The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-09-04 00:00:00

IMPROVTAIE.X7S OF THE AGE.

Amongst all the improvements of the age, none perhaps
are more stnlcitia than those which have recently been
Anode, and indeed are tt present making, in the language
of ordinary life. It is not merely by the introduet;on of
foreign words and phrases into the English tongue, nor
the designation of places of amusement, or shops, or car-
riages, by alien titles, that this great alteration is working,
but by the adoption of figurative phraseology and elegant
expressions, n bid] bid fair to rival the formal foppery of
Euphcuism.

Who in these days ever reads of boarding-schools ?
nobody : they are transformed into academies for boys and
seminaries for girls; the lii,;her classes are " Fitabli/h-
-rk nts;" a coach-maker's flop is a " Renosilor.y.fia. Car.
ria,,ev;" a milliner's a " Depot ;" a thread,seller's an
"Emporium." One buys drugs at A "Medical Hall,"
Mum of a " Company, ' and shoes It a "Mori ;" blacking
is dispenst el from ats " and meat from a
" Purveyor." These have long been evident it is true;
bu: we disregard them ail in comparing the erect likely to
be produced upon society by the adoption of sucb
siaunlities, with that which probably will result LT
titr introduction into the Iwiguage i?selj of others still
tro-e Flaring.

F;r instance, instead of reading, that after a ball theca's.
ivny did not go away till daylight, we are told that'' the
j..pos Group continued nipping on the light fantastic toe
cad! S d gave them warning to depart." If one of the
canpary happened on his way to tutnl.le into a ditch, we
el 'cM he infertned tint " his foot slipped, and he was
immersed in the liquid clement." A goed supper is de-
tmbed as making the " tables groan with every delicacy
0( the season." A crowd of brietless lawyers, unbeiteficed
el.:grien, and halftasy officers, are enumerated as a " hest
of fashion" at a watering place, where we are also informed
eat lathes. instead of taking a dip before breakfast,
ii.ange themselves fearlessly into the boson: of Neptune."
A o.‘ezp killed by lightning is a thing unheard of: the
nitral may be destroyed by the " elcetric fluid ;" but,
let den, we should not be told that-it was deed: we
nealil be informed that " the vital spark had fled for ever."
If the crease were picked up by a carpenter or shoemaker,
at never sheuld hear that a journeyman tradesman had
%awl it: we should be told that its remains had been clic-
"mud by an "operative artisan."
Al little girls, be their fves ever co plain, pitted, or
t}tllbk if they appear at a public offie., to complain of
!"oaf?', or ill-treatmelt, are invariably " intelligent and
`,.cresting;" if they have proceeded very far in crime,
7're !tied " unfortunate females ;" should they by any
are a prospect of becoming mothers, we ere us-
'hat they are in a way that ladies wish to be che
feed=.' Child-murder is elegantly termed "
in-
and when it is punished capitally, we hear,
anuatural mother was banged, but that " the
'culprit underwent the last setance of the law,
:nehel into eternity."
ea reads in the newspapers that a house has
down; h perhaps will find " that the house
iilce to the flames." In an account of a launch
that the ship went off' the slip without any
but that " she glided securely and majestically
latire element," the said native element being one
the slid ship never was before.
Id for a surgeon if one's kg b_ broken, is out of
ii?”; a marl indeed " may be despatched for
re now no piddle sin7.sys at tavern dinners—they
professioeal gentlemen ;" and actors are all
of histrionic art." A kept-mistress is not
from Grosvenor-place to Ittimal Green: they
''es living under the proti erion of gentlemen.
Nem.] vi a are scarce: they are all " interesting
Pll.l as for nor...cry-maids, they are now-aedaya
ttaneormol into "young persons who super-
junior branches of the fainily."
t'le delicacies and refinements appear to us Ie
the plain, sensible, straightforward language of
1.1; and however sweet to double-refined minds,
rs'rer charming in very polite society,Sre in plain
'arid public papers contetarnibly absurd.

WESTERN CIRCUIT. ..

SOMERSET ASSIZIS—WaLLs, Sam. I.

Befbre Mr. Vow Gaititow and a Twits! Jrry.
GRIM. CON.

