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EXECUTION OF THE MURDERER . HOOKER . Throughout the whole of Saturday workmen were « nnloyed foon * uig barriers i « front of Newgate , and also iii several parts of the 014 Bailey , the authorities -mectinc that the number of persons who wouldflock I jlcc theuHirdcrer , Thomas Henry Hocker , executed ffonlci be equal , if not larger , than what attended to gee the notorious Daniel Good expiatehis offence upon { hesame scaffold . In order toguatdagainst any acciientoccnrringfromflie great pressure , the sheriffs ordered that , in addition to the usual precaution jereral strong barriers should be placedin the immediate neighbourhood of the Old Bailey . In front of Ae scaffold was fixed three lines of bars , some six or ^ e feet apart from each other . In Ludgate-hill , Skinner-street , Newgate-street , and at the ends of ( j , e different courts and other thoroughfares leading towards the drop , similar protections were erected for the public . _
CSTECIED GOSFEDERATES OF HoCKEB . —It IS the rcneral belief of someoftheofSicersofthe metropolitan forc e that there must hare been mere than one person enoaged in the murder , the maa Hooker being quite a strip ling compared with Delarue . They say that this supposition is greatly strengthened from the fact of cries for help being heard to proceed from the direction of BeUsiie-lane a long time before any one went to ascertain the cause , what they look " upon with the most suspicion , and what they maintain tends to prove that a second party at least must hare been engaged in the horrible crime , is the circumstance
of some cue having sent a quantity of poison to the convict . They argue that a stranger would have no object in view in poisoning the man , and that they are justified in concluding that the man who despatched thelettertoNewgatecontainingthepoison , was one who had been engaged in the affair ; and , fearing that the convict will ultimately make a confes sion , and that he wiU heimpUcated , lie resorted to the dreadful crime of poisoning him , hoping by that means to escape exposure and punishment . Be this as it may , the police have been actively engaged in tryiug to find the party out , but as yet without success . — Observer , ( Sundav ) .
The Mctdeber ' s Relatives . —On Friday the prisoner ' s brother visited him for the last time * Daring the interview Mr . "Wright , the deputy governor , was seated between the two brothers . The culprit ' s brother was deeply affected , bnt the criminal showed no feeling on the occasion . On Saturday , about noon , the father of the prisoner saw his unhappy son for the last time . lie was implored by his heartbroken parent to confess the whole truth , but the criminal was of all the parties present the least moved , displaying moroseness or turpitude of temper , and desiring with a dictatorial emphasis that no more questioui should be put to him .
The GoxDBQiED Sermon- is Newgate . —On Sunday the Rev . Mr . Davies , the ordinary of the gaol of Newgate , preached what is called the condemned sermon In the chapel of the prison . The sheriffs baring Issued tickets for as many persons as the chapel could , without being crowded to the inconvenience of all , contain , the seats were soon after tie admission of the visitors completely occupied . Notwithstanding the general censure to which female visitors upon occasions of the kind hare been subjected , there were some « f the sex whess curiosity pr evailed over the feelings by which the majority are influenced . We observed about eight or ten females scattered through the body and gallery of the . chapcl , aud they appeared to us to have nerve enough to
attend the execution , for which they saw the preparations before they entered the gates of the prison . Jlr . Cope , the ^ governor , made veryjudicious arrangements , by which confusion and inconvenience were obviated , and the reporters for the newspapers were admitted according to a previous regulation at a quarter past ten o ' clock , exactly fifteen minutes Mare the service commenced . There was no person of any distinction preseut . Here and there we observed a member of the corporation . In the sheriffs ' pwsatSir John Pirie and Under Sheriff Martin , Sheriff Sidney and Alderman Musgrove occupied the Ordinary ' s 3 > ew , and Mr . Anderton and three other gentlemen wcreaccommodated with seats in thatof the governor . The bell having summoned the prisoners
in the various wards of the gaol to Divine service , the divisions of the chapel assigned to them were speedily filled . Assoonasthey wcreseatcd , Connor , the younjnian who was committedfor trial upon the charge of the wilful murder of Mary Brothers , in Geor <; csireet , St . Giles's , was brought in by the turnkey in whose charge he has been placed since his removal to tlie prison upon the magistrate ' s warrant . Connor appeared to be improved in health , and was decently attired in Mack . He was conducted to a chair prepared for him in the body of the chape ] , directly opposite to the pnlpit , and close to the pew appropriated to tlic use of the family of the Ret . Mr . Davies , and he seemed to be affected frequently during the service . The turnkey sat on a form next to hun . After a
delay of a few seconds Ilocker entered , accompanied Ly tlie deputy governor of the prison and an assistant turnkey . It might be called a theatrical movement . The ease and self-possession which the convict exhibited as he advanced to his seat evidently surprised those of the congregation who had never before seen him , and he seated himself on a chair facing the alter , and at the end of the chapel opposite to that vteh Connor occupied . He was very particular in finng bis chair and the hassock which had been placed for his use , so as to enable him to make a display , lie exhibited , in fact , a perfect consciousness that lie was " the observed of all observers , " and had to all appearance made up his mind to represent in this the last but one scene of his existence the character which he has been performing since his
approbation . His person did not seem to be in any degree clanged since his condemnation . His costume was weasel ? the same , and now , as then , he was scrupa-Wy particular in the arrangement of his chair . Shortly after his entrance he spoke to Mr . Cope , who , at his request , directed one of the attendants in the dujiel to bring in a glass of water . Ue received the glass from the hand of the man with a bow , and placed it br his side . At length the service commenced . " The Rev . Robert S . Bower , the caaplain of the gaol of the county of Somerset , attended the reading desk , and the rever end ordinary took his place at the altar . The beautiful liturgy of tic Church of England was then read by the fonnei clergyman in an extremely impressive manner . Throughout the service Connor paid the most deep attention to every word that fell from the lips of those eugaged in performing it , and manifested extreme thoughtfuiness and dejection . Hocker joined in the responses in a linn tone . It was , however , obvious to careful observers of Ids demeanour that he was
struggling at times under strong internal emotion to keep op an ap | iearance of calm self-possession ; sometimes ws eve wandered from the Prayer-book and become 2 « d 011 vacancy , but he soon roused himself from Ms abstraction , and again turned to the page , lie deviated in this manner three or four times during the service , and his apparent unconsciousness was especially marked wheu he sat during the reading of the kssons of the day . When the reverend reader offered up that invocation contained in the litany for dc-Jiveram-e ¦* from kittle , murder , and from sudden death , " h was said by some persons who kept their tyes ujkui j ; -: rker up to the moment of his departure jnrai tbe v ' k ;;> i 1 , that he gave an involuntary shudder , bflt tlieact : oi ! must have been momentary . At other periods ha re-ted his head upon his hand in such a BiaimiT ar wholly to conceal his eyes , and then ;; iHTous actiou of the mouth and lips was distinctly I'taervablc . 1 "ravers Living been read , the fourth wi fifth verses of the 38 th Psakn , commencing
