The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1860-08-28 00:00:00

INVASION OF THE AGAPEMONE.

At about 6 o'clock on Tuesday evening last,
between 30 and 40 men, headed by the Rev. Lewis
Price and his legal adviser, proceeded from Bridge-
water to Spaxton for the purpose of attempting the
release of Mrs. Price from the Agapemone, it being
hoped, from information which had been previously
received by the rev. gentleman, that a second
attempt at the rescue of his wife would be more
successful than the one which was recorded a few
days since. When the party had proceeded two or
three miles upon their journey, Mr. l'rice alighted,
and, addressing his followers, told them that his sole
object was the restoration of that which properly
belonged to him, and urged them to resort to no
means of violence, to do no damage, and to strike no
blow unless they were themselves attacked, and then
to do so only in self-protection. To this the volun-
teers cordially assented, and the vehicles then drove
on. Upon arrival at the "Abode of Love" it was
soon perceived that the inmates had by borne means
got scent of their proceedings, for the gates were
found fastened. The invaders, however, speedily
scaled • low wall at the side of the grounds, and pro-
ceeded to surround the house. Mr. l'rice rang the
hell and demanded admittance, but this application
was, of course, refused. A sturdy fellow with an
iron crowbar then made an attack upon the door,
which was partially forced open, and upon obtaining
a view of the interior the Prineites were seen in-
sconced behind a formidable barricade of chairs,
tables, and other articles of furniture. The object
of the visit having been explained to the creatures of
Prince's dominion, they stcdfastly refused to allow
any one to enter, and, showing firearms, threatened
to shoot their sasailanta if they did not leave. The
party outside expressed their wishes most loudly to
enforce admittance, but Mr. Price endeavoured to
restrain them, and offered to keep bark his nieu if
i the l'rinceites would allow him to search the house
alone. Of course the volunteers would not listen to
such an arrangement, and after a consultation the in-
mates agreed to admit Mr. Price and a party of six
persons, of whom our correspondent was one. These
then entered the house, and minutely searched every
room and cupboard, but could find no trace of the
missing lady. The conservatories, stables, gardens,
and every available spot were also examined, but
without success. The adjacent cottages and inn also
underwent a strict examination, and the party next
travelled on the road to Aiabolt, where l'rince
possesses • farm, and where it was supposed his wife
might have been secreted. Messengers mounted on
fleet horses had, however, been dispatched in all
directions to warn the " brethren" of the proceed-
ings which were being enacted, and as darkness was
coming on, the ptrty were compelled to return home
without effecting their object. Mr. Price has
obtained the sympathy of all right-minded persons in
the neighbourhood, who express their regret that this
second effort on his part should have turned out un-
successful. As may be expected, the inhabitants of
the surrounding villages, as well as numerous people
from Bridgewater, assembled at the scene of action,
but they took no active part in the undertaking, and
merely remained as spectators.
BeuroN.• -The annual treat to the children of the
National School came off on Friday last. Arrange-
ments were made to have the tea in a field fronting
the Vicarage ; but owing to the unpropitious state
of the weather, it was held in the school-room,
where tea, cake, &c., were tic/patched with marvel-
lous swiftness. The evening being fine, the children
headed by the Kilinington band, paraded the town,
and finally marched to the field. Games of different
kinds were commenced, and to vary the amuse-
ment, two largo balloons were let off from the lawn
of the Vicarage, the children cheering vociferously.
About eight o'clock the proceedings terminated,
and all evidently seemed thoroughly pleased with
their treat.