POITER 11. JONES, ZSQ-
Mf. MtanTWCATHL a opened the pleadings In this ease; and
Mr. Sergeant l'eee tooted the plaintiff's case to the Joey, bad
observed, that the case they had that day to try, was one of a
most disgusting descriptiem, and would require all their attendee
to enable them duly to appreciate the conduct of the defendant on
the record, for he hail destroyed the happiness of a young man
entering into life, by taking from him the wife of his bosom, who
had been always most affectionately inclined towards her husband,
until the wily arts of the adulterer had succeeded in causing her
to forget the sacred and solemn duty of a wile. The Jury would
find as curious a else developed in the present instance, as ever
appeared in a Court of Justice. Aetietts of this description differed
in their character, and he thought they would agree with him
in thinking that the case now before them was as singular and
megravateol a one as was ever brought under the consideration of a
Jury. This case had difficulties attending it, that required the
application of ell their judgment. He would assert, that there never
was a cosi that demanded a calmer and more deliberate attention,
or one that called more loudly for large damages from the defend.
any for an injury that he cute never redress, and which the conduct
of the plaintiff towards his site ought in this ease to have pro:ected
him against. The plaintiff was a young men of the age of 24,
carrying on the business of a land surveyor and clothier, at From,,
in this county, and the defendant was a gentleman of fortuna He
would say of considerable fortune, for his property, if he were
rightly informed, amounted to between 40,0M11. and 60,004.11. Ili.
sge was 27. Mr. Porter married in 11:e month of Junein the year
11122. There had been a courtship between him and Mrs. Porter
for a year and a half. When the acquaintance commenced,
Sirs. Porter wu between 18 and Ha and was the daughter of
a must respectable farmer limited Yeoman, who had sic
or seven children, all brought up well, in every moral and do nestic
duty, and calculated to be an ornament to society, and a comfirt to
those with whom they were connected. Up to the period of this
unhappy transaction, the cooduct of the plaintiff's wife had been '
free from blame—indeed, it had been exemplary. It was truly
without reproach. Porter, woo atter his marriage, beam! ago
quainted with the defendant, by taking a house of him, in which
he (Jones) was to have apartments. After lie was married, for 1
the first six months he lived with hie a ife's father, Mr. Vetioun.
,ljet afterwards removed to a house near Frome, at Kaford Ter-'
race, the defendant having a house to let at Lower Ks.
fwd. The plaintiff ultimmely.took it, and Jones himself lived at'
Ledford, about la or 16 miles front Foliate 1 but considering it ne-
meaty (havirg large property there) to live occasionally near 1
1 Footle, It was agreed that he should have apartments in his own
lend, that hail been taken by the plaintiff at Lower Kaford, fee
which he was to pay 201. per annum. Alterations were accordingly
' made to keep Joaes 1 apartments separate from Porter's. The boute
had a ground fluor. a ball room floor, and one room over it. There I
was one general door to enter at; on the left of the ground room
floor was the defendant's parlour, and to the rum above when: he
slept. he passed by a separate stave:auto the one used by the plain- I
tiff 'a family. There eas a rootage to the right on the defendant's i
an staircase that led to the plitilt • kitv+en. l'orter's parlour seal
on the right of the passage leading Irmo the outer door, and I
on the left was plaintiff's kitchen, and Ogre the staircase led
to defendant's bed room. The dour at the top of this staircase wee
locked, in consequence of :Mr. Jones's lodging at Porter's,
end a person wishing to come from Joaes's bed room to
I'orter's bed room must come down stairs through the Oman( coin.l
munication, whets, as he had stated, was at the time to Which be
referred, kept lucked. Over the bell room floor, as lie had stated,
there was a servant's room, in which on one occasion two of 'donee'.
servants slept. Porer's servant corsisted of a man named Sitdel
end his wife, who would be called that day before them; they slept
in an out-house to which the house did not communicate. A fee-
taryllwas at the back of this out-house, and on that account it was
necessary to have a person to sleep there for its protection. Porter
took possession of this he use about Sdiehaelmas, 11123. Jones only
slept one night to the house between dlichaelmas and the 19th of
October. On the 19th of October Porter was obliged to go to
leondon on business. When he went to town the defendant was
not at Lower Karon'. Porter thought his wife would go to her fa.
ther's during his absence, or have a Mies Smith, olio would be
called before dont to-day, to stay with her. In point of tact, she
did go to her father's for three or four days, but she returned, and
met Junes at Lower Kayford. The Jury will pi. recive that during
l'orter's absence Jones came, and found that he was from home.—
lie then brought his two servants; and in this part of tl:e case he
wished to state, that lie did not feel justified in making observe.
dons that might towendly serve his case; hut if his learned
friend did not ask the questions to which he alluded, his Lord.
ship would allow any of them to ask such questions as
might tend to elucidate evidence. Jones, on the 27th October
came to Lower Katord. aid fatted that Potter was gone to London.
On the 24 of November lie came again, and brought two servants,
one of whom he sent away on the erh, and the other on the 7th.--
He was observed look am at the house, and ken s of the duns that
were kept locked, on die Bth co November. On the morning of
the 9th, Mrs. Slade came into the twine to light the tire, find pre-
pare breakfut, from the house where she and her husband slept,
and went first into the detendant's siting ronin. Ile ought to hate
stated, that on the preceding night, the detentlant seemed anxious
to get Mrs. Slade to bed. U hen she ;,rot to the house the next
moriang, and was in the defendlutre sitting room, she heard a
'wise its the passage, like a Teuton oalkitig wnhout shoes ; and im-
mediately atter saw Jones, with only his shat on. in s'orter's part
'of the house. He then said to Mrs. Slade—" Pray don't mention
veu have rota this." I{'hen she melt ear him be was dressed.
He again bar asked mg to meshes the citattnatanee. He
(31r. Sergeant Pell) spoke this slightly., that he might not
injure Jones use, as 100 did not mention it with that view.
Mrs. Slade afterwards went into 3lrs. Porter's bedroom,
who was in bed, and nit aceieg Mrs. Slade, she hid her head under
the bed-clothes, and seemed confused. Mrs. olade afterwards ex-
amined the door, and found the staple ...arced. Ma. Slade, and her
husband afterwards had a communication, and it would appear,
that Mr. Jones had offered them both money. Ile believed, that
he should also prove expressions had been used on the part of the
defendant, that whatever the nature of the case might be, could
not be justified, for they were the taunts of opulence over poverty,
and added oppression to injury ; for the defendant spoke of nut
caring fir what had happened, as lie had more n oney than Porter.
He would assert befere the tfentletreu of the Jury and his Lord-
ship, any allusion to propeay under such circumstances, waa
adding oppression to insult. On the 13th November the plaintiff
returned front London, and on the 28th January following, the
cemmunication of his wife's infidelity wes announced to him.
None had been made to him before. Neither Slade nor his wife had
mentioned it. Whether it was from a good or bad feihng was not for
hlm to say. The communication wee first mimic to Pewter's brother,
and he did tot know how to act. Ile throughout hints before 31es.
Porter, and ultimately, he believed, the wife infornied the has.
band herself of the diegrsce that had taken place. Mrs. Porter re-
mained two days afterwards in the house, keeping in a separate bed
horn her husband. She was now under her father's protection. It
n:ioltt be that Slade and his wife might come to commit gross per-
jury to-day, but he thought the Jury would require more evidence
en the other side than they would have, before they would come to
the, conclusion. If they thought the crime had been perpetrated
then came the quesiiou of Outages, and here he could not but
express his satisfaction, that Mr. and Mrs. Porter had no family ;
but the Jury would coneider, that an affectionate wife haul been torn
fosm an indulgent husband, and that oi :nail be heard to-dny from
sheathers of the family, who would decline what sort of man Mr.
Porter was, and how kind and affectionate towards him was Mrs.
Porter. it was impossible to believe that 'tlrs. Porter's mind had
not been corrupted before her body • and if it was not done by a
long course of pennueton, so much 'deeper was the injury, for it
shewed the defendant had determined to gratify his passion the first
time he saw AI re. Porter. It was lot:possible to know whether the crime
bed been committed before the flth November; butt he thought nu
one could venture tobreak in upon the sanctuary of a marriage bed
without knowing the state of the woman's mind. Probably the
unhappy (ensile a mind was in a state of uncertainty as to the
course she should pursue when she destroyer broke open her door ;
but this he had good reason to know, Mrs. Porter's affections conti-
nued In favour other husband alter her fall. After Porter knew the
feet, what could he do ? Ile must either allow jealousy, like Sul.
ph= on tho plain. to blest all his comfort, or part from his wife.
Rumour was always afloat in a country like this. He had heard cer-
tain reports which his Learned Friend might endeavour to embody
Imo proof, but he thought it would he a dangerous course for him to
pursue unless lie could beyond all doubt shrew Mrs. Porter to be a
woman of abandoned habits,and plaintiffs conduct unbecoming in a
married man. Ile might attempt that course, hut lie warned his
Mend, that it would be a dangerous one. The damages were laid
!tThey were as high as WOOL, and it was for the Jury to say,
hee they would give the whole or what part of the damages to
the plaintiff; but in adverting to the damages, he could not avoid
again reminding them (tribe property of the defendant. The case was
in their hands, and he hail no doubt they would act justly by both
parties.
Mr. Richard Gernian examined by Mr. 3IEnnYWLATIMIL--
I ant brother to blrs. Potter. I was present when my sister was
married to the plaintiff, Mr. Isaac Porter, on the &h June, 1822.
My two sisters and other branches of my family were present. My
sh & was Ile Mr. Porter had been paying his addressee to my
sister ahout a year and lisle 3lr. Porter was about 25. Mr and
Mrs. Porter, after their marriage, at first lived with my fattier.
My father has nine children. In half.s.vear Mr. Porter then
went to Kaford-terrace. He lived there till Lady-day or Michael.
e .

