Jane AXFORD, 23, was charged with having stolen two baby caps and some lace, the property of her mistress, Mrs. Elizabeth KEAM, of St. Blazey. It appeared that the prisoner was lately a servant of the prosecutrix, and that on the 24th of June last, in consequence of something she had heard, Mrs. Keam searched out her box, in which was found the caps and lace, and some other property which belonged to the husband of the prosecutrix, and which had been taken out of the prosecutor's drawers some five or six weeks before. On being taken before the magistrate, the prisoner confessed to having stolen the articles in question, and to having on several occasions taken silver from the shop. Guilty. There was another indictment charging the prisoner with stealing money, which was not tried.
Joseph TREGILGUS, 40, pleaded guilty to having stolen four sheaves of reed, the property of John COE of Truro.
Henry POLLARD, 30, was charged with having stolen about two cwt. of
potatoes, the property of John MITCHELL, of Linkinhorne, on the 12th of June last. It appeared that the son of the prosecutor was put to watch his father's mowhay on the night in question, and saw the prisoner come and half fill a bag with potatoes. The witness then apprehended the prisoner, who said he wanted a few potatoes, and he had not the money to buy them. Guilty.
James DAVEY, 34, was charged with stealing some leather, the property of his employer, Henry BENNETT, shoemaker, of Truro. It appeared that the prisoner was employed by Mr. Bennett, and received leather to make some shoes, which he afterwards sold. The Chairman stopped the case, and said it would be necessary for the prosecutor to show that at the time the leather was handed to the prisoner he intended to sell it. This, the Chairman apprehended could not be shown, and the case could not therefore be sustained. The jury immediately acquitted the prisoner.
William RICHARDS, 22, was charged with having stolen on the 4th of June, a quantity of wheat, the property of Mr. John JEWELL, of Sithney. The prosecutor is a farmer, and has a barn in his courtlage. In consequence of some suspicions that the prosecutor had, he and a constable watched the barn on the morning of the day in question, and saw the prisoner go into the barn. In about five minutes afterwards, the prisoner came to the door, and opened it. He was then taken into custody, and it was found that he had put a quantity of wheat into a sack which he had brought to the door, for the purpose of carrying it off. The prisoner had made a confession of his
guilt. Guilty of simple larceny. [ see the last of this transcription for the sentences, which appeared in the following week's edition. jm
WEDNESDAY JULY 3 - We are in possession of a report of this day's proceedings, but as the cases tried are not of much interest they stand over till next week, in order to make room for the insertion of articles of news which could not be postponed. We, therefore, merely state that Stephen POLKINHORNE, William READ, and Edward GRIFFITH PRESTON pleaded guilty to the indictments preferred against them; that William TREGONNING, Richard BUDDLE, William WHITE, Richard SMITH, Mary M'GENNIS, John MAY, John HOCKIN, Elizabeth EDDY, and Samuel SLEEP, were declared guilty by the jury; and that Thomas EADE was acquitted.
[There was an article, covering 2 full columns, regarding the proposal to relocate the Quarter Sessions from Bodmin to Truro. Expense was mentioned, and how money would be raised (taxes, again). Many persons spoke, some heavily in favor, and many reluctant - the pro-Truro faction presenting petitions with many signatures. Mr. Turner (from Truro) calculated that a vast majority of the population lived closer to Truro, and therefore it would save money, time and effort. Nothing was decided, but positions were clearly laid out. This may have been the news "which could not be postponed". jm][If anyone wants a copy, let me know and I'll send the image to you. jm]
SINGULAR OCCURRENCE AT SEA -On Sunday night last, as the sloop "Enterprise" of Cowes, William Hayden, master, was on her passage from Sandersfoot in Wales, to Newport, Isle of Wight, with a cargo of coal, two of the men went into the cabin with a lighted candle for the purpose of turning into their berths when instantly a
terrific explosion took place, which blew up the hatchways, raised part of the deck, broke one of the beams, and threw the boat to one side of the vessel. For a few seconds the vessel appeared to be all on fire, and the men, thinking they were going to the bottom, took to the boat; but after waiting some time, and seeing their craft still afloat, they went aboard again, and on trying the pumps found she made no water. They then determined to make for the nearest port, and having arrived off Padstow, and still finding the vessel free from water, they proceeded onwards, and arrived safely at Falmouth on Tuesday afternoon. The complexion of the men is so much darkened by the explosion that they appear as if just returned from a foreign voyage. This singular event is attributed to the accumulation of gas from the coal with which the candle was brought in contact. We need not say that the men were greatly alarmed, but fortunately received no other injury.
FATAL ACCIDENTS
On Wednesday last, a youth about 16 years of age, in the employ of Mr. W. Harry, of Lower Nansloe, near Helston, called Nicholas JULIAN, was
unfortunately crushed to death by the falling of a portion of the marle pit.
On Monday last, as a young man of the parish of Feock, named Samuel HEARLE, about 18 years of age, was returning from his uncle's funeral in a cart, he was seen to strike the horse with a whip, which made it start down a hill at full gallop, and shortly afterwards he fell out of the back part of the cart and was killed on the spot. An inquest was held on the body before J. Carlyon, Esq., coroner, and a verdict returned of accidental death.
The report of the trials of the following prisoners appeared in our paper last week, but they received their sentences after we had gone to press: - Jane ASHFORD, for stealing property belonging to Mrs. Elizabeth Keam of St. Blamey, four months' hard labour. - Joseph TREGILGAS, for stealing four sheaves of reed, belonging to John Coe of Truro, one months' hard labour. - Henry POLLARD, for stealing 2 cwt. of potatoes, the property of John MICHELL, of Linkinhorne, two months' hard labour. [Michell's name did NOT have a 'T' - whereas the week before, it did jm] - William RICHARDS for stealing a quantity of wheat, belonging to Mr. John JEWELL, of Sithney, twelve months' hard labour
12 JULY 1839, Friday
CORNWALL QUARTER SESSIONS - (continued from our last week's paper)
Wednesday July 3 [all spelling is as it was, including 'prosecuter's' jm] - The Court sat at 9 o'clock.
Stephen POLKINGHORNE, 13, pleaded guilty to the charge of having stolen eight glass bottles, the property of John COE, of Truro. One month's hard labor.
William TREGONNING, 39, was found guilty of having stolen about two quarts of oats, the property of Lewis TRUSCOT, of Plynt. The prosecutor recommended the prisoner to mercy. One fortnight's hard labor.
Richard BUDDLE, 14, was charged with having stolen a quantity of potatoes, the property of Hannibal COLLETT, jun. of Philleigh. The prosecutor kept potatoes in his father's yard, some of which the prisoner took and was seen by the prosecuter's cousin, John COLLETT, carrying them into his house in a bag. When asked by the prosecutor why he took them, he replied "because he was starving." The prosecutor said that the boy's family was very poor. Guilty. One month's hard labour.
Horse Stealing
William WHITE, 17, was charged with having stolen a mare, the property of Richard COWLING, of Perranzabuloe. Mr. Smith appeared for the prosecution, and stated the case. Miss Fanny COWLING is sister of the prosecutor. On the 28th of May, her brother lent her a bay mare to go to Mr. Blamey's at Croft Handy. Mr. Blamey took the mare from her, and she did not see it again. Mr. Francis BLAMEY remembered Miss Fanny Cowling coming to his house; took the mare from Miss Cowling, and give it to another person to put it in a field. It was missing the next morning. James CURTIS is a miner in the parish of Gwennap; occasionally works for Mr. Blamey; about six o'cock on the day in question he put the bay mare in a field belonging to Mr. Blamey; he did not know the prisoner, and did not give him permission to take the mare. James MICHELL keeps Teague's toll-gate, between Truro and St. Austell. The prisoner came to his toll-gate about six o'clock in the morning of the 29th of May. He said he would pay on his return; that he was going to St. Austell for some bullocks and sheep. Witness asked him where he had come from that morning; he said from Gwennap, that he left there about four o'clock in the morning. Witness told him that he could not have come that distance in so short a time; the prisoner then left the horse, and promised to return at ten the same morning; he did not return till ten o'clock the next morning. Witness said "I reckon you stole this horse." He said "I did not." Witness said he thought he did, and the prisoner said no more. Witness did not see him again till he was taken the next day by the constable near witness's house. James GILL, a little boy, remembered meeting the prisoner near Teague's Gate; he asked witness whether he knew any one that wanted to buy a horse. Witness replied that he did not, and asked whose horse it was? The prisoner replied "mine". Witness said the horse would not make much, and the prisoner asked what witness thought it was worth; he replied about GBP 6 or 7. Saw the horse afterwards in the constable's possession; it was the same mare as the prisoner was riding. He saw the mare in the constable's possession on the 31st of May. John BROWN is a farmer living near Grampound. On the 30th of May, saw the prisoner at Teague's Gate; had conversation with him; he said he was one from Gwennap, that he was a servant to Mr. Rowe, butcher, of Gwennap; he said his name was Martin. Witness replied that he thought he was looking very suspicious - that he had stolen the horse, and that he must be detained. The prisoner then confessed that the horse was Mr. Blamey's and that he had stolen it. Witness then gave him into custody of the constable. Richard ARTHUR, constable, stated that he apprehended the prisoner, and transferred him to the custody of John George MICHELL, who received the mare from the toll-gate keeper, and handed it over to Richard Cowling. Richard COWLING proved that he had lent his sister a bay mare, which he afterwards received from the last witness. Witness valued the mare at GBP 15. Guilty. Twelve month's hard labor.
