present.
The names of the exhibitors we cannot give, as it appears they are prohibited to be published by an order from the Royal Commissioners. The space allotted to the exhibitors of the Truro district is about 860 feet of floor, 280 of counter, and 140 of wall.
VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT -
At Redruth on Monday evening, MISS STUART and Messrs. GEORGE TEDDER, GRENIER, and JAMES,
gave a concert in the Town Hall, in the course of which they produced some very popular and brilliant music. It is impossible to describe the enthusiasm with which the two vocalists were applauded.
The duet of "Sailors' Sighs," and Miss Stuart's "Come off to the Moors," commenced the concert, and were sung with great taste and execution. The old favourite of "The Thorn," sung by Mr. Tedder, was rapturously encored, and Miss Stuart's "Charlie ye are welcome," and "Bonnie Dundee" produced an excitement we have seldom seen equaled. Mr. James executed some very beautiful violin music in
excellent style; and Mons. Grenier presided at the piano with considerable talent. We regret to say
that in consequence of the rain, which fell in torrents all the evening, the attendance was very limited.
The audience, however, having learnt that Miss Stuart and Mr. Tedder's engagements in town do not
commence until Monday, and that they had made no arrangement for another concert in Cornwall,
unanimously begged the favour of their appearing again, which, after some hesitation, they consented to do on Friday (this) evening. We hope that in a neighbourhood, all classes of which are so celebrated for their musical taste and ability as those of Redruth and its vicinity are, the attendance will be such as to amply repay the kindness of these very deservedly popular performers, in consenting to remain so long in the county.
MR. WILLYAMS, M.P. -
We understand that the very liberal donation of Mr. Willyams, M.P., to the poor of Truro, has been
partaken of by three hundred and three necessitous persons, all of whom have expressed their
thankfulness for this seasonable act of charity. It has principally been bestowed in blankets and other warm clothing to the most needy of the town.
DINNER TO MR. CHARLES ANDREW, of REDRUTH -
On Thursday the 16th instant, a dinner was given to Mr. Charles Andrew, (to which nearly fifty sat
down) on his taking to the conduct of the hotel at Redruth, in consequence of his mother's death.
The dinner comprised all the delicacies of the season, and gave much promise of the host as a good
caterer for the public. The chair was occupied by Mr. PRYOR, the well known mining agent, who was
supported by MR. MILFORD, of Truro, as croupier. The usual loyal, national, and complimentary toasts were drunk in wines of the choicest quality, and not t" The whole of the toasts were suitably and properly acknowledged, and the parties separated highly pleased with the convivialities of the day.
PENZANCE TRAVELLING CLUB -
A club called by this name has been formed at Penzance, to enable its members to visit the Great
Exhibition. Each member is to pay the sum of 1s. per week, until he has paid the sum of 22s., the
probable expense of conveyance to and from the metropolis. A general meeting of all the members is
proposed to take place in the Town Hall, the first week in July, to determine upon the time of starting, and the route to be taken.
At the public meeting held at Penzance of the subject , Mr. COLLIVER (who has been active in getting up the club) stated that there are upwards of twenty such clubs formed, or in process of forming in this county. Since the meeting also, Mr. Colliver has received a letter from Mr. Charles SAUNDERS, the secretary of the Great Western Railway, with a copy of resolutions agreed on at the Euston Station by the directors from all the metropolitan railways, by which it appears, that the directors are determined to afford every facility, dispatch, and convenience to the members of all travelling clubs formed in the country; and it is stated that a less sum than that contemplated by the Penzance club (22s.) will be amply sufficient.
BUDE -
The boisterous state of the weather still prevents any ingress or egress of vessels. Several vessels are laden with grain, and waiting for weather to proceed to sea.
FALMOUTH -
Part of the immense fleet of shipping in this harbour, in consequence of the change of weather,have
moved out of port. Amongst them, many vessels for Ireland, principally laden with grain, have left for their destinations. Still from the great number of vessels now remaining in the harbour it presents a very animated appearance.
