The Sun.
London, England, 1838-04-10 00:00:00

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.

OLD COURT.
TRIAL OF E. MIRES FOR ARSON.
(Concluded from The Sun of Yesterday.)
At a quarter-past three o'clock Mr. KELLY proceeded to
reply to the evidence produced on the part of the prisoner.
He concluded a most able and forcible address by calling upon
the Jury, if they entertained any fair and reasonable doubt of
the prisoner's guilt, to give him the benefit of it; but if, on
the contrary, they thought the case made out to their satisfac-
tion, it would then be their duty to the public and their con-
science, to return a verdict of guilty.
The Loan CHIEF JUSTICE then commenced summing up
the evidence at six o'clock, and concluded at eight.
The Jury, after beinc, absent about two hours and a half,
returned into Court, and pronounced a verdict of Guilty.
The Court was crowded during the latter part of the trial,
and the result was waited for with the greatest anxiety.

NEW COURT.

THE TRIAL OF THOMAS WILLIAMS, ESQ., OF BRYNBRAS CASTLE,

AND OTHERS, FOR FORGERY.

(Continued from The Sun of Saturday. )
The prisoner having been accommodated with a chair, the
witnesses were called.
Mr. Parkinson, a solicitor, produced a deed, dated Dec. 8,
1838, to which the deceased and others were parties.
Mr. Edward Oldfield, an attorney residing in Devonshire,
was the attesting witness to the deed and other documents at-
tached to it. It is a deed relating to the raising of 42,0001.
The Attorney-General handed some papers to the witness
which he said were written by his brother and signed by his
father. Knows a person of the name of Hugh Thomas, and
that a Miss Lewis married Mr. Panton the younger.
Mr. Jones, the attorney to the deceasod, produced a deed,
the parties to which were Jones Panton, sen., J. Panton, jun.,
Miss L. Lewis. Elizabeth Lewis, and the Rev. Henry Row-
land. He also produced a will, executed by the deceased in
Nov., 1828. Some codicils were acpended, and the docu-
ments were attested by the same parties.
By the A. TTORNEY- GENERAL—Is not aware that there was
another will made in 1834. Had not been so informed by
Mr. Williams, of Beaumaris. Does not know when Jones
Panton, the eldest son of the testator, died.
To Sir W, FOLLETT—There were two copies taken of the
will. Has had the document in his possession since 1829,
when the codicil was executed.
Mr. Wm. Bogie, an attorney at Beaumaris, proved that he
was the attesting witness to the will produced, which was duly
executed in the presence of three witnesses.
The will was here put in and read, the date being Nov. 5,
1898. It commenced by reciting a deed of settlement to
which the five persons before recited were the several parties.
The codicil was also read, dated Nov. 11, 1829, wherein the
testator devised his unsettled property to his mule and female
children in equal shares.
Thos. Williams, Esq. is an attorney at Carnarvon, and his
daughter married Mr. Panton, the prosecutor, in 1832. Wit-
ness prepared the second codicil (produced) in the year 1831,
and he and his two clerks, of the name of ()Wield, attested it
when executed by the testator. This document revoked part
of the bequests named in the previous testament, and consti-
tuted his fourth son heir and sole executor (viz., the prose-
cutor), revoking the previous joint appointment of his other
children.

.....__ _
The witness stated that he prepared another codicil on the
29th of May, 1833, by the direction of the deceased. It, among
other things, revoked a bequest of 4001. to Lauretta Maria Wil-
liams, and reducing the sum to 2001.
By Sir W. FOLLETT—The son of witness had been Un-
der-Sheriff. Mr. Panton, the deceased, was a man of great
property. Was aware when his daughter married the prose-
cutor what interest he had in the will. They have only one
child living. They lived on terms of great affection with the
deceased; the grandchild was a great fay.-iurite. Never was
aware of any change of affection down to the time of his death
—the 26th of May last. Witness saw him on the 12th ; re-
ceived a letter requesting him to take the will to the mansion