" Lor . , let me know my term of days , How soon my life will end , " * ore ihen sun j , awl llorker joined with some energy . Tk * CommuniKi portion of the service was read in a tifet adintrab / c manner by the rev . ordinary , and * lien he pronounced the sacred edict , "Thou shah < ta no lniuxU'v , " every eye was divectea towards tlic Cwivk-t , who , however , eviueed no particular manifotatiouol'ieelins :. The singing of lour verses of the 5 l < t I'salm ( v « c 4 th , Itth , 10 th , and Uth verses ) followed ; after which the ordinary ascended the pulpit , aud pnceedinl to deliver an eloquent and impressive focouise , io which , from the beginning to the end , tto afieni : < - > n of Hoekcr seemed to be completely r iveted . * The rev . < rcntlcman took for his text tk
fofc ycrsWtljc iith chapter of the book of Genesis , '" Wliorotru- sheiuleth man ' s blood , by man shall his ' ¦ jivid besheu , ¦<> r in the image of God made he man . " Tsw rtY . gentleman applied the greater part of his ^^ nrsfc ' io the case and conduct of Ilocker , attrib uting his < -nltMS and his fate to a want of proper culture in ia . -- . y , ir , th . lie was both pointed aud impw-sivc . li , ronclusioa , he prayed fervently that Ataiidnv- « Vi would give the cnlprit grace to employ Uii' few i- twaiiung hours he had to pa ss in this world j ^ utJitaiioi , : md prayer , and that the effect weuld !^ o » i < Wt him to make that reparation , not j » rocai . iy N ) ^ . " j j KC to s ^ jetj ^ | j Ut which , by a full , tatdid . a « d »^ ik-it statement of the truth , was due
« ' uiat Savii , ; . ; - through whose intercession he can fc'v look for saltation . To-morrow ' s suu would be t-tflast he ^ f aid see arise—to-morrow ' s noon would dauber him .-unonsst the dead , and might God have Jfpxy on Vis soul . " At the conclusion of the sermon jwkcr d : Ml tears ; he hastily removed them with "• « an < 3 km-hiff , wluchhe at oWplaced in his hat , Z ?^ We the chapeL He was the f irst to at 14 i' attvi " ^ d as before by the deputy governor ofv ^"'^ y e specially appointed to take ; charge ,.-: , -wmor , upon whom the eloquent discourse itl - . tt < i « rary had nianifcstly made a deep imil ' - ^ Jowwl . The other prisoners were then P ™ 'oyt « l m the same order as that in which they had **« i in trwlucfd , and soon the chapel was empty .
11 , n , TUE EXECCIIOX . tii ' ^^^^ seuibledinthe Old BaUey to wituc-ss tliri ^ "ll c'VW ; lsT « rv great ; numbers had laki-u aSbl ^• T fort > tw " ™ o ' clock on Sunday night , in iiY , i i "' . ¦ v lOtlj < lU Mondav morning the open space nurnl ., - "ate was literally crammed , and the fur P ^ ^!! ; uall . iJitreased until thetimeappwukil OkI culprit mrnpied the principal part of Sunday , bej " ^"''! " ? service , in writing ; he retired to lCI K «*»« o ' tSnek , and slept rathersoundly durin « U 1 fc « . He i-ose at five o ' clock in the morning ,
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and appeared rather composed , lmt d ! 3 ^^ Mt irSST" ™ " ? P ^^^ mebreakfS yP ^ V rtXw&te ; he was not at all communicative , but gave to the rev . gentleman a statement below . At hatf-pastseven o ' clock the culpritbecame veryweak , buthavm gtaken some cold water , he revived . Shortly after tnis time the bell of St . Sepulchre schureh began tolUng , when he nearlv fainted . lhepnsoneraUalongdidnotdeny bemgaguilh-participatorm the murder but strongly assertedto thelast that his was not the hand that committed the crime , ais defence on the trial , however , and some of the statementshe has made since , are so much at variance with each other thatlittlereliancecanbeplacedunon
inem . ; therefore the last , which we now publish in all probability is the most correct . In a conversation with Mr . Sheriff Sidney , who told him kJ j ? tetements on the trial could not be depended upon , he replied that part of his defence was true , v « ., that Delarue had seduced the girl Several times since the prisoner ' s trial the skerifls have kindly told him that if lie had anything to ur » e why the sentence should be delayed , they would wil-ingly and immediately lay it before the Home Secretary . He at first seemed doubtful what he should do on the subject , but when he was visited bv Mr SheriffSidneyatfouro ' cloekonTuesdavlast , he said that he had come to the conclusion to say no more on the subject . Since Tuesday the sheriffs W
again asked him if he wished any communication to be made to the Home Secretary , and he replied that he f hd not : he had determined to say no more on the subject . At a quarter before eight o ' clock on Mondav morning the reporters attending for the public press were admitted into the room where the prisoner was ; he was then attended by the ordinary , sheriffs , under sheriffs , and Mr Cope , besides several officers of the prison . He was standing with his hat in his hand and conversing with the Rev . Mr . Davies , to which ' gentleman he expressed great gratitude for his kind and spiritual attention . On the entrance ofthose connected with the press , the reverend gentleman told Ilocker thatthere were severalreporters present , and asked him if he wished to make any statement
it so , it would be taken down and go forth to the world . He replied , very much agitated , "Ao , sir ; if I had known those gentlemen would have been here I might have said something , but I am not now sufficiently composed . " Mr . Sheriff Sidney told him , if he wished to make any further communication to the ordinary or sheriffs , it should be given to the public . His reply was the same , that he was not sufficiently composed . The executioner then proceeded to tie the unhappy man ' s hands ; the moment the cord touched them he was agitated in a dreadful manner , bis whole frame trembled , and during the operation he became quite insensible ; he fainted and fell backwards , but was caught in the arms of two of the othcers . He presented at this moment a lamentable picture of the effects of guilt . He was placed in a chair , and after his temples had been bathed with ld th
cowaer e somewhat recovered , and was carried intothq chapel-yard , where he remained sitting until the melancholy procession , consisting of the sheriffs , under sherifts , the ordinary , the governor , and officers of the prison , was formed . Whflstsitting in the yard his arms were pinioned , during which every muscle of his frame was violently agitated , and it was supposed that it would be necessary to carry him to the platform ; but when the prison clock struck eight , he at once rose from the chair , and , with the assistance of two of the prison officers , feebly walked to the scaffold , the rev . ordinary reading from the burial service of the Church , " 1 am the Resurrection and the Life , " &c . On arriving at the scaffold the sheriffs delivered him to the executioner ; he was immediately placed under the gallows , and in two or three minutes the drop fell , and the mortal career of tliis wretched man ended . He struggled but a very short tune .
On his appearing on the drop there was a considerable noise amongst the vast crowd which had collected , but it soon subsided , and their demeanour , on the whole , was decorous and becoming . Shortly before the tim * of execution , the culprit said he wished to speak to Mr . D . W . Harvey ; on that gentleman going into the cell , he told'him that he ( Hocker ) was a native of Colchester , and that his father was a freeman of that borough . The body , after hanging the usual time , was cut down and placed in a shell , and was buried within the walls of the prison the same evening . The dense crowd dispersed immediately after the execution . From the excellent arrangements of the police we believe not the slightest accident occurred .