DISASERS AT SEA -
On Saturday last, the schooner "SKYLARK," BLACK, master, belonging to Waterford, from Nantes,
laden with wheat, bound to Waterford, got ashore on the ledge of rocks called the Flats, whilst
working into Crow Sound, St. Mary's, Scilly. The vessel remained several hours on the rocks, but was got off with the flood tide, and has been brought within St. Mary's pier, with considerable damage to her keel. The bottom and stern have since been surveyed.
-The Prussian brig "DIE PARNITZ," of Stettin, Perst master,laden with coals, supposed from
Sunderland, was fallen in with on the 17th instant, about twelve miles S.S.W. of the Lizard, abandoned, with twenty-two inches of water in the hold, bower anchors and cables gone, and the crews clothing removed by the bark "FROWNING BEAUTY," of and from London for Valparaiso; the chief mate and three seamen were put on board, and with a pilot brought her into the port of Falmouth.
-On the 16th instant, the French brig "FLETON," from Havre for Bayonne, in ballast, went on shore at Seaton, three miles east of Looe. The crew consisting of eight men, were all saved; the ship became a total wreck.
BURGLARY - On Thursday night the 16th instant, about twelve o'clock, the Vicarage-house at St Winnow, the residence of the Rev. PERCEVAL FRYE, was broken into, and a box belonging to one of the servants forced open, and a sovereign taken out. The burglars then proceeded to Mr. Frye's study, where they forced open all the drawers, and other places where money was likely to be kept. A watch was taken from a case, and placed on the table. Mrs. Frye, who slept over the room, heard a noise, and called out several times, asking if any person wanted her, which is supposed to have disturbed them, as a drawer containing gold and bank notes to a large amount was found to have been tried, but left unopened. Footsteps were traced to a considerable distance from the house across some fields, but lost on getting to the road, and there being nothing which would be likely to lead to detection, further search was considered useless.
SINGULAR CIRCUMSTANCE -
On Saturday morning last, after the water of the Loe Pool, near Helston, had been discharged into the sea, and left the greater part of the space which it covered nearly dry, the mat and rug which had been used by THOMAS POLGASE, whose melancholy death we recorded last week, was found, and
also very near them a black drawn silk bonnet trimmed with crape. How it got there no one can
satisfactorily account. Whether some female was in the gig and drowned with him, and washed out
into the sea by the very strong current of the Loe breaking, as it is termed here, or whether it might been been accidentally washed there, there is at present no means of solving.
ACCIDENT -
On Thursday the 16th instant, as JOHN BILLINGTON, a farm servant in the employ of Mr. R. FOSTER, was driving a waggon with three horses, the shaft horse which he was leading, (the road being steep) fell, and threw him before the wheel, which passed over his leg, breaking it in two places. The horse was dragged a considerable distance before the others could be stopped, whereby it was so much injured as to be obliged to be killed the next day. We are happy to say the man is doing well.
MINE ACCIDENT -
On Monday, an old miner called GEORGE NOEY, working in Balleswidden mine, had bored two holes
for blasting, the one intended to relieve the other. He fired the first, and after the explosion went to fire the other, but when in the act of doing so the hole exploded, having been fired by the blast of the first, and in consequence the poor fellow's face was dreadfully injured, one of his arms broken, and his shoulder cut open, so that his life is at present despaired of.
CORONERS' INQUESTS -
-On Saturday last, an inquest was held at Pool, in the parish of Illogan, before Mr. JOHN CARLYON,
county coroner, on the body of THOMAS HALL, a miner, aged 61 years, who died on Friday last, from
injuries he had received on the preceding Tuesday, by falling down a winze which he and his comrade
were engaged in sinking from the eighteen to the twenty-six fathoms level east of monument shaft,
in Carn Brea Mine. Verdict, accidental death.
-The following inquests have been held before Mr. HICHENS, county coroner. On the 19th instant, in
the parish of St. Just in Penwith, on the bodies of two men found dead in that parish on the preceding day, one on Porthleddan beach, and the other on Porthnanwin beach, both were supposed to have belonged to the crew of the ship "NEW COMMERCIAL" of Whitby, lately wrecked on that coast.
Verdict, found drowned.
-The following inquest has been held before Mr. HICHENS, jun., deputy coroner. On the 20th instant,
in the same parish, on the body of another man found dead at Porthnanwin Cove on the 19th,
supposed to have been another of the same crew. Verdict, found drowned.
