UNITED STATES - The steam ship "Great Western", Lieutenant James Hoskin, R.N., commander, arrived at Bristol on Saturday, at nine a.m., having performed the voyage in little better than thirteen day's and a half. Sir Lionel Smith, late governor of Jamaica, is a passenger in her, and thirty-three others. She does not bring any bullion, but there is a considerable quantity of Bills. The "British Queen" has not arrived.
TO CORRESPONDENTS
The birth announcement in our paper last week, of which our Newquay
correspondent complains, was sent to us by "John Cotton" who, it seems, can be dishonest in prose as well as in poetry.
The paragraphs sent by C. Mitchell cannot appear in the West Briton, except as Advertisement.
We beg to state, in answer to a correspondent, that the paragraph headed "Laughable Description of a Serious Accident" which appeared in our paper of the 1st ult., was not sent us by Mr. H. Rosewarne, of Gwinear. [it was not transcribed; it entailed a story in dialect about two brothers hunting, and one shooting himself in the leg; no names were attached. jm]
Our charge for giving the prescribed number of insertions to the
advertisement of Cruickshanks' illustrated Standard Novels and Romances, will be £3. It will also be necessary for us either to receive the order through an agent, or to have a reference.
INSOLVENT DEBTORS COURT
The business of this court was opened on Tuesday morning last, at the New Assize Hall, Bodmin, at ten o'clock, before H. W. Reynolds, Esq., her Majesty's Chief Commissioner for the relief of Insolvents. The following were the cases entered into:
John HODGE underwent an extremely short examination, merely stating on oath that whilst in prison he had received his support from the County, and that he was possessed of no property whatever. There being no opposition, and no objection to his balance-sheet, he was declared entitled to the benefit of the Act, and ordered to be discharged forthwith.
Daniel COLES attributed his insolvency to the conduct of his detaining
creditor, who promised to purchase some premises belonging to him which had a mortgage on them, but deferred the purchase from time to time till at length he declined having anything to do with them. He, the insolvent, however, sold the premises for £167, and the auctioneer, Mr. KIRBY, of Helston, paid for him several debts, amounting in all to £140, and the balance £27 paid to his son, J. COLES, for wages, who has since emigrated to Australia. Mr. KIRBY attended by power of subpoena to prove the correctness and legality of the sale, &c., and applied for expenses. The learned Chief Commissioner, on finding that he was not insured his expenses before he left his home, and that he had not even received the usual fee with the subpoena, would not have him sworn as to his evidence; and said he was extremely sorry, but the court could not in law allow expenses, and it appeared from the evidence of the insolvent that he had not a shilling left of all his property. He must, therefore, bear the burden himself. The sum of money which he paid his son, according to his examination, for wages, not being accounted for in his special balance-sheet, the court thought him in great luck not to be opposed by his detaining creditor. No further defects being found, he was declared intitled[sic], and discharged.
Richard PINCOMBE is a superannuated carpenter of the dock-yard, at GBP 40 a year. He had not received any notice of opposition; was arrested on the 13th of July, at which time he had £23 in his possession, but kept it for his maintenance whilst in prison, and that of his wife and family during that time. The Court - You should have made an offer to Mr. COLLY, your detaining creditor, of what money you had, which would have paid him half his debt, and then you would not have been imprisoned at all. The insolvent was discharged. Messrs. Whitbread, brewers, to be assignees.
ST. IVES FAIR - Last Saturday, the annual fair was held here, and
notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather in the morning,
numbers of visitors attended. In the evening, W. T. Praed, Esq., M.P.,
added to the conviviality of the town by a display of fireworks consisting of vertical wheels, fixed suns, Bengal and red lights, pyramids of roman candles, rockets, green and red stars, mine boxes, &c, &c. At the commencement, a salute was fired, and during the interval two large fire balloons were let off from the terrace, the whole of which from the darkness of the night had a very beautiful and imposing effect, and was witnessed by a large concourse of respectable spectators with much pleasure and delight, which was evinced by the hearty cheering during the exhibition, and more particularly at the conclusion.
TRURO POLICE - At the Petty Sessions, on Friday last, Wm. ROWE, of
Pydar-street, was charged with assaulting James LONGMAID, a constable. It appeared that Drew, the bailiff, had, in execution of a writ against a man named Cock, taken possession of two cows in Rowe's field, on Wednesday, the 20th ult., and left them in charge of one Williams. In the evening, in consequence of a message from Williams, intimating that Rowe had been there disturbing him, Drew sent Longmaid to the field to keep the peace. Upon this, Rowe, after asking "what all these rogues and villans did with his property" ordered them off the premises; and on Longmaid's shewing his staff of authority, displayed a stick, saying "and here's my authority to drive you off my premises," adding that if he did not go off, he would break his head. Rowe then collared Longmaid, and struck him. The assault was fully proved; but the Magistrates' Clerk was of the opinion that the Bench could not go into the case, as it originated in the execution of a writ; this being one of the exceptions named in the Act 9th Geo. 4th, to the jurisdiction there given to Justices in Petty Sessions to inquire into cases of assault. The Bench accordingly adjourned the case.
