On this page
- Departments (5)
-
Text (15)
-
* - THE NORTHERN STAR. Mabch „
-
ifletropolftan Intelligence.
-
I50JH8XS. Awful Visitatios.—-By Mr Baker...
-
Shockikq Suicide. —'Between two and thre...
-
$ome $*tos.
-
isnglann.
-
HORTHCEDKRUNl). Fatal Boiler Explosion a...
-
OXFORMHIRS. Tub GAM«-LAws.-The Secretary...
-
SfOtlflHtL
-
¦BDTNBUWffl. TnfAL op Riotehs—Ihtamovs S...
-
Hrelanft,
-
Dublin, March 20.—There is a vast increa...
-
DESTRUCTIVE FIRES. Russeli. Square—On Sa...
-
MURDER AND MUTILATION . At the Derby ass...
-
F f M i?Tii here *ere . four fuea 5n Liv...
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
* - The Northern Star. Mabch „
* - THE NORTHERN STAR . Mabch „
Ifletropolftan Intelligence.
ifletropolftan Intelligence .
I50jh8xs. Awful Visitatios.—-By Mr Baker...
I 50 JH 8 XS . Awful Visitatios . — -By Mr Baker , at the Cumberland Head , City-road , on Thomas Small , ( 67 . ) a miller , lately employed by Messrs De la Rue , of Bunhill-row . On Friday night last , between eleven and twelve o ' clock , the night watchman , while patrolling the premises , discovered the deceased lying on hi * face in the colour-mill quite insensible . An alarm ¦ w as raised , and a surgeon was called , who pronounced deceased to have been dead several hours , in * ^ ridow stated that at five o ' clock on Friday evening he came horaeto tea , and that when he left to return to his employment he appeared perfectly well . V erdicL"Founddead . " . ..
Fatal AcctnKSt .-Ky Mr- Baker , at the same place , on a man unknown , who was killed in tbe fob lowing shocking manner On the evening of Tuesday dec-ased was crossing the City-road , near Castlestreet when he fell between the tore and hind wheels of a timber carriage passing along , the road at the same instant . Although , the driver stopped hb horses" as soon , as possible , the wheels of the vehicle passed over the unfortunate man ' s body , kiIling him inst . i ntaneiusly . Every endeavour has been made to find out who the deceased was , but without suecess flis age was about thirty-five ; he was five feet seven inches high , and was c ! ad in moleskin , suni ' ar to what is worn by engineers . Verdict "Accidental death . "
Tne Motvmsk is Sbosed - . tch . —By Mr Baker , at the Old King John , Holywell-lane , on William Cebart , who was shot on Wednesday week bv Thomas Brooks , now in custody , in Hare-alley Shoreditch . The evidence adduced was little more than a recapitulation of that given before the magistrate , and which has already appeared in the Northem Star . The jury ultimately returned a verdict of " wilful murder" against tbe prisoner . Thepri Boner vw on Tuesday examined at Worship-street . No new facts were adduced ; and Mr Broughton fully committed the prisoner to Newgate . Accidksi os the Eastern Coostibs Railway . — On Tuesday , by Mr Baker , at the London Hospital , on tbe body of William Prior , aged 35 , a labourer on the Eastern Counties Railway . The decease ! had
-entered one ofthe trucks of a coal train , which was strictiy prohibited by the company . The trucks opened at the bottom to allow the coals to fall through , and were not considered safe for any one to ride in . William Perry said that the deceased and himself , on the evening in qneition , having missed a train that was to have conveyed them to London , got into one of the coal trucks . Shortly afterwards , witne .-s fell asleep . When the train arrived at Ponders End , tbe flip at tbe bottom ofthe truck he was in must have given way , and the remainder of the trucks , 22 iu number , have passed over deceased ' s leg . Mr Say , houEe-surgeon . said that when the'deceased was admitted the lelt leg bad a compound fracture ; amputation was resorted to , but deceased expired on tbe liih instant , from the effects of the injuries received . —V-rdict . "Accidentaldeath . "
F . tal Effects of Istoxicatio . * . —By Mr Waklej , M . P ., at the Bricklayers' Arms , Gresse-street , Oxford-street , on the illegitimate infant of Mrs Read , * dr . * s maker , living with a man named Allen , at 32 , < iresse-streft- Irom the evidence it appeared that < m last Monday and Tuesday week the mother was so drunk that a fellow lodger took the child away and f « d it . Shortly after nine o ' clock she gave the child to the mother , who was lying in bed insensibly drni k . Shortly afterwards Allen returned home quite drank , and went to bed in the dark . Between ten and eleTen o ' clock 'the wretched mother awoke , and founii hir infant dead at the foot of the bed . Mr P . plow , surgeon , who performed a post mortem exaiuinuion , could not find the cause of death , as all
the organs presented a healthy appearance , but from the - vidence he was induced to think that the child had been overlaid and smothered . The jar ; retired , and > fter some deliberation returned the verdict , " Tb-it the deceased died while its parents were in a State of intoxication , but there was no evidence to prove whether its death was natural or otherwise . " Fatal Effects of Platixg at " Cat . "—By Mr . Baker on James Bonny , son of a pastrycook , living at 30 , Princes-street , Mite-end . The deceased , en Wednesday last , was playing at " cat , " when in stooping down to strike the plaything , a piece of wood pointed at each end , his head came in contact with the wheel of a cart , and he was knocked down , when the vehicle passed over his back , killing him almost instantaneously . Verdict "Accidental death . "
Fatal Car Accidkst . —By Mr Bedford , on Jeremial : Cunningham , a pauper in the Strand Union . On Wednesday last deceased was crossing Long-acre at the moment when one of Hansom , s cabs drove past , turning down James-street . The deceased was callt-i to , butinstead of running back , he ran directly agair't the wheel , which knocked him down . Four oi hi * ribs were broken , and he died of the injuries in Kino's College Hospital . Verdict— " Accidental death . " SiiciDE bt a Commercial Clerk . —By Mr TV " . Carter at the George Tavern , Lambeth-walk , on Mr G . Megevan , lately residing at 10 , Bulwell-terrace , Princes-road . The deceased had formerly been in the service of Mr Mortimer , a solicitor , who bad
latterly discharged him , which circumstance preyed heavily on his mind . On Sunday afternoon , during the absence of his wife , he inflicted a severe wound on tbe side of his neck with a small clasp knife , vrhilvt in the bedroom , where he was subsequently found lying on the floor in a pool of blood . A surgeon was eal ' ed in , but the deceased died at ten o ' clock the same night from the effects of tbe ir-julies , which separated the carotid artery and other branches ofthe neck . Before he expired he became conscious and exclaimed , " Let me die in the arms of my wife , " andrepeatedly said , " Why did you not watch me ? " The deceased was a very sober man , and hid been in a deranged state for a considerable period , arising from the loss of his situation .