-The following inquest has been held before Mr. HAMLEY, deputy coroner - On Monday last, at the
parish of Landrake, on the body of JOSEPH BATH, a boy of about 10 years of age, who met his death
under the following circumstances. It appeared that the deceased and other boys of the village were
in the habit of going into the farm yard of Mr. BROWNE, who lives on the Barton, when the threshing
machine is at work. On Saturday last, the deceased went into the round-house, where the horses
were working, and by some means got jammed between the arm of the marchine and the wall, and
was instantly killed. Mr. Browne's son had turned him out of the premises half-an-hour before but he unfortunately returned again, and met his death as stated. Verdict, accidental death.
-The following inquests have been held before Mr. GILBERT HAMLEY, county coroner: On the 15th
inst., at Menheniot, on view of the body of ELIZABETH MICHELL, who was supposed to have died
under suspicious circumstances. From the evidence of the witnesses, it appeared that deceased had
been married about seven weeks, during which time she had many times received brutal treatment
from the hands of her husband. On one occasion a man who lived under the same roof hearing
Michell illtreating his wife, went into the room and found him knocking her with great violence against the wall; he told Michell that he appeared as if he wanted to kill his wife, and added "Now if she dies you'll hold your hand to the bar, and I'll be a witness against you."
Other witnesses having also spoken as to the manner deceased had been treated by her husband, the deputy coroner adjourned the inquest until the following Monday that a post mortem examination of the body might be made. Mr. PRIDEAUX, having made a post mortem examination, stated that he had no doubt but that the deceased had died from an attack of apoplexy, and he could not take upon himself to say whether her death was accelerated by the violence she had received from her husband.
The poor woman was near her confinement, and there was the greatest excitement in the village, it being rumoured that she had been poisoned. After the evidence of Mr. Prideaux, the jury returned a verdict "That the deceased had died from apoplexy." And the deputy coroner, at the request of the jury, severely reprimanded the husband for his inhumane and brutal treatment towards his unfortunate wife, and told him he had had a very narrow escape from being sent to gaol on the charge of having caused the death of his wife.
-On Monday, at St. Wenn, on the body of JAMES VARCOE. Deceased went to St. Columb on Saturday,
and returned about seven o'clock in his usual good state of health. He ate a hearty supper, and about half past ten o'clock went to the stable to feed his horse. Upon his coming into the house again, he was taken sick, and desired his wife to call a neighbour. He shortly after became insensible and never again rallied. Verdict, apoplexy.
-On Friday last, at Antony, on the body of ROGER LIDSTONE. Deceased had been to Looe to fetch a
lady to whom he was about to be shortly married. The lady went to Plymouth in a van, whilst
deceased followed on horseback. He was last seen by a person at a place called Whacker
Mill, when his hat blew off in the water, and it was supposed in attempting to reach it he overbalanced himself and fell in.
A little boy at the mill heard some one cry out "Oh." On going to the spot from whence the sound proceeded, he could not perceive any one. He then ran to his mother, who also went to look for him. Being unsuccessful, they went to Sheviock to procure the assistance of some person, and by the time they arrived, nearly three hours had elapsed. They soon discovered the body in the water. There being no direct evidence how the deceased got into the water, the jury returned a verdict of "found drowned."
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE
EXETER DISTRICT COURT OF BANKRUPTCY
Wednesday, January 15 - Before Mr. Commissioner Bere
Re THOMAS DAVEY, farmer, miller, and seedsman, Liskeard, sitting for last examination. The bankrupt
was opposed by Mr. STOGDON on behalf of the assignees, and supported by Mr. PITTS. The bankrupt
underwent a lengthened examination by Mr. Stogdon, which shewed several inaccuracies and
omissions in his balance sheet. In the course of examination, the bankrupt stated that he owed debts to the following parties, but they were not inserted in his balance sheet at their own particular request:
viz, Mr. SHORT about GBP 3 or GBP 3.10s. for corn; Mr. HODGE, GBP 14 or 15 for sheep, (he
was an intimate friend of the bankrupt, and said he had a particular wish that his debt should not be entered); Mr. MICHELMORE also GBP 5 or 6 for cattle; this gentleman, as well as the rest, had said he did not wish his debt to be entered.
