The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-07-11 00:00:00

THE NEWBY TERRACE SCANDAL.

The adjourned inquest upon the body of the late Mrs.
Preston was held before the Coroner, P. F. Cu'ry, Esq..
in the Crown Court, St. George's Hall, at twelve o'clock
yesterday. A large number of the friends and relatives
of both parties were in attendance, as well as several
physicians, chem's's, and other scientific gentlemen.
Thejery were called, and answered to their names.
111 r. Aspinall, barrister, appeared to watch the proceed-
ings on the part of Mr. R. W. Preston.
The Coroner, before the proceedings commenced, said :
Gentlemen of the jury, when we met last to enquire
into the cause of the d, a.ll of the late Airs. Preston, it
was upon view of the bo 'y, and you will all remember
that the inquest was adjourned to this day, for the pur-
pose of having a post mortem examination made of the
body, and an anals'sis of the viscera. Before we proceed
with the inquest, I may here obs rye that I regret that
observations have been made publicly, and privately,
relative to this enquiry, which I think, to say the least of
them, it would have been much better had not
been made. They cannot tend at all to faciPtate
the enquiry which you will have to make,
and can only tend to wound the feelicas of
two respectable families without producing. the slightest
beneficial result. Observations have also been made.
gentlemen of the jury, with reference to my having held
this enquiry. My conduct has not been spared, and one
letter, or more than one, has appeared, wishing to know
by what authority I held this inquest, and also enquiring
whether coroners had not a discretion to hold inquests
or not ? In reply to that—not that I consider myself
called upon to reply to such observations, but as a
matter of courtesy—l will say, that a coroner has that
discretion, in every case brought under his notice, to say
whether it is a case for judicial investigation or not ; and
I need only say, that the course I have pursued in this
case satisfied myself, at all events, that I used that dis-
eretion soundly and wisely. You, of course, will not
allow your minds to be actuated, biassed, or influenced
in any way whatever, by any observations you may have
heard, privately or publicly. The case has been, as I
said before, very widely canvassed. Your enquiry is an
enquiry of death—to know how, and by what means,
the late Barbara Preston came to her death—
and not to go into any matter which has
not reference to her death, because, by doing
so, I conceive we would be outraging all the
decencies and the feelings of respectable families, whicn,
think, have been already sufficiently outraged. After
a very mature deliberation, I have come to the deter-
mination that I will conduct this case looking only to
the cause of death, and not allowing any enquiry to be
made irrelevant to that.
On the first witness being called, the coroner observed:
Before I examine this witness, gentlemen of the jury,
perhaps it would be well if I were to state that a post
mortem examination has been made, that an analysis has
been made, and that the results of both have been
highly satisfactory, because they remove all suspicions
on the part of the relatives of the late Mrs. Preston,
and it will be gratifying to Mr. Preston and his family
to know that there is not the slightest foundation what-
ever for supposing her to have come to other than a
natural death.
The following witnesses were then sworn and
examined :
Ann Calvert: My husband's name is Joseph Calvert,
living at 20, Ashburton-street. lam a nurse tender. I
was sent for to go to Mrs. Preston's house, on the 15th of
June. I found Mrs. Preston in a very weak state. I
saw Mr. Preston soon after I went that day. I con-
tinued to attend her to her death. She died on the 21st
of June. Dr. Formby, Dr. Vose. and Mr. Hatton, were
called in to see her. Every attention was paid to her by
Mr. Preston's friends. His attention to her during her
illness, was affectionate and kind. Her moiler and
sister were there the time I remained. They were there
before I came.
By Mr Aspinall: My business as a nurse is chiefly to
attend on persons of insanity. Mrs. Preston was in that
state (insane) to require my servic9i. There was no
doubt she was in that condition some time previous to
ber death. She was treated wi h the greatest care
according to the direr ions of the medical men. I heard
that Miss Laura Philips had been in the house with her
sister a considerable time.
To the Foreman : Mr. Preston sent for me; Mr. Wm.
Preston Ns brother) came for me.
Esther Hughes : I was one of the servants in Mrs.
Preston's house at her death. She was first taken i.l in
church about the latter end of May. She would not
allow her husband to send for a doctor then. She got
wor.e, and a doctor was called in before she went to
Southport. I occasionally saw Mr. Preston in the house.
He was always kind and attentive to his wife. During
the time of her illness, her mother and sisters, and
brother and faiher, were at the house and stayed With
her.

