The Sun.
London, England, 1863-12-10 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 10, 1863.

A HORRIBLE STORY.

Mr. Sydney Hodges, Secretary of the Royal
Cornwall Polytechnic Society, in a letter to a con-
temporary, dated Falmouth, December 7, says t—.

_ .
r°past rumours have been current
that the some years
hebnr therof a mason named Porter, living in
comfortable circumstances, had been kept for many
years in close confinement in a small room at the
back of the premises in which Porter and his family
reside. Heartrending cries and howls have been
repeatedly heard by the neighbours, especially on
cold winter nights; but, although the sympathy of
many was aroused, no one deemed it his duty to in-
quire into the circumstances of the case, not dream-
ing, probably, of the horrors that were to be revealed.
Rather more than a year ago Dr. Byrne, a well
known medical practitioner from the county of Dur-
ham, now residing in this town, was compelled to
seek the warm climate of Flushing for his health,
and incidentally heard these rumours. Not satisfied
to allow the matter to remain uninvestigated, he col-
lected all the evidence he could, and was so satisfied
that the case was one demanding a strict inquiry
that, with a most praiseworthy decision, he com-
municated the facts to the Home Secretary, who at
once appointed him special commissioner, and sent
down two other commissioners, who, in com-
pany with Dr. Byrne, went to Porter's house on
Thursday last and demanded admission to his
brother. Porter himself was absent, but, after some
little parley with the other inmates, Dr. Byrne,
who had obtained some insight into the plan of the
premises, led the way through the house across a
yard and up a flight of steps, where, concealed from
view round a corner, they found a door, which ad-
mitted them to the den in which the lunatic was
confined. The sight which met their gaze was too
revolting to be described with all its horrid details.
The place consisted of four bare, wet, plaster walls,
with a small window on one side, and the door by
which they had entered; a doorway opposite, for.,
merly communicating with the house, was plastered
up, so as to cut off all communication, except by
the flight of steps at the back. In one corner of the
roam was a wretched truckle bedstead, with cross
pieces of wood, rotten with filth, about six inches
wide and the same distance apart. On these bare
boards was crouched a being more resembling a
baboon than a man, drawn and cramped, from long
exposure and suffering, out of all form of humanity,
stark naked, and with only two old rotten bags for
a coverlet. I have said like a baboon, from the
peculiar form into which the limbs were drawn;
the knees almost touched the chin, and were pressed
close down upon the chest, I imagine for warmth ;
the feet close together and bent down one over the
other, also I imagine for warmth; the hands
clinched and brought up close to the chin ; the arms
closely pressed against the sides. The knee and hip
joints were anchylose ; the elbow joints were also
stiffening. The floor and the walls were one mass
of accumulated filth, the flour rotten with it, the
stench horrible ; and there are other circumstances
of the ease too dreadful for publication. For upwards
of 20 years the tender mercies of his nearest relatives
have consigned him to this living tomb—not a rag
to lie upon, not even a wisp of straw ; nothing but
the naked board, and the two old bags to cover him.
Would a raving maniac be consigned to such a
doom ? God forbid ! What, let us ask, is the
mental condition of this poor wretch ? Simply im-
becile. A most mild, benevolent expression of coun-
tenance, a childlike submission to all that is done to
him, no symptom of violence or even anger of any
kind, anl strong indications of intelligence in many
things, even after these weary years of neglect and
cruelty.

Yesterday, in company with Dr. Byrne and some
friends, I visited the poor creature, for the purpose
of getting a sketch of the remarkable position in
which he had remained for so many years. The
arrangements being then completed, two intelligent
keepers from the county asylum washed, dressed,
and took him away to that admirably conducted
establishment at Bodrnin, where we fervently hope
that both his mental and bodily condition may soon
be improved. Of all the moving incidents of the
case, not the least was the seene on emerging from
the house. Many hundreds of people were col-
lected round the conveyance, to which the keeper
carried him in his arms like a child. "My God !
Can that be a man " " God bless you, Dr. Byrne !"
were the exclamations that burst from the lips of
the multitude. Few eyes were d►y, especially when
some who had known him as a strong intelligent
youth pressed forward and shook him by the hand.
I am told the Commissioners stated that in an
experience of forty years they had never met with
a case eo awful. I trust, Sir, )ou will give it pro-
minence in your columns, for the terrible reflection
forces itself upon us, when we see of what
humanity is capable, that this case may not be
singular. Are Caere any other similar rumours of
cruelty that demand investigation ?

Alleged Negligence of the Police in the

Case of Mr. Law,

Yesterday Mr. John Humphreys, one of the Mid-
dlesex coroners, resumed at the Panther Tavern,
Hope Town, Bethnal-green, the inquiry relative to
the death of Mr. Charles Law, aged 45 years, a
surgeon lately practising in the east end of the
metropolis.

