HELSTON PLOUGHING MATCH - This match took place in a field belonging to
Mr. EDWARD FAULL, of Nansloe, on Wednesday, the 26th ult., when the
following prizes were awarded: Skim Coultering - 1st prize, RICHARD VARTHA,
Sithney, GBP2; 2nd ditto, JOSIAH LOBB, Sithney, GBP1. Flat Combing - 1st
prize, SAMUEL HENDY, Gunwalloe, GBP2; 2nd ditto, ALEXANDER BOADEN, Cury,
GBP1. 10s.; 3rd ditto, T. FAULL, Wendron, GBP1; 4th ditto, JOHN THOMAS,
Wendron, 10s. Round Combing - 1st prize, JOHN HODGE, Gunwalloe, GBP2; 2nd
ditto, WILLIAM BAWDEN, Sithney, GBP1; 3rd ditto, GEORGE BERRIMAN, Mabe,
10s. Flat or Round Combing for Boys under eighteen years - 1st prize, T.
THOMAS, Wendron, GBP1; 2nd ditto, THOMAS DABB, Sithney, 10s. RICHARD
BAWDEN, of Breage, won the prize of GBP2, which was competed for by
ploughmen having previously won best prizes. There was also a handsome
prize awarded to Mr. EDWARD PEARCE, of St. Stephens, by St. Austell, for the
excellent work performed by him with a double skim coulter plough; and he
would doubtless, have obtained the best prize for skim coulter work, had
such a plough been permitted to contend for it. The plough was made by Mr.
JOHN TRUSCOTT, of St. Austell, and was sold on the ground to Mr. LEMON, of
Germoe. At the conclusion of the ploughing, the committee and umpires
repaired to the White Hart Inn, Helston, where a dinner was served up, which
reflects credit on Mr. GEACH, the respected landlord. The tables groaned
under the good cheer of old England, and about fifty persons dined, under
the presidency of Mr. THOMAS MICHELL, of Rinsey[?], Breage, who, after
dinner, delivered an admirable address on the advantages of good ploughing,
&c. Several other addresses were given, and unanimity and good feeling
reigned.
NEW SAVINGS BANK - The trustees and managers of the St. Austell Savings
Bank, have lately purchased the freehold of the old brew-house premises,
which have been unoccupied for several years, for the purpose of erecting a
new savings bank and dwelling-house for the actuary. Maps[?] and
specifications were submitted to them at a meeting on Friday last, when that
of Mr. WALTER GILES, builder and architect, St. Austell, was approved of,
and the premium of GBP10 accordingly awarded to him. Mr. Giles has the
contract and the building will commence forthwith.
THE ROYAL NAVY - Surgeon, G. W. PRITCHETT, has been appointed to the
"Vulture."
APOTHECARIES HALL - Last week, Mr. J. M. GOODINGE, son of the late Captain
GOODINGE, of Middlesex, and apprentice of Mr. HARRIS, surgeon of Redruth,
passed his examination at the Hall, with much credit and ability.
ATTEMPT AT HIGHWAY ROBBERY - On Sunday [....?] last, whilst Mr. SAMUEL
PICKEN, tailor of Penryn, was returning from Falmouth, his money was
demanded by a ruffian, and not having any in his pocket at the time, the
fellow attempted to stab him. Fortunately, some men of his returning at the
time came to his assistance and the ruffian made his escape in the direction
of Falmouth.
TRURO POLICE - On Thursday, last week, A......[?] WALTERS and JOHN BUNT,
alias BOIT, of Bristol, who duped a man of the name of JOHN JORY SMITH, of
Kea, of a sovereign and a shilling, at the game of thimble, and who formed
part of a gang of five, were committed to three months each to hard labour;
and, on Friday a woman, of the name of MARY CALLAGHAN who appeared to be
connected with the party, was committed to the house of correction for one
month for hawking without a licence.
On Saturday, JOHN SAMPSON and DIGORY WROATH, tailors, of Truro, were charged
with assaulting policeman FITZSIMMONS in the execution of his duty. Sampson
was fined GBP1, with costs, and Wroath was fined in the [....?] penalty of
GBP5.
MINE ACCIDENTS - On Thursday, the 27th ult, a man named JAMES NICHOLAS was
at work tilling the [kiln?] at Wheal Spearn mine, a long stone came down the
[......?] and injured him severely; and on Saturday last, as a man named
JAMES GRYLLS, was crossing the engine shaft of Levant mine, the bob came
down on him, and dislocated his hip joint. He is, however, in a fair way of
recovery.
CORONER'S INQUEST - Mysterious Affair - On Saturday evening last, an
inquest was held at the Bear Inn, Truro, before J. CARLYON, Esq., coroner,
on the body of a new-born male child, which had been sent from Penryn by one
of the vans, to Mr. BARRETT, shoemaker, and a parish clerk of St. Mary's
Truro. It was laid in a plain box, carefully wrapped up in linen of
superior quality, shavings and padding were stuffed underneath and the side,
and a few springs and flowers, some of the greenhouse plants strewed around.
Inclosed were two half-crowns, and a note to the following effect:- "Please
bury this carefully. From your friend. Falmouth. Inclosed you will find
five shillings." On evidence being called for, W. BENNY, a deliverer of
parcels, stated that he received the box that afternoon from the driver of
TREVICE's (Falmouth) van, and took it to Mr. Barrett's house. Mr. Barrett
was then examined. He stated that when the box was sent to his house he was
called in from a shop, and told that it contained a dead child. He
instantly went to the van man, who said he got the box from a beer shop at
Penryn where parcels were usually left. The shopkeeper said "there is a box
here which a [.....?] left last night (Friday), to go by JOE MARTIN in the
morning; he is gone by, you had better take it;" and accordingly he did so.
The van man afterwards repeated the same words to witness and Mr. PAINE,
police inspector. The body was then examined by Mr. [Sp......?] surgeon,
and his conclusions were - that it was a grown male child, born alive and
perfectly healthy - the umbilical cord was evidently broken, not sure? -
that the mother could have received no surgical aid at the hour of delivery
- that there were no marks of violence on the body, but that the child was
unwashed, had not swallowed any food, and had apparently died from neglect.
It could not have lived long after birth, and might have been dead perhaps
two or three days. The proceeding were now adjourned till Monday evening,
in order to procure further evidence. At the adjourned inquest, MARY
NICHOLAS appeared, and stated that she lives in Penryn, and was at Mr.
Grove's beer-shop there on Friday afternoon, (the 28th ult.,) when a person
brought in a box or something wrapped up in a coarse cloth, and asked if
they would send it on by Joe Martin to Truro. He appeared to be
twenty-three or twenty-four years of age, was of middle height, rather pale,
and had whiskers. Had frequently seen him during some months, riding along
the bottom of Gluvias-street, and sometimes up through the same street,
generally at a smart trot, on a good looking black horse and wearing a blue
or dark coat, and dark plain trowsers. He appeared to be a gentleman's
servant, but had never seen him in livery. ELIZA B. GROSE, daughter of Mr.
Grose, spoke to the box having been brought to their shop on Friday
afternoon, and to its being sent next morning by Trevice's van; but she did
not know who brought it. At this stage a further adjournment of the inquest
was made.
COLLEGE OF CHEMISTRY - We are glad to find from an advertisement in
another part of our paper that an institution of this kind, which as so long
been needed, is in process of organisation; and as one of its most prominent
departments will be devoted to metallurgy and mining, we may fairly expect
that the advantages which will result from it to the mines of this county,
where so many mining products, for want of chemical knowledge, are at
present valueless to the proprietors, will be very great. Among the
communications transmitted to the Provisional Secretary of the Institution,
we find the following, dated, November 13, 1844, from Mr. HUNT of Falmouth,
who has been appointed Local Honorary Secretary,:- "The mineral wealth of
this county is not nearly appreciated - any mysterious-looking ore is thrown
to the [.......?] Our zinc-mines are all in a state of idleness, because of
the difficulty of smelting the sulphuret. Cobalt, for the same reason, is
rejected, although in many districts, it is found in considerable
quantities. Our 'gosans'[?] - peroxides of iron - all contain silver, some
in quantity, but they are never thought of. Our copper ores are all sent to
Wales to be smelted. It is highly desirable that such a saving of fuel
might be effected as would enable the miner to smelt the ore in the county.
As it regards 'mundle,' it was a few years since in great demand, for the
purpose of making sulphuric acid, but that demand fell off, owing to its
containing generally so large a quantity of arsenic. Longmead's patent,
however, for making sulphate of soda, promises to bring it again into the
market. Arsenic is exported to Russia to a considerable extent. Tin ores
frequently contain tin, zinc, copper, lead, arsenic, and sulphur. These
greatly interfere with the smelter, and injure the quality of the tin. Two
or three patents have been taken out for separating these metals, but the
plans are expensive, and, I think, very wasteful. You see there is plenty
of room for chemistry amongst us."
THE REV. THOMAS GRYLLS - The tomb must not close in silence over the
remains of the Rev. Thomas Grylls. His wish to pass, almost without
observation, to the grave, is the only breathing of his heart that will not
(for it must not) be unreservedly indulged. In truth, he was not here at
his own disposal. By the usefulness of his life he had been made the
property of the public. He had been offered upon the sacrifice and service
of their faith, and the memorial of him, as it is a talent of which they
will have to give account, so in it one which they must have freely to
"occupy." It has been beautifully observed, that it is "a homage due to
departed worth, whenever it rises to such a height as to render its
possessor an object of general attention, to endeavour, that when removed
from the observation of men, it may still live in their memorial." In the
present instance, there is the more earnest heed to be given to this duty,
for that the memorial, although already written in the tables of a thousand
hearts, is, like the Apostle's, such an one as might never be. "If written
with ink;" for the subject of it was of too chastened a spirit to suppose
that he should still speak among us when dead. It never entered his
thoughts to provide materials for a memorial. He practised therefore, no
displays of "voluntary humility; he sought not to commend himself by
insulated acts of a strange and startling character. It is the very beauty
of the pattern, that social or solitary, active or meditative, labouring or
relaxing, in little as in much, it was all of one temper - all "seasoned
with grace" - still and always a humble, heedful, thankful walk with God.
"The Father of our Lord knoweth that we lie not." His, therefore, is a
memoir, which may never be found among "the lives of the English Saints."
The more imperative, upon those who were blessed and benefited by his
example, is the duty to endeavour that it may still "transmit through the
shades of the sepulchre some faint reflection of its living lustre."
The Rev. Thomas Grylls was the second son of the late Thomas Grylls, of
Bosahan, in this county. After distinguishing himself at Winchester, he
became, in 1810, a member of Trinity College, Cambridge, where he enjoyed
the private instructions of that eminent and excellent man, Professor
SEDGWICK. The period of his residence, 1810-1813, was one of unusual
brilliancy at this University. We have only to mention among his
competitors, the names of Sir J. HERSCHEL, Professors, PEACOCK, BABBAGE, and
FALLOWS, to sanction the opinion we hazard, that the year 1813, in which he
graduated, witnessed the most arduous intellectual conflict in the annals of
Cambridge. Out of this struggle he came high among the wranglers of the
year; and the writer of this memoir happens to know, that the distance
between him and those placed immediately above him was unusually small. All
that the University can bestow or lead to, was not before him - fame and
wealth almost offering themselves to his grasp:- when, to the surprise, and,
we believe, to the regret, at the time, of many, he drew back from the
inviting prospect, and, casting a fond parting look on the "fair Guerdon" he
was going to reject, with undivided heart he turned from it, to "do the work
and endure the afflictions of an evangelist." Sir JAMES MACKINTOSH has
said, no man ever made so great a sacrifice of fame to Christ as ROBERT
HALL. We are persuaded, that we have now recorded an act of self-dedication
scarcely, if at all, inferior to it. The connection of the deceased with
the parish of Cardynham commenced shortly after his ordination, and
continued until the day of his death. This long enjoyment of such a
ministry surely calls upon his flock to consider what improvement they have
made of so high a privilege, and what is the prospect that awaits them, when
they and their pastor shall meet once more in the presence of the Judge -
he, to give an account of his ministry - they, to exhibit its fruits.