To Mr. Aspinall : I went into their service the day
before they came back from their marriage tour. Miss
Laura Philips spent a good deal of her time with her
sister. Mrs. Preston, while I was there, was subjdct to
very violent outbreaks of passion. Mr. Freston through-
out weed her with every kindness. She was very
proruking.
To a Juror: I used to wait at breakfast. I judged of
his kindness by what I saw myself, and what she said to
me.

Mr. George Kemp: lam a surgeon. I made a post
mortem examination on the body of Mrs. Preston, in the
presence of Dr. Formby, Dr. Vose, Mr. Halton, and
other medical gentlemen. The body presented no
external appearances worthy of note. On opening the
head, I found the brain present a healthy and normal
appearance. I examined the organs of the chest
and of the abdomen. They were in a natural and
Yery healthy state. I found chronical ulcerations
of the large 'intestines. I found them of the character
which are common in cases of lever. They were the
result of natural causes. I would judge that she had
taken very little food recently. In my opinion the cause
of death was a slow—continued fever, extending over some
line. During such a fever there might be a good deal of
wandering. lam quite satisfied that she died from purely
natural causes. I put the brain and spinal marrow into
one j,2r, and the liver and lungs, kidney and spleen into a
eecond. I put the stomach and the whole of the intes-
tines into a third. I sealed the jarr, and delivered them
the following day to Dr. Muspratt.
Mr. Aspinall said that there was one question which he
Considered essential in the enquiry. The coroner pro-
bably understood to what he alluded, and he should wish
that the question should be put by the court.
The Coroner replied that he knew to what Mr. Aspinall
alluded, but he did not think the question necessary, as
they had it already in evidence, that death was the result
of natural causes.

Mr. Aspinall-urged that he nevertheless considered the
question essential, and that it might be found explanatory
of the actual disease which resulted in death. From the
statements which had gone to the public, he thought the
explanatory circumstance which he wished to have
brought out should be laid before the jury, no matter how
unpleasant it might be.
The Foreman asked if the circumstance had anything
to do with the cause of death ? The Coroner : No.
The Foreman: Then, we have no with to have it.
Another juryman here observed that some of the jury
wished it.
Mr. Aspinallmerely going to ask whether the
circumstance alluded to had not something to do with the
cause of death? Mr. Kemp :I am not prepared to answer
that question.

