The Sun.
London, England, 1837-02-07 00:00:00

CRIMINAL COURT.-(THIS DAY.)

OLD COURT.
James Skrecne was indicted for attempting to cut the throat
of Captain Thomson, of the brig Harriet, on the high seas,
within the jurisdiction of the Admiralty Court.
It appeared in evidence, that on the 3d of April, 1836, the
accused went on board the brig Harriet, in the port of Lon-
don, as second mate, on a voyage to Trinidad. When about
six weeks at sea, he proposed to the Captain to run the vessel
into the Brazils and there sell the freight and crew. He said
he would find a purchaser, and that it could easil3 be accom-
plished, as there were only two of the crew of whom he was
afraid. The prosecutor objected, and on the 12th of May he
was about mentioning the circumstance to the men on
.board,
when they told him that they were not satisfied with the pri-
soner's conduct, and did not consider him fit to act as mate.
Nothing however was done, and on the evening of the
17th of May, between eight and nine o'clock, the Captain
and steward were sitting in the cabin, when the former
cbserved the prisoner looking in at the door, and said he did
not wish to see him. The prisoner rushed into the cabin,
seized the prosecutor, drew a knife and cut him from the
mouth to the ear. The accused was then bound to a spare
topmast, and brought to Trinidad, whence he was conveyed
to England.

On the cross-examination of the witnesses it appeared that
the prisoner during the month of May seemed under the im-
pression that the crew intended taking away his life, and his
conduct throughout was such as to indicate an aberration of
intellect.

Mr. DOANF. addressed the jury on behalf of tho prisoner,
contending, that at the time of the occurrence he was in an
unsound state of mind.

BRIGHTON-MONDAY.

Their Majesties availed themselves of the delightful change
of the weather, and took a carriage drive this aftei noon.
The Princess Augusta has been confined to her apartment
in the palace since Saturday, with a cold.
Earl Bowe, Lord Chamberlain to the Queen, quitted the
palace this morning for town.
Among the calls at the palace to-day are—Lieutenant-
Generalßaron Reynardson, Colonel Sir George and Lady
Teesdale and Miss Stewart, Lord James Stuart, Mrs. Con-
cannon, Lieutenant-General Sir John Taylor, Vice- Admiral
Sir T. and Lady Rodd, Colonel Sir W. Tuyll, Lieutenant
and Mrs. Pratt, Lieutenant and Mrs. James, and the Marquis
of Bristol.

The Queen attended divine service yesterday evening, at
the Palace Chapel. Earl Howe (Lord Chamberlain) and
the Countess of Mayo (lady in waiting) were in the Royal
closet with her Majesty. Prayers were read by the Rev. R.
Wood, and the Rev. J. S. M. Anderson preached from St.
John, c. '2, v. :35.

The Royal dinner invitations yesterday evening were limited
to Lord and Lady Wharneliffe.
Sir Robert and Lady Otway gave their farewell entertain-
ment on Friday evening, to a large and distinguished circle of
the limit ton. Among the company were the Duke of St.
Albans, Lady Herbert Taylor, Lady Herrict Manners Sutton,
Lord Westmoreland, Lady Hampson, Lady Trollop°, Lady
Cator. ire. Dancing was kept up with great spirit to the
band d Mr. C. F. Blagrove.
Tkto Earl and Countess of Kinnoul left Brighton this morn-
ing for their house in town. Sir Frederick and Lady Hervey
Bathurst, who have been staying a short time on a visit to Mrs.
Fitzherbert, also left for town this morning.
Sir Robert Otway went to town yesterday.
The Dutch Minister and Madame Dedel left Brighton this
morning, on their return to town.