The Sun.
London, England, 1849-03-31 00:00:00

TH E STANFIELD-HALL
MURDERS.

URIAL OF RUSH.

(FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.)

NORWICH, THURSDAY.
TO-day, ns yesterday, the greatest excitement pre-
vail, Id here with respect to this very remarkable trial.
It is the all-engrossing theme of conversation in the
town. As early as seven o'clock numbers of
persons began to congregate about the gates of
the castle. At eight the gates were opened,
and the rush that took place to get good places
was, as may b 3 imagined, vigorous in the extreme.
By half-past eight o'clock every available space was
filled. A number of respectably-attired ladies were
accommodated with seats in the galleries, and at the
rear of the court. Notwithstanding the crowd, the
utmost good order prevailed, owing to the admirable
arrangements of the Rev. Mr. Postell, the Chair
man of the Visiting Magistrates of the gni'',
and Mr. Persian, the Governor. The accommodation for
the large number of gentlemen of the press from London
and from the local papers, and the courtesy shown
towards them, deserve special commendation. A large
number of county magistrates were present. The jury,
who had been provided with beds in a large room at the
March's Head Hotel, during the night, entered the b,x
at half-past eight.

A gentleman favoured me this morning with a copy
of a letter from Rush, to the proprietor of the Bell
Inn, immediately before the opening of the Commissi(n.
It appears that Rush had been restricted as to diet in
the Castle during his incarceration in common with the
other prisoners, which rule is suspended, I understand,
during the Commission ; hence the following strange
letter:—

" Norwich, March 24, 1849.
" Sir,—You will oblige me by ordering my breakfast
this morning, and my dinner at the time your family
have theirs. Send me anything you like, except beef;
and I should like cold as well as hot, and meal bread,
and the tea in a pint mug, if with a cover all the better.
I will trouble you to provide for me now, if you please,
till after my trial; and if you could get me a small suck-
ing pig in the market to-day, and roast for me on Mon-
day. I should like the cold as well as hot afterlltlonday,
and it would always be in readiness for me, as it will be
so uncertain what time I shall have for my meals after
Monday. Have the pig cooked the same as you usually
have, and send plenty of plum sauce with it. Mr.
Persian will pay you for what I have. By complying
with the above you will very much oblige your hum-
ble servant, " JAMES B. R usu.
" Mr. Leggett, Bell Inn, Oxford-hill, Norwich."
The litter in which the unfortunate servant girl was
conveyed to the court yesterday was made by two lu-
natics, a turner and a carpenter, at Thorpe. As yes-
terday, a great number of persons were unable to obtain
admission to the court, among whom, I understand,
were several of the most influential residents in the
county.
Rush entered the dock at ;nine o'clock, but retired
again to speak to some one. He looked a shade better
than yesterday, and more anxious.
Mr. Baron Rolfe took his seat on the bench at nine
o'clock precisely.

The prisoner was then placed in the dock, and delibe-
rately and systematically arranged his papers whilst the
jury was sworn. He appeared collected, and during the
pause that ensued before the appearance of the first wit-
ness he carefully surveyed the audience.
Rush then applied to have the witnesses sent out of
court, which was complied with. He also complained
that a new witness, named How, of bad character, was
to be brought against him. Would his Lordship instruct
the reporters to publish the man's character? Wherever
he came from, he came from a bad place.
Mr. Baron ROLFE said he had no influence over the
reporters. He might bring forward evidence to show
that the witness was unworthy of credit, but that was
not the proper time to do so. He could take no heed
then of what he had said with respect to the witness.
Rush persisted in saying that William Frederick How
was a person of bad character, and trusted that those
who could prove that he was what he said would come
forward. It was too bad to bring such a witness forward,
more especially as he had bad no previous notice. This
was the first time ho had heard his name in these pro-
ceedings.

Mr2i3aron ROLFE said he could not hear him in the
matter at that stage of the inquiry.
Emily Sandford was called, but from some causa she
did not appear. After a pause of some minutes,
Edward Harvey, a carpenter, at Wymondham, was
caliel. On Tuesday evening, the 28th of November,
about half-past seven, he and three others went from
Wymondham to the hall. It took him about
fifty minutes to walk, as it is two or three
miles. Mary Clarke, the laundrymaid, John Dodd, and
Thomas Howe were with him. There is a gate at the
outer side of the bridge near the hall over the moat
which surrounds the hall. The gate is thirty or thirty-
five yards from the door of the hall. When we got up
to the gate Mary Clarke went into the house. I 5t,,,,d
at the gate. Shortly afterwards he came out again,
accompanied by ono of the maids. I opened the gate to
let Holmes and Leach through. I was then looking
direct towards the ball. I p-rc,ircd a flash; it came
inure from the Mt side of the p 'rch looking from
ho bridge than on the hit. I could see
the parch. I saw a figure. I saw a light after as it com-
ing apparently from the hall. I heard a door shut very
loudly. Tne others had walked on towards Kettering-
ham. I followed them, and had gone a little way fur-
ther, about forty-five yards from the house. I heard a
second report, but not so loud as the first. I did not see
any fl ash. I proce,ded on. Before I did so I heard the
alarm-boll ring.
hero asked when the witness left Wymondham;
being; sitting at the time,
Mr. Baron ROLFE remarked, that it was usual for
counsel and prisoners to address the Court and the
witnesses standing. He had observed that the
prisoner had not done so either to, day or yesterday. If
there was any reason for his sitting he would permit
him; but if not he saw no reason why he should not
adopt the usual course.

