The Sun.
London, England, 1864-08-12 00:00:00

THE VOLUNTEERS,

A match between six Volunteers in the Bank of
England and six Volunteers in Messrs. Coutta's
Dank came off on Friday, the sth inst., at Cater-
ham, the range of the South Middlesex. The con-
divons were five shots at 200, 500, and 600 yards.
Ey the pcsiticn and Wimbledon marking, the
hi guest score on the winning side to receive a cup.
Tt ‘e rieeult was in favour of Messrs. Coats's side,
the respective scores being :—Messrs. Coutts's
Ba nk, 176 ; Bank of England, 170. The highest
sci ores on each side were—Private Clark, 40;
P rivets Smith, 36.
Oa Saturday the North East London Rifle Corps,
NI 'hie h is commanded by Lieut... Cal. G. H. Money,
nderwent its annual inspection. The place se-
lected. was the Tower, and the inspecting officer was
Colo- ael Morris, C.B. At seven o'clock the corps
mar, :hed into the Tower four companies strong, fol-
low ed by four other companies of recruits, who
h wee joined during the last two months. These re-
c ruits were 170 in number, and form part of 320
ecruits all of whom have joined since May last.
Colonel Morrie made a close inspection of each com-
pany in succession, and afterwards walked to where
the recruits were standing and inspected them.
The battalion then marched past in open column,
closed on the leading company, and again marched
past in close column. The regiment was then put
through a variety of complicated manoeuvres. con-
sisting of deployments on successive companies,
changes of front, forming and marching in square,
formations of column, movements in echelon, and
formations of line, all of which were executed with
considerable steadiness and rapidity. It was re-
marked that Coionel Morris, for the first time, paid
the regiment the compliment of not requiring it
to be put through the manual and platoon. The
manoeuvres were brought to a close by an advance
in review order and a general salute. The recruits
being then marched up and column formed,
Colonel Morris said he was disappointed in the
number of old members present, although well
pleased to see so large a number of recruits. With
regard to their movements, they were as well done
as on all former occasions, and he would make a
most satisfactory report to the War Office. Col.
Money then said that, now the difficulties of the
regiment were nearly over, he would guarantee that
the only fault Col. Morris had. found—namely,
paucity of numbers—was a fault that would last no
longer. He was convinced that the regiment would
be as strong—hay,
stronger for next year's inspec-
tion, than it had ever been. The proceedings closed
with cheers for Col. Morris, Col. Money, and the
two majors. The prizes will be shot for in Septem-
ber and October; they comprise a 100 guinea cup
(the gift of Messrs. Till and Bacon), to be kept as
his own property by the successful competitor.
On Saturday afternoon Gen. Sir James Scarlett,
the Adjutant-General of her Majesty's Forces, offi-
cially inspected the Central London Rifle Rangers
(40th Middlesex), of which he is honorary colonel,
at Enfield Court, Enfield, the seat of the command-
ing officer, Lient.-Col. Somerset. There were 316
of all ranks present, formea into six companies,
ander Capts. Walters, Isaacs, Capes, Woods, Jones,
and Low- The regiment went through the usual
review movements, as marching past in open column
in quick time and at the double in close column,
advancing in line, changing direction by the wheel
and sub-divisions round the centre, all of which
were promptly executed. The light infantry drill
of t he regiment was then tested by some sharp skit-
mis,eiing, which lasted for upwards of an hour, dur-
whica time the corps performed all the move.
meats of a battalion covering the advance of an
army. At the conclusion of the manoeuvres the in-
specting General complimented Lieut.-Colonel
Somerset upon the soldierly manner in which the
regiment had been handled, and expressed his satis-
faction with the efficiency displayed by all ranks.
He regretted that there was not a larger muster;
but he knew, he said, that many could not leave
business. Hearty cheers were given to the gallant
officer, and the regiment then marched to the riding
school of Col. Somerset, at another part or Enfield,
where a repeat waa laid out. Gen. Scarlett occupied