William HEAD, 33, pleaded guilty to having stolen on the 16th of April last, a silver watch, a silk handkerchief, and a check apron, the property of Joseph WILLIAMS, of Padstow. Three month's hard labor.
A Lover of Pork - Richard SMITH, 21, was charged with having stolen a pig, the property of John PEARCE, of Liskeard. The prisoner is a miller, and had a pig on the 9th of June, which was stolen on that day. The prosecutor saw it next in the possession of Mr. Wm. TOM, of Respryn, in St. Winnow, who bought it of the prisoner, for GBP 2.6d, but through some suspicious circumstances that arose, Mr. Tom got his money back, and afterward gave the prisoner into custody. The prisoner gave several contradictory accounts as to the manner in which he had become possessed of the pig. Guilty. Thomas DANGEY, the turnkey, proved a former conviction for pig-stealing, and a committal for six months' imprisonment. There was another indictment for stealing a third pig. Seven years' transportation.
Mary McGINNIS, 33, was charged with having stolen three silver spoons, the property of Thomas HUGO, of Falmouth. On the 15th of June, the prosecutor breakfasted at home, and left the five tea-spoons on the table, which he missed in the course of the day. They were afterwards found in the possession of the prisoner, at the Three Tuns[?] Inn, Penryn; one of them was in her hand, broken, and two others were in her bosom, with a piece of soap. When she was first apprehended, she said, "So help my God, I have not got them." She afterwards confessed, as she was being taken to prison, that she had stolen the spoons from the prosecutor's house. Guilty. Seven years' transportation.
Edward Griffith PRESTON, 22, pleaded guilty to the charge of having stolen a quantity of iron, the property of Joseph Vivian, of Mylor. Seven years' transportation.
John MAY, 25, was charged with stealing a silver watch, steel chain, and two seals, the property of Alfred Tobias John MARTIN, of Truro. Mr. Stokes addressed the court on behalf of the prosecution. Mr. Johns appeared for the prisoner.
Mr. MARTIN examined - I lodge with Mr. Henry TREWOLLA, of Truro; he lives in St. Nicholas Street. On the 18th of June, I had a silver watch, a steel chain, and two seals. I used to place it on the looking glass, by my bed room window, which looks into the courtlage at the back of Mr. Trewolla's house. The back of the house was being white-washed on the 19th of June. I saw ladders in the course of the day in the courtlage against the house. I saw the watch last on Tuesday night, the 18th, when I went to bed. Cross-examined: I saw a ladder sufficiently high against the house for a person outside to unhang the watch. William ROWE, constable, produced some pieces of silver, which he had from Mr. UGLOW's shop, and had kept them ever since. Cross-examined: Could not say anything in favour of the prisoner's character. Knew a person called Thomas Pearce of Truro; he was not one of the best of characters; witness had, in consequence of information given him by the prosecutor, gone in search of Pearce, but believed that he had left Truro. Henry TREWOLLA examined: Neither of the two persons white-washing at his house was Pearce. On the morning of the 19th saw the prisoner sauntering about in St. Nicholas-street, opposite witness's house. His wife and niece were then gone out; the passage door remained open for the whole of the day. Had not seen Pearce for some months. Cross-examined: the prisoner might have been out of the sight of witness three or four times. He had no suspicion then of his being a thief. Thomas Pearce was about two years ago employed on witness's premises by a mason. William UGLOW, watchmaker and silversmith, stated that the prisoner came to his shop on the 22nd of June, and brought the outside case of a silver watch, beat up, which he offered for sale, saying he got it of a man called Pearce, whom he said he would fetch, and went away, but did not come back again. He left the silver with witness. Cross-examined: When the prisoner came, he gave both his name and residence. It was about an hour afterwards that he was apprehended in Boscawen street. Mr. Trewolla was present at the time. Mr. Trewolla, recalled by Mr. John, stated that when he first saw the prisoner in Boscawen street, he was walking at a good pace towards his home. The policeman was in search concerning this matter, but not in pursuit of prisoner particularly. Mr. Martin having identified the pieces of silver as belonging to his watch-case, Mr. John addressed the jury in an able speech, arguing that the prisoner had received the silver from the man named Pearce, who had since disappeared. The jury, after half-an-hour's deliberation, found a verdict of Guilty. Three months' hard labor.
John HOCKIN, 23, was found guilty of having stolen two pieces of cloth from James COGGIN, tailor of Redruth. One month's hard labor.
Thomas EADE, 39 [?], was charged with unlawfully obtaining a certain quantity of foreign wheat from John MARTIN, miller, of Lanteglos. The prisoner was in the employ of prosecutor as a porter from the vessel to the mill. A long detailed evidence was gone into, to prove that Eade had some of the foreign wheat ground at an adjoining mill. The boy who took the bag there, however, was unable to say whether it contained wheat or barley; while from the fact of a half of the cargo of wheat having been purchased by Mr. CURY, a miller near St. Austell, it was held that there was no ground for proving the property. The Bench therefore directed an acquittal.
Elizabeth EDDY, 29, and Catherine WARREN, 29, were charged with stealing several small articles of wearing apparel, the property of James JILBERT, of Gulval. The evidence addressed was that of the prosecutor's wife, who stated that the voluntary confessions of one of the prisoners had induced the search that was made, when part of the articles were found on their premises. Guilty. The Court sentenced Eddy to two and Warren to three months' hard labour.
Samuel SLEEP, 13, was charged with stealing a shilling from Mr. Wm. PEARSE, a draper and grocer, at P[eel?]. The prosecutor stated that he had in consequence of several losses and suspicions, marked two shillings, one of which he later missed from his till, and charging Sleep with the theft, found the marked shilling in his pocket. Mrs. Pearse, who had been sitting in a room inside the shop, had seen the boy go to the till and take out something. Guilty. Two month's hard labour, and to be privately whipped.
County Business
In the early part of the day, the account of gaol expenses was read by the Chairman amounting in the whole to GBP 729.17s.5d, comprising
Subsistence.................GBP 162...7...2
Fuel ............................21..14...6
Clothing.........................24..10...8
Sundries ........................22...7...7
Removal of Convicts..............55..15...9
Prisoner's Discharges.............9...6...6
Expenses at Easter sessions......25..10...9
Salaries........................266..18...0
Repairs.........................136..17...9
The account was passed and allowed by J. Rogers, Esq., Rev. R. Buller, and Rev. T. Pascoe. - The Court rose at six o'clock. THURSDAY, JULY 4
ROBBERY AT THE ST. AUSTELL OLD BLOWING HOUSE - Robert WALKER, 37, was charged with stealing a quantity of iron, the property of Richard DAVEY, Esq., and his co-partners in the parish of St. Austell. Mr. Coode and Mr. John conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Bennallack the defense. Mr. Coode having stated the case, he called -
William TILLER, a laborer, who stated that he was employed from October last by Mr. DAVEY and his partners to look after the old blowing house, and a quantity of iron, tin and timber that was there; remembered a quantity of new iron being there. On the 7th of May last, witness went there about ten o'clock in the evening, and saw a horse in the yard that he had not seen there before. Witness then called George BENNALLACK, and they both remained on the premises till about half-past twelve. Witness came again about four o'clock and saw a horse and cart at the Blowing-house gate. The horse was the same that had been in the yard in the evening. Witness and George Bennallack saw prisoner lift into the cart six long round bars of iron, four square bars, three flat bars, and some other pieces. Prisoner came out of the yard, locked the gate, and put the keys in his pocket. They spoke to prisoner, and he said the iron was for sale, if they wanted to buy, and he was going to carry it to Capt. Anthony, to see if he would buy. Witness afterwards saw prisoner pass by the Blowing-house, when witness, Mr. John HARVEY, and Mr. MARTIN examined the cart. Prisoner, on being questioned by Mr. Martin, said he had bought the iron of Capt. Anthony. Witness, of the 22nd of May, saw the iron at Robert Hooper's, a smith, and found the six bars, which were the same he had before seen in the cart. - George Bennallack corroborated the last witness.