Mr.. Aspinall : Did she die in a state of virginity ? Mr.
Xemp : She did.
The examination was continued, but had reference to
matters which we conceive to be unsuited to the columns
of a newspaper.
To the Coroner : There was not,',in my opinion, any
physical impediment to the consummation of the marriage.
Dr. Edward Parkes : I was the medical attendant of the
late Mrs. Preston. I first saw her previous to her mar-
riage. I was sent for about a fortnight or three weeks
subsequent to her return from her wedding tour. The
wedding took place, I think, in July, 1855 When I was
called in she was labouring under a general derangement
of health. I saw her occasionally afterwards. I cannot
'Wear when I saw her last. Tire last professional visit I
Paid to the house was on the 4th of March, but I met her
since that. I considered that she was insane from the
first time I saw her, and my suspicions were confirmed on
the 30th of December, and that she was more or less so
ever sine,.
She once or twice had cold. I was present at
the post-mortem examination. I
last illness- I have heard the did not her in
evidenceattend ractive to the
post mortem examination. I agree with Mr. Kemp, and
differ with Mr. Waters, upon one point, with regard to
the physical impediment to the consummation of the
marriage.
To. Mr. AsPinall : I think there was an impediment, which
might, however, have been removed by an oration, under
proper treatment. I was aware there Was an impedi-
ment, havingbeen consulted bv Mr. Preston himself, about 3
months after the marriage. I did not know what
the impe-
diment was until the post mortem examination. I suggested
to Mr. Preston what I thought it probably might be. I
saw a vioient outbreak nfnle.M. per on the part of Mrs.
Preston on the 30th Dec., Iola..?
May
outbreaks of temper
a 1:56, in conjunction
Might have led to a fever.
.1
am satisfie enow
with Dr. Vose, I gave a certifincate
Mr. Pston
that I was right in doing so at the'itim,ei,e......
behaved in the most kind manner PO7lOl i never saw a
more affectionate or indulgent husband• .
.Even at the time
oullitc.ito.r. for
. Mr.
of those outbreaks he was indulgent to a Ms.
To Mr. Marshall (who appeared ao
Phillips, senior) : I found that the medicines which I pre-
scribed for Mrs: Preston were not taken regularly, and that 1
it was more a disease of the mind than of the body, and I
backed out. I said " There is no use in my giving ,5,11,5:
further attendance ; the medicines are not taken, and IL I.
only picking Your pocket." I never
prescribed croton oil
for her or chloroform, although I have been accused of
doing so by Mr. Phillips, senior.
At this stage of the proceedings Mr. Marshall said : I
wish so state, on the part of Mr. Philips, that from the
erid,nce he has heard, and you heard, he is perfectly satis-
fied that this lady died from natural causes—from natural
disease. Ire is perfectly satisfied also that there was a
aklltul medical attendance, and that all due and proper care
ras taken.
rile. Coroner , Perhaps you -would .1.,.. ~,,..,_ _,

yoti ma

Mr. Philips conceives he has any reason to impute the
slightest ground of suspicion to the husband.
Mr. Marshall : Not the slightest. There were peculiari-
, ties connected with the case, and which have now appeared
from the medical testimony, which made it desirable that
some enquiry should take place, and I think the enquiry
which has been made was a very proper one. But there is
not the slightest suspicion or ground now for supposing
that she died from any cause but natural diseases.
A Juror (Hr. Rawlinsen) observed that if Mr. Phillips
had come forward the first day and allowed the jury to
examine the medical men, who were so well known in
the town, both Mr. Phillips and themselves might have
been at once satisfied as to the cause of death, and
that an adjourned enquiry would have been unnecessary.
The jury were wrong in not having required that to
be done in the first instance, and to have at once gone
on with the enquiry. Any one, it would seem, might
be accused by a st.anger of unfair conduct towards his wife,
though she might have die I from natural causes, and have
received every kindness and attention. No person, not even
a father, should be allowed to make such a charge, under
such circumstance.
Mr. Marshall : There was no charge made.
The Coron r explained that the inquest cmld not be
proceeded with until the analysis had been made.
Mr. Rawlinson replied that the analysis would have been
unnecessary.
Mr. Aspinall said that Mr. Preston and his family were
most anxious, after what had gone forth to the public, that
not only all the medical men who either attended Mrs.
Preston, or were present at the post Inor,'eat examination,
but that her sister, Miss Laura Phillips, should be exa-
mined. After the statement of Mr. Marshall, however,
they would not require that Miss Phillips should be pro-
duced, and particularly so as he held a letter from her, the
reading of which would attain all that he required. He
should earnestly urge t'le propriety of having all the medical
men examined, and while he had carefully guarded from,
in any way, reflecting on Mr. Phillips, he should yet say
that Mr. Phaps, a coroner himself, should have used a
little more caution in the matter.
The Coroner said that he would leave it to the jury to
say whether they would require to have all the medical men
examined. For himself, he did not think that their
testimony was at all necessary.
Mr. Aspinall replied that, under the circumstances, he
would request of the jury to call for them.
Mr. Marshall thought the application was not a proper
one. The object of the enquiry was as to the cause of death,
and the family of Mrs. Preston were perfectly satisfied from
the evidence already before the court that the death had
resulted from natural causes

