The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1825-01-10 00:00:00

VAN DIEMEN'S LA2VA-CANNIBALISM. -......m.-- I. TRIAL OF ALEXANDER PIER('E. a CONVICT ARRIVED 111 VAN Diereee's LAND, ON BOARD THE SHIP CASTLE FORBES, 113. '28, 18211. TOR THE XVI ' DIZ OP THOZIAII COI, WHOM $1 PUT TO DEATH, AND CUT 116 110 WRIST UPON. Aksairder Pierre, a convict, was arraigned for the murder of a fAlemprisoner. named Thomas Cox, at or near King's River, in the month of November last, and he pleaded Nut iiuilty. The circumstances which were understood to have ied the above mit— had long been considered with extreme horror. Report had associated the prisoner with sonnierals; arid recollecting as we did the vampire legends of modern Greece, we confess, that on this occasion our eyes glanced in feminine's at the being who stood before a retributive Judge, laden with the weight of human blood, and believed to have banqueted on human flesh ! His Majesty's Attorney-General proceeded to detail certain confessions mule by the prisoner, before the late mnehdamented Lieutenant Cuthbestson (Commandant at Macquarrie Harbour), and at his elikeiluatil)ll by the Rev. Robert Knopwood—confessions which, alt in some respects inconsistent, would yet, when coupled wit h er ill S s the facts, merit the moat serious attention. From them it appestat that, as other evidence would prove, the prisoner and the deemed, on the 13th November, absconded from their duty into the MIN* es* of them taking his axe, and the prisoner being leas* immell.tbet they had for several days wandered on with out 7sewikepias and reduced by weakness, until, on the " evening, the deceased and prisoner arrived at King's Him i • quarrel then arowebecause die deceased could not swiss, sod siker prisoner had struck him on the head three times with his am, the deceased seeing him about to go away this irons having been knocked off) said, ins taint void—" kor mercy's rake, entree and put me out of my misery !" Prisoner struck Aim a fourth blow, which immediately caused death; he then cut a piece aeon. thigh, which he roasted and ate; and, after putting simmer piece in his pocket, he swam acmes the river, with an intent to reach Port Dalrymple. Soon afterwards, however, he be eriMe so overwhelmed with the agonies of remorse, that he was con strained to recross the rive'', and, on seeing a schooner under weigh from the Settlement, made a signal-tire, which, on being seen, induced the pilot boat to put off and take him on boatel. Ile was then conveyed to the harbour, where he publicly owned the murder, end said "he was willing to die for it. The At.. tomey-General concluded a thrilling tale of almost incredible bar barity, by calling Thomas Smith, who swore, that in November last he was cox. swans to the CoCnmandant at Macqnarie Harbour ; he knew the prisoner and the deceased ; they absconded from Logan's gang on • the 13th ;on the 22d, Pierce made his signal-tire on the beach, near King's River, and was taken back to the settlement he said, " Cox had died, and lie had cu. off a bit of him flesh to show what had become of him." Witness. on the following day, was ordered by the l'ommeridant to go with the prisoner, and get Cox's body ; he went, and it was found. The heed was away, the hands cut off, the bowels were torn out, sod the greater part of the breech and thighs gone, as were the calves of the legs, and the fleshy pmts of the arms. Whams said to the prisoner, " How could you do such a deed as ibis ?" lie answered. "No person can tell what he will do when driven by hunger." Witness then said, Where is the head ?" The answer was, " I left it with the bode." Witness searched for and found it a few yards off, under the shade of a fallen tree ; witness then picked up what appeared to be the liver of the deceased, and an axe ,tamed with blood ; on width prisoner was asked, " If that was the axe with which he had killed Cox ?" and he answered, "It was." The fragments of the body were quite naked ; and near them were some pieces of a shit: and the Meer of a hat. Tbere had been a fire near the body. and not tar from it lay a knife, which witness picked up. The berry was then placed in two rugs, and witness, with the pri soner, returned to the settlement. Prisoner, on being asked • there Cox's hands were?" said " he bad left them on a tree where the beat landed ;" a search was then made for them, but they coolie rot be found. Prisoner said "he had cut off Cox's flesh to buoyed him on his intended journey to Port Dalrymple, but when he had crossed the river something mime over him, and forced him to return ; he threw the fish into the river, made a sign, and gave heeself up. illiem Evans, of the Waterloo schooner. had gone on shore to take the prisoner, who said Cox was drowned in the King's Rims. Persona's hands were fastened and his pockets searched, in one of which was a piece of flesh. He asked -ghat that was ; and he said it's a piece of Coy, and 1 brought it to show that he is lost. Wit-. rem heard the Commandant soy to eriennee„ " Tell me, Pierce, did vou can the deed ?" Prisoner answered " Yes, and lam willing to die for it." Witness caked him why he had killed Cox ; he said, " 11! tell no man, until I ant going to suffer." Many other witnesses were then called, who corroborated the above depositions in every essential point ; and proved that the clothes and hat wore by the deceased when he absconded, were those which the prisoner ware when he was taken on board the pilot boat ; but that the hat-cover had been taken off'. The prisoner's written confessions were afterwards most fairly commented on by the Chief Justice, who addressed the Jury at considerable length with much solemnity, and submitted to their consideration, whether or no it we% fully proved that the deceased had died from blows inflicted by the prisoner ; and then, even if he had so died, wle her, as a quarrel had been stated to have occurred before death, the prisoner was guilty of the aim. charged, or of manslaughter The J ury retired for a short time, and found a verdict of Guilty. The, Learned Judge, who appeared much affected from the -dreedful relation, so horribly set forth in evidence and confession, the case being too inhuman to comment upon, urged the miserable I culprit to prepare himself to appear beforttt tribunal where mer cy may be obtained.—" Your sentence that you he removed from th is place to the gaol, and (when t preme authority shall Repute!) from thence to the place of execution, to be hanged by the neck till you are dead ; afterwards your body to be delivered over to the surgeons for dissection." Tice following Monday, June 21, was named for the execution to take place. 