Mr. John MARTIN, clerk to Daubuz and Co., at Higher Blowing House, saw prisoner on the morning of the 8th of May, about fifty yards from the Blowing house on the road to Roche. Witness found six long bars, and nine others, of which he took an account, and afterwards wrote to Mr. Davey, at Redruth.
John HARPER, a laborer, in Mr. Martin's employ, on the morning in question, followed the cart after Mr. Martin's examination, to Roche, where prisoner drove to Robert Hooper's, a smith. Witness found the same long bars which he had seen in the cart, lying outside the cart, and the short bars still in the cart, by Hooper's shop. This was about ten o'clock.
Robert HOOPER, Smith, at Roche, stated that he purchased six long bars of new iron from prisoner, about nine o'clock on the 8th of May. They were the same bars that last witness saw.
Jonathan HOOPER, brother of Robert Hooper, smith, between Blowing-house and Roche, stated that the prisoner came to his brother's shop, with a horse and cart, between eight and nine o'clock, and offered his brother some iron for sale, saying he bought it at a sale on Grampound mine. Witness's brother bought three bars of . iron, which witness marked with a stamp. The witness produced one of . bars in court, which the witness, Tiller, said was the same he had seen the prisoner take from old Blowing-house.
Richard DAVEY, Esq., after giving evidence of the partnership firm of the prosecutors, stated that the premises at lower Blowing-house had not been used by the firm for twelve years, except for depositing iron, &c. The premises were kept locked. The iron now produced was of the same description as what they had on the premises before May.
Cross-examined: Knew Josiah ANTHONY was in the employ of witness and partners about twelve years ago. Anthony had had no concern with the premises for years. The Blowing-house had never been open to the public. Witness placed the keys in possession of Tiller. If Anthony had any keys, or came to their assaying offices to ., it was unknown to him and his partners.
A bar each of round and flat iron was here produced, and identified by the several witnesses according to the circumstances in which they had been seen there.
Mr. Bennallack addressed the jury for the defense, and the court summed up, after which the jury found a verdict of Guilty. A former conviction for felony was put in and proved. Seven year's transportation.
TRIAL of CAPT. ANTHONY FOR FELONY
Josiah ANTHONY, 38, was charged with having stolen from the Old Blowing House, at St. Austell, on the 15th of April, 1839, 69 lbs. weight of tin, and six pieces of deal, the property of Richard DAVEY, Esq., and his co-partners. Mr. E. Coode and Mr. John appeared for the prosecution and Mr. Bennallack for the defence. Mr. E. Coode having stated the case called - William TILLER, who was examined by Mr. John. I was employed by Mr. Richard DAVEY and partners to look after the old Blowing House. There is a smelting-house attached, which has not been used for some years; there are floats outside the tin furnaces; when I took possession in October last, there was tin in the floats; the tin runs from the leakings of the furnaces into these floats. I found that the tin in one of them had been dug out about the 17th of May. I went into the assay-office, with Mr. Davey, Mr. John Martin, and Mr. Harvey. I observed that the tin had been melted and run down into the ashes. Mr. Anthony came and demanded the keys in the owners' name, and I refused to give them. He demanded them first of my wife. There are drawers in the assay office, which I found in an altered state; the inner part of one was cut right off, so that when the drawer was pushed in it could not be seen; in another drawer a part of the bottom was cut out and other pieces cut away. I have seen a box which I have no doubt was made from these pieces. There was a mould in the assay-office, which mould I have here.
Cross-examined: The prisoner had the keys delivered to him after he had broken open the door.
Wm.HENDY examined by Mr. Coode - I am a labourer residing at St. Austell. The prisoner came to my house and asked whether I would carry a little box of ties for him from the old Blowing House up to St. Austell. He told me to go by the back lane and carry it to Mr. Colman's, the jeweler. In consequence of this, I went about six o'clock in the evening to the old Blowing House, where I found the prisoner; he gave me a very small sized box, containing as much as I could carry. I saw Capt. Anthony at Colman's door; he told me to go out in the street and wait a couple of hours and he would give me 6d. when the jew came back from the country.
Lyon COLMAN examined by Mr. John - On the 15th of April last, I purchased tin of the prisoner; I remember meeting the prisoner about a week before; he said that he had some tin that he had had for some time, and that he should like to sell it. I told him that I had never bought tin, and did not know the value of it, but if he would bring me a sample I would show it to a person who knew the value of tin, and learn its value. On the 15th of April he came in the morning, and brought me a sample which I have with me. I went to a person who bought the metal to ask what was the value of it. I went into the country on the same morning, and came home about eight o'clock that evening. The prisoner was there. I told him in the morning about two hours after he brought the sample, that the price was 6d. a pound; he said "you shall have it for 5d." and he would allow me to get a penny in the pound. The tin was in a box nailed down; the prisoner broke open the box with a hammer. I told him that I had no weights or scales to weigh it, and he said "I reckon it is about 65 ½ lbs." and I gave him a sovereign until I could sell it and know its weight, when I said I would give him the remainder. I next saw the prisoner about a fortnight after. He came to my house and asked whether I had sold the tin; I told him I had not. He said he was short of cash, and begged I would allow him 2s. or 3s. more; I gave him half-a-crown. I afterwards sent it by Crages to Thomas Scantlebury at Mevegissey, for the purpose of sale. I have since seen the box in the constable's possession which is the same as that that I sent by Cragge.
Thomas Cragga and Thomas Scantlebury corroborated that portion of the evidence that related to them.
John MICHELL, constable, produced the box which he had received about a fortnight since from the last witness. He also produced a mould that he had obtained from the assay office, at the old Blowing-house, and the dilapidated drawers spoken of by the first witness.
Richard DAVEY, Esq., examined - Was one of the partners in the firm. Capt. Andrew had no right whatever to go to the Blowing House; he had been a discharged servant some years, and he was discharged from the Blowing house 12 years ago, and ceased to have anything to do with them altogether six years ago.
John MARTIN examined - I am a tin-blower and smelter, and have been so for 23 years. I know the old Blowing-house premises; I have lately seen a float there which has been broken up; I first observed that it had been broken up on the 17th of May, when I went there in company with Mr. Davey. The float is a place outside of the top of the reverberatory furnace; the tin is smelted in a reverberatory furnace, and runs out into a kettle put to receive it; there are invariably leakings which ran down into this float, and the float is put there for the purpose of receiving those leakings. The leakings of tin would be ragged pieces of metal coated with clay. They are very fusible; we hold the leakings to be the best quality of metal, because being finer it finds its way easier through the clay. I know the assay-office; I have examined the furnaces in the assay-office, and have seen that improper use has been made of them. The furnaces in the assay-office are for the purpose of trying ores in the crucible; we never melt tin unless it is in a crucible or a ladle. Tin has been loosely thrown into the top with the coals, fragments of which are now to be found in the ashpit, which could never have occurred in the fair and ordinary use of the furnaces. This mould is not a mould used in assay-offices - it was brought here for an unusual purpose. It was in this mould that the tin now produced was cast.
The prisoner contended that the metal that escaped termed "leakins" was the coarsest part of the metal, and could not be melted in any other than a reverberatory furnace. Mr. Martin, however, positively denied that to be the fact. The things having been produced, and the tin fitted to the mould, and the box to the drawers that had been broken.