Verdict , "Temporary insanity . " DrATK FBOU OVEB / OT AT SzELVG A LOVBK . — SwcrLAR Ca « k—W . Payne , Esq ., at the King of Denmark , Old Bailey , on Jane Nicholson , aged 23 , who-e death took place under the following singular circumstances : —It appeared from the evidence , that tbe deceased had been staying with Mr Piper , \» Vx , of No . 19 , in the Old Bailey , and was in the enjoyment of the best of health and spirit * . On Sunday evening last , between five and six o ' clock , a youug man , named Alfred Britton , c lied for the purpose of escorting her home to her mother ' s residence , in Augustus-street , Resent ' * Park . Mrs . Tipev tcld her she need not stop and wash up the teatbhigs , bnt might go upstairs and put on her
bonnet . The deceased ran up stairs to do so , and almost immediately after a heavy fall was heard , and on Mir Piper going np stairs , tbe deceased was found lyin- upon the staircase lifeless . Medical assistance "Was promptly obtained , but the poor girl had ceased to exist . Mr Walking , the Burseon , who was called in , said he could not give the slightest opinion as to the ctase of death without a post mortem examination . The countenanceof tbe deceased was remarkably placid when he saw her ; indeed , she seemed Bore like a person asleep . She might have taken pru ~ ic acid . The coroner—If she had , you would
have been able to have detected it by the smell . Mr Watkins—Oh dear , no ; the smell would have gone off in a short time after it was taken . The coroner —T « at is very different to what lhave always understood . 1 have had many cases where the taking of pru » sfc acid h is been proved solely by the smell in the mouth . Mr . Piper said the deceased was of too happy a disposition to think of destroying herself . The coroner left it to the jury to say whether they thought there was any suspicion in the case , or any necewty for a post mortem examination . The jury thougl t there was none . and returned a verdict of"Natural death . "
A Fehu . k BtJRKf to Death — By Mr W . Payne , the City Coroner , in the Board-room of Guy ' s Hospital , on the body of Mary Rutland , aged 44 years , lately residing at No . C , Grove-street , Deptford , who lost her life under the subjoined circumstances : — The deceased was a lodging-house-keeper , and was much subject to fits of epilepsy , far which she had been under the care of a neighbouring surgeon . On Wednesday night , the 17 th inst ., she was sitting in front ofthe fire reading , when she was suddenly seized with an attack of that fearful malady , and in the
absence of her daughter the deceased tell on the fire , which instantly ignited her wearing apparel . She remained in that awful position for several seconds , when she rolled to the floor , when the whale of her dress was consumed , and her person literally roasted and blackened trom the action ofthe fire . She subsequently recovered from the fit , when her screams bro . igbt several persons to her aid . Mr Wood , a surgeon , was called in , who advised her removal to the above hospital , when she died on Monday from the injuries she had sustained . The Jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death . "
Melancholy Accidest . —Mr Carter on Tuesday beld an inquest in the Union Workhouse at Wandsworth , as to the death of Joseph Adams , aged 43 . The deceased was in the service of Mr Cnapman , at Riekmansworth . OnThursdayhedroveto Streatham , and whilst he was getting hold of the reins , he fell from the cart , and the wheel passing over his head smashed it to pieces . '' Accidental death . " Dbath by a Fall fsou a Cart . —Mr Carter held an inquest on Tuesday at tbe King ' s Head , Longlane , Bermendsey , on the body of Philip Day , aged 36 . The deceased was driving a cart up by the Great Western Railway , and in going to the back part , the tail board came off , and he fell with great violence to the ground . He was so seriously injured that he died from the effects of the fall . " Accidental death . "
Death in Brixtos Gaol . —On Tuesday an inquest was held before Mr Carter in the Brixton House of Correction . The deceased was John Foster , aged 34 . He had been sentenced to six months' imprisonment * t the Sessions tor felony , but he was attacked with « wp » y ofthe skin , of which he died on Sunday . He * pge * fed , t * have had every attention in medical skill , "Natural ™ ? , 8 mkinBframe required . Verdiet , < J ^™ tH " ? " * Ska — Mr Baker held an in-2 affiSWn & ' at the London Hospital , on the body of John G Ubert Middleton , aged SLacuddynura
I50jh8xs. Awful Visitatios.—-By Mr Baker...
of a ship at present in the East India Dock . About six weeks since , whilst the vessel was about five degrees north ot the line , the dec % ased fell with his arm against the boof of the ship , which strained it rery much , and caused it to become swollen . When the vessel arrived in London he was removed to the above hospital , where be "died ftom the it jury he had received . Verdict" Accidental death . "
ACCIDENTS AND OFFENCES . BunoLART . —Between three and four o ' clock on Sunday morning a daring burglary was committed at the house of Mrs Owers , Rose and Crown Tavern , Kew-green . The premises were entered at the rear , which abuts on the towing path , along the Surrey side ot the River Thames ; the thieves left the same way , taking with them a dozen silver tea-spoons , six silver ' . table-spoons , two silver salt-spoons , all marked " R . H . 0 ., " a large plain gold ring , with an emerald stone , a flat gold ring with hair round it , a gold guard-chain , link pattern , five shillings in farthings , and three shillings in halfpence . The thieves left behind them two hats and a new centrebit .
Determined Suicide . — On Sunday about one o ' clock , a gentleman of the name of Macvean , residing at No . 10 , Bolwell-terrace Lambeth-walk , committed suicide , by running a knife several times into bis throat . It appears that tbe deceased bad for some time been suffering from illness , and was in a very dejected state . Mr Thompson , a surgeon , of Lambeth-walk , was called in , who attended deceased , but without avail . He lingered until ten o ' clock tbat night when he expired . The Smithfikld Nuisasck . — A ^ very distressing circumstance , arising from the driving of cattle to
and from Smitbfield through the crowded streets , adds another fatal case to the numbers which have occurred from this long existing nuisance . A young woman , named Lotfc , residing in Tudor-street , Blaukfriars , and who was about seven months advanced in pregnancy , went out in good health and spirits to Fleet-street on an errand . She there became so alarmed by an ox from a drove , approaching the pavement , that it was with difficulty she retraced her steps home , when she was prematurely delivered , and notwithstanding the utmost of medical skill / she could tint rally from the shock , bnt expired . The infillt is likely to do well .
Rohbemes— On Tuesday information was received by the police , that the kitchen of tbe house of W . Baith , Esq ., 12 , Chester-place , Kennington , had been entered , and robbed of two half-sovereigns , earrings , broach , s me silver , and memorandums . On the 21 st , from the shop of Mr Pawson' Covery , New Bond-street , an extensive quantity of cloth ; and from the ship of Mr Buckingham , hosier , of 14 , Baker-street , Portman-square , under the pretence that the articles were to be sent to a respectable house referred to , six coloured shirts , six white ditto , six pair of gloves , and some silk handkerchiefs . Shortl
Scdde . v Death is a Bakehouse . — y before 12 o ' clock on Tuesday night a man of the name of George Parsloe , a foreman in the employ of Mr Creak , of 2 S , Kine ' a-row , Walworth , baker , expired suddenly under the following circumstances : —The deceased , according to custom , arrived from his home in Portland-itreet , Walworth , and entered the bakehouse to attend to bis usual avocations about twenty minntes before 12 ( Mr Creak being there . ) On entering , the deceased proceeded to the trough , and remarked that the sponge was not ready . Mr Creak left tbe bakehouse , but had not been absent more than a minute when he beard a strange
gurgling sound proceeding from the bakehouse , and becoming alarmed he returned , and there saw the deceased standing near the trough evidently in a state of suffocation , blood issuing from his mouth . He immediately caught the deceased in his arms , and awoke his brother , who was lying asleep on tbe board , and sent for Mr Adey , curgeon , residing n- xt door , who promptly attended , but his services were of no avail , as tbe deceased expired within three minutes of the attack from suffocation , produced from the bursting of an internal Wood vesst-1 . The deceased was about 45 , and has left a wife and two children wholly unprovided for .