'fhe following is the confession of Pierce to Mr. Butder, the keeper of the prison : " I was horn in the county of Fermanagh, in the north of Ireland. In the twenty-sixth year of my age I was convicted of stealing six pair of shoes, anti received sentence to be transported for 7 Tears; I arrived in Van Diemen's hand, on board the ship Castle Forbes, tram Sidney; was assigned as servant to John Bcllenger, with whom I remained about 2 months ; was then, from misconduct, re turned to the Government Superintendent. A few months after I was assigned to a man, named Cane, a constable, and staid with MITI only 16 weeks, when an occasion obliged him to take nie before the Magistrate, who ordered that I should receive fifty lashes in the usual way, and again be returned to Crown labour. After_ wards I was placed to serve a Mr. Scattergood, of New Norfolk, from whom I absconded into the woods, and joined Laughton, Saunders, batten, and Atkinson, whowere then at large; staid with them three inooths, and surrendered myself, by proclamation, issued by the Lieutenant-Governor, and was pardoned. Shortly afterwards I forged several orders upon which I obtained property. On Mat ing the fraud sou discovered, I was again induced to return into the woods. But before three or four months, I was taken by a party of the 48th regiment, brought to Hobart Town, tried for the forgeries, found guilty, and sent to the Pena! Settlement at Mac emarie Harbour for the remainder of my sentence. I was not there mere than a month before I made my escape with seven others, sanely—Dalton. Traverse. Badman, Mathews, Greenhill, Brown, and Cornelius. We kept together for ten days, during which time we bed no food but our kangaroo skin jackets, which we ate, being nearly exhausted with hunger and fatigue. On the eleventh night, we began to consult what was best to be done for our preservation, and made up our minds to a dreadful result. " In the morning we missed three of our companions —Dalton, Cornelius, and Brewn, we =eluded, had left us with the intention of going back, if possible. 11'e then drew lots which of us tire should die; it fell to Badman's lot ; 1 went with one of the others to collect dry wood, to make a fire, during which time Travers had succeeded In killing Badman, and had begun to cut him up. We . dressed part of the flesh immediately, and continued to use it as 100 as it lasted. We then drew lots again, and it fell to the fate of Mathews. Traverse and Greenhill killed him with an axe, cut the flesh from his bones, carried it on, and lived upon it as long as It lasted. By the time it was all eat, Traverse, through fatigue, fell lame in his knee—so much 60 that he could not proceed; Greenhill proposed that I should kill him. which I agreed to. IVe then made the best of oar way,. carrying the flesh of Traverse be tween us, in the hope of reaching the *Astern Settlement , ' while it lasted. We did not, however, succeed, and I perceived Greenhill always tarried an axe, and thought he watched an opportunity to kill me. I was always on my guard, and succeeded when he fell asleep Is get the axe, with which I immediately despatched him, made • meal, and carried all the remaining flesh with me to feed upon. To my great disappointment, I was afterwards many days with out food, and subsisted solely upon gratis and nettle tops, which I boiled in a tin-pot that I brought with me from the Settlement At length I fell in with some natives' huts, which, front rppeur. anom the lemmata had just left, where I collected some esnraile, and bits of kangaroo, which .Ik. led me a meal. Two days after wards, when nearly exhausted, I came in sight of a hut, which proved to he DPGuire's, neer the High Plains. I staid these a fortnight, and made up my mind to surrender myself to Captain Wood ' a Magistrate on the River Clyde, but on my way thi th er I met Davis and Churton, who were then desperadoes, and living at the Shannon Hut. They wished me to join them, to which I agreed. In a few weeks we were all taken near Jericho a party of the 48th regiment, and brought into Hobart Town ga b; Cher. too and Danes were tried, found guilty of capital offences, and suf fered death. It was my fate to be returned to the Penal Settlement. I again made my escape with Thomas Cox, who eagerly pressed my departure. I had irons on at the time. IVhen we had pm. carded mine distance, Cox knocked them off with an axe he had teethed with him, and we made the best of our way through a think Omen which was very wet. At night we tried to make a lire but could not. We travelled on several days without food, es mew the tops of trees and shrubs, until we came upon King's River. I asked Cox if he could swim ? lie replied he could not ; I remarked that bad I been aware of it, he should not have been my conipsnion. We were enabled to make a tire; the arrange. usenellar awning the viva created words, and I kith.; Cox with the axe I ate put of hied that night, and cut the greater part of his 'Meth tip in oiler . stake on with me. I swam (Ile- river, Nail the intention of keeping the coast round to Port Dalrymple; my heart failed me, and I nelved to return and give myself up to the Con:- mandant. I thre• most of the ft-eh away, but one piece, which I carried in 1.1• i• xicet, to shuw the Commandant that toe ass dead. I„cordessed u.st I 'tied killed him, and accompanied a party in a blot us bring up hie remains , which was done. I was then pp to Hobart Town, confined in the prison to take my trial before • Criminal Coml.: the malt is now universally known here. "13•01,hoe 99,111'!/." LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF KING'S BENCH, SATCIDAY, JAW. 8. LOWO v. TUTWILL• This was an actien brought against the defendant as late Sheriff of Essex, for not executing a writ upon the goods and chattels of one Johw Brea, against whom the plaintiff had obtained a judg ment for a debt. The Sheriff had returned that John Revet had no goods upon which the writ could be executed, and the plaintiff called witnesses to prove that there were goods upon Revet pre mina of the value of the amount of the writ. On the part of the defendant it was contended by the Common Sergeant that the Sheriff's return of stalla tu'ia was a true return, the goods on Beret's premises having been conveyed by him to his son. A long examination of witnesses took place, upon the validity of the deed of assignment. The Court left it to the Jury to decide, whether this deed wu a bond fide transfer, or whether it was a mere contrivance to defraud the eret.itors. The Jury determined the instrument to be fraudulent. Verdict foe the plaintiff—Damages VI. Vs. WOWTPATIS V. POWELL. This wu an action of assault and battery. The defendant pleaded the general issue. Mr.Scalt.ere (with whom was Mr.CoatTsr) stated the use, U one of the most aggravated description, and caUing for exemplary damages at the hands of the Jury. The plaintiff, a native of one of the French %Vest India Islands, had been employed as steward on board a South Sea Whaler, called