mu 1823. He then went to Lower Kafeted. Itaii been in the
habit of seeiag Mr. and 31rs. Porter together ever since they have
been married. They always appearsd to live comfortable. Some
time but winter Mr. Porter cstue to my father's house with Miss
Smith.

Crost.exaniined be Mr. ADAM-1 believe Porter was In the
clothing-business before lie married. be was once clerk to an at.
torney. Ile was in no business when lie married. The house
Porter firit went to was six miles from my father's.
Mr. Hubert Lee sworn--1 have vetted the plaietiff at Retard
Terme, and always thought he and his wife lived comfortably to-
'ether. At the end of last year they removed to Lower Raiford.
When I first knew Porter he was a surveyor.
Croes.examined by Mr. IL F. W Lk:mai—Porter has been
something in the surveying and something in the clothing way.
Mr. Joseph French sworn--I know Mr. Porter. I ern his fort.
man, and have been so fifteen months. lie heed, when tint I
knew him, at Ksford Terrace ; he then went to Lower Katord.
lie had formerly been a clerk to Mr. Wickham, the attorney. I
have frequently seen Mr. and Mrs. Porter together ; they appear.
ed very happy. In October Mr. Porter went to London. I sent
him several plan of cloth to London. Ile staid three weeks and
three or four dart in lowa, lie returned on the 19th November.
Ile brought his wife a very handsome gown.picce and shawl. ,
Parer rents his house of P-rter took posses.

sloe of the boom, there was a door-way that eommuni-I
cated between one set of model and another, stopped up. There
was astair-ease that communicated between the different rooms
above stairs. Mrs. Porter is k very comely woman.
Miss Elisabeth Smith sworn—l know 3lr. Porter and his wife, ,
lam the sister of Sirs. Pieter by the mother's I had not'
been staying with them. The witness was told she might with.
I draw foe the present.
Mr. John Lawson ion a clothier in London, and first
saw Mr. Porter on the 27th or 28th of October last in Cateaton-
street. I had transactions with bins. I did not see him in London
after the Bth November.
hills= Slade sworn—l am a married woman. My husband and
thyself went to live with Mr.. Porter last Alicheelinas. 'l'here was
,an apprentice boy besides. Mr. Porter's house was divided, and
' there wee no communication between 111 r. Jaime's and Mr. Porter's
sleeping rooms. My husband and I slept in an out-house. I know
Mr. Jones. j first say hint Eo the 9th of October. I waited on
him. Ile staid then one night. He came again on the .'7th. Ile
staid till the .10th. He returned the fitst or second of November,
and brought a footman and troy. Mr. Porter wont to Lendoo on',
the 19th of October. Mrs. Porter did not go. She west to her
fathee'k for two or three dart. I first saw Alias Smith on the 18th
of January. Mr. Jones returned to the house on the Ist or 2tl of
November. When Mr. Jones returned on the Ist or 211 of
veniber. Mrs. Porter was it honie. She had then returned from
her father's. On the 27th October she was not at home. Mr.i
Jones then asked me where Porter's people where ? I said he wee
in London, and hi. wire at htr father s. One of Mr. Jones's see-
rants went away on the eih November, and the tither on the 7th.
The man went away first, and the boy on the 7th. I know the
I door that leads from the ;wiener to the kitchen, it 1. kept locked. I
The other door that had. to Ale. Porter's s'air-erese is also kept
locked. When they are toilet! all communications are cot
between the two parts of the house. On the 7th November Mrs.
Potter staid up after me. I went to bed about tee. She was in
the parlour. I went to bed through the kitchen. I saw Mr.
Jones in his parlour just before I went to bed. The nckt morning
I came down at half-past five. I let myself in by the back doer,
the key of which I had. I fire went into Mr. Joise.s's parlour, the
door of which was open. I lighted the fire there, and then I heard
some person coming without ;Owes from Mr. Porter's room, along
the passage to the staircase. It was then quite light. Mr. Jones
camedown Mr. Porter's stairs and opened the passage door. He
then had only his shirt on, without stockings or night cap. He
ran by me up his own staircase When he got up stairs, lie called
me. Ile said "Slade. Slatle. Slade, mine up." He was then only
In Iris shirt. Ile got me by the arm, and said " Doti't say a word,
you must keep your own counsel." I told him I should not. lie
then Said " It is done, and cannot be helped —lt WAS not the wo-
man's fault, it wait all my owe." The boy went in the afternoon
of the 7th. Jones said " I broke open tier room door and took the
Keys yesterday, on purpose, and I sent away toy boy George, on
purpose that he might not know." Mr June's servants had slept
ins room over their master's. sly husband was then its the stable.
Defendant said again. " If you will keep your centiael, I'll make
your fortune—l'll make your fortune, by God." I came down
stair., and then went into Mrs. Porter's room. She was in bed.
My attention was directed to the lock of the door. The catch where
the lock went was broken out, and the wood in the screw. The
door was still locked, and I unlocked it. The bed appeared very
much tumbled. .his. Portee's appearance was very sorry. 1
went into her room a second time; she called me. 1s hen I left
Mrs. Porter'. room the first time I went into defendant's parlour.
He was dressing. lime bed hail not been slept in. I was going to
get his breakfast, hut lie said, "I shall take no breakfast to-day,"
lie then went into her bed-room. He then came to my room door,
and said. " Now Slade, you must keep your counsel, it in not her
fault. Her husband wan away, and she did sot know where he
was." 1 said, "Not know w here lie wee ? lam certain she does.
It is no reason for her to be great with another man whilst her
husband is away for a week or two." lie said, "No, I don't
know that there was; but it was my fault, I broke open her door
neon her, and took the le..ys from the kitchen door on purpose."
I slid," If Porter knew it, he woel.l kill his w ife, and ruin yua°'
Ile said, "Poo a'l about that ; that I don't mind a straw I have
more money titan him, I have plenty of money." Then he seemed
angry kith me. and turned himself, and went into the stable.
I Nether of the keys of the communicating doers were in on the
9th November. Mr. Jones went away about seven, and did not
return for three weeks. It'hen I limed the di ors opened I called
I my husband, before I lighted Jones's tire, for I thought the house
had been robbed. AI) hueband went with J• nee, to carry some-
thing ter him to the Il'heatsheaf. I called my husband before I
heard the noise over head. I remember my master returning from
London on the 13th November.

