Star. — London, England, 1821-08-30 00:00:00

that I know of. I have never put any limit' or re straint to your questions. The Foreman.—l beg your pardon, Sir : you do stop us very repeatedly. When we put questions which we think very relevant, you yourself, Sir, have repeatedly interposed to pi - event their being answered. The CORONER.-.-But I deny that, Mr. Foreman, altogether ; and you have no right to say so. You behave yourself, Sir, very improperly indeed. The Foreman.—lf I thought I had behaved im properly, I should be very sorry. The CORONER.—And so you ought to be, Sir ; you ought to he ashamed of yourself, Sir. The Foreman.-1 can never be ashamed, Sir, while I am doing my best for the investigation of truth. Of that party I certainly am. The CORONER.—Why that is the party that we want here, where the truth is to be enquired after. Mr. Blakie.—The fact is, Mr. Hanson, there was a Gentleman here the other day, a Mr. Adolphus, a professional Gentleman, appearing, as I understood, for the same parties whom you represent. Some dis cussion took place upon a similar subject with that which is under consideration now ; and the very sys tem of cross-examination which you are now pursu ing, is that which Mr: Adolphus expressly declared he must solemnly protest against. Mr. HANSON.—But we must try a witness's credit. Mr. Blakie.—Has character anything to do with the matter which we have in hand now? _ The Cc:snot/Kn.—Why every witness has been re spectively asked whether he was an architect, or painter, and who and what he was. Why should not the same sort of question br! put now? Don't let us have any wrangling, for Gon's sake. Witness.—l did not see the hearse at the time I am speaking of ; it had gone round the Edgeware-road ; when the shot was fired at Honey, I believe the throwing of stones had ceased for about five minutes, to the best of my belief; I had no watch about me, and cannot swear to the exact time ; from the place where Honey fell I could not see what WAS passing in the Edgeware-road. By a Juror.—Honey was on the pavement when he fell ; he was opposite a door, not on the first step ; I did not hear him say anything; I cannot say if he had an umbrella in his hand at the time. By another Juror.—l had been standing near to Honey for about two minutes; I did not hear him say anything; I did not hear him clap his hands and cry out, " The City, the City." There were several persons near me crying out several things, " Picca dilly butchers," and the like, but I can't say he said anything. I saw no other Otlicer near Cumberland gate,' but the one who fired the pistol. When I saw the ts. - o Officers, one going down Park-lane, and the other who joined the detachment, that was before the death of Honey. • The evidence of the witness was then read over to him, and, having signed it, he withdrew. The Jury then separated (six o'clock) for about a quarter of an hour to take some refreshment. On their return to the room, Corporal Colson was called in, sworn, and exa mined.--My name is Thomas Colson. lam a cor poral in Captain M.Neil's troop, first Life Guards. CORONER.—Do you know anything respecting the death of Richard Honey ?—No, not in the least. By a Juror.—l was orderly corporal on the 14th August. Ido not know what men Sub-Lieutenant Gore had under his command that day. I am of the C troop. Ido not know what men were out of that troop on the 14th. I know some, but not all. The first men I saw I ordered out. There were some men of our troop wounded on that day. One had his shoulder-bone broken; several others were hurt, and went to the hospital. Only one remained in the hospital. They were all present at the next parade. It was my duty to report them absent if they did not attend. I believe they were all present, ' but I can't say. I can't say whether they were all present on the next morning's parade. I can't say how many men were with Lieutenant Gore. I was not with them. I saw them in the barrack-yard, but did not see them coming in. I did not see the trumpeter who was with Lieutenant Gore's party that day. The trum peter does not belong to our troop. I don't know him. One of the Jurors here said that the witness was prevaricating. The CORONER did not think so. lie was stating, on his oath, what he knew; he could not say what he did not know. Witness.—l know nothing but what concerns my own troop. A Juror.—Do you know who was the orderly corporal in the troop in which Lieutenant Gore was? —I do not know. There were two; one fell sick, and another relieved him. A Juror.—Can you tell us the names of the ten men who were with Lieutenant Gore ?—1 cannot. Can you tell us how we might find out the names? Witness.—l cannot: I can t tell all the names of the men who were out. Another Juror asked how they could be found out; bow the names were kept ? Witness.—lt was I alone who should have the names; but I had not got them. Juror.—How should you know if one of the ten men under Lieutenant Gore had deserted?—l could not know it till the next day. The Foreman.—He has told us twenty things he does not know; now we should ask what he does know. Witness.