the Offley, on a voyage which comprehended a period of near three years and a half. In the course of the voyage the Captain, whose name was Hales, went on shore at the Isle of St. Mary, and was killed by the natives. Ile was succeeded in the command by the defendant, who had been chief mate of the vessel. Previous to the death of Capt. Hales, the greatest good order and harmony prevailed on board the vessel ; but as soon as the defendant took the command, the case was otherwise. The plahmtiff was a man about fifty-four years of age, and the defendant was a powerful roan, in the prime of life. The plaintiff had to complain of several moat outrageous assaults committed upon him by the defendant. He should be able to prove two at least. On the first occasion, the plaintiff had received orders from the defendant to cook some pork chops, and whilst he was in the act of cooking them, the defendant came up, and reproached him with having dressed too many, and immediately knocked him down, anti whilst lying on the deck, kicked him in • part of the body the most susceptible of injury. The consequence was that the plaintiff became insensible from the excruciating torture, and was carried to his harnmnck, where he was confined for nine days. On another occasion. whilst the plaintiff was lying in his hammock, a cruet-stand fell down in the cabin, and though no fault was imputable to him, the defendant beat him severely when in that delenceltate state. These were some of the circum stances he should be able to prove in evidence. The injuries which the plaintiff had sustained would aftict him to the end of his life. He quitted England in a robust state of health, but on his return he was broken in constitution, and after being in an hospital for three months, was discharged as incurable. Under these circum stances, he appealed to a Jury of Englishman for compensation in damages. The plaintiff was a foreigner, and the Learned Cousel doubted not that time Jury would maintain the character of a British Court of Justice, by giving such damages as would mark thsirsense of the defendant's conduct, _ . . Wm. Payne, a man of colour, proved that he was a seaman on board the Offley,i which sailed for the South Seas early in the month of February, 1820. She returned in (arch last. The Captain was killed at the island of Si- Mary by the natives. The defendant succeeded in the command. Previously to this time the plaintiff was a very hearty man, and it was remarked, that-though he was 54 years of age, he was as active as a young man of 24. After the defendant took the command, witness remembered the plaintiff being ordered to fry some pork-chops. 'Whilst he was dressing them, the defendant came up, and told him lie was dress ing more than he had ordered, and immediately knocked him down with his fist; and while he was down, he kicked him three or four times in the lover part of his body. The piaintiff was taken up senseless, wed carried to his hammock, where be remained nine days, under the care of the surgeon. Sonic months after that, a cruet-stand had fallen in the plaintiff's bed-cabin in the even ing, whilst he was lying in bed, and witness heard the de fendant beating him. Heard the plaintiff Lay to the defendant, "It is not my fault. Oh ! don t kill me ! don't kill me !" The defendant swore, and said, "I will kill you." When witness saw him next morning, he observed that the plaintiff had been beaten severely ; his brad and face were swollen ; his side was also bruised. During the remainder of the voyage the plaintiff was in an extremely weak state of health. When he arrived io London he was scarcely able to erawL !le afterwards wet, ,to an hospital in London. _ ... Crossitamined—Slost of the other seamen arc gone abroad. The surgeon who attended the plaintiff is dead. Alexander 31 6 11ean, another seaman of the Offiey, corroborated the last witness's account of the assaults. The defebdant had succeeded to the command in February, 1821. Never heard the plaintiffcomplain of ill health until atter he was beaten by the de fendant, and then he complained very much, and was ill during the rest of the voyage. Mr. Heddington, one of the surgeons of the London Hospital, proved that in March last the plaintiff was admitted a patient of that Institution, and was there three sr four months. The orBans were disordered. He suffered great pain. The plaintiff went out incurable—indeed his disorder was of a nature to baffle surgical skill; the utmost benefit he could derive was an alle viation of pain by the hospital treatment. Had not known the plaintiff before. Mr. White, clerk to the managing owner of the vessel, proved that at the end of the voyage the money coming to the defendant was 3621., which was pa a to him. This was the plaintiff a case. Mr. OURNEY eddy seed the Jury for the defendant, and ad mitted that he was it no condition to contradict the facts deposed to by the plaintiff's witnesses, and therefore a verdict must he given against his client. He submitted, however, the hardship of the defendant's situation in being deprived of the benefit of the evidence of hie crew, all of whom, except the two witnesses called. had gone to see again. It was impossible for the defendant to de. tain in this country those persons who could give evidence on his behalf, and who would probably give a very different represent.. Lion of his conduct. The probability of the cue was, that the plaintiff was not altogether pleased with the circumstance of the defendant being placed over him in the command, and might, on that account, not have conducted himself In a blameless manner. Divesting the case of the exaggerations given to it by his Learned Friend, lie trusted that the Jury would give only such moderate and temperate damages as would satisfy the real justice of the The Jury, under the Learned Judge's directions, found their verdict for the plainuff—Datnages 50/. )LATHE) AND ANOTHER v. F.A)IE6 AND CO. This was an action against the defendants, u common carriers, to recover the value of a parcel containing country bank notes to the amount of 75/. which was lost by the negligence of their servants. -- - . r. DENMAN and Mr. PLATT conducted the plaintiffs' case , and Air. NCAKLETT and Mr.CAGRINGTON the defendants'. It was admitted that the defendants, who keep the 11'hite Horse coach.establishment, in Fetter-lane, were the proprietors of the Lynn coach, by which the parcel in question was alleged to have been sent. Thomas Hughes, traveller to the plaintiffs, who are Manchester warehousemen, of No. 6, Foster-lane, Cheapside, proved, that in February last lie was travelling for their house in Norfolk. On the 10th February, being at Downham, in that county, he booked a parcel containing 751. in country bank notes, at the Castle Inn, kept by Mr. Wright, to go to London. The parcel was super scribed with the