iss
give hed to ie
, of the deceased. It had been in his posaassion over since the
execution of the last codicil ; they
fit:ae sr aileclocdhicilidl.
were ,read over to him.
At that time there was an apparent change it:
hidied at the age cf 74. The deceased said he a"
Mrs. Williams 2,0001. instead of 2001., on the fo."
He said he wished to give to Barton's daughter. his
3,000/., to be payable at the age of 21. He said, not'•
do it to-day, you shall do it some time else." No thirel per.
son was present at this conversation. Mr. Barton Pan,:oll
afterwards came in, and the will having been sealed up, the
deceased said to him, " Here, take my last will and codicils—
take and keep them."
George Bettys, examined by Mr. PITILLIPS.-Witness is a
slate-merchant, at Carnarvon. Remembers the late Mr.
Panton. Had been employed as the negteciator respecting the
marriage of one of his daughters, which, v.ehen consummated,
was approved of. Was on intimate terms wa;th the deceased.
Was a frequent guest at his house in the hunt:ug season. A
room in the house was called by the name of tNitness. He
always appeared to be very fond of the prosecutor, his wife,
and child. Remembers being engaged to go to Clnesier races
last year with the deceased, but h did not go, as Mr. Panton
complained of a severe cold. He (Mr. Bettys) remained
with him, and partook of breakfast with the family the next
morning. He told his son to go to the library and bring
down a roll of papers, and he did so. The deceased soid,
" Here, Barton, are receipts for stock and funds to tbe
amount of 29,0001. or 30,0001.," adding, " Now, Barton, I
think you have staid at home from the races for some purpose,
for I have given you all the money I have got in the house, and
at Hollywell and Mould's, the hankers."' He also told him ho
gave him all the arrears of rent due on the respective estates.
He also said, " I also give you all my inteaest in canal and
mine shares, as well as all my plate, books, wire (handing the
key of the cellar), my farming stock, and all my personalities
of every kind." He enjoined his son to take care of Anne and
little Missey (meaning Mrs. and Miss Panton), observing
" that he would not be long with them." Had an interview
with Mr. Ramsay Williams, the father of Mrs. Barton Pa nton,
on the subject of this conversation. He said to witaiess,
" When you called upon me previous to the marriage of
my son with Miss Williams, I said if they lived with me
until my death they should have the bulk of my property. Now
you have seen my promise realised." Saw the deceased
on the 13th of May. He died on the 26th of that month.
Was with him closely down to the day of his death, and at-
tended the funeral, to which the prisoner came very late, and
he was not seen after the mourners left the churchyard. It is
the custom in Wales to read the will of the deceased person on
returning to the residence. The will was not read owing to
the mysterious absence of the prisoner. Knows the prisoner's
handwriting. These papers (marked Nos. 3,4, and 5) were
written by him. These were notes sent by the prisoner to the
prosecutor. The first desired a speedy day to he appointed
for a settlement. The next was to the same effect, urging
despatch on account of the illness of his wire; and the other,
threatening to enter a caveat against any will which he (Mr.
Panton) might prove. Knows the handwriting of Me. Wil-
liams, the prisoner's brother. Tire will was read some days
after the funeral. The prisoner was there, and made serve
extracts from it. Ile could have seen the date of it. He
took the dates of the will and codicils. The body of this
paper, Nos. 1,2, and 3, are all in the prisoner's handwriting ;
as are Nos. 4,5, and 6. No. 7 he can form no *belief on.
No. 8 clearly is, as well as Nos. 10 and 11 ; but he cannot
form opinion as to No. 9.
By Mr. JERVIS—Has known the prisoner a number of years,
and has often seen him write. Has corresponded and settled
accounts with him. His niece married one of Mr. Panton's
sons. Does not remember ever to have seen the deceased
write. He was a very reserved man. He was former:y con-
nected with her Majesty's Customs. (The witness was here
called upon to state the conversation addressed by the de-
ceased to his son in the first person, which he did with amazing
accuracy.) Cannot recollect whether lie had told Mr. Ram-
sey Williams of the conversation before tire date of the last
codicils. Witness was appointed committeeman of one of the
estates, with a Mr. Jones. Once had the management of the
estate of Lord Newborough. Had not been discharged. Was
originally an innkeeper. Mr. Ramsey Williams objected to
his daughter marrying the prosecutor, because he did not want
to part with her.
[Nine out of the eleven documents before referred to were
now read by the clerk of the Court.]
John Bean, examined by Sir W. Foal-Err—l am clerk to
the register in Doctors' Commons. I received these docu-
ments on the 22d of July lost, and lodged them on the file in
the proper place. I did not observe any pencil marks on
them then. They were afterwards sent into Wales, and when
they were returned again I saw pencil marks.
Upon the application of Sir W. Follett, his Lordship di-
rected the Jury to retire to some room where there was a
strong light, and the attorney and a junior barrister on each
side were to accompany them in order to point out what arc
deemed to be pencil marks, but they were directed to hold no
conversation with them. _ _ _

