The Sun.
London, England, 1830-11-08 00:00:00

MANSLAUGHTER.

On Friday afterpoon, at three o'clock, an inquest
was held before Mr. STIRLING, Coroner, at the Horse
and Groom public-house, in John-street, Edgware-
road, upon the body of Mary Sweeney, aged .28.
—The inquiry lasted until half-past eleven o'clock
at night.

It appeared, in the course of a great mass of evi-
dence, that the deceased was the wife of Patrick
Sweeney, a bricklayer, and they lived at 38, Homer-
street. The deceased was eight months advanced in
pregnancy. They had lived happily together until
within the last three or four months, when the hus-
band had shown symptoms; ofjealousy. This gave rise
to constant quarrels, and he drank very freely. On
Saturday se 'might he was seen going home at a
late hour at night by an acquaintance named Wilmot,
who heard him as be passed along muttering oaths
of vengeance against his wife. This induced Wilmot
to follow him home, and he bad scarcely entered
the house when loud cries of " murder" were
heard in a female voice. Wilmot forced open the
door or Sweeney's apartment, and there he found
the deceased lying on the bed, and her husband
holding her by the hair with one band, and beating
her with his clinched fist on the head, and stomach,
and neck. Wilmot called upon him to desist, and
said he would knock him down if he repeated the
blows, upon which Sweeney took up a broomstick,
and swore he would knock Wilmot's brains out if he
did not leave the house. Minot, however, with
praiseworthy courage, made a rush at him, grappled
with him, and after a desperate struggle succeeded
in getting him on the ground. In the mean time,
with the assistance of a woman living there, the
deceased was got out of the bed, but was soon after
seized with violent convulsive fits. Mr. Tierney, a
surgeon, was celled in, and the symptoms were then
such as invariably appear in cases of hydrophobia ;
she had violent spasms, complained of a feeling of
suffocation, saliva issued from her mouth in great
abundance, and she had a perfect horror of any fluid
that was offered to her; although complaining of
excessive thirst. Mr. Tierney asked if she had been
bitten by a dog orcat, and being answered in the
negative by those in the room, and by her in her
lucid moments, he pronounced her malady to be
hysteria. At her desire a priest (she was a Roman
Catholic) was sent for, and he administered some
holy water; and by an effort which convulsed her
whole frame, in a manner which Mr. Tierney said
was so terrific, that it would never be erased from
his memory while he lived, she contrived to swallow
a small portion. Mr. Gray, another surgeon, was
called in, and be at once pronounced her to be
afflicted with hydrophobia, and his opinion remained
unshaken until her death, which took place on
Wedneaday.
The medical gentlemen, on their examination,
said that excessive fright or irritaiion, or personal
violence, would be likely to produce the symptoms
described in a woman in the peculiar situation of the
deceased.

The Jury, upon the evidence, returned a verdict
of " Mutts!slighter" against Patrick Sweeney, the
husband of the deceased. and the Coroner issued his
warrant fur his committal to Newgate for trial.

IRELAND.

'RIT DE LUNATIC° INQUIRENDO.