HOOKERS LAST STATKMEXT . The following is a copy of the letter which the culprit wrote on Sunday night , and gave into the hands of the Rev . Mr . Davis yesterday morning . It is in a clear , firm , and distinct hand , but evidently bv mistake is dated April 26 th , instead of the 27 th * : —
" Her . ana dear Sir , —This is thelast written communication I shall make to the world . My hours are now so few , that a babe might count them . Whatever may have been my conduct hitherto , I cannot any longer dissemble . You are too good and worthy a friend for uieto decyive with my last breath . Though I be condemned to die on a scaffold , I have yet one tender chord remaining iu my bosom , which your unceasingly kind attention has keptiu continual motion . I would rather be deemed a murderer tban a vile ingrate . I thank God that he has endued me
with that feeling which has made it impossible for me to be guilty of either . I never did any man u . premeditated injury in my life , and God forbid fliat I should , at such a time as this , forget to make you every acknowledgment in my power , while 1 live , for the faithful part you have educed in my unhappy case during my incarceration ; yon have proved yourself to be one of my dearest friends . May your rewafd here be that happiness which , alas has failed to be my lot , and hereafter that state of bliss which you have so often aud so fervently prayed that I mi"ht be a partaker of .
" With a quiet and unrcsentful conscience , and a heart still beating innocence of that which I am unjustly doomed to suffer , I wish to rectify two deviations from truth in the second statement which I read at my trial , or rather I should say , to admit their falsity . The manner in which I accounted for the stains of blood on my clothes was fictitious . It were an easy matter for we to forge another lie , by saying , that in stooping down by the body of deceased , as he lay dead , I came by such an appearance of guilt . But no ! I will not—1 cannot die with a falsehood on my lips . In accordance with a spirit of truth fulness , 1 avow solemnly , in the presence of my God , that
the marks were not occasioned by any contact whatever with the person of deceased . I myself did it after the body was removed by the constables . Can it be that I am indulging an infidel temerity at such an awful period as this by asseverating an untruth ? No ! my conviction of a future judgment and a slate of eternal consciousness is so powerful , that I hare not wickedness enough to trifle with my Maker aud my own soul at its peril , now that the gallows is in the course of erection for my execution . I am digressing . There is one point more to which I would draw your attention . I stated that Hampstead was the place where the guilty parties resided . This was an invention .
"ily defence has been complimented as an ' idle romance" by two individuals whose names I will not do the honour of publishing . If it were a ' romance , ' it was far from an idle one , for it was begun and finished in twenty minutes , while my solicitor was in waiting . I also beg to assure those penetrating critics that I should not bsne such a' romance as a specimen of the fertility of my imagination . But this strain is foreign to my object in writing to you . Excepting the inaccuracies to wiiidi i have alluded , both my statements were founded iu truth , and were true throughout . As a dying man , I have no other motive than that of truth for breaking silence . I only wish you to see that I am not ashamed again and again to declare my innocence to all the world .
That I am not guilty of murder , God and my conscience bwir witness , and this I shall be able to shout from my heart on my entrance into eternity . It is the duty of every man to prepare for ueath . 1 trust that I am" " prepared . The very best of men is not of himself worthy a place in Heaven . My hopes beyond the grave are not my own deserts , but tliose of another . My being innocent of the crime cf murder will not entitle me to au immortal crown , but a submission to His will who has permitted me to be brought thus low with an open and sincere confession of all my present and past youthful follies and imperfections , followed by genuine contrition aud faith . These I have learned to believe are acceptable to our merciful and gracious Benefactor , whom I have so often uiFii'ded .
" A man whom I have treated as my friend is themuruerw of Delarnc . His own admission of the fact was the only means of extricating use from this unworthy end } lie has not come forward . Had I caused him to be apprehended , lie would doubtlessly have denied it . I have bsen assured that had 1 not been found guilty of : nurder , 1 should have been transported for life for highway robbery . . Such an alternative has failed to induce we to divulge what it i ; my resolution to die with in my bosom . Let , th-. t , tl : is sentence ring in the murderer's ears : —That lie is not only the destroyer of Delarue , but nte likewise . I did not lift a hand against deceased . There may even yet be found some harsh enough to brand me as a dying liar ; but , oh ! if they knew what I , alas too well know , they would see the wrong they do me . 1 have suffered too much , and am , while writing this , too weak and heart-broken to quit this world ii ' ue an Atheist . My sorrows nave been more than mv
strength ( great as it has been ) could support . I am no longer the same young man who heard sentence of death passed without the distortion of a muscle . My troubles , both sleeping aud awake , have so shaken ute , that I Snd it riore easy to weep than to smile . Every rising sun dispels the dark mystery of futurity . Already I see death approaching me with increasing strides . At night when I lay my poor aching head to rest , ere I can close my eyes , rude forms of sliame and infamy attend my pillow , and , 0 ! what dreams ; one moment and all is passed . I am again at home ; every one cheering me with eager hands and hearts at my return—no longer condemned—no longer unhappy . Then to wake and find Djself stretched on a bard bed , surrcjniisdtyirephand gloomy walls , that deride my anguish and mock at my distress . This is bitterness , indeed ! Then talk not to me of the awfulness of death ! Death is the only friend that can make amends for all my . wretchedness ! For me to continue such as I am were worse than ten thousand
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• . " * X Jtk . JtV no £ t 2 Amm—During the whole of Wednesday afternoon the inhabitants of Clare-market vi ere thrown into considerable excitement by the disrar 7 twl ? blowing extraordinarycseUt apnast in fK V haS , ^ l ? 8 ' for E ( ivcral W Euilder « r , ° T ? f ilr ; . Maccy . the surveyor and nS « . I- % u JenBlktH ! ct ' Lincoln ' s-inn , a person of the AW 111 ° masPm T' ? toaeacoBper-plateprinter . m £ ZjiOT" ? > , tw >< Whters , the one Ki , » urty 1 ' ?' and tlle youngest Ann , thirty , ninnir ! » ° n workhouse , where they had been as S j- * t 0 reside with tueirParent ina small room ad joining his own apartment on the third floor . tSf W etButted H" > &thwor ™ 7 ' the M Sm l ! l ^ f ?? 'f d wecl « have been known to elapse without their being seen by any of the lodgers tor some days past the neichbmira bad « nmnU ,- . ^ . i
of a mostdreadful stench apparentl y proceeding from the room of these females . Upon ' interrogating the youngest she denied all knowled ge of the cause at the same time positively refusing to permit any pel-son to enter her apartment . About three o ' clock on Wednesday afternoon , Mr . Baker , the sumnioiiinu omcer , and a policeman , proceeded to the room , and upon bursting open the door , were nearly driven back by the disgusting nature of the eiHuvia that issued therefrom . Upon the bed they discovered the youngest sister , Ann , asleep , ami by her side the body of Man ' dressed , in a dreadful state of putrefaction , having been dead between four and five weeks . No possible cause can be assignedibr the conduct of thesurviviig sister , iartlier than the rumour that she has been subject to ntsoi insanity . The body awaits the coroner ' s inquiry .