The prisoner made some statements in answer to part of the evidence addressed against him, and remarked that Mr. Davey had said that he was not in the employ of the prosecutors for the last 13 years. In 1822 he was their confidential agent, and continued so till the concern ceased, and he then had a bonus of GBP 90 given to him by the firm to wait for another situation. He then went as an agent under them in three different mines, till about four years ago, when he had a situation in the Charlestown Smelting-house, and then Mr. Stephen DAVEY begged he would not accept that situation - remarking that if he did he would regret and repent it. Then with regard to possession, he had obtained it legally. Several months ago he discovered the premises in a forlorn state, open to the public and quite unprotected. He wrote to Messrs. Harvey and Davey, and told them what he saw; and he received permission to occupy and protect the premises. At last he saw Mr. Harvey on the business, who informed him that Mr. Stephen Davey and Mr. James Davey were coming up. He saw them three times on the business, on the premises, where he assayed tin with their knowledge. At last his wife saw Mr. Davey at Redruth, who advised that he should turn his attention to buying and grinding bones, and he would advance capital; at the same time he desired her to see Mr. Colan Harvey on the (prisoner) on the premises. He instantly made the house look as well as he could, by removing the clay of the float, all the timber of which was taken off, and the pieces of tin he put on the clay floor to the amount of a hundred and a half - a hundred weight was what was charged in the stock-book, and other things in a like manner. Mr. Davey had said that he was off from them more than twelve years, but he (prisoner) found the note of payment of GBP 41.12s.3d that he had paid him on the 12th of May, 1831, for the occupation of the premises.
The CHAIRMAN - All these things are capable of proof if they are true; you might have examined Mr. Davey upon them.
The prisoner said Mr. Harvey did not attend, but he wrote a letter, and had the following reply - "Truro, March 20, 1830
"Colan Harvey begs to say to Josiah Anthony that he fully intended to have seen him on Thursday, at. St. Austell, but important business at Truro obliged him to defer his call at the old Blowing house till he next came up; but he hopes shortly to be able to spend an hour or two to look over the premises."
He shortly after saw Mr. HARVEY, who said he had seen Sir Joseph SAWLE about carrying on business at the Blowing-house. He had said enough to show that the possession was proper and acknowledged. The privacy of the affair spoken of to Sir Joseph Sawle was not withheld from him (the prisoner), although, perhaps, the prosecutor was not consulted in the business.
The CHAIRMAN summed up, and reminded the jury that if the statements made by the prisoner were true, they might have been proved. The Hon. and Learned Gentleman then went through the evidence, and the jury found the prisoner guilty. The Chairman, in passing sentence, said this Court was very sorry to see a man of such apparent respectability placed there on such a charge. The Court had a bad report of him, and his situation in life was one that ought to have prevented the crime of which he had been guilty. The Court, said Mr. Lethbrige, is obliged to pass a severe sentence upon you, and that sentence is that you be transported to such of her Majesty's dominions as her Majesty in counsil may think fit for the term of seven years. The prisoner, on hearing the sentence, shed tears profusely, and appeared to be very much distressed.
Francis WOOD, 18, was found guilty of stealing a mane leather, the property of Thomas BAKER, of Week St. Mary. One month's hard labor.
Thomas ROWE, 40, was found guilty of having stolen some bacon, the property of John BOX, a shopkeeper residing at Launceston. The prosecutor strongly recommended the prisoner to mercy on account of his poverty. Six week's hard labor.
William ELLERY, 32, was found guilty of having stolen a pair of worsted stockings, the property of Richard TREBELL, of Egloshayle. Two former convictions for similar offences were put in and proved. Ten years' transportation.
Ellen CARTER, 19, was found guilty of having stolen a shirt, the property of Charles RULE, of Launceston. A former conviction for felony was also proved. Twelve months' hard labor.
Thomas, 19, and Joseph WILLIAMS, 18, two good-looking agricultural labourers, pleaded guilty to the charge of having stolen five sovereigns, five half-sovereigns, and seven shillings, the property of William OLIVER, of St. Keyne. One month's hard labor.
ROBBERY BY THE MASTER OF A VESSEL - Wm. CURTIS and John BUZACOTT, the former late the captain, the latter the mate of the "Jane", were charged with having stolen, on the 13th of April last, 9 deal planks, 9 deal boards, and 50 feet of deal timber, the property of Colan and James HARVEY. Mr. Coode and Mr. Smith appeared for the prosecution; Mr. John defended Capt. Curtis, and Mr. Bennallack appeared for the other prisoner.
Mr. Coode stated the case, and called: - Richard WILLIAMS, of Bristol, who said that he was a sailor, and lately belonged to the "Jane" of Truro, a schooner, commanded by Capt. Curtis. Recollected arriving at the port of Truro, from Bristol, on Saturday morning, the 13th of April, about four o'clock, and moored alongside Garras Wharf. They had goods on board to discharge there. The pilot left the vessel there. Witness observed that there was a great quantity of deal boards piled upon Garras Wharf. Saw the captain hand up some planks on board, taking them from the pile, and deliver them to the mate, who was on deck, just level with the wharf. Buzacott put the planks in the fore pique[?], just under the forecastle. Witness was on deck, and took the first plank himself, but then told the mate he did not like to put them down the forecastle, for fear people should say he stole them. That was when he saw where they came from. There were eight or nine boards taken in that way. They were put down the forecastle, as far as ever they could go. They came away from Garras Wharf about four o'clock that afternoon to Truro Quay. The whole of the cargo was then discharged. The planks were afterwards removed down the hold. Saw them on the following Saturday in the same place. On the Monday following, the boards were not there. Witness and Capt. Quick were at work there then, stowing the [surge?] They had no boards of that description when they arrived from Bristol.
Cross-examined by Mr. John - Had sailed with Capt. Curtis a little better than two months; was shipped at Bristol. It was a fine morning, about day-break, when he saw the deals taken in. The ends of some of the deals were sticking up above the combings of the hatch. Harveys' men attended and helped to take out part of the cargo. They were on board, and might have seen the boards above the combings, if they had gone forth. Witness was told the boards were stolen. Several times during the day the hatch was taken up. Witness had no business with Harvey's men to tell them about the boards. Did not tell them till the Monday week following; had a few words with the captain before, and offered to fight him. The captain had never charged him with taking liquor from the casks on board. The boards that stuck up above the combing were put down in the hold when they got up to the Quay. Capt. Quick was the first person he told of it, and that was on Monday week.
By Mr. Bennallack - The "Jane" belonged to Capt. Quick, who resided at Truro. Saw Capt. Quick every day; never saw the mate on the wharf.
Re-examined by Mr. Coode - Harveys' goods were discharged from the hold at the main hatches. They discharged nothing from the forecastle; there was the windlass mast-bead and such things between the forecastle and mainhold. The boards might have been about a foot and a half above deck. Was never in Truro before, and all were strangers but those on board.
John DINGLE, a boy, examined by Mr. Smith - Was engaged two days in April last, unloading the "Jane". Saw some deal boards in the fore pique, under the forecastle. Saw them there also on the following Saturday, and on that day saw them carried to the White Hart. Heard Capt. Curtis say to Harry DREW, "Harry, go down and take up those boards, and take them to the White Hart." Harry was the ship boy. Witness went up with Harry, with nine deal boards, to the White Hart.
Wm. MORRIS, innkeeper, of Truro, saw Capt. Curtis at his house on Saturday, the 29th of April; he asked witness if he might leave a few little things there; witness gave him permission; he told witness he was off the vessel. Witness went into his yard about ten o'clock in the evening, and saw some boards behind the water-barrel. On the Monday following, he saw Capt. Curtis, who asked witness if he would buy the deals, saying that he found them floating in the water. Witness gave him 10s.[16,18?] for them, and said "that's a brave bit of money for you, captain." Curtis said "there's very little of it comes to my share." Mr. Bone came into witness's house on the Friday following, and the constable took two of the boards.