All, we believe, who could estimate the deceased, concur in the opinion that
the parish of Cardynham was no adequate field for the powers of such a man;
and yet, go there at this moment, and you might hesitate. For, what a scene
will you witness! At once it is perceived, that a shepherd is torn from his
flock, a spiritual father from his children;- that the kind counsellor, the
friend of the poor destitute, - he whose very countenance was never beheld
without love and respect, is no more found by his weeping people. A
stranger may perceive that a calamity, and no ordinary one, has been
sustained by all and by each of them. And yet, looking, if we can, away
from this scene, it will still be asked, - why was this eminent witness not
called into a higher sphere of action - why, when providence (for it was not
of his own seeking) seemed to have opened the way to it - why was it, as
abruptly - shall we say, so unkindly;- stood against him;- It might be he
asked; but not by me - or, not now! We are at the tomb, and his gentle
spirit seems to rebuke us; for, surely the questioning of this kind is gone
down thither with him.
We write of this excellent man, we acknowledge with a heart enlarged beyond
its want; but we do not write as mere eulogists of him. We feel we could
not be so unfaithful to him;- we cannot, indeed, stand unmoved at the grave
of the most perfect character we knew, - perfect we [.....?] in Christ - but
still we use the words of soberness and truth. A few days hence, a cloud of
witnesses will reach our testimony around his bier, and many a thousand
elsewhere. How will he be missed, far even as Exeter! If it was the
occasion to him of many of his trials, it was also the source of much of his
joy and crown. The sensation attending his first appearance in the pulpit
of its cathedral, will, we are persuaded, be long remembered there. It was
renewed at every future visit. When the duties of his prebend called him to
this city, what a homage to the stranger was that throng of enlightened
hearers which pressed around him! We can feel no surprise at this, for his
preaching was of a high order. We have not space to describe its varied,
but well attempered excellencies. Let us say briefly, that it was a pure
transcript of his mind, which, perhaps, was more remarkable for the nicely
adjusted balance of his faculties, than for the marked pre-eminence of
either. If any might claim the precedence, it was the peculiar clearness of
his perceptions, conducting to a rare correctness of judgment; but, with
this were found - what have been supposed to have little affinity with it -
a playfulness of fancy and richness of imagination which, so it seemed to
us, he thought it his duty to control. We are among those who regret this;
but, whilst we say it, let it not be supposed that this restraint was
suggested to him by any taint of the ascetic in his character. Oh no! it
had not a shade of it. His piety was strict, but it was on the kindliest
terms with quite a playfulness of spirit; who can forget his smile?
Well! He is gone! And, to the writer at least a great vacancy there seems -
one that to him can never be supplied; "For, we were [.....?] upon the self
same hill." Yes! He is gone! He is fallen asleep" for such indeed was his
dying; and "If he sleep, he shall do well." To those who knew him, if the
world seems now more solitary than it was, let them remember, that it is
because a better world has received another citizen. What have they now to
do, but to trim the lamp, and prepare to "go to him."
RUNAWAY APPRENTICE - Whereas HENRY HUGH BOWDEN TOM, about 4 feet 10 inches
in height, light hair, aged 17, left the House of his Master, (T. N. VOSPER,
Draper, Launceston), on the 26th of February last, without his knowledge,
and has not since been heard of; any person detaining him in their house
after this notice will be prosecuted. Dated, Launceston, March 5, 1845.
NOTICE - All persons having Claims on the Estate of RICHARD NICHOLLS, late
of Lanarth, in the parish of St. Anthony in Meneage, gentleman, deceased,
are desired forthwith to send in particulars of the same to Mr. JAMES
BISHOP, of Gear, in St. Martin, or to Mr. MICHAEL SAUNDERS, of St. Anthony
aforesaid, the Executors; and all Persons Indebted to the said Estate are
requested to pay the amount of their respective debts to the said James
Bishop or Michael Saunders. Dated, 1st March, 1845.
NOTICE - All Persons Indebted to the Estate of Mr. WILLIAM POLYBLANK, late
of the Borough of Truro, Printer and Stationer, deceased, are requested to
pay the amount of their respective Debts, either to the Executrix, Mrs. MARY
POLYBLANK, No. 8, Rosewin Row, Truro, or to Messrs. HODGE and HOCKIN,
Solicitors, on or before the 31st day of March next. And all Persons having
any Demands on the said Estate, are requested to forward the particulars
thereof to the said Messrs. Hodge and Hockin, in order that the same may be
examined and discharged. Dated, Truro, February 25, 1845.
14 MARCH 1845, Friday
TRIAL OF PRISONERS. JOHN LORD, 30, a miner, was charged with stealing a
powder can and a quantity of powder, the property of JOHN TRUDGEON and
others. The prisoner pleaded Not Guilty. It appeared that Lord had, along
with HENRY CLARK, a pitch in Fowey Consols. John Trudgeon and STEPHEN
TONKIN had a pitch in the same mine. All the parties kept their chests in
the same barrack, and on the morning of the 27th of February last, Trudgeon
fill his can with the powder and put it into his chest, on which he put the
padlock, but did not lock it for want of a key. The chest belonging to
prisoner and his comrade was next to this but one, and prisoner invariably
kept the key of it, Clark applying to him for articles from the chest as he
wanted them. Between twelve and one o'clock, as Trudgeon and Tonkin were
going to Tywardreath to have some beer, prisoner asked Trudgeon to give him
a pint or two which were promised on condition that he would return as much
on his pay-day coming round. Prisoner agreed, and Trudgeon and Tonkin went
on, expecting him to join them soon, but he did not. On Trudgeon and his
comrade repairing to their work next morning, they found that their can was
gone. Information having been given to Capt. PUCKEY, he, on the 1st of
March, went to prisoner, and asked him to let him see his chest. He
assented, took the key from his own pocket, and opened the chest in presence
of Capts. Puckey, JOB, and others. The lost powder can was found in the
chest. Capt. Puckey took it up, and thrice asked the prisoner if it was his
and thrice did he say it was, adding that he and Clark had but two cans, one
of which was under ground, and this was the other. Clark, on coming up, was
shewn the can; but so confused was he at the charge made against his
comrade, that his wits went a wool-gathering; and supposing it to be a can
belonging to a former comrade, he said it was his; but on his
"recollections" returning, and on examining the can, he found it was not his
property, and then stated that both the cans belonging to himself and
prisoner were at that moment below. Captain Job then descended, and found
the two cans hanging on the place described by Clark. All the cans were
produced in court and identified, and on Mr. JOHN addressing the jury for
the prisoner, he called THEOPHILUS PEARCE, THOS. INCH, and JOSEPH COOMBE,
who gave prisoner a good character. The Chairman then summed up, after
which the jury returned a verdict of Guilty. Mr. SHILSON for the
prosecution; Mr. John for the defendant.
Wednesday, March 12. Before J. K. LETHBRIDGE, Esq. - FRANCIS CADDY, 25,
JOHN HICKS MATTHEWS, 20, and JOHN HARRIS, 20, were charged with stealing
four fowls, the property of JAMES ARTHUR, of Trevarno, in Egloshayle, on the
14th of February. The prosecutor had thirty-seven fowls, four of which were
missing in the morning of the day in question. He traced footsteps and
feathers to the residences of Caddy and Matthews. On searching JANE
ROGERS's house, where Matthews lived, carcases and heads of two fowls were
found; and a search was made with similar results, in caddy's house. The
heads of all the fowls were identified by the prosecutor and his son. The
prosecutor and constable next went to Harris, and found him in bed at eleven
o'clock in the forenoon; they searched his house but found nothing. The
remainder of the proof against the prisoners was that of the correspondence
of their shoes, which were peculiarly nailed and skuited, with the tracks
leading from the prosecutor's house to two of the prisoner's dwellings.
This examination was conducted very minutely; and it is satisfactory to find
that constables, at length, adopt the correct mode of trying the
correspondence of shoe-bottoms and impressions, namely, by making an
impression first by the side of the original mark. Judges and chairmen of
Quarter Sessions have frequently pointed out to constables and others, the
impropriety of examining footmarks, as was often the case, by placing the
shoe or boot on the original track. - All the prisoners were found Guilty.
JANE ROGERS, 22, mentioned in the previous case, and with whom the prisoner
Matthews co-habited, was next charged with felonious possession of portions
of two fowls, and acquitted.
MARK NOWELL, 42, was charged with stealing a sack and half a bushel of
wheat, the property of JOSEPH PRYNN, a farmer of Creed. The prosecutor was
at St. Austell market on the 10th January, with some wheat for sale. In the
evening, having half a bushel unsold in a sack, he went to seek the
market-keeper to secure his wheat; but when he came back, found the wheat
and sack gone, and the prisoner also who had been there. On the following
morning, prosecutor went to prisoner's house at Saint Stephens. His wife
said he was not home, but was gone to Lepean to have a horse shod; she
directed prosecutor to go across the downs, and turn to the right hand. But
at the gate, prosecutor tracked a horse to the left, and instead of going to
Lepean remained at the gate for about an hour, when he saw prisoner come
back on horseback with a sack of wheat. Prosecutor identified the sack.
Guilty.
WILLIAM BONDS, 13, was charged with stealing thirteen rabbits' gins, the
property of Sir J. COLMAN RASHLEIGH, Bart, at Prideaux wood. It appeared
that, in consequence of the destruction of the farmers' produce, in the
neighbourhood of Prideaux, from the great increase of rabbits, Sir Colman
Rashleigh had taken various means, and gone to considerable expense, for the
purpose of destroying them. He had built a stone fence around the wood,
leaving holes at the bottom, through which alone was there left any means of
egress for the rabbits. At this holes were placed nineteen gins, by the
keeper and his son, in January, fourteen of which were missed a few days
afterwards. The evidence against the prisoner was that, coming home from
Lauescetmine[?], with two lads named INCH and PRIOR, about the time of the
loss; prisoner offered to give Inch a gin, saying he got it at the higher
side of Prideaux wood. They all went to prisoner's house, and prisoner
brought out a gin for Inch, but as Inch had not a jacket on to conceal the
gin, he proposed that Prior should take it, and hide it under his jacket, as
he did not like for any one to see it. The gin was given up by Inch to a
constable, HAWKINS, who produced it in court, where it was identified by the
keeper and his son, the latter of whom stated that it had no chain, and that
when the gins were missed in January, there was on chain left behind. The
gin was also identified by Thomas Inch. Guilty.
BARNET YOUNGMAN, 51, was charged with stealing a silver watch, at Crowan,
the property of BENJAMIN KEMP. Mr. JOHN conducted the prosecution; Mr.
STOKES the defence. The prosecutor stated that he lived in the parish of
Crowan. On the 12th of August last, prisoner came to his house, and offered
to sell him a watch. Witness replied that he did not want to buy, for he
had a very good watch which only wanted a little repair. Prisoner then said
that he repaired watches, that he lived at Redruth, had a wife and five
children, that he kept a jeweller's shop, and had his name and sign over the
door. Witness then put the watch on the table, and prisoner took it up, and
put it in his box, saying he would return it in a month. Witness did not
again see the watch till February in the hands of the policeman LUCAS; and
never could see the prisoner nor have any account of him living at Redruth.
WILLIAM GILES LUCAS, policeman at Camborne, in February apprehended prisoner
at Truro; he, at first, denied all knowledge of Kemp or the watch, but in
about half an hour, said if witness would let him go for half an hour, he
would get the watch. Witness did not let him go; but he took him to
Camborne, where the next day, prisoner said to witness, if he would go to
Penzance, he would show where the watch is. Witness took prisoner to
Penzance, and at his request went to a Mrs. RICHARDS, a pawnbroker, but did
not find the watch there. Prisoner next said that he had left the watch
with a friend, Mr. JACOBS, at Falmouth, who had lent him 6s. upon it.