By the Cotter —I did not tell my muter any thing that had
paned during his absence; I did Lot communicate it to hint till
the 29th January.
By Mr. Sergeant Petr., in continuation—l know Mr. James
Porter, my master's brother. 1 sits hint at Mr. Porter's on the
Bth November. I don't recollect when I next saw him, I saw him
so often. Mrs. Porter vit.4 away from the house of her husband
about three days after the 28th January. I remember Miss Smith
coming to the house about the 16th Joneary. Illy muter and his
wife lived very happy together before he went to London.
Cross-exammed by Mr. Ariast-1 am a first cot:sin to the
plaintiff. I don't know whetter they kept a servant before they
game to Lower Kafurd. Mr. Jones lived .at Porter's about fifteen
weeks before 31ichaehnne. Jones has a great deal of property
about Frome. 'l'he doors were locked up before Michaelmas.
Airs. Porter has ore own sister, and I know of two half sisters. In
Mr. Porter's part of the Move there are two bed-rooms, a dressing.,
room, and a garret. Porter hag. two Sisters. 11 hen I first came
into the house, on the 8:h November, it was not quite light. The
hest time he told nie to keep counsel was in his bed.rnom; the next
time was near the l'actory, at my zoom door; and I kept my own
counsel till the 230 January. -• • ,
By the tova.w—l media salermaniestion to Mr. Porter's
Insulter James on the 21'th January. I kept my own counsel till"
then. I never, to any one, made a communication on the subject,
but to James Porter, on or before the •2.1i1i January.
Robert Slade examined by Mr. MEURTWEATIIER—I am the
husband et the last witness. I wan partly euinitqed by Mr. l'orter
and partly by 31r. Jones. Before Porter went to Lower Kaford I
was employed by Jones. Pence went to Lower Kaford at
Michaelmas, 1823. It was 31r. Jours'a house. I was employed
by Jones as a labourer. Mr. Porter went to London on the 19th
October. On the lith October Series was at Lower Kaford, and
stopped one night. JUneN returned on the 27th October, and went
on tl:e 38. h. 'Then Mrs. Porter was absent from home. She was
away three or four deys. Junes erns Isgain on the 2d, I believe of
November, and staid till tl:e Bth. He came again before my
master returned from London. I and my wife deep in a back
kitchen joining Porter's premises. Jones had a groom and a boy
with him, lie sent one away on the 6:11, and the other on the 7th
November. I know their persons, but I have not seen them here
during the AlMiTe‘. 1 and my wife got up on the Bth November.
about half-past five. In consequence of something my wife told
me in the stable, where I first went after getting up, I went into
the house. I saw the desk open, and saw the front passage dour
open. The parlour-door of defendant was open. Toe front house
dour wan locked, and the key inside. The door in the kitchen
leading to Porter's bed-room was open. After that I went to the
stable. At about a quarter-past vie o'clock I saw defendant in the
stable. He remained about ten minutes. Before Jones came to
me in the stable! had spoken to my wife for two of throe minutes.
That was about ten minutes atter 1 had observed the doors. It
was after the cor.versation I had with my wife that Jones came to
me, and said, "Abut this concern Slade you must keep your
counsel."—l said, " I don't know, Sir, about that." lie said,
•• You must, and I will make you a handsome present." He then
said, •• Your wife has been talking of one thing or another • if
Porter should know it he would kill his wife and ruin me. About
myself I don't rare a straw ; I stole the keys from the kitchen.
door, and bride her door in upon her. If he uses his wife ill I'll
take her away from him ; I've more money than him. You keep
your counsel and 111 make you a handsome present." Jones then
ordered his horse, and went away about seven. I know the IVlteat
Sheaf at Frume. I took a mat-dise there for hint. I was absent
about half an hour. I first went into my own kitchen, and then
into .Mrs. Porter's parlour. She was lying with her head on the
table, crying. In consequence of autriething she said to me I ex.
amines! her bedroom door, the lock of which was off, ands screw
in it. I think it most hare been forced off, because there was
wood on Coe srrew. I then returned to Mrs. Porter's parlour. Mr.
Porter returned from London on the 111th November. In January
I saw defendant at the I"l'heat Sheaf. He sent for me by his
groom, who had been in the house at Kam'. I believe it was the
same man. but lam not certain. When I went to Jones he said.
•• Oh I Slade, I want you." He wu then in the yard. He
said, " Follow me," and then went up stairs. I said, " 1
suppose you know this affair Is found out between tiles.
Porter and you." He said he did not, anti aske! who It was
that had told of it. I said, •• Mu. l'orter had told of it." He said
•• That cannot be, for there is not a woman in the world would
have told of 1,.." He said, '• It must be your wife." lie had pro-
mised to make her a present. and if he bad done so, she would not
have told. Mrs. Porter left her husband's house on the same day
I had the conversation with Jones. On the 29th January I coin.
municated to Mr. Porter the transaction between Mr. Jones and
Mrs Porter. I never said any thing to him before. Olt the 18th
March Mr. Nicholls Jones, and I believe Mr. Messiter, came to
Lower Kafuril, and ordered dinner, which we did not get fur them.
Porter was then from home. _ _