—l have not got the list of the names. I should know them, perhaps, if I had time to look over them. I could not find them out in two days if I were here. After some questions on this point, and a short de sultory conversation, the witness said that it behoved him to procure the names of the men if the Jury re quested it, whether the Coroner sent a note or not. Witness's evidence was then read over to him, and he was ordered to attend on Friday with the names of the ten men who were out with Lieutenant Gore. The CORONER here said that Mr. ex-Sheriff Par kins was in attendance, with his servant, and wished to give evidence. A Juror asked if he had been summoned, and by whom ? Mr. HANSON said, not by me certainly. Mr. Parkins's servant was then called in and sworn. The CORONER said they ought to have the master first, as he was in attendance. A Juror.-1t is immaterial to us here which is first. The Comm.:R.—Yes, but there is an order and decorum to be observed in those things. 11 my ser 'vant were called before me, and I were in attendance to - be sworn, I should consider it an insult. The Constable was then sent out to know whether Mr. Parkins wished to be examined before his ser vant ? On his return, he said Mr. Parkins wished to be examined. Air. Parkins was then called in and sworn. Before he proceeded to give his evidence, a Juror, who peiceived that no seat was furnished for the wit ness, appealed to the Coroner, whether an individual who was sitting, and who was present merely as an auditor, ought not to give up his seat to the ex-She riff? After a few words, the Gentleman consented to relinquish his claim to a seat. Mr. Parkins proceeded.—My name is Joseph Wil fred Parkins. I live at No. 10, Great Bridge-street, Blackfiiars. I am the late Sheriff of London. I see, Mr. Coroner, from the Newspapers, that you have followed the plan, in the course of this investigation, for very useful purposes, of taking evidence from the commencement of this business, and I will pro ceed in the same way. On the morning of the Queen's funeral, I proceeded from my own house, or from my residence rather, in Great Bridge-street, with my servant, to the Horse Guards— The CORONER.— Does this relate to this business ? The Witness.—You will presently have an oppor tunity of judging. When I arrived at Hyde Park gate, I saw a man clothed in a black cloak, who in formed me that the Procession would move from Brandenburgh House. I proceeded, without saying a word, or seeing anything worthy of observation, till I arrived at Hammersmith, when I found some parties assembled to join in the Procession, and there I waited a short time near the door of Brandenburgh House. I understood that there was some dispute about removing the corpse into the hearse. The CononEn.—Were there any troops there? The Witness.—Yes, there were. A Juror.—The whole of this evidence has nothing to do with the subject immediately before us. Our inquiry lies as to what took place at Cumberland-gate. .The Witness.—Are you a Juror? Juror..—Yes, I am. The witness.—Then, Sir, I must tell you, that you have no right to interrupt me. You must hear my evidence as it is given. A Juror.—For several days past, it has been agreed to confine our investigation to what occurred at Cum berland-gate. The Witness.—Then I must say, that this is a rude interruption. I will give you information, Gentle men, and it is this—that whet, a witness is giving his evidence, no Juryman has a right to interrupt him. When his evidence is given, you may deal with it as you please. The.witness then continued.—After the dispute re lative to the placing the corpse had subsided, the Procession moved forward, with the troops in front. It went on with great solemnity and order till it ar rived at Kensington, near the church. An interrup tion then took place, which continued for some time, it raining very hard. I then proposed to the Hon. Mr. Bennett and Mr. Hobhouse, who were next to me, to proceed forward to inquire the reason of the stoppage; and when I arrived at the church, near Church-lane (I believe they call it so), I found the place stopped up with carts, dung-carts, and waggons, and a great concourse of people on and around them, who cheered me, and exclaimed, " That they'd go through the City." I rebuked them for so doing, and ,cautioned them for making that disturbance at a fu-, neral. Returning back, a man of the name of Piper, who had placed himself at the head of the troop of cavalry, made himself very busy, pointing out to the Officer commanding. what was his liability. The Officer and the troops all remained perfectly sta tionary. Lord Hood being very near, in his carriage, spoke to me on the impediment and obstruction to the funeral ; and it was suggested by him or myself to send down to Lord Liverpool, to communicate to hint the actual state of the affair, and the total im possibility of proceeding through Church-lane. I was requested to bear that information to Lord Liverpool, others having refused to do so. A Gentleman offer ing to accompany me, I set off with him. I set off at full speed. When we arrived at Kensington-gate, the Park-gate, a man in charge of the gate said he was directed to refuse admittance there to any per son connected with the funeral. I informed him I was on particular business to Lord Liverpool, and he then complied. I proceeded with the same rapidity till I arrived at the Horse Guards, through the Parks. A little distance from the Horse Guards, I met Sir Robert Baker with a roll of paper in his hand. He was mounted on a cavalry horse, with two cavalry soldiers on each side of him. I did not stop to speak to him, but went on to the Home Department. Being known there, a man tan before me to Mr. Hobhouse. CORONER.