Accident at 0 xF 0 RD .-0 n Friday afternoon a gad accident Mel Mr . Thompson , agentleman commoner ot Uriel College , Oxford , who with another gentleman was out for a ride on horseback , and had been to Bicester . On Iris return , and when on the Middleton-road , about a mile from the latter town his horse fell over a sheep that was lying in the road The rider was thrown off with great force , and was greatly injured . His companion returned to Bicester and obtained a postchaise , in which the injured gentleman was conveyed back . to the King ' s Arms Inn . He is now ( Monday evening ) lying at the inn in a Erecarious state , suffering from concussion of the rain . But faint hopes are entertained of his
recovery . Murder in Tippebary . —On Sunday night , the 20 th ult ., an armed party of ten men broke into the house of John Flanagan , atShallee , and beat him in a most cruel and savage manner , and endeavoured to put him out , but from the exertions of his wife and himself they were unable to do so . His skull is badly fractured , having received eight or nine cuts on the head , and his body beaten almost to a mummy . They beat his wife also in a very savage manner , and then retired . On leaving they desired him to give up the land , about three or four acres , which lie had held for a considerable time . [ Another account says Flanagan is dead . ]
Shocking Accident at Sea . —Southampton-. —On Saturday morning , at eight , the Q , ueen saw a . sloop capsize in Portland Race , and twice ran back to render aid , but met with none of the crew . She appeared to be about sixty tons burden , and there was a pilot-boat not more than a quarter of a mile from her . She had two water-casks painted green , and large bilge keelsons . Suicide of the Captain op a Danish Smp . —On Wednesday the Captain of the Danish brig Betsy , whose name is at present unknown , committed suicide by cutting his throat while in a warm bath , at the bath establishment in Tower-street .
Fire near Sudbury , Suffolk . —The cry of fire was raised in Sudbury on Tuesday night , which aroused the inhabitants , who ran in all directions . The whole . town was illuminated . The fii-e was about six miles off , between Cornard and Burea , on the farm in the occupation of Mr . W . Taylor . The house and all the farm buildings , implements , several horses , pigs , and fowls were destroyed : no furniture was saved . The family , were just about retiring for the night when the alarm . was given . It is supposed to be the act of an incendiary . On Friday last , a fire occurred at , or near Harerhill , in Suffolk , and property to a great amount was destroyed .
Singular Discovery of a Gentleman Drao in the Strbet 3 . —Shor t ly after eleven o ' clock on Monday night , as two gentlemen , who gave their names and addresses as 0 . B . C . Harrison , Ebq ., 23 , Woburnplace , and Charles Roumier , Esq ., Shanlock Hall , Boviiigdon , Herts , and No . 8 , Regent-square , were proceeding along ; Welstead-street , New-roadi their attention was attracted to the body of a man Iving partly on the kerb and partly in the gutter , who was groaning heavily , and appeared to bo dying . They instantly gave an alarm to the police , and police-constable Francis , HtJ S , haying procured a stretcher freni the Somers Town station , aided by the two gentlemenabove-nanied . andayoungman named Barber , conveyed the apparently dying man to the St . Pancraa workhouse . On their arrival there was no medical man residing on the establishment , and Mr . Cooper , the parish surgeon , who resides in Camden-street
had to be sent for . He arrived in about ten minutes , and although signs oflite were exhibited on his admission , long before the arrival of the surgeon he had expired . The body of the deceased was attired in such a dress as a gentleman would wear , but as no money or any article of value was found upon his person , it is not known whether he may not have been drugged and robbed by some one . He is a man apparently about 45 years of age , 5 feet 11 inches high , his head nearly bald , having brown hair , with rather a long visage , and whiskers inclining to red . His dress consists of a nearly new suit of black , body-coat , waistcoat and trousers , a black silk . handkerchief , and Bluchcr boots . He had on the little finger of his left hand a galvanic ring , and a paper was found in his pocket bearing on it , " Earl of Pembroke , Carlton-gardens , from Scraggs . " The cause of death has not yet been ascertained , nor has the body been indentured .
The Murder in St . Giles s . — -Adjourned Inquest . —On Wednesday the inquest on the body of Mary Brothers was resumed , at the Angel Inn , Bloomsbury , The jury assembled at ten o ' clock and entered the inquest-room . The public and the reporters were informed that they could not then be admitted , but that the court would be opened at a more advanced stage of the proceedings . After the lapse of about a quarter of an hour the doors were openod , and Mr . Wakley rose and said , —Gentlemen , you will remember that at pur last meeting in this room , on the 9 th of April , the inquiry thenin progress wasadjoumed until the present time , under the following circumstances : —I do not think it necessary to recapitulate all the evidence , but you will all of you remember
that the last witness then examined was the woman Bridget llonaynei That witness said , that she had seen a man near the scene of the murder , and had also heard him make use of threats towards the deceased . She did not know the name of that man , but said that she was so well acquainted with his features that she could p ick him out from among a thousand , or recognize him twenty years hence . Tho prisoner then in custody was not produced with a view to his identification , and a bar being thus put to your further proceedings , you adjourned , in order that time mig ht be afforded for his prod uction before this Court , and properraeasures taken to insure hisattentiance . In the same week a man named Joseph Connor , the suspected person , had a true till found
against him for the murder . He was arraigned on the indictment , and pleaded "Not Guilty . " These facts , which tookplace after theinquest was adjourned , had a , most important influence on the case . Immediately after the man was indicted I took Uve opinion of counsel as to whether an application to the court of Queen ' s Bench had better be made to order the production of the man Joseph Connor before you . The counsel were Mr . 1 ' ltzroy Kelly , Queen ' s counsel ; Mr . Roebuck , Queen ' s counsel ; and Mr . Petorsdorff . All the facts that had come before you were presented to them , and all the circumstances explained "; and those gentlemen were unanimously ami strongly of opinion that under the present aspect of affairs " the application for a writ to the Court of Queen ' s Bench
should not be made , as tho trial of the prisoner was secured by the finding of the true bill , and that circumstance rendered it _ not only possible but probable that the application would be refused , and that refusal would injure the cause for which we were contending in the public opinion . To this decision I was compelled to submit , as , having applied for the advice of counsel , I could not consistently go against it when I had received it . Mr . Kellv however , entertained so strong a feeling of the justice of our cause that he went so far as to say , that if another case of a similar nature should occur , he would go at once personally , and move for a writ for the production of the prisoner . In tins case , however you are interrupted in the proper discharge of your duties , and the administration of justice is grosslv and
openly interfered with , by persons whom I will not name . \\ e are now in the same position as when we last met , and I now ask you whether vou will go on with any further evidence , or at once conclude the case and return your verdict ?—Mr . Rogers , the foreman of the jury , said ; Mr . Coroner , we might have found such a verdict at our last mcetnig , and , therefore , all our time lias been wasted . We were aware in this case there was a strong contest going on between two authorities and , as honest members ol" society , we were anxious that the struggle should tcrminatc ' in favour of law and justice ; butstill we felt that any bad leolhii'and contest between . two public authorities was both prejudicial and indecent . When we ad journed on the 9 th of April it was under the impression that you iwtendwl h . nm . lv