On last Saturday fortnight the deceased was
arrested while in the act of surreptitiously disposing
of the dead bodies of two newly-born children in
the Kingsland-road. While in custody he mani-
fested symptoms of insanity, and on the Monday
evening, when he was liberated on bail, his
intellect was so completely gone that he could not
be made to recognise any of his family, and he spoke,
or rather raved of fairies dancing about him, and of
birds and fishes. He died in that condition on Wed-
nesday morning of delirium tremens.
It was alleged that his gaolers procured him no
assistance while in custody. They declared that he
was " only shamming," and it was said that they
never called in any medical man toascertain whether
the insanity was feigned or real. When the inquest
was opened, Dr. Wallace gave it as his opinion that
if the deceased had upon the outbreak of the attack
while in custody been attended by a medical man,
and had received the necessary nourishment and
stimulants, he would, quite possibly, be now alive.
The coroner adjourned the inquiry to the present
occasion for the purpose of investigating this serious
charge against the police.
Inspector Webster. N division, said that he was
the acting inspector at the Hoxton police station.
On Sunday fortnight he relieved Sergeant Smith at
9 o'clock in the morning. The deceased, Mr. Law,
was then in the cell. Another prisoner was in the
same cell. Mr. Law made no complaint of illness
whatever. He got breakfast, dinner, and tea, which
were brought to him. Beer and other stimulants
were not allowed to prisoners. Witness was relieved
at night by Sergeant Kimburn, who had charge of
the prisoners till Monday morning.
Sergeant Kimburn said that he visited the deceased
six times during the night. He was awake each
time, but spoke quite rationally. He was taken to
the police court on the Monday morning, and then
appeared not to be incoherent.
Inspector George Waldie said that he saw Mr.
Law on the Monday morning, before he went to the
police court, and he then did not appear irrational.
John Bendall said that he was gaoler at the
Worship-street Police court. The deceased was
given into his custody after 11 o'clock on the Mon-
day morning. The prisoners were not given into
witness's custody until after the magistrate had dis-
posed of them. In the course of the day witness
noticed the deceased appeared very nervous, and
Was apparently much absorbed in thought. When
the deceased's bail came deceased said that he could
T
o:torge out as there was a river of water before the
• Witness said, " Come, come, Mr. Law, there
is no such
thing take my arm, and step out." He
was then ailed out, Before that deceased had
always spoken
rat Mr. Albert vhiiiornally when roused from thought.
Ts, 18, Weymouth-terrace, said
that he knew the deceased, and saw him at the
police court. He saw
deceased as he came up in a
cab. 'Witness toad him to csk that his case should
be put off until his attorney came Deceased did
riot fsppear to know what was said, and witness
thought he was not in his right mind. He did not
Sunday morning
speak and answer rationally. 0

witness had been to the station-house and saw a
policeman, to whom he said that Mr. Law had been
accustomed to a great deal of stimulants, and that
if he was not supplied with some he might sink
under it. The policeman said that they would not
let him have any, and, therefore, it would be use-
less for witness to see the inspector about it. Wit-
ness told Mrs. Law that, and she asked him to re•
quest that bail might be taken. He went back to
the station-house, and was told that the inspector
could not take bail.

Police-constable Williams said that he took de-
ceased to the police court, and by the permission of
the inspector he went there in a cab. Witness did
not require him to walk to the Curtain-road, saying
that "he was the same as another man." The cab
was only obtained there. Deceased spoke ra-
tionally, and said that his friends were going to
get a barrister to defend him, but that would be
only a waste of money, and an attorney would do
as well. Witness was not present at the station
when anyone said that if stimulants were not given
to deceased he would sink. If witness had heard
that he should have sent for the police surgeon and
acted according to his directions.
The Coroner summed up, and said that the evi-
dence showed that the deceased would no doubt be
alive if he had had proper stimulants and medical
treatment; but he, had not been refused these
was responsible. If
cation to an inspector
smarm.
pulhainlitispbayhadanmyaodnee
athpaptli
instead of being satisfieu with the answers of police-
men, the case would be very different. Under the
circumstances, no blame could be attached to the
conduct of the police authorities. The inquiry was,
however, necessary, because there was in the first
instance a strong suspicion that the deceased had
committed suicide,and that an allegation was made
by the family which seriously affected the police.
The Jury returned a verdict—" That the deceased,
Charles Law,died from the mortal effects of delirium
tremens, caused by excessive drinking."

grants of seed were made. At the request of the Committee,
the President and Vice-President of the Association under-
took to obtain, if possible, an interview with the new
Governor-General of India, prior to his departure, on the
subject of cotton cultivation in India.

LAW INTELLIGENCE—Yesterday,

COURT OF DIVORCE.
HAMILTON V. HAMILTON AND REMINGTON.