Witness took prisoner to Falmouth; but on going to Mr. Jacobs, although he
found the watch there, Mr. Jacobs denied all knowledge of the prisoner,
saying that he had received the watch from a boy. Witness knew that
prisoner had not lived at Redruth since August last; there was no house nor
shop with prisoner's name, nor had he a wife and family. On
Cross-examination, witness stated that he had not searched through the whole
town of Redruth, for the purpose of making inquiry concerning prisoner. For
the defence, Mr. Stokes first submitted to the Bench that there was no proof
of felonious intention on the part of the prisoner; nor that, in fact, the
prisoner did nothing with his family in Redruth. The Bench decided on
submitting the case to the jury, whom Mr. Stokes then addressed the court
insisting on the same point he had submitted to the Bench. - Guilty.
ANN TRUDGEON, 13, charged with stealing articles of wearing apparel, the
property of WILLIAM OSBORNE, the younger, at Leah, in the parish of Buryan.
- Guilty.
HENRY PEARCE, 22 and GEORGE LAMSHIRE, 25, were charged with stealing three
check shirts, the property of ANN RAWLINGS at Uny Lelant. A second count
laid the property in GRACE ROWE, for whom Ann Rawlings washed. Both Guilty.
MARY ALLEN, 38, and JANE GEACH, 30, were charged with stealing from the
person of HENRY BEER, a purse and three half-sovereigns, his property. The
prosecutor was a farmer living in St. Austell, and the offence charged was
alleged to have been committed at the close of a market day, in the street
of St. Austell, Geach putting her hand on prosecutor's shoulder, whilst
Allen came forward and put her hand in his pocket, taking his purse and its
contents. - Both guilty.
JOSEPH OLIVER, 13, was charged with stealing a purse and four shillings in
silver from the dwelling-house of JEREMIAH JOSE, at Trenance, in Mullion.
CHRISTIANA JOSE, sister of prosecutor, stated that she kept her brother's
house, and had thirty shillings in silver in two purses in a box in the
bed-room; the box was locked. This was a few days before Christmas, she
found the box had been broken open, and the purses and money gone. PETER
THOMAS GEORGE, a boy, lived at Trenance. In the Christmas week, saw the
prisoner by the mowhay. He told witness he was going to the mowstead for a
stick, but after being away for some time, he came back without one.
Witness asked him if he had any money; he said yes, and that he had it of
his master, Mr. WILLIAM JOSE. He gave witness a shilling, and witness saw
several shillings with him. On the Monday evening, witness went with
RICHARD GILBERT to the mowstead, and under it they found a purse and four
shillings. Richard Gilbert corroborated the evidence of last witness as to
the finding of the purse and money, and added that on the 1st of January,
prisoner told him of his having entered the prosecutor's house at the
chamber window, forced open the box, and taken the money. The purse was
produced by W. T. PASCOE, a constable, and was identified by the witness,
Christiana Jose. - Guilty.
SECOND COURT - Before J. H. TREMAYNE, Esq. - WILLIAM HICKS, 35, pleaded
Guilty to a charge of stealing, on the 30th of January, last, two silver
spoons, of the value of 5s., the property of FRANCIS DANIELL, of Liskeard.
MARY FEARN, 30, was charged with stealing, on the 21st of January last,
10lbs. of potatoes, value 1s., belonging to GEORGE JULIAN, the elder, of St.
Columb Major. The jury found her guilty.
JOSEPH WILLS, 32[?], charged with stealing a quantity of hay, valued 3s., on
the 14th of January last, the property of WM. KENDALL, of the parish of
Crowan. Guilty.
JOHN PENALUNA, 22, was charged on two counts, - the first with stealing, in
February last, a jacket, pair of trowers, waistcoat, and other articles of
wearing apparel, belonging to T. BARKER, of the parish of Breage; and
secondly, with stealing in the same month, a pair of trowers, a shirt, and
pair of braces, belonging to RICHARD WHITE. Prisoner pleaded guilty to both
counts, alleging he had no friend, and stole the articles through want.
FRANCIS WILLIAMS, 20, pleaded not guilty of stealing on the 11th of
February, from the boiler house of Wheal Lovell mine, in the parish of
Wendron, two pairs of trowsers, the property of RICHARD GLUYAS, a labourer
in Wheal Lovell mine. The evidence addressed was to the effect that on the
11th of February, Gluyas, left the items
THOMAS THOMAS was charged with stealing a pair of shoes belonging to EMANUEL
POOL, a miner in Penhale mine, in the parish of Breage. He pleaded Not
Guilty. It appeared that on the 28th of January last, Pool went down to the
mine, leaving his shoes in the changing house, and on coming up at night
they were missing. They were found in possession of the prisoner on the
Saturday following, by the constable at Breage, to whom prisoner readily
gave them up. Guilty.
JOHN ROGERS, 45, pleaded Not Guilty of stealing one oak post, at
Southpetherwin, belonging to JOHN BENNETT. Bennett, who is in the habit of
placing timber kept for his own business on a waste piece of ground near his
shop, missed on the 14th of January last, a large oak post from this place.
On proceeding to prisoner's house, he found two parts of it burning on his
fire, and the [remaining?] two in the back-house. On the morning of the 4th
of February, the prisoner, who was committed to stand [...petly) sessions
that day, came to prosecutor and asked him to speak to the magistrates in
his behalf; he did not know the post was witness's, or he should not have
taken it. Guilty.
MARGARET BARRY, 22, was found Guilty of stealing fish, and a quantity of
women's wearing apparel, the property of MARIA MARSHALL, a
lodging-house-keeper, at Lostwithiel, on the night of the 8th of January.
GRACE GAY, 17, was charged with stealing a sovereign, the property of
TIMOTHY SYMONS, of Veryan. The prisoner, a respectable looking young
servant, was living in the service of prosecutor, at the time of the alleged
robbery. The prisoner was charged with stealing the sovereign from a desk
in her master's house; but at the close of the evidence for the prosecution,
the chairman said the bench considered the case was not sufficiently made
out to be submitted to the jury, and directed an Acquittal.
JOHN RICHARDS, 12, was found Guilty of stealing a trowel, the property of
RICHARD HAWKE, a mason of St. Agnes.
JONATHAN HANCOCK, 10, pleaded Guilty of stealing a watch, the property of
BENJAMIN SAMPSON and Co., at St. Gluvias.
MICHAEL BURN, 35, was charged with stealing a flannel shirt, the property of
CHARLES TREGENNA, a miner working at Wheal Bewes mine, in the parish of
Duloe. Guilty.
MARY TOMS, 50, was charged with stealing an elm pole, the property of THOMAS
CARPENTER, an innkeeper of Callington. The case occupied the court several
hours, but with details of evidence of an uninteresting character. There
were a number of persons present, however, who appeared to manifest much
interest in the result, the prisoner being a person of apparently
respectable position and character. The verdict of Acquittal was received
with some applause.
WILLIAM BROWN, 33, was charged with stealing three earthenware images and
two shells, the property of JAMES HUGHSON, a lodging-house-keeper, at
Falmouth. The prisoner was a sailor, and after lodging at the house in
February, the articles were missed, and afterwards found at Barragwanath's
public-house, whither prisoner went to lodge from Hughson's. The prisoner
frankly confessed to the constables that he took the articles saying that
"an open confession was good for the soul." In court, too, the prisoner
acknowledged his offence, saying it was owing to being in liquor, - he had
no intention of stealing the things. The constable EVANS, who gave evidence
for the prosecution, voluntarily stated that he had had dealings with the
prisoner, and always found him a very honest man, and the captain of the
vessel on board which prisoner sailed gave him a good character for his
general conduct. The jury found the prisoner Guilty, recommending him to
mercy.
MARY ANN PEARCE, 18, was charged with stealing oranges, biscuits, and sugar
sticks, on the 27th of February, from the shop of JOHN ROBINS, at Penryn.
The prisoner was seen in the evening putting her hand through a broken pane
of glass in the shop window; and information being given to Mrs. Robins, a
quantity of oranges, biscuits, and sugar stick was found on the prisoner,
who said to Mrs. Robins, when the constable was sent for, "if they are
yours, you must have them." Guilty.
FRANCIS MAGOR, 27, was indicted for assaulting EDMUND HALSE, a constable of
the parish of Gwennap, whilst in the execution of his duty. The defendant
lived with his mother, who kept the Commercial Inn at Lanner. On the
evening of the 27th of February, he was in liquor, and behaving very
violently to his mother and brother, who went for the constable HALSE about
ten o'clock. On the constable's arrival, he found the defendant standing in
the passage with a candle and candle-stick in one hand, and a poker elevated
in the other. He said to the constable, "if you enter the house, I'll
cleave you down with this poker." The constable made towards Magor, who
went back to the kitchen, and seized his brother James. There was a
scuffle, and they succeeded in getting defendant on the ground, and
persuaded him to be quiet. But he rose, and struck the constable a blow
under the eye. The constable then got assistance, tied his legs and arms,
and placed him on a seat. The defendant took up a basin from the dresser,
flung it at the constable, and cut his lip. They then secured him hand and
foot, and took him to the lock-up at St. Day. Guilty. There was another
indictment against the defendant for assaulting his brother, but this was
not prosecuted.
The following bills were ignored:- THOMAS MATTHEWS, stealing straw from
RICHARD NETTLE, of St. Austell.
THOMAS KNIGHT, stealing reed from JOHN GIDDY, of Warleggan.
21 MARCH 1845, Friday
FALMOUTH - Thursday, march 20. Arrived, H.M. packet "Petrel," Lieut.
CRESER, with mails and passengers from Brazil, &c., having left Rio on the
16th of January. On freight about £40,000. H.M. packet, "Spider," with
mails and dates from Monte Video to the 11th of December, was at Rio de
Janeiro. H.M. packet "Express," Lieut. HERRICK, will take the mails from
Brazil, &c., next month.
INSOLVENT DEBTORS' COURT. - Bodmin, March 18. A court for the relief of
Insolvent Debtors was held today in the Nisi Prius court, Assize Hall,
before DAVID POLLOCK, Esq., one of the Commissioners. There were only five
cases, three of which were unopposed, and the court sat little more than an
hour and a half. None of the cases were of any interest, except, perhaps,
that of STEPHEN.
FRANCIS VINGOE, unopposed. Insolvent was imprisoned 15th January, at the
suit of THOMAS KEIGWIN for a debt of £30. 19s. 4d. Ordered To Be
Discharged.
GEORGE WILLCOCK, imprisoned 13th February, at the suit of LANGFORD FROST,
for £55. Opposed by Mr. WALLIS. Adjourned to next meeting, and ordered to
give a copy of agreement and transfer made to INNES and PETER, and an
account of all the monies received by the sale of furniture and otherwise,
with the application of the proceeds; the case to be opened as to property,
and for judgment as to Frost's action, for fraudulent defence.
W. STEPHEN, a farmer, committed 19th December, at the suit of Mr. EVERY,
parish of Maker, for £380. Opposed by Mr. LITTLE, of Devonport, for Mr.