The Commissioner inquired whether all this was not with a view to their being paid in full hereafter.This, the Bankrupt said, was not the case; it was merely from his having had many years' dealings with the parties, and they did not wish to burden his estate. He stated that it was about two or three weeks ago that he agreed with these persons that their debts should be altered. They asked him - he did not ask them. He might have asked them if they wished him to enter their debts. He could not tell if they were aware that he was a bankrupt.
Upon being questioned as to the mode in which Mr. SHORT's debt was contracted, the bankrupt stated it was thirteen or fourteen bushels of barley, at 4s.6d. or 4s.9d. the Cornish bushel. The order was given after he had signed the declaration of insolvency, and on the very day the corn was delivered it was with other things distrained upon for rent.
The reason for his giving the order after committing the act of bankruptcy by signing the
declaration of insolvency, was, he had been informed by Mr. VENNING on the Friday before he
ordered the corn, that his difficulties would be arranged, and he therefore thought he would be able to go on again with his business. His reason for signing the declaration of insolvency was to put all his creditors upon a proper footing. He knew that MESSRS. SERCOMBE held a dishonoured cheque of his for GBP 7.10s., on the Devon and Cornwall Bank at Liskeard, dated 25th of July last. This was paid to them on account of a dishonored acceptance of his draft for GBP15 on JOHN BAKER, which they held. Baker paid him the GBP15, and he then remitted them GBP 8 on account of the bill which they had put to his account generally.
MR. TERRELL, who represented Messrs. Sercombe, said he had seen all the correspondence, and it
was quite clear the GBP 8 was not remitted for the purpose of meeting Baker's acceptance. He
promised to shew the letters which had passed to the assignees.
The Bankrupt further said that a sum of GBP 50 entered as received from RICHARD PETER as
apprentice premium was not received in cash. He owed the bankrupt GBP 70, and the premium was
allowed in reduction of his debt. He stated that his profits of GBP 911 and GBP 18.17s.6d. were
gathered from the amount of business done. They were principally on the corn. His receipts every
month were estimated from the quantity of corn ground and payments made.
Mr. STOGDON - I dare say you found that you had expended a certain sum every month, and you
naturally imagined that you could only have received an equivalent amount, though whether it was
more or less you could not tell.
The Commissioner said it was quite clear from the many inaccuracies, the examination must be
adjourned. The bankrupt was then ordered to amend his balance sheet, and come up again on
Wednesday the 22nd instant.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
The bankrupt, THOMAS DAVEY, came up again to-day, having made the amendments required, and
was questioned as on the former occasion by Mr. Stogdon, who stated that the creditors were very
much dissatisfied with the amount taken credit for by the bankrupt, for maintenance of himself and
family, viz. 45s. per week, for part of the period extended over by his balance sheet, and 35s. per
week for the remainder of the time.
The Bankrupt said that up to 1849, his maintenance he estimated had cost him 45s. per week, as he
had to keep three men in the house night and day to work the mill from the scarcity of water, and
afterwards when he went to a more commodious and more suitable premises, the three men were
discharged, which lessened the expenditure 10s. per week.
He was also examined as to his transactions with his daughter, in keeping a shop for sale of grocery, which appeared to be the bankrupt's own property, and which he supplied weekly or monthly, as occasion required, with flour, and allowed his daughter out of the takings to purchase other
necessities. In answer to questions by Mr. Stogdon, he stated also that on the 22nd of August last, he wrote Messrs. Sercombe, of Exeter, a letter saying that "he had many returns both of corn and cattle to make which would be done with as little delay as possible," and promising out of the produce thereof to liquidate their debt. That the corn and cattle mentioned therein consisted of two or three fields of barley, and three or four bullocks, and that he afterwards (in September) paid Messrs. Sercombe GBP 5 on account of their debt.
[The rest is partially cut off; the bankrupt was given his certificate, once he met certain financial requirements. The Commissioner noted he had 'been helping himself', and now thought it time his creditors received some repayment; therefore, he ordered GBP 1 a week be sent to the assignee.]