plaintiff". address, carriage paid, and on one corner was written the word "Mourning." His motive for writing that word on the parcel was, that there was an order inside for mourn. ing. Did not take the numbers of the notes. Never told Mr. %Fright the contents of the parcel; only paid Is. 2d. for the car. riage and bookage. John Kent, hostler of the defendants' coach called the Nelson, proved, that in February parcels were booked for that coach at Wright's, Castle Inn, Downham. On the 10th February, re membered %Fright's brother, who mud as waiter, called him to witness that he put Into the coach a money parcel. The way )ill for that day was put in, by which it appeared that a parcel, marked " mourning," was entered, but noted at the Lon don coach-office as mist ing. Plies Barnes and Miss Glasscock, milliners, of Downham, re spectively proved the payment of 751. to the plaintiff.' traveller on the 9th of February. Mr. SCARLET T, for the defendants, contended, in point of law, that the defendants were not liable for the loss of the parcel, inasmuch as there had been a deception practised by the plaintiffs' traveller in writing the word " mourmng" on the parcel, which was in fact a false representation, in order to save the extra ex pense of insuring the property. This he submitted would deprive the plaintiffs of any right to recover. He remembered an instance nearly similar in its circumstances, but precisely alike in princi ple, where the carrier was not held liable man wishing to send up sonic guineas to London, put them into • basket, and covered them over with apples. in order to evade the extra expense of a money parcel ; and the Jury being of opinion that this was • deception, they found their verdict for the defendant. On the same ground, he anticipated a verdict for the defendants in this case. But there was a still stronger ground of defence behind. He should prove that the plaintiff's bad, in repeated instances, re ceived notice from the defendants, that they would not be answer able far any parcel beyond the value of 61.; and if so, the action must fail. 'lle porter of the %White Horse Inn proved, that the plaintiff., before February last, were in the constant habit of receiving parcel, by the wadies belonging to that inn. and on every occasion a notice was delivered to them of the defendants' restricted liability to 64.„ unless a premium of insurance was paid. lVright, brother to the keeper of the Castle Inn, at Downham, proved that the parcel alluded to by the defenlinm' hostler was one which had been put into the coach several months after the 10th of lehruary, and clearly not the parcel in question. Tim LOAD CHIEF JUSTICE ruled, that time notice of restricted liability, brought home to the plaintiffs, was an answer to action, and (lamed a nonsuit. The plamtifis were noneuited, but leave was given to move the Court on the form of the notice. The Dublin Register uys, Sir George Hill and the 'Prentice Boys of Derry are getting up a meeting, to peti tion against the Catholic Association. THE BRITISH PRESS. ' IRELAND. SESSIONS COURT, Gazry-reissr, Dux LIN, JAI'. 5,1823. Before Mr. Amidst Monist aid Mr. Justice V. ANDZLIIII, and a Common Jury. PROSECUTION FOR PERJURY. THE RING, at the prosreetion of the MARQUIS OP HEST. MEATH, v. RERHARD MAODIRE, sad Others. THIRD DAY. Judge Mociag charged the Jury in this ease. His Lordship entered into a very minute detail of the evidence of Corcoran, as bearing on the case of Anne Connell, Monaghan, and hl`Kenzie. From the evidence of Corcoran, it was manifest that Monaghan was at the beginning and the end cf the transaction; it was owing to his suggestion that Anne Connell was looked for ; that after her false hoods with respect to a settlement made by Lord Westmeath lad been discovered, recourse was had to her misrepresentations con cerning the two children ; and when these two false accusation' tailed, then Monaghan said he could prove the adultery himself. His Lordship then commented on the evidence of the other wit nesses, and concluded by telling the Jury, that unless they found that two or more of the traverser' had been conscious that what they were accusing his Lordship of was a fabrication, they muat acquit them. His LORDSHIP several times observed that nothing could be more honourable than the conduct of the Noble li.arquis and Mar. chionees, and that they were made dupes of throughout the whole proceeding. The Jury retired, and returned in about an hour and a quarter, finding Ann Connell, John Monaghan, and Patrick Ferlyguifty; and bringing in a verdict of acquittal with respect to Edward Ben. net and William lil`Kenzie. Mr. Justice Moo's—Gentlemen. I never saw or heard of a more reasonable and discerning verdict. It is creditable to your. selves and of advantage to the public. THE If4NO v. SIR HARCOURT LEES, amur• A bill in this case, charging the Rev. Baronet with an intention to excite sedition, was sent up to the Grand Jury. The sedition was alleged to have been contained in a letter of the Rev. Baronet to a Dublin newspaper. The Jury, after some deliberation, returned it as "No true bill." The announcement was received with applause by a crowded Court. POLICE. BOW-STREET. SfIrOULAI ROBBERT.—OH Saturday Ann Frampton, an in. teresting young girl, who was represented as being respectably con. nected in Hampshire, was charged by Mr, Davis, a general dealer in japan goods, plate. and sponge, and who has a shop in the Strand, and other shops in different parts of the town, on suspicion of being concerned in robbing his house of several articles of value, on the night of 'Thursdays or early on the morning of Friday last. It appeared from the statement made to the sitting Magistrate, Mr. MINSHULL, that one of Mr. Davis's sons came down stairs at eight o'clock on Friday morning, and was soon after informed by Ann Frampton, who was in service in the family, that upon her coming down to her household business the same morning, she dis covered the front shop door open. It was regularly fastened on the pre vious night, and an iron bar attached to the under part of the lock which lodged in the floor of the shop—there was no appearance of breaking open, and upon the belief that the robber was admitted by sonic person within, suspicion attached to the servant girl, and she was brought before the Magistrate in consequence. The family, on being alarmed at the discovery of the open door, ascertained that various articles of valuable property, which they knew to have been safe on Thursday night, had been carried off, and amongst them was a silver tea-pot which was in Mrs. Davis's room, where she slept, behind the shop, nod in which a candle was burning all night as she lay in bed. The boxes of the servant girl were immediately searched, and also her brother's house, but no trace whatever of the stolen property was discovered. She