—You cannot state what the man com municated ? The Witness.—No, Sir ; but Mr. Hobhouse sent me word that he was proceeding immediately to Fife-house. Mr. Hobhouse did go before me to the Earl of Liverpool's, where I saw Mr.Wilmot, who, I think, said Lord Liverpool was not within. He knew who I was well. I then informed him that I had come from Kensington Church, where the Funeral Procession was totally stopped, and that it was mo rally impossible to proceed through Church-lane. I stated further, that if they did persist in going that way, many lives would inevitably be lost ; and that those who persisted in it would have to answer for the same. Mr. Wilmot said he would communicate that information to Lord Liverpool. The Gentleman who accompanied me then retired ; and I returned as fast as I could. I mounted my horse and waited no longer. On passing through the Horse Guards again there was something worth noticing. A troop of the Life guards—a troop I suppose—was drawn out, for it seas on both sides quite full, with three Officers in the gate-way. I was obliged to request they would allow me to pass. This may appear tedious to you, Gentlemen ; but, by and bye, you will 'perceive its utility. Mr. Brown.—We see it, Sir; you shall not be hurried. 1 The Witness.—Much of your time has been lost; but`if you desire information, I can give it you. I proceeded on until I came to Kensington-gate, Park gate, and I found the Procession had passed there. I Again turned and went through the barracks at Knightsbridge, and overtook the Procession, or the rear part of it, near the turnpike-gate, where some delay took place, but I did not proceed forward to see the cause of that delay ; and, after a short time, the heat.* turned round and went through the ark gate. I followed it. I proceeded along with the Pro cession, following the hearse. At each of the gates in the Park I saw soldiers drawn up. I saw six or eight at each gate. Nothing nniterial occurred mita we got near to Cumberland-gate, when an interruption took place in the Procession. I proceeded forward to see the cause of it. I was accompanied by another Gentleman. The first thing that attracted my notice near the gate was a man o the name of Goolde, who was making use of very violent language, urging the soldiers to do what he called their duty—that was to , g force the Gate. " I proceeded past him nearer to the gate, of which I saw one half shut, and the soldiers attempting to get it open. A soldier, whether of the Blues or Horse Guards I cannot say, had at this time slipped or fallen from his horse, and rather obstructed the way. As soon as be was removed, the gate was opened, the passage was free, and we all went through. In passing through the gate I perceived a pool of blood and water mixed. All the time I was standing at the gate 1 heard horrible screams and yells, and the most abusive language towards the soldiery. I then proceeded on to a position at the corner house ' of Cumberland -street, towards Oxford-street, my face towards Cumberland-gate, waiting for the hearse to come through, not knowing which way it was to come : when it was through the gate, I, being in front, could.' see that the postillion and coachman inclined or drew the horses' reins towards Oxford-street. A Juror.—They were then in Oxford-street? Witness.—They turned the heads of the horses to wards St. Giles's. At this time a man, you may call him a Gentleman if you please, who was dressed like Sir Robert Baker, in coloured clothes, and mounted on a charger, came with two or three troopers at full speed. • Conosea.—Do you know Sir Robert Baker? Witness.—l do; and his conduct met with my ap probation. The Gentleman thus dressed rode with the troopers up to the hearse, and knocked down a man, who appeared to me to be an undertakers' man. He seized the reins of the leading horse. Either he or one of his troopers seized them. I will not swear that it was not he himself; the hearse horses reared up, and nearly fell backwards. ' Much altercation took place between the coachman, the postillion, and the party. At this time great quantities of stones were thrown; it was the first time of my seeing stones thrown; theyftew over from Hyde Park-corner and the wall; many of them fell near me, who was stand ing near the corner of Cumberland-street. At this time I saw a soldier at the other side of the hearse, whether a Life Guardsman or a Blue I cannot say, pursue a man with a flag in his hand (a whitish flag) and cut him down: I saw the man rise again, and seize his flag. The screams and yells at this time were truly horrible; the stones were flying in showers, all of which came towards Cuinberland-street, where I was standing ; none from Cumberland-street, but all towards it. • By a Juror.