the chair, and with him were Col. Sayers (of the
King's Dragoons), ,:%01. Somerset, Lieut.-Colonel
Somerset, and Irony other officers. Th- general's
health was r--.posed by Captain Walters, the senior
officer, an: was drunk with enthusiasm. Sir James,
in rettrthng thanks, said that he • seen some-
thin; of war himself, and he prayed that it might
o'er approach the shores of England, but he was
.satisfied if ever it did the Volunteers, by the skilful
use of the rifle to which they had attained, and by
their discipline, which he accounted of far greater
importance, would present such a front as to make
the enemy lay down their arms and pray to be sent
whence they came. The general urged his hearers
to make themselves as perfect in their duties as pos-
sible, by attending to their drill as often as their
civilian duties would allow them, and he concluded,
amid loud cheers, by proposing " The Health of the
Commanding Officer," a toast which was drunk
with all honours. The battalion returned to London
by a special train at a late hour.

The annual battalion and company prize firing of
the 36:h Middlesex (Paddington) Rifle Volunteer
Corps commenced on Monday, the Ist inst., at the
butts on Wormwood-scrubs, and concluded on Fri-
day. The prize list was a very long one, and the
competitions, which were very numerous, were con-
ducted under the superintendence of Capt. Bax, the
adjutant and musketry instructor. The Challenge
Cup of the corps was shot for at 500 and 600 yards,
seven shots at each range, and was won by Sergt.
Hill, with 33 marks. The regimental prizes of L 9 and
.f. 6 were won by Private Hillary and Ensign Vicker-
man, who each made 29 marks at 500 and 650 yards,
seven shots at each range, at a second-class tar-
get. The officers' prizes of £lO was won by Private
Weatherhead. A silver watch, value ten guineas,
presented by Sir Tinto Townsend Farquhar, M.P.,
was won by Corporal Crook, with 12 marks, in five
shots at 300 yards; and a prize of 10 guineas, given
by Mr. J. Curtis, to be competed for by the 20 best
attendants at drill, at 350 yards (at a third-class
target) and 600 yards, was won by Private E.
Tatham, with 30 marks.

The headquarters of the 3d Essex Artillery are at
Stratford, and not at Grays.
The competition for prizes at heavy gun drill
given by officers of the Ist Gloucestershire (Bristol)
Volunteer Artillery Corps took place on Tuesday.
The prizes consisted of ten handsome silver-plated
cups, and were awarded to one sergeant and nine
gunners who should be pronounced the most steady
and deserving. Captain M' Adam officiated as
umpire. The following were the successful come
petitors ;—Battery Sergeant-Major Tamlyn (as the
best), Corporals F. Hoare, C. B. Lavender, Gunners
J. Franklin, G. Morgan, W, Ivey, R. S. Bark, A.
E. Harris, C. Wood, and J. Hooper. Captain S. V.
Hare expressed his intention of giving a cup each
to the following members of the battery, whose
drill was good :—Corporal G. Davis, Gunners B.
Maggs, C. York, and J, White.
The annual review and inspection of the Cum-
berland Rifle Volunteers took place at Carlisle on
Friday. In order that this might be made a grand
field-day, the corps of neighbouring counties were
icvited to attend and take part in the move-
ments. Dumfriesshire sent its whole battalion except
the Moffat company; Northumberland sent two
corps, the Hexham and Bellingham companies; four
troops of the Westmoreland and Cumberland
Yeomanry Cavalry attended, and three companies
of the Cumberland Artillery Brigade, with two field-
pieces. The Cumberiand Rifle Battalion mustered
788 strong, the Dumfriesshire 447, the Northum-
berland 134, the cavalry 172, and the artillery 134,
making a total of 1,675 men upon the ground. Not-
withstanding the unpropitious state of the weather,
many thousands of people attended, the day having
been made a general holiday in most of the towns
of Cumberland. Colonel M'Murdo was obliged to
return to London in consequence of the destruction
of his house by fire, and the duties of inspecting
officer devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Roney, As.
sistant.laspector of Volunteers. The review took
place on the Swifts, where the races are held, a plot
of:ground admirably adapted for the purpose, having
a level plain for the movements of the troops, and
high ground for the accommodation of the spectators.
When the movements—those of a sham fight—had
been concluded, the inspecting officer addressed the
volunteers in highly complimentary terms. They
had never been brigaded before, bat everything had
been very creditably done. The volunteers then
marched from the ground, accompanied by crowds
of the spectators, who had been drenched with rain.
Alter the review the officers who had taken part in
the proceedings dined together at the Bush Hotel.
Lieutenant-Colonel Wake presided, and beside him
sat Lord Brougham and Lord Henry Scott, M.P.
In returning thanks for the toast of his health Lord
Brougham expressed his approval of the volunteer
movement. He said, "Itis of the utmost import-
ance—not that we are afraid of being invaded—we
don't expect it, but it is well to be assured and to
take security against that which is possible, though
not likely. (Loud cheers.) When our gallant friend
(colonel M`Murdo), whose misfortune we have this
day to deplore, insured his house he did not expect
that to take place, which, however, has happened,
but he insured it in case it should happen. If you
insure your house against the negligence of your
servants or your neighbours, your house may never
be on fire, but you.: insure against any loss from
that happening, if it should happen. So in like
manner the volunteer movement extending over
the country is an insurance that if an invasion
should befall us, however unlikely, we should
be prepared to meet it, and that it should do us no
harm. But there is this marked difference between
the insurance against fire and the insurance of the
Volunteers against invasion. In insurance against
fire, paying the premium of insurance has no ten-
dency whatever to prevent that fire from happening,
whereas insurance against invasion has a direct ten-
dency to make that which may in itself be improb-
able next toil" possible." The " Health of Lord Henry
Scott, M.P.," who had commanded the Dumfries-
shire battalion, was next proposed, and the hon.
member for Selkirkshire responded in suitable terms.