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GREAT EXHIBITION
[no explanation as to why this week company/donor names can be shown, when the ones from Truro could not]
Amongst the contributions from the Penzance district, we understand there will be specimens of tin representing the tin districts of St. Just and St. Ives, from the mines of Balleswidden, Wheal Owles,
Wheal Spearn, St. Ives Consols, Reeth Consols, and Wheal Providence. There will also be sent a very beautiful and interesting illustration of the preparation of tin for consumption, commencing with the
raw tin, following it through its various stages of cleansing, smelting, refining, &c., and ending with perfect specimens of the white tin, as supplied by this county to the consumer; this is now in progress at the Smelting Works of Messrs. BOLITHO, at Chyandour, under the able superintendence of Mr. T. S. BOLITHO.
The Penzance Marble and Serpentine company will also send a splendid variety of articles for exhibition. One of these is a magnificent specimen of the raw material, a quadrangular block of the red serpentine, about three tons in weight. One face is rough-quarried; one appears as it comes from the saw; one is fined or gritted down; and the other is polished, exhibiting the color of the stone; thus there will be a faithful exhibition of the various stages of the manufacture.
Perhaps the most splendid specimen of the manufactured article which the company will send, is an elaborately worked and magnificent baptismal font of the architectural style of the fourteenth century, octagon shaped, and standing four feet high, on a cluster of five pillars intersected into the moulds of the centre pillar, and ornamented with elaborate carving and an inscription. The company
will also send a variety of other articles, exquisite in design and execution; also a specimen of malleable copper, fifteen inches long and a foot wide presented to the company from Trenance mine. It is a most interesting specimen, bearing a resemblance to the branches of a tree. The specimens of intermixture of serpentine and steatite with the malleable copper are produced only at the Lizard.
There will also be sent the noble specimen of granite from the Lamorna quarries, which we have before noticed; likewise wood carving by Mr. HARVEY, of Penzance; and the Newlyn fishermen are said to be actively at work in preparing models of fishing boats for the exhibition.
GREAT EXHIBITION TRAVELLING CLUB
The Committee of the Truro Institution, having formed itself into a travelling club for the purpose of enabling the industrial classes to visit the Great Exhibition, a public meeting of the inhabitants of Truro and its vicinity, was held at the Town Hall, on Thursday evening, the 23rd instant, in compliance with a resolution which had been passed by the Institution committee. The meeting was numerously and
respectably attended, especially by artisans and others who would be likely to avail themselves of the advantages of the club.
On the motion of Mr. W.M. Tweedy, (who has taken a warm interest in the matter, both as a member of the Exeter Central Committee, and in connection with the Truro Institution) the chair was taken by
Mr. SOLOMON, the President of the Institution, who briefly explained the objects of the meeting. Mr. W.M. Tweedy then addressed the meeting on the subject of the Great Exhibition, and after explaining its chief features, he enforced the advantages of the club, and spoke of the facilities which were to be afforded to travelling clubs by the principal railways and other public conveyances.
The railway companies had engaged to take members of a club not less than 250 in number at one time, to London and back, at less than the penny per mile fare, the one way only. This reduced fare would amount to about 17s.6d. for the journey from Plymouth to London and back. The sum of GBP 1.5s. it was supposed, would be ample to pay the expenses from Truro, leaving it to the members' option whether they would go by steamer or by land to Plymouth.
With reference to the time of staying in London, it had been proposed that each party should leave Cornwall on a Monday morning, arrive in London on Tuesday morning, (thus giving to each person the whole day to seek for lodgings), remain in town till the Friday night following, and be at home on Saturday. He had good hope, however, that by the various clubs in Cornwall uniting with each other, and with the clubs in Bristol, Plymouth, and other places, the members would be enabled to remain in London longer than the time stipulated, if they wished. By the same union amongst the several clubs, the members would be able to suit their convenience as to the time of starting from home.
Mr. Tweedy observed that, by the terms on which the club was formed, the members would have the benefit of the following provisions:
-That any depositor who shall fail to continue his or her deposits, or be unable to proceed to London,
shall be entitled to receive the same (after deducting a sum for expenses as hereinafter provided for) at the General Distribution, in July 1851, and not earlier, except in case of sickness, death, or any other special circumstance, at the discretion of the Committee.