Every. According to his own statements, the insolvent, in 1837, was
indebted a large sum to a friend named W. ROE, who in that year put an
execution on his farm stock, &c., under a warrant of attorney, and retained
the proceeds, a balance being left against insolvent, without paying any
other creditor. Before this sale there was a writ out against him, and
during the auction he kept out of the way. After this, being in distress,
Roe again advanced him a large sum to enable him to go on (so far as we
could gather from the unsatisfactory replies of the insolvent, £184. 19s.
was the sum total advanced inclusive of the balance of the former). For
this new advance he gave Roe a bond of security, and made a solemn vow to
let him know should he be ever treated with law. In 1844, Mr. Every caused
him to be served with a writ for arrears of rent, &c., amounting to £380,
but stopped proceedings on his paying £22 of taxed costs, and agreeing to
pay the debt by instalments of £15 half-yearly. A month or two afterwards
insolvent gave Mr. Row a bill of sale, upon which Mr. Roe again sold off all
his effects, retaining his own debt in full, and handing over a balance of
about £40 to insolvent. The statements of the insolvent were of an
exceedingly evasive and unsatisfactory nature, particularly in reference to
his reasons for giving the bill of sale to Roe without making provision for
his other creditors; and on the commissioner asking him whether his friend
would refund the half of the proceeds on condition of his being released
from prison, he replied "I should not wish for it." The Commissioner then
said - Your case has been opposed by a creditor, Mr. Every, who in that
position represents the whole body of the creditors, and he complains that
you have been guilty of an offence preference in favour of Roe, by referring
all your property to him without cause, by which [.....?] he had paid
himself to the exclusion of the other creditors. I do not stop to enquire
whether Roe's debt was a real debt or a fraudulent one, it may have been
real for anything I know to the contrary, but we have to see whether you
have any excuse for paying him everything and your other creditors nothing,
which has been the effect of the bill of sale you gave him. There appears
to me to be great suspicion in the whole transaction. Roe is supposed to be
a creditor in 1837 to a large amount; he sweeps away all your property, and
the .....ment?] this is done advances you a sum nearly as large to enable
you to go on. For that you gave him a bond - (insolvent, "yes"); and then
in 1844, Every, having sued you, and having consented to stop proceedings,
you have paid a portion of the taxed costs and agreed to pay a half-yearly
instalment of £15, - you proceed to give Roe a bill of sale, and he again
sweeps away your whole property, and puts the proceeds into his own pocket.
Now you say you had promised Roe if you were ever treated with law to tell
him of it; and if you had gone to Roe before Every stopped proceedings, you
might have had to-day a little stronger excuse, but you have none, for you
were not treated with law when you went to Roe - it was all over, Mr. Every
having come to terms with you. But you thought proper to go to Roe and give
him a bill of sale. I am of opinion you had no right to give him that
preference; there is not even an apology for it, for you were in no danger
of being pressed with law. The judgment of the court is that you are
entitled to your discharge when you had been in custody at the suit of some
one or other of your creditors for a period not exceeding twelve calendar
months from the date of your vesting order, for undue preference and
fraudulently making away with your property. Subsequently, before recording
judgment, and at the suggestion of Mr. LITTLE, the commissioner called back
Stephen, and said - You may remember I asked if Roe would be willing to
refund the half of what he put into his pocket for the purpose of obtaining
your discharge; he shall have an opportunity of doing so, and if not you
shall have the judgment already pronounced. So I make a different order to
enable him to get you out of prison, on a conditional payment of £90;
otherwise adjourned.
R. CURTIS - imprisoned the 12th of February at the suit of CHAUNCEY JEROME,
and CHAUNCEY JEROME the younger, for £87. 15s. 2d. Unopposed, and Ordered
to be Discharged.
WM. ANGWIN, unopposed. Imprisoned on the 16th of July, 1844, at the suit of
JAMES RICHARDS, for £107. 18s. 6d. Ordered to be Discharged.
ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CORNWALL - We are pleased to hear that the council
have decided on admitting the public to their museum during the Easter week
at six-pence for each person, and only regret that the support afforded by
the inhabitants of Truro and the surrounding neighbourhood does not enable
them to second the enlightened views of those who are now advocating the
general admission of the public gratuitously to public exhibitions so
calculated to amuse and instruct those who visit them.
TRURO DORCAS SOCIETY - We understand that HUMPHRY WILLYAMS, Esq., has just
sent to the committee of this society a donation of £3, with a request that
as the season is inclement, its value may, at once, be distributed, in
useful articles of clothing, among the most necessitous objects; and that
the kind request of the benevolent donor has been already carried into
effect.
REMOVAL OF THE BRAZIL PACKETS FROM FALMOUTH. - It is currently rumoured
that government contemplates stationing at Gibraltar four of the packets now
employed in the conveyance of the Brazil mails from Falmouth. The oriental
steamers are to convey the Brazil mails to Gibraltar where they will be
transhipped on board sailing vessels, and conveyed to their destination. By
this arrangement government calculates upon reducing the number of Brazil
packets to four instead of six, as at present. Alas! Poor Falmouth! They
occupation is almost gone.
FALMOUTH OYSTER FISHERY - There are now nearly 50 large smacks dredging in
Falmouth harbour, principally from Faversham, and they have a large cutter
in attendance to take the oysters every day from each as they dredge them.
The cutter immediately conveys her cargo to Fowey, or somewhere thereabout,
and lays them down, from whence they are subsequently removed and conveyed
to the eastern oyster grounds. By this mode of working, the fishery will
soon become exhausted, if not entirely destroyed, and hundreds of poor men
belonging to the neighbourhood deprived of employment, and most probably
with their families thrown upon the parochial rates.
SAINT BLAZEY MARKET - A few years since St. Blazey depended on Saint
Austell and the adjacent town for supplying the inhabitants with the common
necessaries of life; and scores of the miners, with their wives, were
obliged to repair to those places, after having received their pay at the
mines, to provide for their families the ensuing month. The enterprising
spirit with which Mr. TREFFRY carried on his extensive works in that
neighbourhood, has, however, encouraged Mr. ROBERT PARKYN to build a
market-house for the accommodation of the town, which for convenience and
comfort stands unrivalled. The house being finished, Mr. Parkyn invited a
numerous and respectable party to take an opening dinner with him, on
Wednesday, the 5th instant, all of whom expressed their warmest thanks for
the great boon he had bestowed on the place, and their perfect satisfaction
with the accommodation afforded. About ninety sat down, several loyal and
appropriate toasts were proposed and drunk, and the company separated highly
pleased with the reception they had met with, and expressing their full
determination to support Mr. Parkyn, who had added so much to the comfort
and welfare of the place. As a proof of the approbation of the butchers and
others who hold stalls in the market, they "one and all" unanimously agreed
to give Mr. Parkyn a free dinner that day twelve months.
PENZANCE - That rate British bird, the Fire Crested Wren, Regulus
ignicapillus, was killed in the [......?] near that town, a short time ago.
It is said to be the first and only specimen every seen in this country.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS - On the 7th instant, Mr. WILLIAM TREDWEN, son
of Mr. Tredwen, of Padstow, after examination, was duly passed at the Royal
College of Surgeons, London.
ROBBERY - On Saturday night last, or early on Sunday morning a clothes
shop at Falmouth, belonging to Mr. E. BENNETT, was entered by the lock on
the front door being forced, and a quantity of goods, consisting of
slippers, umbrellas, jackets, waistcoats, trowsers, pilot cloth coats, &c.,
were taken away. Up to this time no clue has been found likely to lead to
the discovery of the guilty parties.
MANSLAUGHTER - On Monday last, a man called WILLIAM DAVEY, of the parish
of Saint Germans, was committed to gaol by Mr. GILBERT HAMLEY, deputy
coroner, for killing and slaying JOHN WEBBER, of the same parish. The two
men fought each other for a very short time, when Davey struck deceased on
the top of the head which the medical gentleman who was sent for had no
doubt caused his death, there being about five ounces of blood on the brain
immediately under the bruise.
MARAZION - On Saturday last, about eleven o'clock on the forenoon, a fire
broke out in the roof of the house occupied by HENRY PEARCE and PERRAN ROWE,
the property of Mr. JOHN VICTOR. Several persons were soon on the spot, and
endeavours were made to extinguish the fire, but in less than two hours the
roof and flooring was entirely destroyed, and nothing left but the walls.
The furniture was saved.
HAYLE - On Saturday afternoon last, two houses situate at the High Lanes,
Phillack, occupied by WILLIAM [BERNMONS?] and NICHOLAS OLIVER, took fire,
and were destroyed. It is supposed that a spark from the chimney ignited
the thatched roof, the whole of which was soon in a blaze. Unfortunately,
no water was to be obtained within the distance of half a mile, and all
attempts to check the raging flames were useless. The property of the
inmates was saved. The premises, the property of two poor men, were not
insured.
NARROW ESCAPE - On Thursday, the 13th instant, about one o'clock in the
afternoon, as a butcher was seeking some lost sheep, he accidentally
discovered a man, named WALTER WILLIAMS, almost frozen to death, on the open
common near Penalurick, in the parish of Stithians, about three miles from
Redruth. It appears that Williams, who is a miner, had been drinking at the
Golden Lion Inn, Wendron, the previous night, and that he left that house at
midnight, on his way home; but he had not proceeded more than half a mile,
before he fell down, or went to lie on the open common, and, insensibility
coming on, he can give no account of anything that followed. He must,
however, have been thus exposed more than twelve hours, during which time
everything around was frozen, and the snow fell on him for hours. When
found, his limbs and joints were stiff, his eyes fixed and glassy, and he
was unable to articulate, swallow, or move. Apparently, death had seized
him for his prey, and it is surprising how he could have lived so long,
exposed as he was during the while night, and part of the following day.
The butcher made an alarm, the man was taken into the house of Mr. EVA,
farmer, and Mr. HARRIS, surgeon, of Redruth, was called in, under whose
treatment he has so far recovered as to be removed to his house, and in a
few days, it is likely he will be able to attend to his usual labour.
FORTUNATE ESCAPE - On Friday last, as a young woman of St. Just in
Penwith, about nineteen years of age, named MARY LEGGOE, was fetching water
from a well, her foot slipped in consequence of the frost, and she fell in.
The well contained about three fathoms of water, and was altogether about
seven fathoms deep. The terrified young woman sunk twice, and was about to
sink again, when she was caught by a young man named RICHARD DAVEY, who
heroically descended the well, and rescued her from her perilous situation.
MELANCHOLY AND FATAL ACCIDENT - On Friday last, as Mr. JOHN TROUNSON, a
respectable farmer, residing at Tregeage, in St. Keverne, was loading his
gun, with the intention of shooting some Plovers on his estate, when in the
act of putting in the shot, he shook the gun, which caused it to go off, and
the contents entered near his left eye and passed through his head, causing
almost instantaneous death. He had only been married about eighteen months.
CORONER'S INQUESTS - Caution to Drunkards - On Monday last, an inquest
was held at Perranzabuloe, before JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body
of WILLIAM HARRIS, aged 26 years, who was killed under the following
circumstances:- Mr. JAMES MICHELL, of Bolingay, farmer, the principal
witness, deposed as follows:- On Saturday morning last, about half past
three o'clock, I and one of my men went with my waggon, and the deceased and
a boy with a waggon belonging to Mr. WILLIAM STEVENS, of this parish, to
fetch two loads of hay from the parish of Saint Ervan. Each waggon was
drawn by three horses. On our return we stopped at St. Columb, where the
deceased, the boy, and my man had three quarts of beer among them. I being
a teetotaller, did not drink any. We then proceeded as far as Michell,
where the horses were fed with nose bags, and not unharnessed. Whilst they
were feeding, deceased and my man went into the public-house, and had some
more drink. The boy was very sick and ill with the beer he had drunk at St.
Columb, and he remained out with me to look after the horses. After the
horses had sufficiently rested, I did all I could to prevail on the deceased
and my man to leave the house, but I was jeered for being a teetotaller, and
at last I started with my waggon without them, and left the boy there with
the other load. After I had gone about three miles, I put on the drag, to
go down a hill which is about half a mile from Zela-lane-end, and presently
afterwards, the drag chain broke. Whilst I was putting this to rights, I
heard the other waggon coming on very swift, and presently they drove their
load up against mine. There was not room for them to pass. I at once saw
that both deceased and my man were drunk. The boy was on the top of
deceased's load. I could not get them to put on the drag. When I asked
them to do so, they laughed at me, and said they could put the waggon down
very well without. As soon as my waggon moved on, and there was room for
the other to pass, the deceased did so, and drove down the hill as fast as
he could. I kept back my load as well as I could, and when I got on about
fifty yards, I found the deceased lying in the road. My man went to look
after him, and I ran on to stop the other waggon. As soon as I had done so,
I went back, and found that deceased was dead. I afterwards got the
assistance of some men to take care of my man, and to move the deceased out
of the road; and I got another man to help me home with the wagons. From
other evidence it appeared that the wheels of the waggon must have gone over
the deceased's body in a slanting direction, from the left knee to the right
shoulder; and as there was a ton of hay in the waggon, he was no doubt
killed on the spot. RICHARD LAMPSHIRE, who went to look after Mr. Michell's
man, found him about twenty yards from the deceased asleep in a pool of
water by the side of the hedge, and had he not immediately taken him to his
own house near by, and made up a large fire to warm him, the probability is
that he would have afforded another instance of the melancholy effects of
intoxication. Verdict, accidental death. Deodand one shilling.