Mr. JERVIS came into Court, and said the Jury bad tried
several sorts of light, but they could find none better than that
admitted by the windows over their own box.
While they were absent his Lordship inquired what length
of time the case was likely to last?
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said there was not the slightest
chance of going into the defence to-night.
His LORDSHIP intimated he would sit until eight o'clock,
and then, if the case for the prosecution was nearly closed, he
would wait an hour longer.
The Jury returned, and examined the papers in Court by
the aid of a magnifying-glass, and an engraver, who was not
aliow•ed to speak out what the words, letters, and marks were.
The inspection occupied a considerable time.
Mr. R. W. Jennings stated that he is an appointed exami-
ner in the Prerogative Court. He examined the paper; now
produced, and could trace several words which had been writ-
ten in pencil, and attempts had been made to obliterate them.
He could trace the marks b,Ler than now, as they have be-
come fainter by frequent handling.
Mr. Halland, an engraver, had examined the papers pro-
duced by the aid of a mirror, and discovered a variety of pencil
marks on some of them, which were not discoverable with the
naked eye. Is able now to point out many letters and figures
on some of them. The pencil marks appear to have been
rubbed out.

Sir W. FOLLETT-Are you able to describe the letters and
words you discover on No. 2 ?
ATTORNEY-GENERAL—Don't answer that question.

The Learned Gentleman again objected to the admissibility
of this evidence. It was widening a rule which the Judges
generally seemed disposed to. narrow. The witness ( Mr. Hal-
land) states that he thinks he sees (and which the Jury cannot
see); they ought to see, and judge for themselves.
Sir W. FOLLETT contended that the witness ought to be
heard, because he had discovered certain words, lines, and
letters on the paper, and was able to verify the result of his
investigation on oath.

After a further discussion Mr. Baron PARKE went and con-
sulted Lord Chief Justice TINDAL in the Old Court.

On his return his Lordship said the Court was agreed that
the witness's evidence was admissible. He might state the
fact, and the Jury might make what use of it they pleased.
Mr. Halland then proceeded to state the pencil marks ho
found on the papers. On No. I I see the letter n, part of
a, and the whole of p, making nap. I can see the word
" Bishopsgate," " follows in large letters, between two
pencil lines. I can also see the words " Cursitor Street,"
and a double line drawn underneath. I could also see the
words "ground lot" written in smaller characters; also c. u.
r. ; but what follows is illegible. The words" vacant ground"
are also manifest.

It having become dusk his Lordship proposed postponing
the further investigation of these papers until to-morrow
(this day).
Mrs. Ann Panton, examined by Mr. Pinups—Witness is
the wife of the prosecutor, and lived with her father-in-law
from her marriage to his death. Remembered a person bringing
a letter in November before his death. The bearer was Hugh
Thomas. The old gentleman desired witness to fetch the
key of the library, and bring 751., and she did so. He desired
witness to fold it up and direct the envelope to Mrs. Williams,
and delivered it to the messenger. Remembers the 7th of
May, being a Sunday, and the morning being wet. She did
not go out, as she was unwell. Her own father did not call
on her father-in-law on that day. He and her husband lived
on terms of great affection with the deceased. He was very
fond of her child.

