The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-08-09 00:00:00

ATTACK UPON- FREDERICK

WILLI:I3IS,
TUE BARISTER, ON 'filE AVESTERN CIRCUIT.

We are now enabled, upon the best authority, to state
all the circumstances connected with the late most un-
provoked attack upon Mr. C. F. Williams, the Barrister,
at Winchester ; and if it were possible to raise Mr. II
Williams in the opinion of .the Bar or the public, his
conduct on the present occasion must strongly have that
effect ; it was manly and generous through the whole of
the unfortunate transaction. .

It should seem that the man who made the attack on
Mr. Williams is an Attorney, named Burridge, formerly
residing at Lime, in Dorsetshire, but now at Southampton.
About seven years ago, he fancied that a letter he then re-
iceived was intended as an insult upon him, and be con-
' suited Mr. Williams en the propriety of bringing his
action against the writer of it. The Learned Gentleman
thought at the time the proof was defective, and so ex-
pressed himself to Burridge ; and he dial all he mild to dis-
=Ade his client from bringing the action. Mr. Williams
could not succeed, anal the CAW was tried at the Dorsetshire
Assizes.
Berridge, contrary to the advice of his advocate, in-
sisted upon a certain claw of witnesses being called. The
first of this number gave evidence so decidedly against him
that the Judge interfered, and advised him to let Mr. Wil-
liams exercise his own discretion with regard to the re-
mainder of these witnesses, which Burridge reluctantly con-
sented to du. About twelve months after the trial, Bur-
ridge wrote letters of the most scurrilous nature against
Mr.lVilliana, to the Barristers on the different circuits,
and to the twelve Judges. Of these letters he took no
notice, from a strong imptession he had upon his mind
with regard to the unfortunate individual. The learned
IGentleman heard nothing n ore of his former client until
about a year since, when he received from him a most
abusive letter. Of this letter no notice was taken, front a
feeling of compassion towards Burridge. Mr. W. had no
further communication from him ; and when he was a:-
tacked, haul no idea that he was within fifty miles of Win-
chester. The assault took place in the following manner:
the learned Barrister was walking down the street, in
his professional dress, from the Court, in company with
a friend, and when he had arrived near his ow*
lodgings, a person rushed out of a public house pas-
sage, where it seems he haul concealed himself for the
purpose of making the attack, and struck him a
most violent blow on the lower part of the face, on
the left side. The blow was so violent that it forced
Mr. Williams's friend, who was on his right aide, into,
the middle of the street. As soon as Mr. V. had some-
what recovered from the effects of the blow, he turned
round, and perceived Burridge in the hands of ;he persons
assembled, who were about to inflict summary ennishment
upon 1 . lie instantly said, "0, I see, It is Burridge
who has struck me ; darn t hurt him for I think his mind
is not quite sound.- This manly wish on the part of Mr.
W. hail the desired effect of saving Burridge from the ViClk
hence of the crowd, and an unequivocal expression of appro-
bation at the conduct of the Learned Gentleman was strong-
ly manifested. The offender was seiz.:d by two Barristers,,
and conveyed to Bridewell. On Thursday morning he was
brought before the Mayor; and after his examination was
concluded, Mr. Minchin, the solicitor, who had visited
Burridge previously to his going to the Sessions Douse, in-
formed the Magistrate:of the extreme contrition of the prit.
soner fur the conduct he haul pursued towards a gentleman
for whom he ought to entertain gratitude instead of re-
sentment. The Mayor, however, felt it his duty to call
upon the prisoner to procure bail for his futore appearance
to answer the assault ; upon which Mr. W.. who was on
the bench with the Mayor. kindly interposed, and know-
ing that the primmer could not produce the sureties re-
quired, begged, that he might be liberated upon his own
recognisance, which was accordingly done.
Burridge afterwards called upon Mr. W., but not find-
ing him at home, he left a letter for him, expressive of his
unfeigned gratitude for the forbearance and kindness ma-
nifested towards him.

The schooner Adonit., strived in the Downs from ('ape
Coast, reports that the King of the Ashant.es had deter-
mined to attack the Castle.
SC PYRIOR SETIVEEN LONDON AND
MAN E EITI: N.—We uto!etstand that some spirited gentle-
men arc about to establish a coach between London and:
Manchester of a very superior description, both fur com-
fort, accunu awl expedition ; and that great part
of the ground is already covered. It is intended to leave
London, at the close of the Exchange, about tour o'clock,
to run ten miles an hour, and to strive in Manchester at
the opening of the Exchange. about tell o'clock ; by which
the very desirable consideration of a day's businos will be
saved to merchants, bankers, &c. over any other convey-
ance, and the London Papers will be had in Manchester
the next morning. As no Ing;:age, except that of the pas-
sengers, will lie carried, and as there will he only four in-
side, and five out, the comfort of the nobility and gentry
travelling by this eonveyance will be partieulatly consulted
in the construction of the coach. It is also intended to
carry bankers and merchants parcels, and to be answera-
ble to any amount for their safe delivery, upon the pay-
ment of a very low rate of insurance.—Kure?cli--r Parr.