Cross-examined by Mr. WI L LC& 111—Mr. Parter has two or three
sisters. I hare spoken to Porter often in December and January.
Mrs. Porter has several sisters. I took no notice of the lock; but
I pushed back the catch. Jones made me a promise of an un-
common handsome present.
Miss Elisabeth Smith recalled—l went to Mr. ponces house,
on the 16th Januaiy. Ott the tith I heard something unpleasant
had happened; before that time I remember walking out with
Mrs. Porter. I think it was in the same week ; the 16th was in
that we walked out. We met Mr. Jones in Upper Kaford, about
a quarter of a mile from the house. He wished 3lrs. Porter good
morning, and went away. 31r. James Porter came to the house
on the :Nth January. Before supper James Porter said something
which caused Mrs. Porter to blush very much. She took some
supper; but did not est it. 1 slept in a room near Mr. and Mrs.
Porter's, both on the 2Uth and 2.9:h January. On the 30tb January
Mrs. Porter slept with me. On the 31st Mrs. Porter went to her
brother's, where she has be-n since that time. I have seen Mn.
Porter since she has been at her brother's._

James Porter sworn—l am a brother of the plaintiff'. I know
Susan Slade. I remember seeing her about the 2&h for 2D th Jan.
She Men made a communication to me. I well at my brother's
house, at supper, on the day I hail spoken to Susan Slade. I said
something loud enough for all in company to beat t and 3lrs. Por-
ter blushed very much.

_ did not make a communicates .0 my brother
the next day.
Mr. Sergeant Pitt. said that was Ifs este.
Mr. Amax meson the part of the defendant, and observel that
be perfectly agreed with his Learned Friend (S'rgeant Pell) that
this was armour tviestion, and every giestixi of this dessiption