IN THE MATTER OP MARY LEACOCK, AN ALLEGED
LUNATIC.
_ _

The inquisition in thie matter was held in the
Court of Appeals, and Ibtomenced on Thursday,
the 14th ult., when it was adjourned to the follow-
ing'Mon lay, and continued daily up to Thursday,
Oct. 21, when a verdict was returned.
The case for the petitioners was stated by Mr.
LITTON, King's Counsel, The following are the
most prominent features of the evidence in support
of, and iii resistance to, the commission.
The lute Rev. Dr. Nesbitt, who resided for some
yeara ip a part of a large mansion formerly occupied
by Lord Roden, corner of York-street, Stephen's-
green, died in 1821, and bequeathed to Mrs. Lea-
cock, his housekeeper, who had lived with him and
his family for upwards of forty years, an annuity of
4001. per annum, together with a sum of 5001.; and
to Mrs. Leacock's daughter, the subject of the pre-
sent inquiry, who lived-in the house in York-streef,
and was an object of the Rev. Doctor's parental al.
feet ion, lie also bequeathed a like sum of 3001., and
an annuity of 6001. per annum, with the use of the
house, plate, and furniture, in York-street, for their
joint and separate lives,.--,botli annuities
,charged
upon his real estates ip the county of Cavan. Mr.
Leacock died in December last, aged upwards of 80
years, and by her will demised to her daughter, in
her own right, 3,6131. 311 per cent. Government
stock, to receive the interest during her life, with
power to bequeaths the principal amongit her issue,
if any, in such proportions as to her might seem
proper, and in the event of her dying without issue,
the said principal sum was bequeathed to Captain
Nesbitt, sots of Major Nesbitt, one of the petitioners
in this matter. She appointed Major Nesbitt, one
of her executors, specially requestiug his protection
for Miss Leacock, and that he would have her
properly attended to, and taken care of by her com-
panion, Miss Matilda Walker, or by , any other re-
spectable female in that capacity, us her daughter
possessed the means of amply compensating such
persons for their atteations to her. Ile main facts
relied upon in support of the petition were, that
Miss Leacock, now aged about 37 years, had been,
for many years previous to her mother's decease, of
such weak intellect, as to have her meat cut for her
on a plate, and eat it with u spoon; that she had
indulged in, and given expression to, lascivious
fancies, and on occasion imagined that the Duke of
Leinster had passed the night with her, and when
asked how he could have got into the roam, she re-
plied, that he must have come in through the key-
hole, or under the door; that she was addicted to
the use of gross expressions, and other acts of an in-
delicate nature; was subject to violent paroxysms of
insanity, and had often beaten her mother, and had
on one occasion thrown a stone out of the carriage-
window at her coachman's head; that she was so
utterly incapable, from unsoundness of mind, of
managing her own affairs, as never to have been per-
mitted to leave the house unaccompanied by her
companion; and that there was so complete a pro-
stration of intellect, as to render her the ready dupe
of interested and dishonest people, insomuch, that
in August last, she had nearly become the victim of
tut atrocious conspiracy against her person and for-
tune, and was brought to Petet's church, by the
family of her companion, for the purpose of being!
married to Mr. 0. W. Walker, a working jeweller,
and her companion's brother, a lad very little more
than 20 yeas old, but at that part of the service
whet the Minister asked, " Wilt thou have this
man to be thy wedded husband?" Miss Leacock,
to the great dismay, and disappointment of the
youthful hridegroom, responded, " No I" and
immediately quitted the church, and returned
home in her carriage still a spinster: the clergy-
man, who had that morning mulled seven couple,
being fatigued, had not noticed any thing pecculiar in
her manner till she had thus abruptly interrupted
the service. It was also further alleged that Miss
Leacock was wholly under the controls) and influ-
ence of her companion, who was lately married to a
young man of her, own age, of about 23 years old,
named Delleney, and who resided with his wife at
Miss Leacock's, end that the. alleged' lunatic had
been lately worked upon by Mrs. Delleney to in-
crease her salary from 40/. to 1001 per annum. In
support of these allegations, there were examined
three female visitets of Miss Leacock's, two of her
female and one male servant, with two coachmen,
together with Drs. Jackson and Duncan. The ex-
trinsic evidence given on holt sides on this occasion '
waft completely contradictory.
Dr. DuOcan, the first medical witness, confidently
pronounced Miss Leiscock incapable, from unsound-
ness of mind, to manage her own Mits.
Dr. Jackson's opinion was to the same effect. -;
Dr. Crampton had no hesitation in declaring,
after oine visits, that Miss Leacock could not, with;
propriety, be pronounced incapable of managing I.er

from I

own affairs from unsoundness of mind, but S,
timidity or want of energy, occasioned by her se
eluded habits.
Dr. Harty fully confirmed the preceding witnen't
testimony.
Mrs. Delleney was the next witness examined on
behalf of Miss Leaeock ; she admitted that her
husband's name was Delaney, but that at het re-
quest be had adopted the former, because *bethought
it more pretty and genteel. She stated her nge I°
be 23 years, and that she had been residing far the
last niae years with Miss Leacoek, as her companion;
that she had been married about four month.. IT)
her husband was about the same age. as how,.
Mist Letter& had a more retentive memory (him
witness herself, and was equally as sensible, but she
had a d alike to enter into conversation with sow
gen, in consequence of her habitually seellided !Vet
to which the was accustomed by her mother; the
had never seen or heard of Miss Leacock floor
ing a stone at the coachman, or of her haying led
indelicately, but she admitted that Mist Leseouk
had used gross and abusive language to her readier,
to which she was irritated by the continualdrauken•
netts of Mrs. Leacock, and her annoying treatment.
T
p r directirlieeatn:‘d.i toenfreochsses - e'ry axsam
demeanour,f tri nearlytion andsi x ahlioeurlu II nhtinedr her
-
ared from Court, her superior intelligenee, and
ofto
unanimous eulogium.
Master ELLIS addressed tlieweje:r
charge, after which they' consulted for half an hour,
and returned a verdict finding Mary Learock.ot
unsound mind, so as to be incapable of 10144
her own affair. ythei n sbubhjlemeit so
n;