liush rose, and said he had sat for the convenience of
re'erebee to his papers. He could state no reason why
he should sit; he would therefore stand.
The prisoner cross-examined the witness—Mary
Clarke went into the house for a few minutes. The
night was very dark ; not so dark, however,
as to prevent him from distinguishing a person
whom he met. There were trees about the hall, which
made the place darker than the open space. Ile
saw a spark of wadding fly up ten or twelve feet after he
heard the first report. Had never been examined before a
magistrate, and had never signed his name to the depo-
sition he had made : was examined before the Coroner,
We all stood near the gate whilst Clarke went
into the house. The figure, I think, was on the
left side of the porch, and a yard or two from
it. We were talking and laughing at the time we
heard the report. From the time we arrived at the
gate until the first shot was fired about eight minutes
elapsed. I think it was the porch door I heard slammed,
I had not quite overtaken the others when I heard the
second report. I believe that a light appeared in the
porch after the first shot. Ido not think I could have
distinguished a person passing by the light; there is
room for a person to pass by the window, which was high,
without obstructing a light, and pass away without being
observed. lam sure it was a door that was slammed. I
had got from 150 to 200 yards from the hall before I
heard the alarm bell. Clarke had gone with a message
to Mrs. Jersey. I saw no one from the time 1 left
Wymondham Lodge till I got to Kettering, except those
I have mentioned.

- Emily Sandford was then called. Sho was dressed
in mourning and looked very pale. She was quite col-
lected and firm.

Rush hastily rose after she had been sworn and said,
the witness could prove his innocence—he felt it his
duty to say this, for ho possessed in such a matter as
this a higher power than his Lordship.
Mr. Baron ROLFE said he would hear her evidence—
if she committed perjury she was liable to punishment.
The whole case was for the jury to judge. If he could
satisfy the jury of his innocence no one would be more
glad than himself.
Prisoner (in a loud voice)—l wish her well to consider
what evidence she is about to give.
Mr. Baron ROLFE—You do yourself no good by that
observation.

Prisoner—l cannot help it, my Lord; I must prove
my innocence.
Mr. Baron ROLFE—No one will be beeter satisfied
than myself if you should be able to do so; but you
cannot speak now.

Prisoner—l never have been angry with hFr for con-
tradicting Iher first evidence. I only want her to speak
the truth, and--

Mr. Baron ROLFE—Prisoner, you are entitled to be in
court when evidence is given unless you misconduct
yourself. With that hint perhaps you will sit down.
The implied threat, which seemed to bo very grateful
to the audience, had the desired effect on the prisoner,
who never took his eyes from the witness. She occa-
sionally turned her face towards him with an expresicn
which was distressing to observe.
Emily Sandford, examined by Mr. PRENDERGAST-
-She said she became acquainted with Rush two years
ago, and came down to reside with him at Stanfield Hall.
In February, 1848, they went to London at No. 2. Milne-
street, Islington. She wont by the name of James. On the
3d of October she remembered persons named Larner,
Thomas Jenny, and Richard Read, coming there at seven
in the evening. Some writings were produced ; they
were in her handwriting. ( Tho witness frequently
locked at the prisoner, but only for a moment at a time,
when she withdrew her g3z:,. Her look on these occa-
sions evinced much pity and concern.) Rush had pre-
viously told her to copy the document. She did so, and
ho gave it to her. When the parties above-named came
he produced the paper; it had been lying on the table
from the time she wrote it. It was read over aloud by
some one whom she could not to v remember.
She saw all the parties put their signatures to it.
'[tie witness was here asked to move her chair forward.
Rush suggested that she should have a footstool. The
itness burst into tears, and repeatedly looked at
Rush with much concern. A footstool was brought.
Examination continued—She put her name to it after
they were all gone, at Rush's request. Mr. Rush was to
pay the expense of transmitting the papers to the coun-
try. Mr. Jermy and Mr. Larmer were cousins.
The three left at nine o'clock; she never saw any of them
after, except Read. Next day but one, the sth, came to
Norwich by Mr, Rush's direcUen. Lie had left 04 rho