Mr. G.A. KNIGHT, brewer, was summoned for not having his name on his wagon; but it was stated that the wagon had but lately been bought, and that the driver not being aware of the consequences, had taken it out without Mr. Knight's knowledge. The fine was, therefore, mitigated to one shilling, with costs.
John ARGALL, of St. Agnes, John JAMES and several other van drivers, were charged with obstructing the streets by allowing their vans to remain for a considerable time off the appointed stations. The Mayor, after reading portions of the Truro Improvement Act, with reference to such obstructions, stated that the Bench were of opinion that a quarter of an hour was sufficient for any van to take in passengers and parcels, after which time its remaining in the street would come within the meaning of the Act. The Bench would not, however, proceed at once to extremities, and therefore, discharged all the summonses.
Mr. Milford, as a tradesman, begged to say a few words on these vans. He thought that if the vans were to be fixed in particular stations, they would be exposed to robbery, while the drivers were collecting their parcels. He submitted, therefore, that great indulgence should be shown as to the time of loading. The Mayor said it was not necessary for the Bench to consider that question. The van men would find it their own interest to employ somebody to look after the vans. To this, Letcher, one of the defendants, replied that the profits were too slight to admit of any additional expense.
ELIJAH HODGE was fined 40s. and costs, for firing off a gun, about five
o'clock in the evening of the 21st of November, in a backlot near the
premises of Mr. CLARKE, the same offence having been repeatedly committed by
him.
Thomas STANNING was charged by the policeman, Francis GILBERT, No. 4, with attempting to rescue John STACEY, in custody for fighting and disorderly conduct, in St. Nicholas-street, on the 19th of November. FITZSIMMONS, No. 2, stated that when he came up, Stanning had his hand on Stacey's shoulder, and was keeping off Gilbert. Mr. Cornish, for the defendant, cross-examined that witness, particularly as to his nottaking Stanning into custody at the time. To this, Fitzsimmons replied that they thought proper to secure one, meaning Stacey. Mr. Cornish was pressing his cross-examination, when Capt. Kempe said "Mr. Cornish, you have got your proper answer, and cannot go further."
Mr. Cornish "I am an advocate, examining a witness, and will not be dictated to by any magistrate as to my mode of examination. I have not half an answer yet. I appeal to the Chairman."
The Mayor "I think the time is very uselessly occupied; and I cannot consent to have the witness so treated."
Mr. Cornish "It is a source of deep regret that your worships are not in the habit of attending Quarter Sessions. I will stake my existence that you would not attempt in that Court to put down an advocate any more than you would fly. I am entitled to know why this witness, who says that Stanning was as bad as Stacey, did not at the time take him into custody; and I will not be interfered with by any magistrate."
Capt. Kempe, "Nor will the Bench be hindered by you. I would undertake to say anywhere else, as I say here, that, you have an answer to your
questions, and have no right to more."
Mr. Cornish "You may do as you like in your own Court, but at Quarter
Sessions, I have never known a magistrate dare to put down an advocate."
Capt. Kempe "I have a right to speak my opinion as well as you."
Mr. Cornish "Yes, but it is no guide for me."
Capt. Kempe "I will not have the Court insulted by any advocate.
Mr. Cornish "I am the last person to insult a Magistrate on the Bench; but the last also to shrink from my duty on account of any magistrate's taunts."
After this little interlude, witnesses were called for the defence, who
stated that Stanning had acted entirely under the orders of the Policeman, both in laying hold of Stacey, and in letting him go - that Stacey was not the originator of the disturbance, but a man who took himself off. At length, an objection was taken to the competence of the Court; when, as we understand, the Magistrates ordered the case to stand over for the Quarter Sessions. Mr. Cornish, however, desired to know whether the case was withdrawn or adjourned; but the Bench, advised by their Clerk, refused to give any answer.
John KEAST, farmer of Saint Allen, was brought before W. H. Bullmore, Mayor, charged by police constable, Fitzsimmons No. 2 with being drunk and incapable of taking care of himself in Pydar-street. Fine 5s. and costs, and cautioned by the Mayor.
ST. IVES - On Tuesday night, the 3rd instant, Mr. Martin, chief officer of the coast guard station here, captured, 9 miles N.E. of St. Ives head, the "Providence" of Padstow, and three men, Samuel Gribben, James Searle, and James Puckey, with 8 half ankers of foreign brandy, which he delivered to the collector of customs at this port. The men have been remanded until Tuesday next.