On the same day, an inquest was held at Bissoe Bridge, before the same
coroner, on the body of GRACE KENT, aged three years, who was playing in an
outhouse at the end of her mother's dwelling with a bit of dry turf and a
rag which her little brother, aged six years, had, unknown to any one else,
contrived to set on fire, when the flames got hold of her dress. Her mother
and a neighbour, on hearing the children's cries, immediately ran to her
assistance, and extinguished the flames, but she was so seriously burnt that
she died the following day. Verdict, accidental death.
CORNWALL QUARTER SESSIONS - Thursday, march 13. Before J. K. LETHBRIDGE,
Esq. - ROBERT WALLIS, 27, was indicted for feloniously taking and removing
certain quantities of tin ore with intent to defraud THOMAS COULSON and
others, adventurers in Parknoweth mine, in the parish of St. Just. There
was a second count for fraudulent concealment. Mr. JOHN conducted the
prosecution; Mr. STOKES the defence. The prisoner was one of a pair who
took a pitch in the back of the seventy, in the north lode, at 11s. 6d.
tribute. The felony was alleged to have been committed on stuff raised by
another pair from a pitch in the seventy-five, in the south lode set at 2s.
6d. tribute. Both pairs raised their stuff at the same place, the sump
shaft; but their pitches were thirty-five fathoms apart. The north and
south lodes incline towards each other as they go down - the north lode
underlying faster than the south; but the agents for the mine stated that
the lodes, if they should ever be found to meet, could not do so, judging
from the present underlay, at a less depth than 90 fathoms. Evidence was
given of the prisoner and part of his pair having been seen in the 75,
picking up some of the richest of the stuff there and sending it up to grass
as their own. The agents of the mine stated that the prisoner's pitch had
been poor, throughout the whole period of their take, and that the pair had
been desirous of giving it up; and further that they never worked after they
had sent the rich stuff to grass. For the defence, it was attempted to show
that when the prisoner was at the seventy-five, it was for the purpose of
picking out some of his own stuff that had fallen down from the seventy; and
also that the prisoner's pair had met with somewhat like a bunch in the
course of their working. There was a great deal of conflicting testimony on
these and other points similar to those that usually turn up in the trial of
cases of kitting, which, unfortunately, are no novelty or rarity now. The
case occupied some six or seven hours in hearing; the jury returned a
verdict of Guilty.
SECOND COURT. Thursday, March 14. Before J. H. TREMAYNE, Esq. - ANN
DEEBLE WILLIAMS, 20, was charged with having entered, on the night of the
4th of January last, the larder of W. A. RAWLINGS, butcher and innkeeper at
Padstow, and stolen therefrom a round of beef. She pleaded not guilty. The
evidence showed that ELIZA BROWN, Mr. Rawlings's under cook, salted a round
of beef and put it into the larder on the night in question. The larder was
a detached building in the courtlage, and was shut only with a latch when
the theft was committed. There was a carriage way through the house into
the court, and from thence into a street. Prisoner was seen passing through
this passage at about half-past nine o'clock. On the beef being missed, Mr.
Rawlings traced the droppings of it through the yard in the direction of the
house of the prisoner's father, with whom she lived. With a constable he
went to search for the beef. This was about eleven o'clock at night. They
were admitted into Williams's house, and told there was no beef in it.
Prisoner and her mother were within. Marks like those of a wet round were
seen, however, on the bottom of a chair, which induced them to make further
search, and the missing round was found in a locked cupboard. The jury
returned a verdict of Not Guilty. Mr. COLLINS for the prosecution, and Mr.
BENNALLACK for the defence.
NANCY DEEBLE WILLIAMS, mother of the last prisoner, was indicted for
receiving the beef, but in consequence of the verdict in the former case,
the charge failed, and she was accordingly Acquitted.
HENRY TREZISE, 25, was charged with having stolen on the 4th of January,
last, about one hundred pounds weight of copper ore, the property of H.
PRYNN ANDREW, Esq., and others, adventurers in the Consolidated mines,
Gwennap. Pleaded not guilty. FRANCIS TIDDY called; He and his brother,
WM. TIDDY, have a pitch in Consolidated mines on the 188th fathom level, at
5s. The prisoner had a pitch at the back of the same level, at 13s. 4d.
Witness and his brother had lost ore from their pitch so frequently as to
complain to the Captains. Capt. JEFFERY instructed them to mark some ore,
so that it might be identified if found elsewhere. On Saturday, the 4th of
January, they accordingly marked seven or eight pieces, by stopping up the
crevices with clay, and one with grease. They placed these stones on their
pile, and left the mine about three o'clock in the afternoon. The only
person left in the level was prisoner. They heard him working when they
left, called to him, and he answered. They looked at his pile on going out.
On Monday morning, at twenty-five minutes past seven, they went down again.
Some of their ore was away from the pile. They then went to prisoner and
asked if he had seen anybody take it away. He replied "no." Witness said
he believed he had it. Prisoner said "Well, you may condemn me, but I have
never had it." Witness then went for Capt. Jeffery. Capt. Jeffery, on
coming to prisoner's pile, removed in the presence of prisoner, witness, and
William Tiddy, some small stuff from the top, and took out three of the
stones that witness and his brother had marked with clay, and the one marked
with grease, besides some others which they had not marked, and one in
particular, broken by his brother, which he recognised from certain
peculiarities. Prisoner said to Capt. Jeffery that he had broken them in
his pitch. The stones in witness's pitch were of higher colour and richer
nature than those in prisoner's. Cross-Examined:- Trezise's pitch is about
128 or 130 fathoms from witness's on the 188th fathom level. There was only
one pair of men working between them, but altogether there were five pairs
in that level. A boy named Worsley worked with the prisoner.
Wm. Tiddy corroborated the evidence of his brother, and said that he
recognised the stones taken from prisoner's heap as belonging to himself and
his brother, and one in particular, which he himself had broken, and struck
with its peculiar appearance, had immediately shown to his brother. Looked
at prisoner's pile on Saturday when leaving, and on Monday morning a great
quantity seemed to have been added to it. The prisoner said that he went up
from the mine at eight o'clock on the Saturday evening; the usual hour for
retiring is three or four o'clock. JOHN JEFFERY examined; Is one of the
under-ground captains. Prisoner's pitch was set at 13s. 4d., and Tiddy's at
5s. The former was set for December month, and had not been worked for
twelve months before. (Mr. Jeffery here corroborated the evidence of the
Tiddys up to the finding of the stones, and the prisoner's assertion that he
had broken them in his own pitch, and then continued). The ore in
prisoner's pitch might be worth from GBP5 to GBP6 per ton; and that in
Tiddy's nearly GBP10. Does not think the stones found in prisoner's pile
could have been broken in his pitch any time in December. On the Wednesday
following, went to his pitch with Capt. Davey, and asked prisoner to go and
break in it a stone or two like those found, but he refused - saying at
first "I shan't do it," and again "I cannot do it now." Witness and a miner
named COLLINS broke some ore, but could find none so rich as that from the
pile. The ores were given to the constable. Cross-Examined - On Monday,
heard the prisoner say he came up on Saturday from half-past seven to eight.
Capt JOHN DAVEY was then examined, and confirmed the previous evidence, but
nothing new was elicited. He asked the prisoner when he went up, and the
reply was "about eight." J. BAWDEN, constable at Gwennap, then produced the
stolen ores and the sample taken from prisoner's pitch, all of which were
identified and shown to the jury. Mr. Bennallack then called for the
defence, JOHN WORSLEY, aged 15, who stated he was working with Trezise all
day on the Saturday, and remained with him till he went in the evening.
Trezise worked in his pitch all day, and never brought ore from any other
pitch. Saw Bawden, the constable, on Wednesday. Bawden said to witness
"Henry Trezise has been up, and confessed." Witness said, "What did he
confess?" He said "I carried away all the ore in the belly of my shirt."
Bawden asked witness "did you or did you not? If you did you had better say
so, or you'll be hanged or have your ears cut off." Witness replied, "I
know nothing about it." Bowden threatened him a great deal, and asked where
was his father or mother. Witness said he had no mother, she was dead.
During the whole of Saturday never saw Trezise leave the pile; if he had
done so, witness must have known it. Cross-Examined - Have worked with
Trezise about two months. Before Captain Jeffery was down (7th of December)
they had broken some good ore, by which a man might earn GBP3 a month, but
afterwards the ore was not so good. On the Saturday, the worked till about
five o'clock, and then went up both together. Is quite sure of that. Got
to grass a little before six, witness first, and prisoner not half a minute
behind. Never said it was eight o'clock when they got up. Saw Bawden in
Mr. Williams's (the magistrate) office; it was there he threatened him.
Told George Trezise, the prisoner's brother, of it on Tuesday last, while
coming up. Had never seen the prisoner since being at the magistrate's till
now. Being shown the stones taken from prisoner's pile, said he did not
know who broke them. (Witness was now repeatedly asked whether he had seen
any as good broken from prisoner's pitch, but always replied he "did not
know;" at length he said he believe he had seen as good, but would not
swear to it) Had been working three years. Is a roller. Does not know
whether he ever saw better ore in Trezise's pitch that was broken on the 4th
of January. Did not see Trezise carry ore in the front of his shirt that
day. Re-Examined. - Prisoner and witness started together, and when they
got to the top, were both on one ladder. By the Chairman - Worked in the
same pitch with Trezise for two months, but it was not "put to book" till
the 7th of December. Saw G. Trezise on Tuesday evening last, but not
before. Had seen his wife, and conversed with her about this sometimes.
Trezise owes him 34s., but nothing was ever said about it. It was dark when
they got up from the mine; both went to S. Hancock's and stayed there until
nine o'clock, and then went home. Cross-Examined - Had not seen the
prisoner since being at Mr. Williams's until to-day. Did not go down to
where the prisoners are kept, with George Trezise. Constable Bawden
re-called for the prosecution. Saw the boy at Mr. Williams's office, for
two minutes. Never said to him that Trezise had confessed, or that he had
carried away all the ore in the belly of his shirt. Did not say to him that
if he had carried it away he had better say so, or he would be hanged, or
have his ears cut off, or anything like it. Heard him say, that they came
up at a quarter past eight o'clock, and that they went to Hancock's
public-house, and remained there until half-past ten. That was in answer to
a question from Mr. Williams's clerk. Cross-Examined - Asked him if his
father was there, and told him he had better be careful what he said.
Witness then went up stairs again, having only come down for some papers for
Mr. Williams. Captain Davy and Francis Tiddy were re-called, and both spoke
to having seen George Trezise and the witness Worsley go down the stairs to
the place where the prisoners are kept waiting for trial, on the previous
morning. Witnesses could not say whether they had seen the prisoner. This
completed the evidence, during the delivery of which, an objection to the
indictment was made by Mr. Bennallack, on the following ground:- the charge
was founded on three counts, in each of which the following words "then and
there," as marked in italics, were omitted from the phrase "being then and
there so employed, feloniously did remove, with intent then and there to
defraud, &c." Mr. Shilson, in reply, contended that the objection was not a
vital one, inasmuch as the indictment contained every allegation that was
necessary. The point was reserved. The Chairman then summed up, after
which, the jury returned a verdict of Guilty.