Loss of Life by Fire . —On Wednesday morning , about ten o ' clock , a shocking and fatal accident occurred to a child named Robert Quin , aged six years , whose parents reside at Lovington Cottage , Waterloo-Street , Camberwell . It appears that the deceased was left by his mother in a room by himself , and during ber temporary absence the child ( as usual ) commenced playing with a piece of lighted paper , which set bis pinafore on fire . He ran down stairs enveloped in a body of flame to the yard , where one of the lodgers roiled him into a tub of water , by which means the flames were extinguished , but not before the poor child was most ( rightfully burned over tbe whole of bis body . He was placed in a blanket and taken with all care to Guy ' s Hospital , where he expired in a few hours after his admission .
Meuscholt Attempt at Suicide . —On Tuesday afternoon , Mr Benjamin Ilandl ? y , a watch and clock manufacturer , residing at Victoria Cottage , Oxfordstreet , Sr . Pancraa , attempted self destruction under the following melancholy circumstances . For a long time past the unfortunate man has laboured under a most painful disorder , which , at times produced the most emaciating agony . During one of the paroxysms on Tuesday , the poor fellow procured a razor and cnt bis throat , dividing the windpipe and all the prircipal arteries . He was removed to the University College Hospital , and attended by Mr Williams and Dr Listen , but the injury to his throat is cf such a nature that he lies in the most precarious state .
Gig Accidents . —On Wednesday evening , a horse and gig , driven by a gentleman in a state ef intoxication , knocked a poor woman down in Holbora . ncar the end of Gray's-lnn-Lane , who , upon being picked up , was found to be in an insensible state , pnd so seriously injured tbat it was found necessary to carry her to the hospital . The gig proceeded at a rapid rata towards Oxford-street , knocking down a man near the end of Bloomsbury-strcet with a basket of oranges , who was also seriously injured . At the corner of Crown-street , the police succeeded in stopping the gig , and the driver , who was much inebriated , refused to give name or address . He was conveyed to Bow-street police station , and the horse and gig taken to the green yard .
Child Dropping . —On Wednesday morning , between six and seven o ' clock , a female infant , apparently absut twenty-one days old , was found abandoned by the policeman on duty in the Cambridge Heath-road , near the Red Deer public-house . A female , supposed to be the mother , was noticed watching the result ; but directly she saw that she was observed made off , and effected her escape . The child , which was comfortably clad , is now in the Bethnal-grcen workhouse . Death fhoh Fear of Contaoiox . —Last week Mr Watson , organist of the Philanthropic Chapel , St . Gearge ' s-fields , went to Brighton to see a friend who was labouring under a severe attack of small-pox , which bad such an effect upon him that on his return home be was attacked with delirium , and expired about ten o ' clock on Tuesday morning last .
Discovery of Humax Bones . —On Monday considerable excitement prevailed in the immediate neighbourhood ofthe Queen ' s Bench Prison , in consequence ofthe greater portion of a human skeleton being found in a garden in front of one of the houses in Belvidere-place . From inquiries made on the spot , it appeared that Mr Bayliss . a cabinet-maker residing in Belvidere Cottage , nearly opposite tho Queen ' s Prison , was digging up the ground in front of his residence , about eight o ' clock that morning , when in turning up the ewth he discovered a human skull , which appeared to have been that of a female , but without any portion of the jaws or lower part of the skull . Feeling surprised at finding tbat portion
ofthe human form , he made a further search , and , in digging a little deeper , be discovered two thigh ' bones , arm-bones , and several ribs , which , from their appearance , seemed to have been buried many years . The cottage in question has not been occupied by Mr Bayliss more than three months ; but , prior to that , bad been tenanted by a person , named Lindon , nearly fifteen years . The person residing at tbe next house informed the reporter that , about six months ago- the greater portion of a human skeleton was found near the same spot , aud it was their belief that they had been brought from some of the over crowded grave-yards in the Borough . , Model Lodglvo House . —The new model lodging house , in George-street , St . Giles , of the Society for the Improvement of the Labouring Classes , is nearly completed , and will shortly be opened . It will accomodate one hundred labouring men , each of whom will have a separate sleeping place , with the use of a
large living room , a kitchen , store room , washing room , and every necessary convenience . The sum to bo charged will be 4 d . per night , less in some instances ; the rate now charged in common lodging houses in St . Giles , and other low localities , for bed * crowded together in miserable and unventllated rooms . Tbe cost of the building will ( independent oi the site of ground which was purchased for £ 1 , 270 ) , amount to about £ 3 , 500 , of which little more than £ 3 , 000 has as yet been raised by subscription . Amongst the principal subscribers are Prince Albert , £ 100 , and the Corporation of London , £ S 00 . New Catholic Chapel . —The long-pending negoc ' mtionfor the purchase of a piece of ground in King Edward ' s-road , Mare-street , Hackney , for the erection of a building for Catholic worship , has bees effected , and the foundation stone laid a few days ago . A supper to tho workmen engaged was given at the Dolphin Tavern , on Monday night .
Shockikq Suicide. —'Between Two And Thre...
Shockikq Suicide . —' Between two and three 0 clock on Thursday morning , Mr Sparks , of Dudley , near Birmingham , committed suicide by cutting his throat , at tho beer-shop , 3 , Bridge-street , Blackfriars , kept by Mr Merryweather ; surgical aid was called , but life waa pronounced extinct . Sheriffs op Lonbok vor tbe Ejjsuikg Ybmi . —At a recent ciyio dinner , the Lord Mayor drank to Mr William Cubitt , the eminent builder of Gray ' a-innroad , being the ancient mode of putting in nomination for the high ahd distinguished office of one of the sheriffs of London , and joint aherffof Middlesex .
$Ome $*Tos.
$ ome $ * tos .
Isnglann.
isnglann .
Horthcedkrunl). Fatal Boiler Explosion A...