Cross-examined by Mr. John - Had known the captain for 20 years, and had never heard anything against his character for honesty. Henry GARLAND, ostler to the last witness, stated that the boards were quite dry when brought to his master's yard. James BONE, managing clerk to Messrs. Harvey at Garras Wharf, stated that on Friday, the 12th, they had 200 or 300 deals and deal ends near the water's edge just landed.
Wm. ROWE, constable, apprehended Buzacott on the 13th of May, telling him what the charge against him was. He said he did it under the Captain's directions; the Captain handed the boards into the ship and he put them below. James LONGMAID, constable, apprehended Capt. Curtis on the 29th of April. He said he found the boards floating on the water. He also said that the Welshman (Williams) was a bad fellow, and had betrayed him. The witness then produced three boards that he had received from Mr. Morris. Williams and Mr. Bone stated that they were boards of a similar description with those that had been on Garras Wharf.
Mr. John, in a speech of great energy, addressed the jury on behalf of his client, Capt. Curtis. It was wished by the learned gentleman, after he had called two witnesses to character, that the defence should stop there; but Buzacott persisted in having an address to the jury on his own behalf, and said he would not see himself going to leeward without endeavouring to prevent it. His defence was, that in taking the boards from the captain, he was only performing when he conceived to be his duty, and that he derived no profit from the articles taken, and did not know they were stolen. Mr. Bennallack wished not to injure the Captain's case, and therefore urged the prisoner Buzacott to let it stop where it was, but the prisoner said that unless Mr. Bennallack addressed the jury he would do so himself. Mr. Bennallack immediately acted in accordance with his client's oft-repeated wish, and delivered a very able speech in his favor. On behalf of Capt. Curtis, Mr. Thomas RODDA, of Gwithian, and Mr. John POLKINHORNE, of Copperhouse, gave him a good character for honesty, the former having known him for thirty years, and the latter for twenty.
The prisoner Buzacott looked round the hall, and saw Mr. CORFIELD and another gentleman from Penryn present, to both of whom he was known, and called upon them to give him a character. Mr. CORFIELD, mayor of Penryn, stated that he had known him for many years; that he had never known anything against his character, and had really been pleased to see him getting on so well in life as he had done. Mr. William EDGECOMBE, also of Penryn, gave similar testimony in the prisoner's favor.
The CHAIRMAN summed up with great care, and the jury found a verdict of guilty against Capt. Curtis, and guilty of aiding and abetting, but not feloniously, against the other prisoner. The Chairman explained to the jury that that was equal to a verdict of acquittal, because unless he took the things feloniously, he had not committed any crime. The jury turned round and deliberated for nearly three quarters of an hour, and then they returned, as a verdict, that they found him guilty of aiding, but not feloniously.
The CHAIRMAN said that was an acquittal, and the prisoner was instantly discharged, Mr. Smith expressing himself perfectly satisfied at the decision to which the jury had come. The greatest interest was felt by those in Court, and the result seemed to afford satisfaction to almost every person present. Mr. Smith, on behalf of Messrs. Harvey, recommended Capt. Curtis to mercy. The court sentenced Curtis to six months' hard labor. - The Court Rose about half-past seven. FRIDAY, July 5 - James SWIFT, 30, was charged with having stolen a waistcoat the property of Robert COLEMAN, of Lanteglos by Fowey. The waistcoat had been hung out to dry, and was taken by the prisoner who appeared to be one of those strolling vagabonds that prowl about the country for the purpose of obtaining a livelihood by plunder. Two months' hard labour.
NOVELTY and ATTRACTION - We understand that Scherman's musical promenade and fancy sale, at the Assembly-rooms, Bennett's Angel Hotel, Helston, increases in attraction every successive evening, and is attended by the nobility and the most respectable inhabitants of Helston and its neighbourhood. During the evening, the audience are amused by the many admired popular songs, sung by the professionals engaged for the occasion, and the "fancy fair" affords an enjoyment that would brighten the countenance and raise the spirits of all. The proprietor is about to leave Helston shortly, so that the mirth-loving inhabitants of that town and neighbourhood will do well to take an early opportunity of turning their steps to the Assembly rooms, as nothing can be more fair and honourable than the general conduct of both the amusements and the sale. (From a correspondent)
APOTHECARIES' HALL - Among the names of gentlemen to whom the Court of Examiners granted certificates of qualification on Thursday se'nnight, is that of William Martin, St. Columb.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT - On Wednesday, the 3rd instant, the children belonging to the Wesleyan Sunday school at Roche, to the number of 140, had their annual treat of tea and cake in the ground adjoining the chapel. The children assembled at two o'clock, and walked in procession, accompanied by their teachers and other friends of the institution, from the school-room in the "Rock", where they united in singing. A number of banners were carried by the children, on which were painted, in large letters, appropriate sentences. After the children had finished their repast, upwards of 100 persons took tea in the school-room, which was decorated in a very tasteful manner, being profusely embellished with branches of various kinds of trees, flowers, &c. After tea, the children again walked in procession about a mile.
TRURO POLICE - We stated in our last that a man named Edward WINTERBOTTOM, had been committed for one month's hard labor to Bodmin gaol, for assaulting, with several other persons, the police, while in the exertion of their duty. Since that committal there have been seven others apprehended, who have been proved to have taken an active part in the assault alluded to. The following are the names of the persons apprehended and sentenced: John PENROSE, two months' hard labor; Richard HARRIS, Joseph POLRUE, Henry LEVERTON, and James SHAREWOOD, one months' hard labor; and Henry HARRIS and Wm. WATERS fined 10s. each and costs. On Wednesday last, a boy named Henry STEPHENS was committed to the assizes for trial on the charge of stealing a jacket, the property of the Rev. George CURTIS[?]. In May last, the prosecutor had a jacket hung upon a pole in his garden to frighten away crows, and it was one night stolen, at which time there were also several cucumbers cut and taken from their frames. The next time the jacket was seen was when the prisoner was taken into custody as a vagrant, and the jacket was then recognized on his back.
FALMOUTH QUARTER SESSIONS - On Wednesday last, the Quarter Sessions for the town of Falmouth were held before the Recorder and Magistrates of the borough. There was but one criminal case, which was that of a man named Henry REARDON, for stealing a trunk of wearing apparel from a steam-packet in its passage from Dublin to London. The prosecutrix not being present to identify the articles before the grand jury, the bill was ignored. The Learned Recorder made some remarks relative to the establishment of a court for the recovery of small debts in the borough, and explained it to the inhabitants present, that it was not likely that their wishes with respect to such a court could be accomplished before the next session; but there should be nothing left undone on his part, or on the part of the Council, to forward it.
FALMOUTH POLICE - After the business of the Sessions on Wednesday, Thomas Stevens NOOK was summoned before the Mayor and J. Hill, Esq., by Joseph ALLEN, proprietor of a Truro van, who stated that the defendant had committed an assault while he was loading his van, and taken away two trusses which he was carrying to Truro. The assault was proved, and Nook was fined 1s. and the expenses.
DREADFUL DEATH - On Tuesday last, a miner was dashed to pieces, at Wheal Gill mine, near Liskeard. An inquest was held on the boy, but the verdict was not given when our information was dispatched.
MELANCHOLY and FATAL ACCIDENT - On Friday last, a young man called John Hawken, and a lad about 14 years of age, son of Capt. Saundry, went from Penzance Pier out into the Bay about a mile in a very small boat. By some means one of them moved from the centre, which caused the boat to fall on one side and let the water in, and the other jumping quickly on the opposite side to counteract the danger, upset the boat, and both were thrown into the water. Hawken, being a good swimmer, succeeded in keeping himself up until a boat reached him from the Pier, and also attempted to save the other boy, but before assistance arrived he sank, and has not as yet been found. His mother and family are almost comfortless, as he is the second son lost at sea very lately.
CORONER's INQUEST - An inquest was held on Wednesday last, at the sign of the Cornish Daws Inn, at Treswithan, in the parish of Camborne, before W. Hichens, Esq., coroner, on the body of a child named James Whitford, about four years of age. It appears that the child, with some others, was at play near a pool by the side of the road, adjoining his father's house, when, by some means he fell into the pool, and was taken out dead. A surgeon was speedily on the spot, but all efforts to restore animation proved abortive. Verdict, accidental death.