-That some time after July 1851, the committee shall make out lists of depositors intending to visit London, together with the amount due to each, and shall submit the same, signed by them, to the Trustees; and a day shall be named for the repayment of the several claimants who will be required to attend personally for the purpose, at the place where the payments were made.
-That on such day of repayment, the trustees or persons appointed by them shall deduct from the amount to be returned to the depositors a sum not exceeding 2 1/2 per cent, for the necessary expenses of books, printing, meetings, &c., and also any sum which may have been agreed to be paid for railway and steamer fares.
-That persons joining the club after the 1st of March, pay a fine of 3d., and if after the 1st of April, a fine of 6d., which fines shall be appropriated towards paying the expenses of the club.
Mr. Tweedy urged his hearers to become members of the club, and concluded by saying that he had received a letter from Mr. P. P. SMITH, stating that but for indisposition he should have been happy to have attended the meeting, and that he quite approved of the objects of the club, which he thought would be a great benefit to the members.
Some questions were then asked by persons in the body of the hall, and satisfactorily answered, after which, on the motion of MR. W. E. GILL, seconded by CAPTAIN ROUSE, the resolutions which had been agreed to by the committee of the Truro Institution, were confirmed by the meeting.
Mr. HAMILTON read those resolutions, which proposed to form a committee of management, to consist of the chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary of the Local Committee, and the committee of the Truro Institution, with power to add to their number; and it was resolved that the amount to be contributed by each member be not less than 25s., to be paid by instalments of not less than one shilling each.
Mr. W. M. Tweedy and Mr. W. H. JENKINS were appointed trustees, and Mr. JOHN HAMILTON the receiver of the weekly contributions of the members. Mr. H. H. DAVIS, secretary of the Truro Institution, observed that the advantages of the club over the ordinary mode of travelling would be
apparent to all, for instead of paying five pounds, the ordinary cheapest cost, members would pay only twenty-five shillings.
Mr. W. H. Jenkins being called upon, gave some account of the articles to be exhibited from Cornwall; after which, Mr. Tweedy again addressed the meeting, taking a rapid but comprehensive review of the arrangements of the Exhibition, and of the various articles which will be collected there from all parts of the world; concluding by saying that he earnestly wished he could as a Director of the Cornwall
Railway, offer the club the advantages of a railway from their own homes, in connection with the other railways of the West of England. He hoped, however, that the day was not far distant when that important undertaking would be accomplished.
The proceedings then terminated with votes of thanks to Mr. Tweedy and the Chairman. Since the meeting we understand that about fifty members have already joined the club.
LISKEARD BRITISH SCHOOL
The boys of this institution were examined in the school -room on Thursday the 23rd instant, before a numerous audience of the friends of education and parents of the children. The subjects selected were reading, geography, grammar, mental arithmetic, English, scripture, and natural history; also two of the pupil teachers gave gallery lessons on the sheep and on gold, with good effect, and displayed good knowledge of teaching.
The geographical exercises were illustrated by the pupil teachers drawing maps of England and the world from memory, with chalk on the black board, which elicited great praise for their correctness and the rapidity of their execution. Questions on decimals, fractions,
interest, &c., were worked by mental arithmetic with great rapidity. The walls were embellished by maps and drawings done by the boys, some of which had gained prizes at the Falmouth Polytechnic Society.
A great number of questions on all the subjects was proposed by the audience, and answered very readily by the boys. At the conclusion Mr. J. ALLEN addressed the meeting, and stated the pleasure he felt at the interest taken in the school by the audience, and in reviewing the state of the school since its commencement, said he felt great satisfaction in the steady progress it had made, and called on the
friends present to give it the support it deserves.
He also referred to the unsectarian character of its foundation, and stated that no one had to make any compromise of principle in supporting such a school. He likewise called upon the parents to second the very able efforts of the master and pupil teachers, by seeing that their children attended regularly.
Mr. Giles also testified the great pleasure he had received in listening to the boys, and proposed a vote of thanks to the master, Mr. PEARSON, and the pupil teachers, for the great exertions they must
have made to bring the school to its present state of efficiency. Mr. J. C. ISAAC seconded the motion, and proposed that the examination be continued annually.