HORTHCEDKRUNl ) . Fatal Boiler Explosion at Burradok CoLitnuY . —On Saturday morning a fatal accident occurred at the above colliery , by the bursting of one of the boilers used in working the engine of the pit , by which three persons were killed . The colliery is situated about six miles north of Newcastle , and belong * to Lord Ravenswortb and partners . Tho engine attached to the pit is of 00-horse power , and three boilers of large dimensions and of an oval shape are used to work it ; but on the morning ofthe accident only two were in operation . A few minutes previous to the occurrence , the engineman . on examining the float , found tbe water more than a foot above the working mark , but as the steam was low he gave directions to the stoker , Robert Thompson , to rai » e the fires ; soon after which the boilers
suddenly burst with a tremendous noise , carrying away part of the engine-house and chimney , killing three persons , and injuring , more or less , several of the workmen at the shaft . The boiler was torn into three pieces , and parts of it were blown a considerable distance into an adjoining field . On examining the place the stoker was found almost buried in the ruins , dreadfully scalded and bruised , and quite dead ; a female named Prector , wife ot one of the miners , who was at tbe place getting water , was lying a few yards from him . The other sufferer was a boy , about eleven years of age , named Gordon , employed at the bank . The engineman escaped , though much scalded in the face , and injured in tbe head . Several ofthe workmen were also seriously injured by the flying bricks , but are all expected to recover . An inquest was held on the bodies * Verdict , "Accidental death . "
lancashire . Liverpool . — Makslausutsr aoaikst a Policeman . — Lately , a lad , named Ryder , died at the Northern Hospital , Liverpool , from an injury on the head , received from a stone cast by Warbrick , a policeman , as tbe deceased and some other lads were sailing in the Clarence-dock basin . The circumstances were brought under the cognisance of the coroner , and a jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against the constable , who was committed for trial .
Sickkess and Mobtality . —So great is the raor . tality in the neighbourhood of St . James ' a-strect , that one night last week no less than eighteen " wakes" of dead bodies took place between Crosbiestreet and Lower Parliament-street . The medical officers of the North Dispensary apprehend that the past and present state of the poor population will result in producing a very severe epidemic of typhus fever , in the warm months oi June , July , and August . Bolton . —Condition of the Operatives . —The Manchester Guardian says : Tho meetings of tho unemployed in Manchester , having , apparently , excited apprehensions throughout the county , we have been at some pains to ascertain the condition of the factory bands in tbe Bolton division . In the
borough there are fifty-one cotton mills , of which number about fifteen are running full time , and the remainder fcur and five days per week ; not one , we are happy to say , being standing idle . In the other portions of the division , comprising twenty - nine townships , there are fifty-five cotton mills . Of these twenty-six are in full Work , nineteen running short time , and ten have stopped . In these twentynine townships 5 , 700 factory hands are computed to be in full work ; 1 , 300 are working short time ; and rather better than 700 are out of employment by the mills that have stopped . There are , however , a considerable number of joiners , brieksetters , die , out of work , which with the high price of provision * , causes a great amount of distress ; but there being , happily , no political cause of discontent , the people bear tiieir privations with admirable fortitude .
Mill Accident . —An adjourned inquest was held on Tuesday morning , before Mr Chapman , touching the death of Elizabeth Coupe , who was killed by the suddjnfall of a part of a shed , erected about two years ago , as an addition to the mill of Messrs Gray , in Pollard-street , Manchester . At the first inves tigation all the facts relative to the accident bad been taken , and the adjournment was for the purpose of allowing scientific men to inspect and report on the cause of the accident . Tbe gentlemen employed were Mr Fairburn and Mr Hodgkinson . Both were of opinion that the accident was attributable to the giving away of the lower iron beam , and that it would
have oeen much better it the beam had been supported by pillars . Mr Hodgkinson was of opinion , however , that the immediate cause of the accident was to be found in the fact that the tie-rods or trusses had been so fixed , at the time of erection , as to draw the beam a little to one side , and that the vibration caused by the working of the machinery , together with the pressure , bad increased this original deflection or curvature , and gradually weakened the part , until fracture took place , and the consequent fall ol that portion of tho building incumbent upon the beam . A verdict to this effect was returned by the jury .
derby .-hire-A Steam Incendiary . — -An extraordinary conflagration was seen , on Saturday , in a field which adjoins the Midland railway , near Bank Close . The field had yielded a large crop of aftermath , which had never been eaten , and was consequently full of dried grass . A strong west wind was blowing when the express train swept by , and bore into the field some sparks from the engine ; these ignited the grass immediately , and the fire spread with a swiftness which terrified the beholders . The hedges soon caught tho flames , and burnt furiously , and the residence of W . Drabble , Esq ., as well as a large haystack in the next field , were considered to be in danger . The fire destroyed all tho verdure , and left the hedges ia a blackened state . Great exertions were made before it was put out .
YORKSHIRE , Another Colliery Accidknt . —A few days ago an accident occurred in the Broadgate coal mines , near Masborough , in consequence of an explosion of fire-damp . Seven men were badly burnt . Men , women , and children ran from all directions to ascertain who were the sufferers . The explosion was quite terrific . It occurred between six and seven o ' clock . Medical assistance was promptly in attendance , and the surgeon said they were in a precarious state .
WARWICKSHIRE . Discovery of a Cave—In making the necessary excavations for the construction of a sewer in Leaselane , the workmen on Wednesday came upon the entrance to a subterranean passage , at the end near Bell-street . On procuring lights , some of the men entered , and a recess was discovered cut in the firmly embedded sand , about eight feet in length , six in width , and eight feet high , and having a shaft , now bricked over , communicating with the cellar of the house above . After a portion of the rubbish with which the excavation was nearly filled had been removed , Mr Pigott Smith , the town surveyor , proceeded to examine the passage , when it was found to be a long gallery , thirty feet below the kvel of
Bellstreet , extending , so lar as could be measured , about forty-two feet towards Spiceal- street , and apparently still more extensive . The height of the passage is about seven feet , having on cither side eight recesses , of various dimensions . Such is this singular subterranean gallery , but for what purpose formed remains a mystery . On tbe surface of the soil there was a thin layer of black powder , which proved to be decayed wood ; hence it may be inferred that a considerable length of time must hare been required to reduce the timber to that state , as the porous and dry character of the soil is not such as to promote rapid decomposition . The workmen have since been engaged removing tbe loose rubbish , and on Saturday they found a great number of beef , sheep , and fowl bones . An empty bottle was also discovered ,
which from its appearance would seem to have been made many years ago . The body of the bottle is five inches in height and fifteen in circumference , and the neck three inches in length . Upon examination it was found to correspond exactly with the make of some bottles discovered lying upon the skeletons dug up in Oxford-street a few months ago . Several pieces of fused metal and a large piece of chalk were also found . Up to a late hour on Saturday evening the men bad not reached further than forty-three feet , and then they bad arrived at a point wiiere the cavern would seem to be increasing in size . This part ot the passage , wherever it may lead to , is filled up with loose soil . Considerable curiosity hay ing been excited by this discovery , we understand it is Mr Smith ' s intention to pursue the excavation further , & SB
Horrible Case of Parental CnuBLTY . —The inhabitants of Rugby were put , ; into a state of considerable excitement a few days since by a report that a Captain . residing with his wife and family iv a house on the Biiton-road , had thrust his sot *' , j hand into the fire , and held it there till the sin ' were burnt . It appears that the little suue ' . er ii between seven and eight years of age , andr , a ' d in cm-red his father ' s displeasure by telling a f alsehood In order to punish the boy the unnatural ' gavent tiec a handkerchief over his mouth , and the ' . ] seizins hii arms , thrust his hand between th « hVr , ' noi , A „ . „ * , into the fire , where he held it tttl the sfnewSS burnt to so serious an extent as to render it a niattci of considerable doubt whether *; ne poor littj e ) e ] jofl win uis
uu « w wHigoi " »« " hand . Having com pleted his barbarous purpom the father removed th . handkerchief from his chilt > . s mouth when shock jng spectacle was pressed , the tongue being com pletely bitten through m the agony the child sufiero and its mouth hlled v . ith blood almost to suffocation The only notice , hov / ever , that its parent took of this was to tell the child that The pain it then suffered was not a hHiet / U portion compared to that which il would be subjected to in a future state . " What adds to tbe enonriity of the offence is that this said Cap tain protases to be a very religious character , am has foe some time acted as home missionary for St Matthew ' s district , Rugby , distributing tracts , visit iue person ' s houses , and exhorting them to lead godb V . u spiritual Jives .
