The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1860-07-17 00:00:00

Somersetshire.

SUSPECTED POISONING AT YEOVIL

Some sensation has been occasioned in the town
by circumstances attending the death of Mrs. Peters,
wife of Mr. Peters, draper, of the Borough, Yeovil.
It seems that towards the end of last year Dr. Gar•
land was called in to attend Mrs. Peters, who was
then suffering from imtation of the bowels and
stomach. He attended her for scarcely a fortnight,
during which time she got better, but the symp-
toms revived towards the end of January, and after
another brief period of attendance, Dr. Garland
ceased to see his patient, who left Yeovil and went
to Yatton, where she was under the care, we believe,
of Mr. Chadwick. On the 19th of June, Dr. Gar-
. _.

land Was again called in, and again found his patient
labouring under the Wile distressing symptoms.
The disease appeared to yield to the remedies
ipplied one day, and to return with violence the
next. This intermittent feature led Dr. Garland to
regard the Cade with suspicion, and on the 26th
June, when he saw the patient, in conjunction with
his partner, Mr. Thorpe, he carried away with him
sonic of the evacuations which be sent for analysis to
Mr. Herapath. of Bristol. The poor lady died on
the sth, and Dr. Garland, with the letter which we
give below in his possession, of course could not
give a certificate of the cause of death. He suit-
seated a pwil•mortem examination, and that being
declined, he communicated With the coroner, and on
Saturday week, IL Ashford, Esq., empannelled a
jury at the Mermaid Hotel, to isquire into the cause
of death of Sarah Peters. Mr. Clyde attended to
watch the case for the family. The following evi-
dence was adduced :

Sarah Baker: I live in Vicarage-street, and knew the
deceased. On Wednesday morning I was sent for by
Mr. Peter, and went to his house. When I arrived
there Mr. Peters said, "Oh, Mrs. Baker, they tell no'
Mrs. Peters is dying." I went up into the bedroom and
found her in a dying state. She asked me for sonic '
water. and complained of her head. I pave her 80111 e
gruel whilst I was there—it was prepared and brought
to me. She took three-parts of a tea-cup full of it.
She was not sick after taking the gruel, and she died
about twelve ~clock. There were no symptoms of
I convulsions after taking the gruel. I was only with
her a few hours.
By Mr. Glyile : I never attended deceased before.
Have seen her two or three times since her last con-
finement, which was about twelve months ago, when
she always complained to me of ill-lieslth— of being
weak, and once of a pain in the bowels.
Dr. Edward Charles Garland : 1 was called to attend

Mrs. Peters on the 10th June hist, and continual to th

so till her death. she was suffering from intense
irritation of the stomach and bowels, the mule of which
I considered to be very obscure. For a day or two
together slii) would rally and appear to he progres.ing
favourably; then • relapse would occur : intense vomit-
ing and diarrloes, together with excessive pain, marked
these attacks. On June 26th, may partner (11r. Thorpe)
iind 1 obtained some of the vomit and twine of deceased

(just passed), which we carried away with us, and upon
applying certain tests, we suspected that by some means
a certain poisonous substance had ("awl its way into
the system. I conununicated with Mr. Herepith,
professor of chemistry, of Bristol, and received an
answer from him on July 2nd, by which my suspicions
were confirmed. I monediately placed myself in com-
munication with Suoerintentlent Smith. On Tuesday
the 3rd of July, Mr. Peters, upon my visiting the
pitient. and asking if she had taken her inedicine, said
"No." he thought she had better cease taking medicine;
at the seine time hoping I should not be offended. I
remonstrated with hilll, as I 'lid not consider she was
getting better. Knowing what I did, 1 askeol to be
allowed to visit her on the following day. He stated
that doctors were expensive, to which I replied, " I
shall be happy, from this date, to visit her as a friend."
He itioneoistely assented, and stated that he was
perfectly satisfied with my attendance. On Wednesday
evening, the 4th, I was hastily summoned, between
seven and eight o'zlock, to see the deceased. I was
from home, and Mr. Thorp attended her ; but I soon
came hums and went myself, and found her in intense
agony. From that time she never rallied, and expired
about one o'clock. on Thursday the sth. I visited her
during the night several times, and applied such
remedies as I thought her case required. The pain did
not cease, and she was in a state of collapse. I consider
she died from perforation of the stomach or intestines.
Mr. Olyde said there was no need of • pus( mullein

examination.
The Coroner: Mr. Olyile had better see the letter
from Mr. Herepath.
Dr. Garland then handed in the letter which he
had received from Mr. Ilereisath, which MU as fol-
lows:

Old Park, Bristol, July 2nd, 1860.

