The Sun.
London, England, 1862-10-24 00:00:00

EXTRAORDINARY DEATH OF A YOUNG

WOMAN AT BLACKERIA

An inquiry was held by Mr. H. Raffles Walthew,
the deputy-coroner, at the George and Dragcn
Tavern, High-street, Shadwell, on Wednesday
evening, respecting the death of Hannah Brooks,
aged 18 years, who lost her life at Paul's Wharf-
pier, on Friday week, under the following circum-
stances .

Mrs. Hannah Brooks, Bridge-street, Blackfriars,
said that deceased was her daughter, and for the
last twelve months had lived with John Archer, a
lighterman's apprentice, as his wife. They lived
happily until three months ago, when Archer be-
came jealous of her. It appeared that deceased met
a young man named Sandford, and a girl named
Elizabeth Legge. Sandford invited her to take a
glass of ale, and while she was partaking of it she
saw Archer looking at her through the window in
a manner which caused her to become dreadfully
alarmed. She ran home to No. 134, Broadwall,
Blackfriars-road. Archer followed her, and said
to her three times. "Is that you ?" He then
knocked her down and beat her cruelly. She got
up and ran out, as she afterwards said, to make
away with herself, but her landlord, Mr. Farlan,
followed and prevented her. Archer said that he
was determined to have no more to do with her,
and that she should either go into service or to the
workhouse. About a fortnight before her death he
beat her during the night on board the barge on
the river. On last Friday week deceased came to
witness and said that she had procured continuous
employment which would enable her to separate
from Archer, and so end her misery, and that sbe
saw her way to be happy again. It was then 10
o'clock at night; witness saw her n o more. The
next morning Archer called upon witness, and said
that at 12 o'clock on the previous night deceased
had drowned herself at St. Paul's-wharf-pier. He
stated that she asked to go on board the barge he
WAS minding, and that he refused, as the barge was
not his. She then got over the iron gates at the
pier, and said, "You shall see me no more." She
looked up and down the river, and then ran along
the dummy barge, stooped u.nder the chain, and
plunged into the water. He jumped in after her,
and she caught him by the coat. He swam with his
right hand, but finding that she was being sucked
under the barge, he was obliged to let her go.
Witness received information the same afternoon
that a boy had seen Archer beat deceased on the
wharf in the middle of the night in question, and
that she reproached him for the black eyes and
other injuries ha had inflicted on her on previous
occasions. Quarrelling and cries were heard. Wit-
ness stated that deceased had been compelled by
injuries received through Archer's kicking her to
wear a truss; but that she was so devoted to him
that, when witness endeavoured. to get her to part
from him, she
said
dthat the injuries arose only
through lifting ights
Wm. Turner that last Monday morning he
we.
found the body of the deceasehdafldvvoaetliln!
Hinethgeotritvhee
river
off Bell Wharf-pier, Lower s
body ashore, and gaveinformation of the affair to
Mr
James
sn
utrhleeyc,oraonlietrt'lse
boy, said that he was a
messages" JackJack- in - tBcehe: On last Friday wa t
(1-, agt
week
er.
) heH ewawsenintindo f.
ing a barge on the river,
and he noticed a man ann
a woman come down the pier quarrelling, but he
odd not hear what they said. She put up her hand

to protect herself from him, and caught his hat.
He saw no more that was liken blow, the night being
very dark. He saw deceased jump into the water.
By the Jury—Witness had seen but had not
spoken to Archer before the assembling of the court.
Archer was not standing 'by the side of deceased
when she jumped in. Archer did not throw her
into the water, or push her in. Archer was rescued
by the captain of a neighbouring barge, and said at
first that he did not know why she had plunged into
the water, but afterwards said he had caught her
with a young man, and that as he (Archer) would
not forgive her, she committed suicide.
Dr. J. Brown Ross said there were considerable
marks of violence on the head of deceased. Death,eve, resulted from immersion in the water.
howr

The Coroner said he should adjourn the Court for
the production of further evidence, and he considered
that in the meanwhile the police ought to interfere
and detain the man.

The proceedings, which were very protracted,
were then accordingly adjourned.