Oxformhirs. Tub Gam«-Laws.-The Secretary...
OXFORMHIRS . Tub GAM « -LAws .-The Secretary of State has released Baker and Hunt from Oxford gaol . L hey were committed from tbe petty sessions a * Woodstork , on a game-law charge preferred by Miotfc , bead gamekeeper for the Duke of Marlborough . At the last petty sessions Elliott preferred a game-law charge against T . Herbert , of Handborougb , labourer , but it could not be proceeded with , in consequence of one of the two magistrates present refusing to act . The magistrate , T . Thornbil ) , Esq ., said , " I should be glad to eee a discharge sent in every case of game-law conviction . "
BBRBFOBDSH 1 BS . Robberies The house of Mrs Bently , Croxley Green , Rickmansworth , has been broken into , and a quantity of valuable property stolen therefrom , amongst which were five sovereigns and three half ditto , two silver gravy spoons , eight table , and six dessert ditto , all marked B . ; a silver cream jug , and a metal repeater watch , with tortoise-shell case with initials M . B . Also stolen from the person of Mrs B . Elliott , whilst at the Blackheath Institution , by three meni a purse containing six sovereigns and fifteen shillings in silver .
SUSSEX . Queesssem ) . —Co-operation . —The shopkeepers of this neighbourhood were alarmed on Thursday last by the announcement that a number of independent individuals bad resolved to put their means together and supply the neighbourhood with the best flour and oatmeal at a nominal profit . And that , accordingly , they would commence retailing these articles at Mr Isaac Lilly ' s that night . This announcement threw the shopkeeping fraternity into the utmost consternation . Some of the larger craft met in secret confab to see what was to be done to avert this threatened invasion of their territories , when it was considered that the beat plan would be tofrush the new company at the outset by underselling them ; accordingly the bellman wasdispatched announcing the reduction . This announcement was met by a further reduction by the co-operators , who will not be so easy to conquer as their enemies hope for .
Poverty of English Labourers—The labouring poor in the Weald are suffering great privations . The whole of their wages is absorbed in the purchase of flour , and they have very little indeed of any other kind of food . Many of tho men with families goto work in the morning without tasting even bread , and return at night to partake of a scanty meal . As the wages of the millions is now expended almost entirely for food , —for the barest necessaries of life , — trade is in a wretched state . The general dealers , who always know the state of their neighbourhood better than any ' one else , state that they never knew the time when the working-classes laboured under such privations as at present .
Sfotlflhtl
SfOtlflHtL
¦Bdtnbuwffl. Tnfal Op Riotehs—Ihtamovs S...
¦ BDTNBUWffl . TnfAL op Riotehs—Ihtamovs Sfhtbsck . — On Tupsday , at Edinburgh , before the High Court of Justiciary , James Falconer , Aneus Davidson . Daniel Sutherland , John Young , and John Main , all inhabitants ofthe county of Elgin ; and the indictment ? et forth that they had been guilty of mobbing and
rioting , in having attempted , riotously and violently , to prevent the shipment of grain on board a vessel lying at Burghead harbour : and also of the crime of assault , in having attacked thesheriff-substitute of Morayshire , the procurator-fiscal of the shire , and a superintendent of police . The prisoners pleaded guilty , with the exception of James Falconer , who dM not plead guilty to the crimo of assault . The prisoners Davidson , Sutherland , Young and Main , were sentenced to be tranportcd for seven years each ; Falconer was sentenced to eighteen
monthsimprlsonment . Sentknck or Death— A girl , named Elizabeth Yates , has been sentenced to death , by the High Court of Justiciary , for the mnrder of her illegitimate child , a male infant ofsome eleven monthsof age . The jury unanimously recommended her to mercy . Although pleading "Not guilty" at her trial , the prisoner made a contrary declaration r-n being first apprehended . The declaration stated that the devil was busy with her at the time , and from the father of the child denying her , and refusing to give anything in support of it , she thought it was well to put the child out of the world .
Fever in Glasgow . —Irish Pauperism . —Fever , which has raged in this city , during the who'e winter with more khan ordinary serverity , is not abating as the weather imprftves with the advance of spring , bnt is rather on the increase . All tbe increased accommodations for patients which public charity has beon able to afford appears as yet to have been inadequate to the exigency . One melancholy consequence of this state of thiaga has of late begun to showitself in the deaths of persons occupying respect , able positions in life , whoseofficial duties have placed them in the way ofthe contagion . Besides cases of this nature that might be referred to as having happened within the last two or three weeks , we
understand that during the last few days the Lieutenants at tbe Central and Gorbals Police-offices have in several instances been attacked , and one of them ( Mr M'Lean ofthe latter establishment , who was in perfect health a week ago ) , has died of fever in some one of its form ' . It appears that hords of Irish paupers still find opportunities of locating themselves amonsrst us , notwithstanding all that has been said and clone to prevent tho evil ; and there can be no doubt that , if tbe disease is not imported by these persons , it is at least fortered and propagated by them to a most alarming extent , and that tbe lodging-house system is tbe principal medium of its diffusion .