By the ATTORNEY-GENERAL-She was on that day, but
the deceased was in the same state of health he had been some
time before.

The witness then confirmed a great part of the evidence of
her husband and father when undergoing a long cross-exami-
nation by the Attorney-General. She stated that she knows
the handwriting. The signature to scrip No. 8, appears a
good deal like his. Has no doubt of it. Does not think the
writing of scrip 9is so much like it. In some places it is, and
in others not. " Th" in Thomas is not like his. Never saw
this scrip before. The word " debtor" is not like his, nor a
very good imitation. No. 7, written in pencil, is very like his
writing. Has no doubt but he wrote it.

The Court now adjourned until ten o'clock this morning, and
ordered the jury to be locked up. Some of the gentlemen
looked rather dissatisfied on hearing this communication.

The Anniversary Dinner of the " Newspaper Press
Benevolent Association," which was appoiKted to take place
on the 28th instant, is, we understand, postponed to Saturday
the 9th of June.

ONE DAY'S TRIALS IN STAFPORD.—SIX difFe-
rent persons were tried in sir distinct cases of felonious as-
saults upon females, or upon charges of attempts at the com-
mission of that offence. In four of the cases the parties were
convicted of misdemeanor, in one there was an acquital, and in
the remaining one a father is condemnned to death fort
felonious assault on his own daughter. The prisoners
in two of the cases are boys, not more than fifteen
or sixteen years old, and the parties convicted varied in
grade from a master shoemaker to a chimney-sweeper's boy.
These cases were followed by the conviction of a woman for
poisoning her grandson, and if the day had been long enough,
that trial would have been followed by the trial of another
female for the murder of her own off.pring-. However, the
time did not allow that case to be included in this day of hor-
rors, and it was therefore fixed fur next mo-niog. Can it be
said that Staffordshire shows any improvement in the moral
state of the people, or any (liminution either in the number or
the magnitude of crimes?—North Derbyshire Chronicle.
On Saturday evening, on the return of thehßchoyhaerl
PALrjteystfyromsatthseudddepnelrya:btrhoc rinkeintguriolfintghe lrtheeerojargn: inrofw Marlbo-
rough House into the iron gates of St. James's Palace.. we
are happy to state her Majesty experienced no further incon-
venience than exposure to the cold air. The Lord Cham-
berlain and Lord in Waiting immediately alighted from their
carriage, which then conveyed her Majesty in safety to
Buckingham Palace.

BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY,

FURTHER. OPENING OF THE LON.
DON AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY.

(BY EXPRESS.)
In consequence of the late hour at which the train ar-
rived last night, we were unable, from the necessity of
saving post, to give more than a limited notice of the
further extension of this great lino of Railway. As the
subject is one of much importance to the public, we now
proceed to add such further details as may be generally in-
teresting.