MINING SCHOOL - We know that many who have recently left school, and are looking forward to a university; and many who are engaged as clerks or apprentices could not possibly devote a portion of their time to any method of study so likely to be essentially beneficial to them, as by taking advantage of the courses now opened in the Mining School. Each of these is accessible at a moderate fee, and where all cannot be attended, each one of them may be selected as best accords with the destination or tastes of the individual. [This refers to the Mining School established by Sir Charles Lemon. jm]
Thomas WARREN, 30, was charged with stealing a gun, shot bag, and powder flask, the property of the Rev. Hugh ROGERS, of Camborne.
Tobias ROBERTS stated that he was a servant of the prosecutor. On the 28th of July last he saw the articles in question in the stable; he next saw them on the 9th of April; they belonged to Mr. Rogers. Witness was present before the magistrates when the gun and other things were produced; they were the same that were taken from the stable; knew the prisoner; engaged him to cut Mr. Roger's hay about the time that the gun was missed; the scythe was kept in a barn that communicated with the stable; knew Henry RULE; he was ill now and could not attend; was present when the prisoner's deposition was taken before the magistrates.
Cross examined by Mr. Coode. The prisoner had cut hay for Mr. Rogers for several years.
John VIALL remembered cleaning the gun now produced on the 28th of May; when the prisoner was cutting hay; that was on a Saturday; on the following Monday the gun was taken from the manger where witness had placed it.
James MOYLE lives in Camborne; knows Mr. Rogers - and also knows the gun produced; had seen it in his possession; on the 6th of April, saw the gun in the prisoner's possession at Camborne; he told witness that he bought it of a man that had gone to Cuba; witness took the gun in his hand and was sure the gun produced was the same; witness told him that it was Mr. Rogers's gun; prisoner asked him if he knew the gun, and witness said he did by the brass on the stock; prisoner said it was for sale; witness did not buy it; prisoner told him on the Monday following that he had sold the same gun at Cundy's beer-shop.
The examination of the prisoner was then read. He said he found the gun, powder flask, and shot bag in a field in October last, and sold them afterwards to Henry RULE.
James MOYLE re-examined by Mr. John. The prisoner said he sold the gun to a man out at Illogan, but he did not know his name.
Mr. Coode addressed the jury for the prisoner; after which the CHAIRMAN summed up, and the jury, on account of the length of time that had elapsed between the time of the gun being stolen and its being seen in the prisoner's possession, found the prisoner Not Guilty.
James HUDDY, 19, and William SHOLL, 26, were charged with having stolen three half crowns and ten shillings, from the person of Sergeant TOM, of Truro. It appeared that the prosecutor, on Sunday evening the 2nd of June, went into the Queen's Arms, beer shop, kept by Thomas LIBBY, to defray a score, having 23s.6d. in his pocket. He paid Libby 1s.6d., and had a pint of beer, during the drinking of which he fell asleep, the prisoners being in the room. Shortly afterwards, he was awoke by the landlord, and he then found among others a person named WAYCOTT present, and the prisoners gone. The prosecutor ordered a pint of beer to treat Waycott, and he then missed all his money. The landlord went after the prisoners and found Huddy in the Wheat Sheaf beer-shop with two bottles of porter before him. When spoken to on the subject of the robbery, Huddy said he had no money. Mr. Libby took him by the collar with the intention of taking him to ROWE, the constable, and during th!
e journey the prisoner was observed dropping 2s.6d, while he was found to have 12s on his person. The other prisoner was found to have 6s.6d on his person, which, however, he readily gave up. Guilty. Huddy, an old offender, was sentenced to seven years' transportation, and Sholl to six months' hard labor, one of which is solitary confinement.
John BARKER, [or Berker], 33, was charged with having stolen two pounds of pork, two pair of shoes, a shoulder of veal, some lamb, and a quantity of tallow and other articles, the property of Thomas RODDA, butcher, of Phillack. It appeared that the things in question were stolen from the prosecutor's booth at Copperhouse market, and were afterwards found in the prisoner's possession. Guilty. Two months' hard labor.
ATTEMPT AT RAPE. Wm. CRABB, of Callington, was indicted for assaulting Jane PYNE, of St. Ive, a married woman, on the 18th of May last, with intent to ravish and carnally know her; he was also indicted for a common assault. Mr. Hockin appeared for the prosecution; and Mr. E. Coode and Mr. John appeared for the defence. The case was full of details that are totally unfitted for publication. The jury, before Mr. Coode had concluded his address, stopped the case, and found a verdict of not guilty.
Francis WADGE, of the same town, was indicted for a similar offence on the same party, on the same day, and in the same place, but the case was not tried, and the jury also returned a verdict of not guilty.
BREACH OF THE PEACE - John GREENWOOD, 26, committed on May the 8th, by the Mayor of Truro, for want of sureties in a breach of the peace towards his mother, Agnes GREENWOOD, and Richard PENALUNA, 33, committed by Archdeacon Sheepshanks, for want of sureties in a breach of the peace towards his wife, Mary PENALUNA, in the parish of Constantine, were both discharged, owing to the complainants refusing to prosecute. Mr. EVEREST, the gaoler, complained much of the conduct of Greenwood, stating that he had been compelled to place him twice in solitary confinement for misbehaviour. The defendant, with the greatest effrontery, remarked that the prisoners should not call him a thief, but both defendants displayed a feeling of anything but contrition for the conduct that had placed them in gaol. They were discharged with a caution which seemed likely to have but little effect.
James William WHEELER, a journeyman watchmaker, was charged with having stolen 33s., the property of his landlord, Mr. Samuel COODE, innkeeper, at St. Columb. It appeared from the evidence on the part of the prosecution, that the prisoner was out of employ, and had, for the last fortnight, lodged at Mr. Coode's house. The prosecutor's wife had a sum of money, in silver, which she kept in a drawer, and on Wednesday last she went upstairs and took away 10s., leaving 50s. in the bag, most of which was in half-crowns. She locked the drawer and put the key in her pocket. In the course of the same day the prisoner, who had been drinking with some others, was told that his share of the reckoning was 3s.3d., and he was then so poor as not to be able to pay it. he shortly after left the room, and footsteps were almost immediately heard of some one going up stairs. The person that the prisoner had been drinking with, Mr. Robert CORNISH, suspected that the prisoner had gone to bed on account of not having the means to pay the money, and some one, therefore, went up to his bedroom to see whether such was the fact. The prisoner was not there. Almost immediately after the prisoner made his appearance downstairs, and produced 3s. to pay his reckoning. He then said he could make a bet that he could produce a sovereign in five minutes, the bet of a shilling was made by Cornish, and the prisoner went out and in about 20 minutes returned with a sovereign which he tendered to Mrs. Coode to pay a small debt. Mrs. Coode went upstairs to get change, and then discovered that her drawer had been broken open, and all but 15s. taken away. It was afterwards ascertained that the prisoner had been to Mr. Wm HICKS, draper, and had got a sovereign in exchange for eight half-crowns; but when he was charged with the robbery he said that Mr. Hicks had lent him the sovereign which he had given Mrs. Coode. In the course of the evening, Mrs. Coode charged him with having opened the drawer. The prisoner denied the charge and produced two bundles of keys, one bundle of which the prosecutor's wife returned, and in the other bundle there was found a key which locked and unlocked the drawer from whence the money had been stolen. Guilty. Six months hard labor.
ASSAULT - Joseph COWLING, 15, was charged with having committed an assault, with intent, on the person of Grace TAM of St. Austell in June last. The evidence was unfit for publication. The jury found the prisoner guilty of a common assault, and the Court sentenced him to three months imprisonment.
ANOTHER ASSAULT - Charles HICK, a lad of respectable appearance, was also indicted for a similar offence on the person of a little girl, nine years of age, and was found guilty of a common assault. The prisoner was fined 40s. and sentenced to two months' imprisonment.