The Council of the Wilts County Rifle Association
have received promises of prizes from the following
gentlemen for the forthcoming annual county meet-
ing to be held in the neighbourhood of Salisbury in
addition to a 50 guinea challenge cup :—Mr T. H.
A. Poynder, £26 5s , Mr S. Watson Taylor, £2445;
Leidy Charlotte Watson Taylor, £lO 108.; Lieut.-
General Buckley, M.P., £lO lOs ; Lieut.-Colonel
Bathurst, M.P., £lO 108 ; Lord H. Thynne, M.P.,
£lO 108 ; Mr W. Long, M.P., £lolos ; Right Hon.
'P. H. S. Estcourt, M.P., £lO 10s; Mr M. H. Marsh,
M.P., £lO 10s ; Mr E. Hamilton, £lO 108 ; Major
Ward, £lO lOs; Mr G. Loder, £lO lOs ; Mr T. F.
Grove, £lO lOs, &c. It is proposed to hold a 300
guinea meeting at the termination of the county
contest, to be open to all corners.

UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY.—The workmen em-
ployed in sinking a well on one of the allotments of Port
View Estate, Ealtash, Cornwall, have cut into a hole which
is found to be strongly impregnated with copper ore of
good quality.

THE GREAT BED OF WARE.—An old carved bed-
stead, famous for its large size even in the days of
Sbakspere, is.to be sold on the 30th inst. by Messrs Jackson
and Sons, auctioneers, at Hertford. It is said to be in vary
good preservation. The posts, representing urns, are of
elaborate workmanship, and the back of the bed is also finely
carved. On the tester there is carved work of red and white
roses, which are believed to represent the union of the
Houses of York and Lancest'r. The date upon the wood
is 1463. Shakspere's allusion to the bed occurs in " Twelfth
Night," Act 111. Scene 2. Sir Toby Belch there says,
" Go write it in a martial bend ; be curst and brief ; it is no
matter how witty, so it be eloquent and full of invention
if thou thcu'st him some thrice, it shall not be amiss; and
as many lies as will lie in thy sheet of paper, although the
sheet were big enough for the Bed of Ware in England, set
'em down." The great bed was formerly an article of fur-
niture in the mansion house at Ware-park. At the date,
however, of the publication of Chauncey's " Historical
Antiquities of Hertfordshire," it had been removed to the
inn at Ware, where it was visited by many citizens of Lon-
don, and it has remained there ever since.

