The National Register.
London, England, 1816-03-31 00:00:00

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.

M A IDSTON 1.% M nor 22.

Thomas Thomas was indicted fur the wilful murder of The •
mas Moore, 011 the 9th of August lust. This case was one of
considerable importance, it being that which our readers may
recollect was, during the last Michaelina Term, removed by
ertiurari, from within the liberties of the city of Rochester,
where the offence was committed, to the Court of King's
Bench.
John Bridge, the first witnefts on the part of the prosecution.
deposed that he was a custom-house officer. The 9th of Aug.
last he was stationed on the larboard-side of the quarter deck of
the Achille, then off Chatham. The prisoner was in the main
chains aft. He saw him present his piece, and fire it off, when
he inquired if the man was dead? Some person replied, yes.
Witness went up to the prisoner, and said, "you villain, are
you not ashamed to have shot the man, perhaps he has left a
wife and family?" To which the prisoner replied," what's his
f 'lv to me—if he had been my own father, I should have shot
him '"f he boat of the deceased was about twenty yards from
the ship—witness had walked on deck for near!y twenty mi-
nims before the prisoner fired. Did not hear him receive
orders to tire—did not hear the prisoner speak to the deceased,
nor was there any noise or bustle in the ship at the time.
During the cross-examination of this witness by NI r. Serjeant
Rest, he received the severest rebukes from the court 1111 d
counsel, for the obstinacy, levity, and ineonsisti trey he frequently
betrayed.
William Naylor deposed, that he was a waterman at Chatham.
On the 9th of August last, he was, in his boat, near the
man of war, when he saw the prisoner stationed in the main
chains of the ship. Witness also saw the deceased, Thomas
Moore, in his boat. Saw the prisoner level his musket, and
fire it off. He had previously heard the prisoner say be would
tire.

John Cooke corroborated the above.
Several witnesses were examined, whose testimonies went to
prove that no orders wore given to fire by the proper officer ;
and that it was contrary to the established custom to fire with
ball, except for the purpose of bringing vessels to.
The evidence 14 the prosecution being closed, the prisoner
was called upon for his defence, when he stated, that lie had
been eleven years on board the Achille, in the service of his
king and country ; that he had fought in the memorable battle
ofTrafalgar, and ever studied to obey his officers, and to per-
fi,rin his duty. He was a total stranger at Chatham, and could
not be supposed to entertain malice towards the deceased,
whom, with offirrs, he had frequently warned to keep off front
the ship, but to no purpose. Having balls, he conceived that in
case of emergency he was to have used them, and in the pre-
sent instance bad been thus influenced. Under all the circum-
stances of the case, he threw himself upon the mercy of the
Court, and the well-known justice of his country.
Mr. Justice Bayley left all to the considi ration of the Jury,
conscious that their verdict would be founded in justice and
humanity. Should they determine upon the guilt of the irri •
saner, he wished their reason tbr so doing to accompany lam
verdict, as he felt it would be his duty to submit the case to
the con,ideratidn of those who were better able to decide upon
its merits, not collectively merely, but perhaps indisiduall),
than himself.

The Jury haring retired fora few minutes, returned, finding
the prisoner " Guilty, under a mistaken sense of duty."
Mr. Justice Bayley.—" Let the prisoner be recommitted, and,
the setence postponed."

POLICE.

GUILD HALL.
WHliam Jones, a man of respectable appearance, was brought
up on a charge of attempting to obtain money by false pre-
tences in:der the fullowine circumstances :—it appeared that,.
on Friday evening the prisoner went to the house of Mr. Sea-
brook, a butcher, in Duke-street, West' mithfield, and asked
if Mr. Seabrook was at home. Mrs. Sealsrook being in die
shop answered in the negative, but said her husband would
soon be in, and begged the prisoner to walk into the parlour.
On his arrival there, he said he had come to borrow a little
money of Mr. Seabrook, and that his name was Williams. Mrs.
Seabrook knowing that they hada customerof that name across
Smithfield, she asked him if he was that person. He said
" yes," and added, Mr. Seabrook knew him very well. Upon
this Mrs. S. asked him how much lie wanted, and he answered
go or s 0 shillings if she had so much. he said she had, and
was proceeding to the iron sale to get it, when her husband
rapped * the door. The prisoner opeued it to him, and asked
hint very kindly how lie did; being answered as politely, Mr.
?-eabrook said he had not the pleasure of knowing his guest :
the prisoner then said " 0 yes you do, my name is Williams,
live across Smithfield." Mr. Seabrook then discovered that he
4vas an impostor, for he knew Mr. Williams very well. Mrs.
Seabrook having then explained the object of the prisoner's
visit, the prisoner said it was a mere jokr, and that he often
indulged in these whims. An officer wits then sent fr, and
he •yaq ref. (( ( ikrel as havinfy been engaged in similar freaks
before. As, however, he had got no money, the f intl wad not
complete, and he was discharged. It appears that be wag.
tormerl) 4 man of sonic levect,tuility.