wax a serinds qttestirm, because, as it refleetedlcredit or discredit on
the panics concerned-, its importance could not be over valued.
But he was ready to say this case was particularly d serving of con.
sideration ; not from the manner his Learned Friend had left it, but
as he should bring it before the Jury. His Learned Friend had
said this was en aggravated CLIC He fully agreed with him also
in that assertion ; but it wu an aggravated case on the part of
the plaintiff not on the pan of his client. He likewise agreed with
the Learned Sergeant that this was a singular case; nay, he would
go farther, and be bold to assert that a more singular case never
appeared in a court of justice. He, standing there as the advocate
of the defendant, did not mean to deny that the act of adultery
toad beer mimitted but under what circumstances the Jury would
be belies,J be surprised to hear. If his evidence came at all to
the point he firmly believed it would come up to, there was
not a coin in the realm small enough to compensate the plaintiff,
for his pretended lust, or contempt that would be keen enough to I
heap on his diagraeeful and profligate conduct. The plaintiff, it
should seen,, was a land surveyor and clothier at Frome-_a whim.
aim' union of avocations; but let not that stand in his way. It 'I
appeared by his friend's opening, after lie had quitted his wife's
father's house, the plaintiff went to Kaford Terrace, when he
tesided until he agreed with defendant fur his house at Lower
Kaford and of that bargain he would only say, that it was by the
defendant's wish particularly that the alterations were made for
closing en the lino's, and keeping the two parts of the house sepa.
I rate The Jury would not fail to bear in mind the circumstances
under which dones was introduced to Mr*. Porter. On the 9th of
October he slept et Porter's house. It 173.% not pretended that they
had ever met before. and he returned to L iwer Kdfiltd on the 22:h.
There was not the least pretence for saying any attempt hail been
'mole upon Mrs. PO-ter before that period. Between the tith and'
nth of October, Porter went to London. What the object of the:
journey was, did not appear, and therefore he should only say, if
it were not to throw Mr. Jones into the arms of Mrs. Porter,he
could not have devised a better plan for the purpose, had he theJ,
ever sat studiously. A prudent ma,. when he was compelled to
leave home on husineas, being bleraol in the enjoyment of a hand.,
some wife, would have either sent her to her father's, or haul some
female friend to shah her at her own house. Mr. Por was
particularly well situated for both these arrangements. Mrs.
Porter's father lived near him, and his wife had also many
female friends and relations, who would have been happy
to have passed some time with her during the husband's
absence in London. Bet what did the plaintiff do? He left his
wife in sleep in a dwelling.houme alone, with • young man en.
He did not even ask Susan Slade, his cumin and servant, to al ep
there. He had midi the acquaintance with Ins. Porter and de-
fendant commenced on the 9th October, and on the Bth November
the adultery was committed ; and that proved that the lady must
have been an easy and willing victim of cry manaor that she must
have been taken by violence. A month's arts and efforts to gain
a female, his Learned Friend knew, would not carry high damages,
and therefore he resorted to violence, to prop his case; and he
thought the ntention of the lady bring taken by storm would hare
its effect upon th • Jury. But how had the violence been proved ?
Only by Slade and his wife, over whose testimony the strongest
sospicion must be thrown. Could any thing be more improbable,
than that Mr. Jones would admit to the servant and cousin of the
injured husband that he had been in lair wife's bad-room? and if he
did sn imprudent a thing, as far as Mrs. Slade was concerned, why
should he afterwards repeat the sante stem to Shade himself, thereby
making his guilt •• a twice-told tale." Again, it should
stem that the Sladea did not tell Porter of his disgoace,
until nearly three months after the adultery had taken place. ll'he.
ther that arose from Mr. Jones's promised reward not being forth-
coming, did not appear; but certain it was, near three months had
elapsed before this much-injured husband was informed of his die.
honour. He begged the Jury to recollect, if Jones had taken
possession of the keys of the doors that communicated between
Porters's and Jones's apartments, he could not have done so With.
out Mrs. Porter's conanit ; as Mrs. Sink proved that her mistress
always tried those doors herself on going to bed every night. .The
Slade' also differed as to the time Porter was apprised of the act of
adultery. One said it was the 28th of January, the other that It
wu the 29:11 January ; and Slade himself went farther than his
wife, by saying Mrs. Porter herself told the plaintiff- These cir-
cumstances he had thought necessary to allude to, as fat as regarded
the plaintiff's witnesses; but he was about to open to the view of
the Jury a scene of profligacy .if so scandalous a dereription, both
as connected with Porter and his wife, as he believed was never
before brought before a Court.—(llere Ur. Ss:jinni Pell Intimated
to Mr. Adam, that it would be desirable for the defendant's wit-
nesses to go out of Court. )
Mr. C. F. WI Laraine remarked, that it was a eingttlar period
of the trial for the Learned Sergeant to make the request; but
they ultimately went out of Court.
Mr. ADAM, in continuation, said hr was happy to acquiesce in
his Learned Friend's suggestion, for God forbid his case should
not stand upon higher grounds than to require any artificial means
to prop it. lie did not wish one of his witnesses to hear what an-
other said. They came there to speak the truth, anal if he was not
grievously misinstructeri, they would relate facts that would give
a triumphant turn to his case. Mr. Porter, it should seem, began
life as an attorney in the comory. Ile then went to London. He
afterwards kept a school at Frome, and at length unitrd the he-
terogeneous calling' of a land-surveyor and clothier. That
nous and multifarious occupations would not have told against him.
if he had conduced himself respzerahly in them. Bing he should
prove him to-day to be a most profligate and debased man, partici,.
arly in the sacred relation of a husband, and that his wife partook
of his profligacy. and laughed at his obscenity, then that farthing
damages that he had spoken of would he too much for him ; for
he had little doubt of proving against the plaintiff, by the witnesses
he should call, the most abandoned course of conduct that was
ever pursued by a marrinl man towards his wife •, that wife alt.
paring, at least, to be • cementing End willlnglNlMlNfirto the
husband's divas:in' conduct. He should prove that he called all
things by their coarsest names ; and if a female could sit and hear
such conversation, without quitting the room, she ieu not a fit
object for damages that day. When Jones took the apartments
at Lower Kaford, he should prove that Porter said, it would
lessen the rent ; and he knew the Sqsire would soon cuckold him.
He should also prove, that the plaintiff proposed to change sires
with a man named Miles, and this conversation took place in the
presence of Mrs. Porter; therefore, a woman who could sit and hear
that, was not quite that sort of wife that would enable her husband
to come into a Court of Justice, and require d images at the
hands of a Jury of his countrymen. He could not place the wit.
nesses he had Blinded to in the Box without informing the Jury
that men who could have heard such conversation as they would
prove to have been present at, were not the most immaculate wit-
nesses; but still the Jury must remember that they were not wil-
ling witnesses; but bete subprenaed there for this !dal, they
would speak the truth. The parties might not be moral men, as far
as that term appllrd to their private lives, but still they might,
and he understood did, as much as any man, ,slue the sacred obit.
ration of an oath. In taking an impartial review of this case, he
thought the Jury would feel with him, that there never was one that
was brought into a Court of Justice, so entirely deserving of con-
tempt, disgust. and abhorrence in all its beeriness the present.
John Hiscock.—l live at Frome; I atel a clothier there; in
May 1323, I was at Porter's house; I have known him for some
titne; I was taking bread and cheese and radishes with him ; some
time before Porter had been in London ; his wife was in the room.
(The witness then stated a most profligate expression of the plain.
tiff in the presence of his wife, wet.: reference to his visit to London.)
His wife only laughed at it; it referred to his conduit with retard
to his connection with a woman when absent from home.

rromt-examined by Sergeant PE t:11.-11;;;;;;;;;In •I;fficulties
often ; I was about 141( teen months since a bankrupt; 1 had a lois_
! word with plaintiff about a Tear ago; I said if I came here I would
speak the truth ; I never said I would stick in Porter; I can't give
any notion when I got my certificate I never ran away from my
wife; I went to London on businew. and she came after me; there
was a girl went along witli me on the same coach ; her name was
Ambledon, she had bent a servant at a public house in Frome ; the
coach stopped at the Bolt-in-Tun four or the days before my wits
came ; I staid there about three days after ; I have lived with my
wife since.

James bee examineff—l am a clothier, and live nt Kaford :
know Isaac Porter; I knew him when he was at Mr. Wickham's:
I saw hint last year in London at the Hell, Noble-street, Uheapaide ;
I was there from the 23.1 September ta the Bth Ostober ; I have been
there since; I recommended the house to Porter; we dined there
together ; one day at dinner Porter laughed and joked, and asked
me to go to Stu:oat-lane with him; he said he had been a: a hops*
there at a girl's mut ; he said he knew one of the girls there; he
and I went to this house in Seacoal• lane, we only saw the keeper
of the house, an old woman about seven•y.
Cross-examined—l am a single man.
Br the COURT—I knew the old woman was the keeper of the
house, because she told me so.
John Krouse sworn—l live at. Frame. I am a clerk to Mr.
Wickham, the attorney. I know the plaintiff; he was a writer
at Mr. Wickham's, and afterwards at Mr. Alexander's, in London,
and then at another office there. in le2l he came to forme, and
issued cards as a land.ssirveyor. He married in Int I have often
been at his house. Within 2 or 3 years he has been a great frequenter
of publics houses. I have often heard Porter use very low, obscene.
and beastly expressions, with regard to his connexions with other
women in London and elsewhere, in the presence of his wife.
Mrs. Porter has remained in the room, and has not seemed dis-
bleased. I have heard him sing songs of a particular d-scription
efore his wife. I hare heard him sing these songs on a Sabbath
day, when I wee in the street, loud enough for me to hear. on:
Tuesday. 29th April, I, John Miles, of Mr. Wickham's office,
Porter, his wife, and tor wife, were together. Alders wife was
not there, she was ill. Mules and I went to Porter's to leave a coat.
I lived on KalonfTerrace, seven doors above Porter's. Porter
was nut at home. Miles then went with me to my house till nine
o'clock. We then went out and met plaintitf. Porter asked us to
gnhosne with him and take some cider. Miles refused, saying his
wife was ill. He then asked us to go to the Unicorn, where he
said be had been playing skittles all the evening. We at last
went to Porter's and supped. After supper my wife came in just I
as pipes and eider were introduced. Porter then asked me
how many children my brother Harry bad, and asked me how
many I had got. He then turned to Miles, and said, " Here is
Miles. who has been married so many years. and has got none.
rand I am in the same predicament." Miles said to Porter. " You
have not been married lung enough, there is no time lost for you
yet." Porter said, " Suppose you and I change wives, Miles."
I then related a story of two brothers in Dorsetshire marrying two
sisters, and neither of them having children, they agreed to change
wives. At the end of the twelve months they each had issue, and
the women would not go hack to their lawful husbands. Porter
then took up his list, and said he would go to Miles's wife; but ha
turned round, and said, "Oh ! let us have it in writilig;" and he
went into his oliize and brought the paper. MIN S said there was
nu occasion fur writing. Porter said, " I)—n it, are you jealous,
can't you take a joke?" hides said he could take a joke; wad ir
it was so meant he would a rite something. Miles wrote some-
thing that Porter did not like, and which lie tore, He then put a
piece of paper before Miles. and sold turn to write to his wife,
" the beArs:r :7 . a sr:L.:ch ALIO, of his ow 3

