The National Register.
London, England, 1821-08-05 00:00:00

THE NATIONAL REGISTER

WF.DNFSDAY, AUGUST
EARL HALCARRAS, LADY ANN LINDSAY, AND OTHERS,
V. MICNAVI. ATKINSON, ESQ.
In this ease a bill was brought into the Court of
Chancery, stating, " that there was no will duly made
by Richard Atkinson, lisq. Alderman of London, and,
if made, it had been cancelled." An issue was sent from
the Court of Chancery to try the question whether there
was a will executed by the sail Richard Atkinson, Esti
Alderman of London, in 1782, and if that will hail since
been cancelled.

Alier a body of evidence was given pro and con. the
Jun• found a verdict for the plaintiM, establishing ►he
validity of the will.

CItIM. CON.-COVENEY P. YORSTON.

Mr. Holt opened the pleadings by, stating this was an
au action to recover damages for • • I conversation
with the plaintiff's wife.
Mr. Searlett stated the Case. He had to make an
appeal to the Jury for the redress of mac of the greatest
injuries a man could sustain, namely, the loss of Ills wife's
affi.ctiou. The profligacy of a seducer had destroyed the
happiness of a lather, and ruined the prospects of his
children. •I'he plaintiff was a person who carried on the
business of a publican. Sonic time ago he took the 0. P.
and P. S. chop- house, Russell-court, ory-lane, which
had been long known as the resort of tileatrical persons,
and the performers of the different theatres. The de-
f.:mina was a law stationer, carrying on liminess in
Mitre-court, Temple. Ile was very bond of theatrical
amusements, and was in the habit tat going into the win-
ter theatres, anti kept the company of some of the .ittors
of Drury-lane theatre. He W•l9 41110311 CM to Mr.lican,
and other eminent performers, at Mr. Coveney's house;
and such was Mr. Ynrston's literality, that he gave a
grand dinner to the principal actors and their friends at
Mr. Carney's. Alter this dinner, Mr. Yorston visited
at Nlv. Coveney's house, and a great deal of attention
was paid by him to Mr.Coveney's family, particularly to
Mrs. Coveney's sister, who assisted in the bar. MN
Yorston became afterwards the constant companion and
professed friend of Mr. Coveney, and took the opportu-
nity of the absence of Mr. Coveney to seduce has wife
from her duty, and to commit the most base and
treacherous injury which one man could do to another.
Ile paid particular attention to Mrs. Coveney—frequently
invited her to sup with him, and became very intimate.
The plaintiff having unfortunately become embarrassed,
the defendant advanced him money, and finally arrested
him, IVhile he was in confiement, the defendant Car-
ried on a criminal intimacy with Mrs. Coveney. The
lady, as he should prove, under pretence of going to the
country to visit her relations, went to Crayford, in Kent.
At the Bear and Ragged Staff, in that town, she was
met by the defendant, who inquired for her as his wife.
Ile was introduced to her, and they remained together
during Saturday night and Sunday. They slept in the
same bed, and passed for man and wife. The identity
would be proved by the servants' and the jury would
have no room to doubt the fact. Adverting to the ques-
tion of darmges, lie represented the defendant to be a
person in good business as a law stationer. Ile kept his
gig, and was aide to make the plaintiff such compensa-
tion as the circumstances of the case required.
Pdward Coveney sworn, and examined by Mr. Holt.
—I am the brother of the plaintiff. I was present at his
marriage with Miss Johnson, the present Mrs.Coveney.
It took place in 1810, at St. George's, Southwark; she
was then 22 years of age, and he was 32. After their
marriage I visited them. They had two children—boys.
They lived very comfortable together. Miss Johnson
was a lady of considerable personal attractions; she re-
sided before her marriage at Balden, near Canterbury.
Ile!Ore the plaintiff went to prison, he lived at the 0. P.
and P. S. tavern, Russell-court, Drury-lane. iu ung
the plaintiff went to prison; he was arrested by Mr. Yor-
ston ; he was in prison nine months, and took the benefit
of the I tisolvent Act. _