TRURO BLANKET AND CLOTHING CLUB - The annual distribution of clothing by this club took place the week before last, when upwards of 1,000 individuals received tickets, enabling them to obtain the amount of their contribution during the past year at the shop they preferred. To about 100 an addition of 2s.6d, each was made, as they had been specially recommended by free subscribers; the remainder had each a donation of 6d. The benefit to the poor from this institution cannot be easily calculated, as it encourages habits of economy and a feeling of independence; the poor being enabled from their own resources, to supply themselves with useful clothing at the season of the year when it is most required, through the kindness of those ladies who attend at the Savings Bank to receive their weekly contributions.
THE FISHERY - The Penzance driving boats, some night last week, caught a few pilchards, but they drove up channel near Plymouth, where they found hakes in abundance; they had from four to nine hundred each. The Plymouth trawlers are said to have taken large quantities of hakes, which have been sold in the Plymouth market, at one shilling per dozen.
13 DECEMBER 1839, Friday
CALLINGTON - Mr. G. W. Snell, of this town, was last week admitted and sworn in as a Solicitor in her Majesty's High Court of Chancery, and an Attorney in the Court of the Queen's Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer.
TRURO POLICE - On Friday last, Henry TUCKER, the keeper of the Wheatsheaf beer-shop, in Calenick-street, was charged before W. H. Bullmore, Esq., Mayor, and W. P. Kempe, Esq., with having had his house open at twenty minutes past ten o'clock at night. Gilbart, the policeman, stated that he saw three sailors and a prostitute go into the house at the time named, and he afterwards heard a great deal of conversation going on. The defendant said he was obliged to keep his house door open, as he was brewing, and Mr. Cornish contended that it was necessary that proof should be given of the people in the house having had drink supplied to them. The Bench thought differently, and cautioned the defendant not to keep his house open after the hours prescribed in the rules issued by the Mayor, because if a complaint was again made and proved, he would lose his license. The defendant was then ordered to pay costs, the magistrates being unwilling to impose any fine till their rules were thoroughly known.
Thomas STANNING, whose case was noticed last week, was again summoned for a common assault on GILBART, the policeman, the charge of an attempt at rescue having been abandoned. The facts of the case were simply these. On the 19th of November, Gilbart was passing along Boscawen-street, and observed a man named Stacey strike another person. Gilbart immediately took Stacey into custody, and he was afterwards brought before the magistrates. When the case was being heard, Gilbart said something that displeased the present defendant, who immediately called out that what the policeman was stating was not correct. Gilbart replied that Stanning had endeavoured, when Stacey
was in custody, to get him away, and the Mayor immediately ordered Stanning to be placed before him, for an attempt to rescue. The case was not, however, then gone into, but came on for hearing on Friday week, and with the fracus which then took place between one of the magistrates and the defendant's attorney, our readers are already well acquainted. On the present occasion Gilbart had given evidence that the defendant seized the prisoner Stacey with one hand and took hold of the witness's collar with the other, and had endeavoured to prevent his being taken to prison. Cross-examined by Mr. Cornish - It was about half-past seven in the evening; I was standing on the edge of the pavement when a young man and a young woman came up and Stacey struck the young man. I did not know the young man or woman. There were about 150 people collected together. There was a row if you please to apply that term to it. There was a bustle - there was no noise before I interfered in it - (laughter). After I took the prisoner into custody there was a noise. [quotes were used inconsistently in the
following.]Mr. Cornish - "Oh there was, was there? And I suppose that noise was caused by you?" Capt. Kempe - You are not to take notice of any of those observations - only answer his questions.Mr. Cornish - I will leave it to the Chairman to say whether it is decent to interrupt me in this manner. You are constantly doing it. Capt. Kempe - I will interrupt when I see you taking an improper course.Mr. Cornish - I will make some observations by and bye.Capt. Kempe - I here stand on my integrity, and I will follow out whatever course I may deem correct in spite of your observations.Mr. Cornish - I will appeal to the Chairman, whether I have put a single question without being interrupted. I will not submit to have the interests of my client prejudiced by having every question that I put remarked upon. The moment I put a question I am interrupted, and the witness, seeing the
object of my question, answers in a way which he thinks will injure my
client.Capt. Kempe - He is not to attend to your observations.The Mayor - I have not perceived any improper interruption. I would just
remark that as the word "bullying" has been made use of, that word first fell from me."Mr. Turner, M.P., who was on the bench, but who is not a borough magistrate, saidanything arising out of a case heard before ought not to be alluded to on this occasion.Mr. Cornish "I shall be bound to allude to the former case in defence of the interests of my client.Capt. Kempe "I very much question whether he (Mr. Cornish) has any business here.Mr. Cornish "Indeed! Well, I'll wait till you have that question decided." The learned gentleman then sat down.
Mr. Turner "Oh, he has a decided right [to be] here."