'meat added, "if vrble." Porter theft took up his hat, and
said, " I amsaid, ear or." He went away, but returned OA said to
use and my wife "Yoh had better go bane; and then Jane
(pointing to hie infer, sod Mr. Miles mey go • bed together."
Porter then left the hotted . Io comoqueoce of what bad passed
between Miles and nryci)f, I went to look for Porter out-
side the door, supposing be was only carrying on a joins,
to plague . wife ; ei: he wet not at the door. It
about half an gorge Porter dole back rubbing up his hair, and
apparently out of Eveoh, sastng he had been lobed to Mrs. Miles.
On my saying It was all nonsense, he said, l'U be d-4 if I have
not, and pointed to his coat, winch was covered with lint. We
told him it was all lies, and in a few minutes we parted. Maw
came to me nest morning and made* complaint to me. Aa ON
as Miles left me 1 sint for plaintiff find asked hint how lie odd
nerve fililes's wife as he bad done ? fibs cos ill, mod he had dim a
very serious injury to her. He said, " tl—n it, I always HU So
have my larks out, and I would seise brit ether man** wife the
same," and that he hod Miles's authority fur se doing. I told him
it wits only intended fora joke, and it was shamclial conduct ; and
added, suppose Macs had served your Wife ad? He said,
" Miles was a d—d fool for not doing ati, as he went Steepen
purpose." I asked to see the paper, but he said he would keep it
to produce against Miles if he should do any thing about what
passed the night before. Mrs. Miles wee very dl at the tints.
l:ross•examined—l have been married nine years, and have four
girls; the child who was with my wife and me at Perter's, was 7
years old at the time ; she was asleep when this consolation tonic
place; I cannot recollect the month; I heard him sing the infa-
mous song on the Sunday night ; ethers must have heard it as well
as myself; it was in the first year that he was married.
John Miles sworn—l am clerk to 11 r. Wirkhafn t I have known
Poner eight or nine years ; I have visited him twice since his mar-
riage ; he has been once at my house; the conversation at Porter's
house was low; it was not decent foe a woman to hear ; on the ffith
of April, MM. I was at Porter's hours. it supper. with John
Kreuse„ his wife and child ; be talked about Krouse and his brother
having children, and then he said, •• d—n it, here is Miles has
none, and Icm in the same predicament." He then said, " what
if we were to change wives for a time ?" I said, " r wire
agreeable, the women would not."—el'he witness here recaphtilat-
ed the whole of the facts detailed by Krone.) When I went home
I received a complaint from my wile • I saw Porter a fen days 'Rat
in Fronie market ; hespoke to me, andi I gave him sslap in ere ?sea.
Cross-examined--; have known Porter several rears- I never
visited him hut twice. My wife was ill on the I.9th
&reuse's girl heard all the conversation, at least she was in the
room all the time. I staid about live minutes after Porter thmha
back. I treated it ell as a joke.
My the hours—l told Porter, when I smacked him, the my wife
had been ill ever since he had ill-treated her. le said, " I was a
d—d liar."

Mrs. Sarah Miles sworn—l am the site of the last witassa; we
have been married four year! !art Chrintinas. I know Porter. I
remember, in April lIHo. latr at night, he crime to our heluss. 1
was in bed in a state of It was between nine and ten. He
opened the front door, and said. " hall. d, Mrs. Miles." Ht said,
you don't know who! am." I .me, "it is Porter," He came
through the house, lip stairs, and opened my bed.room door. He
said, he was sent there to go to bed to me. and he endeavoured
to force himself into bril to me ; Ira-reamed out, and he sed" amt
d—n your great mouth, what do you cry in that way for." 1
screamed as loud as I could, ar.d he attempted to r out. hid
a light in the roorti, wailing fo my husband; bat when I heard it
was not my husband, 1 put the light out. When he got to the
door to go down, be asked me to strike a light, to he could not
tind Isis way down suit,. I said, I did not etre, and I hoped he
would break his heck down stairs. lie was forcing his way it:to
brit to me for twenty minutes. I was much worst aftstwards ;
and I have never been •1.4 l since.