declared her innocence, and that when she went to bed every thing was in its proper state, and the whole of the family then up—they sat up until past one o'clock on Friday morning, and she went to bed before twelve o'clock. The moment she came down stairs on Friday morning, she saw the shop door open as described. Mr. PHILLIPS cautioned 111 r. Davis upon the step he was tak ing, and apprised him that persons were in the habit of visiting his house, of whom he was ignorant, and inquired if some relative of his was not tried in 1816 at the Old Bailey ? dlr. Davis said lie knew nothing of what occurred eight yeah ago t be only came to speak of the present case. Mr. Piz r xxr PS inquired of Mr. Davis's son in-law, whether he had not been robbed of seventy pounds on Christmas Eve in some secret manner in his house. _ . . The son-in-law said, he had been robbed in the manner stated, hut he made no complaint about it, because he judged it was done bw eurksbotly in the house, and he wished to disewer the offender withodt-making any noise about it. Miss Davis was next questioned by Mr. Phillips, and she ad mitted having received letters addressed to Ler on the cover " Anne." . . . . Mr. nurture informed Mr. Davis, sen. that he put those in terrogatories to convince him that other people were in the house than those he thought of, and he hoped that if he meant to proceed fur ther he would make more accurate inquiries at borne, when, pro bsbly, he might trace his property. Mr. Davis repeated his suspicions against the girl. She was then bailed and left the office. HATTON.GA RDE N. Tns ROBBERY examination took place at this office on Saturday, before ALAN S. Lento, Esq. respecting the extensive robbery of jewels, committed on Sunday evening, the 2d instant, at the house of Thomas Downes, Esq. No. 31. Great James.street, Bedford-row ; the particulars of which are already before the public. /dr. Downes, accompanied by the ladies of his family, and some male friends, attended. Holland, the discharged footman, underwent a long investiga tion, with closed doors; the particulars of which, of course, we are not enabled to give; but we could learn that nothing new was elicited which can in anywise tend to the recovery of the property stolen, which is estimated at nearly 6,0001. value. The prisoner is a well-looking young man, and,was fashionably dressed, in a suit of black clothes, with some handsome jewel ornaments about his person. We could learn that he conducted himself through the examination with unexampled firmness, and seemed quite as fait to the entire proceedings, which, since him apprehension, it had Inez judged expedient to adopt. The pnsoner's wife, Jemima Holland, is also in custody on suspicion, as an accessary after the fact ; she was also had up for examination. ...... The female cook, who admitted the prisoner Rolland to the house on the night of the robbery, and who is known to have co habited with him previous to his discharge from Mr. Downes's service, and to have been in his company on the previous night, Is in custody as an accomplice. Another man, named Allen, has been taken up under suspicious circumstances, being found at Holland's residence, in Hackney. road, the morning after the robbery. 31r. Hu MPIIRIXO attended as Solicitor fur this man, but was not suffered to be present during the examination of the other prisoners. They were all re-committed for examination on Tuesday, which will, it is presumed, be the final one —in the interim they are placed in separate prisons, with strict orders to the jailors to suffer no communication with the parties, unless under a special order from the committing Magistrate. REAL IVAIIT AND LUXURIOUS APPETITE.—Two cases, treading on the heels of each other, were heard at this office, on Saturday, which very distinctly mark the variety of crime, or rather the variance of cause that produces criminal effect. The respective decision in each case lea comment on itself. We take them in the order in which they were heard. The first, which we hare truly designated " Real Want." was decided by Mr. LatwO ; the second, which is not miscalled " Luxurious Appetite." was heard before Sergeant SELLON.—" Look on this picture and on that"— Real ll'ant.—Thontas Bryant, a miserable-looking old man, was charged by a baker's journeyman, with stealing out of his basket, which he had set down for a moment at a gentleman's door, in two quartern and one half-quartem loaf , value 2s. 4d. Fagan, the square-keeper, proved that he found the bread. or at least a part of it, on the prisoner's penult, which he (Fagan) now produced, the prisoner's hunger having caused him to devour part of the half-quartem loaf almost on the instant. The baker proved that he had lost that quantity of bread, and identified that now produced as being the same. No one knew him as an aid offender. The evidence wax taken down, and the Chief Clerk intimated that the case wax made out. Mr. Laic: c —Does the prisoner choose to make any defence ? Prisoner.—lt was distress, Sir, that drove me to the commission of the crime. I had not tasted food for two whole days hefore, and was fainting with hunger, when I saw the basket of bread before me—l took it I own, and —(Here he burst into tears.) Mr. Larwo.—What are you Prisoner.—l served for ten years in the 9th Regiment of Foot, and was discharged sic years ago. I have no provision on earth. Mr. LA I N G.—Then how do you get your living Prisoner.—By doing any little job I tan get in the streets in the way of porterage. Mr. I.starn.—bet him be committed. . ; hie - p - aTtie; r weieiheWbO:urClo - v — er - , -- iind the wretched man was sent for trial. _ _ . LuzurioNs Appetite.—A young fellow (the name we for. get) whose ruddy cheeks, and plethoric habit, certainly did not evince much abatenance, from the good things of life, was charge/ before Mr. Sergeant SiLLOW, with stealing, on Thursday'tist, from the shop of Mr. Rolfe, pastry.oook, Lamb's Conduit -street, a Twelfth Cake, value Os. 6d. The theft was provad by a young lady who sat in the parlour at the time, and eeidng the prisoner take it off the counter, alarmed Mr. little, who pursued ifAu into an alley, and the cake was found at his feet. The prisoner's mistress, who keeps a coal shed, came forward to speak to his previous good character for two years that he had been in her service. It being a festival time, he received permission to spend the evening with his moth r , and the supposition war, tharbe intended to make the cake • part of their entertainment. The mistress, in conclusion, stated, that he wu not in want of any necessary whatever, as she found him board, washing, and lodging, and allowed him 3a. per week wages. Mr. Rolfe, the prosecutor, observed, that although this state. ment of the prisoner's mintrins. was an agravatko 01 the clime, inasmuch as he was not