Dr. Phillimore (the Queen's Advocate), Mr. Anderson
Q.C., and Dr. Tristram, for the petitioner; Mr. Sergeant
Shee and Dr. Wamby for the co-respondent.
This was a petition presented by Alexandei Henry Aber-
crombie Hamilton for a dissolution of his marriage with
Sophia Hannah Adelaide Hamilton, on the ground of adul-
tery with the co-respondent, Mr. John Wilson Remington.
The petitioner claimed the sum of £lO,OOO for damages.
The respondent had put in no answer. The co-respondent
denied the adultery. It appeared that the petitioner was
married to the respondent, who is a daughter of the late Sir
Robert Abercrombie, in Scotland, on the 19th September,
1854, and that after the marriage they went to reside at
Milbrooke House, near Exeter, the residence of the peti-
tioner. At the time of their marriage the petitioner was 25
years of age, and the respondent about 23.
The co-respondent, Mr. Remington, was on intimate
terms of friendship with the petitioner and his wife, and
was a gentleman of property, residing at Rockbeare
It.,use, within a few miles of the petitioner. In the year
1862, the co-respondent took apartments at No. 8, Old
Burlington-street, while the petitioner and his wife were
in London, and was visited by the respondent during the
daytime. The petitioner afterwards returned to his coun-
try seat, and on the 18th October, 1862, during the time
the petitioner was away for a few days, on account of his
health, the respondent, who did not accompany him, left,
stating that she was going on a visit to her aunt; but it
appears she went to the co-respondent at Cardiff, and on the
following morning respondent enclosed to the petitioner's
sister a letter for the petitioner, of which the following is a
copy :

The days I have passed alone since you left this have
made me think more, and consider how much I am wrong-
ing you in continuing to deceive you as I have done, for you
can be little aware how much I have injured you; and the
only reparation I can make•—greatly as it grieves me to
wound you—and which reason has prevented my owning
it sooner--is to relieve you of one who is no longer worthy
of being your wife, and for whom, by the time you receive
this, you can no longer entertain either affection or esteem.
You must be aware that, loving my children as I do, it can
be no small struggle to own this and be parted from them ;
but I can no longer continue with this on my mind, and feel
that they ought to be under better guidance than mine.
When time has worn down the edge of sorrow, you will, I
trust, have a happier house than I have ever made you ;
bud all I implore of you now is not to utterly curse one
whom all the world will condemn, and who is in much dis-
tress of heart.—Yours, S. A. H.

The petitioner upon receiving it caused inquiries to be
made as to where the respondent had gone, but not suc-
ceeding in finding her, he had an advertisement. inserted in
the Times, stating that her children, whom she was
much attached to, ware exceedingly ill, and imploring her
to return. This she did, on the 26th of October, 1862,
and on the following morning she went away with her
brothers, and never afterwards returned to Milbrooke.
There are two children of the marriage.

Evidence was given of the marriage having taken place
according to the law of Scotland, and an extract of the mar-
riage certificate was put in signed by the proper officer.
Mr. Wm. B, Syms was called, and said that he was a
brother-in-law to the co •respondent. That in the years
1855 and 1856 he was staying at Milbrooke with the peti-
tioner and his wife, who lived on very friendly terms with
each other. That he went to India, and on his return again
visited them. On the day on which respondent went away
he asked her where she was going, and she stated to visit
her aunt. He went at the request of the petitioner to Car-
diff, and then on to Denbigh, and he heard of the respon-
dent at both places, but was unable to overtake her ; but
she returned in consequence of the advertisement in the
tames, and on the following morning was handed over to
her brothers, who had been telegraphed for.
Mr. Follett, a gentleman residing near Milbrooke, who
was in the habit of visiting the petitioner, spoke to their
living on very friendly terms.
Caroline Barnwell, who was a servant at No. 8, Old Bur-
lington-street, stated that in the months of May, June, and
July, 1862. the co-respondent took apartments there, and
was visited.by the respondent, whom she knew as Mrs. Re-
mington. She afterwards saw her at Guildford at her
brother's house.

John M'Andrews, a waiter at the Cardiff Arms, Cardiff,
proved that the co .respondent and the respondent occupied
the same bed together on the 18th October, 1862, until the
20th.

Mr. Jury, a surveyor and estate agent, was called to
prove that the co-respondent had property in Dowgate-hill,
in the City, which, after deductions, produced about £B2O
per annum.
Mr. Gibbs, a clerk in the London and Westminster Bank,
proved that the balance standing to the co-respondent's
account during the la:t three years was about £5,000.
Mr. Se.:g ant Shee addressed the jury for the co-respon-
dent, and said that he could not dispute the evidence of
adultery, and therefore the only question was as to the
amount of damages. He should prove that the co-respon-
dent's income was not more than £BOO per annum.
Mr. Smith, the co•respondent's solicitor, was called, and
stated that the property which the co-respondent had in
Yorkshire, and also at Dowgate-hill, was mortgaged to a
very large amount, over £23,000,

His Lordship summed up, and told the jury that the only
quest ion was one of damages.
The jury found a verdict in favour of the petitioner--
damages, £5,000. _ _

His Lordship granted a decree-nisi, with costs.