JANE POMERY, was brought up on a charge of misdemeanour, for having obtained
from Peter BENNALLACK, grocer, in Veryan, two ounces of tea, two ounces of
snuff, and one pound of currants, pretending that she had been sent for
these articles by Mrs. E. GAY, and that the amount of value was to be put
down to Mrs. Gay's account. She pleaded not guilty, and before going to
trial, Mr. SHILSON, for the defence, demurred to the indictment, that it was
bad on the face of it inasmuch as the pretence laid was not negatived; but
the point was reserved. Mr. Bennallack then called for the prosecutor,
Peter Bennallack, who stated that Mrs. Pomery had been in the habit of
coming to his shop for goods for herself and others; that on the 21st of
November, she came and said that she had been sent by Mrs. Gay for two
ounces of tea, two ounces of snuff, and one pound of currants, and that the
goods were delivered to her, and she took them away. In his
cross-examination, witness admitted that the prisoner had been in the habit
of getting goods at his shop for Mrs. Gay during the last six months. On
asking for the goods in question, she said Mrs. Gay had sent her for them;
that was all. Mrs. Gay owed him GBP3. 8s.; and he had got a friend to write
to her for it. That friend was a lawyer, but Mrs. Gay knew him (witness)
very well, and he did not mean to frighten her; he got his friend to write
only in a friendly way. Mrs. Gay agreed to pay GBP1. 19s., the half of the
debt. On being asked who this friend was, witness demurred to the question,
saying he did not like to name his attorneys, and asked the court if he was
obliged to answer it; the Chairman replied affirmatively, whereupon witness
said it was Mr. CARLYON, of St. Austell, as we understood.) Had known
prisoner for thirty years, and had never heard anything of this kind against
her; but if a woman contracted debts and did not pay them he would call that
a dishonest trick. This witness (the prosecutor) showed much cautious
reluctance during his cross-examination, especially at the part relating to
his friend the lawyer; he had applied in the first instance, it appeared,
to Mr. Shilson, but that gentleman told him he would have nothing to do with
his case. Mr. Bennallack then called Mrs. Gay, but previously to examining
her, told the prosecutor, who seemed somewhat anxious to be his own lawyer,
that he ought to conduct his case himself, for he was ashamed of it, and
would much rather have had nothing to do with it. Mrs. Gay then proved she
had sent the prisoner for goods several times, but that she did not send her
on the 21st of November, and did not receive the articles. This completed
the case, and Mr. Shilson now objected that the pretence as laid in the
indictment was not proved; it was proved that prisoner said to Mr.
Bennallack she had been sent for the articles by Mrs. Gay, but there was no
proof of her saying their value was to be put down to Mrs. Gay's account.
Mr. Bennallack, in reply, contended that the proof of prisoners asking for
the goods, receiving them, and that Mrs. G. had never got them, was
sufficient. The Chairman held the objection to be good, and directed the
jury to an acquittal, which was accordingly done. Mrs. Pomery was then
discharged, and the prosecutor left the court vowing he would prosecute her
at the assizes.
FIRST COURT - The prisoners were then brought up, and sentenced as
follows:-
J. HANCOCK, One Week's Imprisonment, with Hard Labour, and to be Once
Privately Whipped.
W. BROWN and JOHN RICHARDS, Two Weeks' Imprisonment, and Hard Labour.
J. OLIVER, One Month's Imprisonment and Hard Labour, and to be Once
Privately Whipped.
T. THOMAS, J. ROGERS, G. KERNICK, W. BONDS, and R. JAGO, One Month's
Imprisonment with Hard Labour.
MARY PEARN, on account of being near her confinement, had the lenient
sentence of One Week's Imprisonment.
ELIZA WILLIS, W. HICKS, MARY ANN PEARCE, and JOSEPH WILLS, Two Months' Hard
Labour.
MARGARET BARRY, JOHN CLEMOW, M. BURN, J. PENALUNA, JOHN LORD, and W.
WILLIAMS, Three Months' Hard Labour.
J. C. PARKYN, M. NOWELL, G. LAMSHIRE, HENRY PEARCE, and B. YOUNGMAN, Four
Months' Hard Labour.
F. CADDY, J. H. MATTHEWS, J. HARRIS, ANN TRUDGEON, J. M. MATTHEWS, and R.
WALLIS, Six Months' Hard Labour.
MARY ALLEN, and JANE GEACH, Nine Months' Hard Labour.
FRANCIS MAGOR, Two Months' Hard Labour.
JOHN SCOWN, Discharged, no one having appeared against him.
On HENRY TREZISE being brought up for sentence, Mr. Bennallack moved for
arrest of judgment on the point formerly stated, and after it was argued,
the court declared against it, expressing a regret that they had not the
power, like the judges of assize, of reserving the point. Trezise was then
sentenced to Six Months' Hard Labour.
28 MARCH 1845, Friday
LONDON ASSURANCE CORPORATION, Established A.D. 1720. JOHN CLARK POWELL,
Esq., Governor. ABEL CHAPMAN, Esq., Sub-Governor. LESTOCK PEACH WILSON,
Esq., Deputy-Governor. Directors. ROBERT ALLEN, Esq., JOHN A. ARBUTHNOT,
Esq., GEORGE BARNES, Esq., HENRY BANSHARD, Esq., JOHN WATSON BORRADILLE,
Esq., EDWARD BURMESTER, Esq., HENRY CAYLEY, Esq., AARON CHAPMAN, Esq., M.P.,
ROBERT COTESWORTH, Esq., CHARLES CRAWLEY, Esq., BONAMY DOBREE, Jun., Esq.,
JAMES DOWIE, Esq., JOHN FURSE, Esq., EDWIN GOWER, Esq., SAMUEL GREGSON,
Esq., EDWARD HARNAGE, Esq., CHARLES KERR, Esq., ROBERT KING, Esq., WILLIAM
KING, Esq., JOHN ORD, Esq., GEORGE PROBYN, Esq., JOHN REES, Esq., DANIEL
STEPHENSON, Esq., THOMAS WEEDING, Esq.
CORNWALL LENT ASSIZES - On Tuesday evening last, Mr. Justice ERLE arrived
at Bodmin. He was met by FRANCIS RODD, Esq., the Sheriff about the usual
place, but there was no display. Immediately on entering the town, his
Lordship proceeded to the county hall, and opened the commission. Mr.
Justice COLERIDGE was detained in Exeter, and did not arrive in Bodmin until
about half-past six o'clock on Wednesday evening. On Wednesday morning, Mr.
Justice Erle attended divine service, which was conducted by the Sheriff's
Chaplain, the Rev. CHARLES RODD, rector of Northhill. Mr. Rodd chose for
his text, Luke, xix, v. 42. After service, his Lordship proceeded to the
County Hall, and the court was opened with the usual formalities.
The following gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury:- Sir W. L. S.
TRELAWNEY, Bart, Foreman. E. W. W. PENDARVES, Esq., E. COLLINS, Esq., of
Trewardale, J. H. TREMAYNE, Esq., F. G. GREGOR, Esq., T. J. A. ROBARTES,
Esq., E. ARCHER, Esq., G. W. F. GREGOR, Esq., W. HEXT, Esq., E. COLLINS,
Esq., of Truthan, H. P. RAWLINGS, Esq., S. DAVEY, Esq., W. B. CLEMENTS,
Esq., H. P. ANDREW, Esq., N. KENDALL, Esq., W. BRADDON, Esq., J. GWATKIN,
Esq., D. P. HOBLYN, Esq., W. PEEL, Esq., COLMAN RASHLEIGH, Esq., W.
MORSHEAD, Esq., C. B. SAWLE, Esq., J. LYNE, Esq.
The following Magistrates also answered to their names:- R. G. BENNET,
Esq., C. P. BRUNE, Esq., J. PHILLPOTTS, Esq., R. BULLER, Clerk, H.
MOLESWORTH ST. AUBYN, Clerk., T. PHILLPOTTS, Clerk, DARELL STEPHENS, Clerk.
TRIALS OF PRISONERS - ELIZABETH BROKENSHIRE, pleaded not guilty to a
charge of stealing, on the 11th of March last, two gallons of potatoes, the
property of THOMAS LUKE, farmer, of Luxulian. It appeared the prisoner was
employed in the service of the prosecutor; and on the day in question, Mrs.
Luke, the prosecutor's wife, saw her go into the garden with an empty maund
in her hand, and come out again carrying it full of potatoes; she then went
into a house near by, which was her own, but which she did not occupy, and
leaving the potatoes there came out again. Mrs. Luke then went to a
neighbour, named SAMUEL ROBERTS, and got him to accompany her to the
prisoner's house, where she charged her with the theft. Prisoner replied,
"yes, she had taken some for supper," and she then took Mrs. Luke and
Roberts and showed them the potatoes, and offered to take them back. About
a quarter of an hour afterwards she went to Mrs. Luke, and said if Mrs. Luke
would forgive her she would take back the potatoes; but Mrs. Luke said she
could no nothing with it, but must leave it to her husband. The prisoner,
in defence, said that Mr. Luke had authorised her to take a few potatoes at
any time for her children, but this Mr. Luke positively denied. His
Lordship summed up and the jury returned a verdict of Guilty. The Court
then passes sentence of One Month's Imprisonment.
RICHARD OKE, 35, was charged with stealing, on the 15th of January last, on
the highway between Camelford and Stratton from SARAH ELLEN HARRIS, a pocket
handkerchief, a shilling in copper, 1s. 6d. in silver, and a pair of gloves,
the property of the said Sarah E. Harris, and of ANN THOMAS. The prisoner
pleaded not guilty. Mr. ROWE conducted the prosecution, and Mr. SLADE the
defence. The first witness called was the prosecutor, Sarah Ellen Harris,
who as our readers may recollect, was convicted of bigamy at last assizes,
and sentenced to seven days' imprisonment for that offence. She now stated
that on the 15th of January last she and Ann Thomas were travelling from
Camelford to Stratton. On their way, they stopped for refreshment at a
public house in Poundstock, at about four o'clock, and saw the prisoner
there. Paid for the beer they had, and besides that, took out a shilling in
copper and 1s. 6d. in silver, which, with a pair of gloves belonging to Ann
Thomas, she wrapt up in a handkerchief, and put into a basket. Prisoner was
in the same room at the time. She and Thomas then left, and proceeded in
the direction of Stratton. On the road she heard some one running behind,
and looking round saw it was the prisoner who came up and walked close
behind her. On getting to Widemouth bridge, Ann Thomas pulled her by the
arm to stop and see if he would go on; but he did not. She moved on, and
prisoner passed her. Met a woman on the bridge, and asked her if she knew
that man, and was told nobody in that part of the country knew him. He said
to witness "mistress, are you afraid of me?" Witness replied "you are very
suspicious like; we are lone women; and if you are an honest man walk on,
walk on; "she said she wanted nothing but civility, and that he had run
after them. Ann Thomas was behind now. Prisoner began to swear very much,
and said he was on the Queen's highway, and could run, or stand, as he
liked. Both then walked on till they came to an arm of the road, when
prisoner came up and said he would not hurt her for all the world. He then
pushed her with his elbow, and threw her down at the side of the road; and
while down he lifted up the basket cover, took out the handkerchief and its
contents, and then ran on towards Stratton. He had on a fustian jacket and
trowsers, blue shirt and black hat. On recovering, witness called out to
Ann Thomas, and both went on their way. They came up to a man named JAMES
HEARD, and complained to him of prisoner's treatment. He said he had seen a
man run by, and went with them to Stratton. Gave a description of the
prisoner to the police officer a little after six o'clock, and soon after he
was brought in custody. The officer searched him, and found three
sovereigns some silver and Ann Thomas's gloves in his pocket. Cross-Examined
- The money was taken from his trowsers pocket. Thinks it was from the
right side pocket. The gloves also came out of his trowsers pocket. She
never moved off her seat or touched his jacket whilst he was being searched.