Glasgow . —Frighttol Coach Accibsnt . —Two Persoss Severely Injurkd . —On Friday night about 8 o ' clock , as one of Mr Bain ' s carriases was standina at the Wellington Arcade , in Sauchidiall . street . nnd while the driver was off the box , some boys throwing stones startled the horse , a very spirited one , which started off at the gallop in the direction of the CJelland Testimonial . Arrriving at which , it took tbe turn down Buchanan-street , and dashing forward , it knocked down and ran over a man named John M'llroy , who was so seriously injured that he had to he carried to the Royal Infiraary , where it wns found that his hurts were of a dangerous nature . Tim tprrifiVd animal continuins its career dashed
down Buchanan-street , winch is at present undergoing repair . The affrighted brute , however , perceiving the barrier p laced across the street to prevent traffic , evaded the impediment by running on to the footpath , at that hour crowded with people , and sweeping along the western pavement , came in contact with the iron railing at the Mon ' eith Rooms , which it instantly shivered . In his course down Buchanan-street , tho vehicle knocked over a girl named Elizabeth Mackenzie , who happened to be passing ; whereby sh > 'had both her legs very severely , but we are glad to learn not dangerously , bruised by the concussion . In such a thoroughfare , and at such an hour , it is a miracle that there was not a great many injured , if not killed . The police , we under
stand , are making inquiries , aa to w ' . ietbcr and bow far thfi driver was to blame for allowing the horse to run off . b \ TM , Colueuy Accident . — Two Men Killed . —On Saturday morning , as one of the colliers employed at Coltness Iron works , named Dougal , was getting into a cage to descend to his work , the engine is thought to have been unfortunately turned the wrong way , and took the ca ; e up instead of letting it down , by which the poor man was precipitated a distance of seventy yards , and killeil on the spot . Deceased has left a widow and three young children . Another accident occurred the s » nie morning at Clelland Colliery , by Holytown , when a miner named Marrow was killed in descending the No . 4 pit ,
owing to a stone falling on him wtten going down . Deceased has left a widow and child . Appaixiso Increase op Frykr and Deaths in Dubdke . —During the firet two months of this year death and pestilence have beep , making fearful ravages in this town . In January and February last year the deaths were 137 and 135 , while in the corresponding months of this year . , the numbers are 250 and 232 , and , in the first week of March , C 3 . The two extremes of old age " and voting children have been the principal victim ' * cut off ; and it is presumed , ns reported by the " physicians ofthe infirmary , at the quarterly meeting of the governors , held on Monday last , that r . umners of these have perished from a want of proper nourishment .
CAIinHKSS-SlURK . Murdv . { . —This district ( Wick , Caithness ) has thiswe / K been thrown into a state of great excitement , ' hy the commission of one of those diabolical oriro ' es which are fortunately of extremely rare occurrence in Scotland . Isabella Gunn , an old woman , Apparently about sixty years of age , living in Achow of Swiny , in the parish of Latheran , has been made the victim of a most atrocious , yet evidently deliberate murder . Her residence is at the end of the Free school of Achow , situated about 200 yards fr-m anv othcrdwelling . On the mornings of Sabbath , a school is taught , and it is customary on that , as on other mornings , for some of the children to go to her room for fuel to kindle tbe school five . Accordingly , on the morning of Sabbath last , one of the scholar ! went for that purpose , and was surprised to find no ronlvffiven to the customary salutation . Anotherof
his school-mates speedily followed , and discovered thebodyof the unfortunate creature lying under a quantify of straw which had been spread over her . She was dead . The alarm was immediately raised , and ferthwitha number ofthe neighbours assembled . They found tbat the crime of murder had been that morning committed upon the Jonelv woman , and judged that it could not have been of very late occurrence , as tho body was yet warm . The foul deed had evidently been committed bv means of strangling , as a piece of rope was found round the neck of the deceased . There were niaiks of violence en other parts of the face , one in particular on the chin , where . to all appearance , an iron instrument had been applied . On one of the handu there was also a blue mark . Several small sums of money , amounting , ia all , to upwards of two poinds , were found ou different parta of tho deceased . d pet .
son , and lying between the body and the chest . A considerable time ago a forcible attempt if as made to break into the bouse ofthe unfortunate woman , who has of late been living very retired , having refused to domicile with any other individual . In the district she was reputed to have been worth a little money ; but as she was of very penurious habits , and to all outward appearance in poverty , she was admitted lately on the poor * * roll . It is said that since the attempt was made to rob her , she generally slept throughout the day , and sat up during the night . A young man had been apprehended and lodged m gaol , under suspicion of being connected with the murder .
Hrelanft,
Hrelanft ,
Dublin, March 20.—There Is A Vast Increa...
Dublin , March 20 . —There is a vast increase of fever in Dungarvan and Waterford . In the fever hospital ofthe latter place , there are 210 ill of that disease ; and so crowded is the hospital , that the convalescent patients sleep two in a bed . There are 500 paupers in the Waterford workhouse now beyond tha number at this time last year ; and on Friday , such wos the number of applicants for admission to
the workhouse at Dungarvan , that two women enfeebled by destitution were crushed to death in the crowd—each applicant being eager to go before the guardians ea rlier tha 11 bis neighbour . A gent ' eman named Boafe writes respecting Abboysidc , Dungarvan , that that district will soon rival Skibbereen . There are says , from twenty to thirty deaths per day occu rring there caused by starvation , and he adds that he has recently met "half-naked women traversing the mountain » f Slieve Grier . e . the only commodities they brought from Dungarvan being co ffins on their heads . "
Emigration . —The current of emigration continues to proceed with great activity from Dublin , and a number of the landlords , following the example of Lord De Vesci , are eagerly occupied in providing for the transit of s « ch of their tenants as avail themselves of the liberal treatment offered in a free passage , and money in band on their arrival in the United States . The ship Atalanta has sailed for Mew York with one hundred and fifty emigrants , all of whom defrayed the expenses of their voyage on their own account , and took with them , in the aggregate , a large sum of money in specie .
discharge of labourers from the public works . According to letters received in Dublin on Tuesday morning from Limerick , Tipperary , Cavan , Queen ' s County , Meath , and Mayo—the discharge of the 140 , 000 labourers from tbe public works was going on peaceably .
state of the provinces . From tbe counties of Ga ' w » y , Roscommon , Sligo , and Waterford . there are again afflicting accounts of the continuing effects of famine ; and in Cork and Sligo , particularly , typhus fever is ragins to a realy alarming extent . I hould remark , that , takine the country generally , there appears to be a decided decrease in the number of deaths from starvation ; and the vast importations of Indian corn appears to have produced a seasonable relief .
County of Galwav . —The Rev . T . Newell , C . C ., in a letter to the Gahvay Mercury , dated '' Oran ^ more , 17 th March , " says : ' — " About a fortnight ago , 1 furnished you with the total deaths , amounting to fifty-four , that occurred in this parish since December last , from the effects of starvation . That dismal catalneue has been augmented by thirty-three additional deaths ! On this day , the Feast ofthe Apostle of Ireland , no less than eight individuals arc stretched in the cold arms of death from famine , in this parish . "
Roscommon , March 20 . —The Roscommon Journal says :- — " We are in an awful state here—few resident landlords—and the few , however well inclined , unable to meet the afflicting cry of hunger . Our soup establishment here must be closed in a few days unless aided by government , " County of Waterford . —Dungarvan . March IS . —On this day over two thousand of the poor labourers who have , been dismissed from tbe public works , with their starving families , from the sur-Mtindine rural districts , came into the poorhoitse , with a view of being admitted , or to get out-donr relief . The guardians met , deliberated , and then went home , after announcing to the famishing multitude , who were waiting the "live long day" to get
some relief , the cheerless intelligence , that they most return home again , as they were unable to give them either " in or out door relief . " The Scots Greys were ordered out to tbe poorhouse to keep the people from the gates , and to make way for thegunrdians in their ingress and egress . As soon as the military arrived , the imforcunate people spoke to them , and said it would bean act of humanity for them to " commence and shoot them all . ** Some ofthe brave Scots actually shed tears at the awful and soul-harrowing scenes of human misery and suffering they beheld . Alter the guardians left the board-room , the people saw there was no hope of getting relief at the poorhouse , and they then came into town , and stopped opposite to Mr Fisher ' s bakery . The poor creatures said they had no intention of attacking Mr Fisher ' n , or any other person ' s house or
properly ; they should do nothing but merely go round tothe bakers' shops , and appeal to their charity for any relief they would be kind enough to give them . The "Waterford Freeman , "from which this account is taken , then proceeds to describa tbe scenes which followed at tbe several bakers' shops , from the windows of which large quantities of bread were thrown to tbe starving multitude . Typhus fever continues to spread in Cork , and to extend amongst the upper classes . The number of deaths in the workhouse , for the week ending on Monday , was 171 . while the number of patients , in and out of the hospital , was 2 292 . Exclusive of the uni » n workhouse mortality , 101 pnuoers had been interred in the New Cemetery , between the 14 th and 21 st . There are very affecting accounts from pa'ts of Roscommon . Fever is raging in the workhouse of Carrick-on-Shnnnon .