EAST CORNWALL DISPENSARY BALL -
This ball took place on Thursday week, at the Royal Hotel, Bodmin, under the patronage of Mr. and Mrs. ROBARTES, and for the benefit of the East Cornwall Hospital and Dispensary. It went off with unusual spirit, and the arrangements were such as might be expected from the stewards, who were indefatigable in their exertions. As this ball has been so very successful, it is hoped the bachelors may gain a little confidence and follow the good example set them, that Bodmin may not be so devoid of these attractions as it has been of late years. But whether the bachelors display their gallantry or not, it is certain that this Dispensary Ball will be of annual recurrence, and have the effect of bringing this excellent charity prominently before the public, and of probably leading others to emulate the munificent examples of Miss BRUNE, Mr. ROBARTES, and DR. MICHELL, who had the honor of founding the institution, and contribute largely to its support.
TRURO TRADESMEN'S BALL -
This pleasant annual reunion took place on the evening of Thursday the 23rd instant, at the Assembly Room, where a large party assembled for the purpose of joining in the joyous dance. The bright looks of the ladies, the well ordered band, and the general arrangements throughout the evening were such as to render the occasion one of unalloyed gratification to all present. The choice refreshments served in the card room by MR. LENDERYOU, of the Red Lion, in his usual tasteful and liberal manner deserves especial notice. Dancing was kept up with great spirit until a late hour, when the merry throng separated in the hope of meeting for a similar purpose next year, and with a still larger
accession in numbers.
VILLAGE FESTIVITIES
On Thursday, Antony was enlivened by a village fete got up at the instance of the Rev. J. F. KITSON, the vicar. There was a large number of visitors of various classes in the village. The children of the
schools were entertained with tea and other refreshments, and other parties were made participators in the festive spirit of the day. By the aid of the Revds. Messrs. COCKS, CRAWLEY, and HEXT, Mrs.
CRAWLEY, Mr. CARNE, and others there was some excellent singing and music. Dancing, and various juvenile games were also put into operation, and the whole party were evidently delighted with the
entertainments.
HELSTON
The Penberthy Trust Charity, which was established by MR. HENRY PENBERTY, A.D. 1783, was distributed to the poor of Helston, on Monday last, in the following manner: Seventy-six cotton gowns; twenty-nine flannel petticoats; twenty cotton sheets; nine shirts; eight flannels; seven counterpanes; six blue frocks; four pair of trowsers; one chemise; and one skirt; making in total, one hundred and sixty-one garments.
BENEVOLENT AND PROVIDENT SOCIETIES
Every populous parish should have societies established in it for the relief of the deserving poor and necessitous, and this will apply more especially to mining parishes in this county, where there is much
uncertainty in the gains of the miners.
There are two of these societies in St. Agnes: "The St. Agnes Benevolent Society" and "The St. Agnes Provident Society;" in the former seventy-five persons have been relieved in sickness and distress
during the last year, and since its establishment (twenty years) immense good has been effected. Being perfectly catholic in its spirit, all sects and denominations receive benefit from it. The Provident
Society has been established about four years. Its rules are, that every Thursday two of the committee shall attend and receive the deposits of the poor, who have added three pence for every shilling so deposited, and at the expiration of the year receive the whole amount in warm clothing, on some particular day named.
Two hundred depositors have during the last year received the benefits of this society, and MRS. VAWDREY and MISS NEWTON, being the principals of the society, have by their attention and assiduity
for its promotion wrought great good among the poor, at the same time taking care of the "littles," which would otherwise, doubtless, be squandered away; and now the depositors have warm clothing for the winter defending them from the inclemency of the weather. The old people are extremely thankful for the benefits thus conferred upon them. The Vicar of the parish is also very active in the promotion of benevolent objects.
THE FLOODS - During the last week, immense quantities of rain have fallen in the neighbourhood of St. Agnes, and on Saturday night, a tremendous flood went down the Trevellas valley, which washed away two valuable sheep belonging to Mr. STEPHEN TONKIN of that place.
-Tuckingmill - In consequence of the heavy rains which had been falling through the whole of Saturday night, the river which flows through Tuckingmill became greatly swollen, and bore along great
quantities of stones, mud, and pieces of timber, which blocked up the bridge under the turnpike causeway and damming back the river, caused it rapidly to rise so high as to inundate the houses in the
valley south of Tuckingmill to the depth of several feet.