(From our Second Edition of last night.)
Considerable progress has been made in this most important
undertaking since the opening of the first portion of the line
from London to Tring, a distance of thirty-one and a half
miles. Yesterday morning a further portion, to Denbigh Hall,
making in all forty-eight miles from London, was for the first
time opened to the public, and a great number of persons
prompted by curiosity or led by business, started with the half-
past seven o'clock train, from the station at Euston-square.
At this terminus the entrance gates, and other buildings con-
nected with the depot, have progressed very rapidly since our
last notice, and when completed they will present a very
elegant and appropriate appearance. The police arrange
merits, as indeed is the case with all the Railway lines
which have hitherto been opened, are excellent, and
tend much to the security and comfort of the passengers. Some
inconvenience arose from the tickets given at the different
c7a-cT-Coffices in London not being numbered, but this is a mat-
ter which can be easily remedied.
At a few minutes after the time appointed, the train, which
was of great length, left the station, and proceeded at a very
rapid rate up the inclined plane. The delay in attaching the rope
is much less than at the outset, and the plan is, we understand,
found to work extremely well. The carriages have lamps af-
affixed to obviate the inconvenience arising from passing
through the tunnels. We may observe here that much has
been said of the nuisance of tunnels, but it appeared to us that,
with the exception of the temporary darkness, and a slight
change in the temperature; not very remarkable at this season,
wt did not observe any thing to which the most fastidious or
delicate traveller could object.
After passing under the Edgware-road at Kilburn, the
line proceeds along Kensal-green, between which and Worm-
wood Scrubbs, a second short tunnel occurs. From this to the
first station at Harrow, the traveller proceeds through the
diversified and richly cultivated landscape which the imme-
diate neighbourhood of the meveeplis presents.
Having passed the next station, the great Watford Tun-
nel with its lofty shafts appears in view. This tunnel
is nearly a mile in length, and is one of the most extra-
ordinary efforts of engineering skill that can be imagined.
The average time occupied in passing through is 2A- minutes.
The train arrived at Tring, the former temporary terminus
of the line, at half-past nine, having performed the distance in
somewhat less than two hours. From this point the line in-
clines more to the northward, leaving Cheddington and Ilenti-
more to the left. The first three or four miles of the new
portion is carried by cuttings to a considerable depth through
a loose sandy soil, and thence along a rich agricultural valley
to Leighton Buzzard, which it leaves about half a mile to the
right. At this station there is another tunnel of nearly a fur-
long in length, being the only one which occurs on the newly-
opened portion of the line.
The present terminus is at Denbigh Hall, a little
hamlet about two miles beyond Fenny Stratford, on the
high road to Stoney Stratford, which is here crossed
at an elevation of about 30 feet, by a lofty and elegant viaduct.
The train reached Denbigh Hall at 25 minutes past ton—the
last stage, 164 miles long, having been accomplished in 50
minutes. The day was uncommonly fine, and along the
line, particularly the newly opened portion, the crowds
were immense, every village and hamlet pouring out
its inhabitants, who greeted the novel and extraordinary
visitor as it passed along with loud and repeated cheer-
ing. At Denbigh Hall the whole population of
the surrounding districts appeared to have con-
gregated, and, in default of better accommodation,
there being no regular inn or hotel in the neighbourhood,
the itinerant vendors of sandwiches, rolls, pies, and other
dainties, reaped an abundant harvest. A large tent was
erected close to the station in the event of unfavourable wea-
ther, and here the passengers for Birmingham were trans-
ferred to coaches and other vehicles, which had been pro-
vided for that purpose.

BIRMINGHAM, MONDAY MORNINO,

The °riling cf this great line of railway communication
from Birmingham to the metropolis, which for some months
past has been looked forward to with much interest, took place
this ddy at nine o'clock, A.M. Although the line may now
be sail to be open, there still remains a distance of thirty-
seven miles, from Rugby to Denbigh Hail, unfinished, over
which passengers and their luggage are conveyed by coaches
altogether under the control and direction of the Railway
Company. The intermediate coaching distance will, it is
expected, gradually diminish as the works advance, till the
will° line is completed, when a perfect railway communica-
tion, with its numerous tributary branches, north and south,
will extend from one side of the island to the other, thus bring-
ing within ten hours' travel, ani connecting, two of the great-
est sea-ports in the world.

Since the termination of the late severe frost, which cau7cd
serious interruption to their operations, the utmost exertion;
have been made by the engineer and the contractors to for
ward the works, and throw the line open to the public as early
as possible; but the difficulties have been found more formi-
dable than were anticipated, and although the road between
Birmingham and Rugby on the one side, and Londcn and
_ _