The jury decided that all the medical men should be
examined,

Dr. Pose was then called and examined. He stated that
he attended the deceased during the last week of her life,
and that he hai also previously attended her. She died
from fever. The conduct of her husband towards her was
that of undeviating kindness and attention.
Mr. Halton sworn and examined : The kindness and
attention of Mr. Preston and his family towards the deceased
was invariable. As to the impediment to consummation, he
agreed with Mr. Waters.
Dr. Sheridan Muspratt, on being examined, stated that
he made a chemical analysis of the contents of the jars
given to him by Mr. Kemp, and that he found them to con-
tain nothing of a poisonous nature.
Mr. W. Preston sworn and examined : The deceased's
name was Barbara Helena. she was about twenty or
twenty-one years old. My brother wail always must kind
and indulgent to her. She was subject to violent outbursts
of passion. In consrquenco f f one of them, on the 30th of
December I went over to Wolverhampton, to request her
father or mother to come over to see her. I was unable to
indtue either of them to come—they positively refused to
come.
This concluded the evi&nce.

Mr. Aspinall then, with the permission of the jury, read
the following extracts from letters which passed between
Mr. Pre,ton and members of the lad‘'s family, to show
the kind and indulgent manner in which ever in the opinion
of Mr. Preston's relatives, she had been treated by her
husband :

Penn, Thursday.
My Dear Mrs. Preston,—l cannot allow your friendly
remembrance of me to go unnoticed, and I mast express to
you my sympathies on the loss of a friend and relative from
whom I had often received the greatest kindness. Mr. Preston
will, lam sure, long lament his kind sister. The feelings of
satisfaction, that he has always contributed so generously to
her comforts and happiness will lessen the pang of separation.
Do give him toy kind love.

Vhear brilliant accounts from William and from Laura of
the extreme taste and beau•y of everything at Newbie-terrace.
What dear, good, kind parents your children have in you and
Mr. Preston, and I rejoice to see that they are tensible of it,
and are themselves deserving.
Accept Mr. Phillips' and my love, and believe me, my
dear Mrs. Thestoc, always yours sincerely, and must now
he affectionately. (Signed) E. P. PHILLIPS.

Penn, Saturday.
My Dear Mr. Preston,—A hasty line in return for your
letter received this morning. I have a lettar beaming with
delight at her new home and friends written in high spirit from
dear Barbara. Yon are, indeed, all kindness to her; and I
trust she will repay you and yours by gratitude and love. I
do not doubt she will do so. With kind love to you all,
believe me, yours as ever, • E. P. PHILLIPS.

4, India Buildings, Water street, Liverpool,
December 17, 1855.
My Dear Sir,—lt is with deep sorrow and grief that I find
myself compelled to appeal to you for your advice and assist-
ance in a matter of great importance to me. It has reference
to Barbara. You are doubtless aware of her dreadful temper.
I assure you, my dear sir, that at times her passion is so
violent, that I am almost induced to think that she is not in
her right mind. Laura I appal to, who will tell you what I
had to bear during her stay with us—the dreadful treatment
and even punishments I have been obliged to submit
to. It is impossible for me to enter into this delicate
and distressing matter in writing ; and, therefore, would
feel greatly obliged to you if you could make it con-
venient to come down and see me, so that, in the presence
of Btrbara, I may hear from you your advice, and the
manner in which you treated ner at home, when those dreadful
paroxysms of passion came upon her. You may imagine how
much I have borne before making this communication to you,
her father; but I can bear it no longer. Kindness, affection,
amt everything in the power of man to lavish upon her has been
tried, and still at times she is so incomprehensible; But with
the exception of Laura, I beg of you for the present to keep
this a profound secret, for perhaps a few words from you to
Barbara may have the desired effect of bringing her to a
knowledge of her duty.

Will you kindly let me know, by return, when I may
expect you ; or, if you cannot come soon, please write to
Barbara, who, God knows, I love as rnulh or more than man
ever loved woman, and for who I would sacrifice everything
to live in peace and happiness.—Bblieve me, my dear sir, yours
very truly and sincerely, (Signed) R. W. PRESTON.
To. M. Phillips, Esq.