POWER OF CONSCIENCE - An inquest was lately held on the body of JOHN VERCOE, of St. Wenn, whose death occurred from apoplexy, as stated in our paper of last week. On the day of his death, a letter directed to him (bearing the London post mark of the 19th instant) and containing six postage stamps, was received by his widow, of which the following is a copy: -
"The day is coming when every thought, word, and deed is going to be brought to judgment, whether they be good or evil, and all the hidden things of darkness to be brought to light before God and an assembled world. I confess thirty years ago I defrauded you of the lash of a whip, and now make you restitution that you and I may meet at the bar of God in peace."
SMUGGLING
On Monday last, JANE TOMS, was charged before Mr. TICKELL, mayor of Falmouth, and MR. R. W. BROAD, magistrate, with having smuggled a quantity of cigars, coffee, and spirits. Mr. GENN appeared for the board of customs, and MR. J. DOWNING defended the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty.
Mr. CHINA, the chief officer, stated that he went to the house of the prisoner in Mulberry-square, and on his going into the first room, he found twelve or eighteen empty cigar boxes, and the two produced,
which had two pounds in them. In the second room he entered, he found nothing, but in the third room he found the bag of coffee now produced, which weighed 41 lbs. In the passage opposite the kitchen door he saw a small keg, and told one of his men to start the bung, which being done, he found it contained spirits.
The prisoner made no remarks about the cigars, but she said she had
bought the coffee in small lots; she totally disowned knowing anything about the spirit, until the officer ordered it to be taken away, when she said it was some she had bought at Mr. CARNE's; it was one gallon and thirty-two parts of a gallon of brandy. The other officers corroborated this statement.
Mr. Downing cross-examined the officers as to the amount of duty payable on the quantity taken, which would only be about GBP 3. He endeavoured also to show that the brandy was some which had been taken by the officer in September, and given back; and that prisoner's husband being now in prison for a lot of goods taken in September, she ought not be convicted. The bench considered the prisoner guilty, but the quantity being small, they mitigated the penalty to GBP 25, or six months' imprisonment. The fine was paid.
ACCIDENTS - On Saturday last, as a lad named TILLER of St. Austell, was getting into an empty waggon to ride home, the horse moved, and he was thrown out, and the waggon went over him. He was taken to his home when it was found that no bones were broken, but he is much bruised, and at
present lies very ill.
-Some days since, WILLIAM MAY, cart driver, was going from Liskeard to Delabole for slate; about two miles from Liskeard he fell, and the cart wheel went over his hand and fractured two fingers. He did not return, but proceeded on his journey, and was two days before he had the wound his return, the surgeon was obliged to amputate the two fingers at the joints. He continued ill until Monday last, and then died with a lock jaw.
CORONER's INQUIRIES - The following inquest has been held before Mr. HANLEY, county coroner: On the 27th instant, at St. Austell, on ELIZABETH HOSKEN, wife of JOHN HOSKEN, a post-boy at Dunn's Hotel. The poor woman had been unwell for some time, but she was not worse than usual on the preceding night, when she went to bed. Her husband, on awaking in the morning, found her dead by his side. Verdict, "died from natural causes."
The following inquest has been held before Mr. JOHN CARLYON, county coroner: On Tuesday last, in the parish of Kea, on the body of MARY VISICK, widow, aged 59 years. She had walked to chapel last Sunday evening apparently in her usual health, and as soon as the service was over she called on her brother's, who resided next door to her, and with whom she had left the key of her house. She remained there talking about five minutes, and then left to go home, but before she had time to unlock the door, she dropped down exclaiming "Oh, my head.", and instantly expired. From the evidence of Mr. BOYLE, surgeon, it appeared that a rupture of one of the large vessels connected with the brain was the cause of death, and the jury returned a verdict to that effect.
[Under International - "An anticipated rising of the slaves in Virginia [has been] causing much apprehension, prohibiting all nuance of tranquility in the southern states of the Union. Upwards of six
hundred slaves, belonging to different plantations, were suspected or implicated in the apprehended insurrection." jm]
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