actuated by want, yet in consideration of the . good character he had previously sustained, he(the prosecutor) with the Magistrate's permission, was anxious to withdraw the prosecution. Mr. Sergeant SELI.O)r, after some consideration, observed, that he should accede to the prosecutor's request, but certainly the cir cumstances under which the robbery was committed, did not en. title the prisoner to such clemency. " Want—real want," ob.; served the Worthy Magistrate," is not a sufficient excuse for the commission of theft; though it often is, and indeed should be, eorsidered as a strong palliative. Let your present escape, young man (to the prisoner) not encourage you to similar offences in fu ture, but rather let it be s warning to you, and be thankful to the prosecutor for the lenity he has shown in not pressing the case. He was discharged. No comment is necessary on these decisions, further than the facts show themselves. The man, advanced in years, destitute of any earthly support, who had served his king and country for ten years—and stole a loaf to support life, was committed ; and the youth, full of blood, of strength, and ►igour, amply supplied with every comfort, and still plundering for more, was discharged ! QUEEN-SQUARE. James I(Peormack, a private in the Coldstream Guards, and flew, White a respectable shop-keeper in Chelsea, were brought up before the Magistrates, charged with assaulting Richard Dunn, an auctioneer, living in Arrsbella-row, Pimlico, on the King's highway. The prosecutor stated, that he was returning home about twelve o'clock on Wednesday night, when near Charlotte Chapel, in William -street, he was jostled by the prisoner M`Cormack, who immediately plated himself in a boxing attitude, and having some time ago been robbed of a valuable gold watch in a similar man ner, he was not disposed to fight, but gave him in custody of a watchman. White, the other prisoner, also showed light, when he was likewise taken into custody. Al`Cormack, in his defence, stated, that he was returning home very peaceably, in company with his wife and child, and as they were passing Charlotte Chapel the prosecutor abused him without the least provocation, calling him a d--41 scoundrel of a drum mer; that he had had him taken to Bow-street twice before, and would have him up again : he further added a very insulting epithet to his wife. fie was given in custody with the other man, who was an entire stranger to 'him. When they got to the watch. house he preferred a charge against the prosecutor. White said that he was passing by at the time, when he observed the prosecutor shamefully abusing a woman, who had an infant in her arms • he merely asked why he ill-used the poor woman, when he was al so given in charge to a watchman. Mr. John Emery, the constable of the night, said he received the charge against the two prisoners, who were perfectly sober, whilst the prosecutor was exceedingly intoxicated. Several watchmen who were present corroborated Ir. Emery's statement. _ ..... The Magistrate observed, that as several witnesses had sworn positively that the prosecutor was intoxicated, he must believe them. He should, therefore, fine him ss. for being drunk, and he must make compensation to the prisoners, who were discharged. The prosecutor denied being drunk ; he, however, paid the tine, and threatened to indict the parties for perjury ; at the same time refusing to make them any compensation. TOWN HALL. A SPivei•E.--Satnrdey a raw-boned virago. six feet in her stockings, with the dulcet appellation of Mary Julio Maria Davis. better known among her cronies as Bet LlarrinVon, was ushered into the office to answer for a trifling lapse of decorum. Mary Julia Maria, it so fell out, hal a conversation on Friday with the Recorder, at the Southwark Sessions, touching and con cerning • little affair that occurred in October last, between herself and one Mrs. Sophia Michael, whose attire she placed rather out of repair ; but in consideration of there being some little provocation in the case, and of her having ever since been in the Borough Compter. she was discharged without fees, with the injunction to go home and behave herself: but alas ! what is bred in the bone, &c. Honest Bet Mary Julia Maria no sooner reached the street, than, tharkfal for regained liberty, she repaired to the Blue Last, and regaled so bountifully on blue ruin, that her cranium became on the qul rive, when she sallied forth, and, as luck would have it, encountered the prosecutrix, to whom she gave a buffet a la Spring. She was quickly beset by the constables in attendance, with whom she played a lusty Dom, till overcome by numbers, she fell flat upon her back, and was taken by a coup de main, and carried neck and heels back to the Hari, and from thence transported to her old lodging, the Borough Compter, Where she had scarcely entered (the turnkey having turned to speak to another person entering at the gate), than she lent him a thundering chuck under the ear, and bolted into the street. A chaos royal ensued, and honest Bet, turn ing short round the corner of Bermondsey-street, tripped against a stone, again tell into the clutches, as she said, of the " varmint," and was now placed to answer for her flights of fancy. Blue ruin haring given place to blue devils, Mrs. Mary Julia Maria made many apologies and protestations of meekness for the future, and was suffered toga at large, with a broad hint as to the ciliate of so exhibition of her countenance ander the same aspect, when she made her obedience, and departed with the Scale of " Long life to your Honour." HIGHWAY ROBBERY AND ATTEMPT AT MURDER. On Friday evening lut, one of the most daring robberies, u cornpanied with barbarity, was committed on the person of Mr. Freeman, navigator, who resides near Kew Bridge, that we hays for some time heard of. Mr. Freeman had been collecting money in the course of the day, and about nine o'clock was returning home. At the Running Horse. ()Id Breniford, he was met by a person genteelly dressed, who inquired the nearest way to the Plough ; which Mr. F. pointed out, adding. I am going that way, and will show you. The fellow now assuming the character of • gentleman, said " Po. my honest fellow, and give you half-a crown for your trouble." They proceeded together until they ar rived at the cross roads, when Alr. Freeman said, pointing down Dunn's-lane, " there is the house." In order more clearly to show the spot, he went • few yards down the lane, and having wished the fellow good night, and refusing to take any reward for his trouble, he turned round towards home. He had scarcely moved three yards, before he received a dreadful blow from behind , which felled him to the ground, and immediately two more joined the first, and the whole three began to rifle his pockets. He struggled, but one of them, with a