Penn, Wednesday Morning.
My Dear Sir,—l write from my bed, where lam suffer-
ing from gout and unable to leave. Your letter of yesterday
did indeed surprise me, never having seen Barbara in a violent
passion in my life, and Laura not having said anything of
what passed during her sojourn with you. It will be im-
possible for me to leave home for some days, and as I under-
stand you are coining here, on or about the 2nd of next
month, will it not be better to defer writing to Barham until
that time, when I can talk to her. Should you still wish me
to write to her upon the subject of your letter of yesterday I
will do so.—ln haste and great pain, I am, my dear sir, yours
faithfully, nios. MOSS PHILLIPS.
Robert Preston, Esq.

Penn, Wednesday.
My Dear Robert,—l thank you over and Over again for your
dear sweet treatment of Laura, during her happy visit to you.
1 should have written to say this and more, but I intended to
express my feelings more fully when you came at Christmas.
I have taken up my pen to write to fix a day for your visit,
and thanks must preface the rest. We hope to see you and
Barbara on the second of January, to stay as long as you can
and will. Ido not name earlier, as it would be impossible to
arrange in our small house, unless Miss Hensman goes away.
I will explain this when you come. You are now my spn,
and from your kind behaviour to my child Barbara, viz
hold a high place in my affection and esteem. Observe !
I never waver, and what I now say you shall prove, and
shall find me your true friend and kind mother until
death. I never promised this much before. I write in haste,
therefore, excuse. There is a man tuning our piano whilst
I write, the dining room having other people in it, and Mr.
Phillips suffering from gout in bed all day yesterday. I am
ashamed of my scribble, written in twilight. Tell Barbara I
and Laura and Willie dined yesterday at the Bennett's, and
met Mr. and Mrs. Campbell. We talked of her. Who do
they know who live near to you, and who know so much of
Barbara's private doings and sayings?
Accept, my dear Robert, the kindest regards of all here,
and believe me your very sincere well-wisher, friend, and
mother, E. P. PHILLIPS.
R. Thacker is hero. Laura sends love to you and Barbara.

Penn, December 23rd, 1855.
My Dear Barbara,-1 was much distressed at receiving
complaints from your husband of your violent disposition ; I was
not prepared for such a communication, particularly at so early
a period after your marriage; the best advice I can give you is
to curb Your temper, to consider that your husband, as a man
of business, has a variety of circumstances to vei him, and
comf
expect w
ort h
s hen he retnrns home, that kindness, attention, and
is wife that lie is entitled to. I understand that you
have all the comforts of life around you, and that your husband
and his family and filen& treat you with every kindness, why

then the cause of disag'eement
amnot going to preach a

f you persist in y

iolence in

sermon, but merely to say that
your husband's house, that

him and the consequences to you he mortifying and painfully
disagreeable, as breaches of such kind are not easily healed.—
Remember me kindly to Robert, and all at Beech-hill, and
wishing all a happy and merry Christmas, and very many of
them, believe me, my dear Barbara, your attached and
affectionate father,

(Signed)

Tugs. MOSS PHILLIPS

Mr. and Mrs. R. Preston request the pleasure of Mr. and
Mrs. Preston's company at dinner on Tuesday, the 22nd of
April--at half-past six. Newbie-terrace.

April 12, 1856.
Dear Robert,—We have received your note of invitation
for Tuesday 22nd inst., and we have hesitated as to the con-
sistency of accepting an invitation given under the circum-
stances in which we have been placed with Barbara; it is quite
evident that it has been sent at the suggestion of Mre. P.,
under the idea that all that has past may thereby be forgotten.
She cannot enter into the enquiry and insults we :lave had to
bear; and I fear that there is little prospect of much change
for the future: for, if the recital which I was glad your mamma
made before Barbara, and could not be centradicted by her,
had not the effect of producing an expression of regret, or a
hope of improvement, Lhave no right to calculate upon much
amendment for the future, and it would be folly to amuse
ourselves with the idea that the " hopes for any pleasure" in
the society of those she does not respect.
When we have from her an assurance of consistent and
proper behaviour—not only to ourselves, but the other
branches of ow farm';•-_and a due regard to all those duties
she vowed to per.pri,‘, we shall be happy to shew her the
affection she might hive retained, and which her own conduct
has forfeited. You are at liberty to show this to Mrs. P. and
herself. I have nothing to disguise or hide ; and it will be
Barbara's fault if she closes the door against a return to that
affection and retard which at ono time we felt for her, and
which it may not be too late now to recover.
We cannot give any answer to your note before this has
been considered.—My dear Robert, your affectionate father,