[ADVERTISEMENT.]—HoIIoway's Ointment and Pills.—
Effectual Aid.—ln the sad time of sickness it is cheerfal to
know that a remedy does exist, and that it can be procured
at a little cost. Holloway's Oin meat and Pills are always
useful in relieving pain, in reducing inflammations, and
regulating disordered actions. They never can ba mis-
applied, nor can they under any circumstances cause mis-
chief. They are a blessing to the rich when tormented by
indigestion, gout, skin diseases, &c., and a precious boon
to the poor when struck down by illness. Holloway's
medicines should be in the possession of all soldiers, sailors'
and emigrants, who will then be in a position to ease
suffering and cure dia.sa
medial assistance cannot be obtained.

~a.,~

Banquet to the Channel Fleet.

CORK, Aug. 10.

The Mayor and citizens of Cork gave a banquet
yesterday evening to the Lords of the Admiralty,
now here on a tour of inspection, and to Admiral
]acres and the officers of the Channel Fleet. Al-
though the notice was short, the entertainments
fully sustained the character for splendid hospita-
lity for which the capital of Munster has been
always celebrated. The tables were spread in the
splendid ballroom connected with the hotel. About
260 sat down to dinner; the Mayor, Mr J. F.
Maguire, M.P., occuping the chair.

The toasts of "The Queen" and "The Prince and
Princess of Wales" were received with all the re-
spect and fervour which distinguishes the loyalty
of the Irish. The Mayor introduced the next toast,
" The Lord-Lieutenant, and prosperity to Ireland,"
with touching remarks on the departure of the
Earl of Carlisle from ill health. He might have
differed from his Excellency on one or two points,
but no one had a more sincere respect for his noble
qualities, for his goodness and his gentleness, and
his earnest•de:ire to promote the prosperity of this
land.

4 Lord Fermoy, M.P., the Lord Lieutenant of the
county, being called upon to respond to this toast,
was received with cheers. He remarked " that
the present assembly represented every interest,
every class, and every opinion in the city and county,
and therefore they should shut out all introduction
of party politics. But there was not a man iu the
land that would not, on seeing him leave the
country, feel the Earl of Carlisle's heart was always
true to Ireland and to humanity, and that at least,
as far as disposition went, did his duty to his Queen
and country. They wished him many years of re-
newed health and happiness. They all respected
the individual man, and felt that wherever he was
Ireland and the Irish would have a friend." These
sentiments were received with cordial expressions
of sympathy. Lord Fermoy having eloquently
enforced the duty and necessity of self-reliance, re-
ferred to the claims of Ireland upon the considera-
tion of the Legislature, especially in connection with
the proposed establishment of a naval dockyard at
Queenstown. He said—" I am rejoiced that the
attention of my noble friends whom I see here to-
night has been brought by the citizens of Cork and
the inhabitants of the county to the great question
of the establishment of naval dockyards here-
-(cheers)—and let me tell you that I think the
task of my noble friends in advocating, as I have no
doubt they will, the establishment of dockyards in
our unrivalled harbour, has been greatly lightened
by the acts of that body of the Legislature to which
I have the honour to belong—the House of Com.
mons. The Government has always too many
difficulties to consider when they propose any out-
lay in public establishments. One is, how it may
be received by the country; the other, and the
most important consideration for the heads of the
department, is, how the House of Commons will
look when it has got to pay the bill. (Hear,
hear, and laughter.) The House of Commons has
greatly relieved my noble friends on the present
occasion, because in a committee of the house
which sat this year and entered fully and en-
tirely into the question of naval dockyards, they
pointed out unmistakeably and in set terms the
advisability of the establishment of a dockyard
here. (Cheers.) Therefore, I say the House of
Commons, who are the guardians of the purse of the
nation, have pujudged the question, and have ex-
pressed, as far as any body like them can express,
their willingness to vote the funds for so useful and
necessary a work. (Hear.) Reputing my friends
here as guests among you, and knowing your dispo-
sition to make everything as pleasant as possible, I
shall not touch more on that question. (Hear.) I
have only one thing more to say, and that is that,
so far as my own individual feeling and opinion
goes, I care not so much about wl•ere the dockyard
may he established as that in the south of Ireland,
and Cork especially, or somewhere within the limits
of the county of Cork, a dockyard may be este.
Wished. When we are prepared to do our duty in
advancing the material interests of the country, we
expect on the part of her Majesty's Government that
Ireland shall get her full share of the consideration
of that Government. (Loud cheers.) We feel that,
whether you regard Ireland as a large port:on of the
United Kingcicm, or whether you regard her as
having at t mes past contributed her means end her
111611 to acquire the greatness and glory of Eng, land,
we are fully entitled to a full share of the profits.
(Hear.) We have entered into a partnership, we
have kept our share of the bargain, and we feel
that as you would in a mercantile establishment,
when you come to wind up the accounts, give a
share where it was due, we who have contributed
means to the advancement and material interests of
the kingdom are entitled to share the profits.
The CHAIRMAN then gave the most important
toast of the evening, and introdoced it by an able
and eloquent plea for the establishment of a naval
dockyard at Queenstown. In the course of his
address he said, that in drinking the toast he would
ask the gentlemen of the city and also those of the
county who had teen associated with them to
offer an hearty Irish welcome to the noble and es-
teemed guests who graced their board that evening.
(Cheers.) Under any circumstances he should be de-
lighted to give a hearty Irish welcome to his Grace
the Duke of Somerset, Earl de Grey and Ripon,
Admiral Decree, and the officers of the Channel
Fleet who were present on that occasion. (Hear.)
It was not unworthy of them to pay et, tribute of
respect to these noblemen who had the confidence
of the Sovereign and the entire realm, and who had
intrusted to them duties of the most high and exalted
character. (He sr.) The presence of the Duke of
Somerset and his distinguished colleagues was a
circumstance of peculiar interest to the citizens of
C rk. (Hear.) They would be ungrateful to Provi•
deuce it' they did not appreciate as it deserved their
noble harbour—if they did not recognise its many
advantages and capabilities. (Hear.) It was
easy of access—it was one of the best, if not the
best, places of shelter for the fleet—and there were
times when 500 vessels, armed and unarmed, found
anchorage within Cork harbour and the tribu-
taries which enlarged its extent. At the time of
the Crimean war, when the dockyards of England
were overcrowded with work, and when £1,000,000
was expended in England and Scotland, he was
sorry to say that not one shilling of the public ex-
penditure reached the harbour of Cork. (Hear.)
He had the greatest pleasure in proposing the
health of the noble lord at the head of the Admi-
ralty," as he was aware there was not a gentleman
in England who devoted himself more loyally to
the services of the State and his Sovereign than he
did. (Hear, and applause.)