dreadful oath, swore that if he attempted to make an alarm, he would instantly take his life. His danger gave rise to desperation, and a scuffle ensued, in which he was cut across the throat three times, stabbed in the body in four places, and severely beaten about his person, until nature forced him to yield, and he fell, apparently lifeless. The robbers now plundered him of 3 ten pound notes, 3 sove reigns, a quantity of silver, a watch, and some paper of import.. ance to him and his family, but of nu value to any other person. The poor fellow at length recovered so much as to be able to crawl to the Plough public house, but was so far overcome as to be in. capable of calling . for assistance. A person about to leave the house found him in this deplorable situation, and, having informed the landlord, lie was conveyed to a bed, and medical aid was im mediately procured. Dr. Dickenson dressed the wounds of the unfortunate man, and some cordials having been administered to him, he gave an account of the transaction, but was unable to give any idea of who the persons were who had so brutally used him. There is little doubt that the wretches who attacked him had been lying in wait for him, and that the reason they had not before shown themselves was to prevent discovery. The trans action has caused the greatest consternation in the neighbourhood, a robbery not baying been committed there for several years. Ad ditional medical aid was called in on Saturday, but not the slightest hopes were entertained of his recovery. Information has been given to the London Police, who are in active search ; but the state of the unfortunate man precludes any further clue being given them than above stated. MURDER IN KENTUCKI'. The Pittrhurgh Statesman, of December 4, says—" The public feeling considerable anxiety to know the grounds on which Isaac Desha, sou of the Oovernor of Kentucky, was arrested for the murder of Francis Baker, of Mississippi, as stated in our last, we give the following particulars, communicated by a gentlemar from Kentucky. It appears that Desha fell in company with Mr. Baker at some place near Mayslick. After some conversation, by which he learned that Mr. Baker was travelling eastward, and intended to call on Captain William Beckly, a relation of his liv. ing near Washington, be, lifesha, offered to accompany him, to show him the way to that gentleman's, which oil e r was accepted. Nothing more was heard of Mr. Baker until he was found several days afterwards in the woods covered with logs and rubbish, with his throat cut from ear to ear ! The back of his head was much bruised, supposed to have been occasioned by the strokes of a large whip in Desha's poasession, and the thumb of his right hand had been cut, apparently while resisting the knife of the murderer. Deaha, we learn, was met near the place where the murder was committed, by a lad, who asserts, that his hands and clothes were bloody, and that he was carrying a bridle which was also bloody. The horse of the deceased was found in the possession of Dasher and a shirt Desha had on, on being compared with Baker's, was found to be of the same quality, with the mark cut out in pre cisely the same place where Baker's name was written on the other. These circumstances, and perhaps a chock for a large amount seen in Deslia's possession, caused him to be &Tressed, and so rest was the excitement in the neighbourhood, that the gaol in Flemings. burgh where he was confined, had to be guataed to prevent an enraged population from breaking in, and violently putting to im. mediate death the man chamed with this atrocious crime. This statement we give as we received it, without vouching for its coy. rectoese. The Kentucky papers WC silent on the subject, perhaps its deference to the feelings of their Chief .31agistrate."—Phitade/rhis Paw. On Sunday morning Michael Molony was beat so se verely, with a pump rail by his brothers-in-law, Patrick Galvin and John Galvin, of Ludecn, county Clare, in their boat, whilst lying at Arthur's-quay, in this city, that he lingered in the infirmary until yesterday, when death relieved Ilia sufferings. The Mayor imined;ately after. wards held 311 inquest, which continued sitting until a late hour in the evening, when a verdict was returned against Patrick and John Galvin, who have for the present ab sconded. Warrants have xten issued by the Mayor fur their apprehension.—Limerick Chronicle. A rail-road is about to be formed from Huddersfield to Wakefield. SPUR TING INTE LLIGENCE. DONCASTER RACES, 1825. the hugest et. W e hays already stated the number of her: a : i t: 9 re:: ihae, St. Leger. From the number of horses entered for the other stakes ono of the finest weeks sport is anticipated. For the C h ampag ne Stakes there are VI subscribers ; for the four-year old S w e e pst a k es 8; for the (iascoigne Stakes V; for the Doncaster Club Stakes 4: the th tt e ree t7 ear -year old o s ld wee St i t t es aes 3o 26 ; f s or ubs d e l ib k en 'ill , y being tries ever known. MONDAY. The Doncaster Racing Club Champagne Stakes of 60 sort. rac h. ft. for two-yr-old colts, Ilat. 31b.; fillies, est. Red House f: The winner to give its dozen of Champagne to the Chi!, Mr. Wilson's b. c. by Magistrate, out of Trictac Sir J. Byng's eh. c. by Ardrosaan, out of Lady Cranifeart- Lord Scarbtough's b. c. brother to Fair Charlotte Mr. Lsmbton's b. f. by Ebor, out of Orphan Mr. Larnbton's b. c. Magister, by Soothsayer, out of Loretta Lord Kelburne's ch. c. by Grey Walton, out of Blue Steck:ng Mr. Houldswordi's ch. c. His Worship, by Magistrate, out of Tt. c Miller of Mansfield's dam Mr. Russell's ch. c. Randolph, by :Magistrate, out of Sally Mr. Brandling's b. e. The Captain, by It'elbeck, dam liy Cert.. vas, out of Tamborine Duke of Leeds' br. c. by Whisker, out of Masquerade Mr. Petre's ch. f. by Catton, out of Agatha Sir W. B. Cooke's eh. c. by Tramp, out of Carouser's dam Lord QQ::nnsebbeenrryy.'ss eh. f c.. R'Vled'hhxy.tkellb?ybilyiscWkailoctoz, dAtu Lord out obry Chorus Lord Munaster's b. 1. by Octavian, dam by Shuttle Lord Milton's b. c. Mulatto, by Carton, out of Deldemona Mr. Watt's b. c. Belzoni, by Blacklcok, out of Manue/la Col. Cradock's b. c. King Cotton, by Carton, out of Swiss's dam Mr. T. 0. Powlett's br. c. by Ardrossan, out of sister to Bourbon, by Sorcerer Mr. T. 0. Powktes,-11. c. by Catton, out o f C a tf acamtadaddera Mr. Hunter's c. by Orville, out of Canvas T SW R. DAY. Two-year-old Stakes, a Sweepstakes of 20 sov. each, colts Cht. fillies, fit. Red House In. Mr. W. Almoners' ch. f. Eucrosia, by Walton, dam Emma, he Ilambletonian Mr. Baird's ch. c. by Ardreman, out of Lady Cramfeazer Mt. Lambton's b. t. by Ebor, out of Orphan Mr. Lambton's b. c. Magister, by Soothsayer, out of Loretta Lord Kelburne's ch. c. by Grey Walton, out of Blue Stocking Lord Kelburne's br. f. by Ardrossan, dam