tothe Court of Queen ' s Bench , in order that the ease might be finally settled , but it seems vou have not Hone so . Ve wished that it skould at once be decided trom the head authority iu the law , and that authority has not been applied to . The circumstances ot the case may be altered , but still the application was necessary , in order that we might be informed why the usual course of the law was interrupted . m this case . The Lord Chief Justice would , even it lie had refused the writ , have given some reason for that refusal , and the jury would then know how to act . i hope that in other cases you may have a jury equally anxious to seethe law . carried into
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effect—you could not have oue who could be more so than we are . We arc stopped in our inquiry by the detention of the prisoner by other authorities , and I therefore submit that we at once give a verdict , as we can have no evidence that will show the identity ot the prisoner . —Mr . Wakley said . it is strange that an application was made at tho Old Bailey for the postponement of the trial , on the ground that it was necessary to secure the attendance of some witnesses who could show that the prisoner was not near the murdered woman ' s house when the murder was committed . Ever since I have been coroner I have not known a single instance where a man charged with murder has been committed on the first examination In this case the accused party has not had time to collect his witnesses , and the hastv committal had
certainly impeded the law . —The Jury then expressed a wish to consider of their verdict , and the room was cleared of strangers . During this absence Mr . Wakley ( as was afterwards stated ) endeavoured to explain the reasons for his not having applied to the Court of Queen ' s Bench . All the jury , with the exception of Mr . Rogers ,, expressed their approbation of Mr . nnkley ' s conduct . Mr . Rogers adhered to the opinions he expressed . After the lapse of three quarters ot an hour , the court was re-opened , and Mr . Rogers read the following verdict : — " We find that the deceased , Mary Brothers , was wilfully murdered by some person or persons unknown , anil the jury think that they have been prevented bv the conduct of the
police authorities from pursuing their investigation m a more satisfactory . manner . "—Mr . Wakley said , that under the circumstances , the verdict was very moderate . —Mr . Rogers said that the jury did not wish to express all they felt on the subject . —The Jury then expressed their pleasure at tho strenuous endeavours of Mr . Wakley to get justice done , and remarked that he had put himself to considerable expense to attain that object . —Mi-. Wakley said that he regretted that they had not been successful , . there would have been no such annoyance to a jury in any other county in England , The magistrates had no right to interfere with the duties of the coroner . The jury then separated .
Iue ihe Suicide at Camdex Towx . —The Ix-? f T , On rilul ' stlll } weck an inquest was held before Mr . Wakley , M . P ., at the Elephant and taatle , St . Pancras-road , on the body of William Orton , the individual described in our last week ' s paper . Ihe brothers of the deceased , who were examined , stated that he lived at No . 3 , Stephen-street , iottennam-court-road . He had formerly been a tobacconist in Farringdon-strect , where lie resided tor two years . He then sold tho business , and lived tor some time on the money he received for it . He ti i . j n in VCry great < l { stross ft * the last five weeks , lie had on one occasion received an injury on the back of his head which had partially affected the brain , tor ho had been delirious very frequently since that time . He was last in the company of his brothers at twelve o clock on Mondaynieht . when he anDeared in
unusually good spirits . He himself remarked that he telt very happy , and yet he could not say why , as he should prokiblv sleep in the streets all night . nc went to his lodgings at a quarter past twelve , and asked permission of the landlord ( who had seized his boxes tor non-payment of rent ) to take something out otone of them . He obtained permission , and he opened one , from which he took something , and placed it m his pocket . He then said to Ids landlord Good b y , I shall not see you any more . He was never again seen alive . The pistol with which he committed the act had been in his possession ten years . The jury , after some remarks from the coroner , returned a verdict " That the deceased , Wuham Orton , destroyed himself ; but in what state otmuidhewasatthe time tnore was no evidence to show . "
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6 this statement , : however enormous it may appear , being in our opinion no more than equivalent to the indirect reduction lately made . " It was seconded by George Wilson , who declared he was anxious to see God ' s curtc carried into effect : for man was doomed to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow ; but they now compelled him to sweat , while the employers took the bread and consumed it without sweat . Formerly they had only one class of politicians to contend against ; but now they had blue , with yellow and green into the bargain . The reductions made ou them by the indirect mode , was from IJd . per lb . on some sorts , and Gd . on foreign . Would they longer submit to be thus plundered by sympathising philosophers ? Let them unite as one man , and victory was sure to be on their side . —Mr . John
Gavr next addressed the meeting on the nature of the reductions , made at o time when trade u < as never knmni to be better . —Miss Rothwell , treasurer to the i owcr Loom Weavers' Society , was loudly called for ; and on making her appearance , was received with three rounds ot cheers . ' She hoped the meeting would not view her m the light of one wishing to d £ part iron the usual reserve and modesty of her sex ; and trusted they would excuse in her the want of that eloquence which had been so ablv displayed by the preceding speakers . In addressing a meeting , composed ot hundreds of thinking men , die kcenlv felt her situation ; and was aware that ainoiv tho ranks of the middle and upper class , she would obtain the unenviable epithet of a bold aw \ forward girl : but , should that be the ease , they who would thus charge her , should remember thai the bl « m *
lay at their own door . The persecution of herself aud family had caused her to reflect ; and that which was to her a mystery , and buried in obscurity , was now clear and plain before her mind ' s eye . Ha ' d Mr . Trimble not discharged her brother , sisters , and herself , for the high crime of attending a meeting on Good Friday , to take into consideration the means of bettering the condition of the Power Loom Weavers , she should still have been the unreflecting slave of the power loom , without the cause being ascertained why she was a slave . Her father was discharged because her brother was chairman of the meeting alluded to ; and her sister was discharged because she ( Miss Rothwell ) had accepted the office of treasurer : but she was thankful to Mr . Trimble for that circumstance . It
had aroused thought and reflection , and she now plainly discovered that he who was busy in filching the trade from their homes , was also using every means in his power to assimlate the wages of this country to that of his German serfs . But how ividcly different were the burdens on each ! While here we groaned Jni i wc'S ut . theirs Avas comparatively light . Inc object of the employers was to keep theiV workpeople in ignorance ; and to this end the most licentious overlookers were placed over them . But the time was approaching when the mind of the Powerloom Weavers would rise above their thraldom ; and she now warned the employers , that the day was fast approaching when tlie tyranny practised " on them would end for ever , and the suu of freedom and virtue rise to shine refukent to the end of time .
She would never again be the slave of an English tyrant : much less would she submit to the thraldom of a foreign oppressor . While she had a tongue to proclaim the wrongs of sisters in slavery ; while a drop of British blood lloweil in her veins , ' she would strive for the emancipation of her class ; and ere long they would find that the female workers in Bradford would be a powerful auxiliary in the onward march to " a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work . " Miss Rothwell sat down loudly cheered . Mr . Smvth moved a vote of thanks to ' Miss Rothwell for the patriotic spirit she had displayed . . Mr . George Flynn seconded the motion , which was carried by acelamatiou . Mr . G . White moved the adjournment of the meeting to Monday next , to meet in Peckover-walks , at nine o ' clock in the morning . This was unanin oiisly carried , and the meeting separated .