The toast was drunk with much warmth.
The Duke of SOMERSET, on rising, was received
with prolonged cheering. He said, he thanked them
on the part of the Admiralty for the honour confer-
red on them. It was a source of satisfaction to the
Admiralty to see that the navy of the country ob-
tained the respect of their countrymen. (Hear,
hear.) In England, Scotland, and Ireland these
marks of respect had been shown it from every port
at which their ships had called, and in speaking of
the interests of the Admiralty it was impossible the
Board of Admiralty could overlook at any time the
interests of the harbours which the navy must re-
sort to. (Hear, hear.) Their attention had at this
time been more especially called to the harbour of
Cork, as the Mayor had told them by the report of
the committee of the House of Commons. (Hear.)
They accordingly lost no time in coming to make,
as it were, the preliminary arrangements. (Hear,
hear.) But what he wished was—he spoke frajllY
to them—assuming that they made this dock of
which the Mayor had spoken, his fear was that some
subsequent disappointment would come upon them,
which they did not consider for the moment. Let
them look at the towns where the Government had
made these docks, and at the mercantile towns,
and where was the prosperity P At Liverpool the
Government had made no docks, and yet Liverpool
was advanced, while Portsmouth had remained be-
hind. If they would also look at the Clyde they
would observe advantages of a most beneficial cha-
racter, and infer that Scotland had retied on its own
resources and industry. From the docks he haci
seen they need not be afraid that he should take
possession of any of the private docks of the locality.