OMINNIIIM......11.1.•••••••••--
........***.....' ." ...."..-
WESTMINSTER SESSIONS, Nov, 6,
-
Thee Sessions commenced they morning before
The
F.
Cossr, Esq. and a full Bench of Magistratet.
Court was crowded to aces, long before tha Chairtrua
entered the Court, in consequence of two appeals can
hn'ing
on
from th" iuhaltitants of S. Margaret and St.
Water
Jos
parishes, Westminsto., and the ass old Chelsea

Works Co' Mpanies.
Viz wssTmiNsras GAs COMrANT V. Tilt ISIIAnITASIS
OP ST. ItAaGAsicT's AND ST. JOHN'S, WeinfitisTss oeri
and
CAairsi:LL and Mr. ALLar were for thee
fur the
Cony
Mr.
Messrs. Gustier and iDOLetiCa wer
appellants:
at kir. GueNey commenced wfdressing the Court hi
tra
v, ed Gentleman bald be ol,ould q
stating that this was an appeal against a deCision 00 tbe
liableln and pipes conveying the gas hoot the gasometer it;,l
Learned be
rated.
In iiiiwiling against this derision,,t, s
' l'er" Pines and the main were liable; &ad rhea °mu
ownhere, in his opinion, this ease differed from them. the
e was the case of the King V. Brighnist t. other
'll
King v. Birmingham ; but he contended that thotig,
!I'm companies w. re liable, as the C‘not of /C,i,:giii
eiders
bast decided their pipes were iced, yet he 'AT-.
Wert d that under the provisions of the illetropohtto
Paving ed te
Act, the main and !rinse could probe consider
n tures, for they were only at the pleasure of that Company,
and Halals h.
. to removed et their diocretion. Pay their
fore, toe Learned Gentleman contended, could tie Om'
di:red only as a casement. He hoti at there" 6
dlfferenee of opinion existing,. the . urt would Allow a
tune two out/tonne.
oar to go to tbe.Kinife Beech. , r
Mr. CAMTBILI. argued et poet length for the ...olio'.
The CuAasuxAU said he had 111Wilys considered the lel
.
quite plain and settles. It was his opinien that te.co.t.
parry were the occupier, of the land through trhir.lt 11
Pipes ran, and were therefore liable to ogee; 'l'll' 1,1
the Learned Counsel wished, he lied no objection to ea
a., ease for the decision of the King's Bench,
mr'dandiog that he (the Chairmao) hail doubt. ~
The Counsel and attorneys far the different ieteir,::
consulted for some time, and ultirostely agreed to red u
question to Mr. Taunton, the ICini.! C°11""
•"•"""'""'.."00
POI.ICE INT6LLIGENCE.
DOW.STREE'r.
t hieri
A man named Puddiford was on Satur..l r .h
before Mr. HALLS with a highway robbery, atttivled in.
ekienes..—The prisoner was rernernled•
trains
iltrillions Athol r, alias Smith, charged hy Llei a
Bolton with baying frudulently disposed
ref lit artertun,,,,,
for 20/, w.s brooglit up in order to he eexamines s :7:
4.5 neither the prosecutor nor any of the witneseee w!r .1:
ran n.tanct., the irtrJre directed dint the priseo!.
wit)! this es•
should be discharged. An arrangetnent, we unde:
yur i
has been effected, by which the prosecutor has reo vi
Possession of his aeceptanceo.
takAe
feet hEht was charged with assaulting another in", Al*
twice, his site. bile in
The --.lthat the defendant met
complainant state, . boot an/
Lineol . • d wit
° 11-inn fields, on Friday nightvitts s
provocation, gave him a good &dating. ~,301.„The
Defendant (in a great passion for a little 11'11:, 'lonia
tact is. this fellow (complainant) ii whit heir".....044 got
intoP°:l'em'ion ;" and I. happening to be undo '1;1; of illy
---o ' good's' and be was sent to Wks P4)410 riiht i.'
goads; hut I ax your Worship whether be lied
Mr. Hau.s.—Crtainly not. -1 i with lir
Defendaut--Well, then, he did, and he de
"eel' night, and I heard of it while I Ivo in ' 'it ,-„t i viii
I swore I would --- well whop him wheo I gi)..:l i tojok
meeting him last night, I gave him a bellyful' ; a"
I carved hitn right. into year
Mr. HALLS--But you must not take the la
own hands. ~,,,jo and
Pt!'
Defendant—The law took me into its ".—,ete' rSo' the
me in '' quid;" se, at all events, 1 PIN
compliment.
Defendant teas 'ls
110tdereltoos/d !;gu-
- - AT-, ...air°
TUE UNITED SERVICE JoutolP-to vie
article entitled " The Late ?Military Operetirs,,p„olici
and Brussels," i
-" the present number of this rlin'e'd the
Periodical, examines into the Capita of the i'lluro 1091
I„l°Y4 troops in both piaces.....zios, on ieeor:1001.11
itr.ont the Journal of a Naval officer; ronveY too 0'
t7..e:raisfnd practical view of the affairs oq--p,01401,-;
that country', military, mars 's- r" 100 °
Original ar
.....thgat.O.tll 0ra1.,"
Anecdotes of the Binpernr L'i
of the
most characteristic and dop in,terwii", ke their
extant of the " World's great Victor,' 11;7 -11 nt wi li'd
Pular anecdotes of Bo • 1141 1-41
Bcc°ll
Wlltigi
nevoluti in Belgium. tittittg"lt e A • source" ~..
°n
from an authentic loot ,
read at the present moment with the decPtittelos of this
Journal, which
only a few of the interesting ro°,oloio the
public whichdeservedly holds tio WO 1 _
estimation. .
13)1,4104am IFi p
ofo
sms
gys
is
wife
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t_a_DA?
little
fellow,
about
fog