The Bench appealed to Mr. Bennallack, who said that in all cases of summary jurisdiction the defendant may call to his assistance any attorney. At the same time Mr. Cornish must be bound by all those rules of decorum that are observed in any other court. Mr. Cornish "So I will." The case then proceeded, the witness undergoing some further cross-examination. Fitzsimmons, another policeman, was examined in confirmation of a part of Gilbart's statement. William NICHOLS and Walter TIPPET also gave evidence, but neither of them saw the assault committed.
Mr. Cornish then said "I address myself with some feeling of anxiety in this case, and I beg it should be understood at the outset that I wish to entertain all due respect for this Bench, and if anything should be said by me that will bear a different construction it will be more for the interests of my client than from any disrespect to this court. This is a case of extreme importance. The object of a court of justice is to deal out justice to all parties with impartiality. That has not been done in this case. The course that has been pursued here has been totally inconsistent with the duties of a court of justice."Capt. Kempe - Stay a moment, Mr.Cornish. The Bench then consulted together
for some minutes. Mr. Cornish sat down in high dudgeon exclaiming - Is it not too bad? Is it not enough to provoke a saint? In a few minutes Mr. Bennallack said " The court considers that you were transgressing the rules of propriety in the course you were then pursuing." Mr. Cornish - I am sorry that the court is so ignorant of the rules of courts of justice. I trust that I shall be allowed to go on without any further interruption. The object of a Court of Justice has been perverted in this case. An attempt has been made here, which attempt strikes at the root of the liberty of the subject, and involves the interests of the Court itself. The object of the court has not been maintained - the ends of justice have not been strictly kept in view. The ends of justice would have been much better answered if this case had not been brought here today after what occurred here last week. Your worships thought fit to summon my client here under two different acts of Parliament. After a long hearing, I did succeed in showing that there was no summary jurisdiction, and it was incumbent upon
this court to have given us an opportunity of appealing to a jury of our country when they came to a decision that they had no summary jurisdiction. I threw down the gauntlet at the time, and I pledged myself to go before a jury and to examine the witnesses as I did on that occasion. The challenge was not accepted, and they have now recourse to the same Acts of Parliament.
They have summoned us for the minor offense, when they have not the
courage to send us to a jury for the higher offense. I leave it to the
court whether that is a manly way of treating a case - whether it is manly to adopt such a course with a view of obtaining a paltry victory over an humble advocate or a poor man. I approach this case with feelings of deep anxiety, for I am ready, and willing, and anxious to go before a jury of our country, and I pledge myself that no jury would give credit to this witness. I say now, abandon this paltry warfare. It is indicative of a little, small mind. Abandon the warrant and send us to the Quarter Sessions. Let us take our trial before a jury of our countrymen, and if a jury would find us guilty, I would pledge myself never to come into this court again. I would rather go before any jury in England than have to appear before this court.
The Learned Gentleman, after this introduction, went on to say that he
should, by other witnesses, contradict the statement of Gilbart. The Bench recommended him to go to the "merits" of the case at once, and Mr. Cornish then called a shoemaker named John Hawkey, and a young man named Shepherd, both of whom swore that when Stacey was taken into custody, Gilbart called Stanning to his assistance - that Stanning went, and took hold of Stacey's collar, but at the same time told the policeman that he had got hold of the wrong man, and wished him to go in pursuit of the other person, who had struck the first blow. The Bench, however, with the exception of Mr. Turner, considered the case made out against the defendant, and fined him 2s.6d. and costs.
John NORTH was charged with having exposed for sale in the market on the previous Saturday, a quantity of bad beef. It appeared that the meat was placed on the defendant's stall, but observing that it was watched, the defendant had it removed to another part of the town. The Bench fined the defendant 20s. and costs.
Francis HAWKING, another butcher, was summoned for having for sale a
quantity of bad meat; but it appearing that the summons ought to have been served on another person of the same name, and son of the defendant, the case was dismissed.
Two men, named MINERS and FOX, both of Tregony, were charged with leaving their carts before the White Hart, on the 20th of November last. They made an apology, and the case was dismissed on payment of the costs.
On Monday last, Henry HARRIS, of Denniswater, near Tresillian, was fined 5s. and costs, for being drunk. The defendant was dead drunk and fell in the middle of the road; and had he not been seen by the police, three potoatoe-carts would probably have passed over his body.
LAUNCH - On Tuesday last, a fine schooner of 86 tons, called the "Racer" was launched from the yard of Mr. Symons, of Penzance. She is for the Penzance Shipping Company, and is to be commanded by Captain Barnes.
THE FISHERIES - Penzance - Information was received here on Wednesday se'nnight; that large quantities of pilchards were seen off the Land's-end and St. Just, and great exertions were made by the fishermen to get their seans out. Some driving boats also went to sea, and such of them as drove in very deep water, caught considerable quantities. It appears that the fish were not inclined to approach the shore, for the boats which kept near the land were far less successful.
HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM INDIA - By the overland mail from India, Calcutta journals of the 13th, the Madras of the 19th, and Bombay papers of the 28th October, bringing highly interesting intelligence from the East have been received. Four thousand Arabs had attacked the English garrison at Aden, consisting only of 400 men, and compelled them to retire into the fortress; but though the Arabs suffered dreadfully, the English lost not a single man. On the 18th of September the Bombay troops having established the Shah Soujah-nol-Moolk on the throne of Cabul, left Ghuznee[?] on their return home. They were expected to reach Quetta on the 25th, where they were to remain for a few days to depose the Khan of Kelat, and replace him by a Chief less hostile to England. Several conspiracies against the British on the part of the Native Chiefs have been discovered, and measures taken to secure their future conduct. The express does not bring any intelligence from China, which was anxiously expected. Colonel Herring, of the 37th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry, had been murdered by some natives about 40 miles from Cabul, which was greatly attributable to the indiscretions of that gallant officer.
20 DECEMBER 1839, Friday
BODMIN - The pupils of Mr. Read's classical, mathematical, and commercial academy, underwent their examination in Latin, French, Mathematics, History, Chronology, Geography, Statistics and Arithmetic, on Thursday the 12th instant, in their spacious school room, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. Recitations in Latin, French and English were followed by an examination in the Classic authors, History, Geography, Arithmetic, and the Mathematics which afforded considerable interest, and was listened to with marked attention by a densely crowded and highly respectable audience.. The following are the names of successful competitors:
Latin, primus, Master W. Wearing, Bodmin
Latin, secundus, Master W. Phillips, Bodmin
French, Master W. Pengelly Retreat Cottage, Penzance
Mathematics, Master J. S. Pethybridge, Bodmin
Elocution, Master xx Geach, Bodmin
History, Master C. Harvey, Bodmin
1st Geography, Master J. G. Martyn, Tintagel
2nd ditto, Master J. Cornish, Penzance
Arithmetic, Master R. Thomas, Bodmin
The readiness and ability which Messrs. Pengelly, Pethybridge, Wearing and Harvey evinced in answering the many and prolix questions which were put to them, would have reflected great credit on boy's of a more advanced age. In addition to the above,.. the proficiency of the pupils was so gratifying to the umpires that W. Michell, Esq., kindly presented six extra prizes to Messrs. Jno. Martyn, Padstow; W. Liddell, T. Baron, J. W. Liddell, H. Cromwell, J. Mudge, and W. Hawke, Bodmin.
AN UNWELCOME CUSTOMER - On Wednesday afternoon, as a person was driving a horse and gig across the market strand, at Falmouth, the horse took fright and becoming unmanageable, dashed right into the shop of Mr. Palmer, Draper. It is supposed that the damage to the front of the shop cannot be repaired for much less than £10; but luckily neither the horse nor the man was much hurt.
TRURO PETTY SESSIONS - On Friday last, Thomas GIBSON, master of the
"Blessing," of Newcastle, a North American timbership, now lying at Malpas, was charged by William ROBERTS, his apprentice on board, with an assault and general ill-treatment. Roberts, who was about 16 years of age, was apprenticed on the 14th August, and on the 15th, sailed from Liverpool for North America. He complained of being beaten severely with the rope's end, and with the fist, and also of being knocked down and kicked. He had been black and blue about the body for weeks. The Captain called this "giving him a starting." This was not unusual on board ship, where boys deserved it, and he did not complain of being beaten when he deserved it; but he was beaten when he had given no offence, merely because he did not know his duty as well as others who had been to sea before. He had been beaten so as to
disable him from working for an hour at a time; and the master had
threatened to put a rope round him and throw him overboard. He had been allowed but three hours rest out of twenty-four. Andrew ANDERSON, the second mate, partly confirmed the boy's statement; adding, however, that the boys were allowed as much sleep as the men; four hours one night, and eight the next. He admitted that the boy had been ill-used. Thomas DEANER, of Malpas, had seen the Captain kick the boy, beat him with a stout rope's end; and also about the head with his boot. The Captain did not appear to be in a passion. Mr. Benjamin TRESHELLA also saw the beating with the boot, and should not like to see a son of his so treated. Captain GIBSON, in defence, stated that the boy was obstinate, dirty, and dishonest; and that he was obliged to "start" him at times to keep him clean and in order. In reply to
the Mayor he said the boy might have had three meals a day of
three-and-twenty; but sailors must catch their meals as they could. The boys were supplied with beef, bread, flour and potatoes, but not with tea or coffee. As to the boot, he had given the boy the boots to clean, and instead of doing so, he put them by the fire and began to play. He then took up the book and gave the boy a "clout" on the head; but the boy told the chief mate that this was only just a "warning" for his dinner. If Captains could not keep order, they should all go to old harry. The Bench convicted the Captain, and fined him £ 2 and costs.