(Hear, and cheers.) They should entirely depend
on the careful consideration of the Government in
this matter, and he hoped that whatever would be
the issue, the Irish members would not divide in
representing the interests of their country. (Hear,
and laughter.) If they wanted to succeed in this as
in many other questions in which they aright have
succeeded, if they had acted together (hear) they
should reject all ideas with reference to party, their
sole consideration being that the prospect was far
the advancement and well-being of their country.
(Loud cheers.)
The Earl DE GREY and RIPON said—Mr. Mayor,
my loeds and gentlemen, I am exceedingly obliged
to you for the kind manner in which you have been
pleased to receive the toast of my health. It is, I
may say, and 1 am ashamed to say it—that it is my
first visit to this beautiful and interesting country,
and the first visit of the First Lord of the Admiralty
to your noble harbour. (Loud cheers.) My hon•
ourable friend in the chair has alluded in a few
words to the rec)mmendation of the Parliamentary
committee, in fevour of the erection of dockyards
in this country—in favour of the construction of
certain works here in Cork. The objects and duties
of that committee were, of course, calculated to see
the progress of those defensive preparations that we
are making. The only question is, what place was
likely to answer the public requirements. His
lordship concluded by saying that Her Majesty's
Government would do whatever was best for the
country.
The next toast proposed was " Admiral Dacres
and the Channel Fleet," to which Admiral Dacres
replied.

"The Army and Navy" was then proposed by
the Mayor. Admiral Sir Lewis T. Jones and Gen.
Bloomfield, C. 8., severally returned thanks.
" The Lord-Lieutenant of the County" was next
proposed, and responded to by Lord Fermoy.
The MAYots next proposed " The Health of Lord
Clarence Paget," and that nobleman returned
thanks in an eloquent speech.
The CHAIRMAN then said—My lords and gentle.
men, we have an honoured guest, whose health I
will ask you to drink. It is " The Lord Mayor of
Dublin." A more distinguished guest could scarcely
be had at any table than the present Lord Mayor
of Dublin. (Cheers.)
The health was drunk with the greatest en.
thusiasm.

The LORD MAYOR of Dublin responded, and as a
citizen of Cork thanked his fellow-citizens.

The MAYOR next proposed their " unofficial
guests." He reminded them that Lord Bandon,
Lord Doneraile, Colonel Herbert, and a number of
other distinguished personages, who were very glad
to be associated with them in welcoming the fleet,
were present.

The Earl of BANDON replied.
Tne next toast was " The County and City Mem.
bers." The Mayor remarked that the delicate
health of Dr. Lyons, one of their oldest citizens,
and whose name was a househo:d word in Cork,
could not permit him to attend. Mr. Beamish was
not so strong as his friends sincerely and earnestly
desired. lbere was not a member in the House of
Commons more respected for every possible quality
that can adorn man than Mr. Beamish. He believed
that the omly member of Parliament connected with
the city or county of Cork who was present was the
hon. member Mr. Leader, one of the members for
the county, who was quite as much a friend of pro-
gress as Lord Pcrtuoy, and was determined to show
by his own enterprise that docks would net destroy
private energy. (Cheers.) He concluded by pro-
posing "The Health of the County and City Mem-
bers."

Mr. LEADER suitably returned thanks, after
which the company separated.

Th e Fatal Accident at Wimbledon.

Yesterday Mr Carter, the coroner for East Surrey, opened
an inquest at the Rose and Crown Tavern, Wimbledon,
upon the body of Thomas Cooper, the unfortunate private
of the Coldstream Guards who was shot while acting as
marker during the late meeting of the National Rifle Asso-
ciation. Lord Elcho, Captain Mildmay, and many other
gentlemen were present during the inquiry.
The Coroner, in addressing the jury after the court had
been opened, urged them to dismiss from their minds all
they had heard or read about this case, and to give their
earnest attention to the evidence which was to be brought
before them. It did not matter, he said, that the unfortu-
nate man, whose death was the subject of inquiry, had lived
some time after receiving the injury, for,the law was that if
a man died within a year and a day of an injury the Coro-
ner's Court should inquire into the cause of his death. in
this case the jury would have to consider whether or not any
criminality was to be charged to the person who had fired
the shot which wounded the deceased, whether that wound
was caused by ma:ice, misadventure, or accident, and this
they would have to arrive at by the evidence to be adduced.