Cross-examined by Mr. Scarlett.-1 went with my
brother to his wife's lodgings its Canterbury-!dace, and 1
forma the children its distress, and gave him money to
relieve them. This was after his release from prison the
second time. 1 have seen Mr. Yorston in the bar of the
O. P. and P. S.
!hiss Felicita Johnson sworn.-1 resided with the
plaintiff and my sister, at the 0. P. and P. S. He pre-
vionsly lived in .Waiwni court, Illolhorn ; was a wine
merchant ; he had two boys. The 0. P. and P. S. was
much frequented by the performers at the l'heatres. The
house was well attended. Mr. Yorston visited the 0. P.
and P. S. the first tune about six weeks after my brother
took the house. 1 first saw hint on the day of a dinner
being given by him to the performers. Mr. Yorston was
very triendly with my brother and sister. They
_visited
Mr. and Mrs. Yorston m Mitre-court, and Mrs.Yorston
visited at the 0. P. and P. S. 1 remember my brother
and Mr. Yorston went a trip to Margate. My sister's
conduct to my brother prior to Mr. Yostern's visits was
very proper, but subsequently it was very strange ; she
became careless towards him, and I observed that her
attentions were not as formerly directed towards him. I
remember my sister going on a visit to toy father and
another at Whitstable, near Canterbury. l remember
when she returned house it was in the evetiitr. She
said that she stopped at Chatham all night,and 1111 conic
home by the Chatham coach. When my sister entered
the house she was exceedingly agitated, and burst into
tears, and went up stairs. My sister went more than
once to visit her father and mother while residing at the
0. P. and P. S. My Mother was taken to the King's
Bench, having been arrested. After this period, and
while he was its prison, Mr. Yorsion visited the 0. P.
and P. S. more Gllpiemly than before. One day Mr.
Coveney had a day rule ; he supped with Mr. Yorston
at his house in the Temple. Mr. Yorston came that
evening to the 0. P. and I'. S. and Mr. Coveney entered
the house, while NI r. Yorston went out at one door as
Mr. Coveney entered at the other. Mr. Coveney did
not see Mr. Yorston go out. Mr. Yorston told me not
to tell Mr. Coveney that he had 'wen at the house ; for
while 1w was at dinner with him, he told hint he was
going OH a visit to some square at the west end of the

town. After my brother came out of prison he lived in
Salisbury court, Fleet.street; after that Mr. Yorston was
not so friendly towards Mr. Coveney.
Cross-examined by Mr. Gnrncy.—The 0. P. and
I'. S. was a house of mirth and festivity. Seven or eight
actors were admitted into the bar. I never saw seven or
eight persons take liberties before Mr. Coveney's face
with my sister. I never saw any person take libetties
with her at all. I never heard any licentious language,
no, did I ever hear Mr. Coveney call my sisted a "
1 do not know that Mr. Coveney was drunk
twice a week or not. 1 saw Mr. Yorstone once kiss
Mrs. Coveney in the bar ; when it was 1 can't say. I
knew when Mr. Coveney was Lipsey, he was made so by
Mr. Yorston.
Mary Norman —I reside at Dartford. I did reside
in 1818 at the Bear and Ragged Staff Tavern, at
Craylard, in Kent. 1 was chamber-maid at that inn.—
I remember in June or July, 1818, a lady and gentleman
coming down to Crayford ; it was abont two or three
o'clock in the day. The gentleman came down in a
chaise and the lady in a coach. They passed by the
names of Mr. and Mrs. Collord.—They remained at the
Bear and Ragged Staff two nights. I have since seen
the Iwo persons; they are Mrs. Coveney and Mr. Yors-
ton, the defendant. 1 went to see Mrs. Coveney lately
over at Walwonh ; Mr. Coveney went part of the way
with me, and the lady I saw at Walworth was the lady
who slept at the inn with Mr. Yorston. 1 have since
seen Mr. Yorston at his house in the Temple. I went to
purchase a stamp at his shop by the direction of Mr.
Abbott the Attorney, and Mr. Yorston supplied me with
it. 1 know him to be the man who slept at the Beat
and Rigged Stall' with Mrs. Coveney.
The landlord of the Bear and Ragged Staff was ex-
amined; he could not prove that the two persons who
hoarded and lodged at his house were Mrs. Coveney and
the defendant.

The Lord ChicfJusticc said, that there was not
sulli-
cient evidence to prove that the lvinale was seen at %\ al-
worth, by the last witness but one, who slept at the
Bear and Ragged Stall, was the wife of the plaintiff,
and directed a non-suit to be entered.

VICE-CIIANCELLOWS COURT, Aug. I.
IN THE MATTER OF WILLIAM HOLDING'S BANISRUPTCI.