Denbigh Hall on the other, may now be said to be is the most
complete working order, still there are many parts of the line,
as regards embellishments and erections, unfinished, particu-
larly at the Birmingham end. The buildings in course of
erection at the point where the Grand Junction and Birming-
ham and London meet, are on a truly magnificent and exten-
sive teals, and when finishcA will cover an area of about twenty
acres of ground. This, however, will comprise a spacious
enclosed yard and stores for warehousing goods, a large en-
gine house, capable of holding sixteen engines, with their
tenders. At the entrances to this building are two immense
tanks, which, when filled, contain two hundred tons of water,
supplied by the Birmingham Waterworks Company. There
is likewise on this area a beautiful range of booking•offices,
with separate waiting-rooms at either end for the passengers
by the first and second class carriages. ln addition to these
buildings, there is a noble edifice in course of erection at the
main entrance to the station, intended as a general office for
the meetings of the Directors, and a suite of rooms on the
ground floor, which is set apart far refreshments, supplied to
the passengers by Nlr. Dee, of the Royal Hotel. One of the
most striking features at the grand station (which is not more
than three-parts of a mile from the principal coach-offices and
hotels), is the magnificent shedding, supported by elegant
pillars, erected by Mr. Bramah, the extreme lightness and
beauty of which excites general admiration. It is capable of
covering not less than sixty carriages, and is built on the same
plan as that at the Euston-square terminus, but is much more
spacious ; and being erected subsequently to the one just
named, may be supposed to have received every improvement
of which the design was susceptible. It may, perhaps.
be as well here to state that the Commissioners of Bir-
mingham intend to clear away several of the narrow
and filthy streets in the immediate neighbourhood of the
station, forming a grand thoroughfare to the centre of the
town, and from the spirit with which the plan is taken up,
there is every reason to believe that it will be conceived and
executed in a spirit worthy of the body with which it origi-
nates, and the great undertaking which called it into existence.
To work the seventy miles of road now opened, the Com-
pany have already at their command about twenty-six power-
ful engines, a supply of steam power which, there is little rea-
son to doubt, will obviate much of that inconvenience, and pre-
vent many of those accidents which have marked the working
of the Grand Junction line. Availing themselves of the hints
which these mishaps have suggested, the Directors have like-
wise a numerous and effective body of police, who are placed
under the direction of an active, experienced, and intelligent
superintendent. The men on this establishment have
been carefully selected—they are dressed in a green uni-
form, are remarkably respectful in their behaviour, and are
placed along the whole extent of line, almost within hail of
each other, so that the slightest obstruction on the rails is
immediately detected, and should accident or interruption
occur to the trains passiug up or down, the intelligence can
be conveyed to the next station with a rapidity outstripping
even the powers of steam.
The first train started precisely at three minutes past nine,
(London time) and as it cleared the station, was greeted with
hearty cheers by immense crowds of persons who had assem-
bled on every point which could command a view of its pro-
gress. At thirteen minutes past nine the train passed the
Yardley viaducts, moving through a beautiful country at a
rapid rate this portion of the line being on an in-
clination of 1 in 330 inches. Soon after leaving
Yardley, a passing view of the village and church of
Coleshill was afforded to the left, while the village of Sheldon
lay in the valley on the other side. After leaving Sheldon.
the train passes Partington, the seat of the Earl of Aylesford.
The house or park is not, however, seen from the line, lying
at least a mile and a half to the left. At twenty-two minutes