Joseph TIDDY, of Chacewater, was summoned by John DUNSTAN, of the Chapel Hill Turnpike gate, for evading the toll and for an assault on the Gate keeper on the 24th ult. He was summoned for a common assault on Richard DREW, and assistant of Dunstan's. Tiddy, who was a miner, was in Truro on the Fair day, and the next morning about a quarter past one, he came up to the gate with several jobbers on horseback, some of whom refused to pay, while others wanted a bargain for a reduced toll. Tiddy first attempted to pass with a ticket obtained from another party who had paid. This not succeeding, he made a blow at Dunstan, and afterwards struck Drew. The case was fully proved; but in consideration of the previous good conduct of the defendant, who has long maintained without parish aid a wife and five children, together with his mother, brothers, and sisters, the fines were mitigated to £ 1 for the evasion, and 10s. each for the two assaults, with costs.
Francis JOSE, a smith, was fined 5s. and costs for furiously riding a horse through the streets.
Francis Arthur HOCKING, butcher, was summoned by John DUNSTAN, lessee of the market-dues, for exposing unwholesome meat for sale on the 30th ult. The meat complained of was the half of a cow, bought of a Mr. IVEY, for exposing the other half of which to sale, a man named John NORTH was fined at the previous sittings. For the defence, it was attempted to be proved, by Henry John HAWKING, that he, a lad of 18, had on the day in question attended the market on his own account, for the first time; that he had bought this meat of his brother, the defendant, for 4 ½ d. per lb.; that he had paid the market tolls; and that his brother had nothing to do with the standing, on that day, as he was attending Chacewater market. The witness had not yet paid his brother. He himself was no butcher, but was serving his time to the wool-combing, and attended the market because his father was ill. The
meat came to £ 4.8s.9d. He had had no much money of his son. The defendant was convicted and fined £ 2 and costs.
NARROW ESCAPE - On Tuesday last, as Mr. Polwin Cooper was crossing the harbour of Falmouth, in a little punt, he was upset and precipitated into the water. After the lapse of about ten minutes, he was, however, picked up, and soon recovering from his fright and ducking.
TYWARDREATH - On Thursday evening, the 12th inst., Mr. Godbear delivered in the upper-room of the market house, a very interesting lecture on the "Solar System," which was listened to with much attention by a highly respectable Audience. As the proceeds of the lecture were to be laid out in coals, and distributed to the poor, Mr. Godbear addressed the audience on "Charity," which gave general satisfaction, and he, as well as the lecturer, were greatly applauded. [Exactly as written. jm]
PROBUS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - On Saturday evening last, a lecture was
delivered by Mr. W. F. Karkeek, Veterinary Surgeon, Truro, to the members of this excellent institution, on the Horse, embracing his origin, history, breeding, education, and man's obligation towards him. At the close of the meeting, it was proposed by Mr. Trethewey, and seconded by Mr. J. Kendall, that the lecture be printed, as it contained most valuable information to breeders of horses, and more particularly to those of our county.
SUDDEN DEATH - On Monday last, an elderly man, of the name of John
Robinson, a hatter, on the tramp, after his day's route, returned to his lodgings, at Camborne, and after making a hearty supper, rose from his seat to fetch something from the cupboard, where he fell on a form, and expired without a sigh or a groan. An inquest was held on the body, on Wednesday, when the surgeon gave it as his opinion that the poor man died in a fit, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENTS - On Friday last, as two miners, Philip FLOYD and Richard MITCHELL were engaged in tamping a hole for blasting a rock under ground in Cook's Kitchen mine, in some way unknown, the powder ignited, and the explosion deprived both of them of their sight. They are both married men.
On Saturday last, as the crushing engine at North Roskear was at work, the jacket of a young man of the name of Thomas THOMAS, who was clearing some .. off the cog wheels, by some means became entangled, and he was drawn in by the machinery. The poor fellow's arm was broken, and the viscera so severely injured by the cogs, that although he was speedily retrieved from his perilous situation, and surgical assistance promptly obtained, he lived only about an hour, when death put a period to his suffering. He was about 18 years of age, and the son of a widow.
On Tuesday last, a man who was employed in the carrying lime for the masons, at the building of B. P. Brown, Esq., Penzance, fell from the ladder a considerable height, and was killed on the spot.
CHILD BURNT - On Tuesday last, as a child, about seven years of age,
daughter of a man named Cock, residing at Trewithan Downs, in the parish of Camborne was taking a blower from the fire, her clothes ignited, and before the fire could be extinguished she was so dreadfully burnt that she died to following morning.