—They appeared to come from behind a wall or house, in a promiscuous manner, appa rently without any regular aim. Stones also came from the end of Park-lane. At this time I heard a dreadful noise, from the inside of the Park more par ticularly ; and, on turning towards the railing, I saw the people attempting to pull it down to get into the street, which they effected. By this time the hearse had proceeded on into the Edgeware-road, the Gen tleman in coloured clothes on horseback, and the two troopers, leading them on. I then proceeded from my position at the corner of Cumberland-street to the corner of Upper Bryanstone-streer, accompanied by a Gentleman on horseback. We had not been at the corner of Bryanstone-street one minute, before a volley of shot was fired towards Tyburn-turnpike by the troopers en massy : these were the first shots I heard fired. I remarked to my friend, " What is the meaning of all this?" Some one said, " They are' firing blank cartridge," and two or three of the troopers came from the main body, within eight or ten yards of my friend, and began to load their pis tols. One of them, in great trepidation, let his am munition fall. A man picked it up, and I desired him to give it to me, He did so, and on examining the cartridge it appeared to bt , a ball cartridge; here it is. I have kept it in my pocket ever since. —(It was entered on the minutes, that . the cartridge was produced).—The poor man appeared in great trepi dation. He then loaded his pistol, and presented it through his arm at me, looking very indignant. I called to him, and told him there was no necessity for his firing this way, as there was no one offering any molestation. A Juror.—Did he make you no reply ? Witness.—He did not ; but he appeared to feel what I said most severely. The soldier then pro ceeded on. I said to my friend " I will move away from this. I have come to a funeral, and not to a fight." At this time the coach in which Lady Hamil ton and Lady Hood were, came past, and the former called to me ; she was in very great alarm, and stated that she saw a man shot close to the carriage. The CORONER thought what Lady Hamilton said was not evidence. The IA itness.—l do not wish to persist in k as evi dence, but, by and bye, you will perceive that this statement is essential. It is probable that you will find it necessary to call before you the coachman and postillion, and other persons who can state what they actually did. It mitt' be necessary for me to observe, that there were a number of ill-looking fel lows—thieves and pickpockets—l believe, belonging to no party, who were endeavouring to create a riot, to serve their own purposes. I might observe that there was a vast crowd and noise. By a Juror.—l saw a man cut down ; but whether he was hurt or no I cannot say. I thought it an ex traordinary circumstance to see a man get up so soon and grapple with his flag, after being knocked down. As to whether the soldier cut with the back side or edge of his sword " I can't give no information at all." The individual who was pointed out to me as leading the military on that day was, as I was told, Colonel Cavendish, in coloured clothes, and not Sir Robert Baker. The worthy Ei•Sheriff was pro ceeding with astonishing rapidity in a variety of details, when the CORONER interrupted him.- Ir was necessary to take some" of his deposition down. • Witness.--I know that the Gentleman in plain clothes, who rode up to the hearse, when the heads of the horses were to Oxford -street, was Colonel Cavendish. This I know; and that, in trying to turn the hearse, he trampled on one of the undertakers Men. That is to my own knowledge and information. Mr. 1 - lAxsom.—Do you personally know Colonel Cavendish? Witness.—From the circumstances which I have mentioned. Mr. HA rism—How do you know it was Colciael Cavendish? Witness.—Because I aftersizakda saw a Gentlestan at the barracks, and a Mr. Clarke (a Gentleman From the EAst Indies) pointed him out to me, and told me it was Colonel Cavendish. Mr. Hatisobrlnform ation merely won't do. Be sides, I would not mislead you i Colonel Cavendish did not happen to leave the barracks all that day. Up to the time you remained in Cumberland-street they were throwing stones? Witness.--They were. Wheh T arrived at Bryan stone-street, I saw no stones thrown, excepting as the Gentleman of whom I have spoken was going away. When I was here (corner of Bryanstone-street), the firing almost instantly commenced. That was the first firing I heard. I don't know how long I was going between Cumberland-stteet and Bryanstone street. It could nut be more than three minutes. It might be as long, for I was some time hesitating itt my own mind whether I would not go away and leave the funeral altogether. In the course of the pelting, I saw the soldiers struck, and that severely. By a Juror.