711 E GREAT "DEERFOOT" BUBBLE
EXPLODED.

WANDSWORTH COUNTY COURT.-THURSDAY.

HOWITT V. MARTIN.

This was an action in which the plaintiff sued in
his proper name to recover a sum for wages due.
Wm. Howitt is known in the sporting world as
Jackson, the " American Deer." It appeared that
the defendant, Martin, had engaged the " Deer'
to go with the "human circus," as likely to draw
from the great name that Jackson had acquired.
From the evidence adduced the speculation was a
failure, and when they came to Peterborough, the
" clan" was summarily dismissed, with a promise on
the part of Mr. Martin to pay hereafter, and to
make up for all past deficiencies.
The plaintiff was examined by Mr. Haynes, and
said that he bad been in the sporting world for
many years, and was engaged by the defendant,
who had agreed to give him a certain sum.
By the Judge—What is your name?
Plaintiff—l am better known as Jackson.
His Honour—l know. You are generally called
the American Deer.

Plaintiff—Just so, your honour. The plaintiff
then went into a minute history of his engagement
with Martin, the proprietor of the circus ; how at
Peterborough the business had been so bad that de-
fendant said he must leave the balance till more pros-
perous times; and this, with only £2 paid out of
£4 for one week's salary, made up the claim of £6,
fur which the famed "Deer" sought to recover.
Mr. G. Martin, the defendant,was next examined,
and flatly denied that he owed the plaintiff any-
thing. He did not remember anything, had no me-
morandum of anything, and had he been forced to
bring his papers it would have required a sack to
hold them. So far the affair would have ended, but
the professional gentlemen elicited that men who
could give Deerfoot lung starts were to run in cer-
tain positions; that the Indian was to win to keep
up the excitement; that by a move of his book, pre-
concerted, Martin, while apparently keeping the
rounds, was to give the office whether to go " slower
or faster," as the case might be.
John Brighton, the celebrated runner, and Richd.
Lewis, gave their evidence, the latter especially
being complimented for his straightforward manner.
Their evidence did not, however, in any way affect
the merits of the case.

Mr. Haynes made a powerful address on behalf
of his client, the American Deer.

His Honour—The affair is altogether illegal, and
this exposure ought to open the eyes of the public.
Mr. Haynes—l was afraid, and told my client so,
that the fact of his agreeing to run second, third, or
fourtheould act against him. But here is an im-
plied contract between master and servant; and I
leave it to your Honour's decision.
The Judge (Mr. Frazer) then said—l have heard
the statement of Jackson, the plaintiff ; and notwith-
standing the defendant and his witnesses I must
believe what the American Deer has said, and my
duty would be to order that the defendant at once
pay over the £6 claimed. Here is an agreement
made by the defendant to run false races, and men
like Jackson are compelled to allow the Indian to
win.

The Judge (addressing Jackson)—l would at once
order the money to be paid to you, which I am cer-
tain is your due, and much regret that a man of
your fame as a pedestrian should lend yourself to
such a dishonourable transaction. I will take time
to consider the decision I will ultimately give, but
all your expenses will be allowed; and should m 7
decision be adverse to your getting the money, you
will then have an opportunity of taking it to en"
other tribunal. I understand, Jackson, that You
have been threatened by the defendant, if any one
molests you I will commit them. .for a month, and
the officer shall see you safe to the station_

GOUNIIII 111ARA.biAS.

,~,.__.

MANCHESTER —0 CT. 23.
This morning the best samples of English wheat were
taken more freely at fully last areek's rates; for American
winter red there was also a better demand at an advance of
2d to 3d per 1 01b., while other sorts were quite as dear•
Flour still experienced a slow sale, at about former prices•
Other articles commanded late rates.

BIRMINGHAM—OcT. 23,
At this day's market there was a very fair supply of
English wheat, which sold at 51s to 60s for white, and 400
to 56s per 36 stone for red, • Barley, 26s to 42s per qr•
Oats, 26s to 30s per 30 stone. Beans, 41s to 44s per 36 et.
Peas, 40s to 48s per 36 stone.