Was tried her at the last assizes. Mr. Slade - and they sent you to
prisoner? Yes, and on a wrong charge. Were you ever in Bath jail? I
expect to be in jail all the days of my life. Were you and your friend Ann
Thomas ever in Bath jail for robbing your lodgings? Prisoner declined to
answer the question, but was ordered to do so by the Court. She then said
she never robbed her lodgings in her life, but on the question being
repeated, replied "yes." She could not tell how long she was imprisoned.
Ann Thomas was with her. Never called her her niece. Did they convict you
of bigamy at the last assizes? Yes. How many husbands have you ? I never
had one. Did the jury not convict you of having two husbands? I never was
married in my life. Come, Come now, did not the jury convict you of having
two husbands? They did. And you were sent to Bodmin jail for it? Yes.
What was your first husband's name? I was never married. The court here
said that she might be able to tell the name, for she must have heard it in
court. She then said the name was DAVID HARRIS. Did you see him? I never
saw him in my life. What is your maiden name? Harris. What was the name of
your second husband? THOMAS URCH. You never saw him before? No, till they
brought him forward as my second husband. Was not your maiden name MORRIS?
No. You never have been married? No. You have got a daughter? No, I
never had a child in my life. Witness then went on to say, in reply to the
learned counsel's searching queries, that she was a Welshwoman, and had been
in many counties, and had come to Liskeard about twelve months ago. She
gained her livelihood by honesty, the sort of honesty being the sale of
tracts of her own composition (one of which she held in her hand). She
preaches, and has very often a good audience. Ann Thomas was a female
friend of hers. Is she clerk? Well, perhaps she is. Was committed to
prison from Liskeard. Went back again in about a month, and went round the
country. Do you ever collect any money? Never. Was your only means of
subsistence these tracts? Sometimes after preaching they have collected
between themselves three or four shillings, but unasked for. Prisoner was
then asked if she ever charged anybody with robbing her before - she first
replied "no;" but on the Learned Counsel cautioning her, and assisting her
memory a little, she cried - "Oh yes, I recollect," and admitted having
charged a travelling sweep in Gloucestershire, but she had forgot that the
charge was a failure. She further denied having charged a person with the
same offence in Somersetshire. Being asked to explain how on the 15th of
January (present case), Ann Thomas happened to have fallen behind her, she
said that Thomas was a very nervous young woman, and had got so frightened
with prisoner that she could not walk. What I want to understand, said Mr.
Slade is how came you to leave your nervous clerk behind? Because I was not
able to carry her. Was not nervous herself - she (witness) was not afraid
to face anybody. So the robber stuck to the old woman, and left the young
woman alone. (After a pause) - Why, he stuck to you. The robbery took
place about five o'clock. Never stopped but at the one public house. The
gloves were wrapped up in the handkerchief. Knows a person of the name of
BEST, in Liskeard. Has been to his house. He is a married man. Are you
fond of him? No, not more than of any other. Did you try to kiss him in
the garden one day? No, - (after a pause) - he is the last man in the world
I should have attempted to kiss. Do you smoke as well as drink? No - I
swear it; she then added - I never smoked in JOHN BEST's house. Perhaps you
smoked in his garden? No, I never smoked at all. Were you not seen smoking
at the turnpike gate here last week? Witness replied no, then said she only
smoked a bit of cocksfoot, having been directed to do so by a medical
gentleman, as she was afflicted with pains in her stomach and chest. She
was first recommended to smoke in France, but she had smoked in England, in
Cornwall. She then admitted she had mixed a little tobacco with the
cocksfoot, but, to be sure, it was all by the direction of the medical man.
She could not say how many pipes she took per day, but they were but few -
she took the pipe the first thing in the morning, and besides, when she
wanted it, sometimes during the day, and sometimes in the evening. All she
ever drank at Mr. Best's was a pint of cider. By Mr. Rowe - Was never
charged with bigamy until she came to Liskeard. Was tried the last day of
assize, and sentenced to seven days' imprisonment. Ann Thomas told the same
story as to the alleged robbery, as the preceding witness had told. She was
so greatly frightened that she remained behind till Harris called upon her.
Cross-Examined. Was not very easily frightened. Have been about five years
connected with Harris having joined her at Bath. Was convicted there of
stealing bed-clothes from their lodgings. Mrs. Harris does not drink hard.
She smokes, and never knew her smoke anything but tobacco. The police
officer brought in a man before the prisoner, but Mrs. Harris said he was
not the man. Never heard Mrs. Harris had accused anybody of robbing her
before. It appeared that Mrs. Harris had been also in jail at Bideford, and
witness said she was present when she was before the magistrates, and that
something had been said about her wanting a hawker's license.
JAMES HEARD, labourer, was on his way from Camelford to Stratton on the
evening of the 15th of January last. About five o'clock the two former
witnesses came up, and one of them complained that a man had ill-used her.
Previously to this a man had run past him towards Stratton. Went on with
the women to Stratton. The constable brought another man first whom the
women said was not the person. The officer then brought the prisoner, and
witness saw the sovereigns, silver, and gloves taken from his pocket.
SAMUEL GODDARD, police officer at Stratton, received instructions from
Harris, on the 15th of January last, that she had been robbed; and from the
description she gave he apprehended the prisoner, and took him to the
Commercial Inn, where the women were, who identified him. He said he had
robbed nobody. Harris took him by the sleeve, and said that was the same
jacket which the man had on. Witness searched him, and found two or three
sovereigns, with some silver, and a pair of gloves, in the left hand
trowsers pocket. Harris said the gloves were Ann Thomas's. Ann Thomas
affirmed they were hers. Had taken a man before, but discharged him, on
Mrs. Harris saying he was not the man who robbed her. Cross-Examined;
Never saw Mrs. Harris before. If what he had heard the Liskeard constable
say of her this morning were true, he would not believe her on her oath.
She was sitting, but got up and took the prisoner by the arm, and turned him
round to look at his jacket, and seeing some cuts in it she said that was
the jacket. A handkerchief was found on him, but Harris did not identify
it. When witness found the gloves he held them up and asked if they knew
anything of them. Mrs. Harris replied they were Ann Thomas's, and Ann
Thomas said they were hers. Mrs. Harris had told him she had lost half a
crown in money, but had said nothing about the gloves. Prisoner went with
him very willingly. Ann Thomas was then recalled, and shown the gloves.
She said they were hers, and identified them by a hole in the forefinger of
one, which she had patched up hastily one day with cotton thread of a colour
different from the article itself. Mr. Slade examined her minutely as to
various other darns in the glove, and asked whether she had ever singed one
of them? Witness reply, after some uncertainty, that she did recollect of
something of the kind having happened. Mr. Slade then called witnesses to
disprove the credibility of the woman Harris.
Mr. EVEREST, the jailor, said he knew her, and would not believe her on her
oath. The court inquired the reason for this, and Mr. Everest stated that
when she was under his charge, she positively denied, but afterwards
admitted, that she had been formerly tried. Sometime after, the governor of
the Bath jail came down to identify her, and on his taking him to see her
she said that she did not know him. The Bath visitor then said - "You are
wrong- you were in custody in Bath for robbing your lodgings." Oh, "she
replied, that was nothing, I was not guilty of it." John Best - Knew
Harris, and would not believe her on her oath. She lodged in his house at
Liskeard nearly five weeks. He caught her smoking in his green-house; at
first she denied it, saying she never smoked in her life, and could not bear
the smell of tobacco. She drank to excess, and he turned her out of his
house as soon as he detected her. Cross-Examined - I took no part in
bringing her before the magistrate. She was a preacher at Liskeard. I am
no preacher. I am engaged in exhortations, but am no preacher. She was
considered a popular preacher by some, but not by me. On enquiry from the
court as to the grounds on which he would disbelieve her, witness said -
First, I have heard her stand up before four or five hundred people uncalled
for and say "I am a virgin for Jesus Christ; I never was married, and never
had a child - may the Lord strike me if it is not so with his judgment." I
never saw her keeping house with any man as a married woman. My next reason
is that she stated to me that she never smoked, and could not bear the smell
of tobacco, and yet I had caught her in the very act. My third reason is,
she stated that she never drank any beer, and I caught her helping a little
boy of mine over the wall with a jug of it. My lord, I could take up the
time of the court in speaking of her infamy. She has done to my family what
nothing but the grave can cover. Unfortunately, she has got a great
influence over my wife. The court asked what kind of influence was that -
was it a religious influence, owing to the views of Harris as a preacher?
The witness replied - my wife [was not of?] such a clear view as she ought
to have, she unfortunately inculcated sin on her in my absence. His
Lordship again tried to ascertain if it was a religious influence that
Harris had borne over the wife. On the other side, my Lord, said the
witness; it appears that the same wicked principles this woman possesses had
been interwoven in my wife. His Lordship asked witness to speak a little
more definitely; had some difference arisen between his wife and him in
consequence of the change of opinion effected in her? Witness - What I
refer to is that she had exercised such an influence over my wife that she
has acted against the interest of her family, and consequently broken the
peace of her family. His Lordship - She has given away some of your money?
Witness - Yes, she was a supporter of this woman whilst she was in Bodmin
jail. Witness further stated that the money was not all, for in the
persecution that rose against him for showing what Harris really was, his
wife, instead of acting as his friend, has joined his enemies against him,
consequently his consequence was gone, and consequently he had sustained a
loss. He would not punish a dog on the oath of Harris. JOHN DAW, a farmer
from Devonshire, gave the prisoner an excellent character. Mr. HAMLEY, a
farmer, also spoke to the same effect. CORNELIUS SIMMONS, constable at
Liskeard, would not believe Harris on her oath. His judgment was partly
founded on what he heard from her own mouth as a preacher. She was abusing
the inhabitants of Liskeard; she called them "hypocritical devils." The
counsel for the defence and the prosecution having addressed the jury, his
lordship summed up in a very orderly and distinct manner, but somewhat
strongly in favour of the charge. The jury then consulted together about
three quarters of an hour, and returned a verdict of Not Guilty. The
various cross-examinations in this trial, were particularly that of Harris,
awarded much amusement to the audience.
The following bills have been ignored:- WILLIAM EVANS, a bestial offence.
FRANCIS OLIVER, killing and slaying MARTIN ROWE TONKIN. JOHN MATTHEWS,
stealing a shilling from WILLIAM HENRY COOMBE.
ELECTION OF CHURCH WARDENS FOR THE BOROUGH OF HELSTON - A meeting for this
purpose took place on Tuesday last, at the Vestry-room in the church, in
pursuance of notice to that effect; and after the chair had been taken by
the Rev. WALTER BLUNT, the curate, it was proposed and seconded that the
meeting be adjourned to the Guildhall. The motion having been acquiesced in
by the curate, who said he "thought it a much better place than one so near
the walls of the holy edifice," the meeting was adjourned accordingly. Mr.
Blunt then rose and said, that before entering on the business of the
meeting, he wished to say a few words to his parishioners, as they were then
congregated together. He then took from his pocket a written document, and
after saying, gentlemen, we are met here for the discharge of a most
important duty, he gave utterance to much ill-nature and bitterness against
his parishioners, charging many of them with having been guilty of
circulating calumnious reports, and with numerous other evils of a like
nature; and when pressed for the names of the parties to whom he referred by
some of the most respectable members of the meeting, he gave no answer,
continued reading amidst unceasing hisses and groans, with cries of "go to
business." At length the Rev. Gentleman, having got through his written
address, said, he had no one to propose as churchwarden, and should
therefore leave the election entirely in the hands of the parishioners. The
truth appears to be that, after canvassing the town, there was not one to be
found who would stand as the clergyman's churchwarden. Mr. Blunt then gave
as his reason for leaving the meeting, "that he had a higher and more holy
duty to perform - that of the administration of the holy sacrament." The
hour for church not having yet arrived, the parishioners thought their
chairman would then enter into the [.........?] of the meeting, but without
any ceremony he jumped from the chair upon the table, amidst tremendous
hissing, hooting, and cries of "the man is made," "mind the hats," &c. Thus
the Rev. gentleman left the hall without entering into any business
whatever; and after having acted in so strange and acrimonious a manner, on
reaching the door, he turned round, wished them a good morning, and went and
administered the sacrament to his few in the church. After the excitement
of this strange affair had abated, JOHN SILVESTER, Esq., was called to take
the chair; and having complied with the request of the meeting, he rose and
said, that as they had conferred on him the honour of calling him to the
chair, he hoped he should fill it with a better spirit than the gentleman
who had just left (cheers).