past nine, the train crossed under the Coventry turnpike-road,
having now accomplished about eight miles of the journey, at
the rate of four-and-twenty miles an hour. Passing Bicken-
hill, which lies to the right, a momentary view is obtained of
the spire of the Church, as also of the village of Hampton-in-
Arden. After passing this point, a distant view of the village
of Nlerriden, on a pleasant bill, is obtained to the right, with
Barston also on the right. The long embankment of about
two miles, after passing Hampton in Arden, though still on an
inclined plane, was crossed with much caution. On reaching
the deep cutting at the village of Barkswell, the speed was
considerably increased, previous to arriving at which the
nearest turnpike-road to Kenilworth is passed, the village,
with its celebrated ruins, lying about five miles to the right.
After leaving this point the train proceeds through fertile
pastures and well-wooded land, and it was not a little amusing
to observe the cattle scampering " tails erect" across the fields,
evidently not a little surprisTd and perplexed at this invasion
of their own domain. As the train approached Coventry num-
bers of persons lined the embankments on both sides of the
road, and the various bridges crossing the line, and the train
reached the Station, eighteen and a quarter miles from Bir-
mingham, precisely in fifty minutes. The station lies to the
south side, about a quarter of a mile from the town, at which
the train remained six minutes to set down and take
up passengers, after which it proceeded on its journey to
Rugby. Every elevated point, for two or three miles, from
which a view could be obtained, was crowded by multitudes of
spectators. The works seem to be progressing rapidly at this
portion of the line, where great difficulties had to be overcome,
if we might judge from the great depth of the cuttings, and
the rocky nature of the ground through which the line runs.
From Coventry to Rugby few points of attraction presented
themselves to the eye of the traveller—" town, village—none
are on his track." The general aspect of the country, how-
ever, with its rich pasture and undulating land, presents a
most pleasing feature, until the train reaches the village of
Church Lawton, which lies a little to the right, and a good
view of which is obtained from the line. At 32 minutes past
ten the train reached Rugby, at which place omnibuses and
coaches were provided for conveying the passengers to Den
bigh Hall. Here there was necessarily some delay in removing
the luggage, &c. ; but the whole time occupied did not ex
ceed 20 minutes. The several coaches and omnibuses pro-
ceeded according to their numbers. The ground being ex-
tremely heavy, it required six or eight horses to pull up some
of the coaches; and as the fourth coach was about to start,
the nave broke, which caused some unexpected delay.
The coaches reached Denbigh Hall at a few minutes past
three, and the passengers having been previously provided with
tickets, took their seats in the railway carriages.
A further stoppage was then occasioned by the non-arrival
of the' luggage van, and it was ten minutes past four, instead
of half-past two o'clock, when the train of carriages left
Denbigh Hall, for London.

The journey to Euston-square was completed in two hours
and twelve minutes, including a stoppage of a few minutes at
Trin,g and Watford. This gives an average speed of 23
miles per hour for the whole journey
Tthe crowds at the different stations were still greater than
in the morning, and such was the anxiety of persons living in
the immediate neighbourhood of Triug and Denbigh to try
this new and expeditious mode of conveyance, that it was found
necessary to attach an extra train of carriages.
On d great portion of the line we observed that the granite
blocks upon which the rails rest are placed diamond-wise ;
thus giving the greatest support to the rail which the blocks
can afford. Over the embankmeats where the ground is not
as yet sufficiently firm, instead of granite blocks the rails are
supported by square blocks of wood, which run across the
entire breaith of the Erie. The wood is " Kyanized," as it is
termed, to prevent its rotting in the ground ; but the motion is
by no means so uniform and steady as over the granite por.
tions of the line, where there is no spring or elasticity in the
material employed. The first class carriages are nearly si
miler in construction, but not quite su roomy, as those on the
Grand Junction line; the oil-lamps by which they arc lighted
are not very efficient for the purpose, and from some imperfec-
tion in the construction are liable to be suddenly extinguished,
when a very unpleasant smell is emitted. The second class
carriages are covered at the top and open at the sides, as is the
case on the other railway lines.

One peculiarity in the London and Birmingham Railway is
that the whole line is fenced in, and a kind of telegraphic
communication by means of flags is kept up, by which the
different trains are immediately apprized of any obstruction.
It is confidently stated that the entire line will be opener)
by the middle of June. We fear that without some extraor-
dinary exnrlions, on the part of the Directors, this will not
be practicable. Let the Company, however, avail themselves
of the present fine weather, and by onlays of workmen, night
and day, there is little doubt that the remaining portion of the
line may be completed within that period. Within a very
short time the line might by this means be extended to the
point where it crosses the high road, three or four miles to the
right of Daventry—the intermediate distance of two miles to
Rugby being accomplished by coaches. Birmingham would
thus be brought within 6 or 61 hours, and Liverpool and Man-
chester 11 hours' ride of the metropolis.
We would also suggest to the Company the propriety of
lighting the tunnels on the line with gas, as has been done on
the Liverpool and Mancheste; Line. Such an arrangement
would tend much to do away with the complaints we heard in
many quarters.

Taking into account the delays incidental to a first trip, the
result was highly satisfactory ; and when the arrangements
for the taking up and setting do,,sn of passengers, and the
supply of fuel and water, are more perfect, half an hour at
least may be saved upon the route.