NOVELTY and ATTRACTION - We understand that Scherman's musical promenade and fancy sale, at the Assembly-rooms, Bennett's Angel Hotel, Helston, increases in attraction every successive evening, and is attended by the nobility and the most respectable inhabitants of Helston and its neighbourhood. During the evening, the audience are amused by the many admired popular songs, sung by the professionals engaged for the occasion, and the "fancy fair" affords an enjoyment that would brighten the countenance and raise the spirits of all. The proprietor is about to leave Helston shortly, so that the mirth-loving inhabitants of that town and neighbourhood will do well to take an early opportunity of turning their steps to the Assembly rooms, as nothing can be more fair and honourable than the general conduct of both the amusements and the sale. (From a correspondent)
APOTHECARIES' HALL - Among the names of gentlemen to whom the Court of Examiners granted certificates of qualification on Thursday se'nnight, is that of William Martin, St. Columb.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT - On Wednesday, the 3rd instant, the children belonging to the Wesleyan Sunday school at Roche, to the number of 140, had their annual treat of tea and cake in the ground adjoining the chapel. The children assembled at two o'clock, and walked in procession, accompanied by their teachers and other friends of the institution, from the school-room in the "Rock", where they united in singing. A number of banners were carried by the children, on which were painted, in large letters, appropriate sentences. After the children had finished their repast, upwards of 100 persons took tea in the school-room, which was decorated in a very tasteful manner, being profusely embellished with branches of various kinds of trees, flowers, &c. After tea, the children again walked in procession about a mile.
TRURO POLICE - We stated in our last that a man named Edward WINTERBOTTOM, had been committed for one month's hard labor to Bodmin gaol, for assaulting, with several other persons, the police, while in the exertion of their duty. Since that committal there have been seven others apprehended, who have been proved to have taken an active part in the assault alluded to. The following are the names of the persons apprehended and sentenced: John PENROSE, two months' hard labor; Richard HARRIS, Joseph POLRUE, Henry LEVERTON, and James SHAREWOOD, one months' hard labor; and Henry HARRIS and Wm. WATERS fined 10s. each and costs. On Wednesday last, a boy named Henry STEPHENS was committed to the assizes for trial on the charge of stealing a jacket, the property of the Rev. George CURTIS[?]. In May last, the prosecutor had a jacket hung upon a pole in his garden to frighten away crows, and it was one night stolen, at which time there were also several cucumbers cut and taken from their frames. The next time the jacket was seen was when the prisoner was taken into custody as a vagrant, and the jacket was then recognized on his back.
FALMOUTH QUARTER SESSIONS - On Wednesday last, the Quarter Sessions for the town of Falmouth were held before the Recorder and Magistrates of the borough. There was but one criminal case, which was that of a man named Henry REARDON, for stealing a trunk of wearing apparel from a steam-packet in its passage from Dublin to London. The prosecutrix not being present to identify the articles before the grand jury, the bill was ignored. The Learned Recorder made some remarks relative to the establishment of a court for the recovery of small debts in the borough, and explained it to the inhabitants present, that it was not likely that their wishes with respect to such a court could be accomplished before the next session; but there should be nothing left undone on his part, or on the part of the Council, to forward it.
FALMOUTH POLICE - After the business of the Sessions on Wednesday, Thomas Stevens NOOK was summoned before the Mayor and J. Hill, Esq., by Joseph ALLEN, proprietor of a Truro van, who stated that the defendant had committed an assault while he was loading his van, and taken away two trusses which he was carrying to Truro. The assault was proved, and Nook was fined 1s. and the expenses.
DREADFUL DEATH - On Tuesday last, a miner was dashed to pieces, at Wheal Gill mine, near Liskeard. An inquest was held on the boy, but the verdict was not given when our information was dispatched.
MELANCHOLY and FATAL ACCIDENT - On Friday last, a young man called John Hawken, and a lad about 14 years of age, son of Capt. Saundry, went from Penzance Pier out into the Bay about a mile in a very small boat. By some means one of them moved from the centre, which caused the boat to fall on one side and let the water in, and the other jumping quickly on the opposite side to counteract the danger, upset the boat, and both were thrown into the water. Hawken, being a good swimmer, succeeded in keeping himself up until a boat reached him from the Pier, and also attempted to save the other boy, but before assistance arrived he sank, and has not as yet been found. His mother and family are almost comfortless, as he is the second son lost at sea very lately.
CORONER's INQUEST - An inquest was held on Wednesday last, at the sign of the Cornish Daws Inn, at Treswithan, in the parish of Camborne, before W. Hichens, Esq., coroner, on the body of a child named James Whitford, about four years of age. It appears that the child, with some others, was at play near a pool by the side of the road, adjoining his father's house, when, by some means he fell into the pool, and was taken out dead. A surgeon was speedily on the spot, but all efforts to restore animation proved abortive. Verdict, accidental death.
MINING SCHOOL - We know that many who have recently left school, and are looking forward to a university; and many who are engaged as clerks or apprentices could not possibly devote a portion of their time to any method of study so likely to be essentially beneficial to them, as by taking advantage of the courses now opened in the Mining School. Each of these is accessible at a moderate fee, and where all cannot be attended, each one of them may be selected as best accords with the destination or tastes of the individual. [This refers to the Mining School established by Sir Charles Lemon. jm]
19 JULY 1839, Friday
LOSTWITHIEL - A much greater number of salmon fry have been caught this season in the Lostwithiel river than for many years past; and on Monday night, as one of the men was fishing with a trammel, something larger than usual struck in the net, which, when drawn, proved to be a sturgeon, which measured about four feet six inches. The fish is kept alive in a large tray of water.
St. DENNIS - The annual meeting of the Friendly Society has been held at this place, on which occasion the members, amounting to about 150, assembled at the house of Mr. Robert Varcoe, from whence they went in procession to the church, accompanied by numerous friends, where an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. Charles Lyne, rector of Roche.
AUSTRALIA - We understand that a gentleman connected with Emigration to Australia, will deliver a public lecture of that subject, at Tyacke's Hotel, Camborne, on the 9th of August next.
LISKEARD UNION - On Saturday last, a third attempt was made to elect a Chaplain for the workhouse of this Union, which, like the former attempts, failed, the board deciding by a majority of 30 to 45, after a decision of about three hours, that the house should be open to ministers of all denominations who might be disposed to administer religious instruction to the inmates gratuitously. Great efforts were made by the magistrates to bring about a different result, one of them having qualified expressly for the purpose; but the guardians were immovable, 29 of them having voted in the majority.
HELSTON BOROUGH SESSIONS - The general quarter sessions of the peace for this borough, were held on Thursday, the 14th instant, before Thomas Paynter, Esq., Recorder, and a Bench of Magistrates; when George DOBB and John LAUTERYON, jun., having been bailed from the last session, appeared [..] of the charge of having committed an assault on Mr. John ROWE, of the parish of Sithney, on the 23rd of January last. Before the witnesses for the plaintiff had all been examined, the parties came to an amicable arrangement, and a verdict by consent was taken for the plaintiff; and the Learned Recorder levied a nominal fine on the defendants. This was the only case for trial at these sessions.
PENZANCE SESSIONS - These sessions were held on the 12th instant, before Thomas Paynter, Esq., recorder. Richard JENNINGS, 33, was charged with having stolen 8s. from the person of Avis HOSKING, on the 26th of May last. Guilty. To be imprisoned for one year at hard labour. James HAYES, 55, was charged with having stolen on the 9th of May last, a pair of braces, the property of Messrs. T. and W. Coulson, drapers. Acquitted, in consequence of the absence of James Coulson, an assistant in Messrs. Coulson's shop; and thereupon the recognizances of Messrs. Coulson for his appearance were estreated in £10.
CAUTION TO MOTHERS - On Saturday se'nnight, a poor woman of Falmouth, whose infant had been unwell a few days, was induced by her mother-in-law to give it a dose of "Godfrey's Cordial", of which she procured a pennyworth from a druggist, but received no directions as to the quantity which should be given; and, finding that the child took it readily, and that it appeared to relieve its pain, gave it the whole. It immediately sank into a deep sleep, which continued between three and four hours, when the child was attacked with convulsions, which alarmed the mother, and she then sent for Mr. Bullmore, who, immediately he saw it, recognized the symptoms as those common in cases of poisoning by opium. The treatment usual in such cases was had recourse to, but the child got progressively worse, and died in thirteen hours after taking the medicine. The poor woman was dreadfully shocked at finding that she had given the medicine in too large a dose, and is irreconcilable to the loss of her child, seeing that she had, in ignorance, been the cause of its death. We take this opportunity of cautioning mothers and nurses against the administration of those popular remedies for infantile diseases sold under the name of "Godfrey's Cordial," "Dalby's Carminative," and the whole list of 'soothing syrups,' without first obtaining medical advice. All these compounds contain opium, which is a powerful medicine, and acts with much energy and rapidity on children, particularly in the first few months after birth, and therefore care should be exercised in administering it, as it is absolutely requisite to know the proper dose to begin with, the quickness with which it acts, and the length of time during which its influence lasts, so as to avoid the danger of an overdose, or of one too frequently repeated.
