The Sun.
London, England, 1849-08-24 00:00:00

THE MURDER AT BERMONDSEY.

EXAMINATION OF MARIA MANNING.
(THIS DAY.)

Maria Manning arrived at the Southwark Police-
court at half past six this morning, from the north, in
custody of Superintendent Moxey, of the Edinburgh
police. She appeared fatigued by her long journey,
and seemed indisposed.
The charge was taken by Inspector Yates, and was
entered in the following terms :—" Maria Manning,
aged 28, of No. 3, Minver-place, New Weston street,
Married woman, charged on suspicion of being con-
cerned with another or others, not in custody, in having
Wilfully murdered Patrick O'Connor, at 3, Minver-
Place, New Weston-street, in the parish of Bermond-
sey—charged by Richard John Moxey, superin-
tendent of police—well educated—found upon her
three boxes and a carpet-hag—nothing on her person."
As it was not generally known that the prisoner
was iu custody, neither the interior of the court, nor
the avenues leading thereto, were inconveniently
crowded, owing to the excellent arrangements of the
°Meers ; but as the hour for commencing business
arrived a considerable number of persons filled
the office, and took up their position in the
street at the front of the court, whilst others waited
at the rear of the court- house, in the hope that they
might get a glance at the prisoner when she was re-
moved, a hope altogether vain, as she was removed
in the customary van, in which she was placed before
the gates were opened to allow it to pass out.
Mr. Seeker took his seat on the bench shortly be-
fore eleven, and after consulting for a few moments
with the Chief Clerk, Mr. Edwin, the prisoner was
ordered to be placed at the bar. She walked into
the place assigned her with the utmost calmness and
firmness. She is a fine made, tall woman, with a full,
fair, pale face, a large mouth, and full red lips. In-
deed her face is one which a physiognomist would
pronounce as exhibiting strong animal passions. She
Was very respectably attired in a black silk visite,
straw bonnet, and white veil. She stood quite
erect in the dock, and did not appear in
the least abashed at the awful position in
in which she stood, but as calm, apathetic, and re-
signed, as can well be imagined. The prisoner does
not look like a foreigner.
Mr. Edwin (the clerk), just before the magistrate
took his seat, requested that when the prisoner was
brought in no expressions of feeling would be given
utterance to, otherwise the court would be cleared.
No manifestation of feeling at all was evinced by the
persons who filled the court on the entrance of the
prisoner.

Mr. Edwin (to the prisoner)—Have you any
solicitor or counsel ? The prisoner (in a clear and
distinct voice, which did not evince in the least a
foreign accent)•—No ; I have sent for one this morn-
ing, but I understand he is ill.

Inspector Field said she had sent for Mr. Games
who, it appeared, was unable to attend.
Mr. Edwin—The magistrate will take care that
you shall not suffer from his absence at this stage of
the inquiry.
Inspector Yates then said he charged the
prisoner Maria Manning, on suspicion of
Davin. g been concerned in the murder of
.3 a_rl.ek
, O'Connor, on Thursday, the 9th inst., at No
' -A-tulver-place, New Weston-street, Bermondsey.
the prisoner
you any evidence to show that
prisoner is suspected of having committed the
murder ?

The inspector said he had.
Mr. Edwin—Have you viewed the dead body, and
has it been identified ?
The inspector said he bad.
Mr. SECKER—Where did you see it ? The In-
spector--I saw the body lying buried in the back
kitchen of the house.
Mr. SECKER—On that body were there marks
of violence leading to the supposition that he had met
With a violent death ? The inspector replied that
there were fourteen wounds on the body of the de-
ceased, the majority of which were at the back of the
head there was also a wound on the head from a
pistol-shot, and a bullet was found in the head. He
heard this from the doctor who had examined the
body,

SECKER—Is there any body present who can
identify the body? The Inspector said there was.
, Mr. SECKER (to the prisoner) Prisoner, you
have a right, if you choose, to ask any questions you