The Sun.
London, England, 1863-03-20 00:00:00

Singular Self-Accusation of Wife Murder in
Edinburgh,

At the Deal borough police-court on Monday
Robert Webster was brought up under the follow-
ing singular circumstances :
Thomas Parker, superintendent of police, deposed
--Yesterday the defilidant surrendt:red himself to
me as having murdered his wile. Hr was brought
to me by Captain Gay from a ship from Newcastle,
and bound to Catherine. I have written to the
superintendent of police at Edinburgh, and I apply
for a remand till Thursday. I produce the pri-
soner's fist letter, which is as follows :
" Ship Trenton, March 9.

" Sir,—A troubled mind makes me inform you ot a deed
I committed some few years back, for which my con-
science will not allow me to rest. I murdered my wife in
Scotland, at Edinburgh, and I have escaped justice up
to this time. I am miserable, and have no wish to live.
What I have suffered since, God only knows. I call
upon you, therefore, to give me over a prisoner to the
authorities, or to some of her Majesty's ships of war.
I give myself over to you, Captain Gay, as a prisoner,
and no more one of your crew, for you to hand me over to
justice. I have no wish to live, but tor the s ot poor
chit. ren. My tight name is Webster, not Guthrie. Forgive
the trouble I give you —I am, &c.,

" ROBERT WEBSTER."

Sunday, 15th.--Nly wife's name was Agnes Webster.
I lived at No. 1, Danube•strast, Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
I believe my two children, whose names are Jane and Isa-
bella, are living with my wife's mother, named Jane Small,
in the same place that 1 left them about three years ago."
The following letter addressed "To Resident
Magistrate" was written by the prisoner yesterday
morning :

" Honoured Sir,—l am the unfortunate wretch who was
brought ashore from the ship Trenton, on account of my
addressing a letter to the captain when I was labouring
under delirium tremens from excessive drink. I received a
sun stroke in the interior of Africa, while lion hunting,
and when under the influence of drink my mind wanders.
I left my wife Agnes Webster, a few years back, through a
family quarrel, and have been in Africa ever since. I came
home to London about two months ago. I had written
numberless le,ters home, but had never received any
reply. My wife used to threaten to make away with her-
self if I left her, and on my arrival in England I heard she
was gone. I was nearly out of my mind cn hearing this.
I made up my mind to put an end to my existence, as I con-
sidered myself her murderer; but from the state of mind I
was labouring under I had neither the fortitude to put an
end to my life nor to go to Scotland, and I gave myself up
to the authorities. I have no wish to live if my wife is
dead. If the law will not acknowledge me as her murderer
the Almighty will. If she lives I will be too happy to re-
turn to the bosom of my family. But my conscience tells
me she is dead, all through me. Be kind enough to com-
municate with the authorities in Edinburgh that my mind
may be at rest.—RoßEnT WEBSTER."

The Bench remanded the prisoner until Thursday,
in order that the superintendent might receive a
reply to the communication he had addressed to the
authorities at Edinburgh.
[We believe that the police authorities in Edin-
burgh have investigated this case, and ascertained
that the wife and children of the unfortunate man
are all alive, and residing at the residence men-
tioned by him ]

COUNTRY MARKETS.

v,

MANCHESTER-MARCH 19.

A fair attendance to-day, with a quiet business doing.
Euglisb wheat is per qt., and American 2d to 3d per 100 lb
dearer. Oats and o Atm al moved off slowly, at last week's
prices. Egyptian beans fully is per qr higher, but there
was no change in English. Indian corn, rather in favour
of sellers. Flour generally held for 6d advance.