ACCIDENTS - On Friday week, as Mr. Nicholas Oliver, of Sweet's-house, was returning from St. Austell, where he had been carrying tin from Modlen mine, the wagon upset, and, passing over his body, occasioned considerable injury about the chest. His life was despaired of for some time, but with the prompt attention of Mr. Wm. Billing, of Lostwithiel, we are happy to say he is likely to do well.
Last week, as William PARKIN, of Poldue, was at work carrying manure with his master's cart and horses, the loaded vehicle by some means was upset, and falling on his body, fractured several ribs and occasioned a violent condition about the shoulders. He is now in a fair way of recovery.
On Wednesday week, as Thomas Netherton was at work in his pitch in Mr. Thomson's iron mine, a quantity of earth, having given way from above, fell on his head and completely buried him. The poor man was immediately dug out, and Mr. Billing, surgeon, was instantly sent for, but life was found to be quite extinct.
26 JULY 1839, Friday
NOVEL ENTERTAINMENT - On Monday last, a social entertainment of tea and cake was given to that laborious and valuable class of the community, the fisherwomen of Newlyn, at the new corn-chamber, Penzance, which was tastefully decorated with evergreens, flowers, &c., for the occasion. The ladies of the fish-market, in their proper costume of gipsy bonnets, highly decorated, proceeded to the room with a band of music, where they met with other ladies in more retired life, together with a number of gentlemen, including his worship the Mayor, and partook of the repast that had been provided. The Queen of Newlyn sat upon her throne, receiving the grateful congratulations of her sex, and the
addresses of the gentlemen. After tea, the band struck up some light airs, and the company commenced dancing, which continued upwards of three hours.
SOUTH WHEAL CLINTON, CONSTANTINE - We understand that the proprietors of this mine, which is situated about half a mile east of the Church-town, have just obtained a lease of the sett three-quarters of a mile from east to west, from Lord Clinton for 21 years, and have commenced operations with very flattering prospects. The copper ores raised from a lode discovered in sinking the perpendicular engine shaft, 14 fathoms from the surface, are said to be of excellent quality, a sample of them having been assayed by Mr. C. Williams, of Gwennap, which produced 15 ½, worth GBP 12.15s per ton. These ores are yellow, and are principally on the foot wall of the lode. It is expected that, from 30 to 40 fathoms from the surface, another lode, from four to five feet in width, will be cut, which has on the back a beautiful gezzan[?], containing tin, mendie, lead, copper, &c. Respectable practical agents, who have inspected the mine, recommend the most active operations, as there are indications of great profits to the adventurers at a comparatively small outlay; and these agents are, moreover, of opinion that the parishes of Constantine, Budock, Mawnan, and Stithians, although heretofore thought little of, will, in a short time, rank high among the mining districts of the county.
FATAL MISTAKE - On Thursday se'nnight, John Yelland, aged 20 years, who lived from infancy in the service of Mr. Russell, near Barnstaple, and was a sober and well-behaved young man, took by mistake one [ounce] of oxalic acid, supposing it to be Epsom salts. In about five minutes he became very ill, and discovering the fatal mistake he had made, mounted a horse, intending to ride to a surgeon; but before he reached the village of Swimbridge, he was so much worse as to be unable longer to sit the horse, and being taken to a cottage near, in a short time expired.
BODMIN BELL RINGING MATCH - A Ringing Match came off at Bodmin on Wednesday, which was contested by eleven sets of ringers. The first prize of eight sovereigns was adjudged to the parish of Lostwithiel; second ditto, five sovereigns, to the parish of Lanivet, the third ditto, three sovereigns, to the parish of Egloshayle; and the fourth ditto, one sovereign, to the parish of Roche.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, Samuel Glasson blacksmith, was brought before the Mayor and E. J. Spry, Esq., charged with violently assaulting and kicking George Roberts and William Clemow, two constables of the borough, while in the execution of their duty. The magistrates committed the prisoner for trial, and the witnesses were bound over in sureties of GBP 20 each to give evidence.
CHURCH RATES - We understand that the church-wardens have taken the first legal measures against the members of the Society of Friends, in the town and parish of Falmouth, to enforce the payment of the church-rates for 1838-39. As the Friends, in all probability, will make no opposition to "the due course of law" warrants of distress will ultimately issue against them, their goods will be seized and sold, to the amount of the rates and the legal expenses incurred, by what church-and-state men call their "contumacy." While such laws remain on the statute book, and are perseveringly enforced, can we wonder that discontent walks through and agitates the land?
ST. IVES - It appears by the accounts received from Ireland, that the boats which went thither from this port on the Herring Fishery have been unsuccessful. The misfortune in this case is the greater, seeing that the Mackarel Fishery was a disasterous one, and the Pilchard Fishery, last season, but very indifferent.
THE RECTOR OF ALPHINGTON AND THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS - It having been made known to the rector of Alphington, that the Rev. Jos. Wood, of the Wesleyan connexion, was going to preach in the open air at Alphington on Wednesday last, he felt a very strong and bigoted determination to hinder it. He immediately sent to Mr. Wood, stating his fear that the boys might annoy him, or he might get insulted; but this not having the desired effect, he sent a second time, and when he found that his kind messages would not avail, he was heard to say "well, then, I must act a
part myself." which it will be seen is what he did. At the time appointed, the Rev. Jos. Wood was at the place, and a large and respectable congregation assembled, mostly inhabitants of Alphington, when Mr. W. commenced by giving out a hymn, which was sung. He then began his prayer, in the midst of which the constables were seen to appear, and he was assailed by them. Mr. W., asking them who they were, they replied constables of the parish, sent there by Mr. Ellicombe. Mr. Wood then desired them in the Queen's name to keep the peace on her Majesty's highway, which so discouraged them that they left, it was supposed, to get further advice from their employer; and shortly they came again, and took him to a magistrate who either was not in, or would not have anything to do with the matter. Mr. Wood was then taken to Mr. Ellicombe's, but the Rev. Gentleman was out of the house although he was seen not long before. After being kept at the door for some time, and the person who employed the constables not
appearing to lay any charge against him, he asked them if they were not
going to take him to prison, or some place, as he was ready to go with them. They then took him back to the place where he had begun to preach, and expressed sorrow at having so acted, but said they must do what they were commanded. Another plan was then adopted; just as he recommenced, the bells began to ring, which neither hindered nor put a stop to the rest of the service. At the time of which the Rev. Gentleman said that he hoped to be there the following evening at half past eight o'clock, which was received with great joy by those assembled. On Thursday evening, Mr. Wood was again at his post, and the only thing to be done now was to make all the noise possible. The ringers were accordingly had again, and were continually ringing the whole time of the service, which must have been a full hour, or an hour and a quarter; and what was most disgraceful was the firing of a gun
several times. There was a numerous crowd of people in attendance, much more than the previous evening, and highly respectable. (Western Times)
NARROW ESCAPE - On Monday evening last, as Mr. Holman, of the hotel, St. Ives, was returning from Ludgvan, in his open cart, with several others, the horse took fright, and upset the cart, the wheels of which went over Mr. Holman, and injured him very much about the head and neck. We are happy to say the other persons are but slightly hurt.
CORONER'S INQUEST. - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held by John Carlyon, Esq., at Swan Pool, near Falmouth, on the body of Susanna Cloak, a little girl five years of age, who was found drowned the preceding day in one of the tan-pits belonging to Mr. Lanyon's tanyard, near that place. When the men connected with the premises went to dinner, they left the deceased and two other children playing at the pump in the yard. About half-an-hour afterwards, the deceased was missed by her parents; and her father, after searching for her in different places without success, perceived some froth on the top of
one of the pits, and discovered her at the bottom of it. There was a depth of about five feet of water in the pit, and the child was quite dead when taken out. Verdict, Accidental death.