TO THE EDITOR of the WEST BRITON - Sir - A few weeks since, there appeared in the West Briton a list of persons who had obtained Game Certificates for the year 1839, and amongst the number was the name of Henry Ellery, of Truro. Now, as I find my friends and neighbours have an impression that I am the person referred to, I beg the favor of being allowed to state through the medium of your paper, that such an impression is entirely erroneous. It would be incompatible with both my present views and duties to employ my time in pursuit of game; and so far am I from doing so, that I have taken out no game certificate for the last nine years. I am, Sir, Yours obediently, Henry Ellery
27 DECEMBER 1839, Friday
ADVERTISEMENT - MISS BETSY PHILLIPS, of St. Stephens in Branwell, on the 13th instant, heard a false report of her character, the authorship of which she traced to MARY ANN PHILLIPS, of the same parish, to whom she gave the choice of retracting what she said, and to confess and publish herself a calumnistor, or take the consequences of proceedings in the Spiritual Court. She has chosen the former course, and on the 17th instant, before the Rev. Charles Lyne, of Roche, a Magistrate, she has acknowledged that she had no reason to indulge a suspicious thought against the young woman, and what she had said of her was altogether false. Dated December 26, 1839
CHRISTMAS BOUNTY - On Tuesday last, the carcases of two fine bullocks and thirteen sheep were distributed among the poor of the parish of St. Austell, the gift of Sir J. S. G. Sawle, Bart., of Penrice. The quantity of meat thus distributed amounted to about 27cwt. and was divided between 550 families.
FALMOUTH - The Rev. Mr. Watts, late of Andover, has succeeded the Rev. Mr. Barchell as Minister of the Baptist Church, Falmouth.
SMUGGLING DETECTED - On Saturday morning, Mr. H. C. Turner, and Mr. Edmund Randall, two vigilant and active officers, the first of the Excise, and the other of the Customs, having some cause to suspect that contraband goods were brought into town by the stage vans coming from St. Austell, Tregony, and other places near the south coast, took their station about a mile out, on the eastern turnpike road, and carefully searched all the vans as they arrived. Among these was one belonging to a man called Nicholas Fugler, of Tregony, in which they found a keg of French brandy, concealed in a hamper with a little straw on top of it. Upon this they seized the van and all it contained, together with the van horse, and drove off to the Customs house, carrying Fugler with them in custody. The goods were quickly secured in the Queen's warehouse, and the horse and van properly disposed of; while Fugler was taken before the Mayor, who, on hearing the case, remanded him until
Friday, agreeably to the Act of Parliament, to afford time for the receipt of orders from the Board of Customs, as to the further proceedings against him. Such of the goods found in the van as belonged to innocent persons, will, no doubt, be restored to their owners.
BANK ROBBERY - On Monday, the 15th inst., a parcel was forwarded from the Devon and Cornwall Banking Company, Plymouth, containing, we understand, notes and bills to the amount of £1500, directed for their Branch Bank at Liskeard. The parcel was delivered at the Coach office, at Elliott's Hotel, Devonport, to be sent per mail, but it has never come to hand, and though suspicion, we understand, is attached to two men who were seen about the coach, no trace has yet been obtained of the parcel. Many of the notes were of the East Cornwall Bank, Liskeard.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday, Benjamin MITCHELL, of Calenick-street, labourer, was charged, on suspicion, with stealing a hat from Mrs. BUCKINGHAM, of St. Nicholas-street, and several shirts from Mr. MAGOR, of Kea. The prosecutors not being fully prepared with their proof, the prisoner was remanded for a week.James TREGASKIS was fined 5s. with 5s. costs, for being drunk and disorderly.William INCH was charged with being drunk, and endeavouring to escape from custody. It appeared, that when the defendant was apprehended, he complained of having been much injured by some person who had knocked him down and broken his arm. Upon this, the Policeman ran immediately to the Inspector, who repaired to the spot, and hearing the cries of the drunken man, sent for Mr. Truran, surgeon, at two o'clock in the morning; but on
examination, it appeared that he had not so much as a bruise about him. Fined 5s., with 15s. expenses. On Tuesday, John JOLLY, of Plymouth, an old impostor, was charged by Mr. Richard BARRETT, draper, with begging and obtaining money by falsely stating that he had a boat on the Irish fishery, which was lost, with two of her crew. Mr. Barrett happened to know one of the men said to have been drowned
on this occasion, and therefore was enabled to detect the falsehood of the prisoner's story. Committed to Bodmin gaol for one month as a rogue and vagabond.
BURGLARIES - Several robberies, we understand, have recently been
committed in the neighbourhood of Chacewater, but the thieves have hitherto escaped detection. On Sunday afternoon last, during the hours of divine service, the dwelling-house of the Rev. C. M. Gibson, was broken into, and a silver snuff box, with several other small articles, taken clear off. A reward of ten pounds has been offered by the Rev. gentleman, and five pounds by the society established at Chacewater for the protection of property and the prosecution of offenders, but as yet no clue has been obtained to the thieves. John HOCKING, servant of Mr. Gill, of Chacewater, has been committed by W. P. Kempe, Esq., for stealing barley, turnips, and sacks, the property of his master.