by Ruben. Sir µ. Maxwell's gr. c. Viscount Aleldon, by Viscount, out of Nell Aleicion Mr. J. Croft's ch. c. by Tramp, darn by Worthy Mr. Houldsworth's ch. c. His Worship, by Magistrate, out of The Miller of Mansfield's dam Mr. R. Mithes's b. e. by Cotton, out &My Lady's dam Lord Queensberry's ch. f. Mrs. Fry, by Walton, out of Vollmer Mr. Brandling's b. e. The Captain, by iWelbeck, dam by Cerbe. ma, out of Tamborine Duke of Leeds's gr. f. by Walton, out of Lisette Doke of Leeds's br. e. by %Whisker, out of Masquerade Mr. Petre's eh. f. by Carton, out of Agatha Mr. Darnell's ch. e. Why-tell ?by %% shoo Mr. Darnell's ch. f. Redlo c k, by Blacklock Mr. Itidadaleuch. c. by Tramp, out of Carouser's dam Mr. Ridsdale's b. c. Numskull, by X, Y, Z, out of Juggler's d Mr. Butler's ch. C. Sir Charles, by Equator, out of Loom Lord Munca-ter's b. f. by Octavian, dam by Shuttle Lord Fitzwilliam's b. e. Malawi, by Cotton, out of Desdemons Sir E. Dodsworth's bl. c. by Magistrate, darn by Smolensku Mr. Watt's b. c. Belzoni, by Bloc-Mock, out of Alanuella Mr. Bailey's bL f. Mary Ann, sister to Streatham Lord Kennedy's ch. C. by Welbeck, out of Maniac Mr. T. 0. Powlett's ch. by Canon, out of Caifacaratadaddera Mr. Wright's ch. c. by Coon, out of Octavius's dam Mr. Smith's be. f. by Saigrave, out of Hippodamia Mr. Ferguson's c. by Grey Middleham, out of Lady of the Swale CHESTER RACES. For the Prodnee Stakes there are If{ nominations: for the Tradesmen's Cup 32; for the I►ee Stakes 7 (50gs. each); for the 4tand Cup 20; for the Sweepstakes 10 ; for the Palatine Stakes 7; besides the various Plates, which in number exceed those of any other place in England. HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. The Oakley hounds will meet to-morrow at Pavingharn, Thurs. day at Wootton, and Saturday at Milton day at half past ten. The Earl of Scarbrough's fox-hounds on Wednesday at Bal. brough, and on Friday at Micklebring Village. The Badsworth fox-Itminds to-morrow at Red House, on Thurs. day at Kirby Guide Po s t, an d on Saturday at Robin Hood's Well. Sir Richard Sutton's f ox -h oun d s on Wednesday at IVickenbr, on Thursday at Scotgrove Wood, and on Saturday at Brattleby. The Cottesmore hounds to-morrow at Owaton Wood, on lion day at Carlby, and on Friday at Burley. fir Jacob Asdey's fox-hounds on Wednesday at Plumstcati Mill, and on Friday at Thuraford Green. Mr. Dewing's hounds on Wednesday at Binham. Captain Ca 's harriers to-morrow at Finningham, and on Thurs. day at Ferstield Nortfs Groves. Earl Fitxwilliam's hounds to-morrow at Norwood, and on Thum day at Hammerton Groves. Lord Yarborough's hounds on Wednesday at Roston Wool, on Friday at Grevingham Toll-bar, and on Saturday at Somali !louse. _ Mr. Winnington's fox-hounds on Wednesday at Kyrewood. Sir B. Graham's hounds to-morrow at .hunt( !Ides, on Weal. nesday at the Wheel Gate, on Friday at the New Inn, and on Sa turday at Tong Villsge. The Warwickshire fox-hounds to-morrow at 'Wimpson Bridr, on Thursday at Urton Wood, and on Friday at Compton Verney Bridge. Mr. Hay's fox-hounds on Wednesday at Aqualate, and on Fri. day at Kennel. The Chester harriers on Thursday at Huntington. The Clwydian harriers on Thursday at Cern Main, and on Ss. turday at Groes. Sir Richard Puleston's hounds on Wednesday at Overtm Bridge, and on Friday at Sarn Bridge. The Cheshire bounds to-morrow at Drakelow Farm, on Thurs day at Peover, and on Saturday at Gallantry Bank. The Brighton harriers will throw off on Wednesday near the Rare Course, and on Friday on Devil's Dyke. The Anglesey hounds on Wednesday at the Kennel, and on Saturday at Bodowyrlill—at half-past ten. The Rev. Henry Mettle met with a serious accident, the break. iug of his collar-bone, while hunting on Monday last. Last week a servant in the employ of the Rev. Mr. Waterhouse, of Stukely, was shooting at some pigeons, when unfortunately the gun burst, and lacerated one of his thumbs so severely that it was obliged to be immediately amputated. Little Thorn, aged 31 years. and the property of Gilbert Young, Esq., of Moehrurn, died at Youngfield House on the 24th ult. This celebrated horse was got by Staring Thom, out of a forest mare, and was allowed by the best judges to be a most complete animal in all points. IVednesday morning, Thomas Collins, of Cappamore, died in the infirmary, from wounds received at a fair or: the 17th ult. This is the fourth of his family which have met with similar deaths. The Mayor has summoned a Jury, and will hold an inquest on the body of Collins it: the course of the day.—lbid. BIRTHS. --- Jan. 2, at Teston, the lady of the Hon. and Rev. F. J. Noel, a DOM In Southampton Buildings, Chancery-lane, the lady of Cherie) Phillips, Esq. of a daughter. In Gate -street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, on the 7th inst. the lady of John Mitchell, M.D. of a son. A few days ago, Sarah, the wife of Charles Hardy. a laboutinc man at Bradley Mills, near Huddersfield, was delivered of thre girls, which are all likely for life, and are named Fatili, !lope. and Caority. MARRIED. On the 7th instant, at Greenwich Church, Mr. Richard Suter, cf Suffolk -street, Southwark, to Anne, daughter of the bite Major- General Andrew Burn. At Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land, on the 7th of Angugt, 1824, Captain Dingle, to Miss May Cross, late of the Strand, London. On the Ist inst. at Bridgwater Mr. William Reed, bellows mender, aged 52, to Mir Mary Lo ng, a blooming damsel, near]. of the same age. The amorous bride possesses a man of " lord], stature," standing aft. 10in. in height, and being unable to walk without the support of sticks. They were saluted by a numerous concourse of people on their return from church. At Worksop, Notts, on the 3d inst., Charles Doncaster, £5 l l. of Fiskerton, Notts, to Ellin, youngest daughter and co-heiress of the late William Thompson, kn. of Heighington House, Lincoln shire. DIED. On Wednesday last, with awful suddenness, in his dist year. Mr. John Sutcliffe, of York, chemist. Mr. S. served the office of Sherif in 1799-100 ff Saturday se'nnight, edits house in Stnittnn,Capt. Robert Smith, in the 80th year of his age. He was at the battles of Minden and Warburgh, and afterwards at Gibraltar during that memorable siege, where he greatly distinguished himself. His ardour fcr military 'faint not ceasing when Bonaparte threatened this cour try with en invasion,he volunteered his services, and was appqintra Garai!' in th,. North Cornwall Volunteers, doing duty at Bodmilt On the let inst..nt, in her 70th year. at Stouslicuse, Mrs. AnD Corytuu, widow of the late Rev. Osage Coryton. _ MOD WATER THIS DAY AT LONDON BMW& Morning 47 min. after 11. I Afternoon II Oa. aim 6• Printed at THS BRITISH PRESS Ofice, by J. W. Caustel, Is l , Strand, PA published by R. Casisiax, ow P. :ii fx g 1 De :;f . oi WM 9.q sere