Destructive Fires. Russeli. Square—On Sa...
DESTRUCTIVE FIRES . Russeli . Square—On Saturday morning , about 6 o ' clock , the servant of a medical gentleman named Farrer , residing at 23 , Guildford-strect , discovered smoke issuing from the surgery . Having alarmed her master and family she opened the street door to call assistance , which caused the flames to spread to t ' -e drawing and other rooms . Two engines from Farringdon-strtet and Uolborn , as well asotheis , were promptly on tbe spot ; but before the firemen terminated their labours , property to the amount of £ 2 . 000 was destroyed .
Another Attempt to Burn Soham . —No place in the kingdom has suffered so much from incendiarism as this unfortunate place . In the present instance , theold cry of " Fire" aroused the townspeople between three and four o ' clock on Wednesday morning , when the premises of Mr Cooper , plumber , Pratt-street , were discovered to be in flan , es . Tbe destructive element extended with formidable fury , and in a very brief period the entire of Mr Cooper ' s property was in one eenrral blaze . Immediately at the rear , were a number of farming premises , eomprising four Invue barns , stables , and Other outbuildines . Unfortunately , owing to tbe trade stock of Mr Cooper ' s being of an inflammable do-eription , the flames raged so vio ' ently , that before they could in tbe slightest degree be subdued , the barns and
stables ignited , as also a range of dwellings which adjoined . Again , aided by the thatched roofs , the fire ran alons with vapidity , and great were the fears lest it should prove of greater extent than others that ha-1 previously visited the town . The engines , however , were cot to play in a very effectual manner , and by eight o'clwk the conflagration was subdiipd . There are no less than seven families burnt out . Their loss is estimated at between £ 2 , 000 and £ 3 . 000 . This is the third attempt that has been made to fire tbe same premises . A woman , named Sarah Munsen , has been apprehended on suspicion of having fired them . She is the mother of a prisoner in Cambridge gaol , who is charged with setting fire to Mr Owen's house , in the same town , in January last .
Destruction of a Cotton Mill . —On Thursday mornins , about three o ' clock , n mill at Bacnp was destroyed by fire , under very peculiar circumstances . It was known as Lee Mill , and stood a short distance from the town . It is calculated the loss will not be less than £ 1 , 000 . Extsnsivb Conflagration at IluNNLVODURr . — The village of Hunninghury , near Leamington , presented a scene of dreadful consternation on Saturday evening , in consequence of a fire breaking out on some premises occupied by a person who carried on business as a baker . The house where the fire originated , as well as a number of those adjoining , was built in the Elizabethan style , the wooden framework of which offered every facility for the flames to spread , and the result was , that although there was an abundant supply of water , and the engines from
Leamington , Ac ., were speedily on the spot , nearly one half of the village was laid in ruins before the fire could be got under . Fifteen houses were totally destroyed , whilst several others sustained considerable damage . Fortunately no lives were lost , though several parties bad narrow escapes . One aged female who had left her house at the first alarm , afterwards recollecting that she had left a box containing money behind her , returned to tho cottages , notwithstanding tho remonstrances of ber friends , and succeeded in saving her treasure , but not without being severely burnt . We regret to state that the rapidity with which the flames spread , afforded very little opportunity to tbe occupants of the burning tenements to remove their furniture , and tho consequence is , that in the great majority of instances , the sufferers have been reduced from a state of comparative comfort to utter destitution .
Westminster French Protestant Church—On Wednesday forenoon , shortly after the commencement of divine service in the Westminster French Protestant Church , Bloomsbury-street , Uolborn , the congregation were thrown into a state of alarm , by a report that the edifice had taken fire . For some few minutes a strong smell of burning wood was experienced , but nothing particular waa thought of . that
Destructive Fires. Russeli. Square—On Sa...
I circumstance , until a dense body of smoke r ^ T ^ iwm >» from the flooring boards Tthe ??^ apparent that a fire was Wning undor the ft" *** the building The servi ?* was imme ™ ateu R ? * and several persons having piwSMSftw , they were discharged upon that portion 5 ffiS on fire . At the same time intelligence of theoaS ? * was sent to the engine stations . Numerous ! h- ea ! c of the Brigade quickly attended , and Z £ e ^ upon nemovmg some of the flooring boards foSf < the joistings , & e . had become ignited , off llst defect in the hot-air flue , used for warm nS . V ing , and there is no doubt that hart hY" ? . ? *'
, taken place at night , after the church was rinSf * would have been destroyed . wa > it The Lais Catastrophe at Carl 8 RUhk , _ a i „» . ofthe L 5 tk inst . states ,-All public and privaJl n and other amusements have been suspended the military band of the daily parade is discontTifn ? In order to provide employment for the numm ' workmen and other persons engaged at the th »« as speedily as possible , the Grand Duke has off ? 1 the Orange House in the Reyal Gardens as a tem rary theatre , until a new one can bfl erected Th ' principal performers have consequently rraoii , ? three months' leave of absence only . \ j pon . V ;^ fortunate spot where the old theatre stood a c " . u " , ; is to be erected . The new theatre wiif ho hiliu the garden of the Hereditary Prince . uul w
Murder And Mutilation . At The Derby Ass...