SUSPECTED INFANTICIDE - On Wednesday, the 18th inst., a young woman,
living as servant with Mr. J. H. Bodilly, grocer, of Penzance, was taken in charge by the Police, on suspicion of having murdered her illegitimate infant. That morning, a newly-born female child was found in her bedroom, concealed in a band-box, with a tape about its neck, and quite dead; and immediately on the discovery being made, the woman left the house. She was, however, soon apprehended, when it was ascertained beyond doubt that she had recently given birth to a child. A coroners inquest was held, but the jury, having no satisfactory evidence that the child was born alive, returned a verdict accordingly, and the woman has been committed to take her trial on the minor charge of concealing the birth. She came to Penzance, it appears, from Camborne, and had been in Mr. Bodilly's service about five months.
CORONER'S INQUEST - Yesterday morning, an inquest was held by Mr. Carlyon, on the body of Mary Patey, the circumstance of whose disappearance and supposed death by drowning we stated last week. The jury having viewed the body, which was lodged at Barclay's or Corrie's porter cellars, they adjourned to the coroner's office to hear evidence. Francis Hichens, waterman, stated that he was coming down from Tresillian on Wednesday, in a boat, about half-past twelve o'clock, and saw the body lying on the mud at Crany Corner, between Condurrow Bay and Stephens's Creek, in Tresillian river. The body was lying on its face, and there were marks for about 20 fathoms where it had dragged on the mud. With the assistance of a young man, he secured the body with a rope, and afterwards brought it up to the cellar at Truro. George Paine, Inspector of Police, stated that he received
information on Wednesday of a body being found down river. He went to the spot, and assisted in conveying the body to the cellar. He had since stripped it, and found a bag containing a knife, three keys, 1s. 2 ½ d., and on her finger was a gold ring. There were no marks on the body. James Patey, husband of the deceased, after being duly warned by the coroner that he was not obliged to answer any question, identified the keys and knife produced as his property. He also believed the ring to be his wife's. He had been married to deceased nearly 33 years. They had three sons, but none lived at home. His wife was about 60 years old. She was born at Ivy Bridge, and christened at Harford, in Devon. Witness last saw his wife alive about five minutes before seven, on Thursday evening, the 12th instant, by the Fire-Place in the Inner Cellar. The Cellars belong to Barclay's, and are rented by Corrie, of Plymouth. Witness had returned from the country, very wet, about three hours before, and had been in the cellar from four to six o'clock, when he went up to Mr. Rutter's, at the Coach and Horses, where he remained about three quarters of an hour. On his return,
his wife was in the cellar alone. She told him that Mr. Sealy had been
there, and was just gone out. She said she was glad witness was returned, as she was fatigued with washing all day. She said she would go home and get up a fire to dry witness's clothes when they went to bed. She then turned about to get a jug to dip up some water from a cask in the cellar, to wash her hands. Witness never saw her alive afterwards. They had not had the least quarrel that evening, nor a sentence of anything of the kind, nor at any previous time that witness knew of, since they came into the county. His wife was perfectly sober, and reasonable, when she went to draw the water. By measuring the following day, he found there must have been about five feet of water in the tide at the hour when he saw deceased last; and there was a very heavy current of fresh water. Witness heard no shriek or plunge; but there was a lighterman, called Solomon, who said that he heard a
plunge in the water, and that he said to another lighterman "there's some one overboard at the porter cellars." The other said "nonsense, if there was a plunge we should hear a shriek." Some jurymen remarked that several lightermen had spoken to the same effect, and in explanation of the probability that the noise of a plunge might have been heard by them, and not in the cellars, it was said that the wind was blowing strong from the south; besides which, Petey was in the inner cellar. John Sealy went into the cellar about half-past six o
Clock in the evening of Thursday, the 12th, and remained there about ten minutes. Mary Patey was sitting by the fire alone. From her conversation, she was perfectly sober, and very cheerful. She did not complain of any thing. She said her husband had been to Lamorran; that from not knowing the country, he had walked many miles out of his way, and was come home very wet. Witness had now seen the body, and from the clothes, he believed it to be that of Mary Patey. W.H. Bullmore, Esq., surgeon, had seen the body of an elderly woman in the cellars opposite. She was much mutilated, and in a state of great decomposition. He was of opinion, from certain characteristics, that the body was alive when it came into the water. He did not believe that any additional evidence could be procured by dissection of the body, as to the cause of death, owing to its decomposition. In answer
to Mr. Rapsey, a juror, Patey stated that his wife went from the inner
cellar to the outer cellar, and that he was not in the outer cellar with her at all for the evening. Verdict "Found dead."
SUICIDE - Lieut. James Thompson, Adjutant to the Cork Recruiting District, hanged himself on the 14th at his quarters. He tied his sash to the door handle, brought it over the door, and inside tied the other end round his neck, while standing on a stool and then kicked the stool away. When found he was dead. The unfortunate deceased was a native of Truro, Cornwall, and has for some period laboured at times under an aberration of mind. He was a most temperate, amiable man, and much respected. - Flying Post