Cross-examined--I ant 28 years of age. I had seen Porter once
I berm .. My husband has not prosecuted this man for the injury I
have suffered. 31y husband is 23 years old.
John Nicholls sworn-1 am bailiff to Mr. Jones. Sometime in
May, ICA Porten applied for the workshop and house, at Kaford.
He said he could not pay the rent without he could get A lodger—
such a lodler as the • Squire," to mate the rent come easy. He
said he thought if he had the Squire he would cuckold him.
Porter offered his wife as servant, but Mr. Jones, on 'Wog to the
home, declined dist offer.
John Miles recalled—By the Couitr—My wife did not go to.
bed before 1 came home. 1 never had the door left far me open
, but that night. There was no light in my wife's room when I got
I home. I have not ptosenoed Porter fur what occurred that even-
ing. 1 cotisulted an Attorney, and the result was I refused to pro-
secute. Porter', wife saw the paper I wrote to my wife.
William Stiles All wood—l know Porter, and remember Bias's
wife hcing nnwthll. Mrs. flies is Porter's sister. He was told his
sister was ill. [The witness here related an obscene eepress:ai
of the Plitntiff, on hearing rids fact, in presence of his wife.l
Cross.esamined—l had a quarrel with Porter last May.....
Ile threatened to put me into the dark house, but that was all
nothing. 1 thought he interfered !n a matter improperly.
Mr. Sergeant PELL replied for the plaintiff, at considerably
length ; and
!lir. Baron Genftow summed ep to the fury, ar.d observed to
them, that this was an anion in which the plaintiff presented
himself es a kind and affectionate husband, who had been d•.
priced of the comfort, solace, and societt of his wife, by the wily
arts of the defendant, and therefore sought to take out of his fends,
by the hands of a Jury, MOM. to make hint some repneation for his
severe loss. The plaintiff mated that they were very happy until
the defendant broke in upon their dolma* sand t, which had
vg2llrtos
deprived plaintiff of the society of 'Nista/aft •ed.
For the last fortiziairL4: country had been curator sy Tuley
..tiring of thin . • , that is Iran beynflff Snag: tie
was convinced, to any thing new upon the subject, and his
learned brother Pell, in not referring to the damages, had exercised
that sound discretion in this instance, that in other cases was so
tonspitmoua in him. He, however, should not be so abstemious,
and on that point should say, if die Jury believed the two Slades
perjured, they would in 'hat ease find a verdict to: the defendant ;
but if they should not conic to that conclusion, there might be
other reasons for not giving the plaintiff 3,800/. damages out of the
funds of the defendant. If the criminal Intercourse had taken place,
they would have to tort •ider if the plaintiff had so conducted him.
self ax to be entitlell to ant dam:ges ; for the man (to pass over other
scenes of proligacy and-obscenity,' who could chnor back the veil
that was placed before the marrlage bed, and unblushingly relate
what occurred there to his drunken companions in the presctiee of
his wife, must come degrade.) and disgraced ir.to • Colin of
Justice to seek for damages at the hands of a Jury. There was
an old story of a man carrying his wife's pillow before a Noble
Lord *din was enamoured of her charms; and there was another
story of a husband lifting tip a man to see his wife naked in the
bath ; but this man did mote—he pandered more to his wife's
shame and his own dishonour. The Learned Judge then recapitu-
lated the evidence with great minuteness. and with his usual pent.
picuity, commenting very severely on the conduct of the plaintiff
as he proceeded, and remarking how entirely be was bereft
of every shadow of pretence for seeking reparation for his
dishonour in a Court of Justice. lie had been the author
of his own disgrace, and he nu* abide the consequences.
He should now make an observation which might, perhaps, lead to
the introduction of something like a novelty in the law of crim.
eon. Nothit g was more to be deplored than that a plaintiff; com-
ing before a Jury under such circumstances as he had detailed,
should, nevertheless, obt in a verdict. He must obtain one, how.
ever, utiles, the law am' feet concurred to prevent it. He would
state to them what his opinion was in point of law. It was an opi-
nion that he delivered 'clikierately, and which had been formed on
aOIIIC consideration, aid which, if he were wrong, heshould be
I happy to have corrected by the highest authority lithe country.
In point of law, if they were satisfied that the plaintiff had paved
the way to his own dishonour, and had afforded a convenient op.
portunity for the acmes of the defendant to his bed. his opiuion was
that he was not entitled to their verdict. They would have first to
consider, whether the act of adultery had been committed ; second.
ly. whether the plaintiff had been consenting to it ; and, thirdh ,
if they found the hest and negatived the second fact to what amount
of damages the plaintiff would be entitled.
The Jury retired from their box, after having consulted a short
time in Court. They were absent upwards of an hour. when they
came back into Court, they returned a verdict fur the plainaff. :hi-
mages one farthing.
This ease excised immense Interest in the county of Somerset.
The trial lasted from eight in the morning till seven in the ever -
ing, and the Court was crowded to suffocation the whole of the time.

I: is with considerable regret that we announce the deala
of the lady of our highly respected county Member, Sir J.
D. Miley. This melancholy event took place at tiverley
House oil Tuesday last, at two o'clock, after a very afflict-
ing illness. Lady Astley was a most amiable woman—her
charities were extensive; and the poor of the neighbour-
hood will long mourn the loss of an invaluable friend. Her
Ladyship has left two children, a son and a daughter ; the
health of the latter, we are sorry to ray, still continues in
a very precarious state; she is under the care of Dr. Brad-
ley, who prescribed for her in London; and previous
the death of Lady Astley was about to remove to Wey-
mouth, fur the benefit of sea air.—Derizes Paper.
It is said to be the intention of Government to garrison
the island of Newfoundland with Chelsea pensioners. W.:
would submit it to the consideration of the Command( r-
in-Chief, to select for a climate so cold such only as have
wooden legs, as a precautionary step against "frirst-hutut-
tots..

Ahoutifive o'clock yesterday evening a new building, at-
, tached to the extensive factory of Mr. Galloway, in West-
street, Smithfield, fell suddenly to the pound, and we re-
' pet to state, buried 13 or 1t workmen in the ruins. They
were extricated with great difficulty, and conveyed to St.
Bartholomew's Hospital, fur the most part in a dreadful
condition. Several, we were informed, were killed.

One of the workmen employed in removing the pipes at-
tached to the old water-works, London-bridge, near the
wharf of Thompson and Co. coal-merchants, lately disco-
vered, at a considerable depth below the surface, a large
piece of gold coin. in high presa-vation, bearing the effigy
of Louis XIV. The man sold it, and it is now in the pos-
session of Mr. Cope. one of the City Marshals.
It is a fact that there is a village in this county, eastward
of Brighton, where the churchwarden is a pauper, and un-
able to read or write ! —BrigAtos Gazette.
It is noticed u extraurdivary that not any wasps have
been seen in this part of the country during the present
summer.—S:4/prd Iteretry.

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