>\ oolcombers' Strike . — On Friday the Woolcombers in the employ of Mr . Rand turned out for an advance of wages . For a considerable time past tins gentleman , a Conservative free-trader , has been hi the habit of altering the-namns of his sorts of wool , and thus r ' edminy the wages of his workmen . The name , or mark , of the highest price sort of wool vanished as if by magic , and a new name or mark was adopted , or the mark ' of the next in price was substituted ; and so on throughout the whole of the sorts . By this process the Woolcomber was reduced trom a half penny to twopence per pound ; and the manufacturer enabled to preserve the price in the market , as the purchaser was ignorant of any reducwon m the wages of the Woolcomber having taken place , while the master ' s profits increased in
proportion to tne reductions made in wages . Two schools have been opened by the turn-outs for the children working in the mill : and thus they have stopped a great portion of the machinery . TaiuMPii of CnAunsM at Holueck , Leeds . —Again have the " good men and true" of tins " working men s ward" of the borough of Leeds done their duty . Again have they placed men of their own rank m oihee , in a position where they can do much to serve the interests of the poor ; ami this too in Bpite of the odious Sturgcs Bourne ' s Act , which confers plurality I of rates on the holders of property . The last contest has been for the " Select Vestry ; " aud though the nhwand To « y factions tried the chance of apoll , the " workies" carried the whole board of fourteen by a majority of almost three to one ! ni-n ™
Holbecki' It is the stronghold of Chartism . It lias set an example to other places which it would be well to follow . In spite of even- sort ot opposition—fair , foul , and dastardly—the " work'" Si" ? " of this village returned ' Mr . Hobson to the Leeds Town Council . Last November thev re'u ™ '• S «» ' ? t an influential magistrate , for whom «? w ies > Tiries ' and eveu suam Chartists voted , Mr . . Brook ; and now they have placed fourteen working men to dispense "relief at tho workliouseboard to those of their brethren-made " paupers " MVT S PT } dch " sucks tue wealth out ot the hands of the producers into the Inn nf tha
greediest and most inexorable of tyrants . " Again mm Holbeck !; By-thc-bvo we see that Mr . Brook las succeeded in las motion before the Queen ' s Bench tor a rate to show cause why the verdict obtained against him at last York assizes should not be set aside on the ground that the words ( falsely ) imputed to him are not slanderous : and if we may judge of the result from the significant intimation of Lord Deiunan , that there was something in the objection , " it is pretty apparent that Superintendent James will have to commence de-novo if he wishes his character to be purged from the imputations cast upon it . As it is tlie real question- has not been touched : if Mr Brook should succeed in his present effort , as in all
likelihood he will , tlm whole matter will he in the e aet Position it was before Mr . James moved at all ! bo he will have taken something by his motion Holbeck Select Vkstrt . —Mr . Bond , solicitor appeared at the Leeds Cotirt-liouse , on Wednesday ast , on behalf of a body of the inhabitants of Hoiucslc , to complain of the manner in which the late poll tor select vestrymen in that towashin had been conducted , and to request that the Magistrates would not confirm the election . It appears that a Chartist named btcau was appointed chairman of the annual meeting of the vestry , ami upon a poll being demanded , he fixed the hours for taking it at fvomWpast five to nine o ' clock on Saturday last , and from seven to nine on the Monday and Tuesday evenings following . Mr . Bond contended that these were in a great measure unseasonable hours for such
a purpose , and that the time allowed was not sumciently protracted to afford an opportunity to evenratepayer in the township to exercise his franchise ' nvo or three parties present spoke to the inconvenience and confusion which had prevailed in consequence ot the rush to the poll by parties who were atraid they should not have an opportunity of recording tlieir votes ; but tin ' s assertion was vehement ! v denied by their opponents . Mr . Lofthouse , the magistrates clerk in attendance , quoted a ease in which Lord Denman had distinctly derided that the oflice of justices in such cases as the present \ vas purely ministerial , and they had no power but to confirm the t , p V T ' , si ^» 'K » J"gif r « te , U / . Bramiey , Esq ., amiG . \\ right , fcsq ., decided that they hwfnodnL crotion in the matter , and if the comp laining part es lelt apeved , they must move in the Court ofQueen , iJ CllC lit
Marylebone . —A numerous and highly respectable Zlm hGl ( ! intUc . ^ eStigatio n KSfSSH street , on lliursday evening , to procure the return ot h-ost and his co-patriots . Mr . Patteuden was unanimously culU * l to the chair , and briefly opened tlie proceedings . Dr . Webb moved a resolution us ; follows : — ' 1 hat this meeting lias heard with pleasure , ot the return and restoration to liberty of the banished I Canadian patriots , but lament exceedingly the coni tinned banishment of tliose martyred exiles , Frost I Williams , Jones and Eilis ; iiml ' hereby resolve to , again petition the Commons iloii 3 u of ' i ' nrliament ' praying that body to address her Maiestv for a | free pardon to tliose virtuous but unfortunate men "
Mr . Goodwin briefly seconded the motion Mr T Clark , of the Executive , cordially supported it and it was earned with acclamation . Air . Farrer moved a petition to the Commons House of Parliament ^ teB ^ f ^ fthe foregoingrcMlution Mr . ¦ „ , „ , . . « lndc ? , thc mo ^ , paying a high compiimeit to the nrtuc , patriotism , nnf humanity of Johii * tost Mv . >\ eU > also briefly addressed the " l'S ? M \ r ° ! ° - iecfc l an » M considerable cheering Mr . Munday , of -Northampton , likewise suppovtwl Hie motion , and exhorted them to persevere and conquer . J'lie petition ww carried unanimously . It was also unanimously resolved , that it should be signed oy tlie chairman , and forwarded to Sir Charles Napier tor presentation . *¦ " ••"«»
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Attempt to Assassisate the Prussian- Minister of Wau . —A letter from Berlin , of the 21 st ult ., gives the following account of a mad attempt to assassinate the Prussian Minister of War , General Baron de Iioycn : — " A young sub-lieutenant of artillery , who had been a pupil at the military academy , introduced himself into the minister ' s cabinet , anil , in a wild abrupt manner told him he had come to communicate to him a secret , by means of which he was certain , by one pass of his svprd , of sending into the air a whole Russiau army . Baron de Boyen , seeing with whom he had to deal , mildly and kindly replied that he was then too much engaged to coniei with him on his secret , but would let him know
when he could receive him . The ofticer insisted upon beiiifr heard immediately , and as the minister persevered in bowing him out , lie said , iu a high tone , ' I am here in a house belonging to the state , and I have a right to speak in it as well as any other public functionary . ' After an interchange of a few more words , the officer drew his sword , and was nt » nt lo rush on the minister , when some of the attendants , hearing the altercation , came in and secured the infuriated man . Of the lunacy of the young officer little doubt can bo entertained , although it is said that lie had never before shown any symptoms of derangement , and , since his arrest , has conducted himself as if he was in the full enjovment of his intellectual faculties . "
Singular Fatality . —A British soldier accidentally fell into the water at Quebec , Canada , afew days since , when a sentinel walking by attempted to get him out by reaching him the ' butt of hi » musket . The drowning man grasped the weapon , ana in his struggles , it was discharged ; the contents entered the head of the sentinel and killed him instantly . —^ Americanpaper ,
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Amalgamation of Trades . —Meetiao at Biadfobd . —A public meeting of the Woolcombers , and Irades generally , was held on Monday evening , in front or the Odd Fellows' Hall , to take into consideration the propriety of an amalgamation of the Irades of Bradford with the proposed Association of United Irades of Great Britain ; also the necessity of petitioning'Parliament for an inquiry into the sana tory condition of tho Woolcombers of Bradford and neighbourhood . Mr . Joseph Raistrick was called to the chair , who opened the proceedings by reading the placard calling the meeting , and briefly referred to the objects and proposed remedies . ' lie then called George Roberts tomove the first resolution , as follows : — " Resolved , that as the sanatory condition
oi large towns is at length beeoming a subject of consideration with all classes of society , we feel constrained to express our conviction of ' the great necessity which exists for some regulations on this allimportant matter . And we are further of opinion , that not only the preservation of the health , but the conservation of the morals of the working classes of this town , calls loudly and imperatively for the establishment of well ventilated shops for manufacturing purposes ; thus removing tho necessity which now compels thousands to horde together in filthv stie 3 unfit for human habitations , which serve as bed-rooms , workshops , and very often as hospitals , tor the unhappy inmates . Such being injurious to health and revolting to common decency , we heartily solicit the co-operation of the well-diannsed nf nil niW .