Captain Legge, the adjutant of the Ist Battalion of Cold-
stream Guards, was sworn, and after deposing to his know-
ledge of the deceased stated that he had not seen the body,
and so could not attest to its being that of Private Cooper.
The Coroner then said that the body must be identified.
Some of the jury suggested that the party should drive
there, but this, they were told, was at their option, as they
would have to provide their conveyances. The body, which
was lying in the tent used by Dr Westmetoott during the
meeting, was thee formally viewed by the witness and the
jury, and Captain Legge swore to the corpse as that of
Thomas Cooper, aged 25, late a private in the Coldstreams.
The following e7idnce was then taken :
Thomas Hulme, sworn—l am a private in the Ist Bat-
talion of the Coldstream Guards. I knew the deceased
by the name of Thomas Cooper. I recollect when
the circumstance occurred which caused h:s death. It
was on the 21st July. I was engaged that day in a parti-
cular duty at Wimbledon—that of marking the shots on the
targets. The deceased was marking at the same butt.
There were six targets and six markers' butts at the same
place, and the deceased was marking at No. 6 target, which
was a pasteb ,ard one. The range was 500 yards, and the
target at which deceased was engaged was the only paste-
board one; the others were iron. The deceased's target
was on the extreme right, and I was at No. 2, The tiring
of the volunteers commenced each day at about 8 o'clock
in the morning. and continued up to about 7 o'clock at
night, but there was a cessation of firing for and hour in
the middle of the day, when a gun flied as a signal for the
firing to cease. I went straight from the targets on the
gun firing on the 21st to the tent where we had din-
ner, but whether cooper came or not I do not
know, for I did not see him; but on going back after
dinner I saw him behind No. 6 target searching for bullets
in the butt. His object was to collect and sell them. I
said to him, " Han't you heard the gun fire? you ought
to come from there." The gun had fired before I reached
the target, for it had fired while we were on the way from
the camp. 1 was accompanied by Hall and Hobbs. I
told the deceased he had better get in his butt—the butt,
I mean, which protects us,—and he said he would come
out directly, or something to that effect. He was behind
his target, and was facing the embankment, and he was
on his knees. The target, I should say, was about two
and a half yards wide and six feet high. He had several
bullets in his hand, and was throwing them to a heap of
others which were on the ground close to the target. He
was at this time with his back to the firing point, and
was between the centre and the bull's eye of the target. I
was within three yards of him for several minutes. I had
left the danger, or red flag, at my target when I went to
dinner, and this was in front of the bull's • eYe,
na as
ni
ye usual
when not firing, and it was in this position at this moment.
I do not know whether or not Cooper's flag was
posi-
tion showing danger. There was no signal beyond the
red flag we were 'Applied with indicating danger. By the
exhibition of the rid flag danger was meant, and firing was
to cease when that flag was out. That flag was the protec-
tion to the markers or any other persons at the butt. At
times it is necessary for us when marking to leave the
mantlete, or barbers' butt, and go and look at the targets,
and then these fins are shown. If you were shooting at my
target, and I wasnot quite sure of the position of your shot,
I should put up tte red flag in order to go and see, and then
no one would fire. The instructions as to putting up this
flag were given ms by the sergeant, and they were printed
and pasted up in toe butt. Atter having told the deceased
to getinto his plate, and alter he had answered me that he
would directly, he cried out. " Run out the danger flag ;
I'm shot I" Tha: was about half a minute after he had
answered me. I took up his flag, and running before No.
6 target I waved ,t to and fro. I cannot say in what posi-
tion his flag was, but it wis not as I left mine. I did not
hear any particuhr shot, for there was firing going on all
ai'ound. After I trade it understood at the firing point that
ar, accident had lappened I went to Cooper. He was unable
to rise, and, other markers coming, he was brought to the
19 the removedshot two
which
c the nstt.ru
struck
ifs s thei
bl et tarot,
forme to e nscaey h e wherewas
him
Cane strike any substance, and
!;•?nt o
nit hear the ball
stood. I d
f-om. I cannot say where the firer must have
IL known that a ball had come it Cooper had
should not have, ,ld me that he was struck in the back,
not cried out.
struck him and his position at
and on looking It where la -amid not have come from the
the time I must say the bullet.._ ,ow that a certain per-
right or left, butfrom the front. I ^rsation with him
,son fired the shot, but I have had no °env, the shots,
about this. There was but little noise made r,, ' only
striking the pasteboard targets, and the sound mutt.
be heard by paying particular attention, excepting the bull's-
eye, which was of iron, and, if struck there, it would sound. I