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.

MIDLAND CIRCUIT —STAFFORD, Dec. 9.
(Before Mr. Justice Crompton,)

THE MURDER OF TWO CHILDREN AT WEST BROMWICH.

Benjamin Holding was indicted for the murder of his two
children, Jane Holding and Joseph Benjamin Holding.
Mr. McMahon, with Mr. Stavely Hill, prosecuted; while
Mr. Motteram, with Mr. A. Young, defended.
_

The prisoner, a man in the prime of life, was a bundler
at an ironworks, and lived at Hill-end, near West Brom-
wich, in the black country between West Hampton and
Birmingham. He was married and had two children, one
a little girl of four-and-half years, and the other an
infant boy of only fourteen months. ro these and to
his wife he always behaved with the greatest tenderness
and affection. He bought for them a little perambulator,
and in this it was his delight to take them about the lanes
and roads about his dwelling every evening after return-
ing from his work. One of his favourite haunts cn these
occasions was a neighbouring cemetery. He was also a
religious man. He led a good moral life, read his Bible
often, attended regularly at church, and was a Sunday-
school teacher. In the summer and autumn of the present
year he became afflicted with tic-doloreux, and suffered
much from pains in his head accompanied by sleeplessness.
On the morning of September 22 he went to his work as
usual. He returned at one o'clock and took his dinner.
During the afternoon he remained at home, and was left
there by his wife at about four o'clock. The wife went to
the house of the prisoner's mother. In a short time she
was alarmed by seeing her husband come in with wild,
staring eyes, and in a most excited state. He remarked,
tt my little children are gone to heaven," and the two
women at once ran to his house. There, on the hearth-rug,
in front of the fire, they saw the little girl lying with her
throat cut from ear to ear, and quite dead. On the sofa lay
the lifeless and similarly mangled body of the infant boy.
On the table was the carving-knife with which the fright-
ful deed had been committed. The neighbours rushed in,
and to them the prisoner remarked that his time was short,
and he wished his children to go before him. The motive
thus given by the murderer himself, was the only one for
the commission of the crime which could now be adduced
on the part of the prosecution. For the defence a plea of
insanity was set up. The mother stated that her paternal
aunt and niece had died mad, and that she still had a cousin
who was also insane. The doctor said that madness among
the poor was largely due to an hereditary taint, and that
there existed an insanity known as homicidal mania, by
which a man was impelled to commit crime even when he
was free from delusion, In answer to a direct question, he
also said that, assuming the facts of the case as given by
the witnesses to be true, he did think it probable that the
prisoner was mad when ho killed his children. It was also
shown that on a Sunday, six weeks before the murder,
Holding, while in church, during the time when the con-
gregation was standing up, suddenly sat down, folded
his arms, and looked wildly around him. On the
morning of the occurrence he was observed by a fellow-
workman to be unusually silent. During the trial yester-
day he appeared:to be in the deepest dis tress ; his tears for
nearly three hours were profuse and ceaseless, The jury
I acquitted hi
m on the ground of insanity.

CHESHIRE CIRGUIT—DEc. 9.
(Before Mr. Justice Willes.)
THE STOCKPORT POISONING CASE.

Alice Hewitt, alias Holt, was placed at the bar on the
charge of poisoning her mother, Mary Bailey, at Stockport.
Medical evidence was given to the effect that the symptoms
of the deceased's illness was consistent with poisoning by
arsenic, and also to show that on a post-mortem examina-
tion and analysis, arsenic was found:in large quantities. Mr.
Swetenharn, for the defence, urged that the Case was en-
tirely one of circumstantial evidence, and nothing more than
one of strong suspicion. They were asked to believe that
while with one hand the prisoner fondled and caressed her
mother, with the other she administered a deadly poison to
her and calmly looked on her dying agonies. Did the priso-
ner's conduct warrant that conclusion? The charge was that
being poor the prisoner had insured her mother's life, and
in eager haste to clutch the Money, poisoned her nearest
relative. He commented on the evidence of the witnesses
e
evidence
of the prosecution, especially the contradictory dn
of Bailey and his wife. The whole story of the pork pel‘ieirs:
he submitted, was an after-thought of Ann YIY
Raynor's evidence showed that deceasodt
wal34tlaa prisonernd vomit-
ing the day before the pies were brough • If the
was administering slow poison to he d
aplied for a medical
a mo tpher, was it proba-
ble she would have actually gone n r
Quer eaid she was glad of
order at the union. When the Pm"