We two or three weeks ago reported the trial of an ac-
tion brought by this bankrupt against three of the com-
mi.sioners for trespass and false imprisonment, in having
illegally committed him to Ncwgate ; and it will be re-
membered that on that trial a verdict was given for the
defendants, although it now appears that it ought to have
been given for the plaintiff, the validity of the commis-
sion being one of the chief points in issue. This was a
petition to the Chancellor to supersede the commission,
upon the ground of no good petitioning creditors debt
having existed at the time of the act of bankruptcy being
committed; and, notwithstanding the verdict in the action
tried against the commissioners being supposed to base
established the validity of the commission, his Honour
the Vice-Chancellor this day pronounced judgment in
favour of the bankrupt, and directed the commission to
be superseded at the expcucc of the creditor who issued
it.
Mr. Lovat, ill support of the commission, stated, that
upon the commission being superseded, the bankrupt
might bring a great number of actions against the com-
missioners, messenger, assignees, and others ; and ha
therefore trusted his Honour. upon granting the supers
sedeas, would itnprose such terms as would prevent any
actions being brought.
Mr. Montagu and Mr. Wakefield, the bankrupt's coun-
sel, would consent to no terms which should deprive then
client of his undoubted right to bring actions against all
parties concerned in this illegal commission, and the Vice-
Chancellor declared be could not intei fere to prevent Mr.
Holding bringing such actions.

LONDON FASHIONS.

ENGLICIT DINNER PARTY DREMI.—DINCSS of foie pl:.in
India muslin over pink, with three rows of pulling of chat
muslin round the border; between which rows are broad
tracts richly embroidered in raised trots, or filled up by
letting in of broad lace ; spotted muslin, or lace sleeves to
corn•..pond, wreathed round with pulliegv Of mu tin. The
mantheruns of plain India muslin, braced in porkers in 1114 e
antique coronation style, with pink satin roulenus.
tucker of line Mechlin lace, surmounted by a row of puffing.
Agues Sorel cap of tine blond, with diadem points toward.
the back port of the bead, bound with pink satin, nod orna-
mented in front with a full blown rove, and drooping yellow
lupins or wheat ears. The hair arranged in antique ringlets,
as in the reign of Charles I. Scarf sash of white tumid,
beautifully fringed ; white satin slippers, and yellow kid
gloves.

Melancholy Accident from the oredurning of a Stage
Coach.—A coroner's inquest was held at the sign of the
Boar, in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, on the I 4tb of
last month, on the 'ltaly of Mr. John Cooper, late of
Southampton-row, Bloomsbury, a piano-forte-maL et,
who met with his death in consequence of the overturn-
ing of the Old Fly IVorcester coach. The jury, after
taking a view of the body, adjourned to the I9th, when
they met again to hear the es idence, from which it ap.
',eared, that about twelve o'clock on the night of the
13th of July, as the Old Fly IVoiceater coach was enter-
ing Chipping Norton, having nine outside and one inside
passengers, the deceased, Mr. Cooper, sitting on the bolt
with the coachman, the coachman Move it upon the
raised footway, within a few inches of the wall, and the
coach was immediately overturned, and five of the pas-
sengers so much injured, that they are not yet able to
pursue his journey ; anti the deceased. who has left a
disconsolate widow and seven small children to lament
his loss, died of the injury he received the next day, at
one o'clock at noon. The jury, after hearing and exa-
t sing the different witnesses, returned the 1011 owing
verdict :—That the deceased came to his death by the
overturning of the coach, occasioned in pan by the
careless and negligent conduct of the coachman, and
laid
a deod:ind of five pounds on the coach.

HOME CIRCUIT.

.....NL...

Auo. 2.-I'he Home Circuit com-
menced here to-lay before the lion. Mr. Baron Wood
on the Nisi Prins Side, and the Hon. Mr. Justice Bur-
ronsh on the Crown Side. The business on the latter
side is less than the average quantity, there being only
about 15 cases in the calendar ; 'Try few of which are
capital offences. In the most heinous case, namely, a
commitment for rape, the Grand Jury threw out the
bill of indictment. o the Civil Side the business is
about the usual quantity. Sixteen causes are entered, of
which two arc Special Juries. I u three cases of actions
of debt, on the Statute of 2,1 George "2, tor bribery, at
the last election fin this Borough, the records were
withdrawn. None of the cases on the Crown Side to-
day were of public interest.
CIVIL SIDE SEDUCTION.