. _
Dr. Garland, Yeovil.—Dear Sir,—l am sorry to con-
firm your suspicion. There are traces of antimony in
the urine forwarded me. I have made • specimen of
the red sulphuret for exhibition.
I remain, yours respectful'''.
WILLIAM HIRAPATII, sen. Professor of Chemistry.
By Mr. Glide: There were no symptoms of con•
sumption whatever. t.ilie appeared to rally at intervals
after taking my medicine. I should say she was a deli-
cate woman.
The Coroner then suggested that some medical gen-
tleman residing out of the town should isake the post-
mortem& examination, in order that no misunderstanding
might occur among the medic:a prufelodon in the town.
which suggestion the jury concurred in, and A was de-
cided that Mr. Jey, of Queen Camel, should make the
neceiwary examination. The inquest wadi then adjourned
to Saturday, the 14th inst.

presence of Dr. Warty and Dr. Oar
StaeuiTYind)hd..eayanSPasisdb*yeinuM-Ninr;rieel%rse'"taaltt:edrx,taniotaitiStttiktieoen(iinnwta:sahteinaPeesimwrfwonenfeedoffoulionrnd
perforated, which might either have been caused by
long-emitinueddieeare, or trete poison. The eunuch,
spleen, liver, Sm., have been forwarded to Mr. Hera-
path by Sttperintendent Smith, and at the adjourned
inquest the public will have the result of eeientific in-
vestigation. That a poisonous substance has visaed
through the hotly of deceased is unquestionable—
whether administered accidentally, or intentionally, or,
ILI Was thought in Smetliurat'a case, in medicine, per-
haps the analyais now being made will decide. Mra.
Peters was a young women, only 2S, and is described
sa being very pretty, and as living oil affect to terms
with her husband, by whom she had, we believe, three
children.
SIIEPTON MALLET. —Nile Corpa. —Tuesday week
was what may be termed the first "day out" for
ths Sheldon Mallet Ride Corps, by paying a visit
to Southhill-house, the residence of Admiral Sir E.
C. Strode, K.C.B. The weather was delightful,
which, of course, added to the enjoyment of the day's
proceedings. The volunteers fell into rank in the
Marketplace, and marched in columns of four to
the railway station, whence they took their depar-
ture by the 12.14 train. On arriving at Crannuire
station they fell in on the platform, shouldered arms,
and marched in sections of fours to Sir Edward's.
At the entrance of the park was a very large arch,
with the words, " Welcome Rifle Volunteers." On
arriving at the house the corps halted, front opened
ranks, and presented arms, and then marched mu tile
to the park, where they were put through various
evolutions by Captain Ernst, which pleased the bye-
'tenders very much. After drill the members
marched to a spacious tent in front of the house.
where • most excellent cold collation was provided
by their hospitable entertainer. After dinner the
members amused themselves with various athletic
and manly sports until the train which was to con-
vey them hame was due at the Cranmore station.
The order being given to fall in, they then marched
in orations of fours to the station. The Captain
stated that he was very much plea-sed with the man-
ner in which the volunteers had conducted them-
selves, and added that as soon as they commenced
tiring he should offer as a prize to the best shot a
silver cup of the value of twenty guineas. They re-
turned home by the 4.10 train, and in the evening
attended a special service in the parish church, where
a met appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev.
H. F. Gray, vicar of Pilton, and chaplain to the
corps. Ile selected as his text, Judge* v. 9—" My
heart is towards the governors of loran!, that offered
themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the
Lord."
LKTRY.— Church IfaleA. —A very numerously
attended vestry meeting was held in the parish
church on Tuurselay last, " for the purpose of raising
anti levying a rate for the repair of the church,
and for all such other expenses and matters as are
legally chargeable upon the church rate." The pro-
ceedings were of a very turbulent nature, and we
think that we shall best do our duty to the majority
of our readers, and perhaps assuage those angry feel-
ings which such discussions invariably produce, and
which no one—be he churchman or dissenter—can
fail to regret, if we simply give the result of the
meeting. First then, Mr. Frederick Richmond !im-
posed, and Mr. Sherring seconded, that a two-penny
rate be granted. To this the following amanelinent
was proposed by the Rev. J. Webb, and seconded
by Mr. James Allen—" That this vestry considers
the attempt to impose a church rate shows a great
Want of respect to the dissenters of this town, and
therefore request* the churchwardens to raise the
necessary feuds by voluntary subscriptions. The
vestry considers this the only way to maintain the
mutual liarne:ny and good feeling of the inhabitants
Shepton Ma:let." On being put to the meeting
the amendment was carried by a majority of fourteen,
and Mr. Hartlisty then demanded a poll of the parish
on the question. The pull took place in the vestry
on Monday and Tuesday last, between the hours of
9 and 4 o'clock each day. At 4 o'clock on Monday
evening it stood as follows :—For the rate, 155 ;
against it, 55 —majority for the rate, lOU.
IdENDIP Fox HuUNDs.—At a meeting, held at
the George Hotel. on Mlkulay, July 2nd, Ib6o.
Captain Jillard in the chair, it was proposed by
Mr. C. Wainwright, and seconded by Captain
Jillard, "That Mr. W. Hardisty be requested to
act as Honorary Secretary to the hunt, and that a
committee be appoisited to assist the master of the
hounds (Major Luttrell) in the management of the
hunt, and that the following gentlemen be asked to
act and iorm that coiumittee : —Sir H. A. Hoare,