to assist m putting a stop to such a crying grievance . Mr . S pur seconded the resolution , and observed that thirty years' experience had convinced him that each year was worse than the former for the workmen . He could remember when the master would sit in the workshop and be free with his workpeople ; but they hardly ever saw them now , unless in their gigs or curricles . The operative was looked on as part of the . machinery left to the eare of an overlooker , who thinks there is nothing but oil wanting to keep liim in motion , like the rest oi his machinery . Mr . George Plvnn supported the resolution in an able and eloquent speech He observed that he was charged by some of their opl pressors with haying a little more knowled ge than the rest of his fellow workmen ; and in the eyes of a
lir ii r ¦ l " * * V ° « ' « e . of no small degree Well , how was he situated to be able to acquire that knowledge ? He lived in a cellar , nine feet bv seven This dwelling was Ms workshop , his bed-rum , his htchen , his study ; and sot u . nfuequestly ms hospitai ! . Could any man live thus , and not " acquire knowiedgef" Was he to close his eyes to the tact that while he was obli ged -to toil in such a position ' the trait of his labour was filched from him , and splendid mansions arose in every direction around mm , inhabited by those who mocked him with expressions of sympathy . Read the history of Bradtord : and there they would find that some fifty years back the workman could enjoy himself in the pure air of heaven after his day ' s work . He could observe the tinny tribe , sporting in the liinnid stream thnt flm »™ i
through the town : but now , were lie to walk along the banks of the same stream , instead of the pure air of heaven , the chance would be that ho would meet with pestilence or putrid fever . At all events , he would be certain of catching more disease than trout . Mr . FJvnn was loudly cheered . At the conclusion of his ' address tho rain fell in torrents and yet not a man of the vast assembly stirred . Mr ' Robert Cutler moved the second resolution as follows : — " That as tlie experience of years has proved that the employers of labour are almost universally opposed to the well-being of tiie working classes and as remonstrances and supplication has failed to ' produce the desired effect , the time lias at length
armed when all who value their dearest interests should speak out , and with a united and determiiicc resolve , stand forth in the presence of their oppressors , and declare that they will no longer quietly sub nut whilst their families arc plundered of the means of existence . " Mr . John Clarke seconded it , anil William Dawson , in a brief speech , supported it He read from the Northern Star the Address of the 1 rades delegates , and urged on the meeting to take tae question up with spirit ; for to it they must come sooner or later . At this stage of the proceeding nn nTu £ nment ? P l' ° P oscd t 0 tl ^ large room in the Uild bellows Hall , as it was impossible for the people to stand in the vain . Accordingly the meetiim
aUjoiinicdtotlKsspticMms hall , which was crowded hundreds being unable to obtain admission . On the business being resumed , Mr . Robert Sedgwick mechanic , a delegate to the Conference , was called on to move the third resolution , us follows — " Th-it the plans and propositions brought forward by the National irades Conference are entitled to the serious consideration of all good men ; and whilst we are determined to assume that bold front which becomes the producers of the nation ' s wealth , we are not mmimlinl ot tliose moral and intellectual resources calculated to emancipate the toilins millions f ™«
, their present thraldom ; and we hcrebv plcd .. ourselves to co-operate with our suffering fellow workmen throughout the united kingdom , in the onward movement proposed by the late Conference" Mr Smyth delegate to the Shoemakers' Con f erence " TrS ¦ ' I" * : - ^ delete totE general tin ? , el " - ' ? T [ t IIc oonSidered the time had arrived for the Trades' to stand forward as men Let them have no more complaints or bickering ; but let every man go from that meeting determined to act ' his part . Mr . Jabez Atkinson also addressed the meeting . The tourth resolution was moved by Robert Mullen , delegate to the Trades Conference : — " That , as the grievances of the Wooleombers of this town have been frequently laid before our . employers ; and as our eonvplaints have been met by prevarication and evasion on their part ; and as tbe indirect encroachments
on our wages arc not confined to isolated firms , but have now become general ; we , therefore , resolve that the following list of prices fee presented to cverv manufacturer in the town , by a deputation from this meeting , in order to prove the universal dissatisfaction which exists , and our fixed resolve to be properly remunerated for our labour . Proposed list of prices-English wools : — AU sorts , under 3 d . per lb ., -id . lb . advance . " from 3 d . to 5 d . " 1 d . " " " from 5 d . upwards " lsd . " " Foreign Wools : — All sorts , under Is . 2 d . per lb . advance , " from Is . to Is . 3 d . 3 d . " " " from lod . to Is . 6 d . 4 d . " " " from 18 d . upwards 6 d . " "
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^^^ ^^ r r ^ = === 5 a = s = s ==-deaths . Even death on a scaffold ( that shameful end ) to it I" Preferable to n <> ne . I am heartily sick of the world that has treated me as though I had always been a cnmmal m its estimation . No one ever suspected me guilty of any unlawful hreach until I came hither , and jet no one would take me by the hand . Because I could spell and write , my poverty was a crime . Think you then my thoughts still lingered behind , and that I wished my days were renewed ! Hy hopes of heaven are worth them all ; ' My home and an isolated friend here and there are my only Pttractions , and I trust I shall meet them soon where all is light aud joyous—where the love of God is the only mystery—where holiness and pure intellect ga hand m hand ; and the tear of gratitude the only tear ! May you and I , my dear sir , and all those who are dear to ns , be welcomed there , is the dying prayer of " Your poor unfortunate , but faithful servant , « , ™ „ "T- H . Uockeb . The Rev . Mr . Davis , Ordinary—A pril 26 , 18 iS . "
LAST LEIIKRS OF HOCKEH . i rr 5 j iu ? £ $ addroased the following letters to Mr . Sheriff Sidney : — " Sir , —For some time before you left me this morning , I had resolved to remain entirely mute on the subject which so dee / ly interests my very life . But fearing that I might have made a somewhat rash determination , I was glad of your offer to visit mo again this afternoon I have seriously considered your kind proposals again and again , and still the result is that I decline answering affirmatively . Believe me , sir , if I felt disposed to repose confidence m any one , it would be yourself . The female who wrote the letter , which we have all read so attentively over , js the same person to whom I alluded in my statement at my trial . She has already taken a very material
step iu my favour , and a very welcome one indeed it is to me . I am now convinced that she will not suffer me to be sacrificed through her silence . It is in her power to clear me , and she wiB do it . I cannot do anything until she comes forward voluntarily . I am fully aware that by deferring such an all-important disclosure , I expose mysolf to the most imminent danger , and this 1 have felt turough the whole of my misery , since the moment I was apprehended . I do not understand why she should , at such a time as this , have occasion to go to Bristol . I cannot comprehend that part of her letter at all . My opinion is , that she will either make her appearance here , or write again to-morrow , or Thursday . God grant she may—until she do one or the other , I shall be in the most agitated state of suspense .