R. W. PRESTON

My Dear Mrs. Preston,—l am really sorry I should have
teen the cause of Mr. Preston's writing that letter to Robert,
and can assure you both how much I regret all that has
occurred, though I did not express my determination to
become a different girl, on my last call, as I could have
done. But if you and Mr. Preston will kindly forgive and
forget the past, I will endeavour to regain one. more the
love and csttem I have forfeited, and you shall yet think
I love Robert by my being to him a good little wife.
Hoping to receive a wee note in return, with kind love, believe
me ever your very affectionate (Signed) BARBARA.
New bie-terrace, April 15th, Tuesday.

My Dear Barbara,--I am much pleased to receive your
note expressive of contrition for the past ; and should your
future conduct prove the sincerity of your paesent good
resolutions, rest assured that the esteem and affection which
you have alienated will in time be restored. Believe me,
dear Barbara, yours affectionately,
(Signed)
Beech-hill, April 15th.

SARAH PRESTON,

Liverpool, May 16th, 1856.
Dear Sir,—You will readily suppose that it is not without
much pain that we find it necessary to address this communi-
cation to you.

We have been requested by Mr. R. Preston to state the
condition of his wife's health. The exertions of this lady's
intellect, the caprice and unsoundness of her temper, and the
frequency with which, apart from obvious provocation, she has
recourse to the most abusive language, and to acts of so
outrageous a description, render it perfectly hazardous for her
husband, as well as for the other inmates of the house, to live
with her.
There should, in our opinion, be no time lost in placing
your daughter under surveilance and restraint, and we would
suggest either that she be put under the care of some one
accustomed to the management of such cases, or that she
should be sent to a retreat suitable for invalids of unsound
mind.--We are, (Signed) J. VOSE.
E. PARKE.

Liverpool, May 19th, 1856.
My dear Sir,—lt is with feelings of deep regret, and with a
mind almost worn out by anxiety, that I feel it my duty to
communicate to you the painful position of dear Barbara's
health. For months past, "at particular. periods," she has
appeared quite unable to subdue or keep herself in reasonable
restraint, ar.d her temper has been so violent that no remon-
strance or control has been able to overcome it. Under these
circumstances, I thought it my duty to call in the advice of
our first surgeo❑ and physician, who have given their opinion,
and lamentable it is, and God only knows the distress and
misery it has caused me. lam now most desirous to have your
counsel and advice, and to do all and everything which can be
done to meet the case in the kindest and most considerate way,
and to make the most affectionate arrangement for the future
comforts of my dear wife, With this view, I think it
imperative that you, as her parent, should join with me in the
best course which we can adopt, and also be satisfied in our
minds that ONLY such steps should be taken as duty and
affection should dictate. I, therefore, look for your immediate
visit, to have a personal communication with the doctors
will enable you to form a better opinio❑ as to what ought to be
done.

At present re are staying at Sou'hport for the benefit of her
health, and she is without LI uch excitement; how long it may
continue God offly kno,As ; my great dread is that she will be
worse. You can iinagine how much my mind is unsettled by
this painful subject, and that the greatest relief to it would be
to find that her relaTives take their share in our future happi-
ness, and give their exertions in the promotion of it. I shall
feel thankful if you will inform me, by return, when I may
expect to see you, as I shall not take upon myself to say or do
anything until I see you; and, of course, you will see how
necessary it is to keep this quiet, and not allow even your own
family to know anything about it. Dear Pussy told me she
expected Laura. I °A) truly glad she is coming. Could you
not bring her down, and the❑ Barbara would not ]snow your
errand.—Wi,li kind regards, and affectionate remembrances to
all, I am, my dear sir, yours very truly,
(Signed) Roßr. W. PRESTON.
P.S.—I enclose you the doctor's report which they had
intended to send direct ; but I wished to know the contents,
and opened the note.