Lord Cork, W. M. F. Melliar, Esq., Captain Jillard,
Richard Strachey, Esq., and Thomas Somers, Essj.,
with power to add to their number. Proposed by
Captain Jillard and set-smiled by Thomas S rs,
Esq., "That the subscriptions promised be paid to
the credit of Major Luttrell, at Stuckey's Bank,
Bridgwater, before the first of September next, and
the Hon. Sec. be requested to write to each sub-
scriber accordingly."—l'ruposed by F. Spencer, Esq.,
and seconded by Thomas Somers, Esq., "That the
lion. See. lie requested to write to the various sub•
scribers, asking them to subscribe a fund fur the
purchase of fuzes for stocking the country."
TAUNTON.—AffialiOn Case againel an Octogen-
arian. —3lr. Richard Barker, of Creech Saint
Michael, was ordered by our bench of magistratea
on Saturday, to pay 2s. weekly towards the inainte•
!lance of the illegitimate child of Elizabeth Burgess.
The defendant is upwards of SO years of age. Mr.
H. Trenchant, who appeared for him, gave notice of
appeal against the decision.
At the last meeting of the trustees of the Taunton
market, the tariff, or scale of fees for licenses to sell
vegetables in shops in the town, was produced and
approved of. The tariff for the different classes Is:
C. 15, £l2, .ClO, CS, £6, £4, £2, 1.1, and ss. The
trustees draltued to grant a lease of the market-
house and auembly-rooms to Mr. W. W. C.
Brannan, who had applied to take the premises for a
term. The trustees proceeded to elect a person to
reside in the house and to take care of the same
salary, .C2O a-year with apartments. There were
several candidates. The result of the voting ulti-
mately was au equal number in favour of Jelin
liaberfield and John Durk. The subject was there-
fore put off until the next meeting.
THE LATE NiIisTERIOCS CHILD MURDER AT
ROAD.—The magistrates of the Trowbridge division,
assisted by Messrs. Sinkins and Sheppard, of the
Frome division, have held private meetings at the
Temperaneediall, (toad, since Monday, for the pur-
pose of investigating this mysterious case. The
chief constables of the counties of Wilts and Somer-
set, and the 'superintendents of police of the districts
of Frome and Trowbridge, have been present on
these occasions. A great many witnesses have been
examined, including Mr. and Mrs. Kent, the father
anti mother of the murdered child, the three maid
servants, the man servant, the boy who cleaned the
knives, the washerw ~,,, au of the family anti her
thiughter,and several other persons. On Saturday
night, at the request of Mr. Kent, Superintendent
Suinmers searched two uninhabited houses at the
bottom of the lawn of Mr. Kent's residence, but
nothing was discovered tending to throw any light
nn this mysterious affair. So many nunours are
afloat, several of which are coins to the ears of Mr.
Kent, that he has instructed the local police to cau-
tion people as to what they say. The statements
that a reward hiss been Aerial by the Secretary of
State for the Hmue Department, and that a detective
orlicer has been sent down from leindon to investi-
gate the affair are without foundation. Mr. Kent
has suggested that the servants who formerly lived
with I might have secreted themselves in the
house and committed the murder, and at his request
the police have instituted inquiries which prove this
supposition to be groundleia. On Tuesday evening,
about Pi o'clock, the nursemaid was apprehended on
suspicion by Mr. Superintendent Foley, and was re-
manded to Friday.
ANOTHER MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR NEAR FROMIL—
The neighbourhood of Frome has for a second time
within a few slays been thrown into great conoterna- I
thin by the occurrence of two very mysterious deaths.
The details of the 11oad tragedy had hardly been
made public before it became known that another
death under very mysterious circumstances hail
occurred at a little village called Little London, on
the high matt from Frown to Wells. From the par-
ticulars which have been made known, it appears
that on Tuesday night last a man named Walnut,
with his wife, father, and sister, were all drinking
together until a late hour, and did not reach their
homes until after 12 o'clock. What occurred be-
tween Wal and his wife it is impossible to say,
but before 10 o'clock she was a corpse. lie avers
that she fell (min her chair, apparently mu a tit. His
mother and a married Mau Were called in, but their
assistance was of no avail, as the poor WMllan was
quite dead. On Wednesday an elainlnation of the
premises was made by the police. and several sputa
a blood were found on the walls and window. lu
a corner of the room was also found a part "(admit.,
apparently recently broken off. Ou the body were
several marks of violence. Of all these matters
Walnin could give nu satisfactory account, he beuig
steadfast in averring that Ins wife dropped dead.
It would seem that the deceased was a person of very
immoral character lately, and that she was in the
habit i
of drinking with other wen. It s impossible
to form an accurate opinion in the present state of
the case, but it is almost plain that there has been
foul play. 'The affair has caused great excitement in
the neighbourhood. Time inquest was held on Wed-
nesday, and we understand on post mortein exaini-
nactimonAuttc_woonnn,h'suinlactieunigfi:utnlitilrt.o
jbe.beprohkeßnu.ck.
Buck-
land, of HurnsbUry, near Chard, sustained the loss
of a bull of great value. It appears the animal being
in the habit of breaking through the fences had a
board put across its forehead to prevent its doing so.
Mr. Aaron Wills, who intended purchasing the
animal, was exau li ll ing it, when the bull plunged
forward and struck its head against the house and
dropped dead.