Mr. FREDERICK HILL, churchwarden, then delivered a long and able speech,
first animadverting on the conduct of the Rev. Gentleman for the manner in
which he had left the chair, and then giving a general outline of the course
that he and his colleague had adopted in the late church affair, stating
that he had received letters from every part of England and the continent,
hoping that he would continue the good fight, which he was determined to do,
confident it would meet with his fellow parishioners' concurrence (long and
hearty cheering). Mr. Hill then referred to his being put in the
Consistorial Court at Exeter, for taking the custody of the church plate
(there being no parish chest), which excited cries of "who put you in the
Court?" The answer was I can't get any one to say they did (cries of
shame). The learned gentleman went on to state that he should be ever happy
to continue in the office of churchwarden, though it was a painful and
difficult task at the present time; but he would continue as he also
believed Mr. Clarke would, to act as the representative of the parishioners
until a new minister was appointed for Helston, and peace was restored
within the walls of the church. Mr. Hill then avowed publicly his
determination that neither he nor his family should attend the services in
the church whilst Mr. Blunt continued to officiate there; for he never
thought such conduct as that which had been exhibited at the meeting was
possible, even from Mr. Blunt. Mr. F. JAMES, after adverting to the strange
conduct of Mr. Blunt, in a neat and appropriate speech proposed that Messrs.
Hill and Clarke be re-elected, and that the thanks of the meeting be given
to them for the praiseworthy manner in which they conducted the late church
case, which was carried unanimously, with cheers and three times three.
Messrs. Hill and Clarke returned thanks, and the business of the day having
been gone through, a vote of thanks was given to the chairman, John
Silvester, Esq., after which the meeting closed.
ECCLESIASTICAL - The degree of Doctor in Divinity has been conferred on
the Rev. Prebendary MEDLEY, Bishop elect of New Brunswick, and late of
Truro.
THE RECTOR OF ST. COLUMB AGAIN - This Rev. gentleman, notwithstanding the
repeated admonitions of his parishioners, seems determined to annoy and
disoblige them in every manner and on every occasion. A "mutual Improvement
Society" having been formed at St. Columb, it was deemed judicious, by its
members, to have a few public lectures delivered, in order to give the
inhabitants of the neighbourhood generally an idea of what its objects were.
Mr. SANDERS, of Wadebridge, was the first person to whom they applied, and
he cheerfully complied with their request. Accordingly, on Wednesday the
5th instant, he attended, and read an interesting paper on "China and the
Chinese," to a crowded and respectable audience, assembled in a room kindly
let by Mr. POLKINHORN, of the hotel, for the occasion. Mr. W. K. NORWAY, of
Wadebridge, whose fame as a lecturer is known far and wide, was the next
person to whom an application was made; and he, in like manner, consented,
and read his eloquent lecture on "Historical Fictions" to a numerous and
highly gratified audience, on Wednesday, the 19th instant. It was thought
advisable, however, to endeavour to procure a larger room for that occasion,
and the rector was asked to lend the National School room. His answer was a
flat refusal saying "that if he were to lend it once he might do nothing but
lend." It is to be observed that this room has never been used for the last
six months, and when Mr. WALKER, the rector, purchased the living, it was
not built, but has been since erected by the late rector and the
neighbouring gentry; the present rector subscribed only GBP10 our of GBP656.
18s. 7 1/2 d. [?]. which was the cost of erecting the Fabric. So that the
present rector of St. Columb discountenances a society which would tend to
enlighten and improve the minds of his parishioners, on the principle, we
presume, of "You shall know nothing but what I teach you."
FALMOUTH CHURCH - On Monday last, a vestry was held in the parish church
for the purpose of choosing church-wardens for the ensuing year, when Mr.
THOMAS PENROSE DIXON was chosen for the rector, and Mr. W. J. CLARKE for the
parish.
TRURO INSTITUTION - On Thursday evening, the 20th instant, Mr. WILLIS, of
Penzance, gave a very interesting lecture on combustion, which was
illustrated by a variety of striking and beautiful experiments. The thanks
of the meeting were unanimously tendered to Mr. Willis. Mr. TREGELLAS, we
understand, will lecture on Friday evening.
SOCIAL TEA MEETING - On the evening of Friday last, the church and
congregation worshipping at Bethesda chapel, Truro, took tea together at
their School-room, and were joined by several members of other religious
communities, - the object of the meeting being the promotion of Christian
union, and the liquidation of a debt remaining on their chapel. The room
was decorated with evergreens; and a variety of beautiful architectural
paintings, representing the pyramids and other ancient buildings of note,
executed by Mr. SAMBELL, of Truro, were hung round the walls. After tea,
Mr. BAYNARD having been called to the chair, the Rev. W. MOORE briefly
explained the objects of the meeting; and was followed by the Rev. Mr.
TUCKETT, who, in, remarking on the purpose of the meeting, delivered an
impressive lesson on the debt which all Christians owe to their Redeemer.
Mr. WILLIAM SMITH then gave an address on the principles and sufferings of
the Scottish convenanters; after which various donations were given in, and
the entire proceeds of the meeting, we understand, are amply sufficient to
effect the object for which it took place.
TRURO TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY - On Tuesday evening last, a public meeting
was held in the Bible Christian chapel, to present Mr. ISAAC, their late
president, who is about to leave Truro, with a handsome piece of plate. The
meeting was addressed by several speakers, when Mr. BARLOW, in an
interesting speech, in which he referred to the seal and assiduity with
which Mr. Isaac had filled the office of president for five successive
years, presented the plate on behalf of the subscribers. It was a silver
tea pot, value GBP12. 12s.; and bore the following inscription:-
"TO J. C. ISSAC, From the members and friends of the Truro Teetotal
Society, in acknowledgment of his services as its president, and of his zeal
in promoting the Temperance cause."
A parchment, containing 342 subscribers, prepared by Mr. RANDALL, was also
presented. Mr. Isaac feelingly adverted to the kindness of his friends, and
shortly after the meeting separated.
THE NAVY - Lieut. WILLIAM LUGG, formerly of the Packet service, is placed
on the list of Retired Commanders. Capt. FITZGERALD of Falmouth, is
appointed to the command of H.M. Ship Vernon, 50 guns, to be commissioned at
Sherness for the flag of Read Admiral INGLEFIELD, appointed
Commander-in-chief at Rio de Janeiro.
DEVON AND CORNWALL WRESTLING - On Monday afternoon, the wrestling, without
shoes, between the natives of the above counties, commenced at the Brecknock
Tavern, Camden-town, London, and a great number of persons attended to
witness this ancient sport. The afternoon's play was confined to making
"standards," the double and treble play for the prizes commencing on
Tuesday. The play of BOND, (Cornish), a deformed man, was good, as was also
that of GAINER, who lifted his competitor over his shoulder, and threw him a
gentle fair back. The principal play of the afternoon was between CHAPPLE,
of Devon, and GILL, of Cornwall, two good wrestlers. They played together
for some time, and both went down, but Gill, after a very severe struggle,
caught his opponent in the Cornish "lock," and threw him, amidst great
cheering. On Tuesday, the play was resumed, and was very superior. The
principal bouts came off as follows:- G. GOODMAN, a Cornish man (of the
Blues,) and SNELL of Devon, two good wrestlers, who played a match a few
months back, which Snell won, had a very hard trial, but no back; "time"
being called, Snell holding the ring. J. DYER, of Cornwall, then entered
against Snell, and after a fall, time being up, Snell was "half-standard,"
and another man entered against Dyer, George Snell, who played together
well, but no back. Two young man entered the ring, HOOPER of Devon and
FRANCIS of Cornwall, both playing well; and after a severe struggle, Francis
threw his man by the "hang-heel." PHILIP PILE, an old wrestler of Devon,
opposed Francis, when throwing and play was made on both sides, but the
Devon man was too old a practitioner; he caught his opponent in the
fore-lock, and threw him amidst loud applause, a fair back; and he played
his time out with another, the old man being too much for his opponent.
George Snell, and -Goodman, were the two next worthy of notice, and a very
severe bout it was, Snell falling, but no back. Goodman's play was admired
by all, but his opponent was too heavy for him, and the men slipping in
consequence of the rain, it was deemed advisable to defer the playing for
the prizes until Wednesday, if the weather should prove favourable.
EXTRAORDINARY PIG - Last week, Mr. JOHN BROKENSHAW, of St. Stephens in
Branwell, slaughtered a sow, not more than four months and two days' old,
which weighed ten score and twelve pounds.
THE SCHOOLMASTER WANTED - The following notice was lately posted not far
from the place to which it refers - A Fiddele to be Shut at Edwards Gilberts
on Wonday Next February th 24 1845 at Wheal Vor.
FALMOUTH POLICE - On Thursday, the 20th inst., GEORGE BLEXTON, master of
the smack "Eliza," was convicted, on the information of W. R. BROAD, Esq.,
mayor, in the sum of 50s. and costs, for having on the previous day thrown
overboard a quantity of ballast at the entrance of Falmouth harbour. It is
time that this evil should be attended to, and we are glad to see that the
authorities have taken the matter under their especial notice.
TIN STEALING - Some time between the 16th and 17th instant, four ingots of
Tin, about four cwt., were stolen from the smelting-house of the Messrs.
BOLITHO, at Chyandour. A reward of GBP20 has been offered for the discovery
of the thief or thieves, but up to the present time no satisfactory clue has
been obtained. We understand however, that on Wednesday week, some tin,
which had been partially re-melted, was discovered in certain premises both
at Penzance and Marazion; but it could not be identified as that stolen from
Chyandour. Nevertheless, there was sufficient of the shape into which Tin
is cast to leave no doubt on the minds of the gentlemen who saw it, that the
tin had been obtained by unfair means - not, however, by the parties in
whose possession it then was.
SHEEP STEALING - One night last week, some evil disposed person or persons
stole from Mr. E. PEARCE, jun., at Merthen, in the parish of St. Austell,
one of his store ewes. The sheep was killed and skinned on the premises,
and the carcase carried away; but the skin was left behind, together with a
guano bag. A reward of five pounds has been offered for the discovery of
the guilty parties, but hitherto they have escaped detection.
BODY FOUND - On Thursday morning, the 27th inst., the body of a man, named
WILLIAM JOHNS, of Pydar-street, Truro, cooper, was found in the river,
opposite Messrs. BAYNARD's yard, quite dead. An inquest was held before
JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner, but we have not learnt the result.
CORONER'S INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before W.
HICHENS, Esq., since our last report. On the 18th instant, in the parish of
Ludgvan, on the body of CHRISTIAN HOLLOW, aged 62 years, who caught her
clothes on fire on the 14th instant, and died on the following day.
Verdict, accidental death.
On the 19th inst., in the parish of Illogan, on the body of WILLIAM DAVIES,
aged 7 years, who also caught his clothes on fire, on the 5th instant, in
attempting to get into a lime kiln for the purpose, it is supposed, of
warming himself. Deceased was very severely burnt, and died from the
injuries on the 17th following. Verdict, accidental death.
CAUTION - I, JOHN WHITFORD, at present residing at Gongo Soco, in Brazil,
hereby give Notice, that I will not be answerable for any debts which may be
incurred by my wife, LUCY WHITFORD, of Cox-hill, in the Parish of Kenwyn,
after the date of this public notice. John Whitford (mark). Witness, W. P.
ALLCOCK. Dated, Gongo Soco, December 3, 1844.