Penn, Wolverhatnton, May 20th, 1836.
Sir,—l have received a letter from Mr. Robert Preston, of
Liverpool, enclosing a certificate, signed by yourself, and
a Mr. E. Parke, surgeon, to the effect that my daughter,
Mr. Robert Preston's wife, should be sent to a lunatic
asylum.

Now, sir, I must first ask you if you have been introduced
to, and conversed with her, and if so, the number of rmes,
when, where, at whose request, and the names of the patties
present at such interviews, and if so, whether you have drawn the
conclusion, contained in your letter and certificate of the
16th May, from such personal knowledge, interviews, and
conversations, or how otherwise.—l am, sir, your obedient
servant, (Signed) Tflos. MOSS PFIILLI PS,
• Vose, Esq., M.D., Liverpool.

Penn, May 20, 1856.
Dear Sir,—l have received your extraordinary letter, and
one equally so from Mr. Vose and Mr. Parke. My son is
now at Lichfield with his troop, otherwise I should have gone
to Southport to•day. My daughter received a nice sensible
letter from her sister Barbara to day, very, very much unlike
that of a person of unsound mind. You may rest assured that
my child shall have my best assistance and protection, but I
shall not interfere unless you compel me to do it. I need not
say that I consider it my duty to inform your wife what is
contemplated by you and your friends —Yours truly,
Robert Preston, Esq. THOMAS MOSS PHILLIPS.

1, Beech-hill, June 7, 1856.
My dear Mrs. Phillips,—The communication which Robert
made to Mr. Phillips, relative to Barbara's health and con-
dition, as well as the subsequent information which Laura has
given to both you and Mr. Phillips, the letter also which the
the medical gentlemen thought proper to write to him, all
appear to be treated with too little attention.
As Roberts mother, I consider it my duty, in order to
prevent any mistake or excuse that you are ignorant of your
daughter's serious illness, to inform you the worst corsequences
may be apprehended unless some change very shortly takes
place. She is in a constant fever, and reduced to a skeleton ;
neither has she taken any food for many days. Her mind is so
much shaken that I fear the greatest care alone will restore
it. It now remains for you and Mr. Phillips to exercise that
paternal attention which so deplorable a ease requires, You
may rest assured that all that affection can do has, and
will he done, by Robert, who will also have every assistance
which our family can give him. Barbara returned from
Southport last evening, and another of our medical men
(Mr. Balton) was to see her, I have not yet heard his
opinion I consider lam in duty bound to give you this
information, to avoid the possibility of your being mistaken
as to the extent of poor Barbara's illness, and trust, as her
mother, you may act with Mat feeling which affection and
duty demand.— I am, very sincerely, yours,

SARAH PRESTON.

10, Chester-place, Regent's Park, London, Monday.
My Dear Mrs. Presi,,n.—Your leiter has this day been
forwarded to me here, and 1 do not lose one instant in la plying
to it. I also thank you for your letter. lam indeed sur-
prised that Mr. Phillips has not ere this taken an active part.
I know the letters he received from Robert and the medical
man, to which I believe Le replied. I have also forwarded
each letter from Laura to him, knowing he was the
person to act, a.,d that, bad I taken any measures, be was
certain to object to them. I have written to him repeatedly
to act as a man ou.7ht and as a parent, and knowing what-
ever I did would ho considered incorrect by him, 1 thought
lie on such an occasion ought and would act. Now, let me
assure you, I feel poignantly my own dear child's illness. I
I feel for dear Robert, for yourselves, and for myself; and I
am ready at any instant to be called into action and do all that
is imperative upon a mother. Do, pray, tell me what I shall
do, ?h,411 the trctiohls of the 7nemse aria