MURDER AND MUTILATION . At the Derby assizes on Saturday , John Plaits » a . indicted for the murder of George Collis , in tho But chers ' -sharables , at Chesterfield , in December 1845 The prisoner is not more than 20 years of age an , i his youthful appearance , and the awful character of the crime imputed to him , produced a marked feelh ,, in the court . Early on the morning of the last Friday in August ( laid , ) some men were employed in emptying a remote cesspool attached to the premises of Mr Bunting . flour-dealer , in Low-pavement , Chesterfield , when their attention was drawn to what seemed to be the remains of the carcass ef a sheep ; a further searc h showed themass to consist of two leg and thigh bones , and a quantity of entrails . On the soil being removed to a field for which it was intendedpart of a c * at
, , trousers , hat . twosilk handkerchiefs , and theremai & j of a brace and stockings were discovered . Oneo ! the handkerchiefs was marked ' G . C . " and , when found was tied as if for the neck , and on the leg . bones , were garters—apparently old ones—one red and the other white . This led toa more minute inspection of tbe ces » -poo ) , and at the bottom wa ? picked up a skull , with a large fracture ofthe right eye . 1 be examination of tho bones by a surgeon satisfying all doubts as to the remains , and the finding of male attire with them , soon cave strong grounds for supposing that a murder had been com mitted , and the body ofthe deceased cut up as found the wearing apparel being publicly exhibited , the nanilkerehief bearing the initials of " G . C" was
, identified by a young female , named Ellen Beres . mrd , as having belonged to George Collis . This party , in the . course of the . preceding year , ( 1815 , ) went into partnership with the prisoner , Plato , as butchers , and conducted their business in a miserable place called tbe "Shambles , " adjacent to tho mar-* . M ace in Chesterfield . Since Sunday night , the ii u ? ecemoer 18 i & Collis had not been seen , and the belief gained ground that it was his remains that were discovered , suspicions at the same time being entertained that the prisoner was the party who had taken away his life , it being traced by the Chesterfield police that he had got a man named Knight to pledge a watch belonging to the deceased , at Mr Wil .
cockson ' s , a pawnbroker in Chesterfield , a few dava after Col / fa ' s sudden disappearance . When interrogated as to how he got possession of ii , he said he had won it at a raffle , while to others he said he had bought it of a man known in the neighbourhood as 'Lankey . " These statements being ascertained !* riu Untl ' t : e ' led to llis a PP rehension . In addition to Ellen Beresford ( who had been enceinte by the deceased ) identifying the silk handkerchief found with the remains , she spoke to the watch produced being in deceased ' s possession on the 7 th December , 1815 . They had kept company together some time , and on his leaving her house on the evening of that dav , at six 0 clock , he told her he was obliged to leave , as he had promised to meet the prisoner , Platts , at halfpast six o ' clock . He told her Platts had several
tunes promised to settle with him , for he was greatly in his debt , and he was determined to get the money coming to him . She never saw him after . When he left her saw tho watch in bis pocket . He was dressed in a black surtout coat , black cloth trousers , canary-coloured waistcoat , and black hat . The witness also identified the red garter found on tbe leg bona . Deceased took it from her in jest . She had the fellow one in her possession , which she produced , fhe mother of the deceased identified the clothes found m the cesspool as those her son wore on the night of his disappearance , adding , that the prisoner , when applied to if he had seen anything of Collis , said he believed he was at Manchester , as Collis had told him he intended to get out of the way of the
female Beresford , who was in the family-way by him . J . Holbrook , an eating-honse keeper , said he remembered Collis coming to his shop on the 7 th of December . He came in about a quarter to seven 0 clock , saying to witness he had to meet Piatt at their place in the shambles , to get some money from him , and he would meet Uolbrook at twelve . Holbrook saw the deceased go in the direction of the prisoner ' s place , but never saw him after . That he went direct to tlie prisoner , not a doubt was entertained . T . Harvey , a shoemaker , said , at about twenty minutes past sewn o ' clock on the night in question he was standing near Platts' shop , and heard two or three blows struck , as if by a clever on a piece of wood or b ock ; The sound of the blovfs
msrntherjarred . After tbe first blow the witness distinctly heard groans ejaculated from a human being , and he made all haste to his friends at heme , and told them be was sure some murder was going on in Platts' shop . His wife and sister returned with him tothe " shambles , " and finding the door secured , they knocked , and asked Platts what he was doing , a d who had in the shop ?—The prisoner immediatel y answered— " Nobody ; " he had been taking some rum , which had made him exceedingly siek . and that he was going to lie down . He was tsked to open the door , and they would give him some water , but he would not . The females then charged Platts with having a woman inside . He replied he bad not , there was no one with him , and he would not open the door for any of them . They
then left the shop . Shortly afterwards Platts came into a neighbouring public-house with one of bis hands covered with blood ; ho said he wanted to wash his hands as he had cut his finger . Witness observed , as did the other witnesses , that Platts had been kneeling , one of his knees being covered with dirt . They again asked him who he had had with him in the shop , but he refused to answer . Other witnesses corroborated Harvey ' s evidence . Mary Radnell proved meeting the prisoner in January , IStS . He offered a watch ( the deceased's watch , produced ) , saying he had won it ntaraSe , and wanted £ 2 for it . She told him she was not in want of a watch . After the discovery of the mutilated remains she met tbe prisoner at Chesterfield ,
and asked him it he had heard of the rumours that Collis was supposed to have been murdered . He said he had , but he believed Collis had done it himself . He added that Collis had often told him that he would make away with himself . —George Knight spoke of having bought a pair of boots of the prisoner for iM . [ They were produced , and identified as belonging to deeetiscd . l He also deposed to pawning a watch at tlie prisoner ' * direction . It was redeemed after the finding of the body by the prisoner ' s mother , at whose house it was found by the officers ; the prisoner telling them where they would fiuditconccaled , The statement the prisoner made when taken into custody was , that he did not owe the deceased any money , but that the deceased owed him some ; for
he lent him £ 2 on the last occasion of meeting with him . That was on Saturday , the 6 th of December , 1845 . —Mr U . E . Walker , surgeon , stated that the bones found in the sail , in the cesspool , were those of amaleabcut 23 or 24 ycarsof age . He was of opinion that the fractures of the skull had been inflicted before death . They were four in number , evidently inflicted by some heavy instrument , such as a butcher ' s cleaver . —Mr Macaulay addressed tbe court for the defence , and called a nunber of witnesses , from whose testimony it appeared that , up to the time of the commission of the offence , the prisoner had borne an excellent character for honesty . The jury almost immediately returned a verdict of Guilty ; and the learned judge then passed upon the prisoner the last sentence of the law . It was impossible any one who bad listened to the evidence could
doubt the prisoner was concerned in the death of Corns , and that he struck the blow . The foots proved were remarkable . They were shown to have been together on the evening ofthe 7 ih of December from five to between seven and eight o ' clock , they were traced to Morlev ' sshop , words were heard ; the prisoner was in possession of a deadly weapon . There was a scuffle and a fall . He had given false accounts , had refused to let people in , was subsequently seen assisting in carrying a heavy weight , and was afterwards proved to be in possession of the deceased ' s watch , boots , & c . His lordship then earnestly exhorted him to repentance , and concluded by sentencing him to be hung , holding out no hope of mercy . The prisoner , who had been very composed up to the time ofthe verdict , turned very pale at that moment . He had regained , his composure when removed from tbe dock .
CoNFKssiov cf thr MunnuuER . —Tho prisoncr . on Wednesday last , ntaOe a voluntary and rambling statement before several of the magistrates , —which left on their minds no doubt whatever of his gnu *' We believe the execution is fixed for Thursday , April 1 st .
F F M I?Tii Here *Ere . Four Fuea 5n Liv...
F i ? Tii here * ere . four fuea 5 n Liverpool last week , but they were all extinguished before they had done any serious injury . An association has been formed for the purpose of encouraging the growth of tlax in Wiltshire .
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), March 27, 1847, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_27031847/page/6/
-