" I remain , sir , your most grateful and obedient servant / „„ „ , "Thomas H . Hockeb . "Mr . Sheriff Sidney , Ludgate-bill , Tuesday evening . " " Honoured and dear Sir , —The knowledge of being permitted to address you by letter I did not venture to anticipate , and such that I cannot half convey my sense of obligation to you . My condition is now a painful one indeed . The only prospect which this life at present holds out to me is immediate dissolution , attended . by the cruel exultation of an unsympathising moU , and every species Of ignominy . I need not assure you &at I feel my unhappy lot keenly—most keenly—though I may try to shut my eyes against the recurrence of former and happior scenes My dear parents—my unfortunate brother and my friends —who still own me , will force themselves npon my
reraembrance , rendering my distress well nigh insupportable . I am very far from wishing that any one should look upon my late strength of nerve as constitutional , or acquired by callousness and obstinacy . No , no , my dear sir , I never boasted the possession of a heart devoid of feeling for another ' s misfortune , much less for my own . lam condemned to die the death of a malefactor , in accordance with the deliberate , and , I trust , conscientious decision of twelve of my countrymen . May they never have cause to reproach themselves with hastiness in the discharge of so solemn a duty . I am perfectly resigned to my fate : I hope not from stoic principles , but from having seriously contemplated the really awful consequences of quitting this bitter scene unprepared for immortality . I pray that pardon may be ' awarded me , on ntrition
deep c » and prostration of soul , for my pastyouthful imprudence and srafulness . I am persuaded that unless the natural heart be broken , and renewed by divine mercy , however noble and amiable it may be deemed by the world , it can never think of eternit y without inwardly shuddering . 0 , that the Rock of Ages may so fix my wavering and roving mind , in his love , compassion , and power , that I may see my own wickedness aud depravity , and look npon him with faith and humility as my guide and Saviour . It is time that 1 draw to a close ; but , before 1 conclude , suffer me for one moment to dwell on what perhaps ought to have formed the chief subject of this letter . While I was at Cletkemvell the very sound of ' Newgate Prison' struck terror into me . I thought that when I should leave it , I
might bid farewell to kindness , and honest , good-hearted men for ever . I found the officers there as so many exceptions to their general character . They treated me with the greatest consideration and kindness , and I shook hands with them all at parting with a heavy heart , while I listened to then * good wishes for my happy success . I came hither expecting nothing but harshness , but how was I surprised to find that the same benevolent feelings which I had so lately met with were exercised almost more fully , if possible , by everyone who had to do with me here ; and now that I think of it , I cannot but mention the brotherly sympathy and attention of the man who is appointed my keeper , to whom I owe a heart full of thanks ; when I have been at times melancholy or unwell he has taken it as much to heart as though ' i were his devoted friend ; indeed , he is the companion and sharer
of all my feelings—may he always have such a friend as he has been to me . But in justice to all connected with this place , I ought not to particularise , yet I must not forbear the names of Mr . Davies , Mr . Cope , and Mr . Wright . While writing of them every grateful acknowledgment naturally follows . Last of all , though I may truly say the first in my thoughts , is yourself ; how can I speak of yon as I feel ? You have interested yourself in my misfortune in a manner that I know of no other title than that of father that is suited to you . Oh , may you never have the bitter experience of my poor father * but be rewarded with that peace of mind and tranquillity of conscience which ever attend the Christian philanthropist , and may you ultimately come to that crown of glory which fadeth not away , of which I humbly hope to bo a partaker .
"Believeme , Sir , " Tour most grateful and faithful servant , " Mr . Sheriff Sidney . " " T . H . Hockeb . After Hocker rose on Monday morning he asked for pens , ink , aud paper , andsat ' down and wrote two letters ; one was handed by him to the ordinary , and the second to the under governor , Mr . Wright . We refrain , from obvious reasons , from giving the names of the females he thus addressed ; but his letters to them were written , almost at the eleyenth hour , in the same bold form and elegant handwriting which he had displayed in all his former correspondence . The first was dated on the morning of his execution , and was in these terms : —
My very dear Sarah , —I have not had courage enough to address you since I was last witu you . From tlie first moment of my acquaintance with you until the present , I have cherished the most genuine and respectful affection for you ; and though I made you many misrepresentations of my condition in life , had I lived I should have repaired them all ; but all is past , excepting my love for you , which survives every other feeling . May you be happy yet , and may we meet in heaven . Your good friends , Mr . and Mrs . E ., will not spurn my dying respects and esteem , nor will our kind friend Miss E . disbelieve that I still feel every sentiment for her that I once professed to feel . I have given this my warmest kiss for you , my sweet love . Heaven bless you . Farewell , farewell . Yours , with my dying blessing , Monday , 28 th April , 1315 . T . H . Hockeii . The second letter was in these terms : —
My still dearest Olivia , —I cannot quit tliis scene of heart-rending misery without addressing you a farewell line . My lot is a hard aud a painM one indeed ; and how often have I thought of you , my first and dearest love , since my incarceration . I have had you in my remembrance both sleeping and awake , and every time my heart has been ready to burst . This is the last epistle I shall write . You are deserving the best wishes of every one . You have my last blessing . Heaven bless you and make you its own , and oh ! may we meet in heaven , where is no more separation—no more forgetfulness . but all is love and joy . Yours till the last , T . H . Hockeb . [ The letter alluded to in the first , from Ilocker to Mr . Sheriff Sydney , has not yet been made public . Perhaps , if there was one , the police have it , and are endeavouring to trace the writer . ] ?
Untitled Article
MAV 3 > 1845 - THE NORTHERN stab
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 3, 1845, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1313/page/5/
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