DUNHAM V. BATCHELOR.
Phis was an action against the defendant, for seducing
the daughter of the plaintiff, whereby he lust her sk.r-
vices.
Mr. Brothick (with whom was Mr. Abraham) stated
the plaintiff's case with considerable ability. Mr. Mar-
ryatt was for the defendant. It appeared irons the evi-
dence of the daughter of the plaintiff, a young woman
of prepossessing appearance, but whose demeanour
under examination was perfectly digagiw, that her father
was a bricklayer in respectable circumstances, residing
at Wheathampstead, in this county. She was about !,..3
years of age. About three years since the defendant, a
young mum of the same age, by business a journeyman
baker, w the saute age, by business ajourneyman baker,
in the same village, paid honourable addresses to her,
but to whom she had surrendered her chastity, and in
the month of April last she was delivered of a child.—
lier father had paid the Surgeon's bill, and had since
maintained the child. She had three brothers and two
sisters. The youngest of the latter was 18 years of age.
On her cross-examination she ad ed that her eldest
sister had had three children by a man to whom she was
not married, and all of theist were born under her fa-
ther's roof. She also admitted that the defendant
boarded in his master's house, and received 10s. per
week wages. Previous to the birth of the child die de-
fendant offered to pay 31. for the expeoces of the lyiti;t-
in, and 2s. 6.1. a week for the maintenance of the child.
The plaintiff aureed to these ternis, but required the de-
fendant to procure the security of his fattier. To this
the latter consented, and appointed a day to meet the
plaintiff, but the plaintiff never came pursuant to his
appointment.
Mr. Marryatt, in Isis address to the Jury, urged the
topics which obviously presented themselves trout the
circ 1111 l stances proved by the young woman, who was
the only witness to prove the case.
The Jury, under the learned Judge's directions, found
a verdict fur the plaintiff—Damages 101.
CROWN SIDE.

Thomas Johnson was indicted upon a charge of utter-
ing false and counterfeit coin. The indictment con-
tained two eounts—one for uttering the cuunterleit coin,
having more of the same in his possession ; and the other
for the simple uttering. The prisoner having pleaded
guilty under the second count, no evidence was offered
in support of the first, and he was sentenced to six
month's imprisonment.
Thomas Clarke Whiffen was indicted for stealing
several pieces of leather and other articles, the property
of his master, James Sheppy, a shoemaker, at Hitcher',
on the I 3th of July last.
Mr. Arabia conducted the prosecution.
It appeared in evidence, that being apprehended on
suspicion of the robbery, the prisoner stated, that a parcel
directed by himself, to himself, would be found at the
coach-office in BeiMud, containing the missing articles;
that the parcel so described by him was there found, and
did contain the articles in question. In addition to this,
a written confession, made by the prisoner before a ma-
gistrate, was put in and read, which put the case beyond
all doubt; and the jury, under the leamed Judge's
direction, instantly found the prisoner guilty, and he was
sentenced to seven years' transportation.
Edward /Hades a lad of 16, fellow-servant to the
above named prisoner, IViliffen, was convicted of a simi-
lar charge, under nearly the same circumstances —Several
witnesses appeared to his character, and his master, with
an appearance of much anxiety for his welfare gave him
an excellent character. The learned Judge, in a very
impressive address, expressed his hopes of the prisoner s
reformation, and sentenced him to six month's impri-
sonment in the House of Correction.

John lining and James Belcher were indicted for
horse-stealing. Mr. Platt appeared nit the part of the
prosecution, It was shown in evidence, that the horse
in question, belonging to a Mr. Actinic, residing in the
neighbourhood of St. Alban's was stolen from his rick-
yard in the night of the 15th March last ; that on the
Kith the prisoner were seen driving the horse in a cart at
nine iu the morning, about 17 miles from the prosecutor's
house, going towards London, in which cart was found
a sack containing a large quantity of (owls of very sus-
picious appearance. The prisoners were apprehended
by a passenger on the road, in consequence of their equi-
vocal appearance, and the horse was immediately after-
wards owned by the prosecutor. The prisoners offered
no substantial defence, and the Jury, after a minute
detail of the evidence by the learned Judge, found the
prisoners guilty, and set:it:nee of death was passed upon
them, accompanied by au intimation front the learned
Judge, that although the law would not be enforced to
the utmost extremity, they would certainly be scut out
of this country for the remainder of their lives.

WESTERN CIRCUIT.
....mamm

HAMPSHIRE ASSlZES.—WirteriEsTert, AUG. I.
The commis-ion fur this county was opened in the usual
way ou Monday evening by Mr. Barns, Graham and Mr.
Justice Best; ;tad on the following day, after divine service,
both courts proceeded to lousineso On the crown side the
iiiindwr of 060414;1s is witi.ually small; there ale truly 4 in