—Do yop y know who that Goold is? Witness.—He was a shopkeeper, near King -street, in Cheapside. .He was particularly active in urging the soldiery to act against his fellow-citizens. I said to a man " Look at that fellow; oh ! dear ; how wrong he is in urging the soldiers against his own class of citizens." I think it necessary to inform you, that the populace, who are generally blamed for the accidents that took place that day, were not so much to blame as is generally imagined. There was a set of low life blackguards and fellows, who attended for to make a profit of the confusion and distress that prevailed. I observed everything with a painful and observing eye. There were many blackguards and a few thief-takers. The Foreman.—Pray let that be taken down, Mr. Coroner. Witness.—There were pickpockets and low-life fel lows in abundance. They threw stones quite indis criminately. It was the most monstrous thing that ever you beheld. If I had had a pos , ;e of constables I would have taken them up; and I would have taken care that there should he no necessity fer sol diers to defend themselves. There were ill-looking, ragamulSkrascals. Mr. Blakie.—Pray take that down. Mr. Spicer.—Then you do not think the soldiers so much to Wan*? Witness.—Ercuse me, I do not know what to say to that.—(Here the witness began a long and solemn protest against the cruel misrepresentations which the Newspapers had made of his conduct.) . . The ConoNen.—Aye ; but we have nothing to do with that. Witness,--A Gentleman in coloured clothes, who rode at the head of the troopers up to the hearse, was Colonel Cavendish. At this time I saw a man, with a whitish flag in his hand,, cut down. The screams and yells, were hideous. The soldiers were placed in a situation the most painful, particularly for soldiers. I wish you would examine my servant to-day, be cause I want his services to-morrow.— (Here the wit ness signed his deposition, and, having made his bow to the Jury, retired ; observing to one of the Jurors, that he wished he knew his name, in crder that he might remember his civility.) The Foreman rose with great pain to address the Coroner. A certain respectable neighbour of his, Mr. Poland, had been repeatedly summoned, and as he did not attend he must move that a warrant be issued to compel his attendance. He thought the Jury were treated with contempt, and this Gentle man's evidence, on the other hand, might be material. The beadle explained that he had found Mr. Po. land very unwell. Mr. Po - land was ordered to attend to-morrow. John Thorn was then called.—l am a servant to . Mr. ex-Sheriff Parkins. I know that, on the day of the Queen's funeral, I rode down to Hammersmith, and came back to Cumberland-gate. What I saw first was a great many people; but I saw nothing par titular before I came to Cumberland-gate; I there saw the people throwing stones, as I believe, at the soldiers. Then I saw the soldiers galloping about, and cutting with their swords—cutting at the people with them; but I saw no one cut. I went to Bryan stone-street, and I saw the hearse, in my way, at Cumberland-gate. The people wanted the hearse to go down Oxford -street, and were taking hold of the reins. They turned the horses' heads towards Ox ford-street. I saw the postillions trying to go that way too. I saw one of the soldiers galloping, and he rode over a man. The horse went right over him. I don't know whether he trod upon or kicked the man. I saw him get up again; but don't know whether he was hurt or no in consequence. Then we got as far as Bryanstone-street. I saw some sol diers (one I should say) there. He was loading his pistol. I saw no others near him; but I saw some 'soldiers near Cumberland-gate firing. I did not see any stones thrown there. I saw some of the soldiers fire. The soldier seemed very much alarmed who. was loading his pistol. I thought he looked rather alarmed. I did not see him iii used at all. I saw nothing else. I was struck on the site by a brickbat, but I don't know by whom. This was near Cum berland-gate. I don't know whether the soldiers threw it. I did not see whether or no it came over the wall. By a Juror.—The man I saw struck down, I can. not say had colours or a flag. The next witness was Thomas WheaMon, who being sworn, said—l live at No. '2, Hertford -street, May fair. I am a coach-carver, and apprentice to Mr..la cobs. On the day of the funeral' I accompanied the funeral Procession from Knightsbridge thiough the Park to Cumberland-gate. I observed nothing take place till it arrived there. I observed a great con course of people, who shut the gates. I was on the inside, and the mob on the outside. The soldiers at tempted to open them, and did not succeed. The se cond time they succeeded, and got one half 0pev,..... The other half remained shut. The soldiers finding they could not open them, cut at the people with their swords or sabres, I can't say which. I saw one pan cut over the hat. Directly as the soldiers cut ' p