Rk
MARRIED. r
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alui
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4.
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t,FO
itattlh:l,l4iiet,eol4oo4.64h4,tilithhberl n'RTH 1. y::::eiory,
jun., mil of a
son. - f
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the
hooryu;isonnof3tyugt.iyt.nrjge.aoutfavrnrtelds.Dio:ea:::::::l3:;ignoinjognlre.tiotil,tri,,,nri
of Kijmir daughter of the late r
=rhos, George Dolphin, F. (A, r the
U°°'
patty's ship lierwicks4. 4'
" cori
4001
get t years. 01 A'
On the bth cart, a. hie
Sztutz, E.g. wino at
On the
sth init. at Clapham, G. Stevenson, P 4" 14

t, is 137t1s year.
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A, . EAST. INIMA.--PEATEIS. _ „or/ 0
O,AI "eon*, Ato 2:t, A. Sterling, F0ti.....%5.71;tf„„ get,
r overnment in the Persian Department "m" "if‘r.
retary to Government in the Secret ad Polities.
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irged SS, v a pifib
At Karriptee, of small April 27, Lieut. - .
At Colaba, April Hi, of p irIUXIIC Cholel* i
W. tilisirp. bladras. EuropesoP.Begiment. . . .o,lo`.
At Akyatt, April 29 C,pt. T SV. Frith, '
, lit. . 'le t'f,
meat r.l. , moo', Iri kV,
At llingalore.April 17. - 'toting"
Lltut* NI3Yno. H. M. Itoysl Itegiment, tio)" ,opiliPt
of Col. Armstrong, C. 13. and K. C. T. B.'l'4* f
that station.
At Colombo, Ceylon, May 1, Lieut. g• 114(}k‘ 01it, of
his Majesty's sth Begin:eat, son of L'rut`' ,
oiiis
biackenzie, aged 20. .2 son of C'
At Csieutta, ',lay 19,.1. N. i)ird, ,sii. ,
Ew1...• of l'hilaileipiliN,..fd 24. ----'t
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.'airmen- awn PUBLIIIIIM BY 1111JP.'"' i ‘,.:41,050
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